Freeze Warning Issued for Crossville and surrounding areas.

Freeze Warning for Middle Tennessee Tonight...

A strong cold front that moved through the mid state will bring
increasingly colder air to the region. The dry airmass will
combine with clear skies and light winds to provide sub-freezing
temperatures and frost across middle TN Sunday night...impacting
vegetation. Additionally, another round of frost looks possible
for Monday night. Temperatures will rebound to seasonal levels by
mid to late week.

Frost (file photo by Jim Young)

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

* TEMPERATURE...25 to 30.

* IMPACTS...several hours of sub-freezing temperatures may kill
  exposed sensitive outdoor vegetation. Widespread frost is
  expected to accompany these sub-freezing temperatures.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Freeze Warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or
highly likely. These conditions will kill crops and other
sensitive vegetation.

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

Hazadous Weather Outlook and Freeze Watch issued by NWS for Crossville and Mid TN

Strong to possibly severe thunderstorms will roll through the mid
state late this afternoon and into the evening hours. Damaging
straight line winds will be possible.

Storm Cloud (file photo by Jim Young)

Sunday through Friday: Freezing temperatures and frost will be 

possible Sunday night. Another round of frost is possible Monday night.

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

Freeze Watch for Middle Tennessee Sunday Night...

A strong cold front will work across the mid state tonight and
will bring increasingly colder air to the region. The dry airmass
will combine with clear skies and light winds to provide sub-
freezing temperatures and frost across middle TN by late Sunday
night. Additionally, another round of frost looks possible for
Monday night. Temperatures will rebound to seasonal levels by mid
to late week.

Upcoming Palace Theatre Shows include a variety of programs and artists.

Popular local events and well-known artists are coming to Crossville's Historic Palace Theatre.

Photo by Jim Young

March 2019
3/28 (Thurs)-The Bellamy Brothers 7 PM $55/$45 Show is SOLD OUT!
3/29(Fri) – Lucas’ “Gone” Show 7PM $12

April 2019
4/6(Sat) - CANCELED CASA Womanless beauty pageant 5PM $15
4/11(Thurs) -Tennessee Tech Tuba 7PM $12
4/13(Sat) -Tennessee Senior pageant 7PM $15
4/20(Sat) -Terry King 7PM $15
4/25(Thurs) - Benefit for Hilltoppers MT Laconte Jug Band 7PM $15
4/26(Fri) – Cumberland Medical Center Talent Show 6:30PM $5

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

May 2019
5/9 (Thurs) – Teea Goans 7PM $45/$35/$25
5/16 (Thurs) – Billy Dean 7PM $55/$45
5/17 (Fri) – The Dennis Show 7PM $12
5/31 (Fri) – Thomas Pandolfi 7PM $20/$10

*Tickets for most events may be purchased at the Palace or online by cash, check or credit card.
Palace Box Office hours are Tuesday – Friday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Order by phone 931-484-6133 or by Internet at www.palacetheatre-crossville.com
Email - palace@crossvilletn.gov

Events listed are subject to change.

Crossville City Council to hear Economic Development proposals in Wed, called meeting

Crossville City Council meets in a special called meeting Wednesday, March 27 at 4:30 PM.

City Hall (file photo by Jim Young)

The meeting will be held in the third-floor conference room at Crossville City Hall.

While there are several routine items on the agenda, the reason for the meeting appears to be the final item concerning “economic development.” The agenda item states that city manager Greg Wood will be presenting “proposals the city has received regarding potential economic development opportunities.”

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

Other items on the agenda are routine budget amendments on the city's pickleball courts, repairs on 10th Street drainage and Garrison Park.   

Crossville City Meetings on the schedule include Special Called Meeting Wednesday

Schedule of Upcoming Events:

March 25, 2019           Joint Economic Community Development Board      2:00 p.m.

March 27, 2019           Call for Special Meeting                                             4:30 p.m.

April 2, 2019                City Council Work Session                                         5:00 p.m.

April 4, 2019                CCCSEC (Sports Council)                                         4:00 p.m.

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

Mike Harvel Fired by Cumberland County over a year after Criminal Indictments

Cumberland County Solid Waste Director Mike Harvel has been fired from employment as of March 22, 2019, according to Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster's Office.

The dismissal took place more than a year after Harvel was indicted by the Cumberland County Grand Jury on criminal charges of 2 counts of sexual battery, 1 count of assault and 1 count of official misconduct. Those indictments stem from incidents as far back as 2017.

