Execution

Walk to School day took place yesterday as planned.

It's always nice to see a plan executed - thanks to Director of School Gary Lilly and his staff.

Grant activity

Two grants totaling $306,409 were accepted by city council last evening.

The largest of the two - from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - will be used to purchase P25-compliant radio communication equipment for the fire department.  49 portable, 10 vehicle, and five base radios are planned to be purchased with a $266,400 grant that will be matched with 10% in local funds.

The second grant is from the Governor's Highway Safety Office and will be used to purchase five, hand-held Lidar radar units and for enhanced traffic safety activities.  This $40,009 grant is 100% state funded and requires no local match.

Fire Chief  Bob Barnes and Police Chief Blaine Wade, along with their staff, are commended for their grantsmanship efforts.

Wouldn't it be nice

Sometimes we have to implement regulations -and sometimes seek compliance.

But our objective is always to be remedial - not punitive.

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone - and every organization - had that same philosophy.

Walk

The month of October is Walk to School Month with October 3rd designated as International Walk to School Day.

A proclamation recognizing the event will be read at the next city council meeting.

Our school system is fully participating with activities planned at the elementary level.  At last count, nearly 200 schools across Tennessee see the merit and importance of this healthy lifestyle and have activities planned.

And good for them.

16 tons

What do Bristol and Tennessee have in common?

Tennessee Ernie Ford, who was born in this white bungalow at 1223 Anderson Street in 1919.

His birthplace was recently recognized by the Tennessee Historical Commission with the installation of a historic marker thanks to the good work of the Bristol Historical Association.

Tennessee Ernie Ford is widely recognized for his hit song Sixteen Tons and his popular TV shows in the 1950's-60's.

Ernie began it all at WOPI Radio in Bristol in 1937 - and is an important contributor to our country music heritage that is so relevant today.

Quarter

Today marks the last business day of the first quarter of our fiscal year, or the third quarter of the calendar year - depending on your measurement focus.

A stopping point to reflect on what's happening, where you are, and the likelihood of getting where you want to go.

So what's happening? A lot.
Where are we? In a good place.
And how likely are we going to get there?  No question about it.

A nice way to end the first or third quarter, or any quarter for that matter - for sure.

Expired

The Police Department will be hosting its fourth annual “Prescription Drug Take-Back” day on Saturday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm in the City Hall parking lot at 801 Anderson Street.

Now is the time to bring old, unwanted, unused or expired medications (prescription, over-the-counter and supplements) to this secure drop-off site.  No questions will be asked and no identification is required.

All items will be properly incinerated which is an environmentally friendly method of disposal.