Tri-City Reporter January 4 2012

Lady Pioneers win annual Christmas Tournament

TRI-CITY REPORTERVOL. 120, NO. 1 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2012 DYER, TENNESSEE $1.00

THE

WW II through a camera lens

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A look back at the top stories of 2011

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Gibson County Commission to meet Jan. 9th

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Proposed sales tax increase on agenda

Lady Champs

SURPRISE VISIT - Scarlett Duncan met her idol, Action News 5 weatherman Dave Brown last week. Brown gave her one of his ‘bobble heads’ as a late Christmas gift. Duncan watches his forecast every night and aspires to be a meteorologist when she grows up.

Weatherman Dave Brown surprises fan

Tennesseans resolve to be ready for emergencies

before you buy!’

‘You really should tryTHE FIESTA HAS SEVEN AIRBAGS.THE BMW 3 SERIES HAS SIX. HMMM.

IT’S A PRETTY BIG DEAL.

INTRODUCING THE NEW FIESTA

Drive one.

BY STEVE SHORTThe Gibson Co.

Commission will hold its first session of the new year Monday, Jan. 9 at 9 a.m. at the Ed Jones Agricomplex Building located at 1252 Manufacturers Row in Trenton.

The agenda includes a discussion about increasing the Local Option Sales Tax from the current 2.25 percent to 2.75 percent.

Terry Cunningham, Director of Finance and Operations for the Gibson Co. Special School District is scheduled to outline the tax increase proposal.

Other agenda items:•County employees’

health insurance – A proposal to eliminate postemployment health insurance coverage for full-time county employees and officials will be reconsidered. The commission made a motion to approve the resolution in

As the year 2011, one of the most active years for disasters in recent history, comes to a close and Americans get ready to ring in a new year, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency are encouraging people to Resolve to be Ready in the new year by making a resolution to be prepared for emergencies.

“Every family, community and state are susceptible to disasters,” said TEMA Director Jim Bassham. “The most effective way to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones is for everyone to take preparedness as an individual responsibility.”

Tennessee had five presidentially declared disasters for severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in 2011.

FEMA has launched its annual emergency preparedness campaign, this year titled, “Resolve to be Ready in 2012.”

The campaign urges Americans to make preparedness a priority during the holiday season by making a new year’s resolution to be ready for disasters.

“One of the most important lessons we can take away from this year is that disasters can impact all of us, no matter what part of the country we live in,” said FEMA Regional

BY LORI CATHEYThe Lady Pioneers of Gibson County High

School captured the 47th annual Martin Lions Club Christmas Tournament Girls Championship by defeating hometown favorites the Lady Chargers of Westview by the score of 45-43.

In the first round the Lady Pioneers defeated South Fulton 51 to 35. Gibson County shot 55 percent from the field, 61 percent from the free throw line, had 22 rebounds and forced 18 turnovers for the game. Scoring for Gibson County were: Courtney Haynes had 15 points, Chelsea Joyce and Khadijah Alexander each finished with 12 and Jasmine Whittemore added 6.

In the semi-finals, Gibson County faced Madison. The Lady Pioneers got off to a good start with four 3-pointers from Courtney Haynes and Jasmine Whittemore taking a 20-10 lead in the first quarter. With 1:43 left in the second quarter Lady Pioneer Courtney Haynes drove to the basket and pulled up for a 10-foot jump shot and scored her 1,000th career point.

Gibson County had a 30-27 lead at the half. The Lady Mustangs scored 24 points in the third quarter to take a 51-45 lead at the end of the quarter. In the fourth quarter the Lady Pioneers outscored Madison 19-7 and made 13 of 14 free throws to give Gibson County a 64-58 victory over Madison.

Leading the Lady Pioneers was: Jasmine Whittemore with 19 points, Courtney Haynes added 18 and Khadijah Alexander had 11. Chelsea Joyce and Sarah Beth Mullins each had 6 points.

In the championship game, Lady Pioneers found themselves battling the Lady Chargers of

Westview. It was a close game all the way with Gibson County achieving a 45-43 win.

At the half, Gibson County was down by 21-19. With 3:48 remaining in the third quarter, Westview’s Tiffany Rechis stole the ball for an easy lay up to give Westview their largest lead 30-21 for the night. But Gibson County’s Jasmine Whittemore, Cara Beth Holt and Courtney Haynes each hit a 3-pointer in the final two minutes to give the Lady Pioneers a 34-32 lead at the end of the third.

Gibson County and Westview traded the lead back and forth in the final quarter with both teams only scoring 11 points apiece. The game was tied up 41-41 with 52 seconds left when Lady Pioneer Chelsea Joyce was fouled rebounding. Joyce made both free throws to give Gibson County a 43-41 lead.

Westview, with a turnover, then fouled Lady Pioneer Courtney Haynes and sent her to the line for a pair of free throws. Haynes hit both free throws to extend the lead to 45-41.Gibson County made 4 of 5 free throws in the final 52 seconds of the quarter to win the Championship 45-43 over Westview. Gibson County’s leading scorer was Jasmine Whittemore with 14 points, 2 assists and 3 steals. GC’s Courtney Haynes had 10 points, 3 steals and 4 rebounds while Chelsea Joyce added 8 points and 4 rebounds. Khadijah Alexander and Sarah Beth Mullins each added 5 points and Cara Beth Holt had 3 points.

Are you tough enough to wear pink? Join in the ‘Pink Out’ with GCHS vs. SGCHS January 10, 2012. T-shirts may be ordered at games Thursday and Friday night at GCHS.

GCHS LADY PIONEERS WIN - The Gibson County Lady Pioneers won the 47th annual Martin Lions Club Christmas Tournament girls Championship held at Martin last week. Members of the team are (front row, from left) Chelsea Joyce, Sarah Beth Mullins, Jasmine Whittemore, Courtney Haynes, Kadijah Alexander, Madison Hart (middle row) Micah Hart, Brianna Fetters, Cara Beth Holt, Lacey Petty, Macie Cole, (back row) Deiondria Pitts, Jasmine Pitts, Jae’Da Pitts, Mackenna Upchurch, and Amber Rea.

BY CINDY EASTTen-year old Scarlett Duncan got a big surprise

Tuesday, December 27th when Action News 5 weatherman Dave Brown stopped by her grandmother’s store in Rutherford for a visit and presented her with a late Christmas gift, one of his ‘bobble-head’ figures.

Scarlett has been a big fan of Brown’s since the deadly tornados of 2006. She was just five when the storm hit. During the storm, a horse trailer narrowly missed being thrown into her home. She was very frightened by the storm and all the damage she saw. She became scared of storms and began to worry everyday before school about what the weather might bring each day. Her grandmother, Lynn Greene, owner of Greene Things, told her she could start watching Dave Brown on Action News 5.

“I told her he knew everything about the weather. She loves him and watches him every night. He is her hero,” said Greene. “I told her someday she could become a

January 2011The state recently lifted

the embargo on TCAP scores, and Michelle Goad, Supervisor of Instruction presented the school district’s results to the board. In reading, language, arts GCSD averaged 53 tying with Milan. The state average is 49. GCSD also performed well in science with 55. The state average is 49. GCSD High School 11th graders scored a 4.1 (A) compared to the state average 4.2 (A) on the 11th Grade Writing Assessment. The school’s 9 – 12 Grades three year averages on the ACT fell just shy of state averages in all categories.

Dyer City Recorder Jason Griggs swore in and seated four alderspersons on the Dyer City Council on Thursdays, January 13. Two of the four election winners, Chris Younger and Marilyn Williamson are new to the city board, while aldermen Robert Johnson and Roger Gray return to the board, having retained their positions.

Trenton businessman Bob Wilson donated an automatic external defibrillator for public use at the Gibson County Courthouse in honor of retired Trenton education Judy Nunley at the January 24 meeting of the county commission. A plaque was to be placed recognizing

BY MICHAEL ENOCHSSeaman Paul Abbott did

not discuss much about his experiences in World War II. He fought in the U. S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet against the Empire of Japan during 1944-45 as a crewmember of the U. S. S. Oxford. During that last year of the war, Abbott would witness and participate in some of the largest and most ferocious sea, air and land battles ever engaged in by the human race, including the Invasion of the Philippine Islands and the Invasion of Okinawa.

