Power Outage in Northwest Crossville affects business for 30 minutes Wednesday Afternoon.

Volunteer Energy Outage causing problems on Wednesday Afternoon.

VEC Outage for 2-21-18

The outage reported at 2:20 PM and businesses along 127-N felt the effect.  According to the VEC outage map, the power was estimated to be out for 2 hours but was restored in about 30 minutes. 

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Memorial Day, a day to remember those who have given their last full measure...

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day.

Regardless of the exact date or location of its origins, one thing is clear – Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.

All Photos (C) Jim Young 

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After 8 years, Crossville's Safe Routes to Schools sidewalk grant finally nearing completion.

Discussions of sidewalks along Fourth Street and Myrtle Avenue first started some 8 years ago but after a long and winding road, those sidewalks are partly completed and the community will get the benefit.

The first discussion by the Crossville city council of the safe routes to schools grant was in March of 2009 when the application for the grant was approved by action of the council.

It has taken the intervening 8 years and numerous council discussions and grant extensions by the Tennessee Department of Transportation to get the program to where it is today. Sidewalks along Fourth St. past Cumberland County High School have been completed and work is currently being done on sidewalks along Myrtle Avenue. Myrtle Avenue was the most difficult part of the project because it became necessary for the city to purchase additional right of way and pay to have utilities moved before the final design could be approved by TDOT. Several fits and starts put the funding at risk and TDOT gave two additional extensions on the program after giving one they called the absolute final extension.

Sidewalks along Fourth St. have

been completed. This is near the intersection

with Myrtle Ave.

Sidewalks along Myrtle Ave.

are under construction now.

On Friday May 19 kids at Martin Elementary School participated in bicycle safety training provided as part of the grant. The kids learned about helmets, how to ride safely and proper bicycle sizes too.  

Martin Elementary 3rd and 4th grade students

learn bicycle safety.

The state TDOT website describes the SRTS program as follows. Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a federally-funded program focusing on the benefits of ​children walking and biking to school. Its programs aim to improve safety for children and the community and provide opportunities to increase physical activity. A model program integrates health, fitness, traffic relief, environmental awareness, and safety under one program. Bringing together a diverse group of people to identify issues and find ways to improve walking and biking conditions is the core of a successful SRTS program.

Tornado Watch issued for the area until 7 PM tonight.

4-30-17
NOAA National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch effective now through 7 PM for Cumberland Co Putnam, White, Fentress and others In Middle Tennessee.  A Tornado Watch is issued when weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms called a Supercell that are capable of producing tornadoes.  A tornado watch therefore implies that it is also a severe thunderstorm watch. A tornado watch must not be confused with a tornado warning. In most cases, the potential exists for large hail and/or damaging winds in addition to tornadoes.

Tornado Watch

Today and Tonight
Widespread thunderstorms are expected to move across middle
Tennessee this afternoon and evening. Some storms may be strong to
severe...with damaging winds...hail...and a possible tornado...especially
west of interstate 65. Storms could also contain heavy
rainfall...especially across southern middle Tennessee with the
additional threat of isolated flash flooding.

In addition to thunderstorms, the front will bring strong gusty
winds.

Crossville and Cumberland Co. accept $500,0000 ECD grant

Representatives of the City of Crossville, Cumberland County amd Chamber of Commerce receive the economic development grant to be used in the Interchange Business Park to create a construction ready pad for a 200,000 sq. Ft. Industrial building.

Pictured L-R  Jody Sliger, ECD, Chamber President Brad Allamong, County Mayor Kenneth Carey, Jr., Crossville Mayor James Mayberry, City Manager Greg Wood, TN Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Bob Rolfe, City Clerk Sally Oglesby, City Engineer Tim Begley, Assistant Commissioner of TECD Amy New

Previous story on grant.

Crossville Elementary School closed in 2004 leaving behind an unappreciated art legacy.

In the Spring of 2004 Crossville Elementary School was closing and most of the teachers were moving to Brown Elementary School but before the school with a history back to the 1930s closed, an open house was held for previous students and the community.

Very Early photo of Crossville Elementary School circa 1930s

When this photo was taken it was simply known as City School

One of the unique things about the school was the art work on the walls that was painted by Joe Edd Hodges, long time art teacher at the school.  Hodges was raised in Crossville and graduated from the old CCHS.

The art murals has since been painted over and the building is used now as the school's administrative offices.

The last principal of Crossville Elementary School Danny Hassler

stand in front of one of Joe Ed Hodges' art murals that were

throughout the school.

Piano art mural by Joe Ed Hodges

Joe Ed Hodges--Homage to Calder

Homage to Matisse by Joe Ed Hodges

Bright colors and shapes

Homage to Picasso by Joe Ed Hodges

Kermit the Frog with his backpack and sign.

Every student at CES knew Kermit from their

time with librarian Melanie Sherrill 

Breaking News: Attempted armed robbery at Crossville Burger King.

