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TOP STORIES FOR
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2003
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Huntingdon, Paris Driver's License Centers Closed |
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By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com |
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Drivers licenses are no longer issued in Huntingdon, as a
result of budget cuts at the state level. The Tennessee
Department of Safety closed the part-time station as part
of the mandated nine percent reduction of the department
budget, according to Beth Womack, spokesman for the
Department of Safety.
A number of roving, part-time stations were closed while
others were updated to full-time stations. Closed is the
station in Huntingdon, located on E. Main Street and
operated on Tuesdays. Also closed were area stations in
the counties of Henry, Benton, Obion, and Stewart.
Area centers that are now considered full time include the
station in Weakley County (Dresden), Gibson County
(Trenton), and Madison County (Jackson). The Dresden
facility is located at 811 Morrow Road, Dresden, located
near the E.W. James Supermarket and in the rear of the
Farm Credit offices. Operating hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. Tuesday through Friday. A spokesman at the Dresden
center encouraged persons to arrive early and expect long
lines. Phone 364-5547 for more information. The Jackson
station is located at 100 Benchmark Circle and operates
Tuesday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Phone
423-6622 for more information. The Trenton station is
located at 1233 Manufacturers Row and operates Tuesday
through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Phone 855-7826 for
more information.
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Commissioners Apply for Solid Waste
Grant, Postpone Budget |
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By Linda Bolton
linda@mckenziebanner.com |
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A budget for the 2003-2004 fiscal
year will have to wait. Carroll
County Commissioners approved a
resolution Monday that will continue
the present 2002-2003 budget until
the new budget is approved. Budget
committee members are reviewing the
reductions in state-shared revenues
and a lower assessment on public
utilities coupled with a new
assessment on all real estate in
Carroll County before establishing a
new tax rate.
Without dissent, commissioners voted
to apply for a $790,227 grant to
construct a new solid
waste/recycling center. If approved,
the county will have to fund $87,803
as the local matching share.
Jeff Heyduck, director of the
county's solid waste program, said
the new center would be constructed
at the county's fuel depot, north of
Huntingdon along State Route 22. The
location is more accessible to the
majority of the county's population
and will eliminate 110 miles driven
daily by the department's trucks.
Those miles are logged between the
Huntingdon bypass and the present
recycling center, located in the
former Cannon School building on
State Route 77. The new facility
will also house the business office
of the solid waste, now located in
the County Office Complex on High
Street.
County Executive Kenny McBride said
the local match for the grant would
be similar in cost to the cost of
repairing the roof at the existing
building. Additionally, the new
building will have a
climate-controlled room for the
long-term storage of older paper
records from the courthouse and the
office complex.
In other business, the commission
approved budget amendments for
various departments.
McBride announced that Commissioner
Billy J. Smith was in the
Jackson-Madison County Hospital.
Smith had a slight heart attack and
was having stents inserted in his
blood vessels.
Notaries elected include Lynn F.
Paschall, Jr. and Cindy J. Holladay. |
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Hollands Outraged Over Election Ward Mishap |
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Still angry by what she interprets as mistreatment and
indifference by City officials during the recent
annexation of the Holland farm properties, upon which
three Holland families - Kermit and Nancy Holland, Jack
and Anna Holland, and Mike Laughery and Jill Holland -
reside, Nancy Holland stated she was shocked to discover
an apparent discrepancy between the ward in which City
Councilman James Knolton lives and the one he represents.
Mrs. Holland says she made the discovery after consulting
the County Election Commission's map in an effort to
determine which Ward the farm now falls under.
"I couldn't see specific streets or specific lines until I
went to (City Clerk) Dana (Deem)," she said, "Then I see
it; I see that and I know. I was in a state of shock; I
couldn't believe that could happen."
Mrs. Holland stated she was researching election wards and
regulations in anticipation of a member of the Holland
family possibly running for election next year.
"We're in the City now and we're going to take an active
part in it... Ward 4 will run next year. That's why we're
in a hurry; I'm hoping somebody in my family (will run for
election)," she stated.
