Haywood High School Academic
Decathlon team places third in state competition
At the 26th annual Tennessee Academic Decathlon
competition, the Haywood High School team earned
fifteen individual medals, two plaques, and the
third place trophy. Students competed in ten
academic disciplines at Austin Peay State
University, February 18-19, 2011, and every HHS team
member won at least one medal.
Five HHS students won speech medals and were invited
to perform their prepared speeches in the
prestigious Speech Showcase.
Individual medalists were:
• Kaitlyn Schwarz
– Copper medals in Essay, Speech, Economics
Bronze medal in Math
Silver medal in Art
• Reeves Garrett
-- Copper medal in Art
Bronze medal in Essay
Silver medal in Speech
• Nijaa Murray
-- Gold medal in Speech
• Taylor Primrose
-- Copper medal in Speech
• Madison Eubanks
-- Bronze medal in Speech
• Morgan Currie
-- Silver medal in Math
• Karla Cisneros
-- Copper medals in Music and Literature
• Jay Clinton
-- Copper medal in Super Quiz.
Kaitlyn Schwarz and Reeves Garrett also received
plaques as the fifth-highest overall scorers in
their divisions. The highest scorer for the HHS team
was Reeves Garrett.
This year’s competition focused on the Great
Depression. The Super Quiz topic was geology,
particularly those aspects related to the Dust Bowl
and the Great Depression.
Placing first in the competition was Madison
Academic Magnet High School of Jackson. This school
will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, in April
for the national competition. Competing online in
the large school division nationally will be Mt.
Juliet High School. Chester County High School
placed second overall and will compete nationally
online in the medium school division. Two teams from
Obion County Central High School placed fourth and
fifth. Also competing were teams from Liberty
Technology Magnet High School in Jackson, and
Seymour High School from Seymour, Tennessee.
Coaches for the Haywood High School team are John
Thomas and Glynn Bridgewater. Joining the group at
the event in Clarksville on Saturday was HHS
Principal Dorothy Bond.
New Justice Complex will feature
added security
February 23, 2011
Additional labor for
security will help operate the new Criminal Justice
Complex. The Haywood County Commission approved the
funding this week.
The
new security force, based on total weekly hours,
will amount to three full time officers.
Sheriff Melvin Bond requested appropriation for two
full time POST certified officers to be stationed as
bailiffs at the new center. Additionally, he sought
funding for four part time employees to cover a
five-day week. The part-timers will be stationed at
the entrance to the new center where all visitors
will be required to pass through a metal detector.
Because current Tennessee law requires court
security officers to be POST certified, new
employees must receive pay as mandated by state law.
The starting salary for a POST certified officer is
$28,066 per year plus benefits.
Conmed to provide healthcare for jail inmates
February 23, 2011
County Mayor Franklin
Smith told the county commission that last Thursday
he signed a contract with Conmed Healthcare
Management to provide medical care to Haywood County
inmates for $360,360 per year.
The
contract, approved last month by the county
commission, means a healthcare professional will be
in the county jail about 17 hours daily.
New proposal could lower cost for
Haywood County jail inmate healthcare
February 15, 2011
New information has
stalled a plan to sign a contract for healthcare
services at the county jail. At a meeting of the
county’s budget committee Monday, a county
commissioner who voted against the contract
presented information that could save the county
hundreds of thousands of dollars.
At the
January 18 meeting of the Haywood County Commission,
members voted 17 to 3 to authorize County Mayor
Franklin Smith to enter into a contract for $360,360
per year - $30,030 per month - with Conmed
Healthcare Management to provide healthcare services
for county jail prisoners.
The
vote came on the heels of a year in which the County
spent over $307,000 in healthcare costs.
Commissioner Bob Hooper, one of the three who voted
against the Conmed proposal in January, addressed
the committee saying he believed there is a less
expensive alternative. Nurse Practitioner Rene
Terrelle and registered nurse Sherie McKnight
attended the meeting at Hooper’s guest and said they
can provide the service for less money.
Terrelle and McKnight currently provide healthcare
services at jails in Obion, Lake, and Gibson
counties. Terrelle stated that as a two-person team,
they visit jails in each of these counties two days
weekly and spend three to six hours at each. They
are on call 24 /7, and they shop for best pricing on
pharmaceuticals for the counties they serve. She
told the Committee she is licensed, bonded, and
insured.
Ms.
Terrelle stated that Lake County averages about 40
inmates; Obion County just over 100 ; and Gibson
County 200. Current monthly charges for her services
to these counties are approximately $3,500 for Lake
County, $4,500 for Obion County, and $6,000 for
Gibson County, exclusive of actual costs for drugs.
Mayor
Franklin Smith stated that even though the
Commission had authorized him to do so, he had not
yet entered into any binding agreement with Conmed.
Mayor Smith noted that for the issue of inmate
healthcare to be resubmitted to the Haywood County
Commission, procedures required that any new
proposal must be made by one of the 17 commissioners
previously voting for the contract with Conmed.
New workers may be needed at Haywood County Justice
Complex
February 15, 2011
Sheriff Melvin Bond
has requested funding for additional courtroom and
building security personnel at the soon to be opened
Haywood County Criminal Justice Center.
The
request is for two full time certified officers as
bailiffs, along with the equivalent of one full time
person to monitor citizens going into the facility
through the metal detectors at the main entrance.
Commissioners Robert Green and Leonard Jones, Jr.
questioned Sheriff Bond about the proposal, which is
in conflict with previous assurances there would be
no need for additional personnel at the new Center.
Commissioner Green noted the need to show budgetary
restraint.
Presently, security at the Haywood County Courthouse
consists of one full time and one part time officer.
The
committee took no action on the sheriff’s request.
Budget Committee Chairman Allen King asked Sheriff
Bond to provide additional information about the
need for more workers.
