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Good Business Climate 7/31/08 “This
study confirms that our efforts to create a better business climate in The
report, “A View From Corporate America: Winning Strategies in Economic
Development Marketing,” has been conducted every three years since 1996, and “This latest ranking is a testament to the strategic vision and business sense of Governor Bredesen. His knowledge of business strategy led to the creation of the Jobs Cabinet and significant changes in our incentive offerings. He knows what businesses need to be successful,” said Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber. The
survey audience was a random selection of corporate executives and site
consultants representing Key findings from the 2008 DCI survey include:
To view the complete report, visit www.theleaderinmarketingplaces.com. For more information on the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, visit www.tnecd.gov.
Adjustments & Appeals 7/30/08 The Paris Board of Adjustments and Appeals went through a long agenda quickly Tuesday evening with several of the houses on the agenda being added to the demolition list. A house on Hudson St. will be added to the demolition list if the owners do not show some work being done on the structure by the September meeting. Also to be added to the demolition list is a residence on N. Poplar St. Both of the properties have been reviewed by the board in past meetings. No action was taken on a residence on Wynn St. According to Building Inspector Ida Thornton there are people living in the residence and if the building were condemned or demolished it would be the responsibility of the city to find them housing. A structure on Irvin St. will have to be sold or fixed by the Sept. meeting. Currently the structure has a large hole in the roof and the owner can not afford to fix it. If no progress is made the house will be added to the demolition list. Another structure on Wynn St. is in similar difficulty. The owner can not afford the repairs needed to bring it up to codes. The owner was present at the meeting and agreed to clean the brush from the front of the house with in the month. A progress report will be expected at the next meeting. The owner of property on Pitt St. notified the board that they have not seen the property in 42 years and will pay for the demolition and then give the lot to the city. The owner of a house on Pearl St. also gave their permission for the house to be demolished. Among other things the chimney has collapsed into the house. The owner of a house on N. Blakemore St. is currently in jail and the house will remain on the demolition list. The owner of another house on Irvine St. was present and told the board he had received an estimate of $90,000 to bring the house up to codes. He wanted to have it demolished and replace it with a double wide trailer. A progress report was requested by the board for the next meeting in Sept. Property on Fairgrounds Rd. will be added to the demolition list at the owners request The owner of property on Cooper St. also asked that the structure be added to the demolition list. The owner of a house on N. Brewer St. was present and told board members that she had pad locked the doors and someone had taken the door off the hinges and had been using the house. She requested that the lot be donated to Habitat for Humanity.
Early Voting 7/30/08 To date 492 Henry Countians have turned out for early voting at the Election Commission in the Courthouse Annex. Local officials are calling it a 'light' turn out even for a general election without a presidential race. Early voting continues until noon of August 2. If you are a registered voter you need to present a picture ID with your signature. The ID may be a driver's license, college ID, fishing license or military ID. This election includes state and US representatives, school board members. county commissioners, constables, road board members, supreme court judges and a sales tax referendum. County Fair 7/29/08 H enry County 4-H member Melinda Perkins exhibits a market steer at the Henry County Fair each year. This year, over 150 4-H and FFA members will exhibit steers, hogs and lambs during the Junior Livestock Show and Sale. Livestock will be in place in the barns on Wednesday evening, August 6. The show will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the market hog classes, followed by lambs and steers. The auction will begin at 7:00 p.m. and livestock will sell in the order of steers, hogs and lambs.