Paul Abbott’s son, Emerson Abbott, resides in Trenton. He stated that his father didn’t leave a written record of his war experience and hardly ever talked about

Seaman Paul Abbott, World War II

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Insight & OpinionClayburn Peeples reports: If winter comes can spring be far behind?

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BILL R. BARRON, ATTORNEY

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A look back at the top stories of 2011

January is here, with eyes that keenly glow,

A frost-mailed warrior striding a shadowy steed of snow.

— Edgar Fawcett Well, here we are, in a

brand spanking new year; 2011 is finally over. (And not a moment too soon. What a horrid century this has been for America so far.) Traditionally, the new year is considered a time for new beginning, and let’s hope so, but did you know that January the first has not always been the beginning of a new year?

For centuries, beginning in 45 BC, something known as the Julian calendar was in use by most Western nations, and under that calendar, at least from the Early Middle Ages on, March 25 was considered the first day of the new year. This was because the church considered that to be date on which the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to have the child of God, who was thought to have been born nine months later, on December 25.

It was a pretty good calendar except for one serious flaw. It slightly miscalculated the length of a year. Not much, but enough that each calendar year was a few minutes shorter than a true astronomical year. Now that wouldn’t cause much of a problem over a decade or so, but over several centuries so much time was lost that the seasons were coming several days earlier than they were supposed to. This caused Easter, and other important church holidays to come three days earlier every 400 years, so that by the 1500’s, the calendar was seriously out of sync with the natural rhythms of the earth to which it was supposed to harmonize.

Church leaders were greatly disturbed over this in the 16th Century, so much so that Pope Gregory ordered that a new calendar be devised and recalculated so that the seasons would always begin and end when they were supposed to.

What the mathematicians and astronomers of the day came up with was the

calendar most of the world uses today, the Gregorian calendar. One major change was that it made January 1, instead of March 25, the first day of the year. It took care of the “calendar creep” that had caused the drifting seasons under the Julian calendar by the addition of “leap year” days at various times, and to make up for the several days that had crept into the Julian calendar over the last millennium, the pope decreed that ten days be removed from the current year in order to put the seasons back where they were supposed to be. Thus, in the year 1582, the year of the changeover in Catholic Europe, the date, October 4, was followed by the date October 15. Ten days simply vanished. In future years, of course, all days on the calendar would be observed.

As you might guess, this caused all sorts of consternation. What to do, for example, about monthly rentals, or wages? Landlords and laborers, not surprisingly, took the

position that the shortened, 20 day month was still a month and that they should receive a full month’s rent or wages. Tenants and employers, on the other hand, argued that they should pay only two-thirds, because of the missing ten days.

But that was worked out one way or the other, and once begun, the new calendar worked splendidly. It did, that is, in the countries where it had been adopted. There had been a time, centuries earlier, when a papal decree would have been honored and obeyed in nearly all the Western world, but by 1582, the papacy wasn’t nearly as influential throughout Europe as it once had been, and in non Catholic countries, the pope had no authority to order the rest of the world to change its calendar.

But the rest of the world did, because the new calendar made sense. At first only the countries of Italy, Poland, Spain and Portugal did so, but they were shortly followed by France and the Catholic portions

of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Still, even some Catholic countries were reluctant to change their centuries old method of reckoning time, and some countries didn’t come on board until the 20th Century.

In England, where anti Catholic feeling was particularly high at the time, church authorities prevailed upon the queen to refuse to go along, and she, and the country and all its colonies did.

Most of the rest of Europe finally agreed to switch over, but England continued to hold out for 170 more years, and thus, when America was first settled, French settlers used one calendar and English settlers used another.

Our first president, George Washington, was born under the Julian calendar on February 22, 1731, but 21 years later, when England finally relented and switched over to the Gregorian calendar, his birth year became 1732 instead of 1731, because the first day of the year, 1732 was moved

back from March 25 to January 1. And that’s where it has stayed.

So now we celebrate the new year not when the natural world is truly becoming new, in the spring, but instead in the bleak midwinter, when icicles hang by the wall and at least two more months of really miserable weather awaits us.

But there is this; the days are already getting longer, and the cold, while it will hang around for a while, will begin to lessen in just a few weeks. St. Cecilia’s Day (January 13) is traditionally considered the coldest day of the year, but here in West Tennessee, January 14 - 20 are all equally cold, and on average, colder than any other days of winter.

So don’t despair. The coldest days of the year may be only a fortnight away, but in three weeks they will be behind us.

And if you’ve still got the winter blues, remember the words of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, “if winter comes, can spring be far behind?”

Ms. Nunley on behalf of Wilson’s Avc, Inc. firm.

Defibrillators can be used to revive a person who experiences cardiac arrest.

Rutherford School is raising funds for the St. Jude Math-A-Thon in memory of former teacher, the late Steve Wallace. Wallace and his wife both taught at Rutherford School for several years.

March 2011By now nearly everyone

has heard about the new and fun exercise craze sweeping the nation. Zumba is a form of exercise that is set to a combination of Latin and hip-hop music. The concept of Zumba is to move all your body parts - legs, hips and arms at the same time while you are dancing to the beat of the music.

The Dyer School Relay for Life team hosted a Zumbathon to raise money for the Gibson-North Relay

for Life on Friday night in the Dyer First Baptist Church gym. Approximately 70 people attended the event with Zumba instructor Danielle Gwara. Over $400 was raised for the Dyer School Relay team that is the top fundraiser for Gibson-North Relay for Life. Their goal this year is to raise $10,000.

A Gibson County High School teacher accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a male student has been suspended without pay, and criminal warrants are still pending. The Gibson County Special School district issued the suspension to Bethany Dyer, a Health Sciences teacher at GCHS, last week, and the Gibson county Sheriff’s Office has issued criminal warrants charging Aggravated Statutory Rape and Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure.

Dyer, 36, has not been arrested because she is believed to be in a hospital in Shelby County.

The Gibson - North Relay for Life has been very busy over the past few weeks. Several teams have hosted fundraisers including everything from Zumbathons, to Rook tournaments to selling food.

On Saturday, March 26, the Carroll Family Relay for Life team cooked burgers in the Pepsi Wagon at Food Rite. The rainy weather didn’t dampen their spirits or determination, as they worked getting burgers ready for the noon rush. The Carrolls are happy to work for Relay since the good news that Michele Carroll Whitaker is cancer free after a recent surgery. Thanks to the Dyer community, the family cleared $350 for their work against cancer.

Members of the Dyer Lions Club held their annual Pancake Breakfast this past Saturday at the Dyer Elementary School cafeteria. Funds raised by this breakfast will be used to provide sight services for area residents as well as supporting other club projects.

Bethany J. Dyer surrendered to Gibson County authorities Thursday evening at approximately 5:15 p.m.

Dyer was processed at the Gibson county Correctional complex and released on $10,000 bond. She is charged with aggravated statutory rape and statutory rape by an authority figure. A preliminary hearing was set for March 29th in Gibson county General Sessions Court at Trenton.

Dyer Boy Scout Troop 243 will soon have a new home! Under the sponsorship and generosity of Dyer First United Methodist Church, the troop is in the process of building a Scout House on a parcel of land owned by the church located on the corner of Front Street and Broad Street.

April 2011Michele Whitaker and drag

racer Jack Beckman met through her work and formed a friendship. Both are cancer survivors. Beckman has sent some of his “Beckman Wear”

To her, which will be in the Silent Auction this Saturday night at the Yorkville community center when the Carroll Family Relay for Life Team hosts a country dance featuring Dakota Band and cake walks from 7 - 10.

Royce Harris, president of the Gibson County Visual Arts association, is crisscrossing Gibson County with her laptop, projector and screen, and a CD full of information about the Gibson county Quilt Trail Project. Harris has pictures of buildings, barns, scenic spots, and landmarks from all over Gibson County. She is attending meetings of civic groups, leisure groups, and Sunday school classes, that have called her to find out more about this fun project.

Eight local “celebrities” waited tables and competed to see who could raise the most money in tips at the Celebrity Waiter event sponsored by the Rutherford First Baptist Church and Rutherford School Relay for Life teams. Among the celebrities were State Representative Curtis Halford, Gibson County Mayor tom “Spoon” Witherspoon, new Gibson County School District Superintendent Eddie Pruitt, Rutherford Mayor Keith Cardwell, Farmers and Merchants Bank-Rutherford President Tim Griggs, State Senator Lowe Finney, local attorney Bradley Owens and Gibson County Sheriff Chuck Arnold. The men donated the collected tips to Gibson-North Relay for Life. Tim Griggs won the friendly competition, collecting the most tips.

