It pays to Shop Brownsville!

It paid to shop at home for these lucky winners of the Shop Brownsville First Big Prize Give-A-Way. The campaign kicked-off December 4, with 20 local merchants participating. With every $10 purchase through December 22, residents were given a chance to win one of three big prizes; a 40" flat screen TV, an E-reader and his and her Citizen watches. Winners were drawn at noon, December 23, at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. Pictured with their prizes are (from left) Julie Taylor, Lori Hatcher and Santia Taylor. This is the second year for the event sponsored by the Brownsville Business Association.

2nd Annual Kid's Parade a big success

The Haywood County Rescue Squad began the tradition of hosting a Kid's Parade around the Courthouse last year. It was a huge success and so was this year. Held Saturday afternoon, December 3, 2011 at the Haywood County Courthouse in Brownsville, Tenn.

Here are a few scenes from the event, including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Brownsville Christmas Parade

Here are a just a few scenes from the Annual Brownsville Christmas Parade held Saturday evening, December 3, 2011. Special thanks to the Haywood County Rescue Squad for pulling it all together and all their hard work.

Boy Scouts

Head Start

Dance Team

Was it really just a coincidence that one of the elves favored Drew? I wonder....

Raggedy Ann driving her car for First South Bank

Oops! We almost forgot the real reason for the season. The star atop the tree shown over a Manger scene on the back.

Lowes of Brownsville

Sweet Treats from Sugar Creek Retirement Center

Wal-Mart

Larry Douglas wins a trophy for his classic car. That's Vice Mayor Carolyn Flagg presenting the trophy.

Santa arrives in style escorted by the Haywood County Rescue Squad

Another Dance Team

Merry Christmas, Mr. Sock Money!

Sugar Creek accepting their 1st Place Float trophy. Yes, that is Diane driving the tractor!

Kids love riding in the annual Christmas parade.

Wayne McCool accepting his trophy from Vice Mayor Flagg.

Decorating Contest Winners Announced

Every year the Brownsville Business Association sponsors a Holiday Decorating contest for businesses. This year they also included homes. Here are the winners. They were all presented their cash prized at the Annual Christmas Parade on December 3.

1st Place - Business Category
Lock, Stock & Barrel, on the Square ... Santa knows he can find something for the person who has everything when he shops here.

2nd Place - Business Category
The place where Santa buys all his herbal teas and special oils and lotions ... All That's Victoria, on the Square. 

3rd Place - Business Category
This is how Santa can make sure all those gifts get to the right place by Christmas . He ships from  The Computer Patch, on the Square.

1st Place - Home Category
David Markowski, on Coburn Road, invites everyone out to view his acres of Christmas Lights.

2nd Place - Home Category
A long time tradition in Brownsville is to ride down Rooks Drive and see the Christmas Wonderland created by Jim Williams. 

Here are the winners right after receiving their cash prizes at the Brownsville Christmas Parade December 3, 2011. From left, Vickie Cooper of All That's Victoria, Amy Spotts of The Computer Patch, David Markowsi and Jim Williams. not pictured Albert & Paulette Campbell of Lock, Stock & Barrel.

Nine earn Arrow of Light Award

Nine Haywood County boys are now Boy Scouts after earning their "Arrow of Light" award at an award ceremony held at First United Methodist Church Monday, November 21. Pictured with their leaders are Patrick Gains, Justin Jacocks, Everett Pettigrew, Jackson Pettigrew, Kadin Ribble, Jackson Robinson, Alex Sceals, Jed Taylor and Micheal Williams. Leaders pictured are Cub Master Scott Ribble, Webelos II Den Leader Allen Brown and Webelos II Assistant Den Leader Jessie Jacocks.

A group of nine Haywood County boys have earned Cub Scouting's highest award, The Arrow Of Light. These boys are a part of the second year Webelos Den. Webelos means - We'll Be Loyal Scouts.

In Cubmaster Scott Ribble’s address to the Webelos and their families, Cubmaster Scott noted, “These Webelos Scouts have brought honor to the Pack. They have diligently climbed the Cub Scouting trail. They are now ready to go on to a bigger adventure in the great brotherhood of Scouting.”

These boys are the first and only group of boys under the leadership of Cubmaster Scott Ribble and Webelos Den Leader Allen Brown.  They have now Received Cub Scoutings Highest Award – The Arrow of Light. At the end of the ceremony, the boys “Crossed Over” from Cub Scouts to Boys Scouts were they will continue their individual journey to reach The Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank – Eagle.

