Local Dispatchers Recognized by Law Enforcement for Work on February Bank Robbery

Five Cumberland County dispatchers from the Emergency 911 Communications center were honored for their part in helping capture a bank robbery suspect involved in a numerous Atlanta area robberies over several months.

Cumberland Co. Sheriff Casey Cox praises the work

of Cumberland Co. dispatchers who were on duty during the

February 3 bank robbery. Due to quick work by dispatchers 

and law enforcement, the suspect was in custody and 

money recovered within 2 hours in Nashville. Also

pictured is Emergency Communications director Rod

Shoap, left, and Police Chief David Beaty, right. 

The suspect was captured less than 2 hours following a robbery February 3rd at Crossville main branch of the Upper Cumberland Federal Credit Union (UCFCU) on Livingston Road.

Dispatchers, Officers, the FBI and officials

In addition to Cumberland County Sheriff Case Cox, Central Communications Director Rod Shoap, Crossville police chief David Beaty and FBI Special Agent Ric Fagan, employees of the UCFCU and family members attended the ceremony.

L-R Sheriff's and Police Challenge coins and FBI pin

presented to dispatchers with recognition.

Sheriff Cox called the effort that resulted in the capture of the suspect in less than 2 hours in Nashville “a great team effort.”

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Cox read from the Exceptional Service Citation that was awarded to the 5 dispatch personnel, “Due to the quick action of dispatchers and law enforcement officers, the getaway vehicle and suspect were identified and tracked to a location in Nashville, Tennessee where the suspect was taken into custody and the stolen cash recovered. A great example of leadership was demonstrated by dispatch supervisor Brandon Patton. Dispatch supervisor Patricia Seagraves provided additional information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation special agents which possibly linked the suspect in this robbery to other similar robberies. In addition, dispatcher Amanda Pugh, Chris Cox and Georgie Heller used their talents, skills, and experience to provide immediate and accurate information that led to the capture of the suspect and recovery of stolen money.”

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Cox added that having been a dispatcher a few years back and that now leaders of law enforcement realize that dispatchers are the heart and pulse that set the pace for how officers act out on the scene.

Crossville Police Chief David Beaty also presented certificates of appreciation and challenge coins to the dispatchers as well. 

Link to story on original robbery 

Vote in our Poll on what should happen with the Minister's Tree House

We have posted a poll asking readers about what they would like to see happen to the Minister's Tree House on Beehive Lane in Crossville.  It is also known as the World's Largest Tree House as well.

Minister's Treehouse

The property has been put up for sale and some have said on social media that the city and/or county should buy the property and fix the structure to allow visitors again.  The property is listed at $1.5 million and it is not known what repair of the tree house would cost.

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Link to story on Tree House available for sale.

The poll is in the right-hand column on the blog if you are on a computer.  THe poll will close April 14 at 10 PM Central Time.

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If you are on a phone or tablet go to the bottom of this page, just below the "Home" button and click on the link that says "View Web Version."

Man Suspected of Killing KY Police Officer Killed in Clarksville by Officers. TBI Investigating

For TBI by Josh DeVIne

At the request of 19th District Attorney General John Carney, TBI Agents continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding an officer-involved shooting in Clarksville.

Preliminary information indicates the incident occurred at approximately 12:00 AM Friday morning and resulted from the search for James DeCoursey (DOB 1-24-83), who was the suspect in a fatal shooting of an off-duty Hopkinsville, Kentucky police officer on Thursday evening. Authorities had issued a BOLO -- be-on-the-lookout -- for DeCoursey, and also developed information he had stolen a white truck and may have been in a particular area of Clarksville, Tennessee. 

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Law enforcement officers from several agencies, including the Clarksville Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and the United States Marshals Service met in the area and located the stolen vehicle in the parking lot of a restaurant on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard, near Exit 4 off of I-24. At approximately the same time, a call came into authorities from a hotel across the street, reporting that a man matching DeCoursey's description was there asking for a cigarette. 