State legislators in Nashville are tackling a large number of laws that could affect public schools.

Topics being debated include tenure for teachers, collective bargaining for teacher unions, election of school superintendents, and charter schools.

The Carroll Family Relay for Life Tam Country Dance for Gibson-North Relay for

Life was a family affair, funfilled evening at the Yorkville Community Center. Five hundred dollars was raised for the Carroll Family Relay Team,

The young, the middle aged, and the not so young were all there for some good country exercise and cake walking donations. Cancer is no stranger to the Carroll family. Willard and Lois Carroll of Dyer, family patriarch and matriarch to the Carrolls, were on hand for the dance along with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. On September 22, they will have been married for 55 years. Lois lost her daddy to cancer; Willard lost his mother, Brenda Carroll; their niece died in 2010. They also lost two cousins to cancer. Their daughter Michele recently learned she was cancer free after major surgery the first of the year.

City Recorder Jason Griggs swore in Amanda Hill Callins to the dyer Board of Mayor and Alderpersons during the city’s monthly meeting held Monday night. Callins will serve out the remainder of deceased board member Jimmy Landrum’s term, which expires December

see page 3

Willard & Lois Carroll

Michele Whitaker

Amanda Callins

LOCAL CELEBRITIES WAIT TABLES FOR CHARITY - Eight local ‘celebrities’ waited tables and competed to see who could raise the most money in tips at the Celebrity Waiter event sponsored by the Rutherford First Baptist Church and Rutherford School Relay for Life teams. Among the celebrities were (front from left) State Representative Curtis Halford, Gibson County Mayor Tom ‘Spoon’ Witherspoon, new Gibson County School District Superintendent Eddie Pruitt, Rutherford Mayor Keith Cardwell, (back row) Farmers and Merchants Bank-Rutherford President Tim Griggs, State Senator Lowe Finney, local attorney Bradley Owens and Gibson County Sheriff Chuck Arnold.

FEELING FABULOUS - An average of 80 women meet 2 to 4 times a week to ‘get their zumba on’ at various locations in the area. Zumba instructor Danielle Gwara (back row-center) will soon open her own studio in Rutherford in the former Kellwood Outlet building. Among the loyal zumba participants are (front) Tonya Stafford, Leann Hall, (standing) Kristi Greene, Rhonda Stafford, (Danielle) Amber Croom and Barbara Pack

The Tri-City Reporter, Wednesday, January 4, 2012 Page 3

from page 1

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Tennesseans resolve

from page 1

from page 1Weatherman Dave Brown

Proposed tax increase

meteorologist, too and be on TV.”

Scarlett asked if she could get one of Brown’s ‘bobble heads’ for Christmas. Rutherford resident Kasey Harris, a friend of Greene’s, is related to Brown and asked him if he could come and see

Scarlett. Brown spent time in Trenton visiting family for Christmas so he made a special trip to Rutherford and stopped by Greene Things to see Scarlett.

“He had called and said he was on the way. I told her someone special was coming to see her and it

was a ‘dream come true.’ She nearly fell off her stool when he walked in. She was completely in awe. Dave Brown was gracious enough to come meet her and bring her a bobble head,” said Greene.

Scarlett is a fifth grade student at Yorkville School.

November, but the proposal was tabled on request of County Attorney Floyd Flippin to allow for study regarding the legality of the proposal.•Office Assistant at

Hwy Dept. – A resolution proposes to provide salary costs of $27,040 for an office position at the Gibson Co. Highway Dept. The office manager of many years is retiring. Only one position, Accountant-Bookkeeper, is funded by the budget. Another office person is needed to train and prepare for an orderly transition, states the resolution.•New fire trucks – The

county is receiving a state Community Development Block Grant for $300,000 to pay for two new tankers with auxiliary pumps for the Gibson Co. Fire Dept.•Utilities for Expo site

– The county has been

approved for a Delta Regional Authority Grant of $221,400 to extend water and sewer utilities to the Gibson County Expo site.•Lightning damages

computer – Lightning during a storm caused $1,342.50 in damages to a computer server in the County Mayor’s office. Insurance funds covered $842.50 of costs.•Storm damage at

fairgrounds – A tree felled by a storm at the fairgrounds caused damages to a chain link fence costing $2,142 to repair. Insurance coverage will pay for repairs.•Data processing

equipment damaged – Electrical arcing was blamed for causing damages of $18,660.15 to data processing equipment at the Sheriff’s Dept. Insurance coverage will pay for the replacement costs. •Transfer of funds -

$1,790.33 will be transferred from the Restricted Reserve Account for Sexual Registered Offenders to the Data Processing Equipment account. The Sheriff’s Dept. collects fees from registered sex offenders that are placed in the restricted fund to be used for data equipment for the Sexual Offenders registry program.•Roads list – A list of all

county roads is presented to commissioners. •Agriculture Committee –

Commissioners will look to reappoint four members of the Agriculture Committee to new terms: Julie King, Coy Yergin, Jimmy Copous and Larry Patterson.•Committees appointed

– A revised list of county commission committee appointments is provided, including the listing of Com. Robin Summers on the Animal Control Committee.

Administrator Phil May. “Resolving to be Ready in 2012 could be the most important pledge you make this year.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, Tennesseans can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes or businesses.

To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve

or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists, and guidelines about how to put together a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. For information on Tennessee, visit www.tnema.org.

Resolve to be Ready in 2012 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take action

and prepare for emergencies in the New Year.

This effort is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council.

For more information, visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov or follow the campaign on Twitter using the hashtags #ready2012 and #resolve.

31, 2012. Callins ran for alderperson in the November election and narrowly missed winning a seat on the board.

The Workforce Essentials Job Fair was held Friday, April 8th at the Tennessee National Guard Armory in Trenton. The theme of the job fair was “Get your future started today.”

The event opened at 9 a.m. and by 10 a.m. nearly 200 people had registered. This is the second year for the Job Fair.

Dee Leah Sullenger, Workforce Essentials Job Developer and Facilitator, said that last year over 500 job seekers attended the job fair. The total for this year’s event was 350.

Thirty-seven vendors participated in the event, including several local colleges and technology centers.

Workforce Essentials of Gibson County is located at 1233 Manufacturer’s Row, in Trenton.

A mock DUI crash was held at Gibson County High School Tuesday, April 12. The crash was a staged event that used real vehicles and actors. Emergency personnel (air evacuation, police, fire ambulance, etc.) responded to the scene as if it were real. The mock crash is conducted for the seniors only around prom time in April to raise awareness of the dangerous effect of drinking and driving. Seniors were asked to sign a “Prom Promise” which states that they will not drink and drive on prom night. The GCHS prom will be held on April 30th at the high school.

Gibson County Sheriff Chuck Arnold was the guest speaker. Arnold addressed the junior and senior class immediately after the event. The purpose is to reiterate the reality and possible consequences of drinking

and driving.. Sheriff Arnold was one of the best speakers I’ve heard said GCSD Coordinated School Health Director Kellie Carroll. “He gave a real, personal message. It was phenomenal. One thing he told the kids was, “Don’t make me have to knock on your parents door.”

The Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD) held the Region 8 “Best Tasting Water Contest at the Gibson County EMA Office, Thursday, April 14. The city of Dyer’s water sample was judged the “Best Tasting Water” in the region. Accepting the award was Randy Gregory, project manager for Severn Trent Services, operator of the water and wastewater facility for Dyer.

The Gibson County Sheriff’s Department investigators recently had the occasion to be at 35 Earnest Paschall road in Dyer. At the residence officers noticed, in plain view, components of a methamphetamine lab and material consistent with the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Arrested at the scene were Michael S. Phillips, age 58; Jeffrey A. Ping, age 36; and Michael H. Brown, age 27 of Dyer. The three men are charged with promotion of meth and admitted to investigators they had purchased ingredients and chemicals for the purpose of making methamphetamine.

A tragic farm accident claimed the life of a four-year-old Rutherford boy

when he fell from a tractor on his family farm last week.

