CHRISTMAS FUNNIES

Santa is watching, please don’t do anything to embarrass him.

Christmas spirit is a mysterious force that causes people to max out their
credit cards.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas - so wake me up if I start shoveling the
driveway.

I believe in Santa Claus, but Santa believes in Toys R Us.

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth -- gift horses have terrible breath.

You can’t string more lights outside than your redneck neighbor -- don’t
even try.

The best things come in small packages, so why do large packages look so
much better under the Christmas tree?

There’s no place like home for the holidays -- but I’d still rather go to
Hawaii.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. For the rest of the year
you are on your own.

There’s nothing as good as an old-fashioned Christmas, except maybe a
new-fangled electronic toy.

Here comes Santa Claus -- tracking soot all over the rug again.

If you forget to leave cookies & milk, Santa also accepts VISA.

The closer we get to Christmas, the longer the kid’s “I want” list becomes.

You will always get the most Christmas cards from the people you forgot.

If you can’t remember where you hid the Christmas presents, ask the kids.

If mother’s way is best, let her assemble the bicycle.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow – in other words - Let it slush, let
it melt, let it freeze!

Regardless of the laws of physics, the living room shrinks when you put up a
Christmas tree.

A perfectly symmetrical tree will always be lopsided when you get it home.

If it weren’t for dry fruitcake, what would we have to complain about?

The Christmas lights always work perfectly until you put them on the tree.

If you find the perfect gift, you can depend on it being half-price after
Christmas.

The more you clean house, the larger the wrapping paper storm on Christmas
morning

It’s easy to wrap a prefect gift, especially if you let the department store
do it.

The harder you are trying to diet, the greater the likelihood you’ll get
candy as a gift.

Of course, I’ve been good -- but don’t quote me on that.

Christmas is for children, but you better get your spouse something anyhow.

Christmas comes but once a year, but the bills come every day but Sunday.

Whoever said Christmas is a time of joy, obviously didn’t have any relatives
visiting..

Remember, it’s the thought that counts-- so why do we look for a price tag?

Famous last words -- I have plenty of time left to shop before Christmas.

By Sheila Moss – Humor Columnist
Read more!

SANTA SHOWS UP IN THE ‘NICK’ OF TIME!!!

By TERESA N. SETTLE
Tennessee Express News Writer

* Some area residents may have been a wee bit disappointed that Santa Claus
didn’t make it into the Erin Christmas parade, but those who stuck around
afterward for the annual Christmas tree lighting in the Betsy Ligon Park got to
see him.
* The Chamber-sponsored event was kicked off with great holiday music by the
Houston County High School / Middle School Band.
* “I am so proud we got Mr. Whitt,” said Chuck Blakely during the band’s
opening Christmas melody. “He is sincerely interested in all the kids.”
* The band did sound great, with a variety of woodwind, horn, and percussion
instruments. There were clarinets, a piccolo, saxophones, baritones, trumpets,
French horns, snare drums, bass drums, bongos, and even lyre bells.
* Band members looked festive in Santa hats as they were introduced by Houston
County Area Chamber of Commerce President Becky Averitt.
* Averitt said the band had won several awards recently and even participated
in state competitions for the first time in 25 years. For being the sole
marching band in the parade, they also took home a nice trophy to add to their
collection.
* Band Director Matt Whitt said the musicians had been practicing for about a
month in preparation for three Christmas parades–one last week in Dover, the
one this week, and one next week in Clarksville.
* The middle and high school bands also invites everyone to their annual
Christmas concert Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. in the HCHS forum.
* Crowds seemed enraptured by the band’s version of “The Holiday Chorus” from
Handel’s Messiah.
* After the music, Averitt spoke to an expectant crowd who eagerly held tickets
to win a country ham. The Chamber, along with numerous businesses and
individuals, sponsored the give-away of 26 country hams and other giveaways.
* Averitt said that last year several people in the same family won hams, so
she asked that this year only one country ham be claimed during the giveaway by
a family.
* Little Sarah Clark, age 7, wasn’t at all interested in the ham giveaway. She
had other things on her mind.
* “I’m waiting on Santa Claus, because I like seeing him,” she said.
* She wasn’t alone. Her younger brother Alex, age 5, and her younger sister
Emily, age 3, seemed excited, too.
* When asked what she wanted for Christmas this year, little Sarah, wrapped in
a Christmasy red-and-green blanket and wearing a pink stocking cap complete
with ball, said she wanted a “Wiggly Water Baby.”
* “We haven’t mailed our letters out [to Santa],” she said. When asked if she
had been a good girl this year, the second grader replied, “Uh huh.”
* After Erin Mayor Rhyne Largent officially lit the Christmas tree, Santa Claus
made his appearance, to the delight of wide-eyed children.
* Erin Police Chief Tommy Parchman was instrumental this year in the selection
of the “mystery” Santa, although during the event he was unavailable for
comment. (Ho! Ho! Ho!)
* Mrs. Claus, also known as Mary Jean Reynolds of Mitchum’s Drug Store, helped
organize the line of children waiting to see St. Nick.
* As the ham and other giveaways came to a close and the line to see Santa
dwindled, the crowds braving dropping temperatures headed for home.
* It’s official... the Christmas season has arrived in Houston County.
* Merry Christmas!

* Stay Tuned for More Holiday Stories...
* “Tis the season for Bell Ringers”; and
* “Horse and Carriage Rides in Erin prove romantic, nostalgic, fun for all”

* Tennessee Express News Writer Teresa N. Settle may be reached by e-mailing “redwriter@hctn.net.”

MORE PHOTOS Read more!

COMMUNITY SHOWS UP
FOR MLEC ANNUAL MEETING;
RYE GETS RE-ELECTED

By TERESA N. SETTLE
TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER
Photos by MIKE DAVIS

* Over 400 members of the Houston County community converged on the grounds of
Houston County High School in Erin this week for the annual Meriwether Lewis
Electric Cooperative membership meeting.
* Residents visited with each other while enjoying a free fish-and-all-the-
fixings meal beginning at 5 p.m. on Oct. 5.
* Cecil Baggett, former MLEC District Manager for Houston County, was outside
enjoying the event along with many others from the community. Baggett, who
retired in 1999, went to his first annual MLEC meeting back in 1964 when he
went to work for MLEC.
* “It’s a larger crowd that usual,” Baggett said, complimenting MLEC on the
event. “I think it’s a fine business. They’ve done a good deal for the
surrounding counties.”
* Ralph Sullivan said he was enjoying his very first MLEC annual meeting.
Sullivan, originally from Dickson, has retired on a 500 acre-farm off Bateman
Branch.
* One of the big draws this year might have been the election of a Houston
County director for a three-year term. Cass Rye, who has held the seat for the
past six years, was running this year against Jane Parchman, a retired MLEC
employee.
* “It’s been a real experience,” Rye said before the meeting. “An eye-opener.
I’ve enjoyed learning the inner workings of the cooperative.”
* Rye said he holds the utmost respect and admiration for the MLEC employees.
“They are the ones that make the cooperative great.”
* His opponent, Parchman, said she retired from the Houston County office of
MLEC in 2000.
* “Back in the years past, a retiree could not run,” she said, now glad of the
change. “I am running to support Meriwether Lewis as a board member. I will do
everything in my power to do what the members wish.”
* Parchman added that running for the director’s seat has been good therapy for
her. “Whether I win or whether I lose,” she said, adding that it has helped her
get through the last several months after the death of her son nine months ago.
* MLEC District Manager Jeff Rye was pleased about the turnout as members
gathered in the commons area of the high school to get a ballot.
* “We are looking at the largest turnout since I became district manager in
1999,” he said.
* Before the election, members watched a video entitled “Beyond the Wires.”
MLEC President and CEO Hal Womble introduced the video by saying it illustrated
how proud MLEC employees are to serve their members and “why MLEC often goes
beyond the electric lines to reach into homes, schools, and businesses.”
* When the ballots were tallied, Rye had maintained his seat with 190 votes to
Parchman’s 126. Dwain Pryor served as the meeting chairman. The other Houston
County seat held by Sam Fussell, expires next year.
* MLEC gave away free flashlights to attendees, and there were numerous door
prizes. Frances Thomas won a MECO tabletop electric grill; Wilbur Carr won a
Reecom weather alert radio; Suzette Whitaker won a ladies bracelet; Darrell
Parchman won a Craftsman laser level; Diane Turner got a Mintek portable DVD
player.
* Other winners included: Markley Gill, Kodak digital camera; Janell Hughes,
crystal bowl; Jamie Fussell, Seiko wall clock; Eugene Moss and Deborah Page,
surge protection kits; and Irene Rocos, Motorola two-way radios.
* Winners of $100 savings bonds were W.C. Patterson, Kay Simmons, and Barbara
Sykes. Parchman sponsored the savings bonds in memory of her son, Joey.
* MLEC also announced the Houston County winners of the 2004 poster contest. In
the kindergarten through second grade division, Chelsey Miele won first place;
Cole McCollough placed second, and Sara Clark won third place. Mason Miles and
Daylon Petty both received honorable mentions.
* In grades three through five, Kayla Parker won first place; Blake Nolen won
second; and Mason Nolen won third place. Honorable mentions were Hunter Moran,
Peyton Hizer, Derek Bryant, Jessica Warden, Bret Hadley, Kodie Hensley, and
Brandon Hastings.
* MLEC is a non-profit organization offering electricity to 33,900 members in
Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis, and Perry Counties.