Cub Scout Pack 68 and Boy Scout Troop 68 are chartered by First United Methodist Church with Sammy Tillman as the Charter Representative.

More Cops. More Stops

Across Tennessee, Through Thanksgiving Weekend, State and Local Law Enforcement Cracking Down on Traffic Safety Violations to Help Save More Lives 

Tennessee drivers beware. The Brownsville Police Department is teaming with law enforcement agencies all across the state between now and the busy Thanksgiving travel season to crack down on traffic safety violations.

State and local law enforcement will be out in force to remind all drivers and passengers to never drink and drive, always buckle up, obey the speed limit, and eliminate all distractions in the vehicle while driving.

This special enforcement crackdown is part of the state’s new More Cops. More Stops.campaign to help save more lives on Tennessee’s roadways.

“We want everyone to be safe while traveling on Tennessee’s roadways this busy Thanksgiving season,” said Lt. Barry Diebold. “So we are teaming with other state and local law enforcement officialson this special ‘More Cops. More Stops.’ campaign to crack down and strongly enforce our most basic and important highway safety laws.” 

“Not wearing your seat belt will get you a ticket, but we will also be cracking down on speeding and distracted driving, and especially on anyone drinking and driving,” said Lt. Diebold.

Lt. Dieboldsaid nearly one-third of those killed on Tennessee’s highways during 2009 involved drivers or motorcycle operators with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above at the time of the deadly crash.

Tennessee is teaming with the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on this important national demonstration project, as one of only two States, to test the effectiveness of a new combined high visibility enforcement campaign designed to reduce drunk driving, boost seat belt use, and crack down on speeding and distracted driving,particularly among young adult males.  Research and fatal crash statistics show that young adult males are most likely to practice high-risk behaviors while driving, such as not wearing seat belts and/or drinking and driving.

“Impaired driving will not be tolerated.  There will be no warnings or excuses. If you drive drunk, you will be stopped and you will be arrested,” Lt. Diebold said. “But speeding, distracted driving and failing to wear your seat belt will also cost you. Please help us get the word out this Thanksgiving season. More Cops.More Stops.We will be out in force to help save more lives on Tennessee’s roadways.”

Billy King to sign new book at Delta Heritage Center Open House

Billy King
Historian & Author

Mr. Billy King is one of my favorite persons. I love the fun he has with history and learning all he can about the area encompassed by the Big Black Creek Historical Association. And now, Mr. Billy has written a book, "Big Black Creek, Vol. 1" It's a timeline of the history and people of the Big Black Creek area. It's an easy read and full of historical facts and some very interesting character. In his fun Mr. Billy-style, there are some witty observations, too. 

You'll love this book. Cost is only $10 and all that money goes to the Big Black Creek Historical Association and it's efforts to preserve and protect. And you don't want to miss the opportunity for Mr. Billy to sign a personal copy for you.

He will be at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center Sunday, December 4, at 2 p.m. to share some of his stories and to autograph books. It's a public event and everyone is welcome. There'll also be some yummy refreshments, too.

Here's more about the book:

http://www.westtnheritage.com/events/2011/11billykingbook.html

Get ready for the 2011 Festival of Trees

Christmas is just around the corner and the Carl Perkins Center would like to invite everyone to participate in the 2^nd Annual Festival of Trees. The Festival is a great opportunity to promote your business, school, organization, company, and church. To enter all you need is $30.00, a tree and a little imagination. This is a contest so DREAM BIG! Trees will be displayed in the College Hill Center on Grand Avenue in Brownsville. The deadline for entry fee is November 7, but space is limited so act quickly.

A Preview Gala will be held Tuesday, November 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Tickets may be pre-ordered or purchased at the door for $10 per person. For more information and an application to enter a tree, please contact the Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center at 772-8378.

The Festival of Trees will be free to the public Wednesday, November 16 through Saturday, November 19, from 9 am -7 pm.  Come join in the celebration for a spectacular tour of the beautiful trees that represent hope, faith, and unconditional love to those in need.  Vote on your favorite trees.

Trick or Treat with Me a Huge Success

This year marked the fourth year for Brownsville businesses to offer Trick or Treat with Me; and it was the biggest by far. Reports came in of over 1,000 kids in the downtown area between 4 - 7 p.m. Adding to this year's excitement was the addition of a remote broadcast by Brownsville Radio of the event and the donation of Trick or Treat bags by Insouth Bank and Brownsville Utilities. But probably the most popular addition was a  Charity Trunk or Treat in the Brownsville Funeral Home parking lot where area residents were asked to set-up and pass out candy from the backs of their vehicles. Also on site was a huge bouncy house and slide obstacle course. Each vehicle payed a small fee with proceeds going to the March of Dimes. Special thanks to all the merchants and residents who participated and made Halloween a real  "treat" for Haywood County children this year!

