More people working in April; Haywood unemployment numbers released
May 23, 2013

   Data released Thursday by the Tennessee Department of Workforce Development suggest a few more Haywood Countians were on the job in April than in March. The numbers indicate improvement from a year earlier, too.
   All of the counties surrounding Haywood enjoyed a slightly lower unemployment rate except for Madison, which was up slightly and Hardeman, which was unchanged.
Madison: 8.2% (up from 8.1%)
Fayette: 9.5% (down from 9.7%)
Tipton 10.2% (down from 10.7%)
Crockett: 10.5% (down from 11.1%)
Hardeman 11.2% (unchanged from 11.2%)
Haywood 11.3% (down from 11.9%)
Lauderdale 13.5% (down from 14.2%)
   All of the county unemployment data can be see by clicking — www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/labor_figures/LaborApril13.pdf.

County yes to metro — Brownsville up next
May 23, 2013

   Approving a charter commission for consolidating governments in Haywood County squeaked by the county commission Monday night by a vote of 11 to 9. All attention turns now to Brownsville where aldermen and the mayor will vote next month.
   The next meeting of the Brownsville Board of Mayor and Aldermen is June 11. If Brownsville approves a charter commission then the appointment and funding process will go forward.If Brownsville’s leaders vote no then the proposal dies unless citizens petition for a the commission — something many say is likely.

Sobriety Checkpoints Set for Memorial Day Weekend May 24th to May 27th, 2013
May 23, 2013

   The Brownsville Police Department and the Haywood County Sheriff’s will be increasing enforcement efforts during the Memorial Day weekend. Sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols will be conducted Friday May 24th – Monday May 27th, at three locations within the Brownsville city limits: Highway 76/Anderson Avenue, Bypass and Hatchie St., and Bypass at Highway 19. The checkpoints and saturation patrols will be conducted between 6:00pm – 3:00am.
   Officers will concentrate their enforcement efforts on removing impaired drivers from the roadways.
   Law enforcement will also be enforcing non-compliance with the safety belt law as well as child restraint laws.
   The extra patrols are funded by a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office.

Funds available for wildlife conservation
May 23, 2013

   NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Federal officials have set aside more than $1 million for Tennessee landowners who help conserve wildlife. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said owners of agricultural and forest land can apply by June 10 for funding under the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.

Haywood County Commission meeting
May 21, 2013 - Reported by Betsy Reid

    Preliminary actions
   The Haywood County Commission met in its regular monthly meeting last night. All 20 commissioners were present. Mayor Franklin Smith called the meeting to order at six pm; he asked for a moment of silence in memory of former County Commissioner Danny Claiborne. He also asked the group to remember “honorary chaplain” Walter Brown, who is recuperating in Crestview Nursing Home. Mayor Smith then led the group in prayer. Minutes from the March 18 meeting were approved as presented. The reports from the County Trustee, the Board of Education, and the Highway Commission were approved. The Education, Solid Waste, and Jail Committees had not met since the last Commission meeting. Public Safety Committee chairman Joe Stephens reported little change since the last Commission meeting. Conservation Board chairman Bob Hooper announced that the county swimming pool will open on May 28, and that the Arts Council will sponsor concerts at College Hill in June. Budget Committee chairman Allen King reported that no additional funds would be coming out of the County’s fund balance.
   Board of Equalization nominees Maltimore Bond, Tara Joyner, George Williams, Susan Scott-Wilson, and Rick Bowden were appointed for two-year terms.
Resolution to form a metro charter commission
   Item number four on the agenda, resolution authorizing the formation of a charter commission for a metropolitan government, received the most attention of the evening. The item was moved by Commissioner Jerry Smith, and seconded by Commissioner Samuel Mathes Jr. Commissioner King led off the discussion, asking whether the votes of residents of rural Haywood County would be counted separately from those of residents of Brownsville. Mayor Smith replied that the votes would be tallied separately. If the City of Stanton opts into the process, those votes also will be counted separately. Commissioner King expressed concern that they had heard from only one county where the metro government effort failed. Commissioner King asked, among other things, what services would be combined under a metro government. Mayor Smith explained that the charter commission would have nine months to write the charter, and that they will address such questions. Commissioner King commented, that there will be “no way to know” what the county would save money on, or what it would spend more money on. When asked about the effect of metro government on the tax rate, Mayor Smith replied that the county will be divided into a general services district and urban services district.
   Chairman King further asked what the $50,000 would be spent on. Mayor Smith replied that the money will be spent on expert assistance, expenses incurred by the committee, and legal expenses. No member of the charter commission will be paid for their services. Commissioner King commented that he never has seen a line drawn between the city and the county, but that this vote will draw a line. King then moved to table the motion to appoint a charter commission, until they can hear from counties which have voted against metro government. Commissioner John Gorman seconded the motion. Mayor Smith reminded them that, procedurally, he has to recognize Commissioner King for him to make the tabling motion. Smith also said that if the motion is tabled, it will in essence be killed
   The motion to table failed on a roll call vote, 13 to seven. Commissioners voting to table the motion were Allen King, Richard Jameson, Charles Wills, John Gorman, Larry Stanley, Leonard Jones, and Robert Earl Thornton.
   Commissioner Bob Hooper said that he would vote no, but if the motion passes he hopes to be appointed to the charter commission. Commissioner King called for a roll call vote on the question. Commissioner Chris Lea said that he planned to vote to give his constituents the opportunity to vote on the issue. Commissioner Leonard Jones stated that he has heard from more people on this issue than on any other issue, and that the most were against the commission. Commissioner Robert Green said that “for growth and prosperity”, he was going to support the effort to move forward with the metro conversation. Mayor Smith reminded the commissioners that if either the City of Brownsville or Haywood County fails to approve the charter — or Stanton if they opt into the process—the effort will fail. Finally, Mayor Smith said that if the effort fails at either the county or the city level, the issue can be brought to the public by a petition signed by 10% of the number of registered voters who participated in the last governor’s race—in this case, about 600 people.
   Discussion ended and a roll call vote was taken. The matter passed; the final tally was eleven commissioners voting for the appointment of the charter commission and nine voting against. Commissioners voting against the charter commission were Allen King, Richard Jameson, Wally Eubanks, John Gorman, Becky Booth, Larry Stanley, Bob Hooper, Leonard Jones, and Robert Earl Thornton.
Resolution to name the baseball complex at Volunteer Park
   The next item of business, a resolution to name the baseball complex at Volunteer Park, the A. Franklin Smith Baseball Complex, received only minor discussion, and passed on a voice vote. Resolution authorizing the submission of an application for a litter grant from TDOT and authorizing county mayor to execute litter contract with TDOT.
   The resolution authorizing the submission of an application for a litter grant from TDOT and authorizing the county mayor to execute a litter contract with TDOT passed on a voice vote with no discussion.
Final items of business
   Updates were given on the construction of a tornado safe space at Haywood Elementary and on the renovation at Stanton Headstart Center.
   Budget Committee chairman Allen King presented several amendments to the 2012-13 budget, all of which were approved with little or no discussion. After the Call of Districts, the meeting was adjourned.

