NEW WEAKLEY COUNTY SEAL FEATURED IN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES PUBLICATION
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Symbolism Behind the New Seal Identified and Explained
DRESDEN, Tenn. - February 15, 2018
Weakley County recently received national attention when its new county seal was highlighted in the National Association of Counties [NACo] Newspaper.
Selected from one of 3,069 counties nationwide, Weakley County was honored to have the new seal featured in the February 5th edition of the NACo Newspaper biweekly publication. 
Included in the highlight was a brief history about Weakley County’s establishment and the symbolism within the design that is specific to the county and its municipalities:  The field in the background features lines representing the original districts that made up Weakley County. The nine stars in the design symbolize the nine districts that currently make up Weakley County. The field, tractor and barn at the back left are a nod to Weakley County’s history in agriculture. The water tower image salutes the cities in Weakley County and each eye-catching and unique water tower in each community. The power lines at the right of the locomotive acknowledge the fact that the county is one of a few in the state with a county-owned and operated electric system. The locomotive exemplifies Weakley County’s rich history in rail, and the tri-star at the front of the train illustrates the county’s unity, connection and commitment to the state of Tennessee.  The color of the sky represents the dawning of each new day in Weakley County, with the locomotive moving ever forward.
NACo is a national organization that unites America’s 3,069 county governments and brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government, and exercise exemplary leadership in public service.
For more information about NACo, visit http://www.naco.org.
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Media Contact:
Erica Miller Moore
Cell: 731-281-6693
Email: [email protected]

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Tennova-Volunteer Martin Hospital to Enroll Newborn Babies In Tennessee's Imagination Library Program 
Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation, Weakley County Reading Railroad, and Tennova-Volunteer Martin Hospital partner to enroll newborns in Tennessee’s Imagination Library program
 
MARTIN, Tenn. – Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation (GBBF), Weakley County Mayor Jake Bynum, and Weakley County Reading Railroad celebrate the launch of a new birthing hospital partnership with Tennova-Volunteer Martin Hospital Tuesday afternoon to begin enrolling newborn babies into Tennessee’s Imagination Library program.
 
“Weakley County Reading Railroad is excited about Tennova's commitment to the success of our organization and the children of Weakley County. As County Mayor, there is no bigger issue than workforce development in recruiting and retaining industry to our community. It is my belief that this practice starts at the most primary level and the opportunity of this initiative will help prepare our children for the jobs of the future,” said Jake Bynum, Mayor of Weakley County.
 
Through this partnership, each family of a newborn child will be given the opportunity to enroll in Tennessee’s Imagination Library and will then begin receiving one book per month mailed to the child’s home, at no cost to the family. Each child enrolled in the program prior to hospital discharge, will receive a gift of the first Imagination Library book, The Little Engine That Could, as a tangible example of the wonderful books that will arrive each month until the child reaches age five.
 
“We are excited to partner with Imagination Library to provide books to newborns at our hospital and to help them begin their lives with a solid educational background,” said Darrell Blaylock, Chief Executive Officer of Tennova-Volunteer Martin.
 
Tennessee’s Imagination Library program is made available to all Tennessee children, from birth to age five, through a unique, three-way partnership between GBBF, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and a local affiliate program in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties. To emphasize the benefits of reading with children beginning at birth, GBBF launched the birthing hospital initiative in 2014, partnering with hospitals across the state to introduce Tennessee’s Imagination Library program to families of newborns.
 
“Through this partnership, we are able to highlight the important connection between childhood literacy and healthy child development. Literacy is the foundation for building a strong body and mind, and early exposure to books has proven to be a key factor in long-term educational success,” GBBF President Theresa Carl said. “Our goal is to have partnerships with birthing hospitals like Tennova-Volunteer Martin all across the state of Tennessee, giving children the chance to experience the joy of books and the tools to succeed in school from the moment they enter this world.”
 
Founded in November 2004, Weakley County Reading Railroad serves as the local affiliate Imagination Library program and has delivered more than 167,000 books to children in the community. Currently, 63.5% of all children under age five living in Weakley County are enrolled in the program and receive books each month. Each month Weakley County Reading Railroad delivers more than 1,100 books to children. 
 
