Discover Tipton County - Spring 2020

DISCOVER A SUPPLEMENT TO THE LEADER

SPRING 2020

NEWCOMERS' G U I D E TO T I P TO N C O U N T Y

Find out more about life in ATOKA BRIGHTON BURLISON COVINGTON

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DISCOVER

F E AT U R E S F E AT U R E S

SPRING 2020

TIPTON COUNTY // SPRING 2020

PUBLISHER Matthew Richardson mrichardson@covingtonleader.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jeff Ireland, jireland@covingtonleader.com Echo Day, eday@covingtonleader.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Echo Day, eday@covingtonleader.com Alan Ervin, awervin@covingtonleader.com A D V E RT I S I N G Andy Posey, aposey@covingtonleader.com Ryan Cousar, rcousar@covingtonleader.com

Quick facts about Tipton County – what's the population now and what is it forecast to be in 2020?

COMMERCIAL PRINTING Cindy Motes, cmotes@covingtonleader.com LEGALS, BOOKKEEPING Kathy Griffin, kgriffin@covingtonleader.com

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. The Leader reserves the right to determine the content provided within this publication. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in Discover does not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the product and service

by The Leader. Discover is copyright 2020 Tipton County Newspapers LLC. Reproduction without written permission is prohibited. If you have any questions or comments about this publication please call The Leader office at 901-476-7116 or send an email to news@covingtonleader.com.

A B O U T D I S C O V E R T I P TO N C O U N T Y

This special annual publication of THE LEADER is made possible by many advertisers and contributors who want you to experience and discover one of Tennessee’s finest counties. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided.

The Leader reserves the right to determine the content included within this publication. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in Discover does not reflect the endorsement of the product and service by The Leader.

This publication is copyright 2020 Tipton County Newspapers LLC. Reproduction without written permission is prohibited. The Leader is published 52 times a year; annual in-county subscriptions are $48.

Visit us at 111 South Munford Street, Covington, TN 38019 or online at www.covingtonleader.com.

THE LEADER

111 South Munford Street Covington, Tennessee 38019 w w w. c o v i n g t o n l e a d e r. c o m

5 DISCOVER FACES&PLACES 2013

8

LOCAL POLITICS What you need to know about voting in Tipton County p. 15

11

How do our schools measure up?

18

Find out more about Tipton County's cities and towns Atoka, p. 20 Brighton, p. 22 Covington, p. 24 Mason, p. 26 Munford, p. 28 Burlison, Garland, Gilt Edge, p. 29

LETTER from THE EDITOR My children and my niece are pictured at Duvall Landing recently. The barge behind them is moving some of them 175 million tons of freight moved each year on the Mississippi River.

Just when you think you know There’s still a lot to learn about Tipton County I moved to Tipton County more than a dozen years ago. I knew no one outside of my family and knew nothing about this place back then; my, what a learning experience it's been!

I have chosen to make this place my home for the last 14 years and just when I think I know a lot about this community, I learn even more.

It's a great honor, as a transplant, to hear these stories, to tell these stories.

When you've lived here for so long, though, you forget things you didn't know when you arrived, things that are important to share, like where to vote and who to call when you want gas and water turned on.

That was the purpose of this magazine when it first began in 2006.

What started in the height of the housing boom as a newcomer's guide has evolved into the Discover magazine you've come to know and love, with features about our amazing neighbors and places around the county, and this issue of Discover Tipton County returns the magazine to its informational roots.

We've chosen to share a lot of numbers with you – from standardized testing scores to little bits of trivia. It was fun to collect all of this data, to see the county through new eyes, and I hope, like me, you learn some new things as you look through these pages. (Who knew we did $67.6 million in agribusiness in 2012? I certainly had no idea …)

Tipton County has been a great place to raise my family and I hope to be here, learning new things, for many years to come.

843 South Tipton Rd Munford, TN 38058 901-837-6300 John W. Turner, DDS Tristan A. Hill, DDS

ECHO DAY

Managing editor, The Leader eday@covingtonleader.com

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ABOUT TIPTON COUNTY

THE BASICS

With its population increasing more than 62 percent since 1990, Tipton County is one of Tennessee's fastest-growing counties. With its close proximity to the Greater Memphis area, access to railways and waterways, award-winning schools and post-secondary opportunities, medical care, agriculture, industrial base, low crime and affordability, it's not difficult to see why Tipton County is a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Located in West Tennessee, Tipton County is just north of Memphis along Highway 51, the major north-south bisector. Bordered by neighboring Shelby, Fayette, Haywood and Lauderdale counties, Tipton County also encompasses two islands now on the west side of the Mississippi River.

These islands, which have a combined population of fewer than 20 people, were once on the eastern side of the river but were displaced when the river altered its course following the 1812 New Madrid Earthquake. The county is bordered in the north by the Hatchie River, a Mississippi River tributary.

