After more than a quarter-century of public service to his home state of Tennessee, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced his plans to retire from Congress when his current term ends in 2010, in a news release issued Monday morning.
“I feel honored that the people of Middle Tennessee have allowed me to serve them for the past 25 years”, said Gordon. “Every decision I have made in Congress has been with their best interests in mind.” I hope the people here at home feel that I have served them as well as their good advice and views have served me.”
“When I was elected, I was the youngest member of the Tennessee congressional delegation; now, I’m one of the oldest. In fact, I have members of my staff who weren’t even born when I took office. That tells me it’s time for a new chapter.”
Gordon, the dean of the state’s congressional delegation, said he made his decision after consulting with his wife, Leslie. Gordon was first elected in 1984 succeeding then Congressman Al Gore, Jr. when he gave up the seat to run for the U.S. Senate.
“Turning 60 has led me to re-evaluate what’s next.? I have an 8-year-old daughter and a wonderful wife who has a very demanding job. I am the only child of my 83-year-old mother, Margaret. They have made sacrifices to allow me to do what I love by serving in Congress, and now it’s my turn”, said Gordon.
Strengthening families has been a common thread throughout Gordon’s time in Congress. During his service, he has consistently worked to improve the quality of life for working families by providing greater access to higher education; allowing workers to keep their jobs while managing a family emergency such as a sick child, spouse or parent; and working to preserve the American dream by ensuring today’s students have the strong math and science skills they will need for the jobs of the future.
His constituents have repeatedly recognized Gordon’s efforts by sending him back to the U.S. Capitol to represent them – in 13 elections, Gordon has never lost any of the 15 counties in his district. In recent years, he has won re-election handily, earning 64 percent of the vote in 2004, 67 percent in 2006, and 74 percent in 2008.
The son of a farmer and schoolteacher, Gordon was named chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee in 2007, becoming Tennessee’s first full committee chairman in 30 years. The congressman said he is grateful for the opportunity it presented to author landmark legislation such as the America COMPETES Act, but his goals in Congress have always remained the same.
“My dream for kids growing up in Middle Tennessee is the same that I have for my daughter, Peyton for them to grow up in a safe neighborhood, get a quality education, and be able to find a good job close to home”, said Gordon. “I hope I’ve been able to make that dream more of a reality for the next generation.”
While Gordon’s congressional efforts may be coming to an end in a year, his legislative efforts and first-rate constituent service will continue in the meantime.
“I will be focusing on the work to be done in the year ahead. Our country is facing extraordinary challenges, and I will continue to work to be the best congressman I can be. My doors are open in Murfreesboro, Gallatin and Cookeville, and my staff and I will continue to listen to people’s concerns and help them cut through government red tape. Staying in touch with the people I represent has been my number one priority. That will remain true throughout my last year in Congress”, said Gordon, who has held more than 2,000 open meetings, call-ins and listening sessions during his service.
The congressman said his achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many people very close to him, including his parents.
“I couldn’t have asked for more supportive and inspiring parents. My mother and my late father always stood by my side throughout the years”, said Gordon. “I’ve also been blessed with a talented, hard-working staff that has helped me do a better job. And I will be forever grateful to the friends and volunteers who have given their counsel and support over the years.”
Educated in Rutherford County public schools, Gordon graduated with honors from Middle Tennessee State University in 1971 and later received his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He served in the Army Reserves from 1971-1972. Gordon is married to Leslie Peyton Gordon, who is a partner with Korn/Ferry International, and they have one daughter.

The body of a 49 year old woman was found inside her car in a rain swollen creek off Bright Hill Road Sunday morning.
Dead is Lisa Gail Johnson of 814 Four Seasons Road.
Trooper Dewaine Jennings of the Tennessee Highway Patrol says Johnson was driving a 1996 Pontiac Bonneville south on Bright Hill Road. The car left the road just south of the intersection of Bright Hill Road and Dearman Street, struck a concrete bridge retaining wall, and then overturned into the creek. The car came to rest upside down partially submerged in the water.
A passerby spotted the car in the creek and reported it to the sheriff’s department at 10:37 a.m.
Trooper Jennings says he and another officer initially went into the creek but were unable to get inside the car. Tow trucks from J.R.. Motors and Tim’s Truck service came to the scene and lifted the vehicle from the water, and the woman’s body was found inside. She was removed and transported by EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital.
