JULY 2025
Freedom Celebration changes location
The 2025 City of Millington Flag City Freedom Celebration moved to the new location of the Millington-Memphis Airport on July 2 to help celebrate the United States of America’s 249th birthday. The night concluded with a 15-minute fireworks display accompanied by patriotic music. Thousands were in attendance from the MWR’s party to the Airport Authority throwing an “indoor” gathering.
The main event of a 15-minute firework show set to patriotic music closed out the Flag City Freedom Celebration per tradition.
The 2025 display showcasing the Nation’s 249th birthday had a new setting and a few new twists. The 2025 Flag City Freedom Celebration hosted by the City of Millington was held at the Millington-Memphis Airport for the first time.
Also on the premises was the Airport Authority’s Fly-In event with dozens of guests to view the fireworks from a hanger. A third party was taking place a few feet away at the Quad Ball Field at 7915 Memphis Avenue with the Naval Support Activity Mid-South Freedom Fest.
Coach Fisher passes
On the eve of the 100th Millington Trojan Football season, the Black & Gold gridiron family was rocked by the news of the passing of former longtime Assistant Coach Mark Fisher. Fisher was a part of several Trojan Football teams during his four-decade career of coaching. Above he is pictured giving a post-game pep talk to the 2011 Trojans a week before taking on the Arlington Tigers for the Region championship. That Millington team went 9-1 and claimed that championship against the Tigers with Fisher leading the offensive line.
Hut site will become A&W
The Millington Planning Commission has approved the Site Plan and Design for an A&W Restaurant to be located in the former Pizza Hut building on Highway 51.
Commission members took the action during their July 21 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Mary Jo Thornburg and seconded by David Bodkin.
The motion was passed by six affirmative votes, with Bethany Huffman absent.
The application was submitted by David Bray of The Bray Firm on behalf of Sam Salloukh of H&M Investment Group Inc.
Cole Yoders, intern/GIS coordinator and inspector in the city’s Department of Planning and Economic Development, told the commission that the Site Plan and Design represent a “stand-alone” single development along the highway’s commercial corridor.
He noted that the property, totaling 0.80 of an acre west of the highway and north of Navy Road, is zoned B-2, General Commercial.
Next subdivision gets approved
The Millington Planning Commission has approved the Design Plat submitted for the Brantley Place residential subdivision on the west side of Raleigh-Millington Road.
Commission members took the action during their July 21 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Mary Jo Thornburg and seconded by Mayor Larry Dagen.
The motion was passed by six affirmative votes, with Bethany Huffman absent.
The plat was submitted by Tim Dagastino of W.H. Porter Consultants on behalf of Paul Frazier of PFMT Holdings.
Jared Darby, director of the city’s Department of Planning and Economic Development, told the commission that the plat illustrates an 11-lot single-family subdivision west of Raleigh-Millington across from the Bateman Road and Goldsby Place intersections.
He noted that the property, totaling 24.97 acres, is zoned R-LL, Large-Lot Residential.
Darby said the plat features R-LL lots in a “horseshoe” shape along a proposed right of way.
Both entrances to the subdivision will be along Raleigh-Millington and align with the intersections of Bateman and Goldsby.
Three bodies found in Shelby Forest
Tragedy struck the Millington area on July 22.
After more than a day of searching from emergency authorities including the Millington Fire Department, officials confirmed the death of three fishermen last Wednesday at Meeman-Shelby State Park.
Three men who went missing Tuesday while swimming and fishing at the Mississippi River have been found dead, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the victims as Marlon Mendez, 28,Rudy Perez, 31 and Jose Yanes, 52. SCSO Public Information Officer John Morris said the rescue personnel recovered the three bodies just south of the boat ramp after rescue efforts resumed around 9:40 a.m. that Wednesday.
Shelby County Search and Rescue, the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency, the county’s dive team, Memphis Police Aviation, the U.S. Coast Guard, Shelby County Fire and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency were also involved in the search and recovery effort.
Morris says the first two bodies were recovered at 11 a.m., the third around 12:45 Wednesday afternoon. SCSO said the medical examiner must still determine an official cause of death.
AUGUST 2025
National Night Out returns to Millington
The fastest growing city in Shelby County, residentially, commercially and educationally and economically, is Millington.
