Officer of the year

It's always nice when nice guys - in this case a really nice guy - is recognized for outstanding service.

Congratulations to Clint Hull for being selected Tennessee officer of the year by the Optimist Club of Bristol TN/VA.  Virginia Officer Brandon Barr was similarly recognized

You'll see Clint often when you visit downtown Bristol - and when you do, congratulate him for a job well done.

City management 101

Surround yourself with the best and brightest staff and be the dumbest in the room.

Alliteration

Belk, Bass, Birthplace, BMS, and Bristol - are you sensing a pleasing pattern here?

Signs

Things remain very busy around city hall these days - much is underway.

A number of commercial construction projects are about to launch after a number of lean years following the great recession of 2007.

Importantly, the Belk groundbreaking takes place tomorrow at the Pinnacle.

Signs of recovery are in the air - and everywhere.

Housing assistance

Through the good work of the Community Development Department, the city has accessed new grant funds for emergency housing repairs under the Federal Home Loan Bank's Accessibility Rehabilitation Program.

The city, through the Bank of Tennessee and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, may access up to $75,000 for emergency repairs and accessibility modifications to owner-occupied homes.  Up to $7,500 may be spent per home.  These are private bank funds that do not require a local match.

This new program serves as a valuable addition to our housing assistance efforts as the spending requirements of the other programs are very limited for emergency repairs. 

Emergency repairs include items such as a roof or heating system replacement; while accessibility modifications may involve installing grab bars/handrails, widening doors, erecting handicap ramps, and others.

Interested persons may contact the Department of Community Development to discuss qualification requirements.

Nicker

An archaic definition for the word Orb is to encircle- and boy did he.

Orb was winner of the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

I hear he was heard nickering with happy anticipation in the stable after the race:  "I'll have another."

And perhaps he will - at the Preakness in two weeks - just like the chestnut a year ago.

Do it

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.

The second best time is today.    Chinese Proverb