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Independent Appeal
independentappeal.com
Volume 117, Issue 2 | 50 cents
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Bobcats back in the ‘Boro McNairy aims to bring back championship By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
McNairy Central has some unfinished business in the ‘Boro. The Lady Bobcats are hoping a return trip to the Class AA Softball State Tournament will produce gold on Friday. McNairy (31-8) opened play in the tourney on Tuesday with a 4 p.m. contest with Kingston. “We are taking it one game at a time,” said MC Head Coach Mell Surratt. “It was a good experience last year, but we are going up there for the gold this time.” Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK) defeated McNairy two straight in 2017 for the title.
The Lady Bobcats rode a 14-game winning streak to their second consecutive state tournament in Murfreesboro. The squad is 7-0 in the postseason, outscoring the playoff opposition 34-5. “This group doesn’t overlook anyone,” said Surratt. A Tuesday win would send the Lady Bobcats up against the White House HeritageMeigs County winner at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. If the team drops the Tuesday game, it will face the loser of White House and Meigs County at 10 a.m.
on Wednesday. The state tournament is being held at McKnight Park. McNairy tennis player Landon Fowler is also in Murfreesboro for the state tournament. Fowler opens singles play on Thursday. The senior faces Murfreesboro Central’s Nathan Zou in a noon match at Adams Tennis Complex. A win by Fowler would send the region champion to the semifinals at 4 p.m. The championship match is set for 11 a.m. Friday.
Leaders celebrate lighting savings
Former policeman loves serving his community By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Energy savings are adding up for McNairy County. ENERG3 Director of Renewable Energy Olivia Karavatakis was in Selmer to give county leaders an overview of its Clean Energy Grant through the Tennessee Department of Environmental and Conservation (TDEC) on Monday. The McNairy County Commission voted unanimously to accept a grant
Staff Photo by Steve Beavers
McNairy Central senior softball players Katie Turner (left) and Marlee Smith decorate a vehicle before the team leaves for the Class AA State Tournament.
Staff Photo by Steve Beavers
McNairy County Solid Waste Director Cindy Kennedy (left) and ENERG3 Director of Renewable Energy Olivia Karavatakis were part of a ceremony to tout the county’s recycling department. through TDEC in August. The 50/50 grant will install energy efficient LED and solar lighting in six county buildings. Total cost of the match-
ing grant is $351,262. The county’s portion is $178,881.50.
See LIGHTING, 6A
Thurman E. “Pee Wee” Sowell has a big heart. It’s what most people think when they hear the name of the longtime lawman. Sowell is battling cancer after serving 58 years in law enforcement. “Pee Wee is the last of old school policemen,” said McNairy County Sheriff Guy Buck. “He gave his whole life for McNairy County ... he is a living legend.” “Pee Wee always knew he wanted to be a policeman,” said Bob Pipkins, a longtime friend and former co-worker.
Sowell His law career includes working for several agencies, including the McNairy County Sheriff’s
Department and Selmer Police Department. He and a K9 officer – Faruck – served with the Selmer Police Department beginning in 1996 before they moved to Bethel Springs. Sowell was Bethel Springs Police Chief for 10 years. He served as north district constable from 2010 to 2014. “He was a great officer,” added Selmer Police Chief Neal Burk. “He always had the best interest of the folks in mind ... he was there to help as many people as he could.” Pipkins has been around Sowell since he was
See LOVES, 6A
Providers restore McNairy County Court House telephone service By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Can you hear me now? The answer is yes at the McNairy County Court House. Telephone issues plagued the
courthouse for a week. Problems with incoming calls started affecting offices in the court house on May 14 before service was restored by the end of the day Monday. Offices affected by the prob-
lem include County Mayor, Trustee, Register of Deeds, Chancery Court, Solid Waste, Property Assessor and Veterans Services. The County Clerk’s Office and Election Commission also experienced issues although the two
aren’t located at the court house any longer. When customers called a court house line they are told by a recorded message that “all circuits are busy now.” “It was a switch issue,” said
McNairy County Mayor Ronnie Brooks. “The phones didn’t recognize a 645 prefix.” Those with a 934 prefix were able to get through, according to
See TELEPHONE, 6A
Stantonville church set to celebrate 125 years By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
Staff Photo by Steve Beavers
Stantonville United Methodist Church pastor Casey Cupples and the congregation will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the church on Sunday.
3A
Adamsville High School student spends day as County Mayor.
STANTONVILLE – A country church at the corner of Highway 142 and 224 South continues to spread the love of Christ. Stantonville United Methodist will celebrate its 125th year with a homecoming celebration on May 27. “Stantonville is the most giving church for its size,” said Casey Cupples, the Charge Pastor for Stantonville, Lebanon and New Hope. “The people really let you know they appreciate you.” Stantonville United Methodist Church was organized as a mission in 1893. The church moved from its original site on the A.J. Burks home place to its current location after land was purchased
Green speaks to local party during annual Reagan Day Dinner.
from C.C. Steel in 1907. Construction was completed on the new building in 1908. The church burned in 1937 and was rebuilt in 1938. “I really enjoyed my time there,” said former Stantonville pastor Zolon Clayton. “They were caring people and dedicated Christians.” Clayton – who pastored the church from 1975-1989 – is slated to preach the sermon on May 27. Sunday School will begin at 10 a.m. with the worship service scheduled for 11 a.m. Special music will also be part of the homecoming celebration. A meal will follow the service.
See CHURCH, 6A
4A
z Opinion 8A z Obituaries 9A z Events 10A z Community & Lifestyles 10A z Sports 1B z Campus 5B z Classifieds 8B
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