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TOP STORIES FOR
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2003
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Huntingdon National Guard Placed on Alert |
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NASHVILLE - Major General Gus Hargett, The Adjutant
General today announced that another Tennessee Army
National Guard Engineer Company has been identified for
possible mobilization in support of Operation Noble
Eagle/Enduring Freedom.
"Company B, 230th Engineer Battalion in Huntingdon and
Lobelville has been alerted for possible mobilization as a
result of the Presidential declaration on 14 September
2001. While the unit is not currently ordered to mobilize,
they are conducting sensible planning and making
preparations in the event we are called." Said General
Hargett. "We are trained, ready, and committed to do
whatever the national command authority deems necessary."
No further details are available at this time. Additional
information will be provided as it becomes available. |
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Weather Radio Transmitter Operating |
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By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com |
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November was marked by two weather-related deaths in
Carroll County. Early notification of severe weather
could have made the deaths preventable. Congressman John
Tanner said this area has been referred to as "tornado
alley." Thanks to a federal grant and cooperation
between the counties of Carroll and Henry, a new weather
transmitter is serving as a sentinel guarding the area
as it broadcasts constant weather forecasts and
emergency weather alerts.
Congressman John Tanner, Carroll County Executive Kenny
McBride, Henry County Executive Brent Greer, Jim Duke of
the National Weather Service, and James Sanders of the
USDA Rural Utilities Service made the announcement about
the NOAA transmitter on Monday afternoon from the
Carroll County Office Complex.
A new NOAA weather transmitter became operational last
week in the Vale Community of Carroll County. The 1000
watt transmitter will serve Carroll, Henry, Weakley, and
Benton counties with constant weather forecasts.
"Few things benefit everyone without intrusion," said
McBride. "This transmitter improves the quality of life
of people in Carroll County." He noted that the
transmitter came about through a cooperative effort
between the federal government and the governments of
Carroll and Henry. "This is proof we can work together,"
said McBride.
The project began two years ago after a recommendation
at Carroll County's Local Emergency Planning Committee.
A federal grant of $80,000 was obtained by Congressman
John Tanner through the USDA's Rural Utility Service.
Gary Benton of Paris donated the space on the 104.7 FM
radio tower in the Leach Community, located at the
Carroll, Henry, and Benton county border. Carroll and
Henry counties provided in-kind services as the local
portion of the grant requirements. Both counties will
share the monthly electric bill.
The transmitter operates on the frequency of 162.450,
which can be received by special weather radios. The
radios can provide a constant audible weather conditions
and forecasts or can be silenced, providing alerts only
when special weather announcements are broadcast. It is
equipped with the latest SAME (Specific Area Monitoring
Encoding) technology. SAME provides alerts for
"specific" areas and can be programmed to only alert
with weather announcements for single or multiple
counties, as programmed by the user.
The radios will be especially beneficial for schools,
nursing homes, hospitals, day care centers, or anywhere
a number of people are gathered.
The people of Huntingdon have not forgotten the
devastation in that city in the early 1970s when a major
tornado ripped through the town. In recent years, the
town has experienced a major hail storm and flooding.
Huntingdon's city fathers had considered the purchase of
five weather sirens to be placed throughout the town.
They dropped the idea after the county began work to
secure the weather transmitter.
"The radio is more accurate," said Dale Kelley, mayor of
Huntingdon. "I'm happy this (transmitter) came about. It
is an asset to Carroll and surrounding counties." He
encouraged all area residents to purchase an inexpensive
weather radio. |
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2002- Year in Review |
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January
First Babies - Deborah Santiago of Huntingdon and
Brittney Foster of McKenzie delivered the first babies
of the year in Carroll County. Both were born on January
2.
Area residents were shocked by a murder-suicide in
McKenzie and Gleason. O.C. Scott of McKenzie apparently
killed his estranged wife, Verlie Scott in Gleason and
then killed himself.
Henry renamed the former U.S. 79 in honor of Gordon
McFadden. The street was bypassed by the new U.S. 79.
Hollow Rock Mayor Jimmy Lowe resigned on January 21.
