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TN Valley Farmers partnership with TVA Janet Rail Publisher

Taming the Tennessee River was the Tennessee Valley Authority’s first task; the TVA accomplished it by building a system of dams and reservoirs to control flooding and generate power. In July 2013, rainfall in the Tennessee Valley was the highest since 1967 and the fourthhighest since precipitation record-keeping began in 1890. Chattanooga was spared an estimated $44 million in flood damage thanks to the TVA’s network of dams and reservoirs. However, when the TVA rerouted floodwater to Southwest Tennessee, farmers below the Pickwick Dam suffered massive crop damage. According to the NaStaff Photo by Janet Rail

TN Valley Farmers hosted a luncheon last Wednesday at Hagy’s Catfish Hotel with members from McNairy, Hardin, Wayne and Decatur counties to meet Allen Clare, TVA river and resource management vice president, who is new in his role. TVA employees and Senator Page Walley attended the event.

See TVA, 5

Wildfire smoke causes hazy skies Bryan Huff Assistant Editor

A layer of haze settled over the sky above downtown Selmer during the evening of July 22.

Staff Photo by Bryan Huff

Hazy skies are the result of wildfire smoke from the Northwestern United States and Canada. The jet stream is carrying smoke from Canada across much of the lower 48. Some areas are seeing such high amount of smoke and other tiny particles that people with respiratory health conditions such as asth-

ma are warned to stay indoors. In Nashville, smoke levels on July 21 triggered a Code Orange air quality alert. A Code Orange is effected when particulate matter concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. Oftentimes, the general public is not affected by passing smoke. However, individuals with lung disease and asthma, as well as some

See SMOKE, 3

McNairy County Recovery Court awards two new graduates Bryan Huff Assistant Editor

Two more McNairy County residents have graduated from the McSee RECOVERY, 3

McNairy Co. COVID-19 Cases as of July 20

Graduates receive certificates at the McNairy County Justice Complex. An official graduation will occur in August.

Staff Photo by Bryan Huff

New 4-H Youth Development Agent welcomed Total Tested 22,581 Cases 2,926 Deaths 57 Recovered 2,833

and quiz bowls. Dennis was active in almost every club and competition offered in his county. He was a camp counselor at Rock Eagle, the largest 4-H camp in the world, for three summers. Dennis graduated from the University of Georgia in 2020 with a B.S.A. in Agribusiness.

He was an active member of collegiate 4-H while he attended the University of Georgia, where he assisted in community service and fund raising projects. “Most 4th-thru-8th grade public school students are already members of their in-school 4-H club, but 4-H has

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Bryan Huff Assistant Editor

Ben Dennis

Photo Submitted

The McNairy County University of Tennessee Extension office welcomed Ben Dennis as the new 4-H Youth Development Agent on July 1. Dennis is a former 4-H member. He re-

sided in Newnan, Georgia, and was involved in shooting sports, leadership, horses, agriculture and many other projects. Dennis was raised on a small horse farm. At the age of six, he began attending 4-H meetings at the Horse and Pony Club. His love for 4-H grew as he began taking part in shooting sports

Bible Verse

❚ Opinion 6 ❚ Obituaries 7 ❚ Events 8 ❚ Classifieds 10 ❚

See AGENT, 5

Discover McNairy PAGE 2

NEWS

INDEPENDENT APPEAL

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

Staff Photo by Bryan Huff

Linda Smith and Vicki Sullivan add intricate details to a quilt at the McNairy County Museum. The group also quilts tops for people wishing to get them completed.

Needles and Pins: Preserving folk art and heritage Bryan Huff Assistant Editor

Needles and Pins is a volunteer quilting group. They meet week-

ly at the McNairy County Museum in downtown Selmer. The group was founded in 1986; however, it was not formally named Needles and Pins until around 2000.

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The group originally met at the Bethel Springs Community Center before moving to the museum in Selmer. The goal of the group is to foster and preserve folk art in the 21st century. The group hopes to pass quilting techniques and the heritage that quilts represent to the next generation. Funds raised by the group are donated to charities such as the McNairy County Carl Perkins Center, Arts in McNairy, Loaves and Fishes, Relay for Life and many others. Collectively, the group has approximately 250 years of quilting experience. Active members range from

age 20 to age 85. The group averaged at least one quilt per week before the pandemic, but a lack of volunteers since then has caused them to fall behind. “We do consignment quilts for those who have quilt tops,” Linda Smith said. “We also make quilts and sell them.” Beginners are welcome and are taught at no charge. There are no fees associated with being in the group. Volunteers can join the group whenever their schedule allows. The group stopped meeting for six weeks at the beginning of the pandemic.

“When the pandemic hit, our business stopped,” Smith remembered. “We took off for six weeks. Then we came back with masks and locked the doors.” “It was quilt therapy,” announced Smith. “I’m just going to go quilt, and if I find myself being ugly, I’ll just leave. When I would get to quilting, I would think, ‘I am so glad I am here.’” Very few quilts were brought in during 2020, but have recently begun flooding in once again. Needles and Pins currently has a six-month back log of quilts to be completed. It is highly unlikely for a quilt to be finished by Christmas. At one time, there

would be four to eight people quilting at once in the building. There are an average of two to four people quilting on any given day. The group keeps the museum open as they work. Their hours are from 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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Linda Smith shows off some of the group’s work that is for sale in the front of the museum.

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

INDEPENDENT APPEAL PAGE 3 gency crews are battling more than 180 wildfires FROM PAGE 1 in British Columbia. active adults and chil- This string of fires is dren, should remain due in part to a massive heat wave impacting the cautious. As of July 5, emer- area.

SMOKE

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Staff Photos by Bryan Huff

Shop owner Christine Bishop gathered alongside her staff and county and city officials to celebrate the store’s ribbon cutting ceremony.

Rumor Has It holds ribbon cutting Bryan Huff

Assistant Editor

Rumor Has It Beauty Bar and Cosmetics joined the McNairy County Chamber last week. The shop celebrated

the event with a ribbon cutting. “We try to be a little different and bring big town to small town,” said owner Christine Bishop. “We offer advanced cosmetics procedures along with a full

service salon and spa.” Bishop’s husband, Chris Bishop, also offers professional tattoo work in the shop. The shop has been open for over two years. They recently remodeled and repainted the

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outside of the building to feature a large lip mural, which has become a favorite spot for people to take photos in downtown Selmer.

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Pickwick Electric Meeting Tuesday, August 3, 2021 @ 6:30 p.m. Ramer Elementary School

VOTE JERRY MITCHELL

DIRECTOR - DISTRICT 7

Thank You For Your Vote! Patrons •••••••••••••• Photo Submitted

Sharing Heart made and donated Alzheimer’s Activity Arm Sleeves to AHC McNairy County Nursing Home. Pictured left to right is Barbara Isbell (President) with Sally Lilly (Staff) accepting the arm sleeves. Sharing Hearts meets the third Thursday of each month at the Enville Community Center. For more information about Sharing Hearts, FCE, please contact Barbara Isbell at (731) 934-9358 or Schancey Chapman at (731) 645-3598, or check their Facebook page at FCE-Sharing Hearts Club.

RECOVERY

FROM PAGE 1 Nairy County Recovery Court Program on July 22. Tonya Reaves and Hayse Barnes both graduated the program after receiving 12 months of guidance and instruction. “It’s a party today,” program leader Derek Bodiford declared as he handed out ice cream sandwiches to people in the courtroom. As one of Tennessee’s 82 recovery courts, the local program offers nonviolent individuals with substance-use disorders a structured, safe treatment plan that works closely with legal and clinical personnel to end addiction. An official graduation ceremony will be held in August 2021.

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Gospel Meeting

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Michael Brown John Talbott Amala Harvill Chris Vickery

August 1 - 4, 2021

David Wade, Henderson, Tenn.

