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Adjustments and Appeals  5/31/06

     The Paris Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals went through their agenda very quickly Tuesday evening with little or no discussion while hearing from citizens that were on the agenda.

     In old business from their meeting in March the board granted an extension for property on N. Poplar where progress in renovations has occurred.  Another property on N. Poplar showed no such improvement and was put on the demolition list.  Property on Caldwell St. was granted a 60-day extension to complete renovations.  A representative for the 3-bedroom house in the Peden Hill community, which has been very successful in its renovation efforts, received an extension stating that renovations would begin this week starting with landscaping. 

     No response has been received about property owned by James Vandyke and the matter was tabled until the address of the owner could be checked. 

         In new business the board approved the demolition of the Knicker property on Marge Drive.  The owner was present and agreed to the demolition.  

     The owner of property on Osse St.  is deceased and the children live out of town.  The property has been abandoned for 7 years.  No response has been received about the property and the board gave the owners until the next meeting to respond with their plans for the house.

     Another piece of property on Osse St. has been bought by a state trooper and renovations are underway.

     Property on McCampbell St. that according to Building Inspector Ida Thornton has been abandoned for 5 to 6 years, is overgrown and hidden.  The house was put on the demolition list.   

     Another property on Campbell St. is now being lived in and was taken off the boards list for the time being.

       Depot St. property was added to the demolition list at the request of the owner who was present at Tuesday’s meeting.  The last piece of property reviewed by the housing board was located on Blythe St.  The owner, who was present requested a 60-day extension to either sell the property or rehab the home.  The request was granted.

Bucket Bash   5/31/06

Memorial Day Weekend   5/26/05

     Not only does Memorial Day weekend mean 3 days off it also marks the opening of swimming pools.  The pool at Memorial Park and at Paris Landing State park will open for the summer on Saturday.

Storms   5/26/06

     After a stormy Thursday night only minor damage was reported by the Henry County Sheriff's office.  Trees were uprooted and branches litter roadways and yards.  The only storm damage reported was on Forest Dr. where a tree went through the residents roof damaging a wall and ceilings in the family room, living room and the children's room.  BPU reported power outages across the county affecting an estimated 500 households.  A majority of the homes had power restored by Friday afternoon.

*****Hats off to all the Electric Department crew at BPU who worked so hard to restore power to the citizens, who if they are like me, don't appreciate electric until the microwave doesn't work or the water pump doesn't deliver water to the sink.     THANKS Guys and Gals.

*****Hats off to the Henry County Highway Department who cleared the roads of trees and branches , making the roads passable, even if it meant we had no excuse not to go to work.  Thank you all.

54th Annual Pancake Breakfast    5/26/06

The 54th Annual Pancake Breakfast, sponsored by the Men’s Club of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, will be Saturday, May 27 at the church, which is located at 216 Church Street in Paris.

The menu consists of pancakes, bacon or sausage, and juice, milk, or coffee. Food will be served starting at 7:00 a.m. and until all food is sold. Cost is $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children under 13. Dine-in, carry-out, and delivery meals will be available. For delivery, call (731) 642-8445.  

EMS   5/26/06

     In a report to the Emergency Medical Services board from EMS Director Mike Shankle following the HCMC board meeting Shankle told the members that the Benton County Commission had voted to accept HCMC’s offer to provide ambulance paramedic services in Benton County.  The current provider will have 20 days to make a counter offer before the transaction is complete.

     In a review of the EMS budget board members were informed that EMS showed a $200,000 loss, which is similar to past years.  EMS may receive an increase in payment allocations in the upcoming year.  Currently most payments are made by private insurance providers.  Board members were also informed that EMS has received a new ambulance.

HCMC   5/26/06

     The Henry County Medical Center’s Board of Trustees approved the budget for the 2006-07 fiscal year at Thursday’s meeting.

      The major item on this budget will be the medical centers new information technology that is expected to cost around a half  million dollars to purchase and implement, which is half of the proposed budget.  The vendors have been narrowed down to 2 the board is expected to receive the final recommendation at next months board meeting on June 29^th.  All hospitals will be required to have an information technology system and according to Hospital Administrator Thomas Gee 36% of other hospitals are just getting started.  “We hope to be ahead of most other hospitals,” staged Gee.  He added that presently only university and teaching hospitals have the capabilities that the new technology will offer.

