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Christmas Cards 11/30/06 Lee School Academy for the Arts now has Christmas cards on sale. These cards feature a color print of Kathy Wimberley's watercolor of Lee School on a snowy winter day. They come in packages of 10 for $15.00 and are available at The Painted Cottage in downtown Paris and the Heritage Center or you may call 642-3411 and leave an order. Proceeds will go to benefit Lee School restoration efforts and the Academy of the Arts.
Adjustments and Appeals11/30/06 The Paris Board of Adjustments and Appeals reviewed several pieces of property at Tuesday evening's meeting at City Hall. At the September meeting no business could be conducted due to a lack of a quorum so items on that agenda appeared on this Tuesday's agenda. The Nancy Lassiter property on N. Poplar St. and the Nobel Hart property on N. Caldwell St. were given until January to bring the buildings up to codes and approved by Ida Thornton, Building Inspector. BPU 11/29/06 The Paris Board of Public Utilities had a short agenda Tuesday but the meeting covered a variety of topics including the status of the Dana bankruptcy court ruling and the outstanding money still owed to BPU. General Manager Charles Perry told board members that $17,000 of Dana's Variable Price Interruptible power bill was still owed. BPU is having lawyers negotiate with perspective buyers who will pay 85 cents on the dollar. A new contract for Flat price Interruptible power will be used for Dana in the future. The loan to ICI by BPU is still being negotiated. The city as well as the county will have to agree to provide collateral for the equipment that the company needs for start up. The board also learned Tuesday that BPU's initial investment of approx. $296,000 in Utilicore is now worth $600,000. "At their board meeting it was announced that this was their best year ever," stated Perry. The city of Paris has reimbursed BPU for water lines they installed. There have been no further problems with toxins in the waste water. The cost of kilowatts per hour was down for Oct. reflecting the lowering of rates. "This was a fairly lean month for sales," stated Perry. The TVA power bill was $1,096,000 under last month. Heat pump loans totaled 2 last month with 7 gas units installed. "There were more new loans than payments." Perry told the board. Another expense that appeared in this month's finances was the cost incurred for the use of helicopters to spray power lines for weeds this summer.
Tree Lighting 11/29/06 The town of Puryear will be lighting their Christmas tree in the city park Friday evening at 6pm. The annual event will be followed by the World Famous Liones's Chili Supper in the Puryear Community Center. The night's festivities include a drawing for a girl's and a boy's bicycle, donated by the Puryear Lions Club. Veteran Services 11/28/06 The Veterans Services Committee met Monday evening to review the applications that the county received to fill the position left vacant by Tim Pinson early this month when he resigned the position. According to County Mayor Brent Greer approx. 48 resumes had been received. The committee's job is to review the applications and narrow the selection down to just a few that will then be interviewed by the committee. Ultimately the successful candidate will be approved by the county commission. Those on the Veterans Services Committee include a representative from each of the 2 American Legions, the VFW, the Am Vets, Disabled American Vets, Gale Griffith, Dan Paschall and Earl Anderson. All members are veterans themselves and is a requirement to be on the committee.
Family Fun Day 11/27/06
The North Pole came to historic down town Paris Friday, courtesy of the Downtown Paris Association . Santa himself arrived on a Paris Fire Truck along with Rudolf, and according to the jolly old elf, the list of naughty children in Paris and Henry County is shorter than usual this year. "There are a fine group of youngsters in this community this year," he stated. Taking the opportunity to whisper their Christmas list into Sonata's ear were Mary and Laura Whitby, while trying to be patient in line were Emily Barrett and Page Dreyvan who wanted to ask for a 'Baby Alive' for Christmas. Also larger than in past years, according to downtown merchant Charles Hopkins of the Toggery, was the crowd. "This is a fantastic turn out. I believe it is the biggest ever!" The long but well behaved lines of young and old alike at the many activities, that included face painting, making ornaments, painting ornaments and much more were lined around the square mid morning until mid afternoon The crafts were made with help from Henry County 4-H. There was also a reading of "The Polar Express" at the old Depot.
Big Red 11/25/06 Patriot Stadium looked and sounded as if all of Henry County had turned out for the state semi final football game against Hillsboro Friday night with standing room only. The Patriots were unable to break through Hillsboro's defense until the 4th quarter when they scored their one and only touch down making the final score 42 to 7. "Turn over mistakes in the 1st half were the problem." stated Head Coach Joe Gaddis, who has been with the team since the senior's were freshmen at Grove. He told the young men. "You are one of the top 4 teams in the state. You have changed the course of Henry County football."
