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By Jan Anderson
You can find out local weather conditions for Paris and Henry County by going to the ATTIC page. Looking for Work? Check the Job Search page- ********** New listings!!!!!************ Want to sell something? Looking to buy something? Use the ATTIC List it in the 'Attic Partner of the Month 1/7/09
Melissa
Carpenter, CNA on Third Tower, is Partner of the Month for January. Four others
are Star Partners in theStars of Excellence Program. The Star Partners are
Deborah Jackson, Imaging; Lisa Sykes, RN, CCU; Michelle Beecham, CNA, HCHC and
Dorothy Williams, CNA on Third Tower. Melissa
Carpenter bought clothes for a patient to wear upon leaving for the nursing home
and went to visit that patient several times after she was discharged. The
patient’s family calls Melissa a true angel. Deborah
Jackson received honors from a patient whose fears she quelled and whose test
was made comfortable by her actions. Lisa
Sykes was complimented by a family member for her amazing kindness, compassion
and helpfulness in ICU. Michelle
Beecham’s concern and assistance with the City of Paris Police Department was
notated in a letter from them to HCHC Administration. She stayed after her shift
to make sure a citizen was safe. She is truly an asset to our community, not
just HCHC. Dorothy
Williams, CNA for Third Tower, had a nomination signed by eight of her fellow
partners! Her work is meticulous and the essence of professionalism. If you would like to turn someone in for the Stars of Excellence program, write a letter or call the Find Line for more information on how to obtain a nomination form. Turn the nomination in to Administration before the first of each month. Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: http://www.hcmc-tn.org. Helping Hand 1/6/09 Monday was the first day of Helping Hand Radio Auction broadcast on WTPR AM 710. The day's total was $2442.00 Parks Board 1/6/09 The Paris Parks and Recreation Board met in Paris City Hall Monday afternoon where they covered a full agenda of items including creating a proposal to build a fishing pond in Johnson Park. The discussion included having it stocked by TWRA, possibly with trout. According to Tony Lawrence of Paris Parks and Recreation, such a pond has been made in McKenzie. The matter was tabled until the next parks board meeting when the board will be presented with facts and figures as to the cost. 3 more Soccer fields at McNeil Park should be ready for play by soccer season in September. B&G equipment has offered to donate the equipment to plow and level the fields. which will be located west of the access road. Construction on the fields will begin when the wet weather is over. The Pepsi score boards have been installed and are working. Lawrence reported that grants for new restrooms at Memorial Park and the Skateboard park have not yet been received although they have been approved. Until that time the restrooms have been sand blasted and painted and the skate board park, which will be less expensive to build, will be constructed first incase of budget cuts due to present economic conditions in the country. The number of Paris Henry County Youth basket ball teams was down from last hear. The season is almost over with a few remaining games and then the playoffs. The parks board will be bringing a recommendation before the City commission to have an ASA ball field named after John Burnett. They will also be asking to create a walking trail by Central Community Service Center. 4-H 1/5/09 The Mid-South Stocker Conference will be held February 24-25 at Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Cadiz, Kentucky. The theme for the 2009 conference is “Stocker Solutions for Challenging Times.” This is the fourth year for the conference, a partnership between the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension and UT Extension. The cost of production has nearly doubled the past couple of years and cattle producers are looking for management and marketing options that will aid them in being more efficient and maintaining profitability. Information presented at this conference will help stocker operators to explore new ideas for feeding and producing healthy cattle, and determining the place of stock ring in an ever changing cattle industry and in challenging times. On Tuesday, February 24, pre-conference tours will take attendees to the Scott Jolly Farm, Fox Creek Cattle Co/Sorrell Farms, King Livestock and King Livestock Express, and Tim Cato Farm. Each operation is successful in its own way in the stocking industry and is featured to showcase several different levels of involvement. At the conclusion of the tours, attendees can enjoy the 25-30 trade show vendors and a reception including a flat-iron steak meal. During the reception, the Tennessee and Kentucky Beef Councils will discuss the impact of the Beef Check-Off. On Wednesday, February 25, several program speakers will be featured discussing issues that impact the stocker and beef cattle industries. Featured speakers include Dr. Roy Burris, Dr. Dee Griffin, Mr. Nate Jaeger, Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, Dr. Michael Murphy and Dr. Walt Prevatt . For more information and to register online, go to http://www.midsouthstockerconference.org. You can also contact UT Extension at 642-2941 for a brochure and registration form. Heling Hands1/3/09
Saturday Jan 3rd is set up day for the 2009
Helping Had radio auction which begins on Monday, Jan 5 at 12:45 pm on
WTPR AM 710. A big crowd is
needed kickoff day .
