Press Release: The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread
To view the above graphic online, visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf. The CDC’s official Coronavirus website (www.coronavirus.gov) is the best source for up-to-date information and guidance. Here are President Donald. J. Trump’s new guidelines to address COVID-19:
1.) Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities. 2.) If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider. 3.) If your children are sick, keep them at home. Do not send them to school. Contact your medical provider. 4.) If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider. 5.) If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people. 6.) If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people. 7.) Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus:- Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
- If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
- Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
- Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
- Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
- Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
- Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
- Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
March 2020 Meeting of the Smith County Board of Education
Some great information about the local response to COVID-19 was shared during last night’s school board meeting.
Director of Schools Barry H. Smith talks about the Board of Education’s response and the take-home meal program beginning at the 19 minute mark.
Around 33 minutes in to the meeting, Kim Maynard, Coordinated School Health Program Coordinator, provides general information about the virus and what’s being done at the county level to combat it.
You can watch the full meeting below.
Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!
The Smith County School Board meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Smith County Board of Education, located at 126 Smith County Middle School Lane in Carthage, Tennessee.
The next School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.
All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
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Tennessee cannabis growers lobby on Capitol Hill in Nashville
On Monday, February 24 and Tuesday, February 25, 2020, Tennessee cannabis growers lobbied on Capitol Hill in Nashville for three separate bills.
Four of the Lobbyists included Greg & Debbie Pilant with Leviathan Cannabis and Cole Ebel & Madison Nowak of Cumberland Cannabis Company.
Leviathan is a Canadian company which processes and manufactures CBD heavy cannabis and Cumberland Cannabis is a wholesale distributor of numerous cannabis growers and processors from the State of Tennessee.
The lobbyists met with numerous senators and representatives, including our own senator, Mark Pody who fully supported all three bills and Terri Lynn Weaver, who generally supported, but stated she would read through the details of the bills.
The first bill, known as the “Constitutional Protection for Hemp” bill, is sponsored by Rep. Jay Reedy (R) & Sen. Janice Bowling (R). (HB 0274 / SB 0279). This bill prohibits police searches based solely on the odor of cannabis and specifies that hemp and products derived from hemp, other than isolated THC, are NOT subject to scheduling as a controlled substance and are NOT subject to forfieture based solely on their composition. The reasons for this bill is it protects our 4th amendment right for people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches & seizure. Hemp is legal and its scent does not justify searches. This protects farmers and processors working with a legal crop and protects consumers who use hemp and CBD products.
“You have people who are hurting, using a completely legal and natural plant, who are being harassed and having their constitutional rights violated based on an odor, which cannot be distinguished from THC cannabis, which is medically legal in 39 other states,” said Cole Ebel, owner of Cumberland Cannabis Company in Carthage. “Why are we going to encourage law enforcement to break constitutional and state laws on searching a person based on suspicion for gauging a substance which emits the same terpenes as THC cannabis even though it has almost zero THC?”
The second bill, known as the “Hemp Consumer Protection Act of 2020”, is sponsored by Rep. Bryan Terry (R) & Sen. Richard Briggs (R). (HB 2054 & SB 1944). This bill prohibits revocation of parole, probation, or bail based on drug test result that is positive for THC below a certain level; prohibits public employers from taking adverse employment action and denying certain benefits based on such test result. The reason for this bill is it is protecting consumers who rely heavily on legal full spectrum hemp products which are helping with pain and supplementing scheduled pharmaceuticals. It’s supporting a healthy and legal market for sales and use of full spectrum hemp harvests and products. This would apply to state, county, and city employees.
The last bill, known as the “Hemp is Not Tobacco – No Tobacco Tax” bill, is sponsored by Rep. Jay Reedy (R) & Sen. Frank Nicely (R) specifies that rolled hemp is not a cigarette and hemp is not a substitute for tobacco for purposes of clarifying that such products are not subject to the tobacco tax. Many Tennessee farmers are trying to sell their crops and would have trouble doing so if charged an extra tax. Tobacco is deadly and addictive and its tax helps support various government healthcare funds. Hemp is not addictive.
