Smithville Elementary School Dream Team
by: Dwayne PageMar 24, 2025
Smithville Elementary would like to recognize the “Dream Team” for the third nine weeks of school. These faculty and staff members were selected for recognition by the administration for their dedication and commitment to Smithville Elementary’s success. Those recognized are:
Pre-K Teacher: Brian Smith
Kindergarten Teacher: Misty Agee
1st Grade Teacher: Priscilla Campbell
2nd Grade Teacher: Chloe Mooneyham
P.E. Teacher: Janie Roberts
SRO Officer: Roger Whitehead
Behavior Teacher: Brad Trapp
Paraprofessional: Tanya Howard
Paraprofessional: Brenda Rigney
Cafeteria Staff: Margie Hale
First Graduate of DeKalb Christian Academy Honored by Tennessee General Assembly
by: Dwayne PageMar 24, 2025
The first ever graduate of DeKalb Christian Academy has been recognized by the Tennessee General Assembly.
A resolution honoring Addison McBroom, introduced by State Representative Michael Hale, has been adopted by both the state House and Senate and signed by the Governor.
The resolution 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, Addison McBroom is one such exceptional student, who has become the first graduate of DeKalb Christian Academy in Smithville; and
WHEREAS, Ms. McBroom made the transition to DeKalb Christian Academy in the seventh grade and quickly became a leader among the student body, offering her time to tutor and assist fellow students; and
WHEREAS, she has a heart for music, children, and helping others; she plays piano almost weekly at her church and is involved in the children’s ministry, where she serves faithfully each week; and
WHEREAS, with a clear vision for her future, Addison aspires to become an optometrist. In her junior year of high school, she enrolled in the Middle College program at Motlow State Community College, diligently pursuing an associate degree while balancing her high school coursework as well as a part-time job at Webb’s Pharmacy; and
WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Ms. McBroom has 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, Ms. McBroom has excelled in her studies and will graduate with high honors. She has been accepted for enrollment at Tennessee Technological University, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree before entering optometry school; and
WHEREAS, Ms. McBroom’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for her family, her school, and her community; and
WHEREAS, Ms. McBroom’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 FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we hereby commend and honor Addison McBroom on her impressive academic achievement as the first graduate of DeKalb Christian Academy and extend to her our best wishes for a happy, successful future.
Attorneys for Alexandria Town and Mayor File Motion to Dismiss Federal Lawsuit Brought by former City Employee
by: Dwayne PageMar 24, 2025
A motion to dismiss!
Attorneys for the town of Alexandria and Mayor Beth Tripp have filed a motion in federal court to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a former employee claiming she was wrongfully terminated.
Patricia Houser, a former town recorder, court clerk, tax collector, and backup water clerk, is suing the City of Alexandria and Mayor Tripp in her individual and official capacities for deprivation of due process under the 14th amendment and for slander, defamation, and defamation by implication, in violation of state law.
In the motion to dismiss filed Monday, March 17 an attorney for the town and mayor, A. Ryan Simmons of the Brentwood law firm of Farrar/Bates/Berexa stated several reasons why the complaint should be dropped. In support of the motion, Simmons claims that Plaintiff (Houser) has failed to state any viable claims against the Defendants (town and mayor); has failed to establish that she was deprived of any Constitutional right or law of the United States; that she did not possess a property interest in her employment with the Town; that Plaintiff (Houser) never requested a name-clearing hearing following her termination; that she has failed to state a claim for a substantive due process violation; and that the complaint also fails to state a claim for Monell liability against the Town. According to the motion to dismiss, the official capacity claim against Mayor Tripp is duplicative requiring dismissal; and that Mayor Tripp is entitled to qualified immunity in her individual capacity. Further, the motion goes on to allege that the complaint fails to state a viable claim under state law for defamation or defamation by implication against Mayor Tripp; that Defendant Tripp is entitled to immunity in her official capacity under the Tennessee Government Tort Liability Act; and that Mayor Tripp is entitled to absolute immunity in her individual capacity.
“Alternatively, the Court should decline to exercise supplemental jurisdiction and dismiss Plaintiff (Houser’s) state law claim. Wherefore, Defendants (Town of Alexandria and Mayor Tripp) respectfully request an order dismissing Plaintiff’s complaint in its entirety,” the motion concluded.
Houser is seeking a jury trial; reinstatement to her position; compensatory and punitive damages; payment of lost wages and benefits; attorney’s fees, etc.
Houser is represented by the Nashville law firm of Biesecker, Dutkanych & Macer, LLC.