     Other improvements included in the new budget is $1.4 million renovations to 2 West at the hospital and $238,000 renovations to the Health Care Center.

     Other increases in the budget include an expected 5% growth in surgeries.  An increase in psychiatric services is also expected.  Other budgetary changes include planning for shorter length of stays and the Henry County Health Care Center to build up its patient numbers.

PSSD Called Meeting   5/25/06

     Paris Special School District Board of Education met briefly in a called meeting Wednesday at noon to approve the yearly local consolidated application for federal funding.

Graduation   5/25/06

BPU   5/24/06

     The Paris Board of Pubic Utilities approved transformer repairs for the 3 old transformers at the primary substation.  They were de-energized in January and have developed oil leaks, which were caused by the drop in temperature when they were de-energized.  “The leaks need to be repaired and the transformers tested after the repairs are completed,” stated Charles Perry, General Manager of BPU.  “These transformers act as backups for our new unit.”  The board accepted the low bid of $20,147 from Southwest Electric of Nashville.  Perry told the board that it was a good price and the repairs would be done on site.  Savings in lost power costs are already being seen.  Perry also added that the units,  when repaired, would create a double back up when power went down.

      The board also approved a resolution that would allow BPU to ask the state of Tennessee to return unclaimed funds from former customers that could not be located in the last 18 months.  Currently those unclaimed funds equal approximately $73,000.  “Other utilities in the state have used this resolution to reclaim those funds.  We would be the first in the Tennessee Valley to do so,” explained Perry.

     The general manager reported on the status of claims against Dana, who has filed for bankruptcy.  Subject to court approval, BPU will be asking for payment of past operating costs.  They will also drop a portion of the deposit owed.   “We will change the company to a non-variable power rate which will lower power bills and make it more manageable for them,” explained Perry.  He also pointed out that they have not received a dollar amount on how much BPU will receive in the settlement.

Space Still Available for New Orleans Mission Trip 5/22/06

     There are still spaces available for the First United Methodist Church mission trip to New Orleans this summer. The group will help restore the Historic St. James AME Church, which is led by Rev. Otto Duncan, former pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church in Paris.

      The Volunteers in Mission team will leave for New Orleans on Sunday June 11 and return Saturday, June 17. The group will help with the following:

  ·        Refinishing pews – Many of the church’s pews sat underwater following Katrina. They need to be uninstalled, glued, clamped, refinished and reinstalled.

·        Cooking and refreshments for the group – The team can be more efficient with its time and money if it provides a cooking crew.

·        Daily devotional of encouragement and hope – If you’ve ever wanted to play or sing in the Big Easy, here’s your chance.

·        Cleaning up around church and neighborhood – Clean streets lift everyone’s spirits. The big items have been hauled away, but there’s still plenty of smaller items to be picked up.

      The cost is only $175 per person.  Transportation, food and lodging are included.  Sign up deadline is Monday, May 22, 2006. There will be an organizational/training meeting on Wednesday evening, May 24 at the First United Methodist Church on North Poplar Street.

      For more information contact Dr. Joe Geary at 642-4764 or jk_geary@bellsouth.net; Elyse Bell at 642- 8333 or ejbvim@bellsouth.net or Susan Jones at 644-9926 or njpr@bellsouth.net

Puryear Day   5/22/06

     It was a clear sunny day, perfect for a parade Saturday, as the estimated crowd of over375 community members lined the streets of Puryear for the 27^th Annual Puryear Day sponsored by the Puryear Lions Club.  “There were 60 to 65 entries in this years parade,” stated event organizer and Grand Marshal Lisa Hart.  “Last year the parade was a little longer but this year the parade and floats were better.”  Lisa Hart was among the parade floats as was this year’s Mr. And Mrs. Puryear, Doug and Beth Taylor.  Doug also conducted the auction of donated cakes that came from the many great cooks and bakers that are part of the Puryear Community.

       Award winners in Saturday’s parade were Largest Float 1^{st place}  – Harrelson School Relay for Life; 2^nd place – Kennedy Farms; 3^rd place – Puryear Methodist Church.

     Winners in the Smallest Float category were 1^st place – Puryear Spring Fling Queen Julie Dye; 2^nd place – Candace Steele.

     Best Walking/Marching Unit went to the Girl Scouts.

     Vintage Vehicle 1st place winner was WTN Rural Heritage with Butch Paschall; 2^nd place went to Jeff Allen and his 1942 Farmall; 3^rd place was Keith Davis and his 1954 Farmall.

