All About Brownsville & Haywood County

Girls invited to compete for "Miss Hatchie" title

2014-09-05T18:20:00.002-05:00

Girls up to age 21 are invited to compete for the title of "Miss Hatchie" during the annual Miss Hatchie Pageant Sunday, September 14, in Brownsville, Tenn. The competition will be held at the Ann Marks Performing Arts Center, 127 North Grand. Competition begins at 2 p.m. Doors will open at 1 p.m.

A queen and three alternates will be chosen in each category. Trophies and crowns will be awarded. You do not have to be a resident of Brownsville or Haywood County to participate. This competition is a preliminary for the 2015 West Tennessee Strawberry Festival for ages 6-21; all festival rules apply.

Entries will be taken at the door or contestants can pre-register online at www.hatchiefallfest.com.

Taylor and Curtis chosen as 2013 Parade Grand Marshal

2013-12-09T18:15:00.001-06:00

Tom Taylor (left) and Jerry Curtis visit with the crowd and wait to perform their official duties as Grand Marshal during this year's Community Christmas Tree Lighting November 30.

Tom Taylor and Jerry Curtis are no strangers to folks in Haywood County. Both have served more than 30 years on the Brownsville-Haywood County Rescue Squad and over 35 years collectively as volunteer firemen. So it's no surprise that they have been chosen to lead this year's community Christmas Parade.

The co-Grand Marshals began their official duties November 30, when they flipped the switch to light the community Christmas tree. Over his lifetime, Taylor has 18 years experience at Haywood Company, 16 years at Wal-Mart and also served more than six years as a volunteer on the Brownsville Police Department during the tenure of Darrell Bull. Curtis has worked at Wal-Mart for the last 15 years and 10 years at MTD.

They invite the public to the festivities on the courthouse lawn this Saturday, December 14, beginning at 3 p.m., when all the children are invited to decorate their bikes, trikes, scooters or just about anything else they can ride, push or pull and join Santa for the Children's Parade. Santa will hang around for picture and to hear all the wishes of our local boys and girls. You're also invited to bring your letters for Santa, too.

Our four-legged friends get in on the fun, when Santa will lead the First Annual Pooch Parade at 4 p.m. He'll also take time to have pictures made with your pets.

The Haywood High School Show Choir will perform at 5, along with other area church choirs and groups helping to ring in the season and entertain the crowds gathering for the big parade which will begin at 6 p.m.

The Carl Perkins Center's Holiday Hustle fun run/walk will also be taking place. You can register at the Carl Perkins Center and enjoy the stroll from Boyd, down East Main and around the courthouse before the parade.

Food will be available on the square and parade watchers are invited to shop with local merchants while waiting for the parade to begin.

Over 35 entries have been confirmed for this year's parade which promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The parade is sponsored annually by the Brownsville-Haywood County Rescue Squad. In the event of pouring rain or inclement weather, the parade will be rescheduled for Monday, December 16.

Brownsville-Haywood County to host Hatchie BirdFest

2013-05-13T11:50:00.000-05:00

The first Hatchie BirdFest will be held at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center on Friday May 31, Saturday June 1, and Sunday June 2, 2013. The free event will offer a variety of activities for all ages to see and learn about the 200+ species of birds that occur in Brownsville and Haywood County, Tenn.

Bird watching hikes on Saturday and Sunday will be geared for both beginner and expert birdwatchers and will visit Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge and other areas in Haywood County.

Noted ornithologist Bob Ford will open the Hatchie BirdFest Friday, May 31, with a presentation on Haywood County birds and conduct a questions and answers session with attendees. Ford's talk will be held at College Hill Center in Brownsville beginning at 7 p.m.

The BirdFest will begin Friday evening with a presentation by noted ornithologist and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife biologist, Bob Ford. Saturday’s speakers will include Scott Somershoe (State Ornithologist, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency), Carol Reese (Ornamental Horticulture Specialist, University of Tennessee Extension Service) and David Haggard (West Tennessee Regional Interpretive Specialist, Tennessee State Parks). Friday evening event will be held at College Hill Center in Brownsville. All Saturday presentations will be at the Delta Heritage Center.

Horticulturist Carol Reese will share how to use native plants to attract birds, bees and butterflies during her presentation on Saturday, June 1, at the Hatchie BirdFest.

Photographs by Haywood County native and acclaimed nature photographer Joe B. Guinn will be on display at the Center throughout the weekend. Winning entries from 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd graders in the HatcheBirdFest Coloring Contest will also be displayed.

Exhibitors will include Tennessee Ornithological Society, Willow Oaks Farm, Memphis WildBird Unlimited, Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Great Outdoors University, Tennessee Watchable Wildlife and Raisin’ Cain BBQ.

For more information visit www.HatchieBirdFest.com.

Deep-fried barbecue makes debut at Exit 56 Blues Fest

2013-05-13T11:40:00.000-05:00

Do you love barbecue? Have you tried it deep-fried? Attendees to this year's Exit 56 Blues Fest will get an opportunity to try the bite-sized, deep-fried barbecue nuggets and even compete to see who can eat the most. The Deep-Fried BBQ Eating Championship will take place at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 25, at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.

Contestants must be at least 18 years of age and will have 10 minutes to eat as many deep-fried barbecue bites as possible. Water and sauce will be plentiful to help wash it down. There is a $5 entry fee and the lucky winner will receive a trophy, t-shirt and prize package. Interested parties are asked to pre-register for the competition by May 23. Complete rules and registration can be found at www.westtnheritage.com/exit56.

Along with great barbecue, festival attendees can spend the afternoon and evening listening to the Blues. Concerts will be performed from the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home and features performers such as Sean "Bad" Apple, Bluesberry Jam Band, Little Boys Blue and headliner TeeDee Young.

Car enthusiasts can cruise-in from 1-3 p.m., to compete for titles such as "Cool Chrome" "Most Likely to Get a Ticket" and 12 other fun titles. There is no entry fee and motorcycles are welcome, too.

Arts and crafts vendors will also be on site throughout the afternoon for those wanting to add a little shopping to the Blues mix. Jewelry, woodwork and paintings are just a few of the items you'll find.

Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. A complete schedule is available online, or by calling the Delta Heritage Center at 731-779-9000.

Singing with Soul

2013-04-23T17:53:00.001-05:00

The Como Mamas

Singing with Soul might sound a bit cliché to some, but the phrase appropriately describes the down-home gospel sound of The Como Mamas.

The three life-long African-American gospel singers have sauntered in from the small Delta town of Como, Mississippi. Their new, critically acclaimed album “Get an Understanding” features only three instruments — the powerful, raspy voice of Ester Mae Smith, the deep soothing sounds of Angela Taylor and the energetic, spirited vocals of Della Daniels.

