WMUF/WLZK News
From News Director Tim Alsobrooks and Weekend News Director Micah Snow
Paris Commission hears of road bump in TVA Park project
The city of Paris board of commissioners met last night and learned that the TVA Park progress hit another small roadbump as TDOT rejected the low bidder on the construction of the park due to a formality. The project had to be rebid and scheduled bid opening is September 24th. City Manager Jack Tarkington said there is no change in the scope of work, but we’ve basically lost a month on the project. He did remind commissioners and the public that all monies involved in this TVA Park are grant funds, even the city’s initial match.
Tarkington had better news to report on the Community Development Block Grant for the Whiskey Ridge Sewer project. Bids were opened up earlier this week and Marbury Construction from Denmark, TN was the low bidder and was awarded the project. The company bid the project for around 238 thousand dollars, less than the 300 thousand dollar CDBG. The city will still have a slight match somewhere in the thirty thousand dollar range. Tarkington said that is much less than the anticipated one hundred thousand dollar match they were thinking they’d have.
Tarkington also reported to the commission the 218 bypass project is nearing completion for the highway 54 to 69 leg. The top coating of paving is being applied and the road should be open to traffic by the end of September.
More from last night’s Paris City Commission meeting saw the commission approve a request to purchase right of way on McClain Street. Terry Baggett presented a request to the city to acquire property as a platted street. The planning commission looked at the request and since the neighbourhood is an established neighbourhood further development of the street system in the particular area is not likely nor does it appear on the long range plans for the city of Paris, the recommended the city commission to quit claim the property.
It was also noted the family has been paying taxes on the property for a number of years. The commission voted in favour of quit claiming McClain street to Mr. Baggett.
Appointments to various boards were also made last night as Gayle Griffith, Danny Veazey, and Randy Scholes were reappointed to terms on the planning commission and John VanDyck was reappointed to a term on the Historic Zoning board.
TDOT halting lane closures for Labor Day weekend
The Tennessee Department of Transportation is halting all lane closures this Labor Day weekend as more than 600 thousand Tennesseans are expected to travel by car for the holiday. Starting at noon today thru Tuesday at 6am all construction crews will stop all lane closure activities. While lane closures will be halted, construction crews will still be on some sites, especially in Memphis at the I-40 Bridge seismic retrofit project.
The summer travel season is expected to close this weekend as 10 percent more are expected to travel this year compared to Labor Day of 2009. For up to date travel information, motorists can always call 5-1-1 from any land line or cell phone. Driver’s can also look at the virtual maps on tn.gov, following the links to the smartway cameras.
Texas man charged with aggravated assault
A report at the Henry County Sheriff’s office stated that Deputy Jamie Myrick responded to 187 Beach Drive to a disturbance and aggravated assault. Myrick spoke with the victim who stated that his ex girlfriend had come by questioning him about some property of hers that he still had. They talked and he walked her back out to the truck and that’s when the victim told the woman, Carolyn Devine not to come back.
At that time, the man with her in the truck pointed a small black handgun at the victim. He quickly grabbed the gun and wrestled with the man in the truck because he thought he was going to shoot him. The gun did discharge in the truck. The victim finally let go and ran back into the house. He explained to police they two left in a black dodge truck and gave a description of the man with the gun.
The report stated that Carolyn Devine and the man identified as Paul Baker came to the Sheriff’s office later in the evening and spoke with deputy Myrick. Myrick charged Paul Baker, of Texas, with aggravated assault and placed him on fifteen thousand dollar bond. Carolyn Marie Devine, of Maryland was charged with accessory after the fact.
Other arrests from Wednesday night include Marvin Long the 4th, age 28, of 9325 Highway 77 in Mansfield, for aggravated burglary and theft of property and James Everett Crosno, age 30, of 3516 Old McKenzie Highway for driving on a suspended license, lane control, violation of the registration law, and violation of the financial responsibility law.
Quarterback Club to have a few extra Boston Butts Friday morning
The Henry County Quarterback Club will have some extra Boston Butts for thirty dollars. They only have a few extras available and it will be on a first come first serve basis. The sale starts behind Patriot Stadium in the reserved parking lot at 10am on Friday.
Henry County looks to get healthy
Henry County citizens are encouraged to participate in the Healthy Henry County Family Fitness Fun Day next Saturday September 11th and the Mayor’s Challenge which will run until November. The Family Fitness Fun Day will be held on the 11th at 2pm at KPAC and the Paris Civic Center. There will be inflatable’s for the kids, motivational speakers, giveaways, educational and health booths, exercise classes, and free healthy snacks and screenings.
Screenings offered at the family fitness fun day include blood pressure checks, blood glucose, height, weight, BMI, and cholesterol. All participants will receive a packet of materials including a weekly family fitness goal form to help each member of the family participate in the Mayor’s Challenge.
The Mayor’s Challenge is from the city and county mayor who both urge Henry County to get moving and work towards a healthier lifestyle. The Mayor’s Challenge is an 8 week commitment and routine to healthier eating and exercise that will culminate Saturday November 13th at 2pm with the 5K Turkey Trot.
Coordinated School Health released some staggering statistics about the health of Henry County. Henry County is currently ranked 79th healthiest out of 95 counties, and ranked 90th out of 95 for heat disease, and 82nd for cancer.
The study also showed that 17% of Henry County School System students in grades Pre-K thru 9th are at risk for being overweight, while 26% already are overweight. Students times in the one mile run also seem to be below the average in Henry County as well.
Citizens interested in the Mayor’s Challenge should attend the Family Fitness fun day on September 11th. For more information call the Medical Center’s Find Line at 644-3463. For more information on how to help your children become more physically fit call coordinated school health at 644-3916.