HHS Class of 2013 graduates earn $1,831,552
May 20, 2013

   When the Haywood High School Class of 2013 held its graduation Saturday morning, 189 students received diplomas on the L. Z. Hurley Memorial Field. But the big news came on Friday night, when administrators announced that students in this class earned a total of $1,831,552 in scholarships.
   On Friday night, the seniors gathered in the HHS gymnasium for the graduation awards ceremony. Class Valedictorians are Amelia Davis, Sarah Lewis, Morgan Marlar, Molly McAdams and Rebecca Pearson, who all earned a 4.0 GPA. The rest of the Top Ten were Kenya Ector (#6), Emily Pilant (#7), Rashad Mann (#8), and Katora Holmes and Hannah Roberts, who tied for ninth place.
   Also recognized were members of the Thirty-Plus Club: Connor Coulston, Chris Parker, Amy Davis, Rebecca Pearson, Emily Pilant and Molly McAdams. Each of these students has scored 30 or above on the ACT.
   Winning the Joe T. Naylor Award for having the highest ACT score (30) among the boys in the class were Connor Coulston and Chris Parker. Amy Davis and Rebecca Pearson earned the Ed Thompson Award for having the highest ACT score (31) among the girls.
   The Outstanding Career-Technical Scholar Award went to Connor Coulston, and the Outstanding REACH Academy Student was Briana Adams. Kadarren Bond and Molly McAdams were recipients of the Marine Distinguished Athlete Award, and the Marine Scholastic Excellence Award went to Rashad Mann and Katora Holmes.
   Entering the military are Blake Call, Delvonte Pruitt, Lamarcus Williams, Tyle Cook, Kendal Middlebrooks, Willie Franklin and Anthony Prewitt.
   Forty-four graduates earned the Tennessee Scholars distinction. This program is a business-led initiative endorsed by the Tennessee Department of Education, the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Tennessee Business Roundtable, and many other education coalitions across the state. To become Tennessee Scholars, students must complete a rigorous academic and technical course of study that exceeds the minimum requirements for a diploma. Collectively, class members who are Tennessee Scholars, performed nearly 3,520 hours of community service.
   HHS Class of 2013 Tennessee Scholars are: Roneshia Alexander, Andrew Baggett, Jamecia Bond, Kadejhaa Bradford, Yaselin Cisneros, Connor Coulston, Kaayla Cunningham, Amelia Davis, Erin Dennis, De’Marious Douglas, Kenya Ector, Amber Harris, Zhanebria Henderson, Maggie Herron, Aliceson Hobock, Katora Holmes, Matthew Hooper, Jamari Johnson, Taylor Killen, Octavius Lanier, Katie Lewis, Sarah Lewis, Allix Lonon, Montravious Maclin, Rashad Mann, Morgan Marlar, Molly McAdams, Adeana Murphy, Mary Drake Owen, Christopher Parker, Rebecca Pearson, Noryani Perez, Tressa Perez, Josh Perry, Emily Pilant, Calandria Reid, Hannah Roberts, Adrianna Shaw, Andrew Tarkington, Rashawn Walker, Amber Williams, LaMarcus Williams, Marshika Wood and Ciera Woods.
REDI College Access Awards - Estimated Total = $9,100
   Our community participates in the REDI College Access Program. At the awards ceremony, Brownsville Mayor Jo Matherne and Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith presented the Haywood County-City of Brownsville Scholarships to these students to attend post-secondary institutions for the 2013-2014 academic year: Katie Lewis – Jackson State Community College; Aliceson Hobock – Jackson State Community College; Maggie Herron – University of Memphis, Lambuth; Jessica Maclin – Jackson State Community College; Yaselin Cisneros – Jackson State Community College; Kenya Ector – University of Memphis; Brandy Jones – Jackson State Community College; Sheronica Hammond – Jackson State Community College; Rhonda Clark – Jackson State Community College; Brent Crawford – Tennessee Technology Center, Whiteville; Taylor Jones - Tennessee Technology Center, Whiteville; Brittany Bradford – University of Memphis; and Traveka Person – Jackson State Community College.
College and University Scholarships - $642,452 (4 years)
   Twenty-one students earned a total of $642,242 (over 4 years) in college and university scholarships.
HOPE Scholarships -- $1,066,000 over 4 years
   The State of Tennessee provides HOPE Scholarships (from lottery money) for students who meet certain academic requirements and who will continue their education at a postsecondary school in Tennessee. Sixty-seven seniors meet these academic criteria and are eligible for scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,500 per year, pending approval from the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation. Other students may qualify as their application process is completed.
   Students who have an ACT score of 29 or higher and who have a grade-point average of 3.75 or higher qualify for the General Assembly Merit Scholarship in addition to the HOPE Scholarship. Five of our graduates – Connor Coulston, Sarah Lewis, Morgan Marlar, Rebecca Pearson, and Emily Pilant – meet these qualifications and will receive General Assembly Merit Scholarship, pending approval from the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation.
   And last but not least, from local groups, organizations, individuals and families, Haywood High School graduates received $114,000 in scholarships.
   After the awards ceremony Friday night, HHS Principal Dr. Jerry Pryon spoke to the seniors, “Graduates, remember, to whom much is given, much is required. Tonight, local individuals and organizations, have come together to give you a great deal of money. All they ask in return is that you work hard to put the money to good use by learning all that you can. If you keep your grades up and remain eligible to renew your college and lottery scholarships for four years, members of the Class of 2013 will leave here tonight with a combined total of $1,831,552 to help further their education over the next 4 years.”

