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HCMC
6/30/06
The
Henry County Medical Center administration announced their final selection for a
vendor to provide the new computer system for the Medical Center. McKesson
will provide the Information Technology system at an initial cost of $3.9
million and an annual cost of $450,000. “It was a long process but we
were successful,” stated Medical Center Administrator Thomas Gee. 80% of
the capital cost will be paid over 18 months with the remaining 20% paid after
the testing phase. “This will really take us into the 21st
century,” stated Board Chairman Phil Wichlan.
The system is rated #1 by community hospitals and has a high ranking for
customer satisfaction and excellent customer support. HCMC will also be
purchasing a new employee clocking system that can be incorporated into the new
IT system. The technology will provide doctors and nurses with medical
information that can be entered into the new system from the patients room and
accessed by doctors with a password, even if they are on vacation, explained
Head of Nursing Fran Cashin, who was very excited about the new system and the
efficiencies it will create while cutting down on the amount of space that
current records take up.
President Bush’s electronic medical record initiative calls for hospitals to
have a system in place in 10 years. According to Gee this new system will
put Henry County Medical Center in the top 25% of hospitals that have such a
system. Hospital officials believe that this will be a great help in
physician recruitment since the new doctors are used to this type of technology
in medical school. “We want to stay up on this high tech if we
want to stay ahead,” stated Wichlan.
County
Commission
6/30/06 What was to be a short called meeting to approve a continuation budget for the county turned into a heated discussion on liability insurance and coverage for skydivers at the Henry County Airport.
Johnny Rayes owner of Sky Dive, a skydiving company at the airport told
commissioners that the requirement for $1 million of insurance coverage by the
Airport was not available only coverage up to $300,000 was available.
Because of this requirement that could not be met he had been out of business
for the last 2 years and claimed discrimination. Airport manager Don
Davenport told commissioners that the airport committee had developed minimum
standards that met the needs of Henry County Airport and those standards must be
met by any company doing business at the airport. Due to Federal Aviation
Administration regulations Davenport had also closed down the jump and landing
areas for parachutes. Davenport stated that the FFA had later ruled that
the sites were safe for those activities.
“We have not intentionally put you out of business,” stated Airport
Committee member, Co. commissioner Earl Anderson. “We voted to protect
the citizens of Henry County.” The commission voted to rescind the
resolution requiring the million dollar insurance coverage and lowered it to
$300,000. The rest of the minimum standard requirements for airport
operations will remain in effect.
Bear
6/30/06
Puryear
Called Meeting
6/30/06
State
Champs 6/29/06
5 young men from Henry County will be going to Sparta Ill in August to compete in trap shooting.
Blake Triplett, Tyler Allen, Justin Chilcutt, Ross Paschall and John Thomas
Hinson III won the SCTP State championship at the Nashville Gun Club on June 24th
and 25th and will now move on to the national competition in Ill.
The 9th to 12th graders are in the Senior Novice class and
have been shooting together for 2 years. This year’s coach was Tommy
Crane along with ‘Bub’ Thomas Edwards and Jerry Holmes. “It was no
surprise to me that they shot this well,” stated Crane. 7 other teams
from Puryear also went to the competition.
Bids
6/29/06 The Henry County Highway Commission met this week to open bids for a variety of materials for road construction in the coming year.
Awarded the contract for metal pipe were Mike Malori out of West Memphis and
Dixie Pipe out of Camden. Replogle Enterprises was the only bid for
treated lumber. The limestone contract was awarded to Abbott Trucking and
chert gravel went to M&M Gravel Co. based on their delivery price.
Painted pavement markings went to the lowest bidder, Traf-Mark out of Memphis.
