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Sunday, December 31, 2017

Efforts to protect Animal Shelter dogs from expected extreme cold successful

With construction still underway on the new Cumberland County Animal Shelter building and bitterly cold air moving in, a group of community animal supporters worked together to try and protect some 35 animals avoid being hurt by the single digit temperatures.

Those 35 animals were housed in outside pens.  They have some plastic and tarp walls on frames that have been built by volunteers but they are living on concrete pads and cannot get inside to any heated space.
Outdoor runs at the Cumberland Co. Animal Shelter are partly
protected from the wind but still exposed to the coming single
digit temperatures with no heat sources.  

With the cold moving in a group of animal supporters sent out word requesting help because the shelter would be closed both Sunday and Monday for the holiday and Saturday was the only day the animals could be fostered out for a short-term until the weather warmed up.

We talked to a shelter volunteer who gave us this information:

"As of this Saturday morning, there were at least 35 dogs living outdoors at the shelter and some animal welfare groups wanted to help. One of the groups put out pleas on Facebook for volunteer “foster homes” for dogs. It turns out that to become authorized as an animal foster parent there is a process that can’t be done quickly and not on a weekend. The Shelter Director, who was not working Saturday, agreed to authorize an experienced shelter volunteer and animal advocate to interview each “emergency foster parent” on Saturday if that volunteer would accept responsibility for ensuring the safe return of the animals when the cold weather abated. All of this resulted in 18 “Emergency Foster Parents” providing safe, warm housing for over 35 dogs and making room that allowed all of the remaining shelter dogs to be brought inside the building for several days."

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Weather Service Issues Wind Chill Alert Sunday Night to Monday Morning.

Expect Frigid Conditions at Outdoor New Years Eve
Celebrations...

.Cold Arctic air will pour into Middle Tennessee tonight and
persist into the New Year. Steady winds ushering in this cold air
will begin to drop wind chill values below zero New Years Eve,
with some locations approaching -5 degrees by midnight. By the
morning hours of New Years Day, most of the mid-state may see
wind chill values below -5 degrees. Another night of cold air
is expected Monday night, and thus another Wind Chill Advisory
likely will be needed.

WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM SUNDAY TO 9 AM CST
MONDAY.

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills expected. The cold wind chills will
  cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin.
  Expect wind chills to range from zero to 8 below zero.

* WHERE...Portions of Middle Tennessee.

* WHEN...10 PM Sunday to 9 AM Monday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Expect wind chill values to fall below zero
  as Sunday evening progresses, creating frigid conditions at any
  outdoor New Years Eve Celebrations.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will
combine to create low wind chills. Frost bite and hypothermia can
occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and
gloves.

Special Weather Statement from Natl. Weather Service on Extreme Cold for New Years

Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service:
Arctic blast to impact the mid state over New Years...

An arctic cold front will move through the mid state on Saturday.
Much colder air will then spread across the area through the
weekend. Low temperatures will reach down into the teens by New
Years Eve morning and will only warm into the 20s during the day.
Then, on New years day, lows will range from 8 to 14 with highs
of 20 to 25.

Adding to the bone chilling cold will be the very low wind chill
values. Wind speeds of 10 to 15 mph will equate to wind chills in
the lower teens during the day on New Years Eve. Later that
evening...winds will persist with wind chill values dropping down
into the single digits. By sunrise, wind chills will reach as low
as 5 below zero in a few northern Middle Tennessee locations. Cold
temperatures will continue into Monday night where Middle
Tennessee will experience wind chill values of minus 5 to minus 8
degrees before sunrise.
If venturing outdoors during the holiday weekend, be sure to wear multiple layers of clothing. Consider bringing any pets indoors and check on the elderly. Also, be sure to take the necessary precautions regarding the protection of water pipes from the cold. Of additional note, if the expected low and high temperatures of 12 and 23 degrees, respectively for Nashville, occurs on New Years day, it would mark the 4th coldest New Years Day on record. The period of record extends all the way back to 1871.

Friday, December 29, 2017

Two Arrested, 150+ Pounds of Marijuana Seized in Crossville Operation

TBI Information:
CHATTANOOGA – A joint operation by several law enforcement agencies has resulted in the arrest of two individuals accused of trafficking a large amount of marijuana into Tennessee.

