Mary and Moira's Message Board: “He brought her over to the house yesterday to meet us and she's pretty, nice, she has all her teeth!”
Tori seems to be most pleased that Casey has all her teeth. Go figure.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Actor Vincent Schiavelli dies in Sicily at age 57 - Wikinews
Actor Vincent Schiavelli dies in Sicily at age 57 - Wikinews:
I would have thought this guy was much older than 57! Apparently he died of lung cancer. He looked sick, perhaps, even when he was well. I really enjoyed his acting. I'm searching for stuff he starred in.
Schiavelli appeared in more than 120 films and television shows including the movie "Ghost" where he played opposite Patrick Swayze. He was selected in 1997 by Vanity Fair as one of the best character actors in the United States.
I would have thought this guy was much older than 57! Apparently he died of lung cancer. He looked sick, perhaps, even when he was well. I really enjoyed his acting. I'm searching for stuff he starred in.
Christmas roundup
Christmas has come and gone -- and it wasn't as bad as I feared. I'd been afraid that I would get caught up in the melancholy that strikes following the holiday -- the melancholy brought on by remembrance of holidays past along with the memories of people and opportunities gone.
But... we had a relatively relaxed day. We decided Christmas eve not to have Christmas until after church. We ended up having Aunt Rete, Matt, and Joseph for lunch. Finally, around 1:30, we opened our gifts. I ended up getting a new laser printer -- which is great 'cause I'd like to be able to print stuff at home. It's working really well.
Samuel seemed to be very pleased with his gifts -- an MP3 Player, lots of clothes, and some computer games. He's a great kid.
Christmas night, I went to Scott and Patti's to see Tori and Jeff. We had supper and watched some movies. Matt and Jeremy showed up after a bit. It was a relaxing night.
Trevor came in today (Monday) with his new girlfriend Casey to visit Tori and Jeff (again at Scott and Patti's). She's absolutely charming. I really miss Trevor -- I'd like for him to move to Memphis, and that's a possibility.
Tori got a new portable DVD player, Jeff got a "sack-o-balls", Justin and Allison got a stomach virus (they're stuck in Middle Tennessee).
Yeah. Overall, this was a great holiday. Now what should I do for new years?
But... we had a relatively relaxed day. We decided Christmas eve not to have Christmas until after church. We ended up having Aunt Rete, Matt, and Joseph for lunch. Finally, around 1:30, we opened our gifts. I ended up getting a new laser printer -- which is great 'cause I'd like to be able to print stuff at home. It's working really well.
Samuel seemed to be very pleased with his gifts -- an MP3 Player, lots of clothes, and some computer games. He's a great kid.
Christmas night, I went to Scott and Patti's to see Tori and Jeff. We had supper and watched some movies. Matt and Jeremy showed up after a bit. It was a relaxing night.
Trevor came in today (Monday) with his new girlfriend Casey to visit Tori and Jeff (again at Scott and Patti's). She's absolutely charming. I really miss Trevor -- I'd like for him to move to Memphis, and that's a possibility.
Tori got a new portable DVD player, Jeff got a "sack-o-balls", Justin and Allison got a stomach virus (they're stuck in Middle Tennessee).
Yeah. Overall, this was a great holiday. Now what should I do for new years?
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Trenton serves up stew
Jackson Sun - Trenton serves up stew::
I was IN Trenton yesterday at lunch and missed this excellent example of community involvement! Can you believe I missed a free meal? I didn't even know this event was going on -- 21 years the article says!
"I went in, and they said, 'It's time to eat, now,'" said Buckingham, more fondly known as "D." "I think it's a wonderful thing for Trenton to do because everybody up here asked, 'What does it cost?'
"I said, "It don't cost nothing; it's free," Buckingham said.
I was IN Trenton yesterday at lunch and missed this excellent example of community involvement! Can you believe I missed a free meal? I didn't even know this event was going on -- 21 years the article says!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
No new strip joints in Memphis
commercialappeal.com - Memphis, TN: Local (login required):
What's the River City coming to if they can't open a strip joint? Why do we have a concience all of a sudden? I was expecting an announcement that the Pyramid was being converted into the world's largest "Gentlemen's Club" and gambling hall and now the Memphis City Council steps away from the brink? How dare they!
Potential topless dancers and "gentlemen's club" owners will have to keep their clothes on and their doors closed until at least this summer.