Ground Breaking 11/23/06
What use to be a playing field across from the Puryear School was the site for a ground breaking this week. Dignitaries from Henry County and the City of Puryear, along with citizens and employees of Arbor Health Care were among those who turned out for the ceremonial shoveling of ground. "This has been in the planning for 3 years," stated Puryear Mayor Kenny Paschall, "and we are very proud of the facility that it promises to be." According to owner John Sells the existing nursing home facility in Puryear is land lock, with no room for expansion. The new facility, which should be open and ready for residents July 1 of 2007, will contain 36 units, with mainly private rooms. "Residence want private rooms and we will provide them with this building," stated Sells. The new facility is approx. 21 thousand square feet with room for expansion designed into the plan. Future plans also include a stocked pond with a fountain that will allow residents to fish. Arbor Health Care will have a brick and vinyl, no maintenance exterior and will offer rehab services for residents as well as short term patients such as these needed by joint replacement patients. "This will provide the people in this area the opportunity to live close to home," explained Sells, who sees this as no competition with services offered by Henry County Medical Center's facilities. Looking to the future, Sells is also thinking of applying for a historical building grant to turn the existing school building into assisted living apartments. Gas Co. 11/23/06 The Paris Henry County Natural Gas Utility District Board of Directors was informed by the Manager, Don Green that natural gas prices on the open market "were like a roller coaster" up and own and not holding steady. Green also reported that Phase 3 of the Hwy 641 Project construction was complete. "The project is complete and there is gas on the line," he told board members. When ask by Board Member Dr. Wood if this would bring in many new customers Green replied "I believe we have to be county wide and we are inching there." The final bill for the Jones Bend Rd. to Shamrock project came in at $119,000. Bids for the Brookvale Subdivision have come in with the lowest bid for piping coming from Natural Gas Piping out of Dyersburg. The bid price included pipe and boring. Good news for Gas Co. employees and a surprise to board members, there will be no increase in insurance costs to full time employees. Other good news - Christmas Bonuses are expected to be equal to last years. Due to the time of year the Natural Gas Utility District showed an increase in the number of customers this month and more gas than usual for this time of year was pulled out of storage this month. Sheriff Indicted 11//22/06 As reported in Monday's arrests, former Henry County Sheriff David Bumpus was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on Monday. David Kustoff ,United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced that a federal grad jury returned an indictment against David Leon Bumpus, Faye C. Scott, both of Henry County and Samuel J. Ferren of Boaz KY. The indictment charges Bumpus and Scott with committing various criminal acts while employed at the Henry County Sheriff's Office and Ferren, while employed at Elite Firearms and Supplies. The 9 count indictment alleges that Bumpus, Scott and Ferren conspired to violate and violated the federal mail fraud statute by purchasing firearms, ammunition, vests and other supplies in the name of the Henry County Sheriff's Office and using the items for personal use in violation of Title 18,of the U.S. Codes. The indictment further alleges that that the defendants submitted false and fraudulent invoices to Henry County for payment on those items that were intended for personal use. The indictment further states that Bumpus, Scott and Ferren diverted and stole goods from the Henry County Sheriff's Office for personal use in violation of Title 18. The Charge of conspiracy carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of mail fraud carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the charge of theft carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 The indictment further alleges that Ferren and Bumpus knowingly entered false records as to the sale of handgun. The indictments states that Ferren represented records to shoe that the handgun was sold to a 3rd party when in fact the handgun was sold to Bumpus. This charge carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Kustoff said, "The U.S. Attorney's office takes seriously allegations of fraud and abuse by elected officials. Our office will continue to diligently and vigilantly prosecute those who violate the public trust." The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the TBI. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Laurenzi is handling the case for the government. During a press conference held at the Henry County Jail current Sheriff Monty Belew, who was surrounded by deputies and staff, stated that Bumpus and Scott were to turn themselves in today at the Federal Building in Memphis. "This was a very specific and very tunneled investigation. We are moving forward. There are 62 employees in this department who are dedicated to serving the citizens of Henry County." Belew took office on Sept. 1st. Scott was terminated Sept. 5th.
PSSD 11/22/06 The Paris Special School District met at Inman Middle School for their November meeting Tuesday night where school board members were given an update on the Laptop Initiative and a virtual tour of the laptops that have been delivered to the 7th graders of Inman. 181 laptops have been assigned to the 7th graders with 140 students having signed consent from parents to take them home in the evenings. According to Deborah Moon, Technology Coach at Inman stated there were a variety of reasons given by parents for not allowing their child to bring home a laptops and that 83 parents had purchased insurance for the computers. Moon also said that there had been very few problems with the laptops so far, only one hardware problem although there have been some problems with the textbooks that were downloaded into the laptops. The laptops will go home for the first time this coming Monday. "I have every confidence in our students," Moon told the board. She also told the board members that "it is very seldom you see a student doing nothing, they will pull their laptop out instead." Currently math and geography textbooks have been down loaded onto the computers and plans to download social studies and science textbooks are being made for next year when the students become 8th graders. Also discussed at Tuesday's meeting was the construction of pre-school faculties at Rhea School. The architectural firm Fleming & Associates, the same firm that designed Paris Elementary, presented 3 different plans for the school. Some of the plans include kitchen facilities, play areas and contained around 15 classrooms in 16 to 21 thousand square feet at a cost of over 2 million dollars. The board will be considering the plans that were presented Tuesday. PSS will not meet in December but will have their next meeting in January. County Commission 11/21/06 Commissioners honored the Henry County Patriots Football team, coaches, coaching staff, cheerleaders and the Marching Patriots at Monday evening's County Commission meeting. A proclamation stated that they bring Pride to Henry County was presented to Head Coach Gaddis and members of the team that were present. The team is in the state semi-finals, the first time since 1992, and go into Friday nights home game against Hillsboro with a 9and 4 record. A driver's education course, requested by Sheriff Belew was approved. The class would be for those cited for moving violations and would be given at a cost of $50. Belew will seek approval of the course from the Department of Safety. The sheriff stated that the course would help with insurance cost to drivers by not appearing on their driver's license. "This is a great safety tool," stated Belew. "Most of the tickets are written for moving violations." The sheriff's request for a resolution for Henry County to participate in West Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force was also approved. The commission approved a resolution allowing West Kentucky Rural Telephone Company to establish a cable TV franchise. The same terms that apply to Charter Communications will be offered to WK with the county receiving 5% of the gross profits. The Commission approved the lease for the 106 acre shooting range down Hwy. 79 toward the lake. The scholastic shooting rang will be used for team Skeet and Trap Shooting. According to County Mayor Brent Greer partners will be found from the private and commercial sector to sponsor the teams and the shooting range. "This will also bring in tourists to the area," added Greer. It is believed that surrounding counties will use the range, since none exist in any of the adjoining counties. Accepted into the county road system were the roads in the Brookvale Subdivision. The subdivision consists of lots no less than 5 acres and the developer has put in roads covered in hot mix, which exceeds the county's requirements. The commission approved the requests of the Budget Committee for money transfers in the general fund, the School's capital projects fund for the road at Lakewood.
