Finished section

C SECTION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

IndepeAnpdent peal

N E E W O L L A H d n a b ta S T N E V E

e d i u g

2015

!

E D I S IN FULL FALL AND HALLOWEEN EVENTS GUIDE, 9C

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND - DOWNTOWN SELMER, 2C

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

PAGE 2C v INDEPENDENT APPEAL

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

it’s the biggest party of the yeAR! f e at u r i n g t w o c o n c e r t s t o r o c k yo u r h a l l o w e e n w e e k e n d !

4th annual

JAMES CAROTHERS FRI. NITE • 7-9 PM R O C K A B I L LY PA R K

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND & STREET PARTY ROCK & SHOCK!

ANDY AVERY

SAT. NITE • 5-9 PM DOWNTOWN SELMER

PLUS! ON SATURDAY NIGHT: DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS TRICK OR TREAT 4-5 PM • DOWNTOWN STREET PARTY 5-9 PM • TONS OF CANDY!

DANIEL THE BALOON TWISTER! • FACEPAINTING! HAUNTED HOUSE! • FOOD VENDORS! FIRE, AMBULANCE & EMS WORKERS! ALL PROCEED BENEFIT S AND A COSTUME CONTEST! SCHOOL A PROGRAMRTS WITH $350 IN TOTAL PRIZES! S! FRI, OCT. 30

&

SAT, OCT. 31

SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF SELMER AND INDEPENDENT APPEAL

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

Full slate of events set for Halloween weekend

By Christen Coulon Managing Editor Every year as I begin to work on this special section I can’t help but begin to think about Halloween.

We have been preparing for the fourth year of the Halloween Street Party I have sorted through old Halloween photos and am reminded about the past events over the last few years.

I remember the first Halloween my family spent here, and our failed attempt at trick or treating. We did visit several area trunk or treat events and had a great time but they were scattered across several nights and the crowds were much smaller. Each of the events we attended that first year were very well put together, but I still felt that we were missing that sense of community attached to the holiday that

INDEPENDENT APPEAL v PAGE 3C

I remembered as a child.

I mentioned this to our publisher Janet Rail and we came up with an idea to host a fall themed event downtown.

After speaking to several people around the town, specifically then Selmer Mayor David Robinson and Parks Director Sybil Dancer we came up with the idea to co-sponsor the event downtown and invite all of the various area trunk or treats to participate in one location.

We also chose to donate a portion of the proceeds of each event to purchase art supplies for the county’s art classes all of which have a very small or even nonexistent budget to purchase supplies.

The first group to agree to join us Staff Photo with the event was the McNairy County The first Halloween Street Party in 2012...In recent years, the event See HALLOWEEN STREET, 4C

has grown with thousands of people coming from around the region to enjoy the free activities and candy on Halloween Night.

halloween PRESENTS

A CLASSIC

Saturday, October 24, 2015 | 7:30pm Concert

Carl Perkins Civic Center | Jackson, Tennessee Sponsors: West Tennessee Healthcare | Jackson Energy Authority

731-427-6440 | thejacksonsymphony.org

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

PAGE 4C v INDEPENDENT APPEAL

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

HALLOWEEN STREET FROM PAGE 3C

Justice Complex.

Sheriff Guy Buck has been a big help with the event from the start and Justice Alley has been a big part of the event from the beginning.

The first event saw the best weather of any of the last three events beginning with a warm sunny day which transitioned into a warm fall evening.

We did not know if anyone would come and when the event began at 5 p.m. we thought it was going to be a bust. Within 15 minutes what seems like more than a thousand people arrived downtown and the event was in full swing.

After the first event packed the streets of Selmer we decided again that night to continue the event as an annual tradition.

As the second event approached in 2013, we were watching the weather on a daily basis as the event drew near hoping for a change to a soggy Halloween forecast. We continue to watch the radar on the day of the event and by 3 p.m. it was decided that due to severe weather we would move the event to the Selmer Community Center.

We made a last minute announcement on Facebook and rushed to change locations at the last minute. Again, due to the change in location and the See HALLOWEEN STREET, 5C

Arts in McNairy

Staff Photo

Independent Appeal Managing Editor Christen Coulon discusses the outcome of the costume contest with some of the contestants who were dying to participate.

YOU'LL BE HOWLING WITH LAUGHTEROR SCREAMING IN FEAR!

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Becky Hearnsberger Owner/Broker 731-610-0222

Rhodes Platt Affiliate Broker 731-439-2662

Jennifer Gibbs Affiliate Broker 731-645-0572

Independent Appeal

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HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE HALLOWEEN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

HALLOWEEN STREET FROM PAGE 4C

bad weather, we wondered if anyone would come.

They did.

The rainy 2013 event saw even more people than the first event and at its peak there were people standing in costume in a snaking line down the community center hall and out the door into the rain.

