Farmers Market  6/29/07

     The Henry County Farmers Market is now open on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 6:30am.  Now available are squash, peppers, tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers and other homegrown vegetables and fruits.  The Farmer's Market is located inside the Henry County Fairgrounds.

E-911  6/29/07

     The Henry County Enhanced 911 Board approved the 2007-08 budget as presented Thursday afternoon.    "The budget was so much in line with the actual budget last year that I think we can pass it as presented by Mark Archer," stated  Chairman John Etheridge.  911 actually took in slightly more revenues than forecasted.    E-911  Director  Mark Archer told the board members that Gov. Bredesen had approved  shared revenues for 911 in the amount of $104,000.  .  Archer also reported that the Evergy Durapower, the equipment the board approved that will provide battery back up in case of a  disaster, is ready to go live on July 9.  Henry county will be a showcase for the equipment for other counties to view.

     Deferred until the next 911 meeting was a discussion  on addressing of streets and 911 numbers for apartment complexes and trailer parks.  Board members Paris Police Chief Tommy Cooper and Henry County Road Supervisor Ray Norwood will be drafting an ordinance hat would provide a numbering scheme  for the city and the county for naming and numbering those places and who would be responsible for the numbering.  According to Archer,  with just the major trailer parks, there were at least 300 people and 30 roads involved.

     Also discussed was providing mapping capabilities at the sheriff's office for the many 911 calls they receive and the cost of needed equipment for that to be possible.   It was estimated that capital costs could run $40,000 with a $600 monthly cost. The needed equipment and the cost will be researched and presented to the board at the next meeting.

The board did approved a 3% cost of living increase for 911 employees. 

Courthouse Committee  6/29/07

     The Henry County Courthouse Committee met in a special called meeting Thursday afternoon to examine a  100 year old tree that stands on the northwest corner of the courthouse lawn across from Jack Jones Java.  According to County Mayor Brent Greer the age of the tree was determined by viewing old photos of the courthouse in which the tree doesn't appear before 1898.

     The tree is split from the top to approx. half way down, along the trunk.  Henry County Extension Agent Ken Goddard suggested using turnbuckles with cables to hold the tree stationary.  Work on the tree will start Monday. 

Veterans Committee  6/28/07

     The Henry County Veterans Coordinating Committee met Tuesday evening to begin planning for a Veteran's Day Parade this November.

     Traditionally celebrated on the 11th day of the 11th Month at the 11th hour, members of the county's veterans organizations are considering  holding the parade on Saturday Nov.  10th.  The parade route is still under consideration as well but the group would like to keep it in the downtown area of Paris and include part of Veterans Drive in the parade route.   "County Mayor Brent Greer is 100% behind us," explained the new Veterans Service Officer Bob Nolan..       "There are over 300 vets in the area and they bring over $2.4 million into this community."

     The group will be contacting all the veterans groups and select a Grand Marshal for the military style parade and decide if the traditional 11/11/11 marking of Veterans Day should be observed on the courthouse lawn.  The committee urges all the vets organizations to send representative to the next meeting which will be held July 31 at 4:30 in the courthouse.

Fun Run Results6/28/07

     Results from the Memorial Day Fun Run on May 28, 2007 -  Grand total raised was $2,590.50.  First Man was David Bullion.  First Woman was Rebecca Lemonds .  First boy Jake Hunter.  First Girl Dixie Bedsoe.   Oldest Participant Bill Edwards.  Youngest Participant was Zackara Goodie. Individual raising the most Money Barbara Elkins.  Organization raising the most money was Amvets Post 45.  

TRRA  6/27/07

     The Tennessee River Resort Act Steering Committee met for a final report from Walker & Associates PR firm who have been hired by the county to provide a plan for promoting tourism in the county.

     Their strategic marketing plan included the product branding concept with he logo - 'Village of Paris, Paris Landing.  A world by the water.'

     The Walker representative Andy Windham  told the committee members that people come to this area for leisure activities from a 100 mile radius, plus many of  the visitors are passing through mainly from the north and the east.  According to their study the activities  that draw them and cause them to stop and stay include golf, fishing and water activities with a surprisingly large group of visitors here for business or family gatherings.  "You are drawing groups with similar lifestyle characteristics," explained Windham.  He also stated that retirees are also drawn to this area.  

