Tennessee Election Officials Convene in Nashville as State Maintains #1 National Ranking for Election Integrity
by: Dwayne PageJun 28, 2025
Nearly 300 election officials from across Tennessee gathered in Nashville on Monday, June 23, for the annual Election Law Seminar hosted by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett and the Division of Elections. This crucial training event comes as Tennessee celebrates being ranked #1 in the nation for election integrity for the fourth consecutive year by The Heritage Foundation.
Representatives from all corners of the state, including DeKalb County Administrator of Elections Dustin Estes and DeKalb County Election Commissioner Marty Jacoby, attended the seminar, underscoring a shared commitment to protecting the integrity and security of Tennessee’s electoral process.
“The dedication and hard work of our local election officials are the backbone of Tennessee’s success,” said Secretary Hargett. “Thanks to their efforts, Tennesseans can have confidence in a voting process that makes it easy to vote and hard to cheat. This seminar equips our officials with the tools and knowledge needed to uphold our high standards heading into the 2026 election cycle.”
“This training is invaluable,” said Dustin Estes, Administrator of Elections for DeKalb County. “It helps us stay up to date, solve real-world problems, and exchange best practices with colleagues from across the state.”
During the daylong seminar, participants engaged in hands-on training sessions covering a wide range of topics, including:
- Best practices for maintaining accurate voter rolls
- Updates to ethics and campaign finance laws
- Strategic election planning and emergency preparedness
- Duties and responsibilities of election commissioners
One highlight of the seminar was a tabletop exercise which challenged teams of election officials to respond to real-life scenarios such as natural disasters or cybersecurity threats. These simulations fostered collaboration and problem-solving, ensuring Tennessee’s election administrators are prepared for any challenge.
Tennessee’s continued national leadership in election integrity reflects its investment in training, transparency, and innovation at every level of election administration.
For reliable election information and to learn more about how Tennessee is setting the standard for election integrity, visit GoVoteTN.gov.
Tripp and Potter Make Court Appearance
by: Dwayne PageJun 28, 2025
Former Alexandria Mayor Beth Tripp and the town’s water and sewer manager Richard Edward Potter appeared in General Sessions Court Thursday on a criminal summons for allegedly trying to get the police chief to cancel a ticket on someone.
According to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Richard Edward Potter entered a plea to the misdemeanor offense. He received no fine or jail time but had to pay court costs of $175.
The case against former Mayor Tripp was continued until August
Both Tripp and Potter were charged on June 3rd in a Criminal Summons following an investigation into a case for “Cancellation of a Citation”. These charges stem from an investigation by the Attorney General for the 13th Judicial District for DeKalb County”.
“The Criminal Summons for Tripp reads “On or about May 29th 2025, Tripp approached Alexandria Police Chief Vincent Turocy requesting him to cancel a ticket. This occurred in Alexandria in DeKalb County”.
“The Criminal Summons for Potter reads “On or about May 30th 2025, Potter approached Chief Turocy requesting him to cancel a ticket. This occurred in Alexandria in DeKalb County”.
The citations that Tripp and Potter were trying to get cancelled were not on the same person.
Both Tripp and Potter’s charges are a Class C Misdemeanor.
Both were represented by attorney John Ford
Chamber Announces Winners of 2025 “Jamboree Project Welcome Mat” Contest-
by: Dwayne PageJun 27, 2025
The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Jamboree Project Welcome Mat contest. This annual tradition invites local businesses to display creative, welcoming signs in celebration of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival.
Chamber Director Suzanne Williams expressed her appreciation to all the participating businesses. “This is one of the ways we show our Jamboree visitors how much they are valued,” said Williams. “The creativity and community spirit shown through these signs truly reflect the warm welcome we want every guest to feel.”
Here are the 2025 Jamboree Project Welcome Mat winners:
Most Creative – Wilson Bank & Trust – “Singing, Dancing, Fiddling, & More At Jamboree 54!”
Most Original – Tennessee Credit – “Down in Smithville Fiddles Play, 54 Years of Jammin’ This Way!”
Best Worded – Wilson Bank & Trust – “Clog on Down! Don’t Miss a Beat! Jamboree Fun Can’t Be Beat!”
People’s Choice – Liberty State Bank – “Fiddlin’ Food & More, Is What’s in Store At Jamboree 54!”
Congratulations to all the winners and participants! Your enthusiasm helps create the friendly, festive atmosphere our community is known for and makes a lasting impression on Jamboree guests from near and far.