|
|
|
Tailgate Party 8/31/07 The Henry County High School Student Council will be hosting a Football Tailgate party Fright night, Aug. 31, beginning at 6pm near the field house. Hotdog meal for $2 and a Hamburger meal for $2.50. This will be the first regular season game as the Patriots play Dickson County. HCMC 8/31/07 The Henry County Medical Center Board of Trustee's met for their monthly meeting Thursday and rapidly went through the meeting agenda. Medical Center Administrator told board members that congress was considering dis-portionate Medicade payments for Tennessee, which would affect the amount of payments received for indigent patients. The bill has passed the House but still must pass the Senate. According to Gee President Bush may veto the measure since it is linked to controversial funding of the Iraq war. The Medical Center is about to begin Phase 2 of their Information Technology which will concentrate on the general services area. The annual Hospital licensure survey by the state found 4 minor citations that Gee stated have been corrected and the hospital is in compliance with state and Medicare regulations. Board Chairman Phil Wichlan told board members that a recent seminar he attended that quality of care was a big issue. "Reimbursements will be based on the quality of services rendered." he explained. In the financial report, Lisa Casteel stated that this has been a good census month. The EMS and surgeries were up, the hospitals revenues were up and although EMS was still in the red their revenues were up this month as well. The Henry County Health Care Center also had a good month with revenues up as well and Bad Debt write-offs were $253,498.00. Members of the Health Care Foundation were approved by the board and include Connie McSwain, Sally Hines and Tommy Moody with John Etheridge reappointed to the board. Correction 8/31/07 In the recent story about a feasibility study for Soybean crushing mill according to County Extension Agent Ken Goddard between Henry and Weakley County there are 100,000 acres planted in soybeans. The feasibility study will also be looking at beans from Benton, Carroll, Gibson and Obion Counties which would increase the amount of soybeans to approx. 215,000 acres plus South western KY markets, utilizing 8 to 9 million bushels of beans annually. Milling 8/31/07 The City of Paris Public Works Department has announced that it will begin the seasonal milling and paving on Tuesday, September 4, 2007, beginning with Nance Circle being milled on Tuesday and repaved on Wednesday.
Henry 8/30/07 Nearly 40 people packed the Henry
Town Hall for a public hearing regarding applying for a loan from
USDA Rural Development to borrow money needed to complete the
sewer system project in Henry . Only about
$710,000 remains in the budget for the project. Henry is looking at borrowing
over $820,000 to finish the project. Commercial Bank 8/30/07
Fine added that the community
banking business is weathering this latest crisis in the mortgage market because
community banks are well run, highly capitalized and among the most highly
regulated financial institutions in the country.
House Fire 8/29/07 A suspicious house fire on Old Union Rd. occurred in the early hours of Tuesday. When fire fighters from Oakland Fire Department arrived the home was totally engulfed. The house was still under construction and had an extension cord running to the meter box but the fire started on the opposide of the structure. The home, a total loss, was valued at $160,000. The contractor reported having items stolen from the site and problems with the neighborhood children. BPU 8/29/07 The Paris Board of Public Utilities met for the first time Tuesday under the direction of new General Manager John Etheridge. The board approved the purchase of grit collection buckets for the wastewater treatment plant. The 15 new buckets will be made of flex-a-gard instead of the present metal. According to Etheridge the polyurethane, although slightly more expensive, will not deteriorate like the metal ones. The board also approved constructing a canopy over the grit dumpster at the waste water treatment plant.. That and other renovations will address the problems recently identified during a state inspection. The canopy will also eliminate the collection of rainwater in the grit collection dumpster thus the need for empting the dumpster as often. Approved Tuesday was an industrial power contract with Nobel Automotive Tennessee, LLC who are leasing the extrusion building in the Dana Corporation complex. They are only using the one building, thus, a meters for their electric, water and waste water must be separated from the rest of the buildings in the complex. In an expanded financial report Etheridge stated that all three departments were in good financial shape. "Rates have been set at a good amount to recover our expenditures. "
Puryear School Building 8/29/07
A group of people who are interested in saving
the old Puryear School are forming. The school was bought by Arbor
HealthCared and they intend to tear it down unless the community can come up
with a way to save it. For right now the group needs volunteers to help clean
it up. After that attempts to attract some business or other community
activities will be made so that the building will be used again. The
building will be opened after Labor Day from approximately 9:00 am to
5:00 pm on weekdays and Saturday until the work is done. We will, hopefully,
have the power and water on by next week. If anyone would like to help
clean up and paint come by anytime we are opened and volunteer. Also we could
use some plumbers and electricians. For further information contact Peggy or
Leo Huff at 247-3144 or email: leohuff@wk.net.