Gibson County Sheriff Chuck Arnold says Lucas Seth Flowers was killed on Tuesday afternoon at about 3:30 p.m. on April 19th. The boy was riding in a large, dual-wheel, four-wheel-drive tractor. As the machine was being turned around, the cab door flew open and the boy was thrown out. Sheriff Arnold says they don’t know if the strong winds that preceded the damaging thunderstorms played a part in the door coming open.

In his short life, he touched so many lives with his polite behavior, his kindness, and his mischievous smile. Many lives will be forever changed because he touched them.

Reports of downed trees and power outages were made n every West Tennessee county after a round of severe weather hit West Tennessee in the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 20th.

In north Gibson County, the worst hit area appeared to be in he Poplar Grove community in Dyer. Several homes had bad roof damage. At least one small home had the whole roof ripped off on Poplar Grove Road and homes on Ora Goad Road lost metal roofing and shingles. Several trees fell into the roadway and had to be cleared.

Trees were down everywhere and volunteers were working very Wednesday morning to remove them from homes, driveways and yards.

A look back at the top from page 2

12734 (10-11)

SILER THORNTON AGENCY334 South Main St

Dyer, Tn • 731-692-3731

WHERE DO WE START - Dylan Tubbs looks as if he doesn’t know what to do as he stands among debris and broken trees at his family home on the corner of Poplar Grove and Ora Goad Roads. Severe weather hit west Tennessee in the morning hours of April 20th causing widespread damage.

WINNER CONGRATULATED - J.D. Dethloff congratulates Randy Gregory, operator of the water and wastewater facility for Dyer, judged ‘best tasting’ water in Region 8.

DEADLY SCENE - Real emergency personnel work to extract ‘DUI crash victims’ from a vehicle as the ‘driver’ looks on. The Mock Crash was held at Gibson County High School last Tuesday with student actors from within the county portraying the drunk driver as well as victims of the crash. Members of the senior class watch the deadly scene. Seniors were asked to sign a ‘Prom Promise’ which states they will not drink and drive on prom night. This is the sixth year for the event which is an effort to deter underage drinking and driving. (photo by GCHS Publications class)

GC Sheriff Chuck Arnold


Community Living

Advertise in the TCR!

Moore’s Chapel/Concord FCE Club By Peggy Davis

Laneview Baptist ChurchSunday School for Shut-Ins By Mary King

Dyer Church of Christ By Sabrina Sullivan

New Hope By Shirley Hooper

Bethpage By Joyce Brown

When you’re ready, please read I Corinthians 2:12. There are several steps to take as we are learning how to discern. One of them is to expect peer pressure. Peer pressure is at an all time high. We are warned about those who listen to those who cannot discern spiritual things, the things of God, because they have not the Spirit of God (I Corinthians 2:12-14). So how can we discern and know whether to take our friend’s advice or not? Take heed of whom your friend prefers. “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and God appoints the authorities that exist.

Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves.” (Romans 13:1-2) God is above all. To resist good authority then is to argue with God. Before we accept our friend’s advice, we can take heed how that friend or advisor observes and obeys authority.

Watch for respect: We can also watch how our friend treats elders, especially parents. Lack of honor towards parents is a sure sign of trouble ahead: but

God says this: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)

As you go, so goes one family and as one family goes, so goes one body of believers. As one church goes, so goes one city. As one city goes, so goes one state. As one state goes, so goes one nation under God. We start at Home. As parents create the world around their child, their child creates the world around parents. Parental peer pressure rises. Stress decreases through the increase of obedience to the written Word of God.

“My breather, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But, let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4) We can expect peer pressure whether we’re parent or teen or tike.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) God Himself will reward those who persevere.

What better way to begin the New Year than to be worshiping God in His house!

We had an awesome service! It began with a special from Johnny Cavender, “Day Star.” Then Natalie Farrar sang, “Holy Is Your Name.” The songs touched our hearts.

The title of Bro. Darryl’s message was, “Are You Igniting The Fire or Are You the Extinguisher?” God may reside in your heart, but is He coming forth out of you? Some faithful Christian’s are always igniting the fire while others just want to put the fire out. There must be commitment to God’s work. Unfortunately this is not the case for many. We seem to come up with excuses when it comes to doing His work. Jesus didn’t give excuses not to go to the

cross. He said we were worth it. Why not let the fire ignite in your life? God can open the doors of heaven and send so many blessings. Believe in Him. Have a relationship with Him. Allow Him to show you His will for your life. Have faith. He’s ready to do a new thing in your life. Are you? Scripture Ref: Isaiah 43: 19 also 2nd Chronicles 7:14.

Have A Wonderful New Year!

Special note: Thanks to all who helped with the 2nd Harvest Food Distribution. Showing God’s love with actions. We would also like to say thanks to our youth leaders and the chaperons that took the youth to Sevierville this past week. They had a great time.

God is good!

We were all glad to see Bro. Don. I failed to note the title of his sermon. The scriptures he read from 2 Timothy 1 & 2, Galatians 1: 11, and 1 Corinthians 4:1 told us to hold tightly to the faith and the love Christ Jesus offers you.

Paul tells us about eternal life promised us through faith in Christ, and how Jesus Christ, the Messiah, revealed the gospel to him. We should see our Christian leaders as ministers and stewards. God is concerned about our faithfulness to the ministry, and he will produce the fruit or results. Bro. Don asked us to tell of favorite Christmas’s past and he told of some special ones as a child and as a father.

There were 80 in our one-hour service where we observed communion. We enjoyed special music by Sandy Whitley, which was a song, “Special Delivery.”

It was very special to have Jimmy Winters read from the Bible as LaVera Winters lit the advent candle.

We all rejoiced as Rachel Bryan accepted Jesus Christ, was baptized and became a new member of her family’s church.

Your old reporter is back while Connie Cooper recovers from knee surgery. Please keep her in your prayers. For our first Sunday of the year, I counted 58 present and it was

good to see Louise Turner back in church.

Michelle Goad’s children’s sermon told of two guys attending a ballgame who were supporting opposite teams. One chose to be quiet and not show any support of his team. She read from Matthew 5:16. As Christians, do we often act like we are not supporting Jesus? She challenged the students to stand up and be a Christian.

Bro. Chris Marks message was titled “New Year’s Resolution versus day in Christ everyday.” His scripture was tucked away in Lamentations 3 where two miraculous verses 22 and 23 cover the riches of God where we find his mercy and his love. We are men and women in need of a Savior. Because of his love we are not consumed. What would our world be like if God pulled away for just a little while? Chris asked us to try four things and see if our week is different. Recognize and praise God daily, thank him daily, repent and embrace newness of each day, and know that he is faithful.

Church and life does not have to be same old same old. A new day in Christ is better than any New Year’s resolution. Fall in love with the Lord again.

Plans following the night service were a game night with finger foods.

We had an attendance of 117 for worship service and 101 for Sunday School.

The message for the morning service came from the book of Galatians 2:20, the crucifixion of Christ. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.

The message for the evening service came from the book of 1Timothy 3:1-7 - qualifications of leaders of church. Leaders must be trustworthy, blameless, husband of only one wife, sober-minded, not greedy for money, not given to wine, hospitable, not quarrelsome but gentle, etc. God gives us guides through his word that we can apply to ourselves and to our church.

Remember the following in prayer: O. D. Gilliland as he recovers from a tractor incident last Friday, Jerry Martin as he goes for more treatments this week; All of our shut-ins and those in

nursing homes.We still have room on

signup sheets in the foyer for the youth devotionals and to prepare the Lord’s Supper in 2012.

We haven’t taken up money for school supplies this year, so if anyone is interested in donating any money for this cause please see Pam Grady or Belinda Oliver. They will be glad to purchase these items for the students at school. You can buy the supplies yourself and Pam and Belinda will pick these up at church. Thanks for your help. These school supplies have been useful for the students that don’t have the supplies that they need. Thanks to Pam and Belinda who’ve been collecting these supplies for over three years now; they are a true blessing to everyone.

The Women of Hope Conference will be held February 3rd and 4th, 2012, in Murfreesboro. If you’d like to attend, please see Laura Speer by January 8th as early bird registration ends January 9th.

Happy New Year! A good way to start the year is gathering at the Lord’s house.

