Classroom Walls to be Built at DeKalb Middle School (View Video Here)
by: Dwayne PageFeb 15, 2025
Classroom walls will soon be going up at DeKalb Middle School.
During Thursday night’s regular monthly meeting, the Board of Education approved an agreement for an architect to design a plan for classroom walls to be added at DeKalb Middle School. Bids will later be sought and awarded for the project which could be started by summer.
When DeKalb Middle School was built in the early 1970s, it was designed with open classroom spaces without walls, a frequently used model among elementary schools at the time across the country. In the years since, efforts have been made to get away from that concept, but no permanent walls have been added.
In an effort to improve student learning, safety, and to reduce noise, Director of Schools Patrick Cripps said the time has come to make a change at DeKalb Middle School.
“This has been a long time coming. We have been working with the fire marshal and I’ll have to give Aaron Young and our maintenance department credit for the work they have done trying to get an agreement so we can enclose all of our classrooms,” said Director Cripps. “We have several classrooms on the corners that are open and this would allow us to be able to close those classrooms off to reduce noise but also for safety. This (action) allows us to go forward with that building program so we can start getting bids and hopefully get this construction project underway this summer,” said Director Cripps.
Meanwhile the board is taking the next step toward the eventual construction of a new elementary school near the Northside Elementary School Campus on North Congress Boulevard. The board approved plans for a topographical survey of the property.
Prior to the vote Director Cripps thanked the cities for voting to extend their existing sales tax agreements with the county to help fund the new school project as well as the county for its commitment to build it.
In his monthly report on personnel moves, Director Cripps said Wade Dunnaway at DeKalb West School and Brittany Weller at DCHS have been hired as teachers and the following have been granted a leave of absence as requested: Britney Gulley, Josh Gulley, Adrienne McCormick, Emily Wheeler, and Kason Wheeler.
The Board also approved school calendars for the three-year period of 2026-27; 2027-28, and 2028-29
Meanwhile the DCHS Prom this spring will be held off campus at the Mill in Lebanon as approved by the Board.
Captain Larry D. Cripps Book Signing at Justin Potter Library
by: Dwayne PageFeb 15, 2025
Justin Potter Library will host a book signing featuring Captain Larry D. Cripps, a distinguished retired Navy Chaplain, on Thursday, February 27, from 1 to 5 PM.
Captain Cripps, who grew up in the Blue Springs community, brings a wealth of experience and insight from his forty-two years of military service spanning three wars: Vietnam, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and the post-9/11 War on Terror. His unique perspective and captivating stories reflect his military journey and highlight Smithville’s rich heritage.
Larry’s new book, “The Hope of War: A Chaplain’s Journey to Abiding Faith, Enduring Hope and Love Under Fire,” was released by Emissary Publishing on Memorial Day weekend last year. The book chronicles the life of a small-town farm boy growing up against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the cultural revolution of the 1960s and early 1970s.
His book has garnered glowing reviews, particularly from young people, active service members, combat veterans, first responders, and their families. This positive feedback underscores the book’s significant benefit for those who have encountered challenges, disappointments, or traumatic experiences, which are integral parts of our life’s journey.
This book signing session will be unlike any other we have hosted. It will feature a pictorial display highlighting significant moments that shaped Larry’s life and ministry to the men and women of America’s Armed Forces and their families, who sacrificed so much to protect and preserve the freedoms we all cherish. Additionally, Larry’s daughter, Makenzy Hendrix Gash, the owner of “Just a Gash of Sugar,” will provide our guests with a selection of delicious treats
For further information contact Justin Potter Library at 615-597-4359. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram or our website at www.dekalblibraries.net.
DeKalb Tigers and Lady Tigers Lose on the Road at Livingston Academy
by: Dwayne PageFeb 15, 2025
The DCHS basketball teams lost on the road Tuesday night at Livingston Academy. The Lady Tigers lost 59 to 35 and the Tigers were beaten 61 to 47.
The local teams will wrap up the regular season Friday night, February 14 at home hosting Stone Memorial. WJLE will have LIVE coverage starting with the girls game at 6 p.m. followed by the boys contest.
The Lady Tigers are 6-21 overall and 0-9 in the district. The Tigers are 9-18 on the season and have a 1-8 district worksheet.
In the girls game Tuesday night, Livingston Academy led 22 to 6 after the 1st period, 38 to 12 at halftime, and 48 to 22 after the 3rd period before defeating DeKalb County 59 to 35.
Leading the Lady Tigers in scoring was Autumn Crook with 10, Avery Agee 7, Chloe VanVranken 5, Allie Melton and Camille Barton each with 4, Brooklyn Fuson and Jordyn Agee each with 2 and Lillie Young 1.
For the boys, DC led 14 to 13 after the 1st period but trailed 31 to 26 by halftime. Livingston Academy led 43 to 37 after the 3rd period and went on the defeat the Tigers 61 to 47.
Dallas Kirby led the Tigers in scoring with 18, Jordan Parker 13, Seth Fuson and Jon Hendrix each with 5, Logan Duke 4, and Elliot Barnes 2.