Early Voting Times Set for August 6 Elections (View Ballot Here)

June 21, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Voters will again find it convenient to vote early for the upcoming August 6 election.

The DeKalb County Election Commission voted recently to set the early voting hours the same as in previous elections.

The early voting hours for the August election will be as follows:

Mondays from 1 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.; Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.; Thursdays from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.; Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until NOON.

“Usually, the afternoon numbers are among the largest of the early voting period,” said Dennis Stanley, Administrator of Elections. “And based on that history, the commission wants to provide two afternoon voting periods to make it easier for those who like voting early or cannot make it to the polls on election day.”

Early voting for the August 6 election begins July 17 and will run through August 1.

(Click link below to view ballot)

Ballot

Local voters will make their choice in one contested county-wide election, one contested school board race, a contested Smithville Municipal Election and in the state Republican or Democratic primaries. (a copy of the ballot can be found here) There are uncontested races for Constable, another school board seat, the mayor and two aldermen in Dowelltown and for aldermen seats in Alexandria. In addition, there is an uncontested race for Criminal Court Judge Part II District 13 and a state judicial retention question.

The county general ballot is headlined by the race for Assessor of Property with incumbent Republican Shannon A. Cantrell facing Democratic challenger Tom R. Duggin.

All seven constable candidates will be unopposed in their respective districts including Waylon Kyle in the 1st District, Darrell Johnson 2nd District, Travis Bryant 3rd District, Paul Cantrell 4th District, Mark Milam 5th District, Jason Brown 6th District, and Johnny King in the 7th District.

Two candidates, Jason Lee Miller and Shawn Washer, are seeking the 6th District School Board seat. Jamie Cripps is unopposed for the School Board in the 5th district.

Meanwhile, Republican Criminal Court Judge Wesley Bray will be unopposed in the 13th Judicial District special election on August 6th to serve out the last two years of former Judge David Patterson’s unexpired term. Patterson stepped down from the bench last year and Bray was appointed by the Governor to succeed him until the August 6th, 2020 election.

In Smithville, five candidates are vying for three seats on the city board. The aldermen candidates are: H. Don Crook (Incumbent), Jessica L. Higgins, Shawn Jacobs (Incumbent), Tim Perricone, and Danny Washer (incumbent).

Meanwhile a mayor and two aldermen will be elected in the Dowelltown City Election on August 6th
Incumbent Dowelltown Mayor Pam Redmon will be unopposed for re-election while Phillip Byford and Chris Walker will be running for Dowelltown Alderman.

Although five aldermen seats were to have been filled on August 6th in the Alexandria City Election only one person qualified to get her name on the ballot. Lynne Dickerson is seeking a four year term as Alderman.

There are 15 candidates for U.S. Senate in the Republican primary and five candidates in the Democratic Primary.

Sixth District Congressman John Rose is unopposed in the Republican Primary and on the Democratic side, Christopher Martin Finley is unopposed. Those two will square off in November.

Incumbent state representatives Terri Lynn Weaver and Clark Boyd are unopposed in August. Weaver will face opposition from Independent candidate Paddy Sizemore of Smith County in the November Tennessee General Election. Boyd will be unopposed.

Suanne Bone of Lebanon qualified for the Tennessee Democratic Primary on August 6th to fill a vacancy as State Executive Committeewoman in District 17.

A copy of the August 6 ballot can also be found at www.dekalbelections.com.

June 19, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Its been more than three months since they were in school together due to COVID-19 , but members of the Class of 2020 returned to DeKalb County High School Friday night for graduation to celebrate their accomplishments and to begin a new journey in life.

Although schools were closed after March 16, a plan was put in place for students to complete their academic work remotely

2020 DCHS Graduation Part 1 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“Congratulations Class of 2020. It has definitely been a unique journey for you guys to get to this day and we are honored to get to be a part of it with you. Obviously, you guys have missed several exciting and fun experiences and a lot of good memories that most graduating seniors get to enjoy. We are truly sorry. But just think of all the good stories that you will have to tell your children and your grandchildren. All you’ll have to do is just say ‘let me tell you about my senior year in high school” and they won’t believe it,” said DCHS Principal Randy Jennings.

2020 DCHS Graduation Part 2 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“ On behalf of the faculty and staff of DeKalb County High School as well as the Director of Schools Patrick Cripps and the DeKalb County School Board members we would like to take this time to thank each of you for your attendance here tonight to show your continued support for these students as they reach this milestone,” Jennings added.

“Congratulations class, You have experienced a time like none other. You have gone through ups and downs your senior year and the one thing I hope you learn from it is to live in the moment. Always give your all so you don’t ever have any regrets,” said Director of Schools Patrick Cripps.

Director Cripps also recognized long time DCHS teachers Walteen Parker and Susan Hinton who have retired from the DeKalb County School System. “ You have always been part of our family and we thank you for all your hard work and the dedication you have given not only to the DeKalb County School System but to our students and our county. You have made it a better place,” he said.

