Light snow expected on the northern Cumberland Plateau for Christmas Eve.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR CUMBERLAND CO. 

FROM 9 AM THURSDAY TO MIDNIGHT CST THURSDAY NIGHT.

* WHAT...Light snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of up
  to one inch.

* WHERE...Pickett, Putnam, Overton, Fentress and Cumberland
  Counties.

* WHEN...From 9 AM Thursday to midnight CST Thursday night.

* IMPACTS...Plan on icy and slippery road conditions. These
  hazardous conditions could impact roads most of Thursday and
  Friday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 511.

Crossville Police Detective Jason Wilson Died Following Asthma Attack, Services Announced.

Crossville Police Department Press Release:  

The City of Crossville Police Department regretfully announces the passing of an honored member of our department.

On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, Det. Jason Wilson passed away from complications following an acute asthma attack. Det. Wilson was 40 years old and a 12-year member of the Crossville Police Department. A recent graduate of the TBI State Academy for investigators, Det. Wilson was also a member of the Crossville Police Department’s Honor Guard, an ASP Baton Instructor, a R.A.D. Instructor and a former Correctional Officer for the State of Tennessee. Det. Wilson leaves wife of 20 years, Leah and daughters Kiara, Ali and Kellie.

A Celebration of Life service for Detective Jason Wilson is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at First Baptist Church, in Crossville, TN. Visitation will be held from 11am to 1pm, with the Memorial Service beginning at 1pm.

A memorial account has been established at First National Bank of Crossville, located at Main Street and Industrial Boulevard. Donations in lieu of flowers and monetary donations for the Wilson family will be accepted and very much appreciated.

Our hearts are saddened and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Wilson family in their time of loss and sorrow. Our agency is a family and we have lost a beloved brother, a devoted public servant and friend.

Jason, your watch has ended. You have served our city with distinction and honor. You will be forever missed. We love you.

Council Work Session topics include Downtown Parking Improvements, Martin Elementary Crosswalk and City Judge Appointment

 Crossville City Council will discuss proposals on their Tuesday December 1, 2020 work session agenda for increasing parking in the downtown area after receiving a report from the city's engineering department.  

The Council's work session is set for Tuesday December 1 at 5 PM in the 4th floor conference room 424.  New members of the council elected last month will be sworn in at noon on Monday December 7, 2020 at City Hall. 

Crossville City Hall (file photo by Jim Young)

The parking report looked at a number of possible locations with short walking distance to popular downtown destinations and how much it might cost to improve the areas for public parking.  The cost estimates did not include the cost of property purchase or leases.  The matter was disucssed at last months city council retreat. 

Council will discuss the matter after having time to review the report and could take action at the December council meeting or put any decisions off until next year. 

Council will also take up a possible crosswalk from Martin Elementary School across the Miller Avenue Bypass to the baseball field there.  The crosswalk would include flashing stoplights when a person wants to cross. 

As a new council will be sworn in and seated for the December Council meeting, the election of City Judge and Mayor Pro-Tem will also be discussed at the work session. 

National Weather Services Issues WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY for Plateau and surrounding areas

 Snowfall Accumulation Expected on the Cumberland Plateau

Tomorrow Night...

Middle Tennessee`s first opportunity for winter weather will
begin late tomorrow afternoon and last into tomorrow night. A mix
of snow and rain will transition to all snow at the beginning of
this advisory as cold air invades the mid-state. Look for the
Cumberland Plateau to receive 1 to 2 with spots of up to 3 inches.
Those between the Plateau and I-65 can expect a dusting to one
half inch.

Possible Areas to be Affected: Pickett-Putnam-Overton-Fentress-White-Cumberland-Van Buren-
Including the cities of Byrdstown, Cookeville, Livingston,
Jamestown, Allardt, Sparta, Crossville, and Spencer

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM MONDAY TO 6 AM CST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches,
  with spots of up to 3 inches possible.

* WHERE...Cumberland Plateau.

* WHEN...From 3 PM Monday to 6 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the evening commute.

One Charged in Friday Shooting Incident

Cumberland Co. Sheriff Dept press release.

On November 20, 2020, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to

a call involving a shooting off Butternut Ridge Road in the Rinnie

Community. 

Two white males were driven from the scene after the shooting. One was taken to the Circle K Market and the other was a

passenger in a car that crashed on 127 North.

The incident stemmed from an altercation that occurred in the driveway at a

residence on Butternut Ridge Rd. During the altercation, Kyle D. Nelson, (35)

obtained a handgun and then shot the victim, Homer Dewayne Smith, (29) in

the abdomen while Smith was sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. Carl

Smith, (69) was sitting in the backseat of the vehicle where he pulled his

weapon and shot Kyle D. Nelson in self-defense.

The Smith vehicle then left Butternut Ridge Rd. and crashed on Hwy 127N

into a tree. The victim Homer Smith was transported to UT Medical Center by

life flight. Kyle Nelson was transported by family to the Circle K Market

where they met law enforcement and medical personnel and was

transported to UT Medical Center by life flight.

Smith underwent surgery for his injury and is listed in stable condition.