Tipton County has seven incorporated towns and cities and several long-held communities. Covington was chosen as the county seat at the time it was incorporated in 1825 and remained the most-populated city until 2017, when a special census showed Atoka's population had surpassed it.

8 ∙ DISCOVER TIPTON COUNTY ∙ SPRING 2020

Tipton County is in West Tennessee, just north of Memphis, and is on the Mississippi River. It was settled in 1823.

61,870

ESTIMATED POPULATION Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2015. A new census is in progress.

61.5% OF THE POPULATION IS AGED 18-64

37

IS THE MEDIAN AGE

DID YOU KNOW? Tipton is the only county in Tennessee to have two islands – Corona and Reverie – on the other side of the Mississippi River.

COVINGTON

was chosen as the county seat in 1825 because it was situated on a hill and had a natural spring. Today that spring is covered by a parking lot between Barlow Funeral Home and the Covington Car Wash near Munford Street and Valley.

This area was also once the ice plant and city pool.

LOCAL INDUSTRY

The ‘sweet spot’ of West Tennessee The City of Covington has a vast industrial base, providing employment opportunities in a variety of fields. The county seat is home to international companies Charms, which produces every Blow Pop consumed worldwide, and Unilever, which is the largest-producing ice cream factory in the world. Other industries include: ▪ BH Electronics, Brighton, custom marine dash panels and electrical wiring harnesses ▪ Delfield, Covington, custom stainless steel refrigeration equipment manufacturer ▪ H.T. Hackney, wholesale distributor of quality food service products and equipment ▪ Hydratrek, Covington, locally-invented and manufactured amphibious vehicles ▪ Mueller Brass, Covington, brass fittings ▪ Rose Fabricating and Industrial Solutions, Covington, custom-designed steel and aluminum fabrication and finishing ▪ R-Pac, Covington, branded packaging, trim and supply chain solutions ▪ Sugaright, a division of CSC Sugar, Covington, a raw sugar supplier for refineries across the United States, including neighboring Unilever

A LOOK AT EMPLOYMENT Labor force estimates (tn.gov)

Tennessee

Tipton

Labor force

3.19 million

30,403

Employment

2.93 million

27,388

238,372

2,825

4.56%

5.9%

Unemployment Unemployment rate

CUT IN HALF In 2013, Tipton County's unemployment rate was 9.5 percent. While the January 2020 statistics show an increase over the same time in 2018 and 2019, it was still relatively low compared to 2013. The

▪ Sustainable Fiber Solutions, Covington, state-of-the-art paper toll coating facility ▪ Tops Products, Covington, business forms manufacturer ▪ U.S. Cold Storage, a dedicated cold storage facility for Unilever’s ice cream and frozen treats ▪ Wallace Cordage, Covington, supplier of high quality cordage for construction, fishing, etc.

473

SQUARE MILES, INCLUDING TWO ISLANDS ACROSS THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

$36K

PERSONAL INCOME PER CAPITA

21,575

HOUSEHOLDS IN THE COUNTY

$139,600

Make Your Pet’s Experience a Pl

MEDIAN HOME VALUE

HOMEOWNERSHIP RATE

72.1% 13.6%

OF THE POPULATION HAS INCOME BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL

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489-5

SCHOOLS

Why our schools are the best in West Tennessee

Home to 14 public schools, two private schools, a community college and a vocational school, Tipton County has top notch institutions for every stage of learning.

Offering a well-rounded curriculum, Tipton County’s public elementary, middle and high schools consistently perform at or above federal and state benchmarks and some are employing a new style through the Franklin Covey Leader in Me program.

Many students also attend private schools Tipton Christian Academy and Tipton Rosemark Academy. Additionally, there is a large community of homeschooled students.

POST-SECONDARY SCHOOLS

10,439

Post-secondary opportunities abound as well. The 102-acre Dyersburg State Community STUDENTS ENROLLED IN TIPTON College - Jimmy Naifeh Center COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS campus is located in Covington as DURING THE 2018-19 YEAR is the Tennessee College of Applied Technology.

DSCC's Covington campus – which is named for Representative Jimmy Naifeh, a Covington native who is the state's longestserving Speaker of the House of Representatives – features a great AVERAGE TEACHER TO STUDENT nursing program and recently RATIO IN TIPTON COUNTY started a Paramedic to RN bridge PUBLIC SCHOOLS program for paramedics looking for better hours, more flexibility, more opportunities and better benefits.

TCAT is also working to train students for the medical field.

A $4.3 million expansion was completed in 2019 and features new classes in the medical technical field to meet the needs of the industry, such as at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Already offering a practical nursing program, proposed programs for the new building include dental technician and pharmacy technician.

16:1

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

A well-educated workforce is one factor which aids in industrial recruitment and the county has dedicated efforts to mentor and develop the future of Tipton County's workforce as well.

