The Henry County Boxing Club will be having 2 fund raisers Saturday May 31 at 10am.

       One will be a car wash at Auto Zone.  The other will be a bake sale at Krogers.  Come out and support the youth.  It will b very much appreciated.

Pancake Breakfast  5/31/08

 The Men of Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church will have an All-You-Can-Eat-Pancake-Breakfast Saturday, May 31 starting at 7:00 a.m. until sold out.  The menu consists of pancakes, bacon, or sausage, juice, and milk.  The church is located at 216 Church Street.

     The price for the meal will be $6.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children under the age of 13.  Dine-in, carry-out and delivery will be available.  For delivery, call (731) 642-8445.  The proceeds from this event will go towards Quinn Chapel’s Annual Men’s Day.  

City Budget  5/31/08

  Department heads gave their wish lists to City Commissioners as the budget process for 2008-09 gets underway.

     City Manager Jack Tarkington  advised commissioners that along with Financial Director David Smith, every line item had been reviewed.  Tarkington stated that due to the current economic climate he consider the budget to be "very realistic and conservative."  The 2007-08 budget included money to purchase the right of ways for the 218 Bypass and savings from a new health care plan.

Karate Competition  5/31/08

Non-profit  5/30/08

     The Henry County Non-profit Steering committee passed on first reading a motion to leaving funding of non-profit organizations  the same as last year.  The committee had consider across the board cuts as well as percentage cuts of the $101,300 non-profit budget.  County Mayor Brent Greer advised the committee that no new organizations were being consider this year and that further cuts might be necessary to present a balanced budget to the commission.  Greer said as of now the budget is short  of being balanced by around $500,000 to $550,000. 

BPU  5/28/08 

The Paris Board of Public Utilities met  Tuesday and after board members approved the monthly financial statements for all the departments , General Manager John  Etheridge asked for a motion to  motion to approve the purchase of a four-reel wire stringing trailer for $22,000 from NESCO Sales and Rentals of Bluffton, Indiana who had submitted the low bid.  Director of Eletric Operations Richard Edwards told board members that  they had been testing a demo and the new ones was safer and allowed the crew to work faster.

  In other business, Etheridge informed the Board the RUS loan between Henry County, Skykits and  BPU will close on Wednesday and  bond sale bids are due Thursday morning.   The IRIS fiber-optic project is on schedule. 

     Since the APPA annual meeting is being held at the same time as BPU's  next meeting, the June Board meeting has been moved to June 26^th at 1:30p.m.Fiscal year budgets for all departments were distributed to Board members and a work session to discuss the budget will be held June 12^th at 1:30 p.m.

Farmers Market 5/28/08

The Farmers Market at the Henry County Fairgrounds will be open on Tuesdays only beginning May 27th. Tomatoes and strawberries should be available plus get your pepper and tomato plants. As supplies increase it will be open Tues, Friday and Saturday. Also this year there will be arts and crafts.

Tanner  5/24/08

     Congressman John Tanner  praised passage of the “Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008,” which – among other provisions – extends the tax deductions Tennesseans can claim for paying state and local sales taxes. The bill, H.R. 6049, passed the House Wednesday by a vote of 263 to 160.

The bill also addresses a number of tax and energy concerns, including the extension of dozens of tax provisions and the creation of energy-related tax incentives. Some of the bill’s provisions include:

·        Tax credit bonds to state and local government to make energy conservation investments in public infrastructure.

·        Deduction of tuition and related education expenses for all tax filers.

·        Additional standard deduction for property taxes paid by non-itemizers.

·        Extension of allowing servicemembers to include combat pay in earned income for the earned income tax credit.

·        Expansion of eligibility for refundable child tax credit.

·        Deduction of out-of-pocket expenses by teachers for classroom supplies.

·        Research and development credits to spur economic innovation.

·        Tax credits for purchase of energy-efficient appliances.