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The law enforcement officers headed in the direction of the hotel when two deputies from Montgomery County and one U.S. marshal encountered DeCoursey walking across Wilma Rudolph Boulevard, back toward the restaurant. DeCoursey appears to have ignored repeated commands and the situation escalated, resulting in the law enforcement officers firing upon DeCoursey, killing him. No law enforcement officers sustained any injury in the incident.

TBI Agents continue to gather any and all relevant evidence, interviews, and information. Throughout the investigative process, findings will be shared with the District Attorney General. As a reminder: In all investigations, the TBI acts solely as ‘fact-finders.’ Any determination about the legality of the actions of the officer/s involved in these types of matters rests solely with the District Attorney General.

New TBI Study Details Law Enforcement-Related Deaths in 2017

By Josh Devine for TBI

NASHVILLE – Today, for the first time, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has released a comprehensive study detailing law enforcement-related deaths in the state.

Cover of new TBI report

The report, released in accordance with the requirements set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated § 38-10-102, uses established definitions and methodology and provides information on qualifying incidents submitted by the state’s law enforcement agencies. Data has been divided into three categories: Deadly Use-of-Force incidents, Arrest-Related Non-Forcible Deaths, and Deaths in Custody.

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Among the report’s findings:

• In 2017, 53 law enforcement agencies reported a total of 120 law enforcement-related deaths. Of those, 24 deaths met the reporting criteria, established in state law, of deadly use of force by a law enforcement officer.
• The most predominate time frame for a deadly use-of-force incident in 2017 was between the hours of 6:00 PM and 11:59 PM.
• Of the 24 reported deadly use-of-force incidents in 2017, Whites accounted 87.5% of decedents, compared to Black or African-American, at 12.5%. Data did not identify any other races in these reported incidents. Males accounted for 96.0% of those killed in these incidents.
• Of the 120 law enforcement-related deaths reported in 2017, nine met the Arrest-Related Non-Forcible Death (ARNDF) reporting criteria. The 2017 data indicated six of these deaths were reported as Suicide.
• In 2017, 87 deaths were reported in local jails or state prisons. 92.0% of these deaths were male and most were above the age of 55. Illness accounted for the leading cause of these deaths.

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“I am very proud of the efforts of all participating law enforcement agencies in the state to provide the data necessary to produce this report,” said TBI Director Mark Gwyn. “Our combined efforts have resulted in a successful reporting program and the relationships necessary to produce a report of this nature.”

The full report can be found on the TBI’s website: www.tn.gov/tbi.

One Week Left for Cumberland County Commission and BOE Candidates to Qualify for August Election

With just one week remaining for candidates to turn in qualifying petitions to get their names on the ballots, many of the candidate hopefuls for the Cumberland County Commission and odd number districts on the Board of Education (BOE) have qualified for the races. The remaining candidates have until noon on April 5 to meet the deadline.

In the August 2nd Cumberland County election all members eighteen seats on the Cumberland County Commission and the odd number districts of the Board of Education are up for election.

Two commissioners from each district and one BOE member from the odd number districts 1,3,5,7 and 9 will be elected in the August balloting. Candidates who have qualified are marked.

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Current Solid Waste Director for Cumberland County Mike Harvel had taken out a petition for 7^th District Commission seat prior to being indicted on charges of Sexual Battery, 2 counts of assault and one count of official misconduct by the Grand Jury. Harvel, who served previously as a County Commissioner has not yet returned a petition.

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Federal and State race primaries will also be held on August 2 as well. July 3 is the final day to register and be eligible to vote in the August elections.

Early voting for the August 2 election and Primaries will be July 13 through July 28, 2018

Any new additions to the list since our last update are marked with an asterisk.