Despite all of the bad weather, the town came out for a wonderful Halloween celebration.

As last year’s event approached it appeared that the weather would be uncooperative once again, but this time it was cold instead of rain.

As the evening approached we bundled up and prepared for the cold evening ahead.

It went off without a hitch the event was bigger than ever and as a special treat, party goers were joined by special guest Melissa Cowan, who played “Bicycle Girl” in the premier episode of the AMC smash hit “The Walking Dead.” Cowan was hosted at the event by Huffoto who assisted with her photo ops.

Cowan scared up some fun during our hourly zombie walks as well as posing for pictures with guests. The star agreed to donate a portion of her photography proceeds to arts education.

Again the event went well and again topped the attendance from the previous year with estimates of more than 3,000 visitors to the downtown that evening.

As we prepare to host the fourth annual Halloween Street Party on Oct. 31, I would like to begin by thanking all of the sponsors, volunteers, businesses and organizations who have come out to support this event over the last three years.

I would like to officially invite everyone to this year’s event. This year we are hosting events on both Friday and Saturday nights with a concert by James Carothers as part of the Music at the Mural series sponsored by McNairy First, the City of Selmer and Arts in McNairy which will kick off the weekend’s event on Friday Oct. 30.

On Halloween night, the Independent Appeal, the Town of Selmer and the Selmer Parks Department will again partner to host the Fourth Annual Halloween Street Party in Downtown Selmer benefitting arts education in McNairy County.

This year organizers have come up with several unique events, games and activities to make this the best Halloween Street Party yet. We are planning to expand the event to cover Court Avenue and for the first time ever we will be joined by Lakeview Baptist Church.

In addition, internationally known musician Andy Avery who played last year’s event and worked with such acts as Bon Jovi, KISS, Areosmith, White Snake, Joan Jett, Journey and Ted Nugent. Avery will be performing onstage in front of the First Christian Church.

The massive, five-hour Halloween Party and Costume Contest will begin Halloween night in downtown Selmer at 4 p.m. with a merchants Halloween along Court Avenue. At 5 p. m. the main event will begin.

Along with our partner organizations, organizers expect the biggest event ever with more than a ton of candy to be given away during the event.

In addition, the party will feature Halloween themed events and activities from each of our partners as well as booths and games, traditional decorations, toys, prizes, and much, much more.

As in year’s past, the Independent Appeal will host a costume contest with $350 in total prizes in seven prize catagories at the end of the evening. Each winner will receive $50, and winners will be announced during the contest which begins at 8 p.m.

We invite all businesses, civic organizations, non-profits, churches, and county municipalities to reserve a space to participate in this year’s event.

The event and most of the activities are free and open to all visitors, however, donations to support arts education are encouraged and donations can be made at each of the main entrances to the event in the form of cash or school art supplies.

If you would like to help participate in this year’s Halloween Party in downtown Selmer, call (731) 645-5346 or email editor@independentappeal.com.

INDEPENDENT APPEAL v PAGE 5C

Why we celebrate Halloween A sense of Community is the Reason for the season

There is no other holiday quite like Halloween.

The earliest Halloween dates back more than 2,000 years ago to what is now England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and northern France, when the Celts believed that evil spirits lurked about.

By lighting bonfires on the hillsides, they hoped to scare the spirits away.

The Celtic order of the Druids (priests) honored Samhain, the lord of the dead, on the eve of Oct. 31.

According to Celtic legend, Samhain could control the spirits of the dead and allow them to rest peacefully or spur them into wild frenzied activity.

Samhain assembled souls of all who died, the previous year.

In addition, the Celts worshiped their own sun god. Without the sun, there would be no food and the people would starve. To this day, they offer animal sacrifices to the sun on Nov. 1, the Celtic New Year. Some traditions were that cooking fires were extinguished and new fires lit from the great bonfire to honor the coming new year.

This tradition continues with many on the countryside of Scotland and Ireland. In England, Halloween was nicknamed Nutcrack Night or Snap Apple Night. Families set before great fires in the hearth, roasting nuts, eating apples, telling stories and playing games.

It was an evening of great fun and merriment, more like the parties we know today. As the years passed, more children than adults went around on All Souls Day, originally Nov. 2, which is now All Saints Day celebrated on Nov. 1.

In many lands throughout the world, people still set out special treats for the departed souls. Some shoot firecrackers and flares so that the souls of the departed can find their way in the darkness. The Independent Appeal would like to wish all McNairy Countians a safe and happy fall season and Halloween Day. Halloween offers the community a chance to come together and dress up in their favorite costumes for a fun night of merriment, candy and thrills.

Many religions throughout history including Christianity have celebrated holidays around this time each year.