Brownsville to seek half-million
dollar sewer grant
February 9, 2011
The City board passed
three resolutions pertaining to funding and
implementation of sewer projects in south
Brownsville. The resolutions authorize the Mayor to
apply for $500,000 in Community Development Block
Grant funds from the Tennessee Department of
Economic and Community Development in order to
continue improvements in the sewer system in the
south part of Brownsville. If successful in
obtaining the grant, the City will employ the
engineering firm of Gresham, Smith & Partners for
consultation and implementation of the work. The
same firm was used for similar work last year.
Snow storms increase work for Brownsville public
works
February 9, 2011
Public Works Director
Bobby Mayer's crews have worked long hours this year
due to an unusually high number of snows. That will
likely continue at least for the next few days.
There
were three snows in January, one already in
February, and a significant fifth snow is expected
today, February 9th. The volume of storm water
runoff from rains and snows has been significant ,
and drainage has been adversely impacted by beaver
dams in drainage areas and creeks. Mayer reported
the removal of at least ten beaver dams this week.
Mayor
Jo Matherne commended the street crews for doing a
stellar job keeping Brownsville roads passable
during and following these winter storms.
Call volume large for Brownsville Haywood County
Central Dispatch
February 9, 2011
For January, Central
Dispatch received 357 emergency management calls,
216 calls for the sheriff's department, 1,173 calls
to the police department, and 50 calls to the Fire
Department.
The
office handled approximately 25,000 total calls in
2010, for an average of 65 to 70 calls per day.
Chief Chris Lea — Crime down in Brownsville in 2010
February 9, 2011
Brownsville Police
Chief Chris Lea reported that overall statistics
reflect a decrease in crime in Brownsville for 2010
Robberies, burglaries, homicides, and assaults were
all down over 20% from the previous year.
One
area reflecting an increase in activity is the
investigation and management of cases. An increase
from 2 to 5 (addition of 3) officers in the criminal
investigation division in 2010 resulted in a case
closure rate of 76.5%, up from just 23% a year ago
when there was less staffing.
Injury
and non-injury related car crashes also went down in
Brownsville in 2010 as total crashes of 147 reflect
a reduction of 48% from 2009. Chief Lea attributes
some of the improved numbers to the attainment of
almost $ 113,000 in various agency grants to provide
additional personnel, upgrade equipment, and provide
education and prevention programs.
Laptop
computers are now in every patrol vehicle.
Finally, Chief Lea commended Alderman Carolyn Flagg
for Ward 2's Neighborhood Watch program. As evidence
that neighborhood watch programs work, Chief Lea
noted that not a single crime was reported in Ward 2
in January of this year.
Flagg’s group will be holding a public meeting this
Thursday, February 11, in the Delta Room at Backyard
Barbeque at 1800 East Main
FEMA to provide more than half-million dollars to
buy Brownsville flood damaged properties
February 9, 2011
The City of
Brownsville may purchase up to 16 properties already
identified and damaged by the May 1, 2010 flood .
Eligible properties must be in the flood plain, must
have suffered over 50% damage in value as a result
of the flood, and must fit within the city's flood
management plan. Brownsville’s City government must
agree per FEMA regulations to own the property in
perpetuity and never use it for residential
purposes.
The
purchase price will be the fair market value of the
properties just prior to the flood. There will be a
meeting on Thursday, February 17, at 5:30 P.M. at
City Hall to discuss the program, and all interested
parties may attend.
Brownsville City Board to meet later in March
February 9, 2011
Because many City
officials will be attending the Tennessee Municipal
League legislative conference on March 7 and 8 next
month. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen moved their
regularly scheduled meeting one week forward to
Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at 5:30 P.M at City Hall.
There will also be a called meeting on Tuesday,
March 29, 2011, at 5:30 P.M. at City Hall for a
second hearing and vote on the proposed expansion of
the Urban Growth Boundary for Brownsville.
Tomcat Jerry Bradford signs with
Bethel University
Haywood High School senior Tomcat Jerry Bradford
received a full athletic scholarship and signed on
the dotted line on February 2 to play football with
Bethel University. Jerry played left guard and
defensive end for the Tomcats. He holds a 3.1 GPA
and says he will major in computer science at
Bethel. Joining him at the signing were (seated,
from left) Bethel Coach Willie Fells, Jerry
Bradford, Sr., Jerry, Annette Bradford and Bethel
Coach Chancy DePriest; (standing) HHS Coach Tim
Stratton, Tomcat Athletic Director Jim Frazier, HHS
Principal Dorothy Bond and HHS Coach Tim Seymour.
REPORT ON THE JANUARY MEETING OF THE
BROWNSVILLE MUNICIPAL - REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
Housekeeping measures
occupied much of the first meeting of the new year
for the Brownsville Municipal - Regional Planning
Commission. Greg Vanstory was elected Secretary to
replace Sharon Hays, who rotated from the Commission
to take a position on the staff of the City of
Brownsville. To reflect the expanded regional
outlook of the Commission, the bylaws were amended
to require 10 instead of the previous 8 members on
the board. Eight members must continue to be city
residents while the two new positions are to be
occupied by residents of the City of Brownsville's
Planning Region.
The
Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval
by the City Board of Alderman of an expanded Urban
Growth Boundary proposed by Mr. Tom Skehan,
Community Principal Planner for the West Tennessee
Region of the State Dept. of Economic and Community
Development. Approval of inclusion of the land
encompassed by the boundary will facilitate
regulation of zoning and subdivision regulations to
monitor growth currently just outside the city
limits. While there are no current plans to annex
these areas to the City of Brownsville, adoption of
the new Urban Growth Boundary would streamline
annexation should the City decide to do so in the
future. Without the Urban Growth Boundary, any
proposed annexation would have to occur via
referendum, whereas with the adopted Boundary
annexation could occur on vote by the Mayor and City
Board of Aldermen.
There
will be a meeting at City Hall on Saturday, February
5, commencing at 10:00 A.M. to discuss Brownsville's
Comprehensive Plan. Students and faculty from the
University of Memphis who have worked on the plan
will be in attendance , as well as participating
planning board commissioners. The meeting is open to
the public. Students working on the project will
consider industrial development, downtown
development, historic preservation, as well as other
matters.
