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Gleason Area News & Community Events

 

Gleason Has New Softball Coach

By Kenneth Coker

Dresden Enterprise Sports Editor

There's a new man in charge of the Gleason High School softball program.

Jacob Canaday, a 2007 graduate of GHS, has taken over the reins of the Lady Bulldogs diamond squad. Canaday a first-year teacher and May 2011 graduate of Bethel University has been named the program’s new head coach, replacing Joel Ayers.

Jacob is a Gleason alumnus that we are proud to have back with us teaching and coaching, Gleason athletic director/assistant principal Lee Lawrence said. He was a dedicated baseball player here at Gleason and the softball team will benefit from his knowledge and character. I have no doubt that Jacob will instill sportsmanship and dedication within the young people he works with."

Though excited about the position, Canaday admitted that he didn't foresee becoming a head coach at such a young age. I m nervous about it, the new Gleason softball skipper said. It s a huge step for me. I figured I would help out with one of the spring teams, but I didn't think I'd be a head coach to begin with. I m going to have to learn on the job. I've talked to the previous coach and feel confident that he ll point me in the right direction as to what I need to do.

Canaday did reveal some plans in terms of his coaching philosophy. I want the girls to always try their best and to never give up, Canaday said. I don't want to see any teammates bringing each other down and arguing. We're a team and our attitude is going to have to be that we are both on and off the field.

Canaday, who lettered in baseball at Gleason, told that he needed a bit of coaching in order to throw batting practice. The pitching is one thing I have to learn, Canaday said. It's way different than baseball.

Ayers, who held the position for seven years, resigned the post over the summer to solely focus on his duties as the Gleason girls (high school and junior high) basketball coach.

With doing both basketball and softball, I haven t had much of a break, Ayers told. At the beginning of the school year, I said if they could find someone that was willing to take it over that I'd love for them to have it. I wish Jacob all the best and I'll help him with any questions he might have.

The Lady Bulldog softball team finished last season with a 4-16 worksheet. Source. Dresden Enterprise.

Gleason Water Plant Receives Julian R. Fleming Award

 

The city of Gleason recently received the 2011 Julian R. Fleming Award For Outstanding Water Treatment Plant, presented by the Tennessee Water and Wastewater Association

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By David Fisher

Staff Reporter

During a meeting of the Tennessee Water and Wastewater Association at Old Country Store in Jackson, Tuesday, November 15, the association presented the city of Gleason with the 2011 Julian R. Fleming Award For Outstanding Water Treatment Plant.

According to Gleason Water Treatment Operator Tony Terrell, the award is one of six presented statewide each year in six separate categories. The award is based on the following: 1. Housekeeping (grounds, laboratory, equipment). 2. Records (state, EPA, operational, safety and maintenance). 3. State Inspections. 4. Safety. 5. Operator certification (continuing education, operators and their grade of certification, courses and training). 6. TDE &C approval. 7. Final product (how does the finished water or wastewater rate). 8. Special circumstances, adversity and innovations. Has the plant faced any unusual or difficult problems or circumstances? If so how were these solved?

All of these criteria are geared toward the production of clean water. Gleason is rated as a state approved water supply system. “We’re glad to get this award,” Gleason Mayor Jack Dunning said. “It’s and honor to be chosen water treatment plant of the year. Tony does a good job. We invite anybody in town to stop by and see where their water comes from.” 

Gleason’s Meagan Price Moves into Coaching

By Kenneth Coker

Dresden Enterprise Sports

Gleason High School alumni Meagan Price feels she is where she is supposed to be in her new role as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Georgia.

“I feel like this is where God wants me to be,” Price said. “My father found out about the job online and I applied for it and got hired shortly thereafter. “This seems like the right place for me at this time in my life.”

Price, who graduated from GHS in 2006 and played at the college level at both Bethel College and Missouri Baptist University, was hired during the summer at TMC.

She cited her time at Gleason under heralded prep basketball coach Randy Frazier as her “learning tree” experience in terms of getting a grip on the hoops game.