Recently featured at SXSW 2013(South By Southwest) music festival in Austin Texas, the group garnered huge audience followings that led to being voted one of the festival’s top 3 acts.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the spirit and soul of the Delta. The harmonies of the Como Mamas are so powerful, musical accompaniment will not be missed. And neither should this Sunday, May 5 show. Music begins at 3 p.m., at the Ann Marks Performing Arts Center.

Tickets ($12.50 adults; $7 students) are available at area Brownsville banks, Livingston’s or from the Arts Council office (731.772.4883).

Brownsville to host "Cancer Queens! A Cancer Prevention Musical Revue"

2013-04-22T12:14:00.000-05:00

A group of professional health educators will provide a light-hearted approach to a serious subject when they present a cancer prevention musical Saturday, May 4, in Brownsville, Tenn. The performance will begin at 6 p.m., at the Ann Marks Performing Arts Theater. While there is no admission charge for the event, donations will be accepted and will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Known as the Cancer Queens, the group presents ways to improve health and reduce cancer risk through original lyrics and dances to tunes of popular songs. For example, dancing to the tune of Brooks and Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie," they encourage audiences to eat fruit and veggies and to go and get their Pap smears" to a parody of the Little Eva song, "Locomotion."

I'm always amazed at the lack of knowledge and awareness of the impact on health that simple lifestyle choices can have," said Brownsville Relay for Life Chairperson Carolyn Flagg. "The Cancer Queens present that information in a way that is fun and easy to remember. They engage audience members by entertaining them and drawing them into the fun."

Recognized by the Centers for Disease Control, the Cancer Queens have been bringing their health messages to audiences in churches, schools, women's organizations and other venues across the state of Tennessee for the last three years. The group is part of the Office of Community Outreach of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, in Nashville.

For more information about Brownsville's Relay for Life and the Cancer Queen performance, contact Flagg at 731-772-0425.

Walk with Drew & Friends ... Make a commitment to improve your health in 2013

2013-04-05T17:32:00.001-05:00

We want Brownsville & Haywood Co. to make a commitment to improve its health in 2013. Join this initiative! First walk is Saturday, April 6. Register at 9:30 a.m. at the football field, L.Z. Hurley Memorial Track. Walk begins at 10 a.m.

• Walks are APRIL 6-JUNE 15
• All walks will be on paved tracks and will range in length from 1-4 MILES
• Learn more about living A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE in Brownsville &
Haywood Co.
• Participants will be invited to the celebration after the final walk on June 15
• Participants who attend 20+ walks will become part of the 20+ Club and
receive a Walk with Drew and Friends T-Shirt.
• HCS students who attend 20+ walks will have their name put in a drawing for
a bike.
• Seethe schedule of walks below, walk what you can or try the daily
challenge, it is optional.
• Rain days report to the Haywood County Branch YMCA to do laps in the gym.

WALK WITH DREW & FRIENDS
WALK SCHEDULE DAILY OPTIONAL CHALLENGE
Sat, Apr 6 L.Z. Hurley Memorial Track 10am 2.0 miles
Tue, Apr 9 Webb Banks Passive Park 5:30 p.m. 2.0 miles
Thur, Apr 11 Haywood Park Hospital Track 5:30 p.m. 2.0 miles
Sat, Apr 13 L.Z. Hurley Memorial Track 10am 3.0 miles
Tues, Apr 16 Webb Banks Passive Park 5:30 p.m. 3.0 miles
Thu, Apr 18 Haywood Park Hospital Track 5:30 p.m. 2.5 miles
Sat, Apr 20 L.Z Hurley Memorial Track 10 am 3.0 miles
Tue, Apr 23 Webb Banks Passive Park 5:30 p.m. 3.0 miles
Thu, Apr 25 Haywood Park Hospital Track 5:30 p.m. 3.0 miles
Sat, Apr 27 LZ Hurley Memorial Track 10am 3.25 miles
Tue, Apr 30 Webb Banks Passive Park 5:30 p.m. 3.5 miles
Thu, May 2 Haywood Park Hospital 5:30 p.m. 3.0 miles
Sat, May 4 LZ Hurley Memorial Track 10am 3.0 miles
Tue, May7 Webb Banks Passive Park 5:30 p.m. 3.5 miles
Thu, May9 Haywood Park Hospital Track 5:30 p.m. 3.0 miles
Sat, May 11 LZ Hurley Memorial Field 10am 3.0 miles
Tue, May 14 Webb Banks Passive Park 5:30 p.m. 3.5 miles
Thu, May 16 Haywood Park Hospital Track 5:30 p.m. 4.0 miles
Sat, May 18 No Walk- HHS Graduation
Tue, May 21 Webb Banks Passive Park 5:30 p.m. 3.5 miles
Thu, May23 Haywood Park Hospital Track 5:30 p.m. 2.5 miles
Sat, May 25 LZ Hurley Memorial Track 10 am 3.5 miles
Tue, May 28 Webb Banks Passive Park 5:30 p.m. 2.0 miles
Thu, May 30 Haywood Park Hospital 5:30 p.m. 3.0 miles
Sat, June 1 LZ Hurley Memorial Track 10 am 3.38 miles
Tue, June 4 Webb Banks Passive Park 5:30p.m. 3.0 miles
Thu, June 6 Haywood Hospital Track 5:30 p.m. 3.5 miles
Sat, June 8 LZ Hurley Memorial Track 10am 3.5 miles
Tue, June 11 Webb Banks Passive Park 5:30 pm 3.25 miles
Thu, June 13 Haywood Park Hospital Track 5:30 p.m. 3.0 miles
Sat, June 15 Final Walk to YMCA 8 am 2.62 miles

Clark elected to TACVB Board of Directors

2013-03-04T14:14:00.000-06:00

Sonia Outlaw-Clark

Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Director of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, has been elected to the Tennessee Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus Board of Directors. Board members were elected by the membership during their annual meeting at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in September 2012 and officially took office January 1, 2013. Clark will serve a three-year term as the West Tennessee representative. Barry Young, Sumner County CVB Director and Brownsville native, was also elected to a two-year term representing Middle Tennessee.

TACVB’s board members represent a broad and diverse group of tourism professionals from all areas of the state. Newly elected officers of the Association are Chairman Shelda S. Rees, Chattanooga CVB; Vice-Chair, Kim Bumpas, Visit Knoxville; Secretary Lori Nunnery, Jackson CVB; Treasurer Theresa Harrington, Clarksville-Montgomery County CVB; Immediate Past Chair Rhonda Adams, Dickson County Chamber. Other Board members include Laura Canada, Cookeville-Putnam County (East TN rep); Mark Shore, Williamson County CVB (Middle TN rep); Katy Brown, Oak Ridge CVB; Brenda McCroskey, Sevierville CVB; Calvin Taylor, Memphis CVB; Jennifer Wheatley, Paris-Henry County Chamber; and Melissa Woody, Cleveland-Bradley County Chamber. Affiliate members elected to one-year terms are: Tubby Kubik, Chocklett Press; Craig Richards, Collinson Media; and Mary Steadman, Miles.