During
Thursday's meeting , the Commission recommended the
rezoning from residential to commercial of one piece
of property. Mr. James Clark has purchased the
property at 1451 East Main across from Golden Circle
Tire to establish a new location for a Farmers
Insurance Agency.
Finally, the Commission voted to condemn property
located at 940 Scott Street and remove the existing
decayed residence there.
Haywood hosts academic decathlon
January 24, 2011
Haywood High School
was again this year the host school for the West
Tennessee Regional Academic Decathlon competition
held here Saturday.
The
HHS Academic Decathlon team competed with teams from
Obion County Central High School, Chester County
High School, Madison Academic Magnet High School,
and Liberty Technology Magnet High School.
HHS
placed 3rd overall, received 14 individual medals,
won 3rd place in the Super Quiz, and had two team
members who scored in the top 5 in their division.
For the 26th year in a row the Haywood High
decathletes advanced to statewide competition.
The
state academic decathlon will be held at Austin Peay
University February 18-19. Coaches for the Haywood
High School team are John Thomas and Glynn
Bridgewater.
Teachers of the year announced
January 24, 2011
Selected by their
peers, the names of leading teachers in the Haywood
County School system have just been announced.
The
following teachers earn Teacher of the Year status:
Anderson Early
Childhood Center — Suzie May
Haywood Elementary School — Susan Evans
East Side Elementary School — Leslie Essary
Sunny Hill School — Mandy Bell
Haywood Junior High School — Holly Pipkin
Haywood High School — Delois Dailey
Haywood County to apply for flood
relief grant
January 19, 2011
With passage of three
resolutions, the Haywood County Commission
authorized Mayor Franklin Smith to apply for $1
million in Community Development Block Grant funds
in response to damage caused by tornadoes here in
2008 and floods last year.
The
mayor hopes to work with The West Tennessee River
Basin Authority, engineers Askew, Hargraves, and
Harcourt, and the Tennessee Department of Economic
and Community Development to develop a comprehensive
plan so that damage from future flooding can be
minimized.
Brownsville and Haywood County suffered significant
damage due to the flooding that occurred May 1 of
last year in addition to that caused by the 2008
winds. If awarded, some of the monies may also be
used to purchase updated weather warning and
monitoring equipment. The $1 million county grant
application mirrors the same grant the City of
Brownsville agreed to pursue last week.
Conmed Healthcare to administer healthcare at
Haywood County Jail
January 19, 2011
Haywood County
Commissioners were full of questions regarding a
proposed 16-month contract with Conmed Healthcare
Management to provide medical care and the
dispensation of prescription drugs to inmates at the
Haywood County jail. The contract requires taxpayers
ante up more than $30,000 monthly to fund the
$360,360 annual contract.
Conmed’s charges don’t include providing the
medicines. Presently, county government buys
medicines from Super D at a cost averaging around
$3,000 every month.
Mayor
Franklin Smith urged approval of the contract so
that new procedures for the administration of inmate
healthcare will be in place at the commencement of
operations at the new criminal justice complex. The
center is expected to open March 1.
Under
the contract, a healthcare professional will be in
the jail 16 hours everyday. The staff includes
visits by a Nurse Practitioner 8 hours weekly, a
registered nurse for 40 hours each week, and
licensed practical nurses (LPN's) for 72 hours per
week. These services contrast with the two hours of
service currently provided by a nurse practitioner 3
days each week.
After
much discussion and endorsement by Budget Committee
Chairman Allen King, commissioners voted 17 to 3 in
favor of entering into the contract. Commissioners
Teddy Waldrop, John Gorman, Jr., and Bob Hooper
voted no.
King
advocated a review after the first six months. The
contract includes provisions for cancellation.
Conmed
is a for profit publicly traded company.
Rouse and Neal appointed to Haywood County jobs
January 19, 2011
Commissioners
unanimously voted to appoint William King to serve
the remainder of the unexpired term of the Reverend
Rick Rouse on the Planning Commission. Rev Rouse
passed away in December.
Commissioners also appointed Clinton Neal as Interim
County Farm Superintendent. He’ll be paid $800
monthly through June 3o. Neal already serves in the
capacity of Director of Solid Waste Management for
Haywood County. The appointment comes on the heals
of the retirement of County Farm Superintendent
Terry Parks.
Three Star status awarded to Haywood County
January 19, 2011
Chamber of Commerce
Director Joe Ing presented Mayor Franklin Smith and
the County Commission a certificate recognizing the
county's achievement as a Three Star County in
Tennessee for 2010. The Three Star program is
administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic
and Community Development and involves a number of
initiatives, including strategic planning for
infrastructure at potential industrial sites,
sustaining businesses at I - 40 exits, taking action
for at risk children, and enhancing healthcare
accessibility.
Haywood County will again participate in the program
in 2011. Mayor Smith noted that Haywood County is
one of very few in Tennessee where both the county
government and county seat have obtained Three Star
Certification. He stated that the achievement of
this status by both Haywood County and the City of
Brownsville makes the area stand out in a positive
way and provides an advantage of distinction when
talking to potential industrial and business
recruits.
Brownsville to apply for disaster
recovery funds
January 11, 2011
The January meeting
of the City of Brownsville Mayor and Board of
Aldermen focused on disaster relief and prevention
in the wake of the May 1, 2010 flood. The city will
apply for $1 million Community Development Block
Grant. The engineering firm of Askew, Hargraves &
Harcourt will assist in the application for the
grant and implementation if awarded.
Tuesday’s action is part of a comprehensive flood
control plan for Brownsville, which will result in
taking steps for prevention and minimizing of flood
damage in the future.
“Ground zero" for the engineering firm's work,
according to Mayor Jo Matherne, is defined as the
Nixon and Sugar Creek areas.
Twenty-two affected counties may apply for an
available $72 million, and the mayor believes
Brownsville's chances of obtaining $1 million are
good. The city will coordinate efforts with Haywood
County, which is also applying for similar funding
relating to flood control.
Brownsville to acquire flood damaged
properties
January 11, 2011
City of Brownsville officials are in the process of
evaluating properties damaged by the May 2010 flood
that may be eligible for purchase under Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines.
