South Tipton Life

South Tipton

LIFE

Photo by Christy Hunter Photography

South tipton county chamber of commerce 1234 munford avenue ▪ munford, TN 38058 (901) 837-4600 ▪ southtipton.com

South Tipton w el c o m e to beautiful

County, tennessee

Tow n of Ato k a

Tow n of b r i g h to n

c i t y of munford

On behalf of our community, I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to you. Whether you are a business looking to expand, a family looking to relocate or a servicemember whose orders are bringing you to West Tennessee, Atoka is a great place for you to call home.

People come here for a sense of community – from annual events like Safe Night Out, Rock the Block, Santa's Ride and the Atoka BBQ Fest to outstanding public spaces like Nancy Lane and Walker Parks, Atoka has something for residents of all ages. The past 20 years have seen extraordinary growth in Atoka – transforming the community from a rural community of 750 to a bustling town of more than 8,500. Atoka has been recognized amongst Tennessee's Best Affordable Suburbs based on our low property taxes, excellent schools and affordable home prices and as a safe place to live and raise a family.

Atoka is perfectly situated with a small town, community feel and quick access to the Memphis area. Being just north the Shelby County line provides Atokans with a comfortable lifestyle and stable, high-quality school system without sacrificing all of the opportunities available in a major metropolitan area.

I am excited for you to explore our friendly and ever-expanding community. More information regarding Town services is available online at www.

TownofAtoka.com.

We look forward to welcoming you to Atoka.

Located in the heart of Tipton County, Brighton is considered the centerpiece of our fine county. The Town of Brighton takes great pride in everything that small town life has to offer. Some of the amenities one will find within our town include great schools, community churches, businesses that truly value your patronage, low property taxes and a friendly, neighborly atmosphere.

Brighton's Park and Recreation Center has something to offer all ages.

The youth sports program currently provides baseball, basketball, and soccer for children ages 5 to 16. The Brighton community center is the site for daily senior citizens gatherings. In addition, within the city park one will find an inviting playground and walking track, truly offering something for everyone.

Through the efforts of our city officials, employees, volunteers, and the support of our community, the Town of Brighton now enjoys 24-hour fire and police protection. Thus, Brighton remains one of the safest communities in which to live.

Perhaps the greatest aspect of Brighton is its friendly, family-oriented community. It is a place where you will see neighbors helping neighbors and a place where you will always feel welcome.

As mayor and lifelong resident of Brighton, I invite you to stop by any time and see all that our small town has to offer.

Brighton, "Where Families and Friendships Grow!"

Conveniently located in South Tipton County, Munford is a progressive and vibrant community.

Property values are good, taxes are low, and utilities are reasonable and available. Tipton County schools offer excellent educational opportunities with caring teachers, great sports programs, and "the best" in band and music. Recreational opportunities abound throughout our Parks and Recreation Department. We currently have four parks with ample space for soccer fields, Dixie Youth Baseball, Youth Tackle Football, Special Needs Athletic Group (SNAG), tennis courts, fishing lake, walking/jogging tracks, Munford Skateboard Park and recreational programming for all ages.]

The uniqueness of our community is found in our citizens. Munford citizens are warm, friendly, and genuine. It is a place where being a neighbor means more than living next door. You will find churches, clubs and civic organizations open and cordial. Our businesses are owned and operated by people who care about you and will call you by your name.

As mayor, I thank you for your interest in our town. I invite you to our website at www.munford.com or even better, come by and I'll buy you a cup of coffee.

You'll see what we mean when we say, "Munford is my kind of town.”

Daryl Walker Mayor, Town of Atoka

Dwayne Cole Mayor, City of Munford

Sarah Crocker Mayor, Town of Brighton

South Tipton Life 3

about the South T ipton Chamber

Let us meet your needs Mission

Our mission is to strengthen and support our community by promoting business growth, education, and economic development.

The South Tipton County Chamber of Commerce was chartered in 1988.

This was largely due to the efforts of Cato "Bubba" Ellis, the late Agnes Fite and a group of concerned citizens and businesses who shared a common vision.

This vision was to stimulate economic growth and general well-being of the community. Designed to meet the needs of the business community, it is a voluntary organization of small and large businesses, professionals and individuals who join together to advance the interests of the community. It is a legislative representative, an information bureau and a business resource tool. Time, skills and financial support of the members are the primary impetus of the Chamber.

