THP and Henry County Holiday Safety 12/31/05

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will work to get impaired drivers off the roads during the New Year holiday weekend. Sobriety and driver licenses checkpoints will be conducted in counties across the state on New Year’s Eve and the early morning hours of New Year’s Day, to prevent serious crashes among motorist.

“Drinking and driving don’t mix on New Year’s Eve or at any other time,” said Interim Director of Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “If your celebration includes alcohol, designate a sober driver. You can also protect yourself by wearing safety restraints and obeying speed and other traffic laws.”

The New Year’s holiday is traditionally a high-risk period for alcohol related crashes and fatalities. Over the New Year’s holiday period in 2004, 5 (42%) of the 12 people who were killed died in alcohol related crashes. Other factors were also cited as playing a role in the holiday death count. 8 fatality victims were not wearing safety restraints, while 3 were ejected from vehicles. This year’s New Year’s Holiday begins at 6pm Friday December 30 and continues through midnight on Monday, January 2^nd, 2006.

Statistics show that alcohol related fatalities in the U.S. dropped by 3% in 2003. Despite the decline it is estimated that about 50 people die each day as the result of alcohol related crashes in America. Approx. 380 people died in alcohol-related crashes in Tennessee in 2004. Preliminary numbers show that an estimated 168 people have been killed in alcohol related crashes in Tennessee this year.

According to State Trooper Rookie Edwards all available troopers will be out in force in Henry County on New Years Eve with sobriety check points through out the county.

Henry County Sheriff’s David Bumpus said that the Sheriff’s office would be using members of the Sheriff’s reserve to patrol the county, in particular, high traffic areas.

“We don’t have a formal program here in Henry County but we are encouraging people who find themselves in a situation where they do not have a safe sober ride to call the Sheriff’s Office before they get into a vehicle, before they find themselves in the back seat of the patrol car and on there way to jail for DUI.”

TennCare and Safety Net Extensions 12/30/05

Governor Phil Bredesen has announced key extensions of TennCare and Safety Net programs into 2006. TennCare will continue to offer private duty nursing to eligible enrollees and will postpone the implementation of non-pharmacy limits. In addition, the Governor announced that Safety Net programs would continue for Tennesseans disenrolled from TennCare until June 30, 2006.

“Good management has led us to a place where we can extend medical assistance programs for the benefit of our neighbors in need,” Bredesen said. “We have worked very hard to get TennCare under control and now the efforts are bearing fruit. I intend to fight hared both to improve TennCare in the coming year and to extend access to care under different programs to hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans who do not qualify for TennCare and who have no insurance coverage.”

Governor and Ethics 12/28/05

Governor Phil Bredesen issued a proclamation officially calling the General Assembly into special session January 10^th to consider and act upon legislation relating ethics in government.

“The events of this past year, while difficult for all, have brought us to a moment of unprecedented opportunity for change,” Bredesen said. “We all must work together to seize the moment to approve strong ethics legislation designed to change the culture in government and once again restore Tennesseans’ confidence in their elected representatives.”

The special session begins at 11am January 10, the day the General Assembly traditionally resumes its regular session for the year and is expected to cost $100,000.

Bredesen called the special session to focus the attention, will and efforts of the Legislative and Executive branches of government on the passage of strong ethics legist ion before consideration of other matters during the regular session. The governor’s call addresses a variety of special issues, including ethical standards of conduct by government officials; constitution limits and disclosure in political campaigns; the open operation of government; the formation of an independent ethics commission, and civil and criminal penalties for violation of ethics standards.

The announcement of a special session comes several months after the Governor’s Citizen Advisory Group on Ethics in Government completed an in-depth review of the issue of ethics in Tennessee and presented Bredesen with its final recommendations. The General Assembly Special Joint Committee has also adopted “Comprehensive Governmental Ethics Reform Act of 2006’ which will be considered by the entire General Assembly.

“The people of Tennessee sent all of us here to represent them to the best of our abilities. It’s our fundamental responsibility to live up to their expectations and this special session is an important step in that direction,” stated Bredesen. “I look forward to working with the members of the General Assembly to establish governmental standards in which all Tennesseeans can be proud.”

Merry Christmas

From Jan, Jim Anderson and Larissa Boyd.

HCMC 12/23/05

Henry County Medical Center Administrator Thomas Gee told board members at Thursday evenings meeting that the state is now realizing the savings they needed to make from the reduction in the Tenncare rolls. “However, we continue to see an alarming reduction in Tenncare and an increase in our bad debts and charity cases. I currently have a $10,000 charity request on my desk to consider from one of our physicians. On the positive side there is also a slight increase in our Medicare and commercial payers.” Gee added that he discussed these issues with Senator Roy Herron, who is willing to help rural hospitals get safety net funding, and more important, essential access funds. Gee also informed the board that Medicare part#2 could reduce payments to the Healthcare Center.

