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| Dyersburg High School head football coach James Counce explains plans to a crowd of about 60 who gathered at the school's commons area on Tuesday to hear about Team Dyersburg's hopes to attract economic development to the community by bringing an array of sporting events and entertainment acts to the remodeled high-school stadium. |
Dyersburg High School head football coach James Counce on Tuesday introduced his idea to make Dyersburg a brand name in sports and entertainment venues.
The key -- a $2.2 million plan to renovate the 40-year-old J.C. Sawyers Stadium and lure a national college championship to the field.
"This is not for me," said Counce. "And this is not for Dyersburg High School football. This is for the young people in our community, to begin to make Dyersburg a place they want to return to instead of leave."
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| Albert Fowlkes, at right, examines a sample surface of the artificial grass. From left is Charles Dawson and Suzanne Edwards. |
The stadium renovation would set Dyersburg on the path to host a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics game, said Counce, which in turn would boost the city's stature and inject revenue into the local economy.
"This has tremendous appeal," said Counce. "It's a win-win for everyone."
Team Dyersburg is the group formed to lobby for the stadium remodel.
Representatives said the group will formally ask the city to help with the project by affirming a 20-year municipal bond at the city board's April 21 meeting.
Counce said the annual payment, estimated at $135,000 over the 20-year period, will be paid though using the new stadium as an entertainment venue for concerts ranging from top Christian acts to national flag-football championships.
"The city will get every penny we make," said Counce. "That is a promise."
The central piece to transitioning the current field to a superior venue is "field grass" - the high-tech plastic polymer that Counce said dramatically reduces sports injuries and stands up to almost any punishment.
"It's not the Astro-Turf where I skinned most of my elbow and knees off playing football," said Counce. "It's something else entirely."
Counce said he became a fan of the field grass while coaching at the private Montgomery Bell Academy in 2007. He said the state championship team sustained a single knee injury the entire season.
"And that injury would have happened regardless of the surface," said Counce.
The new material will allow the field to be used by the marching band and practice for almost any sport.
"We invite anyone who wants to, to use it," said Counce. "The only thing is you'll have to get with Mr. [Athletic Director] Glover to schedule a time when it's not being used."
A small sample of the synthetic material was passed around the gathering as an example of the surface.
More than 30,000 gallons of water would be saved from not having to water the natural grass, said Counce, and school personnel would no longer spend 20 hours a week marking the field.
Counce said the focus to elevate Dyersburg to national stature is to become the host city for the NAIA national championship. The game was hosted by Savannah, Tenn. for 12 years until the NAIA moved it this year to Rome, Ga.
"And you know why they moved?" asked Counce, pointing to a PowerPoint slide of a December 2007 Sports Illustrated cover from the Savannah stadium. "Mud. That's it. Mud."
With the NAIA championship game move from Hardin County to Georgia went an estimated $2 million from the hundreds of players and fans who spent money on restaurants, hotel rooms and other items.
"This will have a big economic input to the community," said Counce. "And lift Dyersburg. I can think of nothing that could set me on fire like seeing the Dyersburg mayor present a slide show about Dyersburg on national television during the halftime.
"I am sick and tired of Dyersburg being known nationally for a disgraced sheriff and a ..." said Counce. "We are better than that and it's time we grabbed this opportunity.
Dyersburg's central location to the majority of NAIA colleges in the U.S. would help attract conference attention, said Counce. Team Dyersburg already has submitted an application to host a pre-season NAIA game in 2010.
"It's small college football," said Counce. "But it's great football."
Counce said if the city board agrees to the bond issue, the stadium construction could be completely finished between the end of 2008 football season and the start of the 2009 games. Forcum Lannom Contracting has assembled a preliminary design of the work.
Team Dyersburg currently exists as an adjunct of the DHS Quarterback Club. Counce said work is under way to set it apart as its own entity to drive the J.C. Sawyers enhancement.
"There is an economic value to this opportunity we have to grab," said Counce. "It can be done."
If the school pays for it, it will be tax dollars. Let private funds do it.
Tax dollars should not be used--- this is a joke This is just a plot to renovate the field let the school pay for it
If I understand correctly they wanted to be able to serve beer on the town square and the city said no. Is this correct?
