Sheriff Completes First Ever Citizens Academy (VIEW VIDEO HERE)

April 4, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Members of the DeKalb County Commission and County Mayor recently took advantage of an opportunity to get a closer look at the operation of the Sheriff’s Department and Jail.

IMG_2307 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

Sheriff Patrick Ray has just completed his first ever Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, an eight week class intended to foster better communications between citizens and the Sheriff’s Department through education on the day to day operations. A graduation ceremony was held on the last night of the course.

The next session will be opened up to citizens from across the county who want to participate but Sheriff Ray wanted to make the first class available to the county mayor and county commission.

The course covers simunition firearms training, investigations, traffic stops, and other subjects. Participants even get to ride along with a deputy for a night.

The classes meet once a week for three hours each night over an eight week period.

The first Sheriff’s Citizens Academy was sponsored by Foutch Industries, IWC of Cookeville, Dr. Pepper Bottling Company of McMinnville, HIS Pharmacy, and Prichards Foods in Alexandria.

Sheriff Ray addressed the graduates of the course by first expressing appreciation to his staff and partners in the Citizens Academy.

“I want to thank my staff. To the group of guys who have worked very hard almost every day in the last 8 weeks and made your training possible, Chief Deputy Robert Patrick, Detective Stephen Barrett, Detective Brian Williams and Detective Billy Tiner” said Sheriff Ray.

“I also want to thank our group of speakers and role players, Criminal Court Judge Gary McKenzie, Assistant District Attorney General Stephanie Johnson, Parole and Probation Officer Holly Bough, Parole and Probation Officer Tiffany Dodson, Patrol Sgt. Michael Trusty, SRO Lewis Carrick, Deputy Andrew Lawrence, Deputy Brandon Deffendoll, Deputy Matt Summers, Deputy Joe Pack, Jail Sgt. Anthony Boyd, Warrants Clerk Samantha Halfacre and Jail Cook Amie Buchanan,” said Sheriff Ray.

The following is Sheriff Ray’s address to the class:

“Graduates, I have enjoyed the time we have spent together over the last 8 weeks.

One of my goals for this Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy is to try to bridge the gap of misunderstanding and confusion between the public and Law Enforcement.

I wanted to start our first Citizen’s Academy with you, the members of the county commission, the County Mayor, his staff and a prosecutor with the District Attorney’s Office.

By doing this, it allows each of you to see how the Sheriff’s Department works in-depth on a day to day bases.

You, members of the county commission, are the voice for people who live in your district in our County. When it comes to crime issues and the safety of the people in your district who elected you, you are the one responsible for this.

Not only does your voice speak for your people who live in your district, but your voice also speaks for each employee of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. Your voice determines the employee’s livelihood, their career, and most importantly, their safety.

What you have experienced through this Academy will be what the public sees, hears, and also makes opinions of when they go through future academy’s here.

I hope we have answered any questions you have had. I also hope we have opened your eyes to the dangers that we in law enforcement face each and every day. All of what you have learned over the last 8 weeks may assist you in answering questions about the Sheriff’s Department to the citizens in your respected districts.

If my office or I can ever assist you with anything, please ask.

I will leave you with this:

I have worked at this Department for over 26 years of my 30 year law enforcement career. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department has been my life. I love this Department from the bottom of my heart and I want to see good and positive things happen for the employees of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.

I try very hard each and every day to be a strong leader with good morals for my department. I have tried to equip each officer with the knowledge and tools of our trade.

I always want to keep my employees concerns about their safety and wellbeing at the forefront of my discussions with you as county commissioners. I try to remember this simple saying.

A leader who refuses to listen to his employees will eventually have employees with nothing to say.

I am also a believer that each and every law enforcement officer and correctional officer is a calling from GOD.

My Bible speaks of them

Matthew 5:9 says:

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Thank you so much again for attending our academy! GOD BLESS each and every one of you and we all appreciate your willingness to serve in your respected positions,” said Sheriff Ray.