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March 2020 Meeting of the Smith County Commission
During the March 2020 meeting of the Smith County Commission, Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason acknowledged the Smith County High School Band for their accomplishments, including a recent performance at the Daytona 500.
The Smith County Commission held its March meeting on the evening of Monday, March 9, 2020.
During the meeting, Mayor Jeff Mason addressed the county response to the March 3 tornadoes, discussed forming a coronavirus task force in Smith County, and acknowledged the Smith County High School Marching Band for their performance at the Daytona 500 earlier this year.
You can watch the full meeting below.
Thanks to Powell & Meadows Insurance Agency for sponsoring the live broadcast of this meeting.
Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!
The Smith County Board of Commissioners meets on the second Monday of every month except December. Commission meetings are held in the General Sessions Courtroom of the Smith County Jail and Courts Facility, located at 322 Justice Drive in Carthage.
All meetings are open to the public and are streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
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March 2020 Meeting of the Carthage City Council
The Carthage City Council held its March meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at 6:00 p.m at Carthage City Hall.
You can watch the full meeting below.
Thanks to Smith County Animal Clinic for sponsoring Smith County Insider’s live broadcast of this meeting.
Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!
The Carthage City Council meets at 6:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Carthage City Hall, located at 314 Spring Street in Carthage, Tennessee – 37030.
All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
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Press Release: Rose Announces Local Office Hours
Cookeville, TN –The staff of U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-6) will be in Smith County on Friday, March 13, 2020, to meet with local citizens who need assistance with federal services.
“I am thrilled to have a talented district staff serving the good folks of Tennessee’s Sixth District. We are focused on providing top-notch constituent services for all 19 counties,” said Rose. “Knowing that at times it may be difficult to travel to one of our two district offices, I have directed my district staff to periodically set up office hours in other locations throughout our 19 county-district. This will allow everyone in the Sixth District to have face-to-face access to my district staff and the services we provide.”
“The next opportunity for constituents to take advantage of these remote office hours will be in Smith County,” Rose announced. “My staff will be meeting with constituents at the Smith County Administration Building on Friday, March 13 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Central Time. Constituents who do not need a face-to-face meeting may call the Cookeville office to discuss any questions at 931-854-9430.”
U.S. Representative John Rose represents Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides in Cookeville with his wife, Chelsea, and their son, Guy. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Robertson, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, White, and Wilson counties as well as portions of Cheatham and Van Buren counties.
U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-6)
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Collins wins Republican Primary for 15th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge
Judge Michael Collins
Michael Collins has won the Republican Primary for Circuit Court Judge in the 15th Judicial District.
Collins carried Smith County with a total of 2,004 votes, which amounted to 63.80%.
In Smith County, Javin Cripps received 865 votes, Shawn McBrien received 255 votes, and 17 votes were cast for the Write-In candidate.
Collins also carried the vote in Wilson County. In Wilson County, Michael Collins received a total of 4,986 votes, compared to 3,252 votes for Javin Cripps, 3,726 votes for Shawn McBrien, and 18 votes for the Write-In candidate.
In Macon County, Javin Cripps had the highest number of votes with 849, followed closely by Collins with 842 votes. Shawn McBrien received 189 votes, and 2 votes were cast for the Write-In candidate.
Across the three counties, Collins received 7,832 votes, Cripps received 4,966 votes, McBrien received 4,170 votes, and the Write-In candidate received 37 votes.
Local Republican parties in Jackson and Trousdale counties elected not to vote in this primary election.
Following his victory in the March 2020 Republican Primary, Collins released the following statement:
“It is a bittersweet day to celebrate a victory in light of the tragedies and loss of life caused by the tornadoes. My prayers go out to all that have been affected.
I am thankful that God has allowed me thus far to be in a position to serve the people of our community.