In fact, the Christian holiday of Halloween was created in 835 a.d. when Pope Gregory IV moved two Christian holy days where families traditionally prayed for the recently departed souls of their family members. All Hallows’ Day (All Saints’ Day, Hallowmas or Hallowtide) documents the soulers early attempts at trick or treating.

As Christianity spread throughout the world, many Halloween customs were borrowed from similar traditions in the civilizations which accepted Christ. The Roman feast of Pomona, the Celtic festival of Samhain, and even the Aztec death and harvest celebrations lent ancient traditions to this Christian holiday.

Moving forward to the 19th Century, the Fall season’s Christian holidays themselves became minor holidays on most Church calendars. Regional fall celebrations in the western world became a unique mash-up of ancient traditions, religious symbolism and more These celebrations lent their own invented customs to the mix.

The secular celebration of Halloween dates back to the early 20th Century, and is a truly American invention.

The commercialization of the holiday added a unique American twist to these ancient celebrations and rapidly evolved into what we know today.

Taking a patchwork of celebrations from the respective homelands of our forefathers, Americans have created a $6 billion commercial holiday with its own traditions. It is now the fourth largest holiday in the U.S. Our national celebration with Jacko-lanterns, scary and funny costumes haunted houses, corn mazes, trick and or trunk or treat and of course candy is what we have come to associate with Halloween today.

Ironically, the traditions of the modern American Halloween have themselves spread throughout Europe and South America, making it the second most celebrated holiday in the western world.

With many of the old Halloween traditions lost to the ages, the American celebration has preserved one unifying tradition from its predecessors...

A sense of community.

PAGE 6C v INDEPENDENT APPEAL

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

Fall fun in Selmer

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Local students, businesses and city work to decorate downtown

By Christen Coulon Managing Editor

This year, signs of fall are not limited to the turning trees in downtown Selmer as the city, local businesses, homeowners and local students have all pitched in to celebrate the season with numerous fall themed displays, artwork and decorations popping up throughout area.

For the first time this year, the Selmer Parks and Recreation Department, local students, Jesus Cares and the Independent Appeal have worked together to celebrate the fall season. Working with local teachers, Jesus Cares and the Independent Appeal supplied area classrooms with clothing and old newspapers to create lifesized

scarecrows for downtown Selmer.

The scarecrows from Selmer Elementary, Bethel Springs Elementary, Selmer Pilot Pre-K and Selmer Head Start students will fill a display on the courthouse lawn celebrating the fall season.

In total, up to 15 scarecrows are expected in the display this year.

Other Fall themed displays have began popping up all around Downtown Selmer in the last few weeks as local businesses and homeowners join in in the fun.

Selmer Parks & Rec Director Sybil Dancer said that any business, civic organization or church is welcome and encouraged to decorate their own fall scenes as well See SCARECROWS, 7A

Have a Safe & Happy

Halloween om

fr

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Open Enrollment has started!

If you need help with Medicare or individual plans, come see us!

Call Us Today! 731-645-5202 Doug & Donna Godfrey 327 E. Poplar Selmer, TN 38375

Staff Photo by Christen Coulon

Fourth grade students in Margaret Henry’s Selmer Elementary Class art class work to finish their scarecrows for the downtown display last Friday.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

INDEPENDENT APPEAL v PAGE 7C

Fall Favorites BARBECUE

BY THE POUND

• Boston Butts • Hot Wings • Meat & Cheese Trays • Veggie Trays • Veggie Sides Desserts & More!

CHICKEN

BBQ • FRIED BAKED • SMOKED

Check out our Full Service Deli and Bakery Staff Photo by Christen Coulon

With a little notice, we can offer barbecue butts, ribs, chicken and all the fixins for a casual reception, rehearsal dinner or party.

• Cupcakes • Fruit & Cheese • Party Cookie • Meat Cheese • 2 Tier Wedding Cakes

A portion of a window mural at City Hall in Selmer shows scarecrow children taking advantage of the cool seasonal weather to have some fall fun.

SCARECROWS FROM PAGE 6C

and she said that they can build their own scare crows to display in front of their businesses.

There is no set rule on how to set up your scene or how to design your scarecrow, she said.

“Some people are building their scarecrows from scratch,” Dancer said.

However she said the parks department just dressed decorative figures which they already had for their scene.

Dancer said that several area retailers have pre-made decorative scarecrows for sale in their Fall & Halloween sections.

Making your own scarecrow is easy as well. All you need are some old clothes from your closet or a local thrift shop, a large stick or broom handle to keep the scarecrow upright and some stuffing. Many people choose to use straw or hay for stuffing, but old newspapers or even yard waste will work.

“It brings a sense of home and shows that we are proud or our community,” Dancer said. “I had kind of gotten the idea from the Fall Hatchie Festival in Brownsville, Tenn. where each business does a scarecrow on their courthouse lawn. It is really neat to see all of the scarecrows that the people designed. It just gives people something to look at and admire and it really adds to the Fall feeling downtown.