Champion Tree7/28/08 Do you have the BIGGEST tree in Henry County? The Henry County Forestry association is sponsoring a “Big Tree” contest to help bring awareness to the value trees bring to Henry County. The contest will begin in June and go through the end of August. There will be ten different categories of trees that will be eligible. Upland Red Oak Bottomland Red Oak Upland White Oak Bottomland White Oak, Yellow (Tulip) Poplar Maple, Ash Beech, Hickory Gum. If you know of a tree in Henry County that may qualify, contact the UT Extension office at 642-2941 to schedule a time for the tree to be measured by a qualified judge. The measurements taken include the circumference of the tree at 4.5 feet, the total height and the average width of the crown of the tree. A total point value will be given to each tree to determine the winner for each category. The winners will be presented with a plaque at the winter meeting of the Henry County Forestry Association. Trees and forests play an important role in each of our lives by providing social, communal, environmental and economical benefits. Interesting tree facts: Trees can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 30%, by shading windows and walls of your home. Landscaping with trees can increase property values as much as 20 percent. One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. Trees and forests improve water quality and help to prevent the transport of sediment into streams. The average American uses approximately 890 board feet of wood products each year. There are 155,000 acres of forests in Henry County. The wood using industry employs over 800 people in Henry County. Trees and forests are a renewable and sustainable resource. Tax Holiday 7/26/08 The Next Sales Tax Holiday is August 1-3 please visit the new www.tntaxholiday.com where you can find updated lists of exempt items, retailer information, news and more. You can also access Sales Tax Holiday information via the Department of Revenue's home page, www.Tennessee.gov/revenue. Exempt items will remain the same and include: - School and school art supplies with a price of $100 or less per item - Clothing with a price of $100 or less per item - Computers with a price of $1,500 or less Questions? - Call (800) 342-1003, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central Time. - E-mail Salestax.Holiday@state.tn.us. - Visit www.tntaxholiday.com. School Board 7/26/08 The Henry County Board of Education covered a full agenda at Thursday evenings meeting and approved several grants that the school system had received. Approved was a tolerance grant for $1,000 that provides funding for the 'free to be me' program . The curriculum, designed by the teachers in the system, encourages tolerance and acceptance of all students and is connected with the anti-bullying program that was implemented by the school system. Another grant that was approved was the truancy grant funding. The grant is for $48,900 which is less than last year. The grant will pay for one truancy officer who is paid by the hour and conducts the Saturday School. It will also provide gas money for the officer. The Henry County Coordinated school health program will also receive money this year. Henry County has a pilot program and will once again receive state funding in the amount of i$135,000 from TN. School support organizations , like PTOs and Buster Clubs will be required to keep books and separate bank accounts, not connected to the school's accounts. The board approved more School Resource Officers Thursday. There will continue to be one at the High School, one for Grove and one officer to be shared by the county elementary schools. Carroll Academy will not receive federal funding as in the past. "We are hopefully that funding will return next year," stated Juvenile Judge Vicki Snyder, who along with Sheriff Belew were present at the meeting. The cost of the SROs will be shared by the school, the sheriff's office and money from probation. The court will no longer be permitted to send juveniles to Carroll Academy and will only be receiving 75% of past funding and instead of 24 spaces as in the past Henry County. including PSSD will only be able to send 12 students. Director of Schools Rick Kriesky told board members that if the referendum that is on the ballot this August us passed the school system may be able to have a new building to replace Weston Hall plus additional ag. facilities. If it doesn't the renovations for Weston, at today's prices would run $1.8million. In recognition of Dr. Michael Dunkerson's8 yrs on the school board, 6 as chairman, he received a hansom clock and several plaques along with a cake. Dunkerson did not run in this up coming election.
Drug Money 7/25/08
Deputy Ricky Wade, who is assigned to the 24th Judicial Drug Task Force as a criminal interdiction agent, made a traffic stop on July 22 at around 6am on Interstate 40 at the 123 mile marker near Camden . Deputy Wade stopped a Toyota SUV for a following to close violation. The driver was identified as 72 year old Carmine Perez. Deputy Wade's K-9 partner Stricker was run on the vehicle and alerted Wade that the vehicle contained some type of contraband. When Stricker was allowed in the SUV he alerted on a large black bag . At this time a search of the vehicle was conducted by Wade and $14,869, all in $100 bills, was discovered in the bag. After investigation the money was determined to be drug proceeds and was seized by Wade. The money had been in contact with drugs causing Stricker to alert on it. The investigation is ongoing. Deputy Wade and Stricker have seized approx. $84,000 in the last 60 days. Sheriff Belew stated "Deputy Wade and Stricker are to be commended for seizing this huge amount of money." No drugs were found in the vehicle and the Antioch woman was not charged. It is believed she was headed to Mexico to purchase marijuana with the money. A back ground check showed that Perez had previous rug charges in Texas.
