Wednesday, July 23, 2008

..:: Archives II ::..

Virus Alert!

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Reuters) -- Yahoo Inc., the world's largest provider of e-mail services, said on Monday that a software virus aimed at Yahoo Mail users had infected "a very small fraction" of its base of more than 200 million accounts.

The e-mail virus, or worm, has been dubbed Yamanner and landed in Yahoo mailboxes bearing the headline "New Graphic Site." Once opened, the message infects the computer and spreads to other users listed in Yahoo users' e-mail address books, security experts said.

The e-mail containing the virus need only be opened -- in contrast to most worms that are hidden in attachments and require users to take an additional step -- to release the virus, according to computer security site Symantec Corp.

The Sunnyvale, California-based company advised users to update virus and firewall software on their computers and to block any e-mail sent from the address "av3 zyahoo.com."

"We have taken steps to resolve the issue and protect our users from further attacks of this worm," Yahoo spokeswoman Kelley Podboy said in a statement.

"When we learn of e-mail abuse, such as a worm or other online threat, we take appropriate action," she said. "(A) solution has been automatically distributed to all Yahoo Mail customers, and requires no additional action on the part of the user."

Yamanner, first detected by Yahoo and major computer anti-virus software makers earlier on Monday, was ranked as having a low threat level by Trend Micro Inc. and McAfee Inc.

But Symantec considers the worm an "elevated threat," one step up from the lowest ranking in terms of relative danger.

Symantec's Security Response site suggested Yahoo Mail users might protect themselves by upgrading to the latest test version of the recently upgraded Yahoo Mail software.

"The worm cannot run on the newest version of Yahoo Mail Beta," Symantec's site said.

A Yahoo spokesman was not immediately available to comment on whether the company advised users to do this.

The worm exploits a vulnerability in _Javascript technology used to make the mail program easier to use by triggering embedded HTML scripts to run in the computer user's browser.

The e-mail addresses are also sent to a remote online computer server, which may be used to run spam campaigns, experts said. The technical name of the worm goes by variants of "JS.Yamanner."

Chamber News

6-29-06

This past Friday evening, the Chamber held its annual Membership Banquet at the Bank of Camden Community Room. The evening began with a hospitality and silent auction at 6:00 in the bank building and the banquet beginning at 7:00 in the community room. This year’s speaker was Terry Bulger from Channel Four News in Nashville. Mr. Bulger kept the crowd entertained with stories and videos from his travels throughout the back roads of Tennessee. In addition to the great meal, and the wonderful guest speaker, the Chamber also presented a number of awards and gave graduation plaques to the leadership and youth leadership graduates.

Among the awards were plaques presented to departing members of the Board of Directors and plaques recognizing Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and the John Latham Tourism Award. This year’s recipient of the Business of the Year award is the Camden Wal-Mart Supercenter. New Business of the Year went to DuraCraft Millwork, Inc. Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Richard Wright, and The John Latham Tourism Award was presented to Terry Hudson.

All in all, it was another great banquet offering a wonderful opportunity for Chamber members and their guests to network and fellowship. I wish to thank everyone who volunteered their time, donated silent auction items, purchased tickets, or attended as a guest. It was a lot of fun. I hope those who could not attend this year will make it a point to do so next year if possible. Special thanks to Denise Kepner, Jeff Piskos, and Mar Steinbuck for their help with the banquet.

I want to take a moment to mention the Benton County Relay for Life coming up on Friday, July 21^st. I have had a conflict for the past couple of years, but will be able to attend this year. I am looking forward to it. In fact, as of July 1^st, I will be serving as president of Rotary and will be attending the relay with the Rotary Team. I would like to strongly encourage all businesses, churches, civic organizations, elected officials, families, and any other groups to sponsor a team this year and help make this the best Relay ever.

Finally, I want to offer a special “Thank You” to Benton County. I have just passed my fifth anniversary as Chamber Director and it has given me cause to reflect. I often feel that I have the greatest job in the world having the privilege of promoting such a wonderful place and working for such wonderful people. I realize that Benton County is not perfect, but like the song by Alabama says, “She’s close enough to perfect for me.” Thank You!

