Former Tansi Recreation Director Hired as new Crossville Leisure Services Director

The former recreation director for Lake Tansi Resort, Ethan Medley has been hired as the new Director of Leisure Services for the City of Crossville.

Medley is set to start in the position on Monday, July 8.

Crossville's Centennial Park (from Google Maps)

After serving two years at Lake Tansi, Mr. Medley was hired as the Recreation Program Administrator for the city of Kingsport in June of 2016. He leaves that position to return to Crossville.

Originally from Fayetteville North Carolina, Medley earned a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Management from Huntington University in Indiana.

Other changes to city staff include the end of the city's Marketing Office and Marketing Director Billy Loggins is no longer employed by the city. Loggins left the position last month. Medley's new position will work with golf tournaments and other programs that Loggins had previously overseen.

Current Recreation Department Director Tammie French will take the position of administrative assistant for the new Department of leisure services. French has recently completed training and earned the designation as a certified park and recreational professional.

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The Director of Leisure Services position's job description includes the following duties:

• Responsible for the management of departments which involves planning, organizing, staffing and directing all leisure programs and activities for facilities that include, but are not limited to, Centennial Recreation Park, Duer Soccer Complex, Garrison Recreation Park, Meadow Park Lake, Palace Theatre.
• Develops and participates in the preparation of the annual departmental budget and is in control of expenditures of appropriation.
• Coordinates all divisions of the department.
• Trains, supervises and evaluates work performance of full time and seasonal personnel; makes recommendations for hiring, discipline, and termination; prepares schedules and assignments.
• Establishes and annually reviews departmental goals and objectives.
• Coordinates programs, activities and projects with other departments.
• Maintains liaison with appropriate local, state and federal agencies.
• Prepares and administers state and federal grants.
• Attends and participates in public events to promote departmental activities.
• Establishes and over sees departmental operational procedures.
• Attends and makes presentations at city council meetings.

Swimming in Meadow Park Lake--Allowed or not?

Following discussuions on some Facebook posts yesterday about a group being told by a lake employee that they were not allowed to swim at Soldier's Beach in Meadow Park Lake, I have talked to a number of city officials and folks including 2 members of the Lake Commission and Mayor Mayberry. This is what I have found out. The Crossville City Council approved an ordinance in 2015 that allows swimming in Meadow Park Lake under rules to be made by the Lake Commission. Based on several conversations, It appears those rules have never been made or approved. The bottom line is that except for a few restrictions, swimming is allowed in Meadow Park Lake.

Meadow Park Lake Marina, office and bait shop.

(Photo by Jim Young)

I spoke with Lake Commission member Charles Loveday earlier and he initially said one could swim from a boat and swimming is also restricted within 100 feet of the marina/boat docks by state law due to the electrical connections there. In addition, no swimming is allowed near the dam or the intakes for the water treatment plant at the lake.

Mr. Loveday did some investigation of his own and called me back to say that the employee who told people they were not allowed to swim at Soldier's Beach was incorrect and has been instructed about the situation to correct his misinformation since that incident.

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Lake Commission member Levonn Hubbard also said that swimming was allowed but he did not think the Lake Commission had ever come up with rules on the matter. Mr. Hubbard said that as far as he was concerned with the exceptions mentioned above swimming was permitted in the lake. Crossville Mayor James Mayberry was concerned about the situation and he said that city hall had received a number of calls during the day today concerning the matter. At this point, no city official has said that other than the restrictions about the marina, dam and water plant intake swimming is allowed in Meadow Park Lake.

West Bound I-40 Accident Making a Mess of Traffic as the July Fourth Holiday Traffic Starts

From TDOT SmartWay

UPDATED: Not Expected to be cleared until 9:22 PM.

Interstate 40 westbound in Cumberland County traffic backed up from just east of Plateau Rd Exit almost all the way back to the 127-N exit 317. 

Traffic file photo by Jim Young

Crash at MILE MARKER 311 (Mile Marker: 311) reported at 3:17 PM 7/3/2019 and estimated to be cleared by 9:22 PM 7/3/2019 (Central Time Zone). Westbound traffic is affected with shoulder blocked - outside. 

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Three New Officers Sworn In to the Crossville Police Department Filling the Ranks

Crossville Police Department Press Release: 

The City of Crossville Police Department is pleased to announce that three new Police Officers have taken their Oaths of Office, being sworn in as the newest additions to the City of Crossville Police Department on Monday, July 1st, 2019.

The ceremony took place in the Crossville City Courtroom of the City of Crossville Police Department, with Crossville City Judge, Ivy Garner issuing the Oaths of office to Corey Kelsch, Josh Parrigin and Adrianna Wattenbarger. The three newly hired officers will begin their Field Training program immediately and will attend their Basic Police Academy in the fall.

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“We continue to build and shape this department and its officers.” Said Chief Brooks. “I am very proud to welcome these officers into the family. We are doing great things and these new officers will be a big part of our future plans.”

One Fatality and One Critically Injured in Wednesday Morning Accident on 127-N

Crossville Police Dept press release:

A traffic accident, in the City of Crossville this morning, resulted in the death of Crossville resident, 32-year-old Dannie Turner.

Turner was an unrestrained occupant in a 2000 Jeep Cherokee, travelling Southbound on U.S. Highway 127 / Main Street, just North of Interstate Drive.

