| Statue to honor Gov. Ned Ray McWherter |
By: Sabrina Bates
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Posted: Friday, May 22, 2009 3:18 pm
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It was a unanimous decision by county commissioners to erect a monument on the court square honoring Weakley County native and former state governor Ned Ray McWherter during a board meeting held Monday evening.
McWherter is one of the county’s most well-known statesman having served 18 years in the House of Representatives from 1968 through 1986. He was also chosen seven consecutive times as Speaker of the House during his legislative tenure.
McWherter was also governor for the state from 1987 until 1995 serving two terms at the post.
A resolution passed by the county commission Monday cites, “Gov. McWherter’s emphasis on highway construction, adequate primary health care, waste management and most importantly — schools to provide a skilled workforce.”
“Gov. McWherter continues to quietly help the people of Weakley County and the state by contributing to worthy local charities and assisting in the county’s economic development efforts. Other contributions made by Gov. McWherter include his contribution to help build the Weakley County Library and the donation of a building to house the Weakley County Board of Education and Department of Finance,” the resolution reads.
A fund raising campaign by private citizens is planned to help raise money for the expenses involved with the project. The monument will be housed on the grounds of the Weakley County courthouse.
In other resolution news, commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the Weakley County Highway Department to submit and accept a Litter and Trash Grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation for the 2009-10 fiscal year.
The exact amount of the grant will be announced in mid-July when the state assesses its next fiscal year budget. Last year, the Litter and Trash Grant received by Weakley County from the state was approximately $40,000.
Several year-end budget transfers within the General Purpose School Fund were passed by county commissioners Monday evening. Those transfers allowed all line items to be adequately funded for the balance of the budget.
A carryover of funds in the Federal Projects Fund was also passed as a resolution. The fund is made up of only federal monies with no local tax dollars.
Carryover line items included additional money budgeted for medical insurance; travel expenses; instructional supplies and materials and $10,000 for gasoline.
Commissioners also approved a resolution accepting a $1,000 grant to the Weakley County Office on Aging/Dresden Senior Citizens Center from Wal-Mart, Inc. There is no local match required for the grant. With additional grant funding going toward the senior center, a total amount of $2,448 will be used for travel, food supplies and supplies and materials.
Andy Page and John Clark were appointed to the Weakley County Economic Development Board.
The next regular meeting of the Weakley County Board of Commissioners is set for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25 in the Weakley County courthouse meeting room.wcp 5-21 |
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