One of the efforts is the dual enrollment program with TCAT, a grant-funded program for students at Brighton and Munford high schools which allows them to take classes at TCAT in subjects like automotive technology, industrial maintenance and welding while still in high school. TCS also offers classes, such as a pharmacy tech and certified nursing assistant program, through which students can become certified and go to work after graduation.

The idea is to eventually place those students into manufacturing jobs in the county.

EDUCATION ∙ PUBLIC SCHOOLS

STATE BASEBALL CHAMPS Capping off an emotional season fi lled with illnesses and injuries and an unbelievable last game, the Chargers won the TSSAA Division I Class AA state championship in May 2019. A pinch-hit home run by Kyle Ginn, who was benched all season due to a torn ACL, brought the score to 11-1 over Forrest and made national news. ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt featured the play in his“Best Thing I Saw Today” segment on SportsCenter and the show paid to have Ginn's name, and Coach Brad Warmath's name, painted on the water tower next to the Covington square.

A look at the numbers

Visit: 474 Academic Drive, Covington Call: 901-840-9325 Web: aes.tipton-county.com Overall student growth: Level 2 ELA growth: Level 2 Mathematics growth: Level 2

TIPTON COUNTY SCHOOLS Total schools: 14 Total enrollment: 10,439 Grades served: PK-12 Economically disadvantaged: 34.3% Students with disabilities: 15.5% Teachers: 702 Administrators: 48 Teacher-to-student ratio: 16:1 Graduation rate: 96.9% Overall student growth: Level 5 Overall ELA growth: Level 2 Overall mathematics growth: Level 5 Overall social studies growth: Level 4 12 ∙ DISCOVER TIPTON COUNTY ∙ SPRING 2020

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (PK-5) Atoka Elementary School Lisa Rose, Principal Visit: 870 Rosemark Road, Atoka Call: 901-840-9525 Web: ates.tipton-county.com Overall student growth: Level 5 ELA growth: Level 3 Mathematics growth: Level 5 Total enrollment: 879 Economically disadvantaged: 14.1% Students with disabilities: 11.8% Austin Peay Elementary School Jill McIntyre, Principal

Total enrollment: 466 Economically disadvantaged: 39.7% Students with disabilities: 20.4% Brighton Elementary School LaToya Avery, Principal Visit: 1201 Old Hwy. 51 South, Brighton Call: 901-840-9500 Web: bes.tipton-county.com Overall student growth: Level 4 ELA growth: Level 2 Mathematics growth: Level 5 Total enrollment: 738 Economically disadvantaged: 34.3% Students with disabilities: 18.7% Crestview Elementary School Anne Adams, Principal CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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COVINGTON

THE CENTER OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY IN THE HEART OF TIPTON COUNTY

JUSTIN HANSON MAYOR

• INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING CENTER OF TIPTON COUNTY • BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC TOWN SQUARE • EXPANDING RETAIL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES • HIGH PERFORMING SCHOOLS & TWO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING • INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRIAL & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT • FRIENDLY COMMUNITY FULL OF GOOD PEOPLE • MAYOR & CITY LEADERS WITH A VISION FOR POSITIVE & PRODUCTIVE LEADERSHIP

EDUCATION

∙ PUBLIC

SCHOOLS

Visit: 151 Mark Walker Blvd., Covington Call: 901-840-9300 Web: ces.tipton-county.com

Total enrollment: 456 Economically disadvantaged: 68.6% Students with disabilities: 23.2%

Overall student growth: Level 3 ELA growth: Level 2 Mathematics growth: Level 3

MIDDLE SCHOOLS (6-8)

Total enrollment: 821 Economically disadvantaged: 50.5% Students with disabilities: 16.8% Drummonds Elementary School Shelley Gough, Principal Visit: 5068 Drummonds Rd., Drummonds Call: 901-840-9750 Web: des.tipton-county.com Overall student growth: Level 1 ELA growth: Level 1 Mathematics growth: Level 1 Total enrollment: 682 Economically disadvantaged: 37.2% Students with disabilities: 23% Munford Elementary School Varissa Richardson, Principal Visit: 1200 McLaughlin Drive, Munford Call: 901-840-9700 Web: mes.tipton-county.com Overall student growth: Level 5 ELA growth: Level 4 Mathematics growth: Level 5 Total enrollment: 765 Economically disadvantaged: 24.8% Students with disabilities: 17.6% Tipton County Preschool Serving exceptional students, ages 3-5, at Austin Peay Elementary site Call: 901-840-9350 Web: preschool.tipton-county.com MAGNET SCHOOL (PK-8) Covington Integrated Arts Academy Christy Ross, Principal Visit: 760 Bert Johnston, Covington Call: 901-840-9150 Web: ciaa.tipton-county.com Overall student growth: Level 3 ELA growth: Level 3 Mathematics growth: Level 2