Information Technology is still a consideration at the medical center. Administration is considering 4 vendors. Gee told board members that detailed demonstrations will occur in January and February. Estimates on the cost of a fully integrated system for HCMC range from around $2 million to $8 million. The cost would be spread over a 2-year period.

2 Tower infill will provide 8,000 sq. ft. Bids were presented in 13 different packages. Local contractors who received some of the jobs included Ellis Heating and E&W Electronics. When the infill is completed it will replace beds in 2 West where there are 2 patients to a room. “Dissatisfaction with semi private rooms are the number one complaints,” stated Gee. The infill when completed would raise the number of beds to 142 at the Medical Center.

Remodeling in the Henry County Healthcare Center continues but Sandra Ray, director of the facility has larger plans for the facility. Top priorities for her are to provide private rooms, change the exterior to present a better 1^st impression, a computer system for the center and provide more therapy facilities and staff. Chairman of the board Phil Wichlan stated, “First impressions are important but it’s the quality of care that counts.”

Holiday Hours 12/23/05

W.G. Rhea Public Library will be closed December 23,24, 25 and 26 for Christmas and December 30,31 and January 1 and 2 for New Years.

Traffic Signal Changes 12/22/05

Paris City Manager Carl Holder has announced that starting Thursday December 22^nd the traffic signal at the intersection of Lone Oak Rd and Wilson St. will be changed back to a fully operational traffic signal. It will no longer change to a 2-way caution signal in the evening.

Christmas at the Library 12/22/05

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, W.G. Rhea Public Library was full of children, community members and good food at their Christmas Open House on Wednesday afternoon.

Library Board Vice Chair and President of Friends of the Library, Dennis Melhouse joined Library Director Connie McSwain in sampling some of the holiday goodies that staff and the Friends provided for the celebration while at the double glass doors to the entrance of the library Millard Nichols put the finishing touches on the winter scenes that decorate both entrances. Husband of library employee Gay Nichols, Millard is known as the town painter. According to his wife he is a sign painter 10 months of the year until the holidays when he can be found painting the windows of storefronts in festive colors while humming Christmas songs. He is also the artist responsible for the train on the side of the Bottoms Up Bar on Wood St.

The W.G. Library will be receiving a Christmas present, courtesy of the Bill Gates Foundation. Ms Connie was informed Wednesday that Gates has donated money to the state of Tennessee for new computers in rural libraries. 6 new computers, valued at approx. $2,000 each will be arriving June through next December. “All the computers we have now as well as in most rural libraries in the state came from Gates,” explained McSwain.

The public library is crammed full of books and according to McSwain the shelves are packed tight. “We have weeded out many volumes but we can’t weed out anymore because they are necessary for the library,” stated McSwain. The library checks out an average of 300 books a day and their video and audio collection has a waiting list. “They are very popular but we do not have the space to house more.” McSwain also provides a wide a variety of programs for young readers and older members of the community along with a meting room for local organizations. Currently pre-school programs are available, senior citizens computer classes are offered and a game of bingo can be played once a week at the library. Although parking is a problem check out the library if you are looking for something or somewhere new to spend time.

Decorating Contest Winners 12/22/05

John Ethridge of BPU announced the winners of the “Celebrate the Holidays” decorating contest Tuesday morning at the Paris Henry County Chamber of Commerce Coffee held at Commercial Bank. The Chamber, Paris Board of Public Utilities and WMUF/WLZK/The Peddler Advantage served as co-sponsors for the seasonal exterior decorating contest for local homes and businesses.

There were 5 categories with 40 nominations this year. Winners were: Most Festive, The Tommy Judd family of Forest Heights. Most Traditional went to the Barrett family of Hwy 69N. The Commercial winner was Computer Helps on the square in downtown Paris. People’s Choice winner was the Owens family on Lankford St. and BPU Choice winner was the Rainey family of Hwy 641N. Each category winner was awarded a $100 prize and a yard sign provided by BPU.

Mohon Closes 12/21/05

In a conference call to County Mayor Brent Greer, John Givens of Mohon stated that the board of directors had decided to close the doors to the plant. 100 people were laid off effective Tuesday.

“A schedule to lay off the close to 200 remaining employees has been designed so that the outstanding orders can be filled,” stated Greer. According Greer’s information the final lay off will be Feb. 17^th. “I am very hopeful that we can find a local investor and we will work with local investors to reestablish the Campbell-Rhea Lab Equipment branch of the business.” Greer added that an incentive package and loan package would be offered to interested investors in an attempt to keep the business in the area.

With regard to the businesss that announced their wish to move to the area Greer stated that the business would create 50 new jobs with a possible 150 to 200 in 3 years. “we could hear something about their plans in 3 weeks.”