MORE PHOTOS " width="320" align="left" />
By TERESA N. SETTLE
TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER
Photos by MIKE DAVIS

* Over 400 members of the Houston County community converged on the grounds of
Houston County High School in Erin this week for the annual Meriwether Lewis
Electric Cooperative membership meeting.
* Residents visited with each other while enjoying a free fish-and-all-the-
fixings meal beginning at 5 p.m. on Oct. 5.
* Cecil Baggett, former MLEC District Manager for Houston County, was outside
enjoying the event along with many others from the community. Baggett, who
retired in 1999, went to his first annual MLEC meeting back in 1964 when he
went to work for MLEC.
* “It’s a larger crowd that usual,” Baggett said, complimenting MLEC on the
event. “I think it’s a fine business. They’ve done a good deal for the
surrounding counties.”
* Ralph Sullivan said he was enjoying his very first MLEC annual meeting.
Sullivan, originally from Dickson, has retired on a 500 acre-farm off Bateman
Branch.
* One of the big draws this year might have been the election of a Houston
County director for a three-year term. Cass Rye, who has held the seat for the
past six years, was running this year against Jane Parchman, a retired MLEC
employee.
* “It’s been a real experience,” Rye said before the meeting. “An eye-opener.
I’ve enjoyed learning the inner workings of the cooperative.”
* Rye said he holds the utmost respect and admiration for the MLEC employees.
“They are the ones that make the cooperative great.”
* His opponent, Parchman, said she retired from the Houston County office of
MLEC in 2000.
* “Back in the years past, a retiree could not run,” she said, now glad of the
change. “I am running to support Meriwether Lewis as a board member. I will do
everything in my power to do what the members wish.”
* Parchman added that running for the director’s seat has been good therapy for
her. “Whether I win or whether I lose,” she said, adding that it has helped her
get through the last several months after the death of her son nine months ago.
* MLEC District Manager Jeff Rye was pleased about the turnout as members
gathered in the commons area of the high school to get a ballot.
* “We are looking at the largest turnout since I became district manager in
1999,” he said.
* Before the election, members watched a video entitled “Beyond the Wires.”
MLEC President and CEO Hal Womble introduced the video by saying it illustrated
how proud MLEC employees are to serve their members and “why MLEC often goes
beyond the electric lines to reach into homes, schools, and businesses.”
* When the ballots were tallied, Rye had maintained his seat with 190 votes to
Parchman’s 126. Dwain Pryor served as the meeting chairman. The other Houston
County seat held by Sam Fussell, expires next year.
* MLEC gave away free flashlights to attendees, and there were numerous door
prizes. Frances Thomas won a MECO tabletop electric grill; Wilbur Carr won a
Reecom weather alert radio; Suzette Whitaker won a ladies bracelet; Darrell
Parchman won a Craftsman laser level; Diane Turner got a Mintek portable DVD
player.
* Other winners included: Markley Gill, Kodak digital camera; Janell Hughes,
crystal bowl; Jamie Fussell, Seiko wall clock; Eugene Moss and Deborah Page,
surge protection kits; and Irene Rocos, Motorola two-way radios.
* Winners of $100 savings bonds were W.C. Patterson, Kay Simmons, and Barbara
Sykes. Parchman sponsored the savings bonds in memory of her son, Joey.
* MLEC also announced the Houston County winners of the 2004 poster contest. In
the kindergarten through second grade division, Chelsey Miele won first place;
Cole McCollough placed second, and Sara Clark won third place. Mason Miles and
Daylon Petty both received honorable mentions.
* In grades three through five, Kayla Parker won first place; Blake Nolen won
second; and Mason Nolen won third place. Honorable mentions were Hunter Moran,
Peyton Hizer, Derek Bryant, Jessica Warden, Bret Hadley, Kodie Hensley, and
Brandon Hastings.
* MLEC is a non-profit organization offering electricity to 33,900 members in
Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis, and Perry Counties.

MORE PHOTOS " width="320" align="left" />
By TERESA N. SETTLE
TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER
Photos by MIKE DAVIS

* Over 400 members of the Houston County community converged on the grounds of
Houston County High School in Erin this week for the annual Meriwether Lewis
Electric Cooperative membership meeting.
* Residents visited with each other while enjoying a free fish-and-all-the-
fixings meal beginning at 5 p.m. on Oct. 5.
* Cecil Baggett, former MLEC District Manager for Houston County, was outside
enjoying the event along with many others from the community. Baggett, who
retired in 1999, went to his first annual MLEC meeting back in 1964 when he
went to work for MLEC.
* “It’s a larger crowd that usual,” Baggett said, complimenting MLEC on the
event. “I think it’s a fine business. They’ve done a good deal for the
surrounding counties.”
* Ralph Sullivan said he was enjoying his very first MLEC annual meeting.
Sullivan, originally from Dickson, has retired on a 500 acre-farm off Bateman
Branch.
* One of the big draws this year might have been the election of a Houston
County director for a three-year term. Cass Rye, who has held the seat for the
past six years, was running this year against Jane Parchman, a retired MLEC
employee.
* “It’s been a real experience,” Rye said before the meeting. “An eye-opener.
I’ve enjoyed learning the inner workings of the cooperative.”
* Rye said he holds the utmost respect and admiration for the MLEC employees.
“They are the ones that make the cooperative great.”
* His opponent, Parchman, said she retired from the Houston County office of
MLEC in 2000.
* “Back in the years past, a retiree could not run,” she said, now glad of the
change. “I am running to support Meriwether Lewis as a board member. I will do
everything in my power to do what the members wish.”
* Parchman added that running for the director’s seat has been good therapy for
her. “Whether I win or whether I lose,” she said, adding that it has helped her
get through the last several months after the death of her son nine months ago.
* MLEC District Manager Jeff Rye was pleased about the turnout as members
gathered in the commons area of the high school to get a ballot.
* “We are looking at the largest turnout since I became district manager in
1999,” he said.
* Before the election, members watched a video entitled “Beyond the Wires.”
MLEC President and CEO Hal Womble introduced the video by saying it illustrated
how proud MLEC employees are to serve their members and “why MLEC often goes
beyond the electric lines to reach into homes, schools, and businesses.”
* When the ballots were tallied, Rye had maintained his seat with 190 votes to
Parchman’s 126. Dwain Pryor served as the meeting chairman. The other Houston
County seat held by Sam Fussell, expires next year.
* MLEC gave away free flashlights to attendees, and there were numerous door
prizes. Frances Thomas won a MECO tabletop electric grill; Wilbur Carr won a
Reecom weather alert radio; Suzette Whitaker won a ladies bracelet; Darrell
Parchman won a Craftsman laser level; Diane Turner got a Mintek portable DVD
player.
* Other winners included: Markley Gill, Kodak digital camera; Janell Hughes,
crystal bowl; Jamie Fussell, Seiko wall clock; Eugene Moss and Deborah Page,
surge protection kits; and Irene Rocos, Motorola two-way radios.
* Winners of $100 savings bonds were W.C. Patterson, Kay Simmons, and Barbara
Sykes. Parchman sponsored the savings bonds in memory of her son, Joey.
* MLEC also announced the Houston County winners of the 2004 poster contest. In
the kindergarten through second grade division, Chelsey Miele won first place;
Cole McCollough placed second, and Sara Clark won third place. Mason Miles and
Daylon Petty both received honorable mentions.
* In grades three through five, Kayla Parker won first place; Blake Nolen won
second; and Mason Nolen won third place. Honorable mentions were Hunter Moran,
Peyton Hizer, Derek Bryant, Jessica Warden, Bret Hadley, Kodie Hensley, and
Brandon Hastings.
* MLEC is a non-profit organization offering electricity to 33,900 members in
Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis, and Perry Counties.

MORE PHOTOS Read more!

HOUSTON COUNTY MURDER SUSPECT SITS IN JAIL AS WIFE’S FUNERAL TAKES PLACE

By TERESA N. SETTLE
Tennessee Express News Writer

* Family and friends will be gathering today in Erin for the funeral of Jimmie
Marie Leach, 26, of Stewart, who was allegedly shot and killed by her husband
Sunday evening.
* The funeral begins at 2 p.m. at First Assembly of God in Arlington. Burial
will be in the Leach Family Cemetery, Stewart.
* Meanwhile, Leach’s husband, Anthony Bradick, 27, also of Stewart, remains in
the Houston County Jail without bond at this time. Braddick was arraigned
Tuesday at the Houston County Courthouse, according to Circuit Court Clerk Cora
Sue McMillan.
* McMillan said the public defender’s office was appointed to represent
Braddick and that no bond hearing date has been set.
* According to David Hicks, Criminal Investigator with the District Attorney’s
Office (23rd Judicial District), Braddick called Houston County Sheriff’s
Deputy Jason Laxton on the phone Monday morning, Oct. 11, from his mother’s
home somewhere in west Tennessee, near Tiptonville.
* Braddick and Dep. Laxton talked for about an hour, with Braddick at first
giving a false name and being vague about the location of a body that could be
found in Houston County. Finally, Hicks said, Braddick told Laxton he had shot
and killed his wife.
* Back in Houston County, Sheriff Kennith Barnes and other officers, along with
Hicks, TBI Agent Derrick Jones, and TWRA Officer Scott Mansfield converged on
an area off Cooley Ford known as “Box Ford,” and found the body of Leach.
* She had been shot in the head with a 9mm pistol.
* Back in Tiptonville Monday afternoon, law enforcement officials there found
Bradick at a pay phone where he again was talking with Dept. Laxton. Bradick
allegedly was holding a gun to his head threatening suicide. Later, he was
apprehended at his mother’s residence.
* Houston County officials brought him back to Erin Monday night and booked him
into the county jail.
* Hicks said Bradick has been charged with first degree murder.
* “It takes a while to complete an investigation like this,” said Hicks. “There
are still people being interviewed.”
* However, Hicks said it looks like the murder occurred between 6 and 7 p.m. on
Sunday, Oct. 10, at the location where Leach’s body was found. There apparently
were no other witnesses to the crime.
* Hicks said Dep. Laxton had been called to Braddick’s residence on prior
occasions for domestic disputes.
* Meanwhile, Houston County residents have been stunned by this tragedy.
* Southernaire Restaurant owner Martha Powell said Leach was a former employee.
She had worked in the kitchen and cleaning.
* Powell said she was a good employee who was dependable. However, she had not
worked in the past three or four weeks.
* Leach is survived by two sons, Taylor Bradick and Davin Bradick, and two
daughters, Brooke Leach and Ashley Leach; her parents, Jimmy Leach and Dorothy
Hadley, of Stewart; two brothers, Josh Leach and Bret Leach; a sister, Kimberly
Tolley of Atwood; and a grandmother, Dora Leach, also of Stewart.

