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THURDSAY, MARCH 13, 2014 â&#x2013;Ş VO L . 1 2 9 , N O. 3 5 â&#x2013;Ş T H E VO I C E O F TIPTON COUNTY S I N C E 1 8 8 6 â&#x2013;Ş

Group wants property for museum Mayor, board vote to have historic home evaluated for code compliance By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com

The home of Dr. Thomas Price, Tipton County's first African-American doctor, is one step closer to becoming a museum after Tuesday's vote by Covington's Board of Mayor and Aldermen to have it evaluated. Last year, the Association for the Preservation of African-American History and Culture asked the board to purchase the property, which is located on High-

way 51 North, next to Sonic, for the purpose of a museum to preserve the county's African-American history. However, little has been done in nearly a year and the museum's fate has been unknown, so the group asked again. Speaking on behalf of the organization, on Tuesday night Hattye Yarbrough requested a favorable answer from the board.

"We are prepared and we are ready to establish a museum," she said. "If you give us this property, people will stop here." Gina Tynan, the program developer and historic preservation planner for the Memphis Area Association of Governments, told the board having the museum will bring tourists' tax dollars to the county. In 2012, tourism to Tipton County

accounted for $980,000 in local tax revenue and $1.8 million in state tax revenue. Before the city will purchase the property, which is currently valued at $99,200 according to property assessment data, it will need to determine the investment to bring the home up to code. Tuesday night's unanimous vote by the board enables the city to spend up to SEE MUSEUM, PAGE A3

COVINGTON

Mayor: Library wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go anywhere By FRANCE GASQUET fagasquet@covingtonleader.com Although the new Tipton County library will open this fall, discussions are underway to keep the current location open. As the old library, at 300 W. Church Avenue, falls under Tipton County jurisdiction, it will have to be funded completely by the city in order to stay open. Although petitions have been out around Covington, keeping the old library open is on the radar of city leaders. According to Mayor David Gordon, the city may be able to use the $85,000 already earmarked by Covington for the library and would incorporate shorter operating hours. The current location would then become either an annex or the Covington library. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are working with the Tipton County Library Board and are determined to have something available, keeping some sort of services here, for our Covington users,â&#x20AC;? said Gordon. The new library at Dyersburg State Community College is planned to be ready in June and move in will take place in August or September, according to Susan Cheairs, head librarian. The current location has a great deal of pedestrian traffic, which would be inhibited by the location of the new library, situated on the DSCC campus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People are waiting for us when we get here in the morning and when we leave at night,â&#x20AC;? said Cheairs. Although the library normally averages a little below 2,000 visits a week, Cheairs said she was concerned last Saturday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I saw a count of more than a thousand and thought to myself, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;What happened? And then I realized we were closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday because of the snow. We still had that many people.â&#x20AC;? As part of the Hatchie River library system, the current Tipton County library had more than 32,000 check-

After fire destroyed her apartment Saturday, Dorothy Robinson feared her cat was dead. Firefighters found it in the closet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cold and soaking wet, but still living. Photo by Echo Day

Seven families displaced by fire By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com Dorothy Robinson is stressed out. "I don't know where to go or where to turn or what to do. I'm not getting any help whatsoever from the management at Covington Village," she said Tuesday, three days after losing her apartment to a fire. On Saturday, her building went up in flames after food was left unattended on a stove. Though she rarely leaves her apartment, the disabled grandmother said she and a friend had traveled to a nearby store and were on their way back when they saw the flames. "I said, 'Something's on fire,' then I realized it was my building." She wasn't able to retrieve any of her belongings and her beloved cat was still inside. "The only thing I was concerned about was my cat; anything that was in the apartment could be replaced, but she was my baby." Her baby â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a nearly year-old tabby â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was later found in the closet. She was soaking wet and cold, but alive. As for the rest of Robinson's belongings, everything she owns now amounts to a few dozen family photos. The American Red Cross paid for Robinson and several of her neighbors to stay in a motel Saturday and Sun-

Fire destroyed a Covington Village Apartments building Saturday afternoon, displacing several families. Officials say the fire started accidentally. Photo by Justin Hanson

day nights, and Monday she moved in with her son and daughter-in-law, Misty. Apartment managers say they're doing what they can to help displaced residents. They plan to distribute vouchers that will allow them to move into other apartments while their building is being rebuilt, but Robinson said that wasn't an option for her.

"They wanted to put me in an apartment for $385 per month, a two bedroom, and pay $385 which I can't afford on a fixed income." For now, she remains essentially homeless until she can figure out a next step. Her rent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as well as the rent paid by the seven other families displaced â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is expected to be credited back to her.