Police Chief Mark Rosser advised an attempted armed robbery of a cashier inside the Crossville Burger King took place about 4:17 this afternoon.

Rosser said the perpetrator wore a Halloween type mask and did not get away with any money.

More details as they became available.

Uncertain future--Co. commission looks to surplus Youth Center property.

Cumberland County Commission voted to begin the process of cancelling the lease with the Youth Center and declaring the property surplus to sell.

While the Youth Center has long served the community, the organization has all but shut down though recent efforts to restart the operation included a proposal seeking funding from the city of Crossville.

There is a loan against the property with Highland Federal Savings and Loan that will have to be handled in the sale.  It is unclear how long the process will take to sell the property. 

Cumberland County Youth Center property off of Dayton Avenue and Hayes St. 

Crossville city council work session tonight

The Crossville city council will hold a budget work session this evening at 5:15 PM at Crossville city hall.  The meeting will be in the third floor conference room and will be the first formal work session held on the city's 2016-17 fiscal year budget that starts July 1 this year.

Wreck at Walmart Traffic Light flips one.

A two vehicle wreck in front of Walmart involved 2 pickup trucks with one ending up on its side after the collision.  While numerous emergency personnel responded to the scene and the occupants were shaken up, all appeared to refuse transport to the ER following the wreck.   One occupant was in the red flipped truck and three appeared to have been in the white truck including a small child. 

Crossville fire chief Mike Turner commented that the city seemed to be having a lot of what he called "catastrophic" vehicle accidents lately that could possibly be blamed on drivers not heeding traffic lights. 

Crossville city recall battle (part 3)

Crossville's mayor pro-tem, Pamala Harris has also issued a statement in response to the recall efforts being made against her. When reached by phone earlier today, Ms. Harris said that she did not plan to lower herself to the level of those attacking her. She said watching TV this week a commentator had described politics as being a blood sport and while she said it did feel like that sometimes, would continue to take the high road in the current situation. She said she had seen the signs that have been put up and she said they are disturbing to see at first, but after looking at them she had to laugh as the signs really seemed pretty silly.

Ms. Harris' statement:

I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight on the subject of the recall petition that has been instituted against myself and council member Danny Wyatt.

First of all, those initiating the recall have never approached me to discuss their concerns. Sadly, we have a small select group of dissatisfied people who have been grossly misinformed. Unfortunately, these citizens only know parts and pieces surrounding the issues. They have been mislead via gossip and hearsay. You can be certain that this group does not represent all 11,000 plus citizens of the City of Crossville.

Did you know that under Tennessee Code Annotated 6-31-301no specific grounds are required for recall? In other words, any citizen of the City of Crossville can get angry at a Council Member because of the way we vote on a specific issue and decide to initiate recall. As I'm sure you will understand, no matter how hard a Council Member may try to consider all citizens' opinions when weighing a vote, we are incapable of pleasing 100 percent of the people 100 percent of the time. Not all decisions are “cut and dry” or “black and white.” When being falsely accused as a Council Member, human nature is to call out your accuser out publicly, but you don't even when they publicly and privately attack you, because you are committed to taking the high road. But, rather then waste everyone's time trying to defend against these inaccurate allegations, I'm going to have faith that the truth will be revealed and justice will prevail.

I ran for City Council because I believe community service is important. I did not set out to do this job as a career. Being a City Council Member is a thankless job. To survive, yourservice has to become a labor of love.

Should any citizen of Crossville choose to contact me, I would be please to answer any questions that may be of concern. In the meantime, rest assured that I will continue to do my very best to fairly represent ALL the citizens of Crossville and not just a select group.

In closing, Crossville is an absolutely incredible place to live, work and play. There are other cities who would give anything to have the assets and natural resources our city possesses. We are blessed!

I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve you.  

Crossville city council recall battle keeps escalating (part 1)

Signs have been put up by the political group that calls itself Crossville Citizens for Good Government asking people to sign the recall petitions as they try to collect 2225 registered city voter's signatures on each petition to get the questions included on the November ballot.  The deadline for the group is June 24.

This sign pictured above is located at the entrance to Crossville's Walmart and a different sign is located at the intersection of 127-N and Industrial Boulevard.  

The group's website asks a series of questions and makes several accusations but presents no evidence of the allegations they make.  

Council agrees to seek grants for tourism and parks

The city of Crossville will apply for a $50,000 grant to help pay for the construction of a restroom/concession stand for the Spirit Broadband theatergoer.

The funding is available from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to enhance tourism. A local match of at least 30 percent is required by the grant which was released March 10.

The project has an estimated cost of $166,500 for design, sitework and construction. The project is already in the city's proposed capital plan and grant awards are to be announced in June 2016. The project must be completed within one year.

The motion to approve the grant was unanimously approved.

Council also approved increasing the amount of funds requested from a Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant for improvements at Garrison Park. Previously the city had approved applying for the grant when the limit was $250,000. Since that action by the council, the maximum amount of the grant has been increased to $500,000.  The additional funds will allow for the completion of restroom facilities at the park

The second grant application increase was also approved unanimously.