Read more!

FAMILIES GATHER FOR OLD-FASHIONED COMMUNITY MEETING IN ERIN

By TERESA N. SETTLE
TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER

* If you missed the Old-Fashioned Community Meeting in Erin on Monday, Oct. 4,
you missed a feel-good, family-oriented gathering with a political message.
* That’s because the event was really a way of introducing State Senator-
hopeful Brenda Radford, a Republican running against incumbent Democrat
Rosalind Kurita.
* Retired Brigadier General Wendell Gilbert, former chief of staff and
Tennessee’s first homeland security director, welcomed the small crowd gathered
at the Betsy Ligon Park Pavilion at 5:30 p.m.
* “It’s great to be here. I feel right at home,” Gilbert said, adding that
although he grew up in Clarksville, he visited Houston County often in his
childhood. He recalled fishing for small bass at White Oak Creek, “a magical
place,” he said.
* Gilbert said he didn’t catch much fish, but he did get a whole lot of poison
ivy and chiggers.
* “You haven’t lived until you’ve had a case of both of those at the same
time,” he joked.
The Reason For His Visit...
* Gilbert’s reason for being in Erin this week, however, was to introduce
Radford and to share three reasons to vote for her.
* First, he said, after serving the last three years in Nashville and watching
the Tennessee General Assembly up close, Gilbert said it’s time for new faces
with new ideas.
* Second, he said Radford is totally responsive to everyone in her current
district as a Montgomery County commissioner.
* And thirdly, Radford has “unquestionable integrity and honesty. She’s just a
nice person,” he said, before turning the meeting over to her.

A SMALL GATLINBURG...
* Radford began by comparing Erin and Houston County to a small Gatlinburg,
with lots of potential, friendly people, and beautiful scenery.
* She mentioned meeting several Houston Countians on the campaign trail,
including the Hataways, the Fussells, and the Douglases.
* She also introduced her husband Al, her mother, her sister, her mother-in-
law, and her sister-in-law.
* “Don’t just meet me,” she said, “Get to know my family, too. That way you’ll
know a lot more about me and what we stand for.”
* Radford told the crowd that it’s time for a change in the 22nd district. She
said she would fight for tax release, road projects, monthly community town
meetings, and small business aid for insurance.

TAX RELIEF PROPOSAL...
* She said she would also support a Taxpayers Bill of Rights, something she
said has been in effect in Colorado since 1996, and which has allowed for $3
billion of tax overcollections to be returned to the taxpayers in that state.
* Radford reminded attendees that last spring the incumbent (Kurita) opposed
sending state overcollections back to taxpayers.
* Radford said one of the biggest differences in her and her opponent is that
Kurita over time has collected a half million dollars of political
contributions from special interest groups and political action committees who
do not even reside in the 22nd district.
* “My only special interest is you,” Radford said, adding that “As your next
state senator, I will work hard for you the people, not the special interest
groups.”
* Radford said she is Pro-Life as opposed to Kurita’s pro-abortion advocacy and
that the Tennessee Right to Life has given Radford their endorsement. The
Tennessee Home School Family PAC has also endorsed Radford.

NO SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS...
* Radford warned residents that they would probably see “slick” advertisements
from the incumbent in the next few weeks, but to keep in mind that they are
funded by special interest groups.
* In fact, Radford brought the financial report for herself and her opponent.
In Kurita’s financial report (also available on the internet), 80 percent of
the contributions were marked as PAC or other special interest groups who do
not reside in the 22nd district. Her current balance is over $260,000.
* On the other hand, Radford has a $27,000 balance, with all but a handful of
contributions coming from individuals and businesses in the 22nd district.
* During a question-and-answer session, Radford was asked about her feelings on
a state income tax.
* “I am opposed to a state income tax,” she said. Radford added that state
employees should be asked to find other efficiencies. She mentioned TennCare as
being a problem that needs addressing, along with other healthcare inequities.

READY FOR A CHANGE...
* In closing, Radford quoted, “People, Get Ready; There’s a Change A Comin’;
People, Get Ready; You better get on board!”
* “I ask for your vote... God bless you and your family.”
* Local resident Annette Pulley of Houston County Printing was also on hand at
the community meeting. Radford introduced her as a good friend and her
political chairman here in Houston County.
* Pulley said she and Radford have been friends since 1987 when she lived in
Montgomery County.
* Pulley said of Radford, “She hasn’t changed. She’s the same person that cares
about people. She has outstanding character and values. What she says, she
means.”

MUSIC, FOOD, AND FAMILY VALUES...
* Entertaining the crowd with their musical talents were several locals who
played country, bluegrass, and gospel songs. They included: Otis Kelly, Jimmy
Luffman, Don Fitzhugh, Dan Wallace, Randy Holland, and Jamie Holland.
* Refreshments were served, including sandwiches, chips, moon pies, RC’s, and a
big batch of banana pudding made by Radford herself.
* Several local residents attended, including: Matt Blakely, Frank and Ann
Young, Clay Hataway, Ray and Millie Kresge, Ken and Sammie Douglas, Elizabeth
and Sarah Martin, and Thelma Jenkins, to name a few.
* Don and Cindy Camp, who came out to support Radford, were the perfect picture
of strong family values.
* The couple, who have lived in Houston County most of their lives, brought
their six children: Rachel, 10; Cari, 8; Jarrett, 6, Jana, 3; and twins Keaton
and Kelli, four months.
* “I’m here to support a woman with morals and convictions,” stated Don, who
works for Nagle Industries. “[Radford] represents the Camp family values.”
* Cindy is kept busy homeschooling her children as well. “I like it,” she
stated. “It works well for our family.”
* To get involved in Radford’s campaign, contact Pulley at Houston County
Printing.MORE PHOTOS Read more!

HOUSTON COUNTY RECEIVES THREE-STAR RECOGNITION

Story by Teresa N. Settle
TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER

* Erin, Tennessee Ridge, and Houston County were raring to go to the Governor?s
Conference this month. The event, slated for Sept. 28-30 in Nashville,
highlighted accomplishments across the state. And the good news is, Houston
County has bragging rights.
* Thanks to the Houston County Leadership Class, our little community
[Population 8,000-plus, including about 1,500 in Erin and 1,400 in Tennessee
Ridge] is a THREE-STAR community.
* According to Erin City Recorder Linda Bratschi, the community representatives
won?t be going empty-handed, either. ?We are going to take a booth that is
representative of our community.?
The display covered such areas as tourism efforts, business and industry,
agriculture, recreation, and other activities, and, of course, the annual
Houston County Irish Celebration.
Bratschi said the display showed that Erin, Tennessee Ridge, Houston County,
and the Stewart-Houston Industrial Park all share in the three-star award.
* Several locals will represent our community, including: Bratschi and her
husband Ronnie, Erin Mayor Rhyne Largent, Houston County Mayor George E. Clark,
Bettye and Bob McKinnon, Kay and Randall French, Mike Davis, Sheila Settles,
Julia Presson, Dana Miller, Kristy Spurgeon, Robin Fielder, and Laura Mobley.
*Tonnie Trotter, Regional Economic Development Specialist with the Tennessee
Department of Economic and Community Development, said this is the second year
in a row that the community has been certified as a three-star community.
* She said we were also the 70th community to do so under Governor Don
Sundquist?s old plan.
* According to Trotter, three of the categories that the Houston County
community had to work on were economic development, community development, and
workforce development.
* ?They worked real hard here,? Trotter said. ?The Houston County Leadership
group ? took that as their class project.?
* Trotter, who has assisted other communities in the three-star process, said
she was very impressed with the commitment of the people involved in the three-
star process. She said the partnering and working relationships that went on in
the process was excellent.
?I?m just impressed,? she said. ?People do notice when things are going on.
They may not participate, but they notice.?
At Governor Bredesen?s Conference, Houston Countians received the new
guidelines for remaining a three-star community.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOUSTON COUNTY?
* Tennessee?s 90th county has 200 square miles in northwest Tennessee. It
adjoins Stewart, Benton, Dickson, Henry, Humphreys, and Montgomery counties,
along with bordering the Tennessee River.
* Houston County was first settled in the late 1700s. It was named after Sam
Houston, a former governor of Tennessee, hero of the Mexican War, and president
of the Republic of Texas.
Read more!

School board members converge on Houston County

Story by Teresa N. Settle
TENNESSEE EXPRESS WRITER
Photos by Mike Davis

* Members of the Mid-Cumberland District of the Tennessee School Boards
Association converged Thursday, Sept. 16 in Erin at Houston County High School
for their fall meeting.
* The theme of the meeting was “Together We Can.” About 60 school board members
and directors of schools from 11 different school districts in middle
Tennessee, gathered at HCHS for a legislative session, seminars, and dinner.
* TSBA Associate Executive Director Mark Beal, who led a “No Parent Left
Behind” Session prior to dinner, seemed right at home discussing the issue with
school board members. Of course, that’s because Beal had stepped down earlier
this year as long-time schools director of Houston County to take his new
position with TSBA.
* During the No Parent Left Behind session, Beal had school board members break
into groups to discuss various issues.
* “Parental involvement is a very serious issue,” he said.
* In one of the groups, Billy Sexton, chairman of the Stewart County School
Board, stated, “We are very happy with parental involvement [in Stewart
County].”
* In another group, Houston County Schools Director Cathy Harvey discussed the
issue with Cheatham County school board members who are working on a new five-
year plan. Harvey said Houston County completed their five-year plan about a
year ago which included strategies for improving parental involvement.
* Both Stewart and Houston County School Boards were well represented.
* Stewart County Director of Schools Dr. Phillip Wallace along with 100 percent
of the Stewart County Board were present, including: School Board Chairman
Billy Sexton, and members Darrell Gillum, Lesa Fitzhugh, Bailey Gafford, Bobby
Morgan, Kenny Collins, and Billy Gray.
* Representing Houston County were: Schools Director Cathy Harvey, School Board
Chairman Camille Lashlee, along with board members Robert “Bob” Mitchell, Tommy
Beechum, Mitch Mitchum, Robert Skelton, Kendall Coleman, and the newest member,
Charlie Ligon.
Also representing Houston County was HCHS Principal David Bell.

