Dr. Danielle Judkins Collins has been selected by the Board of Education to become the interim Director of Schools.
During a special called meeting Thursday night, the Board voted 5-2 naming Dr. Collins to succeed Mark Willoughby until a new director is under contract. Dr. Collins, who has served as Federal Programs Supervisor for the school system since February 2008 will keep that position while also serving as interim director. In addition to her regular pay, Dr. Collins will receive a $2,000 per month supplement for her new assignment.
Board members Jerry Wayne Johnson and Danny Parkerson voted against Dr. Collins being named interim director. Both Johnson and Parkerson told WJLE after the meeting that they were not opposed to Dr. Collins personally but felt that no one should be named interim director who might apply when the board conduct’s its search for a new director because it could give that person an unfair advantage over other applicants.
Dr. Collins told WJLE after the meeting that while she is happy to serve on an interim basis, she is undecided on whether to apply for the position long term.
(VIEW VIDEO OF SPECIAL CALLED SCHOOL BOARD MEETING THURSDAY NIGHT TO NAME INTERIM DIRECTOR)

While the board members have not yet adopted a process for conducting a director search, board policy gives them the option of allowing an interim to be a candidate. “An interim director of schools appointed during the time of a search shall not become a candidate unless the Board expressly permits such inclusion in the selection procedures. A board member may not apply for or in any other way be considered for the position of director of schools,” the board policy states.
(VIEW VIDEO OF REGULAR MONTHLY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING THURSDAY NIGHT BELOW)

The policy goes on to say that the Board must develop a procedure for selecting a new director before it begins the search. “Prior to conducting a search to fill the position, the Board shall initially develop the following:
* A job description
* A timeline
* A process for accepting and reviewing applications
* Selection procedures
Prior to becoming Federal Programs Supervisor, Dr. Collins was a 4th grade classroom teacher at Northside Elementary School from August 2000 to February 2008.
Dr. Collins graduated from MTSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education K-8 in December 1999. She earned a Master of Arts Education degree in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Tech University in May 2002. In August 2003, Dr. Collins earned her Ed.S degree in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Tech. She obtained an Ed. D Education degree in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University in May 2007.
Among her many professional accomplishments, Dr. Collins has served as an Adjunct Professor at Tennessee Tech since January 2013.
Meanwhile, during the regular meeting which followed the special meeting Thursday night, a director of school’s monthly personnel report was given by Board Chairman W.J. (Dub) Evins, III.
Those employed since last month are Alyssa Conger, Speech Pathologist and Roy Merriman, Bus Driver. John Ethan Hale was named a substitute. LeVaughnda Midgett, a teacher at Smithville Elementary School, was granted a leave as requested and Jimmy Poss was transferred from a substitute to full time bus driver.

DeKalb County 4-H members recently traveled to the Tennessee Livestock Center in Murfreesboro to compete in the Central Region 4-H Livestock Judging competition. Participants included Kayla Belk, Caitlyn Lawrence, Wyatt Martin, and John Puckett. There was tough competition with around 350 competitors from surrounding counties. Caitlyn placed 21st overall and the team placed 20th.
Livestock judging allows young people to develop decision-making skills related to the evaluation of meat animals. They also learn more about the livestock industry. So, how do you “judge” livestock animals exactly? 4-H members learn how to assess the conformation, or body structure, and muscle of different breeds of beef cattle, sheep, goats, and swine in order to know which animals would be best in a breeding program or would make the most profit in a market situation. They also learn how to read and use performance data and genetic information to assist in the selection of breeding livestock. Eight total classes of animals are judged at the contest. 9th-12th grade 4-H members must also be able to explain verbally why they placed the class the way they did as an added challenge.
DeKalb County was well represented at this very competitive event. If you are interested in learning more about livestock judging, or any other 4-H event, please call 615-597-4945 or email lfuson2@utk.edu.
Photo Captions
TOP PHOTO: Livestock Team: DeKalb County 4-H members competed at the Central Region Livestock Judging Contest: Wyatt Martin, John
Puckett, Kayla Bek, and Caitlyn Lawrence
BOTTOM PHOTO: John Puckett studies a market goat class at the Central Region 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.

