Paris Beer Board  1/31/06

     The Paris Alcoholic Beverage Control Board met at noon Monday to approve two requests for beer permits in the city.

     Janie Barrow was granted a class A beer permit for off premises consumption at Super D on Mineral Wells Ave.  The current permit holder, Tom Howard will no longer be with Super D.

Helping Hand Information  1/31/06

     The total for Monday at the Helping Hand Auction was $3944 bringing the grand total to $91,455.00.

Helping Hand  1/30/06

Family Resource Center  1/30/06

Candidate Chili Supper  1/30/06

     Teresa McCaig Marshall, who is running for General Sessions, Probate, Juvenile Court Judge in May told the full house at her ‘Meet the Candidate’ event at the Hampton Inn Convention Center Saturday night that she came from working class parents and was raised to work hard.  “I will give 200%,” she said at her chili supper.  The candidate went on to say that the most important part of the county were the children and the family.  “The number one problem is that the family unit is falling apart.” 

EMS  1/28/06

      The Henry County Medical Center’s Board of Trustee’s approved the purchase of a new ambulance at Thursday’s EMS board meeting.  The vehicle will cost $87,993.00.  According to EMS Director Mike Shankle the ambulance will replace the  ’97 model, known as the wreck unit, that is currently used to carry the ‘Jaws of Life’ and other equipment needed in wreck situations.  He also told board members that ambulances drive an average of 500 miles a day.  This is still true even though out of town trips to such places as Nashville have decreased.

     The national average ambulance response time in rural areas is 8 minutes.  In Henry County it is 6 minutes with an average run taking 80 minutes.

     Due to new requirements for EMT’s the emergency medical technicians will be required to take classes in sudden infant death syndrome, weapons of mass destruction as well as more driving courses.  According to Shankle some of the courses can be taken on-line. 

Thursday’s Helping Hand  1/27/06

     Total for Thursday’s auction was $5207.  The grand total now is at $71,660. 

     The first on-air night auction will be Saturday, February 28^th beginning at 6:30pm on KQ 105 FM.

Relay for Life  1/27/06 

HCMC  1/27/06

     Henry County Medical Center will be requesting permission from the County Commission to purchase land at 3117 Tyson Ave.  The track of land has 225 feet of frontage on Tyson with a 35 X 60 foot building, at a cost of $200,000.       Medical Center Administrator Thomas Gee told board members Thursday evening that when ever land around the hospital became available it needed to be purchased since expansion is limited with the present amount of land that is currently owned by HCMC.

     With TennCare cut backs the hospital is seeing more private pay patients, commercial insurance providers and charity cases than in the past.  Financial Officer Lisa Casteel added to that the fact that 64% of the patients at the medical center were Medicare recipients,  up from the 14% prior to TennCare roll reductions.  “This is were we are seeing the shift in payment,” Casteele stated.

      Dr Phillip Nanney and Dr. Whitby reported that the change at Eastwood Clinic from Jackson Clinic was working out very well with administration running much smoother.  “It is once again a pleasure to show up at work,” stated Dr. Whitby.

     Construction work will begin on 2 Tower infill and the sleep lab on February 6^th, weather permitting, and is expected to take around 120 days.  Work on Hospital Circle will begin soon  with widening starting by the fire station on Tyson.  Remodeling at the Henry County Health Care Center is close to completion with the next step a change in the appearance of the entrance.

     The board was informed that the medical center had received its  2^nd highest Press-Gainey score.  “We want to thank our people, it’s due to their skill, care and compassion that we receive these high scores,” stated Board Chairman Phil Wichlan.

Helping Hand  1/26/06

Emergency Food and Shelter Committee  1/26/06

     The Henry County Emergency Food and Shelter Committee met for their annual meeting this week, the first time the committee has met since November of 2005 when due to changes in procedures at the Family Resource Center, the center returned unspent funds.

     County Mayor Brent Greer explained that the amount of money that the county was receiving in this year’s federal grant was 1% less than the total that was received last year.  The amount is based on the census numbers, which showed that the population had decreased.

