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Fires 9/30/08 Several Grass fires were reported in the past several days. One grass fire was on Hwy 77 at the Paris Driving Range was reported Sept. 28. The 5 acres were extinguished, but fire fighters had to return in the evening when the fire started up again. Another grass fire was reported on Deerfield Ln. where arson is suspected. Witness stated that they saw 2 males pour something on the ground and then take off running into near by woods just prior to the fire. Beer Board 9/30/08 The Paris Alcoholic Beverage Control Board approved several requests for beer permits at Monday's noon meeting. A beer permit for on and off premises consumption was approved for the Elk's Lodge. Jeff Seaton told the beer board that the Elks were looking at building a new lodge in the future and would then be bringing back the food service at the lodge. Tami Bradley of All Star Grill will be moving to a new location on Hwy .79 in the former 'Decades' location Opening date is set for Oct. 7. Wesley Price will be opening a new gas station/convince store , Murphy Express, on Mineral Wells. Still under constriction, a grand opening is targeted for Nov. 11. Arts 'Round the Square 9/29/08
A weekend of activities in Paris started on Friday with Noon on the Square and ended Sunday evening with a Concert in the Woods at the Paris Winery. One of the largest attractions this weekend was Arts Round the Square. "I t keeps getting bigger and better every year." That is how Mike Key of Leach's Music, President of the Downtown Paris Association described Arts 'Round the Square. Over 50 different booths displaying arts and craft, a food court, children's activities, civic and community information booths plus 2 stages with entertainment throughout the day were part of this years line up. The event covered over 4 square blocks of downtown Paris with one of the highlights a mule drawn carriage ride. "We have had no problems at all today ," stated Paris Police Officer Lieutenant Elizondo who was watching the crowd stroll the courthouse lawn. The event will be held at the same time net year for the 3 day period. Money Laundering & Drug Running 9/27/08
On August 18th Drug Task Force Officers initiated a traffic stop for a registration violation on a 2001 Chevy Impala with Mexican license plates on Interstate 40. Drug Task Force Officer Ricky Wade and K-9 partner Striker assisted in the stop. The stop resulted in the arrest of Mario Humberto Cruz Melcher, 26, and Ivan Rogelio Duarte Coronado for Drug Smuggling and Money Laundering. Seized during the arrests was $148,900.00 in cash and the Impala. The cash was wrapped in 14 separate packages and placed inside the gas tank of the car by way of a hidden opening in the rear seat of the vehicle. Although the actual arrest occurred n Aug 18 the information was held because the case remains and is still under investigation by the 24th Judicial Drug Task Force and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew stated, "This is another example of cooperative law enforcement efforts to combat drugs in Henry and surrounding counties." The cash seized will be used by the drug task force for drug programs.
Noon On the Square 9/27/08
The 4th Noon on the Square was a sunny breezy event Friday as a new band at the event Making their Noon on the Square début Friday was Lane Rye. Farmers Market 9/26/08
vendors at the fairgrounds Farmers Marker have okra, turnip greens and muscadines available tomorrow at the Farmers Market. Others are sure to have more delicious fall produce available. Please take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and visit the market and then swing by the downtown events. Paris and Henry County. HCMC 9/26/08 The Henry County medical Center board of trustees were informed by Medical Center Administrator Thomas Gee that they continue to try to negotiate a more reasonable rate of reimbursement for Tenncare patients by the 2 new West Tennessee managed care organizations. "We have made some progress with one and continue to attempt making concessions with the other." Gee added that they would be lucky to just break even due to the leverage that the 2 companies have. Physician recruitment for an OB/Gyn is at a stand still with the doctor that had been coming not able to convince her family to move to the area from Atlanta, Talks with an orthopedic and whose wife is a hospitalist are continuing. Talks with 4 candidates for permanent hospitalists have been held. The Medical Center will be obtaining a mobile scanner. The stationary MRIs are sometimes not wide enough for some larger patients and cause claustrophobia in some. 3 ER contract firms have been contacted to take over the current ER contract from Dr. Stephenson. A decision should be made by early Oct., so the company can be staffed and be in place by late January. Write offs for the month, including charity care were $990,000. Although the number of patients seen in the emergency room, surgeries and the number of patients was down over the summer the numbers seem to be rising this month, bringing the numbers back up to normal. Denisa Cate, HCMC Food Director has been named as National President -elect of the American Society for Healthcare Food Service professionals and Thomas Gee has been named as President -elect of the Tennessee Hospital Association. Downtown Fish 9/25/08 The Downtown Paris Association (DPA) has withdrawn its request to the County Courthouse Committee for a six-foot tall, whimsical catfish to be placed on the courthouse lawn. “The fish will still live downtown,” said Mike Key, president of the DPA. “He just won’t be at the courthouse.” The fish is being designed as a fun, photo opportunity to encourage tourists from the lake to visit downtown. “It’s a great tie-in with Paris Landing and with the Fish Fry,” said Key, “he just needs to be in a different location.” Master Gardener Class 9/25/08 The