RESCUING THE HELPLESS…

One Woman’s Battle against almost unbeatable odds in Houston County
Story by Teresa N. Settle

PART FIVE: The Sheriff Responds

Houston County Sheriff Kennith Barnes said in an interview that he did not get a call from the 911 center on Sept. 12, but he did get a call from Dep. Laxton. He said McCoy did visit him at the Sheriff’s Dept. after leaving the scene, and that he asked for her charter. He disputes having her charter since March of 2000. Contrary to the reports of the neighbors, Sheriff Barnes also claims that Dep. Laxton did not help remove the puppies from the first location.
Sheriff Barnes said Dep. Laxton acted appropriately on Sept. 12, and that the first situation was due to the dog owner being sick and hospitalized.
When asked if Dep. Laxton acted appropriately on Nov. 1 by kicking McCoy off a different location weeks later (yet due to the situation again with the same puppies, and at the request of the officers on duty), Sheriff Barnes said, “Yes.”
Barnes said the deputy followed proper channels, speaking with a judge and the assistant district attorney before making McCoy give the puppies back to the owner due to her “refusal to supply credentials.”
“I feel like it was an unintentional case of neglect,” Barnes said, regarding the animals, . Sydney Warden (son of William Warden) was charged, however, with five counts of animal cruelty, a Class A misdemeanor.
Barnes said jail time is not likely, based on the circumstances and since the owner is a first time offender.
According to Sheriff Barnes, if anyone in Houston County suspects a case of animal cruelty or neglect, they should call the Houston County Central Communications non-emergency number, 721-4019. When asked if his office ever encounters of a bad case of neglect or abuse of domestic animals, Sheriff Barnes said he will continue to contact McCoy for her assistance, so long as her charter (which he says he now has) does not change.
McCoy did contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and on Nov. 7, she was interviewed over the phone for two hours concerning the events of Sept. 12 and Nov. 1. However, later, the TBI investigator phoned her from the Dickson County Central Communications office, to tell her the investigation had been cancelled by none-other-than District Attorney General Dan Alsobrooks.
In the meantime, the dog owners’ arraignment took place Tuesday, Nov. 25. A trial date has been set for Feb. 3 at 8 a.m.
“Faith,” “Hope,” and “Charity,” the three remaining puppies, have been taken into custody by St. Francis, where they have been placed into a foster home. The puppies may be permanently crippled from their ordeal, but they are now getting much-needed love, are improving daily, and are gaining weight.
As for McCoy and St. Francis: The stress of the past two months has nearly killed her and the animal rescue itself. She has contacted other animal rescues in order to downsize her operation. Caring for over 100 animals and serving Houston County almost single-handedly has taken its toll, and this ordeal has been traumatic enough to even cause her to consider closing her doors and leaving Houston County for good.
But then again, who would take up the charge of caring for neglected and abused animals here?
“My commitment is to the animals,” says McCoy. “And as long as I live, there will always be a St. Francis. The bottom line is I have worked too hard to achieve what I have achieved.”

If this five-part story has moved you, there IS something you can do…
1. Become a volunteer with St. Francis;
2. Adopt a pet from the animal rescue; or
3. Dig deep in your pockets for this non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible.
Call 289-4858 or mail your check or money order to St. Francis Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 266, Erin, TN 37061.
St. Francis was the patron saint of animals. In Houston County, after the ordeal she’s had, Annamaria McCoy should get that title, too.

To contact the author…
E-mail the author with your comments at redwriter@hctn.net Read more!

RESCUING THE HELPLESS…
One Woman’s Battle against almost unbeatable odds in Houston County

Story by Teresa N. Settle

PART FOUR: A Cry for Help

Going to her computer, unable to sleep and armed with the digital pictures she took to document the atrocity, McCoy began e-mailing everyone she could think of, asking for help.
By Sunday, the story via the internet has gone national and international. Some of the organizations contacted were: the American Humane Association, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the Humane Society of the United States, Animal League Defense Fund, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. To see some of the graphic pictures of the puppies, for instance, go to canadianvoiceforanimalsand click on “A Cry for Help.”
On Monday, Nov. 3, the Houston County Animal Clinic received a visit from Dep. Laxton and a member of the dog owner’s family. They brought a puppy for Dr. Beuerlein to examine. The vet’s findings: the pup was emaciated, had worms and an ear infection, and was suffering from rickets (a malady due to malnourishment). He estimated the dog to be about five to six months old. It weighs 11 pounds. (A healthy dog would weigh 55 to 65 pounds at this age.)
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, District Attorney Dan Alsobrooks responded to an e-mail from an animal welfare officer who had gotten wind of the case.
Alsobrooks wrote, “I have talked with one of my assistants, who indicated that the Houston Co. Sheriff’s Dept. and a local veterinarian have been involved in an inquiry concerning some puppies that were allegedly to be mistreated. I have further been advised that no criminal charges have been issued and that the circumstances you have described, upon being investigated, have not been supported by the actual facts at this time.”
Alsobrooks had apparently not seen McCoy’s pictures or spoken to her about the incident.
Alsobrooks added in his e-mail, “I am confident that the Sheriff’s Dept. has taken the appropriate steps to investigate this matter.”
On Thursday, Nov. 6, two months after the first call and a week after the second call, the Sheriff’s Department did charge Sydney Warden with animal cruelty, but the puppies remained in his custody.
Later that same day, Carey Thompson, the assistant D.A., told McCoy in a phone conversation that he had informed the dog owner of his right to press charges against McCoy for trespassing, in spite of the fact that she was acting on the request of the Sheriff’s Department and in the company of two deputies.
“I have no idea why they are protecting [the dog owner],” McCoy said of her two harrowing run-ins with Dep. Laxton. “I put my family and the lives of these dogs (referring to over 100 she currently cares for at St. Francis) in danger. I feel very much threatened. How far are they going to go to protect him?” she wonders.
“This is a case when animal rights and human rights alike were violated,” she said.
Ironically, for unknown reasons, the district attorney’s office did appear to reverse its position, contacting the Sheriff’s Department and instructing them to allow McCoy to take charge of the puppies on Thursday, Nov. 13. (Yes, it’s now her THIRD attempt to RESCUE these animals). Well, third time’s a charm, even though the property owner again did not want to relinquish them. However, with a deputy on the property, McCoy was able to get the animals and take them to the Houston County Animal Clinic for further treatment.
Log on tomorrow for the final segment of this Five-Part Series Read more!

