2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT
Crew Cab 4x4
35,995
*$
STK#G349841
CALL TODAY! 731-989-4632 SHOP OUR WEBSITE WWW.LOFTONCHEVY.COM
STK#F196430
18,995
*$
INDEPENDENT APPEAL PRE-OWNED, PRE-TITLED VEHICLES INCLUDE $489 PROCESSING FEE PLUS TTL.
Volume 119, Issue 35
Selmer City Mayor John Smith contracts COVID-19 By Janet Rail Publisher
Selmer Mayor John Smith provided his perspective on COVID-19 after testing positive for COVID-19 and self-quarantining at home until next Monday. Smith tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday. Speaking by text and call, Smith shared that he was a skeptic in the beginning of the pandemic with much conflicting information about how to handle the coronavirus. “Since contracting the virus, I have personally experienced many COVID-19 symptoms and understand what many of our residents are going through. I have no idea where I contracted the virus,” said Smith.“This virus is pretty rough and takes a lot of energy out of you. I have had fever, difficulty breathing and consistent coughing. I have little appetite but am blessed that I don’t have some of the more severe symptoms that many others were burdened by.” “I am continuing to improve and encourage all to take precautions as this virus is nothing to joke about and from my experience needs to be taken seriously. I am available to the office by phone and will continue to serve to the best of my ability,” he added.“My advice is to do whatever you can to protect yourself and your loved ones. We
will only get through this together.” Smith will remain in quarantine at home until January 11, and plans to return to work then if no symptoms Smith remain and he is cleared to return. At least one other city hall employee and three Selmer Police Officers have tested positive for COVID-19. According to Police Chief Kim Holley, there is no disruption in service as he has officers on staggered shifts and all shifts are covered at present. City Hall is open but does require a mask for entry with two people at a time allowed in the lobby to conduct business. “I assure everyone that Selmer City Hall is operating at full capacity in my absence and I have faith in all our city managers and employees that we will encounter no issues due to my quarantine,” said Smith. The office, located at 144 N. Second Street, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents with any questions can call the office at 731645-3241.
Teachers added to state COVID-19 vaccination priority phase By Angele Latham Editor
Tennessee’s COVID-19 vaccination roll-out plan has been updated to move teachers to a higher priority. Tennessee’s Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey announced the move Wednesday, December 30, placing teachers in the 1b category, which had previously been regulated to first responder administration officials. Piercey said teachers were “bumped up” in priority right behind health care workers because “we know how critically
Remembering “Opie”
Photo by Byan Huff
Dozens of county residents gather in Selmer on Wednesday night to honor slain Fort Drum soldier and Guys resident Cpl. Hayden Harris as he is escorted through downtown.
Photo by Byan Huff
Members of Harris’s platoon gather at Michie’s Crazy K Ranch prior to his funeral service.
important schools are to the functioning of our society and our economy, not only keeping kids in school so that they can learn and be educated, but also keeping parents at work. If the kids are in school, then the parents can go to work.” While counties throughout Tennessee are at different stages of the roll-out plan, most are still focused on health-care workers, including first responders, inpatient providers, staff members and residents of long-term care facilities, etc. McNairy County is currently in stage “1a2” and “1b,” which covers the “secondary level” of
Photo Submitted
Friends, family and countless community members honor Harris’ life at his funeral service Thursday, December 31 at Oakland Baptist Church in Corinth.
Read more on page 4
See VACCINES, 3
McNairy Co. COVID-19 Cases as of January 5
Ramer man arrested for aggravated kidnapping, assault, interference By Angele Latham Editor
Total Tested 15,837 Cases 2,131 Deaths 38 Recovered 1,843
50¢
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
A Ramer man has been arrested on three different charges after kidnapping a Selmer resident at gunpoint. (The victim’s name and identifying information have, as per editor’s policy, been removed.) Shawn Lee Smith, 49, of Ramer, serves as secretary on the Board of Directors at Pickwick Electric Cooperative District 7. He was charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault and interference with an emergency call on January 2nd after Deputy Ryan Burlesci was dispatched to a Ramer resi-
dence. Dispatch advised that they could “hear (the victim) in the background telling a male to put the gun down,” to which the male (later identified as Smith) told the victim to “shut up and lay down.” The call then disconnected. Burlesci made contact with the victim upon arriving on the scene, when victim was able to escape and ran to the officer’s vehicle, shutting and locking themselves inside. The victim said they had been kidnapped and that (Smith) had a gun. Smith then approached the vehicle, forcing Burlesci to “conduct a felony takedown.” Smith was placed in handcuffs without fur-
ther incident. Upon further interview, the victim explained that Smith had shown up at the victim’s house “without invitation or notice…wearing a mask and gloves,” before he pulled a handgun. Smith stated that he was going to kill the victim for “stealing stuff from his home.” This accusation is referring to a previous
Smith
See KIDNAPPING, 2
Bible Verse
“‘But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD…” Jeremiah 30:17
❚ Opinion 6 ❚ Obituaries 7 ❚ Events 8 ❚ Classifieds 9 ❚ Sports 10 ❚
Follow us on Facebook © 2020 Independent Appeal
News
Page 2 v Independent Appeal
Kidnapping
their own handgun, which Smith also took. Smith then stated that he was “going to kill (the victim) with their own handgun so there was no evidence that they were there.” Smith then forced the victim into his vehicle at gunpoint, took their cell phone and drove them to another residence. Upon arrival at the other residence—in which lived a relative of Smith’s— Smith ordered the victim to text a relative so that “they
From Page 1
incident between the two that occurred on December 30, when an intoxicated Smith accused the victim of stealing from him. Smith had zero evidence to support this accusation, and officers did not pursue the unfounded case further. After pulling the handgun on the victim, the victim attempted to defend themselves with
knew (the victim) was okay.” It was at this point that the victim called 911 and hid the phone in their pocket. Smith then stated that he was going to kill the victim. Moments later, as he began forcing the victim outside, Burlesci pulled up, allowing the victim to escape. Smith was transported to the McNairy County Jail. Bond was set at $50,000, but he was later released on a $5,000 bond.
Second Round Stimulus checks approved By Joel Counce Staff Writer
Americans have begun receiving a second round of stimulus checks after Congress and President Donald Trump agreed to a measure that included $600 individual payments on Dec. 27. Tump and Democrats pushed for $2,000 individual payments, but the move was blocked by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. About 60 percent of Americans will receive the stimulus money, by direct deposit or paper check. Those who do not receive a payment by Jan. 15 may claim them through Recovery Rebate Credit during tax season. Stimulus checks for individuals is reduced by $5 for every $100 earned above the $75,000 income and phased out at
Wednesday, january 6, 2021
Coronavirus exposure forces closure of Chamber of Commerce By Angele Latham Editor
The McNairy County Chamber of Commerce will be closed this week due to a coronavirus exposure within the building. Former CEO of the Economic Development Chamber Eddie Crittendon reported his positive coronavirus infection on Facebook, which was swiftly followed by other quarantines. “This (coronavirus) stuff is no fun,” said Crittendon in his announcement. “I was a skeptic and thought, ‘oh it’s just the flu.’ Well it’s not.” Anyone in need of services from the Chamber can call (731) 610-1399, or email jessica@mcnairy.com. The building is expected to be reopened next week.
$87,000. Married couples will have the checks reduced by $5 for every $100 earned above the $150,000. Stimulus payments phase out completely for this group at $174,000. Adult dependents are not eligible for the $600 checks. Eligible dependent children will receive the full $600. Payments are also automatic for non-filers who received Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs benefits. Other non-filers who registered by Nov. 21, 2020 will also receive payments. The stimulus checks for up to $600 are already going out through direct deposit to bank accounts and in the mail as paper checks and Economic Impact Payment (EIP) debit cards.
Residential • Commercial • Home Owners & Contractors Welcome!
METAL ROOFING in 20 colors!
No Job Too Big Or Too Small FREE ESTIMATES
New LOWER Prices! #1 Painted 40 Yr $ 94
1
LN. FT.
#1 Galvalume 25 Yr $ 57
1
LN. FT.
Trim & Accessories Screws 1-1/2” 1” ... $1250 for 250 Cut To Length
3450 US HWY 45 N HENDERSON, TN
Woodcrafts & Metal
www.stollcraft.com
731.989.7300
Staff Photos by Janet Rail
Everyone Anywhere Anytime
In Times Like These, Local Newspapers & Communities Need One Another More Than Ever
We’ve kept you connected, no matter what for over 119 years. Show Your Support & Subscribe today. In Print Starting at $20 yr + Online only $5 with sub or $15 Online Only
The Independent Appeal Independent Appeal Phone: (731) 645-5346 Fax: (731) 645-3591 News: (731) 645-5346 Contact Us: editor@independentappeal.com Advertising: advertising1@independentappeal.com © 2020 Independent Appeal
WEB SITE:
www.independentappeal.com
STAFF:
Janet L. Rail................................. Publisher Angele Latham..................................Editor Cassie Dickerson.................News Assistant
FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/independentappeal
Joel Counce........................... Staff Writer Adolphus Uzoukwa-Okafor........Circulation
111 N. Second Street, Selmer, TN Call today to subscribe at 731-645-5346 Corrections The Independent Appeal is committed to accuracy. If you believe a factual error has occurred, please let us know by calling (731) 645-5346. Corrections print on Page 2.
how to subscribe
postal information
Subscription rates in McNairy County are $20 per year; in Tennessee, $28; elsewhere, $32. Subscriptions and delivery: (731) 645-5355.
The Independent Appeal is published every Wednesday by McNairy County Publishing, LLC, 111 North Second Street, Selmer, TN 38375. Postmaster: Send form 3579 to Post Office Box 220, USPS 336-300.
The Independent Appeal is an award-winning member of the Tennessee Press Association and the National Newspaper Association (731) 645-5346 v 111 N. 2nd St., Selmer TN, 38375 v www.independentappeal.com v www.facebook.com/independentappeal
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2021
INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 3
VACCINES FROM PAGE 1
of health-care workers, including primary care providers and staff, out-patient specialty providers, pharmacists and staff, etc., and school/childcare staff and first responder administration officials. County residents
antine post-exposure (to COVID-19) would help our school days run more smoothly.” Vaccines are expected to be more widely distributed within the coming weeks as supply grows. For more information on vaccine distribution, call 731421-6782.
aged 75 and older are now eligible for vaccination as well. Director of McNairy County Schools Greg Martin confirmed Monday that “quite a few” teachers within the county received their vaccine Saturday. “I’d like to encourage more (teachers) to do so,” he said. “Teachers not having to quar-
To keep updated on the county’s vaccine distribution phase, visit https://www. tn.gov/content/dam/tn/ health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/CountyPhaseStatus.pdf.
