Will Virtual Learning be Extended Again? Expect an Announcement Today (Friday) from Director of Schools

November 13, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Expect an announcement today (Friday) from Director of Schools Patrick Cripps on whether DeKalb County Schools will remain on virtual learning next week.

In an announcement this past Monday, Director Cripps extended the virtual learning through today (Friday, November 13) due to the increased number of COVID-19 cases and quarantines among faculty and staff.

All five schools in the district have been on virtual learning since Wednesday, October 28.

“We need to address what we plan on doing next week . We are continuing to evaluate the situation. We plan to get a phone call out to parents today (Friday) telling them what our plans are,” said Director Cripps during Thursday night’s monthly Board of Education meeting held via video conference.

“This is an ever changing situation due to the faculty and staff that have been affected. Its not students the reason we canceled school (in person) its due to the lack of faculty and staff and how that has affected the different schools. I know it is frustrating for everyone and I want our kids in school. That is our goal is to get everyone back in school but we are facing challenging times and we have some things we are trying to work through to meet the needs. There will be some limitations when we do go back. There may be bus routes that can’t be run and there may be schools that open while others remain closed. The state made clear to us in the beginning that we don’t necessarily have to shut down the whole district but there are times when we will. Each situation is different but we will get our parents the information as quickly as we can,” said Director Cripps.

In other business, the Board of Education Thursday night set Friday, May 14 at 7 p.m. as the graduation date and time for the DCHS Class of 2021 to be held on the football field. The DCHS prom date was also set for April 9 to be held at the Capital Theatre in Lebanon.

In his monthly report on personnel, Director Cripps announced that Dean Broadhead has been hired as a educational assistant at Smithville Elementary School and that Amber Prater has resigned as educational assistant at Smithville Elementary School.

November 13, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Tigers will be looking to extend their post season run as they host the Nolensville Knights in the second round of the TSSAA playoffs tonight (Friday) in Smithville.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. and WJLE will have LIVE coverage on AM 1480/FM 101.7 and LIVE Streaming at www.wjle.com.

Last year the Tigers were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the playoffs with a 42-6 loss to the Knights at Nolensville.

The Knights are 6-3 overall and finished second behind Tullahoma in Region 4 with a 4-1 record. Their wins this season have been over Watertown 24-20, Spring Hill 30-14, Lawrence County 48-19, Maplewood 42-0, Marshall County 35-28, and Livingston Academy 38-14 last week in the first round of the playoffs. The Knights have lost to Brentwood 47-12, Columbia 28-14, and to Tullahoma 29-14.

DeKalb County is 7-3 overall and finished as Region 3 champions with a 3-1 record. Tiger victories have been over Stone Memorial 31-30, Grundy County 32-0, Cannon County 49-7, Livingston Academy 38-14, Smith County 42-7, Macon County 24-20, and Spring Hill 38-15 last week in the first round of the playoffs. Tiger losses have been to Warren County 30-24, Upperman 27-21, and Watertown 21-14. Cumberland County got credited for a forfeit win due to COVID-19.

Tiger Coach Steve Trapp said his team is prepared for the challenge.

“They (Nolensville) are just a good program. Although they are in Class 4A they are a really big school and they will be moving up after this year. They have a lot of players and a lot of depth. You don’t see a lot of guys on offense and defense so that makes a difference and they are coached extremely well. They have a lot of athletes all over the field. We understand the challenge in front of us. Offensively a lot of things they do are the same things we do. There is a pass on every run play so you have to be able to cover pretty much all eleven guys every time when you are on defense. They are very disciplined on defense and very sound. They fly to the ball and tackle well. Their quarterback is probably also the best we will have faced all year as far as being able to throw the ball downfield and not just throwing screens and things like that although that is a big part of their game as well. He has a lot of scrambling ability. He is a lot like our quarterback. He can run around and still make plays down the field. He can fake it to the back and still run up in there or sit in the pocket and deliver the ball down field and he has some playmakers on the outside just like we do that they will take their shots with and try to create formations and ways to get those guys the ball so our guys have to be mentally sharp this week and come out with everything they have,,” 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 former coach Dave McGinnis and broadcaster Larry Stone talking Tennessee and SEC football.

“Tiger Talk” follows at 6:30 p.m. with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor interviewing Coach Steve Trapp and Tiger players Evan Jones, Colby Barnes, and Isaiah Harrington.

The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m.

“Tickets will be sold exclusively online through GoFan for this week’s playoff game. Tickets will not be sold at the gate. Here is the link to purchase tickets and we will validate the ticket at the gate as fans enter the stadium,” said DCHS Principal Randy Jennings

https://gofan.co/app/events/149958

November 12, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Members of the Smithville Police Department are letting their beards grow this month for a good cause.

No-Shave November is a nationwide fundraiser for cancer awareness. This year’s observance by the Smithville Police Department is in memory of the late Phillip Eugene Wilkey, a 35 year City of Smithville employee and all proceeds will go to Joe Wilkey, a family member of Phillip who is afflicted with cancer.

Phillip Wilkey passed away in October.

All officers who choose to participate will make a cash donation. If anyone else would like to support the cause, contact the Police Department at 615-597-8210.

“At some point in time almost everyone will personally know someone afflicted with cancer. It is a privilege to work alongside fellow officers who care enough to try to make a difference,” said Police Chief Mark Collins.

As the participants let their beards grow, family and friends are encouraged to join the campaign and become more educated about cancer prevention, saving lives, and helping those fighting cancer.

“You will soon see some Smithville police officers that could use a shave, but it’s for a good cause,” said Captain Steven Leffew. “Many of our officers are very enthusiastic to take part in the fundraiser. I’m very proud to work beside such caring people,” he said.

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