JULY 2014 *There were many faces of enjoyment at the 2014 Flag City Freedom Celebration like sisters Audrina Hernandez, 7 months, and Aria Hernandez, 21-months. The Flag City Freedom Celebration: Independence Day Spectacular was held July 3 at Navy Lake. Several residents from the Mid-South made their way to Millington for the event presented by the Naval Support Activity Mid-South and the city of Millington. The event was sponsored by HNA Engineering, Republic Services, Homer Skelton Ford, Homer Skelton Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep and Clear channel/ROCK103. Gates opened at 5 p.m. and the fireworks show started at 9 p.m. as the grand finale. *Millington city leaders unanimously approved the appointment of Frank Tennant as the city’s new Chief of Police. Tennant, who currently serves as police chief and city administrator in Hermann, Mo., will assume the position as Millington’s top cop within the month. Tennant brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience at all operational and administrative levels to his new post in Millington, including more than 20 years in a command capacity. For the past 10 years, he has served as Hermann’s police chief in addition to Hermann’s City administrator for the past two years. *The Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen elected Larry Jackson this week to fill the municipal school board position left vacant by Jennifer Carroll’s resignation. Board members took the action Monday night at their regular monthly meeting during three rounds of voting. Jackson was elected by a 4-1 vote, with Alderman Thomas McGhee dissenting, Alderman Hank Hawkins abstaining and Alderman Frankie Dakin absent. A 1966 graduate of Millington Central High School, Jackson served as an alderman from 1984-88. He has also been a member of the Millington Industrial Development Board and the Millington Sports Authority, as well as the Board of Directors of the Millington Area Chamber of Commerce. Since 2001, he has been president of the Patriot Bank in Millington. In November 2013, Carroll was elected to an initial one-year term in school board Position 6. She resigned on June 19 to apply for a teacher position in the municipal school district and has been hired at E. A. Harrold Elementary School. Jackson will serve for the remainder of Carroll’s term, which expires on Dec. 1. *Briarcrest Standout, Ole Miss Legend, Carolina Panther Pro Bowl Lineman and even The Kraken are some of the names for the special guest in town July 12. But for those at Aycock Park under the blazing sun, it was native son Greg Hardy Jr. back home in Millington for the 2014 I Go Hardy Camp for boys and girls. Hardy and more than 40 volunteers were working drill stations and activities for the more than 200 children from Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Memphis and Millington in attendance. “This is big time,” Hardy said. “As we know, a lot of people don’t come back. Even if they do come from here. All around the world, a lot of people don’t come back. It’s important for the kids to see it is possible. I want them to achieve and not settle.” *Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton was highlighted during a recent event hosted by the Hospital Quality Institute focused on the best practices for patient care, quality of hospitals and patient safety. The hospital was recognized for its high success rates in inpatient care. The focus of discussions included: the HQI’s national safety program, current trends that hospitals have in place and that have proved successful, as well as the importance of holding the hospitals accountable for any issues they might be facing. *Dr. David Roper, superintendent of Millington Municipal Schools, discussed “arrangements” last week for the transportation, feeding and instruction of students during the upcoming academic year. While acknowledging that the bus routes have not yet been “finalized,” he said they are expected to be ready on July 29, when parents register their children from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the four schools in the municipal district. Roper made the comments on July 16 while responding to parents’ questions about the new school system during a Community Meeting in the Harvell Civic Center Auditorium. He noted that the route information will include what time a bus is scheduled to come through a neighborhood, what its number will be and where it will pick up students. *The Millington School Board voted in July to authorize its Executive Committee to sign a contract with Durham School Services for student transportation. Board members took the action last Thursday night during a special called meeting on a motion offered by Vice Chairman Don Holsinger and seconded by Cody Childress. The motion was passed by four affirmative votes, with Larry Jackson, Louise Kennon and board Chairman Greg Ritter absent. Dr. David Roper, superintendent of Millington Municipal Schools, said the attorneys for the various municipal school districts were still working on the final dotting of “i’s” and crossing of “t’s” on the agreement. *Since the closing of the OpenMarket Place months ago, the parking lot at 8235 Highway 51 North has been mostly empty. But that all changed the morning of July 23 with the grand opening/ribbon cutting for the retail store Dirt Cheap. The ceremony was held by the Millington Area Chamber of Commerce and its President Charles Gulotta. Also in attendance were several Chamber members, Millington Mayor Terry Jones and executives from Dirt Cheap and several employees. “Wonderful, we’ve been outsourcing real-estate here in Millington for the last year,” Dirt Cheap Millington Store Manager Andrew Stubben said. “We signed this lease six months ago and have worked diligently for the last six weeks to get it open. We’re so glad to be here. I hope Millington is as excited to be here as we are.” *All Students registered on July 29. Registration for the 2014-15 school year was held at each of the four Millington Municipal schools. AUGUST 2014 *Usually the night before the first day of school is exciting to children looking forward to new