July County Meetings

July Meetings

Thursday, July 6
County Employee Handbook Committee Meeting- 10:00am at the Benton County Courthouse

Friday, July 7
Budget Planning Meeting- 3:00pm at the Benton County Courthouse

Monday, July 10
Law Enforcement Committee- 5:00pm at the Benton County Courthouse
Property Committee- 6:00pm at the Benton County Courthouse
Citizen’s Group- 6:30pm at the Community Room of the Camden Police Department
- Candidates for the County Commission from Districts 4, 5, & 6

Tuesday, July 11
Highway Committee- 4:00pm at the Benton County Highway Department
Budget Committee- 5:00pm at the Benton County Courthouse
-First Public Hearing for the 2006- 2007 Budget

Monday, July 17
Budget Committee- 5:00pm at the Benton County Courthouse
- Second Public Hearing for the 2006- 2007 Budget
Commission Meeting- 6:00pm at the Benton County Courthouse
- Agenda to be posted in a separate thread on July 10

Chamber News

Chamber News
7-13-06

This is truly an exciting time in Benton County. We already know that we will see some changes in county government in the next few months. With the election of new commissioners, a new county mayor, sheriff, county clerk, a new district attorney and other possible changes, we will most certainly see changes in the way county business is administered. I hope that you have registered to vote and that you exercise that privilege.

In addition to the new administration, other changes are in the works. Benton County will soon see the construction of a new sewer system at the Interstate, expansion of the runway at the Benton County airport, yet-to-be-determined changes in the county jail, and let’s not forget the newly adopted Tennessee River Resort District Act.

This new source of revenue for the county will have a tremendous impact on the community as we begin to see long awaited tourism development projects finally begin to move forward at an accelerated rate creating much-needed new growth in tourism attraction for the county. The additional funds will help the county keep property taxes as low as possible and in time may even help lower property taxes as sales tax revenues increase with economic growth. Remember that the county’s return from TRRD is a percentage of sales tax, so as our economy grows, so does our return from the state.

With all of these new changes, there has never been a greater need for volunteers. The time has come for the citizens of Benton County to get involved. We are on the brink of a new era of prosperity and the ship will run truer with all hands at the oars. Today we must set aside differences and pull together with all members of our community united in a common goal. If you would like to volunteer some of your time to the community and just don’t know how, give me a call. I can give you a myriad of suggestions including, but certainly not limited to United Way, the American Cancer Society, RSVP, the Senior Citizens Center, Camden General Hospital, the Benton County School System, Habitat for Humanity, Etc., Etc., Etc., and of course, the Chamber of Commerce.

Its time that Benton County came together as a team with communication and cooperation at the forefront and input from all sectors of the community, not just a haggard few. You have something to offer and there are no small contributions. Any giving of yourself for the community is greatly appreciated. Think about it, and feel free to give me a call. We’d love to put you to work.

July County Agenda

The Board of County Commissioners will meet in regular session on Monday, July 17, 2006 at the Benton County Courthouse at 6:00 P.M.

