Chamber Presents Evins Mill Milestone Award

March 22, 2024
By:

The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce has presented Evins Mill the esteemed 30-Year Milestone Award in recognition of its three decades of excellence in hospitality and its invaluable contribution to the local community. This prestigious honor commemorates Evins Mill’s steadfast commitment to providing exceptional service and fostering a spirit of warmth and hospitality that has endeared it to visitors and residents alike.

Established in 1994, Evins Mill has become a cherished institution within the scenic landscape of Smithville, DeKalb County. Under the visionary leadership of Owner William Cochran, the establishment has flourished, evolving into a premier destination for travelers seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and unparalleled experiences.

Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, William Cochran expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering dedication of Evins Mill’s team, particularly acknowledging the invaluable contributions of long-serving employees who have played pivotal roles in the establishment’s success story. Among these stalwart individuals are Tina Clark, whose dedication and expertise have been instrumental since joining the team in 2000, and Executive Chef and General Manager, Jason Evans, whose visionary leadership since 2002 has elevated the culinary experience and overall guest satisfaction to new heights.

Evins Mill boasts a rich history dating back to the construction of its main lodge in 1939 by the pioneering spirits of Edgar and Myrtle Evins. Over the years, the property has retained many of its original features, serving as a poignant reminder of its storied past. However, through careful stewardship and visionary enhancements, today’s Evins Mill stands as a testament to the transformative power of preservation and innovation, captivating guests with its blend of heritage charm and contemporary elegance.

As Evins Mill embarks on the next chapter of its journey, it remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, hospitality, and community engagement. The 30-Year Milestone Award serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a catalyst for future endeavors, inspiring the team to continue exceeding expectations and creating unforgettable experiences for generations to come.

March 21, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Could a new jail/judicial center be constructed on the site where the existing jail is located?

(View Video of Town Hall Meeting Below which featured Stephanie Harding, Detention Facility Manager at the Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI); Jim Hart, Jail Consultant and Field Manager of the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS); John Eisenlau of Treanor HLArchitects )

During a monthly jail committee meeting following a public town hall forum Monday night, John Eisenlau of Treanor HL Architects said it is conceivable to build up to a four-story facility adjacent to the east side of the jail annex on property the county already owns but that it would need more than one floor to accommodate housing for up to 225 inmates and as many as four courtrooms. But while the building could be made to fit on the existing site, there are factors that could make it impractical. For example, Eisenlau said the property does not have sufficient parking space for a new facility of this type. Further, studies have not yet been done to determine if the soils there can support a multi-story building or if the site would meet city codes pertaining to property setback requirements, etc. A study might also be needed to determine if more jail employees would be required to properly staff a facility with more than one floor of inmate housing. Opponents of this option claim that building on the existing site would not provide room for future expansion and that it might ultimately be just as costly as building on another site.

The jail committee made no decision during its meeting Monday night on what the county’s next step should be in this process.

During a meeting in February, Eisenlau of Treanor Architects and Rick Bruining of Bell Construction unveiled options for a 150, 190, and 225 bed facility as requested by the jail committee in January. Based on the three options presented by Bell, the projected cost of judicial center construction would range from $57,317,500 for a 150-bed jail (with no shell space for future expansion) to $70,317,500 for a 225-bed facility. These numbers did not include whatever the cost may be to purchase property for the project, if necessary.

After learning how costly the project as presented would be, several county commissioners at the February meeting suggested that the architect and contractor take another look at the existing jail location and possibly come up with a phased renovation/expansion plan for that site, something the public might more likely embrace.

During Monday night’s meeting, Eisenlau initially laid out for the jail committee, as he had done in February, the best two options (single and two-story) for construction on property other than the existing jail location. These scenarios include the jail and inmate housing facilities, a courtroom complex, sheriff’s administration building, and parking areas altogether consisting of 100,000 square feet on 13.5 acres. In each scenario, Eisenlau said the jail would house prisoners on the first floor with a second story mezzanine to house more inmates. In the second option, the entire complex would be a two-story structure.