     The money will be distributed to 3 local agencies this year instead of 4 with The Outreach Center, who though Carey Counseling serves mental health customers, receiving $750.00, Damascus Road Shelter receiving $3500 uses their funds to provide overnight shelter, and the Northwest Tennessee Development District, that provides help with rents and utility bills, receiving$18,183.00 and $458.00 used to cover administrative costs.  The NW Tennessee Development District will once again be in charge of administering the funds.

     Also present at the meeting was a representative of the Western District Baptist Association, which provided help to tornado victims in the county with funds for food, rent and auto glass replacement.

Helping Hand  1/25/06

     Helping Hand Auction totals for Tuesday were $6727.00 bringing the grand total to $61,006.  Featured on Wednesday are Commercial Bank, Regions Bank, McKenzie Banking, First Bank, AmSouth Bank and Forever Friends Animal Sanctuary.

PSSD    1/25/06

        The Paris Special School District’s Board of Education held a long discussion on developing a uniformed code of dress that could be used system wide Tuesday evening.  Committee chairperson Kim Foster stated that the committee needed direction from the board.  The cost of a uniform, what the uniform would consist of were discussed as were enforcement of the dress code and who would determine if clothing was appropriate for school.  Principals Norma Gerald and Mike Brown stated that enforcing the dress code was a distraction for teachers and the dress of students was a distraction to educating students.   The question of what a uniform was expected to do came up.  School Board member John Steele stated, “ From my experience in the Navy I have found that uniformed appearance promotes uniformed behavior.”  The committee will be coming up with samples of a uniformed look to present to the board in time for parents to purchase the needed clothing.  The board was talking of having a uniformed look by the new school year.

     The board voted not to make up the one snow day the system had.   PSSD Director of Schools, Dr. Paul Doyle state, “I recommend that we don’t make it up.”  The system has 7 extra days built into the calendar and March 13^th, the day that was scheduled as an in-service day for teachers only, will remain just that, since it was felt that plans for that day, in many cases, may already be made by parents.

     An out break of planters warts at Paris Elementary due to the wet conditions at the pool will be treated like outbreaks of head lice, with parents being notified.  According to the principal and swimming instructor all students have had their feet inspected and the 23 students found with the warts will be required to wear swimming shoes in the pool area until the warts are treated by their physician.

     An update on the Laptop Initiative did not provide any new information.  According to Mike Brown the price ranges and types of equipment available are still being discussed while a representative from Dell Computers will be visiting on February 2^nd.

BPU  1/25/06

     The Paris Boar of Public Utilities were informed at Tuesday’s meeting that their one share purchased in Utilicor for around $290,000 is now worth over  $399,000.  According to General Manager Charles Perry BPU has received 14.35% return on the investment.

     BPU postponed any decision on fee increases for installing a 3-phase transformer.  The board was told that the charge has always been well below the actual installation cost.  Electric company supervisor Richard Edwards told board members that a business may ask for the 3-phase service then move out of the building after a few months or never move into the building leaving the cost of the installation unpaid for.  Board member Gale Griffin motioned that the fee increase be approved but  studied by BPU.

     Approved at Tuesday’s meeting was an audit proposal that is now required of TVA due to federal regulation changes.  Only procedures dealing with the TVA power bill will be scrutinized and not the entire BPU system of controls.  The utility will be reimbursed for any cost associated with the procedure and per the agreement will not cost more than $14,000.

     The board approved write-offs for the 2nd quarter of the fiscal year of 2006 in the amount of $14,481.22.  Financial Director, John Ethridge told board members, “Even though these are written off, we will continue to work on collecting them.”

Helping Hand Auction  1/24/06

Judge Candidate Chili Supper  1/24/06

     Teresa McCaig Marshall, candidate for General Sessions/Juvenile/Probation Judge and her family will be hosting a Chili Supper Saturday. January 28^th from 4pm until 7pm at the Hampton Inn Convention Center to allow the voters the opportunity to meet the candidate.

     A native of Henry County, Teresa is married to Steve Ayers and they have 3 children.