Marathon Petroleum Co. was the only bidder for liquid asphalt. Hot mix and
patching materials bid went to Tennessee Asphalt. The bid will be month to
month based on the T-DOT index. The right-of-way mowing contract went to
H&H Farms out of Greenfield KY. State aid project paving went to
Tennessee Asphalt Co. The resurfacing of specific county roads with hot
mix will be done as the budget permits. The road board also approved
a tentative budget Monday evening. BPU
6/28/06 The Paris Board of Public Utilities agreed at Tuesday’s meeting to enter into an inter-local agreement with the City of Paris, Henry County and the E-911 board to share in the cost of developing a GIS map data base at a cost of $10,000 to BPU. After discussion of the fact that BPU was a part of the city and the county and that the tax payers of those 2 entities were also customers of BPU, General Manager Charles Perry convinced the board that “instead of spending $74,000 to develop our own database,” they pay the one time $10,000. Perry noted that it was not an equal split of the actual cost but based on geographical coverage and included grants that the other entities had received for the base aerial mapping. BPU will be responsible for the overlay map that will mark the locations of features that BPU deems important to the utility such as electric meters. “It’s cheaper to share the cost than to do this on our own and we will all benefit,” stated Board member David Flowers. The board approved the low bid of $28,700 from Solomon Corporation out of Kansas for a 3000 KVA transformer for the Dana composite sealing plant. The present 2500 KVA transformer is accumulating combustible gas in its oil plus it is fully loaded which makes it a high risk for failure. The 10-year-old transformer is not considered old but according to Electric Department Supervisor Richard Edwards, “We have had trouble with it from day one.” The board members approved the budget for the fiscal year 2007. According to Perry this years budgets for all 3 departments, electric, water and wastewater, have less capital expenditures. “The budgets will be tighter than normal,” he stated. Board members heard the good news that in a recent surprise state water treatment plant survey the scores were up. The last scores were 86 out of a possible 100 with the latest scores 97 out of a possible 100.
Historical Marker Unveiling and Wreath Laying Ceremony, Paris City Cemetery 6/27/06 by Connie McSwain
Beneath
overcast skies on the morning of June 24, David Webb, Henry County historian,
welcomed a group of between 70 to 80 guests of the 100 year E. W. Grove
Celebration to the unveiling of the Historical marker of E.W. Grove at the Paris
City Cemetery. After which Mr. Webb introduced Henry County Major Brent
Greer. Mayor Greer told the crowd how grateful the county was to have the
people come home to celebrate this event. After some background on the
history of E.W. Grove Mayor Greer said “E. W. Grove never forgot about Henry
County even after he moved away. E. W. Grove touched more lives in Henry
County than anyone before or since. He liked making money to give it away
to full fill the needs of others.” Mayor Greer then read and presented a
Proclamation to honor E.W. Grove and the Grove Centennial Celebration. County
Mayor Greer introduced City Mayor David Travis. Mayor Travis spoke of his
time at Grove School and mentioned that his mother had also attended Grove
School. Even though E. W. Grove’s offer to fund the school was turned
down once by the County, Mr. Grove persevered until the donation was accepted
and the plans made a reality to his dream come true. Mayor Travis called
Dr. Grove a “Champion of the modern man”. Mayor Travis also issued a
City Proclamation in honor of E.W. Grove. Arthur
Lodge introduced himself as the minister of the First Presbyterian Church of
Paris at least “ for one more day”, as he is retiring from the church.
He proclaimed his thankfulness to E. W. Grove for the beautiful church, which he
has had the honor of preaching in for fifteen years. Minister Lodge said
“ Mr. Grove had a vision for a better Paris and was charitable to all
people”. Minister Lodge then quoted the Bible verse read at Dr.
Grove’s funeral which was “ In as much as you have done unto the least of
them, you have done unto me”. Minister Lodge then ended with a prayer. James
Grove, great grandson of E.W. Grove, spoke of the first time he had visited the
cemetery. He had been to visit his fiancé, Dudley, who was attending
Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He decided to make a detour to Paris.
