VORP Thrift Store

VORP Thrift Store
Click the photo to visit the VORP Store on Facebook.

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Crossville Police Department Welcomes New Officers to Force

Information provided by Crossville Police Department

The City of Crossville Police Department would like to welcome the newest members of this great team.

Ptl. Martin Garcia was hired in July.
Ptl. Kenneth Keen was hired in August.
Ptl. Anthony Justice was hired in September.
Ptl. Brian Castleberry and Ptl. Dalton Mifflin were hired in October.


The addition of these newest members will ensure that the Crossville Police Department can continue to serve the City of Crossville in an effective manner. Bringing prior Military, Law Enforcement or Public Safety experience with them, each of these newly hired officers possess additional insight and enthusiasm that will continue to move this department toward a bright future. By devoting their professional law enforcement aspirations to the protection of the citizens and visitors of the City of Crossville, they have joined an elite team of professional law enforcement officers.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Suspect in Spring Hill Homicide Added to TBI’s ‘Top 10 Most Wanted’

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has a new addition to its ‘Top 10 Most Wanted’ list: James Rush Huddleston, of Murfreesboro.


Huddleston (DOB 4-2-83) is wanted by the Spring Hill Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to face a charge of Criminal Homicide in connection to a shooting on Sunday at a residence on Iroquois Drive that resulted in the death of Phillip Pero, 35, of Hohenwald.

Huddleston is a white man, who stands 5’11” and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Authorities believe he may be traveling in a 1997 red Cadillac Seville with a faded hood and aftermarket wheels. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about Huddleston’s whereabouts should contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. There is a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Natl. Weather Service issues Freeze Warning for Cumberland Co. Sunday night into Monday morning.

AFter cold tempratures Saturday night, many folks woke up to a light dusting 
of snow on the Plateau Saturday morning. 

A Freeze Warning is in now in effect from Midnight tonight
through Monday morning for the Cumberland Plateau.
A Frost Advisory is in effect from Midnight tonight through Monday morning for central portions of Middle Tennessee. The coldest temperatures of the fall, thus far, are expected this morning and again tonight. Skies are expected to clear out near the Tennessee River this morning by sunrise and allow for some areas of frost to develop. For tonight, temperatures on the Cumberland Plateau should fall to, or just below freezing for several hours. Locations to the west of the Plateau will be a few degrees warmer but areas of frost are still expected to develop.

FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM CDT
MONDAY...

The National Weather Service in Nashville has issued a Freeze
Warning, which is in effect from midnight tonight to 9 AM CDT
Monday. The Freeze Watch is no longer in effect.

* TEMPERATURE...Locations across the Cumberland Plateau will see
  widespread temperatures of 30 to 32 degrees.

* IMPACTS...Sensitive outdoor vegetation may be killed by the
  freezing temperatures.


Saturday, October 28, 2017

Freeze Watch in effect for Cumberland County through Sunday night.

A Freeze Watch is in Effect From Sunday Evening Through Monday
Morning for the Cumberland Plateau.

The coldest temperatures of the fall are expected tonight and
tomorrow night. A strong cold front has swept through middle
Tennessee. There will be enough cloud cover and wind overnight
tonight to inhibit widespread freezing temperatures. Tomorrow
night expect clearer skies and relatively light winds which will
allow for widespread low temperatures across the Cumberland
Plateau to be below freezing. A few spots elsewhere may also see
temperatures dip briefly to the freezing mark Sunday night.



A cold air mass will exist over the Mid State through Sunday
night. A few spots could see temperatures dip to the freezing mark
tonight...although clouds and light wind are expected to hold low
temperatures in the middle 30s for most areas.

The best chance for freezing temperatures will be Sunday night...
as clouds and winds decrease. Right now it looks like the best
chance for a widespread freeze will be across eastern Middle
Tennessee...especially along the Cumberland Plateau...where a
Freeze Watch is in effect. However, some spots further west could
also see temperatures drop briefly to the freezing mark Sunday
night, along with patchy frost. This includes the suburbs of
Nashville, and normally colder low lying areas.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Wanted ‘Top 10’ Fugitive Surrenders, Facing Charges

NASHVILLE – Less than two days after being placed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s ‘Top 10 Most Wanted’ list, a fugitive charged in connection with a Robertson County homicide has surrendered to authorities.