“TACVB is fortunate to have outstanding community leaders willing to volunteer their time and talent to enhance Tennessee’s reputation for hospitality,” said Sheila Leggett, TACVB Executive Director. “The importance of tourism in Tennessee cannot be overstated. It is one of Tennessee’s largest industries, and provides billions of dollars of direct economic impact and sales tax revenues annually.”

The Tennessee Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus is a non-profit organization representing the state's official destination management and marketing organizations. It is dedicated to the advancement of issues and activities deemed to be in the best interest of the Tennessee tourism industry and, specifically, the membership of the organization.

JOEL SOUTHERN APPOINTED PERMANENT CEO AT HAYWOOD PARK COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

2013-03-04T08:56:00.003-06:00

Joel Southern

Joel Southern has been named permanent Chief Executive Officer of Haywood Park Community Hospital, Brownsville, Tenn., effective immediately. He has served as interim chief executive officer since August 2012.

“Haywood Park is an important resource to this community,” said Southern. “I’ve enjoyed working with the medical staff, board and employees of Haywood Park over the past six months and look forward to building upon the groundwork we’ve laid together.”

In his previous role as Chief Nursing Officer at Henderson County Community Hospital, Southern contributed to the hospital’s designation as a Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures two years in a row. The hospital was also recognized for excellence in inpatient and employee satisfaction as well as outstanding performance on Core Measures. Before that, as CNO at Parkway Medical Center in Decatur, Alabama, the hospital received the “Best in Value” award and was accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers and as a Bariatric Center of Excellence.

“Joel’s career has been dedicated to achieving the highest standards of quality and providing patients with exceptional service,” said Michael Banks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Haywood Park Community Hospital. “His expertise will only enhance Haywood Park’s reputation of delivering the finest care to the people we serve.”

Southern received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing with concentrations in Hospital and Healthcare Administration from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Brownsville Police Department Plans Holiday Crackdown

2012-12-12T18:32:00.001-06:00

Holiday party-goers, beware! To help save lives this holiday season, the Brownsville Police Department is launching a special “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown to stop impaired drivers and to save lives on our roadways.

Officers will be aggressively looking for impaired drivers and will arrest anyone caught driving impaired. Enforcement efforts will include sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols. The special enforcement crackdown will run from December 12, 2012, through January 1, 2013.

“Lots of folks will be out during this busy holiday season, enjoying themselves and the holiday festivities, and we want everyone to be safe on our roadways.” said Lt. Barry Diebold. “That’s why we will be stepping up enforcement to catch and arrest impaired drivers. Please be forewarned. If you are caught drinking and driving impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses.”

During 2010, more than 10,000 people were killed nationwide in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving an impaired driver.

The holiday season is a particularly dangerous time. During December 2010, 30 percent of all fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involved alcohol-impaired drivers. Data also shows that among those alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities, 71 percent occurred when drivers had nearly twice the legal limit blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 grams per deciliter or higher.

“No one ever thinks that their holiday celebration will end in jail, or worse, in a hospital or the morgue,” said Brownsville Police Chief Chris Lea. “But for those who include alcohol in their celebrations and then get behind the wheel, this is often the case.”

It is illegal in all 50 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. According to the Brownsville Police Department, violators face jail time, loss of driver license, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job.

Chief Lea says there are three simple steps people can take to stay safe and out of trouble:

Plan ahead. If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Designate a sober driver or find another safe way home. Even one too many drinks increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle.
If you are impaired, find another way home. Call a sober friend or family member.
Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.

“We want everyone to enjoy their holidays, but we also want our roadways to be safe,” said Lt Diebold. “We will be out in force to help save lives, and we are not going to tolerate impaired driving. So remember, ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.’ We will be watching.”

For more information, visit the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign Headquarters at www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober

Don’t Let Holiday Celebrations End Tragically

2012-11-28T17:24:00.000-06:00

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, filled with celebrations, time with loved ones and good cheer. But, for the 775 families whose loved ones were killed during December 2010 in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, the joyous celebrations ended in disaster.

That’s why the Brownsville Police Department is joining with highway safety partners and law enforcement organizations across the country this December to remind people that during the holidays and throughout the year, drinking alcohol and driving do not mix and that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

“Drinking and driving is never a good combination, and it’s just not worth the risk,” said Brownsville Chief Chris Lea. “Driving a vehicle or riding a motorcycle while intoxicated jeopardizes your safety and the safety of others on our roads. If you are going to drink, plan another way home before the celebration begins, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32,885 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes during 2010 and 31 percent (10,228) of those fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers.

The holiday season is particularly dangerous. During December 2010, 2,597 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes, and 775 of those were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers.

“This tragic loss of life can be reduced if we get impaired drivers off our roadways,” says Lt. Barry Diebold. “That’s why we are working hard to remind everyone to never drink and drive.”

This holiday season, the Brownsville Police Department is encouraging people to take three simple steps to ensure their holiday celebrations don’t end in tragedy.

1. Plan ahead; be sure to designate a sober driver before the party begins.

2. If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Even one drink too many increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle. If you are impaired, find another way home. Call a sober friend or family member.

3. Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.

“The holidays should be a time for celebration, not tragedy,” says Chief Lea. “Please help us make Brownsville’s roadways safe by never driving after drinking. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving, so never drink and drive.”

For more information on Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving, please visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.

Brownsville kicks off the holidays with new traditions

2012-11-17T14:03:00.002-06:00

Brownsville will kick off the holiday season Thursday, November 29, with a plethora of events planned for the whole family. Among the activities are the lighting of the community Christmas Tree, a visit from Santa, opening of this year’s Festival of Trees, Brownsville – Let it Shine Church Illumination and Thursday Night Shop Hop.

Parade Grand Marshal Carolyn Flagg
will throw the switch to
illuminate the tree.

For the first time in many years, an official tree lighting will signal the start of the holiday season in Brownsville. City and County officials will join the chamber and business association to mark the beginning of what is hoped to become a long-standing tradition.

"The tree is something we have talked about for over a year and I'm excited to see it happening," says Chamber President Clinton Neal. "We also have lots of other fun activities planned and hope everyone will come out for an evening downtown."

According to Neal, the tree will be approximately 18 feet tall and will stand at the front of the courthouse. The lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., and includes a performance by the Haywood High School Show Choir.

Area children are invited to stop by and visit with Santa inside the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m. Parents are encouraged to bring a camera to be sure and capture the moment. Kids will also be able to drop off their letters to Santa at a special mailbox located at Morris Jewelers. Santa will return to Brownsville every Thursday night until Christmas.