Councilman Knolton, who says he thought he had cleared up
the issue after the conflicting records were disclosed
last year, as reported in the August 21, 2002 edition of
The McKenzie Banner, visited the Carroll County Election
Commission last week to determine once and for all to
which ward he is assigned.
"I have told them what I think, that you probably do live
in Ward 3 but were put in Ward 4," stated Election
Administrator Linda Radford. "I am perfectly willing to
say I made a mistake; I'm telling you that a mistake was
made and it was mine."
Mrs. Radford also stated the wards should have been
reapportioned following the last census.
Mrs. Holland says she believes Mr. Knolton "was in good
faith up to a point."
"I feel sure he was told it was alright," she said, "but
when he found it out he should have come forward... I
couldn't have done it; it is unethical, unprofessional,
immoral, it isn't right... It's just against anything I
believe about right and wrong. James Knolton should
resign; I know I would."
Mr. Knolton has declared he was properly certified for the
election and will not resign. Eight homes on Diamond Drive
that, according to the official City map, are in Ward 3,
were included in Ward 4 at the county level. Mr. Knolton,
his wife Nancy, and other families in the effected area
have been registered to vote in Ward 4 since the inception
of the ward system in McKenzie. Mr. Knolton was certified
as a candidate in Ward 4 by the Election Commission and
was elected in November 2000 to represent Ward 4 as a
member of the McKenzie City Council.
McKenzie Mayor Walter Winchester stated, "He was certified
by the voting commissioner as being eligible and they have
admitted they made a mistake." Because of the length of
time since the election took place and the fact that Mr.
Knolton is in office, he said, no changes will be made
unless a court orders differently.
Mayor Winchester further determined reapportionment of the
wards should have taken place in 2000 or 2001 during the
term of former Mayor Patty Edwards. "It didn't happen for
whatever reason and we're going to try and catch it up."
With the McKenzie Planning Commission in the process of
considering the annexation of several neighborhoods
outside the current city boundaries, he expects the
measure will be delayed to avoid the confusion that
redrawing the wards several times over the course of the
year might cause.
On Monday morning, Mrs. Holland delivered a prepared
statement to The McKenzie Banner which read as follows:
"There should be accountability and integrity by
individuals who make up the governing bodies that are
elected or appointed to serve the public. The city's
charter clearly states that six councilmen will be elected
and each will reside in a separate ward as defined by the
map and adopted by the city council. In the 2000 election,
the only candidate who lived in Ward 4 lost to a candidate
who lived in Ward 3. This discrepancy was discovered soon
after the election and could have been corrected by the
resignation of the candidate who won but did not live in
Ward 4. It was not and for the past three years
technically the citizens in Ward 4 have been taxed but
have had no representation on the council." |
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Carroll County Household Hazardous
Waste Day June 14
Collections at Carroll County Civic
Center |
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By Linda Bolton
linda@mckenziebanner.com |
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If the words "flammable,"
"corrosive," "toxic," or "reactive"
are listed on any of the items
stored in the garage or around the
home, now is the chance to dispose
of those unwanted items.
Carroll Countians are invited to
take advantage of a Household
Hazardous Waste Day at the Carroll
County Civic Center on Saturday,
June 14, 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Volunteers will be on hand to help
talk to people about their products
and assist in unloading.
Items that will be accepted include
oil and latex paints, old
medications, drain cleaners, old
batteries, household pesticides,
household herbicides, automotive
fluids, and cleaning fluids, said
Jeff Heyduck, Director of Solid
Waste and Recycling. Commercial
wastes will not be accepted.
"The event is held in Carroll County
every two years because of state
budget constrictions and because we
are a small county and don't
generate as much household hazardous
waste, said the director.
The Household Hazardous Waste
Collection program keeps the
hazardous materials out of the
ground water and the environment and
protects workers at the landfill.
Some items, if poured out at home,
can contaminate the soil and absorb
into the water supply. For that same
reason, these items cannot be placed
in trash cans where they ultimately
end up at the landfill.
For example, one gallon of used oil
can contaminate one million gallons
of water, said Mr. Heyduck.