Football stadium being polished up for final march
May 17, 2013

   Plenty of people — workers and volunteers— are getting set for the Big Day for high school seniors. Haywood High’s graduation is tomorrow. The ceremony, weather permitting, will be held at LZ Hurley Memorial Stadium at 10am.
   About 200 students will graduate. Haywood High’s graduates are famous for reeling in hundreds of thousands — and sometimes millions of dollars in scholarships. The scholarships will be announced Saturday.

Russell presents organizational chart for Haywood Schools
May 15, 2013

   Haywood County School Superintendent Teresa Russell presented announced her executive level organizational chart for 2013-14 school year. She made the presentation Tuesday night at the monthly Haywood County School Board meeting.
   Russell created no new positions but changed some titles. Vincent Harvell is the school system’s Chief Financial Officer and he is also serving as the deputy superintendent, the job formerly held by Russell. Art Garrett, serves as Chief Operations Officer and Toni Eubanks is the Chief Talent and Strategy Officer.
   To meet the coming changes in education, she has made changes in titles and responsibilities in the curriculum and instruction department to include Common Core Specialists for each school level.
School lunches up a little
   It’ll cost students and staff a little more to eat in school cafeterias next year. Nutrition Director Allison Pyron said Tuesday that student lunch prices will be raised to $2 and adults will pay $3.50.

Funding, scholarships and new building project — Haywood County School Board
May 15, 2013

   Haywood County Schools completed some budget housekeeping this week. Deputy Superintendent/CFO Vincent Harvell reported a number of budget amendments and also reported that the Catherine Colhoun Trust will give six $2,000 scholarships to seniors this year. The balance of the fund as of March 31 is $240,616. The Colhoun Trust started with a $268,000 donation/balance and has provided $178,000 in scholarships over the years.
   Harvell also reported this week that renovation construction is on schedule at HHS, and is expected to be complete in August or September.
   Another building project — the Tornado Safe Space at Haywood Elementary — should be completed by August or September. Funding for a similar structure at Haywood middle school has been approved, and that project should get underway soon.

Metro Government and economic expansion in focus at Brownsville City Board
May 15, 2013