What's the River City coming to if they can't open a strip joint? Why do we have a concience all of a sudden? I was expecting an announcement that the Pyramid was being converted into the world's largest "Gentlemen's Club" and gambling hall and now the Memphis City Council steps away from the brink? How dare they!
Christmas shopping?
I'm supposed to be working, of course, but I'm not. I'm browsing the internet for gifts... No, I have no illusions about these gifts arriving before Christmas -- I'm not ordering them. My illusion is much grander -- I'm selecting these items and writing down the model numbers and I'm going to Jackson after work to buy them. Yeah right.
So, I won't get exactly what I've picked out; at least I've weeded out some of the duds.
No, I've not finished my shopping. In all honesty, I've not even begun really. I feel horrible about it, but it's just a fact. Christmas always sneaks up on me and I hate to shop. These two factors mean that, if you receive a gift at all from me this year, it'll probably be what was left at Wal-Mart after all the other people had picked the store clean. I've joked about giving phone cords (handset cords actually) as gifts -- everyone needs a 25 foot handset cord somewhere in their life.
Hopefully I'll find what I need. I've got some good ideas, I think, but don't be surprised if you get your choice in color of a sensuous curly handset cord....
So, I won't get exactly what I've picked out; at least I've weeded out some of the duds.
No, I've not finished my shopping. In all honesty, I've not even begun really. I feel horrible about it, but it's just a fact. Christmas always sneaks up on me and I hate to shop. These two factors mean that, if you receive a gift at all from me this year, it'll probably be what was left at Wal-Mart after all the other people had picked the store clean. I've joked about giving phone cords (handset cords actually) as gifts -- everyone needs a 25 foot handset cord somewhere in their life.
Hopefully I'll find what I need. I've got some good ideas, I think, but don't be surprised if you get your choice in color of a sensuous curly handset cord....
House raises impeachment issue - Wikinews
House raises impeachment issue - Wikinews:
I didn't think it would take long for this to come up... I've got mixed feelings about GWB's "surveillance"... We have the FISA courts -- which permit authorities to apply for warrants after the fact. You would think that would be enough.
US Representative John Conyers (D-MI) has brought three resolutions to the House which could begin the censure and impeachment process of President Bush and Vice President Cheney.
I didn't think it would take long for this to come up... I've got mixed feelings about GWB's "surveillance"... We have the FISA courts -- which permit authorities to apply for warrants after the fact. You would think that would be enough.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
I'm sick... :(
I've been feeling pretty bad since late Sunday night following the Christmas program at church. I led the group singing during the reception following the program and I noticed some scratchiness in my throat...
Now, I'm congested, I have a hacking cough, and I hurt. I dunno what's wrong really, but Nyquil seems to help at night. I'll probably get a strong swig before work tomorrow -- Eric can drive.
Now, I'm congested, I have a hacking cough, and I hurt. I dunno what's wrong really, but Nyquil seems to help at night. I'll probably get a strong swig before work tomorrow -- Eric can drive.
New blogging software
I'm trying out some new blogging software -- "Performance". It appears to be pretty robust -- the only things it's missing are apparently a spell-check function and del.icio.us integration.
I discovered this little gem on del.icio.us, so it would only be fair to allow some categorization there.
Performancing.com | Helping Bloggers Succeed
I discovered this little gem on del.icio.us, so it would only be fair to allow some categorization there.
Performancing.com | Helping Bloggers Succeed
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
A wizard?
Here's a picture of Matt during thanksgiving. I'm sure that it's important that I publish this..
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Pictures from Tornado
Thought I'd put these on -- these are pics from the tornado a few weeks ago. Downtown was pretty well wrecked for a few days if you remember.
Monday, December 12, 2005
City Property... and the burden of office
The board voted tonight to purchase the Dyer Builders building from Scott for $30,000. Initial estimates indicate that it won't cost more than an additional $15,000 to ready the building for the fire department. If the need arose, we could move the fire department into the building almost immediately. Ultimately, we'll want to insulate the parking bay area, add some additional electrical connections, and install a gas heater.
It was interesting -- the last few meetings we've had a room full of visitors who were barely respectful and had serious complaints. Tonight we had one visitor who was almost obsequious. He was an older gentleman who lives on North Main St. -- I don't think he's lived in town very long. He's asked that we reduce the speed limit on North Main to 30 mph (from the posted 45 mph). Except for the fact that it will slow ME down, I don't have an objection. I've asked Chief Lindsey to study the request -- it may be that we'll have to ask the state for permission to reduce the speed. That stretch of road was at one time a state highway.
