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INDEPENDENT APPEAL

Volume 119, Issue 38

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Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Selmer Taco Bell holds grand opening Staff Photo Joel Counce

Tami Johnson (location), special education teacher at Ramer Middle School was selected as this year’s Teacher of the Year for the district.

Teacher of the Year announced By Joel Counce Staff Writer

McNairy County has its teacher of the year. Tami Johnson, special education teacher at Ramer Middle School received the honor in her classroom Tuesday morning. “I am extremely overwhelmed,” she said of the honor. “I found out when I walked in the door today. I am excited. I’m humbled. I’m shocked.” Ramer Middle School principal Sondra Kiser said Johnson is dedicated to the students. “She is devoted to her students,” Kiser said. “She wants what is best for them and she sets her expectations of them high.” Kiser described Johnson as creative.

“She is always looking for new ways to help kids learn,” Kiser said. “She is always willing to help any child, special education or general education. She’s not afraid of hard work. “We have seen great gains in her students’ abilities since she’s been here.” McNairy County Director of Schools Greg Martin said Johnson epitomizes what the district looks for in a teacher. “I think she is one of many professional educators in McNairy County who represents the teachers we are so lucky to have,” he said. Teachers of the year are chosen by the faculty at each school. Those eight candidates are interviewed and selected by a panel comprised of school board members and residents.

Photo by Bryan Huff

By Angele Latham Editor

628 Mulberry Avenue was aflutter with excitement this week as Selmer’s newest restaurant, Taco Bell, finally opened. “We’re excited to be here,” said owner Matt Prouty, gazing proudly across the restaurant after cutting the ceremonial red ribbon. “Really excited.” The new attraction is the first McNairy location for the chain, thanks to Prouty and a

See TACO BELL, 2

McNairy County’s Teachers of the Year: A peek into their world The Independent Appeal is featuring each of the county schools’ Teachers of the Year in coming issues. See their stories on page 4.

Mike Robinson, Selmer Middle School

McNairy Co. COVID-19 Cases as of January 26

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Christy Ball, Adamsville Elementary School

Staff Photo by Cassie Dickerson

County resident wins $1 million lottery ticket By Janet Rail Publisher

Total Tested 17,894 Cases 2,490 Deaths 42 Recovered 2,263

A McNairy County man recently hit a $1 million jackpot at the East View Quick Shop, just before closing. The man’s name has not yet been released, though he is apparently a ‘regular’ of both the shop and the lottery game. According to Pinkey Patel, who owns the East View Quick Stop with her husband, it was around 8:50 p.m.-almost ten minutes before closing time--when a customer entered their convenience store and purchased $100 worth of lottery scratch-off tickets. Since the customer had little time left before closing, he at first scratched off the code on a “Frenzy” ticket to initially see if the ticket was worth any money.

See LOTTERY, 2

Bible Verse

East View Quick Stop

“‘In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” Titus 2:7-8 ❚ Opinion 6 ❚ Obituaries 7 ❚ Events 8 ❚ Classifieds 9 ❚ Sports 10 ❚

Staff Photo by Janet Rail

NEWS

PAGE 2 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL

Joe Biden sworn in as 46th President By Angele Latham Editor

Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States Wednesday, January 20, amid a ceremony of peaceful pomp and circumstance that was surrounded by a circle of unprecedented security forces. Declaring that “democracy has prevailed” and denouncing a national “uncivil war,” Biden took the oath of office on the very steps of the capitol that has been besieged by insurrectionists just two weeks previously. A slew of celebrity appearances preceded his entrance, as well as speakers and the striking presence of U.S. National Youth Laureate Amanda Gordan. Once at the helm, Biden spoke on a theme of hope and restoration. “The will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded. We’ve learned again that democracy is precious and democracy is fragile. At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed,” Biden declared in his speech. “This is America’s day. This is democ-

TACO BELL FROM PAGE 1

strangely-long red light. “It’s a funny story,” Prouty laughed. “I was driving back from Savannah, about two and a half years ago, and it was about eight o’clock at night when I was (in Selmer). And everything was all lit up. And I’m sitting at the light for a while, and I’m looking left and right, and I’m like ‘Oh my God, there’s not a Taco Bell here!’” He continued. “So I started doing some research, so just based on the research we thought it would be an awesome place to build!” After being anticipated

racy’s day. A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve.” Beside him, history was made as Kamala Harris became the first woman to be elected vice president. The former California senator also claims the title of the first black person and first Asian American person to hold the office. Prior to Harris’ swearing-in, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar said of Harris, “When she takes the oath of office, little girls and boys across the world will know that anything and everything is possible. And in the end, that is America.” The ceremony was followed by swift action by the newly-elected President, with him signing numerous executive orders covering topics such the Keystone Pipeline, the Muslim travel ban and various COVID-19 restrictions. “We have much to do in this winter of peril, and significant possibilities. Much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build and much to gain,” Biden said. “Few people in our nation’s history have been more challenged, or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now.”

Renewed contract for Director of Schools Greg Martin By Joel Counce Staff Writer

The McNairy County School Board accepted the renewal of a contract with Director of Schools Greg Martin. The contract is good for three years. “It has been a tough year,” Martin said. “You always want to stay. I think the big thing over the course of the last couple of years – we’ve been so busy with building projects, hurricanes, things like that. It’s been hard to really concentrate on things we want to see happen in the schools.” Martin said he hopes the 2021-22 school year is a step closer to a normal school year. “Maybe some of the things we talk about in our meetings, we can accomplish, along with some things we would like to accomplish in some other areas,” Martin said. “Some of the things that are being thrown around now is people are concerned about learning loss and dealing with it and how we will be able to offset that.”

Before accepting the position as director of schools, Martin served as principal at Adamsville for nine years. “I’m just excited to have the opportunity,” Martin said. The school board also: discussed a contract with TIPS USA, a purchasing company that serves government entities. “They are big conglomerate,” Martin said. “They will help our purchasing power.” • granted leave requests for Beth Brown at Ramer Elementary and Vanilife Tucker at Selmer Elementary. • accepted the resignation of McNairy Central SPED teacher Linda Peterson for Dec. 31, 2020 • approved the employment of Trudy Gordan as a part-time nurse at Selmer Elementary and Tammye Hight as a SPED assistant at Michie Elementary. The McNairy County School Board meets at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the County Annex Building.

for those two and a half years, it was suffice to say that staff—and county residents-- were ready for a busy day. “We’ve got some cones lined up, so we’re hoping to have to direct some traffic,” Prouty said. The city hopes the restaurant will be a boon for the local economy and a valuable employment opportunity. Selmer City Mayor John Smith, masked up and standing somewhat socially-distanced following his recent bout with COVID-19, is excited for the restaurant’s potential. “We’re excited about having the Taco Bell here,” Smith said. “One of the big things we’re excited about is that this particular Taco

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Lunch traffic quickly built up at the newly opened Selmer Taco Bell, as seen from a drone’s-eye-view above the city. Bell is going to employ about 60 people. So that’s exciting in itself, for the community and job opportunities. And obviously, the revenue. It does boost the economy.” Another plus, accord-

ing to Smith, is Taco Bell’s demographic versatility. “A lot of young people love Taco Bell, as well as other (age ranges.),” he said. “They hit every age group. So that’s a positive.” “We’ve worked well

LOTTERY

When he approached the scanner, the ticket code revealed that the winnings exceeded $600. According to Patel, this is when the customer got pretty excited, and began to scratch off his ticket to see what the winnings were. For a moment, the

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together,” Smith added, regarding Prouty and his team. “And here it is, a reality, after all that hard work. We’re pretty excited.” The restaurant is open until midnight Sunday through Thursday, and man thought he had won $100,000, and was so thrilled he went out to tell his friend of his winnings. Upon examination of the lottery ticket inside, however, it was revealed to be a $1 million dollar ticket. Three years ago, the East View Quick Stop also

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171 S. 3rd St. • Selmer, TN Located west of the Post Office in Selmer.

The Independent Appeal incorrectly printed a story about the Hayden Harris Memorial Scholarship as complete. The scholarship is still in the planning stages, and is separate from the sports complex dedication, which we incorrectly correlated with each other. The Independent Appeal always strives to be accurate and regrets this error. More information about the sports complex can be found on Page 12.