RESCUING THE HELPLESS…
One Woman’s Battle against almost unbeatable odds in Houston County

PART THREE: Several Weeks Later
Story by Teresa N. Settle

It’s Saturday, Nov. 1, at 9:29 p.m. The phone at St. Francis rings. It’s the dispatcher at the Houston County 911 center requesting her assistance in yet another case of “severe animal cruelty.” The central dispatcher gave her the cell phone number of the deputy on duty, Officer Randy Hagler. Dep. Hagler explained that he had never worked this kind of case before, and that his supervisor (Dep. David Barnes, told him to contact McCoy for assistance.
McCoy and another animal rescue volunteer met the officer at Tennessee Ridge Elementary School and followed him to where the dogs were being kept. Neighbors Dale and Mary Johnson (who had called 911 this time) said they had knowledge of the severely neglected coon dogs.
“As soon as we enter, the stench is so strong you just want to throw up right there,” McCoy recalls. The two deputies escort McCoy and the other volunteer to the kennel.
“I can’t believe this,” McCoy thinks, “they get me back out here for the same case, the same dogs.”
This time, McCoy has brought along her digital camera (since the Sheriff’s Dept. hadn’t bothered with one in September). So she starts taking pictures of the evidence. The stench is unbearable, but McCoy is sizing up the situation. There are two dead dogs in a black plastic container and three live dogs eating on the decayed dogs’ carcasses, because the food that is in the kennel is covered in maggots.
Meanwhile, the deputies have confronted the property owner, who has come out of the house. The deputies talk the owner into agreeing to hand over the emaciated dogs, and McCoy continues to call 911 to get the Sheriff out to the property.
Instead, Dep. Laxton (the same officer from the Sept. 12 incident) arrived and according to McCoy began threatening with physical violence if she did not leave.
“You can kill me if you want to,” McCoy returns, “but not until you look at these puppies.” She wanted Laxton to see the horrific situation she felt he helped create with his interference on Sept. 12.
“There is nothing wrong here,” Dep. Laxton says, as the Johnsons look on.
Dep. Laxton gave McCoy two choices: return the puppies to the owner and leave, or be arrested for trespassing (even though she is there at the property at the request of the other two deputies), blocking an official vehicle (because she has followed the other deputies and is parked behind them), and theft (even though the owner had already relinquished the puppies into her care).
McCoy did the only thing she could by relinquishing the puppies, although she refused to return them to their maggot-infested home.
Dep. Laxton told McCoy and the concerned neighbors that the owner had fed the pups earlier in the day and none were dead at that time. The neighbors disagreed, claiming that at least one puppy had been dead for several days before they finally called 911.
At home, McCoy was distraught and infuriated.
“I cannot begin to describe to you what I felt.”
Log on tomorrow for Part Four of this Five-Part Series Read more!

RESCUING THE HELPLESS…
One Woman’s Battle against almost unbeatable odds in Houston County