      Marshall is a law partner with W. Brown Hawley II and her practice focuses on family law including divorces, juvenile court, adoptions and conservatorships.  She has worked closely with local school systems, juvenile detention facilities and the courts to help those in need and preserve the quality of life and safety of Henry County.

     “Teresa looks forward to meeting with the community on the 28^th so she can share her vision for the future of Henry County,” stated her campaign treasurer Cheryl Raney.

Saturday Helping Hand  1/23/06

The Story Tellers  1/23/06

     The 18^th Annual Story Telling event, sponsored by the Paris Henry County Arts Council and Dana Foundation will present “An Evening with The Storytellers”.  The free event will take place on Saturday February 4^th from 6 –9pm in the Krider Performing Arts Center on Volunteer Dr. in Paris.  An adult must accompany children.

     Mr. Bill Jones and Mrs. Billie Patch Martin, both of Germantown along with local storytellers Ken Alexander, Jenny Adams Nash and Bill Williams will be featured storytellers.  Selected school students from within the county will also present stories.

Meet the Candidate  1/21/06

     Vicki Shepherd Snyder, candidate for Henry County General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge held a gathering at the Hampton Inn Convention Center Friday evening where she took the opportunity to greet city and county officials, the public, friends and neighbors.

     Speaking to the crowd of around 300 she said that juveniles need to know there are consequences for their actions and what those consequences are.  She also spoke of habitual offenders who continually return to court and the need for upholding sentences and working with probation officers.  “I have 18 years of public service work experience.  As judge I would work for you the taxpayer.  You pay my salary.” 

HCMC Long Range Planning  1/21/06

     The Henry County Medical Center Long Rage Planning Committee met Thursday evening where Medical Center Administrator Thomas Gee led the committee through 6 key areas, their objectives, goals and status of the objectives at the present time with long-range goals of 5 years and short-range goals for one year reviewed.

 Some of the points brought out at the meeting included revenue goals which stand at revenue over expenses at 7.4%of the net revenues and labor productivity is at 4 full time employees per each occupied bed. 

     Physician recruitment continues with the need for a psychiatrist considered critical, while the surgical team of doctors is at 4 but there is a need for 7 general surgeons.  

     The buildings themselves now include a cardiac rehabilitation center, which held its grand opening last week, and completion of the shelled patient room space on Second Tower, according to Gee, will be private rooms should be completed in 120 days, also architectural drawings are complete and approved by the state for a cardiology area.    Gee stated that through better marketing the medical center hopes to gain more patient referrals from physicians to the facilities at HCMC.

          Customer service was one of the areas reviewed by the Long Range Planning Committee.  An out patient survey showed high marks for the staff and treatment received with 80 thousand outpatients served a year.

     Employee turn over rates at the Health Care Center are much lower than state figures and turn over rates at the rest of the facility are down.  Gee said, “Employee follow up interviews through out the year seem to be working and making a difference.”  The hospital has a higher percentage of over weight employees and smokers than the general population.  To combat this trend the Medical Center is offering classes in smoking cessation and weight control.

     It was announced at the committee meeting that in the search for improved technology, the search as gone from 20 vendors, to 6, to 4 and to a final 2.  The Medical Center wants to have new hardware, software and other technology that can  be intergraded together.  A decision is expected by April, costing $1 million to $4 million.  “This is a major decision and should be debated carefully,” stated Hospital Board Chairman Phil Wichlan. 

Helping Hand   1/21/06

Helping Hand Auction  1/20/06

     Total raided at Thursday Helping Hand Auction was $3,196 bring the grand total to $38,096.00.  Friday will feature items from the Palestine Community and the Central Point Community.

Cookie Time  1/20/06

     The Henry County Girl Scout Cookie Sales have begun and will run through March 12^th.  To purchase cookies contact any local Girl Scout or call 247-5812.

Buffet Breakfast  1/20/06

Henry County Adult Oriented Establishment Board  1/20/06

     The Adult Oriented Establishment Board met Thursday afternoon in a special called meeting to review and approve 2 business licenses.

