A total of thirty seven units were collected during a blood drive Tuesday at DeKalb Community Hospital by Blood Assurance, seven units more than the goal set for the drive.
Tom Lango of Walling, Tennessee was the winner of a Flat screen TV
Blood Assurance, official blood provider to DeKalb Community Hospital, was founded in 1972 to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood in the Chattanooga area. Prior to the creation of the region’s only blood bank, patients in need of blood transfusions were required to provide their own blood donors, who would donate blood at local hospitals. Your blood donation can save up to three lives. Each day a minimum of 400 donations are needed in our area
As Blood Assurance celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2012, it is once again appealing to the public for donations to ensure a continued adequate supply of blood for patients in need.
Bill Little, Administrator of DeKalb Community Hospital, said Blood Assurance partners with the local hospital to supply blood needs to our community, but more donors are needed to support it. “Its comforting to know that should you ever have an accident or blood loss, you can come here and receive that blood supply. We have a very close partner that we work with by the name of Blood Assurance and they provide all of our blood needs in the Smithville area as well as the greater surrounding middle Tennessee area. One sad fact though that we want to make sure everybody understands is that we use much more blood in our community than we receive. It is very important that we as a community rally and rise to the challenge to donate the gift of life,” said Little.
Jaclyn Booker, Representative of Blood Assurance, said blood drives are held here every fifty six days. “We are the sole blood provider in your area and we do need your help. Every fifty six days we do host a drive here at the hospital. Our bloodmobile comes out and is parked in the parking lot. Our next drive is June 26 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. The bloodmobile will also be at the Family Medical Center on June 26 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. So I encourage everyone to come out and donate. We have free tee shirts that every donor receives. We also give away snacks and drinks and you can register for our monthly giveaway. Its usually something very fun and exciting for the community. We just really appreciate your support and the support of DeKalb Community Hospital,” said Booker.
“Blood Assurance has brought us up to this point this year, 117 units,” said Deborah Tuggle, Laboratory Supervisor at DeKalb Community Hospital. “Of those we have used seventy six, but only twenty three units have been donated from the community so we are in dire need for our community to donate blood so we can replace what we use. Blood Assurance does all the preliminary testing of the blood before we receive it and we do the cross matching to be sure its compatible with the patients. So I want to encourage everyone to come out and help us with the gift of life. We cannot create blood. Its not manufactured. We need you to give,” said Tuggle..
Gingie White, Marketing with DeKalb Community Hospital, urges you to make plans to donate during the next blood drive. “I want to thank everyone who came out Tuesday and to those who have helped us in the past and I want to encourage you to come out and partner with us in help saving lives. So put that on your calendar. The next Blood Assurance Blood Drive will be June 26 in the parking lot of DeKalb Community Hospital,” said White.

Facing a public relations campaign aimed at stopping it, the DeKalb Utility District is determined to continue plans to build its own water treatment plant and has all but secured funding for the project. In fact, a ground breaking for the plant could come as early as July with completion of the facility expected within eighteen months thereafter, about the time the DUD’s ten year water service contract with the City of Smithville expires.
The plan has been in the making for years, much to the chagrin of city officials who will see the loss of Smithville’s biggest water customer and over a half million dollars in sales each year if this goes through. That’s revenue that will have to be made up in the form of higher water rates, according to city officials. But city water customers are not the only ones who will feel the pinch. According to the city’s utility engineer, J.R. Wauford, DUD customers will see increases of as much as fifty percent. Last week, the Smithville aldermen voted to hire a public relations firm, the Calvert Street Group, to launch a campaign to get this message out to city and DUD customers.
The DUD currently purchases water from the City of Smithville at $2.00 per thousand gallons and the cost to the DUD increases by five cents per thousand gallons each year during the term of the contract. That agreement expires in 2014. City officials have questioned how the DUD can produce its own water supply cheaper than it can buy it from Smithville.
Officials of the DeKalb Utility District admit that while rate increases are coming to help pay for the new plant, they are not as drastic as city officials have asserted.
