Sept 07 Stories

The Henry County Medical Center Board of Trustee's met for their regular meeting Thursday where board members were told by Medical Center Administrator Thomas Gee that the first side of the psych unit had been completed and they will begin using that area next week while work continues on Third West which is scheduled to open in late November. The second part of the psych is scheduled for completion in mid December.

Salary adjustments were made to some key positions due to market inflation. Those positions included registered nurses and nursing assistants. Gee stated that overall the salary rates here were competitive in the West Tennessee area.

The future sale of 3 MCO's in West Tennessee will take place soon. In preparation for that sale TLC, the largest MCO provider has said they will sell to Amerigroup which could mean lower reimbursements for HCMC.

The Henry County Office on Aging will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 4:30 to 7pm at the cafeteria in the Central Community Service Center on Jones Bend Rd. The meal includes a salad, spaghetti, garlic bread, desert and drink. Meals are just $7, Children 12 and under are only $3. All proceeds will benefit the Charles Conger Senior Citizens Center.

Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew invited Henry County Commissioners to the Henry County Correctional Facility to view Pod 29, an area of the jail that was left unfinished when the jail was constructed in 2001, until such time as the space was needed. According to Sheriff Belew the area consists of 2714 square feet of space that Belew would like to use to increase space at the jail for more state prisoners which generate more income for the county. After adding a shower room, bathroom, storage room and a staircase there will be 2,000 square feet to house an additional 64 prisoners. The space meets the minimum requirements set by the Tennessee Correctional Institute.

Estimates to finish out the pod by Hinson Construction was $793,500 with completion in 5 months. Belew told commissioners that Cpt. Ron Frye had spent considerable time working on the project cost and proposed using the labor of Chris Thompson, Paul Hayes and other inmates as needed to complete the project in 3 months which would eliminate labor costs, making the project come in at an estimated $200,000. "That is a savings to the tax payers of $593,000", stated the sheriff. "This will not only generate more money from housing state prisoners but will increase commissary revenues."

Belew explained that Pod 129 would be used to house low risk inmates with no violent offenders. The all male pod would house such inmates as those on work release and weekend prisoners which would open up room for state prisoners.

Judge Vicki Snyder reinforced what the sheriff said stating, "The dockets are just getting larger and we are going to run out of room to house them just because of he sheer number of people on the docket."

County Mayor Brent Greer told those present," We have 2 crucial issues facing us," meaning the jail and Grove School. He said that the county could consider a capital out lay note over a 3, 5, or 7 year period and proposed setting up a study committee.

Harrelson School will hold their Fall Festival on Saturday Oct. 29 at the school. The festival will run from 4pm to7pm. There will be games and fun galore with a Chili Dinner served at the school.

As part of Home coming celebrations at Henry County High School the traditional Pep Rally was held on the Court House Lawn Thursday afternoon.

The 17 Cheerleaders filled the courthouse steps, the Football team crowed around and the students of HCHS covered the lawn showing their school spirit with 'clappers' provided by the P.I. The Down Town Paris Association provided "Go Big Red" pins as well as the Spirit Stick that was won by the Senior class. As part of the festivities the High School Dance Team performed as well as School Rapper Marlon Ward. The Home Coming Court will be crowned during half time on Friday when HCHS faces off against Memphis Tredwell in Patriot Stadium. Other activities Thursday included a tug of War between classes and smashing a car with a sledgehammer to raise money for the Student Council.

The 2nd Annual Biscuit Bake Off was held at McDonalds Thursday afternoon. 15 local stores competed with the finalist from two stores baking it out Thursday. The two finalists were once again last year's finalist with the winner for the 2nd year Janet Erickson, biscuit baker from Buchanan who works at the McDonalds in Paris and presented her biscuits dressed as a Clown. . Runner up for the 2nd year was Venessia Gaskin, baker at the Union McDonalds. Gaskins theme was "Memories of My Grandmother". Judges for the event were Bob Kenworthy, Shelly Pierce and Dede Meeks. The biscuits were judged on such things as texture, appearance as well as taste.

For those who do qualify the state will pay $133.00 on your county portion and if you live inside the Paris Special School District the state will pay an additional $36.00.

We will begin taking Tax Relief applications and accepting 2007 taxes on 10/1/07, which is the first Monday in October thru February 29, 2008. We can continue to accept Tax Relief applications thru April 7^th 2008.

Again for 2007 we will be having Tax Relief sessions at our city halls. For those who may qualify and live in the city limits of Paris, Puryear and Henry, this makes it more convenient to sign up for Tax Relief for both County and City taxes at the same time. This really went well last year and we wanted to continue this for 2007. (Cottage Grove City Recorder does not wish to participate.)

