Resolutions honoring DeKalb County High School Class of 2017 Valedictorian Rachel Fuson and Salutatorian Hunter Robinson were introduced Thursday, April 27 in the Tennessee General Assembly by State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver
The resolutions are expected to be adopted by both the State House and Senate and signed by the Governor. They have been placed on the House consent calendar for Monday, May 1.
The House Joint Resolution honoring and recognizing Fuson states as follows:
“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, Rachel Olivia Fuson is one such exceptional student who was recently named Valedictorian of the 2017 graduating class at DeKalb County High School; and
WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Rachel Fuson 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, she earned an exemplary grade point average while participating in a variety of extracurricular activities, including Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Science Club, Literature Club, and the Climate Crew; she is a football cheerleader and a member of Girls Scouts USA Troop 343; and
WHEREAS, her display of intellectual aptitude and ambition surely bodes well for her future success as a student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Fuson’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for her parents, Joe and Melissa Fuson, her school, and her community; and
WHEREAS, Rachel Fuson’s dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the members of this General Assembly; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED TENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we hereby commend and honor the 2017 DeKalb County High School Valedictorian, Rachel Olivia Fuson, on her impressive academic achievement and extend to her our best wishes for a happy, successful future.”
The resolution honoring Robinson states as follows:
“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, Jacob Hunter Robinson is one such exceptional student who was recently named Salutatorian of the 2017 graduating class at DeKalb County High School; and
WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Hunter Robinson achieved outstanding academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country; and
WHEREAS, in his remarkable high school career, he earned an exemplary grade point average while participating in a variety of extracurricular activities, including the Senior Beta Club and the soccer team; treasurer of his FFA chapter, he received the FFA state degree in March 2017; and
WHEREAS, his display of intellectual aptitude and ambition surely bodes well for his future success as a student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Robinson’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for his parents, Lynn and Regina Robinson, his school, and his community; and
WHEREAS, Hunter Robinson’s dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the members of this General Assembly; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED TENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we hereby commend and honor the 2017 DeKalb County High School Salutatorian, Jacob Hunter Robinson, on his impressive academic achievement and extend to him our best wishes for a happy, successful future.”

A local couple has spent several months planning and raising money hoping to adopt two children from the Ukraine and you can help further that effort by supporting two upcoming fundraisers.
Rockin C Stables will have a fundraiser Saturday, April 29 at Tractor Supply Company in Smithville for Missy and Todd Pack to help finance the adoption of their two boys, 14 year old Misha and 12 year old Mykola. There will be pony rides for donations along with a silent auction. Christie Q Barbeque will be selling food. The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. If you want to volunteer or donate to the auction or just donate money ahead of time please call Lindi Carter at 931-273-1317.
The second fundraiser will be on Thursday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m. at the county complex. “The program will start with Lularoe, a silent auction, food, and you can register to win a beautiful wooden stool made by my father,” said Missy. “ Then join us for some entertainment in the Theater starting at 7:00 p.m.. Listen to Josh Issac sing, watch The Assembly of God Relentless Youth perform and hear the bluegrass sounds of the band “Heritage”. The final performance will be a men’s comedy Lularoe fashion show directed by Josh Issca himself! It’s gonna be a great night of family fun and laughter you’re not going to want to miss,” added Missy.
Although Todd and Missy have already raised $8,500, they still need $25,000. “We are at the final stages of preparing our paperwork to be submitted to Ukraine. When that is submitted a judge will review and give us a date for our first of three trips. We are still needing $25,000 to complete these final stages. $17,000 of that alone is the cost of the adoption for both boys. So far we have raised $8500 with the help and support of our friends, family and community. We are beyond grateful for everyone that is supporting us through our adoption of starting our family,”said Missy.
After a bout with ovarian cancer several years ago, Missy learned she would be unable to have biological children. But after an encounter with a group of children from the Ukraine at their church last August Todd and Missy began thinking about parenthood through adoption.
Through “Bridges of Faith”, an Alabama faith-based program, orphans from the Ukraine are brought to America for a period of cultural enrichment, and it was during that August visit to their church, the Smithville First Assembly of God, where the Pack’s met ten kids from the Ukraine, including two in particular who stole their hearts, Misha and Mykola.
“We knew right then they were for us” said Todd.
“These orphaned children came here for a visit and to be brought before the body of Christ to help get them adopted and while we knew the kids would be here we had no clue at that time that we would be planning to adopt any of them. But when we saw them at the church and got to hug them I just knew instantly that God had called me to be two of these children’s momma. I am unable to have kids so for me to experience that fulfillment of becoming a momma, I knew that was God working and when He tells you to do it, you do it no matter where the children are from. You adopt these children and you give them a family,” said Missy.
After the children’s visit, Todd and Missy chose to adopt Misha and Mykola but the process is lengthy and expensive. “It takes time and money,” said Todd.
“We had to talk to a facilitator in Ukraine. We had to obtain passports and sign power of attorney over to him so that he could start the adoption process there. We also have to do a lot of paper work here, go through background checks with the government, send our paper work over to the Ukraine, and then it goes through the court system there. We will eventually have to go before a judge there to complete the adoption,” added Todd.
The Pack’s are looking forward to bringing Mykola and Misha home and they too are anxious to come live with their new family. “They love America. We get to see them sometimes on facebook chat with our friend in the orphanage with them. That last Saturday (during their visit), Mykola even called me momma although momma means different for them. It means someone they trust and confide in,” Missy said.
Founded by the Reverend Tom Benz, Bridges of Faith International reaches out to orphans in Ukraine. Three to four times each year, Bridges of Faith brings Ukrainian orphans to BridgeStone, a 140 acre retreat center in Central Alabama, to taste Alabama culture, faith, and life. All volunteer driven, hundreds of people from across America and Ukraine work together to demonstrate love for these kids. Though not an adoption agency,families meet the children and often invite these kids into their forever families.
To follow the Pack’s fundraising page visit
https://fundrazr.com/toddandmissypack

