U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) is urging the nearly 67,000 Tennesseans with overdue mortgages to contact the HOPE for Homeowners program which could help them refinance their loans.
“With a single phone call, many of the nearly 67,000 Tennesseans facing foreclosure may be able to keep their homes,” Alexander said. “HOPE for Homeowners is a way for homeowners to refinance delinquent mortgages if their lenders agree to participate. This program is a good step toward boosting confidence in the housing market and helping preserve the American dream for the millions of people facing possible foreclosure.”
HOPE for Homeowners, a voluntary initiative to help distressed borrowers refinance their mortgages, was established as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA). Alexander voted for HERA, which was signed into law in July.
This program could help many of the nearly 67,000 Tennesseans who had delinquent mortgages in the second quarter of this year and are at risk of losing their homes to refinance their mortgages if their lenders agree to participate in the program. Only certain owner-occupants would be eligible to refinance their primary residences – no investors or investment properties would qualify. Homeowners must certify that they have not intentionally defaulted on their loans. Loans must have originated earlier than 2008. And borrowers are required to retire any debt on the home (such as a home equity line of credit).
HOPE for Homeowners is temporary, and will run from October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2011.
Alexander said that those in trouble or behind on their mortgage payments should immediately call 1 (800) CALL-FHA, visit www.FHA.gov or speak to a counselor from a local community housing group to determine the best course of action.

Smithville Police have charged two men with assaulting another individual and then stealing money from him on Thursday.
Ricky Shannon Nokes of Pea Ridge Road, Liberty and Johnny Darrell Murphy of Gentry Avenue, Smithville are each charged with assault and theft.
According to Detective Sergeant Jerry Hutchins, Jr. Nokes and Murphy went to the residence of Joshua Patrick to question him about text messages that were being sent to Nokes’ cell phone. After Patrick asked them to leave and told them he was going to call the police, both Nokes and Murphy allegedly began assaulting Patrick and then allegedly took $126 dollars from his wallet.
Patrick, who refused transport to the hospital by EMS, later went to the emergency room by a private vehicle where he was treated and released with minor injuries.
Nokes and Murphy were later arrested. Bond for both is set at $4,000 each. Their court date is October 16th.

The DeKalb County Tigers held off the Upperman Bees 40-37 Friday night in Smithville to run their season record to 6-1.
After the Bees’ opening drive to start the game stalled, the Tigers took the ball and drove 80 yards for their first score of the night on a three yard touchdown run by Matthew Lawrence with 6:17 left in the first period. Zach Taylor’s P.A.T. attempt was no good but the Tigers led 6-0.
The Bees answered, completing a 57 yard drive on a one yard touchdown run by Quarterback Ty Fields with 2:53 left in the first quarter. The P.A.T. kick by Caleb Robichaud was good and the Bees led 7-6
Upperman added another touchdown on the first play of the second quarter on a six yard quarterback keeper by Ty Fields, capping a 50 yard drive. The P.A.T. attempt by Robichaud was no good but Upperman led 13-6 with 11:54 left in the second period.
DeKalb County marched 68 yards on the ensuing drive and regained the lead with 7:42 left in the second quarter as Quarterback Hunter Poteete rambled 16 yards for a touchdown. The two point conversion pass from Poteete to Ryan Leiser was good and DeKalb County grabbed a 14-13 advantage
Upperman mounted another scoring drive before half time and forged ahead 19 to 14 on a six yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ty Fields to J.T. Burgess with 20 seconds left.
It took only two plays and 18 seconds for the Tigers to get on the scoreboard again. After the Upperman touchdown, the Tigers got the ball on their own 38 yard line to start the drive and John Curtis took the pigskin and threw a pass to Abram Edwards. The catch and run covered 51 yards and put the Tigers in scoring position at the Upperman 11 yard line. Quaterback Hunter Poteete then hooked up with Travon Johnson on the next play for an 11 yard touchdown pass with two seconds remaining in the second quarter. Zach Taylor’s P.A.T kick was good and DeKalb led 21 to 19 at half time.
DeKalb County got the ball to open the third quarter and J.J. Herriott returned the kick to the Upperman 28 yard line. The Tigers later capped the drive scoring on a 13 yard quarterback draw by Hunter Poteete with 8:27 left in the period. The P.A.T. attempt was no good but DeKalb County led 27-19.
Upperman cut the Tiger lead on their next drive, moving 87 yards in several plays. Quarterback Ty Fields’ 12 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Strock put the Bees within 2 points at 27 to 25 with 5:04 left in the third quarter after the two point conversion attempt failed.
