The Leader 11.15.12

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THE LEADER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2012 ▪ VO L . 1 2 8 , N O. 3 8 ▪ T H E VO I C E O F TIPTON COUNTY S I N C E 1 8 8 6 ▪

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GOVERNMENT

County gets update on library project By JEFF IRELAND jireland@covingtonleader.com Tipton County commissioners received an update Monday night concerning expansion at the Dyersburg State Community College Jimmy Naifeh Center site. Dr. Karen Boywer, DSCC president, said construction is expected to get underway in the spring on the learning resource center and library, a $13.8 million project. Boywer said sealed bids on the project will be opened next month. The bid target is $12.055 million. The 54,000-square-foot project will include a county library open to all residents, plus a student center that will include recreational and learning facilities for students. Tipton County Executive Jeff Huffman pointed out that more accessibility for computers will be very important. “More and more companies require that you apply on line,” Huffman said. “I think there are only about 15 or 20 computers in the library we have.” Bowyer said the new library will have approximately 250 computers. SEE LIBRARY, PAGE A3

SCHOOLS

Monday morning Tipton County veterans marched in a parade in their honor. For more photos from the event, see page B3. Photo by Echo Day.

Veterans honored Tipton County kicked off its week honoring the brave men and women who've sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. The annual Veteran's Day parade took place on the square and several local schools hosted programs in honor of Tipton County veterans. TAPs at Crestview Middle The military bugle call "TAPs" is known to evoke strong emotion, and the student body at Crestview learned the origins of the piece during their Veteran's Day event. Used to signify "lights out," "TAPs" is also used at military funerals and was first played in this context in July 1862. In addition to this lesson, the Covington band played and the school choir sang several patriotic songs.

Board discusses SCORE prize By JESSICA COOKE jcooke@covingtonleader.com On Wednesday, Nov. 7, the Tipton County School Board was presented with an award banner by a representative of the State Collaborative on Reforming Education, an independent nonprofit organization based in Nashville. The prize is given to various schools and districts on a statewide basis to reward considerable improvements in the quality of public education and to celebrate increased student achievement. As she presented the banner to the school board, SCORE representative Laura Moore praised local schools for their vision and standards which she claimed far exceed expectations. This well-earned award was without a doubt the highlight of this month’s school board meeting on Thursday. The meeting also involved an update to last month’s discussion concerning the use of personal communication and electronic SEE SCHOOL, PAGE A3

Newly elected District 81 Representative, Debra Moody, performed her first official duty in her new role. On Sunday, Nov. 11, Debra Moody attended and spoke at the Boy Scout Troop 60 Veteran's Day flag retirement ceremony. The event was held at Atoka's Nancy Lane Park, where Scouting was well represented by Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. Also in attendance were Atoka's Mayor Walker, Town Administrator Brian Koral, American Legion representative Brian Styer, and Atoka residents. Photo courtesy Dee Lavery

LEADER STAFF REPORTS news@covingtonleader.com

Weathers III speaks at Austin Peay The gym at Austin Peay Elementary was packed on Monday as students and faculty put their most patriotic foot forward for the school’s Veteran’s Day in honor of the men and women serving in the military in defense of their country.

eran’s Day Means to Me.” The Brighton Middle School 7th and 8th grade band performed the “Armed Forces March,” and music director Kim Colborn led the AES Patriot Chorus in the “Armed Forces Salute,” an energetic medley blending the theme song of each armed forces branch. The school provided the community with a special treat by inviting Luke Weathers III to attend as a guest speaker for the event. Weathers is the son of the late Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Luke J. Weathers Jr., whose story as a World War II aviator was told in the recent film “Red Tails.” Weathers spoke about his father’s life and legacy as an Air Force hero in an inspiring and moving conclusion to the event.

The program featured various tributes to all branches of the armed forces and the capacities in which they served. Faculty members gave performances of the national anthem and several other songs, and veterans were asked to stand in a time of recognition. Student talent was also showcased throughout the event. Regan Rider, an Austin Peay 5th grader, read aloud her writing assessment essay, “What Vet-

For pictures and more information from this year's events, see page B3.

CRIME

Trespassers beware: Old Trinity haunted by deputies By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com People visiting Old Trinity in the Fields Episcopal Church on Halloween night received a scare they probably weren’t expecting. Instead of waiting to see if a statue in the church cemetery bled from its eyes, trespassers were confronted by two detectives hiding inside the church. “The vandalism and trespassing at the church

has got to stop,” said Tipton County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Donna Turner. “It’s going beyond just the myths now.” Aside from an annual pilgrimage on Trinity Sunday, the church, built by slaves in 1847, sits as a vacant reminder of the South before the Civil War. For many years, rumors of paranormal activity have circulated through the community and the church has become a popular haunt for thrill-seekers who wish

to put local legends and ghost stories to the test. In doing so, though, said Turner, the law is being broken. “Two months ago the vandalism started back up,” she said. “Because of the folklore, things always come to a head right around Halloween. There are several myths associated with the church and there are some problems because the church is vaOld Trinity in the Fields Episcopal Church, in a cant most of the time.” In recent years, vandals remote part of Mason, is often vandalized by SEE CHURCH, PAGE A3

trespassers. Photo by Echo Day

ALLEY OOP

IN THE QUARTERS STILL undefeated, the Covington Chargers (12-0) take on Trezevant High School Friday night. B1

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Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Patriot Bank and Patriot Bank Mortgage!

Basketball season has started for Tipton County schools. B1

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