Early Voting Hours Set for March 3 Primaries

January 7, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Voters will again find it convenient to vote early for the upcoming March 3 election.

The DeKalb County Election Commission voted Monday night to set the early voting hours the same as in previous elections.

The early voting hours for the March election will be as follows:

Mondays from 1 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.; Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.; Thursdays from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.; Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until NOON.

“Usually, the afternoon numbers are among the largest of the early voting period,” said Dennis Stanley, Administrator of Elections. “And based on that history, the commission wants to provide two afternoon voting periods to make it easier for those who like voting early or cannot make it to the polls on election day.”

Early voting for the March election begins February 12 and runs through February 25. No voting will be held on February 17 (President’s Day)

Local voters will be selecting their preferences for President in the Presidential Preference Primaries, Delegates to the Republican National Convention, and selecting the Democratic nominees for Assessor of Property and Constables in Districts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 and the Republican nominee for Criminal Court Judge Part II.

January 7, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Diagonal parking is coming to two streets in the downtown business district but not on West Main Street.

During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the aldermen voted to change parking on one side of both West Walnut and West Market Streets from parallel to diagonal parking. The move would not be difficult since both are already one way streets. The idea is to create more parking spaces for downtown shoppers.

Original plans were to change West Main to a one way street for diagonal parking (on one side) from the public square to the flashing light at the intersection of South College Street near First Bank but that proposal been tabled for now.

Mayor Josh Miller raised the issue in November at the request of some business owners but admitted Monday night that the proposal has been controversial.

“I have heard a lot for and a lot against over the past two months,” he said.

Mayor Miller said he believes the city should do what it can to help downtown businesses grow.

“I was approached by some business owners on that (West Main) street about this and when someone brings something to me I think its our obligation to look into these things. I definitely think there is a problem with (enough) parking around the square in general. We have a lot of businesses on West Main Street,” said Mayor Miller.

During the November meeting, the aldermen voted to have the city planning commission take a look at making West Main a one way street and make a recommendation .

“The council asked that we bring this up in the planning commission for December’s meeting and we did. The planning commission deferred to a public hearing before they would give an opinion for or against. Of course before the council would have taken it to a vote, we were going to have a public hearing. I believe in transparency and I believe we need to let the public speak for or against if this is the way the council wishes to proceed,” said Mayor Miller Monday night.

“We have three options we can consider. Option one we can have a public hearing on making West Main a one way street for diagonal parking. Option two Walnut Street and West Market Street are both one way streets. We can change those streets from parallel parking to diagonal parking and leave West Main Street alone. Option three the council can table the whole matter. But if you want to proceed with this we need to schedule a public hearing before any vote is taken on changing West Main,” said Mayor Miller.

Up to twenty additional parking spaces could be created if all three streets, West Main, West Market, and West Walnut were changed to diagonal parking on one side according to Mayor Miller.

Alderman Gayla Hendrix made a motion to change parking on one side of both West Walnut and West Market Streets from parallel to diagonal for now and to take another look at West Main Street later.

“Merchants would really like for us to add additional parking. Our downtown is getting busier which is a good thing. I think a good idea would be your option two for now mayor. Why don’t we change the parking from parallel to diagonal on Walnut and Market?. That will add more parking and we can see how that works. After we have tested that out for a time period we can come back and look at West Main if we think changes need to be made,” said Alderman Hendrix.

“Most of what I have heard is from people who are against this (making West Main a one way street). I think this (changing the parking on West Walnut and West Market) would make the most sense and to table the remaining issue. That is the least drastic alternative,” said Alderman Brandon Cox.

The aldermen voted unanimously to adopt Alderman Hendrix’s motion.

January 7, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County residents will soon have a chance to get a closer look at the operation of the Sheriff’s Department and Jail.

Applications are being accepted for Sheriff Patrick Ray’s Spring Citizens Academy, an 8 week course scheduled for March 10 through April 28. The classes meet each Tuesday night at 6 pm and usually last 2 to 3 hours. Each participant will be expected to be at each class.

“This citizens academy, the 3rd in the series, will give participants a better understanding as well as the mission and role of the Sheriff’s Department and Jail in our communities.,” said Sheriff Ray.

“Our goal is to make the public aware of the many services that the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and Jail provides. By doing this it will hopefully help everyone have a better understanding of how your emergency services work for you,” Sheriff Ray continued.

During this 8-week academy, topics to be covered include Domestic Violence Training, Traffic Stops, Firearms, Virtual scenarios, Simunition Training, Investigations, and the role of School Resource Officers and the DARE Program, among others.

Participants will be given a tour of the jail and court rooms and they will be offered an opportunity to ride along with patrol deputies after graduation.

All participants who sign up for the academy must be 21 years of age or older, pass a criminal background check, and sign a release of liability form.

“Because of the firearms training, no participant can have a felony criminal conviction, a domestic violence conviction, pending criminal charges, be under an order of protection, or have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution,” said Sheriff Ray.

“I would ask anyone who lives in DeKalb County and is interested in our next Citizens Academy to email me at sheriff21@dekalbsheriff.net or mail me your request to the Sheriff’s Department at 100 Public Square Smithville, TN 37166. I will in return, email you back or send you an application by mail. We will go through the applications and contact everyone who has been accepted. We hope to see you then,” Sheriff Ray concluded.

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