The DeKalb County Health Department reminds everyone the best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. Peak flu season is here, but you still have time to get vaccinated. Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older, and is especially important for infants, young children, pregnant women, adults over age 50 and for those with chronic medical conditions.
Starting February 8, 2016, free flu vaccinations will be available at the Dekalb County Health Department for both adults and children.
“We want to vaccinate as many people in DeKalb County as possible to protect the health of our community,” said DeKalb County Health Director Michael Railling. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect your family, friends, coworkers and yourself from the flu, so we urge everyone who has not yet had a flu vaccine this season to get one as soon as possible.”
Delayed delivery of certain influenza vaccine products means supplies are still available at the DeKalb County Health Department. The clinic will provide flu vaccinations at no cost to patients until vaccine supplies are depleted. Patients may walk in to request a flu vaccine any time during regular clinic hours.
In addition to getting vaccinated, it’s important to practice good hand washing and other good health habits to prevent the spread of flu and other viruses that circulate at this time of year. People who are sick should take actions to stop spread of germs:
•Stay home if you are sick
•Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
•Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
For more information, call the DeKalb County Health Department at 615-597-7599 for an appointment.
Visit the Tennessee Department of Health online at http://tn.gov/health.
Connect with TDH on Facebook and Twitter @TNDeptofHealth

The Smithville Municipal Airport is now selling jet fuel.
A new fuel farm was recently completed at the airport which provides jet fuel for the first time ever in Smithville. “Our old fuel farm has been removed at the airport. The AVGAS is completely gone. The old fuel farm. The new AVGAS and new jet fuel, fuel farm is up and running. Hopefully we’ll get more planes in here because of it. We’re the cheapest in this region,” said City Administrator Hunter Hendrixson during last week’s meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
The new fuel farm was funded mostly by aeronautics grants from the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Tracy Foutch, Owner of Foutch Industries, LLC was Smithville’s first jet fuel customer. He told WJLE Tuesday that having jet fuel available locally will mean a lot to businesses and industries and possibly contribute to future growth. “What the fuel does for our company personally is it gives us a quicker response to our customers. It also lets other businesses that are here and future business prospects come in and fuel their aircraft while they are looking around the area. It will also help the local economy because if people can come in here with their planes and fuel then they’re more likely to do that rather than go to other airports and spend that money with them,” said Foutch.
More than a year ago, the Smithville Aldermen approved the bid for the fuel farm project. The bid was awarded to the TPM Group upon the recommendation of the city’s airport engineer Craig Clairmont. TPM’s base bid amount was $544,920. The original grant amount for the fuel farm was for $330,000 but the state later approved an amendment to the grant for an additional $220,000 to cover the costs. The city, which had already paid a five percent local match of $16,500 for the grant, had to come up with an additional $12,250 for the local match of the grant amendment.
Meanwhile the city may soon hire a new airport manager. Three applications/resumes have been submitted from persons interested in the job. The city’s airport committee is expected to review the applications/resumes and make a recommendation to the mayor and board of aldermen. The deadline for submitting applications was last Friday, February 5.

A sex offender is back in trouble with the law.
50 year old David Royden Drennan of Sparta Highway, Smithville is charged with violation of the sex offender law.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Monday, February 8 Drennan allowed minor children to live with him at his home in violation of his sex offender registration.
Meanwhile, 53 year old Kimberly Diane Lombardi of Sparta is charged with driving under the influence. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court February 25.
Sheriff Ray said that on Monday, February 1 a deputy responded to Short Mountain Highway to a possible drunk driver. Before the officer’s arrival, central dispatch advised him that the car had run off the road and wrecked. When he got there, the deputy spoke with the driver, Lombardi. Her speech was slurred and she was very unsteady on her feet. Lombardi submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. Lombardi told the officer that she had taken a xanax earlier in the morning. The deputy noticed a blue powdery residue in her nose. She refused to submit to a blood alcohol test.
22 year old Kevin Clark Thomas of Baxter is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence and driving on a revoked license. His bond totals $3,500 and he will be in court February 25.