“I’ll always say that playing for Coach Frazier is the greatest thing  that prepared me to coach and to play college basketball,” Price, 24, said. “Everything we were doing (at Gleason) was they were doing when I went to college and it was easy to make the transition because of what Coach Frazier taught us. “I knew basketball when I graduated high school because of him.”

At Gleason, Price was an All-District selection as a senior, junior and sophomore. She was an All-Region selection as a junior and a senior.

Price - whose father Gene is a local Baptist minister and mother Trish is the principal at Gleason School - began her college career during the 2006-07 season at Bethel.

She saw action in 15 games and averaged two points per game as a freshmen. Price was red-shirted the ’07- 08 season while with the Lady Wildcats. She returned to Bethel for the ’08-09 campaign and as a sophomore averaged just over three points per game in 20 contests during a 19-13 season.

For the ’09-10 season, Price transferred to MBU. She scored in twin figures on eight occasions during a 17-13 campaign. Price tied her career-high at the college level while with Missouri Baptist with a 14-point game against Wiliams Baptist. She had previously scored  14 as a sophomore while at Bethel versus Hannibal-LaGrange College.

Price saw action in all 29 games as a senior with the Lady Spartans – who finished 16-13 – last season. “The toughest thing for me has been to have to sit and watch,” said Price, who graduated from MBU in May with an English degree and writing certificate. “I feel like I knew the ins and outs of what goes on at this level, but it’s been hard to not be a player. “Luckily, we’ve got a pretty young team and that has helped to make the transition from being one of the girls to being a coach easier.”

At Truett-McConnell, Price’s responsibilities range from recruiting to game-day coaching. “I do a little of everything,” Price said.

Though content with her current position, the Gleason native did say she has bigger plays down the line. “I hope someday to be a head coach at a college,” Price said. “I know now isn’t the time and I need to get a few years as an assistant under my belt, but that’s the ultimate plan.”

Truett-McConnell College, which has over 700 students, is a privately-owned Christian college. The Truett-McConnell College skipper is Matt Sanders. “He is beyond a great boss that has not only help me get my feet wet but has let me dive right into the program as if I’ve been here forever,” Price said. Source: Dresden Enterprise.

Gleason receives community development block grant

The City of Gleason was one of 32 Tennessee communities to receive a portion of $23 million in Community Development Block Grants to assist with infrastructure improvements. In the community livability category, Gleason received a total of $189,655 for street improvements to West Street, which includes repaving and other work as needed.

Neighboring Lake County was awarded $227,104 in the same category.

Sewer system grants received by other local communities include: Halls, which was awarded $500; South Fulton with $500,000; and Trenton, which received $500,000.

The funds were allocated under a procedure authorized  by the Tennessee General Assembly.

Allocation of CDBG funds is based on priorities set at local levels where community needs are best known. The CDBG program is administered in Tennessee by the Department of Economic and Community Development. Source. Dresden Enterprise.

Gleason Mourns Loss of Belew

The Gleason football community is mourning the loss of David Belew after he died over the weekend at the age of 71 after a lengthy bout with illness.

Belew served as a volunteer assistant coach at both the high school level – under the late Sam Guthrie – and junior high level (under Richard Usery) during the 1990s. Most recently, he had been the Bulldogs’ videographer on Friday evenings.

“It’s a tremendous loss for our school,” said GHS assistant principal and athletic director Lee Lawrence - who played under Belew. “In the past, he had been a volunteer assistant coach. He really liked to film games and it was evident that he had a passion for helping out. “Coach Belew even filmed some this year when he was struggling to get up and down to the press box. A guy like that will be missed.”

Gleason hosts 38th Annual Town Parade

By David Fisher

Staff Reporter

The 38th annual Tater Town Special, featuring numerous, fun-filled activities for the whole family to enjoy, got underway Sunday, August 28 and continued through Monday, September 5.

