REGARDING COVID-19, AKA CORONAVIRUS

MESSAGE FROM COUNTY MAYOR JAKE BYNUM

As we move through some uncertain and challenging times, Weakley County Government will utilize every opportunity to be as forthcoming with information as possible.  We are continually in communications with local, state, regional, and national health and public safety organizations in an effort to become as educated and informed as possible surrounding this virus and how it might impact Weakley County. The information provided here will hopefully help communicate what we are learning and provide some sound guidance related to various aspects of our community. Also, our office has compiled a comprehensive Weakley County Services Resource Guide. This guide contains a list of information and services that exist in the community during this pandemic.

If you have any questions, concerns, or if our office can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us at (731) 364-5413. 

Respectfully,
Jake Bynum
Weakley County Mayor
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If you believe in flattening our curve, right here in Weakley County, feel free to save this image and add it to your social media!
The Weakley County Coronavirus Prevention Pledge is an oath taken by Weakley Countians who officially promise and publicly declare to do their part by adhering to the actions outlined in the pledge in order to slow the halt the spread of Coronavirus and protect our community. Those who adhere to this pledge are protecting this community and will ultimately #FlattenOurCurveinWeakleyCounty. 
The Weakley County Services Resource Guide is a comprehensive list of services to assist citizens during the COVID-19 public health emergency.  To add a resource to this guide, or to report an update or error, email [email protected].  For questions about the information found in this guide, call the Weakley County Office of the Mayor at (731) 364-5414.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT COVID-19
The Center for Disease Control Prevention [CDC] is the ultimate resource for the most up-to-date information for what we currently know and what we are learning about this virus. 
►  Coronavirus CDC Fact Sheet
►  Center For Disease Control Prevention (CDC) Website
​►  Tennessee Department of Health
WEAKLEY COUNTY GOVERNMENT CANCELLATIONS

3/13/20 - TENNESSEE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS SUSPENDS ALL IN-PERSON COURT PROCEEDINGS ​

  • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court declares a state of emergency for the Judicial Branch of Tennessee government and declares a Continuity of Operations Plan for the courts of Tennessee: All in-person proceedings in all state and local courts in Tennessee, including but not limited to municipal, juvenile, general sessions, trial, and appellate courts, are suspended from the close of business on Friday, March 13, 2020, through Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Exceptions apply - PLEASE SEE THE ORDER BY CLICKING HERE. 
protecting yourself - social distancing & government offices

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND LOVED ONES

Everyone can do their part in response to this emerging public health threat. Individuals are being encouraged to limit social interaction and personal exposure, especially in areas that are more populated. In order to best protect yourself and others, consider taking care of business that you have at the Weakley County Courthouse over the phone or on the web. We encourage you to call and find out if your business can be taken care of over the phone before you come into the courthouse. Below is a list of departments and the services offered online and over the phone:

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE - (731) 364-3164

A multitude of educational information via phone, texting, email, postal mail and social media. Web-links can be provided for additional educational programming. 
► Phone Number: 731-364-3164 
​► Email: [email protected]

ASSESSOR OF PROPERTY - (731) 364-3677

The Property Assessor's Office can do most daily tasks without personal contact. The map and building updates have to be performed from specific programs on computers in the office and can be updated periodically, which doesn't require daily updates. All other maintenance can be performed from most any desktop computer.
► Phone Number: 731-364-3677 
​► Email:
​[email protected]

CLERK AND MASTER / CHANCERY COURT - (731) 364-3454

Please be aware that the Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court has ordered that all in-person proceedings in all state and local courts in Tennessee, including but not limited to municipal, juvenile, general sessions, trial, and appellate courts, are suspended from the close of business on Friday, March 13, 2020, through Thursday, April 30, 2020. All local court offices are still open. Call the Clerk and Master's Office with questions and view full order: FULL ORDER  
​The majority of business can be handled without personal contact, primarily over the phone and through use of email. Lawsuit information and pleadings filed by attorneys can be mailed.
► Phone Number: 731-364-3454 
​► Email: 
​[email protected]

Circuit COURT / general sessions - (731) 364-3455

Please be aware that the Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court has ordered that all in-person proceedings in all state and local courts in Tennessee, including but not limited to municipal, juvenile, general sessions, trial, and appellate courts, are suspended from the close of business on Friday, March 13, 2020, through Thursday, April 30, 2020. All local court offices are still open. Exceptions do apply - please read on for those.

CIRCUIT COURT:  Judge Parham will be taking up plea hearings, violation of probation hearings, or bond hearings for incarcerated individuals only. All other defendants who are not incarcerated will need to be continued at this time. All arraignments for those not incarcerated will be reset to April 13th. 