Through all the progress of Flag City since the turn of the decade, the people who call the city home have kept a close-knit vibe. One of the symbols of growth and development in Millington is the subdivision of Beckham Place.
On Aug. 5, the neighbors of the five-year old community used a 41-year tradition to express gratitude to the first responders of the Millington Police and Millington Fire departments.
“This is the first National Night Out event in Beckham Place history,” said Jolaine Wyatt of the Beckham Place Neighborhood Association. “I think we’re five years old. We’re doing this because we just believe as a community that we are thankful for the people who serve us in the capacity of the police and fire departments. We just wanted to reach out because we heard of National Night Out and this was a time to show that we appreciate them.”
Several members from both departments showed up for the two-hour cookout in the Beckham Place Pavilion area. Two large fire trucks made it clear to see where the party was happening.
The next giveaway of where the fun was, the children playing soccer with MPD officers like Kenneth Arthur. Burgers and pizza were on the menu for dinner for the crew alongside grateful residents.
“We appreciate everything they do,” Public Safety Director Chief Gary Graves said. “This is the first group that’s done a National Night Out event in Millington since COVID.
“For them to put this together for National Night Out and do this in this community, we really do appreciate it,” he continued. “Hope it encourages other communities and neighborhoods, since we’re getting a lot of neighborhoods now. Getting this kicked back off again is good to see.”
New school year begins
Millington Municipal Schools returned to action Aug. 6 kicking off the 2025-26 academic year.
As the District continues to grow, the Millington Early Learning Academy held an official groundbreaking Aug. 2 at 3660 Shelby Road.
In the near future, MMSD will add Lucy Elementary with the overall plan being the return to two elementary schools, a high school and showcase the improved middle school.
Currently the Millington Intermediate School, the former Millington Middle School is the site of construction with many signs of the ongoing work.
The structure standing at 4964 Cuba-Millington Road is surrounded by dirt and construction vehicles.
On March 11, Millington Municipal Schools District Director James “Bo” Griffin officially announced the plans for middle school building renovations. The MMSD broke ground on the 57,000 square foot expansion to create a dedicated middle school campus serving 850 students in grades sixth through eighth. In 1971, the Shelby County Board of Education approved a contract for construction of the Millington Middle School on a wooded lot in Millington.
Another key decision on new middle school
The Millington School Board has unanimously approved the maximum price submitted by the company that will construct the renovation and expansion of the Middle School.
Board members took the action during their Aug. 4 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Cody Childress and seconded by Barbara Gray.
Linkous Construction Co. Inc. in Memphis submitted the price of $29,421,780.
James “Bo” Griffin, superintendent of Millington Municipal Schools, told the board that this price is the “maximum” it can be.
“Let’s just say, for example, if something goes wrong, and the bill shoots up twice this price,” he said. “They cannot charge us more than what is in this contract right now.”
In response to a question by board member Theresa Cook, Childress said “all the contractor fees” are also included in the maximum price.
While noting that “a lot of work” is involved in construction, he said it is “not just moving dirt and putting up walls.”
A visit from Millington Central’s past
Countless names have worn the Black and Gold representing the Millington Trojan Football team.
A few names that jump to mind are Alan Cross, George Odum, Travis Simpson, Marlon Barnes, Tommy Clifton, McCoy Pugh, Jerrod Love, Zane Adams, Randon Fryerson to name a few.
Then there are some Trojans that go back as far that they wore uniforms with black and orange. Yes, orange!
Coming to town a week before the Centennial Game Saturday night at 7:30 vs. the Fairley Bulldogs at Mooney Boswell Field was the oldest living Trojan Football player, Bill Gary.
Gary noted his last season for Millington was in 1947 playing center at just 150 pounds, and the Trojans sported leather helmets and jerseys with orange was the second color. The Class of 1948 graduate was invited to campus by “Black and Gold Memories” host Mark Healy, Millington Central Principal Michael Perry and Trojan Football Booster Tony Johnson for a tour of the new school.