Twenty-nine members of the DeKalb County High School, Future Business Leaders of America organization attended the Tennessee State Leadership Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee this week. The following members made finals in their event: Julia Little (Public Speaking II), Hannah James (Public Speaking II), Kara Kanipe and Aspen Flarity (Social Media Campaign), and Chloe White and Azya McKoy (Digital Design and Promotion). In addition the following students placed in the top 5 in their event:
•Nicole Atkins, 2nd Place Securities and Investments
•Anna Malone, Keely McKay, and Hailey Walker, 3rd place Chapter Community Service Project.
•Noah Parsley, 3rd Place Future Business Leader
•Heather Scott, 4th Place, Local Chapter Annual Business Report
•Kamien Sparks, 5th Place, Chapter Electronic Scrapbook
Four of these students qualified to compete at the National Leadership Conference in Chicago, Illinois this summer. Nicole Atkins, Anna Malone, Keely McKay, and Hailey Walker will be competing against top students in the nation.
Hannah James, a junior at DCHS was elected to serve as the Tennessee Future Business Leaders of America State Secretary 2015-2016. She will be attending Institute for Leaders to be trained in her office. She will also be attending the National Leadership Conference as a voting delegate for Tennessee.
The Chapter placed 1st in the Books for Tennessee Literacy for collecting 2,790 books. The chapter received the Gold Seal of Merit Award and the Club 50 membership Award for having over 50 members. We received recognition for our donation to March of Dimes, and our donation to all FBLA scholarships.
Pictures:
TOP: Noah Parsley
MIDDLE: Mrs. Marilyn Roberts (Adviser) and Hannah James
BOTTOM: from Left to right: Nicole Atkins, Kamien Sparks, Heather Scott, Anna Malone, Hailey Walker, Keely McKay

The winners of the annual Leadership DeKalb Alumni awards were honored Tuesday night during the Chamber of Commerce Banquet at the DeKalb County Complex.
Jeff Cantrell received the Community Leader of the Year Award and Faye and Jack Underhill were presented the Legacy Leader Award.
The Community Leader of the Year award goes to someone who most emulates the definition of community trustee and servant-leader in his or her recent service to DeKalb County. Nominees are considered who have made a significant and positive impact on the county, specifically during 2014 and in a capacity beyond their professional commitments. The 2014 award was presented to Jeff Cantrell.
“For several years, Jeff has been the backbone of the Farmers’ Market,” said Leadership DeKalb Director Jen Sherwood. ” Not only has he worked tirelessly to produce and present his own beautiful vegetables, he has been the go-to guy to make the Farmers’ Market a huge summer success. For over 20 years Jeff has been growing and selling vegetables, with at least the last 10 years at the Farmers Market. He has been instrumental in the growth the FM has seen in recent years, as the county complex was built and the adjacent FM permanent structure was built 3 years ago. The Farmers Market has become a focal point of community partnerships with programming offered by the Justin Potter library, Off the Beaten Path artists, healthy eating workshops and fresh produce cooking demonstrations. Community pride is flourishing and lake visitors flock to this one-of-a-kind, grassroots, family-friendly Saturday morning fun event from April until the last tomatoes and gourds of fall. Jeff is an active member of Whorton Springs Baptist Church. His wife is Deborah Cantrell, works at DTC Communications and is a Leadership DeKalb alum. They have 2 beautiful daughters, ages 19 and 21, roommates and college students at Tennessee Tech. Thank you, Jeff, for being at the helm and for sharing your passion and expertise in growing the Farmers Market over the past several years,” added Sherwood.
The Legacy Award goes to someone who most emulates the definition of community trustee and servant-leader in his or her continued service to DeKalb County. The recipient has made a significant and positive impact on DeKalb County over a considerable period of time and in multiple or lasting ways. This year’s award went to Faye and Jack Underhill. “The Underhill’s have been an instrumental part of one of DeKalb County’s finest traditions: the DeKalb County Fair, “The Grandpa Fair of the South.” Both Jack and Faye have been a part of the fair for decades. They have served in various positions on the fair board, but that is not where you will most likely find Jack and Faye,” said Sherwood. “Their work does not start opening day or end when the trucks and carnival rides move out. They spend many days at the fairgrounds getting everything spruced up for the event. You will find them mowing, cleaning up a building, or anything else that needs to be done. The fair is a huge event for DeKalb County. Many people come back “home” to visit with family and friends during the week of the fair. It is a type of homecoming. What’s vacation for some is when they are hard at work. Jack and Faye’s dedication to this event is immeasurable. Our deepest thanks to the Underhills for their years of service to the Alexandria community, DeKalb County and our wonderful fair,” Sherwood said.
Meanwhile, Tomomi McDowell McWhirter was presented the Chamber Extra Miler Award which recognizes individuals in the community who have gone the extra mile to make a difference. She has regularly provided music entertainment at Chamber functions
The banquet speaker was Becky Magura, WCTE TV President/CEO.
(Pictured: Photo #1 – Jeff Cantrell, Community Leader of 2014, and Jen Sherwood, Leadership DeKalb director and Photo #2 – Shannon Atkins (LD Class of 2014 president), Faye and Jack Underhill, Legacy Leader winners, and Jen Sherwood, Leadership DeKalb director)