Story by Teresa N. Settle

PART TWO: A Rude Awakening

It all started in March of 2000. St. Francis Animal Rescue was looking for a country setting to relocate from Clarksville. Houston County seemed ideal at the time, or so McCoy thought. With no zoning or restrictions, a small farmhouse off Hwy. 49 just outside Erin was purchased to relocate the organization.
Within a week of opening its doors, St. Francis had its first run-in with Houston County officials. Though no laws were being broken, neighbors were upset with the noise of the barking dogs, and the county commission got involved. McCoys says she received a late night visit from a sheriff’s deputy a week after she moved here. At that time, McCoy says, she handed over a copy of her charter, showing that St. Francis was a non-profit corporation whose purposes included “to provide benevolent relief of unwanted dogs, puppies, and other domestic animals; and to provide food, shelter, medical assistance, and general relief to those animals that have been injured, abused, abandoned or made homeless through the acts or omissions of people; and to do EVERY ACT AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY to promote the goals and gains of this mission.”
With the county in possession of the charter, and attempts to pass a nuisance law foiled, things settled down. In fact, over time, St. Francis began to get local calls for assistance with animal control issues. Over the years, the Sheriff’s Department has asked her to quarantine dogs in bite cases, and they have handed over to her stray and hurt dogs.
“You name it,” says McCoy. “They would call me and involve me. So many cases. Any time, day or night.”
Just this past March, McCoy says Sheriff Kennith Barnes’ brother David, who is also a deputy, called her about a relative who had died and left behind 34 coon hounds. True to form, McCoy came to the rescue, providing thousands of dollars in services for the homeless animals. This is just one example of McCoy’s commitment to her mission and to her community.
Given the solid relationship McCoy had established with the Sheriff’s Department, the events of September 12 came as a rude awakening for this tireless champion of animal rights. It began innocently enough, with a rather typical phone call.
Liota Powell, a Hurricane Loop Road resident, contacted 911 to report that there were dogs starving to death near her home, with no one feeding or watering them. The owner, William “Bill” Warden had apparently had a heart attack and was a patient at the nursing home. According to Powell, the 911 center told her to contact McCoy.
This was business as usual for McCoy, who had prosecuted over 300 animal abuse cases in Montgomery County, including one precedent-setting case that resulted in jail time for the abusive pet owner.
McCoy arrived at the location, with another animal rescue volunteer in tow. They found a litter of emaciated puppies, a half-starved mother dog to weak to stand, and a chained up male dog without water or shelter. After assessing the severity of the situation, McCoy herself called 911 and asked for Sheriff Kennith Barnes to come to the site. Over two hours later, Deputy Jason Laxton arrived according to mccoy Dept. Laxton threw her off the property. Before leaving, she told Dep. Laxton to NOT remove any evidence, that she would be contacting the local animal clinic AND the sheriff about this. But instead, the neighbor who first called 911, watched as Dep. Laxton helped in removing the dogs from the location by loading them into the back of a truck.
True to her word, McCoy did go to see the Sheriff, who met her on the sidewalk in front of the jail. According to McCoy, the sheriff told her that in order to proceed with her complaint, she would have to file her professional credentials with the district attorney. The D.A.’s office was closed, however, and would not reopen until the following Monday. Of course, by then, the neglected dogs were nowhere to be found.
Log on tomorrow for Part Three of this Five-Part Series.
Read more!

RESCUING THE HELPLESS…
One Woman’s Battle against almost unbeatable odds in Houston County

Story by Teresa N. Settle

PART ONE: All’s Well That Ends Well???

Annamaria McCoy is a champion of animal rights. As president of St. Francis Animal Rescue, located in Houston County, she has spent the past three-and-a-half years helping domestic animals here. It hasn’t been easy. It may never be.
Take a suspected case of neglect or cruelty. Who should you call? According to the Tennessee Cruelty to Animals Statutes (Title 39, Chapter 14), animal offences against domestic pets such as dogs and cats refers to “any act, omission, or neglect whereby unreasonable physical pain, suffering, or death is caused or permitted.”
For instance, if a dog owner fails to provide necessary food, water, care or shelter to an animal in the person’s custody, that constitutes cruelty. [TCA 39-14-202(a)(2)]
St. Francis Animal Rescue has a special place in state law with regard to animal cruelty. Section 39-14-210 says that the agents of any society which is incorporated for the prevention of cruelty to animals (as St. Francis “Animal Rescue” clearly is chartered) may make arrests and bring before any court cases of animal cruelty [TCA 39-14-210(a)] and any officers or members may LAWFULLY interfere to prevent the perpetration of any act of cruelty upon any animal in such person’s presence [TCA 39-14-210(b)].
Ironically, these laws have not been carried out well here in the past two months. According to McCoy she has had to fight battles with local law enforcement officers here, and even the district attorney general’s office, in the past two months to save the lives of three coon puppies—appropriately named “Faith,” “Hope,” and “Charity.”
It’s a story full of emotion: Sadness for two puppies who died of neglect; Helplessness as McCoy made attempts to save the puppies all the way back to September. Confusion as local law enforcement officers would not assist her in her mission to save the animals; Anger, as a deputy threatened her with charges as she tried to save the animals; and finally, Hope, as the three live puppies continue to improve and get much needed love and attention.
It’s a story whose ending we still await, and it all started back in March of 2000 when St. Francis Animal Rescue opened its doors in Houston County.
Log on tomorrow for Part Two of this Five-Part Series.
Read more!

Consolidation Talks…
Houston County committee holds public forum

Story by Teresa N. Settle

Over 40 members of the Houston County community turned out last week at Houston County High School to hear from members of a committee studying governmental consolidation. Attendees were welcomed by Chairman John Law and the other 14 members on the committee. Law gave a brief history of the committee and said the committee’s final recommendation (for or against) consolidation should be ready for the January meeting of the Houston County Legislative Body.
“Your presence here tonight shows your concern [for this issue],” Law said, adding that the committee’s work since last July has been a very good civic exercise.