The Trustee’s Office is opened from 8-4:30 Monday thru Friday and will again be opened the last two Saturdays in February the 16^th & 23^rd from 9 am till 1 pm to give our citizens an additional opportunity to stop by and pay taxes or to sign up for Tax Relief. Last year we had a great response to this and look forward to new ways to serve the people of Henry County.

Taxes may be paid in person or by mail, put into the drop box which faces Washington Street, or paid on-line @www.henry.tenneesseetrustee.com

If you have any questions please feel free to drop by the Trustee's Office on Washington Street or call 642-6633.

To celebrate Home Coming at Henry County High School there will be a parade around the square followed by a pep rally on Thursday, Sept 28 at 4pm.

GOOD NEWS FOR CATTLE FARMERS IN THE AREA. KEN GODDARD, HENRY COUNTY UT EXTENSION AGENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT A LARGE SUPPLY OF REASONABLY PRICED HAY HAS BEEN LOCATED IN HOPE , ARKANSAS . ALL FARMERS WHO ARE INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT JERRY STEWART AT 731 644-1943.

At Tuesday's Paris Board of Public Utilities meeting Brian Irby stated that the electric department would be having crews walking transmission lines, chain saws in hand, scouting for potential dead trees, limbs or other possible obstructions that could potentially cause power outages. Electric Department Supervisor Richard Edwards told the board members that many of the lines could only be reached by going through certain fields or crossing certain property, "The people who know the locations of these lines and how to get to them should pass that information on to the next generation," explained Edwards. According to Edwards there are approx. 100 miles of electric transmission lines in the BPU system.

The 600,000 gallon clearwell , a clean water reservoir, at the waste water treatment plant has developed leaks and repairs in 2006 were only somewhat successful. The board approved repairs by T. Luckey Sons Inc., Harison, OH who recently submitted a proposal for the leak repairs at a cost of $40,794 that will use polyurethane grout injections. The repairs will have a 5 year warrantee.

The board also approved a bid from Joe Mahan Ford for 5 new vehicles at Tuesday's meeting. Mahan was the only local dealership who submitted a bid which was lower than others due to Mahan using the discount he receives through the Governor's Fleet Discount provided for governmental entities. The trucks include a 2008 Ford Ranger and a 2008 Ford Ranger 4X4, a 2008 Ford 150, a 2008 Ford 250 4X4 and a Ford 350. The vehicles were in this years budget and ranged in price from $12,315 to $19,424.

General Manager John Etheridge told the board, in his financial report, that in a comparison of neighboring Utility Districts BPU had the lowest rates. The record high temperatures this summer increased water consumption by 9%. He also stated tat bad debt write-offs were down this month plus that all 3 departments had lower labor costs.

The Henry County Board of Education and the Henry County Commissioners met at Grove School to consider renovation at Grove, Weston Hall and the gymnasium along with costs and financing of the project.

3 alternatives were presented to the boards and interested citizens Monday evening by David Brown of Kaatz, Binkley, Jones & Morris Architects Inc. One option was gut it and renovate it at an estimated cost of $5million to $5.6 million.

Option B was to demolish the front wing and rebuild it, leaving the gym and auditorium at a cost of $6.3 million. The last option, Option C, contained a Phase I and a Phase 2. Phase I was to build a free standing building to house the Ag. Department, Music Department and the Pre-school facilities with phase 2 to add additional public restrooms, new seats in Weston Hall. Option C was the least expensive of the proposed plans at $3million. New construction was priced at $300 to $350 a square foot.

Weston Hall was built in 1948-49 with no major renovations since except minor in-house projects. When Grove was renovated Weston Hall was left out due to the expense and Director of Schools Rick Kriesky told the Commissioners that renovation of Weston Hall was on the school board's 5 year strategic plan.

Funding options were presented by Rick Dunaney of Morgan Keegan & Company Inc. who presented 5 schedules of Amortization but recommended the 20 year plan. The school board will have their current debts paid off in 2025.

"We appreciate all of getting together before making any decision," stated County Mayor Brent Greer. "Yes, this needs to be a joint decision," added Kriesky.

Paris Karate will start new fall classes beginning Monday Sept. 24 for Beginner , Adults and Teens.

Introduction and Enrollment (short workout after introduction by Rick Conger)

On Friday Faye Scott, former Budget Director for the Henry County Sheriff's Office was sentenced in Federal Court in Jackson. According to Public Information Officer Leann Jordan, Scott received 30 months probation with, 6 months of the 30 to be served as home detention in which she will have to check in with the local probation office. She will also have to pay to Henry County $71,512.32 in restitution. As part of the probation she will not be allowed to own a fire arm, commit any additional crimes or open any new lines of credit.