Candidates for First District Commissioner

Christopher D. Coleman (qualified)

R. J. Crawford (qualified)

Chad Norris (qualified)

Sue Ann York (incumbent) (qualified)

Second District Co. Commissioner

Kyle Davis * (qualified)

Nancy Hyder (incumbent) (qualified)

Tom Isham (incumbent)

Third District Co. Commissioner

Mitchell L Jenkins (qualified)

John Peaslee (qualified)

Rebecca H.Stone (incumbent) (qualified)

Darrell G. Threet *

Fourth District Co. Commissioner

Gary L. Adams (qualified)

Andy Cole

Joe Dunn (qualified)

Jane Franklin (qualified) (qualified)

David H. Gibson (incumbent) (qualified)

Charles Seiber (qualified)

Fifth District Co. Commissioner

Greg Blaylock *

Jack Davis (incumbent) (qualified)

Terry Lowe (incumbent) (qualified)

Toshia Phillips Powers

Tony Soriano

Machelle S. Tenbroeck

Sixth District Co. Commissioner

Kathy D. Allen

Larry B. Allen

Clifford H. Segar *

Wendell W. Wilson (Incumbent) (qualified)

Seventh District Co. Commissioner

Mark Baldwin (Qualified)

Jerry Cooper * (qualified)

Elbert Farley (incumbent) (qualified)

Michael J. Hamby (qualified)

Mike Harvel

Roy Turner (incumbent) (qualified)

Eighth District Co. Commissioner

Jim Blalock (qualified)

Deborah Holbrook (qualified)

Jesse Iles

Chris Singer

Darrell Wyatt (qualified)

Ninth District Co. Commissioner

Carl MacLeod (qualified)

John L. Patterson Jr. (incumbent) (qualified)

BOE First District

Jim Inman (qualified)

BOE Third District

Shirley French Parris (incumbent) (qualified)

Jay Wright (qualified)

BOE Fifth District

Tony Brock (qualified)

Don Hassler (Incumbent)

BOE Seventh District

James Davis (qualified)

Tom Delk

Rebecca Hamby (qualified)

BOE Ninth District

Stace Karge

Aretie G. Patterson (incumbent) (qualified)

http://www.govotetn.com/ Register to VOTE Online

Crossville Police Officers Recognized for work toward Capture of "Freedom Fighter" Bank Robber.

Three City of Crossville Police Department supervisors have received recognition with the issuance of “Officer of the Month” awards for February 2018.

On February 03, 2018, Crossville Police Lieutenant Tony Davis and Sergeants Tim Vandever and Dustin Lester responded to a report of a Bank Robbery, at the Upper Cumberland Federal Credit Union. Officers arrived within minutes, however, the suspect was gone upon their arrival. The three supervisors began a joint investigative effort, which led Nashville Metropolitan Police and the THP Criminal Investigative Division to locate and apprehend the suspect, in Nashville Tennessee, approximately two hours after the robbery. The suspect had also been involved in other bank robberies but had remained unidentified.

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The quick actions of these supervisors and their initial investigation were paramount in the identification and arrest of a dangerous felon. Their thorough dedication and professionalism is to be commended. It is with exceptional officers and a determination to maintain the highest levels of service to the citizens of Crossville that our agency will continue to exceed the expectations of our community.

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Famous Crossville Landmark for Sale at $1.5 Million

The world famous Minister's Treehouse, also known as the "World's Largest Treehouse" has been listed for sale with the surrounding 139 acres at an asking price of $1.5 million.

Real estate photo

The Treehouse was built by Horace Burgess and for many years was an attraction that brought people off the Interstate along Cook Road to Beehive Lane. As minister Horace Burgess tells the story, was praying when God told him, “If you build a tree house, I’ll see that you never run out of material.” Inspired by this vision of God, the quiet minister set out to build the largest treehouse in the world.

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According to the Atlas Obscura website, the tree house stands at 97 feet tall and is built on an 80-foot tall White Oak tree with a 12-foot diameter base. The tree house became too much of an attraction in 2012 and was closed by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal for fire code violations over the protests of many local residents and Mr. Burgess who said there were no building codes for treehouses.  