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.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 3

Tennessee River Pirate Cooking brings treasure No Valentine’s Day for to McNairy...in the form of a food truck McNairy Co. students By Joel Counce

By Joel Counce

Staff Writer

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

By 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Jason and Melanie Copley had 10 orders. The couple, who operate Tennessee River Pirate Cooking, didn’t open until 11. The week before, the Copleys estimated they turned away at least 30 customers because they ran out of food. “That’s what stressed me out,” Melanie Copley said. “I don’t like turning people away and not making them happy.” They first operated the food truck full time in July 2019. “It’s hobby that turned into a living,” Jason Copley said. “When you can you do what you enjoy for a living, that’s a real blessing.” Jason Copley worked five years as a delivery driver for Cintas before leaving to operate the food truck full-time. “I was working 40 to 50 hours a week and doing this on the side, on the week-

Melanie Copley prepares the surf and turf burger at the Tennessee River Pirate Cooking truck on Thursday. ends,” he said. “When you’re in a small town, word gets around. “It took us a solid year to get a following.” The menu consist of Cajunfusion cuisine. “We call it Cajun, Creole and coastal,” Jason Copley said. “We spent a lot of time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We hung out in restaurants and got to know the guys and it just kind of took off.” The menu includes a surf and turf, burger with cheese, blackened shrimp on a hamburger bun. There are also Cajun-flavored tacos, po-boys and sandwiches. The Copleys make remoulade, pickles, pimento cheese and three kinds of barbecue sauces. The Tennessee River Pirate food truck is in the 200 block of Main Street (Highway 64) in AdStaff Photo by Joel Counce amsville from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jason Copley seasons hamburgers on the grill at the Tennessee River Pirate Cooking truck on Thursday. The food truck is at the location on Main Street every other Saturday. in Adamsville near Piggly Wiggly on Thursdays and every other Saturday.

More categories added to Tennessee’s priority vaccine distribution phases By Angele Latham Editor

The Tennessee Department of Health has updated the state’s COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan again, this time to include ‘medically fragile children and adults,’ correctional officers and jailers in higher priority stages. According to the official statement, the TDH has added “people living in households with medically fragile children” to Phase 1c of the distribution plan. “Vaccination of their parents, caregivers and other household residents will help protect these children, as at this time no COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for use in children under age 16,” the statement added. The new inclusion of ‘medically fragile children’ also includes people 16 years and older who have “medical conditions that put them at high risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.” Tennessee correctional officers and jailers have also

been added to phase 1a1 of the distribution plan. According to the statement, “These Tennesseans work in settings and roles that require frequent direct public exposure through close contact in confined spaces, placing them at high risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19.” Currently, McNairy County is in stages 1a1, 1a2, 1b and 75 years and older. According to state data, there are currently limited vaccines available in the county. For general information on Tennessee’s vaccination distribution, visit https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ ncov/covid-19-vaccine-information.html. To see live updates of what stage McNairy County is in, and register for an appointment when eligible, visit https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/eligibility/. Read the vaccination plan here www.tn.gov/content/ dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/ COVID-19_Vaccination_Plan.pdf.

Staff Writer

There will be no Valentine’s Day deliveries allowed at McNairy County Schools this year. McNairy County Director of Schools Greg Martin said the main reason for the rule is an abundance of caution. “I think it is especially important to use caution at this time,” Martin said. “We have tried to limit the number of people we allow on campus with activities that don’t have anything directly to do with the schools. Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year. “Fridays are dedicated Reconnect Days, so we don’t have kids on campus then,” he said. “That’s four days out if you do something on Thursday.” Martin said there are other reasons for not wanting deliveries sent to the schools. “Sometimes schools are used in roles they are not really supposed to be,” he said. “We all want to show our kids we love them and appreciate them, but what are we doing in that? “Some students don’t get as much as others. Some don’t get anything. We were not designed for that.”

Senator Page Walley appointed to two domestic violence state panels By Angele Latham Editor

State Senator Page Walley, of Bolivar, has been appointed by Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally to serve on two state panels to address domestic violence in Tennessee. Walley, a licensed clinical psychologist who formerly served two governors as Commissioner of Children’s Services in Tennessee and Commissioner of Human Resources in Alabama, was appointed to the Second Look Commission and the Tennessee Domestic Violence State Coordinating Council. The Second Look Commission, according to Walley’s appointment announcement, “reviews cases and procedures related to severe child abuse to determine if they were handled in a manner that provides adequate protection to the children.” Additionally, the Tennessee Domestic Violence State Coordinating Council “develops model poli-

cies and training curriculums for law enforcement agencies, the courts, and batterers’ intervention programs. “ “Domestic violence is one of the most damaging acts affecting our society today and the problem has only worsened during the increased stress of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Walley. “No person should have to suffer from abuse and we need to ensure every protection possible is in place to prevent such acts. We must look for ways that we can improve our laws, safety networks and court system to prevent abuse and to help victims recover.” He continued, “Domestic violence is completely unacceptable. I look forward to working with these panels to create lasting policy changes and program improvements to help put a stop to assault and abuse,” Walley concluded.

CHAMBERS INSURANCE AGENCY Selmer • (731) 645-3551 www.chambersinsuranceagency.com

Graph courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Health

Above are the vaccine distribution phases for Tennessee. Currently, McNairy County is in stages 1a1, 1a2, 1b and residents who are 75 years and older. However, vaccine quantity is running lower at this time--nationwide--than was previously expected, so the wait before another stage is available is currently unknown.

McNairy residents Subscribe today for receive degrees just $20! from UT Martin By Angele Latham Editor

A number of McNairy County residents received their degrees from the University of Tennessee at Martin during the university’s fall commencement. Recipients included Ethan Ganus, Lisa Harris and Andrew Martin of Adamsville; Stephen Graham and Macey Rowland of Bethel Springs; Kristy Fair of Michie; Jennifer Campbell of Milledgeville; Olivia Harris and Madeline Wilson of Ramer; and Shelton Kinkennon, Philippe Lumpkin, Dylan Richard and Tessa Tucker of Selmer.

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PAGE 4 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

McNairy County’s Teachers of the Year Mike Robinson: the superhero of math By Joel Counce Staff Writer

Mike Robinson has always enjoyed working with children. “Even when I was in high school, I enjoyed it,” he said. “Even after 28 years, I still enjoy what I’m doing. I guess I’m in the right spot.” The Chalybeate, Mississippi, native was chosen as Teacher of the Year for Selmer Middle School. “I was excited about it,” he said. “Mainly because of the people I work with here. There is a great staff, administrators. I consider everyone here a part of my family as I see it.” The sixth grade math teacher has a shelf full of TV, DC Comics and Marvel Comics characters along one wall in the classroom. The memorabilia includes the Incredible Hulk, Superman, Batman, Capt. America and others. “I tie all this stuff into teaching math,” he said. “(Students) want everything right away. I use whatever I can to get their attention and help them learn.”

Robinson was the first person in his family to attend college. He graduated from Kossuth High School in 1986. He went to Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville after, then Ole Miss before settling on MUW in Columbus, Mississippi. He graduated there in 1993. Robinson started his teaching career in Laurel, Mississippi, but moved to West Tennessee to be close to family, “My wife (Monica) is from Clearwater, Florida,” he said. “I knew I didn’t want to live in Florida, so we moved here.” He taught in Bolivar for two years before moving to Selmer for the 2003-04 school year. Robinson is known for his sense of humor. “Of all the people in the school, Staff Photo by Joel Counce I’m the one who keeps them laughMike Robinson explains an assignment to Sadie Huddleston, Khloe Caldwell, Makayla Whitaing – the teachers and the students,” ker, Jakobe Davis and Aiden Lott. he said. “They don’t have to stress mor.” about COVID or about politics. If I was deserving of the honor. “He is a very dedicated, first class teacher,” Robinson and his wife Monica have been can keep them laughing – good.” Selmer Middle School Principal she said. “The students like him; the teachers married 27 years and live in Stantonville. They have a 24-year-old son, Andy and a 14-year-old Brenda Armstrong said Robinson like him; the parents like him. “He brightens our day with his sense of hu- daughter, India.

