Queen for the 10 to 12 year old girls was 11 year old Hanna McFadden pictured in the center.  1^st maid was Shelby Beloate pictured on the right.  2^nd maid 11 year old Shelby Beecham pictured  on the left.

     13 to 15 year old queen was HCHS student Sloan Baker pictured in the center.  1^st maid was Ashley Kilpatrick of Lakewood School pictured on the  right..  2^nd maid, pictured or the left was HCHS student Brandi Hartsfield

Long Range Planning   4/22/06

     The Henry County Medical Center’s long range planning committee met Thursday evening where HCMC Administrator Thomas Gee reviewed future plans as well as long range plans for the medical center with committee members.

     Reviewing future plans Gee talked of such items as finance and cost containment.  According to the hospital administrator the Medical Center will achieve excess revenues over expenses equal to or greater than 7% of net revenues and reduce Medicare length of stays through the new case management department.

     Physician recruitment was also discussed which includes the recruitment of at least one additional psychiatrist to open a private practice in Paris and the recruitment of a pediatrician to join the Paris Pediatrics group as well as re-establishing a third   ob/gyn practice in the community.  Gee also noted the need for an additional Orthopedics and Sports Medicine practice.

     As far as the physical plant Gee listed as a priority to complete construction of 2 Tower infill project and building a new state of the art Critical Care Unit as part of the West Wing fire code upgrades as well as completing renovations of the nursing home.  Long-term plans for HCMC include installing showers in all 2 East rooms, enlarging kitchen facilities and achieving a smoke free campus by July of 2007.  Currently 37% of staff and spouses smoke.  Plans for building an EMS building on donated land in the lake area are still moving forward.

     Also covered in the long-range planning meeting were marketing and community services.  Goals for 2006-07 include increasing the market share for the Home Health agency to 48%.  Gee told committee members that there was an influx of providers in the community.  Also planned is the creation of a targeted marketing program for the highly competitive rehabilitation services.  Future plans also include developing an indigent care clinic or fast track capability in the ER to address proposed future cuts in the TennCare program.  Instituting an adult day care program at the nursing home was also brought up.

     Quality and Customer service was a topic that Gee addressed.  “We intend to make this a high priority this next year,” he stated. He wants HCMC to achieve recognition as a top 100 hospitals by the highly acclaimed accreditation board HCIA.  He also wants to implement standards to reduce staff infections and other infections prevalent in many hospital surgical areas.

    Human Resources was an area that Mr. Gee also addressed stating that he wanted to reduce the turnover rate of employees at the hospital and the Healthcare Center.       

     The final topic of discussion at the Long Range Planning Committee was information technology.  This is going to be a really big thing this year,” stated Gee.  The completion of the implementation of phase I will happen this year with future plans to have all medical records and pharmacy records accessible to doctors on the computer system.  “We are having new doctors, who we are trying to recruit asking about this.  They are use to this from the facilities where they have done their internships,” explained Marketing Director Sandra Simms.  

Grove Celebration   4/22/06

Relay for Life Happenings   4/22/06

     The Henry County Cancer Center is having a ‘Putting on the Ritz’ picture portrait package offer at a cost of $9.95.  The event runs through the 24^th.

     April 22 Tecumseh is having a car wash at Advanced Auto beginning at 8:30am.

     April 22 Champion Homes is sponsoring a golf tournament at Tennessee Golf Course.  Tee off time is 9am for the 4-man teams.  $200 per team.

Free Dump Day   4/22/06

     Saturday, April 22 the Paris Henry County Landfill will hold a free dumping day for BRUSH,   DEMOLITION  DEBRY and YARD TRIMMINGS. 

Senior’s Pot Luck   4/21/06

     The Charles Conger Senior Citizen’s Center was full of food and people at the monthly potluck luncheon Thursday.  This month’s lunch honored the founder of the Center with son, Rick Conger representing his mother and brother who were unable to attend.

City Beer Board   4/21/06

     The Paris City Alcoholic Beverage Control Board held a short noon meeting Thursday and approved a temporary beer permit for the Henry County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner.