In this race I am blessed by the outpouring of support from so many throughout our district. I am grateful for the devotion of my wife, my children, my family, and my friends. I am humbled by the turnout in the primary that so many people have put their trust in me.
I looked forward to the next steps and trust that God has a plan.”
Micheal Collins will now face off against Independent candidate Branden Bellar in the August election. No Democratic candidate will appear on the ballot.
The State Primary election will take place on August 6, 2020.
View the complete summary of the 2020 Presidential Preference Primary Election results for Smith County at https://www.smithcountyelection.com/election/Smith_ElecSumm_All.htm.
Wilson County results can be viewed here, and Macon County results can be viewed here.
Click here to view this year’s upcoming election calendar.
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Press Release: Rose Supports Relief for Middle Tennessee Tornado Victims
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In memory of those who lost their lives in Putnam, Wilson, Davidson, and Benton counties this week, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-6) spoke on the House Floor yesterday afternoon.
During the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3, 2020, a devastating storm tragically struck Middle Tennessee with a tornado path stretching from Nashville to Cookeville. The vast majority of reported deaths to this point have been in the Sixth District.
As first responders and local officials continue to assess damages, Rep. Rose urged his colleagues to join him in prayer and pledged his full support to those in the wake of this tragedy. He has signaled his full support for the anticipated request from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee that President Trump officially designate Tennessee as eligible to receive additional federal aid for the recovery effort.
Rep. Rose’s full remarks can be viewed here or below.
“Madam Speaker, today I rise with my colleague from Tennessee, Mr. Cooper.
Earlier today, a devastating tornado tore through Middle Tennessee, the area I represent and call home.
While rescue workers are still in the critical phase of sorting through debris and accounting for those who are still missing, we know already many lives were lost and dozens of people were rushed to emergency rooms.
I and countless Tennesseans are lifting those people up in prayer.
I am working diligently alongside my fellow Representatives, the Administration, Governor Lee, Senators Alexander and Blackburn, and emergency officials to get much needed federal aid to the affected areas.
Homes, schools, businesses, churches, farms, and other buildings and numerous communities have suffered serious and, in some cases, overwhelming damage.
I stand today with those affected by this disaster and pledge every effort will be made to give shelter to those who need it, give care to those who are hurt, and give assistance in the critical effort to recover and rebuild.
I yield back the balance of my time.”
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March 3, 2020 Primary Election Results
Voters in Smith County headed to the polls on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, to cast their votes in the 2020 Presidential Preference Primary and weigh in on several local referendums.
Polls were open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and voters had the opportunity to vote early from February 12 through February 25.
Reports from the Smith County Election Commission detailing the election results began to come in around 7:30 p.m. on the night of March 3.
According to the results, a total of 4,405 Smith County citizens voted in the 2020 Presidential Preference Primary. 2,209 of these votes were cast on Election Day, and 2,196 of voters voted early or absentee.
