Browser Connection

NBA star tips off challengers
By Drew Christenson
Portland native and now NBA player Corey Brewer officially started the White House Parks and Recreation Challenger Basketball program Saturday by providing the tip-off for the inaugural game.

Brewer, home from his first season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, graciously agreed to attend the game in support of youth and special needs programs.

“This is the type of thing that pro players need to be involved in to help mentor kids and provide them with inspiration,” explained Brewer. “I want to continue to do these things and use my position to be a positive role model.”

Brewer returned home last week to kick off his first annual Corey Brewer Basketball Camp in Portland. Over 120 kids attended his camp which also featured top coaches and players from the area.

“I called Friday to see if he could make an appearance on Saturday and never really thought it would happen with such short notice,” said Parks Director Joe Best. “But he was more than happy to do it. It really goes to show you that he his a great guy and a rare addition to the NBA.

Brewer graduated from Portland in 2004 and was named as 2004 TSSAA Mr. Basketball as well as a McDonald’s All American. In his high school career, Brewer averaged almost 30 points and 12.8 rebounds each game.

The University of Florida was Brewers home for the next three years as he played forward for the Gators. In each year of his stay, the Gators won the SEC Tournament. What is more impressive is that Brewer was a big part of the team that won back-to-back NCAA National Championships. He was also named as the Most Outstanding Player in the 2007 tournament.

The 6’9” Gator is also in the record books for recording the first triple-double in Florida history on December 18, 2005. Brewer had a chance to be drafted in 2006 but made a deal with teammates Joakim Noah and Al Horford to all return in 2007 for another run at a title, which was successful.

Brewer entered the draft in 2007 where he was chosen 7th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has just completed his rookie season and is looking to really improve his game for next year.

“The NBA is a lot different than I was expecting,” explained Brewer. “Everyone had said that it would be faster than college ball, but it really isn’t. We played a fast game at Florida and with Minnesota, we slow it down and try to make the moves. It has taken a while to get used to it.”

Visiting home has been something the Brewer has been looking forward to for some time.

“I haven’t been home for a long time and it really feels good to be back,” noted Brewer. “One thing about Minnesota is how cold it was. I was used to warm weather down in Florida, and I wasn’t ready for 0 degree temperatures. I didn’t leave home for the first week, it was so cold.”

The relationship with his fans and the youth have always been something Brewer has been passionate about. Even in his high school days at Portland, it was not unusual for kids to line up after the game for his autograph or just to talk to him. He always took time for them and treated them like friends. It seems that Brewer has kept that same attitude going into the NBA.

“In the NBA there is always trouble just around the corner, but you have to learn to stay away from it,” stated Brewer. “Some good guys have been in the wrong place at the wrong time and I have to be very aware of what is going on around me. I want kids like these to be proud of what I do on and off the court.”

White House Police Dept. officers certified

By Drew Christenson
The White House Police Department had two more officers officially certified for bicycle patrol during a training class held here last week.

Corporal Eric Enck and Officer Jeff Frazier were certified in a five day training class conducted by former White House officer Chris Bryant who is now with the Metro Police Department in Nashville.

“This will now give us five certified officers trained on bicycle patrol,” explained White House Police Captain Jeff Mingledorff. “This is a very professional level of training which will add depth to the department and enhance our patrol abilities as well as visibility.”

The department is expanding it’s presence in the park system and greenway in an effort to deter crime and ensure residents of their safety. The certification program is an in-depth training course consisting of classroom instruction and course examinations.

“Pretty much anyone can ride a bike,” explained Bryant. “But what this course is designed to do is teach the officers on how to correctly utilize the equipment in their daily operations. You have to be prepared for anything when on bike patrol and that is what this is all about.”

This is the first time that Bryant has taught the course in White House. Two officers from the Portland Police Department also attended the class for certification.

“There is a lot more to learn than you think,” explained Enck. “The basic instruction is based on riding very slow which doesn’t feel normal.”

The course instruction is certified through the International Police Mountain Bike Association and is recognized by departments as the standard in certification.

Bluegrass on the Greenway fills trail with music

By Stacy Saunders
Rain clouds gathered then passed by as the First Annual Bluegrass on the Greenway festival began. As the breeze blew in, refreshing the modest crowds, several bluegrass groups geared up for a day full of forty-five minute sets at six concert stations along the more than three mile trail. In addition to the music, activities such as hopscotch, jacks and whittling were available to entertain those walking along the path.

Representatives from Make-A-Wish of Middle Tennessee were present to talk about the valuable work of hope the organization carries out. While all of the children whose wishes are granted by the group have life-threatening illnesses, not all of them have unhappy endings. “Sometimes their wishes can follow them into adulthood,” reminded Make-A-Wish representative Jan Seymour. The Middle Tennessee chapter has granted more than 600 hundred wishes so far, including five or six from the White House area, according to Seymour.

Although the crowds were relatively small for this first installment, they were enthusiastic, prompting organizers to look ahead to greater attendance in the years to come. Acts featured at Saturday’s event included Mike Jackson & Honey Run, Graball Grass, The New Old Band, White House Dulcimer Players, Judy Carrier & Rens Vreeburg and The Peasall Sisters. For those unable to attend who still would like to make a contribution to Make-A-Wish, visit www.midtnwishes.org.

Bill Cody honored by City of Cross Plains

By Stacy Saunders
“Cross Plains honors and celebrates Bill Cody,” a large banner stretched across Highway 25 in the center of town proclaimed on Friday. During his daily morning show on WSM, which was broadcast live from Thomas Drugs, Cody became the recipient of a special presentation that included proclamations from Robertson County Mayor Howard Bradley as well as from Governor Phil Bredesen. The Governor’s handsomely framed proclamation carried the state seal in addition to the signatures of Governor Bredesen, Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey and Speaker Jimmy Naifeh and was presented by Senator Diane Black and Representative Bob Bibb. “I accept this on behalf of all my people, the people of the Plains,” he declared as the crowd cheered.