Sheriff Ray said that on Thursday, February 4 a deputy was patrolling Highway 70 east when he spotted a 1994 Saturn that appeared to have wrecked. He stopped and spoke with the driver, Thomas. He was unsteady on his feet and he had a strong odor of alcohol on his person. Thomas told the officer that he had consumed about seven beers. Thomas performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. A computer check revealed Thomas’ driver license were revoked on August 31, 2012 for driving under the influence in Putnam County. He was placed under arrest.
27 year old Brandan Timothy Greene of Buffalo Valley is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. He was further issued a citation for driving on a suspended license and failure to maintain his lane of travel. His bond is $3,000 and he will make a court appearance February 18.
Sheriff Ray said that on Friday, February 5 a deputy initiated a traffic stop of a red Chevrolet Suburban for failing to maintain its lane of travel on Highway 70 east near Smith Road. As he approached the vehicle, the officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from inside. The driver, Greene told the officer that he had been drinking and that he was drunk. Greene refused to submit to field sobriety tasks saying he was guilty and wanted the deputy to carry him on to jail. He did submit to a blood test and was placed under arrest. Greene has a prior DUI on May 3, 2012 in Smith County. His driver license were suspended for failure to pay restitution in 2015.
44 year old Christopher Brian Pack of Midway Road, Smithville is charged with contraband in a penal institution. His bond is $5,000 and he will make a court appearance February 18.
Sheriff Ray said that on Sunday, February 7 Pack was arrested on a community corrections violation warrant and brought to the jail. Later when a correctional officer searched Pack’s laundry bag, he found wrapped in a pair of socks two Klonopin and two Suboxone pills. Pack told the officers he needed the drugs to help him get over a cold. Before hiding the pills in the socks, Pack said he concealed them in his mouth.

The struggles of a young boy dealing with autism is the focus of a new movie still in production, scenes of which are being filmed in Smithville and DeKalb County.
A crew was in town Sunday shooting scenes at F.Z. Webb and Sons Gifts. Filming has also been done at other locations here. Local homes, businesses, courthouse, landmarks, and people are expected to be seen in the movie. It is scheduled for release later this year.
“Missing Michael” is the story of 15 year old Michael Brooks, the middle sibling between 2 caring sisters, and the product of loving, hard-working parents. And though Michael looks no different from any other 15-year old boy, he is. He is autistic. He is loving and smart, and has an affinity for details, but sometimes he holds thoughts to himself, because by the time he’s ready to get them out, the moment has passed. But as you’ll also see, he’s not bothered a bit by late delivery of his opinion!
In any family, there are ups and downs, but you’ll see Michael’s resilience. With that advantage, he recovers after his father’s debilitating stroke and his mother’s accidental death. He misses his Mom, and his Dad is no longer up to their weekly chess game from the living room easy chair. But Michael comes out the other side bringing humor and wisdom into the lives of others. And he enjoys it! Laugh at his wisecracks! Hear him lay it out with a side-handed wit that leaves ‘em wondering…. until he’s safely out of reach!
Michael is also the inspiration for 19-year old sister Claire who is now struggling to keep herself and them together. And you’ll love how Michael adores his younger sister Emily, because after all, he is her big brother.
Claire finds that though her mother had proudly referred to her as an adult, she is now challenged to the core in her new role. With each pressing circumstance, she can only see a narrow road before her filled with pits and stumbling blocks with the complications of an embittered and imposing social worker, and a former boyfriend who feels neglected. But Claire discovers that her mother has left behind a journal – a connection that fills the expanse between them and imparts to her strength and courage, which she shares with her younger sister at a low moment for both of them.
Just before the final credits roll, you will truly be impressed as you experience first-hand the Brooks’ family working through their home-stretch struggles.
The Missing Michael story is captured with performances by Robert Biehn as Michael Brooks, Kelly Wyrick as his sister Claire, Poem Atkinson as his younger sister Emily, Helen Finnegan as Mom Marge Brooks, and David Parker as Officer Ken Taylor.
Chris Posen is the Writer, Director, and Producer of the film and Ken Robinson of Murfreesboro with ties to DeKalb County is Co-Producer and Director of Photography.
For more information about the film visit http://www.missingmichaelmovie.com.

Another Blast of winter weather moved into DeKalb County Monday evening with snow and slippery roads. State highways appear to be in good condition Tuesday morning in the Smithville area.
The winter weather has forced the cancellation of DeKalb County Schools and LBJ & C Smithville Head Start today (Tuesday).
