July 06 Stories

In a press release from the state of Tennessee Department of Education Thursday it was announced that Henry County High School was one of 22 schools in Tennessee that would be receiving an improvement grant for $8,000 to be used to further improve initiatives under the High Schools That Work (HSTW) program. The program focuses on providing rigorous academic courses for all students and relating learning to students' futures. The goal is to ensure students graduate prepared for their choice of pursuing a post-secondary education or a career. "Whether students aspire to enter the workforce or attend college, they need the academic foundation to excel beyond high school," stated Education Commissioner Lana Seivers. "Educators in these 22 schools are showing a renewed interest in collaborating and focusing on what is best for their students."

The Henry County Healthcare Center hosted the Medical Center board of Trustees for the July meeting Thursday evening. 92 rooms have been renovated and remodeled at the healthcare center. According to the Director of the facility, Sandra Ray, the north corridor and lobbies will be the next renovations, which are expected to be completed during 2006-07. There are also future plans to improve the appearance of the main entrance. Ray also stated that more physical therapy will be offered when more physical therapists are recruited. "There is a lot going on here and we need to emphasize what the Healthcare Center has to offer. Word of mouth and public perception is very important," stated Board Chairman Phil Wichlan.

A project manager has been chosen by McKesson for the implementation of the new Information Technology system. An implementation schedule for all the medical center should be developed by early August.

Early August will also mark the opening of 2 Tower for patients and the Sleep lab is currently seeing patients. The bids for the new Critical Care Unit should be available for board members by next month's board meeting. The board was also informed that recruitment of an additional psychiatrist continues while a new pediatrician will be joining Dr. Selby and Mann.

End of the fiscal year numbers showed that ER visits were down by 1% from last year, the healthcare center had significant growth. EMS runs were 2% less than last year while surgery showed a 9% increase. Bad debt at $4.9 million was up by 2and 1/2 % from last year. "Over all it was a very good year," explained Chief Financial Officer Lisa Casteel. " But don't let gross profits throw you," stated Wichlan, "we reinvest it back into the community and local economy."

Mike Daniels, candidate for Henry County Commissioner in the 3rd district was surrounded by friends, family and supporters Thursday evening when he held a gathering with food and live musical entertainment at the American Legion on East Antioch Rd. Campaigning as 'a common sense candidate', supporter Larry Ray stated, "I am always impressed with his common sense approach."

Speaking of the election Daniels said, "This is an endeavor that has been in the works for 3 years and it has been an eye opener for me and my wife." He went on to tell the crowd, "I don't have all the answers, but I know where to go to find them, and if successful I will give you the representation that you deserve," He told his supporters, "We are the largest district in the county and we have the largest attraction, the Lake and we have been put on the back burner. He also spoke of the TRRA and the use of an out of county firm to promote tourism in Henry County, "That is something we have been doing in this district already" stated the former Marine, "and we are the caretakers of the attraction."

The Paris Soccer Club will be holding sign ups every Friday from 5 until 7pm and every Saturday from 9am to 3pm through August 12 at the Paris Civic Center. Children must be 4 years old and no older than 18 by July 31st. The fee is $35 for the first child with each additional child $30. For more information call 644-2084.

The Tennessee River Fine Arts League will have it's monthly show and sale this Friday, July 28th from 5pm to 8pm and from noon until 5pm on Sunday at Lee Academy for the Arts on Lee St. in Paris. This month's featured artists are Faye Cooper and Alice McCutheon. A stained glass demonstration will be presented by Bob and Elaine Zembiec.

As of Tuesday morning over 1183 Henry County citizens had taken advantage of the ease of voting early at the Courthouse Annex on Washington St. with a steady number coming through the Election Commission door.

"We are doing a little better than most August elections," stated Jill Frye, Henry County Administrator of Elections.

Early voting continues through 12 noon Saturday, August 29th. Voters will be using the new screens to vote for their chosen candidate. The ballot consists of 12 pages of screens.

