Be Alert for Children Loading and Unloading from School Buses

August 5, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

The Smithville Police Department is asking for your help to ensure the safety of the children when entering and exiting the school bus.

Concerns are often expressed to the local law enforcement, bus transportation department, and school administrators about vehicles driving recklessly or passing school buses when bus lights are flashing. Essentially, there are two types of drivers who pass buses: those who intentionally pass a bus illegally and those who are oblivious of the school bus. State law makes no distinction.

According to state law, it is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000. A conviction of passing a stopped school bus will also result in eight points being attached to the offender’s license, with only 12 points necessary to result in a license suspension.

Under Tennessee law, drivers are required to stop when red school bus lights are flashing, even if they’re traveling in the opposite direction regardless of two or four lanes.

Yellow lights: A bus is preparing to stop. It is illegal to pass a school bus from behind when yellow lights are flashing. When approaching a school bus traveling in the opposite direction, a driver must slow the vehicle to 20 miles per hour or less when yellow lights are seen.

Red lights: Every driver must stop. When the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, this indicates that the bus has stopped and that children are now getting on or off the bus.

Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red flashing lights are turned off, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they start driving again. When a school bus is stopped at an intersection to load and unload children, drivers from all directions are required to stop until the bus resumes motion.

The Smithville Police Department will be monitoring traffic especially in the morning and afternoons in the school zones.

August 4, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Democratic Party will hold a Biennial Reorganization Convention to elect leaders on Saturday, August 28, 2021. The meeting will take place at the DeKalb County High School cafeteria, 1130 W Broad St, Smithville, TN 37166. Doors open for registration at 10:00 a.m., convention start time is 10:30 a.m.

Local Democrats will elect a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Committee members (two from each county commission district) for a two-year term. All Democrats who are registered voters of DeKalb County are urged to attend to discuss the party’s agenda and events for 2021-2022.

The County Party Reorganization Convention welcomes all DeKalb County Democrats. Attendees should arrive early to complete credentialing forms and be admitted to the convention prior to 10:30 a.m., when the convention will begin.

Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus will be the keynote speaker. Refreshments will be served and music provided.

August 3, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

A Blood Assurance Drive will be held Saturday, August 28 in memory of the late SFC Tyler Durden from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the parking lot of the DeKalb County Complex in Smithville.

Sergeant Durden served his country for 17 years in the United States Army.

All donors will be given a FREE “Adventures Begins” cooler bag and those who donate twice will be entered for chance to win a side-by side.

To schedule an appointment, go to Bloodassurance.org/tyler or contact Jessica Anderson at 615-318-3974 or gatorfan_jessica@yahoocom.

Please remember to EAT A GOOD MEAL, drink additional water, avoid high energy drinks and bring a photo ID. Blood Assurance is the SOLE blood provider for our local hospitals

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