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Winner  10/31/08

     The winner from the Chamber Small Business Expo Natural Gas Exhibit drawing this year is Kelly Farris!

      The lucky winner will receive a CORCHO Natural Gas Heater, by: Vermont Castings. 

More Winners  10/31/08

      It was all treat and no trick for two Henry County  youngsters who won the big prizes at the recent Downtown SPOOKtacular. 

          Chase Flatt, son of Chris and Stephanie Flatt received $100 Downtown  Paris Association (DPA) bucks by guessing the correct weight of  Pumpkin Patch Pete. Chase is pictured with DPA member Rick Conger, who was instrumental in finding just the right pumpkin for this annual  activity. Julia Dye, daughter of Brad Dye and Anisha Wilkins won a new guitar from Leach's Music by guessing the correct number of guitar picks in a bucket at the Leach's SPOOKtacular booth.

Promotion  10/31/08

      Mott Ford, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank and Trust Company has announced the promotion of Amanda Sloan Johnson, following the October Board of Directors meeting. She has been named Assistant Trust Officer.

     Amanda joined Commercial Bank in June of 1998. She graduated from UT Martin with a Bachelor of Science Degree with an accounting major. She has worked in loan review, audit and trust departments.    

     In making the announcement, Mr. Ford said, “We are very fortunate to have such a conscientious employee who knows the Trust business and makes a tremendous contribution to our Trust Department.”

     Commercial Bank has eleven locations in Paris, Union City, Jackson and Memphis.

Halloween Friday  10/30/08      

Paris Parks & Recreation  10/30/08

The Paris Parks and Recreation will be holding a Public Input meeting to review plans for the Ogburn Skate Park. This skate park will be funded buy a LPRF grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the City of Paris.

     The meeting will be at 5:00 PM Monday, Nov 3^rd at Paris City Hall.  The Parks and Recreation Board will meet at 5:30 PM after the Public Input Meeting.

Small Business Expo  1029/08

          Sixty five  local business were present for the 16th Annual Small Business Expo Tuesday in the Paris Convention Center where this years theme was 'Small Business Rocks' .

     "The way the economy is  and these businesses were still  willing  to do the small business expo," stated Special  Events  Coordinator Susie Umstead.

      Record numbers of people visited the Expo and vendors reported a steady stream of visitors all day long

     A wide varsity of businesses were present with free samples  of their products such as  Sally Lane Candies,  Paris! magazine,     Abbott Print Shop, My Favorite Things, WTPR,  Friends of Paris Landing State park and Log Homes.  HCMC held  free health screenings while Sheriff Belew parked the sheriff's  trailer with its simulated marijuana growing lab in the parking Lot.  WMUF was on hand broadcasting live from the Expo. 

BPU  10/29/08

John Etheridge, General Manager of the  Paris Board of Public Utilities told board members that  employees would have until Jan. 1  to meet the National Electric safety code requiring employees who are exposed to an electric arc to wear flame retardant clothing.  According to Electric Department  Supervisor Richard Edwards such flashes will melt the material to the wearer's skin.  Two uniform providers are being considered for the clothing.

     Transformers at the Lone Oak substation have been refurbished and replaced.  The work was done without causing any electric outages.

Write off of delinquent accounts in the amount of $12,579 were approved for the 1st quarter of the fiscal year.  Etheridge reported that due to the mild weather electric sales were down by 12.6%.  Etheridge  stated, "Apparently everyone gave up on their lawns in Sept."  Water sales were down  for the month as well.

     In a water quality survey by the state BPU received 95 out of a possible 100, up from last years 86 points. 

Retraction  10/28/08

***************************************

     I incorrectly stated that Mr. Tim Wirgau said he believed in same sex marriages during the debate held in Henry last week.  Mr. Wirgau who stated he has conservative values does not believe in same sex marriages.   Jan Anderson.

Spooktacular  10/27/08

          The largest crowd ever  filled the Henry County Courthouse lawn and the downtown Paris square for this year's Spooktacular sponsored by the Paris Downtown Association on Saturday.  The afternoon festivities featured trick or treating at down town merchants, a costume contest, parade around the square to show off Halloween costumes along with a howling contest and more.

Money/Drug Seizure  10/23/08

     On Oct.  23 the Metro Crime Unit, the Henry County Sheriff's Office CID and the Paris Police Department executed a search warrant  at  300 New Boston Road.  Officers had received information of marijuana being sold at the residence and obtained a search warrant.  Officers located approx. 3 oz of marijuana, smoking pipes, a rifle, a shot gun and a pistol along with a set of scales, a log book of drug sales plus $12,891.00 cash in alleged drug proceeds .