On Thursday, authorities received information about a scheduled delivery to the Crossville Municipal Airport. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers discovered a small plane on the tarmac and its pilot, Dennis Howard Bonneau (DOB 12-20-70). In searching the plane, authorities discovered approximately 66 pounds of pharmaceutical grade marijuana inside the aircraft. Agents also encountered a woman inside the airport’s lobby, identified as Erin Elizabeth Reed (DOB 3-7-83), who was in possession of a bag containing approximately 90 pounds of pharmaceutical grade marijuana, along with edible marijuana products.

Agents arrested Bonneau, of Weston, Florida, and Reed, of Arcata, California, and charged each with one count of Manufacturing, Delivery, or Sale of Schedule VI. Authorities subsequently booked each into the Cumberland County Jail, where – at the time of this release – they were each being held on $500,000 bond.

Agencies participating in this operation included the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Drug Investigation Division, the Crossville Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department, the Middle Tennessee High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.

Dennis Howard Bonneau

Erin Elizabeth Reed 

Thursday, December 28, 2017

The Top News Stories of 2017 included People, History, Eclipse, Lawsuits and more.

While 2017 was a busy news year for Crossville, the stories that readers read the most included both good and bad news and some history too.

Crossville Eclipse Diamond Ring Effect
Photo by Jim Young

One of the biggest events to come through Crossville was the total eclipse of the sun and with several stories published on the blog leading up to the event, the subject of the eclipse was the most read topic on jimyoungreporter.blogspot.com and the most read single story from 2017 was the story about the new president of the Crossville Tennessee College of Applied Technology Cliff Wightman.

The second most read single story was a recent one about a pedestrian, 85-year-old Vertie McNeeley being struck and killed by a semi truck on Main Street in November.  Link to story

The third most popular story was a history flashback story that incldued photos of the lost art of Joe Ed Hodges and Crossville Elementary School. Hodges was the husband of Principal Maureen Hodges and the long time art teacher at the school. Over the years Mr. Hodges had created art on the walls of the halls of the school. All the art was painted over when the building became the school administration building. Link to story

Other big stories from 2017 included protests as a white supremacy group held a meeting at the state park, the death of Crossville police dog K-9 Cain, Downtown Crossville events like Friday at the Crossroads and Rock the Block continue to be very popular.

Huge Turnout for October's 
Friday at the Crossroads.

Other stories that received a lot of readership included controversial items like the Shooting Sports Park, changes to Garrison Park and the First Amendment lawsuit filed against the city of Crossville by J. R. Blankenship and a suit filed against the city by former police chief Rod Shoap. Both men's suits also name former council member Jesse Kerley as a defendant. .


Early in 2017, the Crossville city council was interviewing candidates for city manager and fired interim manager Steve Hill after several incidents including an embarrassing series of emails and internal text messages were revealed between Marketing Director Billy Loggins and the secretary for Parks and Recreation Director Tami French. French filed complaints after the information was revealed.    

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Palace Theatre Events Coming up for January and February 2018


January 2018

1/6 (Sat) Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver 7PM $29.50 (VIP Rows 1-4), $25.50 (Rows 5-15), $23.50 (Balcony) Tickets are $3.00 more day of show.

1/11 (Thurs) WCTE Presents: “Victoria” Season 2 Premiere 6PM FREE ADMISSION (Come to the Palace to pick up tickets before or the day of the viewing)

1/19 (Fri) Thomas Pandolfi in concert 7PM $15.

1/20 (Sat) CCHS Sweetheart Pageant

1/23 (Tues) Open Mic Night 6-9 PM.


February 2018

2/5 (Mon) Travelogue Series: “The Misty Isles of Scotland” 7PM $8

2/6 (Tues) Arts Round Up Meeting 12PM

2/8 (Thurs) Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out Live 7PM $19 (In Advance), $23 (Day of Show)

2/14 (Wed) Bryan Symphony Orchestra Luncheon

2/16 (Fri) Larry Gatlin Live 7PM $50 (VIP Rows 1-4), $29 (Rows 5-15), $25 (Balcony) $5 more day of show
  
*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

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

UPDATE-CHILD RECOVERED Statewide Amber Alert Issued for 5 year old Knoxville child.