     His recommendations for the county included setting up a web site, offering cell phone tours that would point out places for visitors to go while in the area, develop  leisurely walking trails, publishing a visitor guides and advertising in magazines plus going to trade  shoes such as RV shows, and outdoor shows to promote the area.  

City Commission  6/27/07

     The Paris City Commission passed on second reading  a balanced budget for the fiscal year 2008 at Monday evening's special called commission meeting.  Also passed on second reading was the property tax rate for 2007.

     The commission approved a budget for $11,783,550.00.  The tax rate remained the same at 73 cents per $100.00 of accessed property value.

     The new budget  contains cuts in capital budget items such as the new loader for the landfill as well as state planning services.  The budget does include a 3% cost of living increase for city employees. Health Insurance deductibles for employees was raised to $2500 with the city paying the deductible on individuals and a $5,000 deductible for those on the family plan.

Correction  6/26/07

     In a report on the PSSD school board meeting it was incorrectly reported that a budget had been passed which includes an increase for all employees.  According to Board Chairman Richard Edwards No budget was approved and the district waits for numbers from the state to come in and for the county to pass a budget.

Sex Offender Registry  6/26/07

     In a press conference held by Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew Monday morning the sheriff announced that  new legislation now allows the names and address of those convicted as sex offenders after Jan 1, 1997 to be published.    Their names, addresses and pictures will also appear on the TBI web site as well as the bulletin board in the lobby of the sheriff's office.  As a further community service and public awareness campaign 10 officers went through the community today, knocking on doors in the neighborhoods where sex offenders are known to live, making the neighbors aware of the offenders location.  The officers will continue the notification until all of the community where the offender lives has been informed.

     According to Belew there are 2 classes of offenders, violent offenders, which must register quarterly with the local sheriff, police department or parole office and non violent offenders who must register yearly.  Currently there are 34 registered sex offenders in Henry County.

Adult Establishments  6/26/07

     The Henry County Adult Oriented Establishment Board , in anticipation of a 6th district circuit  court ruling agreed to send a courtesy letter to the 2 adult book stores, Sensuous Pleasures and Wild Things  and the 2 adult clubs, Foxy Lady and The Office,  informing them of the need to register their business and their employees plus pay the registration fee.  The court ruling, according to County Attorney Lee Greer , is expected to up hold the 1998 Adult Oriented  Establishment law that will require adult business to register their business and employees.  "The  letter will  ease in the transition from unregulated to regulated," explained the attorney.  The board agreed that the businesses and performers could begin registering now and pay the fee later so they would not be breaking the law.  The business will be given 10 days to comply once the ruling is made.

     In other business it was announced that a  new state zoning law  will go into effect July 1 which will require adult establishments to be located 1,000 feet from child care centers, parks, schools, churches and residences.   

Economic Development  6/25/07

     The Henry County Commission unanimously  approved the recommendation of the board of directors for the Paris Henry County Chamber of Commerce to hire Carl Holder as the  new full time CEO of the  Henry County Alliance, including the Administrator of the Tennessee River Resort Act.  As director, Holder will be handling the day to day tourism activity of the alliance as well as the TRRA.

          In the past economic development meant the recruitment of new industries to the community, which according to interim Director Joe Mahan, is a never ending, marathon job  That is no longer the main focus.

     "The trend in economic development  is moving away from industrial recruitment to also include retail growth , tourism and retiree recruitment, which is more in line with my personal philosophy," explained Holder.  "Rural areas such as Paris and Henry County continue to fall behind in economic growth."

     One of the changes that will be seen under the directorship of Holder is a process for awarding TRRA funds.  "We will be receiving 1/2 million dollars in TRRA funding, which sounds like a lot but will be gone if it is not spent wisely, " explained Holder.  "We need to get a handle on the process of awarding the money and dispense with the idea that this is easy funding money"

     Holder said that he would take the findings from the study done by the public relations firm Walker and Associates and  develop a criteria and a mechanizium for funding such as an application process, to determine what the money will be spent on.

     Mr. Holder will continue in his present position as City Manager until a replacement is found.  Currently the city manager position is being advertised in several trade publications.   