SEE LIBRARY, PAGE A3

ONE WIN SHORT State bid slips away from Covingoton. A9

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Reader's Guide Opinion A4 Obituaries A6 Classifieds A8 Legals A9 Puzzles A14

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Events Sports Community Correspondence Faith

A7 A15 A7 A16 A12

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Tipton's top teachers have been announced by the board, A21

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A2 • Thursday, March 13, 2014 • THE LEADER

www.covingtonleader.com currently attend UT Knoxville Online pursuing Masters in Social Work Vehicle: 2013 Chevy Malibu Favorite music: country Favorite beverage: Coke Zero Favorite food: hot wings and fried pickles Favorite movie: "The Heat" Favorite TV show: "The Big Bang Theory"

with NICOLE CALDWELL

Q: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A: I wanted to be a veterinarian.

Editor’s note: This week we are continuing a feature called Q&A. Through this feature we hope to help you get to know your neighbors, government officials and others in the community. Today we feature Nicole Caldwell, who has been the county director at the Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse for one year. She has worked at the center for eight. QUICK FACTS Family: married to Matthew Caldwell for eight years; two sons: Connor, 4, and Aiden, 2 Education: Brighton High School class of 2004; BA in Social Work from University of Memphis and

Q: What person had the biggest influence on you growing up and why? A: I would say my parents were the biggest influence in my life. They have always challenged me to go the extra mile in my endeavors, and don’t just settle for good. Go for greatness. Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? A: I love to garden and go to UT Football Games. Q: What's the most rewarding thing about your job? A: The most rewarding about my job is knowing that we help protect innocent, victimized children, and that the center gives them the tools and

THP names dispatcher, trooper of the year

The Tennessee Highway Patrol recently named its dispatcher and trooper of the year. In the fourth district, Atoka resident Bill Dunn and Tipton-based Trooper Darline Smith won. Top photo, left to right, are deputy commissioner Larry Godwin, Dunn, commissioner Bill Gibbons and Col. Tracy Trott. In the bottom photo, Godwin, Gibbons and Trott are pictured with Trooper Smith. Courtesy photos

By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com Dispatcher Bill Dunn, an Atoka resident who’s been nicknamed the “Voice of the Tennessee Highway Patrol,” was recently honored with the agency’s Dispatcher of the Year award for the Memphis District. Capt. Joel Deal, Lt. Cheryl McNairy and Sgt. Penny Roser nominated him, stating his daily performance is worthy of commendation because he goes about his duties “aggressively and purposefully.” Dunn began working with the agency in 1972 and left for nine years, but returned in 1989. When he started, things were much different. “We had one radio channel and radio log where you had to write everything down,” he said. “Today I have five monitors, everything’s on a computer, and we have 20 different radio channels.” When it comes to queries on a status of a driver’s license, registration or warrants, the response the agency now has, he said, is unbelievable. “We can do a check and have the information back within two seconds, even from another state.” His dedication to the job is what earned him the nomination, said Deal, McNairy and Roser.

“Over the past three decades, Dunn has exhibited that he understands well the volatility of a trooper’s job and works diligently to ascertain and disseminate necessary information quickly,” they said. “He is the trooper’s choice of communications operators because he responds readily and goes beyond what is asked to supply any needed information.” Tipton-based trooper named trooper of the

year A trooper temporarily based in Tipton County has been named the Fourth District Trooper of the Year by the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Trooper Darline Smith, a Haywood County resident, is also the first African-American woman to be awarded the honor. Smith has spent 27 years in law enforcement and is usually stationed at the scales. In nearly three decades, she has seen a lot of changes. “Everything is tech-

Story indicted on TennCare fraud A Tipton County man is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs which were paid for by the state’s Medicaid program. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) charged Johnny Eugene Story, 37, of Brighton. He was served with the indictment at the Tipton County Jail, where he is serving time for unrelated charges. Story is charged with TennCare fraud and delivery of a controlled substance in a school zone. He’s accused of using TennCare to obtain Hydrocodone, which he later delivered a portion within 1,000 feet of a school. “Buying drugs with public dollars to sell to other people is crime we are committed to stopping in the TennCare pro-

gram,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “It’s especially egregious

to think this type of activity may have taken place SEE FRAUD, PAGE A3

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nology-based now,” she said. “You went from knowing everything in your head, because you used it so much, to being able to look it up on your computer. You can look the law up right there in your car.” Smith also said having the ability to print right on the roadside, instead of having to go back to an office, is a big enhancement. Working in Tipton County since last fall, she already has a reputation for being strict and hardworking. “I just go out and do my job,” she said.