“Thousands of Tennessee families rely on sales tax deduction to ensure they are not penalized because Tennessee has a different tax structure,” said Rep. Tanner, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which wrote the bill. “I am proud of our work to extend this important deduction in a fiscally responsible way that does not add to our national debt.”

According to the House Ways and Means Committee, nearly 575,000 Tennessee families elected to take the general state sales tax deduction in 2006. The deduction expired in December of 2007, but will be extended through the end of 2008 if this legislation becomes law.

Tanner represents Tennessee ’s 8^th Congressional district in west and middle Tennessee . He is a founding member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats.

HCMC  5/23/08

     The Henry County Medical Center board of Trustees approved the 2008-09 budget at Thursday's meeting which included a 3and a half percent  merit  raise for employees.      Chief Financial Officer Lisa Casteel told the board that this upcoming budget year would reflect increases in gas, utilities and insurance costs. 

     New patent services such as the Hospitalist program and expansions at Lakehaven is expected to have a $3.6 million plus impact  on next years budget while MCO's, Blue Cross and United Healthcare,  that will be serving West Tennessee, are expected to result in  lower reimbursements to the medical center.

     The medical center will be conducting a pandemetic flu exercise on May  6th in conjunction with other regional hospitals to test  preparedness for a mass flu outbreak.

Career Center  5/23/08

Historical Society  5/23/08

The Henry County Historical Society will hold its regular quarterly meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 26, 2008, at the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center. Members and non-members are invited to attend. 

Norma Steele, director of the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center, will give a presentation. Society president David Webb will report on the proposed Tennessee Historical Commission markers for Henry County and oil portraits of prominent local citizens for the main hallway of the courthouse.  Annual membership dues are $5 and may be sent to Donna Winchester, treasurer, at 715 Old Union Rd., Paris, TN 38242.

HCMC  5/22/08

Pictured are Kelly Thompson and Jamie Hinson with the new ambulance purchased in April by HCMC EMS.

     EMS Week 2008.  EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line."

The theme for 2008 is "Your Life is Our Mission." This statement was chosen to recognize the commitment that emergency medical personnel make to the communities they serve. This dedication to their mission provides round-the-clock care to communities across the nation.

“The EMS staff at HCMC is dedicated to saving lives,” said Mike Shankle, Director of HCMC EMS.  “I am very proud of what we do and the services we provide this community and the region.”

     HCMC’s EMS is proud to offer a new edition to its vehicle fleet.  On April 23, a new ambulance was placed into the fleet .  We now have five frontline units and one unit as a reserve.

     HCMC is also excited to introduce three of its EMS staff who will be the first of 24 Critical Care Paramedics in the state.  The State of Tennessee to pass a new licensure for currently licensed Paramedics with three years experience to become a Critical Care Paramedic.  The training includes 180 hours of class time and 60 hours of clinical time.  St. Thomas Hospital is sponsoring the first class with 24 participants, with HCMC sending Kelly Thompson, Matthew McClure, and Kenneth Oxford as participants.   

     “This is another opportunity and huge service that HCMC is able to offer the region, being the first to do so in the state,” said Shankle.  HCMC is affiliated with St. Thomas Hospital as a member of the Chest Pain Network.   For more information: http://www.hcmc-tn.org.  

PSSD        5/22/08

       Board members of Paris Special School District consider the refinancing of the  present bond on Paris Elementary Tuesday veining to save PSSD money.  After reviewing several options the approved a motion to have Tom McAnaulty with Stevens Inc.  to present board members with the lows interest rate option.

     The board was also update on the construction of the Pre-K classroom at Rhea and renovations at Inman.   Despite earlier rainy weather construction is back on schedule with roofing nearly completed at Rhea and Inman has new  doors on the work area.

Gas Co.  5/21/08

     The Paris Henry County Public Utility District beard of directors approved the low bid for a Ditch Witch trencher.  The trencher was purchased from Ditch Witch Midsouth of Memphis for $53,000.

