Carroll County's Largest Newspaper

Tuesday, October 24, 2006


	COMMUNITY

	• Huntingdon

	• McKenzie

	• Retire in McKenzie

	• Carroll County Chamber of Commerce

	• Paris-Henry County Tennessee

	SCHOOLS

	• McKenzie Schools

	• Huntingdon Schools

	• Hollow Rock-Bruceton

	• West Carroll Schools

	• Carroll County Board of Education

	• Bethel College

	• Tennessee Technology Center

	ATTRACTIONS

	• The Dixie Carter Performing Arts and Academic Enrichment Center Designed & hosted by The McKenzie Banner CLICK HERE for more Web sites created and hosted by The Banner

Click Here to sample the
e-edition

News


	MSSD Board Hears Stadium Proposals; No Action Taken
	David Brown of Kaatz, Brinkley, Jones & Morris Architects, Inc. shows the board options for stadium renovations. MCKENZIE (October 17) - The McKenzie Special School District Board of Education heard two separate football stadium renovation proposals during a special called meeting on Tuesday, October 17. The board voted during its regular monthly meeting October 3 to hear proposals for potential renovations to the visitor's side of Rebel Field. Hart Freeland Roberts, Inc. architectural-engineering firm of Brentwood and Kaatz, Binkley, Jones & Morris Architects, Inc. of Mt. Juliet/Knoxville both presented proposals. Stephen Griffin and Larry Roberts of HFR informed the board that their company could construct new bleachers with a new press box for approximately $190,000. The 150-foot-long aluminum bleachers would have 15 rows for a total 1,500 seating capacity, while the press box would measure 20 feet by eight feet and would include a filming area on top. The three-section, two-aisle bleachers would feature access areas on each end, Griffin said, and approximately 36-inch spaces between each row. The first row would begin about 30 to 48 inches above the ground, he added. "It's about $90 per seat, and wider than you would typically see," Griffin said. He added that the bleachers would be constructed on a concrete slab-as opposed to pier construction-to help avoid future maintenance issues, such as water drainage and insects. "You can erect faster on a concrete slab, and some contractors can't match piers," Griffin explained. The current home side bleachers at Rebel Field represent pier construction. (L to R) Stephen Griffin and Larry Roberts of Hart Freeland Roberts, Inc. describes their firm's proposal as Board Vice Chairman Brad Davis and Chairman John Austin listen. HFR modeled its field house proposal after a recent project in Lake County. Griffin reported that a new field house there cost approximately $250,000-260,000 and did not include a concession area. The pre-engineered metal building would measure about 3,200 square feet and equates to about $80 per square foot, Griffin said. Included would be a dressing room, office, storage space, and a training room. If a concession area were added, the price would remain at $80 per square foot, Griffin said. Griffin said his company has "done a lot of stadiums, field houses, and athletic complexes," including projects at several high schools in Rutherford and Lake counties, Dyersburg Middle School, Stewart County High School, and several projects at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. Griffin emphasized that the prices given were "ballpark estimates" and that HFR would have to receive bids to specify exact costs. David Brown and Jamie Brewer of KBJM presented the second proposal. KBJM could construct new, 1,500-capacity aluminum bleachers-including a new 20 feet by eight feet press box-for approximately $230,000, Brown said. The bleachers would contain 12 rows, and space between each row would be about 30 inches, which Brown called "pretty liberal." KBJM would focus on pier construction but could include concrete between piers for maintenance purposes, Brown told the board. He said the bleachers would be elevated several feet above the ground. Brown said a new 40 feet by 80 feet field house with concession stand and restrooms would run about $320,000. "We believe that if we take care of the client and satisfy their needs then the project will take care of itself," Brown told the board. "We want to be known as the 'go-to guy.'" Brown said KBJM has been involved in over 275 school projects, including the construction of McKenzie High School in 1996-1997. The firm was responsible for recent Huntingdon High School renovations and is currently completing football stadium renovations at Henry County High School in Paris. Prices given by both companies assumed a flat site for construction. Superintendent Jim Ward said he has researched the possibility of hiring local companies to conduct site preparation and demolition work in the event the board moves on renovations, and that one citizen has expressed interest in the aluminum. Ward estimated site prep at approximately $3,000. Both companies agreed to a tentative timeline of beginning construction as soon as the current football season ended and completing the project in time for the start of the 2007 football season next August. "I think we need to look at what we need versus what we want. We can do better," Board Member Greg Barker said of the current visitor's side. And Vice Chairman Brad Davis added, "We can't overlook the opportunity for growth; we should look ahead the next 25 years." Ward told the board he would never recommend renovations if it meant a tax raise for citizens. "I wouldn't even approach it if I thought we would have to raise taxes to pay for it," he said. The board took no action at the hearing. Generally, the board does not hold a November meeting, and no date has been set for the next school board meeting at this time. Ward said the public would be notified of the next meeting. Board Member Monte Cunningham was absent.



