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Checks  2/29/08

     State Rep. Butch Borchert presented checks to each of the Henry County  Volunteer  Fire Departments for $3,125.  He also presented the Henry County Youth Shooting program with a check for $15,000.  The money was made available by the state legislature and Borchert gave equal amounts to Henry County, Stewart County and Benton County.

HCMC2/29/08

Due to the flu season the daily census at Henry County Medical Center nearly hit 100 several days in a row.  The flu also affected the staff causing a shortage of nurses and add to that the new implementation of IT Phase 2 last week in the ER and 3rd floor made for a hectic time at HCMC.

     The board of trustees approved the purchase of voice transcription machines.  According to  Finance Director Lisa Casteel the turn over of transcribers is high and the machines, priced at around $182,000will be more cost effective than hiring additional staff to transcribe the physicians notes and comments on patients. 

Helping Hand  2/28/08

     Last day total was $4956 with unofficial total of $253,752.

Local Author  2/28/08

      NORMAN THE LITTLE RED SEDAN author, Richard Levesque, is trying to let children know that it is ok to feel the pain and frustrations of daily life and if they can just learn from their experiences, most will turn out OK.

      NORMAN THE LITTLE RED SEDAN has already received several rave reviews and is summed up best by PALAWAN author C. D. Williams.  “This is a feel good story of life’s little ups and downs with a happy ending.  It is written at a level that will not only entertain children, but will also be instructive in demonstrating positive attitudes and interpersonal relationships.  The book would be an excellent tool for teachers and it would hopefully generate questions from their students giving instructors the opportunity to further educate in these important areas of early childhood development.

       The book is wonderfully illustrated by the author and I would recommend it to anyone with young children or anyone who wants to feel young for an hour or two. I enjoyed the story and I’m sixty-eight years old.”

     Due to be released the latter part of March 2008.

      Dick Levesque is a retired Coast Guardsman and Marine Artist.  He has also held positions as a Telecommunications Analyst for a major insurance company, Country music DJ and worked for a lengthy time as a Police, EMS, Fire and 911 Dispatcher.  He has seen his share of excitement and certainly “life’s little ups and downs”.

Helping Hand  2/27/08

    Total for Tuesday Helping Hand was $4568 bring the total to date to $248,796.

House Fire   2/27/08

     The Oakland Volunteer Fire Department responded to a house fire on Swor Rd. with 12 firefighters and 3 trucks.  Mutual aid was also provided by Springville.  The home was totally engulfed and deemed a total loss.

     According to Oakland  Fire Chief Patrick Pertronico preliminary investigations suggest an electrical fire. 

Helping Hand   2/26/08

     Total f0r M0nday's Helping Hand was $2092 bring the total to date up to $244,228

Fire Investigation  2/26/08

     The Henry County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee State Bomb and Arson Squad completed their investigation of the fire that destroyed Champion Homes in Henry.

     According to Agent Steve McClure of the Bomb Squad there is no evidence that the fire was other than accidental.

     McClure stated that investigation showed that the fire started in a tool  crib area on the south side of the building.

     Sheriff Monty Belew said it was unfortunate for Henry, Henry County and the employees of Champion Homes.

Helping Hand  2/22/08

Thursday $3486

Total to date $233,749

Live  2/22/08

   On Feb 18th, according to IT Installer Tom Carver the 2nd phase of the new information technology at Henry County Medical Center  went 'live'.  "This should make every ones job easier.".

        Each room will contain equipment that will allow doctors and nurses  to have access to up to date information on the 3rd floor and the ER at HCMC.

     "Its a learning curve for all of us," explained RN  Jackie Wyatt, "It will offer patients safer, better care in the long run,"  stated  Wyatt  as she enters info in the patient's room.

Helping Hand  2/21/08

Thursday $3033

Total to date $230,263

Severe Weather Awareness Week  2/21/08   

     Henry County Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management and Safety wishes to announce Governor Phil Bredesen, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and the National Weather Service have declared February 23-29, 2008,  “Severe Weather Awareness Week”.  Henry County will be participating in several events through out the week relating to severe weather preparedness.