Area clubs and organizations, along with local businesses, will display themed Christmas trees for public viewing beginning Thursday evening as part of the Brownsville Exchange Club’s “Festival of Trees.” Enjoy hot chocolate and other goodies while browsing the displayed trees inside the courthouse. The exhibits will remain open during regular business hours through December 5.

Local churches will show off their beautiful stained glass windows during a “Church Illumination” walking and driving tour of downtown churches from 5-7 p.m. This is a new Brownsville – Let it Shine event presented by the Tennessee Downtown – Brownsville Steering Committee.

Sixteen local merchants will remain open until 7 p.m., for shopper’s convenience beginning Thursday, November 29, and continuing on Thursday evenings through December 20.

"We're happy to be teaming with the Chamber this year," says Kenny Ellington, president of the Brownsville Business Association. "It's given us an opportunity to bring back Thursday night shopping and build some new traditions."

The “Thursday Night Shop Hop” kicks-off the beginning of the Brownsville Business Association’s Shop Brownsville First campaign. The campaign allows shoppers to make local purchases during a time more convenient for them and to register for great prizes. The big prize giveaway will take place December 20, 7 p.m., on the courthouse lawn.

Haywood County's Youth Leadership class will be offering free gift wrapping to anyone presenting a local receipt on November 29. The Youth Leadership class will be set up at Insouth Bank from 5-7 p.m.

For more information about these or other upcoming events, contact the Brownsville-Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, 731-772-2193, Brownsville Business Association, 731-780-5144, or visit www.ShopBrownsvilleTN.com.

Tourism generates $13.46 Million in economic impact for Brownsville and Haywood County

2012-11-12T15:03:00.001-06:00

In 2011, tourism generated $13.46 million in economic impact for Brownsville and Haywood County, Tenn. This is a 4 percent increase over the previous year and includes $1.3 million in local and state tax revenue. Haywood County ranks fifth in Southwest Tennessee for direct tourism expenditures.

“From our fire and safety protection to our public education system, our community relies on tourism,” said Sonia Outlaw-Clark, director of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. “Travel supports not only the 80 travel-dependent workers in Brownsville, it also brought in $580,000 in local sales tax revenues."

With our location on Interstate 40, travel promotion is an important economic driver for Brownsville and Haywood County. Contributing to these figures is the more than $84,000 collected through the local hotel/motel tax. According to Clark, the hotel/motel tax collected in 2011-12 fiscal year was up .2 percent over the previous year. Visitors to the Delta Heritage Center also increased more than 4 percent during 2011.

"These numbers will continue to increase as we develop our tourism product and give visitors a reason to stay longer," explains Clark.

The 2011 tourism impact numbers were announced at the Governor's Tourism Conference held in Sevierville in late September. The economic impact for the state is a record $15.36 billion spent by visitors. The figures represented an increase of 8.7 percent from 2010. This is the first time the state has exceeded $15 billion. It was also the sixth consecutive year that tourism businesses generated more than a billion dollars in state and local sales tax revenue. For the second year in a row, all of Tennessee's 95 counties saw an increase in direct tourism expenditures.

The West Tennessee DeltaHeritage Center is the primary destination marketing organization for Brownsville.

Entrepreneur Development Center Launch slated

2012-10-05T16:23:00.000-05:00

The Entrepreneur Development Center (EDC) will host its launch event on Tuesday, October 23, at the Aeneas Building in downtown Jackson, Tenn. The launch event, scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m., will feature Matt Kisber, President and CEO of Silicon Ranch Corporation; and, successful entrepreneur, Carl Kirkland, co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Kirklands.

“Much of the growth in our economy in recent years has been in the small business sector, as a result of entrepreneurship. The launch of this center today will help foster the continued growth and development of small businesses,” said Kisber, who is also the former Commissioner of the Tennessee Economic Development Commission.

The Entrepreneur Development Center will help budding entrepreneurs in Jackson and the Southwest Tennessee, including Haywood County, area develop their businesses from idea generation to business launch. The EDC will pair entrepreneurs with successful business leaders who will serve as their mentors during their time in the center.

“Through entrepreneurship, I've lived the American Dream," said Carl Kirkland. "The beauty of this country is that you can start with little more than a dream and build a successful business that provides jobs and economic growth.”

The EDC is a part of Governor Haslam’s Startup Tennessee Initiative designed to spur job creation and economic growth and to make Tennessee the number one place for high-growth and high-knowledge businesses.

According to Dr. Linda Garrard, Executive Director of the EDC, “Our new center strives to be the “front door" for entrepreneurs in Southwest Tennessee. We will help our entrepreneurs build their businesses by connecting them to the critical resources they need to be successful. These critical resources include experienced mentors, knowledge, training, seed capital and a supportive community.”

The launch event will showcase the talents of local entrepreneurs like, Marci Harris. Marci began public service as “Tornado Recovery Coordinator”, charged with managing the rebuilding of Jackson following a devastating tornado in 2003. After earning a law degree, and working in public service, Marci Harris left a career on Capitol Hill in February 2010, to build POPVOX, a neutral, nonpartisan platform for civic engagement and legislative information.

Launched in January 2011, POPVOX has delivered over 500,000 messages to Congress from users in every Congressional district. In 2011, POPVOX won the SxSW BizSpark Accelerator startup competition. Harris is a recipient of a 2012 Tribeca Film Festival Disruptive Innovation Award and was named #13 of the “Top 100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company magazine.

For additional information on the Entrepreneur Development Center (ECD), email, info @startupedc .com. Seating is limited for the launch event; please call (731) 554-5555 to reserve your seat. Sponsors for this event include: Aeneas Internet and Telephone, West Tennessee Healthcare, University of Memphis, Freed-Hardeman University, Premier Place Catering. This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee.

Haywood County Leadership Class of 2013

2012-09-06T17:17:00.000-05:00

Introducing the Haywood County Leadership Class of 2013

Johnny N. Bradford

Johnny N. Bradford

A 21-year resident of Haywood County, Johnny is currently serving as a substitute teacher and also provides sound for various programs and events in the school system. He is also a disc jockey. Johnny is active in his church, Willow Grove Baptist, where he serves as sound technician and a Youth Department committee member. He has also served as an assistant to the Teen Advisors at Haywood High and is a member of the National Education Association. This year he is serving as a Blueminati, a group who helps bridge the gap between Tennessee State University alumni and undergrads. Johnny’s goal in life is to give of his time and energy to help others. He loves to read and is a self-described history buff, an avid sports fan and is trying his hand at video production. Johnny holds a bachelor of science degree from Tennessee State University and is currently working on earning a master’s degree from Bethel University. He believes a major issue in Haywood County is that youth do not realize the importance of a post-secondary education. He wants to see the community come together to solve various pressing issues here. “If we do,” he says, “we will see a dramatic increase in the quality of life here.”