upcoming series of Master Gardener Classes will begin Thursday, September 25, 2008 with breaks during the holidays. There will be a new class to begin that night and continue for a series of 18 classes. Each class begins at 6:30 p.m. and is held at the UT Extension Henry County meeting room at 1120 Tyson Avenue. The last class is Feb. 19, 2009. The cost is reasonable at $65 per person or $90 for a couple sharing a source book. Each participant receives a Master Gardener Reference Manual that is a wealth of information . It is a part of the Master Gardener program as your class text and is filled with researched based information provided by the University of Tennessee and UT Extension. Participants also are encouraged to complete 40 hours of community service in addition to 40 hours of class time in order to receive the state master gardener certificate. Several tour opportunities are also afforded class members where they learn from other experienced gardeners. . Many featured speakers come to help with the class such as Dr. David Lockwood, UT Extension Specialist from Jackson and the creative Dr. Carol Reese, UT Extension Horticulturist also from Jackson. Both are noted speakers and recently I saw where Carol was speaking at Cheekwood in Nashville to their perennial group. Rehab
Week 9/25/08 Henry County Medical Center is keeping you healthy as they celebrate National Rehabilitation Awareness Week between September 21 and 27. The celebration first came into being in 1976 to recognize the power of rehabilitation and to educate people about therapy and how they can benefit from it. Rehabilitation Services consists of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. HCMC offers state-of-the-art rehabilitation services throughout the level of care the patient needs. HCMC Rehabilitation Services staff cares for patients while they are in the hospital and when they are ready for outpatient therapy. For those patients that need skilled inpatient services, we have Plumley Rehabilitation. Our Home Health therapy staff sees patients after their inpatient care or from a direct referral from the doctor if the patient is not able to come in as an outpatient. The Center for Wellness and Rehabilitation and the Home Health offices are located at 311 E. Wood Street in Paris. Plumley Rehabilitation/Henry County Healthcare Center is behind the hospital at 239 Hospital Circle. Pep Rally 9/25/08
THERE DOWNTOWN PARIS ASSOCIATION WILL SPONSOR THE HCHS
PATRIOT HOMECOMING PEP RALLY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH ON THE COURT HOUSE LAWN
AT 4:30 PM. COME OUT AND SUPPORT THE BIG RED
FOOTBALL TEAM BEFORE THE BIG GAME ON FRIDAY NIGHT.
BPU 9/24/08 The Paris Board of Public Utilities approve the purchase of 5 new vehicles at Tuesday's board meeting from Joe Mahan Ford. Bid requests had been sent to all major car dealers in the area with Mahan returning the lowest bids on all the vehicles. General Manager John Etheridge told board members that all the vehicles had been included in the budget and due to special incentive rebates for government entities, BPU was receiving a good price. Although high gas prices are also hitting BPU they do have enough gas on hand for 30 days and no need to buy a tanker of fuel. The TVA whole sale rate increase of 17% will go into effect Oct.1st but will be a pass thru increase to customers that the board had no choice but to approve. The electric department employees will be required to wear flame retardant work cloths as of Jan. 1st due to new federal regulations. Etheridge noted that the jeans, shirts and even T-shirts were expensive but were designed to withstand a set flash point, making the job safer for employees. Automated meter reading is scheduled to be up and going in November with a 3 week period to test and work out any bugs in the software. Electric usage was down by 3.35% from last year. Etheridge attributed the decrease to milder weather and better customer conserving efforts. . Robert E Lee School 9/23/08
A ribbon cutting ceremony in honor of the completion of the restoration of historic Robert E Lee school lunch room was held Monday morning. The restoration began in 2001 with Lee School and is now complete 7 years later with the restoration of the lunch room. A proclamation naming Sept 22 as Robert E Lee School Day was presented by the city and the county with Ray Harding giving those present in the packed building a brief overview of he different stages of the restoration. The lunch room will be available for civic club meetings, performances, weddings, receptions, parties, dinner dances and other events. The lunchroom will hold 145 with a stage and audio system plus a catering kitchen. For more information contact Lee Academy for the Arts at 642-3411. Pioneer Days 9/22/08
The streets of Henry were lined with dozens of citizens enjoying the annual Pioneer Day parade, which sponsored by the Henry Volunteer Fire Department, has been celebrated by the citizens of Henry since 1979. The parade featured this year's Grand Marshal Gordon McFadden, a native of the. The local business owner was a bus diver for Henry County School system, a Henry City Alderman Henry Constable as well as a deputy with Henry County Sheriff's Office. In honor of his 80th birthday Mayor Brent Greer proclaimed Jan 8 2005 as Gordon McFadden Day. He has also received the Loyal Patriot Award. Mr. and Mrs. Pioneer Larry and Kathy Jones. Larry has been on the Volunteer Fire Dept. for 26 yrs, an EMT and on the Henry County Rescue Squad . He is the Pastor of the Henry Baptist Church. Kathy is a member of the fire department's Lady's Auxiliary, organist at Henry Baptist Church and board member of W.G. Rhea Public Library . Noon on the Square 9/20/08
Friday was a fine day for the 3rd "Noon on the Square" , sponsored y Commercial Bank. The court house lawn was full and the sidewalks were jumping as spectators enjoyed the music provided by The Barons.
