V119N34 12/30/20 by Independent Appeal

INDEPENDENT APPEAL

Volume 119, Issue 34

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Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Fort Drum community gathers to mourn loss of 20-year-old soldier By Craig Fox Watertown Daily Times

WATERTOWN — Fort Drum soldiers and the community came together in Thompson Park on a chilly winter night Wednesday to celebrate the life of a soldier with red hair and bright smile who was known affectionately as “Opie.” His commanding officer and a sergeant in his unit described Cpl. Hayden A. Harris, 20, as a soldier who always wanted to help his comrades and become the best soldier he could. Cpl. Harris was shot to death

last weekend and left in a field in northern New Jersey allegedly by another Fort Drum soldier after the two had argued about swapping their vehicles. Standing in front of the Climb to Glory monument, Sgt. 1st Class John Pearson and five other soldiers in his unit were joined by about 50 community members to remember him as a comrade and friend who served his country well. “Cpl. Harris was not only a great soldier, but one of the most polite and respectful individuals I have had the pleasure of work-

See FORT DRUM, 2

Photo by Sydney Schaefer of the Watertown Daily Times

Nearly 100 people gather at Thompson Park on Wednesday night for a memorial service honoring slain Fort Drum soldier Cpl. Hayden Harris, 20.

More current news: Vaccine update, Regions Bank, Nashville bombing and more See PAGES 2, 6

2O 2O The Year in Review: Some of the top headlines from an unprecedented year

State removes county from distressed list

Selmer, Bethel Springs Selmer Locals take hit in July floods Police mourn Chief loss of accepts Gary Morrison plea By Joel Counce Staff Writer

Flooding shut down city streets in downtown Selmer and Bethel Springs on Wednesday, including the bridge on Mulberry Avenue. Streets and Sanitation Director Ray Ouellette said 10 streets in Selmer were affected. “The main ones are Falcon, 64, 45, West Cherry,” he said. “There

See FLOOD, 3

See PLEA, 4

See MORRISON, 3

COVID-19 sweeps state Pandemic creates a “new normal” in an unfamiliar world By Angele Latham Editor

In a year of wacky headlines, bizarre news and a seemingly never-ending assault of dire warnings, one topic has stood out more than others. That topic is, of course, COVID-19. After first making itself known in Wuhan, China back in December 2019, the virus quickly spread worldwide. The af-

See COVID-19, 4

New Taco Bell coming to Selmer

See DISTRESSED, 5

Tennessee, McNairy sees record voting turnout

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See VOTING, 5

See more YEAR IN REVIEW, Pages 3-5

McNairy Co. COVID-19 Cases as of December 29

Coronavirus cases expected to rise By Angele Latham Editor

Total Tested 15,164 Cases 1,985 Deaths 37 Recovered 1,639

As McNairy County exits the holiday season, health officials worry about the spike in COVID-19 cases predicted to follow the massive amounts of holiday travel and gatherings. Seen here are the new cases (blue) and the seven day case average (red). The sharp spike at 12/1 depicts the case spread post-Thanksgiving. Based on the even greater number of family members traveling for Christmas, this spike is expected to be replicated exponentially. The drop-off in the red line, seen close the right edge, is where cases are still being tabulated. Graph courtesy of the TN Department of Health

Bible Verse

“ Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength..” Nehemiah 8:10

❚ Opinion 7 ❚ Obituaries 8 ❚ Events 9 ❚ Classifieds 10 ❚ Sports 11 ❚

News

Page 2 v Independent Appeal

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Supreme Court halts in-person courtroom proceedings through January 29, 2021.

Fort Drum From Page 1

ing with,” Sgt. Pearson said. “Let us not allow this terrible atrocity to consume us, instead let’s celebrate the many lessons Harris and this event has taught us.” The Rev. Jeff Smith, of the First Baptist Church on State Street, organized the memorial to make sure Fort Drum and its soldiers know the community “will weep together” in the loss of the corporal. His commanding officer, Lt. Col. Jon Chavous, commander of the 1st Squad, 89th Calvary Regimen, recalled how he just saw Cpl. Harris last week initiating an impromptu training session with a few other soldiers on the M249 semiautomatic rifle, just because they had a few minutes to work on it. “That was the kind of soldier he was,” he said. The loss of the young corporal will leave a void in the unit, Lt. Col. Chavous said. He will miss seeing the young soldier’s “bright red hair and almost permanent smile” around the unit. The lieutenant colonel made it known he was proud that the infantryman was going to attend sniper school next month. While the soldier was taken at such a young age, Cpl. Harris made a difference to anyone who came in contact with him, Rev. Smith said. When he saw a picture of the corporal, Rev. Smith said he knew right away why his friends called him “Opie,” referring to the fictional character of a little boy with red hair on the 1960s television program, The Andy Griffith Show. Cpl. Harris was called the nickname during his days as a golfer and a pitcher on his high school’s teams in a small town in Tennessee. Former Mayor Joseph M. Butler, Jr., Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for New York, relayed a message from Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy, who sent condolences to the soldier’s family, soldiers in his unit and the Fort Drum

Byron Maxedon Circuit/General Sessions/Juvenile Court Clerk of McNairy County

Photo by Sydney Schaefer of the Watertown Daily Times

(Continued) Nearly 100 people gather at Thompson Park on Wednesday night for a memorial service honoring slain Fort Drum soldier Cpl. Hayden Harris, 20. community. Mayor Butler described the corporal as “a good soldier and a great young man.” Standing in the winter chill, with some wearing masks featuring the American flag, community members were told by Rev. Smith that Cpl. Harris will no longer have to deal with the tribulations of life because he was joining the Lord to “the Climb to Glory in Heaven.” In his comments, Rev. Smith also made sure mourners know the meaning of the words “Climb to Glory” — Fort Drum’s motto — that are prominently displayed on the monument. So did Sgt. Pearson. “I love you as a fellow soldier and as a friend, may I see you again when I reach my ‘rendezvous with destiny,’ you have already ‘climbed to glory’ and your legacy will live on, I will meet you ‘at the top,’” he said.

The man arrested in connection with the corporal’s death, Pvt. Jamaal Mellish, 23, remains in the custody of Fort Drum Military Police, awaiting extradition to New Jersey. It’s expected that he will be charged with murder and weapons possessions. Investigators believe Pvt. Mellish abducted Cpl. Harris in the corporal’s 2017 Chevrolet Silverado and drove him to Sussex County, N.J., after the two argued about trading vehicles. Cpl. Harris was reported missing last Friday. Pvt. Mellish was apprehended after a traffic stop on outer Arsenal Street in the town of Watertown less than 48 hours later. Sgt. Pearson thanked friends and comrades that expeditiously reported Cpl. Harris’ disappearance and “ultimately led to the fast recovery of the perpetrator.”

The Supreme Court in Tennessee issued an order on December 22, 2020 to all courts throughout the State of Tennessee halting all in person courtroom proceedings through January 29, 2021, due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the State of Tennessee. This order does not affect those who are currently incarcerated in jail, only Civil Cases and those defendants who are released from incarceration on a current bond. The courts will still hear cases for defendants that are incarcerated, emergency orders of protection, and child welfare cases. If you are involved in a Criminal or Civil case in McNairy County and have an attorney we please ask that you contact your attorney for future court dates. If you are not represented by an attorney please contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office at 731-645-1015 to inquire about your next court. It is the responsibility of the individuals involved in there cases to maintain contact on future court dates. The following are the orders from the Supreme Court. 1) The suspension of all jury trials is extended through the close of business on Friday, February 26, 2021, subject only to exceptions which may be granted by the Chief Justice on a case-by-case basis. 2) All in-person proceedings in all

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

The Year in Review

FLOOD

FROM PAGE 1

are some road repairs that will be ongoing for the next few weeks.” The bridge was closed all day on Wednesday and into Thursday. “Bridge crews (from the Tennessee Department of Transportation) inspected the bridge once the water receded and found no structural damage,” said TDOT spokeswoman Nichole Lawrence. “While it was closed, there were some asphalt repairs made to the surface. It was opened after the inspection cleared.” Ouellette reported the storms downed some trees, damaged a dirt embankment at the north fire station and a support wall in the city cemetery. “It affected a lot of things,” he said. “We are thankful for the patience of the residents during the flooding. We appreciate everyone understanding that certain streets had to be closed.” Selmer Public Works Director Richard Ashe said one city water plant was 100 percent destroyed. “The electrical, motor, pumps, scada system, all those kinds of items that do not like water,” he said. “It got 6-8 inches of it. We’ve

MORRISON FROM PAGE 1

August 5 By Joel Counce Staff Writer

Gary Morrison left his mark on McNairy County. Morrison served as president of the McNairy County NAACP and was a past worshipful master of the Masons Crescent Lodge in Selmer. Morrison, a native of Guys, was the oldest of six siblings, but the only child of blues musician Buster Morrison of Paducah, Kentucky and Julia Avery. He was eight years older than his second oldest sibling. “He was our protec-

got one down will be down two or three weeks.” Ashe estimated the plant pumps about 1 million gallons of water perday. The flood damage put Selmer residents on a boiled water notice. The water also damaged two generators, according to Ashe. “We need to get at least one of those running again,” he said. “This is notthe first time we’ve had issues. We will get through it. We don’t have any other choice.” Selmer Mayor John Smith commended city employees for their response to the flood. “They did a great job before, during and after it,” he said. “We are still tabulating damages and still having some issues with some side streets.” Seven streets had damage in Bethel Springs. “We had to close any street with a bridge – Hopkins, Bethel Purdy Road, Front Street,” said Bethel Springs City Administrator Deborah Sullivan. “There was a spot on Main Street where it washed underneath the road. On Murray Loop, it washed all that dirt away and we had to close a section to it.” McNairy Road and Adams Street were also closed.

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Heavy rain swells lakes, creeks causing damage By Joel Counce Up to six inches of rain in a 12-hour period flooded McNairy County last week, doubling the rainfall totals for June and swelling flood retention lakes and creeks into downtown Selmer. Over 50 businesses and three government agency buildings had fl ood damage, mostly along the Court Avenue corridor. Meteorologist Kole Fehling with the National Weather Service in Memphis said the rainfall was part of a bigger Up to six inches of rain in a 12-hour period flooded front moving through West Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. “We had flooding all across our area, but it flooded at different times,” he said. “A storm came through Arkansas and West Tennessee that missed (McNairy County) completely. “It was good that different areas got hit at different times. Otherwise, you would have been saturated.” Fehling said despite the amount of rainfall, the storm was not unusal.