School Board  623/07

       The Director of Henry County Schools, Rick Kriesky, reviewed Disciplinary infractions for the year with the county Board of Education  Thursday evening.  Cases of possession of an illegal substance were down by 77% and vandalism was down by 42% with student conflicts, fights, down by 9% .  Cell phone violations were up by 79%.  Attendance rate was up for the year by 9%.  "Our Resource Officer, Buford Taylor, has made a big difference," stated Kriesky.

     Drug testing for extra curricular activities will continue this year beginning with fall sports screenings at the end of July.  "The intent is not a We Got 'ya, but to give our students another reason to just say NO," stated Kriesky.  Last year a total of 955 students were tested with 11 positive for medication prescribed by a doctor,  with 5 students testing positive for canbenoids and one for a scheduled 2 drug.  Another new program, the cafeteria no charge policy, will continue.  According to Ms. Wilson , no one was allowed to go hungry.  "We served quite a lot of sack lunches," she told the board.

     Kriesky thanked the board for their support of the 'Upward Bound' program which provides opportunities for students to prepare for college that they otherwise could not afford.  The 4 year program  which was designed to help close the achievement gap,  has served 23 HCHS students.

     In an update on facility renovations it was reported that  new lighting in the facilities has been completed along with new heating and cooling units installed .  Paving of the roadway at Lakewood School will be completed by July as well as the renovations to the  concession stand.  Work on the press box will begin after football season.

     The Henry County Coordinated School Health Program was awarded another grant for $125.000, up from $63,000.  "Stephanie Winders works hard and does a great job," stated Board member Don Williams.

     Martha Smith of the Family Resource Center explained one of the programs offered at the resource center, Parent Project, which provides parental training for out of control children.  The program is self sustaining and will not cost the school system.

     Once again the Paris Rotary Club will be sponsoring an exchange student.  This years student will be a 15 year old Junior from Germany.

     Kriesky was presented with a plaque at the meeting Thursday.  He was awarded the 2007 Tennessee School Management Association's Director of the Year for his work on the school system's new facilities and the new sports complex plus the may grants he received for the district this year. 

HCMC  6/22/07

     The Henry County Medical Center board of Trustees   heard from HCMC Administrator Thomas Gee about the medical center's charity policy Thursday .  "I just wanted to take it out and brush it up and make it similar to how other hospitals handle it," stated Gee.  "It is part of our mission as a charitable institution."  Gee said that the policy follows the Tennessee Hospital Association guidelines which takes into account the patients assets such as property and investments, not only income, following the same standards of poverty levels as the Department of Health and Human Services.  The medical center also gives a 30% discount to private pay patients without insurance.  "We give discounts to insurance companies, this will surely help define our mission as a governmental hospital," stated reappointed Chairman of the board Phil  Wichlan.  Currently bankruptcy and charity cases make up half of the bad debt amount. 

     In an update from the Medical Center's business office Betty Tenley told board members that  the business office has done a lot of work to improve services with pre- registration of patients to verify benefits.  Currently 15% of patients receive TenCare and 5% are self pay.  With the new technology system, which went live June 9,  billing is now done in the patient's name instead of in the name of the responsible party for payment.  "We are working to improve cash flow," she explained to the board.

     As a governmental entity, HCMC has limits to their liability  for malpractice insurance.  Under state law these limits will increase in 2007-08 and the medical center along with other governmental hospitals is making a case against the increase which would greatly increase their premiums. 

    In Physician recruitment Gee said that they are "gearing up" on the search for an OB.  "We hope to have a candidate in the next 60 days or so."

Theater  6/21/07

     The Children's Theater , ages 15 to 18, will be presenting the musical "Your a Good Man Charlie Brown" at the Krider Performing Arts Center on June 22 and 23 at 7pm.  Tickets are $10 for reserved seats and general admission is $8.  Tickets are available at the Paris Civic Center.

PSSD  6/21/07

     The Paris Special School District  Board of Education approved a budget with amendments Tuesday evening that included a 5% raise for all employees.  The state has mandated a 3% increase for teachers    with the state paying 75%.  The local 25% would cost PSSD $43,674.00.  The additional 2% to make the full 5% would cost the Special School District a total $160,138 for teachers to receive a 5% raise.  A 5% increase for  support staff would cost $90,980 for a total cost to PSSD of $251,118. 

     The board also approved an operational continuation budget as well as  the Tennessee Risk Management policy .