Christy Ball is helping make tomorrow better By Cassie Dickerson News Assistant

Staff Photo by Cassie Dickerson

A group of second and third graders gather around Ball as she reads a story aloud to the class.

Christy Ball, a Kindergarten through third grade special education teacher at Adamsville Elementary School, is the AES nominee for McNairy county Teacher of the Year for 2020-2021. This nomination is an extreme honor to Ball, who has been with the elementary school for the last two years. “When I was told I was nominated (for Teacher of the Year) I was just floored that my colleagues would have chosen me. It’s a huge honor...” said Ball. Before Ball began her college career she knew she was meant to be a teacher. “I come from a family of educators, but I told myself I would not be a teacher. When I was getting ready to go to college it changed. I really felt the Lord say that I needed to be a teacher...I knew that was what I was designed to be.” However, it was not until she heard the song ‘Fingertips and Noses’ that she realized she should become a special education teacher. “I realized that I should be a special education teacher after hearing the song ‘Fingertips and Noses,’ a song that talks about these children who were just excited to be in the classroom and how their teacher built on that excitement,” said Ball. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary education in December 1998 from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, and later received a Master’s degree in Education from Nova Southeasten University. Since attaining her Bachelor’s degree,

Ball has taught school, on and off, for an overall average of 10 years in various educational settings. “I have a little over 10 years of experience in a variety of areas. I’ve taught in public and private schools as well as the university level. I have even taught in different countries,” said Ball. Now, working as a special education teacher at AES, Ball works with students that are gifted or have a type of learning disability. For gifted students, Ball creates enrichment activities that gives the student a greater dept in concepts they already know to keep them interested in learning. “Gifted students are well above average in at least two areas, like reading or math...When they are identified, I pull them from classroom and we do activities that are above grade level,” said Ball. For students with learning disabilities, Ball helps them to overcome the struggles they face in the classroom. “The majority of my students with disabilities struggle to be successful in the classroom...They may have missed something along the way, or, due to their disability, they are unable to process the way (material) is taught,” said Ball. “I go back to help them find ways to close those gaps in education or help them learn the material in a different way...so that they remember it better.” Ball, along with seven other teachers from McNairy county, were interviewed by a committee to determine the overall winner for McNairy Teacher of the Year.

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McNairy Co. Sheriff’s Office reports By Angele Latham Editor

• On January 23, 2021 Sergeant Mike Shipman was dispatched to a Beauty Hill Road address on a theft call. Upon arrival, Shipman spoke with the victim, who said that they arrived home around 1:30 p.m. when they noticed their front door was “wide open,” and they “remembered locking it when they left.” The victim called 911. Shipman was able to tell that the suspect or suspects made entrance by forcing open a back door on the left side of the house. The person or persons stole two of the four long guns from a gun safe, leaving behind a pistol and ammo. The guns included: - .270 bolt-action rifle with scope - .308 SKS with a 15-20 round “magazine fully loaded” Video and photos were taken as evidence, as well as a dusting fingerprints. • On January 23, 2021, Deputy Brandon Taylor was dispatched to a Leapwood Enville Road address in regards to a theft. The victim stated that they had received an email from their boss from Jackson State on the previous day asking for their phone number. After replying to the email with their phone number, they received a text that “their boss was in a meeting but needed (them) to do a favor.” The text asked if the victim could purchase five Google Play cards with $100 on each, scratch the code off the back and send a picture of the code. The victim stated that they thought their boss might be needing the codes for a student activity, so they followed the instructions. The purchase totaled $1300. The texter then asked for another five cards. It was then that the victim “started to question what was going on,” and realized that the original email was not a Jackson State email. The victim’s boss also confirmed that the texts were not sent by them. The boss stated that this scam has happened to “multiple other people.” The email address used was mechelcamp<dept.chair453@gmail.com, and the phone number used was 213328-1597. • On January 22, 2021, Benjamin

Selmer Middle School Honors 6th grade Principal’s List Ava Anderson Eli Ashe Nate Atnipp Brennan Black Hayden Byrd Khloe Caldwell Carter Craig Linlee Davidson Springer Doyle Aimee Duncan Luke Fowler Nolan Foxx Heisman Gray Rebekah Green Kenneth Griswell Elaina Harris Cooper Hill Joey Hunt Casen Justice

Harvey Kaup Aidan Lowrance Maci Mathias Kara McDaniel Colby McDonald Adarsh Patel Case Rickman Hadley Shettles Marlee Tucker Milee Tucker Allie Wade Anna Wade Noah Williams Honor Roll Dequan Barnes Hannah Barnes Tristan Barnes William Carroll Vega Henson Mia Shumaker Luke Smith 7th grade Principal’s List

Brown, 30, of Ramer, was arrested and charged with DUI, open container and reckless driving after Deputy Ryan Burlesci was dispatched to New Bethel Road regarding a vehicle parked in the roadway. When Burlesci approached the scene, he found the driver of the vehicle—later identified as Brown—slumped over the steering wheel, asleep. Burlesci “knocked on the window several times” before eventually waking Brown and escorting him out of the vehicle. Found on the floor was an “open glass of spilt beer” in the driver’s side floorboard. Brown failed numerous field sobriety tests, and was transported to the McNairy County Jail. • On January 21, 2021, Deputy Ryan Burlesci was dispatched to a Hardin Graveyard Road residence regarding a missing juvenile. The caller stated their child had run away from their home following a punishment. Deputies Burlesci, Devine and Moore, as well as Chief Deputy Bay also assisted with the search. Later, Officer McDonald of the Adamsville Police Department found the child along Highway 224 nears Mars Hill. The child was returned safely home. • On January 21, 2021, Jonathon Lancaster, 21, of Toone, Tennessee, was arrested and charged with domestic assault after Deputy Rachel Devine was dispatched to a Russom Road address regarding a domestic call. The victim stated that Jonathon Lancaster had been drinking earlier and was “trying to start a fight.” After a brief tussle, the victim “took off down the driveway,” with Lancaster following him and yelling. The victim did have noticeable injuries. After speaking with Lancaster, Devine could not find any evidence of injuries on him. He was determined to be the primary aggressor and transported to the McNairy County Jail. • On January 19, 2021, Deputy David Kelso responded to a theft call at the Bethel Springs Church of God on Buena Vista Road in Bethel Springs. The caller stated that a friend came by their home and asked “what happened to the heating and air units at the church.” Addison Ashe Lilli Coats Catherine Dickey Callie Finlayson Caylin Flowers Kyleigh Foster Noelle Johnson Walker Kennedy Arianna King Anslei Leonard Mattilyn Lott Elizabeth McDowell Kylie Miller Shelby Moore Lauren Pattyson Brooklyn Ricks Clara Younger 7th Honor Roll William Glidewell Dalton Hill

Photo Submitted

Ramer Elementary School Citizens of the Month (Left) Kindergarten: Tyler McCullar (Right) 4th grade: Stella Hickman (Not pictured) 8th grade: Tiffane Howell The caller drove to the church and found that two Goodman five-ton heating and air units were missing from the back of the church. Additionally, the wiring had been cut out. There were tire tracks at the back of the building, indicating where the thieves had pulled up. No further information is known at this time. • On January 19, 2021, Deputy Brandon Taylor was dispatched to Bethesda Loop regarding a vandalism call. The caller stated that sometime between the 10th and the 17th, someone came to the Bethesda Presbyterian Church and took the panel off one of the

outside AC units. The caller stated that they were “unsure what exactly was taken out of the unit, but they did know that there was stuff missing from in it.” • Reports not detailed in this list due to lack of sufficient information, low-level offenses, juvenile involvement or consideration to the ongoing danger to the victims: Not mentioned: Theft: 1 Civil: 1 Juvenile: 1 Suicide/attempted suicide: 2 Trespass: 1 Service of arrest warrant: 2 Domestic assault: 1 Other: 2

8th Grade Principal’s List Anna Clayton Emma Harville Zachary Murray Shiv Patel Emilee Redmon Claire Talbott Honor Roll Rhett Bivens Chloe Bodiford Ben Brush Heidi Dickey Ethan Duncan Owen Miller John Teal Shanna Thompson Addie Tull Destiny Weekly Jacob Wilbanks Logan Williams

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407 Mulbery Ave • Selmer, TN• 38375

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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 27, 2021