“I am just looking forward to seeing all of the scarecrows that will be put out.”

For more information on the downtown scarecrows contact Dancer at the Selmer Community Center at (731) 645-3866 or by email at selmercommunity@selmercommunitycenter.com Bundles of old newspapers (containing 25 copies) for use as stuffing can be purchased at the Independent Appeal offices for only $1.

407 Mulberry Avenue Selmer, Tennessee 731-645-3244

TRICK OR TREAT

& MOVIE AT THE PARK

FRIDAY, OCT. 30, 2015 Michie City Park ••••• Trick or Treating will be from 6-8 PM with movie and free popcorn to follow!

NEW STORE HOURS 6 AM - 9 PM Sun.-Sat.

COSTUME CONTEST! Group 1: Ages 4 & Under Group 2: Ages 5-9 Group 3: Ages 10 & Up ••••• Hot Dogs will be sold!

••••• For more info or a booth, call Samantha or Janice at (731) 239-3680

First Christian Church 133 N. ThIRD ST. • SELMER, TN 38375

by feat. Music

TRUN • OR •K TREAT ! er 3

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• Cand & e • Coffe late Saturd oco ay, Oct Hot Ch ob

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PAGE 8C v INDEPENDENT APPEAL

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

HALLOWEEN

Safety

Come out to a safe zone to trick or treat and tour our ambulance, meet our EMS staff and get a treat under the tent.

Downtown Selmer Sat. Oct. 31 5 - 9 PM

Better together. For you.

705 E. Poplar Ave. Selmer, TN • (731) 645-3221 The Hardeman County Business and Professional Women Presents

2015 LADIES NIGHT OUT

Thursday, October 22, 6 p.m. at Life Center, Bolivar United Methodist Church

Meal • Vendors • Silent Auction • Door Prizes SUFFRAGETTE COSTUME CONTEST:

If you wish to participate, join us in 1920’s suffragette costume.

Prize for best costume.

Tickets: $5 • Call Meryl 731-609-3236 for Vendor Info/Tickets.

Tickets also available at On the Square Gallery and Gifts, 109 North Main, Bolivar 731-403-0002 Deborah.

Hope Vineyards 2190 Houston Cemetery Rd. • Ramer, TN 38367 Give Us A Call! • (731) 610-3932 hopevineyards@yahoo.com

Book your event for next year!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

The Mysterious Case of Steven S. Pike Could the swindled 1850’s farmer be tied to derailing trains?

By Drew Wheeler Staff Writer Early in the spring of 1850, an aspiring young farmer, Steven S. Pike, and his burgeoning family had just acquired a prime parcel of land in the vicinity of the thriving community of Ramer, Tennessee. As commerce began budding and the engines of progress moved forward that spring, the executives from an enterprising new railroad line had their eye on the property owned by Mr. Pike.

Unwilling to yield to the paltry offers from the railroad barons, Mr. Pike stood firmly, securing his rich farmland from the avarice of the everadvancing rail line. Mr. Pike could see the greed in the eyes of the railroad agents each time they made a meager proposal for his land. Additionally, he knew the farm held the key for the survival of his family. With seven children under the age of ten, twins to be born any day, and his wife growing weaker daily from some mysterious

malady, he could not part with the home and land he now owned.

Increasing fears, frustrations, and worries began to bombard Steven Pike. A once gentle man was growing increasingly troubled.

With mounting worries about caring for his family and ever intensifying pressures from the railroad men, tensions were about to break Mr. Pike. Having grown up as the "black sheep" of his family, Steven had been constantly compared to his older brothers by their overbearing widowed mother. Finally, he thought he had escaped into a new life in Ramer with his wife and children, desperately holding on to his home and land.

Then, in a strange twist of fate, Mr. Pike was swindled out of his property. Railroad agents had hired a lookalike impostor to feign his presence and forge Mr. Steven S. Pike's signature on a bill of sale, thus transferring to his nemesis the deed to the Pike home and property.

The Pike family was left destitute as the new steel rails and massive steam engines invaded what had been Pike's cherished property. Pike determined he must fight to survive.

Although Steven S. Pike and his family seemingly disappeared from the area after losing their property, suspicious occurrences led to the speculation that Mr. S. Pike was somehow connected to the horrific events. Rumors circulated that Pike had “lost his mind” resulting from bitterness and anger. As terror, torture, and torment continued to befall railroad operations in Ramer for decades, the legend of a horrid figure bearing large spikes in his head and body began to grow from first-hand reports of the few lucky survivors of derailed trains in Ramer over the course of 150 years. Railroad men call the creature of lore “Spike.”

Could the legend be true?

Is S. Pike still wreaking havoc in retaliation against the railroad for stealing his promising life?