The congregation of Sycamore Baptist Church, along with family and friends, attended a ground-breaking ceremony to commemorate the start of their upcoming expansion. The future addition will include a new fellowship building including a new kitchen. The picturesque country church was established in 1871, and has some member’s families going back for several generations.
“Our church has been working very hard to raise money for this much needed addition,” said member Jean France, “We have had church dinners for the public, yard sales, bake sales, and the ladies and children of our church have even made necklaces to sell. A church cookbook is our next adventure. We are small, but determined.”
The paper bead necklaces that the kids lovingly call “Prayer Chains” are made from the churches recycled bulletins and prayer lists. The beautiful paper beads are strung into one-of-a-kind necklaces that can be purchased for a donation. “Pictures of these necklaces received a great deal of attention when posted to social media recently,” said another member, “We appreciate everyone that has reached out to ask how they can get one. We have set up a link on our Sycamore Baptist Church facebook page to make it easy for people to request a necklace made especially for them. This has given the adults and children so much joy to actively participate in making a difference in the growth of our little church.”
When asked for thoughts on the expansion, Pastor Richard Williams smiled, “I am particularly proud of all that our members have done to help with this vision for growth. They have worked hard, and prayed even harder, to make it happen. God has blessed us and I am happy to see God providing through the help and faith of the congregation.”
The small rural ‘church on the hill’ is located right off Highway 53 between Liberty and Woodbury near the Gassaway Community.
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Photo 1: The congregation of Sycamore Baptist Church proudly attend a ground-breaking ceremony to celebrate the upcoming expansion of their church, founded in 1871.
Photo 3: Pastor Richard Williams of Sycamore Baptist Church stands with his fellow deacons as they break ground for an upcoming addition. (from left to right) Danny Haley, Andy Burklow, Jim Jones, Gerald Petro, Pastor Richard Williams, Joe Bryson, Ken Vickers, and Jimmy Ramsey.
Photo 4: Kennedi Clark of Sycamore Baptist Church shows off a paper bead necklace she made using recycled bulletins. The donations from the jewelry will be used towards the upcoming expansion.
Photo 5: Haley Reynolds holds a handful of paper beads made by the kids and women of Sycamore Baptist Church using recycled bulletins. The beads are strung into necklaces with 100% of all donations supporting their upcoming addition.

