Wind Advisory Issued for Crossville and Middle Tennessee on December 31 until 9 PM

Gusty Winds Expected Today...

.South winds will increase this morning as a strengthening low-pressure system moves out of Arkansas into the Great Lakes region. Winds will decrease this evening behind a cold front that will quickly sweep across Middle Tennessee.

WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT TO 6 PM CST THIS EVENING...

The National Weather Service in Nashville has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 9 AM this morning to 6 PM CST this evening. 

* TIMING...9 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM THIS EVENING 

* WINDS...Sustained winds of 15-25 mph with gusts over 40 mph. 

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds can cause tree and branch damage. Loose outdoor objects may be blown around. High profile vehicles... especially those traveling on east-west roadways...may experience travel difficulties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Wind Advisory means that winds over 40 mph are expected. Winds this strong may blow down a few trees or tree limbs and cause isolated power outages. Driving may also become difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

The Biggest News Stories of 2018 include Bus Garage Shooting and Minister's Tree House for Sale

The biggest news story of 2018 according to readers of Jim Young Reporter was the shooting in September at the Cumberland County bus garage that took two lives.

Cumberland Co. Bus Garage Shooting

Three of the top stories read were related to the shooting including the identity of the victims and their possible relationship based on Facebook posts and the fact that the female victim had taken out orders for protection from her longtime husband who was accused of shooting the woman and a friend from North Carolina. The three stories had a combined readership of over 44,000.

https://jimyoungreporter.blogspot.com/2018/09/one-of-victims-of-fridays-bus-garage.html

https://jimyoungreporter.blogspot.com/2018/09/second-victim-of-shooting-identified-as.html

https://jimyoungreporter.blogspot.com/2018/09/shooting-victim-joy-nostrom-had-taken.html

The alleged shooter remains incarcerated and his case is working through the criminal justice system.

Minister's Tree House

The next most popular story from March 2018 was the announcement that the famous Crossville Tree House property was listed for sale after being closed in 2012. The tree house was a popular attraction built by local minister Horace Burgess and has been known as the Minister's Tree House and the World's Largest Tree House. State property records currently show the property is still listed as owned by Burgess.

https://jimyoungreporter.blogspot.com/2018/03/famous-crossville-landmark-for-sale-at.html

The next most read story concerned the large turnover rate within the Crossville Police Department under the leadership of David Beaty. Beaty had taken early retirement as chief, then after some 2 years was rehired in the position.

David Beaty

At the time of the story published in July 2018, Beaty was under employment probation according to city manager Greg Wood over the 30 percent turnover rate in the department. At the time, Beaty was also seeking the office of Fentress Co. sheriff as well.

Following the probationary period, Beaty was dismissed by city manager Wood.

https://jimyoungreporter.blogspot.com/2018/07/crossville-police-department-and-chief.html

The sixth most read story of 2018 again involved the police department and the dismissal of K9 officer Bart Riden whose police dog has been killed on duty in August of 2017.

https://jimyoungreporter.blogspot.com/2018/06/crossville-police-officer-whose-k9-dog.html

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Additional top stories include the city council's discussion of a proposed retail development

https://jimyoungreporter.blogspot.com/2018/09/city-council-called-meeting-friday-at.html

and the death of a Pleasant Hill resident and attorney whose body was found outside her home.

https://jimyoungreporter.blogspot.com/2018/01/body-of-pleasant-hill-resident-found.html

Flash Flood Watch Issued for Cumberland Co. and Wind Advisory remains in effect

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT.

The National Weather Service in Nashville has issued a Flash Flood Watch for a portion of Middle Tennessee, including the following areas, Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Cumberland, De Kalb, Fentress, Giles, Grundy, Marshall, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Van Buren, Warren, and White.

Flooded Road (file photo)

* Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches can be expected through tonight for southeast Middle Tennessee and parts of the Plateau. This includes Crossville, Cookeville, McMinnville, Manchester, Pulaski, and Shelbyville.

