Public Forum Shares Concerns and Information to Better Address Disability Needs

January 24, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Persons with disabilities and community leaders turned out for a public forum Friday morning at the county complex hosted by State Senator Mark Pody and the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The purpose of the meeting was for state officials and members of the council to learn more about what the disability needs are in the community and to help people better access resources for meeting those needs.

Tecia Puckett Pryor of Smithville was appointed to the Tennessee Council on Development Disabilities seven years ago as one of two representatives from the Upper Cumberland area and today serves as Chair of the Council.

“Its been a great thing for me to connect with other people in the disability community and state agencies and to learn how well our state works to make Tennessee a disability friendly state. What we are trying to do today is give people an overview of available programs and how they can ask for help and try to navigate the state system in obtaining information and resources,” said Pryor.

“One of the things we are most aware of, and the reason the council exists in state government, is that what happens in the state capitol doesn’t always reach areas outside of Nashville very well. What is really special about connecting with the Council on Developmental Disabilities is that for any disability need, question or resource that you have, we have people on the ground who are your bridge to the state system. We want to hear your questions and your thoughts so we can take that back to Nashville and to come back here later prepared to address exactly what you want,” said Lauren Pearcy, Public Policy Director of the Tennessee Council.

The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder (“Pathfinder”) website also provides free information, resources, support, and referrals to Tennesseans with disabilities and their families. Through a helpline and online database, individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and service providers can be connected to appropriate community resources that suit their needs.

About the Council on Developmental Disabilities:

The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities is a state agency established to improve disability policies and practice, educate policymakers and the public, and build collaboration to create lasting, positive change for Tennesseans with disabilities and their families. The Council is the only state agency tasked with looking at how all the pieces of our disability system work together, identifying areas of need, and bringing different parts of government and outside groups together to tackle challenges and improve state services. For more information, visit www.tn.gov/cdd or follow us on Twitter (@TNCouncilDD) or Facebook.

January 24, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County High School basketball fans will be treated to a blast from the past on Saturday night, January 25th as former high school basketball players return for the 2nd annual alumni games at the DCHS gym.

The Lady Tigers Alumni game starts at 6 p.m. followed by the Tigers Alumni game.

Admission is $5.00 at the door and concessions will be available.

For more information contact any of the following:
Danny Fish-865-742-4079
Shea Colwell-615-417-7456
Julie Cook-615-653-2272
John Sanders-615-489-7253
Kelly Agee-615-684-2553
Mike/Tara Hale-615-464-7336
Mindy Griffith-615-464-5551

January 24, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Two Officers of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department have been honored with Lifetime Memberships.

Captain Jay Cantrell and Captain Michael Lawrence received the awards during last Saturday’s annual department banquet.

Jeff Williams presented the awards.

“This is a very distinguished award and recipients are selected by the department’s executive committee based on strict merits of their service and contributions to the department,” said Williams.

“Cantrell joined the department in 2000 and has served as Firefighter, Equipment Officer, Lieutenant, and Captain for a combined total of 19 years. Jay is one of those guys that works in the background and although he has had his share of awards, never wants recognition for his work. As our equipment officer, he has sacrificed hundreds, maybe thousands of personal hours to service to maintain our fleet of emergency vehicles, equipment, and buildings. Jay has always had a genuine interest in serving his community and we are honored to present him with this recognition and award,” said Williams.

“Lawrence has served on the department since 1999 and has been Firefighter, Station Commander, Lieutenant, and Captain for a combined total of 20 years. His dedication, patience, and fairness on our leadership team has been invaluable and his sacrifice and commitment to the department has been outstanding. We are privileged to present Michael with his Honorary Lifetime Membership Award,” said Williams.

Meanwhile 2019 Walmart 5 Year Length of Service Firefighter Awards were presented to the following:  Steven Lawrence,  Matt Adcock, Jody Lattimore, Shawn Chausse, Brittany Reed, and Brayde Baker.

2019 Walmart 10 Year Length of Service Firefighter Award Recipients Bill Fowler and Nelson Davis.

2019 Walmart 15 Year Length of Service Firefighter Awards were presented to  Jeremy Neal and Calvin Tramel.

2019 Walmart 20 Year Length of Service Firefighter Award Recipient Michael D. Lawrence.

Steve Abell of Walmart presented the awards.

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