       Ronald Watkins, Emergency Management Director stated, “With the back to back severe weather events experienced January 29 and February 5, Paris and Henry County continues to experience the wrath of severe weather.” On January 29, straight-line winds estimated at 60 mph damaged several homes in the Old Union Loop area off Hwy 69 S.    No injuries were reported.  Additionally, $21,000 in was spent by the Paris Board of Public Utilities restoring power as a result of the storm.  On February 5 severe weather again swept across Henry County destroying 2 mobile homes in the Jones Mill Crossland Rd area and caused major damage to one other house on Hwy 69 N.  The Paris Board of Public Utilities again sustained another $5,500 in damage to utilities.  Tennessee experienced an outbreak of tornadoes on February 5, tornados in Shelby, Madison, Hardin, Sumner and Macon counties caused death and major destruction and Henry County was fortunate to get through as well as we did.

      Watkins wishes to remind citizens that preparedness is the best defense. One easy way to prepare  includes purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio.  Our area transmitter is located in the Vale community using the frequency 162.450 MHz and can be received on any standard NOAA Weather Radio.  The broadcast transmission originates from the regional National Weather Service office in Memphis and provides a coverage radius of approx. 40 miles.  Counties included in the coverage area are Benton, Carroll, Henry and Weakley. The 1000-watt transmitter provides up to the minute weather forecasts and advanced warning of approaching severe weather such as a tornado.  Weather radio receivers are available for low cost that will instantly turn it self on when important warning information is issued by the National Weather Service in Memphis.  Watkins states,  “Advanced warning of severe weather is important to the safety of your family.  An advanced warning could provide that extra time desperately needed to react and take cover.

      Watkins suggests families make preparedness plans and practice sheltering in safe areas of your home. “Try to put as many walls as you can between yourself and outside.  Use pillows and cushions to cover with when sheltering and get to lower floor if possible.” Consider creating a emergency supplies kit with extra food, water, flashlights, and batteries.  Stock with blankets and first aid supplies as well.  Small tools could be useful as well in an emergency situation.

      On Wednesday, February 27, Henry County will once again participate in “State wide Drill Day”.  Watkins has asked local schools to practice facility tornado preparedness plans.  The schools have been requested to conduct an actual tornado drill in each school.  This gives the students and faculty an opportunity to practice the actual motions to go through if an actual warning were given for their area.  Each school in the county now has a NOAA Weather Radio and access to immediate warning information.  The  “test warning” will be broadcasted by the National Weather Service between 9 and 9:30 AM Wednesday morning. Additionally, The Henry County Schools and Paris Special Schools radio communication systems will be tested by having our 911-dispatch center pass along the  “test warning.” The City of Paris lone warning siren atop city hall will also be tested at that time.  The Town of Henry will also test their warning siren as well.  Local daycares, nursing homes, manufacturing plants, and government agencies are urged to participate. 

      Wednesday will also test regional communication with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Emergency Operations Center in Nashville and the West Region Operations Center in Jackson.  A new 800MHz two way radio system is operational at the 911 Dispatch Center as is a National Alert Warning System (NAWAS).   Local communications systems and backup power systems will be tested as well.

     Additionally, the Emergency Management Office will conduct an Emergency Operations Center drill scheduled for March 5 at 5PM.  Local emergency response department heads will be requested to report to the “EOC” to practice managing a major disaster.

      For additional information, please contact the Henry County Office of Emergency Management and Safety at 644-2678. 

Helping Hand  2/16/08

Friday $4250

Total to date   $200,943

Helping Hand  2/15/08

      Thursday the Helping Hand Radio Auction raised $6194 bringing the year to date total to $196,653. Listen daily on WTPR AM 710. Auction begins at 12:45 pm Monday through Friday and at 12:00 noon on Saturdays. This Saturday night February 16th there will another on air auction beginning at 6:30 pm. You can hear it on WAKQ FM 105.5. Remember to bid call 644-1695.