grade, fresh clothes, different faces in the classroom and a new teacher. But the eve of debut of the Millington Municipal Schools, many adults were eager for the beginning of the new school system featuring Millington Central High School, Millington Middle School, Millington Elementary and E.A. Harrold. On Monday, Aug. 4, 2014, the doors open to MMS students for the first time. “I think it’s great that we’ve finally got a situation to where we’ve got local control with the schools,” Millington School Board Member Don Holsinger said outside the entrance of Harrold Monday. “ The one thing that I’m impressed about right now is the morale of the teachers, staff, administration and even the parents. They’ve been very positive. “We’ve had a few glitches with registration,” he acknowledged. “There’s going to be a few glitches the first day or two. Parents have been really positive about the whole thing. There are some positive things up ahead.” *As the 2014-15 academic year began on Monday, at least 2,584 students had enrolled in the four schools of the Millington Municipal School District. Dr. David Roper, superintendent of the municipal school system, said that was the total as of 10 a.m. Monday. And he noted that, during the day, “more were added” to that. He said that is already “significantly” greater than the number of students who enrolled during the July 29 registration. “In analyzing these numbers, our planner is now projecting in the neighborhood of 2,750 students on the 20th day of enrollment,” he said. “We’re very pleased with that.” Roper made the comments Monday night during his report to the Millington School Board at its regular monthly meeting. He said he told the Central Office staff in a meeting Monday afternoon that his report could consist of three words: “Yes, we did.” *The Professor of Memphis Rap and Millington’s own “Knowledge” Nick Hicks has been busy lately promoting his latest album The New Memphis. At recent shows in Memphis Knowledge Nick rubbed shoulders with Memphis Rap legends DJ Zirk and Kingpin Skinny Pimp. Prior to the meeting the M-Town duo, Hicks got a chance to chat with Hip-Hop legend Kurtis Blow. He also got an autograph from Blow. Blow is recognized as the first commercially successful rapper and the first to sign with a major record label. Hicks’ The New Memphis tracks are available at itune and www.artisttreeent.com. For more information, contact Knowledge Nick at knowledgenick.com or call 596-9759 *The Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously authorized an agreement this week with the state of Tennessee for resurfacing part of Raleigh-Millington Road. Board members took the action Monday night during their regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Alderman Frankie Dakin and seconded by Alderman Hank Hawkins. During discussion shortly before the vote, City Engineer Darek Baskin noted that Raleigh-Millington Road has been designated by the Tennessee Department of Transportation for assistance in repaving. He said that, in response to Millington’s request, TDOT has submitted a “development contract” for a project that will be managed by the city to complete the resurfacing of Raleigh-Millington from Sykes Road south to Amherst Road. Baskin reminded the board members that an economic stimulus grant was used in 2010 to repave Raleigh-Millington from Church Street to Sykes Road. *At each level of her basketball career, Jasmine Newsome has faced questions and doubts with a determination that has made her a champion. In addition to setting records at Millington Central High School and UT-Martin and winning titles, Newsome’s drive to improve and prove doubters wrongs has made her a professional basketball player. This summer, Newsome agreed to join the women’s professional basketball league in Germany leaving earlier this month for Europe. “It like I’m going away to college,” Newsome said. “I’m going away for five months. I’m starting over. It’s something different. I get to meet new people and make a new family somewhere else. I’m really looking forward to it. “I don’t know what to really expect,” she added. “I’ve never been overseas and this far away from home.” Before leaving home, Newsome’s parents Trina and Vincent Sr., invited several of their daughter’s former teammates, friends and family for a going-away party at their Millington home. *The Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen has unanimously authorized an application for a $175,000 state grant to establish a flight training academy at the Millington Regional Jetport. Board members took the action during their Aug. 11 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Alderman Chris Ford and seconded by Alderman Mike Caruthers. Shortly before its vote, the board heard a presentation by Charles Gulotta, executive director of the Millington Industrial Development Board and Millington Area Chamber of Commerce, and Jetport Director Roy Remington. Gulotta said they have been working with Crew Training International, a $40 million Germantown-based company that has made a “commitment” for economic development of the jetport. *Grammy nominated rapper Rick Ross shakes the hand of Millington Central High School graduate and former Lambuth standout wide receiver Jesse Ferrell before hosting a ribbon cutting at the Wingstop in Bartlett Aug. 14. Ferrell, who is known as Ja-Alan in the music industry, made the drive to Bartlett to introduce himself and some tracks to Ross who is the head of his own record label. *GERMANTOWN — The phrase “better late than never,” has taken on a whole new meaning for Millington Trojans Head Football Coach Chris Michael. The 2014 season-opening game at Germantown as been on the schedule for months. But hours away from kickoff Aug. 22, the Trojans were running a little late getting to Red Devil Stadium. Millington made it in time to beat the heat and Head Coach Charlie White’s Red Devils 28-0. “Their effort was great,” Michael said of his team. “They played hard from start to finish. We were late getting over here. We scrambled through warmups. We had a little huddle down here in the end zone beforehand. “It seems to