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INDEPENDENT APPEAL
Volume 118, Issue 48
50 cents
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Governor: ‘Take this seriously’ Lee requires residents to stay at home By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Tennesseans must now stay at home. Gov. Bill Lee signed Executive Order 23 requiring residents to stay home unless they are carrying out essential activities as data shows an increase in citizen movement across the state. “Over the last few weeks, we have seen decreases in movement around the state as Tennesseans socially distance and stay
at home,” said Lee on Thursday. “However, in recent days we have seen data indicating that movement may be increasing and we must get these numbers trending back down.” Order 23 updates Lee’s previous executive order to clearly require Tennesseans stay at home
unless they are carrying out essential activities. Data from the Tennessee Department of Transportation analyzed traffic patterns for March 2020. While safer at home measures and further restrictions on businesses showed a steep drop-off in vehicle movement from March 13-29, data beginning on March 30 indicates travel is trending upwards. The administration also analyzed data from Unacast to understand cell phone
mobility and determine movement trends among people. Unacast indicates the movement of Tennesseans is trending toward pre-COVID-19 levels. “The month of April stands to be an extremely tough time for our state as we face the potential for a surge in COVID-19 cases,” said Lee. “Every Tennessean must take this seriously, remain at home and ensure we save lives.” The executive order remains in effect until April 14, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
Unusual year for district
COVID-19
Assistant Editor
Assistant Editor
Expect the unexpected. McNairy County Director of Schools Greg Martin has plenty of experience with unforeseen situations over the last nine months. “It has been a rough year for sure,” said Martin. “Every time we Martin got over things, something else came along.” The latest to hit McNairy County Schools is COVID-19. The coronavirus put a halt to school on March 17 following Gov. Bill Lee’ recommendation to dismiss school. “The virus is stressful in a
COVID-19 positive tests have now risen to six in McNairy County. McNairy County Mayor Larry Smith was notified of three more residents who have the coronavirus on Monday. “McNairy County is not immune to COVID-19,” said Smith. “COVID-19 will impact many lives in our county before we recover from this health crisis.” The county’s first case was reported on March 29. The second positive test was April 1 with a third on April 2. A total of 83 people have been tested in the county. Smith said a health care hotline has been established for anyone who has any questions about the virus. The number is 731-240-1771. On Monday, the McNairy
Cases now stand at 6 in county By Steve Beavers
By Steve Beavers
See UNUSUAL, 7
Staff Photo by Joel Counce
A Selmer man was killed Friday when he lost control of his vehicle and was struck by a truck.
Man fatally injured in wreck By Joel Counce Staff Writer
A Selmer man was fatally injured when his vehicle spun out of control and was struck by a truck. Forty-seven year old Cecil Sanders was pronounced dead at the scene after he lost control of his 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier around 4:22 p.m. Friday on Highway 142
near Brooks Road. Sanders was eastbound on Highway 142 when he crossed the center line going off the north side of the road and overcorrected. The car started to spin when it was hit, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol report. The Cavalier was struck on the driver’s side by a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado headed east on Highway
142. The driver of the truck was 21-year-old Marvin Ellis of Bethel Springs. Sanders was not wearing a seatbelt. Ellis, who was wearing his seatbelt, was not injured. Medical Center EMS, Selmer Fire Department and the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the call.
See CASES, 7
Virus patient feeling better Some local boards turning to video-type meetings By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Judy Hammons is feeling much better. The retired McNairy County teacher was the second person to test positive for COVID-19. Her quarantine ended Tuesday following a two-week bout just sitting in a chair. “I didn’t have any idea it was coronavirus,” said the 70-year-old Hammons. “It affects people so different
... the sickest I got was just sitting in a chair.” Hammons was notified of her positive test on Wednesday, April 1. “I was feeling much better that Tuesday,” she said. Her symptoms were chest congestion, cough and low-grade fever. “I went to the doctor and they thought it was sinusitis,” she said. Hammons didn’t get any better after a couple of
more trips to the doctor’s office. “It was kind of scary because I didn’t get any better ... I was feeling worse,” said Hammons. An x-ray on her final visit to the doctor showed she had a touch of pneumonia in one lung. It was then she was given the COVID-19 test. “This wasn’t my worst sickness,” said Hammons. “I missed two weeks of school with the flu in 1970.”
By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Board meetings are entering a historic phase. Efforts to practice social distancing is changing the usual corporate fashion way of meeting to the video web conferencing method. County Mayor Larry Smith and the county commission tested the new fashion on Thursday. “I don’t know how it will shape out,”
said Smith of the April 13 meeting. “But this is how we will be doing the meeting.” The county is using Zoom Pro mobile app that allows users to meet online with or without video. Users can choose to record sessions, collaborate on projects and share or annotate on one another’s screens, all with one easy-to-use platform. “We couldn’t use just Zoom because it didn’t offer enough time to complete the meeting,” said Smith.
See MEETINGS, 7
Churches to celebrate Easter in different fashion By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Church sanctuaries are normally at full capacity on Easter Sunday. COVID-19 will make sure it doesn’t happen this Sunday. Local churches will celebrate the Risen Lord in mostly empty sanctuaries. Live and online services have become the new normal over the past few weeks. The change isn’t going to stop
pastors from delivering the word. “This has rocked the Christian world because this is the first time most of us have not been able to meet on Easter Sunday,” said Lakeview Church Pastor Bro. Clint Overton. “I told the staff here we had to move from a brick and mortar church to a completely online church.” The online move hasn’t been an issue for Lakeview, according to Overton. “We have had a strong online
presence for several years,” he said. “The key thing for us is to stay connected without the opportunities to meet ... this is the generation for SnapChat, Tick Tock, Facebook.”
Overton believes God is going to use the virus to do something good. “I can see him turning people toward him,” said Overton. “We had everything handed to us on a silver platter and when this is over, we need to appreciate that and better not take it for granted.” First Baptist Church-Selmer will continue its online service on Easter Sunday. “We are going to do what we have been doing, but put a twist
Did you know? An early-morning fire destroyed the Grecian Steak House on Feb. 28 of 1983.
on it,” said First Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Joey Johnson. Johnson believes every Sunday for a Christian is Easter. “We should celebrate the Risen Savior every Sunday,” he said. The virus is providing churches a chance to reach out to lost people. “This is a great opportunity for us,” said Johnson. “It’s a window that will not stay open so we
See EASTER, 7
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Wednesday, april 8, 2020
Walmart makes shopping changes By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Walmart has regulated store entry and changed its shopping process. The store notified McNairy County Mayor Larry Smith about the changes it began implementing on April 4 due to COVID-19. Walmart is now limiting the number of customers who can be in a store at once. The store will allow no more than five
customers for each 1,000-square feet at a given time, roughly 20 percent of a store’s capacity. Once a store reaches its capacity, customers will be admitted inside on a “1-out-1-in” basis. One-way movement through aisles has been instituted in a number of stores, using floor markers and direction from associates. “We expect this to help more customers avoid coming into close contact with others as they shop,” stated Walmart Pub-
lic Affairs Director Tice White in the letter to Smith. Key measures made by Walmart are: • Associates at a store will mark a queue at a single-entry door – in most cases the grocery entrance – and direct arriving cus-
tomers there, where they will be admitted one-by-one and counted. • Stores began using a single entrance and a single exit at all locations. This is designed to help prevent people from entering and exiting the same door at the same time. • Established queue lines which are staffed with associates and emphasized social distancing signage to remind customers how important it is to stay six feet apart.
Stantonville native leaves Local health department now China ahead of pandemic a coronavirus assessment site By Joel Counce
“They said the virus was too serious there and my health was their main concern.” - Bret White
Staff Writer
Bret White was on vacation in Bangkok, Thailand when he got the first hints of a new virus in China. “An American professor at the university sent me an email saying this wasn’t the flu,” he said. “It said this was a new virus.” White finally left Asia in early February and returned to his home in McNairy County. “No one told me I had to come back home,” he said. “I was traveling and got a message saying my flight had been canceled and I would need to look for alternative routes.” At the time, the Stantonville native was in the
Phillipines’ capital city, Manila. White has lived in the Chinese province of Hubei since August, 2018, teaching at a school in the major city of Yichang. In February, he was traveling for winter break. “I fully expected to be back in Yichang by Feb. 9,” he said. White landed in Nashville instead on a direct flight after his employer strongly encouraged him not to stop in Taipei, Tai-
wan because of a political dispute. “They said the virus was too serious there and my health was their main concern,” he said. “My mistake was telling them my plan in the first place.” During his winter break trip, White also flew out of an airport in Wuhan – the epicenter of the new coronavirus outbreak. “There were signs there
See china, 7
By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
The McNairy County Health Department is now an assessment site for COVID-19. The department established a site for residents meeting the pre-screening and pre-registration requirements. County residents who are concerned they may have symptoms of COVID-19 can contact the local health department for consultation and pre-screening and pre-registration procedures for potential assessment. Assessments are performed 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. People can call the health department at 731-645-3474 for pre-screening and pre-registration. Staff members will conduct pre-screenings and pre-registrations for individuals with symptoms by phone. Those identified for assessment will then be directed to a site where they will undergo nasal swab collection for testing of COVID-19.
Test results may be available within 72 hours, depending on the volume of tests the testing lab receives. McNairy County Health Department staff members cannot perform prescreenings and pre-registrations at assessment sites. Those who are ill should first contact their primary care providers. Most people – particularly those with mild or no symptoms – do not need assessment for COVID-19. Those in high-risk categories, including contacts of confirmed cases; people in occupations with exposure to large numbers of contacts; health care workers;
See site, 7
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NEWS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020
INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 3
Partnership helps feed 350 people By Joel Counce Staff Writer
A McNairy County organization and the Town of Selmer made sure 350 people got fed. The Mary Lou Johnson Foundation and the city’s parks and recreation department cooked and served a meal of hot dogs or hamburgers, chips, snack cakes and bottled water at the Farmers Market on April 1. The Backpack Ministry – led by Katie Allen and Mallory Pickle – served lunch at the Selmer Community Center the week of March 23. LaShell Moore – Mary Lou Johnson Foundation Director – wanted to continue that service the week of March 30. “It got started with my love of cooking,” she said. “It was something to help the community. I just wanted to do something to help parents out, those
who still have to work and give them one less thing for them to worry about.” Selmer Mayor John Smith agreed. “We’ve got so many people off work right now,” he said. “They may not have the money or the means to make it to the store.” Smith said the lunches are a way to serve the community. “We’re just trying to lend a helping hand,” said Smith of the curbside service. “Everybody’s got to eat and they never had to get out of their vehicles.” The group will return to the location 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. each Tuesday and Friday as long as funding is available, according to Selmer Parks and Recreation Director Sybil Dancer. “We have been contacted by people who wanted to give money,” she said. “We have enough to keep
See FEED, 7
Marie Atkins with the Mary Lou Johnson Foundation helps at an event to feed over 300 people.
Staff Photo by Joel Counce
Friends pay tribute via drive-through service By Joel Counce Staff Writer
Jack Coffman had a lot of friends. When the Adamsville native passed away March 30, his family thought about a means to welcome extended family and friends to his visitation, yet respect the current effort to not spread COVID-19 with group gatherings. “There could only be 10 people who could visit him,” said Coffman’s wife Deborah. “Some churches were meeting in parking lots. So we thought if we had drive-through visitation, we could have his friends visit and keep the six-foot distance.” Coffman lay in state on Friday along the access road from Highway 64 into the Adamsville City Cemetery. Four of his vehicles, including his favorite – a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette – surrounded the tent. His niece, Angie Ricketts, of Clearwater, Fla. was the first to greet mourners and give them an
Staff Photo by Joel Counce
Friends of Jack Coffman were still able to pay their respects while also respecting the current effort to not spread COVID-19. Coffman’s service was the county’s first drive-through funeral. order of service program with a grabber. Anna Grace Nixon, Coffman’s granddaughter, wrote names in the guest register. Coffman was
prepared wearing a baseball cap and holding a pair of sunglasses. The family greeted mourners under the far end of the tent. Pictures of Coffman with fam-
ily and friends, as well as funeral home wreaths, lined the opposite side of the street. “Mr. Coffman had planned out his service and visitation
right down to how he wanted to be dressed,” said Shackelford Funeral Home Director Robert Shackelford. “This was the way his family chose to honor as many of his wishes as they could ... we want people to think of different, creative ways to honor their loved ones at this time.” The 79-year-old Coffman was a presence at the Buford Pusser Home and Museum and the annual Buford Pusser Festival. He was a close friend of the legendary sheriff. “People would come from all over and listen to him tell stories,” said Deborah Coffman. People would come to him and ask for his autograph, according to his wife. “That amazed me,” said Deborah. “We would tease him about it and he would say ‘y’all are just jealous.’” Coffman’s family plans to publish some of his stories in book form from recordings made while he was hospitalized at Vanderbilt Medical Center.