Ricardo Lamont Murray, Jr


Ricardo Lamont Murray, Jr., of Nashville, was wanted by the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to face charges of Homicide, Aggravated Robbery, and Theft resulting from an incident in Cedar Hill on October 24th, during which investigators believe Murray fatally shot a man, Jonathan Outlaw, who was attempting to sell him a vehicle.

Early Friday morning, Murray turned himself in to officers at the East Precinct of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Crossville-Cumberland County Maintains Status as a TVA Valley Sustainable Silver Community

Crossville-Cumberland County, which was first designated in the Valley Sustainable Communities Program at the Silver level in 2014, has recently completed the Designation Renewal Process, resulting in it maintaining its status in the program for an additional three years.

“This program has taken Crossville-Cumberland County’s economic development marketing efforts to prospective and existing sustainably-focused companies to a whole new level,” said Brad Allamong, Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to be designated at the Silver level for an additional three years.”


“Crossville-Cumberland County’s continued designation at the Silver level recognizes that it has community-wide sustainability initiatives in place, with programs available to support the existing business community and promote economic development,” said Del Boyette, President/CEO of Boyette Strategic Advisors.

Sustainability has become a key issue for economic development organizations and communities as more corporations have demonstrated an increasing commitment to sustainability. A recent survey conducted by PwC found that 80 percent of CEOs believe it’s important to measure and reduce their environmental footprint. The typical reasons for this corporate commitment are reduced operating costs for increased profitability, attracting workforce talent and greater customer satisfaction.


John Bradley, TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development, said, “We are seeing that more and more companies have an increasing business emphasis on sustainable operations, and are adding this component to their RFIs as they search for a community where they can locate, grow, and enhance their company and employee sustainability commitments.”

The designation renewal process is focused on reviewing all programs that were part of the Sustainable Inventory previously developed and scored, and ensuring that all such programs are still in place and eligible for continued points designation. This process resulted in an updated Sustainable Inventory and Marketing Messages for Crossville-Cumberland County and its designation as a Silver community for the next three years.

At the conclusion of this year’s cycle, it is expected that a total of 31 communities across the Valley will have been recognized in the program. In addition to completing the inventory of sustainable assets and utilizing the Valley Sustainable Communities designation in their marketing materials, communities that complete the program also receive marketing support from TVA Economic Development.

The Valley Sustainable Communities Program, developed and administered in partnership with TVA Economic Development and consulting firm Boyette Strategic Advisors (Boyette) beginning in 2013. TVA offers the program as part of its community preparedness offerings to assist communities in evaluating existing sustainable programs, cataloging their sustainable assets, and increasing future commitments to sustainability. The goal of the program is to document a community’s assets and increase the likelihood that they will be viewed as progressive and competitive by companies looking to invest in new or expanded locations.

In order to continue to support the integrity of the Valley Sustainable Communities Program long term, the program was established so that the qualification for each community would be designated for a period of three years. At that point, a designation renewal process is initiated to re-designate the community under the program.

November 2017 Schedule for Crossville's Palace Theatre, from Ronnie Mc Dowell to the USO Show

November 2017 at the PALACE THEATRE


11/2 (Thurs) Jeff Allen 7 PM $15
11/6 (Mon) FFG Travelogue Series 7 PM $8
11/7 (Tues) Open-Mic Night 6-9 PM free admission
11/8 (Wed) Bryan Symphony Orchestra Preview Luncheon 11 AM $10
11/9 (Thurs) Ronnie McDowell 7 PM $50-$29--$25
11/12 (Sun) USO Show 2 & 6 PM $12
11/13 (Thurs-Sat) Jet Theatrix Thurs 7PM, Fri 7PM, Sat 2 & 5 PM- Admission $5
11/21 (Tue) “Family” 6:30 PM $10 (songs written by Travis Findley & Charles Sexton)
11/30 (Thurs) Make a Kids Christmas Toy Drive 7 PM Admission is a new Toy or $10


Tickets for most events may be purchased at the Palace or online by cash, check or credit card. Palace Box Office hours are Tuesday – Friday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
All tickets sales are final. Events listed are subject to change.
Order by phone 931-484-6133 or by internet at palacetheatre-crossville.com
Email - palace@crossvilletn.gov


Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Homicide Suspect Added to TBI’s ‘Top 10 Most Wanted’ List

Ricardo Lamount Murray Jr.
Provided by TBI
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has a new addition to the state’s ‘Top 10 Most Wanted’ list: Ricardo Lamont Murray, Jr., of Nashville.

