GET OUT AND VOTE EARLY VOTING Today - Nov. 2
Town of Selmer Elections
Independent Appeal
Volume 116, Number 23, Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Independent Appeal Making McNairy County headlines for 115 years
www.independentappeal.com 50¢
Arrest made in Milledgeville robbery By Joel Counce Contributor
MILLEDGEVILLE – The McNairy County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a Memphis pair with armed robbery and attempted murder. Kaitlin Kayeann Caffrey and Melvin Jackson were charged in the Sept. 17 robbery of the Shell station in Milledgeville. Jackson is currently incarcerated in the Shelby County Jail for aggravated robbery. “We will get him when Shelby County
is done,” said McNairy County Sheriff Guy Buck. Jackson is scheduled to appear in Shelby County Court on Oct. 25. He faces charges of attempted firstdegree murder, two counts of aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony when he is returned to McNairy County. Caffrey is charged with attempted firstdegree murder, two counts of aggravated assault and with aggravated robbery. She
remains jailed in McNairy County on a $250,000 bond. Caffrey, who has ties to Milledgeville according to Buck, was seen on store video entering the gas station and walking to a far corner of the store. She covers her face as she walks toward the camera and then walks out.
Jackson is seen allegedly entering the store at 7:43 p.m., wearing a white T-shirt and jeans. He told the clerk “I need money,” and made threats. At one point, the gun fires, but there were no bullets in the chamber. The sheriff’s department report says Jackson left with $560. A witness told Tennessee State Trooper Jimmy Plunk he recognized Caffrey and gave her name. A concerned citizen called
See ROBBERY, 5A
JACKSON
Jury indicts former prosecutor
Town needs residents to fill out park survey
By Joel Counce Contributor
By Joel Counce Contributor
Selmer is asking for help. The town, along with Adamsville and the McNairy County School System was awarded a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Local Parks and Recreation Fund. The grant will create a 10-year master plan for improvements to existing park and recreation facilities as well as new facilities. “This is very important,” said Selmer Parks and Recreation Director Sybil Dancer. “We want the community’s input in what we’re going to do in the next 10 years.” Surveys can be picked up at the Selmer Community Center, Adamsville City Hall and the McNairy County Courthouse or taken online at https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/McNairy2017. “We had rather people take them online if they can,” added Dancer. Deadline to take the survey is Nov. 3. Community Development Partners, LLC. (CDP) of Nashville is the consulting firm helping with the park design and will be holding public workshops. “Attending these workshops is also important,” said Dancer. “The feedback
See SURVEY, 5A
Staff Photo by Steve Beavers
Remembrance Walk
Six-year-old Briley Janosko gets some help from his father, Scott, in adding a name to a candle during the 4th Annual Remembrance Walk on Saturday. See the walk story and more photos on Page 6A.
The McNairy County Grand Jury has indicted a former assistant district attorney. Fifty-seven-year-old Bob Gray was indicted on two counts of official misconduct, theft under $1,000, simple possession of Schedule II controlled substance and simple possession of Schedule IV controlled substance. Official misconduct is a felony which carGRAY ries as much as two years for each count. The other charges are misdemeanors that carry sentences of 11 months and 29 days. Gray, who served as an assistant district attorney for 11 years, was terminated from his position as 25th Judicial Assistant District Attorney in June. Gray was booked at the McNairy County Justice Center on October 11 and released on his own recognizance by Circuit Court Judge Van McMahan. The McNairy County attorney was temporarily suspended from practicing law in July by the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility. Gray served as General Sessions Judge for 16 years in the county prior to his appointment of assistant district attorney.
Church aims to make impact with drama By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
First Baptist Church is ready to make an impact on the unsaved. The church hopes to make a connection with lost people through the presentation of its annual Judgement House drama. “Collision” will be presented four times. The drama begins Sunday with a 1-8 p.m. showing. It continues Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 6-9 p.m. The drama will also be presented Sunday, Oct. 29 from 1-8 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 6-9 p.m. Each presentation is free and open to the public. “The script is really good this year,” said FBC Associate Pastor/Minister of Youth & Families John Chandler. “The storyline is very relatable to this area.” The 45-minute walk-through drama
will offer a pair of outside scenes this year. The two scenes include a bonfire and car wreck. Close to 95 students will take part in the drama with the addition of the middle school ministry this year. Around 250 church members in all are among those having a hand in the drama. “All of us have the opportunity to share the gospel with over 2,000 people,” said Chandler. “The impact will be eternal.” About 2,100 people attended the drama last year. “This is much bigger than just our youth,” added Chandler of the 14th Judgement House edition of the church. “Our
Believe in McNairy
entire church buys into Judgement House ... it changes everyone who plays a part in it.” In “Collision” Bud, Natalie and Chris are high school students. Bud is the star athlete, Natalie is an attractive cheerleader and Chris is the student leader of the youth group. Bud and Chris each invite Natalie to join them for very different post-game activities. While Natalie likes Bud’s rock-and-roll parties, she chooses to join Chris at the church group’s 5th Quarter. Bud – after drinking too much – decides to jump on his motorcycle and prove to Natalie she belongs with him. The ensuing drunken car crash leaves all three
teens dead. The trio all made plans, but none of them involved standing before God. “I want people to be aware of the situations our students can find themselves in,” said Chandler. “The temptation of alcohol is a big challenge for young people today ... this is real life for them.” James 4:14 is the theme verse this year. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” “Judgement House is not just for lost people,” said Chandler. “It’s also for Christians who need to open their eyes to certain areas ... it challenges us all.” First Baptist is located at 310 West Court Avenue. Reservations can be made by calling the church at 731-645-5326. “We aren’t going to turn anyone away,” said Chandler.
McDaniel takes superhero approach to helping kids
Believe in McNairy
By Joel Counce Contributor
Trinity McDaniel wants to dedicate her life to helping kids. “I really like interacting with kids,” she said. “I generally feel pretty awkward, but I feel better around kids.” McDaniel believes her desire to remain young helps her relate to children. “I don’t want to grow up,” she said.
4A
“The way you can relate to them and make them smile is a beautiful and unique kind of thing.” The 18-year-old is studying elementary education at the University of TennesseeMartin McNairy County/Selmer campus. She got in involved with cosplay two years ago in an effort to better relate to children. Cosplay involves dressing up in
See KIDS, 5A
McNairy Central football player paints end zones as project.
Trinity McDaniel is dedicated to helping children.
4th Annual Remembrance Walk draws attention to infant deaths.
6A
z Opinion 8A z Obituaries 9A z Events 9A z Community & Lifestyles 10A z Sports 1B z Campus 3B z Classifieds 5B
Staff Photo by Joel Counce
Follow us on Facebook © 2017 Independent Appeal