2008 In Review 1/1/09 In memory of Lisa Hart
January gave us the Worlds Biggest Fish Fry Hostess Princess for 2008, Cortney Hailey. Paris welcomed new city manager Jack Tarkington with a reception at City Hall.
February saw Henry County Medical Center go ‘Live’ with patient information accessible in their rooms. Also a first at the medical center a patient became both a mother and a grandmother within the same hour while the sheriff’s office, the Paris Police Department and the Metro Crime Unit made dents in local drug activity. Sever weather struck Henry County in Feb. destroying mobile homes and blowing off roofs.
March came in like a lion with sever storm warnings for the county. The month also brought on the search for missing Rachel Conger. Over 175 volunteers searched the area for Rachel. Her husband was found later dead from a self-inflicted gunshot. Mary Kate Ridgeway took over the UT Extension Office from Ken Goddard who transferred to Knoxville. SkyKit, manufactures of lightweight aircraft moved their assembly facilities from Canada to Henry County while a free soup kitchen was opened on Thursday’s at Grove.
April provided sever weather and once again brought the World’s Biggest Fish Fry and its many celebrations to Paris as well as many dignitaries including the Gov, US Representative, State Representative, mayors and Alliance CEO Carl Holder. The county also received a check for $900,000. The federal money was for Business Development and job creation. 911 Dispatcher Mark Rudy received the Dispatcher of the Year award.
May was more than spring flowers with the community of Puryear celebrating its 99th birthday. Also honored by the city of Paris was Officer Jeremy Whitaker as the Officer of the Year.
In June the price of scrap metal soared and due to thefts a scrap metal registry was enacted. The Jr. Olympic Shotgun tournament was held at the Holly Fork Shooting Complex.
The summer days of July brought a big drug bust for the county. The annual Freedom Fest celebration in Cottage Grove was a success, aided by funds from the Tennessee River Resort Act fund.
August heat brought out county fair goers for the Fairest of the Fair, Snow Bird left the north pole and came to WG Rhea Public Library and the Paris Winery offered /concerts in the Woods’ Judge Vicki Snyder ushered in technology to the courtroom with on-line hearings to prevent prisoner escapes.
September was a busy month in Henry County. Arts on the Square drew visitors from the area and surrounding states, The Sheriff’s office busted a money laundering and drug gang who were smuggling drugs into the area in side hidden cavities in cars. Commercial Bank once again sponsored 'Noon on the Square'. The annual Pioneer Day in Henry was celebrated and a local ceremony was held to mark 9-11.
In October the Paris Henry County Chamber of Commerce held their annual banquet where Ray Harding was named ‘Man of the Year’. With Halloween falling on Friday the annual Spooktacular, sponsored by the Downtown Paris Association, was a big hit. The city of Henry sponsored a “Meet the Candidates” prior to the November elections and anyone interested in motorcycles came to town to view the bikes at the Boss Hoss Rally that stopped in downtown Paris.
November was election month, which included the Presidential race. Locally a majority of the races were won by incumbents. The community turned out to honor vets with a Veteran’s Parade and a ceremony at the courthouse. The kids of the community were out in force for the annual North Pole Family Fun Day, sponsored by the DPA. The county received a USDA Development grant and the local law enforcement made another major drug bust.
December was filled with holiday events including open houses.
