Liberty Mayor Edward Hale Decides Not to Seek Re-Election

After more than four decades of service to the town, Liberty Mayor Edward Hale has decided not to seek re-election in August. He will be leaving office once his term ends August 31.

" I feel like after serving all these years, it's just best for me to step down," said Mayor Hale in an interview with WJLE Monday.

In forty two years, Hale never lost an election, having first been elected mayor in 1971. In most of those years, he didn't even have an opponent in an election. Mayor Hale holds the distinction of being the current longest serving elected public official in DeKalb County.

It was his love for the town he was born and raised in that inspired him to seek the office and with the help of many townspeople who have served on the city council down through the years, Hale has worked to improve streets and sidewalks, restore local landmarks, and preserve history for future generations. In fact, as he prepares to leave office, Mayor Hale is proud that a new paving project has just been completed which will provide good streets for the citizens of Liberty for many years to come.

The Liberty election is set for Thursday, August 1st and a mayor and two aldermen will be elected that day. One person has already stepped forward to possibly succeed Hale as mayor. Liberty Alderman Dwight Mathis has picked up a qualifying petition from the election commission to seek the office of mayor. The two aldermen seats up for election are currently held by Jarrett Pistole and Howard Reynolds, Jr. Reynolds has picked up a petition to seek re-election as alderman.

Thursday, May 16 is the qualifying deadline to run in the Liberty election.

THP Promotes Eric McCormick to Sergeant for DeKalb and Smith County

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has announced that Eric McCormick has been promoted to Sergeant for the counties of Smith and DeKalb in the 6th District Cookeville (District). Sgt. McCormick began his career with the Tennessee Highway Patrol in March of 1997. After completing the THP Academy he was assigned to a road position in Putnam County. Sgt. McCormick has remained in Putnam County for the past sixteen years.

Throughout his career he has served on several special assignments from the 2013 Presidential Inauguration to local special events. Sgt. McCormick has served on the Riot Control Unit and is a Crash Reconstructionist. He has acquired several certifications during his career and is an Instructor in various areas within the Department.

Trooper McCormick has escorted Tennessee Tech Football Coach Watson Brown for the past 6 years. He is a 2005 Graduate of the Northwestern University School of Staff and Command.

Prior to becoming a Trooper with the State of Tennessee He was a Deputy with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and a native of DeKalb County. Sgt. McCormick, his wife Connie and three children, Grant, Grace, and Gaylin reside in Putnam County.

Sgt. Eric McCormick replaces Lt. Mark Dial who was promoted and is now stationed in Putnam County as Midnight Lieutenant.