In the News

Hwy. 43 Expansion Enhances Travel

Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely was in Lawrence County in January to cut the ribbon on the Highway 43 South expansion. The span from Loretto in South Lawrence County to the Tennessee/Alabama State Line is the final leg of improvements creating a four-lane highway from the north end of Lawrence County all the way to the State Line. Lawrenceburg Mayor Keith Durham notes that this will enhance travel for leisure pursuits as well as for work and education opportunities.

HoJo photo - Lawrence County Advocate

Gov. Bredesen Announces Theater Grant

Governor Phil Bredesen joined state and local leaders to award the City of Lawrenceburg an enhancement grant in the amount of $180,042 to assist with the development of the Crockett Theater Welcome Center Improvement Project.

The Crockett Theater Welcome Center is located just north of the square in historic downtown Lawrenceburg. The project consists of significant renovations to the men's and women's restroom facilities. When complete, the project will create a cleaner and more convenient atmosphere for those visiting the center.

"Improvements to welcome centers can be a powerful tool in boosting tourism, which can stimulate local economies," said Bredesen. "I'm pleased we can provide the resources necessary to accomplish those goals."

Senator Doug Jackson said, "Improvements to this important building would not be possible without these grant funds." Representative Joey Hensley also helped secure this grant for the City of Lawrenceburg.

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. As part of the Crocket Theater Welcome Center Improvement Project, the restrooms will meet ADA requirements, and will be larger in size after an office and storage area are converted for use in the renovation.

"The historic Crockett Theatre is an important cornerstone of the Lawrenceburg community," said Mayor Keith Durham. "These improvements will allow us to more fully enjoy this great facility. We appreciate the assistance of our Governor and legislators and all who are working to maintain and improve the Theater."

New Life in Historic District
Excerpt from Lawrence County Advocate - by Nancy Brewer

Fred Thompson's Homecoming in September prompted a clean-up, fix-up effort that made our Square look "postcard perfect," according to the Tennessean. In another article, the newspaper called it "a Norman Rockwell setting."

An Innovation Grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for $10,000 (including a 20% local match) will be used to bring more travelers here, said Lawrenceburg MainStreet Director Jayne Shaw. The grant will fund a website; brochures for regional Interstate Welcome Centers; additional signs directing people downtown; and planters with 25-gallon water reservoirs that are already in place.

Other changes are taking place downtown, thanks to several property owners. Sasser & Thrasher Property Management has purchased one building on the Square, is negotiating for another, and is overseeing the renovation of a third. Offices, apartments, retail shops, a banquet hall, and a restaurant are part of the plan. Also, a handsome new sign for WDXE radio, located in the former Princess Theatre, adds a touch of neon to the Square. Other projects include re-facing of the building behind the Cherokee Museum; "Necessitiques" in the former White's building, the popular Thompson's Station, and more.

The Queen Anne Victorian home built just south of the Square by a Lawrenceburg mayor is being restored to its former glory by owners Bob and Teresa Kelly. The Kellys' research shows that J.W. Garrett began the house in 1895. With the goal of earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, the Kellys are being careful to return the home as nearly as possible to its original state. Walnut, oak and chestnut floors, moldings, and staircase "are in great shape," said Bob Kelly. The Kellys hope to lease the home for special events after it is restored. It will be called "The James W. Garrett House."

More and more travelers are looking for places like historic downtown Lawrenceburg as they search for unique and educational destinations. Downtown has a "spirit of place," Shaw said, that draws visitors in.
 

Gov. Bredesen Awards Infrastructure Grant

Gov. Phil Bredesen and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber recently approved a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to assist in the rehabilitation of the Lawrenceburg sewer system in Lawrence County.

"I'm very pleased the state of Tennessee can offer this financial assistance to Lawrenceburg for the rehabilitation of their sewer system," Bredesen said. "The types of infrastructure repair and modernization projects funded by these grants boost development at the local level and lead to continued improvement of our state's economic health."

"CDBG grants offer needed support to communities at the most basic levels of infrastructure, including well-kept roads and effective water and sewer facilities," Kisber said. "ECD is pleased to lend its support to this program that is so essential to the progress of communities across the state."

The grant was approved following an application by the City of Lawrenceburg and has the support of Mayor Keith Durham, Sen. Doug Jackson, and Rep. Joey Hensley. "This grant is essential to providing services to our residents and to having the infrastructure in place to support business and industry," said Durham.

Crockett Park among Gold Medal Winners

Tennessee State Parks were recently named Gold Medal Winner for 2007 by the National Recreation and Park Association Congress in Indianapolis. Lawrenceburg's own David Crockett State Park is part of the system. The Park is located off Highway 64 along the banks of Shoal Creek and named for pioneer, soldier, and politician David Crockett.

As you wind your way through the Park, enjoy the trees and views of rolling hills, then see how many deer you can spot. Crockett Park features a paved biking trail, 40-acre Lindsey Lake for fishing, two campgrounds with 107 campsites, seven rustic picnic shelters, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a restaurant with great views of the Park, and many special programs and events highlighting the area's history and natural setting.

"I hope this national recognition will encourage people across the United States to come and enjoy our good nature at Tennessee State Parks," said Assistant Commissioner of Tennessee State Parks' Mike Carlton.
The David Crockett State Park Office may be reached at 931/762-9408

Crockett Hospital Selected for Nurses' Training

Lawrenceburg's Crockett Hospital is one of three hospitals selected as nurses' training sites for a new program. Governor Bredesen and Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley have awarded $50,000 to the South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance for nursing skills enhancement. The money will be used for 175 nurses to receive training at area hospitals, including Crockett, for special certification in emergency care and critical care.

Crockett Hospital is a 107-bed, acute care facility located along Highway 43 on the south side of Lawrenceburg. It features an Outpatient Surgery Unit, Emergency Department, and Intensive Care Unit, plus a Physical Rehabilitation Unit and a Women's Health Center.
"This grant will strengthen our area's healthcare industry," said Jan Mckeel, Executive Director for the South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance. "A skilled healthcare workforce is critical to a thriving community."

For more information on Crockett Hospital, visit www.crocketthospital.com

Retire to Lawrenceburg
January 9, 2007

The Lawrenceburg area has been selected as one of nine communities to participate in the Retire Tennessee pilot program, promoting Tennessee as a great place for retirees to call home. The first of 78 billion Baby Boomers turned 60 last year, and this group is looking for retirement destinations. By meeting specific criteria set by the state, Lawrence County will have the advantage of partnering with the state to promote the advantages of the area.

Along with mild weather and parks for recreation, the Lawrenceburg area offers a low crime rate and low cost of living. The area provides a modern Mayberry lifestyle - friendly people, churches and civic organizations, and an historical town square with shops and a theatre. Lawrenceburg also has all the conveniences of city living - health care, stores, restaurants, and banks. New subdivisions, open land, and homes are readily available at reasonable prices, many with views of creeks, ponds, and rolling hills. Also, Tennessee's state and local taxes rank among the lowest in the nation, and Tennessee has no state income tax. An average Lawrence County home valued at $114,000 would have an $860 county property tax and a $439 city tax.

If you are interested in retiring to the Lawrenceburg area, visit the Chamber of Commerce at www.chamberofcommerce.lawrence.tn.us, or stop by the office at 1609 North Locust Avenue for a warm welcome and brochures on the area.

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