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BUDGET BILLING
4/30/07 Natural Gas Budget Billing will balance your monthly natural gas expenses throughout the year! Paris-Henry County Natural Gas Utility District announces that now through June 1st, you can enroll in their budget billing program. This plan allows you affordable monthly payments based on your previous gas usage. Knowing what your gas bill will be each month allows you the ability to better manage your finances. Come in or call Paris-Henry County Natural Gas Utility District at 642-5635 for complete details or fill out the enrollment form in your current natural gas bill. The budget billing enrollment period ends June 1st. A message from Paris-Henry County Public Utility District – your supplier of natural gas – use it safely! Fish Tent Closed 4/30/07 The 54th Annual Worlds Biggest Fish Fry came to an end Saturday night but not before the Fish Tenet had to close its doors. According to Jaycees, by 7:30 Saturday night only 450 pounds of the 9,000 pounds of fish fillets purchased were left. They also ran out of beans and coleslaw. Sounds like good weather and fish fillets helped make it a success this year.
Catfish Races 4/30/07 There were 65 entries in the Catfish Races this year with 13 heats in the 5 troughs. The finalist in the Champion Heat were Raymond Pork chop entered by The Hong Kong Restaurant, Shifty Swimmer entered by Seto's Automotive and Shake & Bake entered by Mitsy Hassell. Not allowed to touch the troughs or the water contestants shouted and waved their favorite swimmers on to victory with the champion catfish winning by a fin. Taking 1st place was Seto's entry Shifty Swimmer who won the trophy and a gift certificate to Seaton's Restraint. Another important event of the catfish races is the winner of the Tales Fish Tale. This year there were 22 stories submitted to the Paris Post- Intelligencer. "We had some very creative stories and it was fun reading them," stated P.I. Editor Michael Williams. This year's winning story was submitted by Karen Geary of the Quota Club. The tale is the story of an American Idol Winner Carry Underwater who is "ready to scrape off her scales" and hit the big time. Underwater receives her inspiration from local star Bo Fish-Us Hank Walleye Jr. The Catfish Races have been sponsored by the P.I. for the past 2o years. All the proceeds go to the Henry County Literacy Council which will use the funds to continue the 'Imagination Library' in Henry County.
Small Fry Parade 4/30/07
The weather was perfect for Saturday's Small Fry Parade in downtown Paris as parents pulled and marched their small fry around Court Squared. This year's winners in the Marching Unit division were Joyland Christian Preschool who were awarded 1st place with Miss Betty's Kinder Garden and 3rd place Pt. Pleasant Baptist Church Children's group. Most Original Float winners were 1st place Cassie Clayton by William Clayton, Maryann Riley. 2nd place Jan's Day Care with 3rd place going to Griffin Strang. Griffin was at the parade, dressed as a fireman with his grandmother Carolyn Berry Folks who was 1956 Hostess Princess, the very first Hostess Princess. Coolest Pet winners were Allie Barrow 1st place, 2nd place Anna Divito and Will McCurstion 3rd. Decorated Bike/Tricycle winner was1st place Phoebe Odom, 2nd place was Weston Brogdon and 3rd place was Gage Starks. Character/Costume winners were 1st place Griffin Strang, 2nd place was Jones Baldwin, Ginger& Riggs. Winners in the Best Decorated Float category was Olivia Harber & Tari Starks 1st place, 2nd place Alton and 3rd place Cassie Clayton. Grand Parade 4/27/07
Although the sky was threatening, the 54th Annual World's Biggest Fish Fry Grand Parade remained dry. The menacing cloud cover did keep the crowds down along the parade route which are usually dozens of people deep. Security was also increased this year with local Police and Sheriff's Deputies in plain view as well as FBI agents and Homeland Security personnel. The dignitary grand stands were full of such notables as United States Congressman John Tanner, State Senator Roy Herron and State Representative Butch Borchert, County Mayor Brent Greer, City Mayor David Travis as well as city and county commissioners. Also present were Judge Vicki Snyder and District Attorney General Hansel McCadams. The main attraction of the day was, of course, the floats and bands. This year winner of the Most Original Float went to 'Soda Shop Sweet's'. 