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2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Independent Appeal

INDEPENDENT APPEAL v PAGE 9C

2015

Halloween Fall Harvest Celebration @Circle Y Equestrian Center Corinth, Miss.; 503 County Road 512.

Pumpkin patch, petting zoo, wagon rides. 662-665-0820 Spooky Nights Thursday’s Friday’s and Saturday’s during October through Oct. 31 @ Shelby Farms 7-10 p.m.

Experience the only haunted trail of Memphis.

Headless horsemen hayrides, zombie laser tag, nocturnal nature walks, pumpkin painting, food trucks, zombie paintball hayrides. For more information call 901-222-7275 Haunted Trail & Fall Festival in Tishomingo Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31 From 7-10 p.m. each evening @Tishomingo Dixie Youth Ball Fields, east of Tishomingo on County Road 108.

If you are ready for a scary good time, plan to come out to our Haunted Trail and Fall Festival, we will guide groups along a quarter mile paved walking trail through the woods where lots of scary things live! For the younger, or squeamish, folks, there will be a Fall Festival with carnival events, bounce houses, concessions and hayrides. $10 each or $25 for a family, or group of four, with $5 each additional person.

Events GUIDE

All proceeds go toward improving the school and athletic program. at Tishomingo Middle School. The event is produced by the Bulldog Boosters and the Tishomingo PTO. For more information, call Dana Harlan (901) 619-7018.

Purdy Haunted Mansion Throughout October nightly begining at 7 p.m. @ 597 Purdy Beauty Hill Road, Bethel Springs Escape rooms (by appointment only) seven days per week leading up to Halloween.

Haunted Grounds Friday & Saturdays 7-11 p.m. and Haunted Ghost Tours Every Friday and Saturday nights (by appointment only) @ 10 p.m..

Derailed Haunted House Every Weekend in October (including Thursday, Oct. 29). @ Downtown Ramer next to the railroad tracks. Open 7-11 p.m. For more information visit derailedhauntedhouse.com APTA Historic Home Tour Oct. 23 6 p.m.-? @ Polk Cemetery and The Pillars.

Paranormal investigation by EPIC Paranormal Investigation Team Oct. 24 @ Bolivar’s Bills McNeal Historic District at 1 p.m.

@ The Pillars 7-10 p.m..

Paranormal investigation by EPIC Paranormal Investigation Team For more information contact (731) 5187148.

A Classic Halloween Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. @The Jackson Symphony. A Spooktactular evening of your favorite haunting music with Conductor Peter Shannon.

Fun for the whole Family. Contact (731) 427-6440 for more information.

Harvest Festival Oct. 24 @ 6 p.m. @ Forty Forks Baptist Church Truck or Treat Indoor Games, Costume Contest, Pumpkin Carving Contest, Candy, Food, Fun & Fellowship. 672 Ed Barham Rd., Bethel Springs. (731) 610-1716 Community Fall Festival Oct. 24 @ 5 p.m @ Solitude Free Will Baptist Church at 414 Meeks Rd. Party jumper, a chili cook off, and a potluck supper of hotdogs, chili, stews, and desserts to follow. Please come join us for fun and fellowship! (731) 9349398.

Truth or Treat Oct. 28 @ 7-8 p.m. @ 4th Street church of Christ. The event will feature treats, bible skits and crafts.

See EVENTS, 12C

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

PAGE 10C v INDEPENDENT APPEAL

Support

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

INDEPENDENT APPEAL v PAGE 11C

Halloween Day

20% Off One Item

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“I’ll find the problem, no matter how long it takes”

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141 W Court Ave. | Selmer, TN 731-434-0403 | Find us on Facebook! Tue-Fri: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm | Sat: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm

STREET PARTY BEGINS AT 5 PM

Owner

731-610-9141 107 North Second Street Selmer, TN 38375

www.facebook.com/dixiediagnostics Have a Safe & Happy Halloween

JAMES CAROTHERS FRI. NITE • 7-9 PM ROCKABILLY PARK

ANDY AVERY S AT. N I T E • 5 - 9 P M D OW N TOW N S E L M E R

El Palomino

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185 W. Court Ave • Selmer 731-646-0040 Open 3 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

monogramming & gifts

154 S. 2nd Street Selmer, TN 38375 (731-) 518-8555

M on og ra m yo ur s an d sc ar ve s! fa vo ri te fa ll bo ot

116 W. Court Avenue (Moving in process!)

731-443-3649 • 731-610-4344 159 W Court Avenue Selmer, TN

731-434-0335

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

PAGE 12C v INDEPENDENT APPEAL

EVENTS

FROM PAGE 9C

Fall Hog BBQ Festival Oct. 24 @ Selmer Dixie Park Car show, BBQ, Live Music, children’s events and much more Truth & Treats Oct. 24 4-8 p.m. @ The Piney Grove Church of God Youth Center, formerly the Bethel Springs Church of God, 1814 Buena Vista Road, Bethel Springs. Party Jumpers, Games, Hayrides, Trunk or Treat, FREE food, Cookie Walk, Prizes and more. (731) 934-7309 Trick or Treat in the Park Oct. 30 from 6-8 p.m. @ Michie City Park Trick or Treating will be from 6-8 with Movie & free popcorn following. There will also be a Costume Contest for the following age groups: 4 and under, 5 thru 9 and 10 and up. 731-2393680.