Office on Aging 11/21/06 The Henry County Office on Aging Committee met Monday afternoon and discussed plans for the upcoming year as well as their Annual Christmas Open House on Dec. 4th from 11am to 1pm. "Due to the wonderful turnout we experienced at the Thanksgiving Pot Luck, over 50 people who enjoyed turkey and ham furnished by the Office on Aging, the Christmas Open House will be held in the Cafeteria of the Central Community Service Center on Jones Bend Rd. Finger foods will be served," explained Office on Aging Director Brenda Morris. This years entertainment will be provided by Larry Conger and the RSVP Choir from 11am to 1pm. Door prizes will be awarded and Bingo is planned for 1:30. Next years activities are already being planned by the committee. The success of the trip to Nashville to take a train trip to Water Town, which included a mock train robbery was a big success with an overflowing bus. This years planned day trip could include going to the Renascence Center in Dickson. Funding for such activities is dependant on fund raisers. A fund raising committee was appointed by the chairwoman at Monday's meeting.
Holiday Events in Paris Holiday Events in Paris 11/20/06
Santa, Rudolf and the elves will kick off North Pole Family Fun Day at 10:00 a.m. in historic Downtown Paris, Friday, November 24.
Start
your family’s holiday festivities with North Pole Family Fun Day in historic
downtown Paris on Friday, November 24. On Saturday, December 2 attend a
community Christmas concert and on Wednesday, December 6, a Candlelight Advent
Walk through downtown. Homemaker's Holiday 11/18/06
The Henry County FCE, (Family Consumer Education) Clubs hosted their annual Homemaker's Holiday this week in the Enoch Building at the Henry County Fairgrounds. Six clubs with over 100 members displayed their unique crafts and decorations to over 300 visitors during the 2 day event which featured a sneak peak sale Wednesday afternoon and a full morning and afternoon on Thursday to purchase baked items, crafts, Holiday gifts and ideas as well as recipes. Thursday also provided a chance for visitors to stop by Mrs. Santa's Nibbles Bar, which featured Rose Brown dressed as Mrs. Santa. The proceeds from the sale of items at the Homemaker's Holiday are donated to local charities of choice by each FCE Club that include the Henry County Hospice, Hoof Beats of Hope as well as 4-H summer camp fees. A very successful silent auction was held Thursday that will provide additional funds for the clubs year long charity projects.
Paris Lioness Club 11/17/06 The Paris Lioness Club will hold their annual Soup & Sandwich Luncheon Friday, Nov. 17 from 11am to 2pm at Ketchum Hall inside Grace Episcopal Church. There will be homemade vegetable beef soup, turkey salad or Pimento cheese sandwiches, drink, and dessert -- All You Can Eat -- for only $7.00. Take outs available and shop at the County Store for unique gifts.
City Industrial Board 11/17/06 The Paris Industrial Development Board approved a lease on the Bell Ave. warehouse to Dana. They will be using the building for storage of items from the Fulton KY plant, which Dana is closing. According to Joe Mahan, Economic Development Director, the plant closure will create about 40 more jobs in Henry County. To entice them to lease the warehouse the board has offered them a 7 year tax abatement on their equipment and a 1 year lease, at no cost, on the warehouse. The closure and the move of the Fulton plant is scheduled to be completed by May of 2007. "The city will continue to use the Bell Ave property in recruiting industry," stated City Manager Carl Holder. The board discussed the PILOT agreement that was approved for Dana and such companies as Allegro, Revel, PML and ICI. PILOT, (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes), according to Jack Veazey, is "owing to industrial priority," the board can give the tax abatements of city, county and PSSD taxes in recruiting industry. The board also approved moving their banking account from Commercial Bank to 1st Bank. They also held election of officers with Jack Veazey Jr. remaining chairman, Michael Murphey as Vice Chair and Troy Buttery as Secretary/Treasurer.