Trojan Football Celebrates 100 Years
On the afternoon of Aug. 23, they rolled in by the dozens. Several former Millington Trojan Football players were in town and accompanied by family and friends for the Trojan 100 Celebration hosted by the school and community sponsors. The Trojan Boosters spent several years in preparation for the museum-style display starting from 1926 up to the 2025 team photo. Countless pieces of memorabilia, pictures and trophies lined the Millington Performing Arts Center for viewing. A large tent was the venue for lunch of the Southern tradition of barbecue. Most former players were too busy to eat greeting past teammates and meeting other Trojan greats from different eras. The event was a chance for the Class of 2005 to have a mini reunion. Those seniors were unique because they were the last team to play out of the old Millington Central High School building and they graduated that spring, out of the current building. All the players took to the Mooney Boswell Field prior to the Fairley vs. Millington kickoff in Millington Memorial Stadium. Public address announcer Mark Healy had the honors of welcoming all the players and their representative. Then he read off a proclamation from the state of Tennessee recognizing the Trojan 100. Healy then noted some program highlights: 1930, 1933 and 1962 Shelby County champions, the 1933 team being the first Trojans, 1948 squad going from black and orange to black and gold, 17 head coaches, more than 4,000 players, the 1993 undefeated 10-0 season, 1996 first playoff win, 2007 State Semifinalists, 2008 going 11-0 to start the season and all the NFL players with Alan Cross in attendance.
M&M Special Bond
The Mario Reed Foundation has been reaching out in recent months with donations to bring awareness to its cause.
The latest outreach effort came Aug. 29 in Millington.
Founder Mario Reed was joined by Munford Mayor Dwayne Cole and honoree Jesse Savage.
Munford is proud to claim Jesse Savage as one of its favorite and outstanding sons. And Jesse Savage attended Munford High School and was a valuable member of the Munford High School Football Team, distinguishing himself as a hard worker, outstanding player and leader on and off the field. Jesse Savage played various positions for Munford Cougar Football as a defensive back, receiver and an exceptional kicker, in addition to his contributions on the soccer field.
He was involved in a tragic accident in March 2020, rolling his vehicle six times and resulting in a spinal cord injury leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.
Former Millington Trojan Football player Mario Reed (founder of the Mario Reed Foundation) suffered a similar injury during his illustrious career at Millington and established the Mario Reed Foundation whose mission is to raise awareness of and advocate for people with paralysis and Millington Transmission Tire and Brake has generously donated a specifically designed and equipped van to provide Jesse a means of transportation.
SEPTEMBERR 2025
A Five-Star Celebration
Under ideal conditions, one of Millington’s business leaders organized a gathering to celebrate Flag City legacy, her real estate team and several personal milestones.
Friday morning at the corner of Bill Knight and Church Street, the Millington Area Chamber of Commerce led by Chris Thomas officially cut the ribbon for the five-year celebration of Five Star Real Estate Services.
Cobb also announced the completed renovation of the 7743 Church Street location.
The building Five Star Reality calls home is just not any normal structure. The former home that has moved multiple times across the city was first built in 1893.
The union of Cobb and her current business home started a half decade ago.
“My car broke down one day on I-40 and her husband encouraged her to get an office in the Millington area,” Cobb recalled. “The next day Cody Childress called her and told her to come by to look at his new building he was buying.”
Cobb’s husband Ronnie supported his wife and the original Five Star in Jackson. Sue Anne kicked off her real estate career shortly after the turn of the millennium.
A Mid-September Night
The turf of Millington Memorial Stadium was transformed into the green carpet for the 2025 Millington Central High School Homecoming Court.
As public address announcer Mark Healy introduced the girls and their escorts, the loudest ovation from the stands came for the arrival of senior Hannah Mabry.
As she walked down the 50-yard-line between the NJROTC cadets, her escort and dad Mark started to make celebration plans just in case Hannah won.
“We were talking about the break dancing we were going to do,” Hannah recalled. “It felt great sharing this with my dad. I love this.”
Mark stood proudly moments later when Healy announced his daughter as the 2025 MCHS Homecoming Queen. Principal Michael Perry had the honors of crowning Mabry.
Caruthers passes away
It is with profound sorrow that the City of Millington shares the passing of Alderman Michael “Mike” Caruthers. Alderman Caruthers was a devoted public servant whose many years of service to our community and our country will long be remembered.
Alderman Caruthers faithfully represented his community on the Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen, elected five times and serving for nearly two decades. His tenure on the Board reflected a steadfast commitment to the people of Millington, always working to improve our community, protect taxpayer dollars, and ensure that every voice was heard. Throughout his service, he earned the respect and gratitude of colleagues, constituents, and city staff alike.