Grant Checks 8/28/07
The UT Extension Center on Hwy. 79 was full of dignitaries such as U.S. Congressman John Tanner on behalf of the USDA Rural Development Administration, State Rep. Butch Borchert, a member of the state agriculture Committee and State Commissioner of Agriculture Ken Givens, local officials and people who were described by the Commissioner as "the power group of West Tennessee" to witness the presentation of grant checks for a joint Henry County - Weakley county feasibility study on creating a Soybean Crushing Mill/ Bio Diesel Production facility. "It only made common sense to work together when considering the project, " stated Carl Holder CEO of Economic Development for the Henry County Alliance. According to Extension Agent Ken Goddard approx. 100 acres of soybeans are grown in Henry County. The project, part of Gov. Bredesen's biofuels initiative, could increase the value of soybean crops and would be the only such facility in the state. "Agriculture is the backbone of our economy," stated Tanner. "90% of the oil reserves are owned by people who may not be on our side by 5ppm today." Chosen to do the feasibility study was Informaeconics out of Memphis. If the feasibility study proves the production could be done it would be a 10, 20 even a 30 year program. The grant checks , one for $20,000 from a rural development business grant, and a $20,000 grant check from he State Agricultural Enhancement grant will be supplemented with $3,500 from West Tennessee Industrial Association and $1,750 each from the two counties. Besides interested citizens, HCHS teacher Jim Cloar brought a group of his 9th graders to the event. Paris Housing Corp. 8/28/07 Due to changes in the income level requirements for THDA the planned replacement of homes on Jones Bend Rd. will probably not happen. Income levels have dropped down to $15,250 annually. The original plan was to move the 3 families in the flood prone area to Peden Hill area. "We are not abandoning the plan but it's probably not feasible' explained Paris City Manager Carl Holder. The Housing Corp has had 9 houses remodeled and brought up to codes on S. Market St. at a cost of $225,000. "They got the lions share," stated housing consultant Bob Thornton. Other homes on Lydia St., Depot St. and Irvine St. have also received funding for renovations through the Paris Housing Corporation. Out of the 10 applications for CDBG only 6 qualified but a home on Irvine St. was sold for $40,000 with a monthly payment of $311. The corporation will pay the 2007 property tax and the 1st years homeowners insurance. Historical Society 8/27/07 The
Henry County Historical Society will hold its regular meeting beginning at David
Webb, society president, will give a presentation on
Webb will report on requested historical markers for
Interview 8/27/07 The Paris City Commission interviewed the first in a series of candidates to replace City Manager Carl Holder Friday.
Top of the List 8/27/07 by Shannon McFarlin
No Burn Ban 8/25/07 Henry County Emergency Management has issued a “NO BURNING BAN” for all of Henry County effective immediately at the request of Henry County Fire Chiefs. This ban includes ANY type outdoor burning. All persons are encouraged to use extreme caution using open flames outdoors. Smokers are encouraged not to discard cigarette butts out car windows or into grassy areas. This ban includes burning trash, brush, and campfires. This ban will remain in effect until further notice or substantial rainfall.
The
continued dry conditions and dangerous temperatures have created favorable
conditions for wild fires.
Paris Beer Board 8/24/07 The Paris Alc0holic Beverage Control Board met this week and approved a request for an on premise beer permit for Sportsters at 105 North Brewer St. Planning to be open for the weekend, the establishment will have limited food until the kitchen area is completed. The bar will have a game room area and the owners stated that they will be applying for a liquor license in the future. Since smoking will be allowed no one under 21 will be permitted at the establishment. Also approved for on premise beer sales was 'Richard Noggins' at 222 West Wood St. where 'Another Round' was previously located. The owner will serve limited food at first and have pool tables and dart boards plus live music on the weekends. In a court ruling 'Bottoms Up' was charged with 3 violations of serving minors. Rather than close the bar, owners opted for a $1,950 fine.
