Resident dead from Motorcycle Accident Tragedy struck last weekend as a Brownsville resident died from a Motorcycle accident on Mercer Road. Henry Lee Campbell, 37, was traveling westbound on Mercer Road at 8:06 a.m. Saturday on Harley Davidson motorcycle, authorities at the Tennessee Highway Patrol said. Campbell, was trying to negotiate a curve while traveling on the road but the motorcycle left the roadway and Campbell was thrown from it. More ...

Murder at Scott Street Local authorities are currently investigating a murder that took place in Brownsville last weekend. According to authorities, on Sunday morning, June 28, at approximately 3:58 a.m., Brad Lamont Perkins was shot while sitting in his car. Authorities think that the suspect walked up to the driver’s side of Perkins’ car and opened fire. Perkins, 31, drove the car into the yard at 814 Scott Street after being shot, striking the house and another vehicle parked in the yard.  More ...

School board approves 2009-2010 budget Members of the Haywood County School Board met in special session Tuesday night, June 23, and passed a budget for the 2009-2010 school year. The total amount budgeted - $23,171,434. This figure is $446,725 more than the expected revenue of $22,724,707, but that amount will be taken from the school’s fund balance, specifically to give certified school personnel a one-time bonus in September of $900 each, and non-certified personnel $700 each. Before this expense, the school’s fund balance was a little over $2.3 million. More ...

Saying Goodbye “If you’re humble and hardworking, opportunities will arise for you.” - Rachael Ray Mention the name Jerry Wilson in Brownsville and you’re likely to get a statement that begins with “Oh you mean Jerry over at the paper? Man he is just something else isn’t he?” It’s usually a statement that’s sprinkled with the utmost sincerity and appreciation for a native son who some say, doesn’t just make you say “hard working” just because it’s the only term you can think of at the mention of his name. No, instead it’s said probably because Jerry has, and continues to live by that description in every sense. More ... Calvin Carter, Staff Writer

Celebrating July Fourth with a parade Independence Day in the United States is an annual holiday commemorating the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the Fourth of July holiday has been accepted as the official anniversary of U.S. independence and celebrated in all states and territories of the U.S. More ...

States-Graphic for 07-02-2009 Download the print edition of The States-Graphic for Thursday, July 2, 2009 in PDF format. More ...

Local News

Haywood Schools nutrition department to receive grant Recovery Act helps districts meet students’ nutritional needs Haywood County Schools Superintendent Marlon King recently received word from Governor Phil Bredesen and Education Commissioner Dr. Timothy Webb that Haywood Schools will receive a school food authority grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These grants will fund the purchase of lunchroom equipment for school districts participating in the National School Lunch Program. In Haywood County, East Side Elementary School will receive $25,700 to purchase a “Skittle.” According to Alison Pyron, Haywood County Schools Director of Food Service, this piece of equipment is truly “state-of-the-art” and can perform many different functions. More ...

County commission meets in called session The Haywood County Commission met in a special called session Tuesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. in City Hall with only two items on the agenda. The item that generated the most discussion called for funding much-needed repairs on the Elma Ross Public Library. Mayor Franklin Smith gave the commissioners an update on the condition of the library and reported that the library encounters leaks during heavy rains.  He said that the flashings in the valleys on the roof are just too small and cannot contain the large amount of water during heavy rainfall. He also stated that the present gutters are too small to carry the amount of water during a deluge and need to be increased in size. More ...

Local vocalist…a “Gospel Dream” finalist Amber Davis of Brownsville was among 10 finalists chosen in a talent search series in the Season Four premiere of Gospel Music Channel’s (GMC) American Idol-style search series Gospel Dream.  The event offered a little bit of everything, according to some sources, “including rousing performance highs, disappointing performance lows; tears of joy, tears of sorrow, judges’ praise, judges’ criticism; contestants moving on, contestants going home; drama, comedy and much more.” Davies was one of 36 contestants selected through auditions nationwide who appeared on the show.  More ... Jerry Wilson, Staff Writer

May 2009 county unemployment rates Tennessee's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for May 2009 was released last week at 10.7 percent, a 0.8 percentage point higher than the April rate of 9.9 percent.  The United States’ unemployment rate for the month of May was 9.4 percent. County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for May 2009, show that the rate increased in 88 counties, decreased in six counties and remained the same in one county. Haywood County had a 1.9 increase in May to 16.7 percent compared to 14.8 percent in April. The county’s unemployment rate in May 2008 was 9.9 percent.  More ...