10th Annual Halloween Extravaganza Oct. 24 @Downtown Jackson, Tenn. from 4-6 p.m. Free Treat bags for first 1000 Children, Trunk or Treat, face painting, music & food vendors. (731) 935-9589 AiM: Curse of the Werewolf Oct. 24 & 25 @ 2 p.m. Oct. 24 @ 7:30 p.m. this event will be live from the Marty in Adamsville.

Carl’s Crazy Crew Oct. 29 5-9 p.m. @ Top O’The River in Michie Let our costumed characters serve you at Top O’ The River Restaurant. All tips benefitting the McNairy County Carl Perkin’s Center. Servers will include McNairy County Carl Perkins Center, staff members, board members and county officials.

Bethesday Presbyterian Church Fall Cookout

5TH ANNUAL

FALL HOG BBQ FESTIVAL SATURDAY, OCT. 24 SELMER CITY PARK

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. @ The Bethesda Presbyterian Church. Fall cookout with hot dogs, chili, and delicous sweets all are invited.

James Carothers in Concert Oct. 30 from 7-9 p.m. @ Rockabilly Park in Selmer Halloween Street Party Oct. 31 from 5-9 p.m. @ Selmer Downtown Live Music, Zombie Walk, Movies, Free Candy, Costume Contest and more.

Barnyard Halloween Party Oct. 31 from 3-5 p.m. @ Crazy K Ranch Kids of all ages. Trick-ortreating pumpkin decorating.

Costume Party Oct. 31 from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Crazy K Ranch, A party for the Adults. The event is from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. at the small event center 833 N. Prather Road Michie. crazykranch.com

Bethel Springs Octoberfest Oct. 31st beginning at 5:30 p.m. @Bethel Springs Community Center. 40 S. Parkway. Hot dogs, hamburgers, hayrides games, treats. (731) 934-7266 Trick or Trot 5K Oct. 31 @Big Hill Pond State Park.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. Race begins at 8 a.m.

Trunk or Treat Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m. @Downtown Selmer Fun events for the kids, corndogs, glow sticks and much more.

First Christian Church Oct. 31 5-9 p.m. @ Downtown Selmer Live Music by Andy Avery Trunk or Treat 5 p.m.

Trunk or Treat Oct. 31 @ 4-6 p.m. @ Jones Motor Company Selmer

Halloween Safety Tips from your friends at

SCHEDULE:

8:00 AM - CAR SHOW REGISTRATION 10:00 - PEE-WEE CHEERLEADERS FESTIVITIES 10:00-2:30 PM - CAR SHOW 10:30 - RUDY MOORE & 10:00 AM THE BLUEGRASS PALS 4:00 PM 11:30 - JESSICA & PAYTON NAYLOR 12:00 - DOG CREEK 12:30 - TOMMY BROWDER 1:00 - PROWLER BBQ! PARTY JUMPERS! KISS THE PIG! CATCH THE GREASED PIG! CORNHOLE TOURNEY! & MORE!!!

• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

• Hold a flashlight while trick-or treating to help you see and others see you.

• Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.

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2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

INDEPENDENT APPEAL v PAGE 13C

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2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

PAGE 14C v INDEPENDENT APPEAL

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

Overnight at the Purdy Haunted Mansion

By Christen Coulon Managing Editor

Earlier this month, Local Ghost Hunter Roger Hill and several members of his group Ghost Hunters of Southern Tennessee invited my wife, Lanessa Miller, and myself to take a ghost hunting tour of the historic Purdy Mansion in Purdy.

We met the GHOST Team at the Purdy Community Center shortly before the haunted grounds and escape rooms which operate from the property closed for the evening.

Hill was joined by fellow ghost hunters James Bowen, Tony Joyner

and Juanita Cleek for the evening Hill said that he has been fascinated with ghosts since he was a child growing up in a haunted house in Bethel Springs.

It was this experiences as a child which drove Hill to continue searching for answers as an adult.

As he researched the field, he began picking up ghost hunting equipment and eventually went on to form G.H.O.S.T. (Ghost Hunters of Southern Tennessee).

Hill and the GHOST Team brought with them trunks of equipment containing devices such as digital audio and video recorders, EMF (electromagnetic field) meters, laser grid projectors, infrared cameras and thermometers, and a device known as a spirit box.