Page 6 Independent Appeal

How do you see your life? By Bryan Golden Columnist

The way you see your life influences your decisions and direction. Some people are happy with their lives. They see opportunities. They welcome each new day as another opportunity to pursue their dreams. Others look at their lives as filled with problems. They slog through the drudgery of each day. You want to be aware of how you are feeling and why. Going through life without a grasp of your emotional state is frustrating. You want to do more of what makes you happy and less of whatever frustrates you. Making positive changes requires recognizing what needs to be adjusted and how. Viewing your life positively makes each day more enjoyable. You are happy with your life when following your desired path. Pursuing your interests is rewarding. If you are not happy with your direction, you can change it. There’s no need to suffer. Your path can be changed at any time. You have created a narrative which defines your life. This narrative contains reasons for your success, or excuses for failure. The direction of your life follows your narrative. In order to change your life, your first have to change the story you tell yourself. You are not defined by your circumstances, nor are you a victim. Instead, you are free to take action to influence, or change your circumstances. If you are unhappy about any aspect of your life, determine what needs to change, and then take positive action. Capitalize on your strengths, aptitudes, and desires. Concentrate on what you are capable of doing. People who consider their lives rewarding are usually doing things they are good at and enjoy. It’s easy to view your life in a positive light when you are having fun. Don’t obsess over your weaknesses. Everyone has their own aptitudes. Stressing over what you can’t do leads to frustration. Never use a weakness as an excuse for not pursuing positive changes. You do what you can. Look at your life based on your goals. Don’t compare your life to others. What someone else has, or doesn’t have, has no impact you. Evaluate your situation based on where you want to be. Happiness is built upon achieving your objectives. If you feel as if you are stuck in a rut, push to leave your comfort zone. Reaching out for something new and different leads to rewarding experiences. It’s an effective way to add spark to your life. New knowledge adds energy to your life as well as opening new potential paths. Education is a lifetime pursuit, so keep learning. The more you know, the more you can accomplish. Endeavor to devote at least 20 minutes each week learning something new. If you feel you are not making enough progress, question and challenge your limiting beliefs. These are any beliefs which constrain your accomplishments by providing any excuses for procrastination or failure. Some examples are, “I’m not ready,” “It’s too soon,” “I know it won’t work,” “I don’t know how,” and “People will laugh at me.” Disconnect from negative people who discourage you from making desired changes. Find positive people who are where you want to be and can provide positive, constructive guidance. There are many people who have successfully improved the way they see their lives. Pay attention to what’s happening with you. How you see your life matters. Assess where you are right now. Any aspect of your life you find lacking can be improved by taking the appropriate positive action. The happier you are with your life, the more you’ll accomplish. -----------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.  2021 Bryan Golden

Believe Better

By David Coy Columnist

There were two buckets in a well. They were both in the same well, but aside from that, they were different. One was very unhappy and often complained because no matter how full he came up, he always went down empty. The other bucket found cause for rejoicing because no matter how empty he went down, he always came up full (housetohouse.com). Some say perspective is reality. Perspective is important to be sure, and sometimes can change reality. In the book, The Healing Heart, the story is told of a patient who heard the physician say they had TS (acronym for Tricuspid Stenosis), and then walked out of the room. The patient condition worsened in the coming weeks because they misunderstood the meaning of TS and thought the worse. Our perceptions can be incorrect and be harmful if negative just as words can be harmful and negative. It is important to believe no matter our current circumstances that we can do better and can be better

tomorrow than we are today in our journey with grief. A great deal of this accomplishment depends upon whether we believe in ourselves and our hope for tomorrow. Martin Luther King Jr. in his I have a dream speech stated repeatedly that, “We can never be satisfied… as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.” No matter what lose you are coping with you are able to rebuild your life by believing better of yourself. We all need support in life. None of us are an island to ourselves. We need assistance occasionally from family, friends, and when available others outside these. Let us join together and support one another in believing we can believe better. -----------This is Sunrise Aftercare, sunrise@sfdcares.com David Coy Shackelford Corporation Sunrise Aftercare Coordinator/Consoler-Counselor

Home Country

Slim Randles Columnist

A new year. A new start. Who said I can’t finish this book? Dud Campbell walked the frozen sidewalk and blew steamy breath out through his parka hood. All I need, really, are a few ideas. Dud’s been working on his novel, “Murder in the Soggy Bottoms,” for several years now, and it has taken on different blends of seasoning, largely depending on what things were happening here in our little valley. For example, the bizarre romantic connection between Dewey and Emily led to a rewrite of the part where the book flashed back many years to when the Duchess and the Truck Driver first met. And when the Truck Driver’s son met the Duchess’s daughter, 20 some years later, it was the courtship of Randy Jones and Katie Burchell that he patterned that after. What is still left to solve, however, is what happens when the Truck Driver and the Duchess discover that their children are sweet on each other, because the kids happen to be half brother and sister. And then, the guys at the coffee shop wanted to

know why the Truck Driver, an American truck driver, was there driving below the Duchess’s castle in Europe. At first he was just calling it a special assignment, but the guys wanted to know what the special assignment was, and did he have to change his name for it, and was he armed, and did theme music play when he shifted gears. He’d already killed off a few characters early on in the book, so he believed he was under no obligation to bump off any more, but then the book is called “Murder in the Soggy Bottoms,” (which his friends think sounds like wet diapers) and the soggy bottoms are back in the good ol’ U.S. of A. and how was he going to get the Duchess and her daughter across the foaming tide? And as he walked and thought, he asked himself if really good writers like Balzac and Max Evans had to struggle like this. He nodded and smiled to himself. Sometimes I’ll bet they just wanted to sit down, open a beer, and watch football. Hey, not a bad idea. Art does exact its price. ------In memory of my mentor, pard and good friend, Max Evans. He used to “fist fight for fun.” Thankfully, not with me.

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 27, 2021

OBITUARIES

INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 7

Edwin Keith Whitman

Doris Jean Robinson Teague

Molly Smith Cherry

Edwin Keith Whitman was born September 24, 1954 in Selmer, Tenn. the son of the late Homer and Patty Cox Whitman. He departed this life on January 17, 2021 in Henderson, Tenn. at the age of 66 years, 3 months, 24 days. Keith was a graduate of McNairy Central High School where he played in the band and football. He later attended UT Knoxville where he played football. He worked many years at Brown Shoe Company. He is survived by a daughter, Brittany Ann Crouse-Kelso and husband David of Bethel Springs, Tenn; two grandchildren, Kenlee Crouse and Wyatt Kelso; aunts, Sandra Bass and husband Leon of Michie, Tenn., Peggy Whitman of Selmer, Tenn; stepmother, Arby Whitman of Selmer, Tenn; and many cousins. Services were held on January 22, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, Tenn., with officiating. Burial will follow in the Little Hatchie Cemetery at Bethel Springs, Tenn.

Mrs. Doris Jean Robinson Teague, 83, devoted wife, cherished mother, adoring grandmother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and loyal friend died peacefully on January 20, 2021 at Henderson Health and Rehab Center as she released the hand of her loving husband and took the hand of God. Doris was born July 17,1937 in Memphis, Tenn. to Clyde Merlin Robinson and Alma Hawkins Robinson. Her family moved to Jackson, Tenn., when Doris was 13. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1955 and attended Lambuth College where she pledged Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. She married James Benton “Jimmy” Teague in 1958 and they made their home in Jackson where they raised three sons, Jeff, Andy and Sam Teague. Doris worked for South Central Bell Telephone Company where she was a member of the Pioneer Club. She retired after 20 years of service and later worked for Jackson Energy Authority for 10 years. She was a very active member of Malesus United Methodist Church which she loved dearly serving as Sunday School teacher and working with the youth for many years. She was also an officer in the Jaycettes. Doris loved people. Their home was always a welcoming place for friends and family and especially friends of her boys. She always had a listening ear and limitless love for family and friends. Just about the time life started to settle down, here came the loves of her life – the grandchildren. What a blessing and the answer to many prayers. Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were a beloved brother and sister-in-law, Billy Joe and Doris June Robinson. Survivors include her husband, Jimmy Teague; sons, Jeff (Kim), Andy (Tonjua) and Sam Teague; grandchildren Lindsey (David) Owens, Ripley (Dane) Owens, Tyler (Trenity) Teague, Elizabeth (Matthew) Nelson and David Dexter; special lifelong friends, Joe and Sandra Fielding and many nephews and nieces and in-laws. Services were held on January 23, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, with Travis Pennie officiating. Burial followed in the Oak Hill Cemetery at Selmer.