A Wonderful Dinner...
* Dinner was a formal, candlelit affair with 30-plus HCHS students serving as
waiters and hostesses. The meal opened with a salad, rolls, tea and coffee,
before steak or chicken was served with broccoli and twice-baked potatoes. To
top it off, cheesecake was served for dessert.
* Houston County Schools faculty and staff members were in charge of the food.
HCHS’s own Rhonda Nolen, Beth Patterson, and Daryle Wright served as cooks. The
three also sang the praises of Pam Stanfill, who had worked for days preparing,
along with Faye Bryant.
* Faculty members from other schools also helped. Dee Richardson, Susan Lewis,
and Tami Patrick assisted from Erin Elementary School, and Susan Williams, a
teacher at Houston County Middle School, also helped.
* More than 30 HCHS students served the meal, refilled drinks glasses, and even
brought to-go boxes to some members who really enjoyed the meal.
* HCHS student Lindsey Black seemed to oversee the student selection, which she
said was based on dependability.
* Helping out, along with Lindsey, were: Susan Miller, Jamie Holland, Bradley
Self, John Jay Wilson, Shane Bennett;
* Tiffany Self, Cassy Lill, Brittany Deason, Paloma Villarruel, Laqueeta
Turner, Tekia Brown, Luke Tyler;
* Tara Smith, Kayla Hooper, Kristin Cleghern, Brian Adkins, Trevor Beard,
Jarrod Clark, Bethany Bailey;
* Trenton Cleghern, Brad Averitt, Andrew Carter, James Lill, Casey Shires,
Sarah Taylor, Lindsey Lewis;
* Paige Clark, Kayla Brooks, Kayse Rivers, Matt Hill, Jamie Blair, and KaLynn
Mahoney.
* After the meal, TSBA Executive Director Tammy Grissom stated, “Thank you,
Houston County, for a wonderful job [of catering the seminar and dinner].”
* She also recognized several school board members with Boardsmanship Awards.
* From neighboring Humphreys County, Dwayne Ross received an award for Level 1,
and Johnny Whitfield was recognized for Level 2.
* From neighboring Dickson County, Don Armstrong received a Level 1 award and
Carl Buckner received a Level 4 award.
* Bro. Bob Mitchell, of Houston County, achieved a Level 3 award as well.

Programs that work...
* After dinner, school board members heard from three school systems about
parent involvement programs that work.
* Houston County High School’s theater arts teacher Nancy Nave gave a
presentation on the extensive community support given to the theater arts
program here. She said school employees, parents, and students work together
with the community to make the theater arts program a wonderful success;
* Parents with Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools shared a “PIN” program
that has grown through the years and provides information to parents on issues
and topics related to public education; and
* Members of the Franklin Special School District presented a community-based
program entitled “Friends of Franklin Special School District and the Story
Bus.”
* To conclude the seminars, Mark Beal and Vickie Hall discussed salary equity
issues. In 2004, the Tennessee General Assembly adopted a new salary equity
plan based on a finding from the Tennessee Supreme Court that the previous
funding method was unconstitution.

Off the record...
* I couldn’t help asking TSBA Executive Director Tammy Grissom what it was like
having Mark Beal on staff as Associate Executive Director.
* Smiling, and pausing for effect, Grissom said, “Let’s see...”
* Then, very calmly, she stated, “He hit the ground running.” Grissom said Beal
is a very dedicated employee who works very hard.
* She mentioned how well-spoken he is. “And he’s got a great sense of humor.”
* But we already knew that, didn’t we?!
* Which reminds me of a joke.
* This guy gets up in the morning, grumbling to his mother. “I don’t want to go
to school today,” he says.
* His mother calmly says, “Give me two good reasons why you don’t want to go to
school today.
* “The teachers hate me, and the students hate me,” he replies. “Give me two
good reasons why I should have to go to school.”
* Her reply: “Well, for one thing, you’re 40 years old, and for another, you’re
the principal!”

To contact the writer
* If you have local news, e-mail redwriter@hctn.netMORE PHOTOS Read more!

HOUSTON COUNTY SCHOOL ARE READY!!!

HOUSTON COUNTY SCHOOL ARE READY!!!
By TERESA N. SETTLE
Tennessee Express News Writer

*Houston County school employees kicked off the year with their traditional
“Recognition Ceremony” last Friday, Aug. 6 at Houston County High School. After
that, it was officially back to school to gear up for the new year.
*The event started as usual with a brunch of delicious snack foods and punch
from 8 to 9 a.m.
*Teachers, educational assistants, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, maintenance
workers, school staff, administrators, and central officer employees all
mingled together in the commons area, chatting about their summers and their
plans for the new year.
*As brunch ended, everyone converged in the auditorium to enjoy a PowerPoint
presentation of various pictures submitted from each school of activities held
during the 2003-04 school year. Many photos brought laughter from school
employees as they reminisced about the variety of fun activities.
*This year marked the first official welcome by the “new” director of schools,
Cathy Harvey, who was appointed to replace Mark Beal who went to the State
Department of Education this past summer.
*Harvey welcomed everyone and added that there have been a “few” changes.
*“I’m glad to be here,” she said. “I think someone needed to appreciate our
past,” referring to her appointment as director of schools.
*“I also knew this would be a learning experience for me,” she continued.
“We’ve had a good past, and that sets the stage and the tone.”
*Harvey referred to the several positive changes in the past 15 years,
including the fact that test scores in Houston County have greatly improved,
along with the building program and the new high school.
*With that said, she introduced the various departments, which in turned
introduced their new employees, beginning with: transportation,
custodians/maintenance/groundskeepers, cafeteria/food service, central office,
alternative school, Erin Elementary School, Houston County Middle School,
Houston County High School, and Tennessee Ridge Elementary School.
*When HCHS Principal David Bell introduced his new staff members, he
reiterated that there were only seven new teachers this year, contrary to
rumors out in the community that there were more than that. Four of the new
teachers will be teaching math, while there is a new science teacher and a new
English teacher.
*After all the introductions, Harvey also recognized School Board Member Bro.
Mitchell, then she made a brief inspirational speech. She said as a teacher at
the beginning of a new year, she used to tell her students three things:
*1. Accept the responsibility that you’ve got.
*2. You have to be here; you can’t learn sitting at home; and
*3. Be respectful of the things we have.
*She said these three things were true for every employee of the Houston
County School System, too. No matter what your job–driving a bus, teaching,
whatever–accept the responsibility you have been given and just do what you’re
supposed to do. Also, when employees are not here, the school day does not
operate as smoothly as it could, so be here when you can. And finally, be
respectful of the people you work with, especially the students, the parents,
and the community.
*Harvey ended by saying all of the various departments working together make
teamwork.

*TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
*Next it was time to announce awards for the 2003-04 school year. Jeff Rye of
Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative assisted with this because MLEC gives a
monetary award to the teachers, who are elected by their schools.
*Receiving Teacher of the Year for Erin Elementary School was Joyce Pryor, who
teaches kindergarten.
*Beth Abrams, assistant principal and fourth grade teacher, received the award
for Tennessee Ridge Elementary.
*Susan Williams, who teaches seventh and eighth grade language arts, got the
award at Houston County Middle School.
*At Houston County High School, Teacher of the Year was awarded to Marilee
Moore.
*The teachers also received a plaque.
*Support Staff awards went to Billy Weaver, Bethany Meadows, and April
Norfleet at EES, and to Charles McClain at HCMS.
*School Beautification awards went to Bobby and Phyllis Stone at TRES and
Curtis Gant at HCHS.
*Finally, the inservice committee was recognized for their work on the
modified school calendar, and Harvey reminded everyone that they would be
finalizing their look at the year-round school calendar this year if anyone
wanted to give their input.
*Members of the committee were: Chairman Malcolm Jernigan, Robin Hammer, Ann
Hagler, Pat Davis, Elaine Hewitt, Gloria Finch, David Bell, Martha Falls,
Darlene Bentley, Judy Stephen, and Barbara Ungetheim.

*2004 SERVICE AWARDS
Employees of long service were also recognized. Receiving awards were:
*10 YEARS: Orville McCollough, Pam Stanfill, and Shelly Taylor;
*15 YEARS: Faye Bryant, Susie Mahoney, Kris McAskill, Nancy Nave, and Barbie
Taylor;
*20 YEARS: Judy Anderson, Susan Lewis, Sherry Nolen, Beth Patterson, and Gay
Robinson;
*25 YEARS: David Bell;
*30 YEARS: Malcolm Jernigan, Barbara McClain, and Bonnie Rye; and
*40 YEARS: Faye Schmidt .

*HOUSTON COUNTY SCHOOLS MISSION STATEMENT
*Our school system will provide a quality, progressive education in a positive
learning environment.

*HOUSTON COUNTY SCHOOLS VISION STATEMENT
*Our school system envisions a learning community that inspires and supports
all students to:
*- Excel, discover, and create;
*- Contribute responsibly to a civil society;
*- Enjoy learning throughout their lives.

*If you have Houston County news or want coverage of local events, e-mail Teresa Settle at redwriter@hctn.net.

MORE PHOTOS Read more!