Mike Harvel following indictment

Harvel, while removed from oversight of the Solid Waste Department last year has continued to be employed by Cumberland County and reportedly worked with the County Animal Shelter during part of this time. Harvel was previously employed by the County Road Department and also served as a Cumberland County Commissioner. He lost a bid for reelection in 2014 and took out papers to run for a county commission seat last year but his nominating petition was never turned in to qualify for the ballot.

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

While we have been unable to officially confirm a connection, there was an item on the Cumberland County Commission March agenda approved to authorize County Mayor Foster to negotiate with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission “concerning complaints of discrimination against Cumberland County.” The EEOC is a federal agency that administers and enforces civil rights laws against workplace discrimination including sexual harassment.  

Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster's Report on the County Commission Meeting

County Mayor’s Notes – March 18^th, 2019

Please take the Cumberland County Broadband survey that is available on the county website (https://cumberlandcountytn.gov/broadband-survey/).  I am trying to gather information on the actual speeds by the various internet providers in Cumberland County.  Fast or slow, good or bad, please take the survey.

I was recently privileged to go to Nashville for the State of the State address by Governor Lee, as well as a Tennessee Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Mayors Forum.  During the Forum, there were sessions on Business and Workforce Development, Rural Development, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, Broadband, and Small Business/Entrepreneurial Resources.  I made several contacts concerning issues we are having in Cumberland County and already have follow-up meetings scheduled.

I was fortunate to be able to take some time read to the students at Christian Academy of the Cumberlands and Home Away from Home for National Reading Month as well.  I enjoy getting out and interacting with our future leaders!  I also spoke to the Leadership Cumberland Class of 2019, as well as the Noon Rotary.  One of the topics is the upcoming 2020 Census.  It is coming up fast.  In order to promote the importance of having everyone counted, I am working on forming a Complete Count Committee.  You will be hearing more about this over the next couple of months.

The March 18^th meeting of the full County Commission was held with all Commissioners in attendance except John Patterson.

Resolutions
The following resolutions were approved (resolution sponsor in parenthesis):

RESOLUTION 03-2019-1 Regarding Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Conciliation (Stone).  This resolution gave me, as Mayor, the authority to negotiate with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission concerning complaints of discrimination against Cumberland County.  The motion was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-2 To accept the offer of Patrick Graham to purchase property owned by Cumberland County (Hyder).  The Delinquent Tax Committee recommended an offer of $455 for the purchase of this property.  This will return the property to the tax rolls after it had been removed due to property taxes not being paid for several years.  The resolution was approved 17-0.

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

RESOLUTION 03-2019-3 To accept offer of Micheal Matthews to purchase property owned by Cumberland County (Hyder).  The Delinquent Tax Committee recommended an offer of $525 for the purchase of two parcels.  This will return the property to the tax rolls after it had been removed due to property taxes not being paid for several years.  The resolution was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-4 Budget Amendment, General Fund, Register of Deeds, $3,000.00 (Seiber).  This budget amendment moved funds from the Register of Deeds Technology Fund in order to improve broadband access.  The motion was approved 17-0.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-5 Budget Amendment, General Fund, Other Public Health and Welfare-Animal Shelter, $3,896.00 (Patterson).  This resolution approved the receipt of funds from donations to the Animal Shelter.  The resolution was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-6 Budget Amendment, General Fund, Circuit/Sessions Court, $4,500.00 (Cooper).  This budget amendment moved funds from the Circuit/Sessions Court to improve technology in the office of the Circuit Court Clerk.  The resolution was approved 17-0.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-7 Budget Amendment, General Fund, Sheriff’s Department, $13,000.00 (Lowe).  The resolution accepted grant funds from the TBI Dangerous Drugs Task Force Heroin/Opioid Investigation Overtime Program.  These funds will help offset overtime and comp-time for the Sheriff’s personnel while assisting in drug related investigations.  The resolution was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-8 Budget Amendment, General Fund, Local Health Center, $20,000.00 (Blalock).  The Health Department has received funds from the state to help build healthy, active environments.  This resolution accepted those funds 17-0.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-9 Budget Amendment, Sanitation Fund, Recycling Center, $37,000.00 (Hyder).  The Solid Waste Department is in need of a replacement fork lift as repairs on the current one would be excessive.  This resolution moved funds from the Sanitation Fund Balance to pay for the forklift.  It was passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-10 Budget Amendment, General Purpose School Fund, Nursing Reimbursement Program, $5,686.42 (Blalock).  The Board of Education (BOE) has a contract with Stellar Therapy Services to process insurance claims on nurse services provided to students.  That program has generated revenue, and this resolution accepted that revenue.  The resolution passed 17-0.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-11 Budget Amendment, General Purpose School Fund, Read To Be Ready Coaching Grant, $10,000.00 (Seiber).  The BOE received a Read To Be Ready Grant for reading supplies.  This resolution was unanimously passed to approve receipt of the grant funds.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-12 Budget Amendment, General Purpose School Fund, Crab Orchard Furnishings, $81,600.00 (Blalock).  The BOE has excess funds from the E-Rate program and requested the reallocation of those funds to go toward furnishings at Crab Orchard Elementary.  The resolution was approved 17-0.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-13 Budget Amendment, Central Cafeteria Fund, $3,500.00 (Hyder).  The BOE received funds from the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc./Fuel Up to Play 60 Program for the summer meals program.  These funds were unanimously approved.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-14 Budget Amendment, Central Cafeteria Fund, $4,500.00 (Hyder).  The BOE received a grant from the USDA.  This resolution accepted those funds and was approved 17-0.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-15 Budget Amendment, Central Cafeteria Fund, $12,299.00 (Blalock).  The BOE also received a grant from the USDA to minimize charges incurred for storage and distribution of USDA foods from state-contracted warehouses.  The resolution was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-16 Budget Amendment, Central Cafeteria Fund, $45,000.00 (Blalock).  The final BOE budget amendment also dealt with a grant from the USDA for equipment replacement at South Cumberland Elementary.  The purchase will be the replacement of a conveyor style dishwasher.  The resolution was approved 17-0.