BPU 12/21/05

The Paris Board of Public Utilities approved the fiscal year 2005 audit presented at Tuesday afternoon’s meeting. The accounting firm of Alexander Thomson Arnold spokesman Winston Tulbitt stated that there was only one area that needed addressing and that was the loss of money in the wastewater department, which the boar had settled by raising rates. An increase in next years fee by 8% was approved by the board. The increase was due to increased labor costs for additional accounting controls.

The cost for variable interrupted power customers such as PML and Replogle are 2 ½ cents to 10 cents per kilowatt-hour and were discussed by the board members. According to General Manager Charles Perry he has met with TVA’s CEO about the problem of such varying prices and is waiting for another meeting to resolve the problem.

Also approved by the board were vehicles for a surplus equipment auction. Vehicles include 4 pick-up trucks and a dump truck. The sale will be held in January.

Perry reported that due to a mild November the month’s power sales were the lowest of the year but they were coming back up due to the cold December we have had. With 13 customers per mile, line loss power is low and very good. He added that the upgrades to transformers would further reduce losses. The number of loans for new heating units was up with 8 new gas units and 14 new heat pumps.

Gas Company 12/21/05

The Paris Henry County Natural Gas Utility District met Tuesday and went over their short agenda.

The Gas Utility, like everyone else is facing increased medical costs. “Health insurance is going to rise by 17%,” stated Manager Glen Jackson.

Jackson told board members that the money spent on completing the gas loop was money well spent. “We have 40 to 35 lbs of pressure throughout the loop. This is unheard of in a system spread out like we have,” he stated.

Due to cold weather gas sales are up. “We put gas back in storage in November and were at 88% of storage capacity but December has been so cold that we are pulling gas out of storage now.” An average of gas used in the 5 winter months is 500 thousand MCF’s. Already this winter half of that amount has been used.

Board members were informed that $26,000 was spent a year to locate gas lines and $3,000 was spent on ‘tickets’ Each time a call is received by Teenn one call the gas companies is charged and issued a ticket. The calls come from customers or others wishing to know the location of gas lines before digging. “This has saved us more in repairs and lost gas than it costs,” explained Jackson. An 811 phone number has been issued nation wide to report digging plans.

County Commission 12/20/05

The County Commissioners held a public hearing on applying for a Community Development Block Grant prior to the regular commission meeting Monday evening. It was disclosed during the hearing that an unnamed industry was interested in moving to Henry and occupying the old Mark I Plastic building. The new industry, which would be located within the city limits of the town of Henry, is eligible for Community Development Block Grant- Industrial Loan Program funds that would be used, in part, to purchase equipment. The location of the industry in Henry County would depend on their receiving the grant money. No figures were given on the number of new jobs this would create. The motion to approve the CDBG application was made by the 3 commissioners from the 2^nd District where the industry would be located.

In other business the commission passed a resolution in support of legislation that would provide autonomy, which would return some control to the local legislative bodies when they are searching for funding measures to enact, such as fees, instead of increasing property taxes. “Many counties experiencing growth have been denied the opportunity to enact fees associated with growth because of their failure to get private acts passed through the legislature,” explained County Mayor Brent Greer. Commissioner Randy Veazey added, “This will bring government closer to the people.”

The commissioners also discussed the tornado victims at Monday night’s meeting. “Our community has responded in an outstanding way,” stated Commissioner Don Hudson. “If there are unmet needs I would like the non-profit committee to look into them,” he said. According to Greer, the technology center is replacing auto glass at cost, free of labor charges and Mr. Twilbeck of the Baptist Association is coordinating applications for help with utilities and housing. So far 75 applications for help have been received. An anonymous donation of $10,000 has been received and Operation Round up has donated money as well as Helping Hands. So far 30 families have received help with utility bills and 5 families have received vehicle glass replacement.

Tanner Backs Meth Clean-up 12 /19/05

Legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives will help local and state officials further clean-up methamphetamine labs in Tennessee, according to Rep. John Tanner, a co-sponsor of the bill.

“Meth is one of the biggest threats facing Tennessee families,” said Congressman Tanner after the House unanimously passed the bill. “As we continue our fight to stop the spread of meth labs in our local communities, we must also ensure our children are protected from the residual deadly chemicals used to make meth.”

The Methamphetamine Research Remediation Act helps local law enforcement officials better seek out and deep clean meth lab sites. Without proper decontamination, the dangerous chemicals used to make meth can cause medical harm for neighbors and future residents of the former lab sites.

“I am proud of the work our local officials have done to curb the spread of meth production and abuse in Tennessee,” Tanner said. Gov. Phil Bredesen and the General Assembly have helped make our state a leader in the fight against meth. These federal resources will help them continue to win the fight.”

The bill was written by Tennessee’s Rep. Bart Gordon, ranking Democrat on the House Science Committee.

“This bill will protect innocent people whose lives are endangered by this illegal activity,” Gordon said. “Along with other measures moving through the house now, this bill provides families and communities a way to protect themselves from the effects of this serious problem.”