Approximately fifty pounds of unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs were collected on Saturday, April 22 during the Prescription Drug Take Back Day sponsored locally by the DeKalb Prevention Coalition.
The DeKalb Prevention Coalition (DPC) wants to thank the community for coming out in the rain and helping to make DeKalb County safer for its citizens. The day was also to raise awareness for child abuse and prevention. A child abuse awareness walk was held at 10:30am led by Bee Tubbs. Other agencies participating in the day were the DeKalb County Health Department, Board of Education-Coordinated School Health, Haven of Hope, St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital, Therapeutic Intervention Inc., Dept. of Children Services, Stonecom Radio, Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, and Camelot. “Pinwheels for Prevention” were placed at Smithville City Hall with the message, “Every child deserves a chance.”
Statistics from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) show that 55% of prescriptions are obtained free from a friend or relative. Kristina Clark, the Executive Director of Count It! Lock It! Drop It! states “Parents and family friends become accidental drug dealers by leaving medications out on counters, unlocked and/or unmonitored. Three simple steps can make a big difference in prescription drug abuse.” The DPC’s comprehensive community plan for prescription drug abuse prevention, “Count It! Lock It! Drop It!” encourages residents to frequently count their pills, properly lock them, and drop any unused, expired or unwanted pills in the drop box. The drop box is located in Smithville’s City Hall which is open Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm.
The Mission of DPC is to unite community leaders and citizens of DeKalb County forming strong partnerships across major community sectors with the goal of reducing substance abuse. The DPC would like to extend an invitation to all residents to become a part of the coalition. The meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month at 12:00pm. For more information about DPC or child abuse awareness, please contact Community Outreach Liaison Norene Puckett at (615) 215-8690 or the facebook page at facebook.com/DeKalbPreventionCoalition.

Nancy Balderas of Northside Elementary School is the recipient of this week’s “Classroom Champion” award presented by Smithville Attorney Jim Judkins and WJLE.
Daughter of Ausencio and Maria Teresa Balderas, Nancy is a third grade student and her teacher is Katie Merriman. She has a sister, Jayarh. Nancy recently received the honor and a special gift card from Judkins.
Nancy said she would like to be a veterinarian when she grows up. She likes to color, draw, and read. Her favorite foods are pizza and spaghetti but she doesn’t like onions or sharks.
In an effort to recognize achievements of students in the DeKalb County School System, WJLE has partnered with attorney Judkins in featuring a “Classroom Champion” each week for the next few weeks.
The name of the student selected each week will be announced on WJLE and will be featured on the WJLE website. Each student winning will receive a plaque and a gift certificate.
“This is our way of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the future citizens and leaders of the community. It can benefit their learning and overall school atmosphere and climate. The students’ selection is based on academic performance, responsibility and work ethic, leadership abilities, citizenship, and character, “said Judkins.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 11-6 is offering a one-day boating safety class on Saturday, May 6, 2016 at the Dekalb County Community Center located at 712 South Congress Boulevard in Smithville, Tennessee from 8:00 AM – 4:00PM. Class is taught free but $7.00 fee per student
covers lunch. Preregistration is required as the class size is limited. For more information and/or to register, please call John Whelan at 615-933-1874 or 615-948-8051 and leave a message.
BOAT TENNESSEE is a comprehensive boating course designed for both beginners and novice boaters. This course will be taught in a one-day session with a short lunch break. Topics include: Types and Uses of Boats/Engines; Boat Handling; Equipment for Boats, Trailering, Aids to Navigation, Rules of the Road, Inland Boating, Boating Laws/State Laws, Boating Problems/Emergencies, and more. The exam to be given will be
the State of Tennessee boating exam.
This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Those who successfully complete the course and exam are awarded certificates of completion. Many marine insurance companies offer discounts on boat insurance to those who complete this course.
If the student taking this course and exam was born after January 1, 1989, then the student MUST also preregister with the State of Tennessee to take the boating exam and pay an additional fee of $10 per person to the State. The exam ticket is Type 600 and can be obtained from any TWRA fishing/hunting licensing agent.
Proof of identity of student may be required. Students are also strongly encouraged to obtain their textbooks in advance for reading and studying.