Today, the chamber remains a viable and valuable business organization as the community continues to grow and develop. If you want to be truly successful, commit to your future by joining with other business leaders. Here’s how:

Invest

• Time - Committee involvement, program attendance, volunteer service • Talent - Program development, leadership skills, partnership opportunities • Finances - Dues investment, advertising opportunities, sponsorships

Connect

• Through networking-coffees, educational programs, social media • Through information - Print (South Tipton Connection) and online (www. southtipton.com, Facebook) • Through business advertising - newsletter, online ads and referrals • Through legislative representation

SUCCEED

• By expanding your audience through membership • By increasing your visibility through ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings,

advertising and business listings • By enhancing your skills and knowledge through targeted seminars vital for starting and staying in business 1234 Munford Avenue, P. O. Box 1198, Munford, Tennessee 38058 www.southtipton.com ✽ chamber@southtipton.com Like Us on Facebook: facebook.com/southtiptonchamber

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events

Fishing Derby annual

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location

Safe affordable Tipton County is and

Tipton County is located on the Mississippi River north of Memphis, and is one of the fastest growing counties in the state.

Between 1990 and 2000 Tipton County's population grew 36.4 percent to 51,271 due primarily to growth from Memphis.

Population for 2010 from the Bureau of Census is 61,081, a 19.1 percent increase from 2000. Our county has plenty to offer with an abundance of agriculture and manufacturing industries. Our municipalities include Atoka, Brighton, Burlison, Garland, Gilt Edge, Mason, Munford, and the county seat of Covington.

Tipton County enjoys a moderate climate.

Winters are mild, springs are pleasant, summers are long and autumns are beautiful.

The average rainfall is 51.16 and the average snowfall is 7.2 inches. The frost-free period normally occurs from March 20 to Novem-

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ber 12 (236 days). The annual average temperature is 59.7 degrees, with the monthly average high temperature of January being 46.0 degrees and for July being 91.2 degrees.

The monthly average low temperature for these two months is 27.4 degrees in January and 69.1 degrees in July.

In 2009, Tipton County was voted the number three safest rural community in America by The Progressive Farmer, an agricultural and country living magazine which has been in publication since 1886.

With assistance from OnBoard Informatics, The Progressive Farmer rated rural communities of various sizes across America. Using crime rate numbers that measure the risk of incidence based on FBI crime data, they took into account property crime, burglary, larceny, vehicle theft, robbery and murder risk. For example, the national average is

100; 200 would be twice the average risk and 50 would be half the average risk. The Progressive Farmer rated Tipton County as a 6, which means residents are 17 times less likely to encounter crime than the average county nationwide.

The same measures were used to determine Atoka and Munford Tennessee's 19th and 25th safest cities by the National Council for Home Safety and Security in 2017.

South Tipton County offers new residents what they are looking for – affordable land prices, low taxes, excellent schools and a good quality of life. Many residents of South Tipton County work in Memphis.

They enjoy the amenities Memphis has to offer, but choose to live and raise their families in our quiet, country atmosphere.

Read more at www.tiptonco.com/about_us/ index.php

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our rich history

Above, the 1930-1931 Munford ladies' basketball team. Pictured are, front row, Margaret Goss, Dorothy Moore, Sarah Hunter, Eureka Proctor, Allegra Cousar Pickard and Eloise Templeton. Back row: Coach Reeves, Margaret Rass and Geneva Pickard. At right, Atoka in the early 1900s before it was destroyed by a tornado in 1928.

A humble beginning

To read about the early days in Tipton County is to explore thrilling chapters of Tennessee’s history.

First came the skilled hunters of the Chickasaw Indians, followed by traders and trappers.

Then came the cotton planters and their slaves.

Next came the river pilots and merchants.

Rivers, artesian springs, and railroads shaped the destinies of these people.

Boats of every description, flat, keel and steam plied the Big Hatchie River bringing settlers and supplies upriver and bales of cotton down.

It is the story of these waters, the clanking of the spike and rail and the commerce that followed that proved to be the evolution of Tipton County as we know it today.

Tipton County was created by act of

the Tennessee legislature on October 29, 1823. Governor William Carroll signed the act at Murfreesboro then the capital of Tennessee.

Tipton’s land area was taken from Shelby County in the “(south) Western District of Tennessee,” and included what is now Lauderdale County. One third of Tipton’s land area, 635 square miles, was situated north of the Big Hatchie River.

When the legislature created Lauderdale County on November 24, 1835, Tipton’s land areas was reduced to 440 square miles. Tipton’s new boundaries were: Big Hatchie River on the north, Haywood County on the east, Fayette County on the southeast, Shelby County on the south and the Mississippi River on the west.

In 1873, the legislature again reduced Tipton County by cutting off Island No. 23 and adding it to Lauderdale. During

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our rich history

the 1920s, a small portion of land in south Tipton County was ceded to Shelby County so the residents could attend Shelby County schools at Rosemark.

The land in what is now Tipton County was originally land grants issued by the State of North Carolina. Some of the larger grants included those of Robert and Thomas Love, 15,000 acres; R. T. Munford, 8,200 acres; Andrew Greer, M. Hunt, and John Rice, 5,000 acres each; Anthony Bledsoe, 4,700 acres, and Hardy Murfree, 1,260 acres.