skills that they to succeed in life. Q: Tell us about this year's Dancing With the Stars event. A: This year’s gala is going to be spectacular with live entertainment from our very own stars of Tipton County! Our theme this year is "Country Boys and Girls Getting’ Down for the Cause" at Covington High School on April 26. Thank you to the three couples who have already committed: Bo and Kathleen Burk, Stephen and Jennifer Shopher and Lyle and Julie Jones, plus many more to be announced. They will be competing for the Grand Champion Mirror Ball Trophy and a People’s Choice Award. You can vote for your favorite dancer starting now through the end of the event. During the event we will have a calf roping machine so you can show off your cowboy skills. We have great live auction items, showcasing a signature Les Paul guitar, Disney World Theme Park tickets, and lovely oval diamond earrings from Roberts Jewelers, and a week-long vacation to the mountains of Frasier, Colo. Please call the center for sponsorship and ticket information at 901-476-1515. - Jeff Ireland

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Thursday, March 13, 2014 • THE LEADER • A3

Mother Nature forces widow from her decades-old home By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com Thanks to Mother Nature, Covington resident Sue Ferrell is being forced from her home of 43 years. “I’m sad, but it’ll get better,” she said Monday. The storm that dumped 4-6 inches of ice and sleet on Tipton County on Sunday, March 2 caused her roof to break in half just before midnight. “I was almost asleep and heard this racket, it sounded like a bunch of animals or something fighting. The top of the house broke loose with ice and it just came tumbling down.” The roof – and several inches of ice – had fallen over two of the home’s three exits. The third was frozen and wouldn’t open. Ferrell was trapped. “I stayed in the back room until seven in the morning and then I called Peter Simonton,” she said.

The roof collapse, thankfully, didn’t injure her or anyone else. There’s a hole in the living room’s ceiling as well as ceiling damage to many other rooms. The carpet’s been ripped out and her furniture’s been moved to accommodate the emergency. Ferrell and her late husband, Ezell, had the house built in 1971 and she’s lived there ever since. She has a lot of fond memories of the place – from raising her children and grandchildren there to the garden where Ezell loved to work – but it will soon become a new place. This week, Ferrell had to leave her home and move in with her grandson Dustin while most of the house is being rebuilt. She’s sad to see it go, but it glad the children she keeps during the day weren’t there. “It just makes you sad … it hurts. I don’t want to leave my home.”

Covington resident Sue Ferrell, pictured with friend Charles, was trapped inside her home during the March 2 ice storm after her roof broke in half and blocked her doors. Photo by Echo Day

FRAUD

Continued from A2 near a school, where our kids should be safe.” TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. Delivery of a Scheduled III controlled substance is a Class D felony that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison. District Attorney General Michael Dunavant is prosecuting. The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance

of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures. To date, 2,058 people have been charged with TennCare fraud. Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-4333982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."

LIBRARY

Continued from A1 outs last quarter, which was more than Lauderdale County, Brownsville, Munford and Somerville combined. “People are checking out books," said Cheairs. “We do use computers a lot, too, though. People have to have those to apply for jobs, benefits and unemployment.” Cheairs said that many people need help with computers and that the staff is trained to have a personal element. “Every person here needs help of some kind,” said Cheairs, “from finding something online to looking for a certain book. It’s what we do every day, most of the day.” Possibilities for the old library include an after school tutoring center, English as a Second Language classes and additional senior reading programs. “If we don’t keep this location, we’ll have it with a block or two of here,” said Mayor Gordon, who also referred to the new Covington Municipal Center on Main as another option. The center will house the Tipton County Commission on Aging and may be more financially feasible, yet within a mile of the current site.

MUSEUM

Continued from A1 $2,000 to have the structure evaluated. Property assessement data shows the parcel was originally purchased in 1912 and the 3,392 square foot home was built in 1928. It is listed as

needing minor repairs. Data shows it has been owned by Alonzo Beard since 2003. Mayor David Gordon said the city may consider splitting the cost of the property's purchase three ways with the county and the organization.

APAAHC members seemed pleased with the progress, at least for now. "The Price house has a lot of history for us," said Syvilla Armstrong Fields. "We need a place for our artifacts, our books, our schools, our churches."

NEWS TIP OR STORY IDEA? Call 476-7116 or send an email to news@covingtonleader.com

DON'T MISS OUR HOME & FARM INSERT IN NEXT WEEK'S EDITION!

Dr. Guy Teach Welcomes Janice Schwartz, A.P.N. It is with great pleasure, that we welcome Janice C. Schwartz, A.P.N. to Tipton County Internal Medicine, PLLC as our skilled Nurse Practitioner. Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses who provide a full range of healthcare services similar to those of a physician. Schwartz received her masters degree in Nurse Practitioner studies from Willmington College in Willmington, Delaware. Schwartz has a wide array of skills and over 10 years of clinical experience in primary care, acute care, complicated internal medicine, long term care, home care, and teaching. Please contact our office to schedule and appointment with Janice.