Finger couple found safe after going missing By Angele Latham Editor

An elderly couple went missing from their Finger farm Tuesday, December 8, and after a massive search operation were found many hours later completely unharmed. David and Loveda Martin, owners of their 100-acre farm on Leapwood Road, were discovered missing by their children around 3:30-4 p.m. that day. They were found around 10:30 p.m. walking down Center Hill Road, and were picked up by McNairy County resident Collin Sealander. “A huge thank you to everyone that turned out this evening to help,” Melvin Martin, son of the Martins and director of the Hardin County Emergency Management Agency, said. “After being missing for about eight hours, my parents were found safe. They had walked about two miles through the woods, (and) other than scratched up and tired, they are fine.” According to officers, their children had last made contact with the couple around 9 a.m. that morning, and after being unable to reach them later, grew concerned. The husband and wife both have dementia, and are known to take walks in

“This is a normal summertime pattern,” he said. “There is a chance of flash flooding every afternoon and evening across the area and that could lead to more flooding.” McNairy County Soil Conservation District Agent Clint King said eight of the county’s nine floodwater retention lakes were full, but held water back. “Most of them were at flood stage,” he said. “Only one activated the flood spillway and flooded water. To my knowledge, that is the first time in the lakes’ history it has happened. “Their sole purpose is the prevention of flooding further downstream in the watershed by holding water higher on the landscape.” The lakes have a capacity of 1.96 billion gallons of flood water that is slowly released to prevent flooding. McNairy County Mayor Larry Smith said the lakes served their purpose. “These lakes provide more than a source of recreation,” he said. “This flood serves as a reminder of their purpose in protecting both property and lives.” The lakes are designed to withstand a 100-year storm.

Staff Writer

tor,” his sister, Terri Avery Wiggins said. “And when we (were) adults, he still treated us like we were children. He loved family. There was a total of eight kids, six brothers, my sister and I.” Morrison graduated from Ramer High School in 1967 at 16-years-old and studied computer programming at UT-Martin. “Gary was always very smart, extremely smart,” Wiggins said. “He was very driven, he always had a great job, a good paying job.” Morrison’s friend and McNairy County NAACP Secretary Joyce Strickland agreed. “He liked getting things done,” Strickland said. “He didn’t believe in sitting

the area. Dispatch later received a call from McNairy County Fire Chief Steve Stoll concerning the couple, beginning the organization of numerous county agencies and first responders, including the Finger Fire Department, Selmer Police Department, the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Hardin County and Madison County responders, and many more. Helicopters and K-9 teams were also deployed. Hardin County Fire set up a command post at the house, according to McNairy County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Zach Bay. “We are just searching everything we can,” he said. Large numbers of volunteers from across the county joined the search, both on foot and in vehicles. Homeowners in the area opened their doors to searchers, providing coffee, food and warmth to the cold-stricken volunteers. Raucous shouts and cheers could be heard through the woods as word spread that the couple was found, ending the cold and harrowing search that could have had a very different outcome.

INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 3

around. He was the type of person who always wanted to be doing something.” Morrison had six children: Derric, Chris, Gary, Chad, Syletta and Jocelyn. Derric Morrison, now a pastor at Transforming Lives Ministries described his father as fun. “He had a lot of really good traits,” he said. “He was a lot of fun. He was really athletic.” Terrance Burns worked as a secretary for the Selmer Crescent Mason Lodge and served in the organization with Morrison for a decade. “He was a great person to work with,” Burns said. “He always had good ideas of how we could serve the community, how we could raise money so we could

• THIS FLOOD LED TO THE RESURGENCE OF THE WATERSHED DEBATE, CURRENTLY BEING COVERED EXTENSIVELY BY THE INDEPENDENT APPEAL

serve the community. He worked in corporate America and had good ideas from that. He was always willing to work, willing to travel.” Morrison was a member of the Masons Crescent Lodge for about 40 years. “He was always ready to hold the big men’s feetto the fire,” Burns said. “He made sure everybody was doing what we were supposed to be doing.” Lashell Moore, president of the Mary Lou Johnson Foundation, worked with Morrison on several events in McNairy County. “He was very passionate about helping the community,” Moore said. “He wanted to see more equality. He wanted to see more awareness with that aspect

community.” Morrison passed away on July 21. He was 69-years-old. “I’m still in shock,” Strickland said. “To me, he was a lifelong friend. We shared an aunt together, we went to school together, we graduated together. That’s a part of your life – you used to sit around and laugh with him, and now you can’t do that.” “We’re forging on,” she added. “We’ve had a great loss and we will have to forge on.”

of it. He worked to make a better community. He was very active with the (McNairy High School) Alumni Association. He worked for a lot of black history preservation.” Morrison last helped an event with the McNairy County NAACP in a peacefulmarch on June 13. “We just want more unity march on June 13. “We just want more unity,” he said after the march. “We can’t do anything about what has happened in the past. We can only do so much about what is happening in the country, but we can be proactive and work together toward a better

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Biden confirmed By Angele Latham Editor

President-elect Joe Biden confirmed by the Electoral College President-elect Joe Biden has been confirmed by the electoral college after winning 306 votes to Trump’s 232 in yesterday’s official electoral college count. Tennessee electors met at 10 a.m. Monday morning to formally cast their electoral college votes, with the state’s 11 electoral college votes going to President Donald Trump. These 11 votes reflect the 1,852,475 Tennessee voters (or a 60.7 percent majority) who cast their ballot for the incumbent in the presidential election. Tennessee’s votes were 11 of the 232 electors that cast their votes for President Donald Trump, while former Vice President Joe Biden earned 306. These results were sent with the other 50 states’ results Monday evening to Washington, where they will be tallied in the January 6 session of Congress, led by Vice President Mike Pence. In a speech after the Electoral College affirmed Biden’s victory, the former vice president emphasized the rights of all Americans “to have (their) vote counted.” “In America, politicians

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NEWS

PAGE 4 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL

The Year in Review

COVID-19 FROM PAGE 1

PLEA

fects of the virus have created a pandemic unlike any other scene since perhaps the 1918 influenza pandemic. So far, 81.7 million people have been infected worldwide, with 1.78 million deaths. In America alone, the country currently boasting the highest transmission rate, 19.4 million people have been infected and 336,000 have died. The disease has touched every aspect of life: from school attendance, to grocery shopping to the simple action of eating dinner with family. There is no way to innumerate the effects of this exhausting year, and no way to summarize the changes we’ve had to make to survive. The virus hit McNairy County on March 28, when the first case was reported within its boundaries. Since then, schools have closed, re-

FROM PAGE 1

West Tennessee daily coronavirus trends opened and re-closed again and again, gatherings have shut down, businesses have struggled, and the people of McNairy County have come together with uncommon grace to support each other through the hard times. Thanks to the postThanksgiving day travel spike, McNairy County is within it’s highest peak yet of new cases. Even statewide, Tennes-

see continues to lead the entire United States—and in some data points, the world—in coronavirus cases per-capita. The state is now averaging almost 10,000 new cases and around 100 deaths per day, with 2,888 people hospitalized and 745 people in the ICU for coronavirus as of Tuesday, December 22. 399 of those are on ventilators, according to state data. On December 16, Jackson-Madison County General hospital announced that every one of its 62 ventilators were in use—though now some are available, numbers remain dangerously low. 77 percent of the hos-

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McNairy County residents better get their wallets and stomachs ready, because a new restaurant is moving into Selmer. Locally-owned Hospitality Tennessee announced late Monday that a Taco Bell franchise will be constructed in the currently-vacant lot on Mulberry Avenue in Selmer. “We’re so excited!” said Jessica Woodburn, director of marketing for Hospitality Tennessee. The groundbreaking for the construction will be Monday, September 28 at 11 a.m. Selmer Mayor John Smith, along with Taco Bell franchise partner Matt Prouty of Collierville, will assist in the event. Construction is expected to last 90 to 100 days, and the predicted opening date is between January and February. The restaurant will be marking some firsts, as well. “It’s going to be one of the first restaurants that we built that’s going to have digital exterior menu boards,” Woodburn said. “So it’s a better customer experience, and it’s better

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for us to update and put pictures on.” It’s also the first franchise opened by the company during the pandemic. With most Taco Bell’s exclusively regulated to drivethroughs only, Woodburn is not sure if the Selmer one will immediately open its dining area or not. “COVID-19 has redefined our business…It’s hard to see where we’ll be in three months,” she laughed. ”I feel like we’d love to have the diner opened when we open for business, but I don’t know. This will be the first one we’re opening in this environment.” The restaurant will be hiring 50 to 60 local residents. “Starting next week we’ll start a big hiring campaign, so people can start training as soon as possible,” Woodburn said. The job listing will be posted soon—possibly as soon as next week— on tacobell.com/careers. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. The restaurant’s hours will likely be Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m.—1a.m., and Friday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m.

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August 12 By Joel Counce Staff Writer

Former Selmer Police Chief Neal Burks pleaded best interest to theft and was sentenced to a $1,000 and one day in jail. He was given credit for time served. A charge of official misconduct was dismissed. Burks was placed on administrative leave after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant on his home around 7:15 p.m. Dec. 17. Agents Burks were looking for a cell phone that had been seized by the Selmer Police Department as evidence. Burks was booked into the McNairy County Jail and released on $5,000 bond. Burks’ son, Micheal was arrested and charged with theft of property and two counts of tampering with evidence after agents found the phone in his bedroom closet. The McNairy County grand jury on Feb. 10. indicted Neal Burks on both charges. Selmer attorney Terry Abernathy announced Burks’ retirement of no later than March 31 at the city council’s Dec. 10 meeting. Burks, 77, served 30 years with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He replaced Selmer Police Chief R.B. Leonard in February, 1997.