work for us,” he continued. “We were late on the buses before going over to scrimmage White Station the other day. We had a great scrimmage in that. Maybe I’ll tell the buses to be late all the time.” *The triple digits outside Aug. 23 had Flag City all heated up. But the firestorm of support for Millington Municipal Schools inside the much cooler Millington Central High School Cafeteria illuminated the day. The celebration of Millington Municipal Schools sponsored by MMS, the city of Millington and Millington Education Foundation invited several special guests for moments of reflection, congratulation and anticipation. “It been an awesome journey,” Millington Superintendent Dr. David Roper said. “We’ve just had the support of so many people to help all of this come together. We’ve been able to assemble a staff of folks who I think are going to be great for our school system. And the support we continue to get from the community has just meant so much to me personally because beginning a school system is a difficult task to say the least.” SEPTEMBER 2014 *Richard Hodges, former mayor of the city of Millington, has agreed to resolve his case with the State of Tennessee by entering a guilty plea to the charge of facilitation of bribery. Hodges is entering his plea this morning in an appearance in Division I of Criminal Court. His lawyer, Tommy Parker of Baker Donelson, stated “From the start, this case has been difficult for Mr. Hodges. His wife Rita, died the day before law enforcement officers executed search warrants in this matter and interviewed him. In January 2012, Mr. Hodges resigned from his position as mayor so the city of Millington could move forward while this case proceeded. He has incurred significant financial burdens, and for the last year has also been facing major health issues and is currently battling prostate cancer. Mr. Hodges deeply regrets any distraction this case has brought to the people of Millington. His hope is that by entering this pleas he will bring resolution to this matter, allowing him to focus on his recovery and bringing closure to members of his community.” *The day Reggie Elkins’ prep basketball career at Brighton High School in 2010, he walked off the court saying his playing days will continue and he wanted to play professionally. Over time Elkins has proven himself to be a man of his word becoming an NAIA standout for the Mid-Continent University Cougars. This year his run with the Cougars came to an end and it was time for Elkins to pursue the next level. Elkins was invited to the Portsmouth Basketball Summit in Virginia. The 5’9 shooting guard was looking for an overseas deal after graduation. “Word got to me that Memphis was bringing a new ABA team here,” Elkins said. “So we got that information, and after six weeks of training, I made the roster. The team is the Memphis Lions and its a newly accomodated franchise in the Mid-South, and will be a part of the official American Basaketball Association this upcoming season.” The son of Ronnie and Patricia Elkins has reached his dream and fulfilled his promise. Now Elkins will represent his family, Brighton High School and town of Brighton on a professional level. *The Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen has unanimously passed an ordinance on first reading that would adopt the municipal school system’s budget for the 2015 fiscal year. Board members took the action during their Sept. 8 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Alderman Mike Caruthers and seconded by Alderman Thomas McGhee. The proposed ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing and final reading at the board’s Oct. 13 meeting. During discussion shortly before the vote, City Finance Director John Trusty noted that the board adopted only the school system’s General Purpose Fund when it approved the city’s budget. It also adopted a separate resolution in the belief that it would have to “physically transmit” that to the Tennessee Board of Education. Trusty said the state board now allows municipalities to “register online and certify” that the Board of Mayor and Aldermen did adopt the school system’s budget. But the certification also refers to the Central Cafeteria Fund and the School Federal Projects Fund. Trusty said the board must now approve those two funds, so it can certify that to the state. He noted that, at its Sept. 2 meeting, the Millington School Board adopted some amendments to its budget, which the city board also has to approve. Final passage of the proposed ordinance would accomplish both tasks. *Damage estimates were being compiled Sept. 11 in the wake of that morning’s flooding caused by hours of steady rain from about 5:30 to 9:30 a.m. “We began our coordination effort early this morning,” Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell Jr. said. “Late this afternoon, representatives of law enforcement, fire and emergency response agencies met at our emergency operations center to talk about flood damage and ensure there was coordination among agencies across the county.” More than 40 people were staying at a comfort station at the Ed Rice Community Center on North Watkins after 25 homes were evacuated in the Frayser and Raleigh areas. Memphis firefighters and police officers also rescued more than 30 people from their vehicles near Mountain Terrace. “We had more than five inches of rain in just a few hours,” said Bob Nations Jr., director of the Shelby County Office of Preparedness. “That overwhelmed drainage systems and sent water over the top of creeks and tributaries near the rivers.” *Millington Mayor Terry Jones, right, spent part of his birthday introducing Brighton High School student Caroline Hayes to perform the National Anthem Sept. 12 during the opening ceremony of the 25th International Goat Days at USA Stadium. Hayes, 17, is a member of the BHS Band and accompanied by her family and vocal coach Rachel Wortham of Dream Coach Studios in Munford. Young and the young at heart enjoyed the opening ceremony and festivities at the 25th International Goat Days this past weekend at USA Stadium in Millington. Among the faces were Drummonds Elementary