County uses some ARPA funds for Dixie Youth, Rescue Squad, Carl Perkins
The Chester County Courthouse was filled with county residents anticipating some of the ARPA funds to be dedicated to different organizations Monday evening. A total of $434,444.35 was dispersed between Chester County Dixie Youth ($300,000), the Chester County Carl Perkins Center ($114,650) and Chester County Rescue Squad ($19,794.35). This photo and caption appeared in the July 21, 2022 edition of the Chester County Independent. Read on for more highlights from 2022.
July 14 – Crude oil spill results in second largest spill in Tennessee – No water impacts have been reported
After gathering more information on the crude oil spill that occurred near Mayfield Road on June 29, according to a report by the Pipeline Safety Trust, it was the second largest oil spill in Tennessee history.
The report states: “Initially estimated at 21,000 gallons, as clean-up operations started, the number of gallons leaked shot up to 201,600. The spill is the second largest recorded crude oil spill in Tennessee history according to PHMSA’s Incident Data for Hazardous Liquids, which dates back to 1986. The last spill of this magnitude was a 357,000-gallon spill in Clarksville, TN in 1988 on the very same pipeline system.”
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Deputy Communications Director Kim Schofinski, gave more information regarding the oil spill.
“An easement maintenance contractor was mowing the pipeline easement along the Energy Transfer pipeline and struck the pipeline, discharging approximately 201,600 gallons of oil on June 29. The spill was secured on June 30. The cleanup response is being led by Energy Transfer personnel and contractors, with technical oversight led by EPA (U.S. Environment Protection Agency) and TDEC. Cooperating agencies include TWRA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
July 21 – County commits $434,444 of ARPA funds
County residents who came with expectations of the ARPA funds (Covid-19 Relief funds) being committed to different projects.
By the end of the meeting, $434,444.35 was dedicated.
The largest amount of money committed was a donation of $300,000 to Dixie Youth for a new building that would replace the current concession stand and bathroom and also serve as a meeting area.
District 5 Commissioner Tim Crowe motioned to give the amount of $300,000 to Dixie Youth in four withdrawals, but told the Dixie Youth board that they need to clean up the misinformation that has been spread regarding the county not giving Dixie Youth any funds over the last so many years.
“There’s a lot of misinformation this county has took heat on…I’ve been on the budget committee since 2010. We never cut your funding. One year, 2013, we cut it to $2,500, but then the next year it went back to $10,000.”
He continued saying that the budgeted amount for Dixie Youth has been $10,000 every year with the exception of 2013.
“There’s been years y’all didn’t come pick it up, but with saying that, I’m happy to make the motion tonight. I’m just asking for y’all’s help. When we deserve to take a hit, we deserve it, but the hits we’ve been given on cutting out y’all’s funding, we didn’t deserve that,” he said.
He was seconded by District 2 Commissioner Al Mckinnon.
With three commissioners absent from the meeting (Ann Moore, Joseph Melaro and Russell Clayton), the motion to donate the $300,000 to Dixie Youth was praised with a standing ovation with the results of 15 voting in favor and no commissioners against it.
The ARPA funds continued to be used for the kids with the commission also voting with 15 in favor of giving $114,650 to Carl Perkins for the renovations of the building that they will use as the new location of the Chester County Carl Perkins Center.
The building that the Chester County Carl Perkins Center will be moving into is the former McEarl Electric building at 245 Record Dr., Henderson. It will be purchased with an anonymous donor’s donation of $300,000.
Chester County Rescue Squad also was given their request of $19,794.35 out of the ARPA money to replace their current radio communications. The communications equipment they have been using has not been upgraded since 2008 and Rescue Squad has been losing connection with other first responders when they get out of the city limits.
The motion to donate the $19,794.35 to the rescue squad passed with 14 in favor of the decision and one commissioner, District 1 Commissioner Kevin Faulkner, abstaining due a family member on the Chester County Rescue Squad.
To date, a total of $702,344.35 of the ARPA funds have been allocated of the total amount of $3,359,739, including previously committed amounts of $144,000 to broadband and $123,900 to the health department.
Chester County Administrator of Elections, Kathy Vest, on behalf of the Chester County Election Commission, approached the commission again about getting a new, secure area for the election commission office.
She made this request about five months ago following the Homeland Security Department of Tennessee giving the election commission 17 pages of findings that they saw as issues that needed to be resolved.
During other business, Hutcherson also addressed those in attendance about the crude oil spill that occurred in Chester County on June 29. He said that, even though the spill was 201,600 gallons of crude oil and the seconded largest oil spill in Tennessee, no health hazards resulted from the incident.
