A2 • Thursday, May 5, 2011 • THE LEADER
www.covingtonleader.com
Group urges shoppers to set sights on Covington’s square By TYLER LINDSEY tlindsey@covingtonleader.com As Tipton Countians and outof-towners alike stride around the Covington Court Square, they will more than likely note that nearly everything one needs or wants can be found there. Such a worthy observation is precisely what a group, called Destination Covington, is making a mission of theirs. They call themselves the DC Crew and they are seeking to bring people, both hometown citizens and out of town visitors, to the Court Square by offering free tours to any groups in the area who want to make a day trip or even an extended overnight trip. Member Pat Ennis recalls what sparked the interest in the group. “We realized what a great deal the Covington square has to offer. From clothing and shoes to antiques, a florist to a hatter, you name it, you can probably find it there.” Ennis praised store owners and employees in charge of each store as well. The merchants are so talented
at bringing in the right inventory for customers and their displays are great. It’s all so wonderful,” she said. The one thing that may be missing, the DC Crew thinks, is that not enough people know about it. Even with so much to offer, it was reported that several businesses have closed or almost had to close their doors over the past few years. Because extensive marketing can rack up spent dollars, the DC Crew has struck out on a mission to bring shoppers to the Court Square. Ennis said, “After asking a few people outside of the county if they’ve been the square, they responded by saying “no” or by explaining they have on their way through Covington to places like Charlene’s in Halls or to Memphis. We wanted to make Covington a destination.” The tours involves a couple DC Crew members showing interested people everything on Covington’s square at a glance. Member Louis Gaither created a map with which tour-goers can follow. A list of restaurants on the square is made available. Participants are urged to
CHASE
Continued from A1 evading arrest, resisting arrest, seven counts of forgery, theft of property under $500, criminal simulation, identity theft, seven counts of attempting to obtain a fraudulent prescription, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, driving on a suspended drivers license and violation of registration. He was arraigned Tuesday and bond has been set at $100,000. During the investigation, it was confirmed that Allen was wanted in Lauderdale County for drug fraud and failure to appear in Dyer County. His stepson, 20-year-old “We were not Terry Jacob Rushing, was charged with attempting going to stop to obtain a fraudulent prescription. Bond for Rushing until we caught was set at $5,000. He is out these men.” on bond. Both men reside at 4060 Sheriff Pancho Chumley Cloyse Road in Union City. Hours after this pursuit, an assault call in Mason also ended in a pursuit. Officer Cynthia Johnson responded to Shirley’s Bar after being flagged down by a patron who claimed to be assaulted. Johnson attempted to talk to the suspect, identified as Gregory Dowell, and place him under arrest, but he fled, said police chief James Paris. Johnson followed the suspect down Hwy. 70, going the posted speed limit until Lt. John Sommers joined her. Dowell continued the pursuit into Haywood County, attempting to run Sommers off the road before he stopped at Gene Johnson Road, reportedly close to his residence. Paris said Dowell began arguing with officers. He was tasered, then taken into cutody. “Both of those officers did and excellent job,” said Paris. “They followed policies and procedures and apprehended him with no injuries.” Dowell was charged with driving under the influence, aggravated assault, evading arrest and domestic assault.
choose where to satisfy lunchtime hunger pangs and make reservations. Gift bags including valuable coupons furnished by merchants are given to the visitors. Other DC Crew members include Terry Pitman of Rosemark, Michelle Howard, Diane Ritchey, Kathy Forrester, Christy Hayden, Jana Uttz and Charlotte Anne McCraw. Having given one tour already, the idea is spreading by word-ofmouth. Two more tours have been scheduled for May 12 and 13. The first group was the ‘Mature and Moving’ church group from Crosspointe Baptist Church in Millington. They wrote us back and said that ‘they felt like queens for the day,’” said Ennis. Ennis said that a guest returned to Millington and told their church group about it. The others balked and were unsure, but after telling them more, they responded by asking, “Can we go tomorrow?” Those interested are ensured a great time. For more information on booking a tour, contact the Tipton County Chamber of Commerce at 901-476-9727.
