The Leader 10.25.12

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THE LEADER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 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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Voters turning out early By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com

In Munford, poll workers assist voters who turned out to cast their ballot Wednesday. Photo by Jeff Ireland

Voters in Tipton County are making sure to cast their ballot early, said Neil Bell, Tipton County's administrator of elections. At press time, more than 5,530 people had already voted. "Tipton County voters are making it clear they want their voices to be heard in this election," he said. "We are hopeful that even more voters will decide to take advantage of early voting over the next several days." In the August primary election, 4,206 early and absentee ballots

were cast and 3,367 ballots were cast on election day. Compared to the turnout in that election, there has already been a 31 percent increase in early votes. And there is still one more week of early voting to go. Many voters who've already made their choices have decided to cast their ballots early. "I voted (Tuesday). No long lines. My mind was made up a long time ago," said Barbara Chaney. Though the appeal of shorter lines brings in many, some voters want to wait. "I have not voted yet," said Fran

Morgan Yocca. "We like to wait until election day just because it makes it feel more like it's official or something.... but I will definitely be voting on election day." Early voting will take place in Covington, at 113 E. Church Street, and in Munford, at 70 College Street, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Early voting ends on Thursday, Nov. 1. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6.

SCHOOLS

Website, cell phones top issues for school board By JEFF IRELAND jireland@covingtonleader.com

Wednesday morning crews were setting up the American Legion Fair at Cobb Parr Park in Covington. The fair will be in town from Thursday through Sunday. Photo by Echo Day

American Legion Fair comes to Covington Millington's loss is Covington's gain as the American Legion Fair opens at Cobb Parr Park tonight. The Legion Fair had two years in Millington but when organizers approached Interim Millington Mayor Linda Carter earlier this spring, she did not give approval. Within two days the City of Covington agreed to host the annual event at the Cobb-Parr Park off of Highway 51. Lee Buchschacher, president and chairman of the Legion Fair said, “The Covington leadership really stepped up to the plate and offered to host our venue. Mayor Gordon, the aldermen and the city staff have been very supportive and helpful.” “We are very excited to be hosting the American Legion Fair in Covington this year,” said Covington Mayor David Gordon. “We encourage everyone to come out and have some good, family fun and support the American Legion in its efforts to support our veterans.” The fair's committee has recently released names of local sponsors. “I was completely surprised by the support,” said Buchschacher. “The

usual big businesses that traditionally support these events are noticeably absent, but the big surprise was the number of small and entrepreneurial businesses that stepped up to the plate.” Buchschacher said that not all sponsors paid money but gave in-kind services. For example, the official photographer for the fair is Lisa Hellman, owner of Images of Heaven Photography in Covington, who will be taking news and publicity shots all during the fair. Another in-kind sponsor is ABC 24 television in who produced a television public service spot to air on their two stations in Memphis. Other listed sponsors include Angel's Closet and Book Nook, Cannon Chiropractic, Friends of Conneye Albright, In Home and Office Spa Escapes, Park University – Millington Campus, Promo Print Advertising, Tipton County Veterans and US 51 Country Radio. “The sponsors will enjoy prime visibility at the fair with their names on banners and hourly announcements from the US 51 Country Stage. And all sponsors are offered a booth space

with electricity as part of their sponsorship package,” Buchschacher said. With 29 rides on the midway, the fair opens Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. and continues through Sunday. “There will be a variety of entertainment over the four-day event,” Buchschacher said. “Rick Montana, star of the Rick Montana Show, will be performing classic rock and country songs along with the Wise Men, a humorous country group singing songs similar to Homer and Jethro fame. Billy Jones Bluez performs blues ballads and love songs with heart and lots of soul. Then we have 10-year-old Emma Webb singing a variety of pop/rock hits." This is a charitable event whose profits go to the American Legion Charities to help veterans, their families and the youth of our community. Gates open at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The fair closes nightly by 11:30 p.m. Parking and admission are free. For more information, see www. americanlegionfair2010.com.

Updating the Tipton County Schools website and students' use of cell phones at school were the hot topics at last Thursday's monthly meeting of the Tipton County School Board. At last month's meeting, school board member Farrel Vincent asked the board to consider putting budget information, board policies, agendas, minutes and job postings on the school system's website. John Combs, interim director of instruction, said on Thursday that putting the budget, board policy, agendas and minutes would be easy to do, but job postings would be more complicated. According The software is to Director of Instruction not that expensive, Buddy Bibb, teaching jobs but staffing is a that become available at concern. the end of the school year are JOHN COMBS Interim director of instruction posted at the school board office over the summer. Jobs that become available during the school year are generally filled on an interim basis by current staff members, and then made available to the public when the school year is over. Combs said he would meet with Marty Becton, the system's technology supervisor, about the technical aspects of posting jobs online and whether or not people would be able to apply online or have to print out applications and turn them in to the board. “The software is not that expensive,” Combs said, “but staffing is a concern.” As far as things like minutes and budgets online, board member Marty Haywood expressed the same concern. “We need to make sure we have the staff to update these things,” Haywood said. Bibb said he will look into the legality

SEE BOARD, A3

IN THE SWING OF THINGS

INSIDE After a win in Milan, Covington remains undefeated. The team faces Ripley tomorrow night. B1

Reader's Guide Opinion A4 Obituaries A6 Community A7 Correspondents A8 Education A10

Sports Faith Puzzles Classifieds Legals

B1 B4 B6 B7 B8

The BHS girls golf team wins the Region 7-AAA tourney. B13

Early Voting!

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