Tennessee Public Libraries Continue to Serve Despite Building Closures

April 9, 2020
By:

Despite restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many public libraries continue to serve their communities and in partnership with the Tennessee State Library and Archives, are offering several online resources for learning at home, research and entertainment.

“Local libraries provide vital services to their communities,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Thanks to the Tennessee State Library and Archives expansive online resources and the spark of imagination, librarians across the state have found innovative ways to still serve their communities.”

Through curbside pickup services, some libraries are still loaning out books and materials after sanitizing them following CDC guidelines and letting them sit at least 24 hours before lending them again.

In Maryville, children can attend story time with songs and a simple craft project via Facebook Live. The library in White Pine has a cart outside with free puzzles, paperback books and some cleaning supplies available to community members.

While in Pigeon Forge, people who need to file for unemployment can visit the library, don a mask, and enter the library a few at a time to use the computers. Librarians, also wearing a mask and gloves, assist if needed.

Many libraries are still offering free wi-fi. Patrons can access the internet on their smartphone, laptop, or tablet from the safety of their car in the library parking lot. Libraries are also waiving overdue fines for anyone unable to return books and materials.

“Libraries are anchor institutions. In times like these, when the seas of life are rough, we need our anchors,” said State Librarian and Archivist Chuck Sherrill. “Librarians are talented public servants who use their skills to meet community needs. It’s amazing to see their dedication and creativity during this public health crisis.”

Libraries across the state continue to provide online resources around the clock as well. The Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) gives Tennessee residents access to over 400,000 magazines, journals, newspapers, essays, e-books, podcasts, videos, homework help and more. Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. offers more than 100,000 digital e-books, audiobooks, and videos to patrons of regional libraries for free. The TumbleBook Library provides a collection of animated talking picture books, read-along books, e-books, quizzes, puzzles, lesson plans, and educational games for children.

For more information on the resources provided by the Tennessee State Library and Archives visit www.sos.tn.gov/tsla. To find out what services Justin Potter Library is currently offering call 615-597-4359, visit their website or Facebook page. Justin Potter Library is providing curbside pickup, limited copying and faxing services even though the building is closed to the public. Wi-Fi is available at all times.

April 9, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

NO GARBAGE PICKUP IN SMITHVILLE ON GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 10
The City of Smithville will not pick up garbage on Good Friday, April 10th. The Friday routes will be run Monday, April 13 along with the Monday routes.

COVID-19 DRIVE THROUGH ASSESSMENT SITE AT DEKALB HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The DeKalb County Health Department has established a COVID-19 drive through assessment site for county residents at the DeKalb County Health Department, 254 Tiger Drive, Smithville, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm. Additional information about Tennessee’s assessment sites is available for each county on the Tennessee Department of Health website at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov/remote-assessment-sites.html.

DEKALB COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION TO MEET
The DeKalb County Election Commission will meet in regular session Monday, April 13, at 5 p.m. at the DeKalb County Courthouse. The meeting will be held in the first floor courtroom and “best practices” related to the Covid-19 virus will be observed.

EDGAR EVINS STATE PARK CLOSED
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) today announced it will close all 56 Tennessee state parks including Edgar Evins and state-owned state natural areas to the public effective April 4 through April 14, in support of Gov. Bill Lee’s Executive Order 23. This is a complete closure of facilities and access to all Tennessee State Parks and Designated State Natural Areas. “We decided to close the parks in support of Governor Lee’s Executive Order 23,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “The health and safety of Tennessee citizens is all of our top priority right now.” Tennessee State Parks officials will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit www.tnstateparks.com.

GOD’S FOOD PANTRY CLOSED
God’s Food Pantry at 430 East Broad Street, Smithville is closed. In order to assure adherence to CDC Corona Virus COVID-19 guidelines revised food giveaway procedures will be developed to protect both those served and the volunteers. These procedures need to take into account that several hundred people receive food on each of the twice a month scheduled pantry days. “Up to this point, persons have always entered the pantry for their food however, this is no longer viable given the number of persons served. In addition, limited outside space makes it difficult for vehicles to be lined up and loaded with food boxes. In consideration of these issues, a revised system might encompass assigning time slots alphabetically and over a different time frame. We are planning on having a revised system in place for the April 17th scheduled food pantry which will be announced,” said Pat Zornow. “It is important to note that volunteers are still available to provide food. We are asking persons who consider their situation an emergency to please call the pantry at 615-597-4540.and leave a message. Within the past week over 60 families have received emergency food boxes,” she added. “Thank you and we apologize for any inconvenience but everyone’s health is of utmost importance. Remember, call 615-597-4540 and leave a message if you need food now,” Zornow said.

