Press Release: Rose Stands with President Trump on Strong Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following President Donald J. Trump’s Address to a Joint Session of Congress Tuesday evening, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-6) praised the strong state of our union. “President Trump detailed an optimistic and inspiring vision for our country,” Rep. Rose said. “Under the Trump Administration, the entire world knows that the United States is strong once again.” “I am happy to report that President Trump has continued to deliver on his promises,” Rep. Rose continued. “In Tennessee, our economy is thriving, and our unemployment rate is at a record low of 3.2%. We have seen 152,000 new jobs in Tennessee since President Trump’s election, and our median household income is rising. This is all great news for Tennesseans. President Trump is keeping his promises to the American people and delivering results for Tennesseans.” “I am proud to support President Trump’s visionary policies in Congress. His successful trade deal with China and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement are commonsense, forward looking wins for the American worker. Our families are safer as our adversaries know – once again – not to threaten the United States of America. I will continue to stand with President Trump to end sanctuary cities, combat terrorism, and build the wall,” Rep. Rose concluded. “We have made incredible progress, but our best days are still ahead.” In the House Chamber, President Trump gave his third State of the Union address Tuesday night. U.S. Representative John Rose attended the State of the Union with his wife, Chelsea Rose. 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. 
[wdca_ad id=”11484″ ] [wdca_ad id=”11404″ ] Want to Vote on Super Tuesday? Registration Deadline is TODAY! – February 3, 2020
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennesseans who want to vote in the Super Tuesday, Presidential Preference Primary, must register to vote by Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.
Registering to vote, updating your address or checking your registration status is fast, easy and secure with the Secretary of State’s online voter registration system, GoVoteTN.com. Any U.S. citizen with a driver’s license or a photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security can register online at GoVoteTN.com.
“It has never been easier to register to vote in Tennessee, and registering to vote is the first step for Tennesseans to make their voice heard at the polls,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “State and local officials are eager to help our fellow Tennesseans.”
Voters can also download a paper voter registration application at GoVoteTN.com or pick up an application in person from the county election commission, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, or public library. Completed paper voter registration applications must be submitted or postmarked to the local county election commission office by Feb. 3, 2020.
Election Day registration is not available. The Presidential Preference Primary is Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Early voting begins Wednesday, Feb. 12 and runs Mondays through Saturdays until Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Voters can find early voting and Election Day polling locations, view and mark sample ballots and much more on the GoVoteTN app available in the App Store and Google Play.
For more information about how to register to vote, voter eligibility, photo IDs, and other election day details, visit GoVoteTN.com or call the Secretary of State’s Division of Elections toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.
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Are you registered to vote? Click here for voter registration information!
Are you registered to vote? If you want to participate in the March 2020 Primary Election, you must register to vote before Monday, February 3, 2020.
The voter registration process is simple! To get started visit https://govotetn.com or https://www.smithcountyelection.com/info.htm.
Requirements for Voter Registration
- You must be a citizen of the United States
- You must be a resident of the State of Tennessee
- You must be eighteen (18) years old on or before the next election
- You must have no felony convictions, or have your voting rights restored
In order to participate in an election, a qualified voter must be properly registered no later than thirty (30) days before the election.
You may register to vote online, in person at the Smith County Election Office, or you may mail a completed voter registration form to:
Smith County Election Office
122 Turner High Circle, Suite 105
Carthage, TN 37030
615-735-8241
The Smith County Election Office is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Anyone who registers by mail or online must vote in person the first time he or she votes.
Click here to register to vote online.
Click here for a printable Registration Form.
If you have any other questions about voting or registering to vote, visit https://www.smithcountyelection.com/info.htm or https://govotetn.com.
For more information about the March 2020 election, click here. You can download a PDF version of this year’s election calendar here.
See the flyer below for information about early voting.
Visit the Smith County Election website at https://www.smithcountyelection.com to stay informed about all local elections.
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Special Called Meeting of the Carthage City Council – January 21, 2020
The Carthage City Council held a Special-Called Meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.