     The board also approved repairs to the walls of the service building on Washington St.  Estimates for repairs to stop the seepage during rains is $25,000 which would include siding to deflect the rain water away from the building.

   The board also approved spending $11,000to purchase the chemical that is added to gas lines and gives it the smell that makes leaks detectable.  Natural gas alone has no oder.

Ramble 5/21/08

     A fire at the Hamilton Ryker build on N. Market St. is under investigation.  The building was vacant and power to the building was off.  The Paris Fire Department received a report of smoke coming from the roof of the building.  They sent out the ladder truck needed  to reach the roof where the fire blazed  along with 17 firefighters and rerouted traffic for some time.  An estimated $2,000 of damage was done to the building.    

Commission  5/20/08

     Henry County Commissioners elected Brian Foster to fill the 5th District seat left vacant  with the resignation of  Randy Veazey.  The only other person interested in the seat was Connie McSwain who, along with Foster,  is on the August 7th ballet.   All but 3commissioners  voted for McSwain Monday evening.

   In other business the commission approved  a Capital Outlay Note for $500,000 to be used to fund utility extension along Hwy. 218. The extension will  eventually link Hwys 54 and 69 to the by pass. Work on this phase will be during the fiscal 2008-09 year. Funds set aside over the last 6 years will be used.  Also approved were the funds to construct  the building at the county airport that will be leased to SkyKit.

  Also approved was the yearly Litter Grant. 

Great Pretenders  5/20/08

     The Great Pretenders will be held in Weston Hall on Friday May 23 and Saturday May 24 at 7:30.  Tickets are $7 in advance and $9 the day of the show.  Tickets are available at Mimi's, Jack's Java and First Bank.  

Puryear Day   5/`9/08

     Although this year's Puryear Parade took a slightly different route it had more entries than ever to celebrate   the town's 99th Birthday.  Local past and present dignitaries were on hand to enjoy the perfect weather and mark the annual festival sponsored by the Puryear Lions Club  This year the festival received $5,000 in Tennessee River Resort Act money to help promote the yearly attraction.

     The day long activities included free  birthday cake,  a carnival, gospel singing groups, cake walk and street dance. 

     Winner of the Stihl Chain saw from Milton Lumber Co. for guessing the weight of the logs was Alicia Maxwell.  Winner of the 32 inch TV was Sally Bratton of Puryear.      

     Parade winners:

Walking Group

1.     Girl Scout Troup #185

2.     Birds Creek Baptist Church

*****Mayor’s Trophy****

Surfing the Scriptures -  Puryear United Methodist Church

Best Large Float

1.     Relay for Life – Harrelson School

2.     Outrigger Island – North Fork Baptist

Best Small Float

1.     Kennedy Farms

2.     Lemonade Stand  -  Puryear Spring Fling 3-4 year old

3.     Alexander Farms   

Motorized Vehicle

Modern

1       Ms. Puryear  Jessica Stier

2       Spring Fling  5-6 year age group  

Tractors

1.      John Deere and trailor – Butch Paschall

2.     Antique Tractor – Kennedy Farms

3.     110 John Deere – Glen Morgan

  Animal Entry

1.     Jeff & Patty Hopper – Pony & Wagon

2.     Kathy Visser – Donkey & Cart

3.     Jack Paschall – Mule

Summer Reading  5/17/08

The W. G. Rhea Public Library is “beaming up” to new levels for the 2008 Summer Reading Program.  The state theme this year is “Starship Adventure”.   We are taking it a step further to include “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” to add a touch of color! 

               The large programs will be held on Wednesday mornings starting at 10 am.  The first one will be on June 18 with Space Safari Greg with alien wild animals.  In the weeks ahead there will be a magical storyteller, a Mad Scientist and a Juggler. The finale will be a “Circus for our stars” (star readers, that is) with an inflatable, cotton candy, snow cones, a clown and games.  The Kentucky Amateur Astronomers will present a program at Memorial Park on a Friday night to view the stars.  They are still checking the skies for the perfect week to view, so a date will be announced later.  We have invited some “Trekkers” too.

