Oct. 15: Order of Protection for Fairgrounds Racing Proponent Dissolved; Thousands Turn Out on First Day of Early Voting

ORDER DISSOLVED: Judge Allegra Walker of the Davidson County General Sessions Court dissolved a temporary order of protection against Kevin Wisniewski, a former local television producer now working for Calvert Street Group, a public affairs firm representing pro-racetrack interests at the Fairgrounds Speedway. William Lee Pardue and Alexander Mott — two members of Citizens Against Racetrack Expansion (CARE), a group in favor of the ballot referendum that will replace “auto racing” as a required function at the fairgrounds with “affordable and/or workforce housing” — accused Wisniewski of stalking and secured the temporary order in August 2026. Walker also ordered the two CARE members to pay Wisniewski’s legal fees. (Editor’s note: Daniel Horwitz, who represented Wisniewski in this case, also represents the Banner) — Mikeie Honda Reiland

EARLY VOTING: Close to two percent of Davidson County’s registered voters went to the polls Wednesday, the first day of early voting for the Nov. 3 general election. The Davidson County Election Commission reported that 8,393 ballots were cast across the county’s 15 early voting locations. That figure represents 1.74 percent of the county’s registered voters. The Bellevue Library had the highest turnout with 1,027 voters followed by the Hermitage and Edmondson Pike libraries with 999 and 962, respectively. By comparison, the first day of early voting in 2024, which was a presidential election year, drew 13,986 voters. Early voting continues Thursday (8 a.m.-7 p.m.) and will take place daily (excluding Sundays) through Oct. 29. — David Boclair

ALLEGED DEATH THREAT: Gubernatorial candidate David Hatley allegedly threatened to kill a woman in 1998 as he tried to conceal financial crimes, according to a signed affidavit from the time. In the documents provided, Hatley is accused of taking down payments for work as a hot tub salesman, failing to perform the service and closing his business. The documents also allege he threatened to kill one woman if she exposed his scam. Marsha Blackburn’s campaign sent the document to reporters and posted the details on deadbeatdave.com, where the Republican frontrunner has been attacking Hatley, a conservative running as an independent after not qualifying for the Republican ballot. Hatley was convicted of felony bank fraud around the same time, tied to the hot tub business. Hatley’s campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment Wednesday.  — Sarah Grace Taylor

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