Eligible properties must be in the flood plain, be
part of a City development plan, and be damaged by
the 2010 flood by over 50 percent in value. Once the
city determines eligible properties and purchases
them, existing structures will be demolished and no
further buildings can be erected there.
While
the deadline for identifying properties is March 31,
Alderman Leon King noted that this is a lengthy,
detailed process that will take an extended period
of time before purchases are actually made.
NAACP sponsors parade on Martin Luther King
Day
January 11. 2011
The City Board approved a request by the local
chapter of the NAACP to conduct a parade in
Brownsville on Monday, January 17, 2011. The parade
will begin at the Carver Dunbar Museum on East
Jefferson and end there after a route through town.
NAACP
officials are sponsoring the parade as part of the
festivities celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center to hold
banquet
January 11, 2011
Sonia Outlaw, Director of the West Tennessee Delta
Heritage Center, plans a banquet for 2010 volunteers
for the Center on Friday, January 15. Volunteers
donated 488 hours of time during the past year.
During
2010, over 20,000 visitors from all 50 states and 30
countries visited the Center, which is located just
off Exit 56 at Interstate 40.
Collection of Brownsville taxes ahead of
schedule
January 11, 2011
City Clerk Jessica Frye reports that over $2 million
in tax revenue was received by the end of December,
which is the half way point in Brownsville’s fiscal
year. This money represents over half of the
budgeted tax income for 2010 - 2011, making
collections ahead of schedule at this time.
Statewide Jewish History and Culture
is Focus of Exhibit Opening January 27 at Delta
Heritage Center
Brownsville, Tenn. —
January 10, 2011 – The story of Jewish immigration
to Tennessee and how they embraced the culture they
found here is documented in a traveling exhibit
opening January 27, at the West Tennessee Delta
Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn.
Bagels & Barbeque: The Jewish Experience in
Tennessee begins with the saga of early Jewish
settlers emigrating from Europe, where most faced
religious persecution. A few came to upper East
Tennessee in the 1770s, and to Middle Tennessee by
the 1820s. By 1870, groups in Nashville, Memphis,
Knoxville, and Chattanooga had purchased land for
cemeteries—a first concern of new Jewish
communities—and founded congregations for worship.
Chronicling the life of Jewish families during the
Civil War and Reconstruction, the exhibit focuses on
the historic contributions during this period.
Stories of interest include the beginnings of one of
America’s most respected newspaper empires, which
began when 20 year-old Adolph Ochs, son of Julius
and Bertha from Knoxville, bought The Chattanooga
Times in 1878. In 1896, he added The New York Times
to what is still today a family-controlled
enterprise.
Stories of the huge wave of immigrants, who arrived
between 1880 and 1924, who were fleeing anti-Semitic
laws and mob violence, are followed by those of
Tennessee Jews during World War II. More than 1,000
Tennessee Jews served their country in the armed
forces.
As the young left to seek their fortunes after the
war, Tennessee’s Jewish population declined to less
than 17,000 in 1960. The Civil Rights era raised
ongoing challenges for Tennessee Jews. The Nashville
Jewish Community Center was dynamited in 1958, while
a Chattanooga synagogue was destroyed in 1977.
Bagels & Barbeque also documents the recent
influence of the Jewish community in Tennessee.
Tennessee has seen an influx from around the nation
of Jewish health and music industry professionals,
university professors, executives, artists, and
their extended families.
Scholars from across the state of Tennessee provided
the research for the exhibit, along with noted
authorities on Jewish history from other locations.
The exhibition has been organized, designed and
produced by the staff of the Tennessee State Museum.
It was first shown at the Tennessee State Museum in
December 2007. It is now traveling to other museums
across the state.
In 1867, Temple Adas Israel, the Reformed Jewish
temple in Brownsville began in the home of Jacob and
Karoline Felsenthal. In 1882, when the congregation
grew too large to meet in a home, a wooden temple
was built. Today it is recognized as the oldest
Temple of continuous service in the state. This rich
local Jewish history will be highlighted as a
special companion to the state exhibit.
The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, a Visitor
Information Center and Museum, is located off of
Interstate 40, Exit 56, behind McDonald’s, at 121
Sunny Hill Cove in Brownsville, Tenn. The museum is
open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 1 to
5 p.m., on Sunday; and is free to the public. To
learn more about the museum, visit
www.westtnheritage.com
Bagels & Barbeque: The Jewish Experience in
Tennessee is a joint project of the Tennessee State
Museum in collaboration with the Jewish Federation
of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, Jewish Community
Federation of Greater Chattanooga, Knoxville Jewish
Alliance, and Memphis Jewish Federation, with the
participation of other Jewish communities around the
state. The exhibit’s statewide tour is supported in
part by a grant from Humanities Tennessee, an
independent affiliate of the National Endowment for
the Humanities.
Holocaust Survivors’ Crate — Tennessee State Museum
collection,
Gift of Rodney Rosenblum.
Holy Smokers team at Anshei Sphard-Beth
El Emeth Synagogue’s annual Kosher BBQ Contest and
Festival in Memphis — Courtesy Anshei Sphard-Beth El
Emeth, Memphis
Delta Heritage Center welcomes first
visitor of 2011
Chuck
Matthews, of Brownsville, was surprised by a camera
flash when he walked into the West Tennessee Delta
Heritage Center Saturday, January 1. His New Year’s
Day visit earned him the honor of being the first
visitor of the year. Along with the recognition, he
also received a University of Tennessee birdhouse.
Pictured with Matthews are staff members Mary Hines
(left) and Peggy Jones.
Sharon Hayes appointed to Higher Education
Commission
December 22, 2010
Brownsville’s new
city planner has been appointed to Tennessee’s
Higher Education Commission. Sharon Hayes, who
recently retired from the University of Memphis,
received the appointment from Governor Phil Bredesen.
Hayes’
term runs until June of 2015.