Dot Sellers was the only one having a birthday last week so we sang to her. In the absence of Bro. James, we had guest speaker Bro. Nathan Joyce and his family come to worship with us at Bethpage.

He brought two messages on faith. His scripture references were primarily from James 2:14-26 and many others that I didn’t get noted.

Bethany Griggs was beaming with a big smile as she was displaying a new sparkler on her ring finger. Congratulations to Ben and

Bethany as this was a very exciting way to begin 2012.

Sarah and Brock were together for New Years thanks to the technology of Skype. Amazing device!

Zach Cochran traveled to Atlanta with a group from FCA to attend a Christian conference for college students this week.

Scripture of the week: I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Psalm 77:11-12.

Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings.

North Union By Connie Cooper

Happy New Year! Wednesday Wallace Alford led our prayer meeting and Bible study on the Holy Spirit. He passed out scripture that told of the Spirit’s power, His job, how He works, and how He should fill our heart and lives.

Sunday, New Year’s Day, Brother Corey Meggs preached on “Eternal Salvation, don’t start another year without it,” from Hebrews 9:11-15. It was a great start to the New Year.

God’s way is the way that works. He reviewed the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament, and counted the benefits we have access to in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. We then observed The Lord’s

Supper.Sunday evening Brother

Corey spoke on “A New Challenge” from Numbers 9:15-23. The cloud that stood over the tabernacle in daytime looked like fire at night. It symbolized the presence of God. When it moved, they moved. When it stayed, they stayed. We should be ready to change when God directs.

Next Tuesday, January 10 will be our prayer partners meeting. Sympathy goes to Ronnie and Sue Garrett in the loss of his brother. Remember those on our prayer list and our friends in the nursing homes.

May all your troubles in the New Year last as long as your new year’s resolutions.

The club met in the beautifully decorated home of Sandra Newman for the December meeting and Christmas party. Fifteen members and two guests, Joan Jenkins and Kathleen Brown, attended.

President Teresa McConnell led the meeting. After a bountiful potluck meal, Patsy Scott gave the devotional on “The Spirit of Christmas.” She said many gifts do not cost a penny: the gift of listening, the gift of laughter, the gift of affection, the gift of writing a note or giving a compliment, a kind word, a favor to someone, the gift of a cheerful disposition, and the gift of solitude. All of these gifts do not have to be wrapped and anyone can give.

Song leader Janice Gibson led the group in singing “O Christmas Tree” and “Deck the Halls.” The pledge to the flag was given. Ruth Ethridge led the group in playing a short game of naming Santa’s Reindeer with Patsy Scott winning a red bulb pen that lit up like Rudolph’s nose.

Roll call was answered with “Your Best Christmas Memory.” Good memories and laughter were shared during this time.

Announcements were of a meeting to discuss the cookbook being made by the county members on January 10 at 10 a.m. at the Agri-Plex.

The next tap-a-talent will be on January 23. This will be the time the group fills boxes with items to be sent to service men and women.

White announced the new way of notifying members of the meetings and that Carl Perkins items would be collected in January.

Hostesses were selected for the coming year with Joyce Brown and Joyce Chester taking the January meeting that will be held at the Moore’s Chapel community center. All meetings are on the third Monday of each month.

New officers were installed with Joyce Chester in charge. New president is Sandra Newman; vice-president, Debbie White; secretary, Peggy Davis; treasurer, Pat Ward and devotional leader, Peggy Bell.

The exchange of home baked and hand crafted gifts was an exciting time with each gift opened bringing anticipation of what was forthcoming.

Hostess Sandra Newman gave each person a handmade pen or ornament and the club collect was repeated.

Members agreed that this was a wonderful night and look forward to another great year for Moore’s Chapel/Concord FCE Club. The next meeting will be January 16, 2012, at 7 p.m.

Kinley celebrated her 1st birthday on December 10, 2011 at New Bethlehem Baptist Church. She had a cupcake themed birthday party that was celebrated by many friends and family.

Kinley is the daughter of Brent and Valli Smith of Rutherford. She is the granddaughter of Don and Tammy Hall of Greenfield and Tommy and Carolyn Smith of Rutherford.

Kinley celebrates her first birthday

Kinley Smith

In Loving Memory Of

Clyde A. Lovell Jr. December 8, 1937 - January 10, 2010

If there were visits to heaven I would be first in line. If it meant I could see

you one more time. I miss you more everyday.

Love, Lari

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Treatment for Abnormal Heart Rhythm Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart

rhythm. With AF, the upper heart chambers (atria) do not pump blood adequately, leading to the risk of blood clot formation. Persons with heart diseases such as high blood pressure or heart failure are at an increased risk of developing AF. Other types of conditions can also increase the risk of AF include sleep apnea, and emphysema. Although some persons may not experience any signs or symptoms, some may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting. An electrocardiogram can be used in the diagnosis of an AF.

Treatment for AF is aimed at preventing a stroke. Antiarryhthmic medications that may be prescribed include a beta blocker, such as esmolol (Brevibloc), calcium channel blocker, such as diltiazen (Cardizem), or digoxin to control the heart rate. Alternatively, use of a pacemaker of implantable atrial defibrillator may be used to control the heart rhythm or rate. Anticoagulant medications may be prescribed to reduce the risk of formation of blood clots and therefore reduce the risk of a stroke. Warfarin (Coumadin) and dabigatran (Pradaxa) are anticoagulant medications that may be prescribed. Persons who take warfarin require monitoring with a blood test on a regular basis, while Pradaxa does not require regular blood tests.

The TCR deadline is Friday @ 5 p.m.


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Community Calendar

Lowrance Chapel By Jerry Bell

ALTON DOUGLAS RIGGS Rutherford – Memorial services were held on Thursday,

December 22 at the VFW in Dyer with Dr. Benny D. Hopper officiating.

Alton Douglass Riggs was born December 10, 1958, in Chicago, IL.

He passed away on December 14, 2011, at the home of his brother, David K. Riggs and wife Oakie in Dyer. He had been a long time employee of Kongsberg Automotive Milan.

He is survived by his mother; Shirley J. Hanlin of Rutherford, his brother; David K. Riggs and wife Oakie; stepbrothers, J.D. Hanlin, Chicago, IL; Daniel L. Hanlin and wife, Cyndi of Batavia, IL; numerous nephews and nieces; also one great niece and nephew. There are aunts, Florine White of Humboldt, Brenda Partlow of Dyer and Elizabeth Powell of Germantown and numerous cousins.

He is preceded in death by h,is stepfather, Merton L. Hanlin

MABEL MOUNT MCCURDY Dyer – Mabel Mount McCurdy from Dyer passed away

from this life on December 27, 2011, at the age of 93. She passed away peacefully at her home after a brief illness.

Services were held Thursday, December 29, 2011 in the chapel of Karnes and Son Funeral Home in Dyer with Brother Don Barnett officiating. Interment followed in Oakwood Cemetery of Dyer.

Mabel was born April 29, 1918, to Charlie and Jennie Mount in Gibson County. She was married to Frank McCurdy in 1947 and they had a son, Johnny. Mabel was a member of Dyer First United Methodist Church and member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Mabel is survived by her son, Johnny and his wife Jane. grandchildren, Amy McCurdy Richardson, and husband Dana; and daughters Jessie and Jennie, and Chris McCurdy, wife Leslie, and daughters Hallie, Ella Kate, and son Knox. She is also survived by her sister Mary Helen Jones and husband Eddie; and survived by her brothers-in–law and families: Raymond McCurdy of Dyer, Marion McCurdy of Trenton, and Finis McCurdy of Paris. Her family was her pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by Frank McCurdy, her husband of 57 years, as well as her parents and two brothers, Pierce Mount and Walter Edward Mount.

Memorials can be made to Dyer First United Methodist Church.

VERA BELL LOWRANCE FLETCHER

Dyer -Mrs. Vera Bell Lowrance Fletcher, age 98, of Dyer, Tennessee passed away from this life on Saturday, December 24, 2011, at the Trenton Place Care and Rehabilitation Center in Trenton. Funeral services for Mrs. Fletcher were held on Monday, December 26, 2011, in the Chapel of Karnes and Son Funeral Home in Dyer with Bro. Marlon Stephens officiating. Interment followed in the Yorkville Cemetery of Yorkville.