HCMC 7/25/08 The Hospitalist program at Henry County Medical Center continues to grow and improve with more physicians and staffing schedules being worked out. Medical Center Administrator Thomas Gee told the Board of Trustees Thursday evening that the number of new patients has matched projections. Board members also had the chance to view a new physicians recruiting DVD that highlights Paris, Henry County and HCMC. Currently the medical center is still trying to recruit specialist such as a psychiatrist. The DVD will be ready for distribution soon. This months board meeting was held in the Henry County Health Care Center where the number of residents is down. The board discussed the need, and Director Sandra Ray's wish, for a new facility. That will be a few years off and board members agreed that this would give them the opportunity to study new methods of care and treatment. "This would give us the opportunity to see what changes are being made in the industry with the baby boomers aging," stated Board Chairman Phil Wichlan. Construction of the pharmacy/registration /gift shop area is underway and should be completed in 4 months.
The average length of stay at the hospital is a little over 4 days with
332 admissions in the month of June. Births were up from last year and EMS
runs were down for the month but up for the year. 4-H 7/24/08
Three Henry County 4-H members exhibited their horses at the State 4-H Horse Championships in June at The Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville. The State Show, in its 25th year, had over 386 4-H youth exhibiting 2,320 entries during the five-day, 165 class event. Megan Aiosa, a junior high 4-H member at Henry School, is the daughter of Vicky and Chris Aiosa. Megan showed two horses in the junior high level. Melanie Aiosa, a senior high 4-H member at Henry County High School, is also the daughter of Vicky and Chris Aiosa. Melanie showed two horses in the senior level, Bonnie Valentine and Sheza Movin’ Bug, in two different divisions: Hunter and English. Jessica Barker, a senior hgh 4-H member at Henry County High School, is the daughter of Donald and Brit Barker. Jessica showed in the senior level with Panama Page II, in the Hunter and English divisions. Points are earned in each grade level for each division, culminating in high point awards for exhibitor/horse combinations. Megan Aiosa and Running Fearless earned the English Division Junior High Point Award. Melanie Aiosa and Sheza Movin’ Bug earned the English Division Senior High. The three 4-H members have each earned enough points to be a part of the 42-member delegation of exhibitors representing Tennessee at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Show. The Southern Regionals will take place July 29-August 3 in Lexington, Virginia. 4-H members from 13 Southern states from Virginia to Texas will be there to participate. Megan and Melanie Aiosa and Jessica Barker display their rosettes, medals and high point chairs they won at the State 4-H Horse Championships.
Fire 7/23/08 Paris Fire Fighters were called out early Tuesday morning to the scene of a fire. Trinity Funeral Home on Depot St. was fully involved at 4:18am when the first call came in. According to fire fighters the building is practically a total loss. 3 fire trucks were called out and then the ladder truck. The fire is being investigated by the state fire marshal and no further information is being released until the investigation is complete.
BPU 7/23/08 The Paris Board of Public Utilities approved the purchase of a backhoe for the water department at a cost of $53,800 which includes the trade in. They also approved the purchase of a tractor for pulling wire, maintaining substation grounds and other uses at a cost of $12,999. Also approved by the board was the purchase of reclosers, electronically controlled , for $27,236. The board approved write offs in the amount of $40,384 for the last quarter of the fiscal year. "Write offs this time of the year are usually highest," General Manager John Etheridge told board members. He also stated that while TVA fuel costs were up the amount of hydro power they produce is down. Worker's comp claims have been going down yearly and sol far this year there are no claims. Etheridge pointed out to the board that this board meeting marked a year since he had become General Manager. In a review of the finances for the fiscal year Tuesday the GM stated "Weather has a great affect on sales. We didn't expect to grow much but we did grow a little in our number of residential customers. In a reorganization of the board all members retained their office. "We have good board members and I am glad to serve with them," stated Ralph Anderson. County Commission 7/22/08 A majority of Monday's County Commission meeting was spent discussing a mobile home park development on Hwy 69. Located in the 5th district, off of Jackson Dr., the land is often in water and will not allow more than 6 to 12 house trailers to be placed on it due to problems with sewage. Dr. Walter Griffey II told county commissioners that health issues such as standing water, mosquitoes and poor drainage should be taken into consideration before allowing the trailer park to be built. County Mayor Brent