Tanner represents Tennessee’s 8^th Congressional district in West and Middle Tennessee. He serves on the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine.

Christmas Break 12/17/05

Ho, Ho, Ho, its that time of the year and the halls of city and county schools will remain quiet until school resumes on Monday, January 2^nd 2006.

Last Blast Downtown 12/17/05

The Court Square in downtown Paris was full of Christmas spirit Friday night as children took advantage of Santa’s last visit before Christmas to whisper their wish list into the old gentleman’s ear. “There are a lot of very good children in the area,” stated Santa, “but we will have room in the sleigh for their toys and everything is running on scheduled.”

To keep the crowd of children and parents warm members of the Paris Fire Department were making s’mores over a huge gas burner, Jack’s Java was providing hot chocolate to good boys and girls, while Computer Helps piped Christmas Carols across Courthouse Square. For the older crowd a trip into Fancy That, located in the old JC Penny’s store provided a trip back in time with big band music played on a record player (remember those?).

A nice touch for the holiday was the story reading inside Jack’s Flowers and Jack’s Java. Such community notables as Paris Police Chief Tommy Cooper, Dan Jackson and DBA President Kay Foust took turns reading old favorites and personal favorites to an enthralled audience of young listeners as well as their parents.

Many of the downtown merchants extended their business hours Friday to give shoppers the opportunity to pick up Christmas gifts. According to Foust, merchants say that Downtown sales are going very well this year.

Aid to Victims 12/16/ 05

The Eastwood Church of Christ will be offering aid to tornado storm victims on Friday and Saturday, December 16^th and 17^th. Food boxes which have adequate food for a family of four for 5 days, new winter coats for men and women in a limited number along with boxes of infant needs and boxes of elderly persons needs will be available. There is absolutely no charge for these items and if you are a tornado victim you are encouraged to participate in these efforts to aid in your recovery. The items will be at Hulme Sporting Goods located on the Camden Highway, just one and a half miles south of Hwy 641 and 218 at the 4 way stop. The hours will be 9am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday. The East Wood Church looks forward to assisting with your needs.

Christmas for Kids 12/16/05

Curves of Paris is once again sponsoring an ‘Angle Tree’ for the children at the Damascus Road Women’s Shelter.

“I know this year has been hard finically for a lots of us but this is for the children who will be spending the holidays in the shelter,” stated Larissa Boyd, daughter of the owner of the local Curves. “Every year we buy presents for the kids and it’s usually the only presents they receive.”

If you would like to donate to the children, gifts may be dropped off at Curves at 318 Tyson Ave.

Christmas Open House 12/15/05

The long-standing tradition continued at the annual Paris Board of Public Utilities Christmas Open House Wednesday where the community and BPU employees gathered to celebrate the festive season. Among those present were community members, Paris City officials and board members including BPU board member Ralph Anderson who chatted with fellow community retiree Bob Collins as they sampled the holiday tidbits served up by BPU employees. And what Christmas celebration would be complete without Santa to hear the Christmas wishes of the younger community members.

The open house was planned by Lori Malone this year and included entertainment from Larry Conger on his dulcimer, the Henry County High School Madrigals under the direction of Kenneth Humphries and the Inman School Choir.

Winner of this year’s $100 credit toward their light bill was Shelia Brown. Damien Coleman was the winner of the $25 gift card to Wal-Mart. A girl’s bicycle was awarded to Hope LeCroy; a boy’s bike to Marcus Alexander and everyone received a free light bulb.

Puryear 12/14/05

Puryear City Attorney Todd Rose presented the Mayor and board of aldermen with a letter of resignation, effective December 31, at Tuesday evenings meeting. “I regretfully make the motion to accept this letter of resignation,” stated Alderman Mackie Gallimore. Rose has been the city attorney for 6 years and has served under 4 mayors. The attorney stated that he would be devoting more time to his litigation practice.

In other business the board approved 2 applications for the volunteer fire department. “They are local boys, good boys and will make good firemen,” stated Alderman Gallimore of the 18year old and 19 year old applicants.

The aldermen approved a request from Mayor Paschall to look for land to build a new building on that will house the new fire engine that the will be receiving in March. “None of the buildings owned by the city are big or tall enough to house the engine in and if any thing becomes available I can look at it,” he stated.

Also announced Tuesday was the city’s plan to pick up bagged leaves for citizens within the city limits of Puryear. The services will be available until further notice.

Business Burns Update 12/13/05

Elliott Tool Company Inc. caught on fire Sunday while the business was closed. The business, located on Hwy 79 suffered considerable damage to the office area but the shop portion of the business was not affected and remains mostly unharmed. The business employs 15 to 20 people in its welding shop and machine shop. It is believed that the fire may have started in the up stairs portion of the building where a heating unit could have been the cause. The fire swept through the records stored there and burned through the plywood floor causing the ceiling to collapse into the business office, which is a total loss. The business remains without electricity and until service is restored it will not be known how much damage was done to machinery. According to business representatives no dollar amount for the damage has been established as of yet.