* Street flooding will be a hazard for travelers. Low lying areas and poor drainage areas will be at risk for flash flooding. Also watch for flooding along small streams.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST FRIDAY

* WINDS...Sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts over 40 mph.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds can cause tree and branch damage. Loose outdoor objects may be blown around. High profile vehicles... especially those traveling on east-west roadways such as Interstate 40...may experience travel difficulties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:

A Wind Advisory means that winds over 40 mph are expected. Winds this strong may blow down a few trees or tree limbs and cause isolated power outages. Driving may also become difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Wind Advisory Issued for Crossville and Middle Tennessee 6 AM Thursday to 6 AM Friday

Windy Conditions Expected Thursday Through Thursday Night... 

A strong low-pressure system is forecast to move from the Central Plains into the Great Lakes Region Thursday into Thursday night. Strong south winds will be experienced across Middle Tennessee Thursday through Thursday night. These winds are expected to drop off quickly after sunrise on Friday.

WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THURSDAY TO 6 AM CST FRIDAY:

* TIMING...6 AM CST THURSDAY TO 6 AM CST FRIDAY

* WINDS...For locations west of the Cumberland Plateau Region, sustained winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts to around 45 mph. For locations across the Cumberland Plateau Region, sustained winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts to around 50 mph.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds can cause tree and branch damage. Loose outdoor object may be blown around. High profile vehicles traveling on east-west roadways may experience traveling difficulties.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Advisory means that winds over 40 mph are expected. Winds this strong may blow down a few trees or tree limbs and cause isolated power outages. Driving may also become difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Jim Young Reporter

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way,

The world revolved from night to day

A voice, a chime,

A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head ; 

"There is no peace on earth," I said ; 

"For hate is strong

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men !"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: 

"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Crossville City Council meeting in Training Retreat to discuss many topics Monday

Members of the Crossville City Council will be meeting for much of the day on Monday in a training retreat to acquaint the new members with the operations of the city and to give updates to the other council members.

Crossville City Council members as of December 2018

L-R J. H. Graham, Rob Harrison, Mayor James Mayberry,

Art Gernt and Scot Shanks

The day, starting at 8 AM at the Clyde M. York 4-H Camp will include reports from several city staff members.  The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes the topics listed below.

1. Police Analysis
     a. Street Closings
2. Engineer’s updates – Major Projects
3. Water Issues
4. Airport Committee
5. Wage Study Update
6. Water Loss Insurance
7. Energy Project – Downtown Street Lights
8. Vehicle for the Medical Director
9. City Flag
10.Recreation Topics
  a. Reorganization-Leisure Services
  b. Pickle Ball
  c. Disc Golf
  d. Support of Tournaments
  e. Golf Capital-Only the beginning
  f. Splash Pad-Staffing & Fees
  g. Garrison Phase 2
  h. Centennial Splash Pad
  i. Meadow Park Lake
      i. Bike Trails
      ii. Other Uses

11.Economic Development
  a. Retail
  b. Downtown
  c. Tourism
  d. Regional Approaches

12.Palace Advisory Board
13.Administrative Hearing Officer
14.Video streaming
15.Mayor & Council Items

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Holiday Season Impaired Driving Enforcement Underway in Crossville

Crossville Police Department Press Release:

The Crossville Police Department is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) to increase impaired-driving enforcement from December 14, 2018, to January 1, 2019, surrounding the holiday season. The THSO’s statewide Booze It and Lose It campaign is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Overnationwide mobilization.

Increased state and national messaging about the dangers of drunk driving, coupled with increased sobriety checkpoints and high visibility enforcement, aim to drastically reduce the number of drunk-driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities this year.

“We ask all Tennesseans to please drive safely this holiday season,” said THSO Director Vic Donoho. “Our state and local law enforcement partners will be out in full force to secure Tennessee roadways. We want everyone to make it home safely, so please designate a sober driver.”

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The consequences of a single DUI conviction for a first-time offender in the state of Tennessee may include costly fines, court costs, legal fees, jail time, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, and/or the installation of an ignition interlock device in his/her vehicle.

The THSO provides grant funding to support the Crossville Police Department’s increased enforcement efforts during the Booze It and Lose It holiday campaign. For more information about the THSO, please visit www.tntrafficsafety.org.

Tilley promoted to patrol captain at Crossville Police Department

The City of Crossville Police Department and Chief Jessie Brooks proudly announces the promotion of Patrol Captain Brian Tilley. Captain Tilley has served with the City of Crossville Police Department for 22 years and is a veteran of the United States Army. Captain Tilley has been an active member of this agency as a Patrol Lieutenant, Field Training Supervisor, and Shift Supervisor. He will continue to serve as the THSO Coordinator and Video Evidence Manager, in addition to the duties of Patrol Captain.