Merits for exploring consolidation
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Law listed five points why the topic of consolidation has come and gone over the years in Houston County:
1. Consolidation can give an economic development edge;
2. Consolidation can bring combined purchasing power for economies of scale;
3. Consolidation would bring less duplication of operations, offices, and employees;
4. Government Accountability; and
5. More harmony and less discord (with only one governing body).
Law reminded members of the community that the committee’s findings and recommendations, whatever they will be in January, will not be binding.

Members of the committee
Law introduced all of the other committee members, saying they were appointed by Houston County Mayor George E. Clark with the approval of the Houston County Commissioners. They include, along with Law: Russ James, Byde Simpson, Paul Moody, Ken Douglas, Nina Finley, Clay Hataway, Polly Fussell Miller, Frank Goodwin, Webb Mitchum, Kent Tyler, Daniel Whitaker, Paul Lyle, Jerome Parchman, and Kenneth Adcock.

A brief history of consolidation
In 1953, there was an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution allowing for city and county governments to consolidate, but it wasn’t until 1987 that two counties did so. They were Nashville-Davidson County and Lynchberg.
In 1990, Hartsville-Trousdale (population 7,259) and Moore County (population 5,740) consolidated.
The Houston County committee has studied the Trousdale consolidation and paperwork extensively, since it is similar in size to Houston County.

A unique situation
Since Houston County has two incorporated cities (Erin and Tennessee Ridge), there is a bit of a snag to consolidation.
“Tennessee Ridge is simply in charge of their own destiny,” Law said, explaining that since Erin is larger (by just 90 residents), the city of Erin would become the “urban services district.”
Tennessee Ridge could continue to be a city unto itself, or it could try to become a part of the consolidation process. Members of Tennessee Ridge and Erin, however, would have to approve Tennessee Ridge’s becoming a part of the Urban Services District because it is the smaller city.

Those who have tried, but failed
The committee looked at a number of counties who have tried, but failed, to consolidate. Law delineated each county and their population. The committee tried to establish why the move to consolidate didn’t work.
For Franklin County (population 39,000), they found consolidation to be a very emotional issue, since there were five smaller cities that would be giving up their identities;
For Coffee County (population 48,014), they found the issue to be schools;
For Hamblin County (population 58,128), the issue was law enforcement.
Residents in Sullivan County (population 15,300) told committee members that they are just “not much on change.”
Other counties where consolidation has failed include: Warren, Knox, Madison, White, Hamilton, as well as neighboring Montgomery County (population 134,768).

Committee members speak out
During the public forum, several members of the committee answered questions from the audience about issues such as the question of “identity.” Several committee members said consolidation would not affect the identities of the communities in Houston County. In other words, Erin would still be Erin, Tennessee Ridge would still be Tennessee Ridge, Stewart would still be Stewart, and so on.
Although most of the night’s comments seemed to be pro-consolidation, Russ James added that the committee is getting both sides of the issue “pretty vehemently.”
Webb Mitchum spoke briefly on zoning and planning. He said even though “zoning” is a dirty word for some, planning, on the other hand, is a very important part of the process. He reminisced how the Arlington community was annexed years ago, stating it still hasn’t lost its identity. He touted community functions in Stewart, McKinnon, and Tennessee Ridge, as well.
Another concern brought up is a way to maintain certain ordinances, like the no beer sales in Tennessee Ridge. Erin also has zoning laws, while the county doesn’t. Law said the committee has looked into ways to maintain local ordinances like this.
One committee member said that while Trousdale is not saving any money yet, the county is convinced that they will be saving within five years.

Finance committee findings
Byde Simpson talked about findings from the finance committee. The committee studied such things as revenues and expeditures for the local governmental entities of Houston County, the City of Erin, and the City of Tennessee Ridge.
The total revenues, for instance, for Houston County, are $17 million, or 86 percent. For the City of Erin, they are $1.6 million, or eight percent; and for Tennessee Ridge, revenues are $1.2 million.
Of total expenditures, schools takes up $8.7 million; general administration gets a $3.4 million chunk; and roads gets $2.2 million. The rest includes law enforcement, solid waste, and fire.
Another interesting comparison by the finance committee was the annual local tax revenue per capita. In Tennessee Ridge, it’s about $196.43 per person. In Erin, it’s $489.38; and in Houston County, it’s $415.76.
The annual expenditures per capital are: $200.26 per person in Tennessee Ridge; $730.68 per person in Erin; and $1,800.58 per person in Houston County.
Of course, it was explained that there are different services for Tennessee Ridge, Erin, and the county.

Public Works findings
Ken Douglas chaired a committee looking into public works, such as water, sewer, roads, solid waste, and parks and recreation. He compared the two cities and the county water departments and noted how many employees and the pay scales for each, as well as which ones have benefits. For instance, the City of Erin pays nine full time employees and three part time employees in their water department. The pay scale ranges from $7.83 to $14.21 per hour. The City of Tennessee Ridge has three employees (who do double dutyu with the street department). The pay is $11.47 to $15.68 per hour.
When comparing road figures, Houston County maintains 313 miles of roads at $6,166 per mile. Erin maintains 19 miles of streets at $19,958 per mile. Tennessee Ridge maintains 13 miles of streets at $2,769 per mile.
“I do believe that some monies could be realized by consolidation,” Douglas said, while comparing the figures.

