Department of Safety and Homeland Security Unveils New Tennessee Driver Licenses and Self-Service Kiosks

August 21, 2024
By:

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) is issuing new Driver Licenses and ID cards with a fresh design and improved security features along with new self-service kiosks, which can reduce wait times at Driver Service Centers. The new credentials and kiosks will expand to all Driver Service Centers over the next few months.

The new Driver Licenses and ID cards prominently feature a stylized version of Tennessee’s historic State Capitol and state flag with its iconic three-stars representing the state’s three grand divisions. The new design features waves and patterns printed in very fine lines that are not able to be scanned or easily reproduced.

The new credentials are made with a sturdy poly-carbonate composition, incorporate cutting edge security and printing techniques. This includes elaborate overlapping of data and graphics and laser engraved elements that will show if the document has been altered or is fraudulent. A machine-readable barcode with applicable class, endorsements, and restrictions are printed on the back of the card. A mini ghost image repeated from the photograph is encoded elements for automated validation to help reduce identity theft.

“The new Tennessee Driver Licenses incorporate the latest technology which makes them more difficult to counterfeit, alter, or duplicate,” said TDOSHS Commissioner Jeff Long. “These countermeasures help prevent theft and fraud and help keep your identity safe.”

There is no need for citizens to obtain a new Driver License or ID with the new design before their existing license or ID expires. Driver Licenses and ID cards with the old design will be in use alongside the new cards. Previously issued Driver Licenses are valid until the expiration date listed on the card. Individuals do not need to replace their current Driver License or ID card unless their current credential has reached its expiration or a required change is needed, such as a name or address change.

The new design will apply to all credentials issued by the TDOSHS including Regular Driver Licenses, Teen/Graduated Driver Licenses, Commercial Driver Licenses, Motorcycle License, ID Only License, REAL IDs, and Handgun Carry Permits.

“We are excited about the added flexibility and convenience the new self-service kiosks will provide for Tennesseans,” said Commissioner Long. “Citizens can complete many Driver Services transactions at one of these new kiosks which will help reduce wait times at Driver Services Centers.”

DeKalb County Clerk James L (Jimmy) Poss reminds residents that they can take advantage of a self-service Kiosk at his office and if you have questions or need assistance you may call the office at 615-597-5177.

Tennesseans can use the self-service kiosk to complete many Driver Services transactions including renewing or replacing a duplicate Driver License or ID Card, changing an address, updating emergency contact information, advancing a Teen/Graduated Driver License, paying reinstatement fees, and requesting a license reissue after reinstatement requirements are met. The new kiosks can take photos and process payments with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a credit or debit card.

For more information on Tennessee Driver Services including the new self-service kiosks and Driver Licenses and ID cards visit tn.gov/safety/driver-services.html.

August 21, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

A man who allegedly broke into a residence and stole a chainsaw in March made an appearance in DeKalb County Criminal Court today (Wednesday).

24-year-old Kristofer Ryan Barrett entered a plea to one count of aggravated burglary and is facing a three-year sentence. A hearing on sentencing will be held at a later date. He has requested judicial diversion. Barrett must pay restitution of $1,100 at $200 per month to the victim. He was given 46 days jail credit.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on March 22, Barrett allegedly broke into a residence on Crestview Drive by forcing open the front door and stole a Stihl chainsaw valued at $1,000.

In other cases, 30-year-old Alex Murphy entered a plea to driving under the influence and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days suspended to supervised probation except for 48 hours to serve. He was fined $350 and will lose his driver license for one year.

Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins said police were dispatched to Wal-Mart on March 13, 2023 after a man was reported to be passed out in his vehicle. Upon arrival, an officer found the man, Murphy slumped over in the driver’s seat holding a handful of white pills, identified as Xanax. There were two children in the vehicle with him. One of the kids had no shirt or shoes and was in the front seat shivering. The other child was in the backseat half buckled in a car seat that was not connected to the vehicle. The engine was turned off and the doors were locked.

40-year-old Matthew Randall Sullivan entered a plea by criminal information to possession with intent to sell or deliver heroin. He received an eight-year sentence to serve but he will be furloughed to out of state long term treatment. If treatment is completed the balance of the sentence will be on probation. If treatment is unsuccessful, Sullivan is to report to jail to serve the sentence. He was fined $2,000.

