Flip-Flop Friday at the Crossroads with Relay for Life June First in Downtown Crossville

Friday at the Crossroads is back for Friday, June First on Main Street in Historic downtown Crossville.  

This popular event will have Main Street closed off for safety and a wide variety of vendors, food, downtown merchants and much more all free to the public.  It is the Flip-Flop Friday version of this event so wear 'em if ya got 'em.

Photo from June 2017 Friday at the Crossroads

In addition, this event will include a partnership with the Relay for Life for thier annual fundraiser that will also be held in Downtown Crossville as well. 

All the events kick off at 4 PM Friday, June 1 and wrap up at 8 PM.

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TBI Arrests and Charges Dickson Woman in On-Duty Deputy’s Death and additional suspect still sought

DICKSON – Special Agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have arrested and charged a Dickson woman in connection to the ongoing investigation into the death this morning of a deputy of the Dickson County Sheriff’s Department.

Erika Castro-Miles

At the request of 23^rd District Attorney General Ray Crouch, TBI Special Agents, working jointly with multiple other local, state, and federal agencies, continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the on-duty homicide of Dickson County Sergeant Daniel Baker. During the course of the investigation, authorities developed information that Erika Castro-Miles (DOB 9-5-79) participated in the incident.

This evening, Agents charged Castro-Miles, detained in the early stages of the investigation, with one count of First Degree Murder. At the time of this release, she remained in the custody of the Dickson County Jail.

An additional person-of-interest in Sgt. Baker’s death, Steven Wiggins (an acquaintance of Castro-Miles), remains at-large and should be considered armed and dangerous. Wiggins remains the subject of a Tennessee Blue Alert and has also been added to the state’s Top 10 Most Wanted list. There is currently a reward of up to $7,500 for information leading to his arrest.


Additional Photos of Steven Wiggins have been released including of his tattoos.

TBI Update: Dickson County Deputy Death and ongoing Search For Steven Wiggins

The following are remarks delivered by TBI Acting Director Jason Locke this afternoon, to update the public on the investigation into the death of a Dickson County deputy and the ongoing search for the individual believed to be responsible for it. Future updates will be posted on this site.

Good afternoon.

We want to provide an update on what is a very tragic event that has cut to the core of law enforcement officers from across the state, and the nation.

At the request of District Attorney General Ray Crouch, TBI Special Agents, working jointly with multiple other local, state and federal agencies, are investigating the circumstances that led to an officer-involved shooting that took the life of a Dickson County Deputy this morning.

Initial information indicates that around 7 o’clock Wednesday morning, a resident contacted Dickson County dispatch to report a suspicious vehicle, on Sam Vineyard Road in Dickson County.

A deputy with the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office responded to that call.

After a period of time, when the deputy failed to check in, attempts were made to track him and his vehicle, via GPS.

An officer with another agency found the deputy’s vehicle, located in a wooded area off Bear Creek Valley Road, about two miles away from the location of the initial call.

Photos of Steven Wiggins, wanted by the TBI

The deputy was found inside the car, deceased.

Based on video evidence and other information developed at the scene, it was determined that the individual responsible for the deputy’s death is Steven Joshua Wiggins.

TBI’s Violent Crimes Response Team unit, with multiple Special Agent Forensic Scientists, have been at the scene through the day to collect any and all relevant evidence, while other Special Agents continue to interview witnesses and follow tips that come in.

We have been working closely with local, state and federal agencies from across the region and state in the pursuit of  Wiggins, who is believed to armed and very dangerous.

These agencies have been providing critical support, offering manpower, technical assistance, and aviation assistance.

Anyone who has information about the location of Steven Wiggins is urged to call 911 or 1-800-TBI-FIND. The search is currently focused on locations within and around Dickson and Hickman Counties. If you do see this man, do not approach him, and call authorities immediately.

We’d like to thank the media for their help in getting the word out about this dangerous man. Having your reach in providing a photo, and his description, has been very helpful in getting information dispersed in the search for Wiggins.

Wreck has Westbound I-40 Traffic Back up most of the Afternoon estimated cleared by 6:37 PM

Interstate 40 westbound in Cumberland County - Crash at MILE MARKER 313 (Mile Marker: 313) reported at 12:37 PM 5/30/2018 and estimated to be cleared by 6:37 PM 5/30/2018 (Central Time Zone).

Westbound traffic is affected with shoulder blocked - outside.

Eastbound traffic is affected with no delays.

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TBI Issues Alert on Suspect in Shooting of Dickson Co. Deputy

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a statewide Tennessee Blue Alert for Steven Joshua Wiggins.

Wiggins is listed as a person of interest by the Dickson County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in the shooting death of a Dickson County deputy on May 30th, 2018. Wiggins should be considered armed and dangerous.