Tanner 8/24/07 Congressman John Tanner and State Commissioner of Agriculture Ken Givens will appear at the UT Extension Center in Paris at 10:30 Monday morning, August 27 to present checks to the Henry-Weakley County Alternative Fuels project. Henry and Weakley County have joined together to consider the possible creation of a Soybean Crushing Mill/Bio Diesel Production facility. Tanner, on behalf of the USDA Rural Development Administration and Givens on behalf of the state will present grant checks to fund a feasibility study evaluating the potential of such a facility. Adult Oriented Establishment Review Board8/24/07 The owner of 'The Office' on Hwy 69, Mr. Inman, and his lawyers were present for the Adult Oriented Establishment Review Board Thursday afternoon as were 8 performers from The Foxy Lady and The Office. 7 citations were issued to The Office since Aug. 17 for violations of alcohol on the premises, staying open past midnight and dancers not performing 6ft from customers. Lawyer Jeff Washburn state, "Some of these we dispute, some are true." Committee member Randy Veazey motioned for an injunction to be placed on the business which was passed unanimously. "We have messed around and messed around with this," stated Veazey, referring to the continued postponement of enforcing the 1998 Act approved by the county commission in 2004. One reason for the postponement was the worry of law suits as to the constitutionality of the Act. Owner of the Foxy Lady had threaten a lawsuit if it was enforced. "We intend to take another tact and comply," stated Inman. Enforcement requires that performers pay a $100 fee to register and requires a background check while the business is required to pay a registration fee before it can operate. According to Commissioner Mary Warren, to date, the committee has received no registration requests from dancers or clubs. The committee passed a motion that will require the County Court Clerk to send a copy of the application and back ground check to the committee when completed which also passed unanimously. E-911 8/24/07 A request for 911 equipment for the Sheriff's office was put off until more accurate figures on he cost could be obtained. Also to be considered in the request were future requests from other entities. "This would set a president for other agencies requests in the future," stated Chairman John Etheridge. The estimated cost was $6,000 or less. 911 is receiving new GPS mapping equipment and decided to declare the current equipment surplus and sell it to the city of Paris for $750. The board discussed donating the equipment to Emergency Services but Director of Emergency Management, Ron Watkins told the board, "If you can sell it and make some money that is good." The 911 Center has installed equipment for electrical reconfiguration. They have also installed new monitors with weather tracking. In response to a study done by Paris Police Chief Tommy Cooper and Road Supervisor Ray Norwood the board decided to conduct a community education and awareness campaign on displaying 911 numbers so they are visible to emergency response people. EMS Director Mike Shankle was reelected as Vice Chairman of the E-911 Board and the board passed a resolution honoring long time member Dan Looney for his service to the board and the community. Fire 8/23/07
An extensive fire raged through the northern portion of Henry County Wednesday at around 11am and was finally contained around 4pm . In a mutual aid response, all the fire departments of Henry County and Paris responded along with units from Calloway Co. and Stewart Co. The Henry County Sheriff's Office responded, sending officers and 20 prisoners to help. Emergency Management responded as did the Rescue Squad and EMS. No lives were lost and damage to a hay barn which burnt down was the only structural damage reported. The fire extended from Stateline Rd., Clayton Town Rd. and Shady Grove Rd. covering an estimated 600 acres, according to Lt. Stan Pinson of the Sheriff's Office, who was stationed in a plane observing hot spots from the air. Fire fighters suffered from the extreme heat conditions and several ambulances tool fire fighters as well as 2 prisoners to the ER for treatment due to the heat. "We are attempting to keep the volunteers hydrated," stated EMS Director Mike Shankle, who was also on the scene to help out. According to Sheriff Belew, who was also on the scene, "The cause of the fire is under investigation." but an arcing transformer on a utility pole is being considered as the possible cause of the fire.
Free 'T' 8/23/07 Commercial Bank & Trust Company has Free HCHS Patriot Tee shirts to give to the first 25 people who go to the East Wood Branch of Commercial Bank and tell the teller the name of the first team we will play this season. Limit one tee shirt per family.
