Bruce Curtis Named Principal at DCHS

June 3, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

After 27 years as an educator in four different counties, Bruce Curtis is coming home to work for the school district where it all began for him.

Starting July 1, Curtis will officially become the next principal at DeKalb County High School.

Although it is a coming home for him career wise, Curtis has actually never left DeKalb County as a resident. He was born and raised here and educated in the local school system. But for 21 years Curtis has worked for the Metro Nashville Public Schools, including the last 11 years as Director of Discipline, making the weekday 130 mile round trip from Smithville to Davidson County. While he has enjoyed his job, Curtis longed for a chance to work closer to home and for him that opportunity came after Randy Jennings stepped down as Principal at DeKalb County High School. Curtis applied and was interviewed for the job and later got the call from Director of Schools Patrick Cripps naming him principal.

“Excited” pretty much sums up how Curtis feels.

“I am very excited and looking forward to being back at home working with the students here who live in the same county I am in and for me not having to drive a 130 mile round trip to Nashville every day. Now I get to drive two and a half miles to work,” Curtis told WJLE.

Curtis graduated from DCHS in 1984. From there he went to MTSU where he earned his BS degree in Health and Physical Education and then furthered his education at Tennessee Tech obtaining a Masters and Ed.S degree.

Curtis’ first teaching job came at DeKalb West School in 1992 where he taught 5th to 8th grade History for one year before taking a job at Cannon County High School to teach Biology and Health. He was also the head baseball coach and an assistant football coach for the Lions.

In the mid 90’s Curtis returned to the DeKalb County School District working as a physical education teacher for two years at Smithville Elementary School. After taking a year off, Curtis returned to the classroom at Monterey High School in Putnam County teaching Biology. He also served as an assistant football coach for the Wildcats.

In 2000 Curtis joined the Metro Nashville Public School system and for the last 11 years has been the Director of Discipline there. “I worked with students who were expelled or remanded to the alternative school. That was my primary job,” said Curtis.

Although its been several years since he worked here, the DeKalb County School district is familiar territory for Curtis.

“I have always been around the school system here. I hear people fuss about it but then I see a lot of doctors, lawyers, nurses, and people in other fields coming out of our school system so we have to be doing something right. I am not a person who will jump in and change everything from the start. I want to see what works, build off that, and change things as needed. I am not big in bringing in everything new because if things work why change them,” said Curtis.

“I want to thank Director Cripps for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to working with him as well as the school board, teachers, and the other administrators. I have known Mr. Cripps all his life. He is a good guy. We also have great educators in DeKalb County. I am glad to be coming home to work with them again,” said Curtis.

Bruce is married to Amy Curtis and has two grown children Kealah, who works for the school district as a Physical Therapy Assistant, and Julia who is in nursing school at Tennessee Tech.

Curtis is the 13th principal at DCHS since 1963. His predecessors are Amon Snyder, Jim Butler, Tucker Hendrix, Ernest Ray, Dr. Charles Collier, Larry Johnson, Dr. Barry Roberts, Weldon Parkinson, Kathy Hendrix, Patrick Cripps, Dr. Kathy Bryant, and Randy Jennings.

June 3, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps didn’t have to look far to find a successor to Assistant DCHS Principal David Gash.

Thomas Cagle, DCHS History teacher and assistant football coach, will be officially stepping into the position July 1.

“I am very excited to get started and go to work in this new role. I feel really good about that and am looking forward to it,” Cagle told WJLE.

For the last five years, Cagle has been a member of the faculty at DCHS. “ I started in 2016. I have taught US History, contemporary issues, AP US History, and recently the dual credit US History that we have now. I have also been an assistant football coach serving the last three years as defensive coordinator,” said Cagle.

Born and raised in Pikeville, Cagle was educated in the Bledsoe County School System before heading off to college.

“I graduated high school in Bledsoe County and then went to Roane State Community College for two years and later to Tennessee Tech where I finished my degree. My first teaching position was at East Nashville Magnet Middle School. I was fifth grade History teacher there for two years. My wife and I then moved to Cookeville and I took a job at Jackson County in Gainesboro where I taught seventh grade History for a year and then a year of high school History before I came to DeKalb County,” Cagle continued.