County Mayor Larry Smith doubles down against mask mandate By Angele Latham Editor
Blackburn, Hagerty and nine other Senate Republican announce intentions to reject electoral results By Angele Latham Editor
Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator-elect Bill Hagerty, along with nine other Senate Republicans, have announced their intentions to oppose the certification of the electoral results on January 6. The group hopes to use the opposition to pressure Congress into creating a commission to investigate their claims of voter fraud. “On behalf of Tennesseans, we are taking a united stand against the tainted electoral results from the recent Presidential election,” the statement reads. “American democracy relies on the consent of the governed. Allegations of voter fraud, irregularities, and unconstitutional actions diminish public confidence in what should be a free, fair and transparent process. Protecting the integrity of the electoral process is paramount to preserving trust and legitimacy in the final outcome.” The statement continues “For critical moments like these, the Constitution reserves the right to challenge the Electoral College results to members of Congress. On January 6, we will vote to oppose certification of the 2020 election results.” Joining Blackburn and Hagerty in the opposition are U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Senators-Elect Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). In a joint statement from the entirety of the group, the demands are more clearly stated, calling for the creation of an
McNairy County receives emergency food and shelter services grant Kristen Chambers Submission: United Way TN
The National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded funds for Phase 38 Allocations to the following county: McNairy County $8,216 to help support local emergency food and shelter services. Under the terms of the grant from the board local agencies chosen to receive funds must be private voluntary nonprofits, be eligible to receive federal funds, have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs and have a voluntary board. Please email Kristen Chambers kchambers@ unitedway.tn.org by Friday January 15, 2021 with your intent to apply. You will then be sent an application to fill out and return.
electoral commission “with full investigatory and fact-finding authority, to conduct an emergency 10-day audit of the election returns in the disputed states.” “Accordingly, we intend to vote on January 6 to reject the electors from disputed states as not ‘regularly given’ and ‘lawfully certified’ (the statutory requisite), unless and until that emergency 10-day audit is completed,” the statement adds. It is not clear which states the Republicans consider disputed, nor is there any evidence provided to back up their concerns of voter fraud. Vice President Mike Pence, who has stated his support for the opposition, will preside over the count and will announce the results of the Electoral College vote. Pence’s chief of staff, Marc Short, said in a statement that the vice president “shares the concerns of millions of Americans about voter fraud and irregularities in the last election.” “The Vice President welcomes the efforts of members of the House and Senate to use the authority they have under the law to raise objections and bring forward evidence before the Congress and the American people on January 6th,” he said. During the count on Wednesday, if any objections to the electoral votes are made—as the group plans to do—they are to be submitted in writing and signed by at least one member of the House and one Senator. This will prompt an open-floor debate, and then the House and Senate will withdraw to their respective chambers to consider the veracity of the objections under procedures set out in Federal law.
As the state of Tennessee sees wildly climbing COVID-19 infection rates and ever-steepening deaths, public outcry for the governor to issue a statewide mask-mandate has been growing. Meanwhile, County Mayor Larry Smith doubled down on his stance against mandating a county-wide mask mandate while on a phone call with reporters. “It’s a personal preference,” said Smith. “If you think about it, how could we enforce it?” “What’s the point of a mask mandate if I can’t enforce?” he added. “There’s no mask police!” Smith expressed that the governor’s orders gave him “no real legal power,” if you “really look at the laws.” Governor Bill Lee’s emergency declaration gives power to “county mayors… to issue orders or measures requiring or recommending the wearing of face coverings within their jurisdictions.” When pressed on why the governor’s declaration did not give him power to declare a mandate, Smith emphasized that without prosecutorial power, there was no point. He then pointed to McNairy County cities and schools as an example. “The cities haven’t done it. The schools haven’t done it. They could mandate it,” he said. When asked if, by that same reasoning, he could also mandate masks, Smith reiterated. “But how can we prosecute?”
Subscribe today for just $20! 731-645-5346
Let us make your baby new again!
Michie Volunteer Fire Department offers class to public By Angele Latham Editor
The Michie Fire Department will host a free class to the public Thursday, January 7 to help citizens better understand their first responders. The class, titled “Answering the Call,” will “provide an inside look at the relation between 911 dispatch, and the fire service,” and is open to all.
It will be held at the Michie Fire Station, located at 5725 Highway 22 South. “This class will cover several topics, and scenarios!” said Wes Rainey in a statement regarding the event. “We’re inviting and encouraging anyone interested to please reach out and come learn with us!” Call MFD members Tyler, Wes or Rex at (731) 610-4565, (731) 439-6922, or (731) 439-6176, respec-
SPEEDY LUBE BRING IN THIS AD AND GET
$5
OFF
FULL-SERVICE OIL CHANGE 815 Mulberry Ave. Selmer, TN 38375 (731) 645-3209 Offer Expires 02/06/21
tively, or Michie City Hall at (731) 239-3680 for more information. If an agency would like to attend, please reach out to the MFD on Facebook messenger.
356 Industrial Park Dr. Selmer, Tennessee Anthony Lambert 731-645-6888
COMPARE OUR PRICES We have up to 100 sheds in stock - each one ready for delivery!
Wood Porch
Wood Lofted
Wood Dutch
Metal Gable
ONLY HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS USED! Financing and Rent-to-Own AVAILABLE! Wood Playhouse
WOOD - METAL & VINYL SIDING! (You Choose)
Metal Lofted
(731)989-7300 26 STANDARD SIZES TO CHOOSE FROM! Wood Gable
BUY DIRECT!
(Barns) 8’x8’ to 16’x44’
3450 Hwy. 45 N, Henderson (Magic Valley) www.stollcraft.com
Wood Garage Barn
WE MANUFACTURE!
MORE BARN FOR YOUR MONEY!
PAGE 4 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2021
Remembering Cpl. Hayden “Opie” Harris By Angele Latham Editor
“Freedom isn’t free” Cpl. Hayden Harris of Guys, Tennessee was escorted from Memphis International Airport through Selmer, surrounded by an escort of the Highway Patrol, McNairy County Sheriff’s Department, City of Selmer Police Department, McNairy County Ambulance Service, emergency personnel and Harris’s family on the evening of Tuesday, December 29 while en route to Shackelford Funeral Home. Harris, 20, is the son of Reggie and Christy Harris of Guys, Tennessee. He was a 2018 graduate of McNairy Central High School where he was an accomplished golfer and baseball player. Harris was found murdered on December 19, allegedly by a fellow soldier and an unidentified 16 year-old boy, in a wooded area of Byram Township, New Jersey. Harris’ escort into Selmer was met with dozens of friends, family members and residents paying their respects along the roadside. The McNairy County Sheriff’s Department and the Selmer Police Department said they were “honored” to be part of the effort.
“One vacant chair”
As cold wind and rain lashed McNairy County the night of Wednesday, December 30, there was a decidedly different mood within the walls of Crazy K Ranch in Michie. Cozy lights and low murmurs filled the spacious dining hall as soldiers from Harris’ New York platoon, and the New Jersey first responders who found Harris, gathered to pay their respects to the young Guys resident. At one table, the first responders who found Harris reminisced solemnly on the events that brought them here. “This stuff just doesn’t happen where we’re from,” the Fire Chief said sadly. “It feels like we’ve lost someone of our own.” “Senseless” was the word of consensus at the table, when asked to describe Harris’ death. “Coming down here to honor him really feels like closure,” said one of the officers. “We got to meet the Harris family, and it was like meeting long-time friends.” “They’ve been great,” another firefighter added. “This whole community has been great.” Across the room, the soft clacking of game pieces filled the space as young soldiers laughed and joked halfheartedly around a singular empty chair. The chair, crooked just slightly as if the occupant had just risen, was left open for Harris. “It meant the world to me (to be here)” said one soldier, to a chorus of nods. “He was our brother,” another added. The group had just returned from Kuwait on Christmas Eve, only to be greeted by this tragedy. “We can tell how loved he was here,” he added. When asked to describe the Harris they knew, all of them lit up with smiles. “He was our tacti-cool brother,” one laughed, referring to the military name for someone who is always using the coolest “tough guy” gear. “He had to look cool. Look cool feel cool.” For a few minutes, all was right with the group, as they shared hilarious personal moments of their friendship with Harris, and a side of the Guys resident that not all McNairians got to know. “We’re going to miss him,” a quieter soldier added. “Every day.”
“Determined. Full of love. Stubborn.” These were the words that Harris’ family chose to describe him by, as recounted by Wes Moore, friend and fellow church member of Harris, as well as a member of the McNairy County Sheriff’s Department. This description could not be more fitting, as evidenced by the countless stories and memories shared at the Harris’ funeral service Thursday at Oakland Baptist Church in Corinth, Mississippi. “He had the best smile you could imagine,” said Moore. “Just one of the kindest hearts and one of the nicest kids I’ve ever met in my life.” Captain Xavier Brown, Cpl. Harris’ commanding officer, spoke as well, and recounted a conversation he had with his First Sergeant, in which he said “you could see the happiness in Harris’ eyes. He was where he was supposed to be.” “Harris, he’s one of the good ones,” Xavier said to his First Sergeant. “He’s going to go far.” Specialist Zachary Moore, friend and fellow soldier of Harris, agreed—particularly with the description of Harris as determined. “He made it. Every day,” Zachary said, telling a story of Harris’ brave attempt at an obstacle course that left him with a pulled muscle and a limp. “He was so tall and skinny,” Zachary laughed, slightly tearfully. ”I was like—are you okay man?” “He’s a reflection of this community, and that’s so clear to me now after coming here,” he continued. “I can’t thank you all enough for giving him to us.” Harris was laid to rest in Henry Cemetery in Corinth.
Bridal Registry April 10, 2021 Niki Jernigan & Seth Winton
Photos by Bryan Huff Bottom photo courtesy of Oakland Baptist Church
Shower~ January 30~ The Downtown
May 29, 2021
Shannon Watson bride elect of Blake Bowder
CHRISTMAS Items are 50% off Some exclusions
KG GIFTS 140 W. COURT AVENUE
SELMER, TN 38375
731.645.7 733 Tami Kennedy and SUZIE GLOVER, owners
1305 Wayne Rd. | Savannah, TN 38372 CALL US TODAY! 731-925-2871
First: Supporters line the streets of Selmer as Harris is escorted home. Second: Members of Harris’ platoon share memories of their friend after traveling from New York to attend the funeral. Third: The New Jersey first responders who found Harris tell reporters about their experience. Fourth: The funeral service at Oakland Baptist Church in Corinth saw countless friends,family and loved ones pay their respects to Harris.