Festivals 9/20/08 There was “We’ll have more than a dozen performing artists on stage during ‘Eye Full’ of Paris – A Celebration of the Arts,” said Mike Key, president of the Downtown Paris Association (DPA), sponsor of the three-day event. “They’re all fantastic professionals, but we don’t expect the public to take our word for it, we expect them to check out the music online.” As traditional media outlets, chambers of commerce and other organizations have begun offering more information via the Internet, more festival goers have begun using online audio and video clips as decision-making tools. “We call it ‘word of net’ marketing,” said Susan Jones of Nellen/Jones Public Relations, a company that helps promote events in this thriving, historic downtown. “The Internet helps tourists and locals alike know what to expect from an event,” she explained. “If they like what they hear online, they email their friends with the link and so it begins.” Just because a
group’s music is online doesn’t always mean it’s easy to find, according
to Key. Of the four groups booked for the main stage on Saturday, September 27,
two have audio clips online. “One is easy to access,” said Key, “the other
is tricky.” Acoustic guitarist and singer Scott Myatt has his own site at
www.ScottMyatt.com, but the Jamaica Me Happy Steel Drum Band is somewhat buried
at www.utm.edu/departments/finearts/percussion/audio.htm (7th clip down). “We’re pushing all of our groups to
create quick, simple links to their music,” said Key. “No matter where a group’s tunes are located on the web, music links are a vital component of event publicity,” said Lisa Ciarrocchi of Paris Winery, host to one of ‘Eye Full’ of Paris’ events. Ciarrocchi was anxious about promoting the band she’d hired for the winery’s Sunday evening event. “With a name like ‘Dirt Pilgrims’ I wondered if I should just bill them as ‘live music,’ but after using their myspace.com/dirtpilgrims link on the winery’s web site and in the ‘Eye Full’ of Paris publicity, folks are getting excited about the band’s name and their music,” she said. “These clips go from one listener who emails them to a dozen friends who email them to another dozen. Pretty soon hundreds of people are traveling to Paris in anticipation of this band’s appearance. It’s wild.”
The Internet works especially well for rural areas
such as Paris where the big music scene of a nearby
metropolitan area is nonexistent. “We’re not a bedroom community. We’re
two hours from Nashville and Memphis,” said Jones, “but that doesn’t mean
performing artists don’t have followings here. Thanks to her myspace.com
clips, Nashville based pianist/vocalist Kayte Strong drew several hundred
newfound fans during her maiden voyage to Paris earlier in the year.
Strong, who performs Saturday evening, September 27 is described as “Carly
Simon meets Karen Carpenter meets Carole King,” said Jones, “but until you
hear that clip, it’s hard to understand how marvelous she is.” City Commission 9/19/08 The Paris City Commission had 2 items on the agenda for their special called meting Thursday evening, a park for the land where the old TVA building was located and fire fees for the newly annexed ESN 122 area. "This will be a very informal discussion," stated Paris Mayor David Travis, "just a preliminary meeting." The city manager Jack Tarkington explained that the land on the corner of Blythe and Market St. was the proposed site for what the mayor called the TVA Park Complex but one of the conditions of the grant that there must be 200 ft distance from a railroad crossing or cross bars and lights must be installed. The current estimated cost of cross bars is between $150,000 and $200,000. which would have to come from the city's 20 portion of the 80/20 matching grant. The federally funded grant could take up to 10 years to close. After discussion of how best to spend the $ 389,629.00 grant which included putting the green space closer to the courthouse to enhance that area and keep it from in front of McCartney's where the magic 200 ft line exists. because of the terms of the grant, rail road cross bars would be necessary if the park were located there and where Mr. Bowden of McCartney Produce Co. does not want it to be located due to the necessity of the cross bars on Fentress St. Downtown Paris Association President Mike Key, owner of Leach's Music, told the commissioners when asked what the DPA would like to see happen, stated "Currently the site looks like a bomb hit it, we would like to see something that will draw visitors to the downtown area, like a green space." The commission agreed to consider at least 2 options as presented to them by Vice Mayor Sam Tharp, #1 work with the federal government and used the portion of the land that is allowed by the grant and make the drop off area at the post office safer for traffic or option 2 allow city to pay for the crossing at 200 ft from the railroad crossing and still work with the post office to make parking and drop off safer. The second item on the agenda was the fire protection fees for the ESN 122 area. The $20 fee for fire protection would be based on the appraised value of the parcel of land at $20 where the lots are attached, even if the lot is unimproved. If the lots are not attached the they would be charged a fee based on the separate appraised value of each gingival lot. Currently there are around800 people who have not paid the subscription fee. The area in question has been served up until now, at no cost to the residents by Pairs City fire units who have answered 13 calls in the area since July. According to the mayor this system was adopted to provided a fair fee structure to all the citizens. Mushrooms 919/08 During the early morning hours of Wednesday, Sept. 17, the Henry County Sheriff's office responded to 450 Beach Dr. in Springville . Officers responded to a 911 call of an unresponsive person at the residence. Roy R. Giesler, 47, of Beach Drive was pronounced dead at the scene. While on the scene officers did observe a Psilocybin mushroom growing operation. Psilocybin mushrooms are an hallucinogenic Scheduled 1 controlled substance. The Henry County Sheriff's Office CID, the Metro Crime Unit and Paris PD responded to the scene and located mushrooms in various stages of the growth process. According to officers the growing of the mushrooms is very rare and a complex process. Officers on the scene were assisted by the TN Bureau of Investigation, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Chemists of the DEA sere also on the scene and assisted with the processing. A Haz Mat unit was called in due to health risks evolved in the growing of the mushrooms. The growing operation remains under investigation by local, state and federal authorities. Commissioner's Comments Hospital Radiology 9/18/08
My concern is that all the necessary
information has not been gathered and communicated to the County
Commissioners. There are commissioners on the Hospital Board who usually
care for the agenda of the Hospital and do a good job. With some
thing of this magnitude and importance as this radiology conflict, I feel that
all commissioners need all the facts to relay to their constituents when
called upon.