Central dispatch reported only one accident Monday night in DeKalb County. A two vehicle crash occurred on Highway 56 north near the Smithville City Limits. Power lines in the area were down due to the accident. No one had to be transported to the hospital.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY CONTINUES TO BE IN EFFECT FOR THE CUMBERLAND PLATEAU AND HIGHLAND RIM REGIONS INCLUDING DEKALB COUNTY UNTIL 6 AM CST WEDNESDAY MORNING.
SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE INTO MIDDLE TENNESSEE TUESDAY MORNING AND THROUGH THE AFTERNOON HOURS TODAY. ALTHOUGH THE POTENTIAL FOR SNOW SHOWERS WILL DISSIPATE FOR LOCATIONS WEST OF THE HIGHLAND RIM AND CUMBERLAND PLATEAU REGIONS BY THE BEGINNING OF THE EVENING HOURS TONIGHT…AT LEAST SCATTERED LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE ACROSS THE HIGHLAND RIM AND CUMBERLAND PLATEAU REGIONS THROUGH TONIGHT. TOTAL SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 2 INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE…WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS AROUND 3 INCHES POSSIBLE. IN ADDITION…WET ROADS AND FREEZING TEMPERATURES WILL DEVELOP PATCHES OF ICE ALONG ROADWAYS…INCLUDING DANGEROUS BLACK ICE. THIS COMBINED WITH
ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL WILL CREATE HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS ACROSS BOTH OF THESE ADVISORY AREAS.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES…AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

DeKalb County voters may cast ballots starting Wednesday, February 10 at the courthouse in the Tennessee Presidential Preference Primaries and the DeKalb County Democratic Primary
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW SAMPLE BALLOT)
MARCH SAMPLE BALLOT MASTER.pdf (41.39 KB)
Early voting begins Wednesday and runs Mondays through Saturdays until Tuesday, February 23. The DeKalb County Election Commission Office will be closed on Monday, February 15 for Presidents Day. The primary election day is Tuesday, March 1. Polls in DeKalb County will be open that day from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
All Early Voting in DeKalb County will be at the Election Commission Office on the first floor of the courthouse (basement).
Early Voting Hours:
Mondays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Fridays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. to Noon.
Voters are urged to take advantage of early voting.
“We encourage all voters to vote early and skip the lines on election day,” said Dennis Stanley, Administrator of Elections in DeKalb County. “By law, early voting is conducted at the election office or in our case, the courtroom next door to our office and the election commission makes a concerted effort to provide voting hours that are convenient to all residents of the county.This is a lengthy ballot due to the number of presidential candidates and the Republican delegate candidates,” Stanley continued.
In the Tennessee Presidential Primaries, Republican and Democratic voters will choose their preferences for President. In the DeKalb County Democratic Primary, voters will select nominees for Assessor of Property and Constable. All local candidates on the ballot are running unopposed in this election. Some will have a Republican opponent in the August General Election
In this election, voters must declare in which Presidential Preference Primary they intend to vote, according Stanley. “A Preference Primary is a primary in which voters indicate preferences for nominees for President directly by vote or indirectly through the choice of delegates to the Presidential nominating convention. Each party selects the delegates to the nominating convention by different methods. That’s why, for example, there will be numerous delegate candidates on the Republican Presidential Preference Primary ballot. We suggest you study the ballot in advance and be prepared to vote before arriving at the polls,” said Stanley.
Voters who choose to vote in the Republican Presidential Preference Primary cannot vote in the Democratic Presidential Preference Primary nor the DeKalb County Democratic Primary. Likewise, those who choose to vote in the Democratic Primaries cannot vote in the Republican Presidential Preference Primary.
“A local primary is a primary in which voters select a party’s nominees for the upcoming county general election in August,” Stanley continued.
“Because all elections on March 1 are a form of a primary, a voter must select which primary he or she wishes to vote in. Voters cannot cross party lines in this election. In other words, a voter can only vote in one primary, not both,” he said.
“Both the Democratic Presidential Preference candidates and the local or DeKalb County Democratic Primary candidates will appear on the same ballot. Let’s say, for an example, you wish to cast a vote for the local Democratic party nominee for constable in your district then you tell the election worker you want to vote in the Democratic Primaries. You will receive a ballot with the Democratic candidates for President and the local primary candidates,” said Stanley.