Senica Ann Cephus

Senica Ann Cephus

As office manager at Golden Circle, Senica oversees the day-to-day business activities for the company. She is a Haywood High School graduate, holds an associate degree from Jackson State and a bachelor of business degree from Lane College. Senica also holds a certified license in property and casualty, life and health insurance. She was named to Who’s Who at Lane and earned honors and Dean’s List recognition. She has lived in Haywood County for 30 years. She is a member of Faith Deliverance Church and serves as a youth advisor. Senica enjoys mentoring youth, and in addition to the youth at church, she also served as a mentor at Lane College. She feels it is important to always be helpful to others. Her hobbies include shopping, fashion, spending time with husband and two sons, swimming and helping others. An issue Senica believes is of utmost importance in the community is the lack of recreation for the community’s youth. “When Haywood can come together with a common goal, as a community, we are unstoppable,” she says. She also believes that we have a lack of vision and actions concerning our community.

Terry G. Chambers

Terry G. Chambers

Terry Chambers, who holds certification as a landfill operator, has been in Haywood County for 40 years. He attends Brownsville Baptist Church, has served in the Dixie Youth Baseball program and was a member of the Jaycees. What he believes to be important about his work in the community is helping others, especially children. He enjoys gardening and landscaping, fishing and hunting, and going on beach vacations with his wife. Most of all, he says, he enjoys spending time with family – his children and grandchildren. He believes unemployment is a huge issue and challenge that our city and county leaders face. Terry is concerned for the young people who are looking to settle in Haywood County and raise their families. He also believes that city and county government leaders, the school system and civic organizations are three strong areas in the community.

Timothy Lewis Chapman

Timothy Lewis Chapman

Tim Chapman, who lives in Stanton, is a senior process/cost reduction engineer at Teknor Apex. He manages a maintenance group in the garden hose plant. He has worked in Haywood County for 6-1/2 years. He is a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers and Wire Association International. Tim has been a teacher of Kung Fu and attained a Black Sash rank. He enjoys attending antique tractor and engine shows, working on old tractors and stationary engines, residential wiring, welding, carpentry, gardening, landscaping and other outdoor activities. Tim holds a bachelor of science degree in plastics engineering technology and an MBA from William Carey College. He also holds an associate degree in landscaping technology. Tim was awarded a patent for a new garden hose design. He believes that Haywood County would benefit from more good-paying employment opportunities. He is impressed with the local schools, the quality of life here and the local hospital. Tim says, “I can make an impact working to keep my employer strong to help maintain and grow the stable, good paying jobs we already have.”

Clinton Francis

Clinton Francis

Clinton Frances supervises the daily operations of the deposit functions of InSouth Bank. He has worked in Haywood County for six years. He is a member of the Exchange Club in Covington and has served as treasurer. He enjoys supporting his children’s sports, hunting and spending time with family. Clinton is interested in learning more about the community he works in, and he sees that the people here have great support for their community.

Gordon Joseph Geter

Joey Geter is a newcomer to Brownsville/Haywood County. He has been here for nine months and is a partner in his CPA firm that also has offices in Jackson, Martin and Paris. He is from Natchez, Mississippi, and holds a master’s degree in accounting with seven years’ experience and attends more than 40 hours of CPE a year. He was a founding member of the Chamber of Commerce – Natchez Young and Upcoming Professionals. He was also named to Who’s Who Among Young Professionals and Executives and is the co-creator of the Brownsville Business column in the States-Graphic. Joey is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Brownsville Rotary Club, the Brownsville Country Club and the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is also a coach and board member for the local Dixie Youth Baseball. He said being in these organizations has helped him become accustomed to the town and how it functions. He enjoys fishing, golfing, going to church, spending time with family and participating in and watching sports. Joey believes that a major issue in the community is city growth and industrial development. He says our rich agriculture history and a welcoming small-town feeling are two of Brownsville’s strengths. He believes we can keep that feeling while growing and modernizing.

Vincent A. Harvell

Vincent A. Harvell

Vincent Harvell is the Chief Financial Officer for Haywood County Schools. In his eighth year with the school system, he is responsible for the management of fiscal operations, maintenance and building operations and technology infrastructure. Vincent holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Lambuth University. He’s also taken additional classes through the University of Memphis and Jackson State Community College. He is a member of St. Paul M. B. Church and serves as Trustee and as a Sunday School teacher. He is a member of the Tennessee Association of School Business officials, the BEP Review Committee and a former Lambuth College Alumni Board member. Vincent believes as a Sunday School teacher, he has had the opportunity to mentor children and try to make a difference in their lives. He enjoys his job with the schools, watching basketball games and playing with his granddaughter. His concern for Haywood County is centered on education. He wants to see training opportunities for citizens, and he believes affordable decent housing is also an issue. He also believes that Haywood County’s school system has made tremendous improvement. “It is a work in progress, but has a very good upside,” Vincent said.

Drew Scott Magruder

Drew Scott Magruder

The voice of Brownsville Radio, Drew Magruder, oversees operations for the day part of programming for the local station. He has been in Brownsville for 5-1/2 years and has become an integral part of the community. He attended the Columbia School of Broadcasting. He is also CPR trained. Drew serves on the Haywood County Rescue Squad and is the PA announcer for the Tomcats. He says his training has taught him how to communicate in stressful situations. His hobbies are exercising and biking, and he feels he now has more energy and wants to more active in community. Drew sees race relations as one of the biggest challenges in the community. “Haywood Countians should learn to work together,” he says. “It is the only way our county can move forward.” Drew also believes that the people are the county’s biggest asset. He believes that the good, creative and passionate people of this community can work together to make positive changes.

Renee Moss

Reneé Moss

New to Brownsville/Haywood County, Renee Moss was recently selected to lead the local chamber of commerce. Before moving to Brownsville, she served on the McNairy County Chamber Board, on the Executive Board of the Tourism Association of Southwest Tennessee and as the Adamsville Partnership Secretary. She is a certified Tennessee Tourism Professional and is a graduate of McNairy County Adult Leadership 2010. Through her work, Renee has used her skills and experience to organize a number of community events. Her hobbies include spending time with family, shopping, reading, playing games online and Facebook. She believes Brownsville’s challenges are in the areas of education and retail. For community strengths, she listed industrial development, city and county work well together, community involvement and agriculture.