Tipton County was named in honor of Jacob Tipton (1765 – 1791) a native of Cedar Creek, Shenandoah County, Virginia. Jacob was a military hero who was killed while leading his men against the Indians near Fort Wayne on November 4, 1791. Covington is the county seat.

In 1928, tragedy struck.

A tornado leveled the business district and much of the residential district. Many were injured and one resident was killed.

Atoka's History Atoka, Tipton County’s largest municipality, was founded in 1872 along the newly constructed tracks of the Memphis and Paducah Railroad upon the lands of Hugh Thompson.

The founders of the new town selected the Indian word "Atoka" meaning ball ground as the name of their village.

Located half-way between the towns of Mt. Zion and Portersville on the new railroad, Atoka soon became the shipping point for lumber and cotton from the surrounding area.

As the retail establishments in the town multiplied, the population grew accordingly. By the late 1870s, the population of the little town had grown to around 500 inhabitants.

In 1895, the first Rural Free Delivery Routes were set-up by the United States Post Office and Atoka was selected as one of the first three American towns to participate in the program.--The town was first incorporated in the nineteenth century but the town leaders allowed the charter to lapse.

Atoka was reincorporated in 1911 and the town continues to operate under that charter.

Brighton's History Brighton was established in the year 1873 along the newly completed tracts of the Memphis and Paducah Railroad upon the lands of A. W. Smith, Sr. who gave the initial five acres for the Depot grounds.

The new town was named for Mr. Bright, the first conductor on the Memphis Division of the said road.

The new town grew quickly.

By the late 1870s, Brighton had two dry goods stores, three grocery stores, two saloons, two blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, one brick yard, one steam saw and grist mill, one steam cotton gin, a Baptist church, two physicians, and a population around 100.

In 1883, the veterans of the 7th Tennessee Cavalry, Confederate States of America made Brighton the permanent site of their annual reunion. At Brighton the veterans’ reunion took on new dimensions and it grew into a reunion of all Confederate veterans of Tipton County and the surrounding region.

Over the years, attendance of this annual August event grew peaking at 15,000 in 1897. The Tipton County Confederate

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The Brighton High School Building , pictured here in the 1940s, was constructed in 1924. A two-story addition was constructed in front of this building in the 1960s. From the archives of David A. Gwinn, Tipton County genealogist and local historian.

Veterans Reunion, as it became to be known, continued to be held at Brighton until 1940.

Brighton was incorporated by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1913 and the town today continues to operate under the same charter.

Munford's History The City of Munford can trace its origins to the early 1850s when the Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal Church moved to the site of the Munford Presbyterian Church in downtown Munford. Soon afterward, a small unplanned village grew-up around the growing Methodist church that would officially be named "Mt. Zion" after the post office opened there in 1856.

The Methodist church was not Mt. Zion's only claim to distinction. The young town was the home to the Tipton Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons founded in 1853 which is the second oldest Masonic Lodge in Tipton County. For many years, Mt. Zion was the home of the Memphis District High School (also once known as the Dyersburg District High School) that was operated by the Memphis Conference of the Methodist Church. This fine educational institution was later leased and then purchased by the Tipton County Board of Education. This school is the forerunner of the present Mu-

nford Elementary, middle and high schools.

In 1874, Mt. Zion's post office was closed. When Mt. Zion re-applied to the United States Post Office Department in 1886 to have their old Post Office re-opened, the Post Office Department approved the application with one exception.

The town would have to comeup with another name for their Post Office. The reason behind the government agency's request was simple. They claimed that if the name of Mt. Zion was re-instated, it would cause confusion among postal employees when sorting mail between Mt. Zion, Tennessee and Mt. Zion, Pennsylvania. It may be noted here that at that time, the common abbreviation for Tennessee was "Tenn." and the common abbreviation for Pennsylvania was "Penn." In print and especially in script, the names of these two towns would look very similar to postal employees attempting to sort the mail. In the days before zip codes existed, mail could have easily been routed to the wrong place because of the similarities in the town names causing serious delays in delivery. The newly appointed postmaster, G.B. Sale, asked his daughter, Lola, to help him come up with a suitable name for the post office. She chose the name of "Munford" in memory of the late Col. R.H. Munford of Covington, a long time public servant who had served over the years as the Tipton County Court Clerk, county register of deeds and clerk and master of the chancery court as well as serving as mayor of Covington at one time.

Although the post office after 1886 was known as Munford, parts of the town would continue to be known as Mt. Zion. That ended in 1905 when Munford was incorporated by an act of the Tennessee General Assembly. S.H. Bass was elected as the first mayor.

Today Munford is Tipton County's third largest municipality.

business and industry

"Mom and Pop" businesses, like Oaklawn Garden and Nature Center in Brighton, which is celebrating 25 years in business this year, are the backbone of the local economy.

