Former TBI Director Mark Gwyn has passed away

August 23, 2024
By:

The former director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), 61-year-old Mark Gwyn, has died at his Nashville-area home from what appears to be natural causes, officials announced Thursday morning. Gwyn has family in DeKalb County including sister and brother-in-law, Steve and Cathy Officer.

According to the TBI, Gwyn — a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University — began his law enforcement career in 1985 as a police officer in his hometown of McMinnville. Three years later, he became a special agent in the TBI’s Criminal Investigation Division. Eight years after that, he was promoted to executive officer and later served as assistant director of the Forensic Services Division.

Then, in 2004, Gov. Phil Bredesen appointed Gwyn as TBI director, making him the first African-American to hold the position, authorities said. Gwyn served in that role until he retired in 2018.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of Director Gwyn’s passing,” said current TBI Director David Rausch. “Mark had a profound impact on the Bureau, contributed to its growth and innovation, and solidified our reputation as a law enforcement leader. We will honor his contributions, remember his legacy, and celebrate his life in the days and weeks to come.”

August 23, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Plans are moving forward for the eventual construction of a new DeKalb County Health Department facility.

The Tennessee Department of Health has plans to build a new 12,000 square foot health department center in Smithville in partnership with DeKalb County using American Rescue Plan Act Funding.

The project has been in the making for more than two years.

At the time of the initial announcement the project was estimated to cost $3,915,400 but most of it is to be funded from the state’s allocation of ARPA funding. The county set aside $398,000 from its allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds to meet the match.

County Mayor Matt Adcock informed the county commission during a workshop meeting Thursday night that the new health department can be built on property adjacent to the site of the current health department building on Allen’s Ferry Road.

“We finally got a green light to go forward with our new health department building,” said County Mayor Adcock. “We have figured out where the property lines are. We had to research the deed to find out who really owns the property. Initially it looked like the school board owned all of it including even where our existing health department sets but after looking back at some old records, we (county) were actually supposed to receive some of that property. We now have a survey that divides the property lines, and we do have enough to construct a new health department right next to the existing health department”.

“We did speak to Caney Fork Electric Cooperative about moving some power lines and they are working on it now to give us more accessibility to build over there. That’s a win for us because it will save a lot of time and money. We are now moving this state grant money in place to be able to start paying for some things,” said County Mayor Adcock.

August 23, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Countdown to kickoff!

The DeKalb County High School Tigers will renew their annual season opening football rivalry tonight (Friday) at home against the Warren County Pioneers.

For Tiger coach Steve Trapp, it’s his 20th season and the 20th consecutive meeting of these two football programs during his tenure. The Pioneers lead the series 10-9 during that stretch.

The 2024 squad is made up of 50 players including five seniors.

“We have 50 players. That’s about the same number we have had for the last handful of years and hopefully we will still have 50 at the banquet in January” said Coach Trapp. “We want people around us so we can have an impact on them more than just football. We feel that’s the type of program we have. All these guys are working hard. We have already had a junior varsity game, All these guys are getting reps and its good to see this many guys out here dedicating themselves to this program”.

Three of the seniors, Ty Webb (HB/S), Jordan Parker (QB/WR/S), and Andrew Dakas (WR/LB) are captains this year and are among the leaders of the team.

“I’m really excited what these three guys mean to our program as far as team captains and more importantly what they mean as human beings,” said Coach Trapp.

“Probably Ty and Chris Pulley are the most experienced players we have. Ty became a starter just a couple of weeks into his freshman year,” Coach Trapp said. “He is playing a little bit more offense for us this year but what he has done on defense for us the last couple of years has been special. He has accolades on that side of the ball including region player and team awards. Every time we talk to an opposing coach they mention him. Ty knows what he is doing on the field. He has a good heart and a great work ethic. He was a captain of the team last year as a junior and that speaks volumes”.

“A lot of people think we are replacing a three-year starter at quarterback (Briz Trapp) with Jordan (Parker) but he had a whole year starting himself and led this team to a playoff game,” Coach Trapp explained. “Jordan knows what we wants out of that position and last year he was a starter on both sides of the ball for us. Jordan is a gritty guy with a great heart and he executes better when those guys around him are doing their job as well”.

“Andrew (Dakas) became a full time starter last year on defense and now he is splitting time on offense and doing a great job,” explained Coach Trapp. “ He is just a tremendous kid with a great heart and a spiritual leader. He is not afraid to pray with these guys or talk about his faith. I love that about him. That’s a big part of our program,” added Coach Trapp.

Opening the season with border rival Warren County is now a tradition and Coach Trapp said he is looking forward to the game.

“Its been a very good opening game. When I first started, the financial situation of our program wasn’t really good and they (Warren County) actually paid us to play them the first couple of years but they changed their mind after we beat them the first time and that was fine. No doubt this series is good for the financial part of running the program for both squads. I know a lot of people in Warren County and I have a lot of friends there so its just a fun way to start the season. I also have a lot of respect for Coach Turner and how he runs his program,” said Coach Trapp.

WJLE’s Pre-Game shows begin with “Coach to Coach” at 5:00 p.m. featuring former UT assistant coach Doug Matthews with Tennessee Titans Radio Broadcaster Dave McGinnis and broadcaster Larry Stone talking Tennessee and SEC football.

“Coach to Coach” is followed by “Murphy’s Matchups at 6:00 p.m., a look at Tennessee High School Football from Murphy Fair with commentary on games and coaches’ interviews.

“Tiger Talk” airs at 6:30 p.m. with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor interviewing Coach Steve Trapp and Tiger football Captains Ty Webb, Jordan Parker, and Andrew Dakas.

Kick-off is at 7:00 p.m. with play-by-play coverage on WJLE from the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor and Luke Willoughby. Listen LIVE on WJLE AM 1480/FM 101.7 and LIVE Streaming at www.wjle.com.

2024 DCHS Tiger Football Schedule:

August 23: Warren County (HOME) 7:00 p.m.
August 30: Smith County (AWAY) 7:00 p.m.
September 6: Livingston Academy* (AWAY) 7:00 p.m.
September 13: Watertown (HOMECOMING) 7:00 p.m.
September 20: Gordonsville (AWAY) 7:00 p.m.
September 27: Stone Memorial* (HOME) 7:00 p.m.
October 4: Macon County* (AWAY) 7:00 p.m.
October 11: Cumberland County* (AWAY) 7:00 p.m.
October 18: BYE
October 25: White County* (HOME) 7:00 p.m.
October 31 (Thursday): Upperman* (HOME) 7:00 p.m.

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