2nd place to 'Henry County Health Care Serves You', third place was 'Peace, Love & Groovy Girls'. In the category of Most Beautiful Float, 1st place was awarded to 'All Dressed Up', 2nd place was 'Eye Full of Beauties', with 3rd place 'Aloha Paris'. Winners in the Church or Club category were 1st place TVCC 'Sailing with Purpose', 2nd place Pt. Pleasant and 3rd place to 'Bathing Beauties' . Out of Town winners were 'Greased Lightening', 2nd 'Southern Beauties' During the luncheon provided by the Jaycee's both Greer and Travis thanked the Jaycee's for their efforts in putting the annual fish fry together while the Deputy Governor Stewart Brunson stated, "It is great to see a whole community coming together in a common goal." The parade did more than bring the community together it also brought families together. Among the crowd was a local family that planned their family reunion during Fish Fry. Members of the Fortner/Cox family came from Chicago, Alabama, Oregon, Maryland and KY. A special thanks should go to Paris Police Chief Tommy Cooper and the Paris Police Department who as early as Thursday evening were clearing the parade route for the days activities and to the City Works Department who handled the clean up afterwards. For more pictures of the Grand Parade check out the 'Video Views'.
HCMC 4/27/07 The Henry County Medical Center Board of Trustees were given a tour of the new Critical Care Unit located on 2 West. The new CC unit contains 9 larger rooms, 3 more than the old unit, with bathrooms in each room. According to Medical Center Administrator Thomas Gee this unit has bigger rooms for families to visit in, as well as, an isolation unit for patients with air born illnesses such as Tuberculosis or bio-terrorism threats such as anthraces. A public open house is planned for May 2. " It took 6 months to complete and I think you will find it impressive," Gee told the board members. Information technology continues to be an important goal at the medical center. The hospital has reached its limit on telephone lines that can be installed on their present system. $41,000 will be spent to update the system so that it can serve the needs of the medical center for a few more years. When the budget allows, new equipment that will allow wireless communication and other technology will be install. Also discussed were the many services that are available at Henry County Medical Center including Lakehaven, rehab facilities and Home Health care. "We offer a lot of high quality services that the people of this community don't know about," stated Board Chairman Phil Wichlan. Gee told board members that HCMC had lost some of their pharmacy benefits due to lower Tenncare enrollments. "We will be watching our costs, particularly for chemo therapy drugs, " stated the administrator. Cost containment is working for the medical center and they have joined a group purchasing organization which provides savings on items as well as rebates. Other management teams are working on cost containment with approx $143.000 possible in savings realized. 25% of the patients at HCMC are hospitalized due to smoking related problems. Gee told the board that a smoke free campus is still part of the Long range planning Committees goals. New physical recruitment includes a new psychiatrist who should arrive in June and a new general surgeon in July plus the new Chief Nursing Officer Amy Johnson who will begin her duties the week of May . The new Lake EMS station is being planned with the cooperation of the Henry County Commission. EMS Director Mike Shankle told board members that ambulances are logging 4 to 5 hundred miles per day with the average response time 7.76 minutes. The national average is 8 minutes. "The addition of a station down at the lake will decrease that time," stated Shankle. Another interesting statistic, 50% patients transported by EMS are 65 years old or older. 8 paramedics will be graduating this year and the EMS will be hosting a 'Family Day' May 22 when the Robert Sinclair Paramedic of the Year will be named. EMS did receive an increase in fuel costs from Tencare this year but the increase was based on gas prices and most of HCMC's ambulances run on diesel fuel which costs more.
Fish Tent 4/26/07
It was the Grand Opening of the 54th Annual Fish Fry Fish Tent on Wednesday evening and a lot of familiar faces were volunteering to get the crowd of people fed as quickly as possible. "We will easily feed 6 to 7 hundred people tonight," stated Jaycee Tim Wirgau. As is traditional the Hostess Princess Tara Zolfagharbik threw out the 1st hushpuppy to her father Abbas Zolfagharbik. "We have been so busy that we didn't have a chance to practice pitching," he explained. None the less Miss Tara found her mark and her father caught the hushpuppy like a major league ball player to the delight of the crowd as Tara's mother looked on. Among those in the line waiting for fish and all the trimmings were people from Nashville as well as people from Humboldt. To see the video of the toss go to Video Views and click on Hushpuppy Toss. By downloading the video onto your computer the tape can be viewed on your computer monitor. Allow several minutes for loading.