AGENDA

1. Opening of Meeting by Cecil Wells, Sheriff
2. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation
3. Roll Call by Rosanne Ward, County Clerk
4. Announcing of Quorum by Chairman Pro-Tem
5. Approval of Agenda
6. Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting
7. Committee Reports
8. Report of Public Utilities
9. Report of Board of Benton County Highway Dept.
10. Resolution appointing Dr. Jason Hollingsworth and Mr. Paul Melton to the Board of Health (0717.01)
11. Resolution reappointing Keith Jones to the Board of Public Utilities (0716.02)
12. Resolution to participate in 3-star program (0717.03)
13. Resolution to confirm compliance with Federal Title IV (0717.04)
14. Resolution budgeting funds received by Benton County Highway Dept. (0717.05)
15. Resolution budgeting funds received by Sheriffs Dept. for damaged patrol car (0717.06)
16. Resolution authorizing the Sheriff to obtain bids to lease at least four new patrol cars (0717.07)
17. Resolution authorizing a capital outlay note not to exceed $260,600 for Central Dispatch (0717.08)
18. Resolution approving Tax Rate of $2.75 per $100 for 2006- 2007 fiscal year (0717.09)
19. Resolution approving appropriations for non-profit organizations for the 2006- 2007 fiscal year (0717.10)
20. Resolution approving appropriations for the 2006- 2007 fiscal year (0717.11)
21. Resolution authorizing use of a 3% portion of the funds from TRRDA be used for Drug Treatment and Education (0717.12)
22. Resolution approving Interlocal Agreement with Tenn. River Trails (0717.13)
23. Resolution appropriating funds in the amount of $20,000 for a new riding lawnmower and infield machine for the Benton County Ballpark Facility (0717.14)
24. Resolution appropriating funds in the amount of $1774.45 to pay TLM Assoc. Invoice for the original jail design (0717.15)
25. Resolution appropriating funds in the amount of $25,000 regarding funding for Benton-Decatur Counties Special Sewer District (0717.16)
26. Appointing Notaries
27. Any Other Business
28. Open Floor to the Public
29. Adjourn

Compliments of www.bentoncounty.us
Chris Wagner. Candidate for Commissioner, 3^rd District.

Mayor
Jimmy Wiseman- Democrat – 2609

Sheriff
Tony King - Democrat - 1630

Road Supervisor
Buck Carter - Democrat - 3897

County Clerk
Wanda Malin - Democrat – 4216

General Sessions Judge
Ron Darby - Democrat - 2777

Benton County Commission

1st District
Vicki Howe - 493
Stephen Stokes - 476
Don Patton - 375

2nd District
Sam Rainwaters - 492
Randy Patton - 465
William M. McDaniel - 448


3rd District
Jo Jones- 383
Barry Barnett - 377
Roger Pafford- 373

4th District
Sonny Hall - 413
Perry Hensley- 412
Eddie Griggs - 370

5th District
Randall Clark - 428
Ronnie Pierce – 387
Lawrence Atkins - 364

6th District
Robin Pierpoint - 344
Murueleane Steinbuck - 315
Robert Pace - 270

Chamber Ballot, for members only.