I think Dr. Compton stated
the bottom line well in his article in the Paris Post Intelligencer.
These doctors just really want the best care for their patients and a good
relationship with the hospital for doctors from out of town. Radiology
is such an important part of the decision of treatment needed that the results
need to be received in a timely manner. I feel that maybe the person who
addressed the Hospital Board did not correctly relay the feelings of the
doctors. What about wiping the slate clean and start the discussions
anew?
The patients
are too important not to come to an acceptable agreement and soon.
Connie McSwain
conniemcswain@bellsouth.net
Tanner 9/18/08
U.S. Rep.
John Tanner says energy legislation the House of Representatives passed Tuesday
is one of the broadest and most comprehensive efforts to wean the “What we are trying to do here is to move away from our dependence on foreign oil, and this bill goes a very long way,” Tanner said. “Everything is on the table. For example, we do more drilling, we do it now, and we open up the Strategic Reserve for the short term.” Among its key provisions to provide immediate energy relief and help ease the nation’s dependence on foreign oil, “The Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act”: · Permits the largest opening of offshore land for oil and gas development in our nation’s history. · Authorizes $18 billion in tax incentives for renewable energy production, biofuel development and improved energy efficiencies. · Utilizes oil from the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help meet short-term energy needs. · Taps into the potential 1.8 trillion barrels of oil in Western oil shale. · Helps spur new jobs in the “green collar” energy sector and the oil and gas industry. “When you put it all together, we have more domestic production, more effort into research into alternative energy sources that get us away from this over-dependence on foreign oil,” Tanner said. “I am hopeful the Senate will take it up sooner rather than later.” Tanner
represents the 8th Congressional district in West and Middle
Tennessee. He serves on the Iron Man 9/18/08
HERRON
SWIMS, BIKES, RUNS 140.6-MILE IRONMAN Legislators
often sit behind desks, pushing paper or voting buttons.
But that was not the case Labor Day weekend for State Senator Roy Herron
(D-Dresden). The 54-year-old Herron completed the Ford Ironman
Louisville, a Kentucky triathlon consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike
ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon. The senator completed the 140.6 mile event in 14
hours and 52 minutes. But it wasn’t the distance that bothered Herron
most. "Ninty-seven
degree heat is hard on an over-weight, under-trained, middle-aged country
boy," Herron laughed. "I am hoping for a cool day next time!"
It was Herron’s third Ironman in the last four years. The 2.4-mile swim
was in the Ohio River. The 112-mile bike ride began in downtown Louisville and
went through the hills of two other counties. The 26.2-mile run bridged over the
Ohio River, then returned and passed the University of Louisville and Churchill
Downs. According to event organizers, 2,439 people signed up, though only
1,768 finished within the 17-hour time limit.
Twenty-two countries were represented.
The American athletes were from 49 states and the District of Columbia.
Sixty-two were Tennesseans. Five rural West Tennesseans completed
the event. Herron’s training
teammate Jason Ladd of Newbern led the West Tennesseans and completed his second
Ironman. Another training friend,
Mark Waldron of Dyersburg, completed his first Ironman, as did Roni Carman of
Friendship and Bubba Holsinger of Jackson. Herron found the Ironman
Louisville competition plenty challenging.
The high of 97 degrees was reached just as Herron was starting his
marathon. He soon found
himself going slower and slower. But he made it.
Herron says he "cheated" and used "secret
weapons." "My bride of 21 years was on the course to give sweet
kisses -- and receive sweaty ones," he said. "All three of our sons
cheered me forward and two ran the toughest part of the marathon with me, which
helped enormously. I wouldn't want
to try one of these without our family." Why
in the world do such a thing? "A
few years ago, friends told me I was 'looking senatorial’-- they meant I
looked eight months pregnant. It
took a year to lose fifty pounds of fat. Gluttony's
still one of my sins, which is why I have to exercise." Exercise is
one thing – but doing a 140.6-mile Ironman is another.
Why does Herron go to that extreme? Some of us, he explained,
are weak and have to set goals. “I’m
one of those who has to have a goal in order to train and watch my weight.”
Herron also hopes that by doing something many consider extreme he can
help our youth. “It’s often
hard to get the attention of young people – I hope this encourages some of
them.” "Today’s children and teenagers are the most obese and
least fit generation in human history," Herron said. "If we think
health care costs are high now—and they are--wait until we get the gigantic
bills for the younger generation’s coming diabetes, heart disease, and other
obesity-related carnage. We've got to help them do differently.” Herron
is a legislative advocate for healthier Tennesseans.
As chair of the TennCare Oversight Committee, he fought to help families
afford health care and encourage prevention of disease.
As chair of the Select Committee on Children and Youth, he sought to
help children become healthier. Most recently, Herron worked with
Governor Phil Bredesen and sponsored legislation that created and fully funded
the nation’s first coordinated school health system. photo of Senator Herron with his twin sons, Rick (on the left) and John,
Step up 4 Kids 9/18/08
Northwest Tennessee Step up 4 Kids event was held at UTM.