     The County Commission approved an act that would help regulate the business and meet several state regulations, which were approved by the county.  Those regulations were set to take effect this month but the board extended the deadline for application and approval until March 1^st.       Approved applications were granted to Wild Things Book store and Sensual Pleasures Bookstore.

     According to the board the licenses must displayed in a prominent place in the business, all employees must have a permit available to show law enforcement officers, no minors are allowed on the premises and no alcohol, including brown bagging, can be on the premises.

     Those regulations apply to adult clubs plus entertainers must perform on a stage 6 ft. from the audience, no nudity and no private dances are allowed.  All adult business must be closed on Sundays and holidays and during the week close by 12 midnight.

     Lt. Crosser and Investigator Lowe of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office were present at the meeting and stated that all state regulations would be enforced.

Mohon Sells to Local Group  1/19/06

     Officials of Mohon International Inc. announced that they have signed a letter of intent to sell selected assets in their Paris facility to Institutional Casework Inc.(ICI), also based in Paris.   Mohon along with its Texwood Furniture affiliate had announced in December that it was ceasing operations on or around the end of January as a result of the tornado that struck the facility in November.  A spokesman for Mohon said that this proposed sale would be a significant step in achieving its desire of exiting the veneer plywood business in a way that provided as smooth a transition as possible for its dealer base.

     ICI attorney Mike Ainley said that ICI plans to offer products similar to Mohon’s under the Campbell Rhea brand and intends to hire employees in the Paris and Henry County area, which could include former Mohon employees.  Under the terms of the letter of intent, ICI would purchase only selected inventory, machinery, trademarks and real estate from Mohon.

     Jim Arthurs, President of ICI said that ICI has the resources to repair the damage caused by the tornado but noted that,  “We will be a smaller company than Mohon and Texwood were before the tornado”, but noted that “we have high expectations for growth.”

          City Manager Carl Holder, County Mayor Brent Greer and Paris City Mayor David Travis jointly stated, “This shows how the Paris and Henry County business communities are capable of responding in positive ways to protect our area’s economic base.”

County Commission Con’t  1/19/06

     The county commission approved an agreement to lease space for a driver’s license station in Henry County once again.  The license office will be located at 120 Tyson Ave.  According to County Mayor Brent Greer the return of a licensing bureau to the county was due to the efforts of Judge McCadams.  The future location is the backside of the Agriculture Building and will need remolding, which will be accomplished by using current county employee labor.   The facility is scheduled to be open by May 1, 2006.

Helping Hand Auction  1/19/06

County Commission  1/18/06

     For over an hour county commissioners listened to citizens express their options on the Tennessee River Resort District Act.   According to figures from the Tennessee Department of Revenue Henry County, based on 2004 collections, could receive an additional $2 million in revenue from the state, 50% of which must be designated for tourism promotion under the act.

      Many of those present were against the Act do to its inclusion of the sale of liquor by the drink at restaurants, hotels/motels and clubs within 3 miles of the Tennessee river bank.  At one point when those in favor of the act tried to express their views, the opposition became loud and rude, causing County Mayor Brent Greer to ask them to be silent and respectful of the views of others, just as those who were in favor of the passage of the Act where while they were speaking.

     Many of those against the Act and against the liquor by the drink sales were from local churches that stated they viewed the sale of alcohol as evil.    Roger Banks of the East Wood Church of Christ told the packed courtroom, “I beg you to listen to God and vote prayerfully.”

     Those who supported the Act stated that it was not about liquor by the drink, that control of drinking would be under the authority of the Alcohol Beverage Commission, that now ‘brown bagging’ was permissible and the amount of alcohol consumed by customers could not be controlled.  Others, such as Gary Benton, Chairman of the Chamber’s Tourism Committee stated that the funds that were allocated to promoting tourism in the area could not be matched locally by the amount the county would receive if the Act were passed.  Others involved in tourism pointed out that tourism, retires and industry were the major growth areas for the county while others pointed to the $2 million in sales tax that would be returned to the county each year as a big advantage, keeping down a future property tax increases.  “We can’t legislate morality,” stated Dan Jackson, “we have lost Mohon, we will be losing jobs at Dana by next year.”  Others stated the fact that Henry County is not on a main interstate or a major artery that would attract industry to the county that would create jobs.  “I have 2 children in collage who have no reason to return to Henry County after they graduate,” stated local business owner Tim Wirgau.  “There are no jobs to return to.” 