Le Bonheur Mobile Health hosted free health fair In an effort to increase the  awareness  of its mobile health unit, Le Bonheur Community Outreach invited members of the Brownsville community to attend a free health fair on Wednesday, June 17, at Iglesia Bautista Cristo Rey Church. Le Bonheur Mobile Health provided free health screenings for all ages and developmental screenings for children up to age five. UT Extension, CoverKids, Dr. Sue McElrath- Chiropractor, Le Bonheur Therapy Outreach and Le Bonheur Network Services were on site to answer health-related questions.  More ... Tennille Short (Submitted)

Obituaries

Mr. Harry Harvey “Pop” Newsom, Jr., Mr. Harry Harvey “Pop” Newsom, Jr., 81, died Saturday, June 20, 2009 at Toumey Medical Center in Wedgefield, SC following a brief illness. More ...

Mrs. Lucile Alzada Adams Acuff Mrs. Lucile Alzada Adams Acuff, age 93, passed away in her home in Brownsville, TN, Monday, June 29, 2009. She was preceded in death by her parents: Roscoe Rene Adams and Georgia Beatrice Fletcher Adams; her husband: Harvey Melvin Acuff; and a daughter: Dorothy Marie Acuff Gardner. More ...

Mrs. Ruth Esther Perry Dodd Mrs. Ruth Esther Perry Dodd, age 84, formerly of Brownsville, passed away Friday, March 27, 2009, at NHC Nursing Home, Somerville, TN. She is preceded in death by her parents: Thomas Douglas Perry and Ora Flossie Richman Perry; her first husband: James Doyle Anderson and her second husband: William R. Dodd; her brother: Aubrey Perry and two sisters: Mary Caffey and Florence Perry. Graveside services were held at 2:00 P.M. on March 29, 2009 with Rev. Richard Kilpatrick officiating. More ...

Mrs. Martha Nell Parks Cassidy Mrs. Martha Nell Parks Cassidy, age 76, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2009 at her residence in Brownsville, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents: Joe and Goldie Hibbert Parks; her husband: William “Bubba” Cassidy, Jr.; two brothers: Stacy Parks and Larry Parks; and two sisters: Josephine Hammonds and Jeannie Williams. More ...

Mr. Henry Lee Campbell Mr. Henry Lee Campbell, age 37, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2009. He was preceded in death by his father, Emanuel Lee Campbell. More ...

Sports

2009 Tomcat Football Preview Preparations and plans for the upcoming Tomcat football season continue to roll on. Multiple changes have taken place within and outside the program, which opens the door to new expectations for Haywood football. The schedule is already set, the focus for the Tomcats is both coaching and player personnel. Haywood is coming off an outstanding season filled with various achievements. The Tomcats went 9-3, captured the Region 7-3A title (considered one of the toughest regions in the state), and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.  More ... XAVIER COLE

Coach of the Year Congratulations to head coach Allen Brown, pictured with his Dixie Youth Tigers who was named the Coach of the Year for 2009.  More ...

YMCA Volunteer Football Camp The Second Annual YMCA Volunteer Football Camp concluded last Friday with a game of flag football between the campers. The game was a conclusion to all the lessons learned throughout the week of the camp. The camp also had a barbeque after the game. Campers were visited by former University Of Tennessee Football players, Joey Kent and Chester Ford, as well as Oakland Raider Derrick Burgess. Taught by resident Tyrone Hines, the camp was also supervised by Hines’ brothers, Dexter, Carlos Andre and Tyrone, friend, Chuck Brummett and their coach, former Haywood County Lineman Coach Wade Griffin. More ...

Opinions

An American tribute Canadian style During the aftermath of the terrorist attack on 9-11-01, I read, for the first time, the radio commentary delivered by Canadian commentator Gordon Sinclair that was delivered on CFRB Radio in Toronto, Ontario, on June 5, 1973. According to J. Lyman Potts who was said to be present, the commentary aired during the “Let’s Be Personal” segment and was given the topic, “The Americans.” The radio editorial was an instant hit in America.  It was especially refreshing to know that someone who was not a citizen of the U.S. would pen such a powerful and positive heart-felt commentary on behalf of the country I love. Since the Fourth of July weekend is just ahead, please permit me to share it with you in its entirety:  More ... Jerry Wilson, Staff Writer

The Day the Entertainment Died During the winter of 1959, Buddy Holly Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” were part of a tour throughout the Midwest called the “Winter Dance Party.” While some of the tour had been done on bus, it was on February 3, that the three rock n roll stars decided to board a plane to their next destination. Unfortunately, the plane would never make it, and the three men would exit the world of rock n roll forever. Don Mclean would label this incident as “The Day the Music Died,” in his song, American Pie. Perhaps he did so because to many, it felt like the music had died with that crash. More ... Calvin Carter, Staff Writer