Business is 'blooming' in tip ton county

Business in South Tipton County continues to boom as more and more new businesses move in. Small businesses fulfilling the varied needs of residents of each community are the primary foundation of business in South Tipton County. Our businesses make it easy for residents to “SHOP AT HOME." Mom and Pop establishments, as well as a comprehensive department and state-of-the-art grocery stores, are proud to be in our area. Unique retailers provide everything from hunting attire to specialty gifts to the latest trends in make-up and accessories. Our restaurants offer varying cuisines from down-home cooking to delicious ethnic delicacies. We have businesses steeped in history and many who are on the cutting edge of the latest in technology. Just about anything that you want or need can be found in South Tipton County.

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education

Munford High School's marching band, commonly called the Pride of South Tipton, marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in 2015. The high school serves Munford, Atoka, Drummonds and the surrounding unincorporated communities.

Performing above average The Tipton County School System is the 13th largest system in the state of Tennessee. There are seven elementary schools, including Pre-K, located in Atoka, Brighton, Covington (two), Drummonds and Munford. There are three middle schools and three high schools located in Brighton, Covington and Munford. The Covington Integrated Arts Academy is open to students Pre-K through 8th grade.

Mission

The mission of the Tipton County School System, the leading catalyst for educational excellence, is to guide and inspire students to become model citizens who pursue postsecondary education and thrive in the global job market by engaging each student in challenging experiences led by quality educators in a safe and nurturing environment.

Vision

The vision of the Tipton County School System in collaboration with our families and communities is to meet the needs of all students resulting in good citizenship, academic achievement, economic growth and prosperity.

Goals

• Each Student will excel in academics while exceeding all educational standards.

• Each Student will be prepared for postsecondary education.

• Each student will be empowered to pursue his or her chosen career.

• Each student will become a model citizen who makes a positive contribution to the community.

Private Schools

There are two private schools located in the Tipton County area.

These are Tipton Christian Academy and Tipton-Rosemark Academy.

Colleges/Universities

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers vocational and technology training. Dyersburg State Community College has a campus in Covington and offers two-year associate degrees.

Several colleges, universities, business and technical schools are located in Millington and Memphis, a short distance from South Tipton County.

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health and wellness

In sickness and in health medical community meets the needs of tip ton countians

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton, located in Covington, has an experienced medical staff that provides premier care to the community. Physicians on staff represent the following specialties: anesthesiology, cardiology, family practice, gastroenterology, hematology, internal medicine, oncology, pediatrics, pathology, neurology, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedic surgery, and radiology. Many are located in the two medical office buildings adjacent to the hospital, providing added convenience for both patients and physicians.

Also serving the residents of Tipton County are Methodist Hospital North, a 246-bed hospital and Saint Francis-Bartlett, a 196-bed hospital. Both hospitals are located in northeast Shelby County and provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical services. A wide array of health care agencies, fitness centers and professional services can be found right here.

Parkway Cove Assisted Living, a part of Americare Systems, offers person-centered assisted living. The assisted living community provides a combination of gracious accommodations, supportive services, and health care. Seniors who may need a little

help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication monitoring can receive assistance. If "scheduled care" by family or a home health agency is no longer met, assisted living may be the right choice. What's more, the community's convenient location in Covington is close to an array of medical services offered

by Baptist Memorial Hospital. Located less than an hour from Memphis, our community is easily accessible for visiting friends and family. Restaurant-style menu dining and a full calendar of life enrichment opportunities are offered. Assisted living at Parkway Cove offers a level of care, companionship, and comfort that caters to what each resident needs.

The Tipton County Commission on Aging (TCCA) provides services to all seniors in Tipton County. A wide array of programs and assistance are provided through the Covington Senior Center and from other senior centers and gathering places across the county. These include a variety of recreation and health related programs, physical fitness and a family and relative caregiver wellness program. Locales in addition to the Covington Center include Garland and Munford Senior Centers. The Tipton County Adult Day/Respite Service, “ADRS/Helen’s House,", is a licensed social model adult day service with planned activities designed especially for persons with memory disorders. It is funded by the Tipton County Commission on Aging, United Way, Tipton County Government and private donations. ADRS/Helen’s House is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Covington Senior Center.

Today, TCCA serves more than 1,400 individual seniors, caregivers and their families annually. In addition, TCCA offers a county-wide transportation program for isolated seniors to access services locally.

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Go to the Major University Right in Your Own Backyard University of Memphis Millington Center 901.678.4171 · 6500 Navy Road memphis.edu/millington Partners in Education: BancorpSouth · Patriot Bank

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recreation and entertainment

Things to do in South Tipton The mighty Mississippi River forms a natural western boundary for Tipton County, and the Hatchie River forms the northern boundary, providing the public with numerous recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, skiing and camping. The Hatchie River is a slow-moving waterway, excellent for canoeing, as it has been designated by the state as the only natural scenic river left in West Tennessee.

