Selmer, Tennessee

Last updated

Selmer, Tennessee
City of Selmer
Selmer City Hall.JPG
Selmer City Hall in November 2013.
McNairy County Tennessee Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Selmer Highlighted 4766940.svg
Location of Selmer in McNairy County, Tennessee.
Coordinates: 35°10′20″N88°35′35″W / 35.17222°N 88.59306°W / 35.17222; -88.59306
Country Flag of the United States.svg  United States
State Flag of Tennessee.svg  Tennessee
County McNairy
Incorporated1901 [1]
Named for Selma, Alabama [2]
Government
  MayorSherry Inman [3]
Area
[4]
  Total
9.57 sq mi (24.79 km2)
  Land9.55 sq mi (24.73 km2)
  Water0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2)
Elevation
449 ft (137 m)
Population
 (2020) [5]
  Total
4,446
  Density465.55/sq mi (179.76/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
  Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
38375
Area code 731
FIPS code 47-66940 [6]
GNIS feature ID1301051 [7]
Website townofselmer.com
McNairy County Courthouse in Selmer, Tennessee. McNairy Courthouse.JPG
McNairy County Courthouse in Selmer, Tennessee.

Selmer is a City in and the county seat of McNairy County, Tennessee, [8] in the southwestern part of the state. The population was 4,446 as of the 2020 census. It is named after Selma, Alabama.

Contents

Governance

Selmer, Tennessee, operates under a municipal governance system consisting of a Mayor and a Board of Aldermen, all of whom are elected officials. Unlike some municipalities where Aldermen represent specific districts or wards, Selmer's Aldermen serve the city at large. This setup fosters a collaborative approach to decision-making, ensuring that the entire city's interests are represented and addressed. The Mayor, along with the Aldermen, oversees various aspects of local governance, including public services, infrastructure development, and community initiatives. Through regular meetings and public engagement, Selmer's elected officials work diligently to uphold transparency, accountability, and the well-being of the residents in the city.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1900 588
1910 529−10.0%
1920 5463.2%
1930 92569.4%
1940 9573.5%
1950 1,75983.8%
1960 1,8977.8%
1970 3,49584.2%
1980 3,97913.8%
1990 3,838−3.5%
2000 4,54118.3%
2010 4,396−3.2%
2020 4,4461.1%
Sources: [9] [10] [5]

2020 census

Selmer, Tennessee – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)Pop 2000 [11] Pop 2010 [12] Pop 2020 [13] % 2000% 2010% 2020
White alone (NH)3,6573,5453,42580.53%80.64%77.04%
Black or African American alone (NH)72263665815.90%14.47%14.80%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)814140.18%0.32%0.31%
Asian alone (NH)1222250.26%0.50%0.56%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)0000.00%0.00%0.00%
Some Other Race alone (NH)01110.00%0.02%0.25%
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH)72872031.59%1.98%4.57%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)70911101.54%2.07%2.47%
Total4,5414,3964,446100.00%100.00%100.00%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,446 people, 1,669 households, and 1,104 families residing in the city.

As of the census [6] of 2020, there were 4,446 people, 1,783 households, and 1,069 families residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 77.81% White, 14.82% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 1,21% from other races, and 5.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.47% of the population.

There were 1,783 households, out of which 20.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.4% were married couples living together, 27.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.3% were non-families. 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 18.9% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 25% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $46,696, and the median income for a family was $68,503. Males living alone had a median income of $45,412 versus $19,075 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,350. About 14.3% of families and 18.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 23.6% of those age 65 or over.

Geography

Selmer is located at 35°10′20″N88°35′35″W / 35.17222°N 88.59306°W / 35.17222; -88.59306 (35.172333, -88.592964). [14]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.8 square miles (25 km2), all land.

Major highways

The major highways U.S. Route 64 (east-west), and U.S. Route 45 (north-south) intersect in the city, making it an important crossroads. In 2009 the Tennessee Legislature designated Highway 45 South, between Interstate 40 and the Mississippi state line, Rockabilly Highway in recognition of the region's contributions to the development of rockabilly music.

