County Fire Department Replaces SCBA units

February 25, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Fire Department has taken out of service 51 Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA’s) and replaced the 12 year old units with new ones funded by a Federal grant.

During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, County Fire Chief Donny Green requested that the county commission declare the old units as surplus property and allow him to sell 39 of them either by sealed bid or through other means such as govdeals.com which is a government surplus auction platform. The other 12 SCBA units (4 each) will go to the Smithville and Alexandria Fire Department and to the Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad. The county commission granted the request.

Chief Green said the old units still work but no longer meet certification yet could still be used by other departments to supplement their inventory.

“These units are 12 years old already and the service life on them is 10 years so they will not be around (useable) much longer but this will help them (fire departments and rescue squad) until they can get their units replaced,” said Chief Green.

Last summer, the DeKalb County Fire Department received word that it’s 2019 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application, in the amount of $427,360, had been awarded. The AFG Program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The funding award was used to purchase Self-contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA’s) and associated equipment to serve all 12 of the department’s stations across the county. The Federal share of this award was $407,009.52 and the local matching share, to be provided by the DeKalb County Government, was $20,350.48.

February 25, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Health Department is hosting a COVID vaccine clinic Friday February 26 and Saturday, February 27. If you are in one of the following categories: 65 or older, first responder, teacher, or healthcare worker and would like a vaccine please call the Health Department 615-597-7599 to schedule your appointment, or you may go by the health department.

Tennessee began registering Tennesseans aged 65 and older and those in Phase 1b of the state’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan for COVID-19 vaccinations on Feb. 22. Phase 1b includes staff members of kindergarten through 12th grade schools and child care facilities.

“Tennessee has administered more than one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine so far, and we’ve made substantial progress in protecting our senior citizens who are over age 70 through vaccination,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “While we remain focused on our seniors, who are the highest-risk population, we’re able to expand vaccine eligibility to these additional groups as our supply continues to grow each week.”

Online Scheduling for COVID-19 Vaccination
TDH has launched a new online scheduling tool that allows users to book their appointment for COVID-19 vaccination at participating health department sites when they are eligible to do so. Tennesseans can access the system at covid19.tn.gov and select their county to schedule an appointment. Users will enter their demographic information and will then be able to choose a date and time for their vaccination appointment. Tennesseans who have already registered for a COVID-19 vaccination do not need to re-enter their information in the new system.

Updates to Tennessee’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
TDH has updated the state’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan by adding pregnant women to Phase 1c. Although pregnant women were not included in the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, they are at increased risk for hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. Pregnant women may choose to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as part of Phase 1c, along with others with high-risk health conditions. Pregnant women are encouraged to talk with their health care providers to help them make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has guidance for pregnant women to help reduce their risk of COVID-19 at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html.

Phase 1b of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan includes operations personnel of first responder agencies along with teachers and staff members of schools and child care facilities.
Tennessee’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan prioritizes those most at risk of illness and death from COVID-19. Tennessee will continue to move through phases of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan as vaccine supplies increase.

Tennesseans can find information on the phases eligible for vaccination in their county and, when eligible, register for vaccination through their county health department at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/county-vaccine-information/. Due to their independent operations and larger populations, Tennessee’s metropolitan counties may have different instructions, so residents in these areas should check with local authorities about their plans.

TDH reminds all Tennesseans that in addition to vaccination, wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance and getting tested when exposed or sick are critical to controlling the pandemic.
Tennessee’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan is available online at www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/COVID-19_Vaccination_Plan.pdf. Find answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination at https://covid19.tn.gov/data/faqs/.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.

February 24, 2021
By:

The DeKalb County Libraries will re-open to the public on Monday, March 1, 2021 by appointment only. There will be safety guidelines that are to be followed by the library and the public as mandated by the CDC, State and Federal Government on the COVID-19 Pandemic. These guidelines are being implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of the community and the library staff and are subject to change depending upon the current health situation and regulations. “We want to work with the public in providing as many services as possible in a safe and welcoming environment. This is a list of the guidelines that have to be followed in order for the libraries to re-open to the public,” said Library Director Kathy Hendrixson.

The public can only enter Justin Potter Library from the side door next to the City Hall for their appointment. The front door is for Curb Side service only.

The patron will need to call and schedule an appointment time to enter the library. The appropriate amount of time will be allotted for their visit depending on the service that the patron requires.

The computer usage is limited to a one-hour session per day. The first priority will be for those needing to apply for jobs, school work and unemployment sign up. There will only be two computers available for use at this time in order to keep social distancing. The computer keyboard and mouse will be cleaned between patron visits. One on one assistance is not available during this time. Wi-Fi is available outside the building 24/7.

“Patrons will have an allotted amount of time to check out books and movies. There will be a limited number of people allowed in the library at one time. This way we can accommodate as many people as possible each day in a safe environment. All returned items need to be placed in the outside book drop before you enter the library. We will not accept returned items inside the library. Returned items will be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked out again.
Please help keep everyone inside safe by wearing a mask and honor social distancing guidelines when you enter the library. There will be hand sanitizer available for use by the door. Please stay home if you are ill or running a fever,” said Hendrixson

“We will continue to provide curbside service with copying, printing, faxing, book and movie pick up to those who are not able to meet these safety guidelines or that are concerned about entering the library,” she continued.

“We have missed everyone and look forward to welcoming our patrons back into the library. The staff and library board appreciate the public’s understanding and co-operation during this stage of the libraries re-opening process. For further information call Justin Potter Library at 615-597-4359 or Alexandria Library at 615-529-4124, visit us on Facebook or our website at www.dekalblibraries.net,” Hendrixson concluded

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