Gas Co.  6/20/07

     Call Before You Dig" 811,  is the theme for a nation  wide awareness campaign that  the Paris Henry County Natural Gas Utility District  is participating in.  To find the location of gas lines simply dial  '811'.

The utility accepted the low bid for 2 inch line to be used for the gas line extension on Old Union Rd.  The bid price from Enviroworks out of Clifton TN for $41,800 included boring under roadways and driveways.  The line extension along Hwy 69S has not yet been  approved by the state.

         The gas company did not withdraw any gas from storage in the last month for their 6,030 customers and gas in storage remains at 36% of capacity.

BPU  6/20/07

     The Paris Board of Public Utilities approved the 2008 fiscal year budgets for the Electric Dept., the Water Department and the Waste Water Dept. at Tuesday's meeting.  Salaries were less than last year due to retirements and decrease in salary amounts.  

     The board approved  a resolution that would endorse a rural development grant/loan for Henry County.  The money was requested by the Paris Henry County Industrial Corp.  in the amount of $300,000 for a grant and a $600,000 loan from the USDA.  Local matching funds  of $60,000 are required which would be combined with the $300,000 grant.  The guarantor of the loan will be Henry County.  The money will be used to build and lease a facility at the Henry County Airport for SKYKIT which is expected to employ 15 to 20 people at first with more later at a pay rate of $13 to $15 per hour.  The $60,000 local match will be funded by the city of Paris, Henry County, BPU and the Industrial committee.

     The board also approved the low bid for a digger/derrick truck for $138,950 from Terex Utilities out of White House TN. 

     In a water rate survey for 2007 Paris ranked 32nd out of 264 utilities.  In a sewer rate survey BPU ranked 31st out of 143.

Explosion  6/19/07

     At around 2pm Monday afternoon a pressure boiler in the Dana Corporation Extrusion plant exploded blowing a 30 X 40 foot hole in the plant wall sending debris out over 75 feet.  Miraculously only one person was injured, Lesley Evans.  Evans, who had recently returned from Iraq suffered 3rd degree burns.  According to Sheriff Monte Belew all emergency agencies responded rapidly to the scene.  The plant will remain closed for the next several days.

Commission  6/19/07

     The Henry County Commissioners heard from a number of citizens about residential trash pick up, or lack of it and the exclusive contract with Barker Brothers.  Sheriff Belew, Road Supervisor Ray Norwood and County Mayor Brent Greer addressed the matter and in the end Greer stated that if their were others who wished to pick up the garbage they had the right to submit a bid.

     Commissioners selected a replacement for retiring commissioner from the 2nd District, Connie McSwain.  Elected to take her place was runner up in the last election Larry Watson.    McSwain was awarded the Loyal Patriot Award.  "I am honored to be rewarded fro something I enjoyed doing," stated McSwain.

     The commission approved on second reading the funding for the non-profit organizations at Monday evenings meeting.

     Also approved was the request from Judge Snyder, Sheriff Belew and Police Chief Cooper.  They requested 2 judicial commissioners who would be retired law enforcement that could sign warrants at shift change times, thus cutting down drastically on the amount of money used to cover overtime for officers who were trying to get warrants signed.  Snyder explained that they would not be issuing search warrants or warrants for crimes considered dangerous to the public.

     The commission approved a recommendation to have present City Manager Carl Holder named as the Henry County Alliance Economic Director.  Holder will be handling the day to day tourism activities of the Tennessee River Resort Act.

     Commissioners gave Greer the go ahead on applying for a USDA Rural Development loan to build an emergency services complex located by the lake.  In a public hearing prior to the commission meeting,  the county mayor stated that a building , 10,000 sq.ft. on 5 acres that would house such entities as the volunteer fire department,  EMS, and the rescue squad as well as a seniors/community meeting room and other non-profit organizations plus in the future medical care clinic.  Greer estimated that such a complex would run $500,000.  TRRA money could be used for funding with the community facilities loan.  The long term loan of federal money to build the complex would be built, in part, with in-kind labor.  If the pre-loan application goes well the facility could break ground by Oct.

     To keep the county running after the end of the fiscal year commissioners passed a continuation budget resolution for fiscal year 2007-08 as a last matter of business Monday evening.  

