Former employees and close relatives of current employees and directors would not be eligible to serve as a member of the DTC Communications Board of Directors under proposed changes to DeKalb Telephone Cooperative bylaws.
Members will have a chance to vote on the proposed amendments Saturday, September 15 during the annual meeting at the fairgrounds in Alexandria.
The proposed changes, as recommended by the DTC board of directors, were announced in the annual report which was mailed out to members on Thursday, September, 6th.
According to the report, “any former employee of the Cooperative shall be prohibited from being nominated for or becoming a member of the Board.”
In addition, the proposal states that no member shall be eligible to be nominated or elected who is a “close relative of a Director or Director’s spouse, ” or is “a close relative of an employee of DTC or an employee’s spouse.”
The proposal defines a close relative as a “spouse, parent, in-laws, grandparents, sibling, child, grandchild, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew, by blood, marriage, or adoption.”
Another proposed amendment regarding the annual meeting states that “the meetings shall be held at such location within the service area as the Board of Directors may designate before each and every meeting.” Currently, all
annual meetings are held in Alexandria each September.
Members will be asked to approve or reject all three proposed amendments in their entirety as one vote.
Members can read the proposed amendments on pages 8 & 9 of the 2012 annual report, which has been mailed to them from DTC Communications.
In a prepared news release issued last week, DTC CEO, Craig Gates said, “The first bylaw amendment will allow DTC members to attend the annual meeting throughout the DTC territory, if the Board approves a new location each year. The other bylaw amendments have two objectives: one, it helps DTC ensure that all members are treated fairly and second, it ensures that undue influence from interested third parties will not gain influence over the company.” Gates went on to say, “the management team supports the board’s decision to bring these bylaws forward for a vote,” he said.
In addition to voting on bylaw changes, DTC members will be electing three directors. Incumbents Bennie Curtis, Randy Campbell, and Ronnie Garrison are running unopposed in the Alexandria, Liberty, and Smithville exchanges,
respectively.
The gates to the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria will open Saturday at 11:45 a.m., with voting from noon until 4 p.m. The business meeting will begin at 4 p.m. or once the last person in line at that time has voted.
Enjoy special live entertainment beginning at 3 p.m. by DeKalb Idol winner, Josh Isaac
Only DTC members may vote, and each member must present a photo identification. For a single membership, only that individual may vote. Either member of a joint membership may vote, but not both. In the case of a
business membership, a business affidavit is required.

A local firefighter participated in the 3rd Annual Nashville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Sunday at the William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower in Downtown, Nashville.
Kevin Cripps represented the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department and carried a photo to HONOR one of the fallen Hero’s of 9/11
343 firefighters made the climb in remembrance of the 343 FDNY Firefighters that died 11 years ago at the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.
The stair climb was chosen for two reasons:
1/ FDNY Firefighters at the Twin Towers on 9/11/01 had to climb the stairs of the 110 story buildings in order to rescue and evacuate people and to reach the fire floors.
2/ A commitment to Firefighter and community safety through physical fitness and training.
The 343 Firefighters participating in the event wore full gear (from 60 to 80 pounds) and climbed for someone specifically. Each climber was given a badge to wear with the name and photograph of one of the FDNY firefighters killed on 9/11/01.

A local student, Erin Cantrell-Pryor received the Student Recognition Award Thursday during the Tennessee School Boards Association Upper Cumberland Fall District meeting held at Cannon County High School in Woodbury.
Each year TSBA honors one student from each of its nine districts who has achieved distinction in the areas of academics, community leadership, and engagement as part of its Student Recognition Award program. One of those nine students will win the statewide Student Recognition Award to be presented at the TSBA Annual Convention in November, which will include a $2,000 scholarship.
Erin, the 2012 Upper Cumberland District winner, is currently a senior at DeKalb County High School. Erin has been active academically as well as possessing a high degree of volunteerism within her community. Erin is working to attend college and plans to major in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering. Erin has participated in science fairs since elementary school, winning numerous awards. She continued her interest in science by winning the grand championship of the Tennessee Tech Regional Science Fair and going on to compete at the INTEL international fair in Pittsburg. She was selected to serve as President of the Freshman Class and served on the Student Council and the 4-H congress.
Also during the TSBA Upper Cumberland Fall District Meeting, local boards of education heard updates on education legislation and Common Core State Standards, earned honors for their professional development activities, and recognized a dedicated school volunteer and an outstanding student.
Local school board members attending were John David Foutch, Charles Robinson, Kenny Rhody, Billy Miller, W.J. (Dub) Evins, III, Doug Stephens, and Johnny Lattimore along with Director of Schools Mark Willoughby.
The Upper Cumberland District meeting was one of nine similar sessions held annually in each of TSBA’s development districts. The evening’s program included an update on this year’s session of the Tennessee General Assembly, a discussion of the Common Core State Standards by the Tennessee State Department of Education’s Common Core Leadership Council, and a review of the superintendent evaluation. Board members also participated in a legislative survey with their electronic devices via an online/SMS texting program. The meeting included recognition of school board members who have achieved honors over the past year, a local school volunteer who is a finalist for a grant to their school of choice and a local student who is a finalist for a college scholarship given by TSBA.
A statewide, nonprofit organization, the Tennessee School Boards Association is a federation of all the state’s school boards. TSBA’s mission is to assist school boards in effectively governing school districts. Through the years, TSBA has helped school boards and their members reach their highest potential through Association programs, meetings and services. TSBA also provides school board members a collective voice in matters of legislation and public education concerns. For more information about TSBA, visit our website at: www.tsba.net.