Mike’s commitment to Millington went well beyond the Board. He was a longtime Planning Commissioner, a member of the Millington Housing Authority, a proud Kiwanis Club member, and served on the board of the Millington Crisis Center, among other local causes. In each of these roles he sought to strengthen Millington and support its people.
Beyond his civic contributions, Alderman Caruthers was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He carried the values of service, discipline, and integrity into every aspect of his life and leadership. To many, he’ll be remembered as Lieutenant Colonel Caruthers.
More details on Target and more coming
The Millington Planning Commission has unanimously approved an application for wall signs and a monument sign in Phase 2 of the Millington Farms Mixed Use Planned Development.
Commission members took the action during their Sept. 15 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Bethany Huffman and seconded by Mayor Larry Dagen.
The application was submitted by Tom Marsh and Mike Robbe of TM Farms Holdings LLC.
At its Aug. 18 meeting, the commission unanimously approved the Site Plans for two retail spaces in Phase 2.
Both plans were submitted by Lee Davidson and Ian Marie of The Reaves Firm Inc. in Memphis on behalf of Marsh and Robbe. They illustrate a two-lot commercial subdivision consisting of approximately 15.1 acres.
The property, zoned B-2, General Commercial, is located on the east side of Wilkinsville Road and south of Glencoe Way.
The Site Plan for Lot 1 totals 10.8 acres and describes a Target store consisting of approximately 128,000 square feet.
The Lot 2 Site Plan, totaling 4.3 acres, describes an Academy Sports + Outdoors store consisting of approximately 55,000 square feet.
Trew returns home to Rosemark
The red, white and blue carpet was rolled out at the Tipton-Rosemark Academy Fine Arts Center Friday afternoon for an alumnus.
Class of 2014 member Maddye Trew made her grand return to the venue that sharpened her music, vocal and performing skills. Along with some important players in her music career, Trew gave a concert and autobiographical history lesson to nearly 200 current TRA students promoting her new country music single “Single of the Year.”
“Really nostalgic,” she said of returning home. “Being able to come back today and talk about my Nashville journey and how Tipton-Rosemark has prepared for it is awesome. To bring my friends Ford Thurston and Jeff McMahon who have been in the industry for forever is full circle for me coming back to this stage. I am very blessed. I am very glad this is how it turned out.”
Trew left Rosemark and took her talents to Belmont University in Nashville.
“I love it and the campus is right next to Music Row,” she recalled. “I was a Commercial Voice Major. I get to pick an emphasis and I like the music business side.
“I jumped into some internship in the music industry,” Trew continued. “I got to meet some people through that. I started gigging and making friends. I met my mentor. Now we’re climbing the ladder as much as we can.”
Trew is a country music newcomer and according to her website she aspires to win many awards in her future but begrudgingly collects one for her relationship status in her latest release, “Single Of The Year.”
OCTOBER 2025
Back to the Future for ’85
Since the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, Friday night football weekends in Millington have brought the return of the Classes of 2005 and 2015.
This past Friday night it was finally time to go “Back to the Future.” The hit movie’s release coincides with the Class of 1985. Several of the Millington Central High School graduates from 40 years ago returned to their “new” home for the Haywood vs. Millington game and a party at the Millington Holiday Inn the following night.
“It feels like yesterday,” Class of ’85 member Beth Hale Hill said. “Just the memories that are here. We’re working on getting to know each other.”
The Class of 1985 had 312 graduates and dozens were back in town including Class President Lisa Perry, now Lisa Timberlake.
“It’s wonderful,” she said. “The band room is the same and the gym is the same. We parked in the old band parking lot right here. For band people, it’s really nostalgic. Hearing the band come in it’s like, ‘Oh, that’s how it was like.’
“The time does fly by, we just can’t believe it’s already been 40 years,” Timberlake added. “Doesn’t seem like it at all.”
Timberlake acknowledged the Class of ’85 was too large for everyone to know each other. Thus the weekend was a chance to reconnect and make new friends.
Caruthers vacancy declared
The Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen has adopted a resolution declaring a vacancy in Alderman Position 7 because of the passing of Michael Caruthers.
Board members took the action during their Oct. 13 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Alderman Thomas McGhee and seconded by Alderman Don Lowry.
The motion was passed by five affirmative votes, with Alderman John Perales absent.