student Chad Delashmit, 6, enjoying some nachos. More than 30 local sponsors help put on the traditional event featuring rides, games, activities and booths. Of course there were goats participating in the opening ceremony and other events throughout the weekend. *Head Coach JR Kirby’s game plan toward victory for his Munford Cougars was going well. Then Millington Trojan senior linebacker Patrick Macon literally snatched away Munford’s method for victory in the first quarter of the Sept. 12 M&M Bowl. After the Cougars picked up three first downs on the opening drive in Cougar Stadium, Macon put an end to Munford’s momentum by ripping the ball away from a Cougar ball carrier. Macon’s robbery of the ball led to a Luke Bell field goal. The Trojans added more points using there passing attack to win the 2014 M&M Bowl 41-13. “He’s a big physical kids,” Trojans Head Coach Chris Michael said. “He’s going to be able to match most kids with size and strength. When he gets in the pile and those backs are trying to get some extra yards. We’ve got three or four bodies in there, he’s just going to take the ball. And he did a good job of that tonight.” *In September Andrew Womack recalled the plane taking off from Memphis,. The Tipton-Rosemark Academy Upper School Assistant Principal was optimist. The destination was the Dominican Republic, a place Womack has visited before. But for 23 TRA seniors there was some uncertainty about the school’s first mission trip outside of the United States. After visiting five villages and encountering numerous natives who greeted them with opening arms, the TRA students left the Dominican Republic June 2 with a new outlook on life. “This year’s group had the task of actually selecting the village,” Womack noted. “We were there a week and this group visited five different villages with the sole purpose of seeing which village they felt our school could make the biggest impact in and we could relate to the best. “We chose a village called Los Fundos,” he added. “The reason that the students chose that village was because it was the smallest village we went to. It’s approximately 60 families. With the size of TRA, it just kind of made sense. We’re a smaller school and they’re a smaller village. We feel we can have a big impact there.” The selection of Los Fundos by the Class of 2015 means that future TRA senior groups will visit the village and continue the relationship started this past May 27-June 2. *The Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen has unanimously adopted a resolution approving a “return-to-nature” format as the “end use” for the Pulvair site. Board members took the action during their Sept. 8 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Alderman Frankie Dakin and seconded by Alderman Larry Dagen. In the vicinity of Big Creek Church Road and the Canadian National Railroad, the city owns a parcel of land known as the Pulvair site, which has been identified as a “hazardous waste” site. The resolution states that various “end-users” of products manufactured by the Pulvair Corp. have undertaken an “environmental cleanup” of the site under the supervision of the state of Tennessee. It notes that the board had originally approved a “dog park” to be the end use for the property. But for “economic reasons,” Millington’s previous city managers determined and recommended that, after “remediation activities” are completed, the property be allowed to “return to nature” with the planting of vegetation. The resolution also states that this approach will save the city additional funds that would be required for the maintenance of a park. Also, the “protective covering” over the site will help with erosion control and provide an open “green space.” *The 2014 Millington Central High School Homecoming Queen is Ashlee Bone. Escorted by her father Scott Sept. 18, the senior was crowned at midfield during halftime of the MBA/Millington football contest in front of friends, family and peers by last year’s MCHS Queen Iris Reyes. Reyes returned to campus, currently attending The University of Memphis. Bone took the torch as Queen voted by the Millington Trojan football players. Bone is involved in Yearbook, Beta Club, Key Club and National Honor Society. She plans to attend the U of M and major in veterinary medicine. *Millington’s First United Methodist Church, at 8029 Wilkinsville Road., celebrated the 125th anniversary of its founding on Sept. 21, with a wide range of activities. The Episcopal leader of the Nashville Area for the United Methodist Church Bishop Bill McAlilly preached the morning’s sermon at a worship service with more than 200 people in attendance, The Superintendent of the Asbury District Rev. Tim Carpenter and his wife Dawn also were present, as well as several pastors who had led the church or been a part of the congregation in the past including Rev. Jerry Corlew 1973-77, Rev. Roy D. Williams, Jr. 1977-1986, Rev. Joe Mosley 1990 and Rev. Sam Pace 2011. “God has been with this community of faith for a very, very long time. We stand on the shoulders of others, a cloud of witnesses,” Bishop McAlilly said. *Brighton High School Girl’s Golf Team won the TSSAA Division I Region 7-3A Golf Tournament held at the Pickwick Landing Golf Course on Sept. 22 with a team score of 155. Arlington finished second and Munford took third. The TSSAA Division I State Tournament was held at Willowbrook Golf Course in Manchester Sept. 30 and Oct 1. *On behalf of the President of the United States, Millington Mayor Terry Jones presented James Purdy the Bronze Star Medal in September in his office for his combat action in Afghanistan. Chief Special Warfare Operator (Sea, Air and Land) Purdy of the U.S. Navy was recognized for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Leading Petty Officer, Special Operations Task Force-EAST, in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom from March to September 2011. Purdy managed the mission readiness of a 40-man element and maintained 100 percent accountability of $13 million of sensitive ordinance and equipment. His meticulous execution of 76 combat operations projected precision