Rep. JOHN TANNER

OF TENNESSEE

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my support for the decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold an individual’s right to keep and bear arms. Today, the Court rightly struck down the ban on handguns in the District of Columbia . Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have co-sponsored legislation to end this ban, which contradicts the Second Amendment rights guaranteed to all Americans by the U.S. Constitution.

In issuing its decree, the Court protected the right of a sportsman to have a shotgun in his home and affirmed the right of a homeowner to keep a handgun to protect his family and property from intruders. Our Founding Fathers fought and died for the individual liberties we all enjoy – among them, the right of the citizens of this country to possess firearms.

We are not given the latitude to pick which of those liberties we choose to follow or enforce, be it the freedom to speak or the freedom to worship. Like those fundamental freedoms, we cannot dismiss or dilute the right to keep and bear arms.

As an avid hunter and strong gun rights advocate, I applaud the Court for its decision. I look forward to continuing our work in Congress to protect the integrity of the Second Amendment.  

Tanner represents Tennessee ’s 8^th Congressional district in West and Middle Tennessee.

Fireworks   6/27/08

 State Fire Marshal Leslie A. Newman wants to remind Tennesseans that while fireworks are a traditional part of Fourth of July celebrations, many people are seriously injured each year by their careless use.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages you to leave fireworks to the professionals. If they are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

·         Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.

·         Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

·         Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

·         Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.

·         Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.

·         Keep a bucket of water and a garden hose nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.

Like matches and lighters, sparklers are not toys and cause hundreds of injuries every year. Sparklers burn hot, can reach temperatures as high as 1200 F, and stay hot long after they’ve burned out. You wouldn’t hand a matchbook or lighter to a child to wave around or play with, so don’t give a child a sparkler. 

Fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries.  A new law effective in 2007 prevents children under the age of 16 from purchasing fireworks and those that are age 16 or 17 must have a photo ID to purchase them.

 “Please enjoy the holiday at a public display presented by trained professionals, where compliance with state-of-the-art fire codes offers a safer way to celebrate our nation’s independence, and avoid consumer fireworks to keep festivities from turning into tragedies,” Newman said. 

For more information on firework safety, visitwww.tennessee.gov/sfm.  

HCMC  6/27/08

Henry County Medical Center Administrator Thomas Gee updated board members Thursday on the medical center's Hospitalist program which would offer citizens a physician at any time.  "We hope to add a second Hospitalist to the rotation by the end of June" he stated.   "This will give us two physicians in house on days and one on-call at night."  Gee also explained to the trustees that they were not having much luck recruiting a full time permanent physicians which  will delay establishing the program .  He also added that they were having  discussions with Cogent Inc , physician management  Hospitalist program that works with St. Thomas  Heath Services and other  regional hospitals  in hopes that they would provide a turnkey Hospitalist or management program.

     Bids for the construction of the pharmacy came in within the proposed budget and the construction should begin soon.

     The hospital has joined with a data base that lists all physicians in the U.S. and will use it to make contact with OB physicians and orthopedic  physicians. 

City Commission   6/27/08

      In a special called meeting of the Paris City Commission on Thursday the commissioners approved on 2nd reading the 2008-09 budget.  They also approved the tax rate, the same as last year, $.73 per $100 assessed property value.  Also approved an ordinance for an annual  subscription fee for the ESN 122 fire district. A sliding scale fee will be based on property value and will range from $20 to $250 per year.  The area also includes some area outside the city limit that are not covered by the county's volunteer fire departments.  If the subscription fee is not paid and the city responds to a fire the property owner will be charged $5,000.  The city intends to notify citizens of the subscription fee by mail.  Money raised by the fees will be used for fire department equipment.

BPU  6/27/08

     Like all other local public entities, the Paris Board of Public Utilities approved the 2008-9 budget Thursday.  The budget contains a 4% raise for employees.  In an effort to develop a better and safer way to dispose of wastewater sludge, the board approved a study by Gresham , Smith & Partners that will provide BPU with options to control/dispose of  the sludge.