Top prosecutors urge public to report fraud By Michael Dunavant U.S. Attorney for Western District
Tennessee’s top prosecutors – three United States Attorneys and the Tennessee Attorney General – are coordinating their efforts to prevent Tennesseans from being victimized by fraud schemes and other unlawful acts during disaster-relief efforts and the coronavirus pandemic and will
investigate and prosecute all instances of coronavirus-related fraud schemes targeting Tennesseans. Sadly, many Americans fall victim to fraud schemes every day. Our offices are working to investigate and prosecute all schemes related to the coronavirus that are designed to defraud Tennesseans. Our mission is to make sure Tennesseans remain safe from fraudsters during
these difficult times. Although these crises have brought out the best in most Americans, there will always be some individuals who will attempt to profit during a time of emergency. Our offices will not tolerate those who exploit the fear of our most vulnerable citizens. Together we will protect the safety and security of our nation during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be vigilant in
detecting, investigating, and prosecuting any fraud scheme related to coronavirus. And, as the central Tennessee region recovers from the damage caused by the devastating tornados, our offices will also coordinate to investigate and prosecute any fraud schemes related to the ongoing disaster-relief efforts.
See FRAUD, 7
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NEWS
PAGE 4 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL
The Independent Appeal will be closed Friday, April 10 in observance of Good Friday. Have a Safe and Happy Easter
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020
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Adamsville High School FFA Chapter Sponsor Jeff Lipford works on filling orders during the school’s annual plant sale on Monday.
ADAMSVILLE – Jeff Lipford spent Monday morning brightning things up after a dreary last three weeks. The Adamsville High School FFA Chapter Sponsor had the school’s annual plant sale all by himself after COVID-19 concerns kept students from the event. “This is the biggest crop I have ever had,” said Lipford as he worked to fill the first order Monday. “I will probably have to go into next week with it.” The sale was originally scheduled for MondayFriday. Adamsville FFA had 300 baskets and 200 flats of plants for the sale. “I worked four hours
See PLANT, 7
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Local truck driver Jordan Chism has seen some change in his profession during the COVID-19 pandemic The McNairy County-based truck driver shared he has seen some unusual changes on the road, including when he checked in at a meal recycling plant near Jackson. “Normally a driver goes in, gets documentation and he is ready to ride,” said Chism. “They’ve replaced the security guards and now they have armed guards and plexiglass ... the virus has struck so hard and it’s a major disruption.” Chism said the facility takes the temperature of each person who comes to the entrance. “They are testing anything that comes in there with a thermal camera to take your temperature,” he said. Chism drives a flatbed trailer and hauls everything from steel to bricks. His job is one of many considered essential in the
state of Tennessee during the crisis. The biggest change in driving for Brent Malone of Michie has nothing to do with being on the road. Malone, now employed with APACMississippi in Glen, has been driving a truck for 35 years. “We’re not allowed to go into the offices,” he said. “The nature of the job hasn’t really changed.” Malone said highway traffic has dropped significantly. “You can tell a difference in the traffic,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s weird seeing people in their cars with their masks on ... that’s strange.” Malone said one huge challenge was finding a place to eat. “You might find a place that’s open or you might could get something at a truck stop,” said Malone. “It’s a mess with everyone affected in one way or the other.” Truck drivers are considered essential workers in both Tennessee and Mississippi.
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020
INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 5
We can all care about victim struggles By Verna Wyatt Guest Columnist
Life is totally upended for a victim of crime. There is an always present grief that follows a victimization and often there is financial and physical trauma to overcome. Restoring a shattered life is hard and time consuming. It’s also more emotionally difficult to process because the pain was totally senseless. It was caused by another’s selfish and cruel motivations. The victim’s trust is totally compromised. The emotional rush is powerful and unrelenting as fear and anger play tug of war with the psyche in every waking moment. Even in sleep, there’s no reprieve from the torment, violence, pain, and grief re-
played in nightmares. It feels like insanity with no hope for escape. To contemplate the plight of the crime victim and to show support for their struggle National Crime Victims Rights Week is being observed April 19-25. President Ronald Reagan, a shooting victim himself, established this week in 1981. Tennessee, along with communities across the country, has observed this week with ceremonies since 1981. Unfortunately, in order to curtail the coronavirus, observances across our State have been cancelled. I wish we could just as easily cancel the suffering of the crime victim. Most people don’t realize what victims endure from the justice process. There is re-victimizing legal maneuvering by defense attorneys to endless delays for trials. Victims are “lucky” if they get through the
system in two years. It’s not unusual for victims to be suspended in limbo for much longer. A Vanderbilt rape victim endured numerous trials, dragging out five years. The family of Brooke Morris in Roan County suffered delays in their murder trial for five years. In Nashville, Gail Chilton agonized decades praying her daughter’s 1996 murder would be solved. When the suspect was indicted in 2013, it was a devastating blow five years later when the suspect was released because the proof wasn’t strong enough to go forward with trial. After a trial concludes, frustration then continues with appeals and the parole system. The truth is, the offender has all of the rights while the victim not so much. Victims have made gains for rights/ considerations in the justice process since
1981 for sure, but the system holds many inequalities for victims. The fight is far from over, and each year, advocates for justice must literally fight to get “common sense” victim-rights laws passed and to keep existing laws intact. Constitutional rights should not only apply to the defendant or the inmate. Victims didn’t choose the cruel path of victimization – it was forced on them. We all should be concerned about victims’ rights because as the world grows more violent any of us could find ourselves dealing with the devastating impact of victimization. We all can care about victim struggles, speak out about them, and support victim-equity reform for our system. (Verna Wyatt is Co-Founder, Tennessee Voices For Victims.)
Emergency budget addresses COVID-19 By Ron Gant District 94 State Representative
As COVID-19 continues to spread across Tennessee, we are all facing uncertainties and our needs in the days ahead will undoubtedly continue to evolve. Re c e n t l y, my colleagues and I began addressing both our immediate necessities Gant through passage of a $39.8 billion budget, while also creating flexibility for us to return to Nashville and identify additional solutions and resources once the current pandemic subsides.
By fulfilling this constitutional requirement and other associated business, Tennessee will be able to keep its doors open under these extraordinary circumstances. As part of our emergency budget, we have invested $350 million into our state savings account, bringing its balance to $1.45 billion. The Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget also fully funds the state’s Basic Education Program (BEP) through a new $50.3 million investment, and it provides $58.7 million for teacher pay raises. To address public health during this historic outbreak, the budget makes a $150 million investment to establish a fund for health and safety issues related to the spread of the aggressive coronavirus. Additionally, $26.5 million will strengthen the state’s men-
tal health and health care safety networks. In partnership with Gov. Bill Lee, we have also eased regulations on both our health care workers and our facilities to increase capacity so we can free up more hospital beds, enable more professionals to provide treatment to patients who contract the illness, and to enhance the number of eligible providers offering tele-health services in Tennessee. Remote testing sites have also increased in recent days and these drive-thru facilities will allow citizens to safely pursue testing, while reducing the likelihood of additional exposure to COVID-19 in clinical settings. Because the virus continues to create unexpected economic burdens on our businesses, we are sending $200 million com-
bined in grant funding back to all Tennessee counties and municipalities through the budget which takes effect July 1, 2020. Through these grants, no county will receive less than $500,000, no municipality will receive less than $30,000 and our distressed counties will receive additional funding on top of the allocated amounts. Approximately $25 million will also fund another year of the Broadband initiative to increase access to reliable broadband services, especially in our rural communities. In support of our workers and businesses, we are investing $40 million for FastTrack Job Development grants to create new opportunities, support job growth, as well as retention. Small businesses can now also apply for low interest loans from
the U.S. Small Business Association to help them meet unique needs including financial obligations and operating expenses. Additionally, we have worked with the governor on an extension for business entities to file the Franchise and Excise (F&E) tax. Moving the deadline to July 15 will provide additional relief to businesses big and small under these unforeseen circumstances. Finally, a $41.8 million investment will support Tennessee’s unemployment system, and $1.3 million will continue to modernize Worker’s Compensation in this state. These are unprecedented times in our communities and while no one could have anticipated the COVID-19 pandemic
See BUDGET, 7
MCNAIRY COUNTY CHURCH DIRECTORY
APOSTOLIC Life Tabernacle 1353 Hwy. 142, Selmer Thomas Davis, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.
New Jerusalem Faith Apostolic Church 27 Linley Circle, Selmer Bishop Ferdinand Gant Sr. Pastor Wanda Gant Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Bible Class: Wed. night 7 p.m. Prayer: Wed. night 6 p.m. BAPTIST Meeks Grove Freewill Baptist 1030 Tommy Sanders Rd., Stantonville Adamsville Freewill Baptist Church Old Shiloh Road Adamsville, TN 38310 Marcus Morrow, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship: 11:15 a.m. Sunday night: 5 p.m. Bible Study 7 p.m. Solitude Freewill Baptist Church 414 Meeks Rd., Adamsville Sunday: 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. INDEPENDENT Calvary Baptist Church Hwy 22 North, Adamsville Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship: Sun. 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Faith Baptist Church 1301 Peach St., Selmer Mark Shumaker, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Fellowship Baptist Church 1308 High School Rd., Selmer Pastor: J.D. Matlock Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Locke Road Baptist Locke Road, Selmer Mickey Cossar, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. / Wed. 6:30 p.m. Lighthouse Baptist Church 1780 Mulberry Ave., Selmer Jorgen Runquest, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Worship: 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. PRIMITIVE BAPTIST Better Hope Primitive Baptist 4235 Leapwood-Enville Rd., Adamsville Elder Gene Gist, Pastor First Sunday of month beginning at 10:30 a.m., preaching 11 a.m. Michie Primitive Baptist Church Hwy 22 Michie Elder Rickey Taylor, Pastor
10:30 a.m. Song Service 11:00 a.m. Preaching Service
5 p.m & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6 p.m.
Selmer Primitive Baptist Church 331 Falcon Rd., Selmer Elder Clinton Barnett, Pastor 3rd Sunday Each Month: 10:30 a.m.
First Baptist Church of Michie 5658 Hwy 22 S., Michie Bro. Ben Martin, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.
SOUTHERN Chapel Hill Baptist 6371 Vernie Kirk Rd., Pocahontas Bro. Frank Bell, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Chewalla Baptist Church 190 Chewalla St., Ramer Richard Doyle, Pastor Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Clear Creek Baptist Church 1728 Lawton Rd., Selmer Chuck Castles, Pastor Sunday School: 10:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday: 7 p.m. Covenant Baptist Church 6515 Hwy 57 East, Michie, TN Pastor: K. Brian Rainey Music & Youth Director: Seth Bragg Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday Night: 7 p.m. Cypress Creek First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1104 14 Falcon St. • Selmer Pastor: Clifford E. Wynn, Jr. (731) 645-8094 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Wednesday Prayer - 6:30 p.m. Bible Study: 7:00 p.m. Jam Zone: 7:00 p.m. Eastview Baptist Church Hwy 45 S., Eastview, Tenn. Rob Burnes, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Bible Study: 7 p.m. Falcon Baptist Church 777 Falcon Rd., Selmer Jay Houston, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. First Baptist Church of Adamsville 222 West Main St., Adamsville Senior Pastor: Dr. Chad Ball Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:15 a.m. Discipleship Training: 5 p.m. Evening Worship: 6:15 p.m. Wednesday Activities: Prayer/Bible Study: 6:15 p.m. Children & Youth: 6:15 P.M. during the summer First Baptist Church of Bethel Springs 143 Jackson St., Bethel Springs David Singleton, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m.