     Winners in the classic vehicle category were Gordon Dunning and his 1948 Chevy; 2^nd place went to Marvin & Martha in their ’72 Pickup; 3^rd place went to the Pepsi Mid America truck.

     Winning animals were 1^st place – Hoof Beats of Hope; 2^nd place Wendy Mitchell; 3^rd place – Jeff Burton.

     Puryear Mayor Kenny Paschall awarded the Mayor’s Trophy to Cedar Hill Daycare.

Downtown Paris Association    5/20/06

       The Downtown Paris Association’s mission is to recruit and promote downtown business and preserve historic downtown Paris. The group announced a new program to help interested persons and organizations further the cause.

     This opportunity is in the form of the Downtown Paris Association Honorary Member Program. Honorary members receive a certificate of acknowledgement and appreciation, according to Kay Foust, president of the DPA, formerly the Downtown Business Association. Foust encouraged donations at one of the following levels: Friend – $25-$99; Partner  - $100- $499; Investor - $500 - $999; Benefactor - $1000 – up.

      The group has a varied, active and visionary membership, according to Foust. It includes downtown attorneys, churches, local media, non-profit organizations, city and county officials, banks and merchants who “all see the value in raising awareness of this vibrant and historic downtown,” she said. “To that end, we made some bold moves which included increasing membership, sponsoring more events and promoting these activities beyond the borders of Henry County.”

     First, the group enlarged its footprint to include the Heritage Center Local History Museum and Lee School Academy for the Arts. “This helped us encourage heritage tourism, network with the ongoing activities at the Academy and sign up new members,” said Foust.

     Next, they increased the number of events held downtown and enlarged the ones already in existence. They partnered with the 4-H Honor Club and the Ministerial Association. “This allowed us to produce new events, such as North Pole Family Fun Day and the Downtown Advent Walk,” explained Foust. “We’re currently partnering with the Arts Council for Arts ‘Round the Square, a June event designed to coincide with the Grove Centennial Celebration.”   

     Because of the group’s increased activity, they were able to begin distributing a number of press releases. “In the last eight months, we’ve released 13 stories to area media outlets about downtown Paris,” said Susan Jones, DPA member. “This has resulted in amazing print, radio and Web coverage, as well as a television news story. It’s also increased event attendance, as well as interest in downtown.”

      The group claims three other important accomplishments: an ongoing incentive package for new businesses; a full-color brochure targeting area tourists, and a newly acquired non-profit status. “With all of that work under our belt, we’re now turning to our friends and neighbors who share an interest in this unique area and want to aid our mission,” said Rick Conger, DPA secretary/treasurer.

      Checks should be made payable to the Downtown Paris Association and mailed to P.O. Box 95, Paris, TN 38242. For more information, contact Kay Foust at 731-641-9348 or email her at kfoust@cbtcnet.com.

PURYEAR LIONS 27^TH Annual Puryear Day

Saturday May 20, 2006

Parade – 10:00 a.m.

Registration 8:30-9:30 (Old Puryear School)*

Gospel Singing – 2:00*

Peddle Tractor Pull – 12:30 (Ages 3-9)                                

Arts and Crafts*

Mechanical Bull – Bungee jump

Petting Zoo ------  Games

Antique Tractors*

Bar-B-Q, Hamburgers, & Hot Dogs

Street Dance* - 6:00 p.m. - - - Cake Auction 7:15p.m.

Inflatables – Cotton Candy (Puryear Fire Department)  

Alcoholic Beverage Control Board   5/19/0

     The Paris Alcoholic Beverage Control Board held a hearing on a violation of the Paris Municipal Code Beer Regulations at their meeting Thursday evening.

     On April 13^th officers of the Paris Police Department sent an underage informant into Fuel Pro to purchase beer.  Mr. Rahjeshkumar Patel was working in the store and sold beer to the informant.     Local attorney Andy Clark represented Patel, who was originally from India and needed an interpreter for the proceedings.  Investigator Josh Frey and Officer Ricky Watson testified as to the sting, stating that the informant was underage and presented an ID that stated she was under 21.   They explained to City Attorney Fred Mclean that they had wired the informant and recorded as well as observed her buy a six-pack of beer, presenting her ID.  The officers also told Mclean that the reason for the sting were numerous complaints received by Paris Police Chief Tommy Cooper from teachers and parents that Fuel Pro was selling to minors.  Mclean also reminded the board that this was the 2^nd citation Patel had received for selling to minors.