Sprucing Up 4/25/07
The Budweiser Clydesdales enjoyed their weekly bath Tuesday morning before they are on view for all their adoring fans this week at the World's Biggest Fish Fry at the Henry County Fairgrounds. Known as the 'Gentle Giants' they stand 18 hands, or 6ft. high at the shoulders and weigh around 2,000 pounds. According to their trainer Amy Trout, "Some of the 3yr old horses are saddle broke and some are not." The 8 horse hitch travels with 12 horses and a Dalmatian dog. This particular team is from Merrimack New Hampshire.
Catfish Races 4/25/07 Do you have the fastest known catfish, or the tallest fish tale?? Come out and prove it at the Catfish races on the Henry County Court Square Saturday. after the Small Fry Parade. Sponsored by the Paris Post-Intelligencer, with proceeds to benefit the Henry County Literacy Council in their efforts to fund the "Imagination Library", a program that provides a book a month to all children registered from birth to 5 years old. Registration fee is $25 for each fish which you get to name. The very creative can write a story about the life and times of their fish as well. To register you can contact the P.I., the local newspaper has been sponsoring the catfish races for 20 years.
BPU 4/25/07 Pending approval by the Paris City Commission, the Paris Board of Public Utilities approved a resolution to raise water rates. The increase will become effective the first day of the month after the city gives its approval. The last increase was in 2002. General Manager Charles Perry told board members that the inflation rate is at 15.3% and costs to replace wells, refurbish water towers as well as costs to lay lines on Hospital Circle were part of the reasons for the increase. "The increase in cost will be an additional $1.45 for 5 thousand gallons of water a month, which is what the average household uses," stated Perry. Even with the rate increase BPU still ranks as one of the lowest rates in the state, 36th out of 234 systems in the state. In 1998 the water department purchased 28 acres of land adjacent to the wastewater property on Seymore Rd. for $54,000. Originally purchased as a possible site for a water tank, it is being used as a buffer zone to allow sludge application on adjacent acreage to the waste water plant. At Tuesday's meeting the board approved having the property transferred from the water department to the wastewater department at cost plus interest for a total cost of $54,846. BPU's TVA power bill for the month was down from the previous month due to mild weather, down $600,000 from Feb. Also down were the number of Heat Pump loans with only 5 heat pump loans and one gas unit. Write offs of $12,720 were approved for the 3rd quarter of the year. Also approved were vision health care changes and a contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield Health insurance for employees.
Kick off Dance 4/24/07
The citizens of Paris and Henry County were kicking up their heels at Monday's Kick Off Dance of the 54th Annual World's Biggest Fish Fry. Held in the pavilion of the Henry County Fairgrounds "Branded Country" provided the music to keep the young and old alike dancing through the evening. The music also brought out on less than 'Elvis' impersonator Bob Frasier. The carnival is in place and the Clydesdales arrived Monday and were still settling in when the dancing began. It looks to be an exciting week at the Henry County Fairgrounds.