Teachers will get a pay raise and support staff a one time bonus with passage of the new school budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year.
The DeKalb County Board of Education met briefly Monday night and adopted the spending plan which will now be presented to the county commission’s budget committee for approval.
Director of Schools Patrick Cripps calls this a fair budget with no proposed local property tax increase for schools and not a lot of extras.
Although the school system is bracing for a cut in federal funding by 18% or $150,000 the state is sending about one million dollars more Basic Education Program (BEP) funds next year totaling $15,962,000.
In addition to pay raises and the scheduled step increases , the school system plans to spend more money on technology to bring one to one computer devices into the 6th to 8th grade classrooms. “The state sent us $144,000 this year for teacher raises. That comes to about $600 per teacher. We have added a $250 one time bonus for non certified staff. We put in technology for grades 6-8 for one to one devices about $200,000,” Director Cripps told WJLE.
One to one computers are electronic devices that allow students to access the Internet, digital course materials and digital textbooks. By providing students their own notebook computer or tablet, schools make it possible for students to find information instantly to produce rich multimedia content.
“There is going to be a demand for more technology in the schools. The state is sending money for us to put more money for technology and they are tracking it to make sure the funds are going toward technology,” said Director Cripps.
“The state is going to all testing online. At the high school it will be online next year with 3-8 grades the following year. These one to one devices are needed not only for testing but because of the way kids are learning and the way teachers are presenting the material to the kids today. It is totally different from the way that we learned and what the state is asking from our kids today. They are not being taught or expected to learn like we did. They (state) wants them to gather information, not just to give an answer, but a thought process on how they are arriving at an answer and how they are to use that in the real world,” Director Cripps continued.
The new budget also includes $20,000 for a school building feasibility study. “We put in $20,000 for an architect to come in and do a study. It is my hope that with an architect study we will be able to get a break down of different school sizes (options) and what it would cost to build those schools,” he said.
The general purpose school budget for 2017-18 totals just over $22 million dollars. Anticipated revenues are budgeted at $ 20.7 million. More than $1.2 million of the school’s reserves may be needed to balance the budget on paper but that is less than last year’s projection. “We are trying to go less and less into our reserves and we have done that this year,” said Director Cripps.

DeKalb County Government and Justin Potter Library will be teaming with The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to bring the Jobs4TN Hiring Event to DeKalb County.
This free employment services event will take place on Wednesday, April 26th from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm in the mobile Career Coach that will be located in the parking lot of the DeKalb County Complex at 712 South Congress Blvd in Smithville.
The Career Coach staff will be able to assist individuals in registering on the Jobs4TN job site, show them how to navigate the site of 90,000 plus jobs, create and post resumes, and search for jobs. They will give you tips on interview skills and assist you in connecting with other services if needed. No appointment necessary, just come by and check out the services they have to offer those seeking a job. For additional information contact Justin Potter Library at 615-597-4359.

The Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness today announced DeKalb County has been awarded a $5,000 Healthier Tennessee Community Grant to help sustain community-wide projects that encourage and enable physical activity, healthy eating and tobacco abstinence.
“We are pleased to present this grant to DeKalb County in recognition of the great work being done there and with the belief that it will boost efforts to improve the health of local citizens and the overall quality of life in the community,” Governor’s Foundation CEO Richard Johnson said.
To earn the grant, DeKalb County achieved:
* At least 50 percent of K-8 teachers using GoNoodle, an interactive, online tool that encourages exercise during the school day.
* At least 15 percent of faith communities with 100 or more members using Small Starts @ Worship wellness programs.
* At least 20 percent of workplaces with 35 or more employees using Small Starts @ Work wellness programs.
In Tennessee, one in five adults smokes, and one in five high school students uses tobacco. Approximately 34 percent of the population is classified as obese and an additional 34 percent are overweight, and type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure are at epidemic levels.
The Healthier Tennessee Communities initiative takes a local approach to improving Tennesseans’ health by engaging citizens and local leaders in cities, towns, counties and neighborhoods across the state.