“On the other side, if you wish to cast a vote for one of the Republican candidates for President, you will receive only the Republican Presidential Preference Primary ballot. You will not have any of the local Democratic party nominees on the Republican ballot. As a result, each voter must declare which primary ballot they want to have on their voting machine and the voters do that at the beginning of the process at the polling location,” Stanley continued.
“We know sometimes voters get confused about the primary system and that’s why it is imperative that voters study both ballots and have a decision made when they arrive at the polls. A copy of the ballots can be found at the DeKalb County Election Commission website and at www.wjle.com or in last week’s edition of the Smithville Review,” said Stanley.
“Occasionally a voter will come to the polling location and refuse to declare a party or let his or her wishes be known. In this election, March 1, a voter must select one ballot or the other. If not, they cannot vote. Again, the March 1 elections are primary elections and a voter must declare one way or the other,” Stanley said.
Meanwhile, Stanley reminds you to make sure to keep your address up to date with the election office. “If you have moved since you last voted, then you may have to vote at a different location on March 1. Keep in mind, if your address has changed and you have not notified our office, you will have paperwork to fill out on election day and you may have to go to a different place to vote. If you have not moved you may check your voter card to see where you vote on election day or you can call our office,” said Stanley.
Voters should also remember to bring valid photo identification with them to the polls. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security as well as photo IDs issued by Tennessee state government or the federal government are acceptable even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable.
Meanwhile, “In an effort to create a pleasant, non-disruptive and orderly atmosphere without undue delays for all voters, the legislature passed a new law now in effect concerning using cell phones in the polling place,” Stanley said. “The law prohibits using mobile electronic or communication devices by voters for telephone conversations, recording or taking photographs or videos while inside the polling place. The law also allows for the silencing of cell phones.”
“The Tennessee Division of Elections has created an ‘app’ called GoVoteTn which contains a lot of voting information individualized for each voter,” Stanley continued. “Voters will be able to access this ‘app’ or others if needed for informational purposes, but phone conversations are not allowed, the phones must be silenced and any election content on the phone cannot be shown to other voters.”
“This ‘app’ is a great tool to use in order to be prepared when you step into the voting booth,” Stanley added. “When voters are unprepared, they slow down the entire voting process for all voters and may have their time in the voting booth limited pursuant to T.C.A. 2-7-118(a).”

The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce recently elected their 2016 Chamber Executive Board Members and welcomed 5 new Chamber Board Members at their January meeting.
Chamber Director Suzanne Williams says, “As we begin a new year, it is very exciting to announce our new Chamber Executive Board and new board members, but also bittersweet as we say good-bye to our retiring members. The 2015 Executive Committee and Retiring Board Members did an excellent job and served the Chamber well.”
The 2015 Officers were Jeff Crips, President; Shan Burklow, Vice-President; Jane Brown, Treasurer; Sherry Harris, Secretary; and Julia Vanderpool, Past President. Retiring Board Members include Sue Conley, St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital; Raul Ramirez, Federal Mogul; Sherry Harris, D&S Specialtees; Stein Prichard, Prichard Foods; and Julia Vanderpool, Cumberland Insurance.
The newly elected 2016 Chamber Executive Officers are Kathy Hendrixson, Director of the DeKalb County Library Systems, who will serve as Chamber President. Shan Burklow, Marketing Director for St. Thomas DeKalb and St. Thomas Stones River Hospitals, is Vice-President. Jane Brown of Middle Tennessee Natural Gas will be the Board Secretary. Jacob Young, manager of Edgar Evins State Park, will be the Treasurer. Jeff Cripps of Regions Bank will serve as Past President.
Also for 2016, the five new board members serving a three-year term are: Steve Johnson, DTC Communications; Jacob Young, Edgar Evins State Park; Isaac Gray, Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian Church; Rita Bell, Haven of Hope; and Connie Tjarks, Knot Enough Thyme.
Williams stated, “I am very grateful to the entire Chamber Board. They have been so supportive & enjoyable to work with, and we look forward to a lot of great opportunities in 2016!”