A spirit box is simply a radio rigged to cycle through frequencies at a rate of about four per second.

Hill said that hunters sift through the recordings and measurements after a hunt to see if they were able to capture anything that escaped the ability of their senses to detect during the hunt it self.

See GHOST HUNTER, 15C

Staff Photo by Christen Coulon

Ghost Hunters Roger Hill, James Bowen, Tony Joyner and Juanita Cleek joined Independent Appeal Editor Christen Coulon (not pictured) and his wife, Lanessa Miller at the Purdy Haunted Mansion on Oct. 9 for an overnight ghost hunting tour at the historic home.

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

GHOST HUNTER FROM PAGE 14C

Once inside the mansion, the team unloaded their gear and went to work. Hill said that because we were working in a house without power, that he was only using his battery operated equipment.

Several of the hunters had also downloaded ghost hunting apps to their phones.

We set up camp in the master bedroom in the second floor. All of the hunters grabbed their equipment and began exploring the top floor.

Much of the hunt consisted of the hunters asking questions to any potential spirits and then observing their equipment to see if there was any response.

One of the most interesting pieces of ghost hunting gear to me was Hill’s spirit box which would spit out single words or short phrases from radio signals received by the device.

He would ask something like, “are you there?” and then the box would reply...many times the response which is a human voice over a radio frequency would seemingly an-

swer, but many times the answers were hard to decipher and it would be easy to assign the answer you want to hear when box speaks.

Often times each of us would appear to hear something different.

I was skeptical many times, but I honestly don’t know what I would have to witness to believe there was a spirit present.

There were many unexplained events...the “I’m here,” I thought I heard from the spirit box after one of Hill’s questions and the many “hits” we got on the EMF meters.

We also had several equipment problems.

First Hill’s spirit box died after only a few minutes with fresh batteries. Then when I gave him new batteries for the device fresh from the box, they were dead.

Then a short time later, my new smartphone which I was attempting to use to take low light pictures, froze on my first show and then turned off and would not restart until we left then house. My batteries were fully charged at the time and I have had no such problems since that time.

We all also witnessed the attic door in the See HALLOWEEN STREET, 16C

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INDEPENDENT APPEAL v PAGE 15C

Staff Photo by Christen Coulon

Ghost Hunter Roger Hill looks over his hunting equipment at in interview before this month’s hunt.

Truth and Treat

Wednesday, Oct. 28th 7-8PM Join us for Bible stories, treats and crafts!

All ages welcome!

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2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

PAGE 16C v INDEPENDENT APPEAL

GHOST HUNTER FROM PAGE 15C

master bedroom open on its own several times with no one near it.

Nothing we witnessed that night seemed outside the realm of explanation.

Lanessa was also skeptical of what she witnessed but said that it was fun even if she did not witness proof of any spirits.

“I could tell Roger was a true believer...I am quite a skeptic, but I could feel the emotions running high each time the red light on the EMF meter lit up,” Miller said.

Bowen and Joyner who were also new to this like Lanessa and I were also somewhat skeptical of what we witnessed but both agreed that it was hard to determine anything conclusive based on what we witnessed, but both said that it was something they were interested in trying again and said that just because we did not see anything during the hunt, it doesn’t mean the next hunt would not turn something up.

Cleek was more of a believer and seemed to get more positive hits on her EMF than

TREAT

any of the other hunters. She said that she really enjoyed the hunt and said that there were many things that peaked her interest during the hunt. She cautioned that ghost hunting was not for everyone and said that people need to be prepared to witnessed the unexplained during a hunt or risk being surprised when they actually do.

While our hunt only had six members, Hill’s group, G.H.O.S.T. is comprised of about 12-15 members, many of whom have been conducting hunts around this region for years.

Hill said on average, a hunt will consist of about 8-10 people.

Hill said that the first hunt will likely a house he has learned about in Pocohontas which is rumored to be haunted. He also said that the would like to return to the Hurst Mansion in Purdy, the location which Hill says is the most haunted place he has witnessed in the county.

The Hurst Mansion is not the only haunted location in the county Hill said. One of the most haunted locations outside the mansion, however, ironically is also related to the Hurst legend.

Hill discussed a site in the northern end of

yourself to a new career

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

the county which formerly lay on a road from Purdy to Jackson, Tenn. Hill said that the site’s former owners who lived there during the Civil War killed their slaves in a fire in an attempt to avoid being captured by Union troops.

“When you get close to this place you can feel it,” Hill said. “They knew that (Hurst) was probably going to come through and burn their places and free the slaves.”

Hill said that his group did not capture any EVPs, but said that it was something you can feel when you get near the property.

“There is no question that it is haunted,” Hill said.