Shortly before the vote, Mayor Larry Dagen said that, after an “illustrious, decorated career” in the U.S. Army, Lt. Col. Caruthers retired to Millington, where he founded USA Properties and became a “pillar” of the community.
Elected to five terms as an alderman, he was also a member of the Millington Planning Commission for 12 years.
A member of the Millington Kiwanis Club since 1999, Caruthers served three times as its president.
He was also vice chairman of the Millington Crisis Center Board and a former chairman of the Millington Housing Authority.
Describing Caruthers as a “2-miler,” Dagen quoted Matthew 5:41, which states, “Whoever compels you to go 1 mile, go with him 2.”
Halbert Owes Millington?
Back in October, concerns about a possible debt owned to the City of Millington were made public.
The City of Millington might take legal action against Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert in a dispute over unpaid rent at the 4836 Navy Road location.
Millington city officials said if Halbert did not pay rent on her Millington office by Oct. 17, they would take legal action.
According to the City of Millington, Halbert is nearly $40,000 behind on rent. It is alleged that no payment has been since December 2023.
Halbert said she doesn’t have to pay rent on the property because she never approved a lease. The county commission did.
Millington City Manager Frankie Dakin reported that the city had not received rent or heard from Halbert by this past Friday deadline. Dakin said he spoke with Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright who is working to resolve the issue without costly litigation.
NOVEMBER 2025
Smith fills Caruthers’ alderman seat
The Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen has appointed Gavin Smith to fill the vacancy created in Alderman Position 7 when Michael Caruthers passed away in September.
Board members took the action during a Nov. 4 special called meeting on a motion offered by Alderman Don Lowry and seconded by Alderman Bethany Huffman.
The motion was passed by five affirmative votes, with Alderman Chris Ford absent.
Smith was sworn in by City Judge Mark McDaniel shortly before the board’s Nov. 10 regular monthly meeting. He will serve in the position until the next city election on Nov. 3, 2026.
The winner of that position in the election will serve the remainder of Caruthers’ unexpired fifth term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2028.
A native of Fayetteville and a Millington resident since 2021, Smith earned:
(1) a Bachelor of Science Degree in business administration at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, with a concentration in public administration and a minor in political science, in May 2010; and
(2) a Juris Doctor Degree in the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at The University of Memphis in May 2013.
He was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in October 2013 and has been a member of the Memphis Bar Association since 2022.
MCHS and Trojan Basketball loses Coach Gates
On November 10, 2025, the communities of Millington and Millington Central High School were rocked by the passing of former Trojan Head Basketball Coach Jewell Gates. The news also shock the fabric of his hometown of Tipton County. For decades Gates was a fixture on sidelines from Munford to Southwind to his final stop in Millington. Gates will be missed and his impact on those he coached, taught, fellowshipped and commune with will live on.
Harrold Building Update
The Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen has adopted a resolution that approves a “change order” for the contract to complete the Harrold Building renovation.
Board members took the action during their Nov. 10 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Alderman Don Lowry and seconded by Alderman John Perales.
The motion was passed by five affirmative votes, with Aldermen Bethany Huffman and Thomas McGhee absent.
The resolution states that the city entered into a contract with S &K Construction for the renovation in the original amount of $224,000.
But it notes that the following additional work is required to complete the project:
(1) removal of all “structural members,” the elevator and “miscellaneous” items in the area from the “low building” to the “second column line” from Easley Street; and
(2) removal of existing equipment, roofing material, decking and damaged roof joists, and the installation of new joists, decking and roofing.
The resolution states that the cost associated with this additional work is $45,000 and $125,950, respectively, which brings the new total contract amount to $394,950.
Veterans Parade held along Navy Road
The City of Millington Veterans Parade became an official tradition last year with the 10th annual event along Navy Road. The 2025 edition was the 11th since the return of the parade to salute and honor those who served and are currently serving prior to Veterans’ Day on Nov. 11.
Millington Food Pantry meets the need
The Millington Food Pantry was very busy last week and the facility located on the campus of First United Methodist Church located at 8029 Wilkinsville Road stayed busy to close out the year after the government shutdown rolled into November.
Shelves were getting bare, so Millington Mayor Larry Dagen joined the city team to help fill the gap before the Nov. 6 distribution.
“But we need community support, please consider donating to the Millington Food Pantry,” Dagen said.
