Information You Can Trust index.html en-us News ben@wlxonline.com 2011 A sheriff's deputy located an item in the roadway recently that turned out to be related to drug manufacturing. The deputy found a two liter bottle with tubing attached to it and a chemical mixture inside on North Brace Road in Summertown. Drug agents identified the item as a homemade gas generator used to manufacture methamphetamine. Hazmat was called to properly dispose of the item. 05 Apr 2010 20:43:46 GMT Dwanna Pusser, the daughter of Tennessee's most well-known sheriff, Buford Pusser, will speak at this weekend's Gobbler's Gala in Pulaski. Dwanna Pusser has written "Walking On: A Daughter’s Journey With Legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser." She still lives in Adamsville, the hometown of her famous father who was sheriff of McNairy County. The annual Tennessee Governor's One Shot Turkey Hunt and Gobbler's Gala will be held Saturday on the the Pulaski Square and will feature arts and craft vendors, food, games, and a music stage. The one shot turkey hunt dinner and concert will take place at Cardin Distributing at 5:30. Tickets for the dinner and concert are on sale at the Giles County Chamber of Commerce or the Giles County Tourism Office. Proceeds will benefit the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Foundation. 04 Apr 2010 18:08:57 GMT State warrants have been issued for a Lawrenceburg man for aggravated rape and domestic assault. A 25-year-old woman told investigators this week that her boyfriend, 49-year-old Paul Rickey Staggs was drunk and began beating her when she came home from work March 17th. She says he forced her to have sex and used a plastic bottle during the alleged crime. 04 Apr 2010 18:09:21 GMT A Tuesday afternoon vehicle accident left a man seriously injured. The single vehicle accident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday on West Point Road about a mile north of the Halfway Market. Witnesses at the scene indicated the person was traveling south in a Mercury Mountaineer and over turned the vehicle. Members of the Crawfish Valley Fire Department responded to the accident. The man was transported by Lawrence County E-M-S to the Gandy Fire Hall where he was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. His condition is unknown. 04 Apr 2010 19:25:24 GMT Submitted by Lawrenceburg Mayor Keith Durham I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for County Executive Paul Rosson in the May 4, 2010, election. His leadership skills, good working relationship with other local leaders, and understanding of community issues have been important assets during the last 4 years. Paul, and I, along with the other Mayors, are working hard to bring good paying jobs to our community. The latest 200 job announcement by Modine Corporation would have been difficult if not for our partnerships. County-wide teamwork has been the greatest asset that Paul has accomplished during his first term. In addition, the County and City relationship has been strengthened and we are more united to address long standing issues together. There has been the sharing of resources to accomplish many good projects for our citizens. This makes for a more efficient government on both sides of the street. I feel good about the future of our county as we continue our work together. Paul Rosson has been a Positive Leader for our entire county and I ask you to join me and cast your vote for him on May 4, 2010. Together we will keep our county moving forward. Sincerely, Mayor Keith Durham 04 Apr 2010 20:46:55 GMT Lewis County authorities are investigating a Wednesday night shooting. Lewis County Sheriff Dwayne Kilpatrick says the incident occurred just after eleven at a home on Troi lane. 33-year-old Richie Caroll was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical center With a gunshot wound to the upper torso. Kilpatrick says the department is looking into the circumstances of the shooting. 04 Apr 2010 18:46:38 GMT Circuit Court Judge Jim Hamilton issued an order Tuesday stating that the Lawrence County Animal Welfare League must return all animals removed from Jennifer Parrott's property on February 20th. League members say Parrott signed the animals over to the organization and that the dogs had been neglected. If the volunteers do not return the remaining dogs to Parrott by this Saturday at 6 p.m., they could be held in contempt. 04 Apr 2010 18:46:58 GMT On a bi-partisan 6 to 2 vote Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey passed a resolution through the Senate Judiciary Committee urging that Attorney General Bob Cooper join other states in fighting the implementation of the federal health care reform bill. Ramsey calls the federal legislation unconstitutional and says it will destroy state budgets across the nation. Ramsey says while Cooper released an opinion tuesday that state efforts to oppose federal healthcare legislation would be superseded by federal law, Cooper has not yet investigated whether or not the federal bill is constitutional. The resolution will be debated on the senate floor Monday before going to a vote in the state House of Representatives. 04 Apr 2010 18:47:17 GMT Lawrenceburg's City Council meet Thursday and approved two items of business. On second and final reading, the council amended its budget to appropriate $16,000 to Bertolini Corporation as an industrial incentive. The city had pledged a total of $80,000 in incentives to the company including up to $20,000 if the city received taxes due on the former Murray building. On first reading, the council approved bringing city codes in line with state requirements and Insurance Service Organization - or ISO - requirements. Changes include opting out of sprinkler requirements for homes and going with the less stringent 2006 energy conservation code. The ordinance updates the city's codes from 2003 to 2006 and 2009 codes. 08 Apr 2010 18:47:37 GMT The 1st annual Trail Ride on the River presented by the Elkton Police Department, will be held Saturday, May 22nd with a rain date of June 12th. Registration begins at 9:45 and the trail ride at 11. The ride will start at Elkton Park on Baugh Road and last approximately three hours. Concession stands open at 1. The Nora Mills Band will play at 2. The ride fee is $10 and includes lunch. Admission is $6 for adults with those 12 and under admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at Elkton City Hall and Lib’s. All proceeds go to Elkton Police Department Equipment Fund. 08 Apr 2010 18:48:03 GMT A wreck involving an Amish buggy sent some passengers to the hospital Friday afternoon. Emergency personal were called to the scene of the wreck just south of the Weakly Creek Road and North Locust Avenue intersection around 2 p.m. Witnesses indicated that a Chevy truck collided with an Amish buggy containing several passengers, rolling the buggy on its side. Two women, one female teen, and three children were transported to Crockett Hospital for treatment. The driver of the truck was not hurt. 10 Apr 2010 19:47:03 GMT A case involving the lawrence county animal welfare league and Leoma dog breeder Jennifer Parrott continued Saturday night with the exchange of six animals in the courthouse parking lot. On February 20th of this year, the league, along with members of the lawrence county sheriff's department, removed about 39 animals from Parrott's home, saying the animals had been neglected. The league says Parrott signed the animals over to the organization. Parrott then hired attorney Casey Long of Franklin who filed an injunction barring adoption of the animals. Judge Jim Hamilton then issued an order leaving the injunction in place until a full hearing on the matter could be held. Subsequently, district attorney general mike bottoms issued a press release saying he would not be filing criminal charges against Parrott and that all the animals were to be returned to her. Parrott was allowed to pick up animals being housed at the temporary jail facility. Last Tuesday, Hamilton issued another order that the league was to return all animals to Parrott by Saturday at 6 p-m. The league gave Parrott six animals and said a seventh was in rehabilitation. Parrott says she is still missing twelve animals. The league could be found in contempt of court. 04 Apr 2010 13:30:33 GMT A Saturday afternoon fire destroyed a home on Longbranch road. West End, Gandy and Southeast Lawrence Volunteer Fire Departments responded to the blaze that resulted in a total loss of the home owned by Jonathan Stephenson. The Red Cross was called to the scene, but fortunately, the homeowner had insurance coverage and no assistance was necessary. 04 Apr 2010 13:30:57 GMT A Saturday evening accident on Revilo road sent three teens to the hospital. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Jill Williams, 16, of Summertown was traveling north on Revilo road when the vehicle she was driving ran off the roadway, overcorrected and overturned. Williams was transported to Crockett hospital. Her two passengers, two teen brothers from Leoma with the last name of Kilburn, were both injured with one airlifted to Vanderbilt and the other taken to Crockett hospital. Trooper Josh Culp investigated the accident. 12 Apr 2010 13:31:20 GMT A west Lawrence County family has a smoke alarm to thank for their lives. Eric Nutt and his family lost their Gibbs Road home to fire shortly after noon Monday. Nutt said he and his wife were at home while their children were at school and heard the smoke alarm sound in the western portion of the home. They were able to escape the blaze before it consumed the residence. Members of the Crawfish Valley, Ethridge, Gandy, and West End Fire Departments responded to the fire. At least one firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion. The American Red Cross has offered assistance to the family. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 12 Apr 2010 19:08:37 GMT As Mayor of Saint Joseph, I have been able to work alongside County Executive Paul Rosson on several projects benefiting the City of St. Joe. Paul recently helped the Saint Joseph Fire Department obtain a new $300,000 fire engine through the Community Development Block Grant Program. Paul has been a great partner to our city on its economic development efforts, teaming with us to recruit and provide infrastructure for the new Dollar General Store. The county and city have also worked together on several waterline extension projects to provide safe and clean water to residents in our area. Paul traveled to Nashville to support our recent $400,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to rehab parts of the water system in Saint Joseph and Iron City. Paul is always just a phone call away and is always ready and willing to help whenever he can. Paul Rosson is a Positive Leader for our County. I am proud to join Mayor Keith Durham and offer my support for Paul Rosson as County Executive and I hope you'll join me in voting for him in the May 4th Primary or during Early Voting currently underway through April 29th. David Green Mayor, Saint Joseph 13 Apr 2010 18:28:44 GMT Lawrence County School Board members agreed Monday to proceed with a geothermal study and plans that would complete geothermal projects at two county schools. At Lawrenceburg Public, geothermal upgrades would include two classrooms, the gym and the water heating system. At South Lawrence, upgrades would include the gym, new lobby and concession stand and new athletic field house. With savings and grant funds, the projects would end up costing the board nothing. The plan includes no geothermal work at Coffman due to the expense. 13 Apr 2010 18:29:14 GMT Bargain hunters can shop til they drop this weekend. The city of Elkton, Tennessee will hold its annual mile long yard sale Saturday. The Elkton Fire Department will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks. For more information on this event call city hall at 931-468-2506. 13 Apr 2010 18:29:32 GMT A Lawrenceburg patrolman who has been off-duty for several months recovering from a motorcycle accident, is now in the hospital due to a Sunday car wreck. Officer Mike Smith was still off-duty due to the motorcycle accident that occurred last June when he was in a single-vehicle accident Sunday on Buffalo Road. Smith reportedly ran off the roadway and hit a pole. He sustained a broken rib and has a blood clot that is being monitored. He is recovering at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 13 Apr 2010 18:29:56 GMT A Loretto man has been arrested for rape. The alleged incident occurred on New Year's Eve at a Lawrenceburg residence and involved a 35-year-old woman. Investigators with the Lawrenceburg Police Department presented the charge to the Lawrence County Grand Jury that recently returned an indictment. Harold Jerome Hunt, 47, was arrested and arraigned. A trial date has been set for July 20th. 14 Apr 2010 17:25:29 GMT The former police chief of Iron City has been indicted on charges of official misconduct and false imprisonment. The charges, the result of a TBI investigation, involved an arrest the chief made in 2009. Jesse Barnett, 30, was arrested Tuesday. He is scheduled to appear in Circuit Court May 10th. Barnett was fired in November for hiring officers without permission, having three wrecks in less than six months and continuously purchasing items without proper authorization. A Channel 4 news investigation that aired that same week, revealed Barnett had previously been fired from one police department and forced to resign from another. Barnett denied any wrongdoing. 14 Apr 2010 17:25:52 GMT The Lawrence County Master Gardener Association will hold its annual plant sale on saturday, April 24th from 7:30 to 2 on the Agricultural Extension office grounds at 2385 Buffalo Road in Lawrenceburg. This once-a-year event features many hard-to-find and unique plants including 69 different heirloom and other popular tomato varieties, a wide selection of hot and sweet peppers, flowers, ferns, bedding plants, mixed pots, hanging baskets and herbs. Local master gardeners, extension personnel and local experts will also give several presentations on garden-related topics including general pruning techniques, building raised bed gardens, container gardening and growing mushrooms. Proceeds will support the Master Gardener Association in community service projects. 16 Apr 2010 16:34:37 GMT Giles County Executive Janet Vanzant has responded to accusations made by a county commissioner that county officials had not been forthcoming with information regarding county insurance coverage. Vanzant issued a statement Wednesday stating that the Giles County Financial Management Office and County Executive's Office have fully complied with all requests made by Commissioner Wendell Wilburn for the inspection and copying of insurance documents. Vanzant says documents are available for review by all citizens. Vanzant says Wilburn requested a copy of insurance invoices and the request was fully complied with. Vanzant says Wilburn has been quoted as saying that a county employee told him the requested information was "none of his business" but that Wilburn has not identified the employee who allegedly made that statement. Vanzant said Wilburn claimed he could save the county up to three-quarters of a million dollars on premiums but has provided nothing to support the claim. Vanzant says Wilburn claims the insurance provided by the county is not being let out for bid. Vanzant says the Office of Financial Management bids out insurance on a three year basis as required by law with one bid currently being advertised at this time. 16 Apr 2010 16:34:54 GMT A new group of French citizens will soon visit Lawrenceburg in honor of a local World War II hero who helped liberate their city from the Germans. The Mayor of the French town of Lezardrieux, Joseph Le Biller, will be among those to visit Lawrenceburg May 30th through June 11th. Lawrenceburg resident and World War II veteran Colonel Bob Hamsley was platoon leader of the 15th Cavalry Recon Squadron in August 1944 when American troops liberated the town from German control. Citizens from the town of Plelo, France, have also visited Lawrenceburg. Colonel Hamsley and other soldiers saved Plelo citizens who had been lined up before a German firing squad. Colonel Hamsley has also been honored in France for his military service. While here, the group will participate in Loretto's Memorial Day Parade, enjoy lunch at David Crockett State Park and explore Lawrenceburg's square among other activities. They will also travel to Nashville, Leiper's Fork, Pulaski, Pickwick and other area sites. 20 Apr 2010 17:46:41 GMT God's Storehouse, in cooperation with Nashville's Second Harvest Food Bank, will have a mobile pantry this Saturday at Liberty Chapel Freewill Baptist Church on Frank Street. The free food must be picked up between 9:30 and noon. Each family needs proof of income and the number of people in the household. 21 Apr 2010 18:06:17 GMT The Lawrence County Art Commission has announced the winners of the annual Marguerite Rose Burton Award Show. First place winner in the adult category was Bob Ray. Emily Land took second place and Vicky Garner third. Merit awards were given to Monica Hendrix, Terina Boyd and Nora Searle. In the student category, Savannah Riley came in first, John Hubbuch second, and Danielle Daughtry third. Earning merit awards were Marisa Hughes, Katy Hughes and Ashley George. The people's choice awards went to Emily Land in the adult category and Brooklen Kroeger in the student category. This year's art exhibit will remain on display at the Crockett Arts Center through Friday, April 30th. 21 Apr 2010 18:06:37 GMT The Tennessee Supreme Court has set an execution date for death row inmate Gaile Owens. Owens, 57, is scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection September 28th. The last time a woman in Tennessee was executed was in 1820. Owens was given the death penalty for soliciting the 1985 murder of her husband, Ronald Owens. The man she hired to kill her husband, Sidney Porterfield, also is on death row. Her attorneys have argued that her sentence should be changed to life in prison. They said that she is the only inmate who was put on death row after agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence, and that no jury heard the details of abuse she endured at the hands of her husband. The U.S. Supreme Court would not hear her appeal. Governor Phil Bredesen could still commute owens' sentence. Bredesen has not commented on the case. 21 Apr 2010 18:06:55 GMT Lawrence County authorities have charged two teens with burglary, theft and vandalism. Deputies were called to the American Legion on Highway 43 south in Loretto Tuesday where the victim told them that someone had broken the window of her vehicle and stolen her purse and numerous other items. The total loss was estimated at $3000. On Wednesday, deputies were assisting the Lawrenceburg police department with an auto burglary and were searching 18-year-old Dewey Seth Richard's vehicle when they found items taken from the victim's car. Richards was arrested. Petitions were filed on a 17-year-old juvenile for the same charges. Richards is scheduled to appear in General Sessions court June 4th. 21 Apr 2010 18:07:14 GMT Two Lawrence County men were arrested Friday on drug charges. According to a sheriff's department report, drug agents received information that Matthew Seth Fowler, 20, of Saint Joe, and Frank Channing Bromley, 20, of Iron City, had made a drug transaction in Maury County. Agents initiated a traffic stop in Ethridge. The report says officers found 10 grams of scattered marijuana, a pipe and $2400 cash in the vehicle. They also report finding $200 dollars on the two men and a three ounce block of marijuana in a nearby ditch. Both Fowler and Bromley were booked on charges of possession of marijuana for resale and possession of drug paraphenalia. Their General Sessions court date is May 10th. 26 Apr 2010 20:16:18 GMT A rate analysis and electric rate change are two items of business listed on the Pulaski Power Board's Tuesday agenda. Pulaski Electric System President and CEO Wes kelley Explains that PES is conducting an overall examination of retail rates as well as determining what it needs to do to prepare for an October change in the way TVA bills its distributors. Kelley says PES is considering a rate increase in the fall. The meeting gets underway at 7 a.m. 26 Apr 2010 20:16:40 GMT A sink hole developed on Highway 64 just west of State Highway 114 in Wayne County over the weekend. A 50 foot section in the middle of the road has cracked and dropped one to two feet. The complete east bound shoulder has dropped five feet. East bound traffic will be rerouted to state Highway 128 east. All west bound traffic will be rerouted to state Highway 114 west. T-dot engineers say it may take three to four days to make repairs. 26 Apr 2010 20:17:00 GMT Lawrence County investigators are looking into a case of attempted aggravated burglary that occurred in Summertown. A woman on Stevenson Road told deputies that on Thursday around 10 p.m., she heard a noise outside a bedroom window and that it appeared someone had tried to enter the home through the window. She told deputies that for the past two years, she and her neighbors have been having problems with a prowler or peeping tom. The woman said incidents only occur at her home when her husband is at work. 26 Apr 2010 20:17:16 GMT A Florence, Alabama woman has been charged with tenn care fraud. Officers arrested Desha Michelle Boggan Saturday at the state line for Tenncare, Food Stamp and WIC fraud and violation of probation. Boggan is scheduled to appear in Lawrence County Circuit Court May 10th. 26 Apr 2010 20:17:35 GMT Longtime Loretto Mayor Ronnie McMasters was unseated during Tuesday’s city election. According to unofficial results, McMasters garnered 164 votes to Fred Simbeck Junior’s 202. In the Alderman race, Willie Flippo took 182 votes, Gail Gieske 97 and Harry Lanier, 85. 348 voters cast ballots in Tuesday’s election. 28 Apr 2010 14:39:01 GMT It's still unofficial, but it looks like Lawrence County will be losing its head of economic development. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chad Chancellor confirmed Tuesday that he has been offered a position in Paducah, Kentucky. Chancellor said he may have an official announcement ready as soon as Wednesday. Unofficial reports indicate Chancellor will resign June 1st. Chancellor assumed his duties at the Chamber of Commerce in January 2008. In November 2008, the Chamber's Board of Directors extended Chancellor's contract through the year 2013. 28 Apr 2010 14:40:05 GMT A large tree collapsed on a parked vehicle during a storm Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 1:15 Tuesday at the Lawrenceburg Post Office when a estimated 50 mile per hour wind gust snapped the upper portion of the tree. A branch crashed down on to a late model car parked below. A woman was said to have been in the vehicle at the time of the collapse. She was able to escape unhurt with assistance from the Lawrenceburg Fire Department. 28 Apr 2010 14:40:59 GMT An intense storm brought several inches of rain to Middle Tennessee over the weekend. As of Monday morning 17 people were confirmed dead after flood waters and tornadic winds devastated portions of Davidson, Hickman, Williamson, Montgomery, Cheatham, and Wilson Counties. Among the hardest hit locations were in northern Hickman and Southwestern Davidson County, including Nashville. The Duck and Cumberland Rivers left their banks Saturday night flooding dozens of homes and leaving thousands stranded or without power. In Lawrence County flood waters damaged several county roadways and temporarily disabled Lawrenceburg’s fresh water supply system. Nearly all of Lawrence County’s volunteer fire departments were dispatched to rescue stranded motorists or provide flood control at some point Sunday. A Summertown family was rescued by the Swift Water team after their Railroad Bed Road home was isolated by raging flood waters. As of Monday Morning most flooded areas had seen a significant drop in water although some roads were still closed as a result of the damage sustained during the flooding. Lawrence and Giles County school systems closed Monday while work crews cleared debris and made repairs to county highways. 03 May 2010 16:48:35 GMT The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Lunch and Learn. Join Lawrence County's Director of Schools Dr. Bill Heath, as he leads a discussion at developing a deeper understanding of the generations in today's workforce. For the first time in history, we have four generations working side by side in the workplace. This creates many challenges for managers but it can also create many opportunities. The event is set for Monday, May 10th from 11:30 until 1:00 at Columbia State. RSVP and obtain payment information by calling the Chamber at 762-4911 or visiting the Chamber web site at selectlawrence.com 03 May 2010 16:49:33 GMT "Footloose" is coming to Pulaski's historic Staar Theater and auditions are being held for the production this week. Auditions are Thursday and Friday, from 6 until 9 and Saturday from noon until 3. Showdates are July 29th through the 31st and August 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th. Wear your dancing shoes and bring a prepared song with trac. Adult men and women, teen boys and girls, youth ten to 14, stage and tech crew members are all needed. Staar is searching for a country/pop band to play the shows. If interested, call Trish Brown to arrange audition time at 256-656-7119. Visit staar-arts.org for complete show information. 03 May 2010 16:50:30 GMT As tornado season gets under way, the department of Commerce and Insurance would like to offer consumers some tips for interacting with insurance companies and for selecting contractors: ·as soon as possible after an event that affects your home, contact your insurance carrier or your agent. Locate a copy of your policy and read through it. ·make a thorough inventory for your adjustor of all of the items missing from or damaged in your home. ·take pictures, if possible, of all damage - inside and outside, from several angles - to get full documentation before any repairs are made. ·secure and protect your property against further rain or other damage as much as possible without making permanent repairs. ·keep receipts for expenses. ·follow the claims-filing procedure set forth in your policy. 03 May 2010 16:50:50 GMT Attorney General Bob Cooper is asking all Tennesseans to be on the lookout for potential price gougers following the governor's declaration of a state of emergency in Tennessee in light of the devastating floods in west and middle Tennessee over the weekend. Some individuals may take advantage of the situtation by unreasonably or excessively raising the prices they charge for goods and services that are essential and vital to the health and welfare of storm ravaged consumers. Some examples of basic items people need to watch for possible extraordinary rising prices are: hotels and fuel rates; sump pumps; generators; shop vacuums; cleaning products and building supplies. 04 May 2010 17:36:04 GMT Governor Phil Bredesen has asked President Obama to declare 52 Tennessee counties as federal disaster areas following the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that struck the state beginning Friday. Should this initial request for assistance be granted, several area counties would have access to varying levels of federal assistance programs including Giles, Hardin, Lawrence, Lewis, Maury, and Wayne. Public assistance will also be requested in all categories, including individual assistance – individuals and households program; disaster unemployment assistance; crisis counseling; disaster food stamp program; american bar association young lawyers legal aid; and Small Business Administration disaster loans. 04 May 2010 17:36:26 GMT A Columbia woman wanted for rape has turned herself in to police. Melanie Lenise Patterson, 32, turned herself in to authorities this (Tuesday) morning. Police say the alleged crime occurred on May 1st at a Dyer Street residence and involved a 14-year-old boy. Patterson has a history of financial crimes and reckless endangerment and is on state probation until January 2012. 