A statewide AMBER Alert is being issued for the Knoxville Police Department for five-year-old Davontae Maurice Clark. Davontae was last seen at his aunt's residence in Knoxville. Davontae was taken by his non-custodial mother and may be traveling in a white Ford Explorer with temporary tags. Davontae was last seen wearing a Batman tee-shirt. Further clothing description and direction of travel are not known. An active warrant for custodial interference has been issued for Ashlee Clark. If you have information on the whereabouts of Davontae or Ashlee, call 911, or contact the Knoxville Police Department at (865) 215-7347 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.


Monday, December 25, 2017

Busy Holidays as TBI investigating 2 Officer Involved Shootings in Tennessee

Lawerence Co Shooting:
At the request of 22nd District Attorney General Brent Cooper, TBI Agents continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding an officer-involved shooting tonight in Lawrence County.
The incident occurred at the intersection of South Ball Park Road and Mount Nebo Road in St. Joseph, where preliminary information indicates an officer from the Loretto Police Department was responding to a burglary-in-progress call. Upon his arrival, the officer reportedly saw a vehicle leaving the scene at a high rate of speed through a ditch in the direction of the officer and his vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle collided with the officer’s, after which the officer appears to have fired his service weapon several times, striking the suspect at least once. The suspect has been hospitalized with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident.
TBI Special Agents will gather any and all relevant interviews and evidence as part of this ongoing investigation. Throughout the process, Agents will submit investigative findings to the District Attorney General for his review and consideration. As a reminder: The TBI only acts as ‘fact-finders’ in its investigation. The determination as to whether the law enforcement officers’ actions were justified rests solely with him. 

Humphreys Co. Shooting:
At the request of 23rd District Attorney General Ray Crouch, TBI Agents are investigating the circumstances surrounding an officer-involved shooting in Humphreys County.
The incident occurred at 533 Carmen Road in New Johnsonville, TN where preliminary information indicates officers from the New Johnsonville Police Department and the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Department were responding to a domestic call. Upon their arrival, the officers reportedly encountered a man with a firearm which resulted in at least one officer discharging their service weapon, striking the suspect. The suspect has been transported to a local hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident.
TBI Special Agents will gather any and all relevant interviews and evidence as part of this ongoing investigation. Throughout the process, Agents will submit investigative findings to the District Attorney General for his review and consideration. As a reminder: The TBI only acts as ‘fact-finders’ in its investigation. The determination as to whether the law enforcement officers’ actions were justified rests solely with him. 

Sunday, December 24, 2017

A Very Merry Christmas from Jim Young Reporter. Have a Blessed Holiday.


Away in a manger
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down His sweet head
The stars in the sky
Look down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay


TBI Investigating Saturday night Grundy County Officer-Involved Shooting, 20 year old dead.

At the request of 12th District Attorney General Michael Taylor, TBI Agents continue to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday night in the Coalmont area of Grundy County.
Preliminary information indicates the incident occurred at approximately 10:30 PM following an attempted traffic stop on B Mine Road by deputies from the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. The driver reportedly pointed a firearm at the deputy, who then fired into the vehicle several times. The vehicle, which was facing the deputy’s vehicle at the time of the shooting, sped away and sideswiped the deputy’s cruiser. Deputies attempted to pursue the vehicle, but quickly lost sight of it.
Approximately 20 minutes later, a citizen happened to see the suspect crashed off of the side of B Mine Road. The male driver approached the citizen and said that he had been shot and needed help, asking for the citizen’s vehicle. The citizen drove off and contacted law enforcement. When officers arrived, the driver was not present. However, a female’s body was found inside the vehicle and has been identified as Shelby Comer, DOB 10-23-97. Her body will be sent for autopsy in Nashville to determine the cause of death.

Deputies believe the driver of the vehicle to be Charles “Zach” Burris. Efforts to locate him remain ongoing by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office.
TBI Special Agents and Forensic Scientists will gather any and all relevant interviews and evidence as part of this ongoing investigation. Throughout the process, Agents will submit investigative findings to the District Attorney General for his review and consideration. As a reminder: The TBI only acts as ‘fact-finders’ in its investigation. The determination as to whether the law enforcement officers’ actions were justified rests solely with him. Additionally, the TBI does not identify officers involved in these types of incidents and instead refers questions of that nature to their respective department.