Where do they go from here
“Regardless of what we recommend, the county can take it or leave it,” Law said, adding that even residents themselves could call for a vote for consolidation with a petition only 272 registered voters. That would enable the forming of a charter commission.
The commission, made up of 10 members of the county and five from the city of Erin, would take nine months to prepare and file a charter for consolidation. Then a referendum election would take place within 80 to 100 days. If voted on by the county, the new consolidated government would levy a property tax, establish legislative districts, outline a budget, etc.

Your comments are welcome
Law said the committee wants to hear from members of the community on this topic soon, since they will meet again in mid-December before coming up with a recommendation for the county commission. You can write your comments down and mail them to Law at P.O. Box 196, Erin, TN 37061. Read more!

Singing Waiter Steals the Show

Story by Teresa N. Settle
Photos by Mike Davis

Erin Rotarian Phil Averitt stole the show Thursday night, Nov. 6 at the annual Rotary Spaghetti Dinner and Auction when he belted out the tunes for “Rocky Top” and “The Lollipop Kids” (from the Wizard of Oz), not to mention giving a spectacular Tarzan yell to the delight of over 100 area residents in attendance. Averitt, an avid Alabama fan, was coerced into singing the chorus of “Rocky Top,” by a special $50 donation taken up among the diners.
The event started out like all regular Rotary meetings: with the recitation of the four-way test (led by Rotarian Ken Douglas) and the Pledge of Allegiance. Rotarian Bruce McMillan then invited dinner attendants to join with the “Rotary A cappella Choir” as they sang “God Bless America.” The Rev. Harriett Bryan said the blessing before Erin Rotary President Linda Bratschi welcomed everyone to the event, one of the club’s top fundraisers for the year.
Ticket-holders enjoyed salad, spaghetti with a choice of sauces, Italian bread, and a wide range of desserts. And best of all was the service…
Rotarians pulled the duty of waiting on tables, decked out in white aprons and tall white chef hats. An added benefit was that they were “singing” waiters… taking requests (for an additional $5.00).
Topping off the evening was an auction of items that netted quite a haul, all for good causes, like scholarships, the Rotary park (next to the middle school), clothing, food, and toy drives.
“It’s just a fun night,” stated President Bratschi, describing the event as waiters hustled from table to table, taking drink orders and delivering the food.

Singing Waiters…
Waiting on tables were Rotarians Dr. Jim Branson, Russ James, Tim Cleghern, Jeff Rye, Phil Averitt, Donnie Simmons, Dana Miller (filling in for Judge Sid Vinson who was delayed in Dover), Mitch Mitchum, and Ray Fussell. Other Rotarians also helped out with food, drinks, desserts, and by taking song requests.
While Rotarians may be known for their “service” to others, their singing is another story…
Still, there were numerous requests throughout the evening. Russ James kicked things off nicely by serenading his table with an old college alma mater (something to the effect of My gal’s a hullaballu).
Tim Cleghern really shook things up when he donned Elvis glasses and sideburns to sing a special request made by Scott Bratschi: “I’m a little teapot.” Cleghern thrilled the audience with body movements to mimic the handle and the spout on the teapot as well.
Bratschi, who spurred other requests, said, “I always heard about Tim’s voice. It was more than I expected.”
Bratschi’s dad added that Tim must have gotten his singing from his momma.
Donnie Simmons was asked (i.e. ordered by another $5.00 request) to sing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.”
A nice duet was performed by Mitch Mitchum and Ray Fussell as they belted out “Sweet Home Alabama.” (You guessed it, they’re really UT Vols fans!)
Then Phil Averitt thrilled the crowd with “Rocky Top,” “The Lollipop Kids,” and the Tarzan yell.
Next, Gina Bell rivaled Tanya Tucker as she sang “Delta Dawn.”
“Mary Had a Little Lamb” was… well, sort of sung… by a trio of Billy Ray Cleghern, Webb Mitchum, and Beck Alsobrooks.
Jeff Rye, who works for MLEC, was asked to sing “I am a lineman for the county,” which he had no trouble doing.
Then Bell and Dana Miller sang “You are my sunshine.”
During the auction, one last request was put to Judge Sid Vinson to sing “I’m a little teapot.” His rendition, though not as demonstrative as that of Cleghern earlier, was, nonetheless, hilarious.

Top bidders…
Bidding was fierce at times, funny at times, and downright breathtaking at other times, but all for a good cause. Top bidders (spending $50 or more) were:
* Sylvia Vinson, who bought a Playtime Wonder Doll Set for her granddaughter Kyran (who was also present);
* Grant Gillespie, who paid $255 for end zone tickets to the Titans vs. Colts game. (He dualed it out with Rotarian M.J. McMillan on the bidding.)
* Randy Baggett, who paid $120 for season basketball tickets for Austin Peay games. He later purchased a full-size quilt handstitched by Houston Countians in green, brown, tan, and yellow, for $160;
* Lori Pendergrass, who purchased a beautiful handstitched framed Erin railroad picture done by Donna Carson, for $55. Pendergrass later grabbed an antique-looking pie safe for $110;
* Barbara Alsobrooks, who got a beautiful full-sized quilt in lovely shades of mint greens, creams, and pinks, for $260;
* Randy Gill (the auctioneer himself) who walked away with an autographed Titans football for $85;
* Ruth Herrington, who pocketed a collection of the first 25 state quarters, for $50;
* Russ James, who salivated over a country ham to the tune of $65;
* Becky Averitt, who got a red berry Christmas tree for $55;
* M.J. McMillan, who gave $130 for two Titans tickets with parking to the Titans vs. Buffalo game in December on the 35-yard-line five rows back;
* Art Sloan, who lugged home a 20-inch color TV for $135;
* Bruce McMillan, who bid on an elaborate Christmas sleigh floral arrangement for $60;