14 ∙ DISCOVER TIPTON COUNTY ∙ SPRING 2020

Brighton Middle School Sabrina Matthews, Principal Visit: 7785 Hwy. 51 South, Brighton Call: 901-840-9450 Web: bms.tipton-county.com Overall student growth: Level 3 ELA growth: Level 1 Mathematics growth: Level 5 Total enrollment: 948 Economically disadvantaged: 23.9% Students with disabilities: 11.1% Crestview Middle School Christopher Morris, Principal Visit: 201 Mark Walker Jr. Blvd., Covington Call: 901-840-9250 Web: cms.tipton-county.com Overall student growth: Level 3 ELA growth: Level 3 Mathematics growth: Level 3 Total enrollment: 526 Economically disadvantaged: 43.7% Students with disabilities: 14.3% Munford Middle School Kathryn Huffman, Principal Visit: 100 Education Ave., Munford Cell: 901-840-9650 Web: mms.tipton-county.com Overall student growth: Level 5 ELA growth: Level 4 Mathematics growth: Level 5 Total enrollment: 905 Economically disadvantaged: 22.4% Students with disabilities: 10.4% HIGH SCHOOLS (9-12) Brighton High School Dr. Brian Norton, Principal Visit: 8045 Hwy. 51 South, Brighton Call: 901-840-9400 Web: bhs.tipton-county.com Overall student growth: Level 3 ELA growth: Level 1

PRIVATE SCHOOLS In addition to its excellent public schools, Tipton Countians have the option of choosing from two private schools, Tipton Christian Academy and Tipton-Rosemark Academy. The newer of the two, TCA has its first senior class set to graduate in May 2020.

Tipton Christian Academy 2105 Hwy. 59 South, Covington tiptonchristianacademy.com Tipton-Rosemark Academy 8696 Rosemark Road, Millington tiptonrosemarkacademy.com

Mathematics growth: Level 4 Graduation rate: 96.2% Total enrollment: 1,241 Economically disadvantaged: 19.3% Students with disabilities: 10.3% Covington High School Mark McClain, Principal Visit: 803 S. College St., Covington Call: 901-840-9200 Web: chs.tipton-county.com Overall student growth: Level 5 ELA growth: Level 5 Mathematics growth: Level 5 Graduation rate: 96.2% Total enrollment: 757 Economically disadvantaged: 39.4% Students with disabilities: 12.4% Munford High School Courtney Fee, Principal Visit: 1080 McLaughlin Dr., Munford Call: 901-840-9600 Web: mhs.tipton-county.com Overall student growth: Level 5 ELA growth: Level 3 Mathematics growth: Level 5 Graduation rate: 96.2% Total enrollment: 1,255 Economically disadvantaged: 20.6% Students with disabilities: 11.2%

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

VOTING IN TIPTON COUNTY

WHEN IS THE ELECTION?

This year there will be two elections – the county general and state primary on Aug. 6 and the municipal and state general elections will be on Nov. 3. (Dates may change due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however they had not changed at the time of publication.)

WHERE TO VOTE

On election day, voters should go to the following locations to cast their ballots. Polling locations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

DISTRICT 6 - SOUTHWEST TIPTON Poplar Grove United Methodist Church 228 Quito-Drummonds Road, Drummonds

DISTRICT 1 - NORTHEAST COVINGTON Canaan Baptist Church 211 N. Main, Covington

DISTRICT 7 - AUSTIN PEAY Greenleaf Community Church 9703 Hwy. 59 South, Mason

DISTRICT 2 - SOUTHEAST COVINGTON National Guard Armory 4500 Mueller Brass Road, Covington

DISTRICT 8 - WEST WILKINSVILLE St. Mark's M.B. Church 3220 Wilkinsville Road, Drummonds

DISTRICT 3 - TIPTON WEST Garland Community Center 1598 Garland Drive, Garland

DISTRICT 9 - BRIGHTON Brighton Baptist Church 132 E Woodlawn Ave., Brighton

DISTRICT 4 - ATOKA Gateway Baptist Church 1915 Rosemark Road, Atoka

EARLY VOTING During the early voting period, votes can cast at the Tipton County Election Commission office, 133 E. Church Street in Covington, or at First Baptist Atoka, 102 Kimbrough Drive, Atoka.

DISTRICT 5 - MUNFORD Munford Baptist Church Family Life Center 1253 Munford Avenue, Munford

HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE?

Applications must be postmarked or received no later than 30 days before an election, in order to vote in that election. To register in Tipton County: You must be a US citizen, at least 18 years old on or before the next election, a resident of Tipton County, must NOT have been convicted of a felony, or if you have, your voting rights must have been restored. You can visit the Election Commission office at 133 E. Church Street, Covington, download a paper application from the Election Commission's website (http://www.tiptonco.com/ election_commission/voters/register_to_vote/index.php) or register online at govotetn.com.