See attached pic
L to R:
2016 Chamber Executive Officers
Jacob Young, Treasurer; Kathy Hendrixson, President; Jane Brown, Secretary; Shan Burklow, Vice-President; Jeff Crips, Past President (not pictured)

Less than a month after being arrested on a drug charge, 44 year old Tammie Michelle Anderson has been busted again by Smithville Police.
Anderson is charged in the latest case with possession of a controlled substance with intent to resale after allegedly purchasing oxycodone pills from 44 year old Sherry Dawn Gibbs on Wednesday, February 3.
In the earlier case on Thursday, January 7 Anderson was arrested with a co-defendant, 35 year old Rickey W. Murphy for sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug (marijuana). Anderson posted a $50,000 bond in that case but the Judge revoked the bond Thursday, February 4 in General Sessions Court.
Anderson will be back in court February 11 on the January charge and she will make another court appearance on the latest charge February 18.
According to Police Chief Mark Collins, the latest case against Anderson was made after Gibbs was pulled over in a traffic stop and subsequently charged with sale and delivery of a controlled substance. Gibbs was also cited for traffic offenses including a driver license and light law violation, and for no insurance, which is a violation of the financial responsibility law.
During the traffic stop, Gibbs was found to be in possession of an empty prescription bottle. The prescription for 120 oxycodone was in Gibbs’ name and had been filled on that day, Wednesday February 3. After questioning Gibbs, police learned that she had allegedly sold the pills to Anderson for $747.00. Officers recovered the pills after going to Anderson’s home to speak with her concerning the incident . They learned that Anderson had allegedly purchased the pills to re-sell.
Bond for Gibbs is $10,000. Anderson’s bond in the latest case was set at $60,000. Both will make a court appearance on these charges February 18.
In the January case, Smithville Police went to Anderson’s residence and asked if they could do a search after receiving numerous complaints and information of illegal activity there. Upon receiving consent to search, officers found in Murphy and Anderson’s bedroom a bag of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana weighing 2.5 ounces. A box of baggies was also found close by. The search of the residence further turned up a glass pipe used to smoke marijuana which belonged to 19 year old Charles Nathan Pack. He was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.
In other cases, 42 year old Peggy Rochelle Bain was arrested for simple possession of a schedule II drug on Wednesday, January 20. Police responded to a complaint of an assault and spoke with Bain. The arresting officer requested and received permission to search Bain and found 42 yellow pills believed to be Hydrocodone in her left jacket pocket. Bain didn’t have a prescription for the medication. Her bond is $2,000.
34 year old John Preston Senters was arrested for driving on a revoked license and cited for speeding on Wednesday, January 20. Police observed a vehicle traveling 57 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour speed zone which was confirmed by radar. The arresting officer stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Senters. A computer check revealed his driver license to be revoked for a DUI. His bond is $1,500 and his court date is January 28.

The owners of Cookeville Boat Dock, Inc. have 30 days to appeal a court order filed this week demanding they pay almost $138,000 in delinquent property taxes owed to DeKalb County from 2004 to 2013.
The written order, signed by Judge Amy Hollars, was filed Wednesday, February 3 in DeKalb County Chancery Court. The judge gave the same ruling orally on Tuesday, November 24.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO READ THE ACTUAL COURT ORDER)
2013cv26ordercbd_rad7B968.pdf (2.47 MB)
“The total of the judgments for the years 2004 through 2013 together with all accrued interest, penalties, and fees accrued through January 31, 2016 is $137,933.34. The total is based upon a base tax for the years stated in the amount of $62,733, interest and penalty of $67,643.04, and attorney fee of $6,273.30, and court costs of $1,284”, the order stated.
The court further ordered that “DeKalb County is entitled to additional penalty of 10% on all delinquent taxes” finding that T.C.A. 67-5-2410 (a)(1)(A) is the controlling statute as to additional penalty.
“It is ordered that DeKalb County is entitled to charge a 10% additional penalty on the base amount of delinquent taxes.”
“It is further ordered that Cookeville Boat Dock, Inc. shall continue to accrue on any unpaid taxes, interest and penalty as set out in T.C.A. 67-5-2410 (a)(1)(A)” the order stated.
