Accused Trafficker Arrested in Brentwood and Three Juvenile Victims Recovered in Weekend Sting

TBI Press Release by Josh DeVine

NASHVILLE – In a joint effort, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Brentwood Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Department of State have arrested a Memphis woman accused of trafficking juveniles for the purpose of illicit sex.

Taysha Dominque Jackson

During a collaborative push to address human trafficking in Middle Tennessee over the past weekend, authorities placed a number of decoy advertisements on websites known to be linked to prostitution and commercial sex trafficking cases. During the investigative efforts that resulted, authorities learned of a website not previously known to them, and upon searching it, observed advertisements for prostitution that seemed to display juveniles.

On Saturday night, the agencies coordinated a sting at a Brentwood-area hotel and, working in an undercover capacity, responded to the advertisement. At the appointed time, three juveniles and an adult arrived at the hotel. Two of the juveniles came to the hotel room with condoms and other items indicating an intent for sexual services. At that point, law enforcement officers located and detained all three juveniles and the adult driver, who authorities subsequently identified as Taysha Dominque Jackson (DOB: 12-15-89).

Early Sunday morning, a TBI Agent charged Jackson with three counts of Trafficking for a Commercial Sex Act and booked her into the Williamson County Jail on $9 million bond. The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services took custody of the juveniles, who were all from the Memphis area.

“It is sickening to me that this criminal element exists in our society and particularly when it involves children,” said Brentwood Chief of Police Jeff Hughes. “The Brentwood Police Department is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively combat this reprehensible crime.”

“We are committed to working with our partners to address human trafficking in Tennessee by holding buyers and traffickers accountable under some of the toughest laws in the nation,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “We will also do everything we can to help victims take their first brave steps toward becoming a survivor.”

Additional information about human trafficking, the warning signs, and contact information for the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline can be found online at www.ITHasToStop.com and www.EyesUpNashville.com.

Schedule of Upcoming City of Crossville Meetings

April 30, 2019              City Council Budget Work Session                 5:00 p.m.

May 2, 2019                Crossville Sports Council (CCCSEC)            4:00 p.m.

May 7, 2019                City Council Work Session                             5:00 p.m.

May 7, 2019                Closed, executive session following work session

May 8, 2019                TVA Economic Development Workshop        5:30 p.m.

May 13, 2019              Crossville Tree Board                                     3:00 p.m.

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Two 6th Grade Students Charged in alleged Shooting Plot at South Cumberland Elementary School

Joint Press Release

On April 26, 2019, two 6th grade students were charged after their plot to bring weapons to school to shoot students and faculty was discovered.

The School Resource Officer for South Cumberland Elementary uncovered a rumor of the possible existence of a “hit list” containing students to be shot in a future school shooting. Immediate steps were taken to ensure the safety of all students and the newly formed Crossville/Cumberland County District Threat Assessment Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional team, was contacted and began to assist in the investigation, working closely with the school administration and School Resource Officer.

Director Janet Graham said, “Our first and most important responsibility is to ensure the safety of our students and staff. It was determined that at no time during the investigation students or staff were believed to be in any immediate danger”.

The investigation did not turn up a “hit list” but it did find a hand-drawn map of the school and a plot between the two 6th grade students to bring weapons, hide them in the locker room and on the last day of school enter through the back door, shoot faculty and students then commit suicide before law enforcement intervention.

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The investigation revealed multiple conversations between the students in the past two weeks in preparing the plot. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Special Investigation Unit assisted in the search of both student’s homes for weapons and/or other evidence relating to the plot with no weapons being found in either home. Parents of both students were very cooperative in assisting the school administration and law enforcement.

Both students were arrested and transported by Cumberland County Deputies to the Cumberland County Juvenile Detention Facility where they were charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder. Students remain in custody awaiting a hearing in Juvenile Court.

