According to the Office of Public Work’s director, Rydell Wesson, the lights are in blinking mode because the “signal-heads are dilapidated and obsolete” and our city maintenance can no longer find parts to repair them. They have “robbed the bone yard to keep them going” but that is no longer a viable option. The State regulations will not allow Dickson to just install a new traffic signal, the city would have to install a whole new $120,000.00 traffic light system .

Although Dickson has been awarded a 1 million dollar grant to improve downtown Dickson’s streets and sidewalks, “ do we really want to take $120,000 for that intersection” queries Mr. Wesson. It is a “matching grant” from the State of TN, which means that for every 20% of the funding Dickson provides, the State provides 80%.

This being one of twenty-five projects, Phase I is a “multiphase street scape enhancement to restore and beautify, as well as provide new components essential to public safety and comfort while encouraging private reinvestment in Dickson’s Historic commercial center”. It includes sidewalks, streets, signage, landscape, curbs, gutters, traffic signals and the like for pedestrians and bicycles as well as vehicle traffic. The Office of Public works is looking at keeping downtown alive while providing better traffic-flow and parking. Many ideas are on the table including making some streets one-way streets.

But, like any city or state project, there is always red-tape tying it up somewhere. While there is currently an engineering company advising and preparing the Phase I conceptual drawings, there are many “steps, hoops and hurdles”  in complying with Federal Regulations as well as the  TN  Dept. Of Transportation ~ or TDOT. The steps are methodical in allowing progression to the next phase from transportation, to enhancement and historical restoration for the City Counsel of Dickson to move forward with the projects.

However, there is still the need and issue of traffic control in Dickson on Main Street as well as College Street. At some point the city can decide that we need a traffic light or lights in the downtown area and may have to release funds to pay for the new traffic light system.

I find there is a hazard in the blinking light system- as, after going through two traffic lights that were blinking red for me to stop and then proceed as traffic allowed- I went to the next light, and after stopping at the red light, turned left EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT A BLINKING LIGHT! My mind was on auto pilot and I just went through the routine. You can’t get a ticket AFTER the fact, can you?

*Rydell Wesson is the director of the Public Works Department. Kimberly Givens is Mr. Wesson’s administrative assistant. The Public Works Department office is located at 600 East Walnut Street. Normal office hours are Monday- Friday 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. The office can be reached by calling (615)441-9506 or by e-mail at kgivens@cityofdickson.com.

Local stores and restaurants posted signs and the excitement was high as men, women and children lined the return route with flags and signs welcoming the 267th home.

At 1:46, during a live interview with National Guard recruiter Sgt. Paul McCallister, we learned that the 150 soldiers of the 267th were returning in 4 busses escorted by police and motor cycles. Sgt. McCallister also stated that they had arrived in Fort Dix , New Jersey, a week ago and after completing a project were flown  to Nashville Airport last night, transferred to Smyrna and had been “out processing” since 6 a.m.

Phone interviews continued live on-air with WDKN throughout the trip from Nashville to Dickson. Lt Gross , when asked, said that his unit provided security for high ranking military in Iraq and participated in the training of Iraqi police forces. When asked what he did during his down time…he shared what he had heard from a General….you join the 300 pound club- you either bench press it or eat your way to it. In reality , Gross said most of them spent time reading, watching movies or the Armed Forces TV network or working out in the gym. Most soldiers could communicate with their loved ones via the internet and could keep up with our sports if they were willing to get up at 2 or 3 in the morning.

Upon arrival at the Armory, after a few minutes to connect with friends and family, the soldiers of the 267th were called to a final formation and addressed by Captain Jackson one last time before being dismissed for leave. He stated that his number One priority had been to bring all of his soldiers home…and he had. And his second priority was to encourage the men and women of the 267th , now that they had arrived home safely, to not do anything foolish to endanger themselves now.

With an official dismissal and a grand Hoorah!, the solders rejoined the people they had missed while in Iraq.