Murray (DOB 2-7-98) is wanted by the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to face charges of Homicide, Aggravated Robbery, and Theft resulting from an incident in Cedar Hill on October 24th, during which authorities believe Murray fatally shot a man, Jonathan Outlaw, who was attempting to sell him a vehicle.

Murray is an African-American man who stands 5’8” and weighs approximately 164 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes, and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about Murray’s whereabouts should contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. There is a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to Murray’s arrest.

TBI Investigations leads to Arson Charges including against a Nashville Metro fire captian

Jeffrey T. Neeley

NASHVILLE – An investigation by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Tennessee Fire Investigation Service has resulted in the indictment, arrest of Jeffrey Neely, a Captain with the Metro-Nashville Fire Department, on Arson and Insurance Fraud charges.

On September 7th, TBI began an investigation into the September 5th fire that occurred at the residence located at 1055 White Bluff Rd. in White Bluff, TN. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Jeffrey Todd Neely, DOB 12/8/1968, intentionally set fire to his own residence.

As a result of the investigation, on October 18th, the Grand Jury returned an indictment for Arson and Insurance Fraud. Neely was arrested on October 24th and booked into Dickson County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

In a second unrelated case:

An investigation by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Tennessee Fire Investigation Service has resulted in the indictment, arrest of Martha Vincion for Arson.

On July 19th, TBI began an investigation into the July 18th fire that occurred at the residence located at 1454 Cedar Grove Road, Chapel Hill, TN. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Martha Christine Vincion, DOB 4/18/170, intentionally set fire to the residence.

As a result of the investigation, on October 16th, the Grand Jury returned an indictment for Arson. Vincion was arrested on October 24th and booked into Bedford County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
                                   Martha Vincion
Martha Vincion

City warns public that Special Census Workers will have ID's and will not start canvasing until November.

Information from the City of Crossville:

Calls of people posing as city census workers have been reported to city officials.

The City of Crossville will be sending out census workers door-to-door beginning in November. At that time, these workers will have valid credentials, including a badge and a letter from the mayor so that they will be easily identified. Reports are coming in that people posing as census workers are canvassing the area. Please do not open your doors for anyone who does not have valid identification as an official census employee.

If you want to avoid having census workers visit your home either return the census form you received in the mail of you can report online at this link to the city's website.

Frost Advisory for Cumberland Co and parts of Middle Tennessee tonight and into next week

The local growing season appears to be over with a light frost last night and more frost expected over the next several days.
Frosty Leaves

The National Weather Services has issued a Frost Advisory for Thursday Morning from 1 AM to 8 PM and the outlook is for more frost through the weekend.

FROST ADVISORY:
Frost Expected Tonight, Especially Across the Upper Cumberland
Region

The first chilly air of fall has moved into Middle Tennessee,
and along with that comes the potential for frost.

For Late tonight and into Thursday morning, widespread frost is
expected across the Upper Cumberland Region, with patchy frost
elsewhere across the Mid State.

Looking ahead, another cold front will bring the potential for
widespread frost and some freezing temperatures early next week.

Take action now to protect the most sensitive plants for late
tonight.



HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK:
Today and Tonight

Widespread frost across the northern and central Cumberland
Plateau tonight. Patchy frost possible elsewhere.

Thursday through the Weekend

Patchy frost will be possible Saturday night and Sunday night
across all of Middle Tennessee.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Man with Dementia, 85 year old Billy Ayres missing from home on Rock Quarry Rd.

UPDATE: Family reports he has been located.

Law Enforcement is seeking help finding this person:

PLEASE BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR AN 85-YEAR-OLD MALE WITH DEMENTIA THAT HAS WANDERED AWAY FROM HOME OVERNIGHT FROM THE 1200 BLOCK OF ROCK QUARRY RD.