Fireworks Law  6/18/07

     Teenagers wishing to purchase consumer fireworks must be at least sixteen years old beginning July 1, 2007.  Previously, the law allowed those as young as ten to purchase fireworks. Teens sixteen and seventeen years old must additionally provide a state-issued photo ID at the time of purchase. A violation of the law could result in a fine to the retailer of up to $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and up to $500 for all subsequent offenses.

     The law is intended to reduce the number of injuries to children caused by improper use of fireworks. According to a nationwide study provided by the National Fire Protection Association, children ages 5-9 face the highest risk of injury from fireworks. In 2004, 55% of people injured by fireworks were under the age of 20, with 40% of the injuries incurred by those under age 15.

     State Fire Marshal, Leslie A. Newman, encourages all Tennesseans to attend professional fireworks displays as an alternative to purchasing their own. “Regardless of your age, displays performed by trained professionals are regulated more closely and follow national safety standards. By avoiding consumer fireworks the risk of personal injury, including burns and damage to fingers, face, and eyes, is greatly reduced.”

Drug Bust  6/15/07

     On Thursday morning, just past midnight, the Metro Crime Unit along with  officers from the Paris Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at 202 Greer St. in Paris.  During the search officers located a shoe box in a kitchen cabinet containing 4 oz. of uncut, compressed cocaine and a set of digital scales.    Arrested was Christopher Lynn Kendall of Greer St. who was charged with possession of a scheduled 2 controlled substance with intent to sell, a class B felony.  He was held without bond.

      According to Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew the cocaine had a street value of $10,000.00.  The Crime Unit received an anonymous tip that the drug shipment had come to Paris.  "This is just another example of local law enforcement working together to stop the flow of drugs into our community," stated Sheriff Belew.

     Officers involved in the bust included Investigator Josh Frey, Investigator Scott Wyrick and Investigator Rick Watson.  Belew said that no cash was found and it is believed that the cocaine had not yet been broken down for resale.  

Grapes & Gourmet  6/15/07

     The 7th Annual Grapes & Gourmet benefiting the Paris Henry County Heritage Center will be on the lawn of the Heritage Center on Saturday, June 16th.  Wine tasting and silent auction begins at 5pm.  with the live auction at 6:30.  

     Tickets are $15 each and are available at the Heritage Center, Jack's Java, the Chamber of Commerce and West Wood Wines and Liquors. 

     Dress for the event is casual

Planning  Commission  6/15/07

     The Paris Municipal Regional Planning Commission approved the site plan for the new Super D on Mineral Wells to be located at the former site of Joe & Jerry's.  The 3,966 sq. ft. building is expected to cost 3 quarters of a million dollars.  Signalization at the intersection will also be improved for traffic to enter the proposed site.

     Approved was a division of property at the intersection of Powell and Chickasaw  St.  contingent upon signatures to the plat.  

     Also approved  was the division of land where the old Montgomery Ward and the old Theater were located on Mineral Wells Ave., contingent upon signatures.

     The commission approved the site plan for the addition to the Arby's Restaurant on Mineral Wells Ave., even though the addition was done prior to approval.

The division of property at the intersection of Hwy 641 and Hwy 69 was approved Thursday evening.

     A request from the Moose Lodge for approval of a site plan for a storage building  was given contingent on meeting set back regulations.

     The board made no decision on a historic Zoning request about fencing.  The matter was discussed at length and the type of fence wanted was described as" the kind of fence Tom Sawyer painted."  The home is located at College and Depot St. and the new owner wants to put up a privacy fence.  The matter will be sent back to the Historical Zoning Board for their recommendation.  "It is a fragile neighborhood and we have someone here who wants to invest and live in that neighborhood," stated board member Randy Scholes

Banquet  6/14/07

     The Paris Henry County branch of the National Association for  the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) presents the 2007 Freedom Fund Banquet June 15 at the Paris Convention Center.  The cost is $35.  Keynote speaker will be Dr. Lloyd C. Elam, President Emeritus of Meharry Medical College. 