Nelson was treated and released. He was transported back to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office for questioning. Kyle D. Nelson has been charged with Aggravated Assault and remains in the Cumberland County Jail under a $10,000 bond awaiting a December 7, 2020 court date. .

Crossville Police Detective Jason Wilson Graduates from TBI Academy

On Friday 10/23/2020, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation held a graduation ceremony at the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy, located in Bell Buckle, TN, where a Crossville Police Detective was presented with a certificate of graduation.

L-R: Det. Jason Wilson, Dep. Chief Chris Kendrick

(Photo courtesy CPD)

Crossville Police Detective Jason Wilson has attended the TBI State Academy along with 17 other criminal investigators from multiple local agencies across the state. This session of the TBI State Academy began on September 28th. Due to the challenges faced with COVID-19, this session required students to attend in-person classes three days per week, which were accompanied by two days of virtual training weekly.

The graduates received training in a number of disciplines including; Crime Scene Management, Photography, and Supervisory Skills. The TBI offers the State Academy to a select group of investigators annually, who must be recommended by their respective Chief or Sheriff for consideration.

The Crossville Police Department is proud that Detective Jason Wilson was chosen to participate in this year’s training and that he represented the City of Crossville and our community. His dedication is a shining example of what it means to be a professional law enforcement officer.

November 3rd Election Sample Ballot for Cumberland County Voters Including Crossville, Crab Orchard and Pleasant Hill

OFFICIAL BALLOT

STATE AND FEDERAL GENERAL ELECTION

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, TENNESSEE

NOVEMBER 3, 2020

 PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Vote For One (1)

Electors For DONALD J. TRUMP For President and MICHAEL R. PENCE For Vice President

Republican Party Nominee

Electors For JOSEPH R. BIDEN For President and KAMALA D. HARRIS For Vice President

Democratic Party Nominee

Electors For DON BLANKENSHIP For President and WILLIAM MOHR For Vice President

Independent Candidate

Electors For ROQUE "ROCKY" DE LA FUENTE For President and DARCY G. RICHARDSON For Vice President

Independent Candidate

Electors For HOWIE HAWKINS For President and ANGELA WALKER For Vice President

Independent Candidate

Electors For JO JORGENSEN For President and JEREMY "SPIKE" COHEN For Vice President

Independent Candidate

Electors For ALYSON KENNEDY For President and MALCOLM JARRETT For Vice President

Independent Candidate

Electors For GLORIA LA RIVA For President and SUNIL FREEMAN For Vice President

Independent Candidate

Electors For KANYE WEST For President and MICHELLE TIDBALL For Vice President

Independent Candidate

WRITE-IN (FOR PRESIDENT) 

UNITED STATES SENATE

 Vote For One (1)

BILL HAGERTY Republican Party Nominee

MARQUITA BRADSHAW Democratic Party Nominee

YOMI "FAPAS" FAPARUSI SR. Independent Candidate

JEFFREY ALAN GRUNAU Independent Candidate

RONNIE HENLEY Independent Candidate

G. DEAN HILL Independent Candidate

STEVEN J. HOOPER Independent Candidate

AARON JAMES Independent Candidate

ELIZABETH McLEOD Independent Candidate

KACEY MORGAN Independent Candidate

ERIC WILLIAM STANSBERRY Independent Candidate

WRITE-IN

 UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 6

 Vote For One (1)

JOHN ROSE Republican Party Nominee

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN FINLEY Democratic Party Nominee

CHRISTOPHER B. MONDAY Independent Candidate

WRITE-IN

 TENNESSEE HOUSE OF  REPRESENTATIVES  DISTRICT 25

 CAMERON SEXTON Republican Party Nominee

ROBYN DECK Democratic Party Nominee

WRITE-IN

MUNICIPAL ELECTION CITY OF CRAB ORCHARD

 MAYOR  CITY OF CRAB ORCHARD

 Vote For One (1)

EMMETT H SHERRILL Independent Candidate

JEFF SHERRILL Independent Candidate

WRITE-IN

MUNICIPAL ELECTION CITY OF CROSSVILLE

 COUNCILMEMBER  CITY OF CROSSVILLE

 Vote For Two (2)

R J CRAWFORD

J.H. GRAHAM III

RALPH RANDALL REAGAN

SCOT SHANKS

WRITE-IN

MUNICIPAL ELECTION TOWN OF PLEASANT HILL

 COUNCILMAN TOWN OF PLEASANT HILL

 Vote For Two (2)

NO CANDIDATE QUALIFIED

WRITE-IN

Circuit Court Judge Jonathan Young Reprimanded for Inappropriate Messages

 Putnam County Circuit Court Judge Jonathan Young has been publicly reprimanded over messages the judge admitted sending “to multiple women on various social media platforms from 2015 to 2020 that are described as “overtly sexual” in nature.

The messages were sent to, among others, a legal professional from a firm that had a case before him as well as to a litigant who had a child custody case before the judge. As the reprimand is written it appears that the messages were sent to others as well, and according to the complaint were often sent from social media accounts with an image of the judge wearing judicial robes.