Mike Daniels, County Commission candidate for the 3rd district will be holding a gathering at the American Legion on East Antioch Rd. this Thursday evening, July 27, from 6pm to 9pm. Daniels will be having food and live entertainment. "I will have an open forum for questions and answers and I look forward to meeting as many citizens as possible."

In 2 short weeks the Henry County Fair will be here. Some of the events that we have waited a year for will return including the Beauty Revues in the Enoch Building at the Henry County Fairgrounds on Monday, Aug. 7th. In the arena on Tuesday there will be the washer pitching, Horse & Mule Pull. On Wednesday the crowds can enjoy lawnmower races. On Friday, Aug. 11th the arena will be the place to be to watch the Combine Derby & Powder Puff Demolition Derby. Then on Friday the highly anticipated Demolition Derby will be held.

For a complete list of events, times and prices pick up a copy of the Fair Booklet. This years book," Have a Wheelin' Squealin' Good Time". This year's cover features the art work of Branda Moore, a 2nd grader at Lakewood School.

The Henry County Budget Committee reviewed the county's proposed 2006/07 budget Thursday where County Mayor Brent Greer went over budget highlights for the committee members. "This budget has NO tax increase," stated the County Mayor. Greer is planning on presenting the budget for first reading to the county commission on August 7th. "Tonight we are looking at the budgets as presented by department heads and office holders. If there are any questions we will call them in for an explanation. I think that the office holders have been very reasonable," stated Greer. He went on to add, "We have used closed out numbers (end of the fiscal year numbers) in putting the budget together."

The proposed budget reflects the increase from the Tennessee River Resort Act for $1,000,000, less$55,056, in the tourism budget for an overall revenue increase in the 2006-07 budget of $807,536.

Expenses include a 3.5 cola and step increases in salaries, a $52,000 TCRS increase and increase in medical insurance with an overall increase in expenses of $625,000.

The General fund will reflect a reduction in property tax allocation from 58.4 cents to 55 cents. This amount was reallocated to education , the highway department, debt service and solid waste with 2.5 cents going to education. The impact on the budget is $117,471. The proposed fund balance usage for this budget is $204,614 compared to last year's $392,000.

According to Greer the $1,000,000 from TRRA less the $557,056 in the tourism budget will mean an overall increase in revenue for the county of $807,563. Revenue income outside of the TRRA funds is expected to be $364,619.

Henry County High School is one of 27 Tennessee high schools that have been selected to participate in a national initiative to model reform in high schools due to HCHS’s new ‘academy’ structure that will begin this fall. The new concept will attempt to ensure that students graduate prepared for a career or higher education by making the high school experience relevant to real life situations learned with like- interested students. “We are so pleased we were selected for this. None of this would be possible without the support of the board,” stated Director of Schools Rick Kriesky.

Lakewood Elementary, Lakewood Middle and Harrelson School will be part of a pilot project to use technology to enhance achievement. The project uses online assessments throughout the school year to help teachers know what students are learning and adjust the instruction. “This is a great step for our elementary and middle school people,” stated Kriesky.

The Henry County Board of Education was informed at Thursday’s meeting that renovations of Patriot Stadium have run into a few problems. When contractors began to work on the stadium they discovered that there was a spring under the stadium that would require draining which will mean more dirt to be hauled in and added expense. “It will be $130,000 more than anticipated”, explained the director of schools to board members. “We must wait until the new budget is approved by the County Commission before we continue.” This will mean a delay on the new walking track but the handicapped ramp into the stadium will be built.

Another project, the drive around Lakewood School, has been put out for bid. Bids will include putting in the road and the paving of the 20ft. wide one-way road.

Emergency bus communication devices were discussed by board members. West Kentucky Rural has acquired the present provider, which gave free emergency phone service on the busses. The board approved using WK Rural, which will allow the bus phones to keep the same phone numbers and use the same mobile phones that are already installed on the buses. The 45 lines will cost $6,950 annually, cheaper than another option, radios for all the busses. Radios would have to be purchased and installed.