Wednesday, january 6, 2021
NEWS
Independent Appeal v Page 5
McNairy Co. Sheriff’s Department reports By Angele Latham Editor
Staff Photo by Janet Rail
• Two separate incidents of theft involving Ford F-250 truck tailgates were reported within the same day by the McNairy County Sheriff’s Department. The first, on December 29, 2020, occurred at a residence on Highway 142 in Selmer. The victim stated that when they returned home from work, the tailgate on one of their trucks was missing. According to the report, “someone cut the wiring that went into the tailgate.” This tailgate was described as white, Ford 2017 F-250 tailgate. The second incident occurred sometime later the same day, on Purdy Road in Selmer. The victim stated that at some time in the night, the tailgate of their white, Ford 2011 F-250 was also stolen. A third case on January 1, 2021, in Stantonville, involving the theft of a catalytic converter from a 2002 Ford Ranger, notes in the report that the victim “stated a few days ago someone tried to steal the tailgate off a different truck.” There is no formal indication that these cases are related, though the relation and timing of the cases remains suspect. • On December 28, 2020, Kevin Wynn, 53, of Selmer, was arrested public indecency after Sergeant Ricky Finley was dispatched to Pickwick Electric regarding someone urinating in a trash can.
Security cameras in the lobby showed a man enter the lobby and begin to use the kiosk. The entire time, the man (later identified as Wynn) “moved about in such a way that suggested he had to urinate. Also known as the ‘Pee-Pee dance’ by young children,” according to the report. After struggling with the kiosk for several minutes while performing his desperate dance, Wynn unfastened his pants and urinated in the trash can. This was later noticed after a member of Pickwick Electric noticed the “strange liquid in the trash can” and checked security cameras. By then, Wynn had already left. A few hours after responding to this call, Finley responded to a car crash on Elmer Cox Road in Bethel Springs. The car involved belonged to Wynn, who was later found walking on the roadway. After speaking with him, Wynn admitted to the incident and was placed under arrest. • On December 28, 2020, Sergeant Ricky Finley was dispatched to Rooster Run Bar in Bethel Springs regarding a burglary. The business reported that this was the third time they had been burglarized “in the past couple months.” The suspects apparently used the same window each time, and stole eight bar stools, two “large brown speakers,”15 pool sticks, two eight-foot tables, eight six-foot tables, a black refrigerator, and 16 chairs. The incident has been passed on to investigators for further review.
Regions Bank accepting customers via School starts back for McNairy County children appointment only By Angele Latham Editor
By Angele Latham Editor
In the continuing coverage of the temporary closure of Regions Bank in Selmer, the Independent Appeal is happy to report that the bank is accepting appointments. Customers could be seen waiting patiently outside the doors of the bank on Monday as employees let in customers two at a time for appointment only. The bank had temporarily closed two weeks ago due to a COVID-19 exposure. Representatives of the bank assured customers last week that the bank would reopen “as soon as possible.” “Regions’ top priority is the health and well-being of our customers and associates,”EVP and Chief Communications Officer Paula Drake told the Independent Appeal last week. “The Selmer branch is temporarily closed as a precaution after we learned of a COVID-19 exposure from an individual who spent time in the branch. We will reopen the branch as soon as possible.” It seems that possibility came faster than anticipated.
School started back for McNairy County students on Monday, beginning a semester that administration hopes will flow a little more smoothly than the last. “We’ve been very pleased with the restart,” says McNairy County Director of Schools Greg Martin. “We’re seeing more in-person students than we were last semester.” Numbers of student quarantines resulting from the holiday break are still being calculated, which could cast a damper on the school’s optimism for a better term. But Martin remains hopeful that there’s a light on the horizon, with the
McNairy County School Board announces teachers of the year By Angele Latham Editor
The McNairy County School Board announced the winners of each campus’ Teacher of the Year for the 2020-2021 school year. “The Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors outstanding teachers in Tennessee,” according to the Tennessee Department of Education’s ‘Teacher of the Year’ announcement. “We applaud teachers who care about children, who devote their professional lives to enriching the lives of Tennessee students, and who demonstrate exceptional gains in student achievement.” For selection criteria, a teacher must: • be a full-time, certified, in good standing, prek–12 teacher in a state-accredited public or charter school in Tennessee at each stage of the recognition process (school, district, region, grand division, state, and national levels), • spend the majority of the school day in direct instruction to students, • have a minimum of three years of experience as a teacher in Tennessee public or charter schools, and • have a track record of exceptional gains in student learning. Teachers of the Year at all levels must: • have a broad understanding of research-based models for effective teaching and of current trends and issues in education, • be facilitators of learning, skilled in implementing creative teaching strategies, • be able to show evidence of positive teacher effect over time related to student achievement through formal and informal documentation, • be able to explain, discuss, and defend a personal
philosophy of teaching, • be poised, articulate, enthusiastic, and energetic, • be exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled, • have a superior ability to teach and to inspire in students a love of learning, • be recognized as leaders in the community and in the school, • show active involvement and leadership in professional development and extra-curricular activities, • inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn, and • have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues. Winners from McNairy County include: • Adamsville Elementary: Christy Bell • Adamsville High School: Shane Stults • Bethel Springs Elementary: Mallory Graham • McNairy Central High School: Jennifer Bishop • Michie Elementary: Tonya Ashe • Selmer Elementary: Carole Kennedy • Selmer Middle: Mike Robinson • Ramer Elementary: Tami Johnson Following these nominations, each teacher will be interviewed by a committee to determine the overall McNairy Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, teachers! Your work is appreciated more than we can say! Each teacher will be featured exclusively in future editions .
Hunting season is here! Check with us for all your ATV insurance needs!
Hardin County Stockyards, Inc.
3350 Hwy 226, Savannah, TN 38372 • 731-925-3287
Cattle Sale Every Wednesday • 1:00 P.M. Goat & Hog Sale • 11:00 A.M. Begin receiving cattle on Tuesday 8:00 A.M. ‘til dark Trucking & feed available • We are a full service stockyard Video cattle offered for trailer load lots & appraisals We offer an order buying service thru Harry Floyd Livestock www.saledayauction.com
Harry Floyd (cell): 931-224-2247 or 931-722-9200 Waynesboro, TN Office: 931-722-3100
Becky Shelby, Agent
REALLY low rates for Motorcycles & ATVs!
Advantage Insurance 645-8917
171 S. 3rd St. • Selmer, TN Located west of the Post Office in Selmer.
recent addition of teachers to the earlier stages of the state’s vaccination plan. “We’ve had quite a few teachers within the county receive their vaccine Saturday,” he said. “I’d like to encourage more (teachers) to do so.” Teachers becoming vaccinated against COVID-19, according to Martin, would greatly aid the school system in reducing the number of staff quarantined due to coronavirus exposures. School administration are carefully watching these exposure numbers, as COVID-19 infections are expecting to rise sharply within the next few weeks due to holiday travel. Until then, Martin says, the only thing to do is put “one foot in front of the other and trudge on.”
Mid-South Garage Doors Matt & Mark Fowler Office: 7 3 1 - 6 4 5 - 7 7 4 0
Commerical • Residential 731.658.1900 • 662.287.7796 751 Mulberry • Selmer, Tenn 38375
McNairy County is a recipient of a 2020 Community Development Block Grant. As a recipient of the CDBG funds, McNairy County hereby publishes the Fair Housing Law for informational purposes of all residents of McNairy County. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings based on: •Color •Religion •Sex •National Origin The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, which became effective March 12, 1989, expands the coverage of Title VIII to: 1. Prohibit discrimination in housing on the basis of: •Disability •Familial Status 2. Strengthen the administrative enforcement provisions of Title VIII. 3. Provide for the award of monetary damages where discriminatory housing practices are found. The following actions are considered to be discriminatory under the Fair Housing Law: •Refusing to sell, rent, deal, or negotiate with any person. •Discriminating in terms or conditions for buying or renting. •Advertising that housing is available only to persons of a certain race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or of a specific family size. •Denying that housing is available for inspection, sale or rent when is really is available. •“Blockbusting” -persuading owners to sell or rent housing by telling that minority groups are moving in the neighborhood. •Denying to anyone the use of or participation in any real estate services, such as broker organizations, multiple-listing services or other facilities related to the selling and renting of housing. •Refusing to allow reasonable accommodation to be made for a person with disabilities
An Independent, locally owned newspaper Founded June 27, 1902
MISSION STATEMENT: The Independent Appeal strives to promote and advance McNairy County, educate and inform its citizens, while protecting the people’s right to know, and the rights and interests of our readers and advertisers. The Independent Appeal has a legacy of independent family ownership. Past publishers were: William J. Rail 1976-2000; Leslie Houston, 1974-1976; Bruce Hurt, 1970-1974; George Hamilton, 1964-1970; Wilbur Wright, 1946-1964; B.O. Weeks, 1941-1946; Ken Duke, 1938-1941; Orpheus Abernathy and Family, 1920-1938; Col. J.W. Purviance, 1902-1920. “Dedicated to the peaceful, progressive and proud people of McNairy County.”
Opinion Independent Appeal
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Independent Appeal welcomes your opinion. Letters to the editor are subject to editing or omission for length, style or libel. All letters must include the writer’s name and signature, as well as a phone number and address for verification. The Independent Appeal does not publish anonymous letters. Letters deemed suitable for publication will run as soon as possible after receipt on a space-available basis. Because of space limitations, letters should be limited to 400 words, about two double-spaced, typed pages, one letter per person every 90 days.
