Welcome to our new web site!
To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.
During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.
WEAKLEY COUNTY — The Weakley County Democrat Party is hosting its annual Ned Ray Day event on Thursday, October 24 at the McWherter Civic Center, 589 Evergreen Street in Dresden.
Governor Ned Ray McWherter contributed much to his native Weakley County and to the people of Tennessee. He represented his county in the Tennessee State House of Representatives for nine terms, 1969-87, serving as Speaker from 1973-87. He was twice elected Governor of the state, serving from 1987-95. He instituted a policy of open government, and emphasized advances in education, highways, health care, infrastructure, environment, and economic development. He was widely recognized as one of our nation’s leading governors, interacting effectively with presidents of both parties.
Each year the Weakley County Democratic Party holds its Ned Ray Day Dinner to honor its favorite son. This year’s dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, Rural Roots, will bring prominent members of the Democratic Party to Dresden to join in celebration along with everyday people from counties across northwest Tennessee.
The keynote speaker is traditionally someone who worked with Governor McWherter and who can relate fascinating accounts of that experience. This year this will be Dr. Charles E. Smith, who was Governor McWherter’s Commissioner of Education, and who also served as Chancellor of the University of Martin. He additionally provided leadership in several senior positions of the University of Tennessee, and as an editor on commercial newspapers. Dr. Smith is the author of the highly regarded book, Journal of a Fast Track Life, which provides examples of life lessons learned from a wide range of people. He also is well-known as a captivating speaker and a valued friend of Weakley County.