Joyce Ann Pirtle

Joyce Ann Pirtle

Joyce is retired from the Haywood County Clerk’s office and spends her time in retirement visiting the nursing home and the sick and shut-in, attending meetings, helping at church and with family members. She has lived in Haywood County since 1975. Joyce is currently a Policy Council Member for the Southwest Human Resource Agency, the secretary for the Haywood County NAACP, and serves as a committee member and secretary for the Relay for Life committee for Willow Grove M. B. Church. She has also served as missionary secretary, Sunday School secretary and Youth Committee member at her church and as a committee member for the United Way. She attended the West Tennessee Business College in Jackson. Joyce has received a number of plaques, certificates and awards for her work at church and in the community. From her work, she has met and worked with people from all walks of life. She likes to listen to ideas and comments from others so that whatever needs there are in the community can be met. Joyce believes that homelessness is an issue in Haywood County, and she is interested in being involved in correcting this problem. She also believes that the people of Haywood County should be proud of their community service and willingness to help others.

David Leonard Prine

David Leonard Prine

David Prine, a 30-year resident of Haywood County, is a machinist for Lasco Fittings. He is a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he serves as Sunday School Director, a Deacon, a Sunday School teacher and is actively involved in numerous committees. He was active in the Industrial Softball League here. He also enjoys hunting, fishing and camping, which he says has allowed him to spend quality time with his grandchildren. He is from Leland, Mississippi, and attended Mississippi Delta Junior College on a football scholarship. He also held the position of commissioner with the Brownsville Dixie Youth Baseball League. David believes that Haywood County lacks activities for our young people to keep them busy and off the streets. He wants a safer environment for the youth, and believes that we need to encourage and train our children to become future leaders in the community. He also believes that the community has a strong industrial base.

Holt Pritchett

Holt Pritchett

Holt Pritchett, who has been with First South Bank for six years, is a commercial lender in the Haywood County branch. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin with a business degree, of Barnett School of Banking Commercial Lending Academy and the Southeastern School of Advanced Commercial Lending. Holt is an officer for Habitat for Humanity and has been a volunteer for Relay for Life and March of Dimes and is a member of Rotary. He has assisted numerous families through HFH to better their lives and has helped raise funds needed for numerous other organizations. He enjoys hunting, golf, water sports, sports and running. Holt believes that the local school system and the lack of growth in the community are two of its biggest challenges. He also believes that continued involvement by citizens will improve both of these issues. In his opinion, the fact that the community is so tight-knit will help it overcome its weaknesses. Holt points out that our agriculture base, a beautiful courthouse and downtown area and our close proximity to larger towns are three other assets of the community.

Teri Leann Robinson

Teri Leann Robinson

A 10-year resident of Haywood County, Teri Robinson is in customer service and performs various other duties at Brownsville Utility Department. She holds a BBA in general business from the University of Mississippi. She is active at Westside Church of Christ, in the Republican Women, PTO, Relay for Life and Boy Scouts. She says serving in her church and the community, especially helping children and families, is the most important thing she can do. She appreciates the opportunity to meet others in this service. She is an avid Ole Miss fan and tries to attend all home games. She also likes to read, spend time with her kids and walk. “Fostering an attitude of free enterprise and small business friendliness is a great concern of mine,” Teri says of Brownsville’s challenges. She believes Brownsville can become a hub for small businesses and wants to research our business policies and recruitment strategies to make sure they are the best in the area. Teri believes that involvement and concerns from our citizens during time of need is impressive. “So many of our town come out and support our local charities, businesses, and children’s activities.”

Glenn William Stoots

Glenn William Stoots

Glenn Stoots is a supervisor at Teknor Apex and has lived in Haywood County for 30 years. He has attended seminars to become a more effective supervisor and learn management and leadership skills. Glenn is a member of the Haywood County Volunteer Fire Department District #5. He has also served with the United Way Fund Allocation Team. He says his involvement in these activities has been important to him because it has given him the opportunity to give back and help out in the community. He is also very interested in finding out ways that he may be able to help out in volunteer work in the community, especially with the youth. According to Glenn, one particular issue he feels is critical to the community is creating more activities for the youth. Because of this, he says, our community is losing tax dollars and losing families to surrounding communities. Glenn said that its strongest asset is that the community will come together to help out its fellow citizens.

Regen M. Thornton

Regen M. Thornton

Regen Thornton, who has lived in Brownsville for 10 years, has deep roots in the community. He has been coming here for years to visit Brownsville, and now calls it home. He is an agriculture loan officer for First State Bank. Regen is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin and holds a degree in agriculture business. He is also a licensed land surveyor. He has been training with First State since January learning about farm financial analysis and recently completed a week-long Agricultural Lending School at the University of Missouri. Regen’s hobbies include golf, hunting and fishing. He believes that education is a challenge in Haywood County and that its biggest strength is its agriculture.

SWTDD presents Impact Award to Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith and Community Excellence Award to City of Brownsville

2012-09-05T11:36:00.000-05:00

More than 220 people gathered at the Doubletree Hotel in Jackson recently for the Southwest Tennessee Development District’s Annual Board of Directors Meeting and its first ever awards program to recognize individuals and organizations who work cooperatively with SWTDD’s Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities (AAAD) and its Economic & Community Development (ECD) divisions. Winners were selected by way of nominations submitted from throughout the region. Brownsville-Haywood County was recognized in three different areas at the event.

Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith

Impact Award
For his untiring efforts to help the elderly and disabled in his county, Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith was presented with SWTDD’s Area Agency on Aging & Disability Impact Award. The purpose of the Impact Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made an observable or measureable impact on the quality of life of older adults by providing leadership in advocacy, public policy change, securing new or additional funding, program development and/or cultural enhancement.

“Mayor Smith has worked diligently for many years to ensure that the elderly and disabled populations in Southwest Tennessee receive services that enable independence and dignity,” said Joe W. Barker, SWTDD executive director. “From being a county mayor, to an executive director at Southwest Human Resource Agency, to serving as the Chairman of the SWTDD Board of Directors, Mayor Smith has advocated not only for his community of Haywood County, but for citizens throughout the region… Mayor Smith is a true statesman with a gentleman’s heart.”

Other AAAD award winners were: Senior Center of the Year: Selmer Senior Center; Partnership of the Year: West Tennessee Legal Services; and Advisory Council Members of the Year: James Pearson of Parkers Crossroads and Bobby Hysmith of Henderson.

Sharon Hayes, Brownsville Mayor Jo Matherne, Thomas Skehan

Community Excellence Award
The City of Brownsville won SWTDD’s ECD Community Excellence Award for its “Brownsville on the Move” program. The Community Excellence Award recognizes a community project within the SWTDD boundaries that shows initiative, reflects originality, demonstrates a collaborative effort, has long-term positive impact on the community, includes public participation and can easily be scaled or replicated in another community.

“With the Brownsville on the Move program, local officials recognized the need to create a new vision for their community that would set a course for the next 15-20 years and would impact the economic success of their city,” said Barker. “Brownsville leaders contracted with the University of Memphis to generate and analyze a comprehensive plan and enlisted the help of local Planners to assist in their effort. Composed of City leaders and residents, this group defined goals, principles and methodology. The end product was a dynamic, well-documented and detailed blueprint for the future of their city that is based on extensive public input and creative ‘out of the box’ thinking.”