Molly Smith Cherry was born July 17, 1939 in Selmer, Tenn., the daughter of the late Preston and Martha Smith. She graduated from Selmer High School in 1957. She attended Auburn University where she met her late husband Tommy Cherry. Molly was a member of First Baptist Church in Selmer. Molly loved the Lord, she loved working in the church and was always ready to help in any way she could. She loved to cook and was well known for her delicious cheesecakes which she shared with many people. She was employed by the McNairy County Board of Education. Her job was so special to her. She loved her work and all her fellow employees and all the students. She departed this life on January 18, 2021 in Corinth, Miss. at the age of 81 years, 6 months and 1 day. She is survived by her daughter Leanne Wood of Auburn, Ala; two grandchildren, Luke Wood (Victoria) of Creedmoor, N.C. and Lydia Carraway (Koy) of Birmingham, Ala; one great grandson Callen Carraway; a brother Dr. Jamie Smith (Sherry); nieces and nephews; and her very faithful friends, Lori Stiegmann and Elaine Thomas, who have loved and supported her in so many ways. In addition to her parents, Molly was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Cherry. Services were held on January 21, 2021 at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Selmer, Tenn., Betty Hopkins, Lydia Carraway, Joey Johnson officiated. Burial followed in Oak Hill Cemetery in Selmer, Tenn. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Building fund, Selmer, Tenn.

Minnie Elliott On January 15, 2021, Minnie “Frances” Elliot gained her wings and went to walk with the angles.” She was 60 years old. Minnie “Frances” Elliot was born on September 9, 1960 to Lorretta Lawley . She married Monty Elliot Sr. in 1978 and had two children, Monty Elliott Jr. “Calvin” and Melissa Elliott. She is survived by her son Monty Elliot Jr. of Jackson Mo. previously from Selmer, Tenn. and her daughter Melissa Elliott and partner Lucas Wilson of Jackson, Mo. previously of Selmer, Tenn; her grandchildren included Christie and Dillion Wallis of Stantonville, Tenn., Howard Collins and partner Brittany Shields of Bolivar, Tenn., Trey and Jenna Davidson of Jackson, Mo., Ethan Nixon of Bolivar, Tenn., Christian Elliot of Jackson, Mo., Makayla Elliot of Jackson, Mo. and Brayson Elliott of Jackson, Mo; great grandchildren, all of Selmer, Tenn., are Cortlynn Murrell, Issah Wallis, Chevy Nixon and Dawson Bauer; her siblings: sister, Janice McDaniel of Pocahontas, Tenn. and brother, Tommy Poe of Pikeville, Tenn; a host of nieces and nephews; and her best friends, Joanne James, Monica Elliot (Walton), Janet Cobb and Judy Coleman. She is preceded in death by her mother, Loretta Poe, brother, James Lawley and two grandchildren, Jason Nixon and Kamela Nixon. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

James “Duke” Kiestler James “Duke” Kiestler was born June 17, 1945 in McNairy County, Tenn. the son of the late Wayne and Irene Lynch Kiestler. He was united in marriage to Katherine Jolley on December 16, 1967. Mrs. Kiestler preceded him in death on December 25, 2010. He was affectionately known as and often called “Duke.” He had a great fondness for western movies - especially those with the original DukeJohn Wayne. James was an avid collector of Coca-Cola items, a frequenter of auctions, a lover of trains and traveling. He loved his job as a truck driver; it afforded him the opportunity to see the country from behind the wheel of his favorite truck-a long nose Peterbilt. As most already know, James was a talker, he had numerous conversations with his brother, Joe and friend, John L. Kirkman about trucks and chromelots and lots of chrome. James went any and everywhere with his friend, Donnie Moore. His traveling-call in the middle of the night-do anything in the world for buddy. When you’d see one, you’d usually see the other. James loved his family, especially his two grandkids Mary Anna and Matthew. James “Duke” Kiestler departed this life on January 20, 2021 in Selmer, Tenn. at the age of 75 years, 7 months, 3 days. He is survived by a daughter, Vanillife Tucker and husband Steve of Selmer, Tenn; two grandchildren, Mary Anna Tucker and Matthew Tucker both of Selmer, Tenn; special friends, John L. Kirkman, Donnie Moore and all the guys at Moore Brothers Truck Sales - Wayne, Trey, Andrew, Eric, Jonathan, and Dale; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Kiestler was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Allen Kiestler; a sister, Waynetta Jones. Services were held on January 23, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, Tenn., with Aaron Moss, Donald Goodrum officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Gilead Cemetery at Bethel Springs, Tenn.

William (Bill) Thomas William (Bill) Thomas was born March 12, 1935 in Ripley, Miss. the son of the late Archie W. and Josie Mae Thomas. He was united in marriage to Janet Dickey on September 29, 1972. Mrs. Thomas preceded him in death on April 10, 2016. Mr. Thomas was a chief engineer for 32 years for American Commercial Barge. He was a member of the Unity Baptist Church in Ramer, Tenn. He was an avid golfer and took great pride in caring for his landscaping and lawn. Mr. Thomas departed this life on January 21, 2021 in Southaven, Miss. at the age of 85 years, 10 months, 9 days. He is survived by two sons, Lawrence R. Thomas and wife Melissa of Hernando, Miss., and David Thomas of Nashville, Tenn; stepson, Toady Smart of Ramer, Tenn; son-in-law, Bill Krupey of Ramer, Tenn; seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Krupey. Service were held on January 25, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, Tenn., with Greg Brasher and Ronald Meeks officiating. Burial followed in the Falcon Cemetery at Selmer, Tenn.

Card of Thanks In Memory of Mancil G. Kirk The family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during the loss of our loved ones. He was a great American hero, father and a friend to all. Thank you for the flowers, cards, calls and visits during this time. A special thanks to: Shackelford Funeral Home for their services, Mr. Charles Linam for officating his service, Mr. Herman Beachy and family for singing, Corey with Tri-State Living History Assoication in Washington for getting his uniform for his burial and the American Legion Honor Guard for giving him a miltary service. He would be proud. Mancil Kirk will be missed and remembered in the Finger community for the true American hero he was. Thank you all for everything. It was greatly appreciated. Lonnie Kirk and Family

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Molly Cherry

07/17/1939 - 01/18/2021 To Selmer Middle School and the town of McNairy County, Selmer, Tennessee: On behalf of my Mother, Molly Smith Cherry: I would like to extend a huge thank-you from our family for your love, support and friendship in her 19 years of work at Selmer Middle School and in her community. My mother loved each of you DEARLY and her daily contact with you. In my conversations with her from my home in Auburn, Alabama, I became quite familiar with names of individuals whom I had not met, but who she highly respected such as her Principal, Mrs. Brenda Armstrong and her beloved coworker, Mrs. Betty Hopkins. I want to say what a tribute it was to her life and legacy for the school to close the day of her funeral and service to Celebrate her life. What an out-pouring and tribute to enable you to attend my Mother’s home going! Our family was blown away by this and so deeply touched. My precious mom ran her race with both endurance and diligence as she entered the gates of her eternal RESTING place. Thank you once again to the faculty, staff, administrators, teachers and many students for this gift to her. SMS gave her the purpose and zeal to live a long and fulfilling life throughout her 81 years. IT WAS SUCH A SPECIAL PART OF HER STORY! Thank you sincerely for loving her, kindness, smiles, hugs, flowers, cards, letters, food, sweet words spoken and being present in her life. It made a difference in her life and well being. Our loss is GREAT and she is missed, but may you take a piece of her spirit with you and press forward to the HIGHEST CALLING. God Bless You and Make HIS face to Shine upon you and Be Gracious to you! With much love and great APPRECIATION, The Family of Molly Cherry