Russell retires from Covington Police By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com Nearly four decades ago, assistant police chief Larry Russell transitioned from Covington’s fire to police department. And as he retired on Friday, April 29, his officers and others in the community remember him as being a fair man. “He came along when racial relations weren’t what they are now,” said funeral director and county commissioner Quincy Barlow, “but he was also fair.” Russell began his employment with the City of Covington in
FLOOD
Continued from A1 brought on by heavy rains. County officials said the biggest threat to Tipton Countians is the loss of farmland. “Most of the county is protected by the bluff and between the bluff and the river is some of the richest farmland in the world,” said county executive Jeff Huffman. “We’re concerned about the loss of the farmland and the loss in value of the farmland.” He also said the flooding comes at one of the most inopportune times for farmers. “Commodity prices are at an all-time high and farmers were looking forward to getting crops in and harvesting them,” said Huffman. “This just could not come at a worse time.” Huffman reports only a minimum number of residents in Tipton County will be displaced by the flood, thanks in part to the bluff that prevents widespread flooding through the county.
January 1973; by April he had decided to join the police department. He was the 21st officer hired. With 38 years and 13 days on the job, he said his goal was to remain firm, fair and consistent with the other officers in his department and with the public as well. “When I came on, no on wanted his shift and I didn’t know why,” said Lt. Cavat Bass. “But I figured out if you came to the evening shift, you came to work. He was strict. And he taught me how to treat people.” Russell said one of his favorite memories came “The bluff right now is really a blessing because the counties up north, Lauderdale and Dyer, they do not have anything like that at all,” said Dunavant. “The bluff is really going to be a blessing to us to pull this water back.” To help residents in Southwestern Tipton County, such as the Herring Hill area, prevent as much flooding into homes as possible, the county has secured 1,500 sandbags from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. Huffman and Dunavant said the flood could change Tipton County forever, much the way the it did in 1876 when the Mississippi changed course, flowed backward and created Reverie and Centennial islands. “We’re concerned about the creation of new islands or channels,” Huffman said Wednesday. “Years ago, the river made its own channel, that’s why parts of Tipton County are across the river,” Dunavant said. “If this river starts breaching
DONATIONS SOUGHT The Lighthouse Thrift Shop is assisting family victims affected by the storm damages from any county of Tennessee. The store is also accepting donations from citizens or businesses to help support and aid these counties, such as food, clothing, or household items. For more information, the community may contact Mrs. Judy Whetsel at 901-301-9396. Cassie Fox is collecting items for Tuscaloosa tornado victims. Items needed include: non-perishable foods, energy bars, candy bars, bottled water; new towels, washcloths and blankets; personal hygiene items: deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products; baby wipes and diapers; pet food (cans or small bags acceptable). Drop off items at the Munford Public Library, 1467 Munford Avenue, by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 6.
Lordy Lordy Look Who’s
40
John & James Jones May
RUSSELL RETIRES Asst. police chief Larry Russell, center,
retired from CPD after 38 years of service Friday. Also pictured are Chief Bennie Carver and Covington Mayor David Gordon,
after an arrest. “Years and years ago I arrested a young man out of Memphis,” he said. “He asked my name and after I told him, he said, its own levees and we have water flow possibly through Reelfoot Lake, it could create another river.” Henry, a man who grew up on Coon Valley Road, visited Duvall Landing Thursday and spoke of the floods he witnessed. Retired from the Corps himself, he has spent a lifetime with the Mississippi and knows it well. “There’s nothing
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you can do about the Mississippi, you just have to let it take its course. There’s nothing that can be done, you just have to accept what comes.” The Leader has developed a one-stop resource for Tipton County Flood Watch updates. Visit www.covingtonleader.com/ pages/flood for twice-daily updates on road closures, weather alerts and river levels.
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