Quarterback Lucas Phillips threw for seven touchdowns including four to Will Molander, two to Sonni Fullilove, and one to Jacob Parsley as the DeKalb County Tigers hammered the White County Warriors 58-7 Friday night at Sparta.
With the win, the Tigers are now 4-0 and will face their border rivals from Smith County next Friday night in Smithville.
The Tigers got their first points with 5:38 left in the opening period as quarterback Phillips found Fullilove on a 26 yard pass play for a touchdown. The P.A.T. by Ben Driver was good and DC led 7-0.
The Tiger defense put points on the board next as the White County quarterback turned the ball over. Cody Puckett grabbed the pigskin and rambled 35 yards for the score. The P.A.T. try by Driver was no good but the Tigers led 13-0 with 4:06 left in the second period.
White County got their one and only score of the night as Kane Tollison scored on a 70 yard touchdown run with 3:08 left in the second period. Luke Cantrell converted on the P.A.T. and DeKalb County’s lead was cut to 13-7. That was the only touchdown the Tiger defense has given up this season after four games.
DC quickly put two more scores on the board before halftime, as quarterback Phillips tossed a 17 yard touchdown pass to Molander with 1:28 left in the second quarter. The try for the two point conversion failed but the Tigers extended their lead to 19-7. After a Warrior turnover on the ensuing kick-off, the Tigers got the ball back and scored again. With one minute left before the half, Fullilove caught an eight yard touchdown pass from quarterback Phillips. The P.A.T. try was no good but DeKalb County had built a 25-7 advantage.
In the third period, quarterback Phillips hooked up with Molander on a 32 yard pass play for a touchdown. The P.A.T attempt was no good but the Tigers were up 31-7 with 11:16 left.
With 9:41 to go in the third, Molander scored on a 26 yard pass play from quarterback Phillips. The P.A.T. try was no good but DC led 37-7
Jacob Parsley caught a pass for a touchdown from quarterback Phillips with 4:29 left in the third period. The P.A.T. by Driver was good and the Tigers held a commanding 44-7 advantage.
Molander scored on another touchdown throw from quarterback Phillips with 8:59 left in the game. The P.A.T. by Driver was good and the Tigers owned a 51-7 lead.
The last score of the night came on an 11 yard touchdown run by A.J. Mooneyham. Driver’s P.A.T. attempt was good and the Tigers notched another blowout win, this time taking out White County 58-7.
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Along with the election of three directors, members of DTC Communications (DeKalb Telephone Cooperative) will be asked to decide whether to approve three proposed amendments in the current bylaws during the annual meeting next Saturday, September 15 in Alexandria.
A prepared news release from DTC states that “proposed amendments to the cooperative’s bylaws will be on the ballot and are included in the 2012 DTC Annual Report that was mailed to our members on September 6th. The specific language in the proposed bylaw amendments will be reported by WJLE once they become available
In the news release, DTC CEO, Craig Gates said, “This year’s bylaw amendments and the unopposed races of our board members are a testament to DTC’s commitment to our members. The first bylaw amendment will allow DTC members to attend the annual meeting throughout the DTC territory, if the Board approves a new location each year. The other bylaw amendments have two objectives: one, it helps DTC ensure that all members are treated fairly and second, it ensures that undue influence from interested third parties will not gain influence over the company.” Gates went on to say, “the management team supports the board’s decision to bring these bylaws forward for a vote.”
Members will decide the issue during the annual meeting on Saturday, September 15th, at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria. Enjoy special live entertainment beginning at 3 p.m. by DeKalb Idol winner, Josh Isaac.
Incumbents Bennie Curtis, Randy Campbell, and Ronnie Garrison are running unopposed in the Alexandria, Liberty, and Smithville exchanges, respectively.
The gates to the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria will open at 11:45 a.m., with voting from noon until 4 p.m. The business meeting will begin at 4 p.m. or once the last person in line at that time has voted.
Only DTC members may vote, and each member must present photo identification. For a single membership, only that individual may vote. Either member of a joint membership may vote, but not both. In the case of a business membership, a business affidavit is required.
DTC Communications is a member-owned telephone cooperative established in 1951. The cooperative supplies communication, entertainment, and security products and services to residential and business customers primarily throughout Middle Tennessee.

