2001-2004 ARCHIVES
2005 ARCHIVES
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News Headlines
Wednesday, November 2, 2005
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Zoning, Appraisal Moving Forward for New Lake |
Donny Buntin with the State Planning Office outlines the
goals of a planning zone around the proposed 1,000-acre
watershed lake in the Leach Community.
HUNTINGDON -Members of the Carroll County Watershed
Authority heard reports from the project engineer and a
state planner during the October 25 meeting.
Project engineer Kevin Young reported that property
appraisals are underway. Appraisals are complete on 14
parcels, and the field work is complete on another 16
parcels. Young said he is pushing to complete the project.
Hopefully, all appraisals will be complete in November, said
Young.
Young said he has requested a two-year extension of the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers 404 construction permit. The
expiration will be November 20, 2007, the approximate same
date the water quality permit date expires. Young termed the
extension of the 404 Permit as "customary."
A 300-acre mitigation site on Crooked Creek has been planted
in different species of trees to determine which is the most
likely to survive. Students from Mrs. Linda Furr's Gifted
Student program will monitor the test site and report on the
development of the trees, said Young. Their assistance will
save the Watershed Authority money and time.
Donny Bunton with the State Planning Office gave a
preliminary report on the zoning and planning needed to
protect the integrity of the proposed 1000-acre lake in the
Leach Community.
Bunton said the use plan needs to include minimum 1.5-acre
lot size around the lake to assure wastewater from septic
system does not contaminate the lake. The planned
residential area must have an adequate supply of city water,
and regulations must be enforced to assure the lake's
integrity.
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Local Civic Leader and Volunteer, Dies |
By Linda Bolton
linda@mckenziebanner.com |
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Virginia Claire Edwards |
McKENZIE - Virginia Claire Edwards, well-known civic
leader and
volunteer, died Sunday at McKenzie Health Care Center
following a short illness.
Edwards, 79, who had survived cancer, recently underwent
open heart surgery and was recuperating at the local health
care center.
She worked 13 years as a volunteer at Bethel College, first
coordinating the Phone-a-Thon, and later served in the
employed position as director of alumni affairs, retiring
earlier this year. In this position, she was reacquainted
with fellow students from the 1940s and hundreds of new
friends from several decades. She was part of Bethel's
exciting growth.
"Virginia Claire Edwards was a remarkable woman," said
Bethel President Bob Prosser. "She became Bethel's Alumni
Director in 1988 and worked in that capacity under four
presidents. Because of her smile and friendly personality,
Bethel was always represented as the quality college that we
know it to be. Her vitality and enthusiasm in support of
Bethel College will certainly be missed by the entire
college community."
Edwards was named Carroll Countian of the Year at the annual
Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet in September, at which
time she was recognized for her many years of service.
In accepting the award, Edwards stated she had always
referred to herself as "an adopted Carroll Countian," adding
that she would no longer use that term. She said she "now
considered herself a Carroll Countian."
"Clearly, it was sad news to learn of the passing of
Virginia Claire Edwards," said Chamber President Brad
Hurley. "She was a woman that exemplified dignity,
professionalism and a loving and caring spirit. She was
always an optimistic volunteer. Carroll County is indeed a
better place for her having lived here."
She first moved to McKenzie 39 years ago when she married
the late Howard "Rip" Edwards. Her activities became
legendary in McKenzie. The city of McKenzie's annual
volunteer award is named in her honor.
She first became involved with the 1969 centennial
celebration in McKenzie. She served as PTA president, served
in the Morning Glory Garden Club, Inglenook Book Club, and
the Mentor Club, until it disbanded in 2002. As a member of
the Civic and Conservation Committee of the Garden Club, she
helped plant hundreds of trees to beautify the hospital,
schools, Bethel College, city parks, and residences. She was
also active in Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
"She was a longtime member of the Morning Glory Garden Club
who could always be counted on to fulfill her
responsibilities in the club - which was just Virginia
Claire, one could always depend on her," said Gena Mitchum,
club president. "She was a good, good friend who will be so
missed in the club and in my life."