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 1995 Hwy 51 S., Ste. 206 Covington, TN 38019 901-476-9116

THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014 ▪ A4 www.covingtonleader.com

FLASHBACK

Thanks for saving library There are several places here in Tipton County who made me who I am today. They are ingrained in me and I hope have changed me for the better, at least I believe they have. I’ve talked about walking up on the square when I was a kid, but I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned my love for the public library. I’m sure my mother took me to the library before we moved here the first time, when I was threeand-a-half or four. But those libraries, in Germany, in New York City, in Columbia, S. C., those are not the ones I remember. When I was five, we moved to New Orleans with my father (upon his return from the Army) and we would go to the Latter Library in uptown New Orleans. It was a beautiful, beautiful place, an old mansion on St. Charles, and we’d spend afternoons in the sunny room sitting and listening to storytellers. I have always been a reader, having finished my favorite, SOUTHERN FRANCE “The Lion, the Witch and the FRANCE GASQUET Wardrobe,” when I was a mere seven years old. But my love for reading grew here, at this small town library, which was only a short walk away when I visited my grandmother in the summertime. We returned to Tennessee when I was 11, and by the time the summer was over, I had literally read all the children’s books and had moved to the adult section. Ms. Doris Boyd monitored what I borrowed, sometimes quietly explaining that that book might be “too grown up” for me, of particular mention were the books on witchcraft. (Side note, I’ve yet to read any adult book on witchcraft, Mr. Boyd.) I always took her advice, because you see, I was a little afraid of her. Often, it was just the two of us, Ms. Boyd, with her Aqua Net pin curls and dark salt-and-pepper hair and that stern librarian look and me, talking about books; she knew her stuff when it came to good reads. However, as the daughter of an Episcopalian priest and a former Catholic school student, I had one deep seeded piece of angst with the library. I worried for Ms. Boyd’s soul. She seemed to be such a saintly woman, after all, much like the nuns at my former school. But I knew her secret, I had her figured out: Ms. Boyd had gone to jail. I finally could not resist any longer and told my mother about the librarian’s sullied, hidden past. My puzzled mother was surprised and wondered about my recent declaration In hushed tones, I quietly explained that Ms. Boyd was a member of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and therefore was a Presbyterian who had served time and finally repented her dastardly ways. Luckily, my mother explained the ARP was a denomination of church and that Ms. Boyd had never worn stripes except when she deemed it a fashion choice. I spent hours and hours and hours at that library. It was my refuge, my solace from leaving a big city of King Tut exhibits and Mardi Gras parades and all sorts of things I didn’t understand but sure seemed fun. Gone were the days when my brother and I would shout out the names of uptown architecture (it’s how we learned the columns: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian). Instead, we’d moved to a small town that had just opened its first McDonald’s, where going to Walmart was a weekend social outing and you weren’t anyone unless SEE FRANCE, PAGE A6

This picture shows members of a group of children dubbed “The Azalea Lane Gang” attending a Christmas party at the Posey family residence in Covington around 1962. Pictured are Charles Elam, Andy Posey, Bobby Hughes, Nancy Whitehead, Sandy Posey, Gary C., Linda E., Tim Posey, Ted Hicks, Larry C. and Susie Whitehead. Photo courtesy Andy Posey

You were taught better, so why did you do it? As the years stack up on you, cure-alls and self-proclaimed remfrom time to time you need to edies. Although not claiming to visit the local medicine man for a hold a Doctor’s degree from “skintlittle assistance. I’m not real sure knee” university or the academy of when every healer became a spe- nail-punctures, many times Momcialist and presently can only offer ma would sling the dish cabinet some relief on certain parts of your door wide open, seemingly tearing anatomy (That’s city slang for yo’ it off the tan colored hinges. Prowore out, hard worked fessionally she’d grab a body.). white pint bottle, shakFriends, I realize it ing it vigorously, like has been longer than wringing a chickens I like to admit, but beneck and light in forelieve it or not, there casting the upcoming was a time in history torture of “a little…(althat a Doctor could kee- hall). Continuing and would perform on with, “this might sting, the entire carcass. This just a little.” (Actually situation has gotten so it would set you on technical when you fifire). Furthermore you nally, if possible, get would engage in a high an appointment to see stepping war dance SOUTHERN RAISIN' a doctor about yo’ left that Tonto and Little O TIS G RIFFIN big toe on yo’ right foot, Beaver would be very, the dilemma ends with, very proud to witness. “well I’m sorry, I only work on left Remember how you could lofeet and I don’t engage in big toes, cate the broken bottom of a Double only small ones.” Now back to the Cola bottle in the middle of a newcotton field to search and hopeful- ly plowed cotton patch? How? ly locate another specialist. Mr. Ben’s grocery store cold drink My friends would have had a box was several miles away. This rough time growing up and sur- always occurred during a cotton viving, trying to make through row, hopping race when low and this ordeal. Have you ever just behold, you would slice your heel sat down and thought about the wide open. With assistance, of many times you got hurt, why you course, it is back to the coal oil vat got hurt and what you had to do securely hidden in the shed. to relieve and get rid of the hurt? Friends, while camouflaging as Sough in coal oil and maybe smear a highly skilled, field hand Roseon yellow salve, normally used for mark temporary medic, my very cuts on our Hampshire sow. Possi- dear friend ‘Rabbit’, would stripbly grind in some gummy pine-tar tear some rags to hinder the flow. dug out of a bent can with a nice Don’t worry whether or not they clean(???) screwdriver or maybe were clean even though the seespoon-serve with a hand-held hoe through cloth had been laying in sharpening file. You might try to the barn hen’s nest for six months. stop the blood flow with some The problem being, one must try to Days Work ‘toe-backy’ juice. stop what little blood your anemic Momma had her own personal skinny body was pumping.