Henry County was represented by:
Tammy Smith, Birds of Prey, Paris Landing State Park
Shelby Carpenter, singer from Paris
Step Up 4 Kids was a nationwide event to draw public
attention to issues affecting America's children: poverty, health care,
juvenile crime, early care and education, child abuse, and after-school
programs. For more information: www.everychildmatters.org
Parent/Teacher Conference 9/17/08
Parent/Teacher Conference for all
schools in the Henry County School System is scheduled for Friday, September
19.
Conferences will be held at Henry
County High School and E.W. Grove School starting at 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Conference will be held at Harrelson,
Henry, Lakewood Elementary Schools and Lakewood Middle School starting at
12:00 noon to 6:00 pm.
There will be No School for Students on
this day.
Gas Co. 9/17/08 The Paris Henry County Public Utility District General Manager Don Green told board members that MuniGas project, which the utility district has a 10 year rolling contract with to provide gas at a discount, had gas for sale at an 80 cent discount this month. PHCPUD offers gas at one of the lowest rates in the west Tennessee area. Green also reported that gas came down for a short time and gas was purchased for storage. That purchase brought gas in storage to 81% of capacity. Gas usage is down due to mild weather and customers conserving even though the number of customers is up from last year.
County Commission 9/17/08 At the request of several county commissioners Monday evening a work session will be scheduled to examine the costs of renovating Weston Hall. An estimated 1.8 million dollars would be needed to bring the building up to codes that would be acceptable for schools. The building was discussed as housing a possible museum, county archives and genealogy center. Storm Damage 9/16/08
Henry County Emergency Management
Wind Event - Remnants of Hurricane Ike
Sunday Sept 14, 2008
Henry County experience high winds on early
Sunday morning. Many local agencies were out responding to downed
trees and power lines. Several fires occurred around the county as a
result of arcing power lines and downed transformers. Agencies
involved in the response included:
Henry County Sheriffs Dept
Henry County Highway Dept.
Paris Police
Paris Fire
Paris Landing Fire
Henry County Rescue Squad
Board of Public Utilities
Agencies worked as
winds gusts of up to 40 mph downed
trees and power lines throughout Henry County. According to Richard
Edwards, BPU electric supervisor, many homes across the county were without
power during the day Sunday. As of 9AM this Monday morning BPU
estimates at least 300 homes remain without power. Henry County
Highway Dept worked throughout the day on Sunday removing trees from the
roadways.
Residents in the Jones Mill Community were
without power for several hours yesterday. Work will continue
today in the City of Paris ,Rabbit Creek Rd, Russwood Shores, Pine
Point areas of the county and
power should be back on by the end of day. BPU employees worked
throughout the day Sunday and into the night Sunday evening/early Monday.
Some crews were sent home early Monday morning to get rest
and will report back today at 1PM.
The City of Paris reported trees down as well
and power outages due to the high winds.
No major structural damage reported or
injuries as a result of the wind event.
County Commission 9/16/08 The Henry County Commission had a light agenda for their meeting Monday evening. For the 2nd year in a row the commission approved providing funds from TRRA money for a promotional program Retire Tennessee. The program is designed to market the Paris and Henry County area to retirees with several local entities sharing in the expense of advertisement, brochures and attending retiree recruitment shows. Commissioners also approved several committee appointments Monday evening. Connie McSwain was appointed to the committees that former Commissioner Randy Veazey had been on and new commissioner Paul Neal was appointed to the committees that Connie McSwain had been on prior to her election in her new district. Several budget transfers were approved by the commissioners including transfers in the County Trustees budget, the Solid Waste budget and the sheriff's office for the new POD 129 addition.
Burger Bash 9/16/08 McDonald's is sponsoring a "Burger Bash" for the local Quota Club tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 5-7 PM. A portion of all sales in those two hours will be donated to the Quota Club. If you are out and about, please stop in for your favorite treat. If you have gift certificates to buy, they are also included in sales total. Write in Deadline 9/15/08 Today, Sept 15th, is the last day to qualify as a write-in candidate for the upcoming November elections. There are open positions on the Cottage Grove Legislative Council, there are also commissioner slots on the Paris City Commission. The place of Puryear Mayor and City Recorder will be on the ballot as will a chase for the mayor of the City of Henry where past and present officials already qualified. Noon on the Square 9/13/08
You could not tell it was a steamy day in Paris by the crowds that came out for 'Noon On The Square'. Sponsored by Commercial Bank, this Friday's free concert featured the music of Lobo & Sheryl . The concert series will run through the first Friday in Oct. Project Graduation offers meals at the noon time even and drinks for donations to the Christmas Light fund are available from the Down Town Paris Association for a donation. Sept. 11 9/12/08
Citizens of Henry County gathered on the Courthouse lawn Thursday at noon to mark the anniversary of that fateful Sept 11, 2001. Prayers were said for those killed that day and the many blessings we enjoy as American Citizens were remembered by local church leaders in both song and speeches that coincided with communities across the state and the nation. Breakfast 9/12/08 The March of Dimes Breakfast with Babies is set for this Friday, Sept. 12 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Kitchen Table in Paris. Project Graduation 9/12/08
Public
Notice 9/12/08
PUBLIC
NOTICE TO
ALL RESIDENTS OF HENRY COUNTY PARIS
HOUSING CORPORATION PEDEN
HILL HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM WE'RE
LOOKING FOR TWO LUCKY FAMILIES WHO WANT
TO OWN THEIR OWN HOME The
Paris Housing Corporation is building two homes that will be for sale in the
Peden Hill neighborhood in the City of Paris. The homes have the following
characteristics: 1.
three bedroom, two bathroom 2.
