DeKalb School District Names Teachers of the Year at School Level

December 27, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps has announced the 2023-24 Teachers of the Year at the building level of the five schools in the county.

This year’s honorees chosen by their peers are 1st grade teacher, Crystal Barnes at DeKalb West School, Kindergarten teacher Misty Agee at Smithville Elementary School; Kathy Ramsey, 4th grade ELA (English, Language, Arts) and Social Studies Teacher at Northside Elementary School, Lori Hendrix, an 8th grade History teacher at DeKalb Middle School, and Debi DePriest, a government teacher at DeKalb County High School.

These educators have accumulated the following years of teaching experience prior to this year: Barnes-5 years, Agee-17 years, Hendrix- 20 years, Ramsey-11 years, and Depriest-28 years.

“Our district’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors outstanding teachers in DeKalb County. We applaud teachers who care about our children, who devote their professional lives to enriching the lives of DeKalb students, and who demonstrate exceptional gains in student achievement. We are not just exceptionally proud of our Teachers of the Year, but we are also grateful for all of our educators in DeKalb County,” said Director Cripps.

According to Michelle Burklow, Supervisor of Instruction, “Competition for the district-wide John Isabell Teacher of the Year award continues through January and will be announced this spring. Additionally, a DeKalb County teacher will be chosen by a committee to compete at the regional level in March, and if selected the teacher will represent DeKalb County at the state level competition.”

Teachers of the Year are selected competitively through five cycles: Building, System, Field Service Core Center Region, Grand Division and State; and from three categories (levels of teaching); Grades Pre-K-4, 5-8, 9-12.

Teachers selected at each cycle receive local recognition and awards underwritten by local sources. State recognition/awards include a banquet honoring the nine State Teacher of the Year finalists and certificates of appreciation from the governor. In addition, the State Finalists and the State Teacher of the Year receive cash awards.

The Tennessee Teacher of the Year Program is designed to promote effective teaching practices by recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers while encouraging others to join the teaching profession.

December 27, 2023
By:

The DeKalb County Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Christmas eve at around 3:38 a.m. on Old Bildad Road.

Firefighters arrived and determined the occupants had safely evacuated. Fire crews found heavy fire in the laundry room, but made a successful attack and contained the blaze to the laundry room. The remainder of the double wide mobile home received extensive smoke and heat damage. The origin of the fire was determined to be in the clothes dryer.

Approximately two hours after firefighters had left the scene, a passerby discovered flames coming from the home and reported it to DeKalb 911 dispatch. When fire crews arrived the second time, the home had extensive fire throughout and was totally destroyed. None of the surrounding property was damaged.

Responding were the DeKalb Fire Department’s Keltonburg, Belk, Blue Springs, Short Mountain Highway and Main stations along with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb EMS.

December 27, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Two people found with methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and weapons during a traffic stop last Friday, December 22 will make a court appearance on the charges next week.

45-year-old Rachel Lynn Spurlock of West Broad Street, Smithville and 45-year-old Robert Jason Francis of Auburntown are each charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia. Francis is also charged with three counts of firearm possession during a felony, and simple possession of a schedule IV drug (Tramadol).

The bond is $45,000 for Spurlock and $40,000 for Francis. Both will be in court on January 4.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on December 22 a deputy pulled over a purple Ford Ranger for failing to maintain its lane of travel. Both Spurlock and Francis were in the vehicle. During a search, the officer found 8.52 grams of a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine along with four glass pipes with residue, two straws with residue, a spoon, two scales, and 25 small baggies. Francis had in his possession two- 22 caliber revolvers and a 22-caliber long rifle. The officer also found seven white rectangular pills and a clear baggie believed to be Tramadol in Francis’ possession.

27-year-old Bradley Cole Emberton of North Judkins Lane, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court January 11.

Sheriff Ray said that on December 17 Emberton allegedly twice shoved a woman down to the ground and struck her causing bruising to the left side of her face. Her right knee and wrist were also red and her left arm was scraped.

60-year-old Kevin Ray Wilson of Yulonda Hill Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a revoked license. He was also cited for failure to show proof of insurance. Wilson’s bond is $2,500 and he will be in court January 11.

Sheriff Ray said that on December 22 a deputy was patrolling Holmes Creek Road when he spotted an orange Ford Ranger with no tags. He pulled over the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Wilson. A background check through central dispatch revealed that Wilson’s license was suspended. Wilson lost his license on October 8, 2023 for failure to appear.

45-year-old Maranda Oneal Washer of Blue Springs Road, Smithville is charged with domestic assault. Her bond is $3,500 and she will be in court January 4.

Sheriff Ray said that on December 22 a deputy was summoned to a residence on Blue Springs Road to do a welfare check on a woman. Upon arrival he spoke with the woman (victim) and Washer. The officer learned from the victim that Washer struck her on the side of the face during an argument leaving a red mark. The victim further alleged that on Sunday, December 17 Washer also hit her on the side of the face and that the assault was captured on video.

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