COUNTRY DAY, ERIN FIREWORKS DRAW CROWD

GOD &
By TERESA N. SETTLE
Tennessee Express News Writer
* The Houston County Ministerial Association has hosted another great community
event in the annual God & Country Celebration 2004. The event took place at the
Betsy Ligon Park in downtown Erin on Sunday, July 4.
* The community celebration coincided perfectly with the City of Erin's annual
fireworks display. People showed up for the God & Country event which kicked
off at 7 p.m. and they just hung around as more people arrived for the big
fireworks display that began at 9 p.m.
* The God & Country Celebration is a casual outdoor service where you can
participate or just sit and enjoy it. Erin Church of God of Prophecy singers
provided a musical prelude before Harriet Bryan of Erin United Methodist Church
welcomed everyone.
* The patriotic song "America" was then sung by all before the Pledge of
Allegiance to the flag.
* Next came the song "America the Beautiful" before Bro. Steven Winegardner of
Erin First Assembly of God Church explained how the Ministerial Association
uses community offerings.
* Winegardner said the organization partners with the Bethesda Mission to help
area needy families and individuals.
* "All in all it's been a good program," he said, adding, "all because of you."
The Ministerial Association takes up three community-wide collections each
year: this one, along with one at their Easter sunrise service and one during
their non-denominational Thanksgiving service.
* Winegardner prayed, "Speak to our hearts what we should give and may it be a
great harvest for the kingdom of God."
* The offering was collected as the First Assembly band called "Generations"
played.
* Next, Travis Gerlach, the preacher at Griffin's Chapel Church, said a prayer
for the nations, quoting a scripture about God's mercy. In his prayer Gerlach
spoke of the privilege of being a Christian and how the Gospel should be spread
to all nations.
* The evening's message was brought by Ron Burgess of Campground Presbyterian
Church.
* Burgess opened with a joke about the few raindrops that had fallen before the
service began.
* "Presbyterians are afraid of water, so they'll be the first to leave," he
said. "So if it starts to rain, get out of their way."
* His main sermon was taken from II Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are
called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn
from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin
and will heal their land."
* The Rev. Burgess said the scripture was a prayer offered by Solomon and it
showed certain promises.
* "There's not a perfect individual," Burgess said. "We've got no right to have
a haughty spirit. Without God we are nothing. Without God America is nothing."
* Burgess continued by saying how blessed we all are. If you don't feel
blessed, he told everyone, then go visit a nursing home or a hospital and
you'll change your mind.
* Burgess encouraged everyone to follow the scripture, be humble, pray, and
seek God in His word. Finally, he said the hard part would be to turn from
wicked ways, but that God is faithful.
* "Things can change in America," he said. "We can start right here in our own
homes, in our own lives, in our own communities... There is hope. We have a God
that is bigger than any problem we'll ever have."
* After the message, Richard Neal of Midway Church of God gave the benediction,
as he encouraged everyone in attendance to join hands for the prayer.
* The hour-long service was then followed by musical entertainment from
Generations. Generations is a rock-like Christian group that is renowned for
taking old rock-and-roll songs and changing the lyrics into Christian messages.
* Vocals are done by Becky Winegardner, Amond Winegardner, Sarah Winegardner,
and Hannah Fox. Becky also plays they keyboard. Playing lead guitar is Kenny
Settle. Backing him up on guitar is Scott Hamilton. Playing bass guitar is Jeff
Hamilton. And on the drums is Jacob Winegardner.
* Some of the songs played, with lyrics changes, were "Free Ride" and "Free
Bird." The concert ended with a screaming guitar and jamming drum solo followed
by Settle playing "The Star Spangled Banner" as a guitar solo.
* * * TIME FOR FIREWORKS * * *
* As the concert ended, everyone counted down the five minutes before the
fireworks display began. Hosted by the City of Erin each year, the event is
coordinated by the Erin Volunteer Fire Department.
* Even though less money is spent on it than the Cumberland City fireworks
display, the fireworks seemed to have just as powerful an impact.
* Maybe knowing that local Erin firefighters were risking their lives to bring
the display gave it an extra edge. Or maybe it just seemed that viewers were
closer to the action. But the fireworks seemed brighter and louder at times
than in Cumberland City.
* Plus, little brief pauses heightened the anticipation in between trailing
fireworks, whistlers, and brilliant displays of color. Still, 21 minutes of
fireworks-viewing ended in a nice finale of bright and sustained fireworks that
resembled a white shooting fountain before everyone packed up for home.

MORE PHOTOS Read more!

Free D.J., CATS, a chat with the mayor, and Fireworks!!!!
By TERESA N. SETTLE
Tennessee Express News Writer
* When looking back at the "Lighting Up the Cumberland" celebration in
Cumberland City last weekend, specifically Saturday, July 3, there was really
NOTHING missing. The event had everything. It couldn't have been any better,
which really shows a lot of planning must have gone into it.
There were also several "unseen" workers helping to make the day such a success.
* * * A FREE D.J. * * *
* For one, there was George West Wallace. A proud Stewart Countian, he also has
ties to Houston County. "My folks were from Danville, Tennessee," he began,
adding that his mother was a 1935 graduate of Erin High School. Her name was
Maude Reed West.
* George, however, grew up in Dover (since Danville got flooded and the family
had to move). He graduated from Dover High School in 1959. He's into quite a
few things, but one of them happens to be D.J.-ing and entertaining folks. He
brought loads of equipment and volunteered his services to help make the second
annual Cumberland City Fourth of July celebration go so smoothly.
* George announced when and where special events were taking place, he
interviewed many folks, and he played a variety of music for the crowd all day.
He did a great job emceeing the parade as well.
* A 1963 graduate of Austin Peay State University, he was in the auction
business for 39 years before returning to his hometown. Now he plays music for
school dances, class reunions, and other events. He also bills himself as a
"curator of junk."
* Married to a "Stewart County gal," they have two children and three
grandchildren, one of which was in the parade.
* When I asked if he was having fun, he replied, "I'm in Cumberland City, ain't
I?" which should have told me right away he was having the time of his life.
* About the parade, he said, "For a small town, it was excellent." He raved
about the Houston County Rec Club's patriotic locomotive float.
* * * CATS * * *
* An all-volunteer HAMM radio club was on-hand during the event to help make
everything go without a hitch, too. According to Sharon Black, the CATS club is
made up of several members who support community events like the one at
Cumberland City with their radios and expertise.
* "We also provide emergency communications in times of disaster," Sharon said,
in between answering the phone at Cumberland City's City Hall, juggling
responses and queries from HAMM radio operators, and directing people to the
porta-potties outside.
* Sharon said the CATS club had members spread out on the parade route for
safety, at the W.T. Thomas School, at the car show, and at the motorcycle show.
They also had someone assigned to assist the mayor of Cumberland City as needed.
* She coordinated the Tennessee Guard, which was on hand to help, and the
police department, too.
* "I've been involved in emergency communication since 1985," she said. One of
the last local disasters the group helped with was a May 2003 tornado in
Montgomery County. The group also runs a SkyWarn Net, helps with CERT
(Community Emergency Response Team), and volunteers at 5K runs and other
community events.
* Volunteers, along with Sharon and her husband Tom Black, from Montgomery
County, were Ralph Brigham, Art Ahrens, and Lee Daniel.
* From Stewart County, there were Bill Bayer and Charlie Briggs, and Larry Day
of Houston County also pitched in.
* * * A CHAT WITH THE MAYOR * * *
* Cumberland City Mayor Whitey Vaughn seemed quite pleased at the turn-out for
the parade, the festivities, and the fireworks. He was quick to give credit for
the day to community involvement and people from all over, including
Montgomery, Houston, and Dickson Countians.
"This was an effort of concerned citizens to bring everyone back into
Cumberland City," he said. "We look at it like a homecoming."
* The Mayor said the event was well-publicized by the Tennessee magazine, a
publication of CEMC, too, and a host of wonderful sponsors.
* "We're tickled to death at the turnout," he said, adding that everything
would culminate in the PyroTechnic Show put on by a company out of Lafollett,
TN. Last year the community spend $15,000 on the fireworks. This year, the
mayor said, "We've added more money for powder." That should make the fireworks
go higher and be louder.
* Even before the big fireworks display, however, Mayor Vaughn was already
itching to talk about next year's big event. Yep, they're hoping to even have
the fireworks choreographed with music from a radio station. Up to ten thousand
people were expected to view the big show.
* And that's not all. Mayor Vaughn is proud of the little town of Cumberland
City and its community support and participation. He chatted a little about the
recent acquisition of the old W.T. Thomas School. The city has plans to redo
the gymnasium with grants and open it for community events.
* "It has a stage and a red velvet curtain," he raved, adding that there's a
one-third mile paved walking trail that is even lit a night nearby.
* Down at the firehall, there's even a monthly bluegrass night the third
Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. Bring finger foods and plan to attend.
* The city also recently acquired the Guices Creek area which had been closed
by the Corps of Engineers in May. The city plans to clear more land in
preparation for other community events.
* Back to the present, the Mayor added that a committee helped coordinate the
big Fourth of July event, which this year was called "Lighting up the
Cumberland." The committee's chairman was David Duke. Charles Finch was Vice-
Chair, Martha Vaugh was Secretary, Linda Gunson was Vice-Secretary, and Cheryl
Milliken, the city's recorder, was treasurer.
* Other behind-the-scenes folks helping to make the event so successful were:
Caroline Balentine, who handled parade entries; Linda Gunson and Joe Williams,
who oversaw the car show and swap meet. Jimmy Balentine and Newton Wallace took
care of the antique tractor and engine show. K. Hudson handed the motorcycle
show at the Busy Bee. Donna Wallace and Bob Russell coordinated the food and
craft booths. Christy Duke took care of the youth area and activies, while Gary
Vaughn and K. Hudson were in charge of music. Eric Milliken handled the bass
tournament for the event.
* * * FIREWORK EXTRAVAGANZA * * *
* By 9 p.m., there were people lined up EVERYWHERE for the fireworks to be set
off on the other side of the Cumberland River from a barge. People stood
around, or brought lawn chairs, or simply sat on the rails of the railroad
track to watch the big display.
* With five minutes before the hour, a teaser went off to let everyone know to
find a spot--quick. People milled around, smiled at people they hadn't seen in
a long time, gossiped and visited until the display began, then everyone got
quiet to watch the colorful, loud display of fireworks.
* "Ooooohs" and "Aaaaahs" could be heard between the sparkling green and golds,
with some saying, "Oooh, that looks like a weeping willow," or "Ooooh,
fireflies."
* Crackling sounds and big displays brought spontaneous applause from the
crowds at different points in the display, and the fireworks went higher and
got brighter.
* With so many different colors and shapes, and cannon-like booming noises
echoing along the Cumberland, one could almost slip back in time and get a feel
for the Battle of Fort Donelson.
* Slight raindrops were ignored by all as greens turned to purple then to red.
Shooting stars, comets, and rockets soaring into the sky made time stand still,
until at 9:17 the grand finale was signalled by a constant barrage of
fireworks. *By 9:19, it was over and an almost silent mass of thousands slowly
made their way back to cars to leave the small town of Cumberland City for
another year.