Scott was charged on 8 counts. In a plea bargain she plead guilty to one count of conspiracy. 6 counts of mail fraud and one count of fraudulent use of funds were dismissed.

Former Sheriff David Bumpus is scheduled to come before the court on Oct. 17 and Samuel Farren , Ky. arms dealer, who allegedly sold the fire arms is scheduled to come to trial on Nov. 7.

The First Responders Class for 2007 will begin Monday, September 24th at 6:00 PM in the Rescue Squad Building on Hwy 218 Bypass. The class will meet every Monday and Wednesday nights until 9:00 PM through the first of December.

The First Responder program is a 60-hour state certified EMS course covering basic life support and other EMS related topics. In order to be a medical first responder in Henry County, this class is required. You must be at least 18 years old.

Once again record crowds filled the lawn in front of the Henry County Courthouse for Noon On the Square and enjoyed the bluesy music of Club 51. Project Graduation sold out of their 408 their Rib Eye sandwiches in less than a half hour and the DPA reported record sales for their drinks. Sponsored by Commercial Bank, next Friday will be the last Friday in Sept. and your last chance to enjoy what has become a tradition in Down Town Paris.

The Paris Special School district Board of Education met Thursday and were updated by Kerry Henson, of Henson Construction on the Pre-K project. The dirt work has been started and they hope to get fire marshal approval for foundation work next week. Henson advised they are rebinding the plumbing and HVAC parts of the project to lower costs as was discussed at the Sept. 5^th special called meeting. Bids will be opened next Wednesday at 2pm. The subcommittee of the PSSD board will meet at 4:15pm that afternoon to approve the bids on the plumbing and HVAC parts of the project so they can start on that portion of the project right a way.

Henson also said they are looking at changing the limestone water table to brick, rerouting the storm drainage, and possibly eliminating sidewalks on one side to cut costs as well. By looking at these items along with the rebuilding of the mechanical and electrical parts it should save some money.

The PSSD board also approved physical therapy contracts with the Henry County Medical Center, which they do every year, approved a revision of special education funding requirements due to federal regulations, and approved a board change policy dealing with contracting and paperwork now mandated by the state for booster clubs and organizations like that.

In a Circuit Court ruling Thursday Henry County was told that they had the right to keep the percentage of TVA In Lieu of taxes money that they had been giving to the Paris Special School District. The Henry County Commission had voted to stop the payment. "The ruling came without it even coming to the trial procedure," stated Henry County Director of Schools Rick Kriesky, "and we have our attorney Lee Greer to thank, and we thank him very much."

The Henry County Board of Education will now have a web site that will be updated on a monthly/weekly bases that will allow parents, teachers and the community to stay current with happening in the school district. The web site, wwwhenryk12.net will feature a calendar of events, articles on teachers and staff, grants received and other new developments in the school system.

There are currently 3213 students in the county school district and attendance rate for the system this year is running at 96.7%. Graduation rates were also reviewed by the board. Last year's graduation rate was at 88% up from 2002-03 rate of 67% with this years rate at 90.1%. "It is not 100% but it is getting better," stated Director of Schools Rick Kriesky. To help with students who do not have enough credits to graduate and help prevent them from dropping out, the High School offers 'Credit Recovery'. Out of 9 students who lacked enough credits to graduate last year, 8 were able to receive enough credits through the program. There are currently 17 students who lack the credits to graduate this year and 18 students who may not have enough credits to graduate next year. "The courses are not easy and the student has to work, it is not a slide through course," explained Kriesky.

Kriesky will continue to work on the renegotiations on the 2 years remaining on the Coca Cola contract. He reported to board members Thursday night that due to healthier policies in the schools Coke is not allowed in the vending machines. In the new negotiations HCHS would receive $4,000, Harrelson, Henry, Lakewood and Grove will receive $2,500 and 2 payments of $8,000 would be made annually to the school district while all the score boards will remain the property of the school system with Coca Cola providing up keep until the end of the 2008-09 school year.

A partial list of surplus items were approved by the board. More items will be declared surplus and added next month. Among those items on the surplus list were 5 school buses. The sixth bus will go to the Ag and English Department who want to convert it into a bio-fuel using bus. The two departments are currently working on a grant for the Service Learning project.

Approved by the board was a set of rules for school supported organizations and their financial accountability. The regulations are now state law and must be implemented by July of 2008. The board also set a limit on the number of non-profit fund raisers that school organizations may have a year, such as Helping Hands, Round Up, etc.