If we do reduce the speed, I'm certain we'll get complaints. The 30 mile per hour speed zone would stretch from the country club to the Poly M building. We don't want to become a giant slow zone, BUT, one can always take the bypass.
The request has a good reason -- the whole area is residential and some residents do have to back onto the road in order to enter it. Some of the driveways are rather narrow and short. There are several small children on this end of town as well... 45 mph is VERY fast when you're 4 years old or are trying to back your car onto a busy roadway.
Before the meeting, this morning, actually, I got a call from a citizen who is concerned that police are "harassing" her son. As the "commish", this is my baliwick, I suppose. Very touchy stuff. I've been assured that our officers do follow and have been following the law.
It was interesting -- the last few meetings we've had a room full of visitors who were barely respectful and had serious complaints. Tonight we had one visitor who was almost obsequious. He was an older gentleman who lives on North Main St. -- I don't think he's lived in town very long. He's asked that we reduce the speed limit on North Main to 30 mph (from the posted 45 mph). Except for the fact that it will slow ME down, I don't have an objection. I've asked Chief Lindsey to study the request -- it may be that we'll have to ask the state for permission to reduce the speed. That stretch of road was at one time a state highway.
If we do reduce the speed, I'm certain we'll get complaints. The 30 mile per hour speed zone would stretch from the country club to the Poly M building. We don't want to become a giant slow zone, BUT, one can always take the bypass.
The request has a good reason -- the whole area is residential and some residents do have to back onto the road in order to enter it. Some of the driveways are rather narrow and short. There are several small children on this end of town as well... 45 mph is VERY fast when you're 4 years old or are trying to back your car onto a busy roadway.
Before the meeting, this morning, actually, I got a call from a citizen who is concerned that police are "harassing" her son. As the "commish", this is my baliwick, I suppose. Very touchy stuff. I've been assured that our officers do follow and have been following the law.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Christmas parties....
I went tonight, with my brother, to a Christmas party at Union UMC outside of Trenton. They're our sister church and since the joint Bible study we did a few months ago, I've gotten really close to some of the people there. They always invite me to their programs.
We had a great time -- even though I ended up playing the piano for the carols and songs. I ended up getting a few gifts as well! I didn't expect that, but I have a new flashlight and a canned ham. I was very tickled.
Samuel spent the whole time flirting -- which was good. He needs the practice, I suppose.
We had a great time -- even though I ended up playing the piano for the carols and songs. I ended up getting a few gifts as well! I didn't expect that, but I have a new flashlight and a canned ham. I was very tickled.
Samuel spent the whole time flirting -- which was good. He needs the practice, I suppose.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Gas leak?
Dawn came in to do payroll this morning and commented immediately that she smelled gas... We didn't smell anything in the building, but it's possible that we've simply gotten used to it. Now, the gas meter is right next to the side door of our building -- so we often get a whiff of something as we come in, but it seems to do that 12 months out of the year.
After berating us for several minutes about not taking the danger seriously, someone called the gas company to report the leak... Craig Blackburn (also a local volunteer fireman) came out with a device that detects flammable gasses -- and found nothing. He thought his equipment must be faulty (even though he didn't smell anything) and called in a leak specialist. The specialist also found nothing.
I dunno -- natural gas has a HORRIBLE odor. I think we would notice if we had a serious leak. Of course, it would be very bad if we did have a leak.
After berating us for several minutes about not taking the danger seriously, someone called the gas company to report the leak... Craig Blackburn (also a local volunteer fireman) came out with a device that detects flammable gasses -- and found nothing. He thought his equipment must be faulty (even though he didn't smell anything) and called in a leak specialist. The specialist also found nothing.
I dunno -- natural gas has a HORRIBLE odor. I think we would notice if we had a serious leak. Of course, it would be very bad if we did have a leak.
Cold!
It's expected to be around 12F here tonight -- the coldest day of the year yet. My mother reminded me to "open the cabinets beneath the sink" -- to allow warm air to reach the pipes apparently. I came in a few minutes ago and noticed that the trees are making strange creaking noises as the wind blows gently. Trees make strange noises when it's very cold.
