BLOOD TESTS FOR BRIDES?

In response to a recent study, County Clerk Bill Knowles issued a statement calling for blood tests to once again be made a requirement for obtaining a marriage license in Tennessee.

“In 1985, I thought it was unwise to discontinue the blood test requirement before applying for a marriage license,” Mr. Knowles said in a statement last week. “I suggest that study and consideration be given to restoring these requirements to our law.”

A study issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week showed that one in four teen girls had at least one of four common sexually transmitted diseases.

Mr. Knowles said the costs of such tests would not affect state or local government because applicants pay for the tests.

SEEKING COMMENTS ON AIR QUALITY

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau last week announced that there are public comment periods on companies seeking permits or changes to existing permits.

The bureau will take public comments until April 16 regarding NA Industries Inc.’s proposal to limit its emissions of acrylic acid, a hazardous pollutant, so that the company can avoid coming under a federal emissions standard.

Likewise, the bureau will seek comments on permit applications by Rock-Tenn Converting Co. at 701 Manufacturers Road and Bunge Oils Inc. at 4608 Kirkland Ave. A public hearing on both permit applications will be held April 10.

Anyone with questions about the hearings or public comment periods should call bureau engineering manager Errol Reksten at 643-5986 or send an e-mail to reksten_e@mail.Chattanooga.gov.

ROLL CALL FOLLIES

The roll call at Thursday’s County Commission meeting had the audience rolling with laughter because Chairman Bill Hullander had to announce an excuse for three commissioners who weren’t present.

“Commissioner Adams,” Mr. Knowles called.

“He’s on his way,” Mr. Hullander said.

“Commissioner Beck,” Mr. Knowles said.

“He’s gone to the doctor,” Mr. Hullander responded.

“Commissioner Brooks,” Mr. Knowles called.

“He won’t be here,” Mr. Hullander said. “You got any more?”

“Do you have a quorum, Mr. Chairman?” Mr. Knowles jokingly asked. The six commissioners who were present, all of whose names alphabetically come after the three who were not in attendance, responded to the roll call. “The bottom always holds the top up,” Mr. Hullander said.

A LITTLE TIME FOR LARRY HENRY

City officials last week had fun with Hamilton County Commissioner Larry Henry, who visited the City Council meeting to speak against a Missionary Ridge road name change proposal. “He’s got about 30 seconds, hasn’t he?” Councilman Jack Benson said. “Actually 15 now. He walks slow,” Councilman Dan Page said with a laugh. When Mr. Henry made it to the podium, he playfully responded. “Councilman Benson, (mayoral chief of staff Dan) Johnson just said I had 20 seconds,” Mr. Henry joked back. “I don’t get to get down here too often,” the commissioner continued, “but sometimes it’s good to come down here and learn something.”