About GBBF
The mission of Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation is to sustain and strengthen Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in all 95 Tennessee counties, ensuring that new, age-appropriate books are mailed to Tennessee’s preschool children, at no cost to the family and regardless of income. To learn how to support your county’s Imagination Library program, or for information on how to register a child, visit www.GovernorsFoundation.org or www.facebook.com/TNImaginationLibrary, or call toll-free at (877) 99-BOOKS.
 
About Tennova Healthcare
One of the state’s largest health networks, Tennova Healthcare includes 16 hospitals and more than 115 physician clinics. The combined network has approximately 2,600 licensed beds, 2,800 physicians on the combined active medical staffs, and 9,000 employees, with more than 70,000 admissions and 465,000 emergency department visits each year. Tennova Healthcare – Regional Jackson is owned, in part, by physicians. Learn more at www.Tennova.com.
 
Media Contact: [email protected] 
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​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sidonia Volunteer Fire Department Purchases New Fire Truck With Help From Community Development Block Grant
TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2014
The Sidonia Volunteer Fire Department is now home to an International 7400 Series Fire Truck.
With supplemental funding from a Community Development Block Grant, the Sidonia Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase the refurbished truck to replace the fire truck that was lost when the fire station burned in May of 2013.
The newer fire truck has upgraded features with life-saving advantages over the station’s previous fire trucks. The truck is a Class A 3000 gallon pumper and tanker. The previous trucks were either pumpers, used to pump water, or tankers, used to haul water to a fire.  The newer model can both pump and haul water, saving firefighters valuable time when emergency arises. The truck also includes an automated external defibrillator (AED), which is used in cases of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias which lead to cardiac arrest.
The newer truck is also going to save the station, and citizens, more money. Because the truck is a combination pumper and tanker, the station can utilize just one truck and cut insurance costs as well as maintenance expenses. 
“This addition will help to decrease response times as well as greatly improve the overall emergency services at work in District 4. It takes a courageous group to do the job, and I hope the truck will provide them some well-deserved relief,” said Tommy Jones, District 4 Commissioner.
With this addition, the department plans to focus its efforts toward lowering the Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating, which is a rating providing statistical information on risk and is calculated by insurance companies that affects homeowner insurance rates.
Sidonia Volunteer Fire Department Chief David Lackey sees a true need being fulfilled with this fire truck.
“This truck is what we need down there. We are working on saving money for the department and the community by lowering the ISO rating. The community is really proud of it,” says Lackey.
The truck was purchased and upgraded by Deep South Fire Trucks, Inc., out of Collins, Mississippi.
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cc: Weakley County Press/Dresden Enterprise/WCMT Radio 
Media Contact: Erica Miller Moore, 731.364.5413, [email protected]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Weakley County Polling Map Now Available Online
DRESDEN – Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Weakley County residents can now more easily locate their local ballot box through a new online map provided by Weakley County 9-1-1. The free service, available at www.wc911.com, provides users turn by turn directions from their residence to their respective ballot box. Current ballots may also be reviewed to assist Weakley Countians in becoming more familiar with the process. William Trimble, a GIS Specialists with the Weakley County 9-1-1 Office, was responsible for deployment of the new system. “By using data collected by the 9-1-1 Office and the Election Commission, we were able to design and deploy an interactive map that assists both candidates and voters.” Trimble stated that the system will remain available throughout the year and will be updated as needed. 

Click here to access the Weakley County Election Polling Places Map

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Recreational Trails Program Grants Announced Today
NASHVILLE – Thursday, August 15, 2013
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau today awarded $1,694,000 in Recreational Trails Program grants to recipients across Tennessee.
“These grants assist local governments and organizations in improving community amenities such as trails, greenways and recreational facilities, making the outdoors more accessible to Tennesseans.” Haslam said. “The health and wellness of our residents is a top priority and these amenities provide another step to make our state healthier.”
The Recreational Trails Program is a federally-funded program established to distribute funding for diverse recreation trail projects. The funds are available to federal, state and local government agencies, as well as non-profit organizations that have obtained IRS 501 (c) (3) status and have a written trail management agreement with the agency that owns the property where the trail project is located.
Recreational Trails Program grants may be used for non-routine maintenance and restoration of existing trails, development and rehabilitation, trailside or trailhead facilities such as restrooms, kiosks and parking lots, construction of new trails and land acquisition for recreational trails or corridors.
“These awards will help fund some outstanding projects, including the development of new greenways and trails and more ADA-compliant facilities,” Martineau said. “We are excited to be in a position to make a variety of recreational opportunities a reality for these communities.”
Funding for RTP grants is provided by the Federal Highway Administration through the federal Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation administers this grant program for the state. The maximum federal share for each project is 80 percent, with RTP grant recipients providing a 20 percent match.
Grant recipients were selected through a scoring process with careful consideration given to the projects that met the selection criteria and expressed the greatest local recreation need.
City of Martin: Awarded $200,000 - To construct a multi-use trail to extend the current Brian Brown Greenway to downtown Martin.
City of Dresden: Awarded $200,000 - To dedicate the property as park land and to develop a multi-use pathway along an abandoned railroad bed.
To learn more about the RTP grant program and other recreation or conservation-based grant programs available in the future, please visit http://tn.gov/environment/recreation/grants.shtml. For more information about the RTP grant program, contact Gerald Parish at 615-532-0538 or [email protected].