The visit was on a Saturday and he was surprised to find that there were quite a
few cemeteries in the area. There was no one about to ask, but it was like
E. W. was guiding him for he found the cemetery. He saw the beautiful
entrance to the family plot and entered. Here he learned that E.W. Grove
had had two wives and then saw a maker with his name on it. “ What a
shock to see a grave marker with your name on it!” he said, “Of course
it was the marker of my great - great grandfather, but it was still a little
unsettling”. At this time, Mr. Webb asked Mr. and Mrs. Grove to unveil a copy of the historical maker. The original will be arriving soon. They unveiled the marker. Mayor Travis and Mayor Greer carried a beautiful wreath with a ribbon reading “Thank you E. W. Grove” to the family plot.
Historical Marker Unveiling at Grove Tower 6/27/06 by Connie McSwain Mr.
Webb introduced Mr. Tim Brannon representing the Henry County School Board.
He praised Dr. Grove for building the foundation in education for the future of
Henry County. He also expressed his thanks to O.C. Barton and the Jernigan
family for their contributions. Mr. Webb presented Mr. Brannon with two
flags for Grove Tower. The
Freemason of Henry County lead by Grand Master, Ronald Coats, recited a prayer
over the corner stone of Grove Tower. During the ceremony the Freemasons,
deposited coins inscribed with this year’s date upon the stone. They
then used their tools of the trade, which were a plumb, square and level to
confirm the stone was accurate to Freemasons’ standards. When the stone
was tested and agreed upon by all, the stone was anointed with corn for nurture,
wine for refreshment and oil for joy. The stone was then dedicated with the
tapping of a gavel. This
being done, Mr. Webb unveiled the marker-bestowing Grove Tower as a historical
place by the state of Tennessee. A.R.T.S.
6/26/06
by
Larissa Boyd
The Henry County Courthouse Square in Paris Tennessee held the flavor of Paris France Saturday as local artists displayed their talents for the public who took advantage of the fine weather to stroll and observe a wide variety of art forms. The day’s event was a joint effort of the Paris-Henry County Art Council and the Downtown Paris Association. The new event, A.R.T.S. (Arts Round The Square) drew a crowd of young and old alike who enjoyed themselves in the square.
Members of the Tennessee River Fine Arts League were there to create works of
art for the viewers while the Paris Pickers & Grinners entertained the
crowds with their bluegrass and gospel music. Also entertaining Saturday
were the Paris Cloggers. The Henry County Quilters had their creations on
display as were the handmade pottery, Paschall’s Pots by Martin Paschall, who
also gave pottery-making demonstrations during the day. As further musical
entertainment for the day Jason McCormick played the bagpipes and later
joined the Paris Pickers & Grinners and kept the audience entertained, with
some bringing out the lawn chairs to listen to the music.
Fun
In The Park Day 6/24/06
E-911
6/23/06 The Enhanced 911 board discussed the need for job descriptions of staff members, the need for cross training as well as the need to set standards of operating procedures at their meeting this week.
“The 911 board has been in a state of growth since its conception,” stated
Chairman John Ethridge as the topics were brought to the board’s attention.
These subjects were highlighted by the 911 Office Job Review committee, headed
by board member Paris Police Chief Tommy Cooper. The committee also noted
the need to consolidate dispatch services. “It is an issue for us to
look at,” stated Ethridge.
Pet Parade 6/22/06
PSSD
6/21/06
Paris
Special School District accepted IBM’s bid for lap top computers for its 7th
grade Inman students next school year. The laptops will cost $999 each and
210 have been order leaving an extra 17 computers for extra students or computer
problems. According to Director of Schools Dr. Paul Doyle PSSD has
agreed to be a demonstration site, which helped to reduce the cost of each unit.
Teacher training on the laptops will begin in July. An additional
technical support person has been hired as well to help maintain the personal
computers.
