Bulldogs Take a Bite out of Bullying

October 29, 2023
By: Bill Conger

DeKalb West School turned one of the annual fundraisers—“Run for the Dogs” —into an opportunity to bring awareness to bullying prevention.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month so prior to the start of each grade band beginning its run, an announcement was made encouraging students to “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully.” Students carried posters proclaiming heartfelt slogans like “Bullying is Out, Kindness is In,” “Together We Can Make a World Without Bullying a Reality,” and “Bullying. Not Cool. Not Okay. Not Accepted.”

Coordinated by DWS PTO, the Bulldog Run brought in $6,804. $1,500 of which will be used for capital improvements to the school with a focus on the playground.

PTO President Shelly Barnes says, “This event is more than a fundraiser. It is a time when students can gather and celebrate the spirit of their school. Featuring National Bullying Prevention Month was a great way to encourage students to show kindness to one another. We are grateful for the support from parents, family members, friends, and community members.”

Kindergarten teacher Tonya Ellis’ class raised $785 the most among the PreK-K group, Susan West’s first grade raised the most money from the 1st and 2nd grades with $725 total. In the 3rd through 5th grade category, Jessica Antoniak’s 3rd grade class raised $580, and among the middle school grades 7th grade teacher Leslie Moore’s room had the highest total with an even $200. 1st grade teacher Crystal Barnes’ room raised the most money schoolwide with $830.

Students who raised the most money from their grade band were Pre-K student Anderson Sliger in the Pre-K-K band, Avayah Cook in the 1st-2nd grade band, Sydney Turner in the 3rd-5th grade band, and Billy Clark in the 6th-8th grade band. Rusty Chapman raised the most of any students with $400. Each student who raised $100 was entered into a drawing for a prize. Emma Sharp was the drawing winner.

Sponsors for the event were Prichard’s Food, Liberty State Bank in Alexandria, and Luke Prichard Excavating and Trucking, LLC.

DeKalb West School students also created artwork for Bully Prevention Month, and many of their posters are currently hanging in the stores of downtown Smithville merchants. Students also recorded bullying prevention public service announcements that were broadcast at various times over WJLE AM-FM.

October 29, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

A 69-year-old, Cannon County man drowned Saturday on the Caney Fork River in DeKalb County.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) officers responded to a call of an overturned kayak just after 11:00 a.m. (CDT).

The man , Robert Lester and his wife, from Auburntown left the Buffalo Valley Boat Ramp by kayak. The man’s kayak struck a tree and flipped. Rescuers searched the area, and the body was found in eight feet of water by Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter, less than 100 yards from where the man overturned. DeKalb County Sheriff, DeKalb County Rescue, Smith County Rescue, The Army Corp of Engineers, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol assisted in rescue efforts.

The man was not wearing a lifejacket. His body was recovered and taken to Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital. This incident remains under investigation. Mrs. Lester, in a separate kayak at the time, was not injured.

October 29, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

The Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree & Crafts Festival is getting a new cover (canopy/awning) for its stage thanks to a $75,000 Tourism Enhancement Grant from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

The Jamboree has been without one since 2019 when a summer storm just days before the annual festival blew down and damaged the canopy and support beams.
A total of 29 communities across the state were awarded a share of $2.22 million in Tourism Enhance Grants.

The City of Smithville applied for the grant on behalf of the Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree & Crafts Festival Board of Directors. The $7,500 local matching portion of the grant will be funded by the Jamboree Board. There will be no cost to the city.

“We are so excited to finally get the cover back for the Jamboree stage to shade the singers, musicians, and dancers during their competitions,” said Kim Driver Luton, Jamboree Board President. “We also want to thank the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen for their support in helping the Jamboree Board secure this grant funding,” she added.

“The Fiddlers Jamboree and Crafts Festival is Smithville’s largest summer tourist attraction and the Aldermen and I are happy that we could show our support for it in this manner. I know the stage cover will be a great asset to the Jamboree for years to come,” said Mayor Josh Miller.

Tennessee’s Tourism Enhancement Grants support cities and counties seeking to invest in their local tourism assets, lift visitation and increase economic impact. Eligible projects include stages, signage, historic preservation, ADA compliancy and other improvements to local attractions and venues.

“Tourism is vital for the growth and sustainability of communities throughout Tennessee, especially in our rural communities,” said Melanie Beauchamp, Assistant Commissioner of Rural Tourism and Outreach, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “These projects create opportunities for visitors, enhance the quality of life for residents and ultimately, bring more funds back into the communities.”

“We’ve seen first-hand how tourism can transform communities,” added Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Tourism development is economic development, and these investments are essential to Governor Lee’s mission to expand opportunity for rural Tennesseans.”

ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality.

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