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FACT BOOKOur annual Fact Book

is here featuringeverything you need

to know aboutWarren County

FRIDAYAPRIL 26, 2019

McMinnville, Tennesseesouthernstandard.com

75¢Vol. 141No. 49

Ming picked for city administratorNolan Ming could be the next

McMinnville city administrator.The Board of Mayor and

Aldermen unanimously voted on Tuesday night to offer him the position, a vote of confidence that came after a failed attempt by three members to go with Brian Wilson.

“I would like to nominate Brian Wilson for the position of

city administrator,” said Alderman Steve Harvey.

The measure failed 4-3. Harvey drew sup-port from Alderman Everett Brock and Mayor Ben Newman, while Vice Mayor Ryle Chastain and Aldermen Kate Alsbrook, Rachel Kirby and Mike Neal voted against.

Neal motioned to offer the

position to Ming. “If I vote for Nolan

in this, I have some stipulations and condi-tions moving forward,” said Alsbrook, to board members. “I think that if Mr. Ming is picked we need to have evalu-ations quarterly. I think giving him a task list and milestones to meet will be important,

moving forward. He needs to know what our direction is and

hold him responsible.”Alsbrook added that neither

Ming, nor Wilson, were her top pick but of the two, but Ming has knowledge and established rela-tionships.

“The established relationships that Mr. Ming has, knowing what projects we have open at this point, what needs to get done, and knowing the people in this community to do it, is important,” she said. “I do have confidence in you that you can-not only keep the lights on, but

you can excel and we need to give you the chance right now because we did miss out on other candidates that I felt were just more qualified based on experi-ence. I also think that our depart-ment heads work at such a level of professionalism that they will be able to help you in this jour-ney.”

Finance Committee contract negotiations with Ming will begin. That agreement will be presented to the full board for consideration.

by LISA HOBBSReporter for the Southern Standard(McMinnville, Tennessee)

MING

Deadly results

Atlanta Northcutt photoPolice detective Eddie Colwell, left, and Sgt. detective Tony Jenkins present evidence from a recent undercover

drug bust resulting in the confiscation of 4 pounds of methamphetamine. Meth, prescriptions pills, heroin and drugs laced with deadly fentanyl are being discovered in Warren County and the surrounding areas.

An increase of the dangerous drug fen-tanyl and its deadly cousin carfentanil have made their way into Warren County and the surrounding areas, bringing death and despair with them.

With similar names, the two synthetic opioids are often confused with one anoth-er. However, the difference in their poten-cy is extreme, and these drugs being mixed with alcohol and other illegal substances are causing a higher rate of overdoses.

Between McMinnville and Nashville, an increase of fentanyl and carfentanil is being discovered. As a result, overdose deaths are spiking, making Tennessee one of the 10 worst states for drug fatalities, according to American Addiction Centers.

Another study by The Tennessean showed a 70 percent increase in fentanyl-related deaths in the state in 2018. A recent autop-sy of a Warren County resident showed both of the synthetic opioids, as well as meth, in the victim’s system causing the deadly overdose.

Overdose rates climbing due to high-potency drugs

This picture illustrates the poten-cy of heroin, fentanyl and carfent-anil by showing how much it takes to achieve the same high.

by ATLANTA NORTHCUTTReporter for the Southern Standard(McMinnville, Tennessee)

Continued on 2A

Lacy Garrison photoUnited States Sen. Lamar Alex-

ander, left, shakes hands with Don Alexander during an appearance in McMinnville on Thursday.

Alexander gives rosy outlook for state

United States Sen. Lamar Alexander told members of McMinnville Noon Rotary on Thursday that “Tennesseans' taxes are lower, their paychecks are bigger, and more new jobs are coming to Tennessee.”

“I often suggest Tennesseans look at Washington as if it were a split-screen TV,” said Alexander. “On one side of the screen, you’ll see the controversies of the day – the crisis at the border or the special counsel’s report. But on the other side, you’ll see results that improve the lives of every American.”

Sen. Alexander explained how in the last two years, Congress and President Trump passed the first major tax reform in 31 years, enacted landmark opioid legislation, and record funding for research. Alexander said that he’s working in a bipartisan way to lower Tennesseans healthcare costs and ensure college degrees are worth students’ time and money.

by LACY GARRISONReporter for the Southern Standard(McMinnville, Tennessee)

Continued on 2A

Robert Elam, left, and Emily Phillips will be playing Shrek and Fiona in the upcoming production of “Shrek: The Musi-cal” presented by Warren Arts, which will run from April 26 to May 5.

Fairytale creatures, swamp ogres, dragons, and more enchanting beings will inspire imaginations to soar in Warren Arts production of “Shrek, the Musical.”

The show brings the hit ani-mated movie to the stage with all of the famous and beloved characters from the film com-ing to life.

“Shrek, the Musical” begins Friday, April 26, and ends Sunday, May 5. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. with Sunday mati-

nees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance.

The dedication to creativity and producing the best perfor-mance possible has made this one of the largest shows to date at Warren Arts. The musi-cal includes 36 cast members and a large team of costume designers, technicians and set crew.

There are many new faces who will be performing in “Shrek the Musical,” as well as several returning actors from

previous performances. The play is directed by Sheri Denning and Julie Cantrell with musical direction by Kennette Dixon.

A special event filled with fun and refreshments is being held Saturday, April 27, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. A meet and greet called “Lunch in the Swamp,” will be sponsored by Homeland Community Bank to create one-on-one experi-ences with Shrek aned Fiona.

Warren Arts presents 'Shrek'

Continued on 2A