By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was an eventful meeting of the Henry County Commission Monday evening, as County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway officially tendered his resignation and the late Commissioner Randy Gean was honored. Both Ridgeway and Gean received standing ovations from the commission and audience at the meeting.
Gean’s family was on hand to receive the honor, while Ridgeway’s family also was present for his announcement.
In his hospital update, Henry County Medical Center Administrator John Tucker hinted that restoration of the facility’s obstetrics unit may be a possibility if the hospital embarks on a partnership/lease agreement with another healthcare facility.
An emotional Ridgeway spoke of his Dad’s passing over the weekend and the lessons he learned from him during his life. His father, Don Ridgeway, was a long-time public servant. Ridgeway said he has accepted the position of President of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Henry/Carroll and his resignation will be effective June 30, 2024, so that he can help facilitate the choice of the next County Mayor in the upcoming election August 1.
Ridgeway said TCAT President is the only job he would have quit County Mayor for, with his prior background at TCAT. “I’ve been blessed. I feel a title doesn’t define who I am. I’m blessed. My family is blessed. This is not an easy job. You’re not going to make everybody happy. There are some things I want to finish that we’ve started here. My path is to help others and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as County Mayor.”
Ridgeway said he is hopeful for a smooth transition for his successor. He leaves the job with sadness, he said, “because I’ve enjoyed a life serving the public and every citizen of the most wonderful community in the world.” He is optimistic looking forward to his new role in public service. “I will have a role in representing the future of Henry and Carroll Counties and this region”, noting the impact education and employment opportunities bring to “my beloved West Tennessee.”
Long-time Commissioner Randy Gean passed away last month after a lengthy career in public service, including 30 years for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. The proclamation for Gean was read by Commissioner David Webb surrounded by Gean’s wife, Rita, and family members. The proclamation spoke of Gean’s dedication to Henry County, as the longest-tenured Chief Deputy, as a long-time volunteer for the World’s Biggest Fish Fry, and an ambassador for Henry County.
Ridgeway said, “Randy was a blessing to this community and we’re going to miss him. Thank you (to his wife and family) for letting us have him.”
Earlier in the meeting, Rita presented the county with an American flag that one belonged to Earnest Stavely, who died in 1980, as a veteran of WWI and relative of the family. She said she and Randy had discussed donating it to the county before he passed away.
The commission set the procedure that will be followed for conducting a special election to fill the office of Commissioner for the 1st District to replace Gean. Ridgeway noted that the perfect choice was Rita, who attended every meeting with her husband. Ridgeway said the county will accept applications from the public to temporarily fill the vacancy before the August 1 election. The commission will vote on the replacement at the next meeting.
In other business:
–HCMC’s Tucker gave a wide-ranging update of hospital activities. Even though the hospital is proud of its independence, it may be time to affiliate with another healthcare facility. Partnership would allow more opportunities for HCMC, including possibly restarting the OB under a different model, expanding cardiology services. etc.
Potential partners include West Tennessee Healthcare, Ascension, Baptist, Mercy and Vanderbilt.
Presentations by potential partners will be given at the hospital’s strategic planning meeting later this month, he said.
Meanwhile, the sale of the Henry County Health Care Center nursing home is proceeding. It is being sold to Ahava Healthcare, anticipating a May 1 transition.
Emergency room improvements continue, the surgery center continues to experience delays. Tucker also reviewed the rural healthcare environment, noting that HCMC is not the only one experiencing reductions in service.
–The commission voted 7-5 to place Patrick Burns to represent District 5 on the courthouse committee. David Webb received five votes.
–The commission approved budget amendments, updated the Code of Ethics policy, approved the sale of properties to Henry County Habitat for Humanity, accepted TDOT proposal for portion of highway construction, and approved appointments to boards and committees.
Photo: County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway hugs Rita Gean as the proclamation for Randy Gean is read. Shannon McFarlin photo.