In November, Judge Hollars again found as she had earlier in the year that Cookeville Boat Dock must pay delinquent DeKalb County property taxes, but in a new ruling she granted a motion by the marina’s attorney to bar the county from collecting more than 10 years in back taxes with 10 years being a statute of limitations. That ruling saved the boat dock nearly $60,000. However, the judge ruled against the boat dock when it came to the amount of interest the county could charge on the back taxes.
Judge Hollars announced her decision via a telephone conference call on November 24 with Vester Parsley, Jr., the county’s tax attorney, and Jon Jones of Cookeville, the lawyer representing Cookeville Boat Dock. Clerk and Master Deborah Malone and County Mayor Tim Stribling were also present. Again, the written order was not filed until Wednesday, February 3.
The boat dock owners have refused to pay their taxes since 1998 which now comes to more than $200,000 including taxes, interest, penalty, court costs, and attorneys fees. As a result of the judge’s decision, the boat dock will NOW owe the county only $137,933.04 for the delinquency from 2004-2013
Jones initially argued for the marina that Tennessee law violated the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by discriminating against a lessee of the United States in favor of lessees of the State of Tennessee. It was argued since the boat dock pays fees to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which are used, in part, to pay DeKalb County a sum of “in lieu of taxes,” that having to pay property tax to the county was, in effect, double taxation.
In April Judge Hollers ruled that the boat dock’s challenge to the tax was invalid in part because the Supremacy Clause “does not prevent a state or local government from imposing a tax on an individual or a corporation ‘using government property in connection with a business conducted for its own private gain.”
The attorney for the marina later filed a motion asking the judge to reconsider her ruling. Jones argued that the county cannot collect taxes beyond 10 years; that the judge’s ruling on the “Supremacy Clause” of the U.S. Constitution was incorrect; and that the amount of interest the county wants to charge is above what is allowed by law.
In the motion for “additional consideration of issues,” attorney Jones pointed to a Tennessee law that states, “All taxes assessed against real property and personal property in this state shall be barred, discharged and uncollectible after the lapse of 10 years from April 1 of the year following the year in which such taxes become delinquent, whether suit be brought within that time or not to collect the taxes.”
Judge Hollars sustained Jones’ motion on the 10 year bar based on TCA 67-5-1806. ” Here it’s not an action for recovery. There has been no payment under protest or otherwise. We do not have an action that is or has been before an administrative appeal before the state board of equalization so I think I have to rule that the 10 year bar does apply here so Cookeville Boat Dock will be relieved of several years of their taxes,” said Judge Hollars.
As for the interest issue, the defendants argued “prejudgment interest may be awarded by courts or juries in accordance with the principles of equity at any rate not in excess of a maximum effective rate of 10 percent per annum.”
While Judge Hollars granted the motion to bar the county from collecting delinquent taxes beyond 10 years, she denied the request to prohibit the county from assessing the current rate of interest and penalty.
She also affirmed her earlier ruling on the constitutionality of the tax.

The state board of education is seeking public feedback on social studies standards for grades K-12.
Public review of the standards, which outline what students are expected to know and do by the end of a course or grade is the first step in a standards review that will last over a year.
The public may provide comments and make suggestions online at http://apps.tn.gov/tcas
The website is open until April 30.
The current social studies standards were approved in 2013 and first implemented in the 2014-15 school year.
In recent months. there has been a growing concern across the state over how students learn about religion in social studies classes, particularly the study of Islam.. Students in the sixth and seventh grades currently learn about major world religions in the context of world history.
The Tennessee State Board of Education (SBE) is responsible for reviewing academic standards every six years, and recent legislation (Public Chapter 423) specifically outlines the process for review, including this website for public feedback, of the English language arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies standards. Currently, the social studies standards are available for review through April 30, 2016.
Social Studies Standards
This website is currently open for the first of two windows of public feedback on the state social studies standards. This first window will close April 30, 2016. You will find the current social studies standards posted on this site. The SBE will work in conjunction with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) to collect all of the comments submitted to this website. Educator development teams will review the website feedback this summer and make revisions to the standards. Another draft set of standards will be posted following these changes in fall 2016 and an appointed Standards Recommendation Committee will make the ultimate recommendation for new social studies standards to the SBE in early 2017.
For more information about the standards review process for all subjects, please visit: http://www.tn.gov/sbe/topic/standards-review. Questions or concerns can be directed to TNStandardsReview@tn.gov.