David Wade is a Native of Jasper, Alabama. He and his wife, Helen White, of lake, Mississippi, met at Freed Hardeman. Their three sons have blessed them with three Christian daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren. David is a graduate of Feed Hardeman, Harding and Harding School of Theology. the Wades worked in ministry 45 years in the southeast and retired in 2011 in Henderson, Tennessee. They joined Sojourners in 2013 and continued to do volunteer work in the southeast about two to three months each years. In addition, they have been engaged in short term mission trips to China, Poland, and Ukraine. From 2005 to 2015 David served as a host of “Questions and Answers” TV program which airs on the Gospel Broadcasting Network. GBN is on the air 24/7 and may be viewed at www.gbntv.org.

TOPICS

**Sunday 11 a.m. Examining God’s Great Love (Ephesians 2:4-7) Sunday 7 p.m. A Fresh Start (2 Corinthians 5:14-19) Monday 7 p.m. Do Not Worry ( Matthew 6:25-34) Tuesday 7 p.m. The Greatest Invitation (Luke 14:16-24) Wednesday 7 p.m. What Will I Leave Behind? (Acts 9:36-42) ** There will be a meal following the morning services on Sunday.

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NEWS

INDEPENDENT APPEAL

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

FEEDER CALF SALE

Monday, August 9, 2021, at 8 p.m. Hardin County Stockyard, Inc. 3350 Hwy 226, Savannah, Tenn. 731-925-3287 Stockyard Office 931-224-2247 Harry Floyd Cell 931-722-3100 W’boro Office Consignment Only~ Steers & Heifers Only- No Bulls! All cattle will be state graded. Begin receiving cattle at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 8, 2021

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Staff Photo by Jack Simpson

Rangers Canon Smith and Hailee Huffstetler show off pelts belonging to a variety of woodland mammals.

Youth get outdoors at Children’s Day Camp Jack Simpson Staff Writer

Heat and humidity cooked the pavilion, but none of the kids complained; they understood that what they were learning was important. Conservation and respect for the ecosystem are no light matters, but in the hands of invested park rangers, they became highly enjoyable topics. Most people would agree that the future of the natural world lies in the hands of the youth. Rangers at Big

VOTE JOHN SMITH

for MAYOR of SELMER GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN SELMER

We all want the same thing - progress

Your aldermen and department directors are working hard. See what leadership can do, even while in crisis: two tornadoes, a 100 year flood and a pandemic all while accumulating a fund balance of $1.6 million.

New Improvements: Parks & Recreation Department

• $1 million TDOT grant for sidewalks from the Mulberry Bridge downtown to Selmer City Park • Healthier Built Grant with the Health Department to build an inner-city playground on Florence Avenue near Town House Apartments - 6 acres $86,000 Ground Breaking Aug 7, 11-12 p.m. • Completion of a Facade Grant for downtown businesses • $1 Million Grant for the renovation of Patriot Park with estimated completion November 21 • Dixie Park - RV Park development and pursuing a grant for a Skate Park. Dog Park recently opened and Splash Pad completed.

Other Improvements: Parks and Recreation • Upgraded equipment at the ball fields • Paved our walking trail • Created a plan to stabilize the creek bank at the city park to stop erosion • Knock tobacco out of the park grant • Trail of Legends Rockabilly Hall of Fame grant • Added employees • Successful Christmas Festival • Fed over 6000 people with our drive thru food project during the Covid-19 Pandemic

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER Like us on Facebook facebook.com/johnsmithformayor PAID FOR BY JOHN SMITH, SARENA EVANS, TREASURER.

Hill Pond State Park lead an abundance of activities for casual explorers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, but they are especially eager to engage with and educating budding young nature lovers. Testifying to the park’s success in this endeavor, the 2021 Junior Ranger Camp so impressed parents that a number of them requested a second round of dates. While guidelines did not allow for a second Junior Ranger Camp, park officials decided to organize a new camp featuring a similar agenda. “We had so many people on Facebook wanting another camp, so we opened up ten spots for this one. It filled up in about two days,” recalled Canon Smith, Park Ranger. Whereas the Junior Ranger Camp lasted five days and is required for all state parks, the Children’s Day Camp was condensed into three days and is brand new for Big Hill Pond. On the July 23 date, kids met a a woodland owl and a snake to explore how these reptiles and birds of prey benefit the park. They later painted pot-

tery and planted seeds while learning about bees and how they spread pollen throughout the biosphere. Ranger Smith later showed, and let participants pet, a box of pelts, many of them from animals native to the area. “We make it a little bit more fun than just sitting through a lecture,” Ranger Hailee Huffstetler pointed out. Other activities included learning how to build and ignite a campfire, roasting marshmallows, setting traps, hiking and kayaking. Whenever possible, they discussed safety for both themselves and the creatures with whom they share the forest. Participants threw themselves into the activities and never balked at the prospect of getting their hands dirty. “We’re hoping to make it an every-year thing. If we can fill up our Junior Ranger Camp every year, then we’ll start doing a second [camp] like this every year,” Ranger Smith announced. He further confirmed that they will most likely increase the number of participant slots for next year’s Children’s Day

Camp from ten to twenty kids. Called a “hidden gem” by Ranger Huffstetler, Big Hill Pond State Park borders Cypress Creek and the Tuscumbia River in the southwestern region of McNairy County. Its 5,000 acres contain hiking, biking, horseback riding and birding trails; campgrounds; a boardwalk through “Dismal Swamp” and a 70-foot observation tower with views of Travis McNatt Lake. The lake accommodates both paddlers and fishers; vistors can rent kayaks or purchase fishing gear at the park. Since the beginnning of the pandemic, Big Hill Pond has experienced a significant increase in visitor traffic. Ranger Smith thanks visitors for their support of Tennessee’s state parks and for their trust in park rangers to provide safe and quality outdoor experiences in which all ages can partake. Big Hill Pond State Park lists up-to-date information about its programs and events on its Facebook page and at https://tnstateparks. com/parks/big-hillpond.

Revisions to masking guidelines possible Jack Simpson Staff Writer

On July 25, infectious disease expert and national medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci announced that revisions to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) masking guidelines are “under active consideration” in the face of spiking illness and death rates throughout the United States. Current CDC guidelines state that fully vaccinated individuals need not wear masks in public spaces. These policies do not necessarily dictate legal requirements for masking, but rather offer informed recommendations based upon the most recent medical data. Proponents of the revision to CDC guidelines worry that no uniform method exists for checking citizens’ vaccination statuses. In addition, some health experts have argued that national statistics do not reflect a significant increase in immunization

rates even after granting people the freedom to decline masking once they are fully vaccinated. A number of locations experiencing major outbreaks, such as Los Angeles County, California, have reimposed mask mandates for all residents regardless of immunization status. Government officials in those areas hope to curb transmission in order to protect the unvaccinated and individuals with inhibited immune systems from the highly contagious Delta variant. Thus far in the pandemic, Tennessee has allowed counties and cities to uphold or decline the CDC’s masking policies according to local circumstances. McNairy County has yet to impose a formal mask mandate, but various leaders have counseled citizens to remain vigilant when in public spaces and to take precautions if one feels at risks of exposure. “We have a mask-optional policy that we are going to have in place

this fall. For students that feel comfortable wearing masks, that will be allowable; for those students who do not feel comfortable wearing masks, they do not have to wear masks. That is going to apply for personnel and staff as well. The Tennessee Commissioner of Education [Dr. Penny Schwinn] said yesterday that it is a local decision made by the local education association and school board. Should there be a mandate that comes down from the state, we will certainly pay heed and attention to that, but we are not formulating any mandates at this time,” explained Greg Martin, McNairy County Director of Schools. Health experts agree that N-95 masks with National Institute for Occupational and Safety and Health (NIOSH) approval provide the greatest protection against COVID-19 aside from vaccination. Ideally, cloth face coverings should include multiple layers and fit snugly around the mouth and nose.