Railroad

The railroad that runs through the city is owned by Class 1 railroad, Norfolk Southern, and is operated by West Tennessee Railroad.

Robert Sibley Airport

The Robert Sibley Airport (IATA airport code SZY (ICAO: KSZY)) is located in the area, with no ATC, a 5,002-foot (1,525 m) runway, and at 610 feet (190 m) above sea level. The UN/LOCODE for the city is USSQE.

Neighborhoods

Downtown is a neighborhood in the heart of Selmer, Tennessee, often referred to as "the main drag of Selmer", this historic neighborhood is also the site of McNairy County Historical Museum, Selmer City Police Department, Selmer Civic Center, First Baptist Church, The Latta Theatre, and many more historic buildings, the Civic Center and the Latta Theatre and the police department are all operated by the city. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 80% White, 12% Black or African American, 6% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races.

Eastside is a neighborhood in East Selmer, Tennessee, this neighborhood is the site of Eastside Church Of Christ and McNairy Central High School. the church is operated by the city, but the school is operated by McNairy County School Board. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 93% White, 5% Black or African American, 2% Two or more races.

Eaglewood is a neighborhood in Northeast Selmer, Tennessee, it is the site of Chip-A-Roos and Eaglewood III Estates, the recreational facility and the apartment complex are operated by the city. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 60% White, 29% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic, 3% Two or more races.

Falcon is a neighborhood in South Selmer, Tennessee, this neighborhood is the site of the Falcon Church, Falcon Cemetery, City of Selmer Fire Department, Owl Creek Lumber, Phillips 66, and McNairy County Sheriff's Office, the church, the cemetery, the fire department, Owl Creek Lumber, Phillips 66, and the sheriff's office are all operated by the city. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 87% White, 7% Hispanic, 5% Black or African American, 1% Two or more races.

Lakeview is a neighborhood in West Selmer, Tennessee, this neighborhood is the site of Lakeview Church, First United Methodist Church, and Selmer Golf & Country Club, both churches and the country club are operated by the city. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 71% White, 21% Black or African American, 5% Hispanic, 3% Two or more races.

Oak Hill is a neighborhood in North Selmer, Tennessee, the majority African American neighborhood is the site of Oak Hill Cemetery, North Selmer Fire Station, Selmer Second Baptist Church, and Monogram Refrigeration LLC, Monogram and Oak Hill Cemetery and the fire department are all operated by the city. On January 6, 2024, a shooting occurred at a gas station in Oak Hill, killing a homeless man, the shooting was carried out by 18-year-old Jakobe Hill. Hill was arrested by a McNairy County Sheriff later that day and was booked into McNairy County Sheriff's Office for murder in the 1st degree. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 91% Black or African American, 5% White, 3% Two or more races, 1% Hispanic.

Rosewood is a neighborhood in Southwest Selmer, Tennessee, this neighborhood is the site of what used to be Sweats Trailer Park Mobile Home Park, it is also the location of Purdy Place Apartments, and Rosewood Place Apartments, both high income apartment complexes operated in the city. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 94% White, 5% Black or African American, 1% Two or more races.