Law Suit 4/24/07 In court action Monday the plaintiff, Mary Burns, Henry County Court Clerk, who had filed a lawsuit against Henry County for equalization of pay for deputies in her office and who wanted a 10% pay increase for those employees added to her budget had her lawsuit dismissed, with no further action to be taken. Sheriff's Office 4/ 23/o7 In a news release from Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew it was announced that a monthly report of activities would be issued. "We are attempting to compile this information monthly and send it to you so we can get it out to the public and make them aware of exactly what the Sheriff's office handles on a monthly basis. I think it is important for the public to know what their sheriff's office is doing for them." Report for February - During the month of February an average of 148 prisoners were housed in the Henry County Correctional facility per day. 61 of those prisoners were state prisoners generating $53,941.00 for the state of Tennessee to the Henry County General Fund. The Inmate Commissary generated $1,444.21 in revenue and the Inmate Receivables generated $2,955.06 in revenues to the General Fund for the month. Sheriff's officers served 1,049 civil and criminal papers. 35 arrests and citations were issued for driving violations . 3 motorist were charged with DUI and 8 citizens were charged with driving on a revoked or suspended driver's license with 2 vehicles seized due to driving on revoked licenses. Deputy cruisers traveled 39,958 miles while on patrol, transporting prisoners to state facilities and juveniles to detention facilities, answering citizens complaints , serving criminal and civil papers and performing other official functions. 825 businesses, schools and residences were checked during the month. Deputies found no open doors during the checks. The Criminal Investigation Division opened 62 cases. Of those cases 13 were suspended, 33 were closed and 16 were arrested. The School Resource Officer made 1 arrest, 2 reports and 5 complaints. 19 requests for counseling were also made. The officer attended 8 after school events.
City Budget 4/23/07 In their ongoing work to have a balanced budget for the City of Paris in the upcoming fiscal year, City Commissioners are looking for additional revenues and discussed fee increases at last week's budget meeting. Suggested increases included an increase in traffic tickets from $63 to $115. "It is the first increase in many years and it is a good way to slow our traffic down," stated Commissioner Gayle Griffith. Also discussed was a false call fee for more than 3 to 5 false calls per month, although it was felt that a considerable amount of time and maintainance would be required to keep track of the number of false calls received from the same locations and then to send out bills to the businesses or individuals. "We get 200 to 300 false calls a month," stated Paris Police Chief Tommy Cooper. Another issue discussed was extended fire coverage out side the city limits and a possible subscription fee for what is known as the ESN122 area. Paris Fire Chief Don Cox stated that there are 3,000 structures in that area and the cost has been around $44,000 over the years to provide fire protection. It was also stated that in some communities studied that if the subscription fee is not paid fire fighters do not respond unless human life is at risk. "We have just been absorbing the cost," explained Cox. Also brought up for discussion was the cost to the fire department for Life Flight calls. The fire department must have 2 fire fighters, a fire engine at the site when the helicopter lands. "So far there have been 1500 calls this year," explained Cox. The commissioners stated that the hospital is paid for the service and they will discuss the matter with Henry County Medical Center administrators. All of Thursday night's suggestions must be presented to the commission in written form and then approved on 2 readings before they can be enacted.
Fish
Fry 4/21/07
Grand Parade 4/21/07 TVA & BPU
Kriesky stated that as the oldest buildings in the school system, Grove, HCHS and Henry were chosen for the energy survey.
Home Tours 4/20/07
On
Sunday April 22 from 1pm-5pm, the Paris Henry County Heritage Center and the
Athena Delphians will be hosting the Historic North Poplar Street Home Tour.
Guests will begin their journey and be welcomed at the Paris-Henry County
Heritage Center. Visitors will then be guided through three magnificent homes
including those of E.W. Grove, Will Warren, and Dr. G.L. Powers. Guests may then
return to the Heritage Center to enjoy light refreshments and music provided by
the Athena Delphians. Tickets to the event are $15 each and tours will begin at
1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. You may purchase tickets at the Heritage Center, or from an
Athena Delphian.
Free Dumping Day 4/19/07 On Saturday, April 21 the Paris-Henry County
Landfill will hold a free dumping day for BRUSH, DEMOLITION DEBRIS AND YARD
TRIMMINGS ONLY. Landfill
charges will apply to ALL other types of waste including
contractors, commercial and industrial users and household waste.
Tarpaulins will be randomly given away, at the
landfill, throughout the day by representatives of the Henry County Litter
Program.
Families For Paris Parks 4/19/07
Although the morning was damp, families still turned out to support the fund raiser for Paris Parks on Saturday. The fun contests, activities, food and the live bluegrass music of the Pickers & Grinners brought a steady stream of visitors, estimated at around 300 people. Organizer Kay Whitby stated that the funds raised Saturday would be used to buy equipment for McNeil Park. "we are picking a different park each year. Last year was Memorial Park," explained Whitby.