County Mourns Loss Of Friend

Convicted Deputy Gives Public Statement

I'm Dwayne Baker and I know I'm making a big mistake by commenting on this forum. I've had to keep quite for 8 months and about to go to jail because I've done so. First of all I want to apologize to my family, friends, fellow officers, and the citizens of Benton and surrounding counties. I also want to thank everyone for their patience and faith in me when all I could tell you about this case was that we had a lawful reason for what we did. Aug.9,2005 will be a day that I'll always regret. The day started as any other, while doing a little work at a friend's house I received a phone call. One of my best friends Corey Flowers invited me to have lunch with him. We decided on the Mexican restaurant in Paris. With our meals we each had ONE frozen margerita. On our way back to Camden I suggested we drive by a residence where Jamie Cain (Benton Counties Most Wanted) was known to visit. I called another fellow officer for directions whom had been there on July 17,2005 searching for Jamie C. after having escaped during another high speed chase. Also there on the search were officers from DTF, Henry,and Benton Counties. After getting permission to search from Cain's ex-girlfriend several guns, night vision monoculars, camo items used in concealing Meth cooking,a driveway motion sensor and two vehicles were confiscated. Upon arrival at the residence Jamie was on the front porch. As I drove closer he ran into the house. While following him in the house,I broke thru the front door while Corey went thru the side door.We ran directly to the bedroom where the guns were kept and the dogs were barking. While franticly looking for him we heard him going out the front door. I know,all you officers are saying never pass up an secured room. But it was a race to the guns, we were unarmed.We attempted to call for help but didn't have service. While leaving, his pit bulls followed us up the driveway so we picked them up and went directly to our chief's residence to report what happened. He told us to get the dogs out of there or he would kill them if they got out. I then called Animal Control and left two messages saying we had two dogs she needed to pick up. She later returned my calls wanting to know about the dogs. I told her Jamie Cain got away again and we have his dogs. She said ok but it will be awhile cause she was off work and in Bruceton.
We then stopped by a local covenient store and went to the Sheriff's office then to one of our dispatcher's house " April." Page 2 of TBI's INVESTIGATED REPORT states When Flowers started to leave the house, he said he was carring the dogs with him. Abbot and King said they tried to get him to leave the dogs there but he insisted on carrying the dogs with him. "Roommate" Amber said that Baker got Flowers and they left. Roommate" Amber said as they were leaving Flowers said that he would be back later to see April and she said okay. Amber said that she thought April was going to play Flowers against another deputy she was seeing and the incident escalated out of control. Amber said that she did not think that April meant to get anyone in trouble with the law but when she did, she was caught in her story.Page 3, Both Amber and Abbot expressed concern with April finding out what they had said about what had happened there. They were concerned that if she found out what they had said she would kick them out of the house with their kids.
REMEMBER: Above says, Flowers said he would be back later to see April and she said okay.
Flowers and myself left for about 30 minutes and when we returned police cars were everywhere. When I drove up the Chief went to the passenger side of my truck and........ while his wife was screaming why did you bring those dogs over here? Now April has hurt her shoulder. We were told we were fired and we left. I asked Corey what did you do? He said I don't know. We were arrested later at my house and carried to separate cells. I spoke to 3 different deputies and tried to tell them what happened (2) didn't want to know because they would have to testify and the other said TBI would be asking the questions.
When TBI agents walked in to what I thought was going to be an interview and the opporunity to finally tell what happened they instead started telling me what I was charged with. I then told them I wanted to cooperate but I didn't know what happened at April's so I probably should wait. And they said that was the best thing to do. I want to thank TBI for their advise for I later found out they were doing what Gus Radford instructed them.
NOTE: In Court Deputy testified for the state that I did indeed call for directions.
TBI testified to no phone service at Cain's hide out.
Carried dogs to chief's house
Called Animal Control tapes were presented as evidence
Carried dogs to Sheriff's Office
Carried dogs to store
Carried dogs to dispatcher's
DTF testified that ex-girlfriend lied to him about Cain being there
Vet documents showed Cain as owner
Deputies testified they too would have chased Cain TCA code 40-7-107 Authority of officer to break in on, or off duty with or without warrant

With that being said Corey didn't commit domestic assault, he was told it would be okay to come back later.You now ask why did he agree to simple assault? Domestic assault is a felony, no voting rights, no guns except muzzle loader, every job application ask about felonies etc.. Could you take that risk knowing she already lied ?? The system forces you plea to unless you've got money.
Now on the Henry Co. charges. Found innocent on agg. burglary, evidence proved we had a right to pursue. Found innocent on theft of dogs, evidence proved we didn't deprive the owner of their property. Guilty of vandalism, I didn't see a broken mirror. victim said it was by front window near door. I may have broke it when I came thru door. trespassing ???
I contributed to making this bed so I'll sleep in it. But it was more about politics. Have any questions please just call me, there's much much more that I'm afraid to type. I'm in the book. If he knew us he wouldn't question our sincerity.
Sorry but I won't respond to any questions on here. I'm a slow chicken pecker typer and my back hurts. Call me and you type it.

Ambulance Meeting

The Benton County Ambulance Committee will be meeting tonight at the Benton County Courthouse.
The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM sharp. All bids that have been recieved for provision of an ambulance service will be opened at that time.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend this very important meeting.

Live Election Results Broadcast

BentonCounty.Info is happy to announce that we will be broadcasting LIVE in partnership with WFWL/WRJB radio May 2, 2006 over the internet. This broadcast will cover the primary election results with live coverage from WFWL 1220 AM and WRJB Magic 95.9 FM on your radio dial. BentonCounty.Info will simulcast on the internet using the bentoncounty.info YAHOO conference room. To join in and listen to the broadcast tune into WFWL/WRJB radio or yahoo users can join in by adding “bentoncounty.info” to their YAHOO ID and join in the live broadcast conference room. The live broadcast on line will begin at 5:00 PM and WFWL/WRJB Radio will begin hosting their program live from the Benton County Election Commission at 6:00 PM.

