“I just thought it would be neat to be able to look back on it in the future,” explained Chief Joe Palmer, of the City of White House Fire Department. The building process will be documented “from the ground up.”

Palmer came up with the idea and has placed a stationary pole in an optimum location in order to capture every stage of construction from the same vantage point. Daily photos will be taken, and, based on the day's planned activities, as many as four images may be captured at various times. “We will take enough to catch progress,” Palmer assured.

The camera will face the front and east sides of the building and is capable of viewing the whole site at once, providing stability and consistency for the album. “We wanted to get it in an area that we wouldn't have to worry about it disturbing the construction, and we wanted to try to get the whole site in the picture,” Palmer noted. The angle will also provide visibility of the new training facility that will be constructed behind the new station.

Although several of the firefighters held their own groundbreaking ceremony, no official city ceremony took place before crews rolled in about three weeks ago and began clearing top soil. The low-key start to the project did not bother Palmer, however. “The biggest thing for me will be when we get the keys,” he added.

Now that the top soil is cleared, soil tests can be performed after which fill dirt will be brought in to prepare for construction. “Right now they are working intensely trying to get the sight up to grade,” Palmer stated. Given the time of year, crews hope to have the building pad ready and drainage completed in order to pour concrete before the freezing weather is in full force.

City Steps up census efforts
By Stacy Saunders
The City of White House stepped up its efforts to gather census data last week as census takers solicited information from shoppers at Al’s Food Valu and Kroger. “It’s been kind of random so far,” explained City Administrator Angie Carrier. “We just try to go on occasion to get as many as we can signed up.”

Census takers include members of what Carrier referred to as the “census committee,” a group made up of representatives from four of the city’s departments.

The census process began over the summer when notices appeared on sewer bills for each household within the city inviting the public to fill out the online form or to call the special number set up for citizens to register. Those two methods are still operable and are the most cost effective means of responding for the city. Citizens should simply call 672-4903 extension 1163 or go to www.cityofwhitehouse.com to participate.

With only twenty-five percent of the population currently registered, based on the 2005 official population numbers, the census committee has a long way to go to reach the ninety-nine percent rate achieved in 2005’s special census. “Everyone has to be counted,” insisted Carrier. “We’ll have to have that ninety-nine percent again.”

In order to reach that goal, the city has distributed data collection boxes to several of the local churches in addition to already implemented measures. The next step, a relatively expensive one, will be to mail out data cards for citizens to fill out and return. If numbers are still inadequate, city employees will begin collecting information door-to-door in order to meet the May deadline for reporting official numbers to the state. “People won’t come to your house, if you fill in the form,” Carrier encouraged.

The information requested is simply the address and the names of all those who live at each residence. It does not require any information about income, age, social security numbers, date of birth or any other specific information and takes only moments to complete.

Results of the census are expected to reach as high as 9,500-10,000 residents, based on the 2005 numbers combined with the building permits granted over the last three years. That number could add more than $140,000 each year to funds received from the state, money that would benefit the city without any increase in taxes.

Odenwald takes
critical role in city

Odenwald had spent the last few years in White House as a police officer. She took time off earlier this year for maternity leave ushering in her and her husband’s (John) new daughter Emma. When the position of city recorder became available, Odenwald applied.

“With the changes in our family this was an opportunity to stay involved doing something that I enjoyed while providing a more routine oriented job,” said Odenwald.

The position of White House City Recorder involves several different responsibilities including being the assistant to the city administrator.

“Christie is very intelligent, easy to work with, and she’s very willing to help anyone and everyone with anything that you ask her to do, she will be great for the public to call in and talk to,” added City Administrator Angie Carrier. “Christie is doing a great job.”

In addition to assisting Carrier, Odenwald will be responsible for keeping the minutes of the board meetings and performing the administrative duties thereof. She is often the first point of contact when city business is concerned.

Odenwald graduated from Marquette University with a B.A. in Criminology and Law Studies. She and her husband moved to Tennessee in 2003 where she completed her certification in Basic Police Recruit School at Walters State Community College. In 2004, Odenwald joined the White House Police Department where she helped revise and create new policies for the department to comply with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA) as well as working as a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) instructor at local schools.

F&M Bank breaks ground on White House office

The rapid growth of F&M Bank's White House office has prompted bank officials to move-ahead plans to construct a new 2,800 sq. ft. facility. Since opening the bank's third Robertson County office earlier this year, F&M's White House office has operated from a temporary office at 610-B Hwy. 76. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility took place December 7 at 9:30 a.m. The new office, currently scheduled to open in the fall of 2008, will be constructed in the Kroger Center at 518 Hwy. 76.

According to vice president, Tim Chowning, F&M's accelerated plans to construct a permanent office in White House, is in part because of the bank's significant growth within the market. The most recent annual reports published by the FDIC show that in only four short months, between F&M's opening date of February 26 and June 30, 2007, the bank captured over 3% total deposit market share in White House.