04 May 2010 17:36:56 GMT Voting is underway in today's Democrat Primary in Lawrence County. Incumbent County Executive Paul Rosson is being challenged by J. Mack Chandler while Kiley Weathers is trying to unseat County Trustee Cindy Benefield. The winner of the county executive race will face off against Republican nominee Jim Modlin in the August Primary while today's election will decide the trustee race. Jimmy Brown is running unopposed in the primary for sheriff as well as Circuit Court Clerk Debbie Riddle and County Clerk Chuck Kizer. Polls close at seven in the county's 23 precincts. Tune in to WLX for complete election coverage. 04 May 2010 17:37:13 GMT A court hearing involving the Lawrence County Animal Welfare League has been continued. On February 20th, the League, along with members of the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, removed about 39 animals from Jennifer Parrott's Leoma property, saying the animals had been neglected. Circuit Court Judge Jim Hamilton later issued an order that the League was to return all animals to Parrott. Parrott said she was still missing twelve animals. Parrott's Attorney Casey Long filed a motion with the court requesting a hearing on the contempt issue. The hearing was set for today (Tuesday). Lawrenceburg Attorney Daniel Freemon took the League's case Monday and Judge Hamilton postponed today's (Tuesday's) hearing. A new hearing date has not yet been set. 04 May 2010 17:37:35 GMT Springer Road, the most traveled street in Lawrenceburg, will be the biggest paving project for the Street Department this season. The road requires grinding and then resurfacing. The road will also be widened at the intersection of Springer and Weakley Creek roads to allow a turn lane. The traffic signals at Springer Road and Weakley Creek and Springer and Highway 64 will have a traffic camera installed to allow for more cohesive traffic control. The work on Springer Road will begin after school lets out for the summer and will be done in sections. The public will be notified when work begins with details concerning what section will be closed. There are several other streets scheduled for resurfacing including Admiral Circle, Business Avenue, Guard Drive, 1st Street from Springer to First Avenue and 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th streets will be resurfaced from First Avenue to Third Avenue. Citizens will be notified should the work require the closing of any street. 06 May 2010 18:17:52 GMT The recent flooding that left the Tennessee River muddy and full of debris has closed 200 miles of river to recreational boaters. The river remains open to commercial traffic. The portion of the Tennessee River closed to recreational boats stretches from Pickwick Dam to the Ohio River in Paducah, Kentucky. Coast guard officials have not set a date for reopening that portion of the river. Debris cleanup is continuing this week. 06 May 2010 18:18:07 GMT If you or someone you know has not applied for low income home energy assistance, it's not too late. The South Central Human Resource Agency still has regular energy funds available to help with utility bills. Those eligible must apply as soon as possible at the agency office located at 15 Public Square in Lawrenceburg. Applicants must provide proof of current household income and bring a copy of their utility bill. The deadline for applications is June 18th. The income guidelines changed in March making many more households eligible. The funds are not available to anyone who has already received an energy payment since August 2009. 06 May 2010 18:18:31 GMT A Lawrenceburg woman browsing through cell phone pictures of her children says she found one taken of her while she was asleep. The woman told sheriff's deputies Tuesday that she had left her phone on her dresser and that no one else was in her apartment when she went to bed. She says she was looking at pictures of her children on her cell phone the next day when she saw a picture of herself while she was sleeping. The picture had been taken with her phone at 2:25 a-m. She also noticed a bottle of her perfume missing and an attic access door in her bedroom closet that had insulation around it that she had not seen before. The case is under investigation. 06 May 2010 18:18:59 GMT Governor Bredesen announced the federal government has authorized a major disaster declaration for 12 additional Tennessee counties, bringing the total number of counties declared to 42. This action makes federal assistance available to individuals in several counties including Hardin, Lawrence, Lewis and Wayne counties. Bredesen asked President Obama to declare 52 counties federal disaster areas following the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that recently struck the state. 10 May 2010 18:57:53 GMT Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are available to workers in Maury, Perry and Williamson counties who are out of work as a direct result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that began April 30th. Persons who are unemployed as a result of the storms who need to file an unemployment claim may call 1-877-813-0950, extension 7599, from 8:00 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. Weekdays or call their local career center. 10 May 2010 18:58:12 GMT The Relay for Life of Giles County invites all cancer survivors to the annual Survivors Dinner this Thursday at six at First Presbyterian Church. Survivors and a guest or caregiver will enjoy a meal catered by The Hickory House. The Relay for Life of Giles County will be held on June 26th at the Giles Agri Park. 10 May 2010 18:58:58 GMT David Crockett State Park has had to rescheduled its Earth Day "Spring into Summer" 5-K and Family Fun Run due to bad weather. The events have been rescheduled for Saturday, May 22nd. That day is also a Volunteer Work Day at the park from ten until two. Registration for the events begins at 8 a-m in the swimming pool parking lot. Registration for the 5-K run is five dollars. There's no fee to participate in the Family Run Run. For more information call the park office at 762-9408. 10 May 2010 18:59:19 GMT Lawrence County High School's Building and Trades Program invites everyone to attend an Open House for their project home located at 110 Tyler Court in Dunn Sunday May 16th, from 2 to 4. Light refreshments will be served. The program has partnered locally with Rick and Karen Lanning on the first project home. The students in the construction, masonry, plumbing, and electrical classes at LCHS, with their instructor's supervision and guidance, have had the opportunity to receive "hands on" training applicable to their area of study while building the home. The home will be for sale with a percentage of proceeds going towards the program. 10 May 2010 18:59:37 GMT Giles County inmates may have to ante up for some of their expenses if measures under consideration by the Giles County Commission garner approval. Both resolutions require a two-thirds majority to pass. One would establish a five dollar co-pay for doctor's visits, a three dollar fee for a visit to the nurse or a dentist, a two dollar co-pay per prescription and the retail costs of over the counter drugs provided to the inmate by the county. A separate resolution would establish a fee, not to exceed the actual cost, for items issued to inmates when they are admitted to jail. The commission Will also consider a public censure of Property Tax Assessor Robert Steven mcgill, charged with DUI a year ago. Mcgill pleaded guilty on March 8th to DUI 1st offense and received 48 hours incarceration and a $350 fine and costs. He lost his license for a year but had the option to apply for a restricted license to travel to and from work. The public censure is a rebuke and warning to the official, but it does not affect his ability to carry out the functions of his office. The meeting gets underway Monday morning at the courthouse at nine. 12 May 2010 20:53:35 GMT The Lawrence County Election Commission says it has been inundated with calls from citizens wanting to know if a write-in candidacy is possible in the August 5th General Election, including candidacies for County Executive Paul Rosson and County Trustee Cindy Benefield, who lost this month's Democrat Primary. The local election commission submitted a copy of an e-mail from the state election commission today (Wednesday) to local media saying that a write-in candidacy for the same office is allowed for those who have lost a primary race. Benefield says she has been asked by many to run as a write-in candidate in August and says she is considering it but wants to leave her options open for now. Rosson echoed Benefield saying he has had several supporters ask him to consider a write-in campaign but hasn't yet made a decision. The deadline for a candidate to file notice of their intention to have their votes counted as a write-in candidate for the August Election is June 16th. The candidates' names would not actually be listed on the ballot. Voters would punch the write-in button on the voting machine, an alphabet would appear, and voters would key in their candidate's name. 12 May 2010 20:53:58 GMT School Director Dr. Bill Heath announced Thursday afternoon that the state has approved a waiver for the Lawrence County School System. Schools were closed for two days after heavy flooding in the area damaged county roadways. Heath says the waiver means the two days will not have to be made up and therefore the end of school date - May 25th - will not be affected. 13 May 2010 20:58:18 GMT For those who love history, especially Civil War buffs, or those who like to walk or bike through some beautiful scenery, Shiloh National Military Park makes a great destination. Shiloh national military park, located in Savannah, Tennessee is just an hour and a half drive from Lawrenceburg. Congress established the park on December 27th, 1894 to commemorate the April 6th and 7th, 1862 battle that raged around Shiloh Church and Pittsburg Landing. The park has over 4,200 acres and lots to see. The visitor center offers a 25 minute video, produced in 1956, a must-see prior to the tour. There is a small museum area offering a look at some authentic Civil War-era items. Visitors can purchase bugles, books and much more at the bookstore. The tour is flexible - tourists can walk, bike or drive. The park is open every day except christmas from dawn until dusk. The cost is just $5 for a family for seven days. Individuals just pay $3 each for seven days. For more information visit nps.gov/shiloh. 13 May 2010 20:58:41 GMT Tennessee Career Centers are announcing the availability of more than 2,000 area jobs to assist in the cleanup and restoration of flood-damaged properties. The jobs are mostly temporary, do not require experience, and offer pay rates averaging $8 to 10 per hour. Jobs can be found on the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Internet site at tn.gov or viewed at any Tennessee Career Center. Most applications must be completed in person at the Tennessee Career Center, or applicants will be directed to the proper contact with the employer. Applicants should bring identification such as driver’s license or Social Security card. To find Tennessee Career Center nearest you, call 615-741-0242. Lawrence County's Career Center is located with the Board of Education Office on Mahr Avenue. 13 May 2010 20:59:00 GMT The winners of the Lawrence County School System Knowledge Bowl Competition have been announced. The top ten individual winners were Trevor Shelton from E.O. Coffman in first place; Loretto Sacred Heart's Rhett Kennedy took second; A.J. Long from Ethridge was third; New Prospect's Kinley Jones placed fourth; Alison Helson was fifth from Summertown; in sixth place was Emily Grimes from Summertown; Lucas Grinnell of Lawrenceburg Sacred Heart took seventh place; Zach Voss from Lawrenceburg Sacred Heart placed eighth; South Lawrence's Jessica Vaughn and Leoma's Luke Fleming tied for ninth and tenth place. In the school category, Coffman placed first, Loretto Sacred Heart second, Lawrenceburg Sacred Heart third and Ethridge fourth. 13 May 2010 20:59:13 GMT Ask Lawrence County's 7th grade students what they learned from the "On My Own" program and they'll tell you that money doesn't grow on trees. The program, offered each year through the UT/TSU Lawrence County Agricultural Extension Office, reaches every 7th grader in the county. Students are assigned a job, income and family. They are given a "checkbook" and sent out into the "real world" to buy a home, vehicle, insurance, utilities and other necessities. Volunteers man the display booths that offer the services. Students go from booth to booth and have to balance their checkbook with each expense to get a taste of living on a budget. The program was held this week at Lawrenceburg First Baptist Church gymnasium. 14 May 2010 17:40:23 GMT Daniel Webb has been named the Interim Executive Director for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce effective June 1st. Over the past year Webb has served the Chamber as its Director of Economic Development and Finance and has been a member of the Chamber staff since August 2008. Webb was selected by the Board of Directors to serve as the Interim Director. Chamber Chairman Mike Watson says there are several projects currently being worked by the Chamber which are considering locating in Lawrence County and that Webb has been an integral part of those processes. Watson added that Webb was instrumental in the recruitment of Bertolini and highly involved in the efforts to secure Modine's expansion. Former Executive Director Chad Chancellor has taken a position in Kentucky. 14 May 2010 17:40:52 GMT Lawrence County's Democrat Party says it will evaluate whether a primary is the best means of choosing its candidates in future elections. Administrator of Elections June Davis estimates that this month's Democrat Primary cost between $25,000 and $30,000. Just 4,329 voters out of 26,321 registered voters cast ballots in the primary. It is unknown how many Republicans voted in the Democrat Primary because voters do not have to register with a party in order to vote. Fifty-two of Tennessee's 95 counties hold primaries but Lawrence County is one of only two to three where one party has a primary for county offices and the other party does not have a primary at the same time. The Lawrence County Republican Party chooses its candidates through a caucus. State Representative Joey Hensley says the county commission would have to request legislation to limit primary elections or to require the party to pay for them. Currently, if either party chooses to hold a primary election the county is required to pay for it. When asked about the primary process, the Democrat Party released a statement saying it will continue to strive to choose the best candidates possible to represent the county and will evaluate the primary process and decide if it is the best course for future elections. 14 May 2010 17:41:06 GMT The Lawrence County School System has announced the Knowledge Bowl competition winners from the 4th through 6th grades. New Prospect's Jordan Haney took first place, Ethridge's Mckinley Wheely second, South Lawrence's Bobby Vaughn third, Lawrenceburg Public's Presley Gobbell fourth, Loretto Sacred Heart's Garrett Duplantis fifth, Leoma's Peyton Hunt sixth, David Crockett's Sam Boyd seventh, South Lawrence's Joseph Reed eighth; Lawrenceburg Sacred Heart's Maria Kierstens ninth; Crockett's Ethan Cooper and Ingram Sowell's Riya Petel tied for tenth. Winners in the school category were South Lawrence, first place; Ethridge second, New Prospect third and Ingram Sowell fourth. 14 May 2010 17:41:22 GMT Insyte Solutions, producer of a variety of outdoor consumer, agricultural and commercial products and parts, has purchased Giant-vac brand of leaf and debris management products from Briggs and Stratton Corporation's Yard Power Products Group. Also, in a related transaction, Insyte's shareholders have acquired all the shares of Janiak Manufacturing. Insyte plans to integrate the Giant-vac/Janiak line of blowers, vacuums and debris products into it's 1.4 million square foot Lawrenceburg manufacturing and distribution facility. Insyte's plan for future product innovation includes the expansion of Giant-vac offerings via enhancements to existing products and the introduction of new ones. 18 May 2010 13:52:28 GMT *Phillip Blake Putnam, 22, accused of breaking his four-month-old baby's arm, entered a plea agreement. He was charged with aggravated child abuse. The charge was reduced to attempted aggravated child neglect. He received eight years at the Tennessee Department of Corrections as a Range One Offender which means he must serve a minimum 30 percent of the sentence. *Danny Ray Bishop, 46, of Centerville, was charged with scamming area businesses. He was accused of posing as a pastor and asking businesses for donations for a child suffering from cancer. He faced several charges of theft and criminal impersonation. He entered a plea agreement and received four years probation and was to pay restitution in all cases. *Patrick Swafford, 20, of Summertown, faced two counts of theft and two counts of aggravated burglary following a December 2009 incident that involved the shooting of a TWRA officer. He was indicted in March. His plea agreement cannot be made public at this time. His brother, James C. Swafford and father, Joe Howard Swafford, also face charges in the case. 19 May 2010 20:59:49 GMT Vandals targeted the mailboxes of two southeast Lawrence County residents, blowing the boxes up. A resident of Price-Jenkins Road in Revilo came home from work Monday to discover his mailbox had been destroyed. A C02 canister was found nearby. A homeowner on Old Florence-Pulaski Road in Leoma reported Monday that someone had also used a canister to blow up his mailbox. The cases are under investigation. Anyone with information can contact the sheriff's department at 762-3626. 19 May 2010 21:02:10 GMT The Giles County Board of Equalization will begin its annual session to examine and equalize the county assessment on Tuesday, June 1st. The board will accept appeals for tax year 2010 until Monday, June 21st. The board will meet each work day as needed for scheduled appointments at the assessor of property's office located just inside the Westside-Second Street railing entrance to the Giles County Courthouse. To make an appointment with the equalization board, call 363-2166. 19 May 2010 21:02:59 GMT Lawrence County's seniors will graduate this week. The graduation ceremony at Loretto High School will be held Thursday at six. Summertown seniors will graduate Thursday at eight. Lawrence County High School's graduation ceremony will be held Friday at seven. 19 May 2010 21:03:21 GMT A Lawrenceburg Police Officer is being hailed as a hero after he rescued a family of 9 from a Saturday morning house fire. Officer Blake Grooms was in the area of the blaze at the intersection of South Military Avenue and East Scott Street when the call went out around 8:30 Saturday morning.  Grooms responded after hearing reports of children being seen on the front porch of the residence.  Grooms entered the burning structure and removed the children and their parents who were said to be sleeping at time of the fire.  The Lawrenceburg Fire Department arrived on scene shortly thereafter and extinguished the blaze.  Grooms was transported to Crockett Hospital for smoke inhalation and was released a short time later.  No other injuries were reported.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 22 May 2010 18:35:06 GMT The Disabled American Veterans Mobile Service Office will be at the Lawrence County Veterans Service Office Thursday, June 3rd, from ten until six. The DAV will offer counseling and claim filing assistance. Help from the mobile service office is free to all veterans and members of their families. The county Veterans Service Office is located at 2375 Buffalo Road in Lawrenceburg. For further information, call Shane Liermann at 615-695-6384. 24 May 2010 19:52:42 GMT A Lawrenceburg Police Officer is being hailed as a hero after he rescued a family of nine from a Saturday morning house fire. Officer Blake Grooms was in the area of the blaze at the intersection of South Military Avenue and East Scott Street when the call went out around 8:30 Saturday morning. Grooms responded after hearing reports of children being seen on the front porch of the residence. Grooms entered the burning structure and removed the children and their parents who were said to be sleeping at time of the fire. The Lawrenceburg Fire Department arrived on scene shortly thereafter and extinguished the blaze. Grooms was transported to Crockett Hospital for smoke inhalation and was released a short time later. No other injuries were reported. The fire occurred while a young child inside the home was playing with a cigarette lighter. The Red Cross is currently assisting the family. 24 May 2010 19:53:00 GMT An American Cancer Society Relay for Life Community Yard Sale will be held this Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Rotary Park. A ten by ten spot costs $10 with proceeds benefitting the Relay for Life. To reserve a spot call 244-0171. 24 May 2010 19:53:18 GMT WLX News has learned that the 8 year old daughter of State Representative Dr. Joey Hensley has been hit by a car.  The incident occurred this morning near the Hensley home on Highway 20 in Hohenwald.  Reports suggest that the girl was near the mail box when a motorist hit her.  The child was transported to a Nashville hospital as a precaution with what are believe to be non-life threatening injuries.  We will provide more information as it becomes available.  Dr. Hensley represents Lawrence, Lewis, and a portion of Wayne County in the Tennessee House of Representatives.   25 May 2010 18:02:45 GMT Sheriff Kyle Helton has terminated the employment of three of his corrections officers due to misconduct and possible criminal violations uncovered in a continuing investigation by his criminal investigators. Investigators have presented the case to the Giles County Grand Jury. The misconduct/criminal acts stem from allegations of a male corrections officer having inappropriate contact with a female inmate. Other employees involved knew about the allegations and did nothing to report the situation to administrative staff. Other violations of policy and procedure also contributed to the terminations. The three former corrections officers are: Morris McElroy, Patrick Ainsley and Regina Thompson. Sheriff Helton said he will not tolerate actions such as these from his staff and will take appropriate action when he learns of them. 25 May 2010 18:03:17 GMT Iron City is a city no more. The Tuesday City Election was held for two commission posts - Jeannie Atwell and Eva Wix were the candidates. Also on the ballot was a yes or no question on surrendering the city's charter. 74 voted for the surrender and 45 voted no. The city has 60 days to liquidate its assets with any money remaining reverting to the county general fund. When the 60 day period has passed, the city will be dissolved. 26 May 2010 15:30:04 GMT Trial dates have been set for two Giles County teens accused of murdering a mother and her two children. This January a grand jury indicted William Angel, Junior and Matthew James Wood in the October 2009 deaths of Desere, Anthony and Jerrod Thornton. Both teens were indicted for three counts of first degree murder, three counts of first degree felony murder, aggravated arson, setting fire to personal property, aggravated burglary, theft and aggravated cruelty to animals. Both teens face the death penalty. Wood's trial is set for February 28th, 2011 and Angel's for May 9th, 2011. Motions are scheduled to be argued in Wood's case September 21st and Angel's case October 28th. 26 May 2010 21:46:19 GMT Giles County leaders may have found a temporary solution to Griffin Industries' decision to stop picking up deceased animals. Extension Director Kevin Rose says South Central Tennessee Development District Director Jay Mansfield has suggested a contract with Griffin Industries in which the company would transport the animals to a landfill for counties inside the district, including Giles, Maury and Lawrence counties, for a six-month period until a long-term solution can be found. Rose says picking up and disposing of the animals has become a cost issue for Griffin. The contract would have to go before the Giles County Commission for final approval. 28 May 2010 18:59:36 GMT Most Tennessee counties saw their jobless rates drop in April as compared to March, including Lawrence and its surrounding counties. Giles' rate for April was 14.2 percent; Lawrence's 15.2, Lewis' 15.4, Maury's 15.3 and Wayne's 13 percent. The rate decreased in 89 counties, increased in three and remained the same in three. Lincoln County registered the state's lowest county unemployment rate at 7.1 percent. Scott County had the state’s highest at 20.3 percent. 28 May 2010 19:00:07 GMT Government offices remind customers that they will be closed Monday for Memorial Day. In the city of Lawrenceburg, Monday's residential garbage pick-up will be on Thursday, June 3rd. Customers are asked to have carts out early Thursday morning. The Lawrence County Courthouse, administrative center, archives, library, solid waste service, Lawrenceburg Utility Systems and post offices will all be closed. 28 May 2010 19:00:22 GMT It took multiple agencies and a two and half hour chase but authorities were able to capture a man accused of raping a child this (Thursday) afternoon. Lawrenceburg police issued a statement Tuesday asking for the public's help in locating Steven Daniel Higgins. The sheriff's department and highway patrol assisted Lawrenceburg police in taking Higgins into custody after a chase that included the Summertown area and ended on Fish Trapp Road near the Piney Community. Authorities were able to track Higgins' cell phone. Higgins was a passenger in a vehicle driven by another male. The driver, who was not injured in the chase but requested an ambulance, and a female juvenile, both face charges. Higgins abandoned the vehicle and was captured on foot. He is currently being held at the Lawrence County Jail. 04 Jun 2010 18:45:05 GMT Did you purchase a Power Ball ticket? Someone purchased a winning ticket in Lawrenceburg and has hit the jackpot. Over 44,500 winning Tennessee Powerball tickets were sold for Wednesday night’s drawing including a $200,000 ticket purchased in franklin and a $200,000 ticket purchased in Lawrenceburg. A winning ticket for the $261.6 million powerball jackpot was purchased in Ohio. No additional information is available until the winners claim their prize. 04 Jun 2010 18:45:39 GMT The family of a child Lifeflighted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center Tuesday after an accident at the Rotary Park swimming pool says the six-year-old died Wednesday night. A call went out to emergency officials around two o'clock Tuesday that a child at the pool was not breathing. Samuel Lavka, a student at Ingram Sowell Elementary School, was attending day camp at the park when he apparently ended up in the pool and went under water. 04 Jun 2010 18:45:54 GMT State and local officials will unveil David Crockett State Park’s energy efficient green cabins on Monday. Upon certification as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the seven new cabins will mark the first of their kind in a Tennessee state park. These contemporary accommodations are part of a series of more energy efficient and environmentally responsible cabins or villas to open within the Tennessee state parks system in the past year. The new green cabins will be available to rent beginning Monday, June 14th, and reservations can be made by contacting the David Crockett State Park Office at 762-9408. 