“We were tasked with telling you what size facility you would need for as many as 225 beds,” said Eisenlau. “We took that as a starting point with 225 beds and four courts, and if you build courts they should be built in pairs as a design rule, because often they are serviced by holding areas. As presented last month, this building we designed is roughly 100,000 square feet for 225 beds and in my estimation, it would need to sit on approximately 14 acres. The reason for that is because you have a considerable amount of public parking, jail staff parking, and courts parking, all of which need to be separated. And the public would never be inside the fence line. Anybody that works for the court or the jail typically would park inside the fence line so their cars couldn’t be damaged or stolen, etc. Jails also require what’s called a fire lane which goes around your housing unit and its required by the municipalities to put a fire out. It has to be a certain distance from the building. There are a lot of these types of nuances to laying out a jail that are very critical to building a modern detention facility and courts combined,” Eisenlau explained.

“Our recommendation here (initial scenario) was to build the jail itself which would be attached to the housing with the courts and the sheriff’s administration having separate buildings (in the complex). We typically recommend this (scenario) because you don’t necessarily have to build it all at one time. You could master plan this to build a jail first and then build the courts and sheriff’s admin later. That’s up to you. This would be the ideal scenario,” said Eisenlau.

However, according to Eisenlau, the second scenario (two story structure throughout) was developed as possibly a less costly option.

“The way you make that (first option) cheaper is put all that stuff (jail, sheriff’s department, courtrooms) in one big box (two story) which is a lot cheaper typically than spreading the building out,” he said.

After going back to the drawing board since the February meeting, Eisenlau said a third scenario option has been developed for the existing site where the jail is located on property the county already owns.

“If you build an entirely new jail on the (existing) property, what would it look like?. This new jail is roughly 71,000 square feet. If you choose to do so, you could build a new structure on this property (east side of jail annex) either one story, two stories, three stories, or four stories tall,” explained Eisenlau. “How the guts of the building would work we would have to consult with the sheriff on that but numerically if you take 225 inmates and multiply them by 350 gross square feet per detainee which is the industry standard and you stack that number on four floors believe it or not, it fits (on the existing site) and the sheriff can continue to operate right where he is although it would be extremely disruptive to build next to him but you could build this building next to the sheriff. I would then recommend that you tear down the jail (original jail and annex) and you build a new court building. The first floor could be for all of your court clerk functions and then have your courts stacked on two floors above it. And what’s really nice about this particular option is that you can quickly get from the housing units to the courts. Then you could move out of your courts building (courthouse) and lease or use that for other purposes such as administrative services or historic events, etc. There are challenges with this idea (scenario) because you need a lot of parking, and we did not solve that (with this option). There is limited parking, and these deficiencies could be problematic on this (existing) site, and we would have to spend a lot of time talking to the sheriff’s department about how this housing is specifically organized in the building so that we don’t increase his staffing requirements in supervising inmates” said Eisenlau.

“The interesting take away is that it is conceivable that you could build on your current location with the building itself on one level and the housing units with mezzanines above it. This would basically be a three-story building (which could be converted to two levels to require less staff) on top of the first level which I will call the basement but right now its technically a four-story building which is in compliance with the building codes that allow you to go up to 75 feet from the fire department connection to the top accessible level of the building. As long as we stayed 75 feet, you could stack the building vertically. I was particularly surprised that the court rooms would actually fit on this site, but they do. That is something we had not initially contemplated. The first thing you need to do is get some soil samples to see if we can stack the building that high and get a good survey. After that, I could tell you definitively whether it (this scenario) would work but I can say that while more study is needed, it is feasible,” said Eisenlau.

Prior to the jail committee meeting, several residents showed up to express their opinions and ask questions during the town hall meeting including Steven Cantrell who is not sold on the judicial center option being considered by the county.

“We need a jail and the Tennessee Corrections Institute has told us what we need at a minimum. And that our jail operation can maintain state certification as long as the county continues to make measurable progress under a master plan of action. A justice center is not required, but it is an additional tax burden that this committee and mayor have proposed putting on the taxpayers of DeKalb County,” said Cantrell.

“We need to focus on what TCI has recommended as the minimum to meet standards due to the other challenges facing the county and its taxpayers”.

“We need a jail, not a justice center,” Cantrell continued.

“As for concerns about the courts and security of the courthouse, there is an easy solution which would be less of an impact on the taxpayers of DeKalb County. Turn the courthouse into the county courthouse it was dedicated to be in 1970 and as engraved on the outside of the building and move all non-judicial county offices to the county complex unless there is a legal reason they are required to be in the courthouse: County Executive, Veterans Office, Election Commission, THP Office”.

“Secure the courthouse just like other courthouses are done in many parts of Tennessee with one security entrance and one secure exit. All other doors would be alarmed as fire doors”.

