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News Headlines
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
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Community Bids Dusty Farewell |
A helmet, weapon and boots symbolizes Dusty's sacrifice amid
a display of mementoes presented by a loving community.
McKENZIE - A grateful community bid Sergeant James Dustin
Carroll a final farewell Thursday, August 11, in a service
in which his life was upheld as a model for others to
follow. A roadside bomb snuffed out the life of the
23-year-old soldier on July 31, seven months into his
service in Iraq and as he completed two years as a member of
the Tennessee National Guard's 230th Engineer Battalion,
Company A.
Known to family and friends as Dusty, the young man served
alongside his father, Sgt. Pat Carroll, who joined the unit
shortly after Dusty's birth.
The McKenzie Funeral Home filled to capacity well before the
3:00 p.m. service, raising temperatures inside on the
sweltering summer day. Among several men of military
distinction present were Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett, state
adjutant general; Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas adjutant
general and that state's director of homeland security;
Brig. Gen. Jimmy Welch, commander of the 194th Engineer
Brigade in Jackson; and Veterans Affairs Commissioner John
A. Keys. Also in attendance were state Representative Mark
Maddox and state Senator Don McLeary, their sole ambition in
attending to honor the life of a brave and honorable man.
Among a swathe of dress uniforms worn by dignitaries and
members of the military honors unit, representing soldiers
from across Tennessee, three men in desert fatigues stood
out as Dusty's brethren, home for rest and recuperation from
the rigors of war. They were Sgt. Steve Prather and Spc.
Acie Maynard, Jr. of the McKenzie Guard unit and Spc. Ray
Jimenez, who volunteered from the Martin unit to accompany
Company A on its mission. Maynard is the son of Staff Sgt.
Tommy Maynard, who remained stateside with several other
members of Company A.
Three walls of the chapel were lined in floral wreaths, many
with a patriotic theme, while other gifts memorializing
Dusty were displayed on two tables. Soldiers, solemn in
duty, guarded their comrade throughout the visitation and
funeral at doorways and on each side of the flag-draped
coffin. A total of 1500 signatures were recorded in the
guest registry with 551 in attendance at the service.
As a hush fell over the assembly when a procession of
high-ranking soldiers were escorted into the chapel, the
muted sound of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" could be
heard in final chorus among a series of rock ballads.
Veterans representing the American Legion entered as a unit
and took their places near the front of the room.
The melody shifted to Christian standards wrought in
bell-tones as 50 members of the honor guard filed in, making
their way to the front of the room where, one by one, they
brought themselves to attention in front of the closed
casket, performed a smart right-face, and executed a slow
salute in reluctant farewell to their brother in arms and in
duty to their country.
The congregation rose as the Dusty's family entered and
music selections shifted to Christian favorites performed on
the instruments of the mountains, mandolin and banjo.
First Baptist Church Pastor Dennis Trull prefaced his
comments by acknowledging the reality of the family's pain.
"We're here for you, we just don't know how hard it hurts
and how much," he said. But a measure of peace was conferred
as he referred to the 23rd Psalm, which, he declared,
"doesn't belong to everybody, but it does belong to Dusty
Carroll, who was 14 when he gave his life to Christ... At
that point God becomes a shepherd to us."
Two of Dusty's best friends, Lauren Anderson and Lindsey
Reid, spoke of Dusty's life.
Lauren said he was full of life, love, courage and honor, a
safe haven for his friends whenever he was needed, day or
night.
"Dusty's colossal laugh could light up a room," she said.
"It was some type of old man chuckle. I get a smile just
thinking about it. I have so many memories, as I think we
all do, of Dusty's laughter."
She shared anecdotes of his respect for nature, compassion
for life, and his pet squirrel named Dinner. "His soothing
and gentle energy could relax anyone or anything..." she
said. "And when we go to the next life, Dusty will be there
waiting, ready to greet us with open arms and a beautiful
smile."
Lindsey spoke of Dusty's sense of duty and honor. "He had a
habit of honoring commitments even if it meant sacrifice,"
she said, noting he was an unselfish man characterized by
personal courage including the ability to say no to his own
baser instincts and was one who didn't follow the crowd.
"He enjoyed life's pleasures in moderation," she said,
recalling his frequent use of words like please, thank you,
I'm sorry, and I give my word. "He had a habit of living
courteously," she said, "and he didn't believe in using
violence... There was always something magical about Dusty."