Murray Outdoor Products of McKenzie began the shutdown
of its manufacturing facility. The company had recently
been purchased by Summersong Investment, Inc., a Chinese
company. More than 500 workers were idled.
Mary Young, age 72, of Huntingdon lost her life in an
automobile accident on U.S. 70 in Huntingdon.
Clarksburg graduate Robert Segraves, 22 was stabbed to
death.
New Generations Furniture added 40 jobs on the
upholstery line.
Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse
formed an advisory board in Carroll County.
February
Daria Ferguson , age 27, of Henry and a 7-year-old
child, Christina Ferguson, died in a three-car accident
in Henry. All four of the Ferguson children were in the
van when it crashed head-on into Casey Crosser's
vehicle.
First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of McKenzie moved
to its brand new facilities. Worship services were held
in the 110-year-old sanctuary downtown and continued at
the new church on U.S. 79.
McKenzie Physician, Surgeon Mike Chandel was found dead
in his home on Anderson Drive. He was 58.
Greg Hillard was appointed to serve as the mayor of
Hollow Rock following the resignation of Mayor Lowe.
A new Wal-Mart Supercenter opened in Huntingdon on
February 20.
March
Jackie Carr was honored as the Teacher of the Year at
McKenzie High School.
Trezevant voters elected four aldermen. Frank Newsom,
Bobby Blaylock, Jim Moore, Joe Butler were elected.
Newsom was the lone newcomer to the board.
Jessica Andrews, country music artist and native of
Carroll County, performed for the Relay for Life-South
to raise money to help find a cure for cancer.
April
William Patrick Roberson, age 35, was sentenced to life
in prison after he pleaded guilty to murdering his aunt,
Irene Price, of McLemoresville in September 2001.
The County of Carroll shifted $927,907 from savings to
an insurance self-insured fund.
Six persons were the inaugural inductees into the
Carroll County Hall of Fame. They include: Kermit
Holland, Dale Kelley, James McLemore, Homer Spain,
Richard Welch, and Julian Nunamaker.
A proposed 977-acre watershed lake in the Leach
Community received approval by the State, leaving only
the Federal approval before construction can begin.
Trezevant City Board approved the purchase of a
protective fence around the city's water wells.
May
Emerson Tool in Paris announced its proposed closure in
mid-2003. The move is expected to idle 250 workers.
McKenzie approved a policy for fund-raising roadblocks,
which can only be held during the months of April -
September, only on the second Saturday of the month, and
only at the intersections of Main and Cedar, and
Magnolia and Stonewall.
Bethel College announced plans to expand the college by
adding a new residence hall.
The State of Tennessee approved the addition of a
Licensed Practical Nurse program at the Tennessee
Technology Center at McKenzie. The program will begin in
January 2003.
Behlen Country of Huntingdon announced an expansion of
its workforce by 25 persons.
Dana-Plumley Division in McKenzie received the Carroll
County Chamber of Commerce's top award for an industry
during the annual industrial luncheon.
McKenzie teacher Jimmy Hampton was awarded WSMV TV's
"Apple for the Teacher Award."
MHS Track Team representatives Julie Smith and Sarah
Hartz placed in the annual TSSAA track and field
competition. Smith won fifth in the discus throw. Hartz
ran 227 in the 800-meter run. That was her best time
ever.
June
Carroll County Commissioners restored health insurance
benefits to their dependents. After the vote, the county
paid 75 percent of the dependent's insurance premium.
The move costs some of the commissioners their seats
during the August election. A newly constituted
commission overturned the action and eliminated all
county-paid insurance premiums for commissioners. That
becomes effective January 1, 2003.
Former Huntingdon Mayor Waldon White died on June 16. He
was 77.
Vyn-All Products, Inc. announced the addition of
swimming pool safety covers to their product
manufacturing line.
A lawsuit filed by Doris Tharpe, a former McKenzie
Police Department patrolman, was settled out of court.
Ms. Tharpe filed a discrimination suit against the city.
July
Record new taxes were imposed on the consumers in
Tennessee. The sales tax was increased one percent on
non-food items. Locally, the tax increased to 9.75
percent.
