By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—The Henry County Commission learned Monday night that most of the items sought in a courthouse security grant were approved.
Henry County Clerk and Master Mary Burns, Juvenile Judge Vicki Snyder and Circuit Court Clerk Mike Wilson attended the meeting to report on progress of the county’s courthouse security committee.
Bruns noted that the committee seeks to be proactive and protect the courts, employees and public before problems occur. Grant monies were offered to all 95 counties in the state and Wilson applied for the available monies for the county.
Wilson said three out of five items the county requested were approved “which is good, since we were up against all the other counties in the state”.
Approved for Henry County was: a button alarm system for the courthouse annex; video arraignment system for juvenile court; smart lock system for courtrooms.
The two items requested that were denied were a security camera system and security film to be placed on windows. Wilson said he will renew requests for those in the next grant funding cycle.
Snyder also commended the county for placing Deputy Ricky Wade at the courthouse and courthouse annex. “We feel much safer,” she said. “That was a great decision. He truly is a great asset for us.”
In other business:
–Commissioners authorized submission of an application to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development block grant program for the countywide radio network. Equipment for such a radio network “will greatly improve the safety of the conty’s emergency service responders and will enhance safety and emergency services to our citizens,” according to the resolution.
The county proposes to apply for $315,000 in grant funds, with the 911 board committed to pay for the grand local match of $250,000 that is required to secure funding.
–Commissioners noted the recent passing of long-time Commissioner Bobby Freeman and County Mayor Brent Greer said Freeman’s family “appreciated your assistance with the service, prayers and thoughts”.
–Henry County Republican Party Vice Chair Garry Phillips said an informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 25, on the caucus process. Both the Henry Co. GOP and the Henry County Democratic Party have indicated they will be having caucuses rather than primaries this spring.
Photos: Circuit Court Clerk Mike Wilson presents information to the commission; Henry County GOP Vice Chair Garry Phillips reports on the future party caucus. (McFarlin photo).
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