The Writing on the Wall “How hard could that be?” I thought, just before agreeing to hang the blackboard in what we call the “sunroom” of our house, even though the room is perpetually in shade, but that is another subject. “Are you sure now?” says my lovely wife, and I’m thinking to myself, “Of course I’m sure. What’s the big deal about hanging a chalkboard?” Of course I hadn’t seen, or more importantly, lifted, the blackboard when I agreed to this. She had; that’s why she asked if I were sure. What I had in mind was one of those boards you see sometimes in froufrou restaurants advertising arugula salads or sorrel soup, something 2 X 3 at the most. More ... 28th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Clayburn Peeples

News Of Years Gone By June 29, 1979 City Board Plans Holding Tax Rate At Same 89 cents At a special Monday afternoon meeting of City Board of the Mayor and Aldermen, a public hearing was held on the planned use of revenue sharing funds in the amount of $277,372. The board set a tentative tax rate of 89 cents per $100, the same as last year. The tentative budget, which will be adopted at the regular July meeting of the board was set at $1,115,769. More ...

Education

Library Corner The staff of the Elma Ross Public Library would like to say “Happy 4th of July” to all of Brownsville and Haywood County.  Happy Birthday USA!  We hope that everyone has a safe, happy, and joyous holiday.  The library will be closed on Saturday, July 4th in honor of the occasion. A big round of applause to Mr. Bill Neff for our Lunch & Learn program last week.  Mr. Neff gave a history and demonstration of the ancient game of Mah Jong.  It was quite fascinating and very fun to play.  In fact, it was so much fun, that we are going to be offering a Mah Jong class here at the library each Monday at 1 p.m. in the Meeting Room.  Everyone is invited to come and learn a fascinating game.  Thank you Mr. Neff for a great day. More ... Katherine Horn

Trista Wade makes Vanderbilt Dean’s List Trista Wade, 2006 graduate of Haywood High School, has made the Dean's List at Vanderbilt University College of Arts and Science for the spring semester 2009 with a 3.75 of a possible 4.00 GPA. She is also employed as a summer intern on Wall Street at J.P.Morgan and Chase Company as a summer analysis intern in the Sales & Trading Division on their Foreign Exchange Desk in New York City. More ...

A Recent Graduate of Union Univeristy Santeia Sherese Kinnon has recently earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Union Univeristy in Jackson, Tennessee, on May 23, 2009. She is the granddaughter of the late Jessie and Loius Kinnon, and Virginia Brummett and the late William L. Brummett. Her parents are Larry Kinnon and Johnnie R. Taylor. Miss Kinnon hopes to work in Cardiology or Pediatrics.  More ...

Come and Learn at Summer Celebration A fond memory of my childhood was hearing Andy Williams singing, “It’s the most Wonderful Time of the Year” during the Holiday Season. As an adult, the University of Tennessee’s “Summer Celebration” has become one of the events I cherish and look forward to each year. The theme at this year’s Summer Celebration is “Sedums and Succulents.” These are plants that can withstand the heat, love sunlight, but require little watering. With their unique textures and colors, these plants will be artfully featured throughout the gardens. You will see an entire kitchen scene composed of sedum. One of the featured speakers is a well-known sedum expert, and a wide variety of these fascinating plants will be offered for sale. More ... Walter Battle

Retired teachers meet The Haywood County chapter of the Tennessee Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) met on June 25 at the Delta Room for lunch provided by First South Bank. Mrs. Leslie Keathley gave a presentation about First South Insurance and answered questions. TRTA represents approximately 9,000 retired educators across the state and provides an opportunity for those who have devoted themselves to the education of our young people and an avenue of influence over the legislative process.  Officers are pictured left:  Linda Merrick, treasurer; Bennie Morrison, vice-president; Peggy Haynes, president; and Viola Taylor, secretary.  More ...

Living

Jordan Marie Smith Jordan Marie Smith was born May 27, 2009. She weighed 6 pounds 10 oz, and was 20 inches long. Proud parents are Rickey Smith Jr. and Meagan Smith. Grandparents are Martha and Ricky Smith, Sheila and Michael Austin,  and  Karl and Leanne Lovelace.  More ...

Charley Marie Stewart Charley Marie Stewart was born  March 16 ,2009, at  11:58 pm weighing 7 lbs 7oz and 20 inches long. She was born at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. Proud parents are Christine and Steven Stewart of  Jackson, TN. Her grandparrents are Dalia Gonzalez and  Tata Gabriel Gonzalez from Brownsville, TN and  Harriet and David Stewart from Collierville, TN More ...