[http://news.tn.gov/node/11191]
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137 Early Literacy Computer Stations Go To Public Libraries, Family Childcare Programs
NASHVILLE – Wednesday, July 31, 2013
The Governor’s Children’s Cabinet co-chaired by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam has awarded 137 children’s computers to public libraries and family childcare programs across Tennessee.
The AWE Early Literacy Stations feature more than 60 educational software titles spanning seven curricular areas all focused on supporting early learning in children.  These educational programs use engaging graphics to draw young children to learning.
“Giving a child the necessary building blocks to learn to read is critical to a child’s education and future success, and it is exciting that so many communities across Tennessee took advantage of this opportunity,” Gov. Haslam said.
Computer station recipients were chosen through a competitive process run jointly by the Children’s Cabinet, the Tennessee State Library and Archives, and the state Department of Human Services. Computer award recipients demonstrated a commitment to promoting early literacy and engagement of families.  
“Children who have not developed some basic literacy skills by the time they enter school are 3-4 times more likely to drop out in later years.” Mrs. Haslam said. “We are excited to provide these valuable tools to boost early literacy in communities across Tennessee”
Computer stations have been awarded to selected public libraries in the following counties in Weakley County:
Dr. Nathan Porter Library - Greenfield
Sharon Public Library
[https://news.tn.gov/node/11123]

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TSBA Announces 2012 Healthier Schools Challenge Award Recipients
TSBA partnered with the State Department of Education’s Office of Coordinated School Health to offer a Tennessee’s Healthier Schools Challenge award program. United Healthcare graciously agreed to be our corporate underwriter by providing funding to the Coordinated School Health programs across the state. Scott Bowers, CEO for United Healthcare and Rebecca Johns-Wommack, Executive Director of the Tennessee Coordinated School Health Department helped present awards to the 57 systems that successfully completed this challenge.
“We are utterly impressed with the partnership of The Tennessee School Board Association and the State Department of Education – Office of Coordinated School Health who have come together to teach our children the important connection between healthy behaviors and their academic success. To help advance this good work, we whole heartedly support the Tennessee Healthier School’s Challenge program and we commend those that have taken the time to help make a difference in the health and well-being of our children,” said Scott A. Bowers, plan president with United Healthcare Community Plan.
The Healthier Schools Challenge is a voluntary, statewide initiative recognizing school systems for their participation in merging health with academics to create student success. This initiative was designed to motivate school board members, school administrators, faculty, staff, parents and students to create healthier school
environments, encourage adoption of healthy behaviors and promote the connection between health and academic success. The Healthier Schools Challenge includes twelve possible criteria to complete. There were 57 systems that completed at least 8 out of the 12 criteria.

Platinum Level Recipients (11 out of 12 criteria completed):
(CONTINUED)
• Perry County
• Anderson County
• Cumberland County
• Gibson County
• Humboldt
• Johnson City
• Kingsport
• Lexington
• Lincoln County
• Oak Ridge
• Oneida Special
• Polk County
• Roane County
• Rogersville
• Scott County
• Sevier County
• Washington County
• Weakley County

Gold Level Recipients (10 out of 12 criteria completed):
Silver Level Recipients (9 out of 12 criteria completed):
Bronze Level Recipients (8 out of 12 criteria completed):
The Tennessee School Boards Association, a statewide, nonprofit organization, is a federation of the state’s local school boards. The mission of the Tennessee School Boards Association is to assist school boards in effectively governing school districts. Through the years, TSBA has helped school boards and their members reach their highest potential through association programs, meetings and services. TSBA also provides school board members a collective voice in matters of legislation and public education concerns. To learn more about TSBA, visit our website at www.tsba.net.

