Tag Archives: Dekalb County

A decision on whether to expand or build a new Dekalb County Jail is coming for the county commission. Sheriff Patrick Ray said the Tennessee Corrections Institute found the jail’s square footage was not up to standards during an inspection last year. Ray said the pandemic set back a CTAS feasibility study while beds are continuing to fill up. “A ... Read More »

The Dekalb County Fire Department is getting a new fire engine and equipment thanks to federal funding. Chief Donny Green said the new engine will be stationed in Liberty. Green said this will replace a 1979 fire engine, which is a help to avoid a vehicle going out of service before it is set to be replaced. “We’ll be doing ... Read More »

T-DOT hopes to award the Highway 56 overpass bridge repair project in the fall. The damage along Interstate 40 is from a truck striking a beam on the bridge at the Smithville exit several weeks ago. T-DOT Spokesperson Rae Anne Bradley said there is no expectation that repairs could close any interstate lanes. “Our goal in this repair project is ... Read More »

Tennessee Parks across the Upper Cumberland are offering volunteer events Saturday for students who need TN Promise service hours. Edgar Evins State Park Manager Brad Halfacre said his park will be cleaning up the Highland Rim Nature Trail on Saturday. Halfacre said flood debris on the trail is the effort they’ve targeted for students. “If I had the choice of ... Read More »

Warmer months means spending more time outdoors, but spending more time outdoors could increase your chances of running into poison ivy. Dekalb County Extension Agent Johnny Barnes said the most common misconception people have about the plant is that just being near it can affect you. “In order for it to kind of have a reaction with you, you do ... Read More »

Center Hill Lake has made its primitive campsite booking available 24/7, with more sites available. Park Ranger Ashley Webster said patrons used to be required to call the park’s resource office but now can visit recreation.gov for bookings. Webster said 11 camping sites in seven areas will be available in 2021. “I know there’s nothing like packing your bag, packing ... Read More »

The Dekalb County 4-H Club is bringing its summer camp back in a new way. Dekalb County 4-H Agent Leigh Fuson said that instead of regular camp, 4-H is going to be bringing the fun directly to the campers with its “Traveling Road Show” style-camp. “They’re going to be packing up a trailer full of activities bringing them to the ... Read More »

Smithville residents have a chance to beat the heat this summer with the city pool opening Friday. Pool Manager Jeania Cawthorn said there will be options for all ages and needs this year at the Smithville Golf Course and Pool. She said the pool was open last year but turnout was low. “It was a crazy summer last year,” Cawthorn ... Read More »

Six Upper Cumberland Counties are seeking damages to their community caused by the opioid epidemic. District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway said he is optimistic about his case against pill manufacturers, distributors and individual doctors. Dunaway said the goal is to hold those named parties accountable for the burden they have put on rural counties. “Reimburse the costs of medical and ... Read More »

Dekalb County High School Principal Randy Jennings has stepped down after 26 years in education. Director of schools Patrick Cripps said he and Jennings go back together as administrators for over a decade. Cripps said Jennings was someone he could count on to bounce ideas and provide a steady force in the system. “You don’t replace Randy Jennings,” Cripps said. ... Read More »