The
Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) was
created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly
for the purpose of coordinating and supporting the
efforts of post-secondary institutions in the State
of Tennessee. One of its statutory requirements is
to create a master plan for the development of
public higher education in Tennessee.
Tomcats’ new coach brings history of winning to
Haywood
December 21, 2010
Slade Calhoun is the
new head coach for the Haywood High School Tomcats.
In a press release issued late Monday night,
Director of Schools Marlon King said Calhoun was
selected from a pool of nearly 50 applicants.
Coach
Calhoun will become the Tomcats’ 20th head coach and
will be the headman for the 100th anniversary of
Tomcat football next fall.
Calhoun played high school football at Mt. Vernon,
Kentucky from 1993 though 1996 and later coached
there. For the last three years he has been an
assistant at Brighton High School located in Tipton
County.
With
an undergraduate degree in History, Calhoun also
brings to Haywood High a Masters Degree in
Educational Theory and Practice.
Director King says Calhoun will not only be the head
coach for the Tomcats but will also be responsible
for the “entire football program.” His title is
Director of Football Operations for the county
school system.
Marlon
King handpicked a committee to select and recruit
the new coach. The selection group included Robert
Rooks, Greg Vanstory, Allen King, Allen Currie, Jim
Frazier and Director King.
At
Brighton Calhoun was the defensive coordinator,
receiver’s and strength coach. Calhoun writes in his
resume that during his time at Brighton the team has
“shattered every offensive school record and led the
state in scoring.” Brighton was the 13 AAA state
champions in 2009.
Marlon
King has high expectations for Calhoun. “We are
excited to have Coach Calhoun as a part of Haywood
County Schools and are confident, considering his
background and experience, that he will add great
value to our rich football tradition in Haywood
County,” King said.
Coach Calhoun's resume
Brownsville to change health insurance for workers
December 15, 2010
Facing an increase in annual cost of 24%,
Brownsville officials have decided to change the
health insurance coverage for city workers. The
change means significant savings to taxpayers and
little consequence to workers.
Blue
Cross of Tennessee underwrites the city’s health
insurance. Taxpayers pay the entire cost of
individual coverage and pay half of family coverage.
Mayor
Jo Matherne reported to city board members that
while Blue Cross will continue to be the city’s
insurance company, workers will now be covered by a
different coverage option provided by Blue Cross.
The change means workers will have fewer choices for
healthcare providers. Mayor Matherne says she polled
city workers and found the changes “will have very
little negative impact.” The out of pocket costs for
workers will remain the same.
The
change, Matherne said, means only a 4% increase in
annual costs.
No more paychecks for Brownsville workers
December 15, 2010
Beginning in 2011 Brownsville’s employees and
elected officials will get their pay via direct
deposit. Aldermen passed a resolution supporting
Mayor Jo Matherne’s wishes that the payroll system
be changed.
“Every
two weeks we have 160 to 170 paychecks laying
around…” Matherne said. She said the new system is
an “efficiency move” and will also be more secure
for workers.
Brownsville provides Christmas bonus
December 15, 2010
Every full time city
worker who has been on the job at least a year will
get a taxpayer funded Christmas bonus of $240.76.
Those working less than one year will receive a
check based on months of service. Part time workers
will get $50.
A system established many years ago will continue
under the Jo Matherne administration. The bonus
dollars are calculated as 10% of one month’s
payroll. Each employee gets an equal share. The
Christmas bonus is included in the city’s budget and
means a payout of $29,373.
UT Martin classes coming to Brownsville
December 15, 2010
Remember the UT
Martin survey local leaders were asking you
complete? Many of us did and it has paid off.
The
University of Tennessee will offer three college
courses here beginning in the spring. Courses in
math, English and history will be provided. Mayor Jo
Matherne said the program will be taught in
classrooms at Haywood High School.
Bob Moses reappointed to Brownsville Housing
Authority
December 15, 2010
By brownsvilleradio.com
City board members agreed to reappoint Bob Moses to
the Brownsville Housing Authority Board of
Directors. Moses has served on the board for many
years and currently is the board’s chairman.
Brownsville utility customers will pay less
December 15, 2010
The Brownsville Energy Authority has decreased the
rate for electricity. Beginning December 1 the BEA
passed along a 3% decrease in electric charges
resulting from a decrease in cost by provider
Tennessee Valley Authority.
Brownsville tapped for Tennessee
Downtown project
December 10, 2010
By brownsvilleradio.com
Twelve Tennessee communities — Brownsville included
— have been chosen to participate in Tennessee
Downtowns, a competitive community improvement
program designed to revitalize traditional
commercial districts. Other cities include McKenzie,
Henderson, Athens, Linden, Red Boiling Springs,
Smithville, Centerville, Lewisburg, Mountain City,
Rockwood and Pikeville.
A paragraph from the Downtowns Internet site
provides insight into the project:
“….
Tennessee Downtowns, designed to help communities
fully understand what it takes to embark on a
comprehensive revitalization effort for their
downtown. Using the time tested National Main Street
Center’s "Main Street Four-Point Approach to
Downtown Revitalization ®," this 18-month adventure
will take the selected downtowns and their steering
committees through the steps of launching a downtown
revitalization effort.”
“The
ultimate goal is sustainable revitalization and
historic preservation,” Chief City Planner Sharon
Hayes said Thursday. Hayes said representatives of
Tennessee Economic and Community Development will
conduct introductory meetings with the selected
communities within the next two weeks.
Haywood High renovation wins approval
December 10, 2010
It took Haywood County Commissioners less than an
hour Thursday to approve a school fix-up project
that will cost $4,421,000. Haywood High School will
get a new heating and air system and the athletic
and science department and music room will be
overhauled.
The
county commission met in special session Thursday
night — the schools issue the only items on the
agenda.
Budget Committee Chairman Allan King said, “…we’re
going to fix the high school…when we walk out it
will be finished — done.” But it will take some
time. Leaders say replacement of the heat and air
will be done over two summers. Most of the work will
be done while students are on summer break.
Haywood High Principal Dorothy Bond said the
renovations would make the school the “pride of
Haywood County.”