McNairy County last in 2020 census response By Angele Latham Editor

After a long and stumbling process, the 2020 census has finally come to its official close. After a last-minute save to extend the previous September 30 deadline to October 31, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s efforts to end the census earlier—changing the deadline once again, this time to October 15. McNairy County finished the census with no change to the previous weeks’ ranking of last in the state, coming in at only 44 percent accounted for. The under-counting of county residents will lead to a drastic plunge in federal and state funding for numerous programs like elderly services, road maintenance, public health, education, poverty and food assistance programs and much more. Data from the census is also used to determine apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, and to define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other functional areas of local government. The efforts made by the administration to close the census earlier than planned, despite the difficulty faced by census workers to reach minority and rural communities, stems from a previous legal battle than began last year. The administration was adamant in its attempt to insert a citizenship question into the census, which would then be used to invalidate responses from undocumented immigrants. After this issue climbed all the way to the Supreme Court, the Court ruled that the reasons for the question were “contrived,” and essentially stated that taking data from the census

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pital’s beds are also in use. Additionally, 84 percent of the hospital’s COVID-19 patients are from surrounding West Tennessee counties, like McNairy County. Case positivity rating is also at its highest point since the pandemic began at 32.2 percent. The sharp upwards trend of cases in the county shows no sign of slowing down. A similar trajectory—if worse—is expected to occur following Christmas travel, both county-wide and statewide. These numbers are expected to climb around the first second weeks of January.

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for any reason other than counting individuals was a violation of the census. Trump responded to this ruling by saying that it was his administration’s right to unilaterally alter the census count to simply exclude the immigrants afterwards. The Supreme Court’s reversal on the matter this past week, which ended the census officially on October 15, ensures that the final census data will be presented to Trump by the end of the year— allowing him to make changes to the data before a possible shift in presidential power in January. Any alterations made to the numbers could drastically affect the political representation for communities with large numbers of immigrant workers, on top of the already low rates of response from many of the rural communities that hire immigrant workers. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that over 99 percent of households were accounted for by the deadline. While this number sounds nearly complete, it still leaves about three million Americans unaccounted for. This gap in coverage can hardly be seen anywhere more detrimentally than in rural communities—and among these: McNairy County. The final count for cities in McNairy County are: Enville: 50.9 percent (Ranking 287 out of 346 cities in the state) Adamsville: 48 percent (Ranking 301 out of 346 cities in the state) Selmer: 45.1 percent (Ranking 312 out of 346 cities in the state) Eastview: 43 percent (Ranking 319 out of 346 cities in the state) Finger: 42.9 percent (Ranking 320 out of 346 cities in the state) Bethel Springs: 42 percent (Ranking 323 out of 346 cities in the state) Statonville: 37.4 percent (Ranking 327 out of 346 cities in the state) Milledgeville: 36.5 percent (Ranking 330 out of 346 cities in the state) Guys: 34.3 percent (Ranking 333 out of 346 cities in the state) Michie: 33.8 percent (Ranking 336 out of 346 cities in the state) Ramer: 27.2 percent (Ranking 341 out of 346 cities in the state)

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NEWS

INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 5

The Year in Review DISTRESSED FROM PAGE 1

By Joel Counce Staff Writer

McNairy County has been upgraded. The county was one of four removed from the statewide list of distressed counties. “We’ve been working hard on that since I’ve been here,” said McNairy County Emergency Management Director Allen Strickland. “There are a lot of economic indicators that point toward that.” Strickland said the improvement from distressed to at-risk is bittersweet. “Because you’re not a distressed county, you lose eligibility for some funding,” he said. “But you look better when someone comes in looking to put in a business. That would be a mark against you, so to speak. It will help in bringing in some businesses.” McNairy County Chamber of Commerce CEO Eddie Crittendon agreed. “It shows we are moving in positive direction from an economic development, quality of life, income level standpoints,” he said. “It improves opportunities. When a company looks at putting $20 million, $30 million into a distressed county, they ask ‘can they handle it?’ It’s a big step.” McNairy County Mayor Larry Smith said the new designation is a step in the right direction. “We have been working daily to improve the economic status of McNairy County,” he said. “We are grateful to hear today’s news, but our work is only just beginning.” Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said in a press release that he was proud of the improvement. “McNairy, Jackson, Fentress and Morgan counties have shown tremendous improvement and we are proud to support continued efforts for greater stability and prosperity,” he said. “As these counties improve beyond distressed status this means more residents have access to quality jobs and economic security and we are committed to efforts that sustain this progress.” The state has the fewest distressed counties (11) since 2007, according to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The commission prepares an index of county economic status for every county in the United States each year. Designations are identified through a composite measure of each county’s three-year average unemployment rate, per-capita market income and poverty rate. Each county is then categorized as distressed, at-risk, transitional, competitive or attainment based on these results. Smith said work to improve the county will continue. “Moving forward, we will continue to work hard and think outside the box to support the unique needs or our county,” he said. “We are thankful to Governor Lee for his support of rural communities like ours.”

VOTING

FROM PAGE 1 By Angele Latham Editor

As predicted by the Independent Appeal last week, Tennessee saw a record-breaking number of voters turn out for the 2020 election cycle. 3,045,401 Tennesseans—or 68 percent of the state’s registered voters—cast their ballots in-person during early voting and on Election Day, as well as by mail-in for the November 3 deadline. The previous Tennessee voter turn-out record, made in 2008, hardly stands a chance against 2020’s: at just 2,618,238 votes cast, voter turnout for 2020 gained a 16.31 percent increase. The state also saw separate record-breaking numbers for early in-person voting and mail-in voting. As reported last week in the Independent Appeal, 2,280,767 Tennesseans voted in the early voting session, or 51 percent of all Tennessee voters. This is an impressive 36.11 percent increase from 2016’s turnout. “For months, our office has worked with election commissions and health officials across the state to ensure that in-person voting was clean, safe and secure,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Traditionally, Tennesseans prefer to vote in-person. We’ve said it for months, and yet again, voters showed their confidence in the safety precautions in place and their preference to cast a ballot in-person by showing up in record numbers at the polls.” Despite these increases, Tennessee still remains in the eighth lowest state for voter turnout results, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. To zoom in more locally, McNairy County saw positive spikes in voter participation as well. Within the county, there were 15,661 number of registered voters as of November 6. According to the McNairy County Election Commission, 11,309 ballots (or 72.2 percent) were cast by county residents in this election cycle, a 10 percent increase from 2016’s turnout of 10,155 (or 62.9 percent). Of those 11,309 voters, 9,085 (or 80.5 percent) voted for Donald Trump for president, while 1,943 (or 17.2 percent) voted for Joe Biden. Across the ballot—from the Presidential race down to local elections—a consistent pattern of 80 percent Republican vote, 20 percent Democratic vote, could be seen within the county. This pattern is the same as 2016’s election, where the demographic difference remained virtually the same. (The 2020 numbers do, of course, represent the unofficial results—certified results for the county are due to the state Division of Elections by Monday, November 23.) In regards to early voting, McNairy County saw 7,204 voters participate in the early voting session—a 28.32 percent increase from 2016’s 5,614 voters. Of the 7,204 votes, there were 6,814 in-person early voters and 390 absentee voters. “We would not have seen the record numbers of voters have such a smooth voting experience during a pandemic without the months and countless hours of planning by Tennessee’s 95 election commissions, administrators, and staff,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “Thanks to the roughly 17,000 poll officials who stepped up to serve their communities and carry out all the planning to provide Tennesseans with a safe and secure in-person voting experience.”

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Shooting, high-speed chase leaves one dead in Bethel Springs incident October 12 By Angele Latham Editor

A high-speed chase ended in a shooting death early Monday morning on the 5700 block of Highway 45 in Bethel Springs. Anthony Jones, 25, was shot twice by Henderson Police Officers shortly after 1 a.m., and died hours later in a hospital in Corinth, Mississippi. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed chase began at approximately 1:14 a.m. on U.S. Highway 45 in Chester County. Officers from the Henderson Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop after receiving a call regarding a possible impaired driver. This vehicle was later found to be driven by Jones. After officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Jones led them on “an extended pursuit,” at times exceeding 100 miles per hour. Jones eventually wrecked the vehicle in the median along the 5700 block of Highway 45 in Bethel Springs. He then exited the vehicle and, according to the report, “portrayed, with actions and statements, to have a firearm.” Two Henderson officers gave “verbal commands” to Jones, which he ignored. Officers then attempted to subdue Jones with a taser, which did not work. The situation then apparently escalated, resulting in one of the officers firing two shots from a service weapon, striking Jones. Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene by officers and EMS, Jones died hours later. No firearm was found at the scene. It was later determined that the vehicle Jones was driving had been reported stolen in Jackson immediately prior to the chase. No law enforcement officers were hurt in the incident. The TBI will not identify the officers “involved in these types of incidents.” The investigation remains ongoing. Protest forms A small protest formed in front of the Henderson City Hall in Chester County last Wednesday in response to the shooting death of Anthony Jones, the 25 year old Jackson native who was shot in a high-speed chase incident in McNairy County on October 12. Around 20 locals gathered in front of the building, hoping to get an audience with the city mayor and the police chief.

Those involved said they wanted answers from the largely-silent TBI investigation and the county government, and for the involved officers to be suspended without pay pending the investigation. “Another issue is the fact that these police officers crossed the county line to subdue and shoot this man,” said Tracy Boyd, the local activist and organizer who was leading the march. “They should have never been over there.” In his faux bulletproof vest emblazoned with the words “Dear Police: I’m a white woman, don’t shoot,” Boyd led the crowd in a peaceful march around the city as he shouted “Answers for Anthony.” Framed by a labyrinth of campaign signs, Trump/ Pence stickers and suspicious onlookers peering out of windows, the event felt like a very literal translation of the nation’s current climate surrounding racial issues. Stephanie Ballard, a Chester County resident who lives close to Finger, came prepared with a poster reading “Answers for Anthony.” Although not related to the Jones family, Ballard felt drawn to come “It hit so close to home, and it bothered me so badly,” she said, shaking her head sadly. “So I got involved. This has to stop.” Jones’ sister, Sierra Jones, told reporters that she “only wants answers,” and that the police responses “just aren’t lining up.” “I appreciate everyone that came,” she said. When asked what her goal was with this march, her answer was simple. “We want justice. We want answers.” The group did not make contact with the mayor or the police chief on Wednesday, and despite undercover police presence around town, the police department was locked and closed to the public, stated to be due to “health reasons.” The Independent Appeal reached out to the Henderson City Police Chief, but did not receive a response. The high-speed chase and police confrontation that sparked the protest occurred around 1 a.m. on Highway 45 in Bethel Springs on October 12. The incident ended when Henderson Police shot Jones twice. No firearm was found on Jones. He was transported from the scene, but died hours later. Jones’ body has been released to the family. The TBI will not reveal the names of the officers involved, as per policy, though they confirmed that no law enforcement officers were hurt in the incident. The investigation continues.