Three of the most outstanding members of the class were singled out for special recognition Friday night during the commencement. This year’s White Rose Awards went to Isaac Cross and Holly Evans and the Citizenship Award was presented to Raiden Martin.

The White Rose is presented to a boy and girl from the senior class with strong academic performance and contribution to the school and community and exemplary moral character.

The Citizenship Award is given to a student in the senior class who exemplifies strong academic performance and contribution to the school and community.

The honors, distinction, top rank, and service students were also recognized during the program.

A total of 166 graduates walked the line to receive their diplomas during the commencement, each one shaking hands and posing for pictures with Principal Jennings as their names were called.

In her remarks, Valedictorian Anna Chew challenged her classmates to “cherish every moment”.

“Now to you, Class of 2020, you are strong, you are resilient, and I am so proud of each and every one of you. We have spent the past twelve years growing and learning in this school system and I hate that this is the ending we got. Since the first day of freshman year, when we walked down that red carpet for the first time, we have been told not to wish our high school years away. Only now, standing here, do I realize how true that statement actually is. I am so grateful for the memories I have here at DeKalb County High School, and I will hold onto them forever. My advice to you Class of 2020, is to cherish every moment you have,” said Chew.

“It is more than okay to look back and reminisce on the times we have had here but the time has come for us to move forward and we are ready. This place has shaped and molded us into young adults who are ready to take on the world. I believe we all have a very bright future ahead of us and we have the potential to make a huge impact on the world. Our futures are entirely in our hands and we have the power to make it whatever we want. To truly make our future what we want it to be though, we must work hard and we must never quit pushing forward. Nothing worth having in life is going to come easy but the reward will absolutely be worth the process. Class of 2020 I encourage you to work hard, do great things, and show the world what we are made of. In the words of Winnie the Pooh, how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. Thank you DeKalb County High School for giving me something that makes saying goodbye so hard. Congratulations Class of 2020,” Chew concluded.

Class President Hannah McBride began her remarks by recognizing members of the class who are enlisting in the US military.

“Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and willingness to serve your country. We wish you all the best, and I hope you all know you’re in our hearts and prayers, always,” said McBride.

Quoting the late Fred Rogers of the famed long running children’s TV program “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, McBride urged the class to “think of the people who have loved you into existence. Those people are incredibly proud of you. We have all arrived at this momentous night sharing it with those who are going to or already have changed us. As we grow old, we will forget a lot but we will never forget the people who have changed us”.

“You have all worked hard. It is amazing to see how far all of us have come. The world has not stood still for us. If anything, it feels like the years are flying by faster. No matter what life throws our way, we must press on and, while we’re at it, try to make the world a better place. Go forward with determination, strength, and kindness in your heart. Don’t lose the sense of wonder and curiosity. See what wonderful things the world has in store for you. Go on out there, be a good neighbor, and an inspiration to those around you. I am so proud of each and every one of you, and I cannot wait to see where God takes you. Congratulations,” said McBride.

The following students were recognized as having met the requirement for Tennessee State Distinction by having a B average and meeting at least one of the following: Earned a nationally recognized industry certification, participated in at least one of the Governor’s Schools, participated in one of the state’s All State Musical Organizations, been selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist, attained a composite score of 31 or higher on the ACT or a total SAT score of 1420 or higher, attained a score of 3 or higher on at least two Advanced Placement (AP) exams, earned 12 or more semester hours of postsecondary (dual enrollment credit).

Distinction:
Connor Adcock, Cody Antoniak, Sarette Aranda, Caitlin Bennett, Nicholas Birmingham, Payton Bowman, Meghan Brandt, Eli Cantrell, Jade Cantrell, Sarah Carver, Anna Chew, Caden Close, Emme Colwell, Madeline Cook, Matthew Cook, Isaac Cross, Jadyn Dawson, Justice Dawson, Myla Dilligard, Zackary England, Holly Evans, Brooke Farmer, Tara Floyd, Mackenzie France, Alexis Gammons, Kiersten Griffith, Elizabeth Guinn, Jaley Hale, Peyton Harris, Braedon Jett, Mary King, Karlee Knowles, Katherine Malone, Raiden Martin, Hannah McBride, William Miller, Caitlin Milligan, Alan Munoz, Tanner Myers, Ricky Pack, Kaley Padilla, Madison Paladino, Daniel Puckett, Jake Ramsey, Preston Ray, Rachel Rhody, Cody Robinson, Hunter Robinson, Mya Ruch, Brett Sexton, Benjamin Snipes, Shelby Sprague, Malia Stanley, Alley Sykes, Christian Trail, Connor Vaughn, Darren Waggoner, Megan Walker, Harper Wallace, Justin Washer, Eric Williams, Jocelyn Williams, and Jadyn Young.