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LIGHTING UP MAIN STREET
By TERESA N. SETTLE
Tennessee Express News Writer
* Cumberland City's Main Street was lit up long before the fireworks on
Saturday, July 3, 2004. The community celebration entitled "Lighting Up The
Cumberland," was already in full swing by 10 a.m.
* There were food, craft, and merchandise booths set up in the downtown area. A
"youth area" behind city hall even sported three big inflatables for kids to
enjoy. Further up Main Street, parade participants lined up at the old W.T.
Thomas School to make the short route down the hill.
* There were lots of antique cars, plenty of politicians, Girl Scouts, John
Deere and other tractors, kids in wagons, and even a float or two.
* Randy Baggett of Tennessee Ridge and his son "Little" Randy did their usual
parade duties by driving antique Farmall tractors.
* Randy rode a 1934 or 1935 Farmall(He's still working on figuring out the
year!), and his son drove a 1937 model McCormick-Deering Farmall.
* When asked how many antique tractors he owns, Randy said, "Oh, about a dozen.
I've got six, and my wife's got six. It's a 50-50 deal, ya know."
* Randy's wife, Anne, who is Trustee for Houston County, watched the tractors
in the parade rather than ride one, though.
* The Houston County Rec Club made the short trip from Erin to Cumberland City
to have the best float in the parade. Their train locomotive float, according
to Rec member Ray Elliott, has proven to be very versatile for parades. At
Christmas, Rec Club members throw on icicles and other winter decorations for
the Christmas parades in Erin and Dover. They put Leprechauns and other Irish
decor on in March for the Houston County Area Chamber of Commerce's Irish
parade. And last weekend, they went with patriotic Red-White-and-Blue
decorations for the second annual Fourth of July parade in Cumberland City.
* Local Newt Wallace of Cumberland City had a very interesting parade entry. He
pulled a wagon full of old antique pedal cars, tractors, and pre-World War II
tin wind-ups. Wallace said he's been foolin' with these toys for probably 20
years or better. He even buys and sells, if you're interested. He and his wife
own Springhill Antiques in Cumberland City.
* Cumberland City's Police Chief Jason Gillespie drove an unmarked police car
in the parade, throwing airplanes and frisbees, while members of the Stewart
County Volunteer Fire Department also tossed candy.
* Of course, there were a few Harley's in the parade to help with sound
effects. They were followed by the Queen of Cumberland City, Granny, who waved
and smiled with her arms open wide. (See Related Story, "Best-Kept Secret")
* The Girl Scouts, wearing orange, were high atop a float, and a John Deere
tractor club followed, giving the crowd a good view of some John-Deere green
tractors, which ironically were interrupted at one point by a little red Ford,
and were followed by a Kubota with a box on the back hauling a couple of
youngins!
* Bringing up the rear were some four-wheelers, more Cumberland City Police
cars, and, instead of Santa Claus, the Cumberland City mail carrier!
* After the parade, folks could mill about the booths eating good food or
getting unique merchandise.
* Stewart County Director of Schools Phillip Wallace was caught in the act of
handing out balloons for his son Larry, a candidate for Stewart County Judge.
* Harold and Diana Cox of Waverly were selling Amish rocking chairs made of
hickory and oak, among other merchandise.
* The Cumberland City United Methodist Church has pushing sweets and cookbooks.
* And, without a doubt, one of the most interesting set-ups, was watching a
family and their horses. You couldn't help but love them all. Daniel Welch of
Erin is a farrier by trade.
* That's not to be confused with a ferrier. A farrier shoes horses, and that's
what Welch does. Owner of Lucky Shoe Farrier Service, he is a graduate of
Oklahoma State Horse Shoeing School. He and his family have been in Erin for
four-and-a-half years, and moved here while he was in the military. He got out
of the service just last year.
* Watching him, his wife Deirdre, who also knows a lot about horses, along with
their children, Shayla, 5, and Slate, 2, walk around comfortably inside a small
area full of horses and shoeing equipment was quite a show.
* Daniel took time explaining to crowds of people the technique of shoeing, and
he demonstrated on a beautifully docile momma quarterhorse named Josie. Josie
happily ate hay while her colt nursed off and on all day, along with her
adopted orphan colt, whose mother died when it was a week old. She hadn't worn
horse shoes in the past six months because Daniel took them off while she was
pregnant.
* Daniel prefers hot shoeing, although he says it's tedious and time-consuming.
Raised on his grandfather's ranch in Texas, though, he learned his trade the
old-fashioned way, through experience.
* During the shoeing process, he demonstrated with a small oven that he said
got 1000 degrees on the inside and 300 degrees on the outside. When he put the
hot horseshoe to Josie's hoof, she didn't even twitch, although the burning
sound and smoke made a few in the audience cringe.
* Deirdre grew up with horses and has been training them since she was 15.
Their daughter recently got fourth place in leadline and walk trot, while their
two-and-a-half year old is not at all skittish around the horses, but happily
can be plopped on top of one without even raising a fuss.
* All in all, it was pretty neat watching the family so comfortable around
their horses.
* Stay tuned for more coverage of the Cumberland City celebration with Part Three: Free D.J., CATS, a chat with the Mayor, and Fireworks!!! This was Part Two: "Lighting Up Main Street." Part One was entitled "Best-Kept Secret." If you have comments, you may e-mail the writer at redwriter@hctn.net.MORE PHOTOS Read more!

HOUSTON COUNTY DIGS DEEP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER Record-setting Giving…

Photos by MIKE DAVIS
Story by TERESA N. SETTLE
Tennessee Express News Writer

The annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Houston County may be
just a 12-hour event, but it takes days and weeks to gear up for it.
Hats off to the Houston County Chapter, Mid-South Division, because it was
evident that it was diligent and dedicated planning and a lot of hard work that
made this year’s event such a success story. So far, a record-setting
$34,420.99 has been collected for in the fight against cancer. And, according
to Kathy Parchman, treasurer for the Houston County chapter, more money is
still pending.
The event took place Friday, June 4, beginning at 7 p.m., but the Betsy Ligon
Park was bustling with activities long before that. Relay teams were busy
setting up tents and campsites, which would later be judged on theme and
originality. Relay volunteers were welcoming cancer survivors, finishing up
with the luminaries, and other last-minute details that needed to be seen to
before the opening ceremonies. And Houston Countians came out in droves to walk
for a cure for cancer, to mingle, and to just have fun.

THE OPENING CEREMONY…
Brian Crook, Houston County ACS recruiting committee member, opened up the
ceremonies with a prayer, before Debbie Schmidt sang, “One Day at a Time.”
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Gary Walker, before Schmidt sang, “God
Bless the USA.”
Houston County ACS Chairperson Connie Cross then addressed a crowd who had
gathered to kick of the event.
“Tonight we will remember all of our loved ones that have passed away due to
cancer… We are going to walk and eat; We are going to walk and cry. We are
going to walk and play games. We are going to walk and laugh,” she said.
Cross said she asked herself why her brother died of cancer and why her good
friend died of cancer.
“I don’t know the answer,” she said, “but we’re here to raise money to put a
stop to this.”
Cross, who also works at Mattox Jewelers in Erin, continued, “It’s okay to cry,
but don’t feel sorry for yourself. If God brings you to it, He will bring you
through it.”
She then introduced ACS Representative Jessica Kurtzman. Kurtzman recognized
Julene Clark for eight years of service as chairperson for the cancer survivors.
“She has done an amazing job,” Kurtzman said of Clark.
She also gave a certificate to Kathy Parchman, who has been treasurer of the
event for the past eight years.
Finally, she gave a certificate to Cross, who is a four-year cancer survivor
and had been the Relay chairperson for the past three years.
“She puts her heart and soul into the relay,” Kurtzman said of Cross.
Kurtzman came to Erin with her husband, a soldier who just recently returned
from Iraq.
Other committee members included Beth Breeden, assistant chair, and Debra Page,
luminaries.
Through the night there was entertainment, scavenger hunts, and other fun
activities, while team members walked the old railroad bed walking trail.

A SPECIAL POSTMARK…
Janelle Hughes, Houston County ACS marketing and logistics committee member,
had a very unique role this year. A six-year cancer survivor, who lost five
members of her father’s side of the family to cancer, with three diagnosed in
her mother’s side, Hughes designed a postmark to commemorate the occasion in
Houston County.
Tennessee Ridge Postmaster Tonya Sawyer, who is also filling in at the Erin
Post Office, was on hand during the event to sell ACS Breast Cancer stamps, and
to give away ACS envelopes to anyone who wanted to special postmark. The
postmark has the words, “8th Annual June 04, 2004 Irish Station Erin, Tennessee
37061 RELAY FOR LIFE.” It has the crescent moon, a star, and partial sun rays.
Anyone who requests the postmark or who collects postmarks can send it to the
Erin Post Office within the next 30 days.
After that, Sawyer said the postmark will be retired. She said the Houston
County ACS could request it or the local historical society club could, but to
retire the postmark, the post office would have to delete the date in order for
it not to be used again.

CORPORATE SPONSORS…
The Houston County Chapter, and business sponsor committee member Laurel Crook,
gave special recognition to five local corporate sponsors: Traditions First
Bank, West End Kwik Stop, Mattox Jewelers, Richardson Trucking, and Nagle’s.