04 Jun 2010 18:46:25 GMT Salute to agriculture week in Lawrence County will kick off Sunday. This year's theme is “100 years of Agriculture, Extension, and 4-H in Lawrence County”. The salute kicks off on Sunday with the Lawrence County Advocate’s “Salute to Agriculture” insert that will be filled with educational articles and local photos. On Monday, the extension office will host an “open house." Tuesday, the Chamber of Commerce will host a Farmer's Appreciation Breakfast. Wednesday is “Farm City Day” at Rotary Park. Thursday will offer a tour of Century Farms. Friday, Lawrence County 4-h alumni will gather at the gazebo on the Lawrenceburg square and celebrate 100 years of 4-H. The week will conclude on Saturday with a junior goat show at Rotary Park. 04 Jun 2010 18:46:40 GMT State officials have launched the Nashville’s Trace Trail. The third of 16 self-guided driving trails in the discover Tennessee Trails and Byways Program, Nashville’s Trace features 165 tourism sites in Nashville, Davidson County and seven counties bordering the Natchez Trace Parkway, a national park and one of Tennessee’s five national scenic byways. The Nashville’s Trace is the result of multiple state agencies working together, as well as city and county officials in Davidson, Williamson, Maury, Hickman, Lewis, Lawrence, Wayne and Perry counties. The trail starts in Nashville and travels 102 miles of the Natchez Trace, directing tourists to historic main streets, restaurants, scenic spots, amish country, wineries and unique local attractions. For more information log onto tntrailsandbyways.com. 04 Jun 2010 18:46:55 GMT The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce has new leadership. A reception for Daniel Webb as the interim-director of the Chamber of Commerce and new project manager Ben Methvin took place Friday morning in Lawrenceburg. Webb obtained the director’s position after Chad Chancellor took a similar job in Paducah, Kentucky. 04 Jun 2010 18:47:12 GMT Lawrenceburg native Michael Bradley has been cast to appear in a television commercial alongside a world famous athlete. Bradley will join former W-W-E superstar Ric Flair in the commercial for the Tennessee Lottery. Bradley is a 2002 graduate of Lawrence County High School and a 2007 graduate of U-N-A with a degree in theatre and communications. The filming of the new ad took place Wednesday in Nashville. It’s set to run later this year on television statewide. 04 Jun 2010 18:47:34 GMT The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce named the 2010 Century Farm at this (Tuesday) morning's agriculture breakfast. Bonner farms, of Ethridge, owned by siblings Ronnie and Steve Bonner and Beth Thompson was this year's award recipient. They are the children of Betty Jean Bonner and Fay Bonner. Allen and Rebecca Ann Long acquired 138 acres in 1858 and established the family property which is located five miles north of Lawrenceburg. The Bonner Family raises black angus cattle. Lawrence Countians are celebrating their agricultural heritage with special events all this week. This year's theme is “100 years of Agriculture, Extension, and 4-H in Lawrence County”. Wednesday (today) is “farm City Day” at Rotary Park. Thursday will offer a tour of Century Farms. Friday, Lawrence County 4-H Alumni will gather at the gazebo on the Lawrenceburg square and celebrate 100 years of 4-H. The week will conclude on Saturday with a Junior Goat Show at Rotary Park. 08 Jun 2010 20:36:03 GMT An Ethridge man told a sheriff's deputy Monday morning that he awoke to find his dogs missing. The resident of Pleasant Valley Road says the theft occurred sometime between ten o'clock Sunday night and Monday morning. The dogs are an English bull dog and a Dachshund. Anyone with information on the pets whereabouts can contact the sheriff's department at 762-3626. 08 Jun 2010 20:36:20 GMT The city of Lawrenceburg will vote on its 2010-2011 budget Thursday. The spending package is based on the property tax rate of a $1.41 per $100 of assessed property value. The current budget is based on a property tax rate of $1.49. The new fiscal year begins July 1st. The city council meeting begins at 8:30 Thursday at City Hall. 08 Jun 2010 20:36:35 GMT A Hohenwald couple was arrested Wednesday on prescription fraud charges. Agents with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department and U.S. Marshal Service arrested Llewellyn and Carol Brown in Hohenwald. Carol Ann Brown, 40, is charged with three counts of prescription fraud and Llewellyn Brown, 44, is charged with two counts of prescription fraud and possession of a Schedule V drug for resale. They are scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court July 12th. 10 Jun 2010 16:59:31 GMT Lawrenceburg native, former senator and presidential candidate Fred Thompson visited his hometown Wednesday to sign copies of his autobiography. Thompson's book, "Teaching the Pig to Dance", includes stories about Lawrenceburg. The event was scheduled to take place from 4:30 until 6:30 but more than 700 people packed the city administration building to get books signed. Thompson signed the final copy around 9 o'clock. He spoke to WLX News about the experience: "Well, this has been a wonderful evening. You know, I knew that a lot of my friends would turn out and so forth but I had no idea the number of people that would show up to say hello and get a book signed and talk about the book. I think it really hit home with a lot of people. I think it made a lot of people smile and feel warm and that makes me feel good. It's just been a wonderful night and boy is my hand tired." 10 Jun 2010 16:59:48 GMT A Lawrence County couple faces drug charges. According to a sheriff's department press release, a CVS pharmacy investigator accused pharmacy tech Laura Mcconnell of stealing lortab pills. Authorities say Mcconnell admitted to stealing the pills and selling them and told them her husband, Robert Mcconnell, helped her sell the pills. Both face multiple drug charges. 11 Jun 2010 20:56:04 GMT Lawrence County authorities are searching for a woman they say has forged multiple prescriptions. Agents have obtained arrest warrants for Denise Brashears. She is accused of forging 17 prescriptions in Lawrence County over the past seven months. At press time, Brashears had not been located. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call investigators at 762-1608. 11 Jun 2010 20:56:20 GMT Crimes involving the theft of personal information continue to be a growing problem. A Lawrenceburg man told police Thursday that someone had created a check with his name and bank account information. The check, that was made payable to Freedom Subscription, showed up on his bank statement. A Florida woman contacted Lawrenceburg police recently saying someone had obtained information from her checking account and used the information to create several fake checks using a Nashville company's name as the heading. Some of the checks have been passed in Columbia and Lawrenceburg. 14 Jun 2010 18:07:07 GMT Giles County Relay for Life has added a new ceremony, the Circle of Light, to its list of activities at the annual county Relay on Saturday, June 26th. The ceremony will recognize those who have died from cancer since June 14th, 2009. To have a family or friend recognized during the ceremony, e-mail the name to Lucy Davis at aedde@yahoo.com. 14 Jun 2010 18:07:24 GMT Two men stole beer and cigarettes from a local store over the weekend. The owner of Brazier's One Stop, on Shotwell Road, told deputies he found the front door glass broken and three rocks lying on the floor of the business. He showed the deputy a video of two men breaking into the store and leaving with the merchandise. The case is under investigation. 14 Jun 2010 18:08:44 GMT Columbia police are searching for two men they say are involved in a counterfeit check ring. The department has been investigating the ring since May. Police say the payroll checks appear to have originated from Florida and businesses have lost more than $10,000 to the scheme. Those include Stanley Steemer, Roto Rooter, The Professional Cleaner, Merry Maids, Labor Ready and All Day Temp Service. Arrests have been made and more are expected. There are warrants on file for Daniel Adam Jones and Terry Ray Hovater. Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact police at 380-2721. 14 Jun 2010 18:08:58 GMT Democrat nominee for county executive J. Mack Chandler released the following statement in response to defeated incumbent Paul Rosson's decision to run in the August election as a write-in candidate: "In a fair and open primary election last month I defeated Paul Rosson by a 500-vote margin. He went on the radio that night and conceded the nomination, pledged his support to me, and asked his supports to support my candidacy in the August election. Mr. Rosson called me personally the next day and expressed the same support." "When the notion of a write-in campaign came up, the Democrat party leadership issued a statement supporting the winner of the primary election and calling the write-in idea a loophole in the law. Now Mr. Rosson seeks to re-enter the race with untrue statements critical of the other candidates' qualifications. I presented by qualifications in the primary campaign and a large majority of the voters chose me over his track record of wasteful spending. "But the main point I want to make is summed up in one simple question: Is this fair? I ask each voter to consider this question when they cast their vote in the August election." 14 Jun 2010 18:09:15 GMT Lawrence County Executive Paul Rosson has announced his intent to be a write-in candidate for the office of County Executive in the August 5, 2010 General Election. Rosson, currently in his first term as County Executive, made the announcement Monday, meeting the June 16 deadline to declare himself as a write-in candidate in advance of the August 5, 2010 General Election. Rosson said he made the decision after being overwhelmed by requests from citizens to offer himself as a write-in candidate. “I have been very humbled by the outpouring of requests about a write-in campaign,” Rosson said. “In the weeks since the primary election, it has become apparent that many of our citizens do not feel they have an adequate choice for County Executive in August. It has also become apparent that the county’s future is very much at stake. Therefore, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw my endorsement of the May primary winner. This is not something I take lightly, but based on many factors, I have reached a decision which I believe is in the best interest of our county. I am proud to offer myself as a write-in candidate and look forward to talking with as many citizens as possible over the next eight weeks about ways that our county can continue on its path to success. There are many good things happening in Lawrence County and I feel that we are on the verge of becoming even better. The most important task facing our county at this time is finding more jobs for our citizens. We are currently working on several projects, including a European auto parts manufacturer who would bring several hundred jobs to Lawrence County. It is vital that the team which has been put in place over the last few years stay intact so that our county can succeed on the job recruitment front. Now is not the time to allow hard feelings, grudges and those with axes to grind to hamper our county from economic development in the next four years. We cannot afford to stand still or move backward over the next four years because the future of our county’s economy is at stake. The review period for the recent state mandated reappraisal process is in its final stages. I will support the certified tax rate, which will lower the property tax rate by approximately 30 cents, after that process is complete. Our county’s financial standing is solid, which is evidenced by the bond rating upgrade earlier this year. During the next four years, I hope to continue working to strengthen our county’s financial standing while aggressively paying off debt. During the primary campaign, there was misleading information put out by our opponents. Over the next eight weeks, I plan to address these issues with facts. If you would like to discuss any issues facing our county, please contact me at 629-4126. Because I am a write-in candidate, my name will not appear on the election ballot on August 5. To cast a write-in vote, you will need to push the button beside the “write-in” choice under the County Executive heading and then type “Paul Rosson” into the election machine. Once you are finished with your other election choices, press the Cast Vote button as always. Election workers will be able to provide assistance in understanding this process. In closing, I want to offer myself as the clear and positive choice for County Executive in this important election. I humbly ask for your prayers and support as I re-enter this campaign and ask for the write-in votes of you, your friends and family members. 14 Jun 2010 18:10:29 GMT Wednesday's noon deadline for those in Lawrence County to declare themselves a write-in candidate in the August 5th General Election has passed without any new takers. County Executive Paul Rosson announced Monday that he would run as a write-in candidate. No one else, including County Trustee Cindy Benefield, declared a write-in candidacy. 16 Jun 2010 21:32:46 GMT There will be a free screening for financial assistance for Medicare beneficiaries at the Lawrence County Senior Center on Wednesday, June 30th from 9 until 2. Volunteer counselors from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program will provide individualized counseling sessions for anyone interested in getting assistance paying for their Medicare Part D prescriptions or their Medicare Part B Premium. 16 Jun 2010 21:33:03 GMT U.S. Representative Lincoln Davis will be hosting a public meeting in Lawrence County on Tuesday, July 7th at 4 p.m. at the Lawrence County Courthouse. Davis encourages everyone to come out and to visit with him and his staff. Visit the website house.gov/lincoln davis for more information. 16 Jun 2010 21:39:01 GMT Nine candidates will run for a spot on the Giles County Charter Commission in the August 5th General Election. Candidates are as follows: District One, Danny Lindsey; District Two, Alvin D. Reynolds, Senior; District 3, Gayle C. Jones and David Wells; District 4, Pierre Billard; District 5, Cacey E. Clark and Toby Howell; District 6, Sanderlan Clair Smith; District 7, Ricky Yant. The county currently operates under a state charter. The county's charter commission will write a county charter. A charter outlines a government's operational structure. The commission will have several months to compile the document. There will then be a public notice period before the charter goes to a yes or no vote in the form of a public referendum in 2012. 16 Jun 2010 21:39:14 GMT The Tennessee Valley Authority is raising rates for a fifth straight month due to higher fuel costs, adding up to $4 a month for residential customers. Compared to June, the July fuel cost adjustment will increase monthly residential bills between $1.50 and $4, depending on usage. The higher rate also reflects projected increased generation to meet summer demand. TVA has nearly 9 million consumers in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. 16 Jun 2010 21:39:33 GMT Tennessee Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley says Tennessee’s unemployment rate for May was 10.4 percent, down one-tenth of a percentage point from the April rate of 10.5. The May 2009 rate was 10.7 percent. The national unemployment rate for May 2010 was 9.7 percent, down from the April rate of 9.9. 21 Jun 2010 20:55:01 GMT The administrative staff of the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department hope to return to their former offices in a few weeks. The state fire marshal will inspect the renovation project this week and hopefully issue a letter of occupancy to the department. The staff has been operating from the first floor of the courthouse but hope to return to their original basement offices by July 1st. Visitation with inmates will resume in the newly-renovated basement area. Sheriff Kenny Taylor expressed his appreciation to Circuit Court Clerk Debbie Riddle saying without her cooperation, his office personnel would not have been able to adequately perform their duties. 21 Jun 2010 20:55:17 GMT Loretto Sacred Heart Church and School will hold their Annual July 4th celebration Saturday. A morning mass begins at 7; a 5-K run starts at 8; the country store opens at 7; games begin at 10 with rides, inflatables and mini golf. The Mr and Miss independence pageants will be held at 10:30. The first annual pooch pageant, "Strut Your Mutt," will be held at noon with a $5 entry fee. A bike parade begins at 1:30. The annual chicken and ham supper will be served beginning at 4:30 at a cost of $9 for adults and $4 for children under 12. The auction begins at 6:30 and will include handcrafted wood items, quilts and sports items. Hamburgers, corn dogs, ice cream and drinks will be available throughout the day. At 10 p.m., door prizes of $1,000, $500 and $100 will be drawn. Applications for the beauty pageants can be picked up at local libraries, the Children's Closet, First Farmers Bank, Loretto Telephone, Green's Gift Shop and the church office. 21 Jun 2010 20:55:33 GMT A Summertown woman wanted for prescription fraud was arrested Thursday. Lawrence County authorities had been searching for 38-year-old Denise Brashears. She is accused of forging 17 prescriptions in Lawrence County over the past seven months. She is scheduled to appear in court Monday, July 12th. 21 Jun 2010 20:55:47 GMT A Maple Lane home in Summertown was destroyed by fire Monday night. According to Sheriff's Department Fire Investigator Jamie Kiddy, the homeowner, David Chapman, had just mowed the yard, put the mower up and went to play golf. He received a call about 7:30 from a neighbor saying his home was on fire. Kiddy says the cause of the fire is still under investigation. 22 Jun 2010 20:38:18 GMT A continuing budget and certified tax rate are just two items up for a vote at the Lawrence County Commission's upcoming special session. The new fiscal year begins July 1st. The commission will approve a continuing budget until the 2010-2011 budget is approved. A resolution to accept the certified tax rate as determined by the state based on this year's reappraisals is also up for consideration. The certified tax rate is $2.735 per $100 of assessed property value. The current rate is $3.02. The commission would have to set the property tax rate at the certified rate when it approves the 2010-2011 budget in order for the certified rate to gain final approval. The commission will also vote on resolutions approving county and school board budget amendments, appointing trustees to liquidate the assets of Iron City government; closing certain governmental funds and approving a school system energy loan from the state's excess lottery funds. The commission meets Tuesday at five at the courthouse. 22 Jun 2010 20:38:30 GMT Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back this Saturday at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life which will be held at the Giles County Agri-park. The event opens to the public at 5 p.m. with opening ceremonies at 5:30. There will be lots of fellowship, entertainment, games, food, and fun for all, all night long. Call 638-4029 for additional information. 22 Jun 2010 20:38:44 GMT The city of Lynnville will hold its annual Blackberry Festival Saturday. Beans-n-greens will be available for purchase in the Lynnville Municipal Building starting at 11:30. Attendees will also have the chance to taste the world's best blackberry pie. Cost is $6 for beans, greens, and pie and $1.50 per slice of pie! There will also be arts and crafts, musical entertainment and a street dance Saturday night at 6:30. Vendors can call 527-0032 to reserve a space. 23 Jun 2010 20:27:59 GMT The Department of Health is offering some simple tips that can help reduce your risk of seasonal illness during the hot summer months. Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps and rash. Signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, rapid heart beat, nausea, headaches and cold/clammy skin. The very young and the elderly are at greater risk for health problems caused by extreme heat along with those who suffer with chronic diseases. To beat this month's unusually high temps: drink plenty of fluids; replace salt and minerals; wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen; schedule outdoor activities carefully; and pace yourself when working outdoors. 23 Jun 2010 20:28:16 GMT Lawrence County government has announced the winners of this year's first county-wide litter pick-up contest. Community clubs and their supporters collected more than 13,000 pounds of trash. The contest is funded by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Clubs delivered 13,210 pounds of litter to the Lawrence County Solid Waste Transfer Station. West End Community Club collected 6,660 pounds of litter, winning the first place prize of $250. New Prospect won second place and $200 by collecting 2,080 pounds of litter. Copperas Branch Community Club collected 1,340 pounds of litter, winning the third place prize of $150. Winning fourth place and $100 was West Point Community Club, whose supporters collected 1,180 pounds of litter. Henryville, Gandy, Center Point, Mars Hill, Crawfish Valley and Southeast Lawrence clubs will all receive $50 cash awards for participating in the litter cleanup campaign. Together, those clubs collected 1,950 pounds of litter. 23 Jun 2010 20:28:31 GMT Grant funds may help provide some additional safety to Lawrenceburg Police Department Officers. The city will likely approve a grant agreement with the Department of Justice in the amount of $18,000 for the purchase of bullet proof vests for police officers. The cost would be equally divided between the Department of Justice and the police department. The council will vote on the grant application when they meet in regular session Thursday at 8:30 at City Hall. 23 Jun 2010 20:28:48 GMT Lawrenceburg's City Council approved the city's 2010-2011 budget on first reading Thursday. The budget will be based on the state certified tax rate, however, and that number has not yet been finalized. The state certified tax rate will be around $1.41. The 09-2010 budget is based on a property tax rate of $1.49. The city will be able to collect the same amount of revenue from the certified rate. Whether or not citizens' tax bills will change will depend on their property reappraisal. The city's new budget equals $11 million plus in expenditures with approximately $10 million in revenues. Money taken from the fund balance will cover the difference. 24 Jun 2010 18:25:38 GMT Lawrenceburg leaders gave the green light to a host of items on their Thursday agenda. They approved a contract with Sports Turf Solutions for reconstruction of two city soccer fields. They amended the closure/post closure demo landfill contract to reflect the city's not having to post a $10,000 dollar this year. Tony's Lawncare will continue to mow Mimosa Cemetery. Multiple board appointments were made. The city conveyed a restricted lot at the end of voss street to adjacent homeowner Jeff White who has been maintaining the property. White is covering the necessary fees. The police department will split the $20,000 cost of bullet proof vests for officers with the Department of Justice. The department received a no-matching grant in the amount of $12,000 to purchase cameras for police vehicles. The street department is working on paving Bobby Brewer Park and plans to start work on springer road July 12th. Crowder field will be next, followed by Admiral Circle. 24 Jun 2010 18:26:12 GMT The parents of six-year-old Samuel Lavka, who died after an accident at Rotary Pool earlier this month, have filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the city of Lawrenceburg and the Lawrenceburg Rotary Club. The six-year-old was attending day camp at the park when the accident occurred. The lawsuit alleges in part, improper supervision of day camp participants and failure to properly train staff, keep participants under reasonably safe control, and set appropriate safety standards. The lawsuit claims the pool was "improperly and negligently supervised" and that counselors, staff and lifeguards failed to comply with regulations or policies. The lawsuit asks for funeral expenses, loss of earnings, court costs, general damages in the amount of one million dollars and five million dollars each for the parents - Samantha Dupree Allen and Terry Lavka. The family is represented by Nashville Attorney Bob Whitaker. 25 Jun 2010 21:39:22 GMT The deadline for flood victims to apply for federal assistance has been extended by a month. The deadline to apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration - which provides loans to homeowners as well as businesses - has been extended from July 6th to August 5th. You can apply online at disasterassistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA. 25 Jun 2010 21:39:42 GMT A YOUNG MOUNT PLEASANT GIRL WAS BIT BY A SNAKE AT DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK OVER THE WEEKEND. A PARK RANGER INDICATED THE 5 YEAR-OLD WAS BITTEN BY A COPPERHEAD SNAKE WHILE IN ONE OF THE CAMPGROUND AREAS IN THE EARLY EVENING ON SUNDAY. THE CHILD WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO CROCKETT HOSPITAL AND THEN TRANSPORTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT. HER CONDITION IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. 28 Jun 2010 21:08:59 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILL VOTE ON A CERTIFIED TAX RATE IN A SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY. A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE CERTIFIED TAX RATE AS DETERMINED BY THE STATE BASED ON THIS YEAR'S REAPPRAISALS IS UP FOR CONSIDERATION. THE CERTIFIED TAX RATE IS $2.73 AND A HALF PER $100 OF ASSESSED PROPERTY VALUE. THE CURRENT RATE IS $3.02. THE COMMISSION WOULD HAVE TO SET THE PROPERTY TAX RATE AT THE CERTIFIED RATE WHEN IT APPROVES THE 2010-2011 BUDGET IN ORDER FOR THE CERTIFIED RATE TO GAIN FINAL APPROVAL. SEVERAL OTHER RESOLUTIONS ARE ALSO LISTED ON THE AGENDA. THE COMMISSION MEETS AT FIVE AT THE COURTHOUSE. 28 Jun 2010 21:09:16 GMT THIEVES HAVE BEEN BUSY IN LAWRENCE COUNTY RELIEVING OWNERS OF THEIR WHEELS. ACCORDING TO SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS, A LORETTO RESIDENT HAD TWO 4-WHEELERS STOLEN SOMETIME LATE FRIDAY OR EARLY SATURDAY MORNING. THE FAIRVIEW ROAD HOMEOWNER LISTED ONE RED AND ONE BLUE A-T-V MISSING. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT 2000 DOLLARS. A FLORENCE, ALABAMA RESIDENT REPORTED HIS TRUCK STOLEN FROM A PARKING LOT IN LAWRENCEBURG. THE VICTIM SAW HIS 2006 WHITE, FOUR DOOR, DODGE PICK-UP AROUND MIDNIGHT SATURDAY PARKED AT A BUSINESS ON INTERNATIONAL DRIVE. THE TRUCK WAS STOLEN SOMETIME BEFORE 1:30 A-M WHEN THE OWNER RETURNED. THE TRUCK WAS VALUED AT 18 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 28 Jun 2010 21:09:34 GMT A COUPLE OF NEIGHBORS EACH HAD THEIR LICENSE PLATES TAKEN IN THE PAST WEEK. ON SATURDAY, LAWRENCEBURG POLICE OFFICERS RESPONDED TO A REPORT OF A STOLEN LICENSE PLATE FROM A VEHICLE PARKED AT A 6TH STREET RESIDENCE. WHILE ON THE SCENE, ANOTHER 6TH STREET RESIDENT FROM THE SAME BLOCK TOLD POLICE SOMEONE HAD STOLEN THE PLATE FROM HER VEHICLE WITHIN THE PAST FEW DAYS. THE THEFTS ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION. 28 Jun 2010 21:09:49 GMT CHRIS JACKSON HAS ANNOUNCED PLANS TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION FOR THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION. JACKSON, CURRENTLY SERVING AS COMMISSIONER OF THE 2ND DISTRICT, HAS FILED PAPERWORK TO RUN IN THE AUGUST 5TH GENERAL ELECTION FOR THE POST HE WAS ELECTED TO IN 2006. HE WORKS FULL TIME AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. JACKSON IS ALSO A STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA, A MEMBER OF THE LORETTO LIONS CLUB, THE COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS COMMISSION AND THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD. ON THE COUNTY COMMISSION, JACKSON SERVES AS CHAIRMAN OF THE TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY COMMITTEES. A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF LORETTO, HE IS THE SON OF ROGER AND JUDY JACKSON. 28 Jun 2010 21:10:04 GMT A MONDAY NIGHT FIRE DESTROYED A TRAILER IN SUMMERTOWN. EMERGENCY PERSONNELL WERE CALLED TO THE TURNPIKE ROAD HOME JUST BEFORE 11 P-M AFTER A NEIGHBOR CALLED IN THE BLAZE. THE TRAILER WAS FULLY ENGULFED WHEN MEMBERS OF THE HENRYVILLE, SUMMERTOWN AND ETHRIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED. NEIGHBORS TOLD INVESTIGATORS THE RESIDENCE HAS BEEN VACANT FOR A FEW YEARS AND THEY AREN'T SURE WHO OWNS THE PROPERTY. AN ARSON INVESTIGATOR HAS BEEN CALLED IN TO LOOK INTO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. 29 Jun 2010 20:32:58 GMT NON-REGISTERED LAWRENCE AND GILES COUNTY VOTERS HAVE (LESS THAN) ONE WEEK LEFT TO REGISTER TO BE ELIGIBLE TO CAST A BALLOT IN THE AUGUST 5TH GENERAL ELECTION. THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION IS TUESDAY, JULY 6TH. TO REGISTER, FILL OUT A FORM AT THE ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICE LOCATED IN YOUR COUNTY OF RESIDENCE. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICE IS LOCATED AT 225 CENTENNIAL BOULEVARD BEHIND THE COURTHOUSE. THE OFFICE IS OPEN WEEKDAYS FROM 8 TO 4. THE GILES COUNTY OFFICE OF ELECTIONS IS LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT OF THE COURTHOUSE ANNEX AND IS OPEN MONDAY THRU FRIDAY FROM 8 TO 4 AND SATURDAY 8 TO NOON. 29 Jun 2010 20:33:23 GMT THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE BOTTOMS HAS ANNOUNCED A FRAUD ALERT FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE 22ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT. A PRESS RELEASE ISSUED TODAY (TUESDAY) CAUTIONS RESIDENTS THAT A COMPANY CALLED GOLDBERG SECURITIES INCORPORATED HAS SENT NOTIFICATION BY MAIL OF LOTTERY AND SWEEPSTAKES WINNINGS DUE TO THE RECEIVER. THE WINNING NOTIFICATION INSTRUCTS THE RECIPIENT TO DEPOSIT AN ENCLOSED CASHIERS CHECK AND THEN SEND A CHECK FROM THE RECEIVER'S CHECKING ACCOUNT VIA WESTERN UNION TO COVER GOVERNMENT TAXES. THE CASHIER'S CAPITAL ONE BANK CHECK INCLUDED IN THE MAILING IS A FORGERY AND THE CONTENTS OF THE NOTIFICATION LETTER A FRAUD. ANYONE RECEIVING LETTERS AND CHECKS FROM GOLDBERG SECURITIES SHOULD CONTACT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE OR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. 29 Jun 2010 20:33:38 GMT LAWRENCEBURG BABE RUTH BASEBALL COMPLETED ANOTHER COMPETITIVE SEASON WITH FOUR TEAMS IN THE RUNNING FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP GOING INTO THE FINAL WEEK OF REGULAR SEASON PLAY. THE CUBS, SPONSORED BY DOCTOR MICHAEL BOYD, DEFEATED THE FIRST VOLUNTEER VOLS IN THE FINAL GAME AVOIDING A THREE WAY TIE FOR FIRST PLACE. THE CUBS FINISHED THE SEASON WITH 8 WINS AND 2 LOSSES. FRISBIE'S APOTHECARY BRAVES CAME IN SECOND WITH A 7 AND 3 RECORD AND THE HERITAGE CARDINALS ALSO WITH A 7 AND 3 RECORD PLACED THIRD. FIRST VOLUNTEER FINISHED 4TH, SOUTHEAST CARRIERS 5TH AND THE LORETTO MEMORIAL CHAPEL/MUSTANG CAFE MUSTANGS IN 6TH. 29 Jun 2010 20:33:53 GMT LORETTO SACRED HEART CHURCH AND SCHOOL'S ANNUAL JULY 4TH CELEBRATION WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY. THE COUNTRY STORE OPENS AT 7, A 5-K RUN STARTS AT 8 AND GAMES BEGIN AT 10 WITH RIDES, INFLATABLES AND MINI GOLF. THE MISTER AND MISS INDEPENDENCE PAGEANTS WILL BE HELD AT 10:30 AND THE FIRST ANNUAL "STRUT YOUR MUTT" DOG PAGEANT WILL BE AT NOON. A BIKE PARADE GETS UNDERWAY AT 1:30. THE ANNUAL CHICKEN AND HAM SUPPER WILL BE SERVED BEGINNING AT 4:30 WITH PLATES 9 DOLLARS FOR ADULTS AND 4 DOLLARS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12. AN AUCTION BEGINS AT 6:30 AND WILL INCLUDE HANDCRAFTED WOOD ITEMS, QUILTS AND MORE. DOOR PRIZE DRAWINGS FOR 1000, 500 AND 100 DOLLARS WILL BE HELD AT 10 P-M. APPLICATIONS FOR THE BEAUTY PAGEANTS CAN BE PICKED UP AT LOCAL LIBRARIES, THE CHILDREN'S CLOSET, FIRST FARMERS BANK, LORETTO TELEPHONE, GREEN'S GIFT SHOP AND THE CHURCH OFFICE. 29 Jun 2010 20:34:07 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG WOMAN WAS FLOWN TO A NASHVILLE HOSPITAL TUESDAY EVENING AFTER A HORSEBACK RIDING ACCIDENT. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, 24 YEAR-OLD LEIGH ANN ADAMS WAS RIDING HER HORSE ALONG THE DAM AT LAUREL HILL LAKE WHEN THE HORSE APPARANTLY SPOOKED AND BOLTED, THROWING ADAMS OUT OF THE SADDLE. THE VICTIM HIT A TREE WHEN SHE FELL FROM THE HORSE AND SUSTAINED HEAD TRAUMA INJURIES. THE WOMAN'S FATHER, BILL ADAMS, YELLED FOR HELP AND A NEARBY FISHERMAN TRANSPORTED HER BY BOAT TO AN AREA WHERE EMERGENCY PERSONNELL HAD ARRIVED. ADAMS WAS THEN TAKEN BY HELICOPTER TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER. THE INJURIES WERE NOT REPORTED AS LIFE-THREATENING BY E-M-S OR THE FAMILY. 30 Jun 2010 20:36:35 GMT THE GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS ARRESTED A PULASKI MAN ON DRUG CHARGES. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE, INVESTIGATORS EXECUTED TWO SEARCH WARRANTS ON JUNE 16TH ON THE HOME AND BUSINESS OF AN ALLEGED DRUG DEALER. DEPUTIES SEARCHED THE HOME ON GARLAND DRIVE AND LIL MISS EMILY'S RESTAURANT ON NORTH SECOND STREET BOTH OWNED BY RALPH STEPHEN WALKER. THE SEARCH RESULTED IN PRESCRIPTION NARCOTICS, MARIJUANA, DRUG PARAPHENALIA AND MORE THAN 6600 DOLLARS IN CASH. INVESTIGATORS ALSO FOUND ILLEGAL POKER MACHINES AT THE RESTAURANT. CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE DRUG OFFENSES, INCLUDING SELLING NARCOTICS WITHIN 1000 FEET OF A DAYCARE, WALKER'S CASE WILL BE PRESENTED TO AN UPCOMING SESSION OF THE GRAND JURY. SHERIFF KYLE HELTON SAID HIS DEPUTIES WILL CONTINUE TO WORK HARD EVERY DAY COMBATING DRUGS AND OTHER ILLICIT CRIMES IN GILES COUNTY. 30 Jun 2010 20:36:50 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION MET IN SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY AND APPROVED A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE STATE CERTIFIED TAX RATE FOR THE 2010-2011 FISCAL YEAR. THE RATE, RECOMMENDED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION, IS $2.74 PER 100 DOLLARS OF ASSESSED PROPERTY VALUE AND PASSED WITH ALL COMMISSIONERS VOTING FOR THE MEASURE. THE STATE DETERMINED THIS RATE WILL PROVIDE ABOUT THE SAME TAX REVENUE FOR THE COUNTY WHILE BEING LOWER THAN THE CURRENT RATE OF $3.02 DUE TO PROPERTY REAPPRAISALS. THE NEW CERTIFIED PROPERTY TAX RATE WILL BE INCLUDED WHEN THE COMMISSION APPROVES A FINAL 2010-2011 COUNTY BUDGET. 30 Jun 2010 20:37:09 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APPROVED SEVERAL ITEMS AT A TUESDAY SPECIAL SESSION. ALL THE COMMISSIONERS VOTED FOR A RESOLUTION APPOINTING TRUSTEES TO OVERSEE THE LIQUIDATION OF ASSETS OF THE IRON CITY GOVERNMENT. A MAJORITY OF IRON CITY RESIDENTS VOTED TO SURRENDER THE CITY CHARTER AND UNINCORPORATE THE CITY AT THE MAY 25TH ELECTION. BY LAW, ASSETS OF THE FORMER CITY BECOME PROPERTY OF THE COUNTY. ANTHONY PURSER, BOBBY CLIFTON AND TERESA PURCELL WERE NAMED TRUSTEES FOR THE LIQUIDATION PROCESS. THE BOARD ALSO APPROVED A RESOLUTION ISSUING CAPTIAL OUTLAY NOTES TO FUND THE COMPLETION OF THE GEOTHERMAL PROJECTS AT TWO LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOLS. FUNDING FROM THE STATE ENERGY EFFICIENT SCHOOLS COUNCIL WILL PAY FOR THE PROJECTS AT LAWRENCEBURG PUBLIC AND SOUTH LAWRENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. ALL OTHER RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA PASSED. 30 Jun 2010 20:37:23 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN ESCAPED SERIOUS INJURY THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT. THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL REPORTED THAT AROUND 8:30, 37 YEAR-OLD JONATHAN GIST WAS TRAVELING ALONG NORTH HOOD ROAD WHEN HE FAILED TO NEGOTIATE A CURVE AND RAN OFF THE ROADWAY. GIST, DRIVING A 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE, SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO HIS FACE. TROOPER JAMIE BENEFIELD INVESTIGATED THE WRECK FOR THE T-H-P. 30 Jun 2010 20:37:38 GMT THE PLAYERS SELECTED FOR THIS YEAR'S 13 YEAR-OLD LAWRENCEBURG BABE RUTH BASEBALL ALL STARS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED. THE TEAM INCLUDES: KONNOR AMBROSE, JASE CARVELL, COLE CREWS, BEN FARRINGTON, KODY GOBBLE, ERIC HICKS, LOGAN LITTRELL, SETH NOEL, WILL NORWOOD, KALLEN ROCHELLE, HUNTER SMITH AND PEYTON SOCKWELL. CHRIS SOCKWELL, JEFF ROCHELL AND SCOTT BEASLEY WILL COACH THE TEAM. THE 13'S WILL FACE GILES COUNTY AT SAM DAVIS PARK IN PULASKI JULY 8TH AT 8 IN THE DISTRICT TOURNAMENT. 30 Jun 2010 20:37:55 GMT There weren't any fireworks in the Wal-mart parking lot Sunday, but there could have been had a passerby not noticed a working meth lab inside a culvert near the store. The call came in to emergency personnel around 1:30. Lawrenceburg Fire Chief Don Kelly said someone located a working methamphetamine lab inside a culvert in the southwest corner near the Wal-mart parking lot. The Lawrenceburg Police Department, Lawrence County Sheriff's Department drug agents, and the Lawrenceburg Fire Department's Haz Mat Team responded to investigate and clean-up the lab. 04 Jul 2010 19:55:41 GMT Non-registered Lawrence and Giles County voters have just one day left to register to vote in the August 5th General Election. To register, fill out a form at the election commission office located in your county of residence. The Lawrence County Election Commission office is located at 225 Centennial Boulevard behind the courthouse. The office is open weekdays from 8 to 4. The Giles County Office of Elections is located in the basement of the courthouse annex and is open Monday thru Friday from 8 to 4 and Saturday 8 to noon. The deadline to register is Tuesday. 05 Jul 2010 18:44:42 GMT The Lawrence County Organization for Community Improvement is hosting a politcal debate Saturday, July 17th at Rotary Park at six o'clock. Organizers say they had planned the debate for the three candidates for county executive but that Republican candidate Jim Modlin and Democrat candidate J. Mack Chandler have both declined to participate. The debate will go on as planned, however, with write-in candidate County Executive Paul Rosson. Moderator Jim York will ask questions of Rosson who will also field questions from the public. For more information contact event organizer Robert Martin at 477-6413. 05 Jul 2010 18:45:06 GMT A new federal tax is now in effect that ups the ante for those in search of a tan. The federal law, that went into effect July 1st, taxes individuals who use tanning salons an extra 10 percent. The International Agency for Research on Cancer recently moved tanning beds to its highest cancer risk category, labeling them "carcinogenic to humans." More than one million americans use tanning salons. The tax will help fund health-care reform. Critics say tanning salons didn't have a strong enough lobby to fight off the tax. 05 Jul 2010 18:45:22 GMT Lawrence County High School will provide students who pre-registered in the spring with their fall 2010 academic schedule beginning on July 20th. New students to the Lawrence County School System may register: Tuesday, July 20th. Seniors can register from 8:15 to 11:00 and juniors from 1 until 3 sophomores can register Wednesday, July 21st from 8:15 to 11:15. Freshmen can register Thursday, July 22nd from 8:30 to 11:00 and 3:30 to six with a freshmen parent meeting to be held at six in the cafeteria. Academic schedules can be picked up on Wednesday, July 21st between 1:15 and 2:45 08 Jul 2010 18:51:18 GMT Lawrenceburg will be hosting this year's nine and ten-year-old Little League State Championship Tournament at Bobby Brewer Park Saturday, July 17th. Games will be held Saturday, July 17th at one, three, five and seven o'clock and on Sunday through Wednesday at six and eight each night. The Lawrenceburg Street Department has been working hard to pave the park road and will be striping and curbing the road over the coming days. The department will have the job completed by tournament time. 08 Jul 2010 18:51:34 GMT Lawrenceburg's City Council accepted the state certified tax rate and adopted their 2010-2011 budget at their Thursday meeting. The budget is based on the state certified tax rate of 1.4234. The certified rate will bring in the same amount of revenue as last year's property tax rate of $1.49, based on this year's property reappraisals. Whether property owners will pay the same, more or less in property taxes will depend on their reappraisal. The 2010-2011 budget calls for $11.2 million in expenditures and $10.1 million in revenues with the difference covered by the city's fund balance. A public hearing will be held on the budget at the next city council meeting on July 22nd when it will be up for a final vote. A resolution to use Ticketsage for Crockett Theater ticket sales was tabled and all other resolutions approved Thursday morning. 08 Jul 2010 18:51:51 GMT It looks like area farmers who need dead cattle picked up will have to call Appertain. Griffin Industries stopped picking up dead animals on July 3rd. The South Central Tennessee Development District is working on a contract with Appertain Middleton in Murfreesboro to pick up deceased livestock over the next six months until a permanent solution can be found. Giles County will pay $34,512 during the six month period plus $1,000 for a study to create a long-term solution. The district serves ten other counties including Lawrence. Lawrence County Executive Paul Rosson says the county Purchasing Committee has approved the contract that will need to go before the full commission at its July 27th meeting. Those in Giles County can call 363-8284 for pick up. 08 Jul 2010 18:52:04 GMT Lawrenceburg's Animal Control Officer is facing drug charges. Steven Dell Henson, 44, of Lawrenceburg, faces charges of manufacture and promotion of methamphetamine. He was arrested last (Thursday) night. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Terry Beecham says agents discovered several locations that showed evidence the drug was being manufactured, including one near the city's animal control facility. Agents reported finding items in storage used to make the drug. They say Henson used an individual on work release to manufacture the drug and purchase ingredients. Henson was being held in the Lawrence County Jail this (Friday) morning on a $100,000 bond. He is on administrative leave without pay and is scheduled to appear in court September 20th. 09 Jul 2010 16:41:18 GMT Lawrence and Giles County officers are meeting Friday to discuss an upcoming visit from the Aryan Nations group. The white supremacist organization, headquartered in Idaho, has a permit to march in Pulaski next weekend and will be staying at David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg. Officials say they don't expect the march to draw much of a crowd with past rallies only averaging about ten specatators each. 09 Jul 2010 16:41:34 GMT A Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy is in Vanderbilt Medical Center after being shot while responding to a demos tic violence call Tuesday evening.  Deputy Bryon Shelton responded to the call on Dogwood Lane in Leoma around 6:30 Tuesday evening.  The officer was shot twice, once in the lower abdomen and again in the right buttocks.  Shelton was transported by helicopter to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in an unknown condition however reports indicate he was alert and able to communicate with EMS workers.  There is no word on the status or identity of the shooter at this time.  The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident and has indicated that more information would be released Wednesday morning. 14 Jul 2010 02:14:57 GMT A Lawrence County deputy is being called a hero after a fatal Tuesday night shooting. Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Terry Beecham said Deputy Byron Shelton responded to a 911 call made by Jerri Mccormack. Beecham says her estranged husband, 42-year-old Whit Mccormack, broke into her home. Emergency dispatchers lost contact with Jerri Mccormack and Shelton made the decision to enter the home. Beecham says a gun battle ensued. Beecham credits Shelton with saving Jerri Mccormack's life saying, "Had he not acted when he acted, how he acted, the situation would have had a different outcome." Shelton was shot twice. Beecham says Shelton's magazine belt protected his femoral artery, likely saving Shelton's life. Shelton underwent surgery at Vanderbilt Tuesday night to remove a section of damaged bowel. He may be able to come home in a couple of days. Whit Mccormack died at the scene. The TBI is investigating the shooting. 15 Jul 2010 14:36:50 GMT An Iron City man has been arrested for vehicular homicide. Steven Brock Tidwell, 22, was indicted on charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. The charges resulted from an accident that occurred in April 2009. The crash occurred on Holly Creek Road. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Steven Tidwell was driving a 2002 Pontiac when the vehicle left the roadway, hit a culvert, went airborne and overturned. Passenger Gregory Tidwell, 36, of Cypress Inn was killed. Steven Tidwell and passenger Matthew Chambers, 26, of Iron City, were both injured. Tidwell's court date is set for August 9th. 15 Jul 2010 14:37:05 GMT Giles County leaders hope to have a budget passed come Monday. The 2010-2011 budget is based on the same property tax rate as last year's budget - $3.07. Expenditures are as follows: county general fund, $8.9 million; schools, $30.1 million; highways, $4.4 million; debt service fund, $1.9 million; ambulance fund, $2 million; solid waste fund, $115,384; and drug control fund, $96,000. Non-profit appropriations total $313,503 with $205,000 of that going towards the Giles County Rescue Squad. The budget and other agenda items are up for a vote at the Giles County Commission's Monday meeting that begins at 9 at the courthouse. 15 Jul 2010 14:37:22 GMT The Alzheimer's Association has launched Trialmatchtm, a confidential and free tool that provides comprehensive clinical trial information and an individualized trial matching service for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Trialmatch offers web and phone support, specially trained staff, and tools developed with input from people with Alzheimer's. There are as many as 5.3 million Americans living with the disease and every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease. Trialmatch can be accessed on the web at alz.org/trialmatch or by calling 1-800-272-3900. 15 Jul 2010 14:37:40 GMT Country Cottage Assisted Living and the Alzheimer's Association will present a "Lunch and Learn" event Tuesday, July 20th at noon at Coleman United Methodist Church. The program will feature "Depression and Dementia" by Dr. Donna Mckenzie. Lunch will be served. For more information contact Mary Sue Troup at 242-3946. 15 Jul 2010 14:37:55 GMT The Maury County Arts Guild will hold auditions this week for those ages 13 through 19 for its upcoming teen theater performance. This year's teen play is "The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf," directed by Katie Ziegler. Auditions are this Friday from 6:30 to 8 and Saturday from two until four at the Arts Guild. Show dates are September third through the fifth and September 10th through the 12th. There are 22 roles to be cast plus plenty of support staff spots. For more information call 381-9494 or visit the web site artsguild.org. 15 Jul 2010 14:38:08 GMT Lawrenceburg's 16-18 Year Old Babe Ruth Team members came through the loser's bracket and defeated South Lincoln 11 to 2 and 6 to 4 to claim the East Tennessee Babe Ruth State Championship in Baxter, Tennessee. Lawrenceburg advances to the southeast regional in Lewisburg and will take on North Florida Thursday at 10. 19 Jul 2010 21:23:23 GMT A Lawrenceburg man was arrested Monday morning on a charge of attempted first degree murder. Paul Dan Smith, 48, is charged with attacking his ex-wife Rachel Brown at her Old Jackson Highway home on Saturday. Brown told deputies that she heard knocking and when she opened the back door, Smith grabbed her and cut her with a knife leaving a large laceration to the side of her face. Smith then fled. Brown says Smith has been harrassing her for the past few months. 19 Jul 2010 21:23:38 GMT Giles County leaders had to postpone a vote on their 2010-2011 budget because it didn't appear in the newspaper the required number of days before the vote. The 2010-2011 budget is based on the same property tax rate as last year's budget - $3.07. The commission will reconvene on Friday, July 30th at eleven o'clock at the courthouse to vote on the budget and related resolutions. In other business, the commission voted not to change speaking rules for committee meetings and approved a state litter grant. 19 Jul 2010 21:23:55 GMT A Summertown High School Band Director accused of statutory rape has pleaded guilty. Jim Tucker was indicted on five counts of statutory rape by an authority figure. Tucker pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated statutory rape and received two years for each count. He will have to serve a minimum of 30 percent of that sentence at the Tennessee Department of Corrections. The 41-year-old was accused of having sex with a sixteen-year-old student. He had been scheduled to stand trial Tuesday. 19 Jul 2010 21:24:10 GMT The trustees appointed to terminate the affairs and dispose of the property of the city of Iron City will meet on Wednesday at 2 in the second floor conference room at the Lawrence County Administrative Center. The trustees were appointed to liquidate the assets of Iron City Government. 19 Jul 2010 21:24:24 GMT A Columbia man was killed in a Giles County motorcycle accident Monday night. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 37-year-old Gregory Van Dette was traveling westbound on Kerr-hill Road when he failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the road and struck a tree. Van Dette's wife had reported him missing after he did not return home from his bike ride. A passerby noticed the accident Tuesday morning. Investigating Trooper was Harvey Briggs. 20 Jul 2010 21:51:43 GMT Lawrenceburg Community Theater presents a comedy play in the cozy, comfortable atmosphere of the Loretto High School Theater. Performances of "Lie, Cheat and Genuflect" will be held July 30th and 31st, August 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th at 7 p.m. A matinee performance will be August 15th at 2:30. The three act comedy is directed by Brandon Weaver and is about two morally challenged brothers scheming their way into an inheritance to pay off a debt to a mobster. The cast includes: Atticus Wright, Michael Bradley, Dottie Rohling, Kevin Kilpatrick, Jessica Kerstiens, Murphee Wright, Blake Barnett and Heather Compton. Tickets are 10 dollars for adults and 5 dollars for students and children. Advance tickets are available at First Farmers bank in Loretto and Lawrenceburg, the Mustang Cafe or by calling 231-9706. 20 Jul 2010 21:52:01 GMT A Pulaski man accused of murder is set to be arraigned Monday. Authorities arrested 42-year-old Robert W. Garner, of Pulaski, in February. He is charged with the first degree murder of Brenda Wilburn, whose remains were found inside her burned Hicks Cut Road home in January. Garner is scheduled to appear in Giles County Circuit Court Monday at 9. 20 Jul 2010 21:52:19 GMT Early voting is in full swing with hundreds of voters casting early ballots in the August 5th General Election and State Primary. The Lawrence County Election Commission started Tuesday morning with a total of 763 early votes. That includes the two satellite locations - Loretto City Hall and ASAP Hardware in Summertown. In Giles County, as of Tuesday at eleven o'clock, 426 voters had cast early ballots. Early voting continues through the end of the month. 20 Jul 2010 21:52:34 GMT Summer break is coming to a close for students in Giles County. The first day of school for Giles County students is Monday, August 2nd. Fall break will be held October 11th through the 15th. Christmas break will be December 18th through January 3rd. Spring vacation will be held from March 28th through April 1st. For more information about Giles County Schools, call 363-4558. The Board of Education office is located at 270 Richland Drive in Pulaski. The board of education website is giles-lea.giles.k12.tn.us. 22 Jul 2010 19:57:41 GMT Parents in Lawrence County who are looking for their child's school supply list can find it on the Board of Education's web site. Many stores also have copies of the lists available. Parents can access the school system's web site at lcss.us, then go to school supply list, to find each school's list. If your child's grade is not yet listed, it will be placed on the site shortly. 22 Jul 2010 19:59:25 GMT Lawrenceburg's City Council finalized the 2010-2011 budget Thursday morning. The budget is based on the state certified tax rate, approximately $1.42. All other business was approved including a lease agreement with the Rotary Club. The club has purchased four pieces of property on Jackson Street and North Military Avenue and wanted to deed the land to the city, adding it to the current lease agreement. The property will be part of the park but the club won't have to pay property taxes on it. 22 Jul 2010 19:59:49 GMT A writer for USA Today was in Lawrenceburg Thursday afternoon to do an article on the one-hundred year anniversary of southern gospel music. It's not the first time that Lawrenceburg's James D. Vaughan, the Father of Southern Gospel, and his musical heritage has been highlighted in print. "Singing News" magazine's January issue featured a story on southern gospel music's first 100 years that included a portrait of Vaughan. Vaughan also ran a publishing company and created the Vaughan quartet and schools of music. Memorabilia can be found at the museum located in the Suntrust Bank building on the downtown square. Also, a few tickets are left for this year's Vaughan Music Festival set for July 30th and 31st at the Crockett Theater. Tickets are available Monday through Friday from eight to 4:30 at the Lawrenceburg City Administration Building. 22 Jul 2010 20:00:40 GMT Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Daniel Webb updated Lawrenceburg's City Council on the Chamber's efforts to help small businesses and recruit industry. Webb says the Chamber's efforts to assist future and current small business owners includes offering them help with business plans, low-interest loan and grant information, the Lunch & Learn program and seminars on such topics as healthcare reform and marketing strategies. Webb says the next Chamber business expo will be a regional one, including several neighboring counties. Regarding industry recruitment, Webb says the Chamber is working seven existing projects and eight new ones since June 6th. 22 Jul 2010 20:01:00 GMT More than 150,000 Tennesseans have already decided to enjoy the convenience of early voting. Through the first five days of early voting, more than 153,000 people voted statewide. In Lawrence County, 1,749 have cast early ballots, 648 of those Democrats and 802 Republicans. In Giles County, 877 have voted early. Early voting continues Mondays through Saturdays through July 31st. 23 Jul 2010 19:57:55 GMT Jobless rates in lawrence and surrounding counties all saw an increase from may to June. Lawrence's unemployment rate in June was 14.9, up from 14.5; Giles County's rate increased from 13.4 to 13.8; Lewis from 14.5 to 15.3, Maury County's from 15 percent to 15.2 and Wayne County's rate went from 12.3 to 12.5 percent. Statewide, the rate decreased in 17 counties, increased in 72 and remained the same in six. Lincoln County registered the state's lowest rate at 6.8 percent. Scott County had the state’s highest at 20.9 percent. 23 Jul 2010 19:58:19 GMT A Lawrenceburg man is facing drug charges. According to a sheriff's department report, deputies responded to a call of an abandoned vehicle on Spring Creek Road Thursday. They found 46-year-old Teddy Eugene Fowler who told them he was waiting on his girlfriend. Deputies report finding some small baggies of meth and items used to manufacture the drug in the vehicle, along with drug paraphenalia. Fowler was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphenalia. He will answer the charges in General Sessions Court August 9th. 23 Jul 2010 19:58:55 GMT The Giles County Sheriff's Department, Elkton Police Department and the TBI have concluded a lengthy investigation involving illegal gambling and bribery of a public servant. Investigator Mike Thomason arrested 77-year-old Patrick Sullivan, 49-year-old Karla Sullivan, and 58-year-old Jerry Wayne Thompson all of Prospect. The arrest involved illegal gambling machines inside the Hide-a-way Lounge in Elkton. Patrick Sullivan was charged with bribery of a public servant. Karla Sullivan was charged with bribery of a public servant, possession of a gambling device and aggravated gambling promotion. Jerry Thompson was charged with aggravated gambling promotion. A truck and gaming machines were seized during this investigation. Other charges will be presented to the Giles County Grand Jury. 26 Jul 2010 20:41:33 GMT Thieves have been busy in Lawrence County, stealing everything from washing powders to lawn mowers. A neighbor alerted a woman who owns a barn on East Edan Road that a man in a white Mustang was loading up items from the barn. Missing are metal pipe and fence posts. Thieves stole a Yamaha ATV from a Fleming Road home. On Busby Road, a homeowner lost his pistol and security box to thieves. A theft occurred on Penny Road in Saint Joseph. Missing are a generator and tires. On Revilo Road, burglars ransacked a home and stole a television set, rings and $1000 dollars. Thieves broke into an outbuilding on Five Points Road and took a riding lawn mower. Someone broke into Columbia State Community College and stole tools, shop vac filters, plant food, glue and detergent among other items. 