Seeing a mature woman in uniform carrying a full pack, I had to know how she came to find herself returning from deployment. Staff Sgt. Doris Wood was happy to tell me that she had enlisted at 52 years of age in 2008 and had deployed with the 267th in November. She was permitted to enlist at that age because she had served 13 prior years and could reenlist to complete her 20 years for retirement. Having passed the physical requirements, Sgt. Wood passed the physical fitness test and wound up losing 30 pounds while in Iraq. Wood carried her M4 and wore her 35 lb IBA ( Interceptor Body Armor) everywhere and was quite often honored by local Iraqis for her age and ability to keep up with her younger contemporaries . As a Human Resource NCO and a Public Affairs Officer, Wood said she returned to the states with 25,000 photographs.

I spoke with one young soldier whose family was in California and still had a 3 day drive ahead of him to get home!

The return of the Tennessee National Guard 267th Military Police Company was a highly anticipated and well attended event. It was heart warming to see the soldiers re-unite with family and friends after such a long time away and gratifying to know that they had done their jobs well even in hostile territory and terrible heat.

We are proud of our soldiers and welcome them home with great appreciation .

Members of the 267th and their families will be the grand marshals for Dickson County’s Veterans Day parade set for 2 pm Sunday, Nov. 8.

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After many months of debate and sometimes heated arguments over the 2.8 million dollar county budget deficit, the vote – 9 yes and 3 no- approved raising property taxes and cutting the county budget in order to keep Dickson County operating and schools open. The bottom line is that property taxes have been raised $.19 to $2.85 per $100.00 of the assessed property value ( 25% of the appraised value)* and there will be a 2.5% budget cut for Dickson County at large. That means the owner of a house valued at $100,000 who paid $665 in the past will now pay $712, which is an increase of $47. It also means that the county will have to cut its general budget by 2.5 percent which may result in layoffs.

The meeting opened with a motion to raise the Wheel Tax $20.00 per vehicle which was quickly shot down by the Attorney General since such a proposal would have to go through 2 readings, public scrutiny and then a vote – no time for that. It was followed by discussion about landfill user fee increases- which, when paid in January , would be too late to help the current emergency. The next proposal was to raise property taxes by $.24 with no budget cuts. However, even after discussions and concerns about how businesses and struggling homeowners may be gravely effected by a property tax increase, the approved $.19 increase with budget cuts seemed to be a compromise that , although helpful, brought no joy. It was apparent that the cheers emitted from the crowd stemmed more from relief that school closings were averted rather than any happiness or belief that the solution was the best for everyone.

The Board of Education has been asked to fund the county deficit with its 5 million dollar education fund but the request has been repeatedly denied. The county budget problems have come as no surprise and have been up for discussion for almost a year with no resolve, resulting in missed state deadlines of July 1st and then October 1st. Dickson County would have faced numerous problems this week if a decision had not been reached; the county school system would have come to a screeching halt and the county jail would have had to relocate 230 inmates to other counties– just to site a few.

In a County Commissioner’s meeting held 9/22/09 the public was invited to express opinions on the mounting crisis. Many citizens of Dickson stepped up to the microphone to plead with the commissioners to take seriously the predicament of school students , most especially seniors and how school closings and schedule changes for graduation would effect their ability to get into colleges next year. Many people just wanted to express their frustration with the situation and how they expected the commissioners to do their jobs and fix the problem.

Prior to this county crisis the court house has been quiet and quite empty for the most part, but this public dilemma not only stirred up local attention, it also caught the attention of major news stations in Nashville. A budget shortfall is not big news, but the threat of schools closing for lack of funding makes headlines and grabs the attention of county residents who, rightly so, want to weigh-in on the operation of their local government.

The current emergency has been abated but not resolved.  It is my hope that serious work will be done by our county commissioners to slash spending rather than jobs and do what ever it takes  to keep us from getting to the brink of disaster again.

To calculate your property taxes visit:

http://www.tennesseetrustee.com/node/51          Tax Calculator

Recently this amusement was voted ‘Best Agritourism’ operation in Dickson County by the UT Extension Agency, after only one year in operation! Brian and Tonya Keller started Keller’s Corny Country in October 2008 with the help of family and friends after years of hosting Harvest Festivals on their farm. A huge success from the start, cars lined up at the gate every Saturday in October once the signs went up announcing that Keller’s Corny Country was open for business.

