Office Development Coming to "Rural" Stop 30 Area

Despite vocal opposition voiced by a number of residents of the area, the Hendersonville Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a new office building proposed by the Assemblies of God District Office.

The building will be built to resemble a Colonial-style home in order to blend in with the neighboring homes.

Residents expressed concern that this plan approval would set a precedent and lead to future office building development in the area, thus forever changing the rural, picturesque setting prized by those who live there.

Emissions Testing Coming to Hendersonville

Tena Lee has the story. But, basically, it starts on Monday, Dec. 2 and will be available on most Mondays at Veterans Park via a mobile emissions testing service. 

Liquor Money on School Board Agenda

The Sumner County School Board meets tonight at 6 PM in Gallatin and Liquor Money is on their mind. That is, the funds the school system is due from the City of Hendersonville and other Sumner municipalities from unpaid liquor by the drink taxes. 

Hendersonville approved a resolution stating their intent to pay back the $1 million over a 5 year period beginning in August of 2014. 

Quality of Life vs. Schools?

That's what Fox 17 News seems to be pitching in their story on the Liquor By the Drink funds going from the City of Hendersonville to Sumner County Schools. 

Check the video and you'll note that the piece opens with this statement:

 "And some money that could go to improving your way of life will now have to be sent to schools."  

Not sure what, exactly, they're trying to do here.  Pit citizens of Hendersonville against the very same school system that educates their children? Or suggest to taxpayers that somehow the negotiated settlement is a raw deal for them -- even though the money benefits the school system that, again, educates the children of families in Hendersonville? Maybe they want to create conflict in a story where a reasonable solution between two governing bodies has been reached - now, that does seem rare in Sumner County. 

But to suggest that the quality of life in a community is somehow divorced from the quality of its public schools is just downright wrong.  Strong schools are the backbone of any community. And when two governing bodies reach a reasonable solution to a tricky issue, that should be cause for praise, not invented conflict. 

Thankful Dogs

Hendersonville's dogs can rest easy -- and be thankful! It seems the first dog park in the city will likely open by Thanksgiving.

Liquor Money to Flow to Schools

After a mini-controversy involving Aldermen and the ability or willingness to read audits, it seems that a mistake is being corrected and Hendersonville will make payments over 5 years to the Sumner County Schools to make up for liquor-by-the-drink revenue not previously paid to the school system.

The agreement was reached by Mayor Foster and Director of Schools Del Phillips.  Some on the Board of Aldermen initially expressed skepticism or opposition (Matt Stamper, Mark Skidmore), but the final vote showed broad approval for the negotiated repayment plan. 

Going forward, the City of Hendersonville will pay the money to the schools as it comes in.  The agreement means the schools will receive $200,000 a year from Hendersonville for the next 5 years.

Of Schools, Liquor, and Taxes

WKRN has the story at 4 and 5 ...and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meet tonight at 7:30.

School Board Study Session Tonight

The Sumner County School Board meets in study session tonight at 6 PM at the Board office in Gallatin.

The agenda includes a financial report on school activity funds, a discussion of driver's education, and a presentation of the annual data report.

Library Offers Amnesty on October 2nd

The Hendersonville Public Library is offering Amnesty from overdue fines on October 2nd to mark its 5th anniversary at the current location.

Here are the details from a press release:

HENDERSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH AMNESTY DAY

Hendersonville, TN – Have you had a book or movie out since the new library opened five years ago? Now you have an opportunity to return library items without being charged overdue fines. 

The library will not charge overdue fines for any items returned on October 2, 2013, the fifth anniversary of their grand opening.  Amnesty applies only to overdue fines for items returned on October 2, 2013.  Library users who cannot visit the library on Amnesty Day, but would still like to receive amnesty, may drop off overdue items in the exterior book drops on October 1, after 6:30 PM.

Lelani Sabo, Library Manager, is excited about the opportunity. “We want to encourage people to use the library, we want to celebrate our anniversary, and we also want to recover overdue items,” she states. 

In addition, the library will offer a “Food for Fines” program from October 5, 2013 through October 31, 2013. Library users are invited to pay overdue fines with non-perishable food items.  All food items will be donated to the Samaritan Center in Hendersonville. 

For more information, see the library’s website at hendersonvillelibrary.org. Contact the library at 615-824-0656 or via email at customerservice@hendersonvillelibrary.org.