Another major drug bust was made, Puryear had its annual tree lighting
community Christmax party sponsored by the Puryear Lions and the city of
Paris swore in their new mayor, Sam Tharpe. HCMC 12/31/08 All departments at Henry County Medical Center have been requested to cut their expenditures by 10% and expenses by 5%, according to Henry County Medical Center Administrator Thomas Gee. The board of Trustees were informed at Tuesday's meeting that the hospital needs to restrict charity services to HCMC's service area when ever possible which includes the counties of Henry, Stewart, Benton and Weakley . "Many of the southern hospitals have closed due to bad debt and charity cases that were outside their service area," stated Gee. Dr Compton told the board that the doctors were also feeling the pressure of treating more emergency room patients. There are also 'on call' issues for doctors as well. "Its more than we can handle, stated Compton. "its not a new issue, it is something we have been talking about for months." stated the general surgeon. The medical center continues to negotiate for higher rates of reimbursement from Blue Cross. According to Gee the lower rates are threatening their ability to care for those patients. Currently the hospital is in negotiations with Americhoice over 'low balling' rates for radiologist. They are in danger of losing all of the radiology services if the rates are not increased. Good news as far as the ER contract with Teamhealth where everything is on track for a smooth transition. Gee also stated that training on equipment continues with St. Thomas for the cath lab and recruitment of an additional doctor for the hospitalis program has been recruited. BPU 12/31/08 The first of the new year will see a few changes in policy at the Paris Board of Public Utilities . As of Jan 1 BPU will no longer dig the trench from the electric pole to the house but will leave that and the cost up to the contractor or homeowner. "This will save us labor costs and prolong the life of the back hoe," explained General Manager John Etheridge. The change in policy will reduce the cost to the individual by $200. The underground service policy will go into effect July 1, 2009. The utility will also change their policy on selling surplus equipment. No longer will an auction be held, instead sealed bids on the equipment will be accepted. The hope is to increase the amount received for the items as well as more participation. Currently 5 trucks, a utility truck bed, a generator and a heating /cooling unit are among the items approved as surplus Tuesday afternoon. Also approved was a change in the months for the wastewater sewer cap charges. The cap will now include the month of October. and omit April. "This will be fairer," explained Etheridge. BPU considered several options to repair the # 1 well that is located on Blythe St. The well is only 2 years old but unlike most wells that last for 10 years or more this one has extensive corrosion causing the amount of water that it can pump over the last few months. The board approved having a submersible pump installed. The new pump will be installed by Layne Central out of Memphis at a cost of $39,725. Electronic meter reading is going along with no hitches and about 40% of the fiber optics has been run, beginning with the north and eastern parts of the county and should be complete by May. All 3 departments at BPU, electric, water and wastewater, reported less usage and a lower sales in kilowatt hours. Costs for electric to TVA over last year were up which TVA passed on to the customers.
County Emergency Food & Shelter Committee 12/30/08 The Henry County Emergency Food and Shelter Committee met to review expenditures and discuss who would be designated as plan administrator. Currently Ms Ollie Lewis of the Northwest Tennessee Economic Development Council fulfills those duties but she informed the county that if any more agencies were added she would need more administrative help. The Family Resource Center, Damascus Road Homeless Shelter and Freedom Outpost Ministries also receive money from the federally funded program that provides help to those in need of funds for rent or utilities. Applications to receive funds are open to any non-profit 501c3 organization. County Mayor Brent Greer informed the committee that "the funding for this year had increased and the need to keep good documentation of expenditures is essential," with all records going to Dresden. The committee voted to limit the number of organizations to the present 4 in order to keep administrative costs at a minim and make it easier to be sure that agencies or applicants weren't, as Greer put it, "double dipping. The county will receive $27,589 this year, up by $552 from last year. The amount of funding is based on a formula that includes such things as county population and unemployment rate.