Guys resident, soldier murdered By Angele Latham Editor

A U.S. Army soldier is being charged in relation to the death of Guys resident and former McNairy Central golfer/baseball player Cpl. Hayden “Opie” Harris, 20, after Harris went missing from his military base in upstate New York last Thursday. After a two-day search, authorities found Harris’s body in a wooded area of Byram Township, New Jersey, on Saturday. The young soldier was last heard from Thursday night after he went to Watertown, New York, for a “vehicle exchange,” according to First Assistant Sussex County Prosecutor Gregory Mueller. His roommate reported him missing after Harris did not return. The exchange was with fellow soldier Jamaal Mellish, after which authorities Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army posit that Mellish “abducted” Harris and killed him. Mellish, 23, is being held in New York with charges pending. Harris, an infantryman with the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, trained at Fort Benning, Georgia, before joining the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum in July 2019. “His death is a tremendous loss for his loved ones, this division and our nation,” Brigadier General Brett Funck, acting commander for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, said in a statement. Harris was promoted from specialist to corporal following his death. Harris was a 2018 graduate of McNairy Central, and was renowned for becoming the winning pitcher in the district championship game, after coming in to pitch as a reliever. Harris, who had only pitched five innings during the regular season prior to the Staff Photo by Joel Counce district title game, had been called up Coach The flag at Guys Town Hall is lowered to half mast. Brian Franks after a double-elimination “I’ve been thinking of the ‘The Grand Ole Flag,’ and how it has tournament decimated Franks’ pitching stood through good times and bad” Guys Mayor Keith Rinehart staff. said. “(Harris) loved that flag, he loved his country. With all that is Harris pitched seven and two-thirds ingoing on, here’s a young man from Guys who was off to defend nings to earn his first win of the season. that flag, his country. Now his life has been taken from him in a Further information to come. senseless act. For visitation and services for Harris, see “We felt that (that lowering the flag) was the right thing to do.” page 8.

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NEWS

McNairy County Sheriff’s Department reports By Angele Latham Editor

• On December 23, 2020, Sergeant Ricky Finley was dispatched to The Springs Pentecostal Church in Bethel Springs regarding a theft. A repairmen who had been called to fix the church’s heating system discovered “multiple units that had been cut open and everything copper removed from the inside.” Finely did find a pair of cutters with “black and yellow handles” lying on the ground beside the units. The repairmen also stated that two entire new units had been stolen. Finley also noted that the suspects had “cut a path to move more freely” on the back side of the church. There were also tire tracks around the church. The assistant pastor stated that he had been at the church the previous Friday, as well as the following Sunday, and all units were fine. Finley, who also serves part time with the Bethel Springs PD, patrolled the area on Dec. 22 and noticed nothing amiss. The case has been assigned to investigators. • On December 23, 2020, Deputy Kevin Wood was dispatched to an address on Murray School Road in Bethel Springs regarding a burglary in progress. Dispatch advised that a silver van had pulled up to a residence and “the van was not supposed to be there.” While Wood was en route, dispatch also advised that the vehicle had left with the caller trying to catch up to it to get its tags. The vehicle could not be located. The callers, also the owners of the residence, explained that no one lives in the house and it is mostly used for storage. It was discovered that the back window “was busted out,” and the carport was cleared to make room for a vehicle to easily pull up. The AC unit on the side of the house had also been tampered with, and what appeared to be the copper wiring stripped. The vehicle was described as a silver Winstar van, with the driver being a “thin, white male, with a gray toboggan and approximately six feet tall.” The passenger was described as a “shorter white male with darker, shaggier hair.” The victim believes they saw the van and the driver at the Selmer Quick Stop on Peach Street between 7:30-8:00 a.m. that morning. Among the items stolen are a black go-kart and a drill press. Numerous items were moved around as if in the process of being stolen. Wood was able to get camera footage from the Selmer Quick Stop, and did identify two men as the suspects in the burglary. The case has been handed over to investigators. • On December 22, 2020, Sergeant Mike Shipman was dispatched on behalf of Greater Evangelical Church regarding a theft. Shipman responded to an address on Highway 64 East, where he made contact with a member for the church, who stated that sometime within the past three months someone had cut the lock on the church’s storage trailer. The cut was only noticed last week. Inside the trailer were items the church uses occasionally. “Multiple items” were stolen, including multiple expensive flower arrangements and decorations, crafting materials and dining room chairs. • On December 25, 2020, Deputy David Kelso was dispatched to the scene of a vehicle theft on Guys Chewalla Road in Ramer after the victim reported that their 2005 Mercedes-Benz Kompressor had been stolen sometime between 11:30 p.m. the previous night and 7 p.m. Christ-

mas Day. The spouse of the victim first noticed the absence of the vehicle. They stated that their son had been in the car around 11:30 the previous night listening to music, and when he got out, he left the keys in the car. The car was noted to have a specialty tag that says “Choose Life” on the bottom. The victim stated that their daughter had friends over the night of the 24th, and the one of them was very envious of the vehicle. The subject had previously asked numerous times if the victim would be willing to sell the car, which they were not. At the time, the NCIC and Tennessee Criminal Justice Portal were down to due the Nashville bombing, so further information was unavailable. A supplemental report filed on December 26: Deputy Kelso was speaking with dispatchers about the stolen vehicle when dispatchers noted hearing of a similar vehicle involved in a wreck. The vehicle’s description, tag description and number, as well as VIN number matched the stolen Mercedes. Tennessee Highway Patrol placed a hold on the vehicle, however, pending an investigation, due to the driver leaving the scene of the accident. A supplemental report filed on December 27: Kelso and Deputy Gilbert did follow up on the theft after new information required them to speak with the original suspect (the friend of the daughter.) The suspect was located, and originally denied having anything to do with the theft or wreck. Kelso stated that anyone who had been involved in the wreck would likely have minor injures to their legs. After asking the suspect to show his legs to officer, the suspect “began to try to explain the injuries that were there before ever showing them.” The injuries on his right leg were consistent with injuries that would occur during a wreck, according to the report. The suspect did eventually confess to the theft and the wreck, saying that they lost control around Essery Springs and—because they were on probation and house arrest—knew they would “be in trouble,” so fled. Charges were not pressed by the McNairy County Sheriff’s Department, but charges are likely to be pressed by Tennessee Highway Patrol. • On December 27, 2020, Joseph Barham, 55, of Adamsville, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after Deputy David Kelso was dispatched in Gilchrist Road in Adamsville on a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, Kelso made contact with the victim, who “had a white bandage on (their) left shoulder on the back side, and it was apparent that there was a lot of blood trying to come through the bandage.” The victim stated that they had come to the residence to visit a friend, and when they walked through the door they were jumped on by Barham. The two went to the ground fighting, when Barham “pulled an Ozark Trail fixed blade knife from his side and started stabbing (the victim) in the left shoulder.” Several witnesses on scene gave the same statement. The victim was treated on the scene by EMS and released. McNairy County Deputies and Adamsville PD went to an address on Elm Street in Adamsville to make contact with Barham. Barham did admit to pulling out the knife, but claimed it was self-defense and that he did not stab the victim. Barham was taken into custody, and the knife—which was recovered at Barham’s residence—was entered into evidence.

Christmas day Nashville bombing suspect ID’ed, motive yet unclear By Angele Latham Editor

Days after the Christmas day explosion rocked the streets of downtown Nashville, investigators have identified the bomber but have yet to find his motive. Anthony Quinn Warner, 63, of Antioch, Tennessee, was identified as the bomber after his remains were discovered in the vehicle used in the explosion on 166 2nd Avenue North. The blast injured at least eight people and damaged over 40 buildings, though no deaths were reported. Among the damaged buildings was an AT&T transmission facility, which provided wireless service to much of the area, including 911 services across the state. McNairy County Emergency Management Director Alan Strickland was able to confirm that the county communications systems suffered no affects from the blast. According to FBI agents on the scene in Nashville, law enforcement officers are still interviewing people who knew Warner in an attempt to understand his motive. No other people are suspected of being involved. Before the explosion, the RV could be heard broadcasted a computerized feminine voice repeating a warning to residents to evacuate. The RV also played Petula Clark’s 1964 hit “Downtown,” a song about loneliness in a downtown area. Officers responded to the loudly-broadcasting vehicle prior to the explosion after they received calls regarding an active shooter. After hearing the warning, the officers evacuated the area—finishing just mere moments before the explosion. “I just saw the biggest flames I’ve ever seen, the biggest explosion,” Nashville officer Amanda Topping said in a press conference. “I just saw orange and ... felt the heat, the wave.” Warner had not previously been on law enforcement’s radar, barring a past drug charge.

AT&T was able to get power to the damaged building with generators on Saturday, allowing the majority of services to be restored, according to a statement made by the company.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Courts

From Page 2

state and local courts in Tennessee, including but not limited to municipal, juvenile, general sessions, trial, and appellate courts, shall be suspended from the close of business on Monday, December 28, 2020, through the close of business on Friday, January 29, 2021, subject to the exceptions enumerated in item 3 below. 3) The following are exceptions to the suspension of in-person court proceedings: • Proceedings necessary to protect constitutional rights of criminal defendants, including bond-related matters, preliminary hearings for incarcerated individuals, and plea agreements for incarcerated individuals • Proceedings related to relief from abuse, including but not limited to orders of protection • Proceedings related to

statutory order of protection hearings after entry of an ex parte order necessary to satisfy any due process concerns • Proceedings related to emergency child custody orders • Proceedings related to the voluntary surrender of parental rights • Settlements involving a minor or a person with a disability • Department of Children’s Services emergency matters related to child safety, placement, permanency, or federal funding for children in foster care • Proceedings related to petitions for temporary injunctive relief • Proceedings related to emergency mental health orders • Proceedings related to emergency protection of elderly or vulnerable persons • Proceedings directly related to the COVID-19 public health emergency • Other exceptions as approved by the Chief Justice.

COVID-19 vaccine distribution update By Angele Latham Editor

Following the COVID-19 vaccination of ten McNairy County residents last week, questions have been circulating as to when more McNairians can receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Representatives of the McNairy County Health Department confirm that while more vaccinations are on the way, the eligible pool of recipients is still limited to what the state refers to as “phase 1a2 recipients,” or the secondary level of healthcare workers. Phase 1a2 includes workers like primary care providers and staff, outpatient specialty providers, pharmacists and staff, etc. “Next will be Phase 1b, for those over the age of 65 with two or more high risk factors,” said McNairy County Public Health Educator Beth Hamilton. Some pertinent risk factors include things like cancer, chronic renal disease, COPD, organ transplants, heart failure, etc. So in essence-- be patient. There’s plenty of vaccine to go around. “We want to vaccinate in the county as many people as possible,” she added.

