Judge Wesley Bray Qualifies for Special Election to Fill David Patterson’s Unexpired Term

December 10, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The deadline is Thursday, December 12 to get in the race to fill the unexpired term of former Criminal Court Judge David Patterson in the seven county 13th Judicial District which includes Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Putnam, Smith and White counties.

Patterson, a Republican, retired from the bench on June 30 and Cookeville attorney Wesley Bray was appointed by Governor Bill Lee in July to succeed Patterson as judge until a special election in August, 2020. The winner of that election will serve the remaining years of Patterson’s unexpired term which ends on August 31, 2022.

Republican and Democratic primaries will be held on March 3, 2020 in the district to select nominees for the August special election but so far the only candidate to qualify is Bray, who is seeking the GOP nomination.

The Qualifying deadline—Noon December 12

Voter registration deadline—February 3, 2020

Early Voting period—Feb. 12 through February 25, 2020.

December 9, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Children experienced the thrill of holiday giving during Saturday’s 5th annual Regifting Event.

Held at the county complex, kids ages 5 to 11 took advantage of the opportunity to shop for their parents at no cost. The gifts were then wrapped, tagged, and prepared for Christmas giving.

Donations are collected throughout the year for this event so that those who can’t afford to buy gifts can still share in the joy of giving by regifting something from the donations.

“We let kids come in and shop for their parents or caregivers. It’s not income based. It’s for anybody. They shop for free, wrap the presents, and fill out the card,” said Kim Walker, who organizes the annual event.

The children are then asked to prepare a blessing bag to be given to others.

“This year we made blessing bags for the homeless ministry called Compassionate Hands”. The bags included things like a blanket, socks, cup, toothbrush, and a toy. In the past we have done it for emergency foster care, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, residents at NHC, and the homeless shelter,” said Walker.

For their good deeds each of the children get to take home a goodie bag.

Walker said the hope is the children take home more than that. “We’re trying to share God’s love with kids to plant a seed so that no matter how old they are they always remember to help somebody else”.

The kids and other volunteers also decorated a quilt square. “After they decorate the quilt squares we put them together and donate the quilt to somebody who needs a blessing in the community,” said Walker.

December 9, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb Emergency Services Association (DESA), in partnership with local businesses and volunteers, will be preparing and delivering Christmas Eve Meals to the needy or underserved on Tuesday, December 24.

“We feel that this is just another way our local emergency service providers and our supporters can serve our community. If you or a family member would like a hot meal on Christmas Eve, please call one of the numbers listed below to be added to our delivery list. We will need your address, phone number, and number of persons in your household. The meals are scheduled to be delivered between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon,” says Association President Blake Cantrell.

DESA will accept names of persons requesting meal through Wednesday, December 18.

To get your name on the delivery list, call 615-597-7411 or 615-712-4286.

Additionally, if you want to support this community project by donating food items or volunteering your time to prepare meals and/or make deliveries, you can contact any of the phone numbers above.
A total of 562 food trays were prepared and delivered to 250 stops along the route by dozens of volunteers on Thanksgiving morning. Recipients received a meal of smoked turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce and rolls along with a homemade dessert.

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