26 Jul 2010 20:41:51 GMT Lawrence County will celebrate its Southern Gospel musicical hertitage this week. Lawrenceburg native James D. Vaughan is the Father of Southern Gospel and this year is the one-hundredth of the musical genre. An open house will be held today at the Vaughan Museum five until seven. The museum is located on the third floor of the Suntrust bank building on the downtown square. There will be singings on the square Tuesday and Thursday with an ice cream social to follow on Thursday. On Saturday, a box dinner on the square will follow Saturday's matinee performance. Tickets for Friday and Saturday's concert are still available at the Lawrenceburg City Administration Building. 26 Jul 2010 20:42:06 GMT There's just a few more days to cast early ballots in the August 5th General Election and State Primary. In Lawrence County, 2,930 voters have cast early ballots. In Giles County, 1,587 have voted early. The early voting period ends Saturday. Voting sites are open from eight until noon on Saturday. 28 Jul 2010 21:25:57 GMT An elderly Loretto woman says three men who agreed to kill the weeds in her driveway for 40 dollars ended up charging her 240 dollars for the job instead. The 81-year-old says three white males came to her Lexington Highway home July 14th and offered to do the job for $8 per gallon of spray. She says within a few minutes they came back and said she would owe them 200 dollars more because the truck wouldn't stop spraying. The woman who said she didn't know what the men might do, wrote them a check. A local bank has both driver's license information for, and a photo of, the man who cashed the check. 28 Jul 2010 21:26:11 GMT An important state victim notification service is back up and running locally. The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department had had to discontinue the program during the jail renovation project. The program is called the "Tennessee Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification Service" or "Tennessee Savin." The service tells crime victims if an offender is in jail and provides other important custody information. Victims can also leave a phone number if they want to be called if an offender is released, transferred or escapes. Offenders will not know victims are registered with the service. Call 1-888-868-4631 or visit the web site vinelink.com. 29 Jul 2010 20:07:21 GMT Lawrence County schools will begin session next Wednesday. It will be a full instructional day for all students. In an attempt to assist parents who have moved or wish to change schools, a new student registration day is scheduled prior to the first day of school. New student registration at all schools will be held Tuesday from nine until eleven and one until three. Students registering at one of the three high schools should bring their social security card, birth certificate, any court records, documentation of change of address, immunization record, withdrawal form from previous school, discipline record, transcript, attendance record and must have had a physical exam. 29 Jul 2010 20:07:35 GMT Governor Phil Bredesen announced Thursday that Tennessee's nearly $501 million Race to the Top budget has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education, allowing the state and all 136 school districts to move forward in implementing comprehensive school reform plans over the next four years. Tennessee was just one of two states selected to receive funding in the federal government's race to the top competition in March. Along with approving Tennessee's overall race to the top budget, the U.S. Department of Education also approved each school district's individual budget plan, or "Scope of Work." Lawrence County School Director Dr. Bill Heath says Lawrence County will receive $1.5 million over the four-year period to implement a 14-point school improvement action plan. 29 Jul 2010 20:07:56 GMT A West Point man has been charged with a murder dating back to 2006. Jeffrey Leo Rochelle, of Aaron Branch Road in West Point, has been indicted on a charge of first degree murder of David W. Folger. Folger was found severely beaten on the porch of a residence at 93 North Chisholm Creek Road in August 2006 and died a short time later from his injuries. Evidence was presented to a Lawrence County Grand Jury Thursday after a joint investigation between the TBI and sheriff's department. Rochelle was arrested Thursday at the jail where he was incarcerated for unrelated offenses. Rochelle is scheduled to appear in Lawrence County Circuit Court on August 9th. 29 Jul 2010 21:18:57 GMT Lawrence County's Jail is now fully certified. Sheriff Kenny Taylor announced Friday that Inspector Miller Meadows of the Tennessee Corrections Institute said the jail passed its inspection with "flying colors." Taylor commended the jail administrator and staff for their diligence and dedication in providing the county with a correctional facility that is second to none. Taylor says the certification of the jail is a very important accomplishment. The certification ensures lower insurance rates, qualifies the sheriff's office to apply for additional state and federal grants and enables it to contract with state and federal facilities to house inmates which would generate revenue for the county. 02 Aug 2010 15:41:18 GMT Units of the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment continue to arrive back in Tennessee each week. About 265 Guardsmen returned Monday and Thursday of this week, with another 375 set to roll in by bus to the Guard’s volunteer training site in Smyrna Sunday and Monday. Units from Dunlap and Cookeville, with 130 and 60 soldiers respectively, are due to reach Smyrna Sunday. Lebanon, with 140 Guardsmen, and Winchester, with 45, are to arrive at Monday. 02 Aug 2010 15:41:35 GMT A Saint Joseph property owner notified authorities recently after finding several ingredients off Bluff Road used to make methamphetamine. Deputies located bottles, a gas generator, tubing, medication, funnels and filters among several other items commonly used to manufacture the drug. Hazmat contractors were called to dispose of the materials. 03 Aug 2010 16:30:22 GMT Hundreds of walkers will take to the track at Lawrenceburg's Rotary Park this weekend in the battle against cancer during the 2010 American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Relay for Life will begin at 5:45 p-m on Saturday and continue through 6 a-m on Sunday. Activities will start at approximately 4:30 with a reception honoring survivors. Opening ceremonies will begin at 5:45 and will include a celebration of survivors. The luminaria ceremony will be held at 9 to honor survivors and remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. There will be concessions and entertainment will include performances by the Backroads Band, Goodsprings Band, the group Buckstar and the Calvary Hill Church of God Drama Team and Wales Baptist Church Youth choir. All proceeds will support the american cancer society and programs which support cancer patients in lawrence county and research to eliminate the disease. 03 Aug 2010 16:30:44 GMT Pulaski's Staar Theater will continue its production of Footloose this week. Performances will be held Thursday through Saturday at 7 each night. Tickets are ten dollars for adults and eight dollars for children ages 12 and under. The historic theater is located on Pulaski's downtown square. For tickets call 363-7222 or go online to staar-arts.org. 03 Aug 2010 16:30:58 GMT The early voting turnout was huge in Lawrence County. 4,345 voters cast early ballots during the early voting period which ran from July 16th through the 31st. Election Day is Thursday. Polls are open from 8 a-m until 7 p-m. 03 Aug 2010 16:31:13 GMT Thanks to grant funds, the Lawrence County Ambulance Service will be able to distribute ten pieces of lifesaving equipment throughout the county. A $100,000 federal grant is providing 110 AED's, or automatic external defibrillators, throughout the state. Lawrence County received ten of those machines through a Saint Thomas Foundation grant. An AED is an electronic device designed to deliver an electric shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation may be restored to normal rhythm up to 60 percent of the time if treated promptly with an AED. Ambulance Service Director Scott Storey says one of the new AED's will go to replace an outdated one at the Lawrenceburg Fire Department. Storey says he hasn't yet decided where the other machines will go, but some will be distributed to county volunteer fire departments. Most Lawrenceburg firemen have already become certified to use the new AED's and free training will soon be made available to the public. 03 Aug 2010 20:30:08 GMT A Tuesday afternoon truck wreck has sent at least one to the hospital and possibly left another dead. Reports indicate that two log trucks wrecked Tuesday afternoon around 2 p.m. and burst into flames. The accident occurred on the McDonald Stretch of Highway 13 North in Wayne County. The cause of the wreck remains under investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol. 03 Aug 2010 20:30:26 GMT A fiery Tuesday afternoon crash that occurred in Wayne County claimed the life of a Florence, Alabamba man. The crash was reported just before three o'clock on Highway 13. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, a 1993 Freightliner, driven by William Freeman Foster, 58, of Florence, was traveling southbound and coming out of a curve near Phillips Chapel Road when it started to overturn and crossed into the northbound lane. A 2000 Peterbilt that was driven by William Anthony Skelton, 38, and headed northbound, tried to stop, veered off the roadway and caught fire. Skelton was killed in the accident and Foster injured. The wreck was worked by Trooper Phillip Long. 05 Aug 2010 00:15:16 GMT Giles Countians are celebrating the completion of Tennessee's first solar powered electric vehicle charging station located in Pulaski.  Richland L-L-C, E-V Charge America, and Outpost Solar worked to make the solar array and charging station possible with cooperation from the T-V-A and Pulaski Electric System. The 60 foot solar panel and charging station is located at the Richland office complex on Mines Road in Pulaski.  The array has the ability to generate enough power to fuel four homes and will sell the electricity back into the T-V-A grid during peak power usage times.  A portion of the solar complex was manufactured by Richland. Congressman Lincoln Davis was on hand to officially activate the solar charging station during a ceremony Wednesday.  The station is available for use during regular business hours. 05 Aug 2010 16:11:25 GMT A Pulaski manufacturer has announced an expansion that will create 150 jobs over the next two years. Saargummi of Tennessee Incorporated has begun construction on a 68,000 square foot expansion of their sealing systems manufacturing facility. General Manager Greg Galloway says the company has already added 100 new jobs so far this year and expects to add 150 jobs by the first of 2012. To apply visit the Tennessee Career Center located at 125 South Cedar Lane in Pulaski. 05 Aug 2010 16:11:55 GMT A Lawrenceburg native has earned an award from NASA. David Brown, an engineer at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville has received the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award from NASA's astronaut corps for his outstanding performance contributing to flight safety and mission success. Less than 1 percent of the space program work force is awarded the Silver Snoopy annually. Brown is a materials engineer in Marshall's engineering directorate. As a member of the non-destructive evaluation team, he handles process development, project management and new technology applications for several Marshall programs. Brown graduated in 1978 from Lawrence County High School. Brown and his wife, Karla Stephens Brown, formerly of Ethridge, live in Elkmont, Alabama and have two children. 06 Aug 2010 16:36:57 GMT In Giles County, 28 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the August 5th General Election and state primary. In the county executive race, Janet Van Zant defeated challenger Scott Stewart by 794 votes. In the county commission races, elected to District One were Bill Cary, Janice Reece and Ramona Flacy; District 2, Tracy Wilburn, Stoney Jackson and Tommy Pope; District 3, Tim Risner, David Adams and Rick Carpenter, District 4, Tommy Beech, Jack Woodard and Roger Reedy, District 5, Tommy Pollard, Connie Howell and Bill Holt; District 6, Louise Faulkner, Rose Brown and Berenetta Houston; and District 7, Terry Harwell, Tommy Campbell and Vicki Coleman. Elected to the school board were Douglas Ead, Mike Young, Jim Greene, and Jerry Bryant. In Elkton, Carolyn Thompson defeated Payton Blade in the mayor's race. Aldermen are Bill Cary and Roosevelt Whitfield. In Lynnville, aldermen are James Jason Dunnivant, Jim Green and Thomas Stephen Ray. In Minor Hill, aldermen are Bernard Dalton and Scott Jarrell. 06 Aug 2010 16:37:57 GMT The August 5th General Election and state primary is over and a slate of new faces will occupy many local seats come September 1st. In Lawrence County, Democrat J. Mack Chandler won the race for county executive with 43.9 percent of the vote. Republican Jim Modlin came in second and Paul Rosson's write-in campaign third. In the sheriff's race, Jimmy Brown defeated incumbent Kenny Taylor by a 118 vote margin. Mike Risner came in third. In the county commission races, ten of eighteen incumbents kept their posts. Wayne Yocom, Chris Jackson, Denny Gillespie, Mark Niedergeses, and Ronnie Benefield held off challengers. Running unopposed for county commission were incumbents Jerry Dryden, Delano Benefield, Anne Brown, Bert Spearman and Bill Burks. Ronnie Wayne Taylor unseated Alan Keener, Sam Purcell defeated John Sanders, Larry Glass won over Bobby Clifton, Scott Franks beat Sandra Hyatt and Sam Washburn unseated Rick Hill. The remaining seats went to Neeley Luna, Glenn Woodall and Karen Woodall. In the school board race, five seats were up for grabs with three incumbents defeated. Duke Snider defeated Kay Dotson, Jerry Campbell beat Ron Freemon and Nicky Hartsfield won over Ernie Hodge. Brenda Jacobs and Michael Kilburn were re-elected. In Lawrence County, about 38 percent of registered voters cast ballots. For complete, precinct-by-precinct results, visit wlxonline.com. 06 Aug 2010 16:38:12 GMT Thieves have been busy in other parts of the county this week. On Wednesday, burglars kicked in the back door of a residence on Ken Campbell Lane in Iron City, attempted to break into a home on Mockerson Road in Five Points and stole a gun from a truck in the Fall River area. On Thursday, burglars broke into a home on Evans Road in Five Points stealing several items and on Sanders Street, thieves stole a cookstove and center caps to a truck. 06 Aug 2010 16:38:29 GMT Two Leoma sites were struck by burglars this week. Both burglaries occurred in the early morning hours Wednesday. An employee of Ann's Diner arrived at the restaurant just before 4 a.m. to find the air conditioning unit pushed in and $150 cash missing from the register. Damages and loss totaled more than $1700. Thieves also broke into the Leoma Utility District building. Around 5:30 Wednesday morning, Leoma Utility District Manager Brad Lee reported to law enforcement that the money bag was missing from the utility's drop box that contained about $1500 dollars in checks and $500 cash. 06 Aug 2010 16:38:46 GMT An early morning fire left extensive damage to a Lawrenceburg home.  Heavy smoke and flames were pouring out of the residence located at 308 7th Street when Lawrenceburg fire fighters arrived on scene after 4 Sunday morning.  It is unknown if anyone was at home at the time of the fire.  The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. 08 Aug 2010 15:20:47 GMT The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has arrested two additional suspects in a 1992 murder for hire case in Lawrence County. According to a TBI press release, new information was presented to the grand jury and indictments were returned on various charges against 74 year-old Phillip Rigling of Lawrenceburg and 46 year-old Curtis Staggs of Missouri. The charges stem from the June 1992 murder of Joann Rigling at Phil's One Stop Market in Saint Joseph. The victim was shot in the head while wordking at the store when the market was robbed of its cash register. Jimmy Dale Hogan was tried and convicted of first degree murder and especially aggravated robbery in the case in 1997. Hogan has since been granted a new trial. During the course of preparing for Hogan's defense, investigators received information incriminating the victim's husband Phillip Rigling and Staggs in the crime. The indictments stem from information alleging that rigling offered several people, including Staggs, 50,000 dollars to kill his wife. As partial payment, money was taken from inside the market during the robbery. Staggs was arrested last week in Missouri and is awaiting extradition to Tennessee. He faces murder and robbery charges. Rigling was taken into custody friday by the TBI and booked into the Lawrence County Jail. He faces criminal responsibility to first degree murder along felony murder and robbery charges. A fourth person, Tammy Smith, was convicted of the crime and is out of prison. 08 Aug 2010 15:21:02 GMT Bond has been set for a West Point man accused of murder. Twenty-three-year old Jeffrey Rochelle is charged with one count of first degree murder in the August 2006 beating death of 47-year-old David Folger, who was house sitting for Rochelle’s parents at their home when he was killed. Attorneys made a motion for arraignment in circuit court Monday and a judge set Rochelle's bond at $100,000. 10 Aug 2010 17:28:38 GMT The Giles County Humane Association is seeking new board members and foster homes for pets who desperately need them. Volunteers say foster homes are needed for twenty dogs currently being held at the animal control facility who are slated for euthanasia this week. For more information on volunteering or fostering, contact Anne Story at 580-3789. 10 Aug 2010 17:28:58 GMT Those interested in touring the historic Milky Way Farm mansion now have the opportunity. The Giles County Tourism Foundation has partnered up with the Milky Way Farm’s newest owner and is exploring the demand for “tours” of the farm. With the possibility of having regular tours of the mansion and farm among other activities, for the short term, “Tourism” will handle requests, reservations, and scheduling of short tours of the historic mansion for only $6 per person. The first tentative tour date will be Saturday, August 21st from noon until 4 pending demand. Email your reservation request to gctourismatgilescountytourism.com or call the tourism office at 424-4044. The historic Milky Way Farm is located on Highway 31 just north of Pulaski. 10 Aug 2010 17:29:21 GMT Applications for the Middle Tennessee District Fairest of the Fair Pageants are being accepted through September 4th. There will be five pageants: Miss Tiny Tot, ages three to five; Tiny Miss, ages six to eight; Little Miss, ages nine to twelve; Junior Miss Fairest ages thirteen to fifteen; and Miss Fairest, ages sixteen to twenty. The entry fee is $65 per contestant, which includes photos by Mac Brown and two tickets for the Thursday, September 30th George Jones concert. A copy of the contestant's birth certificate or drivers license must accompany each application. Applications must be postmarked by September 4th. Applications for Tiny Tot and Tiny Miss should be sent to Gina Old at Post Office Box 163, Ethridge. Applications for Little, Junior and Miss Fairest should be sent to Tiffany Cope at Post Office Box 163, Ethridge. 11 Aug 2010 20:09:35 GMT A Tuesday night crash claimed the life of a Waynesboro man. The accident occurred just before nine at the intersection of Buttermilk Ridge Road and Highway 64. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 26-year-old Elijah Edwards was riding a motorcycle west on 64 when a Dodge pick-up, driven by 41-year-old Mikeal Gobble and traveling east on 64, attempted to turn onto Buttermilk Ridge Road and crossed into the motorcycle's path. Edwards was killed in the collision. Investigating Trooper was Jeff Webb. 11 Aug 2010 20:10:11 GMT Lawrence County Sheriff Kenny Taylor says he will contest last Thursday's sheriff's race if it can be proven that candidate Mike Risner lives in Giles County. Risner was certified by the state's POST Commission to run in the election and qualified in February. He is registered to vote in Lawrence County at 3948 Highway 43 north in Ethridge. Administrator of Elections June Davis says she even contacted a local post office to verify that Risner received mail at the address. Taylor lost his bid for re-election to Jimmy Brown by a difference of 118 votes. Risner came in third. Davis says Taylor has until five days after the election results are certified on Monday, August 23rd to file papers in Lawrence County Chancery Court asking for a recall. Sheriff-elect Jimmy Brown confirmed this (Wednesday) afternoon that he has named Tony Crouch as his Chief Deputy and current Saint Joseph Police Chief Adam Brewer as his Captain. 11 Aug 2010 20:10:26 GMT Bond was set this Thursday afternoon for a Loretto man accused of the June 1992 contract killing of his wife. 74-year-old Phillip Rigling faces criminal responsibility to first degree murder, felony murder and robbery charges in the shooting death of his wife Joann Rigling, who was killed while working at Phil's One Stop Market in Saint Joseph. Attorney Russ Parkes argued that Rigling was not a flight risk, saying rigling turned himself in after being contacted by a TBI agent, that he owns a significant amount of property, and local businesses and has never lived outside Lawrence County. Both Phillip Rigling and his wife Betty, who Rigling married in December 1992, testified at the hearing. District Attorney General Mike Bottoms asked Circuit Court Judge Jim Hamilton to hold Rigling without bond or to make the bond substantial and through a professional bondsmen due to the seriousness of the case. Hamilton set the bond at $150,000 and allowed Rigling's real estate holdings to secure it. Hamilton made the bond restrictive, barring rigling from contact with witnesses or family members involved in the case. 12 Aug 2010 19:44:44 GMT Lawrenceburg's City Council addressed a host of business items at their Thursday meeting. The council amended the city's commercial district regulations to allow single family residences; amended last year's budget to reflect fire department overtime, workers comp claims, electric usage, and additional lawn mowings among other shortfalls; approved an agreement with the company Ticketsage to handle Crockett Theater ticket sales; and approved the borrowing of $400,000 by Lawrenceburg Utility Systems to purchase property adjacent to the utility's main building - LUS will leave the property as is for now but eventually plans to consolidate its Liberty Avenue office with its main office. The council appointed members to the Historical Zoning Commission. The city will apply for grant funds to renovate six tennis courts and construct a sidewalk on Springer Road from Ingram Sowell Elementary to Lawrence County High School. The council accepted an energy improvement grant for the administration building. A resolution approving an easement for Bell South on Lafayette Avenue was tabled. 12 Aug 2010 19:46:44 GMT A swearing-in ceremony for newly-elected Giles County officials who will take office September 1st has been scheduled. The ceremony will be held Friday, August 27th at 9 a.m. at the Giles County Courthouse. Circuit Court Judge Jim Hamilton will conduct the ceremony. 12 Aug 2010 19:47:02 GMT The city of Lawrenceburg's removal of the stop signs at the intersection of Second Street and Austin Circle has caused concern among some citizens who fear speeders. City Administrator William Mclain explained to the city council Thursday that citizens who live in that area actually petitioned the city to remove the signs. Mayor Keith Durham said the signs were originally erected to slow traffic. Councilman Jamie Sevier said some citizens expressed concern for small children who live in that area and added that the intersection is used as a cut-thru. Durham said if the stop signs were not replaced, the city should lower the current 30 mile-per-hour speed limit on those streets. Mclain is to look into the matter. 12 Aug 2010 19:47:17 GMT Lawrenceburg Police Chief Judy Moore introduced the department's seven new law enforcement officers to the City Council Thursday. The officers are newly-graduated from Nashville's Law Enforcement Training Academy. They are Shane Wiseman, Blake Mays, Cody Giles, William Jewett, Shane Casteel, Blake Arnold and Derrick Thomas. Two longtime city of Lawrenceburg Crossing Guards were recognized for their dedicated years of service to the city's schoolchildren at Thursday's City Council meeting. Crossing Guard Joan Bedford served the city for 24 years and Josephine Niedergeses, 47 years. 12 Aug 2010 19:47:32 GMT The Lawrence County Board of Education will consider using GPS on school buses. The Zonar company made a presentation to the board at its Thursday agenda meeting. The satellie GPS system technology would allow school personnel to know where all 72 route buses are at all times, ensure that daily bus inspections are being performed by drivers and provide a wealth of information about buses and their routes. The system would cost $70,000 for the first year and $22,000 per year after that. The board will vote on the issue next Thursday at 6:30 at the central office. 13 Aug 2010 19:01:51 GMT Lawrence County High School has received some excellent news regarding its graduation rate. School Director Dr. Bill Heath says preliminary figures show the Wildcats have tremendously improved their graduation rate. The school has been on "School Improvement I" status for the past couple of years and the school system must set aside around $350,000 annually to allow students who want to, to attend another school. Heath says just a few students have chosen to do that and it doesn't look like the school system will have to set aside that kind of funding for much longer. Three years ago, LCHS had a 73.5 percent graduation rate and two years ago, a 78 percent rate. Preliminary data for last year shows a graduation rate of 90.5 percent. Heath credited the increase to plans put into place after educators attended a program designed to boost the number of graduating seniors. Summertown and Loretto high schools' rates for last year were both around 90 percent - the state goal for 2014. 13 Aug 2010 19:02:10 GMT The Lawrence County School System's Career Technical Education (CTE) program is booming. The program, designed to prepare students for a post-secondary program and then work, currently serves 4,000 students; 281 of those students are dual enrollment meaning they are earning high school and post-secondary credit at the same time. All three high schools in Lawrence County offer CTE courses. Tennessee's CTE programs include sixteen career clusters that encompass agriculture, business technology, family and consumer sciences, health science, marketing, technology engineering and trade and industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, eighteen of the twenty fastest growing occupations within the next decade will require Career and Technical Education. 13 Aug 2010 19:02:35 GMT A Pulaski residence was lost in a Sunday night fire.  The blaze was reported shortly after 10 Sunday night at 400 Reese Lane. Reports indicate that multiple people lived in the home.  Members of the Pulaski, Frankewing, and Brick Church fire departments responded to the incident.  