Service Learning continues to expand with more projects. "6 weeks into the school year and it has become an instructional tool in all the schools," stated Dawn Poole, coordinator of Service learning. Service learning is designed to provide students with real life experience in helping out in the community.

Dr. Mike Dunkerson was reappointed as chairman of the board Thursday night and Don Williams will remain Vice Chair. Also honored was Board member Gerald Young for his years as a teacher, foot ball coach and school board member. Young and his wife Tonya will be moving to Mississippi to be near the rest of their family. "In my 21 years on the school board I am very proud of the facilities we now have."

Parent teacher conferences will be held in all schools in the Henry County School System Friday, Sept. 21. The High School and Grove will hold conferences beginning at 12 noon until 6pm. Harrelson, Henry, Lakewood Elementary Schools and Lakewood Middle School from 1pm to 7pm. There will be no school for students.

The Paris Alcoholic Beverage Control Board approved two requests for beer permits at their meeting Thursday.

Approved was an off premise beer permit for Daily's at 2504 E. Wood St., currently Scot Market .

Also approved was a request for a class B beer permit for on and off premise consumption for El Chilar Mexican Restaurant II on East Wood St. The owner was at his other restaurant in Nashville and was represented by an employee who will be the manager of the establishment.

A stabbing was reported on Old Paris Murray Rd. to the Henry County Sheriff's Office. According to Investigator David Archie the wound was not life threatening and the victim was treated and released from Henry County Medical Center.

An investigation of the incident revealed that 2 seventeen year old juveniles and one adult were involved. Arrests are pending but the three will be charged with assault and reckless endangerment.

This week was declared Imagination Library Week in Tennessee by Gov. Phil Bredesen in order to generate greater awareness for the program that provides each child that is registered in the program an age appropriate hard cover book free of charge to the child each month from birth to age 5.

As part of the Imagination Library month the W.G. Rhea Public Library is selling 'leaves' that will be attached to the painted tree in the lobby of the library. Each leaf is $13.50, the cost of postage to mail the book to one child for a year. Although the books go to the children free the cost of postage is met locally by private donations and civic organizations such as the Henry County Literacy Council which meets the first Friday of every month at the Henry County Community Service Center on Jones Bend Rd.

The Imagination Library was created in 996 by Dolly Parton for her home town of Sevierville TN.

The Paris Henry County Public Utility District has hired 2 new employees to help with their new Inside

Piping Division. Doug Anstey is the installation Manager, who, according to General Manager Don Green, has years of experience, and Jeffery Jones as an installer. The Piping Division will be located in the building owned by the Gas Utility on Hastings St.

To go along with the Piping Division the Utility District's Board of Directors approved purchasing 2 trucks, one to be used as an installation truck to carry pipe and equipment and the second for a service truck to go to the job site.

Board members heard the good news that TVA had given their approval for piping to be put on their land along Hwy. 69A. "That should be completed in three months, that is what we are shooting for," stated Green.

The Gas board adopted a new vacation policy Tuesday. The original plan was adopted in 1976 but according to Green this is more formal and will be listed in the minutes of the meeting. Employees will receive one week of vacation after the 1st year of employment, 2 weeks after the 2nd year of employment and 3 weeks after 12 years of service. Green was also given the green light to develop an employees Policy and Procedures manual. In an update on budget billing Green said that the new service was going very well.

Federally mandated, the Natural Gas Utility will be running a public awareness campaign. The campaign will consist of a survey of customers and non-customers which could include questions about the smell of gas from a leak, where to dig and who to call if you hit a pipeline.

A Springville man was the victim of drowning at Paris Landing Marina over the weekend. David Hutson, 55, was last seen Friday evening. Witness stated they hear a splash but nothing else. His shoes and keys were found on the dock by his boat slip and the Henry County Rescue Squad along with volunteer divers cane to the scene. According to Sheriff's reports the body was recovered at 6am Monday morning. The incident was classified as an accidental drowning.

The Henry County School District held a rally in Patriot Stadium Monday morning to promote their new anti-bullying program that is designed to stop bullying in schools and school buses. Bullying has been known to cause sever consequences in school such as the Columbine tragedy.

Henry County schools will be using the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, one of the first school districts in the state to promote anti-bullying with a program designed to stop the aggression of bullies. The program, which is already being uses, consists of school wide elements, classroom elements, individual intervention plus community efforts.

Beverly Fridy, Assistant Principal of Harrelson Elementary was the MC for Monday's program which featured Rick Gauge, one of the most sought after youth communicators in the country who told students, "Declare war on bullies, alcohol and drugs. 10 thousand teens are buried every year due to alcohol related deaths. Now is the time to stop it." Also speaking of his experiences with alcohol and drug addiction was Rick Stanley , step brother of Elvis Presley.