Sheriff Ray said that on July 21 a deputy was patrolling Sparta Highway when he spotted a blue Jeep with the driver’s side taillight out. He conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver/ owner of the vehicle, 41-year-old Jonathan Kyle McCormick and a passenger, Sullivan. The officer searched the vehicle and found two baggies that contained a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine. One of the bags weighed 451 grams and the other weighed 225 grams with a combined weight of 676 grams. Also found were several baggies and a scale in addition to the following: a baggie that contained a white powdery substance believed to be heroin that weighed 32.01 grams; a baggie that contained a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine that weighed 4.51 grams; a baggie that contained 10 yellow pills believed to be Xanax; a straw with residue; a scale with residue; a glass with a red liquid inside; a pill bottle that contained two orange pills believed to be Buprenorphine; and several burnt pieces of aluminum foil.

The case against McCormick apparently remains pending in court.

August 21, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Should the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen update the city’s beer ordinance to make it easier for businesses including eateries in the downtown business district to sell the beverage?

During a workshop Tuesday evening, the Mayor and Aldermen met to discuss the issue and the first step toward a final decision is expected when the board meets in regular monthly session next month.

Under the existing ordinance, the language states that “In no event will a permit be issued authorizing the manufacture or storage of beer, or the sale of beer within 400 feet of any school or church. The distance requirement shall be measured in a straight line from the primary entrance of the establishment seeking a permit to sell beer to the primary entrance of the school or church”.

Some business owners downtown who are seeking a change say the existing beer ordinance is an impediment to economic growth and its unfair in that some businesses can qualify for a beer permit while others cannot because of the 400-foot distance requirement. They want this restriction removed from the ordinance.

Mayor Josh Miller said putting the question on the ballot for a referendum is not an option.

“We questioned if we could put it on a referendum but that was shot down by the state. Administrator of Elections Dustin Estes checked that out and found that it had to be approved or not approved by the council,” said Mayor Miller.

The mayor further explained that if this ordinance is amended concerning the distance requirement it would only pertain to the C-2 zone which is the downtown business district and none of the other existing regulations in the ordinance would be changed.

“We are not talking about changing this for the whole town and nothing is changing on any ordinance other than that 400-foot requirement” he said.

“With the way downtown has been booming and growing in the past few years and continues to do so why would we not entertain the idea” asked Alderman Jessica Higgins. “I understand there will be people against it and I am happy to hear from them who come to speak but anytime on Sunday after church you find many people at places like Applebee’s, O’ Charleys’, Cheddars, and Twisted Oaks” (where they serve alcohol). The idea that people are going to get drunk and pour out into the streets hasn’t happened with the businesses already serving it downtown. I think what is important to focus on is that our downtown is growing and thriving, and it can go to another level,” said Alderman Higgins.

“I have never been in a restaurant that sold alcohol and seen anybody in there drunk,” said Alderman Danny Washer. “You don’t go in there to get drunk. You go in there to eat a meal and if you want to have an alcoholic beverage with it that’s fine. A lot of people that have talked to me about it like the idea and there are not that many places in town where you can have anything like that but people want a choice,” he said.

“What I am really frustrated about is that we can’t make it a city issue (referendum) and let the people vote on this because it affects more than five people (aldermen),” said Alderman Beth Chandler. “It bugs me that only five people make this decision because I care about everybody, and I have had a lot of feedback from this. I have had people venomously on both sides reach out to me. I just want everyone to know that whichever way I vote I do care about this city, and I hate to make 50% of them mad no matter what I do,” she said.

There are four churches within the C-2 zone downtown business district that could potentially be affected by a change in the city beer law regarding the distance requirement including the Smithville First Baptist Church, the Smithville First United Methodist Church, the Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and the Refuge Church.

The mayor and aldermen will consider the issue again during the next regular monthly meeting on Monday, September 9 at 6 p.m. at city hall. A public hearing would be held at a later meeting should the ordinance amendment be approved on first reading.

Prior to the workshop, Smithville Aldermen-Elect Shawn Jacobs, Danny Washer, and Jessica Higgins each took the oath of office in a brief ceremony Tuesday evening at city hall. The oath was administered by City Attorney Vester Parsley. All three were re-elected without opposition in the Municipal Election August 1. Their new four-year terms will begin officially on September 1.

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