Regional Collaboration Award

Haywood County was also recognized as an important part in the SWTDD Regional Collaboration Award for its participation in the Tri-County College Summit hosted by Dyersburg State Community College.

“This collective effort was all about helping the students connect to a college or another form of post secondary education,” said Barker. “The group worked together to host an enormous college fair that included students from the six high schools (400+ students) in the REDI counties of Haywood, Lauderdale, and Tipton Counties, 13 post-secondary institutions from across the State of Tennessee, and the entire 11-county REDI staff. It was of tremendous benefit to the students and has become a catalyst for what will become the new norm with REDI in our region.”

The other two SWTDD ECD awards were the Innovation Award to the Lexington Industrial Development Board for its Virtual Speculative Building Initiative and the Building Block Award to McNairy County for its extensive use of SWTDD services.

“Southwest Tennessee Development District is an organization with a talented and compassionate staff, but it relies heavily on our city and county governments, volunteers and partners to carry out the organization’s mission,” said Joe W. Barker, SWTDD Executive Director. “Tonight’s awards program is a first step in publicly recognizing those who are working to improve the economic climate and quality of life in the SWTDD region. Although only eight awards were presented tonight, there are many other individuals and groups who are working hard for the citizens in this region every day. We look forward to recognizing them in the years to come.”

SWTDD provides services to individuals and governments in the counties of Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and McNairy. Also recognized at the event was Parsons’ Mayor Tim David Boaz, the outgoing SWTDD chairman, who passed the leadership gavel to Hardin County Mayor Kevin Davis.

To learn more about the SWTDD, visit www.swtdd.org or call 731.668.7112.

Where the Real America Lives

2012-08-29T18:58:00.000-05:00

This was written by Norm Rourke, freelance author from Beggs. Ok., who stopped over in Brownsville a couple of weeks ago. We're thankful to him for his kind words and sharing his writings with us.

A scene from the August Concert on the Porch. "His Voice" is performing.

Where the Real America Lives

Returning from a trip to East Tennessee, we stopped overnight in Brownsville; a small town of 10,000 or so, but with the heart and friendliness found only in Small Town America.

After getting settled, we wandered about outside. Across from our motel, we noticed folks gathering with their lawn chairs in the parking lot behind the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. As a former reporter and still freelance writer (and being nosy), I wandered down the street to see if I could find out what was going on.

Following introductions we heard music…real, down home music. Old time, never-to-be-forgotten Baptist gospel music was being belted out like we’d not heard in many years. We stayed back out of the way behind the seated group tapping our toes and my wife even sang along (My singing would quickly chase everyone away!).

“I remember those songs mom used to sing,” she said.

Folks invited us to sit, but we had been sitting and driving so long it felt good just to stand. A young man at a table offered us bottles of water. Another lady came up and asked where we were from (Oklahoma). Smiles, greetings and friendliness poured forth. We felt like we belonged.

We were invited to tour the heritage center and had planned to do so, but we thought it was closed. There we met a lady whose name unfortunately I’ve forgotten (sorry) who gave us a brief tour and explanation of the various venues. I gave her my business card and later Sonia Outlaw-Clark, director of the center came out and introduced herself. She provided more information about the center, Brownsville and suggestions for sights. We told her we were leaving the next day to continue our return home, but we might squeeze in a quick trip downtown to the square (I like small town squares with their classic court houses).

While touring the Heritage Center, we learned of Sleepy John Estes and other early day bluesmen. We learned that Tina Turner was born not far away—one of my most favorite entertainers! We saw the school she attended that was to be refurbished and placed on display.

The next day before leaving we did make a quick trip to the town square and in the process were able to help a man changing a tire for an elderly lady. Actually, he had pretty well finished before I finally figured out which way to go around the square and could only offer a little last minute help. More friendliness thanks and “have a safe trip home.” We also saw the Mind Field sculpture…what a sight (I mean that positively). It’s hard to get pictures of it all.

As I listened, learned and talked with some of the folks in Brownsville, it was clear this was America at its best. And these are the folks who are the backbone of this great country. No matter which political party they support, no matter the color of their skin, no matter what church they attend, they are all what makes America great.

I thought how sad it was that politicians could not experience this brief visit as we had. If they did, they would see what makes America great. These were not fast talking manipulative hucksters. They were not special interest groups seeking power and influence and wealth.

No, these Brownsville folks were ordinary people enjoying an evening of music and friendship and sharing it with a couple of strangers who were just passing through.

Thank you Brownsville for reminding us there are still good and decent folks in our country. And thank you for sharing your kindness, smiles, handshakes and pride of your town. I don’t know when or if we’ll be back, but the memory of our pleasant short visit washed away some of the weariness of the road.

God bless you all!

Norm & Connie Rourke

Beggs, Oklahoma

Brownsville Police Department Sobriety Checkpoints set for Labor Day Weekend

2012-08-29T18:23:00.003-05:00

The Brownsville Police Department will be increasing enforcement efforts to ensure the safety of the citizens of Brownsville and Haywood County. Sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols will be conducted Friday, August 31, through Monday September 3,at three locations within the Brownsville city limits: Highway 76/Anderson Avenue, Bypass and Hatchie St. and Bypass at Highway 19.

The checkpoints and saturation patrols will be conducted between 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. Officers will concentrate their enforcement efforts on removing impaired drivers from the roadways. Officers will also be enforcing non-compliance with the safety belt law, as well as child restraint laws.

This event is funded by a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office.

Auditions for “A Century of Broadway”

2012-08-29T17:55:00.001-05:00

It was 100 years ago that the American Theater opened for business on 42^nd Street in the heart of Manhattan. It was to be the first of many theaters in that part of town, the area now known around the world as “Broadway.” Celebrate the history and heritage of musical theater from Tin Pan Alley to today’s blockbuster “Memphis—the musical.”

The Brownsville-Haywood County Arts Council will present “A Century of Broadway” Nov 3. Auditions for singers will be Saturday, Sept 15, from 9 until 1, at the Ann L. Marks Performing Arts Center at College Hill, Brownsville, Tenn.

Vocalist 6^th grade to adult should have a prepared musical selection with either cd or simple piano accompaniment.

For more information contact Jay Walker at College Hill Center (731.772.4883) arts4@twc.com or Luke Churchill.

The Whatif Monster Comes to Brownsville

2012-08-22T17:47:00.002-05:00

Michelle Nelson-Schmidt

On Tuesday, August 28, children’s author/illustrator Michelle Nelson-Schmidt will visit the students and faculty of Haywood Elementary School in Brownsville, Tenn., kicking off her first week of school visits for the 2012/13 school year. Nelson-Schmidt will be reading and sharing from her newest book, Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster.