Attorneys for both sides in a federal discrimination lawsuit against the Board of Education and Director of Schools are seeking an extension in the discovery deadline and to delay the trial of the case.
In a motion filed April 10, attorneys for Bradley Hendrix and the Board and Director are asking that the trial date be moved from October 20 to on or after December 10 and that the discovery deadline be extended from April 17 to July 7. Andy L. Allman of Allman and Associates of Hendersonville is representing Hendrix while John D. Schwalb of Franklin is the attorney for the Board and Director Mark Willoughby.
The attorneys say they need more time to prepare for the case. A judge has not yet ruled on the motion.
The Motion to Extend the Discovery Deadline and Continue the Trial is as follows:
“Now come the parties and hereby request that the current discovery deadline of April 17, 2015 be extended ninety days to July 7,2015 to provide additional time to finalize written discovery and depose Plaintiff (Hendrix) and Defendant’s witnesses. While the parties have diligently participated in discovery they have been unable to set a schedule for depositions but have identified dates in May and June for that purpose. This extension of time gives rise to the parties’ request for a continuance of the trial, currently set for October 20, 2015.”
“The Parties propose the following deadlines: all written discovery and non-expert depositions shall be completed by July 7, 2015. All discovery-related motions shall be filed by the close of business on July 21, 2015. Dispositive motions shall be due by August 7, 2015 and responses due by August 28, 2015, and any optional reply due by September 11, 2015”
“For the foregoing reasons, the parties respectfully request that the Court grant their motion to extend the discovery and dispositive motion deadlines and continue a trial to a date on or after December 10, 2015.”
Hendrix, a physical education teacher at Smithville Elementary School and a third district county commissioner, filed the lawsuit on May 29, 2014 in federal court
In the lawsuit, Hendrix alleges that he has been “subjected to a continuous and ongoing pattern of harassment and retaliation for his votes as a county commissioner on matters pertaining to the school system”, particularly his vote against purchasing land to build a new high school. According to the lawsuit, “On or about March 2011, the issue of the land purchase and school construction came before the county commission for approval. Hendrix voted against the measure. From that point on, Hendrix was subjected to harassment and retaliation by Mr. Willoughby in his employment”.
Hendrix is suing the Board of Education and Director of Schools, both jointly and severally, seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He also wants a jury to try the case.

A local man has become the first to make application to the city for a certificate of compliance to obtain a retail liquor license.
Jim Smith of 275 Gene Vaughn Road has taken the first step in the process required under the city’s new liquor ordinance for a license, which ultimately must be approved by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Smith, who intends to be the sole proprietor, plans to open a liquor store at 413 East Broad Street under the name “Smithville Discount Wine & Spirits”. The building is currently the location for Clair’s Consignment. Smith is the owner of National Sheet Metal Machine, Incorporated in Morrison.
According to the regulations under the city’s liquor ordinance, applications for a certificate of compliance are to be referred to the Smithville Police Department for investigation and to the city attorney for a review (background check), who have up to thirty days to report their findings to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Once an applicant receives a certificate of compliance from the city, he must then send it to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission as part of the state requirements in making application for a liquor license.
Smith’s application for a certificate of compliance, which was received by the city on April 3, is to be considered by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen at the next regular meeting on Monday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m. at city hall.
All persons wishing to be heard on the certificate of compliance may personally or through counsel appear or submit their views in writing to the City of Smithville at 104 East Main Street, Smithville Tennessee 37166.
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission will consider the application at a later date to be set by the TABC in Nashville. Interested persons may personally or through counsel submit their views in writing by the hearing date to be scheduled by the TABAC
Other conditions set forth in the city liquor ordinance before a certificate of compliance can be issued are as follows:
An applicant must have been a resident of the city for the previous two years or a citizen of the county for three years. Anyone in a partnership must also meet the residency requirements.
No applicant convicted of a felony within ten years of filing an application may be issued a certificate.
There is no limit as to the number of stores that may operate but no retailer shall operate, directly or indirectly, more than one liquor store in the city.
Liquor stores may only be operated in locations zoned for that purpose.
No store may be located in a space of less than 1,500 square feet and the store buildings must be of a permanent type construction.
Liquor stores are required to keep in stock a minimum $150,000 inventory.
Entrances must be on the ground floor, with only one main entrance. If a store is on the corner of two streets, a door opening may be maintained on each such street.
No liquor sales are permitted for consumption on the premises.
No radios, amusement devices, or seating facilities are allowed
In no event may a liquor store be permitted within 400 feet of any hospital, school, church, or other place of public gathering. The distances are to be measured in a straight line from front door to front door. If there is no building on the place of public gathering, the distance must be measured from front door of the liquor store to the nearest property line of the public gathering location.
The ordinance authorizes inspection fees and civil penalties for violations.

A lake house was destroyed by fire early this morning (Tuesday).
Central dispatch received the call at 1:09 a.m.
Lieutenant Brian Williams of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department told WJLE that the residence, located at 287 Crest Drive off Poss Road, belonged to Christy Cantrell.
No one was home at the time of the fire and the cause is undetermined.
According to Lieutenant Williams, a resident who lives in the area looked out and saw a glow in the distance and called 911.
Members of the Short Mountain Highway, Cookeville Highway, and Midway Stations responded along with the tanker and equipment trucks but they could not save the structure. It was already fully involved in flames by the time the firefighters arrived.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb EMS were also on the scene but there were no injuries.