     During Clark’s cross-examination it was found that a copy of the ID had not been made until Thursday.  Patel claimed that the driver license’s picture ID he saw that night did not say ‘Under 21’.  Clark was also informed by the officers that the informant had not been searched prior to the sting to see if she possessed another ID stating an older age.  It was also disclosed that the informant had possession of a scheduled 6 drug charges pending.  With her credibility in question Clark wanted to know when the last undercover operation had taken place, which turned out to be 4 ½ yeas ago. Claiming harassment of his clients due to their ethnic origins Clark rested his case.

     The two members of the 3 member board that were present voted to suspend the sale of Beer at Fuel Pro for 30 days or pay a fine of $1500.  Chairman Rick Searcy state, “We are not hear to determine if there was harassment or if a fake ID was used.  We are here to decide if beer was sold to a minor.”

     Attorney Clark did say that he would be filing an appeal with the appropriate officials.

Henry County Solid Waste Committee   5/19/06

     Due to increased costs for fuel as well as increased costs at the landfill because of larger trash collection and the need for a new copy machine, budget line item increases were needed.   The requested changes were approved by the Solid Waste Committee.     Also approved was the sale of a shredder to the Obion County Solid Waste.

     A discussion of the roadside park on Hwy 79 took much of the meeting time Thursday evening.   State  Rep. Butch Borchert has talked to the state, which  agreed to keep the grass mowed.  Borchert also asked for picnic tables for the park.  The concern of the committee was trash collection at the site.    “It will just become a public dump if we put a dumpster out there,” stated committee member Charlie Parker.  The other members agreed the cost of having a dumpster provided by Barker Brothers was not affordable and in the past dumpsters and trashcans were used for dumping not only picnic litter but also everything from fish to deer carcasses.  In the end the committee decided to recommend that the County Highway Department, like in Carroll Co., take over the problem of codes enforcement and litter control since they are in possession of the Litter grant and have the equipment to remove the trash.  That they should be funded at a break-even amount was also recommended.  “There is no zoning in the county to prevent dumping but we do have a litter control officer with the grant,” stated County Mayor Brent Greer. 

Paris Board of Zoning Appeals   5/19/06

     With only one item on the agenda Thursday’s Paris Board of Zoning Appeals went quickly.

     A request for a variance in a side yard setback on property located on Jean St. was unanimously denied. 

     Property owner Kenneth Woodward had applied for the variance in order to build a carport onto the side of his house at 302 Jean St.  The property is zoned R-I, Low Density, which according to Linda Holder Community Development Director, is the most restricted zoning district and requires a 15 ft side yard setback.  Holder added that the PZA had not received drawings of the proposed building nor had Woodward applied for a building permit.  The carport is located only one foot off of the property line and according to a neighbor who was present there was some dispute over the exact location of the property line in the rear of the property where Woodward had built a garage.

Paris Board of Zoning Appeals   5/19/06

     With only one item on the agenda Thursday’s Paris Board of Zoning Appeals went quickly.

     A request for a variance in a side yard setback on property located on Jean St. was unanimously denied. 

     Property owner Kenneth Woodward had applied for the variance in order to build a carport onto the side of his house at 302 Jean St.  The property is zoned R-I, Low Density, which according to Linda Holder Community Development Director, is the most restricted zoning district and requires a 15 ft side yard setback.  Holder added that the PZA had not received drawings of the proposed building nor had Woodward applied for a building permit.  The carport is located only one foot off of the property line and according to a neighbor who was present there was some dispute over the exact location of the property line in the rear of the property where Woodward had built a garage.

Rotary Breakfast   5/18/06

Relay for Life events   5/18/06

     On May 20^th Champion Homes will be host a county music dance and karaoke with Rick Gallimore guitarist.  The event will be at the Henry Civic Center from 8pm to midnight.  $5 at the door.

     New Harmony Baptist Church will hold a trivia night at the church from 6 to 8pm on May 20th.  $5 per contestant, $1 per spectator.  8 people per team.

     On May 20 Tecumseh Products will have a yard sale starting at 7am and a car wash at 8:30 at the Lakeway branch of Security Bank.

Henry County School Board   5/17/06

     The Henry County Board of Education members approved a budget for the 2006-07 school year at Tuesday’s meeting. 