West Carroll Board member Mike Cannon submitted his
resignation.
Dr. Michael Bryant and Dr. David Martin joined the
McKenzie Medical Clinic. Both are former Army
physicians.
Atwood Businessman Billy Joe Greenway died July 12. He
was 67.
Hollow Rock Businessman Gerald Arnold died in a
motorcycle accident. He was 68.
Richard Davy was selected as the principal of the
McKenzie Elementary School. He replaced Charlotte Alsup,
who accepted a position with the Weakley County School
Board.
Dr. Ted Riddick died on July 25. He was 59.
August
Vince Gill, country music artist, played on the Carroll
Lake Golf Course.
Ann Drewry contracted Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever from
a tick, found on her on July 20.
Catfish Restaurant burned on August 9 at 3:00 a.m. The
business relocated across the street.
Bethel College began its 161st year with an enrollment
of 1,100 students.
Blue Jay birds were diagnosed with the West Nile virus.
The dead birds were found in Carroll and Henry counties.
September
Banker, businessman Billy M. Cary died on September 1,
2002. He was the president of Carroll Bank and Trust.
Cary was 61.
A one vehicle accident claimed the life of Kimberly
Kapsalis of Hollow Rock. She was a passenger in the car
of Eric Wilson of Paris, who also died in the wreck.
Paris National Guard was mobilized to Fort Polk,
Louisiana. Approximately 120 soldiers were affected.
Carroll County was awarded the Governor's Three-Star
Award for economic preparedness. It was the 17th annual
awarding for Carroll County.
Dixie Carter performed at the Ned in Jackson. The show
was to benefit the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center
in Huntingdon.
Community Health Systems announced plans to purchase
seven Methodist-owned hospitals. The acquisition
includes McKenzie and Martin.
A tropical storm showed its powers inland when it dumped
up to seven inches of rain on the tri-county area.
Schools were closed one day because of flooded roads.
David Lott, a veterinarian, purchased the former Wood
Barbecue building on S.R. 22. Lott will open a
veterinary clinic in the building.
Two candidates for the office of mayor debated during a
forum hosted by The McKenzie Banner. Billy Barksdale and
Walter Winchester participated in the debate at the new
First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Profile Metal Forming purchased its industrial building
from the McKenzie Industrial Board. The company plans to
expand its operations in the year 2003, with expected
increases in employment of 25 to 30 percent.
November
The National Guard unit from Paris was deployed to
Kuwait.
George Pierce of Paris was killed in his vehicle after
pulling into the path on a dump truck loaded with
gravel. The accident occurred on U.S. 79 between
McKenzie and Henry.
Walter Winchester was sworn in as McKenzie's new mayor.
McKenzie High School cheerleaders won first place in
state competition.
A tornado ripped through Carroll County and claimed the
life of Annette Forsythe and Neil Forsythe.
Carroll commissioners approved a $2.2 million renovation
to the courthouse and jail. The final design is
scheduled to be approved in early 2003.
LoLisa Ann Wilbourn, 30, of Huntingdon died from
injuries sustained in a traffic accident between
McKenzie and Huntingdon.
The 977-acre recreational lake received final approval
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lake will be
built in the Leach community on Highway 70.
McKenzie Rebels moved to the semi-final round of the
TSSAA Class 2A competition.
December
Central Linebacker Patrick Willis won the state Mr.
Football award for Back of the Year for Class A
competition. Ricky Mathis of McKenzie was nominated for
the Lineman of the Year award for Class 2A.
Carroll County Health Department announced its plan to
vaccinate residents against the smallpox disease.
A $1 million grant from the State of Tennessee was
awarded to the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center. The
Center will be constructed on the court square in
Huntingdon.
Tennessee Attorney General Summers approved the sale of
seven Methodist-owned hospitals to Community Health
Systems. The change of ownership is planned on January
1.
Rebels Ricky Mathis, John Howell, and Cody Cook received
all-state honors for their football play in 2002. |
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Phone (731) 352-3323 or Fax (731)
352-3322
washburn@mckenziebanner.com
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