     21 year old Russell Thompson of  New Boston Rd. was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell or deliver, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of firearms during the commission of a felony.  

     Canine Elgos assisted  in the search with Lt. Wyrick,  Sgt.  Frey and Sgt. Watson.

HCMC  10/24/08

      The Henry County Medial Center Board of Trustees met in the Emergency Medical  Services building Thursday,  as is their custom once a year.

     The EMS department continues to run over cost,   which according to Hospital Administrator Thomas Gee, is the norm for smaller rural hospitals.  EMS funding was cut in the Governor's budget and according to EMS Director Mike Shankle will affect EMS operations all across the state.  New regulations cover 'cross over' charges, not just TNCare and charge the primary coverage provider. 

     A new  3 year emergency room contract was approved by board members with TeamHealth.  The group runs the Murray and Union City emergency room and was recommended by staff physicians.

     Gee stated that the medical center has been given a reasonable set of rates by United Healthcare and will begin treating their Tenncare patients Nov. 1.

     The cath lab is expected to be ready by the first of the year when it will be staffed with the help of St. Thomas as in a joint venture with them.

     The Hospitalist  program is providing services for patients who did not have a regular doctor.  So far73 patients without doctors have been seen.   Gee explained to board members that they expect the program to bring in patients from surrounding areas such as Stewart Co.  To date 412 patients have been seen.

     Total write offs for the month  were approx. $490,000 with Charity cases approx $187,000. 

Spooktacular Schedule  1024/08 

Saturday October 25, 2008.  Sponsored by Downtown Paris Association and HCHS Madrigals

12:00 – 12:30 Monster Mash Dance Contest

Registration opens for Costume Contest

Trick or treating begins at downtown shops

12:30 – 1:00 Howling Contest

1:00 – 2:00 Inman Middle School Stage Band

2:00 – 2:30 Scariest Sound Contest

2:30 – 3:00 Costume Contest

3:00 – 3:30 Winners announced for Costume

Contest

3:30 – 4:00 “What Would Dracula Say” Contest

Downtown Paris Association

SPOOK-tacular Booth Partners and Activities

ALLURE BEAUTY NAIL BOOTH – Get scary spiders and other spooky artwork

painted on your fingernails.

BIRDS OF PREY BOOTH – Visit with Mr. Foddrill’s Halloween hawks and

owls.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE BOOTH – Play in spider’s web and have a chance to

win FREE theatre tickets.

DOWNTOWN PARIS ASSOCIATION - See “Pumpkin Patch Pete” and guess his

weight for a chance to WIN $100 in DPA BUCKS. Winner to be announced

on Halloween.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES (West Court Square) – Come on over and make a

candy ghost.

FRIENDS OF THE REFUGE BOOTH – Dig for scary stuff and visit with the

big Blue Goose. Photos encouraged!

HOLISTIC HEATH CARE BOOTH – Try you hand at the ball toss and pencil

maze and color your favorite bat or ghost.

INMAN BAND BOOSTERS’ BOOTH – Purchase refreshments and scare up some

delicious baked goods.

CITY COMMISSIONER CANDIDATE RICK JERNIGAN’S BOOTH – Spin the wheel for

prizes and treats

LEACH’S MUSIC BOOTH - Use your telepathic powers to divine the number

of guitar picks in the orange bucket and win your choice of two

guitars. Winner announced on Halloween.

PARIS! MAGAZINE BOOTH - Design and make your very own spooky magazine

cover.

PROJECT GRADUATION BOOTH - Refreshments!

SKILLS USA - Race with the best in the terrifying tricycle races.

HC TRUSTEE DAVID STONE - Free Popcorn for the kids.

Road Closed  10/23/08

Spook-tacular  10/23/08

 The Downtown SPOOK-tacular ramps up the fun-meter on the Henry County Court House lawn on Saturday afternoon, October 25. Organizations and businesses provide free craft activities, entertainment, contests and concessions from noon until 4:00 p.m. Booth space is free from the sponsoring Downtown Paris Association (DPA) and are still available.