Edwards had served on the McKenzie Planning Commission since
the early 1970s and was currently serving as secretary, a
position she held for 24 years. She also served two terms in
the elected position on the McKenzie Special School District
Board of Education. At the time of her death, she was
serving on the board of United Neighbors of McKenzie/Carroll
County, was an active member of the VFW Auxiliary to Post
4939, and the president of the Carroll Lake Country Club.
In 1975, she co-chaired the Cancer Bake Auction along with
Joan Motheral. Edwards headed the event for the next 13
years.
She served as the volunteer chairman of McKenzie's Tennessee
Homecoming '86 celebration, which was a three-year event. In
1984, the project started with the restoration of The Barn
in the McKenzie Recreation Park. In 1985, park benches and a
gazebo were added to the downtown park, and in 1986, a grand
parade, reunions, and entertainment culminated the
celebration. She served on the committee to publish the
Carroll County Family History Book in 1986.
She also has worked on committees of the Festival of
Freedom, barbecue cooking contests, Welcome Home Desert
Storm, city beautification, and most recently, McKenzie's
Hometown Christmas.
"We will miss her as a member of the Planning Commission,
member of the Beautification Committee and just as a
friend," said Mayor Walter Winchester. "She was always busy,
but never too busy to be a friend."
She was the mother of Ben Howard of Memphis, Bill Howard of
Cumberland Gap, and Vince Edwards of Norwalk, Connecticut.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel College or
Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
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Tri-County Jobless Rates Continue Downward Trend |
By Linda Bolton
linda@mckenziebanner.com |
Unemployment rates in the tri-counties fell slightly during
the September reporting period, according to latest statistics
released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce
Development.
"There were no significant changes in employment in Carroll or
Henry counties," said Judith Bradberry, state labor market
analyst. "In Weakley County, there was a return to work from a
temporary layoff in manufacturing, as well as some increase in
government due to the start of the fall semester."
Carroll County's jobless rate was 6.2 percent for September,
down from 6.8 percent in August. From a labor force of 13,480,
a total of 12,650 were employed, leaving 830 unemployed.
Carroll no longer has the distinction of having one of the
highest unemployment rates in the state. In September, 28
rural counties had higher rates than Carroll.
Henry County' jobless rate was 6.4 percent in September, down
from 6.9 percent in August. From a labor force of 14,040, a
total of 13,140 were employed and 900 were unemployed.
Weakley County reported an unemployment rate of 6.8 percent
for September, down from 7.7 percent in August. From 15,320
available workers in that county, a total of 14,280 were
employed, while 1,040 were unemployed.
Tennessee's unemployment rate for the month of September was
5.1 percent, down 0.2 percentage point from the seasonally
adjusted August rate of 5.3 percent, according to Commissioner
of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley.
"From September 2004 to September 2005, the business survey
shows a growth of 25,100 jobs," said Commissioner Neeley.
"Major employment increases continue in retail trade and
health care/social assistance."
The August-to-September figures show local government
educational services jobs grew by 7,900. State government
educational services increased with 5,600 jobs and retail
trade employment grew by 4,400. Month-to-month seasonal
decreases took place in leisure and hospitality, down 4,000
jobs. Information industry employment declined by 500 jobs,
and financial activities jobs decreased by 400.
From September 2004 to September 2005, retail trade increased
by 7,300. Jobs in health care/social assistance rose by 6,400.
Jobs also increased in food services/drinking places, up
3,700. Employment decreased in accommodation by 1,700,
nondurable goods manufacturing by 1,600 and the information
industry by 1,500. |
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Dixie Carter Offers Personal Welcome to Grand Opening |
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Dixie speaks from the cozy living room of her home in
McLemoresville. Above the mantle hangs a drawing of her
cherished father, Hal Carter. From the estate in McLemoresville where she was born and
raised, Dixie Carter last week issued an advance welcome to
one and all to the November 19 dedication of The Dixie
Carter Performing Arts and Academic Enrichment Center.