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

PAGE 5

INDEPENDENT APPEAL

Fielding Hurst, Forever Newsworthy and Always Controversial unit, the U.S. First West Tennessee/Sixth Tennessee Cavalry, Hurst was a slaveowner and, according to his secondin-command, Lt. Col. William K.M. Breckenridge, he supplemented his farm labor by sending slaves his unit had “freed” to his plantation. These liberated slaves doubtfully felt liberated when simply transferred from a Confederate’s farm to a Union officer’s farm. Often, Hurst’s alleged philosophy contradicted his actions. After the Civil War, Hurst became even more controversial and made news even more frequently and more luridly than during the War. Between 1865 and his death in 1882, newspapers across the state and the country carried stories and articles about the man including but not limited to the Public Ledger (Memphis, Tennessee), the Bolivar Bulletin (Bolivar, Tennessee), The Nashville Daily Union, the Memphis Daily Post, the Memphis Evening Post (Memphis, Tennessee), the Memphis Daily Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee), The St. Joseph Weekly Gazette (St. Joseph, Missouri), the Nashville Union and American (Nashville, Tennessee), the New York Tribune (New York City, New York), The Grenada Sentinel (Grenada, Mississippi), The Daily Memphis Avalanche (Memphis, Tennessee), The Milan Exchange (Milan, Ten-

nessee), the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee), the Fayetteville Weekly Democrat (Fayetteville, Arkansas), The Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, Maryland), The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky), and The Herald and Mail (Columbia, Tennessee). These newspapers covered many aspects of his postwar career. In June 1867, while Congressman Henry Emerson Etheridge was in Purdy, Tennessee speaking to a group, it was alleged that Hurst interrupted Etheridge in a “vile, savage and demonical manner.” The Republican Banner, a Nashville newspaper, reported that Ethridge began discussing the Radicals in Tennessee when Hurst, already a sitting judge, became enraged and began speaking intemperately. Hurst was reported to have screamed the following to the crowd pertaining to his war years: “….’G–d d–m the rebels! See h-h-h-here’ – sticking his fingers under his right upper lip – see – see – see – here – the God d–n rebel s–n b–s shot out two of my teeth. God d–n the Rebels.’” Allegedly, Ethridge dressed Hurst down and in the process stated, “You are a judge, I believe. You are sworn to preserve the peace, sustain the dignity and sanctity of the law. Are you not now perjuring yourself here before high Heaven – here in this sacred building – here before this alter, where all meet to wor-

ship the one living God, regardless of all political differences and animosities?” Hurst allegedly grew more violent but was supposedly completed dressed down eventually by Ethridge. In 1867, while serving as this judicial district’s circuit judge, Hurst made headlines again by admitting AfricanAmericans to a jury empaneled to determine the fate of an AfricanAmerican accused of leading a mob and inciting violence. Newspapers all over the state condemned Hurst for his actions. Though his action generally proved longsighted, it was highly controversial at the time and again pointed out Hurst’s contradictions. Anti-Hurst newspapers, of which there were many, were always anxious to report on his misdeeds and alleged misdeeds. However, in the summer of 1868, some of those newspapers believed they’d gotten the opportunity to write their ultimate article on Hurst, his obituary. In late June or early July 1868, Hurst was rumored to have been murdered. The story was certainly wishful thinking for many former Rebels and secessionists. According to the Republican Banner, again decidedly anti-Hurst, a report reached their offices that Hurst was called upon at dark one night and the caller requested Hurst to accompany

AGENT

gin working with the youth of McNairy on building their skills and becoming the leaders of the next generation,” expressed Dennis. “Currently, I am planning many events and activities, such as a car show fund raiser, judging teams, service clubs and more. I can’t wait to start teaching in the schools this September so that I can begin growing the county program. My goal is to get 4-H’ers to become involved with more than just inschool clubs so that they can experience all of the

amazing things 4-H has to offer.” When asked what obstacles 4-H is facing, Dennis responded, “Between COVID-19 and the county lacking a 4-H agent, the program has taken a major hit in the number of active members. My goal is to build this program up so that no matter the project area, we have a club or activity for your child to participate in. In order to do this, we will need support all the support we can get in all forms possible. It is our job to grow the next genera-

tion of leaders, and in my opinion, 4-H is the best way to do so. “Volunteers are a huge part of what makes a 4-H program thrive,” Dennis continued. “Any adults who wish to help with out of school activities, competitive teams or clubs can contact me for more information.” Dennis hopes to grow the shooting sports team and begin competing next year. Furthermore, he is working to revive the 4-H Honor Club, which is based on community service projects.

TVA

minimize crop damage in the Tennessee Valley while also protecting businesses and dwellings upriver. Moreover, the Savannah meeting led to the development of the Tennessee Valley Farmers (TVF), which represents McNairy, Hardin, Wayne and Decatur counties. On July 21, the TVF held a luncheon to discuss upcoming projects and plans and met with Allen Clare, Vice President of River Resource Management and Operations. “I will tell you, farmers, your reputation proceeds you. I always heard good things, and I realize that our relationship has come through some challenges. On the way over here, I was reminded of the areas where the flood of 2013 caused some issues. Believe me, when there is any forecast of rain, I think of Hardin County as well as the rest of the valley,” assured Clare. “This relationship is important to us. You are why we are here and why TVA was put in place. It was for reasons exactly like this: to make sure we are doing everything we can to improve the quality of life

for the residential Tennessee Valley; and a big part of that is managing this river, which, as you know, can be challenging, but it is our duty. “We are reminded daily of our mission and how important it is,” Clare continued. “Groups like you that we get to interface with are just another reminder of why it is so important. As I walk into Hagy’s Catfish Hotel–and was told that I would have been walking in waisthigh water recently– I am in awe that the memorabilia was saved and [to] see the richness of the this building and the county.” Clare thanked everyone present for offering him such a warm welcome and for continuing to be ideal partners. He lauded the TVA and TVF for prioritizing communication and for rallying around a common objective to raise the standard of life for Tennessee Valley residents. “TVA was put in place to manage this river, to harness the power of the river and to continue to grow our valley. Service is what attracted me to TVA and the mission,” affirmed Clare.

Clare has worked in the industry for 33 years and joined the TVA five years ago. Since then, he has held responsibilities for TVA police, natural resources, river management, real estate and dam safety. The TVA owns 104 dams across the valley, including 88 river dams. Clare concluded by reemphasizing the necessity of proper communication, especially when emergencies like flooding arise. “We try to make a living down here in the valley and appreciate the knowledge and experience. There are times that mother nature places challenges for TVA, causing barriers to preventing flooding along the riverbeds and into agricultural farmland,” added Karl Farsbach, Tennessee Valley farmer and President of the TVF. Representatives of the TVF provide regular agricultural updates at TVA board meetings. The formation and actions of the TVF offers a model for what public and private interactions should be.