Also approved was an energy study. Kriesky presented the board with a detailed energy study report done by the Tennessee Valley Authority for Grove Middle School, Henry Elementary and Henry County High School. Recommendations include lighting retrofits, installation of programmable thermostats and in some cases new windows. According to TVA, energy savings would be $81,327 at an estimated cost of $499,872 with the cost paying for its self in about 6 ½ years. The board of education also approved new software for all the school’s cafeteria computers.

At Thursday’s meeting of the Paris Board of Public Utilities the board approved write-offs for the 4^th quarter of fiscal year 2006 in the amount of $18,609.65. According to Assistant General Manager John Ethridge 1/3 of all bad debts have not paid the $200 deposit. “We need to collect a deposit for everyone,” stated Chairman Bill Caldwell to which Ethridge explained that the need to pay a deposit was based on the customers credit score. The policy of allowing the deposit to be paid monthly on the utility bills does not work either since most bad debts are renters who do not stay long enough at the same location to pay the amount of the deposit. Ethridge was instructed to study the board policy and come back with a recommendation. The larges percentage of the write offs are in the electric department but board member Bill Culley stated that it was not the amount of the write off, “it is the principle of the thing.”

Discussed separately was the amount of the Dana Corporation write off for $184,037.12. That includes Variable Interruptible Power accounts, electric, waste water, water and sanitation. According to General Manager Charles Perry, BPU has been approached by several companies who want to buy the bad debt accounts while BPU is waiting to hear from Dana in an attempt to adjust their electric contracts to save Dana money. The board decided to wait and see what the bankruptcy court would offer before accepting any deals from other companies.

Changes in rates and regulations in Sewer and Water were approved at Thursday‘s meeting after years of no changes or increases. BPU rates 20^th in the state for low water rates and 35th for lowest sewer rates.

In a report from Perry on BPU’s investment in Tennergy Partners he stated that there has been a 17% annual return on the investment. “The value of our investment continues to grow,” added Ethridge.

The board approved the purchase of electric meter field test equipment from the low bidder at a cost of $16,173. Also approved was the purchase of 2 flow monitors placed in the wastewater collection system. The board approved purchasing from the low bidder for 2 substation breakers for the McKenzie substation.

The W.G. Rhea Public Library Board of Trustee met Tuesday afternoon and were updated on repairs to the flat part of the library roof. “So far so good,” stated Library Director Connie McSwain. “The leaks have been stopped but the rest of the roof still needs to be re-shingled.”

The board approved a raise in the cost of copies from 10 cents to 25 cents a page due to a raise in the cost of paper.

The library will be receiving 5 new computers in December from the Gates Foundation. The computers will be installed and contain ‘Word Office’ software.

Chairman Bruce Reed told the board that the library will be receiving a 3 and ½ percent increase in this fiscal year budget that the library can use at their decision, which the board intends to use to fund an additional position in the genealogy room and the archives. The increase has been approved by the city and must still be approved by the county commission. Of the 109 visitors to the Genealogy Department 63 were from out of the county.

Another matter brought to the attention of the board was the number of missing or unreturned materials. According to McSwain the current policy “has no teeth in it” with low fines and no way to prosecute those who do not return materials.

The Summer Reading Program was a huge success again this year with over 438 children participating. The top 3 readers this year were Savannah Talmadge with 145 books, Anna DiVito with 120 books and David West with 110 books.

A bid was awarded for 4-inch pipe on the Hwy 641A project and 2-inch pipeline for Jones Bend Rd and Shamrock Rd. to Natural Gas Piping Co. out of Dyersburg. The low bid of Natural Gas Piping, $114,800, was one of 3 bids received by the Paris Henry County Natural Gas Utility District and was approved by board members at Tuesday’s noon meeting.

The board members also approved a resolution to become part of a consortium with the city of Paris, Henry County, Paris Board of Public Utilities and E-911. The resolution will set the shared cost of the aerial mapping and allow all parties to share the information. To join in the consortium will cost the Utility District $10,000 or 10% of the cost with the city paying 20%, the county 30%, 911 30% and BPU 10%. “This is a good joint effort for all of the entities involved,” stated Gas Utility District Manager Don Green.