   The topic of Metro government was on the Brownsville City Board’s agenda at its monthly meeting last night. That and reactivation of the Revolving Loan Fund along with department reports resulted in a lengthy meeting. All four aldermen and the Mayor were present.
   To begin the meeting’s discussion on metro government, Mayor Matherne introduced Teddy Waldrop - Haywood County Commissioner and chair of the recent Metro Government Study Committee – who gave an overview of the committee’s work and report. It was the same report presented at the Haywood County Commission meeting in March and the Public Hearing on Metro Government in April.
   Mayor Matherne then introduced David Angerer and Ronnie Neil, municipal management consultants with MTAS – the University of Tennessee’s Municipal Technical Advisory Service. MTAS staff works with cities across Tennessee to assist in all areas of city management.
   Mr. Angerer started his remarks by saying that he wasn’t there to be critical of anything that had been done or to criticize anyone. He said, “We have helped many cities in West Tennessee write or amend their charters…and what you would be undertaking would be a new charter on steroids … this would be the biggest vote a city could have in Tennessee.”
   Angerer went on to say that no studies that MTAS has reviewed show that metro government necessarily increases government efficiency or is more economical than separate governments. He emphasized that quality of government services should be considered, not just the cost of services. He added, “When you have to find a doctor to do heart surgery on you, you don’t necessarily just want the guy who is the cheapest.”
   Angerer concluded his remarks by saying “I won’t say metro government is a bad deal … or that it won’t work … but you can create a lot of the consolidation you want with inter-local government agreements…. You can do a lot of what you want without going to a metro government…Metro government is like getting married with no chance of divorce … once it’s done, it’s permanent.”
   The Haywood County Commission will vote next Monday, May 20th, on whether to establish a Metro Government Charter Commission. If the measure is passed by the County Commission, the City Board will vote on it at its June meeting. If it doesn’t pass the County Commission, it can be moved forward by a citizens’ petition.
Revolving Loan Fund
   The Board voted unanimously to re-activate a local funding program for small businesses which began back in the 1980s. The program -- called the Revolving Loan Fund -- will be available to for-profit businesses in Brownville for various uses including 1) acquisition of land and/or building, 2) construction or renovation of facilities, 3) machinery or equipment, and 4) professional fees.
   The funds cannot be used for 1) working capital, 2) debt consolidation, 3) refinancing, or 4) personal expenses. Mayor Matherne emphasized that these funds are not grants, but rather loans that will be repaid to the City.
NEW Police Officers
   Two of the City’s new police officers were introduced to the Board of Aldermen last night. Officer Lance Chandler is from Bells, lives in Brownsville, and is the son of a veteran Tennessee state trooper.
   Officer Adrian Perkins grew up in Memphis, lives in Brownsville, and has family in Brownsville – including Sgt. Mitchell Turner and Sgt Ray Turner.
   These two officers and Officer Dallas Byrd will complete all of their training – including attending the Police Academy -- this summer.
   Delta Heritage Center director Sonia Outlaw-Clark updated the Board about plans for the Exit 56 Blues Fest Saturday May 25…noting that this year’s Festival will include a deep-fried barbecue eating contest … the winner will be the person who can eat the most deep fired bbq in 10 minutes! She also gave details about the first-ever Hatchie Bird Fest which will be held May 30, June 1 and June 2nd at the Delta Heritage Center and Hatchie Wildlife Refuge. The Bird Fest will include speakers, hikes, music, exhibits and food. City building inspector Jerry McClinton reported that Valley Irrigation has begun on the bypass near Tennessee Tractor.
   Slum Clearance officer Rene Hendrix reported that Tom Mann submitted the low bids for demolition work on Robin, Greenwood, McLemore Streets and Grand Avenue. The city will recycle as much of the concrete and bricks from those structures as possible. One new business open … another on the way Fast Pace medical care center has opened its facility located in the retail complex on Dupree in front of Wal-Mart.
   And a new business is coming to Brownsville that will offer transportation and taxi services. It has been a while since the City had a taxi service and so the taxi Board membership had to be revised… Board members are now Leon King of the City Board, Chuck Willis of the Police Department and Jessie Rosales of the City Clerk’s office.
Don’t be concerned if you see people wandering around taking pictures of old buildings and such …
   The City is undertaking a citywide survey to identify buildings with historic, cultural or preservation value. Staff from Phil Thomason & Associates of Nashville will be in Brownsville for the next few weeks, taking pictures of various properties. The work is being funded by a Historical Preservation Grant from the State of Tennessee.
   And finally, Relay for Life will be held on the Court Square in Brownsville on Saturday, June 8th… the annual Survivors’ Lunch will be held on Thursday, June 6th at Christ Church.

Deep-fried barbecue makes debut at Exit 56 Blues Fest
May 10, 2013

   Do you love barbecue? Have you tried it deep-fried? Attendees to this year's Exit 56 Blues Fest will get an opportunity to try the bite-sized, deep-fried barbecue nuggets and even compete to see who can eat the most. The Deep-Fried BBQ Eating Championship will take place at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 25, at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.
   Contestants must be at least 18 years of age and will have 10 minutes to eat as many deep-fried barbecue bites as possible. Water and sauce will be plentiful to help wash it down. There is a $5 entry fee and the lucky winner will receive a trophy, t-shirt and prize package. Interested parties are asked to pre-register for the competition by May 23. Complete rules and registration can be found at www.westtnheritage.com/exit56.
   Along with great barbecue, festival attendees can spend the afternoon and evening listening to the Blues. Concerts will be performed from the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home and features performers such as Sean "Bad" Apple, Bluesberry Jam Band, Little Boys Blue and headliner TeeDee Young.
   Car enthusiasts can cruise-in from 1-3 p.m., to compete for titles such as "Cool Chrome" "Most Likely to Get a Ticket" and 12 other fun titles. There is no entry fee and motorcycles are welcome, too.
   Arts and crafts vendors will also be on site throughout the afternoon for those wanting to add a little shopping to the Blues mix. Jewelry, woodwork and paintings are just a few of the items you'll find.
   Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. A complete schedule is available online, or by calling the Delta Heritage Center at 731-779-9000.
About the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center
   The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is a Tourist Information Center and three regional museums that highlight West Tennessee Cotton, West Tennessee Music and the Hatchie River. Also on the grounds of the Center is the last home of Blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes and the childhood school of Tina Turner. The Center is located at 121 Sunny Hill Cove in Brownsville, Tenn., right off of Interstate 40 at Exit 56. Online at www.westtnheritage.com