Christmas Gift 12/29/08 What a great Christmas gift! When Glenda and Bill Hudson’s Labrador retriever had a large litter of puppies, Gloria Madison realized one of those puppies would make the perfect resident at Henry County Healthcare Center. Gloria has been bringing her dogs to HCHC for many years. It is a well known fact that pets help people feel happy and connected to their world better than just about anything imaginable. Plus, there are tremendous health benefits to having a pet. Ellie, the Labrador, now lives at HCHC and is in the training process of becoming a pet therapy dog. The professional trainers are Shawn and Michelle Hilton, owners of Boardwalk, a boarding and grooming business for animals. Since Gloria Madison has been doing this service for some time, she will have most of the hands-on classes and trainings with the new lab. “A lot of the work will be done by the staff at HCHC,” Madison said. “They are ready to start and they love having Ellie around already. They take turns taking Ellie for walks, feeding and getting her to bed.” “We already have clothes that we put on Ellie,” said Bettie Taylor, long time nurse at HCHC. “She is a very special and loving puppy and I just know she will be a huge benefit to HCHC and the residents and patients here.” Healthcare centers across the US have proven the value of pets as residents. “We have not seen one resident yet who did not like Ellie,” said Tim Lee, Activities Coordinator at HCHC. “Nobody is afraid of her and they all request her to come and see them.” “Our goal is to have her off leash and free to join any resident when and where she is needed,” said Sandra Ray, Administrator of HCHC. “She is not allowed in the dining room at meal time, but other than that, she is around to meet the needs of everyone at HCHC.” Shawn Hilton, trainer and animal groomer for Boardwalk Grooming and Boarding said that it will be an ongoing process to train Ellie among staff, Ms. Madison and Ellie.
“They will
use positive reinforcement at all times and they will always continue the
process,” he said. Stop by and see Ellie any time you are near
Henry County Healthcare Center and watch the smiles on the faces of staff and
residents! New
Year's Eve 12/27/08 Make
plans now to ring in 2009 with a special New Year’s Eve dinner at one of six
Tennessee State Parks restaurants. Four state park inns also are offering
special room packages for the holiday.
New
Year’s Eve dinners will be served Dec. 31 at Cumberland Mountain, Fall Creek
Falls, Henry Horton, Montgomery Bell, Paris Landing and Pickwick Landing State
Parks. This special dinner will include a variety of entrees, dessert and
non-alcoholic sparkling beverages. Seating times will vary by park, and
reservations are encouraged. In
addition, the park inns at Fall Creek Falls, Montgomery Bell, Paris Landing and
Pickwick Landing State Parks are offering special room packages for the holiday.
Restaurants
offering New Year’s Day brunch as an additional holiday dining option are Fall
Creek Falls, Montgomery Bell, Paris Landing and Pickwick Landing State Parks. For
inn or meal reservations or for additional information, please contact the
individual park directly at these locations: §
Cumberland Mountain State Park – (931)
484-7186 §
Fall Creek Falls State Park –
(800) 250-8610 §
Henry Horton State Park – (800)
250-8612 §
Montgomery Bell State Park –
(800) 250-8613 §
Paris Landing State Park – (800)
250-8614 §
Pickwick Landing State Park
– (800) 250-8615 Tennessee's
53 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for
individuals, families, or business and professional groups.
State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole
championship golf courses. For a
free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call 1-888-867-2757. For additional
information, visit the Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.
Flooding 12/25/o8 After an extended period lacking significant rainfall, Henry County received several inches of rain this week and local law enforcement are reporting flooding in both the city and the county including India Rd. Washington St., Holly Fork Rd., Lampkins Rd., Hwy 69S and Scenic Hills. When in doubt, do not attempt to cross moving water on roadways.
Thank You 12/25/08
The
Paris-Henry County Jaycees would like to take this opportunity to once again
to
thank
the community for their support of our Annual Children’s Shopping Tour. We would like to thank the Paris Civic Center, the Paris-Henry County Rescue Squad, the
PSSD schools/counselors, and any volunteers that helped with the shopping. The support we received this year allowed us to take over 100 children shopping, so
once again thanks to everyone who helped us make a child’s Christmas special. Bless
each of you that contributed in some way to our event. The
Paris-Henry County Jaycees!
~DJ
Hrachovina, project chairman
Paris Henry County Jaycees Closed for Holidays 12/23/08 The Paris Henry County Heritage Center will close Tuesday, Dec 22nd and will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 6 @ 10:00 AM.. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Norma B. Steele, Director Paris-Henry County Heritage Center -- the local museum. 614 N. Poplar St. * P.O. Box 822 * Paris, TN 38242 Phone: (731) 642-1030 Fax: (731) 642-1096 Website: www.phchc.com "History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illuminates reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity." --Cicero
Fire Safety 12/23/08
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding Tennesseans with natural,
fresh-cut Christmas trees in their homes to take care to keep them in water, in
light of the fire risk posed when they are allowed to dry out.
