Explosive

Two families have filed complaints in the aftermath of an "explosion" in a science lab at Merrol Hyde Magnet School in May of 2018, the Tennessean reports:

The school, at 128 Township Dr. in Hendersonville, was evacuated on May 9, 2018 when a science experiment caused a hazmat issue. Seventeen students and a teacher were injured. The teacher and eight students were taken to nearby hospitals.

The Hendersonville Fire Department’s investigation found that the incident was caused by mixing boric acid — a white, odorless substance — and ethyl alcohol. Investigators deemed the incident “unintentional,” according to a previous report.

The complains were filed by the families of two students who suffered injuries as a result of the accident. The claim is that the supervising teacher was negligent. In response, the Board of Education has suggested that:

In its separate answers to the complaints filed May 6 and May 13, respectively, the Sumner County Board of Education “is without sufficient knowledge to admit or deny” many of the allegations but denies any negligence.

“The minor may have been sitting too close to the experiment,” the Board of Education suggested in the filing.

The Board of Education aims for both complaints to be dismissed and reimbursement for attorney fees, according to the May 6 and May 13 answers, signed by Sumner County Law Director Leah May Dennen.

“It is possible the Daughter Doe was sitting on top of a table, instead of in her chair, when the event occurred," the Board of Education's amended answer filed June 19 states. "Had she been sitting in her chair, as she should have been, the accident could have been avoided."

As teachers and first responders were working to secure the building and ensure student safety, County Commissioner Paul Goode -- neither a trained first responder nor a school system employee -- rushed to the scene for a moment of self-aggrandizement. Never missing an opportunity to get in front of a camera to boost his image, Goode posed for pictures with emergency personnel on the scene. He then posted his antics on Facebook:

A message from SCDP

A note from the Sumner County Democratic Party:

The United States is a country built on immigration. Millions of immigrants took a bet on an America where it didn’t matter where you came from, what you look like or how your pray— but one where we believe in the rule of law, justice & equality.

The America so many of us, our parents or grandparents or great great grandparents, believe is the America where a Rashida, an Ilhan, an Alexandria, a Pramila or an Ayanna could — and should — lead. 

But this administration doesn’t believe in that America. The racist tweets by the president told four Congresswomen to “go back to the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came.” But they are all Americans just like US. This racism echoes the kinds of things that people of color and New Americans in this country have been told by bullies and demagogues all our lives. 

Got news? Share with us: newshendersonville@gmail.com 

BOMA Time

Alderman Russ Edwards is developing a proposal to limit the time of BOMA meetings -- meetings which routinely run past midnight.

Here's more from his Facebook post on the matter:

I’m introducing an ordinance to BOMA in an effort to expedite our meetings. This is really to start the discussion of how the BOMA meetings can be run more efficiently. As you may know, we consistently go until 1:00 a.m. The city and its citizens are not getting the best out of its city leaders when we do this.

Part of my proposal, which I’m not completely sold on yet, is to keep citizens comments on agenda items only. This would be consistent with most municipalities’ rules. Most city leaders I speak with are in shock that anyone can come talk about anything at our meetings. I’m still on the fence about this and want to get feedback before I move forward on it.

Please keep in mind that I’m happy to discuss any issue with anyone. My cell number and email address are on the city’s website. I return all my calls and I read all my emails. The best way to air your grievances or try to get an issue resolved is to contact your aldermen or the mayor instead of going to the full BOMA.

I agree that 90% of the problem with inefficiency in our meetings is us. I would like for us to follow the Robert’s Rules of Order more strictly and possibly limit the aldermen’s speaking times. Also, we should have more issues resolved in committees so they don’t have to be discussed at the full BOMA meetings.

A stricter BOMA agenda is in everyone’s best interest. It’s not fair to the citizens who want to attend the meetings to have to sit there for 5.5 hours. If they want to watch the meetings on YouTube it usually takes them three days. It’s also not good for the city employees who have to attend the BOMA meetings to be there until 1:00 a.m. after working all day and have to come back the next morning.