A lone soldier plays Taps at the conclusion of the
21-gun salute.
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His mother, Debra Carroll, also addressed the
congregation, her soft voice reflecting her still-breaking
heart. "I'm proud to be Dusty's mom and I always have been,"
she began slowly. She recalled that, because her family
moved frequently when she was a child, she was never able to
develop long-held attachments with old classmates and
friends, therefore, she had wanted her own child to grow up
in a community where he could develop lifelong friendships.
"I am proud to say McKenzie has been a very good town to
raise my child in... They say it takes a village to raise a
good child and it does," she said. "And we have seen so much
love during our 20-something years here... the amount of
love I saw last night (during visitation and throughout the
ordeal) and the pain I saw in these young people's eyes when
they came to comfort me made me realize how special my son
was to them and helped me to realize my son was going to
live forever in the hearts of each of his friends."
She said Lindsey offered Dusty every way she could think of
to his escape his obligation, but he refused.
"And his father told me he was a very good soldier, a very
proud man," she said, pain permeating each word. "And I've
gained a new respect for the armed forces in our country and
I appreciate everything y'all have done. I appreciate the
respect I have seen that you have for my son and I love you
for that."
To the wider audience, she continued, "And if Dusty were
here he would tell you, thank you for taking care of his mom
because that was a big worry in his life, that his mom was
taken care of. I just want to thank you all."
Soldiers and veterans stood at attention as Amazing Grace,
performed poignantly on bagpipes, was played prior to
further remarks by Pastor Trull.
He expressed appreciation for all members of the military as
well as veterans, noting his own father was a veteran of
World War II.
"The bad news is that nice people get hurt by evil people
and scripture has revealed it will be that way," he said,
"God has given us freedom to choose, and evil is in this
world because people choose to be evil, so in this world
there will be tribulations."
He said there were four lessons to learn from Dusty's death:
make the most of every day, because life can be snatched any
moment; express love and concern for each other at every
opportunity; success in life is determined not by how long
but how one lives; and the importance of accepting Christ as
Savior.
"The best choice Dusty ever made was when he was 14 years
old: he gave his life to Christ," he said.
The congregation joined Trull in reciting the Lord's prayer,
after which he advised, concerning the family's needs for
community support, "Don't stop now, the days are still going
to be tough."
The doorway to the canopy outdoors was opened as soldiers
prepared to fire the 21-gun salute in honor of Dusty's
sacrifice of life, a freedom force borne by Americans for
230 years.
A memorial service for Sergeant Dusty Carroll was held
in Iraq by members of 194th Engineering Brigade,
Tennessee Army National Guard. A memorial display
contained Dusty's photo, boots, helmet, and gun, along
with a cross, the Company A, 230th Engineer insignia,
and flags. Brigadier General Jimmy Welch, Commander of
the 194th Engineer Brigade, was on hand and honored
SPC Carroll with a salute.(Photos submitted by SFC
Pete Quinton)
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Tears flowed freely as Taps signaled the finality of
Dusty's earthly journey and soldiers, in solemn ceremony,
folded the flag from atop his casket. In a series of
consecrating moves, the flag was offered to General Welch
who, on bended knee and with heartfelt devotion, presented
it to Dusty's mother. A second, folded flag was placed
briefly upon the casket and similarly dedicated, after which
Welch kneeled as he offered it on behalf of a grateful
country to Dusty's father.
The service concluded with Mercy Me's inspirational
contemporary Christian ballad, "I Can Only Imagine" as the
family led the way out of the chapel, a departure marked by
Pat's leaden footsteps and Debra's unreserved weeping.
General Welch, of Dyersburg, who was also home on leave
from Iraq and began his military service in Vietnam, hailed Dusty's death as "the great loss of a great soldier."
General Bunting said he attended the funeral out of respect
for Dusty and the long-standing military relationship
between the states of Kansas and Tennessee. "We extend our
deepest sympathy," he said. "We wanted to be here as a
symbol of our respect for everybody in Tennessee."
General Hargett said Dusty's death was proof that "freedom
is not free."
"He was a true Tennessee volunteer," he said, "He joined the
National Guard in a unit in which his father, Sgt. Pat
Carroll, was also a member. We're proud of him as a
Tennessean."