New position for Crossville codes department approved.

During their April regular meeting, the Crossville city council approved the addition of a new employee for the city codes department.

With the city continuing to do both city and county wide building inspections, the addition of another employee for the department has been discussed for some time. The new employee would concentrate on property maintenance issues and office support. The salary range for the position is $28,000 to $30,000 annually plus benefits.

A budget amendment is required but the amount is offset by the revenue from the fees collected for the services to the county. A vehicle for the position has been secured from one of the surplus police vehicles recently replaced.

Mayor James Mayberry moved to approve the position and first reading of the budget amendment and was supported by council member Pam Harris. The motion passed unanimously.

   Crossville codes department webpage

Souza calls council “toxic” as hiring a new city manager put off until after November election

The Crossville city council agreed to put off hiring a new city manager until after the dust has cleared from the city election in November.

In addition to the council seats of Pete Souza and Jesse Kerley being up for election, it looks like a strong possibility that the recall votes for Danny Wyatt and Pam Harris will also take place on the November ballot.

Mr. Souza stated that since 2007 the city has had ten managers and interim managers. “We have a toxic city council. That's a fact. We need to wait. I don't think we could get anybody right now, that's any good as a professional manager that would even come here.”

While preliminary work on recruiting and vetting potential city manager candidates is expected to take place prior to the election, the final decision on who will become city manager will wait until new members, if any, are sworn in.

The council agreed to move forward using the UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) to provide the recruiting service at no cost to the city. Crossville mayor James Mayberry said that MTAS had recommended, and he agreed, that the final selection should be delayed until after the election.

Mayor Mayberry moved to let MTAS begin the process and to put off hiring until after the election and councilman Pete Souza supported the motion.

Councilman Jesse Kerley asked city attorney Will Ridely about the legality of putting off hiring a manager. Ridely responded that the motion was fine, but there was nothing stopping another council member from making a motion to hire a manager in the future before the date set in the motion.

The motion was approved unanimously by the council.

Council also approved an employment contract with interim city manager Steve Hill. Hill is to be paid $75,000 annual salary plus benefits offered to other city employees while he serves in the position.

The contract was approved with councilman Souza opposed. Souza felt that the agreement in place when Hill was originally appointed should not be changed.  

Two public comments from 4-14-16 meeting of the Crossville city council

Two of the public commentors that spoke at the end of the Crossville city council's meeting on April 14, 2016.  Both speakers criticize the recent actions of the council.  The second speaker is Howard Burnett, proponent of recalling two council members over firing the latest city manager and failing to support the Horizon Project community development program.

Crossville council won't change public comment or standing rules. (Video included)

 The Crossville city council was asked to reconsider the location of the time of public comment once again by Mayor James Mayberry, but a majority did not support the change. In addition, a motion to rescind the latest changes to the council's standing rules that abolished work sessions and disallowed public comments during council discussions of an agenda item did not receive majority support.

Mayor Mayberry said that with the change that no longer allowed public comment during a discussion that he felt the public should have a chance to address the council before a vote is taken. Mayberry moved that the council pass first reading of an ordinance to place the comment time at the start of the council meeting instead of at the end. Council member Pam Harris, who had originally proposed the change earlier this year seconded the mayor's motion.

Harris said she originally proposed the change “to bring order back to our meetings whereby the citizens could speak to the council on agenda items prior to our deliberation and our vote.” Harris continued saying that over the last 18 months the meetings had harder for the council to conduct business in an orderly fashion.

Councilman Pete Souza said, “I'm not going to support this motion. I think that this motion would improve the current situation, but I also think this motion is a token thing towards what was taken away from the people to be able to speak during the agenda item.” Souza continued, “The people have a right to be heard. We, as a council, have to suffer what the people tell us. We don't get to sit here and just listen to the people say 'You're doing a great job,' we need to hear everything the people say, and that includes the criticism.”

Councilman Jesse Kerley commented, “I personally don't feel that I suffer by any means listening to either good or negative comments toward myself. I welcome all comments. Nobody's perfect and if anybody has anything they'd like to say to me, I'm always available.”

The motion failed with support only from Mayor Mayberry and Ms. Harris. Mr. Souza, Mr. Kerley and Danny Wyatt were opposed.

The next item was presented by Mr. Souza who moved to rescind the last change to the standing rules. Souza wanted to see the work sessions restored and public comment during an agenda item discussion as well. He described the previous action as “an assault on the people's rights to express what they have to say.” Souza added that the absence of the workshops encumbers the city in performance of the duties of the elected officials and gives more opportunities for the public to see the inner workings of government as each agenda item is discussed.

Following Mr. Souza's comments a roll call vote was taken and the motion failed with support from Mayor Mayberry and Mr. Souza. Voting against were members Wyatt, Harris and Kerley.

My YouTube channel has many videos of the Crossville city council.

The videos go back a few years if you are interested.

Go to my YouTube Channel