The View 38002 October 2014

**************ECRWSS**** PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER inform. educate. connect. Arlington & Lakeland’s Community Newspaper 38002.com October 2014 theview theview TIGER FOOTBALL Arlington Poised for Strong Season Finish By Walt McTyre, Arlington Radio Network By Terry Louderback Photo © RogerCotton.com Senior Joe Joe Stevenson (3) with a carry. Stevenson scored a first half touchdown in Arlington’s 42-6 Homecoming victory over the Pharaohs of Raleigh-Egypt. Just past the midway point in the season, the Arlington Tigers are 5-1 (2-0 District 14AAA), led by a strong defensive unit. “Our defense continues to play excellent football,” said Head Coach Chris Wiley after the Tigers’ 420 shutout of the Kingsbury Falcons. “They’re steadily getting better. We’ve been in a situation the past four weeks where we can play some younger guys and their really stepping up and adding to the depth of our defense.” Overall, the defensive unit led by senior cocaptains Hunter Clay and Jonathon Mabone, have allowed only 12 points per game and on average have allowed only 174 yards per game through six games this season. The Tigers ended the month of August with an exciting 24-17 victory over the Collierville Dragons. Arlington then went on the road for their first district game this season, getting a victory at Bartlett, 41-7. The Tigers returned home the next week to face the number three ranked team in the state in Murfreesboro Oakland, losing 35-3 after a strong defensive effort, only giving up two touchdowns on the defensive side of the football. The Tigers wrapped up the month of September in convincing fashion, with victories over Kingsbury, 42-0 and Raleigh Egypt, 42-6. The Tigers’ offense has been impressive as well, averaging 29 points per Lakeland Residents Divided Over Property Tax Increase, Bond Issuance for School Construction game. Junior tailback Keelon Webber leads a strong ground game with 8 touchdowns on the season. Freshman quarterback Tate Kolwyck continues to improve with 13 touchdown for the season throwing to a talented receiving corps led by senior Jackson Boring and juniors Everett Mitchell and Brian Lewis. The Tigers are at home the week of October 3rd against Bolton. The Tigers go on the road to the Fairgrounds the week of October 10th to face White Station and wrap up the regular season at home versus Millington on the 17th and Cordova on the 31st. More AHS Tiger Sports Coverage on page 16. Even after a barnstorming tour of Lakeland during which the “Case for Lakeland Prep” was presented to numerous homeowners groups, questions and concerns on both sides of the argument continue to be debated. In addition, while the Chris Patterson, the Lakeland City Attorney, previously asserted that a public vote cannot be held on the property tax ordinance, a petition has been circulated among Lakeland residents requiring that a public vote be held prior to the issuance of any bond for a school capital project. While a staunch corps of citizens support wholeheartedly the Lakeland Prep model advanced by the Lakeland School System Board and Superintendent, others question the timing and scope of the project. Suggestions have been made to delay the decision until the current Inter-local agreement with Arlington Community Schools expires in seven years. Some critics propose building only a middle school (an idea initially supported by the Lakeland School Board at their June 3 meeting) or implementing a property tax now, but delaying construction for a period of time to allow the new property tax collected to accumulate and offset part of the debt.. Those in favor of a 2017 opening date for Lakeland Prep cite data showing the effect of even a slight increase in the interest rate on the overall debt cost. Another factor pushing supporters to open Lakeland Prep in three years is the high enrollment numbers at Arlington Middle and concerns that Arlington High may become overcrowded due to anticipated growth in Arlington and Lakeland. Originally planned for September 23, the final vote by the Lakeland Board of Co mmi ssio ners o n the ordinance was delayed until October 14 at 5:30 pm due to the planned absence of sponsor Gene Torrey. THINK PINK Ida Mildred, the Pink Heals Memphis signature fire truck visited the Arlington Fire Department on September 23 to “freshen up” before an event. The Pink Heals Memphis Tour” is a non-profit group of firefighters who raise awareness and money to support women with all types of cancer throughout the local area. Inside this edition... Made in 38002 — p 2 Happenings — p 4 Honoring Debbie Wiseman — p 6 Pumpkin Business — p 8 School News — starts on p 10 Sports — p 16 & 17