The Tigers stretched their lead again late in the third period. Matthew Lawrence capped a drive that began at the Tiger 18 yard line on a one yard touchdown run with 1:49 left. The two point conversion attempt failed but DeKalb County led 33 to 25.
Moving to the fourth quarter, the Bees, facing fourth down and three, scored on a 25 yard touchdown pass play from quarterback Ty Fields to an open receiver with 9:17 left in the game. The two point conversion try failed and DeKalb County clung to a 33 to 31 lead.
DeKalb County’s Matthew Lawrence recovered an Upperman on sides kick at the Bees 35 yard line and the Tigers drove for another score. Quarterback Poteete hooked up with Travon Johnson on a 23 yard touchdown pass play with 8:23 left in the game. Zach Taylor’s P.A.T. kick was good and DeKalb County led 40 to 31.
With 54 seconds left in the game, Upperman scored on a one yard touchdown run by quarterback Ty Fields. The two point conversion try failed and DeKalb County went on to win 40 to 37.
DeKalb County will host the Whitehouse Blue Devils next Friday night, October 17th at 7:30 p.m. in Smithville in an important region game. WJLE will have LIVE coverage.

The Coordinated School Health Program is working to help address the wellness of students in the school system.
Deanna Pursinger, Coordinator, updated the school board on services offered under the program during Thursday night’s meeting. “I would like to give just a quick coordinated school health update. All the Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) have been put into all the schools and placed in cabinets close by to the offices. All of our school’s have AED’s. In fact, the high school has two. They have one at the vocational building and we’ve also put one here at the central office.”
” Three of our four nurses have gotten their CPR instructor certification, so that means that they can now teach the CPR classes and get more of our faculty and staff certified which is a goal for coordinated school health this year.”
” Since school has started, we’ve made 70 plus visits to the schools for various reasons.”
” Our health screenings are complete already. And I’d like to mention that those health screenings could not have been completed without partnerships from the community and we formed lots of partnerships to get those completed. Through our health screenings, we’ve identified students in our system with high blood pressure. Those kids have been put on medication. That’s unfortunate for the children, but that’s definitely a positive that’s come out of this program. We’ve had lots of students identified with vision problems. We’ve partnered with the Lion’s Club and they have provided free examinations and eye glasses for students without insurance.”
” I’d also like to mention that on November 11th, we are hosting a coordinated school health “Health Fair” at DeKalb Middle School from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. We’ve got lots of people already committed. The hospital is going to do blood pressure checks and blood glucose checks. Tennessee Suicide Network Prevention is also coming. We hope that we can have a successful health fair so that we can do it again next year and offer lots of education and information. This is going to be county wide. It’s going to be at the middle school, but it’s going to be county wide for all students, family, and community.”
In other business, Board Chairman Charles Robinson appointed three standing committees. ”
Our policies provide for board committees. This is located in our board committee’s descriptor code 1.300 of our policy manual. The board may operate with standing committees and special committees composed of board members. These committees will serve in an advisory capacity and shall consist of three board members, unless a two thirds majority of the vote deems otherwise. A committee shall serve no longer than the annual organization meeting of the board unless re-appointed to finish a designated task. Committee meetings shall be held in accordance with the open meetings law. Committee chairs will notify committee members, the director of schools, and chairman of the board of the time, place, and location of all committee meetings and a notice of these meetings will be posted at the central office. Board members from their experience in the private sector as business owners or employees and as parents and taxpayers bring valuable insight, observation, and experiences to this board and to the success of the school system. So as chairman, I am establishing the following standing committees: Transportation Committee- W.J. (Dub) Evins III, John David Foutch, Bruce Parsley, and Peggy Pursell. Facilities Committee- Johnny Lattimore, W.J. (Dub) Evins III, John David Foutch, and Earl Jared. Policy Committee- Joan Draper, Kenny Rhody, Bruce Parsley, and Teresa Miller. I will leave the organization of these committees as to who will serve as chairperson up to each committee. To maintain our board of distinction status, and because our board recognizes the need for this appointment, I am asking Kenny Rhody to serve as our Tennessee Legislative Network representative for the Tennessee School Board Association. Mrs. Draper and Mr. Rhody also serve as trustees of our sick bank and I am asking them to serve as a special committee with the inclusion of Mr. Parsley to investigate the procedure to include non-certified employees in our sick bank or the process needed to form another sick bank, addressing the needs of our own non-certified employees. If it requires a legislative act, I am asking Mr. Rhody as our TLN representative to inquire as to the proper way to address this at the TSBA Day on the Hill function for the 2009 Tennessee School Board Association Convention.”