Judge Jonathan Young

The judge received a 30-day suspension as punishment for violating the judicial code of ethics with the punishment suspended or held in abeyance as long as there are no further complaints during the remainder of his term. The report describes the punishment imposed as the most severe short of removal from office. The panel considered mitigation in that Young acknowledged the problems created by his actions and that he fully cooperated with the Disciplinary Counsel, and has no prior record of discipline since becoming a judge.

Young must also refrain from using a picture of himself in judicial robes on any social media unless it involves official business. He must complete a judicial ethics program specifically on social media by the end of the year and recuse himself from any cases involving any those involved in the matter.

The report from the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct is dated October 5, 2020, states that an investigation was authorized August 6, 2020. The report indicates Judge Young gave a written response dated August 31 in which he admitted to the allegations and “took full responsibility” for his actions.

The board's letter to Judge Young signed by board chair Criminal Judge Dee David Gay states, “Engaging in sexual conversations and soliciting pictures while in your judicial robes would appear to a reasonable person to be coercive, particularly when the recipients of those communications include former litigants and persons whose job responsibilities intersect with the court system.”

The letter further states, “Here, your inappropriate use of social media has created ethical dilemmas for attorneys who litigate before you, especially in domestic relation matters. Some of these attorneys have had to seek advice from the Board of Professional Responsibility regarding their own ethical obligations to disclose to clients what they know about your activities. Also, in at least one instance, a party used this knowledge to their strategic advantage in a case. Thus, although you may have thought your social media communications were private, your activities have adversely affected the administration of justice.”

The letter says that Young had to recuse himself from at least one case after a party learned of his social media activities and asked that the judge step aside on their case.

The letter from Judge Gay continues, “Judges are required to act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Inappropriate messages sent by a sitting judge to anyone, much less to those who have ties to the court system like former litigants and legal professionals, do not inspire such confidence. To the contrary, such ethical lapses erode the confidence we ask the public to place in our judges. Indeed, every time a judicial officer engages in misconduct, he or she spends the goodwill of the judiciary as a whole”.

“In short, as you have acknowledged, your use of social media has reflected poorly on you as a jurist. The sanctions imposed today are among the most severe that can be imposed short of removal from office and the Board trusts that it will be unnecessary to revisit these issues in the future.”

Judge Young posted a message concerning the matter on his personal Facebook page Tuesday that reads in part, “As a judge I work hard to stay out of the news, but unfortunately it happened. As I wish I could tell the whole story most of this is confidential. However know that I could have fought to keep this private, but chose not to do so. While it was a private mistake some chose to make it public and that is fine. I will say a few years ago I was in a dark place and sought comfort where I shouldn’t. I quickly ended everything before it went further than just talk but that was not enough. So I thought it would be best let them air my issue so I had nothing to hide.”

Young has served as a Circuit Judge in the 13^th judicial district including Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White Counties since 2014.

Read the entire document from the Board of Judicial Conduct here

Sunday Homicide Suspect in Custody and Details Released by CCSD

CCSD Press Release: 

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 911 call at

approximately 6:22 P.M. Sunday Evening (09/27/2020) to 25 Christian Road for a

shooting call. Deputies arrived and discovered the victim, Billy Ray Jones (DOB

6/15/1957) deceased inside the home from an apparent gunshot wound as a result of a

homicide. Deputies immediately secured the scene and contacted investigators.

Scene of Shooting on Christian Rd.

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Investigators, Agents from the Tennessee Bureau of

Investigation and members of the 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office responded to

the scene to conduct an investigation. The investigation proceeded and a primary

suspect, Thomas Mack Arnold, Sr. (DOB 10/24/1981) became the focus of the

investigation in which it was believed that he had committed the murder and shot Billy

Ray Jones. The investigation also revealed that Arnold was attempting to flee

Tennessee and go to Florida and that Arnold could possibly be travelling in a green

1997 Mercury Grand Marquis.

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office contacted multiple Sheriff’s Offices in Georgia near

I-75 and issued a BOLO for the suspect Arnold as well as a green 1997 Mercury Grand

Marquis. At approximately 3:10 A.M. The Crisp County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia

contacted Sheriff Casey Cox and advised him that Crisp County Sheriff’s Deputies had

captured and arrested suspect Arnold as they conducted a traffic stop of a green 1997

Mercury Grand Marquis travelling south on I-75. The suspect Arnold was taken into

custody without incident.

Thomas Mack Arnold, Sr. has been charged with First Degree Murder and will be

extradited back to Tennessee to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office awaiting a

court appearance. The victim will be transported to the Medical Examiner's Office in

Nashville, Tennessee for autopsy and all evidence will be analyzed by the Tennessee

Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory.

Sheriff Cox said “I wanted to thank all the multiple agencies who worked together so

well to solve this murder investigation”. He also said “this is a result of teamwork and

multiple law enforcement agencies working great together.” This is the second murder

investigation that agencies responded to, worked, and solved in Cumberland County

this weekend.

The investigation is ongoing and additional releases will be provided as information

becomes available. 