Here are some of the fun pictures taken by Brownsville Radio's Carlton Veirs.

Polly the Panda made a guest appearance at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center for Trick or Treat with Me.  The staff had a great time dressing up and greeting all the kid's.

Trick or Treat with Me is presented annually by the Brownsville Business Association.

4th Annual Holiday in Haywood November 11-12

Shoppers at Holiday in Haywood will have lots to choose from this year, including personalized items such as coffee mugs, license plates, t-shirts and ornaments. The annual event will take place November 11-12, at the National Guard Armory in Brownsville, Tenn.

Those looking for special bargains and unique holiday gift items will have the perfect opportunity during the 4th Annual Holiday in Haywood 2-day shopping mart planned for November 11-12, in Brownsville, Tenn. “Holiday in Haywood” will feature over 25 retail and specialty merchants all under one roof and offering a variety of items perfect for your holiday gift giving. The event will take place at the National Guard Armory located at 221 Morgan Street.

New to this year’s event is the addition of Breakfast with Santa Saturday at 9 a.m. Hosted by First South Bank, tickets are $10 per child and include breakfast, a visit with Santa and an activity with Santa. All proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the March of Dimes.

Families, individuals and groups are invited to have their Christmas portrait taken by a professional photographer Saturday. Appointments are encouraged to minimize wait time. Call Laura Bailey at 731-617-0535. Portraits will be available in time for gift giving or holiday cards. Pet portraits will also be taken.

“Last year over 1,000 people came through the doors during the event,” says Monica Bivens, Holiday in Haywood coordinator. “This year we’re expecting even more.”

Doors will open Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., giving shoppers plenty of time to make their choices. The Haywood High School Show Choir, along with other regional artists, will entertain shoppers during the evening hours.

Saturday at 11 a.m., the Haywood High School Cheerleaders will present a Fashion Show featuring items from participating retailers.

“The response from retailers has been wonderful,” explains Bivens, “and we are very confident in the variety and quality of the items that will be available.”

Among the many items for sale will be handmade quilts, handcrafted jewelry, all natural soaps and lotions, candles, homemade pies, cakes and other culinary goodies, roasted nuts, ladies and children’s clothing, toys and books, wood-crafted items and much more. There will also be a large selection of personalized gift items available including on-site monogramming.

“Holiday in Haywood” is sponsored annually by the Brownsville Business Association. For more information about the event contact Bivens at 731-772-4042, or visit www.ShopBrownsvilleTN.com.

Haywood County Earns Three-Star Certification

Haywood County's Three-Star Award was presented during the Governor's ECD Conference held September 22-23, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn. On hand to accept the award from Governor Bill Haslam are (from left) ECD Southwest Regional Director Cary Vaughn, Brownsville Alderman John Simmons, Brownsville Mayor Jo Matherne, Commissioner Hagerty, Governor Haslam, Brownsville Vice-Mayor Carolyn Flagg, WT Delta Heritage Center Director Sonia Outlaw-Clark and Brownsville Alderman Leon King.

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty recently announced that Haywood County has achieved certification under the state’s Three-Star program for excellence in economic development.

 “Our goal is to create a business friendly climate that gives companies the confidence to invest and expand in Tennessee,” Hagerty said.  “Solid community development is a crucial aspect in this process by providing the foundation needed for successful economic development.” Haywood County is now eligible to receive additional incentives under the guidelines of the Tennessee Three-Star program.

In order to receive the certification, communities are required to meet criteria in planning, leadership, community, business and education and work force development categories. Incentives for receiving the certification include identification on all FastTrack infrastructure and job training applications; eligibility for matching grants, if criteria set by ECD are met; earning points in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program; assistance from ECD’s regional field staff and the sharing of “best practices” in community development; and the establishment of a strategic plan that is updated annually with measurable goals, specific actions, responsible parties and a timeline.

Town Hall Meeting about New Voter Photo ID November 1

A new law that will require voters to show a valid photo ID at the polls won't go into effect until next year, but in preparation for this new requirement, the Haywood County Election Commission will hold a town hall meeting to inform the public of the change in the law.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, at the Haywood County Justice Complex in the courtroom. The purpose of the meeting is to present information regarding the new law, which goes into effect January 1, 2012. The town hall meeting will include a presentation, followed by a question and answer period.