RESOLUTION 03-2019-17 To set the speed limit on Grassland Road, a road on the Official Road List, of Cumberland County, Tennessee (Seiber).  The final resolution was to reduce the speed limit on Grassland Road to 25 MPH.  The resolution was passed unanimously.

Financial Report
Sales tax collections through February were $5,799,895.  The February receipts were $780,552 which is above budget.  For the year, collections are approximately $166,000 above budgeted projections.  Property tax collections are at 96.3% compared to 91.7% at this point last year.  Hotel/Motel collections are $489,763 year to date compared to $502,980 last year.  That is 55.3% of the annual Hotel/Motel budgeted income compared to 62.1% last year.  Prisoner boarding, which is received sporadically from the State of Tennessee, is at $407,940 for seven months which is 65.8% of budget.  Ambulance collections were above budget at $376,122.  The EMS backlog of billing has been caught up, so the deficit for the year of $302,095 will start closing.

Crossville PD offering Citizen's Police Academy Classes-Register Now

In keeping with our agency’s Mission Statement and our Core Values, the City of Crossville Police Department announces that the 2019 session of the Citizen’s Police Academy will begin on Saturday, May 11th, 2019.

In this free 20 hour Citizen’s Police Academy, law enforcement officers with the City of Crossville Police Department will present a window into the world of law enforcement and community relations within the City of Crossville. Topics covered will include:

• History of the Crossville Police Department, Rank Structure, Chain of Command and Departmental Hiring, Training and P.O.S.T. Requirements
• Defensive Driving and K-9 Operations / Demonstration
• Crime Prevention, Personal / Home Protection, Crime Scene Investigation and the Crimestoppers Program
• Active Shooter, Senior Fit/Yellow Dot program, Tennessee Highway Safety Office
• Crime Reporting, City Court Operations and Tactical Response Unit (SWAT)
• Firearms, Firearms Simulator Training

This is an opportunity for citizens to learn about how and why our Police Officers handle the situations and matters that affect our daily lives.

The classes will be held on Saturdays from 8 am to noon starting on May 11th through June 8th, 2019. To sign up, simply call 931-484-7231 and ask to speak with Kristi Cook.

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

TBI Releases Additional Information about Cumberland County killings and arrest

Pikeville Man Arrested, Charged in Deadly Cumberland County Incidents by Josh DeVine TBI Public Information Officer

CROSSVILLE – Special Agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have charged a Pikeville man in connection to the deaths of two people in two related incidents in Cumberland County.

