Mrs. Lola Alexander, Mayor Patty Edwards, and Bobby Young. Mrs. Alexander and Mr. Young were the recipients of the city's Virginia Claire Edwards Volunteer of the Year award.
   

During the party, Mayor Patty Edwards announced that she will again seek the office of mayor during the November 2002 elections.

The first of the surprise honors went to Mrs. Alexander. Since 1961, Mrs. Alexander has served as the coordinator of the American Red Cross' blood drive in McKenzie. City Clerk Dana Deem said The McKenzie Banner has described her as "McKenzie's Rose of Sharon", when she was featured in January 2000. Mrs. Alexander has assisted with the school's PTO, helped established the Methodist Hospital Auxiliary of volunteers, served as a volunteer for McKenzie's United Neighbors, and served on the Bethel College Board of Trustees for 21 years.

Mrs. Alexander came to Bethel College from Bowling Green, Kentucky. She married Jim Alexander and stayed in McKenzie. Mr. Jim died in 1992 after a prestigious career as the Tennessee Commissioner of Insurance, Tennessee Commissioner of Industrial Development, and a local businessman, owning the Jim Alexander Insurance Agency in McKenzie. Jim and Lola have three children - Jim, Anne, and Jean.

Bobby Young was honored for his more than 20 years of service to the youth of McKenzie. Mr. Young is employed at Norandal USA. Mr. Young is responsible for many of the McKenzie Rebels fund-raisers and enhancements to Rebel Field. He has served as the Football Booster Club President for two of the past four years. He worked constantly painting buildings, fences, and signage at the stadium. Jack Hall, who presented the award, said one of Young's best traits is his pride in his school, his team, and his town. Hall said that Young is one of several volunteers who are instrumental in keeping the stadium in top-notch shape.

Each year, the Rebels have one of the best football program booklets. That is in great part to Young's efforts. He writes the copy, sells the ads, and helps collect the money. He also helps sell the advertising signs that are at each end of the stadium.

"I can say nobody's field looks as colorful or shows as much pride as McKenzie's, " said Hall.
This year, Mr. Young coached the first ever fifth and sixth grade tackle football team. Young has no blood relatives in that age group. He also has helped with Little League, Babe Ruth, and Jr. Pro Basketball programs. He currently serves on the city's Parks and Recreation Board. He also helped organize a major fund-raiser for the field house expansion. That dinner program netted $16,000 for the field house.

Young also writes the MHS Football report for The McKenzie Banner and gathers statistics for the Jackson Sun's Saturday edition.

Young and wife, Emily have two sons - Nathan and Nick. Nathan is a student at Bethel College and Nick is a senior at MHS. Hall complimented Emily for the many hours of volunteer service she has rendered.
         

A two-vehicle accident near Henry Monday morning claimed the life of 33-year-old Amy Houston of Paris. The accident occurred two miles south of Henry at 11:50 a. m. when Ms. Houston, who was driving a 2000 Nissan Altima struck the rear of a 1986 International tractor-trailer truck, loaded with asphalt.

According to Trooper James Sexton, both Ms. Houston and driver of the truck, Stephen R. Miller, 45, of Mansfield were traveling north when Ms. Houston struck the back of the trailer. Mr. Miller was wearing a seatbelt, however Ms. Houston was not. In the trooper's opinion, wearing the seatbelt would have made a difference.
   

In a special referendum on July 10 in Carroll County voters cast their ballots against the prison locating there.
  

Tommy and Jan Swor, managers of the Carroll County Airport and owners of Swor Aviation, were honored Monday in a surprise announcement of their selection to receive the 2001 Airport Manager of the Year Award for outstanding contribution to aviation in Tennessee.

Flying into the Carroll County Airport Monday morning were Bob Woods, Director of Aeronautics Division - Tennessee Department of Transportation, and Chairman of the Nashville Airport Authority Fred Detwiller. Mr. Detwiller is owner of the Det Distributing Company while Mr. Woods is a retired Air Force Brigadier General.

County Executive Kenny McBride along with Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Director Brad Hurley, McKenzie Industrial Board Chairman Billy Barksdale, and Carroll County Airport Committee Member Clay Dillahunty conspired to keep the award a secret from the Swors, fabricating instead a story that the distinguished gentlemen were flying in to award expected grant monies for the enhancement of the airport.

Both Jan and Tommy wore astonished, happy smiles as Mr. Detwiller revealed the true purpose of their visit to the facility.

Said Mr. Detwiller, "During the past five years we have had the pleasure of working with Jan and Tommy Swor during three different airport improvement projects - T- hangars, a 500 foot runway extension and a runway widening/medium intensity lighting system - which were completed with little difficulty. Having seen most of our state's facilities, and worked with many airport managers, this couple's professionalism and dedication is truly unsurpassed."  

He cited the immaculate condition of the airport, the courtesy car that is made available to fly-in visitors, and "the willing hands to assist you if needed" along with "Jan and Tommy's general demeanor" as reasons that a visit to the Carroll County Airport is a "comfortable stop-over for the traveling public."  

Tommy and Jan's working relationship with other airports and with County Executive Kenny McBride during these projects was also noted with admiration by the Aeronautics Division.  

"All communities can learn from this Airport Manager/Fixed Base Operator team efforts, " Mr. Detwiller proclaimed.

Mr. Detwiller announced the following points of interest concerning the Swor's management of the airport:

• Tommy and Jan have managed the Carroll County Airport since the opening of the facility in 1987.
• They provide prompt and courteous service
• Tommy holds both an A & P and AI certificates
• He is a certified flight instructor and multi-engine instructor
• Tommy does contract flying for the Tennessee Wildlife Agency and Forestry Division
• Offers rental aircraft and charter service
• Has maintained a full service maintenance shop since 1987
• From 1987 through 1994 Tommy and Jan lived at the airport and operated the airport seven days a week. They have since moved to a home near Paris landing where they also own and operate a 3,300 feet grass trip.
• They have been awarded the "Front Door" Award every year since its creation - nine years in a row.

Both Tommy and Jan were awarded beautiful wooden plagues proclaiming each of them individually as 2001 Airport Managers of the Year.

Said Tommy in accepting the award, "It's a team effort. We couldn't do anything without the community, a good industrial board and county executive. We accept this on behalf of the area. We thank you."
  

Three aldermen will be elected for terms of four years each, as well as one alderman for an unexpired term of two years, according to Linda Radford of the Carroll County Election Commission. Deadline for filing nominating petitions is no later than noon, Thursday, December 20.

The last day a person may register to vote prior to the Trezevant election on Tuesday, March 5 and be eligible to vote therein is February 1, 2002. The election commission office, located in the County Office Complex at 625 High Street, Suite 113, Huntingdon, is open Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Phone (731) 352-3323 or Fax (731) 352-3322
washburn@mckenziebanner.com