News
March 23, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
To combat the growing spread of the coronavirus, County Mayor Tim Stribling is calling on all DeKalb County residents to heed an executive order signed by Governor Bill Lee Sunday limiting social gatherings, dine-in restaurant service, and gym use.
The new regulations are effective at midnight central time on Monday, March 23.
“Although there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within DeKalb County to date this situation is rapidly evolving and threat of this virus is imminent to the citizens of DeKalb County. We possibly could have to take on more restrictions because there are just so many unknown factors in terms of the spread of the virus. Cooperation and social distancing will help slow this spread. I want to make sure that our residents and employees are safe as we work to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and provide essential services. I encourage everyone to follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines and adhere to the executive order of Governor Lee,” said County Mayor Stribling.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created both an economic and a health crisis and our response must continue to address both aspects,” Governor Lee said in a statement. “Our goal is to keep the public, especially vulnerable populations, safe while doing everything possible to keep Tennesseans in a financially stable position”
The executive order prohibits social gatherings of ten or more people and also enacts the following provisions regarding restaurants, bars, and similar food and drink establishments:
•Establishments are to exclusively offer drive-thru, take-out or delivery options to support families, businesses and the food supply chain during this emergency.
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•Establishments may sell alcohol by take-out or delivery (with the purchase of food) in closed containers to those who are age 21 and up.
•Gyms and fitness/exercise centers, or substantially similar facilities, are to temporarily close and suspend in-person services until April 6. In the interim, these businesses are encouraged to pursue digital programming if possible.
The order also pursues additional measures to keep vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying conditions safe.
•Visitation to nursing homes, retirement homes, and long-term care or assisted-living facilities is now limited to visits involving essential care only.
•Businesses are encouraged to enact policies that take extra steps to assist vulnerable populations by considering measures such as shopping hours exclusive from the general public.
“I urge every Tennessean to take these actions seriously – our physical and economic health depend on this as we work to beat COVID-19,” the governor stated.
DTC Signs FCC’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge and Opens WI-FI Spots for Public Use
March 23, 2020
By:
DTC Communications has joined hundreds of companies and utilities across the United States in signing the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Keep Americans Connected Pledge.
In this pledge, DTC has promised to keep open public Wi-Fi spots to the general public. DTC has also pledged not to charge late fees or disconnect customers for specific COVID-19, or Coronavirus related reasons.
DTC has opened public Wi-Fi spots at each of its retail locations and is available for the use of any community member. The “DTC Community Wi-Fi” service may be accessed at no charge using one’s personal device from the safety of their vehicle if they are parked close to the store entrance.
“DTC has always been here to serve others. By joining the FCC’s pledge to “Keep Americans Connected” during these challenging times, we continue a long legacy of putting people first” said Chris Townson, CEO of DTC Communications. “Without question, broadband is a critical and necessary service to provide connectivity and improve the quality of life for our members and the region we serve. We provide service to schools, hospitals, health clinics, small businesses and families that depend on fast reliable internet access and communications services now more than ever.”
DTC has also partnered with several TV networks to provide free previews to all of its TV subscribers. The free preview channels include CNBC, CNN, FOX News, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, MSNBC, Oxygen, Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel.
DTC Communications is a member owned telephone cooperative established in 1951. The cooperative supplies communication and entertainment products and services to residential and business customers primarily throughout Middle Tennessee.
Veteran School Board Member W.J. (Dub) Evins, III Says He Will Not Seek Re-Election
March 23, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
After having served over 34 years on the DeKalb County Board of Education from the 5th district, W.J. (Dub) Evins, III has decided to hand the reigns over to someone else after his term is completed on August 31. He will not be a candidate for re-election on August 6.
“Although I have enjoyed serving on the Board of Education, I feel the time has come for me to devote more time to my family, business and my personal life and well being,” said Evins.
“I am grateful to the people of the 5th district for the opportunity they gave me to serve them all these years. It has been a privilege to have served on the Board of Education with 6 different Superintendents/Directors of Schools and many fellow board members past and present. I believe Director Patrick Cripps and his staff are doing a wonderful job and I expect they will continue to do so. We have a great school system with dedicated employees and it has been my honor to have worked with them,” said Evins.
“While our school system still has challenges to meet, I am proud to say that over the years I have seen many academic and athletic improvements with the changing times and technologies for the betterment of our educational system. Although there are too many of them for me to name here I am glad to have had a part of helping make those happen along with many others. Today our students and teachers are better prepared because of them. My hope is that we can get a new school construction project started soon. I would like to see it approved before I leave office, “ said Evins.
Evins’ has actually served two stints on the Board of Education. His first tenure began in 1978 and covered 18 years. He was re-elected in 1984 and 1990 which in those days were for 6 year terms. After his mother passed away, Evins’ chose not to seek re-election to a fourth term in 1996 but Evins returned to the Board after he was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2004. Evins was elected to a full term later that year and he was re-elected in 2008, 2012, and 2016. Evins also served several years as Chairman of the Board.
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