     “Children and parents love this traditional event,” said DPA President Mike Key. “Where else can families enjoy free crafts and games, hear live music from the Inman Jazz Band, make a special craft with Blue Goose from our local National Wildlife Refuge, pet Jack Foddrill’s live Halloween screech owls, and more. The merchants invite trick or treaters to the downtown stores during SPOOK-tacular and there is plenty to eat from local concessionaires.”

     The DPA’s famous Pumpkin Patch Pete will be on hand that day. Event goers can make a guess as to Pete’s weight. On Halloween day, the winner will be announced and win a $100 in DPA bucks, just in time for Christmas Open House weekend.

     “This is one of our signature events,” said DPA member Faye Potter, owner of the Mimi’s…a Paris Original “It gives youngsters the opportunity to trick or treat during daylight hours and enjoy fun activities on our historic Court House lawn, courtesy of the many partnering businesses and organizations. ” 

     The fun isn’t limited to children, according to Cindy Lowe, a member of the Madrigal Parents, one of the event partners. “We include adults and pets in our costume contest,” she said. “Even if you’re not participating in the contests, it’s fun to come out and enjoy the show, which will include lots of great costumes, dancing, howling, activities, food and music, all in a fabulous setting, Downtown Paris.”

     A list of booth ideas is available for groups or businesses that would like to participate in the SPOOK-tacular. In case of rain, the event will be cancelled. For more information contact Mike Key at 731-693-9271.

     The Downtown Paris Association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote prosperous business activity and community involvement while encouraging preservation of the downtown area. For more information, log on www.VisitDowntownParis.com.

Henry Debate  10/22/08

     Incumbent  State Representative Butch Borchert and Tim Wirgau- Representative  hopeful, met in the city of Henry's Civic Center Tuesday night where they answered a number of questions posed to then by a selected  panel  of local journalist in a debate mediated by Henry resident and local pastor Tony Boyd.

     When asked about abortion Rep. Borchert stated that he was for abortion in the case  of  rape, incest or when the mother's life was in danger.  Wirgau stated he was pro-life.

  Wirgau told the crowd that he had conservative values and felt that every one had the right to bear arms, did not believed in same sex marriages and there was a need for new energy in  the state while Borchert told the citizens that experience counts.  He went on to speak of the many grants that he has gotten for the 75th District.  "If there is a lose nickel  I'm going to get it for my district."

     Mr. Wirgau is a business owner in Paris, a County Commissioner, former World's Biggest Fish Fry General Manager and a former Chamber of Commerce President.

     Both were appalled at the treatment of veterans with Borchert giving examples of ways he had help veterans receive benefit that they were  entitled to  and was on the Veterans Oversight committee  plus Operation Stand down that helps homeless vets while Wirgau said that he was for continuing  GI benefits for returning vets from Iraq  and Afghanistan.

     When asked about the challenges faced in Henry County jobs and new industry  became part of the debate.  "We need to work to protect the jobs we have and make the area blossom to bring in tourism with the Tennessee River Resort Act," stated Wirgau.  He went on to add that we needed to encourage small business that employ 3or 4 or 12 people and help them stay competitive.

     When asked about budget cuts and jobs Wirgau  said that if the state needed to cut jobs they should while Borchert stated he would fight to keep  state employees from loosing their jobs.

     Health insurance was also part of the evening's debate.  "Cover TN is a good program that covers kids under 18 but we have a lot of work to do in this area," stated Borchert.      " Health care is a major concern but Tencare  costs got  out of control.  We need to say No to lobbyists so we can afford health care," said Wirgau. 

     The second half of the debate gave those running for Mayor and Aldermen of Henry  a chance to speak to the crowd and state their connection to Henry.  Current Mayor   Joe Qualls, former Mayor  of 4 years Faye Lowery were present to debate as  Mayoral candidates.  They were joined by Rex Buford, Donna Erdely, Ron Moore who are running for the 3 Aldermen openings.

     The recently complete sewer project was discussed as was the water and sewer rates.  The need for industry and jobs was also discussed by the local candidates.

County Commission  10/21/08

     The  Henry County Commission  approved in a 9 for and  6 against vote at Monday evening's meeting to allow the Henry County School Board to spend an amount not to exceed one million dollars, on new construction on what has become known as the Grove Project and authorized them to   borrow  , not to exceed two million five hundred thousand dollars  when the market becomes favorable for  a bond issue.  The commissioners were told that if the school system failed to make the payments the county would be responsible for the amount owed.  They also agreed to purchase Weston Hall  for $225,000 from the owners of the building, the Henry County School board.  The resolution also states that there will be no tax increase related to the  Grove Project.  According to Henry County Alliance CEO Carl Holder  Weston Hall should have at least 20 to 25 years left in it if it is maintained.  