If you do not have a Yahoo ID and need to get one in time to tune in simply go HERE and register, it is FREE. After you get it, simply add the ID “bentoncounty.info to your list and join in the live conference, YOUR TUNED IN!
If you already have YAHOO simply click HERE

Election Results Live

BentonCounty.info will be bringing you the election results tonight, real time as they happen. We will be posting the count as it takes place. The results will be posted here on the front page as they come in. If you want to listn to the results LIVE, tune in to WFWL/WRJB radio, 95.5 FM and 1220 AM, or join the Yahoo audio broadcast by adding the Yahoo ID name "bentoncounty.info" to your Yahoo buddy list and we'll be broadcasting the results in simulcast with WFWL/WRJB.

Monday Meeting Agenda

The Board of County Commissioners will meet in regular session on Monday, April 17, 2006 at the Benton County Courthouse at 6:00 P.M.

AGENDA

1. Opening of Meeting by Cecil Wells, Sheriff

2. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation

3. Roll Call by Rosanne Ward, County Clerk

4. Announcing of Quorum by County Mayor

5. Approval of Agenda

6. Approval of Minutes from previous meeting

7. Committee Reports

8. Report of Benton County Highway Dept.

9. Report of Board of Public Utilities

10. Report of Benton County Airport

11. Report of Vocational Training Center

12. Resolution appointing Veterans Service Officer (0417-01)

13. Resolution authorizing Litter Grant Application (0417-02)

14. Resolution to budget QZAB Funds Received by Dept. of Education (0417-03)

15. Resolution to budget GED+2 Funds received by Dept. of Education (0417-04)

16. Resolution to budget funds received for Special Education Program (0417-05)

17. Resolution to transfer funds for Dept, of Education (0417-06)

18. Resolution to transfer funds for School TIES (0417-07)

19. Resolution to budget funds Received by Sheriff s Dept. from Sale of Aluminum cans (0417-08)

20. Resolution to budget funds received by Sheriff s Dept. for seized property Awarded by the Court (0417-09)

21. Resolution to appropriated funds for 51300.599-0ther Charges (0417-10)

22. Resolution to appropriate funds for Courtroom Security (0417-11)

23. Resolution to appropriate funds for initial assessment for auditing Business Tax and Hotel/ Motel Tax (0417-12)

24. Resolution to appropriate funds for 557 10. 399-Sanitation Management- Other Contracted Services (0417-13)

25. Resolution appropriating funds for voting machines (0417-14)

26. Resolution appropriating funds for advertising (0417-15)

27. Resolution appropriating funds for Highway Dept. (0417-16)

28. Resolution authorizing Bond issue for new jail addition (0417-17)

29. Appointing Notaries

30. Any Other Business

31. Open Floor to the Public

32. Adjourn

St. Patricks Day

St. Patrick's Day
March 17th

St. Patrick's Day is Ireland's greatest national holiday as well as a holy day. The date marks the anniversary of the death of the missionary who became the patron saint of Ireland. It is a happy holiday for the Irish wherever they may be - in Dublin, New York City, Boston, or San Francisco. The day celebrated with parades, speeches, festive dinners, and dances. Green is the color of the day, with thousands of little cloth shamrocks worn even by those whose forefathers never touched the shores of Ireland.

It is known that St. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century. At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family's estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity. During this time, he worked as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian.

The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers to reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as fellow Irishmen serving in the English army. Suddenly, annual St. Patrick's Day parades became a show of strength for Irish Americans, as well as a must-attend event for a slew of political candidates. In 1948, President Truman attended New York City 's St. Patrick's Day parade, a proud moment for the many Irish whose ancestors had to fight stereotypes and racial prejudice to find acceptance in America.
Irish Coffee

1 shot Irish Whiskey
1 tbsp Sugar
6 oz. Coffee
Whipped Cream for garnish

Pre-warm a stemmed glass. Add the whiskey.
Add the sugar and stir in the coffee.
Float the whipped cream on top.
Drink the coffee through the cream.
Do not stir after adding the cream.