Employment Testing 11/17/06 The West Tennessee Career Center on Mineral Wells Ave. has partnered with Dana to perform their testing for possible employment with their corporation. In order to apply one must first pass the TABE test, which is offered from 8:30 to 11am and 2 to 3 pm daily at the Career Center. Angel Tree 11/16/06
The Salvation
Army's Angel Tree will be up at Wal-Mart and Lowe's this Here's
how it works: 1.
pick an "Angel" from one of the trees (you can choose a
"Bear" if
you'd rather purchase gifts for an
elderly person). 2.
purchase gifts (clothing and a toy is preferable) 3.
return gifts (put items in a large plastic bag works great) to Wal-Mart 4.
be sure to attach the "Angel" to the gifts. collect
gloves, hats, socks, underwear donate
books donate
candy donate
movies/DVDs/electronic games collect
personal care items: toothpaste/brushes, hair brushes/combs, deodorant,
cologne collect toys
Puryear 11/15/06 The Puryear Mayor and Board of Alderman passed on 1st reading an ordinance establishing fees for fire protection outside of the Puryear city limits. The ordinance calls for a $35 yearly fee for residents in the 5 mile perimeter of the city. Up until now the city has been providing fire protection at the cost of taxpayers within the city limits. "This will off set the cost of training, maintenance and equipment," stated Mayor Kenny Paschall. Currently the 5miles is defined by the ESN 121 map and roughly runs from State Line Rd up Hwy 140 to Shady Grove, Jim Merrill Rd. and along Hwy 641 to Middleton's. Alderman Bryan Hall stated that similar fees are being adopted by other Volunteer Fire Departments in the county. "This is a win win situation for the city and the county," said the Mayor. Notices will go out to county resident in January. The board also approved a resolution authorizing the city to participate in the National Flood Damage Prevention Insurance. Paschall stated that new updated maps from FEMA show that only a small part of the outlying area of Puryear is in a flood plain, an area not heavily populated. As a part of the Insurance the board named the current and future Mayor as Flood Plain Manager and the current and future Board of Aldermen as the Flood Plain Review Board. The Mayor and Aldermen also approved a resolution amending the current Henry County growth plan. The measure must be approved by the county and all the municipalities due to a wish to add 100 acres to the city limits of Henry. The boards full agenda also included approving an ordinance for noise control in the city concerning mufflers and emissions and compression braking devices. The city is currently picking up leaves, all you have to do is call the city. The Puryear Lions Club will be having their renowned Chili, free of charge, on Dec. 1 when Santa Comes to town with the Tree lighting in the City Park at 6pm at which time the Lions Club will have their Bicycle Give A Way.
Road Board 11/15/06 Sheriff Monte Belew and Chief Deputy Randy Gene came before the Henry County Highway Commission Monday evening to discuss setting speed limits on county roads, speed limit signs and the cost of posting the road signs. The Sheriff noted that Stewart County has passed a resolution setting speed limits based on the type of road, i.e., gravel, black top, etc. Belew gave Shady Grove Rd. as an example of a county road that would need different speed limits because of the 'S' curves and straight-a-ways on the road. No decision was made about signage but will be considered by board members. There are an estimated 1,000 roads in the county and a study of the cost to post them done several years ago was around $30,000 with sign posts $36 each plus labor. Also to be considered before a decision can be made, besides the cost, is the liability to the county if accidents due to speed occurred on the roads. 131 accidents with 7 fatalities were recorded on county roads in 2005. "We don't have the man power to enforce speed limits on all the county roads," stated Belew. "If we posted speed limits we could only set up radar and patrol as time and man power allowed," he added. The sheriff believes that before posting any speed limits a legal opinion of the county's liability should be received. Deciding where signs should be posted would also be another consideration since many roads have numerous major cross roads. Home Maker's Holiday 11/14/06 FCE Homemaker's Holiday will be held Wed., Nov 15 and Thursday, Nov 16 in the Enoch building at the Henry County Fairgrounds. Planning Commission 11/14/06 The Henry County Planning Commission was presented with a plat for Cobble Stone Subdivision, a 12 lot development on 17 acres on 79N by Oak Grove Rd. The approval is contingent upon the developer providing the county with a letter of credit for road development and a water system. The development, The Breakers, that was discussed at the August meeting was also presented but was not approved due to a lack of signatures on the plat, although all the permits are in place. A called meeting will be held when the developers from Jackson, have the plat ready for approval. Budget Committee 11/14/06 The Henry County Budget committee will be recommending several budget changes to the County Commissioners later this month. None of the changes involved new money, many of which were pass-thru monies from grants. The Sheriff's department will be purchasing a used vehicle with insurance money and funds from their capital projects fund. They must also return a portion of the money that was seized in a drug bust and put into the drug control fund. The money is being returned by the order of the Department of Safety to Pot of Gold from which it was seized. Also to be recommended to the commission is the money to pay for the road around Lakewood School which will come from the Henry County School Systems Capital Improvements fund.
Down Town 11/14/06 The festive sounds of Christmas filled downtown Paris over the weekend as local merchants celebrated the upcoming season with open houses that offered goodies to nibble, musicians to listen to and bargains to purchase. Joining in the gala were the members of the Inman Middle School band, the Paris Henry County Strings and Woodwind Quartet and the 4 Star Quartet which played in such stores as Jack's Java and Najie's. Later in the weekend musical guests, the Henry County High School Madrigals visited the downtown stores, such as Kristi's Korner, while shoppers had the opportunity to take a free carriage ride around the square provided by Gene Boyd.
District 2 11/14/06 District 2 Commissioner Connie McSwain has announced that there will be a District 2 Community visit Tuesday Nov. 14. The meeting will be held at 7pm in the Mansfield Volunteer Fire Department. Everyone is invited to come and discuss local government and community issues. Veterans' Day 11/13/06
Representative
Capt.. Chester Harrison of the TN State Guard told the group, as he pointed to a pair of well worn boots, that a soldier has to sleep in his boots but because of the sacrifice of veterans we can take our shoes off at night. "I applaud and thank you ladies and gentlemen who have served.".