Greer explained to the packed courtroom that there was no zoning in the county and that county government could do very little at this point to regulate the development. According to Emergency Management Director Ron Watkins the land in question is in a flood plain and would qualify for flood insurance through FEMA. Greer also stated that electric service would not be installed by BPU until all licensees and regulations had been met. Anchorage for the trailers would also have to be approved due to the lay of the land. It was suggested that citizens develop a committee to further study the proposed development and county attorney Lee Greer stated that the health issues would seem to be the better alternative to stopping the development. In other business the John Hutcherson was appointed to the Airport committee and county attorney Lee Greer was appointed as interim Ethics Officer. Also approved was a 20 year growth plan for the portion of McKenzie in Henry County. A special called meeting of the commission will be held on Aug.4th at 4:30 to approve the 2008-09 budget, the Non-profit organizations request list and the tax rate. Honored with a proclamation at the commission meeting wee 11 boys and their coaches from the Henry County Youth Baseball who won the state championship and now move on to the National competition in North Carolina Golden Glove 7/21/08
"We are here this evening to celebrate the athletic successes of the Henry County Boxing Club," stated the proclamation read at the Saturday evening fish fry to benefit the team that will go to the state finals in Kansas City. The fish , provided by Rep. Borchert and served up by volunteers, drew a large crowd to help the young men pay for their trip to Kansas City for the National Championship. Dejuan Vaughn, Clinton Phifer, Tyler Harper and Alex Ballestores, the 4 Golden Glove winners will be representing Henry County and the state of Tennessee . Reunion 7/21/08 THE HENRY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 1978 IS HAVING THEIR 30
YEAR Boxing Grant Cut 7/19/08 FUND RAISER SATURDAY AT ENOCH BUILDING ** 5 to 7** With Federal budget cuts causing state budget cuts, one of the things cut was Department of Children Services funding. Locally that affected the Sporting Chance Grant used for the Paris Henry County Boxing Club, a program supported by Juvenile Judge Vicki Snyder. There recent success has given the 4 young men boxers, coached by Neely Owens, the opportunity to participate in national competition. Although the teams funding has been cut their coach has carried on with the teams training. Because of the loss of the grant the group will be having a fish fry Saturday July 19, at the Enoch Building to raise funds to attend the competition. The All You Can Eat Fish Fry event will be provided by Butch Borchert along with community service volunteers. "This is an example of the community coming together to support its youth," stated Judge Snyder, "and so far donations have been gotten off to a good start." Liquor Store 7/19/08 In a special called meeting the Paris City Commission approved a certificate of Compliance for a Retail Liquor store application. Paris Liquor & Wines LLC, located on E. Wood St. , will be owned by Jayanti and Kalpesh Patel who also own Fuel Pro. No comment were mqe3 by the public during the meeting and the store will be open by September.
Summer Fun 7/19/08
What better way to spend a summer afternoon, epically if you are retired like David Newman and Charles Perry, driving around with the top down, enjoying the summer sun in Charlie's new toy. Annual Picnic 7/18/08
Henry County Democrats, including county commissioners, elected officials and those seeking offices were on hand at the annual Democratic picnic at the Hampton Inn Thursday. Democrats from surrounding counties also came out to support their favorite candidates such ad Butch Borchert who is running for state representative and Bob Tuck, who is running for U.S. Senate.
Last Blast 7/17/08
The W.G. Rhea Public Library was the place to enjoy the last day of the Summer Reading program "Starship Adventure Summer Reading Program 2008 Wednesday where children could jump in a castle, eat snow cones, cotton candy and pizza, draw pictures on the sidewalk and much more with the help of many volunteers including Mary Lacey and Beth Pafford. Stars who read 100 books or more or who had over 100 books read to them were Anna Divito,7, who read 110 books, Addy Parker, 2, 110 books , Savannah Parker, 7, 110 books. According to Library Director Connie McSwain 81 children met or exceeded their reading goals. Also part of the festivities was local author Dick Levesque was on hand to sign copies of his new children's book "Norman the Little Red Sedan".
Think Green 7/`7/08
WITH GAS PRICES STILL ON THE RISE,
WINTERIZE YOUR HOME NOW! Some
Tips to Consider: *Seal leaks around doors, windows, etc. with caulking or weather-stripping *Set water heater temperature to 120 degrees *Check your attic and basement to see if they have recommended level of insulation *Examine heating ducts for leaks *If possible replace screen windows with storm windows *Use a programmable digital thermostat to set thermostat back when gone or sleeping. *Ask about Budget Billing!