Mrs Fletcher was born September 19, 1913, in Gibson County to the late Samuel and Georgia Lee Morgan Lowrance. She is survived by two sisters, Laverne Thornton and Georgia Singleton, and host of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Fletcher was a retired factory worker, homemaker and a member of the Midway Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Glenn Fletcher and her parents.

Karnes and Son Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Mrs. Vera Bell Lowrance Fletcher.

SHERROD LEE GARRET Dyer - Mr. Sherrod Lee Garrett of Dyer passed from this

life on January 1, 2012, at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital of Jackson at the age of 72. Funeral services for Mr. Garrett were held on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, in the Chapel of Karnes and Son Funeral Home in Dyer with Bro. Jerry Woods and Bro. John Coleman officiating. Burial followed in New Bethlehem Cemetery in Dyer.

Mr. Garrett is survived by one son, Patrick Garrett; one daughter, Teresa Garrett Whiteside; step-daughter, Mary Dover; three grandsons, Richard Garrett, David Garrett, and Zachary Whiteside, his mother, Laverne Garrett; and two brothers, Joe Garrett, and Ronnie Garrett.

Mr. Garrett was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Garrett; his father, Farris Garrett, and one daughter-in-law, Melissa Garrett. Mr. Garrett was a retired Corrections Officer for the State of Tennessee.

Karnes and Son Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Mr. Sherrod Lee Garrett.

Another New Year has dawned upon us. I pray that this year of 2012 will be as good as or even better than 2011. We should all be thankful that God has spared our lives to be able to enjoy the benefits of a new year.

We had visitors with us over the holidays. On the 25th, Kenny and Barbra Roberts, their son and daughter from Little Rock, Arkansas, were the guests of Kenny’s parents, Virgil and Jolene Roberts. We always appreciate them being with us for worship.

We need to remember James White in the nursing home at Trenton and Mark Paschall’s mother, Billie Paschall, in the dyer Nursing Home. Steve McCollum is now feeling much better after suffering from cold and sinus problems for several weeks. Some have had colds and sinus problems that are common for this time of the year. We are so very thankful that Barbara Wiley has been able to come to services. We pray that she will continue to feel better. We would like to offer a special prayer for our dear brother Max Betts. He may have to enter the hospital again in Memphis. Max is the grandson of one of our members. Bobbie Betts. Max and his brother Dakota come most every Sunday and spend time with Bobbie and worship with us at our evening services.

Johnny Meadows, Brooklyn McCollum, LA Nita Inman, and Regina Inman were guests at a New Year “party” at the home of Jerry and Jean Bell last Sunday evening after services. We all enjoyed some “finger” foods, and then we played some games. We all truly enjoyed our fellowship together.

Our lesson study for Sunday was “It’s not my fault.” God tells us in Genesis 3:4 that Satan told Eve, “You will not surely die, if you eat of the tree that God told you not to. God is just telling you a lie. Go ahead and eat of it and it will make you wise.” Today nothing ever is anyone’s fault anymore! We have no-fault insurance and no-fault divorce. The “it’s not my fault attitude” is an attempt to put the blame on someone else. Whose fault will it be, if I spend eternity in Hell? Will it be God’s fault or my own fault? Satan must blunt out our fear of God’s anger to successfully get us to turn against God! Go ahead and sin -- Do your own thing. Satan has made us to believe that maybe God is unfair. Adam and Eve were ready to believe that God might have lied to them about the forbidden

tree. Satan takes great pains to “eradicate” the teaching of responsibility for our sins. Satan leads people to believe that salvation has no power to change a sinner’s heart, attitudes or behavior. Eve struggled with sin in the Garden. Satan “enticed” her! She couldn’t keep away from the tree. When temptation

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comes, we just “give up.” When we sin, who is to blame? Sin is addicting! The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 6:16-18 that we can become slaves to sin. Sin’s slaves are headed for Hell! Christians are headed for life, Heaven. Christians are not slaves to sin! They can’t be! We are either slaves to Satan or slaves

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Sports & EducationPioneers rack up two at Lion’s Club tourney

BY LORI CATHEYThe Gibson County

Pioneers finished with a 2-1 record in the 47th annual Martin Lions Club Christmas Tournament this past week. The Pioneers finished the first half of the season with an 8-7 record.

In the first round, Gibson County lost to South Fulton 50-41. South Fulton jumped out to an early 18-9 lead and Gibson County was forced to play from behind all game. Gibson County was down by seven points (27-20) at the halftime.

At the end of the third quarter South Fulton led 37-31.The Pioneers were outscored 13 to10 in the final frame to lose 50-41 to South Fulton. Leading Gibson County was Ladanus Osler with 15 points. Joe Lee had 10, Zack Eskew 7, Mitchell Simpson 5 and Colton Marcle finished with 4 points.

OSLER NAMED TO ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM - Gibson County Pioneer, Ladanus Osler, was named to the Martin Lions Club Christmas Tournament All Tournament Team this past week. (Photo by Lori Cathey)

FRESHMAN MILAN ON THE RISE - Gibson County Freshman, Jercolby Milan, makes a great pass to Mitchell Simpson for an easy basket. Milan had 8 points and 4 assists against Madison. (Photo by Lori Cathey)

SIMPSON IS HIGH SCORER - Senior Mitchell Simpson splits two defenders as he drives to the hoop for a basket. Simpson was the leading scorer with 23 points. (Photo by Lori Cathey)

In the semi-finals Gibson County beat Gleason 70-45. Gibson County went on a 9-0 run to end up 13-12 in the first quarter. Gibson County was up by 7 (29-22) as they headed into halftime.

In the third quarter the Pioneers picked up their intensity and finished with a 49-31 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Pioneers’ pressure defense forced Gleason to turn the ball over and Gibson County pulled out to a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.

Gibson County won 70-45. Ladanus Osler was Gibson County’s leading scorer with 21 points. Jercolby Milan finished with 13 points, Zack Eskew 12 points, Colton Marcle 9 points and Joe Lee 8 points.

In the final game the Pioneers defeated M a d i s o n 6 7 - 5 2 . Gibson County scored the first four points but Madison went on an 8-

0 run to give them an 8-4 lead with 5:00 left in the first quarter. Gibson County’s Jercolby Milan made a great pass to Mitchell Simpson for a lay up to tie the game 8-8 with 3:35.

The Pioneers lead 12-8 after one quarter. Ladanus Osler grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back in for a basket to give Gibson County a 24-22 lead at the break.

Gibson County outscored Madison17-13 in the third quarter to give them a 41-35 lead at the end of the third. Gibson County expanded its lead to 67 to 52 at the final buzzer.

Scoring for Gibson County was Mitchell Simpson with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 7 steals. Ladanus Osler added 13 points and 11 rebounds. Colton Marcle had13 points and 8 rebounds and Jercolby Milan finished with 8 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds.

FREE* COMPUTER CLASSES

class will begin Monday, , and will be held from 6-9 each Monday evening for ten weeks.

class will begin , and will be held from 6-9 each for weeks. All classes will be held at the Trenton Community Resource Center (formerly Trenton-Rosenwald MiddleSchool) in the computer lab, room 18. Enter from Eaton Street. Registration will be held the first night of each class in Room 22, beginning at 5:30 P.M. For more information, contact Peggy Davis at 855-0665 or e-mail at mailto:[email protected]

Humboldt High School, Monday evenings, 6:00-9:00; Trenton Community Resource Center (formerly Trenton-Rosenwald Middle School off Eaton Street), Monday-Thursday mornings, 8:00-12:30, and Tuesday evenings, 6:00-9:00; Milan Library, Van Hook Street, Thursday evenings, 6:00-9:00. Official GED Test given by UT-Martin in Trenton. Call Gina Wood or Deanna Poole at 855-0665 for more information. The next GED Test is January 27. The Official GED Practice Test must be taken and

registration papers completed by January 18. Call today to schedule your test!

(This project is funded under an agreement with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.)