Brian Tilley

The promotion of Patrol Captain Tilley will be effective on December 23rd, 2018. The department is proud of the work ethic and leadership qualities of Captain Tilley and looks forward to many years of continued service to the citizens of the City of Crossville.

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Annual Crossville Christmas Open House brings public and officials together.

The annual Crossville Christmas Open House was held Thursday evening December 13 and featured a chance to talk to city officials, holiday cheer and light refreshments.  

The open house tradition began in the late 1980s and was started by then Crossville Mayor Willis Cox.

Students of Ann Looney provided music for those who attended and Santa and Mrs. Claus also stopped by.  

Crossville City Hall Decked out for Christmas.

Crossville Mayor James Mayberry chats with

Mayor pro-tem Art Gernt, left, and city engineer

Tim Begley, right. 

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Ann Looney, left, and her music students that provided

a variety of music selections during the event.

A number of pageant winners were on hand to greet

the public.

City Council Open House Thursday from 4-6 PM Executive Session then Called meeting at 3:15 PM

The Crossville city council will host its annual Christmas Open House at Crossville City Hall on Thursday from 4 PM to 6 PM and will hold a special called meeting at 3:30 PM.

In addition to the called meeting to handle two routine items the council will meet again in an executive session with city attorney Will Ridley at 3:15 PM.

The called meeting agenda items include discussion of Crossville Memorial Airport pavement rehabilitation along with the third and final readings of a budget amendment for pickleball courts and changes to the open burning ordinance.   

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Council Majority Supports proposed Crossville Roane State Expansion but Funding Request turned down

While the Crossville City Council turned down the request by the Roane State Foundation for a donation of $500,000 several council members expressed support for the project but felt the timing of the request was poor.

RSCC President Chris Whaley, standing left, and 

Crossville campus director Holly Hanson, right, discuss 

the proposed expansion at the earlier December

City Council work session.

Councilman J. H. Graham moved to make the request donation for the project and councilman Scot Shanks gave a second “for the purpose of discussion.” Graham pointed out that 700 students are currently attending and it was the 20^th anniversary of the schools Crossville campus.

Mayor James Mayberry said he a little problem with the request as the city had given $750,000 for the initial construction of the center and an additional $100,000 for the business incubator. Mayberry added that the biggest support of the city budget was from sales tax and that half of the sales tax collected in the city goes to education as funding for the Cumberland County schools.

(Editor's note: the city gave $250,000 in funding toward the Business Incubator in 2009.)

Mayberry said he felt it was a bit much to ask of the city near the start of their budget. He also commented that Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) was also expanding.

“I just can't support this,” concluded Mayberry.

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“I'm for this project and I'd like to see it happen,” said Councilman Scot Shanks. Shanks added that he was concerned about the fact that there was no state money earmarked for the project. He said he understood that Roane State cannot ask the state for money but he wondered if the city could make a request for state help for the project.

Councilman Art Gernt said he felt the request should come through the regular budgeting process and that the donation would be a strain on the city budget at the current time. Said Gernt, “I'd like to see it happen as well, but I'd like to see us wait and go through the state.”

“I'd like to see it go through the regular budget process as well, added councilman Rob Harrison. “I'm all for the project and I certainly want to help Roane State as it's a crown jewel,” concluded Harrison.

The vote on Graham's motion included a yes vote from Graham but no votes from the rest of the council.   

Art Gernt named Crossville Mayor Pro-Tem and Crossville City Judge Gardner reappointed

The Crossville City Council elected Art Gernt as Mayor Pro-Tem to take the place of the Mayor when he is unavailable.  Mayor James Mayberry made the motion saying that he was proposing that the candidate who got the most votes in the election be made Mayor Pro-Tem.  

Gernt was unanimously elected.

Mayor Pro-Tem Art Gernt

City Judge Ivy Gardner was also reappointed to an additional 2-year term on the motion of Mayor Mayberry.  She was also approved unanimously.  Following the vote, Gardner was sworn in by Mayor Mayberry. 