Climate

Climate data for Selmer, Tennessee (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1958–present)
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °F (°C)78
(26)
84
(29)
89
(32)
92
(33)
96
(36)
107
(42)
106
(41)
107
(42)
101
(38)
97
(36)
87
(31)
77
(25)
107
(42)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)49.1
(9.5)
53.7
(12.1)
62.8
(17.1)
72.7
(22.6)
80.3
(26.8)
87.4
(30.8)
90.3
(32.4)
89.7
(32.1)
84.3
(29.1)
73.8
(23.2)
61.8
(16.6)
51.9
(11.1)
71.5
(21.9)
Daily mean °F (°C)39.3
(4.1)
43.1
(6.2)
51.4
(10.8)
60.4
(15.8)
68.9
(20.5)
76.5
(24.7)
79.8
(26.6)
78.8
(26.0)
72.6
(22.6)
61.1
(16.2)
50.1
(10.1)
42.2
(5.7)
60.4
(15.8)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)29.5
(−1.4)
32.5
(0.3)
39.9
(4.4)
48.2
(9.0)
57.6
(14.2)
65.7
(18.7)
69.3
(20.7)
67.8
(19.9)
60.8
(16.0)
48.5
(9.2)
38.4
(3.6)
32.5
(0.3)
49.2
(9.6)
Record low °F (°C)−21
(−29)
−11
(−24)
7
(−14)
22
(−6)
29
(−2)
39
(4)
47
(8)
45
(7)
30
(−1)
22
(−6)
5
(−15)
−14
(−26)
−21
(−29)
Average precipitation inches (mm)4.69
(119)
5.30
(135)
5.75
(146)
5.64
(143)
5.36
(136)
4.79
(122)
5.17
(131)
3.84
(98)
4.35
(110)
4.14
(105)
4.37
(111)
5.66
(144)
59.06
(1,500)
Average snowfall inches (cm)0.3
(0.76)
0.4
(1.0)
0.2
(0.51)
0.1
(0.25)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
1.0
(2.5)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)11.511.211.810.511.19.69.78.66.87.39.511.5119.1
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)0.30.30.10.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.8
Source: NOAA [15] [16]

Rockabilly

The Rockabilly Highway Revival is an annual event held in downtown Selmer to commemorate its rich musical heritage.

Buford Pusser

Sheriff Buford Pusser served as the sheriff of McNairy County from 1964 to 1970. Selmer, as the county seat, is the location of the courthouse and old jail, which was his base of operations. His story has been made famous in the Walking Tall movies starring Joe Don Baker and Bo Svenson. The movies were filmed in nearby Henderson.

Newspapers

The oldest existing business in McNairy County is newspaper publisher, Independent Appeal, which was founded in 1902. The Independent Appeal discontinued the print edition of its newspapers on December 28, 2022, and transitioned to a strictly online presence. [17]

The McNairy County News began publication in 2009. The paper has an online presence at mcnairycountynews.com and a Facebook page, as well as a weekly printed publication each Thursday.

National media attention

Matthew Winkler homicide, 2006

The city of Selmer became a focus of national news media in late March 2006. A local minister, Matthew Brian Winkler, was shot to death by his wife Mary Carol Winkler at their Selmer home. After Mary was said to have fled Selmer with the couple's three daughters, she was apprehended in Orange Beach, Alabama, and was returned to Selmer for trial. She has confessed to the authorities concerning the shooting of her husband with a shotgun. In trial she stated that her husband both physically and emotionally abused her. This murder/trial can be seen on the television show 'Snapped' Season 6 Episode 1, aired in 2007.

Drag racing catastrophe, 2007

On June 16, 2007, a high-power Pro Modified drag racing car driven by Troy Warren Critchley lost control and killed six young people while performing a burnout routine during a car show charity parade on Mulberry Avenue in Downtown Selmer. Critchley's car left the road and struck part of the crowd attending a charity parade for "America Can! Cars For Kids" [18] (not affiliated with Kars4Kids). Six young people were killed. Two died at the scene of the accident, and four died later at hospitals in Selmer, Jackson and Memphis. A total of 20 others were injured and were transported to various hospitals throughout western and middle Tennessee. Lawsuits filed against the city and event organizers asked for more than $US 85 million in damages. [19] </ref> [20] [21] The City of Selmer approved a $500,000 settlement in September 2011. [22]

On March 4, 2008, the McNairy County grand jury returned an indictment against Critchley on six counts of vehicular homicide due to recklessness, a Class C felony, and 22 counts of reckless aggravated assault, a Class D felony. Neither Cars for Kids™️ nor the City of Selmer were named in the indictment. [23] [24]

On March 20, 2008, Troy Critchley surrendered to authorities and was booked on the charges, with bond set at $35,000. The trial was set for November 3, 2008. [24]

Troy Critchley pleaded guilty to 28 charges of reckless assault and was sentenced to 18 months' probation. [25]