MISSING MALE IS BILLY AYERS. HE WAS LAST SEEN WEARING A BLUE AND GRAY FLANNEL COAT, GREEN TEE SHIRT, GRAY JOGGING PANTS, AND BROWN HOUSE SHOES. ANY CONTACT WITH, NOTIFY CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT.

Friday, October 20, 2017

TBI Issues Public Warning: Troubling Lab Submissions appear to show tainted cocaine

TBI Press Release 
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Drug Investigation Division (DID) is urging public caution, especially among recreational drug users, following recent evidence submissions to two TBI crime laboratories.

Several samples of cocaine, submitted by law enforcement agencies in Middle and East Tennessee in recent months, also tested positive for fentanyl, a powerful, narcotic painkiller, or one of its dangerous analogs. Previously, fentanyl had primarily been identified in samples of heroin or in clandestine pills compounded to resemble legitimate prescription opioids. The recent submissions mark the first time samples of cocaine have tested positive in a TBI laboratory for fentanyl. The investigation into the origins of the submitted samples remains active and ongoing by the local law enforcement agencies.

“For some time now, we’ve warned about the dangers surrounding fentanyl for those struggling with opioid or prescription drug addiction,” said T.J. Jordan, Assistant Director of the TBI’s Drug Investigation Division. “This submission, however, changes the game. It proves the serious risk now also applies to recreational drugs beyond opioids. To be blunt: What you might buy and use, thinking it’s a good time, could cost you your life.”

In certain doses, fentanyl can be 50 to 100 times as potent as morphine. The drug doesn’t necessarily need to be ingested to have an effect. It can absorb through the skin, so touching the substance can quickly put an individual at risk of opioid overdose.

The submission of substances submitted to TBI’s laboratories testing positive for fentanyl and its analogs continues to increase. In 2013, the TBI processed just 12 samples that tested positive for fentanyl. In 2016, the TBI’s Forensic Scientists tested 209 samples that tested positive for fentanyl or one of its analogs. With more than two months remaining in 2017, lab submissions of samples testing positive for fentanyl or one of its analogs total 320.

“Drug dealers don’t care about the lives of their customers. They only care about making money,” said TBI’s Tommy Farmer, who oversees the Tennessee Dangerous Drugs Task Force. “What you think might be high-quality cocaine may very well have been cut with any number of substances, some of them potentially deadly. Why take the risk with something that could kill you?”

Anyone struggling with drug addiction issues should contact the Tennessee REDLINE at 1-800-889-9789.

Cumberland Co. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Saturday October 21

Cumberland County residents who have hazardous items to dispose of can take advantage of the event sponsored by the Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation Saturday, October 21 at the Cumberland Co. Community Complex. 

The event will be held between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. 

The event is open to the public and organizers request those who attend are asked to follow these recommendations:
  • Please remain in your vehicle at all times 
  • Follow signs and directions of staff 
  • Please keep all pets in vehicle


Acceptable Items that can be disposed of at the event include:
Automotive and Marine Products
  • oil and fuel additives
  • grease and rust solvents, naval jelly
  • carburetor and fuel injector cleaners
  • starter fluids
  • body putty
  • antifreeze / coolant
  • gasoline

Home Maintenance / Improvement Products
  • used strippers and thinners
  • adhesives
  • driveway sealant
  • roofing tar
  • wallpaper remover

Home Lawn and Garden Products
  • pesticides
  • fertilizers
  • wood preservatives

Miscellaneous
  • pool chemicals
  • photo processing chemicals
  • Medicines/drugs
  • aerosols / compressed gas
  • mercury thermostats and thermometers
  • fluorescent tubes
  • compact fluorescent bulbs
  • needles and sharps (in a puncture-proof container)

Thomas Smith recognized as Crossville firefighter of the quarter

In a recognition chosen by his peers, Crossville firefighter Thomas Smith was honored as the Firefighter of the Quarter by Crossville Fire Chief Mike Turner.

Chief Mike Truner congratulates Thomas Smith
being chosen as the Firefighter of the Quarter.

Chief Turner said he had known Smith since he was a child and he is currently an EMT and is now attending Paramedic school.  "He is a great asset to our city and to every citizen here," added Turner as he presented Smith with his certificate.


Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Crossville officials are asking residents to return special census form or respond online.

Crossville Aerial (file photo)

If you received a City of Crossville Census letter in the mail and haven't returned it yet, look for a knock on your door in November.