Some items to consider bringing to
the Household Hazardous Waste Day
include: household cleaners, drain
cleaner, oven cleaner, wood and
metal cleaners, polish,
disinfectant, antifreeze, grease and
rust solvents, naval jelly,
gasoline, auto additives, body
putty, refrigerants, automotive
products, paint, thinner, strippers,
adhesives, home improvement
products, herbicides, pesticides,
fungicides, wood preservatives, lawn
and garden products, tires,
batteries, pool chemicals,
medicines, aerosols, compressed gas,
and photo processing chemicals.
"Storing a lot of contaminants or
potentially explosive material can
be the cause of a major accident,"
said Heyduck. "Get your garage
cleaned out and it decreases your
fire load."
One common concern is the storage of
petroleum products and fertilizer in
the same area. It would be common to
have a gas can for the mower and a
bag of fertilizer with ammonium
nitrate for the lawn in the garage.
However, these two items together
can be deadly. Just a little seep
and there can be a major chemical
reaction causing a fire or
explosion.
Empty aerosol cans in a fire become
missiles and are a hazard to
bystanders. Also hazardous materials
are a danger to children and pets.
Even if locked up safely, out of the
reach of children, the can may rust
through or the product may become
unsteady over time.
When transporting home waste: (1)
Don't take the label off (2) Do
leave in the original container. (3)
Don't mix products together. (4)
Secure the container to protect you
and your car. (5) If you have
acquired a collection of old,
still-liquid paint, either bring it
to the collection day site or leave
the lid off of the paint can,
allowing the paint to dry. Once dry,
it can be safely disposed of at
Carroll County Solid Waste Center or
in your trash can.
Depending upon the product,
hazardous waste is disposed of in
various ways by the experts. Some
items are recycled, some
incinerated, and others are placed
in a special hazardous waste
landfill.
Anyone having questions concerning
the storage of items believed to be
hazardous should call 986-1943.
Anyone who is unable to attend the
designated June 14 collection day,
but has items to dispose of, should
contact the Carroll County Recycling
Center. Mr. Heyduck said he will
attempt to provide alternate dates
of other hazardous collection events
in other nearby counties. |
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Carroll County Meter Reader Sustains
Dog Bite |
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By Linda Bolton
linda@mckenziebanner.com |
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A Carroll County Electric Department
meter reader came face to face with that profession's
greatest threat last week when he was severely bitten by
a dog at a home in the Yuma-Westport Community.
Dennie Wayne Kee, a 16-1/2-year employee of the utility
company, was on his regular route on Enon Cemetery Road,
between Yuma and Westport, when the attack occurred.
Carroll County Electric Department Manager Lynn Compton
said the dog approached the unsuspecting employee at
approximately 11 a.m. Monday, June 2 as he was
attempting to read the customer's meter.
"He was bitten on the right calf of his leg and had
puncture wounds as large as a pencil," said Mr. Compton.
Mr. Kee told his manager the dog did not bark prior to
his attack and he did not see the dog approaching him.
After reporting the incident to the Carroll County
Electric Department, Mr. Kee drove himself to Baptist
Hospital Emergency Room in Huntingdon where the wound
was treated and bandaged.
He was told to remain off work and off the leg for the
remainder of the week, said Compton. "There was quite a
bit of damage and swelling," he added.
"He returned to work Monday," he added.
Mr. Kee reportedly had no history of problems with the
dog, and in all his years as a meter reader, had never
experienced a dog bite prior to this one. However, a
youth at the home where the incident occurred said this
was not the first time the dog had bitten someone. The
father, however, claimed no knowledge of the dog
previously biting anyone, Compton said Kee told him.
By law, the hospital was required to notify the Carroll
County Health Department, who also notified the Carroll
County Sheriff's Department of the incident, Mr. Compton
said. However, no charges have been filed in the
incident, said a spokesperson for the sheriff's
department.
"Dogs are one of the biggest hazards our meter readers
face," said Compton. "That's one reason we don't rotate
our meter readers, so they (the dogs) get used to the
same persons coming to their home."