Sheriff Casey Cox said, “We take any threat to students and school faculty very seriously and we will respond, investigate and take swift appropriate action to manage each threat.” Chief Brooks said, “The best way to manage threats is through all agencies working together in unity”.

Director Janet Graham
Sheriff Casey Cox
Chief Jessie Brooks -

Possible exposure to measles reported in Chattanooga and Clinton TN

Press release from the Tennessee Dept. of Health:

NASHVILLE  – The Tennessee Department of Health continues to investigate a case of measles in a resident of East Tennessee and notify people who may have been exposed to the illness through contact with the patient. This investigation has identified two locations the patient visited in Tennessee where members of the public may have been exposed to measles.

People who were at either of these locations during the dates and times specified below may have been exposed to measles:

• Mapco 200 Browns Ferry Road, Chattanooga April 11, 2019 from 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Speedway 2148 North Charles G. Seivers Blvd., Clinton April 12, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  
  Anyone who visited either of these locations during the specified times and dates should do the following: 
• Check your vaccination status. Locate your immunization records. People who have had two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella or MMR vaccine are protected against measles and need to take no further action in regard to an exposure to measles. Contact your health care provider if you cannot locate your immunization records and/or are not certain if you are immune to measles. 
• If you are not immune to measles, watch for symptoms of the illness. Measles symptoms may include fever, runny nose, body aches, watery eyes and white spots in the mouth. Several days after these symptoms start, a red, spotty rash typically begins on the face and spreads over the body. Symptoms may develop any time in the 21 days following exposure to the illness. Nearly one in three measles patients will develop ear infections, diarrhea or pneumonia. 
• If you develop measles symptoms, stay home and contact your health care provider. Those with symptoms of measles should first call a health care provider to make arrangements to visit a health care facility before going to a health care center in order to prevent further exposure of others to the illness.   

“Most people in Tennessee are vaccinated against measles and are protected against this illness,” said TDH State Epidemiologist Tim Jones, MD. “This appearance of measles is a reminder about the importance of vaccines in protecting our population, and we urge everyone who has not been vaccinated to do so now to protect themselves, their families, their coworkers, and their communities.” 

At this time TDH has confirmed one case of measles in Tennessee this year.

People with questions about what to do to protect themselves against measles should call a health care provider, the local health department 
www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/localdepartments.html or a hotline established to provide answers to questions from the public about measles. The hotline number is 865-549-5343; calls to the hotline will be answered from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Central time/8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern time daily until further notice. 

For more information about measles, visit www.tn.gov/health/cedep/tennesee-measles.html.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.

Crossville City Council holds first meeting on upcoming budget

Crossville City Council spent two hours working on their 2019-20 budget and will hold another work session Tuesday, April 30 to review the budgets of the water and sewer departments.

L-R sitting, Council members Rob Harrison, Art Gernt, 

Mayor James Mayberry, Scot Shanks, and manager Greg Wood. 

Standing in back is finance director Fred Houston.

Looking at the general fund, the budget stood some $531,244 in the red following the meeting. City Manager Greg Wood told the council that he had gone over the budget and cut some $890,000 out of the department requests prior to the meeting and it is possible some of those items may be returned to the budget when the council hears from department heads.

One planned change Mr. Wood discussed would trade the current contract cleaning services for a full time city custodian, a move he estimated would save the city about $10,000.

Training costs for the city police department were increased due to high turnover rates that require newly hired officers to attend the police academy. Attending the academy is about three times as costly as the regular annual continuing education training officers must have to maintain certification.

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One increased line item for the city's budget is the share of the operation of the Central Communications Center that operates the 911 call center. With the reduction of the three partners, the costs remain split between the city and the county. Manager Wood said that he felt the city needed to encourage their elected officials to increase the fee on phone lines to fund the 911 operations so city taxpayers would not be double taxed as they pay a portion for the city as well as a portion of the county funding.

Council discussed sidewalk projects and the airport among other items in the budget.

