The state’s capital city was under a state of civil emergency for much of the weekend. Nashville Mayor John Cooper declared the emergency and imposed a curfew on the city after Saturday protests turned violent. Windows were smashed and fires started in several buildings and businesses from downtown and along Broadway. Buildings that sustained damage included the Metro Courthouse, Ryman Auditorium and many restaurants, bars and other businesses.

Governor Bill Lee has asked all departments and state agencies to find ways to cut their budgets by twelve percent. The governor has asked to see proposed cuts by the end of the month. According to an official, the budget cuts are a means to address tax revenue shortfalls resulting from the coronavirus outbreak, which caused statewide business shutdowns. Some of the state’s largest cities are just starting to reopen and budget officials say they now expect a deficit for the current fiscal year, which ends June 31.

Nissan says it will restart U.S. factories beginning Monday, June 1, after closing them in late March. The Japanese automaker is among the last to restart U.S. production. The engine and transmission factory in Decherd will be among the first to reopen. The Smyrna, Tennessee, assembly plant will be back in operation June 8.

Hohenwald’s Memorial Park reopened last week. With the easing of restrictions on social gatherings of ten relaxed to groups of fifty, ball practices and games may resume within the limits of fifty in attendance. Physical distancing recommendations should still be followed.

The Lewis County Schools’ Food Service Department is serving meals in The Summer Feeding Program. No fee or registration is required and any child up to age 18 may obtain a free meal. Breakfast and lunch will be served at the Elementary School Cafeteria on a drive-thru or walk-up basis from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday meals may be picked up on Friday. The program will continue through June 30. For more information, call (931) 796-3486.

The Lewis County Health Department has established new COVID-19 assessment site hours for county residents that feel they need to be tested. COVID-19 assessment site hours are by appointment only at the Lewis County Health Department from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. Lewis County residents can call the health department at (931) 796-2204 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment.

Eligible Tennesseans may now obtain an absentee ballot to vote by mail in the upcoming August 6 election, according to a press release from the Secretary of State’s office. A complete list of who is allowed to vote absentee can be found at GoVoteTN.com. Lewis County voters can request an absentee ballot at the local election commission office at 35 Smith Avenue in The War Memorial Building.

The South Central Area Transit Service is operating routes in Lewis County again. For transportation, call (931) 796-5558.

The Annual GYIDE Fish Fry has been canceled. Donations may be sent to GYIDE Scholarship Inc., 828 Smith Avenue, Hohenwald, TN 38462.