High school terrorist threat, 2021

On June 3, 2021, a video surfaced the web of a 15-year-old threatening to shoot up and bomb McNairy Central High School, the teen said he made a terrorist threat video because he was depressed, and added he was tired of being bullied and wanted everyone to leave him alone. The teen said that he planned to kill 400 people, he said he wanted to kill 300 people with bombs and the remaining 100 people with a Heckler & Koch G36, and a fully automatic AR-15 rifle. At 7:30 PM, a McNairy County sheriff received a call from a concerned person about a teenage male threatening to shoot up and bomb a high school in Selmer, the sheriff subsequently responded to the threat at the teenager's home in the city of Selmer, the teen was subsequently taken into police custody then transported to a mental health treatment facility in Memphis.

Oak Hill gas station shooting, 2024

On January 6th, 2024, a shooting involving a 73 year old homeless man took place at a gas station in Oak Hill, a neighborhood located on Northside Selmer, the perpetrator is an 18-year-old black male known as Jakobe Hill, Hill snatched the victim's hat from the victim, then subsequently shot the victim point-blank, killing the victim, Hill was subsequently arrested and charged with 1st degree murder.

As of October 2024, this case is still under investigation

Radio broadcasting

FM stations

AM station

Education

Primary Schools

Secondary Schools

Notable people

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Limestone County, Alabama</span> County in the United States

Limestone County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the county's population was 103,570. Its county seat is Athens. The county is named after Limestone Creek. Limestone County is included in the Huntsville, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wilcox County, Alabama</span> County in Alabama, United States

Wilcox County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,600. Its county seat is Camden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ellis County, Texas</span> County in Texas, United States

Ellis County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of 2020, its population was estimated to be 192,455. The county seat is Waxahachie. The county was founded in 1849 and organized the next year. It is named for Richard Ellis, president of the convention that produced the Texas Declaration of Independence. Ellis County is included in the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington metropolitan statistical area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">McNairy County, Tennessee</span> County in Tennessee, United States

McNairy County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,866. The county seat and largest city is Selmer. McNairy County is located along Tennessee's border with the state of Mississippi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hardeman County, Tennessee</span> County in Tennessee, United States

Hardeman County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,462. Its county seat is Bolivar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palos Heights, Illinois</span> City in Illinois, United States

Palos Heights is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is a southwest suburb of Chicago. Per the 2020 census, the population was 12,068.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palos Hills, Illinois</span> City in Illinois, United States

Palos Hills is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is a southwest suburb of Chicago. The city was established in 1958 and had reached a population of 18,530 in the 2020 census. It is named after Palos de la Frontera, Spain, from which Christopher Columbus set sail to North America. Moraine Valley Community College as and Amos Alonzo Stagg High School are its main schools.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Landover Hills, Maryland</span> Town in Maryland

Landover Hills is a town in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 1,815. The town has a neighborhood named Defense Heights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parkville, Missouri</span> City in Missouri, United States

Parkville is a city in Platte County, Missouri, United States and is a part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. The population was 7,177 at the 2020 census. According to the 2022 census, the city is estimated to have a population of 8,541. Parkville is known for its antique shops, art galleries, and historic downtown. The city is home to Park University, English Landing Park, Platte Landing Park, and the National Golf Club of Kansas City. Large neighborhoods in Parkville include: Riss Lake, The National, Thousand Oaks, Creekside, Parkville Heights, River Hills, Riverchase, The Bluffs, Downtown, and Pinecrest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri</span> City in Missouri, United States

Bellefontaine Neighbors is an inner-ring suburban city in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 10,740 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vinita Park, Missouri</span> City in Missouri, United States

Vinita Park is a city in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States, located just east of I-170 and south of St. Charles Rock Road. The population was 1,970 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oak Hill, Tennessee</span> City in Tennessee, United States

Oak Hill is a city in Davidson County, Tennessee. The population was 4,529 at the 2010 census. The Tennessee Governor's Mansion is located in the city. Although the city is administered under the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, it retains its own municipal government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastview, Tennessee</span> Town in Tennessee, United States