The State House of Representatives and State Senate have adopted resolutions paying tribute to the DCHS Class of 2015 Valedictorian Julia Little and Salutatorian MaKalee Ruch.
The resolutions, signed by Governor Bill Haslam on Monday, April 13, were sponsored in the State House by Representative Mark Pody and co sponsored by Representative Terri Lynn Weaver and were adopted by a vote of 97 to 0 and 31 to 0 in the State Senate.
Little and Ruch will be formally presented copies of the resolutions by Representatives Weaver and Pody and Senator Mae Beavers at a soon to be announced breakfast or luncheon.
The resolution honoring Little is as follows:
“A RESOLUTION to honor and recognize Julia Little, 2015 Valedictorian of DeKalb County High School.
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should pause to pay tribute to those students who, through their natural talents and unflagging commitment to academic excellence, have distinguished themselves in the classroom; and
WHEREAS, Julia Little is one such exceptional student, who was recently named Valedictorian of the 2015 graduating class at DeKalb County High School; and
WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Julia achieved outstanding academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country; and
WHEREAS, in her remarkable high school career, Julia earned an exemplary grade point average while participating in a number of clubs, including Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Science Club, and Spanish Club; and
WHEREAS, Julia’s display of intellectual aptitude and ambition surely bodes well for her future success as a student at Tennessee Technological University; and
WHEREAS, Julia’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for her parents, Scott Little and Kristin Raymond, her school, and her community; and
WHEREAS, Julia Little’s dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the members of this legislative body; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we hereby commend and honor the 2015 DeKalb County High School Valedictorian, Julia Little, on her impressive academic achievement and extend to her our best wishes for a happy, successful future.
The resolution honoring Ruch is as follows:
“A RESOLUTION to honor and recognize Makalee Ruch, 2015 Salutatorian of DeKalb County High School.
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should pause to pay tribute to those students who, through their natural talents and unflagging commitment to academic excellence, have distinguished themselves in the classroom; and
WHEREAS, Makalee Ruch is one such exceptional student, who was recently named Salutatorian of the 2015 graduating class at DeKalb County High School; and
WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Makalee achieved outstanding academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country; and
WHEREAS, in her remarkable high school career, Makalee earned an exemplary grade point average while participating in a number of activities, including being a member of the student council, Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and Science Club; and
WHEREAS, Makalee’s display of intellectual aptitude and ambition surely bodes well for her future success as a student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and
WHEREAS, Makalee’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for her parents, Joe and Melissa Ruch, her school, and her community; and
WHEREAS, Makalee Ruch’s dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the members of this legislative body; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we hereby commend and honor the 2015 DeKalb County High School Salutatorian, Makalee Ruch, on her impressive academic achievement and extend to her our best wishes for a happy, successful future.

The DeKalb County Board of Education is expected to name an Interim Director of Schools Thursday night.
The action will come during a special called meeting set for 6:30 p.m. at the Board of Education building.
The person selected as interim will succeed Mark Willoughby, who will be stepping aside as of the close of business Thursday afternoon under an agreement with the Board of Education.
The school board will be conducting a work session prior to the special meeting Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Meanwhile, the regular monthly school board meeting will follow the special called session at 7:00 p.m.
The agenda is as follows:
Consider and act on approval of 2014-15 Motlow College Dual Credit Agreement
Consider and act on 2015-16 Textbook Adoption (Mathematics)
Building Program Update, School Updates, and Committee Reports. Sean Driver will give an update on the Bulldog Baseball Project
Personnel Report from the Director of Schools
Any other business that may properly come before the Board.
*Request date change for the regular June Board Meeting Date
The consent agenda is as follows:
Consider and act on a request for the DCHS Boys Basketball Team to attend camp at UT Chattanooga June 5-7 or June 8-10
Consider and act on 2014-15 budget amendment for IDEA Preschool Allocation
Consider and act on 2014-15 budget amendment for Federal Programs Allocation
Consider and act on a request for an overnight trip for the DCHS Girls Basketball Team to attend a basketball camp at Ole Miss University June 8-10