Smithville Police found two people operating a meth lab inside a shed on private property within a few feet of DeKalb County High School Thursday.
M2U00824 from dwayne page on Vimeo.
Chief Randy Caplinger told WJLE that 36 year old Bobby Pinegar, Jr. and 32 year old Mistey Goff are each charged with initiation of a process intended to manufacture methamphetamine, sale and delivery of a controlled substance in a drug free school zone, and reckless endangerment. Bond for each is $60,000 and they will be in court on September 13.
According to Chief Caplinger, Smithville Police Officer Chip Avera was on patrol in the high school parking lot when he spotted smoke coming from a shed behind a brick home on West Main Street. The property is next to the DeKalb County High School campus.
Officer Avera was joined at the scene by Chief Caplinger and Detectives Matt Holmes and Brandon Donnell of the Smithville Police Department. They approached the shed and knocked on the door. After Pinegar opened the door and came out, officers could see inside the shed a green bottle containing liquid. Smoke was coming from the bottle. Other components were also spotted inside the shed that are commonly used in the manufacture of meth including coffee filters, tubing, bottles of unknown liquids, a 20 ounce bottle of a liquid sludge, among other items. Two cellophane bags were also found containing finished meth, ready for sale.
Both Pinegar and Goff were taken into custody.

Registration for GED classes is scheduled for Monday and Wednesday, September 10 & 12 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the DeKalb County Complex on South Congress Boulevard
Anyone age eighteen and older may sign up. The ten week course is offered at no charge locally but the cost is $55.00 to take the final GED test. The fee will increase to $120.00 in 2014.
Tom Werling, GED Volunteer Instructor, said after a student registers, a test is given to determine his or her grade level in certain subject areas. “Step two is going to be the TABE Test, Monday September 17 or Wednesday, September 19 at 6:00 p.m. The TABE Test will give us an idea of where you (students) are education wise. We have had people from the second grade (level) all the way to the twelfth grade (level) so this will give us an idea of the books we need to give you and the things we need to do for you,” said Werling.
Step three will be the OPT test, Monday and Wednesday September 24 and 26 at 4:00 p.m., which is the official practice test for the GED program, according to Werling. “The GED test is divided into five categories, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Science, and Math. To get your GED you just need to average 450 in each one of the those areas. The new GED test will be coming out in 2014. It will be a computer based test and it will be harder. The fee will also be going from $55.00 to $120.00 for the test. Right now it is $55.00. There is no charge or fee for the classes here in Smithville. We’ll provide you the books you need. We teach on a one to one basis because of the variance in the education level of the people we will be seeing,” said Werling.
For more information call 931-528-8685.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security today announced that it will open eight of its driver service centers, including the one in Putnam County on the first Saturday of October and November to give citizens additional opportunities to obtain photo identification in order to vote in the upcoming state and federal general election. The centers were chosen based on the size of the populations they serve and the response from citizens to centers that were opened on Saturdays before the primary election.
The Cookeville Center is located at 4600 Jefferson Avenue
A new state law effective this year requires citizens to present a federal or state-issued photo ID to vote at the polls. The law also requires the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to issue photo IDs for voting purposes at no charge.
As of September 6, 2012, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security had issued 22,355 photo IDs for voting purposes. The vast majority (20,967) of those issued were non-photo driver licenses converted into photo driver licenses, while 1,388 were original photo identification cards.
“Any citizen who needs a photo ID for voting purposes may obtain one at no charge by visiting any of our 51 driver service centers during normal business hours. As an added service, we are again opening certain centers for special Saturday hours to make sure everyone has an opportunity to get a photo ID,” Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons said.
“Once again, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is demonstrating its strong commitment to helping Tennesseans get the proper identification needed to vote. We are pleased to continue to partner with Commissioner Gibbons and his colleagues in their efforts to encourage civic participation,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said.
The eight driver service centers will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 6 and Saturday, November 3. The centers will issue voter photo IDs and convert non-photo driver licenses into photo driver licenses only. No other services will be available during these special hours.
To minimize the possibility of wait times during Saturday hours, groups or organizations planning to make a group visit to a driver service center should schedule an appointment by calling Melissa Long at 865-712-4908 (east Tennessee contact) or Rochelle Bryant at 931-242-7282 (west Tennessee contact).
For more information on the new voter photo ID law, including acceptable forms of photo identification and documents needed to obtain a photo ID for voting purposes, please visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s website at www.tn.gov/safety