In a prepared statement released to WJLE Tuesday, the DeKalb Utility District officials said that “there is a lot of misinformation being circulated in the community about the impact the new water treatment plant construction will have on our customers’ rates. Here are the facts”:
“The increases will be spaced out over the next three years”
“Our minimum rate for customers, who use 2,000 gallons or less, will rise from as low as $17.50 presently to $19.00 in July, 2012, then to $20.13 in July, 2013 and to $21.75 in July, 2014. That’s a total of $4.25 more a month spaced out over a three year period.”
“For our average customer (who uses 6,000 gallons per month), their current bill (plus tax) is $44.00. That will rise in July, 2012 to $47.75, then to $51.08 in July 2013 and $54.55 in July, 2014. That’s a total increase of over $10.50 a month spaced out over the next three years.”
According to the DUD media statement” Customers don’t pay their water bills in percentages. They pay them in dollars and cents. We believe once our customers know and understand what is being proposed, they will see why this plan is a good idea and will be a good investment in their future and the community’s future.”
DUD customers in the Baxter/Silver Point areas, will not be affected by these rate increases, according to the DUD. “Their rates will not be changed in any way by the construction or operation of the new water treatment plant. They will not receive any water service from the new facility, so it would not be fair to make them have to pay for it,” according to the DUD media release.
“Our customers in the Baxter/Silver Point areas receive water through a contract the DeKalb Utility District has with the city of Baxter and we agree with those there who feel their water costs are high”.
“We have spent tens of thousands of dollars and months of time trying to come up with a financially viable way to provide water to that area by bringing it across the lake from the Smithville side. Unfortunately, we have not been able to identify a plan that won’t result in a further increase in water rates, which is not acceptable.”
The proposed $10.5 million DUD water treatment plant is to be built off Holmes Creek Road in the Yolanda Hills Drive area, funded through Rural Development and Tennessee Utility Assistance which is a program offered by the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts. The DUD media release states “To finance the project, we are receiving funding from the Rural Development Agency including a $5 million loan and a $1.25 million grant. In addition, we are receiving funding from the TUA of another $4.25 million. We believe these funds, especially the grant monies, combined with the historically very low interest rates we are receiving, will help us to finally move forward with building the water treatment plant”.
Wauford, during last week’s meeting of the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen, said that the city’s newly renovated water treatment plant is more than capable of meeting current and future needs of both Smithville and the DeKalb Utility District for years to come. “You(Smithville) have a four million gallon a day water treatment plant. You’re producing about 1.8 million gallons per day. About 700,000 to 800,000 gallons is going to the DeKalb Utility District. Your contract with DUD now gives them the right to buy two million gallons a day which is well within your capability of doing so,” said Wauford.
By having its own water treatment plant, Manager Jon Foutch said the DUD is better able to control its own destiny. “We believe building such a facility will give our customers more control over the ongoing costs of their water service and ensure the reliability of that water service in the future,” said Foutch.
Two water plants in the county would also be better for all residents, rather than just one plant, he said, especially during times of emergencies. “We believe having our own water treatment plant will benefit all of DeKalb County because it will provide an additional source of water for our community to plan and handle future growth. And, in case of emergencies, it will establish and maintain an interconnected, backup water system for all residents in the area if one of the water services is unavailable,” said Foutch.
The DUD already has a water storage agreement with the Corps of Engineers and the authority to pull up to two million gallons per day from the lake and to build the necessary pumping station at near Holmes Creek to supply water to the proposed three million gallon a day treatment plant to be located at the top of the hill.
DUD officials have said that the Corps of Engineers only has a limited amount of water withdrawal remaining from their storage pool availability and if DUD does not act now, it may not again have the opportunity to build a treatment plant in the future. That water availability may go to some other utility or industry. If DUD passes up this opportunity, it could be gone forever.

Another family will soon experience the dream of home ownership thanks to Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County.
The Melba Vinca family was chosen by the local Habitat board of directors last Tuesday, April 17th, based on a recommendation by the Habitat family selection committee.
Marie Blair, Chairman of the Family Selection Committee told WJLE that Vinca was among thirteen who applied to become the latest partner family. The committee, she said, felt that Vinca was the best choice. Some who applied did not meet all the criteria.