Making McNairy County Opinion headlines 119 years
Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Independent Appeal, P.O. Box 220, Selmer, TN E-mail to: editor@independentappeal.com
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Independent Appeal Page 6
Why Do You Think You Can’t Do It? By Bryan Golden Columnist
Are there desirable goals you think you can’t achieve? Do you have dreams you feel are unreachable? Are there things you would like to achieve that you consider unrealistic? Why do you think you can’t do it? Do you engage in self-defeating strategies? Do you eliminate potential goals as unrealistic? Have you given up in failure? Have you listened to someone who told you that you won’t succeed? Lots of people are their own worst enemies when it comes to pursuing their goals. They do more to discourage themselves than other people could do. Ironically, more energy is spent justifying why they can’t do something than it would take to pursue their desired objectives. When you think you can’t do it, your mind believes you and it will prevent accomplishments. In order to successfully follow your desired path, transform a “can’t do it” outlook into a “will do it” mindset. Stop making excuses for failure. Start formulating reasons to succeed. Selective perception limits you by focusing only on potential pitfalls, while ignoring the benefits of success. Counter selective perception by expanding your focus to include all of the reasons why you can, and will be successful. Jumping to negative conclusions is self-defeating. This is usually done by making broad generalizations as to why it’s not possible to achieve your objectives. Listening to naysayers who criticize your ambition feeds negative conclusions. Stick to the facts by consulting with those who have successfully attained the goals you are striving for. Fear of failure is a powerful negative force which inhibits your progress. Although not starting appears to be a way to avoid failure, it also avoids success. Fear of failure is intensified by making excuses for why success isn’t possible. Procrastination accompanies fear of failure. When you procrastinate, you haven’t decided not to get started, you just keep putting it off. The result is the same; nothing happens without positive action. Break through your fear of failure by taking one step forward at a time. Success is a progression, not magic. One good reason to succeed outweighs numerous excuses for failure. A burning desire to succeed displaces fear of failure. The people closest to you may be the most critical of your dreams. They may feel that you should not be on your chosen path. Adjusting your goals to please others leaves you frustrated because you won’t achieve your objectives. Following your own goals is not selfish or disrespectful. Don’t use past mistakes as an excuse for not moving forward. Mistakes are a normal component of growth. A baby doesn’t give up learning to walk because he keeps falling. Learn from each mistake so that it is not repeated. Get right back up each time you fall down. Leave your comfort zone. Growth requires new endeavors. Becoming mired in what’s known and predictable provides a false sense of security which accomplishes nothing. Mitigate your risks through planning and preparation. Think before you act. Learn from those who have successfully gone before you. Hopelessness and despair inhibit you. Counteract these destructive emotions with a positive determination to move forward. Regardless of your current circumstances, there is always a constructive way out. Never feel guilty about pursuing and achieving success. You deserve a happy and rewarding life. Following your goals does not diminish anyone else. Your suffering does not help anybody. However, your success does put you in a position to be of assistance to others. Whenever you believe you can’t do something, realign your thinking by looking at all the benefits you will experience through success. Life takes effort, regardless of what you do. You may as well direct your efforts to reaching your objectives. -----------NOW AVAILABLE: “Dare to Live Without Limits,” the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@ columnist.com or write him c/o this paper. Copyright 2020 Bryan Golden
More Questions By David Coy Columnist
“While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ Sometimes people will say that the bad that has happened to them is the result of bad luck. Others, likely say it was a coincidence. Still others, will blame God. I do not believe in randomness or coincidences. Everything happens for a reason even if we do not understand the motive or reasons behind certain actions or events. We cannot determine motives if we are not closely involved in the decision making. We need to give people the benefit of the doubt, just as we would expect them to do to us. The golden rule is applicable in all circumstance of life. So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them…in other words, in everything treat others as you would want them to treat you. We live in a wonderful precise universe. Gravity ex-
ists and when we build a building it does not float away. Chemistry allows physicians to use certain elements in the proper proportions to aid in healing. Meteorologists attempt to predict the weather and we know the sun rises and sets with regularity. The scientific laws of nature treat everyone the same. During an earthquake buildings will fall and sometimes they fall on people. Chemicals that should not be mixed together or in the wrong proportions may mean disaster, such as explosions. A malignant tumor will not recognize one person from another. A bullet once fired will continue on its path until it reaches its destination. Laws of Nature do not play favorites. Together we may support and strengthen one another in our journey with grief even when we have more questions than we have answers. -----------This is Sunrise Aftercare, sunrise@sfdcares.com David Coy Shackelford Corporation Sunrise Aftercare Coordinator/Consoler-Counselor
A thank you to McNairy... Connie Ables Submission: AHC McNairy
AHC McNairy would like to say thank you to everyone who donated to the Residents Christmas Fund. Also, a big thank you to the ones who gave gifts and to the churches and schools that came caroling. We thank you for putting joy in the residents hearts and a smile on their faces.
Home Country
Slim Randles Columnist
“Well,” said Steve, polishing off the last of his coffee, “what should we discuss this fine morning?” “I’m awful glad you asked, ol’ pard,” came the cheerful voice of Windy Wilson, emerging through the swinging doors that came from the kitchen of the Mule Barn truck stop. “Yessir. Awful glad.” Steve and the other members of the world dilemma think tank looked in amazement as this old camp cook and cowboy came over with the coffee pot and topped off their coffee mugs. Windy had found a dish towel and wrapped it around his waist, too. “Windy?” said Doc. “Mighty fine-looking dish towel you’re wearing.” “Thanks, Doc. I cornsider it the aplex of dining room fashion for a volunteer coffee guy. Took me a while to talk Loretta into lettin’ me wear it, howsomever. I guess she ain’t up on dining room fashions.” “Let me guess,” said Doc. “This must be your helping day, right?” “Right as grain, Doc,” Windy said, cheerfully. “I
thought about it and decisioned I’d devote my helpin’ day to the good ol’ Mule Barn.” We all knew Windy dedicated one day each week to helping others. This sometimes meant helping them when they really didn’t need it, but hey, the older folks in our town get some trash picked up in the yard and some kindling split. You know. “So fer a conservational subject this sparklin’ a.m.,” Windy said, “I believe I’d meanderate through the mystericals of ancient history, beginnin’ with them Egypt guys. Whadda ya think?” “Might just do that, Windy,” said Steve. “But if you don’t mind me asking, why are you helping out with the coffee in here rather than cleaning up somebody’s yard.” Windy looked around to see if the other 43 people in the café could hear, then leaned down toward Steve. “Lot warmer in here than it is in somebody’s yard, and thassa fact.” --------Brought to you by Slim’s latest novel “Cock-a-Doodle Death” What happens when a chicken’s ghost haunts Home Country. Not yet available, but start saving up.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to members of our community who are serving in the armed forces: • PFC Casey William Akin • Spc. Allen Alexander • AA Nicole B. Ayres, US Navy • Sgt. Joseph W. Baggett • Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew L. Barkley, US Navy • Capt. William B. Barkley, USMC • Sgt. Andrew W. Bayless USMC • Petty Officer 3rd Class Katie Lynn Bizzell, US Navy • Staff Sgt. Dustin Blakney, USAF • GySgt. Christopher T. Byrd, USMC • Staff Sgt. Susan Cawley • Staff Sgt. Alicia L. Coil, USAF • Cpl. Mandy L. Cooper, USMC • Spc. Mark A. Cooper, US Army • Staff Sgt. Adam Court, USAF • Sgt. James P. Crain • Tony Crouse, U.S. Army • Senior Airman Aaron J. Cull U.S. Airforce • Sgt. Bobby J. Dickey US Army • C.W.3 James R. Dickey, Retired • Capt. Todd Joseph Drobina, US Army • Capt. Bonnie Lynn Dunlop • Cpl. Bradley Eisenhut, USMC • Master Sgt. Carrie L. Ellis, Air Force • Airman Christopher D. Ellis, Air Force • Master Sgt. Lonnie J. Ellis, Air Force • Kip Ellison
• Sgt. Cory Brandon Emily USMC • PV2 Jana Estes • Specialist Bryan Ray Ferguson • PV2 Ashley Freeman, US Army • A1C Ian James Furman, Mountain View, Idaho • PV2 Skyler Gammill, US Army • Pvt. Adam Gray, US Army • Daniel Gray, USMC Lance Corporal • Sgt. Rob Gray, US Army • A1C Stephanie Lynn Griffin, USAF • Captain Dustin Hamm, USMC • PFC Isaac Harville • Staff Sgt. James Taylor Haubrich, US Air Force • Col. (Chaplain) Billy Hawkins • Spc. Matthew Hemby, Army • Sgt. Brian W. Hendrix • Sgt. Timothy Hixon • Staff Sergeant Brian Lee Hood • Pvt. Alex Johnson, US Army • Sgt. Ricky L. Jordan, USMC • Petty Officer 1st Class Arnold Jermaine Knight • Army Officer Major James Lax • Sgt. Joseph Lilly • Sgt. Michael C. Lipford -Army Service Member • Spc. Ritchie A. McCrary • Spc. Dustin McDonald • A1C Amanda K. McMillen, USAF
• Joshua Lane Meek, Army • AO3 Kevin Dewayne Mettlin, Navy • Cpl. Jeffery Mitchell, USMC • SSgt. Patrick Michael Moore, Nat. Guard • A1C Kassidy N. Mosier Deneen, USAF • A1C Logan D. Mosier, USAF • Cpl. Dallas Nelms, USMC • Sgt. Major Paula Norris • Pvt. Justin Overton, USMC • Spc. Joseph Payne, US Army Nat. Guard • CPO Denise Picard Culverhouse • Spc. William Andrew “Andy” Pickett, Nat. Guard • Spc. Robert H. Pittman, II • Sgt. David Poole, National Guard • Cpl. James Scott Powell • Cpl. John M. Powell • Airman Cameron B. Prater, Air Force • Ernest Purez, Air Force • Pvt. Samuel Bradford Ray, Army • E4 Sophia Reinke • Sgt. Charlie Rickman, US Army • John Robinson US Navy • Staff Sgt. Ryan Robinson Air Force • Angel Rodriguez, Petty Officer US Navy • Spc. Blake Rudd • Specialist Robert Rzasa • Sabion Sanders, USAF A1C
• Veronica Sebree, Navy Chief Officer • Alan Seigers, Army • SFC Patrick Michael Shaughnessy • Spc. Hector Soto, Jr., Army • LT Kevin Shelton, Navy • Cpl. Jeremy Tyler Sisk • ITS Rusty Smith, US Navy • Preston Cross Smith, U.S. Air Force • Cpl. Sam Speck, USMC • Sgt. Shaun Spicher, USMC • Sgt. Richard A. Ssesanga, US ARMY • Airman Nathaniel A. Stout • Spc. Daniel Sullivan, Army • 2nd Lt. Chad Sweaton, Army • Spc. Dakota Taylor, National Guard • Jeremy Thompson • Cpl. Logan Gage Ward, U.S.M.C. • ET3 Jeremy Wilbanks, US Coast Guard • Pvt. Demaro Wiley, SC, Army National Guard • A1C Logan James Williams, USAF • Joseph Lloyd Williams MM3 US Navy • Master Sgt. Stanley Wilson, USAF - Retired • Spc. Jeffrey Witoszczak U.S. Army • Petty Officer 1st Class (CTNI) James M. Wolford EDITOR’S NOTE: If a loved one has had a change in status, contact us at (731) 645-5346.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2021
OBITUARIES
INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 7
Joey Hill
Carol Marie Clifton
Benny Wiggins
Joey Hill was born September 14, 1959 in Dyersburg, Tenn., the son of the late Leonard McDaniel Hill and Lynne Fern Brooks Hill. Joey helped his father logging, later drove a truck for Selmer Salvage and throughout his life worked on anything for anyone who asked him to fix something. He was very good at fixing things, especially vehicles. He would help anyone that needed help. He was united in marriage to Terrie Smith on February 7, 2020. Joey was a cowboy that loved his dogs and horses. He enjoyed fishing, riding back roads, riding four wheelers, camping out by the lake and making people laugh and smile. Mr. Hill departed this life on December 26, 2020 in Bethel Springs, Tenn. at the age of 61 years, 3 months, 12 days. He is survived by his wife, Terrie Hill; a stepson, Nickolas Barclay; a sister, Sheri L. Austin; two brothers, Kerry Doyle Hill and wife Patricia and Ricky H. Hill and wife Joyce all of Bethel Springs, Tenn; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Mr. Hill was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly G. Moore. Visitation was held on Saturday, January 2, 2021 from 10 a.m. until funeral service at 1 p.m. all held at Forty Forks Baptist Church in Bethel Springs, Tenn., with Randy Smith officiating. Burial was followed in the Forty Forks Baptist Church at Bethel Springs, Tenn.
