Category Archives: NEWS
ERC is ready to help local businesses to see significant tax credits

Labor Day parade less crowded, but as grand as ever.9-6-21
This year’s Labor Day Parade in downtown Ripley was a little less crowded than normal, but those who took part in the event were as spirited as ever. From family reunions, Rice Park royalty, distinguished Veterans, beautiful floats and Grand Marshal Paula Lee Durham, this year’s parade had it all!









Local schools will be fully open this year
Lauderdale County Schools released the following statement about the opening of schools in August:
The COVID-19 Health and Safety Framework for Schools provides a roadmap for Lauderdale County Schools to return to normal operation while the COVID-19 pandemic exists. It outlines necessary steps to safely reopen and operate
schools in the 2021-2022 school year. Essential actions that must be taken will be detailed within each of three school operating scenarios. This guide is based on the most up-to-date public health recommendations given at this time. It does not, however, constitute medical advice, and it will need to be adapted in real time as the pandemic continues to evolve. At this time, schools will reopen in Phase A at full capacity and following a traditional/normal school schedule and calendar.
hamilton ryker holds hiring events
For Immediate Release
HAMILTON-RYKER IS HELPING TO GET PEOPLE BACK TO WORK BY HOSTING HIRING EVENTS THROUGH THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER
Franklin, TN, November, 2020 –Hamilton-Ryker, a Total Workforce Solutions provider and leading staffing agency, is hosting a mass hiring event at offices in Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas during the month of November. Through partnerships with industrial and clerical employers, they will be getting people back to work in over 640 jobs!
With the expiration of the federal unemployment benefits, and many students back in school, people are wanting to return to work. This event provides a great opportunity for those who are needing good-paying jobs, which start immediately. Hamilton-Ryker will be taking all necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of those needing to complete hiring activities in person.
“We are proud to be able to provide jobs for those who need a steady income and benefits,” said Vice President, Dedra Walker. “Our clients have good-paying jobs available, some with additional bonuses and other perks, and they are needing people now!”
If you are a job seeker, the Covington Branch will be hosting a Virtual Hiring Event on Wednesday November 18, 2020 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM via Zoom. You can check out our list of available jobs in the Southaven MS, Memphis, Gallaway, Covington, Ripley and Brownsville, TN areas at www.hamilton-ryker.com/job-listings/. Through the website, you can apply on-line and after you have submitted the application, please call us at 901-475-0350 between the hours of 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday and we will give you a Zoom ID and an interview time to log in for your Virtual Interview. Time and spaces are limited so apply and call today. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be able to comply with Hamilton-Ryker’s Substance Abuse Policy. All other requirements are client and job-specific, so candidates are encouraged to contact the respective office for each job – access the Contact page here: www.hamilton-ryker.com/contact/
About Hamilton-Ryker
Hamilton-Ryker is a Total Workforce Solutions company and award-winning industry leader that helps connect job seekers with employers. For more information, visit www.hamilton-ryker.com.
Contact
Hamilton-Ryker
Covington, TN
(901) 475-0350
final vote totals for election night in lauderdale county.11-3-20
Here are the final vote totals from the Lauderdale County Election Commission
9,022 total votes, 67.16 percent of registered voters. A record 6,251 voted early.
President–Donald Trump 5,672; Joe Biden 3,193
United States Senate–Bill Hagerty 5,551; Marquita Bradshaw 2,673
U.S. House District 8–David Kustoff 5,457; Erika Pearson 2,458
TN House District 82–Chris Hurt 5,114; Andrea Bond-Johnson 3,046; In Crockett County, Hurt 4,210; Bond-Johnson 1,397; In Haywood County, Hurt, 3,102; Bond-Johnson 4,228; Total, Hurt 12,426, Bond-Johnson, 8,671
School Board District 2, Cynthia Glenn 650; Jimmie Jackson 310
Mayor of Gates, Dwayne Dixon 161, Robert J. Mosby 85
Aldermen of Gates (top 4 win seats) J. Louis Nance 150; Hattie Loraine Campbell 147; Angelia Dixon 122; Lajoel Nance 77; Terry Janda 75; Jean Newman Wakefield 72
RHS game with fairview on friday cancelled
8/27/2020 Press Release: Due to the impending threats of severe weather, travel implications, and safety for athletes and fans, Ripley High School and Fairview High School have agreed to CANCEL the football game which was to be held Friday, August 28, 2020.
Football Preview included in this week’s issue of The lauderdale voice
At times it seemed highly unlikely that there would be a high school football season, but Friday night, both Lauderdale County High School football teams are set to begin the year. With everything that has happened, and with all the twists and turns along the way, The Lauderdale Voice published its annual Football Preview this week, highlighting the teams at Ripley and Halls High Schools.


Fitzhugh wins Ripley Mayor’s Race
Challenger Craig Fitzhugh won the City of Ripley’s Mayor’s race on Thursday, beating four-time incumbent Jon Pavletic, 804-588. The two friends ran a respectable and civil race, with each candidate fulfilling a promise not to sling mud throughout the race.
Five incumbent Ripley Aldermen were unopposed in the race and are listed with their vote totals from the night: Paul Hankins, Ward 1, Position A, 465 votes; Billy Chipman Ward I, Position B, 509 votes; Bill Davis, Ward 2, Position A, 340 votes; Janice Treadway, Ward 2, Position B, 366 votes; and Alonzo Beard, Ward 3, Position B, 220 votes.
The lone Ripley Alderperson to have any competition on Election Night was Nyrita Alston in Ward 3, Position A. Alston won her race with 117 votes to 88 for Garie Andrews and 65 for Charles Blue.
Locally, Bill Haggerty won big in the Republican United States Senate primary with 1,470 votes for 192 for Manny Sethi and 180 for George Flynn.
Four School Board races were up for grabs, but only two had competition. No candidate qualified for School Board, District 2, and incumbent Austin Thompson, Jr., was unopposed with 356 votes in District 4.
In District 6, incumbent Roy Harkness was defeated by challenger Chris Rose, 282-213. In District 8, Jenny McWilliams defeated Colonel J.A. Leviticus 467-27.
Mask requirement extended by Mayor gaines
Lauderdale County Mayor Maurice Gaines has extended the requirement on masks being worn in public. Gaines did not set a date as to how long the extension would be. He issued the following statement:
“After consulting with the municipal mayors, local and regional health departments, and the hospitals in West Tennessee, the decision has been made to extend the county mask mandate. This decision is deemed necessary for the health and welfare of our citizens.
“I urge everyone to be diligent in wearing your masks so that we can work together to protect ourselves and each other. My decision to implement this mandate several weeks ago was one that was not made lightly. This is a medical issue and only the information centered around the health and welfare of our citizens was considered when implementing this mandate.
“We have numerous citizens in our county who have medical issues that warrant our consideration when something as simple as wearing a mask can protect our neighbors and families.
“I hope the time comes very soon that this is no longer a needed defense and life can get back to a more normal day for us, but today is not that day. Gov. (Bill) Lee is leaving this decision to local mayors since the rising case numbers are unique to each district. After speaking with him directly, however, he does support and see the need for masks as he deems it to be one of our best weapons against the spread of this virus.
“I want to thank all in advance for your understanding, and I appreciate your willingness to be conscious of your own health and safety as well as that of your neighbor. Lauderdale County is a great place to live, and I know we can all come together to protect each other.”