     The approved budget included increasing beginning teacher’s salaries.  Henry County School System was ranked 113^th in the state for beginning salaries, down from 26th in the state 30 years ago.  “To stay competitive with other school systems and bring in the best teachers we have to increase the salaries,” stated Director of Schools Rick Kriesky.  Kriesky also said that with the windfall the state has in revenue they might mandate a 3% salary increase for teachers.  Other increases in the budget include an increase in the Band budget for the purchase of instruments, funds to help in costs for cheerleaders, an increase in the budget for drug testing costs, an increase in salaries for many support personnel such as bus drivers and cafeteria workers as well as teaching assistants.  Kriesky stated that increases in the school budget have been very low for several years, “This budget does more for the students and teachers than any other budget.”

     Also approved by the board was a Resource Officer.  “There are a lot of things a uniformed officer can do in the schools,” explained Kriesky.

     The board authorized the sale of a trailer used to sell concessions for the girl’s softball team.  Donated by Jim Adams, there is no need for the concessions trailer any longer.  The trailer will be sold and the money from the sale given to the team.

     The board reviewed renovation plans to Patriot Stadium.  Bids for the handicapped ramp and the restrooms will go out June 23.  “We hope to be completed with the restrooms and using them before the end of the football season,” stated Kriesky.

     Chris Martin, Jaycee and local contractor has offered to build the new press box at the stadium as a donation to the school.  He has also volunteered to build a pavilion at Lakewood School.  Kriesky told board members Tuesday night that money for materials for the projects could come from “the ¾ cent tax money”.  School board member Patricia Remold, member of the Lakewood PTO stated that a pavilion was needed for rain protection and shade since the playground was in the middle of a field and the previous pavilion was enclosed to make the multi-purpose building at the school.  The school system will also be taking bids for new playground equipment at Lakewood.

     The High School’s Early Childhood Development students will be getting hands on training with 3 and 4 year old children of teachers.  The childcare will cost $1 per hour and will be available for 10 children.  A teacher assistant for the program will be paid for with federal funds.

     Tuesday’s full agenda also included a TVA energy audit.  The audit suggested ways to save on energy costs and usage in the school districts buildings.  The suggestions included retrofitting of lighting, programmable thermostats and replacement windows.

     Also part of the agenda, presentation of 10 year and 30-year service awards.     14 teachers and staff members received 10-year awards and 8 received 30-year awards including 1^st grade teacher Beverly Reid and 2^nd grade teacher Sabra Fuller, both of Harrelson School.  

Gas Co.   5/17/06

     At the noon meeting of the Paris Henry County Natural Gas Utility District on Tuesday gas co. manager Glen Jackson announced that the would be retiring June 11^th.  Jackson, who has been employed at the gas company since 1979 and manager for 6 years stated, “I appreciate the board, they have been easy to work with.”  Don Green, currently assistant manager will be taking over the reins.  “Don will be a person who will carry on with current plans,” stated Jackson.  Board member Dr. Wood told Jackson, “We thank you for a job well done.”

     Current projects include 4miles of 2in pipe and 2 miles of 4in pipe.  The utility is ready to accept bids on the projects and have the state permits to bore under state highways.  According to Jackson the lines should be in by next month.

       Due to a mild winter the gas utility district had to pay a penalty of $1700 for having too much gas left in storage.  They are currently at 39% storage capacity and are purchasing gas now in preparation for next winter.

PSSD   5/17/06

     Due to a lack of a quorum Paris Special School District was unable to conduct their board meeting Tuesday evening.  Many members were attending a banquet.  According to Director of Schools Dr. Paul Doyle the meeting will not be rescheduled.  The board will meet at their regular time next month.

County Commission   5/16/06

     Before the Henry County Commissioners could conduct any business the commissioners from the 4^th District were called to the front of the Chancery Courtroom.  Commissioner Kenneth Humphries was surprised as he was presented a proclamation declaring May 16 as Kenneth Humphries Day in Henry County.  After 29 years as the director of choral music at Henry County High School and Director of the Henry County Madrigals, Mr. Humphries will be retiring.

     Sworn in as the new General Sessions, Probate and Juvenile Court Judge at the beginning of the commission meeting was Vicki Shepherd Snyder.

