Snow, Snow, Go Away!

Well, it snowed again. School's out in Hickman County and most of Middle Tennessee and the kids are happy. Although this is the eight day they have missed due to snow. I hope they don't miss many more or they will have to make up some days. Our school system adds 11 days that they can miss due to weather. Usually we don't have much snow and they have several days left over, but this year has been unusual.

Centerville does not have the equipment to keep the roadways clear and the least bit of snow causes major problems. Most people in the Hickman County area - Lyles, Centerville, Bon Aqua - must drive elsewhere to work and it makes it hard on them. They can stay home and lose a day's work or drive and take a chance of wrecking their car.

Usually the real estate market is slow during the winter months, and this year is no exception and the weather has made it even tougher for a Realtor than usual - although I see signs that things are beginning to pick up. So, if you are looking for a house, or want to sell yours, give me a call and I can help you. Now is the time.

Home Sales Fall in 2009

Home sales in Hickman County fell to their lowest level since 2002 when 163 houses were sold. From a high of 276 sales in 2005, the total number of sales decreased to 165 in 2009 – a decrease of 40.2%. According to Multiple Listing Service Data compiled by real estate agent Paul Taylor, sales volume has fallen three out the last four years.

The service, which aids real estate agents, tracks home sales in the Middle Tennessee Area. Most agents belong to the service which allows one agent to sell another agent’s listed property.

According to Taylor, who is a Realtor with Crye-Leike, Realtors of Fairview, the median value of houses sold decreased 12.5% from $102,773 in 2008 to $89,900 in 2009.

Taylor states that he expects the First-time Homebuyer’s tax credit that President Obama signed into law will help the real estate market improve in the New Year.

Snow In Centerville!

Well, it doesn't happen a lot, but snow is falling here in Centerville. I don't know how much we will receive, but my wife and kids are happy with any. We usually make snow cream if it is enough so that we can collect the snow off of the top of the car or deck without getting dirt in it. Schools are out today and tomorrow. They closed them last night for today before even the first snowflake fell. All of ya'll in the North probably don't understand that, but we don't usually get much snow so we don't have the equipment to keep the roads clear like you do. Anyway, the snow is pretty.

Christmas Parade Time

The annual Christmas parade will be held in Centerville, TN December 6, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Join as dozens of floats, bands, horses, cars, and Santa make the trek around the Centerville Square. Be there to collect lots of candy that will be thrown out by the participants.

The East Hickman County Christmas parade will be held the following Sunday on December 13 from the East Elementary School in Lyles to the Highway 7 area. Sponsored by the Keg County Cowboys the parade will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will be fun for all.

Come on out and enjoy the fun at both of these Christmas events.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Centerville

The Senior Citizen Center in Centerville will host the 5th annual arrival of Santa Claus on the Grinder's Switch Express on December 12, 2009. Sponsored by the Hickman County Chamber of Commerce and the South Central Tennessee Railroad, Santa will arrive at 10:00 A.M. Everyone is invited to join the fun and welcome Santa to Centerville.

Veterans Day Celebration

On November 11, at 11:00 on the Centerville, Tennessee Square, the people of Hickman County will observe Veteran's Day. Colonel Michael Petermen will address those in attendance. Just a few weeks ago, the 771st unit of the National Guard returned from service in Iraq. Their return makes this day extra special since they were gone a year.

Grand Opening Of Health Center In Lyles, TN

Today is the grand opening of the Three Rivers Community Health Center in Lyles in the East Hickman County area. The clinic is a nonprofit organization and delivers medical care on a sliding scale which is based on the Federal Poverty Level.

According to information provided, U. S. census statistics show that more than 18.5% of people ages 18-64 have income below the U. S. poverty level and 20% lack health insurance. The addition of this clinic to the area will be a benefit to citizens that usually travel to Centerville, Dickson, or Columbia for medical care.