Newborns  2/15/08

        A first for Henry County Medical Center’s Bright Beginnings program, Kimberly Pate is both a new grandmother and a new mother! Ms. Pate gave birth to baby girl, Mackenzie, on Sunday February 10; just over an hour before her son, William’s baby boy, Cameron was born. Both families are doing fine. Pate said, “We thought we were due to deliver about a week apart, not on the same day!”

      Bright Beginnings is for expectant families and includes childbirth education classes and an opportunity to pre-pay and pre-register for delivery. Visit our web site for more information about this service.

Helping Hand  2/14/08

Wed  $4484

Total to date   $190,499

Book Sale  2/13/08

     The Friends of the Library Bookstore will have a celebration of Valentine’s Day with a sale on Romance Books. Books will range in price from a quarter to $2.00. The sale is on February 14, 2008 from 9 to 4:30 in the large meeting room at the W. G. Rhea Public Library. So come and add a little spice to your reading.

Puryear  2/13/08

     The Puryear Beer board approved 3 beer request renewals Tuesday evening.  A renewal for The Minit Mart for off premises consumption and  for on and off premises consumption for the 641 Club and City Limits Bar-B-Q.

     The Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved 2 applications for the Puryear Volunteer Fire Department , Leslie Hart and Josh Fergusun. 

Helping Hand  2/13/08

Tuesday  $5373

Total to date $186,015

Gas Co.  2/13/08

    The Paris Henry County Natural Gas Utility District Board of Directors approved payment to Revell Construction for $17,823 for the installation of four-inch pipeline from Old Union Road to Mays Bridge Road and trenching from Had a Call Grocery to New Harmony Baptist Church. 

     General Manager Don Green informed the board that Tenergy will be allowing the Utility District to purchase their 20% of uncontracted gas from Munigas at discounted rates.  Green stated that those discounts would be passed on to the Utility Districts customers.

Helping Hand  2/12/08

Monday $5265

Total to date  $185,907

Grove Renovation  2/12/08  

     The fate of the Weston Hall Grove project will lie with the Henry County Commission.  The ad hoc committee after much discussion approved a motion to send a recommendation to the budget committee to move forward with the Grove project.  The motion will ask for the commissions approval of a referendum to ask for citizens of Henry County to vote on an increase in the local options sales tax in the up coming August election.  If the sales tax fails the motion calls for an increase in property taxes or the Henry County Commission can vote no on the whole proposal killing the county’s involvement with Grove project once and for all.  The Henry County Commission will meet in regular session next Tuesday evening Feb 19.

Earthquake Awareness Week  2/12/08 

     The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has proclaimed this week, Feb 11-15, 2008,  “Earthquake Awareness Week”.  This year TEMA has agained joined with the Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC), and the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) to promote earthquake preparedness.  This years theme is, “It Matters! Are You Prepared?” It is important to keep in mind that an earthquake can occur at any time.    Earthquakes are no longer only a concern for citizens in the western portions of the state. In addition, there is an unnamed and largely undescribed earthquake zone the roughly parallels Interstate 75 from Chattanooga to near Knoxville. A major earthquake represents what would potentially be the largest natural disaster ever to occur in the state of Tennessee. Some estimates suggest that a major earthquake in the New Madrid zone would be a nationwide catastrophic event, largely due to the interruption in transportation, communications, fuel supply, and other economic consequences that would be experienced as a result of damage to the infrastructure.

       The New Madrid fault zone is one of the most active in the world.  Scientist predicts a large magnitude earthquake in the New Madrid fault zone will occur in the near future.  A large magnitude earthquake will definitely affect Henry County in some way.  Bridges and buildings could collapse especially older ones.  According to CERI’s Gary Patterson, “The irony is that the longer we go without an earthquake the closer we are the next.”  How true this statement is.  We must not become immune to the threat that exists.