Mr. Compton stated that all vicious dogs should be
secured well away from the electric meter for safety
reasons. Dogs should be penned or on a chain or leash
away from the meter area, so the reader can safely walk
to the meter and return to his vehicle without threat of
being attacked.
Carroll County Electric Department employs four meter
readers that serve 15,649 customers throughout the
county. |
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West Carroll School has two new
coaches, new board member |
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By Pat Cole
pcole@mckenziebanner.com |
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After more than a year without a
full board contingency, the West Carroll board vacancy
was filled on Thursday, June 5 by Sam Inman. Mr. Inman
agreed to assume the position vacated by Mike Cannon's
resignation in June 2002. He was sworn in by Director of
Schools Eric Williams as the meeting began.Mr.
Williams apprised board members of the coaching
assignments for the 2003-04 school term. Two men have
been employed to assume the duties of boys and girls
basketball coach. Chris Hayner, who coached the middle
school girls several years ago, has been employed to
assume the duties of the junior and high school girls
programs. He has already begun working with his teams.
John Stigall, formerly an assistant at Crockett County,
has been employed to coach the high school boys program.
Danny Giles will continue with the junior high boys
program. Coach Stigall has met with the boys who are
interested in playing basketball and will be working
with them this summer as well. Coach Hayner will be
teaching social studies and Coach Stigall will be
teaching physical education and health.
The position of head football coach for the junior
high has also been resolved. With the departure of Terry
Booker, who headed that program for the past two years,
as well as Doug McCaslin, who assisted, Brent Wilson has
been employed to assist in the football program. After
speaking with high school coaches Chris Rich, Thomas
Dees and John Gurschick, Mr. Williams told board members
and all four coaches (including newly employed Coach
Wilson) will be working with both programs. Coach Wilson
will be teaching social studies.
Other new personnel will be Leslie Epperson in high
school math, Beth Stigall in seventh grade math and
Ashley Fletcher in special education. The board also
approved a new position, which will allow for the
employment of one person to be a part-time Title I
supervisor while teaching related arts. Mr. Williams
told board members that Title I had become a "monster"
and while Supervisor Betty Wallace had been doing an
excellent job, he believed she needed some assistance.
Mrs. Wallace is also responsible for the regular and
special education instruction as well as being the Title
VI director. Mr. Williams told board members money will
be provided to fund over half the position and with
older teachers retiring and younger teachers being
employed, there will not be any new monies needed to pay
for the position.
The 2002 girls softball team was on hand and
recognized by the board for their district championship,
a first for the school system. Coach Pam Bryant thanked
the board for allowing her and her husband David to
coach "this wonderful group of young ladies." Star
pitcher Anna Moore also presented Mrs. Bryant with the
plaque she earned for being the District 13-A Coach of
the Year. Board members praised the young ladies for
their diligence throughout the season and wished them
well.
New playground equipment will be purchased for the
primary school although the PTO was unable to raise the
portion they agreed to spend on the purchase. Principal
Claudia Argo told board members $15,000 had been
budgeted and she had the funds needed for a "starter
set." The PTO has promised to pay their portion of the
funding by Christmas of this year. Mrs. Argo stated she
was comfortable with that promise and board members
agreed to allow the purchase from bids received.
Mrs. Nancy Johnson, who is the system's art teacher
spoke with board members about assisting with some
personal expenses which will be incurred by two students
who will be traveling to Washington D.C. June 20. Mrs.
Johnson started an "Energy Club" which according to
Director Williams saved $7,000 in energy costs at the
junior/senior high school alone. Mrs. Williams stated
that brother/sister Jennifer and Greg Gibson had won a
trip to Washington from June 20-24. She will accompany
the two. She was concerned that Jennifer, who graduated
this year, would be spending her graduation money on
meals and personal expenses not covered and asked if the
board could possibly spare a few dollars to assist the
two in that respect. Board chairman Jimmy Halford told
Mrs. Johnson that the board would have to consider the
request at the next meeting or have a called meeting as
funding could not be provided on first request.