PAGE 8 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL

OBITUARIES/EVENTS/ CHURCH DIRECTORY

Charles Edwin (Buddy) Hill

Junell Wheeler

Charles Edwin (Buddy) Hill was born September 3, 1935 in McNairy County, Tenn. the son of the late Charlie and Katherine Hamm Hill. He was united in marriage to Violet Summers on December 26, 1957. Mrs. Hill preceded him in death on February 6, 2014, following 56 years of marriage. Mr. Hill graduated from Ramer High School in the early 1950’s. He worked at the Wurlitzer Plant in Corinth and later as a welder and sheet metal fabricator, traveling around the country building nuclear power plants and working on various construction projects. Mr. Hill served his State and Nation honorably in the Tennessee National Guard for nine years. He was a member of the Mt. Vernon Cumberland Presbyterian Church, having given his life to Jesus at the age of 15. He enjoyed tinkering with old tractors and cars and playing country music on his guitar. He and his friends would often gather at his welding shop on Friday nights to play music. Mr. Hill was a very generous man who would give anyone the shirt off his back. Mr. Hill departed this life on January 20, 2021 in Memphis, Tenn. at the age of 85 years, 4 months, 17 days. He is survived by a daughter, Tena Coln and husband Jeff of Selmer, Tenn; four grandchildren: Will Coln, Andy Coln and wife Shelby, Anna Smith and husband Tyler and Keri Hale; eight great grandchildren: Ryder Coln, Sophie Coln, Sailor Coln, RemiKate Coln, Nora Coln, Myra Coln, Russ Smith and Layla Hale; a sister, Dorothy Suggs of Ramer, Tenn; a beloved nephew, Sam Summers of Selmer, Tenn; and many extended family and friends. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Hill was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Hale, and a sister, Betty Straign. The family wishes to thank the nurses, doctors and staff of the Regional Medical Center in Memphis for their compassionate care. Memorials may be made to the Mt. Vernon Cumberland Presbyterian Church or the Mt. Vernon Cemetery Fund. Services were held on January 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, Tenn., with Eric Jones and Andy Coln officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery at Ramer, Tenn.

Services for Mrs. Junell Wheeler, age 95, of Middleton, were held Friday, January 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral Directors in Bolivar. Burial was in Bolivar Memorial Cemetery. Mrs. Wheeler passed from this life on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at home. She was the daughter of the late Monroe and Monnie McKee Bryant and a life-long resident of Hardeman County. She married Mr. Benjamin Franklin “Bo” Wheeler on Saturday, September 7, 1957. Mr. Wheeler died on Monday, January 20, 2014 following 56 years of marriage. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Wheeler was preceded in death by a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Howard and Earline Wheeler of Bolivar. A homemaker, Mrs. Wheeler attended Second Baptist Church in Selmer and had formerly been a member of Reaves Methodist Church near Middleton. In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading, gardening and helping cattle farm with her husband. She leaves her “adopted” children, Kenny and Judy Glueck of Middleton; cousin, Tommy Stone of Olive Branch, Miss; niece, Becky Marshall of Bartlett, Tenn; great-niece, Angela Jennings of Bartlett; greatnephew, Randy Marshall of Mississippi; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins on both the Bryant and McKee sides of her family. Memorials can be sent to the Hardeman County Food Pantry, P. O. Box 183, Bolivar, TN 38008.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 2021

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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

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Public Notice

NOTICE OF COMPLETION

INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 9

Public Notice

building hope dessert tasting fundraiser

Selmer/McNairy County Industrial Developement Board Scheduled Meeting Dates- 2021

2021 event has been cancelled due to COVID-19 We hope to see you next year

February 22, 2021 March 22, 2021 April 26, 2021 May 24, 2021 June 28, 2021 July 26, 2021 August 23, 2021 September 27, 2021 October 25, 2021 November 22, 2021 December 27, 2021

For the Love of Literacy

R. Jones Underground of Henderson, TN has completed construction on the Water System Improvements – CDBG Project No. 12020 & 14026 for the Town of Milledgeville. Any person or party having a claim against the project should notify Margie Alexander at (731) 687-3011 within the next ten (10) days.

Hillcrest Meadows Apartments

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HOUSE FOR RENT: 3 bedroom 1 bath. Central heat and air. Newly renovated. 600 plus deposit. No pets! 731-6102877 (35-TF)

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.

Employment Job Opportunities

Applications available at the office: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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Services

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code.

Professional Services

Walker, Walker & Walker, PLC

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)

Ken Walker Richard Walker 2 Locations to Serve You: Jackson, TN & Lexington, TN

Hardin County Stockyards, Inc.

Partial Terms & Conditions: 10% Buyer’s Premium - 10% Down Day of Sale 2% Broker Participation Invited - Other Terms & Conditions Apply. Visit website for complete terms & conditions.

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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)

HARDIN COUNTY STOCKYARD 3350 Hwy 226 Savannah, TN 38372 (731) 925-3287 (931) 224-2247

MARKET REPORT January 20, 2021 Total HD 992 Last Week 972 Last Year 912

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

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Cattle 989 Goats 0 Hogs 3 200-300 WT 164.00-182.00 300-400 WT 155.00-164.00 400-500 WT 141.00-155.00 500-600 WT 132.00-141.00 600-700 WT 123.00-132.00 700-800 WT 114.00-123.00 800-900 WT 103.00-114.00 #1 HEIFERS 200-300 WT 132.00-143.00 300-400 WT 126.00-132.00 400-500 WT 118.00-126.00 500-600 WT 102.00-118.00 600-700 WT 94.00-102.00 700-800 WT 84.00-94.00 800-900 WT 75.00-84.00

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Page 10 v Independent Appeal

Local Events 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.

District 14-AA Girls South Side McNairy Scotts Hill Chester Co. Adamsville Lexington Riverside North Side

District Overall 6-0 11-0 5-1 7-5 4-2 7-3 4-2 9-7 2-4 7-6 1-4 4-10 1-6 2-8 0-6 1-10

Boys South Side Lexington McNairy Chester Co. Riverside Adamsville Scotts Hill North Side

District Overall 6-0 11-1 4-2 9-5 4-3 8-9 2-3 5-9 2-5 3-8 2-4 3-7 3- 4 7-5 1-4 1-11

Jr High Tourney Boys Quarterfinal #4 Adamsville 47, #5 Selmer 38 Semifinal #1 Bethel Springs 46, #4 Adamsville 23 #2 Michie 48, #3 Ramer 27 Girls Quarterfinal #4 Adamsville 47, #5 Michie 22 Semifinal #3 Selmer 30, #2 Bethel Springs 24 #1 Ramer 42, #4 Adamsville 7 Championship #1 Ramer 39, #3 Selmer 17

Local Schedule Thursday, Jan. 28 McNairy County Junior High Basketball Tournament Boys championship

Sports

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Ramer Repeat

Lady Eagles win second straight county title By Joel Counce Staff Writer

For the second time in her life, Erika Wright-Donnell won back-to-back county championships. The second year Ramer Lady Eagles head coach won two straight as a player in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons. She struck paydirt again in her second year as head coach in the county tournament on Monday with a 39-17 victory over the Selmer Lady Lions. “We played team ball,” Wright-Donnell said. “We work so hard on our defense. “I like to keep the team small so I can work with them one-on-one.” The championship is Ramer's sixth since 1977. Ramer scored the first 10 points of the game - six by center Brooklyn Hopkins – the last bucket of the first period at the 36 second mark on a Morgan Palmer assist. Aleria Faulkner scored the Lady Lions first points on a jumper with four seconds left in the opening frame to cut the Ramer lead to 10-2. The Lady Eagles were able to push the lead to 15-2 on a Bailee Shelton 3-pointer with 4:08 left in the first half. But Selmer fought back within 1911 on an Addi Day layup with five seconds before halftime. Ramer took control in the third period. The Lady Eagles held Selmer to one field goal and jumped to a 29-13 lead on a Hopkins layup with 1:34 left in the frame. A pair of Hopkins free throws with 3:27 left to play pushed the Ramer lead to 3914. Allie Maxedon scored the

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Ramer center Brooklyn Hopkins drives into the lane against Selmer during the McNairy County Junior High Championship game. The Lady Eagles won 39-17. final goal of the night on a layup with 2:55 left in the game to cut the Lady Eagles lead to 39-17. Hopkins led all scorers with 22 points. “It just happened that way tonight,” WrightDonnell said. “She's a post player. She can't score unless they get the ball to her. They did a good job of that.” Shelton and Jaley Bolen finished with six points each. Faulkner and Gabby Simmons led Selmer with five points each.