“The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that there is an
estimated annual average of 210 home structure fires that begin with Christmas
trees,” says State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Leslie
A. Newman. “Properly maintaining a cut Christmas tree’s moisture content of
more than 100 percent by keeping it in water significantly reduces the chance
that its needles will dry out and pose a fire hazard.”
NFPA studies also have found that, on average, one of every nine Christmas tree
fires causes a fatality, compared with an average of one death per 75
non-confined home fires. Fires involving Christmas trees cause 94 percent of
those related fatalities when they spread beyond the room where the fire begins,
which is 49 percent of the time. “We’re in the midst of the
winter holiday season,” Newman says. “It’s imperative – amid the hustle
and bustle of holiday events – that residents remember to practice good fire
safety and make sure to never leave trees near heat sources, especially
dried-out trees.” Santa's Last Blast12/22/08 Down town Paris was full of bustling shoppers Friday evening as every on took advantage of the nice weather to talk one last time to Santa, enjoy the many activities organized by the Downtown Paris Association (DPA) and enjoy the sounds of the season as carolers went from store to store.
Paris Housing Corporation 12/20/08 The Paris Housing Corporation met this week
at a rescheduled meeting to review and select qualified applicants for a planned
housing development in Paris
with Tennessee Housing Development Agency funding, hopefully located on Sparks
and Yates Streets. To qualify for the housing, applicants must only have an
income of $20,000 a year and have a loan approval in place. 22 applications were received and one applicant meets the
qualifications. A second will be
chosen by the next meeting. A major problem now facing the corporation is
locating 2 suitable lots to purchase within the target area. The board plans to build 2, three-bedroom homes if lots can
be found that are suitable. A
corner lot at Yates and Sparks was once divided into 2 lots and would give each
lot 180 ft by 80 feet, which would be large enough to satisfy codes in the city
although the asking price for that particular piece of real-estate was
considered by board members to be too high. According to Paris Mayor Sam Tharpe, who is
a board member of he Housing Corporation is to find suitable home owners who
will take responsibility for the up keep of the home, pay the taxes and
insurance on the home which would put the properties back on the city’s tax
rolls. “This will also build
pride in ownership,” stated the Mayor. The board, on the advice of contractors
would like to begin construction on the 2 homes by January.
The THDA funds must be in use by January or the corporation will have to
file for an extension. The board did discuss considering a lease-purchase option.
Santa's Last Blast 12/19/80
TRRA 12/19/08 The
Tennessee River Resort Act Steering Committee approved a request from Team
Trails Bass Tournament for $15,000.
They would like to expand the tournament into KY Lake for Sept of 2009.
The tournament consists of approx. 25 local fishermen with the rest from
out of town. The
event is expected to draw 400 people and will offer a $5,000 boat as a
prize. Match
.Fishing was approved for $5000.
The tournament appears on the Out Door Channel.
There are 13 episodes that are aired twice.
The
Fair Association represented by Fair Board member Jerry Bomar updated the
committee on the new building at the county fair grounds.
Bomar stated that the new building was going to cost more than expected.
The 180x180 ft. building will have restrooms. An area for cooking fish
and can hopefully be particioned to allow more than one group to use it at a
time. He
explained that rental of the building was one way the Fair Board hoped to pay
for the construction.
As of now it is still the plan to have it up and usable by this coming
April’s Fish Fry. Bomb 12/18/08
At 9:12 PM Wed. night December
17th 2008 - members of the Paris Police Department along with Special Agent
Steve McClure of the State Fire Marshal's Office, Bomb and Arson Section
arrested a 15 year old juvenile at his home on Hartsfield Road for TCA
39-17-1302 A-1, prohibited weapon, a Class B Felony.
At 4:34 PM the Police
Department received a telephone call from the Mother of a 15 year old student
of the Henry County School System. The student told his Mother he had seen a
Grove 9th Grade Student on the grounds of the Henry County High School with
two bottles in his hand. The suspect student told a small group that he needed
a lighter to light these two devices and Blow them up out here.