John Talbott Contributor

Despite being dead since 1882, the same year Chester County was formed from portions of four counties, including McNairy County, Fielding Hurst never stopped being controversial. For that matter, he’s never really stopped being newsworthy. He has been an enigma all of these years, but largely because his life has been eclipsed by myth and folklore. Despite the layers of myth, the truth has often been stranger than fiction. Certainly in his life, he made news and lots of it. News pertaining to Hurst often exposed his inconsistencies. In fact, despite being a renowned Unionist, Hurst served on a committee in December of 1860, with future Confederate Congressman John V. Wright, which protested the election of Abraham Lincoln. Indeed, that gathering passed resolutions condemning the Republican Party for being anti-Southern. Many of the principles to which Hurst was later mythically alleged to adhere, he condemned in the resolutions passed at Purdy on December 3, 1860. Those resolutions were published in the Memphis Daily Appeal on December 11, 1860. Despite being an officer commanding an irregular Union cavalry

FROM PAGE 1 so much more to offer than just the in-school clubs,” Dennis claimed. “Anyone wanting to join 4-H can contact me or visit the McNairy County Extension Office for information on current programs, events and activities.” Dennis has a love of STEM and agriculture. Through 4-H, he hopes to bring new ideas and learning experiences to the youth of McNairy County. “I am excited to beFROM PAGE 1 tional Weather Service, rainfall during the first half of 2013 totaled 48 inches–15 inches above normal. When twice the usual amount of rain fell across East Tennessee in July 2013, the TVA projected that the rainswollen Tennessee River and its tributaries would spill out of their banks and damage many developed properties in Chattanooga’s low-lying areas without dams and storage lakes to hold back the floodwaters. Due to a lack of communication with the farmers in the lower valley, the 2013 flood caused many to lose entire crop yields to standing water in their fields. The led to a difficult conversation on the courthouse lawn in Savannah. While no one disputed the necessity of protecting populated areas in Eastern Tennessee and Northern Georgia, the affected farmers and landowners sought improved communication between themselves and TVA management. Learning from its mistakes, the TVA has doubled its efforts to

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him on a stroll. Supposedly Hurst refused to do so and his caller informed him that if he didn’t go voluntarily, Hurst would have to go with a hundred men. The rumor continued that a large party of men descended upon Hurst, seized him, and carried him about a mile from his house where they allegedly cut out his tongue and “outraged his person in various ways.” Still, it was not to be as the Republican Banner reported a few days later that the story turned out to be a hoax

and reported, “a correspondent at Purdy, a friend of Judge Hurst, writes us that the Judge is good health, and attending to the business of his circuit.” In other circles, it was apparently reported that Hurst was more than injured but had in fact been assassinated. The St. Louis Times went so far as to write Hurst’s obituary, which not a flattering piece of writing, but likely a labor of love for the writer. Such was the relationship of Hurst with the press, always controversial.

“In the future, as the club grows, I hope to be able to have a program where no matter the 4-Her’s project area, they have a club or team to help them learn and grow. If you’d like to keep up with what we are doing, like the McNairy County Extension Facebook page or follow us on Instagram @mcnairycounty4h. “People can donate directly to the McNairy County 4-H program. We can discuss what you’d like to see your donation go to, whether it be sending a 4-Her to

summer camp or helping fund the Outdoor Meat Cookery teams. All donations, no matter the size, help the club provide learning experiences for McNairy County youth,” stated Dennis. You can reach Ben Dennis by calling 731645-3598.

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

Opinion Independent Appeal

Making McNairy County Opinion headlines 120 years

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. Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Independent Appeal, P.O. Box 220, Selmer, TN

INDEPENDENT APPEAL PAGE 6

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Letter to the Editor: APPOINTED OR ELECTED?

Billy Joe Glover Selmer

Over the past few weeks, I have read, with a great deal of interest, the conversations dealing with the appointed vs the elected Director of Schools. I have also read the following talking points for why the Director should be elected: 1. The County Commission has no authority over the education budget. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Director and the School Board prepare an annual budget and present it to the Commission Budget Committee for approval. If it is not approved, then the Director and School Board have to begin to make cuts. Once agreement is reached, the education budget is then sent to the entire County Commission for final approval, and a tax rate is set to pay for the budget. Every county department (roads, sheriff, court house offices, etc.) follow this process. Do the County Commissioners want to take the department budgets and decide where each

penny is spent? That is not their job nor their responsibility. The Director of Schools and the School Board know far more about where the education money should be spent than do County Commissioners because that is their job and responsibility. There is no taxation without representation here. 2. It takes only four school board members to appoint the Director. We are not a true democracy. If we were a true democracy, each of us would rotate through the offices and serve a term, and everyone of us would come to a meeting and vote. That is impossible so our Founding Fathers established a representative government. That is the reason we elect people to represent us in Nashville and in Washington, DC. Of the 21 elected McNairy County Commissioners, it takes only 11 to appoint people to positions and to approve items like the budget. There are 7 School Board Members, duly elected by the same people who elect County Commissioners. Finally, I have struggled with this issue for several years because it was being discussed

when I served as Superintendent of McNairy County Schools from 1987 to 1996. I was first appointed by the County Commission because Mr. Mills had resigned the position. Only 11 months later, I had to run for reelection. At first, I thought elected was better, but I now see the picture more clearly as we often do as we age and look back on issues. The Director of Schools has far more important work in educating our boys and girls than having to ride the roads trying to convince people to vote for him or her. Every office is important and should serve the needs of our county. That is the reason we need to be informed about how it all works and elect the very best people. This should not be about political power nor political parties, but I strongly suspect that it is. It should be about serving the needs of the people. I want to thank the 4 Commissioners who were brave enough to vote against a resolution that will not serve the best interest of our county, especially that of educating the next generation.

Dare to Live Without Limits: Keeping Your Life in Balance Bryan Golden Contributor

Motion is required to maintain balance. In order to balance on a bicycle, you must be peddling forward. It’s impossible to balance on a bike which is standing still. As soon as the bike stops, you have to get off, or put your foot down. A spinning top appears to be perfectly still. But as it slows down it begins to wobble, ultimately coming to rest on its side. Spinning gyroscopes are used to keep ships and rockets stable. The faster they spin, the greater the stability.

While riding a bike, holding a heavy bag in one hand throws you off balance. Riding with your eyes closed ensures a crash. Facing backwards makes riding impossible. Letting go of the handle bars makes the bike hard to control. Life is like riding a bicycle. If you don’t keep moving forward, you’ll fall. You can’t sit still and expect to be balanced. At the very least, an unbalanced life leads to unpredictable gyrations, unexpected changes in direction, bumps, and falls. There are some simple techniques you can use to maintain your balance.

Keep you eyes open and focused on where you are headed. You are already past what’s behind you. What lies in front of you is what matters. Every aspect of your life is interconnected. Each component complements the others rather than being in competition. Work, personal time, family, social, and recreation are all intertwined. Balance is fluid, not fixed. The amount of attention required by each element varies so you have to consider the overall balance. Compartmentalization is essential for maintaining balance. When you’re at work, fo-

E-mail to: editor@independentappeal.com

cus on work. When at home, focus on your family. When you are resting, rest. Allowing the various aspects of your life to overlap interferes with each component receiving the proper attention. This results in everything being out of balance with nothing working right. Get rid of any negative baggage which isn’t contributing anything positive to your wellbeing. Worry, stress, anger, resentment, and bitterness all throw your life off balance. Negative baggage also taints every aspect of your life. Eliminate activities which don’t accomplish anything meaningful. Classify each task you are working on as either productive or just active. Productive behavior gets you closer to a specific objective. If you are just active, you are busy with nothing worthwhile to show for it. It’s the equivalent of spinning your wheels

without going anywhere. Say “NO” to discretionary activities which don’t add balance. Devoting time to anything which detracts from those things you should be doing throws you off. Declining an invitation without saying “NO” is very effective. For example you could say, “Thank you for asking, I’m glad you thought of me. Unfortunately, I can’t participate due to a prior commitment.” Take care of your physical and mental wellbeing. If you are off balance, everything around you will feel out of balance as well. Your perception and therefore your reality, is skewed which negatively impacts your decisions. Where possible, avoid toxic people. Complainers, whiners, and those with negative attitudes have an amazing ability to throw everything they touch off balance. Instead, look for and connect with others

who are also striving for balance in their lives. Observe all of the aspects of your life. Constantly monitor how balanced you feel. Balance must be continually maintained through positive action. Take immediate corrective action when a situation becomes unbalanced. A small issue can mushroom if left uncorrected. Make a conscious decision to balance your life. Be willing to actively participate in maintaining that balance. Adjust your balance and rebalance as necessary. A balanced life takes less effort to maintain than one which is unbalanced. NOW AVAILABLE: “Dare to Live Without Limits,” the book. Visit w w w. B r y a n G o l d e n . com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@ columnist.com or write him c/o this paper. 2021 Bryan Golden