Paying
Paying
for the overhaul will be accomplished with what
amounts to two loans.
The
school board will apply for a $1 million no interest
loan and make the required payments from its budget.
The balance of the project will be paid from a bond
issuance requiring a 20-year payback managed by the
county commission.
Brownsville Radio’s Christmas Basket project raises
nearly $30,000
Silver anniversary
December 6, 2010
Pledges topped the
goal set for Brownsville’s annual Christmas Basket
fund. The project, sponsored by Brownsville Radio (WTBG-FM)
and County Mayor Franklin Smith, was celebrating its
25th anniversary with last Friday’s five-hour
broadcast. Organizers had set a goal of $25,000 but
by the end of the show listeners had pledged
$26,719.
A
pledge called into the radio station early Monday
morning drove the total to $29,319. “Bill Connelly
from West Side Church of Christ called a little
after 6 a.m. to say the church had raised $2,600 for
the fund,” Brownsville Radio’s Carlton Veirs
reported Monday.
The
Brownsville Radio Christmas Basket Radiothon began
in December 1986 when Veirs and then-morning radio
host Paul Jackson decided to see if listeners would
give a few dollars to the needy. Exceeding their
expectations, they decided to make the Radiothon an
annual event. The local Jaycees had been conducting
an annual campaign but the organization was defunct.
Franklin Smith, a former Jaycee and county
executive, joined the cause and has helped raise
money and manages the logistics of buying and
delivering. Jackson returns each year to co-host the
show.
More
than 300 Christmas baskets will likely be funded
with this year’s donations.
Brownsville Radio listeners have contributed an
estimated half million dollars during the 25 year
history.
Delivery is scheduled for December 18. All of the
groceries and toys will be organized at the
Brownsville Utility Department’s gas warehouse
located on Anderson Avenue. Volunteers who would
like to help deliver are urged to arrive by 9 a.m.
School renovation one step closer
December 1, 2010
Officials at the
Haywood County Board of Education offices are like
busy preparing a loan application they hope will
help pay for a planned $4.45 million renovation at
Haywood High School.
The
school board met in special session Tuesday
afternoon and approved making the loan application.
The loan is available from the Tennessee Department
of Education and will be repaid, interest free, over
a ten-year period.
The
state has only a limited amount of money available
in its loan pool. The Haywood County application
will be in competition with others from across the
state.
County Commission to meet
On the same subject,
Mayor Franklin Smith has called a special meeting of
the county commission for December 9. The agenda
calls for consideration of the renovation plans at
the high school, the school’s loan application and
also whether to fund the balance of the project.
The
county’s budget and education committees have voted
to recommend the school’s plan and the issuance of
bonds to pay the difference between the $1 million
loan and the total $4.45 million expenditure. The
bonds will be repaid over 20 years.
Brownsville square renovation on track
December 2, 2010
Mayor Jo Matherne says that Brownsville remains on
track to see major renovations to downtown sometime
in the very near future.
The
talk about a makeover for the square has been going
on for years but real progress has been made in the
past few weeks, according to Matherne.
Rose
Construction Company of Covington won the bidding.
The project will pay Rose $553,000.
Mayor
Matherne says the bid package has been sent to the
Tennessee Department of Transportation for their
approval. She expects work to start sometime after
the first of the year.
Tomcat football coach selection closer
December 2, 2010
By brownsvilleradio.com
So how close are we to hearing who will be the new
head football coach for the HHS Tomcats?
Director of Schools Marlon King said the search
committee has met a number of times and has a final
meeting scheduled for next Tuesday. The recruiters
have poured over about 50 applications coming from
as far away as New York and Florida.
King
says the committee has reduced the pool to a handful
they believe are worthy of further discussion.
Interviews for the new coach are set for December 11
and 18.
Joint funding arrangement will fix high school
November 23, 2010
A called meeting of
the Haywood County Commission could come within the
next week or so to discuss a schools funding plan.
In a joint meeting with the school board Monday, the
county commission’s education and budget committees
unanimously voted to provide $4.45 million to make
repairs at the high school.
The
school’s renovation will extend beyond the central
heat and air system, which was the focus of earlier
discussions. Under the plan approved Monday, the
HVAC system will be replaced but renovations to the
athletic department, music room locker area and
science departments will also be made.
The
list of repairs funded under the measure is a “total
package” for the high school according to Mayor
Franklin Smith. Under earlier proposals the heating
and air systems would have been replaced but other
renovations would have been revisited later. School
Board Chairman Harold Garrett said “I really like
the idea of doing it all at one time.”
The
estimated cost of the planned renovations at the
high school:
HVAC:
$2,376,000
Renovations within classrooms: $750,000
Renovation of the music room and locker area:
$700,000
Renovation of the athletic department: $330,000
Renovation of the science department: $265,000
BBA announces 2010 Holiday Decorating
Contest
BROWNSVILLE, TN
(November 15, 2010): Local businesses are invited to
help light the way for Santa and the holiday season
with window displays and lighting in this year’s
Holiday Decorating Contest, sponsored by the
Brownsville Business Association (BBA).
“Our town always looks so festive during the
holidays,” says Kent Moore, BBA president, “and our
storefronts are the perfect place for us to convey
warm wishes and share in the joy of the season.”
The contest is open to all Brownsville and Haywood
County businesses and you do not have to be a BBA
member to enter. Cash prizes will be awarded for
first ($100), second ($75) and third place ($50).
Entry forms are available at the West Tennessee
Delta Heritage Center, 121 Sunny Hill Cove, or
online at
www.shopbrownsvilletn.com
Entries must be received by Monday, November 29, and
judging will take place Thursday, December 2.
Winners will be announced at 6 p.m., Saturday,
December 4, before the Christmas Parade.
For more information about the contest or the BBA,
call 731-780-5144.
Schools/government putting heads
together on improvements
November 16, 2010
County commissioners have asked for a joint meeting
between the Haywood County School Board and the
commission’s education and budget committees. The
purpose of the session is to settle funding
questions for a multi-million dollar improvement to
the high school. And time is of the essence — a loan
application must be submitted by its December 15
deadline.