Library Board    4/20/06

     At the W.G. Rhea Public Library Board of Trustee’s meeting Library Director Connie McSwain reviewed the activities at the library since the board last met.   McSwain stated that the musical program during Black History Month, “Music Brings Us Together” was funded with a Project Roundup Grant, but due to the snowy weather was not as well attended as expected.

    Due to the efforts of City Manager Carl Holder and Library Board Chairman Bruce Reed both the city and the county approved funding to fix the library roof.    Bid applications were made available to all Henry County businesses that were interested.

     An interagency group consisting of the library, the Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Center are meeting in order to coordinate dates for programs. 

     Adult and children’s books are being sent to the Paris Landing Inn Hotel for visitors to Henry County.  The materials are all donated and may be kept by visitors if they have not finished reading them by the time their visit is over.  “No hotel staffing is needed and people are very excited about having access to books at the hotel,” stated McSwain.

PSSD   4/19/06

     The Paris Special School District  is proposing to offer their teachers a 5% increase in health insurance premiums that the district would pay.    Salaries for teachers could also be increasing.  The state is proposing giving a 2% increase with PSSD giving an additional 1% increase.  Director of PSSD Schools Dr. Paul Doyle estimated that the local increase of health premiums would cost $22,000.

      PSSD continues to move forward with their Laptop Initiative.  According to Inman Principal Mike Brown who has been researching laptops to be distributed to his students at Inman, IBM has reduced their quote and it is now similar to Dell’s price but IBM has also added some free imaging software to the package.  PSSD will make the purchase decision by June so that they can implement the laptops in August of 2006.  The Laptop Initiative is expected to cost $300,000, which will be paid out of the fund balance. To maintain the laptops the school district will be hiring another technology person.  5 applications have been received for the position.

       The technology position is not the only hiring at PSSD.  Rhea Principal Scott Owens introduced 2 new 2^nd grade teachers at Tuesday’s board meeting.  Paris Elementary Principal Norma Gerrell introduced 3 new teachers, one of which is certified in special education.  Principal Brown has not hired any new staff yet but will be hiring for 3 positions that will be vacant.  PSSD will be trying a new concept next school year – ‘Looping’ – one PSSD teacher will be following her class up to the 2^nd grade.   

     The board of education also approved a joint resolution with the city of Paris, the county of Henry and PSSD to offer Institutional Casework Inc. a tax abatement on equipment for 7 years. ICI is the purchaser of Mohon. Board member Dr. David Travis did not vote on the matter, as he has refrained with the city, due to his involvement with the investors of ICI.  “This is not the first time we have done this,” explained Board Chairman Richard Edwards, “ We did the same thing for Four Seasons and Revel Enterprises. 

Gas Co.  4/19/06

     The Paris Henry County Natural Gas Utility District held their monthly meeting

     Tuesday where Assistant Manager Don Green reviewed the progress made on the mapping system the utility district is developing.  2 employees have been assigned to the project, which will eventually give the locations of lines, valves and meters for the entire system.  Green stated that the software has been installed.   Manager Glen Jackson stated that by next meeting he hopes to have prices for aerial photography.

      Green also discussed the Public Awareness Program.  The public information program is designed to educate the public on what to do if a gas leak is smelled or discovered and who and where to call to report the problem.  The mandated program must be in place by June 20, 2006.

     Discussing the bankruptcy of Dana, Jackson stated that work with other utilities in the area has begun.  Current payment has been received and the deposit recovered but that past bills have not been paid.

     In a yearly audit and inspection by the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, the utility did very well in the comprehensive survey.  “All of our paperwork was in order and overall the system got a very good report,” stated Jackson.

     March gas sales for residential and commercial customers were very close to the last several months, while industrial sales were down.  “This is the first time I have seen 3 months so close.  It has been an abnormal winter,” stated Jackson.

County Commission   4/18/06

     Among the items on the Henry County Commission’s agenda was a request for money to promote a fishing tournament of the American Bass Anglers National Pro Series.  The commission approved funding from the tourism portion of the Tennessee River Resort Act funding in the amount of $15,000.  The weeklong event will bring in an estimated $35,000 to the county.  The group will be receiving discounted rooms at the Buchanan Resort and at the Fish Tale Lodge, along with a free BBQ and other amenities.  “This will have an economic impact on the local option sales tax and the Tennessee River Resort Act tax,” explained County Mayor Brent Greer.  According to Bob Kenworthy of the Friends of Paris Landing State Park the Paris Landing Inn would not be providing any free rooms or meals. “We need to make the Inn more accommodating to groups like this,” he stated.  The fishing tournament will be held Oct. 1 through Oct 6.  Stewart County will also be asked by the organization to helped in the funding. The event will be followed by another fishing tournament honoring the 101^st  soldiers at Ft. Campbell the next week.