Gas Co.  1/18/06

     The Board of Directors of the Paris Henry County Natural Gas Utility District held their monthly meeting Tuesday at noon where board members were introduced to the new Assistant Manager Don Green.  According to the Gas Utility District’s Manager Glen Jackson, Green is currently researching the location of deeds and easements.  He is also studying the gas purchasing practices of the utility district.

     Gas Acquisition Project 2005 with Tennergy continues.  By purchasing gas from the provider using a tax-free bond issue savings will result that can keep natural gas costs down for local customers.  The deal, according to Jackson, will be ‘nailed down’ by April 2006.  “This is a good association,” stated Jackson.  Savings will be more than the annual fee of $2,900.  The gas company will also be paying an annual fee of $436 for random or reasonable cause drug and alcohol testing.  “If employees refuse to be tested they will be presumed guilty,” explained Jackson.

Helping Hands Update  1/18/06     

     The total  amount sold at  the 2006  Helping Hand   Radio Auction Tuesday was $3932. The Grand Total so far is $29,703. Listen daily on WTPR AM 710 beginning at 12:45 pm following Paul Harvey  and to bid call 644-1695. You may attend the auction at the Enoch Building inside the Henry County Fairgrounds.

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration  1/17/06  

    As part of the local celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day the Mt. Zion Baptist Church hosted a Prayer Breakfast Monday morning followed by a march from the Rison St. church to the courthouse lawn in downtown Paris.

     According to Mr. Rolan Atkinson, former teacher and principal of Central High School the church is steeped in history, like the day that was being celebrated.

     The NAACP found a home at Mt. Zion in the ‘40’s during a time when to belong to  that organization could mean losing your job.  Mr. Atkinson reminded the young member’s of the audience that Johnson Park was named after the Civil rights activist Mordecai Johnson, who had lived in Paris and later became the 1^st African American president of Howard University.  “We have come a long way, but we have a long way to go,” stated Atkinson.

     A police escort led the 100 plus marchers through the streets of Paris, a crowd that contained Paris Mayor David Travis, Vice Mayor Sam Tharpe, County Mayor Brent Greer, City Commissioner George Moore, the new pastor of Quinn Chapel Kenneth Golphin, the pastor of Mt. Zion Church, Elder James Travis of the Church of the Living God, Pastor Terry Fuller and many more recognizable community leaders.  

     At the courthouse steps the marchers listened to a proclamation from the city of Paris and the county of Henry proclaiming the day in remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. who was slain in Memphis in 1968.  He would have been 77 years old this birthday.  Speaking of King’s most memorable speech, “I Have A Dream,” Rev. Terry Fuller told the large crowd “This is not just a walk to keep the dream alive but a walk to make the dream a reality.”  Sam Tharpe added to Fuller’s words, “Stay in school, set goals, keep our self respect and parents get down on your knees and pray and teach your children.  Adults, keep working and keep trying, don’t sit down, rise up, get involved in your community and work together and use your vote to make a difference.”  Elder Travis also added, “If you forget your past you are destine to repeat your past.”

Ethics  1/17/06

     The historical special session of the General Assembly on ethics will continue Tuesday, January 17^th. 

Helping Hands Update  1/17/06

     The total raised at the Helping Hand Radio Auction Monday, January 16  was $2550 bringing the grand total to $25,771.

Helping Hands Total  1/16/06

     The total raised t the 2006 Helping Hand Auction on Saturday was $6,469.00, bringing the grand total raised to $23,221 after the 1^st week. 

     Monday will feature the Band Boosters, Henry County Sister to Sister, Brother to Brother and Safe and Drug Free Task Force as well as the Civil Air Patrol.

     If you would like to donate quilts, afghans, large wooden items, paintings, etc. to Helping Hands Radio auction please bring them in early so that others will have an opportunity to view them prior to the sale day.