First Baptist Church of Selmer Joey Johnson, Pastor 310 W. Court Ave., Selmer Sunday School: 8:45 a.m., 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 8:45 a.m., 10 a.m., Wednesday: 6 p.m. First Baptist Church of Finger Finger-Leapwood Rd., Finger David Sims, Pastor Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. Wednesday: 6 p.m. Forty Forks Baptist Church 672 Ed Barham Rd., Bethel Springs Randy Smith, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Good Hope Baptist 678 Good Hope Church Rd., Adamsville Bro. Randy Latch Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday: 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Grace Baptist Church 1255 Connie Smith Rd., Selmer Pastor: Bro. Don Singleton Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening: 6:00 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Gravel Hill Baptist Church 86 Tom Baker Rd., Ramer Pastor: Bro. Eric Jones Church Phone: 645-6776 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. ; Wednesday: 7 p.m. Lakeview Baptist Church Pastor: Clint Overton 877 W. Cherry, Selmer Sundays: 11 a.m. Wednesdays: The Upper Room Student Ministry 5:30 For more info. call 731-645-9771 Lorraine Baptist Church Melvin Qualls Rd., Michie,TN Trent Nethery, Jr., Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Mt. Gilead Baptist Church 6185 Rowsey School Rd., Bethel Springs Rev. Mark LaRue, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. Wednesday: AWANA 6:30 p.m. Youth & Adults 6:45 p.m.
PRIME CARE MEDICAL CENTER 270 E. Court Avenue • Selmer, TN • (731) 645-7932 710 East Main • Adamsville, TN • (731) 632-3383 426 White Avenue • Henderson, TN • (731) 989-2174
ST. JUDE THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH 1318 Poplar (Hwy. 64) • Selmer, TN 38375 Telephone: 731-645-4188 Rev. W.H. Arnold, Pastor
Mt. Zion Baptist Church Litt Wilson Rd., McNairy TN Bro. Zac Bennett, Pastor Sunday: 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. New Hope Baptist Church 854 Chandler Lane Pocahontas, TN Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Olive Hill Baptist Church 46 Olive Hill Church Lp., Guys, TN Robert Hudson, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.
Sunday Worship: 11 a.m., 5 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Eastside Church of Christ 1366 E. Poplar, Selmer Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Forrest Hill Church of Christ Forrest Hill Subdivision Hwy 45 S., Selmer Shobeck Dethrow, Minister
Selmer Second Baptist 1004 Peach St., Selmer Tony Polk, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m., 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Trinity Baptist Church 7193 Michie-Pebble Hill Rd. Hwy 224 South Michie, TN 38357 Pastor: George Kyle Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship: 6:30 p.m. Wed. Night Bible Study:6:30 p.m. Unity Baptist Church Unity Church Road, Ramer Greg Brasher, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m., 5 p.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. West Shiloh Baptist Church 282 W. Shiloh Church St., Stantonville Rev. John Little, Pastor Sunday 10 a.m. Life Groups Sunday 11 a.m. Worship Children’s Church Sunday 6:30 p.m. Worship Wednesday 6:30 p.m. CHURCH OF CHRIST Antioch Church of Christ 7200 Hwy 57W Ramer, TN 38367 Darrin Stapleton, Minister (732) 645-5639 Bible Study 9:30 AM Worship 10:15 PM Worship 6:00 Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m. Acton Church of Christ 9389 Hwy 22 S. Michie Jon Paul Gulledge, Minister Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:50 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. (731) 239-9691 Adamsville Church of Christ 243 E. Main St., Adamsville Van Vansandt, Minister Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Cypress Tank Church of Christ 2645 Cypress Tank Rd., Pocahontas Dr. Brian Jackson, Minister Sunday School: 10 a.m.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN Court Ave. Cumberland Presbyterian Church 234 W. Court Ave., Selmer Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. Mt. Vernon CP Church 3101 Mt. Vernon Rd., Ramer David Sprenkle, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. New Salem Cumberland Presbyterian Church 453 New Salem Rd., Bethel Springs David Sprenkle, Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m.
Pleasant Site Baptist Church 1868 Pleasant Site Rd., Selmer Bradley Woolworth, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Ramer Baptist Church 3899 Hwy 57 West, Ramer Joe Loncar, Pastor Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m.
Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m.
Fourth Street Church of Christ 142 N. Fourth St., Selmer Brian Stephens, Minister Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Liberty Church of Christ 1005 North Liberty Road Michie, TN 38357 Minister: Jeff Harville (205) 712-3502 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 9 and 11 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Stantonville Church of Christ 8228 Hwy 142, Stantonville Randy Cook, Minister Matt Cook, Minister Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m. Discussion Class: 11:15 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. CHURCH OF GOD Center Ridge Pentecostal Church of God 910 Center Ridge Rd., Bethel Springs Rev. Carl Wilcher Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Service: 10:45 Sunday Night Service: 5:30 Wednesday: 7 p.m. Piney Grove Church of God 888 Rose Creek Rd., Selmer Aaron Moss, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY Church of God of Prophecy Hwy 22 N. Adamsville Alvin Jones, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Church of God of Prophecy 1642 Curtis Hill Church Rd., Bethel Springs Richard Horner, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m. , Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bethel Springs Community Church 3886 Main St., Bethel Springs Larry Lancaster, Pastor (662) 415-8012 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Michie Church of God of Prophecy 6681 Hwy 57 East, Michie Roy Bennett, Pastor
New Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church New Bethel Road Rev. Jeff Powell Worship Service: 9:45 a.m. Ramer Cumberland Presbyterian Church Highway 57 West, Ramer Pastor: Albert Brown Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. METHODIST Adamsville First United Methodist 206 East Main St., Adamsville, TN Rev. Amanda Westmoreland Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Buena Vista Methodist Church Tull Road, Bethel Springs Roger South, Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00 a.m. First United Methodist Church 1122 West Cherry Ave., Selmer Joy Shelby Weathersbee, Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday: Supper 5:30 p.m. Bible Study & Breakouts: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hickory Flatt United Methodist Church Puron Rd., Hickory Flatt Howard Russom, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:15 a.m. Lebanon United Methodist Church 250 Chambers Store Rd. Michie Tony Newman, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday School: 11 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Maggie Jones United Methodist Church 8170 Finger-Leapwood Rd. Bethel Springs, TN 38315 Pastor Mathew Emison Contact info: 731-632-0240 Sunday School 10 a.m. - 11 Services (adult & children) 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 5 - 6 p.m. New Bethel United Methodist Church 74 Wright St., Bethel Springs Shirley Williams, Pastor Sunday School 10 Sunday Service 11 a.m. Bible Study: Wed. at 7 p.m. New Hope United Methodist Church Sticine Rd. - Michie Sunday Worship: 9 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 p.m.
Tony Newman, Pastor
Sunday: 2 p.m. / Thursday: 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 p.m.
Pebble Hill Methodist Church 2768 Chamber Store Rd., Michie Rev. Alvin Jones, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10 a.m.
PRESBYTERIAN Bethel Springs Presbyterian Church 59 4th Ave., Bethel Springs Rev. Gary Anderson Sunday Worship: 11 a.m.
First ChristianChurch 254 N. Maple St. Adamsville, TN 38310 Clint Hopper, Minister (731) 632-3012 Sunday Bible Class 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. FCC Wednesdays Meal 5:30 Worship/Studies 615 p.m.
Stantonville United Methodist Church 8351 Hwy 142, Stantonville, TN Tony Newman, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Ladies Prayer Brunch 2nd Saturday 10:30 a.m. Sulphur Springs United Methodist Sulphur Springs Rd., Selmer Roger South, Pastor Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Union Grove United Methodist Pleasant Site Road, Selmer Roger South, Pastor Sunday School: 10:20 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:20 a.m. Thurs. Bible Study: 6 p.m. Mt. Vinson United Methodist 2100 Tommy Sanders Rd., Stantonville Amanda Hartmann Westmoreland, Pastor Worship: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School: 10:15 a.m. LUTHERAN MISSOURI SYNOD Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 4203 Shiloh Road Corinth, MS Mike Dickson, Pastor Sunday School Adult: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10 a.m. Sunday School Children Adult: 10 a.m. PENTECOSTAL Beauty Hill Pentecostal Church 46 Beauty Hill Road, Bethel Springs, TN Pastor: Jonathan Tubbs Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Wednesday Evening: “Refreshing” 7:15 p.m. Bethel Springs United Pentecostal 3591 Main St., Bethel Springs Jeff Young, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. / Mon. & Wed.: 7 p.m. First United Pentecostal-Eastview 7810 Hwy 45 S, Ramer Rev. Wayne Isbell, Pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Monday: 7 p.m. Wednesday: 7:15 p.m. The Sanctuary of MPC 54 Pentecostal Ave., Milledgeville, TN Rev. Jimmy Kelly, Pastor Sun. School: 10:30 a.m., Youth 5:30. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Gateway Holiness Chapel 2342 Refuge Rd., Bethel Springs Michael Price, Pastor
Bethesda Presbyterian Church 50 Bethesda Loop, Selmer Bro. Chris Dancer, Pastor 610-1859 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. First Presbyterian Church USA 800 Poplar Ave., Selmer Dr. Larry W. (Bud) Sizemore, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Fellowship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. Mt. Sharon Presbyterian Church 108 Mt. Sharon Rd., Adamsville Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. ROMAN CATHOLIC St. Jude the Apostle 1318 Poplar, Hwy. 64, Selmer Rev. W.H. Arnold, Pastor Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. 1st Saturday: 9 a.m. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Bethel Springs Seventh Day Adventist 4352 Main St., Bethel Springs John Johnston, Pastor Saturday Worship: 9 a.m. Sabbath School: 10 a.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. OTHER/NON-DENOM Abundant Life Christian Fellowship 15770 Hwy 64 East Bolivar, Tn. Pastor D.R. Moore Services: Saturday 10:00 a.m. Wednesday: 6 p.m. www.abundantlifecf.com A New Beginning Sol Coulston Rd., Bethel Springs Kenneth Kitchen, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. Believers Church 1431 Peach St., Selmer Karen Linam, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m., Wednesday: 7 p.m. Encounter Community Church 1026 Peach St. Selmer, TN Pastor: Melvin Berry (731) 645-0055 Sunday Morning Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Services 11 a.m. First Christian Church 133 N. Third St. Selmer Preacher, Gregg Worthey Sunday: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.
City of Refuge Church 300 Emmons Rd., Selmer C.A. “Skeet” Jackson, Pastor Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday: 7 p.m. Kingdom Church, More Sure Word 1814 Buena Vista Road Bethel Springs, Tenn. 38315 (731) 577-0100 Sundays at 4 p.m. 2nd & 4th Tuesday L.I.F.E. class at 7 p.m. Thirsty Thursday (Bible Class) 7 p.m. Love & Truth, Adamsville Campus 440 Hwy 64 East, Adamsville Lead Pastor - Eddie Cupples Campus Director - Scott Melson Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Wednesday nights: 7 p.m. Phone: 731-632-4999 www.loveandtruthchurch.com Greater Evangelical Ministry 1854 Airport Rd., Selmer Frank M. Holiday, Pastor Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 12 p.m. Wednesday: 7:30 p.m. Life Wind Covenant Church 63 Linsey Lane, Selmer Barry Bishop, Pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. Wed.: 7 p.m. www.lifewindchurch.com Safe Harbor Church 1514 Peach St., Selmer Sunday: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. World of Truth Church Hwy 57 West, Ramer Larry Cooksey, Pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. God’s Way Church 1121 Peach St., Selmer Bro. Billy Sanders, Pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. Full Gospel Fellowship Church 6595 Hwy 64 West Bethel Springs, Tenn. 731-646-1837 David Paseur, Pastor Sunday: 9:30 a.m.., 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Petra Family Worship Center 54 Pentecostal Ave., Milledgeville, TN 731-434-1002 S.S.: 10 a.m. Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday Night: 6 p.m. Thursday Night: 7 p.m. Pastors: Paul and Bonnie Young
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PUBLIC NOTICE
TOWN OF MILLEDGEVILLE
The Town of Milledgeville announces changes to meeting schedule and cancellations due to coronavirus, however, residents of the community’s needs remain a priority and will be addressed to the best of my ability. Mayor Ricky Holland • All city regularly scheduled monthly meetings cancelled until further notice. • Milledgeville City Park closed April 1, however, walking trail remains open. • Annual Milledgeville Heritage Day Festival Saturday, April 25 cancelled. Help for Elderly and shut-ins • Dollar General Store - Milledgeville will bring essential items (milk, bread, eggs, toilet paper, etc.) to the parking lot if you can pay by check or cash. Per Tim Cook, mgr. Call (731) 309-0170. • Volunteer Fire Dept. will try to meet any needs or deliver if possible to elderly residents. Call Leland Alexander (731) 439-6188 with any request.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020
AiM closes Smithsonian exhibit By Joel Counce Staff Writer
The Smithsonian Institute and Humanities Tennessee exhibit “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” at the Latta Building is closed to the public. “We are really disappointed in this,” said Arts in McNairy Project Manager Sarah Moore. “The last time a Museum on Main Street exhibit came in was about 10 years ago and
this exhibit has done well everywhere it has been.” The exhibit was originally slated for March 21 through May 3. “It will not be open to the public as long as the Stay At Home orders are in place,” said Moore. “We are trying to do some videos on the Facebook group and we are hoping to open it back up before the exhibit’s last date, but that isn’t likely.” The exhibit consists of five-foot photographs, an interactive comput-
er kiosk and some displays, including toy displays, highlighting changes in rural America. About 40 percent of Americans lived in rural areas in 1900. That number dropped to less than 18 percent in 2010, the Smithsonian stated in a press release about the exhibit. The exhibit will be on display at the Promise Land Historical Association in Charlotte, Tenn. from May 9 through June 21.