Trooper Jennings says the exact time of the crash is unknown. Johnson was an employee at Hardees in Smithville and reportedly had gotten off work Sunday at 6:00 a.m. Again, the vehicle was spotted in the water just before 10:37 a.m.
An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death.
Among those on the scene in addition to Trooper Jennings, were Sheriff Patrick Ray and Deputies Bobby Johnson and Brandon Donnell of the Sheriff’s Department, Officers Matt Holmes and Travis Bryant from the Smithville Police Department, DeKalb Fire Chief Donny Green and members of the Short Mountain Station and the Extrication and Rescue Team of the DeKalb County Fire Department, DeKalb County Rescue Squad, and DeKalb EMS.
A Bloomington Springs woman was injured in a one auto accident Friday on the Cookeville Highway.
Trooper Dewaine Jennings says 25 year old Sabrina Branham was driving a 1996 Chevy Blazer south on State Route 56 when she failed to properly negotiate a curve to the right, left the roadway to the left, and made impact with a culvert at Puckett’s Cemetery.
Branham suffred a severe cut to her chin but she refused treatment at the scene. She was taken by private vehicle to Cookeville Regional Hospital. Branham was reportedly transported later to Vanderbilt Hospital. Charges are pending against her.
Another personal injury accident occurred on Saturday morning on Highway 56 south near Mystick Market.
Trooper Jennings says 29 year old Jared Atnip was driving south on Highway 56 in a 1992 Toyota Landcrusier when he left the roadway to the right, entered a ditchline, and made impact with a culvert. The vehicle then overturned, coming to rest on it’s top in the middle of the roadway. The highway had to be closed for 45 minutes to an hour during the investigation and cleanup.
Atnip’s mother Guylene Atnip was a passenger in the vehicle along with a three year old female child. All were taken by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital. Trooper Jennings says the child was properly restrained in the vehicle and only had a bump on the head.
Charges are pending against Atnip.

Santa and Mrs. Claus made another appearance Saturday during the annual Alexandria Christmas parade.
State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver served as Grand Marshal of the Parade.
The Dowelltown United Methodist Church took first place among the float entries. The Brush Creek United Methodist Church float received second place and third place went to the Girl Scouts float.
Brad Driver was awarded first place in the vintage car category for his 1969 red Camaro while Trent and Amber Hawkins received first place for best vintage truck with their 1948 green Chevy truck.
Taylor Hale received first place for best four wheeler.
Chris Hale took first place for best tractor with his 1952 John Deere
Smoke House Barbeque received first place for best motorcycle.
Drawings for prizes were held after the parade.
To see pictures of the Alexandria Christmas Parade, click the following link:
http://www.wjle.com/node/9368

The Smithville Police Department has charged two people with child neglect.
39 year old Johnny and 31 year old Heather Colwell of 253 Hayes Court were arrested on Friday, December 11th. The arrests were made by Detective Jerry Hutchins and Corporal Travis Bryant According to the warrants “On or about June 13th, 2009 the Colwell’s 6 ½ month old child pulled a candle warmer onto himself causing injury. According to Johnny Colwell someone came to see his wife, Heather who was in the bedroom and that they were in there when the injury happened. According to Heather Colwell she and her husband, Johnny were involved in illegal drug sales and were both intoxicated on this date, therefore neglecting the child. Bond for each is set at $5,000 and their court date is January 7th.
In another case, 24 year old Timmy Wayne Hale of 704 Short Mountain Highway was arrested for vandalism on Tuesday, December 8th.