Henry County High School Earl Kendall stated that he has had favorable comments about the program from students, including Maddline Lovett who was very positive about the program and its affect on students.

The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program will be presented to parents during Parent Teacher conferences on Friday Sept. 21. The program will also be offered to churches and other community organizations.

County Commissioners heard a presentation from representatives of Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. A center is located in Jackson TN and is currently doing a feasibility survey on establishing a center in Henry County. According to Pam Nash of Carl Perkins, they have been in Henry County for a year and a half with a part time service where they have served 110 children. The center needs $100,000 a year to operate and is funded by a yearly telethon, grants and private donations.

The commissioners also heard from Community Development Director Carl Holder who stated that requests for Tennessee River Resort Act money have become numerous. "In just 15 months there were many worthwhile requests for funding but we need a much more structured committee." Holder proposed having a uniform application for projects and events which would be analyzed for cost benefit to tourism as well as benefit to cultural and social happenings to promote 'Village of Paris, Paris Landing.

Commissioners approved a resolution that will establish a hotline for reporting information on criminal cases that include a reward if the tip leads to solving the case. Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew stated that he has $2500 in his budget for the phone line and reward money.

Also approved was the request for establishing the Office of Judicial Commissioner. It would be a joint effort with the city of Paris and Henry County. The commissioner would be available when needed and is expected to reduce over time for both Paris Police Department and Henry County Sheriff's office since officers would not have to come in on their days off to take care of official business.

Cool crisp weather greeted parade goers at Pioneer Day's in Henry on Saturday. This year's Grand Marshall was country performer Darren Warren and this year's Mr. and Mrs. Pioneer 2007 were William and Ella Milam. Pioneer Days 2007 was dedicated in loving memory to L.M. Lewis who passed away in July.

Breaking with tradition this year's parade route was changed and the activities were conducted at the Civic Center and Park area. Although attendance seemed to be down this year, those that came out enjoyed the cake walk, bingo, arts and crafts as well as music all day long. Perhaps the biggest draw was at High Noon when the crowd gathered around the dunking booth to wait, watch and possibly throw the pitch that would send Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew plunging into the cold water.

As if on cue the sun came out, the band started to play and another successful ' Noon on the Square' was underway Friday in downtown Paris. This week the large crowd was entertained by Jimmy Tubbs and the Baron's Horn Band.

Please join the Heritage Center for their Annual Membership Dinner on Tuesday, September 18. Thank you for your support of your local history museum, Paris-Henry County Heritage Center -- the local museum is located at 614 N. Poplar St. For more information phone: (731) 642-1030

Local musical talent gets a chance to 'strut their stuff' when the Paris Henry County Arts Council presents "Krider Idol." This is the SECOND Annual presentation of this very popular talent show, which will be held at the Krider Performing Arts Center in Paris on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m . Emcees for the show are magician and illusionist Justin Chandler and Candi Agee, Academy Coordinator at Henry County High School.

Last year showed the amazing amount of talent in Henry County, and the winner, Jade Johnson, won a musical and theater scholarship to the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Tickets are only $5.00 and are available at Henry County High School, the Arts Council office in City Hall in Paris, and at Noon On The Square on the Henry County Court House lawn each Friday from 12-1 p.m. during September.

All proceeds from the show will go to visual arts programs in the Paris and Henry County school systems. Corporate sponsors for "Krider Idol" are Holley Credit Union, Vicky Muzzall Tax Service, All Temp Heating and Cooling, Paris! Magazine, McKenzie Banking Company, Paris Post Intelligencer, and WENK/WTPR radio.

To be a contestant in "Krider Idol" or for more information, please contact Candi Agee at 642-5232, extension 2292, or Mary Lodge, Executive Director of the Arts Council, at 642-3955, or the Arts Council website at www.phcarts.com.

Project Graduation 2008 will once again be offering lunch at Friday's Noon on the Square. This week the menu is a quarter pound all beef hot dog with choice of slaw, chili, cooked peppers and onions or nacho cheese.

The Paris Municipal Regional Planning Commission approved a density change for the last lot located in the city limits of Paris on Lone Oak Rd. The density change will allow the owner to subdivide the portion of the lot from the existing house and sell the new lot that was created. Due to the commission approving the density change the request for a minor subdivision next to the lot at 2710 Lone Oak was also approved.

The final plat for Hamilton Estates was presented to the commission Thursday evening. The subdivision, located off of Patriot Ave. was disapproved due to not having a large enough cul-de-sac for emergency vehicles to turn around in and for lack of a detention pond for water run off because of the increased paving caused by the development. Developers were told that once these conditions were fixed a called meeting of the commission would be held for approval to be granted.