Subscribe today for just $20! 731-645-5346

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 • USAF A1C Aidan Buck • USAF A1C Dylan Kidd EDITOR’S NOTE: If a loved one has had a change in status, contact us at (731) 645-5346.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 7

OBITUARIES

SUNRISE: Deny Death

Stanford Wayne Harris

Everette Glenn Reed

December 13, 1987 July 21, 2021

July 18, 2021

David Coy Contributor

verette Glen Reed, affectionately known to his family as “Fred,” went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. He was born in Horseshoe Beach, Florida, on December 13, 1987. He and his family moved to Adamsville, Tennessee, in 2000. Everette was passionate about his love for the Lord. At the age of 12, he was baptized by his grandpa, Bill Reed. His excitement for the Lord was contagious! He was bold, completely unashamed and always joyous to share his Faith. He watched the services of Church of the Crossroads, where his family attended church. The only son of Gary and Denise, Fred claimed the title of “favorite son” and “favorite brother.” He was spoiled by his eight sisters and adored by his nieces and nephews. Fred’s greatest honor was being a caregiver for his Daddy, Gary. He was by his daddy’s side every day, and they were best friends. He enjoyed watching old westerns, sports and Walker, Texas Ranger. He loved attending concerts and ball games. Fred loved a good debate and could argue with a pine tree. He was passionate about many things, including his admiration for Chuck Norris–according to Fred, no one could beat Chuck. He is survived by his parents, Gary and Denise Reed of Stantonville, Tenn.; eight sisters, Sarah Robertson and husband Miles, Rachel Jarrett and husband Jonathan, JoAnna, Anna, Jeanette, Erin, Miriam, and Lara Reed; nieces and nephews, Landon, Sadie and Finn Reed Jarett, Jermaine, Clarissa, Emily, Jaxston, Elizabeth, and Sarah Kate Robertson; aunts and uncles, Marylynn Nelson and husband David, Lloyddean Carroll and husband Raymond, Buddy Kight and wife Nancy, David Kight, Jeff Reed and wife Mary, Bernie Reed and wife Brandi, Tracey Watson and husband Michael, Joshua Reed and wife Isabel, MaryBeth Price and husband Justin and Debbie Porter; and a host of cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, William Glen “Bill” and Bernice “Bee” Reed, Daphine Roddenberry, and Lloyd Kight; and an uncle, James Maxie “Buster” Kight. When we try to make it make sense in our mind, the only conclusion we can find is...Heaven was needing an Angel like you! We love and miss you, Buddy! Services were held on July 26, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, Tenn., with David Weatherford and Nelson Height officiating. Burial will follow in the Stantonville Cemetery at Stantonville, Tennessee.

tanford Wayne Harris passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, at Methodist University Hospital on July 18, 2021. He was 82 years old. He was born and raised in McNairy County, Tenn., and attended both McNairy Central High School and Liberty Church of Christ in Michie, Tenn. He was the son of Julia Ann Phelps and Herbert Stanford Harris, both of Acton, Tenn., and he had 5 brothers: Floyd, Ledford, Robert L, James Morris and Billy Ebb (all deceased). He is survived by two sons, Keith and Eric, both of Memphis, Tenn., and a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Harris (deceased); five grandchildren, Layne, Emily, Addison, Jessica and Ashley and one niece and one nephew. He was buried with full military honors at Liberty Church of Christ in Michie, Tenn., on July 25, 2021. A memorial service began at 2 p.m. CST and was followed by a grave-side ceremony conducted by Ralph Lambert, his life-long friend. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Card of Thanks In Memory of Kenneth Bullington The family of Kenneth Bullington wish to express their deep appreciation to those who offered such kindness, support and messages of sympathy and comfort during this time of bereavement. Kenneth clearly touched many lives in this community and beyond and will be greatly missed. A special thanks to Hospice of West Tennessee, Kirkland Cancer Center in Jackson and Darryl Worley Cancer Center in Savannah. The treatment and care Kenneth received was truly special and we are so grateful.

The Bullington Family Card of Thanks

In Memory of Jason Reeder The family of Jason Reeder wants to thank everyone for their kind thoughts, prayers, flowers and gifts for this time of loss. Check out independentappeal.com

Kim Justice, Eve Ezra, Nancy Cox

“I am much more aware of the uncertainty of mortal life at a much deeper level, and of the certainty of God’s care. I have a feeling that cancer is being washed, driven out of me by a flood of prayer and love. Live one day at a time. Cancer is a threat to my being. Yet it is no such threat. We can trust the truth: We are on solid ground. Prayer opens up enormous resources. Love becomes a visible reality. Never minimize the priceless gift of natural sleep.” This was a statement made by a husband his wife found after his death from Cancer. She seemed to describe him as denying the cancer with the words, ‘he put out of his mind the lump and…” (We Live with Dying, Johnson, 1975). From my reading he did not deny his death throughout but perhaps took longer to accept the reality than his wife understood. Others may indeed

deny death, and one such practitioner claims that a large segment of society lives in fear. The fear manifests itself especially when a terminal illness arises. He says often he hears initially people proclaim it is pain and suffering they fear, but when medicine reduces the pain, then people reveal their real fear is death and the question of beyond the grave. Do we as an increasingly humanistic society with superficial religious overtones truly deny death? A young couple kept giving their toddler blood transfusions extending her life with every transfusion until the next one. Death is a natural expectation, but we live unprepared. We can help you face your reality. Come to our grief support group and share your experiences with others who can benefit and allow them to share their experience with you possibly benefitting from them. This is Sunrise Aftercare, sunrise@sfdcares. com

Card of Thanks In Memory of Chris White

The family of Christ White would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, care, and expressions of sympathy during our

time of loss . To the ladies of Chewalla and members of Butler Chapel Baptist Church. We greatly appreciate the wonderful meal provided for the family after the services. To Brother Richard Dale, thank you for the beautiful celebration and comfort you provided to the family. We would like to extend an extra special thank you to the McNairy County EMT’s and first responders for their care and compassion during our time of need. Everyone’ actions and prayers will not be forgotten.

Sincerely The family of Chris White Suzie, Brandy, Steven and girls.

Photo Submitted

Red Sand Project 2021 Bryan Huff

Assistant Editor

Human Trafficking Awareness Week is July 25 through 31. The Red Sand Project is a participatory art installment designed to shed light on human trafficking. Red sand is poured on to cracked surfaces such as sidewalks and roads. The red sand is used to draw attention to the victims of human trafficking that fall through the cracks of society daily. Tennessee has been nationally acknowledged for its continued efforts and improvements. Human trafficking remains a major public health crisis. “Addressing human trafficking is a priority in Tennessee,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “It is important we raise awareness of hu-

man trafficking through initiatives such as this because victims can experience significant trauma that has lasting impacts on them and their families.” The National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 11,500 trafficking situations in 2019. 180 cases were reported in Tennessee in 2019. McNairy County will participate in the Red Sand Project on August 4. The project will begin at the Justice Complex at 9:30 a.m. Human trafficking is a demand-driven crime that involves exploiting a person for labor, services, or commercial sex acts, particularly targeting women and children according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Human Trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the country. Cases of human trafficking are reported annually in all 50 states. “Human trafficking must be stopped,” said

Tennessee Department of Health Family Health and Wellness Division Deputy Medical Director Denise Werner, MD. “By increasing awareness of this hidden crime that can happen in our own communities Tennesseans can make a difference in the lives of victims of human trafficking.” If you know someone who needs help to escape trafficking, contact the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484. If you suspect you have come into contact with a victim of human trafficking, you may call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233722. Hotline staff members will identify resources in your community. For more information on humantrafficking and the hotline, visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/. Learn more about the Red Sand Project at https://redsandproject. org.