The major points of the law include:

A voter is required to produce a federal or state government-issued photo ID before being allowed to vote. Some examples of a valid photo ID, even if expired, are a Tennessee driver license, U.S. passport, Department of Safety photo ID card, state or federal employee photo identification card, or a U.S. military photo ID. Student college IDs will not be accepted for voting purposes.

Free photo IDs may be obtained from any Department of Safety driver license testing station.  Registered voters must sign an affidavit stating that the photo ID is for voting purposes, that they are a registered voter, and that they do not have any other valid government-issued photo ID.  The Department of Safety will not issue a free photo ID if the person already has a valid government-issued photo ID.

Voters who are unable to produce a valid photo ID will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot, which is a paper ballot, at the polls.  Voters casting a provisional ballot will have until two (2) business days after Election Day to return to the election commission office to show a valid photo ID.

Voters with a religious objection to being photographed, or voters who are indigent and unable to obtain a photo ID without paying a fee - for example, the voter cannot pay for a birth certificate for proof of citizenship - may sign an oath affirming to the information and will be allowed to vote on the machines.

Voters who vote absentee by mail, voters who are hospitalized, and voters who live in licensed nursing homes or assisted living centers and vote at the facilities are not required to show photo IDs.  Registered voters over the age of 65 may request an absentee ballot and vote by mail.

“The goal of the town hall meeting is to educate the public and prepare voters for the upcoming 2012 elections,” Andrea Smothers, administrator of elections said.  “We want voters to have plenty of time to obtain a valid photo ID if they do not already possess one.  We encourage everyone to attend the November 1 meeting.”

For more information about the new voting requirements, contact Mark Goins, coordinator of elections, or Andrew Dodd, elections specialist, in the state Division of Elections at 1-877-850-4959 or your local county election commission at 772-1760. 

Zinghop-a-Pals Kids Club comes to Hatchie Fall Fest

Get ready for the Zinghop-a-Pals Kids Club Big Fun Show, where children in the audience become the stars of the show through an innovative combination of engaging entertainment and educational activities. The Zinghoppers will make a special appearance at during this year's Hatchie Fall Fest, October 15, in Brownsville, Tenn. The free pre-school concert will be at 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., on the south side of the court square.

The Zinghop-a-Pals Kids Club has been named “Nashville’s Best Kids Entertainers” by Parent Magazine for the past two years. Every event features a Kids Club host. This friendly singing emcee's job is to get children involved in the show.

The show starts with a "friendship pledge" aimed at promoting pro-social behaviors, then the Kids Club host will sing "The Hello Song." After that the dance party really gets going with Zinghoppers hits like, "Tooty Ta," "The Possum Twist" and "Dancing Like Olo The Donkey."

Classic children's music is also performed as young children love singing tunes like "Wheels On The Bus" and "If You're Happy And You Know It."

The Zinghop-a-Pals Kids Club Big Fun Show combines live music, comedy, storytelling, dance, audience participation, a little magic and lots of smiles. At the end of the program, children will be invited to say the "friendship pledge" one more time, then they are officially declared, "Zinghop-a-Pals"!

The Hatchie Fall Fest is a free family-friendly festival held each October in Brownsville. The event features all day live music, over 100 arts and crafts vendors, kid's games and activities, contest and food. For more information about the Hatchie Fall Fest, visit www.hatchiefallfest.com. For more information about the Zinghoppers, visit www.zinghop-a-pals.com.

2011 Hatchie Fall Fest Scarecrow Winners Announced

Haywood Countians enjoyed a fun evening on the square Saturday night during the Hatchie Fall Fest Scarecrow Contest. Twelve scarecrows competed for top honors and cash prizes at the 7th annual event. 


The local band Hannah Company provided entertainment for the competitors while judges deliberated over the winners. 


Winners of the children's category included Methodist Day School (1st place), Haywood Elementary School (2nd place) and Anderson Early Childhood Center (3rd place). The Haywood County Schoool's District Office won first place in the adult category, followed by Kim Moore and Linda Maddox (2nd place) and Hannah Company (3rd place). Hannah Company also won "Most Creative."

1st Place Adults - Haywood County School's District Office

1st Place Children - FUMC Methodist Day School

2nd Place Adults - Kim Moore & Linda Maddox

2nd Place Children - Haywood Elementary

3rd Place Adults - Hannah Company
Also won "Most Creative"

3rd Place Children - Anderson Early Childhood Center