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LADY PIONEERS NAMED TO ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM - Lady Pioneers named to the Martin Lions Club Christmas Tournament All Tournament Team were: Jasmine Whittemore, Courtney Haynes (Most Valuable Player) and Khadijah Alexander. (Photo by Lori Cathey)

HIGH SCORER WHITTEMORE SHOOTS - Gibson County’s Jasmine Whittemore shoots over Westview’s Teddy Vincent for a basket. Whittemore led Gibson County with 14 points and 3 steals. (Photo by Lori Cathey)

GIBSON COUNTY JUNIOR LEAGUE BASKETBALL

Boys and Girls in Kindergarten through fifth grade

Games start in January and run through February, or early March 2012Games will be at GCHS • $30 per child

($25 if more than one child from same family)Registration is Saturday, January 7, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon at Gibson

County High School Main GymFor more information contact

Coach Michael Hart at 446-5148Coaches are needed. If interested in helping call Coach Hart.

Coaches meeting will be Jan. 12 at GCHS at 6 p.m.

WINNER OF THE RANDOM DRAWING FOR EAGLE DEFENDER - Britton Mann was the overall winner of the random drawing. She is pictured with Selene Barron from Farmers & Merchants Bank. Thank you to F&M Bank.

DYER SCHOOL STUDENTS OF THE MONTH - Dyer School November Students of the Month are kindergarten – Gracie Alford; first grade – Madisyn Spillers; second grade – Hayden Croom; third grade – Sarah Robinson; fourth grade – Ty Carson; fifth grade – Ashton Lannom; sixth grade – Kyndal Pulley; seventh grade – Madison Gammons; eighth grade – Noah Blackburn and Mrs. Denise’s class – Angela Hensley. Thank you to Food Rite Pizza Pro for sponsoring this program.

DYER SCHOOL EAGLE DEFENDERS - Eagle Defenders for the month of November are Mrs. Debbie’s third grade – Stephen King; Mrs. Terri’s fifth grade – Ashton Lannom; Mrs. Ashley’s sixth grade – Malike Owens; Mrs. Samantha’s sixth grade - Cameron McElroy; Mrs. Ladd’s seventh grade – Britton Mann and Mrs. Hudson’s eighth grade – Kierra Coleman, Hannah Hunt, Callie Vaughn.

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ARTPARTY 2012 Courtsquare Arts 103 S. Courtsquare, TrentonADULT BEGINNING ACRYLIC - Trees Teacher: Sara Barker, 784-9389. Cost $45 includes all supplies Tuesday, 1/24/12, 1 to 4 p.m. bring your own snack $20 deposit week prior fast paced, complete painting.---------------------------------

ARTPARTY 2012Courtsquare Arts 103 S. Courtsquare, TrentonADULT BEGINNING ACRYLIC - color, texture & design Teacher: Jane Tyree 559-4467. Cost $45 includes all supplies Tuesday, 1/31/12, 6 pm to 9 p.m. bring your own snack$20 deposit week prior complete painting in 3 hours.---------------------------------

ARTPARTY 2012Courtsquare Arts 103 S. Courtsquare, TrentonADULT BEGINNING MOSAIC - wall hangingincorporates jewelry storage in design. Teacher, Linda Gardner, 731-643-7113. Cost $65. includes all supplies Saturday, 2/11/12, 2 pm to 5 p.m. bring your own snack. $20 deposit week prior complete in one class.

NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S SALE WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a Deed of Trust dated July 26, 2007, executed by JAMES L GOSLEE, A MARRIED MAN, conveying certain real property therein described to ROBERT M WILSON as same appears of record in the Register’s Office of Gibson County, on July 31, 2007 , as Instrument No. 98407, in Book 912, at Page 1488; and WHEREAS, the beneficial interest of said Deed of Trust was last transferred and assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP, FKA COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP, who is now the owner of said debt; and WHEREAS, Notice of the Right to Foreclose (“Notice”) was given in compliance with Tennessee law by the mailing a copy of the Notice to the parties at least sixty (60) days prior to the first publication of the Substitute Trustee’s Sale. WHEREAS, the undersigned, RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., having been appointed by as Substitute Trustee by instrument filed for record in the Register’s Office of Gibson County, Tennessee. NOW, THEREFORE, notice is hereby given that the entire indebtedness has been declared due and payable, and that the undersigned, RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Substitute Trustee or its duly appointed agent, by virtue of the power, duty and authority vested and imposed upon said Substitute Trustee will, on January 25, 2012, 11:00 AM at the Gibson County courthouse door where the foreclosure sales are customarily held At the Gibson County Courthouse, Trenton, TN, proceed to sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for cash, the following described property situated in Gibson County, Tennessee, to wit: Gibson Co. Tax Assessor’s ID: Tax Map 165-N, Group M, parcel 2.00 Source of Description: Copied verbatim from last recorded conveyance at Record Book 673, Page 621, Register’s Office of Gibson Co., TN. Being Lot 28 of East View Subdivision, Section 1, a plat of which is of record in Plat Book 1, Page 99, in the Register’s Office, Gibson County, Tennessee and further described as follows: BEGINNING on a point in the West margin of Woodhaven, which point is the Northeast corner of Lot 29 and the Southeast corner of the herin described tract; Thence, from the point of beginning, and with the North line of Lot 29, West 129.60 feet to the Southeast corner of Lot 27; thence with the East line of Lot 27, North 134.00 feet to a point in the South margin of East View Drive; Thence, with the South margin of East View Drive, East 107.40 feet to the beginning of a curve; Thence, around said curve having a radius of 25.00 feet for 28.42 feet to a point in the West margin of Woodhaven; Thence, with the West margin of Woodhaven, South 119.80 feet to the point of beginning as surveyed by Reasons Engineering & Associates, Inc., R.L.S. #508, October 13, 1993, 3825 East End Dr., Humboldt, TN 38343. PARCEL NO.: 165N-M-002.00 PROPERTY ADDRESS: The street address of the property is believed to be 1541 WOODHAVEN ST, HUMBOLDT, TN 38343-2132. In the event of any discrepancy between this street address and the legal description of the property, the legal description shall control. CURRENT OWNER(S): JAMES L GOSLEE and JAMES LUTHER GOSLEE OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES: N/A The sale of the above-described property shall be subject to all matters shown on any recorded plat; any unpaid taxes; any restrictive covenants, easements or set-back lines that may be applicable; any prior liens or encumbrances as well as any priority created by a fixture filing; and to any matter that an accurate survey of the premises might disclose. This property is being sold with the express reservation that it is subject to confirmation by the lender or Substitute Trustee. This sale may be rescinded at any time. The right is reserved to adjourn the day of the sale to another day, time, and place certain without further publication, upon announcement at the time and place for the sale set forth above. All right and equity of redemption, statutory or otherwise, homestead, and dower are expressly waived in said Deed of Trust, and the title is believed to be good, but the undersigned will sell and convey only as Substitute Trustee. The Property is sold as is, where is, without representations or warranties of any kind, including fitness for a particular use or purpose. RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., Substitute Trustee 2380 Performance Dr, TX2-984-0407 Richardson, TX 75082 Tel: (800) 281-8219 Fax: (866) 681-5002 Registered Agent: CT Corporation System 800 South Gay Street, Suite 2021 Knoxville, TN 37929 Tel: (865) 342-3522 TS#: 10-0054353 FEI # 1006.98315 01/04/2012, 01/11/2012, 01/18/2012

WANTED!

SALE OF CONTENTS The contents of the

following units shall be sold to satisfy the Owner’s Lien on Saturday, January 14,2012, at 9 a.m. at Dyer Storage on Royal St. in Dyer. Jared Mallard Unit #8 and Keith Harris Unit #28.

Remodeled 3 bedroom, 1 bath, brick home in Rutherford, TN.

New architectural shingles and landscape. Call 731-694-7023 or 731-665-6441. $78,500.

FOR SALE BY OWNER


Legal

Property Transfers

Marriages

WW II through a camera lens

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

T.C.A. 30-2-306Estate of

ZANA LOUISE NEEDHAM

DOCKET: 20330PNotice is hereby given

that on the 15TH day ofDECEMBER, 2011, LettersTESTAMENTARY, inrespect of the estate of ZANA LOUISE NEEDHAM, deceased, were issued to theundersigned by the ProbateCourt of Gibson County, Tennessee.

All persons, resident andnon-resident, having claims, matured or un-matured,against the estate are required to file same with Clerk of the above namedCourt within the earlier of four (4) months from the date of the first publicationof this notice, or twelve (12) months from the decedent’s date of death, otherwisetheir claims will be forever barred in the manner and to the extent provided by law. Date of death: 03/27/2011.