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Accident Claims Lives of Brothers |
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Brandon Shepherd
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West Carroll High School students were saddened this week
to learn that two of their former classmates had been killed
in an early Sunday morning accident.
The victims were identified as James Lynn Shepherd, 17,
driver of the vehicle, and Brandon Joe Shepherd, 22, front
seat passenger, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Both resided at 635 Big Buck Road, Lot 2, Trezevant. Both
died on impact from neck injuries, according to Carroll
County Coroner Steve Cantrell.
Investigating Trooper Phillip Steele said the 1987 Dodge
Dakota pickup truck was traveling south on New Zion Road and
approaching a Y intersection with Pace Road. The driver
failed to negotiate a left curve on New Zion Road and
skidded on pavement before hitting gravel and losing
control. The vehicle veered into the yard of Richard
Cunningham at 1960 New Zion Road, where it struck a tree.
Neither man was wearing a safety belt, the trooper noted.
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James Shepherd
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The vehicle burst into flames immediately upon impact,
the trooper said. Brandon, who was initially pinned inside
the wreckage, was extricated by the McKenzie Fire and Rescue
team. He sustained second degree thermal injuries to 10
percent of his body, the coroner said. Both were transported
to McKenzie Regional Hospital of McKenzie.
“They were both well liked by their students and peers,”
said West Carroll Principal Lex Suite, who noted Brandon was
a 2002 graduate and James Lynn would have been a member of
the senior class had he not transferred out of state in the
spring.
The school day began Monday with a moment of silence for
the brothers, while some members of the senior class
inquired about collecting funds for the family.
Suite said the students will be collecting money for
several days, with the funds then presented to the family.
“Both boys were always very polite and respectful,” said
Suite. “I have only good memories of these guys.”
The principal said he knew Brandon best, because he had
taught him in a U.S. Government class.
“He did a good job and won an agricultural award,” he said.
”He was also on the football team for a very short time.”
“Our hearts and prayers are with the family,” he added.
According to an eyewitness to the accident, speed was a
contributing factor in the wreck, the trooper noted.
Also assisting at the scene were Carroll County Sheriff's
Department, Trezevant Fire Department, and McKenzie Regional
Emergency Medical Services.
The truck was registered to Mark and Carolyn Cornell, the
young men’s paternal grandparents.
Funeral services for James and Brandon will be held at 2
p.m. Wednesday in the Chapel of Dilday Funeral Home in
Huntingdon
Brandon was a diesel mechanic for Tosh Farms in Henry.
The victims were also sons of the late Teresa Lynn Powers
Shepherd, who preceded her sons in death in November 2003.
They also leave a brother, Rusty Lee Shepherd of Trezevant
and grandparents, James and Bobbie Powers of Milan and Glenn
and Brenda Shepherd of Erin. (See separate obituaries in
this edition.)
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Early School Enrollment Indicates 4,899 |
By Linda Bolton
linda@mckenziebanner.com |
Carroll County school officials released early enrollment
figures with McKenzie and South Carroll (Clarksburg) showing
increases Friday when compared to beginning enrollment one
year ago. Hollow Rock-Bruceton, Huntingdon, and West Carroll
experienced slight decreases in the number of students
beginning this year compared to last year.
A total of 4,899 students were present Friday in grades K-12
in Carroll County's five school districts, as compared to
4,925 for the same time period last year.
McKenzie, West Carroll, and Hollow Rock each have a new
pre-kindergarten class this year while Huntingdon has three
new pre-kindergarten classes. South Carroll has had a
pre-kindergarten program since March 2001. The
pre-kindergarten classes were awarded in Carroll County as
part of Governor Phil Bredesen's initiative to add the
voluntary programs statewide. The pre-kindergarten programs
add an additional 140 students to the early enrollment figures
in Carroll County.
McKENZIE
McKenzie's enrollment for grades K-12 totaled 1377, up 46
students compared to last year's beginning enrollment of 1331.
A breakdown of the figure is as follows: elementary, grades
K-4 - 589 (compared to 549 last year), middle school, grades
5-8 - 399 (compared to 406 last year), and high school, grades
9-12 - 389 (compared to 376 last year). An additional 20
students are enrolled in the new pre-kindergarten program.