Dana’s bankruptcy claim has been filed and was discussed by board members Tuesday. According to Green several companies have come forward and made offers to pay a percentage of the over $88,000 owed by Dana to the gas company. Green was instructed to talk to the companies and see what they were offering and come back to the board with their offers.

“I am proud to announce that the children classes of Paris Karate have been chosen for the 10^th time to participate in a Karate event to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. This year Paris Karate will be holding a “Kata Thon”, stated Rick Conger of Paris Karate.

St. Jude is the nation’s leading research hospital that treats catastrophic childhood diseases such as cancer. Families are not charged for this expensive treatment and the primary source of funding is from contributions.

A “kata thon’ is a week long event from July 17 to 22 where the student performs kata, the present routines of karate techniques, keeping count of he number they perform. Sponsors donate money for each kata performed.

The Henry County Commissioners were asked by the Paris Landing Business Association to listen to a presentation from Kenneth Freeman, CEO of Ken Freeman Outdoor Promotions. Freeman proposed holding a fishing tournament and concert at Paris Landing State Park. The one-day event is scheduled for May 5, 2007 to coincide with the 2007 World’s Biggest Fish Fry. According to Freeman a “Bass Pro Shop’s Big Cat Quest Catfish Tournament will bring anglers from over 15 states to boost the local economy as well as providing national television coverage and local radio coverage plus national publication promotion. The commission approved moving forward with the fishing tournament and the $10,000 commitment but fell short of agreeing to the concert even though Freeman stated that the concert would be family oriented. “We will have to study more on the concert,” stated County Mayor Brent Greer.

The commission once again approved a resolution for participating in the 3 Star Program, which provides certified communities the opportunity to develop economic strategies for growth in the community. The resolution contains a 5-year strategic economic development plan.

Also approved, on second reading, was the non-profit organizations list. The sum of $96,250 was appropriated to 24 groups. The commission approved a recommendation of the nominating committee to reappoint Danny Tucker as County Coroner with assistant Coroner M. L. Bailey, contingent upon his certification.

During the nominating committee it was stated that in the first 17 days of the new fiscal year there were already autopsies performed at a cost of $2500 to $3000 each.

Paris Special School District will receive $250,965 to fund 3 new Pre- Kindergarten classrooms for 4 year olds in the 2006-07 school year. The announcement was made Thursday afternoon by Governor Phil Bredesen, Senator Roy Herron and Representative Butch Borchert.

“I am extremely pleased that every school system that has applied for the pre-K funds has received enough to fund at least one new classroom and I want to thank the leaders of these school systems and their communities for embracing the opportunity to partner in an extraordinary program,” Bredesen said.

Tennessee has been recognized nationally as having among the highest standards for its pre-K program and is one of four states to receive recognition by the national advocacy group Pre-K Now.

The Paris Municipal Regional Planning Commission met Thursday evening where the agenda was cut short by one item of business, the proposed Sonic Drive Inn site plan on Tyson Avenue. According to Linda Holder, Community Development Director the plan had not been received by meeting time and was taken off of the agenda.

The 2006 Henry County Fair Book was dedicated to Jimmy and Alonna Tosh during Thursday evenings Fair Board meeting held in the Enoch Building at the fairgrounds.

Fair Book chairperson Denneicia Gregson had the honor of reading the dedication as the Henry couple and fair board members listened. The dedication describes them as a “Hog Wild” couple that has long been in love with the fair. Their work at the fair began when their children began showing hogs and continues today.

Jimmy Tosh is a native of Henry County and a major pork producer in Tennessee who has served on the fair board for 14 years. Besides the full time job of being wife and mother of 2 sons Alonna Tosh is an intrigue part of the hog farm operation and building assistant of the Enoch Community building.

The dedication ends with this statement, “It is only fitting that the 2006 Fair Book is dedicated to them and that this year’s theme “A Wheelin Squealin Good Time” puts ‘Hog Wild’ up front in the fair picture.