Natural gas prices have gone up in the last year and one of the "energy right" specialists at the power company recommended that I get a small ceramic heater for my bedroom. This will allow me to turn the thermostat down for the rest of the house and more cheaply remain comfortable as I sleep. This plan has worked well, so far. In the beginning, I woke up in the morning stuck to my sheets with sweat, but I've since regulated the thermostat on the heater. I've been very pleased, but we'll see how much money I'm saving when I get my electric and gas bill.
Natural gas prices have gone up in the last year and one of the "energy right" specialists at the power company recommended that I get a small ceramic heater for my bedroom. This will allow me to turn the thermostat down for the rest of the house and more cheaply remain comfortable as I sleep. This plan has worked well, so far. In the beginning, I woke up in the morning stuck to my sheets with sweat, but I've since regulated the thermostat on the heater. I've been very pleased, but we'll see how much money I'm saving when I get my electric and gas bill.
Monitor troubles
I got a new monitor the other day -- a 19" flat panel. It works great once windows loads, but while booting I get a strange split screen effect. This particular "screenshot" was of a chkdsk session I ran after I started getting memory errors. Had to swap out PC3200 for PC2700 RAM and everything is working fine now.
It's amazing what a gig of RAM will do for performance.
It's amazing what a gig of RAM will do for performance.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
City Property?
The "Buildings, Parks, and Personnel" committee met tonight at one of the buildings that recently was vacated downtown. As I've written, we have considered constructing a building to house (most urgently) the fire department, the police department, and perhaps the city administrative offices. The cost of constructing a new building would be at least $200,000 -- lots of money for a small town.
One of the local businessmen, Scott, who owns a hardware store, purchased his only competitor in town earlier this year. While he's going to keep some of the property acquired through the purchase, he has offered to sell the main office building to the city. It includes a warehousing area that would more than accommodate our fire department -- we have two fire engines, a tanker truck, and a service truck. There's a "First Responder" car as well. All of the fire vehicles must be in a heated garage (because water freezes) they must also have power nearby in order to keep the various electronic devices charged up.
The building includes space, not only for the fire equipment, but also for the police department. We would have to segment the office space in such a way that the police offices would be isolated from the fire offices, but that doesn't appear to be difficult. Cost, of course, is a consideration, but the Rural Fire Fund and the Building Fund combined equal more than $70,000. The building will cost about $30,000 -- leaving another $30,000 or so for basic renovations. While expensive, it's not nearly as expensive as the $200,000+ estimated for totally new construction. Additional construction would permit us to house the city administrative offices in the future.
The city board will meet Monday night and it seems that the BPP chairman will move to purchase the building (Scott wants to close before January 1 for tax purposes). As most board members were present at the committee meeting tonight and all present seemed to favor the purchase, it's pretty obvious that the motion will pass.
One of the local businessmen, Scott, who owns a hardware store, purchased his only competitor in town earlier this year. While he's going to keep some of the property acquired through the purchase, he has offered to sell the main office building to the city. It includes a warehousing area that would more than accommodate our fire department -- we have two fire engines, a tanker truck, and a service truck. There's a "First Responder" car as well. All of the fire vehicles must be in a heated garage (because water freezes) they must also have power nearby in order to keep the various electronic devices charged up.
The building includes space, not only for the fire equipment, but also for the police department. We would have to segment the office space in such a way that the police offices would be isolated from the fire offices, but that doesn't appear to be difficult. Cost, of course, is a consideration, but the Rural Fire Fund and the Building Fund combined equal more than $70,000. The building will cost about $30,000 -- leaving another $30,000 or so for basic renovations. While expensive, it's not nearly as expensive as the $200,000+ estimated for totally new construction. Additional construction would permit us to house the city administrative offices in the future.
The city board will meet Monday night and it seems that the BPP chairman will move to purchase the building (Scott wants to close before January 1 for tax purposes). As most board members were present at the committee meeting tonight and all present seemed to favor the purchase, it's pretty obvious that the motion will pass.
Let's have a parade!
One of the most charming things about living in a small community is the community festival... Our small town a festival that, I guess, lasts all year. We have a parade on the 4th of July and at Christmas -- the "Dyer Station Celebration" and the "Dyer Station Christmas Parade".
We have (my friends) for the last few years organized a float for the 4th of July parade -- one year we put a kiddy-pool on a flatbed truck with some dogs and some water guns, another year we dressed in Hawaiian drag (men in coconut bras and grass skirts) and had a "Beauty Pageant". Most recently, we all dressed as characters from Gilligan's Island.