HAVEN OF HOPE COUNSELING STILL SEEKING CLIENTS

Haven of Hope Counseling office is staffed to receive your phone calls and to make teletherapy appointments. Counselors are serving clients through a HIPPA compliant website while the office doors remain closed. However, if the client does not have internet, counselors are talking with them by phone. They know there is a lot of stress related to the coronavirus, and they are here to help. Please call 615-597-4673 if they can be of assistance.

NO TRASH PICKUP IN DOWELLTOWN ON SATURDAYS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Dowelltown Mayor Pam Redmon has announced that the City of Dowelltown will have no trash pickup on Saturdays until further notice. “Do not save your trash. When we resume, only 3 garbage bags per house will be picked up and cannot weigh over 30 pounds. Bags that are torn or not securely closed will not be picked up. We are sorry for this inconvenience and hope this will not last long,” said Mayor Redmon.

CANCER SURVIVORS AND CAREGIVERS RECEPTION DINNER POSTPONED
The annual Cancer Survivors and Caregivers Reception Dinner scheduled for April 16 at the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church Gym has been postponed until further notice.

DEKALB RELAY FOR LIFE POSTPONED
The 23rd annual DeKalb County Relay for Life has been rescheduled for Friday evening, May 29 at Green Brook Park due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s event had been set for Friday, May 1. Anyone wishing to make a donation may send it to Iva Dell Randolph at 787 Keltonburg Road, Smithville 37166.

OLDER AMERICANS DAY CANCELED
Justin Potter Library has canceled the Older American’s Day Celebration that was scheduled for May 6th due to the Covid-19 virus. We have made this decision to make sure our most at risk citizens are kept safe. “We will decide later whether to reschedule this event for this year or wait until next May. We want to thank the businesses and individuals that already have door prizes or items for the goody bags. We ask them to please store them away for use when this event is rescheduled. Thank you for your understanding during this health crisis,” said Library Director Kathy Hendrixson.

SMITHVILLE GOLF COURSE AND GREEN BROOK PARK CLOSED EXCEPT FOR WALKING TRAIL
Smithville Mayor Josh Miller announced Monday that the Municipal Golf Course and Green Brook Park (except for the walking trail) are now closed to the public due to the threat of the COVID-19. “The City of Smithville as far as our government has stepped up. No one is currently allowed in our city buildings and we just made the call to close our golf course. That was a hard decision because it is an open air facility but the golf course is closed. The shelters, playground area, and restrooms are also closed at Green Brook Park but the walking trail will remain open. Again, we are trying to do all we can as a city but we know we can’t make people stay at home. My advice is that if you don’t have to go somewhere, don’t,” said Mayor Miller.

UCDD REMAINS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
The Upper Cumberland Development District office continues to remain closed to the public due to public health concerns related to COVID-19. The staff will continue to assist clients primarily via phone and email. Essential services such as nutrition will continue. Individuals seeking assistance through programs and services offered by UCDD are encouraged to contact the office by calling (931) 432-4111.

UCHRA REMAINS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
All UCHRA offices continue to remain closed to the public due to public health concerns related to COVID-19. The staff will continue to assist clients primarily via phone and email. Individuals seeking assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) should contact their local office via phone. Transit services will continue to operate in order to provide individuals with transportation to and from medical appointments, the grocery store, and other needs. All scheduled commodities events during this time will continue as scheduled. For more information, please contact your local UCHRA office or call (931) 528-1127. To reach UCHRA Transit Services, call 1-833-UC TRIPS (828-7477) or visit www.ucpublictransit.com.