Corny Country offers rides on the Niblett Express Barrel Train as well as Hay Rides that will take you to ( and from ) the pumpkin patch and the Corn Mazes. Don’t worry, there is a fenced in Jr. Corn Maze for small children or people who are afraid they may get lost in the 5 acre Corn Maze!

Children will find hours of fun in the playground area– they may slide into the Corn Crib landing in a sea of corn for their scooping and pouring enjoyment ( you might want to check their pockets and overalls as they exit as they may be full of corn!) , play in the sand boxes and whoop down The Corn Cob Pipe- a 40’ monster slide -that is also fun for adults! And for the country in all of us, who wouldn’t have tons of fun in the Tractor Tire Playground?

Don’t worry if all this activity makes you hungry, there is plenty of good eating at the Corncession stand! Something mom’s seem to like is the clean-up station and the many bottles of hand sanitizers available for use. There are also plenty of places to stop and rest a spell.  On the cooler days the campfire usually beckons  folks to sit and visit.

One of the most enjoyable and memorable activities at Keller’s Corny Country is going to the 5 acre Pick-Your-Own- Pumpkin Patch to pick your own, exact-right, pumpkins ( don’t forget to have them weighed before you leave, that’ll be $.50 per pound-ma’m!) to carry home.

While there, be sure to stop by the Country Store to purchase a T-shirt, a souvenir or some homemade jams and jellies. There is a vast array of colorful mums and gourds available to purchase as well.

Be sure to bring your camera for the staged and un-staged photo ops, you will find pumpkins, cornstalks, hay bales and corn hats to enhance your Country photographs. You may want to return each year for your annual Fall Photos!

To get a REAL feel of this a attraction watch the video on www.kellerscornycountry.com.

Keller’s Corny Country is open Saturdays in October from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Children under 2 are free while admission for adults is a reasonable $7.00. Seniors Citizens may get in the attraction for $5.00. If you bring a group of 15 people or more ( not counting the under 2 set) your admission price is reduced to $6.00 per person- so get a group of your friends and enjoy a day of fun. ( Just a note- cash and debit or credit cards are accepted, but no checks). If you choose to pick a pumpkin they are .50 cents per pound.

School and other large groups may call for a discounted rate and reservations to attend on Thursdays and Fridays in October. Children in school groups will receive a small pumpkin as a part of their admission price.

Where is all this autumn fun? Keller’s Corny Country : 542 Firetower Road, Dickson, TN 37055 is 8 miles west of Dickson off of Hwy 70 West. Signs are visible from Hwy 70 and Firetower Road.

You are welcome to call 615-441-4872 for information or visit www.kellerscornycountry.com.

Too often mothers are isolated and can believe that everyone else has it together – except them. There are also those times when a mom doesn’t know how to begin potty training or could use a new technique to help her child sleep through the night so that MOM can sleep through the night too! Wouldn’t THAT be great? Lets face it, when a mom is sleep-deprived  or frustrated, she can become impatient and less effective as a parent. Sharing her discouragements as well as her successes with other women can change a mom’s perspective and improve her parenting skills.  And lets not forget the opportunity to speak in complete sentences with other women while getting a much needed break from the children!

MOPS was started in Wheat Ridge, Colorado in 1974 by 8  women who discovered that “mothering matters” and that laughing, talking and learning with other moms helped meet that need for significance.

The local chapter of MOPS meets the first and third Thursdays of every month at Dickson First Assembly Church on Hwy 70, from 9:30 to noon. Every mom with a preschooler is welcome to join the group and child care is free. There is always good food, great coffee and lively conversation. Throw in a speaker or two, a few demonstrations and maybe some craft projects- and you have some fun fellowship and great growth in mothering during the formative years.

For more information call 446-3943

“This training is unique in that is uses a combination of traditional classroom teaching and the
opportunity for participants to actively engage with local business owners in a seven county
region,” said Dr. Michael Wilcox from the Department of Agricultural Economics at the
University of Tennessee in Knoxville. “Having entrepreneurs from the agriculture, arts, crafts
and other traditionally rural sectors exchange ideas and learn the basic in’s and out’s of ecommerce
will ultimately strengthen their businesses,” Wilcox added.