Sorry for the long post, but time management and efficiency are a passion of mine. The inefficiency in our meetings really drives me crazy. I do want to hear from the citizens and I enjoy being an alderman. My favorite part has been helping constituents with problems when they contact me. I’ll be happy to answer questions about this proposed ordinance.

What do you think? Should citizens comments be limited to only agenda items, similar to what happens in other cities or at the County Commission? Let us know: newshendersonville@gmail.com


For more on news impacting Hendersonville and Sumner County, follow @HvilleNews

A Note on Hendersonville Firefighters

A post from the spouse of a Hendersonville Firefighter:

It's a long one but, worth the read....

For months, I have sat silently observing from the sidelines as small-town politics has escalated to a level of hostility that I, quite frankly, find embarrassing. It has been nothing short of jaw-dropping, swinging from childish whining to vicious outbursts. Some of the topics, accusations and associated responses have left me stunned. The seemingly “tender feelings” of local political candidates, elected officials, as well as friends/supporters of these folks is just unbelievable. In my opinion, politics is nasty business and anyone who enters that arena should be prepared for the fact that it is highly unlikely they will be everyone’s favorite. Someone is going to win. Those who don’t win will lose… there are no consolation prizes or participation trophies in political contests.

22 years ago, I felt the need to speak out, sharing my thoughts as the wife of a Hendersonville Firefighter. In those days, addressing the community was done through “letters to the editor”. Today, secondary to social media, we can publish our opinions, thoughts and feelings anytime we want, making them available for all to see…. Today, I am doing that very thing - one more time!

In recent days there have been numerous attacks targeting the Hendersonville Fire Department, IAFF Local 3460, and the integrity & ethics of those associated with one or both of these organizations.

Now…. Pay close attention because I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea or become confused…

My husband is an employee of the Hendersonville Fire Department. I love my husband very much and I could not be prouder of his continuing career with the Hendersonville Fire Department. Beginning as a rookie firefighter, he has progressed through the ranks – Engineer, Senior Firefighter, Captain, and now he proudly serves as an Investigator under the supervision of FM Paul Varble. When he initially accepted his HFD position, August 1992, OUR family became an “HFD Family”, and that means more than most can understand or comprehend. Since that time, nearly 27 years ago, my husband has proudly & competently served his community and fellow citizens – fighting fire, assisting the Hendersonville community (and others) in times of crisis & disaster, providing fire prevention & safety education to students, rendering aid to the sick & injured, mentoring young people who have hit a bump in the road, and so much more. He has witnessed life beginning and life ending – he has observed great joys and witnessed unspeakable sorrows, some that haunt him still. His chosen profession is not an easy or simple one, rather it is one of service & sacrifice, a price he is not only willing but, proud to pay – Serve & Protect – more than empty, hollow words to our family.

Michael is not only a career employee of the HFD but, he is a Charter Member of IAFF Local 3460. For those who are not familiar with the IAFF, here is the short version… The IAFF was organized and established in 1918 to unite fire fighters for better wages, improved safety and greater service for their communities. This is still their primary mission today, in 2019. The IAFF has become the voice of the fire fighter, the protector of the protector. Always on the frontline, the IAFF has been the leader in advancements that have improved the service, safety, and lives of all members.

I am sick to my stomach over the way the members of the HFD and IAFF Local 3460 have been unfairly targeted… spewed judgments, hateful backhanded comments, and near harassment. It only seems fair to say, if you insist on unfairly & inaccurately judging these men by calling them out in a public forum, in a manner one would expect from small children, you should know what you are talking about!

It seems that more than a few, within the Hendersonville community, could benefit from taking the time to educate themselves on the facts regarding what firefighters do, when they do it and why they do it – I might suggest that you start with some basic knowledge on the difference between the HFD and IAFF Local 3460. I recommend that you get yourself a computer, note pad, and a pen so you can notate and sort all these facts & details in a way that can be easily absorbed.

To make all this boring research a bit easier for you, I am going to give you a little jump start...

Hendersonville Fire Department (aka HFD) is a City of Hendersonville department – those who work in the HFD are employees of the City of Hendersonville.

