Old Harris, hospital properties attract interest

This bust of Pfc. Daniel McClenney sits on a new pedestal in the courthouse corridor. (T-G Photo by John I. Carney) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray reported to the county commission's courthouse and property committee Tuesday night that there has been some interest from potential bidders for the vacant Harris Middle School and the soon-to-be-vacant Bedford County Medical Center.

Requests for proposals (RFPs) are still being drafted for the two buildings. Those RFPs will set the conditions for submitting formal bids. Ray said County Attorney John T. Bobo needs more specific information in order to prepare the documents.

"Anybody that wants to bid, let them bid," said Ray.

Meanwhile, Ray said the county's Financial Management Committee will discuss next week whether the county can afford to conduct a study of using the hospital building for assisted living apartments.

In other discussion Tuesday night:

* Ray reported that Operation Never Forget has brought in a pedestal for the bust of the late Pfc. Daniel McClenney in the first floor courthouse corridor. The bust had been previously displayed on a table.

Ray said the county needs to be cautious in how the McClenney bust is displayed, because if there are more local veterans killed in action in the Middle East, all will need to be treated equally. Committee members agreed that the McClenney statue doesn't need to be permanently installed, and left the county mayor's office in charge of decisions about its display in the meantime.

Chairman Phillip Vincent recalled the incident, some years back, when a Marine group wanted to place a historical marker on the courthouse lawn about World War II prisoner of war Brig. Gen. Austin Shofner (whom Vincent did not mention by name). At the time, the county turned that request down, saying it was inappropriate to single out any one veteran for such an honor. The veterans memorial which was later installed on the courthouse lawn was intended to honor all of the county's veterans collectively.

* Ray reported that the courthouse attic has been thoroughly cleaned out and reorganized under the supervision of local historians Tim and Helen Marsh and Garland King. Highway Superintendent Stanley Smotherman has hauled away records and other items which the historians said were appropriate for disposal.