Also speaking Saturday, after years of turning down the invitation was Robert Sinclair. Earning a Silver and 2 bronze stars and a Purple Heart, the highly decorated WWII vet told of how he will always remember leaving Paris on a train, of the close friends he made while serving his country. "There are no exits in a foxhole" he stated. "And although the war was a terrible experience we were glad to serve so that the war would happen in Europe and not here at home."
Love Lights A Tree 11/13/06 430 brightly colored lights fill this years "Love Lights a Tree" on the courthouse lawn. The ceremonial tree lighting was held Friday evening. Each light represents a Cancer survivor or is in remembrance of a lost loved one to cancer.
The lights were $5 a piece and all the money raised will go to the Henry County Relay for Life Bass Lipford Family team. Saying a prayer at the ceremony with those who read the names of each person that the lights represented was Carlton Gerrell of TN Valley Community Church.
Veterans Celebration 11/13/06 Contributed by Jane Gibson The
Tennessee Career Center at Paris honored Veterans in observance of Veterans Day
and Hire Vets First with an Open House on Thursday, November 10th. Jeff Archie,
a veteran that served in Iraq and then returned as a civilian employee,
presented a program about his time in Iraq. 96 guest registered at the Career
Center and 31 of them were veterans. The 4H Club from Mrs. Jeanie Oliver's 4th
Grade Class at Paris Elementary school helped host the event by being Career
Tour Guides, helping register the guest and also assisting with serving
refreshment. This was part of their Community Service Project.
The pictures are of the 4H Club, Veterans Bill Edwards and Johnny Gibson, Jeff
Archie as he spoke, Lafayette McKinny, US army veteran and Southwest Tennessee
Human Resource Agency and Rex Smith, WIA, at the Paris Career Center.
It
was a great time and the 4H students were delightful, meeting and greeting the
people.
Planning Commission 11/11/06 The Paris Municipal Planning Commission met Thursday evening and approved all of the items on their agenda. The single item of old business for site plan requirements was approved by the commission and will now go to the City Commissioners for approval on 2nd reading. The Allen- Elben plat on College St. was approved contingent upon corrections to their map. The Tobacco Outlet Site Plan was approved contingent upon adding a dumpster pad and traffic lane for the proposed drive-thru window. The addition to Eiffel Gardens Assisted Living was approved. Celebration 11/11/06 The First United Methodist Church in Paris celebrated 175 years of mission and ministry with a bell ringing at the church that was founded in 1831. A good size crowd gathered on the lawn in front of the old bell where City Mayor David Travis and County Mayor Brent Greer read a joint proclamation declaring Friday, Nov. 11 as First United Methodist Church Day in Henry County.. The bell was rung more than the 175 times as Sunday School classes, youth groups and adult classes participated in ringing the bell. At one point the ringing became so enthusiastic that the bell rope came off. "This pulling of the cord off shows how celebratory we are," stated Pastor Joseph Geary. Pancakes 11/11/06 The Oakland Volunteer Fire Department will hold a Pancake Breakfast of Pancakes, sausage and a drink for $5 at the fire hall Saturday Nov. 11 from 7am to 10 am. Everyone welcome. Help us to help you!
School Board 11/10/06 The Henry County School Board had a lengthy agenda for Thursday evening's meeting which began with comments from parents with children at Lakewood Middle School concerning Bullying. A lack of communication to parents about the problems were among the complaints by parents. Later in the meeting Beverly Fridy, Assistant Principal of Harrelson School told the board of a bullying program that she had attended. "Empathy and respect are lacking in the bully." she stated. "We must not only help the student being bullied but the bully as well." The strategies learned in the workshop are still in the planning and implementation stage but will be used in all the schools and will include age appropriate signage that will promote respect and tolerance for teachers, students, parents and the school. The school board approved a bid for the Lakewood School Rd. from Norwood Construction for $179,877. The road will provide a separate drive for students loading on the buses while parents can pick up students in the front. The bid was $29,000 over the budgeted amount and the school system will have to get approval from the county commission to use the funds from the schools capital outlay fund balance. An up date on renovations to Patriot Stadium was given. The restrooms and handicapped ramp will be 100% completed by December. The press box drawings have been approved and if the donated labor is still offered work can begin. If not the project will have to wait a year for enough funding to complete the press box. All that will remain to be renovated will be the concession stand. Next school year HCHS will have a bowling team. "The low cost sport will provide 20 to 28 students an opportunity to be involved in an extra curricular activity," stated Rick Kriesky, Director of Schools. A coach will be provided with a $2,289 supplement for the position. Mr. Poteete agreed to be in charge of contacting the local bowling ally and setting up lane usage. Stephanie Winders reviewed the school systems safety plans and procedures. They include the standard fire and tornado drills but also lock down plans in case of a threat to students.. Security in the schools includes cameras, locked doors, sign in and out requirements for visitors and is funded with a safety grant the system receives yearly for $19,289. Rick Kriesky informed the board that bids for a new school bus, with air conditioning , is being sought. The 66 passenger bus will be used for the longest routes with gas mileage and repair of the AC units to be monitored. Jan Mitchell, Director of Elementary Instruction reviewed the systems Pre-school classes. Currently there are pre-schools for at risk 3 and 4 year olds at Lakewood and Henry with a pre-school for 4 year olds at Harrelson. Next year there are plans for 5 pre-school classes with no at risk students. At Thursday's board meeting the school board approved Kriesky's contract for another 4 years which will give him 20 years with the system in one capacity or another. Also included in the evenings meeting was the honoring of Alternative School Principal Michael Poteete who was awarded the A. F. Bridges Principal of the Year for the 7th Athletic District by the TSSAA.