This may be a silly question, but why couldn't the Boss Hoss event be done at the Fairgrounds......?
Small towns breed small minds. How could we ever allow boss hoss to leave the City of Dyersburg? I wish that the idiots in charge of this city would stop trying to mandate the beliefs of a few to the beliefs of everyone else and try and run this town like a business and not a church value/morale meeing. I only have 4 more years here. Believe me, I am counting the days. Keep this up and the entire city will be brain dead in 10 years.
I'm not comparing Boss Hoss to the renovation, I'm comparing it to the possible bowl game. I think we can ALL agree that losing Boss Hoss was a HUGE mistake. My point since the beginning of this discussion has been, that if Hardin county got a 2 million dollar boost in the economy, I want it here. My livlihood depends on the growth of this community. For all either of us know, Savannah may be trying to get renovations there as well. Neither of us can speak for Hardin county. I just looked on NAIA's website and the game was played there in savannah in 2007. I'd say call the Hardin county chamber and they could tell you. I'm guessing it's something they'll try to get back. We'll feel the effects of Boss Hoss leaving for the first year this fall. 2 million dollars is pretty significant, especially in a small town. Any idea what Boss Hoss brought? I'm guessing at least that.
Why are you comparing the Boss Hoss Rally to the 2.2 million dollar stadium renovation? These are different. The Boss Hoss Rally didn't have to float a 2.2 million dollar bond. Dyersburg is going to have to float a two million bond for a new water tower at the Industrial Park. I'm all for this project if it is funded with private funds. And please answer this. If it's so good, why hasn't Hardin County renovated their statium? And I have talked with the people from Hardin County.
Furthermore, your pompous, arrogant, bang your fist, I'm right, you're wrong, everyone is small attitude demonstrates EXACTLY what everyone in this community is sick enough of to puke.
I don't know or care who YOU THINK you are, but contrary to your opinion, a grassroots effort to bring something positive to this community is a breath of fresh air. You and all the "powers that be" seem to find a strange reversal of the midas touch every time "YAWL" get your hands on anything.
Ie BOSS HOSS Count that as #11.
Muscadine, it appears they removed my response to your 11:48 pm tirade and sale pitch for the dyer county fair's project. What's the deal? Did you email the webmaster? Did you cry "foul"? Let me see if I can remember what it was I said, and re-phrase it in a more politically correct manner, so you don't get your feelings hurt. Plus, I can't let everyone who reads this think I tucked tail and ran, or that YOU won the debate, because I think we BOTH know that's not the case.
My response to the best of my memory was as follows:
1. The local leaders you mention LOST the BOSS HOSS rally. Who pays the ultimate price? Small businesses
2. The fair rakes in enough money to finance this itself,at the expense of local businesses
3. I haven't seen any events mentioned to pay for this. All you say is we can do this or that. NO SPECIFICS. Talk about pie in the sky.
4. Someone other than the fair board should have control if this project is done, maybe the chamber.
5. Call the chamber in Savannah, you obviously don't believe the editor of this paper.
6. I trust Monte more than I do YOU, as well when it comes to the Dyer county economy.
7. You obviously don't know, and certainly don't care that the fair causes a 2-3 month long recession here during and after it's gone. IT KILLS BUSINESSES!!!That may not be what you want to hear, but it's the TRUTH.
8. You say ill-advised I say WIN/WIN, for the community, businesses AND the kids.
9. If I remember correctly, the article on the fair project a couple fo weeks ago referenced rodeos.
10. This stadium renovation plan will bring money (and here's the key word) "INTO" not out of this community.
The chamber will be all for this. They get the hotel/motel tax. They will benefit as much or maybe even more than the city.
Beth1, I'm going to contact the school and see if they can point me in the right direction, I want to get involved as well. I'd say contact them, and find out how to contact the president of the qb club. I think Team Dyersburg is a branch of that entity.
Word around the campfire is that the chamber hasn't taken ANY position in this matter. I've asked many people that very question. To my knowledge they haven't opposed it, logically, I don't see how they could. Does anyone have any info on this?