Natl. Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook-Possible Snow for Christmas Eve.

Today and Tonight

Cooler temperatures later this afternoon and evening may bring
chances for some light mixed precipitation late in the afternoon
and evening over the I-65 corridor and east. On the northern
Plateau, some light snow accumulations up to a few tenths of an
inch will be possible this evening.

Some area river flooding will continue through the day.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

FLASH FLOOD WATCH issued for Friday Afternoon into Saturday for Cumberland and surrounding area

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
SATURDAY MORNING:
Flooded Road File Photo
The National Weather Service in Nashville has issued a * Flash Flood Watch for a portion of Middle Tennessee, including the following areas, Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, Davidson, De Kalb, Dickson, Fentress, Giles, Grundy, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Overton, Perry, Pickett, Putnam, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, Wayne, White, Williamson, and Wilson. * From Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. * Heavy rainfall will develop by Friday afternoon and will last through the night and into Saturday morning before tapering off. Total rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected. * Rapid rises along creeks and streams are possible. Ditches and drainage areas could overflow. Normally flood-prone areas are highly susceptible. Since the heaviest rain will occur Friday night, you are advised to exercise caution while driving.

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Sally Oglesby Retirement Reception Well Attended--Photos and Video

Wednesday, December 19, 2017, was the final work day for longtime Crossville city clerk Sally Oglesby and a well-attended retirement recognition reception concluded her 32-year tenure in the position.

Sally Oglesby chats with well-wishers on her retirement.


A variety of community leaders, state and county elected officials, as well as city council members and employees from Oglesby's time, stopped by the see her off. 

Oglesby said she and her husband Bill would be able to do some traveling and she planned to spend more time with her family and grandchildren.  She added that she would still be around Crossville and expected to find some way to continue to contribute to the community.

One highlight of the event was the presentation of a video put together by Crossville's IT department with interview questions and photos.

Warren Nevad with the UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service said that they had really enjoyed working with Oglesby and that she had helped the state by working to help start the statewide organization of municipal clerks, the Tennessee Association of Municipal Clerks and Recorders (TAMCAR)  that helped provide training and professional improvement to others in the profession. 

Sally Oglesby Retirement Video

City and county officials stopped by

Sue Patton, Marguerite Watkins, and Nancy Burns


Retirement cake

Sally Oglesby chats with Charlie Akins who
was city manager when she was first hired.


Dave Warner greets Sally Oglesby. Warner
was a city commissioner when Oglesby first
started with the city



Monday, December 18, 2017

Public Invited to reception Tuesday Afternoon as longtime Crossville CIty Clerk Sally Oglesby Retires

A very special event is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, December 19 to commemorate the retirement of longtime Crossville City Clerk Sally Oglesby. Mrs. Oglesby is retiring after 32 years of service to the city. The retirement reception for Oglesby will be held at Crossville city hall starting at 1 PM and refreshments will be served.

Oglesby was initially hired as the Crossville City Recorder, as the job was then known when she started, in April of 1985. Oglesby has worked in three different city hall buildings over the years and has worked with 11 regular city managers during her tenure plus a number of interim city managers as well.


Crossville Mayor James Mayberry, left, presents
City Clerk Sally Oglesby with a clock in
recognition of her 32 years of service to
The city of Crossville.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Students Honored at Crossville City Council Meeting for Art designs and Character

A number of Cumberland County School children were recognized at the December Crossville City Council meeting.

Madilyn Rymer was recognized at eh Martin Elementary Student of the month for her representation of the character trait of caring. Madilyn is in Ms. Melissa Buffkin’s 2nd-grade class. Her teacher described her as "caring in both her words and actions toward those in her class and beyond."

Crossville Mayor James Mayberry
presents Madilyn Rymer with her award

The annual Crossville Holiday Card contest has been held since the city's Centennial celebration in 2001 and this year 8 schools participated.  