Grant to fund meals for elderly By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Emergency funding is now available to provide meals for the elderly and disabled in McNairy County. The Southwest Tennessee Development District has been allotted a total of $209,523 to purchase meals under the emergency program.
The county will receive a $17,286 portion. “The meals are targeted for those living in low-income senior housing facilities,” said County Mayor Larry Smith. Those eligible to receive meals include people 60 and over; spouse of people 60 and over; people with a disability living in senior housing and people with disability living with or ac-
companying a person 60 and over The State of Tennessee and the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) have decided 55 percent of the dollars available must be spent at restaurants. The other 45 percent can be spent with Southwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency. Local restaurants are
being asked to cook the 85 meals and be paid $7 for each. “Restaurants must have a health card rating of A to serve,” said Smith. The meals will consists of one meat, two vegetables, milk and roll, according to Smith. The target date to begin serving “restaurant” meals is April 13 with all money spent by June 30.
Company grades Tennessee counties By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Is McNairy County doing its best when it comes to social distancing? Unacast doesn’t believe so. Unacast – which uses cell phone data and bills itself as “the trusted foundation for all location data-driven decisions” – has currently given the county an overall F grade when it comes to non-essential visits and change in average mobility.
McNairy County has shown a less than 25 percent decrease in average mobility – based on distance traveled – and less than 55 percent decrease in non-essential visits as of April 2. On March 29, the county had a D grade for decrease in average mobility and F for decrease in non-essential visits. Grading by Unacast statistics are supplied on a four-day delay. So what does all of that mean? People are not staying home as they are advised to keep the virus
from spreading, according to the statistics. “The reason social distancing is not working is because people aren’t listening,” said McNairy County Mayor Larry Smith. “And I don’t know what we need to do to make them listen.” The overall grade for the county dropped back to a F as it was March 25-27 when it seems warmer weather
See GRADES, 7
McNairy County Board of Education
SEEKING BIDS
The McNairy County Board of Education is seeking bids for the yearly refinishing of the Gym floors at all schools. Bid packets with specifications can be picked up or requested by e-mail by calling the board office at 731-645-3267. All bids must be mailed to the McNairy County Board of Education Office at 530 Mulberry Ave., Suite 2, Selmer, TN 38375, no later than 12 noon on Friday, April 24, 2020. Bids should be in a sealed envelope with “Gym Floor Project”, name, address and phone number of the company on the outside. Bids will be opened on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 10 A.M. in the McNairy County Annex Auditorium.
Submitted Photo
Master Beef Program
Graduates of the 2020 Master Beef Program in McNairy County are: Larry Browning, James Ronald Cox, Jimmy Crabb, Brock Dean, Jack Dingus, Ronnie Fullwood, Sophie Fuqua, James E. Harris, Tommy Harris, Tim Hearnsberger, Oakley Henry, Steve Kiestler, Robert S. Lewis, Dave Loschinskey, J. Darryl Moore, Charlene L. Norwood, Harry Lee Peeler Jr., Aubrey Phillips, Keith Rinehart, John Thomas, Billy & Brenda Warren and Robert D. Westmoreland.
Educational landscape is changing By JC Bowman Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee
1305 Wayne Rd. | Savannah, TN 38372 CALL US TODAY! 731-925-2871
Pickwick Electric Cooperative 672 Highway 142 Selmer, TN 38375 731-645-3411 800-372-8258 www.pickwickec.com On April 6, 2020, Pickwick Electric Cooperative closed the office for walk-in traffic due to the Coronavirus. We will continue to operate our drive- thru and the kiosk in the foyer will be accessible. We are available to handle the needs of our members and are willing to work with those who are struggling financially on a case by case basis. Please contact our customer service department to request payment extensions or make payment arrangements at 731-645-3411, before your scheduled disconnect date. Calls will be taken Monday thru Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. The PEC office will be closed April 10, to observe Good Friday. Stand-by crews are available in case of emergency. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Whether it is acknowledged or not, public education is directly influenced by the social, economic, and political events of the times in which we live. Because of the courage, commitment, and resilience of our citizens we know we can meet any challenge. Discussions are already underway in some communities about how to address the immense challenges created by COVID-19. In this crisis, opportunity comes. All government functions and services can expect to be scrutinized and evaluated –
including public education. When life moves so fast, it becomes hard to keep things in perspective. While we slowly adjust to what is now perceived as the “new normal.” We have time to envision how we can better increase efficiency, provide needed infrastructure, promote equity, and promote economic stability and growth. Bowman For educators, especially those on the frontlines, any change
See LANDSCAPE, 7
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News
Wednesday, april 8, 2020
unusual From Page 1
different way,” said the former Adamsville Jr./Sr. High School principal. “It’s an unknown because we don’t know the lasting effects.” It’s also hard to prepare for something like the coronavirus. “I have never seen a pandemic,” said Martin. “How do you prepare for something like that? ... it has been a year I won’t ever
forget.” The tough year started in June with the district having to eliminate 12 positions in effort to balance the budget. A decision to delay the start of school followed in July. The start was moved from Aug. 2 to Aug. 20 due to construction concerns at Adamsville Elementary School. Remnants from Tropical Storm Olga hit the area and caused major damage in the
Independent Appeal v Page 7
eastern part of the county, forcing the cancellation of school from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2. “Once we felt like we were getting over the delay of school, a hurricane hit,” said Martin. “The hurricane was bad enough ... I am just glad we didn’t have any winter weather.” Martin said he felt things were getting back to normal following Christmas break. Tragedy struck in early March with the death of Bethel Springs
Elementary School teacher Ladonna Roland and Adamsville High School student Codee Davila. “Any time when you deal with deaths is just a gut punch,” said the director. “It’s never easy and so traumatic that people don’t realize how it reaches others until you are involved.” Martin commended the work of district employees during the “roller coaster” year. “They have rallied in every
situation to get things done,” he said. “We are really fortunate to have some good folks.” The last nine months have been a learning experience, according to Martin. “These things that I thought would never happen have happened,” he said. “We just have to prepare, prepare, prepare and maintain an even keel to lead in a way that helps people cope ... I just hope this is not the new normal.”
china
From Page 2
that said ‘screening for temperature,’” he said. “But they were not actually checking anyone.” White landed in his home state Feb. 9. “Ultimately, the direct flight was more convenient,” he said. “I had told them I just wanted to get home as cheaply as possible and I had no interest in political conflicts.” White said the travel situation has been the only issue he has encountered working in China. “I have really been treated well,” he said. “The people there have helped and been really good to me.” White said the school has honored their agreement to pay him during the crisis and have been in communication. “We talk daily about when I will go back,” he said. “I report to them daily about my health and my location.” White hopes to return to China later this month.
site
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nursing home residents; severely immunocompromised patients; critically ill patients; pregnant women and people who have COVID-19 symptoms, are prioritized for testing. People can do several things to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus. Those items include: • Wash hands often with soap and water or alcoholbased hand rub for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing; • Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; • Stay home when sick; • Cover coughs and sneezes with arm or a tissue; • Clean and disinfect objects – such as cell phone, computer and high touch surfaces – regularly;
• Practice social/physical distancing from others, be safer at home. Everyone and especially those in high-risk populations should: • Keep space at least six feet between yourself and others; • Limit time in public to essential needs only, such as grocery trips, medical care, pharmacy needs or emergencies; • When in public, avoid crowds as much as possible, and keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash hands often; • Avoid non-essential travel, especially on airlines and cruise ships; • Stay home as much as possible to reduce risk of being exposed. The department of health has additional information available at www. tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov. html.
easter
From Page 1
have to make the most of it.” Life Wind Covenant Church is another church which will be live-streaming its services. “Our average attendance is 50 or 60 people,” said church pastor Barry Bishop. “But we reached about 1,200 through the live feed ... that’s huge to me.” Bishop said it also means people are watching the livestream who don’t go to church. “We have to share what God has to say to the world.,” he said. “We won’t be able to have Easter egg hunts, sunrise services, but Easter is about the Passover and it is about the resurrection.” The number one thing people need to do while they practice social distancing is to develop an appetite for the lamb of God, according to Bishop. “It blows my mind we can share that with people all over the world,” said Bishop. “This platform has given me the opportunity to speak to people who don’t go to church.” (Staff Writer Joel Counce contributed to this story.)
cases
From Page 1
to walk-in customers to fight the spread of COVID-19. Renewals can be processed by mail, telephone and online, according to
County Clerk Ronnie Price. March and April registration expiration dates have been pushed back to June 15. People who have purchased a new vehicle can drive on that paperwork also until June 15.
feed
doing it two days a week for right now.” The work began at 9 a.m. and lasted until 3 p.m. Food was served from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. “It’s a scary time for us,” said Smith. “These are our family and friends. This is just one small avenue we’ve ventured down to show a little compassion for folks and help them out with lunch.”
From Page 4
on Sunday getting orders ready,” said Lipford of his 34th plant sale. Orders were filled in 15-minute intervals. Customers also had to remain in their vehicles due to the coronavirus while Lipford filled orders. People who were sick with a cough and sneeze were asked not to come until their symptoms cleared up. The sale consists of 10-inch hanging baskets for $10. Included in the baskets were ferns, Wandering Jew Vines, Green Leafed Swedish Ivy Vines, Variegated Swedish Ivy Vine, pink, purple and red wave petunias, Creeping Periwinkles and Double Bloom Impatiens. All colors of six-inch pots of geraniums and cool colors of double bloom petunias are avail-
meetings From Page 1
The McNairy County School Board will be the first to try the online meeting procedure at its meeting Thursday. “It will have a different look,” said Director of Schools Greg Martin. Both the County Commission and School Board meetings are scheduled to be held on Facebook Live. Only board members, director of schools and other essential personnel will be allowed to attend. The meeting will be taped or live streamed for public viewing. Bethel Springs is planning to hold
able. Cost is two for $5 and five for $10. Three to four-inch red, pink, and white begonias and mixed colors of impatiens are being sold for two for $3 and 18 for $18. Bedding plants – veggie and flowering plants – are three packs for $1 or a dozen three packs (36 plants) for $10 each. Flowering plants include marigolds, petunias and impatiens. Tomato plants are Better Boy, Rutgers, Better Bush and Arkansas Traveler. Pepper plants include Sweet Green Bell, Sweet Banana, Hot Banana, Jalapeno and Cayenne. (For more information about the Adamsville High School FFA Plant Sale or to order call 731-646-1158. Leave a message if no one answers and Lipford will get back in touch. Orders can also be emailed at lipfordj@mcnairy.org.)
its monthly meeting via Facebook Live, according city manager Deborah Sullivan. “We will not have anyone come in other than the mayor and the aldermen if they can make it,” said Sullivan. “Any residents who have concerns will need to call the office at 731-934-7266 and we will tell them how they need to move forward.” The Selmer Mayor and Board of Alderman will meet April 14 at 7 p.m. in normal fashion. “Our meetings are audio recorded and the minutes are provided on our website,” said Mayor John Smith. “If a citizen has a concern, they will be allowed to come in one at a time and
fraud
From Page 3
Unfortunately, during difficult times, bad actors attempt to capitalize on unsuspecting victims. We want these bad actors to know that taking advantage of these crises will not be tolerated. Any attempt to do so will quickly be investigated and prosecuted. To confront fraud schemes related to the coronavirus, U.S. Attorney General William Barr has directed the United States Attorneys and their offices to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of fraud schemes related to the coronavirus. The Tennessee Attorney General’s office has made uncovering and prosecuting these sorts of schemes a priority for his office as well. We have acted swiftly to pinpoint and address potential avenues of fraud. One avenue of fraud we are currently addressing is the hoarding of vital medical items and personal protective equipment, including N-95 face masks, surgical masks and gloves, and disinfecting devices, for the purpose of reselling these items for windfall profits at the expense of public safety and the health and welfare of our fellow citizens. Hoarding and price-gouging frustrate the heroic efforts of our health care professionals who are fighting this epidemic on the front lines.
budget From Page 5
that is upon us, we are well prepared for this extraordinary challenge because we have made fiscally responsible decisions under Republican leadership. Please know that my office stands ready to continue assisting the citizens of
grades From Page 6
From Page 3
plant
Submitted Photo
Local meetings are going to a different format due to COVID-19. The McNairy County Commission and Board of Education are expected to host their meetings on Facebook Live.
sent people flocking to area parks. The grade was expected to be better once Gov. Bill Lee issued Executive Order 23 on Thursday. The order requires resi-
address us, but we are not allowed to have more than 10 people in the building at one time.” Guys will also continue its normal meeting procedure. “There aren’t many of us and we’re going to try to keep doing what we’re doing,” said Mayor Keith Rinehart. “I will see if we can have a conference call and whoever wanted to stay home could do that.” If someone wanted to address a concern, Rinehart said they would be allowed to come in one at a time. “I feel like that would be the best thing to do,” he said. “We usually don’t have many, but that would be a way to keep us all safe.”