Jimmy modestly told the board, “I do appreciate this but I don’t think we have done any more than any of the other board members.”

Tim Wirgau, Henry County Commissioner candidate for the 3^rd district, held a gathering for the community and supporters at the American Legion in Springville Thursday evening.

Campaign supporters caught the eye of visitors in their day glow shirts and caps as a D.J. played music for the crowd that was expected to be around 200 people.

An active member of the community, Wirgau is a past president of the Chamber of Commerce, past General Manager of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry, little league coach, member of the Rotary Club and business owner.

The Paris Henry County Chamber of Commerce's Annual Fun Run on KY Lake will be Saturday, July 15th. All boater are welcome. Sign up at the Chamber office on Wood Street. You can call the chamber office for more details at 62-3431.

Early voting in the Henry County General election and the state primary begins Friday July 14^th and runs through July 29^th. Early voting is held in the courthouse annex located on Washington St. Polls will be open for early voting at the annex from 8:30am to 4pm, Monday through Friday and 9am to 12 noon on the 3 Saturday’s of early voting. Voters will be using new push button voting machines instead of paper ballots this election as they cast their vote for county commissioners, constables, county school board members, road board members, attorney general, public defenders, various judges, Governor, US senator, US Representatives and State representatives.

With early voting to begin on Friday office seekers are out campaigning, offering citizens the opportunity to meet them in person. Hansel McCadams who is running for District Attorney held a campaign gathering at the American Legion Hall in Springville Wednesday evening shaking hands and talking to the community members, leaders and well wishers who attended.

The hall was full of supporters and citizens from his home county of Henry, just one of the counties he must win in his bid for District Attorney. Other counties in the district include Benton, Carroll, Decatur and Hardin. “The biggest challenge in Henry County is offering services to the citizens, the veteran, who have sacrificed so much,” stated McCadams, “ They need to know that their sacrifices are appreciated.” He also added that anther challenge in Henry County is getting the citizens to get out to the polls to vote.

Prior to the Puryear Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting the city board hears comments from the citizens. At Tuesday evenings meeting several citizens from School Street were present to once again complain about junked cars and non-compliance with the city's junk car ordinance. Mayor Kenny Paschall stated, "We have carried this as far as we can, now we must see what the judge decides." The matter will come before the City court on Wednesday. Citizens were given from March to July to remove junk cars. There has also been problems with cars parking on School Street, where 'No Parking' signs were put due to the narrowness of the street. Puryear Chief of Police Dale Paschall told the board that the signs were a matter of safety. You can't get through with emergency vehicles with cars parked there," he explained.

During the regular meeting the board approved putting the 1995 John Deer lawn tractor on the city's surplus equipment list and taking sealed bids for the lawnmower through 4pm Monday. Approved by the board was the purchase of a Pro Series Toro lawn tractor from 54 Lawn & Garden for the bid price of $5540. Tabled was declaring the 2 police cars as surplus. The replacement vehicles should be here by the next board meeting.

Also approved by the mayor and aldermen was a bid from Wade Paving for $1920 for asphalt repairs to city streets where cuts were made in the road for water line repairs and gas lines. "All the bids were good and pretty close," stated the mayor.

The city will now be accepting bids for repairs to the City Hall roof due to hail damage that occurred early this year.

In an update on the city's sewer lift station, repairs have been completed, the old pump pulled out and and a new one installed.

In a survey by City police 12 to 15 pieces of property were found to not be in compliance with the ordinance for grass cutting. Letters will go out to those citizens this week.

The Paris Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners reviewed the new budget for the 2006-07 fiscal year at Monday evenings meeting. “There are no big surprises,” stated Director Tim Check. The city of Paris did not match the funds that the parks board set aside for the Skate board park and Check stated that without matching funds they would not be eligible for a $15,000 grant from the Tom Hawks Foundation to improve the park.

The new city sign ordinance was discussed by the board. The use of signs are the major form of advertising and promotion for events.