“When I came across a football posting and job opening for the high school here I reached out to Coach Steve Trapp and he called me back and got me in for an interview. I interviewed with Dr. Kathy Bryant , who was principal at the time, and Coach Trapp and they gave me an opportunity to come to DeKalb County and I have been around ever since”.

Even before the Assistant Principal job came open this year, Cagle had been preparing for a future opportunity in administration.

“I had been working toward my degree this year through the state of Tennessee’s aspiring assistant principal network and was fortunate enough as part of that to intern here at the high school for the last year under Principal Randy Jennings and Assistant Principals David Gash and Jenny Norris so I have a little bit of a view of the position even though it was a COVID year and the school year was a little different.,” said Cagle.

Although it’s a new position for him, Cagle won’t have to get adjusted to new surroundings.

“DeKalb County has become another home for me. It reminds me a lot of my hometown being a small community. I have really enjoyed getting to know everyone and being welcomed into the community. I am looking forward to working with all the teachers I have already been working beside and don’t plan on changing anything as far as my relationship with anyone. I just want to do what I can to best serve the community and the kids here in DeKalb County,” Cagle said.

Cagle will have to step aside as assistant football coach but he will continue to root for the Tigers from a different place off the field.

“I really enjoyed coaching football and I want to thank Coach Trapp for giving me that opportunity to work with him and the Tigers as an assistant coach. I look forward to continuing that relationship in a different role now,” he said.

Cagle added that he is thankful to Director Cripps and the Board of Education for their support in his new position as Assistant Principal.

Cagle and his wife, residents of Cookeville, are the parents of four boys from ages eleven years to four months old.

June 3, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

County Health, Education & Public Welfare Committee to Meet
The Health, Education & Public Welfare Committee of the DeKalb County Commission will meet on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the lower courtroom of the DeKalb County Courthouse.

Smithville Mayor and Aldermen Meeting
The Smithville Mayor and Aldermen will meet in regular monthly session Monday, June 7 at 6 p.m. at city hall.

The agenda is as follows:

Approval of amending the Smithville Zoning Ordinance

Approval to rezone property from R-2 to C-1 located at 715 Juniper Lane. Final reading following a public hearing

Board’s discussion to make Bailiff Street a one-way street.

Discussion of brush removal policy

First reading on ordinance to adopt the city’s 2021-22 fiscal year budget

Any other business properly brought up by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen

Mount Holly Cemetery Decoration Day

Decoration day at Mount Holly Cemetery will be June 13th, 2021. The Mount Holly Cemetery Association will meet in regular business meeting on June 13th at 1:30 p.m. in the cemetery. Donations may be mailed to: Darlene Evans at 1820, Students Home Road, Smithville, Tn. 37166 or given at the cemetery on June 13th.

Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church VBS
Please join Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church for a fun filled week at our Concrete & Cranes Vacation Bible School on June 14th–18th from 6:00-8:30 PM. Where we will discover how Jesus’ love provides a foundation that will last. Classes for ages 3-year-old thru adults. Transportation is available. We are located at 1850 Allen Ferry Road, Smithville. Pre-register at www.elizabethchapel.org/vbs. For more information, call Bill Gash at 615-597-7818.

Dowelltown Yard Sale Saturday, June 5
There will be a city wide yard sale in Dowelltown on June 5.

Fiddler 5K and One Mile Fun Run Returns July 3
The 23rd annual Fiddler 5K and One Mile Fun Run, sponsored by Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County will be Saturday, July 3. All proceeds from the race are used in building another Habitat for Humanity home in DeKalb County. The race on Saturday, July 3 will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. RAIN OR SHINE. on Church Street in front of the First Baptist Life Enrichment Center, Smithville. The race ends on Church Street in front of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. The Fiddler 5K is a qualifying race for the Run the Cumberland Medal Series of Races. Anybody who is interested in participating either in the one mile fun run or the 5K may go to www.fiddler5k.com where you’ll find all the details and a link to online registration.

Keltonburg United Methodist Church Homecoming & Decoration
The Keltonburg United Methodist church invites you to their annual Homecoming & Decoration on Sunday June 6. Worship service will begin at 11:00am with a message presented by Pastor David Hill. A covered dish lunch will follow immediately after the service. Bring a dish or two to share and enjoy the meal with friends. Leisurely fellowship and cemetery decoration will continue throughout the afternoon.