| 8 of 8 Precints Reported | |||
| Totals | Election Day | Early/Absentee | |
| (R) Presidential Candidates | |||
| Donald J. Trump | 3054 | 1533 | 1521 |
| Joe Walsh | 44 | 21 | 23 |
| Bill Weld | 19 | 9 | 10 |
| Uncommitted | 62 | 33 | 29 |
| Write-In | 8 | 3 | 5 |
| (D) Presidential Candidates | |||
| Michael Bennet | 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Joesph R. Biden | 391 | 266 | 125 |
| Michael R. Bloomberg | 291 | 104 | 187 |
| Cory Booker | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Pete Buttigieg | 34 | 5 | 29 |
| Julián Castro | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| John K. Delaney | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Tulsi Gabbard | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Amy Klobuchar | 28 | 5 | 23 |
| Deval Patrick | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bernie Sanders | 239 | 123 | 116 |
| Tom Steyer | 7 | 2 | 5 |
| Elizabeth Warren | 73 | 41 | 32 |
| Marianne Williamson | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Andrew Yang | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Uncommitted | 14 | 6 | 8 |
| Write-In | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| (R) Circuit Judge Div II Dist 15 | |||
| Michael Collins | 2004 | 984 | 1020 |
| Javin Cripps | 865 | 446 | 419 |
| Shawn McBrien | 255 | 131 | 124 |
| Write-In | 17 | 13 | 4 |
| (R) Public Defender 15 Judicial District | |||
| Shelley Thompson Gardner | 2046 | 1056 | 990 |
| Write-In | 12 | 9 | 3 |
| (R) Delegates At-Large | |||
| (DT) Steve Allbrooks | 1508 | 770 | 738 |
| (DT) Julia Atchley-Pace | 1115 | 570 | 545 |
| (DT) Mae Beavers | 1966 | 964 | 1002 |
| (DT) Chad Blackburn | 1661 | 842 | 819 |
| (DT) Linda D. Buckles | 1298 | 649 | 649 |
| (DT) Jane Chedester | 1106 | 573 | 533 |
| (DT) Beth Scott Clayton | 1385 | 704 | 681 |
| (DT) Douglas M. Englen | 1248 | 644 | 604 |
| (DT) Lei Ann Gleaves | 1315 | 656 | 659 |
| (DT) Shannon Haynes | 1414 | 731 | 683 |
| (DT) Jack Johnson | 1638 | 838 | 800 |
| (DT) Amy Jones | 1439 | 733 | 706 |
| (DT) William Lamberth | 1482 | 758 | 724 |
| (DT) Peggy Larkin | 1243 | 628 | 615 |
| (DT) Jennifer Inman Little | 858 | 432 | 426 |
| (DT) Mary Littleton | 834 | 416 | 418 |
| (DT) Raul Lopez | 517 | 271 | 246 |
| (DT) Paulina Albornoz Madaris | 368 | 187 | 181 |
| (DT) Nazar Sharanshi | 281 | 144 | 137 |
| (DT) Robin T. Smith | 1004 | 495 | 509 |
| (DT) Dalton Temple | 786 | 392 | 394 |
| (DT) Rick Tillis | 872 | 442 | 430 |
| (DT) Susan Richardson Williams | 816 | 413 | 403 |
| (DT) Marsha Yessick | 494 | 253 | 241 |
| (U) Jake Adams | 249 | 129 | 120 |
| (U) Wanda J. Cooke | 88 | 43 | 45 |
| (U) Leslie D. Mills | 72 | 40 | 32 |
| (U) Patricia D. Mills | 71 | 37 | 34 |
| (U) Larry M. Sims | 103 | 52 | 51 |
| Write-In | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Write-In | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Write-In | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Write-In | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Write-In | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Write-In | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Write-In | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Write-In | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Write-In | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Write-In | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Write-In | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Write-In | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Write-In | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Write-In | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| (R) Delegates 6th District | |||
| (DT) Paul Bailey | 1454 | 730 | 724 |
| (DT) Craig Evan Clark | 1061 | 544 | 517 |
| (DT) Holly S. Jones | 1129 | 558 | 571 |
| (DT) Terri R. Nicholson | 758 | 380 | 378 |
| (DT) Mary Ann Parks | 639 | 322 | 317 |
| (DT) Ryan Williams | 969 | 485 | 484 |
| (U) Joseph Elder | 141 | 78 | 63 |
| (U) Frank Gorgie | 98 | 51 | 47 |
| Write-In | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Write-In | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Write-In | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheel Tax – General Fund | |||
| For | 1294 | 603 | 691 |
| Against | 2898 | 1502 | 1396 |
| Wheel Tax – Highway Capital Projects | |||
| For | 1246 | 584 | 662 |
| Against | 2980 | 1535 | 1445 |
| Sales and Use Referendum | |||
| For | 1067 | 487 | 580 |
| Against | 2481 | 1320 | 1161 |
View the complete summary of the 2020 Presidential Preference Primary Election results for Smith County at https://www.smithcountyelection.com/election/Smith_ElecSumm_All.htm.
