SPORTS: Lady Flames play to sweep of UNA in softball: Page 13 Cheer Madness flying high: Page 8 162nd YEAR • No. 269 18 PAGES • 50¢ CLEVELAND, TN 37311 THE CITY WITH SPIRIT MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2017 Partial pay tax HIDDEN CLEVELAND program adds another 200 participants In 7 years, initiative still exceeds its expectations By RICK NORTON [email protected] During two more enrollment periods — in late 2016 and early ’17 — for the ever-growing partial payment program for Bradley County property taxes, the Trustee’s Office added another 200 participants. Mike Smith, longtime trustee, said that brings the number of parcels to 1,363 in a 7-year-old initiative that allows local homeowners and property owners to pay their property taxes in monthly installments — or other fre- quencies — instead of the more invasive annual lump sum. “This just goes to show us all that Banner photo, CHRISTY ARMSTRONG there are Bradley County citizens who LEADERS of International Friends Network of Cleveland are encouraging both immigrants and Cleveland natives to get involved with the struggle to make that one big lump-sum group. From left are Nick and Caden Eckert, Todd Stevison and Jackie Stanley. payment on a yearly basis,” Smith told Smith the Cleveland Daily Banner. “It shows us also that, when given options, our citizens can meet their financial obligations; at least, as far as the payment of property taxes.” Local group promotes intercultural friendship The program, which was launched in 2010 at the sug- gestion of local taxpayers, has far exceeded initial expec- By CHRISTY ARMSTRONG “This has been a great platform for English. Caden explained it is just a matter of tations, Smith said. [email protected] building relationships. We have big talking about whatever might be of interest to “Seven years ago, Bradley County citizens did exactly dreams to see this expand.” you and your conversation partner. Popular A group called International Friends what they should do in terms of making good on their — Jackie Stanley topics include American history traditions, as property taxes,” the popular trustee advised. “Those who Network of Cleveland is encouraging locals to some immigrants are preparing to take their play a part in welcoming those who have struggled to make the conventional annual payment U.S. citizenship tests. came to us and asked, ‘Is there a way we can pay our moved from other countries. had settled here. “Our heart in doing this is to both help the The group for both immigrants and This young woman is now serving overseas, taxes so that it doesn’t place such a strain on us in ‘internationals’ and also give people from the February? Maybe some kind of installment system where Cleveland natives alike is looking for more peo- but a local church has since kept the group U.S. the chance to get to know them,” Stanley ple to join it to promote intercultural under- going, to reach out to the portion of the inter- we could pay on a monthly basis?’” said. “It’s a simple thing, but it can make a Smith added, “Our office designed the plan, but standing and help those who are new to the national community which has arrived in huge difference in helping people feel welcome, United States get better acclimated. Cleveland. Bradley County citizens gave us the idea. For that, we and helping people gain a better understand- will be forever grateful; and frankly, I believe those who With events like special dinners and weekly Public Church, which recently changed its ing of each other.” English Conversation Corner events, the name from Candies Creek City Church, is now use partial payment will be as well.” The group has also sponsored a variety of Locally, one of the key groups that uses the partial group’s founders say there are plenty of oppor- hosting the group. special dinner events, including “Taste the tunities for everyone to get to know one anoth- Public Church Pastor Todd Stevison payment plan is the elderly. Nations,” during which attendees were invited In a recent interview with the Banner, Smith pointed to er. explained he sees it as a part of the church’s to share food from their home countries. The “This has been a great platform for building ministries and as a way to promote cultural how the local newspaper has aided the program — and group also hosts a Thanksgiving dinner that Bradley County citizens — by partnering with the relationships,” said longtime member Jackie understanding within the Cleveland communi- has given many of its international members Stanley. “We have big dreams to see this ty. Trustee’s Office to keep the information flowing about the chance to experience that American tradi- the existence, and the benefits, of the installment pro- expand.” The group’s primary activity is hosting week- tion for the very first time. International Friends Network was first ly English Conversation Corner