No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 16 Aug 2010 15:36:16 GMT TVA will raise its fuel cost adjustment again in september. Compared to August, the September FCA amount will increase residential monthly bills between $1 and $3, depending on usage levels. Significantly lower hydro generation in July, along with higher than normal temperatures, forced TVA to rely on higher cost resources, including additional purchased power, to serve the region’s energy needs. In july, TVA’s sales were 9 percent higher than forecast. As a result, fuel costs for July were 25 percent higher than forecast, leading to the 2% increase in the total average wholesale rate in September. Even after the increase, the September FCA remains lower than it was two years ago. 16 Aug 2010 19:02:42 GMT Stop signs recently removed in Lawrenceburg will be reinstalled. The city issued a press release Monday saying the street department recently removed stop signs at the intersection of 2nd Street and Austin Circle. The release says the action has caused an unsafe condition in that area and the stop signs will be reinstalled Friday. The city apologized for the confusion and inconvenience this situation may have created. Residents who live in that area petitioned the city to remove the signs. Mayor Keith Durham said the signs were originally erected to slow traffic. Councilman Jamie Sevier said some citizens expressed concern for small children who live in that area and that the intersection is used as a cut-thru. 16 Aug 2010 19:03:10 GMT A News Channel 5 report on the Lawrence County sheriff's race has Lawrence County abuzz. Investigative Reporter Phil Williams interviewed candidate Mike Risner, who came in third in the sheriff's race that was won by Jimmy Brown by 118 votes. Incumbent Sheriff Kenny Taylor came in second. The report says Risner signed a statement declaring an address in Ethridge as his legal residence but that Risner has actually lived on a farm in Giles County for several years. In the interview, Risner admits switching his voter registration to Lawrence County in order to run for sheriff. The video also shows Administrator of Elections June Davis placing her hand in front of the news team's camera lens and demanding that they put the camera down. Williams had went to the election commission office to inspect a voter registration form filed by Risner. Taylor has until five days after the election results are certified on Monday to file papers in Lawrence County Chancery Court asking for a recall. 17 Aug 2010 19:05:28 GMT A couple who reside in the Goodspring Community in Giles County were booked into the Lawrence County Jail Monday. Deputies arrested 32-year-old Jeffrey Lynn Nelson, Junior for illegal possession or fraudulent use of a credit card, theft and burglary. They arrested 26-year-old Jessica Dawn O'Barr on the same charges. Nelson, Junior is to appear in General Sessions Court August 30th and O'Barr September 13th. 17 Aug 2010 19:05:50 GMT Highway 64 travelers will notice an increase in construction activity near the Lawrence - Giles County line at Powdermill Hill. Road crews are in the final stages of preparing to open the section of the 64 bypass from the Dunn community to the county line. T-DOT officials indicate the new section of the roadway should be open to traffic no later than the end of October. The western section of the Lawrenceburg bypass will enter the bidding process later this fall. 17 Aug 2010 20:12:42 GMT Lawrence County Drug Agents have been busy lately busting meth labs, even having to remove a grandmother from her home. Deputies were serving a warrant at a Barnett Drive Home in Leoma Sunday. They found a man asleep inside a vehicle where they report finding components of a meth lab inside. Kenneth Mclaughlin was arrested on several drug charges. Brandon Olive, found inside the home, was arrested on outstanding warrants and drug possession. Agents had to quarantine the residence until a clean-up crew deems the property safe. A 71-year-old female had to be removed from the residence. Also on Sunday, agents executed a search warrant at a Brace Road Home in Summertown after receiving information from Maury County's Drug Unit. A search of the property reportedly yielded several items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. As a result, agents placed a hold on Penni Blair on several drug charges. On Tuesday, drug agents executed a search warrant at a North Military Avenue residence where they report finding crystal meth and evidence that some contraband had been flushed. They report finding pills inside a vehicle. Darrell Yarbrough, Jarrod Bradbary and James Thrasher all face charges. 18 Aug 2010 20:16:28 GMT America's Music Jamboree is set for August 27th through the 29th at Lawrenceburg's Rotary Park. There will be musical entertainment, a fish fry, and homemade crafts for sale. On Friday, August 27th, bluegrass and country musical performances begin at six with special guest, The Dru Blake Band. On Saturday, August 28th, there will be a musical tribute to American Heroes beginning at six with oldies and rock and roll. On Sunday, August 29th, beginning at two, there will be gospel music with special guest, Ann Hartman. Bring your lawn chairs. Admission is free. Donations support disabled veterans, the Red Cross and the Fraternal Order of Police. 18 Aug 2010 20:17:01 GMT A man attempted to steal a Summertown woman's financial information this week by claiming she had already been the victim of identity theft. The resident of Railroad Bed Pike said she received a call from a man calling himself "George Hall" who claimed he worked with an identity theft company and that her ID had been stolen. The caller asked for the woman's routing number from her checking account. She asked for the phone number of the company he supposedly worked for, but the caller would not give it to her. When the woman refused to give her finanical information to the man, he hung up. The case was turned over to the sheriff's department's Criminal Investigations Division. 18 Aug 2010 20:17:24 GMT Supporters of Loretto High School's Mustangs can meet this year's athletes this Saturday. All 2010-2011 athletes will be introduced on the L.M. Forsythe Field at six p.m. Visitors can join the Loretto High School athletic Booster Club and purchase Mustang gear. Athletes should arrive at the school gym at 5:30 to sign in and should wear their team jerseys. In the event of rain, "Meet the Mustangs" will be held in the school gym. 18 Aug 2010 20:17:42 GMT A two vehicle accident sent two to the hospital Thursday night. The wreck occurred in front of the Bonnertown Store on Rabbit Trail Road shortly after 7 Thursday evening. A southbound Chevrolet S-10, driven by Michael O'ler attempted to turn into the store's parking lot when it was struck by a northbound Ford Ranger driven by James Hooper. Two passengers of the S-10 were airlifted to a regional hospital. One victim of the accident was reported to have trauma to the head. Tennessee State Trooper Josh Culp was the investigating officer. 20 Aug 2010 15:56:14 GMT Giles County Sheriff Kyle Helton has been named the 2010 Tennessee Sheriff of the Year.  Helton received the honor during the Tennessee Sheriff’s Conference in Galtinburg.  The honor is given each year to one of the state’s 95 sheriffs and is selected by a committee of the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association.  Helton credits leaders in his life from his service with the Pulaski Police Department and his time with the National Guard in addition to his staff for his receiving the award. Helton was elected sheriff in 2006 and was recently re-elected to a new four year term. 20 Aug 2010 21:59:28 GMT Lawrence County Drug Agents have busted another meth lab and this time, three children had to be removed from their home. Officers received information that meth was being manufactured at a Rabbit Town Road residence. There agents found items used to make the drug, three adults and two children. The parents, Justin Edward Mashburn and Jessica Marie Mclaughlin, both 24, and the childrens' grandfather, Jerry Lee Mashburn, 43, were arrested and each face several charges. The children were placed into DCS custody. Earlier this week, an elderly woman had to be removed from her Leoma home because her grandson was allegedly producing meth there. 20 Aug 2010 21:59:50 GMT A man wanted for murder in Lawrence County has been extradited from Missouri. Curtis Dewayne Staggs was arrested at the Lawrence County Jail for first degree murder in the 1992 death of Joann Rigling at Phil's One Stop. Indictments against Staggs are based on information alleging that Rigling's husband, Phillip Rigling, offered several people, including Staggs, $50,000 to kill his wife. Staggs is scheduled to appear in circuit court September 13th. 20 Aug 2010 22:00:11 GMT School Board members issued a resounding no on satellite GPS service for school buses. The Zonar company made a presentation to the board at its August agenda meeting. The GPS system technology would have allowed school personnel to know where all 72 route buses are at all times, ensure that daily bus inspections are being performed by drivers and provide a wealth of information about buses and their routes. The system would have cost $70,000 for the first year and $22,000 per year after that. School Director Dr. Bill Heath called the system a great safety and accountability tool but said it came with "sticker shock." he recommended discussing installing cameras on the thirty school buses that do not have them while he seeks out grant funding for the GPS satellite system. The board unanimously approved Jerry Brewer's motion that no local money be spent for the system. Heath might still be able to obtain grant funding that would not require a local match. 20 Aug 2010 22:00:34 GMT Lawrence County Sheriff Kenny Taylor filed papers in chancery court Friday afternoon challenging election results in the August 5th sheriff's race. Taylor is contesting the results based on candidate Mike Risner's residency. Jimmy Brown won the election by 118 votes. Taylor came in second and Risner third. Taylor contends that Risner lives in Giles County and should not have been a candidate for sheriff. Nashville's Channel 5 reported Monday that Risner signed a statement declaring an address in Ethridge as his legal residence but that Risner has actually lived on a farm in Giles County for several years. In the interview, Risner admits switching his voter registration to Lawrence County in order to run for sheriff. The election commission will meet Monday to certify the election results. Taylor had until Friday, August 27, 2010 to ask for a recall. 21 Aug 2010 05:03:44 GMT Elected Giles County officials will be sworn in on Friday, August 27 except for 7th district commission winners. Friday afternoon representatives of candidate William Allen Barrett filed a challenge in Chancery Court in the 7th district commission race claiming that one of the 25 signatures on the qualifying petition of winning candidate Vicky Coleman should be disqualified because the individual no long lived in the 7th district. Circuit Judge Stella Hargrove said that none of the 7th district commission candidates could be sworn in pending a hearing by Judge Robert Jones on September 2nd. State law requires a candidate to have at least 25 eligible signatures from their district on a petition in order to run for office. Coleman won her seat with 423 votes to Barrett's 254. All other office winners will be sworn in by Judge Jim Hamilton this Friday morning at 9 at the courthouse. 22 Aug 2010 15:11:56 GMT A Columbia man is facing a charge of vehicular homicide in the death of a Lawrenceburg woman. Ricky Ray Redd, Junior, 37, has been arrested on charges of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and aggravated vehicular homicide. The charges are the result of a May 22nd accident in the city of Lawrenceburg. Mary Jo Mcdonald, 56, of Lawrenceburg, succumbed to injuries in July that she sustained in that accident. Redd is scheduled to appear in circuit court September 13th. He will also appear in court September 23rd on a violation of probation charge. 23 Aug 2010 19:08:40 GMT A Lawrenceburg business was vandalized overnight Friday. An employee of Sherwin Williams told police that vandals spray painted the back of his building. The vandals had painted three different areas of the back wall. Damages are estimated at $800. 23 Aug 2010 19:09:02 GMT The Lawrenceburg Animal Control Facility will hold a Pet Adoption Day at Tractor Supply Company Saturday from 9 until 1. There will be a variety of dogs to choose from. There will be an adoption fee of $25 which will be refunded upon proof of vaccination and spay or neutering. There is a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Columbia that will spay dogs under 60 pounds for $40 (1-931-380-1929). Due to space constraints at the dog pound, many of the dogs will be euthanized if not adopted. 23 Aug 2010 19:09:18 GMT Martin Methodist College announced today (Wednesday) that singer-songwriter Janis Ian has had to cancel her september performance at the college due to surgery. The college will announce a new performer soon. 25 Aug 2010 18:35:07 GMT The Lawrence County Business and Professional Women's (BPW) organization is sponsoring the 12th Annual Cutest Baby Contest at the Middle Tennessee District Fair. Babies must be between birth and two years old. Submissions must include baby's name and birth date, parents' names and addresses and telephone numbers. Entry fee is $15 until Tuesday, September 21st at five. A late fee for $5 is charged for late entries. Application forms and instructions are available at Martin's Bridal. Voting is open to anyone attending the fair during voting hours. For additional information call Ann Poag at 762-1391. 25 Aug 2010 18:35:32 GMT A individual was able to evade authorities during a pursuit Tuesday night. The pursuit began near the Body Works Gym after an individual on a motorcycle failed to pull over for Tennessee State Toopers around 10:40 Wednesday night. The pursuit continued into Lawrenceburg then south on Highway 43. Loretto Police joined the chase and continued the pursuit into Lauderdale County, Alabama where visual contact with the subject was lost. Alabama authorities were advised of the situation and are looking into the matter. 25 Aug 2010 21:02:08 GMT The ballot is set for the November 2nd Pulaski city election. Noon Wednesday was the withdrawal deadline for candidates to drop out of running for either city mayor or alderman.  The Giles County Election commission reported that no one opted to end their campaign early.  Pete Abdo, Pat Ford, James “Pike” Gentry, James Wilkes Harwell, and Vicky Harwell are seeking to be Pulaski’s next mayor.  Those in the running for a seat on the city board of aldermen are Jeff Hatfield, Charles Jenkins, Patricia Miles, Jimmy Mooney, Herbert “Chubby” Phillips, and Jason Phillips.   26 Aug 2010 19:27:03 GMT Detectives with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, along with agents with the TBI, arrested Danny O'neal Owens Friday afternoon on a charge of first degree murder in the 2009 death of his wife, Vicki Marie Owens. 57-year-old Vicki Owens was found dead inside the couple's Tree Top Trail residence February 8th, 2009, apparently from a gunshot wound to the head. Danny Owens told detectives his wife had committed suicide. Officials, however, say evidence found at the scene, along with several other inconsistencies, provided enough probable cause to present the evidence to a grand jury in July. Authorities believe Danny Owens shot his wife and that he manipulated key evidence to make it appear his wife committed suicide. Owens is currently being held without bond and is expected to be arraigned in circuit court in September. 28 Aug 2010 17:40:50 GMT Both the Lawrence County Wildcats and Loretto Mustangs came out on top Friday night. The Lawrence County Wildcats took back the Cowbell from the Giles County Bobcats by a score of 42 to 24 before a huge crowd at Hendrix-Staggs Stadium. The Wildcats fell behind 10 to nothing in the first half, but roared back to score 35 straight points, ending Giles County’s 15-game winning streak that included a state championship run last season. Trent Garland scored four touchdowns and made a big interception to lead Lawrence County. Trevor Irizarry rushed for 170 yards and had a 50 yard touchdown run, while D.J. Richards added a 21 yard touchdown run. In other action, the loretto mustangs opened their season with a 17-0 win at East Hickman. Loretto’s next foe, Perry County, was a 50-0 winner over Scotts Hill after beating East Hickman 37 to 0 last week. Richland fell to Forrest 35 to 0; Collinwood defeated Lewis County 26-8; and Wayne County shut out Mcewen 35 to 0. Mount Pleasant improved to 2 and 0 with a 16 to 13 win over Spring Hill. Columbia defeated Dickson County 10 to 7, and Cornersville defeated Moore County 34 to 16. 28 Aug 2010 17:41:11 GMT Lawrenceburg leaders gave the green light to all items of business listed on their Thursday meeting agenda. Council members approved an ordinance on second and final reading establishing a charge for false emergency alarms. A total of 48 percent of alarms are currently false alarms. For the first false emergency alarm, a notice letter will be sent. For the second, a warning letter will be issued. The third false alarm will result in a $25 fine. The fourth false alarm will result in a $25 fine and the actual cost of the response. The ordinance was approved on first reading in December 2009 but deferred in January. Fire Chief Don Kelly says due to a relaxation in ISO rating regulations, he has implemented a new procedure that should virtually eliminate false alarm calls and cut overtime in half. The fire department now sends only one fire engine and two firemen when the department receives a fire alarm call. The initial responders will call for help if there is an actual emergency. The council approved the ordinance which will also benefit the police department. 28 Aug 2010 17:41:26 GMT Leadership Lawrence County presented Lawrenceburg's City Council with a new resource guide at the council's Thursday meeting. The guide was created by the Lawrence County Community Advisory Board and includes multiple contact information for community services including child care, education, housing and transportation. The guide can be accessed on the city's website at Lawrenceburgtn.gov. Also during Thursday's meeting, Deputy Fire Chief Steve Carter, who will retire September 1st, was recognized for thirty years of service. The council also recognized police officer Alan Rager who has just returned from service in Iraq. In other business, on second and final reading, the council amended last year's budget to reflect department overages. The council accepted the bid of Insituform Technologies in the amount of $309,000 for the rehabilitation of the sewer system for basins 10 and 11. That project is being funded by a grant with the Lawrenceburg Utility Systems providing matching funds. Tennessee Risk Management Partners will perform a comprehensive review and audit of property, liability and workers comp insurance for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The fee is based on 20% of any savings realized. 28 Aug 2010 17:41:43 GMT Team Lawrence Commerce Park will soon see its first industrial building. Lawrenceburg Mayor Keith Durham explained at thursday's council meeting that the state approved grant funding toward utilities for the park on the condition that a spec building be constructed at the park within two years. Durham says the state made the funding exception because state leaders were working on two projects themselves that they thought promising. Durham says funding for the building could come from a two-year interest only loan from TVA or state tax increment financing in which the city and/or county could utilize tax revenues from the Good Hope Apartments property to finance a loan. Durham says the building's design would be based on current industry needs. The council took no action on the issue Thursday. 28 Aug 2010 17:42:18 GMT Lawrence County Sheriff-elect Jimmy Brown will be sworn in as planned Wednesday following a circuit judge's ruling Tuesday morning. Judge Bobby Holloway denied attorney Russ Parkes' request to halt Brown's swearing-in until a decision is made in Sheriff Kenny Taylor's bid to contest the sheriff's race. Taylor is contesting the election results saying candidate Mike Risner lives in Giles County and should not have been a candidate for sheriff. Parkes, who is representing Taylor, had submitted an application for an injunction barring Brown's swearing-in. Members of the Lawrence County Election Commission hired attorney Chris Williams Monday to represent them. A hearing in the case is expected to be held in October but a specific date has not yet been set. 31 Aug 2010 16:23:20 GMT A LAWRENCE COUNTY TEEN IS DEAD AFTER A TUESDAY NIGHT SHOOTING.  ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT, 18-YEAR-OLD TRISTAN BUSH SHOT AND KILLED 19-YEAR-OLD JOSH SMITH. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AROUND 9 P.M. IN THE SIMMS STREET MINI-PARK IN LAWRENCEBURG. ALLEGEDLY THE TEENS WERE SETTLING A DISPUTE STEMMING FROM SELLING DRUGS. SMITH WAS A FORMER FOOTBALL PLAYER AT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL BEFORE HE TRANSFERRED TO GILES COUNTY. BUSH IS CURRENTLY BEING HELD IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL. MAYOR KEITH DURHAM ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY THE CLOSING OF THE SIMMS STREET PARK, FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE SWINGING BRIDGE PARK. THE PARK WILL NO LONGER BE CONSIDERED PUBLIC PROPERTY. THE CITY INTENDS TO BUILD ANOTHER PARK. THE CITY OWNS SEVERAL OTHER PROPERTIES IN THE VICINITY AND WILL CONSIDER THOSE PROPERTIES AS POSSIBILITIES FOR THE RELOCATION. DURHAM SAID THE CITY HOPES THE OPENING OF A NEW PARK WILL CREATE A MORE FAMILY ORIENTATED ATMOSPHERE WHICH WOULD INCLUDE NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT. 01 Sep 2010 15:50:50 GMT A Pulaski man is facing drug charges. Pulaski Police Officer Jarred Shirey arrested twenty-year-old Jerrell Martinez Sizemore for possession of cocaine for resale, and possession of xanax and marijuana. In connection with the arrest, Giles County Sheriff's Investigator Mike Thomason secured a search warrant for the residence of twenty-year-old Margaret Danielle Roell. When officers searched the residence located on Edge Hill Drive in Pulaski they report finding two pistols hidden inside a vacuum cleaner, cocaine, and marijuana. Roell was later arrested in Lincoln County. Also arrested was thirty-two-year old Justin Goodwin from Fayetteville on an unrelated probation violation warrant held in Giles County. Roell is charged with possession of cocaine for resale, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana for resale. All three individuals are held in the Giles County Jail without bond pending a court hearing. Sizemore and Roell are reported to be active gang members with the Kitchen Crips Gang. Roell also has criminal cases pending in Maury and Davidson counties. Other state and federal charges may be forthcoming in the case. 01 Sep 2010 20:42:22 GMT Lawrenceburg Police have released additional details in a fatal Tuesday night shooting. Officers were called to Crockett Hospital just after nine o'clock after 19-year-old Joshua Smith, of West Point, was brought in with gunshot wounds. He had been transported to the hospital by his girlfriend. Officers say Smith had been shot at Simms Street Park and that Smith had been in a fight with Triston C. Bush, 18, of Lawrenceburg. They say the two teens got in a fight over $360 owed for marijuana. When the fight escalated, they say Bush pulled a handgun and shot Smith. Bush fled the area and was later apprehended by the Lewisburg Police Department. He has been charged with first degree murder and is currently being held in the Lawrence County Jail without bond. The investigation is ongoing. 03 Sep 2010 19:55:04 GMT The Lawrence County Public Library will hold its fall used book sale Saturday, September 11th through Saturday, September 25th during regular library hours. A special preview sale will be held Friday, September 10th from 5:30 until 7:30. Admission is a $5 donation to the Books for Babies Program. Proceeds from the used book sale go to purchase items for the library. The sale offers books, magazines, movies, music and puzzles for prices ranging from ten cents to two dollars. Donations of used reading materials and volunteers are always welcomed. Donations can be dropped off during regular library hours. Call the library at 762-4627 for more information. 03 Sep 2010 19:55:24 GMT Thieves and vandals struck a West Point church this week. Members of Faith Fellowship Church, located on Tennessee Circle, told deputies with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department that someone entered the church, stole several items and vandalized belongings. The loss is estimated at just under a $1000. Anyone with information in the crime is asked to call the department's investigation division at 762-1608. 03 Sep 2010 19:55:44 GMT An arraignment date has been set for a Lawrenceburg man accused of killing his wife. Authorities arrested Danny O'neal Owens Friday on a charge of first degree murder in the 2009 shooting death of 57-year-old Vicki Marie Owens. Owens told detectives his wife had committed suicide. Owens' arraignment has been set for Tuesday, October 12th. 03 Sep 2010 19:59:13 GMT The annual Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet is scheduled for Thursday at 5:30 at Lawrenceburg Rotary Park. Members should enter through the west door of gym number 3 next to the walking track. As requested by several members, this year there will be no theme or individual table decorations. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event should contact Gwynn at the Chamber at 762-4911. 07 Sep 2010 18:42:05 GMT Response to ticket sales for this year's Middle Tennessee District Fair concert has been phenomenal according to Rotary Club officials. Country legend George Jones will perform at the fair Thursday, September 30th at 7:30. Bronze section seats are still available at a cost of $12. General admission grandstand seating is $10 the day of the show and $7 in advance. To order tickets by phone call 762-4678. To view the fair catalog visit mtdfair.org. 07 Sep 2010 18:42:21 GMT A Summertown man has been arrested on child pornography charges. Sixty-one-year-old Daniel Bruce La Deau was arrested Friday on a federal warrant for possession of child pornography. La Deau was picked up Tuesday by federal authorities. 07 Sep 2010 18:42:39 GMT The Lawrence County Election Commission will meet Monday at four at the Election Commission Office. The purpose of the meeting will be to okay the November 2nd General and City of Saint Joseph ballots; to okay the workers for the November 2nd Election; and lock the provisional boxes for that election. 08 Sep 2010 18:38:58 GMT The Lawrence County Board of Education met Tuesday and approved the school system's 2010-2011 budget. The board is asking for the same amount of the county property tax rate as last year, $1.12. The board will now submit the budget to the county commission. The county must have a budget passed by October 1st to avoid the loss of state funding to schools. In other business, the board approved a 23-cent-per-hour raise for all support staff employees. Educational assistants will receive a total 44 cent per hour raise; school secretaries/bookkeepers will see a two dollar twenty five cent pay raise; and custodians will get a 50 cent per hour pay hike. The total cost to the board is $293,755. The school board elected Jerry Campbell as its chairman. Brenda Jacobs will serve as the Tennessee Legislative Network (TLN) chair. 08 Sep 2010 18:39:17 GMT Lawrence County's Board of Commissioners held their first agenda meeting Tuesday. Several items of business have thus far made the September agenda. Those include a revision of the 2010 holiday schedule to include Friday, December 31st; appointments to the Senior Citizens and E-911 boards; a $100 donation to each of the county's six constables to cover bonding and other costs - the $2400 per term cost would be funded from the sheriff's department Drug Fund; and establishment of a speed limit on Bishop Chapel Road. The Resolution Committee will meet Monday and the regular session will be held Tuesday, September 28th. 08 Sep 2010 18:39:36 GMT Community members told Lawrenceburg City Council members Thursday morning that they want Simms Street Park to stay where it's at. Norma Sharp, representing the community, said the park means a lot to residents and asked that the city move forward with upgrades but not to relocate the park. She presented a petition of over 300 signatures asking that the park not be moved. Sharp said that residents felt safe in the area and if there was drug activity at the park to beef up patrols and stiffen penalities for those caught at the park after hours. Sharp welcomed the city's plans to replace unsafe playground equipment including a damaged, metal slide. Mayor Keith Durham closed the park after a fatal shooting there last month and had the old equipment removed. Durham said the city had not decided to move the park but that improvements would be made including moving the basketball court to higher ground and the purchase of new goals and playground equipment. City Administrator William Mclain said Durham had talked to him two months ago about meeting with community members about the park's state of disrepair but that the fatal shooting escalated the situation. Sharp is going to form a park committee that will meet with city officials to implement an improvement plan. The city maintains the park but City Attorney Alan Betz said he would have to research who owns the property. 