School
system administrators — led by Director of Schools
Marlon King — say the aging central heat and air
system at the high school must be replaced. The
system is nearly 40 years old and is in bad repair.
School officials say a new system will also lower
utility bills. The lowest bid the school system has
received is nearly $2.4 million.
A
federal loan program can provide up to $1 million of
the funds and is available with no interest charges.
The loan must be repaid over ten years. County
commissioners nor the school board have said where
the balance of the funds might be found and no one
has agreed on where cash will come from to repay the
loan.
A date
for the joint meeting was not set Monday night.
Cemetery located on County Farm
November 16, 2010
A “pauper’s” cemetery that few knew existed became
the focus of a portion of the protest against
providing taxpayer owned land to the proposed
meatpacking plant. Mayor Franklin Smith says experts
have now located 27 graves but he admits there may
be many more.
The
cemetery is unmarked and no accurate records were
kept. Smith says he thinks burials may have started
there as early as 1868. One record indicates the
last burial might have taken place in 1945.
Smith
says the plan is to mark the boundaries of the
burial plot and see that there is “no further
desecration of graves.” The cemetery apparently will
not affect development of the meatpacking plant.
Lower utilities will result from electrical
retrofit
November 16, 2010
Stimulus money provided the county will be used to
help replace lighting in eleven county owned
buildings. The county commission approved spending
$89,000 from local government bank accounts —
matching a $100,000 stipend from the federal
government.
The
new lights will lower energy usage and utility bills
according to experts.
Scheduled for renovation are buildings and offices
that include the courthouse, county agent, health
department, College Hill Center, College Hill
Headstart, Carver High School, Department of Human
Services, library, solid waste department, parks and
recreation and the highway department.
Solar farm zone passes final muster
November 16, 2010
Local
regulatory hurdles for the Solar Farm were overcome
Monday when county commissioners passed a resolution
changing the zoning map.
Construction of the $40 million installation could
start within a few weeks.
Dancyville slated for new store
November 16, 2010
A
zoning change in Stanton may mean a new store and
restaurant. County Commissioners approved a zoning
map change for the tract that once was home to the
Dancyville Gin.
Mayor
Franklin Smith says he understands developers will
build a store on the “footprint” of the old gin that
may also include a restaurant.
Tornado “safe” space money received
November 16, 2010
About
80% of a half-million dollar grant that added
infrastructure to the new criminal justice complex
has been received. Updating county commissioners on
the progress of the criminal justice complex, Mayor
Franklin Smith said he expects the county will be
paid an additional $100,000.
The
so-called “safe space” is a large hallway where
about 500 people could gather during dangerous
weather. The structure is built to provide
protection from the most severe tornados.
The
jail section of the complex and dispatch offices are
built to the same standards.
Parks department get awards
November 16, 2010
The Brownsville/Haywood County Parks and Recreation
Department has won the Tennessee Parks and
Recreation Association’s President’s Cup Award. It’s
the highest award presented by the statewide
association.
Nancy
Cates is the director.
The
department also won the Four-Star New Facility award
for the new skateboard park and the Park of Dreams.
The Park of Dreams committee’s effort in raising
private money for the Park of Dreams also resulted
in TPRA’s annual Benefactor Award.
Woodmen selling building
November 10, 2010
There have been dances there — and family
gatherings. Political hopefuls have used it and so
have preachers. Generations have known it simple as
“the WOW building” and the Woodmen of the World have
convinced local leaders to buy their building.
The
City Board agreed to split the $19,000 price tag
with county government and put Parks and Recreation
in charge of the East Main Street building. The
often-used meeting space will be leased— as it is
now—on a day-to-day and customer-to-customer basis.
Mayor Jo Matherne says it is likely government can
win grants to make improvements.
The
building was constructed in 1956 on property owned
by Brownsville.
County
government hasn’t yet taken up the issue but likely
will at their meeting next week.
Alderman John Simmons was the lone dissenter.
Simmons expressed concern about the asking price
saying “we ought to offer them a dollar” for it.
Aldermen agree to three “important” planning
initiatives
November 10, 2010
Mayor Jo Matherne, in her first few months in
office, has made clear her approach to economic
growth and it includes research, planning and
participation in programs aimed at revitalization.
Aldermen agreed to three projects Tuesday.
Tennessee Downtowns
Tennessee Downtowns is a program hatched by the
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community
Development. The plan was created to “guide
communities through an 18-month process to develop
direction for the revitalization of their downtown
commercial area.”
Mayor Jo Matherne said the process will help “access
opportunities and threats to revitalization.”
Brownsville’s participation is not assured. The EOCD
is deciding which towns to include based on
competitive applications.
Strategic Development Plan
Aldermen and the mayor agreed to pay the University
of Memphis $39,000 for the second phase of a study
started last year. U of M and local leaders are
calling it a strategic development plan and will
provide Brownsville with “the information and focus
necessary to move forward for the next several
years.” The results are expected to include guidance
for economic and livability improvement.
Graduate students and faculty in the City and
Regional Planning and the Special Projects Studio
class will undertake the work next spring.
Two more planners
Aldermen and the mayor unanimously approved a
resolution adding two new members to the Brownsville
Planning Commission. Mayor Jo Matherne raised the
number of board members to ten to help diversify and
bring additional ideas to the board.
Firefighters promoted
November 10, 2010
Fire Chief Mark Foster has promoted two long-time
firemen and hired a new worker. James Waldrop was
promoted from lieutenant to captain and Robbie Cates
from firefighter to lieutenant.
Luke
Warren has been hired as a firefighter.
Honorees at the Brownsville/Haywood County Chamber
of Commerce's annual awards banquet include (back
row) Fox Smith, Smith Lumber Company,
Business/Industry of the year; Melvin Bond, Man of
the Year and P.J. Angotti, Educator of the Year.
Pictured on the front row are Nancy Cates, Woman of
the Year; Ann Jones, Chamber Ambassador of the Year
and John Gallaspy, Volunteer of the Year.