The city must field check residential addresses that do not return the form or submit their information through the online form at this link.  Crossville Census Page


The census will help the city determine the current population within the Crossville city limits and can help the city receive additional funding from state shared taxes. The state distributes certain tax revenues to the municipalities based on the population. In fact, the amount per year per resident is currently about $113 per person per year. The state funding helps to keep Crossville's property taxes down.

State shared taxes currently make up 7 percent of the city's total budget. City officials are expecting a substantial increase in the population since Crossville last census in 2014. Since that time a number of new apartments and residential areas have been built.

The Census information required by the State of Tennessee includes the residential address and the first and last name of each resident. The information provided with the census form will only be used for this census.
If you need additional information, feel free to contact Arnold Harbolt at Crossville City Hall. The number is (931) 484-5113 extension 5140 or email to census@crossvilletn.gov

Monday, October 16, 2017

"Responsible" William Garrett Graham named October Student of the month


William Garrett Graham was named the Student of the Month at Martin Elementary School for
The month of October for his representation of the character trait of responsibility.  

Crossville Mayor James Mayberry, left, presents William
Garrett Graham with his award.  William couldn't attend
the council meeting and the presentation was made at
school. (Photo submitted)


William is in the Fourth Grade class of teacher Leslie Smith and was nominated because “ he sets a fine example of being responsible at school. Garrett is also a responsible school citizen in his treatment of his fellow classmates. He takes responsibility in helping others both in and out of the classroom setting."


Saturday, October 14, 2017

Crossville Memories: Who remembers H & H trading stamps with an office on East First St?

Once upon a time, Crossville apparently had a stamp company office located here.  These so-called trading stamps were given as a percentage of what you purchased, usually groceries, and you saved them in stamp books like the photos below until filled.  You could get a catalog that told you how many books you needed to redeem for the items you wanted.  There were several big names in the business including S & H Green Stamps, Top Value, and Gold Bond stamps. 

The book indicates the stamps are trademarked by Gateway Promotions, Inc of St. Louis MO and in 1964 that company had acquired a stamp and premium business from Curtis Publishing that may be this operation.  Because the book has addresses both with and without zip codes, it dates to the mid to late1960s 
Back and front cover of the book
  
Inside front cover of the book


Typical page for putting stamps.  There are 50 pages
that must have stamps to fill the book.

Inside the back cover with instructions for
redeeming the stamps.


Thursday, October 12, 2017

Crossville council OKs water sales to West Cumberland Utility and appoints Shooting Park board members

After receiving a request in September that the city consider the possible sale of water to the West Cumberland Utility District, city manager Greg Wood and council member J. H. Graham III met with the district and research was done on the possible impact on the city's water operation.

Graham reported to the council at the October meeting and said that the city could sell to the utility district at the current city wholesale rate of $3.88 per 1000 gallons. Graham said city finance director Fred Houston had analyzed the cost of water production and looked at incremental and variable costs.
Crossville city council members L-R, J. H. Graham,
Danny Wyatt, Mayor James Mayberry, Pam Harris
and Scot Shanks.

“Based on this information,” said Graham, “the city of Crossville would have an adequate return at the current wholesale rate of $3.88.” He added that the city had the capacity to provide water the West Cumberland, he moved to approve an offer to sell water to the district at whatever the needs of the district are with no minimum purchase or service charges required. Graham's motion was supported by Councilman Scot Shanks.

The motion was approved unanimously.


Currently, West Cumberland is buying water from the Bondecroft Utility District and has seven years left on that contract. West Cumberland Board member Ed Anderson had advised the council during the September work session that neither side was happy with the current contract and it is unclear exactly when the sale from the city to West Cumberland will begin.

Council also approved the appointments of two members to the Crossville Shooting Sports Park board as the project starts to get off the ground having held a groundbreaking ceremony last month. When the city agreed to sell property near the city's old landfill to the group that was applying for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency funding to build the facility, part of the agreement was that the city would appoint two board members.

Previously Mayor James Mayberry had recommended that Jim Petty and Glen McDonald be appointed but two additional people contacted the city seeking a seat on the board. The location of the park has been controversial to property owners near the location concerned about the noise and effect on property values.