     The commissioners named local attorney Michael Ainley as the interim General Session, Juvenile, Probate Court Judge until the May 15^th commission meeting.  Ainley has been serving in that position for the past 10 days.  The appointment followed present judge Hansel McCadams formal resignation to allow him to campaign for the District Attorney General position.  McCadams started the mentoring program Sporting Chance and set up the use of the parking lot behind McDonalds as a gathering place for youth, both of which received the support of commissioners.  Several commissioners served as mentors and providing land for hunting.  “We are very honored by all you have done for Henry County,” stated Mayor Greer.  In parting the judge stated, “ 99% of the youth in the county are good kids, the problem is with the parents and the way they are raised.”

     The county approved a joint resolution with the city of Paris and PSSD for a tax abatement for ICI.  Budget resolutions were also approved including two that had not been previously approved by the county Budget Committee on overtime at the sheriff’s office and the drug fund.  Sheriff David Bumpus stated that the overtime was due to the airplane crash and would be refunded with federal funds and that money for vet bills and dog food was needed for the K-9 unit.

E-911   4/18/06

     At the Monday meeting of the Enhanced 911 Board, 911 Director Mark Archer told board members that the local 9ll had received a $10,000 GIS grant.  The money will be used to buy batteries that will back up all current systems at 911 for 1full hour, which according to Archer will soon be a state requirement.

     As Archer moves into the city to begin GPS mapping he reviewed the problems he expects to encounter in the city such as the old block addressing, odd and even numbers on both sides of the street,  cul-de-sac numbering problems and changes at city/county lines.   “We will mesh in addresses where it is possible,” stated Archer.  Chairman of the –911 board John Ethridge was again reminded the board that “education the     public would be a big factor.”

     Assistant Director Heather Carter has been visiting schools in the area discussing 911 and its proper use.  So far she has visited Henry and Lakewood.

April Sykes Fund Raiser  4/17/06

     Four Seasons is hosting a fundraiser for April Sykes on April 21^st.  April was the 18-year-old girl who was kidnapped, assaulted, and left in the trunk of a burning car in November.

     The ‘drive thru’ fundraiser will be held at 2500 East Wood St., behind Tom’s Steak House from 10:30am to 2:30pm. 

     For $8 you will receive a Rib eye or Chicken sandwich, chips, cookie and drink.

Paris Planning Commission   4/15/06

     The Paris Municipal Regional Planning Commission once again discussed the sign ordinance at Thursday evenings meeting. 

     City attorney Fred McLean presented the commissioners with enforcement measures for off-premises advertising signs, and illegal, damaged, or abandoned signs.  The Panning commission voted to send the ordinance on to the City Commissioners for review.

     The minor subdivision of Luther Allen Briggs was approved contingent upon signatures of the owner.  The 8 ½ acres of land are located between the intersections of 641 and Clifty Rd.  It is currently zoned for Planned Business and Light Industry.

     Also approved was the site plan for mini storage units at the intersection of B.R. Smith Road and North Market St.

     The Planning Commission approved an addition site plan for Dr. Debra Selby’s office on Jim Adams Dr.  The 800 sq. ft. office addition will be located onto the rear of the existing building.

Fish Fry Activities Heat Up in Paris   4/15/06 

       The fifty-third World’s Biggest Fish Fry kicks off April 24 in Paris, TN. Whether you enjoy dancing, parades, rodeos, racing catfish or eating catfish, it’s all happening at the 2006 World’s Biggest Fish Fry.

     Put on your dancing shoes Monday, April 24 when the band Euphoria rocks Downtown Paris during the Street Dance at 8:00 p.m. On Tuesday, April 25 it’s the annual Country Dance at 7:00 p.m. at the Henry County Fairgrounds. The band, Shiloh provides the  music.