Gas Co. 8/23/07 The Paris Henry County Public Utility District Board of Directors were informed at Tuesday's meeting that the Old Union R. project had been completed with the 2 in. line installed at a cost of $39,710 to Enviroworks. "We have held back $2,090 for clean up stated General Manager Don Green. "I complement them for their excellent work." Green added that he had developed a locator wire and put one in the pipline for ease of locating the lines in the future. In regard to the 2nd major projet that the utility is involved in, the 4 in line to Had-A- Call Market ,the gas co. is still awaiting permits from TVA since the project will run through TVA bottom land. The gas utility will be starting a new servicce, Inside Piping Division to install piping for residential customers who want gas water heaters, stoves and other gas appliances. "I think there is a need eor this service and we could then promote the sale of gas in the county'" explained Green. The board also elected to adopt an ethics policy, one approved by the TN Utility Management Review Bord. "This ethics policy is more utility oriented," Green told the board members. The resolution takes effect immediately. The board accepted the bid from Peppers of $13,125 for a 2008 small pickup truck to be used for meter reading and a bid from Mahan Ford of $15,665 for a mid size truck with positive traction. PSSD 8/22/07 The Paris Special School District open their August meeting by introducing new teachers and staff. Over 17 new members of PSSD were introduced to the Board Tuesday evening. New teachers and staff include a new PE teacher, new Choral Director, teaching assistants, kindergarten teachers, class room teacher, reading specialists and a new Director of Transportation. Instruction Advisor Dr. Gerrell gave a review of the system's yearly progress report scores Tuesday. "Every school and the school district are in good standing," stated Director of Schools Mike Brown. Increases in reading and math were noted as were improved scores among minority students, economically disadvantaged and mentally handicapped students. "The teachers have done an excellent job," stated Gerrell. "They expect excellence from their students and that's what you see reflected in these test scores." Board members received an update on Kindergarten and Pre-K construction and renovations from Hinson Construction. Bids will be going out with opening of the bids scheduled for Sept. 4th, approval of the selected bids on the 5th and work to begin immediately on the 6th. A May completion date is set for the new kindergarten and kitchen facilities at Rhea Elementary which will be followed by work at Inman after school is out for the year. Board members declared a 1997 15 passenger van as surplus. Money from the sale of the van will go toward the purchase of a new 7 passenger van. The school system will be adding $77,000 to the school systems budget. The money comes from a Coordinated School Health grant. The funds will be used to cover additional PE programs and teachers along with additional activities designed to promote good health. Due to difficulties getting insurance for lap tops PSSD will be offering a program where for $30 per year the student can receive insurance coverage for the lap top. Additional lap tops for this year are scheduled to arrive this week. To keep up with changing laws the board approved the update to several school board policies most involved security issues of students such as getting off at a bus stop other than the students own without prior permission, interrogation, searches and suspension, expulsion, reprimands. County Commission 8/21/07
The Henry Commission approved a resolution Monday evening that will allow the Henry County Sheriff's Office to collect a yearly fee of $100 from registered sex offenders to cover administration fees. There are currently 35 registered offenders in the county and according to Sheriff Belew the fee has been approved by the state but never enforced here in Henry County due to the lack of a resolution being approved. The commission also approved a $10 booking fee for anyone arrested or summonsed to cover the cost of progressing. Another resolution passed Monday concerning the Sheriff's Department was a uniform allowance of up to $1200 the first year of employment as a deputy to be allotted in 6 month intervals with correctional officers to receive up to $700 for the first year, also in 6 month intervals. The county commission approved a change in the current bidding process that will change the need for sealed bids for purchases of $5,000, now allowing up to $10,000 without a sealed bid. The change will affect both general government purchases and solid waste purchases. The approval of a resolution to adopt new flood plain maps was given Monday. The new maps replace 10 year old maps. The new maps are from FEMA and are required for providing flood insurance. Commissioners approved the adoption of an amended resolution which sets the property value of "Right of Way" property and road values using a 'rod' or 16 and 1/2 feet with a rod being valued at $1.00. According to County Mayor Brent Greer the values will be used for depreciation. Commissioners approved a 50% matching grant from the Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division, for general airport maintenance projects. They also approved a quit claim deed for an abandon county road in the Cabana Estates off of Cypress Rd. to a resident living adjacent to the roadway. "In the '50s many roads were platted in but never built in subdivisions that were never developed in the lake