Carol Marie Clifton was born January 26, 1948 in Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Carl and Ethel Shiffer Pickel. She was united in marriage to Larry Von Clifton on February 16, 1985. Mr. Clifton preceded her in death on April 6, 2016. Mrs. Clifton worked as an aide at McNairy County Developmental Center in Selmer. She truly loved working at the center and caring for all the clients. Her heart was full of love for everyone with whom she came in contact. When at home she loved on her two cats, Wobbles and Gracie. Mrs. Clifton departed this life on December 26, 2020 in Corinth, Miss. at the age of 72 years, 11 months. She is survived by a granddaughter, Chasity (Westenhoefer) Hosea and husband Jeremy of Roanoke, Va; four great grandchildren: Carlie, Caiden, Jeremy and Madelyn Hosea; a stepdaughter, Andrea Clifton of Corinth, Miss; three step-grandchildren: Dustin Kirkland, Joseph Kirkland and Donna Murphy and husband Mike, all of Corinth, Miss; two brothers, Barry Pickel and wife Linda and Albert Pickel and wife Melissa; a sister, Deanna Sims and husband Brian; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Clifton was preceded in death by a son, James Robert Westenhoefer, and a great granddaughter, Kinsley Marie Hosea. A graveside service was held on January 2, 2021 at the Lake Hill Memorial Gardens in Bethel Springs, Tenn. with Brenda Crowe officiating.
Mr. Wiggins passed from this life on Wednesday, December 30, at his home in Hornsby. A native of Hardeman County, he was born May 29, 1956, son of the late Wiley Garson Wiggins and Ola Mae Mills Wiggins and lived all of his life here. He worked for Westvaco Corporation in the timber industry for 27 years performing various tasks. He was also Fire Chief and Police Commissioner of Hornsby, a former alderman and took care of his wife, Joyce Ann Wiggins, for two years prior to her death in 2012. He enjoyed visiting and talking, working with tools and in his shop, watching television, especially The Walton’s, Gunsmoke and most all westerns. He was a very independent person, working on vehicles and lawnmowers and was well known for helping others. He attended String Town Pentecostal Church in Lexington, Tenn. He could often be found at Smokey Joe’s Restaurant in Selmer. He received his greatest enjoyment from being around his family, whom he dearly loved. Services were 1 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2021 at Shackelford Funeral Directors chapel with burial in Ebenezer Cemetery in Toone. Survivors include a daughter, Teresa Upright of Selmer; five sisters, Elsie Mae James of Bolivar, Shirley Ervin of Toone, Margie Baker of Hornsby, Lee Brock (Leon) of Hickory Valley and Frances Crouse (John) of Hornsby; three brothers, Billy Wiggins of Bethel Springs, Coy Wiggins (Betty) of Pocahontas and Bobby Wiggins (Lisa) of Selmer; two grandchildren, Camron and Hunter Upright; and one great grandchild. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Samantha Lee Wiggins; several half brothers and sisters, Austin, Bedford and Henry Wiggins, Hazel Hargett, Zula Cox and Eula Hadley; three brother-in-laws, Coy Ervin, Thomas Baker and M.J. James; and a sister-in-law Dewrell Wiggins. Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org/donate).
Rosemary Tillman Fulwood Rosemary Tillman Fulwood of Selmer, Tenn. passed away at her home on December 29, 2020, due to complications associated with multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer. Rosemary was born October 27, 1952, the second child of Rose (Tilford) Tillman and Ralph Radford Tillman of Newbern, Tenn. She grew up in Newbern, but attended school in Dyersburg. At age nine, she contracted a rare and near lethal virus which led to frequent and prolonged hospitalizations for three years. Her long and painful ordeal instilled in her a patience and sense of kindness that she maintained throughout her life. Rosemary graduated from Dyersburg High School in 1970 and attended the University of TN Martin until she left in 1973 to raise her son, John. Her daughter, Virginia Ellen, became part of the family in 1976. When the children were in elementary school, Rosemary completed her B.A. in English at Bethel College. In 1984, she and the children moved back to Newbern where she began her career as an English teacher at Dyer County High School. She eventually received her Master’s degree from Union University in 1997. Rosemary married Rick Fulwood, a fellow teacher, in 2009. They built a log home in the woods outside of Selmer, Tenn. and moved there after her retirement in 2013, having taught at Dyer County High School for 29 years. She loved to sit on her wrap around porch or by her big fireplace and read. She loved gardening, walking in her woods and spending as much time as possible with her family. Rosemary is survived by her husband, Rick Fulwood, her son John F. Larkin III (Cris Ferguson) of Murray, Ky., her daughter Virginia Ellen Larkin of Newbern, Tenn., four grandchildren, five step-children, two sisters and five nieces and nephews. As one of her nieces wrote, “She was beautiful inside and out and our hearts will forever be broken. We will always remember her smile and laughter and the joy she brought to all of our lives.” There will be no services at this time, but a celebration of her life and scattering of ashes will occur in the near future, the date to be determined. Donations in her memory can be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, World Wildlife Federation, or an animal shelter of your choice. The greatest way she can be honored is through ongoing kindness.
CHAMBERS INSURANCE AGENCY Selmer • (731) 645-3551 www.chambersinsuranceagency.com
Kay Donaldson Kay Donaldson was born in 1949 in Bruce, Miss. the daughter of the late Dale Dawson (D. D.) and Glenda F. Bratton Ferguson. She was united in marriage to George Donaldson in 1969. Kay received her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Union University and a Master’s in Education from Memphis State University. Two years before finishing her undergraduate degree she was offered and accepted a teaching position at Selmer Elementary. Kay taught first grade and kindergarten at Selmer Elementary for approximately 40 years. She then spent seven years as the PreK-4 coordinator for the McNairy County School System. She was recognized as McNairy County Teacher of the Year in 2002. Kay was a faithful and involved member of Selmer First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, worked with the Children’s Choir and Judgement House and sang in the adult choir for 50 plus years. She and her husband George were charter members of the first couples’ class to be organized at Selmer First Baptist Church in the late 1970’s, known as the Joy Class. Having descended from a family of accomplished singers and musicians, Kay sang in “The Voices of Hope,” a group of nine women who performed spiritual music in many locations throughout the area. She was also active in the “Arise to Read” program and was a former member of the Selmer Junior Civic League. One of her pet projects was the Backpack Ministry, providing backpacks and school supplies to children in McNairy County. Kay enjoyed plants and gardening, baking, cross-stitching, studying her Bible, making Memory Books and traveling, but her greatest joy was found in spending time with her family and friends. She loved all the Mississippi State sports teams, and eventually added UT and UK to appease her family. She loved everyone regardless of their situation and always demonstrated patience and kindness when dealing with her students. Kay was an example of grace, beauty and strength to all who were blessed to know her. Kay departed this life on December 31, 2020 in Selmer, Tenn. at the age of 71 years. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, George Donaldson of Selmer, Tenn; a daughter, Lori Kay (Donaldson) Knerr and husband Barry of Pegram, Tenn; two grandchildren, Sam Summers and Bailey Knerr; a sister, Molly Cheshier and husband Jack of Selmer, Tenn; a sisterin-law, Lucretia Ferguson of Selmer, Tenn; a brotherin-law, Keith Misenhimer of Selmer, Tenn; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; and many additional family and friends. In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by a sister, Paula Misenhimer and a brother, Glenn Dawson Ferguson. Services were held on January 3, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Selmer, Tenn., with Joey Johnson and Tom Burton officiating. Burial followed in the Hope McNairy County Memorial Cemetery at Selmer, Tenn. Donations in memory of Kay may be made to the Backpack Ministry in care of First Baptist Church of Selmer.
SAVE MATTRESS HUNDREDS BARGAIN OF BARN DOLLARS
3150 Hwy 64 Crump, TN / (731) 632-5011 / Closed: Sunday
LOW OVERHEAD = LOWEST PRICES Visit Us Today
Sleep Better Tonight
From The Guest Bedroom To The Master Bedroom
Linda Lee Butler Linda Lee Butler was born December 25, 1945 in Selmer, Tenn. the daughter of the late Henley and Bertha Lee Howell Stone. She was a Homemaker and Baptist. Mrs. Butler departed this life on January 1, 2021 in Selmer, Tenn. at the age of 75 years, 7 days. She is survived by a son, Billy Ray Kiddy of Selmer, Tenn; two daughters, Tammy Denise of Gurley, Ala., Donna Zielsdorf and husband Larry of Selmer, Tenn; five grandchildren: Brittany Moore, Dustin Moore, Peyton Butler, Justin Robinson and Aaron Coats; a great grandchild, Eli Robinson. In addition to parents, Mrs. Butler was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Wayne Butler on September 18, 1996; a sister, Doris Waltrip; two brothers, Thomas and Jimmy Davidson. Private service.
William R. Dolosic Sr. William R. Dolosic Sr., 79, of Granite City, Ill., passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife, Harriette Dolosic. He was known to all his family and friends as “Daddy Bill.” He was surrounded by the love of his family when he was called to leave this world and will be greatly missed. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and retired from U.S. Steel in 2001. He loved fishing, feeding the ducks in Grafton, traveling, betting on horse and dog races, NASCAR, scratch-off lottery tickets, the Queen of Hearts, Daytona Beach and Las Vegas. He was a kind man that did so much for so many people. His final wish was to have his body donated to Washington University School of Medicine for the advancement of science. The family planed to have a celebration of life at a later date. He leaves behind five children: Sherri Crider of Granite City, Ill., Jammie Roberson & Jeff of Stantonville, Tenn., William R. Dolosic, Jr. & Barb of Troy, Ill. and Angela Dolosic of Collinsville, Ill; eight grandchildren and one great grand child. Saksa Funeral Home of Granite City, Ill. were in charge of arrangements.
Card of Thanks From the family of Rudolph Hopkins The family of Bennie Rudolph Hopkins appreciate all that was done during our loss. We appreciate the prayers, calls, texts, food and flowers. All of it was greatly appreciated. Thank you also to Robert Shackleford and team and The Springs Pentecostal Church. The family of Rudolph Hopkins
PAGE 8 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2021
RECIPES OF THE WEEK/EVENTS/ CHURCH DIRECTORY
Recipes of the Week Cheese Ball
Helen’s Favorite Cheese Ball
By David Hatch
By David Hatch
INGREDIENTS cheese, garlic • 2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened. • 1 tsp. garlic powder • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce •1 T. Accent • 1 T. mayonnaise • 6-8 green onions, diced • 2 jars dry chip beef ( rinse off meat, pat dry, cut into small squares.