DCHS Principal Kathy Hendrix updated the school board on recent activities at her school. “From DeKalb County High School we would like to congratulate Ms. Walteen Parker. She was selected for the A.F. Bridges female coach of the year. That’s a great accomplishment and we appreciate her and thank her for that.”
“Our golf team has done a fantastic job this year and I want to mention some of their accomplishments. The boys set the all time nine hole school record with 142 at Southern Hills. Payne Denman shot a 29 at Riverwatch which is believed to be a school record for a nine hole match. The boys won the district for a second year in a row. They also won the regional tournament for the second year in a row. They also came in third in the state tournament this year. This is also for the second year in a row. Austin Garrett won the district tournament and he finished 18th in the state. Payne Denman won the regional tournament for the second year in a row. He also won the state tournament. That is a great accomplishment. Shay Sullivan won the McMinnville Invitation Tournament. She also won the district for the third time and she won the region for the second time. She finished fourth in the state. We’re very proud of all of these students for their accomplishments.”
“We just had our report cards go out this past week. We also had our parent-teacher conference and I’d like to say we had a great turnout. We really appreciate all the parents and everyone who came out to check on their sons and daughters.”
“I’d also like to remind the parents that we have an abundance of before and after school help available for the students that need enrichment, tutoring, and we need the parents to encourage them to take advantage of these opportunities that we have available for them. We also have transportation available throughout the county to area drop off points in the afternoon for students that don’t have a ride home.”
Director of Schools Mark Willoughby presented his written update on personnel moves since last month.
Those employed include Annette Davis, educational assistant at DCHS and Crystal Bishop and Teresa Spencer, educational assistants at Smithville Elementary School.
Jamie Wright was transferred to a Record’s Clerk position at DCHS and Alisha Cheatham was transferred to a part-time Speech Language Pathologist position.

The 2008 DeKalb County High School Most Valuable Golf Players are Payne Denman and Shay Sullivan.
They were honored Thursday night during the DCHS Golf Banquet.
Denman, a Junior, recently claimed the TSSAA Class A-AA State Tournament Championship, which was DeKalb County High School’s first TSSAA State Tournament Championship in any on-the-field related sport.
Denman was also the region champ and district runner-up.
Sullivan, a Senior, recently finished fourth in the state. This was her third year to make it to the state tournament. She is a three time district winner and a two time region champion. In addition to the MVP award, Sullivan received a plaque for her career achievements.
Meanwhile, Grant James, a Junior, received the Most Improved Player Award and Austin Garrett, also a Junior, was presented the Player’s Choice Award, given to the person with whom you’d most like to play a round of golf.
DCHS Golf Coach Chris Vance presented team awards and recognized others including Ian Johnson, a Freshman, Logan Clark, a Sophomore, Keith Ferrell, a Sophomore, Kelli Bullard, a Sophomore, and Kalli Mitchell, a Freshman.

An Open House will be held at the DeKalb County Fire Department Main Station at 782 King Ridge Road on Saturday, October 18th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Donny Green, DeKalb County Fire Chief, on behalf of the department, invites you to come by and see the newly renovated station and training center. Enjoy free hotdogs, popcorn, and soft drinks. Come see the fire trucks, ambulances, medical helicopter, and the Sheriff’s Department will be represented there. Call 615-464-7176 or 615-464-0344 for information or directions.
Meanwhile, Bradley Mullinax, Lieutenant and Fire Prevention and Safety Officer for the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department offers some safety tips in conjunction with October Fire Prevention Month.
Cooking Fire Safety: -Do not wear loose fitting clothing when cooking, as they are easy targets to catch on fire.
-Always turn pan handles in to prevent food spills.
-Make sure that you keep pot holders and towels away from the stove.
-Replace any old or frayed electrical cords on your appliances.
-Never leave your cooking unattended.
-If a fire should occur on the stove, slide a pan lid over the flames and then turn off the heat.
-If a fire should occur in the oven, keep the oven door closed and turn off the heat to smother the fire.
-Always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Make sure it is kept in an accessible place away from the stove and oven.
If the fire does not go out quickly, use your escape plan and call the fire department immediately.
Heating Hazards: Nearly half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. We recommend these tips to help you stay warm and safe during the winter months.
-Make sure your chimney is inspected and cleaned once a year.
