PARIS!

IN THE SUMMER 2025

On The Cover: Dustin and Mary Beth Forrester and their children Knox and Presley brought along their friend, Mary Mable Hutson, for a boat ride in Girl Scout Cove on Kentucky Lake. Sam Hutson of Crove Media captured this aerial view of a thrilling boating tube ride.

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Editor’s Notes

There’s Nothing Like The Summertime

Now that summer has arrived in full force, it’s the perfect time to dive into all the stories, sights, and sounds our community has to offer!

Start your summer journey with “Around Our Town” for a look at how Henry County shines in the sunlight. Then, drift into the past with “Remember When” where over 70 years of Kentucky Lake memories are lovingly revisited.

If you’re looking for thrills and a splash of adventure, don’t miss “Kaboom!” – a feature on one man’s explosive passion for lighting up the sky. And speaking of sparks, “Spotlight” turns to Sam Bates and his world of creativity and connection.

Craving a quiet afternoon? “Home Sweet Home” takes you inside the Paradise that Chris and Donna Scott call home – it’s more than a house, it’s an experience. Meanwhile, green thumbs will love “In the Garden” where you’ll meet some superhero plants with amazing abilities.

Music fans can tune in with “Soundtracks,” a celebration of the melodies that define Kentucky Lake summers. If food is more your jam, “Paris Cuisine” serves up a delicious reminder that when life gives you lemons, you make something grand.

History buffs and nostalgia lovers alike will find treasures in “Recollections,” “Reminiscence,” and “The Rest of the Story,” where personal reflections and local legends come to life. From magnet fishing and Elvis tributes to community celebrations and heartfelt family stories, this issue of PARIS! In The Summer has something for everyone.

So grab a cool drink, find your favorite spot in the sun (or shade), and enjoy every page!

Smantha

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In This Issue

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REMEMBER WHEN: OVER 70 YEARS Of Loving The Kentucky Lake Life

By Karen Geary

In the area now occupied by The Breakers on Kentucky Lake, Harry and Ora Crocker erected their retreat, the Garrison’s Resort. In the early 1950’s, this “getting away from it all” brought families and fishermen to the picturesque resort. Read More >>

AROUND OUR TOWN: Explore Our Corner - Summertime in Henry County

By Kasey Muench

Throughout Northwest Tennessee, small towns deliver big experiences, with festivals, live music, and outdoor adventures that make summer days feel endless. The small towns of Henry County, Tennessee, are no exception. Read More >>

GREAT OUTDOORS: Hooked on Treasure - Magnet Fishing on Kentucky Lake

by Smantha Parker

If you’ve ever dreamed of treasure hunting without needing a map or a pirate ship, magnet fishing might be your new favorite weekend hobby. And if you’re anywhere near Paris Landing on Kentucky Lake, you’ve got one of the best spots in the South to give it a try. Read More >>

HOME SWEET HOME: Paradise - It's An Experience

It was the winter of 2022, during a rare blizzard on Kentucky Lake. Snow blanketed the landscape, and the lake lay frozen and silent. Bundled against the cold, Donna and Chris Scott took a spontaneous drive. As they crested a ridge, a quiet lakeside property came into view– its for sale sign barely visible against the whiteout. Read More >>

SOUNDTRACKS: The Sounds of Summer, Kentucky Lake Style

By Kathy Ray, City Mayor

The State of Tennessee is home to many genres of music. Nashville might be known as Music City USA, but Henry County is a community filled with talented musicians and songwriters too. So, it is no surprise in Paris and Henry County, the Summer brings out the best entertainment at the best venues, in the best Lake area in the state of Tennessee. Read More >>

FEATURE: Kaboom! Local Man's Hobby Lights Up Many July 4th Celebrations

By Karen Geary

When John Hawk of Paris looks up at the night sky, not only is he admiring the beauty of the moon, planets, and stars against the deep blues and black of the heavens, but he is also envisioning a canvas for his next adventure with shells and mortars. Read More >>

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: Are You Lonesome Tonight? Elvis Tribute Artist Riley Jenkins to Appear at KPAC

By Rhonda Stanton

Twenty-two years ago a baby boy was born at Henry County Medical Center in Paris to parents, Jessica and Jason. Little
Riley Jenkins went home and grew up with the love of an extended family including his grandma, Norma Steele and grandparents, Mike and Sharon Loveall. Who knew that he would grow up to be a respected Elvis tribute artist? Read More >>

REMINISCENCE: Remembering WINK

By Shannon McFarlin

Imagine our surprise when we realized that Wink Martindale had written about my Mom and Dad in his autobiography, Winking At Life. We hadn’t seen Winkie (what we called him) in ages, but we exchanged Christmas cards through the years. I remember it well. Read More >>

THE REST OF THE STORY: Family Of Jean Palmer Receives Her Congressional Gold Medal

It was a privilege.” That’s how Wanda Graham described the feeling she and other descendants of Jean Palmer of Paris had as they were a part of the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for members of the “Six Triple Eight.” Read More >>

JUST FOR FUN: Summer Crossword Fun

Test your recollection with our Paris-themed crossed in the summer issue of PARIS!
Read More >>

SPOTLIGHT: Inside the Worlds of Sam Bates

By Brian Wimberley

It was once said that local authors are the storytellers of their communities. A recent local authors’ showcase held at the W.G. Rhea Library was evidence the above was more than just a statement. One doesn’t have to go far to find incredible writing and creative talent from a myriad of authors of various writing styles and genres. One of those local showcases of talent is Sam Bates. Read More >>

RECOLLECTIONS: DAD - Someone to Look Up To No Matter how Tall You Grow

By Jesse Parker, Jr.

When we first moved back to Tennessee after Dad’s second stint in the Navy, it was the summer of 1974. We used to lived with Grandma and Granddaddy Bowden, but the Old House we left in the 1960s was not livable anymore. It was built in the 1800s, so by 1974, after being left vacant, we couldn’t move back in. It had no water or electricity and the tin roof was leaking. I was surprised how long it lasted. Read More >>

IN THE GARDEN: Superhero Plants

By John Watkins

Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive. Look, in the sky…it’s a bird, it’s a plane…It’s a petunia??? Okay, so not every plant can be a superhero but to some degree they all are. Read More >>

PARIS CUISINE: When Life Gives You LEMONS… Make Something Delicious!

Whether you’re baking, cooking, or mixing a refreshing drink, lemons bring brightness, zing and just the right amount of sass to your kitchen. So grab a few, roll them on the counter like a pro, and get zesting – because lemon recipes are basically edible sunshine. Read More >>