Cumberland Co. Sheriff's Office Investigating Another Homicide

Photo and info from CCSD

Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the District Attorney's Office of the 13th Judicial District are currently conducting a homicide investigation at a residence on Christian Road in Cumberland County. Identity and further details will be released as the investigation continues.

One Dead, One Charged in Saturday Night Shooting

Cumberland Co. Sheriff Dept. Press Release

On September 26, 2020, at approximately 5:08 PM the Cumberland County E911 Center received multiple telephone calls of a shooting located at 434 Doris Drive located in Cumberland County where Matthew Musser (age 20) of Cumberland County had allegedly been shot by Robert David Morse (age 20) of Cumberland County. 

Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Deputies quickly arrived at the residence and immediately came into contact with Morse who was identified as the suspect who had shot Mr. Musser. Deputies immediately took Morse into custody without incident. 

ROBERT DAVID MORSE (Age 20) 

Charge: First Degree Murder 

$1,000,000 Bond 

As deputies entered into the home they discovered Mr. Musser lying in a bed deceased from multiple apparent gunshot wounds as a result of homicide. EMS responded to the scene also and confirmed that Mr. Musser was deceased. Other witnesses were at the residence and nearby when the shooting took place which had also called 911. 

The crime scene was secured and investigators with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the District Attorney's Office of the 13th Judicial District shortly arrived on the scene and began processing the crime scene and conducting an investigation, which is currently ongoing. Morse has been charged with First Degree Murder and bond set at $1,000,000. His General Sessions court date is scheduled for October 12, 2020. 

The victim will be transported to the Medical Examiner's Office in Nashville, Tennessee for autopsy and all evidence will be analyzed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory. 

Murder Investigation Continues into Death of Neverfail Road Man

CCSD Press Release

On September 3, 2020, at approximately 7:45 p.m. Cumberland County deputies were dispatched to the residence located at 436 Neverfail Road in Cumberland County to conduct a welfare check of Austin Shane Lewis. 

The welfare check was requested due to not being able to make contact with Mr. Lewis for a period of time. When deputies arrived they discovered the front door of the residence to be standing open. As deputies entered into the residence they discovered Austin Shane Lewis age: 30 of Crossville to be deceased inside the home from an apparent gunshot wound. 

Investigators with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and 13th Judicial District Attorney General's Office responded to the scene and are currently investigating this case. It is early into the Investigation and little information can be released at this time. The victim will be sent to the State of Tennessee's Medical Examiner's Office in Nashville for autopsy. This homicide investigation is active and ongoing. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Changes in COVID-19 Data Reporting drop Cumberland Co. Active Cases and adjust locations of cases.

Information from Cumberland Co. Mayor Allen Foster

Updated numbers include corrections to data reporting errors where some positive tests were attributed to incorrect counties due to a mismatch in zip code assignments. Cumberland County had an increase of 88 new positive cases Thursday offset by 207 newly recovered, many of which are likely attributed to the adjustment. Over 1,700 adjustments were made across the state.

The Governor and the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) today released the new state dashboard for COVID-19 data (see link below). A couple of notes concerning the data. The recovery time was reduced from 21 days to 14 days. Recovered cases are also now referred to as inactive/recovered cases.

The following are the numbers from the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) for Cumberland County as of Thursday, 9/3/2020 at 3:00 PM.  The change from the prior day is in parenthesis.  

217 active cases (-120)

718 recovered (+207)

9 deaths officially reported (+1)

944 positive cases (+88) SEE ABOVE INFO ON DATA CORRECTIONS

40 hospitalizations (+0) 

17,933 negative tests (+334)

5.00% cumulative positivity rate (positive cases / positive cases + negative tests)

1.56% of residents have tested positive

0.36% of residents have active cases

Tornado Watch Until 7 PM for Cumberland Co. and Middle Tennessee--Hazardous Weather Outlook.

The remnants of Hurricane Laura will move across Middle Tennessee today and tonight. 

Storm Cloud (File photo by Jim Young)

Gusty winds and heavy downpours are expected, especially this afternoon and evening. A few severe storms with damaging winds are possible, and a couple of brief tornadoes may form. 

The main time for possible severe storms and spinup tornadoes will be this afternoon and this evening until midnight. The downpours could be heavy enough to cause some localized flash flooding. Western sections have the greatest potential for flooding, so a Flash Flood Watch is in place generally along and west of I-65 this afternoon and evening.

TORNADO WATCH 465 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM CDT FOR THE
FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

TENNESSEE COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BEDFORD              CANNON              CLAY
COFFEE               CUMBERLAND          DE KALB
FENTRESS             GRUNDY              JACKSON
MACON                OVERTON             PICKETT
PUTNAM               RUTHERFORD          SMITH
SUMNER               TROUSDALE           VAN BUREN
WARREN               WHITE               WILSON

Tennessee Health Department Addresses "False Positive" Test Claims and Quarantine Recommendations

 After a number of reports claiming positive results for residents who never took a COVID-19 test, we contacted the Tennessee Health Department in Nashville to ask about the possibility of such an occurrence.