     Due to the many requests that the Henry County Helping Hand Auction receives for their cookbook additional copies have been printed.  The 300 page books are $15 each and contain 900 Helping Hand tested recipes.  The books are available at Jack’s Java, W. G. Rhea Public Library and Kristi’s Korner in downtown Paris or at the Enoch Community Building at the Henry County Fairgrounds.

     You can listen to the auction on WTPR AM 710 beginning at 12:45pm Monday through Friday and at noon on Saturday s.

Baseball Booster Club  1/16/06

Collins Named Downtown Star 1/14/06 

     Andy Collins likes to keep things tidy, and it was this trait that nabbed the Commercial Bank employee the monthly Downtown Star award.

     The downtown employee who nominated Collins wrote, “As I arrived on the square on North Pole Family Fun Day, I saw Andy out in front of Commercial Bank sweeping up glass from bottles that had been broken on the sidewalk overnight. It was very cold and probably not his job, but there he was, sweeping away, making our downtown look beautiful.”

     “We are proud to have Andy as part of our team,” said Bruce Reed, Executive Vice President. “He joined the bank earlier last year and is a great addition.”

     Collins received a thank you gift from DBA affiliated members including the Arts Council, the Heritage Center, Jack’s Java, Jack Jones Flowers & Gifts, Kristie’s Korner, Paris Karate, Perkins Drugs, The Toggery and W. G. Rhea Public Library.

      “Downtown Stars” is a program designed to reward the excellent service provided by employees and staff working in the downtown area, according to Downtown Business Association President Kay Foust. Sponsored by the DBA, the winners are chosen from on-going nominations submitted by customers.  Downtown Stars must meet three criteria: 

·        Customer service – such as opening doors for customers or referring them to other businesses for specific items or services.

·        Good citizenship - such as helping keep downtown clean and leaving government and store parking available for patrons by utilizing the city’s free lots.

·        They must be emblematic of the store or business they represent.

     Anyone can nominate a person for the monthly Downtown Star Award by simply calling the official STAR hotline at 641-1410 and sharing his or her positive experience. Nominations are taken on a continuing basis. Winners do not have to work for DBA affiliated businesses.

     For more information on Downtown Stars or the Downtown Business Association, call Mrs. Foust at 731- 641-9348 or e-mail her at kfoust@cbtcnet.com.  

     Andy Collins takes time to clean up the sidewalk in front of Commercial Bank’s main office.  

Helping Hands 1/14/06

     Total raised Friday 1/13/06 $4175. After five days the grand total is $16,752. The auction is on WTPR AM 710 Monday through Friday beginning at 12:45 pm. Saturdays it begins at 12 Noon.

Ham Breakfast 1/14/06 

     THE OAKLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ON HIGHWAY 69 EAST JUST OUTSIDE PARIS WILL SPONSOR A HAM BREAKFAST FROM 6 UNTIL 11 AM SATURDAY, JANUARY 14^TH AT THE FIRE STATION. GET HAM, EGGS, BISCUITS AND GRAVY PLUS COFFEE AND JUICE FOR ONLY $5.

 Open House 1/14/06

     HENRY COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER WILL HOST AN OPEN HOUSE TUESDAY JANUARY 17 FOR THE NEW CARDIAC REHABILITATION CENTER . THE EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND  WILL BE FROM 2 UNTIL 4 PM AT THE HENRY COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER ON TYSON AVENUE IN PARIS .

Helping Hands  1/13/06

County Board of Education  1/13/06

     The main topic of discussion at the Henry County Board of Education meeting Thursday night centered around cell phone and electronic device usage policies in the county schools.  Two possible policies were presented to board members for the 1^st  time Thursday night, so much time and discussion was spent on reading and attempting to amend the policies to fit Henry County schools.  In the end the school board decided to keep the present policy of not allowing cell phones, radios or pagers in class or on the student and only in lockers if turned off.  The bard members did decide to increase the penalties for breaking the rules.  A 1^st offense would require the student to turn in the device and a parent or guardian would have to sign for the article to get it back.  A second offense would cause the student to lose the cell phone or pager for the rest of the school year.  Repeat offenders could be sent to the alternative school. 