If you have information concerning Wiggins, please contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

About a BLUE ALERT:

All of the following must be met in order to activate a Blue Alert: (1) A sworn law enforcement officer is killed, sustains life threatening injuries or the officer is missing in the line of duty under circumstances warranting concern for the law enforcement officer’s safety and; (2) The suspect(s) pose(s) an imminent threat to public safety and law enforcement personnel and; (3) A description of the offender or vehicle is available for statewide broadcast to the public and law enforcement 911 centers. (4) Prior to activation, if the suspect(s) is/are identified, the requesting agency will immediately: Place the suspect in the temporary felon file in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Obtain felony warrants as soon as possible or within 24 hours and enter the offender into NCIC. (5) The head of any Tennessee law enforcement agency, Colonel of the Highway Patrol, Chief, Sheriff or their designee of the investigating law enforcement agency of jurisdiction requests the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to activate the Blue Alert system.

Crossville Moods: More of the Cumberland County Courthouse and County Buildings.

A few more photos highlighting the moods of the Cumberland County Courthouse, Courthouse lawn and other County buildings. 

Close up of the Courthouse Clock Face.  Once upon a time

the clock struck the hours but has been silent for many years.

Crossville skyline with Courthouse tower and

water tower.

Replica of the famous Crossville direction signs that sat in the

middle of Main Street (US-70) after the construction of

"The Broadway of America."

Flags and lights near the entrance to the 1905 Courthouse

The Courthouse Clock has towered over Crossville's

Main Street for over a century. 

Built in 1888, this was the second Cumberland Co.

Courthouse.  It burned and was gutted by fire in 1905

and lead to the construction of the current Courthouse.

The first Courthouse was reportedly a log cabin. 

The Second Courthouse, left, now the Military Museum

with the 1938 Crossville Post Office, right, now the

Milo Lemmert Courthouse Annex.

The Southside of the Cumberland County Courthouse

from under the large shade trees.

Upcoming meetings for Crossville and City Council

Schedule of upcoming meetings for City of Crossville:

May 30           7:30 a.m.        Special Call Planning Commission         

June 5            5:00 p.m.        City Council Work Session

June 12          5:00 p.m.        Audit Committee Meeting

June 12          5:30 p.m.        Beer Board

June 12          5:45 p.m.        Public Hearing FY 18-19 Budget and Tax Rate

June 12          6:00 p.m.        City Council meeting

Crossville City Council OKs Budget $1.1 Million in the Red and Tax Rate on FIrst Reading

Crossville city council has approved the first readings of the city's 2018-19 fiscal year budget and unchanged property tax rate.

Crossville City Hall (file photo)

In a special called meeting the council approved the budget with a $1.1 million deficit that will be covered out of the city's over $10 million general fund balance. New funding from the Hotel/Motel tax is anticipated at $150,000 this year in the budget and some $200,000 annually in future years.

CLICK HERE to download a PDF of the budget.

Council also approved the first reading of the property tax rate, unchanged from last year at 59 cents.

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The tax rate approval was voted on as part of the consent agenda along with other routine budget amendments for the current fiscal year. The motion to approve was approved unanimously by the four council members present. Councilman Scot Shanks was out of town for the meeting.

Councilman Danny Wyatt asked for the budget vote to be taken separately and to have $40,000 in funds from the Hotel/Motel tax to be specifically earmarked for the economic development for possible future partnerships with one of several potential regional groups. City manager Greg Wood explained that all the funding from the Hotel/Motel tax was directed toward economic development and tourism so he didn't feel any additional earmarking was necessary. Wyatt moved to make the change anyway and to approve the budget. Wyatt's motion was also unanimously approved.

Two additional readings of the budget and tax rate are required with the next reading expected at the council's regular June meeting along with a public hearing on the budget. One additional special called meeting will be required to approve the budget by the end of June.

A public hearing on the city's capital improvement plan was held but none of the public attended and no comments were made. The plan was also unanimously approved.

Click here to download PDF of the Capital Improvement Plan.

Council deferred action on a request from the county for a waiver of fees related to inspection of the construction of the Crab Orchard Elementary School. Council requested additional information including an estimate of the time and mileage required for the services provided by the city.

Council approved the purchase of a Jet A fuel truck for use at the Crossville Memorial Airport at a cost of $20,000. The city's portion of the cost under a grant is $10,000.   

Crossville Moods: Photos of Main Street in May 2018 by Jim Young

As a long time photographer of Crossville, I've seen a lot of moods of our town Crossville.  On a morning earlier this week, I went out with the camera to capture the pictures with clouds and the ambiance of Main Street. 