Shelly Walker is the Director of the Office of Communications and Media Relations for the Department of Health in Nashville and she said she contacted the Upper Cumberland Regional Office of the Department of Health and they said they were not aware of anyone being notified of having a positive test that had not in fact tested positive.

Said Walker, “We have heard from a couple of people across the state who were notified of being close contacts of a person who tested positive, and may have been confused by the information they received. As you are likely aware, we are conducting contact tracing, and do call people who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 to let them know how to protect themselves and others.”

We also asked for information on the updated isolation and quarantine times and what they meant to Tennessee residents.

According to Walker, the terms “isolation” and “quarantine” have often been used interchangeably since the start of the pandemic, but they’re not the same thing. She added, “The overarching guidance on isolation and quarantine has not changed since we shared it in March and is not specific to Tennessee. Tennessee follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

When a person tests positive for COVID-19, that person is instructed to strictly isolate him or herself from other people for ten days after their illness started, to prevent spreading the virus to anyone else. This isolation would include other family or household members in a closed room with food and needs to be left for the person without contact.

Anyone who has come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 is instructed to stay home, or quarantine, for 14 days after their last contact with the case. Like any close contact of a positive individual, a household member must quarantine following contact to limit the spread of COVID-19. There are a couple of scenarios for household members:

1) In instances where the household member can separate him or herself from others in the home (separate bedroom, etc.), the individual may begin the 14-day quarantine period from the date of their last contact with the case.

2) In instances where the individual cannot separate him or herself from the positive individual, the quarantine period begins at the end of the confirmed case's isolation period (typically, 10 days). This is because the household member continues to be exposed to COVID-19 with ongoing contact with the case.

This case would cover the publicized 24 day quarantine with the 10 days of isolation followed by 14 days of quarantine.

Individuals identified as a COVID-19 case, as well as those who have been in close contact with the individual, will be contacted by public health staff members to give additional information about the quarantine or isolation period. Public health staff members will provide specific guidance and information based on that individual's situation. So, while it is possible that a household contact of a case may be instructed to quarantine for more than 14 days, the general instruction is not a requirement of a 24-day quarantine.

Walker concluded by saying, “Staying home when sick or after exposure is extremely important to limit the spread of COVID-19, and we appreciate the assistance of Tennesseans to protect their family members, friends, and co-workers.”

Details Released on Saturday Shooting Incidents and Arrests on Webb Ave. in Crossville

Crossville Police Department Press Release

On Saturday August 22, 2020, Crossville Police Officers were called to 464 Webb Avenue, in reference to an altercation in which the possibility of a gun shot was reported. Officers arrived and made contact outside with Brian Berry-49 of Crossville, and a female suspect, who were believed to have been involved in the disturbance, neither had a firearm in their possession. Officers learned that Mark Klimczck-57 of Crossville, was still inside the apartment, where the gunshot had been reported and was not responding to officers. 

Crossville Police Department/Cumberland County joint SWAT team was called to the scene. After repeated attempts to make contact with Mark Klimczck, SWAT members deployed a chemical agent prior to making entry, where Klimczck was found uninjured, behind a closed door in the bathroom. A search warrant was obtained and a subsequent search revealed a 9mm pistol, found loaded, laying on a bed and a spent 9mm shell casing was found in the living room. Methamphetamine was found inside the bathroom with Klimczck and also in the possession of Brian Berry, outside in the parking lot.

Following the investigation, it was discovered that Mark Klimczck and Brian Berry were involved in a verbal altercation inside the apartment, which became violent when Klimczck reportedly brandished a firearm and fired a round in the floor and threatened Berry. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Following the incident, Mark Klimczck has been charged with Felon in possession of a Weapon, Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and Simple Possession of Methamphetamine.

Brian Berry was charged with Resisting Stop, Halt, Frisk and Search, Simple Possession of Methamphetamine.

String of Burglaries and Vehicle Thefts Solved and Charges Filed. One Suspect Still Sought.

 

The City of Crossville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division has filed charges in relation to a string of burglaries and vehicle thefts, occurring in July and August 2020. On Thursday, August 20, 2020, detectives signed the final warrants on suspects W/M Carl Creason-37 and W/F Taylor Presley-20, of Crossville, in relation to the burglaries of Chuck’s Cycle Repair in July, where two motorcycles and two 4-wheelers were stolen; Thompson’s Auto Sales, earlier this month, where a Jeep and another motorcycle were stolen; and the very same day, when the two were suspected of involvement in the theft of a Ford F-150 from the Pilot Travel Center.

Crossville Police Detective’s thorough investigation resulted in the location and recovery of several of the stolen vehicles, both within Crossville and in Morgan County. As a result of the investigation, suspect Carl Creason has been arrested and charged with 2 counts of Burglary, 2 counts of Theft over $10,000 and Vandalism. An additional suspect, Taylor Presley has also been charged with Burglary and Theft of Property but is still being sought.

The Crossville Police Department continues to work every day, in an effort to protect the citizens and visitors of the City of Crossville. These most recent arrests are indicative of the talent, heart, and drive of our officers and their determination to help keep Crossville as safe as possible.