One winner from each school was chosen.  Winners included 

           Brown Elementary - Kaidense Loshbough
                     Crab Orchard Elementary - Daisy Ayala
                     Glenn Martin Elementary - Ashana York
                     North Cumberland Elementary - Madison Cook
                     Pleasant Hill Elementary - Ryleigh Forbeck
                     Stone Elementary - Dalton Westervelt
                     Cumberland County High School - Gracey Whittenburg
                     Stone Memorial High School - Chloe Melton

Crossville Mayor James Mayberry recognizes the
student design winners.


Friday, December 15, 2017

Crossville Police Announce Sobriety Checkpoints for New Year's Day.

The City of Crossville Police Department, working in conjunction with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, will be participating in a Cumberland County Region Crack-Down on impaired driving event by conducting sobriety checkpoints on 1/1/2018, beginning at 6pm and continuing through 3am.

During this time period, the Crossville Police Department will be conducting Sobriety Checkpoints in the areas of Lantana Rd, Peavine Rd and U.S. HWY 127, in an effort to put an end to impaired driving. Please use caution when driving in these areas. Do not approach checkpoints with your high-beam headlights on, and always slow down when approaching the checkpoint areas. Please help us keep the roadways safe for everyone, buckle up and don’t drink and drive.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Coordinated Drug Operation Nets Multiple Arrests in Maury County

NASHVILLE – A joint investigation by Special Agents with the Drug Investigation Division at Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and several other law enforcement agencies has resulted in the indictment and arrest of several individuals facing a variety of drug-related charges.
TBI Drug Agents joined detectives and agents with the 22nd Judicial District Drug Task Force, Maury County Sheriff’s Department, Columbia Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration in August in a conducting an undercover drug investigation. Controlled drug purchases were made in and around Columbia and Mt. Pleasant over the two-month operation. Law enforcement officers made purchases of several drugs, including heroin, crack cocaine, oxycodone, alprazolam, methamphetamine and suboxone. During the course of the investigation, Agents developed information that identified those individuals involved in the sale of those controlled substances.
“It doesn’t matter what role you play in the drug trafficking business, big or small.  Due to the current drug epidemic we face in the state of Tennessee, we are just as interested in taking the street-level dealers off the street as we are the suppliers, as we did today,” says Assistant Director T.J. Jordan of the Drug Investigation Division.
On Wednesday, the Maury County Grand Jury returned indictments, charging multiple individuals on drug-related counts.  Six people were arrested Thursday, and booked into the Maury County Jail. Additional arrests resulting from this operation are expected. Those in custody include:
* Waylon Wilcox (DOB 11/17/1985). One count Sale of Schedule II Controlled Substance. Bond: $50,000.
* Matthew Johnson (DOB 12/29/1976). Two counts Sale of Schedule II. Bond: $50,000.
* Toni Smith (DOB 8/21/1988). One count Sale of Schedule I Controlled Substance. Bond: $75,000.
* Casey Ramsey (DOB 5/1/1988). One Count Sale of Schedule IV Controlled Substance. Bond: $10,000.
* Kyle Lee Davis (DOB 8/12/1998). Two counts Sale of Schedule I Controlled Substance. Bond: $75,000.
* Courtney Lowery (DOB 11/24/74). One count of sale of Schedule II Controlled Substance. Bond: $30,000.
 Toni Smith

New TBI Report Details Firearm-Related Crime in Tennessee

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released a report today detailing the nature and volume of reported firearms-related crime across the state over a four-year period.
The report, “Firearm Violence in Tennessee: 2013-2016,” utilizes data submitted by the state’s law enforcement agencies through the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System (TIBRS). Among the report’s findings:
  • From 2013 to 2016, firearm-related criminal offenses increased by 24.8%.
  • The number of reported Murders involving a firearm increased by 54.7% in the four-year study period.
  • Aggravated Assaults accounted for the largest portion of reported firearms-related crime, and increased by 30.5% from 2013 to 2016.
  • Males (85.8%) were nine times more likely to engage in firearm-related criminal offenses than Females (8.8%).
“I am deeply concerned with the findings of this report reflecting a substantial increase in firearm-related crimes in our state,” said TBI Director Mark Gwyn. “This increase puts an additional strain on Tennessee’s law enforcement resources and poses a serious threat to public safety.”
The TBI embarked on this study, the first of its kind in Tennessee, to support efforts by the United States Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics to develop a number of national statistical studies to better understand a variety of crimes, including those involving firearms.
The full report can be reviewed on the TBI’s website: www.tn.gov/tbi.

