world series bound complete coverage of mcnairy county’s three dixie youth world series qualifiers, 1B
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Volume 111, Number 11, Wednesday, July 31, 2013
20-page special:
Top nods for sports, news coverage
back to school
Independent Appeal
Independent Appeal takes five UT State Press Awards
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013 SECTION C - 20-PAGES
By Christen Coulon Managing Editor
2013 back to school
The Independent Appeal was recognized for excellence in several award categories at the 2013 University of Tennessee State Press Awards July 19 in Nashville. A total of 18 individual awards were presented to staff members for their contributions in five separate categories. Our publication was particularly honored to receive top nods in our main content focus areas of news and sports. The Independent Appeal took First Place for Best Sports Coverage in Tennessee and placed second in Best News Reporting. “We are celebrating the success of the entire newspaper staff, who, through dedication and hard work, strive to honor the very people we serve: our readers, advertisers and community,” said Janet Rail, publisher of the Independent Appeal. In addition, the publication was recog-
Inside this week Photo by Jessica Holmes
IA staff members share 18 individual recognitions for five University of Tennessee State Press Awards. The publication’s sports coverage was named best in Tennessee, with its news reporting and public service efforts taking second place nods.
See awards, 5A
Schools make double digit gains in Algebra I Gains recorded in 4 of 6 accountability areas By Delise Teague McNairy County Schools
When school district accountability data were released this week, local results reflected overall improvement in student performance and highlighted areas that require increased attention. In four of the six key accountability areas, McNairy County saw gains in the percentage of students scoring in
See Accountability, 5A
county support for
District % Proficient/ Advanced 2012
District % Proficient/ Advanced 2013
State % Proficient/ Advanced 2013
District Gap Change 2013
Math Gr. 3-8
49.8
51.9
50.7
+2.1
RLA Gr. 3-8
51.1
50.3
50.3
-0.8
Alg. I
57.3
71.2
60.3
+13.9
Alg. II
44.1
49.6
42.0
+5.5
Eng. II
61.9
57.9
59.5
-4.0
Eng. III
37.0
44.0
39.6
+7.0
Subject
Despite its size, Hercules Beetle is harmless By Christen Coulon
world series run
Managing Editor
Teams rush to raise cash for series travel expenses
PAGE 2B
The Eastern Hercules beetle, also known as Dynastes Tityus, is a mousesized bug large enough to give most unsuspecting
gardeners a scare. This giant beetle has made an appearance in McNairy County this summer in a big way. These large insects, which are among the largest native insects in the United States, can measure up to 1.1 inches wide and more than 2.5 inches long as adults. Like fingerprints, the beetle’s trademark black spots are unique to each bug. The spots are generally set on a green, tan or gray background on the animal’s massive back. Of the six species of Dynastes found in the Western Hemisphere, Tityus is the only one native to our area. A part of the rhinoceros beetle family, the male of the species will have a long horn projecting
forward from the thorax. The male of the species uses its massive horn in battles with male rivals when competing for a mate. According to University of Tennessee Extension Agent and County Director Ricky Mathenia, despite their appearance, they are harmless to humans. “They are the largest beetle native to Tennessee,” Mathenia said. “For their size they are considered one of the strongest animals in the animal kingdom.” The larvae are giant grubs with white bodies and inset chewing mouthparts, which feed on decaying wood and other decaying matter. Mathenia said the adult beetles do not appear to eat (other than the occasional sip of tree sap), relying on stores consumed as a larva for survival. Because of this, he said that they are no threat to local crops.
Selmer farmers’ market
Staff Photo by Lanessa Miller
Locally-grown options expand
PAGE 4A
z Opinion 6A z Obituaries 7A z Events 8A z Community 8A z Lifestyles 8A z Sports 1B z Campus 5B z Classifieds 6B z Courtroom 9B Wed - 91/68 Scattered T-Storms
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