To qualify, applicants must be a DeKalb County resident for at least 1 year; be a U.S. Citizen or have permanent resident alien status; have a housing need; have an ability to pay. (applicants must provide proof of income and ability to pay a monthly mortgage); and be willing to partner in the construction of their own home.
Vinca and her three grandsons, 16 year old Bradley Mullican, 15 year old Cayton Lance, and 10 year old Justin Lance, will reside at the home on Hayes Street once its completed this fall.
Vinca told WJLE Monday that she is excited to have been selected. “I really felt like I had won a lottery. I just want to thank God for allowing me this opportunity to finally own my own home and to have my own bedroom more than anything. I can’t wait to get out there and help,”she said.
“We’re very, very happy to have Ms. Vinca as our fourth partner family for this year”, said Nolan Turner, President of the local Habitat affiliate. “We’re looking forward to getting the house built and getting her in there as soon as we possibly can. Hopefully we’ll be able to break ground next month and start the building and hope we’ll be in there by the first of October,” he said.
“We really need donations right now for the building. We’ve got enough to get it underway but we’re looking forward to finishing the house and to possibly get enough (donations) to start another one,” said Turner.
“This will be between an 1,100 to 1,200 square foot house. It’ll be a three bedroom house with a bath and a half. Of course with a kitchen and dining room. It will be similar to the other (partner family) houses. A washer/dryer combination will be furnished with the house. It’ll be a frame house. Most of the labor will be volunteer. Nowadays you’ve got to have a licensed contractor as far as electric and plumbing. We may have to employ someone to do that but most of the labor is going to come from volunteer help,” said Turner.
The purpose of Habitat is to build houses and sell them at no profit and no interest to families who could not otherwise afford their own home. This Christian ministry is financed through private donations using volunteer labor and donated materials whenever possible.
(Pictured left to right: Bradley Mullican, Melba Vinca, Cayton Lance, and Nolan Turner. In front wearing orange shirt is Justin Lance)

The Lady Saints Fast Pitch Softball Team played the first game on their brand new field Monday on the campus of DeKalb Middle School and a one to nothing victory over Mount Juliet added to the excitement.
The ceremonial first pitch was throw by Suzette Barnes, an avid supporter of the program.
Principal Randy Jennings said the development of this softball field has been a long time in the making. “It has been a long time coming for several years since the beginning of the program. We weren’t sure we would get to play on it this year with all the wet weather we had early. We just couldn’t get in there on the field to do much. But finally in the last couple of weeks with a ton of parents and the coaches, they got out there and it came a long way. Before, the team always had to go across town for practices and games. It’ll be nice for them (players) to just walk out the back door from the school building to practice in the afternoons and play their games. Of course its still a work in progress but its nice to see them out there playing. All of this has been done through fundraisers and donations. A lot of people have been gracious enough to support that and I’d like to thank all those people,”he said.
Jennings said the field is still a work in progress. “The field is still not in great playing condition. The outfield is still a little rough but that is something that’s going to take a little time. Of course, the outside of the fence area, hopefully in the near future we’ll get a press box and some things that will make that part of the field look a little nicer also,” he said
The Lady Saints scored one run in the bottom of the fourth inning. with two outs, Kayley Caplinger got a hit single, and then Katie Hall hit an RBI double to score Caplinger. Kayley Caplinger pitched a one hit shutout through five innings. She walked two.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a Cookeville man in a local burglary and theft case.
25 year old Brandon Troy Hayes of Hill Road, Cookeville is charged with burglary and theft of property over $1,000. He will be in court April 26. His bond is $10,000
Sheriff Patrick Ray reports that on November 27, 2011, Hayes broke into a building on Hamby Hill Road by cutting a lock off the door. He allegedly stole a power washer, Black & Decker drill, chainsaw, Skil saw, leaf blower, and other items, all valued at over $1,000.
The case was investigated by criminal detectives of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. Hayes was arrested on Friday, April 20.
41 year old Joe Allen Ferrell of Oak Drive, Smithville is charged with driving on a suspended license. His bond is $20,000.