The final plat for Paris Place off of Patriot Ave. also presented the same problem as Hamilton Estates with no detention for excess run off.

Also approved by the commission was a minor division of a lot on Richland St. into 2 lots, a minor subdivision of property at the intersection of Patriot Ave. and Eiffel Tower Lane. The planning commission gave approval for a minor subdivision on Grandview Dr.

The City of Henry's Pioneer Day will be Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14 and 15.

The fun starts Friday evening at 7pm at the Henry County Horse and Saddle Club with a horse show and old fashion games.

On Saturday the parade starts at 10am with line up at Henry School beginning at 9am. This year's Grand Marshall will be Darren Warren.

The fun doesn't stop there. At High Noon Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew will be taking his chances in the Dunking Booth. Other activities include Bingo, a cake walk and Arts and Crafts.

The Women of Quinn Chapel AME Church will be selling Brown Bag BBQ meals and Fried Chicken meals Friday, September 14th. Starting at 10:30 am. The bbq meal is a pulled pork sandwich with chips, drink, and desert for $6.00 and the fried chicken sandwich with chips, drink, and desert for $5.00. This is a fundraiser for 'Women's Day' scheduled in October. If you would like to place an order, please email at wraty@cityofparistn.gov or call 641-1407

According to Ken Goddard, UT Henry County Extension Director, Army worms have been detected in pastures in Weakley County. Henry County farmers should be scouting for these destructive pests as well. They will devour forages as they move in massive numbers across the landscape.

Armyworm moths fly at night and lay hundreds of thousands of eggs on forage crops that are tender and actively growing such as pastures, lawns and newly seeded wheat fields. Following recent rains pasture grasses will be recovering from drought conditions and new shoots can be attacked by these larvae.

For control recommendations contact the UT County Extension office in your county.

In a local tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11th, 6 years ago today, Veteran's Drive was lined with American flags and Tennessee State flags.

A public hearing opened Tuesday's Puryear Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting for the 2nd and final reading of a pit bull and vicious dog ordinance. Citizens of Puryear as well as those from the county packed the city hall, most against the ordinance and some in favor. Although there have been no incidents of vicious dog or pit bull attacks in Puryear, Mayor Kenny Paschall called the ordinance "Pro-active, not reactive". City Attorney Beth Belew told the citizens, "This is not something that has just come up in the last month. Legislation has been passed in other cities."

The ordinance will go into affect Oct 11, 2007 and will require all pit bull and sub-species of pit bulls to bet be registered with the city, be contained in a pen with a concrete floor or a pen with a fence buried two feet deep to keep the animal from digging under the fence and getting out . The pen must have a roof on it as well. The ordinance was amended not to require a concrete floor due to complaints of heat by dog owners. If dogs are not kept in pens they will be required to be muzzled while on a chain in the owners back yard. Another component of the ordinance is requiring pit bull owners to carry liability insurance for $100,000. Pit bull owner and city resident Kathy Kemppainen told commissioners, "I was quoted $730 a year. I have 4 dogs, that is $200 in insurance per dog per .year." These dog are our babies," added Betty Thompson. Paschall told the dog owners that they have car insurance and insurance on their homes, they will have to get liability insurance for their dogs.

Others attending the meeting to support the dog owners such as the Henry County Humane Society, Breed Specific Legislation representative because they were not residents of Puryear. The ordinance passed unanimously.

In other business the Aldermen lifted the No Burn Ban and approved applications for Amanda and William Merrell to join the Puryear Volunteer Fire Department.

The Henry County Highway Commission voted at Monday's meeting to close 9 tenths of a mile of Cole Corner Rd. to accommodate Jimmy Tosh who owns land at the end of the road. The closure of the abandoned gravel road will prevent public use of the road way which leads to Tosh Farms. The matter was decided at length during August's board meeting.

The Henry County Budget Committee quickly covered their agenda Monday evening which included changes in the General Fund Budget. Money for repairs to vehicles in the Coroners budget were transferred and grant pass through monies for Carey Counseling's Shelter Plus Care were approved.

Also approved by the budget committee to be passed onto the County Commissioners for final approval were transfer of sufficient funds for payment of bond issues for the Highway Department and the Henry County School Board, which involved no new money. In an update on the new policy requiring purchase orders before purchases by county offices that went into effect July 1, Budget Director Pat Hollingsworth told the committee, "It has created more paperwork but the system is working," County Mayor Brent Greer added, "There are a lot more phone calls but that just proves that everyone is trying to comply."