Regions bank to open “as soon as possible” By Angele Latham Editor

After reporting last week that Regions Bank in Selmer had temporarily closed due to a COVID-19 exposure, representatives of the bank assure customers that the bank will reopen “as soon as possible,” but is currently open by appointment only. “Regions’ top priority is the health and well-being of our customers and associates,” said EVP and Chief Communications Officer Paula Drake. “The Selmer branch is temporarily closed as a precaution after we learned of a COVID-19 exposure from an individual who spent time in the branch. We will reopen the branch as soon as possible.” She continued. “Rest assured, in cleaning our facilities, Regions follows precautions that meet or exceed guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Any associates impacted by a COVID exposure will remain on paid quarantine leave and will not return to work until appropriate conditions have been met. We encourage our local customers to take advantage of our online, mobile and ATM banking options as we work to reopen the branch as soon as we can.” A date or time of reopening is pending. Stay tuned for updates.

Public Notice

Town of Selmer 2021 Schedule of Monthly Meetings

The Town of Selmer, Tennessee, Mayor and Board of Alderman regular monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Selmer City Hall at 7:00 p.m. as shown below. The Board will also meet for a work session on Monday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. prior to the regular Tuesday board meetings.

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

Regular Meetings:

Work Sessions:

January 12, 2021 February 09, 2021 March 09, 2021 April 13, 2021 May 11, 2021 June 15, 2021 July, 13, 2021 August 13, 2021 September 14, 2021 October 12, 2021 November 09, 2021 December 14, 2021

January 11, 2021 February 08, 2021 March 08, 2021 April 12, 2021 May 10, 2021 June 14, 2021 July, 12, 2021 August 09, 2021 September 13, 2021 October 11, 2021 November 08, 2021 December 13, 2021

Any person who is disabled under the ADA and needs special assistance to attend any of these meetings should call City Hall ten (10) days prior to the meeting so that we can make arrangements for you. The Selmer Municipal / Regional Planning Commission will meet at Selmer City Hall on 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

An Independent, locally owned newspaper Founded June 27, 1902

MISSION STATEMENT: The Independent Appeal strives to promote and advance McNairy County, educate and inform its citizens, while protecting the people’s right to know, and the rights and interests of our readers and advertisers. The Independent Appeal has a legacy of independent family ownership. Past publishers were: William J. Rail 1976-2000; Leslie Houston, 1974-1976; Bruce Hurt, 1970-1974; George Hamilton, 1964-1970; Wilbur Wright, 1946-1964; B.O. Weeks, 1941-1946; Ken Duke, 1938-1941; Orpheus Abernathy and Family, 1920-1938; Col. J.W. Purviance, 1902-1920. “Dedicated to the peaceful, progressive and proud people of McNairy County.”

Opinion Independent Appeal

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Independent Appeal welcomes your opinion. Letters to the editor are subject to editing or omission for length, style or libel. All letters must include the writer’s name and signature, as well as a phone number and address for verification. The Independent Appeal does not publish anonymous letters. Letters deemed suitable for publication will run as soon as possible after receipt on a space-available basis. Because of space limitations, letters should be limited to 400 words, about two double-spaced, typed pages, one letter per person every 90 days.

Making McNairy County Opinion headlines 119 years

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Independent Appeal, P.O. Box 220, Selmer, TN E-mail to: editor@independentappeal.com

Independent Appeal Page 7

Are Your Buried or Planted? By Bryan Golden Columnist

What’s the difference between buried or planted? Something is buried when it is finished and there is no more potential. However, a planted seed is something which will grow and blossom. So, are you buried or planted? If you are buried, you have given up. If you are planted, you are just getting started. It is your outlook which determines which situation applies to you. As a planted seed, you are poised for personal growth, which yields numerous benefits. Growth boosts your emotional intelligence, overcomes procrastination, exercises your mind and body, enables you to take responsibility for your life, and boosts your productivity. Start your growth by committing to doing more than you think possible. Break through the constraints of your comfort zone, which keep you buried. Don’t get buried by conventional wisdom or naysayer’s negative criticism. Break through your fears. Do what you are afraid to do. Think of fear as False Evidence Appearing Real. Succumbing to fear keeps you buried by preventing growth. Fear of failure is one of the most powerful limiting factors you’ll encounter. Dream big. Whatever you can conceive and believe, you can achieve. Challenge yourself mentally and physically. Achieving worthwhile goals takes effort. Avoid the path of least resistance because it leads nowhere meaningful. Strive for objectives which seem out of reach. Don’t settle for less than you want because you think it’s easier. Education is a lifelong pursuit. Devote at least 20 minutes a week learning one new thing. This technique fuels your growth on a regular basis. The more you know, the more you can accomplish. Maintain an open mind. You never know where good ideas will originate. Be willing to adjust your path to take advantage of opportunities which may arise unexpectedly. Adapt and adjust to circumstances as needed. Physical wellbeing is intertwined with your mental wellbeing. Growth is dependent on a healthy foundation. Taking care of your body involves proper diet and exercise. Eat foods that enhance how you feel. Engage in at least 20 minutes of moderate exercise three to five times each week. Just taking a brisk walk does wonders. Engage in a positive plan of action. Do something productive each and every day which contributes to your growth. Making this a habit leads to amazing results and prevents stagnation. Any journey is completed by taking a series of steps. Cut free from the constraints of your past. Clutching onto your past keeps you buried. The actions you take today are what matter. Repeat behavior which has been successful. Eliminate action which has created problems. Excuses keep you buried. Formulate reasons to succeed instead of conjuring up excuses for failure. Once a problem is identified, devote yourself to finding the solutions which always exist. Becoming a great problem solver is an invaluable skill. Effective time management keeps you growing. Focus on productivity where you are working towards specific goals. Eliminate displacement activity which drains your energy without accomplishing anything. Doing what you love greatly facilitates growth. You’ll look forward to pursuing a desirable objective at every opportunity. Your internal drive won’t allow you to quit. You will make this type of goal a priority. Utilize self-monitoring to maintain your growth track. Self-monitoring is a feedback loop where you are constantly in touch with your actions and results. Self-monitoring enables you to make corrections in order to maximize your effectiveness. If you start to drift off course, you will be able to make adjustments as needed. Employ these strategies to constantly grow. Through repetition they will become engrained habits. Don’t allow your future to become buried. You can make each day a wonderful, rewarding experience.-----------NOW AVAILABLE: “Dare to Live Without Limits,” the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@ columnist.com or write him c/o this paper. Copyright 2020 Bryan Golden

Expand Our Heart By David Coy Columnist

Our prayers certainly go out to all who were injured in the RV explosion in downtown Nashville. As it is true that it was an intentional explosion and preliminary information indicates that it was then it was a despicable and inhumane premeditated act of domestic terror and violence. We have experienced a great deal of sorrow as a country this year through violence, from a Wuhan virus, to domestic terror groups destroying businesses and killing innocent lives, and to mandated lockdowns of businesses by power-hungry politicians. Many good people have lost their lives for a variety of reasons making this year a particularly and deeply sad time in our history and I fear it is not over yet. This is truly a unique time we are living through and will require a unique approach to cope and thrive through this elongated duration of sorrows. Covid-19 does not appear to be lessoning it’s spread through our population any time soon and violence also seems to

be unabated as evidence in the unwarranted attack on Nashville. Forgiveness is a powerful choice we do not exercise nearly enough. It does not demand ignoring evil nor the consequences of evil acts. It will allow us to sleep more peacefully and walk more humbly. Someone well said that when our heart is broken through grief we have the opportunity to allow our heart to expand. It requires us to go through the pain we are experiencing now, we have to go through it to come out to a better place. For some people that will require forgiving whomever or whatever they believe is responsible or they are blaming for their sorrow. Others, it will demand allowing their heart to feel love again, loving others and allowing others to give love to them in return. Expand you heart today. -----------This is Sunrise Aftercare, sunrise@sfdcares.com David Coy Shackelford Corporation Sunrise Aftercare Coordinator/Consoler-Counselor

Home Country Slim Randles Columnist

“Boys,” said our tall cowboy, Steve, “I’ve got a real problem coming up and I’m not sure how to cope with it.” The rest of us in the world dilemma think tank, meeting here each morning as long as the Farmers Brothers coffee doesn’t run out, turned toward our friend. We’re nothing if not a helpful bunch. We put our cups down … even Dud, who was still on his first cup. Doc said, “Maybe we can help a bit, Steve. Tell us about it.” “Well, Doc, it’s these dang New Years Resolutions. Time’s almost here, and I don’t even have one … not even one.” “Why not?” asked Dud. Steve grinned, picked up his coffee mug and raised it in a toast to others at the philosophy counter of the Mule Barn truck stop. “Well,” he said, “since I’m dang near already perfect, it makes it kinda hard to find something that needs improvement.” “We can see,” said Herb, “where that would weigh

on a guy’s mind all right.” “Now Steve, when you say ‘perfect’ you’re speaking hypothetically, right?” Dud leaned over and whispered to Bert. “I thought a hypothetical was what Doc gives us shots with.” “Hypothetically? Bull drool!” Steve said. “Check this out. Muscles. Brain. Ability to drive a pickup truck. Able to level a horse’s hoof with a rasp and a prayer. Hey, I stand before you a genuine American cowboy, the very pinnacle of human evolution. Thank you very much for the thunderous applause you were just now thinking of giving me. I’ll go to the head of the class.” “I may have one solution to your dilemma, Steve.“ “What’s that, Doc?” “Oh … just maybe you could work on that modesty just a bit next year.” --------Brought to you by A Cowboy’s Guide to Growing Up Right. Look it over at www.riorandebooks.com. Avuncular tips from a guy who made lots of mistakes.

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.