Any of the photos are available for purchase in an 8 x 10 size for $12.  Email us at jimyoungreporter@gmail.com 

Main Street and Traffic from the top of Watertank Hill

Traffic on Main Street with the Palace Theatre and Will-Nell

building in the background.

Many new and old businesses near the North end of Main Street

include the newer Grinderhouse Coffee and Mitchell's Drugs,

a part of Crossville's Main Street since the 1930's.

Crossville Mural along 5th Street.

Crossville puts out US Flags

for holidays like Memorial Day

Shoppers out walking on Main Street are a typical scene.

Crossville's old Tennessee Central Depot built in 1926

houses a gift shop.

Cumberland Co. Civil War Memorial Decorated with US and Confederate Flags.

Not many people are aware that the Civil War Memorial in downtown Crossville is one of only two in the country that includes both Union and Confederate Veterans on the same memorial. 

Cumberland Co. Civil War Memorial is one of only 2 in

the entire country that includes both Union and

Confederate soldiers name.

Memorial Day was originally recognized as Decoration Day in years after the Civil War as a time to remember the soldiers who died during the war.  Eventually, it was changed to Memorial Day and made a Federal Holiday in 1971. 

The local Sons of the Confederate Veterans Hamby Camp 1750 have put flags in front of the memorial for each Cumberland Co. resident in the Civil War.  According to the SCV 189 flags have been placed.

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A busy election year with two elections left and several candidates already qualified for Crossville city races

It is a busy year for the Cumberland County Election Commission with one election finished, but two more still to come.

The Milo Lemmert Courthouse Annex (right)

houses the Cumberland Election Commission

office where citizens can register to vote and

pick up nominating petitions.

Elections on August First will include County Officers, County Commission members as well as Federal and State primary races while the November 6 ballot includes State and Federal general elections as well as municipal races including Mayor and council members for Crossville.

Three men have already qualified for Crossville city races including incumbent Mayor James Mayberry seeking reelection and two candidates for council seats, Art Gernt and Rob Harrison. Harrison ran for council two years ago. Current council members whose terms are expiring are Danny Wyatt and Pamala Harris.

Crossville Mayor James Mayberry

Council Candidate Art Gernt

Council Candidate Rob Harrison

One question that remains to be answered is how many seats will there be on the city council. A charter change has been through two of three required approvals including approval by the Tennessee General Assembly to increase the council size from 5 to 7 but it still must pass by a super-majority of the council, 4 out of 5 members. When first approved by the council only three favorable votes were cast. The matter may come up on the June council agenda. If it is approved soon enough it could affect the November ballot by electing 4 members to the council with the candidate in the number 4 position serving for two years to balance out the staggered terms.

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The deadline to qualify for either Crossville Mayor or a council seat is August 16 at noon.

The same deadline applies to Pleasant Hill and Crab Orchard municipal races. In Pleasant Hill, Elizabeth K. Patrick has taken out papers to run for Mayor and Peggy Happy has taken papers to run for city council.

The deadline to register to vote and be eligible for the August First election is July 3 and early voting for the that election runs from July 13 to 28. You can also register to vote online at this link. https://sos.tn.gov/products/elections/online-voter-registration

FIrst Reading of Crossville Budget and Tax Rate on Thursday Called meeting Agenda

The Crossville city council has a full agenda for the special.called.meeting set for Thursday, May 24 at noon.

Among the items on the agenda are the first of three readings required to approve the city's 2018-19 fiscal year budget and the property tax rate of 59 cents, no change from last year.  The budget stands at $1.1 million in the red with the balance to come from the general fund balance with 10 times the deficit amount. CLICK HERE to download a PDF of the budget.

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A public hearing on the budget will be held on June 12, prior to the Council's June regular meeting.

A public hearing is set on the city's capital improvement plan at the start of the meeting and approval of the plan is also on the agenda. Click here to download PDF of the Capital Improvement Plan.

Council will consider a request from County Mayor Ken Carey that the city waives the fees on building permits and inspections for the Crab Orchard school project.  The estimated fees are just over $20,000. 

The purchase of a Jet A fuel truck for the airport will be considered.  A used truck has been located at a cost of $20,000. A grant will fund half the purchase with the city matching the grant.

A few other housekeeping mattered are also on the agenda. 

City Council to hold public hearing and special called meeting Thursday at Noon

Upcoming Schedule of meetings and events on the Calendar for Crossville City Hall:

May 24 12:00 p.m. Public Hearing-Capital Improvement Program

May 24 12:00 p.m. City Council Special Call Meeting (An Agenda has not been released as of early Tuesday Morning.)

May 28 City Offices Closed for Memorial Day

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Chattanooga Shooting Suspect Named to TBI’s ‘Top 10 Most Wanted’

TBI Press Release by Josh DeVine

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has a new addition to its ‘Top 10 Most Wanted’ list, Dominique Lebron Collins.