Main Street data released
May 2, 2013

   Brownsville is one of two dozen towns across Tennessee that participate in the Tennessee Main Street program and the people that run Main Street said in a news release earlier this week that the economic impact has already been significant.
   According to the Main Street web site the program has resulted in new businesses, jobs and other improvements. The list includes:
New Jobs — 617
New Businesses — 135
Building rehabilitations projects — 224
Public improvement projects — 371
New construction projects — 25
Housing units created — 28
Number of volunteer hours — 103,614
   The web site claims the private and public investment in the Main Street communities is $89.5 million.

Haywood County metro government public hearing
April 29, 2013 - Reported by Martha Lyle Ford

   Approximately 45 people attended last night’s public hearing on metro government held at the Haywood County Justice Complex. Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith led the hearing. During the hour-long meeting, Smith described the process leading up to the hearing and next steps; he then took questions from the audience.
Background
   On February 28, 2013, the Metropolitan Government Study Committee voted 16-10 to recommend that a Charter Commission be formed. The Commission would be charged with writing a charter that would consolidate Haywood County and Brownsville governments into one. Stanton’s government could also be included.
   Smith explained that on May 20th, the Haywood County Commission will vote on whether to establish a Commission to draft a Charter for Metro government. If the measure passes by a simple majority, then the Brownsville Board of Mayor and Aldermen will vote on the same question at its June meeting.
   If both bodies vote to establish a Charter Commission, then Mayor Smith will appoint 10 members and Mayor Matherne will appoint 5 members to the Charter Commission. If Stanton chooses to be part of the metro government process, it would have a person on the Charter Commission who would serve as a consultant but would not have a vote. It then becomes the Charter Commission’s responsibility to draft a document outlining the structure of a new, proposed unified government.
   If either the Haywood County Commission OR the Brownsville City Board votes to not establish a Charter Commission, then the matter is defeated, with one exception. A group of citizens could create a petition to establish the Charter Commission. The petition would have to be signed by 10% of the number of voters who voted in the 2010 gubernatorial election. In other words, if 6,000 people voted in Haywood County in the 2010 governor’s race, then the citizens’ petition to establish a Charter Commission would have to have 600 signatures to succeed.
   The 15-member Charter Commission would have 9 months to write a charter for the new metro government. The Haywood County Commission would provide up-to $50,000 for the work of the commission – paying for experts to assist in the research and writing of the charter. All Charter Commission meetings would be open to the public.
   After the proposed charter is written, the Election Commission would have 90 days to have a referendum election on the proposed charter. For the proposal to become official, the referendum would have to be approved by a majority of voters in the City of Brownsville and by a majority of rural Haywood County voters, and a majority in Stanton, if Stanton chooses to be part of the proposal.
   Smith pointed out that, during the entire process, the three existing governments – Brownsville City Board, Haywood County Commission, and Stanton City Board – would continue to operate.
Comments from the hearing
   When asked about the possible success of a referendum, Smith said, “In my opinion, if the referendum was held tomorrow, it’d have a good chance of passing in the City (Brownsville) and a small chance in the County (rural Haywood).”
   The mayor endorsed a consolidated government. “It has served Nashville well for 50 years. And for a county of 18,000 people, one government would work better than three,” Mayor Smith commented. He was referring to Brownsville City government, Haywood County government, and Stanton city government.
   When asked about the status of various departments in the proposed metro government, Smith speculated that
Garbage collection would stay the way it is now;
Brownsville Energy and Southwest Electric would each continue as they are;
There would be a unified public works department;
City and County Road maintenance would be consolidated;
There would still be six constitutional officers including the sheriff, who could be the chief law enforcement officer;
There would be a Metro Mayor and Metro Commissioners; the charter would establish the number of Metro Commissioners and the districts.
   He pointed out that many City and County services are already consolidated: The schools have been consolidated since 1970; Parks and Recreation is already consolidated; and that the three governments work cooperatively already.
Other Discussion
•How would the tax system work? “There would be one tax … the entire county would be a general service district … there would only be a metro tax … the rate could be different depending on which services you get based on where you live … in the County or in the City,” Smith said.
• Higher taxes? When asked if there would be a tax increase, Smith said, “I think taxes would be fairly stable. I think the tax rate acceleration of the County would slow down…I don’t think taxes will go up.” Commissioner Allen King, who is a farmer, said his taxes had gone up significantly in recent years … Smith said the Property Assessor’s assessment of farmland value doesn’t depend on whether there’s metro government or separate governments. He added that under metro government, there would no longer be separate taxes.
• Charter commission provided direction? Mayor said the Charter Commission would follow guidelines and rules from the State of Tennessee and would be trying to create a charter for a government that would serve the people of the Haywood County. Smith said that if both County and City governments choose to establish a Charter Commission, the Commission would be racially balanced, balanced between rich and poor … “I want it to be reflective of our county … we have one of the most diverse counties in the state … and I’m proud of that.”
• Impact on grants available? Smith said he thought it would be a benefit to have metro government because sometimes grants have to be divided three-ways among Brownsville, Stanton and Haywood County. But Brownsville Mayor Matherne pointed out an instance where it had benefitted the governments to be separate … each had received a maximum grant amount.
• Why isn’t everybody else doing it? One County Commissioner at the meeting asked why there weren’t more than three metro governments in the state … He said; “There are 95 counties in Tennessee. What makes us think we’re smarter than all those other counties … If this is such a great thing, why aren’t more counties doing it?” Smith responded that he thought it was probably because people don’t like change or giving up their power.
   “I don’t know that metro government is the answer … but in this day when people want less intrusive government it seems to me like one government for the whole county would be less intrusive than three.”

