An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
This Week’s Front Page News From Podunk
Once again, you’re going to have to take my word for it!
The local economy
City/county sales tax receipts how much of the local business sector is still doing OK
Despite the deflating of the national housing bubble and Wall Street’s worries and losses, here at home, Hardin Country’s economy is still on its feet.
Local sales tax collections are continuing to grow. The most recent figures available show sales tax revenue from Savannah businesses up more than 4 percent this August compared with the same month a year ago.
“Alot of folks are not driving to Florence and Jackson. With the gas prices what they are, I stay a whole lot closer to home,” said Savannah City Manager Garry Welch. “We’ve got where Savannah businesses have just about anything you need.”
Well, ALMOST anything ya need. Since I saw gas at $2.44 yesterday, shopping around town might not be all that common. When you have a sales tax higher than neighboring states, folks tend to do a little driving to get the better deals. Of course, people still have to eat, and unless you have a freezer in the back end of your vehicle, odds are, you’ll shop local.
What business people are saying about sales
To get a feel for the local economy, The Courier contacted a small sampling of local and area businesses for comments this week.
They were each asked, “Comparing sales this month to October 2007, is business about the same, better or worse?”
Here are a few responses.
Propane company – “About the same. If cold weather had not arrived early, business would be down because some customers are switching to wood.”
It’s cold? Hmmm… Reckon it’s all a matter of perspective.
Consignment store – “A little better. People are looking for bargains.”
Restaurant (not a chain) – “About the same. It seemed down, but I looked back and it’s about the same. I couldn’t believe it.”
Sadly, my favorite restaurant (not a chain) closed. Why? Well, folks in Podunk don’t like REAL good food is all I can think. Otherwise, I don’t see empty parking lots at the other places.
Auto dealer – “Worse. You know that smell from the papermill? That’s how business is.”
Not surprising. And trust me, if you’ve never had the ‘pleasure’ of that papermill aroma….well, it seriously STINKS!
Many voters are casting early ballots
Employees at the Hardin County Election Commission haven’t had much time to catch their breath since the early voting period for the Nov. 4 election began.
With five days of early voting passed, a total of 1,750 ballots had been cast early as of closing Monday afternoon. Tuesday morning, a steady stream of voters was walking through the door of the Hardin County Election Commission office in the basement of the county courthouse in Savannah.
When the Mr and I voted on the first day of early voting, on the 15th, we only ran into 4 other people voting. My guess, it’s picked up quite a bit.
One driver dead, one injured in head-on crash
A Savannah woman was injured in a two-vehicle crash near Reagan in Chester County that left the other driver dead.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Mitizi L. Williams, 24 of Savannah, was driving a 1995 Chevrolet Camaro southbound on Tenn. 22.
The driver who was killed in the Oct. 15 crash, margaret P. Alexander, 57, of Sardis, was operating a 1996 Ford Explorer northbound on the highway.
My prayers are with both families. One thing that surprises me though. When thinking of a Camaro vs an Explorer, you’d think just the opposite would happen, with the driver of the Camaro being hurt/killed. I’m glad she wasn’t, but it does seem unusual.
Commission talks water probems (hey, their spelling, not mine)
Should Hardin County get into the water business if existing water providers such as the Savannah Utility Department cat’s or won’t expand their system to serve new customers?
Several members of the Hardin County Commission floated that idea Monday night during discussion about applying to the state for a $500,000 Community Developement Block Grant for a possible water project. Areas under consideration include Burnt Church, Cerro Gordo and Smith Fork Road.
Huh? I’m all for water. I like water. I use it daily while showering. I use it to wash dishes and clothes, too. I even use it to make coffee in the morning.
Commissioner Mike Jerrolds suggested the county apply 3 to 5 cents of the county peoperty tax rate to water improvements, which he said might cover the cost of up to six miles of new line per year.
Ah HA! The meat. Now, you know, as well as I do, they won’t take the existing monies for this use. They’ll tack ON more to the property taxes. And of course, it won’t be enough, so they’ll raise ‘em some more! That’s how gubmint works, no matter what level they are, local, state, or federal.
Book signing will benefit Buford Pusser Museum
Dwana Pusser Garrison will be signing copies of her new book, “Walking On,” in Adamsville on Saturday in an event to benefit the Buford Pusser Home and Museum.
The book is described as an “intimate, thrilling and heartfelt biography (that) presents Pusser as only his family and closest friends knew him. A well-deserved addition to the lore surrounding the clebrated sheriff, this title is certain to surprise and captivate old and new Buford Pusser fans alike.”
Gee, I’ll be sure to rush right on over. 
Y’know, I’ve driven by that house/museum. It’s NOTHING like what they show in the movie (the original, not the Rock version, which has nothing to do with Pusser at all). Sometimes, I get this impression that all this attention has nothing to do with the ‘legend’. Rather, it seems that the daughter wants to keep her name in the limelight. I dunno. Just an opinion.