1,200 square feet 3.
Built to energy star standards 4.
universal design (handicapped accessible if needed) 5.
affordable: sales price shall be based on applicant’s income. Persons
interested in purchasing the homes must be very low income (below 50% of median)
and be able to qualify for a permanent home mortgage from a list of local
participating banks. The corporation
will have a public meeting, September 15, at 6:00 PM at City Hall in Paris to
explain the program. Applications will be available at the public meeting and at
City Hall thereafter and are due Friday, October 3 at 3:00 PM. This
is a great opportunity for very low income households to purchase a quality
affordable home that is energy efficient. Sam
Tharpe Chairman
9/11 in Henry County 9/11/08 On September 11, 2008 our nation will pause to remember the greatest "wake-up" call in our generation, the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01. As part of Awakening America, a call is being issued for Christians across the nation to mark this significant day in our history with powerful prayer for America and the lost individuals of this country. In every one of the 3141 counties in the United States, during the noon lunch hour on September 11, Christians will unite around their county courthouse to cry out to God with focused prayer for their community, their lost friends and family, and for the spiritual condition of our nation. When: Thursday September 11, 2008, Noon Where: Henry County Courthouse Lawn Missing Person 9/11/08
Status on Missing person
Candice M. Thompson
White Female age 17 when reported missing
DOB Aug 30 1990
Blonde with blue eyes
5 foot six inches tall 200 lbs
nose and lip pierced
last seen wearing a red spaghetti strap shirt,
blue jean shorts and tennis shoes
The
Paris Police Department would like to update the report filed July 23 2008
about the missing child Candice M. Thompson. July 23, 2008 Tommy Thompson
reported to Officer Amanda Forrest that his 17 year old daughter left her
Mothers house on Dale St. Tuesday July 22 2008 at 11:00 AM and she has not
returned. Candice was reroute to a Doctors appointment but did not show up for
the appointment.
Today Sept. 10 2008 the female remains missing.
Candice M. Thompson turned 18 years old Aug. 30 2008. The Paris Police
Department continues the investigation into this
missing person.
Any one having information is encouraged to
call the Paris Police Dept. at 731-642-2424 or they may call our Crime
Tip line at 731-641-1411 with any information they may have about this case or
any other cases.
Lt. Tom Lankford
Paris Police Dept.
Criminal Investigation Division
731-642-2424
Road Closed 9/11/08
Foundry Hill road will be closed beginning slept. 11 for bridge repair. The location is .8 of a mile north of wyninger rd
and .7 of a mile so of Hartsfield. The above mentioned roads are
alternate routes- Road will reopen sept. 16 weather permitting-Osage Crossland
rd will be open today 3:30 p.m. Birds creek rd is open for traffic
Cottage Grove 9/11/08
The Cottage Grove Legislative Council had a light
Tuesday night with only one item on the agenda. The Council
voted to take $ 10,000.00 from the general fund balance fund
carry over from the 2008/2009 budget and put the money into
a C/D. leaving the carry over amount to $ 38,710.00
making the final budget $ 96,533.00.
So
far Machelle Operia is a write in candidate
for mayor and Horace Morton Jr. a write in canadate for
alderman. As of this date.
Write in candidates have until Sept. 15 to file.
Press Release 9/10/08 In a press release issued by Paris Vice Mayor Sam Tharpe on Monday evening Mr. Tharpe stated I" have served as Vice Mayor and as a city commissioner for 17 years. During those years I have chaired the Paris Housing Corporation for 13 years and served as a member of the Paris Board of Public Utilities. For 14 years I have served on the TN Municipal League board of directors, including a term as the organization's president. The League protects the interest of every City in the state of Tennessee. I continue to participate in the League's activities on the behalf of all of Tennessee Cities, always identifying with special needs for the city of Paris. Additionally I am in my 12th year of service on the Tennessee Municipal League Risk Management Pool Board of Directors, currently serving as Vice President. Also I served on the Tennessee Municipal League Bond Fund Board for a year. For these reasons and because I am devoted to the city and the community, I I desire to be the next mayor. I fully recognize and respect the fact that the selection of the mayor is the prerogative of the City Commission . However I also realize that in the past many citizens, while understanding the election process, have felt disenfranchised by what they perceive as an important decision being made out of the public view. For that reason I am publicly announcing my desire to be Mayor. While it is the commissions choice, I do believe we should encourage open and public dialoged on the issue. Furthermore I commit to my fellow commissioners and the citizens of Paris that if I am elected Mayor I will do everything within my power to ensure that the decision-making and operation of our city government is open and transparent to the public and that all members of the commission are fully and openly involved in the process of directing our government." " Puryear 9/10/08 Prior to the beginning of Puryear' Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday evening a public meeting to answer questions and hear comments on the rate increase for garbage disposal within the city limits of Puryear was held. There were no questions and no citizen comments from the few people who showed up for the meeting. The board received only one bid on garbage disposal, that from Barker Brothers . The price was up from the last contract going from 10 to $15. The resolution for the 5 year contract passed unanimously. The new rates will go into effect on Oct. 1. Henry 9/10/08 Henry
mayor and board of alderman met last night and city attorney David Hessing was
on hand to request the board to amend a resolution regarding their bond issue
taken out in January to help pay for the city sewer project. Hessing
explained that due to some miscommunication among rural development and other
agencies, the interest rate in the resolution should state not to exceed
4.25%, instead it currently states not to exceed 4.125%.