My Wild Irish Rose

My Wild Irish Rose,
The sweetest flower that grows.
You may search everywhere,
But none can compare with my wild Irish Rose.

My Wild Irish Rose,
The dearest flower that grows.
And someday for my sake,
She may let me take,
The bloom from my wild Irish Rose

Civil Service Meeting Called

There will be a civil service meeting being held at the CPD community room at 2:00 today. It was advertised in the paper but it was called by Cecil Wells who is not a member of the board and cannot call meetings..

The civil service act for Benton County has to be approved by the State of Tennessee as a Private act prior to it being active. It has not been.

THIS MEETING WAS CANCELED BY CECIL WELLS AT 1:50PM

CLICK HERE TO TUNE IN, IT’S FREE!

CLICK HERE!

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Friends of NBF State Park

May Activity of the Month “Folklife Music in the Park”Saturday, May 20, 2006 Eva Beach Area

10:00AM – 6:00PM

NO ADMISSION CHARGE

JOIN US FOR THE 1^st Annual
“FOLKLIFE MUSIC IN THE PARK”
Participating Bands:

South Bound
One Faith
Harmons Creek Band
Half Past Memphis
Chosen
Morris Chapel Ramblers

Demonstrators will be there along with vendors and other local area groups
If you would like to participate in this exciting event please contact the State Park at
731-584-2128 or 731-584-6356
The Friends of NBF State Park encourages people from the community to provide ideas or welcomes other non-profit
organizations to participate in this event to help increase public awareness of such groups.

Patricia Kyle Ad

FREE POLITICAL AD

David Hubbs Ad

FREE POLITICAL AD

DON’T FORGET THE BOAT!
VOTE NO TO ROSANNE WARD
VOTE CRIME OUT OF BENTON COUNTY ELECTED OFFICES
Why give Rosanne Ward another chance to defraud the
citizens of Benton County out of tax Money.
Do you own a boat?
Did you pay your fair taxes on it?
ROSANNE WARD AND HER HUSBAND DIDN'T!
The Citizens of Benton County DESERVE honesty
in Government, not a County Clerk who
committed a felony in her office for personal gain.
When you Read Rosanne Ward's announcement in
the Camden Chronicle please take note that the
words Honest, Honesty, Integrity, are missing from her platform.
Why? Maybe it is because Rosanne Ward is under
indictment for defrauding the citizens
of the state of Tennessee out of taxes.

A VOTE FOR ROSANNE WARD IS A VOTE
TO SUPPORT CRIME IN ELECTED OFFICE!
CLICK HERE

Cecil Wells Video

Video showing Sheriff Cecil Wells committing a Class D Felony was released at 12:00am Monday Jan 17, 2006, to members of the forums on this website. The owner of the website chose to release it to members only and allow the general public access on Tuesday, Jan 17, 2006 at 10:00am No new memberships were permitted for viewing because the owner did not want it to turn into a membership drive. Registrations were suspended today at 6:30pm and will resume on Tuesday at 10:00am. At that time a link to the video wil be placed on the front page of this website with access to the general public. "Memberships have it's privilages" said Joe Kyle, Owner of bentoncounty.info and bentoncountyforums.com

ENTER FORUM HERE.

"We're the only website to bring real audio and real video of corruption in Benton County government. We don't do it to be number one in the county, we do it as a public service. Being number one comes naturally when you run an honest website that presents real news, with real facts, and real proof and evidence. Others just do not measure up".

Illegal Agenda

February Commission Meeting holds Illegal Agenda, Criminal Resolution.

Last Monday night the Law Enforcement, Budget and Property Committee met and passed a motion to present a resolution to the legislative body for approval, resolution # 0221-16 asking for an appropriation of funds to construct a block wall in the current jail to facilitate integration of male and female inmates due to the condition of the female housing facility. The motion was made but has not been presented to the full Legislative body for approval. The work on the block wall is near completion. The wall was built illegally and with out the approval of 2/3 vote of the legislative body. If the legislative body votes No on Tuesday night, will The Sheriff, and the County Mayor tear the wall down and refund the $10,000.00 spent on the wall to the citizens of Benton County?

