Tag Archives: Dekalb County

All three tornado sirens in Smithville passed their test during Tuesday’s tornado warning. EMA Director Charlie Parker said the sirens are activated automatically when they are within the National Weather Service’s polygon area. Prior to adding two new sirens, the existing siren on city hall had to be activated manually. “The first warning issued for Dekalb County was more north, ... Read More »

Dekalb County is currently evaluating storm damages in several areas of the county. EMA Director Charlie Parker said a tornado has not been confirmed but straight line winds did take a definite path. Parker said Alexandria, northern Smithville and Johnsons Chapel took the majority of damages. “The biggest thing has been tree damage, we have some power lines down,” Parker ... Read More »

The enrollment window for Putnam County Schools opens Tuesday for new and returning students. Attendance Supervisor Chris Pierce said this registration welcome window is vital for families with pre-K and kindergarten students. Pierce said that students already in Putnam County pre-K should have a simple registration process if they are attending the school they’re zoned for. “For brand new families ... Read More »

A Dekalb County man arrested Thursday on charges he raped a child. 45-year old David Wayne Nichols faces two counts of rape of a child, one count of aggravated sexual battery. The alleged incident happened in Smithville last August, according to the TBI. Nichols arrested Thursday by Dekalb County Sheriffs Deputies and TBI agents. A Grand Jury issued the indictments ... Read More »

Dekalb County Schools have opened registration for its Summer Learning Camp. The schedule is set for May 25 until June 23 from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Dekalb County Director of Schools Patrick Cripps said anytime students were out of the building, there was learning lost. “We have students that have been remote all year long and then we’ve had ... Read More »

The Smithville-Dekalb County Rescue Squad will go to the county commission to request funding to form a Swift Water Rescue Task Force. Rescue Squad Captain Dustin Johnson said cars being swept off the road from flooding is an increasing issue. Johnson said the rescue squad is going to ask the county for $18,000. “What we’re trying to do is, we’re ... Read More »

Employees of the Dekalb County Animal Shelter want a decision on how service can be provided to both Smithville and the county. Director Megan Moore said previously, the shelter worked in both areas. Then, Smithville Board of Alderman limited service to the city limits. The action was taken following an October work session with the Dekalb Animal Coalition. Moore said ... Read More »

The Dekalb County Chick Chain registration is open for kids looking to learn about raising livestock. Dekalb County 4-H Extension Agent Leigh Fuson said any 4th through 12th grader can register to receive and raise 15 baby chicks. Fuson said the chick chain gives kids a glimpse into the work it takes to raise an animal for the Agriculture industry. ... Read More »

More copies of the book Under The Lake are now available. The book is a collection of photos, stories and genealogy before the Center Hill Dam was built in the 1940’s. Co-Author Carol Williams said capturing the people’s history before the area was flooded should not be lost to history. “The history needs to be kept, we need to know ... Read More »

Dekalb County Schools will be fully virtual this week, after staffing shortages forced the school system to extend past the original December 11 return date. School Director Patrick Cripps said schools were already short on substitute teachers when Dekalb County High School was the only school going fully virtual last week. Cripps said the system tried shifting staff to other ... Read More »