Cody is a thirty-seven year veteran of the radio industry and, along with wife Rebecca, an eleven year resident of Cross Plains. He began his career in his hometown of Lebanon, Kentucky at the age of twelve and now hosts Nashville’s Country Legend WSM’s morning show. His “start” came as he tagged along with his father, a Southern Baptist minister, for his weekly radio program during which WLBN would rebroadcast taped sermons. Cody’s curiosity was sparked as he peered through the glass into the control room, inspiring a life-long love for radio.

Today, his Saturday morning program, GAC’s Classic Country Weekend with Bill Cody, is broadcast in syndication and can be heard around the world on more than 240 stations. Cody is also a noted national voice-over talent, in-flight host for country music programming for United Airlines, host of Master Series daily on GAC TV and co-host of PBS’s Tennessee’s Wildside.

In recognition of Cody’s contributions to country music radio, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® inducted him into the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame on March 4 at a ceremony held at the Nashville Convention Center. He was one of two radio personalities inducted that evening, sharing the honor with Bob Robbins.

Cross Plains draws crowd for 21st Annual Trash and Treasures sale

By Stacy Saunders
Wares from vendors, yard sale goods from private citizens and refreshments from charities, churches and businesses alike lined Highway 25 from the Piggly Wiggly to Cottontown Bears and beyond on Friday and Saturday as the 21st Annual Trash and Treasures sale set the small, historic town of Cross Plains abuzz with tourists and shoppers eager for a deal.

As drivers approached the city, signs could be seen from every direction indicating even more bargains as area residents took advantage of the large crowds drawn by the event to hold their own yard sales.

Items at the annual sale, the main fundraiser for the Cross Plains Heritage Commission, ranged from antique furnishings and glassware to an electric organ to baby clothes and locally harvested honey. Like event organizers always promise, there was truly something for everyone.

In addition to the sale and its patrons, Cross Plains received visits from state and county officials, there to honor city resident Bill Cody. The radio personality celebrated the day set aside in his honor on Friday.

Jim Hawkins announces
candidacy for State Senate

Jim Hawkins has announced his candidacy for the Tennessee State Senate's 18th District, which includes almost all of Sumner County and all of Robertson County.

As State Senator, Jim Hawkins will use his energy, mainstream values, and experience to represent the citizens of Robertson and Sumner Counties.

Progress, Not Politics as Usual.

"Too often, partisan gridlock and special interests have kept our State Senate from focusing on the problems and opportunities facing Tennessee families," said Hawkins. "Voters throughout Robertson and Sumner Counties have repeatedly told me that we need a change from 'politics as usual.'

"The way forward is by working together. I will work with fellow Democrats and with Republicans and independents to find common ground and use common sense in facing problems and realizing possibilities. I'm asking for your vote on November 4th to do that."

Family Values of Faith, Education, Service, and Hard Work.

Jim Hawkins is a former lawyer and business leader with BellSouth who came home to Tennessee to join the Legal Aid Society and serve those in need. For the past 6 years, Jim has provided free legal help to low income families, senior citizens, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence.

Jim's parents, James W. and Betty Hawkins, taught him the value of service to God and to one's community and country. Jim led his church youth group, earned his Eagle Scout and God and Country awards, ran track, led the band as drum major, cut and hung tobacco, and mowed yards with his three younger brothers.

Jim and his wife Betsy live in Gallatin. Their three children, Rachel, Jimmy, and Caryn have attended public schools. Jim is an active member at the First United Methodist Church in Gallatin. He is an adult leader with his son's Scout troop and serves on the Eagle Scout board of review team, which supports Scout troops in Robertson and Sumner Counties. Jim is an active volunteer with community service groups and the United Way.

Jim graduated from Gallatin High School and Centre College. Jim earned a master's degree in education from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University and his law degree from Duke Law School.

After law school, Jim clerked for the chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court and practiced law in Sumner and Robertson Counties for 3 years. Jim then spent 14 years as a lawyer and business unit leader for BellSouth in Tennessee and across the Southeast.

Jim Hawkins is a small business owner. He is a member of the Robertson County Chamber of Commerce, plus others in Sumner County.

"I look forward to working hard while listening to and serving the citizens of Robertson and Sumner County," said Hawkins. "I ask and thank you for your support and your vote -- and your prayers and input in the four years ahead."

Local resident places 1st in Bodybuilding Competition

Melissa McGregor of White House, placed 1st in the ‘08 Battle of the River Figure and Bodybuilding Competition in Chattanooga, TN. Melissa graduated from White House High School in 2005, and fell in love with the rush she got in the gym. “Hard work and dedication is the key to success,” she says. For twelve weeks she trained hard and prepared for this competition with the coaching of trainer Tony Haynes.

With a strict diet and a workout routine, she accomplished what she set out to do. “When you get to the end of your rope, with nothing left, barely hanging on...do five more.” These words kept her going.

“I hope to be an example to anyone by showing that by living a healthier lifestyle, by watching what you eat and by making time to exercise you can accomplish so much more and feel better about yourself...” says Melissa.

She also wants to thank her sponsors for their support and generosity: Old Hickory Bat Company, Just Be Fit Gym in White House, Dan’s Auto Repairs, Johnny De Klerk, Chris Curry.

“I’d like to give a special THANK YOU to my mother, Bernadette McGregor, for her countless support, and also to Trey Coker for pushing me for victory and being there for me 100%.