I THINK THE IDEA OF A BOWL GAME HERE IS FANTASTIC! EVERYONE SHOULD SUPPORT THIS ENDEAVOR. I WOULD LOVE TO HELP! WHO SHOULD I CONTACT, THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?
I can stand the heat, I'm just trying not to look like an idiot who's obviously arguing with one. LOL
Muscadine, I'm betting you're a farmer, they're the only people the fair doesn't affect. That or you have money to burn. That's the only way you can logically support that fairgrounds stuff.
Small business are a SMALL part of the community? I think not. We are just as much the backbone of this community as farmers and Industry. I'm not even going to touch the fair price comment.
If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.............
AB247, you seem to be hung up on small businesses, which are a SMALL part of our community........... If SMALL businesses had provided what we needed at a fair price....... Wal-Mart and Lowes wouldn't be here.............
1973 would make it 35 yrs, what's your point?
I'm here
J. C. Sawyers Stadium is not forty years old ....... it was built in 1973.................
AB247, I thought you had all night...... where are you.................
AB247, don't insult my intelligence by saying that an area at the fairgrounds is for a rodeo...... they have rodeos at the Dyersburg Saddle Club across the boulevard...... the proposed arena at the fairgrounds, linking the two existing buildings, has been in the planning stages for nearly twenty years........ It would by a large arena seating several thousand, and with the infrastructural support of the two existing buildings could be used for a wide variety of concerts, conventions, and events similar to those held at Oman Arena in Jackson. It would not be subjected to, and limited by, the vagaries of the weather as would an ill advised investment in J. C. Sawyers Stadium........ plus it would have the added advantage of support from the Dyer County Government and not just limited to Dyersburg........ and it would serve a much broader segment of the population twelve months out of the year and not just in football season........ I don't see how an NAIA football game could fill up any more motel rooms and generate more revenue that the Boss Hoss Festival did last year...... I have more confidence in Monte Warne than I do you. as far as doing what's best for the Dyer County economy,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Bailey, agree with you on the re-naming of DSCC. I guess we just have to agree to disagree on the other.
All I've heard is 2.2 million, I'm sure people with other agendas are just trying to start a rumor to stifle this effort, and that's sad, really. This can be a GREAT thing. I'm going to do all I can here to keep the misinformation to an absolute minimum. I've made that my job, because I want to see this thing happen. For the business community and the kids.
Muscadine, you've got to be kidding me. You're going to sit here and complain about a 2.2 million dollar renovation with a bowl bid on the way in 2009, other things, and proven financial figures from savannah. A project that would be a great shot in the arm for businesses and GREAT for the school. A WIN/WIN for EVERYONE in the community.
Then, say you're for the taxpayers subsidizing a 6 or 7 million dollar project at the fairgrounds, and that "that's" more practical? You're telling me you think there are more folks (all segments) that want to watch a rodeo, or some BS like that? That's laughable. I almost fell out of my chair. I'm calling BS here...for sure
I'll say this, the fair SHOULD do something to help the business community here, because it sure as hell kills retail & the local economy during and for a LONG WHILE after it's gone. You may not be for businesses, but we pay hellacious taxes too, and where is the community without us?
You're entitled to your opinion just like I am, but that ain't gonna fly here, if you want to keep on, I've got all night. I'm going to keep this positive. SO HELP ME GOD!
I heard that there are two phases to this project. Phase one is the 2.2 million dollar renovation. If this is true, what is the total project cost? If Hardin Co. made 2 million then why didn't they renovate their stadium? This makes about as much sense as changing the name of Dyersburg State. But if it will keep us from being annexed by Halls, Alamo or Lenox then I'm all for it.
AB247, the leaders of this community have to do what they think is best for ALL segments of the community........ we all have to make a living..... not just you small businessmen and restaurant and motel owners...... bottom line: taxpayers don't need to subsidize yawl....... and I don't think that the taxpayers of Dyersburg need to bet 2.2 million dollars that the NAIA will come here and reimburse them......... An indoor area seating several thousand at the fairgrounds, joining the two existing buildings will be a much more viable alternative to taxpayer support than a sporadically used outdoor site........ and much more practical............