Full Report in PDF at this link.

Retiring Crossville City Clerk Sally Oglesby honored for 32 years of service.

The December Crossville City Council was the final regular meeting for Crossville City Clerk Sally Oglesby.

Oglesby's 32 years of service to Crossville was commemorated by the presentation of a clock to recognize her retirement and a large flower arrangement. In addition, Crossville Mayor James Mayberry recapped some of the headlines of city news from 1985, the year Sally started working for the city.
Crossville Mayor James Mayberry, left, presents
City Clerk Sally Oglesby with retirement gifts.

1985 was the year a completely new City (then known as) Commission was seated that including Mayor Willis Cox, and Commissioners Dave Warner, Elmo Lewis, Jim Turner and John Dooley.

One of the first commission actions was to dismiss then city manager Ed Potts and appoint a committee to review applications and make recommendations to the commission on the next manager. After a period of work, the committee made three recomendations but the commission ignored those recommendations and instead hired Charlie Akins as manager. Early discussion of the first sections of the Miller Avenue Bypass took place.

Oglesby was initially hired as the Crossville City Recorder as the job was then known when she started in April of 1985. Oglesby has worked in three different city hall buildings over the years and has worked with 11 regular city managers during her tenure plus a number of interim city managers as well.


Oglesby's final working day will be Tuesday, December 19 and a reception will be held for her at Crossville city hall between 1 and 3 PM on the 3rd floor. The public is invited and refreshments will be served.  

Valarie Hale will take over the position as City Clerk.  Hale has served as Assistant City Clerk since 2010.  Prior to joining the city, Hale worked as an accounts payable and payroll clerk and a medical scheduler. 

Sally Oglesby, left, and incoming Crossville 
City Clerk Valerie Hale, right.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Impaired Driver Crack Down Planned by Crossville PD for New Year's Eve.

The City of Crossville Police Department, working in conjunction with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, will be participating in a Cumberland County Region Crack-Down on impaired driving event on December 31/2017, from 2pm to midnight.



During this time period, the Crossville Police Department will be increasing our DUI traffic enforcement efforts by saturating the streets of Crossville, in an effort to put an end to impaired driving, by targeting impaired drivers. Please help us keep the roadways safe for everyone, buckle up and don’t drink and drive

The City of Crossville Police Department, working in conjunction with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, will also be participating in the 2017 THSO Holiday Impaired Driving Enforcement Campaign from 12/13/17 – 12/31/17.

During this period the Crossville Police Department will be increasing our traffic enforcement efforts in order to keep everyone safe through their holiday travels. The enforcement will target impaired drivers, but officers will also be on the lookout for any unrestrained drivers and occupants, especially children. Please help us keep the holidays happy and safe for everyone, buckle up and don’t drink and drive.

Palace Theatre hosts City of Crossville Open House Thursday December 14.

The Historic Palace Theatre on Main Street in Crossville will host the annual Christmas open house sponsored by the City of Crossville on Thursday, December 14. The event runs from 4:00 to 6:00 PM and refreshments will be served. 

A variety of entertainment will also be appearing on the Palace stage and Santa Claus will be visiting as well. The public is invited to stop by and chat with Crossville elected officials and city employees.

This event was started by Mayor Will Cox in the 1980's when it was called the Mayor's Open House.  


Monday, December 11, 2017

Winter Weather Advisory Now Issued for 5 AM to 10 AM Tuesday for the Upper Cumberlands

FIRST MEASURABLE SNOW OF THE WINTER POSSIBLE TUESDAY MORNINg

The first chance of measurable snow is likely to occur Tuesday
morning in Middle Tennessee behind a cold front that will pass
through the area Monday tonight. Winds will shift around to the
northwest and as they do, the northern half of the Cumberland
Plateau will begin to see the snow fly. Starting around 5 am, most
everyone will see less than one inch of snow, however, higher
elevations could see as much as an inch and a half by 10 am.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 10 AM CST
TUESDAY.