-Dispose of ashes only when they have fully cooled.
-Don’t use an oven to heat your home.
-Install carbon monoxide detectors outside each sleeping area.
-When using space heaters, make sure that there is nothing within 3 feet of it that could burn.
Always make sure that portable heaters are turned off before going to bed or leaving the house.
Electrical Fire Prevention: Electrical distribution and lighting equipment were involved in an estimated 20,900 reported home fires in 2005. These fires resulted in 500 civilian deaths and 1,100 injuries, with an estimated $862 million in direct property damage per year.
-Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, such as bedding, curtains, and clothing.
-Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.
-Use extension cords for temporary wiring only.
-Homes with young children should have tamper-resistant electrical receptacles.
Call a qualified electrician or landlord if you have recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping of circuit breakers, discolored or warm wall outlets, flickering lights, or a burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
Smoking and Fire Safety: In the United States, smoking materials are the leading cause of home fire deaths. A majority of these fires resulted from the careless disposal of smoking materials. The NVFC and Fire Corps provide you with the following tips to avoid such tragedies.
-Never leave a lit cigarette or cigar unattended. They can easily fall off whatever you placed them on and start a fire.
-Don’t smoke in bed. You might fall asleep with the lit product in hand.
-Always use an ashtray. Never put your ashes into a waste basket.
-Always make sure that all smoking products are completely extinguished when disposing of them or before going to bed. Pour a cup of water on them to be sure.
-Never leave matches or lighters within reach of children.
– Always use child-resistant lighters.

It’s time for the Chamber Map Project! We are in the process of reprinting the county map and welcome guide. The initial printing of the map was done 4 years ago and the 7,500 copies have almost been depleted. The full-color map is a very popular item, and we plan to have 10,000 copies for our new and updated printing. The project is made possible by advertisements placed in and around the map. The map includes welcome messages with historical and local attraction information, emergency and resource numbers, and pictures of Center Hill Lake and the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival. The cost for the 3” x 2” business card size advertisement is $350 for the side or bottom border; $375 for a corner or top border; and $400 for an inside box. Add $40 extra if we have to design it. You can be billed at a later date up to March 1, 2009 or make monthly payments. We will be glad to work with your budget. You will have until April 1, 2009 to be paid in full. Advertisement space is on a first-come, first-serve basis for Chamber members and non-members. Limited space is available. If you are interested or have questions, please contact the Chamber at 597-4163.
The Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize its newest members:
• J.C. Reed Mortgage, LLC – Mortgage Lending & Financial Services – For more info, contact Carl Long at 597-2131 or www.jcreed.com/clong
• Curves, 400 E. Broad St., Smithville, Women’s Fitness Center – Tina Meyers is the new owner.
• Catherine “Kitty” Vonckx, 480 Vickers Hollow Rd., Smithville – Independent BeautiControl consultant, offering an in-home “BeautiControl spa” experience featuring skincare & spa products, as well as makeup – Call 215-6992 for more information.
• Bell St. Apartments, 318 Bell St., Smithville — Section 8 Multi-Family Housing for low-income families — For info, call Manager Linda Nokes at 597-1276.
• Miroir, Miroir Salon, 114 W. Main St., Smithville – Full service salon, hair styles, multi-dimensional colors, facials, massage, manicures & pedicures, waxing & make-up, hair & lash extensions, and much more. Owner: Jamie Anderson — For more info, call 215-7233.
• Holmes Creek Boat Storage, 110 Dogwood Rd., Smithville – Great for Boat Storage & anything else – Extra large & easy access – Units are 30’ x 13’ & 35’ x 13’; Doors are 12’ x 12.’ You can contact owner, Randy Bain, at 597-8931.
Thanks for supporting the Chamber and its many projects.
The Chamber held Ribbon Cuttings for:
• Hidden Harbor Marina’s new location, 2685 Casey Cove Rd., Smithville
• Curves, 400 E. Broad St., Smithville
• Cumberland Insurance, 117 East Bryant, Smithville
• Miroir, Miroir Salon, 114 W. Main St., Smithville
• New Smithville Fire Hall
•
The most recent Community Improvement Awards have been presented to:
• Jason Ray, 335 West Main, Liberty
• Reed Miller, 414 So. College St., Smithville
• Hardees, 135 East Broad, Smithville
• Miroir, Miroir Salon, 114 W. Main St., Smithville
• Ms. Royce Odom, 935 So. College St., Smithville
• Sonic Drive-In, 602 So. Congress Blvd., Smithville
•
If you would like to nominate a business or a residence for a Community Improvement Award, call the Chamber for a nomination form or stop by our office at 301 North Public Square, Smithville.