PSSD will be offering a Pre Kindergarten program at Vernon Place and 2 at the
Central Community Service Center. The school system has applied for a
$101,000 grant and should know by June 26th if they have received the
80/20 grant. According to Doyle the 20% of the grant that PSSD would be
responsible for could be paid ‘in kind’ with such items as teaching
materials, health screenings and counseling. The program would be under
the direction of Rhea Principal Scott Owens. “The grant is for 1 year
and we will have to apply each year,” explained Doyle, “and of course if we
do not receive the grant there will be no Pre-K program.” Doyle added
that 95% of PSSD children would be getting an extra full year of education
before starting school.
A&D Paving provided the best bid for paving the walking track at Rhea.
It was also reported that there is a waiting list for accepting out of district
students in all of PSSD schools. Students will be placed on the list;
first come first served and notified Aug 3rd. Doyle also
noted the passing of Jane Cruthertson who was a teacher advisor and computer
tech person for the school district. “Her passing has left a hole in our
hearts,” stated Doyle. Gas
Co. 6/21/06
The
new manager of the Paris Henry County Natural Gas Utility District Don Green
chaired the Tuesday meeting with retired manager Glen Jackson present as well.
“I’m just here to help Don,” he explained. Jackson officially
retired on June 9th and at Tuesdays meeting the board of directors
unanimously appointed Green as the new manager.
Bids for 2 inch and 4-inch gas pipe were awarded at this months meeting with the
lowest bidder Consolidated Pipe and Supply out of Memphis being awarded the
contract. The gas pipe will be used in the Utility District’s summer
projects including on Hwy 641. That project, according to Green is ready
to go as soon as TDOT issues a permit for digging along the state highway right
a way.
The directors approved the bad debt write off for the fiscal year2005-06,
including the unpaid portion from Dana. This years bad debt was approx.
$124,000. “That is just about normal,” explained Jackson.
The natural gas utility district is currently at 47% of its storage capacity
with a total of 5,973 customers.
County
Commission
6/20/06 During the Commissioners Forum of Monday evenings Henry County Commission meeting Commissioner Kenneth Humphryes stated, “There is no way to provide storm warnings in this county. I wish there was a way the county could look into a warning system.” County Mayor Brent Greer explained that several sirens had been donated to the county but had not yet been refurbished. He also stated that he would speak to Ron Watkins, County Director of Emergency Management, about the matter. Commissioner Charlie Parker told the commission that in Henry when the electric went out the entire phone service went down as well.
After the commissioners forum the commissioners moved on to other business that
included the approval of a contract with Walker & Associates. The
contract had previously been approved by the Tennessee River Resort Act Steering
Committee. The Public Relations firm will develop a plan for promoting
Henry County for $72,000. “They have been doing preliminary work in the
county for almost a month,” explained Greer. He added that they had been
doing ‘Mystery Shopping’ in the county, testing the friendliness of
the community. “So remember to be friendly to strangers,” stated Greer.
The commission also heard a presentation from Paige Holmes of the Tennessee
River Trails Association and approved an interlocal agreement with them and the
counties of Benton, Decature, Hardin, Humphryes, Houston, Perry, Stewart and
Wayne for $1200 per year for Henry County. The fee is based on the
population of the county. The association is to develop goals that will
create jobs in the 9 counties that boarder the Tennessee River in Middle and
West Tennessee. At this time Henry County is the only county to have
adopted the Tennessee River Resort Act. Already the association has
developed a tourism brochure that lists 280 different activities that can be
enjoyed in the 9 county area. The brochure can be found in Visitor
Centers across the state.
The Commissioner approved on 1st reading the amount and list of
organizations on the Non-Profit List. The commissioners agreed to hold
funding at the same level as last years budget of $96,250.
City
Special Called Meeting
6/20/06
The
Paris City Commission met in a special called meeting Monday evening and
approved on second reading the tax rate for the fiscal year 2006 of $0.73 per
one hundred dollars of assessed valuation on all taxable property, real and
personal within the city limits.