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
powder, Worcestershire sauce, Accent, mayonnaise, onions and most of the dry beef together. 2. Shape into a ball. 3. Take the rest of the beef and sprinkle it on the outside of the ball. 4. Refrigerate and serve on wheat thin crakers.
• 1/2 Ib. American of Velveeta cheese. • 1/4 Ib. cheeder cheese • 2 T. blue cheese or blue cheese dressing • 1/2 c mayonnaise • 1 T. Worcestershire sauce • 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese. • 1/2 c. chopped pecans • 1 jar olives, sliced for garnish. • parsley flakes.
1. Mix the cream
More News More Views
Community Event January 13, 2021 •Pre-K Registration Due to COVID-19 the Southwest Human Resource Agency Head Start program will be ac-
cepting applications by phone for three and four year old children to atten Head Start classes beginning in Fall 2021. Applications may be
obtained by contacting Family Case Manger Shameka Johnson for the Selmer center at 1-731645-8953, Carrie Williams Buck FACP/ERSEA
1. Let cheese warm to room temperature. 2. Mix and add remaining ingrediants using about 1/2 of the nuts. 3. Blend and refrigerate for 2 hours. 4. Mold with hands into ball. 5. Sprinkle with parsley flakes and remaining nuts. 6. Use olives for decoration. 7. Wrap with foil and plastic wrap.
Manager at 1-731-9895111 ext. 1166 or Mayriene Moten/ ERSEA Asst. Manager at 1-731-9895111 ext. 1137.
Subscribe Today! Call (731) 645-5346
MCNAIRY COUNTY CHURCH DIRECTORY
APOSTOLIC Life Tabernacle 1353 Hwy. 142, Selmer Thomas Davis, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.
New Jerusalem Faith Apostolic Church 27 Linley Circle, Selmer Bishop Ferdinand Gant Sr. Pastor Wanda Gant Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Bible Class: Wed. night 7 p.m. Prayer: Wed. night 6 p.m. BAPTIST Meeks Grove Freewill Baptist 1030 Tommy Sanders Rd., Stantonville Adamsville Freewill Baptist Church Old Shiloh Road Adamsville, TN 38310 Marcus Morrow, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship: 11:15 a.m. Sunday night: 5 p.m. Bible Study 7 p.m. Solitude Freewill Baptist Church 414 Meeks Rd., Adamsville Sunday: 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. INDEPENDENT Calvary Baptist Church Hwy 22 North, Adamsville Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship: Sun. 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Faith Baptist Church 1301 Peach St., Selmer Mark Shumaker, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Fellowship Baptist Church 1308 High School Rd., Selmer Pastor: J.D. Matlock Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Locke Road Baptist Locke Road, Selmer Bobby Bray, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. / Wed. 6:30 p.m. Lighthouse Baptist Church 1780 Mulberry Ave., Selmer Jorgen Runquest, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Worship: 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. PRIMITIVE BAPTIST Better Hope Primitive Baptist 4235 Leapwood-Enville Rd., Adamsville Elder Gene Gist, Pastor First Sunday of month beginning at 10:30 a.m., preaching 11 a.m. Michie Primitive Baptist Church Hwy 22 Michie Elder Rickey Taylor, Pastor
10:30 a.m. Song Service 11:00 a.m. Preaching Service
5 p.m & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6 p.m.
Selmer Primitive Baptist Church 331 Falcon Rd., Selmer Elder Clinton Barnett, Pastor 3rd Sunday Each Month: 10:30 a.m.
First Baptist Church of Michie 5658 Hwy 22 S., Michie Bro. Ben Martin, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.
SOUTHERN Chapel Hill Baptist 6371 Vernie Kirk Rd., Pocahontas Bro. Frank Bell, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Chewalla Baptist Church 190 Chewalla St., Ramer Richard Doyle, Pastor Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Clear Creek Baptist Church 1728 Lawton Rd., Selmer Chuck Castles, Pastor Sunday School: 10:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday: 7 p.m. Covenant Baptist Church 6515 Hwy 57 East, Michie, TN Pastor: K. Brian Rainey Music & Youth Director: Seth Bragg Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday Night: 7 p.m. Cypress Creek First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1104 14 Falcon St. • Selmer Pastor: Clifford E. Wynn, Jr. (731) 645-8094 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Wednesday Prayer - 6:30 p.m. Bible Study: 7:00 p.m. Jam Zone: 7:00 p.m. Eastview Baptist Church Hwy 45 S., Eastview, Tenn. Rob Burnes, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Bible Study: 7 p.m. Falcon Baptist Church 777 Falcon Rd., Selmer Jay Houston, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. First Baptist Church of Adamsville 222 West Main St., Adamsville Senior Pastor: Dr. Chad Ball Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:15 a.m. Discipleship Training: 5 p.m. Evening Worship: 6:15 p.m. Wednesday Activities: Prayer/Bible Study: 6:15 p.m. Children & Youth: 6:15 P.M. during the summer First Baptist Church of Bethel Springs 143 Jackson St., Bethel Springs David Singleton, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m.
First Baptist Church of Selmer Joey Johnson, Pastor 310 W. Court Ave., Selmer Sunday School: 8:45 a.m., 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 8:45 a.m., 10 a.m., Wednesday: 6 p.m. First Baptist Church of Finger Finger-Leapwood Rd., Finger David Sims, Pastor Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. Wednesday: 6 p.m. Forty Forks Baptist Church 672 Ed Barham Rd., Bethel Springs Randy Smith, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Good Hope Baptist 678 Good Hope Church Rd., Adamsville Bro. Randy Latch Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday: 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Grace Baptist Church 1255 Connie Smith Rd., Selmer Pastor: Bro. Don Singleton Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening: 6:00 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Gravel Hill Baptist Church 86 Tom Baker Rd., Ramer Pastor: Bro. Eric Jones Church Phone: 645-6776 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. ; Wednesday: 7 p.m. Lakeview Baptist Church Pastor: Clint Overton 877 W. Cherry, Selmer Sundays: 11 a.m. Wednesdays: The Upper Room Student Ministry 5:30 For more info. call 731-645-9771 Lorraine Baptist Church Melvin Qualls Rd., Michie,TN Trent Nethery, Jr., Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Mt. Gilead Baptist Church 6185 Rowsey School Rd., Bethel Springs Rev. Mark LaRue, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. Wednesday: AWANA 6:30 p.m. Youth & Adults 6:45 p.m.
PRIME CARE MEDICAL CENTER 270 E. Court Avenue • Selmer, TN • (731) 645-7932 710 East Main • Adamsville, TN • (731) 632-3383 426 White Avenue • Henderson, TN • (731) 989-2174
ST. JUDE THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH 1318 Poplar (Hwy. 64) • Selmer, TN 38375 Telephone: 731-645-4188 Rev. W.H. Arnold, Pastor
Mt. Zion Baptist Church Litt Wilson Rd., McNairy TN Bro. Zac Bennett, Pastor Sunday: 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. New Hope Baptist Church 854 Chandler Lane Pocahontas, TN Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Olive Hill Baptist Church 46 Olive Hill Church Lp., Guys, TN Robert Hudson, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.
Sunday Worship: 11 a.m., 5 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Eastside Church of Christ 1366 E. Poplar, Selmer Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Forrest Hill Church of Christ Forrest Hill Subdivision Hwy 45 S., Selmer Shobeck Dethrow, Minister
Selmer Second Baptist 1004 Peach St., Selmer Tony Polk, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m., 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Trinity Baptist Church 7193 Michie-Pebble Hill Rd. Hwy 224 South Michie, TN 38357 Pastor: George Kyle Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship: 6:30 p.m. Wed. Night Bible Study:6:30 p.m. Unity Baptist Church Unity Church Road, Ramer Greg Brasher, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m., 5 p.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. West Shiloh Baptist Church 282 W. Shiloh Church St., Stantonville Rev. John Little, Pastor Sunday 10 a.m. Life Groups Sunday 11 a.m. Worship Children’s Church Sunday 6:30 p.m. Worship Wednesday 6:30 p.m. CHURCH OF CHRIST Antioch Church of Christ 7200 Hwy 57W Ramer, TN 38367 Darrin Stapleton, Minister (732) 645-5639 Bible Study 9:30 AM Worship 10:15 PM Worship 6:00 Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m. Acton Church of Christ 9389 Hwy 22 S. Michie Jon Paul Gulledge, Minister Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:50 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. (731) 239-9691 Adamsville Church of Christ 243 E. Main St., Adamsville Van Vansandt, Minister Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Cypress Tank Church of Christ 2645 Cypress Tank Rd., Pocahontas Dr. Brian Jackson, Minister Sunday School: 10 a.m.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN Court Ave. Cumberland Presbyterian Church 234 W. Court Ave., Selmer Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. Mt. Vernon CP Church 3101 Mt. Vernon Rd., Ramer David Sprenkle, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. New Salem Cumberland Presbyterian Church 453 New Salem Rd., Bethel Springs David Sprenkle, Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m.
Pleasant Site Baptist Church 1868 Pleasant Site Rd., Selmer Bradley Woolworth, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Ramer Baptist Church 3899 Hwy 57 West, Ramer Joe Loncar, Pastor Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m.
Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.