“We have been truly blessed that the people of White House have responded with such enthusiasm to F&M's presence in our marketplace,” remarked Chowning. “It speaks volumes for the reputation, values and experience of our Robertson County bankers who have been in this market for years, and have created a name for F&M Bank and a following of loyal customers who trust us with their all-important financial well-being.”

The new F&M office has been designed by Lyle-Cook-Martin Architects. Tom Spigner of TMS Construction has been appointed contractor for the project. The facility will feature three drive-thru lanes, safe deposit boxes, and a drive-up ATM.

F&M Bank has grown from a small community bank in Stewart County to one of the premier financial institutions in middle Tennessee with bank assets exceeding $600 million. The bank has 13 full-service banking facilities including three in Robertson County. F&M has announced plans to open a Goodlettsville facility in the first quarter of 2008. F&M also ranks in the top 20 banks in Tennessee based on asset size.

Christmas in the Park returns in a big way
By Stacy Saunders
Since 2004, Christmas in the Park has been on hiatus due to extensive construction efforts at The Church at Grace Park in White House. This year, the much-loved event is back in a big way this Friday and Saturday nights.

With the addition of the newly enclosed Pavilion and the inclusion of the Precept Mansion in this year's festivities, there are more opportunities for attendees to spend time both in and out of the cold enjoying all Christmas in the Park has to offer. “There is a variety to experience,” commented Pastor Bob Cook. “We hope it will be a blessing to the community.”

Popular attractions such as the hourly choral concert, carriage rides, the Village Christmas Service, bonfires with hot chocolate and apple cider, a brass band, carolers and the Sisters Tea Room are back alongside the new additions. A “train station” will house a food court with an abundant variety of culinary temptations including items from Magnifiscents, Chick-Fil-A, a Mexican food vendor, and the traditional funnel cakes, hamburgers and hot dogs. There will also be shops with all sorts of gift ideas and top-quality items to be found. Another family-friendly portion of the event will be Santa’s Workshop, a shopping area designed for young children to shop for Family members. Each child will be assigned a personal shopper to help with their purchases that will range in price from $1 to $5. There will also be a gift wrapping station in Santa’s Workshop.

Throughout the entire Grace Park campus, visitors will enjoy Christmas lights and displays, banners reminding them of the reason for this season's joy and places to stop and experience Christmas in numerous ways including a Country Christmas at the amphitheater and “The Little Schoolhouse.” With its move to the Precept Mansion, the tea room has been able to expand along with the annual event this year.

The first Christmas in the Park was observed as an evening of caroling followed by a time of outdoor fellowship. It grew every year for the next several Christmas seasons until 2004 when the event was temporarily halted. “We don't plan to have any more misses,” Cook assured. “We want Christmas in the Park to be something families can plan their December calendars around.”

With the extraordinary expense of providing such an anticipated event, this year organizers opted to add a small admission fee for each evening. For only $5.00 per individual over age 5 or a maximum of $15.00 per family, patrons will gain access to the spectacular event and its many free shows and activities. “We tried to make it affordable,” stated Cook. In 2004, when the last Christmas in the Park was held, the two-day celebration cost around $35,000.00 to present. Although, the small admission fee is not expected to bring in nearly enough to cover such a cost this year, it will help to defray the difference between the actual cost and donations and gifts given throughout the year toward the undertaking. Parking will remain complimentary in the Ingersoll Rand parking lot. If any proceeds from the admissions collections remain beyond costs, they will be donated to local missions agencies such as the Nashville Rescue Mission or the HOPE Center.

Christmas in the Park will be held this Friday and Saturday, December 14 and 15 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. with a rain date of Sunday, December 16. The Church at Grace Park is located at 506 Hester Drive (behind Cracker Barrel) and can be reached by phone at 672-3752.

By Jennifer Cope
Browser White House Office

All I wanted that year for Christmas was a camera. I was probably 12 or 13 that year. A camera was something really special, not just a toy, it was something special. Anytime I was asked what I wanted for Christmas my answer was always a camera. I remember looking under the tree anytime my mom put another present under there to see if it was my camera. I never saw anythig that shape, but you know parents like to be clever, so I was always hoping that it was there.

Every Christmas morning before we could even see our presents we had to line up in the hallway until Dad got the movie camera ready. It was one of the old 8 mm cameras that had the huge lights on that were hot and bright as sunshine. So here we were, lined up in the hallway with our housecoats on buttoned up over our pajamas waiting for Dad to get things set up. It always seemed to take forever!!! Finally the okay was given and here we go! Into the living room to our assigned spot to see what we got! After opening all my presents, and looking through the things in my chair, there was no camera! How could they not get me a camera? That’s all I wanted!!!!

I remember sitting there sulking while everyone else was enjoying their gifts. Finally, Mom left the room and came back with one more present. It was for me!!! It was my camera!!!! Smiles were all around! They thought they had pulled one over on me, but I knew mom and dad would come through! The camera was black with a spot on top you put a flash cube bulb that rotated around until all four bulbs were out. Anyone remember those? Of course mom had already put film in it so the picture taking began! That’s probably my favorite Christmas memory.