“Understanding that we already have two magnetometers on the third floor we could move these to a single entrance. And since all offices remaining in the courthouse would be judicial in nature, in theory this would reduce the number of visitors and provide security for the courts?

“Obviously, we would need to evaluate the options here”.

“However, as such this would not require a judicial center and we could get back to focusing on the real priority here which is a new jail to meet this county’s requirements and be in line with TCI recommendations. And it would respect the county taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars in the process,” said Cantrell.

The jail committee will meet again in April.

March 20, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

The 2024 DeKalb County School District Teacher of the Year is Kathy Ramsey, a 4th grade ELA (English, Language Arts) and Social Studies Teacher at Northside Elementary School.

Ramsey got a surprise visit to her classroom Tuesday for the “John Isabell Memorial Award” presentation by Director of Schools Patrick Cripps, Northside Elementary School Principal Angela Johnson, NES Assistant Principal Beth Pafford, Supervisors of Instruction Michelle Burklow and Randy Jennings, and Federal Programs Supervisor Dr. Danielle Collins. As part of the honor, Ramsey also received a school bell award, a floral arrangement, and a certificate granting her a day off from school with pay.

In addition to the visit with Ramsey, Director Cripps and school administrators paid a call on four other teachers at their schools Tuesday to present the school level “Teacher of the Year” awards including 1st grade educator Crystal Barnes at DeKalb West School; Kindergarten teacher Misty Agee at Smithville Elementary School; Lori Hendrix, an 8th grade History teacher at DeKalb Middle School, and Debi DePriest, a government teacher at DeKalb County High School.

This is the 17th annual Teacher of the Year observance.

“Not only is Ms Ramsey being recognized by her peers as “Teacher of the Year” at her school (Northside Elementary), but she is the “Teacher of the Year” for our whole county. We are proud of her and the things she does for her students on a daily basis and the relationships she establishes. We are excited to have her as part of our crew and family here in DeKalb County,” said Director Cripps.

“Ms Ramsey is well deserving of this award,” said Northside Principal Angela Johnson. We are so proud of her and what she does every day within the classroom. She builds relationships and works hard from the time she comes in until the time she leaves and that is usually late. We are so proud of her, not only just getting the “Teacher of the Year” honor here for Northside but for the county and it is well deserved. She is precious and we are so proud,” said Principal Johnson.

Ramsey, whose duties include teaching 4th grade ELA (English, Language Arts) and Social Studies said she is excited to have been named both the Northside Elementary School Teacher of the year and the Overall DeKalb County School District Level Teacher of the Year.

“I am very excited. Its an honor,” said Ms. Ramsey. I have been teaching for 11 years and at Northside for 6 years. I believe its important to develop relationships with the students. My students are precious to me. They are great,” she said.

Prior to relocating to DeKalb County 6 years ago, Ramsey taught school in Texas and Kentucky. She and her husband Chad moved here when he became minister at the Smithville First Baptist Church. The couple have a son Cameron, a sophomore at DCHS and daughter Abby , a 6th grader at DeKalb Middle School

The other principals were equally as proud of their school-level teachers of the year.

Debi DePriest, the school level “Teacher of the Year” at DCHS, has been an educator at the high school for 29 years.

“Ms DePriest is an extremely hard-working teacher,” said DCHS Principal Bruce Curtis. “She has dedicated her life to the students and their education here. One thing I love about her is she has high expectations of her students, and they learn a lot in the government class under her. With social media out there, a lot of things written and said are not exactly true, but she makes sure students understand what is really going on with government, and how it operates,” said Principal Curtis.

Ms. DePriest said she is honored to have been chosen by her peers for the school level “Teacher of the Year” honor.

“I am overwhelmed. I don’t feel deserving of it because there are many more teachers here that do an awesome job, but I am thankful for it. Its humbling to know my colleagues voted me teacher at the school. I appreciate this very much,” she said.

DePriest added that she is especially grateful to her family for their support over the years.

“When I started teaching I was married to Mark Loring. He later passed away. The Lord then saw fit to bless me with another husband, Bob DePriest and both of those men have been a real support for me. Bob has been there for me and my strong arm through my sickness. I did have to miss school some when Mark was sick because his illness was so devastating but I am so thankful that the Lord saw fit to bless me so that I could come to school instead of being out through this sickness,” said DePriest.