Eiffel Tower Lighting 12/13/05

City Mayor David Travis threw the switch on the Eiffel Tower Monday evening in Memorial Park that set the holiday mood for the Paris Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s annual decorating contest. “The city will enjoy this show of holiday spirit,” stated Mayor Travis

‘Celebrate the Holidays’ is this year’s theme, which was marked by the first lighting of the Eiffel Tower for Christmas. Partnering in the event were BPU, WMUF/WLZK/Peddler, The Chamber of Commerce and the City of Paris. Present for the official lighting were Paris City Commissioner George Moore, City Manager Carl Holder and Community Development Director Linda Holder. Representing the Paris Board of Public Utilities was Financial Director John Ethridge as well as BPU employees. Gary Benton of WMUF along with some of his employees from the Peddler such as John Wambles also enjoyed the festivities, which included cookies and warm wassail cider. BPU crews provided a bucket truck to string the 840 feet of lights, many of which were loaned to the city by the Heritage Center Director Heather Bailey.

The Chamber will announce the winners of their decorating contest at the monthly Chamber Coffee at Commercial Bank on December 20^th.

Henry County Budget Committee 12/13/05

The Henry County Budget Committee had a short agenda for Monday evenings meeting.

The Henry County School System asked the budget committee to approve their request that education funds in excess of those used for debt service that are generated by the ¾ cent sales tax be used for maintenance of school buildings and other necessary capital improvements.

The committee also heard from the Civil Service Board in regard to wages paid to Sheriff’s deputies. There was a question of salary discrepancies between wages paid to officers with the same hire dates.

According to County Mayor Brent Greer the cost of replacing the new roof at the highway department will be covered by insurance. The cost of the new roof was approved at November’s Monday evening meeting and then destroyed in the tornado that struck the building and shed on Tuesday.

“We had adequate insurance coverage, we haven’t received the insurance payment yet but it will replace the roof and we will use county labor to do the work,” explained Greer. Private homes are a different story Greer stated. “We will be receiving help from the Tennessee Technology Center here in Paris and a glass company in Memphis is going to help with the glass replacement in vehicles.”

Business Burns 12/13/05

Elliott Tool Company caught on fire Sunday. The business, located on Hwy 79 suffered considerable damage to the office area but the shop portion of the business was not affected.

Santa’s Last Blast 12/12/05

Christmas stories, lively carols, excited children, hot chocolate, Santa, Rudolf and the Elves all converge for Santa’s Last Blast in Downtown Paris this Friday December 16 from 6pm until 8pm. The Downtown Business Association sponsors the 3^rd annual event.

Santa, Rudolf and the elves will be escorted to the historical square on 2 fire engines at 6pm. They will visit with children at Santa’s House on the courthouse lawn until 8pm. Project Graduation elves will photograph children with Santa for $5. Free events abound that evening around the square. Children can make and eat free s’mores with the help of firemen from the Paris Fire Department. At Jack’s Java inside Jack Jones Flowers, readers will be telling Christmas Stories and serving free hot chocolate for good little boys and girls.

“This is the last week before Christmas and Santa’s last blast provides one of those rare opportunities to enjoy something out of the ordinary. After all, where else can children make s’mores with real firemen, then hear members of their community read them a Christmas story,” said Kay Foust, President of the DBA. Santa’s last blast is also a wonderful opportunity for children to visit with Santa one last time before he hitches up his reindeer and many of the stores will be open for shoppers to pick up those final Christmas presents.

Tanner and GOP Budget Plan 12/10/05

Congressman John Tanner made the following remarks Thursday during the house debate on an, according to Tanner, irresponsible tax cut plan that will worsen the federal debt. Tanner supported a similar plan that would have provided many of the same tax cuts and would have helped balance the budget.

“I think the American people want us to try to get along and be on the level with them, give them straight talk. What has happened here in the last several years is we have reduced revenues with bills like this and increased spending? You can do that for a little while, and all of us have done it from time to time, I assume, with our credit cards. But you can’t do it forever, and every American knows that. To give you some recent history, in 2002 we had to increase the debt limit, the money that we could borrow, by $450 billion in this county. In 2003 we had to increase it again by $984 billion. In 2004 again by$800 billion, and in the budget resolution, it’s not in this bill they are proposing another $781 billion increase in the limit we can borrow. Now what that means is since 2001 the federal debt has grown from $5.6 trillion to $8.1 trillion.” Tanner added that these facts are available on www.publicdebt.treas.gov. “Don’t take my word for it. Please go look it up. In 2004, 16 of 23 public agencies could not provide an acceptable audit that is not an argument, this is fact. Mainland China and Hong Kong accumulated over $300 billion of our debt. That information is available at www.publicdebt.treas.gov. Again this is not an argument but fact, look it up. Things are so bad with our borrowing out of control if China attacked Taiwan we would have to borrow the money from China to defend Taiwan. 16% of all the taxes we collect now in this country go to pay interest, and it gets worse, by the minute,” he said. “Interest on the public debt grew more rapidly than any other spending category in the federal government last year. We let the pay as you go rule lapse in 2002 and we don’t have meaningful enforceable budget caps, we don’t have a balanced budget amendment that has ever been voted on and we have a failure of not only communication but a failure of management of the budget process here. We are getting deeper and deeper into trouble by the minute.”