     General Manager John Etheridge informed board members that he had compared BPU monthly rates of disconnects for non-payment and that BPU was not showing an increase as were many other utilities.  Comparisons of Sewer and water rates to 242 other utility providers in Tennessee showed that BPU was ranked 21st for lowest rates in the state.

Scrap Metal Registration  6/26/08

 Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Leslie Newman has named the members that will serve on an advisory committee for the Department’s Scrap Metals Registration Program. 

The advisory committee is as follows: Don Denbo will be representing the industry, Bruce Hancock will be representing the homebuilders, Martin Police Chief David Moore and Sumner County Sheriff Bob Barker will be representing law enforcement and Jamie Qualk will be the public member.

The advisory committee will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, July 2 in conference room A on the 5^th floor of the Davy Crockett Tower which is located at 500 James Robertson Parkway in Nashville. 

Pursuant to 2008 Public Chapter 690, Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance will be promulgating rules and regulations regarding development of a uniform scrap metal marking system, uniform terminology to describe the types of metals most commonly sold as scrap and to register scrap metal dealers. 

The new law, which aims to prevent theft involving metals, requires scrap metal dealers to register with the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Also under the law, scrap metal dealers will be required to check the identification and obtain a thumbprint of individuals selling scrap metal.

The Department is preparing to issue public necessity rules to allow the registration process to begin in conjunction with the July 1 effective date of some of the act’s provisions and prior to the October 1 registration requirement.                                     

 Beer Board  6/25/08

     The Paris Alcoholic Beverage Control Board approved two beer requests at Tuesday's noon meeting. The first was  Joaquin Cervantes manager of El Vallarta on Mineral Wells Ave .  The business currently has  an on premise beer permit in good standing but had to have it put into the name of the manager.  Also approved was an off premise beer permit for Ms Jacqeline Miranda for a Mexican Grocery store on Tyson Ave.

Gas Co.  6/25/08

     During the Paris Henry County  Public Utility District meeting Tuesday board members discussed several options regarding  retirement plans for employees.  Brett Smith of TN Consolidated Retirement Services  presented options that reflected retirement after 30 years of service at age 55 and age 60.  The board will consider the options and discuss it again at next months meeting.

Fire  6/24/08

          The Paris Fire Department responded to a fire on Memorial Drive Sunday afternoon.  The house was being remodeled and was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived.  An estimated $23,000 of damage was done to the interior.  No one was injured but the cause of the blaze is under investigation. 

Jr Olympic Shotgun Champ 6/23/8

     For the 2nd year in a row the TN Jr. Olympic Shotgun  Championships were held at the Holly Fork Shooting Complex off of Hwy 79.  The complex consists of 90 plus acres that for the past 2 years has provided a place for the Jr. Olympic Shotgun Championships in Tennessee.  Prior to the existence of  the 2 year old complex  there were no Jr. Olympic shooting events in TN.

     Sen. Roy Herron was present Sunday for the final day of competition  that started back on Wednesday.  Among the winners Sunday were 1st place in the Intermediate Shooters went to John Berks. 1st place in the Varsity Division went to Travis Russell.  Highest overall score for women shooters  went to Elizabeth Russell.  Highest  score for overall male shooter was Jacob McBride.  Number 1 Team was Henry County's own 'No Fly Zone'.    Gold metal winner in the woman's division was Lacy Lane of McKenzie.   Gold mentalist of the men's division  was Jacob  McBride of Fayetteville.

     Sponsors of the championships are the Holly Fork Shooting Complex, TWRA and Henry County Youth Shooting  Sports.  All state winners will be eligible to compete in the Nationals to be held in Colorado in August. 