Winners Tug-of-War:
(Parks dept) Don Williams, Tony Lawrence, W.H. Hartzfieldt, Participants
of contests by dept:
Parks dept: Tony
Lawrence, W.H. Hartzfieldt, Philip Jesse, Don Williams,
DISASTER REQUEST Dear Mr. Secretary:
Governor of Tanner
represents
Half Staff 4/18/07 In honor of the tragedy at Virginia Tec. President Bush has issued a proclamation that the United States flags should be flown at Half Staff at all government buildings and installations until sunset Sunday April 22.
PSSD 4/18/07
The Paris Special School District Board of Education gave Dr. Paul Doyle and his wife Barbara a regretful farewell at Tuesday's meeting. After 5 years at PSSD Doyle is retiring and moving back to Middle Tennessee. "We appreciate you being our superintendent the last 5 years. You have been an assets for the system." stated School Board Chairman Richard Edwards, "And we thank you." Doyle told the board, "It is easy to look good in this district because of the support of this board." Doyle's resignation date is May 1 and Mr. Mike Brown, current principal at Inman Middle School was selected by board members to become the new Superintendent of Schools for PSSD. Brown's official starting date is July 1st. In the interim the board gave Brown the authorization to sign such items that required the signature of the superintendent. Interviews for a new principal are currently underway and interviews for several open teaching positions will be held next week. In the matter of financing additions and improvements at Rhea and Inman, the board voted to accept bids from local financial institutions for a capital outlay note. It is believed that under the districts private act they can borrow up to $2 million . "That is our interpretation," stated Edwards. The board is awaiting official word before borrowing money, although it was pointed out that architect bills for drawings will soon start arriving. The board also approved using Technology students from the Technology Center to help PSSD children and the sale of surplus furniture from the old Inman Music Lab will be sold as one large lot in a bid process. The board briefly discussed the merger of PSSD and the Henry County School system. Edwards stated that they had received a letter from Rick Kriesky and Dr. Dunkerson. The reply to the county was that PSSD was willing to discuss academics, programs or any other issues with the county but that they would not discuss a merger or unification of the two systems.
Gas Company 4/18/07 "The Paris Henry County Natural Gas Utility District's GIS mapping is nearing the final stages," General Manager Don Green told the Gas Board in his opening remarks Tuesday. "Everyone is excited and the mapping is something that will work years and years for us." The Gas Company is also developing a web site. "We are working on it and will have it up and running soon," Green stated. The Paris Henry County Natural Gas Utilities is a member of the TN public Service Commission, as mandated by the federal government ,and must provide a Public Awareness Plan. Green stated that the plan submitted was returned to the state for a lack of a management statement that claimed that the local board of directors supported the plan. That technicality was covered at Tuesday's meeting when the board approved and gave their support to the plan. The gas utility provider also is a member of PIPE, Partners In Protecting Everyone. The group meets at Paris Landing State Park yearly where the emphasis is on the hazards of natural gas with their theme to contractors and others, call before you dig. In the Gas Company's local public awareness campaign Green told board members that $4,000 to $5,000 had been put into advertising. Part of that campaign is the coloring books for children and the pamphlets for adults that can be obtained at the front desk of their office on Wood St. March gas sales showed that the natural gas provider had 6234 customers and the cool snap of last week required that gas be pulled from storage. Required by law to have stored gas below 20% the amount in storage now stands at 19% of capacity.