For Tennessee State Honors, the following students have met the requirements by meeting all of the ACT or SAT subject area readiness benchmarks. The ACT benchmarks are as follows: English-18, Reading-22, Math-22, and Science-23. The SAT benchmarks are as follows: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing-480 and Math-530

Honors:
Connor Adcock, Cody Antoniak, Blake Barnes, Payton Bowman, Meghan Brandt, Chloe Braswell, Eli Cantrell, Anna Chew, Emme Colwell, Matthew Cook, Isaac Cross, Holly Evans, Makenzie France, Kiersten Griffith, Jacob Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Katherine Malone, Raiden Martin, Hannah McBride, William Miller, Caitlin Milligan, Terry Mitchell, Alan Munoz, Ricky Pack, Kaley Padilla, Madison Paladino, Daniel Puckett, Makenzie Ray, Rachel Rhody, Hunter Robinson, Mya Ruch, Jake Ramsey, Brett Sexton, Benjamin Snipes, Alley Sykes, Megan Walker, Harper Wallace, and Justin Washer.

To be considered for top Rank, students must take at least 10 honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses and students must have a 21 or higher ACT composite score.

Top Rank:
Anna K. Chew, Holly C. Evans, Meghan E. Brandt, Mya K. Ruch, Kiersten E. Griffith, Megan R. Walker, Daniel J. Puckett, Joseph D. Johnson, Jake R. Ramsey, Justin G. Washer, Emme K. Colwell, Alley E. Sykes, Connor B. Adcock, Isaac A. Cross, Benjamin A. Snipes, Harper L. Wallace, Eli C. Cantrell, Rachel A. Rhody, Katherine A. Malone, Mackenzie F. France, Caitlin A. Milligan, Raiden A. Martin, William B. Miller, Ricky P. Pack, Alan D. Munoz, Matthew D. Cook, Payton B. Bowman, Elizabeth G. Guinn, Peyton A. Harris, Hannah E. McBride, Malia N. Stanley, Chloe L. Braswell, Kaley Padilla, Myla N. Dilligard, Cody L. Antoniak, Sophia E. Hofmann, Justise L. Dawson, Noah B. Roberts, Madison R. Paladino, Hunter A. Robinson, Makenzie D. Ray, Alexis J. Gammons, Jadyn P. Dawson, Allison C. Sanders, Mary M. Maple, Braedon C. Jett, Eric G. Williams, Darren C. Waggoner, Logan C. Speaks, Jacob A. Johnson, Tanner C. Myers, Molly M. Carrier, Mattalynn H. Mofield, Elisabeth N. Saylors, Jack C. Famulski.

The following students have volunteered their time for service at least 10 hours per year since starting high school:

Connor Adcock, Payton Bowman, Anna Chew, Dallas Cook, Isaac Cross, AJ Crips, Holly Evans, Peyton Harris, Grace King, Katherine Malone, Madison Paladino, Daniel Puckett, Jake Ramsey, Mya Ruch, Ben Snipes, Christian Trail, and Justin Washer,

The program featured an Invocation by Isaac Cross of the FCA Club. DCHS Guidance Counselor Lori Myrick introduced the honors and distinction students. Guidance Counselor Shelly Painter recognized the Top Rank and Service students in the class. Principal Jennings presented awards to both the Class Valedictorian Chew and the Salutatorian Holly Evans. After the diplomas were presented, the Benediction was delivered to close out the commencement by Mackenzie France, member of the FCA Club.

June 19, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb Animal Coalition and the Burlap Room at Bert Driver Nursery are hosting a pet adoption event on Saturday, June 20

Come meet “Boomer” and “Asher”!

Emmaly Bennett and Jennifer Angaran with Boomer and Asher from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“Boomer is our newest resident at the shelter. He is a one year old lab/blue tick hound mix. Boomer is super fun and he loves other dogs and people. We are working with him on his leash manners right now but he is a really good dog,” said Shelter employee Emmaly Bennett.

“Asher is a two year old mix with the same kind of personality as Boomer. He has been neutered. Asher is super relaxed and loves other dogs and people especially children,” she said.

Come join us Saturday for this adoption event from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Bert Driver Nursery’s Burlap Room. We will have volunteers to walk Boomer and Asher around. We hope to get them adopted,” added Bennett.

This adoption event will be held in conjunction with the Burlap Room’s Summer Solstice Shindig featuring entertainment by East Grass Nash & Soulfish.

The DeKalb Animal Shelter is currently only open by appointment due to Covid-19.

“If you are interested in any of our dogs and cats fill out an adoption application and send it to our email. We will call and set up a time for you to come in and meet your favorite pet and go from there. We are not currently open to the public for in-person visits but all our pets are posted online. Stay up to date with us on our website, facebook page, or Instagram,” said Shelter Director Megan Moore.

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