Fun Day for Relay for Life at Liberty State Bank-Liberty Office
The Liberty Office of Liberty State Bank 311 East Main Street will have a Fun Day on Saturday, June 5 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon weather permitting. All proceeds will go to Relay for Life. Join them for a time filled with fun, food, and games including a dunk tank, chalk art, corn hole, plinko and much more!

Blood Assurance Drive
A Blood Assurance Drive will be held Thursday, June 3 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital. The bloodmobile will be parked in the hospital parking lot. Schedule an appointment at www.bloodassurance.org/saintthomasdekalb. You may also contact Barbara Jacobs at 615-215-5302 or barbara.jacobs @ascension.org. Please eat a good meal, drink additional water, avoid energy drinks, and bring your I.D. Donors will receive a “Donoritaville Givin is Easy” t-shirt. Donors will also be entered into a drawing for a: “2021 Side-by-Side”. Save time by answering your health history questions before you arrive, Download “bloodassurancequickscreen” on your phone day of blood drive. This will save you approximately a 10 minute wait time on the bus.

Smithville First Baptist Church VBS
Smithville First Baptist Church will be having Vacation Bible School from June 27th – June 30th starting at 6:00pm – 8:15pm. Our theme is TREASURED. Treasured VBS will have kids digging into action- packed, faith-filled adventures. They’ll discover God’s greatest treasure isn’t diamonds, gems, or gold – it’s them!
If you are interesting in attending, please call the church office at 615-597-4275. We will have van pick-up and drop off available (must call the church office to register for pick-up). Register now!

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Meeting
DeKalb County Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers will have a meeting on Monday, June 7th at 6:00 p.m. at the Farm Bureau office. Anyone 18-35 with an interest in agriculture is welcome to attend. We will be discussing events and ideas for summer and there will be free food. Call or text 931-212-7394 for more information and to RSVP. You can also find us on Facebook!

Mount View Primitive Baptist Church Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the Mount View Primitive Baptist Church will be Friday, June 4 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, June 5 at 10:30 a.m.; and Saturday night at 7 p.m. Lunch and communion after the Saturday morning service. The invited speaker is Elder Ronald Lawrence of the Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Nashville.

UCHRA Commodities Distribution
The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) will hold a commodities distribution for DeKalb County on Thursday, June 24, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the DeKalb County UCHRA office. Sign-up will be available at the distribution site. This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee.

Annual decoration at Banks Cemetery
The annual decoration at Banks Cemetery in DeKalb County will be held June 4th, 5th, and 6th. Please plan to attend. Your support is needed so the cemetery can be properly maintained and kept looking good. Someone will be onsite during decoration days to accept donations or they may be mailed to: Melinda Vanatta-Davis, Treasurer, 2807 Blue Springs Road, Smithville, TN 37166; David Bratcher, President, 9129 West Green Hill Road, Smithville, TN 37166; or Bernard Houk, Vice-President, 1085 Underhill Road, Smithville, TN 37166

DeKalb County 4-H Presents “The 4-H Camp Traveling Road Show”
DeKalb County 4-H Presents “The 4-H Camp Traveling Road Show” Monday, June 14th at Greenbrook Park. Cost is $25 and includes lunch, snack, and shirt for tie dye.
Anyone currently in 4th-7th grade is welcome to attend. Register by June 1st by contacting 615-597-4945 or stopping by the UT Extension Office in the County Complex.
You can also visit http://dekalb.tennessee.edu

“Jamboree Project Welcome Mat”
This marks the 20th year for the Chamber of Commerce “Jamboree Project Welcome Mat” for the 50th Annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival. Businesses having changeable signs or marquees are asked to post welcome greetings for our Jamboree visitors. The wording may be only a simple “Welcome to the Jamboree” or as elaborate as you choose. Chamber Director Suzanne Williams says, “With thousands of visitors coming into town for our special 50th celebration, every effort should be made by the local merchants to show our guests that we appreciate them and welcome their business. Let’s keep on showing folks how friendly the DeKalb County / Smithville area can be!”

All businesses may participate in “Project Welcome Mat.” There will be recognition awards in 4 categories: “Best Worded,” “Most Original,” “Most Creative,” and the “People’s Choice Award.” Plaques will be presented to winners along with media recognition. If your business would like to participate in the contest, email the Chamber at swilliams@dekalbcountychamber.org, call 615-597-4163, or text 615-464-7760. Wording should be in place no later than Thursday, June 17th at 2 PM.

