Billie Ann Tubbs-Trigueros Named DeKalb Democratic Party Chair as Longtime Leader Jordan Wilkins Steps Down

August 29, 2021
By:

After serving as Chairman of the DeKalb County Democratic Party for the last six years, Jordan Wilkins has decided not to seek another term.

Wilkins, who is completing his third term, passed the gavel to his successor Billie Ann Tubbs-Trigueros on Saturday, August 28 at the bi-annual re-organizational convention at the DeKalb County High School.

After the meeting was called to order Chair Wilkins read a prepared statement to the body announcing his decision for the first time. “I want to begin by thanking everyone that has attended our convention this morning. Over the past six years it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as Chair of the DeKalb County Democratic Party. I have enjoyed it and I have made many friends during this time. Some of our party’s accomplishments during my time as Chair include creating new bylaw requirements to ensure that every county commission district had equal gender representation on the executive committee. But we didn’t stop there, we expanded the executive committee to include someone from each precinct and included ethno-racial diversity to ensure that every group in this county has a voice at our leadership table. I had the privilege of recommending four different women to serve on the DeKalb County Election Commission: Mrs. Jackie Smith, the first African American to serve as commissioner, Mrs. Lisa Peterson, a former Administrator of Elections, Mrs. Kim Luton, a lifelong party member, and Mrs. Yvette Carver, the first person from the Alexandria community to serve as commissioner. These appointments were instrumental in their own way and I am proud of the work each of them has done to represent our party. Last but not least I am extremely proud of the diverse range of progressive candidates we have recruited to run for office over the years. Before I became involved there was only one Democratic woman serving locally in elected office. Now we have had two Aldermen, two school board members, and eight county commissioners. I am so thankful to everyone who has stepped up over the years and volunteered their time to help elect Democrats.”

“Being Chair of a political party is very time intensive. I have always tried to make all Democrats feel welcome and involve as many people in party activities as possible. Today begins a new era for DeKalb County Democrats. I am very optimistic about the future of the party and I look forward to assisting party leaders in an advisory role as they work to elect progressive champions up and down the ballot. A lot has changed during the past eight months of my life and it has come to a point in my life where I must focus more of my attention on my career. After much thought I have decided that I will not seek re-election today. I will continue to be very much involved with the Democratic Party as I will be seeking re-election this fall as Chairman of the Tennessee Democratic County Chairs Association, which allows me a seat on the Tennessee Democratic Party State Executive Committee. I appreciate all the support I have received over the years and I hope that support continues for our new Chair,” said Wilkins

Tubbs-Trigueros’ election is historic becoming the first African American to Chair a political party in DeKalb County. In January, Tennessee Democrats elected Hendrell Remus as the first African American to Chair a state political party. Remus was the keynote speaker at the bi-annual re-organizational convention on Saturday.

Meanwhile in addition to Chair Tubbs-Trigueros, others elected to positions on the Executive Committee for 2021-2023 are as follows:

Vice Chair- Harry Lasser
Secretary- Carolyn Hawkins
Treasurer- Lynn Hardiman
1st District- male position vacancy and Donna Davis
2nd District- Jonathan Bradley and Nora Harvey
3rd District- Jack Barton and Tammy George
4th District- Shane Brock and Eileen Stuber
5th District- Darren Dilligard and JoAnne Williams
6th District- Gary Prater and female position vacancy
7th District- Bill Luton and Amanda Blair

Additional Precinct Chairs may be appointed by the Executive Committee this fall after redistricting is completed.

August 28, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

After scoring three touchdowns and shutting out Smith County in the first half, the DeKalb County Tigers held off the Owls in the second half to notch a 33-14 win before a home crowd on the opening night of the 2021 football season Friday evening.

https://www.wjle.com/tiger-talk/

The Tigers (1-0) will now gear up for their first region matchup of the year at Macon County (2-0) on Friday, September 3. Kick-Off will be at 7 p.m. Macon County has defeated East Robertson 34-12 and Westmoreland 14-6. Smith County is 0-2 with losses to Gordonsville 14-0 and DeKalb County 33-14.

The first of DC’s three scores in the first half came with 9:07 left in the opening period as Colby Barnes found the endzone on a 3 yard TD run capping a 53 yard Tiger drive. The PAT attempt failed but DeKalb County took an early 6-0 lead.

Isaac Knowles later scored on a 67 yard punt return followed by a successful extra point kick by Axel Aranda to put the Tigers up 13-0 with 7:28 left in the 1st period.

Diego Coronado took it in from 1 yard out with 9:50 left in the 2nd period capping an 80 yard Tiger drive and following another successful PAT by Axel Aranda, DeKalb County led 20-0.

Smith County scored twice in the second half. The first came on a 15 yard touchdown run by Bryce Currie completing a 47 yard drive with 5:55 left in the 3rd period. Javier Gasper added the extra point and the Owls cut the Tiger lead to 20-7.

Smith County’s Kylan Johnson then scored on a 25 yard run with 9:51 left in the 4th period capping a 71 yard drive. Gasper tacked on the extra point and the Owls trailed 20-14.

The Tiger offense then got hot again. After setting up DC at the Smith County 30 yard line on a kick-off return, Isaac Knowles caught a 30 yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Briz Trapp with 7:56 left in the 4th period. A two point conversion attempt failed but the Tigers extended their lead to 26-14.

The final score of the game came on a 4 yard TD run by Colby Barnes with 3:42 left in the 4th period. Aranda added the extra point and the Tigers won 33-14.

August 27, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Calling all Dog and Cat Lovers!

Adopt dogs and cats at great deals Saturday, August 28 thanks to the Friends of the DeKalb Animal Shelter non-profit organization during an Adopt-A-Thon.

For example, you can adopt “Zoe”, the WJLE/DeKalb Animal Shelter featured “Pet of the Week” for only $60.

“Zoe is a 2-3 year old Pitty Mix. She is a hefty girl but super sweet and she is really great on a leash. Zoe is good with other dogs and people including children and she loves to play. While she has tons of energy she can be just as content sitting around and relaxing. Her adoption fee is $60 during the Adopt-A-Thon Saturday which means Zoe will be spayed and brought up to date on all vaccines. She will also be microchipped, heartworm screened, and will get her flea and tick prevention treatments all for $60. In fact, our “Friends Of” Organization has reduced the adoption prices for all cats and dogs Saturday, August 28 only,” said Shelter Director Emmaly Bennett.

“If you are interested go to our website at https://www.dekalbanimalshelter.com/ and look for Zoe under the adoptable pet tab. Fill out that application and we will call you for an appointment to come in and meet her,” said Bennett.

For more information phone 615-597-3647.

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