       According to county Emergency Management director, Ronald Watkins, emergency managers from all over West Tennessee, State and Federal Agencies attended a Catastrophic Event Workshop at Paris Landing State Park Convention Center this past November.  This was a unique opportunity which allowed local, state, and federal responders to meet face to face and openly discuss earthquake-planning issues.  Each West Tennessee county received a report from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency estimating damage their county would receive from a projected 7.5 magnitude earthquake on the New Madrid fault line.  This report was generated with a software program developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency called HAZUS.  The report projected damage to infrastructure, public facilities, medical facilities, and emergency response capabilities with some local capabilities estimated at less than 50% operational after the quake.  Henry County is less than 100 miles from the fault line and was projected to sustain moderate damage to our county.  Watkins stated, “What I heard time and time again during group discussions, is emergency responders bringing up the issues that 72 hours may not be long enough to prepare to be on you own, when in fact it could take up to a week for emergency services to reach some affected areas.  For a long time, Emergency Managers have recommended creating emergency supply kits to last a family for up to 72 hours.  I feel a more realistic plan, according to the projected damage in this report, would be to prepare for at least five days.   When this event occurs, all of West Tennessee is going to be overwhelmed with injuries, major damage to buildings, no electricity, and communities facing possible isolation from any outside resources for several days.  It will be catastrophic to all of West Tennessee.”

       Each school in the county has been requested to conduct an earthquake drill to familiarize students and faculty with the correct action to take in the event of an actual earthquake.  Business, industry, medical facilities, and day cares should take this time to conduct drills and review plans as well.  A communication exercise that was planned for Wednesday, February 13 has been cancelled by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency because of the recent tornados in Shelby, Madison and Hardin counties.  The communication drill will be made up during Severe Weather Awareness Week Feb 26.

Watkins does suggest a few simple things we all can do to prepare for disaster:

·       Purchase a NOAA weather radio

·       Build a disaster supply kit with extra food, water, batteries, blankets, matches, clothing, standard tools, first aid kit, and other items useful during disaster situations.

·       Anchor heavy items such as bookcases, tall furniture, and pictures to walls to prevent items from falling and causing injuries.  Strap gas water heaters to the wall to prevent tipping and gas leaks.

·       Make an Earthquake Preparedness Plan and know where to take shelter in your home and at work when the shaking starts.  Practice you plan!

·       Use caution when leaving your structure and be weary of hazards such as electric lines, ruptured gas lines, and falling debris.

      For additional information, explore the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org or contact the Henry County Emergency Management office at 644-2678.

Helping Hand  2/11/08

First united Methodist Church day at Helping Hand

Day on air auction $11,495

Night in house auction  $11,240

Total for the day  $22,735

Grand Total to date   $186,872

Investigation  2/11/08

     The Investigation of the fire early Friday morning that destroyed Champion Homes in Henry will continue.  According to Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew, the state fire marshals office has sent an eight member team from the bomb and arson instigations who have already spent over 6 hours on the case.  The team hopes to determine the cause of the blaze in the next couple of days.  According to officials of Champion Homes they are planning to provide jobs for the displace workers at other Champion Home locations.

Helping Hand  2/9/08

     Total for Friday is $4119 bring the total to date up to $152642.

Fire  2/9/08

     A fire at the Champion Home plant in Henry which builds manufactured homes broke out Friday morning.  According to eye witness Christy Robins  paint cans  stored at the site as well as tires were exploding due to the heat.  No injuries were reported. The plant which has operated for over 30 years employed 250 people.  It is unknown how the fire started.

City Commission  2/9/08

     The Paris City Commission approved applying for a Community Development Block Grant at Thursday evening's meeting.

     The grant would require a 25% match from the city and would be used to build the sewer extension in the Whisky Ridge area.  The neighborhood currently consists of 72 households.

Beer Board    2/9/08

     The Henry County Beer Board  denied a beer permit to Charlie Redden for on and off premises consumption at The Foxy Lady, an adult entertainment establishment, on Hwy 79S.

     Neighbors came to the meeting to protest the permit.  Beer is not permitted at adult establishments  or within 300 ft. of a residence or school. 