area," explained Greer. The resolution had been approved by the Road Commission earlier this month. The commission also approved several budget transfers that had been approved by the budget committee earlier in the month. Also approved were the nominations made by the nominating committee earlier in the evening in which Terry Wimberley, head if the Water Department for BPU will fill the vacancy on the county Planning Commission after the death of member Bill Barnes. The commission approved the sale of land on Catfish Rd for non-payment of back taxes in the amount of $1,000. Assessed at $980 the property was sold for $985. Office On Aging 8/21/07 The Henry County Office on Aging held their quarterly meeting Monday afternoon and finalized plans for their fund raising Spaghetti Super. The meal - spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, drink and homemade desert will be served in the cafeteria of the Central Community Service Center on Jones Bend Rd. on Saturday Sept. 29 from 4:30pm to 7pm. The meal will be a modest $7 for all you can eat with children 12 and under $3. The Senior Citizen's Center continues to offer the elderly a cool place to relax and visit during the continued heat wave. Director Brenda Morris also reminded seniors that a few seats for the bus trip to Dickson's Renaissance Center to view the live performance of "Steel Magnolias" remain. The trip is $20 per person and includes dinner. Grand Slam Series 8/20/07 American Bass
Anglers will hold its inaugural “Hi-Seas Grand Slam Series Championship”, on
Kentucky Lake, in Paris, Tennessee,
August 22-24, 2007, out of Paris Landing State Park. It’s
obvious that Kentucky Lake has some of the best fishing in the Southeast!
Dedicated fisherman make pilgrimages from afar to sample the wealth of the lake,
and countless occasional anglers have been hooked by their taste of the
reservoir's bounty. This year the ABA is taking its Profession Anglers to this
renowned lake to reel in the big one! The
Grand Slam Series has offered six events for 2007, including the Championship.
The five Series Tournaments have been held throughout the Southeast, where each
angler and co-angler was in competition for point standings to become the angler
or co-angler of the year. All five Grand Slam Series Tournaments have been
completed, and now the anglers are anxiously awaiting the Championship. Kentucky Lake is one of the largest man
made lakes in the world, at 184 miles long and over 160 thousand acres of water
KY Lake offers an immense range of angling opportunities. Its shoreline covers
over 23 hundred miles, or to put it into perspective, it would stretch from
California to Massachusetts. The coves and tributaries that feed this lake are
endless. The main lake itself has numerous points, cuts and pockets that often
hold fish year round, the lake is known for its Smallmouth population and
regularly fish over 5 pounds will make their way to the scales at the many
tournaments held throughout the year. The Largemouth fishing on Kentucky Lake is
outstanding; tournaments held here repeatedly produce 20 pound plus bags of
fish. The
public is invited to attend the weigh-ins each afternoon at 3:00pm and meet
these aspiring pros. Included in the series lineup will be Rick Tilson, running
the Royal Purple boat for Royal Purple Synthetic Oil, Chris Sanders, running the
Anglers Advantage Insurance Boat, Pat Anderson running the Berkley boat, Ron
Wheaton running the Abu Garcia, Bill Martin, running the Black Widow – Hi-Seas
Line boat, Chris Jackson, running the Re-Action / Modevation boat, and the only
female competitor, Rose Ellis – a WBT (Women’s Bass Tour) competitor, also
running a Black Widow – Hi Seas Line boat. The
concept of the ABA Professional Tour – the Grand Slam Series, is to turn back
the clock to a time where the stars of today were born. ABA knows there is a lot
of potential fishing talent out there that simply cannot afford the staggering
high entry fees of today. Sponsors: About
American Bass Anglers
Antique Tractors 8/20/07
Overalls and straw hats were the appropriate apparel for the Vintage Tractor show at McNeil Park Saturday. The annual tractor show, sponsored by Paris Parks and Recreation had a large display of old tractors along with steam engines plus arts, crafts, a flea market and of course food to purchase. The event is held on the 3rd Saturday of August every summer and has become a tradition in Paris.
Historic Zoning Board 8/18/07 The Paris Historic Zoning Board had 3 items on their agenda at Friday's noon meeting. A request to put in a new driveway at 308 North Caldwell was approved but their request to add a shed was not. "This is a high profile house," stated Board Member Randy Scholes. The board studied a sketch of the proposed shed which pictured a flat roof that the board did not feel fit the period of the historical neighborhood. The board will be asking for a more detailed drawing. The board did approve the request of the residents at 403 Lee St. to put a new shingled roof on the home. The 3rd item on the agenda was a request to add vinyl siding to the residence at 408 Hudson. The home currently has several different styles of vinyl siding on it and the request was to reside it with all matching siding. The request also included a different color, which Board Member Scholes did not like, saying that it should be white or a light color. Board member John Green told the other board members, "The way I look at it they are trying to improve the house and the neighborhood." The siding was approved if the color is changed per Scholes demand for a lighter color.