Charged in Cumberland County killings,

John Patrick Fields

TBI Special Agents joined the investigation into the crimes on Tuesday night at the request of 13^th District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway. The first incident occurred earlier in the day at a home in the 80 block of Critter Creek Road in Crossville, where Cumberland County deputies responded to a 911 call from a citizen who had located what he believed to be a body. Deputies responded and found a male homicide victim, identified as Lowell Thomas (Chip) Simmons (DOB 2/28/1972), outside of the home. As part of the ongoing investigation, an autopsy will be performed in Nashville.

The second incident occurred at approximately 10:00 Central at a home in the 2500 block of Vandever Road in Crossville. There, a subject shot three individuals, one of whom (Makayla Manning, DOB 8/25/1995) died at the scene. The other two individuals (a man and a woman) were hospitalized in Knoxville. As part of the ongoing investigation, an autopsy will be performed in Nashville.

During the course of the investigation, authorities developed information leading to John Patrick Fields (DOB 12/29/1972) as the individual responsible for the crimes at both locations. This evening, Agents charged Fields with two counts of First Degree Murder and two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder. Agents subsequently booked him into the Cumberland County Jail on $5,000,000 bond. The TBI continues to investigate the incidents, with the assistance of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department, the office of 13^th District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

Victims of Vanderver Rd. Shooting Identified and Suspect Charged.

TWO INJURED AND TWO DEAD IN OVERNIGHT SHOOTING
by Sgt. Gary Howard CCSD Public Information Officer

On March 12, 2019, Investigators with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation began investigations into the discovery of a body on Critter Creek Road and a shooting of multiple victims on Vandever Road.

The names were withheld pending notification of next of kin at the time of the press release. The deceased victim that was discovered on Critter Creek Road has been identified as Lowell “Chip” Simmons II, age 47, of Brewer Road, Crossville.

One female was found dead at the residence at 2593 Vandever Road and has been identified as MaKayla Laray Manning, age 23, of Vandever Road, Crossville. Two individuals were found wounded at 2593 Vandever Road and transported to U.T. Medical Center, Joseph Manning, age 39, of Vandever Road, Crossville, and Eleashea Alene Curry, age, 42 of Bee Hive Lane, Crossville.

Lowell “Chip” Simmons II and MaKayla Manning have been sent for autopsies to determine the cause of death. Investigators signed warrants and charged John Patrick Fields, age 47, of Pikeville, Tennessee for two counts of First Degree Murder and two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder. John Fields is being held in the Cumberland County Jail on a $5,000,000.00 bond and a court date of March 18, 2019.

John Patrick Fields, 47 of Pikeville

March Student of the Month Recognized by Mayor James Mayberry for Fairness

The March Student of the month was recognized by Crossville Mayor James Mayberry following the March Crossville City Council meeting.

Crossville Mayor James Mayberry, left, presents 

Iain Gargac, right, with the March 2019 Student

of the Month Award recognizing his trait of

Fairness.

  
Iain Gargac, was named the student of the month for his representation of the character trait of fairness.  A fourth grader in Mr. Brad Bufkin's class at Martin Elementary School, he was nominated because "Iain is fair in his treatment of fellow classmates. He sets a fine example in the school setting." 

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

Gargac was finishing up a soccer game at the time of the Council's meeting and arrived after the meeting adjourned and received his award at that time.

Vandever Area Shootings Result in Two Fatalities, Two more injured, Investigation continuing

March 13, 2019 

TWO INJURED AND TWO DEAD IN OVERNIGHT SHOOTING 

Sgt. Gary Howard Public Information Officer

Crossville, TN - On March 12, 2019, at approximately 5:58 p.m. Cumberland County deputies were dispatched to Critter Creek Road regarding a call from a concerned citizen about finding a body.

Deputies arrived on the scene and discovered a body in a trash pile on a vacant lot. The scene was secured and investigators from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation were sent to the scene to conduct an investigation. 

On March 12, 2019, at approximately 10:30 p.m. another call came in concerning a shooting in the 2500 block of Vandever Road. Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived and discovered multiple victims that had been shot at the scene. Tennessee Highway Patrol, Crossville Police Department also responded to the scene to assist the on-scene units. 

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Investigators and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation arrived on the scene and began to conduct the investigation. Law enforcement units discovered two victims at the Vandever Road scene that were wounded and one deceased. One body was found at the Critter Creek Road address. 

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

The names of all victims are being withheld at this time pending notification to next of kin. 

The investigation is ongoing at the time of this press release. Additional releases will be made as information becomes available. 