The pantry serves families in the 38053 zip code and is open every Tuesday and the first Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, including military employees or those affected by SNAP delays, call (901) 872-2771 hours to schedule an appointment. If phone line is busy, please keep calling.
Dye signs with Houston Track
Sometimes the prodigy is the last person to know.
Parents Jarvis Grant and Solange Dye knew their son Tayshaun Dye was special very early on. Various coaches including Godfather and current Millington Trojan Head Track Coach John Cochran saw Tayshaun’s gifts in the sport in middle school.
But it was about a year ago Dye realized his beloved basketball would need to take a backseat to his natural sport of track and field. The coaching staff at the University of Houston, including Olympic icon and Cougars Head Coach Carl Lewis, is glad Dye decided to pursue track for the next level. On Nov. 20 in the Millington Performing Arts Center on the campus of Millington Central, Dye made it official by signing his national letter of intent to the Division I program.
“It feels amazing because I’ve been working hard for a long time,” Tayshaun said. “I am just blessed to say that I can go somewhere and lay my head down for another four years.”
It was about a year ago at a Nike Indoor Tournament when Dye nailed his best long jump he knew his college future would include track and field.
Although Cochran knew Dye was a generational talent in middle school, it took a couple of years before he was assured of his D-I capabilities.
Chuck Hurt passes at 90
Local businessman Charles Gordon Hurt has passed at the age of 90.
Hurt was born January 7, 1935, to Charles and Mary Hurt, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025. A man of remarkable intelligence, steadfast determination, and quiet strength, Charles leaves behind a legacy built on love, hard work, and deep community roots.
For 71 beautiful years, Charles was devoted to his loving wife. With two dear friends by their side, they slipped away to Mississippi to marry, just before Charles entered the United States Army. Their bond remained unshakable throughout every chapter that followed.
Charles proudly served his country in the Korean War and later completed a year of service at the Pentagon, specializing in communications. His military experience molded him into a disciplined, focused leader. These traits guided him through a lifetime of business success.
An entrepreneur at heart, Charles built a name not only for himself but for his family. He owned Alta Vista Florist and Nursery for 15 years. He retired at 42, but after a couple of years he decided to get his real estate license and in 1980, he founded Real Estate Mart of Tennessee, followed by Chuck Hurt Enterprises and Chuck Hurt Construction Co. Which continues to operate today, standing as living testaments to his vision, drive, and business acumen.
DECEMBER 2025
Millington Schools honors the best of 2025
Earlier this month the Millington Municipal School District recognized and congratulated the 2026 Teachers of the Year, Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year. During the December Millington Board of Education Meeting, MMSD celebrated the absolute best of the district.
“These incredible educators and leaders were proudly voted on by their peers or district administration, and they go above and beyond every single day,” Superintendent James “Bo” Griffin said. “They pour their hearts into our students, our schools, and our community, and we could not be more proud to honor them.”
2026 Millington Early Learning Teacher of the Year: Susan Capodiferro
2026 Millington Primary Teacher of the Year: Amanda Carrico
2026 Millington Intermediate Teacher of the Year: Amy Dickson
2026 Millington Central Middle High Teacher of the Year: Latoya Dotson (Middle)
2026 Millington Central Middle High Teacher of the Year: Aaron Arnold (High)
2026 Principal of the Year: James “JJ” Brown
2026 Supervisor of the Year: Patricia Speight
“Their dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence make Millington shine brighter than ever,” he added. “They inspire growth, build relationships, and shape futures one student at a time. They exemplify this year’s motto: ‘Excellence is a Standard, Not a Goal.’”
MCHS inducts latest Hall of Fame Class
Scott Percer has a story about most of the iconic figures already inducted into the Millington Central High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
From his father Bobbie to Mr. Football Tausean Holmes to the feats of Aisha Adams and Tommy Clifton, Percer can reflect on them all. From native son to student to major contributor, Percer has devoted his time and much more to his beloved MCHS and the City of Millington.
On the night of Dec. 2 with his wife Angie by his side, Percer received an honor he is still trying to process. He was inducted into the MCHS Hall of Fame a part of the Class of 2025 alongside 2005 Lady Trojan Softball Team, Lauren Trouy, Phil Massey and the 2015 & 2017 Lady Trojan Volleyball teams.
“It means a lot,” Percer said. “I am very humbled, not knowing if I am deserving of it. But I am very appreciative of it. It’s nice to go in where my dad is and some of the greats like Mr. Boswell, Rex Waits and some of the contributors that’s helped over the years like the Massey’s. Pretty overwhelmed.”