IAFF Local 3460 is an affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters, a labor union representing paid full-time firefighters and emergency medical services personnel in the United States and Canada. The IAFF is the driving force behind nearly every advance in the fire and emergency services in the 21st century. With headquarters in Washington, DC, and Ottawa, Ontario, the IAFF represents more than 316,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics in more than 3,400 affiliates. IAFF members protect more than 85 percent of the population in communities throughout the United States and Canada. One of the most active lobbying organizations in Washington, DC., the IAFF Political Action Committee, FIREPAC, is among the top one-half of one percent of the nearly 6,000 federally registered PACs in the country.

In case you are missing the point here, while IAFF Local 3460 membership is predominantly comprised of professional firefighters from the Hendersonville area, the IAFF is NOT, nor has it ever been an extension or entity of the City of Hendersonville or the HFD. Simply put, members of the IAFF Local 3460 are private citizens that share a common career path and hold membership status in an organization that supports & promotes matters which are pertinent to their choice of careers.

Are you catching on??? Maybe not???

The IAFF and its affiliate members have accomplished many wonderful things since 1918 – some of which have been accomplished by supporting political candidates who recognize, value, and support the service & sacrifice made by fire service personnel. This is not a violation of trust, this is not a personal vendetta, this is not a popularity contest, this is not child’s play… this is a matter of life & death. For fire service personnel – proper equipment & facilities, thorough training, staffing, etc. - these things are necessary to ensure the safety of fire service personnel, as well as the citizens & visitors in the community they serve. When the members of IAFF Local 3460 choose to support a political candidate, for whatever reason, it is their decision to make and execute.

Now let’s delve a little deeper… As I said before, should the IAFF Local 3460 make the decision to support a political candidate, they are free to do so. How they select said candidate or candidates is subject to approval only by the membership. Historically, the IAFF, and its local affiliates, have provided candidate support (physical & financial) to those who have stated or demonstrated a strong pro-emergency service stance. Makes sense to me… support those who support you… not a complicated concept or idea. Isn’t that how most individuals and organizations select the candidates who will receive their campaign support or vote at the polls?

Selecting a candidate with strong, pro-emergency service stance is particularly important to those of us with a loved one in fire service. Consider this… most folks say something along the lines of “be safe” or “be careful” when a family member departs for work but, when you are a fire service family those words, often recited out of habit by others, mean a little more, they resonate a little deeper. When a firefighter goes to work, he is making a silent pledge to put himself in harm’s way if the need arises. Give that some thought, every time a firefighter reports to his fire house for duty , he is reaffirming his public commitment to put his life in peril should the need arise, to jeopardize his health & safety to protect YOU & YOURS… folks this is not a joke… this is a way of life – we signed up for it and we take it seriously! So, trust me when I say, the members of the HFD are the finest, most noble, ethical, committed people you will ever encounter. I know this because for nearly 27 years I have depended on these men to see that my husband returned to me, my children, and my grandchildren safe, sound & whole – just as the other HFD families have trusted him to do for them.

Now here is where things get a bit dicey for me… I could get down in the trenches, I could participate in the sharing of nasty innuendo or spewing of unnecessary, unproductive personal slurs but, that is of no benefit. So, I am working hard at keeping it civil.

There has been much talk and accusation regarding the possibility of fire service personnel campaigning while on duty… Folks, it didn’t happen! Save your money, save your time, save your breath… Write it down, Hi-lite with a marker, Circle it in red… NOT AN ISSUE!!! There is just nothing else to say about that subject. Put it to bed!