Kids Fest, which replaced the Eiffel Tower Day, will be July 29^th. The free one day event will run from 10am to 2pm and will feature inflatables, games, a slip& slide, concessions and a ‘mist tent. The Tractor Show will be held August 18^th and 19^th. Beth Harrod who will be taking the place of Carol Doster on the park board was introduced to board members Monday. It was also announced that a meeting would be held later this week to finalize the choice of playground equipment for Memorial Park. The new equipment was part of a project taken on by Families for Paris Parks.

3^rd District Commissioner 7/11/06

The Springville American Legion was the site for Henry County Commissioner Paul Mathenia and supporters to gather Monday evening as community members, as well as county and local dignitaries cooked and served up an old fashion fish fry with all the trimmings.

The hall was full as Mathenia shook hands and thanked everyone for coming out and supporting him is his campaign for reelection.

“I’d appreciate your vote,” he told the crowd. “I have no personal agenda, I just want what is best for the citizens of Henry County. I will continue to work to make Henry County a good place to live.”

During the past term on the county commission Mr. Paul Mathenia has worked to get the ramp of the boat dock on Port Rd. replaced and was a strong supporter of the Tennessee River Resort Act which has the potential to bring an economic boost to the county.

“But in order for me to serve you, you must get out and vote,” he stated.

County Commissioner Paul Mathenia is planning a fish fry at the American Legion on E. Antioch Rd. Monday evening starting at 6pm. Mathenia has urged every to come to the fish fry, enjoy some good food and take the opportunity to speak to him as he makes a bid for re-election.

During Thursday evening’s Paris City Commission meeting special recognition was given to 4 Paris firemen.

Captain James L. Valentine is retiring from the Paris Fire Department after 27 years. Valentine was presented a resolution by City Manager Carl Holder honoring his long years of dedicated service to the citizens of Paris.

Also honored were David Harrison, Jeff Hamlin and Randal Jones. With17 years of service Hamlin was promoted to Assistant Chief. Harrison with 23 years of service and Jones with 21 years of service received promotions to Captain.

The Henry County Beer Board approved a request for a new beer board Thursday evening for the Tackle Box located on Hwy 79N.

Heritage Center's Estate and Collectible Auction 7/7/06

The time is here for the Heritage Center's Estate and Collectible Auction!
This year's auction will be on the grounds of the Heritage Center, starting at 9am on Saturday, July 8th. If you would like to donate items, we will collect pieces for the auction, such as Paris memorabilia, glass and china collectibles, artwork, furniture, toys and dolls and games - whatever you would like to donate to help raise money.

If you are downsizing or moving from a larger place to a smaller place, or want to clean out storage units, this is perfect. We will auction your items for a good price to help the Heritage Center and you receive a
specific amount to use as a tax deduction. If you need someone to pick up the items you are donating, let us know and volunteers from the Heritage
Center will come to your home and pick up your donations.

For people looking to own a piece of Henry County history, we encourage you to attend the auction and make a great find!

For more information, or to schedule a pick up, please contact the Heritage Center at (731) 642-1030. The Heritage Center is open Tuesday-Friday from
10am-4pm, and on Saturdays 10am-2pm. We are located just north of historic downtown shopping district in Paris, TN, at 614 N. Poplar St. with a parking
lot off of N. Market St.

For more information on the auction go to:
http://www.dougtaylorauction.com/

AUCTION: GROUNDS OF THE HERITAGE CENTER
DATE: SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2006
TIME: 9:00am
AUCTIONEER: DOUG TAYLOR

City Commission 7/7/06

The Paris City Commission held their regular monthly meeting Thursday evening which was presided over by Vice Mayor Sam Tharpe and included a discussion of updating building codes. Currently the city operates under 1999 building codes that do not include any earthquake or seismic codes. "We are so far away from the river that the earth quake codes are not as important," stated Commissioner Gayle Griffith. The board also decided not to adopt the 2006 building codes that require sprinklers in residences, electing instead to adopt the 2003 building codes minus the seismic regulations. "The problem with the 1999 codes is that training will not be available for the '99 codes soon," stated City Manager Carl Holder, "and our ISO rating could drop from a 4 to a 9."