Saturday, known as “Tater Day,” was the main day of the festival and attracted numerous visitors from surrounding areas.

Many came to view or participate in the parade and check out the other activities at the Gazelle  Grounds and at Gleason School.

Tater Day

A large crowd composed of local citizens and visitors from neighboring towns gathered in downtown Gleason Saturday,  September 3, to witness the 38th annual Tater Town Special Parade and other events

The morning’s activities kicked off with a 5K Race at 7:00 a.m. in front of Gleason School.

This was followed by an Antique Tractor/Engine Show on the front lawn of Gleason School starting at 8:00 a.m. Some of these entries were driven in the grand parade, and then parked on the school grounds for the show.

The main event on Saturday was the Tater Town Parade. The Junior Parade started at 10:00 a.m., which was immediately followed by the Grand Parade.

Riding in the parade was 2011 Grand Marshal Jerry Connell, who serves as a city alderman, fire chief and longtime local businessman. The parade featured floats and convertibles carrying local beauty winners and other dignitaries, antique cars, trucks and tractors, horse and riders, horse-drawn wagons, bicycles, tricycles, 4-wheelers, go-carts, and various walking entries.

After the parade, festival goers gathered at the Gazelle Grounds, where they enjoyed live entertainment, arts and crafts booths featuring a wide variety of handmade items and other specialty products, delicious food, and assorted games.

Saturday night’s activities included the “Bull Blow Out” at the Gleason Saddle Club and “The Great Pretenders” at Gleason School. Fan favorites  local talent portraying music legends Ray Stevens, Elvis, and Willie Nelson, and many other old favorites. A second show was held Sunday afternoon.

Other Activities

Other activities held during the eight-day event included:

Sunday, August 28: This year’s activities begin with an afternoon reception honoring 2011 Grand Marshal Jerry Connell from at Gleason First United Methodist Church.

Tuesday, August 30: The “Old Fashioned Gospel Singing” at Gleason First United Methodist Church.

Wednesday, August 31: “Youth Night” at the Gazelle Grounds, which featured a faith based magician / illusionist show designed to motivate and inspire, presented by Justin Chandler.

Thursday, September 1: “Tater Town Adult Bingo” and the fifth annual “Gazelle Cake Auction,” which were held at the Gazelle Grounds.

Friday, September 2: The “Tater Town BBQ Cook-Off,” with awards presented in several categories, including: backyard BBQ, chicken, ribs, and pork shoulder. Held in conjunction with this event was the “Tater Town Sweet Potato Bake-Off.” Both events were held at the Gazelle grounds. There was also live entertainment at the event provided by the group “Ladies & Gents.”

Sunday, September 4: A “Community-Wide Worship Service” hosted by the First Baptist Church was followed by a potluck luncheon.

Monday, September 5: The week’s festivities concluded on Labor Day with the “Faith Riders Motorcycle Ride,” which left from First Baptist Church. Source: Dresden Enterprise; Photos by David Fisher.

‘Tony’s New York Style Hot Dogs’ Opens at Gleason mall

Gleason residents Tony Accomando and his wife, Kathy, opened a new business in Gleason Thursday, August 18, called Tony’s New York Style Hotdogs. Mr. And Mrs. Accomando operate the hotdog stand in the parking lot at Gleason Mall from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. featuring New York and Chicago style hotdogs, accompanied by drinks and chips as their main sellers. They also offer other regional hotdogs favorites. Additionally, they plan to add pizza to their menu later, as their business increases. Shortly after opening Thursday, a line of hungry customers began forming to check out the cuisine. Those present to celebrate the grand opening of the new business are (l to r): Tony and Kathy Accomando, Gleason Mayor Jack Dunning, Gleason Alderman and Fire Chief Jerry Connell, and Gleason Police Chief Jeff Hazelwood.

