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SERVING TIPTON COUNTY SINCE 1886 | COVINGTONLEADER.COM | VOL. 124, NO. 33 |THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2010
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Bell arraigned, brothers also arrested By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com
COVINGTON – Following his arrest last week, Rickey A. Bell Jr. was arraigned on felony murder and aggravated kidnapping charges in the death of Drummonds mother Starr Harris. Appearing in an orange jumpsuit and shackles, Bell
was read the charges by Tipton County General Sessions Court Judge William Peeler. “Because these charges are so serious, I’m going to read the allegations so you know what you’re charged with,” Peeler said. According to the affidavit of complaint, the body of Starr Harris was discovered in a wooded area behind
her Richardson Landing Lane home in Drummonds. Investigators said her body had severe trauma to the head and face as well as bruising on the torso, arms and legs which appear to be consistent with a physical altercation. Inside the home, the affidavit said, signs of a struggle were observed. The computer desk was leaning on its side
IN BRIEF ▪ Rickey A. Bell Jr., 30, was charged with felony murder and aggravated kidnapping in the June 1 beating death of Starr Harris ▪ Michael Bell, Kevin Bell and Pierre Richardson were arrested for the coercion of a witness
against the wall with the contents of the desk strewn about the floor, and the back door to
the residence was open. Investigators found paths through the tall grass and an area of disturbed leaves was found located in the woods several yards from Harris’s body. Investigators believe something was dragged over the leaves, leading them from that area to the area in which Harris’s body was found. PLEASE SEE BELL, PAGE A3
Gordon named Mayor of the Year By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com Covington Mayor David Gordon was named 2010 Mayor of the Year by the Tennessee Municipal League Tuesday, the organization reports. Gordon, a first-term mayor who has been in office for five years, was not expecting the honor. “They made the announcement and I was completely surprised,” he said. Each year since 1954, the league has honored a city mayor it believes typifies the attributes of intelligence, effectiveness, hard work, DAVID GORDON dedication and sacrifice. In a press release, the organization said Gordon was recognized for the city’s many significant accomplishments under his leadership in the areas of economic and community development, infrastructure improvements, efficient government operations and the enhanced quality of life of Covington residents. “I think when a mayor earns this award, it’s not about the individual, it’s about the community,” Gordon said, noting all of the municipal departments and their importance to the recognition of the city.
PLEASE SEE MAYOR, PAGE A2
Relay kicks off annual event on Friday By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com The signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life typically raises thousands of dollars for cancer research and Friday night the journey begins again. Since 1996, Relay for Life has raised more than $1 million in Tipton County and though participation has been decreasing in recent years, organizers are working to make changes. “We’re planning more entertainment and we’ll have more bands coming out,” said Cynthia Roberts. An average of one in three Americans is diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and, unfortunately, there is still no known cure. ACS is trying to change that. Through various programs, such as its annual Relay for Life, the American Cancer society wants to raise money to help prevent cancer, save lives and diminish suffering from the disease. The event begins at dusk, symbolizing the beginning of a journey from cancer diagnosis and into remission, a journey through the darkness and into the light. In years past, dozens of teams have signed up to walk the track overnight during the event and six-digit goals have been set for fundraising. This year, 12 teams have signed up and the local organization has set a goal of $50,000. The teams will have children’s games, face painting, animal balloons, silent auctions, moonbounces and slides, a beauty baby contest, dunk tank and much
PLEASE SEE RELAY, PAGE A3
Project Play 2010ʼs Childrenʼs Committee at Crestview Elementary designed posters at a recent meeting. Children ranged in ages 4-12 years and worked for several hours designing approximately 50 posters to be displayed through out Tipton County. Photos courtesy Jennifer Potter
Project Play work dates approaching By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com Construction on Covington’s Project Play will begin next week and organizers are still looking for volunteers to bring the beloved playground back to life. Hundreds of volunteers are needed to work four different shifts each day from June 22-27. “We desperately need more volunteers to help rebuild the playground,” said organizer Michelle Johnston. At least 130 people will be needed for each of the four-hour shifts. There are spots for anyone whether they have specific skills or not, said Johnston, and there will also be a need for tools and carpentry. “The first time, we didn’t have near that (number of volunteers), but we’re hoping the original volunteers return as well as the parents of children who’ve played on the playground,” said Jennifer Potter. “They have a vested interest in it.” The brainchild of The Rev. John H. Fullerton, Jr., the $300,000 park was built in the summer of 2003 through community donations and volunteer support, which saved the
Project Play workdates will be June 22-27 Shifts will be 8 a.m. – noon, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. and 5 8:30 p.m. Children under 10 will not be allowed on-site but childcare will be available for volunteers. Children ages 10-14 are allowed on-site, but must work one-on-one with a parent or guardian. Those ages 1417 will be able to participate in construction. Call 901-476-1107 or visit the group’s Facebook page for more information
community approximately $100,000 in building costs. On Tuesday, Feb. 16, a fire completely destroyed the playground at CobbParr Park. A 911 call at 6:28 p.m. alerted officials of the fire but by the time they arrived minutes later, the playground was already engulfed in flames. The outrage that followed the playground’s destruction brought the community together to raise funds to replace the destroyed haven for children. U. S. Country 51 93.5 FM, The Leader and the Covington Parks and Recreation Department hosted a radiothon to raise the money needed to cover the playground’s insurance deductible. The fundraiser resulted in more than $20,000
Alex Mason, the son of Jere W. Mason and Sarah Hall of Covington, records a public relations spot for Project Play at U.S. 51 County.
in donations. And as the workdates approach, many children in the community have become involved in the rebuilding effort. The original Project Play effort in 2003 had a children’s committee, which has been resurrected for the 2010 effort. “We want to get their input, their desires,” said Potter, the committee’s chairperson. Though they wanted to help out with the rebuild, younger children are not allowed at the construction site for safety reasons, so Potter has used their assistance in public relations instead. Two weeks ago the committee of more than two dozen children met at Crestview Elementary
and colored approximately 50 posters to be displayed in Tipton County businesses. Additionally, the youngsters created a commercial in support of the rebuild for U.S. 51 Country. “Some of these children grew up on this playground,” Potter said. “They felt like they had ownership.” Potter encouraged the children to help with the efforts because she believes it will instill in them a sense of community. “If they have a vested interest in something, they’ll like to see it flourish,” she said. “It’s important for children to be involved for that reason. PLEASE SEE PARK, PAGE A2
Area events events Area This week’s This week’sFeatured featuredChurch: church:
Covington • Barretville • Millington • Collierville South Tipton • South Covington Morgage Offices: South Tipton • Millington • Arlington • Collierville
FRONT.indd 1
Munford First United Methodist Turn A7forfordetails details Turn to to Page Page A7
Music On The Square Court Square – Covington 7 p.m. 6/19 Eric & Andy
6/16/10 5:59:50 PM