Stories from Friday, February 22, 2013

By Clint Confehr Senior Staff Writer CHAPEL HILL - After 30 years of service as police chief, Jackie King is retiring. "I'm in good health and while I am, I want to do stuff, so I'm going to do it," King said. He'll have more time with grandchildren, and spend two weeks in the mountains at a rustic cabin owned by a friend. His wife, Kay, wants to see a Broadway show, so they're going to New York this summer. His last day as chief is April 24...

By Clint Confehr Senior Staff Writer The Humane Society is "lobbying heavily" to increase punishment for cockfighting, but state Rep. Billy Spivey of Lewisburg is against that, he said Wednesday. "They're asking that the second offense be a felony and the first offense have a greater fine," Spivey said. "Gambling charges are available to the district attorney when a cockfight is busted."...

Dylan P. Riddle, 21, of Sparta, was served with three warrants at Marshall County Jail. He is charged with vandalism over $500, reckless endangerment, and filing a false report. These charges arise from an incident on Feb. 11 when Riddle allegedly broke a sprinkler head off the fire suppression system in the jail, causing a flood in H pod. Bond: $8,500; court date: Feb. 26...

A proposed law to protect student athletes who suffer concussions from risking further medical complications or death overcame its first hurdle this week with passage in Tennessee's Senate Education Committee. State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) is sponsoring Senate Bill 882 to be sure guidelines are in place to help coaches, youth athletic instructors and parents recognize a concussion and its symptoms in order to keep an injured player from risking their health by returning to competition too soon.. ...

James Ernie Darnell Jr., 67, of Hendersonville, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara Musgrave and James Ernie Darnell Sr.; stepfather, Hugh F. Searcy; and a brother-in-law, Billy Doak Brandon. Mr. Darnell never met a stranger, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. ...

Forrest Middle Play Day Schedule for February 22 and 23 Friday 4:00 Liberty vs. Community 5:10 Community vs. Cox 6:20 Liberty vs. Cox

The Cornersville Middle School Lady Bulldogs began the 2013 softball campaign with a bang, as they went on the road and defeated Columbia Academy 7-2 on Friday afternoon. CA held a 1-0 lead at the end of the first inning, but Cornersville controlled the game from that point on and outscored Columbia Academy 7-1 over the final six frames to claim the five-run victory. Lady Bulldog starting pitcher Kirsten Young went the distance in the circle to pick up the win and racked up 10 strikeouts in seven innings of work, while allowing two unearned runs on eight hits and no walks.

The Cornersville Middle School Bulldogs fell to 0-2 on the young season when they were defeated 13-3 at home in five innings by the Community Vikings on Tuesday night. Having lost 10-0 to Community in their previous outing, Cornersville held a 1-0 lead at the end of the first inning in Tuesday's contest, but things quickly went downhill for the Bulldogs after that point, as the Vikings outscored CMS 13-2 over the next four frames to complete the sweep of the season series.

The FMS Rockets opened up their defense of four consecutive Mid-South Conference titles in style Tuesday, beating Westwood 7-1 in Manchester. "It's always nice to get the first win of the season," said head coach Bart Joyce. "Westwood has a good team, but we managed to capitalize when we got the chance on the bases." The Rockets scratched across a run in the top of the first inning as catcher Jacob Jones led off the game with an infield single.