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COVINGTONLEADER.COM ▪ THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011 ▪ VO L . 1 2 6 , N O. 3 2 ▪ T H E VO I C E O F TIPTON COUNTY S I N C E 1 8 8 6 ▪
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Blalack resigns, vacancy on board Made first court appearance on Tuesday, case bound over to circuit court By TYLER LINDSEY tlindsey@covingtonleader.com Brighton alderman Walter E. “Booster” Blalack, who is also the town’s vice mayor, has resigned, said mayor Jeff Scott. Though Blalack report-
edly resigned for health reasons, the 77-year-old was recently accused of improprieties with two juveniles. Blalack was arrested by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday, April 20, on charges he forcibly fondled two minors. During a hearing on Tuesday, the case was waived over to Tipton
County Circuit Court. Blalack’s case is expected to be presented to a Tipton County grand jury on July 11 to determine whether there is enough evidence for a trial by examining evidence to decide whether to issue indictments. According to warrants filed in Tipton County, Blalack, who is a real estate agent, is accused of
touching the genitals of minors he’d hired to care for properties he was selling. The accusations alleged that the behavior took place on multiple occasions while also stating that Blalack forced at least one victim to reciprocate. TBI spokesperson Kristin Helm said Blalack was charged with sexual battery by an author-
ity figure, solicitation of a minor, sexual battery and forcible fondling. According to Brighton Mayor Jeff Scott, Blalack resigned on June 14 citing extensive health complications involving diabetic causes. Scott said the last time the two spoke, Blalack was reported as having trouble breathing. Scott said that the next step will be to appoint
Brighton alderman W. E. “Booster” Blalack resigned his position last week, citing health as the cause.
SEE RESIGNS, PAGE A3
Bonding agent arrested on theft charge By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com
This undated photo shows downtown Atoka before it was destroyed by a tornado in April 1928. This weekend the town will be hosting a three-day event to celebrate the centennial anniversary of its incorporation. Photo courtesy Tales of Tipton.
Atoka to celebrate centennial By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com
This weekend, the town of Atoka will be aflutter with activity as it celebrates 100 years of incorporation. The centennial committee, led by Stephanie Bohrman and Jackie Walker, has planned and prepared for the town’s birthday since mayor Daryl Walker was elected in November 2010. The town’s charter lapsed in the 1880s during the Temperance Movement in an effort to avoid saloons within the city. County genealogist David Gwinn said many citizens petitioned to surrender the charter and after a vote, the town lost its incorporation.
However, after legislation gave cities the option to disallow liquor was approved, Atoka was reincorporated on June 24, 1911. A three-day celebration, which will take place in two parks, has been planned to honor the town’s centennial. Festivities will begin on Friday, June 24 and will continue until Saturday, June 26. Friday night’s events will include the recognition of Atoka’s oldest citizen, Jewell Forbess, and its youngest citizen, Baylee Rogers, born on June 3. There will also be a 1911-1920s period costume and dance contest and a cake and punch reception. In Nancy Lane and Adkison parks Saturday, arts
Nancy Lane Park Opening ceremonies Craft and food vendors Car show Children’s activities Checkers Pie- and watermelon-eating contests Horseshoe and kickball tournaments Music, including Navy Band
and crafts and food vendors will be on-hand and free activities will be available. Special guest Hugh Freeze, Arkansas State University’s head football coach and nephew of the mayor, will be speaking at Sunday’s closing
Adkison Park Arts in the Park Craft and food vendors Centennial merchandise Children’s activities Camp-out display by Boy Scout Troop 260 McQuiston Hall, Atoka United Methodist Church Model train displays and vendors, historic artifacts and Q&A event, which will include a free meal and fireworks. The event is free to attend. For more information, see our special publication in today’s edition or visit townofatoka.com.
Simonton fish fry to be held tonight By TYLER LINDSEY tlindsey@covingtonleader.com The time is nearing once again for outdoor summer fellowship in Brighton. The fourth annual Harrison Simonton Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser will kick off today at 4 p.m. at Brighton High School and will last until 8 p.m. Debe Simonton, who organizes the event in memory
of her son, Harrison, loves to bring everyone together once again. “Seeing all the people get together to talk and visit, friends of ours and of Harrison’s makes it worthwhile. It’s almost like a reunion every year,” she said. The event boasts an impressive fish fry every year. This year, Kenny Campbell of Brighton will be on-site for a
fresh meal of both fried fish and barbecued pork. Wells Kitchen is providing side items. Brighton Bank and other individuals will provide desserts. Boston butts that have been available for preorder will be ready for pick-up. A silent auction will be a highlight of the evening as everything from gift certificates and merchants’ items to pool supplies and tool
equipment will be up for grabs. This is the fourth year the fundraiser has been held and organizers are enjoying county-wide involvement from merchants donating items to be auctioned. Attendees are encouraged to visit with each other and enjoy sharing memories and catching up. Tickets for $10 have been on sale at Simonton Salon in Brighton and are available
A Tipton County bonding agent spent time behind the very bars from which she usually bonds out her clients, according to the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office. After reportedly receiving multiple complaints accusing Lisa Michelle Marshall, owner of Advanced Bonding Company, of stealing the Lisa Marshall, a bondbusiness cards ing agent, was recently belonging to her arrested for stealing the business cards of her competitors, the competitors. sheriff’s office took action. During an investigation into the claims on June 14, Marshall was observed by sheriff’s office personnel collecting business cards belonging to Action Bonding Company and exiting the lobby. “Marshall was approached and she admitted to taking the business cards on more than one occasion,” said Chief Deputy Billy Daugherty. “She voluntarily produced the business cards taken from the lobby from her purse.” As a courtesy, the sheriff’s office provides a desk and business card rack for each of the bonding companies which are properly registered and authorized to post ponds for inmates in the 25th judicial district. There are currently 22 bonding agents or companies approved to post bonds in Tipton County. Marshall was not observed removing business cards belonging to other competitors, just the one owned by a former employee. She was charged with theft of property under $500 and was restricted from entering the front lobby of the sheriff’s office, located at 1801 S. College Street in SEE BOND, PAGE A3
Reader’s Guide TODAY’S WEATHER Isolated storms possible. High, 91. Low, 70. INSIDE Opinion Faith Obituaries Education Lifestyles
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Sports Outdoors Classifieds Puzzles Legals
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SALUTING LOCAL BUSINESSES This week we salute local businesses and industries! Don’t miss the special publication inserted in this edition. HOW TO REACH US Call 901.476.7116 Email news@covingtonleader.com Visit us at 2001 Hwy. 51 South, Covington, TN 38019
SEE EVENT, PAGE A3
AREA AreaEVENTS events
Thisweek’s week’s Featured Church: This featured church: Covington • Barretville • Millington • Collierville South Tipton • South Covington Mortgage Offices: South Tipton • Millington • South Covington • Collierville
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River of Life Church TurntotoPage Page A7 details Turn B4forfor details
6/25/11 7 p.m. Music on the Square – Missouriʼs Most Wanted Court Square – Covington 7/4/11 7:30 p.m. Celebrate Independence – Navy Band & Fireworks
6/22/11 6:06:26 PM