Why go to all this trouble? Well first there would be a good honey-suckle fence row scolding. Then a trip to ‘Doc’ Flippin’s for the dreaded long needle called a ‘tet’nus’ shot, that hurt worse than the injury. Maybe some country cat-gut back ’en, appropriately called, stitches. More scolding and additional nursing from Momma. Pamper the wound for three years until you got better and most important, learned better. Neighbor, relax and recollect how many times you and your growing up friends were close to meeting your maker or at least you thought so. Don’t fudge too much, but remember there were times you didn’t want anyone to know how you had messed up and still came away still in one piece? If the truth was really known you’d have probably set up a tent at ‘Doc’ Peter Flippin’s or Dr. Sid’s healing offices. The only problem would have been you would have had to stand up the entire visit. Why? Because yo’ Momma would have had those Roebucks smoking after you got caught. Beloved, as you casually glance at the scars and rips, can you still describe in detail how each happened and where each occurred? Yep, you survived the school of hard knocks and in most cases graduated the top of the class of “summa’ cuma’ lawdy mercy”. We’d fall, squall, bawl and climb the wall, but we survived ... Glory! Otis Griffin is the author of the book “Southern Raisin”. He was born in Charleston, Tenn., and attended Rosemark Grammar School and Bolton High School.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Justice for victims Marianne Purcell Dunavant, wife of District Attorney General Mike Dunavant, knows a few things about violent crime and the difficulty that accompanies the journey for justice. Not because her husband prosecutes cases, but because she has a personal experience with violent crime. In 2007, Marianne and her fiancé Chris Caris, 33, were planning their life together. They had just purchased an engagement ring, Chris was pursuing his dream of fishing on the professional circuit, and it seemed everything was lining up for him to realize that THE LEADER USPS 136-120 “Tipton County’s NEWSPAPER Since 1886” 2001 Highway 51 South Covington, Tennessee 38019 Published Every Thursday by Tipton County Newspapers, LLC

PHONE 901-476-7116 www.covingtonleader.com

dream, and live it out with Marianne. All of those plans and dreams ended on Oct. 26, 2007, when Chris and 18-year-old Joshua Cole were murdered in a robbery at the Bellacino’s Restaurant in Nashville where Chris was the night manager. The security camera captured the entire scenario. Chris and Joshua, along with the other employees, did everything the robbers ordered them to do. They gave them the money, they laid down on the floor, and then as the robbers were leaving, one returned and shot Chris and Josh execution style in the back of the head.

Garland s Burlison Covington s s Gift Gilt Edge s Brighton s Randolph s s Drummonds Clopton Charleston s Munford Atoka s s Quito s s Idaville Mason s s Wilkinsville Tipton s s s

Chris and Josh each had their entire lives ahead of them. They had plans and dreams, they loved, and they were greatly loved by many. They existed. But, not in court. In many Tennessee courts, prosecutors are not permitted to show a picture of the victim during trial. Those that do often see it come back to threaten their case in the appeal process, as a request to overturn the conviction because it was “prejudicial” for the jury to see the picture of the victim. The jury will, however, see the crime scene photos and any video if there was one. Does that make sense?

Brian Blackley – Publisher/ General Manager bblackley@covingtonleader.com Kathy Griffin - Office Manager Accounting/Public Notices notices@covingtonleader.com

Tipton County, Tennessee

The Leader (USPS 136-120) is published weekly for $38.00 per year in Tipton County, $46.00 per year in Tennessee and $54.00 elsewhere by Tipton County Newspapers, LLC, P. O. Box 529, 2001 Highway 51 South, Covington, TN 38019. Periodicals Postage Paid at Covington, TN. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leader, P. O. Box 529, Covington, TN 38019. Reproduction of all matter contained herein is prohibited without the express consent of Tipton County Newspapers, LLC.