Money all stayed the seem this was just a housekeeping issue to
amend the resolution to change the interest rate to 4.25%. The
board also approved on second and final reading a resolution allowing the city
to adjust water bills one time per 12 month period for citizens who have had a
leak or who used excess water once during the summer to fill up their
residential swimming pool. Citizens
must fill out paperwork provided at city hall to request leak or swimming pool
adjustments on their water bills. The
board also approved a request from Public works
director Ed Bush to purchase a gas powered pressure washer and a set of tools
including a cordless drill. Bush
told the board these items are need to assist with upkeep for the sewer
system. The
city of
Parks Board 9/9/08 The Paris Parks and Recreation Board were informed at Monday's meeting that if all goes as planned the concession stands at McNeil Park should be open with electric and water working, by the weekend games. The park is used by adult and travel soccer teams. This weekends Kid Fest went great and according to Tony Lawrence 'everyone left happy.' The Disc Golf this weekend went very well although attendance numbers were down with crowds from Murray noticeably less. There were 36 holes on Saturday with only 18 holes on Sunday. A few changes were approved in the Henry County Basketball League. Since the league is a recreational league, designed to teach fairness and sportsmanship, all players must play 10 consecutive minutes to keep from embarrassing the child. Admission to games was set at 50 cents for children and adults $1.00. Higher prices will not be allowed for tournament games and games will be single elimination. Time outs will vary depending on the age group. Weight equipment at he Civic Center is on order and cardiovascular equipment is next which is being purchased with grant funds. A request from Ray Summers of the Henry County Youth Baseball was approved. According to Summers the league would like to use McNeil Park instead of Civitan Park because of the facilities. Paris Housing Corp. 9/9/08 The Paris Housing Corporation met Monday and approved action taken at their last meeting to provide at least 2 house for low income families. At Monday's meeting the board approved changes made to the corp. Policies and Procedures manual that eliminates the $40,000 to be borrowed. The amount was totally removed from the policies and procedures. Krider Idol 9/8/08 Calling all regional youth for a chance to 'strut their stuff' when the Paris Henry County Arts Council presents the Third Annual "Krider Idol." which will held at the Krider Performing Arts Center, 650 Volunteer Drive in Paris, Tennessee, on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Contestants ages must range from 13-18 (undergraduate). Individuals participating in Krider Idol 2008 must attend the mandatory audition on Saturday September 20th from 10am-12pm in Mrs. Minette Veazey's classroom at Paris Elementary School located at 650 Volunteer Drive in Paris, Tennessee. This year's Krider Idol First Place winner will receive $200 and the Second Place winner will receive $100. Past winners have won musical and theater scholarships to area universities. Each contestant must be prepared to perform two songs. As this is a family show, all music will be clean and free from profanity. The judges will be open to all styles of music. Each performance should last no longer then five minutes. There will be one round, and then the judges will eliminate contestants to the Top Five. The Top Five will then perform their next song in the second round. The judges will then pick the Top Two and they will receive prizes. Corporate sponsors for "Krider Idol" are Holley Credit Union, Vicky Muzzall Tax Service, All Temp Heating and Cooling, Paris! Magazine, JCI Custom Homes, WENK/WTPR and KF/KQ radio. For more information, please contact Shelby Carpenter (731)514-7201, Allin Montford (731)363-4667 or Mary Lodge, Executive Director of the Arts Council, at (731) 642-3955. Also visit our website at www.phcarts.com for updates and further information. Dr. Wood Honored 9/5/08
At Thursday's Paris City Commission, Dr. Thomas Wood was honored with a Length of Service Resolution. Dr. Wood is a member of the Industrial Development Board as well as a member of the Natural Gas Utility Board. The resolution said in part that where as the city of Paris has benefited immeasurably by the dedication of Dr. Wood and his contribution to the community and expressed its appreciation by presenting the doctor with a resolution from the City of Paris and the City Commission. Kids Fest 9/6/08 "We having a Disc Golf tournament Saturday and Sunday, explained Tony Lawrence of the Paris Parks and recreation. Saturday there are 2 rounds- registration form 8:00 - 9:00 AM, First round starts at 9:30 AM, second round starts at 1:00 PM . Sundays round starts at 9:00 AM. $30 for amateurs and watching is free. Saturday after Disc golf we are having our annual KIDS FEST from 3:00 - 6:00 PM Free inflatable games and Families for Paris Parks are selling T-shirts to raise money for new playground equipment.