• Bradford Special
• Dyersburg
• Greene County
• Greeneville
• Hamblen County
• Hawkins County
• Johnson County
• Lawrence County
• Maury County
• Meigs County
• Alcoa
• Athens
• Bells
• Decatur County
• Fentress County
• Giles County
• Grainger County
• Hancock County
• Henderson County
• Knox County
• Lake County
• Lauderdale County
• Lenoir City
• Maryville
• McMinn County
• Newport City
• Obion County
• Shelby County
• Stewart County
• Sweetwater
• Warren County
• Blount County
• Bradley County
• Dayton City
• Crockett County
• Dyer County
• Sullivan County
• Trousdale County
• Union City

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Weakley County 911 Achieves PowerPhone’s Total Response Accreditation
MADISON, CT – On September 18, 2012,
Weakley County 911 in Dresden, Tennessee, completed PowerPhone’s quality assurance program to successfully achieve Total Response Accreditation.
 This important designation serves as a mark of excellence in the emergency communications industry. Weakley County undertook a dynamic process to identify best practices and promote high quality performance measures. Through this process they have validated their commitment to quality and accountability in emergency call handling.
 Following adoption of and training in PowerPhone’s Total Response police, fire and emergency medical dispatch protocols, Weakley County committed to a formal accreditation process as part of their ongoing adherence to providing the highest standard of care in the industry.
 “We are incredibly proud to be the first 911 center in America to be accredited in all three disciplines with PowerPhone’s Computer Aided Call Handling,” said Jamison Peevyhouse, Emergency 911 Director for Weakley County. “Over a year of hard work, dedication and quality assurance, our agency came together with a commitment to provide the most superior service to the citizens of Weakley County.
The communications center began with a self-evaluation of their call handling and dispatch function to help establish benchmarks against which future operations could be compared. With the help of Cory Friend, PowerPhone’s Professional Services Director and public safety veteran, Weakley County was able to define optimal quality assurance standards and an action plan to adhere to these standards.
 During this process, Weakley County has had a percentage of the calls answered randomly reviewed for protocol compliance. The department has undertaken rigorous documentation of its goals, policies and procedures, and stakeholder involvement. Dispatchers and Supervisors have participated in intense quality assurance training in order to obtain tools and techniques to enhance their strengths, remedy shortcomings, and learn to confront future challenges.
 “If you are talented, passionate, and driven, it’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when,” said Cory Friend, PowerPhone’s Professional Services Director. “There was never a doubt that Weakley County would become accredited. They are an agency that is always striving to be better, always striving to be ahead of the game. Now that they have this backing of quality assurance training and best practices, their level of service provided to callers and responders will be even further enhanced.”
 Weakley County 911 was recognized for their accomplishments at the 27thAnnual TN Emergency Number Association Conference on September 23. The Accreditation presentation included the unveiling of a special banner and official certificate, as well as a pinning ceremony presented by members of PowerPhone to the dispatchers and supervisors of Weakley County.  
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Weakley County Government Promotes Civic Engagement And Transparency With Social Media
FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012
Weakley County Government is integrating social media into local government. The implementation is designed to provide citizens an “instant service” for questions such as where to pay a bill, traffic tickets, meeting schedules, and more. 
Using Twitter, Facebook, and Wordpress, the goal is to increase citizen participation and interest.  Locals can “tweet” a request for information, and get answers in real time.
The addition shows Weakley County’s commitment to adhering to standards for transparency in government. Other efforts for increasing community involvement include live “Tweeting” of calls coming into the Weakley County 9-1-1 Center on the evening of July 4th. This project has been tested in other areas and has proven to be very effective.  

Exact times for the Live Tweet will be released on Facebook, Twitter, and the Weakley County website soon, and our Twitter user name is @weakleycountyTN.
Connect with Weakley County on Twitter, Facebook, and Wordpress by clicking on the links on the homepage of the Weakley County website: www.weakleycountytn.gov.
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Media Contact: Erica Miller Moore, 731.364.5413, [email protected]

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