Jobs  6/21/08

The State of Tennessee’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development, in conjunction with the University of Tennessee and other agencies, provided the following career projections for employment in 2014. The information reflects first a category, then the job classification within that category which is anticipated to require the most jobs between 2004 and 2014, with the anticipated number following: 

Health Science – Registered Nurse – 13,360 

Transportation, Distribution and Logistics – Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor Trailer –10,690

Business Management and Administration – General and Operations Managers – 10,510 

Government and Public Administration – General and Operations Managers – 10,510 

Education and Training – Elementary School Teachers, except Special Education – 6120 

Marketing, Sales and Service – Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, except Technical and Scientific Products – 4060 

Hospitality and Tourism – Cooks, Restaurant - 3260 

Human Services – Clergy – 2920Finance – Financial Managers – 2890

Information Technology – Computer Systems Analyst – 2400

Architecture and Construction – Electricians – 2380

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security – Police and Sheriffs Patrol Officers – 2280

Manufacturing – First Line Supervisors/Managers of Production and Operating Workers – 1770 

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources – Farm, Ranch and other agriculture managers – 910 

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – Industrial Engineers – 840

Arts, AV Technology and Communications – Graphic Designers – 790

Source: Jane Gibson, Henry County Career Center

Health Care Center  6/20/08

 Pictured are resident Lorene Bridges and Rich Parker, Plant Operations at HCMC, fishing together during the recent resident trip to Paris Landing State Resort Park.  Activities like this are commonplace at Henry County Healthcare Center. 

When families place an elderly loved one in a nursing home, they expect that he or she will experience quality care in a safe, nurturing environment.  They expect that their family members will receive a wide variety of interactions and services to help them adjust to the new lifestyle and to continue to enjoy living. 

Expect nothing less at Henry County Healthcare Center.  Every day, the dedicated staff plans and carries out activities, striving:

The activities planned for the residents are as simple as holiday parties or as complex as the most recent activity, a fishing trip to Paris Landing State Resort Park.  This is an annual activity for the residents and this year was no exception – those that participated not only had an absolute wonderful time, but will also be making a meal from their catch. 

“We caught 25 fish during our trip,” said Tim Lee, Activities Assistant at HCHC.  “We had a wonderful time and we are going to be having a fish fry with all the fixings’ for everyone at the facility, thanks to many great contributors.”

Everyone at HCHC is invited to participate in the daily activities and monthly events, as they are able and willing.  Every week, residents have the opportunity to participate in a Ride Your Horse betting game and often they have the opportunity to make a trip to Wal-Mart or to a nice restaurant for lunch.

Smith prints a monthly calendar of events and inspirational thoughts in the Healthcare Center’s newsletter and each resident receives a copy. She also makes a big calendar on the wall so nobody misses an occasion for fun.

Many volunteers and community groups contribute to the fun atmosphere at HCHC and are encouraged to participate.  With birthday parties, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day teas, Christmas sing-alongs, and crafts, there is something for everyone in the community to participate in and enjoy the company of our residents.  Other events include activities such as:

o       Community Clubs supply gifts and games

o       Schools make cards to hand out to residents

o       4-H clubs are always doing a project

o       County Music Bands play

o       Gospel Groups sing

o       Bible classes are held

o       Gardening in the courtyard is fun

o       The cosmetology class at Tennessee Vocational School provides manicures

And most importantly, remember that Henry County Healthcare Center is here to ensure that your family members are treated as one of our family, having the opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest.  For more information on how you can assist with activities at HCHC or to learn more about living at HCHC, call 731-642-5700 or check out our website at www.hcmc-tn.org.  HCHC – Quality in Community Healthcare.

Horse Show   6/19/08

     The Optimist Club of Paris invites you to attend our 45th Annual Charity Walking Horse Show at Henry County Fairgrounds Saturday, June 21st at 7:00PM .  Bring your entire family to watch these proud horses perform in the center ring.  Come by and see if your judging ability can pick the best in class.  Steak Sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs drinks and deserts will be available at the concession stand. All of the proceeds from the show go to support the Optimist Buddy Program and youth activities such as Scouts, 4H and school sports within Henry County .  Tickets are $7.00 at the gate.