City
Budget Workshop 6/20/06 The City Commissioners heard from the Parks and Recreation Department, Sanitation Department, the Paris Police Department and others Monday night. Commissioner George Moore said of the 3-˝ % proposed increase for W.G. Rhea Public Library, “I believe the library has always been under funded.”
Community development funds will be reduced including for Atkins Porter and the
Krider Performing Arts Center. The tennis court project and Hospital
Circle costs will be included in the upcoming budget. Also part of the
budget will be the Volunteer Center and payment for the TRC building.
Looking ahead City Manager Carl Holder told the commissioners that even though
construction for the By-pass is not to begin until 2008 the commission should
consider the costs.
Revenue from the drug fund which covers the cost of a vehicle, K-9 and officer
training as well as vet bills plus undercover operations should be increased.
Also part of the budget will be landfill costs and equipment and increased costs
for solid waste disposal.
Department heads will be turning their proposed budgets soon and other
deductions and increases will be put into the budget for commissioners to
consider.
County
Nominating Committee
6/20/06 The Nominating Committee made 2 recommendations that were later approved by the County Commission. Reappointed to the Library Board for a 3- year term was Kenneth Humphries. Jerry Wagner was reappointed to the Civil Service Board for a 3-year term.
Grove
Centennial
6/19/06
E.W.
Grove- Henry County High School will be celebrating its Centennial this
Saturday, June 24th with a variety of events sponsored in part by the
Henry County Historical Society, Henry County Historian David Webb and the Paris
Henry County Heritage Center. For more information on the 1st
public high school and the tonic that made it possible, pick up a copy of the
Paris! Magazine.
Father’s
Day Feast
6/17/06
Make
plans to “Enjoy Our Good Nature” and enjoy a good meal at a Tennessee State
Park restaurant that will be serving a special Father’s Day Feast Sunday, June
18th.
Summer
Reading Program
6/17/06 Around 425 people attended the W.G. Rhea Public Library Summer Reading Program Wednesday at the Enoch Building of the Henry County Fairgrounds. To date 398 children have signed up for the summer reading program and more are expected.
“ Monday 1148 materials were checked out in one day,” stated Library
Director Connie McSwain. “Wow, what a great library staff!”
Pig
Roast 6/16/05
A Pig Roast BBQ fundraiser for the Matt Wermer Surgery Fund will be held
Saturday, June 17 at he Paris VFW from 10:30am to 5pm. According to family
members Matt is scheduled for spinal surgery August 16th. He
currently has raised $31,041.23 and the goal is to raise $40,000.00.
Saturday’s pig roast menu includes a BBQ sandwich, chips and drink for $5 or a
BBQ plate with slaw, bens and desert and drink for $8 with free delivery for 5
or more orders.
Wine
Tasting
6/16/06
NAACP
6/15/06
Henry 6/15/06 By Henry Correspondent Larissa Boyd
The Henry Board of Alderman met Tuesday night for the regular monthly meeting.
First on the agenda was the swearing in of Lisa Olive, who was chosen to fill
the vacancy left by Gordon Ray McFadden. After she was sworn in by Mayor
Faye Lowery, the meeting was called to order. Some citizens had reported
to the board members that their driveways were in poor condition and some
culverts had been blocked due to the sewer project. Ed Bush announced that
those concerns would be addressed on Friday during a sewer meeting at 11.
He urged the public to attend. The Puryear Mayor and Board of Aldermen voted to join in the Henry County Hazard Mitigation Plan at Tuesday’s monthly meeting at Puryear City Hall. According to Mayor Kenny Paschall all municipalities must adopted a plan or be part of a county plan by Dec. 31, 2006, the deadline set by FEMA. Chief of Police Dale Paschall and Puryear Fire Chief John Walters will represent Puryear on a county –wide committee being set up by Henry County Emergency Management Director Ron Watkins.
The board decided to reject all bids received on the paving project
that the city had planned since the bids were based on tar and hip prices.
The board also voted to table the whole matter for the time being.
The aldermen voted to accept an application for fireman from Mitch Gallimore.