News Echo Day – News Editor eday@covingtonleader.com Jeff Ireland – Sports Editor jireland@covingtonleader.com

The Haynes/Burks Victim Life Photo Bill (HB1524/ SB1726) is being considered to remedy that crazy situation. It would allow prosecutors to show a picture of the victim during trial if the victim is deceased or unable to attend the trial. However, opposition is urging legislators to kill the bill, saying that showing a picture of the victim during trial is “prejudicial” for the jurors. Let’s see…During a trial, when the victim is alive, the jury is able to see AND hear from the victim. Is that prejudicial? And juries see crime scene photos too. Is that prejudicial? Person-

France Gasquet – Staff Writer fgasquet@covingtonleader.com Graphic Design Renee Baxter rbaxter@covingtonleader.com

ally, I call that “evidence!” Marianne wants to know, how in the world is showing a picture of Chris as he was in real life any MORE prejudicial to the jury than the gory crime scene pictures the jury had to see, or the actual video tape of the murder? And, shouldn’t the jurors have a right to see who the victim was? They certainly see the offender all dressed up with his best face showing. I stand with Marianne and all the other victims like Chris and Josh, and even more, I’m disgusted. This practice is disrespectful to the victim and to their family. To

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FINANCIAL FOCUS

Take steps to protect your family business

There’s nothing more important discuss other key business-succesin the world to you than your fam- sion issues, such as the retirement ily. However, your family-owned goals and cash flow needs of retirbusiness probably helps ing family owners and support your family. So, the personal and finanwhen it comes to protectcial goals of the next ing both your family and generation of manageyour business, you need ment. to carefully consider your In developing a plan moves. for the future of your As you know, you face business, you will need plenty of challenges to to determine who will keep your business runcontrol and manage FINANCIAL FOCUS ning smoothly — but it the business, and who STEVEN J. JONES can be even more diffiwill eventually own it. cult to pass the family busiThese decisions will deness on to your children or other pend on a variety of factors, such relatives. In fact, according to the as the time horizon, goals and fiSmall Business Administration, nancial needs of the family memonly 33 percent of family owned bers involved. businesses survive the transition Your succession plan could be from first generation ownership to based on a family limited partnerthe next generation. ship. Under this arrangement, you, Why is it so hard to keep a fam- as general partner, would mainily business intact? Sometimes, it’s tain control over the day-to-day because no one in the family is in- operation of your business, but, terested in running the business — over time, you could gift or sell but family businesses frequently limited partnership shares to your disintegrate because of the lack of family members. And eventually, a succession plan. you would also relinquish control To create a succession plan, your of the business to whoever is going first step — and possibly the most to run it. important one — is to collect the Another component of your sucthoughts and preferences of family cession plan might be a “buy-sell” members on their future involve- agreement, which allows you to ment with your business. It’s es- name the buyer for your business sential that you know who wants — such as one of your children to really do the day-to-day work — and establish methods to deand who is capable. During these termine the sale price. Your child conversations, you’ll also want to could then purchase a life insur-

ance policy on your life and eventually use the proceeds to buy the business, according to the terms established in the buy-sell agreement. We’ve just skimmed the surface of techniques that might be used alone or in combination to carry out your business succession. The transfer can be complex, so you will certainly need to consult with your legal and financial professionals. It’s important that you fully understand the business and tax implications of any succession plan, as well as the financial effects of a plan on all your family members. In any case, once you’ve created your succession plan, you’ll need to work with your legal advisor to put it in writing and communicate it clearly to all family members. Surprises are welcome in many parts of life — but not when it comes to transferring a family business. You want to leave your family a legacy. And if that legacy is the family business, do whatever it takes to pass it on in a manner that benefits everyone involved. This will take time and planning — but it can be well worth the effort. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Steven Jones is an Edward Jones Financial Advisor in Atoka. Visit him at 360 Atoka McLaughlin or call 901-837-9772.

TIPTON COUNTY’S

Most Wanted Seen one of these people? If so, call: 24-hour number: Central Dispatch 901-475-4300 Sheriff’s Office Tipline: 901-475-3307; email: sheriff@tiptonco.com Tipton County CrimeStoppers 901-476-4411 Or contact any local law enforcement agency to report any of these people.