On an update of the next leg of the 218 Bypass Holder stated that construction is scheduled to start in April of 2008, according to TDOT. "In the estimation of the staff," stated Holder, "this schedule represents an almost certain delay to fiscal year 2009 for construction."

Commissioners approved a cemetery improvement project. "The project would include tree removal and fence repair. The renovations and upgrades would be for all city cemeteries especially the Old City Cemetery. "We have money from the state set aside for this that must be used in this fashion," explained Holder.

The final item on Thursday's agenda was the consideration of hiring a company that would do targeted retailing recruitment. Money for promotion of the area through the Tennessee River Resort District Act would be available for the study which would cost around $18,500. According to Holder the company would compare other cities similar in size to Paris and see what retail stores were located there. Tharpe explained that several companies are being considered and Holder was told by the commissioners to proceed with the selection.

The North Wall Movie Night at the Atkins- Porter Recreation Center in Paris runs the next four Saturdays in July. Sponsored by the AP Neighborhood Association, Paris Parks & Recreation and the Heritage Center, the free family films begin at 8:30 pm. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, concessions will be available. In case of rain the movies will be shown inside the AP Center located at the corner of Walnut and Highland Streets. Donations will be accepted. For more information call 644-1725.

The Jaycees 21st annual fireworks display was held at the Paris Landing State Park Tuesday evening.

The evening started off with the music of the Chuck Raymer Band in the amphitheater area of the park. Crowds were down this year and according to Paris Landing State Park Assistant Manager Joan Williams the crowd was estimated to be at 25 thousand to 30 thousand, not counting the people in boats on the water. "The forecast for rain may have kept some of the people away but the fact that the holiday fell on Tuesday and many people have to be at work Wednesday morning is probably the main reason for the smaller crowd." she stated.

Speaking of last years accident when fireworks went up into the crowd by the pavilion, Williams said that all the procedures had been correctly followed and it was simply that, an accident. "This change had been discussed prior to last year and moving the location where the fireworks were set off had already been planned."

Cottage Grove was jumping with community members, politicians, visitors and children for the annual Freedom Fest Tuesday.

The day started off with a parade that led from the edge of town, past the old Cottage Grove Elementary School to Cardinal Park. “This year’s attendance seems a little low, but I think that is due to the threat of rain,” stated Cottage Grove Mayer John Weiher.

This years parade winners included Tammy Wood’s Aloha for Best Float, 2^nd place went to Thompson Creek Baptist Church and 3^rd place to Wiemi Farm. Best Bicycle or Childs Motorized Toy went to Andrew Watdey, 2^nd place to Shannon Paige and 3^rd place to Michael Davis. Best vehicle went to Dan Patterson, 2^nd to the Joe Rainey and 3^rd to Dan Paschall. Best walking or Marching unit was Joshua Wallie. 2^nd place was the Jerry Snetak family and 3^rd place to the revolutionary marchers from the North Fork Historical Society. Best Horse was Kathy Visser and her miniature donkey, 2^nd place was a set of miniature horses. Best tractor went to Elvis Stokey and 2^nd place to Leon Bumpus on a John Deer.

After the parade many of the crowd, like Rebecca and Jessica West along with Jonathan Leaidicker took advantage of the concessions before joining in the cakewalk or viewing the antique tractors or motorcycles. A 77-mile motorcycle run attracted 53 bikes to the day’s event as well.

Remember when the rails were the way to travel? The Charles Conger Senior Citizens Center will be sponsoring a train trip on Oct. 7^th and remembering the good old days.

The Office on Aging will purchase all tickets for the train ride. The only money needed will be $20 for the bus trip to Nashville and the cost of your lunch. The bus will leave the Central Community Service Center on Jones Bend Rd. at 5am and arrive in Nashville at the Tennessee Central Railway Museum where the group will be boarding the train at 8:30am, destination Watertown. The train trip will include something special that day, -- a train robbery!

3rd District Commissioner 7/11/06

3^rd District Commissioner 7/11/06