The Weakley County Election Commission finalized the list of local candidates qualifying for the Nov. 4 Elections, during a Thursday, Aug. 28 meeting.

 

Weakley County Municipal Elections

 

    In Dresden city elections, candidates qualifying to run for the three city alderman are: William Jake Bynum, running in his first race for public office; Joyce Hurt, who is running for re-election; and Richard L. Tidwell, who is seeking the office of Dresden city alderman for the first time. Current aldermen Mike Forchione and Danny Roberts are not running for re-election for another term of office. The City of Dresden staggers its election of alderman with three of the six seats up for election every two years, and terms of office are for four years.

I    n Gleason city elections, incumbent Mayor Jack Dunning will face off against challengers James Ray McKanally and Lebern H. Allen. Candidates seeking the four city aldermen seats are: incumbents - Richard L. Horn, Michael Ray Morris, Jerry Connell and Diana Poole. Challengers are Randy Lee Stewart and Jerry A. Dunn, Jr. Gleason city elections are held every four years with the position of mayor and all four aldermen seats up for election.

    Greenfield Mayor Eddie Joe McKelvy runs unchallenged in his bid for re-election. Candidates seeking the four available aldermen seats are: Cynthia Betts McAdams, Troy R. Jones, Paul D. Richmond, and incumbent Paul B. Grooms. Current aldermen not seeking re-election are Ronnie Henry, Paul Joe Jackson and Tommy McKelvy. Aldermen in the City of Greenfield serve four-year terms, with four of the eight seats up for re-election every two years.

    In Martin city elections, candidates are seeking the three aldermen seats. In Ward 1, incumbent Danny Nanney, who also serves as vice mayor, is running unchallenged. In Ward 2, incumbent John David Tuck faces challengers Marvin H. Flatt and Raymond L. Stevenson. And in Ward 3, incumbent Randall S. Edwards is running unopposed. The six aldermen positions are staggered in order for elections to be held every two years, with each alderman elected to serve a four-year term. The position of mayor, as well as the other three Martin city aldermen seats will not be on the ballot until the next city election is held in 2010.

(Read the rest of this story in the September 3rd print edition of the Dresden Enterprise.)

   

    Members of the Gleason Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved letting of bids for the sale of city-owned property at the local mall, during a called meeting Thursday, August 28.

    The board decided to sell the last remaining tract of land after hearing from Gleason Mayor Jack Dunning, who informed the board a developer expressed interest in constructing a building on the site, and if built, would bring in approximately $1 million annually in retail sales, and add greatly to the city’s sales tax revenue.

    “Saturday, Mr. Ed Perkins called me and said he wants to buy the rest of the land at the mall,” Mayor Dunning said. “He has come up with a proposal. He has had it surveyed, and wants 75 feet of it.” This refers to a 75-foot wide section of road front property along East Union Street (Hwy. 190) located east of the Dollar General Store near the intersection of Hwy. 22, that goes to the back of the property line. The tract of land is approximately 75-feet by 100-feet.

    A portion of the proposal read by Mayor Dunning is as follows:

    “ ‘Please consider this an offer to purchase approximately 75 additional feet of city-owned property (adjacent) to the property we currently own on East Union Street. If the board approves the sale, the sale would be subject to certain restrictions, which would have to meet the approval and acceptance of by the mayor before he signs the deed. The mayor will have to verify that an executed commercial lease between the purchase corporation and credit worthy tenant exists. This lease will additionally have to be with original leaseor who has multiple stores in the West Tennessee area. The mayor would have to see that the product mix sold in the store did not violate any city ordinances, and contain the type of inventory that would generally be beneficial to the city of Gleason. Upon being satisfied that this criteria has been met, only then will the mayor sign the deed, which hopefully will have been approved. It is estimated that the retail sales generated by such tenants would be in excess of $1 million per year. We hope that the city council feels that the Dollar General, which we brought to Gleason, has been and asset to the city, and the tenant with whom we are currently negotiating would also be warmly received by residents of Gleason and surrounding areas. Thank you for your consideration.’ ”

    Mayor Dunning stated, since he doesn’t know what type of business it is, he added a clause to the proposed contract stating that it does not violate any city ordinances. Dunning specifically mentioned that this would include prohibiting the sale of beer, since there is a city ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages inside the City of Gleason.

 

(Read the rest of this story in the September 3rd print edition of the Dresden Enterprise.)

    The 15th Annual Tennessee Soybean Festival in Martin got underway Saturday, Aug. 30 and continues through Sunday, Sept. 7.

    The family-oriented festival features a mix of entertainment, along with a car and bike show, pageants, talent contest, parade, barbecue cook-off and educational programs, also highlight this year’s event.