LOCAL CANCER SURVIVORS…
Julena Clark read the list of local survivors before they made their
commemorative walk. All survivors also got a “survivor” T-Shirt and a
medallion. They are as follows:
Betty Barnes, Reuben Barnes, Gracie Beal, Betty Beard, Patsy Brooks, Bill
Burnhard,
Dareal Cary, Edna Caughron, Gilda Clark, Evelyn Cook, Pat Courtney, Connie
Cross,
Marilyn Fuller, Shelli Furman,
V.R. Haneline, Janell Hughes,
Wiley Jenkins, Brenda Jones,
Sam Langley,
Mary Frances Mobley, Lisa Murray,
Mary Norfleet, Belinda Nunn,
W. C. Patterson, George Powell,
Kathleen Rushing, Mary Rye, Wilton Rye,
Dorothy Schmidt, Margaret Simpson, D. Anne Sykes, Muriel M. Sykes,
Artie Tanner, Gary Taylor, Lloyd Tomlinson,
Ann Williams, and Jane Wright.
Many survivors took time to reflect about cancer. George Powell, famous for his
prime rib at Southernaire Restaurant in McKinnon, enjoyed the evening, even
though he didn’t get to walk very far. Powell, who was diagnosed Jan. 27 of
this year with colon cancer, said he still has 16 or 17 treatments to go, but
his prognosis is good, according to the folks at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center
in Nashville.
Powell, who is 45, said his diagnosis earlier this year was a real eye-opener.
The cancer, he said, had been growing in him for five years but had not been
found earlier.
“I’m going to keep going forward,” Powell said. “I’m not going to sit around
and sulk.”
Powell’s maternal grandparents died of cancer. Currently he is on full
disability due to the side-effects of the medical treatments.

A VERY COMMITTED WALKER…>
There may not be a more committed Relay walker in Houston County, or even
Tennessee, than Artie Tanner. Tanner, a Tennessee Ridge resident who is 73
years young, has walked 4,879 miles since August 2000.
Since last year’s Relay, Tanner has walked 1,460 miles.
His goal is 6,000 miles—that would be equivalent to walking from the east coast
to the west coast and back.
With only 1,121 miles to go, Tanner is optimistic that he will do it before
next year’s Relay.
“I’m going to try to get it in a year,” he said. “I hope I’ll have those miles
in.”
Tanner’s wife, who passed away two years ago, really encouraged him to attend
the Houston County Relay for Life back in 1997. Three years later, at the 2000
Relay, Tanner, who is a ten-year cancer survivor, walked eight miles.
“I really got into it,” he said.
Now a walking advocate, Tanner recommends the activity to anyone and everyone,
for your physical and mental health. A daily walker himself, Tanner said once
he got started, he no longer needed medications he had relied on.
“Walking is good for most ailments,” he said. “You can sit down and get on
medications and die from depression, but try walking first.”
He said if you walk 100 yards today, try to walk 200 tomorrow. Tanner logs his
miles on good walking shoes: Red Wings.
Tanner retired from Southern Gage on 1996 after working for over 39 years for
them. He stays active in American Legion, VFW, and Masons.
Last year he was recognized at the Clarksville Relay for Life for the miles he
has walked. He also met Tom Grant, a 20-year cancer survivor, who even later
sent Tanner a cap with the name of Grant’s band… you guessed it, “The
Survivors.”

RELAY TEAMS…
There were 11 teams: Cedar Valley Church, Trinity Hospital, Tennessee Wire,
Southern Gage, Cleghern’s, Curves, Richardson Trucking, Nagle’s, Team Spirit,
Team Courage, and the JFG Club.
Southern Gage
When the night was over, the Southern Gage team had broken another record.
Coming in first, they collected $10,000.
“We’ve never had a team [do that],” said Parchman. “That is just phenomenal.”
With only 12 to 14 walking, Southern Gage’s secret was advance planning. They
had two fishing tournaments, one in April and one in May, both at Lick Creek in
Dover. They also raised over $1,000 at a go-cart race at the Black Hollow
Speedway near Erin at the home of Greg Black.
Paula Brake was the team captain for Southern Gage. She said they also had a
yard sale to raise money for ACS.
Southern Gage, located in the Stewart-Houston Industrial Park near Cumberland
City, employs about 90 workers and manufactures various gages.
Cedar Valley
The Cedar Valley team came in second, bring in over $7,300. Julena Clark was
their team captain. They had a unique theme, “Lighting the way for a cure,”
complete with a tall, lighted lighthouse.
Trinity Hospital
The Trinity Hospital team came in third. They used the theme “Racing for a
Cure,” and their tent was filled with Nascar and car decorations. Trinity’s
team captain was Amanda Bush.
JFG Club
The JFG Club was new to the Relay this year. “Just For Girls” meets once a
month at Erin Church of Christ, according to its founder, Judy Black. They talk
about “girl stuff,” she said, adding that they’ve done their nails, had a
fashion show, done service projects, arts and crafts, and even had a beach
party.
The group serves girls from first through eighth grade.
“We deal with issues that deal with girls,” Black said. “We just get together
and have a good time.”
Lora Adkins and Katie Gray, recent graduates of Houston County Middle School,
dressed for the theme that their team had going of a western/rodeo style. Gray
wore denims and a western shirt, while Adkins was festooned as a cow—complete
with udders!
The girls were excited to participating in this year’s event.
Team Spirit
Team Spirit Captain Gary Walker said the team was full of friends of Connie
Cross. They went with the Titans theme. They also were the only team serving up
fish plates. Captain D’s donated a lot of stuff, too.
“We’ve gt a great bunch of cooks,” Walker said.
Tennessee Wire
The Tennessee Wire team, captained by Lisa Lyle, went with a festive and
colorful luaua theme, “Riding Waves to Cure Cancer.” They had at least 25
members walking and had raised over $2,500.
Nagle’s
The Nagle’s team was “Cruisin’ for a Cure.” Their team captain was Jennifer
Taylor.
Richardson Trucking
The Erin Volunteer Fire Department walked for the Richardson Trucking team.
Team Captain Brian Richardson said their theme was “Fighting the Fires of
Cancer.”
Cleghern’s
Cleghern’s Grocery also had a team walking. Their team captain was Shawn Popp.
Curves
The ladies from Curves got in even more exercise as they walked for a cure.
Their team captain was Lorrie Hargrove.
Team Courage
Brad Averitt was team captain for Team Courage.
MORE PHOTOS Read more!

Houston County veterans hold Memorial Day Service

Houston County veterans hold Memorial Day Service

Photos by MIKE DAVIS
Story by TERESA N. SETTLE
Tennessee Express News Writer

Erin may be a small town, but it is full of community-oriented celebrations.
At Christmas, count on the parade and tree-lighting ceremony; In March, count
on the Irish Celebration.
And on Memorial Day each year, make plans to attend a short service on the
courthouse lawns hosted each year by local veterans.
This year's Memorial Day service was better than ever, according to many who
attended. Put on by the American Legion Post 73, along with local VFW Post
9689, the service was traditionally carried out from start to finish.
American Legion Commander Paul Moody welcomed attendees, some of whom brought
lawn chairs for the occasion.
"This is a special day," Moody said, referring to the remembrance of the
living and dead who have sacrificed their lives for the nation and for the sake
of freedom everywhere.
Chaplain Webb Mitchum then gave the invocational prayer.
"We pray for our service men and women in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan,"
Mitchum said. "We pray for the leaders of our country... for wisdom,
understanding, patience, and tolerance."
Mitchum also gave thanks for the new World War II memorial in Washington, D.C.
"It's been a long time coming," he prayed, "but it's been achieved and not
through government expense."
Mitchum mentioned freedom throughout the world, continuing by saying, "We pray
that the world might see that this is the intention of this great nation."
After the prayer, the American flag was raised slowly to the top of the
flagpole, then brought back down to half staff as the crowd solemnly watched,
hands over hearts or saluting.
Wreaths were placed in front of the war memorials on the lawn by the American
Legion and the VFW before the service was turned back over to Moody, who
mentioned the two gold-star mothers in Houston County. Back in WWII, mothers
placed a blue star in their window if they had a son fighting over in the war.
If their son died, the blue star was replaced with a gold star. Larry Steppee
and Phillip Warfield, both of Houston County, lost their lives overseas, and
their mothers are still living here.
Moody then read the names of the servicemen who had served in the various wars.
"Most of our veterans are very humble people," Moody said. He talked about the
heroes who are now still in harm's way fighting for the freedom of other
nations. He talked about trying to conclude this current war, adding, "It's a
war throughout all the world," because not everyone understands the desire for
freedom.
Moody mentioned the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. "We cannot predict the future," he
said, "but as long as man exists, there will be wars."
"We pray for peace. We are a peaceful people," he said, adding that "Our
nation was founded on the premise that we are created by God and we have
values." Among them, he cited freedom, liberty, peace, and the right to pursue
your dreams through the grace of God.
"We do not force our beliefs on others, but we do not retract our beliefs,
either," he said.
Moody then quoted Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, adding that even
though it was spoken during the Civil War, its words are still contemporary
today.
He also quoted Psalm 46, which he said reminds us that we are a nation under
God.
To conclude the service on a powerful note, the American Legion Honor Guard
fired their rifles three times, prior to the playing of taps.
Members of the Honor Guard include: Commander Ray Brotherton, Billy Ellingson,
Art Sloan, Jim Kupiec, Fred Wilson, and John Ed Bradley.
Playing taps on the trumpet was a recent Houston County High School graduate,
Paul Warren.
After the service, community members, friends, and family milled around on the
lawn.
"It's the best [Memorial Day] service I've been to," said Kathleen Rushing,
who attended with her son Darol. "My husband was in the second world war. He
went in at 18," she said, adding that he served three years of peacetime before
being recalled in Feb. 1941. Her son also served in the Air Force for four
years.
Francis Blair added, "I really enjoyed [Bro. Paul Moody's] sermon." Blair had
four sons who served in the Vietnam War.

