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

weakley county mayor's executive orders

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 4

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 3

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 1

WEAKLEY COUNTY GOVERNMENT PERMITTING PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURTHOUSE ON MONDAY, MAY 18:  SAFETY MEASURES FIRMLY IN PLACE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 - DRESDEN, TENN.  While Weakley County Courthouse officials and staff have been serving citizens from a distance since the Coronavirus pandemic began, on Monday, May 18th, the Weakley County Courthouse will allow public access from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The announcement comes after weeks of gathering provisions and supplies to safely provide access to the public.
 
In order to secure the highest level of safety for all visitors and staff, firm safety measures are in place. Visitors and citizens will have responsibilities to participate in required measures to ensure the safety of all.  Weakley County Government buildings will have customized public access schedules and guidelines that are specific to those offices and departments. However, at this time, the Weakley County Office on Aging-Dresden Senior Citizens Center and Sharon Senior Citizens Center will remain closed to the public.
 
The following required safety measures apply to the Weakley County Courthouse:
  • CALL AHEAD REQUEST:  The best protection against Coronavirus is limiting personal contact. A large portion of business can be transacted over the phone from the safety of your home. Citizens are urged to call (731) 364-5414 prior to making a trip to the courthouse to find out how staff can help.
  • SINGLE ACCESS POINT: Visitors may enter courthouse only at the south side door (the Governor Ned Ray McWherter Memorial Statue side). Distancing measures will be in place outside of courthouse with markers and ropes on the walkway to designate where visitors should safely stand.
  • DOCUMENT AND PAYMENT DROPBOX AREA LOCATED ON LEFT SIDE OF WALKWAY: On the left side of the walkway ropes, the payment and document drop box area will still be available to citizens who wish to transact business using that method. To ensure fastest processing, call (731) 364-5414 to notify the office staff that you have left an item in the drop box for them.
  • VISITOR TEMPERATURES REQUIRED:  For the safety of all, Deputies from the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department will be taking the temperature of every visitor using a no-touch, infrared thermometer, asking visitors some health questions, and logging visitor information. No individual will be allowed to enter the building with a temperature exceeding 100.4° F.  Restroom access is available only for individuals who have been processed through the temperature check at the entrance.
  • FACE COVERING/MASK REQUIRED: All visitors entering the courthouse will be required to wear a face covering or mask. Visitors without a face covering or mask will be supplied with a one-time use, disposable mask. All staff inside the courthouse will also be wearing face coverings for the protection of all courthouse visitors.
  • ENTRY IS ONLY PERMITTED FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WITH DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS: Access is permitted to the courthouse if a visitor has direct business in a department. Additional family members will not be permitted to enter.
  • COURT ROOM PROCEDURES AND ADVANCED SANITATION: Increased disinfecting measures will take place throughout the courthouse with special attention to high-traffic areas. By order of the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, a limited number of individuals in groups will be allowed inside the court room at a time, and distancing measures will be in place by way of markings on each seat where an attendee will sit. All court rooms will be fully disinfected before court begins and between groups of hearings or cases. Court officials will be utilizing a text messaging system to notify individuals that their case is next and they are ready to go through the courthouse entrance temperature check.
  • ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE: Inside the courthouse, additional safety measures will be in place with indicative signage. Sanitation stations will be located beside the elevator on every floor. The elevator capacity will be limited to one individual per trip. Take note of the markers outside of various offices for recommended safe distancing. The number of individuals permitted to enter at a time in each department will be limited; the capacity number will be posted outside of each office. Visitors are respectfully asked to remain in the hall outside of the office until permitted to enter by departmental staff.
  • ALTERNATIVE TRANSACTIONS ENCOURAGED: For the best protection of our visitors and citizens, alternative methods of transacting business is encouraged. Most office staff can assist citizens with transacting business by utilizing the drop boxes outside of the south side entrance, over the phone, by email, and using online options.
Weakley County Government looks forward to safely welcoming citizens back into the courthouse while utilizing every safety measure possible for protection from exposure to Coronavirus. Officials respectfully request that citizens have patience during this transitional period and understand that all safety measures are in place for public health and safety in order to prevent virus transmission. For questions, call the Weakley County Mayor’s Office at (731) 364-5413.

​Citizens are encouraged to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information and changes. 
Picture
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 weakleycountytn@gmail.com.  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 PERMITTING PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURTHOUSE 5/18/20
WEAKLEY COUNTY GOVERNMENT PERMITTING PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURTHOUSE ON MONDAY, MAY 18:  SAFETY MEASURES FIRMLY IN PLACE
​
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 - DRESDEN, TENN.  While Weakley County Courthouse officials and staff have been serving citizens from a distance since the Coronavirus pandemic began, on Monday, May 18th, the Weakley County Courthouse will allow public access from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The announcement comes after weeks of gathering provisions and supplies to safely provide access to the public.
 