Other bidders…
With so many items to choose from, no one had to go home empty handed, or with empty pockets. Plenty of items were up for grabs, and lots of attendees got exceptional value for their money, spending less than $50. Even Miss Houston County (Nikki Wilburn) bid on and got a fall wreath for just a few bucks.
Young Megan Rye couldn’t resist yelling “I want it! I want it!” as a Celtic Cow Parade Collectible, green with gold accent, was put on the auction block. Needless to say, she got it!
And another neat bidding occurrence happened when several people started bidding competitively on a stenciled poem ready for framing entitled “Frettin.” Jimmy Felts made the top bid on it at $30 for Highers, Koonce and Associates. Then he turned around and donated it back to the Rotary Club to be auctioned off again. Teresa Mitchell took it home the second time for $27.50.
In all, there were pictures, books, trinkets, floral arrangements, wreaths, autographed sports memorabilia, knives, candles, vases, throws, pictures, prints, and more, that were auctioned off for a good cause.

Door Prizes
To break up the evening’s entertainment and auction, Rotarians also kept attendants throughout the evening in the hopes they would win a door prize. Lucky winners were: Linda Smithey, Kristy Hinson, Nikki Wilburn, Rhonda Nolen, Lori Oldham, Faye Mobley, Brad Averitt, and Becky Averitt.

Erin Rotary
The Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at noon at Erin United Methodist Church. Officers, along with Bratschi, are Vice President Russ James, Secretary-Treasurer Anne Baggett, and Sargent at Arms Phil Averitt. On the Board of Directors are Jim Branson (Recorder), Donnie Simmons, Sid Vinson, Drew Taylor, and Yvette Gillespie.

How you can get involved…
Erin Rotary Club is currently collecting food and toys for needy families for the holidays. There is a display and collection bins inside Erin City Hall, or you may contact Beck Alsobrooks to donate food, or Gina Bell to donate toys. According to President Bratschi, this year’s theme is “Lend a Hand,” and the local club is doing their part. Rotary International is celebrated 100 years in 2005, and the local club has been around since 1950
Read more!

Houston County is seeing stars…
Story by Teresa N. Settle

After days, weeks, and months of planning by locals here, it all came down to a two-day visit by members of a state committee who seek to certify “three-star” communities.
The result… Houston County made it.
“You’re in,” said State committee member Ronny Gaither, to a packed house at Erin City Hall for the Houston County Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership banquet.
As the crowd waited with bated breath, Gaither read an official letter declaring that Houston County had qualified as the 70th Tennessee community under the Governor’s Three-Star program.
He praised the evident cooperation of city and county government, the Leadership Houston County Alumni, and the Houston County Chamber of Commerce before stating, “You have much to be proud of,” he said. “You’re in.”
Accepting the award proudly were Randall and Kay French, for the Leadership alumni organization, Erin Mayor Rhyne Largent and City Recorder Linda Bratschi, Tennessee Ridge Recorder Nancy Cobb, Houston County Mayor George E. Clark, and Chamber President Kristi Basey.
Gaither added that he has been working with communities for over 37 years, but coming to Houston County was very refreshing.
“There is such a wonderful spirit [of cooperation and good will] here that I have not seen in probably 20 years,” he said. He also commented on some very nice, new facilities, like the Houston County jail and the new high school.

Chamber Banquet
The 2003 annual membership banquet was held Thursday, Oct. 23, at Erin City Hall, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Attendees were greeted by wonderful fall decorations, both on the exterior and the interior of the building. Area organizations had displays in the foyer to boast all that is good in Tennessee Ridge, Erin, and Houston County. Among the displays were Workforce Essentials, Erin Rotary Club, Highland Rim Economic Corporation, Erin Police Department, Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency, Houston County Lions Club, Houston County Health Council, Houston County Public Library and Friends of the Library, and the University of Tennessee’s local Agricultural Extension Service. There was even a display showing how Houston County High School received the 2002 School of the Year Award for excellence in architectural design.
All in all, it was a great night, and Houston County shown like a bright star anyway.

Presidential Remarks
As the banquet got underway, Chamber President Kristi Basey welcomed attendees and cited recent efforts of beautification, including the recent courthouse “bath,” planting of trees, and general sprucing up around town. She recognized State Senator Rosalind Kurita and State Representative John Tidwell, along with the state team here to see if Houston County qualified for the three-star award.
Team members reviewing to see if Houston County qualified included: Bill Shuff, MTIDA; Rural Development’s Tom Mayberry; Tonya Blades of Greater Nashville Regional Council; Angela Fernandez, Local Planning; Bill Edwards, Business Services; Paul LaGrange; John Henry Hedge; Anna Montgomery; Grimm Ramell; Connie Trotter, and Ronnie Gaither, of the Economic Council.
Giving the invocation before dinner was Chamber member Kathy Parchman.
After accepting the three-star award, Basey declared, “Wow, what a way to end a year as president!”