The “Extending the Market for Local Talent beyond Local Borders” training will take place once
a month between August 2009 and February 2010 in Stewart, Dickson, Robertson, Humphreys,
Houston, Cheatham and Montgomery Counties.

“Businesses, small or large, are successful when they supply products and services that meet the
needs of customers,” explains Martha Pile, Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent in
Montgomery County. Pile, founder of “The Gathering”, a network of entrepreneurs that is
building “business to business” and “business to consumer” linkages in the same counties,
added, “Traditionally, rural small businesses rely on a small, local customer base. Now, with the
introduction of the Internet, some rural businesses are finding ways to connect consumers from
all over the world to their products and services.”

The purpose of this program is to provide educational information to rural entrepreneurs on the
benefits and methods of utilizing e-commerce to expand their potential market. The content of
the course offers artisans sound, research-based information to make decisions on whether or not
to develop a Web page, how to do it, utilizing web-based resources, and evaluating website
effectiveness.

Each month, the training will begin promptly at 9am, include lunch and end by 3pm. The first
session, “Artisans, e-Commerce and the Local Economy” will be held on Friday August 28th at
the Dover Public library and include visits to the farmers market, a bakery and an artist’s studio.
The second session, “Using Technology in the Artisan Business”, will be held on Friday
September 25th at the Dickson County Extension office. For a complete schedule, please visit:
http://trend.ag.utk.edu/entrepreneurship.html . For more information about the program, please
call, by Aug. 25, the UT Extension-Dickson County Office at 446-2788, or e-mail Janet Cluck at
jccluck@utk.edu .

Upon entering Logie’s Game Lounge, a new business on Main Street in Dickson TN, I was warmly greeted by Andi Reed, Logie’s Game Lounge owner. I had visited many times before and this was my first opportunity to take a few minutes to get to know Andi. The result of our visit is brought to you in this article.

While saying “hello” to everyone I looked around. Comfortable seating, plenty of gaming consoles, and teens to adults enjoying a variety of challenging games. I quickly realized this business is a growing benefit to the public in Dickson. Moving toward Andi’s office I noticed a separate lounge for parents who decide to wait at Logie’s Game Lounge while their teens have a great time playing the game of their choice.

As we settled into her office, a very business like Andi was ready to get to the questions answered in this article. “ Fire away with your questions. I’m an open book.”, said Andi. I was delighted to hear so much information in such a pleasant manner.

Andi Reed is one of two partners, the other unnamed in this article. “ My partner, myself, and the manager here at Logie’s are all military. I’m ex-army served in Iraq, my partner is active military in Germany, Tim Kullman(Logie’s manager) is ex-air force and retired police.” stated Andi.

When asked about the concept of Logie’s Game Lounge and the vision for business in Dickson Andi replied “ About 2 years ago we moved from California and arrived in Dickson. We almost immediately noticed the lack of entertainment for the youth of Dickson. Many teens were seen roaming the streets during evening hours and on school vacation days. We decided to taken the money we earned in the military, pool it together, and bring Logie’s Game Lounge to Dickson. In a sense the staff here has given twice to this community, by serving in the military and police forces and by bringing Logie’s into Dickson for the youth.”

Andi adds “We’re a safe, secure, family oriented business that allows teens and young adults to socialize and take part in their favorite past time with constant adult supervision. Moms/Dads are welcome to sign in teens and feel safe that the teen cannot leave without the parents sign out signature.” It is procedure for parent of underage teens to sign the teen in and sign a consent form as well as a release form. After talking to Andi about security of the building I was impressed. Not only are there consent and release forms, Logie’s also has active security cameras and is protected by ADT.

“We’re a fourth generation game lounge.” states Andi “Fourth generation describes the evolution of the systems available at Logie’s Game Lounge. We’ve evolved from the old arcade games and Atari systems to the most modern of fourth generation consoles.” Looking around and hearing the excitement and pride in Andi’s voice I could easily tell this game lounge is a much loved hobby turned successful business.

“We have not advertised much.” says Andi. “ A good sized article in The Dickson Herald and our Myspace profile are primary forms of advertisement. We’ve also placed ads in the Dickson Shopper and passed out fliers. Other than written, our advertisement comes from word of mouth. Many passers-by stop in and proclaim they didn’t even know we were here.