Ducks Unlimited 11/10/06 The Henry County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will hold its annual banquet Saturday evening, Nov. 11 .Dinner will be at 5:30 with a silent auction. The event will be held at the Paris Convention Center behind the Hampton Inn. Fund Raiser 11/10/06 The Henry County Medical Center Hospice will hold a fundraiser yard sale on Saturday Nov. 11 from 7am to 2pm in the Enoch building at the Henry County Fairgrounds.
Equipment 11/09/06
Play ground equipment purchased in part with money raised by Families for Paris Parks arrived , as scheduled, at Memorial Park where crews began assembling the new equipment despite rainy weather. It was announced at the Park Board meeting that the equipment would be ready for use by the weekend. According to Tony Lawrence of the Parks and Recreation Dept. that was still the plan. "We are hoping to have it ready but it will be pushing it" he stated Monday. Helping the professional installers with the equipment were crew members from the Paris City Public Works Department . "It's muddy out here but we're gett'in 'er done," stated City crew member Don Williams. According to Families for Paris Parks member Kay Whitby the group will continue their efforts to raise money, targeting a different city park.
Love Lights a Tree 11/09/06 The Henry County Love Lights a Tree Ceremony will be this Friday afternoon at 5:30 on the north side of the Henry County Courthouse. The annual event is sponsored by the Bass Lipford team of the Henry County Relay for Life. The Lighting will include the reading of the names of those persons honored by a loved one who purchased a light on the tree in their name. Open House 11/09/06 The Down Town Paris Christmas Open House will be Nov. 10 -12. Friday, 6pm to 8pm, Saturday, all day, and Sunday, 1pm to 5pm. Music will be provided by the Madrigals, the Pickers and Grinners and Inman Middle School. There will also be free horse and buggy rides as well as a bake sale by the Inman Band where goodies along with hot drinks can be purchased.
Election 11/08/06 Mid-term election returns were in and tallied by 9:30pm at the Henry County Election Commission office in the Courthouse Annex Tuesday. Of the approx. 21,000 registered voters in Henry County 9,863 voters turned out for the election which equals 44.97% of the voters. County-wide Gov. Bredesen received 7289 votes with Bryson receiving 2402, George Banks 60, David Gatchell 17, Leinoff 10, Smith 14, Switzer 9, Whitaker 59. Voting yes on Amendment #1 were 8169, voting no were 1347. Voting yes on Amendment #2 were 7605 with 1362 voting no. In the U.S. Senate race Harold Ford Jr. received 4947 votes and Bob Corker received 4689 votes. Choate 70, Gatchell 43, Heyward 33, Keplinger 20, Lugo 14. Incumbent U.S. Representative John Tanner received 6803 votes, Farmer 2085. TN State Representative Butch Borchert received 6108 votes to Blackwell's 2446. In the County Commissioners race for District 2 Jeff Hamlin with 382 votes beat out David Brewer 281, Paul Neal 265, Charley Parker 362, Guy Smith 188, Larry Watson 374. In the 2 municipality races Henry Mayor Faye Lowery received 58 votes losing to Joe Qualls with 95 votes. 3 Alderman seats were up for election. William Milam received 130 votes, Lisa Olive 79, Cindy Rainey 70, with Erdley receiving 68. Both Aldermen races in Puryear were uncontested. Bryan Hall received 127 votes and Mackie Gallimore received 152votes. In the 13 precincts- In Puryear Bredesen received 553 votes, Bryson 182. Harold Ford received 381 and Corker 347. Tanner received 518 to Farmer's 169. Borchert received 474votes to Blackwell's 177. Constitutional Amendment #1 646 yes, no 87. Amendment #2 576 yes, 115 no. Cottage Grove- Bredesen 419, Bryson 169. Ford received 279, Corker 301. Tanner 389, Farmer 137. Borchert 357,Blackwell 157. Amendment #1151 yes, no 75. Amendment #2 464 yes, 90 no. Henry voted in the commissioner race giving Brewer 128,Hamlin 265,Neal 184, Parker 196, Smith 93 and Watson 100. Bredesen received 730 votes, Bryson 242. Ford received 446, Corker 535. Tanner 726, Farmer 205. Borchert 599, Blackwell 276. Amendment #1 yes 865, no 123. Amendment #2 766 yes, no 165. Buchanan voted 343 for Bredesen and 147 for Bryson. Ford received 186 votes to Corker's 290. Tanner received 312, Farmer 125. Borchert 288 and Blackwell 140. Amendment # 1 yes 403, no 76. Amendment #2 yes . Mansfield in the Commissioner race voted Brewer 75, Hamlin 52, Neal 45, Parker 83, Smith 22, Watson 92. Bredesen received 314, Bryson 76. Ford 245, Corker 133. Tanner 277, Farmer 66. Borchert 268, Blackwell 64. Amendment #1 328 yes, no 50. Amendment #2 yes 297, no 58. Oakland commissioner race Brewer 78, Hamlin 65, Neal 36, Parker 83, Smith 73, Watson 182. Bredesen received 389, Bryson 144. Ford 262, Corker 265. Tanner 365, Farmer 116. Borchert 345, Blackwell 131. Amendment #1 475 yes, no 58. Amendment #2 425 yes, no 84. Russwood -Bredesen 717, Bryson 273. Ford 490, Corker 500. Tanner 648, Farmer 254. Borchert 573, Blackwell 288. Amendment #1 yes 806, 167 no. Amendment #2 802 yes, no 140. At Springville 268 voted for Bredesen, 117 for Bryson. Ford received 189 votes, Corker 193. Tanner 259, Farmer103. Borchert 231, Blackwell 118. Amendment #1 yes 336 no 49. Amendment #2 yes 306, no 58. Lakewood