Officers Eric Long and Adam
Prince responded, after interviewing the witness they went to the High School
and located the described devices. Officers secured the area and contacted
Sgt. Frey of the PPD Criminal Investigation Division.
The members of the School Board
and the High School principal were both on the scene and briefed on the
operation and assisted in maintaining safety in the area during the
investigation.
Agent McClure, Lt Lankford,
Sgt. Frey continued the investigation. The investigation lead to the arrest of
a white male Grove student, the juvenile was born 10-25-1993 and resides at
1020 Hartsfield Road. The Student was transported to the Henry County Sheriff
Office by Officer Smith. The Henry County Juvenile Officer ordered the suspect
- transported to be held in a secure facility until his court date on Monday
Dec. 22 2008.
The two devices were crude and
the extent of possible danger will not be determined until further testing is
conducted by Agent McClure. The area and the School are safe and there is no
further threat at this time.
The Police Department commends
the witness student for coming forward with information that may have saved
lives. We urge all students to reports any luscious activity or conduct to the
authorities as soon as possible for the safety of everyone.
Gas Co. 12/18/08 At This weeks meeting President of the Paris Henry County Public Utility District ,Terry Pierce, greeted the guest from the City of Paris, Mayor Tharpe who stated that he wanted to thank the Gas Utility for their work in meeting the needs of the County and wants all entities speaking of the City, BPU & PHCPUD to work closely together in serving the community. The manager of PHCPUD,, Don Green, thanked the mayor for his kind words. Green advised the board that the Utility saved $15,920.00 in discounted purchased gas last month thanks to the MuniGas project the Board implemented this past year. The Manager stated that he would like to give this discount and future discounts back to the customers in rate adjustments this next month and months thereafter and the Board approved to pass the discounts on to the Utility customers. The Manager informed the Board that the building next door was progressing well but after the rain this past month the roof had leaked on the building next door. The leak was temporally repaired but the roofer advised that the roof was in bad condition and would need major repair in the near future. The Board approved to seek bids for the repair of the roof. Green stated that he would like to have an Engineering Flow Model developed for the Gas System. This will insure that correct volumes and flow rates are achieved throughout the system as they continue to expand the Natural Gas System. After discussion, the Board approved the development of the flow model with the cost not to exceed $26,000.00. The Manager reported that the utility is currently looking at fire retardant no-max clothing for our Operations Personnel. " We plan to put together a PPK (Personal Protective Kit) for each employee that might be exposed to live gas. The Board approved the purchase of the PPK’s. The Board also approved the purchase two new trucks. One of the trucks will replace a service truck with 135,000 miles. Green has found a truck for $18,927.00 that will suit the purpose for this truck within the State of Tennessee Contract Bid and will not require to be bid. The other truck will replace is a 1990 Model 2 ton installation truck and will be bid in house through local dealerships per the utility specifications. The Board approved Company Holidays for the year 2009. Total gas in storage as of November 30, 2008 was 201,178 MCF and capacity is at 83%. Gas sales for November 2008 were as follows: Residential & Commercial 28,831 MCF Industrial 22,125 MCF Total
Gas Sales
50,956 MCF
Customers
6,067 The next meeting
is scheduled for January 20, 2009 at 12:00 noon. Beta Induction 12/17/08
Pictured are are members of Grove's Beta
Club during their recent Induction ceremony. T\According to Ms
Dawn Poole of Henry County High School the cans on the stage are part of a
food drive celebrating the 12 days of Christmas. On the 17th of this
month, Beta will lead a celebration for Grove Gives Back Day. The food
will be presented to the food bank as part of the celebration.
Ice Storm 12/16/08 Henry County Medical Center warns patients and visitors to avoid getting out in the weather unless medically necessary or an emergency due to the ice storm that swept the region over the evening. Stan Seay, Director of Plant Operations, stated that the roads are bad and parking lots are as well and unless it is an emergency, please do not come to HCMC to visit. Closed 12/16/08 The Paris-Henry County Heritage Center is closed today. The parking lot and walkways are very dangerous and we would not want anyone to get hurt. Stay safe. Norma B. Steele, Director Paris-Henry County Heritage Center -- the local museum 614 N. Poplar St. * P.O. Box 822 * Paris, TN 38242 Phone: (731) 642-1030 Fax: (731) 642-1096 Website: www.phchc.com "History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illuminates reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity." --Cicero County Commission 12/16/08
The Henry County Commission met Monday evening despite the impending
winter weather but a proclamation honoring the Henry County High School Patriots
football team during this week, which was designated as ’Red Pride Week’ ,
was postponed until next month’s meeting.