COURTHOUSE AND OFFICES IN COUNTY COMPLEX CLOSED TO IN-PERSON BUSINESS
The DeKalb County Government continues to monitor developments and updates from federal and state public health officials related to the coronavirus. Beginning Friday March 20th, the DeKalb County Courthouse and the main entrance of the County Complex County Offices will be locked in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees are still reporting to work but residents who need to do business with them are urged to call first. Signage is posted on doors with phone number of each office for people to call. They will inform you how your business will be handled. The County Clerk’s drive thru window is open.

MIKE FOSTER MULTI PURPOSE CENTER CLOSED
The Mike Foster Multipurpose Center is closed. This will include the exercise room. If you have rented a room, you can reschedule or request a refund.

DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOLS CLOSED THROUGH FRIDAY, APRIL 24
DeKalb County Schools are closed through Friday, April 24 due to the coronavirus threat. All planned school related trips, extracurricular activities, and sporting events are also canceled during this time.

DEKALB COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM CLOSED
The DeKalb County Library System is closed until further notice, and as deemed appropriate by local, and federal health agencies. “Please know that closing the libraries was not an easy decision, but one that was made to ensure the wellbeing of the community and the library staff during this pandemic.We want to continue to serve the community as long as possible with the following services,” said Library Director Kathy Hendrixson: Wi-Fi will be available outside the buildings as usual. The Tennessee READS Digital Downloads is available at all times for audiobooks, ebooks and other online materials by going to the link on our website at dekalblibraries.net. You need an active library card for use. There are special options on the READS site for those they do not have library cards. The Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) is also available. You can renew and reserve materials by logging into your account on our website or calling the library at 615-597-4359 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm. If you reserve an item we will call you and assign a time for curb side pickup during our revised hours at Justin Potter Library. All items can be returned in our outside book drops. Fines will be waived during the time the libraries are closed for this situation. Please check us out on Facebook for more information,” added Hendrixson.

COUNTY CLERK ENCOURAGES PUBLIC USE OF DRIVE-THROUGH WINDOW FOR SERVICES
County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss reminds patrons that all of its transactions in the County Clerk’s Office will be completed by the drive-thru service beginning today (Friday, March 20). As a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus, we are offering online and drive-thru service for the safety of our customers and employees, based on recommendations from the CDC and the Tennessee Department of Health. We recommend utilizing online services available at www.tncountyclerk.com whenever possible. While DeKalb County Clerk’s office is implementing the CDC’s recommended social distancing practices, we are still committed to serving you. Full staff will continue working normal business hours providing services for both businesses and citizens. In-person services are currently Not available. Please contact our office for assistance. Our phone number is 615-597-5177. We apologize for the inconvenience during this time. Office Hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

DEKALB SENIOR CENTER CLOSED
The DeKalb Senior Center is closed to the public. If you need assistance, call 615-597-7575 and leave a message.

ALEXANDRIA SENIOR CENTER CLOSED
The Alexandria Senior Center is closed

SMITHVILLE CITY HALL BUILDING CLOSED BUT DRIVE-THROUGH WINDOW OPEN
Although Smithville residents will not experience an interruption of city services, they will have to do city hall business at the drive-through window until further notice. The Smithville City Hall building is closed to the public for in-person visits or any business transactions. This will apply to the city hall offices of the mayor, city administrator, public works, police, tax, or water and sewer department. City officials will still be working normal business hours but if you have a need you will have to call city hall at 615-597-4745 or the police department at 615-597-8210 or you may stop by the drive through window to speak to a city employee. Payments may also be made at the drive through window, by phone, at the city hall night depository, or online at www.smithvillecityhall.com.

CIRCUIT COURT CLERK ENCOURAGES PUBLIC USE OF ONLINE SERVICES
DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk Susan Martin is asking that anyone having business with her office please call 615-597-5711 or conduct business online if possible. Customers can do certain business and make payments via the DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk website by clicking the link below and following the prompts. http://www.dekalbtennessee.com/circuitcourtclerk.html

COURTS CLOSED TO IN-PERSON PROCEEDINGS
By order of Tennessee Supreme Court Ruling, In Person Court Proceedings have been temporarily suspended until April 30, 2020. Due to this order In—Person court proceedings and hearings scheduled for this timeframe that are not of an emergent or immediate nature will not be held until after April 30, 2020. If you have an attorney – you should contact your attorney to potentially reschedule your court date. If you feel your matter is an emergency and can’t wait please call the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. This suspension applies to all DeKalb County Courts including General Sessions, Circuit, Chancery, Criminal, Child Support, DCS, Juvenile Court, and the City of Smithville Municipal Court. Also no driver safety school will be held April 2. It has been re-scheduled to May 7. All persons summoned for the new Grand Jury and term of court March 30 will need to call 615-597-5711 extension 6 for further jury information after 5 p.m. April 30.