Photo Submitted

RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) would like to welcome Dana Scroggins on board as our new Volunteer Coordinator for Hardin-McNairy-Hardeman Counties. Dana is a lifelong resident of McNairy County, is married with two children and lives in the Purdy Community. If you are 55 and older and would like to volunteer in one of our local non-profit agencies, give Dana a call at 731-632-0304 or 731-439-7261

CHURCH DIRECTORY

PAGE 8 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL

Events and Happenings

Meet the Teacher July 29 On Thursday July 29, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., there will be an event for parents to meet their child’s teacher this coming year at Selmer and Michie Elementary Schools. McNairy County Historical Society July 31 The McNairy County Historical Society is excited to announce we will have our first monthly meeting (since Feb 2020), Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at the Jack McConnico Library, Selmer, Tennessee. Please join us as we catch up on McNairy County Historical News and Events. We are pleased to announce LaQuita Thomson will present a program titled, “Two Purdy Doctors.” Early Bird Registration July 31 Cheaper Ramer Soccer sign ups will be July 31, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Bethel Ball

Feilds inside the concession stand located at 143 Jackson St. Bethel Springs. Ages 2 to 14 welcomed. For more information call Elizabeth at (731)610-6063 or Tom Court at (713)610-5750.

Smith and congregation extends a warm welcome to all! Church address is: 672 Ed Barham Rd, Bethel Springs, TN. For more info call: 731439-0552 /731-610-9652

On August 7th there will be a lip sync battle at Corinth VFW. It starts at 8:00 p.m. Registation Fees for solo is $10 and for a group $25. This is open to the public.

Ramer Soccer Sing-Ups Breast Cancer Fellowship Celebration August 7, 14, 21, 28 September 11 Day Regular Soccer sign ups Pink Ribbon Banquet August 1, 2021 will be July 31, 10:00 and Fashion Show will Forty Forks Baptist a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the be held Saturday SepChurch wishes to invite Bethel Ball Feilds inside tember 11th at 5:00pm everyone to Fellowship- the concession stand at the Rockabilly Park. If Celebrate-Church Serlocated at 143 Jackson you are a Breast Cancer vices w/Meal, on Aug. St. Bethel Springs. Ages Survivor or know a sur1st, following morning 2 to 14 welcomed. For vivor that would like to services. The church more information call participate in the fashwill host the first meal Elizabeth at (731)610ion show Please contact of potluck, since March 6063 or Tom Court at Edna Barnette 731-6452020! SS @9, Worship (713)610-5750. 3799 or 731-610-6600 at 10am. BJ Howard will or email womenofcourbe special quest Singer Lip Sync Battle age3@gmail.com & Musician. Bro. Randy August 7 McNairy County Senior Center, 408 Park Avenue, Adamsville, is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lunch is served on Thursdays for seniors to dine-in or pick up and go. Tai Chi classes are on Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30- 11:30 a.m. Day trips are being planned for some Fridays. Staff at the Senior Center are available to help seniors with things like energy assistance, signing up for commodities, telephone reassurance calls and grocery shopping. Masks are available for seniors to use, but not required. “We are planning a motorcoach to Cape Cod for Oct. 13 to Oct. 20 this year,” said Cindy Thrasher, Director The McNairy Senior Center is also already planning their 2022 excursions, including a Spring trip to Italy and late Summer trip to Alaska. For further information call the Center at 731-632-0302.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

In-person learning returns to McNairy County Schools Bryan Huff Assistance Editor

McNairy County Schools will open this year for in person learning. The school district agrees with the Center for Disease Control which stated, “Students benefit from in-person learning and safely returning to in-person instruction in the fall of 2021 is a priority.” The school system will continue to enact all prudent and reasonable measures to ensure students, employees and the community are safe by implementing interventions to help reduce the risk of covid-19. The schools will continue to follow guidance from the Tennessee Department of Health while working with the McNairy County Health Department in regard to identification, contact tracing and quarantining. Updates will be provided as information is shared with the school system. Students and faculty should stay home if they are ill. Parents should monitor for fever and covid-19 symptoms at home. Students

and staff who become symptomatic or have a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher should not attend school. Students and faculty should not return to school until being temperature free for 24 hours without medication. Any student testing positive foe covid-19 or if he or she has contact with covid-19 will be required to follow the Tennessee Department of Health’s protocol for releasing cases and contacts from isolation and quarantine. Face coverings for students and staff are optional and will not be mandated. Good hygiene and handwashing is encouraged and will be promoted. There are hand sanitizing stations provided and they will be accessible for use. Classrooms and high touch surfaces will be regularly disinfected. All contact tracing protocols will continue to follow CDC and Tennessee Department of Health guidelines and the district will continue to partner with the McNairy County Health Department for support.

MCNAIRY COUNTY CHURCH DIRECTORY APOSTOLIC Life Tabernacle 1353 Hwy. 142, Selmer Thomas Davis, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.

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

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.

Selmer Primitive Baptist Church 331 Falcon Rd., Selmer Elder Clinton Barnett, Pastor 3rd Sunday Each Month: 10:30 a.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.

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.

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.

Solitude Freewill Baptist Church 414 Meeks Rd., Adamsville Sunday: 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. West Shiloh Baptist 282 West Shiloh Baptist Rd. Stantonville Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 6 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.

INDEPENDENT Calvary Baptist Church Hwy 22 North, Adamsville Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship: Sun. 11 a.m. & 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Locke Road Baptist Locke Road, Selmer Bobby Bray, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. / Wed. 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

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

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. 5 p.m & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6 p.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. 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.,

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 o

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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. Mt. Zion Baptist Church Litt Wilson Rd., McNairy TN Bro. Jakob Harris, 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. 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. 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. 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 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 Church of God 948 Center Ridge Road, Bethel Springs Duane R. Moore, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Only services due to Covid-19. 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 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.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. 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. United Methodist Church 8173 Finger-Leapwood Rd. FInger, TN 38334 Pastor Howard Russom Contact info: 731-610-7638 Sunday School 10 a.m. - 11 Services (adult & children) Maggie Jones 11 a.m. MT. Vinson Service 9 a.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.

610-1859 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m.

Sulphur Springs United Methodist Sulphur Springs Rd., Selmer Roger South, Pastor Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10 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.

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

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 Bible Class: Saturday 10:00 a.m. Worship: Saturday 11 a.m. Only services due to Covid-19. 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.

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

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.

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Real Estate

Public Notice

For Rent

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE STATE OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES PETITIONER vs. CRYSTAL BRIANNA STIDDOM, MATTHEW THOMAS SHIELDS RESPONDENTS NO: 2020-JV-36 IN THE MATTER OF: Lillian Faye Stiddom, DOB: 06/19/2020 A CHILD UNDER EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE Order of Publication It appearing to the Court from the allegations of the Petition in this cause and the affidavit of the Petitioner that the whereabouts of the Respondents, Crystal Brianna Stiddom and Matthew Thomas Shields, are unknown and that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon them, It is, therefore, ordered that Respondents, Crystal Brianna Stiddom and Matthew Thomas Shields, be served by publication of the following notice for four (4) consecutive weeks in The Independent Appeal, a newspaper circulated in McNairy County, Tennessee. TO CRYSTAL STIDDOM and MATTHEW SHIELDS:

FOR RENT: Houses, Apartments and Townhouses. Committed to providing Safe/ Affordable homes in a family friendly environment. No Pets - No Crack/Party Houses, reference & deposit required. Kenneth Sweat. (731) 6100807. Equal Housing Opportunity. (38-TF) OAKWOOD APARTMENT RENTALS: Selmer: 1 bedroom: $425.00/ mo. 2 bedrooms: $450.00/ mo. Both require deposits. No pets. (731) 610-2877. (TF) FOR RENT: 3 bedroom 2 Bath house, Comes with Stove and Refrigerator, No Pets, $600.00 plus Deposit. Call (731) 6102887 (9-TF) FOR RENT: Nice 3 bedroom Duplex in Savannah. $650.00 plus Deposite. NO PETS. Call (731)453-5349 or (731)6321299 (12)