Fourth Street Church of Christ 142 N. Fourth St., Selmer Brian Stephens, Minister Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Liberty Church of Christ 1005 North Liberty Road Michie, TN 38357 Minister: Jeff Harville (205) 712-3502 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 9 and 11 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Stantonville Church of Christ 8228 Hwy 142, Stantonville Randy Cook, Minister Matt Cook, Minister Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m. Discussion Class: 11:15 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. CHURCH OF GOD Center Ridge Pentecostal Church of God 910 Center Ridge Rd., Bethel Springs Rev. Carl Wilcher Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Service: 10:45 Sunday Night Service: 5:30 Wednesday: 7 p.m. Piney Grove Church of God 888 Rose Creek Rd., Selmer Aaron Moss, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY Church of God of Prophecy Hwy 22 N. Adamsville Alvin Jones, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Church of God of Prophecy 1642 Curtis Hill Church Rd., Bethel Springs Richard Horner, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m. , Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bethel Springs Community Church 3886 Main St., Bethel Springs Larry Lancaster, Pastor (662) 415-8012 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Michie Church of God of Prophecy 6681 Hwy 57 East, Michie Roy Bennett, Pastor
New Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church New Bethel Road Rev. Jeff Powell Worship Service: 9:45 a.m. Ramer Cumberland Presbyterian Church Highway 57 West, Ramer Pastor: Albert Brown Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. METHODIST Adamsville First United Methodist 206 East Main St., Adamsville, TN Rev. Amanda Westmoreland Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Buena Vista Methodist Church Tull Road, Bethel Springs Roger South, Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00 a.m. First United Methodist Church 1122 West Cherry Ave., Selmer Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday: Supper 5:30 p.m. Bible Study & Breakouts: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hickory Flatt United Methodist Church Puron Rd., Hickory Flatt Howard Russom, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:15 a.m. Lebanon United Methodist Church 250 Chambers Store Rd. Michie Tony Newman, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday School: 11 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Maggie Jones United Methodist Church 8170 Finger-Leapwood Rd. Bethel Springs, TN 38315 Pastor Mathew Emison Contact info: 731-632-0240 Sunday School 10 a.m. - 11 Services (adult & children) 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 5 - 6 p.m. New Bethel United Methodist Church 74 Wright St., Bethel Springs Shirley Williams, Pastor Sunday School 10 Sunday Service 11 a.m. Bible Study: Wed. at 7 p.m. New Hope United Methodist Church Sticine Rd. - Michie Sunday Worship: 9 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 p.m. Tony Newman, Pastor
Pebble Hill Methodist Church 2768 Chamber Store Rd., Michie Rev. Alvin Jones, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Stantonville United Methodist Church 8351 Hwy 142, Stantonville, TN Tony Newman, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Ladies Prayer Brunch 2nd Saturday 10:30 a.m. Sulphur Springs United Methodist Sulphur Springs Rd., Selmer Roger South, Pastor Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Union Grove United Methodist Pleasant Site Road, Selmer Roger South, Pastor Sunday School: 10:20 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:20 a.m. Thurs. Bible Study: 6 p.m. Mt. Vinson United Methodist 2100 Tommy Sanders Rd., Stantonville Amanda Hartmann Westmoreland, Pastor Worship: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School: 10:15 a.m. LUTHERAN MISSOURI SYNOD Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 4203 Shiloh Road Corinth, MS Mike Dickson, Pastor Sunday School Adult: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10 a.m. Sunday School Children Adult: 10 a.m. PENTECOSTAL Beauty Hill Pentecostal Church 46 Beauty Hill Road, Bethel Springs, TN Pastor: Jonathan Tubbs Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Wednesday Evening: “Refreshing” 7:15 p.m. Bethel Springs United Pentecostal 3591 Main St., Bethel Springs Jeff Young, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. / Mon. & Wed.: 7 p.m. First United Pentecostal-Eastview 7810 Hwy 45 S, Ramer Rev. Wayne Isbell, Pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Monday: 7 p.m. Wednesday: 7:15 p.m. The Sanctuary of MPC 54 Pentecostal Ave., Milledgeville, TN Rev. Jimmy Kelly, Pastor Sun. School: 10:30 a.m., Youth 5:30. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Gateway Holiness Chapel 2342 Refuge Rd., Bethel Springs Michael Price, Pastor Sunday: 2 p.m. / Thursday: 7 p.m.
PRESBYTERIAN Bethel Springs Presbyterian Church 59 4th Ave., Bethel Springs Rev. Gary Anderson Sunday Worship: 11 a.m.
Bethesda Presbyterian Church 50 Bethesda Loop, Selmer Bro. Chris Dancer, Pastor 610-1859 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. First Presbyterian Church USA 800 Poplar Ave., Selmer Dr. Larry W. (Bud) Sizemore, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Fellowship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. Mt. Sharon Presbyterian Church 108 Mt. Sharon Rd., Adamsville Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. ROMAN CATHOLIC St. Jude the Apostle 1318 Poplar, Hwy. 64, Selmer Rev. W.H. Arnold, Pastor Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. 1st Saturday: 9 a.m. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Bethel Springs Seventh Day Adventist 4352 Main St., Bethel Springs John Johnston, Pastor Saturday Worship: 9 a.m. Sabbath School: 10 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. OTHER/NON-DENOM Abundant Life Christian Fellowship 15770 Hwy 64 East Bolivar, Tn. Pastor D.R. Moore Services: Saturday 10:00 a.m. Wednesday: 6 p.m. www.abundantlifecf.com A New Beginning Sol Coulston Rd., Bethel Springs Kenneth Kitchen, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Believers Church 1431 Peach St., Selmer Karen Linam, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m., Wednesday: 7 p.m. Encounter Community Church 1026 Peach St. Selmer, TN Pastor: Melvin Berry (731) 645-0055 Sunday Morning Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Services 11 a.m. First Christian Church 133 N. Third St. Selmer Preacher, Gregg Worthey Sunday: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.
First ChristianChurch 254 N. Maple St. Adamsville, TN 38310 Clint Hopper, Minister (731) 632-3012 Sunday Bible Class 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. FCC Wednesdays Meal 5:30 Worship/Studies 615 p.m.
City of Refuge Church 300 Emmons Rd., Selmer C.A. “Skeet” Jackson, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday: 7 p.m. Kingdom Church, More Sure Word 1814 Buena Vista Road Bethel Springs, Tenn. 38315 (731) 577-0100 Sundays at 4 p.m. 2nd & 4th Tuesday L.I.F.E. class at 7 p.m. Thirsty Thursday (Bible Class) 7 p.m. Love & Truth, Adamsville Campus 440 Hwy 64 East, Adamsville Lead Pastor - Eddie Cupples Campus Director - Scott Melson Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Wednesday nights: 7 p.m. Phone: 731-632-4999 www.loveandtruthchurch.com Greater Evangelical Ministry 1854 Airport Rd., Selmer Frank M. Holiday, Pastor Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 12 p.m. Wednesday: 7:30 p.m. Life Wind Covenant Church 63 Linsey Lane, Selmer Barry Bishop, Pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. Wed.: 7 p.m. www.lifewindchurch.com Safe Harbor Church 1514 Peach St., Selmer Sunday: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. World of Truth Church Hwy 57 West, Ramer Larry Cooksey, Pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. God’s Way Church 1121 Peach St., Selmer Bro. Billy Sanders, Pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. Full Gospel Fellowship Church 6595 Hwy 64 West Bethel Springs, Tenn. 731-646-1837 David Paseur, Pastor Sunday: 9:30 a.m.., 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Petra Family Worship Center 54 Pentecostal Ave., Milledgeville, TN 731-434-1002 S.S.: 10 a.m. Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday Night: 6 p.m. Thursday Night: 7 p.m. Pastors: Paul and Bonnie Young
SMC Recycling, Inc. Selmer, TN • Corinth, MS
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • Sat. 7 a.m.-11 a.m. - Corinth only
(731)645-6302 • (662)665-0069
LWe’re ike any good neighbor... here when you need us. HOME BANKING COMPANY SELMER - FINGER - SAVANNAH MICHIE, TN & CORINTH, MS
Member FDIC
Classifieds
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Independent Appeal v Page 9
Real Estate For Rent FOR RENT: Houses, Apartments and Townhouses. Committed to providing Safe/ Affordable homes in a family friendly environment. No Pets - No Crack/Party Houses, reference & deposit required. Kenneth Sweat. (731) 6100807. Equal Housing Opportunity. (38-TF) OAKWOOD APARTMENT RENTALS: Selmer: 1 bedroom: $365.00/ mo. 2 bedrooms: $385.00/ mo. Both require deposits. No pets. (731) 6102877. (TF) HOUSE FOR RENT IN SELMER: 2 bedroom 1 bath. Central heat and air. Hardwood floors. No pets. 475 plus deposit. 731-610-2877. (26-TF) HOUSE FOR RENT: 3 bedroom 1 bath. Central heat and air. Newly renovated. 600 plus deposit. No pets! 731-6102877 (35-TF)
Employment Job Opportunities DRIVERS! No experience? No problem! 14-day, local training in Jackson, TN to earn great pay, benefits, job security. Placement assistance & student tuition loans available. CALL 1-800-423-8820 or go to www.drive-train.org for training opportunity with DRIVETRAIN, 119 E.L. Morgan Drive in Jackson. (TF)
Miscellaneous
OUR SUBOXONE ADS FOR OPIOID ADDICTION WORK REDEMPTION RECOVERY CENTER WE ACCEPT TENNCARE
731-217-3777 Don’t trust Public Noice just anybody, The McNairy County Board of Education will meet for the Trust the regular monthly meeting on January 14, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. Best. at the McNairy County Thousands of people have used our classified section because it works to Drive Traffic, Build Bussiness and Sell Items Fast.
Starting at $5 a week
For Sale
Professional Services HARRIS HOME IMPROVEMENT: Concrete, dirt work, shingles, siding, flooring & foundations, block, brick, painting and additions. Highly recommended. FREE Estimates. Licensed and insured. (731) 439-0343. (TF)
WE MOVE MOBILE HOMES: 20 yrs. experience. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Do house leveling, floor replacement, support piers installed, porches/decks, underpinning, metal roofs & vinyl siding. FREE ESTIMATES! Call: Tommy Wilson (731) 609-8794. (31-43) GARZA MANUFACTURED HOUSING: Mobile Home Transporting, Blocking, and Anchoring. Licensed with Tenn. State Fire Marshall’s Office. Call (731) 926-0741. (32-38)
INDEPENDENT APPEAL CALL TODAY! (731)645-5345
$1 off for Senior Citizens Call (731) 645-5346 or come by 111 North 2nd St. Selmer, TN
(731) 645-5290
Accepting applications for 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments for the Elderly age 62 or older or Disabled of any age. Rent is based on household income. Applications available at the office: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Subsidized and financed through rural development. This institution is an equal opportunity provider & employer
There will be a public meeting on Friday, January 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the McNairy County Courthouse, 170 Court Avenue, Selmer, TN. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the county’s intent to submit an application for a FY2021 Community Development Block Grant identifying community needs and how CDBG funds can be used. McNairy County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap or national origin. The meeting place is handicap accessible. Any person needing special accommodations should contact Mayor Larry Smith (731-6453472) prior to the above stated time. Mayor Larry Smith
Our office has helped thousands of people in financial hardship. Let us explain your bankruptcy rights and options.
Your first consultation is always free.
1-800-748-9889 We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code.
Walker, Walker & Walker, PLC Ken Walker Richard Walker 2 Locations to Serve You: Jackson, TN & Lexington, TN
Seeking Applicants Food Giant’s Selmer location is seeking applicants for full-time and part-time day shift positions for cashiers, stockers, meat clerks, and deli clerks.
Experience is preferred but not required. Applicants must be 18 years of age. Positions for day shift varies. Full-time positons are eligilble for benefits and stock options. No Phone Calls Please To apply for postions, pick up an application at the service desk or apply online at www.foodgiant.com.