July 28 – Family robbed at gun point at Jacks Creek
The Chester County Sheriff’s Department is requesting the public’s assistance in obtaining information relating to the recent aggravated robbery which occurred in the Jacks Creek community of Chester County. According to Chester County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Seth Preslar, this investigation is active and ongoing. “We are working on it day and night,” Preslar said. “As of now, we have no one charged; we are hopeful that the individuals responsible will be charged soon.”
According to the Sheriff’s Office, on Sunday, July 24, 2022, the victims were held at gunpoint, forced inside their residence, by a black male, with property also being stolen.
If you have any information please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 731-989-2787. Any information provided by the public about the crimes or individuals involved can remain anonymous. A reward may be offered for information which furthers the investigation.
August 4 – Robbery suspects held on $250,000
Jeffie Glenn Simmons Jr., 30, of Paris, and Quienton Devon Woods, 29, of Toone, have been charged in connection with an aggravated robbery that occurred near Jacks Creek on Sunday morning July 24, 2022. The pair was identified by investigators as persons of interest early in the investigation and jailed on unrelated charges.
Both men are being held at the Chester County Jail. Bond has been set at $250,000 for each. They are scheduled to appear in court in Chester County on August 16. These men are assumed innocent until proven guilty.
August 11 – Hutcherson remains in office/ Scott voted in as judge
Tennessee voters turned to the polls Thursday, August 4, for general elections. According to the unofficial 2022 Chester County General Election results, a total of 3,145 votes were cast locally, which is 29.1% of registered voters in Chester County. The total includes 2,481 Republican ballots, 307 Democratic ballots and 357 Nonpartisan ballots. Results are expected to be officially certified August 22.
In the race for Chester County Mayor, incumbent mayor Barry Hutcherson took the win over Dwain Seaton with 1,881 votes to 1,201, respectively.
Angela R. Scott claimed the General Sessions Judge seat with 1,908 votes, over Jay L. Johnson with 1,028 votes.
August 18 – Media stick issue changes election results
The initial unofficial results of the Chester County General election were incorrect due to a media stick issue that occurred at the Deanburg precinct Chester County Administrator of Elections, Kathy Vest said.
“On election night, there was an issue with the media stick for one precinct that resulted in the votes being recorded twice. During our audit and reconciliation process, the error was found and corrected,” she said.
After the error was fixed, Ann Moore replaced Chris Dunbar in the District 3 Commissioner race. Moore’s votes went from 233 to 221 and Dunbar’s votes went from 245 to 212. Other candidates’ vote counts in District 3 changed but Moore replacing Dunbar is the only effect the error had. Johnny Garner and Carolyn Higgins still won the other two District 3 Commissioner seats.
August 25 – HPD announces “Keep Me Safe”
The Henderson Police Department is starting a new program for both city and county residents called “Keep Me Safe.”
What is the “Keep Me Safe” program?
The program “Keep me Safe” was a dream and idea of Henderson Police Officers Whitney Watkins and Danielle Cook. Wanting to learn about and know where our citizens with Autism and Dementia live in our community and in efforts to better serve our citizens in the event someone walks off from their residence or has a break down or critical incident, the program “Keep Me Safe” was created. It is basically a data base of citizens that volunteer to sign up for. It is a data base with information for law enforcement and first responders containing the needs and information on our citizens with Autism or Dementia.
September 1 – Patterson takes first prize at Press Awards
Chester County Independent Editor Kendall Patterson was awarded first place in the Best Sports Photograph category, Division One, at the 2022 Tennessee Press Awards Luncheon Friday in Nashville. The competition is co-sponsored by the University of Tennessee System, which has been a part of the annual event since 1940.
Patterson’s award winning photograph, pictured below, appeared in the March 25, 2021 edition of the Independent. Patterson also placed second in the Best News Photograph category, Division One, with a photo taken at Southern Oaks of a mother and daughter embracing after being separated for months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
September 8 – Chester County Carl Perkins Center partners with Hardeman Co. Center for “One Table One Cause”
The Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse of Chester County and the Carl Perkins Center of Hardeman County are partnering for a sunset, open-air dinner and dessert evening on September 29 to support both centers all while giving attendees an evening to remember.
The event called “The Gathering: A Feast in the Fields” is an evening of food catered by Bessos and live entertainment including the Southern Rose band.
Center directors Kirbi Fahs of Chester County and Monica Goodman of Hardeman County explained how the idea of this event came to be.
“By two counties coming together we’re helping twice as many children in our communities. All dollars raised for each county stays in each county, so everyone has the opportunity to support the county that they wish to support,” Fahs said.