Smithville Police Officer Matt Holmes reports that Roy Wilkey of Big Hurricane Road had parked his vehicle at Timmy Hale’s residence (with his permission) and that Mr. Hale was seen trying to break into Mr. Wilkey’s vehicle on November 28th. Officer Holmes was conducting a follow up investigation on the incident and met with Timmy Hale at the Smithville Police Department where he was asked about the vandalism. According to Officer Holmes, Hale admitted to attempting to gain entry to the vehicle by using a hanger causing damage to the window trim. Bond for Hale is $1,000 and his court date is December 17th
29 year old Jared Scott Atnip of 206 Bybee Ranch Road McMinnville was arrested on Monday, December 7th for public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia. Officer Matt Holmes was called to a local business in answer to a complaint of possibly an intoxicated person. Atnip was sitting at a table inside of the business and when he was questioned Atnip did not immediately reply. After being asked a second time to reply, he said yes. Officer Holmes requested that Atnip step outside. Officer Holmes noticed Atnip’s eyes were droopy and his speech was slurred. Atnip was asked if he had taken any medication and he replied he had taken his prescribed medication, Xanax before getting dropped off at the business. Atnip was arrested for public intoxication and transported to the Smithville Police Department where he informed Officer Holmes that he might have a syringe in his jacket pocket. A search revealed a used hypodermic needle in the inside pocket of his jacket and he was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond for Atnip was set at $2000 and his court date is January 7th.
Meanwhile, anyone having any information on the following offense is asked to please contact the Smithville Police Department at 597-8210 or the Tip Line at 464-6046.
On Thursday, December 10th at approximately 6:45 a.m, Officer Matt Holmes responded to Royal Oak Apartments where he met with James Gibbs who said that when he went out to start his truck for work, he noticed his door was unlocked. Gibbs said after he got inside he saw that his glove box was open and after further investigation he found his radio, two matching wedding rings, a promise ring, two memory cards, 26 CD’s and a pocket knife were missing from his vehicle.
Any information received that will help the Smithville Police solve this or any criminal offense will be greatly appreciated. All information is confidential.
The Smithville Police Department will be stepping up patrols during this holiday season for impaired drivers in an effort to keep our roadways safer. The Smithville Police Department will also team up with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department to conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints during the New Year’s eve holiday.

Several people have picked up petitions at the DeKalb County Election Commission Office for next year’s elections.
County Clerk Mike Clayborn has qualified to seek re-election in the DeKalb County Democratic Primary next May. Clayborn has picked up and returned his petition
Glynn Merriman has qualified as a candidate for County Clerk in the DeKalb County Democratic Primary. He has picked up and returned his petition.
County Commission candidates who have qualified to run in next year’s elections are as follows:
Third District- Incumbent Jerry Scott
Fifth District- Johnny Ringo Colwell, Randy Braswell, and Bobby R.Taylor
Seventh District- Richard Kinsey (Independent)
Other candidates who have obtained petitions to run in the May Democratic Primary or as Independents in the August General Session are as follows:
County Mayor Mike Foster, Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack, Register of Deeds Jeff McMillen, First District County Commissioner Elmer Ellis, Jr., Second District County Commissioner Jack Barton, Third District County Commission Candidate Roy Merriman, Fourth District County Commissioner Wayne Cantrell, Fifth District County Commissioner John Green, Fifth District County Commission Candidate Lloyd Emmons (Independent), Sixth District County Commissioner Jeff Barnes, Sixth District County Commissioner Marshall Ferrrell, Seventh District County Commissioner Larry Summers, Seventh District County Commission candidate Jimmy W. Poss.
The Tennessee Highway Officials Certification Board has certified Kenny Edge’s qualifications to be a candidate for Road Supervisor. Edge plans to seek re-election as Road Supervisor, subject to receiving his party’s nomination in January at the DeKalb County Republican Convention.
Circuit Court Judge Amy Hollars has submitted a certified copy of her qualifying petition to the election commission office.
Offices eligible for the May ballot are County Mayor, County Clerk, Circuit Court Clerk, Trustee, Register of Deeds, Road Supervisor, and Sheriff, county commissioners in districts one through seven, 13th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Part 1 and District Attorney. The judge and D.A. elections are to fill unexpired terms.
Qualifying petitions may now be picked up and the qualifying deadline for the May 4th Primary is noon on Thursday, February 18th, 2010. There is another important date for potential Sheriff and Road Supervisor candidates to remember, February 4th.
Sheriff candidates must file “affidavits of qualification” with the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission no later than February 4th, 2010. Road Supervisor candidates must file their affidavits of qualification with the Tennessee Highway Officials Certification Board no later than February 4th, 2010.
Independent candidates have the same qualifying deadline, Noon, February 18th, 2010. The Republican Party, which usually selects its nominees by caucus, must certify its candidates by the same date and time.