Stanley to Step Down as Election Administrator

July 10, 2023
By:

After more than 14 years of service, the DeKalb County Administrator of Elections is leaving the post.

Dennis Stanley announced this week he is resigning at the end of August, a date that allows ample time for his successor to be trained and prepared for the 2024 election cycle. The DeKalb County Election Commission is set to name his successor at a regular meeting August 15.

“It has been a joy to serve the people of this county and state,” Stanley said. “With the help of staff, the election commission, and the great election workers, I feel like we have one of the better election offices in the state and I am naturally proud of our accomplishments and our track record. A great deal of credit also goes to Walteen Parker, who served as Chairman of the Election Commission for 14 years.
Working with such an intelligent and dedicated person was a wonderful experience. In fact, all the election commissioners during my 14 years have been easy to work with and had the common goal of doing the right thing.”

While he has no immediate plans, Stanley said he hoped to remain somewhat active in the future.

“I was first calling this a retirement, but it is really more of a semi-retirement,” Stanley said. “In addition to spending time with my lovely wife and family and enjoying my hobby, I’ll continue to be open to the right opportunity down the road. It’s just time to slow down and reflect on how blessed I have been in my life.”

During his tenure in office Stanley was actively involved in the improvement and creation of election laws across the state, having served two separate two-year terms on the Legislative Committee of the Tennessee Association of County Election Officials (TACEO). He also twice served as the Middle Tennessee TACEO Vice President. In 2011 he and a colleague created a “media relations” guide that was presented at the annual training seminar for administrators and continues to be available for reference for new administrators on a state intra-net site.

Technological improvements were also made during his time in office. Stanley was in on the ground floor of understanding the importance of cyber-security; purchased poll pads for electronic voter sign-in on election day; routinely updated office computers; and oversaw the recent purchase of new voting machines to comply with a new state law.

“A former colleague once said he wanted to leave the office in better shape than he found it. That always stuck with me,” Stanley said. “With the help of deputy administrator Tina Gee, the machine technicians, election workers, close friends in the business and the election commission, I think I have accomplished that goal.”

July 8, 2023
By:

The DeKalb County Fire Department and Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad were dispatched to a boat fire at Edgar Evins Marina Friday night at 9:33 p.m.

Initially, the report was the burning vessel was away from other boats and the marina. However, responders received an update that the burning vessel was fully involved with fire and drifting back toward the marina threatening other boats and the marina structure.

As fire and rescue crews arrived, a large cabin cruiser boat was found burning intensely and it had drifted into the “C” pier where flames began to cause damage to four other boats parked in the pier slips. Fire and rescue crews worked quickly to evacuate the pier, access the burning vessel, and attach a tow line to pull it away from the exposed boats and marina pier.

Chief Donny Green expressly wants to commend the Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad for their quick and precise response in towing the burning boat away from the pier and the four boats that had already begun to receive exposure damage.

There was one occupant on the cabin cruiser where the fire began. He was able to escape the boat, but did suffer severe smoke and heat inhalation injuries. The victim was initially treated by Edgar Evins State Park rangers and DeKalb County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and was then transported by air medical helicopter for advanced care.

As a result of the quick actions by the Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad, the fire exposure was alleviated from the four boats that received minor exterior damage, as well as hundreds of other boats and the marina.

Rescue crews towed the burning vessel to the shore and was able to secure it in a manner that prevented the craft from drifting and sinking. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers was notified of the incident.

Other agencies on hand rendering assistance were Edgar Evins State Park rangers, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, DeKalb County EMS, and DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency.

July 7, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

“Lottie” has lots of love to give!

Meet “Lottie” today at the DeKalb Animal Shelter. “Lottie “ is the WJLE featured Pet of the Week!

“Lottie is a one- to two-year-old mixed breed. She is the perfect size, and she has been fixed. Lottie is up to date on all her vaccinations and has been micro-chipped with flea prevention on board. Lottie is one of the sponsored pets by our “friends of” organization so her adoption fee is only $80. She is working on sitting and staying commands and she has become really good on a leash. She has come a long way since she came here. Lottie is a great pet, but she does need to be the only pet in the household,” said shelter director Emmaly Bennett.

“If you are interested in adopting Lottie, please check out the adoptable pet’s link on our website to fill out an application at https://www.dekalbanimalsheltertn.com/ and we will call you to come in and meet her,” said Bennett.

The shelter is open Monday-Friday from 8 to 4 and Saturday from 8 to 12 at 186 Transfer Station Road. Phone 615-597-3647.

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