“When we help children, sometimes the abuse may happen in Hardeman county but the child ends up with a family in Chester County so our services are widespread,” Goodman said.
This event will take place at White oaks Weddings and Events Venue at 1185 Deanburg Road which falls on the edge of both counties.
“Where this is at is almost on the county line, and that’s what we thought was so neat about that ‘One Table One Cause.’ Child abuse doesn’t stop at the county line, and services don’t stop at the county line, and together we can make an even bigger difference,” Fahs said.
September 15 – Smith named County Board Chair
Chester County Mayor Barry Hutcherson opened Monday night’s County Board meeting with a moment of remembrance of 9/11 victims. He then congratulated new and returning commissioners, commending them for their service. The evening’s roll call was answered by each commissioner stating the year elected.
Approval of minutes from the July 18 meeting passed unanimously, and discussion moved on to the next matter at hand, election of County Commission Chairman. Nominations were Mayor Barry Hutcherson and Commissioner Barry Smith (D5). At this point Mayor Hutcherson turned the meeting over to Stacy Smith, as Hutcherson and Pro Tempore Commissioner Smith were both nominated for the position.
A request was made by Commissioner Alexander (D6) to make a motion to proceed with voting by secret ballot, however the County Attorney indicated this was not possible. An 11-5-2 roll call vote resulted in Smith being named Chairman. Eleven commissioners voted for Smith, with five voting for Hutcherson – Edgin (D1), Holland (D2), Higgins (D3), Moore (D3) and Emerson (D4). Two commissioners, Smith (D5; nominated for Chair) and Alexander (D6), opted to pass on the vote.
September 22 – State Board of Education visits Chester County Schools
On September 13, Tennessee Board of Education members along with many others visited Chester County to have “A Day in the District” of Chester County Schools. The day consisted of the state board presenting their role in education, teacher and student panels where the state board members listened to their thoughts and concerns and a tour of different programs at Chester County High School. A couple of the concerns among students at CCHS included the transition between the junior high and high school desiring more career technical education opportunities. People who attended included: 8th District representative – Mr. Larry Jensen Tennessee State Board staff, Nathan James – Director of Legislative Affairs, Ali Reid – Director of Accountability, Elizabeth Tullos – Strategic Communications Coordinator, State Senator Walley, State Representative Haston, Board of Education members, school district leaders, Mayor Barry Hutcherson and Mayor Bobby King, County Commission members, chamber of commerce and business/industry leaders, Freed-Hardeman University leaders, and other directors of schools from neighboring districts. Pictured on the left is 8th District representative, Mr. Larry Jensen as he listens to the Chester County High School Student Panel and pictured on the right is Chester County High School student Nathan Salvador as he voices his thoughts about education at Chester County High School.
September 29 – FHU breaks ground on Chick-fil-A site
Freed-Hardeman University President David R. Shannon led the campus community in hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for FHU’s new dining hall Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. The dining hall will include a licensed Chick-fil-A® location; both the dining hall and the Chick-fil-A® will welcome and serve the public, along with FHU faculty, staff and students.
October 6 – Two communities join for one cause
Chester County and Hardeman County communities came together on Thursday, September 29 at “The Gathering” event of the “The Carl Perkins Centers of both counties to eat at one table in support of one cause; “to provide support to families in preventing and dealing with child abuse in West Tennessee and to help both parents meet the practical needs of preserving and improving the quality of family life.”
This sunset-dinner, organized by Chester County Carl Perkins Center Director Kirbi Fahs and Hardeman County Carl Perkins Center Director Monica Goodman, was a new way to reach more people by joining together on the edge of both counties at White Oaks Weddings and Events Venue. That being said, Fahs and Goodman hope this turns out to be an annual event.
October 13 – Martin inducted into Dixie Softball Hall of Fame
Chester County Dixie Softball Coach and league administrator Casey Martin was recently inducted into the Dixie Softball Hall of Fame.
Martin follows Chester County Dixie Youth President Mike Neisler as an inductee with Neisler being inducted in 2021.
He considers himself lucky to be associated with people like Neisler who have given a lot to Dixie Softball.
“Our President Mike Neisler was inducted last year for several years of dedication to our children in Chester County. Here I am a year later lucky enough to be added to that same group of dedicated, kind, and giving people,” he said.
October 20 – “Liquor by the Drink” returns to the ballot
In the 2022 November State General Election, the major item on the ballot is “Liquor by the Drink” in the City of Henderson.
The item will be worded as “City of Henderson – Alcohol Consumption on the Premises Referendum” on the ballot.