Paris-Henry County Public Utility
District Your Natural Gas Distributor 215 West Wood Street - Paris, TN 38242 Phone: 731-642-5635 24-Hour Emergency Number
Gas Co. 7/16/08 The Paris Henry County Public Utility District board members Dr. Tom Wood and Attorney Steve Greer took the oath of office at Tuesday's meeting once again reinstating them on the board. General Manager Don Green told board members that "gas is going up. We are trying to buy gas any time it goes down." Green added, "The only cost increase we have is in the cost of gas. " Every one is trying to save gas and all the utilities will be going up." PHCPUD is currently at 44.8% of their storage capacity, serving 5,987 customers. " The gas utility will once again be joining in the 4-H Livestock sale in August by purchasing livestock.
PSSD 7/16/08 The Paris Special School District will hold off adopting the 2008-09 budget. The new budget will come before the board at their August meeting. The new budget will include a 2% across the board pay increase for all PSSD employees. This years school budget will be coming in as budgeted and in the black. The PSSD Board of Education voted to accept the state approved bonus of $380, which were based on the BEP formula. They also decided to raise the bonus to an even $400 making up the additional $10,000 difference with local money.
The new pre-school classroom is on scheduled with completion aimed for the
beginning of the next school year. The Paris Parks and Recreation Department will be receiving new score boards from Pepsi after the board voted to accept their offer at Monday evenings meeting. Pepsi has agreed to provide score boards at McNeil Park and other locations that currently have score boards. The Pepsi agreement also includes a few portable soccer boards that will be used at soccer games. The Paris Soccer Club also requested that all their games be played at McNeil Park soccer fields this fall. Road Board 7/15/08 The Henry County Highway Commission has been approved to borrow approx. $3,500,000 by the county commission and now the highway board must decide how best to spend the money to maintain the county roads. Discussion on the topic was the main agenda item Monday night. The money will be paid back from the wheel tax collections over the next 10 to 15 years. The cost of materials has risen sharply like everything else due to rising fuel prices. According to board members the money will be used to simply maintain current road conditions. Early Voting 7/14/08 Early voting for the August 7th General Election begins Friday at the courthouse annex on Washington St. Voting can be done from 8:30am to 4pm, MONDAY thru FRIDAY, 9 t0 noon SATURDAY. Grant Request 7/14/08 The Paris City Commission approved a resolution that will allow the Paris Parks and Recreation department to apply to TML's Risk Management Pool for a Safety Partners Grant The city of Paris is eligible for a $2,000 grant with a $2,000 match. Tony Lawrence of the Parks Department told the commission that the grant would be used to purchase automated external defibrillators that could be used by the parks department at such places as Memorial Park swimming pool and all major park functions in case of cardiac arrest. Arts Round the Square 7/12/08 Arts ‘Round the Square (ARTS), the centerpiece of Eye Full of Paris Weekend has issued a call for artists to show, sell and demonstrate their wares during the September 27 event. Held from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on the historic courthouse lawn, the event is co- sponsored by the Downtown Paris Association. Registration forms are available on the Council’s web site, www.phcarts.com , according to Arts Council Executive Director Mary Lodge. The $25 early bird deadline is August 1, 2008. The application fee after this date is $75. “We like to give participating artists as much advanced publicity as possible in our printed materials, interviews and online information,” said Lodge. “That’s why we like to know who’s coming as early as possible.” ARTS draws a number of local and regional artists from a variety of genres. “Last year we hosted almost three dozen artisan vendors, most of whom reported enthusiastic buyers throughout the day. We hope to double our number of artists this year,” said Lodge, noting that the event’s promotional budget had been increased to make more art lovers aware of the event. “One of our requirements is that everyone demonstrates his or her work,” said Lodge who attributes last year’s swift sales to that unique condition. “People love to purchase items that they’ve watched being made. They feel like they are part of the process. Indeed there is ample opportunity for everyone to feel a part of the process as the artists interact with the crowds. Potters invite onlookers to sit down at the wheel and try their hand at throwing a pot; quilters offer up needle and thread to those interested in sewing a few stitches. Other artisans who have traditionally shown, sold and demonstrated during ARTS include painters, jewelers, stain glass and fabric artists and photographers. While those artists are busy creating visual arts, a number of performing artists will take the stage throughout the day. Eye Full of Paris Weekend kicks off on Friday, September 26 beginning with Commercial Bank’s Noon on the Square, followed that evening by the Wild for Life Art Show and Sale at Lee Academy for the Arts. The event is sponsored by Friends of the Refuge. After ARTS on Saturday, the Refuge Friends invite music enthusiasts back down to Lee Academy for a live concert in the new performance hall. Sunday caps off Eye Full of Paris Weekend with more live music, this time on the stage at Paris Winery. For more information on participating in Arts ‘Round the Square contact Arts Council Executive Director Mary Lodge at 731-642-3955 or phcarts@gmail.com . For information on Eye Full of Paris Weekend, contact Susan Jones, president of the Downtown Paris Association (DPA) at njpr@bellsouth.net or call 731-693-2696. The mission of the DPA is to promote prosperous business activity and community involvement while encouraging preservation of the downtown area.