Clothing… really? What did the members of the IAFF 3460 wear when accompanying their chosen candidate on campaign outings? This is your concern? Have you ever visited an HFD fire station? If so, I am quite certain you have never encountered on-duty personnel wearing an untucked t-shirt and khaki pants! First, let me say… I could clothe a small village of people using only my husband’s unofficial clothing that reflects his career in Fire Service… shirts from MDA campaigns, breast cancer awareness shirts, “house” shirts, union shirts, custom-made shirts from friends, family and any number of other sources… we’ve got shirts and lots of them but, NONE of them are official HFD Approved/Issued/Purchased Uniforms – those are different and something I assure you, he and his fire service brothers only wear when they are required… WHILE ON-DUTY! Again, let me provide a simplified example for those who are confused, do you or your child have a “class”, PTO, or other school reflective t-shirt? Owning & wearing such a shirt doesn’t mean you work for/with or are supported/endorsed by the school or board of education. Such an item simply displays your pride in being associated with a specific group and demonstrates that you are willing to spend your OWN money to display such feelings. Same thing here, friends! The black shirts that have so many in twist… They were created by an independent supplier, made available for purchase by HFD employees (for themselves, their family and/or friends), paid for by individuals who wished to purchase said shirt… Not unlike ordering any custom shirt on the internet or at a local makers market. Give it a rest – You can put that one to bed… No tax dollars used or spent on this one.

Next, let’s address the most popular word of the 2018/19… COLLUSION - - Merriam-Webster defines Collusion as a “secret agreement or cooperation especially for an illegal or deceitful purpose”. Nope, that doesn’t work either… there was nothing, secret, illegal or deceitful in the candidate support provided by IAFF Local 3460… It was plenty public, completely legal and NO ONE was deceived about their choice or coerced into supporting said decision.

So, one must ask… why are so many folks so very hostile regarding the activities of IAFF Local 3460 members? Why do private citizens continue to look for inappropriate behavior & action where there is none? Why the stubborn refusal to accept truthful, reasonable responses? Why is it preferable to engage in, even encourage, childish & non-productive behavior… name-calling, verbal assault, personal attacks & more? How is this conduct an appropriate choice for anyone who seeks to be taken seriously? Whether potential candidate, committed supporter or independent citizen – I can’t see how this methodology is, or will be, beneficial to any city or organization.

I speak ONLY for myself and to the subjects on which I feel adequately informed but, I can say this… if the current uninformed & unfounded rhetoric continues to call into question the ethics & integrity of HFD Employees and IAFF 3460 membership, I feel certain I will not be the only loved one to rise up and speak out. Cause, I can tell you now... we honor & respect our emergency services personnel for the job they do and the ethical way in which they represent themselves, their brothers & sisters in service, their department, their IAFF Local and their community. Their commitment is not to be taken lightly, mocked, or unfairly represented on our watch!

For more on news impacting Hendersonville and Sumner Co, follow @HvilleNews

Waste Pro, Week 1

Last week was Week 1 of Waste Pro, the new trash service in Hendersonville. By all accounts, it was somewhat rough.

This week will be the second week -- if you're on the Indian Lake Peninsula, your pickup is tomorrow (Monday, July 8th).

Here's more on Week 1 from Ward 2 Alderman Scott Sprouse:

Today was the first day of trash collection on the Walton Ferry Peninsula under the new service provider. You don't need me to tell you the change has not gone well. Many of you just have to look out your backdoor and see a full trashcan. Yesterday (first day on the Indian Lake Peninsula) wasn't very good either.

I voted against the change to once a week and the change to a new provider, but I was in the minority. Once the decision was made, however, my job became helping make it work. Quite frankly, we have a way to go.

I am reporting misses, escalating second misses, and working with staff. I am answering questions and striving to clear up misinformation, including when an employee of the new company told someone erroneously cans had to be visible from the street in order to be picked up. (This is not a requirement as it is impracticable if not impossible at many homes.) We were able to nip that one in the bud pretty quickly. This afternoon, I had a conversation with the new company's representative about setting expectations both ways. I had my most recent conversation with our acting Public Works Director this evening.

If you have a miss, the best way to let me know is via direct communication. I cannot guarantee I will see every comment posted in every discussion in social media. Please contact me via a Facebook private message, phone call (615-824-9327), text message (same number), or email (ssprouse@hvilletn.org). I will do all I can to help.

And, an end of week update with positive news:

Waste Pro has crews out today working specifically on misses from Monday through Wednesday. (Originally, they planned to take today off for the holiday.) So far this morning, two people for whom I have reported misses have told me their trash was picked up this morning. We still have a way to go, but I'm taking this as a good sign.