School Board 8/17/07 After 8 days of school all the principal reported at Thursday's board meeting of the Henry County School System that things were running smooth and all the staff and faculty were excited about the possibilities for the new year. In particular teachers and staff are excited about the training they received over the summer for Oweus Anti-Bulling . A special Kick off is planned on September 17 at 10am in Patriot Stadium which will include T-shirts, guest speakers and the band. "This is a great awareness campaign," explained Director of Schools Rick Kriesky. Enrolment numbers so far show Henry at 412, Lakewood Elementary at 535, Lakewood Middle at 281, Grove with 383, Harrelson with 540 students and Henry County High School at 1090 for a system wide total of 3241 students, just a few less than last years totals. Adequate Yearly Progress Report scores showed Henry County School System in Good Standing. "Gains have been made across the board," stated the Director of Schools. As a part of the No Child Left Behind initiative data has been kept since 2003 which shows an 84% to a 90% gain with gains in subgroups such as African Americans, economically disadvantaged, Hispanics and students with disabilities showing even greater improvements with a rise in the over all graduation rate from 2003 at 74% to 87.9% in 2007. A computer Application Class will replace the Key Boarding Class at Grove due to coverage of that information in both the Henry County School system elementary schools and the Paris Special School District. The class, titled as Computer Application can be offered as a vocational class which will make it eligible for vo-tec funds that can be used to purchase approx. 80 new computers and another par time instructor. The board members reported no complaints over the systems current drug testing policy and voted to transfer funds in the amount of $3,000 to fully fund the testing since an Attorney General's ruling said state funds cannot be used for the testing. Introduced to the board Thursday evening were some new members of Henry County School System. Mr. Tim Mason will be the new Dean of Students at HCHS who will be concentrating on the 15% of at risk students at the high school, which is part of an attempt by the Governor and the Legislature to help those students. The board also met the new Reading and Literacy Specialist Kathy Page who will join Debbie D'Angelo. The board approved a request for 3 students from the Henry County Youth Shooting program to attend he 2007 USA National Junior Olympic Shotgun Championships in the Trap division in September. In an update on current projects the board was informed that the road at Lakewood had been completed Monday, the concession stand windows had been installed, most of the siding was on and the plumbing and electrical work was done. The roof should be on the dug outs in 6 to 7 weeks. A roof on the deck at Grove would be too expensive and be a fire hazard. Work on Weston Hall continues. The school board will invite the County commission to view Weston Hall in hopes of help funding the renovations.
Final Ride 8/16/07 Pardon me boys, is that the Chattanooga Choo -choo? It may not be the famous train on the track but this passenger car along with a caboose were being loaded onto flat bed railroad cars in Puryear Tuesday evening. The train will take them to South Carolina where the cars will be refitted to their original splendor and be part of a restaurant.