When the item came up on the agenda, the discussion was brief and councilman Graham moved that Petty and McDonald be appointed by acclamation. The motion was approved by voice vote.

Crossville City Council Unanimously approved purchase of two new firetrucks for Crossville

The Crossville city council unanimously approved the purchase of two new fire trucks for the Crossville Fire Department during the regular October council meeting.

The two trucks include a new pumper to replace a 1993 model truck, currently the oldest in the fleet, that will be traded in on the purchase for $12,000 credit. Council also approved the purchase of a 107-foot single axle ladder truck that will put the current 1994 model 75 foot ladder truck in reserve.

The top truck is similar to the new city pumper and
the bottom photo represents the city's new ladder truck

Council also approved using a Texas-based cooperative to make these purchases that allow governments across the country access to purchasing through the Texas inter-local cooperation Act similar to the Tennessee state contract purchases. This buyers cooperative will reduce the price of the fire apparatus by some 10 percent as the cooperative bid out the firetruck purchase contracts almost 2 years ago and new contracts raise the costs by 10 percent. The city's purchase must be completed by the end of the month when the new prices go into effect. Those savings will allow the city to purchase the necessary additional material to fully equip the trucks for less than the amount of money saved.  Many other Tennessee cities and counties use the same cooperative to make purchases.


The cost of the two trucks with the cooperative pricing comes to $1,605,172.54 with the addition of $162,047 for equipping the trucks the total cost is $1,779,249.54. The city will pay for the trucks and then finance the purchase over 10 years. Using the cooperative purchase and prepay program saves the city $185,000 on the two trucks over buying them another way.

During the budget process, the council had approved one truck to replace the old pumper for an estimated $850,000 but as the department and new city manager Greg Wood began looking at the needs of the department and it was determined that the originally proposed pumper and “snozzle” truck with an articulated arm and a nozzle on the end would not meet the needs of the city.

Council discussion on firetruck purchases

The current ladder truck is only a year newer then the truck being traded in and mechanical troubles were cropping up. Due to its age, it would have to be replaced soon as well. In addition, the 75-foot ladder was no longer adequate to reach all the buildings in the community for adequate fire protection.

A team of fire department officers did additional research and put together additional plans for department improvements. With the addition of two new trucks, other vehicles can be put in reserve to lengthen the life for those units as well. Also, in the future when another fire station is built, those trucks will be available for use there.

The new pumper will have a 1500 gallon per minute pump (GPM) and a 1000 gallon tank. It also will have an enhanced foam system with the capability to pump and roll. The foam is important for dealing with flammable liquids and incidents at the airport. The truck will also have jaws of life on board.

The new ladder truck includes a 1500 GPM pump and a 500-gallon water tank with a standard foam system. The ladder will allow the department to serve Cumberland Medical Center and several industries.

Delivery time on new firetrucks is about 11 months and the city should receive the new equipment around September of 2018.  Deputy Chief Chris South said that the new trucks have new and better technology since the 1993-94 trucks and the new trucks with single axles are easier to drive and get where they need to go.


The motion to buy the trucks made by councilman J. H. Graham included writing a check to pay for the trucks and access the savings. Council may look at financing the purchase later on. The motion was unanimously approved.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Accident ties up traffic on Westbound I-40 Wednesday morning between Monterey and Cookeville.

An accident backed up traffic between Crossville and Cookeville for a short time this morning.  No details available on the accident at this time but a vehicle had overturned, possibly rolled and ended up on its top in the median about halfway down the mountain heading into Cookeville.  The accident occurred around 8:30 AM

At least one other car was stopped on the other side of the road but it was not clear if that vehicle was involved or had just stopped to help. 