Metro Government heard today
April 29, 2013

   If you’ve been curious about consolidating all of the governments in Haywood County — or maybe you’ve formed an opinion about it already — tonight is the night for you.
   A public hearing on metro-government will begin tonight at 6pm at the justice complex in Brownsville. The session will help you understand more about the work done by the county study committee. Tonight’s meeting could be pivotal in the decision county commissioners are about to make about whether there should be next steps.

Haywood birding festival registration and Internet sites now available
April 26, 2013

   The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is hosting a birding festival in Haywood County, TN May 31 through June 2, 2013 and there is new website to help birders prepare.
   Speakers are scheduled for both Friday and Saturday nights. Birding hikes (for both beginners and advanced birders) are scheduled over several days and there are other events including activities for children, Saturday afternoon talks, and exhibits. There will be plant sales from local nurseries, and a demonstration from live rehab hawks. A few activities are still tentative, so "like" the festival on Facebook and get updates as events become confirmed. All of the activities are free and open to anyone.
   In an effort to ensure quality experiences for all of the hikes, sponsors request pre-registration for hikes. Bird experts will be leading hikes of 8 - 12 people. Some target species that you may be interested in, include good chances for Cerulean Warbler, Swainson's Warbler, and Mississippi Kite. The Hatchie bottomland hardwood forest is well known for its high density of American Redstarts and Prothonotary Warblers. Many other species will be seen as well.
Links:
http://hatchiebirdfest.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HatchieBirdfest

Got old medicines you need to dump? Saturday is the day
April 24, 2013

   The Haywood County Sheriff’s Department and the Brownsville Police Department are participating in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Drug Take Back Day.
   This Saturday between 10am and 2pm sheriff’s deputies will be set up in front of Wal-Mart and police officers will be stationed at the police department downtown to receive prescription medicines that need to be destroyed.
   The goal of the project is to provide a means for people to safely discard medicines they no longer need. Officials say it also helps reduce the chance the medicines may be stolen and used illegally.

Emergency vehicles at the high school — but not to worry
April 23, 2013

   Emergency crews will pile into the Haywood High Parking lot today at about 10am but it’s only a drill, according to the Brownsville Police Department. The BPD stages a mock DUI car crash in the high school parking lot every year a few weeks before graduation.
   Emergency workers will be “treating” car crash victims in an effort to impress upon the soon-to-be graduates the dangers of driving impaired.

Singing with Soul
April 22, 2013

   Singing with Soul might sound a bit cliché to some but the phrase appropriately describes the down-home gospel sound of The Como Mamas The three life-long African-American gospel singers have sauntered in from the small Delta town of Como, Mississippi. Their new, critically acclaimed album “Get an Understanding” features only three instruments—the powerful, raspy voice of Ester Mae Smith, the deep soothing sounds of Angela Taylor, and the energetic, spirited vocals of Della Daniels. Recently featured SXSW 2013(South By SouthWest) music festival in Austin Texas, the group garnered huge audience followings that led to being voted one of the festival’s top 3 acts.
   Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the spirit and soul of the Delta. The harmonies of the Como Mamas are so powerful, musical accompaniment will not be missed. And neither should this May 5, 3 pm show.
   Tickets are available at area Brownsville banks, Livingston’s or from the Arts Council office (731.772.4883).

Brownsville to host "Cancer Queens! A Cancer Prevention Musical Revue"
April 22, 2013

   A group of professional health educators will provide a light-hearted approach to a serious subject when they present a cancer prevention musical Saturday, May 4, in Brownsville, Tenn. The performance will begin at 6 p.m., at the Ann Marks Performing Arts Theater. While there is no admission charge for the event, donations will be accepted and will benefit the American Cancer Society.
   Known as the Cancer Queens, the group presents ways to improve health and reduce cancer risk through original lyrics and dances to tunes of popular songs. For example, dancing to the tune of Brooks and Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie," they encourage audiences to eat fruit and veggies and to go and get their Pap smears" to a parody of the Little Eva song, "Locomotion." I'm always amazed at the lack of knowledge and awareness of the impact on health that simple lifestyle choices can have," said Brownsville Relay for Life Chairperson Carolyn Flagg. "The Cancer Queens present that information in a way that is fun and easy to remember. They engage audience members by entertaining them and drawing them into the fun."
   Recognized by the Centers for Disease Control, the Cancer Queens have been bringing their health messages to audiences in churches, schools, women's organizations and other venues across the state of Tennessee for the last three years. The group is part of the Office of Community Outreach of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, in Nashville.
   For more information about Brownsville's Relay for Life and the Cancer Queen performance, contact Flagg at 731-772-0425.