Paris Triathlon Club competes in Mufreesboro
By: WMUF Contributor Tony Lawrence
The Paris Triathlon Club competed amongst 225 kids in Mufreesboro recently and fared very well. Paris had 10 children to compete.
Gage Ashby was 1st in the beginners group in the 11 yrs old group.
Cole Davis was 1st in the 9 yrs boys old group. Emma Hill was 1st in the 8 yrs girls(and 3rd overall) and Izzy Aurthers was 2nd in 8 yr olds girls.
Hunter Lawrence was 3rd in the 7 yrs old boys group.
7 - 10 yrs old swam 100 yds, bikes 2.5 miles and ran .5 mile, 11- 14yrs swam 200 yds, biked 5 miles and ran 1 mile.
left to right:
Steele Schoeberl, Hunter Lawrence, Tucker Jones, Cole Davis, Taylor Beth Nanney, Emma Hill, Izzy Aurthers.
Back row Ashley Martin, Tony Lawrence, Gage Ashby and Darby Fagan Tony Lawrence photos.
Members of team pose again for pictures.
Paris Tri Eiffelete cheer on Tucker Jones as he finished the run.
New elected officials sworn in at courthouse
By: WMUF Contributor Shannon McFarlin
Winners in the August Election sworn in Tuesday night. Top row: David Stone, Pam Martin, Mike Wilson, bottow row: Brent Greer, Donna Craig, Monte Belew. Shannon McFarlin Photo.
Before a packed courtroom at the Henry County Courthouse, the new and
current county officials were sworn in at a ceremony Tuesday evening.
"This is an important day for the future of Henry County for the next
four years," County Mayor Brent Greer told the crowd.
New officials taking the oath were Circuit Court Clerk Mike Wilson,
County Clerk Donna Craig, and Register of Deeds Pam Martin. New county
commissioners Wes Bradley, Kreg Kyle and Marty Visser also were sworn
in.
Before swearing in Wilson, Circuit Court Judge Donald Parish thanked
the county for its improvements to the courthouse and county court
facilities.
Current officials Sheriff Monte Belew and County Trustee David Stone
received the oath, as did the current county commissioners.
Greer asked the audience to recognize the achievements of retiring
officials Ron Myers (Circuit Court Clerk), Jerry Bomar (County Clerk),
and Alice Webb (Register of Deeds). "Combined, they have almost 100
years of service to this community," he said.
Newly elected County Commissioner Marty Viser, sworn in by Judge Snyder.
Kreg Kyle, who won his election bid for District 2 Commissioner is sworn in Tuesday night.
BPU ranks well among state's water and wastewater systems
The Paris board of public utilities board of directors met Tuesday afternoon and learned from General Manager John Etheridge that sales were very good in the electric department for the meters read in June and July. He said its been a pretty hot summer and sales reflect that and should be strong for the next couple of months. Etheridge told the board the BPU is paying more for power due to the wholesale rate increase, but they have managed to keep expenses in line and have a positive net income for the month.
Sales in the water department and wastewater department were down for the month, according to Etheridge. Sales were down 7% in the water department compared to last July, but he said they are in good shape with a positive net income. In the wastewater department, sales were down 15% from this time last July, but they basically broke even for the month. Some hauling and tippage fees for the sludge removal of the dewatering system increased the expenses.
The annual study performed comparing the rates of all water and wastewater systems in Tennessee were completed recently and the BPU compared well, even with recent rate increases. Etheridge reported that out of 285 water systems across the state, BPU ranked 54th in rates for usage of five thousand gallons, which is in the top 19%. In usage of 15 thousand gallons, the BPU ranked in the top 12% of water systems across the state.
In the wastewater department, BPU ranked 99th of 179 wastewater systems when the average usage is five thousand gallons. That is basically right on average with the state. In usage of 15 thousand gallons, the BPU ranked in the top third of wastewater systems.
In line with those hauling fees of sludge removal that drove up expenses in the wastewater department, General Manager of the BPU John Etheridge informed the board at Tuesday’s meeting that BPU has found that the purchase of a loader and dump truck would help save the BPU money in dealing with sludge removal and hauling. The payback on the two pieces of equipment would be around two years and the lifespan on the equipment is around ten years.
Etheridge said the driver cost on the dumptruck would be absorbed in the BPU’s own labor cost, meaning a current employee would haul off the sludge. Over the course of the ten year life span of the dumptruck and loader, BPU would realize savings of two hundred and twenty five thousand dollars in hauling the sludge themselves.
Bryan Irby also explained to the board that the repairs and revamping of the industrial substation is set to be complete for the most part by late October or early November if the weather cooperates. Irby said they were waiting on the relay panels currently to continue the renovations at the Industrial Substation.
The board also learned that preliminary measures were underway for the Mineral Wells Avenue water main project, which is budgeted for this fiscal year. Supervisor of Water and Wastewater Terry Wimberly advised the board that he would likely bring them a proposal to hire the engineer’s at September’s board meeting and work will continue to progress from there.
Jaycee Fundraiser set for Friday
The Paris Henry County Jaycees is having a benefit luncheon this Friday from 10am to 2pm for Nathan and Mike Thomas. They will be selling Ribeye or Chicken Sandwiches, chips and drink for seven dollars. Delivery is available on orders of 5 or more. Money raised will go to the family to help offset medical expenses. Order deadline is Thursday by 4pm, call 641-9415 or 693-9086 for more information.
F.O.P. Flag football looking for teams
The 4th annual Fraternal Order of Police flag football shop with a cop fundraiser on Saturday November 6th at Memorial Park Soccer Field and teams are needed. All participants must be 18 years old and sign a waiver. For more information call Sgt. Dennis Vaughn at 642-1672.