We will not tolerate instances of fraud, including the selling of fake coronavirus test kits, social media scams, phishing emails asking for money, prescription drug schemes, or any other attempt to prey on the vulnerability of our citizens. We cannot – and we will not – allow opportunists to spark fear in our citizens. As frightening as it may sound, everyone is a potential target. Please be assured, however, our offices will investigate and prosecute anyone who exploits or attempts to exploit our vulnerable citizens during this crisis. We ask for your help in reporting any suspicious behavior. If you suspect fraud related to the coronavirus or the disaster-relief efforts related to the tornadoes in the central Tennessee region, please report it through the link at National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) or the NCDF Hotline at 866-720-5721. To contact the Tennessee Attorney General, call 615741-4737 or email consumer.affairs@ag.tn.gov. Reports of suspected price gouging should include details of the name and location of the merchant, date and time of purchase, method of payment, receipts, price of the item in days prior to the sudden price increase, and the price you paid. Please let your families and neighbors know about our fraud prevention efforts and that we will do our part to investigate and prosecute wrongdoing.
the 94th House District in the days and weeks ahead. I urge all Tennesseans to continue following guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control as this situation progresses. Taking responsible and necessary precautions now will help flatten the virus curve so our health
systems do not get overwhelmed and so we can slow the spread of COVID-19. Tennessee will regroup, and we will recover, and this state will come back even stronger than it was before the CoOVID-19 pandemic. May God continue to bless you, your loved ones,
our health care professionals, local and state leaders, Tennessee and the United States of America. (Ron Gant represents House District 94, which includes Fayette, McNairy, and part of Hardeman County. He can be reached by email at: rep.ron.gant@ capitol.tn.gov or by calling 615-741-6890.)
dents to stay home unless they are carrying out essential activities as data shows an increase in citizen movement across the state. The bordering counties of Hardin and Chester also received a grade of F by Unacast. Hardeman County had a grade of D-.
Alcorn County, Miss. also received a failing grade. Unacast’s COVID-19 Location Data Toolkit demonstrates three ways human mobility insights can be used in the fight against the coronavirus. Its Real World Graph
provides a variety of metrics that can be used to evaluate COVID-19’s impact on a venue or a neighborhood’s activity levels. Its Social Distancing Scoreboard grades counties around the country on how it is faring when it comes to social distancing.
landscape From Page 6
can have an immense consequence on every level of education – classroom, school, district, state and federal. Contrary to popular belief, schools are not out of session for students. States and districts have been forced to find a different way to deliver public education. The key ingredient is accessibility and convenience for parents, teachers and students. For some districts, it means sending instructional packets and learning resources home, in others, it is digital or online learning. States and districts that rapidly moved to online learning have discovered that is not without its unique challenges. Many students can lack the intrinsic motivation to do assigned classwork online, and for teachers, the in-person dynamic can be difficult to capture. Online learning does allow for the ability to personalize learning. Subject matter in textbooks, while not as interactive, are usually better scrutinized by experts and align closer with state standards. Teacher interaction is very critical in education, including providing direction, structure, motivation and
timelines. Educators have been driven by health and safety reasons to work from their own homes. These dedicated, talented professionals are challenged daily by students with inadequate access to technology. Not every student has had access to technology, nor do our teachers. The technology divide is a real issue. Even if schools were to provide technology devices or computers for all students, the use of technology and access to the internet will remain a challenge. We must take the COVID-19 virus seriously. It has dispensed illness and death rapidly and has no known cure at this time. Also, the long-term effects could change how we live and how we educate children. Policymakers and stakeholders must commit to the foundational priorities and policies to assist students and schools. That begins by keeping our education workforce committed to the success of all learners. Our state must remain committed to success in literacy and prioritizing reading as a core value built around student success, educator quality, and parent support. The testing culture has killed the enthusiasm of many educators. Since 2012 Tennessee has had one misstep
after another in testing, with notable exceptions. At no point were any of the testing issues the fault of students or educators. We should pursue reliable standardized tests that provide accurate feedback for educators, parents, and students. Perhaps it is time we re-evaluate and have a public discourse over the cost of assessment and exactly what role and purpose we seek from high stakes testing and the results we seek as a society. If we want all children from all backgrounds to succeed, we must give them the opportunities they deserve and we must build the system around them, rather than simply fitting children into a system. A rigid, inflexible public education system does not always pave a path for success in college, career, and life for every child. So, we should embrace some of the changes in our education landscape. We will defeat COVID-19. Tennessee will remain the best state in the nation for education and in turn, the best place to raise a family. (JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville.)
An Independent, locally owned newspaper Founded June 27, 1902
MISSION STATEMENT: The Independent Appeal strives to promote and advance McNairy County, educate and inform its citizens, while protecting the people’s right to know, and the rights and interests of our readers and advertisers. The Independent Appeal has a legacy of independent family ownership. Past publishers were: William J. Rail 1976-2000; Leslie Houston, 1974-1976; Bruce Hurt, 1970-1974; George Hamilton, 1964-1970; Wilbur Wright, 1946-1964; B.O. Weeks, 1941-1946; Ken Duke, 1938-1941; Orpheus Abernathy and Family, 1920-1938; Col. J.W. Purviance, 1902-1920. “Dedicated to the peaceful, progressive and proud people of McNairy County.”
Opinion Independent Appeal
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Independent Appeal welcomes your opinion. Letters to the editor are subject to editing or omission for length, style or libel. All letters must include the writer’s name and signature, as well as a phone number and address for verification. The Independent Appeal does not publish anonymous letters. Letters deemed suitable for publication will run as soon as possible after receipt on a space-available basis. Because of space limitations, letters should be limited to 400 words, about two double-spaced, typed pages, one letter per person every 90 days.
Making McNairy County Opinion headlines 118 years
Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Independent Appeal, P.O. Box 220, Selmer, TN
PAGE 8 INDEPENDENT APPEAL
E-mail to: editor@independentappeal.com
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
This too will pass By Nancy Kennedy Tidd Bitts
My arrival was during the turmoil of WWII when girls prayed for their sweethearts and families for their sons. Four Wardlow brothers marched off to war and Aunt Lizzie told me it was three difficult years and her constant prayer was “Lord be with my boys today.” During my days as a little girl, strep throat and scarlet fever could be terminal. So could whooping cough. Mama stated it was three weeks of 24 hour duty when I was about three-years-old and had the whooping cough. A very infectious disease, called polio, has been in and out of history for hundreds of years but made its deadly and paralyzing appearance in 1952. The Spanish flu hit the world about 1918 and took millions of lives. It was Kennedy highly contiguous and spread quickly. Neighbors had to help neighbors, but they kept a distance. Food was prepared and put on the porch. Some men would go to the barn and feed the stock but never go near the house. Funerals did not exist. Some people would stand near the Gravel Hill Cemetery and Preacher Bolding would say a prayer. When it hit Memphis, Grandpa Wardlow started walking home to Ramer. Today we are walking the same trail as my grandparents did about 100 years ago. Transportation makes the biggest difference. Then traveling was slower by horse or wagon and a little faster by train. We can drive to the coast or through several states in one day or fly to another country in a few hours today. Germs love to travel. Remember Clint Eastwood’s movie – “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly?” That’s the way life has always been. We have lots of good times but the world is experiencing the bad times. We think our world has stopped. Schools closed with lots of bored kids. There are no baseball games. No cafes are opened except with curb service. Beauty shops closed and the list goes on. We can watch most of our church services on Facebook and some churches have parking lot services. The church is Christians all over the world and church buildings are where groups meet to worship. The spirit of worship has to be in the Christian’s heart and we should feel it everyday. We feel anxious and wonder what will happen tomorrow. Some say don’t fear just trust God. Fear is a human characteristic. When waiting one Friday morning for a 10-hour brain surgery, I wasn’t dancing and singing. Like when I was a kid “I was scared to death.” Would I live? Would I have any sense? Would I be paralyzed? I trusted God. No matter what happened I knew I was not by myself. If we have a personal relationship with God, he is always with us and we need to talk to him often and he gives us common sense. I can’t sit down on a busy highway and say God won’t let a car run over me. We have no idea what the future holds for us, but we do know this too will pass. We need to worship our God in our heart every day. Talk to him often and read words of comfort and encouragement in his holy words and you will feel his presence. Corrie ten Boom said it best – “never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
What’s Your Opinion? If you would like to express your opinion, please email your Letter to the Editor to: editor@independentappeal.com
Scheming for the ultimate joke By Slim Randles Home Country
One April day … clear wonderful morning … members of the world dilemma think tank down at the Mule Barn coffee shop looked around. “Anyone seen Dud this morning?” “Not me. Haven’t seen Herb, either, come to think of it.” “Hey, that’s right,” Steve said. “Matter of fact, haven’t seen much of those two all this past week.” “Working, you think?” said Doc. “Those two?” “Yeah. What was I thinking?” They were quiet through the sweet rolls and Steve’s hash browns. “Last time I talked with them,” Doc said, “they were scheming something for April Fools Day. Wonder if
they came up with something.” The sirens got them up from the coffee and to the front window in time to see the village fire truck go screaming past toward the mountains. Steve went outside and got his binoculars out of the truck. “Baldy Rock’s on fire!” he yelled. Sure enough, Randles black smoke was pouring from the top of Baldy Rock, some ten miles or so to the northwest. “You know,” said Doc. “There’s nothing to burn on Baldy Rock.” “That’s right. Let’s go!”
The fire truck got there first, of course, up the winding little trail that would handle a fire truck if the driver was optimistic and a little dumb. The firemen were hosing down a burning pile of dead tires in the middle of the summit. The fire chief was muttering to himself about April First, old ladies who had telephones and a critical lack of coffee. “What happened?” Doc asked. “Got two calls about the same time this morning from a couple of old ladies who said a volcano was erupting.” Doc turned to Steve. “Might as well go back to the Mule Barn and finish our breakfast. Might even find Dud and Herb there. In fact, I’d bet on it.”
Buying property is smart investment By George Wrazen Musings of a Septuagenarian
Some people put their money in banks. They expect to get an interest payment, increasing the value of their money. Others are more daring and wise enough to invest their money in stocks, securities or bonds. They still are looking to increase the value of their initial investment. I knew a long time ago buying property was the smartest and least Wrazen risky investment. I didn’t know anything about the stock market or compounded interest rates so I bought my first home in St. Petersburg, Fla. Renting would sometimes cost more than a mortgage. Buying made a lot of sense since my investment would increase in value. I sold the house and property later for more money than what I bought it for and I was able to live in it until I did sell it. After awhile, I did learn about investments, but that was through my employer and the government sanctioned 401k programs. I still didn’t know much about what was a good stock to buy. My employer offered several 401k options and all I had to do was choose one.