The last remaining stolen vehicles, not yet recovered, are a Wht/Blu Husqvarna 85cc motorcycle, Yel/Wht Suzuki DRZ 125 Motorcycle and a Blk/Yel Polaris Scrambler 4-wheeler. If anyone has information as to the location of the remaining stolen vehicles, or the location of Taylor Presley, please contact the Crossville Police Department at 931-484-7231, or call the Cumberland County Crimestoppers at 931-200-1173 to make an anonymous tip and get paid for your information.

Crossville Police Dept Press Release

Four Candidates Qualify to Run for Crossville CIty Council Election for Two Council Seats

 With two seats up for election to the Crossville City Council election on the November ballot, (four) candidates have qualified for the race including the two incumbents.

Long time council member and former Crossville Mayor J. H. Graham III qualified for the ballot along with councilman Scot Shanks who is completing his first term on the council.

J. H. Graham III

Scot Shanks

Two other candidates have also qualified for the ballot, R. J Crawford and Ralph Reagan. Crawford, a Crossville chiropractor, ran for the first district seat on the Cumberland County Commission in 2018.

R. J. Crawford

Ralph Reagan is director of the Bread of Life Rescue Mission and ran for a seat on the Crossville City Council in 2018.

Ralph Reagan

Two of the four candidates will be elected in the November 3, 2020 election.

Voters must be registered by October 5 to vote in the November election. Early voting takes place from October 14-29. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 27.

Photos of the Crossville Railroad Depot in 1986 Showing Need for Maintenance and Damage

In about 1986, the City of Crossville was contacted by the L&N Railroad about possibly purchasing the then unused Crossville Depot.  

The city appointed a small committee of citizens to study the depot and look into what the city could do with the building.  I was appointed to the committee by then-Mayor Willis Cox.  One day in about 1986 I stopped by the depot with my 35mm camera and documented the building and its need for some work.  The building was not secure and occasionally had a homeless person staying there. 

Because the track was still active at that time, the railroad wanted an 8 to 10-foot high fence between the active track and the depot building.  That was a deal-breaker to the city.  Later when the tracks were abandoned and taken up the city became the owners of the depot and the local Rotary Clubs worked to restore the building. 

Crossville Sign on the Depot Roof

Crossville name on the back of the Depot was not very readable

The parking lot behind the unused depot, probably from 

the restaurant next door.

There was a small loading dock on the side rear of the depot

Side depot door was not secure back then

The depot needed maintenance as bricks and gutters were

not being kept up.

The scene through the broken windows of the Depot.

The historic Hotel Taylor back in 1986

 

Impaired Driving Enforcement Increased August 21 to September 7 by Crossville Police

The City of Crossville Police Department is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) for its “Booze It and Lose It” campaign from August 21 to September 7, surrounding the Labor Day holiday. This initiative coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization to increase impaired-driving enforcement nationwide. 

Police officers will be out in force, looking to put an end to Drunk Driving in Crossville. “Drinking and driving takes a huge toll.” Said Crossville Police Chief Jessie Brooks. “The lives lost are entirely preventable. We are going to make a positive difference.”

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

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

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

Crossville Police Department and CCSD Break Up Travelling Counterfeit Ring

Press Release from Crossville Police Department:

On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, the City of Crossville Police Department, working in conjunction with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, put an end to a mobile counterfeiting and theft operation, that had passed counterfeit currency and stolen merchandise from several counties over at least the preceding three days.

The investigation has revealed that from August 10^th, at least six subjects went to multiple businesses in several counties, making purchases by passing counterfeit bills, leaving with merchandise and cash change. On Wednesday, the 12^th, the subjects made it to Crossville, where they went to approximately 15 business and passed more of their counterfeit fifty-dollar bills. Four of the subjects were in a Red rental car with Michigan tags, and two others were in a Grey SUV.

After committing their crimes, at several stores inside the Crossville Outlet Mall, the group then traveled to the Woodmere Mall Dollar General store, where employees obtained tag and vehicle descriptions. Using a vehicle description from the business, Cumberland County Sheriff investigators spotted the Red sedan at a Lantana Road business. The vehicle was stopped as it pulled away, at approximately 1:30pm.

Three subjects were arrested from the vehicle, along with the recovery of over $3k in cash and 30+ counterfeit bills in their possession, in addition to the equipment used to counterfeit the currency. Also recovered was several hundred dollars’ worth of stolen property from various businesses. 27 counterfeit bills were passed and recovered from businesses in Crossville alone, and the U.S. Secret service is now involved in the investigation along with any other counties involved. The Crossville Police are still gathering information on additional victims and businesses. A juvenile was involved and located in the Red sedan, but has not been charged at this time.

At least 1 black male and 1 black female, who were in the Grey SUV, are still at large at this time. The identity of the suspects at large is unknown. It is believed that the last two suspects are from Charleston, SC. The investigation is still on-going.

Any information can be passed on to Detective Jon Tollett, with the Crossville Police Department.