Mayor James Mayberry administers the oath of office

to Ivy Gardner for her third term as 

Crossville City Judge

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Overton County Woman Indicted, Charged in 2017 Murder

TBI Release by Josh DeVine

COOKEVILLE - Special Agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have obtained an indictment for an Overton County woman in connection to a 2017 homicide case.

Brandi Angela McDougle

At the request of 13th District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway, TBI Agents began investigating the death of Timothy Melton on December 22, 2017, shortly after authorities found the body of the 41-year-old man in his Highland Mountain Road home. During the course of the investigation, Agents developed information leading to Brandi Angela McDougle (DOB 8-15-77) as the individual responsible for the crime.

On December 4th, the Overton County Grand Jury returned an indictment, charging McDougle with one count of First Degree Murder. On Thursday, Agents served her with the charge at the Overton County Jail, where she was being held on an unrelated violation of probation.

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December Crossville City Council meeting to consider Roane State funding request

The new version of the Crossville City Council will meet for their first official meeting Tuesday, December 11 and items on the agenda include a request for funding from Roane State as well as appointing a mayor pro-tem and city judge.

The council's evening starts off with the audit committee meeting at 5:15 PM followed by the solicitation board meeting at 5:55 PM. The regular council agenda starts at 6:00 PM

The Roane State Foundation is seeking funding for the construction of new science labs and classrooms at the Cumberland Co. campus on Cook Road. RSCC President Chris Whaley and Cumberland County campus director Holly Hanson explained the need for the facilities.

RSCC President Chris Whaley, standing left, and 

Crossville campus director Holly Hanson, right, discuss 

the proposed expansion

They explained that the current lab did not have a hood needed for some the necessary chemistry experiments and that the limited lab facility meant that local students often had to travel to other campuses to take the classes since only a small number of sections could be offered at Crossville.

The total cost of the additional labs and classrooms is expected to cost around $1.3 million and the Foundation is seeking $500,000 from the city and the county. The remainder of the funds would come from other donors.

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With two new council members sworn in earlier this month, the first regular meeting is when the council elects from its members a mayor pro-tem to cat in the absence of the mayor. In addition, the council will decide on the appointment of the city judge.

In other items, the council will consider a request for sewer to the Chestnut Hill landfill/industrial property on Albert Frye Road, a request for sewer service outside the city limits, and discussion on 250 Old Mail Road, a structure that was previously condemned.

The Monday Morning snowfall turned Crossville into a winter wonderland

Crossville finally got a little bit of snow Monday morning December 10.  The snow was very photogenic, especially around Downtown Crossville.  Enjoy!  

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Snow covered holly in front of the

Courthouse.  You can see Christmas

lights in the background.

Military Memorial Park

Crossville Depot and city Christmas Tree

City Meeting Schedule includes Council Meeting, Annual Open House, and Council Retreat

Schedule of Upcoming Events:

December 10, 2018 Crossville Tree Board 3:00 p.m.

December 11, 2018 Audit Committee Meeting 5:15 p.m.
December 11, 2018 Solicitation Board 5:55 p.m.
December 11, 2018 Crossville City Council 6:00 p.m.

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December 13, 2018 Sports Council (CCCSEC) 3:00 p.m.
December 13, 2018 City Hall Open House 4:00 p.m.

December 17, 2018 City Council Retreat 8:00 a.m. (Clyde York 4-H Center)

December 20, 2018 Crossville Regional Planning Commission 12:00 p.m.-CANCELLED

December 21, 2018 Catoosa Advisory Board 11:00 a.m.

December 24-25, 2018 City offices closed

December 31-January 1 City offices closed

Christmas Tree Lighting well attended as part of Friday at the Crossroads with Christmas music and shopping

A crowd turned out for the Christmas Tree lighting

at Friday at the Crossroads.

Music and dancers were part of the tree lighting ceremony

Hot chocolate and popcorn was available at the

Crossville Depot

Friday at the Crossroads visitors enjoyed Christmas

Carols at the Courthouse Gazebo.

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Front windows of the Cumberland County Courthouse

were decked for the season

Friday at the Crossroads visitors enjoyed some

unique shopping opportunities on Main Street.

The Crowds were hard to see but the Christmas

lights were festive.

Santa mans the Palace ticket booth.