TWRA Participating in Operation Dry Water

July 3, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be participating in Operation Dry Water, July 3-5. Operation Dry Water is a weekend of education and enforcement about the dangers of impaired boating throughout the state.

The July 4th holiday means an increase in boater activity on the water and there is also an increase in the number on incidents during this time. The TWRA is teaming with the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Operation Dry Water was started by the NASBLA in 2009. It has been a highly successful campaign drawing public attention to the dangers of boating under the influence.

“We want everyone to enjoy time on the water safely and our enforcement officers will be performing saturation patrols near high visibility areas, checkpoints, and utilizing our resources to assist in identifying dangerous operation/impaired operators, said Cpt. Matt Majors, TWRA Boating Investigator. “We want to emphasize how dangerous impaired operation is, and how it is a contributing factor in recreational boating injury/death on Tennessee waters.”

Along with the use of life jackets and other safety practices, officers want boaters to be aware of the effects and ramifications of alcohol use. The TWRA will be intensifying efforts to detect and apprehend boat operators who are operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In 2019 during Operation Dry Water, there was one boating-related fatality which occurred on Normandy Lake and nine boating under the influence (BUI) arrests made across Tennessee.

Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 percent or higher is illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating a motor vehicle. Penalties may include fines, jail, boat impoundment and the loss of boat driving privileges.

Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications.

For more information on Operation Dry Water, visit www.operationdrywater.org.

July 3, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

A Kentucky boy has won the 2020 Virtual Jamboree’s Beginner Fiddling Title.

For the honor, Noah Goebel will receive the James G. “Bobo” Driver National Award for Country Musician Beginners

(View a video submission below)

The Virtual Jamboree 2020 showcased a very competitive group of dancers and musicians in clogging and fiddle categories, with judges deliberating for two days before declaring the champions in each of 10 music and dance categories, along with a few new accolades.

The traditional LIVE Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival downtown Smithville was canceled this year due to COVID-19.

A special feature broadcast featuring the Smithville Fiddlers’ Virtual Jamboree Champions, along with other contestant cameos and highlights, will air on Saturday, July 4th at 5pm & 11pm (Central) on WCTE-PBS. DTC3 will be airing it at the same times on Saturday, July 4th at 5 p.m. & 11 p.m. and it will be shown again on Sunday, July 5th at 1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. The program will also be featured on the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree FaceBook page at a later date.

July 3, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Fireworks are a tradition of summer activities. Unfortunately, they cause thousands of injuries and emergency room visits each year; more of these injuries occur during Fourth of July festivities. As this year’s Independence Day approaches, the DeKalb County Fire Department urges citizens to practice safe and responsible use of fireworks to avoid injuries and property losses.

“Although fireworks can be exciting and fun, it is important to remember that improperly handled fireworks can quickly turn a celebration into tragedy,” said Chief Donny Green. “We remind DeKalb County citizens to use common sense and act responsibly to prevent serious injuries this Fourth of July.”

Each year in Tennessee, there are over 200 emergency room visits and over 200 people discharged from the hospital due to fireworks related injuries. Fireworks accidents can cause long term effects such as blindness, hearing loss and permanent scarring if used incorrectly.

To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the DeKalb County Fire Department makes the following safety suggestions for those who choose to deal with fireworks at home:
• Always read and follow all warnings and label instructions.
• Never allow children to play with, ignite fireworks, or watch a display without adult supervision. • Wear eye protection and never have any part of your body over the fireworks.
• Use fireworks only outdoors and in a safe area.
• Be sure other people are safely out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Always have water handy–a garden hose, wet towels and a bucket.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people or animals.
• Never re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then placing them in your trash can.

In addition to being prepared to avoid firework mishaps, residents should also be prepared to handle any accidents that may occur. Materials such as gauze, hydrogen peroxide and other first aid supplies should be readily available. In the event of serious injury, seek immediate medical attention . Quick response to injuries may prevent further and more permanent damage.

“We want all DeKalb County citizens and visitors to remain safe this holiday and enjoy their holiday accident-free,” said Green. “The best way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals. We have several public fireworks displays scheduled at local marinas on Center Hill Lake. It’s less expensive, more enjoyable, and much safer to just make plans to attend one of these local fireworks displays.”

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