FREE Outdoor Movie Event
Looking for some good, ole-fashion fun! The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Smithville First Baptist Church to provide a FREE Outdoor Movie Event on Saturday, June 12th. The night’s feature will be the family-friendly movie, “The Sandlot.”

You can come as early as 7 PM to get your car parked at 101 West Church Street, Smithville. Someone will be there to guide you to your parking spot. To get the fun started, Infinity Athletics will sponsor a game of whiffle ball beginning at 7 PM. The movie will begin at sundown, around 8 PM.

FREE Hot Dogs, Popcorn, and Other Snacks will also be provided by Smithville First Baptist Church.

What if it’s raining? Follow us on Facebook at “Smithville Free Movie Night” for up-to-date information. Our reserved rain date will be announced if we have to cancel the showing.

The Chamber FREE Spring Movie Night Event is sponsored by Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital and Middle Tennessee Natural Gas.

23rd annual Town-wide Yard Sale in Liberty
The 23rd annual Town-wide Yard Sale in Liberty will be Saturday, June 5 all day. For more information call 615-464-8085

THP Sobriety Checkpoint
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting a Sobriety Checkpoint on June 11th, 2021 on State Route 70 in Dekalb County. Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures 305,000 others every year in the United States. Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a vehicle while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists. The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving.

Cooper’s Missionary Baptist Church Homecoming and Revival
Cooper’s Missionary Baptist Church is having Homecoming June 6. Bro. Gary Caplinger will be preaching and Three Parts Grace will be singing. Service starts at 11:00. No Sunday School. Everyone is welcome.

Cooper’s Missionary Baptist Church is having Revival June 7th-11th. Bro. Chad Hale will be preaching nightly. Starts at 7:00p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Smithville Work Camp June 14-17
Members of the Smithville Church of Christ will be rolling up their sleeves and pitching in to help show their Christian love for others during the congregation’s annual Work Camp scheduled for June 14-17.

The Work Camp is an annual home rehabilitation/beautification project organized by the Smithville Church of Christ.
The church began the Work Camp as a means of helping less fortunate residents of the county do some fix up and clean up projects around their homes. The Smithville Work Camp concentrates its efforts in the Smithville-DeKalb County area.

If you would like to have your home considered for the project contact the church at 615-597-4159 by Friday, June 4 to acquire and application and release form.

Justin Potter and Alexandria Libraries Summer Reading Program
The Justin Potter and Alexandria Libraries Summer Reading Program will begin on June 3rd and end on June 24th . All events for both libraries will be in the DeKalb County Complex Theatre Room at 2:00 pm. Children of all ages can begin registering for Summer Reading at both libraries on May 24th.

Each child that registers and meets their goal will receive a participation certificate and other goodies at the end of the Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is “Tails and Tales”. In order to insure the well-being of the families attending and the library staff masks and social distancing will be required.

Thursday, June 3rd at 2:00 pm – Opening party with Mr. Bond’s Science Guys.

Thursday, June 10th at 2:00 pm – Barry Mitchell’s “Animal Tales, Turtle Shells & a Chicken.

Thursday, June 17th at 2:00 pm – Bob Tartar and his Animalogy Critters.

Thursday, June 24th at 2:00 pm – Final Party with Edgar Evins State Park Rangers and Animal Critters.

“We hope you will join us for a fun filled in-person Summer Reading Program. We are looking forward to seeing everyone,” said Library Director Kathy Hendrixson

For more 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.

Old Fashion Free Will Baptist Church VBS
The Old Fashion Free Will Baptist Church at 3065 Blue Springs Road , Smithville invites you to join them for a fun filled week May 31 through June 4 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Vacation Bible School is called “Rocky Railway-Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through”. Fun for all ages!. Family Night will be Friday, June 4 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Come see what the kids learned. Food will be served following the program.

Smithville First Free Will Baptist Church VBS
Join the Smithville First Free Will Baptist Church for a fun filled week May 31 through June 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Vacation Bible School is called “Concrete & Cranes”. Need a ride? Questions?. Call Rhonda Merriman at 615-464-5408. Pre-register early on Facebook to be entered for a special prize. English and Spanish registration available.

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