gave Bredesen 657 votes Bryson 288. Ford 375,Corker 561. Tanner 606, Farmer 275.Borchert 546, Blackwell 315. Amendment #1 yes 830, no 105. Amendment #2 yes 747, no 141. Vo-Tec - Bredesen 849, Bryson 238. Ford 580, Corker 495. Tanner 786, Farmer 198. Borchert 715, Blackwell 231. Amendment #1 yes 889, no 159. Amendment #2 yes 855, no 119. City Hall - Bredesen received 650 votes, Bryson 159. Ford 548, Corker 277. Tanner 599, Farmer 134. Borchert 543, Blackwell 158. Amendment #1 yes 623, no 142. Amendment #2 yes 586, no 138. Grove - Bredesen 532, Bryson 113. Ford 404, Corker 241. Tanner 484, Farmer 95, Butch Borchert 435, Blackwell 128. Amendment #1 yes 517, no 101. Amendment #2 yes 490, no 81. HCHS-- Bredesen 868, Bryson 258. Ford 560, Corker 551. Tanner 834, Farmer 208. Borchert 737, Blackwell 265. Amendment #1 yes 939, no 155. Amendment #2 yes 892, no 124.
Public Hearing 11/07/06 A Public Hearing will be held at Sparks Street Church of Christ Nov. 14 at 5pm The hearing will be about the HOME Grant Housing Rehab Program for the Peden Hill neighborhood.
Park Board 11/07/06 The Friends for Paris Parks, which have been raising money to purchase playground equipment, received the new equipment for Memorial Park on Monday. According to Director of Parks and Recreation Tim Check, professional installers have been hired for 2 days. The equipment should be up and ready for use by the weekend. The Friends raised $35,000 and the city provided $54,000. Representing the group was Kay Whitby , "Hopefully next year we can raise money for McNeil Park." Also discussed was Washington Court Park. Linda Holder the city's director of Planning and Development told board members that at the last meeting when it was wrongly reported that the board had decided to close Washington Court she had been asked to develop a plan to revitalize the park. Her plan included turning the area into a family oriented park with more picnic facilities and equipment for younger children and move the skateboard park and basketball courts to Ogburn Park. She also called for removing the brush and undergrowth so that the area would be more visible and not attract illegal activities, which was the biggest complaint about the park. Although the members of the park board would like to see the park cleaned up and used they once again stated that with the limited funds in the park budget they would rather spend it on Ogburn or Memorial Park. "I don't think it should be developed, I would hate to see the city put a lot of money into that park," stated board member George Bass. The grant for the 6 new tennis courts is still awaiting some paperwork before it will be 100% complete. According to Check a company has been selected to design the project. It is estimated that the courts should be complete and ready for use late in 2007. Clark Womack spoke to the board on the need for a skate board park. He is currently renting the 3rd floor of the old shirt factory on Washington St. where on Saturday evenings there can be as many as 180 kids there skate boarding. "Its doing nothing but growing." he told the board. To have safe jumps and ramps for the sport is expensive he explained. Check told the board "Its a good thing, we need a park so the skateboarders will not be on the streets." Since the equipment is so expensive to build, made of concrete, Check said that the city, the county and others needed to work together like was done to receive the grants for the tennis courts. Also discussed at Monday's meeting was another growing sport in Henry County, soccer. The Paris Soccer Club has been formed by Bobby McMillan. With over 650 children involved in the sport, indoor soccer will be offered at A.P. Community Center. The floor has been redone at AP and can also be used for dances.
23rd Showcase 11/06/06 The walls of Lee Academy for the Arts were full of artwork on display by 52 local artists and will be on display for the public's enjoyment, free of charge, through Nov. 21. This years Community Artist's Showcase was sponsored, in part, by the Doctors Chandler and Calfee of the Bone & Joint Specialists. Mrs. Sue Looney and McEvoy Funeral Home provided the Purchase Award and have since 1991. This year's judge was Ms. Lendon Hamilton Noe of Jackson Tennessee who is a Professor of Arts at Lambuth University. She made comments on all the artwork and although not present at Sunday afternoon's show opening, was quoted as saying, "There are good quality artist's in Henry County." Awarded 1st place in the Professional category was John Monroe who also won Best of Show. 1st place in the Amateur category was awarded to Jan Phillips. Youth Category 1st place winner was Beth Lee. 1st pace winner in the children's division was Chesney Buttrey. Winner of the 3 Dimensional artwork was David Carrico. The $300 Purchase Award went to Jan Blankenship. In an exhibit of wildlife art work John Monroe won the adult division. The children's division went to Chesney Buttrey. The Showcase can be viewed at Lee Academy from 12 to 3pm Monday and Friday, 1pm to 7pm Tuesday and Thursday and 10am to 2pm on Saturday. The Artist Showcase is funded under an agreement with the state of Tennessee, the Tennessee Art Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts and Northwest Tennessee Development District.
