Due to federal government spending cuts with sequestration, L.B.J & C Head Start will be adjusting its schedule in the twelve counties it serves including DeKalb starting this August.
“As everyone knows it’s a federal decision across the board, across the nation and Head Start did suffer from that,” said Dorothy Pippin, L.B.J. & C. Head Start Director in an interview with WJLE Thursday. ” It is estimated that nationwide 70,000 children may lose their services of Head Start. In the state of Tennessee its estimated that 1,200 children may lose services of Head Start,” she said.

“L.B.J. & C. has worked it out to where we will not reduce the number of children that we are serving,” said Pippin. “However we’ve had to make other adjustments. Staff will be going to seven hours a day versus eight so they will be cut one hour. Our operation will be from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., cutting about an hour back from the services to the children who stay all day,” she said.
Locally at the Smithville Head Start Center, thirteen employees will be affected. “We have four classrooms here with eight education staff. We have two cooks, a family service person and an assistant. We also have a custodian. A total of thirteen staff. This will take affect next August when they return to work from being laid off this summer,” said Pippin.
“The central office staff, the administrative staff hours will be cut beginning May 1,” she added.
The Smithville Head Start Center serves 74 children ages three and four. While it is not good news that the cuts are coming, Pippin said at least no one is losing their job and Head Start services are still being provided to the children. “Hopefully this is not going to have a real large impact on anyone. Its bad news but it is good news because nobody is losing their job. They are not losing any of their benefits. They are losing one hour a day which will amount to five hours a week. I’m also concerned about the children and families but I believe we can all make adjustments and make this work,” she said.
L.B.J. & C Head Start will also be closing for the summer a few days earlier than normal this year according to Pippin. “We will be closing our Head Start Centers on April 26 for the children. We have extra days built into our program and all of it depends on the weather and how bad the winters are. But normally we close out the first two or three days of May so it will only affect maybe two or three days,” she said.
Pippin said she is hopeful federal funding will be restored for the Head Start program. “There is a possibility that our money will be restored and we’re hoping that will happen. If it does everything will go back to normal. I hope everyone will continue to support our program and send their children because Head Start is a wonderful program,” said Pippin.
L.B.J. & C. Head Start is currently accepting applications for the next school year which begins in August to provide free comprehensive child development services to children 3-5 years of age from low-income families in a full day program. Services are also offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. L.B.J.& C. Head Start helps all children succeed.
L.B.J.& C. Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. The L.B.J.& C Head Start recognizes that, as parents, you are the first and most important teachers of your children. They will welcome your involvement in L.B.J.& C. Head Start activities, and will work as partners with you to help your child and family progress.
Children who attend L.B.J.&C. Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities, receive free medical and dental care, free healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe environment.
L.B.J.& C. Head Start staff members will offer your child love, acceptance, understanding, and the opportunity to learn and to experience success.
For more information contact the Smithville Head Start Center at 615-597-5168.

Potential candidates have two weeks to decide if they want to run for Alderman in the Smithville Municipal Election in June.
The qualifying deadline is 12 noon on Thursday, March 21
The three incumbent aldermen up for re-election, Gayla Hendrix, Shawn Jacobs, and Danny Washer all plan to run. All three have picked up their qualifying petitions with the election commission office and all three have returned them.
Three others, Josh Miller, Anthony Scott, and Aaron Meeks have picked up petitions. Miller and Scott have returned their petitions to the election commission office.
The election will be held on Tuesday, June 18. The terms of the three elected will begin July 1 and run through August 2016. The aldermen-elect will serve a one time- three year term. Thereafter, the terms of office for these three positions will be for four years beginning with the city election in August 2016, subject to final approval of proposed changes in the city charter.
For more information, contact the DeKalb County Election Commission Office at 597-4146

The City of Smithville has apparently sprung some water leaks.
Todd Bowman, Supervisor of the Water Treatment Plant, informed the mayor and aldermen Monday night that even after fixing a major leak recently, the system is still pumping more water than it should be for this time of year which is indicative of more leaks.

The city has leak detecting equipment but it is older and not as reliable as new devices now available. Bowman said the city could contract with someone to come in with newer equipment to help locate the leaks throughout the system at a cost of $5,600. The city also has the option of purchasing new leak detecting devices for around $2,600.
Bowman said the amount of water the city is pumping has been ramping up in recent months. “Theoretically each month, you should pump about the same amount of water and you should meter out the same amount unless you have new businesses or industries come in. If you look at November 2011 you can see the amount of water was at 47.9 million gallons. In November 2012 is was 49.7 million gallons. That’s when I noticed we had a leak,” said Bowman. ” In December 2011 it was 49 million and December 2012 it was 54.8 million. Then they found the big leak and fixed it at the end of January,” he said.
According to Bowman, the problem has persisted even after the leak was fixed. “In January 2012 it was 49 million and January 2013 it was 56.4 million. In February 2012 it was 46.1 million and February 2013 it was 50 million. Normally in the winter your water (usage) will ramp down. There are no pools or gardens being watered and no lawns. I just wanted you to look at these numbers because I think the system still has a few problems out there. If you compare the numbers to a year ago, they are extremely high. We’re up to about two million gallons (usage) per day. When I started we were at 1.7 million per day. You can just gradually see the water ramping up and it should be vice versa right now. In the winter it should fall down and pick back up in the spring. If it stays like this we’ll be pumping up to 60 million gallons (per month) by summer. We have talked to a leak survey guy who said he could come in and do the whole system and the whole 54 mile of main for $5,600. He will walk every main in the city. He will spot the leaks and put an “x” on the road and then you have the guys go out and repair the leaks,” said Bowman.
Mayor Jimmy Poss said he preferred the city purchasing its own new leak detecting equipment. “We’ve talked about buying this equipment. We’ve got one (leak detector). Its older and not as good. It won’t detect like this (new equipment). I’d like to buy it. We’ve got the people to do it (find and repair the leaks).” said Mayor Poss.

