DeKalb Middle School Receives New Portable AED from Junior Pro Basketball Program

August 19, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb Middle School has a new portable automated external defibrillator (AED) thanks to the DeKalb Junior Pro Basketball Program

Matt Quarles, President of the League, made the presentation Monday morning to DMS Principal Lacy Foutch, Assistant Principal Anita Puckett, and School Nurse Joanie Williams.

The defibrillator will be placed at the old DMS gym which is where the DeKalb Junior Pro teams practice but the AED can be used elsewhere in the school if the need should arise.

DeKalb County Schools were designated as Heart Safe Schools in the spring of 2019 through a collaboration with Vanderbilt University and Middle Tennessee Project ADAM.  This included AED placement and staff education about the response to sudden cardiac arrest. In an ongoing process,  staff training is conducted for CPR Certification, student education about emergency response, and drills for preparedness in case of a cardiac event on school grounds.

“This is a way we try to give back. We used part of our funds from games, sponsorships, and people paying to play to purchase this defibrillator for the school. Last year we donated funds to resurface the gym floor at Northside Elementary School where we play our regular season games,” said Quarles.

“We are going to put it in the old gym at DeKalb Middle School so if someone were to fall ill it will be there for us to use and they (school) can use it for any kind of emergencies they have. They let us use the gym so we’re just trying to give back a little bit,” said Quarles.

The DMS administration and teachers say they are grateful for this donation by the DeKalb Junior Program Basketball Program.

An automated external defibrillator, or AED is an automated, computerized medical device that is capable of checking a person’s heart rhythm and, when necessary, providing an appropriate electrical shock that may “reset” the heart to an acceptable, normal rhythm.

August 19, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

After finding a home for most of her puppies, the DeKalb Animal Coalition is now in search of a loving abode for Elsa, as well as the rest of her litter.

IMG_9296 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“Elsa is a 4-5 year old Australian Shepherd mix. She is a mama dog at the shelter. Elsa had a litter of 7 and took fantastic care of them. All but three of her puppies are gone but Elsa hasn’t had a whole lot of attention so she is now looking for her time in the spotlight. Although a little insecure sometimes, Elsa is a great dog and gets along well with others here. She has already been sponsored and the cost to adopt her is only $40,” said Shelter Director Megan Moore.

Meanwhile, after recently losing a full time employee, the shelter is in search of someone to fill the position. Until then the shelter is operating on temporary limited hours. Its open Fridays from 12 until 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10-12.

August 19, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County Wildlife Officer Tony Cross, has been named Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, District 31 Officer of the Year. This prestigious title is awarded to officers who excel in teamwork, public outreach, innovation, attitude, leadership and achievements.

Cross started with the agency in 1988 as a fisheries technician. In 1992 he became a TWRA boating officer on Dale Hollow and later that fall, Van Buren County Wildlife Officer. Cross moved to DeKalb County in 1997. Officer Cross is well known and respected in his county and beyond. Cross partners with many civic and sportsman’s groups on and off duty. He also actively partners with the DeKalb County Sherriff’s Office and offers assistance whenever possible.

Officer Cross is an esteemed member of Law Enforcement District 31 and assists with multiple outreach programs, including utilizing his carpentry skills at the newly remodeled Warren County Fair building. Cross provides outreach programs for thousands each year and oversees the Pea Ridge Free Fishing Day program. Cross also joins a weekly radio program with WJLE in Smithville, where he keeps the public informed about upcoming events and programs within the Agency. Furthermore, Cross teaches Hunter and Boater Education classes and has come into contact with hundreds of students throughout the years.

Sergeant Brandon Geesling shared, “Cross’s insight, expertise and leadership skills are sought after and respected by other officers. He has an unbelievable work ethic. Despite his exemplary information and education efforts throughout the district, he accomplishes an exhausting amount of law enforcement work.” Cross came in contact with over 600 registered vessels and paddle crafts this year. Cross also checked hundreds of anglers and hunters, resulting in over 40 citations and warnings.

Captain Roy Cannon shared, “Wildlife Officer Tony Cross is synonymous with teamwork. He is the first to volunteer for any project or detail that any officer in the district might have.” Cross has helped with multiple enforcement details throughout the region, helping catch spotlighting and road hunting violators. Cannon continued, “Cross has always been respected for his work ethic and eagerness to help those around him”.

Cross was selected to serve the agency in its new Chaplain program. In this prestigious role, he is responsible for serving and helping other officers in times of great loss or emotional trauma. Cross also attends funerals of retired officers and gives comfort to grieving friends and family members. His servant attitude and genuine concern for others makes him a valuable asset to this program.

When asked what he enjoyed about his occupation Cross responded, “I enjoy serving the public and upholding the TWRA mission,” stated Cross. “I enjoy the diversity of our law enforcement efforts and working with amazing people. They are not just my coworkers, but they’re my friends.”

Find more about wildlife officers, the chaplains program and other enforcement programs at tnwildlife.org.

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