GENERAL SESSIONS:  All arraignments will be heard on April 16th at 2 pm.  Hearings will be heard on April 15th.  
Call the Circuit Court Clerk's Office with questions and view full order here: FULL ORDER  

Print various filings and forms at this link: 
http://tncourts.gov/administration/judicial-resources/forms-documents/court-forms
 
Local rules for attorneys and law firms at this link: 
http://tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/docs/27th_jd_chancery__cicruit_local_rules_2019sept23_final.pdf

​Circuit Court and General Sessions Office staff accepts payments by phone with a debit/credit card with an applicable fee of $3 or 3% - whichever is greater.
► Phone Number: 731-364-3455 
​► Email: 
​[email protected]

COUNTY CLERK - (731) 364-2285

Customers may renew license plates online by CLICKING HERE.  Otherwise, they may be renewed by phone along with hunting/fishing license.  The office can process business tax applications, certain title applications,  hotel/motel tax payments, and notary applications by fax, phone or email.
► Phone Number: 731-364-3164 
► Fax Number: 731-364-5326 
​► Email: [email protected]

election office - (731) 364-5564

Voter registration status check, voter registration, and updating voter addresses may be done online at www.govotetn.com or by using the GoVoteTN app. 
► Phone Number: 731-364-5564 
​► Email:
​[email protected]

health department - (731) 364-2258

The Weakley County Health Department has several resources that might be of help to you.
•  Public Information Number: 1-877-857-2945, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. CST daily - Currently experiencing high call volume
•  Center for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
•  Tennessee Department Health (TDH): https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html
► Phone Number: 731-364-2258 
​► Email: [email protected]

LIBRARY - weakley county NED R. MCWHERTER LIBRARY - (731) 364-2678

BELOW ARE A LIST OF LIBRARY SERVICES THAT ARE OFFERED ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE:
1. Downloadable audio/ebooks via Overdrive or Libby.  These links are on the library webpage: CLICK HERE
2. Renew via our online catalog: CLICK HERE
3. Research via Tennessee Electronic Library, many databases for job search, info and genealogy: CLICK HERE  
4. Library card applications can be completed over the phone and library cards can be mailed to your home address.
► Phone Number: 731-364-2678 
​► Email:
​[email protected]

REGISTER OF DEEDS DEPARTMENT - (731) 364-3646

The Weakley County Register of Deeds office encourages citizens if they need a copy of a recorded document to feel free to call or email our office. They will be happy to send you a copy of the document by email, fax or postal mail.  Title searches can be done online by visiting www.titleseacher.com.  You may mail documents for recording to the office to Weakley County Register of Deeds at P.O. Box 45, Dresden, TN 38225.  The staff can record documents and then send back those recorded documents without individuals having to physically come into the office. The staff encourages the public to call the office and the staff can calculate recording fees over the phone. The Weakley County Register of Deeds requests that you postpone any "in office" genealogy searches at this time.  Much of the genealogy researching can be obtained online. The Register or Deeds' office wants to relay that they are here to serve the citizens and will do everything possible to continue great service as normal during this time. 
► Phone Number: 731-364-3646 
​► Email:  [email protected]

TRUSTEE - WEAKLEY COUNTY TRUSTEE'S OFFICE - (731) 364-3643

Citizens can pay property taxes over the phone at 1-877-768-5048, or online at this link: PAY PROPERTY TAXES HERE
The Trustee's Office encourages all citizens to call the office to find out other ways the staff can assist without a resident's need to visit the office in person. 
► Phone Number: 731-364-3643 
​► Email:  [email protected]

VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE - (731) 364-5727

There are many contingencies within this department. Veterans and beneficiaries are encouraged to call the office and ask to see how the staff can assist, whether it be on the phone or using the internet.
► Phone Number: 731-364-5727 
​► Email: ​[email protected]
BEST PRACTICES
The Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and Tennessee Department of Health all agree on specific guidelines to protect each other and the people of our community. Please see those below:

Individuals with fever, cough, sore throat or other flu-like symptoms should call their physician immediately. Individuals who do not have a physician or are uninsured should call one of the Health Departments in West Tennessee. This link provides a list of all Health Departments in the Tennessee: LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THE CDC WEBSITE 

KNOW HOW IT SPREADS
​There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).  The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
  • Clean your hands often
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

AVOID CLOSE CONTACT
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT OTHERS - STAY HOME IF YOU'RE SICK
  • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

COVER COUGHS AND SNEEZES
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

CLEAN AND DISINFECT
  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
  • To disinfect: Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
​
SEE MORE AT THIS LINK: CDC WEBSITE AND COVID-19 PREVENTION
LIGHT THE WAY - WEAKLEY COUNTY
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, families around the county will be feeling the effects of being displaced from work - most especially parents or guardians who cannot work and are at home with their child(ren) as a result of the virus and the subsequent closing of our school system.  Weakley County Government and Martin Housing Authority have partnered to initiate an electricity assistance program that is comprised entirely of donations from caring individuals and families in the Weakley County community.

HELPFUL LINKS

Help and
​Volunteering
COVID-19
​Guidance
Light The Way -
​Weakley County

CONTACT US

​Weakley County Office of the Mayor
County Government Communications Director - Kirsty-Rhe Janse Tiffner
116 W. Main St. Room 106
Dresden, TN 38225 
(731) 364-5413
Email:  [email protected]

Phone: ​731-364-5414
Email: [email protected]
Weakley County Courthouse
116 W Main Street 
Dresden, TN 38225
Copyright 1823  -  weakleycountytn.gov
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