09 Sep 2010 17:31:27 GMT The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce has named its 2010 Citizen of the Year. Local Red Cross Director Ginny Benson received the honor for her dedication to helping those in need. Benson was lauded by local Red Cross Chairman Ben Luna for responding to hundreds of fires in past years and making sure that those who lost everything were fed, clothed and housed. Benson has dipped into her own pocket to help others and holds a weekly fundraiser for the local organization. In accepting the honor,Benson thanked all those who have supported the Red Cross. The chamber inducted the Democrat Union newspaper into the Small Business Hall of Fame. The paper has operated for over 126 years. The Lawrence County Education Foundation awarded Leoma Elementary School teacher Joyce Sanders and Lawrence County High School teacher Karen Barnett with the chair of excellence. The foundation also recognized longtime volunteer Jim Webb. The chamber inducted its new officers and boardmembers. The chairman is Mark Short and vice chair Vic Pusser. 10 Sep 2010 14:00:43 GMT Lawrence County Commissioners met in special session Wednesday and set key appointments. Jerry Dryden was again elected the commission's Chairman and Wayne Yocom Chairman Pro Tem. The commission approved County Executive J. Mack Chandler's committee appointments. Serving on the Budget Committee are Wayne Yocom, Karen Woodall, Bert Spearman and Jerry Dryden. Serving on the Purchasing Committee will be Sam Purcell, Larry Glass, Scotty Franks and Ronnie Benefield. 10 Sep 2010 14:01:05 GMT Heavy rains brought flooding to parts of Lawrenceburg Friday afternoon.  Doppler radar estimated that nearly one inch of rain fell within an hour.  A vehicle was reported to be under water on Old Military Road around 2:30.  The driver was attempting to turn into a bank parking lot when water over took the car.  The driver and one passenger were rescued by members of the Lawrenceburg Police and Fire Departments.     10 Sep 2010 20:33:40 GMT A cased has been continued until next week in the matter of a contested Giles County election.  Candidate William Allen Barrett challenged the outcome of the District 7 commission race claiming that winning candidate Vickie Coleman did not possess the required number of petitioned signatures to be eligible to run for office.  Judge Robert Jones allowed  Coleman and two others to take office in late August until the outcome could be determined.  Judgement in the case could come as early as the weekend however, if needed, more testimony will take place Monday morning at the Giles County Courthouse. 10 Sep 2010 21:56:03 GMT The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department is investigating a Sunday arson fire. The fire occurred just before 10 p.m. at a house trailer on Fall River Road. The fire was already fully involved when deputies arrived. A neighbor reported seeing a man run out of the trailer and into the woods moments before the trailer started burning. There was no power to the rental residence which was insured. Arson Investigator and Deputy Jamie Kiddy is investigating. Members of the Crossroads, Leoma and New Prospect volunteer fire departments responded.  In a separate incident, Pettus Turnbo Funeral Home reported heavy smoke around 1:30 Saturday afternoon.  The Lawrenceburg Fire Department responded and determined the smoke originated in a faulty air conditioner.  No damage to the building was reported. 13 Sep 2010 15:01:25 GMT September is Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month, a perfect time to make an appointment to give blood in support of the thousands of people suffering from the disease. Patients with Sickle Cell Disease need frequent transfusions to survive. Bloodmobiles will be held in Lawrence County on Monday, September 20th from one until six at the Loretto American Legion; Tuesday, September 21st from 12:30 until 5:30 at Ethridge Church of Christ; Thursday, September 23rd from 12:30 to 5:30 at Yoder's Homestead Market and Tuesday, September 28th from noon until six at Lawrenceburg's Domino's Pizza. 13 Sep 2010 15:01:46 GMT With the anniversary of 9-11 Saturday, the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security honored 28 state law enforcement officers and first responders who have committed and sacrificed their lives for the safety and security of Tennesseans. The ceremony, also held in conjunction with National Preparedness Month, took place Friday in Nashville. Lawrence County Sheriff's Deputy Byron Shelton, who was injured earlier this year while responding to a domestic violence call, and Lawrenceburg Fireman Shelton Barnett were among those honored. 13 Sep 2010 15:02:01 GMT A case challenging the outcome of the Giles County District 7 commission race has been dismissed. Candidate William Allen Barrett had contested the race claiming that winning candidate Vickie Coleman did not have the proper paperwork to run for the office. A court ruling stated that Barrett failed to carry the burden of proof in the case. A joint motion was filled to dismiss the matter allowing Coleman to continue to serve as a commissioner. Barrett has 30 days to appeal the ruling. 13 Sep 2010 16:29:29 GMT A Pulaski industry has received a very prestigious business recognition by making the annual Inc. 5000. This is the forth consecutive year Richland, LLC has made the list. Richland’s workforce and products contributed to the company being one of Inc’s selections. The Inc. 5000 is a list the nation’s fastest growing and most productive businesses. Richland is an industrial contractor and steel fabricator with around 90 employees. 13 Sep 2010 19:37:36 GMT The east loop of the new U.S. Highway 64 Bypass will open for traffic Thursday between noon and five p.m. This section of the roadway runs from U.S. 43 south of Lawrenceburg to Powder Mill Hill just west of the Lawrence/Giles county line. Motorists traveling on county roads must stop at all newly installed stop signs at intersections with the new U.S. 64 bypass. All motorists traveling on the new bypass are encouraged to take caution when approaching county roads. The county roads intersecting this section of highway are: Prosser, Fall River, Marable, Bishop, Wesley Chapel, Blessing and Lanning roads. Oncoming traffic traveling on the bypass will not stop. 14 Sep 2010 20:16:32 GMT A schedule change has been made for an upcoming Lawrence County High School football game. School officials have changed the date of the Wildcat's district match up with Shelbyville at Hendrix-Staggs Stadium from Friday, October 1st to Thursday, September 30th. Lawrence County schools will be closed on October 1st for Fair Day. Administrators decided to move the game to the last school day of that week. 14 Sep 2010 20:16:53 GMT Pulaski's STAAR Theatre and Center for the Arts will hold auditions for its December production of "Annie." The auditions will be held Saturday at four and Monday at six. Those auditioning will need a resume with basic information and a photograph. Participants must have a prepared monologue no longer than 3 minutes to showcase their acting ability and a memorized song with a CD accompaniment. 14 Sep 2010 20:17:10 GMT A court date has been set in the Lawrence County Sheriff's election lawsuit. Former Lawrence County Sheriff Kenny Taylor is challenging election results in the August 5th sheriff's race. Taylor contends that candidate Mike Risner lives in Giles County and should not have been a candidate for sheriff in Lawrence County. The case will go before Judge Bobby Holloway Friday, October 8th. 14 Sep 2010 20:17:28 GMT Lawrenceburg Police are investigating a stabbing that occurred around lunchtime Tuesday at 216 First Street. Police say the victim, Jason Chapman of Summertown, who is in his early 20s, was stabbed possibly three times and was airlifted to a Nashville hospital. Chapman's condition was not available at news time. Police were still searching for a suspect Tuesday night. Police Chief Judy Moore said additional information would be available Wednesday morning. 14 Sep 2010 20:17:49 GMT A Lawrenceburg mother has been charged in her infant son's January death. A police department press release says the department responded to a Roberts Avenue home January 19th to a call of an infant who was not breathing. The infant was transported to Crockett Hospital where attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. An investigation into the two-month-old boy's death resulted in grand jury indictments against Angelina Elzey for reckless homicide, simple possession of marijuana, possession of schedule iv and drug paraphernalia. Elzey was arrested Sunday and is currently in the Lawrence County Jail. She is scheduled to appear in circuit court Tuesday, October 12th. 14 Sep 2010 22:58:42 GMT The Lawrence County Budget Committee met Tuesday to review the 2010-2011 budget. Committee members reviewed the courthouse and jail maintenance, solid waste, ECD, highway and debt service funds among others. The solid waste transfer station's recycling program is growing with revenues projected at more than $200,000 for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Budget Director Teresa Purcell told the committee that the Economic and Community Development Fund, that provides matching funding for grants, needed a revenue boost. The committee approved purcell's recommendation to move $40,000 in wholesale beer tax collections into the ECD fund. Bert Spearman said he wanted a 3% cost of living raise for county employees to be included in the budget. The raise would help offset yearly health insurance increases. The pay hike would cost the county around $180,000. The The county must have a budget in place by October 1st in order to avoid loss of state funding to the school system. 16 Sep 2010 17:28:12 GMT Lawrenceburg police are investigating a stabbing that occurred around lunchtime Tuesday at 216 First Street. Police say the victim, Jason Chapman of Summertown, who is in his early 20s, was stabbed and was airlifted to a Nashville hospital. Chapman was released from the hospital Tuesday evening. Police have not located the suspect. 16 Sep 2010 17:28:31 GMT The Giles County Commission will meet Monday at nine at the courthouse. The commission will elect a chairman and chairman pro tem, approve committee appointments, and make several board appointments. The commission will also name a veterans service officer. Resolutions include school board and highway department budget amendments, establishment of speed limits on Oak Grove and Abernathy roads and Pisgah Pike, and adoption of regulations for the use of county rights of way. The commission will also consider allocating Lynnville Library funds to the Giles County Public Library and to include the appropriation in the county-library maintenance of effort agreement. A beer board meeting will follow the commission meeting. 16 Sep 2010 19:08:46 GMT Giles County Sheriff Kyle Helton wants to issue a heads up to citizens that the Trail of Tears Remembrance Motorcycle Ride will be passing through Pulaski Saturday. As many as 1,000 motorcycles are expected to pass through the city anywhere from 12:30 to 1:30 Saturday. Intersections will be temporarily blocked. Helton says the group will be utilizing the new Highway 64 Bypass and will not drive through Lawrenceburg. 16 Sep 2010 19:09:06 GMT Two men entered plea agreements in Lawrence County Circuit Court Wednesday. James Clayton Swafford, 24, was charged with attempted first degree murder, theft and aggravated burglary resulting from a december incident in which TWRA Officer Jeff Hummell was shot and injured. Swafford will serve 15 years at 100 percent. He was sentenced on several charges: aggravated burglary, theft, attempted first degree murder, especially aggravated robbery, and vandalism. Swafford entered a best interest plea on a rape charge that was reduced to sexual battery. That crime occurred at the jail. Brent Darnell Rowden, 31, entered pleas on charges of aggravated assault and forgery. Rowden was charged in the New Year's Day stabbing of William Thomas Clay. Rowden will serve eight years through community corrections and must pay restitution in the six forgery cases that involve four Lawrence County markets. 16 Sep 2010 19:09:23 GMT An early morning traffic accident claimed the life of a Waynesboro man.  The incident occurred shortly before 2 Monday morning on the Turnpike in Lawrence County.  According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, James Kevin Mathis, 39, was traveling south when he ran off the road, stuck a ditch, then over corrected and flipped his 2000 Chevrolet Silverado. Trooper Jonathan Pulley investigated the accident. 20 Sep 2010 15:47:22 GMT A body has been recovered from the buffalo river in wayne county. A male around the age of 41 was found near highway 13 early this (monday) morning. The t-w-r-a reports that the man, believed to have been from mississippi, may have died in a boating accident over the weekend. The person's name has not released pending notification of his family. Foul play is not suspected. 20 Sep 2010 20:14:17 GMT The Lawrenceburg City Council will meet Thursday in regular session to consider five resolutions. The council may vote on an agreement conveying an easement on Lafayette Street to Bellsouth Telecommunications. The city will apply for an ARC grant for improvements to Remke Street and Helton Drive in the Lawrenceburg Industrial Park. The police department will apply for and enter into two, $5,000 grant agreements with the Governor's Highway Safety Office. The city will declare certain property in the fire department as surplus to be sold on govdeals.com. The council meets at 8:30 Thursday morning at city hall. 20 Sep 2010 20:14:36 GMT The Lawrence County chapter of the Alzheimer's Association raised more than $15,000 this year through its Memory Walk fundraiser. The walk was held Saturday at Rotary Park. There was no registration fee for the walk, but a minimum donation of $25 was encouraged and walkers raising $100 or more received a limited edition t-shirt. Walkers will continue to turn in donations through October 18th. "Memory Walk" is the Alzheimer's Association's major fundraising event, generating over 65% of funds needed for the entire year. Funds generated provide services and emotional support to those affected by Alzheimer's disease in the area. 20 Sep 2010 20:14:52 GMT A couple who purchased a home in Lawrence County recently discovered someone had taken up residence there, even using the garage for a business. The house is located on Glendale Road and was supposed to be vacant. The couple came to check on the property in June after learning that someone had been suspected of illegally obtaining electricity to the garage. They found the carpet damaged, the window facings chewed, apparently by pets, and a strong odor of animal urine and feces throughout the house. They also discovered pornographic materials and stagnant water in their pool. The total loss is estimated at $3200. 20 Sep 2010 20:15:09 GMT The Glenn Miller Orchestra swings into Lawrenceburg October 7th and tickets are on sale now. The performance is the first event of the 2010 Crockett Theatre performance series. The orchestra will perform Thursday, October 7th at 7:30 at the Crockett Theatre. The 19-member band is internationally regarded as one of the world's top swing-era dance bands. The 2010 performance series will feature five events including music concerts, a Christmas performance by former TPAC Polk Theater director, and head of Martin Methodist College's School of Drama, David Alford, and the 35th anniversary performance of Gentlemen from the Cane, written and directed by Dolly Leighton. Tickets for the orchestra, as well as season tickets, are now available at the Parks and Recreation Office at Rotary Park, at $30 for reserved seating, $20 general admission, and $15 balcony. For more information call 762-4231. 20 Sep 2010 20:15:36 GMT Tennessee Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Haslam visited Lawrenceburg Monday afternoon to meet with local leaders and tour the city's industrial park.  Haslam took the opportunity to see the newly expanded Modine facility and to view operations at Graphic Packaging.  Haslam, a republican and currently the mayor of Knoxville, is seeking the governor's post against Democrat Mike McWhirter in the November 2nd election. 20 Sep 2010 21:39:43 GMT Attorneys in the Matthew Wood murder trial in Giles County argued motions before Circuit Court Judge Bob Jones Tuesday. A Giles County Grand Jury indicted William Angel, Junior and Matthew James Wood in the October 2009 deaths of Desere, Anthony and Jerrod Thornton. Both teens were indicted on three counts of first degree murder, three counts of first degree felony murder, aggravated arson, setting fire to personal property, aggravated burglary, theft and aggravated cruelty to animals. Jones will hear arguments regarding a change of venue for Wood's trial November 10th. Jones ruled that Wood will face the death penalty and that the charge of aggravated cruelty to animals will stand. Jones took Wood's attorneys' request that medical statements be suppressed under advisement. Attorneys will argue motions in Angel's case October 28th. 21 Sep 2010 20:05:14 GMT Drug agents seized guns and marijuana from a home in Saint Joseph Monday. Agents with the sheriff's department's Crime Suppression Unit and the Saint Joseph Police Department, seized half a pound of marijuana and six guns at a Cherry Street residence after receiving information that Justin Kelley was in possession of marijuana there. The guns, drug paraphenalia and marijuana were seized. Evidence against Kelley will be presented to the Lawrence County Grand Jury. 21 Sep 2010 20:05:32 GMT Two electric rate increases will take effect October 1st, one implemented by Lawrenceburg Utility Systems (LUS) and another by TVA. TVA will increase its monthly Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) again in October. The FCA formula adjusts rates up or down to recover TVA's fuel and purchased power costs. Throughout 2009, the FCA rate decreased. This year, the FCA has increased every month since March. When TVA raised the FCA this September, officials cited significantly lower hydro generation coupled with higher than normal temperatures that forced the utility to rely on higher cost resources, including additional purchase power, as reasons for another increase. Even after the increase, the September FCA remained lower than it was two years ago. The October FCA hike will cost the average residential customer anywhere from $4 to $8.50 per month. TVA officials say they hope to see a decrease in the FCA in November. TVA's October hike unfortunately comes at the same time as an LUS' increase. It's been two years since LUS adjusted its electric rates. A "Cost of Service Study" showed that current rates are not enough to cover the utility's fixed rate costs. The increase that will take effect October 1st will still fail to cover those costs, but LUS officials say they didn't want a huge hike all at one time. The base charge for customers with a barn or vacant house, for example, will rise from $10.50 to $15 per month. LUS will lower its kilowatt usage charge so that those customers who use less electricity will pay less. The increase to the average residential customer is projected at $1.63 per month, or 1.3%. 21 Sep 2010 20:06:01 GMT Lawrence County Commissioners have completed the 2010-2011 budget that is ready for a vote at the commission's September 28th meeting. The $71.4 million spending package, which includes the school board's $45.3 million budget, is based on the state certified tax rate, $2.7386. The breakdown is as follows: County General Fund, approximately, $1.14; Highway/Public Works, .99; Debt Service Fund, .35; General Purpose School Fund, .24. The budget calls for $528,000 from the General Fund's fund balance, leaving the June 30th, 2011 ending fund balance at $2.9 million. The county budget includes a 3% across-the-board, cost-of-living raise. County employees have not received a raise in four years but are facing another health insurance increase this year. The budget includes a 3% raise for Purchasing Agent/Grants Coordinator Carla Burden, raising her salary to $39,140. Budget Director Teresa Purcell's salary was raised from $50,000 to $60,756 per year, that's still about $8,000 below the average director salary for the region. In addition to budgeting duties, Purcell also oversees solid waste and ambulance service billing. Burden and Purcell's salaries must be set by the commission in resolutions separate from the budget. Due to an increase in call volume, county Ambulance Service Director Scott Storey has asked to restore the 4th ambulance crew that will be stationed in the north end of the county where response times are longer. Storey says the call volume has increased because the service transports to a patient's hospital of choice. The funds for the 4th crew are included in the proposed budget. The committee increased the airport's funding from $60,000 to $100,000 to help with local grant matches. The airport board had asked for $186,475 each from the city and county. The sheriff's budget includes funds for two new patrol cars and equipment and a fingerprint machine. County volunteer fire departments will receive a total $258,500, an increase from $245,500. The county's portion of funding for the Joint Economic and Community Development Board of Lawrence County is $147,173. The non-profit contributions are as follows: Tennessee Rehabilitation Center, $2000; Centerstone Mental Health, $10,000; Lawrence County Humane Society, $5,000; Lawrence, Saint Joseph and Loretto Senior Citizens centers, $500 each; The Shelter, $2,500; Buffalo River Services, $5,000; Lawrence County Reserve Deputy Association, $2,500; Lawrence County Adult Education Program, $1,000. The commission will meet Tuesday, September 28th at 5 at the courthouse. 21 Sep 2010 20:06:21 GMT The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department and Loretto Police Department arrested three people on drug charges Tuesday. Agents had information that Rebecca Smith Shults, 38, who resides at a residence across from Loretto High School, was in possession of methamphetamine. Agents had asked the school's resource officer to watch the residence until they arrived. The officer notified agents that Shults had left in a vehicle with two males. The vehicle was located and officers report finding one gram of meth, a pipe and three lortab pills in the vehicle and one lortab and two soma pills in Shults' purse. The driver, Daniel Dewey Cox, 42, of Pulaski, Shults and a second passenger, Rodney Shawn Allen, 39, of Five Points, were all arrested on drug charges. 22 Sep 2010 20:30:56 GMT The city of Lawrenceburg will be replacing a storm water pipe on First Street in the coming weeks. Workers will replace 1200 feet of pipe installed in 1932 that is not blocked but too small and cracked in several places. They will have to cross the street to repair a grate and LUS will have to repair a water leak during the project. Workers will install 36 and 30 inch sections of pipe. The current pipe is eighteen inches in diameter. Officials hope to have the project completed by Thanksgiving. 23 Sep 2010 21:29:44 GMT EMA Director Joe Baxter gave Lawrenceburg City Council Members an update on the city's flood control project Thursday morning, saying, "It's been a really good month." Workers installed 19 box culverts Wednesday. They have installed 414 feet of boxes since starting the new run of ten-foot boxes. Four workers provided through the Career Center with grant funds have been lending a helping hand. Workers are making their way to the Sixth Street bridge. Baxter says he wants to reopen Fourth Street before blocking off Sixth Street. He hopes to have Fourth Street reopened next week. Baxter said Lawrenceburg Utility Systems (LUS) had been a great help and that area churches and businesses have been very cooperative. 23 Sep 2010 21:30:04 GMT After 35 years, a local Iraq veteran says its time to welcome home Vietnam Veterans. Captain Hud Moore asked the Lawrenceburg City Council to support five days of special events leading up to Veterans Day that will honor those who served in the war. On Saturday, November 6th, the National Guard will host a fun Run & Walk. Moore has asked all churches to dedicate their Sunday, November 7th service to the veterans. The Chamber of Commerce will ask all businesses to choose a way to honor Vietnam Veterans on Monday, November 8th. Moore is asking citizens to wear black ribbons on Tuesday, November 9th in remembrance of prisoners of war and those still missing in action. City and county officials will preside over a wreath-laying ceremony on the square that afternoon. There will be an official welcome home and a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps to honor those Lawrence Countians killed in action during the conflict. Schools are asked to honor Vietnam Veterans on Wednesday, November 10th. The annual Veterans Day Parade will be held at eleven o'clock on Thursday, November 11th. This year's theme will be a Welcome Home to Vietnam Veterans. 23 Sep 2010 21:30:22 GMT Lawrenceburg Council Members gave the green light to their Thursday agenda items. The city will apply for an ARC grant in the amount of $500,000. The total project cost is $625,000, leaving a $125,000 local match. The project will consist of improvements to Remke Avenue and Helton Drive in the Lawrenceburg Industrial Park. The police department will enter into grant agreements for two, $5,000 grants from the Governor's Highway Safety Office. Those grants require no local match. The council declared a 1999 Ford F-150 as surplus property to be sold on govdeals.com. A resolution for the city to enter into an agreement conveying an easement to Bellsouth on Lafayette Street remained tabled. Mayor Keith Durham made several announcements. The city will be closed October 11th for Columbus Day. Halloween falls on a Sunday this year and the city asks that trick-or-treating take place on Saturday, October 30th. Both November council meetings fall on holidays so the council will meet November 10th and 24th instead. City Attorney Alan Betz presented information to the city concerning Simms Street Park. Betz says the park is owned by the city. Officials are working with the community to make park improvements. 23 Sep 2010 21:31:05 GMT The search continues for an elderly man missing in West Point. Family members say 82-year-old Amos Todd left home at 7:30 Thursday morning to go ginseng hunting. His truck was later found at Blair Cemetery but there has been no sign of Todd. A team of canine trackers from Huntsville, Alabama were brought in Thursday night and searched for Todd until the early morning hours. Officers resumed their search at 7 o'clock this morning. 24 Sep 2010 17:03:15 GMT An exhaustive three-day search for a missing elderly West Point man has ended but not the way everyone had hoped. 82-year-old James Amos Todd was reported missing Thursday by family members who said he left at 7:30 that morning to go ginseng hunting. Mr. Todd's body was discovered by searchers around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, two to three miles south of where he had parked his truck near Blair Cemetery. Officials say from all appearances, his death was due to natural causes. 27 Sep 2010 00:16:15 GMT A Sunday night vehicle pursuit has ended with at least one person in jail.  Officers with the Lawrenceburg Police Department, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, and Tennessee Highway Patrol apprehended the female driver just before 7 Sunday night on Poplar Dive in Lawrenceburg.  The suspect was driving a black Mitsubishi and was transported to the Lawrence County Jail.  