* WHAT...Snow expected. Plan on slippery road conditions,
  including during the morning commute on Tuesday. Total snow
  accumulations of up to one inch are expected, though some spots
  could see a little more.

* WHERE...Pickett, Putnam, Overton, Fentress and Cumberland
  County.

* WHEN...5 AM to 10 AM Tuesday.

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will
cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Hazardous Weather Outlook calls for some snow showers Monday night and Tuesday Morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for 
the Crossville area but little accumulation is predicted.  

Today and Tonight
A dusting of snow is possible along the Cumberland Plateau late
tonight.

Tuesday
Scattered to numerous snow showers along the Cumberland Plateau
Tuesday morning may produce snow accumulations up to around a
half inch, especially in areas between Crossville and the
Kentucky border. Temperatures are expected to be around the
freezing mark, and those traveling across the Cumberland Plateau
early Tuesday should watch for light snow accumulations on area
roadways and drive with appropriate caution.



Sunday, December 10, 2017

December City Council meeting Oglesby's last with discussion on water, wastewater and Sports Council.

The December Crossville city council meeting will be the end of an era and the final regular meeting of longtime Crossville City Clerk Sally Oglesby.

Retiring Crossville City Clerk
Sally Oglesby

After 32 years, Oglesby will be hanging up her keyboard and turning the job of City Clerk to Valarie Hale who has worked as the assistant city clerk for a number of years in preparation for the handover. A special reception in honor of Oglesby is set for Tuesday, December 19, 1 PM at Crossville City Hall, Oglesby's final day.

The December 12 council meeting starts at 6 PM and will be preceded by the audit committee meeting at 5:15 PM and the Beer Board at 5:45 PM.

Several items on the agenda relate to utility services including water supply and wastewater treatment put forth in last weeks work session by Mayor pro-tem J. H. Graham. Graham is proposing that the city offer water sales to the Crab Orchard Utility District (COUD) as he says they are beginning a search for additional water supply. In addition, Graham proposed that the city study the possibility of taking water from the wastewater plant and treat it as they do in California to make it safe as drinking water.

Both of these topics were brought up at the end of the council's December work session and were not on the agenda for the work session. Graham said he'd been studying the future raw water report by J. R. Wauford and the future needs of the community from the Army Corps of Engineers. According to Graham that without a new water source Crab Orchard will need a new supply.

Graham said he would like to have the council approve at the December meeting for the city manager to offer up to 1 million gallons of water to COUD at the current wholesale rate with no required minimum purchase.

“It is important to me as a city council member,” explained Graham, “that the Crab Orchard Utility District knows that we are in the water business and that we have water to sell. I feel that it is important that we extend the olive branch.”

Graham also discussed water issues in Los Angeles where he said some 50 percent of water following wastewater treatment is then run through a process to make it safe for drinking when all of it was once pumped into the Pacific Ocean. According to Graham, that water used by LA is filtered, treated by reverse osmosis and then bombarded by high-intensity ultraviolet light. That water is pumped into the aquifer for future use from wells and the process is less costly then pumping water from the Colorado River.
Crossville Wastewater Treatment Plant

Graham said he would like to see the city investigate the possibility of a similar system to be discussed with engineers and get cost estimates for such a program.


Council will also discuss and consider establishing a Crossville Sports Council that would be made up of local community leaders who would promote the city and county's current sports events and programs as well as look to expand and add additional opportunities. They would also act as a central clearinghouse to make sure tournaments and other events do not conflict with those in the City and County, or other activities nearby that could impact the success of sporting events.  

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Chilly Crossville Christmas Parade Well Attended and Fun for All. Photos here.

The Crossville Christmas Parade brought out kids of all ages to the parade route for floats, animals, candy and Santa Claus.

While light flurries were falling and the wind was biting with temperatures just below freezing the crowd was bundled up. 

Crowds Waited for the Parade

Bundled up parade watcher

The Crossville Police Honor Guard and Young Marines
lead the parade.

Stone Memorial HS Band

CCHS Jets Band

Best Friends Veterinary Hospital float

Clarkrange Baptist Church float
Bundled up horse riders

Main Street was lined with parade watchers.

Santa arrives 

Mrs. Claus and Santa

Gubernatorial candidate Mae Beavers addresses supporters in Crossville at a recent campaign stop.