            This year we will be adding a “Teen Friday Night” beginning with a Guitar Hero Tournament. 

            We are looking forward to a wonderful summer reading program and continuing to sharpen those reading skills for the new school year ahead.  

School Board  5/17/08

     The Henry County Board of Education approved a budget for 2008-09 in a special called meeting this week.  

     The budget was reworked to reflect the cuts made by Gov. Phil Bredesen and according to Director of Schools Rick Kriesky,  the system will receive around $423,000 in BEP funds, a cut of $350,000.  The board will make up the lost funds from the school's undesignated fund balance.  Kriesky told board members that the system has been 'prudent' with the fund balance over the last 6 years in preparation for this problem.  

     Although some items were cut from the budget teachers will still receive their 2% local portion  pay raise.

Officer of the Year  5/16/08

Today is the day designated by theCongress of the United States as Police Memorial Day at which time we remember the fallen within our law enforcement family in the line of duty.  

            The Paris Police Department awards committee felt that it was also an appropriate time to recognize our own for there accomplishments.. Each year at this time we will award an officer with the Officer of the Year award in honor of the officer recognized by his or her peers to display the attributes they feel are the signature of a professional, responsive and caring individual that is a true asset to the community and the individuals they serve.

Collection Event  5/15/08

RID YOUR HOME OF UNSAFE MATERIALS

 Henry County Solid Waste and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation are preparing for their annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event.  The event will take place Saturday, May 17 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Henry County Recycling Center located at 450 Recycling Drive in Paris.  This event is free and open to any Henry County household.

     According to Ron Watkins, Henry County Solid Waste Manager, the mobile collection program was established to provide a safe means of disposal for household hazardous wastes. There are many reasons to properly dispose of household hazardous waste. One reason is that improperly stored hazardous products in the home may increase the risk of poisoning or injury. Also, disposing of hazardous waste in ordinary trash may injure sanitation workers because some products are chemically incompatible and may cause fires in dumpsters or garbage trucks. Examples of these are household cleaners, oil based paint, aerosols, pesticides, batteries, used automotive fluids, pool chemicals, and many more household products that are no longer useable.

     Additionally old mercury thermometers and thermostats, TV’s, computer equipment, and other household electronic equipment will be accepted.  The usual recyclables such as used motor oil, antifreeze, aluminum, scrap metal, old appliances, cardboard, paper, and number 1 and 2 plastics will be accepted as well.

     Something worth noting we will do different this year is strictly adhering to a limit of three (3) tires per household.  All tires over the limit of 3 per vehicle will be charged a tipping fee of one dollar for each standard tire.  Larger tires will be charged according to size. 

     The State Division of Solid Waste has contracted with Clean Harbor Environmental Services to accept your materials.  Pack your vehicle carefully to prevent spills and make sure liquids are labeled if possible.  You can stay in your car while Clean Harbor employees unload your household hazardous wastes.                    Excluded wastes include:  

Watkins adds, “Past events have been very successful and we appreciate the citizens of Henry County being mindful of our environment by participating in recycling and hazardous waste collection events.  Recycling saves our precious natural resources and landfill space.” 

      To manage household hazardous waste in the best possible way, households can do a number of things. One is to buy only the quantity of a product needed or share leftovers with a friend. Another is to buy less hazardous products. Finally, store household hazardous waste carefully until Henry County's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event is scheduled usually in the month of May.

     For more information about the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event or to learn of permanent used oil collection sites call the Henry County Recycling Center at (731)642-5170 or visit the county web site at www.henryco.com/solidwaste.

Henry  5/15/08

     The Henry  Mayor and Board of Aldermen passed 2 ordinances on 2nd reading at Tuesday evening's town meeting .  One will allow the city to charge a $25 monthly parking fee for trucks in downtown Henry.  The second will raise the cost of a speeding ticket, court costs and traffic school in Henry.