The cities of Jackson and Southaven built multi million dollar baseball complexes on the promise that travel tournaments would pay them off. Guess what, it's happening there and CAN happen here with football.
I'm not arguing that the city's infrastructure is a mess, and I believe John Holden is doing all he can do to fix all the problems he inherited. He inherited an elephant and we (the taxpayers) gotta eat it one bite at a time.
BUSINESSES NEED THIS!!!, and so does the school. We HAVE to take advantage of it. If it generated $2 million in revenue in Hardin county why do you think it won't here? Our city is much more superior to Savannah. Besides, where is the money supposed to be raised? We've lost Dyersburg Fabrics, Colonial & Bekeart just to name a few industries and countless small businesses. We need something positive for a change and THIS is it.
Muscadine, I'm a taxpayer and small business owner as well and if I thought it was BS I'd be the first to yell it out. We have to take a chance, or else we'll be sitting here 10 years from now, being annexed by Halls, Trenton, Obion or Alamo.
AB247, before we grow, we need to bring what we have now up to par.......... We have a badly deteriorating infrastructure in the City of Dyersburg which has been neglected for quite a few years........ We do not need to obligate the taxpayers to any "pie-in-the sky" scheme for football...... J. C. Sawyers Stadium has been there since 1973....... it has been used five or six nights a year for football for the past 35 years, plus track meets and band contests.... outside of that it just sits there with the water sprinklers going......... Personally the most good I got out of J. C. Sawyers Stadium was when I walked many miles around the track before the Okeena Park track was opened... I have spent a helluva lot more hours walking around that track than I have at sporadically scheduled events............
All I can say is,you proponents of the idea raise the money.......DON'T OBLIGATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC TAXPAYERS.......... IT AIN'T GONNA GENERATE THE REVENUE FOR THE CITY OF DYERSBURG THAT YAWL SAY IT IS.............
Bailey, we can agree to disagree and thats fine, but with all due respect, and I mean that, I don't think this has anything to do with "growing" DHS. I think it has to do with forming a partnership with the NAIA, and bringing in events to benefit the community financially, while at the same time improving the campus at DHS, and it NEEDS it, in a BAD kind of way. In my opinion it's win/win, period. I think any business person would agree.
On another note, I had no idea DHS had lost that many students. It seems to me that screams that we need this even more. Do you know if it has it affected the city property tax base? 500 students is pretty significant. I know mine went up this past year, about $100.
I don't know much about Mckenzie, to be quite honest. If they have turf, it seems to me they have an opportunity to pursue a wide variety of events. If they aren't, they're crazy. Maybe NAIA won't let them because they're an NAIA school? Who knows, my point is I'm worried about Dyersburg, not Mckenzie.
These NAIA games are something Dyersburg can pursue, without changing the beer ordinance, ie Boss Hoss. I just don't see ANY downside at all. If that National championship game put 2 million in the economy of Savannah in one week, we're crazy not to pursue it.
Lastly, interest rates will NEVER EVER be this low again. Let me throw this out there. If the city could get a bond, finance both the fairgrounds, and the stadium improvements, used the profits from events at both places to pay the note, (without a tax increase), it seems to me we ALL win. Right?
We aren't going to grow without taking a chance. I don't think as a community, that we have any choice, at this point if we want to grow, Revell left us a BIG (or gargantuan) mess. Agreed?
They also promised us the wheel tax would come off when the High School was paid for. Counce might not even be around for the next twenty years. I also so want Dyersburg to grow. About 10 years ago DHS had close to 1400 students, now they are about 900. A new stadium might make DHS grow with more athletes, maybe that's what the coach wants. I just think there has to be more ways to make our city grow. Bethel College has astro turf. Has McKenzie grown?
"The city will get every penny we make," said Counce. "That is a promise."
Bailey, that's a quote from the article above. It sounds like that's the plan, to pay the city back every dime.
