State GOP Chairman Urges Republicans to Unite for 2020

August 30, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The leader of the Tennessee Republican Party was in Smithville Thursday night to rally the troops with the 2020 campaign on the horizon.

Scott Golden was guest speaker at a free barbeque dinner hosted by the DeKalb County Republican Party and open to the community at the county complex.

Among the crowd were local party leaders and office holders along with State Senator Mark Pody and State Representatives Terri Lynn Weaver and Clark Boyd. Former State Senator Mae Beavers, who is now Chair of the Wilson County Republican Party was also there.

“Our message is that 2020 is just around the corner and we can’t really let up at any time. I know it seems like a long way away but the national election is in 14 months. Obviously the President is going to be on the ballot and the Democrats will decide who their nominee is going to be,” said Golden.

In addition to the Presidential election, Tennesseans will be electing a new US Senator with Lamar Alexander retiring and state senators and representatives will be up for election in 2020 as well as congressional seats.

Although Tennessee has gone red in several recent statewide elections, Golden said the party cannot take that for granted.

“We feel pretty good that Tennessee, particularly with President Trump at the top of the ballot should remain squarely in the red column but we can’t take any chances. President Trump has had accomplishments on the economy, international affairs, trade, and the judiciaries and some of those long term things he has put in place will make sure our country stays in great shape for many years to come. But there is a campaign to be waged. I know the Democrats are going to fight and I expect Republicans to fight as well. Our message is make sure you get out there and work next year. It’s all about making sure people know what you stand for and know what you are trying to accomplish for them and that they get out to the polls and register that opinion. Former Governor Bill Haslam was the first Tennessee Governor to have served with a Republican speaker and a Republican Lieutenant Governor so it’s only been eight years that Tennessee has been all red but much has been accomplished in that time. Tennessee has been and is still doing a wonderful job but it is important to tell people and remind them of what we have,” said Golden.

“Republicans have a good message to run on in 2020. If you support low taxes, limited government, the second amendment, private health care as opposed to government health care, protecting our borders, and keeping government out of almost every aspect of our lives, there is a pretty bright line between what the Democrats believe and what Republicans believe,” added Golden

August 29, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb Prevention Coalition is calling on everyone to wear purple in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday, August 31.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31 each year which aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

“We ask you to please wear purple in recognition of all who have lost their lives to overdose and also in support of their families. Please snap a picture and put it on your facebook page and hash tag that #endoverdose,” said Lisa Cripps, DeKalb Prevention Coalition Coordinator.

“In Tennessee we lost 1,776 people to overdose in 2017. In DeKalb County we lost three people in 2016. By 2017 the number more than doubled with 8 overdose deaths locally. I am sure that the 2018 numbers will be up even more. Please help us support International Overdose Awareness Day,” added Cripps.

Thousands of people die each year from drug overdose. They come from all walks of life.

Do you recognize the signs and symptoms of overdose? What is the impact of drug use and overdose on family, friends and those experiencing it?

Learn more at https://www.overdoseday.com/

August 29, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

WJLE will debut a new program Friday morning featuring local and area musical talent.

“Jammin’ at the 428” will air at 8:30 a.m. following the “Old Time Country Community Radio Show”
Jim Hicks, the host of the show, is hoping to make “Jammin’ at the 428” a regular program on WJLE at least a couple of times a month or maybe even weekly.

This week’s program will showcase the music of singer and songwriter Samantha Osborn from Sparta.

“It’s a show just promoting local talent. A lot of us will never be on stage getting an award but there is a lot of local talent in these hills and hollows. For me this is an opportunity to promote them and I just think it’s good for the community,” said Hicks.

Osborn records at Rick Scruggs’ Studio in Smithville, also known as the 428.