Road Closed 7/11/08 The Henry County Highway Department has closed Henry Midway Rd. for bridge work. The portion closed will be 2 miles south of Hwy 54 to 4 tenths of a mile west of Herrondale Rd. For an alternant route take West Herrondale Rd and Hwy 140. The road will be closed until further notice. Airport Committee 7/11/08 The members of the Henry County Airport Committee met with Eric Giles, owner of Skykit , and informally discussed the light weight airplane assembly operation that he is moving to Paris. Currently soil analysis and land surveys are being done on the area that will house the building where the assembly plant will be located . 15 jobs will be created the first year and a total of 40 when the full operation is moved down from Canada. TRRA 7/10/08 The Tennessee River Resort Act Committee approved a request to once again help fund the 2009 Triton Fishing Tournament at Paris Landing. The tournament, that was held in May, brought record economic success to the county. The tournament will be back next year at a cost of $55,000 to the county and $63,000 to the county for the year 2010. The 2010 tournament has not been officially set to be held in Henry County by the committee. Also approved was a request from the Down Town Paris Association's Eye Full of Paris. According to President Susan Jones the event has been changed to a 3 day event to bring in more business to the county and city with the hopes of drawing in over night guests. The event will be held in September begging with Noon On the Square on Sept. 26th and end Sunday with a concert. The annual Truck and Tractor Pull sponsored by the Cottage Grove Fire Department was also approved for funding The event, scheduled for Saturday July 12 at the Henry County Fair Grounds is always a big draw, attracting a large crowd. Cottage Grove 7/10/08 At Tuesday evening's meeting of the Cottage Grove Legislative Council it was announced that the city wide trash pick up had been cancelled. According to city recorder Paul Schueler work on the sirens to alert residents to emergency weather conditions is a work still in progress while the problem of truck parking in Cottage Grove "is being taken care of." Technology 7/9/08 The Henry County News Digest suffered some technical difficulties over the holiday weekend but according to my technician (Jimmy) they are now fixed and we are good to go!!!!!! Puryear 7/9/08 At the Puryear Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting a request for a Quick Claim Deed was granted to Tony Sykes for an alleyway. The 10 foot ally runs south from Main St. and is shared with Sykes by John Childers. Since the city has no use for the land and Childers did not want it the request was granted. Band Director 7/9/08 Director of Henry County Schools Rick Kriesky along with HCHS principal Lennis McFarren announced the name of the new band director at the High School this week. Named was Mark Andrews who will be coming to Henry County from Russellville City Schools in Russellville Alabama. He has a B.S. in music Education and also went to UT Knoxville for 3 years. Andrews will be replacing former band director Eric Majors. City Commission 7/9/08 The Paris City Commissioners heard comments from citizens at Tuesday evening's meeting about the fire subscription fee that the city will be charging for fire protection coverage in he ESN122 area. Currently the ordinance calls for the fee to be based on property value. The area under discussion does not receive fire protection from the county volunteer fire departments and has received coverage from the city at no extra cost. "We are tweaking the issues with the ordinance and ask you to bare with us. We are doing this for the benefit of the community," stated Vice Mayor Sam Tharpe. In other business Commissioners agreed to move the city elections from Feb 2009 to Nov. 2008. The combination of the city and general election will save the city a substantial amount of money. The two spots open will be Gayle Griffith and David Travis. Honored at the commission was Paris Fire Chief Don Cox who retired last week after 30 years of service. Cox started with the fire department in 1979 and has been Chief since 2000. Commodities 7/8/08 The Henry County Northwest Economic Development Council is currently taking applications for USDA Commodity food distribution thru July 11. All applicants must sign up and be issued a card. . They must also have proof of current income. For more information contact Ms Olee Lewis at 642-3132 at the Central Community Service Center on Jones Bend Rd. Fire 7/7/08 A small fire was reported in the trash bin behind Morgan's Furniture. The fire was started by fireworks. Smoke entered the business causing approx. $5,000 in damage. Fun Run 7/7/08 "Water Run in Paradise” is the theme of the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Water Fun Run, scheduled for July 19th on Kentucky Lake. Sponsoring resorts include Fat Daddy’s, Breakers Marina, Mansard Island Resort, Buchanan Resort, Paris Landing State Park Marina, Paris Landing Inn Restaurant Dock and Cypress Bay Resort. Registration packets are available now at the Chamber office, 2508 East Wood Street, Paris.
