City to Give Essential Employees Bonuses Thanks to State COVID Grant Funds

August 1, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

City of Smithville employees are getting a bonus thanks to state COVID relief grant funds.

During Thursday night’s special called meeting, the Smithville Aldermen voted to use a majority of the available $68,000 in grant funding already received for payment of $1,000 in bonuses to each of the city’s full time employees. One part time employee will get a $500 bonus. These employees qualify for the bonuses under the state’s COVID 19 grant funding guidelines as essential workers. The total amount of the bonuses comes to $49,000 including $35,000 for the general fund and $14,000 for the water and sewer fund.

“The City of Smithville just received $68,000 from state Covid money and last month you (aldermen) voted to give our essential employees a bonus (from this money). Anytime I can brag on our employees I want to. They do a good job and I appreciate their service. During Covid they showed up and worked and I am proud of them. I would like to ask that you (aldermen) to put these bonuses in their hands next week out of that state Covid money,” said Mayor Josh Miller.

The vote was 5-0 in favor.

The aldermen also voted to spend $8,500 of the state Covid grant funds to equip a pickup truck being purchased from capital outlay for the fire department. Fire Chief Charlie Parker made the request saying the truck will be used as a command vehicle and for training purposes. It needs to be equipped with lights, siren, and a radio, etc.

Meanwhile the city will also be receiving $1.3 million in grant funds over the next two years under the Federal American Rescue Plan but the money can only be spent according to federal guidelines. At least half of it will be used to replace deteriorating sewer lines.

August 1, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

The “Back to School-Call to Prayer observance will be today (Sunday, August 1) starting at 2 p.m. at the school of your choice where a designated pastor will be waiting to lead you in group prayer. Locations include DeKalb County High School, DeKalb Middle School, Northside Elementary School, Smithville Elementary School, and DeKalb West School. The school buildings will not be open. Groups may meet outside the buildings.

Parents, church leaders, educators, and community leaders are invited to attend. Prayers will be offered for the blessing, safety, and learning for the students and faculty for the school year.

From the beginning, the annual prayer for our schools observance has been held at a central location but that was not possible last year or this year due to COVID-19.

DeKalb County Schools will open for registration Monday, August 2 and the first full day of school will be Wednesday, August 4.

August 1, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

“Bailey” is getting a lot of care and attention at the DeKalb Animal Shelter but what she really needs is a forever home!

This loveable Healer mix is the WJLE/DeKalb Animal Shelter featured “Pet of the Week”.

Bailey was featured on WJLE as a “Pet of the Week” in June. She is still at the shelter and doesn’t have a forever home. If you can please make room for Bailey in your home.

“Bailey is our longest shelter resident right now. She is a one year and eight months old Healer/Hound mix. Bailey has been spayed and is up to date on her vaccinations. She has been micro-chipped and heartworm screened and is in great health. Bailey is wonderful but she needs to be the only dog in the household because she is very dominant and likes to have all the attention but she is super fun, playful and loves kids. She just wants to have all your love and attention,” said Shelter employee Emmaly Bennett.

“If you are interested go to our website at https://www.dekalbanimalshelter.com/ and look for Bailey under the adoptable pet tab. Fill out that application and we will call you for an appointment to come in and meet her,” said Bennett.

For more information phone 615-597-3647.

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