Preston Thomas Clark Preston Thomas Clark was born on May 30th 2009 at Jackson General Hospital. He weighed 7 lbs 15 oz and was 191/2 in long. His proud parents are Rachel Baird and Brandon Clark of Brownsville, TN. He is also welcomed by his brother Andrew Baird and sisters Lori and Alex Baird. Proud grandparents are Jerry and Ruby Chauvin of Brownsville, TN and Paul Clark of Benton, KY. And his aunts are Audrey Lunceford, Holly McGarity and Nikki Dew all of Brownsville, TN.  More ...

Genealogy Genie Recent interest in saving the Shaw homeplace on Mercer Road sparked an inquiry regarding the Rice family who are buried in the cemetery behind the house.   The cemetery is 2 acres with John McNeil Shaw’s grave located at the center.  A “forever” right-of-way is designated by deed dated Sept. 12, 1908, when sons Daniel D., William J., Claude C., and their half brother Earnest M. partitioned the property.  Time has taken its toll with some stones down under heavy vegetation(photo shown below). More ...

Bethel-Belle Eagle News The July 4th holiday is this weekend so I am sure everyone has plans for something special.  Don’t eat too much and be safe. Last week Darrell and Louquita Climer and Shirley and Phillip Greenway traveled to Sikeston, MO and enjoyed lunch at Lambert’s. Later in the week, Darrell and Louquita treated daughter, Tammy , and husband, Lynn, and granddaughter, Jennifer, to lunch at Lambert’s.  Last Monday Darrell and Louquita and Shirley and Phillip Greenway rode to Ripley and Corinth, MS sightseeing. More ... Betty Scott

Hillville-Eurekaton News As we celebrate the 4th of July weekend, I hope you will remember the importance of this holiday.  OUR FREEDOM.    On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress.  On the second anniversary, bells were rang, candles lit and cannons were fired in celebration.  It became an official holiday when the American Revolution ended in 1783 but did not become a federal holiday until 1941.  More ... Vicki Williams

Crestview News Summer is here and it looks like it’s going to be a hot one. At Crestview our residents are keeping cool by staying inside and working on our senior Olympic project. We would like to welcome Ms. Mattie Morris to our facility. We hope that her stay with us is enjoyable. More ...

Douglass News The Douglas Community is again this year gearing up for our upcoming events with the summer youth program beginning July 13-24, 2009. Transportation will be provided and Mrs. Nadean Lee and staff are eagerly preparing for them.  If you have questions, comments or concerns you can call her at 731-548-6111.  More ... Alvis M. Bond

Union News And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)   More ... Sylessie Ross

Holly Grove News “ Freedom in Christ” was the subject chosen by our pastor for the message Sunday, taking from text 2 Chronicles 7th chapter. The freedoms we have in this land are so precious and truly a blessing from God, but the most cherished freedom is when we allow Christ to set us free from the bondage and consequences of sin in this life and the life to come. More ... Martha H. Jones

Suzie's Scene Robert and Peggy Haynes attended Robert’s Bells High School 40th class reunion recently at the home of Jo Lynn Jackson. Four class members are deceased and of the 32 remaining, 17 attended the cook-out and decided to make it a yearly event. Peggy, Angela and Kimberly Jackson spent last week in Florida. Everyone had a great time, and Angela really enjoyed the change of scenery. More ... Suzie Tipton

Sugar Creek Retirement Center News We have not had the best of weeks here at Sugar Creek.  All my best laid plans have gone awry.  We were supposed to go to the Country Club one day, but it was entirely too hot.  We can do lots of things at our age, but taking that kind of heat is not one of them.  We do not want to have to rush any one to the emergency room with a heat stroke.   That would not come under the heading of “good” publicity. More ... Shirley Tucker

Stanton News Stanton wishes you a safe and happy July 4th  weekend! There’s a lot of news from Stanton this week, I’ll try to squeeze it all in. A few weeks ago, Barbara Renfrow came by the Stanton Welcome Center/Library to donate a beautiful painting and note cards (for sale at the library) of the old Spencer home (oldest home in Stanton) painted by her daughter. Barbara once operated an antique shop and tea room in the old home here in Stanton. Spencer was the first postmaster of the newly settled Stanton Depot, and the home is still occupied today. We thank Barbara for her support of Stanton! More ... Debbie Sterbinsky

Allen News Sunday was a beautiful summer day, and attendance was great at Allen. Linda Merrick sang our special music. Julian and one of his friends, Jack, spent the night with us on Saturday, and attended church with us on Sunday morning. Two boys really make for an interesting time, and we truly enjoyed having them. More ... Gail Barden

Legal Notices

Public Notices for 07/02/09  More ...

Right To Know  More ...