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Independent Appeal
independentappeal.com
Volume 118, Issue 8 | 50 cents
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Atkins faces additional drug charges By Joel Counce For the Independent Appeal
A former Town of Selmer alderman faces more drug charges following a Thursday arrest by U.S. Marshals. Nickolas “Nicky” Atkins appeared in federal court on Friday for allegedly selling drugs. Atkins was federally indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana in April. Atkins was scheduled to appear in federal court on July 3 for a probable cause
and detention hearing to determine if he will be eligible for bond. He remained in federal custody until the detention hearing. Atkins faces possession with intent to distribute and drug trafficking charges after his latest arrest. Federal Atkins prosecutors allege Atkins sold hydrocodone to an informant on
two different occasions since his release after an April arrest. Atkins and seven other suspects from the West Tennessee region were originally arrested and indicted on charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. Atkins was also indicted along with five others on charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine. A third count charged Atkins with
conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. The indictments came after Operation “Two Foot Shackle” – a year-long investigation by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to stop drug trafficking. A total of 14 were arrested initially with five other suspects sealed pending arrest. If convicted, the defendants arrested in April each face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years imprisonment and up to life.
Codes decision due Monday By Steve Beavers Assistant Editor
All the questions have been answered when it comes to adopting the state building codes program. The McNairy County Commission will vote on the matter Monday during its July meeting. A town hall meeting
was held Monday at the McNairy County Justice Center for the public to gather more information on the program. Twentythree people attended the meeting with 15 of those being county commissioners. “My objective is to educate the commission so it can make a decision,” said
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Residential Building Inspection Supervisor Tim Planer. “Building codes are about building better and safer structures.” Planer previously outlined the program to commissioners on May 13.
See CODES, 7
Ag commish tours county By Steve Beavers
house before touring Crazy K Ranch during his stop in the county. “Governor Lee is all about rural comGovernor Bill Lee is concerned about munities,” said Hatcher before cutting the economically distressed counties in the ribbon on the restroom and concession stand project at the state. market. “He would be Tennessee Departtickled to death about ment of Agriculture this.” Commissioner Dr. The Selmer FarmCharlie Hatcher comers Market was the municated Lee’s conproject of the 2009 cern during his visit to McNairy County McNairy County. Chamber of Com“These visits are merce Adult Leadernot by accident,” said ship Class. Hatcher. “Our gover“This is a wonnor wakes up thinking derful facility,” said about agriculture ... it’s Hatcher. “Everything near to his heart.” is right and the impact Hatcher’s Friday it will have is tremenvisit was the second dous ... it will be a way time within a week to connect farmers a commissioner has made a stop in the Staff Photo by Steve Beavers with consumers.” Market Director county. Tennessee De- Ag Commissioner Dr. Charlie Hatchpartment of Labor and er (left) met with local officials and Sybil Dancer said it wouldn’t have been Workforce Develop- toured sites in the county on Friday. possible without the ment Commissioner Jeff McCord held a town hall meeting on help of the department of agriculture. “I am excited to see it grow and think June 24. Hatcher toured the Selmer Farmers See AG, 7 Market and met with citizens at the courtAssistant Editor
Staff Photo by Steve Beavers
Six-year-old Jaci Wardlow gets comfortable before the fireworks show at Picnic in the Park on Sunday.
Event more than picnic By Steve Beavers
community we care about them,” said Chewalla pastor Bro. Richard Doyle about the ninth annual event. “It’s an opportunity to share the gospel and have a good time.” The free event culminated with a fireworks show just after 9 p.m. “We have people who travel long distances every year,” said Doyle. It also
Assistant Editor
RAMER – A yearly event has become more than just a picnic. Chewalla Baptist Church’s “Picnic in the Park” brought area towns together to hear good music and fellowship on Sunday. “We do this to show the
requires a small army to make the park event – held behind the Ramer Community Center – work. “The whole church is involved,” said Doyle. Dylan Crabb, Servant’s Heart Quartet and saxophonist Jim Umsted were Sunday’s featured musical performers. “We try to do different types of music,” said Doyle.
Lifeguards make learning to swim a fun experience By Steve Beavers
“It’s important for children to know water safety.” - Sybil Dancer
Assistant Editor
Staff Photo by Steve Beavers
Selmer City Pool lifeguard Anna Brady gives a swimming lesson to three-year-old Luke Prather.
Learning how to swim should be a fun experience remains the goal for Selmer Parks and Recreation. The department offers swimming lessons before noon and after 6 p.m. Swimsuits are required for the $10 lessons. “It’s important for children to know water safety if they are going to be around water,” said department director Sybil Dancer. “We want to give them the opportunity to learn.” Lifeguards Anna Brady, Brittany Montgomery, Emma Stone and Mekyland Williams conduct the lessons. “There is not always a lifeguard around so it’s important for kids to learn to swim,” said Brady. “Some kids never learn.” Heather Prather of Corinth, Miss. signed up her three-year-old son, Luke for lessons in Selmer. “I like the one-on-one aspect,” said Prather of the Selmer method of teaching.
“He is more confident around water than he should be at this age and we wanted him to learn the correct way to swim.” The Prathers take a lesson each week in Selmer. “Luke loves water so much and we want to foster that love,” said Prather. Brady wants her students to be comfortable in the water. “It’s a lot harder if they aren’t,” she said. Prather likes how Brady has interacted with Luke. “Anna is great,” said Prather. (For more information about swimming lessons offered by Selmer parks and Recreation call 645-4432.)
Did you know? Buford Pusser was first elected McNairy County Sheriff in 1964 and served three two-year terms. z Opinion 9 z Obituaries 10 z Events 11 z Community & Lifestyles 11 z Sports 8 z Classifieds 12
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