Tornado Recovery 12/09/05

Work continues on the recovery and assistance efforts for the victims of the November 15^th F2 Tornado that swept across Henry County. 18 persons were injured with one still hospitalized in serious condition.

According to Ron Watkins, Henry County Emergency Management Director, assistance efforts are gearing up to help those most affected by the disaster. Plans for money donations by area organizations to the Western District Baptist Association (WDBA) are being finalized to help those in need.

The Emergency Management office is working closely with area church and charity organizations to provide for needs that can be identified. Starting on December 12, 2005 applications will be available for assistance to tornado victims. Uninsured loss to homes, uninsured glass breakage to primary drivable automobiles, emergency utility assistance, food and emergency housing are eligible needs. Unfortunately, a limited amount of funds are available, but all needs will be considered. The WDBA will have the difficult task of prioritizing these requests so that the funds available will go to the right individuals. Watkins reminds that only persons living or working in the identified affected areas will be eligible for this assistance. This money has been earmarked specifically for the tornado families and for emergency need only.

Watkins stated, “We are asking individuals in need to obtain an application at the Western District Baptist Association at 1160 Tyson Ave or the County Mayors office located in the Henry County Courthouse during regular business hours. Applications should be returned to the WDBA and will have to be verified so other personal information may be required before an application is granted. We are expecting this aid to begin around the 21^st of December.”

Watkins admits it is going to be a very difficult Christmas for may families who have had their property damaged as well as those who are facing a temporary layoff due to the storm damage. Unemployment checks are being processes as quickly as possible, according to the Tennessee Department of Workforce Development. Anyone with questions regarding the status of an employment claim can call 1-877-813-0950 toll free.

Watkins added, “The Small Business Association is still available at the Paris City Hall meeting room taking applications for low-interest loans. Uninsured homes, business, and personal property are eligible. Uninsured automobile damage, including glass breakage is eligible as well.”

For questions regarding this program or to donate to the relief effort please contact the County Mayors Office at 731-642-5212 or the WDBA at 731-642-4641.

Eiffel Tower Lighting Cancelled 12 /08/05

The ceremony to light the Eiffel Tower in Memorial Park for the “Celebrate the Holidays” decorating contest has been cancelled. The signage for nominees will be available at he Chamber of Commerce on East Wood St.

Fundraiser Auction 12/08/05

An Elvis Presley memorabilia silent auction is on going in the Henry County Medical Center’s Cafeteria display case through December 12. Funds raised with the auction will go toward the Nurse’s Final Farewell Program. This program helps a nurse’s family during their bereavement.

Included in the items for auction form the collection of Betty Claxton and her daughter Karen are limited addition collector’s plates, limited addition and framed 45rpm records, photos in frames, original newspapers with Elvis’ death as headlines (in great condition). You really must see all 49 items to appreciate the value of this collection. Auction ends Dec. 12 at 2pm.

PHCYO 12/08/05

The Paris Henry County Youth Orchestra will hold their Winter Concert December 10 at 7:30pm at the Krider Performing Arts Center in Paris. The orchestra will be conducted by Dr. John Steffa. Admission is $5.00

Come Home For Christmas 1 2/08/05

Trinity United Methodist Church in Paris presents “Come Home For Christmas” drive through living nativity December 10^th and 11^th from 6pm until 9pm. After driving through you are invited to come to the Fellowship Hall for refreshments. Trinity Church is located at 409 N Wilson St. in Paris.

Eiffel Tower Lighting 12/07/05

The City of Paris will light the Eiffel Tower in Memorial Park Thursday evening at 6pm December 8th. Paris Mayor David Travis will plug in the lights and the community is invited to attend.

Candlelight Walk 12/07/05

The first annual Candlelight Advent Walk through Downtown Paris takes place Wednesday December 7^th at 6:30 pm.

Begin the Advent season by experiencing a variety of church traditions accompanied by the glow of candlelight through a processional that winds its way through historic court square.

Sponsored by the downtown churches and the downtown business association, the walk begins at the First United Methodist Church and proceeds to First Christian Church, Quinn Chapel and the First Presbyterian Church where the group will be treated to holiday refreshments.