The
“Party Pontoon,” will be traveling the water during the day. Look for it and
collect an extra stamp. All watercraft are invited to
participate. All players must be checked in the dock at Buchanan Resort by 4 pm
on July 19th. For more info call 6423431. Freedom Fest 7/5/08
Freedom Fest 2008 drew the small community of Cottage Grove out into the July 4th steamy weather Friday morning for the parade that was in honor of the memory of Joel Pennington. Pennington was killed in a plane crash when he was crop dusting behind the Yoder's, Meat Pacing building, . Pennington was an employee of the county airport and a member of the Cottage Grove Volunteer Fire Department. "We wanted to honor him so we are dedicating the parade to him posthumously," explained Cottage Grove Mayor John Weiher. Among those participating in the 33rd annual celebration and parade were the Henry County Sheriff's Office, who led the parade. TN State Representative Butch Borchert rode in the parade, waving at the crowds . Also out talking to the crowd was Tim Wirgau who is in the race for State Representative in August. Fire engines from many of the county fire departments were also in the parade with local church groups. Due to the high humid temperatures the Fist United Methodist Church of Cottage Grove was handing out free water. After the parade festival goers joined in cake walks, getting wet in the dunking booth and hay rides. A couple of dozen motorcycles also participated in a bike ride.
Henry County Beer Board 7/4/08 The Henry County Beer Board approved a beer permit for off premises consumption for Patricia Close at 'Had A Call' grocery. Cops Camp 7/4/08 The Henry County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency will be conducting a 'Cops Camp' July 14 through July 17 for children age 10 through 15. The camp consists of a Hunter's Safety Class, fishing tournament, pontoon boat rides, drug education and a basic working knowledge of law enforcement. Instructors for the camp will be Henry County Sheriff's deputies and Wildlife Resource Officers. The fee is $25 per child which includes lunch and is limited to the first 20 applicants. You must pre-register at the Henry County Sheriff's office. The fee can be paid with a personal check or a cashiers check. The camp will be 8am to 4pm. Participants need to be picked up and dropped off at the front door of the Henry County Sheriff's Department. Participants will receive a Hunters Safety Certificate and a T-shirt.
Freedom Fest 7/3/08 The annual July 4th celebration will be held in Cottage Grove on Friday. Sponsored by the Cottage Grove Fire Department, the grand parade will begin at 10 am and will be dedicated to the memory of Joel Pennington. Days activities include a motorcycle rally and ride at 10:30, concessions, hayrides, cakewalk antique tractor display a dunking booth and a greased pig catching contest in the morning with BBQ , live blue grass music and a pet pageant with live music and dancing in the evening. The fire works display is scheduled to begin at 9pm. See you there. Sunday Funnies 7/2/08 The Commercial Appeal and the Tennessean will no longer be delivered to Henry county or Paris. According to the Tennessean, higher fuel prices are only partially to be blamed for the decision. Delivery to Henry County along with 8 other counties will stop July 27 and ill affect over a thousand customers. Fire 7/1/08 A house on fire on Atchison Rd. was fully engulfed and required firefighters from Springville, Oakland and Big Sandy to extinguish. The owner stated that she had been gone from the house since early in the day.
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