We have decided, this year, to expand and submit an entry in the Christmas parade. As it stands now, we plan to involve the pets once again along with some fitting pet-based Christmas music.
Over the years, our parade has at some times had little more than a few emergency vehicles and a smattering of pretty girl pageant winners. It is my hope that some day dozens of groups will submit entries for these parades. Our little down could easily become a destination!
We have (my friends) for the last few years organized a float for the 4th of July parade -- one year we put a kiddy-pool on a flatbed truck with some dogs and some water guns, another year we dressed in Hawaiian drag (men in coconut bras and grass skirts) and had a "Beauty Pageant". Most recently, we all dressed as characters from Gilligan's Island.
We have decided, this year, to expand and submit an entry in the Christmas parade. As it stands now, we plan to involve the pets once again along with some fitting pet-based Christmas music.
Over the years, our parade has at some times had little more than a few emergency vehicles and a smattering of pretty girl pageant winners. It is my hope that some day dozens of groups will submit entries for these parades. Our little down could easily become a destination!
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Race to my yard...
A simple followup to my post from yesterday...
I got to work this morning and the church relief team that had been canvassing the town DID offer to clean up my yard. Apparently, one of my friends form church, "Uncle Johnny", asked them to stop by my house if they had time when they had finished cleaning up other folks' yards. I felt kind of bad -- I really didn't want it to appear that I could handle it myself.
Well, if that weren't enough, Mr. Bob (a local sod farmer and another church member) sent a group of his workers into town today to clean up several yards -- his guys came by my house as well. My neighbor beat them all to it!
I got to work this morning and the church relief team that had been canvassing the town DID offer to clean up my yard. Apparently, one of my friends form church, "Uncle Johnny", asked them to stop by my house if they had time when they had finished cleaning up other folks' yards. I felt kind of bad -- I really didn't want it to appear that I could handle it myself.
Well, if that weren't enough, Mr. Bob (a local sod farmer and another church member) sent a group of his workers into town today to clean up several yards -- his guys came by my house as well. My neighbor beat them all to it!
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Neighbors and small towns
The storms that swept across the mid-south Tuesday struck our small town -- not badly, more of a slap to remind us that nature is unpredictable. Apparently an F1 tornado zig-zagged through my neighborhood and a few others.
The home across the street was damaged when a huge tree was literally ripped from the ground and dropped onto one corner. Other trees were completely uprooted as well. The nice folks who live in that house were out of town, but within an hour after the storm an army of folks had descended on the home and had covered the damaged part of the house with a tarpaulins. Since that time, volunteer "disaster teams" from churches and the Mennonite community have sawed up limbs and cleaned up properties. It's kind of nice to see such a community spirit.
I wasn't eligible, really, for charity cleanup and I had planned to begin picking up this weekend. I leave the house at about 8:30 in the morning and don't normally return until after dark (5:30 or later). I came home this afternoon and found that my yard had been cleaned up as well. Apparently, my next door neighbor (a retired dentist named "Dr. Mac") had taken an electric chainsaw and cut up the large limbs and clipped the smaller ones to a manageable size. He then took his yard tractor and dragged everything to the street. I now have a huge pile of wood and brush next to the road -- ready for the city to pick up.
I must say that I was relieved -- I wasn't really stressed about it, but the cleanup was one more thing to do on my busy schedule.
I love living in a small town.
The home across the street was damaged when a huge tree was literally ripped from the ground and dropped onto one corner. Other trees were completely uprooted as well. The nice folks who live in that house were out of town, but within an hour after the storm an army of folks had descended on the home and had covered the damaged part of the house with a tarpaulins. Since that time, volunteer "disaster teams" from churches and the Mennonite community have sawed up limbs and cleaned up properties. It's kind of nice to see such a community spirit.
I wasn't eligible, really, for charity cleanup and I had planned to begin picking up this weekend. I leave the house at about 8:30 in the morning and don't normally return until after dark (5:30 or later). I came home this afternoon and found that my yard had been cleaned up as well. Apparently, my next door neighbor (a retired dentist named "Dr. Mac") had taken an electric chainsaw and cut up the large limbs and clipped the smaller ones to a manageable size. He then took his yard tractor and dragged everything to the street. I now have a huge pile of wood and brush next to the road -- ready for the city to pick up.
I must say that I was relieved -- I wasn't really stressed about it, but the cleanup was one more thing to do on my busy schedule.