PAGE 8 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL

Melissa Pamela Cook Melissa Pamela Cook was born February 29, 1952 in McNairy County, Tenn. the daughter of the late Maxine Dickey . Melissa was a homemaker for her family. She enjoyed watching old movies, especially Westerns. She liked to read Western novels, write recipes, go on outings, spend time with her family and celebrate her birthday. She attended Grace Bible Fellowship in Jackson. Melissa departed this life on December 25, 2020 in Humboldt, Tenn. at the age of 68 years, 9 months, 26 days. She is survived by a son, David Parker of Corinth, Miss; two grandchildren, Josie Parker and Luke Parker; an aunt, Doris Michael and husband Alton of Jackson, Tenn; and a host of cousins. In addition to her mother, Melissa was preceded in death by a son, Phillip Parker. A Graveside Service was held on December 29, 2020 at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Stantonville, Tenn. with Bill Williamson officiating.

Carol Marie Clifton Carol Marie Clifton was born January 26, 1948 in Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Carl and Ethel Sheiffer Pickel. She was united in marriage to Larry Von Clifton on February 16, 1985. Mr. Clifton preceded her in death on April 6, 2016. Mrs. Clifton worked as an aide at McNairy County Developmental Center in Selmer. She truly loved working at the center and caring for all the clients. Her heart was full of love for everyone she came in contact with. When at home, she loved on her two cats, Wobbles and Gracie. Mrs. Clifton departed this life on December 26, 2020 in Corinth, Miss. at the age of 72 years, 11 months. She is survived by a granddaughter, Chasity (Westenhoefer) Hosea and husband Jeremy of Roanoke, Va; four great grandchildren, Carlie, Caiden, Jeremy and Madelyn Hosea; a stepdaughter, Andrea Clifton of Corinth, Miss; two step grandchildren, Dustin Kirkland; Donna Murphy and husband Mike all of Corinth, Miss; two brothers, Barry Pickel and wife Linda, Albert Pickel and wife Melissa; a sister, Deanna Simms and husband Brian; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Clifton was preceded in death by a son, James Robert Westenhoefer; a great granddaughter, Kinsley Marie Hosea. A graveside service will be held on January 2, 2021, 3:00 p.m. at the Lake Hill Memorial Gardens in Bethel Springs, Tenn. with Brenda Crowe officiating.

Jean Phillips Bridges Jean Phillips Bridges, 98, departed this life peacefully to her new home in Heaven on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at AHC in Savannah, Tenn. She was born on September 25, 1922, near Adamsville, Tenn. the daughter the late John P. and Vonnie Hopper Phillips. She later moved to Morris Chapel and lived there until she met and married Ray Bridges on September 14, 1940, who preceded her in death on June 23, 2004. Jean is survived her two sons, James Philip “Phil” Bridges and his wife Gail of Sardis, Tenn., David Ray Bridges and his wife Pie of Orange, TX; daughter, Patricia Ann Smith of Milledgeville, Tenn; 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Bobbie Phillips of Milledgeville, Tenn. and Wilma Phillips of Gallatin, Tenn. In addition to her parents and her husband, Jean was preceded in death by her brothers, Ovid Phillips, John R. Phillips and Jimmy C. Phillips; sisters, Bunnah Finney, Mary Nell Phillips Jones, Patsy J. Ruth and June C. Brown; one grandchild; and one great grandchild. Jean was the oldest member of the Milledgeville United Methodist Church. She was a member of the FCE Club of Sharing Hearts, Adamsville Senior Citizens and Crump Senior Citizens; she enjoyed meeting with her senior friends before the pandemic. She retired from Garan Manufacturing in Adamsville, after several years of employment. Jean enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and many friends, and traveling with her husband before his death in 2004. Everyone knew her as “Mama Jean.” She enjoyed baking pies and cakes for her neighbors and friends, and loved being with people and having company. Mama Jean will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Memorial donations be made to the Milledgeville United Methodist Church, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice. The family requested that masks be worn, and social distancing practiced at both the visitation and the funeral service. Services were held on December 17, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Milledgeville United Methodist Church in Milledgeville, Tenn., with Jimmy Dyer and Jim Osborne officiating. Burial was followed in the Milledgeville Cemetery at Milledgeville, Tenn.

OBITUARIES

Sandra Rose Johnson Clayton Sandra Rose Johnson Clayton was born May 12, 1951 in Selmer, Tenn. the daughter of the late Leland and Clara Rose Lambert Johnson. She was united in marriage to Wayne Clayton on March 16, 1968. Mr. Clayton preceded her in death on August 4, 2020. Sandra was a homemaker, servant of the Lord and second in command at Clayton Farms. Most everyone who knew her affectionately called her, “Nana.” She was a tactfully honest-tell it like it is-lady who loved everyone. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Bethel Springs for over 40 years. Mrs. Clayton departed this life on December 25, 2020 in Finger, Tenn. at the age of 69 years, 7 months, 13 days. She is survived by a daughter, Stacey Moore and husband Tedford of Finger, Tenn; two sons, Jamey Clayton and wife Lisa of Finger, Tenn, Kyle Clayton and wife Alisha of Finger, Tenn; a brother, RA Johnson and wife Paulette of Selmer, Tenn; a sister, Kathy Weatherford of Bethel Springs, Tenn; nine grandchildren, Kelcey Hutcherson and husband Albert, Rachel Kimbrell and husband Nathan, Rebecca Lipford and husband Cody, Robin Moore, Clayton Moore, Annalise and Cash Clayton, Emersyn and Branch Clayton; two great grandchildren, Evan and Hutch Hutcherson; mission family, Zully Romanuik and her family; host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Clayton was preceded in death by a daughter, Kelly (Calyton) Amerson. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Gideons, Ronald McDonald House/St. Jude, Heart of a Champion or ministry of choice. Services were held on December 27, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Bethel Springs, Tenn., with Judy Hollaway, Howard Kitter, James Towery officiating.

Leonard Clyde Coats Leonard Clyde Coats was born April 9, 1972 in Memphis, Tenn. the son of James Ronald and the late Shelvy Wadkins Coats. He was united in marriage to Danica Boyle Griffith on March 16, 2013. Leonard was a 1990 graduate of Central High School in Memphis. While in high school he played saxophone in the band and traveled to Dublin, Ireland to participate in the 500th anniversary of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where he served as drum major for the parade. He worked as a stage hand and was affiliated with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. He also served as a volunteer for the “Save Our Shell, Inc.” organization for 20 years, working to preserve the Levitt Shell in Overton Park. Leonard was a people person who was skilled at building and facilitating relationships. He loved his family, friends and music and enjoyed keeping up with everyone on social media and through telephone visits. Leonard was Southern Baptist in faith. Leonard departed this life on December 18, 2020 in Finger, Tenn. at the age of 48 years, 8 months, 9 days. He is survived by his wife of 7 years, Danica Griffith Coats of Finger, Tenn; a step son, Zak Hallman and husband Jon of Memphis, Tenn; his father, James Ronald Coats of Como, Miss; a brother, James Michael Coats and wife Cathy of Marion, Ark; and many extended family and friends. A graveside service was held on December 28, 2020 at Forest Hill Memorial Park South in Memphis, Tenn. with Brian Wirges officiating. Memorials may be made to East Jackson Christ Community Health Services. They may be reached at (731) 540-0330.

Barbara Lynn Van Dusen Barbara Lynn Van Dusen was born May 22, 1943 in Blue Island, Ill. the daughter of the late John and Eleanor Kaja Bentkowski. She was united in marriage to John Henry Van Dusen on August 3, 1961. Mr. Van Dusen preceded her in death on February 3, 2014. Mrs. Van Dusen worked at Murphy Oil for several years. She was baptist in belief. She enjoyed sewing and making beaded jewelry. Mrs. Van Dusen departed this life on December 23, 2020 in Hornsby, Tenn. at the age of 77 years, 7 months, 1 days. She is survived by two daughters, Renee Van Dusen of Saint Augustine, Fla., Rindy Van Dusen and husband David Newcomb of Hornsby, Tenn; a grandson, Jonathon Van Dusen and wife Jessica of Finger, Tenn; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Van Dusen was preceded in death by a grandson, David A. Van Dusen; a brother, Dale Bentkowski. Private memorial service at a later date.

Happy New Year

from The Independent Appeal We will be closed Friday, January 1, 2021, and reopen Monday, January 4.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

J.R. Roach J. R. Roach was born July 25, 1946 in McNairy County, Tenn. the son of the late Jess Roach and Elvie Bivens. He was united in marriage to Linda Miller on March 23, 1964. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Roach worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of the Forty Forks Baptist Church. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved going coonhunting. Mr. Roach departed this life on December 26, 2020 in Jackson, Tenn. at the age of 74 years, 5 months, 1 day. He is survived by his wife Linda Roach of Bethel Springs, Tenn; two sons, Jackie Roach and wife Christie of Bethel Springs, Tenn., Joel Roach and wife Amanda of Bethel Springs, Tenn; two brothers, James Roach of Savannah, Tenn., Jesse Lee Roach of Selmer, Tenn; a sister, Martha Adams of Corinth, Miss; five grandchildren, Madison Cox and husband Mason, Makayla Roach, Mayson Kennedy and husband Carson, Miller Grace Roach and Gunner Roach; a great grandson, Greyson Cox; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, Mr. Roach was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly Michelle Roach; four sisters, Eloise Willard, Delcie Robbins, Kathryn Strickland and Faye Dixon. A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.

