280 Living
February 2017 | Volume 10 | Issue 6
neighborly news & entertainment
UNCOMMON STAR Jags’ Mary Katherine Tedder views clutch moments as just another chance ‘to be great’
By KYLE PARMLEY
S
omething is different about Mary Katherine Tedder. There is a quiet intensity that burns deep inside, a competitiveness that drives her, an unwillingness to lose in anything, whether it is the softball state tournament or a ping-pong match to her coach. Spain Park High School’s runner-up finish in the state softball tournament last season was a great accomplishment for the program, but the loss in the championship game was the “worst feeling in the world” for Tedder. Losing that trivial ping-pong match was not nearly as crushing, but it still bothered her. That competitive fire burns like a blowtorch, especially in big moments. When the bases are loaded in the final inning, Tedder isn’t shaking at the knees or having a case of the sweaty palms. “It’s just another opportunity to be great,” she said.
See TEDDER | page A30
Mary Katherine Tedder deflects the spotlight any chance she gets, but there’s no denying that she is a powerful force on and off the softball field. Photo by Todd Lester.
Caroline Lollar delivers toys to children at King’s Home in late December. Caroline, 7, decided herself to donate her birthday presents to youth staying with their mothers at the shelter. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
Acts of love not bound by holiday By SYDNEY CROMWELL
Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Tupelo, MS Permit #54
Valentine’s Day may be meant for recognizing romantic love, but there’s more than one type of love that makes a community stronger. Every day, people choose to act with generosity, self-sacrifice and love for the sake of their family, their friends, their neighbors or even a perfect stranger. Most of these acts will be done with almost no fanfare or recognition. But here are the stories of four members
of the U.S. 280 corridor community who exemplify the ideals of selfless love.
CAROLINE LOLLAR
The Lollar family was driving home from Kampfire for the King, an annual November event in support of King’s Home, when 7-year-old Caroline piped up from the back seat.
INSIDE
See LOVE | page A31 Sponsors .............. A4 280 News ............. A6
Business ..............A14 Chamber..............A16
Sports ................. A24 Opinion ...............A29
Events ................... B4 School House ..... B10
Faith .................... B26 Calendar ............. B29 facebook.com/280Living
Sales on the Rise
Running for a Cause
Area restaurants, package stores report increase of Sunday alcohol sales since Shelby voters approved 2016 measure.
Chelsea resident Ron Ramsey’s first crack at a marathon carries deeper meaning: to benefit The Bell Center.
See page B1
See page B8