Two of the Chamber Education Committee members, Jim Finley and Jen Sherwood, presented the entertaining and enlightening “Choices” program to Coach Bond’s high school class on October 6th. We were glad to have the opportunity to encourage students to “make good choices now for good choices later.” From sports to band to academics, it’s very encouraging to hear about so many good things happening in our local school system. Thank you to all the people who put so much time, effort, and energy into our leaders of tomorrow.
The 9th Annual “Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour” is scheduled for October 24, 25, and 26 from 10 AM to 5 PM. “Enjoy an afternoon of inspiration, visit 11 studios and over 26 artists in DeKalb and Cannon Counties. See the artists at work and learn how their works are created. Collect or commission a piece directly from the artist.” For more information, go to www.smithvilletn.com or stop by the Chamber to pick up a brochure with a tour map included.
You don’t want to miss the DeKalb County Habitat for Humanity Chili Cook-Off on Friday, October 24th from 10:30 AM to 1 PM on the Courthouse lawn. The Chamber’s Three Star Chili Team will have a booth this year. We are excited to be a part of this fun and tasty event. To enter a team, contact Jeff McMillen at 597-4153.
If you are interested in attending the “Get Motivated” Seminar at the Sommet Center in Nashville, we can tell you how you can get your tickets at a greatly discounted price. On Monday, October 27th, your entire office can go for $19 – or $4.95 per person. Speakers include Zig Ziglar, Rudy Giuliani, Gen. Collin Powell, U.T. Women’s Basketball Coach Pat Summit, and many more. Topics include “How to Stay Motivated,” “How to Manage, Lead, & Succeed,” “How to Lead Your Team to Victory,” & “Take Charge Leadership.” Call 1-800-326-4518 with the promotional code 4518 to get the special rate.
Leadership DeKalb News
• Leadership Director, Jen Sherwood, would like to announce the 2009 Leadership DeKalb Class: Leah Cantrell, DeKalb Community Hospital; Rhonda Caplinger, Liberty State Bank-Smithville; Janna Gillard, DeKalb Co. Guide; Emilio Hernandez, United Methodist pastor; Ester Hernandez, translator; Claudette Lasser, NHC (Part-time); Amy Lockhart, Center Hill Realty; Cheryl Ludwig, TTU/Appalachian Center for Craft; Brandon Miller, MTNG; Tom Miller, Liberty State Bank-Alexandria; Nick Nokes, DTC; Jason Ray, State Farm Insurance; Ann Shaw, DeKalb Community Bank/Wilson Bank & Trust-Alexandria; Tiffany Winchester, DCHS & Smithville Rotary Club sponsor.
• The opening retreat was held at the Appalachian Center for Craft. Sponsors for the day were Appalachian Center for Craft and DeKalb Ace Hardware.
• Alumni Helpers for the opening retreat were Amanda Means and Tim Hintz.
Operation Head-to-Toe’s fall distribution campaign needs your support. This is a great opportunity to make a child’s life a little easier by providing clothing necessities. Your tax-deductable donation by check should be made to: Operation Head to Toe and mailed to P.O. Box 372, Smithville. For more info, call 597-1220 or 597-5920.
Our heartfelt condolence to the Bill Cantrell Family. We appreciate Bill of Republic Insurance and his support of the Chamber. Our prayers are with his family.
Mark Your Calendars:
• WJLE Chamber Radio Program – 1st Wednesday of every month at 8:30 AM. Next program is November 5th.
• Saturday, October 18 — “Brush Creek Community Fest” at the Community Center – Chili supper at 5:00 PM – adult $6/children $4. Cake walk & auction at 6 PM. Proceeds used to restore the “old schoolhouse” as a community center. The Lions Club encourages you to bring your old eye glasses for the Vanderbilt Lions Eye Center. The Lions Sight Van will be on sight at 1 PM. To schedule your FREE eye and hearing screening, call 683-8991.
• Saturday, October 18th – Open House at the DeKalb County Fire Station, 782 King Ridge Road, Smithville from 10 AM to 2 PM – Dedication Ceremony at 12 PM – Free hot dogs, soft drinks, and popcorn
• October 24th, 25th, & 26th – Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour from 10 AM to 5 PM
• Friday, October 24th – The 5th Annual Habitat for Humanity Chili Cook-Off from 10:30 AM to 1 PM at the Smithville Public Square
• November 13th –15th – Christmas Downtown Open House, Smithville – Extended hours and great gift ideas!