POD 129 9/5/08
Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew along with deputies, the County Mayor Brent Greer, county Commissioners and guests were present Thursday afternoon for the opening of Pod 129 at the Henry County Correctional Facility . The new space will house 32 prisoners which will free up space in other portions of the jail allowing more space for state prisoners which generate money for Henry County. "we thank the Henry County Budget Committee and the Henry County Commissioners for the funds to finish this pod," stated Belew. Estimated to cost $874,000 the total project came in at $150,000 complete, with the help of inmate labor. The new facility provides approx. 59 square foot of open floor space per inmate. "We kept tax payers in mind and tried to save their money," explained the sheriff. In a short tour of the correctional facility guests viewed the medical room , video arraignment room and the GED room . The new state of the art facility with its stainless steel fixtures will be used to house minimum security prisoners, those serving weekends and those on work release. City Commission 9/5/08 The Paris City Commission reviewed several matters of old business at Thursday evening meeting including the TVA Enhancement grant that Paris received for $97,000. Commissioner Pete Lackey suggested the grant be used to enhance downtown parking A committee will be formed to discuss the use of the grant. After citizen complaints about the Post Oak Rd. area it was announced that due to a 2 week delay in receiving supplies the project would soon be completed and the drainage ditch would drain and landscaping would be completed to satisfy neighbors. City Manager Jack Tarkington told commissioners that there would be no problem meeting the targeted completion date for utilities in the newly annexed area of Nov 5th and the project was still within the budgeted amount. According to Jennifer Morris , director of Community Development, all of the deeds for the land on the new addition on Hwy 218 have been purchased. The sign ordinance was passed on second reading with no additional changes. In new business a review of revenues showed that Paris was above the state in revenue . The Policies and Procedures were adopted for the Housing Trust Fund Grant of $220,000. According to Vice Mayor Sam Tharpe the money will be used to build at least 2 homes in the Peden Hill area. The Parks board received a $55,000 grant that will be used at Memorial Park and Ogburn Park. Rezoning request along Hwy 79 and 641 was approved on 1st reading and a request for rezoning for the Tennessee Valley Community Church will be sent to the planning commission. Beer Board 9/5/08 The Paris Alcoholic Beverage Control Board approved a class A beer permit for off premises consumption at the Smoke Shop on E. Wood St. The owners, Kalpesh Patel, received a liquore licenses last month for the former Charlestons. Liquwe atore Work Session 9/4/08 During a work session held by the Henry County School Board Wednesday evening on how to finance the Grove School project several options were presented on how to pay for the project since the tax referendum that was to pay for it failed by 57 votes. A joint committee of school board members and county commissioners originally approved the $3.5 million project on the Grove Campus and will include selling Weston Hall for $250,000 to a community or government organization. The 3 options include financing with the school's Capital Projects funds. Option A finances the old debt and the new debt together plus an additional $210,000 annually and would extend the school debt by one year. Option B does not refund or refinance the existing Grove debt and an additional $117,000 annually to service the new debt and would pay100% of the interest through 2025 with he entire debt paid in full by 2026. Option C does not refund or refinance the existing Grove debt, an additional $150,000 annually would be needed with the new payment being 1/3 on principal and 2/3 on interest until the debt is paid in 2026 extending the existing debt one year. The board recommends selling Weston Hall for $250,000, use the $1 million on the project to reduce the financed amount to $2.5 million on the project. The $257,000 would be held for cost increases or cost over runs. The decision will be left up to the county commission when it meets in regular session for their September meeting. Road Closed 9/3/08
Birds Creek Road will be closed beginning 9/2/08
thru 9/8/08 .10 mile west of
whitlock road for bridge repair alternate route is Stewart road
Birds creek road will be closed beginning
9/2/08 thru 9/8/08 . 10 mile west of Whitlock road for bridge
repair alternate route is Stewart road.
DPA 9/3/08
Downtown Paris Association member Jim Kirk holds a drawing by Michael McElroy and a clay prototype from Gene Snowden of a new photo opportunity coming to downtown Paris. The fish are designed to "lure" visitors to downtown to take fun photos while shopping and dining in the area. Snowden, a local artist, has been engaged by the DPA to produce the first of several whimsical fish. The statues will be placed in and around downtown and will stand approximately six and a half feet tall. The group hopes to unveil the statue the last weekend in September at Arts Round the Square, during Eye Full of Paris - A Celebration of the Arts. Behind Kirk are several members of the DPA during their weekly meeting at Leach's Music. Photo courtesy of PARIS! magazine. Safety Saturday 9/2/08
Safety Saturday in September is a morning at your Library designated to help
teach citizens about fire safety, bicycle safety, basic first aid and how to
identify unlawful drugs. With the
help of your local Fire Department and the Paris Police Department, the Library
computers have been loaded with wonderful programs on fire safety and bicycle
safety. This program is a fun way
to learn and refresh yourself about these two safety concerns.
The main objectives of the fire program are for target audiences of
Pre-K, K-5, Young Adults, and seniors to recognize that fire death is a problem
in Tennessee and learn how they can prevent it from happening to them.
In 2002, Tennessee ranked second in incidence of fire deaths nationally
at a rate that is twice the national average. After
viewing the computer program, we hope to convince citizens that by installing
and maintaining smoke alarms, identifying and fixing fire dangers, developing a
home escape plan and knowing what to do if a fire should occur, the individuals
in the four age levels will be better protected from home fires.
The bike safety interactive CD provided by the Paris Police Department is
a virtual journey to increase the awareness of bicycle safety.
There are many more people riding bicycles today either for exercise,
recreation, or trying to save gas. Sometimes
we forget that bicycles have traffic laws and safety laws that need to be
followed which are just as important as any vehicle law.
The Sheriff’s Department has added a new addition to their education on
drugs curriculum. This addition is a traveling trailer exhibiting drug
information using visual aids. The
trailer and an officer will be present in the Library parking lot during this
program time. Everyone really needs
to see this.
The Fire Department and Police Department will also have representatives
available to answer questions.
Teachers are encouraged to visit and get some hands on fun.
Both computer programs can be shared with teachers and come with
instructional handbooks.
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