The purpose of this meeting was to conduct the council’s January business. The council was unable to conduct any business at this month’s regularly scheduled meeting due to lack of a quorum.
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. All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/
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Local Judge Michael Collins Announces Campaign for Circuit Court Judge
Judge Michael Collins has officially announced his campaign for Circuit Court Judge in the Republican primary on March 3, 2020.
(Carthage, TN) – Local Judge, community leader, and family man, Judge Michael Collins, has officially announced his campaign for Circuit Court Judge in the Republican primary on March 3, 2020. Wilson, Smith and Macon counties are included in this primary race. Guided by his faith and conservative principles, Judge Collins’ belief is to follow the law, protect the community, and help others. Collins believes his experience on the bench as General Sessions Judge has prepared him for the Circuit Court.
Born and raised in Middle Tennessee, Judge Collins said his philosophy has always been simple, “hold dangerous criminals accountable, protect victims and their families, help non-violent drug addicted offenders lead purposeful lives and protect and defend the Constitution.”
A native of Carthage, Collins was a gifted athlete in high school and was recognized all-state in multiple sports. He also excelled in the classroom graduating in the top ten of his class and later graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. Criminal Justice Administration at Middle Tennessee State University. Collins attended the University of Memphis law school and graduated in 2001 before coming home to Carthage to practice law. In 2014, Collins was elected General Sessions Judge where he currently serves on the bench. He was also elected to the Smith County School Board where he served as chairman of the board.
Collins has been involved in numerous philanthropic and community organizations including the Rotary Club, volunteer coach at Smith County High School and Carthage Elementary, and coach for the Little League and Minor League youth baseball. Collins was appointed by former Governor Bill Haslam to serve on the Recovery Court Advisory Committee to the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and awarded the Community Impact Award from the Drug Prevention Coalition. As founder of the first Misdemeanor Recovery Court in his district and founder of Bridging the Gap, Collins has been recognized as a leader in his efforts to curb drug addiction and help addicts lead lives of purpose.
Collins strong commitment to the community came from his father Harold “Slick” Collins, who is known throughout Middle Tennessee for his volunteerism and involvement in youth sports. His mother, Cindy, was a registered nurse and devout Christian before her untimely death to cancer. His stepmother, Wanda, is a devout Christian, active in her church and has volunteered beside his dad in volunteer youth sports. Michael has been married for 20 years to his wife Selicia, a special education teacher. They have two children, a son Case, and daughter, Lucy. The Collins family are active members of Carthage First Baptist Church where Michael teaches Sunday School and serves as a deacon.
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President Trump mentions Smith County lawsuit regarding prayer in schools
Did you know that President Donald Trump referenced Tennessee, and particularly Smith County, in a speech he gave at the “Evangelicals for Trump” Rally in Miami, Florida, on January 3, 2020?
Specifically, the President mentions the Smith County School Board’s involvement in a lawsuit with the American Civil Liberties Union over the promotion of religion in schools.
“Weeks ago the ACLU—that’s a group of beauties—filed a lawsuit against a Tennessee county,” President Trump says.
“We will not allow faithful Americans to be bullied by the hard left. We’re not going to allow it,” the President continues later in the speech, saying that he plans to take action regarding students’ and teachers’ First Amendment rights to “pray in our schools.”
Watch the video clip on Smith County Insider’s YouTube Page here.
You can also watch the president’s full speech on C-SPAN here.
Read more about the ACLU lawsuit here, and watch the video by Smith County Insider Reporter J.R. Smith here.
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Press Release: Sumner County Commissioner Luke Tinsley Announces State House Run
Tinsley set to run in Republican primary for House District 40
Gallatin TN–Luke Tinsley is proud to announce his campaign for the Tennessee State House of Representatives’ 40th district. After much time dedicated to prayer and thoughtful consideration on the matter, he believes that there is a need for new leadership that looks to the future and not the past.
