VanDam wins 17th BASS Victory at Kentucky Lake Bassmaster Elite Series Event

Paris, TN – Kevin VanDam has set the bar so high that when the Kalamazoo, MI, veteran goes a few tournaments without a victory, bass fishing fans are left to ponder if he has lost the magic. But VanDam is undoubtedly on top of his game and Saturday, he laid waste to rumors of a struggle, extending his Kentucky Lake domination at the Tennessee Triumph with a four-day total of 92 pounds, 5 ounces.

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VanDam Does it Again

Dominates on Kentucky Lake for 6-Pound Lead at Bassmaster Elite Series Elite Event

PARIS, Tenn. – Kevin VanDam’s Kentucky Lake domination is beginning to get a bit ridiculous. Despite a rough start – VanDam failed to connect on consecutive 5-pounders on his first two bites – the five-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year opened up a 6-pound lead at the Tennessee Triumph Friday.

After scoring a first-, second- and third-place finish in the previous three Elite events here, VanDam is closing in on adding another victory to his Kentucky Lake ledger. He ended up toting 24 pounds, 2 ounces, to the scales Thursday, which upgraded his two-day total to 49 pounds, 2 ounces. His consistency was rare as he was only angler to remain in the top five from Wednesday.

VanDam capitalized on a fast-and-furious early-morning bite, which allowed him to vacate his primary areas by 9:30 am and hunt for new water. The search wasn’t fruitless and VanDam feels that he has a number of areas at his disposal that could produce. Still, VanDam was worried about boat pressure – from locals and competitors – with the impending weekend. Last year, perhaps the most lasting image from Bobby Lane’s victory here was the armada of 100-plus spectator boats that crowded his area. [Read more]

No Surprise: VanDam Takes Early Lead on Kentucky Lake at Bassmaster Elite Series Event

It was more a question of when, not if, five-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam was going to make a late-season charge. Heading into the Tennessee Triumph this week, the planet’s best angler was in 26^th in the Angler of the Year standings. Respectable for mere mortals, yes, but for VanDam, it wasn’t good enough.

But this week looked like an obvious springboard. VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., has posted first-, second- and third-place finishes on Kentucky Lake in the three previous Bassmaster competitions here. A Wednesday limit of 25 pounds, 0 ounces, on the fish factory has him in the catbird seat to start the week. Just ounces off the pace, Rick Morris of Lake Gaston, Va., registered 24-15 and sits in second.

Unlike in years past on Kentucky, things have been a struggle thus far, VanDam said. The current didn’t run until late in the day and the bass aren’t schooling up and prone to quick flurries, most likely due to the recent flooding.

“It’s not easy out there,” said VanDam, a three-time Bassmaster Classic champion. “The areas that I typically go to have been beat to pieces. The biggest thing that has changed is everyone has the equipment to find fish out here. And it shows. But you still have to know what to throw and how to throw it to get the big bites.”

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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]

Chamber plans “coffee social”

The Paris Henry County Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly “Chamber Coffee” on Tuesday, February 24, at the First United Methodist Church in Paris from 8-9 A.M.

The First United Methodist Church is rich in local history dating back to the Jackson Settlement Purchase. It was established on its present location in 1925. The First UMC offers both contemporary and  traditional services and a special children’s service as well. Outreach programs include televised worship services on Channel Cable 3 and radio broadcasts on WMUF AM/M.

For more information on the morning coffee program, call the  Chamber of Commerce. For more information on UMC programs and services, call 642-4764.

Paris Health Expo focuses on YOUR health and well-being

Paris and Henry County has shown it loves a good expo, an opportunity to peruse the diversity of opportunities that abound within this geographic area. February 7th’s Health Expo proved to be no exception. The Paris Civic Center was filled with healthcare consumers visiting the over thirty healthcare providers and allied services present to display their various wares and services and discuss health care  information and options.

In a four hour block of time, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, the Paris Civic Center was a buzz of activity as over six hundred visitors passed through the center’s doors during the sixth annual Healthcare Expo .

Visitors were greeted by Paris Chamber of Commerce representatives Jenifer Williams and Stacie Plunkett, and asked to sign-in and register for free door prizes and give-a-ways. Each visitor received a free gift bag to fill with the free hand-outs and gifts provided by the diverse vendors. Stacie is chairperson of the Chamber’s Healthcare Committee which coordinates the health expo.

At the center of the expo hall’s setup was Henry County Medical Center’s free testing and screening multi-station. Blood pressure checks, blood sugar reading, cholesterol reading, hand grip strength testing and osteoporosis screenings were provided free. The results were recorded and given to each visitor for review with their personal medical care provider. [Read more]

Applications sought for Photo Showcase

The 16th annual Photo Showcase will be held March 1-26, at the W.G. Rhea Library in downtown Paris. An awards ceremony  is scheduled for March 1.

The event is sponsored by  the 16th annual Photo Showcase and Dr. and Mrs. Danny Kimberlin, and is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee.

Applications will be available at the following locations:

• Paris-Henry County Arts Council (Paris City Hall Building)
• W.G. Rhea Library (400 W. Washington Street)
• Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce (2508 E. Wood Street)
• Office of Dr. Danny Kimberlin (300 Hospital Circle)

Application deadline is Monday, February 16.

For more information, call (731) 642-3955 or visit our website:

www.phcarts.com

Paris-Henry County Healthcare Expo planned

Health questions? Seeking information about health care services?

The Paris-Henry County Health Care Expo will have answers to your questions about health care, wellness and fitness, when medical centers, health experts and health service providers gather on February 7, 2009, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Paris Civic Center, 650 Volunteer Drive in Paris.

The event is sponsored by the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the Henry County Medical Center, and the Paris Civic Center.

The exhibit is designed to provide a centralized resource for area residents to access information and information about  medical care and service providers. [Read more]