WBBJ Top Ten News Stories of 2013
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JACKSON, Tenn. — As we close the books on 2013, we take a look back at some of the top local stories of the past year. WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News shows us the year was filled with stories that had a lasting affect on West Tennesseans. Beginning our look at the top stories of 2013 is the government shutdown. It may have only lasted for 16 days, but had a ripple effect on governmental services across the country. Here in West Tennessee, visitors to Shiloh National Military Park, for example were turned away, after finding the park shuttered. Also in 2013, West Tennesseans saw the launch of “Obamacare”. Beginning Oct. 1, Americans began buying health coverage under the Affordable Healthcare Act. At first, many applicants found problems completing online forms with the Healthcare.gov website. As of now, most of the bugs have been worked out enabling more applicants across the country and here locally to apply. One of the issues on the minds of many West Tennesseans for this past year was the economy. Many West Tennessee counties saw double digit unemployment figures throughout the year. According to state employment figures, the Jackson Metro area saw steady unemployment numbers in the single digits throughout 2013. While some counties saw factories close, new factories opened in other counties, bringing new jobs to the area. Also in 2013, Downtown Jackson are received an economic boost with the grand opening of the LiFT Center on North Highland. The new facility boasts shops and businesses along with exercise facilities, restaurants and nearby upscale apartments have been built. City leaders say the area has also breathed new life in the downtown Jackson area as part of even more development slated for the future. Also in 2013, two women accused of aiding in the kidnapping and murder of a Hardeman County mother and her daughter. Teresa Mayes and Mary Frances Mayes were accused in the May 2012 kidnapping and murder of Jo Ann Bain and her daughter Adrianne. According to investigators, Teresa Mayes husband, Adam was also wanted in connection with the crime, but killed himself before authorities were able to capture him. In August, Teresa and Mary Mayes reached a plea agreement in Hardeman County circuit court in a kidnapping and murder case. Teresa Mayes was sentenced to 35 years in jail for two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping and two counts of second degree murder. Mary Mayes was sentenced to 13 and a half years behind bars for two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping. Another murder trial in 2013 was the trial of Travis Steed, convicted in the shooting that occurred at the former Club Karma Lounge in Downtown Jackson. In February 2012, Steed was accused of opening fire in the crowded nightclub. In August, he was found guilty of second degree murder in the death of LeCarlos Todd of Memphis. He was sentenced in October to life in prison without parole. Also during 2013, a former Union City pastor accused of plotting to kill his wife with his mistress won’t be facing jail time and neither will she. Edward Mallonee and Shelly Moran were charged with attempt to commit first degree murder back in June. Investigators say the pair plotted for two years to poison Mallonee’s wife Cathy while on a mission trip to Honduras. Instead both pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment only. Both Mallonee and Moran were sentenced to four years of supervised probation, and according to Mallonee’s attorney they can seek to appeal the sentence after six months. Also during this past year, a story that captured the hearts of West Tennesseans who opened their hearts and wallet to help. In surveillance video, Jimmie Stewart is seen checking out at an area grocery store when his wallet fell from his pocket. A man behind him was seen sliding the wallet away from Stewart. Inside the wallet, Stewart says, was nearly $1,300. Then suddenly he felt weak and began to collapse after a doctor’s appointment. The incident sparked hundreds of West Tennesseans to come to his aid to donate money that he lost. A check in the amount of $8,000 was presented to Stewart. West Tennessee Healthcare also donated a check of $1,300, the amount he had stolen..Making it an even brighter holiday season for Stewart and his family. Police say the man accused of stealing the wallet, Ederick Woods of Bolivar was charged with theft of property. Also, a story that topped our news this past year was the scandal involving Madison County Sheriff David Woolfork. It all stemmed from a former mistress and employee deputy Sharon Sangster claiming Sheriff Woolfork sexually harassed her. The sheriff admitted the two had an affair that was consensual. As a result, she filed an order of protection against the sheriff. Since then, two other women who worked within the department have come forward also claiming sexual harassment. Sheriff Woolfork has an appeal hearing on the order of protection scheduled for March. And another big story for 2013 in Jackson was the reports of numerous shootings which included two homicides and shots fired calls during the month of November. City leaders say the increase in crime was related to an increase in gang activity. As a result, police patrols were beefed up in many areas that have had a history of shootings and other criminal activity.