Grilling Safety    6/19/08

 With warm weather fast approaching everyone will be looking forward to doing more outdoor grilling. Tennessee State Fire Marshal Leslie Newman wants to remind Tennesseans that being safe while cooking outdoors is just as important as practicing fire safety while cooking indoors. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas and charcoal grills cause an average of 900 home structure fires and 3,500 home outdoor fires each year. Half of all gas and charcoal grill fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch, so it is important to grill outside, well away from your home.

Safety Tips for Outdoor Grilling

·         Position the grill away from siding, deck railings, overhanging eaves and overhanging branches.

·         Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.

·         Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.

·         Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when handling food.

·         Periodically remove grease buildup in trays to prevent ignition by a hot grill.

Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills. Leaks and breaks in the gas cylinder or hose are the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires. Placing combustibles too close to heat and leaving cooking unattended are two other leading causes.charcoal grills. Leaks and breaks in the gas cylinder or hose are the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires. Placing combustibles too close to heat and leaving cooking unattended are two other leading causes.

Gas Grill Safety Tips

·         Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by bubbling.

·         If you determine your grill has a gas leak: Turn off the valve on the tank and have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

·        If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.

        Use only gas cylinders with an overfill protection device (OPD). OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel. OPDs shut off the flow of gas before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up.

·        Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.

·         Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.  

When using charcoal grills, avoid starter fluid by using a chimney starter. This is a cylindrical shaped metal tube that uses paper to start the coals. Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid.

“Outdoor grilling is a big part of Tennessean’s summertime activities,” said Newman.  “Make safety your number one priority by using common sense and following these tips.”

Fatality  6/19/08

     A motorcyclist was s killed when he slide into the path of an oncoming car on Hwy 46 near Erin Tuesday night.  The  victim  was a long time employee of the Leaf Chronicle.

PSSD  6/18/08

     The Paris Special School District Board of Education took a tour of the Pre-K  addition at Rhea Elementary prior to the regular board meeting  Tuesday evening.  The new addition contains not only class rooms but a tornado 'safe room' approx. 2400 sq ft.   According to Henson Construction the inside work is scheduled to be  completed in a few weeks  with the total project scheduled for completion in around 6 weeks.

     Also approved was  the purchase of playground equipment for Paris Elementary.

     Superintendent Mike Brown suggested using the Coordinated School Health  funds of $25,000, which must be used by June 30 be used to purchase an electronic gaming system.    The system, NEO, is placed out side, promotes physical activity, can be run off of solar power or batteries and is  very durable,  withstanding all kinds of weather conditions.  1 to 16 students can play at the same time.    At a  cost of $29,500, the Kids Club offered to pay the difference in the cost of the game and the  Coordinated School Health funds.  For more details about NEO go to their web site playneos.com  

E-911  6/18/08

     911 Director Mark Archer informed the board Monday night that 6 new computers for the MapSync project,  that will allow responding  emergency agencies to see the same maps as 911 dispatchers, had been delivered and one was already installed.  Archer will be going  to KY next week for training on the new system.    The director told the board  that all agencies that will be using the  system would need to have one person attend training.

  Also ready to go are the new radios for the sheriff's office which will be the 911 back up.

     The 2008-09 budget was approved  by the  board and will include a 4%  raise for 911 employees and no fee increases for Henry County residents.  911 is still asking citizens who  have storm shelters to tell  911 where they are located incase they should be trapped in side after a major weather event.

County Commission  6/17/08

     County Commissioners voted down an anti- noise resolution 10 to 5 Monday evening.  The noise issue was brought o the Legislative Committee last week by Springville citizens who were complaining about loud 4 wheelers and target practice in the Springville area.   Sheriff Monte Belew commented that if passed he would enforce the law but it would be very hard to catch someone breaking the ordinance plus it would consume a lot of man power.

