I wanted to share some information with everyone before the Nov. 3 Election. There are three Constitutional Amendments to be voted on the ballot for this upcoming election. These amendments are lengthy and require time at the voting machine if you have not done your homework ahead of time. A “YES” vote is to amend the TN Constitution and adopt the language in the proposed amendment. A “No” vote is to keep the current language in the TN Constitution unchanged. These votes will win by majority.
Amendment 1 Summary: This amendment changes Article I, section 15 of the Tennessee Constitution by allowing a court to hold a defendant without bail before trial when that defendant is accused of: an offense punishable by the death penalty, an act of terrorism, second degree murder, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape, grave torture, or any crime for which a convicted person would be required to serve eighty-five percent of their sentence. This amendment requires courts to state on the record the reasons for their decision to grant or deny bail in those cases.
Amendment 2 Summary: This amendment adds text to Article II, section 28 of the Tennessee Constitution that prohibits the Legislature from imposing a State property tax on real, personal, or mixed property.
Amendment 3 Summary: This amendment changes Article I, section 35 of the Tennessee Constitution by clarifying existing rights for crime victims and adding new rights. The amendment gives victims new rights: to fair treatment; to be informed about and participate in the parole process; to be protected from harassment, intimidation and abuse; to be informed of the minimum sentence the convicted criminal will serve, as well as their scheduled release date; and to have their safety, their family’s safety and the public’s safety taken into account before any decision is made to release the convicted criminal. The amendment also maintains or clarifies victims’ existing rights: to be informed about legal proceedings involving the accused or convicted criminal; to be present at public criminal proceedings; to be informed of any release, transfer or escape of the accused or convicted criminal; to talk to prosecutors; to make statements about conviction, sentencing, or release of the accused person; to a speedy resolution of the case; to restitution from the convicted criminal; and to be informed of their rights. The amendment does not restrict the powers of prosecutors or courts and does not create a cause of action or claim for damages against the State of Tennessee.
I would suggest that each of you go to https://sos.tn.gov/elections/announcements/2026-proposed-constitutional-amendments#2026 to read all the information before voting. Tell everyone else you know that votes about this.
We welcome people to come and join us as volunteers for the Montezuma Community Center. We definitely need some new volunteers to help. The more people involved, the easier it is to plan events for Halloween, Christmas and other times to help pull the community together and get to know people better. We collect yearly membership fees for help in supporting our center and rent out the center to help with upkeep of the building. Membership dues are $25 after your first initial year of joining, and we welcome new members at any time. Membership dues are now due for the Sept. 2026 through Sept. 2027 year, and they can be mailed to Edith Sills, 4475 Sunshine Rd., Henderson, TN 38340. Please make it a point to get this taken care of if you are current members. If you care about this community, please get involved in what is taking place to continue to grow our county and make it a better place to live and raise a family. We also have a Blessing Box out near the road and welcome donations to be placed in the box by anyone that wants to help supply community needs. We appreciate all our members at the center.
Montezuma sends out Happy Birthday wishes to William Atkin on Oct. 2, Betty M. Cooper and Eloise Parker on Oct. 5, Laela Brown on Oct. 6 and Oakley Quarles on Oct. 8. Montezuma sends out Happy Birthday wishes to Rick and Erin Fontana on Oct 6.
Our local governmental meetings need more community support. If you care about Chester County, please pay attention to what is taking place in our county, come out to budget meetings and commission meetings and show your interest or concerns. If you have any questions or concerns about what is going on in our county, please contact your commissioners for information. The county is working to bring in any new revenue possible, and everything will be under review. Know that your input can matter. Everyone should be mindful of what is going on in our county and care enough to help make a difference. Get to know what is changing in our local government, schools, churches and communities through the news, friends, your church, teachers, etc., and if it matters to you, there are ways to help make things better.
There is much spiritual warfare with society accepting things that go against who God is and what HIS laws are that we are to follow. Every day of life has its challenges, but if we look to God for the right path, it can be a good one. Please be in prayer for our local and federal government, law enforcement, school staff, teachers, students and the listed individuals of Benny Harris, Joey Harris, Jeff Patterson, Charles Beacham, Vicki Beshires, Libby Crouse Watkins, Richard Steed, Mike Cooper, Kenneth Burkhead, Carolyn Thomas, Carolyn Higgins, Dale Colbert, Pam Priddy, Peggy Lard, Randy Cooper, Marcia Moore, Judy Bernard, Donna Doyle, Mike and Sandra Lott, Donnie Brooks, Mike Tedford, Faye Crouse, Janice Morris, Jeanette Walker, Paul Schilling and others that are sick or healing. Please be in prayer for the families of Johnnie Marie Gaddy, Willie Mulliniks, Dwight Rhodes and other families that have recently lost loved ones.
As always, I am wishing everyone a blessed week. Please call (608-2857) or email me (gaylescox1977@gmail.com) if you have anything to be added to our weekly article.