Cpl. Hayden Allen Harris Cpl. Hayden Allen Harris was born July 5, 2000 in Jackson, Tenn. the son of Reggie Allen and Christy Georgina Gray Harris. Hayden graduated from McNairy Central High School in 2018. He was an accomplished golfer and baseball player. He was known for his infectious smile, sincere heart and love for people. After graduation in March of 2019, he joined the United States Army. Hayden was an infantryman with the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, trained at Fort Benning, Ga., before he joined the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y. in July 2019. He had completed air assault training and was looking forward to sniper training in January of 2021. Hayden departed this life on December 19, 2020 in N.J. at the age of 20 years, 5 months, 14 days. He is survived by his parents, Reggie and Christy Harris of Guys,Tenn; a sister, Courtney Harris of Nashville, Tenn; maternal grandmother, Barbara Gray of Guys, Tenn; paternal grandparents, Larry and Maudie Harris of Savannah, Tenn; aunt, Tonya Morgan and husband Bill of Adamsville, Tenn; uncles, Bradley Gray and wife Heidi of Guys, Tenn. and Chris Harris and wife Shelia of Columbia, Tenn; and a host of extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by maternal grandfather, George Gray. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Byram Township Fire Department, PO Box 361, Andover NJ 07821 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ donate Visitation on December 30, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer. Visitation from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. will be held on December 31, 2020 at Oakland Baptist Church in Corinth, Miss. with Services at 1:00 p.m., with Chris Aday, Wes Moore, Capt. Xavier Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the Henry Cemetery at Corinth, Miss. Service will be live streamed at www.oaklandbaptist.org

Betty Sue Taylor Huggins Betty Sue Taylor Huggins, age 87, of Oakland, Tenn., passed away peacefully in her sleep December 26, 2020 at the home of her son and daughter in law, David and Laura Huggins. Betty was born June 17, 1933 in Ramer, Tenn. She was valedictorian of the Ramer High School class of 1951. She also graduated Baptist Hospital School of Nursing (1954). Betty married her high school sweetheart, Norman Kyle Huggins, in May of 1956. They enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage before Norman passed in April 2016. Betty was a faithful member of Bellevue Baptist Church and taught 4th grade Sunday School for many years. She was an excellent gardener, cook, wife and mother. She loved children, having five children of her own and fostering over 26 infants for the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes prior to their placement for adoption. Mrs. Huggins’ survivors include five children, Michael (Anna) Huggins of Erwin, Tenn., Ramona Huggins of Cordova, Tenn., David (Laura) Huggins of Oakland, Tenn., Karen (Larry) Anderson of Germantown, Tenn. and Julie (Eric) Littleton of Sevierville, Tenn; a brother, Will Tom Taylor (Sarah) of Selmer, Tenn; 16 grandchildren; and five (soon to be six) great grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett Clay Taylor and Ilene Swain Taylor and sisters Mary Jean Miller, Francis Kaye Lawless, and Patricia Ann Elam. Funeral services for Mrs. Huggins will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland. Interment will followed at the Gravel Hill Cemetery at Selmer, Tenn. A visitation for Mrs. Huggins will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland. The family requested that memorials be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or the Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, 2095 Appling Road, Cordova, TN 38016. Condolences may be left on our online guestbook at www.PeeblesFuneralHome.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 9

OBITUARIES/LIFESTYLE/CHURCH DIRECTORY

Lonnie Doyle Inman

Dennis James Young

Lonnie Doyle Inman was born May 5, 1950 in Selmer, Tenn. the son of Wilma Smith Hill and the late James Thomas Inman. Lonnie was a logger most of his life, starting around the age of 13. He was a hard working man that loved his family. He enjoyed watching westerns, going to car races, working outside, going to Quick Mart and Jacks and having coffee with friends. Mr. Inman departed this life on December 23, 2020 in Selmer, Tenn. at the age of 70 years, 7 months, 19 days. He is survived by his companion, Tammy Naylor of Selmer, Tenn; a son, Cody Inman of Selmer, Tenn; mother, Wilma Smith Hill and husband Tom of Adamsville, Tenn; a sister, Janice Meek and husband Dickie of Adamsville, Tenn. In addition to his father, Mr. Inman was preceded in death by a brother, Rayford Inman. A graveside service was held on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at the Good Hope Cemetery in Adamsville, Tenn., Randy Latch officiated.

Dennis James Young (Doc) was born January 19, 1957 in Savannah, Tenn. the son of the late Peggy Lipford Shull. He was united in marriage to Patricia Lynch on September 10, 1988. Dennis worked as a machine operator for Ripley Industries in Adamsville. He enjoyed working on his property, restoring tractors and watching sports. Dennis was an avid supporter of AHS Band even though his children were no longer in the program. He loved attending their rehearsals and never missed a performance where he rallied the group with his cry “Let’s go Big A.” Mr. Young was a member of First Baptist Church in Adamsville and was a dedicated choir member. He was a loving husband, brother, father and grandfather. Mr. Young departed this life on December 27, 2020 in Corinth, Miss. at the age of 63 years, 11 months, 8 days. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Patti) Young of Adamsville, Tenn; two daughters, Jana Young of Michie, Tenn., Kelsey Eskew and husband Robert of Lexington, Tenn; three sons, Chris Young and wife Shae of Adamsville, Tenn., Doug Young and wife Kaitlyn of Atoka, Tenn., Grant Young of Adamsville, Tenn; six grandchildren, Hunter, Dakota, Hannah, Melia, Marlee, and Liam; two sisters, Rose Hardin and husband Rickey of Adamsville, Tenn., Brenda Herndon and husband Chris of Savannah, Tenn; two special brothers, Rickey Hardin and Jackie Lipford; special aunt, Shirley West of Bolivar, Tenn; and a host of extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Adamsville High School - Atten: Band or First Baptist Church of Adamsville building fund. Services will be held on December 30, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Adamsville, Tenn., with Chad Ball officiating. Burial will follow in the Mars Hill Cemetery at Adamsville, Tenn.

Vickie Lynn Rice Knight Vickie Lynn Rice Knight was born September 2, 1957 in Greenville, Ky. the daughter of Dorothy Travis and the late Eual Travis Rice. Vickie was formerly employed at Garan Manufacturing in Adamsville as a machine operator. She loved her family dearly, especially her grandbabies and great grandbabies. Vickie departed this life on December 14, 2020 in Selmer, Tenn. at the age of 63 years, 3 months, 12 days. She is survived by a son, Joseph Wayne Knight of Selmer, Tenn; a daughter, Terra R. Knight of Selmer, Tenn; her mother, Dorothy Travis Rice of Greenville, Ky; four grandchildren: Jacob Walker, Lakeya Walker, Brandon Walker and Kobe Knight; two great grandchildren, Ella Bean and Ryleigh Walker; four sisters: Kathy Rice, Marcie Eply, Angie Rice and Kim Hartford, all of Greenville, Ky; a brother, Scotty Rice of Greenville, Ky; and many extended family and friends.

ONLY $20 In McNairy County (yearly) $ 1 Off Senior Citizens

Community Events January 2021 •Head Start Program Dear Community Service Provider, The Southwest HRA Head Start program has started its Child Find Search for three and four year old disabled children and other children needing services in the 2021-2022 Head Start program year. January 1, 2021, we will begin our recruitment process of taking applications by phone for our 2021-2022 school year. A child born in 2017 and 2018 by August 15, 2021 will be eligible for the Head Start 2021-2022 program year. Call 1-800-372-6013 or 731-989-5111 for more information.

January 6 and 7 •McNairy County Food Distribution All McNairy County participants that are signed up for commodities by Janurary 5, 2021 with Southwest Human Resource Agency are eligible for an upcoming for distrubution located at McNairy Annex Building, 530 Mulberry Ave. To sign up call 731-6455739. Jan. 6, 2021 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. last names A-F. January 7, 2021 10 a.m. 12 p.m. last names T-Z. This will be drive thru food disbution only.

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REDEMPTION RECOVERY CENTER

731-217-3777

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28 In Tennessee (yearly) $ 32 Out of State (yearly)

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 IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE STATE OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN’S SERVICE PETITIONER vs CLINTON DAVID BENNETT RESPONDENT No. 2020-JV-41 IN THE MATTER OF: Tiffany Bennett, DOB: 05/05/03 A CHILD UNDER EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE ORDER OF PUBLICATION In this cause it appearing to me from the motion and affidavit filed herein, which is sworn to, that the whereabouts of the Respondent, Clinton David Bennett, are unknow and cannot be ascertained after diligent search, so that the ordinary process of law cannot be served on said respondent, It is therefore ordered by the Court that the said respondent, be required to serve upon Amanda S. King, Attorney for Petitioner, whose address is 225 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Jackson, Tennessee, 38301, an answer to the petition within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication of this notice. If you fail to do so, judgement by default shall be taken against you on the 11th day of January 2021 at 9:00 a.m., for the relief demanded in the petition. Last date of publication will be December 30, 2020. It is further ordered that this notice be published for four consecutive weeks in the Independent Appeal, a newspaper printed and published in McNairy County, Tennessee, requiring you to so appear. Entered this 3rd day of December 2020. /s/ Van McMahan, Juvenile Court Judge Approved for Entry: /s/ Amanda S. King, BPR #028022 Attorney for the State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Services 225 Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Drive Jackson, TN 38301 731-421-2000 8709 31, 32, 33, 34

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Please take note that the McNairy County Board of Education will meet in a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at the McNairy County Annex Building for the purpose of conducting essential business of the School Board. The first item on the agenda will be the consideration of the renewal of the Director of School’s contract. This notice is given pursuant to Tenn. Code Annotated §49-2203(a)(13C). The public is invited to attend.

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Page 11 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 Riverside Adamsville Chester Co. North Side Lexington

District Overall 3-0 8-0 3-0 4-4 2-1 2-3 0-0 2-1 0-2 4-4 0-1 3-4 0-1 1-8 0-1 0-5

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

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

Local Schedule Tuesday, Jan. 5 High School Basketball Adamsville at South Side, 6 Chester Co. at MC, 6 Thursday, Jan. 7 High School Basketball Frank Hughes at Adamsville, 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8 High School Basketball Lexington at MC, 6 p.m. North Side at Adamsville, 6 Tuesday, Jan. 12 High School Basketball MC at South Side, 6 Riverside at Adamsville, 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15 High School Basketball Adamsville at Chester County, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 High School Basketball Adamsville at Scotts Hill, 6 p.m. North Side at McNairy Central, 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22 High School Basketball Lexington at Adamsville, 6 p.m. McNairy Central at Scotts Hill, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26 High School Basketball Adamsville at McNairy Central, 6 p.m.

Sports

Wednesday, DECEMBER 30, 2020

MC sinks commodores at Peggy Bain By Joel Counce Staff Writer

McNairy Central used defense and rebounding to overcome a slow start and take a 57-43 victory over the Lafayette Commodores at the Peggy Bain Classic on Monday. The Bobcats managed only two field goals – a Jack Johnson layup at the 2:06 mark and a Jasper Sanders jumper with 1:11 left - in the first period. Lafayette took a 16-7 lead on a Bralen Williams steal and layup with 7:28 left in the first half. Simon Whitaker gave the Bobcats their first lead at 21-20 on a layup with 2:21 left in the first half to cap a 15-5 McNairy Central run. The Bobcats took a 23-22 lead in the half. McNairy Central opened the second half with an 11-2 run, capped by a Sanders layup off a Kameron Starks assist with 3:47 left in the third. Lafayette’s J.C. Dennis cut the Bobcats lead to 38-30 with 1:49 left in the third. From there, McNairy Central went on a 10-0 run, capped by a Starks layup on a Broderick Alexander assist with 4:46 left to play. The Commodores were not able to get within double digits after that, getting as close as 51-40 on a D.J.Davis layup with 1:50 left to play. Whitaker led the B o b -cats with 14 points. Sanders and Starks scored 12 each. Nate Moore finished with 10. Alexander added nine. Davis led all scorers with 15. Williams added 10. The Bobcats host Chester County in a district contest following the Lady Bobcats’ 6 p.m. game.

