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Legal Aid Society Community Award honors Anderson County Juvenile Court

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Oak Ridge Community Award and Anderson County Juvenile Court

Picture above from left to right are April Seiber (ACJC Lead Youth Services Officer), Sandy Slater (ACJC Youth Services Officer), Betsy Hunt (Judge Hunt’s wife), Judge Brian J. Hunt, Angie Perez (ACJC Judicial Assistant), Denise Casteel (ACJC Youth Services Officer), and Elizabeth Risner (ACJC Youth Services Officer). Not shown: Andrew Williams (ACJC Youth Services Officer) (Submitted photo)

 

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands’ Oak Ridge office honored Anderson County Juvenile Court Judge Brian J. Hunt and the staff of the Anderson County Juvenile Court with its inaugural Community Award at a reception on Tuesday, October 6, at CapitalMark Bank and Trust in Oak Ridge.

Legal Aid Society’s Community Award honors individuals and/or organizations in the community for their leadership and compassion in supporting the nonprofit law firm’s mission, a press release said.

More than 60 people, including Representative Kent Calfee, Anderson County District Attorney General Dave Clark, former Mayor David Bradshaw (who hosted the event as President of CapitalMark Bank and Trust in Oak Ridge), United Way of Anderson County Executive Director Naomi Asher, and Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson celebrated Judge Hunt and the Anderson County Juvenile Court, or ACJC, for partnering with Legal Aid Society to advance access to justice among our region’s youth. [Read more…]

Reminder: Juvenile Court judge candidate forum tonight

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There will be a candidate forum featuring the two men running for Anderson County Juvenile Court judge on Tuesday, July 8, at the Clinton Public Library from 6 to 7 p.m. The forum is being hosted by Community Mediation Services (CMS) and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tennessee Heartland.

The candidates are Republican Brian Hunt and Democrat Michael Clement. Both men will be given the chance to address the crowd and will take a few questions from the audience during the forum.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the public is encouraged to attend.

Letter: Dunkirk a candidate who can administer ‘justice with mercy’

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David Dunkirk

David Dunkirk

To the Editor:

What does it take to be an effective juvenile court judge in Tennessee?

First, in my opinion, would be the ability to know, understand, and apply the laws that impact juveniles and their families or guardians.

Second, that person must have the demeanor to be a judge. He or she must recognize that the position is not based upon winning a popularity contest; or being a “glad-hander” at a community pancake breakfast, for example; or having the most and largest political ads in the local press; or having the most yard signs to the point their number appears to exceed the number of wild onions in a person’s lawn. That candidate must recognize the seriousness of the office and conduct him or herself accordingly.

Third, he or she must have outstanding credentials.

In my judgment, Mr. David Dunkirk exceeds these qualifications. [Read more…]

Letter: Bannach an assistant DA, helped set up Child Advocacy Center

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Victoria "Vickie" Bannach

Victoria “Vickie” Bannach

To the Editor:

We support Victoria “Vickie” Bannach, who is running for Juvenile Court judge. Vickie is an assistant district attorney and has prosecuted many cases in Juvenile and Criminal Court with hard work, dedication, and compassion.

Vickie is concerned for all children and their families and wants the best outcome for all involved.

She has worked with the county school systems to decrease truancy, helped establish the Anderson County Child Advocacy Center, and is a member of the Anderson County Child Protective Investigative Team. CPIT reviews child abuse cases to guarantee the best placement for the child(ren). [Read more…]

Letter: Animal protection group endorses Biloski for juvenile judge

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To the Editor:

Tennessee Voters for Animal Protection—a non-partisan, grassroots political action committee—announced their endorsement of Lauren Biloski for Anderson County Juvenile Court Judge on Tuesday.

“Lauren Biloski has been a consistent advocate for animals through her animal rescue work as well as representing rescue groups in a legal capacity, said Anjie Crow, TVAP’s president. “If elected as Juvenile Court judge, Bilsoki plans to bring the H.A.B.I.T. program into Court, which would allow animals to calm children who are testifying. She would also be tough on juveniles who commit crimes against animals and get them the help they need.” [Read more…]

Juvenile Court judge candidate Bannach has Thursday reception

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Victoria "Vickie" Bannach

Victoria “Vickie” Bannach

Victoria “Vickie” Bannach, a Republican candidate for Anderson County Juvenile Court judge, will have a Thursday reception at Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge.

Bannach is a candidate in the May 6 Republican primary in Anderson County.

The Thursday reception will allow citizens to “meet the candidate and discuss important issues and concerns that are occurring with our children and families within the community,” a press release said. It is scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday. [Read more…]

Hunt, a candidate for juvenile judge, has March meet-and-greet

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Brian Hunt

Brian Hunt

Attorney Brian Hunt, a candidate for Anderson County Juvenile Court judge, has a March 13 meet-and-greet barbecue in Clinton.

The barbecue is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. at the Clinton Community Center. There is no charge to the public, a press release said. Make reservations by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

Attorney David Dunkirk to run for juvenile judge

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David Dunkirk

David Dunkirk

Longtime attorney David Dunkirk has announced he is seeking the office of Anderson County Juvenile Court judge.

Dunkirk has been practicing law since 1986 and is licensed in three states: Tennessee, California, and Washington.

“When young families and children come before the Juvenile Court, it’s usually because they’re in difficult circumstances,” Dunkirk said. “And I’ve found that this is when they most need good role models. I have done that as guardian ad litem, and if elected I believe I can also do that as juvenile judge.”

Guardians ad litem are appointed for children who have been removed or could potentially be removed from their families due to violations of the Tennessee Code. [Read more…]

Assistant DA running for juvenile judge has meet-and-greet on Saturday

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Victoria "Vickie" Bannach

Victoria “Vickie” Bannach

Victoria “Vickie” Bannach, a Republican candidate for Anderson County Juvenile Court Judge in the May 6 primary, will have a meet-and-greet in Norris on Saturday.

The event is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Saturday at the Norris Community Center.

“The ‘meet and greet’ will allow citizens to meet the candidate and discuss important issues and concerns that are occurring with our children and families within the community,” a press release said.

Bannach is now an assistant district attorney general in Anderson County. [Read more…]

Juvenile Judge Fisher taking new job, leaving chancellor’s race

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Brandon FIsher

Brandon Fisher

Anderson County Juvenile Court Judge Brandon Fisher is withdrawing from the race for Anderson County chancellor because he is joining a nonprofit mental health provider in Pennsylvania in September, a press release said.

Fisher will be the assistant general counsel at the national headquarters of NHS Human Services Inc., the release said. The September start will allow him to finish his term, which ends in August.

In the release, Fisher said the decision was difficult. [Read more…]

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