     Commissioners approved a request from the Highway Commission to borrow $3.5million from an intergovernmental pool at a low interest rate.  The 10 year note will be repaid from revenues the Highway Department receives from the wheel tax.

TRRA  6/16/08

     At a recent Tennessee River Resort Act Steering Committee meeting several new events that will be eligible for TRRA funding were announced.

     One of the events is the Bass Master Elite Series fishing tournament.  The tournament will be coming to the area for 2 years in a row and is by invitation only with a $50,000  per boat entry fee.    The event is expected to draw 150 anglers and their families.  

  The tournament will have national coverage on ESPN and  in the Bass Masters Magazine.

  Other new events will be Crappie USA from Ky. Lake in March of 2009 and   Boss Hoss Motorcycle rally in Oct. 

Planning Commission  6/14/08

     The Paris Municipal Regional Planning Commission  approved a site plan for Murphy Oil USA to be located on Mineral Wells Ave. The business will have  a 2400 sq. ft. convince store with 6 gas  pump islands. Murphy Oil is known for low gas prices and usually are located in Wal-Mart parking lots.

City Commission  6/13/08

      The Paris City Commutation  met in a called meeting Thursday where they passed on first reading the city's 2008-09 budget.  The budget includes money for a 3% cost of living increase for  city employees.  It also holds the tax rate at it present $.73 per $100  of assessed property.  

     City attorney Fred Mclean will be drafting an ordinance concerning the registration of Pit Bulls in the city limits.  The commission will review the draft of the ordinance at next month's meeting.

Accident  6/13/08

   A tree trimming  accident claimed the life of 61year  James Mitchell  of Henry.  He had been trimming trees on  Alman Cemetery Rd.  when he was struck in the head by a falling branch. Mitchell was taken to Henry County Medical Center and then air lifted  to Vanderbilt where he died early Thursday morning.

Eye Full of Paris   6/13/08

Eye Full of Paris kicks off with Commercial Bank’s Noon on the Square concert, Friday September 26 on the lawn of Henry County’s historic courthouse.

That evening, Friends of the Wildlife Refuge host their Wild for Life Art Show and Sale at Lee Academy for the Arts. Exhibits include photography, painting, sculpting and carving that depict the region’s stunning creatures and scenery.

  On Saturday, September 27, Arts Round the Square ramps up on the courthouse lawn. Myriad artists, including potters, painters, jewelers, quilters, stain glass and fabric artists, and photographers demonstrate and sell their wares throughout the day as a variety of musicians perform on the lawn. Children’s theatre members will be on site to entertain the crowds. Special musical activities, as well as hands-on art demonstrations will engage and amuse youngsters, and hungry event-goers will enjoy delicious local food offerings. 

The second evening of Eye Full of Paris concludes in the new performance space at Lee Academy for the Arts with a concert sponsored by Friends of the Refuge. Attendees also can get a second look at the Wild for Life Art Show and Sale in the academy’s main hall.

  The weekend concludes on Sunday evening with a concert at Henry County’s newest tourist destination, Paris Winery. Event goers are invited to bring a picnic basket and blanket and get comfortable as the day cools down, the music heats up and the wine flows. A friendly competition among picnic sites will also liven up the final evening.

  The annual festival began with the Paris-Henry County Arts Council and Downtown Paris Association’s first Arts Round the Square (ARTS) in June, 2006. Held on the courthouse lawn, ARTS was a major success. Last year, the site and dates were expanded, the event was renamed and it received funding from the Tennessee River Resort Act.  The 2008 event boasts new activities from Friends of the Wildlife Refuge, Commercial Bank and Paris Winery.

Henry  6/12/08

The Henry Mayor and Board of Aldermen passed on first reading the 2008-09 budget.  The proposed budget kept the city's property tax rate at 84 and 1/2 cent per $100 assessed value.  The budget also includes a salary  increase for city employees of  3%

  The city has also included money for additional help.  Henry will be looking for part time help for City Recorder Sonya Claton, starting in July.  Public works Director Ed Bush will also be receiving part time summer student help.