Helping Hand  2/8/08

Thursday $3522

Total to date $148,52

Concert 2/8/08

FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS DAN KNOWLES AND FRIENDS IN CONCERT SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23^RD AT 7 PM IN THE HISTORIC LEE SCHOOL . A FULL NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT WITH DAN AND HIS FRIENDS: TYLER ANDEL, DENNIS BUMGARDNER, MARK HOLLADAY , RYAN HOLLADAY , MARK MCWHERTER, JIM MERRELL, BUZZ MURPHY, RHONDA STANTON, LARRY “LT” THARP, THE WEBB BROTHERS AND EVEN A FEW SURPRISE GUESTS. TICKETS  ARE $10 AND ARE ON SALE AT JACK’S JAVA AND KNOWLES STRING INTRUMENTS IN DOWNTOWN PARIS .

Helping Hand  2/7/08

Wed  $3579

Total to date $145,001

Response to Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warning  2/7/08

EMA on scene Jones Mill Crossland Rd

Puryear Fire on scene Jones Mill Crossland Rd

Highway Dept employees on scene in POV

Highway Dept removed very large tree across road at 1300 Block Jones Mill Crossland Road (by Church)

Damage Report for area:

*1560 Jones Mill Crossland Rd- Mobile Home damage~ Updated to destroyed

*1550- Mobile Home Destroyed

*????  - Mobile Home 25% damaged off foundation

No reported injuries, residents had taken cover in storm shelters.  All accounted for.  Victims advise they have assistance for shelter.  Power was off in this location. One request for water by one family to take medication.  EMA responded with bottled water.

*Haystore Road- damage to roof of back of house- still livable

Haystore Road – large tree across Road.  Highway Dept responded and removed.

8:15 EMA made contact with Carroll County EMA to exchange information regarding damage.

8:30~ Springville FD reported roof off of a residence Pleasant Grove Rd near Old Springville~ from last storm.  Springville FD reports nickel size hail.

9:15 PM – reported damage in Benton County at Big Sandy

9:39- Pea size hail on 79 N at Matt’s

10:30PM Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for all of Henry County until 11:30PM.

11:22PM- Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Henry County Allowed to Expire

11:48PM- Brief Power outage at EOC

11:49PM- Power back on at EOC

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

·        12:00 AM -  County Status….

Henry County Highway Dept continued working till 4 AM. Clearing roads.

Henry County Sheriffs Dept continued working debris on roadways.

BPU continued working minor power outages and 3 pole replacements Jones Mill area.

EMA attempted to contact TEMA West for damage briefing with no response.  EMA attempted to contact State EOC on 800 mutual aid with no response.

BPU reported repair work ending at 3AM Wednesday morning.  BPU reported house at *14560 Hwy 69N with major damage.

Henry County EMA Damage Assessment Report for Severe Weather Event February 5, 2008

1560 Jones Mill Crossland Rd- Mobile Home destroyed 100%

1550- Mobile Home Destroyed 100% (Ed Mann)

????  - Mobile Home 25% damaged off foundation

????- Hays School Road…..Sheriffs Dept reported 10% to roof

14560 Hwy 69N with major damage 25% reported by BPU.

Paris Board of Public Utility reports 3 poles down, few lines and drops to customers. No major outages reported.

No injuries reported.

Henry County EMS sent one ALS unit to Jackson per mutual aid call out.

County Status at 7:30 AM: normal

Election Day  2/7/08

The 2008 Presidential primaries were held yesterday as well and nearly 6500 register voters in Henry County cast their ballots.  That turns out to be right at 29 percent of the register voters.  The weather of course, especially around 6pm and later may have had an impact on people who hadn’t had a chance to vote during the day.   On the Democratic side of the ticket Hillary Clinton won the Henry County vote by taking 2,706 of the ballots.  Barack Obama took home 1,005  of the votes cast, good enough to place 2^nd  and John Edwards received 274 of the votes for a 3^rd place finish. 

In the Republican primary, John McCain won Henry County by claiming 914 votes cast.  Mike Huckabee came in 2^nd with 812 of the vote while Mitt Romney placed 3^rd and received 389 of the votes in Henry County .