Senator Kurita speaks out
“I love Houston County,” Senator Rosalind Kurita started by saying. “This is a community that works hard together.
Always a favorite with Houston Countians, the senator continued, “Ya’ll always have some great projects going, not to mention some of the best cooks in Tennessee.”
She was referring to the prime rib dinner catered by Houston County’s own George Powell of Southernaire Restaurant.
Sen. Kurita took another moment to ask area residents to keep members of the military—and their families—in prayer. Sen. Kurita had just come from the funeral of a Ft. Campbell soldier who died in Iraq.
Rep. John Tidwell also commented on what an honor it was to attend the chamber event and to share in the news about the three-star award.
“You may not realize now, but this opens the door to you for economic opportunities,” he said.
Rep. Tidwell said he enjoyed the drive up from the south looking at the fall foliage.
“Houston County is one of the prettiest counties I have ever seen,” he added.

Auctioning for a good cause
One of the highlights of the chamber banquet each year is an auction. Houston County’s Randy Gill, assisted by his daughter Morgan, auctioned of some highly coveted items as follows:
• A pound cake made and decorated by Byde Simpson sold for a whopping $45. The high bidder was Wanda Dority.
• Randy Baggett went home with a $75 gift certificate to Southernaire Restaurant.
• Erin’s Dr. Doug Ligon grabbed Predators hockey tickets for $75.00.
• John Law thrilled his wife Adrienne when he purchased a wooden vase handmade by Benny Ferrell and donated by J.V. Averitt Lumber Company for $100.
• Bro. Robert Mitchell was the high bidder of a colorful, handmade quilt, paying $115.
• And finally, the most coveted prize of all each year… Tennessee Ridge resident Gene Parrish’s handmade duck call. After ardent bidding, Sam Fussell waddled away with it for $180. Parrish, who was present with his lovely wife Wanda, even said he would donate ten percent of his duck call proceeds between now and Christmas to the chamber.

The Evening’s Entertainment
Houston Countians were bathed with “culture” Thursday night as the group “Amadeus” performed dinner music. The quartet included three violins and a cello. The musicians hailed from surrounding communities. On the cello was Kristen Johnson of Clarksville; Violinists included Dallas Blackwell and Usha Mani of Dickson, and Lora Brown of McEwen. They played classical music and even circulated through the tables as the meal was enjoyed. Anyone wanting to book Amadeus may call Brown in McEwen at (615) 289-6954. If they mention the chamber event, she will waive the booking fee.

New Chamber Officers Inducted
As Chamber President Basey stepped down in an emotional tribute to her grandfather, and with thanks to many who had helped her this year, John Law presented the new slate of officers for the coming year.
The 2004 President is Dana Miller; Vice President is Becky Averitt; Secretary is Judy Stephan; and Treasurer is Anne Baggett. New directors added to the board include Mary Chappell, Kay French, Meridith Baggett, and Judy Stephan.
They join other board members including: Becky Averitt, Paul Bailey, Gina Bell, Linda Bratschi, Mark Carson, Ray Fussell, Robin Freeman, Russ James, John Law, Robin Lyle, Diane Lynch, Dr. Dan Martin, Bettye McKinnon, Dana Miller, Jane Parchman, Lajuana Parchman, Natalie Short, Drew Taylor, Donna Underwood, and Freda Whitaker.
The event concluded with closing remarks by upcoming Chamber President Dana Miller.
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Toy Run Triumph
Submitted by Teresa N. Settle


When 170 motorcycles roared through Houston County Saturday, Oct. 18, everybody was smiling: the bikers, the residents enjoying the show, and especially the children.
This year’s Sixth Annual Houston County Toy Run was bigger and better than ever. More bikes, a longer route, beautiful weather, more toys collected, and added events. It made for a sweet success story.
The bikes left Danville shortly after noon and traveled up Hwy. 147 to Gray’s Cross in Tennessee Ridge before turning onto Hwy. 49 to head into Erin. The 17-mile trek made by bikers ended in downtown Erin as they turned down Spring Street for the Betsy Ligon Park Pavilion.
There the cyclers, clad mostly in riding gear and black leather, parked their rides and proceeded to fill the back of a truck knee deep with toys so needy children in Houston County will have a merrier Christmas.

Erin Police Department

Erin Police Chief Tommy Parchman was very pleased with the event’s success. Chief Parchman said the event has grown in the last six years. Originally started by the Erin Police (EPD) and Fire Departments (EFD), Chief Parchman enlisted the help of a Clarksville biker organization called Bikers Who Care (BWC). Then two years later, the family of Betty Wyatt got involved to help the event.