Hill said that G.H.O.S.T. is looking at other investigations around the county including a small property on the western end of the county which the owner has said is haunted.

Despite the fact that we did not witness anything unusual, the hunt itself was fun and it was something that both Lanessa and I would consider trying again.

Those interested in becoming a new member of G.H.O.S.T. or accompanying the group on an upcoming ghost hunt can contact Hill at (731) 610-7324 for more information.

Staff Photos by Christen Coulon

Roger Hill displays some of his ghost hunting equipment. The top right photo is a spirit box which produces an audio response to questions using radio frequencies. The top left photo is an EMF meter which reads electromagnetic waves.

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2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

INDEPENDENT APPEAL v PAGE 17C

Haunted Houses of McNairy County

Haunted Houses and other Halloween themed attractions have developed into a seasonal industry here in McNairy County bringing in thousands of visitors and employing dozens of residents each October. With everything from hay rides and scary stories to gory scenes, the events are designed to both scare and entertain visitors. Our Managing Editor Christen Coulon visited two of the most popular area Halloween attractions earlier this month and he will offer a short review along with all of the key info about each including admission price, hours and location.

The Purdy Haunted Mansion is the former home of

William Randolph Hurst, this attraction draws on the rich history of the Purdy community. This year they are offering escape rooms, a new attraction open nightly at the mansion. My wife, Lanessa Miller, and I visited the funeral parlor room with a group of other visitors and were unable to escape before our 45 minute limit. The rooms were both fun and challenging. They are not the traditional shock and scare haunted house experience and require more thought and less bravery of their visitors. The mansion offers one extreme escape room as well as a tour of the Haunted Grounds for those seeking a more frightening experience.

The Purdy Haunted Mansion escape rooms are open every night in October and the Haunted Grounds are open from 7-11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in October. Ghost tours are also offered by reservation only. Tickets for the Haunted Grounds which offer a corn maze, hayride, campfire and tour of the haunted barn and trail are available at the door and cost $20. Admission is $20 for the escape rooms and tickets must be purchased in advance online.

To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.purdyhauntedmansion.com.

The DeRailed Haunted House builds on the story of

Steven Pike (a.k.a. S. Pike) which legend says haunts this area. Pike is seeking revenge after loosing his land to the railroad. DeRailed offers vignettes attributed to Pike’s reign of terror over the past century and a half. I visited this attraction with my son Fox, (my wife said, “NO WAY!” to this one because she can’t do the gore.) This is a true scare you out of your mind haunted house with horrifying scenes and shocking characters waiting around every corner.

The production quality of the every room is high with attention paid to every gory detail. Fox ,who is 10, left with a smile and said, “It wasn’t too scary,” but his face said otherwise during the tour.

The DeRailed Haunted House is located in downtown Ramer.

This event runs from 7-11 p.m. every Friday & Saturday in October, and on Thursday Oct. 29. Admission is $15. VIP Tickets are available for $25.

For more information visit derailedhauntedhouse.com.

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

PAGE 18C v INDEPENDENT APPEAL

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

CAN YOU SPOT THE NINE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO PHOTOS? INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE EACH DIFFERENCE ON THE PHOTO. SEE IF YOU CAN FIND THEM ALL!

ANSWERS: 1. The candles aren’t lit. 2. The woman’s necklace has changed color. 3. The broom bristles have been flipped. 4. The cup on the bar is missing. 5. The fish photo has changed to a pawprint. 6. The falling candy has changed. 7. Frankenstein’s shirt has changed color.

8. The photo of bats have changed to a photo of a licensed, Bat-themed hero. 9. The sign on the table has changed.

I B E O P

HALLOWEEN WORD SEARCH

Design your own Jack-o-Lantern

INSTRUCTIONS: CIRCLE ALL OF THE HALLOWEEN WORDS FROM THE LIST IN THE WORD SEARCH BOX!

INSTRUCTIONS: USE A PEN, PENCIL OR MARKERS TO CREATE YOUR OWN JACK-O-LANTERN!

B L A C K C A T

L C P B A T Y G D

P O W T N E L I S

T S I R D I D K O

O T T I Y P E M C

BAT BLACK CAT BROOM CANDY

M U C C J L P B T

B M H K E T R I R

S E G T S O Q E B

COSTUME GHOULS GHOST GOBLINS

T S O O O X B O E

O N E M U P N X W

N N I K P M U P R

E S N B M E S C E

MUMMY PUMPKIN SKELETON SPIDERWEB

N L V W U Y N Z D

E U Z O M B I E I

Z O D E M U L V P

I H F Y Y K B P S

TOMBSTONE TRICK WITCH ZOMBIE

G H O S T O Q M

E A G E O

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

BARNYARD

INDEPENDENT APPEAL v PAGE 19C

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PAGE 20C v INDEPENDENT APPEAL

2015 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SECTION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

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