The Henry County Planning Commission approved a final plat for Elkhorn Cove Subdivision located on Elkhorn Rd. by Caldwell Farms. The subdivision consists of 5 lots on 12 acres with a cul-de-sac and the residents must sign a 30 year covenant for subdivision restrictions.

"This will be an excellent subdivision and increase our tax base," stated County Mayor Brent Greer.

Also approved was a minor plat subdivision for Gerald Young although the commissioners did not like the form it was presented in. Earlier a minor plat subdivision was approved for Beecham turning one lot into 2.

The upcoming West Tennessee Youth Outdoor Jamboree (WTYOJ) will feature the first opportunity for the public to ride the Hoot Extreme Terrain Vehicle (ETV). The tenth annual WTYOJ will be held Saturday, September 15 at the Ag Pavilion on the University of Martin campus.

The Hoot is a 6-wheel drive, amphibious ETV made by Knox Outdoor Products (KOP) in Henry. Knox Outdoor Products will join 100 other vendors who will display and sell products. More than 2500 young people and their parents will enjoy calling and casting contests, an archery and clay target range, celebrity speakers, demonstrations, taxidermy, live animals, music and delicious food.

"Although the Hoot ETV is designed for adults, we love supporting the Youth Outdoor Jamboree. With our free Hoot ETV rides, we’re bringing something exciting for the moms and dads," said Andy Davis, president of KOP.

Admission is free for both parents and children. An adult must accompany children under 12. Hoot ETV riders must be 18 or older. Registration for the event starts at 7:00 a.m. with doors opening at 9:00 a.m. Children must be in line by 9:00 a.m. to be eligible for grand prizes. For more information call Dr. Carroll Slack at 731-514-1937 or Rob Sommerville at 731-466-8052. Sommerville may also be contact via email at twoww@ocol.net.

Adults who attend the West Tennessee Youth Outdoor Jamboree in Martin will have the opportunity to ride the Hoot ETV, made in Henry, TN.

The Court house lawn was full of people taking advantage of the first Noon On the Square Friday.

The featured band this week was "Branded County", a local group who kept the large crowd entertained and even caused some in the crowd to jump up and line dance to the toe tapping music. The audience was also a hungry one. 200 hamburgers were grilled which disappeared in a matter of minutes. According to Project Graduation workers, next week they will be serving Hot Dogs at Noon On The Square.

The Annual Arts and Craft Show sponsored by the Lakeway Kiwanis will be held at Paris Landing State Park Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7th and 8th from 10am to 5pm. Over 85 vendors are expected to display such items as jewelry, paintings, pottery and quilts. Many different types of foods, ranging from funnel cakes to hamburgers will be on sale as well.

2 on and off premises beer permits were issued at Thursday's Henry County Beer Board meeting. A beer permit was issued to the 'Breaker's' Marina in Buchanan. The 2nd permit was issued to State Line Cash & Carry, a convince store in Cottage Grove.

This Friday, Sept. 7th, marks the first Noon on the Square, sponsored by Commercial Bank. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the free music while you eat lunch available by purchasing a 'Square Meal, of a , hamburger, chips and dessert for only $5, sold by Project Graduation. Meals will be served starting at 10:30. After you have had lunch and enjoyed the music walk off lunch by going to the Grand Opening of Nicki Kenworthy's 'Endless Possibilities' on the west side of the Square.

Noon on he Square is an annual event that is held on every Friday in September.

This Saturday from 8am to2pm the Henry County High School Band will be having two car washes, one at NAPA Auto Parts on Mineral Wells Ave. and at East Wood Church of Christ. $5 gets your car washed all proceeds go to benefit the band as they work to pay for their planned trip to Chicago.

In an update of the Post Oak Bridge, the Paris City Commissioners discussed the cost of replacement of the bridge compared to the number of people that use it. "It would cost a half million dollars to replace it to state specifications which seem exorbitant," stated City Manager Carl Holder. He told commissioners that if it was not replaced to state specifications the state could come in and condemn it at a later date. The 40 to 50 foot bridge is only used by 4 or 5 houses. "To use that kind of money, I would vote against it," stated Commissioner Gayle Griffith. Commissioner Terry Fuller stated that it was the only street in that neighborhood that went through, that the rest were cul-de-sacs. "But it is unrealistic to spend that kind of money," he said. The commission voted not to replace the bridge but they will do landscaping to make the area look better.

The new Alarm ordinance passed on 1st reading. Presented by Paris Police Chief Tommy Cooper, the ordinance will include false fire alarm calls and a $25 registration fee for citizens. According to the Chief it will be the first of the year before it would be ready to implement.

In an economic development update Holder stated that although things had been slow for a while there were currently 4 business interested in locating in Paris and Henry County. No names were given but the business would employ 20, 40 and 75 to 100 people each.