Downtown Star Named 12/07/05

Ken Hannah, who is employed at the Toggery, was named the November Downtown Star. Hannah was chosen from a host of ongoing nominations submitted by customers who described outstanding experiences with Office staff, employees and merchants in downtown Paris. The Star program is sponsored by the Downtown Business Association (DBA).

The nomination form read, “Mr. Hannah always has a big smile and a wave for everyone he meets on the street. He is continually in a good mood and when you finish talking to him, you’re in one too. His knowledge of men’s clothing is very helpful when I’m shopping for the guys in my family. People like him are why I enjoy shopping downtown.”

Downtown Stars is a program designed to reward the excellent service provided by employees and working in the downtown area, according to Kay Foust President of the DBA. Anyone can nominate a person for the monthly Downtown Star Award by calling the official STAR hotline at 641-1410.

Christmas Open House 12/06/0 5

Charles Conger Senior Center was packed Monday with seniors, county commissioners, the county mayor and county employees enjoying the Christmas festivities. The day included the voices of the R.S.V.P. Angel Choir, a seniors singing group from Huntingdon. The group sang a selection of traditional carols and songs, which were warmly received with many rounds of applause for their talents. “We appreciate the applause, we perform for a lot of nursing homes were the residents are unable to clap.”

After enjoying the finger foods and deserts the Center settled down to listen to the Henry County High School Madrigals under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Humphries. The group of students sang traditional Christmas songs and hymns that kept the crowd listening in wrapped attention and throughout the celebration Center Director Brenda Morris awarded door prizes to the audience.

The cookbook that the Office on Aging compiled with recipes from local senior citizens has arrived and was available for sale at Monday’s gathering. The books, great for Christmas gift giving are $10 a piece. You can pick up a copy at the Senior Citizens Center on Jones Bend Rd. or call the Henry County Office on Aging at 642-2919.

Bredesen 12/03/05

Governor Phil Bredesen along with a contingent of officials from his office visited Henry County Friday evening to meet with tornado victims, Senator Herron, Rep Borchert and local officials. The Gov. made a survey of the area shortly after the tornado and he told the audience Friday night, “I came back here to listen to you and to help were help is needed.”

Many of the people who came to the courthouse had suffered huge losses in the tornado and others had lost their jobs due to the destruction in the county. Bredesen said that he would help them to quickly receive their unemployment benefits and to see that they were being treated fairly by insurance companies.

“Job loss is a big concern” stated the governor, “Especially at this time of year. We are very sensitive to the season and we want to help to speed things up here.” He has met with Mohon officials and they are working on finding equipment to rent until the business can buy replacements. The county and city have agreed to provide Mohon with a temporary building plus a tax abasement. The governor also heard from citizens whose vehicles had been destroyed at Mohon during the tornado. Local officials will be looking into finding auto dealers and vehicle glass replacements at low costs for the victims. “The amount is not much to government, but it is overwhelming to individuals.” Bredesen said.

His main reason for the return visit was to find out what still needed to be addressed. “We can’t take care of all of your needs here tonight but we wanted to find out where we were falling short.”

The Paris unit of the Salvation Army has announced that Visa Debit Cards are available for tornado Storm victims regardless of any other assistance they are receiving. Aid is also available from the Western District Baptist Association. Local farmers can contact the Henry County Farm Services Agency for assistance with debris removal. The Small Business Administration is set up in the city hall meeting room to discuss low interest loans. For further assistance or agencies that could be of help contact Emergency Management Director Ron Watkins at 644-2678.

According to the governor and local officials individual federal assistance may be very hard to receive. If anyone has suffered damage from the tornado that has not been filed they are urged to call the County Mayor’s office or City Hall to report the amount of the damage.

Puryear Celebrates 12/04/05

The town of Puryear held their annual tree lighting ceremony Friday night in the city park with Santa showing up on the city’s volunteer fire truck. The crowd of children, around 50, and twice as many adults filled the Community Center where they enjoyed the Puryear Lion’s famous chili and crowed around Santa to make their Christmas wishes known to the jolly old man.

12 lucky children received stuffed stockings, courtesy of the city of Puryear and the Puryear Lion’s Club but the highlight of the evening was the drawing for a girl’s and boy’s bicycle. The lucky winner of the boy’s bike was 3-year-old Bruce Lee. The young boy was a little young to ride a bike but he will soon grown into it. 7-year-old Amanda Barnhill was the winner of the girl’s bike. The bike was a perfect fit for the 1^st grader who was tickled with her new mode of transportation. It was a Merry Christmas celebration for all and for all a great night!

Christmas Open House 12/03/05

The Charles Conger Senior Citizen’s Center on Jones Bend Rd. will hold their annual Christmas Open House Monday, Dec 5^th from 11am to 1pm. The Henry County High school Madrigals and the RSVP Angel Choir from Huntingdon will provide this year’s entertainment. Door prizes will be given away and bingo will be played after the open house.