     The traditional tossing of the first hushpuppy by the Hostess Princess is Wednesday, April 26 at 5:00 p.m. at the FirstBank Fish Tent at the fairgrounds. $8.00 buys all the catfish and trimmings you can eat on Wednesday from 5:00 till 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. On Thursday from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. diners enjoy Fillet Night featuring the signature trimmings with all-you-can-eat fillets for only $9.00. 

     Rides, games and funnel cakes await visitors as the carnival opens Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening at the fairgrounds. For rodeo fans the fairgrounds is also the location of the Bone & Joint Specialist Rodeo. This IRPA sanctioned event begins at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night.

     The Grand Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 28. Get your spot early for this event, which is enjoyed by more than 75,000 spectators. Members of the Paris-Henry County Rescue Squad are the 2006 Grand Marshals.

     On Saturday, the activities move to downtown Paris where little ones take the spotlight during the Small Fry Parade at 10:00 a.m. Participants in the Catfish Races rev up their fish on the court house lawn at 10:30. At noon, young anglers cast for the biggest fish during the Junior Fishing Rodeo on Williams Lake.

     For more information call the Fish Fry Headquarters at 731-644-1143,  go to www.WorldsBiggestFishFry.com or visit www.paris.tn.org on web and click on Calendar of Events.

Families for Paris Parks   4/15/06

Car Wash   4/15/06

Henry County School Board   4/14/06

     The members of the Henry County Board of Education reported on feedback they had received concerning the new drug-testing program that the board will be implementing in July.  Most reported positive responses and support.  Assistant Director of Schools John Hinson stated, “There was not a lot of feed back, just 2 calls and everyone is supportive and ready to move forward.”

     The drug testing would include football players and band members in the fall at an estimated cost of  $5, 000 to $7,000, which would come from federal funds.  Random testing throughout the year would cost an estimated $1,000 to $1,300, which would come from the General Purpose Fund.  The testing has met no legal challenges when conducted on sports team or extra curricular activities that are elective.  Random testing of other students is not legal.    “This also gives our students another reason to just say no to drugs when they experience peer pressure,” explained Hinson.  Board Chairman Dr. Michael Dunkerson added, “This took a lot of work and the board thanks you for putting our children first.”

     Director of Schools, Rick Kriesky reported that Henry Mayor Faye Lowery and Henry board members had approved the donation of 5 to 10 acres of land near Henry School for additional playing fields.  The only stipulation would be naming the land J.P. Hill Memorial Park, in honor of the family who donated it.

     The Co-op and Internship programs were discussed Thursday evening.  The current program, where students attend school for part of the day and then work for pay at a business the rest of the day was felt not to be providing instruction in future careers for students while serving a non paying internship with a business or industry that would be a future career choice fits in better with the new ‘Academy’ structure that the High School is adopting.

     No action was taken on a suggestion that the size of the Madrigals be enlarged.  Present Choral Director Kenneth Humphries, at his request, will be moving to one of the elementary schools and it will be left to the future director to determine the size.  It was the view of some board members that a larger group would create more opportunities for student involvement.

     It was announced that Joe Frensley, teacher at Harrelson School, had won the coveted Tennessee Education Association Distinguished Classroom Teacher award.  Only 3 teachers in the state win the yearly award.  Frensley, a teacher of 30 years state, “I am truly proud and honored to receive this.”  Also honored by the board were teachers and staff who had received tenure and 3 who were honored for 20 years of service.

Easter Breakfast   4/14/06

Henry Town Meeting   4/13/06

By Larissa Boyd Henry Correspondent   

     On Tuesday night, the Henry Mayor and Board of Alderman met for the monthly board meeting.  After Mayor Faye Lowery called the meeting to order, she called for public comments.  Henry citizen George Armstrong had a question concerning the closing of Lumber Rd in Henry.  Armstrong said that he had heard that the city never actually owned Lumber Rd, and he wondered how the city could give something away that was never actually belonged to the city.  Mayor Lowery assured Mr. Armstrong that the Board had taken all steps concerning the closing of Lumber Rd and that the process had been completely legal.