Sheriff Ray reports that on Wednesday, April 18 Ferrell, who had cases pending in General Sessions Court for driving on a suspended license, was observed by a deputy leaving the courthouse, operating a motor vehicle. Ferrell, who had just left traffic court before getting in the vehicle, had been advised by Judge Bratten Cook, II not to drive anymore while his license was suspended. His original suspension notice was sent on February 27. His bond was originally set at $2,500 but the judge increased it to $20,000.
26 year old Caleb Isaiah Rigsby of Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown is charged with driving on a suspended license, theft of property under $500, and he was issued a citation for no seatbelt. His bond totals $3,000 and he will be in court June 14.
Sheriff Ray reports that on Thursday, April 19 Rigsby was operating a motor vehicle on the Old Mill Hill Road when he was stopped by a deputy for a seat belt violation. A computer check revealed that his license were suspended on April 22, 2010 in Warren County for failure to satisfy a citation. On the theft charge, Sheriff Ray said that on April 19 Rigsby allegedly stole several items of scrap metal, valued less than $500, on O’Conner Lane and sold them to a local recycling center.
61 year old Robert E. Palmer of Oakwood Circle, Murfreesboro is charged with violation of an order of protection. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court May 3.
Sheriff Ray said that on Friday, April 20, Palmer’s vehicle was seen parked on Shady Place in front of the residence of someone who had an order of protection against him. Palmer was outside of the automobile and standing on the victim’s porch. The victim ran to a neighbor’s home and called 911. A 12 gauge shotgun and ammunition were found in Palmer’s vehicle.
The victim obtained the order of protection against Palmer on January 10, 2012. and became afraid when Palmer stepped onto the porch.

The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development’s Adult Education Division is preparing for major changes to the General Educational Development (GED®) test to take effect in 2014.
“We encourage eligible Tennesseans who have not earned their GED to do so now,” said Commissioner Karla Davis. “Beginning January 1, 2014, the GED test will cost more, must be taken on a computer, and will contain significant content changes.”
The GED test is undergoing its biggest overhaul since the credentialing test began in 1942. The revised test will measure knowledge and core skills that more closely reflect Common Core State Standards, which is the body of information young people are expected to learn in school and need for success in college and the workforce.
Standards go up for the test to remain a valid option to identify skills demanded by employers and postsecondary schools. The 2014 test will be more rigorous in general and requires higher level math proficiency. As before, the new GED test covers subject areas – writing, reading, science, social studies, and math.
“The quality of the labor force is one of the most important factors that employers look at when they think about locating in a state, specifically, the education of the people who make up the labor force and their ability to deliver on the job,” said Marva Doremus, Labor and Workforce Development Administrator for Adult Education. “An educated workforce is critical to our future as a state. The only way we can grow Tennessee’s economy is with the right workers. Last year, 56.6% of those issued a GED credential in Tennessee were between the ages of 17 and 25. These individuals have 50 years to be in the workforce. We need to move them forward into postsecondary or other job training programs.”
Commissioner Davis added, “New jobs are not being created for those without a high school education. Unemployment rates are inversely related to the level of education a person has achieved. The more education a person has, the less likely he is to be unemployed. The same is true of income – the income differences between a person who does not have a high school diploma or GED and a person who does are striking.”
Other important points:
· People who have not passed all parts of the current GED test before the end of the current GED test series, i.e., by December 31, 2013, will have to start over when the 2014 edition begins.
· Presently the fee for taking the GED averages $65. When the GED test becomes computer-based in 2014, the fee will be a minimum of $120.
Last year 12,047 Tennesseans earned GEDs. Tennessee still has 900,000 to one million adults without a high school diploma. Almost 29,000 students dropped out of high school in 2011.
To help existing GED Test Centers transition from the old paper-based testing format to computer-based testing, Tennessee is offering three pilot programs for people to take the current GED test before the launch of the new 2014 series. Test Centers at UT-Martin, Tennessee State University, and Walters State Community College are taking part in the pilot program. The fee to take the test at one of the pilot centers is $120.
For further information on obtaining a GED, contact the GED Office in the Adult Education Division of the Department of Labor & Workforce Development, (615) 741-7054, or e-mail Susan.Doughty@tn.gov.