Sales Tax Holiday offers savings for all Tennesseans

Nashville – The Tennessee Department of Revenue reminds shoppers that the 2009 Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled for this Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9.This annual weekend of savings provides three full days of tax breaks on clothing, school and art supplies, and computer purchases. Although the holiday provides savings for back-to-school purchases, anyone can take advantage of the savings this weekend.

The holiday begins Friday, August 7 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday, August 9 at 11:59 p.m. During the designated three-day weekend, consumers will not pay state or local sales tax on select clothing with a price of $100 or less per item, school and art supplies with a price of $100 or less per item, and computers with a price of $1,500 or less. Visit www.tntaxholiday.com for more information on the holiday.

“All Tennesseans can use this weekend as an opportunity to save money on back-to-school items and other needed purchases,” said Revenue Commissioner Reagan Farr. “Shoppers have the chance to save nearly 10 percent on all purchases, something that many families need right now.”

AugTaxHoliday.mp3 [Read more]

Paris Landing hosts Bassmaster’s SpongeTech Tennessee Triumph tomorrow

“Out-of-control good” is what 2008 Bassmaster Classic champion Alton Jones of Waco, Texas, calls the fishing at Kentucky Lake, where the Bassmaster Elite Series will head to next for the June 3-6 SpongeTech Tennessee Triumph out of Paris, Tenn.

Kentucky Lake has hosted 10 previous BASS events, including the 2008 Bluegrass Brawl, won by reigning Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., who edged Timmy Horton of Muscle Shoals, Ala., by more than 1 pound. VanDam recently wrapped up another victory – 15th in his BASS career – at the Advance Auto Parts Blue Ridge Brawl in April on Virginia’s Smith Mountain Lake.

Fishing fans can catch all of the on-the-water action from the Tennessee Triumph on The Bassmasters, which airs Saturday, June 13, at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The daily weigh-ins for all regular-season Elite events and the two postseason events will air live on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, while a wealth of unique content will also be available at Bassmaster.com.

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Hats off to the World’s Biggest Fish Fry- the 56th Annual Paris Fish Fry

Pageants, parades, catfish races- yes, catfish racing is real!; mule pulls, carnival amusement and good times highlight the annual Paris Fish Fry.

With participation from many areas of West Tennessee, from Hardeman County, McEwen, to Martin, Dresden, Puryear, Jackson to Henry County and points in between; Paris, Tennessee staged the 56th running of the annual Fish Fry. This event has enjoyed recognition by the Guinness Book of World Record organizations as the largest continuous public fish fry to be documented anywhere in the world.
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Night Stalker Association Bass Tournament

The Night Stalker Association proudly presents the 11th annual Night Stalker Association Team Bass Tournament on Saturday April 18th 2009 at the Paris Landing boat ramp. Registration starts at 4:00 a.m. Money raised in this tournament goes directly into the Night Stalker Association Fund for Children with Terminally Ill Diseases, children of fallen Night Stalkers scholarship fund, and the general scholarship fund. The Cost: $90.00 per team with an optional $10.00 big bass pot per boat. All checks should be made out to the Night Stalker Association. The weigh-in will be conducted by the Montgomery County Bass Club.

Come on out and have a great time and support a great cause! Entry fee includes a BBQ lunch and plenty of beverages!! plus, stick around after the tournament and be included in our raffle. Hundreds of great door prizes will be raffled off!! [Read more]

Whose idea was this, anyway?

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry?

At first glance it might seem like a stretch of the imagination, but all you have to do is drop into Paris, Tennessee, in the early spring to know that this annual festival lives up to its proclaimed title.

To begin with, Paris, Tennessee, welcomes visitors to the city with a huge sign and a sculpted catfish — a declaration that fishing and the prospect of Cajun catfish or any kind of catfish fillets are big business here.

Yes, it is about the fishing. And the people who fish. And the people who have businesses that either supply the fisher-folk. And it is about everyone who simply wants to have a good time. Paris, a West Tennessee country community at the edge of Land Between the Lakes, has created an increasingly complex and continually growing festival to supply some very simple down-home fun. It’s fairly obvious that the entire community is behind this event… eagerly awaiting the fairs, the parades, and the infamous “catfish races.”

So where did it all begin? [Read more]

Tanner awarded “Spirit of Enterprise” from U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Award cites Tanner’s efforts on behalf of economic growth and job creation

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  has been awarded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious “Spirit of Enterprise” award for his pro-growth, pro-jobs voting record in the 2008 session of the 110th Congress.

“In the face of unprecedented economic challenges and in the midst of an election cycle, this Congress made some historic and courageous decisions that impacted the lives of every American,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “The Spirit of Enterprise Award identifies those lawmakers that truly stepped up to the plate and demonstrated real leadership in making this country a place where businesses can continue to grow and create jobs. [Read more]

Promised Land Books hosts booksigning with Sharlene MacLaren

Sharlene MacLaren will present readings and meet with her fans  at the Promised Land  Christian Bookstore December 18, from 2-6 p.m.

MacLaren is the author of the new book, Hannah Grace, and a collection of other books including Courting Emma, Through Every Storm, Liza Jane and Sarah.

Born and raised in West Michigan, MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University.  where she earned a degree in education in 1971. She  traveled internationally for a year with a small singing ensemble, then came home and married one of her childhood friends.  Together they raised two lovely, wonderful daughters, both of whom are happily married and enjoying their own families.  Retired in 2003 from 31-years of teaching, McLaren loves to read, sing in the church choir and worship team, travel, and spend time with her family, in particular, her  grandchildren, Dylan, Alexis, and Gavin.

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