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THE LEADER Thursday, December 10, 2009
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Serving All of Tipton County Established 1886
Volume 123 • No. 89
www.covingtonleader.com
Auditor: Mason's accounting inadequate By BRIAN BLACKLEY bblackley@covingtonleader.com
MASON – An audit into the books of the Town of Mason has resulted in one indictment on nearly $97,000 of allegedly embezzled funds, but a state comptroller's audit report sug-
gests that an unknown party or parties may have misappropriated an additional $7,062 of town money. According to the report that was released Wednesday by the State of Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, former Mason city clerk Arnita
Mitchell admitted to embezzling funds, and the comptroller's office has specifically found $96,961, but it remains unclear if Mitchell was responsible for the misappropriation of an additional $7,062. Mason Mayor David Ward noted that at this
time no other person has been implicated to his knowledge. A relative of Mitchell's was alleged in the report to have received city utility services, but the report did not mention the name. The comptroller's office would not comment on the name of the person.
Still, the audit report was not flattering toward town recorder Nancy Hazlerig, noting that, among other things, she had received petty cash totaling $1,025 for which there was no supporting documentation and another $2,845 in disbursements to her were
either inadequately supported or no supporting documentation was located at all. Hazlerig, the report said, also "failed to ensure that totals on DCRs (daily cash reports) agreed with totals on corresponding deposit SEE AUDITOR, PAGE A3
Covington plant under investigation after recall
Heartwarming Christmas
By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com
Picture courtesy of Rosemary McCane
Heat Miser (Cecil Yancy) and his Heat Minions, dancers from Julie Brooksʼ Show Stars, perform at the fourth annual Heartwarming Christmas show held at The Ritz last weekend. The annual show benefits Confidential Care for Women, formerly Heart to Heart. The first two shows made over $2,200 for the womenʼs ministry. The last show will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Munford Baptist Church. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and children 4-12 are $5. All proceeds will benefit Confidential Care for Women.
A Night to Remember returns By SHERRI ONORATI sonorati@covingtonleader.com Tipton County first met and quickly fell in love with The Standards last year. The quintet of brothers share a passion for music and sing their unique style of music and a cappella harmony that appeals to all generations of music lovers. They will be in Tipton County once again for a two-day magical holiday show on Friday, Dec. 18 and Saturday, Dec. 19 starting at 7 p.m at the Historic Ruffin Theater. The group of brothers – Jordon, Morgan, Nicholas, Nathan and Quinn Williams – offer more than just a typical music concert. All their concerts are “dynamic music experiences,” featuring non-stop energetic vocal performances packed with choreography, comedy and audience interaction. The Standards will present “A Night to Remember.” This special, heart-warming show features nonstop classic Christmas music, such as “White Christmas,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “O Holy Night” and much more, presented in the group’s critically acclaimed a cappella style. Inspired by the writings and illustrations of the second-oldest brother, Morgan, “A Night to Remember” is the story of a young homeless boy who befriends five special brothers who help him discover the true joy of Christmas during the season of giving and when miracles happen. In addition to exciting holiday music, concert attendees will experience
an original heart-warming story set in “artimation” on large screens of how a very special child discovers the joy of Christmas, along with giant toys that come to life on stage for a truly amazing fun filled night. Last year’s one-day Christmas performance quickly sold out but for the lucky concert attendees, it was truly a night to remember. “We are so excited to be returning to the Covington this year,” said Nate Williams. “Fans all around Tipton have been so kind to embrace our holiday music and the story of how a child discovers the meaning of Christmas. This excitement led people to share how they were inspired by show and the word spread for a 2009 return. We hope to bring a little more Christmas to Covington this year.” Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the Ruffin Theater, all Tipton County schools, The Covington-Tipton County Chamber of Commerce, the South Tipton County Chamber of Commerce, Lauderdale-Ripley Chamber of Commerce, The Bank of Tipton, Bank of Ripley, Brighton Bank, Regions Bank, King Cotton Motors, Ward Williams Law Firm, Certified Transmission, Quickie Lube and Auto Care, Naval Station Mid-South ITT and by phone at (901) 476-0430 or (901) 8766788 or 901-476-3437. Children age 3 and under are free when sitting on a parent’s lap. If you missed the first concert, be sure to attend this special Christmas event with the entire family. “A Night to Remember” promises to inspire, motivate and entertain while reminding all of the true meaning of Christmas.
COVINGTON – Amidst a worldwide recall of 10 million cans of SlimFast, Unilever's Covington facility is under investigation. All Slim-Fast canned drinks – approximately 10 million cans worldwide – have been recalled, the company announced Friday. "I'm glad it's been reported," said Covington resident Nadine Dickerson, who said she occasionally consumes the Slim-Fast drinks. "Everybody that has Slim-Fast can get rid of it before it affects the body." Acting on the possible contamination by Bacillus cereus, a bacteria which can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, Unilever, the maker of SlimFast, decided to voluntarily recall its ready-drink products. The corporation is currently trying to identify and correct the source of the contamination, said Unilever media relations specialist Anita Larsen. "The problem was found during quality testing," she said. Larsen would not speculate how long the micro-organism may have been in the drink. All Slim-Fast products involved in the
Photo by Echo Day A Naifeh's employee cleans the shelves which used to hold Slim-Fast ready-drink products. On Friday, corporation announced a voluntary recall of 10 million cans, all of which were produced in Covington.
recall were produced at the Covington Unilever production facility, which was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration following the reports of contamination. Production has ceased; however the plant has not closed, Larsen said SEE RECALL, PAGE A3
Balloons, influence make way to Great White North By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com DRUMMONDS – Hoping to spread a drugfree message around the world, in late October students at Drummonds Elementary released 75 balloons into the sky. They had no idea how far or how fast their message would spread, however.
"We've had them found in Georgia and in the Smoky Mountains, but Canada is the farthest they've been found," said principal Patricia Mills. Releasing red balloons is an activity in which the school participates each year during Red Ribbon Week, a drug prevention campaign which takes place each
October. On Monday, Oct. 26, students and staff members gathered on campus and, as they do every year, watched as the balloons drifted higher into the atmosphere. Each balloon had a laminated card attached, instructing persons to contact the school if SEE BALLOONS, PAGE A3
See Page B3
Area events events Area This week’s week’s Featured This featuredChurch: church: Covington • Barretville • Millington • Collierville South Tipton • South Covington Morgage Offices: South Tipton • Millington • Arlington • Collierville
FRONT.indd 1
Cornerstone Assembly of God Church Turn to to Page Turn PageA7 A7forfordetails details
12/13, 1 p.m. CASA Tour of Homes 12/14, 7 p.m. Covington Christmas Parade
12/9/09 3:26:31 PM