Haywood County sure of Naifeh
November 3, 2010
Jimmy Naifeh, first
elected to the state house of representatives in the
early 70’s was reelected, thanks mostly to the
efforts of Haywood County voters. Naifeh carried
Haywood County by a wide margin, but lost in Tipton
County.
Republican Jim Hardin got only 39.46% of the
balloting in Haywood County while Naifeh gathered
support from 60.54% of voters.
Haywood Countians were contrarians when it came to
the Governor’s race and US Congress. Roy Herron
squeaked out a few more votes than Stephen Fincher,
but Fincher won the House seat being left vacant by
John Tanner. Bill Haslam lost in Haywood County but
easily won election as Tennessee’s 49th Governor.
Unofficial results in Haywood County
Tennessee House of Representatives
Jimmy Naifeh: 3,212
Jim Hardin: 2.094
United States House of Representatives
Stephen Fincher: 2,524
Roy Herron: 2,708
Governor
Bill Haslam: 2,462
Mike McWherter: 2,853
Stanton status quo
November 3, 2010
Mayor Allen Sterbinsky was all but assured of
another term as the Mayor of Stanton — he ran
unopposed in yesterday’s election — but he couldn’t
be sure that his board of aldermen wouldn’t change.
Just under 500 people voted in Stanton and returned
Sterbinsky and all of the incumbent aldermen.
Alderman A.D. Miller received the most votes
followed by Emma Delk. Vernoica Ronnie Polk, the
only person on the ballot who was not an incumbent
alderman, received 66 votes.
Mayor of Stanton
Allen Sterbinsky: 134
Alderman, Town of Stanton
Emma Delk: 118
Frank Fawcett: 78
Ruffie Jones: 101
A.D. Miller: 119
Veronica Ronnie Polk: 66
Right to Hunt and Fish
November 3, 2010
Ask most any Haywood Countian — and most any
Tennesseean — about their right to hunt and fish and
they’ll tell you it’s important. A proposed
constitutional amendment was heavily favored by
Haywood County voters yesterday. Yes votes comprised
94.13% of the balloting in Haywood County.
Constitutional amendment
Yes: 4,233
No: 264
Festival of Trees to benefit Carl Perkins Center
The Exchange
Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child
Abuse will host its first annual Festival of Trees
November 17-20, at College Hill Center.
Local businesses, groups, schools and individuals
are invited to enter trees depicting a holiday theme
or a theme related to their organization. Deadline
to enter is November 1. Entry forms may be picked up
at the Carl Perkins Center, 130 Boyd Avenue, or call
731-772-8378.
A
special Gala event is planned for the first showing
of the trees on Tuesday, November 16. This event
will be by ticket only ($10). Several trees will be
auctioned at this time, but will remain on display
for the public showing.
The
trees will be open for free public viewing beginning
Wednesday, November 17, through Saturday, November
20 between the hours of 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. each
day. The public is invited to vote for their
favorites by dropping a dollar into the ballot box
associated with that tree.
The
tree that raises the most money will be chosen the
winner of the festival and awarded a prize. All
proceeds will go to the Haywood County Carl Perkins
Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
To
reserve a spot for your tree or to purchase tickets
for the Gala event, please contact the Center at
731-772-8378 or e-mail:
mledford@carlperkinscenter.org.
“BROWNSVILLE ON THE MOVE” SEEKS
COMMUNITY’S INPUT FOR FUTURE PLAN
February 7, 2011
Brownsville Mayor Jo Matherne, the Board
of Aldermen, and the Brownsville Regional Planning
Commission, are asking local citizens to help guide the
growth and development of Brownsville over the next
decade. This is an opportunity for all citizens to shape
their shared future.
The first “Brownsville On The Move”
community input meeting will be held on Saturday,
February 19, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, at the
National Guard Armory, 221 Morgan Street. This meeting
is one of a series of community input opportunities
occurring over the next 6 months in Brownsville.
Residents are encouraged to come prepared
to discuss not only the positive aspects the City can
build on, but also discuss issues that might hinder
future progress. The meeting will include small group
exercises designed to gather detailed input from each
attendee. Everyone is welcome.
The City of Brownsville is working in
partnership with the University of Memphis City and
Regional Planning Department to create a citizen-based
comprehensive document that will guide future
development of economic, cultural and social initiatives
issues. Overall goals for enhancing quality of life and
economic prosperity will address current and future
projects like Downtown Revitalization/Main Street,
Business and Industrial Growth, Gateway Improvements,
Neighborhood Preservation, the Hatchie River Corridor,
and many others.
Mayor Jo Matherne explained that
community input is vital in shaping the future of the
City. “Brownsville on the Move isn’t about writing a
growth plan, then putting it on the shelf. It is a great
opportunity for your voice to be heard, and to take
ownership in the future direction of Brownsville. The
journey we’re starting on as a community is one that we
all need to walk. Taking that first step together is so
important.”
For More information on this event and
future related events, contact:
Sharon Hayes, City Planner, 731.772.1212 or
shayes@memphis.edu
UofM Contact: Steve Redding
tredding@memphis.edu
www.brownsvilleonthemove.com
Haywood County solar farm construction
could start immediately
February 3, 2011
The United States Department
of Energy has given the green light to the Haywood
County Solar Farm.
The DOE, according to Mayor Franklin
Smith, reported the installation has passed all of its
environmental tests. The news means preparation and
construction can begin. Smith says the DOE approval was
the last hurdle for the 20-acre array that will be the
largest solar installation in the southeast.
Tennessee's Department of Economic and
Community Development has also completed its
environmental review of the solar array and found it
complies with its regulations.
Under the Volunteer State Solar
Initiative, $31 million in federal stimulus funds will
be used for the power plant. The University of Tennessee
is managing development, and Chattanooga-based Signal
Energy will design and build it.
The project is to be located near
Albright Road on I-40. The solar farm will include a
visitor’s center employing an unspecified number of
worker and be in view of I-40.
No date has been set for groundbreaking,
but Mayor Smith indicates it will be very soon.