    The Soybean Festival kicked off Saturday, with the 4th Annual Little Miss Soybean Festival Pageant for age categories 0 months to 19 years, at the Harriet Fulton Theatre inside the UT Martin Fine Arts Building.

    There were no events Sunday, but on Monday, the 4th Annual Soybean Festival Talent Contest featured contestants in four age categories - ages eight and younger, 9-12 years, 13-21 years and 22 and older. The event was on the stage in downtown Martin.

    As of press-time, several events are slated for today (Tuesday). They include: a Senior Adult Shuffleboard Tournament at the Senior Adult Center, located on North Lindell Street; Salute To Our Heroes Breakfast for members of the Martin Police Department (by invitation only); the Mayor’s Kickoff Luncheon, which is scheduled in the Duncan Ballroom at UT Martin’s Boling University Center; a Literary Reading at C.E. Weldon Public Library, located on Main Street; a Street Fair, featuring food, entertainment and a carnival in downtown Martin; the Soybean      Festival Parade, featuring Grand Marshal Col. Bob Smith and a host of floats and other entries, will start at University Street adjacent to the Hardy M. Graham Stadium parking lot and continue to downtown Martin; a free concert featuring the group The Return, A Beatles Tribute, will take place on the downtown stage immediately following the parade.

    On Wednesday, events include: a Salute To Our Heroes Breakfast for members of the Martin Fire Department and Weakley County Ambulance (by invitation only) is at 6:30 a.m.; the Soybean Festival Prayer Breakfast kicks off at 6:45 a.m. at First United Methodist Church; the Senior Adult Shuffleboard Tournament starts at 8 a.m. at the Senior Adult Center located on North Lindell Street; the Street Fair continues in downtown Martin with more great food, entertainment and a carnival; WPSD-TV News Channel’s “What’s It Worth?” event, which appraises the collectibles of area citizens free of charge (up to three items appraised), will be held beginning at 9 a.m. in downtown Martin, with taping starting at 10 a.m. (the program will air at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, on News Channel 6 Midday); the Antique Fair is at 218 South Lindell Street  from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.; the Art Exhibit & Competition with Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream available is held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the C.E. Weldon Library on Main Street (prizes set at $100, $75 and $50, and artwork must be original and 2D - Contact: Doug Cook at 731-881-7406); the Crossroads Luncheon, which is a celebration of civic organizations and philanthropy is held on the downtown stage from noon until 1 p.m. (lunch fee  is $4 per person);

    On Thursday, the first event of the day is the Soybean Festival Farmers’ Breakfast at 6:30 a.m., which is at Vincent Implements. The speaker will be Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Ken Givens. This is followed by the City-Wide Martin Merchant Sidewalk Sale, which is Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Contact: Lynette Wagster, 731-587-2570). The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, as well as the Art Exhibit & Competition, and the Street Fair and Carnival continue today in downtown Martin. The Soybean Festival Golf Tournament kicks off at 11 a.m. at the Persimmon Hills in Sharon, with lunch served at noon, and tee time, (entry fee and prizes - contact: Jack Reese at 731-587-4221). Parking-Lot-Apalooza, Battle of the Bands is from noon until 7:30 p.m. at the BDX Coffeehouse (contact: Nicole Davidson, 731-514-3326, nicmdavi@utm.edu). Another free concert featuring Corey Smith is 8 p.m. on the downtown stage.

    On Friday, Sept. 5, the Senior Adult Center Breakfast and Bake Sale is at the Martin Senior Adult Center from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. (breakfast $3 plate). The School Children’s Street Fair is slated for 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in downtown Martin. The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale continues today and will be held from 9 a.m. until closing at the C.E. Weldon Public Library on Main Street. A Quilt Show is scheduled 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Ministry Building (Contact: Nancy Biggs, 731-235-2793). The City-Wide Martin Merchant Sidewalk Sale continues. The Art Exhibit & Competition continues. The Street Fair and Carnival continues. A free concert featuring Nashville Song Writers is 5 p.m. at the Weldon Park Stage. The 15th Annual Chicken Crazy, Hog Wild Barbecue Cook off, featuring free BBQ chicken at designated areas while supplies last, starts at 5 p.m. at Weldon Park, with categories including: Backyard Variety, Best Booth, and Backyard Bird (contact: Sammy Liles, 731-587-5355, ext. 238, or sliles@martindps.org). WCMT’s “Singing Bee” gets underway at 6:30 p.m. at Weldon Park Stage (contact: Chris Brinkley, 731-587-9526 or www.wcmt.com). The Westview Football Game kicks off at 7 p.m. at Graham Stadium. A free concert featuring Voo Doo Village starts at 6:30 p.m. at The Opera House (Contact: David Harrison, 731-587-2111). A second free concert featuring the Peacemakers begins at 7:30 p.m. on the downtown stage. Sponsored by: Martin Business Association (MBA); Regions The third free concert of the evening features The Marshall Tucker Band starting at 9 p.m. on the downtown stage. The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, as well as the Art Exhibit & Competition, and the Street Fair and Carnival continue today in downtown Martin.