We as a community have to do something if we're going to grow. I think we BOTH want that, from reading your previous comment. We may differ in opinion as to how we should do it, but I think the common goal is probably the same. I'm not trying to argue or be difficult, I just love this community and want to see it grow, like Union City, Southaven, and Jackson have. Fact is, we haven't, our previous mayor did everything he could to STIFLE growth, we've lost industry & other businesses, and I also agree on the cookie dough comment. The previous mayor left us in a MESS. We have a LOT of problems to figure out how to fix, that's one thing for sure. Bottom line, I believe this NAIA thing is win/win for everyone & I want to see it happen. That's the only reason I'm staying on here.
AB247, maybe you're right the Fair Board should finance their own loan. And Team Dyersburg should finance their own loan. We have kids out selling cookie dough for classroom material and you want the taxpayers to finance a 2.2 million dollar renovation to J.C. Sawyers Stadium. Makes sense to me.
Vols fan, your comment obviously is more about taking cheap shots at coach Counce than the content of the article. If you read the article you'll see that this is nothing but great for the local economy & local businesses. Thelocal businesses and economy NEED this.
Bailey, if the fairgrounds can build a civic center and do these things I'm 100% in favor of it. My point is this: My wife & I took my 10 year old son to the fair ONE night last year. We ate, didn't ride THAT much, or play any of those games and spent in excess of $150. If the fair is raking in THAT kind of money, it seems to me they can float their own loan. The money they rake in that week is at the expense of local businesses. Plus, if I read the paper correctly a few Sundays ago, the fair is going to be asking for 6 to 7 million, not 2.2 million. All you hear fair board members say is "the fair's broke, the fair's broke, the fair's broke". With the fair raking in the money it is, if it's broke, we have a SERIOUS problem. Again, if the fair can finance this itself, and bring these things to the community, I'm 100% on board.
Counce just wants a new stadium, because of the private school he coached at before returning to Dyersburg. He must remember Dyersburg High School is not Montgomery Bell Academy. He is feeding the community a lot of hog wash. He is the one who would benefit from getting a $2.2 million stadium (renovate the stadium, and see who will be using it!!! Only The DHS Football Team!!!). Is renovating the football stadium, and getting a contract with NAIA to host their championship game in Dyersburg going to help in the recruitment of DHS, or Dyer Co. football players? No, it isn't, recruitment doesn't work like that, and he knows it! For a man who has never won a state championship (I forgot he won one as an assistant at Montgomery Bell) he is asking for a lot. Remember, this is the same man who cut his former lead assistant coach's throat by recommending his successor for the head coaching position at DHS. He shouldn't have been rehired at DHS (I guess DHS administration felt some loyality to Counce, since DHS has won more than 3 games under his leadership).
If local businesses want to fund this it would be a great idea. I think a 2.2 million dollar bond issue could be put to a better use. What about a Civic Center, maybe out at the Fair Grounds. We could have concerts their as well as rodeos and other events. The NAIA won't draw half as much as a Dyer Co. / Dyersburg football game. Maybe the coach has another agenda for the upgrade of JC Sawyer Stadium. If the $135,000 note is not met, who is responsible? I think you know.
I would just like to say that I have just graduated from Dyersburg in May of '07. You guys that believe that we should drop school activities are insane. Sports is what kept me motivated to stay in school. They are the reason I did not get involved with drugs and alcohol. I could even say that they are the reason that I am in college today. Many students that tend to get in trouble, fall behind academically, or participate in illegal endeavors include students that were not active in extracurricular activities. I think this would be beneficial to the students. We are the future of this country and if you do not want it to fail then you should do what you can to help students succeed. I also think this would be excellent for the community.
As for the other comments regarding the NAIA, the new field turf, and the 2.2 million dollar renovations, some of you need to realize that we are not Montgomery Bell Academy. D.H.S is supported by local taxpayers, not by the Nashville Elite. If some of our large corporations want to step up to the plate and offer up some donations, and possibly get some matching funds from some of our well to do local businesses and citizens, then I am all for it. Otherwise let them play on natural grass like the majority of the rest of the teams in the state do. As far as the NAIA goes, that would be great, but it would not bring in millions in tax revenues to offset the costs, and there is no guarantee that we could even get them here if we do all the renovations that have been mentioned.