I love living in a small town.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Daylight Savings Time
I'm always confused when we're supposed to "Fall Back", but I didn't even know tonight was the night. I'm glad I went to supper with the Tignors -- else I'd have been up very early tomorrow.
I did arrive early at church one crisp October morning after forgetting to set back my clock. Yep, at 9:00, some of the old people are already sitting quietly in their Sunday School classrooms waiting -- for Jesus or to die, I guess. Before you say that perhaps they forgot to set back their clocks as well, know that they're there every Sunday at 9:00 -- not only on Sunday's following a time change.
It's 12:20 (after time set), and I'm tired.
I did arrive early at church one crisp October morning after forgetting to set back my clock. Yep, at 9:00, some of the old people are already sitting quietly in their Sunday School classrooms waiting -- for Jesus or to die, I guess. Before you say that perhaps they forgot to set back their clocks as well, know that they're there every Sunday at 9:00 -- not only on Sunday's following a time change.
It's 12:20 (after time set), and I'm tired.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Movies, TV, and 21st Century
I've only got a 15 year old "console" type television and a discount DVD player at my house. I don't even have a high-quality sound system... But...
My friend Justin built his own "TiVo" machine using software called "Show Shifter" -- we had a copy of XP Media Center at the office and we're going to try that now... You'd think, as high tech as I like to think I am that I'd have some sort of system for recording from television. Generally, if I can't catch it at the time of broadcast, I don't see it.
How soon will it be until traditional media is surpassed by on-demand content from the internet? I dunno.
My friend Justin built his own "TiVo" machine using software called "Show Shifter" -- we had a copy of XP Media Center at the office and we're going to try that now... You'd think, as high tech as I like to think I am that I'd have some sort of system for recording from television. Generally, if I can't catch it at the time of broadcast, I don't see it.
How soon will it be until traditional media is surpassed by on-demand content from the internet? I dunno.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Libby indictment - perjury?
So "Scooter" got fingered for his role in exposing a government agent -- justice will be done...Not quite! No, Libby won't be charged for revealing the name -- he'll be charged with lying about revealing the name. This isn't the first time we've found our justice system more concerned with than with truth than with law.
It doesn't concern me, greatly, but I don't understand why the government would not seek the maximum charge possible in a case such as this. Perhaps there simply wasn't enough evidence, but, if this is the case, how can hope to make a perjury charge stick?
By the way, no one in this small town cares a wit about Libby and his supposed lies.
Zoning?
So, the city council voted Monday night (October 24) to modify the zoning ordinance of our town in such a way that our local grain company will be able to construct their new grain storage bins. For more than an hour, community members spoke both in favor of and against the change. I am somewhat disturbed by the fact that the planning commission and then the council have changed the entire zoning ordinance for what is basically one business, but....
The bins will cost more than $2 million -- which equates to about $16,000 in property taxes (coincidentally, the same amount needed to off-set the debt service for the construction of a new fire house). The grain company will continue to expand, they say, so in a few years their property tax could increase dramatically. Additionally, local ag producers are losing gobs of money.
The hitch now is that the council will probably modify the original amendment (amend the amendment) because the city planner recommends some minor changes. So, instead of only two readings, this amendment to an ordinance will receive three!
Several council members were threatened politically by citizens -- we'll just have to wait until next November to see how serious the threats were. Also, several citizens living near the site of the grain company's expansion have placed "for sale" signs in their front yards. Who knows now!
The bins will cost more than $2 million -- which equates to about $16,000 in property taxes (coincidentally, the same amount needed to off-set the debt service for the construction of a new fire house). The grain company will continue to expand, they say, so in a few years their property tax could increase dramatically. Additionally, local ag producers are losing gobs of money.
The hitch now is that the council will probably modify the original amendment (amend the amendment) because the city planner recommends some minor changes. So, instead of only two readings, this amendment to an ordinance will receive three!
Several council members were threatened politically by citizens -- we'll just have to wait until next November to see how serious the threats were. Also, several citizens living near the site of the grain company's expansion have placed "for sale" signs in their front yards. Who knows now!
Monday, October 17, 2005
Onstar
I was talking with the local fire chief/administrator of the 911 dispatch center this evening -- he was telling me how impressed he was with the OnStar system. Apparently, someone recently was involved in a single car accident in the early morning (on an infrequently traveled road, of course). OnStar apparently called the 911 dispatch center with an approximate street address (based on GPS, I guess); the dispatch center called on a State Trooper and the lady, who had been knocked unconscious, was "rescued". Everyone standing around as the chief and I were talking was amazed and pleased.