 The accident scene was cleared by 9:45 AM.  Tennessee Highway Patrol, Fire department, Putnam Co. Sherriff and ambulance all responded to the scene.  (Photos by Jacob Young)





Monday, October 9, 2017

Twelve Law Enforcement Officers Graduate from TBI State Academy

NASHVILLE TBI Press Release – Twelve local law enforcement officers from across the state are new graduates of the TBI State Academy. The Academy was created as a professional and specialized training ground for Tennessee law enforcement officers who desire the opportunity to expand their education and training in the criminal justice field. Through the six-week course, attendees learn advanced investigative techniques, science, and strategy; skills they can take back with them and put into practice at their home agencies.
The TBI State Academy was developed with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s origin, tradition, and mission in mind. Coursework included leadership, constitutional law, communications intelligence and undercover investigations.
Candidates were nominated by their department heads and selected to attend. They were required to have five years of experience as a full-time commissioned officer of a Tennessee law enforcement agency, show excellent character and a professional reputation. They exhibit an interest in public service and are committed to remaining in law enforcement for a minimum of three years after the TBI State Academy graduation.
Each year, one student is honored with the prestigious Director’s Award. The officer selected for that award is the individual with the highest cumulative scores in academic tests, physical fitness, shooting competition, leadership presentation, and case presentation.  This year’s winner of the Director’s Award, announced during last week’s graduation, is Patrick Murdock, a Sergeant/ Investigator with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
A graduate of the TBI State Academy has the opportunity to earn credits with partner schools Cumberland University and Tennessee State University. The Academy runs four days a week for six weeks and is held at Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy in Bell Buckle, at no cost to attendees.

2017 TBI State Academy Graduates:
Shaynah Bibbee - Student – Tennessee State University
Special Agent Bonnie Carr – TN Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Detective Alexander Clary – Meigs County Sheriff’s Office
Investigator George Dyer – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Sergeant Gilbert Goodwin – Memphis Police Department
Lieutenant James Hatler – Martin Police Department
Detective Keith Alan Kile – Kingston Police Department
Detective Darin Lane – White Pine Police Department
Detective Robert E. Lower, III – Jamestown Police Department
Detective James Markwood – Fentress County Sheriff’s Office
Sergeant/ Investigator Patrick Murdock – Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
Sergeant/ Detective-Narcotics Joshua Smith – Pickett County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Investigator Tabitha Standridge – Englewood Police Department
TBI will begin accepting applications for the 2018 TBI State Academy in the spring. For more information about the State Academy, visit their website: http://www.tn.gov/tbi/article/tbi-state-academy.

Famous book illustrator created images of Cumberland County history for Crossville's First National Bank

The man who painted a little bit of Cumberland County's history for Crossville's First National Bank was raised in Johnson City, Tennessee and was a well-recognized illustrator and painter who was called in 1948 by Esquire magazine, “one of today's brightest lights in the illustrating field.”

Artist John Alan Maxwell was apparently engaged by Crossville's First National Bank to create some paintings representing the history of the local area. The two known images that he painted are not dated but could have been done between the time of Cumberland County's Centennial and the early the 1960s. Many people have seen the print of the Crab Orchard Inn with a stagecoach in front of it as it was reproduced as a print that was given to customers of the bank.

The Crab Orchard Inn print from a painting by
John Alan Maxwell

Maxwell began doing illustrations in New York City in the 1920s for Collier's and Golden Book magazines. As a prolific book illustrator, Maxwell did work for books by famous authors including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Pearl S. Buck, Aldous Huxley, John Steinbeck, and others.

In 1936 Maxwell was recognized with the first place by the Society of Illustrators and named one of the top 10 illustrators in the country. After 1956 he left New York when the building housing his studio was demolished and he returned to Johnson City where he continued to work. His painting style as a romantic illustrator also lent itself to the images of local history featuring people and idealized landscapes.

In addition to the Crab Orchard Inn painting above, Maxwell did at least one other painting that represents one of the early trails or roads that crossed the plateau and eventually gave Crossville its name from being located at the crossroads of a north-south and an east-west road.

This other painting features a family traveling in a covered wagon pulled by oxen past a couple of cabins and a grove of trees. A Native American and a man in a coonskin cap with a long rifle are standing beside the road as the family goes by. Also shown is a stagecoach headed in the opposite direction.
Photo of an original painting by John Alan Maxwell
that once hung in Crossville's First National Bank


Maxwell may have done one other painting but if he did it has not been seen by the public in many years. The reports are that these paintings were hung for many years in the First National Bank main branch when it was at Main Street and East First Street. 

The whereabouts of the original Maxwell paintings done of Cumberland County is currently unknown. 

October council agenda includes firetruck purchases and shooting sports park board appointments.

Crossville City Council holds their regular October meeting Tuesday, October 10 and will consider the purchase of two new fire trucks, one with a 107-foot ladder that fire officials say will reach all current Crossville buildings.
City hall is ready for fall.