     A plea from supporters of the Youth Boxing program that  Judge Vicki Snyder started in the community was also heard.  Rhonda Collins who told commissioners that because of governmental cuts the program had lost its grants.  She urged for continued funding  of the program which provides children involved to build self esteem. 

     The sale of surplus items from the Solid waste  Department,  such as the old bailer was approved. The proceeds will go to purchase a new bailer.  Other items include an old school bus and port-a-potty.  The Sheriff's office sale of surplus is scheduled for Oct. 25.

     Honored at the commission meeting were Friends of the Library,  Youth Volunteer Travis McClease and adult volunteer Ann  Caldwell.  Both volunteers were warded the Patriots Award a well..

E-911  10/21/08

     The Enhanced 911 board discussed reversed 911 calling at Monday's board meeting.  According to 911 Director Mark Archer the new systems available can make 1,000 calls a minute to ground lines and could notify citizens of tornados, storms, haz-mat situations and more.  Currently such a system would run an estimated $75,000.  The board requested more information for the next meeting.

     Also discussed was  911, the Next Generation, which would be able to handle knew  wireless communications such as texting and video streaming from cell phones.  Such equipment is expected to cost an estimated 1/4 million dollars.

     Sheriff Belew reported to the board that the new console installed at the Sheriff's office as a 911 back up had been installed and was the only expense in the last reporting period. 

Spooktactular  10/20/08

Oct = Brest Cancer Awareness Month10/20/08

     Kaye Rebuck and  Jennifer Douglas, Mammography Technicians at HCMC decorate the white tree located in the HCMC lobby.  The tree  holds pink breast cancer awareness ribbon ornaments. Purchase a pink ribbon for $1.00 and put a name in memory or in honor of your loved one on the ribbon, then hang it on the tree. Mammography is one of the early detection methods of breast cancer. 

     “We have already collected nearly $100.00 just from partners and visitors who walk into our lobby,” said Imaging Director, Billie McKee. “Thank you all for your donations and the tree is truly beautiful.  The money is going toward Paris Surgical Team for the 3-Day Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.”

     Located in Paris, Tenn., Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: http://www.hcmc-tn.org. 

Tournament  10/20/08

The Second Annual Henry County High School Dodgeball Tournament will take place Tuesday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gamlin Gymnasium. Admission is free. Teams representing the sophomore, junior and senior classes will compete in regulation intramural play. The dodgeball tournament is sponsored by the HCHS Student Council.

Henry  10/16/08

The city of  Henry Mayor and board of alderman met Tuesday evening  and approved spending six hundred dollars from the police department to purchase a new power projector and powerpoint screen.  Henry Police Chief  Mark Herndon explained to the board that this will allow the film during driving school to be shown on a DVD from a computer and projected onto the powerpoint screen.

The city had previously used a video on an old television at city hall and Herndon explained its very hard for 40 people to see that small TV screen and purchasing the projector would allow the police department to operate driving school more efficiently.  Herndon said the police department had taken in five thousand extra dollars this month from citations and for driving school than laid out in the budget.  The money to pay for the projector and screen would be paid for from that extra revenue.

The board also learned that Norwood Construction submitted the only bid to the Industrial board to do gravel work at the old DMP building.  The cost was nine thousand eight hundred and fifty dollars.  The Industrial board plans to close with a company who wants to move their business into the building very soon.  The industrial board also had voted to put an ad in a regional publication to try to sell the 100 acre property.

HCMC/COMMISSION  10/16/08

          In a joint meeting Thursday evening the Henry County  discuss a proposed joint venture  that would offer a 50/50 ownership for physicians and the Medical Center, which is a county owned hospital.  

     The joint venture would  include the 3 most profitable services the Medical Center offers in  radiology, MRIs, CTs  and ultra sounds.  Currently the 8 physicians involved control  approx. 70% of the out patient MRI business which they would move  to a physical owned office.   According to Medial Center Director Thomas Gee, physicians are looking for additional revenue to augment their declining  incomes and control over scheduling as well as the impact it has on their offices.  

      No action was taken Thursday evening by either side since the meeting was only so that both parties could gather information and be able to answer questions posed to them by the public.   

Cottage Grove   10/16/08

  According to City Recorder  Paul Schueler the Cottage Grove Legislative Council discussed several topics but took no official action at Tuesday's short meeting.