This will be a campaign focused on ensuring that our government is relatable, responsible and reliable to everyone regardless of where they live, what the make, or who they are. Our future has not already been written by our past. By putting people above politics, Luke will address the serious issues that face the people of this district. Everyday on the campaign trail he will speak to residents about their lives and how government can work better for them.
Throughout the past weeks, Commissioner Tinsley has spent time meeting with local officials, residents, and business owners in Sumner, Trousdale, Smith, and Dekalb Counties. The people of this district have needs that range from better infrastructure and growth management to economic development and education funding. He believes that the future of this district is bright but currently, we are in a critical time where choices made will a generational impact that could make or break our future.
Luke Tinsley is a strong conservative who comes from a military family. By serving on the county commission along with work in the private sector both for companies and as a small businessman, he has the experience needed to make change in Nashville for the hard working people back home.
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January 2020 Meeting of the Smith County Commission
The Smith County Commission met at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2020, in the General Sessions Courtroom of the Smith County Jail and Courts Facility.
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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January 2020 Meeting of the Gordonsville City Council
The Gordonsville City Council met for the first time this year at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2020, at Gordonsville City Hall.
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 Gordonsville City Council meets at 6:15 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Gordonsville City Hall, located at 63 Main Street in Gordonsville. All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
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Primary Election set for March 3, 2020; two Early Voting sites will be offered
Registered voters in Smith County will have the opportunity to head to the polls for the first time this year on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
The ballot will include the Presidential Preference Primary, as well as three county referendums. Voters will have the chance to vote for or against two $25 wheel taxes and for or against an increase in the county’s sales tax rate.
The referendums will appear on the ballot as follows:
- Wheel Tax Referendum # 1: For or Against the approval of 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 years.
- Wheel Tax Referendum # 2: For or Against the approval of 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 years.
County Wide Referendum except the residents of 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%.
- Sales Tax Referendum: For or Against 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.
You can download a PDF version of the 2020 Election Calendar here.
This election season, voters will be able to vote early at two locations: The Smith County Election Office and the Gordonsville Municipal Building.
Early voting at the Smith County Election office will be open from February 12 through February 25, 2020, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Voters may vote early at the Gordonsville Municipal Building from February 21 thru February 25, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday and Monday and 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Late-night early voting will be available at both locations on February 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Gordonsville site will work just like the Turner Building for early voting purposes.
Both early voting sites will be open to all Smith County voters, regardless of where in the county they live.
See the flyer below for more information:
Please note that the voter registration deadline to vote in the March election is less than a month away on February 3, 2020.
On that same day, any candidates who wish to run in the August 2020 election may pick up their petition.
Please visit https://www.smithcountyelection.com for more information.
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Special-Called Meeting of the Carthage City Council – January 7, 2020
The Carthage City Council gathered for a special-called meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. at Carthage City Hall.
The purpose of this meeting was “to discuss a resignation letter from the City Recorder with option to take action on results of the discussion.”
City Recorder Jennifer Parker submitted her resignation letter at the December council meeting, citing the “toxic” work environment created by the mayor as her primary reason for resigning.
During the special-called council meeting, the council opened the floor for Parker and other current and former city employees to speak. After asking clarifying questions of the employees, the council allowed Mayor Sarah Marie Smith to respond to Parker’s allegations.
Toward the end of the meeting, the council discussed ways to proceed and brainstormed ways to potentially limit the mayor’s power moving forward, including changing the city’s charter.
You can watch the full meeting below:
Thanks to Smith County Animal Clinic for sponsoring the live broadcast of this meeting.
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. All meetings are open to the public and are streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
The Carthage City Council will hold a special called meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at Carthage City Hall, to conduct the council’s January business. The regularly scheduled meeting earlier this month was adjourned due to lack of a quorum.
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Carthage City Council unable to hold scheduled meeting due to lack of quorum; meeting re-scheduled for January 21, 2020
The Carthage City Council met for its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, January 2, 2020, but the council was unable to conduct any business because a majority of council members were not present.
Mayor Sarah Marie Smith was forced to adjourn due to lack of a quorum.