Witness and investigative reports indicate that the vehicle swerved across both lanes of travel, just prior to overcorrecting and finally rolling over, ejecting Turner, who was fatally injured as a result of the crash.
 

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A second unrestrained occupant, 44-year-old Kimberly Dunlap, also of Crossville, received serious injuries as a result of the crash. First responders immediately began life-saving efforts and Dunlap was transported by ground EMS to U.T. (Knoxville) Medical Center where she was listed in critical condition. The crash investigation is continuing at this time.

The City of Crossville Police Department would like to thank the responding Crossville Police Officers, including the START (Safety Through Advanced Response Techniques) crash investigation team, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department, Crossville Fire Department and Cumberland County EMS for their professionalism and assistance, in response to this tragedy.

CROSSVILLE FLASHBACK: Remembering Curtis Adams One Year into his Tenure as City Manager

Editor's Note: With the death July 2nd of former Crossville City Manager Curtis Adams at age 86 we will take a look back at an article as Mr. Adams reflected on his first year in the position.  Adams left the position about two months after this article was written due to medical issues and was unable to return to the position.  

Story by Jim Young
City manager Curtis Adams said while he likes Crossville's billing as the Golf Capital of Tennessee, he thinks Crossville should also be called the “Hospitality Capital” because of how friendly people of the community are.

“Crossville is a very friendly town and that's great,” said Adams; “They will always speak to you and remember your name.” 

Curtis Adams handles a phone call in his Crossville

City Hall Office April 7, 2011, at the one year

mark in the position. (Photo by Jim Young)

Adams sat down to talk about completing his first year as Crossville's city manager and what he was working on for the future.

Adams had high praise for the city staff he oversees as manager, “We have165 of the best employees you'd find anywhere!” He added that the city also had great department heads.

Adams expressed his excitement over the purchase of the former bank building as the new city hall adding that it would allow the city to have everyone together back under one roof. He said the city also bought the area behind the building that can be used for open area or park. 

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Adams said he continues to be impressed with Crossville after moving to the community. “We have good schools and a good hospital here. We also have good houses for people to buy and some great neighborhoods. We have a big city feel for a smaller community,” explained Adams.

According to Adams all those good things and new people moving into the area is a great opportunity for new businesses and economic development. And economic development is one of his goals for the future, something he has some experience with from his years in the Hamilton County Commission.

“That's my big goal right now,” said Adams. “If we could get two or three companies to come in here with 200 to 300 employees we would be in the chips. Everybody I've talked to is hungry for new stuff coming in. That's my main thrust now,” added Adams.

Adams said he was proud of the new relationship between the city and the county, “We've got the city and county working well together.”

Adams explained that just as he has regular meetings with Crossville Mayor J. H. Graham he has been having regular meetings with county Mayor Kenneth Carey. “We are getting along very well and I enjoy working with him,” said Adams of Mayor Carey.

Adams said he was working with the county and had asked them to let the city take over the operation of the new amphitheater near the new Art Circle Library. Adams said he hoped that the city could finish up the area and then the Palace Theatre staff could handle scheduling for the venue and it would be a great addition to the community.

Adams hopes the plan would create additional interest in the area so that “One night you'd hear gospel music; one night you'd hear county music or school plays up there.” Adams pointed out that the city council recently approved funding to complete the caboose at the depot and there would be attractions all along Main Street, from the Palace to the amphitheater to the depot.

Adams added that one of the best things about this is that it won't require any additional personnel to do these things.

Adams said, “We've had a lot of good things since I've been here.”. Those things include the new beginnings breakfast that brought city and county officials together with the community and the more recent trip to Chattanooga with 22 community leaders to see the Volkswagen plant and Adams said he will be meeting with the President of Roane State Community College Dr. Gary Goff and visiting the business incubator in Chattanooga to see their operation as the Crossville incubator gets ready to begin operation.

Adams said Goff was excited about what is happening in Crossville and he would be a good partner in the area's growth.

Adams was asked about the joint operation of the of the dog pound following controversy recently over actions of a county animal control officer and he explained that the county mayor is in charge of the operation and the city and the county split the operational costs. “You can only have one boss,” explained Adams, “that is the deal we made.”

Former Crossville City Manager Curtis Adams dies at 86

Curtis Adams, who served as Crossville City Manager in 2010 has passed away at age 86.  Curtis Adams was better known in Chattanooga where he was the longest-serving member of the Hamilton County Commission, also having served as its chairman. 

Curtis Adams, right, sworn in as Crossville City Manager

March 9, 2010, by then-Mayor J. H. Graham

(photo by Jim Young)

Adams served as City Manager for 1 year and 2 months before leaving the position with health issues.  He served briefly as East Ridge City manager and most of his working life was in marketing and advertising for Chattanooga Newspapers.

At one year into his tenure Adams praised Crossville saying, "We have165 of the best employees you'd find anywhere!” He added that the city also had great department heads.

Adams expressed his excitement over the purchase of the former bank building as the new city hall adding that it would allow the city to have everyone together back under one roof. He said the city also bought the area behind the building that can be used for open area or park.

Adams said he continues to be impressed with Crossville after moving to the community. “We have good schools and a good hospital here. We also have good houses for people to buy and some great neighborhoods. We have a big city feel for a smaller community,”