16 ∙ DISCOVER TIPTON COUNTY ∙ SPRING 2020

49%

OF VOTERS TURNED OUT FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN NOVEMBER 2016, WHICH MEANS AN ESTIMATED

17,000

VOTED, AND 3/4 OF VOTERS SHOWED UP DURING THE EARLY VOTING PERIOD

EVERY VOTE COUNTS – IN COVINGTON,

12 votes

MADE THE DIFFERENCE IN ALDERMAN JERE HADLEY'S RE-ELECTION IN 2016

JULY 6

IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE AUGUST ELECTION

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QUALITY OF LIFE

Tipton County is home to some of the best cities in the Volunteer State In 2009, Progressive Farmer magazine ranked Tipton County the third safest in the nation and reported its residents are 17 times less likely to encounter crime than the average county nationwide.

In 2017, Atoka and Munford was ranked 19 and 25, respectively, of the 50 safest cities in Tennessee. The National Council for Home Safety and Security combined data from the most recent FBI Crime Reports, population data and its own research to create their rankings.

Other organizations, like HomeSnacks.net, ranked Tennessee’s top cities and four Tipton County towns made the list.

Garland was named the 10th best small town to live in while Atoka, Munford and Covington were ranked 15, 27 and 78 in the list of the 100 Best Cities in Tennessee.

In 2019, Atoka was ranked the 14th safest city in Tennessee by Safewise and 8th safest in the state by Security Beacon, which also ranked Munford at 22nd safest.

18 ∙ DISCOVER TIPTON COUNTY ∙ SPRING 2020

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DON'T MISS

TOWN OF

Over the last several years, Atoka has made a commitment toward its parks and recreation offerings as well as the organization of several town events.

Here's what you won't want to miss:

ATOKA

ATOKA BBQ FESTIVAL First full weekend in April Nancy Lane Park ROCK THE BLOCK Mid-August Walker Park Splash Pad SAFE NIGHT OUT Halloween Night Walker Park ADKISON PARK TREE LIGHTING Late November Adkison Park

Children enjoy the splash pad at Walker Park during the Rock the Block event in 2017.

THE BASICS

Located in southeast Tipton County, Atoka can trace its origins back to the small community of Portersville and the year 1838. The original charter was signed in 1876, but historians say residents didn't want saloons to come to town, so Atoka disolved its charter and was unincorporated until June 24, 1911, when a new charter was established. Seventeen years later, the town was decimated by a tornado. During the housing boom of the early 2000s, it was one of the fastest-growing areas in the state and today is the mostpopulated town in TIpton County.

EDUCATION

Students living in Atoka are zoned for several different schools Atoka Elementary Brighton Middle School Munford Middle School Brighton High School Munford High School

UTILITIES

The Town of Atoka supplies water to residents while Southwest Electric Co-Op supplies electricity and Poplar Grove Utility District and the CIty of Munford supply natural gas. Broadband Internet, landline phones and cable television hook-up can be arranged through

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Atoka's represented by a mayor and six alderman on the municipal level and two county commissioners.

W. Daryl Walker, mayor Walker Adams, Alderman Barry Akin, Alderman Guy Critelli, Alderman Danny Feldmayer, Alderman Brett Giannini, Alderman John Harber, Alderman The Board of Mayor and Aldermen meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the town hall meeting room, 334 Atoka-Munford Avenue, Atoka.

20 ∙ DISCOVER TIPTON COUNTY ∙ SPRING 2020

Ritter Communications. Satellite television through Dish and DirecTV are also available.

Town of Atoka 901-837-5300 STEMC 901-837-1900 Poplar Grove 901-837-0182 City of Munford 901-837-0171 Ritter 901-873-3131

The terms of three aldermen and the mayor are up for re-election in 2020.

Atokans are representated by commissioners Walker Adams and Stephen Shopher, both elected as newcomers to the commission in 2018.

The county commission meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Criminal Justice Complex, 1801 S. College Street.

Atoka voters cast their ballots at Gateway Baptist Church, 1915 Rosemark Road, Atoka.

For more information about Atoka, see the city's website at townofatoka.com.

SANTA'S RIDE Mid-December All over Atoka

9,095

PEOPLE LIVE IN ATOKA, WHICH BECAME THE MOST-POPULATED CITY IN TIPTON COUNTY IN 2016. ITS POPULATION MORE THAN TRIPLED FROM 2000-2020.

1872

THE RAILROAD COMES TO ATOKA FROM MEMPHIS. ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S FIRST MAIL ROUTES FOLLOWS IN 1895.

41

YEARS WAS THE TERM OF THE LATE CHARLES L. WALKER, THE STATE'S LONGEST-SERVING MAYOR

80¢

IS THE CITY'S TAX RATE – ONE OF THE LOWEST RATES IN THE COUNTY

2014

THE CITY ESTABLISHED ITS FIRE DEPARTMENT, SEPARATING FROM MUNFORD

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DON'T MISS

TOWN OF

Brighton Boy Scouts enjoy riding a float at the Christmas parade in 2017.