Services Professional Services HARRIS HOME IMPROVEMENT: Concrete, dirt work, shingles, siding, flooring & foundations, block, brick, painting and additions. Highly recommended. FREE Estimates. Licensed and insured. (731) 439-0343. (TF) DOUG BUTLER: House leveling, rotting sills, replace floors, cracking brick - 30 years experience. (731) 239-8945, cell (662) 284-6146. Free estimat es. (TF) SEEKING CAREGIVER: Prefer CNA with patient care experience. Assistance with activities of daily living: to/from bed, exercises, etc. Recently Dischared from hospital- positions for day and night, weekends $10.00/hr in Crump area. Call (731)7277229 (12,13,14,15)

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Commercial Office Space FOR RENT

Thee Commercial spaces available for rent in the Morgan Plaza,

325 E. Poplar, Selmer, Tenn. Call (731)607-2026 or (270)792-4043

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

MARKET REPORT Cattle 1091 Goats 30 Hogs 4

#1 STEERS & BULLS

200-300 WT 172.00-190.00 300-400 WT 161.00-172.00 400-500 WT 148.00-161.00 500-600 WT 146.00-159.00 600-700 WT 134.00-141.00 700-800 WT 122.00-134.00 800-900 WT 114.00-122.00 #1 HEIFERS 200-300 WT 142.00-151.00 300-400 WT 134.00-142.00 400-500 WT 126.00-134.00 500-600 WT 124.00-132.00 600-700 WT 118.00-124.00 700-800 WT 106.00-118.00 800-900 WT 95.00-106.00 HIGH DRESSING UTILITY COWS 68.00 - 75.00 HIGH DRESSING SLAUGHTER BULLS 95.00-106.00

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE STATE OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES PETITIONER vs. CYNTHIA MICHELL HERRINGTON LAYZER GOMEZ RIVAS ELIJAH BOND RESPONDENTS NO: 19-JV-51 IN THE MATTER OF: Liliana Ann Michelle Herrington, DOB: 10/17/2007 Joseph Alexander Herrington, DOB: 09/23/2009 Jeremiah Lee Herrington, DOB: 04/27/2016 Selena Bree Herrington, DOB: 06/21/2019

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Independent

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Public Notice

CHILDREN UNDER EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE Order of Publication It appearing to the Court from the allegations of the Petition in this cause and the affidavit of the Petitioner that the whereabouts of the Respondent, Layzer Gomez-Rivas, are unknown and that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon him, It is, therefore, ordered that Respondent, Layzer Gomez-Rivas, be served by publication of the following notice for four (4) consecutive weeks in The Independent appeal, a newspaper circulated in McNairy County, Tennessee. TO LAYZER GOMEZRIVAS: The State of Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services, has filed a petition against you seeking to terminate forever your parental rights to Liliana, Jeremiah and Selena Herrington on the grounds that you have willfully abandoned these children and for other reasons. It appears that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts are unknown. You are, therefore, ordered to respond by appearing in Court or filing an Answer to the Petition filed against you. A copy

of the Petition may be obtained at the office of the Juvenile Court of McNairy County, Selmer, Tennessee. This notice will be published for four consecutive weeks. The last date of publication will be 8/4/21. You must appear in Court on 9/13/21 at 9:00 a.m. to appear and defend, or file an Answer within 30 days, or a Default Judgment or judgment on the facts will be taken against you and a hearing to terminate your parental rights will be set. All future hearings and/ or documents filed in this cause shall be filed with the clerk and shall be considered as service upon you. You may request your copy from the clerk. ENTER this the 7th day of July 2021. /s/ Van McMahan, Juvenile Court Judge

PREPARED FOR ENTRY: /s/ Amanda S. King, BPR #028022 Attorney for the State of Tennessee Dept. of Children’s Services 225 Martin Luther King Drive Jackson TN 38301 (731) 421-2000 9546 (10,11,12,13)

Address of Sale? Items for Sale? List Name & Phone Number: Will not appear in ad, unless you request it.

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Southwest Human Resource Agency Southwest Human Resource Agency is accepting applications for Central Kitchen Van Drivers, Utility Workers, and Prep Cooks. Work site is located at 992 W. Main Street, Henderson, TN. Van Driver - Both full-time and part-time positions are available. Position will require stooping, reaching, lifting, and carrying up to 50 lbs. Applicants must be dependable and have a clean driving record. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age with 2 years of safe, unrestricted driving experience and have a Class D driver’s license (F endorsement is preferred). Full-time positions are 40 hrs. per week with excellent benefits. Part-time positions are up to 29 hrs. per week with no benefits. Utility Production Worker – Both full-time and part-time positions are available. Position will require stooping, reaching, lifting, and carrying up to 50 lbs. Applicants must be dependable and have at least one (1) year of experience in the food service industry. Applicants must have knowledge and experience with proper food safety handling standards and a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. Full-time positions are 40 hrs. per week with excellent benefits. Part-time positions are up to 29 hrs. per week with no benefits. Prep Cook – Full time positions are available. Position will require stooping, reaching, lifting, and carrying up to 50 lbs. Walking and/or standing will be required for the majority of the day. Applicants must be dependable and have knowledge of quantity food production practices including sanitation, safety, and inventory control. Applicants must also have the ability to work well with others and follow detailed instructions. Three (3) years of quantity food production is preferred. Full-time positions are 40 hrs. per week with excellent benefits.

Benefits - Full-time positions offer State of TN Retirement, State of TN Health Insurance, Dental/ Vision/Disability Insurance, State Paid Holidays, and Paid Annual and Sick Leave. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates. Entry level rate of pay for all positions is $10.19 per hour.

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PREPARED FOR ENTRY: /s/ Amanda S. King, BPR #028022 Attorney for the State of Tennessee Dept. of Children’s Services 225 Martin Luther King Drive Jackson TN 38301 (731) 421-2000 9545 (10,11,12,13)

On the spot interviews will be held in the following locations on

Cattle Sale Every Wednesday • 1:00 P.M. Goat & Hog Sale • 11:00 A.M. Begin receiving cattle on Tuesday 8:00 A.M. ‘til dark e er

/s/ Van McMahan, Juvenile Court Judge

We are hiring for full time and part time positions.

3350 Hwy 226, Savannah, TN 38372 • 731-925-3287

The State of Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services, has filed a petition against you seeking to terminate forever your parental rights to Lillian Faye Stiddom on the grounds that you have willfully abandoned this child and for other reasons. It appears that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts are unknown. You are, therefore, ordered to respond by appearing in Court or filing an Answer to the Petition filed against you. A copy of the Petition may be obtained at the office of the Juvenile Court of McNairy County, Selmer, Tennessee. This notice will be published for four consecutive weeks. The last date of publication will be 8/4/21. You must appear in Court on 9/13/21 at 9:00 a.m. to appear and defend, or file an Answer within 30 days, or a Default Judgment or judgment on the facts will be taken against you and a hearing to terminate your parental rights will be set. All future hearings and/ or documents filed in this cause shall be filed with the clerk and shall be considered as service upon you. You may request your copy from the clerk.

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Hardin County Stockyards, Inc.

Public Notice ENTER this the 7th day of July 2021.

