Bradley N. Barnett, 21, of 10510 Terry Road, Cedar Grove, was pronounced dead following a three-vehicle 11:10 accident at the intersection of Highway 70 and State Route 104 on Sunday, December 22.

According to the report filed by Sgt. Warren Rainey, Mr. Barnett was traveling west on State Route 104 and when he reached US 70, SR 1, failed to stop at a stop sign, and was hit in the driver's door by Earl C. Medlin III, 44, of 105 Green Street, Camden as he traveled east on US 70. Mr. Barnett's 1987 Nissan pickup was reportedly struck by Mr. Medlin's 1995 Chevrolet Silverado pickup and after impact, both vehicles traveled toward Gateley's Game Room, which was on the corner of the two highways. As they traveled in the direction of the game room's front door, the front of Mr. Barnett's vehicle reportedly struck the driver's door of Margaret J. Gardner's 1990 Olds Cutlass.

Ms. Gardner, 52, of 485 O'Brien Road, Cedar Grove was uninjured in the accident and her vehicle did not need to be towed from the scene.

Mr. Barnett's passenger, Jacob J. Rush, 22, of 2060 West Main, Milan, was reportedly severely injured in the accident and both he and Mr. Barnett were transported by Baptist EMS to Jackson-Madison County General. Mr. Rush has since been released from the hospital and is recuperating at home, according to Bradley Barnett's father, Steve Barnett. Mr. Rush reportedly sustained a severe head laceration in the location of his left temple that required several sutures. He also sustained other abrasions and contusions and is walking with the assistance of crutches.

Mr. Medlin was also injured in the accident and was transported by Baptist EMS to Baptist Hospital in Huntingdon. Both the Medlin and Barnett vehicles incurred severe damage and were reportedly towed from the scene by Kee's Wrecker Service.

Mr. Barnett attended Milan High School and had been employed at Volunteer Leather in Milan, until the company closed approximately six months ago.
(See separate obituary notice in this edition.)

A Monday, December 17 accident on SR 424 reportedly resulted in the injury of all three persons involved, with all reportedly transported by ambulance for medical attention.

According to the report filed by Trooper Paul Moore, Crystal L. Jaeger, 18, of 334 Boyd Lane, Milan and her passenger, Kelley L. Sexton, 22, of 1025 Baird Street, Milan and Joshua N. Balentine, 18, of 620 Bowden Road, Huntingdon were traveling west on SR 424 when Ms. Jaeger apparently lost control of her 1994 Mercury Cougar. Ms. Jaeger reportedly attempted to reenter the road and overcorrected, causing her vehicle to cross the center line and travel south off the road where it struck a series of large trees and came to rest on the south side of the road. Mr. Balentine, was reportedly following Ms. Jaeger, and in an effort to avoid striking her with his 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier, traveled across the center line and lost control of his vehicle, went airborn and came to rest in an overflowing creek. Ms. Jaeger and Ms. Sexton were transported to Baptist Hospital in Huntingdon for injuries incurred while Mr. Balentine was transported to Jackson-Madison County General for more severe injuries. D & D Service Center towed the Jaeger vehicle while Larkin's Wrecker Service towed the Balentine vehicle.
     

Although unemployment in Carroll County experienced a slight increase from 8.1 percent in October to 8.7 percent in November, the rate is still lower than one year ago when the rate was reported as a whopping 14.0 percent for November,2000. From a labor force of 12,120 (12,190 same time last year), a total of 11,070 (10,480 last year) were employed, leaving 1,050 ((1,710 last year) unemployed.

There were no significant employment changes in any one industry in Carroll County for the reporting period, according to Judith Bradberry, Labor Market Analyst with the Tennessee Department of Employment Security.

However, recent months of recession and announcement of plant closures are expected to take its toll on local employment in coming months. Murray Inc. McKenzie announced in early November that it would be closing January 31, leaving approximately 550 employees without jobs.

Henry County's jobless rate rose significantly from 5.8 percent in October to 8.9 percent in November. From a labor force of 15,120, a total of 13,770 were employed, leaving 1,250 unemployed.

The rise in unemployment in Henry County is primarily attributed to a temporary layoff in metals and machinery at Tecumseh Products.

On a brighter note, Weakley County's unemployment rate decreased slightly from 6.2 percent in October to 6.0 percent in November. From a labor force of 16,350, a total of 15,370 were employed, leaving 980 with jobs.

Tennessee's jobless rate for November increased slight to 4.6 percent, up one-tenth of a percentage point over last month's rate, according to Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development Michael E. Magill. The state rate remained well below the national average, which registered 5.7 percent.

"Tennessee, like the rest of the nation, continues to experience fluctuations in the economy," Magill said. "However, the state rate remains significantly below the national average, which also increased over the month.

"November figures also show typical seasonal trends, as retail trade increased with the holiday season fast approaching," Magill added.

Over-the-month figures reflect holiday hires in the retail industry that added 7,800 jobs, with 3,400 of those in general merchandise. Local education grew by 1,000. Manufacturing decreased by 2,600 and the services industry lost 1,600 jobs, primarily in amusement/recreation and hotels/lodging.

From November 2000 to November 2001, employment increased in the services industry by 14,200, trade added 7,400, and transportation was up by 2,100. However, that was more than offset by a loss of 24,900 jobs in manufacturing, with 4,600 of those in industrial machinery/equipment. And through the end of November, companies across the nation have announced close to 1.8 million job cuts in 2001, nearly three times more than were announced in 2000.
      

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