Four thousand two hundred and eight people in Henry County turned out on Election Day to vote while two thousand eighty eight people had voted early or by absentee ballot.

Master Gardner    2/6/08

      WANT TO LEARN WHAT YOU CAN DO TO ATTRACT MORE WILDLIFE TO YOUR BACKYARD?  WHAT PLANTS OR TREES SHOULD YOU PLANT FOR THE CRITTERS? DAN DZIEKONSKI ( DUH-ZINCE-SKI)  A MASTER GARDNER AND WILDLIFE ENTHUSIAST WILL BE SHARING HIS TIPS AND TECHNIQUES DURING THE REFUGE DISCOVERY SERIES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 TH FROM 6:30 UNITL 7:30 PM AT THE WILDLIFE  REFUGE OFFICE ON DINKINS LANE  BEHIND LAKEWAY IGA IN PARIS. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE REFUGE OFFICE AT 642-2091.

Severe Weather  2/5/08      

       Severe weather is a possibility as temperatures rise into the 70s.  Henry County Emergency Management director Ron Watkins talked with the national weather service and advised that all the conditions are favorable for severe weather outbreaks today, including the possibility of long tracking tornadoes.  Keep an ear to the weather throughout the day and be prepared to take action if conditions worsen.

Helping Hand  2/5/08

Monday $7928

Total to date $138,018

TRRA  2/5/08     

     The Tennessee River Resort Act Subcommittee charged with developing plans for an emergency complex and community center at Paris Landing State Park met Monday afternoon.  Present at the meeting was the architect Ginger French who will be working with Henry County to develop the proposed complex.

      The complex will house bays for the Paris landing Volunteer Fire Department, EMS, the Rescue Squad and a satellite office for the Henry County Sheriffs Department plus a community room that can be used by Senior Citizens and other community events.

Pageants  2/4/08

      The Pageants for the 55th Annual Worlds Biggest Fish Fry were held in Weston Hall were family and friends gathered to view their little darlings.  Crowned Queen of the Tiny Tot Pageant was 4 year old Sydney McFarland and crowned King was 3 year old Trevor Stephenson.  1st Maid was 5 year old Mattie Vermillion and First Paige was 4 year old Hunter Prince.  2nd Maid was 5 year old Brooklyn Arnold and 2nd Paige was Kadynce Norwood.

     Crowned Queen of the Preteens was 11 year old Jenna French.  Named First Maid was 10 year old Olivia Brogdon, with 2nd Maid 12 year old Haleigh Savage, 3rd Maid 12 year old Marissa Wilson and 4th Maid 12 year old Bailey Papszcki.

     Crowned Queen of the Junior Queen Pageant was 7 year old Katey Holder.  Name 1sr Maid was 7 year old Julia Dye, with 2nd Maid 9 Year old  Caylee Hall, 3rd Maid 8 Year old Kara Brogdon and 4th Maid Alison Reagor.

     On Sunday Crowned Princess Birth to 5 Months was Kaylie Belcher with1st Maid Miley Prince and 2nd Maid Amelia Childers .

      Crowned Prince Birth to 5 Months was Canner Fowlkes with 1st Paige Grayson Andrews and 2nd Paige Slayden Hosford.

     Crowned Princess 6 to 11 Months was Emma Collins and Prince was Evan Flood.  1st Maid was Jenna Walker and 1st Paige was Ashton Tayler.  2nd Maid was Paris Burnett and 2nd Paige was Jude Maskas.

     Crowned Princess of 1Year Olds was Taylor French and Prince was Jayvion Boyd.  1st Maid was Allyson Morton and 1st Paige was Jacob Brown.  2nd Maid was Carley Sanders and 2nd Paige was David Allison.

     Crowned Princess of 2 Year Olds was Sophie Singleton and Prince was Brayden Hart.  1st Maid Mia Osbron and 1st Paige was Aidon Scott.  2nd Maid was Tori Jackson and 2nd Paige was Carter Hedges.