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Early Voting turnout strong ahead of today’s election
It’s Election Day! Here in Smith County, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Leading up to Super Tuesday, a total number of 2,183 voters participated in Early Voting in Smith County. Early Voting was open from February 12 to February 25.
During the last Presidential Election cycle in 2016, only 1,396 voters participated in Early Voting. All past election results can be found on the Smith County Election Commission website.
Three referendums of local interest are likely bringing more voters to the polls in Smith County.
At the local level, voters will have the chance to vote for or against two $25 county wheel taxes and for or against an increase in the county’s sales tax rate. These referendums will appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.
The referendums will appear on the ballot as follows:
- Wheel Tax Referendum # 1: Shall Resolution No.: 10-2019-05 adopted by the Smith County Board of Commissioners on September 9, 2019, and October 14, 2019, supporting a twenty-five ($25.00) dollar Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax pursuant to TCA § 5-8-102 to financially support the Smith County Highway Capital Projects for ten (10) years be approved?
- Wheel Tax Referendum # 2: Shall Resolution No.: 10-2019-04 adopted by the Smith County Board of Commissioners on September 9, 2019 and October 14, 2019 supporting a twenty-five ($25.00) dollar Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax pursuant to TCA § 5-8-102 to financially support the Smith County General Fund for three (3) years be approved?
- Sales Tax Referendum: Shall the resolution passed pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Sections 67-6-701, et seq., by Smith County, published in a newspaper of general circulation, increasing the Local Sales and Use Tax Rate from two percent (2%) to two and three-fourths percent (2.75%), except as limited or modified by statute, become operative?
Voters living in the Towns of Carthage and Gordonsville will be exempted from the sales and use tax referendum because the local option sales tax rate in these cities is already at the maximum percentage of 2.75%.
On the Republican ballot, voters will select their preference for one Presidential candidate, one candidate for Circuit Court Judge (15th District), one candidate for Public Defender, 14 delegates-at-large, and three delegates for the 6th Congressional District.
On the Democratic ballot, voters will select their preference for one Presidential candidate.
Interested voters may view a Sample Ballot here: https://www.smithcountyelection.com/pdf_files/sample_ballot.pdf.
Please note that all registered voters have to go to the precinct located in the district where they live.
Find your polling location in the list below:
District 1 – Defeated
The Carver Barn
315 Defeated Creek Highway
Carthage, TN 37030
District 2 – Tanglewood
Smith County Motor Company
211 Dixon Springs Highway
Carthage, TN 37030
District 3 – New Middleton
New Middleton Elementary School
402 New Middleton Highway
Gordonsville, TN 38563
District 4 – Rock City
Union Heights Elementary School
663 Lebanon Highway
Carthage, TN 37030
District 5 – Gordonsville
Gordonsville Municipal Building
63 Main Street East
Gordonsville, TN 38563
District 6 – Carthage
Chamber of Commerce
939 Upper Ferry Road
Carthage, TN 37030
District 7 – South Carthage
Senior Citizens Building
120 Pauline Gore Way, Suite B
Carthage, TN 37030
District 8 – Elmwood
Forks River Elementary School
611 Cookeville Highway
Elmwood, TN 38560
There will be no voting held at the Turner Building on Election Day. For more information, visit the Smith County Election Commission website.
Stay tuned to Smith County Insider this evening as election results come in. See you at the polls, Smith County!
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Press Release: Joint Statement from DOS, DOJ, DOD, DHS, ODNI, FBI, NSA, and CISA on Preparations for Super Tuesday
WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf, Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray,U.S. Cyber Command Commander and National Security Agency Director Gen. Paul Nakasone, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Christopher Krebs today released the following joint statement:
“Tomorrow, millions of voters in more than a dozen states and territories will cast their votes in presidential primaries. ‘Super Tuesday’ will see more Americans head to the polls than any other day of the primary season. We continue to work with all 50 states,U.S. territories, local officials, political parties and private sector partnersto keep elections free from foreign interference.