This 15TH day ofDECEMBER, 2011.

Signed: BARBARACAMPBELL DUNIVANT

ExecutorEstate of ZANA

LOUISE NEEDHAMSHONNA SMITH,

CLERK & MASTERBy: Susan Graves, DCM

JAMES D. SENTER, III1414 MAIN STREETHUMBOLDT, TN 38343(2tp 1/4/12)

Charles R. Isbell and wife, Vicie L. Isbell to Timothy Lynn Workman and wife, Tabatha Renee Workman – 19th CD

Homesales, Inc. to Larry Tidwell – Milan

Loretta Kay George and Guy Edwin George to Bennett Knott, Mildred F. Knott and Harlie Frank Knott – 22nd CD

Roger L. Noles and wife, Sheila G. Noles to Greg McLean – Medina

Brian Marcus to Adam W. Crocker and wife, Cheryl L. Crocker – Milan

Thomas Lee George,

Dillon Robert Larimore of Medina and Caitlyn Elayne Humphreys of Milan

Luther Barnard Carter of Humboldt and Wilma Luzelle Smith of Humboldt

Bobby Dean McCaig of Rutherford and Melissa

Andrew Lang and Christina Lang to Pat Moore and wife, Donna Moore

FirstBank to Martin F. Fitzpatrick and wife, Anita D. Fitzpatrick – Medina

Tennessee Housing Development Agency to Steve W. Turner – 7th CD

Clark Family Holdings, LLC to Tonya G. Kirkwood – 2nd CD

Clyde W. Barrow and wife, Bernadine Barrow to Judy Reed – 9th CD

Judy S. Reed to Jan S. MHoon and Rebecca S. Smith 10th CD

Miller Hartsfield Messer of Rutherford

James Blake Davis of Rutherford and Leah Desean Huggins of Greenfield

Julien Jefferson Hohenberg of Cedar Grove and Elizabeth Grimes Ford of Cedar Grove

the war except with other veterans. But even then, he would go off to a corner and have a hushed discussion away from the ears of women and children.

Paul Abbott did leave behind another sort of war testimonial in the form of stacks of yellowing photographs he had taken with his camera along the journey. Abbott took pictures of every sort of thing, from pictures of grinning New Guinea cannibals to combat landing scenes on the beaches in the middle of battles.

The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” comes to life in those old photographs. Abbott’s job on the Oxford was to sail his troop carrier in as close as possible from the ship to the shore and even up on the beaches, then unload the soldiers and their gear into the heat of battle. All the while the seamen and the soldiers were being pelted with sheets of lead and artillery fire from the enemy positions. In the battles in the Invasion of the Philippines and the later Invasion of Okinawa, there was the additional hazard of kamikaze attacks by Japanese planes. How Abbott found the time to maneuver about and take pictures while being under fire is a feat in itself.

Paul Abbott’s duty in the war was that of his ship the U. S. S. Oxford. , APA–189 was laid down 17 April 1944 as M.C. Hull 657 by Kaiser Shipbuilding Co., Vancouver, Washington; launched 12 July; underwent trials prior to acceptance by the Navy; and commissioned 11 September at the Naval Station, Astoria, Oregon, Comdr. Paul S. Crandall in command.

The Oxford was a troop transport ship with a displacement of 12,450 tons with a length of 455 feet. She had a draught of 24 feet and could make a speed of 19 knots. The Oxford was manned by a compliment of 56 officers and 480 enlisted men. Her armament consisted of one 5/38” gun mount, twelve 40mm mounts and ten 20mm mounts.

After a brief fitting out period and shakedown in the Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California, areas, Oxford embarked 1,478 troops at San Francisco, California, and steamed for the Southwest Pacific

Ocean 26 October 1944. She arrived Finschhafen, New Guinea 12 November, and then operated between Hollandia and Noumea, New Caledonia, as well as between Florida Island and Mantis Island.

Landing troops and their equipment in the Philippines, Oxford participated in landing operations in Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands, January 11–13, 1945 as a unit of task group TG 77.9. She then continued to transport troops between Leyte, Manus, and Wakde Islands.

On January 9, 1945, the U.S. 6th Army conducted an amphibious landing on the gulf, following a devastating naval bombardment, with 68,000 troops landing on the first day alone and a total of 203,608 in subsequent landings along a 20 mi (32 km) beachhead, stretching from Sual, Lingayen and Dagupan (XIV Corps) to the west, and San Fabian (I Corps) in to the east. The total number of troops under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur was reported to have even exceeded the number that Eisenhower controlled in Europe.

Despite their success in driving out the Japanese army stationed there, they suffered relatively heavy losses, particularly to their convoys due to kamikaze suicide attacks.

Oxford was hit by kamikaze attacks three times during her service. From January 4–12, a total of 24 ships were sunk and 67 damaged by kamikaze planes, including the battleships USS Mississippi and Colorado (accidentally hit by friendly fire), light cruiser USS Columbia, and minesweepers USS Long and Hovey.

Following the landings, the Lingayen Gulf was turned into a vast supply depot for the rest of the war to support the American and Filipino assault on Manila.

Oxford also provided troop transport services during the initial landings at Okinawa April1–5.

The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg, was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II.

The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945. After a long campaign of island hopping, the Allies were approaching Japan, and planned to use Okinawa, a large island only 340 mi (550 km) away from mainland Japan, as a base for air operations on the planned invasion of Japanese mainland (coded Operation Downfall).

Four divisions of the U.S. 10th Army (the 7th, 27th, 77th, and 96th) and two Marine Divisions (the 1st

and 6th) fought on the island. The invasion was supported by naval, amphibious, and tactical air forces.

The battle has been referred to as the “Typhoon of Steel” in English, and tetsu no ame (“rain of steel”) or tetsu no b�f� (“violent wind of steel”) in Japanese. The nicknames refer to the ferocity of the fighting, the intensity of kamikaze attacks from the Japanese defenders, and to the sheer numbers of Allied ships and armored vehicles that assaulted the island.

The battle resulted in the highest number of casualties in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Japan lost over 100,000 troops killed, captured or committed suicide, and the Allies suffered more than 65,000 casualties of all kinds. Simultaneously, tens of thousands of local civilians were killed, wounded, or committed suicide. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki caused Japan to surrender just weeks after the end of the fighting at Okinawa.

After the first five days at Okinawa the Oxford steamed to Guam, to Pearl Harbor, and finally to San Francisco, California, arriving May 11to embark replacement troops.

After one week she again steamed for the Southwest Pacific, this time to the Carolines, the Philippines, New Guinea, and Eniwetok, which she reached on July 22. On the 24th, she departed in company with three other ships for San Francisco, but two days out she had to put in at Midway Island to repack her stern tube. She then steamed independently for San Francisco 29 July but, en route was diverted to San Pedro, California, where she tied up the second week of August.

After voyage repairs at Todd Shipyard, San Pedro, and assumption of command by Captain J. C. Goodnough, Oxford called at both San Diego, California, and San Francisco. She departed 23 August for Eniwetok with U.S. Army replacement troops. After calls at Ulithi, Manila, Subic Bay, and Japanese ports, Oxford returned to San Francisco in late November and was soon after retired from service.

After nearly two years in service, Seaman Paul Abbott was discharged in December of 1945 and returned home to his wife, the former Dorthy Deere of Trenton and his only child, Emerson Abbott. He took up his life where he had left off, returning to work for Gibson County Electric. He placed his stacks of war photos away along with some other trophies such as a surrendered Japanese flag, and never spoke much about the great battles he sailed into on the tropical worlds of the far Pacific.

INVASION OF THE PHILIPPINES – Seaman Paul Abbott snapped this picture from his landing craft as American troops stormed the beach at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon.

JAPANESE SOLDIERS SURRENDERING – Abbott took this photo of Japanese troops surrendering presumably on the island of Okinawa as the American forces made headway into the island.

AFTERMATH OF A BEACH LANDING – This photo shows the heavy toll of one section of a beach invasion.

BEACH LANDING – Abbott took this picture as American troops hit the beaches of Okinawa amid shelling and kamikaze attacks from Japanese defenders.

Subscribe & $ave! LANDING CRAFTS – Abbott took this picture as American landing crafts loaded with troops headed for the shore of Okinawa.

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