Dominique Lebron Collins

Collins (DOB 1-18-88) is wanted by the Chattanooga Police Department and the TBI to face charges including Attempted First Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 13^th. Collins was last seen in a gold-colored Jeep and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Collins is an African-American man who stands 5’8” and weighs approximately 180 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information about his 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.

Ten Indicted in Putnam County Human Trafficking Operation

TBI Press Release  by Susan Niland COOKEVILLE – An undercover human trafficking operation conducted by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Office of the 13th District Attorney General, Cookeville Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations has resulted in the arrest of ten men facing felony charges in a targeted effort to identify individuals attempting to purchase illicit sex from minors. “With each similar operation we conduct, we want to send the same message; that we will not tolerate the sexual exploitation of any person in our community,” says TBI Acting Director Jason Locke. “This is a demand-driven crime, involving men from all kinds of backgrounds. As a state, Tennessee has led the fight to see to it that no child or adult falls victim to these sexual predators.” The operation began in Cookeville on February 15th and continued through February 17th. The operational focus was on individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with females under the age of 18, and those engaged in trafficking others for commercial sex acts. For all three days of the operation, advertisements were placed in the "Women Seeking Men" section of backpage.com, and two female TBI Agents posted as individuals offering sex on that site. During the course of the resulting text or phone conversations, the Agents identified themselves as being 14 to 17 years old. A total of ten men, from college students, to a mail carrier, to a landscaping company owner, traveled to the location to meet for the purpose of illicit sex from a female they believed to be a minor. “As significant as these arrests are, we are only scratching the surface,” says Cookeville Police Chief Randy Evans. “It is incumbent upon us to remain vigilant, and pursue and prosecute human trafficking across the state, as we all continue to battle this heinous crime.” In the course of the three-day operation, men using 697 unique phone numbers responded to the ads that were posted online, seeking to purchase illicit sex. The total number of contacts, such as text messages and calls, was 5,211. Some of the conversations between these men and undercover Agents continued after they learned they were chatting with someone they believed to be a minor. During the operation, Agents and Intelligence Analysts also gathered information in an effort to identify and recover potential victims of human trafficking. “I am pleased that this investigation was successful,” says 13th District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway. “At the same time, I find it disturbing and tragic that there is even a need to conduct such an investigation in our community. The District Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to be proactive in the fight to protect child victims and to expose and hold accountable those who prey on them.” Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris agrees. “Human trafficking and exploitation of children and young adults has no place in our community. I want our citizens to know that we take every threat to their safety seriously. Our agency will always work with law enforcement partners to help eliminate human trafficking from occurring.” This is the 13th time the TBI has worked with partner law enforcement agencies across the state to help identify, investigate and prosecute trafficking. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI’s efforts in Tennessee says, “For almost three years now, ICE/HSI has partnered with TBI and agencies across Tennessee to combat this heinous form of modern-day slavery.  Individuals seeking to exploit victims of sex trafficking need to realize that law enforcement across Tennessee is unified and will aggressively investigate and prosecute the perpetrators.  We also stand ready to protect and assist any victims that we are able to rescue as part of these operations.” On May 8th, the Putnam County Grand Jury returned indictments, charging ten individuals in connection with this operation. At the time of this release, eight of those men had been taken into custody: *Kenneth Hobbs (DOB 09/29/1966, Dunlap):  One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class B Felony) *Lance Hatmaker (DOB 12/06/1987, Carthage): One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class A Felony) *Matthew Kenty (DOB 06/24/1999, Birmingham, AL): One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class B Felony) *Nicanor Baraiac (DOB 02/15/1976, Lenoir City): One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class A Felony) *Nathaniel Stalnaker (DOB 05/04/1999, Cookeville):  One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class A Felony) *Justin Adcock (DOB 02/13/1990, Algood):  One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class A Felony) *Daniel Baltazar (DOB 07/16/1983, Cookeville): One count Patronizing Prositution (Class B Felony) *Marcus Clark (DOB 07/27/1999, Monroe): One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class A Felony) Jerry Redman is CEO of Second Life Tennessee, a non-profit anti-human trafficking organization for the 25-county region that includes the Upper Cumberland area. “Our organization works regularly to educate communities on what trafficking actually is, and create and strengthen partnerships to ensure that our region is well-equipped to turn the tide on this crime, and most of all, assist those victimized by trafficking so that they can truly live the lives they dream of and deserve.” For more information on resources, and how to help in the fight against human trafficking, visit https://ithastostop.com/.   Kenneth Hobbs    Lance Hatmaker    Matthew Kenty   Nicanor Baraiac    Nathaniel Stalnaker    Justin Adcock    Daniel Baltazar    Marcus Clark