407 Mulbery Ave • Selmer, TN• 38375
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Advertise your business here for $8 per week. Call (731) 645-5346 TIRE SHOP
583 Mulberry Ave Selmer, Tenn.
(731) 439-3604 Dan Michael
Subscriptions for 1 year $20 in county
1 Alta Vista Drive Selmer, TN 38375
Notice of Public Hearing
DOUG BUTLER: House leveling, rotting sills, replace floors, cracking brick - 30 years experience. (731) 239-8945, cell (662) 284-6146. Free estimat es. (TF) TJY HOME IMPROVEMENT: Painting, wood repairs and all home repairs from A to Z. Save 40% now. Call (731) 435-9736. (20-TF)
Hillcrest Meadows Apartments
(800) 545-1833 ext. 339 TDD
CARGO CONTAINERS: 20 & 40-foot metal cargo containers for sale. Great for storage. Call for pricing and delivery (731) 689-5616. (46-TF)
Services
Annex Auditorium.
BANKRUPTCY?
Towing & Recovery SEPTIC CLEANING
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
LET US DO YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENTS FREE ESTIMATES
Call Anthony Smith
645-0411
PRINTING
Appliance Repair Roberts Appliance Shop
Washer, Dryers, Stoves & Refrigerators
D & S VINYL SIDING David McCullar (731) 610-8396 Scotty Ingle (731) 439-5163
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
Rickey Bowen
Cell: 731-453-5069 Specializing in Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, BMW, Mini-Cooper and VW
BODY SHOP
MURRAY’S BODY SHOP
249 Tom Baker Rd. Eastview, Tenn. (Over 30 years exp.) • Insurance Claims Welcome “Let me help you save on your deductible” (731) 645-9610 Fax: (731) 645-9610
BAIL BONDS
ROOFING
BAIL BONDS
Moore Roofing &
Dennie or Betty Howell
Construction, LLC Free Estimates!!
Commercial & Residential
• Metal • Shingles •Flat Roofs STATEWIDE BAIL BONDING
731-645-3661 731-610-6327 731-610-7305
Plumbing, Electrical & Aerial Service Work
(731) 610-4462 (731) 439-2923 Call 731-434-9943 or 731-225-9050
Call Jonathan Moore (731) 609-5567 “We’ve Got You Covered” Professional, Trustworthy, Dependable
5 Year Workmanship Warranty Serving West Tennessee
mooreroofingandconstruction1@gmail.com
TREE SERVICE
HILL MURRELL’S PEBBLE TREE • Same Fair Rate
211 Sunrise Drive • Adamsville, TN rbowen@flowersrepairservices.com
“Fast Service 24 Hours A Day”
PLUMBING
• Weekends & Holidays
Remodeling, Vinyl Siding, Replacement Windows & Metal Roofing
Flowers SEPTIC TANK Repair Service CLEANING Bus.: 731-632-0492 American Johnny
APPLIANCE REPAIR
Give us a call!
SERVICE
• Stump Grinding • Stump Removal • Pruning FULLY INSURED Tommy Price
(731) 610-5719
ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING
TREE SERVICE
Wilbanks
MAST
Electrical & Plumbing, Inc.
TREE SERVICE
Licensed & Insured
•Insured •Free Estimates • Stump Grinding • Demolition in storm damage No Job Too Big Or Small WE CAN DO IT ALL.
(901) 299-3611 • Residential • Commercial • Industrial
(731) 610-6712
HVAC SERVICE
AIW Hvac Service
Full Inspection
$69
24 Hour Service
(731) 434-9640 (731) 434-4010 • All Makes & Models Johnathan Prather Specializing in residential service
Page 10 v Independent Appeal
Local Events
Sports
Adkins signs with Lady Raiders By Joel Counce
If you have a local sports-related event, call the Independent Appeal at 731645-5346 or send an email to graphics2@independentappeal.com. Deadline for all announcement is 5 p.m. each Monday. All events must take place in - or have a connection to - McNairy County.
Staff Writer
Adamsville’s Karson Adkins signed to compete on the next level at Middle Tennessee State University. The two-time West Tennessee Golfer of the Year and four time All-State honoree signed the scholarship agreement on Dec. 29 at Adamsville High School. “I’ve always just really wanted to go there,” she said. “I liked the location. I like the coach. They play cool places, against big schools. It’s not too far from home. All those things made me lean to-
Jr. High Scores Girls SCA 49, Adamsville 14 Boys SCA 48, Adamsville 16
District 14-AA Girls
Local Schedule
ward MTSU.” Adkins finished fourth in the state championship as an individual, propelling the Lady Cardinals to a second place team finish. The Lady Raiders ended their 2020 season at the Callaway Gardens Invitational in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Middle Tennessee State head coach Chris Adams said Adkins will be an asset. “I’m excited to get Karson on board,” Adams said. “She will be a great addition to our program, personality wise. I think she will fit in great. I think once she gets here and focused
Staff Photo by Joel Counce
Karson Adkins (above) won the Sevierville American Junior Golf Association Tournament in July. (left) Adkins tees off during the state championship in Manchester last October. on golf, she will be an asset. “I’m very excited be-
crewmen bailed out and their parachutes didn’t open. We had lots of hills and being a kid, I went up to the crash site.” Germans were using chemical warfare and citizens were required to keep gas masks. White was not able to see a professional soccer game until after the war. He emigrated to the United States with his family in 1948 and moved to Miami, Florida to live with a cousin who sponsored them. “I had finished high school in England at 16,” he said. “But they advised me to finish in Miami.” Within six months of finishing high school, White joined the Air Force. “I knew I was going to get drafted,” he said. “So I joined the Air Force rather than be drafted into the Army.” He served in the Air Force from 1950 – 1954 with Saber Jets F86 and spent 1951-52 in Korea. “I was a mechanic and worked on electronics,” he said. While in Korea, White noticed some of the local children playing soccer. “The kids had something they were using for a ball so I got my dad to send me a ball and a
pump,” he said. “I played with them some and when I left, I gave them the ball.” After he finished his stint in the Air Force, White went to Miami for a year before transferring to the University of Florida. “I realized Florida was a state school and was less expensive,” he said. White joined the Gators Club Soccer program, the only type allowed for men in the Southeastern Conference, and the oldest of its kind in the NCAA. White married his wife, Faye, in 1959. He graduated from Florida in 1961 and moved to Washington, D.C. Where he played for the British Lions, an embassy team. “I played until I was 60,” he said. He started coaching in 1967 with the Annandale Boys Club. White worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency at the Pentagon from 1974 to 1992. He and Faye had four children; Richard, Kathy, Peter and Karen. During that time, he coached youth soccer. “I coached quite a few boys and girls teams there,” he said. “Several teams won state championships, which you’ve got
Staff Photo by Joel Counce
(Above) Adamsville assistant coach Richard White (second from left) hugs Lady Cardinals forward Kallie Martindale after Adamsville’s 2-0 loss Merrol-Hyde in the semifinal round of the state tournament. (Below, left ) White played for the University of Florida Club Soccer team. He is in the middle row, second from left.
(Bottom) The Adamsville Lady Cardinals hosted a substate game for the first time in the program’s history. Adamsville defeated the Richland Lady Raiders 3-2 to earn a second straight trip to the state tournament. Richard White is on the third row on the far right to do before you move on to the nationals, then win
Tuesday, Jan. 19 High School Basketball Adamsville at Scotts Hill, 6 p.m. North Side at McNairy Central, 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22 High School Basketball Lexington at Adamsville, 6 p.m. McNairy Central at Scotts Hill, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26 High School Basketball Adamsville at McNairy Central, 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29 High School Basketball McNairy Central at Chester County, 6 p.m. South Side at Adamsville, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 High School Basketball Adamsville at North Side, 6 p.m. McNairy Central at Lexington, 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4 High School Basketball Kossuth at Adamsville, 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 High School Basketball Adamsville at Riverside, 6 p.m. South Side at McNairy Central, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23 High School Basketball District 14-AA Tournament First round February 25-27 High School Basketball District AA Regional Tournament Quarterfinal March 1 - 2 High School Basketball Regional Semifinals
cause she is a great, young lady and she will be a great
White approaches 54th year in coaching
District Overall By Joel Counce 3-0 8-0 Staff Writer 3-0 4-4 2-1 2-3 Soccer has been a part 0-0 2-1 0-2 4-4 of Adamsville assistant 0-1 3-4 soccer coach Richard 0-1 1-8 White’s life far as long as 0-1 0-5 he can remember. “I played soccer growing up,” the Yorkshire, Boys England native said. “You District Overall were lucky to have a ball South Side 3-0 7-1 (during World War II). We Riverside 1-0 2-2 met on the local (soccer) McNairy 2-1 6-6 field and if 10 showed up, Lexington 1-1 5-2 we played. If 20 showed Chester Co. 1-1 3-7 up, we played. If 40 North Side 1-1 1-8 showed up, we played.” White, was eight when Adamsville 1-2 3-7 Scotts Hill 0-3 4-4 World War II started in England. “At the time, (Yorkshire) was the largest iron ore distributor in the world,” White said. “That was a target for the GerThursday, Jan. 7 mans. High School Basketball “My dad worked in the Frank Hughes at Adamsville, iron and steel works so a 6 p.m. lot of the times when the bombs were going off it Friday, Jan. 8 was my sister, my mom High School Basketball Lexand I. It just became a part ington at MC, 6 p.m. of life.” North Side at Adamsville, 6 During the bombings, 1,200 were civilians were Tuesday, Jan. 12 killed, 3,000 injured and High School Basketball more than 150,000 were MC at South Side, 6 left homeless. Riverside at Adamsville, 6 “When I was 10, I p.m. watched a British Spitfire (fighter plane) shoot down Friday, Jan. 15 a German Yonkers 88,” High School Basketball White said. “Two of the Adamsville at Chester County, 6 p.m. South Side McNairy Scotts Hill Riverside Adamsville Chester Co. North Side Lexington
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
(University of Florida Club Soccer)
four or five games before you play for the national championship.” Annandale won the Maguire Cup – the national championship for 19U boys soccer – in 1982. He and Faye, retired to Adamsville in 2000. “When I got here, my son-in-law Roger Hill was refereeing soccer and there was a coed team,” White said. “Roger volunteered me to coach the boys and girls at the high school.” White was inducted into the Virginia-D.C. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2006 for his contributions to the sport in that area. During his time at Adamsville, he coached two of his eight grandchildren, Katie and Corrie Hill. White worked with Cardinals soccer team until Noah Evans took over as head coach in 2017. He has worked with the Lady Cardinals and head coach Steven Price since 2010, first with the boys and now with the girls soccer team. “The past six years (with the girls) have been really good,” he said. “Coaching the girls is very enjoyable. We don’t have a lot of players. It’s been a joy to coach with Steven and i enjoy it.” Price said White was like another head coach. “He’s put in as much time and work as one,” he said. “He is willing to help and put in the time and he’s never gotten a dime for it. “He’s full of knowledge, great stories. He’s a great guy. He knows the game. He’s always willing to help.” He’s made my job a lot easier. He’s great to work with. He loves the kids, he loves coaching. I hope he will do it as long as he wants to.”