According to County Mayor Brent Greer the reading of the resolution in
their honor was postponed so
that none of the young men would venture out in the predicted bad weather.
In other business the commissioners approved 3 budget amendments, one of
which will provide medical care, by the Henry County Medical Center, to county
inmates at a comparable rate as medicare. The
second budget amendment provides funds for law enforcement equipment while
reducing the gasoline account. After
an 8 for and 6 apposed votes, commissioners approved a budget transfer for the
general-purpose school fund involving building construction costs. Special recognition was given to Sheriff’s Office employees at the commission meeting. Recognized were Haley Ramos, Phil Vankee, Jamie Myrick, Investigator Doyle, Pam Wallace, and Ricky Wade with the 24th Judicial Drug Task Force and K-9 partner Striker, who was not present. Also recognized was Constable Krezinske for his many volunteer hours with he Sheriff’s Reserve Force. Dictionaries 12/15/08
The Henry County Medical Center and AT&T
Telephone Pioneers, a civic organation OF CURRENT AND RETIRED at&t
EMPLOYEES, donated dictionaries to every third grader in Henry County.
The dictionaries not only feature words, but have information such as the
constitution, weights and measures, and sign language.
Also is the longest word in the English language.
Pictured is Ms. Young’s Class at Lakewood Elementary School saying
thank you! healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of
Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other
facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as
well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and
operated nonprofit institution. For more information: http://www.hcmc-tn.org.
Christmas Parade 12/13/08
The cold winter temperatures didn't stop the many Christmas lovers in Paris from lining the streets of downtown Paris to watch the 2nd Annual Holly Jolly Christmas parade Friday evening. The parade , sponsored by the Paris Henry County JC, featured the Marching Patriots, youth groups, the Sheriff's new Motorcycle patrol and of course Santa and his elves. Many downtown merchants also extended their business hours to give local and out of town visitors an opportunity to Christmas shop. Christmas Promise 12/13/08 On the evening of December 14th @ 6:00 p.m. First Baptist Church of Paris will present “The Christmas Promise.” The presentation presents the story of Christmas through Scripture, familiar carols, new Christmas songs and will feature Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs, as well as an orchestra and award winning handbell ensemble, “Celebration”. Join us for this exciting event celebration of Christ’s birth! Angel Tree 12/12/08 Angel Tree gifts are to be returned by December 16th. Individuals may return their gifts to the barrel by the Angel Tree at Wal-Mart or Lowe's. For more information call 642-2938. School Board 12/12/08 Henry County Director of Schools Rick Kriesky told the Board of Education at Thursday evening' s meeting that Henry County and PSSD's school calendar were very similar and in talks with PSSD's Superintendent of Schools Mike Brown several options were considered. One of those options would be what is known as a 9-2 calendar where there are 9 weeks of school and 2 weeks off, followed by 9 weeks of school and another 2 weeks off and so on. "There would still be 180 days of school and school would only have to start perhaps 2 weeks earlier and last 2 weeks later," explained Kriesky. The board agreed to set up a 5 person committee from each school system to discuss such a calendar. One of the items to be considered is the likelihood of a time change in when the T-Cap tests are administered. The board approved an additional course to be offered at the high school. The course, Veterinarian Science would be offered for duel credit, High school and college credit. Textbooks will be provided by UT Martin and a high school and a UT professor would teach the class. The cost of the class would be $579.00 for the 3 hours of college credit . The addition of this course gives HCHS 3 duel classes, a math course and an English class are also duel credit classes. Two additions to the budget have given the school system extra money. One reimbursement is for $15,060 and the other is for $13,001, which will be used to put in a new phone system at Henry Elementary and for new computers in the foreign language lab at the high school. A report on the Alternative Learning Center, ALC School by Principal Poteet showed that the 6th through 9th grade school was down to 21 students from last year's 39 while 10 through 12 grade was up to 61 from last years 56. Poteet said that improvement in student's grades was a result of attending the Alternative school where the amount of interaction with other students is limited and distractions are few. Recognized by the board Tuesday were the football team Seniors and the coaching staff, who have broken many records and who have the highest grade point average of any football team in the school's history. Also recognized were the members of the Band Boosters who band director Mark Andrews called the best group of parents he has ever seen. Radio station WMUF was also recognized for all they do to promote the school and their activities. Henry 12/11/08 The
mayor and board of alderman for the city of
An
ordinance to raise the garbage rate by 5%
was passed on 1st reading - The increase is being passed on to the citizens
for the increase from Barker Brothers.
