God’s Food Pantry to be Closed Friday, April 3

April 2, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

God’s Food Pantry at 430 East Broad Street, Smithville will not be open this Friday, April 3rd.

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.

April 1, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County now has 5 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus. Eighty five have tested negative as of Friday, April 3.

County Mayor Tim Stribling made the announcement in the following statement.

“I have been notified by the TN Department of Health that there is one more confirmed COVID-19 case in DeKalb County bringing the total of confirmed cases to five as of this date,” said Stribling.

“No one is safe. I cannot stress enough how serious this pandemic is and everyone needs to do their part in helping to limit the spread of this virus. We can’t be doing the kinds of things we were doing a few months ago. Rethink your daily activities. Social distancing is crucial to limiting coronavirus’ spread. Limit exposure. That’s the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This means staying home as much as you can and minimizing contact with others. Public health experts also are advising that people wash their hands often and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces,” Stribling continued.

“We will continue to work closely with the TN Department of Health and all agencies of government at all levels to minimize the impact on the residents of DeKalb County. That has been and continues to be our primary concern. We will get through this together as everyone takes a personal responsibility to do everything they can to protect our county.” he said.

Individuals with specific questions can call the TDH Information line at 877-857-2945 or 931-646-7586.

Meanwhile, the DeKalb County Health Department is continuing to conduct COVID-19 drive thru assessments this week at the health department on Tiger Drive with help from members of the Tennessee National Guard.

Drive thru assessments are being held Monday through Friday each week from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. until further notice.

“If you have symptoms of COVID-19, we encourage you to stop by our health department for an assessment,” said County Mayor Stribling.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html which also has a link to the Center for Disease Control website.

April 1, 2020
By: Bill Conger

DeKalb Middle School teacher Candice Scarbro wants to say a huge thank you to all the people who have helped her family through their horrific ordeal. On March 2, a tornado ripped through her Putnam County neighborhood, leaving the Scarbro’s and her mother-in-law and sister-in-law homeless.

“As we walked out of our home as the sun came up, four of our neighbor’s homes were completely gone,” she remembers. “In the last two weeks, four more [houses] were demolished, and there are several more that need to be. Our house on this side of the neighborhood is the only one still standing.”

Scarbro says the situation has been hard on the family, but they’re thankful to be alive.

“My children are confused and sad to be displaced. This has been a very challenging time for them, but my husband and I know the blessing (miracle really) we were given that day. We have no basement in our home, and we also had no warning before the tornado came.”

Life has been a whirlwind for the tornado survivors over the last month. So much so that the displaced homeowner was unaware of how serious the COVID-19 virus had become.

“The only information I knew about the virus up until a week ago was that people were buying all the toilet paper off the shelves,” says Scarbro. “Tornado victims had no clue of social distancing, especially the first two weeks after the tornado hit. We have given many hugs to our neighbors, volunteers, family, friends, and my DMS family.”

Scarbro and her family are taking precautions now as they and other folks in the Cookeville area continue clean-up efforts that could last weeks or maybe months. They will be in a rented home in Baxter for at least six months while her husband and local contractors David Bilbrey and Bryan King repair and rebuild her home and her mother and sister-in-law’s house.

“Farm Bureau was in our neighborhood the day of the tornado assessing the damage to their customer’s homes and cars. They have been a great insurance company through this experience.”

Scarbro is appreciative of all the help her family has received from Putnam and DeKalb Counties during this unimaginable time.

“Students, teachers, staff, and parent from all the schools in DeKalb have been so giving of supplies needed and financial help. I want to thank [Schools Director] Mr. Patrick Cripps and the DeKalb County Central Office staff and the DeKalb County Retired Teachers Association. I am so grateful to all the people at DeKalb Middle School especially. I have been there for 19 years, and they are my family.”

“The churches in DeKalb County have also been so gracious and giving to our family. “The Go Fund Me account that my college friend set up has been unbelievable. That money will assist in buying new cars for our family. We lost all three of our vehicles in the tornado.”

“My family has truly felt the love and support of DeKalb County here in Cookeville during this difficult time.”

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