It’s easy to see the passion the staff of Logie’s has for the people and business growth of Dickson. As I spoke with her the fire in her eyes grew with every moment. Andi and Tim really love their resident neighbors in Dickson TN and they support the growth and revitalization of historic Main Street of downtown Dickson. As the popularity grows for Logie’s Game Lounge, Andi has it planned to offer secure employment.

Customers are welcome to a variety of games from the gaming library or bring your own favorite game or console. For more information, visit Logie’s Game Lounge on Myspace, call Logie’s(615-375-8654) or better yet, stop inat 104 North Main Street in Dickson and enjoy the great staff and the comfortable atmosphere.

Future events for Logie’s’ Game Lounge include a UFC disputed tournament August 8,2009.

Who is “Bird” Armstrong?

I am 45 years old. I have been married for 18 years to Charlotte Luther Armstrong. We live on a small farm off of hwy 48 south. We have no children. I have been employed with TDOT since 1995, and have been a Realtor and Auctioneer with Charles Woodard & Associates since 1992.

I am a Christian, Mason and Shriner.

I enjoy working on my farm and raising a wide variety of animals and Livestock. I enjoy hunting and spending time with my 5 dogs.

I am a “people person”. I enjoy interacting with people of all walks of life. I have never met a stranger. I try to keep an open mind. I like to hear why others view things as they do. I respect the opinion of others, even when they differ from mine.

Why do you want to be on the City Council

I have always enjoyed being “involved” in community groups. I have been on several boards and committees throughout my life. I get a great deal of pleasure when I do things that help to make our community and world, a better and more enjoyable place to live and raise a family.

I went to work in Nashville for TDOT in 1995. At that time I gave up a lot of the community activities that I had been involved with. I have really missed this interaction. By being on the City Council, I can be involved and help make the decisions that will improve life in Dickson, now and in the future.

What are your “Goals” as a City Councilman

1. I hope to improve communications between the elected bodies county wide.

2. I want the citizens to know I am “available” to listen to their concerns.

3. I want to bring my “common sense” to the table in decision making.

4. I would like to see our city take advantage of opportunities for Job growth.

5. I strongly support anything that can be done to help and improve the lives of our Senior Citizens.

6. I support improvement of our infrastructure.

7. I support a Balanced Budget.

8. I believe that ALL areas of the city should receive Fair & Equal services.

9. I believe that elected officials “Are” and should be accountable to the public.

10. I believe in Term Limits for “All” elected officials.

What do you promise to do

I “Promise” if you contact me as a city councilman. I WILL listen to you, and I “WILL” get you an answer.

I can’t promise, I will always get you the answer that you want. But I do promise that I will represent you in a manner that is honest, dependable and open.

If I “can’t” do what you want. I will be able to explain to you “why” it can’t be done.

Do you have anything else you would like to say to the Voters

Yes

I can NOT put these goals into action if “YOU” as voters and taxpayers don’t take the time to VOTE. You can support me and my goals all you want. But the final vote count is what can put this plan into action.

PLEASE take the time to VOTE.

I welcome your input. I can be reached at armstrbi@realtracs.com or 446-2465.

Voting for Ward 3 will be held at the Walnut Street Church of Christ

Election Day is September 24th from 7am to 7pm

EARLY Voting will be held from Sept. 4th thru Sept. 19th

Early Voting in Dickson will be Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30am – 3:30pm

NOW for the first time. You can do early voting in Dickson on Saturdays. From 8 am till Noon.

One more “NOTE” I have found several Senior Citizens who are getting to a place in life where they have difficulty getting in and out of the polls. State law allows certain people to call the election office and request a paper ballot be sent to their home. One of these is anyone 65 years of age or older.

You just need to call the election office at 789-5093 to request this paper ballot.

Provided By Jon “Bird” Armstrong

Dickson Community Does Not Endorse Anyone Running for Elected Office.