Only three council members, Councilman Sam Petty, Councilman Bill Reece, and Councilman Cole Ebel, were present at the meeting.
The Carthage City Council will hold a special called meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at Carthage City Hall, to conduct the council’s January business.
The following statement concerning the lack of a quorum at last week’s meeting was posted on the Town of Carthage Facebook page on Saturday:
When we met for the regularly scheduled Carthage City Council meeting on January 2, 2020, the meeting was adjourned after the roll call due to lack of a quorum, as required by the City Charter.
The council meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 314 Spring Street.
If you came to the January 2nd meeting to address an item on the agenda, please come to the January 21st special called meeting to address that same item. This meeting is open to the public, and all interested citizens are invited to attend.
You can watch the meeting on Smith County Insider’s YouTube below:
The Carthage City Council meets at 6:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. All meetings are open to the public and are streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
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December 2019 Meeting of the Smith County Board of Education
The Smith County Board of Education held its final meeting of the year on Tuesday, December 17, 2019.
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, January 21, 2020. Prior to the meeting, the board will hold a work session concerning school capacities/locations.
All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
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Press Release: Assistant District Attorney General Javin Cripps announces candidacy for 15th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge
Assistant District Attorney General Javin Cripps has announced his
candidacy for 15th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge.
CARTHAGE, Tenn. – Assistant District Attorney General Javin Cripps has announced his candidacy for 15th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge. Cripps is a life-long Smith County resident with experience handling both civil and criminal cases during his fourteen-year career. He is proud to bring a strong work ethic and a commitment to fairness to his campaign.
Cripps grew up on a family cattle farm between Smith and Wilson Counties where he worked every day when he wasn’t in school. On summer breaks he joined his father, a general contractor, at work. Cripps worked 30 to 40 hours per week as a construction laborer while working on his undergraduate degree at Middle Tennessee State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2001 with a double minor in Psychology and Political Science. Before starting law school in 2002, Cripps earned his Contractor and Plumbing license.
Cripps is a graduate of the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in Memphis, TN. He interned for two years at the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office before joining the Holliman Law firm in Carthage, TN. In private practice, Cripps accepted contract work for the Public Defender and handled a wide variety of civil cases such as child custody, divorce, workers’ compensation, and Social Security.
In late 2006, Cripps was offered positions at both the Public Defender’s office and the District Attorney ’s Office at the same time. After much deliberation, thought, and prayer, he chose to become an Assistant District Attorney. Since that time he has worked in every county in the 15th judicial district, practicing in Macon County for the last five years.
“I am proud to be a part of this community, and that is why I chose to serve here,” said Cripps. He continued, “I have built relationships with the people and with the legal and law enforcement communities in every county in this district. Over the years, I have prosecuted every type of case from speeding to first degree murder.”
Cripps has been married for two years. His wife, Melanie, is a Chiropractor in Carthage, TN. He shares custody of his two daughters, both honor students and athletes at Union Heights. Together they have the gift of a unique blended family.
“Their mother and I co-parent very efficiently and effectively,” Cripps explained. He added, “Part of the job of a circuit court judge is to help families navigate the process of becoming co-parents, and I have now experienced that process as an attorney and as a father. I can bring a level of understanding and insight that families who go through this difficult transition often need.”
Cripps wants voters to know that he is determined, dedicated, and ready to serve. He appreciates your support in the Republican primary, which will be held in March 2020.
Committee to Elect Javin Cripps for Circuit Court Judge, Roger M. Duke, Treasurer www.CrippsForJudge.com | 615-933-5878 | Javin@CrippsForJudge.com | Post Office Box 566, Carthage, Tennessee 37030
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December 2019 Meeting of the Gordonsville City Council
The Gordonsville City Council met at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2019, at Gordonsville City Hall.
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 Gordonsville City Council meets at 6:15 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Gordonsville City Hall, located at 63 Main Street in Gordonsville. All meetings are open to the public and streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyinsider/.
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