Three Crossville Police Officers Recognized with Lifesaving Award

The Crossville Police Department held a ceremony at the Police Department, 115 Henry St., Crossville, TN 38555, where three Crossville Police Officers were honored with Life Saver Awards by Chief Jessie Brooks.

Chief Brooks said, "Life is important.  Once it is gone, it is gone."  He added that the efforts of the officers gave the person another chance to improve their life. 

L-R: Sgt. J. South, Ptl. K. Sadula, Chief J. Brooks, 

SPO. C. Massey, City Mgr. Greg Wood

Photo by Jim Young

Crossville police Sergeant Jared South and Officers Chrystal Massey and Keith Sadula received awards for their response to a Louise Street address, for a report of CPR in progress, on March 24th, 2019 at 10:24 am. Upon arrival, Officer Massey and Officer Sadula performed a quick patient assessment and found that the female did have a pulse, so they did not continue cardiopulmonary resuscitation at that time. Sgt. South administered one dose of Narcan Nasal Spray (pre-dosed spray of 4mg of Narcan) into the patient's right nostril and she was immediately placed onto her left side, in the recovery position, by Officers Massey and Sadula, to prevent aspiration.

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Sgt. South assessed the patient, once again and found that she did have a strong carotid pulse, but found that she was not breathing adequately. The patient was placed on her back and was repositioned, with a head tilt - chin lift, to open her airway. After this, the patient took a series of gasping breaths. As this began to occur, Crossville Fire Dept. arrived on the scene and the patient was surrendered to their care.

The actions of all of the First Responders are a shining example of teamwork, community care and professionalism. All three of these police professionals are to be commended and were recognized for their lifesaving efforts with the issuance of the Crossville Police Department’s Life Saving Award.

Crossville City Council to meet on Work session to start discussion on 2019-20 Budget.

Crossville City Council will meet in work session Tuesday Evening April 23 at 5 PM.

Crossville City Hall, photo by Jim Young

The work session will be the first for the council to work on the new 2019-20 fiscal year budget and will be held in the third-floor conference room of the Crossville City Hall. 

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Monday Evening Gun Standoff on Muddy Branch Lane Ends without injury.

Deputies with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of a suicidal man Monday evening at approximately 5:56 pm to a residence located at 330 Muddy Branch Lane. 

Deputy Ray Seiber arrived on the scene and observed a man sitting on the front porch of the residence with a gun to his head threatening to kill himself. Deputies set up a perimeter and began negotiating with Jesse Spivey, age 54, to put the weapon down and surrender to law enforcement. 

Sgt. Rick Lanzilotta contacted dispatch to have EMS stage near the scene and put a helicopter on standby in the event that medical attention was necessary. Crossville Police Department also responded to the scene to assist with maintaining control of the scene. 

Deputy Seiber continued to negotiate with Mr. Spivey as he sat on the front porch of his residence with the gun to his head. At one point Mr. Spivey attempted to light a cigarette while the gun was in his hand and the firearm discharged but no one was injured. 

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During the negotiation, Mr. Spivey agreed to surrender if he could speak to individuals on the phone. Mr. Spivey then put the weapon inside the house and sat down on the porch and was taken into custody without any further incident. Mr. Spivey was transported by EMS to Cumberland Medical Center for a mental health evaluation. 

Charges are pending on Mr. Spivey for incidents that took place before and during the standoff.

City of Crossville Seeking Student Designs for a new Official Flag

The current flag of the City of Crossville has been used for over 20 years but recently the Crossville City Council decided they would like to consider new designs for a flag.  

Current City of Crossville Flag 

Designs are being sought from local students including those from CCHS or Stone, TCAT or Roane State. 

The company that made the previous flag has gone out of business and the city is using the last flags in their inventory so council felt this would be a good time to look at a new flag design that should incorporate the city seal.  The previous city flag was designed by former city manager Dan Collins.