Lori Hendrix is the school level Teacher of the Year at DeKalb Middle School. She teaches 8th grade American History. Lori is married to Bradley Hendrix and they have three children, Jailyn Bolding (nurse at Ascension Hospital) Jacob Hendrix (senior at DCHS) and Jon Hendrix (sophomore at DCHS).

DeKalb Middle School Principal Caleb Shehane said Ms. Hendrix is a special educator.

“Ms Hendrix is a huge asset to DeKalb Middle School. She has a way of captivating her students that really bring them in an engage them at a whole new level and because of her, students are better when they leave her classroom and that is what teaching is all about. Its about engaging students,” said Principal Shehane. “She has a way of building a rapport with kids and connecting with them on a social and emotional level as well as educational. She goes above and beyond not only for her students but all the students at DeKalb Middle School, so this is a much-deserved honor and this was voted on by her peers, so they see the same qualities I see in Ms Hendrix. She is a phenomenal teacher,” added Principal Shehane.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to be named “Teacher of the Year”, said Ms. Hendrix. “This recognition means the world to me, and I am humbled by the support of my colleagues, administration, students, and community. It is a privilege to be part of such a rewarding profession, and I am committed to continuing to inspire and empower my students to reach their fullest potential. Thank you for this incredible honor”.

A veteran teacher of 22 years, Hendrix has spent her entire career at DeKalb Middle School. “I am from Warren County and my intention was to teach at DMS one year and then transfer to Warren County to teach but once I started teaching here, I knew that this was where I was meant to be,” Ms. Hendrix continued.

“I teach 8th grade American History and love every minute of it. I started out teaching math and taught that for about 15 years,” Hendrix explained. “At that time all teachers had to teach two subjects, so I also had to teach one History class each day. I had the opportunity to switch to social studies several years ago and that is where my passion lies,” she said.

“One of the aspects I cherish most about teaching is the opportunity to inspire and empower students to unlock their potential. Witnessing the moment when a concept clicks, or seeing the spark of curiosity ignite in a student’s eyes is extremely rewarding,” added Ms. Hendrix.

Crystal Barnes is the school level “Teacher of the Year” at DeKalb West School.

“Its so exciting. Its awesome and feels great knowing that I am thought of in this way,” said Barnes.

This is Barnes’ 6th year of teaching 1st grade at DeKalb West School, and she comes from a family of educators. She has two sisters who teach including Morgan Oyster, the agriculture teacher at DCHS and Vickey Barrett, a 2nd grade educator at DeKalb West.

Barnes and her husband Brandon have been married for 6 years and they reside on a farm in the Belk community.

“Ms Barnes stands out among her peers and is just amazing for her students. She always looks to help her students in the best way possible every day. She puts in over 100% every day at work,” said DeKalb West Principal Sabrina Farler.

Misty Agee is the school level “Teacher of the Year” at Smithville Elementary School.

“I was very humbled to be selected by my peers as “Teacher of the Year”, ” said Ms. Agee. ” This is my 18th year teaching kindergarten here. I love teaching. Its my passion so its an honor to be recognized for the efforts I put into the classroom. Some of these children come in at the beginning and can’t even hold a pencil and when they leave, they can write their name and they can read. You see so much growth at the kindergarten level,” said Agee.

Misty and her husband Daniel have two sons, 9-year-old Cole and 8-month-old Hunter. Misty’s father is retired TWRA Officer Ben Franklin and her mother is retired educator Linda Franklin, who taught for 38 years.

“Misty is one of those teachers that sees the value of a relationship with the students. She goes above and beyond to really get to know her students personally. She is really able to connect to those kids and watch them grow as they learn every day,” said Smithville Elementary School Principal Anita Puckett.

“Our district’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors outstanding teachers in DeKalb County. We applaud teachers who care about our children, who devote their professional lives to enriching the lives of DeKalb students, and who demonstrate exceptional gains in student achievement. We are not just exceptionally proud of our Teachers of the Year, but we are also grateful for all of our educators in DeKalb County,” said Director Cripps.

Teachers of the Year are selected competitively through five cycles: Building, System, Field Service Core Center Region, Grand Division and State; and from three categories (levels of teaching); Grades Pre-K-4, 5-8, 9-12.

Teachers selected at each cycle receive local recognition and awards underwritten by local sources. State recognition/awards include a banquet honoring the nine State Teacher of the Year finalists and certificates of appreciation from the governor. In addition, the State Finalists and the State Teacher of the Year receive cash awards.

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