The Humane Society of Dickson County, issued this statement “Effective immediately, HSDC is forced to cease accepting animals at this time” on their web page www.humanesocietyofdickson.org and in local papers. However, due to overpopulation, they have had to decrease the number of animals that have recently been brought into the shelter as well. In June they received 398 animals ~ with 104 still left from May~ and were able to adopted out 83 and return 2 dogs to their owners but, unfortunately, 208 animals had to be euthanized. The employees of the animal shelter do not want the animals to be euthanized and would like to be a NO KILL shelter. They have done well to handle the 1777 animals that had been brought to the shelter as of June.

Many other attempts at cutting costs at the HSDC have been put into practice including cutting staff hours and 1 staff position. They will begin to accept animals again when funding increases and they are up to full staff.

Because of staffing and funds, according to Arles Barker, the animals brought to the shelter will be held for a shorter period of time- 3 or 4 days- and in some cases that is hardly time for people to reconnect with their pet if a good Samaritan finds it and brings it to the HSDC.

The Human Society is funded by private donations as well as yearly memberships, check out their web site to become a member, make a donation or adopt a pet today! Did you know when you adopt a dog or cat they are already “fixed”, de-wormed and had their vaccines?

“Fostering” is another way to help with displaced dogs and cats. When qualified, you foster a pet in your home until a “forever” home is found for it; Pet Smart works with the Humane Society by fostering cats. Because the spay and neuter laws are so strict in states like Mass. they experience a SHORTAGE of dogs, therefore, we are able to send some of our dogs up north to be fostered at places like Great Dogs, and Hope ( a foster care home).

The Humane Society will be hosting an Art Auction at the Renaissance Center on September 19th 2009. The reception will start at 6:00p.m. with the auction following at 7:00. Come and share in a night of exquisite art — a great cause for the paws.

www.humanesocietyofdickson.org or call 446-7387 ext 12

You may have heard the rumors that we MIGHT be getting a Y in Dickson. Well, this time the rumors are correct! The Young Men’s Christian Association may have been founded in London England, but it’s 2,686 YMCAs in the USA will grow to 2,687 by adding one more facility in Dickson TN.

People have talked about wanting a YMCA in Dickson for years, and some have even made attempts to make it happen, but Eric Thornton and Jody Barrett contacted the YMCA association and got the ball rolling. Matt Tidwell, one of the 11 members of the steering committee promoting the Y in Dickson shared that the YMCA Association started the process of investigating Dickson as a viable place to build a Y by doing a phone survey. According to Mr. Tidwell, the response was ” outrageous, better than any phone survey done in Middle TN”.

Three places are under consideration as possible building sites; Hwy 46 across from the Renaissance Center, Buckner Park and near Horizon Medical Center.

The proposed 40,000 sq. ft. YMCA is projected to include an indoor water-park and lap pool, as well as an outdoor pool. Some areas of consideration for the indoor facility are a Teen Center as well as a Senior Citizen Center.

Some area gyms have voiced apprehension as the Y may affect their membership, however, the Y charges membership fees on a sliding scale which will appeal to those who can not afford a gym membership.

The YMCA is so much MORE for the community than a place to work-out. The Y is about sports and camps and group activities. It is about classes and outreach and playtime for kids. Along with the enjoyment provided by a YMCA, we will also benefit from over 200 new jobs as well as 1M dollars of revenue .

But before you get your swimmies on, please note that this is all still in the planning stages. Currently, money is being raised from donations and businesses for the 10M dollar facility, it will not be paid for by tax dollars or city/county funding. As we progress further into the process there will be fundraisers with the help and direction of the YMCA’s fund raising team.

Did you know that in the 1890s, boys ” could not use the pool until after they had passed a proficiency test in gymnastics……swimming was taught by using a rope and pulley system.”? Or that “it was at the International YMCA Training School that in December 1891, James Naismith invented the game of basketball”!! “Volleyball was invented at the Holyoke (Mass.) YMCA in 1895, by William Morgan, an instructor at the Y who felt that basketball was too strenuous for businessmen”. And that “Racquetball was invented in 1950 at the Greenwich (Conn.) YMCA by Joe Sobek”! *

So many GREAT things have happened at YMCAs ! We look forward to seeing GREAT things happen in the future YMCA of Dickson TN!

Find out more on FaceBook Bring the YMCA to Dickson, Tennessee
*http://www.ymca.net/about_the_ymca/