According to the laws of the state of Tennessee, and the Budget Private Act of Benton County, all appropriations have to be approved by 2/3 vote of approval by the whole legislative body and spending cannot be approved at committee level. It is a class E Felony to spend funds with out the permission of the legislative body. Thinking back on the purchase of three new Sheriff Department vehicles from Mahan Ford last year, Thornton and Wells both declared that they had “Made a mistake” when they illegally spent county taxpayer funds to purchase vehicles with out the approval of the legislative body. While Thornton could have assembled an emergency meeting of the legislative body to appropriate the funds for the construction of the wall, he chose not to in violation of the law. Thornton has a history of calling non emergency, emergency meeting for reasons known only to him. Benton County taxpayers are allowing illegal spending by the County Mayor and the Benton County Sheriff. The Legislative body will have a chance to vote yes or no on the resolution on Tuesday evening, and if the vote is yes, they have committed yet another illegal act of misappropriations of funds, official misconduct and abetting a felony crime.

A copy of the full agenda can be seen here.

Republican short on honesty

Local Republican Executive Committee won't follow own rules. - Thursday, March 02, 2006

"Violations are just technicalities" States Republican Vice-Chairman, Ben Thompson.

Under the Bylaws of the Tennessee Republican Party, Article VIII, Section 4, The County Party Officers shall include a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman of the opposite sex from the Chairman, a Treasurer, Vice-Treasurer and other officers.

Currently the reformed Republican executive Committee is chaired by James L. Peach Sr. and the Vice- Chairman is Ben Thompson, both males.

Ben Thompson was contacted last week and informed of the rule and commented read more...

commentary

By Tracy Hightower - Wednesday, January 18, 2006

I have just returned from the monthly Benton County Commissioners meeting. There were quite a number of citizens in attendance who were all I assume hoping to see a resolution of the ambulance situation we are facing. As I ponder the meeting we just attended, I am left with the feeling that a lot of work and effort was put into trying to secure a new contract and that work and effort was wasted, as we still do not have a contract. We will I am afraid be back in the same situation come June 30^th. 2006.

West Tennessee airports receive state funds

West Tennessee airports were among 15 statewide to win grants from the
Tennessee government announced late Thursday.

The largest airport grant in the region was $1.4 million to Benton County
Airport in Camden, a general aviation airport. The money is earmarked for a
taxiway extension and runway overlay.

Grants are awarded by the
Aeronautics Division of the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
The funds come from state licensing fees and fuel taxes, as well as federal
block grants which come mainly from fuel taxes.

Other grants in West Tennessee include:

$845,500 to the Gibson County Airport in Trenton for a runway overlay.
$399,900 to McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport in Madison County for roof repairs
to hangars and other buildings, as well as sealing and restriping the runways.
$200,000 to the Savannah/Hardin County Airport to replace the existing runway lighting

Stormy Night in Benton County

BENTON COUNTY, TN. - At least eight people in west Tennessee were killed as severe storms and possible tornadoes swept across the state, emergency officials said.
Local emergency officials reported the eight deaths in Dyer County, and they were concerned the number of fatalities could rise, said Kurt Pickering, spokesman for the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. Details on the deaths weren't immediately available.
The Jackson Sun newspaper reported another fatality in neighboring Gibson County.

Several tornado warnings and touchdowns were reported across the West Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas area. Nine fatalities were reported in Dyer County and one in Gibson County. Benton County did not report any injuries or fatalities as of 11:20 PM.

A tornado at Grannies Branch at New Hope Road towards Big Sandy was reported, but did not touch down. There were a few reports of buildings being hit, and one report of a wood shop being completely destroyed.

Storm damage reports range from one home hit, no injuries. A large tree down blocking the road at 3020 Clifford Hicks Rd. Large Tree down on Sawyers Mill Rd. Electrical lines down. Trees down on Coal Rd. Natchez Trace road reports several trees down. Various reports of trees down. Airport Road had trees down and were reported cleared at 10:54 PM. Divider and Natchez Trace Rd reports a couple of trees blocking the road way. Thompson School Road reports a large tree down blocking the road. Fire Department crew responded to Sawyers Mill Road to assist.