Gleason Board Honors Chief Stewart Upon Retirement

The Gleason City Board honored retiring Chief of Police Edmond Stewart with a reception immediately before the start of the May monthly city board meeting last Thursday night. Stewart will retire as chief of police for the City of Gleason effective June 2 after serving on the city’s police department just short of 37 years. He began working as a patrolman with the police department on August 30, 1974 and advanced in the department to become the department’s chief.

During the retirement reception, Stewart was presented a plague and a shotgun as gifts to honor him for his distinguished service to the city. Friends and family members were also present at the reception to show their appreciation to Stewart.

During the monthly city board meeting of the Gleason Board, Gleason Mayor Jack Dunning recommended that assistant chief Jeff Hazlewood be appointed as chief of police and that officer David King be appointed as assistant police chief. Both recommendations were unanimously approved by board upon vote. Following his appointment, Hazlewood gave the board a police report in which he reported that two meth labs had been confiscated in Gleason recently which resulted in arrests. Hazlewood explained to the board that having two meth labs in city at the same time was not something that frequently occurs in Gleason, but was an unusual occurrence.

Mayor Dunning gave report to the board on the status of the damage that occurred to Snider Park as a result of recent severe thunderstorms. Dunning informed the board that an insurance adjuster had visited the park to assess the damage and to determine the extent of damage. Dunning said that ball field fences received major damage and there was also damage to the ballfield lights, bleachers, and to roofs of buildings at the park. Damage to the fences alone is estimated at $20,000 and total damage at the park may equal $70,000 or more according to the mayor. The city board is to meet on Thursday night, May 19 to consider bids being submitted for the repair of the ballfield fences.

The City Board approved the Cowart Reese Sargeant accounting firm conducting the annual city audit for the city following the end of the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The firm conducted the audit for the past fiscal year and offered a guarantee to the city that the cost of the audit this year will not exceed $7,000, which is less that the cost for the prior fiscal year, which had been bid by the city.

Mayor Dunning passed out the proposed city budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year to the board members present last Thursday for their review prior to considering the budget on first reading. The board will discuss the proposed budget when the board meets in called session Thursday at 7 p.m. The budget must be approved on two readings and have a public hearing before becoming effective. Source: Dresden Enterprise.

Calvin Bailey Former Gleason Basketball Standout Inducted into the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame

Calvin Bailey, a 1969 graduate of Gleason High School, will be inducted into the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame on April 14, 2011 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tennessee. Calvin is the son of the late Morris and Ann Bailey of Gleason. He is the grandson of the late Dee and Ida Spencer and Jacob and Mary Bailey.

At Gleason High School, he was a member of the 1969 Basketball State Tournament Team. During the 1969 season, Bailey scored 51 points and 30 rebounds in one game. He was named to the All-Region, All District, and All-County teams. He completed his senior year, averaging 20 points and 21 rebounds per game.

After graduation, Calvin signed a basketball scholarship with Jackson State Community College, where he played from 1969-1971. He broke numerous records while at Jackson State, including a rebound record of 27 rebounds in one game. Bailey also set a record for individual rebounds in a season, with 398. During his tenure at Jackson State, he average 22 points and 15 rebounds per game. He was named Top Rebounder in Tennessee Jackson College Athletics and was named t o t h e Re g i o n 7 TJCAA Al l - Conference Team.

In 1972, Calvin continued his basketball career with David Lipscomb University in Nashville, where he averaged 23 points and 16 rebounds per game. He set a rebound record of 27 rebounds in one game and set the record again during the same season with 30 rebounds, 47 points, and 14 blocked shots in a single game.

In 1972, Calvin set a single season scoring record with 618 points. He also tied the record for the most free throws in one game - 17 of 20. Calvin set the record for the most rebounds in a single season with 431 rebounds. He was named David Lipscomb’s MVP and was also selected as a member of the “Nashville All-City College Team.”

While Calvin had an opportunity to play professional basketball, he chose to retur n to Jackson State Community College to teach and serve as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach.