Road Board  10/17/08

Missing Person Update  10/16/08

Puryear  10/16/08

     The Mayor of the City of Puryear Kenny Paschall announced at Tuesday's meeting that the municipality received a 98 out of 100 on a study of Puryear's water system from the TN Department of Water and Conservation.

     The Mayor and Board also approved a resolution on the mandated Identity Theft policy. Staff and city employees attended a training class offered by M-TAS on the policy which goes into effect Nov. 1st.. 2 Quick Clams were granted for a 10 ft alleyway on Poplar St.

Gas Co.   10/16/08

The Paris Henry County Public Utility District General Manager Don Green reported to the board Tuesday that the

Care Van  10/15/08

The Henry County Medical Center’s Care Van will be at The Church of the Living God, located at 719 Gwin Street, Paris, TN, on Wednesday, October 15 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.   The first 25 cholesterol tests will be provided free to participants courtesy of the NAACP.  Other screenings offered will include blood pressure checks and glucose.  Cholesterol tests are $3 per person.

If you plan to participate in the glucose testing, please do not eat anything after 2 p.m.  For more information, please call Angie Doston, RN, community educator, at 644-8269.

Emergency Management  10/15/08

Henry County Emergency Management has made application to the National Weather Service Memphis for Henry County to be recognized by the NWS as a Storm Ready Community.  The NWS has a checklist of requirements communities must complete and practice regularly for this designation to be awarded.

Henry County EMA feels our community is doing a great job in planning and preparing for severe weather events.  If awarded this designation, the NWS will come to Henry County and formally present this award to local officials along with road signs proclaiming this designation.

National Weather Service representatives along with surrounding local emergency management directors will be visiting Henry County on Thursday, October 23 to assess our local capabilities and practices for severe weather events.  These representatives will be visiting our local 911 Dispatch Center, Backup dispatch Center (Sheriffs Dept), local Emergency Operations Center, and various government buildings to check for severe weather preparedness (weather radios, communication equipment, written plans, written operating guidelines, storm spotter network, amateur radio participation, EOC operations, etc.) 

"I feel this award will benefit our community by showing citizens the public safety agencies are working hard preparing and planning for severe weather events.  This recognition would be shared by ALL public safety agencies and local government officials!" stated Ron Watkins, Emergency Managernt  Director.

Early Voting  10/13/08

          Early voting in Henry county for the Nov.  4th election will begin on Wednesday Oct 15th  and run through Oct. 30th at the Courthouse Annex on West Washington St.  

    The Election Commission Office will be open  Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4pm and 9am to Noon on Saturdays. 

Imagination Library  10/13/08

     Dolly Parton created the Imagination Library in 1996 for the children in her home town of Sevierville, TN.  The program provides a new, age –appropriate, hardcover book every month for children from birth to age five at no cost to the family, regardless of income.

     As of October 2004, all 95 counties in Tennessee have signed up for the program in their areas.  All of the 375,000 children in Tennessee presently have access to the program.  More than 73,680 Tennessee five year olds have graduated from the Imagination Library.  Since 2004, the statewide program has served 265,000 children.

     The cost of providing the program to Tennessee’s children is just under $30 per child, per year.  This cost is split evenly between a non profit sponsoring organization in each county, and the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation.

At the present time the Henry County Imagination Library is serving 900 + children in Henry County.  The cost to serve that number is approximately $1200 per month and that is with the help from the Governor.  As of September 26, 2008, the Henry County Imagination Library has $174.39 in the account.

     A few organizations and individuals have been supporting the program since 2004.  The program survives month to month.  The program needs an organization to take the program to heart and help this program to continue.  The Union City Rotary Club has established a Foundation which will support the program for many, many years and many, many children to come.  The Henry County program needs such a plan where a working budget can be prepared and followed.  If you can, please help keep this program going in Henry County.

Paris Planning  10/11/08

     The Paris Municipal Regional Planning Commission met Thursday evening with a light agenda.  

     The commission approved a request from the Paris Housing Corporation   for a minor subdivision of 2.6 acre lot into 2 lots on Gordon St.  which  swill be used  to build 2 homes.

  Also approved was a site plan  request to relocate a somewhat portable building  for America On Ice.  The building is currently located on the east side of Trolinger's parking lot and will be moved to another side of the development.