     In other business the school board members shook the hands of Senior Football players Thursday night congratulating them on the great season they had in reaching the play-offs.  “ You have brought back Henry County pride,” stated Boar member Don Williams.  Also honored were members of the Dairy Judging Team who were state champions.  “It’s important to note that we celebrate 2 very different groups.  We have people that work very hard and put the children’s best interests up front,” stated Director of Schools Rick Kriesky.

Airport  1/13/06

     The Henry County Airport Committee met at the airport Thursday evening where they approved the construction of a new hanger.  The site of the new hanger, according to Don Davenport Airport Manager, will   require very little ground preparation.  The 6oft by 70ft building will be leased under the standard lease agreement, $1 a year for 20 years, and then reverts to the county.  Mid South Credit Bureau will use the new hanger. The hanger should be completed by June.

     Also approved was a new flight school.  There will be no rent charged since the licensed instructors Mr. Battles and Terry Lampkins will be using the common areas on the airport and no students will be in the hanger.

Meet the Candidate  1/12/06

Henry Meeting  1/12/06  by Henry Correspondent Larissa Boyd

     It was a busy month for the police and fire departments in the City of Henry.  Officer Jim Sanders reported at the monthly meeting Tuesday, January 10, 2006 that there were 30 citations, 3 arrests, 1 burglary, 1 theft under $500.00, 8 calls for service, 3 assist calls, 1 accident, 3 EMS calls, 1 drug case, 4 prowler calls and the Police assisted the Fire Department on 2 calls.  According to Sanders the Christmas programs in Henry went well this year.  “We thank everyone for their help and support with Mary’s Angels and the fruit baskets that were given to the elderly.”  He also thanked Alderman George Owens for his assistance in passing out the baskets.

     Fire Chief Keith Qualls told the aldermen that the volunteer fire department has answered calls to 6 fires and 2 false alarms.  He also reported that the fire department was approved to receive Helping Hands funds this year.

     Mayor Faye Lowery announced that the city had sold one of the lots that it owns.  There are currently 2 commercial lots and one residential lot still owned by the City of Henry.

     A citizen of Henry requested that Officer Sanders be moved to full time status.  After little discussion Alderman Gordon Ray McFadden made a motion that Officer Sanders be put on full time but the motion died due to a lack of a second.

Martin Luther King Celebration  1/11/06

      Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on Monday January 16^th but local celebrations will begin on Sunday January 15^th.

Puryear  1/11/06

     The City of Puryear approved a new city attorney at their monthly meeting Tuesday evening.

     With Todd Rose’s resignation at the December meeting the city voted unanimously to hire Beth Belew of Ainley, Hover, Clark and Hover to handle the city’s legal matters.  Belew formerly worked with the city attorney in Jackson.  She will assume her duties with Puryear at next month’s meeting.

     In other business the Mayor and Aldermen accepted a bid from Jeremy Meyer for renovation work on the city owned building on Front St at a cost of $2,454.26.  “He is known for  being reputable,” stated City Recorder Verla Smith.  The city purchased the building 2 years ago and has been using it for much needed storage space.  The building, nicknamed the Annex, will receive a new brick front and new windows.

TN River Resort District  1/10/06

     The Tennessee River Resort District Act of 2005 if approved by the county commission will include the entire county of Henry and was passed by the state legislator to provide economic growth to poorer rural counties that are considered to be in economic distress.

     The Public Act allows the counties that border the Tennessee River to receive 4.5925% of the state sales tax actually collected in the county.  It also allows alcoholic beverages to be sold for on the premises consumption in clubs, hotels, motels, and restaurants in the Tennessee River Resort district if they are within 3 miles of the banks of the Tennessee River.  

     The resolution must be approved by a 2/3-majority vote of commissioners.    The county has until June to approve the Act if they want to become part of the River Resort District.

     Under the Tennessee River Resort District Act 50% of the tax revenue would have to be used for tourism development and the promotion of tourism in the county.  

