Veterans’ Day 2017 • Saturday Nov. 11
Volume 116, Number 26, Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Independent Appeal Making McNairy County headlines for 115 years
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‘The Gift’ keeps on giving Adamsville High School band claims 10th state championship By Joel Counce Contributor
“The Gift” keeps on giving. Adamsville High School used the Christmas-themed show to snare another marching band state championship. AHS won the 37th Annual Tennessee Division II State Marching Band Championship on Saturday at Stewart Creeks High School in Smyrna. The state title is the 10th for Adamsville and first in Division II since moving to the larger class one year ago. “Always understand how lucky we are to be in this room,” said AHS Band Di-
rector David Stevens to a cafeteria full of band members, family and supporters Sunday night. “Businesses in this town get bombarded with requests for fundraisers, events, but here we circle the wagons and we take care of our own.” Adamsville turned in a score of 95.35 to beat Elizabethton (94.5) for the title. In the finals competition, AHS was first in Music (191); Effect (191.5); Combined (95.35); Color Guard (96) and Drum Major (95). The squad finished second in Visual (188.5) and Percussion (94). Adamsville’s Hollie Wilson was named the top drum major. Assistant Director Kelly Wilder watched
the championship competition from the sideline. “I was watching something happen I have envisioned since June,” she said. “The whole time I was thinking ‘Is this real?” Adamsville’s show included “Carol of the Bells,” “Joy to the World,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and “Frosty the Snowman.” The band’s marching season started with band camp and the birth of Stevens’ first child, leaving first-year assistant Tommy Thompson in charge of the band.
See CHAMPS, 8A
Staff Photo by Joel Counce
Adamsville High School Band Director David Stevens adds the state championship trophy to the collection in the band hall.
Two arrested in bank theft By Steve Beavers
nessee Violent Crimes Task Force.” Howell and ThompA man and woman have son are also expected to be charged in the been arrested for robbery of a bank the August robin Reagan. bery of a McNairy “We had alCounty bank. ways thought Thirty-sixthe same people year-old Gene Alrobbed both len Howell and banks and we 36-year-old Janet anticipate fedNicole Thompson eral charges being are charged with filed on both inaggravated robdividuals,” added bery for their inHOWELL Buck. volvement in the Howell is berobbery of Home lieved to be the Banking Company one who entered in Finger. the Finger bank “It was a case just after 9 a.m. of old fashioned on Aug. 25. He police work,” said robbed the bank McNairy County of an undisclosed Sheriff Guy Buck. amount of money “We just ran down before getting some leads and away on a blue had some tremenATV. dous help from THOMPSON the Jackson Office of the FBI and West TenSee BANK, 4A Assistant Editor
Staff Photo by Steve Beavers
First Snow
Sarah and Michael Dawson have some fun trying to catch snow flakes. Lakeview Church provided those who attended the 6th Annual Independent Appeal Halloween Street Party with the first snow of the year in McNairy County. A portable snow machine produced the white stuff on Halloween.
‘Hometown Christmas’ School district gets parade set for Dec. 2 excellence award By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Selmer isn’t waiting around to get in the Christmas spirit. The “Hometown Christmas” parade is scheduled for Dec. 2 in downtown Selmer. “There will be no charge for the parade,” said Selmer Parks and Recreation Director Sybil Dancer. “We are only asking groups to bring non-perishable items for the Food Pantry.” There will be a drop off box at the entrance of Selmer City Park for the items.
“This is not a requirement, but it will be appreciated,” added Dancer. All entries will need to enter the Selmer Middle School parking lot off Highway 64 or Poplar Avenue. “Floats will need to be in line by 4:30 p.m. to be judged,” said Dancer. Parade lineup begins at 3 p.m. Plaques for the best Small Business, Industry, Non-Profit and Church entry will be awarded. All entires will be judged on Christmas
See PARADE, 8A
By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
The McNairy County School District recognizes the importance of each employee. The district received the Charles Bridwell Award for Excellence in Unemployment Compensation Claims Administration over the weekend. McNairy County Schools operated the
entire year without a single unemployment compensation claim to earn the award. “We value each employee and we try to treat every one of them like family,” said McNairy County Director of Schools Wayne Henry. “Each employee in our school system does an important job that helps make each of our schools good places for the children to learn and grow.” Dr. Dan Tollett presented the award on behalf of Utrust.
See AWARD, 8A
Believe in McNairy Eveready Auto Parts committed to meeting needs of its customers
Believe in McNairy
By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Eveready Auto Parts likes a good project. The parts place has been committed to helping customers find what they need for 70 years. “If they come in and ask for it, we try our best to find it,” said office manager and former owner
Richard Sparks. Eveready Auto Parts celebrated its 70th year in Selmer on Nov. 1. “It means we are doing something right to be here that long,” said owner Rob Sparks. “We plan on being here as long as customers need us.” Marvin Sparks – Richard’s father – opened the parts business
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in 1947 on East Court Avenue. Marvin left Detroit after working 19 years for Ford Motor Company. “My uncle (Raymond Cochran) had opened a store in Camden before World War II,” said Richard Sparks. “He wanted daddy to start a store in Selmer.”
See EVEREADY, 8A
Adamsville American Legion honors Vietnam veterans.
Staff Photo by Steve Beavers
Rob Sparks and Eveready Auto Parts love a good challenge.
Adamsville win sets up playoff rematch with Trenton Peabody.
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