Drummonds is home to Glenn Springs Lake. Located about 6.5 miles west of Munford, this Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency lake covers approximately 310 acres. The facilities include two fishing piers, a covered boat dock with spots for 32 rental boats, two launching ramps, a bait and tackle shop, restrooms and two picnic pavilions. Every year, the lake hosts the Chamber’s annual Children’s Fishing Derby.

Forest Hill Golf Course, official site of the Chamber’s annual golf scramble, is an 18-hole public golf course open yearround. Hidden among gently rolling hills, Forest Hill Golf Course offers a quiet and challenging game for golfers of all skill levels. With several lakes and bunkers the course may pose a challenge, but with wide fairways and clean roughs, it also allows forgiveness. The 18-hole par 72 course ranges from 6,609 yards at the blues to 5,320 at the reds. With a large driving range, practice here will make perfect; a putting green next to the clubhouse makes easy access for guests to practice the difficult greens before hitting the course. The cozy clubhouse is inviting for a relaxing time for all ages, with a pool table and TVs. If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful day to play golf, here is your answer. Forest Hill Golf Course is located in Drummonds.

The Atoka Adventure Railroad Your Atoka Railroad Adventure begins with a ride on the Atoka Express, a train ride around a challenging 18-hole Pro mini golf course professionally landscaped with a stoned water fall, winding creek, and a steam engine water tower. Travel past an old western town. Experience an amazing journey through a 50-foot train tunnel loaded with excitement. Ride over an old

railroad trestle all before arriving at Party Station, your birthday destination. Here you can check out a western themed Corral play area where kids can swing, pretend to fly in a helicopter, plow with a tractor, or race around in a shining blue race car.

Throw in the Bronco Bounce jumping room or scale up Pike’s Peak rock climb and you are sure to have an unforgettable adventure.

Mom and Dad, in addition to the Pro mini golf course, there is a Virtual Golf simulator where you can practice on your driving, chipping, putting, or play one of 40 PGA golf courses from around the world. And what adventure would be complete without a visit to Ola’s Kitchen or to the newly relocated Yogurt Isle. Grab a quick snack, soft drink, or frozen treat while you sit at an outdoor cafe or stroll around while you admire the dazzling mural designs by Bill Turri. An unforgettable experience at an affordable price is what you will find at Atoka Railroad Adventure.

Parks Atoka, Munford and Drummonds are home to several parks that provide a wealth of recreational activities for the community.

Atoka has five parks: Adkison, Atoka Greenway, Nancy Lane, Pioneer and Walker. Adkison Park is named in honor of Atoka-native and World War I Con-

gressional Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Joseph B. Adkison. The Bobby McDill Scout Hut-the home base of Boy Scout Troop 60 - is located within the park.

At nearly 42 acres, Nancy Lane Park offers a host of recreational offerings in a fantastic setting that features a wooded nature trail, a challenging 18-hole disc golf course, pond access and a 4-diamond softball complex. It is home to the Atoka Dixie Youth Softball program - the largest DYSB program in Tennessee. The playground is the largest playground in the Atoka park system and features a raft swing, several slides and climbing structures, a misting station and Tipton County's only climbing matrix.

At more than 60 acres, Walker Park is the largest park in Atoka and offers a host of recreational offerings in a fantastic setting within walking distance to much of Atoka's residential community. Walker Park features a paved walking trail, a super cool 5,000 square foot splash pad, a lighted athletic field for soccer and football and the only sand volley ball courts in South Tipton County.

One of the shining jewels of Tipton County, Drummonds Park, is a 30-acre community park and arboretum located behind the Drummonds Elementary School. It is handicap accessible and consists of serene walking/hiking trails which Continued on page 22 South South Tipton Tipton Life Life 21 21

recreation and entertainment

Celebreate Munford Continued from page 21

wind through beautiful natural woodlands rich with wildlife, a children’s playground, soccer field and covered/lighted pavilions

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with picnic tables and grills. An ADA accessible Amphitheater with power for sound and light equipment is a centerpiece of the park. The Arboretum is the first and

only official Arboretum in Tipton County.

Thirty-five (35) trees have been identified and marked for inclusion, as approved by the State of Tennessee. Each tree has a post and naming label.

Munford is home to five parks: Centennial, City, Poplar, Valentine and Hope.

Centennial Park, located at the corner of Dacus and Reeder, is one of the finest baseball complexes in West Tennessee. It includes a covered playground, a walking track, restroom facilities, picnic areas, a press box, concessions and convenient parking. City Park has a gazebo that provides a nice backdrop for weddings, a walking track, playground and picnic area.

Poplar Park has a football field, two tennis courts, restrooms, concessions stand, covered picnic areas, gazebo and playground.

Valentine Park features two playgrounds, picnic pavilion, restroom facilities, Soccer Fields, two 18-hole DISC Golf Courses, stocked lake and nature trail.

The Tipton County Museum, Veterans Memorial and Nature Center is located at 751 Bert Johnston Avenue in Covington.