engagement into a region which had been abandoned to the Taliban in 2006 as exemplified by a grueling, 24-hour operation when his element came under intense enemy fire. *The chants of “McBride, McBride, McBride” echoed from the bleachers from the mouths of Brighton High School students sporting in teal. The BHS administration, faculty, staff and students all were chanting for their Freshman English teacher as she walked the tracked in the football stadium to be recognized as one of the nine finalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year. And those cheers grew even louder when all the students found out Blue Bell Ice Cream was on hand to salute McBride and provide ice cream sandwich for everyone on behalf of her nomination. “Today we’re celebrating being a finalist for Teacher of the Year,” McBride said. “And Blue Bell Ice Cream is bringing ice cream for the entire Brighton High School students for appreciation and recognition for the hard work they put into education as well as what I do here.” McBride found out this past summer she was named a finalist by the Department of Education. In Tennessee, there will be a winner for West Tennessee, East Tennessee and Middle Tennessee. Those three finalist will advance for the overall award of Teacher of the Year for the Volunteer State. The finalist are West Tennessee: Karen Vogelsang (Keystone Elementary), Kerry Newsom (Margaret Newton Elementary), and McBride (Brighton High School). Vogelsang won for West Tennessee. OCTOBER 2014 *The Brighton Lady Cardinals took third at TSSAA Division-I Class 3A State Championship at Willowbrook Golf Course in Manchester this week. Sophomore standout Aubree Jones was the individual girls champ and low tournament medalist firing a -5 par two-day total of 139 to lead the Lady Cards to a third place finish. Senior Anna McIntyre finished with a 170 and Tess Hendrickson a 216 to complete the team score (309). Jone’s win made her the second girl to win back-to-back since Courtney Wood of Brentwood High School did it in 98-99. Jones’ 139 two-day total was the lowest TSSAA Division-I Class 3A State Championship individual girl’s finish in history (dating back to the ’98 season). “Way to go BHS Lady Cardinals Golf Team, your third place team finish at the TSSAA Division-I Class 3A State Golf Championship at Willowbrook Golf Course in Manchester, makes you the highest finishing golf/sports team in BHS history,” Head Coach Kim Greer. “Way to go Anna, Aubree and Tess. We’re all so proud of your accomplishment. Not to mention Aubree just won the TSSAA Division-I Class 3A girls state individual championship for the second year in a row, with the lowest individual girl’s total (139) in TSSAA Division-I Class 3A State Golf history (dating back to the 1998-99 season).” *The time has come to dust off the Millington Crisis Center. The staff and Board of Directors of the Crisis Center decided in late September to temporarily close the 8133 Wilkinsville Road location for the month of October to revamp it. “We’re going to be closed the month of October to revamp our bylaws, get our place really cleaned up,” Crisis Center Director Lois Wilber said. “We’ll still be taking donations. And we’ll still be taking TerraCycle. We need some time literally to take everything out and clean the room. We’re doing some renovations.” The Crisis Center has been around for several years serving the needs of area residents ranging from clothing, food items, health information and assistance on bills. Hundreds use the services provided by the Crisis Center including 536 in the previous month. *The 2014 Tipton-Rosemark Academy Rebel Golf team was busy this past season breaking records. The final piece to fall in this standout season was the best finish for an individual Rebel golfer at State. On Oct. 6-7, TRA eighth-grader Luke Smith traveled up to Manchester to play the Willow Brook Golf Club course in the Division II-A State Golf Championships. Smith shot a personal best 76 and 74 in the two days to finish third overall. “My goal was to get in the top 10,” Smith admitted. “I thought I could get maybe eighth or ninth place. Maybe just below that 10 mark, to get third is pretty awesome.” *BARTLETT — Led by the MVP performance of senior Kenzie Fields, the Bartlett Lady Panthers are once again Region 7-3A Volleyball champions. Oct. 13 in the Bartlett Gymnasium, the Lady Panthers advance to the title game beating Hardin County, the District 13-3A runner ups. Bartlett would face the Munford Lady Cougars after they sweep the Bolton Lady Wildcats in the other semifinal match. It was District 13-3A champions Munford vs. District 14-3A champions Bartlett for the Region championship once again. For the fourth straight year it was the Lady Panthers coming out on top of the rivalry this time 25-17, 23-25, 25-13 and 25-9. Both teams advanced to Thursday’s Sectional round with Bartlett hosting Region 8-3A runner up Collierville. Munford will travel to Region 8-3A champion Houston. Houston and Bartlett advanced to State. *Last Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the Memphis Airshow, two Blue Angels landed at the Millington Regional Jetport. This was the start of what was going to be a great weekend for parents and kids of all ages. Lt Chamberlain, the narrator for the Blue Angels arrived first. He is also the pilot that flies the two seater version of the F/A-18 aircraft that the Blue Angels fly. Waiting for the No. 7 plane to arrive were Jeffery Holmes, a teacher at Wooddale High School in Memphis. He was nominated and after meeting some strenuous requirements, was informed he would be the first flier. Lt. Chamberlain took Holmes on a 45-minute flight following the Mississippi River north. Jeffery Holmes knew he was in for a ride during the take off, when they pulled more than 6 Gs, which is 6 times the normal force of gravity. Being a flight instructor and teaching an aviation class at his school helped prepare him for the ride. *On a busy Oct. 25 across the Mid-South, Millington had it’s share of seasonal celebrations Saturday. One of the highlights was the annual closing of the Millington Farmer’s Market with