      Mayor Lowery then asked for comments from the Board.  Alderman George Owens also had concerns about Lumber Rd.  He asked if anyone knew the name that was actually on the deed.  None of the Board members had seen the deed, so no one could say with any certainty.  Alderman Owens stated that he would go to the county to check on the matter.

     Mayor Lowery reported that Henry placed 5th with Helping Hands.  The city raised over $3000.

     Mayor Lowery reminded the Board that they had voted to make Officer Jim Sanders a full-time employee during the last meeting.  She explained that with the loss of Chief Tim Reeves their group insurance plan was in jeopardy.  There must be 3 participants on the plan, and with his loss, that made 2.  She requested that the Board vote to waive the 90 day probation period for Sanders so he could immediately be placed on the plan.  The motion passed unanimously.

     During the Recorder's staff report, Sonya Clayton requested $350 from the Board to prepare for Henry's Annual Clean-up Day.  She will need $250 for the dumpster and $100 for refreshments for volunteers.  No date has been set on the Annual Clean-up Day.  Traditionally the day has been held in May.  

     Chief Jim Sanders stated that there were 3 juveniles who owed the city some community service time during his staff report.  In the past, the city has used such cases to aid the city during Clean-up Day.  He also explained that there is a quicker, more efficient way to sell seized vehicles.  There is a website, www.govdeals.com, where the city could sell their seizures for 7% of the sell price.  They would not have to pay until the vehicle had actually sold.  The Board voted in favor of using the website to sell the seizures. 

     Sanders also stated that the brakes on one of the police cars needed changed.  He asked that Gordon Ray McFadden be given the opportunity to do the job.  Now that he is no longer an alderman, there is no conflict of interest.  A motion was made by Alderman Bo Walker and passed unanimously.

     Chief Sanders reported for the Fire Department.  The Henry Volunteer Fire Department received $5600 from Helping Hands.

     Under new business, Mayor Lowery called for nominations for a replacement alderman to replace Gordon Ray McFadden.  There were no official nominations.  Those interested must come to the Henry City Hall or have an alderman nominate him or her at the next meeting, and must also be present at the meeting.  Mayor Lowery reminded the board that they must have a new alderman appointed at the next meeting as there is a 2 month time period.

     Mr. Tom Liggins was present to discuss the 2004-2005 city audit.  After a lengthy discussion concerning the budget, assets of the city, expenses, and problems the city needs to address, the Board voted to accept the audit.  Alderman Walker stated that the audit will help the Board in deciding budget matters. 

New Deliveries in Henry County 4/13/06

from Ron Watkins

   Three Vol. Fire Departments in Henry County recently took delivery of new pumper/tankers that were funded through a Community Development Block grant, Henry County, and the receiving departments.

     Henry County received a comprehensive Fire Protection Plan that was completed by the University of TN Technical Service Assistance Group in 2005.  The plan identified areas of the county where additional water was needed for fire suppression and the fire departments of Cottage Grove, Mansfield, and Puryear were in most need.

       According to Ron Watkins, Henry County Emergency Management Director, the fire apparatus have a 1500-gallon stainless steel tank, a 750-gpm pump, an 8 inch rear electric dump valve, and it powered by an International 400 chassis.  Bluegrass Fire Apparatus located in Elizabethtown, KY was the builder of the trucks.

      Total cost of the apparatus was $378,692.00 with $300,000 funded by the block grant, $75,000 provided by Henry County as a local match, and $1231 provided by each fire department.

      Group pictures include Henry County Mayor Brent Greer handing the check over to Jerry Moat, First Response of TN.

Puryear    4/12/06

     Puryear showed off the new tanker/pumper fire truck after the monthly meeting Tuesday evening.  Fire Chief John Walters, Vice Mayor Mackie Gallimore, Alderman Bryan Hall and Mayor Kenny  Paschall were among those admiring the shinny truck. The new 2006 truck was received through a Community Development Block Grant with Puryear’s cost $1230.  The addition of the truck to Puryear Volunteer Fire Department lowered the community’s ISO rating from an 8 to a 5.  “Alderman Brian Sykes was instrumental in working with the Henry County Director of Emergency Management Ron Watkins in receiving the grant” stated Mayor Paschall.  The truck will be part of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Parade along with the other two new trucks from Cottag