Hundreds Fed on Thanksgiving Thanks to the DeKalb Emergency Services Association

November 26, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Hundreds were fed on Thanksgiving thanks to the generosity of the community and especially local emergency service providers.

The 4th annual effort by the DeKalb Emergency Services Association in partnership with local businesses and volunteers was held to make sure the most needy and underserved among us had a hot delicious meal for Thanksgiving.

Around 570 food trays were prepared and delivered to 190 stops along the route by volunteers. Recipients received a meal of baked ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a roll along with a homemade dessert.

Cooking and food preparation started early Thursday morning at the county complex kitchen. Volunteers then loaded their personal vehicles with food trays and set out to deliver them in time for the recipients’ noon time meal.

Due to COVID-19, the number of people involved in cooking and preparing the food trays was limited and the volunteers wore gloves, masks, and tried to keep separated while working to protect themselves and those being served. The DESA did not accept donations of food this year because of the pandemic. All the food was purchased and prepared at the county complex and totally funded by community cash donations.

A similar meal delivery is planned for Christmas Eve and all families who received a meal Thursday will be on the list to get one on December 24. To get your name on the list, call 615-516-6662 or 615-712-4286.

The DESA would like to thank the community for its support of this effort.

November 26, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Long time assistant DCHS principal David Gash has been appointed as a judicial commissioner.

During Monday night’s monthly meeting, the county commission made the appointment upon the recommendation of the county’s judicial committee, which is made up of Sheriff Patrick Ray, County Mayor Tim Stribling, Circuit Court Clerk Susan Martin, General Sessions/Juvenile Court Judge Bratten Cook, II, and Assistant District Attorney General Greg Strong.

Gash, a 30 year veteran of the school system, is retiring from his assistant principal position.

DeKalb County has three judicial commissioners. The other two, Joy Whitman and Tammy Ashburn, who have served for several years, were re-appointed by the county commission in September upon the recommendation of the judicial committee. Gash will replace Harvey Barnes who had previously served but was not recommended for re-appointment.

Each judicial commissioner is paid $1,048 per month.

Judicial commissioners are responsible for the issuance of criminal arrest warrants upon finding probable cause. They are subject to call at all hours of the day and night. Judicial commissioners serve at the pleasure of the county commission and their terms of office can be one year to four years. Judicial commissioners serve one year terms. Each of them are on call 24 hours a day for one week and then are off for two weeks.

County Mayor Tim Stribling said Monday night that the judicial committee met on November 12 and conducted interviews for the available position. In addition to Gash, Nathan Thomason and Phillip Young had applied and were interviewed. Callie Mullinax had also applied but could not make the interview.

Prior to the vote, 7th District Commissioner Bruce Malone asked if Gash had yet retired so he could perform the duties of judicial commissioner. Gash, who was in the audience, said he could fulfill his obligation.

Commissioner Malone then asked county attorney Hilton Conger if there was any statutory authority for the county to have a judicial committee to recommend judicial commissioner appointments. Malone referenced a state law (TCA 40-1-111) which addresses the General Sessions Judge’s role in making such appointments.

As Conger reviewed the statute, 4th District Commissioner Dr. Scott Little called for the question (a vote) on Gash’s appointment and all 14 commissioners voted in favor of Gash.

November 25, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

*The DeKalb County Libraries will be closed from Thursday, November 26th through Sunday, November 29th for Thanksgiving. The libraries will re-open for curbside and appointment services on Monday, November 30th.

*The DeKalb County Transfer station and all trash collection sites will be closed Thursday November 26, 2020 in observance of Thanksgiving.

*The City of Smithville will have NO garbage pickup on Thursday, November 26 due to Thanksgiving. All Thursday routes for this week will be run Monday, November 30 along with the Monday routes. All Friday garbage pickup routes, November 27 will be run as scheduled.

*The DeKalb County Courthouse, County Complex County Offices, and Senior Center will be closed Thursday November 26 and Friday November 27, 2020 for Thanksgiving. The County Clerk’s office will be closed Saturday, November 28.

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