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This week, April 11-17, 2021, is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, dedicated to show appreciation for dispatchers in the public safety community across the country. 911 operators work behind the scenes to provide lifesaving support and guidance to help guide citizens in the event of an emergency.

Telecommunicators Week for 911 dispatch operators is celebrated April 11-17th across the nation and was originally created to raise public awareness and express the community's appreciation to the public safety heroes for the outstanding efforts and dedication of those working in public safety telecommunications. These men and women quickly answer the call of duty to serve the needs of the general public and selflessly provide complete and professional assistance behind the scenes despite the immense stress levels.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, successfully guided passage of legislation further protecting Tennesseans’ First Amendment right to hold religious services during a state of emergency. The bill passed 70-18 in the House chamber on April 12...

The Dyersburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen will convene electronically Monday, April 19 at 7 p.m. Those who would like to call in may do so by dialing 978-990-5000 followed by access code 203600 when prompted. The meeting is being held pursuant to Executive Order 16 issued by Gov. Bill Lee permitting local governing bodies to conduct meetings electronically and extended by Executive Orders 34, 51, 60, 65, 71, and 78 until April 28, 2021...

MERYL CAMPBELL mcampbell@stategazette.com When spring hit Dyer County, coming in like a lion, it brought beautiful days to play in the sunshine. The wonderful weather helped to bloom an array colors throughout the county. Unfolding before us, blossom by blossom, spring began filling our world with color. ...

The Dyersburg Police Department is alerting the public of dangerous counterfeit pills. Counterfeit pills are fake medicine and may be harmful to your health. Counterfeit pills typically resemble commercially manufactured prescription pills and may appear similar in color, size, shape and markings.

On Thursday afternoon, Dyersburg City Schools announced the implementation of modified Phase 3, beginning Monday, April 19, for all city schools. Under the new phase, masks will be optional for students and staff members and visitors will begin to be invited into the school buildings.

On April 14 at 3:30 a.m., the Dyersburg Fire Department responded to a house fire at 624 Cherry St. According to the DFD, no one was at home at the time the fire occurred.

This week’s Dyer County High School student spotlight representative is sophomore Jenna Hicks. ‘Jenna is an outstanding student and individual that always gives 100 percent. She has a positive attitude and a smile for everyone. She is a role model for her peers.’ – Mrs. Lucia Martinez...

This week’s Dyersburg High School Student Spotlight representative is junior Ardell Ross. Ardell is the son of Amelia Williams. ‘Several weeks ago, the ladies trying out for cheerleading had to run/walk one mile. The cheer coaches decided we would condition with them. ...

The Newbern Police Department Criminal Investigation Division is seeking help in locating two individuals identified as suspects in the recent theft of two trailers and vandalism, occurring on April 5 at a local business. According to NPD, during the course of the investigation information and evidence collected indicated David Armstrong, 35, and Homer Hawks, 39, both of Dyersburg, as the suspects.

A benefit for a local business owner is set for Saturday, April 17. Occurring at the Main Street Dyersburg Farmers Market from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., funds from the event will benefit Joe Tidwell and family. Joe, owner of Chandler’s Barber Shop in Dyersburg and a Mason of the Masonic Lodge, has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The benefit is to help with the cost of medical bills...

The Dyer County Legislative Body convened in regular session on April 12, 2021 in the General Sessions Court Room. Topics for discussion included budget committee appropriations of funds, property tax reports for 2019, among other items for approval.

On Friday, April 16, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) will launch a new speeding prevention campaign called “Slow Down Tennessee” in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, AAA – The Auto Club Group, the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and local law enforcement agencies. ...

The Tennessee Department of Health is acting upon recent guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to pause administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine supply continues to surpass demand and the Department of Health does not anticipate this shift will impact efforts to vaccinate as many Tennesseans as possible. TDH continue to monitor the situation closely...

Due to a pause in the distribution of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the Dyersburg State Community College Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County will provide the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in its place. First and second doses will be available to anyone 18 years and older every Saturday through the end of June from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Drop-ins are welcome; however, appointments are encouraged at www.dscc.edu/vaccine...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – At the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Secretary of State Tre Hargett wants to remind Tennesseans about Safe at Home, the free statewide address confidentiality program for victims of sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking or domestic abuse...

On April 12, a Dyer County Grand Jury indicted a Newbern man on a first-degree murder charge.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On Tuesday, April 13, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced his amendment to the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget. The amendment includes $580 million in available funds as a result of fiscal prudence. These funds will be invested in strategic long-term projects that focus on a return to pre-pandemic priorities and deliver critical services while not growing government. ...

A Dyersburg man was taken into custody Sunday night after allegedly shooting a 25-year-old man following a disturbance at a residence on Reynolds Street.

After responding to a call of shots fired in the area of Cherry and Dixie streets Saturday evening, the Dyersburg Police Department arrested numerous individuals on various charges including felon in possession of a firearm, evading arrest, child abuse and neglect, drug possession, among others.

On Saturday, May 8, beginning at 7 p.m., the annual Classic Country Benefit show will take place at the Bogota Community Center. The evening of country music entertainment is a fundraiser held by Newbern native and musician Theron Gean with all proceeds benefitting the Dyer County Community Cancer Fund. This year, co-headlining the event with Gean is singer-songwriter and country music legend Leona Williams.

The Tennessee Department of Education recently announced the 27 region-level semifinalists for Tennessee Teacher of the Year. Dyersburg High School educator Katherine Huitt was one of the educators selected, naming her as the Northwest Teacher of the Year for grades 9-12.

In a year of constantly changing health directives and initiatives, the Dyer County Health Department has been some of the most important frontline workers from day one. Whether coordinating drive-through testing for Dyer County citizens to calling with results to most recently standing out in the cold and rain to vaccinate, their service has been stellar and they have kept the health of our community at the forefront each day. ...