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Currently, any visitors to the treehouse who are caught on the property face criminal trespass charges. 

A listing for the property has been posted on Facebook by a real estate firm out of Chattanooga.

*World's Largest Treehouse & secluded 139+ acre Farm*
                   
Location Location Location! 5 minutes from I-40. One hour commute to Knoxville or Chattanooga... 2 hour commute to Nashville... 5 acre (deep volume water reservoir on mountaintop) fully stocked spring fed lake. 75 acres of timber & lower ridge full of fieldstone (everyone's landscaping dream!) 25 + acres of fenced fields for animals with 4 stall barn & full size hayloft above. 2 smaller watering ponds for livestock in back of property. Seasonal spring time waterfall on back side of property running into another small spring fed stocked watering pond. Riding trails all over property. Perfect for horses or four wheelers. Deer and turkey abound! Own a piece of History! Old Walton Ridge road can still be seen. Native American site and arrowheads found. Eastern side of property backs up to lots at the top of Hyder ridge listed. Northeast side connects to a 2400 acre protected wilderness. West and southern side to privately owned wooded properties. This is the most gorgeous private secluded property around and has superlative potential for entrepreneurs! Almost completely surrounded by Wood. 98% of property surrounded has not been developed. Perfect for Estate home, Resort, or large residential development. 5 acre Lake has two beautiful custom docks & floating dock built by "The Original Treehouse Man" Horace Burgess. Two minutes to Roane State Community College and High School. 4 minutes to I-40 and Elementary School. Fantastic location! This is the closest, largest, privately owned property to Schools and quickest access to interstate this close to Crossville TN. Only 5 minutes to downtown! 10 minutes to Crossville Memorial Airport. 

... Serious inquiries only....
$1,500,000.00

Presented by Heather Sutherland
Keller Williams Greater Downtown Realty.
423-605-7816

No injuries reported in overnight fire at Flowers Bakery

Reports have come in overnight of a fire that broke out at Flowers Bakery on Main St. in Crossville.

The fire was reported at 10 AM and firefighters were on the scene until about 2 AM this morning.

http://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/Flowers-477906023.html

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Council to hold Special Called Meeting Tuesday evening March 27 following a closed executive session.

Crossville City Council will hold closed executive session with city attorney Will Ridley at 5:15 PM followed by a special called meeting at 5:45 PM Tuesday evening March 27.

Crossville City Hall file photo

While the topic of the executive session is not given, an item on the called agenda will discuss the contract between the city and the J. S. Haren Company about the improvements at the city's wastewater treatment plant. The council has previously discussed some of the delays and issues in the project.

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Council will also consider an emergency purchase for the wastewater treatment plant press process.

Other items on the called agenda include a number of consent items including the third and final readings of rules of the road to update the city's traffic ordinances with changes to state law, second readings of budget amendments on buying scoreboard for Warner Complex and water meters for Catoosa utility district and hiring a new SRO for the Phoenix School.

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Council will also discuss a grant, the TNECD facade grant.

Council will consider selecting the low bidder for the site development grant work on the site grading and work for a pad to be ready for construction in the Interchange Business Park.

Tennessee Launches Third Statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement Bus Tour

TENNESSEE – From Monday, April 2, to Thursday, April 5, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) will partner with local law enforcement for Tennessee’s third statewide bus tour to crack down on distracted driving.

This initiative supports Tennessee’s mission to Drive to Zero, a multi-agency collaboration to decrease traffic fatalities statewide.

“Last year, THP provided two large, black and tan buses marked with THP logos to help promote awareness for the initiative,” said THSO Director Vic Donoho. “This year, we’re shifting focus more on the effectiveness of the enforcement efforts. This means utilizing additional passenger vehicles capable of traveling more efficiently on the highways.”