Literacy Council 11/04/06 The Henry County Literacy Council reviewed its finances at their regular meeting Friday. The continuation of the Imagination Library which provides a book a month for children birth to 5 years old requires local funding for postage for the free books. The books are mailed to the homes of the children that have registered to be part of the program. $27.00 per child per year is needed to pay for the program which equals a total of $1,300 per month for the current enrollment. One time donations have been received from some local service organizations but with no steady donations the Council worries about how long the Imagination Library will last in Henry County. For information on how you, your church or organization can help to keep putting excited smiles of the faces of children when they receive their book in the mail each month, or to register your child for the program contact the Paris Post Intelligencer or Sue Quinn of the Henry County Adult Learning Center at the Central Community Service Center on Jones Bend Rd. K-PAC Players 11/04/06 The K-Pac Players present the comedy Plaza Suite Nov. 3rd through Nov. 5th at the Krider Performing Arts Center in Paris. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children.
City Commission 11/03/06 At the Thursday Paris City Commission meeting the commissioners voted to remove the Post Oak Bridge, which had been condemned by TDOT, before the rainy fall and winter season begins. The vote came after a courtroom full of citizens from the neighborhoods of Post Oak Drive, Red Oak Drive and Scarlet Oak Drive presented a petition along with pictures and explained flooding problems as well as sewage problems caused by the lack of drainage due to the Post Oak Bridge. Vice Mayor Sam Tharpe asked for an explanation of what could be done to prevent raw sewage from backing up into the homes and yards of the residents. Mayor David Travis agreed that a study should be done to see what type of bridge could be constructed that would allow free passage of water thru the area, since the city can only do limited dredging in the creek. The City Manager Carl Holder was also instructed to research the possibility of receiving funding from the Federal Bridge Replacement Program where 80% of the replacement cost would be covered. A Rural Utility Services industrial loan through BPU for ICI has run into a snag. The $750,000 loan for start up funds of the business must be guarantee by the city and the county. The city voted to create a framework agreement , an interlocal agreement, where 50% of the loan would be guaranteed by the city and 50% by the county for the 0 year length of the loan. Also approved was the addition of 100 acres to the urban growth plan of the city of Henry. The amended boundary must be approved by all municipalities in the county. Paris Police Chief Tommy Cooper was given the go ahead Thursday night to develop an information security policy for city employees. "Basically this will allow us to stay ahead of the game," stated the Chief. The goal is to develop a plan before it is needed and allow the city to be prepared to deal with information security issues in the future. The policy will cover such items as system access control and privacy issues of e-mail and the internet. The commissioners also approved the sale of almost 5 acres of land in the 641S Industrial Park for the Paris office of the Division of Child Services. Approved on 2nd reading was the storm water management requirements which regulate the amount of water run off that is allowed on developed and undeveloped land. It was also announced at the commission meeting that TVA would begin the Consumer Connection Program on Tuesday morning.
Budget Committee 11/03/06 The Henry County Budget Committee held a work session Thursday. The meeting, which was a training session was requested by the new members of the committee Bobby Freeman, Dan Paschall, Randy Veazey and Tim Wirgau. The group reviewed procedures and accounts that make up the county's budget. Small Business Expo 11/02/06
The Paris Henry County Chamber of Commerce held their annual Small Business Expo at the Paris Convention Center Wednesday. This year's theme was "Small Business: Henry County Treasures". This year there were 73 booths at the Expo, 69 inside and 4 outside. "We are totally sold out," stated Executive Director of the Chamber Jennifer Wheatly. "We are expecting 1500 people today. This is a marvelous way to promote a business," she added. Among the days activities were many drawings for door prizes, chances for visitors to talk to and meet the representatives of many of the county's small and new business as well as pick up free give always such as note pads, magnets, pens, pencils, calendars and much more. Just to name a few of the business at this years Expo was the Paw Patch, with several of the grooming company's clients, WTPR radio was along side the Paris ! magazine while the staff and management of WMUF brought the days events straight to their listeners with live interviews.
This years winner of the Best Booth was Henry County Medical Center who's theme was a ship with employee's dressed as pirates.
JayCees 11/02/06 The Paris Henry County Jaycee's Jamin' for the Kids will be Friday , Nov.3rd featuring the John Sutton Band. The dance begins at 8pm at the Paris Moose Lodge. Tickets are $10and can be purchased in advance at D.J.'s Music or the Moose Lodge. All proceeds benefit the JayCees' Under Privileged Children's Christmas Shopping Trip. The JayCees' urge you to come out have a good time and help the KIDS.
Pumpkin Pete 11/01/06 How much did Pumpkin Pete weigh? The Downtown Paris Association gave $100 Downtown bucks to Frances Hastings of Paris on Saturday who guessed 97 pounds. Kelly Conger of Paris "Yowled" her way to winning the howling contest and received a Jack Jones Gift Certificate, bowling passes and DPA Bucks. |