BUDGET BILLING 4/18/07
County Commission 4/17/07 County Commissioner from the 5th District Connie McSwain announced at Monday evening's commission meeting that she was moving from the 2nd District into Paris. Commissioners must live in the district they represent. "Being a commissioner is a hard job but it is an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Henry County." Her resignation is effective June 1. At the May commission meeting nominations will be taken for the position and at the June meeting a commissioner will be appointed. The person chosen by the commission will serve until the Aug. '08 election. County Mayor Bret Greer opened discussion on the 'Bone yard' legislation that addressed environmental clean up in Henry County. Begun in the mid 1980's the Oak Grove Gravel pit on Hwy 69N was cleaned up where illegal dumping had occurred. Another site remain in the county that needs cleaning up, located on Paris Whitlock Rd., where scrap and old road equipment and batteries have been dumped. "We have been monitoring wells and ground water," explained Greer. In the state version of the 'Super Fund' Tennessee will provide $2 million for the clean up with the county's portion $51,000 with the county also receiving absolution from any future responsibility. Commissioners approved extending the Homeland Security Grant contract until all the funds are used and approved the new grant for $31,000, which requires no matching funds. Also approved was the resolution that would allow unpaid volunteer firefighters to receive one vehicle registration tag at a discount. Commissioner Dan Paschall whished to extend that privilege to the County Rescue Squad but the motion failed. The resolution for firefighters was an attempt to recruit more volunteers and encourage more training. Also approved by the commission were recommendations from the budget committee that included an addition to the drug fund caused by the sale of county helicopters. Sheriff Belew also received recognition for his work in 'cleaning up' the county drug use. The commission gave their approval of an agreement with Ky for bridge replacement on County line Rd. Appointments to the Library board of Nancy Elliott and Kathy Jones and reappointment of Debbie Perkins.
Paris Historical Zoning 4/17/07 The Paris Historical Zoning Board will be requesting the Paris City Commission to consider revisions in the fencing requirements for the area which is by McEvoy Funeral Home, Lee St. and Caldwell St. The request came after discussions on fencing in back yards and side yards. "It is hard to make a set of rules that are practical for all," stated board member John VanDyke. The residents of 209 N. College St. will be waiting for the new regulations, which according to Linda Holder, could take several months. Approved at the meeting was the addition of a gable to 405 Hudson which will blend in with the existing home. Puryear Spring Fling 4/16/07 Held at Harrelson School in Puryear, this year's kick off to the Puryear Day Celebration on May 19th, sponsored by the Puryear Lion's Club drew the largest number of contestant from across the county ever. The event, organized by Lisa Hart with Judge Vicki Snyder as MC, was a great success despite the damp and unlike spring temperatures. GIRLS
0-12 MONTHS
QUEEN—Addison
Claire Washburn 6 mos Parents—Jeremy
& Kim Washburn 1st
Maid – Ella Lynn French 8 mos Parents
– Todd & Bonnie French 2nd
Maid – Baily Grace French 7 mos Parents
– Adam & Bobbi Jo French BOYS 0-12 MONTHS
King - - Brevin
Jo Hutson 11 mos Parents
– Joey & Christina Hutson 1st
Page – Gage Collin Bullington 7
mos Parents
– Jennifer Bullington & Douglas Bradley 2nd
Page – Conner Callahan 11 mos Parents
– Bruce & Josie Callahan GIRLS
1 –2 YEARS
Queen
– McKenna Kylee Beecham 2 yrs Parents
-- Sherry Beecham & Michael Thrower 1st
Maid – Cara Wyrick 2 yrs Parents
– Scott & Barbara Wyrick 2nd
Maid – Tori Grace Fletcher 2 yrs Parents
-- Danny & Brandi Fletcher BOYS
1-2 YEARS
King
– Garrett Cash French 18
mos Parents
–Adam & Bobbi Jo French 1st
Page – James Timothy Lacy 2
yrs Parents
– Tim & Mary Lynn Lacy 2nd
Page – None GIRLS 3-4 YEARS
Queen
– Saiylor Marie Beecham 3 yrs Parents
– Brian & Stephanie Beecham 1st
Maid – Jayden Roberts 4 yrs Parents
– Michael & Krista Roberts 2nd
Maid – Haley Nicole Thrower 3 yrs Parents
– Heather & Jerry Thrower GIRLS
5-6 YEARS
Queen
– Julia Marie Dye 6 yrs Parents
– Anisha Wilkis & Brad Dye 1st
Maid -- Olivia Jane Harber
6 yrs Parents
– Lydia Flood and Paul & Danyl Harber 2nd
Maid – Whitney Sanders – 5 yrs Parents
– Ronald & Renee Sanders
King
– Logan Martin Brown 5 yrs Parents
– Marty & Cyrstal Brown GIRLS
7-9 YEARS
Queen
– Chelsea Palmer -7 Parents
– Jay & Jenny Palmer 1st
Maid – Tori Hill - 7 Parents
– Jeff & Jill Hill 2nd
Maid – Kaylynn Jo Lacy -7 Parents
– Tim & Mary Lynn Lacy GIRLS
10-12 YEARS
Queen
– Shelby Beloate -12 Parents