For those of you referring to my comments, I have actually worked the Boss Hoss/McIver's Bluff festival the past three years. I was selling T-Shirts this past year down by the Poker Run registration tables. I have nothing in the world against bikers, or beer. I actually like them both! What I'm saying is that trying to mix the two separate events was the main problem, and I think the fairgrounds would have been a much better place for the bikers and the beer, along with some live entertainment and BBQ.
Food for thought- there is a GREAT football stadium located in Newbern, TN that would be a GREAT place to host such events. Not to mention it is new...hey I bet there would even be donors that would help put the "future turf" down...why spend the 2 million dollars if there is no reason too, the hotels and business would still benefit because there is not any hotels in Newbern. If it is about helping the community and making money, there would still be 2 million still in the bank that could help the community. I think the stadium in Dyersburg is a great stadium, the only problem with it in some eyes is that DCHS is a New field, other than that it is too a GREAT place to play! BUT if it brings more sports and more colleges here to this county, that is more ATHLETES(THE KIDS) that will stand a better chance of going to college when they come and see what we have to offer!!! I'm just glad that someone is actually doing something! Go Coach! Whatever colors you wear on Friday night, I see a win/win deal. A win for this area and a win for the KIDS!
First, on the blowing smoke comment, Hardin Co. had this game for 12 years. If you think Hardin county is better thank Dyersburg you should make the 2 + hour trip down there. We have a lot more to offer. It should be VERY realistic to get it.
Secondly, Boss Hoss is GONE, local businesses will not have the incremental profits they saw last year. HUGE mistake losing them, but it's over & we have to move on. We have to bring other events here to make up for that one. NAIA bowl games bringing thousands of folks here is win/win we HAVE to get on board.
As far as einstein's comment about NAIA not selling out. Read the article a little closer. Einstein, is 2 million chump change to you? I think local businesses would disagree.
"With the NAIA championship game move from Hardin County to Georgia went an estimated $2 million from the hundreds of players and fans who spent money on restaurants, hotel rooms and other items." quoted from the article above.
You know munchie lady it would be nice if private donors could do this project, but the way we as a city have lost industry & jobs, and after the mess our former Mayor left us in, I would imagine it's wishful thinking
As far as the comment about dropping sports programs, it makes so little sense, I won't even touch that one.
Bottom line: WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING OR WE'LL CONTINUE TO LOSE BUSINESSES. WE HAVE TO SUPPORT THIS IF WE ARE TO GROW AS A COMMUNITY. EVERYONE NEEDS TO GET ON BOARD.
It sounds as if we need to do a better job of teaching economics. People are complaining about high taxes and using that as an excuse not to do this. News flash...If you bring large sums of money from out of town to our hotels, restaurants and other businesses it would help improve our tax burden. The more businesses make the more they can pay employees, the more employees they can hire, the more taxes the city gets. Just ask any business in town how they feel about losing the Boss Hoss rally. Another news flash...These "Bikers" that came to this rally weren't your typical "Hells Angels" they were good people with lots of money that this town will no longer benefit receiving. The damage has been done there but that doesn't mean we can't try to do something else to benefit this community.
I have an excellent idea. If these businesses are totally behind this development, perhaps they could fund it. Perhaps Forkum-Lannom could not only donate their time to drawing up the plans but they could also provide the materials and labor. That would truly be a commitment. Perhaps it would also be a giant tax break for them. The bonus would be that we would not be paying for it. The idea that if you build it, people will come has a major flaw. They built the Pyramid in Memphis and now look at how many people are flocking to it.
In this era of economic downturn, I think it makes more sense to drop sports programs altogether and use what funds we have on actual education improvements. Let's cut out the non academic stuff. If the kids want to play basketball, baseball, etc., use physical education time or programs separate from the school system. Surely there are enough kids in each of our schools for them to form several sports teams to compete against each other and forego the cost of transporting players to other counties.
We all know that aint nobody going to use that field except the football team! Naia dont even sell out the championship game! nor do they offer long term contracts! Our city need other improvements first! Wasn't that sherrif from the county!
