Selmer, Tennessee

Selmer, Tennessee
Town
Town of Selmer
Selmer City Hall in November 2013.
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	United States
State	Tennessee
County	McNairy
Incorporated	1901 [1]
Named for	Selma, Alabama [2]
Government
• Mayor	Sherry Inman [3]
Area [4]
• Total	9.57 sq mi (24.79 km2)
• Land	9.55 sq mi (24.73 km2)
• Water	0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2)
Elevation	449 ft (137 m)
Population  (2020) [5]
• Total	4,446
• Density	465.55/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 ID	1301051 [7]
Website	townofselmer.com

Selmer is a city in and the county seat of McNairy County, Tennessee, ^[8] in the southwestern part of the state. The population was 4,396 at the 2010 census and estimated at 4,400 at the 2018 census. It is named after Selma, Alabama.

Buford Pusser served as the sheriff of McNairy County from 1964 to 1970.

History

County seat

McNairy County Courthouse in Selmer, Tennessee.

In 1890, the county seat of McNairy County was moved from Purdy to Selmer. ^[9]

Buford Pusser

Sheriff Buford Pusser served as the sheriff of McNairy County from 1964 to 1970, and since Selmer is the county seat, the location of the courthouse and the jail, this 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.

Newspaper

The oldest existing business in McNairy County is its newspaper, the Independent Appeal, which was founded in 1902. It is located at 111 N. 2nd St. in Selmer. The fourth largest circulation of a weekly newspaper in the state, with an average weekly circulation of 7,200-7,400 and a readership of more than 17,000.

The McNairy County News began publication in 2009. The MCN is located at 252 Mulberry Avenue in Selmer. The paper has an online presence at mcnairycountynews.com and a Facebook page, as well as a weekly printed publication each Thursday.

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). ^[10]

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

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 town is USSQE.

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1900	588		—
1910	529		−10.0%
1920	546		3.2%
1930	925		69.4%
1940	957		3.5%
1950	1,759		83.8%
1960	1,897		7.8%
1970	3,495		84.2%
1980	3,979		13.8%
1990	3,838		−3.5%
2000	4,541		18.3%
2010	4,396		−3.2%
2020	4,446		1.1%
Sources: [11] [12] [5]

2020 census

Selmer, Tennessee – Racial and ethnic composition
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
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	Pop 2000 [13]	Pop 2010 [14]	Pop 2020 [15]	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
White alone (NH)	3,657	3,545	3,425	80.53%	80.64%	77.04%
Black or African American alone (NH)	722	636	658	15.90%	14.47%	14.80%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	8	14	14	0.18%	0.32%	0.31%
Asian alone (NH)	12	22	25	0.26%	0.50%	0.56%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)	0	0	0	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Some Other Race alone (NH)	0	1	11	0.00%	0.02%	0.25%
Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH)	72	87	203	1.59%	1.98%	4.57%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	70	91	110	1.54%	2.07%	2.47%
Total	4,541	4,396	4,446	100.00%	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 town.

2000 census

As of the census ^[6] of 2000, there were 4,541 people, 1,935 households, and 1,234 families residing in the town. The population density was 464.5 inhabitants per square mile (179.3/km²). There were 2,173 housing units at an average density of 222.3 per square mile (85.8/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 81.61% White, 15.92% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.37% from other races, and 1.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of the population.

There were 1,935 households, out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.3% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $28,494, and the median income for a family was $38,313. Males had a median income of $31,176 versus $21,989 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,350. About 10.9% of families and 16.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.0% of those under age 18 and 19.9% of those age 65 or over.

Major highways

The major highways U.S. Route 64 (east-west), and U.S. Route 45 (north-south) intersect in this town, 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 this small town is owned by Class 1 railroad, Norfolk Southern.

Climate

Climate data for Selmer, Tennessee (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1958–present)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
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)	11.5	11.2	11.8	10.5	11.1	9.6	9.7	8.6	6.8	7.3	9.5	11.5	119.1
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	0.3	0.3	0.1	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.8
Source: NOAA [16] [17]

National media attention

Matthew Winkler homicide, 2006

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. 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. Results of a Tennessee Highway Patrol inquiry into the accident have not been announced. Pending lawsuits filed against the city and event organizers ask for more than $US 85 million in damages. ^{[19] [20] [21]}

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. ^{[22] [23]}

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. ^[23]

Troy Critchley pleaded guilty to 28 charges of reckless assault and was sentenced to 18 months' probation. ^[24]

Radio broadcasting

FM stations

• WXKV 90.5 Contemporary Christian
• WWGM 93.9 Mix

AM station

• WDTM 1150 Southern Gospel

Education

Selmer is served by:

• Selmer Elementary
• Selmer Middle School
• McNairy Central High School (Home of the Bobcats)
• University of Tennessee at Martin satellite campus

Notable people

• Ray Bodiford, Tennessee politician
• Chad Harville, baseball pitcher

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. "Census Population API". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
6. "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. "Purdy McNairy Co. TN". sites.rootsweb.com. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
10. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
11. "Census of Population and Housing: Decennial Censuses". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved March 4, 2012.
12. "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.
13. "P004 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Selmer town, Tennessee". United States Census Bureau .
14. "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 .
15. "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 .
16. "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
17. "Station: Selmer, TN". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
18. "Cars for Kids™️" . Retrieved February 19, 2024.
19. Car crash claims six lives as mayor urges investigation : Mid-South : Commercial Appeal
20. ^[ permanent dead link ]
21. "Lawsuits over parade accident cripple charity"
22. "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
23. ""Tennessee Department of Safety - Race car driver indicted by special Grand Jury"". Archived from the original on November 20, 2008. Retrieved March 28, 2008.
24. http://cbs11tv.com/sports/Troy.Critchley.racer.2.908001.html%5B%5D

External links

• Official website
• Selmer, Tennessee at Ballotpedia