East Bound I-40 Work Continuing through Friday March 15 at 4 PM

Work on repairs to I-40 between Westel and Harriman continues and TDOT now estimates the work will be completed by Friday, March 14 at 4 PM.

The work has had one lane of the Interstate closed around the 334 mile-mark and backups have been reported at times several miles depending on how much traffic is on the road.  The unscheduled work began February 27.  

The work stems from the extensive record rainfall over the last several weeks,  

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

March City Council Meeting considers Interim FBO, Raw Water Plan and Veolia Contract

The Crossville City Council holds their regular March Meeting Tuesday, March 12 at 6 PM and will take up items including naming an interim Fixed Base Operator for the airport, engineering services for a raw water master plan and renewing the city's contract for operating the wastewater treatment plant with Veolia Water.

Crossville City Hall (file photo by Jim Young)

Other items on the agenda include street closings for Friday at the Crossroads and cruise in car shows, a possible change in the city's flag and a contract for a wage study for city employees.

The council will meet as the audit committee at 5:15 PM, the Beer Board at 5:45 and hold a public hearing at 5:50.

With Crossville Aero, former FBO and airport manager leaving, an interim appointment must be made to operate the airport until a permanent replacement is selected. City manager Greg Wood is recommending Eric Ramsey be appointed for a period of six months while the city puts out a request for proposals.

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

With last months update from J. R. Wauford engineers on raw water expansion plans, the council will consider additional engineering services to move forward with work on the plan.

Under the city's contract with Veolia Water for wastewater operations, maintenance, and management services, the contract term is renewable at the request of Veolia and that request has been received.

The council will consider approval of road closings for several popular downtown events. The popular Friday at the Crossroads program is entering its fourth year and the cruise-ins have also been a part of downtown for a number of years.

Council will consider a contest to design a new city flag and a contract for a city wage study to make sure employees are being paid comparative wages.  

More Rain and More Cold Coming across Tennessee--Wettest Winter for Crossville continues...

Storm Clouds (file photo by Jim Young)

Today and Tonight

There is an enhanced risk of severe storms west of I-65. Most of
the remainder of Middle Tennessee is under a slight risk,
including the Nashville metro area. The peak time for severe
storms will be during the afternoon through early evening. The
primary threat is damaging straight-line winds. Isolated tornadoes
are also possible. Brief flash flooding may occur with the
strongest storms.

Total rainfall today and tonight will average between 1 and 1.5
inches. This will likely cause some rises along rivers which are
already running high.

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday

The next major cold front will sweep across Middle Tennessee
Wednesday night and Thursday. More heavy rain is expected with
this system, and rivers may be affected adversely.

Problems on I-40 Eastbound expected to continue through at least Monday afternoon 3-11-19

Work on I-40 near the 341 mile marker has kept

one lane closed since late February.

Work continues at the 341 mile mark on the Eastbound side of I-40 in Roane Co. The work has been going on since late last month and record rainfall caused some damage to the roadway.  Only one lane is open going down the eastern side of the plateau and backups have been reported when traffic is heavy in the area. 

At times of heavy traffic, backups have

gone past the Westel exit.

According to TDOT, the work is estimated to be completed around 4 PM Eastern/3 PM Central time on Monday.  We will keep you updated on the situation.

Click here for more info on the VORP THRIFT STORE!

Traffic Delays Continue on East Bound I-40 in Roane County

TDOT continues to work on damage to the road in I-40 going down the escarpment from the plateau into the eastern valley. 

Originally estimated to be completed last weekend, the latest estimate for completion is Friday, March 8.  With the right lane blocked, delays continue depending on the time of day and the amount of traffic. 

An alternate route is to take Highway 70 to Rockwood and then get on I-40 at Harriman. 

Crossville City Council Work session set for Tuesday March 5 at 5 PM

Crossville City Hall (file photo by Jim Young)

The Crossville city council will meet for thier regular March work session in preparation for the council meeting next week at 5 PM, March 5 in the 3rd floor conference room at city hall.

Items on the agenda include:

A revisit of the Tennessee Utility Distratic Association insurance for water customers who have leaks, 10th Street drainage problems at a Crossville COmmunity Church, contract renewal for Veolia Water for the operation of the city's wastewater treatment plant, a wage study for city employees, discussion of cruise-ins and Friday at the Crossroads street closings, and a possible contest to design a new flag for the City of Crossville.