Russwood Senior Citizen Center 12/03/05

The Russwood Senior Citizen’s Center in Springville TN will be having a Bake, Craft and yard sale Saturday, Dec. 3^rd. The event will be held inside from 10:30 to 1:30. A gospel singing will also take place from 4 to 6pm.

City Commission 12/02/05

Paris City Commissioners reviewed several pieces of old business Thursday evening.

The improvements to Hospital Circle were once again discussed. Mayor David Travis, County Mayor Brent Greer and City Manager Carl Holder met with the chief engineer of TDOT and the chair of the House Transportation Committee in November. There will be no financial relief but new funds may become available for safety related projects,” stated Holder. He also said that at the meeting it was stressed that Henry County’s priority was the completion of the 218 By-Pass from Hwy 54 to Hwy 641.

At the request of the Mayor an amendment to the ordinance to address the vicious dog problem was deferred until it was presented to commissioners in written form. Changes that would strengthen the ordinance were presented by City Attorney Fred Mclean and would limit the number of dogs that could be owned and what the owners would be required to provide to keep the dogs contained but was not breed specific. “I want to go on record as being Pro-Dog,” stated Mayor Travis.

Approved was the sale of the balance of the right of way from Lone Oak to Greenwood and approved on first reading was an amendment to the ordinance that would follow new regulations of the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission allowing liquor stores to advertise.

In new business the commissioners approved the adoption of an interlocal agreement establishing a GIS consortium, which would include the city, county, 911 and now BPU. In the past BPU was not interested in joining in the joint cost of the mapping program.

The city commission discussed the applications for the 2006 Community Development Block Grants. The applications will include rehabilitation of the Peden Hill community. “They have worked hard to clean up their neighborhood and have one of the best neighborhood watch programs in the area,” stated Vice Mayor Sam Tharpe. The commission will also consider applying for a CDBG in the new annexed area for sewer projects.

In appointments Thursday Howard McGill was appointed to the Paris Board of Housing Adjustments and Appeals. The appointment will be temporary as McGill fills in for Ron Teague who is currently serving in Iraq.

Belew Campaign 12/02/05

After the storms and tornado canceled the candidates ‘meet and greet’ the candidate last week, Sheriff candidate Monte Belew packed the Hampton Inn Convention Center Thursday evening. Belew along with his wife and mother greeted the public as they came to have a free hotdog and hamburger provided by Belew. “I am overwhelmed and ecstatic about the turnout tonight and their enthusiastic response to my campaign,” stated Monte.

Present Sheriff David Bumpus has picked up his papers but has not filed with the election commission and past sheriff candidate Rookie Edwards stated that he does not intend to run in the upcoming election.

Computer Class 12/02/05

W.G. Rhea Public Library is sponsoring a free computer class for Senior Citizens 55 years and older beginning December 9^th through January 30. The class will meet on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 12 noon. There may be one night session and will be announced later. According to Freda Reddick of the library the class is designed for seniors who want to learn how to use computers and know nothing about them. “You can learn to use computers at your own pace.” Due to limited space only 9 students can be accommodated and will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Topics will include – Using the mouse, writing letters and memos, sending and receiving e-mail and exploring the Internet.

Declaration Update 12/01/05

Henry County received a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the SPA will be in Paris at the City Hall meeting room on Caldwell St. starting Thursday, December 1 at 9am. According to Henry County Emergency Management Director Ron Watkins low interest loans will be made available to recent storm victims and local businesses to assist with the recovery process.

Governor Phil Bredesen has also issued a declaration for Montgomery County following an estimated $5.3 million in storm damage caused by severe weather in November in the 2 counties.

“The notice we received from the federal government is welcome news for Tennesseans in these counties,” said Bredesen. “The damage caused by these storms was extensive and this assistance will help homeowners and business owners recover more quickly. I’m pleased the federal government has granted this declaration to provide them some relief.”

Henry and Montgomery Counties were hardest hit when a series of tornadoes swept western Tennessee on November 15^th. There were no fatalities but nearly 2 dozen people were injuries and a number of structures damaged or destroyed. The National Weather Service later confirmed a total of 11 F1 or F2 tornadoes in Tennessee that day: 3 in Montgomery County, 2 in Henry and one each in the counties of Crockett, Dickson, Houston, Humpreys, Wayne and Weakley.

Low interest rates for homeowners will be 2.687% to 5.375% and small business will range from 4 to 6.557%. The low interest loans will also extend to surrounding counties in Tennessee and Kentucky. Those affected have until January 30 to apply.

Holiday Concert 12/01/05

The Inman Middle School Choral Department will be presenting a Holiday Concert at 7pm Thursday evening in the Inman Middle School gymnasium. The concert will feature the 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade choruses as well as the Treble Singers performing Christmas Carols from around the world. A few selections to be performed include the traditional “Away in the Manger” accompanied by flute and guitar, a traditional African Christmas carol as well as the festive and always popular “Sleigh Ride”.