The young man is a native of Puryear, an Eagle Scout and active in the
community. The city of Puryear acknowledged the Thank You letter they
received from the Puryear Lion’s Club for the city’s cooperation in the
Puryear Day Celebration. Alderman and Lion member Mackie Gallimore told
the group that this was the most successful Puryear Day Celebration and Parade
ever held in Puryear.
County
Road Board 6/13/06 The Henry County Highway Commission will be reviewing a suggestion made by Commissioner Don Norwood when the cost of fuel was discussed at Monday afternoon’s meeting. “We should be looking at a bio-diesel blend,” suggested Don Norwood. “I think it’s something we should inquire about.” According to the Commissioner, who has used a 20% blend in his equipment for the last year, it has increased the hour usage and milage received from the same amount of fuel.
The board approved a suggestion from Road Supervisor Ray Norwood, which also
addressed the rising cost of fuel. The board will now accept bids on a
90-day basis instead of for one year, as is the present procedure. Norwood
stated that the increase in fuel has affected the price of the petroleum-based
asphalt. It was estimated that there are approx. 40 gravel roads in the
county that still require paving or blacktopping. The board will meet
again on June 26th to further address materials needed for the rest
of the fiscal year.
Road signs were discussed by board members and the hazard they cause to
driver’s vision when they are in the county right-of-way. Reynoldsburg
Rd was mentioned in particular. “There are no zoning laws in the
county,” explained the Road Supervisor, “so there is nothing the county can
do.”
Budget changes were approved by the board, which included an increase in diesel
fuel and gasoline line items, as well as an increase in tires and small tools.
The changes were presented to the county budget committee later Monday evening.
In discussing the 30-day work plan Norwood stated, “We would start getting
roads ready to tar and chip but there’s no money.”
Budget
Committee 6/13/06
The
Henry County Budget Committee reviewed several requests at Monday evenings
meeting. Most requests were due to increases in fuel and utility costs.
The Sheriff’s office requested an additional $4100 for gasoline and utilities
as well as for towing charges for impounded vehicles. The Solid Waste
department requested additional funds for fuel related costs and to purchase a
new copy machine. Solid Waste Manger Al Misker stated that the department
was only $150, 000 short from being self-supporting.
Director of Henry County Schools Rick Kriesky presented the budget that the
school board approved last week. Kriesky explained that the increases were
needed to keep the school system competitive with others across the state in
recruiting and retaining well-qualified teacher. In all the school system
will be requesting the Henry County Commission for $130,000.00 for the next
fiscal year, a 3% increase.
Jaycees
Banquet
6/11/06
The Paris Henry County Jaycees held their 2006 Awards Banquet Saturday evening at the Paris Elks Lodge where they celebrated the successful 53rd Annual World’s Biggest Fish Fry and the 2005 – 2006 Jaycees.
Named
2006 Jaycee of the Year was James ‘Rock’ Hrachovina. Receiving the
Lifetime Membership Award was DJ Hrachovina. The Lifetime Award was
presented to DJ by her husband Rock who became chocked with emotions of pride at
the presentation.
Receiving
plaques at the banquet were the 2006 Jaycee officers, Fish Fry officers
and Fish Fry events, chairpersons for 2005-06,Murray- McKenzie Jewelers
who provide crowns for the ‘Royalty and local media who had help provide
coverage of the weeklong activities.
The 2006-07 officers of the Paris Henry County Jaycees were announced Saturday evening. To serve as President is Teddy Kenworthy. Serving as Vice Presidents will be Dan Nichols, Josh ‘Smoky’ Taylor, Julie Updyke and Kreg Kyle. Secretary will be Tracy Loines with Kim French as Treasurer. The presentation of the Jaycee officers was followed by the presentation of the World’s Biggest ‘Fish Fry officers for 2006-07 by new Jaycee President Kenworthy. General Manager of the 2007 Worlds Biggest Fish Fry will be Loria Plunk, Assistant General Manager Toni Kaye Bowden, Treasurer DJ Hrachovina and Secretary Kim French.