Promotions  6/14/07

City Commission 6/8/07

   The Paris City Commission went through this month's agenda quickly starting with a public hearing on the proposed BPU water rate increase which was later passed on 2nd reading by the commission.  BPU has not had a water rate increase in 5 years.  The new rate will be a 12% increase.  Also passed on second reading was an increase in solid waste collection fees.  The rate will go from the present $12 to $14.  There will also be an increase in dumpster rates and brush removal.  The 3rd item up for passage on second reading was an increase in Municipal court fees with arrest fees at $20, warrants at $10,  increasing the total litigation court fine to $115.00

     Paris Police Chief Tommy Cooper  presented  his recommendations relating to false alarm calls as requested by the commission .   The report was approved on first reading only to give commissioners the opportunity to review the Chief's recommendations.  According to Cooper there are 900 false calls annually and each call ties up 2 officers.  There are 355 known alarm owners in the city, most of which are business owners.  The major problem with false alarms is the ability to contact the owner of the business.  Cooper has proposed a fee for habitual false alarm owners, a $50 fine after  2nd false alarm and a registration fee for all alarms that would provide contact information. 

     The commission approved a lease of 4 acres of land by the landfill to be used as an animal san animal sanctuary by the Humane Society.  The 30 year lease will be at a cost of $1 per year.  The plan is to provide a place for the animals and not euthanize them.  Locally nearly 1,000 animals are euthanized a year.

     A draft of the new budget was approved on first reading and the current tax rate of 73 cents per $100 assessed value will stay in effect until the final approval of the budget.

     The purchase of right a way for Hwy 218 is expected to begin in late this summer.  The last leg of the 218 highway was built in 1986-87.  According to Mayor David Travis he will be trying to meet with Gov. Bredesen to "get this project moving faster." 

Beer Board   6/8/07

     The Henry County Beer Board approved one request for an off premise beer license at Thursday's meeting .  Coming before the board for his 3rd business was George Henshall III.  He hopes to be opening Had A Call Grocery on Hwy 69S by the end of June.  Henshall recently opened Half way Market and The Pump House.

Summer Reading Program  6/7/07

     W.G. Rhea Public Library was packed Wednesday morning for the 1st of 2 programs given as part of this year's Summer Reading Program.

     Featured in the 2 programs were Skidboot and Friends, which consists of   Skidboot Jr., 2 of his dog friends Bois d'Arc and Peewee plus  a horse friend Cheyenne, all of which visited the Library with their trainer Texas cowboy David Hartwig.

     After performing numerous tricks on command the group of 'friends' were rewarded with doggy treats while adults could purchase Skidboot's children's book, DVD or T-shirts.

Pancake Breakfast  6/7/07

     The Church of God of Prophecy will be having a Pancake Breakfast  on Saturday, June 9 from 7 to 10am at the church located at 4088 Hwy 218 By-pass.  Proceeds will benefit international college students in need of financial help to complete their Senior year at Murray State.

Property Tax  6/7/07

     Names of 2006 Delinquent Henry County Property Tax owners will be sent to Nashville to be put on a state delinquency List and be flagged for the 2007 upcoming tax roll owers.  Owners who wish to prevent this from happening will need to pay their property taxes in the Henry County Trustee's office prior to June 30,2007.  For more information call 642-6633.

Called Meeting6/6/07

     A special called meeting of the Paris Industrial Development Board  will be held Thursday  June 7 at 4pm in the Paris City  Hall.

     Library  6/6/07

     For those who can not join the Library on Wednesday June 6 at 10am , Skidboot and Friends will perform again at 7pm that evening. The performance will consist of three trick dogs, a horse and a real Texas cowboy.  Skidboot has passed away but the tradition and talent are carried on by his trick dogs.  David Hartwig and his friends have performed on the Ophra Show and many others.  "The W.G. Rhea Public Library is honored to have them performing for our community," stated Library Director Connie McSwain. 

Power Outage  6/5/07

     BPU has announced that there will be power outages in the Cypress Creek area near Paris Landing from 8am to 2pm Tuesday.  More outages are expected as work is done in the area over the next few weeks.

Park Board  6/5/07

        The Paris Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners  met Monday evening and reviewed several items including a proposed City/County resolution .  The proposed resolution would have the city and the county develop a formal relationship to address such things as conservation, environment, recreation and leisure activities.  

     The resolution proposes that a duel board of city and county members  be developed to discuss and develop the items listed.  The board will be inviting City Mayor David Travis and County Mayor Brent Greer to discuss the  creation of such a board.  "This would make the Park Board broad based," explained Park and Recreation Director Tim Check.  He also added that half to 60% of the park users were from the county.

     In the upcoming grant year  the Parks Board hopes to address the development of a skate board facility, restrooms at the parks and completion of the improvements to the play grounds.  Check also praised the efforts of the 'Families for Paris Parks'.  Check suggested that a $50,000 grant with a 50/50 match could be obtained for that purpose.  