The Regular Meeting of the Crossville City Council set for Tuesday August 11

 Crossville City Council meets in regular session for August Tuesday, August 11 to discuss the possible hiring of a public works director, issues with water loss and plans to correct that problem and the change in date for the annual Airport fly-in.

The council's evening starts at 5:15 in the conference room with the audit committee meeting and will be followed at 5:45 by the beer board in the council chambers. The council will meet as the Solicitation Board at 5:55.

The regular agenda starts at 6 PM.

The city's water loss numbers have been up and down for a number of years and the state will get involved in the loss is over 20 percent. Currently, the average is above that number and the city is putting together a plan to get the problem under better control.

The hiring of a Public Works director was approved previously by the council but the funding for the position was a casualty of the budget process for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Council will decide about a possible budget amendment to add the position around the first of the year.

Because of the COVID-19 concerns, the council discussed moving the Annual Crossville Memorial Airport Fly-In from September to Spring of 2021 during the work session earlier this month.

Meeting Agenda:

Crossville Housing Authority board Appointment

Appointment to the Industrial Development Board

a. Minutes (7/14,7/24) Minutes

b. 2021 Employee Health Insurance Renewal

c. Airport Maintenance Hangar Improvements Change Order Contract

d. Approval of TDOT grant amendment for Airport Maintenance Building Upgrade

e. Brookhaven and Highland Lane Water Line Close Out Change Order

a. Airport Fly-In Resolution

b. Wyatt Court Property Contract

c. Water Loss Resolution Action on water loss

d. Public Works Director

e. Approval of 2020-21 lease of Catoosa Utility Department building

f. Approval of contracts with TDOT on utility relocation for Northwest Connector

City Attorney’s Report-August

City Manager's Report - August 2020

Cumberland County Deputy Wounded and Suspect Killed in Saturday Shooting

A Cumberland County Deputy was wounded and a suspect is deceased following a Saturday night shooting.

On June 27, 2020, at approximately 7:07 p.m., Cumberland County Deputy Tim Tutor was shot while responding to a suspicious person call at the 8000 block area of Chestnut Hill Road. The deputy exchanged gunfire with an unnamed suspect and was wounded in the upper right side and airlifted by Lifestar to U.T. Medical Center. 

Preliminary information indicates the incident occurred in the 8000 block of Chestnut Hill Road, where a deputy of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office pulled over a vehicle after witnessing erratic driving. Reportedly, as the deputy approached the driver’s window, the driver opened the door and immediately shot and injured the deputy, who then fired his service weapon in response as the subject drove from the scene. Later, law enforcement officers discovered the subject deceased in his vehicle approximately a mile away from the location of the traffic stop. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. The deputy, flown from the scene, and has been released from the hospital as of Sunday afternoon. 

The deceased man has been identified as Mark Eberly. Eberly had been arrested previously in Cumberland County.

TBI Agents, assisted by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, continue to gather relevant evidence and interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s / Crossville Police S.W.A.T. Team and Crisis Negotiators were deployed to the scene. The Tennessee Highway Patrol closed down Chestnut Hill Road to all thru traffic. CCEMS and Cumberland County Fire was staged near the scene. 

Negotiators made numerous attempts to make contact with the suspect and finally after no success, S.W.A.T. deployed chemical weapons. Upon advancement to the vehicle to take the suspect into custody, the suspect was found to be deceased. 

Information gathered from CCSD and TBI press releases.

Final Decision on Crossville Property Tax Increase Expected at June 29 Meeting

While the City of Crossville budget for the upcoming year still remains in flux, the council has approved two of three required readings listed as “in title only” and a final vote to decide on a possible property tax increase is scheduled for June 29 in a special called meeting.

The Council held their public hearing on the budget/tax rate June 9^th before their regular June meeting and one local businessman Darrin Stryker spoke out against the increase. Stryker pointed out that city taxpayers, and especially business owners have had a very difficult few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also pointed out that the city currently has a $12 million rainy day fund. “If this isn't considered a rainy day, I'd like to know what is,” he commented.

Crossville businessman Darrin Stryker (at podium) 

speaks against the proposed property tax rate increase. 

Listening L to R are J.H. Graham, Mayor James Mayberry

and Art Gernt

Stryker said he represented United Country Real Estate and the Chestnut Hill Winery, both businesses in the city.

Following Stryker's comments, City manager Greg Wood explained that he had cut $5.5 million out of the budget. He added that the reason the tax increase is in there is that a study showed that city employees were paid 61 percent below what they should be paid, and that increase was not funded. Wood explained that originally a 10 cent increase was proposed but that was scaled back to 5 cents.

The council approved the tax rate and budget during the regular meeting agenda. The council will be meeting with a bond consultant later in the month as they consider borrowing some funds for capital improvements and to ease the cash flow giving them some breathing room.

Crossville City Council meeting in person Tuesday to take up 2020-21 Budget and possible property tax increase.

The Crossville City Council holds its regular June meeting Tuesday, June 9 with meeting procedures nearly back to normal.

Crossville City Hall file photo by Jim Young

The meeting will be held at the council chambers. An audit committee meeting will be held at 5 PM with a public hearing on the 2020-21 fiscal year budget and tax rate set for 5:30 and public hearing on a proposed annexation held at 5:50 PM.