events to help gram. The English learners who frequent the “I wish you could be in the office when an elderly lady started by a young woman who wanted to people practice their English language skills. English Conversation Corner and special din- get involved in Christian missions work These take place Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. at starts digging in her purse and pulls out a copy of the ners come from a variety of backgrounds. Banner with a story you ran about our programs,” Smith overseas. Though she was unable to do so Public Church, located at 850 17th St. N.W. Some arrived as students, hoping to earn for a time, she realized she could share her Native English speakers are needed to help told a Banner editor. “It makes you feel good.” The most recent enrollment periods were held in late faith with people from different cultures who people from other countries practice their See FRIENDSHIP, Page 8 November and early December of 2016, and during por- tions of January and February in 2017. “We had another great year in our partial payment enrollments, ending with a total of 1,363,” he said. “That’s just shy of a 200-parcel increase. Each time the PCHS teacher Barbara McReynolds ends Banner ran a story about partial payment, Bradley County citizens would flood into our office. That’s what we wanted, and that’s what we will always want with this long 38-year career in education today program that is helping so many local citizens.” Given the successes of the last two enrollment periods, By LARRY C. BOWERS an opportunity to spend more Smith projects the next series of registrations — in [email protected] time with her husband, Jim, and November-December, and then in January-February PERSONALITY the rest of her family. “It’s some- 2018 — should push the mark of participants beyond With the approach of Easter, it thing I’ve been looking forward 1,500. is fitting that Polk County High PROFILE to, as well as other hopes and “In short, that’s phenomenal,” he said. School English and art teacher dreams,” she said. His enthusiasm is based on the original thinking of Barbara McReynolds is putting The veteran English instructor program planners whose goal in 2010 was aimed at sign- all her eggs in one basket today. Principal Ron German is the per- said she and her husband enjoy ing up 500 participants and/or parcels within the first Mrs. McReynolds, who’s been son who related to Mrs. building houses, and they will five years. That target was reached, and exceeded, in described as an institution at the McReynolds as an institution and probably be involved in some only three. school, will be ending her 38- establishment at his school. construction work. The couple “We’ve said this many times before, and we’ll continue year career in education (32 at “She’s done as excellent job of are members of Stanfield Baptist to say it: Partial payment proves that some Bradley Polk County High) today. She will training our seniors, and we’re Church in Cleveland. County citizens need a little help to keep their tax com- also be honored with a reception certainly going to miss her,” said She is also planning to set mitments paid up,” Smith said. “That doesn’t mean to recognize her many accom- German. aside some time for a major proj- they’re unwilling to pay, because they’re not. They simply plishments. In discussing her decision to ect, something on her personal need a little help — some options, such as a less impact- Also, today in her birthday! step down after all these years in Polk County High School education, McReynolds said it is See McREYNOLDS, Page 8 Barbara McReynolds See PARTIAL, Page 8 AROUND TOWN WEATHER INDEX Brent Runyon brushing up on his Today’s forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies and Classified......................16-17 Opinion...............................14 yoga skills during a recent visit to the a 60 percent chance of rain, with a high near 47. Comics.................................6 beach ... Steve Wills making yards Tonight calls for clouds and a 70 percent chance of Sports.......................... 11-13 look beautiful before a light snow rain, with a low around 35. Tuesday should be Horoscope............................6 arrived ...Mary Beth Cannon having TV Schedule.........................7 6489076 75112 to finish reading “The Shack” before mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Tuesday night Mini Page.............................5 should be partly cloudy, with a low around 25. being allowed to go to the movie. Obituaries.............................2 Weather................................9 2—Cleveland Daily Banner—Monday, March 13, 2017 www.clevelandbanner.com Liz Weston: Tax refund OBITUARIES (USPS 117-700) Periodical Postage Paid at Cleveland, TN 37320-3600 Post Office predators are waiting POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Banner, P.O.