	Early Voting Underway in Tennessee
	James T. Stewart and Florine Stewart, both of McKenzie, cast their ballots during the early voting period at the Carroll County Election Commission Office. Early voting is underway at the Carroll County Election Commission Office in the Carroll County Office Complex, High Street, Huntingdon. According to Linda Radford, administration of elections, a total of 1,230 persons voted as of Monday at 3:40 p.m. Early voting continues through Thursday, November 2. Tennesseans will have the opportunity to vote on two proposed amendments to the state constitution during the November election. Having two constitutional amendments on the ballot is a somewhat "unusual" occurrence, said Radford. The first amendment to be voted on states that the only legally recognized marriage in the state will be between one man and one woman, and that any other type of marriage license issued elsewhere will be void and unenforceable in Tennessee. The second amendment up for vote regards tax relief for citizens over the age of 65. Candidates appearing on the Carroll County ballot are as follows: U.S. House of Representatives - District 8: John Tanner (D), John Farmer (R) Tennessee House of Representatives - District 76: Mark L. Maddox (D), David Hawks (R) Tennessee House of Representatives - District 79: Cheri Childress (D), Chris Crider (R) Tennessee Senate - District 27: Lowe Finney (D), Don McLeary (R) TOWN OF BRUCETON Mayor (Elect 1): Robert T. Keeton, III Aldermen (Elect 2): Bob Clark, Robert Cole Town of Bruceton voters will also decide on whether or not to allow package liquor sales in the city. TOWN OF HOLLOW ROCK Mayor (Elect 1): Tim W. Runions Aldermen (Elect 2): Bobby Brotherton, Bill Eubanks, Ra Sha' Mathis, Susan Moon, Ronnie Webb TOWN OF HUNTINGDON Town Council (Elect 3): Jeffery L. Bailey, Brian McDowell, Melissa Powell, John L. Sanders, Daniel D. Williams CITY OF MCKENZIE Mayor (Elect 1): William L. Bullington, Walter Winchester Councilmember for Ward 2 (Elect 1): Jerry M. Arthur, Charles Ramey, Steve Watson Councilmember for Ward 3 (Elect 1): Brad Davis, Willie Huffman, David L. Smith Councilmember for Ward 5 (Elect 1): Gene Hale CITY OF MCLEMORESVILLE Mayor (Elect 1): Phil Williams Aldermen (Elect 5): Harold Blow, Larry D. Elliott, Angie Martin, Don T. Reed, Barbara Younger CITY OF TREZEVANT Aldermen (Elect 3): Bobby Blaylock, George E. Jennings, Dee Pinson


	a d v e r t i s e m e n t



	Governor Bredesen to Visit McKenzie Tuesday
	Governor Phil Bredesen (D-Nashville) will visit downtown McKenzie, Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., as part of the "Get Out the Vote" campaign. The first-term governor is seeking re-election. Bredesen will visit downtown businesses and offer refreshments in the downtown gazebo. "I've spent the last four years working hard on issues that matter to Tennessee families, including education, health care and jobs," Bredesen said. "Now with just two weeks remaining until election day, our record of progress and positive agenda for the future is resonating with voters and I look forward to serving this great state for another four years." The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Kenny McBride, mayor of Carroll County at 986-1936, or John Mann, chairman of the Carroll County Democrat Party at 731-415-6358.