The Tipton County Museum is a place for learning, a place for discovering, and a place for exploring. Admission is free!

recreation and entertainment

Area VIII Special Olympics, Brighton High School

One of the first facilities in the country to bring together military history, environmental education, and historical preservation, the Tipton County Museum is truly unique. This million-dollar facility is located in the largest urban park in the City of Covington, which includes a 20-acre wildlife sanctuary, a half-mile nature trail through a woodland forest, and a wetland study area. For more information contact them at www.facebook.com/Tipton-CountyMuseum.

Tipton County has an array of annual festivals and events. Nancy Lane Park is home to the longest-running annual event in Atoka, Safe Night Out, a safe, family-friendly Halloween event for the community. This event features a haunted maze, train rides, bounce houses, games, activities, hayrides and more. Guests are offered free hot dogs, corn dogs, popcorn and drinks - and the event provides a great way for kids to collect great candy and have fun in a safe environment. There's no better way to enjoy a crisp Halloween evening than at Nancy Lane Park for Safe Night Out. Nancy Lane Park is also home to the Atoka BBQ Fest, held in April.

The contest is sanctioned by the Memphis Barbeque Network. It includes the Kids’

Cook-Off, Mayor’s Pie Challenge, and a Family Fun Zone.

Brighton is host to several athletic events that include Dixie Youth Baseball, American Youth Soccer and Storm Rugby. For more information go to www.townofbrighton.com.

Covington’s annual events include Heritage Day, Dickens on the Square, the Chocolate Tour, and the Tipton County Bar-B-Que Festival, home of The World's Oldest Bar-B-Que cooking contest held in Cobb Parr Memorial Park. Events for this festival include Memphis in May sanctioned bar-b-que cooking contest, a demolition derby, arts and crafts exhibits, a truck pull, live bands and many other fun activities.

In downtown Munford on the third Saturday in September, the Celebrate festival attracts several thousand people.

Over 200 vendors provide food, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, children’s games and a hearty good time.

Memphis International Raceway™ (MIR) is the Mid-South’s premiere racing destination for racers and spectators alike.

Centrally located in west Tennessee, just minutes from Tipton County and worldfamous Beale Street, MIR is one of the

nation’s most versatile racing facilities. The multi-track complex features a ¾-mile paved tri-ova featuring test track & Driving School, a ¼-mile IHRA championship drag strip which is home of the IHRA Summit World Finals, and a 1.77 mile championship road course. MIR Raceway has celebrated several milestones with over 100 National Drag Racing events and 12 years of the NASCAR events. The facility hosts more than 150 days of events at its three distinct venues. Located in the “Home of the Blues” and “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, MIR was reborn as a sports entertainment destination in 2011. MIR is owned by IRG Sports + Entertainment™ (IRGSE), a TPG Specialty Lending company, and is sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association™ (IHRA).

For more information on MIR, please visit www.RaceMIR.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ RaceMIR. Beyond South Tipton County’s many offerings for entertainment, visitors and residents alike have only a short drive to Shelby County. Memphis offers an even wider variety of shopping, dining, performance venues, cultural events and public recreation areas.

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Bank Tennessee 144625

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homes and li ving

Home A place to call

Tipton County offers a wide variety of homes, from zero lot lines to surburban estates and farms. Local builders have a variety of plans, models and homes already constructed.

Southern hospitality reigns supreme in South Tipton County. You and your family will enjoy the close knit, community-oriented atmosphere that lends itself to family activities. One of the first things you will notice is that time seems to go by a little slower here in our peaceful rural setting.

In fact, you will find the best of rural and metropolitan living here.

While South Tipton County offers the serenity, safety, and peacefulness of country living, you will also find all of the modern day conveniences as well. The big city amenities of Memphis are just close enough to be convenient.

Drive through our rolling countryside and see the variety of housing opportunities. Housing to meet the needs of all residents is available. For those in the market for a new home, there is a large selection from which to choose.

Whether you are looking for a zero lot line, a suburban estate, or your own farm, Tipton County offers homes that are as diverse as they are delightful—homes to suit every taste, need and price range. Low mortgage rates, combined with our low tax rate and excellent schools, have ensured that our property values continue to increase.

The excellent communities of South Tipton County provide security to the families that live, work, and play here. There is security in knowing that you and your family live in an area that has stable and controlled growth, excellent schools, and neighbors that have the same kind of values that you do. So have a seat on the front porch with your new friends and neighbors, put your feet up, and see how much better life is here in South Tipton County.

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local celebrity

Hometown Hero Clay Millican is a

Clay Millican, from Drummonds, Tennessee, has loved drag racing his entire life. He got his first race car at the age of 16, and fueled his passion for racing in the Sportsman ranks for many years.

Clay had raced as a hobby for all his adult life until Peter Lehman came along.

His path to Top Fuel carries a fairy tale style story.