The commissioners approved plans for the land left vacant by the demolition of the TVA building across from the Downtown Post Office. A plan to make it a parking lot and urban park that would look like an extension of the court house lawns will move forward. Linda Holder, Community Development Director explained that instead of a flat parking lot it would be heavily landscaped. "It would be environmentally friendly since it is on the main entrance to the city," stated Holder. The city will be applying for grants or the project.

The commissioners also consider changing the city elections to correspond with November elections. Some commissioners were in favor of the change since city voter turn out has been so low in recent elections while other commissioners were afraid that local issues would become lost to voters in the campaigns of Governor and Representatives. Commissioners made no decision on the matter at Thursday's meeting.

Approved on 1st reading was a change to fencing requirements in the Historical District.

In an update on state highway projects included news that under new guide lines a public hearing must be held for effected landowners along the acquired right of way on Hwy. 218.

Next month the commission will add an additional person to the Municipal Planning Commission by adding another person who is outside the city limits but within the planning region. Dan Veazey will join the planning commission. In other appointments George Todd was appointed to the American's With Disabilities Advisory Board.

Honored at Thursday's meeting was retired Paris Police Officer Jerry Pearson. He started working for the city as a patrolman in 1975 then was promoted to Corporal, Sergeant and then Lieutenant.

In the Sheriff's report for June, Sheriff Monte Belew reported that during the month of June an average of 176 prisoners were housed in the Henry County Correctional Facility per day. 64 of the prisoners were state prisoners generating $60,861 in revenue from the state of Tennessee to the Henry County General Fund.

The Inmate Commissary generated $2,490 in revenue and the Inmate Receivables generated $3,730 revenue to the General Fund for the month.

Sheriff's officers served 1,120 criminal and civil papers. 24 arrests and citations were issued for driving violations. 12 citizens were charged with DUI and 14 people were charged with revoked or suspended driver's licenses. 3 vehicles were seized due to drivers driving while intoxicated or on revoked driver's license.

The Metro Crime Unit and the Henry County Sheriff's Office made 37 drug arrests.

Deputy Cruisers traveled 51,890 miles while patrolling, transporting prisoners to state institutions and juveniles to detention facilities, answering citizens complaints, serving civil and criminal papers and performing other official functions.

915 business, schools and residences were checked during the month. One door was found open and that had been left open by the business owner by accident.

The Criminal Investigation Division opened 70 cases. 27 cases were suspended, 40 were closed and 19 were arrested.

Between June 23rd and Aug. 20th, 4,196 pounds of squash, 2,279 pounds of cabbage, 2,081 pounds of tomatoes, 292 pounds of beans and 59 pounds of okra were gathered from the inmate's garden at the jail.

One of the 11 fatalities reported over the holiday weekend was a 31 year old native of McKenzie man. Michael Cooper, son of McKenzie Chief of Police, Cooper was killed on Hwy 79 Sunday when his pick up truck was struck.

The Region’s Bank Annual Golf Classic, benefiting the Paris & Henry County Healthcare Foundation will be Saturday, September 15, at Future’s Golf Course in Puryear. The four person scramble will have a 8:30 a.m. shot gun start. Cost is $60 per person and includes greens, cart fees, and lunch. Red tees and mulligans will also be available. Cash prizes will be awarded. To register a team or for more information, contact Robin Hunter at 644-8296.

Those lazy, hazy days of summer came to an official close Monday, but not before many people got in a final boat ride or a last swim and even a Bar-B-Q at Paris Landing, creating enough memories of the overly hot and dry summer to see them thru the forecasted wet , snowy winter.

Governor Phil Bredesen and the Tennessee Historical Commission have announced grants to 23 communities that support the preservation of historical sites. One of those grants will go to the Robert E. Lee School Association who will receive $25,000 for the 4th and final phase of restoration at Lee School.

"Historical places are an important part of our states heritage and this program helps fund the programs of non-profit organizations, " stated Bredesen.

The grants come from federal funds that are allocated to Tennessee through the Department of the Interior under the National Historical Preservation Act. "This grant is outstanding news for our community," stated Senator Roy Herron.

"While this program supports many worthwhile preservation projects, we are especially grateful that Henry County will benefit," agreed Rep. Butch Borchert.

The Henry County Sheriff's Office, the Paris Police Department, along with the KY State Police and Calloway Co. law enforcement will be increase their coverage of roadways with extra manpower and random road blocks in the area. According to Chief Deputy Randy Gean of the Henry County Sheriff's Office ,"We will be checking for DUI's, reckless driver's and those who may be endangering others." The road blocks will continue thru the Holiday weekend.