  According to Mayor Joe Qualls Henry Police Officer  James Thomas  has increased city revenues and will be offered a  full time position.

  In other business the board learned that the sewer project completion date is set for June 30  when the CDGB grant runs out.  There are currently approx. 262 customers signed up for the city serer..  

Poster Contest  6/11/08

     The Henry County Sheriff's Office held a Drug Awareness poster contest for 2nd and 3rd grade students in both school systems.  2 students from each grade were chosen as winners.  They are Sam Anderson, son of Michael & Susan Anderson.  Sam is a 3rd grader at Paris Elementary.  Trent Wilson, son of Wayne Wilson is a 3rd grader at Harrelson.   Michael Lane, son of James and Jennifer Lane  is a 2nd grader at  Lakewood.  Emily Hudgins, daughter of Chris & Mandy Hudgins is a 2nd grader at Inman. The winners were recognized by Sheriff Monte Belew Tuesday.  Each winning poster will be framed and displayed at the sheriff's office.  They will be displayed until next spring.

Puryear  6/11/08

At Tuesday evening's Puryear Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting, Alderman and Puryear Lions Club Treasurer Mackie Gallimore told the board that due to the Tennessee River Resort Act funding given over to them by the city, this year's Puryear Day, which is sponsored by the Puryear Lions,  made a $5,000 profit, mainly from the sale of food. Attendance at this year's festival was well publicized due to the TRRA money and brought in a larger than usual number of o

     In regular business the board passed a continuation budget to see the city thru until the board approves a 08-09 budget.  Budget work sessions  will  begin Monday  June 16 at 6pm.

Budget Committee  6/11/08

     The Henry County Budget Committee approved a $20,000 grant for chancery court that will be used to improve security.  The county's required  match will  be  $2,222.   The Sheriff's office received  approval  to purchase 3 motorcycles out of that department's capital budget.   According to Sheriff  Belew the motorcycle unit would eliminate several patrol units plus the bikes get 45 to 55 miles per gallon.

 The Highway department made changes in fuel line items to be able to finish up the fiscal year.  The bond issuance for $3.5 million to finance needed road work will be on Monday's County Commission agenda.

Teen Night  6/10/08

       On June 20, 2008 beginning at 7 pm and ending at 9pm, the W. G. Rhea Public Library will rock with a “ROCK BAND” concert consisting of 12 bands.  Six bands will perform from 7pm to 8pm and another six from 8pm to 9pm.  The XBOX 360 game will be played also on June 27, July 11, and July 18 during the same hours.

          Performers must be between the ages of 12 and 17 years old. Anyone may come and cheer for their favorite band or just enjoy the performances.  Each band must be signed up by an authorized band member and obtain the rules at the Library by the Wednesday before the Friday night performance in which they wish to play.  No phone signs ins will be taken.  Each band may have up to three players.

          Only teens will be allowed to check out books.  There will be no other library services offered during these times.  The program will end at 9 pm and the Library locked.  There will be no supervision after 9 pm.

Dr. Kimberlin  6/9/08

  Pictured are Rhonda Gaskins, her daughter, Courtney Gaskins, and Courtney’s daughter, Mayleigh Gaskins with Dr. Danny Kimberlin. Kimberlin began his practice at HCMC in April 1990, delivered Courtney in August 1990, and delivered Mayleigh May 18, 2008.

     “I’ve delivered 8,500 babies at HCMC and Mayleigh is my first ‘grandbaby’…another milestone in my career,” said Dr. Kimberlin.

At HCMC, we are dedicated to personalized care for both mom and family, which is provided in our comfortable labor, delivery and recovery rooms. State-of-the-art technology is discreetly available with fetal and maternal monitoring to ensure a safe and healthy delivery.  HCMC also offers expectant parents the Bright Beginnings program with gifts to the family, informative newsletters, and childbirth education classes.  For more information on our Women’s Center, the Bright Beginnings program, or our OB/GYNs, please call the Find Line at 644-3463 or 1-800-246-2508.