He was working as a forklift driver for Kroger Supermarkets while campaigning simultaneously an IHRA Modified eliminator entry when Lehman selected Millican to drive his Chicago White Sox-sponsored Top Fuel Dragster entry.

Peter provided the opportunity for Clay to fulfill a lifelong dream of driving professionally.

The goal was to learn the game and to establish themselves as the Top Fuel team of the future. What Peter saw in Clay was not only a potentially great driver, but a Southern gentleman with an unwavering passion for the sport and genuine appreciation of the fans of drag racing. Lehman and Millican later acquired sponsorship backing from trucking giant Werner Enterprises and formed one of the most well-known driver-sponsor alliances in IHRA Top Fuel history.

His career highlights and awards are numerous and speak volumes of his incredible racing skills. These include: 6 Consecutive World Championships - 2001-2006 Winningest Top Fuel Driver in IHRA History 51 IHRA National Event Wins Five out of Six Championships - Never Finished lower than second in points IHRA World Record Holder for Elapse Time and Speed 4.48 @328 mph 2004 IHRA Sportsman of the Year Holbert Memorial Driver of the Year Award Clay has hosted, appeared and costarred in many nationally televised shows including Speed Blow It Up,

26 South Tipton Life

Speed Channel Drag Race High, M2V2 Burn Out, MAVTV and IHRA Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series, and PINKS ALL OUT on the Speed Channel. He has starred in several promotional videos for DENSO Corporation.

Clay is married to wife Donna and has a son, Cale. His other son, Dalton, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.

In Dalton’s memory Clay has sponsored

several local charities including the Dalton Clay Millican animal charity. He is a strong supporter of the nationally acclaimed teen safe driving B.R.A.K.E.S program. B.R.A.K.E.S stands for Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe, and is a teen proactive driving school that teaches advanced behind-the-wheel defensive driving and accident avoidance in KIA-provided vehicles.

worship

Cornerstones of our community Churches are the

The churches of South Tipton County have played vital roles in the development of the region, from the earliest settlements through today’s continuing dynamic growth. For well over a century, varied houses of worship have been important landmarks along the roads of the County and its history.

Many communities are identified by the name of their oldest church. The congregation of Antioch Baptist Church traces its roots to 1823. Salem Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church began in 1836. Munford First United Methodist Church was first organized as Mount Zion in 1840, while later it adopted the name of its hometown. St. Mark’s African Methodist Episcopal Church has existed since 1858.

Of the approximately one hundred churches in Tipton County, many are located in South Tipton County. These churches serve the community in numerous outreach ministries. These include the Bread of Life program that partners with the Mid-South Food Bank to provide balanced, nutritional food to several hundred families on a monthly basis at two locations in the county, First United Methodist Church in Covington and First United Methodist Church in Munford. River of Life Assembly of God Church in Munford and Atoka United Methodist Church have food pantries for those in need. Volunteers from a cross-section of other churches in the area join hands and provide assistance to fulfill these ministries.

Recent construction has fueled growth in church membership and the organization of new churches. Whether attending a country church, home-town church, or a new church just beginning to grow, visitors will be welcomed into the fellowship of friendly, caring people who strive to make a difference in their community.

Even the smallest of congregations have big hearts.

A sampling of the many parishes and denominations in the area: • Apostolic • Assemblies of God • Baptist o Independent o Missionary o National o Southern

• Christian Church • Churches of Christ • Church of God in Christ • Disciples of Christ • Episcopal • Lutheran • Methodist o AME o CME o Evangelical o United • Nazarene • Non-denominational • Pentecostal o United o Independent • Presbyterian o ARP o Cumberland o Evangelical o PCA o USA • Roman Catholic • Seventh Day Adventist

South Tipton Life 27

military

a great place for

Military Families Naval Support Activity Mid-South is located in Millington, some seven miles south of South Tipton County and ten miles north of Memphis. The base is home to approximately 64 U. S. Navy, U. S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps tenant commands. These include Naval Support Activity, Navy Recruiting Command, Navy Personnel Command, Navy Manpower Analysis Center, Tennessee Army National Guard, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Finance Center and U. S. Army Training Center.

With a population of over 7,500 active duty and reserve military personnel, civilian, and contract employees, the base plays a major role in the local community and region. As one of the largest single businesses in the state of Tennessee, the base has an annual payroll of over $60 million in Department of Defense civilian salaries and $70 million in military salaries. The base supports 40,000 military retirees in a 100-mile radius and has an estimated economic impact annually of $480.4 million in Shelby County and $60.8 million in Tipton County.