Historic planners to see Brownsville downtown plan today
April 18, 2013

   Much of downtown Brownsville is in an downtown Historic District governed by city ordinance. Leaders in Brownsville are working to improve and protect historic architecture. The historic planning board will review a professional plan today.
   The planning board meets at 4pm at Brownsville’s city hall and their agenda includes an historic and architectural survey presentation from preservation planning firm, Thomason & Associates.
   Mayor Jo Matherne says the work is in accordance with the Brownsville on the Move Plan. We reported last week that the mayor promises low interest loans among incentives for building owners interested in improving and protecting their properties. About Thomason & Associates
   According to their web site, Thomason & Associates was founded in 1982. They claim to have completed over 700 preservation projects that include “farmsteads in the South to courthouse squares in the Midwest and historic districts in the Northwest.”

Stanton amends beer-selling ordinance and talks consolidated government
April 17, 2013

   Stanton Mayor Allen Sterbinsky said the Stanton Board of Mayor and Alderman will serve as the community’s beer board. The creation of the beer board came at yesterday’s Stanton city council meeting. Stanton has permitted the sale of package beer for a couple of years.
   Stanton’s leaders are also being briefed about considerations for consolidated government. Yesterday county study committee member Allen King made a presentation to the Stanton Board. Sterbinsky says he is asking various members of the study group to visit with his board based on how they have already voted on the issue. King voted against recommending that any further steps be taken in consolidated government. Sterbinsky says a proponent will also present. Next month the Stanton board will hear metro government information from officials from the Municipal Technical Advisory Service. Stanton aldermen could be asked to vote in June.

Brownsville travels to Muskogee for multicultural exchange
April 15, 2013

   A group from Brownsville traveled to Muskogee, Ok., April 12 - 14, as part of a multicultural exchange between the two cities. The exchange began last September when residents of Muskogee visited for the Tina Turner Celebration.
   Brownsville was greeted by Chamber officials and treated to a full weekend of activities, including visiting the USS Batfish submarine, the Azalea Festival and Chili Cook-off, Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, Honor Heights Park and a tour of the city. The highlight of the trip was the Bare Bones Film Festival and the screening of the documentary "From Muskogee to Nutbush: In Search of Tina Turner American Music Icon."
   The film follows Muskogee's Rising Stars, a group of students participating in the town's music Spotlight Program, as they traveled to Brownsville and Nutbush to learn more about Anna Mae Bullock and her rise to fame as Tina Turner.
   Twelve-year-old Memphis native Emma Webb joined the Brownsville group and provided the entertainment for the opening of the film. She was joined on stage by the same Rising Stars featured in the film. Brownsville scenes include clips from the ribbon cutting of the Flagg Grove School and a tour of Nutbush. Local people are also featured in the film, including Brownsville Mayor Jo Matherne and Pam and Joe Stephens.
   Brownsville residents will have the opportunity to see the documentary this September during the annual Tina Turner Heritage Celebration.

A group of 17 visited Muskogee, Ok., for tours and the screening of the new documentary "From Muskogee to Nutbush," April 12-14, 2013. Pictured are (from left, standing) Director of the Muskogee Spotlight Program Michael Anthamatten, Mary Hines, Mayor Jo Matherne, Phyllis and Austin Brown, Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Jean Avery, Muskogee historian Jonita Mullins, Spotlight Program's Clayton Campbell and Muskogee Chamber President Treasure McKenzie; (from left, kneeling) Paula Webb, Vickie Cooper, Emma Webb, Andy Cooper, Vice Mayor Carolyn Flagg, Peggy Jones and Austin Webb. Not pictured are Joe Stephens and Joseph, A.C. and Rooks Stephens.

Haywood County Metro government meeting set for April 29
April 15, 2013

   Have a question or maybe a comment about consolidating the governments in Haywood County? Mark your calendars for two weeks from today. Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith says April 29 is the date.
   Mayor Smith said yesterday he plans on allowing public comment on the proposal during the public hearing. The event comes just before local governments are set to vote on whether to advance the measure with the appointment of a charter commission. County commissioners will be asked to vote in May. If county government seeks a charter, Stanton and Brownsville’s political leaders are likely to decide in June whether their governments are to be included.
   County government started the consolidation discussions by voting unanimously in early 2012 to form a study group. The study committee voted to recommend governments form a charter commission.

Dixie Youth gets grand grand opening — Smith honored with naming of baseball complex
April 15, 2013

   Volunteer Park was a mob scene Saturday — a mob of kids and parent who were celebrating the opening of Dixie Youth Baseball. Nearly 200 children age 3 to 12 will participate in youth baseball this year, according to Dixie Youth leader Michael Banks.
   Leaders also announced Saturday that the four-field baseball complex will now be named in honor of one of its original developers. Volunteer Park’s baseball development is now known as the A Franklin Smith III Baseball Complex. Smith was among the early proponents of the recreational facility that came to be known as Volunteer Park because of the many people who worked to create it. Smith has helped see the facility is maintained and grown.