Then I heard about the Texas Instrument stocks that went from zero to $50 in a few short years. Then there was Apple (or should I say IS Apple) and Ad Nauseam Amazon. I was an illiterate baby boomer whose parents themselves didn’t know enough about investments to teach me anything. But I still know property is about as good as it gets for people like me. I moved and bought another hunk of property in Tennessee. I have been here for over 20 years and my property has increased in value. I can sell it even now for more money than I paid for it. There are a lot of people like me who bought property they could afford, knowing it will only go up in value. Some people complain about property tax increases, but that really is a blessing. If my property taxes have increased, it is strictly because my property value has increased. In McNairy County there is this flood area I call Area 51. The county commissioners decided to look into relieving the flooding by possibly having the state create a “lake” to handle to water run-off. This is smart property management and is a capital idea. Some residents balked at the idea. If this whole project did go through – mind you it is in the research concept to see if such a thing is practical – it might mean some of the property owners would be required to sell some of their land to the state so the project could be accomplished.
Whenever the state decides to expand a road or have the electrical company install new telegraph poles, there is a law that stipulates the property owner will receive current value for the property that must be relinquished for the project. In the case of Area 51, the property owner would be properly compensated for the property the state would need to complete the flood-zone project if it ever got to that stage. That value would be higher than what he originally paid for the land. My property is “land locked” which is one of the reasons I bought it. When you live on a highway, there is a good chance as the county grows – and we all want the county to grow – so do highways and people not only are required to sell some of their property, but they might end up with much more traffic than imagined. I am not attached at the hip to my property. It has been a very nice place to live, but it has also been my primary source of investment. At the right price and at the right time, I would sell it if meant a better future. My needs and wants are not the same as they were 20 years ago. As for my kids, hopefully I have taught them some of the lessons I learned and they will not make the same mistakes. They are able to plan for what they want for their future and have learned to make the needed investments. It’s their future and they aren’t required to relive my life.
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 • CWO3 Dustin Hamm, USMC • PFC Isaac Harville • Staff Sgt. James Taylor Haubrich, US Air Force • Col. (Chaplain) Billy Hawkins • Spc. Matthew Hemby, Army • Sgt. Brian W. Hendrix • Sgt. Timothy Hixon • Staff Sergeant Brian Lee Hood • Pvt. Alex Johnson, US Army • Sgt. Ricky L. Jordan, USMC • Petty Officer 1st Class Arnold Jermaine Knight • Army Officer Major James Lax • Sgt. Joseph Lilly • Sgt. Michael C. Lipford -Army Service Member • Spc. Ritchie A. McCrary • Spc. Dustin McDonald • A1C Amanda K. McMillen, USAF
• Joshua Lane Meek, Army • AO3 Kevin Dewayne Mettlin, Navy • Cpl. Jeffery Mitchell, USMC • SSgt. Patrick Michael Moore, Nat. Guard • A1C Kassidy N. Mosier Deneen, USAF • A1C Logan D. Mosier, USAF • Cpl. Dallas Nelms, USMC • Sgt. Major Paula Norris • Pvt. Justin Overton, USMC • Spc. Joseph Payne, US Army Nat. Guard • CPO Denise Picard Culverhouse • Spc. William Andrew “Andy” Pickett, Nat. Guard • Spc. Robert H. Pittman, II • Sgt. David Poole, National Guard • Cpl. James Scott Powell • Cpl. John M. Powell • Airman Cameron B. Prater, Air Force • Ernest Purez, Air Force • Pvt. Samuel Bradford Ray, Army • E4 Sophia Reinke • Sgt. Charlie Rickman, US Army • John Robinson US Navy • Staff Sgt. Ryan Robinson Air Force • Angel Rodriguez, Petty Officer US Navy • Spc. Blake Rudd • Specialist Robert Rzasa • Sabion Sanders, USAF A1C
• Veronica Sebree, Navy Chief Officer • Alan Seigers, Army • SFC Patrick Michael Shaughnessy • Spc. Hector Soto, Jr., Army • LT Kevin Shelton, Navy • Cpl. Jeremy Tyler Sisk • ITS Rusty Smith, US Navy • Preston Cross Smith, U.S. Air Force • Cpl. Sam Speck, USMC • Sgt. Shaun Spicher, USMC • Sgt. Richard A. Ssesanga, US ARMY • Airman Nathaniel A. Stout • Spc. Daniel Sullivan, Army • 2nd Lt. Chad Sweaton, Army • Spc. Dakota Taylor, National Guard • Jeremy Thompson • Cpl.. Logan Gage Ward, U.S.M.C. • ET3 Jeremy Wilbanks, US Coast Guard • Pvt. Demaro Wiley, SC, Army National Guard • A1C Logan James Williams, USAF • Joseph Lloyd Williams MM3 US Navy • Master Sgt. Stanley Wilson, USAF - Retired • Spc. Jeffrey Witoszczak U.S. Army • Petty Officer 1st Class (CTNI) James M. Wolford EDITOR’S NOTE: If a loved one has had a change in status, contact us at (731) 645-5346.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020
OBITUARIES
INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 9
Riley Kirk
Stanley Allison Emmons
Cecil Sanders
Riley Kirk, age 86, of Pocahontas, Tenn., passed from this life on Wednesday evening, March 25, 2020, at Pine Meadows Healthcare in Bolivar. His funeral service was held graveside at McCalip’s Chapel Cemetery in McNairy County at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 28, 2020 with Jeremy Burnette and David Paseur officiation. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Bolivar were in charge. He was born in Ramer, Tenn., the son of the late James Allen Kirk and Georgia Meeks Kirk and lived all of his life in McNairy and Hardeman Counties. He is also preceded in death by five brothers, Marvin, Bodie, George, Elton, and Austin Kirk; two half-sisters, Ivy Kirk and Ider Byrd; two half-brothers, Elmer and Kenny Kirk; and step-daughter, Gloria Hayes. On Friday, July 4, 1952, he was united in marriage to Geneva B. May. They had been married 42 years at the time of her death on Saturday, November 23, 1996. Mr. Kirk worked in saw milling most of his life and also had been employed at Harman Automotive for 4 years. He was baptized at Piney Grove Church of God and most recently enjoyed worshiping with the Pocahontas Baptist Church. In his leisure time, he enjoyed gardening, woodworking, hunting, fishing and especially logging with his team of mules. An animal lover at heart, he also loved spending time with his dogs. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Harris Taylor Kirk; daughter, Wanda Mayfield (Ronald) of Hornsby; son, Roger Kirk (Judy) of Ramer; sister, Sovia Brown (Charlie) of Southaven, Miss.; four grandchildren, John Robert Sisk (Wendy), Angie Ellis (Craig), Jordan Hurd (Zach) and Jason Kirk; six great-grandchildren, Hallie Hurd, Taylor, Chase, Keaton and Kennedy Sisk and Riley Ellis; five stepchildren, Vickie Henson (Leslie) and Leon Burnette (Debra), both of Middleton, Resa Rush (Mike Jordan) of Bolivar, Lorraine Cranford (Jackie) of Walnut, Miss. and Ann Burnette of Pocahontas; and a host of stepgrandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be sent to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Stanley Emmons, age 80, of Memphis, formerly from Michie, Tenn., passed from this life on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. A celebration of his life will be held at a later time. A private burial will be held at the Trinity Baptist Church Cemetery in Michie, Tenn. Born on February 10, 1940, to Marshall and Alicie Knight Emmons, in Alcorn County, Miss., he was a carpenter by trade and a Baptist by faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Billy Emmons, and a sister, Cheryl Hill. He will be missed by his sons: Richard Emmons of Selmer, Tenn., and Stanley Dwayne Emmons of Henderson, Tenn.; Daughters: Judy Sullivan of Selmer, Lisa Finch of Chicago, Ill., and Patricia Oliver of Selmer; brother, Keith Emmons of Michie, and sisters: Inus Sanders of Corinth, and Sue Sanders of Michie; ten grandchildren and multiple greatgrandchildren. Corinthian Funeral Home was honored to serve Mr. Emmons’s family.
Cecil W. (Running Late) Sanders was born July 10, 1972 in Jackson, Tenn., the son of Loretta Sanders Dixon and the late Calvin (Dusty) Dixon. He was united in marriage to Wendy Butler on February 3, 2006. Wendy preceded him in death on July 12, 2010. Cecil was a truck driver. He graduated from Riverside High School in Parsons, Tenn. He was always laughing and causing those around him to laugh. If you knew Cecil, you could not help but like him. He was a loyal son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend making each ones lives a little brighter. Cecil departed this life on April 4, 2020 in Selmer, Tenn. at the age of 47 years, 8 months, 25 days. He is survived by his mother, Loretta Sanders Dixon of Selmer, Tenn.; a sister, BJ Weeks and husband Jason of Pocahontas, Tenn.; grandmother, Virginia Dixon of Bethel Springs, Tenn.; nephews, Mason and Matthew Weeks; companion, Jennifer Strickland; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to his wife and father, Cecil was preceded in death by grandparents, Ernest Dixon, Ida Mae and Bill Sanders. Private graveside services were held at Ramer Cemetery.
Danny Joe Putt Danny Joe Putt was born January 11, 1962 in Savannah, Tenn., the son of Wanda Naylor and the late Dan Putt. Mr. Putt departed this life on March 26, 2020 in Adamsville, Tenn. at the age of 58 years, 2 months, 15 days. Danny could do anything he put his mind to do. He could work and do most any job, from building houses to becoming a certified diver. He was a hard worker and a great mechanic. He just recently purchased the Harley he always wanted. Danny was definitely one of a kind with a heart of gold. He was always willing to help someone. He enjoyed having bonfires with music playing and just having family and friends gather for a good time. He was the grill master. He was a very kind hearted man who never met a stranger. He had a strong faith in GOD. To know him was to love him. He was a devoted son, father, brother and friend. He is survived by a daughter, Tiffany Putt and partner Chris Tyer of Savannah, Tenn.; a son, Michael Browder and wife Brittany of Collierville, Tenn.; his mother, Wanda Naylor of Adamsville, Tenn.; three grandchildren: Bishope Wilson, Gabriel Putt, and Kinsley Browder; three sisters: Barbara Stutts and husband Jimmy of Cypress Inn, Tenn., Pat Shields and husband Greg of Cherokee, Ala., Penny Smith of Adamsville, Tenn.; a brother, Jimmy Naylor of Augusta, Ga.; nephew, Ryan Vandiver of Adamsville, Tenn.; and a host extended family and friends.
David Wayne Yager David Wayne Yager, Sr. of Savannah, Tenn. departed this life on Saturday, April 4, 2020, at the age of 56 years, 6 months, and 18 days. He was born in Somerville, Tenn. on September 17, 1963, the son of the late Bill and Marion Hale Yager. David was self employed as as an electrician and fabricator. He also did other construction and carpentry work; he was a jack of all trades, there was nothing he couldn’t do. David enjoyed fishing, hunting turkey, deer, and dove, riding around and listening to the radio, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, four wheeler riding, and having friends over to his shop. He is survived by his children, David Wayne Yager, Jr. and his wife Jessica of Adamsville, Tenn., Sarah Clayton and her husband Josh of Henderson, Tenn., and Dylan Yager of Milledgeville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Rachel Yager, Madison Yager, Alaina Clayton, and Lilah Clayton; sisters, Suzan Watts and her husband Richard of Niantic, Ill., and Margaret Hopkins of Decatur, Ill.; his girlfriend, Renee Dillard Ruth; her children, Jeffery Simpson, Jenny Franks, Shonda Harwell; and her six grandchildren. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brothers, Bill Keats, Bob Yager, Johnny Yager, and Jimmy Yager. In response to Governor Lee’s Executive Order 17 which took effect at 12:01 AM March 23, 2020, there was no public visitation or service. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.