Did you miss it?

Did you miss it? Where were the 2 High School Bands - White House High Band of Pride and the White House Heritage Marching Patriots?

You may have seen one band in the White House Christmas parade, and it has been reported as one or the other bands....even in some newspapers. The fact of the matter is that  again, these two band programs have combined their talents to show off the unity that can be achieved through music. What an excitement and a sound  that created!

For spectators that were unfamiliar with the bridges being built in our community, many were perplexed as to why some of the band students had on red overlays on their blue and white uniforms! The band members intermingled by section, shoulder to shoulder with their counterpart from the "other school". The Patriot uniform, being red, white and blue, while the Band of Pride being just blue and white. The styles of the uniforms are different, but with all wearing Santa hats the differences were muted...but not the SOUND!

A precedent setting event orchestrated by the band directors, Mr. Eric Scott   and Mr. JR Baker. Mr. JR Baker responded, "I think the parade was a great experience for everyone involved. The kids enjoyed, the parents enjoyed, and I think I speak for both band directors when I say that it was great to see such a large band marching through White House. I also think it was special to see the two band programs work together to create a uniting experience as opposed to the competition that we usually see between the two schools. Making music together transcends county lines and we had the opportunity to prove that Saturday."

Love at first bite!

Heather Green was in Wendy’s that day when Michael noticed her and from then on it was true love. On the 11th of each month they have made it a ritual to return to the restaurant in celebration of their meeting.

Last Friday, Michael and Heather were wed at the Church of God in White House. However, they had a special night on the previous Thursday as the wedding party conducted the rehearsal dinner at the White House Wendy’s to honor their meeting place.

“I think it is a very sweet thing and something that will stay with them forever,” explained Heather’s mom, Mia Green. “When they suggested that they have the dinner here, I called to see if it was something that could be done. The manager called me back and said that they would be honored to host it and asked what the colors were going to be.”

Wendy’s manager Tina Isabell was openly excited about the event and made sure the restaurant was decorated accordingly and that there was sufficient staff.

“We’ve never done anything like this before, but I thought that It would be a great thing,” said Isabell.

Michael was living in Paducah, Ky at the time of his grandfather’s funeral in White House. However, since the courting he has moved to White House to be closer to his future wife.

“It was something that I can’t really explain,” said Byrom. “When I saw her that day, I just knew that she was the one.”

The now married Michael and Heather Green spent their honeymoon night at the Hyatt at Opryland and will be spending a few days in Gatlinburg before returning home.

Farmers, do you have the card?
There are some farmers out there who might not have heard about a big change coming New Years Day. Starting January 1, farmers will be required to present a state-issued certificate to qualify for Tennessee's state sales-tax exemption on all farm-related purchases.

The reason for this change is simple. For too long many non-farming citizens utilized the farmer's exemption. This loophole cost the state millions of dollars in uncollected sales-tax while at the same time hampered Tennessee's efforts to help out its farming community in times of need. To combat this abuse, farmers are now required to present a “proof-of-status” card that certifies their qualification for the exemption.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue has mailed Agricultural Sales and Use Tax Certificates of Exemption to many of those who automatically qualified for the exemption. Unfortunately there are a number of people who qualify but have not received the automatic mailing. So for those who, for whatever reason, may not have received a card yet, let me give you a few steps to resolve the issue.

If you have not received your card in the mail and you believe you qualify for the exemption, go to the Tennessee Department of Revenue website at www.state.tn.us/revenue and click on the box labeled “New Farmers, Timber Harvesters and Nurserymen Sales Tax Exemption” to the right of the page. There you will find a description of the program as well as instructions on how to apply for the exemption. For those without computer access, you can contact the Department of Revenue directly at (615) 253-0600 or toll-free at (800) 342-1003.

Those interested in receiving the exemption must meet one or more of the following criteria:

Is the owner or lessee of agricultural land from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced or sold during the year, including payments from government sources;

Is in the business of providing for-hire custom agricultural services of plowing, planting, harvesting, growing, raising, or processing agricultural products or the maintenance of agricultural land;

Is the owner of land that qualifies for taxation under the provisions of the Agricultural Forest and Open Space Land Act of 1976;

The applicant's federal income tax return contains one or more of the following:

Business activity on IRS schedule F (Profit or Loss From Farming); or Farm rental activity on IRS form 4835 (Farm Rental Income and Expenses) or Schedule E (Supplemental Income and Loss); or The applicant establishes to the satisfaction of the commissioner that he or she is actively engaged in the business of raising, harvesting or otherwise producing agricultural commodities.

If you have questions or comments about the new proof-of-status cards, or if you have an issue you'd like to address, please don't hesitate to contact me. My telephone number is 741-1980, and email address is rep.michael.mcdonald@legislature.state.tn.us.

State Representative Mike McDonald (D-Portland) represents the 44th District in the State House of Representatives