If you have photos of storm damage send them to us at support@bentoncounty.info and we will publish your photos. All rights to the images will be reserved to the person who submits their photos.

Ambulance Service News.

Benton County, Tennessee
Wednesday - April 5, 2006
The Benton County Ambulance committee met on Tuesday night to gather information from West Tennessee Health regarding the ambulance service, use of the building owned by West Tennessee Health and to discuss the possibility of leasing or purchasing the building West Tennessee health uses to house the ambulance department.

Berry Dennis from WTH (West Tennessee Health) stated that the cost to rent the building would run about $2,000.00 per month or $28,000.00 per year. Mr. Dennis was asked by Commissioner Dwayne Cole if WTH was interested in bidding on a new contract and if they would be interested in a one year, or up to a five year contract. Mr. Dennis stated that WTH normally operates on a one year contract with a 90 day “Out” clause. The 90 day out clause gives Benton County and WTH the option of notifying the other with in 90 days of the maturity of the contract that they intend to end their obligation. Renewal of the contract is automatic if neither sends notification of intent not to renew.

Cole discussed the possibility of Benton County operating its own service and that a building and dispatcher services would be needed.

Dennis stated that WTH would not enter a bid for a new contract but would exercise its first right of refusal. The county entered into an extension of the current contract which will laps on June 30, 2006.

The County has put the service out to public bid and has announced that the bids will be opened at a public meeting on May 4, 2006 at 7:00 PM. The ambulance committee discussed bringing the best bid (s) to the legislative body in the May 2006 legislative body meeting. The committee has not decided if they would present one or more bids to the county commission in May.

You can view the meeting video by clicking HERE

Ward Granted Diversion

Rosanne and Jerry Wards appeal was heard and Judge Julian P. Guinn’s ruling denying Rosanne Ward diversion was overturned. Judge Guinn will now set a hearing date to establish the terms of the Wards Diversion. The case will be expunged after a successful completion of the diversion term set by the court.
Rosanne and her husband were indicted for crimes against revenue officers last year. Ward stated publicly that the reason Judge Guinn denied her and her husband for personal reasons and to "make me look bad for the election" Ward said.

The Wards teamed up to file false documents to the state underreporting their $21,000.00 boat, claiming it to have only cost $6,000.00 cheating the State of Tennessee and Taxpayers of $15,000.00 of taxable revenue. A diversion hearing date has not yet been set. In a ruling by the courts, it is stated that:

The Benton County Grand Jury indicted the defendants, Jerry and Roseanne K. Ward, for crimes against revenue officers and tampering with governmental records. The defendants and the District Attorney General agreed to pretrial diversion. When the trial court refused to approve the agreement for pretrial diversion, the defendants filed an application for an appeal pursuant to Rule 9 of the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure. We have reviewed the record and conclude that the trial court erred in withholding its approval of the pretrial diversion agreement. Therefore, we reverse the judgment of the trial court and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Read the whole ruling HERE

Boat Stolen from Courthouse

Benton County, Tennessee
Thursday - April 6, 2006

Boat Stolen from Benton County Courthouse

A boat which was parked at the Benton County Courthouse was stolen this morning less than 30 minutes after being parked. The boat which is a public protest/political sign was parked at the courthouse parking lot at 8:00 AM, at 8:26 AM the owner received a call from the Camden Police stating that the boat was missing.

Joe Kyle, the owner of the boat went to the Camden Police Department to file a report and stated that he did not care who had stolen it, he wanted charges filed and the thief arrested. The boat and trailer are valued over $500.00 which makes the theft a felony. This combined with the fact that the boat is used as a political sign makes it an additional felony in the State of Tennessee.

The boat was recovered by the owner in the Benton County Sheriffs Department parking lot and returned to the courthouse parking lot.
Pictures of the boat can be seen below.