Haywood County School Board one of “Distinction”
Updated - April 11, 2013

   The Haywood County School Board was recognized at its meeting Tuesday night, April 9, as a Tennessee School Board Association Board of Distinction, highlighting outstanding board performance. Cynthia Glenn, TSBA Delta District Director from Lauderdale County, was on hand to make the presentation. This award, one of TSBA’s most prestigious, celebrates the achievements of those boards that have met the challenge of leadership in every area of their board responsibility. Mrs. Glenn said that the Haywood County Board is one of a select few boards that earn this designation. The HCS Board has been a Board of Distinction since 1990.

The Haywood County School Board was recognized as a TSBA Board of Distinction at the meeting on April 9. This prestigious honor celebrates the achievements of those boards that have met the challenge of leadership in every area of their responsibility. Pictured are TSBA Presenter Cynthia Glenn of Lauderdale County, Superintendent Teresa Russell and board members Harold Garrett, Greg Vanstory, Robbie Jarrett-King, Allen Currie and Pearlie Hess.
   In other business, board members approved the adoption of reading books for grades K-6.†They also decided to award six $2,000 scholarships to selected HHS seniors from the Catherine Colhoun Scholarship fund that the Haywood County Board of Education manages.
   The HHS Step Team, under the direction of teacher Cherie Timberlake, was approved to take a trip to St. Louis, Missouri, then to Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville to participate in a discussion forum regarding transition into college life and getting involved on campus.
   Board members approved Five Points Benefits Solution to serve as the Haywood County Schools broker/agent for its benefit plans. They also approved the company US Able to manage the plans.

Scholarships available
   School Board members voted to provide six college scholarships. The $2,000 scholarships will be funded from the Catherine Colhoun Scholarship fund.

Two Haywood Countians named Most Influential
April 9, 2013

   Brownsville Mayor Jo Matherne and Stanton’s Emma Delk were among 20 women named in the Jackson Sun’s Sterling Awards. The awards pick West Tennessee’s most influential women.
   Delk is the co-director of the Stanton Welcome Center and Library. Delk also served for 26 years as an alderman in Stanton and has been instrumental in community projects there ranging from development of the Farmer’s Market to providing free Internet and GED services.
   Matherne, the first female mayor of Brownsville, was instrumental in developing Brownsville on the Move. Matherne, among her many accomplishments, has appointed a record number of women and minorities to leadership positions in Brownsville.

More people working in Haywood County — state data released
March 29, 2013

   County unemployment rates for February 2013, released Thursday, report the unemployment rate decreased in 87 of Tennessee’s 95 counties, increased in five, and stayed the same in three.
   Haywood County’s rate was down fractionally and so was the rate in all of our neighboring counties.
Madison, 8.1%
Fayette County, 10%
Crockett County, 11.6%
Tipton, 11.5%
Haywood, 11.9% down from 12.4% a month earlier
Lauderdale, 13.8%
   The entire report is available here: www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/labor_figures/LaborFeb13.pdf

Brownsville Planners recommend city take in tracts south of I-40
March 29, 2013

   The Brownsville City Board of Mayor and Aldermen will have the final say in an annexation that could take in to Brownsville a potentially important sliver of land near I-40’s Exit 56. The Brownsville Planning Board recommended the annexation during a meeting yesterday at City Hall.
   The property is mostly in the southwest corner of the Exit 56 interchange and encompasses 30 acres. Jackson, Tennessee developer David Hunt owns some of the property and has, for several years, promised to build a hotel and restaurant there.
   You can see the map of the property and a detailed description HERE
   The city board must pass the annexation on two readings for it to become official.
New business for Dupree
   Valley Irrigation’s plan to build a new building on a lot located of Dupree Street was approved by the planning board yesterday. The business sells farm irrigation systems and is affiliated with John Deer dealer, Tennessee Tractor.
   Valley Irrigation will be located between the Haywood County Road Department and the vacant car dealership building. Sources say it is likely construction will begin very soon.
   See this week's Brownsville Planning Commission agenda and the minutes of last month's Planning Commission meeting by clicking on these links:
Brownsville Agenda and Staff Memo.pdf
Planning Commission Minutes 02-13.pdf

Brownsville on the Move Report released
March 29, 2013

   Brownsville leaders have complied the results of their work in achieving the goals of the Brownsville on the Move initiative. City planners and the historic zoning commission were presented the report at recent meetings.
   The compilation lists 15 items government leaders say help accomplish the goals of the plan. The achievements range from winning a Community Excellence Award from Southwest Tennessee Development District to the city’s participation in the school system’s Gear-Up program.
   You can read the entire report HERE

Clark Earns ‘Travel Marketing Professional’ Certification from Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College
March 22, 2013

   Three-year program recognized nationally for continuing education
   ATLANTA, Ga. (March 19, 2012): Sonia Outlaw-Clark, director of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, has earned certification as a “Travel Marketing Professional” (TMP) after completing the three-year program of the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College.
   Clark was one of 47 new TMPs recognized at the STS spring meeting in Atlanta, Ga., Tuesday, March 19. STS Marketing College started in 1992, and 749 people have earned TMP certification. Clark was also recognized and presented a certification in festival and event planning.