“Americans must also remain aware that foreign actors continue to try to influence public sentiment and shape voter perceptions. They spread false information and propaganda about political processes and candidates on social media in hopes to cause confusion and create doubt in our system.We remain alert and ready to respond to any efforts to disrupt the 2020 elections.We continue to make it clear to foreign actors that any effort to undermine our democratic processes will be met with sharp consequences.
“The level of coordination and communication between the federal government and state, local and private sector partners is stronger than it’s ever been. Our Departments and Agencies are working together in an unprecedented level of commitment and effort to protect our elections and to counter malign foreign influence, but voters have a role to play too.
“We encourage all voters going to the polls to check your voter registration and know ahead of time when to vote, where to vote, what’s on your ballot, and whether your state requires identification. Your state or local election official’s office is the most trusted source for election material. A well-informed and vigilant republic is the best defense against disinformation.”
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Local Democratic County Presidential Convention to be held March 7, 2020
Carthage, Tenn. – The Smith County Democratic Party will host its Democratic County Presidential Convention on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Nobels Restaurant, located at 314 N. Main Street, Carthage, Tn. 37030, to select representation from the county to attend the District Convention on March 21.
The doors will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and the convention is open to all registered voters in the county who are supporters of the Democratic Party, and who agree to support the nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2020 Presidential election.
The convention will begin at Noon Central or 1pm Eastern when caucuses will be held for the top vote getting presidential candidates in Congressional District 6th.
The party welcomes all who wish to participate in selecting Tennessee’s delegates to attend national Democratic Presidential Convention in Milwaukee the week of July 13, 2020!
Information about becoming a DNC delegate and the rules governing the DNC Delegate Selection Process may be obtained from tndp.org, or from the Tennessee Democratic Party, 319 Plus Park Blvd, Ste 203, Nashville, TN 37217, 615-327-9779.
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Branden Bellar announces candidacy for Circuit Court Judge for the 15th Judicial District
Branden Bellar respectfully announces his candidacy for Circuit Court Judge for the 15th Judicial District.
Carthage, TN – Branden Bellar respectfully announces his candidacy for Circuit Court Judge for the 15th Judicial District. Branden is a life-long resident of Tennessee and native of Smith County. He and his wife, Kara Everett Bellar, reside in Gordonsville and own/operate a law firm in Carthage which serves the people of the 15th Judicial District – comprising Wilson, Macon, Trousdale, Smith and Jackson counties. Branden is a father of two young men who are his honor, he is a family man, and a dedicated servant to this community.
During Branden’s almost twenty-five years of practice, it has been his honor to provide his community and clients with a diverse practice, including criminal defense, civil litigation and family law. Branden began his legal career at the doorsteps of the Historic Smith County Courthouse in 1995. He has seen the historic courthouses of days past give way to modern justice centers as change and progress are imminent. The year 2020 will bring forth another change in our district as the Honorable Judge John Wootten, Jr., retired as Circuit Court Judge at the end of 2019 – a position he held since 1998. Judge Wootten’s absence will be felt throughout this great district. Due to his retirement, the citizens of Wilson, Macon, Trousdale, Smith and Jackson counties will be asked to elect a new Circuit Court Judge to fill Judge Wootten’s vacancy. Branden had the privilege of practicing law in Judge Wootten’s court for over twenty years. He has been involved with and tried many civil and criminal jury trials within the 15th Judicial District, as well as other judicial districts within our great State of Tennessee. In addition to the criminal, civil, and family law practice, he is fortunate to represent several local governments in such capacities as the county attorney for Smith and Trousdale Counties, attorney for the Nashville and Eastern Railroad Authority in Wilson County, and city attorney for Red Boiling Springs in Macon County.