>>> guess what D-burg? not EVERYBODY lives for 'football'. there are other things that interest many of us here. if you just can't live without a place to play football that's fine. but use your heads and build a multi-purpose sports, music, stage shows, dances and all kinds of other uses. then it can be used all year long by ALL of us in Dyersburg. and maybe we could call it Tn Western multi purpose building. but don't let any of them bad ol' bikers in cause they might want to bring some beer. I have been involved with some of the fundraisers, toy runs, etc. that our biker friends have done for years. don't think alot of you realize that most of them are people too not aliens from outer space. and just like non-bikers and everybody else not ALL but MOST are really good people. think about it if gas keeps going up we may all be bikers soon.
And to you all complaining about Boss Hoss, if the city let them sell their beer on the square for consumption, then they would have had to do that for everyone else who requested. Would this have been fair to the other places that sell beer in town? Are we gonna start selling beer at the farmer's market too? We were lucky to get them here for a couple of years to begin with. Bikers, beer, and small children are not really a good combination anyways when you think about it.
Why don't we just go ahead and get the Final Four at DCHS's new Gymnasium while we're at it! Talk about blowing smoke up someone's a...
You're right about the hunting and fishing. It's just that there's not much else to do around Dyersburg.
2.2 million for a new football field! Use it maybe 4 months out of a year...and then only for a very few select people to enjoy...not a great idea.
I say pass a $5 million bond issue and fix the deteriorating streets, especially here in Milltown and let you rich football fans pay up front for your toys........ If you wanted to help the economy of Dyersburg you should have treated Monte Warne better...................
Nathaniel, with all due respect, my point was what we have to offer (duck hunting, fishing at reelfoot, etc) might keep some people here an extra day or so. A 2 hour drive to Memphis certainly isn't out of the question for a day excursion to Graceland, or Beale St etc to see. I think after they see hotel prices in Memphis, they'll decide to make the two hour trek back here, fill up at a local convenience store, and be in for the night. I truly believe with thousands of people coming into town for a bowl game, a few might want to hunt, fish or do something else we have to offer for a few more days. They might want to stay here because of Casino Aztar, who knows?
Another point, we'll NEVER EVER see interest rates this low again. If we're ever going to do this NOW is the time. We all as a city and county NEED to get on board. This is Win/Win for everyone, EVERYONE involved, especially local businesses. Local businesses NEED these things!!!
Lastly, bond007, you're exactly right!!! If we build it they WILL come!! Nothing ventured, nothing gained, that's the only certainty.
If You Build It They Will Come !!!
I think that this town needs some improvement, and a better representation of its community. Its growing everyday and has plenty of room for more. Bring it on and watch or town grow!! We need more things to do, so kids dont hang out in parking lots!
Fact is that progress cost money. I am sure that you also complained when they did that 5 dollar wheel tax for the new school.
When I was sixteen, I complained about gas prices going up and that was 45 years ago. Guess what, they are still going up and so is everything else. That is life so get over it or I guess you can continue to "whine" about everything and life. There are those in Dyersburg that would be happy if this community continued to be "Hooterville".
If Jackson, Southaven, Martin, Union City can do these things, then so can Dyersburg.
Move over you ole one foot in the grave moaners and complainers, casue there are people in Dyersburg who want to see this community become a great place to live.
I do not want a tax increase any more than the next person...beleive me! I do feel Dyersburg has been lying dormant for the last 30 years while Jackson, Southaven, Union City, etc. are booming because they have been willing to take a chance. You never have reward without risk.
The last election showed that people were tired of the status quo. The time to do something is now or we deserve what happens to this town and our schools while everyone around us prospers.
Over 35 years ago I remember that we were told that a $5 dollar "wheel tax" would pay for the new high school and as soon as the building was paid for the $5 tax would be phased out. Well, here we are several years down the road and sure enough, the $5 tax is gone. It's been replaced with a $60 tax. All I can say is "Here we go again."
you need to raise the money first before you get our town in a bind......or our taxpayers will have to pay.. with everything going up alot of people are hurting now....
If it could really be paid for by the revenue it generates, then I say go for it. However I'm a little skeptical that that could really happen. What if the NAIA decides not to come here for whatever reason? Who pays for it then? That's what I'm worried about.