    On Saturday, Sept. 6, the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary Pancake Breakfast is from 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at American Legion Post 55 located on Central Street. The cost is $3 for ages 7 and older, $5, 6 & younger. Call in/pickup orders are available by calling 731-587-4886 (contact: Bettie Cianfarani, 731-587-5254). The Soybean Festival 5K Road Race/1 Mile Fun Walk is at the Martin Recreation Complex (softball parking lot) starting with the Kids Run at 7:30 a.m., and the Adult 5K/1 Mile Fun Walk at 8:15 a.m. The 12th Annual Soybean Festival Car & Bike Show is at Westview High School, with registration from 8 a.m. until noon, and the awards presentation at 3 p.m. the entry fee is $20 and the event is free for spectators (contact: Tony Harris, 731-587-4279). Registration for the Bikers for Books Poker Run will be from 8-9 a.m. at First State Bank located at 109 University Street, with awards presented at 3 p.m. at Martin Recreation Complex (for entry fee and prize information, contact: Dave Hinman or Katrina Cobb, 731-881-7561). The Antique Tractors Show is at Vincent Implements from 9 a.m. until noon, “Donations for Weakley County Reading Railroad Appreciated” (contact: Johnny Vincent, 731-587-3824). The Youth Soccer Jamboree is 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Martin Recreation Complex (contact: Randall Ricketts, 731-514-7087/588-1495). Admission is free to the 2nd Annual Soybean Classic All-Youth Horse Show, which kicks off at 10 a.m., with opening ceremonies by the Weakley County 4-H Mounted Drill Team (Contact: Nancy McKenzie, 731-587-4763/ Erin Bragg, 731-364-3164). The Soybean Sporting Clays Shoot is from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Glasgow Firing Range, located on Frontage Rd. in Martin. The fee for contestants will be $10. Participants must bring their own gun and shells. Plaques will be awarded to winners (contact: Nick Massey at 731-609-6810, nicdmass@utm.edu/ or Steve Vaughn at 731-796-0848, s_vaughn@bellsouth.net. The Community Health Fair is at C.E. Weldon Public Library, located on Main Street from 10 a.m. until noon. A free concert called Performers in the Park, featuring talent from Reba Wade Music Studio High Variety, will take place from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Weldon Park Stage. Award presentations for the 15th Annual Chicken Crazy, Hog Wild Barbecue Cook-off, which will include the categories of Shoulder, Fine Swine, and Ribs, is on the Weldon Park Stage at 12:30 p.m. The Martin Middle School Cheerleaders SWOOP, DROP & WIN competition gets underway at 2 p.m. at Martin Recreation Complex. Donations of $5 per ticket are requested (contact: Fran Spears at 731-587-0716). Registration for the Pet Show begins at 2 p.m., with the show starting at 3 p.m. at Weldon Park Stage (contact: Joseph Adcock/Amy Mitchell, 731-587-5319). UT Martin’s Football Game between the Skyhawks and Baker University kicks off at 4:30 p.m. The evening’s entertainment includes three free concerts as follows: Margarita Beach from 5-9 p.m. at The Opera House; the Peacemakers beginning at 7:30 p.m. on the downtown stage; and Lonestar starting at 9 p.m. on the downtown stage. The City-Wide Martin Merchant Sidewalk Sale, The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, the Street Fair and Carnival, and the Quilt Show continue today in downtown Martin.

    On Sunday, which is the final day of the Soybean Festival, the Sodexo Sunday Brunch is from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Skyhawk Café located in the UT Martin Boling University Center at a cost of $8.95 per person with children 10 and younger paying $3.95. Registration for the Bicycle Rodeo begins at 1:30 p.m., with events starting at 2 p.m. at the Martin Recreation Complex (contact: Steve Vantrease, 731-881-7766 or Jill Brigance, 731-588-5652). And the final event of the festival, the Bass Anglers Fishing Rodeo & Casting Contest, gets underway at 3 p.m. at the Martin Recreation Complex Lake (contact: Kevin Strobel, 901-801-0276; kevgstro@utm.edu).