After spending many years representing corporations, small businesses, local governments, families and individuals in our Circuit Courts, Branden humbly believes he has acquired understanding and insight from those experiences as well as the hard lessons taught by life. The people of Wilson, Macon, Smith, Trousdale, and Jackson Counties need a good judge who will fairly decide causes, cases and controversies. Our district needs someone who will examine the facts presented to determine truth and who will apply the law fairly, without partiality or favoritism.
In making his decision to run for the office of Circuit Court Judge, Branden elected to do so as a “Nonpartisan Independent” candidate. While party politics are instrumental for the legislature and executive and administrative branches of our government, a judge needs to interpret and administer the laws while focusing on truth and justice – without outside influences. It is Branden’s qualifications, character, experience and moral compass which makes him the best candidate for the office of Circuit Court Judge.
Branden Bellar makes the following commitments to the people of the 15th Judicial District if elected:
- To require civility and maintain proper order in his Court;
- To decide cases based on the sworn truth and evidence properly presented;
- To fairly administer the law and show no partiality or favoritism to any;
- To render justice with integrity and enforce the decisions made by the court; and
- To fulfill the duties and the responsibilities of the office in an efficient and competent manner.
To learn more about Branden Bellar’s campaign for Circuit Court Judge, please visit his website at brandenbellarforjudge.com. Just a reminder that Election Day is August 6, 2020, and Early Voting begins July 17, 2020.
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Everything Voters Need to Know for the March 3 Presidential Preference Primary
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennesseans will head to the polls across the state on Super Tuesday, March 3, to vote in the Presidential Preference Primary election.
Polls open at various times, depending on the county. A list of when polls open in all 95 counties is available on sos.tn.gov. All polls in Tennessee close at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST. Early morning, noon and 5 p.m. are peak times at the polls as people typically vote before work, after work or on their lunch breaks. Being flexible and casting your ballot in the midmorning or midafternoon may shorten your time at your polling location. Frail, physically disabled or visibly pregnant voters should tell their election officials if they are unable to wait in line to vote. The law allows these voters to move through the process faster.
Voters need to bring valid photo identification to the polls. A Tennessee driver license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government or the federal government are acceptable even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable. More information about what types of ID are acceptable can be found on sos.tn.gov or by calling toll free 1-877-850-4959.
State law requires polling locations, and the area within a 100-foot boundary of the entrance to remain campaign-free zones. Tennessee law prohibits the display or distribution of campaign materials and the solicitation of votes for or against any person, party or question on the ballot in these areas. Voters wearing campaign-related clothing or paraphernalia will not be allowed within the 100-foot boundary.
Tennesseans can view voter-specific information including polling times, locations, sample ballots and much more with the GoVoteTN app or online at GoVoteTN.com. Download the GoVoteTN app, for free in the App Store or Google Play.
More than 300,000 Tennesseans voted in person or absentee during the two-week early voting period, which ended on Tuesday, Feb. 25. A comprehensive report by the Division of Elections showing how turnout compared to primary elections in 2012 and 2016 is available on sos.tn.gov.
Unofficial Presidential Preference Primary election results from early voting and Super Tuesday will be posted on March 3, on elections.tn.gov and our election Twitter accounts: https://twitter.com/tngopppp and https://twitter.com/tndemppp.
For more information on the voting process, go to GoVoteTN.com or call the Division of Elections toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.
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Special-Called Meeting of the Carthage City Council – February 20, 2020
The Carthage City Council gathered for a special-called meeting on the evening of Thursday, February 20, 2020.
The meeting was called for the council to discuss the following agenda items:
- The transfer of funds to Local Government Investment Pool
- Chief Municipal Finance Officer recommendation
- Compensation for City Recorder and CMFO
- Discussion of possible amendments to the City Charter
You can watch the full meeting below.
Thanks to Smith County Animal Clinic for sponsoring Smith County Insider’s live broadcast of this meeting.
Subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!
The Carthage City Council meets on the first Thursday of each month at Carthage City Hall, located at 314 Spring Street.
The next meeting of the Carthage City Council will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2020.
All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
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