SES “Dream Team” Recognized

October 3, 2024
By:

Smithville Elementary School has recognized its “Dream Team” for the first nine weeks of school. These faculty and staff members were selected for recognition by the administration for their dedication and commitment to Smithville Elementary’s success. Those recognized are:

Pre-K Teacher: Sydney Johnson
Kindergarten Teacher: Cristy Spears
1st Grade Teacher: Christina Merriman
2nd Grade Teacher: Kristy Williams
Music Teacher: Brandi Johnson
RTI Teacher: Beth Cantrell
School Nurse: Kim Turner
Paraprofessional: Celia Whaley
Paraprofessional: Bethany Bogle
Cafeteria Staff: Brenda Cantrell

October 3, 2024
By:

DeKalb Middle School 7th Grader Logan Gard was selected as September’s Good Neighbor of the Month for going above and beyond to help out. He is always eager to offer his assistance to anyone.

Media Specialist LeVaughnda Midgett was selected as September’s Good Neighbor of the Month for her overwhelming dedication to offer students at DMS a memorable and meaningful library experience at DMS.

The Good Neighbor Award is sponsored monthly by Mallory Pfingstler, State Farm, Shay Walter of Sullivan Walter Homes and Colleen Clary of First Mortgage.

October 2, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Firefighters, EMS, law enforcement and other first responders and public safety agencies in emergency vehicles (including many ambulances and fire trucks) locally and across the mid-state formed a very long procession Wednesday afternoon to escort the body of DeKalb EMS Director and Smithville Fire Department Deputy Chief Hoyte Hale to his final resting place at DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

Following the funeral service at the First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center, Hale’s flag draped coffin was carried by fellow Smithville firefighters and EMS co-workers and then placed aboard a fire truck before being taken along the route to the cemetery with full firefighter honors including the reading of the firefighter’s prayer, the playing of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, the ringing of the bell and a flyover by Air Evac and Vandy Life Flight helicopter ambulances.

Hoyte served both the DeKalb County Ambulance Service and Smithville Volunteer Fire Department honorably for decades.

As part of the graveside service at the cemetery was the “Last” or “Final Call” which is done in respect for a fallen peace officer, firefighter or EMS staffer who was always there when they were needed. Over the radio came the “Final Call” from 911 Director Brad Mullinax of DeKalb Central Dispatch to Hoyte Hale (Badge numbers 600-EMS or 206 Smithville Fire) as follows:

“DeKalb Central Dispatch to 600 or 206”
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“DeKalb Central Dispatch to 600 or 206”
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“DeKalb Central Dispatch to 600 or 206”
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“Negative contact with 600 or 206”

“Deputy Chief and Director Hoyte Eugene Hale has served the DeKalb County Community in many different roles over the last 40 years, dedicating his life to public safety,” said Mullinax during the final call over the radio. “He was a dedicated member of the Smithville Fire Department and made a career serving our community at DeKalb EMS, as a paramedic and ultimately the county’s EMS director. We respect your achievements as well as your sincere friendship and brotherhood. You have fought the good fight and done so with a smile, friendship, and support for the people around you”.

“We will miss you, but we know you will be watching over your fellow brothers and sisters in their continued work”

“Hoyte Eugene Hale may you rest in peace knowing your strength lives on through your family and the rest of the public safety community”.

“DeKalb EMS 600 and Smithville Fire 206 you are now clear of duty, we sincerely thank you for your service and dedication”

“Rest in peace brother, we will take it from here”
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“DeKalb Central Dispatch clear this 2nd day of October 2024 ….(Time: 16:20)”

Hale is survived by 3 Sons, Zackary (Destin) Hale of Purvis, MS, Devin Caldwell Hale of Murfreesboro, TN & Quentin (Myrie) Hale of Smithville, TN. 2 Grandchildren, Roman & Bonnie Hale of Purvis, MS. Mother, Margaret Melton Hale of Temperance Hall, TN. Sister, Rosea Young of Smithville, TN. Niece, Tia (Brandon) Puckett of Smithville, TN. Great Nephews, Jackson & Maverick Puckett of Smithville, TN. Mother of his Children, Lesa Hale of Smithville, TN.

Mr. Hale was born on June 29, 1962 in Smithville, TN to his parents, Ray & Margaret Melton Hale. Preceding him in death is his Father, Ray Harvey Hale, Maternal Grandparents, Clarence Otis & Reba Irene Melton, Paternal Grandparents, Jeffery Davis & Aubrey Maey Hale. Several Aunts & Uncles also precede him in death. Mr. Hale attended the Long Branch Community Church.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home handled the funeral arrangements.

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