The residential bill for garbage pickup will go from $12.00 to $12.60
if the ordinance is passed on second reading. The
aldermen questioned how long the contract was for and according to
Mayor Joe Qualls he believed that they were in the middle of a five year
contract, with about three years left. Mayor
Qualls stated that the contract does allow Barker Brothers to increase rates
based on cost of living adjustment numbers handed down by the government.
If the board passes this on second reading in January, rate hikes would
take effect, February 1rst. Another
ordinance the board passed on first reading, deals with allowing court
costs from traffic violations to be kept in the city.
City Recorder Sonya Clayton told the board that she has recently taken a
class where it was stated that recent state legislation requires
cities to pass ordinances to allow police to enforce traffic violations,
other than speeding. Police Chief Mark Herndon said if a city doesn’t pass the ordinance, it would mean that officers who write tickets for traffic violations, would have to send the offender to county court, thus sending the money that would normally come to the city . Cottage Grove 12/11/08
The City of Cottage Grove met TuesdayDec.9,
and were told that work on the warning siren
is still in progress. They also received a letter of certification
of election with the results: Mayor Machell Operia,
aldermen: John Holcomb, Dorothy Miller & Horace Morton Jr. while the
interview process for city recorder continues. John Weiher III will
have chosen a qualified candidate and will let the
Mayor know who, in a week. Current City Recorder Paul Schueler has
agreed to work with the new Recorder for the next few months.
A motion made by Dorothy Miller and seconded by Horace Morton JR, was
made to appoint Sidney Pat McConkey as alderman to fill the vacant
position for the next four years.
Jerry Bomar (Henry county clerk) swore in the new Mayor and four alderman Tuesday for a 4year term. Dorothy Miller was named as Vice mayor. Court House Committee 12/10/08 The Henry County Courthouse Committee has selected a company to do an energy survey of all the county owned buildings. Three companies made presentations to the committee over the last few months and Tuesday the committee voted to recommend Ameresco, based in Nashville and Memphis, to the county commission for their consideration. "Each of the 3 companies are equally qualified," stated County Mayor Brent Greer. "There were no bad reports on any of them." The company selected, like the others, guarantees to provide lower energy usages and will pay the difference if the savings are not what was promised. Wyatt Glover of the Paris Board of Public Utilities will be a consultant to the county during the energy survey and installation of energy saving equipment. The courthouse, the courthouse annex, health department, Central Community Service Center, Highway Department, the technology center and the jail will all be part of the Energy Saving Survey. The survey will be done by Ameresco free of charge to the county as long as the county doesn't go with another company or do it themselves. According to Greer Carroll County, Gibson County Metro Nashville and much of KY have used the energy surveys to cut utility costs in their buildings. Open House 12/10/08
The W.G. Rhea Public Library hosted their annual Christmas Open House Tuesday. The event was attended by County Commissioners and the County Mayor as well as other citizens, Library Board members and Friends of the Library members. The Library is funded jointly by Henry County and the city of Paris. Current Library Director Connie McSwain stated that when she became Library Director, 8 years ago, there were only 30,000 materials in the library. "Now we have over 52,000 materials that can be read or checked out," explained McSwain. "and the large increase is due mainly to the Friends of the Library and their fund raising.". The library is bursting at the seams and needs more space to grow but there are no plans currently to build a new facility or enlarge the present library. The library is used by 250 to 350 patrons each day.
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