The American Red Cross has launched its official Tornado App, putting lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in, visit or have loved ones in tornado-prone areas.
This free app—available in English or Spanish—gives iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone and tablet users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a tornado. The app includes a high-pitched siren and “tornado warning!” alert that signals people when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued in their area – even if the app is closed. An “all clear!” alert lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled.
“Tornadoes often happen in the overnight hours when people are sleeping,” said Kathy Nesmith, Chapter Executive, Caney Fork Chapter. “The audible alerts in this app can save lives – even if users can’t monitor the weather because they are away from radio, TV or in places where weather band radios may not work.”
Other features of the app include:
·Location-based NOAA tornado, severe thunderstorm and flood watch and warning alerts;
· Enhanced weather maps;
· One-touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends that they are out of harm’s way;
·Simple steps and checklists people can use to create an emergency plan and share it with household members;
· Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;
·Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm;
·Locations of open Red Cross shelters; and
· Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.
Launched during National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the Tornado App is the latest in a series of mobile apps created by the Red Cross, the nation’s leader in emergency preparedness. The apps have been used to help save lives during hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires.
“The Red Cross has made great strides in putting vital information in the hands of people who need it during emergencies. In fact, our apps are now on more than two million mobile devices across the country,” added Nesmith.
Mobile activity soared due to Superstorm Sandy:
* More than 400,000 people downloaded the Red Cross Hurricane App;
· Nearly 6 million NOAA weather alerts were sent;
·Preparedness content was the most popular feature of the app followed by alerts and the shelter locator;
· The average time spent using the app increased 300 percent; and
· The app had 15 million page views.
Right after the storm, the Hurricane App was updated with real-time recovery information including Red Cross shelter and feeding sites, FEMA sites, open gas stations and warming centers to help those affected by the storm.
The Tornado App, along with the others, can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps. Apps can help prepare people for disasters, but they are not a substitute for training. Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. People can visit redcross.org/takeaclass for course information and to register.
The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters each year and we help people get ready to respond to emergencies by providing these apps for free. The Red Cross needs the help of the public to continue this lifesaving effort. People can make a donation to the Red Cross by going to redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

An off duty City of Smithville employee was charged last Friday with driving under the influence.
81 year old Eugene O’Neil, the city’s building inspector, is under a $1,500 bond and he will be in court on June 13.
Trooper Bobby Johnson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol said on Friday, March 1 at around 5:51 p.m. he spotted a 2003 Chevy Silverado on Golf Club Drive with a brake light out and a turn signal not working. He stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, O’Neil who had a strong odor of alcohol on his person. According to Trooper Johnson, O’Neil allegedly admitted to drinking a beer. Trooper Johnson found in the truck two-40 ounce bottles of King Cobra malt liquor. One bottle was unopened and the other bottle was almost empty.
Trooper Johnson said O’Neil submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He also submitted to a blood test.
In addition to being charged with DUI, O’Neil was cited for the light violations.
O’Neil was apparently off duty at the time and was driving his own personal vehicle.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office recently presented the Smithville Fire Department with a supply of smoke alarms to be installed in homes within the community at high risk of fire. The department personnel attended an information session and training course on the new alarms, which were purchased with FEMA grant funds and utilize a lithium battery with a 10 year lifespan.

This statewide, months-long distribution of smoke alarms is all part of the State Fire Marshal’s effort to both educate and equip Tennesseans to incorporate fire safety into their daily lives.
“We want residents to make sure they have functional smoke alarms in their homes, as well as a rehearsed fire-escape plan. These are tools proven to save lives-because even one fire death is one too many,” said State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak.
The alarms are free, but must be installed by the fire department or a partnering organization that has received the training course. Because supplies are limited, the fire department may need to give first preference to those who are not able to otherwise afford smoke alarms.
“We are excited to be able to partner with the State Fire Marshal’s Office in providing these smoke alarms for the citizens here in Smithville said Chief Charlie Parker of the Smithville Fire Department. “Fire can spread through a home in a matter of minutes and smoke alarms can give residents the warning needed to get out safely.”
To request an installation, call 615-597-4141 and provide your name, address, and phone number. A fire department representative will then contact you to schedule a time for the installation. In addition to having working smoke alarms, follow these other important tips to make sure your home is fire-safe.
* Always stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food
* Check to see that matches and lighters are kept up high in a cabinet with a childproof lock
* Develop a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room and an outside meeting place. Share and practice the plan with every member of the household.
* Keep portable space heaters and candles three feet away from anything that can burn, including people, furniture, and pets
* Always turn off portable space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed
* Have the chimney cleaned and checked regularly
* Do not smoke in bed
* Make sure that all matches and ashes are cool before being thrown away.
*Make sure that extension cords are in good condition and are used to power small items only-never major appliances.
For further information on fire safety, feel free to visit the State Fire Marshal’s Office website at www.tn.gov/commerce/sfm. You also may download a home fire safety checklist at http://tn.gov/commerce/sfm/fsk/documents/checklist.pdf.