Sheriff Reports Inmate Death

June 16, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Sheriff Patrick Ray has reported an inmate death.

“On June 15, 2024 at approximately 9:35 pm, DeKalb County Jail Correctional Officers were notified about an Inmate located in the Annex area of the jail needing to see the nurse,” said Sheriff Ray. “Correctional Officers immediately got the inmate to the nurse. While in the nurse’s station, the inmate experienced a medical episode.”

“The Correctional Officers notified Central Dispatch to summon EMS to the jail. The inmate was transported to Ascension St. Thomas Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:33 pm.,” Sheriff Ray explained.

“The inmate is 53-year-old Fredrick Michael Hughes of Barnes Mill Road Smithville.”

“As the DeKalb County Jail’s protocol, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was called to investigate this incident and an autopsy has been ordered”, said Sheriff Ray.

Sheriff Ray added “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Hughes”

June 14, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Seven educators in the DeKalb County School System have been granted tenure by the Board of Education.

The school board took action during its regular monthly meeting Thursday night granting tenure to Crystal Barnes, Rachel Hernandez, Stephanie Turner, Claire Cloyd, Amber Howell, John Pryor, and Stephanie Fuson.

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps said “these teachers have successfully completed the probationary period of five years and received evaluations demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of above or significantly above expectations as required for tenure. It is my recommendation that these teachers be granted tenure”.

Meanwhile Board Chairman Shaun Tubbs commended Director Cripps for having been named recently as the Tennessee Upper Cumberland Regional Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS).

“(School Board members) Mr. Jim Beshearse, Mr. Danny Parkerson and I were part of the vetting process when Mr. Cripps applied for the job as Director,” said Tubbs.

“I know over these years we have watched him grow (as Director) and we have grown with him as a board. I remember when we compiled a list of qualities we were looking for when we hired a director, we wanted someone with integrity, someone who was very knowledgeable of the job, someone who would be fair, transparent, and someone who would put the kids interests first and foremost. I think that’s what we have in Mr. Cripps. He is very deserving of this award. I am glad to call him a friend and colleague. Everyone should be proud to call him our director. Congratulations Mr. Cripps on this award,” said Board Chairman Tubbs.

“Thank you. God blessed me with this position (Director of Schools). I can’t walk through life without him in it. This award is not about me. Its about our employees. It starts from the time a kid is picked up on a school bus until after school programs are concluded at the end of the day. It takes all of us working together. If one link is weak it falls apart. I thank our employees and the board for supporting and working with me. Again, its not about me and never will be,” said Director Cripps.

“We appreciate the job that you do,” added Board Chairman Tubbs.

Cripps has served as DeKalb County Director of Schools since 2015.

June 14, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Area young people ages 8-17 will have a chance to take to the skies on Saturday, June 15 (weather permitting), as the local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1378 hosts a Young Eagles Flight Rally at the Smithville Municipal Airport.

The rally is part of the EAA Young Eagles Program, created to interest young people in aviation.

Children will be taken for a free scenic flight over the lake and the Smithville area from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. First come, first flown. The rides are limited to children only ages 8 to 17. Parent/legal guardian approval and signatures are required.

For more information call 615-330-7576 or email Lonnie.hitchcock@woodsnwings.com

Visit www.eaa.org/eaa/youth

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