     Approved by commissioners was the purchase of new voting machines.  According to Commissioner of Elections Jill Frye the machines were purchased with grant money and there was no cost to the county.   Since the machines were purchased from a state approved vendor no bids were required for the machines from Microvote General Corp at a price of $19375.

     A report from Carl Holder, chairman of the financial committee of the Tennessee River Resort Act steering committee announced that the committee had chosen Walker & Associates out of Memphis to promote the community at an estimated cost of $75,000.  Greer was authorized to negotiate a contract with Walker & Associates.

Educational Shooting Range   5/16/06

     The second public hearing on the proposed educational shooting range that will be located off of Hwy 79 across from the Hank Williams Jr. Enterprises was held Monday evening before the County Commission meeting.  According to County Mayor Brent Greer the second public meeting was held so that neighbors of the proposed site could be present to voice their opinions.  Efforts to contact them about the 1^st meeting by mail resulted in returned notices sent to incorrect addresses.

     This public hearing, like the first, received nothing but positive and enthusiastic responses from the audience.

     “We wanted to make sure the noise issue for neighbors was addressed,” stated Greer.  Located in the 3^rd district the shooting range was visited by the 3 commissioners last week, all of whom were ready to move forward with the project.

     Gary Cook of the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, which will oversee the 105 acres where the shooting range will be located, told the assembled group, “Henry County has a strong shooting program already with 109 young shooters.  If we do this we will have property available for a safe, family type environment.”  3^rd District Commissioner Paul Mathenia told the group, “It’s a good thing and we have an excellent group of kids, we should get this going as quick as possible.”

Alligator Attack   5/16/06

Household Waste   5/15/06

     A Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event will be held Saturday, May 20^th  from 8am to 1pm at the Henry County Recycling Center on Recycling Drive.

     Household hazardous waste is defined as corrosive, flammable, toxic or reactive materials used in the home, vehicles, garden or lawn.  You can dispose of all the leftover household chemicals, lawn and garden products and automotive materials that you never know what to do with.

Literacy Council          5/13 /06

     At the May meeting of the Henry County Literacy Council members reviewed the success of this year’s Catfish Races that are sponsored by the council.  Entries were down 9 fish from last year but up by 9 from the previous year.  The Literacy Council uses the registration fees from the races through out the year to finance their many projects to promote adult education and reading in the community.

    The Literacy Council received $3,000 from Helping Hand this year; they were also the recipients of a grant from Dollar General for $1,000.  Despite the 2 grants the council is looking for sponsors for the Imagination Library.  “Several thousand dollars will be needed,” explained Literacy Council President Bill Williams.  The success of the program in Henry County exceeded expectations.  The program provides free books to preschoolers but the postage must be paid.

Planning Commission   5/12/06

     The Paris Municipal Regional Planning Commission approved to new matters of business at Thursday’s meeting with little or no discussion.

         Approved was the combining of 2 existing lots between Linwood Court and Briarwood Court into one large lot.

     Also approved was moving a lot line in the Meadows Subdivision.  The 2 lots concerned are on Fieldstone Dr. off of India Rd. 

Grant   5/12/06

GOVERNOR BREDESEN ANNOUNCES $4.1 MILLION IN WASTE TIRE GRANTS

Henry County Receives $29,500 for Diversion of Waste Tires From Landfills

    Governor Phil Bredesen and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced Wednesdat that the state will provide 89 Waste Tire Grants totaling more than $4.1 million to assist communities with processing waste tires for beneficial reuse in the 2006-2007 fiscal year.

Henry County will receive a Waste Tire Grant for $29,500.

“I appreciate the efforts of the state’s local partners who understand the very real environmental benefits of this continued effort to divert waste tires from landfills,” said Governor Bredesen. “And I am pleased the Solid Waste Management Act continues to provide support and funding to local communities for a very important program.”

The General Assembly authorized waste tire grants in the Solid Waste Management Act of 1991.  Henry County is represented in the General Assembly by Senator Roy Herron and Representative Butch Borchert.

“This is great news for Henry County,” said Senator Herron.  “This grant will make a difference in our community and help us deal with waste tires in a responsible manner.  I appreciate Governor Bredesen’s administration and our local leaders for their support of this important program.”

“The General Assembly created this fund several years ago to encourage recycling at the local level, and keeping the environment clean and dealing with our waste in a responsible manner continue to be key priorities,” said Representative Borchert.