     The matter of paying overtime out of sewer project funds to Public Works Director Ed Bush was tabled until board members could study the request.

     The legal disputes with Kluch Construction  over their part of  the unfinished sewer system project continues.  When the project is completed there are expected to be 270 customers.

     Refinancing of 100 acres owned by the city is still being considered by First Bank, one of the city's wells is still down and Henry  Police made 6 arrests,102 citations and reported  7 ordinance violations  this month.   

Puryear  5/14/08

     Puryear will be celebrating its 99th Birthday this weekend with  a fun filled 

Saturday of activities sponsored by the Puryear Lions Club.

     This years celebration will have the advantage of $5,000 presented to Alderman and Lion Mackie Gallimore.  The check is part of the Tennessee River Resort Act money that each of the 3 municipalities in Henry County received for their reoccurring yearly festivals.

     "This will allow us to do a lot more advertising as well as many other things," stated Gallimore.

     The days activities start with a community breakfast in the Puryear 1st United  Methodist  Christian Life Center  fellowship hall on Chestnut St. starting at  7am.     This year the parade will start on Cherry St at  10am with registration for the parade beginning at 8:30.  This year's Grand Marshall will be Beth Taylor.

     Activities for Puryear Day will include a peddle tractor pull, games, arts and crafts, gospel singing in the afternoon, a street dance in the evening.  A drawing for a 32 in. LCD HD TV which you must be present for to win will be in the evening during the street dance.

   The carnival will be open Thursday and Friday  nights and all day Saturday.

Road Board 5/14/08

     The Henry County Highway Commission approved a recommendation to seek a 10 year note to borrow  $3 and 1/2 million to make repairs on county roads.  The note would be repaid using funds from the wheel tax. The proposal will go before the commission Monday evening.   

Paris Opry  5/14/08

     ATTEND THE FIRST PARIS OPRY SATURDAY MAY 31^ST AT THE KRIDER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. SINGING, DANCING AND COMEDY. OVER 12 ACTS NOW SCHEDULED TO PERFORM. TICKETS ARE $7 AND ON SALE NOW AT MY FAVORITE THINGS, JACKS JAVA, PARIS HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND BOTH FOUNDATION BANK LOCATIONS. ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT TOMORROW’S HOPE PREGNANCY HELP CENTER . FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 642-  ZERO SIX HUNDRED.

Budget Committee  5/13/08

     County Mayor rent Greer informed the Henry County budget committee Monday evening that the county was well ahead in payments on the principal for the jail.   $18 of the wheel tax was  allocated to paying off the jail since 2001 which resulted in the county  paying an extra $100,000 each year that went toward the balance.  Added to that,  the additional $200,000 approved by the budget committee Monday, the jail could be paid off by 2012.

Bible in Schools Act  5/13/08

      In what could be a major change in public school policy in Tennessee, the “Bible in Schools Act,” sponsored by Senator Roy Herron, D-Dresden, has passed the State Senate on a unanimous vote. The bill authorizes the State Board of Education to create a non-sectarian high school course about the Bible and its impact on our world.    

“Our government school teachers cannot constitutionally preach the Bible, but they can teach the Bible,”  Herron said. “I want students to study the greatest and most popular book in history. I want young people to understand how the Bible has enormously impacted literature, art, music, culture, history and politics. A Bible course will help students understand our culture and our highest and best values. 

Currently, 78 of Tennessee’s 95 counties do not have a single high school offering Bible courses.  “There are school systems all over the state that are afraid to offer a course about the Bible because they’re afraid of being sued,” Herron said. “But the First Amendment does not require students to leave their Bibles at home, and the First Amendment does not require hostility to the Bible or faith.”   

Prior to passage of the “Bible in Schools Act,” Herron and House sponsor Representative Mark Maddox, D-Dresden, obtained an opinion from the state’s attorney general that the proposed legislation is constitutional. The attorney general commended the bill for going to “considerable lengths in order to comply with Supreme Court opinions on religious materials in public schools.’” 