"I think people in Dyersburg need to think in a more 'global' fashion. Believe it or not, there is life and a great big world outside of Dyersburg, TN." I agree.
"Is thinking Dyersburg could be a vacation destination thinking too "out of the box"?" Yes, I think so. When people from other cities come here for a game, what will make them stay an extra day or two and spend money in Dyersburg? Someone from Kansas would probably not mind driving another two hours to go to Beale St.
I certainly agree that we as a city need to do something positive for a change. A partnership with NAIA would be outstanding.
Communities all over the country are BEGGING for events like Boss Hoss. We had it laid in our laps and lost it. Folks, if we don't do something, we'll continue to LOSE businesses, not gain them. We as a community have to get together and do positive things for our retail businesses, restaurants, hotels, etc. they are the heartbeat of our city & county. We have outstanding citizens, great hotels, restaurants, retail outlets etc, not to mention some of the best duck hunting here & fishing 25 miles up the road. Why would someone from Kansas coming to a NAIA game not want to take a couple of vacation days extra and take advantage of that, it's the same time of year. If we don't get behind this we're out of our minds. Is thinking Dyersburg could be a vacation destination thinking too "out of the box"?
Nathan, I spoke with the Coach this morning and asked the same question. He said that the cost will be covered by net revenues received from the activities they are booking for the stadium (college games, national championships, concerts, etc).
Some of our friends kids participate in summer travel baseball. We have attended some of those games and have witnessed cities who built these beautiful mega baseball plexs just for travel ball.....those communities are making money hand over fist. Just check out Southaven MS, Jackson, just to mention a few.
This can be great for Dyersburg
I can honestly say, that I believe this would be a good addition. When you travel to other locations, you can see the pride that their towns and the people have in their facilities. Granted, not all are in great shape and yes, I believe ours is in better than a most, however, there is room for improvement. I think people in Dyersburg need to think in a more 'global' fashion. Believe it or not, there is life and a great big world outside of Dyersburg, TN. Our field and stadium are both in need of attention. I know in years past no one was allowed to practice on the field during football season so that it stayed in good condition for the games of Friday night (totally understandable). The fact that it will be used as a venue for more than just Friday night football and the spring track meets is Great! You know, it may mean a little more on the taxes on the front end, however, 'BIG PICTURE', is the long term effects on the area. Businesses, both large and small will benefit from the development. Kudos to Coach Counce for thinking outside the box! The marching band will now have a place to practice, the soccer team will have a place to practice, our kids will be able to utilize their own facilities at their school. That's great!!!
National venues are something to be proud of! That is something that your community should strive for. I realize that should there be a tax increase, it would affect the bottom line for everyone who lives in Dyersburg, but look at what development has come to Jackson since they began the 'Sport Complex' out by Pringles Park. Hotels, restaurants and other businesses are popping up like crazy! This isn't because they are closing their doors at another location, it's because business has increased as a result of the tournaments that they have brought to the area!
How will this be paid for? That is what we should ask first.
I think this would be great for our citizens and our business community. Would this help Dyersburg...of coarse. I think it would also help all the surrounding counties. I welcome out of town people and their MONEY. I think this could help our tax burden...not hurt it. This could generate money not drain it.
GREAT NEWS - it has been a while since something exciting and positive has happened in Dyersburg. The NAIA would be a great partner. Most of those schools are christian colleges.
This is something Dyersburg can be proud of and known for across the country. This NAIA National Championship game will put Dyersburg on the map.
We lost the Boss Hoss event to Paris and Henry County. Here is an opportunity for our city to bring thousands out of of towners into Dyersburg to spend money.
I am confident that the Mayor and Board will see the economical advantages, as well as how much it will boost our community pride.
Like the coach said, I would rather be from a town that is known for being the Home of the NAIA National Championship vs Dyersburg, is that the town where that Judge and Sheriff are from?
THIS IS ANOTHER REASON FOR THE CITY TO RAISE TAXES. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE STATIUM WE HAVE. WHY SPEND MONEY ON SOMETHING WE DON'T NEED. BESIDES IT WILL ONLY BENEFIT DYERSBURG.