In order to secure the highest level of safety for all visitors and staff, firm safety measures are in place. Visitors and citizens will have responsibilities to participate in required measures to ensure the safety of all.  Weakley County Government buildings will have customized public access schedules and guidelines that are specific to those offices and departments. However, at this time, the Weakley County Office on Aging-Dresden Senior Citizens Center and Sharon Senior Citizens Center will remain closed to the public.
 
The following required safety measures apply to the Weakley County Courthouse:
  • CALL AHEAD REQUEST:  The best protection against Coronavirus is limiting personal contact. A large portion of business can be transacted over the phone from the safety of your home. Citizens are urged to call (731) 364-5414 prior to making a trip to the courthouse to find out how staff can help.
  • SINGLE ACCESS POINT: Visitors may enter courthouse only at the south side door (the Governor Ned Ray McWherter Memorial Statue side). Distancing measures will be in place outside of courthouse with markers and ropes on the walkway to designate where visitors should safely stand.
  • DOCUMENT AND PAYMENT DROPBOX AREA LOCATED ON LEFT SIDE OF WALKWAY: On the left side of the walkway ropes, the payment and document drop box area will still be available to citizens who wish to transact business using that method. To ensure fastest processing, call (731) 364-5414 to notify the office staff that you have left an item in the drop box for them.
  • VISITOR TEMPERATURES REQUIRED:  For the safety of all, Deputies from the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department will be taking the temperature of every visitor using a no-touch, infrared thermometer, asking visitors some health questions, and logging visitor information. No individual will be allowed to enter the building with a temperature exceeding 100.4° F.  Restroom access is available only for individuals who have been processed through the temperature check at the entrance.
  • FACE COVERING/MASK REQUIRED: All visitors entering the courthouse will be required to wear a face covering or mask. Visitors without a face covering or mask will be supplied with a one-time use, disposable mask. All staff inside the courthouse will also be wearing face coverings for the protection of all courthouse visitors.
  • ENTRY IS ONLY PERMITTED FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WITH DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS: Access is permitted to the courthouse if a visitor has direct business in a department. Additional family members will not be permitted to enter.
  • COURT ROOM PROCEDURES AND ADVANCED SANITATION: Increased disinfecting measures will take place throughout the courthouse with special attention to high-traffic areas. By order of the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, a limited number of individuals in groups will be allowed inside the court room at a time, and distancing measures will be in place by way of markings on each seat where an attendee will sit. All court rooms will be fully disinfected before court begins and between groups of hearings or cases. Court officials will be utilizing a text messaging system to notify individuals that their case is next and they are ready to go through the courthouse entrance temperature check.
  • ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE: Inside the courthouse, additional safety measures will be in place with indicative signage. Sanitation stations will be located beside the elevator on every floor. The elevator capacity will be limited to one individual per trip. Take note of the markers outside of various offices for recommended safe distancing. The number of individuals permitted to enter at a time in each department will be limited; the capacity number will be posted outside of each office. Visitors are respectfully asked to remain in the hall outside of the office until permitted to enter by departmental staff.
  • ALTERNATIVE TRANSACTIONS ENCOURAGED: For the best protection of our visitors and citizens, alternative methods of transacting business is encouraged. Most office staff can assist citizens with transacting business by utilizing the drop boxes outside of the south side entrance, over the phone, by email, and using online options.
Weakley County Government looks forward to safely welcoming citizens back into the courthouse while utilizing every safety measure possible for protection from exposure to Coronavirus. Officials respectfully request that citizens have patience during this transitional period and understand that all safety measures are in place for public health and safety in order to prevent virus transmission. For questions, call the Weakley County Mayor’s Office at (731) 364-5413.

​Citizens are encouraged to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information and changes. 
​
protecting yourself - LIMIT EXPOSURE: call US BEFORE YOU VISIT: (731) 364-5414

LET US HELP YOU FROM THE SAFETY OF YOUR HOME

Everyone can do their part to prevent transmission of Coronavirus. Individuals are being encouraged to limit social interaction and personal exposure. 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: jlannom1@utk.edu

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:
​weakleyassessor@frontiernet.net

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

​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: 
​Regina.VanCleave@tncourts.gov

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

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: 
​Jenny.Killebrew@tncourts.gov

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: kim.hughey@tn.gov

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:
​elections@weakleycountytn.gov

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: tracy.byrd@tn.gov

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:
​cmcadams1@frontiernet.net

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:  weakley@titlesearcher.com

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:  wctrustee@frontiernet.net

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: ​veteransaffairsweakleyco@hotmail.com
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 - Erica Moore
116 W. Main St. Room 106
Dresden, TN 38225 
(731) 364-5413
Email:  ericamoore@weakleycountytn.gov
Copyright 1823  -  weakleycountytn.gov