The gala event begins with lunch at The Dixie at noon
followed by the Huntingdon Hayride Saturday afternoon at
2:00. In addition to Dixie, the Hayride's regular cast
includes Carl Mann, Kellye Cash Shepard, Andy Williams,
Linda K, Branded Country, Cousin Tuny, The Tennesseans, The
Gospel Edition, and many more. Reservations are required for
the lunch and tickets to the show are $10 for adults and $8
for children, seniors and students.
Dixie plans a fun opening with the Brothers Four tune "Beans
Taste Fine".
"I love to do it in the cabaret," says Dixie, breathless
with excitement. "It's straightforward, homey, quaint and
funny."
Her friend, composer, songwriter and cabaret performer John
Wallowitch will be flying in from New York to assist in
putting together an unforgettable evening.
"I want it to be the best I have to offer," says Dixie, who,
while famous for her portrayal of Julia Sugarbaker on
Designing Women and starring roles in seven other television
series: Family Law, Ladies Man, Fired Up, Filthy Rich, On
Our Own, Out of the Blue, and Diff'rent Strokes, is most at
home on the stage, both on and off-Broadway.
Always making a special appearance at the dedication will be
Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, creator of Designing Women, who
will be arriving from Los Angeles.
The dedication celebration includes the 7:30 p.m.
performance of the Grammy nominated Nashville Symphony
Orchestra, for just $35.00. Dixie's husband and incomparable
actor Hal Holbrook will appear at the evening event.
The performing arts center is home to the Hal Holbrook
Theater in appreciation for his indefatigable dedication and
advice that led to the creation of a better theater than
originally planned by architects, with an orchestra pit and
a huge stage. Holbrook's contributions to the design and
function of the theater have been repeatedly lauded by
construction engineer Buster Barger and Huntingdon Mayor
Dale Kelley.
Dixie and Hal have made Carroll County their primary
residence over the past year as they have brought her
beloved father, Carroll County entrepreneur Hal Carter, to
spend his final years at home. Mr. Carter will be 95 on
December 3.
"I was born in this house and I love being home," said
Dixie.
She said she is only now coming to terms with the enormity
of having the performing arts center bear her name.
"I'm just overcome with emotion," she says. "It's simply
more than a person can comprehend. I don't feel worthy of
the honor. I'm grateful and in awe of this magnificent
project and can't think of the words to use for opening
night."
Her husband's advice, she said, was, "You will be surrounded
by people who love you and are your friends and you'll say
just what you're saying to me now, and they will
understand."
To hear Dixie's personal message concerning grand opening
weekend at The Dixie, visit www.dixiepac.net. Tickets are
available online or at the box office now located at City
Hall in Huntingdon. Call 731-986-2100 for more information.
A 3:30 p.m. matinee performance of Sanders Family Christmas
has been added to the itinerary due to overwhelming demand.
Only 15 tickets for the 7 p.m. were available as of Friday
last week.
Tickets to the Chuck Wagon Gang and Huntingdon Hayride are
also in danger of selling out, according to Belinda
Popplewell, administrative assistant to director Lee Warren.
The community is invited to a free preview of The Dixie
during Huntingdon's annual Holiday Open House scheduled for
Sunday, November 13, at 3:00 p.m. when Tenor Stan Warren and
harpist Carol McClure will perform in a holiday concert.
Other opening weekend events include the gospel favorite,
The Chuck Wagon Gang, November 17, at 7:30 with dinner on
the grounds at 5:30 p.m. Opening for the Chuck Wagon Gang is
Huntingdon's own AWOL, always a treat and good music for the
whole family. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for
children, seniors, and students.
A Sunday afternoon performance of The Velveteen Rabbit at
2:00 rounds out the weekend. Don't miss this classic as a
brand-new, plush rabbit discovers what it means to be alive.
The much-loved, classic tale is performed with hand puppets,
rod puppets, shadows and masks for a delightful experience
for all ages. Make a memory with your loved ones. Tickets
are $12 for adults and $8 for children. |
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