Erin Fire Department

Erin Fire Chief David Hardin said this year’s event was a smooth ride for all involved. Not only was it longer (in previous years bikers have ridden from Tennessee Ridge’s National Guard Armory), but more bikers participated.
“The weather was fantastic,” Hardin said, and no accidents were reported.
EFD member Brian Richardson agreed about the day, reminiscing about the rain last year that caused a low turnout. Richardson said more toys were collected this year as well.
If you missed the event but would still like to contribute to the cause, the EFD will continue its Toys for Tots collection with a roadblock in Houston County on Nov. 1.

Bikers Who Care

The Clarksville BWC has been the “driving” force of this local event, bringing many out-of-town participants to the small town of Erin to help a neighbor in need. The current BWC President, Bill Langford, was on hand, as well as numerous others. BWC member Jim Scott, also of Clarksville, rode one of his two Harleys (he claims there is no other bike)), a 1979, in the run.
When asked about riding in general, Scott said bikers enjoy a better look at nature and just getting out on the road. “It’s just a thrill,” he added.
Also on hand was BWC member Booger Watson. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because the annual Bike Toy Run in Clarksville each year is in memory of Watson’s father, Leslie W. Watson.
Booger’s father was the owner of the first full-time motorcycle shop in Clarksville back in the 40’s. Following in his daddy’s footsteps, Booger builds Harleys himself. During the Erin run, Booger rode a 1946 H-D Knucklehead which he described as “radically customized.”
The bike he built has twin carbs, fat tires, a custom (low) body, and at least 25 handmade pieces. It also has a history—as the paint job will attest. Painted in the traditionally Harley colors of orange and black, it also sports a lot of silver—to represent the color of his father’s first bike—and it has lime green tips to remind Booger of the color of his first bike back in the 70s.
Booger’s wife didn’t ride in style on the back of his back, but instead styled on her own ’39 Knucklehead. A former dirt bike rider before meeting him, Susie Watson said her husband introduced her to the “awesome” world of Harleys.

Betty Wyatt Memorial Fund

The family of the late Betty Wyatt of Houston County was also on hand to participate in this year’s event. Her son, Danny, who now lives in Lavergne, said his mother loved Christmas and kids.
She used to run the local Dollar Store and after she died, her family decided to continue the tradition. It’s their fourth year to be a part of the run.
“We buy $1,000 worth of toys,” Wyatt said, along with helping to select needy families and making up Christmas baskets. Last year the Wyatt family also sponsored 20 residents at the local nursing home for Christmas. Throughout the year, they have yard sales and sponsor a dance as a fundraiser.
“It’s a lot of fun and a lot of work,” he said.

Local Bikers

Nobody seemed to get into the ride more than the local bikers. Erin resident Bruce McMillan, 74, was probably the oldest participant in the ride.
“I am more than pleased with the committee that organized this ride,” he said, “and the number of bikers with gifts and monetary contributions.”
McMillan rode a Yamaha trike, and he wasn’t alone. His young, female companion was his granddaughter, Caitlyn Walker. Walker, a fourth grader at Erin Elementary, said she had fun riding with her “poppy,” adding that he’s a safe driver. Her only complaint: “He needs to go faster!”
Carl and Pam Bland of Cumberland City are among several bikers at their Erin church, First Assembly of God, and the couple enjoys biking in their spare time. However, in Carl’s line of work—the oil field exploration business—he’s only home about a third of the time.
Pam, who works for a real estate closing attorney, said, “I think it’s a good thing for people on motorcycles to bring these toys for the needy kids of Houston County.”

Local Residents and Businesses

Young and old residents alike turned out to enjoy the food, festivities, musical entertainment, and even a first-ever auction, not to mention just walking around in the beautiful weather admiring the variety of old and new bikes—from vintage to sporty to custom.
There were loud bikes, low-down bikes, shiny chrome flashing everywhere, fancy helmets, fringe, and flames. It was a sight to behold, and area residents and business owners look forward to the annual event as well.
Gene Bell of Bell’s Florist and More said, “I think this is a wonderful event… People don’t realize how big the hearts of bikers are. Maybe this event will show it.”

In Loving Memory

The weather was great, the turnout supper, and many firsts were accomplished this year, but for Emerald Acres resident Jack Jordan, it was also a day to remember old friends.
Jordan, who has been riding for 38 years, said this year’s Houston County Toy Run was dedicated to the memory of Bill Short and Ernest Shockley.
“Ernie was the oldest member of BWC,” Jordan stated. And Short, who died last year, was Ernie’s son-in-law.
Short’s widow, Sandy, of Houston County rode this year on the back of a bike belonging to her brother-in-law, Houston Countian Sammy Mathis.

Other Sponsors

Other sponsors, along with EPD, EFD, BWC, and the Wyatt family, included the City of Erin, Coca-Cola, Houston County Printing, Images, B.J.’s Diner, Cleghern’s Piggly Wiggly, Bell’s Florist & More, Magnum Manufacturing, Wright Wrecker Service, Erin Auto Body, Houston County Tire, AmSouth, The Irish Grille, and Tennessee Ridge NAPA and ACE Hardware.

As for next year…

As for next year’s bike run, everyone was in agreement, hoping next year’s run is even bigger and better. What with this year’s success story, that just might be a tall order. But with so many fantastic sponsors, local support, and terrific participants, it will definitely be worth watching again!
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