Selmer 30, Bethel Springs 24 The Selmer Lady Lions used a dominant second quarter to down the Bethel Springs Lady Rebels 3024 in the semifinal round of the McNairy County Junior High Tournament on Saturday. The Lady Lions took an early 6-1 on an Aleria Faulkner steal and layup with 3:10 left in the opening frame. Bethel Springs fought back to tie the game on an old-fashioned 3-point

play by Carissa Moore with 56 seconds left in the first quarter. The Lady Lions took control with an 8-0 second period to command a 19-8 halftime lead. A pair of Faulkner free throws with 5:31 left in the third pushed the Selmer lead to 21-8. Bethel Springs fought back to pull within 30-24 on a Moore free throw with nine seconds left to play. Faulkner led the Lady Lions with 12 points. Anna Clayton and Addi

Day added five each. Moore led all scorers with 17. 7

Ramer 42, Adamsville

A stingy Ramer defense held the Lady Cardinals to three field goals in a 42-7 win in the semifinal round of the McNairy County Junior High Tournament. Ramer led 14-2 after the first period, led

See TOURNEY, 14

McNairy County Girls Tournament Champions since 1977 1977 - Ramer 1978 - Adamsville 1979 - Selmer 1980 - Michie 1981 – Michie 1982 – Michie 1983 – Selmer 1984 – Adamsville 1985 – Selmer 1986 – Selmer

1987 – Selmer 1988 – Adamsville 1989 – Adamsville 1990 – Selmer 1991 – Adamsville 1992 – Adamsville 1993 – Adamsville 1994 – Adamsville 1995 – Michie 1996 – Michie

1997 – Michie 1998 – Michie 1999 – Selmer 2000 – Ramer 2001 – Michie 2002 – Ramer 2003 – Ramer 2004 – Selmer 2005 – Michie 2006 – Michie

2007 – Michie 2008 – Selmer 2009 – Selmer 2010 – Selmer 2011 – Selmer 2012 – Michie 2013 – Selmer 2014 – Michie 2015 – Adamsville 2016 – Selmer

2017 – Selmer 2018 – Adamsville 2019 – Bethel# 2020 – Ramer 2021 - Ramer

# Coaches voted to have 2019 Tournament played in December instead of January.

#1 Bethel Springs vs #2 Michie at McNairy Central, 6 Friday, Jan. 29 High School Basketball McNairy Central at Chester County, 6 South Side at Adamsville, 6 Tuesday, Feb. 2 High School Basketball Adamsville at North Side, 6 McNairy Central at Lexington, 6 Thursday, Feb. 4 High School Basketball Kossuth at Adamsville, 6 Friday, Feb. 5 High School Basketball Adamsville at Riverside, 6 South Side at McNairy Central, 6 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 Wednesday, March 3 High School Basketball Regional Finals

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Holland Johnson (above, 5) attempts a jump shot against Selmer on Monday. Selmer’s Allie Maxedon looks for an opening in the Ramer defense on Monday Carisa Moore (below, 4) breaks away from the Selmer defense Bailee Shelton (below, 22) works against Adamsville.

Page 11 v Independent Appeal

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Lady Tigers down Cards Lady Bobcats trounce North Side, fall to SH By Joel Counce Staff Writer

The Lexington Lady Tigers raced to a big first half lead over the Adamsville Lady Cardinals and cruised to a 57-47 victory on Friday. Lexington took a 20-11 lead on a Diamond Holland layup with 15 seconds left in the first period. Madison Harris answered with a layup at the 3 second mark in the first quarter to cut the Lady Tigers lead 20-13. A Chloe Swearingen 3-pointer with 7:34 left in the first half put the Lady Cardinals within 20-16.

Lexington reeled off a 15-4 run, capped by a Makayla Herndon 3-pointer with 1:31 left in the first half. The Lady Cardinals pulled within 43-37 on a Kyla Sanders layup off Kallie Martindale assist with 3:15 left in the third. The Lady Tigers pushed the lead to 4737 on Diamond Holland layup with 1:45 left in the third. A Tillie Cima free throw put Adamsville within 47-42 with 5:50 left to play. Candice Butler led Lexington with 12 points. Sarah Simmons finished with 11. Herndon and Jadyn Yarbro scored 10 points each.

By Joel Counce Staff Writer

The McNairy Central Lady Bobcats took an early 12-3 lead and never looked back in a 69-24 victory over the North Side Lady Indians on Jan. 19. Ta'Myra Bogan scored all 24 of North Side's points in the loss. The opening McNairy Central run was capped by a Maddie Kirk layup off a Duey Pierce assist with 2:17 left in the first period. North Side pulled within 14-9 on a Bogan 3-pointer with 6:29 left in the first half. The Lady Bobcats led 29-9 at the half. McNairy Central pushed that lead to 33-9 on

an Alexis Weirich putback with 6:54 left in the third. The Lady Indians pulled within 35-18 at the 4:23 mark of the third on a pair of Bogan free throws. The Lady Bobcats pulled away again on a 20-3 run, capped by a Lynlee Brown jumper to take a 55-21 lead with 5:43 left to play. Brown led McNairy Central with 14 points. Willow Merry scored 10. Rane Moffitt added eight. Scotts Hill 65, McNairy Central 43 The Scotts Hill Lady Lions used a big second quarter to pull away from the McNairy Central Lady Bobcats in a 65-43 win on

Friday. Jilli Johnson scored five of the Lady Bobcats' 12 first quarter points and Scotts Hill led 17-12 going into the second period. The Lady Lions pushed their lead to 36-21 in the second period, led by 12 first half points from Blaize Deere. The Lady Bobcats could only manage two field goals in the third and fell behind 48-30 going into the fourth. Maddie Kirk finished with 13 points to lead McNairy Central. Johnson finished with eight. Deere led Scotts Hill with 18. Harley Bowman scored 16. Heather Bartholomew finished with nine.

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Chloe Swearingen shoots a layup against Lexington. The Lady Cardinals rally fell short in a 57-47 home loss on Friday.

Tigers, Lions down Adamsville in district games By Joel Counce Staff Writer

An inspired second half comeback fell short in a 50-35 loss to the Lexington Tigers on Friday. The Cardinals only managed seven first half points. Lexington opened with a 12-1 lead and the Cardinals didn't hit a field goal until the 42 second mark in the opening frame on a Jacob Bowles (4) 3-pointer off a Jamal Stiger assist. The Tigers led 14-4 going into the second period. Logan Luckett made a layup after a steal with 4:10 left in the first half to cut the Lexington lead to 16-6. The Tigers took a 29-7 lead into the half. Adamsville opened the second half with 13-7 run,

capped by a Landon Smith layup off a Braxton Enzor assist at the 2:04 mark in the third to cut the Tigers lead 35-20. The Cardinals got as close as 42-31 with 4:08 left to play on a Smith free throw. Adamsville outscored the Tigers 15-11 in the third and 13-10 in the fourth. “That second half showed us how good we can be,” Adamsville head coach Nick Ritter said. Smith led Adamsville with 14 points on4-for-7 shooting, including 1-for-3 from 3-point range. Drake Crabb finished with seven points. Tristin Roberts led Lexington with 15 points. Rodarius Transor scored nine. Scotts Hill 54, Adams-

ville 39 The Scotts Hill Lions used a big third quarter to pull away from Adamsville in a 54-39 victory on Jan. 19. The Lions led 6-5 after the first quarter that five total field goals between the teams. Scotts Hill took a 19-16 lead into halftime. The Lions pulled away with a 20-9 third quarter to take a 39-25 lead. Adamsville senior guard Landon Smith scored seven of the Cardinals' nine points in the period. He finished with a game-high 18 points. Bryce Allard led Scotts Hill with 14 points. Zach Anglin scored 11. Riley McClain finished with 10.

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Logan Luckett (2) is fouled driving for a a layup against Lexington on Friday. The Cardinals comeback bid fell short in a 50-35 home loss.

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Maddie Kirk fights for a layup against North Side on Jan.19. McNairy Central won the contest 69-24.

