By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—It was a night for accolades and heartfelt farewells at Monday night’s meeting of the Henry County Commission, as the county honored the Henry County No Fly Zone and formally bid adieu to long-time Commissioners Paul Mathenia and Connie McSwain and long-time Administrative Assistant Debbie Simmons. He also presented a resolution honoring Commissioner Kenneth Humphreys for his 32 years of service to the state commission.
County Mayor Brent Greer honored Mathenia, McSwain and Simmons with Loyal Patriot Awards, the highest honor that can be bestowed in the county. McSwain was unable to attend the meeting.
Greer noted Mathenia’s “faithful service to this county since 1998” and noted his service to the state commission and reflected on all that the county has achieved in the time Mathenia has been on the commission. “We built a jail, we got rid of the strip clubs, we built a school. Our schools are in excellent shape and the county schools will be totally out of debt by 2026. I think that’s remarkable for a community,” Greer said.
Earlier in the meeting, an emotional Mathenia said goodbye to his fellow commissioners and congratulated all the county officials who were re-elected. He also praised the other candidates who ran with him at the last election.
Mathenia gave special praise to Greer and his re-election as County Mayor. “Mayor Greer is probably the best thing that’s happened to Henry County,” he said. “I’ll see all of you somewhere down the road.” Mathenia received a standing ovation.
McSwain will be honored at a reception at the library (where she has been director for 16 years) on Friday evening.
Simmons is retiring and candidates are currently being interviewed for the position of Administrative Assistant. Greer said, “I can’t think of a better partner I could have had all these years in this job.”
Greer noted that a new portrait of commissioners which served this election year has been completed and will be placed on the wall in the courthouse.
The commissioners honored the Henry County No Fly Zone skeet shooting team on its recent victories at the state and national level. Proclamations containing the county resolution were given to all of the members of the group and its coaches. All were brought forward for recognition and applause by the commission and audience members.
Coaches are Head Coach Drew Williams (also a county commissioner), Keith Ray, Bill Neese, Doug Overton and Duston Mackey.
Members of the team in attendance were Caleb Orr and Stuart Archer, who placed first in the nation in varsity skeet; Brian Ray, Will Overton, Miles Mackey, Caden Delaney, Parker James, Drew Overton and Addison Delaney. Those who were unable to attend were Gray Gardner, Aaron Conrad, Scott Hicks, Dalton Dodd, and Evan Bevill.
In other business:
–The Commission accepted the resignation of County Coroner Danny Tucker, who has served in that capacity for 16 years.
–The Commission authorized County Medical Examiner Dr. Scott Portis to appoint Matthew McClure as medical investigator.
–The commission appointed Marty Visser to the beer board to replace Mathenia.
–The Commission modified the distribution of the victims’ assistance fee between three groups: The Carl Perkins Center, Women’s Rape Assistance Program and Court Appointed Special Advocate group.
–The county approved removal of Brogdon Cemetery Rd. from the county road list, authorized sale of delinquent tax properties; and quitclaimed undeveloped cul-de-sac to adjoining landowners at Russwood Shores.
Photos: The No Fly Zone team and coaches are honored; County Mayor Brent Greer reads the Loyal Patriot proclamation to Paul Mathenia; Greer reads the Loyal Patriot proclamation to Debbie Simmons. (Shannon McFarlin photos)
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