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.

Ken Moore of The Bears Den, Mandy Thompson of Main Street Marketplace and Larry & Diane Fiser of Spunky Monkey are among the many business owners sponsoring Friday Night Downtown Lights. These businesses provide fun for all ages, late night shopping, and a relaxing end to the busy work week for customers. As you visit each shop this Friday, show the business owners your appreciation.

Several business owners agree Friday Night Downtown Lights brings a sense of renewed spirit to historic downtown Dickson. As I strolled around Main street speaking with business owners as well as people in the crowd, I asked for feedback from both groups. I was told by a few new faces that there was more expected. More shops opened late and more entertainment. I reassured them as the news got out other business owners might be open to keeping late hours on Fridays. I was told by the participating business owners a project of this size takes time and cooperation, most of all it takes people working together.

Image by Randy Blaylock

Mallory Paige Guthrie turned 3 on May 31st, 2009, and in her 3 short years she has fought bigger battles than most men I know.

When Mallory was just 2 years old when she was diagnosed with stage IV Embryonic Rhabdomyosa ( a rare but aggressive cancer) which, in laymen terms, is a tumor in her abdomen.  According to the information on CaringBridge  ” Her treatment plan consists of 12 weeks of chemo, possibly surgery, then 12 more weeks of radiation with chemo.” The e-mails I have read about how Mal Mal is handling her treatments, and the effects of the chemo, report that she is amazing and continuing on with her little 3 year old life ~ playing and doing what 3 year olds do. She may have lost her hair, but she has NOT lost her smile!

You may ask yourself how a family gets through a major trial and battle like this.  Friends, the only thing I can tell you is it is through something bigger than all of us~  it is through  Faith in God and the love and support of friends and their community. Who wouldn’t do ALL they could for their child and ask others to join in and do the same.  Mallory’s family continually asks us all to pray for their precious little girl because they know that prayer changes things.

The Guthrie family has been very appreciative of the care, concern and support they have received from everyone who has prayed,  made donations and/or  participated in one of their fund raising events.

This Saturday, June the 20th from noon until 6, the community will come together  one more time to assist the Guthries. Look, and listen, for them  in Holland Park in downtown Dickson. A silent auction will start at 12:00, there will be food and live music by The Crush and friends Tim Daley and Clayton Risner.

You don’t want to miss this opportunity to be entertained and have fun all while supporting your neighbor.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/malloryguthrie/mystory

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/tessadee117/Songs4Mallory4webcopy.jpg

http://www.myspace.com/thecrushdickson