Christmas Parade cancelled
The lights on the City of Millington Christmas Tree along Navy Road in front of Fire Station No. 1 were still off by the end of night on Dec. 4. The City canceled the 2025 Christmas Parade because of “an abundance of caution the Dec. 4 gloomy forecast.” The backup plan was during Dec.9’s Santa’s Stop at the Station from 5- 7 p.m. at Fire Station No. 1, parade participants were invited to a Float Show to display their holiday spirit in the lot across from City Hall. The Tree Lighting was rescheduled for 5 p.m.
Carson named Chamber Person of the Year
The red-carpet treatment was provided for all the special guests by the Millington Area Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Chris Thomas and the team transformed the VFW Post 2025 into a facility worthy of hosting the Oscars for the 2025 MACC Annual Awards Gala. All the investors, sponsors and members packed the VFW Ballroom to enjoy a “five star” meal provided by Harry’s Italian of Millington, do some networking, reflect on the success year by the Chamber and hand out a few awards. After Thomas recognized the contributors, new record-number of members and highlights of his first year in the post, the microphones were handed over to presenters Randy Hart and John Rountree. The 2025 Ambassador of the Year was Katie Plourde; the 2025 Hand & Heart Award winner was Abandoned Antiques; the 2025 Hall of Honor Award winner was Shirley Mae and 2025 Person of the Year Houston Carson.
After the night of live music, a photo booth and dancing, Thomas had the honors of presenting a $9,000 check to the Millington Education Foundation, Tipton-Rosemark Academy and Faith Heritage Christian Academy.
National Weather Service in Millington
The conditions were ideal for the gathering inside the Millington Baker Community Center on Dec. 11.
With calm winds, nearly 50 degree temperatures and blue skies, the 75 people meeting didn’t have to worry about any crisis or sudden weather events to diagnose, report or rescue.
“Today here in Millington we’re bringing in our emergency management partners, public safety officials and our media partners just for a meeting,” said Todd Beal, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Memphis. “Build relationships and make sure we’re all familiar with each other because in the Mid-South we have a lot of adverse weather. There are a lot of folks involved in the public safety aspect of it.”
Personnel from the Bootheel of Missouri, East Arkansas, North Mississippi and various areas in West Tennessee met in Flag City to reflect on the past year in weather and make plans to improve service and coverage for the public.
“That includes the media, emergency managers and the National Weather Service,” Beal said. “We want to make sure we’re all on the same page. We’re all communicating clearly in the same way. It’s time for us to come together on a nice weather day, we can build relationships, spend some time face to face and talk about things that have occurred weatherwise in the last year or so. And we can identify areas we can all improve.”
Michael steps down from coaching post
Sometimes to find your calling and purpose in life, you simply have to return home.
After wrapping up his Bachelor’s degree at the freshly minted University of Memphis, Millington Class of 1989 graduate Chris Michael found himself putting up his football cleats and returning to North Shelby County.
Then a chance meeting with Millington coaches Larry Dagen and Tommy Clifton placed him on a road he would travel until he officially announced his retirement as Trojan Football head coach on the night of December 18, 2025.
As the 2025 Trojan Football Banquet wrapped up in the Millington Central Cafeteria, Defensive Coordinator Chester Ford alluded to it by introducing Michael to give final remarks.
Michaels announced his departure from the post he took over in 2010 replacing all-time winningest Head Coach Hank Hawkins (with 88 victories).
“I was ready,” Michael said. “I was just ready to get away, take some time. Just ready and it was the right time. I contemplated the year before last. I was close to saying it was time. Then we got to this 100-year thing and I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to make sure it went off well, pulled off and executed the best it could.
“I wanted to be a part of it and they wouldn’t let me go then,” he continued. (Mark) Healy and (Scott) Percer and all of them said, ‘You’ve got to do one more year at least.’ It’s kind of time. Different stage of life and I am just ready for a little bit of a break. Time to go be a husband, dad and hopefully a granddad here real soon.”
Michael had the support of his wife Robin from day one as an assistant and middle school coach.
Then Michael graduated to offensive coordinator for varsity while being the Lady Trojan Track coach guiding athletes like Courtney Jordan and Dominique Tross to State.