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July 21, 2021 Total HD 1125

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INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 9

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Applicants may apply online at www.swhra.org, at Indeed.com or Jobs4TN.gov. Applications may also be picked up at the local SWHRA Community Service Center or American Job Center. Application deadline is August 9, 2021. SWHRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Accepting applications for 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments for the Elderly age 62 or older or Disabled of any age. Rent is based on household income. Applications available at the office: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Subsidized and financed through rural development. This institution is an equal opportunity provider & employer

(800) 545-1833 ext. 339 TDD

PAGE 10 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28 2021

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Building Committee Fall armyworms Jack Simpson Staff Writer

The McNairy County Building Committee convened on July 20 in the Chancery Courtroom of the McNairy County Courthouse to review plans for the Old Armory building. Selmer Fire Chief Anthony Carr opened the meeting proper with a report on the status of ownership of the Old Armory. Based upon records obtained by City Recorder Ann Henderson, documents may prove that the City of Selmer is a partial owner of the Old Armory. Carr presented these documents, which span four city mayorships, to the committee: On December 10, 1975, the City of Selmer received the planning for the new National Guard Armory from the Tennessee Military Department. The first contract for the New Armory–received on April 26, 1983, and totaling $109,057.38–stated that federal funds would finance 75% percent of costs, state funds would finance 12.5% and joint funds from the City of Selmer and McNairy County would finance 12.5%. On January 13,

1984, Wilburn Gene Ashe, Chairman of the Selmer Utility Division, reallocated $30,000.00 from the gas fund to the New Armory. On April 9, 1985, the Town of Selmer proffered a resolution to allocate $35,000.00 to the New Armory. A second contract–received on June 12, 1985, and totaling $143,750.00–contained a funding plan identical to the 1983 contract. On January 20, 1987, the City of Selmer deeded ten acres for the New Armory. On May 19, 1997, a quitclaim deed was presented to the City of Selmer for those ten acres. Mayor Larry Smith assured that County Attorney Craig Kennedy will review a record of deeds to verify the City of Selmer’s partial ownership of the Old Armory. Thus far, a deed in the county’s name and two easements granting the City of Selmer access to wells on the property have been identified. The county commission has debated utilizing grant moneys to renovate the building. In the most recent commission meeting, Public Works Director Richard Ashe shared that the city owns two water wells on

the property, and questions arose concerning a possible gas tank near the Old Armory. Prior to any future usage of the building, documentation must establish official ownership. One plan for the Old Armory is to repurpose it as a central location for emergency services. The current design features offices, an emergency operations center, a meeting room, a fire hall and a tornado shelter, the latter of which would double as a training room for volunteer firefighters. Smith confirmed that any storm shelter added to the building would be FEMA certified and that the building itself would be both insured and ADA certified. “There is a need in the county, in the Selmer area, for a shelter–a true shelter. If a tornado hit this [courthouse], this basement is not a true shelter,” acknowledged Alan Stricklin, Emergency Management Director. Concerns arose about asbestos removal and for other necessary repairs. Smith estimated that the costs of cleaning and roofing could total up to $300,000.00.

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Farmers and homeowners across the midsouth have found themselves in battle with an infestation of fall armyworms. The fall armyworm is the larval life stage of a fall armyworm moth. The scientific name derives from frugiperda which is a Latin word meaning lost fruit. The fall armyworm can damage and destroy a large number of crops. They are most notably found in this area in forage grasses, soybean fields, gardens and lawns. However, they will also devour fruit trees. They normally are winter killed in the midsouth but do overwinter in south Texas and south Florida. Fall armyworms are known to be strong fliers and can travel long distances over the summer months. An infestation can seem to happen overnight with the armyworms devouring stems, leaves and reproductive parts of many plants. Entire fields and pastures can be decimated in a matter of hours if not found and eradi-

The Selmer Police Department will be selling the following Seized items on Govdeals. •200 Honda lement V N 6 H18 8 L008992

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Armyworms eating crops.

cated. The larval stage of the fall armyworm can last from 14-22 days so it is vitally important to be vigilent in scouting and reaction to any infestation. A female moth normally lives about 10 days and can lay one thousand eggs during her lifetime. The life cycle of a fall armyworm completes itself in about 30 days. Heavy infestations of fall armyworms may require more than one treatment to control the infestation. It is advisable to scout potential problem areas at least daily. The fall armyworm is

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• Residential • Commercial • Industrial

TREE SERVICE

HILL MURRELL’S PEBBLE TREE

Plumbing, Electrical & Aerial Service Work • Weekends & Holidays • Sa e air ate

(731) 610-4462 (731) 439-2923 Give us a call!

AIW Hvac Service Full Inspection

$69

ROOFING

Notice is hereby given that the McNairy County Highway Department will receive written SEALED bids until 10 A.M. on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 for the purchase of three (3) new 2022 Model Year Tri-Axle Dump Trucks. Instructions to Bidders: 1. No responsibility will be attached to any person employed by the McNairy County Highway Department, for the premature opening of any bid not properly addressed and identified as stipulated below: SEALED BID FOR: New Dump Truck 2022 model year OPENING DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 @ 10 a.m., 4684 Hwy 64 E, Selmer, Tenn. 38375 2. All bidders must secure a bid sheet along with specifications. This can be obtained from the McNairy County Highway Department, 4684 Highway 64 E, Selmer Tenn. 38375 or contact us at 731-645-3651 Mon-Thurs between 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Bid sheet must be completed in entirety before submission as a formal bid. 3. It shall be incumbent upon each Bidder to understand the specifications on the bid form and to obtain clarification when necessary. It is not the intent of the specifications to limit the bidding process to any make or manufacturer, but to fill a specific need and to perform a specific task. 4. McNairy County Highway Department reserves the right to determine which is the lowest and best bid and to accept or reject any or all bids based on that determination. 5. Questions per the above should be directed to: Harvey N. Smith Road Superintendent McNairy County Highway Department

• Stump Grinding • Stump Removal • Pruning FULLY INSURED Tommy Price

(731) 610-5719

TREE SERVICE

Lawn Care

Kennedy’s Lawn Service

Commercial and Residential Mowing, weed-eating, leaf removal, hedge/shrubbery trimming, mulching, brush removal, and other yard work. Reasonable Rates and Dependable. Free Estimates Call Corbin at

731-610-7812

TIRE SHOP

MAST

TREE SERVICE • re • ree m e •S m r • em l rm m e No Job Too Big Or Small WE CAN DO IT ALL.

Towing & Recovery

BODY SHOP

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

(731) 610-6712

MURRAY’S BODY SHOP

249 Tom Baker Rd. Eastview, Tenn. (Over 30 years exp.) • Insurance Claims Welcome “Let me help you save on your deductible” (731) 645-9610 Fax: (731) 645-9610

DECK AND FENCES BUILDING

583 Mulberry Ave Selmer, Tenn.

(731) 439-3604 Dan Michael

LET US DO YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENTS FREE ESTIMATES Remodeling, Vinyl Siding, Replacement Windows & Metal Roofing

D & S VINYL SIDING David McCullar (731) 610-8396 Scotty Ingle (731) 439-5163

MOBILE HOME PARTS

Moore Roofing & Construction, LLC Free Estimates!!

Commercial & Residential

• Metal • Shingles •Flat Roofs

24 Hour Service

Call Jonathan Moore (731) 609-5567

• All Makes & Models Johnathan Prather Specializing in residential service

Professional, Trustworthy, Dependable

(731) 434-9640 (731) 434-4010

SERVICE

more noticeable in the morning and evening hours. However, damage is easily discerned by looking for thin and brown spots in the foliage. Action should be taken whenever there are four fall armyworms found to the square foot. There are off the shelf products that the homeowner can purchase to control the pests. However, large infestations that are normally found on the farm requires the use of restricted use pesticides. If fall armyworms are detected it is advisable to check with the local UT Extension Service or farm and garden supplier to properly determine the best route to eradicate the pest.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Advertise you business here for $8 a week. Call (731) 645-5346

PRINTING

Contributor

•200 Ford Ranger V N 1FT R10D8 PA61268

Advertise it here

n hony

Jai Templeton

“We’ve Got You Covered” 5 Year Workmanship Warranty Serving West Tennessee

mooreroofingandconstruction1@gmail.com

We repair and install everything including heating and air!

WE HAVE A NEW LOCATION: 75 Riverport Drive Jackson, TN 38301 731-422-6226 Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.