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Simon Whitaker (left) drives past Lafayette’s Bralen Williams. Whitaker led the Bobcats with 14 points.

2020: A year like no other By Joel Counce Staff Writer

For sports in McNairy County, as with most anything, 2020 was a different year on all levels. In a year that was full of disappointment and loss, here are the most memorable moments - good and bad - from the sports seasons. 1. Springs sports canceled For springs sports in McNairy County, 2020 was the year that was not. The spring began as it usually does, with softball, baseball and tennis but before boys soccer could begin, everything came to a screeching halt. Soccer season in McNairy County never started, with the season shutting down on March 16, one day before the first scheduled games. The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Board of Control voted unanimously to continue the wait-and-see plan and to leave regular spring sports scheduling under the jurisdiction of the schools. Initially, that meant teams could begin play in the district tournaments, but left the season open to begin on April 1. The season never happened. “Its been hurry up and wait,” McNairy Central head coach Nick Cook said at the time. “We don’t know what is going to happen April 1.” McNairy Central Sailor Kinkennon summed up the process at the time. “The TSSAA did the most reasonable thing but we are disappointed,” he said. “Four years go by before you know it... It would hurt if the entire season is canceled.” Kinkennon was on pace to be the program’s all-time leading scorer and the senior class was hoping to continue the success of going 30-9-1 over the previous three seasons. The junior high football county tournament also fell victim to COVID-19 concerns. It was not played this fall.

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Kallie Martindale scores during the substate soccer game at Adamsville Junior High School. The Lady Cardinals hosted a substate game.Below: The Adamsville Lady Cardinals won their first home susbstate game in the school’s history to advance to the state quarterfinals in Murfreesboro.

Friday, Jan. 29 High School Basketball McNairy Central at Chester County, 6 p.m. South Side at Adamsville, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 High School Basketball Adamsville at North Side, 6 p.m. McNairy Central at Lexington, 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4 High School Basketball Kossuth at Adamsville, 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 High School Basketball Adamsville at Riverside, 6 p.m. South Side at McNairy Central, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23 High School Basketball District 14-AA Tournament First round February 25-27 High School Basketball District AA Regional Tournament Quarterfinal March 1 - 2 High School Basketball Regional Semifinals March 3 High School Basketball Regional Finals

“We were one of the top four teams in the state. “We would love to have another shot at it, but that’s not how it goes.” Martindale finished with 101 career goals and 39 goals on the season, both school records. “We are proud of them - they accomplished a lot and did a lot,” Price said. “We have had some special groups the last few years and this Staff Photo by Joel Counce is definitely one of them.” McNairy Central soccer players John Drone Price said the senior class had excelled at (left) and Sailor Kinkennon along with Mc- more than the game. Nairy Central head coach Nick Cook hoped “These are great kids,” he said. “They repfor the chance to play soccer this past spring. resent the school and the community well, 2a. Adamsville Lady Cardinals (soccer) great leadership. They were very coachable. They listened to us and did their best at what finish second in the state. The Adamsville Cardinals finished their we told them to do. “We coached them the best we could.” historic season with a 15-2-1 record and The trip to the state semifinal game was fourth straight district regular season and disAdamsville’s second straight. trict tournament championships. Led by the senior class of forwards Kallie 2b. Adamsville Lady Cardinals (golf ) finMartindale and Jaden Driskell, defenders Sara Oakley and Shelbe Sisk the Lady Cardinals de- ish second in state. The Adamsville Lady Cardinals maintained feated Martin-Westview in the state quarterfinal before falling to Merrol-Hyde 2-0 in the second place through two days of play, shooting a team score of 327 at the state championstate semifinal match on Halloween. “I think it definitely showed we were one ship at Willowbrook Golf Club in McMinnville. Adamsville shot 158 and 169 over the 2-day of the best four teams in the state,” Price said.

period. West Tennessee Golfer of the Year Karson Adkins led the Cardinals with a -3 on the back 9 during the second day of the tournament, shooting a 33 through the second. Adkins shot a 4 on the monstrous 500-yard 12 hole during the closing first day streak. Freshman Kameron Adkins – Karson’s sister – finished 15th overall by shooting an 87 on Day 1 and a 91 on Day 2. Kameron Adkins played consistently well, only shooting more than 1-over par six times through two days of play. Gracee Brown finished 22nd, shooting a 96 on Day 1 and improving to a 92 on Day 2. Brown made her fifth straight trip to the state tournament. Prepetual state champion Summertown finished first with a score of 147 on Day 1 and 142 on Day 2. Karlie Campbell and Lanie Campbell, both of Summertown, finished second with a 143 and third with a 146 respectively. Summertown won the state championship as a team. Adamsville finished the regular season undefeated. Lady Cardinals head coach Christy Adkins

See 2020, 12

Sports

Page 12 v Independent Appeal

2020

From Page 11

earned her second straight State Coach of the Year honors and earned West Tennessee Coach of the Year honors. 4. Khyla Wade-Warren

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Khyla Wade-Warren drives to the basket during the 2019-20 season. She finished third in the Miss Basketball for the state.

Wednesday, DECEMBER 30, 2020

Ramer held off a late Lady Cardinals rally to take a 27Moore, a senior, finished 38th with a 2-day total of 24 victory in the McNairy County Championship game. 184. Moore shot par on six different holes, including four “This whole season has been an experience,” she said straight – 11 through 14 – on Day 1. She followed that by after the championship win. “We have just two eighth shooting 1-under par on 15 and 16. graders and we had to learn every game, but we went back Senior Emma Dickey participated as an alternate. and learned from every one. “These girls have earned everything they’ve won. 6. Adamsville’s Braxton Enzor competes in the state They’ve worked really hard.” cross country meet. The Lady Eagles finished the season at 9-3. Braxton Enzor finished sixth of 22 runners at the regional meet on the campus of Freed-Hardeman on Nov. 3. He ran the course in 18:53, almost three minutes faster than his time in the regional meet a year ago. He followed that with a run in the state meet at Percy 8. The Selmer Lions win the county tournament Warner Park in Nashville to Sanders Ferry Park in Hender- championship. sonville. The state finish was about two minutes better than last year, according to Adamsville cross-country coach Janis Jones. “I’m proud of him,” she said. “He’s put in the work and really worked hard at getting better.” During training, cross-country runners will run up to 55 miles a week, five miles a day during the week and six or seven miles on Saturdays. Enzor has run with the cross-country team all three years of its existence, the first as an eighth grader. The team went to state the previous two years, the first with a top-20 finish and a top-10 finish last year. 7. Ramer Lady Eagles win county tournament championship.

Khyla Wade-Warren became the first Lady Bobcat to sign with a Division-1 Power-5 school when she signed with Texas Tech after last season. She averaged 23.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game her senior year, was named a finalist for Class AA Miss Basketball and earned a spot on the All-State team. Along the way, she set school records for points in a game (37) and points in a career. Wade-Warren scored a school-record 37 points her junior year and finished the season averaging 18.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. The 6-2 forward-center averages 4.6 points and 2.4 rebounds on 13.6 minutes per game for the Lady Raiders. She is shooting 48 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range. 5. McNairy Central Lady Bobcats (golf ) finish eighth in the state. The McNairy Central Lady Bobcats started their golf season with three goals in mind. “When we had our beginning of the year meeting, we decided we wanted to win district, win the regional and go to state,” McNairy Central head coach Jim Merry said. The Lady Bobcats finished second in the district, shooting a 185 to Lexington’s 180. The Lady Bobcats won regionals in convincing fashion. Haley Moore won medalist honors by shooting an 85. Madison Harrison finished second overall in the event with a 91. WillowMerry tied for third overall with a 92. The Lady Bobcats fought through two days in the state championship tournament at the Willowbrook Golf Course in McMinnville to finish eighth. Merry led the Lady Bobcats at the state championship rounds with a two day total of 176, good for 35th place in the competition. Merry finished with a 90 on Day 1 and an 86 on Day 2. She shot 1-under par on holes 9 and 14 during the first day and on hole 14 the second day. Harrison shot a two day total of 183, 91 on Day 1 and 92 on Day 2. She shot par on five different holes during the first day and eight holes on the second.

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Selmer’s Jabari Melton looks for an opening in the Ramer defense during the 2019-20 McNairy Junior High Basketball Tournament. The Selmer Lions shutout the Ramer Eagles through the first quarter of their 33-27 championship victory in the McNairy County Junior High Tournament in January. Selmer Head Coach Eric Holcombe said the Lions’ experience paid off in Selmer’s 20th county championship. Holcombe and the Lions finished undefeated in county play in his first year as head coach. “We’ve got 10 eighth graders who have been playing together four years,” he said. “Four years ago, we would go to Jackson and just get our brains beat in. That second year, we won some more. This season, we played a tough out-of-county schedule this season and that really helped us sharpen everything up. “We are just really excited to bring home a county championship.” The Lions finished the season at 10-3. Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Lady Cardinal Marlee Corner reaches for the ball against Ramer’s Lena Taylor in the 2019-20 McNairy County Junior High Tournament. Erika Wright-Donnell won back-to-back McNairy County championships as a Ramer Lady Eagles player. She won her third county championship on Monday. Wright-Donnell led her alma mater to its first championship since 2003, and fourth since 1981.

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Far eft: McNairy Central’s Willow Merry drives the ball off the 15th tee at Willowbrook Golf Course in Manchester. The Lady Bobcats finished eighth in the state meet. Near Left: Emma Dickey, Willow Merry, Coach Jim Merry, Haley Moore, Marion Harrison, Laurel Merry earned a trip to the state tournament after finishing second in district and winning regionals. They finished eighth in the state overall.

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Adamsville’s Braxton Enzor (left) races for the finish line at the state cross country meet in Hendersonville. The meet changed locations from previous years.

Staff Photo by Joel Counce

Adamsville’s Gracee Brown watches her ball sail off Hole 15 in the state tournament at Willowbrook in Manchester.