(Pictured in the front row: Sheriff Patrick Ray, County Mayor Tim Stribling, Commissioner Sabrina Farler, County Mayor Secretary Ronda Butler, County Mayor Secretary Kristie Nokes, Commissioner Beth Pafford, Traci Davison, Commissioner Jenny Trapp, Commissioner Anita Puckett, Assistant District Attorney General Stephanie Johnson, Commissioner Julie Young. Back Row: Detective Stephen Barrett, Commissioner Matt Adcock, Commissioner Bobby Johnson, Chief Deputy Robert Patrick, Detective Brian Williams, Detective Billy Tiner)

April 3, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The Annual Celebration of Spring and Easter Egg Hunt at Edgar Evins State Park, Silver Point, on April 13th will be a day of outdoor fun for individuals and families. This year everything will be at the Peninsula and the nearby Courtesy Boat Dock except the hikes. Pick and choose the offerings that interest you.

The first event will be a guided wildflower hike at 9:00 A.M. on the Highland Rim Nature Trail, next to the office. A second hike will begin at 1 P.M., same place. Both hikes will be led by a park ranger or the assistant State Naturalist. Beginning at 10 A.M. there will be live entertainment, including wild animal presentations and the Cannon Arts Dance Studio. Face painting and boat rides will also be available. There are many picnic tables scattered throughout the park to enjoy a sit-down meal brought from home, at the park or from big Rock Market across the road. Youngsters may hunt Easter Eggs at 2 P.M. with an Easter Bunny on-hand for picture opportunities.

On-site reservations for the approximately 45-minute boat rides ($5) will be on a first come, first serve basis. Children must be over 3 years of age and accompanied by an adult to ride on the boats for safety reasons. Most things are free at the celebration but you may wish to bring money for the vendors and boat rides.

This will be the 13th year for this event at Edgar Evins State Park. The Friends of Edgar Evins State Park is an all volunteer organization with the sole purpose of helping the park. Members will be on hand to help park staff and to answer your questions. For more information you may visit the website at www.foeesp.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/friendsofeesp

The park is located at 1630 Edgar Evins Park Road, Silver Point, TN 38582. The entrance is in DeKalb County, on Center Hill Lake, approximately 20 miles north of Smithville, 20 miles west of Cookeville, and 60 miles east of Nashville, across the highway from Big Rock Market and Caney Fork Outdoors. From I-40 take exit 268 at State Hwy. 96 and Center Hill Lake.

For those who wish to make this an overnight or weekend stay, cabins and camping sites may be reserved on-line at http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/edgar-evins or call the park office at (931) 858-2114 or toll free at 1-800-250-8619.

April 3, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Farmers Markets are a Tennessee tradition. Consumers can find almost anything their heart’s desire from fresh fruits and vegetables to fresh flowers and crafts.

The DeKalb County Farmers Market opens for the season this Saturday, April 6 and will be open every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until noon.

IMG_5338 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“We don’t have a lot of produce yet because of the cold weather but we will have some lettuce coming probably in about two to three weeks but for the next three Saturdays we’re doing what is called “Making Memories” and we are featuring all types of plants. What we are saying is buy a plant and give it to someone and after they plant it in their yard every time they walk by it they will think of you,” said Connie Tjarks.

“One of our unique plants this year is the quince which is an extremely old plant. It does have fruit. You can’t eat the fruit off of the bush but you can make the best jelly in the world out of it. We will be able to tell you there (Farmers Market) how to make the jelly,” Tjarks continued.

“We are also changing some rules this year in that we will allow five craft vendors every Saturday however they must make a reservation one week in advance and that is important. You can’t come in that day and say I want a spot. We want to make sure we have spots for everyone and to do that we are asking for an advanced reservation. Its $10 for one week, $20 for a month (4-5 weeks), or $60 for the year. Call 615-215-8867 to make your reservation,” she said.

“We also have some unusual plants this year so get there early because its first come first served. We have some great fruit mint which is quite unique and we will be able to tell you how to use these plants too. We’ll have some pair mint, some beautiful azaleas that are just starting to bud in red and a salmon color, and locally grown blueberry plants about three feet tall ready to go in the ground.”

“We’ll be looking for you this Saturday at the DeKalb County Farmers Market located on East Bryant Street next to DeKalb County Ace Hardware and the County Complex,” added Tjarks.

Support your local farmers and artisans.

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