Free Take One
Volume 5 Issue 9
Covering Monterey and Surrounding Communities
#Partylikeit’s1901
Monterey board approves property tax By Rebekah K. Bohannon Beeler Scribe publisher
Photo by Rebekah K. Bohannon Beeler
An estimated 12,000 people came out to celebrate the grand opening of Bank of Putnam County Corporation’s new business center in Monterey Aug. 17.
BPC celebrates opening with 12,000 By Rebekah K. Bohannon Beeler
Scribe publisher
The Bank of Putnam County Corp. held a huge grandopening event in downtown Monterey on Aug. 17 to celebrate the completion of their headquarters building, a project that rebuilt the entire northwestern block of Commercial Ave., provided jobs and revitalized the downtown area. The theme of the celebration was “Party like it’s 1901,” the year the corporation’s first bank, Bank of Monterey, was opened. “Our business started as
Photo by Rebekah K. Bohannon Beeler
And the winner is … Monterey Police Officer Blake Bennett! John Story of Bank of Putnam County presents Bennett as the lucky $10,000 prize winner. Bank of Monterey in 1901. It is our hope that this new loan production office will
be a gift to the town of Monterey, bringing a new look to Commercial Avenue
and new employees into the community,” said Fournet. “I am personally so happy to be able to work back in my home town.” BPC now has 19 branches serving nine counties: Putnam, White, Overton, Fentress, Cumberland, Morgan, Anderson, Scott and Roane. The new corporate offices house their loan support and puts Monterey at the center of operations. According to BPC Board Vice-chairman Elizabeth Fournet, a dozen
See PARTY Continued on 3A
Friends to host volunteer Trail Building Day By Rebekah K. Bohannon Beeler Scribe publisher
Happy trails! Friends of Meadow Creek Park will host a Trail Building Day starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Monterey Depot on Saturday, Sept. 14, for park friends, volunteers and hiking and biking groups and enthusiasts to join forces and bring that dream to fruition. “People are starting to believe in what we’re doing up here,” said cultural administrator Julie Bohannon. A trail builder has been hired to offer expertise and experience to help train volunteers on proper trail building techniques. The group will meet at the Depot for a presentation on trail building and tools and then head over to Meadow
Photo by Rebekah K. Bohannon Beeler
Monterey Mayor Bill Wiggins, Friends of Meadow Creek Treasurer Denna Hornby, Cultural Administrator Julie Bohannon, Kwill Consultants grant writer Dawn Kupferer, and Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency Officer Cole Presley graciously accept the grant awarded by Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation from Perdue Director of Operations Jeffrey Beckman, Perdue Complex Human Resource Manager Angie Woods at Meadow Creek Park on Wednesday, July 3. Creek Park to begin building trails. Funding for the trail build-
ing project will come from the $20,000 grant Friends of Meadow Creek received
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September 13, 2019
The Monterey Board approved the three-cent property tax rate increase Monday, Sept. 9, to be set at $1.36, above the certified tax rate of $0.9526. The action followed the public hearing directly before the regular session meeting. On July 30, the Finance Committee met in a special called meeting and decided to approve the increase with two yes votes from committee members Aldermen Nathan Walker and Charles Looper and a no vote from Vice-mayor Starlett Wessels. A roll call vote indicated “yes” votes from Dale Welch, Charles Loopers, Mark Farley, JJ Reels, James Foster, and Nathan Walker. “No” votes were given by Starlett Wessels and Amy Martin. The board also discussed adopting a resolution for an internet/social media
policy for the Town of Monterey. City manager Ella Dishman presented information to the board regarding the use of the internet and social media by board members and city employees in both an official capacity and personal. Dishman also stated even personal Facebook pages on which any city business or discussion is posted are subject to public record. The resolution was tabled. The Board also adopted the resolution to appoint Secretary Lynn Connor, Chairman Brian Eads, Saundra Gilmore, Johnny Looper, Vice-chairman Cliff Bishop, Jeff Reese and Mark Simpson to the initial Monterey Healthcare Advocacy Commission to oversee and advise to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen in matters regarding all municipally owned health care facilities and providers. This resolution will replace the one adopted in 1975.
Hometown Project drums up new ideas By Rebekah K. Bohannon Beeler Scribe publisher
Monterey Hometown Project is a committee of the Standing Stone Historical Society set on community beautification, promotion, support, and tourism. MHP is continuously working on project ideas that will benefit the town and looking to find community partners to raise the funds needed to make it all possible. After all, Monterey is worth it. Last year, Monterey Hometown Project’s vision to “Light up the Loop” was realized, beautifying the town for the winter holiday. MHP purchased beautifully lit snowflakes for the town “loop” and bows for the light posts downtown. With the help of VEC for wiring and thanks to Monterey Volunteer Fire Department for hanging the snowflakes and bows, MHP saw the partnerships and donations come to life for the town. Through the donations and sponsorships of their community partners, MHP was also able to fund the restoration of the St. Raphael’s Mission and Standing Stone historical markers and the Quilt Trail signs for the Depot, Monterey Municipal Building, and
Senior Center. Currently, MHP is considering stone entrance designs for the town and looking at the possible purchase of more lighted snowflakes to tie the “loop” lights with I-40 exit 300, for an even brighter holiday season. Become a community partner and donate toward the support and beautification of Monterey by becoming a Friend ($125), Saint ($1,250) or Guardian Angel ($12,500) of Monterey Hometown Project. All donations are welcomed at the Monterey Depot Museum. For more information, call the Depot at 839-2111. Like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ montereyhometownproject. Monterey Hometown Project’s proud community sponsors are: Saint Standing Stone Historical Society $1,250; Friend Standing Stone Scribe $125; Saint Estate of Linda S. Walker $1,250; Friend Barbara’s Hair Salon drawing $510; Friend Randy & Melanie Porter $125; Friend Monterey Garden Club $125; Friend Wanda Balsley $125; Friend Paul E.
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