– Chris & Missy Belote 1st
Maid – Savannah Joy Jones -12 Parents
– William & Patty Jones 2nd
Maid – Shelby Elizabeth Beecham -12 Parents -- Sherry Beecham GIRLS
13-15 YEARS
Queen
– Sierra Renee Stiles --13 Parents
– Anisha Wilkens and Dennis
Stiles 1st
Maid – Kaylee Clark -13 Parents
– Andy & Sonya Clark 2nd
Maid – Kayla Watkins -15 Parents
– Trevor & Crystal Bennett GIRLS
16-18 YEARS
Queen
– Jordan Lee Allison -17 Parents
– Ronnie & Tracey Allison 1st
Maid – Janna Stubblefield -18 Parents
– Rhonda & Benny Stubblefield 2nd
Maid – Brittany Jones -17 Parents
– Ron & Anglea Barger, and Jessie Pewitt MOMMY
and ME
Mom
– Sherry Beecham Children
– McKenna and Shelby MOST PHOTOGENIC
Lily Johnson Parents
– Mark & Brytani Johnson Planning Commission 4/14/07 At this months Paris Municipal Regional Planning commission the board approved a minor subdivision to approx. 10 acres owned by Francis Smith on Hwy 77. One acre would be carved from the 10 acre parcel. A duplex located on the land would continue to have access to Hwy 77. The construction of an additional 3,500 sq. ft. storage building on Gulf Drive for Ridgeway Storage was approved. The land is zoned Planned Business. A request to rezone land on Memorial Drive owned by Harold Bass and Ken Morgan was denied. The request was to change the zoning to a less restrictive category.
HCMC 4/14/07 The Henry County Medical Center's Women's Health Advisory Council will be sponsoring a girls night out event titled 'The Story in Your Eyes' on Thursday April 19th at 6pm in the Henry County Medical Center's Learning Center. Dr. Matt Hughes will be discussing the 'story in your eyes' from diabetic retinopathy, advances in refractive surgeries, to the latest in Botox & cosmetic surgeries, he will inform you of all the latest technologies available to having those Betty Davis Eyes. Seating is limited so please RSVP at 644-3463.
Adult Establishment Bd. 4/13/07 During the Adult Oriented Establishment Board meeting Thursday, county attorney Lee Greer talked to the board in a closed session. The question of if the county should once again enforce the 1998 Act which regulates the operation of such businesses, has not been enforced for the last year. Greer told the board that owner of Club Erotica Tom Denton had filed a Federal lawsuit in District Court in Jackson against Henry County challenging the constitutionality of the Act. Greer pointed out that the lawsuit is not related to the decision handed down in Circuit Court last week which allowed the business to be closed down and boarded up. In a 4 to 1 decision, the board voted down a motion made by Commissioner Mary Warren to start enforcing the 1998 Act but agreed to watch developments in the Federal case.
School Board 4/13/07 The Henry County School board mad updates to their 5 year plan Thursday, once again stating the wish to have a Jr. ROTC program, challenge high achieving students academically and encourage the unification of the 2 school systems. "When comparing the 2 system's report cards they are very similar," stated Director of Schools Rick Kriesky. "There is not a nickel's worth of difference between the 2 systems," he added. "This is a Hatfield and McCoy feud," stated School Board member George Todd. "We need to find out what the public thinks, we also need to have discussions with PSSD. Eventually will they want a high school and can the community support 2 high schools? School board member Patricia Reimold stated that she felt that some of the remarks reportedly mad were intentionally inflammatory. "We need to think of the children first and what is best for them." "PSSD does not stand for protect the special school district," stated Chairman Dr. Mike Dunkerson. "We need to set aside our egos and think of what is best for the children," stated Kriesky. In other business the board was told that the new restrooms were at Patriot Stadium were ready to go, new bleachers at the soccer fields were ready and fencing at those fields would be added as well. The board approved allowing the Softball Busters to pay for dug outs at the softball fields. Work on the new roadway at Lakewood was still under construction. Also approved by the board was a request from Band Director Eric Major to take the band to Chicago for the 2008 St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Henry County School Board will be moving the school board meetings of June and July to the 3rd Thursday of the month. Tenure was granted to over 20 teachers and approx. 15 people received 10 year pins including Principal Sam Tharpe, Football Coach Joe Gaddis and History Teacher David Webb. Also present at the board meeting was new Henry County High School Principal Lennies McFebben. The Southeast Missouri State University graduate is the Principal of Scott Central High School in Sikeston MO, was named National coach of the year and has won 9 Missouri State Basketball Championships .