For the past thirty-seven years, Calvin has been a coach and mentor for students on the elementary, middle school, high school, and college levels. All have been equally important to him. He is currently employed with the Gibson County Special School District, where he has served as principal of Medina Elementary School for 30 years. During his tenure, he has seen the Medina Public School System become one of the fastest growing school systems in the country, academically ranking among the top in the state of Tennessee.

Calvin Bailey has used sports as a platform to stress that winning is defined by making a difference in the lives of others.

Calvin is married to the former Sandra Mitchell of Jackson. They are the parents of two children, Bryan and Rebecca. Source: McKenzie Banner.

 

Gleason Farmer Chosen as State Ag Commissioner

Gleason farmer chosen as state ag commissioner | Terry J. Oliver, Gleason, Tennessee Ag commissionerNashville – Gov. Phil Bredesen last week announced Terry J. Oliver as the next commissioner of the Department of Agriculture. Oliver of Gleason, who currently serves as deputy commissioner, assumed his new role on Monday, Aug. 16.

“I have personally known Terry and have sought his advice and counsel through the years on agricultural issues,” said Bredesen. “Always dependable and a man of his word, Terry made a great team with former Commissioner Ken Givens in leading our efforts to address the needs and opportunities of farmers and rural communities. He is the right person to assume leadership of the Department of Agriculture at this time, and I’m very pleased to announce his appointment.”

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture provides a variety of consumer protection services, promotes farm products and encourages the sustainable management of forest and farmland resources. Farming and forestry not only preserve a time-honored way of life, but they also fuel the state’s economy. Agricultural production generates more than $3.1 billion annually in farm cash receipts and another $329 million generated by timber sales.

 “I very much appreciate the opportunity to serve Governor Bredesen and the state of Tennessee as commissioner,” Oliver said. “The Department of Agriculture touches the lives of Tennesseans every day through the food we eat, the fuel we pump, the clothes we wear, the wood products we use and the land we enjoy. It will be an honor for me to serve Tennesseans in this new role.”

“I am extremely proud of this honor and appreciate the support of the folks in Northwest Tennessee. These are the people that know me and who have believed in me as a member of the agriculture community,” Oliver added.

A West Tennessee farmer and businessman, Oliver has nearly 20 years of public service and experience in state government and has served four commissioners of Agriculture as deputy commissioner. He returned to state government in February 2003 having served previously in the same capacity from 1987 to 1995.

Oliver has led efforts to improve the effectiveness of the Division of Forestry and also played a significant role in the development and implementation of the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, a cost share program established by Bredesen to spur farm innovation and agricultural development in Tennessee.

A native of Gleason,  Oliver holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He is a member of the advisory council for the Governor’s School of Agriculture Sciences at UT Martin – one of only three enrichment programs in the nation for high school agriculture students. He is also a former member of the USDA Farm Services Agency state committee.

Oliver, a sixth generation farmer, and his wife Marsha reside on their family farm in Gleason.
The couple has two daughters – Melissa Overton of Dresden and Angie (Rusty) Morris of Gleason and three grandchildren – Lakin Overton, Rance Morris and Katelyn Morris.
Source: Weakley County Press 8.17.10