Henry 8/16/07 The City of Henry's Mayor and Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening with representatives from M-TAS to discuss budget issues as well as water and sewer problems. Budget issued include the fact that the audit of the 2006 fiscal year had not yet been completed although state law requires it to be completed before the beginning of the next fiscal year. State law also requires that cities not run their water departments in the red. The City of Henry's water department has been running in the red for the past 3 years but because of administrative changes in the Wastewater Finance Board according to M-TAS, they have not come to Henry and reset rates. Henry did increase their water rates by 140%. The city also needs to get their sewer system working properly. A bid from Miller Construction was accepted by the Aldermen at Tuesdays meeting. The company, out of Huntingdon presented a their bid of just over $1.3 million which included finishing the project and removing the parts of the prior contractor that do not work. The city will have to borrow an additional $$820,000 from the USDA to finish the project. Puryear 8/15/07
Puryear Mayor and Board of Aldermen had a full house as they held a public hearing on the proposed ordinance pertaining to keeping Pitt Bulls and other vicious dogs in the corporate city limits of Puryear. In the proposed ordinance the dogs would have to be kept in pens meeting the city's specifications. Also present at the hearing were insurance agents Bill Jelks and TN Farm Bureau reps Glenn Lee and Travis Vance. All the agents stated that they have a list of dogs that are considered vicious and would make the owners exempt from purchasing liability insurance incase of attacks by the dog. Puryear residents from McDonald St, Jackson St. and Smith St. spoke their concerns about the ordinance. One resident stated, "These are like my children, they wouldn't hurt anyone." While another resident states that she had the dogs for protection. While some at the hearing wanted to protect their dogs others were complaining about the dogs that run free and are a danger to residents. "we are trying to prevent an attack that could kill a child," explained Mayor Kenny Paschall. "If the ordinance passes on second reading all dogs would have to be kept in pens," explained Alderman Brian Sykes. During the regular meeting the Ordinance passed unanimously on 1st reading. The Pitt Bull and Vicious Dog Ordinance will come up for a 2nd reading at next months meeting with a public hearing held at 6pm once again. According to Mayor Paschall similar ordinances in other cities have stood up to court challenges. In other business the board passed an no burn order for the city of Puryear until further notice due to dry conditions and they approved updates to local codes to comply with any changes in legislation for cities. It was also reported that the number of leaks in the city water lines were up as they always are this time of year but the Puryear water system and tank have no shortage of water. Fire 8/14/07 A fire was reported on Macintosh Rd. The fire started from sparks that blew out of a barrel where trash was being burnt. By the time the Paris Fire Department arrived the building was a total loss. Road Board 8/14/07 The Henry County Highway Commission heard from citizens on Robert Rd. who were requesting improvements in the rough roadway, stating that traffic has increased on the road and a hill makes it unsafe, particularly for the school bus. This option was seconded by the current bus driver who was also present at the meeting Monday night. In regular business the low bid for a new bridge on Lampkins Rd. for $239,100 by Ford Construction out of Dyersburg was approved. At first it was estimated the bridge would cost 1/2 million dollars if federally funded. Deferred until next month was a decision on a request to Quick Claim a portion of Cold Corner Rd. The board will make a decision on the request after they have received more information about land owners, easements and right a ways. Ray Norwood, Road Supervisors, told board members that preparations for tar and chipping had begun. He also stated that due to complaints of dust he was having gravel roads spayed down with water but that the road department was in need of a water tanker. 2 bush hogs are not working. "So even with no rain we are still behind on mowing," stated Norwood. Reynoldsburg Rd and Hobby Rd will be closed for half a day Wednesday to remove an old wood bridge.
Budget Committee 8/14/07 The Henry County Budget Committee had a light agenda for Monday's meeting. The committee approved the addition of an Emergency Management Grant for $31,320 for Homeland Security. Also added was $500 for up keep on the van that the Veteran's Service will be using to transport vets to doctor's appointment, appointments that Veteran's Service Officer Bob Nolan is trying to coordinate for ease and efficiency in making trips to the Veterans Hospital. The first trip is scheduled for August 27th. Also approved were transfers of money in the General Purpose School Fund. Director of Schools Rick Kriesky also brought up the need for air conditioning in school buses. One of the 3 new buses that the school has purchased this year has air conditioning and Kriesky stated that air runs around $7500 per bus. Commissioner Dan Paschall stated that the commission should approve air-conditioning for all the buses, that no one would ride in an non-air conditioned car, He also asked about school not starting until Sept, after the hottest part of the summer was over. Kriesky stated that to have the required number of school days, the year would run into late June or early July.