	Area Fall Festivals
	MCKENZIE FALL FESTIVAL McKenzie Elementary staff and Parent Teacher Organization will host a Fall Festival at the elementary school on Saturday, October 28 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Andy Wilson, president of the PTO stated there will be games, including a dunking booth manned by MES Principal Richard Davy, a YMCA inflatable jumper, ring toss, duck pond, fishing booth, etc. An added attraction this year will be a new inflatable obstacle course. Tickets are four for $1.00 and are available at the door the day of the festival. Pre-festival tickets may be purchased at the elementary school office on Friday, October 27. At noon, a Fall Festival King and Queen will be crowned, followed immediately by a costume contest for children pre-school through fourth grade. Concessions available in the cafeteria will include pizza, hot dogs, nachos and cheese, popcorn and cold drinks. All proceeds from the event will go to purchase needed items for the school, including playground renovation and equipment. HUNTINGDON FALL FESTIVAL The Huntingdon 2006 Fall Festival will be Thursday, October 26 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Huntingdon Primary School. There will be games, an inflatable jumper, cake walk, silent auction, haunted house, face and fingernail painting in the playroom. Concessions, including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, etc will be available in the cafeteria during the event. All proceeds will go to the Huntingdon PTO, with funds divided between the three schools. CENTRAL ELEMENTARY FALL HARVEST CARNIVAL Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central Elementary staff and PTO is sponsoring a Fall Harvest Carnival to be held Thursday, October 26, from 5-8 p.m. at the elementary gymnasium. The food and games will begin at 5 p.m. The P.T.O. will be serving hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza, chili, chips, nachos and cheese, funnel cakes and drinks until 8 p.m. Various booths and games will include: K-Art department, sweet shoppe, haunted hall football/basketball throw, hot fudge cakes, candle towel basket, coke ring toss, ham raffle, hit the old crow, fishing, pick pocket lady, fish face, hair painting, cake walk, kitchen basket, karaoke, and jail. The Harvest Carnival Royalty will be crowned at 7:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Immediately following this event the P.T.O. Silent Auction winning bids will be announced. The silent auction will go on throughout the evening. Many area businesses have donated some super nice items to be auctioned. A Halloween Costume Contest will be held for children K-2 and 3-5 at 7:15 p.m. Be sure to attend for a fun-filled evening with family and friends. CLARKSBURG FALL FESTIVAL The Clarksburg Fall Festival will be held Friday, October 27, 6-8:30 p.m. at Clarksburg School. There will be games, prizes, and a pumpkin carving contest. Tickets will be available in the hallway or at each room. Concessions will be available in the gym lobby. All proceeds will go to Clarksburg Organization of Parents and Teachers (COPT) to provide classroom needs. WEST CARROLL FALL FESTIVAL West Carroll Elementary school in Trezevant will host a Fall Festival Friday, November 10. A meal will be available, beginning at 5 p.m. and games will begin at 6 p.m. West Carroll PTO is sponsoring the event. FALL FAMILY HARVEST FESTIVAL First Baptist Church, located at 619 Stonewall Street in McKenzie is hosting their eighth annual Fall Family Harvest Festival Tuesday, October 31 from 6 until 8 p.m. in the church's Family Life Center (gymnasium). There will be numerous games and activities, face painting, bracelet making, inflatable jumping house, and many opportunities to accumulate vast sums of candy and prizes. Different small groups in the church will be hosting the booths which will include a football toss, basketball shoot, archery shoot, fish pond, bean bag toss, apple grab, ping pong toss, treasure chest, duck pong, cake walk, pin the mouth on the pumpkin, and more. The church's goal is to provide a safe, friendly place where the community can come together for fun and fellowship and not have to worry about the weather. First Baptist family invites everyone to join them for a night of fun and games. LONG HEIGHTS TRUNK OR TREAT Long Heights Baptist Church, located at 260 Paris Road, McKenzie will host a trunk or treat event Saturday, October 28 from 5-8 p.m. Concessions will be available at the church. Events will include a hayride and "trunk or treat," where persons will open their vehicle trunks and kids are invited to go vehicle-to-vehicle for treats. Participants are also encouraged to dress as Bible characters and a contest will declare a winner.