Fishing Rodeo  6/7/08

City Commission  6/6/08

          The Paris City Commission approved on 1st reading an ordinance to increase Barker Brother's solid waste and land fill fees in next year's budget.   The rate increase, like everything else,  is being blamed on increased fuel costs.  A $1 hike in residential pickup with a 20% increase in dumpster service is expected.  Landfill fees and debris  would also increase by $2 per ton.   According to Financial Director David Smith  the increases would boost  revenues by $127,000.      Due to a lack of information the commission did not pass the 2008-09 budget or the new tax rate.  These items  will be on the next meeting's  agenda scheduled for Thursday June 12. 

     Payments for the 218 By-pass right-a-ways will put the project over budget for the year by $267,000.

Smith  told the commission  that retail sales were down by 5% from May but that Paris was in much better shape  than a lot of other cities in Tennessee.

Summer Vacation  6/5/08

TENNESSEE STATE PARKS OFFER SUMMER VACATION FUN ON LESS THAN A TANK OF GAS.

     Tennessee State Parks offer summer vacation fun on less than a tank of gas. With unique recreation opportunities, high-quality accommodations and exceptional value so close to home, Tennesseans don’t have to let rising fuel costs stall their summer plans.  There is a Tennessee State Park within an hour’s drive of just about anywhere in Tennessee.  

     Accommodations range from camping to cabins and inn rooms and state parks offer a variety of outdoor fun including hiking trails, water sports, mountain biking, golf and skeet shooting.  Visit www.tnstateparks.com to make reservations or to learn more about what the Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Golf Trail have to enjoy.  

     In addition to our perennial features and amenities, Tennessee State Parks offer a host of special summer events, including:

June 7

Bledsoe Creek State Park in Sumner County will sponsor a fishing rodeo for children age 14 and younger in conjunction with Tennessee’s Free Fishing Day.

June 14

Cove Lake State Park in Campbell County will host the Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

June 21-22

Roan Mountain State Park in Carter County will host the 62^nd annual Rhododendron Festival, which highlights the world’s largest natural rhododendron gardens.

June 23-27

David Crockett Birthplace State Park in Greene County will introduce young people to Appalachian frontier heritage with its weeklong pioneer camp.

July 4-6

Fort Pillow State Park in Lauderdale County will celebrate Independence Day with guided hikes along the Chickasaw Bluffs, arts and crafts demonstrations and museum tours.

July 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26

Sycamore Shoals State Park in Carter County will present “Liberty: Saga of Sycamore Shoals,” Tennessee’s longest running outdoor drama, at 7:30 p.m. each day. The drama recounts the major events surrounding the establishment of the Watauga Settlement on the grounds where they actually occurred.

July 26

Warrior’s Path State Park in Sullivan County will host a Folklife Festival from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring traditional crafts demonstrations and music.

August 2-3

Red Clay State Park in Bradley County will host the 26^th annual Cherokee Days of Recognition from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The event will feature living history enactments, traditional dancing and storytelling.

August 8-10

David Crockett State Park in Lawrence County will host David Crockett Days to celebrate the legacy of Tennessee’s pioneer statesman.

August 9

Burgess Falls State Park and Natural Area in White and Putnam Counties will celebrate its award-winning native butterfly garden with the annual Butterfly Festival.

August 15

Big Ridge State Park in Union County will host the 27^th annual Bluegrass Festival from 7 p.m. to midnight.

September 5-7

Fall Creek Falls State Park in Bledsoe and Van Buren Counties will host the 30^th annual Mountaineer Folk Festival, featuring traditional music, pioneer skills demonstrations and crafts.

September 6-7

Fort Loudoun State Park in Monroe County will mark the end of summer with its 18^th Century Trade Faire, where costumed re-enactors and historians join artisans and entertainers to bring the period to life.