Allen, Danny Lee Born: 6/26/1972 301 Little Rd. Martin, TN 38237 Charge: Obtain legend drug by fraud

Currie, Larry Donnell Born: 12/28/1972 Gay Street Ripley, TN 38063 Charge: Haibitual motor vehicle offender

Dowell, Gregory Lee Born: 11/8/1966 4001 Ashview Cove Memphis, TN 38118 Charge: Theft

Dowell, Kevin Tarrell Born: 4/18/1988 2745 Day Hill St. Gates, TN 38019 Charge: Poss. sch. II drug

Heath, Amber Lynn Born: 5/19/1989 133 Cullum Lane Munford, TN 38058 Charge: Theft under $10,000

Jones, Joshua Ray Born: 7/29/1987 99 Jacquelyn Cove Drummonds, TN 38023 Charge: Agg. burglury

Klimmer, Bradley William Born: 12/1/1991 1464 Mathis Rd. Drummonds, TN 38023 Charge: Theft under $1,000

Moore, Thomas Miles Born: 2/3/1958 15 Hurt St. Trimble, TN 38259 Charge: Habitual motor vehicle offender

Quinton, Marlin Dean Born: 3/5/1980 1882 Warner Dr. Memphis, TN 38127 Charge: Promotion of meth manufacturing

Stevens, Bryan Michael Born: 11/26/1975 4115 Pleasant Ridge Millington, TN 38053 Charge: Poss. sch. II

LETTER

Continued from A4 have a victim’s photo banned from the very proceedings determining the justice for that victim is not only unfair, it is outrageous. In a system where offenders have most of the rights, and the victims very little, banning a photo image of the victim makes it seem as if the victim is a dirty little detail of the trial, and not really important or significant for the jury to even care about. If you believe that victims should have the right to be represented in a trial, as they were in life BEFORE the crime, you can help make this happen. Please don’t walk away thinking there is nothing one person can do about this. Let the legislators on this committee know you support this bill, and that you want them to pass it. They work for you, after all. Five minutes of your time and your one voice will join many other voices, who, like you, believe this is the right thing to do. The legislators will hear one powerful voice – the voters who gave them their job in the first place. The information about who to contact is on our website at www.tnvoicesforvictims.org Your voice CAN make a difference when it joins other voices.

Need to get something off your mind? Send letters to the editor to news@ covingtonleader. com.

Verna Wyatt Executive Director Tennessee Voices For Victims

Under arrest

The following persons were booked into the Tipton County Correctional Facility March 2-8, 2014.

■ Austill, Devin Jhobe, 19, agg. burglary, del. of marijuana, agg. robbery, vandalism; March 5, TCSO ■ Bass, Burton Wayne, 27, shoplifting, March 2, CPD ■ Bechtold-Sarsfield, Esai Alex, 30, 19, intro of contrband into jail, simple poss. marijuana; March 2, MPD ■ Beloit, Ginger Lanell, 44, failure to appear felony, March 8, TCSO ■ Bomar, Timothy Blayn, 20, domestic assault, March 7, TCSO ■ Boyce, Debra Elaine, 55, delivery of marijuana, March 7, TCSO ■ Burk, Jerry Lee, 46, domestic assault, March 6, MUPD ■ Catholic, Melange Lodjuan, 31, driving on rev./canc./susp. license, no seatbelt, no insurance, light law; March 2, THP ■ Clark, Ejre Shun, 18, disorderly conduct, March 7, CPD ■ Clark, Whakeen Kinta, 37, domestic assault, March 5, TCSO ■ Cox, Rico Resean, 26, agg. assault no injury, March 3, TCSO ■ Dean, Brandon Xavier, 22, simple poss. marijuana, March 7, TCSO ■ Dickey, David Bruce, 32, sexual contact by authority figure, statutory rape by authority figure, statutory rape; March 6, BPD ■ Easley, William Thomas, 33, public intoxication, March 2, CPD ■ Erickson, Shannon Lee, 42, DUI first offense, March

8, THP ■ Eskridge, Branden Lynn, 18, shoplifting, March 7, TCSO ■ Fayne, Danne Lee, 57, driving on rev./canc./ susp.license, no seatbelt, no insurance; March 8, TCSO ■ Ferguson, Mallary Paige, 26, DUI first offense, March 7, TCSO ■ Fleming, Deborah Lynn, 51, delivery of sch. IV drug, resisting; March 8, TCSO ■ Fleming, Michael Anthony, 26, agg. assault with injury, March 6, TCSO ■ George, Scott Edward, 41, driving on rev./canc./ susp. license, light law, no insurance; March 8, TCSO ■ Godinez, Sandra, 33, driving on rev./canc./ susp. license, no insurance, speeding; March 8, MPD ■ Goodwin, William Lee, 62, domestic assault, March 4, TCSO ■ Goss, Shelby Danielle, 22, shoplifting, March 7, CPD ■ Graham, Jerry, 58, public intoxication, March 2, CPD ■ Green, John Joseph, 25, domestic assault, March 5, TCSO ■ Grooms, Joshua Shane, 35, viol. order of protection, March 6, MUPD ■ Grove, Timothy William, 21, sexual exploitation of a minor x 2, March 7, TCSO ■ Gupton, Samantha Lee, 26, theft, March 7, TCSO ■ Hatley, Billy Roy, 25, domestic assault, March 5, TCSO ■ Hodskins, Daniel Lee, 23, DUI first offense, March 7, TCSO