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The THP will provide multiple unmarked passenger vehicles to transport various local law enforcement partners. Officers riding inside the THP vehicles will communicate to ground units after observing traffic violations to initiate the execution of enforcement action. Each participating district will conduct approximately two to four hours of enforcement. Montgomery County, Rutherford County, and Sumner County will conduct independent bus tours in collaboration with THSO and THP during this week.

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“Distracted driving continues to threaten public safety,” said Commissioner David W. Purkey of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. “This is a high priority issue our department takes very seriously. We are pleased to have grown this initiative to include additional agencies who share our mission to decrease distracted driving crashes in Tennessee.”

In 2017, there were 24,781 traffic crashes statewide where distracted driving was a contributing factor, according to the Tennessee Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN). Of those crashes, 120 were fatal.

“We caution all drivers to remain focused and alert at all times,” said THP Colonel Tracy Trott. “Tennessee is experiencing rapid increases in roadway use, roadway construction, and traffic congestion. The slightest distraction could lead to a traffic crash that kills a pedestrian, construction worker, or another driver.”

Multiple arrests in Putnam Co. on Drug Trafficking charges Following multi-agency investigation

CHATTANOOGA – A joint investigation into drug trafficking by multiple local, state and federal agencies has resulted in the arrest Wednesday of three individuals in Putnam County. Those agencies participating included the Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Middle Tennessee Task Force, FBI, DEA, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Cookeville Police Department, and 13th Judicial Drug Task Force.

On March 21st, Agents conducted surveillance at a hotel on Jefferson Avenue in Cookeville, where an individual with an active warrant was known to stay. While the surveillance was ongoing, that individual, Billy White, exited his hotel room and was taken into custody in the parking lot. Agents found on White cocaine, methamphetamine, and a large amount of cash. A search warrant of the room where White was staying was subsequently executed, and officers found a large quantity of processed marijuana, scales, packaging material, a loaded handgun and a rifle. Two other individuals were also arrested in connection with this investigation.

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Those charged Wednesday include:

*Billy White (DOB 10/02/1985), Cookeville, TN. One count Possession of Schedule II for Resale, one count Possession of Schedule VI for Resale, one count of Schedule III for Resale, one count of Introduction of Contraband in Penal Facility and one count Possession of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony. Bond set at $40,000.

*Kenneth Bayless (DOB 04/05/1979), Spencer, TN. One count Sale or Delivery of Schedule II for Resale. Bond set at $25,000.

*Sharlinda Turner (04/12/1992), Rock Island, TN. Arrested on General Sessions Court capias. No bond set.

All three individuals were booked into the Putnam County Jail.

Crossville Fire Department Recognizes New Firefighters Trained at $16,000 Savings

New members of the Crossville Fired Department were recognized at the March City Council Meeting along with their training officers.

Pictured L-R are Fire Chief Mike Turner, 

Rookie Firefighters Thomas Vance, 

Hunter Garrett, Jeff Connell, Don Johnson, 

Eric Hickman, Training officer Capt. Terry Potter and 

Firefighter/paramedic Brian Garrett 

According to Crossville Fire Chief Mike Turner, the new firefighters have completed 300 hours of basic training and still have two more years of training, including medical, to complete.

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Chief Turner explained that the training was done in-house by Fire Academy certified trainer Captain Terry Potter at a savings of some $16,000.

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The new men will greatly enhance the fire department's daily operations according to Chief Turner

Freeze Warning Overnight Wednesday--Protect Delicate Plants.

Freezing Warning from 1 AM until 9 AM Thursday morning for all of Middle Tennessee.

Cold high pressure will keep a Canadian air mass locked in across Middle Tennessee for one more night. Temperatures will bottom out in the mid 20`s to low 30`s early Thursday morning.

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FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 9 AM CDT THURSDAY...

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TEMPERATURE...Mid 20`s to low 30`s. 

IMPACTS...Sensitive outdoor vegetation could be damaged or killed.