Shirley Joan Forsyth Shirley Joan Forsyth was born August 25, 1949 in Finger, Tenn., the daughter of the late Johnnie and Clara Rouse Julian. She was united in marriage to Billy Wayne Forsyth on May 10, 1976. Mr. Forsyth preceded her in death on November 30, 2014. Mrs. Forsyth was a homemaker. She was of the Southern Baptist faith. She loved baking cookies with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a wonderful baker. Some of her family favorites were chocolate pie, lemon meringue, snowball cake and cherry crunch cake. She was a jokester, believed in having a good time and dearly loved her family. Mrs. Forsyth departed this life on April 2, 2020 in Selmer, Tenn. at the age of 70 years, 7 months, 8 days. She is survived by two daughters, Tracey Chenault and husband James of Selmer, Tenn., Christy Rolison of Selmer, Tenn.; three stepdaughters, Lisa Forsyth, Vickie James, and Sandy Graham; five sisters, Bobbie Arp, Jean Boyd, Linda Davison, Mary Baker, Kim Dott; three brothers, Danny Julian, Jack Julian, Paul Julian; 20 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Forsyth was preceded in death by three stepdaughters, Ramona Forsyth, Cheryl Howell, Tressa Duke; a sister, Brenda Guzman; three brothers, Alan, David, and Roger Julian. Private services were held on April 5, 2020 at Rolison Way in Selmer, Tenn., with Thomas Davis officiating. Burial followed in the Rolison Way Burial Cemetery at Selmer, Tenn.
Teresa Rae Pilley Teresa Rae Pilley was born February 25, 1966 in Athens, Ala., the daughter of Dianne Stanfield Chapell and the late Russell Chapell. Teresa had worked as an integration coordinator in Jacksonville, Fla. She loved her job and helping her clients who had chromosomal disorders. She had worked other jobs throughout the years but she really enjoyed this type of work. Teresa lived life to the fullest. She never liked to be rushed no matter the adventure or journey. She was an avid collector of carousels. She attended Oakland Baptist Church in Corinth, Miss. She loved her son and was very proud of him. Teresa departed this life on April 4, 2020 in Corinth, Miss. at the age of 54 years, 1 month, 10 days. She is survived by her son, Justin Chapell of Walls, Miss.; mother, Dianne Chapell of Selmer, Tenn.; twin sister, Tracy Chapell of Kossuth, Miss.; two nephews, Austin Robbins of Walls, Miss. and Christopher Brown of Knoxville, Tenn.; stepchildren, Christy Stacks of Walls, Miss. and Tony Stacks, Jr. of Grenada, Miss.; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to her father, Teresa was preceded in death by a brother, Torrey Arnold. A private family graveside service was held on April 7, 2020 at the Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery in Selmer, Tenn. with J. D. Matlock officiating.
Church Events • Cypress Creek FBC Services Pastor Clifford Wynn, Cypress Creek FBC, will be having services online Sunday at 9 a.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. Please join us as we all endeavor to endure these trying times. We continue to pray for our fellow McNairy Countians. You may watch on Facebook live at I love Cypress Creek First Baptist Church or the creek14 on Instagram. Giving opportunities@cypresscreek.net. For questions, call (731) 645-8094.
Jack Coffman Jack Lancaster Coffman was born December 12, 1940, in what is now the oldest house in Adamsville, Tenn., the son of the late John Wesley and Jimmie Lancaster Coffman. He was united in marriage to Deborah Bias on April 11, 1998. Mr. Coffman graduated from Adamsville High School and attended the University of Tennessee at Martin. He served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps and was the longest tenured member of the Adamsville First United Methodist Church. Jack was the former owner of Jack Coffman Chevrolet in Adamsville and also worked as an automobile wholesaler. Collecting cars and telling Buford Pusser stories were two of his favorite pastimes; he was especially fond of the Chevrolet Corvette. Jack also took an active part in the Buford Pusser Home and Museum in Adamsville. Mr. Coffman departed this life on March 30, 2020 in Adamsville, Tenn. at the age of 79 years, 3 months, 18 days. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Deborah (Bias) Coffman of Adamsville, Tenn.; two daughters, Chasteti Plunk of Adamsville, Tenn. and Melanie Reaves of Savannah, Tenn.; a stepson, Jon Ross Reaves and wife Angie of Selmer, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Kirby Nixon and Anna Grace Nixon, both of Savannah, Tenn.; a great-grandchild, Cooper Nixon of Savannah, Tenn.; a sister-in-law, Nita Coffman of Adamsville, Tenn.; a niece, Angie Ricketts and husband Chad of Clearwater, Fla.; two great-nieces, Blakeley and Riley Ricketts, both of Clearwater, Fla.; and many extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, Mr. Coffman was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Coffman. Private graveside services were held on April 3, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at Adamsville Cemetery with Tony Polk officiating. Burial followed in the Adamsville Cemetery.
Obituaries continued on page 10
Community Events • Come To The Table Due to the concerns of the COVID 19, Come To The Table at the Warehouse has been temporarily suspended until further notice. • McNairy Cobra Soccer Sponsor Fundraiser Funds are needed for player gear, apparel, equipment, transportation and referees. Any donations will be appreciated. For information or questions, contact Head Coach Alek Floyd floyd.alek@mcnairy.org or call (731) 453-4332. • Relay for Life Teams and help with Relay for Life are needed as the event gears up for this year. Those wanting to start a team or donate can call Cheryl Prather at 731-6102860. April 18 • Finger Cemetery Clean-Up The Finger Cemetery clean up day will be April 18, 2020 at 10 a.m. In case of rain, the clean up day will be April 25. Volunteers are needed to help in the clean up. Donations are needed for mowing and maintenance of the cemetery. Donations may be made at Home Banking Company or to any of the cemetery committee members. April 25 • 3rd Annual Anchor Holds Cruz-In The 3rd Annual Anchor Holds Stop Child Abuse Cruz-In will be from 1-6 p.m. at Boozer’s Bar and Grill, 3510 Hwy 128, Savannah, TN. T-shirts for sale, 50/50 tickets and donations accepted. All proceeds go to Carl Perkins Child Abuse Center. For more information, call Roger or Regina Blanton at 731-439-1624.
To help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, Please wash your hands
COMMUNITY
PAGE 10 v INDEPENDENT APPEAL
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020
Obits (cont. from page 9)
Birthday
Grady W. Turnbow Jr.
Happy Birthday Devin & Donald
Staff Photo by Janet Rail
Happy 14th Birthday to Big Brother Devin Joe Ellsworth on April 11th. Happy 1st Birthday to Little Brother Donald Earl Ellsworth on April 18. Grandma, Grandpa, Your Mama and Sisters Love you both so very much. God bless you both on your birthdays and always!!!
Food Giveaway
Selmer Farmers Market was the place to be on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. for a free meal consisting of barbecue bologna or hotdogs. Preparing the meal was LaShell Moore and Miranda Parrish. Social distancing was practiced during this drive-thru food giveaway. The event was sponsored by Selmer Park and Recreation and Mary Lou Johnson Foundation, co-sponsored by City of Selmer and Mason Crescent Lodge #70.
Farm Equipment For Sale • 3430 spray-coupe 60’ boom, new tires, new foam marker, $10,000. • John Deere 750 no-till 15’ grain drill $11,000; • I.H. 900 no-till 38” 8 row planters $5,000. • I.H. 475 hydraulic fold up 17’ disc $1900.
Call (731) 609-0601
HARDIN COUNTY STOCKYARD
Women in Science Michelle Davis’ STEM classes at Selmer Elementary School celebrated International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Feb. 11. To kick off the celebration 3rd and 4th grade girls at SES heard from speakers who are women in or from our community working in a science field. Darby Drinkard-Barker, Tennessee State Trooper (from left); Val Smith-Wedley, Chemist; Kelsey Davis, Environmental Scientist; and Martha Gray, Computer programmer all spoke to the girls on how they chose their career, obstacles faced by choosing a male dominated field and interesting things about their field.
To help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, Please wash your hands and keep 6 ft. away from others.
FISH DAY! IT’S TIME TO STOCK YOUR POND!
DELIVERY WILL BE:
Tuesday, April 21 Bolivar 12:45 - 1:30 @ Stockdales Selmer 2:15-3:00 @ Stockdales Like us on Facebook!
FISH WAGON
To Place An Order Call:
1-800-643-8439 www.fishwagon.com
4/20 4/20 4/20 Celebrate our Customer Appreciation all month long We will pay your sales tax all month long
Look for other specials throughout the month START LIVING A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE TODAY
TheHempConnection 110 South Y Square • Selmer • (731) 434-0384
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. CLOSED: Saturday & Sunday *All oils containing cannabinol have less than 0.6% tetrahydrocannabinol.
NOTICE
The Eastview Water Department is accepting sealed bids to furnish and install new ultrasonic water meters and an automated meter reading system. Bid specs are available from the Eastview Water Department by calling (731) 645-3428. The Eastview Water Department reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
3350 Hwy 226 Savannah, TN 38372 (731) 925-3287 (931) 224-2247
Grady W. Turnbow Jr., 87, cherished son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went to be with the Lord and his beloved “Honey”, Mable Ruth Turnbow on April 3, 2020. Married for nearly 60 years, he sadly awaited their reunion for almost six years. In addition to his wife, his parents preceded him in death as well as an infant brother, his brother Joe Neal Turnbow and sister Betty Joyce Turnbow Brown. Born July 6, 1932, Grady was the first of eight children born to Grady W. Turnbow Sr. and Cora Hollingsworth Turnbow. Grady grew up in the country and graduated from Adamsville High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves in Jackson, Tenn. at the age of 17 and transitioned to the regular Naval Service after graduation. In May 1950, he attended boot camp at Great Lakes, Ill. He trained on aviation maintenance and his future jobs included Aircraft Organizational Maintenance Officer, Technical Instructor, Aircraft Organizational Maintenance/Material Control Officer, Ground School Instructor and Aircraft Maintenance Quality Control Officer. He worked his way through all the enlisted and warrant officer ranks as he traveled the world, seeing places like Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Thailand; Japan and Viet Nam. After 30 ½ years of service, Grady retired from the Navy as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 on July 1, 1980. He enjoyed his time on active duty and was proud to have served his country. Grady met his wife, Mable Ruth Garrison, while they were in high school. They knew early on that they would get married and raise a family and they did just that in 1954. Grady and Mable were partners in every sense of the word, both during his long Naval career and in his retirement, when he helped Mable with her beauty shop in Millington. What they did wasn’t important as long as they did it together, however, family and participation in church were the guiding principles in their lives. Grady was instrumental in fundraising and building two churches of which he was a member. Survivors include two daughters, Debora (David) Wallace and Denise (Donnie) Holland. He was blessed to have three grandchildren: Ian (Veronica) Wallace, Lauren Mangrum (Joseph) Schultz and Adam (Maddie) Mangrum and six grandchildren and two step great - grandchildren. In addition, he has four surviving siblings: Everette DeWayne Turnbow, Catherine Turnbow Kindricks, Roy Gene (Johnnie) Turnbow and Sammy Turnbow. Grady was interred at the Mt. Vinson Cemetery. Graveside services were held on April 7, 2020 and were open to immediate family only due to restrictions placed because of the pandemic. The family plans to hold a Celebration of Life Memorial service at a later date and time to honor Grady. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Grady’s honor to any of the following: St. Jude Children’s Medical Research Hospital, Mt. Vinson Methodist Church or the ROF (Religious Offering Fund) at the Chapel onboard the Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington, Tenn. Munford Funeral Home Millington Chapel Munfordfuneralhome.com
MARKET REPORT April 1, 2020 Total HD 811
Last Week 561 Last Year 1651
Cattle 805 Goats 2 Hogs 4
#1 STEERS & BULLS 200-300 WT 300-400 WT 400-500 WT 500-600 WT 600-700 WT 700-800 WT 800-900 WT
162.00-181.00 148.00-162.00 139.00-148.00 128.00-139.00 119.00-128.00 105.00-119.00 94.00-105.00
#1 HEIFERS
200-300 WT 300-400 WT 400-500 WT 500-600 WT 600-700 WT 700-800 WT 800-900 WT
136.00-145.00 128.00-136.00 122.00-128.00 116.00-122.00 105.00-116.00 94.00-105.00 83.00-94.00
CHAMBERS INSURANCE AGENCY Selmer • (731) 645-3551 www.chambersinsuranceagency.com
High Dressing Utility Cows 46.00-50.00 High Dressing Slaughter Bulls 72.00-80.00 LOAD LOTS 22 hfrs avg. wt. 732 lbs. 101.00 23 strs avg. wt. 853 lbs. 105.00 65 hfrs avg. wt. 749 lbs. 105.00 63 strs avg. wt. 842 lbs. 105.00
Residential • Commercial • Home Owners & Contractors Welcome!
METAL ROOFING in 20 colors!
No Job Too Big Or Too Small FREE ESTIMATES
Town of Selmer
Street & Sanitation Department will be
CLOSED April 10, 2020 for
GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY Residential Garbage Route Scheduled inside the City Limits of Selmer will be picked up on your regularly schedule day.
