Driver and Passengers Escape Car Fire

April 5, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The driver and passengers of a Chrysler escaped unharmed but the car was destroyed in a fire Sunday near the intersection of Jacobs Pillar and Big Woods Road.

Julie Ponder said she was driving along when she smelled something and stopped to investigate. When she opened the car door, Ponder saw flames coming from under the vehicle.

Members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department responded.

DeKalb Firefighter at scene of car fire Sunday at Jacobs Pillar and Big Woods Road (Video by Jim Beshearse) from dwayne page on Vimeo.

April 5, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The “Meals for Kids” drive through distribution will continue this week at DeKalb Middle School, DCHS, and at DeKalb West School.

The effort began two weeks ago at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center and at DeKalb West School but for logistical reasons was changed last week from the church to the schools.

The food pick-up, hosted by the DeKalb County School System with support of local churches will resume Monday and Thursday, April 6 and 9 from 10:30 a.m. until noon at DeKalb Middle School, DCHS, and at DeKalb West School.

“We will be distributing food boxes on Mondays for a three day supply and a two day supply on Thursdays,” said Director of Schools Patrick 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.

April 5, 2020
By: Bill Conger

“The circumstances our families are facing today are unlike anything we have ever had to face in our lifetime.” That’s according to Pamela Hamilton, M.S, MFT, a Marital and Family Therapist at the Haven of Hope, who is referring to the nation’s pandemic.

“One they can focus on the negative, watch the news and flood their homes with horror,” she says. “Or, two focus on the time that each one of us has to increase our relationships with our spouse and children.”

Hamilton reminds families that children may not seem like they’re tuning in to their conversations when they really are.

“The best way to keep children from living in fear is to minimize their intake of news and financial situations which is for the adults in the home,” Hamilton says. “Children will be okay if their parents are okay.”

The Haven of Hope counselor also offers the following tips:

*Spend quality time reading and playing games together. Take a virtual trip. Have a child pick an event. There are many museums, zoos and aquariums that are providing access to places we may not ever be able to see. The family can pin their trips around America on a map and keep track of all the places they have been.

*Plant some seeds and have the family create life right before their eyes. Along with planting seeds add a mustard seed of hope that we as Americans and as a family will be stronger after this is over.

* Create structure. Please take the time to make a schedule which keeps our children on track with their schoolwork. Children need structure to feel safe and secure. Parents need the structure to keep from being overwhelmed. Bedtime is a recharger for children as well as parents.

* When your children are tucked away, relax with your partner. Turn off the TV and talk. Turn on your favorite music and dance. Life is precious and every moment is a gift.

Hamilton says if parents notice behavior changes like aggression or isolation or if parents or children experience nightmares, seek counseling. Due to the COVID-19 virus, restrictions have been relaxed somewhat to allow for more counseling via telehealth.

“You may be required to stay at home, but there are many services you can access from your living room.”

The Haven of Hope is located in Smithville. Call 615-597-4673 for more information or to set up an appointment.

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