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The city has put out the information below concerning the contest that includes links to application forms and a copy of the city seal:

The City of Crossville needs a new City flag, and City Council is holding a contest for a new design. The prizes will be $200 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third. The contest is open to High School, TCAT, and RSCC students. The flag should feature the City Seal and must be provided in digital format as a JPG, GIF, or PDF.

Submissions can be mailed on a CD to City Hall, ATTN Malena Fisher, 392 N. Main Street, Crossville, TN 38555 or via email to flags@crossvilletn.gov. Submission deadline is June 3, 2019.

Application and waiver form is available at http://www.crossvilletn.gov/ccgov_docum…/FlagApplication.pdf. The Official City Seal is available at http://www.crossvilletn.gov/…/City%20of%20Crossville%20Seal….

Two Accidents affecting I-40 Traffic between Crossville and Cookeville Friday afternoon

Now a third accident on Westbound I-40 to the east of Crossville at 326 mile marker.

Interstate 40 westbound in Cumberland County - Crash at MILE MARKER 326 (Mile Marker: 326) reported at 3:09 PM 4/19/2019 and estimated to be cleared by 5:00 PM 4/19/2019 (Central Time Zone). Westbound traffic is affected with shoulder blocked - inside.
Two accidents are affecting traffic on I-40 this afternoon.  One accident eastbound coming into Crossville and the other is Westbound just east of Cookeville.  Details from TDOT are below.  

Interstate 40 eastbound in Cumberland County - Crash at MILE MARKER 316 (Mile Marker: 316) reported at 12:26 PM 4/19/2019 and estimated to be cleared by 2:26 PM 4/19/2019 (Central Time Zone). Eastbound traffic is affected with left lane blocked. Westbound traffic is affected with no delays. Information provided by THP.

File photo by Jim Young

Interstate 40 westbound in Putnam County - Crash - Multiple Vehicles between MILE MARKER 288 (Mile Marker: 288) and EXIT 287: SR-136 / COOKEVILLE / SPARTA reported at 11:36 AM 4/19/2019 and estimated to be cleared by 2:42 PM 4/19/2019 (Central Time Zone). Westbound traffic is affected with shoulder blocked - inside.

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Weather Service issues Hazardous Weather Outlook for Thursday afternoon/evening.

Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Middle Tennessee.

Storm clouds

(File photo by Jim Young)

Today and Tonight

A strong cold front will sweep through Middle Tennessee this evening. Widespread showers and thunderstorms will develop along and ahead of the front. Some of the storms will be strong to severe, with damaging straight - line winds the primary threat. 

Brief, localized flooding may also occur in heavy downpours. Peak time for thunderstorms will be during the late afternoon and evening. Severe activity is most likely in areas near the Alabama state line.

Cookeville Attorney Seeking Appointment as Criminal Court Judge Patterson Retires

Cookeville Attorney Wesley Bray is seeking to serve the people of the 13th Judicial District as the Criminal Court Judge with the announced retirement of current Judge David Patterson.

Upon Patterson's retirement on June 30, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee will appoint a replacement. The replacement will then go through a special election next year in 2020 with a primary in May and a general election in August.

Attorney Wesley Bray

Bray said he is seeking the position because “I want to help people with their problems and see the laws applied fairly and justly. Life is short and we need to do the best with what we have, where we are. I want to help the community.”

A licensed attorney since 2005, Bray worked for the District Attorney's office as the DUI Grant Administrator between 2002 and 2005 and has been in private practice since 2005 mainly working in criminal and family law. Bray is also a Rule 31 listed family mediator.

“I enjoyed working in the Prosecution's office,” said Bray, “and enjoy helping people in private practice. my goal is to help the people as the Judge.”

Bray explained that he would bring his balanced experience to the bench by having been on both sides of the courtroom representing both victims and defendants at the lowest point in their lives. He added, “An attorney’s job is to help people with problems that they cannot solve on their own, with integrity. I am seeking the position so I can use my wide and balanced experience to help people by being fair and impartial to everyone.”