Waste tire grants assist counties with the processing and transportation of tires to beneficial end use facilities.  Counties are reimbursed $70 per ton of tires and are required to provide one waste tire collection site. Counties may charge an additional fee if the grant is not adequate to cover costs.

The grants are supported from the Waste Tire Fund, which receives revenue from a state surcharge on the purchase of new tires.  The Waste Tire Fund is administered by the Department of Environment and Conservation, and ninety cents from every dollar collected is used for solid waste grants and services.

Tennessee will recycle more than 60,000 tons of tires during fiscal year 2006, diverting waste tires from landfills and sending them to beneficial end use.  Beneficial end use methods include utilizing crumb rubber in civil engineering projects, asphalt paving, and molded rubber products, but the majority of Tennessee’s waste tires are used as Tire Derived Fuel (TDF).

TDF conserves fossil fuels and provides a waste-to-energy disposal method.  The units of energy produced by TDF are comparable to fuels such as coal.  According to a 1997 study by the Environmental Protection Agency, TDF used in a well designed and maintained combustion device emits fewer pollutants than conventional fossil fuels.  In Tennessee, Bowater Company, Cemex Cement, Gerdau Ameristeel and TVA Allen Steam Plant are among those generating energy and processing waste tires by utilizing TDF.

“Tennessee’s tire recycling program provides an environmentally sound disposal method, but the most important step in waste management remains waste reduction,” said Commissioner Fyke.

Purchasing longer life tires, rotating and balancing tires every 6,000 miles, and checking air pressure monthly are excellent ways to reduce the number of scrap tires and save money.

Henry Town Meeting   5/11/06

     At a short meeting of the Henry Mayor and Board of Aldermen on Tuesday the board appointed Lisa Olive as Alderwoman to fill the vacancy left by Gordon Ray McFadden at last month’s meeting.  She will serve until the election in November when the seat is up for re-election. 

Farewell Reception   5/ 11/06

     The courthouse hallway was full of courthouse personnel, friends and associates at 11am Wednesday in honor of Judge Hansel McCadams who stepped down from the bench to pursue is race for District Attorney General in the 24^th Judicial District.

     “We will be concentrating our time on the campaign for the next 84 days or so,” stated his wife of 15 years, Teresa. McCadams explained that the position would include 5 counties and some of the responsibilities would be to assist custodial parents with receiving child support payments, assisting crime victims in getting their benefits and assisting citizens by prosecuting their claims in the courts.

Puryear  5/10/06

     The Puryear Mayor and Board of Aldermen tabled the selection of a contractor to do tar and chipping as well as paving on portions of Puryear city streets at Tuesday evenings meeting. 

     The board had intended to open and select a bid Thursday night for paving and tar and chipping on portions of the roadway from Hwy 140 to City Hall as well as from Hwy 140 to the water treatment plant and to the lagoon.  “We should have taken bids sooner,” stated Mayor Kenny Paschall.  The city received bids, which were higher than expected, from 3 contractors, 2 for tar and chipping and one for asphalt.

     The Mayor and Aldermen reviewed the city’s audit.  According to City Recorded Verla Smith,   “The auditors commended the city for staying within the budget even after funding cuts made by the state.”  The board accepted the audit and set May 23^rd at 6pm to begin this year’s budget workshops.

     In other business the mayor and aldermen were informed that the plans for the waterline extension in the turning lane to Harrelson School had been sent to the state for approval and the fire department reported that 4 of their firemen had completed their training and were now certified.

Dance  5/10/06

Spaghetti Fill Up   5/10/06

Henry Volunteer Fire Department    5/10/06

Planning Commission   5/9/06

     The Henry County Planning Commission approved a plat for a new subdivision at Monday afternoons meeting. 

Road Board   5/9/06

     Like all things the cost of materials for road paving are going up and the members of the Henry County Highway Commission were given a rundown of costs at Tuesday’s meeting. 

     According to Road Supervisor Ray Norwood costs for asphalt will be more.  “What was 28 to 50 cents per ton last year is now55 to 60 cents a ton.”    Norwood stated that the cost to tar and chip roadways would also be up but that the cost of chat had not risen as much as asphalt.   Besides the cost of materials the rising costs of fuels are also hitting the highway department.  Norwood did stress that his figures were only estimate and that thousands extra would be needed in next years budget to cover the rising prices.  “And workers cop costs are also going up,” he added.

Account for Colson   5/8/06

Tanner    5/8/06