Eastview is a town in McNairy County, Tennessee. The population was 705 at the 2010 census, the town is located on the Southside outskirts of Selmer, Tennessee

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finger, Tennessee</span> Town in McNairy County, Tennessee

Finger is a town in McNairy and Chester counties, Tennessee, USA. The population was 350 at the 2000 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michie, Tennessee</span> Town in Tennessee, United States

Michie is a town in McNairy County, Tennessee. The population was 647 at the 2000 census and 591 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stantonville, Tennessee</span> Town in Tennessee, United States

Stantonville is a town in McNairy County, Tennessee. The population was 312 at the 2000 census and 283 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franklin, Tennessee</span> City in Tennessee, United States

Franklin is a city in and the county seat of Williamson County, Tennessee, United States. About 21 miles (34 km) south of Nashville, it is one of the principal cities of the Nashville metropolitan area and Middle Tennessee. As of 2020, its population was 83,454. It is the seventh-most populous city in Tennessee. Franklin is known to be the home of many celebrities, mostly country music stars like Billy Ray Cyrus and Pop Singer Miley Cyrus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pearsall, Texas</span> City in Texas, United States

Pearsall is a city in and the county seat of Frio County, Texas, United States. The population was 7,325 at the 2020 census, down from 9,146 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stevenson Ranch, California</span> Unincorporated community in California, United States

Stevenson Ranch is an unincorporated community in the Santa Clarita Valley of Los Angeles County, California. Stevenson Ranch is set in the foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains and lies west of Interstate 5 and the city of Santa Clarita. Stevenson Ranch encompasses about 6.4 square miles (17 km2). About 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) are set aside as parks, recreation areas, and open space. A master-planned community, it was approved by the county Board of Supervisors in 1985. The population was 20,178 at the time of the 2020 census. For statistical purposes, the Census Bureau has designated it a census-designated place (CDP).

Falcon is a neighborhood in the city of Selmer, Tennessee, this neighborhood is the site of the Falcon Church, Falcon Cemetery, City of Selmer Fire Department, Owl Creek Lumber, Phillips 66, and McNairy County Sheriff's Office, the church, the cemetery, the fire department, Owl Creek Lumber, Phillips 66, and the sheriff's office are all operated by the city.

References

  1. Tennessee Blue Book , 2005-2006, pp. 618-625.
  2. McNairy County Archived February 22, 2013, at the Wayback Machine , Tennessee History for Kids. Retrieved: February 4, 2013.
  3. "Selmer | MTAS".
  4. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  5. 1 2 "Census Population API". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  6. 1 2 "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  7. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  8. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  9. "Census of Population and Housing: Decennial Censuses". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved March 4, 2012.
  10. "Incorporated Places and Minor Civil Divisions Datasets: Subcounty Resident Population Estimates: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012". Population Estimates. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 11, 2013. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  11. "P004 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Selmer town, Tennessee". United States Census Bureau .
  12. "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Selmer town, Tennessee". United States Census Bureau .
  13. "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Selmer town, Tennessee". United States Census Bureau .
  14. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  15. "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
  16. "Station: Selmer, TN". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
  17. Rail, Janet. "Independent Appeal Moves to Online Only Format". Issuu. Independent Appeal. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  18. "Cars for Kids™️" . Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  19. Jones, Yolanda (July 30, 2016). "Crash victim's family sues city, claims Memphis police didn't follow procedures". The Commercial Appeal. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  20. [ permanent dead link ]
  21. "Lawsuits over parade accident cripple charity"
  22. "Selmer Discusses Cars for Kids Settlement". WBBJ News. September 7, 2011. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  23. "The Independent Appeal newspaper - March 5, 2008 Grand Jury indicts driver in Cars for Kids tragedy; NO festival this year" Archived March 26, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  24. 1 2 ""Tennessee Department of Safety - Race car driver indicted by special Grand Jury"". Archived from the original on November 20, 2008. Retrieved March 28, 2008.
  25. "Drag racer pleads guilty in Tenn. parade deaths". NBC News. Associated Press. August 14, 2008. Retrieved May 28, 2024.