Let’s replace Hebe with a fresh, new look
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I’m referring to the news that was coming from Washington about two days ago. According to reports, since the United States has blown up Iraq, there is no longer a national Iraqi television network. To compensate for this shortcoming, the U.S. has announced it will take over the government-run TV station and broadcast American programming.
I understand the Iraqis reacted to that announcement with great glee. They say having their innocent women and children bombed and shot to death is all worth it now that they can watch re-runs of “Third Rock from the Sun.”
As for other odds and ends, there’s been a fair amount of talk around the office about Hebe, the statue which had graced downtown McMinnville since 1915 before it was uprooted two weeks ago.
Now Hebe is in the shop for some pretty extensive repairs. You don’t stand outside in the rain and snow for some 88 years without wear and tear.
Since Hebe’s absence leaves a sizable void in the heart of downtown, we’ve been trying to determine what would be an appropriate replacement until Hebe is returned to her familiar perch in about a year.
The consensus around the office is that an image of me atop Hebe’s stand would be an appropriate symbol of Warren County. OK, so maybe it wasn’t actually a consensus, but it was pretty close. OK, so maybe it wasn’t anywhere close to a consensus, but play along with me here.
I figured the best way to capsulate Warren County is not with an ancient goddess, but with modern-day items we have all grown to love. And few things are more lovable than a good drum set, and a good double cheeseburger. I only hope, through various fund-raising efforts, I can generate enough cash to see this project through to completion.
And finally, I’ve been informed through the wonders of e-mail, that this is National Friendship Week. In that e-mail contained these few tidbits of advice:
• I’ve learned ? that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
• I’ve learned ? you should keep your words soft and tender because you never know when you might have to eat them.
• I’ve learned ? when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
• I’ve learned ? opportunities are never lost. Someone will take the ones you miss.
• I’ve learned ? money doesn’t buy class.
• I’ve learned ? being kind is more important than being right (unless engaged in an argument with your spouse).
• I’ve learned ? it’s time to stop babbling and bring you this week’s Business Pulse.
New Ford dealership coming to town
I know most people were upset when they heard Willmore Ford was closing its doors, including this columnist, but it doesn’t appear Warren County will be without a Ford dealership for long. According to information I received from the county offices Friday afternoon, a business license has been granted for a new Ford dealer to come to town.
My information is sketchy at this point, but here’s what I know. A business license was granted last week to Mr. Terrance Kidd who will apparently be the new owner of what will be called McMinnville Ford, Lincoln, Mercury.
I don’t believe Mr. Kidd is local. In fact, there isn’t even one Kidd listed in the Warren County phone book. But I will try to track him down and bring you all the information about his new dealership in the coming weeks.
McMinnville Ford is scheduled to open at the beginning of May. It will be located on the bypass where Willmore Ford used to be.
I say this is great news. It certainly can’t offset last week’s devastating news that over 300 jobs will be eliminated at our A.O. Smith plant, but it’s still promising news nonetheless.
Medley’s expands one more time
Our economy may be struggling a bit, but one thing is for sure. A sluggish economy isn’t keeping people from eating at Medley’s Diner & Market in Centertown.
The business just completed its second expansion last week and now has a flower and gift shop that’s already sold out of some items.
“We barely got it stocked before they started pulling it off the shelves,” said owner Billy Medley, who has his gift shop stocked with a variety of flowers, wreaths, helium balloons and other pretty things. “We haven’t even been doing this a week and already the stuff has been selling.”
The best thing about the gift shop is you won’t believe the prices. They are so low, you think Billy made a mistake when he was marking them.
“This is just a sideline business for us,” said Billy. “We are more interested in catering to the people and giving them what they want.”
He has also added two brand new tanning beds and is currently offering a special of 300 tanning minutes for $25.
But, as Billy says, that’s all sideline stuff. When most people go to Medley’s Diner & Market, they want to eat and there is no shortage of good food.
“On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it a 10 plus,” said regular customer Stanley Todd.
Apparently Stanley is not the only one who thinks that way. Medley’s can seat 175 people, but you can usually count on a wait if you eat there on Sunday.
“We feed 400 to 500 people every Sunday,” said Billy. “And it’s at least 300 on Friday.”
Added waitress Stephanie Parker, “It’s like Cracker Barrel except now you can tan.”
Billy gives all the credit to his two cooks, Kathryn Merriman and Howard Thomas, who he says are the best around and the rest of his hard-working staff.
McMinnville Residential Care changes its name
McMinnville Residential Care has officially changed its name. The new name is Riverview Terrace Assisted Living by Americare.
“This more accurately describes the type of care we’re providing,” said administrator Attonda Barnes. “It is assisted living. Some of our residents are totally independent and we basically provide them meals. Others we provide much more assistance with bathing, laundry or whatever they may need.”
Riverview Terrace Assisted Living by Americare is a state-licensed, 42-bed facility. It’s located on Highland Street.
That’s all folks
That’s all the business news I could gather for this week. It’s not a cornucopia or information, but it will have to do for this week’s offering.
Give me a call with any new business plans and I’ll get that information in the paper. The number is 473-2191 and the e-mail is [email protected].
PHOTO INFO:
Hebe was a classic statue for her time, but we need something to reflect our modern-day society while she is in the shop for repairs. This is one of the more popular designs currently under consideration – Business Pulse writer James Clark holding a double cheeseburger before playing a drum solo. (Seth Wright photo illustration)