the Fall Festival. City of Millington officials joined regular vendors and several residents for a day of hay rides, face painting, games and much more to give the 2014 season a proper send off. The Millington Farmer’s Market opens every first Saturday in May and closes the last Saturday of October. Patrons came to buy clothes, homemade food, jams, jellies, artwork and much more from vendors like Janet’s Craftalley, Marla’s Garden, Gama’s Garden N Goodies, Knife Sharpening with Mike and David Thomason and Holt Farm just to name a few. *The emerging programs meet with a trip to the Region 7-3A Soccer Tournament finals and spot in Sectionals on the line. The District 14-3A runner up Bartlett Lady Panthers under second-year Head Coach Robby Midyett came to Brighton Stadium ready for the challenge of the District 13-3A champions Brighton Lady Cardinals. The Lady Panthers used ball control to prevail over Brighton 5-1 last Tuesday and advance. The victory for Bartlett also guaranteed a spot in the Sub-State round. “This is further than we went last year with my first year with the girls,” Midyett said. “We got eliminated in the district tournament last year. So this is a big step for the girls. Today we were trying to play a complete 80 minutes. I’m proud of them and we have a big test come Thursday.” Bartlett’s first test was Brighton. The Lady Cardinals entered the contest as District 13-3A regular-season and tournament champions with a 12-2-1 record. NOVEMBER 2014 *The playoff brackets were released the morning of Nov. 1, and The Millington Star coverage area’s teams were going to do some traveling. The Tipton-Rosemark Academy Rebels were back in the Division II-A playoffs for the second straight season and faced the Franklin Road Academy Panthers once again. Meanwhile the area’s two 5A teams Munford and Millington headed to Henry County and Lawrence County respectively. *In this year’s only contested Millington School Board race, Cody Childress defeated Emile G. Sigee on Tuesday as one of three members elected to four-year terms. In Position 4, Childress received 1,400 or 69.24 percent of the 2,022 votes cast, while Sigee got 618 or 30.56 percent. Four write-in ballots were cast in that race. Cecilia “C. J.” Haley and Larry Jackson were unopposed in Positions 2 and 6, respectively. Haley received 1,850 or 99.36 percent of the 1,862 votes cast in that race. Twelve voters cast write-in ballots. Jackson got 1,919 or 99.64 percent of the 1,926 votes cast. Seven voters cast write-in ballots in that race. Childress and Haley were each elected on Nov. 7, 2013 to an initial one-year term on the board. While he was uncontested, she successfully competed with Oscar Brown, who is now employed as supervisor of Operations and Transportation for the municipal school system. *In early November Richard Hodges, former Mayor of the city of Millington, has been sentenced to a period of probation of three years by Judge Paula L. Skahan. On Sept. 8, Hodges entered a guilty plea to the charge of facilitation of bribery. *A pleasant morning (Nov. 8) greeted the City of Millington Veterans Parade Saturday. Several residents made their way to Navy Road to salute local veterans and say thank you. Many Millington Municipal School students participated in the parade from E.A. Harrold, Millington Central High School, Millington Middle School and Millington Elementary School. *LAWRENCEBURG — Every point counts in the playoffs. Millington Trojan place kicker Luke Bell knows that all too well. And after missing an extra point early in the fourth quarter Nov. 7 at Lawrence County, the senior kept his focus waiting on another chance. His opportunity came with a minute and 27 seconds remaining in the First Round TSSAA Class 5A contest tied at 13-13. Bell stepped out to the Lawrence County Stadium golden grass and calmly went through his routine. And with a powerful kick, Bell drilled the 22-yard field goal and sent Trojans to Round Two this week to face the Henry County Patriots. “It felt great,” he said of the game-winner. “It’s one of the best feelings I’ve had all year. I’ve struggled, missed some and made some. But I made it when it counted tonight.” *On most days in the summer you can find Millington Central High School legend Debra Spencer keeping her body in shape on the mile and half track of Frayser Park. Going around the track multiple times, Spencer builds up a good sweat usually wearing something with black and gold. The school that is never too far from her heart is usually on her mind. Talking Trojan Football, Basketball or Track, Spencer has a deep love for Millington athletics. And last On Nov. 13, the woman with her name on several MCHS records was added to an exclusive class, the MCHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Spencer joined Archie Bennett, Carlton Peete, Abe Massey, Kevin McMillan, the 2000 4x100m and 4x200m relay teams and the 1979/1981 Lady Trojan Softball teams as part of the second Hall of Fame class. “This feels great after all that hard work and many years,” Spencer said. “Ms. (Beth) Hale called me two weeks ago and told me. I was surprised.” As a two-sport standout in basketball and track, Spencer earned a scholarship to then Memphis State in the late 1970s. Her specialty of track brought her back to Millington to help fellow Hall of Famers Marcus Barnes, Marlon Barrentine, Darren Garcia and Jody Sneed. “I feels real good to be inducted with this class,” Spencer said. “I even helped coached the boys 4x100m and 4x200m relay teams. Their coach left them and went to Houston. He told me to make sure they got to State. And they did.” *Doing what’s right can pay off. Recently representatives from Millington Central High School experienced that firsthand when the school was honored in Jackson as one of nine 2013-14 A.F. Bridges Award of Excellence for Sportsmanship. The awards named after the late A.F. Bridges, the first executive secretary of TSSAA, has several categories to recognize those schools, coaches and administrators that “Just do what’s right” in TSSAA member schools. There is a winner for each district for each category in Class A, AA and AAA. And the