HCMC 4/12/07 Nearly 100 partners of Henry County Medical Center received awards at the Tuesday evening Service Recognition Banquet honoring them for their many years of service. The highlight of the evening was the naming of the Manager of the Year , Pam Ridley with the information systems department. The Cathey Townsend Leadership Award was presented to a partner who best exemplifies dedication to patient service and overall success of the Henry County Medical Center. This year's recipient was Administrative Assistant Elaine Harper.
Clydesdales 4/12/07
The
World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for
Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to make several appearances the week of
the World’s Biggest Fish Fry, April 23rd to April 29th, 2007
Budweiser Clydesdale traveling hitches are based in St. Louis, MO, Menifee, CA,
San Antonio, TX, San Diego, CA and Merrimack, NH. The Budweiser Clydesdales can
be viewed at the following Anheuser-Busch breweries: St. Louis, MO, Merrimack,
NH and Ft. Collins, CO. Also Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at Grant’s
Farm in St. Louis, MO and the following Anheuser-Busch Theme Parks: Busch
Gardens, Tampa, FL, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA, Sea World Sand Diego, CA,
Sea World Orlando, FL and Sea World, TX. A one vehicle accident on Hwy 69 by Wells Tractor was reported Tuesday afternoon. The SUV went off the road ,hitting a bridge and killing a 52 yer old Puryear woman and her 79 year old mother-in-law from Florida. An infant in the vehicle was treated at HCMC and released.
Puryear 4/11/07 The Puryear Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved a resolution that would allow the West KY Rural Telephone Co-op to have a franchise offering WK customers high speed DSL service, television and phone service on the same line. "We are calling it the Triple Play," explained Andy Brown, Internet Regulations Manager. As mandated by the FCC the franchise will be required to provide a local access channel for local programming, which will also provide local weather alert information. Brown stated that a price for the 3 in one service has not been set but he would estimate around $100 a month to stay competitive. The Mayor and Board also opened bids Tuesday nigh and approved a bid for $4500 from TN Asphalt for street repair on Stokes St. where tree roots have broken up the pavement. Also approved was a bid for $6672 from Dortch wade Roofing for a rubberized roof on the City Hall Annex. Also approved was the sale of a house trailer on Main St. Bids will be accepted until Friday April 13th. The trailer may be viewed by stopping by City Hall. The Mayor also reminded everyone that Puryear Day was May 19th and that all ordinances, such as tall grass and junk cars would be enforced.
Henry 4/11/07 The City of Henry's Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved the use of County Inmates, with a supervising guard, to fill the open ditches left by the unfinished sewer project. Alderman Jr. Milam told the concerned citizens that the inmates would fill the trenches on the next good weather day with the only cost to the city being to provide lunch for the inmates. The city approved a bid for road repairs on Cedar St. and Park Dr. for $$11,000 from Norwood Construction. The board also approved letting the County Highway Department crews repair potholes for the city. According to Mayor Qualls, Road Supervisor Ray Norwood will send a crew to fix the potholes if city employees would spray paint the holes they wanted fix. The city would have to pay for the hot mix, which currently is running $57 per ton.
Budget Committee 4/11/07 The Henry County Budget Committee approved several transfers and additions to the budget at this week's budget committee meeting. A major addition was the transfer of funds to the Drug Control Fund. The addition was ca |