DPA 8/13/07 Members of t he Downtown Paris Association will welcome current members and potential members during a Celebration Breakfast in the home of Randy and Gerry Schools at 607 North Poplar St. , former home of E.W. Grove, on Wednesday August 15 at 8am. "The mission of the DPA is to recruit and promote downtown business and to preserve historic downtown Paris," stated DPA President Susan Jones. The DPA footprint stretches from the North Poplar historic district to the end of South Poplar and from NuLook Cleaners to Lee Academy for the Arts. The DPA promotes downtown Paris through press releases, brochures, speaking engagements and various other media. Additionally the association sponsors and co-sponsors many events to bring shoppers and visitors to downtown Paris. The approx. 15 DPA membership consists of merchants, banks, utilities, government entities, churches, non profit organizations, media, and other professionals who share a common interest: to promote and preserve historic downtown Paris. For more information call 731-693-2696. Paris Planning 8/11/07 The Paris Municipal Regional Planning Commission had a short agenda on Thursday but the discussion of identifying dwellings lengthened the meeting considerably. In question was the term residential living verses Boarding House which Director of Community Development, Linda Holder stated best described the building discussed last month that would offer meals to boarders but no kitchen facilities. The classification will affect how the establishment is zoned although the building, to be located on the 218 By Pass had their request for rezoning approved last month. In new business the board approved the preliminary plat for 10 lot subdivision, Paris Place, off of Patriot Ave. The name of the road has not yet been approved by E-911. Not approved was a final plat Hamilton Estates. The 10 lot subdivision off of Patriot Ave. did not have drainage, sewer or utilities drawn on the plat presented to the Planning Commission nor had a letter of credit been presented.
Staying Cool 8/10/07
Henry County Emergency Management advises that Henry County is under a
“Heat Advisory” until 7 PM on Thursday and wishes to remind Henry Countians
that the high temperatures forecasted for the next few days are dangerous and to
take precautions when outside. These
high temperatures are especially dangerous to elderly persons who may have to be
outside or may not have air conditioning. Temperatures
forecasted are 101 degrees. City Commission 8/10/07In the search for a new City Manager, the Paris City Commissioners met in a special called meeting Thursday evening to present a list of each commissioners top choices of applications received thus far. When the lists were compared 6 candidates showed up in all the lists. Two were from the Mid West, 2 from West Virginia and 2 from Tennessee. According to present City Manager Carl Holder all of the 6 had experience in Municipal government, some as city managers. The 6 will be contacted by Holder to determine there level of interest and their willingness to agree to the salary offered. References and backgrounds will be checked as well as reasons for leaving their past positions in other cities. "This is the first group we want to look at," stated City Mayor David Travis. "This doesn't mean we will not take any other qualified applicants that may still come along." Although Holder was to start his new job with Community Development he stated that he will still be in the community to offer help during the transitional period. In other business not on the agenda Holder stated that as instructed by the commission, he has talked to engineers about the Lone Oak bridge project and that the engineering fees have been reduced. Under federal guidelines the bridge was projected to cost $485,000. Commissioner Griffith once again proposed building a walking bridge to serve the 5 or 6 families on the street. Griffith will be making a door to door survey to see if the residents really want to spend a 1/4 of a million dollars to rebuild the bridge. Family Fun at the Fair 8/10/07
Fun at the fair was the name of the game Wednesday evening with traditional activities and some so not traditional. The Kiddy Tractor Pull was for kids 0 to 9 years old and the participants gave it their all as they tried to pull the peddle tractor with the weighted wagon as far as they could. Then there was the traditional Cow paddy toss and the not so traditional redneck horseshoes, using toilet seats to make ringers instead of horse shoes. If you didn't mind playing in a pile of sawdust the little ones could dig for money in a pile of sawdust where $500 in coins had been buried. Extra care was taken in the Car Cramming event due to the heat. The team from Huff beats of Hope craned 17 into the vehicle and The Sulfur Wells Church of Christ Youth group crammed 18 into the car. And the Husband calling contest drew some howls. Fair Hosts Coffee 8/9/07
The Henry County Fair Association hosted the Chamber of Commerce Coffee Wednesday morning in the Enoch Community Building at the fairgrounds. The event packed the building which was full of people and displays of fair entries. Among those on hand were Janet Bomar. Mary Kate Ridgeway and this years Fair Board President Jamey Tosh who stated that despite the heat the attendance was good and entries had not been hurt by the odd weather experienced by Henry Countians this spring. Cook Out 8/8/07The Henry County High School Quarterback Club invites everyone out for the kickoff cookout this Thursday night beginning at 5:30pm in the Paris Convention Center behind the Hampton Inn. Meet the Patriot football players and coaching staff while enjoying a hamburger, chips and a drink. Donations excepted. You will also be able to purchase tickets for the preseason game with Father Ryan High school for just $2.
Cash Drawing 8/8/07Winner of the cash drawing for $500 Monday night was Beth Ingram. Beth stated that she had collected tickets for 10 days at 50 different places to have a winning ticket Monday night. Beauty Review 8/7/07
|