Bray promised that he will make sure to follow the laws and protect the Constitution of the nation and the state of Tennessee.

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“The seven counties of the 13th District are important to me as I have lived in the Upper Cumberland all my life. I hold the values of this area close and dear to my heart and I want the best results for those who live here, as my family, friends and their futures are all here as well,” continued Bray.

Bray campaigned for the position of Criminal Court Judge in a primary race but came up a little short as the Republican Nominee in May of 2014 to the Honorable Gary McKenzie, Criminal Court Judge, part one. The position that I am seeking is Criminal Court Judge, part two, that is being vacated by the retirement of the Honorable Judge David Patterson.  Both these positions have concurrent jurisdiction over criminal matters.  

Mr. Bray is a Clay County native.  His wife Ashley is an Overton County native.  They have made their home and are raising their family in the Upper Cumberland, specifically Putnam County, since they married in 2002.  They are active in their church, community and sports for their children.

The 13th Judicial District is composed of the seven (7) counties of Clay, Cumberland, Dekalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White and is the largest geographic district in the state.

Wind Advisory until 7 PM Sunday for the Upper Cumberlands and Surrounding Area

Gusty Winds Today Upper Cumberland and Surrounding Areas...

.A strong storm system moving across the region will produce gusty winds at times today. The strongest winds are expected late morning through lunchtime as a cold front crosses the area. Wind gusts around 40 mph could blow down a few trees and cause isolated power outages. The winds are expected to settle down by tonight.

WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
The National Weather Service in Nashville has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 7 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT this evening.
* WHERE...The Upper Cumberland and surrounding areas. This includes most areas northeast of Interstate 24.
* WINDS...South to southwest winds around 20 mph with gusts around 40 mph.
* IMPACTS...Few trees or limbs may blow down. Isolated power outages. Loose objects will be blown down or scattered.

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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.

Hazadrous Weather Outlook for Crossville and Middle Tennessee

Rainy Crossville at night (file photo by Jim Young)

OVERNIGHT SATURDAY:

Showers and thunderstorms will increase in coverage and intensity across Middle Tennessee tonight with some severe thunderstorms expected late in the night. Damaging winds will be the most widespread hazard, but a few tornadoes and some large hail may occur as well.

SUNDAY:
Severe thunderstorms will be possible Sunday. Damaging winds will be the most common hazard. A few tornadoes and some large hail could occur. The severe storm threat will cover all of Middle Tennessee in the morning, then the threat will be located east of I-65 in the afternoon. 

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LATER IN THE WEEK:

 Looking ahead, strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy downpours will be possible Thursday and Thursday night.

Garrison Park Improvements Nearing Completion According to City Manager

During the April Crossville City Council Meeting city manager Greg Wood reported to the council that work was nearing completion on the improvements at Garrison Park.

Testing underway at Garrison Park splash pad.

(Photo courtesy of Tammie French)

According to Wood, the work should be completed by the end of April. In addition to a pavilion and splash pad, the improvements include an accessible playground. Director of Parks and Recreation Tammie French said after the meeting that there would be a grand opening of the facility at a future date that would be publicized to the community.

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French said that the first testing of the splash pad was held earlier that day and she provided an image of some of the water features in the installation. She added that not all the parts have been installed yet but the project is coming together and should be in full operation for the coming summer.  

Rural King pulls loan request from CIty Council agenda

The item concerning the request from Rural King for funding from the city to assist with the company's planned redevelopment of the former K-Mart location it purchased previously was removed from the city council agenda for the April meeting.

Council members at the April meeting

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

Mayberry, Art Gernt and Scot Shanks.

While no comments were made about the matter at the time, following the meeting City Manager Greg Wood and others said that the item was removed from the agenda at the request of Rural King.

Last month the city approved providing the necessary city building permits for the project without charge to the company, a saving that at the time was estimated to be worth some $2,600. City officials said that the company has already taken out building permits and work is expected to start on the project right away.

