DeKalb County COVID-19 Cases Remains at 7 as 153 Others Test Negative

April 7, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases remains at 7. As of Tuesday April 7, the Tennessee Department of Health reports that 160 people have been tested with 153 negative results and 7 positive. There have been no deaths in DeKalb County from the virus.

“Governor Bill Lee last week issued a “stay at home” order stating that “every Tennessean must take this seriously, remain at home and ensure we save lives.” This order is in effect until April 14, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. We need to do our part as DeKalb Countians to adhere to Governor Lee’s “stay at home” order. Only go out if you have an essential activity,” said County Mayor Tim Stribling

“I cannot stress enough how serious this pandemic is and everyone needs to do their part in helping to limit the spread of the coronavirus. This virus has NO boundaries. Medical experts say the next two weeks are critical in trying to slow the spread. We can’t be doing the kinds of things we were doing a few months ago. Rethink your daily activities. Social distancing is crucial to limiting coronavirus’ spread. This means staying home as much as you can and minimizing contact with others. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly,” he said

The CDC is now recommending wearing a cloth mask when in public gatherings (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) if you are not able to social distance.

“Our EMTs, paramedics, law enforcement, firefighters, rescue squad, first responders all take a high risk when called upon. 911 has to have healthy staff to dispatch those calls. Our emergency services personnel can’t stay home including our doctors and nurses. Take a personal responsibility to limit the spread of COVID-19 so these professionals can continue to provide an essential service to our county with a full staff,” said Stribling.

“We will continue to work closely with the TN Department of Health and all agencies of government at all levels to minimize the impact on the residents of DeKalb County. That has been and continues to be our primary concern. We will get through this together as everyone takes a personal responsibility to do everything they can to protect our county,” he said

Individuals with specific questions can call the TDH Information line at 877-857-2945 or 931-646-7586.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html which also has a link to the Center for Disease Control website.

April 7, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Will the Smithville Municipal Swimming Pool open this summer?

The question remains unanswered for now.

During the regular monthly meeting Monday night, the aldermen delayed a decision on that until next month after Mayor Josh Miller raised the question.

The pool normally opens to the public on Memorial Day weekend in May.

After acting on his own to close the golf course to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Miller said he wanted the aldermen to make the call on the pool.

“I think its too early for us to make that call right now. I don’t think we can do anything until we know when these stay at home and shelter in place orders from the Governor are lifted,” said Alderman Gayla Hendrix.

“I personally don’t think the pool should open and I don’t have any pool chemicals for this year. I can order stuff (chemicals) but it will just sit there if you don’t open the pool,” said City Public Works Director Kevin Robinson.

“Right now we know we are sheltered (under the Governor’s orders) until the end of this month but this could last until the end of May and we don’t know what June will bring. Its feasible we could even open by late June instead of late May if things change and maybe keep the pool open an extra month,” said Alderman Hendrix.

“The problem with that may be “are these lifeguards (many of them teenagers) going to hang around” asked Mayor Miller.

“You can’t stay open an extra month because they (lifeguards) will be going back to school. We have never been able to have them stay after August 1. They all go back to school,,” added Robinson.

“Maybe. That’s another thing we don’t know yet (when schools will open),” Alderman Hendrix said.

“Well if they don’t go back to school we won’t have the pool open anyway. But I agree it’s too early to make a decision,” said Alderman Brandon Cox.

“ How hard would it be if we made a late decision to open as far as getting the pool chemicals” asked Alderman Cox.

“I need to know a month in advance. We still have to pressure wash and clean it (pool) and I will have to order the chemicals,” said Robinson.

Even if the pool opens this summer, Mayor Miller said the city may have to limit its hours of operation due to the lack of lifeguards.

“I talked to (Pool Manager) Jeania (Cawthorn) today (Monday) because last month we were concerned about life guards. Jeania told me she might have 8 or 9 lifeguards lined up and this time last year we had 20 lifeguards so even if the pool opened and if we were not talking about COVID-19, Jeania said the pool probably could not be open except for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays this year,” said Mayor Miller.

“If the pool is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, remember we’re still having to add chemicals Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (adding to the costs),” added Robinson.

April 6, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

WJLE and participating sponsors are presenting a photo gallery of the DCHS Class of 2020 in April and May.

Graduation is set for Friday, May 15 on the DCHS football field barring any delays due to COVID-19.

Click on the link below to view the senior formals.

https://www.wjle.com/graduation-2/

A WJLE DCHS Class of 2020 Photo Gallery box also appears on the left side of the WJLE homepage that you may click to view the photos.

Once you open the page, click each photo to view a larger image. The name of the senior you select is at the bottom of the photo or you may move your mouse over the photo to view the name.

There are 170 photos in the gallery divided up 48 photos to a page. After you view page 1 be sure to click the links for pages 2-4 ( top or bottom of the page) to view the remaining photos. The names of 13 seniors not pictured are also listed on the left side of the page above the sponsors.

The WJLE photo gallery page is sponsored in April by County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss, County Mayor Tim Stribling, St Thomas DeKalb Hospital, Gill Automotive, DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Alexandria Auto Parts, First Bank, the DeKalb County Prevention Coalition, Woodbury Insurance Agency, and DTC Communications.

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