Paris
Planning Commission
6/10/06 The Paris Municipal Regional Planning Commission approved the one item of new business on their Thursday evening’s agenda. Approved was the site plan submitted on behalf of Rose Arroyo for construction of a 7,300 sq. foot office building near the intersection of West Wood Street and Forest Heights Rd. The property is currently zoned for highway commercial district. All set back requirements are met and all utilities were noted on the site plan. The site plan had landscaping noted as well as parking area.
Henry
County School Board 6/9/06 The Henry County Board of Education approved new procedures for charged lunches at Thursday evenings meeting. The schools were left with a $14,000 debt from unpaid lunch charges and according to Director of Schools Rick Kriesky some of the money will be collected but the charges are paid from each of the school’s budgets and are replaced with money earned at fundraisers. He also added that the No Charge procedure would not only apply to preK through 12 but also apply to adults. “We will not let any child be humiliated by having to return a tray of food,” stated Principal Poteete. Principal Tharpe added, “We will let no child go hungry.” The new procedure calls for children without lunch money to receive a sandwich, fruit and milk.
The board also gave their approval for the possible acquisition of the Girl
Scout’s Camp Hazelwood. In conjunction with Friends of Paris Landing
State Park, TWRA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency the land would be used for
environmental educational purposes. “It has wonderful possibilities,”
explained Kriesky, “and no commitment of money.” “Lets step up and
show another initiative,” stated board member Don Williams.
Attendance procedures at the elementary level were also discussed Thursday.
According to records attendance patterns are set early. Changes were
presented to the board, which included some changes for Grove and involves the
court system and the new juvenile judge. The board will review the changes
and vote on them at next month’s meeting.
In an annual report from the Family Resource Center Martha Smith stated that 81
referrals for funds were received, 61 for school supplies and 42 referrals for
anger management were received in the last year. 32% of those requesting
help had less than a high school education, while 41% of requests for help came
from families where members were working.
An exchange student from Paris France was approved by the board. The high
school student will be sponsored by the Paris Rotary Club and will spend her
time with several host families in Paris TN.
The board members granted a request from Tim Check of Paris Parks and
Recreation. 2 buses to transport members of the annual conference of
technical advisory service from Paris to Paris Landing State Park will be
provided.
Kriesky announced that the walking track should be competed by the end of June
and cost estimates for the new press box should be in by the next meeting.
Kriesky also stated that he will be going before the Henry County Budget
Committee next week to present the school budget for the next fiscal year.
“I will be asking for an increase to be used for increases in teacher
salaries, but not a large amount,” he stated.
Henry
County Non-profit Committee
6/9/06 The Henry County Non-profit Committee met Thursday afternoon and reviewed 18 requests for funds totaling $96,250.00.
Of the 18 requests, 2, Easter Seals and Forever Friends Animal Sanctuary will
receive funds this year; the 2nd year they have requested help.
A new request this year came from Aspell Recovery Center for drug and alcohol.
Last year the committee cut all requests by 20% and the committee voted
not to cut amounts this year but to stay at last year’s amounts.
The county’s volunteer fire departments number 16 and will receive $1,950
each. Budgeted last year was money for an additional Cottage Grove fire
station at the airport. County Mayor Brent Greer stated that
the county would be providing up to $35,000 for materials, the Mennonites would
be donating their labor to build the 2 bay fire station at the airport branch of
the Cottage Grove Fire Department. Greer added that the committee would
review specific needs and requests after the budget was passed. “This
will separate operational expenses that are reoccurring each year form special
needs,” explained Greer.
