Governor’s Task Force on Marijuana Eradication Conducts Helicopter Flyover in DeKalb County

June 9, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Members of the Governor’s Task Force on Marijuana Eradication conducted a flyover in portions of DeKalb County Wednesday searching for marijuana grow operations.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said the Task Force reported finding a total of about 30 plants in two separate grows including in-doors and outdoors at properties on Barnes Mill Road.

“They called us to come and process the scenes. We seized the marijuana and grow equipment and charges are pending,” said Sheriff Ray.

If anyone has information on any drug trafficking or other marijuana grows call the Sheriff’s Department at 615-597-4935 or the crime tip line 615-464-6400.

The Governor’s Task Force on Marijuana Eradication (GTFME) was created by Executive Order No. 51 in 1983. The TBI/TDDTF (Tennessee Dangerous Drugs Task Force) operates as the Program Director. The primary objective and mission of the GTFME remains to provide public safety for the citizens of Tennessee through:

•Seeking out the eradicating/destroying marijuana which is domestically grown;

•Prevention and deterrence of marijuana growth in Tennessee by effecting arrests, seizure and forfeiture of assets associated with the illegal activity, and prosecution of individuals and groups identified as growers, distributors, or sellers of marijuana;

•Efficient and effective collection, sharing, reporting, and utilization of intelligence information utilizing the DI3 database in furtherance of the aforementioned objectives; and

•Utilization of the latest methods and technology to dismantle, eliminate and/or disrupt these illegal actions.

June 9, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Tennessee’s 2021 Free Fishing Day is set for Saturday, June 12 when anyone may fish free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters. Academy Sports + Outdoors has generously sponsored this year’s events statewide with fishing gear and giveaways.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides the annual free day in hopes of increasing interest in fishing. The day allows anyone the opportunity to try this great outdoor sport to celebrate fishing as a wholesome and healthy recreational opportunity. In addition, children ages 15 and younger may fish without a license beginning on Free Fishing Day through the following Friday (June 18).

The day and week are annual events in Tennessee and are great opportunities to introduce children to the enjoyment and excitement of a day on the water catching fish. Many events are returning this year following being cancelled last year due to the pandemic. The TWRA is among several organizations planning special fishing events, primarily for youngsters. The TWRA annually stocks several thousand pounds of fish for various events. A special thanks goes to Academy + Sports and other local sponsors for their support of Free Fishing events across Tennessee.

For a list of the events, visit the TWRA website at www.tnwildlife.org. Anglers and potential anglers should check the events list often since special events are frequently added.

Free Fishing Day and Week apply to Tennessee’s public waters, TWRA owned and operated lakes, and state park facilities. Some privately owned pay lakes and ponds continue to charge during this special day and week. Anglers will need to consult with those operators if there are any questions about a facility.

June 9, 2021
By: Bill Conger

Dr. Kathryn Buck Pursell, PhD will join the mental health non-profit agency Haven of Hope on June 15. The Liberty resident will be offering psychological examinations in the areas of Autism, Intellectually Disabled, Dyslexia, ADHD, Parenting Assessments, Anxiety, and Depression to name a few on a part-time basis.

Pursell, who is also a school psychologist in Rutherford County, originally set out to work in private practice. A former DeKalb County Schools teacher, she was motivated to learn more about the psychology field when mental health professionals struggled to find the correct answer for her daughter.

“The whole reason I even went back to college was my daughter,” explains Pursell. “They kept on telling us that she had ADHD and I kept saying, “No, it’s more than that.” I went to school to figure out what was wrong with her.”

Eventually, Pursell’s family got the answers they were seeking, and in the meantime, Pursell earned her Master of Arts in Agency Counseling from Tennessee Tech. Her journey continued at Tech as she earned her Specialist in Education in School Psychology.

“I’m excited to be joining the Haven of Hope,” Pursell said. “When I set out for it, I hadn’t planned to be a psychologist for the schools. I liked it so I thought I’ll stay and do this.”

Her desire to work in the private sector continued, though, and she persevered by earning her licensure and doctorate degree in psychology.

“We are so excited to have Dr. Pursell with us,” Haven of Hope Executive Director Samanthia Curtis said. “She is a valued member of our team. The Haven is proud of Dr. Pursell offering her valuable professional services to our community.”

Pursell’s honors include the 2013 William Ballard Award, PhD level, from the Tennessee Association of School Psychologists and the 2012 Outstanding Graduate Student at Tennessee State University.

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