The bill is not exclusive, and it will not interfere with the few existing courses.  It will, however, make the Bible course a state-approved elective and no longer will school boards have to apply for a special course through the state Department of Education.    

The “Bible in Schools Act” is scheduled to be heard by the full House on Tuesday, May 13.

Bank Promotion  5/12/08     

R. Molitor Ford, Chairman of Commercial Bank & Trust Company is announcing the promotions of Andrea Lamb and Andy Collins and the addition of Rena Barker.

           She has served as Chairperson of the Small Business Committee for the Chamber of Commerce and serves as the Jaycee Secretary for the World’s Biggest Fish Fry. 

            Andy Collins, a graduate of UT Martin, joined Commercial Bank as a loan officer in June 2005. He has taken many banking courses offered by the Tennessee Bankers Association and is a graduate of the Southeastern School of Consumer Credit. He is being promoted to Assistant Vice President and will have an office in the Mineral Wells branch.      Andy is in the Paris Lions Club, where he serves as a Board Member.   Andy and his wife, the former Susanne Steele, are active in Springhill Baptist Church. They live in Routon with their two children, Cameron age 4 and Anne Claire age 9 months.

        Rena Barker has been named Loan Officer at Commercial Bank. Rena brings 12 years of banking experience with her. She attended Murray State University before obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Trinity College and University in 2001. Rena will be in the downtown office.  Rena and her husband, Jeffrey, attend Sulphur Well Church of Christ and live in Paris along with their 2 year old daughter, Bailey.

       In making the announcement Chairman Ford said, “We are delighted to have such talent in the Paris market. These three employees will help us meet the needs of the people of Henry County.”

     Commercial Bank & Trust Company, founded in 1877, has offices in Paris, Memphis, Union City, Jackson and a loan production office in Southaven, MS..

BBQ  5/10/08

Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church Men’s Club is having a Barbeque Feast on Saturday, May 10,  beginning at 10:00 am until sold out.  There will be BBQ plates for $7.00, BBQ sandwiches for $2.50, and 1/2 chickens plates for $6.00.  Barbeque by the pound will also be available.  The plates will have trimmings included.  The feast will be available by dine-in, carry out or delivery.  For delivery please call the church at (731)642-8445.  The fundraiser is a part of the Annual Men’s Day Celebration which will be held in June.

School Board  5/10/08

Honored   as  the Top 3 students at Henry County High School for 2008  are  Valedictorian  Skye Bacus, Salutatorian  Madeline Lovett and Honorable Mention is Dillon Burden.  The Top 10 students will be announced at a formal banquet to be held on May  15. 

     In he past the Henry County School  System has held a 'celebration'  for students.  This year a combination celebration for 8 thru 12 grade students from Henry County and Paris Special School

     Honored at the board meeting with plaques for their many years of service in the Henry County School system were Beth Taylor for 37 years and Pat Atchison with 39 years. 

Mother's Day  5/9/08

      Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family and friends while surrounding yourself with Tennessee’s natural wonders at one of eight Tennessee State Park restaurants on Mother’s Day.

Tennessee State Parks is pleased to announce that all eight state park restaurants will be serving a delicious Mother’s Day Buffet on Sunday, May 11.  Buffet selections and prices will vary, ranging from $11.95 to $14.95. Group reservations are recommended.

The Mother’s Day Buffet will be available beginning at 11 a.m. until closing at these state park restaurants:

Cumberland Mountain State Park............... (931) 484-7186

David Crockett State Park (Lawrenceburg)...... (931) 762-9541

Fall Creek Falls State Park..................... (423) 881-5241

Henry Horton State Park....................... (931) 364-2222

Montgomery Bell State Park.................... (615) 797-3101

Natchez Trace State Park...................... (731) 968-8176

Paris Landing State Park....................... (731) 642-4311

Pickwick Landing State Park.................... (731) 689-3135

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 at 1-888-867-2757. For additional information, visit our Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.