Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

January

Lewis County Receives Partial IRS Refund

A tax attorney hired by Lewis County Government was successful in recovering a portion of funds Lewis County paid in penalties and interest to the Internal Revenue Service late last year, totaling $39,159.12.

Edgefield residents question City over proposed expansion

Homeowners in the Edgefield subdivision, constructed prior to City codes and zoning, have struggled with inadequate drainage, flooding and other issues for decades, with one house in particular suffering substantial drainage issues. No vote was taken on the measure and all homeowner questions were answered.

Storm Sparks Fire at Kanson Electronics

Hohenwald Fire Department responded to a fire at Kanson Electronics at Forrest Avenue and Kimmins Street Saturday morning around 10:45 a.m. Heavy smoke was coming from the rear of the building while severe storms were passing through the area. The plant's sprinkler system extinguished the blaze which originated in an electrical panel. Firemen used fans to clear the building of smoke. Lightning is the suspected cause of the fire.

TCAT Hohenwald students benefit from $1 million GIVE Grant

"It was a great honor to host Governor Lee, locally on campus, for his official announcement of the GIVE Grant Award to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Hohenwald and even more significant to receive funding of the one-million dollar award to assist the Tennessee college in furthering the technical education opportunities of our south central area students and employers," President Kelli Kea-Carroll stated. Part of the money was to be used to fully implement an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program.

Lewis County Clerk's Office issuing driver's license renewals

Driver's license services are now being offered in the Lewis County Clerk's office for the first time in many years. Lewis County Clerk Sandra Clayton recently issued the first Real ID driver's license in Lewis County to Donna Carroll.

Lewis County a Second Amendment Sanctuary

A peaceful crowd gathered early at Lewis County Courthouse in anticipation of a vote on a Second Amendment Sanctuary resolution. A unanimous vote supported the resolution which called upon state legislators and elected officials to "join in the affirmation of the rights of our citizens under the 2nd Amendment."

February

County struggles with mountain of trash problem

Lewis County faces a severe budget crisis in the Solid Waste department following the shut down of a landfill in Decatur County where household trash has been transported. Beginning February 10, 2020, all of Lewis County's household trash will be hauled to Lewisburg, costing the county $17 extra per ton, which can amount to a shortfall of $111,500.

Commercial Solid Waste Fees are talked about being raised, but are tabled due to citizen push-back and the county continued the search for alternative answers.

Industrial Development Board meets with Kanson to assess fire damage

A somber owner, Art Filson, clicked through image after image of water damage for members of Hohenwald's Industrial Development Board (IDB) Monday, February 10, 2020 showing how the plant fared after a main power distribution panel caught fire, shutting down the local industry.

Photos of the roof were reviewed which showed areas where water is entering the building. The main roof was replaced in 2011 and one photo showed damage resulting from the work crew leaving a bucket on the roof that further exacerbated the problems.

School Board accepts bid for gym roof

All members of the Lewis County School Board were in attendance February 11, 2020 as Director of Schools Benjamin Pace presented bids for a replacement roof at Lewis County High School gymnasium.

A recommendation from OLG Engineering offered the low bid from Centurion Industries, Inc. at $258,025. A motion to accept the bid was made by Board member Cassie Couch, seconded by Board member Phyllis Townsend. Chairman Glenda Atkinson called for a roll call vote which resulted in unanimous approval.

Devasting wreck results in death of two youth

A single vehicle crash Monday, February 24, around 9:15 a.m. left two dead and the driver in serious condition.

Driver James Yoder, 26, of Summertown, was transported by Maury Regional Emergency Medical Services ambulance to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville for treatment of serious injuries. The two other occupants were extricated from the pick-up by members of the Lewis County Volunteer Fire and Rescue squad. Both minor males, ages 10 and 15, were pronounced deceased on the scene.

March

Lewis County recognizes Teachers of the Year 2020

Paula Dyer, Dylan Crews, Dasha Lowery and Janet Mayes were named Teachers of the year in 2020.

Another plan for solid waste comes before County

Proposed, alongside commercial increases, is a rate increase for residential fees of $20, bringing the total to $110 annually. A leveled system of charges for commercial fees was modified by the two commissioners with input from some of the business owners who protested increases during a February meeting.

Bernie Sanders takes Democratic Primary in Lewis County; Trump leads Republicans

Lewis County's Presidential Primary election held March 3, 2020 experienced a very low turnout. With 7879 registered voters, only 1,393 cast ballots for the person of their choice. Donald Trump carried the Republican Party for Lewis County with 846 votes. For the Democratic Party, Bernie Sanders captured the lead with 180 votes. In the 2016 Presidential Primary for Lewis County, over 2,100 voted.

Local health officials respond to Coronavirus

If you haven't heard by now, Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has hit the Volunteer State.

"Our team met to review our Emergency Preparedness Plan. We are working with our custodial staff to provide extra sanitation efforts that includes extra cleaning of high contact areas as well as other parts of the school," said Sasha Powers, Coordinated School Health Supervisor.

If you visit a relative at the nursing home be prepared to answer a few questions. You may be required to check-in and out. Maury Regional Health has released visitation guidelines and limitations due to the outbreak.

The Passing of a Trailblazer

Early Tuesday, the news arrived of the passing of local attorney William Landis Turner, age 79, who passed away at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia following a brief illness.

County votes to refuse garbage from citizens with delinquent fees

The resolution to reduce the miles between the landfill and the Buffalo River from 4.5 miles to 3.5 miles failed. Commissioner Robert Brewer made the suggestion for all parties who were not current in their solid waste fees to be refused.

County Attorney Jack Heath advised against such a resolution. Voting in favor were Commissioners Timmie Hinson, Wendell Kelley, Patrick Halfacre, Austin Carroll, Jim Grinder, T.J. Hinson, Allison Tanner, Bill Dyer, Ronnie Brewer, Jason Fite, Jerry Ashmore and Robert Brewer. Voting no were Commissioners Larry Hensley and Aren Ragsdale with Commissioners Earl Taylor, Connie Sharp and Brian Peery abstaining.

Schools close, limited social contact urged as COVID-19 spreads

President Trump declared a national emergency in response to the virus. Gov. Bill Lee issued a statement on Monday, March 16, mandating that every school district should close by Friday, March 20.

Wide-spread social media panic has caused toiletries, water, and over-the-counter medications to fly off the shelves of convenience stores like Walmart, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Powers Foodtown, and Jones Hometown Pharmacy at a rapid rate.

COVID-19 sparks Executive Order as more close their doors

On Sunday, March 22, Gov. Bill Lee signed Executive Order 17 calling for businesses across the state to utilize alternative business models beginning at midnight CDT on Monday, March 23, until midnight CDT April 6, 2020.

This means that restaurants, bars, and similar food and drink establishments must exclusively offer drive-thru, take-out or delivery options. Gyms and other fitness/exercise centers are ordered to temporarily close their doors and suspend in-person services until April 6, 2020. Visitation to nursing homes, retirement homes, and long-term care or assisted-living facilities is now limited to visits involving essential care only.

County Mayor issues Executive Order closing all offices to public

Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner issued an executive order declaring a local emergency in Lewis County on March 18, 2020.

Following a conference call with Gov. Lee, local leaders and elected officials unanimously agreed the Executive Order should be issued and that county offices temporarily close to the general public beginning March 19 and re-open April 5, 2020.

A Year in Review will continue in next week's edition