     The liquor by the drink issue was not seen as a benefit by Commissioner Mary Warren but County Mayor Brent Greer explained that the Resort District Act would have to be approved in its entirety if the county commissioners approved it.

     The legislation is based on similar acts that have been passed to promote growth in such areas as DollyWood.

     Supporters of the Act include the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Paris, the Henry County Industrial Committee, the Northwest Tenn. Development District and the TN River Trails Association.

     According to Greer the Public Act could generate an estimated extra 2million dollars for the county plus creating service jobs in the area.  “This extra revenue would equal a 20 to 25 cent increase in property tax that our citizens would not have to pay,” he stated.

County Planning Commission  1/10/06

     The Henry County Planning Commission, which has not met since July heard from Conner Franklin Regional Manger of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation concerning ground water protection.  Due to changes ins state regulations the Planning Commission will have to change the way it signs off on minor subdivisions in the county.  Many permits for subdivision of land are approved sight unseen.  Now those plats will have to be approved by the planning commissioners with more than a perk test.  “It is a revenue issue with the state of Tennessee,” stated County Mayor Brent Greer.  Fees will increase to $250 at the end of the month for sub surface sewer disposal – (septic tank)  construction permits.

Helping Hands  1/11/06

Tanner Honors Eagle Scouts 1/9 06

     Congressman John Tanner told a group of West Tennessee Eagle Scouts that the leadership and perseverance they have shown in achieving the top scouting honor  will be important as the nation depends on them to become the next generation of America’s leaders.

     Tanner was keynote speaker at the Eagles banquet honoring 88 Eagle Scouts in the West Tennessee Area Council of Boy Scouts.  Only about 2% of all Boy Scouts achieve the highest rank of Eagle Scouts, which Tanner said proves how dedicated these young men are to helping the country in the challenges that lie ahead.

     “We live in a very dangerous world,” Tanner told the group of about 300 Eagle Scouts, family members and Jackson. 

     “We live in a time that is unprecedented and uncharted throughout our history.  We have an enemy uncharted waters from a standpoint of world security.”          

     “The citizens of this country need, in my view, the leadership, the vision and the perseverance to task, that you young Eagle Scouts already have demonstrated.  It is a remarkable achievement.”      

     West Tennessee Area Council of Boy Scouts Eagles, Class of 2005 from Henry County-

     Cottage Grove Troop 271, Scout Master John Weiher – Chad Lowell Thomas.

     Paris Troop 22, Scout Master John Holt – Jeffery Wayne Barlow and James Edward Hixson.

     Paris Troop 28, Scout Master Randy Byars – Matthew Randal Byars, Thomas William Stoker and Jason Michael Walker.

Museum Receives Grant 1/9/06  

     The Paris-Henry County Heritage Center has received a grant from the State of Tennessee for conservation supplies.  In 2005 the State Legislature passed a bill that set aside $400,000 for the Department of State to distribute among the many local, not-for-profit museums across the state.  One of two-hundred fifty-nine applications, Henry County’s local history museum received $1951.21 to use towards development and continuation of operations.

      “We are very excited about this opportunity from the State.  We will use these funds to support the care of our museum collections,” said Heather Bailey, Director of the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center.  “While we have been storing our archival and artifact collections as best we can, we have to make purchases in small phases over time.  The cost of conservation materials can be quite prohibitive.  With this grant we will be able to purchase much needed curatorial supplies such as archival boxes, folders, and shelving.”

     Tennessee State Representative Borchert personally presented the check from the State to the museum on January 5, 2006.  “We work hard to be an important part to the local economy as a heritage tourism attraction and take seriously our mandate as an educational institution.  It is really heartening to have the support of politicians like Rep. Borchert who value assisting museums and preserving our heritage,” said Ms. Bailey.

     The Paris-Henry County Heritage Center is a local history museum located in the 1916 Italian Renaissance Revival Mansion named Cavitt Place.  A community landmark, the museum is part of the Historic North Poplar Neighborhood, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.  The museum is free and open to the public on Tuesday-Friday from 10am-4pm and Saturdays from 10am-2pm.  You can visit the museum online at www.phchc.com.