Republican gubernatorial hopeful Mae Beavers stopped by Crossville for a visit with supporters and spoke about her plans for Tennessee's future.

The event was held at the Christmas decorated home of Donna McDermott who ran for mayor of Crossville 8 years ago. The event gave supporters the opportunity to chat with the candidate and discuss politics before the candidate spoke for a few minutes about the issues she sees in the upcoming race to replace Bill Haslam.

Beavers told supporters that she fought the increase in the gasoline tax because the state currently has a surplus that could be used for roads. She said the wants to see the gas tax removed and sales tax removed from food. On other taxes, Beavers said she had fought the income tax proposed several years ago.
Gubernatorial candidate Mae Beavers addresses
supporters in Crossville

According to Beavers, “lots of legislators are leaving or running for other offices and concerned about elections.

Education is another topic Beavers talked about saying she'd like to get rid of common core. The race to the top funding is also a problem and currently, the state testing contractor can't get results to the state in time for test results to be used to grade students or teachers on their progress. She added that there should be transparency from the testing company and school decisions are better when they are local as not all schools are the same.

Concern about the opioid crises was also discussed by Beavers. She said one business owner she talked to said he can't hire half the people that apply because they can't pass a drug test. One business owner she talked to took men from jail, helped them get off of drugs and give them jobs and his company has been very successful doing that. The substitute drugs that people are given keep them addicted just one something different.

Beavers said she thinks the State Attorney General should be elected to represent the people. She proposed that each state department should have an inspector general to watch for waste and fraud.

Beavers told those gathered that she was the most conservative candidate in the race and added, “I'd put my record up against anyone. She said she was targeting conservatives, tea party members and Republican women's groups adding that money is needed for impact and grassroots support is very important in this race.


When asked what she'd like to be remembered for she said she'd want to be remembered as a governor with common sense.   

Friday, December 8, 2017

Former Crossville Police Chief Rod Shoap tapped for E-911 Director-County City cost share questioned by City Council.

The Cumberland County Central Communications Committee has voted to offer the position of E-911 Emergency Communications Director to former Crossville Police Chief Rod Shoap.  The CCC has been searching for a new director since the previous one was dismissed. 

Mr. Shoap said he would be meeting with Cumberland County Mayor Kenneth Carey first thing Monday morning to work out details of the position.  The position oversees the 911 dispatch center that is jointly operated by Cumberland County and the City of Crossville.

Rod Shoap

Rod Shoap's background includes a Masters in Public Administration and a graduate of the FBI Academy. He served as interim Crossville police chief until July 2016. Previously Mr. Shoap served as Maury County magistrate, director of planning for the Williamson County sheriff's department and sheriff of Lee County Florida after many years working for that department.

Members of the Cumberland County CCC are Chairman: Cumberland Co. Mayor Kenneth Carey Jr.; Vice Chairman: City Manager: Greg Wood; EMA Director Rick Williams; Crossville Police Chief David Beaty; Crossville Fire Chief Mike Turner; Cumberland County Sheriff Casey Cox; Cumberland Co. Fire Chief Trevor Kerley; EMS Director Chris Miller; Cumberland Co. Board Chairman Everett Bolin.

Shoap may have his work cut out for him based on a discussion at the end of the Crossville city council's work session about the CCC situation. 
E-911 Dispatch Center

Recent changes to the relationship between the E-911 Board and the CCC were discussed during the city council's work session prior to Shoap's selection.  City attorney Will Ridley explained to the council that the CCC's responsibility is to hire the dispatch center director and the E-911 Board only purchases equipment.  Previously the City, County, and E-911 Board shared the costs of the dispatch operation and after the E-911 Board pulled out of the agreement the City and County now share the costs together. 

Ridley said that while the dispatchers were county employees they do not report to the county mayor but to the CCC Director and the CCC Director reports to the CCC Board. Currently, the city has 3 seats on the CCC Board and the county has the majority.  Ridley and County attorney Randy Boston said there was no other Tennessee county with a CCC Board. 

"In most counties, the county mayor hires the CCC Director," explained Ridley.  He added that the city is currently a 50/50 partner in an organization they have a minority membership in. In addition, Ridley said the city had half of the liability for employee situations.