■ Horton, Johnny Edward, 58, felony failure to appear, March 8, TCSO ■ Hughes, Odie Lee, 40, shoplifting, March 2, CPD ■ Johnson, Clarence, 31, domestic assault, March 7, CPD ■ Jones, Kenneth Lavale, 21, reckless endagerment, poss. firearm while intoxicated, resisting; March 4, CPD ■ Jones, Margaret Felisha, 25, agg. assault, evading arrest; March 6, TCSO ■ Jones, Misty Benard, 34, Tenncare fraud, March 7, TCSO ■ Kilpatrick, William Joshua, 53, domestic assault, agg. assault; March 6, TCSO ■ Land, Tempton Hunter, 42, DUI first offense, consent law, driving on rev./canc./susp. license, light law; March 2, CPD ■ Lovett, Daniel Scott, 18, shoplifting, March 7, TCSO ■ Lovette, Richard Paul, 34, domestic assault, public intoxication, failure to appear x 2, TCSO ■ Maclin, John Sylvester, 21, poss. sch. III, March 7, TCSO ■ Mason, Cedric Jermaine, 36, disorderly conduct, March 7, CPD ■ McCulley, William Travis, 48, public intoxication, March 8, TCSO ■ McGregor, Jay Brooks, 56, domestic assault, March 2, APD ■ Mead, Reginald, 46, poss. controlled substance, March 5, TCSO ■ Nelson, Jessica Latrice, 29, domestic assault, March 8, CPD ■ Pannell, Tabatha Ann, 27, poss. sch. II, March 8, TCSO ■ Polk, Pierre Lashaun, 22,

driving on rev./canc./susp. license, open container, light law, no insurance; March 6, TCSO ■ Pratt, Eric Daniel, 32, felony evading arrest, driving left of center, reckless endagerment, disregard stop sign, false report; March 5, TCSO ■ Robinson, Myron Leron, 18, agg. assault no injury x 2, March 6, TCSO ■ Roundtree, Travis Colby, 25, driving on rev./canc./ susp. license, March 6, TCSO ■ Sigler, Aubrey Brian, 27, driving on rev./canc./ susp. license, no insurance; March 7, APD ■ Skaggs, Jerad Enee’, 26, DUI first offense, March 8, THP ■ Somerville, Kevin McQuiest, 23, attempted murder, March 8, TCSO ■ Stoddard, Kathryn Marie, 25, DUI first offense, impeding traffic, consent law; March 8, TCSO ■ Taper, Louis Curtis, 21, felony failure to appear, March 6, TCSO ■ Tatum, Brittney Shuntae, 23, driving on rev./canc./ susp. license, March 2, MPD ■ Taylor, David Lee, 41, agg. burglary, theft; March 7, CPD ■ Vergers, Travis Odell, 55, domestic assault, March 8, TCSO ■ Walls, John David, 34, rape of a child, March 7, TCSO ■ White, Timothy Allen, 46, rape, March 8, TCSO ■ Williamson, Derrick Rashun, 19, robbery, theft, assault; March 7, BPD ■ Wallace, Monica Joyce, 30, failure to pay child support, Feb. 28, CPD

Disclaimer: These persons are innocent until proven guilty. They will face charges in Tipton County General Sessions or Circuit Court unless warrants for their arrest were issued in another county (this may or may not be denoted in the listing of charges).

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ARREST OR DETAIN ANY OF THE SUBJECTS OF THE WARRANTS LISTED IN THIS DATABASE. The list is current at the time of publishing and therefore recent changes in the status of warrants may not be reflected. It is possible that some warrants have been resolved and the matter is no longer pending. This information is being provided as a service to the public; however, neither the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office nor The Leader cannot guarantee nor assume any liability for the accuracy of the information at the time of use. All warrants must be verified for accuracy through our system prior to an apprehension. All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. NO ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO APPREHEND THESE INDIVIDUALS EXCEPT BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PEACE OFFICERS. SOME INDIVIDUALS MAY BE ARMED AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED DANGEROUS. If you recognize a name on the list, if you find your name, or if you find a discrepancy, please contact the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office at 475-3300 or via email at sheriff@tiptonco.com.

"911, what's your emergency?" If you don't have a legitimate emergency, you could be standing in the way of someone who does.

HELP SAVE A LIFE. Call the non-emergency line

901-475-4300