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Volume 116, Number 34, Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Independent Appeal Making McNairy County headlines for 115 years
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Suspect robs Citgo station By Joel Counce Contributor
The Selmer Police Department is looking for a suspect or suspects in connection with a break-in at a local gas station on Christmas Eve. Selmer Police were called to the Citgo gas station at 1470 East Poplar Ave. around 8:40 p.m. for a possible break-in.
“I arrived on scene and immediately observed a red Chevrolet pickup that was occupied by at least two people exit from Baker Road onto Highway 64 East leaving the city limits,” said Selmer Police Officer Robert Heathcock in a report. Heathcock notified dispatch of the vehicle that was possibly involved in
See ROBS, 4A
Staff Photo by Steve Beavers
Volunteer departments battle blaze
Firemen with four volunteer departments battled a blaze in Michie. Units from Eastview, Guys and Pleasant Site assisted Michie during the Dec. 27 fire at 713 Hubert Manuel Road around 4 p.m.
Allison retires after 25 years at Regions By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Staff Photo by Joel Counce
Three-year-old Riley Harrison presented Christmas presents to the workers who pick up the garbage at his house.
Youngster gives presents to sanitation employees By Joel Counce Contributor
Riley Harrison likes opening presents. The three-year-old also wants to make sure everyone has a gift to open. That led to Harrison buying gifts for the men who pick up garbage at his house. “He wanted to make sure everyone he knew had a Christmas present,” said Mariah Harrison, Riley’s mother. “He said everyone should love opening presents.” Riley loves garbage trucks, according to his mother.
“I don’t know what his fascination with them is, but when he saw the truck coming down the hill, he wanted to go out there and give them their presents,” she said. In the summer, Riley gives water bottles to the men on the garbage trucks or leaves them in a cooler with a note. Riley’s grandmother, Karen Rose, said it is in his nature to care about others. “He does things like this without being told,” she said. “He just does it. There’s so much we could learn from a three-yearold.”
Ray Allison is banking on doing something different. It’s time to say goodbye for the bank teller after 25 years in the business. Allison retired Jan. 2 from a job he calls a rewarding one. “I know I will miss it,” said Allison. “It will be different, but that is a good thing.” The 66-year-old father of two – Andy and Mark – began his banking career at Home Banking in 1988. He spent almost 11 months at First Federal before starting his 25-year stint at Selmer Bank & Trust. Former SB&T Bethel Springs Branch Manager Frank Shafer put the idea in Allison’s head about a career move. “He wanted me to ask for the job in Bethel,” said Allison. “I didn’t get the job, but it stirred an interest to work for Selmer Bank & Trust.” His goal of going to work at SB&T was accomplished on Jan. 1 of 1993. Allison, who has been married to wife Pam for 40 years, replaced Joe Hamm as the branch manager at Ramer. “That job was as good as could be,” said Allison. “The people were wonderful and they treated me
Staff Photo by Steve Beavers
Ray Allison retired from Regions Bank on Jan. 2. like family ... it was really a good experience.” Allison came to the main branch in Selmer after the Ramer site closed in 2001. “It was sad to leave,” said Allison. “The good thing was I didn’t have to look for another job.” Co-worker Amy Hollingsworth has worked with Allison for 19 years.
“Ray has been an asset to the banking industry for many years,” said Hollingsworth. “He has been a dedicated employee and will be missed not only by his co-workers, but by our customers as well.” The teller put his people-caring skills to work in Selmer.
See RETIRES, 4A
Couple keeps restaurant open By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Staff Photo by Steve Beavers
Angie and Jeremy Maness are keeping a restaurant open in downtown Ramer.
RAMER – Folks still have a place to eat and catch up on the latest news in downtown Ramer. Angie and Jeremy Maness made sure of it. The husband and wife combo kept the town’s morning hangout open after the closure of Rockabilly Cafe Too. The Maness’ officially opened Grill 57 on Dec. 22. “So many things have left Ramer,” said Angie Maness, who worked at Rockabilly Cafe Too before the closure. “I didn’t want to see this place close.”
Maness said she went with a simple name for the restaurant. “Highway 57 is always mentioned when you are trying to tell people where Ramer is at,” said Maness. “The name says Ramer.” The new owner doesn’t think of the business as a restaurant. “It’s more of a gathering place,” she said. “A lot of people depend on this place ... it’s a social thing.” The new decor will soon have a more Ramer feel to the establishment. Ramer School memorabilia will be placed on the walls. “I want to make it a fun place and spotlight Ramer,” said Maness. “I want
the grill to be the town’s place too.” Grill 57 is a happening place every morning, according to the new owner. “Everyone who comes in here is an important part of the town,” added Maness. “We have adopted a lot of people and treat their kids like our own.” Employees Tonya Reaves, Laurabeth Huckabee and Madi Rose Hammock – Maness’ daughter – make up the grill staff. They arrive each morning at 4 a.m. to open. “All of them are like family,” said Maness of the employees. “It has been a good fit for me.” (Grill 57 is open Monday-Friday from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Carl Perkins Center receives pair of donations By Joel Counce Contributor
Love’s Truck Stop put its name in action. The newly opened truck stop and Town of Eastview showed some love to the Carl Perkins Center of McNairy County by donating $3,000 to the organization. “We want to let the community know we are here for more than
just serving guests,” said Love’s General Manager Phil Williams. “I personally have a very tender spot in my heart for children, especially those who have been abused and neglected.” Williams presented Carl Perkins Center Director Callie Allison with the $2,000 as part of the store’s ribbon cutting with the McNairy County Chamber of Commerce.
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“We talked to the chamber about available charities and we picked this one,” added Williams.
Former McNairy Central teacher coming home for art exhibit.
The Town of Eastview donated $1,000 at the ribbon cutting. “We are just trying to help out the community,” said Eastview Mayor Jesse Robbins. “It’s a good thing the community has the Carl Perkins Center.” Eastview has donated to charities in the past, including the Adult Education Center. “The Carl Perkins Center helps everyone in the county,” said
Area teams compete in annual holiday basketball tournament.
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Eastview Alderman Lucy Martin. “They do so much in the county and we are glad they are here.” The center was founded in January of 1989 with a goal of breaking the cycle of child abuse. It costs the center $600 per day to provide therapeutic services for one child each year, but treatment for forms of abuse and neglect can cost up to $300 per day if a child is in a residential facility.
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