Saint Thomas Health has signed a new contract for emergency room physician staffing with American Physician Partners, a Brentwood, Tennessee-based company, at four regional hospitals: Saint Thomas Stones River; Saint Thomas Highlands; Saint Thomas DeKalb; and Saint Thomas River Park. Saint Thomas Health is part of Ascension, the nation’s largest Catholic and non-profit health system.
“Our goal, as always, is to provide great customer service for our patients, and that means demonstrating compassion, respect and courtesy as we deliver the best care in an efficient manner,” said Andy Wachtel,
President and CEO at Saint Thomas Stones River, Saint Thomas Highlands and Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospitals. “We’re very excited about this new partnership, especially since it’s local to the middle Tennessee area, which gives us more direct contact with leadership there.” The changeover at these three hospitals occurred March 19. American Physician Partners began its work with Saint Thomas River Park April 19.
“We’re looking forward to working with this group,” said Dale Humphrey, President and CEO of Saint Thomas River Park Hospital. “Our focus is to deliver excellent care in the Emergency Department, which we define as a high quality experience from the reception area until discharge, grounded in care, efficiency and the best possible outcome.”
American Physician Partners works with hospitals to deliver a “world class” patient experience, focusing on team-oriented care with the highest quality, and compassionate and courteous care. The growing organization serves hospitals throughout the United States, and is led by experienced hospital operators and seasoned ER/Hospitalist physicians.
ABOUT SAINT THOMAS HEALTH
In Tennessee, Ascension’s Saint Thomas Health operates nine hospitals in addition to a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and rehabilitation facilities that cover a 68-county area and employ more than 8,000 associates. Across the state, Saint Thomas Health provided more than $78 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2016. Serving Tennessee for 15 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the largest non-profit health system in the U.S. and the world’s largest Catholic health system, operating 2,500 sites of care – including 141 hospitals and more than 30 senior living facilities – in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.sthealth.com.

With more than 30 years of experience promoting and leading in agriculture, Wilson County native Keith Harrison, with ties to DeKalb County, will take on the role of Assistant Commissioner for the Consumer and Industry Services division at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Commissioner Jai Templeton made the announcement today.
“Keith’s roots are in agriculture,” Commissioner Templeton said. “From his professional experience to his personal life as a farmer, Keith has extensive agricultural knowledge and has developed strong relationships, respect and credibility in the ag community. I am confident he will be a staunch defender of consumer protections while ensuring a positive environment for business development.”
Since 2001, Harrison has put his skills and experience to work for the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, headquartered in La Vergne, Tenn. From marketing to public outreach, to management of and recruitment for numerous corporate and educational events, Harrison excelled in a variety of roles during his tenure with the Co-op.
This appointment marks Harrison’s return to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). He served in the Market Development division from 1984 until 2000, working his way up from an agricultural marketing specialist to assistant marketing director to ultimately, the marketing director. Harrison was instrumental in development of the Pick Tennessee Products and Ag Tag campaigns, which remain hallmarks of TDA’s public outreach today.
“Agriculture is my passion and I am truly humbled to be asked to serve in this capacity,” Harrison said. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with the Consumer and Industry Services division team members to build on their successes.”
Harrison will assume his responsibilities as Assistant Commissioner on May 30. His predecessor, Jimmy Hopper, recently retired after 32 years of leadership with TDA.
Harrison is very active in the community, currently serving or having served in leadership positions with the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives, Farm Animal Care Coalition of Tennessee, Farm and Forest Families of Tennessee, National Agri-Marketing Association, American Feed Industry Association, Cooperative Research Farms, Middle Tennessee Ag Club, Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, UT Institute of Agriculture Alumni Council and Wilson County’s UT Alumni chapter, Leadership Wilson, as well as Wilson County’s Agricultural Hall of Fame board, Fair board, Farm Services Agency, Farm Bureau and Livestock Association. Harrison has also chaired the Watertown High School Scholarship Fund committee and has devoted his time to other organizations benefiting the state and agricultural endeavors.
“Keith is well known for his leadership, customer service and advocacy for agriculture,” Commissioner Templeton continued. “His desire to grow opportunities for Tennessee producers and ag manufacturers will benefit our entire state. He will continue TDA’s tradition of maintaining a high level of consumer confidence, while fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and business expansion.”
Harrison obtained his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He later achieved a master’s degree in Business Administration in Marketing from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.
Keith and his wife, Julie, have three children and raise beef cattle and produce hay near Watertown, Tenn.