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Rural King had requested funding a $300,000 “loan” from the city that they wanted to have considered paid back by the increase in sales tax collections from the new store operation. City attorney Will Ridley had advised the council that was not allowed under state law and instead, a proposal for a payment in lieu of taxes and a $300,000 loan at a low-interest rate had been proposed.   

Sobriety Checkpoints Scheduled by Crossville Police April 18

The City of Crossville Police Department, working in conjunction with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, will be conducting sobriety checkpoints on 04/18/19, beginning at 6pm and continuing through 10pm.

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

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Contact the City of Crossville Police Department with any questions @ 931-484-7231.

Charges filed in Fentress Co. Homicide

Arrest Made in Fentress County Homicide TBI Press Release by Leslie Earhart

FENTRESS COUNTY – An investigation by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation into a Fentress County stabbing death has resulted in the arrest of Jamestown man.

Wayne Ellis Kassow

On Sunday, at the request of 8^th District Attorney General Jared Effler, TBI Agents began investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of  Mark Anthony Jennings (DOB 05/28/82), shortly after deputies with the Fentress County Sheriff’s Office found his body at a home on Casto Knepp Road in Jamestown. During the course of the investigation, agents developed information leading to Wayne Ellis Kassow (DOB 12/02/81) as the individual responsible for the crime.

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Monday morning, authorities arrested Kassow and charged him with one count of Criminal Homicide. He was booked into the Fentress County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

Meetings this week include City Council and new Airport Committee

The first meeting of the newly established Crossville Airport Committee will be held Wednesday, April 10 at the Crossville Memorial Airport.  Other meetings this week and next are listed below. 

April 8, 2019                            Crossville Tree Board                                     3:00 p.m.

April 9, 2019                            City Council Audit Committee                        5:00 p.m.

April 9, 2019                            Beer Board                                                     5:30 p.m.

April 9, 2019                            Public Hearing (Annexations)                         5:45 p.m.

April 9, 2019                            Solicitation Board                                            5:55 p.m.

April 9, 2019                            City Council                                                    6:00 p.m.

April 10, 2019                          Airport Committee (at Airport)                         3:30 p.m.

April 18, 2019                          Crossville Regional Planning Commission     NOON

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April City Council meeting considers Rural King request, Radar Traffic Light controls and annexations

The schedule for the Crossville city council on Tuesday, April 9 is listed just below and there has been a lot of interest in the item near the end of the regular meeting agenda concerning the Rural King store proposed for the old K-Mart location.  

5:00 p.m. Audit Committee
5:30 p.m. Beer Board
5:45 p.m. Public Hearing (Annexations)
5:55 p.m. Solicitation Board

6:00 p.m. Regular meeting

Crossville City Hall (file photo by Jim Young)

The company has already purchased the property along with the rest of the shopping center and according to comments at the April council work session should have already taken out building permits for the work on the building last week.

Previously the council approved a request from the company to not charge the company for the permits needed for the project that were estimated at a cost of some $2,600.

The company, that sells farm and home supplies along with clothing and other items has also requested what they have called a "loan" of $300,000 that the company would not directly payback, but would be covered by the additional sales tax revenue expected from the new store.  some 50 to 60 percent of the sales tax generated by the store is estimated to come from other stores losing sales but overall the company expects to increase sales tax collections to the city.  

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During the city council work session Tuesday, the council discussed the issue and council member J. H. Graham said he wanted to offer the company a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) program of 50% of the property tax on the building for 15 years and a $300,000 loan at 1.5% under New York prime interest rate.

In addition, the council will take up several annexation matters and a sewer line extension as well as the purchase of a new type of traffic light control system utilizing a radar system that reads when a vehicle is in the intersection.  