     The Paris Soccer Club also made a presentation.  Established in 1982 the club had 70 team in the fall with 8 travel teams.  The soccer club  would like to develop a 20 to 30 acre Soccer Complex on flat land and adequate parking space, preferably within the city limits of Paris.  Currently the fee for children is $35 with the adult league membership $55.

     In an update on the Tennis Court grant Check stated that in house labor will be used to prepare the site.  Donations from B& G Equipment and Hayes Construction will  save $50,000.  New bids for the tennis court will be opened on June 19th with construction at the site by the High School scheduled to begin in August.

     With City Manager Carl Holders expected acceptance as CEO of the Henry County Alliance and his departure as City Manager the push for a balanced budget will see cuts in the parks budget.  "We are expecting to see major cuts in this year's budget," stated Check.

     Check also mentioned the increase in interest in 'disc Golf', a game similar to Frisbee Golf.  There is currently a 9 hole course at Memorial Park. 

     Since the contract with Coke ends this year the Parks Board will be discussing a contract with Pepsi for score boards and maintenance.

     Honored at the Parks Board meeting was Frankie Hosford for his 15 years service on the Parks Board.  "There is no way to adequately thank you  for all you have done over the years," stated Check. 

One Book  6/4/07

     The Henry County One Book -One County Project for May is "To Kill A Mockingbird".  You can pick up your free copy at the Heritage Center or W.G. Rhea Public Library.  A community wide discussion of the book will be held Tuesday, June 5 at 7pm in the Paris Henry County Heritage Center.  The movie "To Kill A Mocking Bird" will be shown in the Community of Christ Church fellowship hall  located at 1404 Lone Oak Rd. in Paris with a brief discussion following the movie along with refreshments.  

Non-Profit Organizations 6/2/07

     The Henry County Non-Profit Organization Steering Committee approved all requests from organizations that asked for funding at the same amount as last years request.  They also heard requests from several organizations wishing to have their requests for funding increased  from last year at Thursday's meeting.  

     Receiving increases were JACOA for alcohol and drug rehabilitation , Community Development Services who provide vocational services and residential services,  Damascus Road Emergency Shelters, Sanders Senior Citizens Center who need a building  and Aspell Recovery Center ( for residents with out resources who are order by the courts to go into rehab for alcohol and drug abuse .

     The 5 groups receiving increases were though to need additional funding out of the 19 groups requesting increases.  The requests were a total of $7,900 bringing the total funds from the non-profit Committee to $104,160.  

The committee cut all requests by 20% 2 years ago with no additional increases since then. 

Budget Hearings  6/2/07

     After a week of budget hearings,  in which the budget committee met with department heads, County Mayor Brent Greer told the committee, "As a rule of thumb, we should keep 3 months of reserve funds in fund balance," which would be approx. $2 million.  The county also needs to keep 3 million in debt service.  "We don't anticipate any revenue increases except for grants that our department heads might be receiving."

     The budget committee approved extending the presentation of the budget, "We don't have to give a date for presentation, we just have to present it in  July with time for the commission to approve it," the mayor stated.

     According to Greer the General Fund budget is ready as is the Solid Waste budget, the Drug Fund budget and  the Highway Department budget.  "The Debt Service Fund budget is not yet ready.  The next budget committee meeting will be held in June. 

BPU  6/1/07

      Despite an extended period of limited rainfall, Paris Board of Public Utilities is currently handling local water demands with no difficulties.  Daily water demand has increased by 16% in the last couple of weeks to around 2.3 million gallons per day. 

The capacity of the BPU water treatment facility is 5.0 million gallons per day giving the utility the ability to handle a significantly higher water demand than they are currently experiencing.  

     "The McNairy Aquifer, from which all BPU water is pumped, continues to be a reliable and plentiful source of water for our community," stated Director of Water/Wastewater Operations Terry Wimberley. 

Consumers of BPU water will not be asked to limit water usage during this dry time.  No ban or limitations on lawn watering will be placed into effect.  BPU water customers should be reminded that a sewer cap is in place during the May through November meter readings so that consumers will not pay wastewater charges on extra water usage due to lawn watering.

                                                   5K Walk/Run  6/1/07