Weekly Drive Through Food Distribution for Students to Continue

April 17, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County School system’s drive through “meals for kids” program on Mondays and Thursdays will be extended at least a few more weeks.

The weekly food distribution began last month after schools were closed due to COVID-19. The idea was to ensure that children and teens had plenty to eat while at home until schools re-opened. With the Governor’s recommendation that schools remain closed for the remainder of this academic year, DeKalb County will continue the food drive at least into the month of May on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon at DeKalb Middle School, DCHS, and DeKalb West School.

The food boxes on Mondays are good for a three day supply and a two day supply on Thursdays. Students being served must be inside the vehicles driving through the pickup line. Meals must be taken home and should be refrigerated until served.

“We appreciate the way our community has come through and supported us with this. We are serving a little over 900 kids each day out of 2,700 students in our district so about 30% of our kids are coming through each day,” said Director of Schools Patrick Cripps.

“The churches especially have helped support us with our food program and not just monetarily but in the time they have put in packing and passing out food bags. They were on board from the get go and I can’t say enough about their support. Its great to know we have people who love kids and are praying for them and the school system because they know this is totally new and has brought on stress for parents, kids, and teachers who have to get lesson plans together to teach on line or through other contact with students who had packets of lesson plans sent home to them,” said Director Cripps.

“Other community people who have supported us include County Mayor Tim Stribling, Smithville Mayor Josh Miller, Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins and his officers, Sheriff Patrick Ray and School Resource Officers, Alexandria Police Chief Chris Russell, and Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker, along with many more.

“Chief Collins has had three or four officers working this area (DMS/DCHS) every Monday and Thursday making sure everyone is safe getting in and out of the parking lot onto the highway,” Cripps continued.

“I also want to thank School Nutrition Supervisor Amy Lattimore and our cafeteria staff, managers, and cooks who come in and work every Monday and Thursday to get this food ready to go out. They have done a fantastic job helping feed these kids,” said Cripps.

Not only is the food distribution helping students with their nutrition needs, Director Cripps said it is helpful in other ways.

“When these little kids come through the line, many of them get excited when they see their principals waiting to serve them and it means a lot to us as administrators. Its important for us to help see to their safety and social emotional well being,” he said.

April 16, 2020
By:

Following discussions with DeKalb County Schools Leadership, DTC Communications will offer free drive-up Wi-Fi hotspots for use by students and teachers at DeKalb County Schools. The decision aligns with DTC’s earlier commitment to honor the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Keep Americans Connected Pledge during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The service may be accessed at no charge using one’s personal or school provided device from the safety of their vehicle if they are parked close to DeKalb County High School, Northside Elementary, or the DeKalb West School.

DTC previously opened free public Wi-Fi hotspots to the general public at the company’s retail locations, and each remains available for the use of any community member.

DTC also pledged to forego late fees and not disconnect customers for specific COVID-19 or Coronavirus related reasons.

“DTC Communications is proud to continue its support of the DeKalb County School District by providing additional connectivity at no cost for students and faculty. Mr. Cripps, the school board, and system leadership are working diligently to serve our students, families, and system employees. The DTC board of directors and employees are thankful to support our school system and communities in this manner as we work together during this challenging time.” said Chris Townson, CEO of DTC Communications.

“I can’t thank DTC enough. This is another community resource that is stepping up for our kids. It’s awesome to see the love being shown to our kids. We will forever be grateful for that. It gives kids that don’t have access to the Internet the ability to drive or ride with someone into a school and they will be able to hook up to Wi-Fi,” said Director of Schools Patrick Cripps.

Throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, DTC Communications has remained committed to supporting their members, customers, and the communities which the cooperative serves.

DTC Communications is a member owned telecommunications cooperative established in 1951. DTC provides world-class broadband and technology solutions to improve the quality of life of our members and communities in the regions we serve.

April 16, 2020
By:

Have you received your coronavirus stimulus relief check yet?

The first wave of checks have been deposited into some bank accounts, according to the IRS. Millions more can expect to receive theirs in the coming weeks as part of the $2.2 trillion stimulus bill passed to aid Americans suffering financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

To help taxpayers check the status of their payment, the IRS is rolling out a tracking tool called “Get My Payment” by April 17. The tool will also let users update their direct deposit information with the IRS.
The agency also unveiled an online tool for low-income Americans who do not typically file taxes to enter their banking information to receive a payment.

The checks, worth $1,200 for individuals with adjusted gross income below $75,000 and $2,400 for couples earning below $150,000, are part of the federal government’s response to unprecedented unemployment levels and financial strain caused by Covid-19.

Those who filed 2018 or 2019 returns and authorized direct deposit from the IRS will be paid first. The U.S. Treasury Department announced Monday that tens of millions of Americans should receive their deposits by Wednesday, April 15, and the department “expects a large majority of eligible Americans will receive Economic Impact Payments within the next two weeks.”

It will take much longer for others, including those who do not typically file returns or opt to receive paper checks. Paper checks won’t start being mailed until the beginning of May, according to a memo from the US House Ways and Means Committee, and the IRS plans to prioritize sending those checks to lower income households first.

And remember: Scammers are already trying to cash in on the stimulus payments. Be on high alert.

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