The council's busy night starts at 5:00 PM with the audit committee meeting followed by a closed executive session at 5:30 PM and the regular council meeting begins at 6 PM in the council chambers at city hall. The only thing allowed in a closed executive session is for an attorney to provide information on lawsuits and council members can ask questions. Council members are not allowed to discuss or deliberate any action during a closed executive session.


The 2 Fire trucks the department would like to purchase include a pumper truck that would replace a 24-year-old truck that would be traded in for a $12,000 reduction of the cost of the deal. In addition, the proposed ladder truck would replace a 1994 ladder truck with a 75-foot reach. The older ladder truck would be put in reserve as a backup truck to be used as needed.

Council will also consider using a Texas-based cooperative that allows governments across the country access to purchasing through the Texas inter-local cooperation Act similar to the Tennessee state contract purchases. This buyers cooperative that will reduce the price of the fire apparatus by some 10 percent as the cooperative bid contracts almost 2 years ago and the purchase must be completed by the end of the month when the new prices go into effect. Those savings will allow the city to purchase the necessary additional material to fully equip the trucks within the amount saved.

The cost of the two trucks with the cooperative pricing comes to $1,605,172.54 with the addition of $162,047 for equipping the trucks the total cost is $1,779,249.54. The city will pay for the trucks and then finance the purchase over 10 years.

Also on the agenda is the appointment of two members of the Shooting Sports Park board. As part of the agreement for the city to provide land for the project, the board agreed to allow the city to appoint two members to the board. The city will consider the four names the city has received so far and vote on the appointments at the meeting.


The request by the West Cumberland Utility District to purchase water from the city in the future has been under discussion and councilman J. H. Graham will report to the council on the status of those discussions.   

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Remnants of Hurricane Nate moves through Middle Tennessee Sunday afternoon with wind and rain

Weather conditions will incldue wind and rain for the first few days of the coming
week.  Localalized strong winds and heavy rain could cause some flooding. 

Windy conditions will develop over eastern parts of Middle Tennessee late today.

The remnants of Hurricane Nate will move from Alabama toward the
east part of Middle TN this afternoon through this evening. In
addition to bringing heavy rain, this storm will cause gusty winds
which could reach around 45 MPH mainly on and near the Cumberland
Plateau. Winds will steadily diminish late tonight as Nate moves
away from the region.


A wind advisory is in effect for late this afternoon through early
evening for a portion of the Cumberland Plateau as the remnants
of Tropical Storm Nate move northward into the region. Sustained
winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts as high as 45 mph are expected
during this period.

A strong cold front will sweep across Middle Tennessee on Tuesday,
resulting in additional rainfall and the possibility of strong
storms. The biggest threats are gusty winds and small hail.
Additional rainfall totals from today through Tuesday will range
from 1 to 3 inches, with the heaviest amounts occurring across
southern Middle Tennessee and the Cumberland Plateau. Minor
localized flooding is possible in these areas.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

October's Friday at the Crossroads had some of the best crowds and weather so far.

It looked like the Harvest Festival version of Friday at the Crossroads brought one of the biggest crowds to the almost 2-year-old bi-monthly event.  Part of what brought the crowds was the weather that could not have been any better for the Friday night street party and event.

Friday at the Crossroads started back in 2016 and continues to grow and bring crowds out to the businesses and events held in historic Downtown Crossville.

The crowds filled Main Street and there was music scattered through the blocks of Downtown closed for the huge event.  One final Friday at the Crossroads is scheduled for December 1, 2017, and with the growing success, it should be back again in 2018.

Enjoy the photos below!


Downtown Crossville held wall to wall people for the
October Friday at the Crossroads.

The Chuck Elliot Band entertained the crowds from under the
historic Palace Theatre marquee! 

The hungry crowd had food trucks and...


Main St. Resturants to choose from.

Kid's activities included
Face Painting,

Fun Photo opportunities,

and the inflatable bounce house.

Ben Lomond Co-op provided 
free Wifi access to visitors,

Keeping the crowds connected.

Music was everywhere! Loose Cannon fired up their Karaoke machine,
there was German band music from the 
Gazebo on the Courthouse lawn, and

and a little bagpipe music too.