• Saturday, November 1st – Annual Fall Fest sponsored by the Smithville BPW Club, DCHS gymnasium at 7 PM. New this year – Autumn Princess Pageant for ages 7-10 at 5 PM
• Monday, November 10th – Liberty State Bank’s Annual Veterans’ Breakfast at 7:30am at the DeKalb Fairgrounds Sandlin Building in Alexandria. Please help spread the word to our Veterans about this upcoming event. For more info, contact Kendra Angel at Liberty State Bank, 529-2375.
• Tuesday, November 25th – Chamber Prayer Breakfast, 7 AM, Smithville Church of God annex, 801 West Broad Street, Smithville
• November 28, 29, 30 – Appalachian Center for Craft Annual Holiday Festival –Craft Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Live Music, Shopping in the Gallery, & great food at the Walkway Café – For more info, stop by the Chamber or visit their website at www.tntech.edu/craftcenter
• December 4th – Chamber “Christmas on the Square” & Courthouse Open House,” Downtown Smithville
The Chamber wants to help spread the word about local events. Please call or e-mail your event information at dekalbtn@dtccom.net or bring flyers by the Chamber for us to help distribute.
Remember to exercise your right to VOTE! Early voting is Oct 15th to 30th in the basement of the courthouse. The General Election is November 4th.

Members of the DeKalb County Amateur Radio Club participated in a state-wide emergency exercise on Saturday, October 4th, 2008. The state-wide exercise was titled “Tennessee Perfect Storm.” The exercise scenario was that there were two category 5+ hurricanes, one coming in from the Gulf of Mexico, heading towards West Tennessee, and one coming in from South Carolina, heading towards East Tennessee. Flooding, wind damage, power outages and road closings occurred during the exercise as well as, a partial breach of Center Hill Dam.
Local Amateur Radio Operators utilized local radio repeaters and then utilized their emergency skills for stations in point-to-point contact. Communications were also sent to the State Emergency Operations Center at TEMA in Nashville, Tennessee via wireless computer-radio access. These messages relayed the latest emergency status in DeKalb County, and messages were received back from TEMA.
Those local DeKalb County Amateur Radio Operators involved in the exercise included W3HKG – Bob Mitchell, W4OPJ – Russell Cantrell, KF4QNT – Kevin Neely, KJ4GCT – John Lester, KF4MGN – Randy Morris, and KC4GUG – Freddy Curtis – Dekalb County Amateur Radio Emergency Coordinator. The club would like to thank DeKalb County Emergency Management Director Charlie Parker and E-911 Center Director Brad Mullinax for their support of local participation in this state-wide exercise.
The DeKalb County Amateur Radio Club is an organization of Amateur Radio operators from DeKalb and Surrounding Counties and is an affiliated club of the American Radio Relay League. The next club meeting will be on Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 – 6:30 PM at the E-911 Center. Any person interested in Amateur Radio is invited to attend.

The long hot dry spell is prompting an early fire season this year.
Already, DeKalb County Volunteer Firefighters and the Tennessee Division of Forestry have had to deal with the problem here in recent days.
County Fire Chief Donny Green says at least six woodland fires have occurred since Thursday including one on Monday on the Liberty to Dismal Road.
According to Chief Green, a resident in the area was burning some brush when the fire got out of control and began to spread into the woods. The fire burned some five to six acres and came within a couple of hundred yards of Aaron Tippin’s home.
Chief Green says the fire was difficult to fight because it spread very quickly up the hill.
Members of the Tennessee Division of Forestry along with the Liberty and Main Stations of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department spent about three hours attacking the fire before bringing it under control.
No one was injured and no structures were damaged.
Chief Green says because conditions are so dry, he is advising you not to conduct any outdoor debris burning until we get some rain.
(Photo by Callie Matthews)

If voter registration is any indication, there could be a good turnout for the November 4th election in DeKalb County.
Lisa Peterson, DeKalb County Administrator of Elections says several new voters have come by to register or made changes to their registrations.
As of Monday, the election commission recorded 13,303 registered voters in DeKalb County.
According to Peterson, “We have processed 399 new registrations and made changes to 266 registrations (address or name changes) since the August 8th elections.
On the ballot in November, besides the seat for president and vice president, will be a seat in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House 6th Congressional District and the Tennessee House of Representatives in the 40th District.