winner for District 9 Class 3A for Sportsmanship was MCHS. “We’re extremely proud,” MCHS Athletic Director Beth Hale said. “I don’t even remember being nominated much-less winning the award of excellence. I do know how hard our teachers, coaches, administrators and everyone has worked. Our thing is excellence in the classroom by teachers help push these same ideas of doing what’s right. “It says they knew how to play the games, get in the trenches, fight the fight but do it with class,” she added. “They showed they knew what was sportsmanship and do what’s right but yet play the game as hard as they could.” *Most fans and supporters of Munford Volleyball in recent years would consider the three daughters of Bonnie and Phillip Gable as gifts to the program. The First Family of Munford Volleyball arrived in Tipton County during the summer of 2007 with an incoming freshman Scarlet and her two younger sisters Savannah and Cecily waiting in the wings. The Gable Era was the most successful period in the program’s history. Along with several other standouts like Lizzie McLean, Cali Overbeck, Brandi Hale, Crystal Williams, Kelsey Hale, Lily Turner, Sami Jo Schulz, Lauren Zvolanek and more Munford reached 8 straight Sectionals. Along with two State Tournament appearances in 2007 and 2010, head coaches Mike Anderson, Nina Makris and now Angie Buchanan have witnessed multiple Lady Cougars signing to play college volleyball. Scarlet was the first Lady Cougar to reach the next level signing a Division I scholarship to Belmont. And on National Signing Day 2014 her baby sister put a bow on the Gable’s present to Munford by inking her letter of intent to Division I Austin Peay State University. “We always knew she had the talent to play,” Makris said. “It was if she wanted to play. She played with Scarlet and saw her go off to college. She saw how tough college is. College is not all fun. College is hard to play. She got a glimpse of that and to still want to play, I was happy to see that. I’m glad she didn’t get burned out after seeing how hard college is with Scarlet playing.” *PARIS, Tenn. — A microcosm of the 2014 Millington Trojans’ season played itself out in Patriot Stadium Nov. 14. Injuries, untimely flags and bad breaks plagued the Trojans against the reigning Class 5A champion Henry County Patriots all night. The Patriots took advantage of Millington miscues and a pair of safeties to prevail 26-16. Henry County advances to the 2014 Class 5A Quarterfinals this upcoming Friday to play No. 1 seeded the Ridgeway Roadrunners in Memphis. “I’m proud of them,” Millington Head Coach Chris Michael said of his team. “They fought through a bunch of stuff this year. We just seem like we’ve been snake bitten with injuries. It hit us in this game in all different areas. But our kids just kept running onto the field, next man up, playing positions they haven’t played all year. They just kept fighting. The defense kept getting the ball back for our offense.” *Thanks to the support from Lucite International and The Shelby County Office of Preparedness, the Millington Fire Department will be better equipped to combat flammable liquid fires. The Shelby County Office of Preparedness approved $52,000 in homeland security funding for the purchase of a dual-tote fire foam trailer and prime mover vehicle for the Millington Fire Department. Lucite International, a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of acrylic based products located immediately south of Millington, donated $10,000 for the department to purchase 560 gallons of Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AR-AFFF) needed to equip the trailer. “This type of foam trailer is the only one of its type in the surrounding area,” said Gary Graves, Millington Fire Chief. “The ethanol blends of gasoline used in vehicles today and other flammable liquids that are transported through Millington on a daily basis require specialized firefighting equipment. Thanks to the support from The Shelby County Office of Preparedness and Lucite International, Millington Fire Department will now better equipped to serve the emergency needs of the area,” said Graves. *The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has awarded Millington $184,536 grant to help fund infrastructure improvements at the Regional Jetport. Ordis Copeland, business development consultant for the department’s Greater Memphis Region, made the announcement during the Nov. 10 regular monthly meeting of the Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen. While noting that his “purpose” for attending the meeting had been “a long time coming,” Copeland said “so many” local residents deserve a “big thank you.” He expressed appreciation to all the individuals who have “served faithfully” on the Millington Industrial Development Board and have made “many efforts over many years” to bring industry into the former Navy property. *SOULOUT Ministries is a program under Dream Interfaith Ministries a 501(c)3 Non-Profit located 4641 Shelby Road in Millington, hosted its Second Annual Thanksgiving Feast on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 2 p.m. at the Baker Community Center, 7942 Church Street, in Millington. DECEMBER 2014 *The three Millington School Board members elected to four-year terms on Nov. 4 were sworn in Monday night shortly before the board’s monthly meeting. With Mayor Terry Jones administering the Oath of Office, Cody Childress, Cecilia “C. J.” Haley and Larry Jackson vowed to support the U.S. and Tennessee Constitutions, the new Millington City Charter and ordinances, and to “diligently and faithfully” perform their duties to the best of their “skill and judgment, without partiality or prejudice.” Before the brief ceremony in the Board of Mayor and Aldermen Chamber, a 45-minute reception was held in the City Hall Lobby to celebrate the school board’s first year of existence. *The city of Millington Christmas Parade was held Dec. 6 along Navy Road and C Street. There were several participants from the area including Millington, Memphis and Tipton County. Millington Municipal Schools was well represented with students, faculty