Labor Laws 6/8/06 HIRING YOUTH THIS SUMMER? ARE YOU “UP” ON THE CHILD WHAT: The Department of Labor
& Workforce Development, Benton, Carroll, and Paris-Henry
County Chambers and WEOC Committees are sponsoring a free refresher training
seminar to make your hiring process smoother and in compliance of the child
labor laws. Tennessee 312 South Wilson Street Two Sessions available to
fit your schedule. Tuesday, June 13th
at We hope you will make plans
to attend this training. Free child labor poster and material will also be
distributed. For additional information
call Dan Nelson, Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development at
731-644-0004 or e-mail at dan.nelson@state.tn.us
A joint effort of
the Paris Henry County Arts Council and the Downtown Paris Association, Arts
Round the Square will showcase the hard work and imagination of local artists.
Mary Lodge, Director of the Paris Henry County Arts Council, said, “It will be
an exciting and beautiful display of a variety of different art forms done by
local talent, all in one place at the same time.”
The Tennessee River Fine Arts League will
have easels set up around the courthouse square so you can watch artists
painting and exhibiting completed works and projects. Martin Paschall will
demonstrate the ancient art of pottery making and display some of his marvelous
creations.
Area quilters will present artwork of a different kind with beautiful hand-made
quilts from the past and present. Demonstrations of rug hooking, loom
weaving, making thread on a spinning wheel by Lydia Hickman and Mary Lacey, and
Sandee Green working in stained glass will also celebrate the past and show how
these techniques are still used to create distinctive showpieces for the
present.
Among the musicians attending are Larry
Conger, national award winning dulcimer player, and the Paris Picker’s &
Grinners, playing a variety of music on their guitars, mandolins, and banjos.
Lodge said she hopes also to have Henry County High School musicians and
music teachers performing on the court square throughout the day.
Families
for Paris Parks will have activities and crafts for the children and members of
the Youth Orchestra will be raising money by selling drinks and food.
Susan Jones is slated to do her fascinating walking tour of the history of
downtown Paris.
“The
combination of the beautiful downtown square and the amazing talent in Henry
County will result in an event no one will want to miss,” according to Kay
Foust, president of the Downtown Paris Association. Artists interested in displaying their work
or musicians wishing to perform may contact the office of the Paris Henry County
Arts Council for guidelines on participation. There will be no charge to
be a part of Arts Round the Square. You can get more information by
calling Mary Lodge at (731) 642-3955. Summer
Reading
6/6/06
W.G. Rhea Public Library’s summer reading program for 2006 will be Jungle
Tales: Hiss, Rumble & Roar. Registration for the summer reading
program runs through June 10th. The first day to check out
books is June 12.
Special programs include a presentation by Nashville Zoo – “Wildlife on
Wheels” Wednesday June 14th 10 to 11am at the county fairgrounds.
June 21 will feature a Pet Parade around the courthouse square. A
different program will be featured each
Senior Games Winners for 2006 6/6/06 The Senior Olympic Games were held April 18th through May 16. According to Henry County Office on Aging Director Brenda Morris 9 counties sent 150 seniors to participate in this years regional games. "We are very proud of their performance." Morris added that Harold Loudy, who is 83 years old has participated in the Olympics since 1986. Dorothy Cook 2nd place in shot put 1st place in softball throw 1st place in basketball free throw Barbara Payne 2nd place in bowling singles Charles Bailey 1st place in softball throw 1st place in shpt put 1st place in discus throw William Clark 1st place in softball throw 1st place in shot put 1st place in long jump 1st place in discus throw 1st place in basketball free throw 1st place in 100M Run 1st place in 200M run 1st place in 1 mile fitness walk Harold Loudy 2nd place in softball throw 1st place in shot put 1st place in long jump 1st place in discus throw 1st place in basketball free throw 1st place in table tennis singles 1st place in horse shoes
Cook
For Colson 6/5/06
7-year-old son of Jess and Candy Hedges and Jamie Conger suffered bleeding in his brain on May 23rd. He has a long road to recovery and according to family members the costs are going to be very expensive. A fundraiser will be held for Colson from 11am to 1pm on Friday June 16th |