September 13

Standing Stone State Park in Overton County will host the National Rolley Hole Marbles Championship. This traditional marbles contest draws some of the country’s best players and has been featured on ESPN, ABC Evening News, CNN and other media outlets.

A comprehensive schedule, with detailed event descriptions and contact information, is available at www.tnstateparks.com and click on “Less Than One Tank Trip.”  And visit the “Super Summer Site” link for more information on parks with unique summer recreation activities and accommodations.

Tennessee's 53 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families or business and professional groups.  State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses.  For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call toll free 1-888-867-2757.

Heritage Center  6/4/08

The Paris-Henry County Heritage Center celebrates their 8th Annual Grapes and Gourmet on June 7, 2008. Wine Tasting and Silent Auction will be 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. with a Live Auction at 8:00 P.M. Dress is Festive Casual.

Please come and join us on the beautiful lawn of Historical Cavitt Place for a lovely summer evening. Proceeds benefit the Heritage Center located at .

614 N. Poplar St. * P.O. Box 822 * Paris, TN 38242  Phone: (731) 642-1030 Fax: (731) 642-1096  Website: www.phchc.com

HCMC Survey   6/4/08

 Pictured is the nursing staff in the Emergency Department displaying their Best Overall Score Banner in May and  the nursing staff in the Emergency Department displaying their Most Improved Score Banner in May.

       Healthcare facilities all across the country are striving to provide the best care and services to its patients.  As consumers become more educated about health care, patient satisfaction has become an integral part of a successful healthcare organization.  Every encounter with patients provides an opportunity for hospitals to enhance the quality of their care and services to the families.

  Henry County Medical Center is one of the healthcare organizations looking at patient surveys and using them to improve care.  Patients express their opinions through surveys administered through Press Ganey, the premier national vendor of healthcare performance measurement and improvement services headquartered in South Bend, Indiana.  Patients are mailed these surveys after hospital visits, which management and staff alike utilize within the existing process improvement teams.

  Through these surveys, HCMC has identified ways to improve patient satisfaction and has implemented many programs to become a more service-oriented environment.  Additionally, HCMC wants to recognize its partners when these improvements are made and those we serve see those improvements.  Recently, HCMC implemented a program for the nursing departments:  Most Improved Score and Best Overall Score.  Each quarter, when results are received, those nursing areas that have seen the most improved scores and the best scores will be recognized by administration with a traveling banner to be hung in the nursing area and a small celebration for all nursing staff on that floor.

In May, HCMC recognized the Emergency Department with both Best Overall Score and Most Improved Score for the facility.  The department improved its scores dramatically, putting them in the 96 percentile, with only 4% of hospitals doing better than them across the nation.

“We are extremely proud of the Emergency Department and the huge accomplishment they received this quarter,” said Amy Johnson, Nursing Administrator at HCMC. 

“We are very proud of our nursing and medical staff,” said Tom Gee, CEO, HCMC “the Emergency Department’s achievement is a testament to the hard work and compassionate care we strive for at HCMC.”

As a patient at Henry County Medical Center, it is important for you to fill out any surveys you receive so that we can continue to improve care and services at the hospital.  Your opinions are important to us and they help us to know how we are doing in treating you and your family.

“All areas are striving to meet the guest satisfaction goals for their areas, with the help of your responses on our satisfaction surveys,” said Lori Billingsley, Patient Representative for HCMC.

Fire  6/3/08

       The Paris Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Guthrie Rd.  Saturday evening.  When fire fighters arrived the  residence was fully engulfed.  n estimated $57,ooo in damage was done.  There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

     A fire was also reported on Court Square.  The small fire was in the grassy area by one of the planters and was quickly extinguished. 

Fishing Tournament  6/3/08

Banquet  6/2/08

     Named JayCee of the year at the Annual Paris Henry County JayCees Award  banquet Saturday was Stacie Perkins .  Perkins will serve as 2008-09 Secretary.  Also recognized were this years officers and installation of next years officers was also  held.