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THE LEADER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011 ▪ VO L . 1 2 7 , N O. 9 ▪ T H E VO I C E O F TIPTON COUNTY S I N C E 1 8 8 6 ▪
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Munford marine injured by IED By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com AFGHANISTAN – A Munford Marine stationed in the Helmand province was critically injured Tuesday. Said to be fighting for his life, Lance Cpl. Christian Anderson Brown, known as “CB” to his friends, has re-
portedly lost both of this legs after an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion. The 26-year-old also sustained injuries to his pelvis and one of his hands. On his second tour of duty in the Middle East, Brown is part of the 1st Battalion 6th Marines, an infantry unit based at Camp Lejeune, North
Carolina. The 1/6 is currently on a seven-month deployment to the Helmand Province.They are supporting the Global War on Terror through Operation Eastern Storm. The operation is an effort to clear the area of Taliban insurgents who have forced residents from their homes.
For updates, visit the page Support LCPL Christian Brown, USMC, Combat Wounded on Facebook
Brown’s unit lost a marine on Saturday. Lance Cpl. Christopher P. J. Levy, 21, of Ramseur, N.C., died Dec. 10 of wounds sustained Dec. 7 while conducting combat operations. Brown, a 2004 gradu-
ate of Munford High School, grew up with the daughters of Munford Mayor Dwayne Cole. He reportedly attended Beaver Baptist and River of Life churches. Wednesday he was expected to be moved to a military treatment facility in Germany, then on to Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland.
MUNFORD
New fire station to be dedicated By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com A new era in firefighting begins today in Munford, one that includes plenty of room to grow. Beginning with a concert from its high school band, the reigning USSBA National Champions, Munford city officials will dedicate the new fire station at 3 p.m. “The 14,500-square-foot facility was built through grant funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA),” said Community Development Director Barbara Dorn. “It was one of only two fire station construction grants awarded in the state of Tennessee.” The other grant, which was awarded in September 2009, was given to to Pigeon Forge. More than 6,000 departments in Tennessee submitted applications for the $210 million that was expected to be distributed statewide, said former fire chief J.R. Bonson. “This award will help first responders continue to keep our families safe and secure,” the now-former Congressman John Tanner said in 2009. “It is also an important investment in the short-term job creation and long-term economic development that will help spur the economic recovery of our area.” The new station, which cost $1.8 million, includes three bays deep enough to fit several trucks back-toback, according to Alan Barkelew, the Munford-Atoka Fire Department’s chief since December 2010. It will also include a day room, kitchen, gymnasium, sleeping quarters, showers, training room, a half and a full kitchen and offices, said the chief. A museum, featuring the old 1956 Ford fire truck, which was the first fire truck purchased in Munford, will soon be open as well. Barkelew said he also hopes to display old air packs and equipment. “I want it to be something we can
Danielle and Levi Howell, left, and family enjoy being costumed during the inaugural Dickens Christmas event on the square Saturday. With large crowds, business owners say Saturday was their best business day in quite some time. See more photos on B11. Photo by Sherri Onorati
EVENTS
An old-fashioned
CHRISTMAS LEADER STAFF REPORTS news@covingtonleader.com
This weekend Covington’s Historic Court Square was transformed into a scene from Christmases past, as the inaugural Dickens Christmas event drew hundreds of costumed characters downtown. Covington Mayor David Gordon was spotted as Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim (Levi Howell), Jacob Marley (Aric Delashmit) and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future were also making appearances on the square. Local eateries served dishes like bangers and mash and figgy pudding, carolers performed in Court Square Park and retail establishments were open late on Saturday and Sunday. Some restaurant owners said Saturday was their best sales day ever and even had to turn away hungry patrons. Lee Johnston, executive director of the Covington-Tipton County Cham-
SEE STATION, PAGE A3
SEE DICKENS, PAGE A3
Reader’s Guide
SCHOOLS
Board: Clifton resigns, ACT scores on the rise
TODAY’S WEATHER Chance of storms, rain. High, 65. Low, 41.
INSIDE Opinion Faith Obituaries Education Lifestyles
A paperboy named Sammy sells a copy of The Covington Times, a newspaper created for the event, to Louis Gaither. Photo by Mary Gaither
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Sports Correspondence Classifieds Puzzles
B B1 A8 B6 B3
Legals
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CLASSIC CHRISTMAS Don’t miss photos from the inaugural Dickens Christmas event on page B11. 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 It was revealed during last week’s Tipton County Board of Education meeting that Cindy Clifton, the Covington middle school teacher indicted on 53 charges of statutory rape, aggravated statutory rape, providing alcohol to minors and contributing to the delinquency of minors
from April and July of this year, had officially resigned her position with Tipton County Schools effective Nov. 23. Clifton’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 2012. Several policy revisions were presented to the board for their consideration including adding new language to include cyber bullying in the list of prohibited acts, the prohibi-
tion of “social promotion” of third graders, separation practices for non-certified employees, evaluations for non-licensed personnel and reflecting state changes regarding the nature of home schools, specifically, advance notice must be given to the director of schools before the commencement of each school year of the intent to conduct a home school and be in possession
of a high school diploma or GED in order to conduct classes. The board accepted and approved all of the proposed revisions on its first reading. The board is considering apply for designation as a “Board of Distinction,” which the Tennessee School Board Association uses to recognize county school boards. To qualify SEE BOARD, PAGE A3
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” Isaiah 9:6 www.patriot-bank.com
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