BRIGHTON

Here are the events you won't want to miss: GLOW-IN-THE-DARK EASTER EGG HUNT Easter Brighton softball fields CHRISTMAS PARADE Early December Main Street COOKIES WITH SANTA Mid-December Town Hall

THE BASICS

Located between Covington and Atoka, Brighton is a quaint town that holds onto its roots. Its Main Street features Wells Kitchen, a family-run Southern meat-and-three restaurant owned and operated by mayor Sarah Crocker and her family, mother Vannice and sisters Emily Crocker Schmitz and Jennie Crocker McConnell. It was established in 1873 along the Paducah Railroad on the lands of A.W. Smith Sr., who gave the initial five acres for the depot grounds. The town was reportedly named for Mr. Bright, teh first conductor on the Memphis Division of said roadhe

EDUCATION

Students living in Brighton are zoned for several different schools: Brighton Elementary Brighton Middle School Brighton High School

UTILITIES

Water services are administered

by Poplar Grove Utility, while Southwest Tennessee Electric Cooperative provides electric services and the City of Munford administers natural gas and water.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Brighton's represented by a mayor and four alderman on the municipal level and two county commissioners.

Sarah Crocker, mayor Stephanie Washam, vice mayor Shane Greer, alderman George Smith, alderman Kenny Hall, alderman The Board of Mayor and Aldermen meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the town hall meeting room, 139 N. Main Street, Brighton.

22 ∙ DISCOVER TIPTON COUNTY ∙ SPRING 2020

Town of Brighton 901-476-8661 STEMC 901-837-1900 Poplar Grove 901-837-0182 City of Munford 901-837-0171 Ritter 901-873-3131

Brighton is also represented by commissioners Dale Smith and Jonathan Murphy, both up for re-election in 2020.

The county commission meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Criminal Justice Complex, 1801 S. College Street.

Brighton voters cast their ballots at Brighton Baptist Church, 132 E. Woodlawn Ave., Brighton.

For more information about Brighton, see the city's website at townofbrighton.com.

BY THE NUMBERS

2,996

PEOPLE LIVE IN BRIGHTON

30 78¢

MILES NORTH OF MEMPHIS

IS THE CITY'S TAX RATE – IT'S THE LOWEST RATE IN THE COUNTY

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BRIGHTON The Heartbeat of Tipton County

L to R: Alderman Kenny Hall, Mayor Sarah Crocker, Alderman George Smith, Alderwoman Stephanie Chapman-Washam, and Alderman Shane Greer

Mayor Justin Hanson and city employees serve barbecue at the city's annual festival.

CITY OF COVINGTON

DON'T MISS

Here are the events you won't want to miss: CHOCOLATE TOUR Early February Historic Court Square MUSIC ON THE SQUARE April and May Historic Court Square WORLD'S OLDEST BBQ FESTIVAL Early June Cobb Parr Memorial Park ISAAC HAYES FESTIVAL August Frazier Park HERITAGE FESTIVAL Late September Historic Court Square CHRISTMAS PARADE Late November Historic Court Square

THE BASICS

Incorporated in 1826, Covington is the county seat of Tipton County and was chosen for its location on a hill and proximity to natural springs. Today, Covington is home to most of Tipton County's industry and, with Unilever and Charms, is West Tennessee's sweet spot. It is the birthplace of soul legend Isaac Hayes, home to Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Naifeh, the longest-serving speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives, and the city hosts the World's Oldest BBQ Festival, which will take place from May 31-June 2 in Cobb Parr Memorial Park.

EDUCATION

Students living in Covington are zoned for several different schools: Covington Integrated Arts Academy, Crestview Elementary, Crestview Middle School and Covington High School

UTILITIES

The City of Covington administers water, natural gas and electric to its residential and commercial customers. Cable television, Internet and phone service through Comcast and AT&T U-Verse.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Covington's represented by a mayor and six alderman on the municipal level and four county commissioners.

Justin Hanson, mayor Johnetta Yarbrough, vice mayor Minnie Bommer, alderwoman Jeff Morris, alderman Keith Phelps, alderman C.H. Sullivan, alderman Danny Wallace, alderman The Board of Mayor and Aldermen meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at city hall, 200 W. Washington, Covington. The city

24 ∙ DISCOVER TIPTON COUNTY ∙ SPRING 2020

Covington Public Works 901-476-9531 Covington Electric 901-476-7104

has four committees which meet at 1 p.m. every Tuesday.

Covington is also represented by commissioners Sheila Barlow, Rusty Wooten, Michael Naifeh and Tommy Dunavant, all of whom are up for re-election in 2020.

The county commission meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Criminal Justice Complex, 1801 S. College Street.