DEKALB SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT RESTRICTING PUBLIC ACCESS
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is restricting public access to the facility until further notice due to the threat of the coronavirus. “Our number one priority is to prevent possible exposure to staff as well as inmates therefore we have placed the sheriff’s office and jail on a soft lock down which means that the general public will not be able to enter the facility. The front door to the lobby will be locked. Anyone in need of an officer or services such as a warrant must press a button at the front door which will ring for a correctional officer who will meet you at the door to offer assistance,” said Sheriff Patrick Ray. For all non-emergency issues please call 615-597-4935. “Tuesday night church services and family visitations with inmates at the jail will be prohibited except for online visitations and the inmate roadside litter pickup program will be suspended until the threat subsides,” said Sheriff Ray. “Offenders brought into the jail will undergo established protocols during this time and rather than an in court appearance, video conferences will be arranged for defendants needing an immediate hearing before a judge for certain matters such as bond conditions, etc.,” he added.

OTHER CANCELLATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

*The New Union The Baptist Church has canceled all services for the month of April

*All services and meeting at Keltonburg United Methodist Church are cancelled through April 26, 2020.

*Whorton Springs Baptist Church is suspending services until further notice. Sunday Services will be via “FaceBook” Sunday at 11am and by home delivery of DVD’s . Wednesday Night Bible Study will also be conducted on Facebook at 6pm.

*The Keltonburg Missionary Baptist Church has canceled all services until further notice.

*Mount Pisgah Free Will Baptist Church is cancelling all services until further notice

*Temple Independent Missionary Baptist Church is cancelling services until further notice

*The Smithville AG will not be having any services or functions at their physical location through April 30

*Chamber of Commerce Banquet April 30th has been canceled.

The following churches in the Salem Baptist Association have suspended services until further notice:
Shiloh Baptist, Memorial Baptist, Mt Zion Baptist, Wolf Creek Baptist, Dry Creek Baptist, Plainview Baptist, Lakewood Baptist, Indian Creek Baptist Church and Snow Hill Baptist will have drive-in services, Covenant Baptist has a regular Sunday program on WJLE at 10:30 a.m.

The following churches will have services on facebook/live. To watch you need to go to their Facebook page and “like” their page: Dowelltown Baptist, Malone’s Chapel Baptist, Prosperity Baptist, Salem Baptist, Upper Helton Baptist, West Main Baptist, Calvary Baptist, Elizabeth Chapel Baptist, Mt Herman Baptist, New Home Baptist, Outreach Baptist, Smithville First Baptist, Whorton Springs Baptist, Auburn Baptist Church, Woodbury First Baptist, Pleasant View Baptist, and Lakewood Baptist Church will be online via the church website.

April 9, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

A record 950 children and teens were served Monday during the DeKalb County School system’s “meals for kids” program supported also by local churches.

“It was the best turnout we have had so far. Our goal is to make sure every student in our school system has plenty to eat while our schools are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Director of Schools Patrick Cripps.

The drive through food distribution resumes today (Thursday) from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon at DeKalb Middle School, DCHS, and at DeKalb West School.

“We are distributing food boxes on Mondays for a three day supply and a two day supply on Thursdays,” said Director Cripps.

“We will have volunteers distributing the food. As you pull up to the buildings we will hand out food for the numbers of students age 18 and younger who are in the car,” he said.

“Students being served must be inside the vehicles driving through the pickup line according to state and federal guidelines. Meals will be served in a “Drive Through” style. Please stay in your car and follow traffic directions at each site. Meals must be taken home and should be refrigerated until served. Please let us know if your child is part of the Back Pack Program because if so the child will also receive those food supplies on Thursdays. Free meals will be made available each week until at least April 24th,” added Director Cripps.

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