MC defeats Indians By Joel Counce Staff Writer

The McNairy Central Bobcats scored the first 13 points and never trailed in a 64-51 victory over the North Side Indians on Jan. 19. A Nate Moore jump shot at the 3:24 mark of the first period gave the Bobcats a 13-0 lead. The Bobcats led 15-3 after the first period and led as much as 26-5 on an Ethan Johnston jump shot with 5:16 left in the first half. North Side's DeMahri Wallace cut the Bobcats lead to 32-19 with an old-fashioned 3-point play at 2:17 before halftime.

The Indians opened the third period with a 7-0 run, capped by a Ryan Easley layup at the 7:01 mark to cut the McNairy Central lead to 32-25. The Bobcats responded with a 14-4 run, capped by a Johnston jump shot to take a 46-29 lead with 3:14 left in the third. The Bobcats led as much as 50-30 on a Kameron Starks layup off an Andrew Stewart assist with 14 seconds left in the third.

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

McNairy Central’s Kameron Starks shoots a jumper against North Side on Jan. 21. The Bobcats led from start to finish and won 64-51.

Athletic complex to be named in honor of Harris By Joel Counce Staff Writer

The McNairy County School Board approved the naming of a sports complex in honor of Cpl. Hayden “Opie” Harris, a 2018 McNairy Central graduate. “This was brought up when we heard about the tragedy,” McNairy County Director of Schools Greg Martin

said. “That initial request was made. We acted upon the recommendations of the committee and we approved it.” Harris, a 2018 McNairy Central graduate was described as an exceptional student by McNairy County School Board member Ricky Whitaker in a letter to the board. “(He was) a positive influence on everyone he came in contact with,” Whitaker said.

Whitaker also serves as chairman of the Corporal Hayden Harris Memorial Committee. Robert Chambers, Lisa Forsythe, Amber Leonard, Joe Dan Maness, Jim Merry, Wes Moore, McNairy Central principal Dr. Jerry Pyron, Danny Roberts, Jr. and Chris Whitten also serve on the committee. Donations can be made by contacting the Team Hayden Facebook page.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

PAGE 12 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL

Martindale earns second consecutive All-State honor

Bowles, Johnson play in national all-star game By Joel Counce

By Joel Counce

Staff Writer

Kallie Martindale set a few goals for herself going into the 2020 season. The Adamsville forward accomplished all of them. She set her sights on making the All-State team, an honor she earned when the Tennessee Sports Writers Association named her to the team for the second straight season. “It is a prestigious honor to get it for a second time,” Martindale said. “I felt (this season) I had something to prove. I worked harder for it this year. “I would not be here without God, my parents, my coaches and my teammates. They made this possible.” Martindale, a senior with the lady Cardinals soccer team, set out to score 100 Staff Photo by Joel Counce career goals for the year. She Kallie Martindale earned All-State honors for the secscored 39 goals on the season, finishing with 101 for her ond straight year. Martindale finished with 39 goals on the season and 101 career goals, both school recareer. cords. Martindale plans to attend made the Final Four. Their season ended Union University and study cellular molecular biology. She wants to in the state semifinal round with a 2-0 loss to eventual state runner-up Merrol Hyde. work as an eye doctor. “I'm very sad it's over,” she said. “I The Lady Cardinals opened the season with five straight shutouts, including three would play year-round if I could.” Adamsville finished the season at 15-2- consecutive mercy rule victories. Adams1, the best record in program history, and ville finished with nine total shutouts and five mercy-rule victories on the year.

TOURNEY FROM PAGE 10

points. The Lady Eagles doubled the score in the second quarter and led 28-4 at the half. Ramer led 38-6 going into the final frame. Jaley Bolen led the Lady Eagles with eight points. Morgan Palmer scored seven. Adamsville 47, Michie 22 The Adamsville Lady Cardinals held the Michie Lady Devils to seven first

half points en route to a 47-22 victory in the opening round of the McNairy County Junior High Tournament. Miley Samples led Adamsville with 25 points, 16 in the first half. The Lady Cardinals opened the game with a 23-3 lead, capped by a Baylee Burns layup off a Maddie Surratt assist with 3:07 left in the first half. Adamsville took a 30-7 lead into halftime. The Lady Cardinals led as much as 33-7 on a Samples 3-pointer at the 5:33 mark in the third. Dani Shay Sawyer and Katie Driskell led the Lady Devils with six points each.

Two Adamsville Cardinal football players were among 120 high school athletes across the country to compete in the 2021 Blue-Gray All-American Bowl at Arlington's AT&T Stadium. Wide receiver Jacob Bowles and linebacker Tucker Johnson played for the East squad in the 32nd game in Dallas on Monday. The East – consisting of players from 26 different states from all across the country – defeated the West 25-24. “It was pretty fun,” Bowles said. “We got to play with a bunch of people from across the Staff Photo by Joel Counce country.” Adamsville teammates Tucker Johnson (left, 32) and jacob Bowles, the CardiBowles (5) combine for a stop against Gibson County in nals leading receiver October. The pair were invited to the Blue-Gray All-Amerthis season, caught one ican Bowl in Dallas. pass for three yards. ant standing in it looking around.” “Everybody gets equal playing time Johnson, a 5'10”, 210 pound lineso we had to rotate,” Bowles said. “There backer, finished with five tackles on the were three groups.” evening. Bowles was a three year starter for the He is committed to play at Bethel Cardinals. University. Johnson started at linebacker for Bowles, a 6'2”, 200 pound receiver, is three years and special teams as a freshundecided. man. Preparations for the game consisted “It was very fun,” he said. “It is a blessof two 3-hour practices, one on Saturday ing to go play football at a bigger scale, at and one on Sunday. Jerry's world. The scale - you felt like an

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Michie’s Gracie Roberson (left) and Rory Harris fight Adamsville’s Ava Edwards for a rebound during the Lady Cardinals 47-22 victory in the opening round of the McNairy County Junior High Tournament on Thursday.

Issue 29 January 26, 2021 Member of the Tennessee High School Press Association

Throughout the spring semester, we are highlighting members of the Class of 2021 on social media, the school website and in the newspapers. Seniors should check their email for instructions on how to be featured.

The PawPrint is a publication of McNairy Central High School. The views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the administration, faculty or staff. EDITOR Lisa Forsythe

Haven Gray

UPCOMING EVENTS

TUE Jan. 26 •6:00 BB Adamsville H WED Jan. 27 •Deadline to order TEAM HAYDEN tshirts FRI Jan. 29 •ReConnect Day •6:00 BB Chester Co A TUE Feb. 2 •6:00 BB Lexington A FRI Feb. 5 •ReConnect Day •5:30 Basketball Homecoming •6:00 BB Southside H •Senior Night during halftimes SAT Feb. 6 •3:00 BB Kossuth A FRI Feb. 12 •School Dismissed •6:00 BB Middleton A MON Feb. 15 •President’s Day School Dismissed FRI Feb. 19 •ReConnect Day FRI Feb. 26 •ReConnect Day

Daughter of D.J. and Misti Gray

Haven Gray is our Senior Spotlight this week. She is HOSA Vice President, National Honors Society Chairperson, and Student Council Secretary. She is also a member of FBLA, Journalism, CIA, and FTA. Haven says she

has been cheering since she was old enough to walk. “At a young age, you could find me in a blue and gold uniform, doing cartwheels down the sidelines of the Roundhouse. Cheer has given me the opportunity to grow my leadership skills, make new friends, and support my Bobcats!“ Haven says cheer also taught her important life lessons such as time management and organization. Haven is involved in many community service projects. She has been involved with the Heart of a Champion scholarship program, and also volunteers with the Backpack Ministry. She is a member of First Baptist Church, Bethel Springs, and has been a missionary to Guatemala. In her spare time, Haven enjoys racing go karts,

Haven holds a photo of herself at a young age, dressed in a Bobcat cheer uniform and cheering for the Cats.

singing, writing calligraphy, and painting. The family-like atmosphere is Haven’s favorite thing about MCHS. “When I moved from Adamsville High School to MCHS, I was welcomed with open arms. The Bobcat pride is strong within this school and throughout the county.

That proves that there are no former Bobcats; once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat. After graduation, Haven plans to attend the University of TN at Martin to major in biology. She will pursue a career as a physical therapist.