What's so amazing about this? Except for the fact that the car "called for help" itself, the technology involved is that which should ALREADY have been implemented by wireless carriers. Yes, friends, the day should have already arrived when you dial 911 and the authorities are immediately aware of your exact location. I'm not being critical of the wireless carriers -- they're doing no less than expected in delaying the deployment of expensive equipment and handsets. If anyone deserves criticism (and I'm not certain anyone does), the government is the logical target. Already, they've folded to carriers time and again allowing them more time to deploy the needed technology.
What's so amazing about this? Except for the fact that the car "called for help" itself, the technology involved is that which should ALREADY have been implemented by wireless carriers. Yes, friends, the day should have already arrived when you dial 911 and the authorities are immediately aware of your exact location. I'm not being critical of the wireless carriers -- they're doing no less than expected in delaying the deployment of expensive equipment and handsets. If anyone deserves criticism (and I'm not certain anyone does), the government is the logical target. Already, they've folded to carriers time and again allowing them more time to deploy the needed technology.
Grain and dollars
A major point of dispute in our recent city council meetings has
centered over the request of several local farmers to modify the
zoning ordinance controlling the property where our local grain
processing facility resides. Basically, the farmers are losing money
beacuse the grain company hasn't been able to construct the storage
tangs necessary to offer "contract pricing" on the grain the famers
bring in. It's apparently cost local producers $625,000 in the last
two quarters or so.
This sounds like a reasonable request, but there is also a group of
citizens who oppose the construction of any new tanks at the site.
Their argument centers around environment and health concerns. Valid concerns, I should think.
The city council will vote on the issue on October 24. Both groups
have promised legal action (depending on how the council votes).
Building
Our small town is considering constructing a new "municipal" building. Basically, our firehouse is falling down around the fire equipment and without some work on that building, it will most certainly become uninhabitable this winder. Already the utility bills are astronomical, certain parts of the building have been closed as "unfit for occupation", and the firemen are generally displeased.
The grand plan would include housing for the municipal offices including police, fire, the mayor's office, etc. Realistically, we'd probably build a fire building first and then expand when funds are available. Like most municipalities, our town is very nearly "broke" -- sales tax receipts continue to fall (as businesses close or move to larger areas), property taxes, while increasing, can't keep up with expenses. We'll probably have to issue bonds to pay for any new construction. None of our legislators want to incur any long-term debt, but what can be done?
The city's "buildings, parks, and personnel" committee will meet tonight (Monday) to begin preliminary planning for this construction. It will be interesting to see what is discussed. Already, we've been told that construction costs will run $35-40 per square foot. This doesn't include site preparation or paving, of course, but only the construction of the building itself.
The grand plan would include housing for the municipal offices including police, fire, the mayor's office, etc. Realistically, we'd probably build a fire building first and then expand when funds are available. Like most municipalities, our town is very nearly "broke" -- sales tax receipts continue to fall (as businesses close or move to larger areas), property taxes, while increasing, can't keep up with expenses. We'll probably have to issue bonds to pay for any new construction. None of our legislators want to incur any long-term debt, but what can be done?
The city's "buildings, parks, and personnel" committee will meet tonight (Monday) to begin preliminary planning for this construction. It will be interesting to see what is discussed. Already, we've been told that construction costs will run $35-40 per square foot. This doesn't include site preparation or paving, of course, but only the construction of the building itself.
I absolutely hate introductions, but I suppose I should at least say what I plan to write about...
I'm located in a small town in West Tennessee -- very rural, nice, but small. One of my friends has said many times that we should write a book or produce a movie about life in our little hamlet. This is my attempt at recording our existence in this little town. I'm an elected official 'round these parts and a pretty prominent fellow. Hopefully, you'll get a taste of life here; hopefully, you'll learn to appreciate our way of life (and perhaps life in your city too).
I'm located in a small town in West Tennessee -- very rural, nice, but small. One of my friends has said many times that we should write a book or produce a movie about life in our little hamlet. This is my attempt at recording our existence in this little town. I'm an elected official 'round these parts and a pretty prominent fellow. Hopefully, you'll get a taste of life here; hopefully, you'll learn to appreciate our way of life (and perhaps life in your city too).
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