How did it go for you? Keep us posted: newshendersonville@gmail.com

Assault at the Taj Mahal

County Commissioner Paul Goode claims he was assaulted by County Commissioner Merrol Hyde outside a recent meeting of the Sumner County Commission, according to a story in the Hendersonville Standard:

The simple assault allegation stems from a reported confrontation that took place between 10th District Commissioner Paul Goode and 8th District Commissioner Merrol Hyde inside the Sumner County Administration Building shortly after midnight on Tuesday, June 18.

Goode and Hyde have long been at odds, with the former Director of Schools (Hyde) resisting efforts to fund Sumner County Schools and other government entities with new revenue. Former Goode associate and former 45th District state representative Debra Maggart was also embroiled in the conflict between the two men at one time, attempting to push a different financial management scheme on the county by way of her position in the legislature.

It's not clear whether Goode will pursue prosecution or whether filing the report was just one more attempt to embarrass the already has-been Hyde.

What is clear is that the county is in the early stages of a potential financial crisis reminiscent of the one (led by Hyde's inaction) that caused the closing of Sumner County Schools in 2012.

Perhaps instead of bickering in the papers, Goode and Hyde could hold a WWE-style wrestling match and use the proceeds to fund volunteer fire departments?

For more on news impacting Hendersonville and Sumner County, follow @HvilleNews

Pot of Gold for the Band of Gold

Former Alderman Matt Stamper weighs-in on the Mayor's use of economic development funds for Hendersonville High School's Band of Gold. Here are his thoughts from Facebook:

As much as I would like to stay out of the local political fray, I feel like I'm unable when I see the things I see going on. The latest dustup is the Mayor spending $10,000 of budgeted money that is eamarked for economic development and giving it to the HHS Band of Gold to help pay for their trip to London. I feel I must speak out.

There is no such thing as objectivity, I understand that. And I understand fully my experience with Jamie, he has me blocked on facebook so we can't have this discussion here, has not been the smoothest over the years and I am suspect of most of the things he does in his role as Mayor. I believe from my own experiences I am justified in that presupposition. So I recognize my own bias. But I would urge you to look at this as objectively as you can.

The budget year ended June 30. Apparently there was at least 10,000 dollars unspent in the econmic development budget line item. Here is what our city website says about ECD:

economic and community development of Hendersonville is extremely active in the recruitment and retention of retail, office, and industrial clients. The City is currently experiencing unprecedented growth in retail and office development, with over $1 billion in new development approved for construction.

How in the world giving $10,000 of taxpayer money for a high school band trip to London can be justified as economic development is beyond me. This is just my opinion obviously and of course who can be upset about kids getting to go on such an exciting trip. I'm not trying to rain on the parade of HHS Band of Gold. If anyone knows me they know my family has supported the Band of Gold for over a generation. My son marched for five years with the band. If there was an issue raising money I'd have been the first to buy fruit or whatever they were selling. I have no issues with anyone giving to the cause, but the problem I have is those specific dollars, earmarked for something completely unrelated to charitable giving, being used as such with the justification that it....I can't imagine what connection Jamie tried to make to economic development.

Is the very presence of our band in a foreign country going to help bring businesses to our city? I don't see it. It's beyond a stretch to me. So here's where objectivity is lost on anyone with a dog in the hunt. What it looks like is currying favor with a substantial number of voters while in campaign mode by finding money that in no way should ever have been used for that to get a bunch of thank yous from the Band of Gold. If anything this expenditure should have been discussed by the full board, but of course Jamie knows anyone in their right mind would not have supported the use of those particular funds for that particular expenditure, not because they don't want to see the kids get to go to London, but as stewards of taxpayer dollars it is the job of the Board to approve expenses in the categories they were designed for and this is not a proper Economic Development expense. It's just not

What are your thoughts? Was Mayor Clary justified in using these funds for the Band of Gold? Should the school system cover these costs? Should local fundraising or private donors be responsible?

email us: newshendersonville@gmail.com

For more news impacting Hendersonville and Sumner County, follow @HvilleNews