     The 3rd item on the agenda was a request from Paris Livestock to change the table of uses which  allowed for animal and poultry slaughter and stockyard.  The change in the table of uses for the present zoning would allow for animal livestock sales.  

School Board  10/10/08

     The Henry County Board of Education approved a resolution for the Grove Project that will be presented to the county commission at their next meeting.  The resolution states that the debt for the Grove Project will be served by existing funds of the school system and will not increase taxes for citizens.  It also includes the purchase of Weston Hall by the county for  $225,000.00.  There will also be in kind payment to the county over the next 5 years.

     The Paris Kwanas donated a fibulator to Henry County High School at Thursday's meeting.  This is the 2nd one that they have donated to the school to serve the 1,000 students.

     The board recognized the Dairy Team who won the state competition.  The 4-lady team now moves on to the national competition to be held in Indianapolis.    A request for an automotive program to build stock car was approved.  10 students would be involved in the program based out of the Tec Center in McKenzie. Students would build the cars and be part of the pit crew but would not race the vehicles.  The program would offer students a chance to be involved in a school program and build confidence and self-esteem in those students.  The $9,000 program would receive half of it’s funding from Tec money.  Up to 3 credits could be earned buy students that participate in the vocational program. A request to approved the 20-member Madrigals yearly trip to New York City; the FFA members going to the national convention were also approved.

Meet the Candidate  10/9/08

The City of Henry will be holding a “Meet the Candidates” on Tuesday Oct 21^st at 7pm in Henry City Hall.

     The city has asked incumbent State Representative Butch Borchert and candidate hopeful Tim Wirgau to answer question from a panel of citizens.  After an intermission the City of Henry Mayoral candidates will then meet with citizens and answer questions.

Angel Tree  10/9/08   

Court House Committee10/8/08

     On Tuesday afternoon the Henry County

Veteran's Council10/8/08

The Veterans Coordinating Council also met Tuesday to discuss the Veterans Day Celebration on the Courthouse lawn and the Veteran’s Day Parade.

     This year’s celebration will include patriotic songs from the ‘Rainbow of Sounds’, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Ed Moody and a prayer led by David Stone, special guests will include Representative Butch Borchert and Paris Vice Mayor Sam Tharpe. Guest speaker for the program will be Corleen, Chick, Robinson.  The celebration will be held on the 11^th month of the 11^th day at the 11^th hour, Nov. 11^th at 11am.

     The Veteran’s Day Parade will begin at 10am on November 8^th and follow the same route as last year.  This year’s Grand Marshall will be 2 highly decorated veterans, Charles J. Van der Luitgaren  and Larry Gaskins.  

Housing Corp.  10/7/08

The Paris Housing Corporation approved low bids for two lots on Gordon St.  during Monday’s meeting.   Wolfe Construction, out of Humboldt TN.   bid the construction cost for one of the houses at  $79,100 and the other $77,900.  Both will have vinyl siding.    Construction will begin soon before bad weather sets in and according to Chairman Sam Tharpe, to give the qualified applicants more involvement in the building process they should be involved in the selection of colors like shingles and siding.

Also present at Monday’s meeting was Housing consultant Bob Thornton who has worked with the Community Development Block Grants here in Paris, where funding for the project is coming from.               Applications for families who met the socio/economic conditions of eligibility for the Housing Trust Fund which would require a minimum of   $40,000 financing by the applicant.   The household must be judged Low Income by HUD guidelines which is 50% of the median income for Henry County  ($21,759 for 4 people) and must live in Henry County at all times.

     6 applications were selected as most promising to meet the qualifications of the Trust

Fund and were ranked by monthly income which will eventually be narrowed down to 2 qualified applicants. 

      Chairman Tharpe reminded the board members, “In these uncertain economic times the key will be  if we can find applicants who will qualify for the loan.” 

Tanner  10/6/08

     Congressman John Tanner voted to help Tennessee families, farmers and small businesses being affected by the economic crisis. Tanner said he heard from many Tennessee small businesses struggling to make payroll, families struggling to pay mortgages and fill their gas tanks, and workers worried about dramatic drops in their retirement funds.

     Recognizing that federal inaction could be very risky for Tennessee families, small businesses, farmers and rural banks, he supported the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act that passed the House and Senate on a bipartisan vote. The final bill includes a provision written by Tanner to recover any federal investment in the rescue plan, shifting the cost burden from the taxpayer to the financial industry.