New LOWER Prices! #1 Painted 40 Yr $ 94
1
LN. FT.
1
LN. FT.
Trim & Accessories Screws 1-1/2” 1” ... $1250 for 250 Cut To Length
Town Garbage Route and Recycling will not be picked up on April 10, 2020.
Recycling will resume regular pick-up on: April 17, 2020
#1 Galvalume 25 Yr $ 57
Woodcrafts & Metal
731.989.7300
3450 US HWY 45 N HENDERSON, TN
www.stollcraft.com
Classifieds
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020
Miscellaneous For Sale
Real Estate For Rent FOR RENT: Houses, Apartments and Townhouses. Committed to providing Safe/ Affordable homes in a family friendly environment. No Pets - No Crack/Party Houses, reference & deposit required. Kenneth Sweat (731) 610-0807. Equal Housing Opportunity. (38-TF) OAKWOOD APARTMENT RENTALS: Selmer: 1 bedroom: $350.00/ mo. 2 bedrooms: $380.00/ mo. Both require deposits. No pets. (731) 6102877. (TF) FOR RENT: 1 bdrm. Duplex, stove, refrigerator, storage bldg., in Selmer. No pets. $375 + deposit. (731) 6102877. (48-TF)
Employment Job Opportunities DRIVERS! No experience? No problem! 14-day, local training in Jackson, TN to earn great pay, benefits, job security. Placement assistance & student tuition loans available. CALL 1-800-423-8820 or go to www. drive-train.org for training opportunity with DRIVE-TRAIN, 119 E.L. Morgan Drive in Jackson. (TF)
Miscellaneous For Sale CARGO CONTAINERS: 20 & 40-foot metal cargo containers for sale. Great for storage. Call for pricing and delivery (731) 689-5616. (46-TF) Only $20 per year in McNairy County $
1 off for senior citizens
NOTICE TO FURNISHERS OF LABOR AND MATERIALS TO: Lu, Inc. PROJECT NO.: 98049-4185-04 CONTRACT NO.: CNS196 COUNTY: McNairy The Tennessee Department of Transportation is about to make nal settlement with the contractor for construction of the above numbered project. All persons wishing to le claims pursuant to Section 54-5-122, T.C.A. must le same with the Director of Construction, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Suite 700 James K. Polk Bldg., Nashville, Tennessee 372430326, on or before 5/15/2020.
FOR SALE: New and Reconditioned appliances. Call Lori (731) 225-9050, Robert (731) 695-9050. (46-TF)
PETS PUPPIES FOR SALE JACK RUSSELL PUPPIES FOR SALE: Registered ejrtca. See pictures at broposshortyjacks.com $300 males and $400 females. Call (901) 606-7852 or (901) 826-4816. (46-49)
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) 4390343. (TF)
The world’s largest manufacturer of paper products in Jackson, TN has immediate openings for:
MACHINE OPERATORS Must be able to work any shift Openings are on 2nd & 3rd shifts
Hourly rate starting at $16.90. Must have at least 2 years manufacturing machine operating and setup experience in manufacturing facility. Authorized lock out tag out experience preferred. Will require trouble shooting of machinery and perform minor adjustments. Prefer stable work history (no more than 3 jobs in last 2 years). Previous applicants need not apply. Apply at: NOVOLEX.com/careers and choose Jackson, TN location PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS OR ON-SITE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED.
NOTICE TO FURNISHERS OF LABOR AND MATERIALS TO: F8th Construction Company, LLC PROJECT NO.: 98049-4184-04 CONTRACT NO.: CNS143 COUNTY: McNairy The Tennessee Department of Transportation is about to make nal settlement with the contractor for construction of the above numbered project. All persons wishing to le claims pursuant to Section 54-5-122, T.C.A. must le same with the Director of Construction, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Suite 700 James K. Polk Bldg., Nashville, Tennessee 372430326, on or before 5/15/2020.
(731) 689-3877
Valid CDL Class A 24 Months Experience • Paid Weekly • Health Insurance Sign-On Bonus 645 Damron Loop Counce, TN 38326
Hillcrest Meadows Apartments 1 Alta Vista Drive Selmer, TN 38375
APPLIANCE REPAIR. Washers, dryers, refrigerators and stoves. Call Robert at (731) 695-9050 or Lori at (731) 225-9050. (46-TF)
GARZA MANUFACTURED HOUSING: Mobile Home Transporting, Blocking, and Anchoring. Licensed with Tenn. State Fire Marshall’s Office. Call (731) 926-0741. (34-42)
Hiring Local Drivers and Shop Workers
EEO/M/F/D/V/ TN Drug-Free Workplace committed to a diverse workplace in which the skills and talents of all ages, genders, ethnic backgrounds, disabilities and veteran status are recognized.
DOUG BUTLER: House leveling, rotting sills, replace floors, cracking brick - 30 years experience. (731) 239-8945, cell (662) 284-6146. Free estimates. (TF)
WE MOVE MOBILE HOMES: 20 yrs. experience. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Do house leveling, floor replacement, support piers installed, porches/decks, underpinning, metal roofs & vinyl siding. FREE ESTIMATES! Call: Tommy Wilson (731) 609-8794. (5-TF)
INDEPENDENT APPEAL ❖ PAGE 11
(731) 645-5290
• General Pest Control • Termite • Bed Bugs
• Fungus
• Fire Ants
• Moisture Barriers •Total Encapsulations
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
Call for FREE estimates 731.632.5678 or 731.422.2643 $25.00 off Initial Pest Control Service
BANKRUPTCY? Our office has helped thousands of people in financial hardship. Let us explain your bankruptcy rights and options.
$50.00 off New Termite Treatment
Your first consultation is always free.
$100.00 off Total Encapsulation
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code.
1-800-748-9889 Walker, Walker & Walker, PLC Ken Walker Richard Walker 2 Locations to Serve You: Jackson, TN & Lexington, TN
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Advertise here for as low as $8 a week.
Call (731) 645-5346 PRINTING
s Tree Ser v ’ p i au LLC
SEPTIC CLEANING
SEPTIC TANK CLEANING American Johnny
ce
K
TREE SERVICE
BAIL BONDS
DRAIN SERVICE
BAIL BONDS
SCOTT’S
Dennie or Betty Howell
“Fast Service 24 Hours A Day”
DRAIN SERVICE
Open Clogged Pipes, Sewer Lines, etc.
Call Anthony Smith
645-0411
(731) 610-2627 TIRE SHOP
PLUMBING
TREE SERVICE
HILL MURRELL’S PEBBLE TREE
Plumbing, Electrical & Aerial Service Work 583 Mulberry Ave Selmer, Tenn.
(731) 439-3604 Dan Michael
Towing & Recovery
• Weekends & Holidays • Same Fair Rate
(731) 610-4462 (731) 439-2923 Give us a call!
ROOFING
BODY SHOP
Moore Roofing &
MURRAY’S
Construction, LLC Free Estimates!!
Commercial & Residential
• Metal • Shingles •Flat Roofs Call Jonathan Moore (731) 609-5567 “We’ve Got You Covered” Professional, Trustworthy, Dependable
5 Year Workmanship Warranty Serving West Tennessee
mooreroofingandconstruction1@gmail.com
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
SERVICE
• Stump Grinding • Stump Removal • Pruning FULLY INSURED Tommy Price
(731) 610-5719
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
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
TREE SERVICE
STATEWIDE BAIL BONDING
731-645-3661 731-610-6327 731-610-7305
(731) 610-7405
MOBILE HOME PARTS
LAWN CARE
MAST
TREE SERVICE •Insured •Free Estimates • Stump Grinding • Demolition in storm damage No Job Too Big Or Small WE CAN DO IT ALL.
75 Riverport Drive • Jackson, TN
(731) 422-6226
Windows Doors Tubs Faucets Hardware Gutters Showers Metal Anchors Tiedowns Underpinning Tires Heat & Air Parts / Furnaces
We offer Repair & Install Service Including heating and air! Financing Available! Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Call Scott
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) 610-6712
website: mobilehomepartswtn.com
731-610-7812
HEATING/AIR
ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
WILSON’S A/C & HEATING Frankie Wilson Bethel Springs, TN
(731) 610-4512
Flowers Repair Service Bus.: 731-632-0492
Rickey Bowen
Cell: 731-453-5069 Specializing in Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, BMW, Mini-Cooper and VW 211 Sunrise Drive • Adamsville, TN rbowen@flowersrepairservices.com
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
PAGE 12 ❖ INDEPENDENT APPEAL
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020
We’re Here to Help Our Community We are ready to serve you!
Need insurance? Call us! (731) 645-7777 1040 Mulberry Avenue Selmer, TN
TAKE OUT • CURBSIDE DELIVERY (to some locations) Call in your orders 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (731) 645-0138 or (731) 610-9137 Milton Nash
milton.nash.fc30@statefarm.com
We are open! 3171 Hwy 64 West Selmer,TN (731) 645-9922 tandtguns.com
BUY - SELL - TRADE
We are open for in-office visits and telemedicine visits.
6708 Hwy 45 S, Eastview, TN Owners: Jon & Angie Reaves
Follow Us On FACEBOOK for updates
Keith Perkins, jr.,md
(Between Dr. Wilson, D.D.S. and Dr. Bell, D.D.S.) www.premiermedpeds.com
~ Changes to the Lobby ~ Drive thru open during normal hours. Office visits by appointment only. Please call for an appointment. 610 MULBERRY AVENUE - SELMER, TN TELPHONE: (731) 646-1171 MONDAY - THURSDAY 8:30 TO 4:30 FRIDAY 8:30 TO 5:00
Flowers Repair Service Rickey Bowen, Owner 211 Sunrise Drive • Adamsville,TN (731) 632-0492
Specializing in the repair of Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BMW, VW, Mini Cooper as well as domestic cars & trucks.
WE LOVE OUR CUSTOMERS!
Call in your order for curbside delivery (731) 646-1772
• Drive-thru lanes are open. • Lobby open by appointment.
455 Mulberry Ave. Selmer
Call (731) 645-6166
Open 11-9 daily
Finger • Savannah • Corinth • Michie • Selmer
We Are Open!
Call (731) 540-9083 714 Federal Drive Selmer, TN
We are open, regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8-5. We are taking all precautions when it comes to keeping our customers and employees safe. We will meet our customers outside to minimize the traffic in the office.
FURNITURE & APPLIANCES
Lee Henry, Owner | (731) 645-3282 533 Mulberry Avenue • Selmer, TN
BEST HOME FURNISHING | ASHLEY | FRIGIDAIRE SPEED QUEEN | CROSLEY | CUB CADET | MALOUF AMERICA’S MATTRESS GALLERY by SERTA
Available to assist customers via phone Closed for walk in business at this time Kenneth Hawkins, Agent
567 Mulberry Avenue Selmer,TN 38375 Bus: 731-645-3468 ken.hawkins.b10e@statefarm.com
Delivers vitamins, amino acids, minerals and other vital nutrients into the bloodstream quickly without needing or taxing the digestive system. Now available at Michie Medical Clinic Contact 731-632-1783 for more information
DO YOU HAVE 30 MINUTES FOR BETTER HEALTH?
DO YOU FEEL LIKE EVERYTHING IS
BENT OUT OF SHAPE? We may not be able to help with the COVID-19 situation but we CAN help you with your car if you are in an accident. Our experienced bodywork experts will get your car back into shape and excellent running condition. Our door may be locked but we are here to serve you. Call us!
Immunity IV Therapy $100 Immunity & Weight Loss $126 Call or Text (662) 720-2370 for your appointment today!
Regenerative Health Next door to Michie Medical Center, 7750 Michie Pebble Hill Road, Michie,TN
* No supplement will cure or prevent disease. Vitamin C affects your immune health in several ways. Its antioxidant activity can decrease inflammation, which may help improve your immune function. Vitamin C also keeps your skin healthy by boosting collagen production, helping the skin serve as a functional barrier to keep harmful compounds from entering your body. Vitamin C in the skin can also promote wound healing.
Outdoor eating area available that meets social distancing requirements
We are Open and offering curbside service
Hwy 142 • Selmer, TN 38375 (731) 645-9876
356 Industrial Park Dr. Selmer, Tennessee Anthony Lambert 731-645-6888
We’re Open! Drive-Thru Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
119 E Main St. Adamsville, TN
Store Hours:
Sunday Closed
Monday through Friday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
www.mycentennial.bank