Council has passed the first of three required readings to approve a budget and tax rate for the fiscal year that begins July 1 that includes a 5 cent property tax rate hike. Even with the rate hike, the budget stands at a $79,906 deficit. The total general fund local tax and fee revenue is estimated to be down by just under $1 million. Substantial cuts have been made in parts of the city's budget.

On the council's June agenda is the second reading of the budget and tax rate. A special called meeting later in June is expected to vote final approval of the budget and tax rate before the start of the new fiscal year.

Council has several appointments on the agenda including members of the Industrial Development Board following the resignation of member Butch Smith. Other appointments include members of the Personnel Board, the Convention and Visitor's Bureau and the Health and Education Board.

TBI Agents Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting in Fentress County

TBI Press Release by Leslie Earhart

At the request of 8th District Attorney General Jared Effler, TBI Agents are investigating the circumstances leading to an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday evening in Fentress County.

Preliminary information indicates that just before 7:00, the Fentress County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a male subject, armed with a knife, a hatchet, and a pipe, was threatening to harm himself and others at a home in the 100 block of Lewis Road in Clarkrange. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the man, identified as Gregory Lee Turnure (DOB 7/23/82), in the roadway and ordered him to drop the weapons. He refused to comply with verbal commands, resulting in one of the deputies deploying a taser, which was not effective. At some point during the confrontation, Turnure reportedly attempted to strike deputies with what appeared to be a pipe. One of the deputies fired shots, striking the man. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

This remains an active and ongoing investigation, as TBI Special Agents work to gather any and all relevant interviews and evidence. As in any case, TBI’s investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General throughout the process for his consideration and review.

Crossville Police Department Says "Thanks to Citizens" for support, Looks to Future with "Optimism."

The City of Crossville Police Department would like to take a moment to thank the citizens of Crossville and Cumberland County, TN for their compassion, caring and support over the last few months. Service to such a community is always an honor for us, but with recent events and national challenges, it is extremely humbling to have our community, as a whole, standing with us and in support of our common goals.

Times are more difficult than ever, but we have all come together to see our community through this turmoil. We have no doubt that the citizens of Crossville and Cumberland County truly care about our community and it shows every day.

We have been there for each other before these times of crisis and will, no doubt, be here for each other long after. Our commitment to our city is as it ever was, unwavering. Our determination to keep a peaceful and beautiful community, free from violence and danger, is of the utmost importance for all of us. Together we will make it through, to the other side of this turbulent time and we will excel at anything the future holds.

We look forward to our future with optimism and a true belief that we, as a community, can endure, thrive and triumph through anything.

With all of the support that we have received from so many local people and businesses, we couldn’t possibly name each of you individually.

So, we simply say “Thank You” to our community!

Crossville City Council to Consider Budget and Tax Increase at first in-person meeting after two months teleconferencing

Crossville City Council has a work session followed by a special called meeting set for Tuesday, June 2 starting at 5 PM, the first in-person meeting in two months.

Council's meetings will be held in the large 4^th floor meeting room to allow for social distancing according to the meeting announcement.

Crossville City Hall file photo by Jim Young

On the special called meeting's agenda set for 6 PM are the first readings, in title only, of the 2020-21 budget and property tax rate. Council met twice in work session on the budget during May for a total of several hours of discussion. The current certified tax rate stands at .5905 per $100 of assessed value and a 5 cent property tax increase is proposed due to revenue concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The draft budget that is available to review on the city's webpage stands at a small $26,921 deficit. The city's total general fund expenditure is estimated at just over $17.7 million.

The work session agenda includes a presentation from J.R. Wauford engineers on the permitting schedule proposed for the Meadow Park Lake expansion project. Also on the agenda for the project is a contract for the preparation of a baseline environmental assessment at a cost of $76,310.

The work session includes a long list of annual bids for approval at the council's regular meeting along with other bids and service purchases. Council will discuss appointments to the Industrial Development Board, the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, the Personnel Board and the Health and Education Board.

A presentation on the city's 2020-21 budget is also set for the work session agenda.

Bull Run Steam Plant Construction Photos 1963 to 1965

Here is a group of photos of the construction of the Bull Run Steam Plant near Oak Ridge.  The plant is now slated for closure in 2023.  

I don't know the provenance of these pictures. Some are well marked with dates and others have some codes on the image and some have no indications at all. For a brief time in 1967 when the plant was completed, the smokestack was the tallest in the world

Architect's Drawing

Starting the Smokestack

Workers on the smokestack

Early stages of the smokestack construction

Concrete Workers

Pumping concrete

Dumping concrete

Lift operator 1

Lift Operator 2

Lift at the working level

Lift headed up

Supervisors with the lift to working level.

General Construction site photos

Site work and early construction

9-18-63

10-21-63

10-21-63

11-20-63

12-16-63

3-16-64

4-21-64

5-18-64 Lots of cars

6-22-64

From the top of the smokestack looking down

Two workers heading to the site

Finishing touches on the smokestack