Gleason Home to Another Singing Sensation

By Sara Reid, Staff Writer

Gleason home to another singing sensation | Micah Arnold, West Tennessee Idol

Micah Arnold

The City of Gleason has long been known as the home of Grand Old Opry star Mike Snider, but in the near future it may be able to add another name to that list. Last month, Gleason native Micah Arnold, 26, took to the stage in the West Tennessee Idol competition in Jackson and outshined over 200 contestants to take home the grand prize and the chance to move on to state competition. Initially, Arnold, who has been singing since the age of three, was hesitant to enter the competition, but with the encouragement of his parents, Jim and Donna Arnold, he decided to take the plunge. “Over 200 people were at the audition,” Arnold admitted. “First, you had to sing a capella and if you advanced past that, you’d perform to a live round onstage in front of the judges and then a radio round where people called in and voted.” Despite the fact that the competition was very much like the “American Idol” television show, Arnold admitted that the entire process did nothing to wrack his nerves. “I’m used to the stage,” he said. “I’m in a band called Leaving Sunday and we’ve played in Dresden, Paris, Jackson and McKenzie. I’ve sung in Nashville in most every place. I play guitar in the band, but lately, of course, I’ve been focusing on vocals.” Arnold hopes to take his passion much further than the competition stage. He’s hoping to make a career in the music industry. “I’d really like to go further with it,” he said. “I’ve been wanting to work on a career in the music industry for a while now.” Arnold cites his musical influences as being everything from Keith Urban to Merle Haggard to Hank Williams Jr. to Garth Brooks to, of course, his father who played music when Arnold was growing up, but he relates his own style of singing to no one. It’s uniquely his own. “I try not to sound like anyone. I try to be unique. I’ve been told that I sound like George Strait or I sound like Conway Twitty, but I don’t want to be a second-rate version of them,” he admitted. Arnold wasn’t the only Weakley Countian to sing on the West Tennessee Idol stage, however. Two other singers from Palmersville also made the finals and Arnold saw their presence as a comfort. “Emily Rook was there and Paul Jolley was there and it was very comforting,” he remarked. “I knew them even before the competition and it was great that we all had each other to talk to and cope with. It really made the competition easier. We banded together and it really felt good to see people I knew there rooting all of us on.” When Arnold won the competition and received his trophy, he knew all the years of hard work and practice had paid off and he had just taken one step closer to his dream. “It really felt good. It’s something I’ve been doing for a long time and it paid off,” he said. “I still have a long way to go as far as making a career in music, but this was a huge accomplishment. The judges were from the music industry and hearing the positive feedback from them made me feel good about myself.” “Every contestant there deserved to win,” he added. “It was not an easy win because everyone was so talented, but I’m pleased they chose me.” Arnold will now compete in the Tennessee Colgate State Finals in Monteagle on Sept. 6 and with a win, will move on to national competition at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville.

The Life and Times of Mr. Roy Travillian

By Ernie Smothers
smothers@mckenziebanner.com

It has been said that effort constitutes the defining line between those who dream and those who achieve. Gleason’s Roy Travillian is an achiever. He has not only dreamed great dreams, but through hard work and diligence, nurtured those dreams into reality. A spiritual and earnest man, he has lived a life that casts shadows on most. Laborer, farmer, salesman, business owner, college graduate at 68, author—-it’s easier to state what he hasn’t done rather than list all that he has accomplished. Quick to smile and even quicker to wit, Roy Travillian is a man with a story to tell.

Gordon Stoker

Gordon Stoker - Part of Half a Century of Music History

The Jordanaires greeted their fans at their induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. They have sung backup for Elvis Presley, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and other legends. Quartet members are (from left) Curtis Young, Gordon Stoker, Ray Walker and Louis Nunley.  Source: Weakley County Press.  - Click Here For Full Story

Featured Series From the McKenzie Banner

Gordon Stoker - Gleason's Musical Marvel Makes it to Nashville: Part one of a two-part series By Deborah Turner   Source: The McKenzie Banner

Gordon Stoker - "The Amazing Years": Part two By Deborah Turner   Source: The McKenzie Banner

 Mike Snider

Mike Snider-Always Gleason's Hometown Boy

By Deborah Turner ~ dturner@mckenziebanner.com

Mike Snider surged from 1983 national banjo champ to a member of the Grand Ole Opry. After 26 years of perfecting the three-finger style of banjo playing, three years ago he switched to the clawhammer style in keeping with his interest in old-time mountain music.

Some who gain fame take due pride in being able to say they’ve never forgotten their roots. Celebrated banjo player, Mike Snider, on the other hand, dug his roots still deeper in the town of Gleason from which he’d sprung, after being welcomed heart and soul into the close-knit bosom of the Grand Ole Opry and adoring fans everywhere.  Source: MckenzieBanner.com - Click Here for Full Story

    

 

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