For more information contact: www.cnic.navy.mil/midsouth MILL_NSA_PAO@navy.mil www.facebook.com/NSAMidSouth

South Tipton Life 29

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by G HIRLEY B in Deed the 19” East, ’ East line d , O Y ’ f J KLE s ta S 3 r o ppointe n m IN 2 e t a a d c B y li n n , il a e a a t, d . c W m in a a n D th g n g 9 in y li w n 1 a 901-476-7116 •tecovingtonleader.com e ma th line as sho t dated the DONNA alo following whom stitute Trus d in the d e Nor s r b o u c S e of Tru h, 1999, to Trustee, an nce to th ed R.O.W.; r as IPTON nt of rc s a fe propo 63 degrees of Ma ING, as strume ’s Office for T , to rs of in e a e th p e N p f r th e e a giste DOW the o nce South ng the Nor ness dness e m n f a R e o s T e e c debte unty, as th in the Offi County, the 33” West alo e proposed , ’ t Co ure the in WHEREAS th record r of Tipton ok 860, 16 .W. line of oplar Stree t c s e s la , s o te pin R.O of P ribed f Trust wa c n Regis see, at B s n o E e ir io E d s n SS an do s e exte ENNE sing .10 , the Tenne 29; and id Dee ity K, th , and pas 8 . sa igned to T LOPMENT 7 N s 4 r A e 1 g for C tion B M a d t E f P e s a r s e o V s r u N E a ti id c r O n b D d e e e T ca n s G rn the BRIGH of the debt d the fou thwest co .26 acre lot, ealed arters Relo uth OUSIN , S en H e b u .

0 r Y o te g o s u r s S owne reque advertise S eorgia Fly’s g along M l AGENC ness havin ayable Headq e and 211 ingto p d ta G in v te to d u u b o ty n n r e n a having igned to a ti C e d e G n r p f v e in A pro e fo t co s ty o i d du E HOUSIN e , 20 C r e la 1 under sell the onveyed bu ’s South lin .59 feet to c h de ay 9 d yT NCY SSE M b 5 E E , c e 9 ly N G y 2 F th d A a N d f n f f d o a o lou T TE ri an . line o ed in tance ust, all ; by ELOPMEN THROUGH until F and read a V describ Deed of Tr having dis West R.O.Wulf Railroad d DE AND s AND opene the s 16’ tral G by said debtednes ebi VICER AGENT, in the is Cen 25 degree ng BY R o lt E in n u S li RY Pr 3 Il fa O lo th f, a u T o o said d by de t A e S L e r S D A IT at ND 0 fe nce t the e ORIZE ATION A MA PM CDST matur nt of a par owner, the West, 147.0 R.O.W. line AUTH BANK N ing the 0 e ” , d 3 e 3 : g a th 3 e m 1 o in f o ilr at . at inn , b pay r said ra option tice th f beg f U.S OCIATION /holder o awa r S at the to give no will on the the point o .29 acres o e e S n e A will be tors n w s o ig t 0 s G c e is g a t IN to d r n in t this OWN 31, 2017, Con k. Contrac r er/ prese ed agent, mpass r less. r te NNA D e hold 131 riz ay o . enco , County

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South Tipton Life 31

South Tipton Life | Spring/Summer 2017 32

community services

During an emergency who to call

PUBLIC SAFETY EMERGENCIES . ........................................................................911 FIRE DEPARTMENT Central Dispatch ........................................................ 901-475-4300 Atoka Fire Department .............................................. 901-837-5322 Brighton Fire Department . ........................................ 901-475-6536 Drummonds Fire Department ................................... 901-835-3939 Gilt Edge Fire Department . ....................................... 901-476-2971 Munford Fire Department ......................................... 901-837-5960 Quito Fire Department .............................................. 901-835-3939 Three Star Fire Department . ...................................... 901-476-8183 LAW ENFORCEMENT Central Dispatch ........................................................ 901-475-4300 Atoka Police Department ........................................... 901-837-5302 Brighton Police Department ...................................... 901-475-6722 Munford Police Department....................................... 901-837-5980 Tipton County Sheriff’s Office .................................. 901-475-3300 UTILITIES CABLE Ritter Communications ............................................... 901-872-7000 1-888-336-4466

ELECTRICITY Southwest Tennessee Electric . ...................................... 901-837-1900 GAS First Utility District . .................................................... 901-476-9525 City of Munford............................................................ 901-837-0171 Poplar Grove Utility District......................................... 901-837-0181 TELEPHONE Ritter Communications................................................. 901-872-7000 1-888-336-4466 WATER Atoka Water Department.............................................. 901-837-5300 Brighton Water Department.......................................... 901-476-8661 First Utility District....................................................... 901-476-9525 Munford Water Department......................................... 901-837-0171 Poplar Grove................................................................. 901-837-0181 WASTE SERVICES Town of Atoka.............................................................. 901-837-5300 City of Munford............................................................ 901-837-0171 Tipton County Landfill................................................. 901-837-5907 TIPTON COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES Veterans Services........................................................... 901-476-2456 Fax 901-837-9141

South Tipton Life 33 South Tipton Life 33

Continued from page 19

The neighboring cities of Atoka, Brighton and Munford welcome you to

South Tipton County

Town of Atoka 143912

South Tipton Life 36