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3299 HWY. 51 SOUTH ڰCOVINGTON, TN 38019 9 0 1 . 3 1 3 . 8 6 2 9 ڰt r y u s c h e v y. c o m
THE LEADER THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012 ▪ VO L . 1 2 8 , N O. 1 1 ▪ T H E VO I C E O F TIPTON COUNTY S I N C E 1 8 8 6 ▪
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COUNTY COMMISSION
No major changes in reapportionment By JEFF IRELAND jireland@covingtonleader.com The lines that determine county commissioner districts in Tipton County have changed to accommodate population shifts. On a resolution that passed on voice vote by the Tipton County Legislative Body on Nov. 14, the new map was approved.
As has been the case for several years, there will still be nine districts and 18 commissioners (two for each district), but the areas that the districts represent will be slightly different. District 4, which includes Atoka, changed the most with a population increase of almost 11 percent. Five districts saw slight decreases, while Districts 1
Sea of Blue to honor fallen trooper
(Covington) and 5 (Munford) experienced increases of less than one percent. Tennessee law requires that “at least every 10 years, county legislative bodies shall change the boundaries of districts or redistrict a county entirely if necessary to apportion the county legislative body so that the numbers represent substantially equal populations.”
District 4 is the largest district with a population of 7,525. The smallest is District 6, which includes Reverie and Centennial islands and Southwest Tipton County. District 3, which includes Burlison, saw the biggest decrease with a 3.37 percent drop in population. All but two of the county commissioners, John Delancey and Terry Colin, who were
appointed, will run for reelection using the new districts in 2014. Colin and Delancey will have to run during the general election, which will be held this November. The next meeting of the Tipton County Legislative Body will be Monday, Jan. 9. It will take place at the Justice Complex at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
BABY NEW YEAR
By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com On Friday, the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office will lead the annual Sea of Blue processional to honor fallen state trooper Calvin Wayne Jenks. Marking the fifth anniversary of Jenks’ death, the seas of blue consists of law enforcement officers from various agencies traveling together from the Justice Complex to the spot on Hwy. 14 where Jenks was killed. “It’s a simple memorial, but it’s very moving each year to see how the community support has grown,” said Tipton County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Donna Turner. ► The annual Sea of Jenks was fatally shot on Jan. 6, Blue memorial, marking the fifth anniversary of 2007, during a traf- Trooper Calvin Jenks’ fic stop on Hwy. death, will begin Friday at 5:30 p.m. 14 near the Gift community, east of Covington. Orlando Garcia and Alejandro Gauna, both of Austin, Texas, were convicted of his murder in 2007 and 2008. The two, teenagers at the time of the killing, were in Tennessee to sell marijuana. In addition to their murder convictions, both have since been convicted on federal drug trafficking charges and are currently in federal custody. Turner said the procession, which follows the route officers believe Jenks took from the Justice Complex to Hwy. 14, is a reflection on the ultimate sacrifice given. “This is a unique service started the year after Jenks was killed,” she said. “There are different officers from different departments involved; it’s one simple thing that brings officers together.” The sea of blue will begin at the Justice Complex, will proceed to Hwy. 59, then down Hwy. 14 and stopping at the site of Jenks’ memorial, where a lone THP cruiser will be waiting.
Ma-Kayla Lynn, the daughter of Heather King, was the first baby born in Tipton County in 2012. She was born early Monday morning. Photo by Sherri Onorati
Special delivery By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com At Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton, the new year arrived in the form of a 7-pound, 5-ounce baby named Ma-Kayla Lynn. The infant arrived at 4:47 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 2 and was the first baby born in Tipton County in 2012. Ma-Kayla is the second daughter for Heather King of CovingHeather King of Covington holds her newborn daughter, MaKayla Lynn, Tuesday. The first baby born each year is presented with a gift basket from the hospital’s Ladies’ Auxiliary. Courtesy photo
ton; she joins big sister Aaliyah, 4. King didn’t expect to give birth first in the county in 2012. “Never in a million years!” she said. She arrived at Baptist-Tipton on Sunday, Jan. 1, already in labor. The nurses, she said, told her no baby had yet been born in 2012 and her daughter may receive the honor. Nurses at the hospital said, as of Tuesday morning, six babies had been born since Monday. In comparison, a total of eight babies were born the week prior.
SEE BLUE, PAGE A3
Reader’s Guide
Hadley retires as Covington’s recorder/treasurer
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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! Don’t miss our first Health, Mind and Body special publication coming next week! HOW TO REACH US Call 901.476.7116 Fax 901.476.0373 Email news@covingtonleader.com Visit us at 2001 Hwy. 51 South, Covington, TN 38019 or online at covingtonleader.com
By SHERRI ONORATI sonorati@covingtonleader.com December 31, 2011 marked more than just the end of a year in the city of Covington. It also marked the end of an era. Covington recorder/ treasurer Jere H. Hadley officially retired on Friday, Dec. 30 after serving the city and its citizens for more than 37 years.
Hadley graduated from UT Martin with a degree in Business Administration and a major in finance and took the position with the city in March 1974. During his tenure, he has served under six mayors and with 25 aldermen and saw the city’s annual budget increase from $1 million to $26 million. It was standing room only at last Friday’s retire-
ment celebration held at the Chamber center. There, co-workers, friends and family gathered to pay tribute to a man who many have said has dedicated his life to the city of Covington. “Jere Hadley is the epitome of what a public servant is,” exclaimed Tennessee State Representative Jimmy Naifeh during the evening’s festivities. “He
has worked so hard at it for so many years and has done a great job.” Covington Mayor David Gordon spoke of the friendship and guidance Hadley has provided him during his reign as mayor. “We had a tremendous partnership,” said Gordon, his voice cracking with emotion. “He is a dedicated city servant and he SEE HADLEY, PAGE A3
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