members, Millington Central High School NJROTC and Marching Band. There was plenty of sounds, dancing and cheery faces wishing spectators “Merry Christmas.” Children attending the parade left with bags full of candy, treats and toys. But the Big Guy who will be bringing toys later this month arrived last with his wife. Santa and Mrs. Clause rode in a trolley with City of Millington employees who escorted him throughout the city during his brief stay. Santa was on his way to Munford to participate in its parade. *As it was becoming a reality that Millington would have its own school system last year, a group assembled to pump life back into the Millington Education Foundation. The 12 members of the revamped Millington Education Foundation set out on a mission to promote Millington Municipal Schools, get the community involved in supporting the schools financially and give that money back to Millington Central High School, Millington Elementary School, E.A. Harrold and Millington Middle School. Last Thursday in the MCHS Library several Millington School Board members, city officials including Mayor Terry Jones and Millington Superintendent Dr. David Roper attended the first MEF Grant Ceremony. The event celebrated the Foundation’s awarding of 22 grants between the four schools totaling $11,493.95. One of the recipients was MCHS FCCLA teacher Karol Benfield. *Millington Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2014 annual dinner gala “Blue Jeans, Boas & Bowties” on Thursday evening at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Some 160 business and community leaders attended the sold-out event, which highlighted the Chamber’s activities for the year and paid tribute to members who have made outstanding contributions to the Chamber and the community. Chamber Executive Director Charles Gulotta and Chairman of the Board Dianne Baker reported on the financial stability of the Chamber, growth in membership and positive changes and additions to the Chamber’s many events and activities in 2014. The Chamber honored Baker as its Person of the Year for 2014, Larry Jackson, President of Patriot Bank was recognized with the Hall of Honor Award, RE/MAX Right Way realtors Tommy and Ginger Whitlock were recognized with the Heart and Hand Award, and Sharon Nix with Memphis International Raceway was awarded with the Ambassador of the Year honor. *Detectives with the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office and Munford Police Department and Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation worked throughout the night in the shooting incident involving three suspects and a Tipton County Sheriff’s Office investigator. Formal charges will be filed Monday on Montavo Deshan Terry, 19 of 368 Keeling Road in Stanton, 18 of 620 Junior Drive in Covington and a 17 year old juvenile from Mason. Tipton County Sheriff’s Office narcotic investigator, Demario Avery remains on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Investigator Avery is a nine-year veteran and was not injured in the shooting. The trio admitted to their roles in the shooting. The investigation revealed that Hines was on the parking lot of McDonald’s and allegedly approached a green four door vehicle, related to an earlier argument, occupied by Terry and the 17 year old juvenile with a handgun which was stopped at the traffic light on McLaughlin Road and Highway 51 South in Munford. Investigator Avery was in an unmarked vehicle behind the suspect vehicle. Hines shot at the subjects in the vehicle, the subjects in the vehicle shot at Hines and then pointed weapons and shot at Investigator Avery. Terry and the 17-year-old juvenile, who were armed with a shotgun and handgun, fled the scene on foot but was later located and questioned in the case. Hines who also left the scene was transported by personal vehicle to Baptist Memorial Hospital Tipton. *Millington School Board Chairman Don Holsinger said last week that the municipal school system’s revenue this year is in excess of $24 million, with attendance at 2,744. He noted that a feasibility study conducted by the Southern Educational Strategies consulting firm estimated that attendance in the new municipal school district would be 2,329. And he recalled that, last year, attendance at Millington’s four schools was 2,672. Holsinger said the current total is an increase of 415 above the SES estimate and 72 more students than attended last year, when the Millington schools were part of the Shelby County School System. He also said the actual revenue generated by the municipal school system is almost $5 million more than the $19,000,644 that the SES study estimated. Holsinger made the comments when he presented an “update” on the school system during the Dec. 8 regular monthly meeting of the Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen. *MEMPHIS — Turnovers, big offensive plays and long special teams runs ruled the 13th Annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl High School All-Star Game Dec. 13. But it took a defensive play on the turf of MUS Stadium to help the Blue All-Stars pull out a 45-39 victory the Red All-Stars. With the Red Team trying to drive 99 yards in the final minutes, Blue All-Star linebacker Patrick Macon (Millington) stepped in front of a pass for a pick with a minute and 24 seconds remaining. Macon limped down the field on his sore ankle setting up a chance for the Blue Team to run out the clock. “It made me feel good,” Macon said of his INT. “My mother always told me, ‘Never quit, no matter how hard times get.’ So I tried harder. And when I tried harder, I ended up with an interception. Maybe the play of the game.” *Officials responded to a vehicle on fire Dec. 18 near Millington. When Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies and other personnel arrived on the scene, an investigation of a body found in the burning pick-up truck began on Mudville Road.
On Monday, authorities in West Tennessee identified the burned body found the truck as 51-year-old Cleate Andrew Davis. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case. To assist the investigation, call CrimeStoppers at 528-CASH.