Drug Raid Near Crossville Daycare Nets Firearms and Narcotics

Crossville PD Press Release:
On April 2, 2019, continuing the Crossville Police Department’s mission of fighting illegal activity and protecting the community, a joint narcotics operation led to the service of a Search Warrant at 52 Penny Lane, Apt. 102, in Crossville, TN.

Crossville Police Department Narcotics Detectives were working together with members of the Crossville P.D., Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, the T.B.I. Drug Investigation Division with H.I.D.T.A. Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the 13th Judicial District Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, in the execution of a search warrant. The illegal narcotics distribution operation at 52 Penny Lane. Apt. 102 Crossville, TN, is in the area of 8 Crossville Schools, with one being a children’s daycare, that is within eyesight of the illegal activity.

This search warrant comes after in-depth undercover investigations and drug purchases led to the discovery of the illegal narcotics operation. Following the search of the property; Firearms and illegally obtained prescription narcotics, that were being diverted and illegally distributed, were seized. Following this operation, criminal indictments will be sought on multiple subjects at an upcoming session of the Cumberland County Grand Jury.

Friday at the Crossroads Returns for Another Year of Downtown Crossville Activities

The popular Friday at the Crossroads events kicked off Friday evening April 5th and the nice weather brought out crowds of all ages.  

A view down Main Street from Watertank Hill

(All photos by Jim Young)

Now in its fourth year of bringing visitors to Downtown of Crossville, the event continues to be very popular.  Sponsored by Downtown Crossville, Inc. and Crossville Rotary, the next Friday at the Crossroads is set for June 7th from 4 to 8 PM.

Visitors had numerous food options along Main Street

including a variety of Bar-B-Que choices.

Standing in the BBQ line.

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Kids enjoyed getting their face painted

A variety of displays, shopping, and local businesses

and churches had booths along Main St.

TBI Agents Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting Incident in Overton County

Press Release by Susan Niland, TBI

At the request of 13th District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway, TBI Agents are investigating the circumstances that led to an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday in Overton County.

Preliminary information indicates that around 7:45 a.m., a report of a domestic incident on Allens Chapel Road in Hilham came in through Jackson County 911. Deputies with both Overton and Jackson County Sheriffs’ Departments responded to the scene. Initial reports indicate that Casey Looper (06/03/1983) was at that location in a vehicle, and struck a Jackson County deputy, who was on foot, with his vehicle. An Overton County deputy fired a shot at Looper’s vehicle. Looper was not struck and continued to drive away. According to the preliminary investigation, that pursuit continued until two Overton County deputies fired shots that disabled the vehicle. Looper was taken into custody by Overton County officials. The Jackson County deputy was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators with the Tennessee Highway Patrol Critical Incident Response Team and the office of the District Attorney General are assisting in the investigation, which currently remains active and ongoing. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration.

Rural King Seeks City Assistance for New Crossville Store in old K-Mart building

While it appears Crossville city council could offer some assistance to the company that plans to renovate the old K-Mart building into a Rural King it may not be what the company is requesting.

During the city council work session Tuesday, the council discussed the issue and council member J. H. Graham said he wanted to offer the company a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) program of 50% of the property tax on the building for 15 years and a $300,000 loan at 1.5% under New York prime.

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The company is seeking what is essentially a $300,000 grant they are calling a loan to be repaid by additional sales tax revenue they will generate. Several council members expressed concerns about providing assistance to the company that will be competing with other local businesses in town. Mayor James Mayberry said he had received some 16 calls from businesses that would be affected by the company

City attorney Will Ridley said that the city cannot legally give what is essentially a grant to a private company from taxpayer funds. In order for a PILOT to be accomplished, the company must transfer ownership of the property to the Industrial Development Board (IDB). The IDB then leases it back to the company for $1. In addition, the IDB would be the conduit for the proposed loan to the company but it would have to be paid back.

The council already approved not charging the company for the necessary building permit for the store renovation.

The council will take up the company's request at their regular meeting on April 9 at Crossville City Hall.