Voters in northeast Covington cast their ballots at Canaan Baptist Church, 211 N. Main Street, and voters in southeast Covington vote at the National Guard Armory at 4500 Mueller Brass Road.

BY THE NUMBERS

9,035

PEOPLE LIVE IN COVINGTON

2025 $1.33

WILL BE THE CITY'S BICENTENNIAL

IS THE CITY'S TAX RATE

48

THE AGE OF THE BBQ COOKING CONTEST, THE WORLD'S OLDEST, ACCORDING TO LOCAL SOURCES

9

LEARNING INSTITUTIONS IN THE CITY

Visit for a day. l i a fetime. r o f y a t S

WELCOME TO

COUNTY N O T P TI

Tennessee

SIC

SOUTH TIPTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1234 MUNFORD AVENUE MUNFORD, TN 38058 (901) 837-4600 • southtipton.com

COVINGTON TIPTON COUNTY CHAMBER of COMMERCE COVINGTON - TIPTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

106 WEST LIBERTY AVENUE COVINGTON, TN 38019 (901) 476-9727 • covington-tiptoncochamber.com

UNITED IN DEVELOPING BUSINESS IN TIPTON COUNTY

Bozo's Hot Pit Bar-B-Q is one of two worldfamous restuarants located in Mason.

TOWN OF MASON

DON'T MISS

Here are the events you won't want to miss: BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM Mid-February MASON CHRISTMAS PARADE December Main Street

THE BASICS

Once a booming stop on the Memphis to Ohio railway, Mason is in the middle of a rebuilding era in which the town's elected officials are reorganizing and attempting to bring growth. Mason is the home to worldfamous restaurant's Gus's Fried Chicken and Bozo's Hot Pit Bar-B-Q. Both restaurants have been worldrenowned for their delicious eats for decades. Drive west on Hwy. 70 – the restaurants are located at 505 W. Hwy. 70 West and 342 Hwy. 70 West, respectively.

EDUCATION

Students living in Mason are zoned for several different schools: Crestview Elementary, Brighton Elementary, Crestview Middle, Brighton Middle, Covington High and Brighton High

UTILITIES

Water and natural gas services are administered by the Town of Mason and electric is administered by Southwest Tennessee Electric Memphis Cooperative

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Mason's represented by a mayor and six alderman on the municipal level and two county commissioners.

Town of Mason 901-294-3525 STEMC 901-837-1900

1,596

PEOPLE LIVE IN MASON, INCLUDING THE INMATES AT THE FEDERAL PRISON

1858

MASON WAS FOUNDED

Main Street. Committees meet on Mondays as well.

Mason is also represented by commissioners Courtney Fee and Harold "Poochie" Twisdale.

Emmit Gooden, mayor Eddie Noeman, vice mayor Keneko Claybon, alderman Carolyn Catron, alderman Virginia Rivers, alderman Sylvester Harvey, alderman Carl Somerville, alderman

The county commission meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Criminal Justice Complex, 1801 S. College Street.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen meets the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at city hall, 12157

For more information on Mason, see townofmasontn.org

26 ∙ DISCOVER TIPTON COUNTY ∙ SPRING 2020

BY THE NUMBERS

Voters in northeast Mason cast their ballots at Greenleaf Community Church, 9703 Hwy. 59 South, Mason.

$1.21 MASON'S TAX RATE

2018

EMMIT GOODEN BECOMES THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN MAN TO BECOME MAYOR. IN 2015, GWENDOLYN KILPATRICK BECAME THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN TO HOLD THE OFFICE. MASON ALSO HAD THE FIRST ALL AFRICANAMERICAN BOARD OF ALDERMEN.

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DON'T MISS

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Here are the events you won't want to miss:

MUNFORD

EASTER EGG DROP Easter Munford High School football field CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE Early July City Park CELEBRATE MUNFORD Mid-October Downtown Munford CHRISTMAS PARADE Early December Downtown Munford

THE BASICS

Though established in 1853 at Mt. Zion, Munford was incorporated in 1905 as Munford and named for Col. R.H. Munford, a Tipton County official for which a cemetery in Covington is also named. C.B. Sale reportedly suggested the name because Sale's daughter boarded with the Munford family while attending seminary.

Today, the bedroom community is home to beautiful parks and new subdivisions. The high school's marching band is known nationally for its talent, having won a national championship and appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in 2015. The band marched in the Rose Parade in January 2019.

EDUCATION

Students living in Munford are zoned for several different schools: Munford Elementary School Munford Middle School Munford High School

UTILITIES

Southwest Tennessee Electric Cooperative provides electric services and Munford Public Works administers natural gas and water services. Landline phone, cable and broadband services are available through Ritter Communications.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Munford's represented by a mayor and six alderman on the municipal level and two county commissioners.

Dwayne Cole, mayor Sue Arthur, vice mayor Jack Bomar, alderman Ray Deneka, alderman Glenn Turner, alderman Bob Wilson, alderman The Board of Mayor and Aldermen meets the fourth Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at city hall, 70 College Street.