The Gettysburg Address
delivered in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
by President Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a
new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men
are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any
nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great
battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as
a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation
might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can
not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here,
have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will
little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what
they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It
is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us --
that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which
they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that
these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall
have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the
people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.


The Holy Bible: King James Version. 2000.
Psalms 46
God Is Our Refuge and Strength
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Al'amoth.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear,
though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God,
the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her;
she shall not be moved:
God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved:
he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth;
he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder;
he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen,
I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah.

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Houston County High School Class of 2004 says farewell

Photos by Mike Davis
Story by Teresa N. Settle
TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER

The Houston County High School Graduation Ceremony and Presentation of
Diplomas took place last Friday night at HCHS, beginning at 7 p.m. From the
first notes of the HCHS band playing "Pomp and Circumstance," to the final two
farewell songs selected by the seniors themselves, the evening seemed to go
without a hitch.
Principal David Bell welcomed a gymnasium packed with family and friends of
the 93 graduating seniors, before turning the ceremony over to Senior Class
Vice-President Frani Odom.
Odom quoted a poem by William C. Bryant, written in 1817, that, paraphrased,
means live life to the fullest without regrets. Odom thanked the friends and
family in the audience for their attendance and added that the seniors are very
blessed to have such a wonderful community supporting them.
Senior Class Secretary Dawn Cobb gave a brief class history, beginning with a
tragic accident during the class's freshman year when Holley and Alisha Wolfe
were killed in an automobile accident.
Cobb reminded everyone that the Class of 2004 was the last class to experience
both the old high school (now the middle school) and the new school (now three
years old). As freshmen, the class was also the first class to experience block
scheduling all four years.
Their sophomore year, with 9/11, Cobb stated, "Tragedy instilled a new sense
of togetherness, not just for the class and the community, but the country as
well."
During their junior year, they hosted the prom at Paris Landing, using the
theme, "Where You Take Me." And, during their senior year, the class finally
got the coveted spirit stick.
After the class history, the song "I'll Be There For You" was played prior to
the introduction and speeches of the valedictorians and the salutatorian.
This year's five valedictorians were Jamie Cary, Megan Cleghern, Dawn Cobb,
Crissy Deason, and Morgan Falls. The five intertwined their speeches so that
they almost flowed as one.
Cary began the speech by recalling the seniors' progression through school. In
kindergarten, she said, they were taught to be nice and share. In sixth grade,
they were only interested in being "cool." As sophomores, many learned to
drive. Now as seniors, many are trying to pick the right college.
"Now is the time to prove that we can spread our wings, leave the nest, and
soar," she said, adding that senior fears are shared by their parents.
Cleghern stated a quote about success. She gave seniors pieces of advice.
"Live your dreams. Never give up. Use your God-given talents. Don't waste that
potential."
Cobb started out with quotes about studying hard, making good grades, and how
school comes first, but she also said students should have fun.
"Sing like no one is listening," she said. "Dance like no one is watching.
Splash into puddles. Don't ever take life too seriously," she added.
Deason said seniors have been lucky to have a loving community full of
friends, families, teachers, and church families. She said these have made
seniors stronger, wiser, and better.
"Thank you so much for your encouragement and support," Deason stated.
Finally, Falls began with, "It's finally here... the next stage... a new
journey... a new path." He concluded with FUTURES as an acronym.
F - Find fulfillment.
U - Use your talents.
T - Talk to people.
U - Understand everything you can.
R - Remember
E - Everything
S - Sacrifices and Steps
Falls said Jesus Christ made the greatest step in sacrificing His life. He
said seniors should "Go. Make your life what you want. Go. Do."
Salutatorian Rebekah Lamberth talked about moving to Houston County in the
fourth grade. She reminded the class that people change over time. Her only
advice was "Do what makes you happy, and do it for the love of God."
Senior Class President Rachel Rohm read the names of the seniors while
Director of Schools Mark Beal presented the diplomas and shook each senior's
hand. He was assisted by Bell.
Beal added, "I wish each of you success, but most importantly, I wish each of
you a life of happiness."
Rohm said the two chairs at either end of the front row with flowers in them
were in memory of Alisha and Holley Wolfe.
The senior class song was then played: "I hope you had the time of your life."
Seniors then moved their tassles from the right side to the left of the
mortarboard. Then Senior Class Sergeant-at-Arms Leslie Lewis gave the closing
words, "As these challenges come, face it with a new determination," before
presenting the graduates to the audience.
As follows tradition, the seniors then tossed their motarboard hats high in
the air and cheered.
HCHS Class of 2004 is now a part of history.

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Baccalaureate Message: Have Roots and Wings... Start Living Your Dreams

Story by Teresa N. Settle
TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER


The Baccalaureate Service, a religious ceremony held to honor our county's
seniors about to graduate from Houston County High School, took place Sunday,
May 16 at 3 p.m. in the afternoon in the forum of HCHS.
Thirty-seven graduating seniors, along with their family and friends,
attended. The Class of 2004 has 99 members altogether.
After the graduation march, underclassman Brad Averitt welcomed everyone, then
introduced Senior Frani Odom, who sang a song a capella. Then Senior Dawn Cobb
led everyone in singing:
"Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
Pure and holy, tried and true;
With thanksgiving I'll be a living
Sanctuary for you."
The message to seniors was delivered by Bro. Jason Allison, minister of Pegram
Church of Christ. Allison himself was a 1992 graduate of HCHS.
Allison reminisced about graduating from HCHS, recalled teachers who made it
special, and shared how going away to college helped him to grow up and mature.
He told seniors to have "Roots" and "Wings," crediting his mother with sharing
that piece of advice to him on his graduation.
Allison told seniors that your roots are really your family and where you come
from. He said they are also a measuring stick of how far you've been able to
come. About roots, he also said:
* Your beliefs should manifest themselves in your behavior.
* Actions speak louder than words.
* People may doubt what we say, but they will never doubt what we do.
* People won't care how much you know until they know how much you care.
He quoted Rick Warren's book, The Purpose-Driven Book by saying, "It's not
about me."
Referring to "wings," Allison said you should never pass up an opportunity to
do something you WON'T regret. When weighing difficult decisions in life, he
added, always ask yourself if you won't regret doing it later. If you won't,
then take the opportunity.
Allison quoted Dr. Seuss by reading, "Today is your day... You're on your
own... Oh, the places you will go."
He also addressed parents, who will be giving their children the "wings" of
freedom.
Finally, he concluded his message to seniors with some "don'ts."
* Don't try to understand everything.
* Don't be reluctant to share your feelings.
* Don't be afraid to try to make things better.
* Don't ever feel guilty about the past, but learn from your mistakes.
* Don't ever think that you are alone.
* Don't ever stop loving.
* Don't ever stop believing.
* Don't ever stop dreaming your dreams.
He ended with the statement, "Roots and wings, start living your dreams."
After his message, underclassman Erin Miller gave the benediction, then
everyone enjoyed refreshments in the school cafeteria.
Seniors who attended the Baccalaureate Service were:
Courtney Beal, Heather Black, Stephanie Brooks, Jamie Bush, Jamie Cary,
Brentnie Childers, Megan Cleghern, Dawn Cobb;
Crissy Deason, Jennifer Dickey, Morgan Falls, Bobbie Jo Ferguson, Devin
Fillingham, Heather Hooper, Jolynn Jowell;
Rebekah Lambert, Sheppard Lambert, Ashley Langford, Stacy Lewis, Cory Lowery,
Lisa Mitchell, Joshua Morphew;
Marilynn Meadows, Stephanie Morris, Frani Odom, Amber Porche, Ruby Pulley,
Priscilla Rachford, Brian Richardson, Laura Richardson;
Rachel Rohm, Kimberly Rumfelt, Jonathan Schnepp, Joshua Spears, Benjamin
Torres, Megan Tyler, and Paul Warren.

Read more!

Erin council approves next step
for consolidation attempt

By Teresa N. Settle
TENNESSEE EXPRESS STAFF WRITER
It didn’t take a lot of time or discussion for members of the Erin City Council to give the go-ahead to form a charter commission to work on a consolidated government in Houston County.
According to Erin Mayor Rhyne Largent, “It starts the ball rolling, but it doesn’t mean consolidation is going to happen.”
Largent said with the council’s approval, the charter commission which would be formed would develop a charter and submit it to the state. Then there would be a referendum election, where the citizens of Erin and Houston County could vote for or against consolidation.
“If it fails either [the city or the county election], then it’s a dead issue for six years,” he explained.
Largent told the council that there are three communities in the state currently with consolidated governments: Nashville-Davidson County, Monroe County, and Trousdale County.
The mayor added that he had not formed an opinion for or against consolidation, but he felt the council should approve the charter commission in order to give the people of the community the opportunity to vote for or against it.
He said the city is in no way out any money. Houston County government, however, will be out more than $25,000.
“We’re always wanting the public’s input,” Mayor Largent said. “This resolution will lead us to a referendum and give the people the decision of whether to consolidate or not.”
Councilmember Jimmy Lowery made the motion to approve the charter commission, which was seconded by Martha Greenfield.
Randy Lewis then asked what the county’s reason was for wanting consolidation.
Mayor Largent told him the county had formed a 14-member committee to study consolidation, and after months of looking into it, 12 members were for it, with only two members against it. The committee made the recommendation to Houston County commissioners at their January meeting.
Largent added that Montgomery County had recently tried to consolidate, but failed to do so upon the referendum.
With no further discussion, the motion passed.
In other business, the council ratified the revised city charter, revised a franchise fee ordinance for Peoples CATV from five years to 20 years, and approved more funds for on-going water projects of $1.2 million.
During the meeting at one point when it was difficult to hear discussions, Betsy Ligon made a motion to look into the cost of a microphone system and video for council meetings. It was seconded by Wanda Lockhart and passed unanimously.
Also at the meeting, the board heard from an outside attorney, Tim Potter, who said his investigation was complete and that he was ready to file a declaratory action to see whether or not receipt payments in lieu of insurance for the mayor and city attorney were proper or improper.
The Erin City Council will meet again n
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