Traveling with her is a very hairy green and worrisome Whatif Monster who communicates his thoughts by whispering them to Nelson-Schmidt, who then relays them to the students.

“In general, my presentation has a lot to do with hard work, perseverance and following your dreams! I love what I do and I want to encourage everyone I meet to find their special and unique talent whatever it may be and go after it with everything you’ve got! The World needs you to,” says Nelson-Schmidt.

An experienced speaker, she inspires students with personal stories and shares her artwork while actively engaging her audience.

Following art school, Nelson-Schmidt spent 10 years working as a graphic designer for Georgia Perimeter College. During this time she began painting pet portraits as a creative outlet and selling her work at local festivals.

After painting animal portraits for about seven years, Nelson-Schmidt began creating her picture books, Dogs, Dogs!and Cats, Cats! Since publication in September 2011, both books made children’s book publisher Kane Miller’s Top 25 best-sellers list, selling more than 3,500 of each title in just three months.

About her newest title she said, “I thought, ‘There is still a lesson to be learned from the Whatif monster. Why don’t I let him come to life and teach that lesson himself?’”

While Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster is geared toward children, Nelson-Schmidt said it deals with two emotions everyone can relate to: fear and anxiety.

If you would like your own autographed copy of Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster, contact Haywood Elementary School ((731) 772-0732) no later than Wednesday, August 29. All purchases will benefit the school’s library.

You can get to know Michelle Nelson-Schmidt by visiting her web site at www.michellepaints.com

CEO TO LEAVE HAYWOOD PARK COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

2012-08-15T08:38:00.002-05:00

Jeremy Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Haywood Park Community Hospital, Brownsville, Tenn., is leaving his post effective September 1, 2012.

“I am proud of the work we have done together at Haywood Park and will miss the camaraderie with this outstanding team of board, employees, physicians and volunteers who provide personalized, quality care,” said Gray. “This decision was difficult because of the great working relationships we have here.”

Gray joined Haywood Park as CEO in 2010. During his tenure, the hospital has added numerous service lines, including sleep lab and alcohol and drug medical stabilization, as well as three new primary care physicians to the community – Theresa Woodward, M.D., Sonya Shipley, M.D., and Garrick Clouden, M.D.

“Haywood Park has a firm foundation for providing excellent patient care that will continue,” said Alan Callery, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Haywood Park Community Hospital. “We wish Jeremy much success in his new position and thank him for his many contributions to our community.”

The search for a new CEO is underway, and the hospital’s leadership team will ensure a smooth transition. Members of the Board of Trustees, medical staff and administration will be involved in the process to select a new chief executive.

Jackson State offers classes in Brownsville beginning Fall

2012-08-09T18:11:00.003-05:00

Jackson State Community College (JSCC) will begin teaching classes at the Tennessee Technology Center in Brownsville starting this fall semester.

A variety of classes will be taught in an effort to extend Jackson State classes to residents in the Brownsville area. The classes are slated to be offered each semester saving local students drive time and gas expenses by avoiding the drive to one of Jackson State’s campuses located in Jackson, Humboldt, Lexington and Savannah.

There is still time to enroll and register for classes. Contact 731.425.8844 for more information and to begin the process of enrolling and selecting a schedule of classes.

New Book "The Women of Haywood" set for August 12 release

2012-07-19T09:54:00.001-05:00

The Women of Haywood, Their Lives, Our Legacy, a new book about four professional African American women in Haywood County, Tennessee, is set for release August 12. A celebration and reception will be held from 3 - 5 p.m., at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.

Almost 20 years in the making, the collection of four oral history interviews is interspersed with essays from area scholars and reflections from local residents. This is the seventh book by Haywood County native Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson.

The book is based on interviews with Susie Ella Taylor Ashworth, Nola Walker Bond, Mayme Dell Rives Bowles Dotson and Eva James Davis Rawls. Bond Hopson interviewed these ladies while a doctoral student at Southern Illinois University in the 90s,

“These women used their lives and talents to make us and the world better," says Bond Hopson. "This book simply tries to chronicle how and what made them great. I think their stories will tickle and bless your heart.”

Nola Walker Bond, an activist/teacher/businesswoman, was killed in a traffic accident in 1998 and Eva Rawls, one of the first African American registered nurses in Brownsville, died earlier this year. Mayme Dotson, who taught first-grade at the Douglass Elementary School for 43 years, lives in Nashville and Susie Ashworth, who retired after 58 years as a beautician, lives in Brownsville.

The book’s foreword was written by Brownsville businesswoman Cynthia Rawls Bond and features essays from Dr. Dorothy Granberry, Dr. Norma J. Burgess and Dr. Jo Zanice Bond, all scholars with Haywood County ties. Other contributors include Elma Bond Rogers, Greta V. Sanders, Laura Pruiett Smith, Dorothy Mann Bond, Louvern Tucker, John Ashworth, Dr. Thomas Averyheart and John M. and Barbara Bond. The book is self-published by Touched By Grace Publications and profits will stay in Haywood County to benefit scholarships, women’s empowerment and historic preservation.

During the reception, Bond Hopson will be signing copies and there will also be an opportunity for guests to make videotaped tributes. The book is approximately 160 pages and will be available in paperback ($24.95) and limited edition hardback ($34.95). Pre-orders may be made by calling 615-449-2858 or by e-mail to drhopson007@aol.com.

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is a tourist information center and three regional museums located just off of Interstate 40 at Exit 56 in Brownsville, Tenn. For more information about the Center, visit www.westtnheritage.com.

Leadership Haywood County accepting applications

2012-07-19T09:31:00.000-05:00

The Leadership Haywood County Board of Directors is currently accepting applications for the 2012-2013 class. The program, which is sponsored by the Brownsville-Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, is designed to heighten the awareness of community leaders, workers, and volunteers about the community’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities.

For eight months, class members will learn about economic development, law enforcement, local government and infrastructure, healthcare and social services, quality of life, education and local and state government issues. Graduates of the program join more than 200 Leadership alumni to work together to make a better Brownsville and Haywood County.

Applications may be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce office at 121 West Main Street, or download here. The deadline to submit an application is August 10. Classes generally meet one day per month. Tuition is $400. A $50 deposit is required with the application and is applied to tuition or refunded if not selected. Upon acceptance to the program, tuition must be paid in full no later than August 23.

For additional information about Leadership Haywood County, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 731-772-2193.

Community invited to meet new Chamber Director

2012-07-02T09:32:00.000-05:00

The Brownsville-Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors cordially invites the community to meet Renee Moss at a Welcome Reception Monday, July 9, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., at the First South Community Room, 308 West Main St. A short program will be presented at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.