Ultimately the board decided that if the students kept
receipts of all non-covered expenses, they could be
reimbursed as a club, as are other clubs in the system
following conventions, etc. The club was also honored as
the state scrapbook winner. Mr. Williams noted that next
year the club will make a more concerted effort to
employ energy saving tactics at the elementary and
primary schools.
The board approved a bid of $46,500 from Central
Refrigeration for heading and air conditioning units for
the elementary school. Mr. Williams stated that the new
units would replace the boiler system, radiators and
room air conditioning units. It was noted that the old
radiators would probably bring some "good money" from a
scrap dealer.
Board members were updated on the roof damage at the
junior/senior high school. After a meeting with H&M
Contractors as well as the heating/air conditioning
contractors and the roofing contractor, all leaks were
repaired that were in existence prior to the tornado
damage in May. During an inspection however, it was
determined that more damage had been caused than
originally believed. Bids of $7,400 and $9,400 were
submitted to the insurance company to take care of the
additional damaged areas. Mr. Williams also noted that
Hornsby Lighting has still not returned phone calls
about repair to the lights at the football field which
were twisted in the storm and if he continued to have
difficulty, he would call Carroll County Electric to see
if they could assess the problem. An unnamed welding
company will repair the twisted goal post and the posts
to the scoreboard. Mr. Williams also noted that the
insurance company had been apprised of the fencing and
sign damage, but it is doubtful that the signs would be
covered.
Board members gave permission to allow for bids for a
stripper, scrubber and sweeper unit for the high school
custodians. It was noted that the number of square feet
in the new building made it impossible for three
custodians to keep the floors in tiptop condition. The
new unit, which is estimated to cost $16,000 would be
the most feasible alternative, cutting man hours needed
with the present system by more than half. Mr. Williams
said he had checked on contracting the cost out, but
presently the system pays $141,000 and the lowest bid he
had received thus far was $189,000. Board member Mike
Foster suggested he check into a bid for the floor work
alone. Mr. Williams will however continue to check on
all alternatives for a lease, buy or contractual
arrangement.
Mr. Williams told board members that the budget
problems of the past might be just that. He said that
although the reappraisal had lowered the tax rate by 10
cents (from $1.91 to $1.81) he believed that the growth
in sales tax would offset any loss in that area. He said
he believed they were in good shape and will have a
2003-04 budget as well as an amended 2002-03 budget for
them at the July meeting.
Mr. Williams also noted that the BEP funding to
increase teacher's salaries had passed in the
legislature and the West Carroll system could expect
$183,000 in additional monies from the state with the
local cost $10,000. That money will be divided among the
system's teachers when it becomes clear when to expect
the funding. It will most likely be based on the numbers
of years of experience.
Board members were presented with a letter concerning
mandatory dress codes and told board members Mr.
Williams stated that while he approved of uniforms the
fee waiver policy costs could be increased significantly
should that direction be chosen. He also said they might
be fighting a losing battle as parents bought many of
the clothes which were not included in the dress code
and sent their children to school dressed in what they
deemed an appropriate manner. The board will look at
alternatives.
The board meeting for July will be on Tuesday, July 1
which will allow board members to option to begin a July
4 weekend early if they choose.
By consent agenda, the board:
- approved the financial and cafeteria reports as
well as the minutes of the May meeting;
- acknowledged the resignations of Barry Travis and
Doug McCaslin;
- approved the parent's right to know brochure;
- approved the federal projects consolidated
application;
- approved the high school handbook revisions which
will include the Zero Tolerance Policy dictated by
state law;
- approved the exchange student replacement of a
Danish girl rather than a Korean as previously
approved; and,
- approved building use requests for the Class of
1958 Trezevant High School reunion on July 5 and the
Taylor Family reunion on August 30.
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These
stories and more exclusively in the
print edition: |
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- Rezoning Bid Struck Down by Planning
Commission/Won-Win Solution Sought for Highway
Homes/Businesses
- Bethel's Summer Youth Program Attracts More than
130
- Casting For a Cure Nets Smiles, Dollars to Fight
Cancer
- An Evening with Carroll Arts Delights Audiences
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Phone (731) 352-3323 or Fax (731)
352-3322
washburn@mckenziebanner.com
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