28 ∙ DISCOVER TIPTON COUNTY ∙ SPRING 2020

City of Munford 901-837-0171 STEMC 901-837-1900 Ritter Communications 901-873-0131

Munford is also represented by commissioners Bob Wilson and Glenn Turner.

The county commission meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Criminal Justice Complex, 1801 S. College Street.

Voters in northeast Munford cast their ballots at Munford Baptist Church, a new polling location for 2020.

For more information on Munford, see munford.com.

BY THE NUMBERS

6,108

PEOPLE LIVE IN MUNFORD

$1.23

MUNFORD'S TAX RATE

2019

MUNFORD BAND MARCHED IN THE ROSE PARADE. THE FAMED HIGH SCHOOL BAND WAS ALSO IN THE 2015 MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE.

63

YEARS SINCE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS FOUNDED

SMALLER CITIES

THE BASICS

Tipton County's smaller incorporated cities – Burlison, Garland and Gilt Edge – are all located in the western portion of the county. Sleepy towns, they pride themselves on their slower pace and, in Gilt Edge and Garland, their volunteer fire departments. These cities have elected officials, but no property taxes or paid public safety departments.

BURLISON

GARLAND

GILT EDGE

Population 418 Size One square mile

Population 343 Size .6 square miles

Population 476 Size 2.9 square miles

Education Students attend Crestview Elementary, Covington Integrated Arts Academy, Crestview Middle and Covington High

Education Students attend Crestview Elementary, Covington Integrated Arts Academy, Crestview Middle and Covington High

Education Students attend Crestview Elementary, Covington Integrated Arts Academy, Crestview Middle and Covington High

Mayor Jim Kenny Deputy Mayor Julie Howard Alderman Danny Howard

Mayor Ben Little Aldermen Kelley Gray, Wayne Max, Donald Anthony Hardwick, Clayton Wilson, Lisa McClain and two vacant seats

Mayor Steve Fletcher Aldermen Brian Shoemaker, Adam Hursh, John Paul Walker, Carolyn Sloan

Incorporated in 1965, but settled around Smyrna Baptist Church in the late 1800s

Established in 1874, this small town now has a Dollar General and FasTimes gas station

Incorporated in 1967, Gilt Edge is home to the Gilt Edge Cafe and the Gilt Edge Volunteer Fire Department

UTILITIES

Southwest Tennessee Electric Cooperative provides electric services and First Utility District administers natural gas and water services.

STEMC 901-837-1900 First Utility 901-476-9525

DISCOVER TIPTON COUNTY ∙ SPRING 2020 ∙ 29

ELECTED OFFICIALS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 15 CONTINUED FROM

District 7 Courtney Fee 2008 Sadler School Road, Brighton Harold “Poochie” Twisdale 4424 Pickens Store Road, Mason District 8 James L. Sneed 2101 Wilkinsville Road, Drummonds Chris Armstrong 901-277-5092 email: carmstrong1970@me.com District 9 David Copeland 901-603-6168 email: dcop214@yahoo.com Jonathan Murphy 136 Windward Place, Brighton STATE Governor of Tennessee Bill Lee Visit the Governor’s Office: Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville Call: 615-741-2001 Email: bill.lee@tn.gov

Email: sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov Tweet: @PaulRoseTN Web: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/members/s32.html

9

RECORD NUMBER OF NEW COMMISSIONERS – WHICH IS HALF OF THE COUNTY COMMISSION – ELECTED IN AUGUST 2018

FEDERAL Senators Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) Visit: 302 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510 Call: 202-224-4944 Tweet: @senatorlamaralexander Web: https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/

12

CANDIDATES RAND FOR THREE POSITIONS ON ATOKA'S BOARD LAST FALL IN 2018

Tweet: @GovBillLee Web: https://www.tn.gov/governor.html

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R–TN) Call: 901-683-1910 Tweet: @MarshaBlackburn Web: https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/

State Representative Debra Moody (Dist. 81) Visit: 3176 Oil Mill Road, Covington Call: 615-741-3774 Email: rep.debra.moody@capitol.tn.gov Tweet: @RepDebraMoody Web: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/h81.html

House of Representatives U.S. Rep. David Kustoff (TN-08) Visit the Memphis office: 5900 Poplar Ave, Suite 202, Memphis, TN 38119.

Call: 901-682-4422 Tweet: @repdavidkustoff Web: https://kustoff.house.gov/

State Senator Paul Rose (Dist. 32) Call: 615-741-1967

BUILDING CONTINUED FROM 10 early days of the building boom, they now tend to range between $300,00 - $400,000. Relative economic stability and the increased commercial activity help to balance those costs.

Even if buyers sell their new constructions, though, they seem to want to stay around the area.

“The reason is simple,” Tucker said. “Atoka offers all the good things you want out of life.”

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