McKenzie Superintendent James Ward Jr. said officials had
planned for 1340 students.
"This was a little more than we anticipated," he said.
HOLLOW ROCK - BRUCETON
Hollow Rock-Bruceton (Central) schools reported a beginning
attendance of 745, down 27 students from last year's beginning
enrollment of 772. A breakdown of this year's enrollment is:
K-5 - 319 (347 last year); 6-8 - 185 (173 last year); and 9-12
- 241 (252 last year). Another 20 students are enrolled in the
pre-kindergarten program.
HUNTINGDON
Huntingdon's early enrollment totals 1291, down 20 students
from last year's beginning enrollment of 1311. Huntingdon has
375 students in Primary K-3, compared to 395 last year; 492
students in middle school, grades 4-8, compared to 481 last
year; and 424 high school students in grades 9-12 (435 last
year). Huntingdon has 60 students enrolled in pre-kindergarten
as well.
SOUTH CARROLL
South Carroll (Clarksburg) reported a beginning enrollment of
417, up 14 students from last year's beginning enrollment of
403. A total of 178 students were present in grades K-5, while
239 students were in attendance in grades 6-12. South Carroll
has 20 students registered in pre-kindergarten.
WEST CARROLL
West Carroll reported a beginning enrollment of 1,069, a
decrease of 39 students when compared to an enrollment of 1108
for the same time last year. A breakdown of this year's
enrollment is: K-2 - 226 (223 last year); 3-6 - 288 (320 last
year) and 7-12 - 555 (565 last year). Another 20 students are
enrolled in the new pre-kindergarten class. |
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Council Plans to Adopt International Building Code |
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McKENZIE - Approval to adopt the International Building
Code was granted by the McKenzie City Council Thursday, August
11, and will be presented again as an ordinance, which
requires two readings before becoming final.
The approximately 656-page code encompasses 35 chapters
relating to construction systems, design and materials and
public right-of-way, among others. It was presented informally
to the council on March 18, 2004, by codes enforcement officer
Ray Berryman, who in a second meeting April 19 advised the
code was pending approval by the state.
Councilmember Darra Adkins asked whether the code would
conflict with recent efforts toward the adoption of a sign and
billboard ordinance recommended by the McKenzie Municipal
Regional Planning Commission and which was approved on first
reading July 14 and considered by committee on August 8.
Winchester said he had not read the code in its entirety and
did not know if it would be in conflict with the ordinance. In
response to further questioning by Vice-mayor Gene Hale, he
said the Southern Building Code would no longer be in use.
In other business the council:
* Approved the payment of $18,515.80 for Dell computers, the
purchase of which, Winchester said, was approved during the
budget process;
* Approved the reappointment of Virginia Claire Edwards to a
three-year term on the Planning Commission; and
* Approved the appointment of the Paving Committee for fiscal
year 2005-06 with members Hale, Willie Huffman, and Street
Department liaison Jerry Arthur.
Hale commended the Police Department, the Tennessee Highway
Patrol, and other law enforcement officers for their
professionalism in handling a demonstration brought to
McKenzie by members of a Kansas church group.
"I think they really did a fabulous job keeping them calm.
They deserve accolades for handling (so well) something very
foreign to them and something I hope they don't have to do
again," he said, a comment which the mayor said he echoed.
Adkins reported the Fire and Rescue Department responded to
159 calls through July 31 as opposed to 117 for the same time
period a year ago. She noted $21,320 had been collected in
rural fire contracts, above the $18,000 budgeted and 57
residences short of the number sold last year. She said Chief
Brian Tucker had indicated those who had not responded after a
couple of weeks would be contacted and that contracts would
continue to be provided.
Arthur reported street crews were completing driveway entries
along recently paved Walnut Avenue.
Councilmember Jill Holland said the Park and Recreation
Committee had met the previous Wednesday and planned to work
on a policy regarding procedures for each sport. She said
soccer and Little Rebel flag football would be getting
underway within the next few weeks.
Councilmember Wade Allen noted some citizens had called to
clarify the signs erected along Walnut Avenue to honor the
late J.L. Seets were not yellow and blue, as previously
reported, but blue and gold, the colors of Webb School.
The Water Board, scheduled to convene in its regular monthly
meeting at 6:15 p.m., did not meet. |
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