       “When the [Treasury] Secretary came over here with a bill, it was a bailout. It was public risk and private gain,” Tanner said in a speech on the House floor. “By the wisdom of the body here, we put Section 134 – the ‘recoupment’ clause – in, which now makes it private risk and public gain, which is the way it ought to be. It is now a situation where we’re not talking about bailing out Wall Street or the high-flyers. If, at the end of the day, there is a shortfall to the Treasury of the United States , then [the financial industry] will be assessed that shortfall, and the Treasury will be made whole.

       “What the bill does now is it attempts to protect all Americans who have an IRA, a 401(k), or a part of a state or local pension plan.”

       Tanner expressed frustration that the Senate acted fiscally and morally irresponsible in adding additional measures to the original bill but refusing to pay for them.

       Congressman Tanner has long supported the provisions added by the Senate – including relief of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and sales tax deductibility for Tennessee taxpayers – but has repeatedly voted to pass those measures following the common-sense rule of pay-as-you-go instead of borrowing the money, much of it from foreign investors, and then passing the bill to future generations.

       “Some of us in this body are so thoroughly disgusted with the other body right now and the way this bill has been handled,” Tanner said in his speech on the House floor. “We’ve found that it doesn’t take a lot of political courage to spend other people’s money who can’t vote,” namely our children and grandchildren. The Senate is essentially forcing the House to follow its fiscally irresponsible lead, Tanner said.

       Tanner, a founding member of the Blue Dog Coalition of fiscally responsible, conservative-to-moderate Democrats, represents Tennessee ’s 8^th Congressional district in West and Middle Tennessee. He serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and as chairman of the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

  Boss Hoss  10/4/08

     The 9th annual   Boss Hoss motorcycle rally drove into downtown Paris Friday and joined the festivities of the final 'Noon on the Square'  with the crowd pleasing music of Club 51.

  According to organizers of the Rally,  over 9 countries, such as Germany and Australia and 30 states were represented in the rally.

     The rally , which is usually held in Dresden, moved to Paris this year.

     The bikers not only ride for fun for charity, with the major beneficiary the Shrines Children's Hospital.

Chamber Banquet    10/4/08

     Thursday  night at the 58 the annual Paris Henry county Chamber of Commerce Banquet,  Ray Harding was named the 2008 Person of the Year. Harding who retired after 35 years with Monsanto has been instrumental in the creation of the green space at Atkins Porter Recreational Center, the saving of Robert E. Lee School, the creation of Lee Academy for the Arts and the continued growth of the Paris Henry County Heritage Center. Bryan Irby with the Paris Board of Public Utilities was introduced as the incoming President by outgoing President Jeff Mahan, General Manager of Joe Mahan Ford. Guest speaker for the evening was Richard Henson of Henson Brooms.

Missing  10/3/08

City Commission10/4/08

     The Paris City Commission passed on 1st reading the viscous dog ordnance.  The ordinance calls for owners of potentially dangerous dogs to have to pay a $50 a year fee while dangerous dogs would pay a $100 fee.  A copy of the ordinance can be obtained at Paris City Hall.  A public hearing is scheduled prior to he November Commission  meeting.

     The 200 foot requirement for a railroad crossing to be installed from a park has been dropped by the TVA.  Some upgrades to the Fentress St.  crossing will be needed but the cost will be much less than the crossing arms.

Adult Oriented Est. Board  10/4/08

    Streamlining  procedures for obtaining fingerprints  and permits was tabled at Thursday evenings meeting after much discussion.  In other business an employee application and a permit were issued for Sensual Pleasures Book store.

Sheriff Belew  10/3/08

         Henry County  Sheriff Monte Belew has complotted participation in  and was elected  Chaplain/Historian of the 95th  session of the National Sheriffs Institute held in Colorado in Sept.  Belew was awarded his degree of completion from Jim Barbee, Correctional Program Specialist of the National Corrections Institute.

     Belew was joined by 29 other sheriffs from across the country to address the pressing issues faced by sheriffs, leaders in emerging and continuing  issues in criminal justice  and public safety , such as homeland security,  school violence, court security, drugs, and disaster relief.

     "Belew is a leader with vision  for the Henry County Sheriff's office," stated Barbee.  There have been over 3,000 graduates from the Institute since 1973.    

Breast Cancer Awareness  10/2/08

   October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month  and Henry County Medical Center wants to ensure that the public is aware of educational and screening services that are available.

     Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast in men and women. Worldwide, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer after lung cancer. Because the breast is composed of identical tissues in males and females, breast cancer also occurs in males, 100 times less frequently, but men with breast cancer seem to have the same statistical survival rates as women.  One symptom is typically a lump in the breast that feels differently from the surrounding tissue. Many cases are discovered early because women check for lumps once a month, and then report them to their physicians.  The most typical objective indication of breast cancer is detected by a physician with a mammogram. Lumps found in lymph nodes located in the armpits and/or collarbone can also indicate breast cancer.  Other indicators include changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple inversion or spontaneous single-nipple discharge. Pain is an unreliable tool in determining breast cancer but may be signs of other breast-related health problems.  When breast cancer invades the small lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, it can resemble skin inflammation and is known as inflammatory breast cancer. Those symptoms do include pain, swelling, warmth and redness throughout the breast and it looks and feels like orange peel, thus the term peau d’organe.                Paget’s disease of the breast may have redness and mild flaking of the nipple’s skin. Advancing Paget’s may show signs of tingling, itching, increased sensitivity, burning and pain. There can also be discharge from the nipple. About half of the women diagnosed with Paget’s also have a lump in the breast.  Metastatic cancers have spread beyond the original organ. Metastatic breast cancer will cause symptoms that depend on the location of metastasis. Metastasis can be sited in the bone, liver, lung and brain. Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of an occult breast cancer as can symptoms of fever or chills. Bone or joint pains can sometimes present as Metastatic breast cancer as can jaundice or neurological symptoms. They are ‘non-specific’ symptoms meaning that they can also be signs of many other illnesses.  Most cases of breast disorder do not become cancer. Benign breast diseases like mastitis and fibro adenoma of the breast are the most common. However, the appearance of any new symptom should be taken seriously by both you and your physician because the possibility of underlying breast cancer can be present at any age.

     Early detection is so important and many women keep the month of October as their reminder to get their mammogram. For more information about scheduling your mammography, call HCMC’s Imaging Department at 731-644-8480. During the month of October, each woman having her mammogram will receive a free gift.

     If you are a breast cancer survivor, Henry County Medical Center’s Women’s Health Advisory Counsel will host a special event for you on Tuesday, October 14. WHAC will serve lunch, catered by Cindy’s Catering Company, from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Paris Convention Center, 1510 E. Wood Street, Paris. Featured speaker will be Lisa Smarrt and we will honor Candy McDaniel, one of our local breast cancer survivors.  

“Seating will be limited,” said Angie Dotson, RN, and leader of the Counsel. “Tickets will be available at Jack Jones Flowers & Gifts, Peebles, Cancer Care Center of Henry County and Henry County Medical Center. Call our FIND line at 731-644-3463, for more information,” she said.

     On October 21, HCMC will host a Lunch & Learn at 12 Noon in the HCMC Education classrooms 2 & 3. Lunch will be provided by HCMC and Dr. Russell Boyd will speak about stereotactic breast biopsy and other cancer related diagnostic tests. Our Imaging department will have a session explaining breast self exams and mammograms and their importance in early breast cancer detection. The Lunch & Learn is free to the public; however, seating is limited and pre-registration is required by calling our FIND line at 644-3463.                                                      

PSSD  10/1/08

     The Paris Special School District may  have trouble collecting FEMA/TEMA grant money for a tornado safe placed in the new Pre-K class room hall at W.G. Rhea School.  As understood by administrators at PSSD the building could not be completed until the grant money had arrived but now the federal government is stating that the building can not be started  until the grant is approved.  According to School Supervisor Brown,  minor details were left uncompleted to comply with the grant regulations.  Henson Construction is waiting to hear if the $100,000 grant will be awarded to PSSD .   The total Pre-K building project did come in at $23,000 below the original estimate.  

     Henson Construction will now be applying for a Hazardous Mitigation Grant for a  another Tornado Safe place grant for a 4 classroom addition at Paris Elementary.  The board asked Henson to bring some estimates  to the Oct. board meeting where the new addition will be considered.   The addition would have a concrete lid type ceiling with additional restrooms between the teacher workrooms.

     In other business,  the board approved  all policies that will bring the district into compliance with state regulations.  Also approved was an addition to the Ethics statement which limits the number of years a person can serve as treasurer for a school supported organization.

     Teachers received a $400 bonus for the year.  PSSD had approved rounding the state increase up to an even $400.

     The board will be meeting at 6pm next month followed by their annual retreat at 6:30, Oct. 21.