Last time it was on the ballot in 2018, it was so close that the vote results changed from passing to failing after the voting audit process. The final tally in 2018 was 805 against it and 764 for it.
This time around, the push from both sides seems stronger with people deciding to put signs in the city encouraging people to support their view.
October 27 – Fayette County Bank plans to open branch in Henderson
The Bank of Fayette County has applied to open a new branch in Henderson, Tennessee at 611 N. Church Avenue (formerly Regions Bank). It is planned to be called “The Bank of Chester County.”
November 3 – Freed-Hardeman University’s annual Scholars’ Day celebrates academic research, student achievement
From Jesus memes to the discovery of new math, Freed-Hardeman University’s Seventh Annual Scholars’ Day covered a myriad of interesting topics for students to explore during the morning-long event held in Loyd Auditorium Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.
Dr. Joe Deweese, director of undergraduate research, said this year’s Scholars’ Day had the largest number of participants with nearly every department represented — 40 oral presentations, 12 posters and one additional display, 17 art displays and a musical. “Overall, about 100 different people participated,” he said. For Scholars’ Day academic classes are canceled so students may attend the presentations.
Two popular crowd pleasers during Scholars’ Day were demonstrations of a 3D printer and a student produced video game. “The interactive experiences were a big draw,” said Deweese, adding that work of the planning committee contributed to this year’s success. “The committee did a great job of getting the word out and keeping it out there,” he said.
November 10 – Hee-Haw salutes Chester County
Jennifer Davidson (from left) and Teresa Walker sings along with the cast Friday evening at Williams Auditorium during the 2022 Chester County Hee-Haw Hootenany.
November 17 – Liquor by the drink loses by a shot
The hot topic in last week’s Chester County Elections was the Liquor Referendum, which unofficially failed by just 26 votes. The referendum, if passed, would have allowed for the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises in the City of Henderson. Liquor by the Drink was last on the ballot in 2018, failing by a 41-vote margin. The November 2022 election saw 629 votes for, 655 against.
November 24 – Local Civitan Club disbands after 61 years of service
After 61 years of scholarships, supporting families through the Chester County Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and more; the Henderson Civitan Club comes to a close after it disbanded in September 2022.
Since its charter in 1961, Educators, business owners, medical professionals, homemakers and laborers have been members of the Henderson Civitan Club.
Former Henderson Civitan Club President Ray Eaton listed several Civitan members who dedicated their time to the community through the Civitan Club. Those people are: Walker Whittle, Linda Patterson, J.D. Thomas, Lavonne Scott, Roger Penn and Wendell Bloomingburg.
According to Eaton, some of the final acts of the club are significant donations totaling thousands of dollars that were presented to the FHU Associates, the Carl Perkins Center, Scout Troop 25 and the special education class overseen by Jamie Hurst.
These organizations were regular recipients of yearly donations.
December 1 – Jimmy Wells closes doors
After 50 years of serving the community, Jimmy Wells Grocery on State Route 200 in Mifflin closed its doors on October 31.
December 8 – FHU benefit dinner with Kurt Warner makes record
Freed-Hardeman University’s 58th Annual Benefit Dinner with NFL Quarterback Kurt Warner, winner of Super Bowl XXXIV, raised nearly $1.7 million for student scholarships Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. The event’s success bumped fellow NFL quarterback Peyton Manning’s 2016 appearance at the event to third place, a highlight for Warner, who still enjoys competing off the field with other football greats. FHU’s 2010 Benefit Dinner with former President George W. Bush still holds the record for the most funds raised during the event.
December 15 – receive City of Henderson text alerts
The City of Henderson began offering the opportunity to join the City of Henderson’s text message notifications list.
City of Henderson Mayor Bobby King mentioned this notification system will notify residents of situations such as a meeting notices and agendas, road closures, water main breaks, any changes to City hall hours or public works services due to holidays and more.
There is also the opportunity to opt-in for notifications from Henderson Police Department and Henderson Fire Department.
For City of Henderson notifications text HENDERSON to 91896.
For HPD notifications text HENDERSON POLICE to 91896.
For HFD notifications text HENDERSON FIRE to 91896.
December 22 – School Board renews superintendent contract
The Chester County board of education met Thursday, Dec. 15 at Chester County Junior High. All board members were in attendance.
Items of business for the evening included unanimous approval of the renewal of the superintendent’s contract for 2023-2027, continuing with the current salary and benefits, and unanimous approval of the 2022-2024 school calendar.
December 29 – East Chester recognized as a Reward School
The Tennessee Department of Education recently announced the schools which have been named Reward Schools for 2021-22. Among those schools is East Chester Elementary.