No other information was immediately available. 27 Sep 2010 00:16:47 GMT Lawrence County Commissioners meet Tuesday when they will vote on the 2010-2011 budget, budget-related resolutions and several other items of business. The budget committee is sponsoring a resolution authorizing the county executive to enter into an ARC grant agreement. The funding would be used to rehabilitate the Fall River Utility District water system. Commissioners will also consider committee appointments, speed limit changes on Joe Williams and Bishop Chapel roads, and cost reimbursement to constables. The commission meets at five at the courthouse. 27 Sep 2010 21:04:31 GMT The Natchez Trace Parkway will host the annual Meriwether Lewis Arts and Craft Festival at the Meriwether Lewis Monument site. The festival is sponsored by the Maury County Arts Guild and will take place October 9th and 10th from 9 until 5. In addition to shopping for traditional arts and crafts, park service staff will be on site to answer questions and present programs on the life of Meriwether Lewis. Programs will be offered at 10, 11, noon, 1, and 2 each day. The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association will play Dulcimer music in the traditional style throughout the day. The Eastern National Bookstore will be open. Parking and admission are free. Designated areas will be flagged for parking. Shuttle vans will be provided. 27 Sep 2010 21:04:50 GMT Christmas Pops rehearsals will begin Monday, October 4th at 7 at Coleman Memorial United Methodist Church. Rehearsals will be held each Monday night until the performance Monday, December 6th at the historic Crockett Theater. Anyone who wants to participate in rehearsals and the performance is invited. This year marks the 24th anniversary of Christmas Pops, presented by the Oratorio Society, and will feature a guest artist in addition to the Pops Choir and the Bradley Brass. Paul Plant serves as director of the Oratorio Society. 27 Sep 2010 21:05:12 GMT Miss Fairest contests were held this weekend as part of the Middle Tennessee District Fair. Tiny Tot winners were: People's Choice, Analisa Mcguire, second runner-up, Mallori Butler; first runner up, Aniston Mcfall; and tiny tot winner, Makayla Counce. Tiny Miss, People's Choice, Brianna Walters, second runner up, Destiny Green, first runner up Shayna Long and Tiny Miss Fairest, Katelyn Daniel. Little Miss: People's Choice, Marisa Butler, second runner up, Ally Crews, first runner up, Brinley Rose and Litte Miss Fairest, Greta Brewer. Junior Miss: People's Choice, Josie Messer, second runner up, Kathryn Wayne, first runner up, Emma Massey and junior miss winner, Morgan Mathis. Miss Fairest of the Fair: People's Choice, Anna Haggard, second runner up, Claire Franklin, first runner up, Tarah Anderson and miss fairest, Mallory Rohling. 27 Sep 2010 21:05:31 GMT The Pulaski Power Board meets Tuesday at 7 a.m. Items on the agenda include several operating policy updates including those regarding the work week, overtime pay, rest periods, emergency assistance and mobile phone use. Electric and broadband financial reports for the month of august will be presented and officials will be given an update on financial projections. 27 Sep 2010 21:07:23 GMT A live electrical line fell to the ground near Southside Elementary School in Pulaski temporally disabling power and igniting a grass fire.  The blaze occurred shortly before 1 Monday afternoon and quickly spread close to the school.  Members of the Pulaski Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire.  The Pulaski Electric System restored power by 2 p.m. to Southside and surrounding areas.  No injuries were reported. 27 Sep 2010 21:37:55 GMT The Lawrence County School System has announced the new Adopt-a-Teacher program that honors a former teacher or administrator by contributing funds for a teacher appreciation program. The goal of the program is to have 700 teachers adopted for $25 each in order to develop a "sunshine fund" for educators. The funds will be used to buy motivational or encouraging rewards for teachers. An Adopt-a-Teacher form can be downloaded from the school system's website at lcss.us and can also be picked up at the board of education and from each school. Each person adopting a teacher will be given a window sticker for their car to display their support of the effort and an acknowledgement card will be sent to the educator being honored or to the family of a former educator being remembered. 28 Sep 2010 19:15:19 GMT The faculty and staff at Lawrence County High School are working hard to prepare students not only for graduation, but for the future workforce. Principal Michael Adkins says the Career Techinical Education's "Career, Academic and Technical" Program brings in community business leaders to give students advice. Business reps help students polish up their "soft skills" by telling them how they expect students to dress when coming in for an interview, how they should speak, what classes they need and what extracurricular activities make them more marketable. The school's Credit Recovery Program is now offered during the school day. With credit recovery, students who lack credits can take the credit recovery class in place of an elective. Adkins says the program has been very successful. The number of credits earned during the school day is now double the number of after-school credits earned. The school's graduation rate has increased from 79% to 90.5% and Adkins attributes much of that achievement to the Credit Recovery Program. The Leaps and Bounds Program is also offered both before and after school and is very popular, with as many as 100 students participating. Students can get active with bowling and tennis on the WII, play cards, read, play board games, enjoy Guitar Hero, take guitar lessons or receive tutoring. 28 Sep 2010 19:15:45 GMT The city of Elkton will dedicate a Civil War Trails Marker Friday at 10. The location of the marker and dedication is at the south end of the Old Iron Bridge over the Elk River on U.S. Highway 31 at the intersection of Dickson Town Road and Highway 31. Doctor Carroll Van West, Director of the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University and the area director of Tennessee Civil War National Heritage will be among the speakers. The Civil War Trails Program is a multi-state effort that identifies, interprets, and creates driving tours of both the great campaigns and the lesser-known Civil War sites. 28 Sep 2010 19:16:44 GMT A Lawrenceburg man has been arrested for allegedly burglarizing a Lawrenceburg business. Employees of Challenger Electric reported arriving at the business Monday to find a garage door pried open, a hole cut in a fence and rolls of wire stolen. The total loss was estimated at $4900. Eric Todd Womble, 19, was arrested on burglary, theft and vandalism charges after allegedly trying to sell the wire in Alabama. He is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court November 4th. 28 Sep 2010 19:56:00 GMT With just a few days to spare, Lawrence County Commissioners passed the 2010-2011 budget Tuesday night. The fiscal year began July 1st. The commission had until October 1st to approve its budget, which includes the school board budget, or face loss of funding to county schools. Bill Burks and Ronnie Benefield cast no votes on the budget. All other resolutions were approved. 29 Sep 2010 19:25:13 GMT A Lawrence County native who has had a stellar major league baseball pitching career while also supporting the children of Lawrence County through his charitable foundation has been named recipient of the second annual First Farmers and Merchants Bank Achievement Award. David Weathers, a major league veteran for almost two decades, who currently is a free agent with the Milwaukee Brewers, will receive the honor from First Farmers in ceremonies on Thursday, October 14th. 29 Sep 2010 19:25:32 GMT A four year old child went missing for a short time from his Leoma residence Wednesday afternoon.  According to reports, the child walked out of his home at the Midtown Apartments on Highway 43 South around 4:30.  The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department quickly began to search for the child in the area around the apartment building. Officers located him shortly before 5 p.m. and returned him to his parents. 29 Sep 2010 22:01:04 GMT Drug agents have busted a Summertown meth lab. On Thursday, agents with the Lawrence County sheriff's department and the state probation and parole office responded to a Corbin Street residence to follow up on allegations that meth was being manufactured there by Kerry Jennings, who was on probation for manufacturing the drug. Agents report finding a meth lab at the residence. Jennings, 52, was placed under arrest. He faces several drug charges. Jennings will face an enhancement to the charges since he lives across from Summertown Elementary School. Jennings is being held at the jail on a 107,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court October 25th. 30 Sep 2010 16:50:19 GMT Giles County will be conducting a public meeting on Thursday, October 14th at six p.m. at the courthouse to provide information about Giles County applying for a drinking water state revolving fund loan in the amount of $4.2 million to install 70 miles of water lines throughout the county as part of the county's water line extension program. Questions prior to the meeting should be directed to the engineering firm of Gresham, Smith and Partners through Greg Sanford at 615-770-8343. 01 Oct 2010 14:37:27 GMT Several brush and field fires kept local fire crews busy over the weekend. Iron City and West Point Fire Departments responded to a combine and field fire on Friday. Members of the Giles County Fire and Rescue fought a field blaze Saturday on Fall River Road. The Crossroads Fire Department assisted in that incident. The Ethridge and Summertown Fire Departments battled seperate Saturday fires. An Ethridge crew was called to mill fire on North Mount Ararat Road around 1 Saturday afternoon while Summertown units fought a field and combine fire in northeastern Lawrence County. No injuries were reported in any of the weekend fires. 03 Oct 2010 14:54:48 GMT A motocross racer was severely injured in a saturday night wreck. The accident occurred around 8 saturday night during a racing event at the Middle Tennessee DIstrict Fair. Jonathan Dove of Huntsville, Alabama apparently lost control of his bike and sustained what was believed to have been a spinal cord injury. Drove was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he is listed in stable condition. 03 Oct 2010 14:54:53 GMT The Middle Tennessee District Fair has wrapped up it's 2010 run and officials are excited with its turnout. Early indications point to this year's fair breaking the over all attendance record for the annual event sponsored by the Lawrenceburg Rotary Club. Rotarians will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the fair over the next year, concluding with the 2011 Middle Tennessee District Fair. The club's records indicate the first Lawrence County Fair was held in Leoma in 1911. 04 Oct 2010 14:11:12 GMT Lawsuits filed by District Attorney General Mike Bottoms to reinstate criminal records came to a quick conclusion Monday. Bottoms issued a press release in July stating that his office had filed two lawsuits in Maury County to reinstate criminal records that were improperly expunged. In one case, Rodney T. Gillespie allegedly pleaded guilty to three drug charges. He served time in the Maury County Jail and Tennessee Department of Corrections. It is alleged that in 2006, Judge Jim Hamilton wrongfully expunged Gillespie's record. In 2010, Gillespie obtained a gun carry permit. The lawsuit sought to reinstate Gillespie's record and revoke the permit. In the second case, the release said Phillip Ray Williams pleaded guilty to vehicular assault, reckless endangerment, evading arrest and drug paraphenalia. Bottoms says in November 2007, Judge Hamilton expunged the convictions alleging the cases had been dismissed. Bottoms said the charges had not been dismissed. Bottoms was prepared to argue the case Monday with several witnesses but Gillespie and Williams appeared in court and did not contest the lawsuits. Their records were reinstated and Gillespie's gun carry permit revoked. 04 Oct 2010 22:26:14 GMT Mainstreet Lawrenceburg's Greenstreet Market will offer, pizza, pets, pickin' and more this Saturday. The event will be held from three until eight on the downtown square. Local attorney Wayne Hairrell will provide muscial entertainment from five until seven. The Key Club will be painting pumpkins with children. The Lawrence County Art Commission will hold a special member sign-up. Concessions will be offered by a soon-to-open new restaurant, "The Green Tomato." "Take and Bake and Heat and Eat" pizza will be selling pizzas. The Lawrence County Humane Society is teaming up with Lawrenceburg Animal Control for an Adoption Fair. There will be a spay/neuter coupon and pet basket give-aways and an information and resource table. 04 Oct 2010 22:26:33 GMT Counterfeit money surfaced in the form of small bills this weekend. An employee of Dollar General on North Locust reported to Lawrenceburg Police Friday that a counterfeit ten dollar bill had been passed at the store. On Sunday, a man told sheriff's deputies that he had received a fake ten dollar bill as change from one of three stores he had recently frequented. The bill was discovered at Big Chief's Market. 04 Oct 2010 22:26:53 GMT The Census Bureau recently reported that America is deeper in poverty today than it's been in more than a decade. Children have the highest rates of poverty: more than 15 million kids are now living in poverty, up from 1.4 million kids from the year before. In Tennessee, nearly 24 percent of children live below the poverty level, up from 21.8 percent in 2008. Four-year-olds living in poverty are 18 months behind their peers and 2 out of 3 fourth graders are not reading at grade level. These gaps lead to increased high school dropout rates, teenage pregnancy and unemployment. Save the Children’s U.S. programs work to combat the childhood poverty crisis by giving children the resources they need, including access to a quality education and healthy foods. The organization runs education programs at 14 sites in Tennessee and will serve more than 70,000 children nationwide this year. For more information, visit the web site SavetheChildren.org/U.S. 04 Oct 2010 22:27:09 GMT A Friday shooting has left a young Hohenwald girl fighting for her life. According to Lieutenant Tommy Fransen with the Lewis County Sheriff's Department, authorities responded to a call of an accidental shooting around 8:30 Friday night. A 12-year-old girl had been shot in the head and was airlifted to Vanderbilt Medical Center. Fransen said Monday that the child was not "out of the woods" while medical personnel wait for a 72-hour waiting period to pass. Fransen says everyone is "hoping for the best." He says the case is still under investigation. 04 Oct 2010 22:27:30 GMT Lawrence County Deputies discovered a methamphetamine lab this Tuesday afternoon in Leoma.  The meth lab was found on residential property at 134 Old Florence Pulaski Road near the Freemon Cemetery.  The Leoma Fire Department was called to the site for decontamination.  Sheriff’s officials indicate the investigation is ongoing.   05 Oct 2010 21:27:20 GMT A Wednesday morning vehicle crash has sent one to the hospital.  The wreck occurred shortly before 8 this morning on Marcella Falls Road.  Reports indicate one vehicle rolled over trapping the occupant for a short time.  Members of the Ethridge and Summertown Fire Departments responded to free the trapped individual.  At least one male was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in an unknown condition.   06 Oct 2010 13:50:43 GMT Questions surrounding the possible closure of Columbia's Sloan Ford have been answered directly from the company's president. Jim Sloan spoke to WLX News about the rumor that the dealership would face closure after the company's name appeared on a Nashville Business Journal list of dealers that could possibly lose their Lincoln and Mercury lines. Sloan indicated that Ford remains a strong seller in Maury County and is not at risk of closing. Corporate officials have planned to retire the Mercury line by the end of the year. 07 Oct 2010 16:58:31 GMT The Lawrence County Business and Professional Women's Organization has announced the winners of the 2010 Cutest Baby Contest. First prize went to Corbin White, the five-month-old son of Megan and Ashton White of Lawrenceburg; second place went to Kinlee Stutts, the three and a half month old daughter of Beth and Dustin Stutts of Loretto; third place went to Adley Passarella, the three month old daughter of Jordyn Mobley and Houston Passarella of Loretto. 07 Oct 2010 16:59:14 GMT A Columbia man has been indicted on a charge of vehicular homicide in the death of an Ethridge man. The accident occurred on March 25th of this year. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Frank Cooper, 73, of Columbia, was traveling west on Highway 64 in a 1997 Oldsmobile and was passing three vehicles in a construction zone and a no-passing zone when he struck head-on a 1995 Chevy S-10, driven by 57-year-old Mack Odeneal. Odeneal was killed and Cooper was injured. The accident was investigated by Trooper Jamie Prince and the THP's Critical Incident Response Team. Cooper is scheduled for arraignment Monday, October 25th. 07 Oct 2010 16:59:36 GMT A Mississippi man is facing charges after striking an Ethridge man with a vehicle Thursday afternoon.  Randy Ferris Oliver, 55 of Walnut, Mississippi was arrested by Lawrence County Deputies after running over a man from Ethridge.  The victim was transported to Crockett Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Oliver was booked into the Lawrence County Jail on one count of attempted first degree murder.  Bond was set at $100,000. 08 Oct 2010 15:27:48 GMT Judge Bobby Holloway heard arguments this morning in former Lawrence County Sheriff Kenny's Taylor's election lawsuit. Taylor is challenging election results in the August 5th Sheriff's race. Jimmy Brown won the election by 118 votes. Taylor came in second and Mike Risner third. Attorney Russ Parkes is representing Taylor, Chuck Doerflinger is representing Jimmy Brown and Chris Williams is representing the election commission. Parkes is asking for a new election between Taylor and Brown arguing that Mike Risner lives in Giles County and was not qualified to run for sheriff in Lawrence County. Parkes stated that Risner certified with the Election Commission that his Ethridge residence was his permanent residence but that he lives on Risner Road in Giles County. Williams argued that to be qualified to run for sheriff, Risner only had to be a resident of Tennessee and that Taylor should have filed a formal complaint regarding Risner's residency with the state's post commission. Williams said there is no law in place that allows one unsuccessful candidate to challenge another. Williams is asking that the suit against the Election Commission be dismissed. Doerflinger said Taylor should have raised the issue before the election and reiterated that Risner was a qualified candidate. He said Holloway should find that the election was valid. Tesimony continues this afternoon. 08 Oct 2010 18:53:37 GMT Judge Bobby Holloway as rulled that Jimmy Brown will remain as Lawrence County Sheriff. Former Sheriff Kenny Taylor disputed the outcome of the August 5th General Election by stating that Candidate Mike Risner lived in Giles County. Brown won the election by 118 votes. 08 Oct 2010 21:33:57 GMT A Saturday morning shooting has landed three men in jail. According to reports, the victim, Michael Staggs, and a female companion were at the Cherokee Camp area on Idaho Road in Leoma shortly after midnight Saturday morning when three males arrived in a white pick-up and began threatening the couple. Staggs fled on foot into nearby woods. The three men, identified as 19 year old Brennan Meyer, Dezmon Allen, 19, and Ronnie Brown age 24, chased Staggs and reportedly fired shots at him. Staggs was able to call for help at a nearby residence. Lawrence County Deputies were able to locate the white pick-up and arrested Meyer, Allen, and Brown on aggravated assault charges. The trio was booked into the Lawrence County Jail on $20,000 bond. Staggs did not sustain any injuries as a result of the confrontation. The matter remains under investigation by the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department. 09 Oct 2010 18:43:57 GMT After a full day of testimony and attorneys' arguments Friday, Circuit Court Judge Bobby Holloway ruled that Sheriff Jimmy Brown would remain sheriff of Lawrence County. Former Sheriff Kenny Taylor challenged the election results in the August 5th sheriff's race. Brown won the election by 118 votes. Taylor came in second and Mike Risner third. Taylor's attorney Russ Parkes asked for a new election between Taylor and Brown arguing that Risner certified with the election commission that his Ethridge residence was his permanent residence but that he lives in Giles County and was not qualified to run for sheriff of Lawrence County. Holloway's findings included that when Risner certified as a registered voter of Lawrence County, Risner was a resident of Giles County and was not a qualified voter of Lawrence County and therefore not qualified to run for sheriff. Holloway explained that the court was authorized to void elections on two occasions: if there was sufficient proof of fraud or illegalities that would render the election results uncertain and if illegal votes were cast that would exceed the margin by which the election was won. Holloway said Risner's application to register in Lawrence County and his certification were "a mistake, not fraud." Regarding illegal votes, Holloway said he would rely on the opinion rendered in a Kentucky case which stipulated that votes for an unqualified candidate were not illegal. Parkes says he will appeal. 09 Oct 2010 18:44:12 GMT Forestry officials are urging Tennesseans to use caution when conducting outdoor burning. Conditions are the driest they've been since the drought of 2007. Wildfires have burned more than 16,000 acres this year and officials warn that dry conditions make it dangerous to do any outdoor burning. Permits will be required for outdoor burning in Middle Tennessee beginning Friday. To request a permit in Lawrence County call 766-1413. In Giles County, call 424-4010. 11 Oct 2010 16:37:26 GMT With Middle Tennessee children facing higher standards and tougher math tests, Sonic Drive-ins will provide free multiplication flash card sets for every fourth grade class in the region that wants them. Sonic Drive-ins sponsored 30,000 sets of flash cards and Homework Hotline is shipping them to school districts across Middle Tennessee. Those include Franklin, Giles, Lawrence, Lewis and Maury counties. 11 Oct 2010 16:37:47 GMT Hohenwald Elephant Sanctuary Co-founder Carol Buckley, who was fired from the Sanctuary in March, is suing the non-profit organization and two of its board members. The Tennessean reports that Buckley is suing for retaliatory termination, breach of contract and visitation rights for her elephant Tara, among other things. She is suing the sanctuary, board member Janice Zeitlin and Acting CEO Mary Baker. The lawsuit states that Buckley's trouble started when she objected to a payment made to Zeitlin's husband for a planned education building on the sanctuary. Buckley closed the bank account on which Zeitlin wrote the $60,000 check to her husband. She also complained about a $20,000 payment made in 2008 to a contractor. In July 2009, an elephant tested positive for Tuberculosis, and shortly after four caregivers tested positive for exposure. Buckley insisted that staff follow protocols and that administration schedule the follow-up testing required by the state. As a result of her complaints, Buckley was placed on a two-month leave of absence, with the understanding that her performance would be evaluated. Shortly after, Baker was named acting CEO. Buckley is seeking compensatory and punitive damages of $500,000 each. 11 Oct 2010 16:38:12 GMT Pulaski Electric System (PES) says it will be focusing its tree trimming efforts along planned routes. PES maintains over 1100 miles of primary power line throughout Giles County and over 350 miles of secondary line. The sole purpose of the trimming is to maintain the stability of the local power grid. PES has two crews, one working in southern Giles County and another in the north end. A third crew clears brush and vegetation from under the main distribution lines. Tree-trimming crews will inspect and clear every line over the next few years as they make their way through the system. PES wants customers to know that the most effective way to trim the greatest number of lines in the least amount of time is by trimming specific routes rather than moving around to respond to individual requests. 11 Oct 2010 16:38:28 GMT Giles County authorities have arrested a man wanted in Minnesota on child pornography charges. Officers received information from Minnesota authorities that they had tracked 52-year-old Alec James Tafolla's cell phone to Flag Springs Road off Highway 166. Officers located the vehicle and took Tafolla into custody. He remains in the Giles County Jail awaiting extradition. Tafolla is charged in Minnesota with dissemination and possession of child pornography. Sheriff Kyle Helton asks anyone who has had contact with Tafolla to contact the sheriff's department at 363-2460. 12 Oct 2010 19:08:44 GMT Giles County authorities arrested a couple Monday on theft charges. Officers arrested Mickey Lee Davis, 35, and Jessica Crabb, 20, at the Star Motel. The investigation is continuing and other charges are forthcoming related to several burglaries and thefts allegedly committed by the pair. They remain in the Giles County Jail on bond. 12 Oct 2010 19:09:00 GMT A Lawrenceburg business has been seized by state officials. Chaparral's Restaurant was closed for allegedly failing to pay Tennessee sales tax. Department of Revenue officials closed the business Wednesday morning. 13 Oct 2010 18:35:21 GMT Coded letters led federal officials to the home of a Summertown man who now faces child pornography charges. The Tennessean reported in an article this week that federal investigators deciphered the secret code used in letters that Daniel Ladeau, 61, traded with his incarcerated brother David. The letters outlined tips on how to obtain child porn. The letters led a Franklin police detective who works on a federal Internet crimes task force to Ladeau's Summertown home, where investigators say they found hundreds of images of children in sexually explicit situations. Daniel Ladeau is awaiting trial in Nashville. He has pleaded not guilty to possession of child pornography in federal court and is being held until the outcome of the trial. David Ladeau is awaiting sentencing in Rhode Island after pleading guilty to federal charges, also involving child pornography. 13 Oct 2010 18:35:44 GMT Lawrence County drug agents have busted another meth lab. On October 5th, agents went to 134 Old Florence-Pulaski Road in Leoma to follow-up on information of possible drug activity. They report finding Christopher Wayne Windham of Leoma and Adam Nicholas Crabb, of Goodsprings, in possession of a non-working meth lab. Agents also report finding baggies of meth and marijuana and drug paraphenalia. A loaded .45 caliber handgun was seized. Both men were transported to the sheriff's department and were placed under a $120,000 bond each. They are scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court November 8th. 13 Oct 2010 18:36:06 GMT A Lawrenceburg busniess has re-opened a day after being closed on allegiations of failure to pay state sales tax. Chaparral's Steakhouse Restaurant is now operating at regular business hours. Restaurant workers said the company cleared up a matter with the State Department of Revenue and is now re-open for business. 14 Oct 2010 20:34:32 GMT The third and final family member to face charges related to the december 2009 shooting of a t-w-r-a officer has entered a plea agreement with the district attorney general's office. Joe howard swafford will serve a total of twelve years at 30 percent on several charges related to the case. His sons, patrick and james clayton swafford, have already entered pleas in the case. 14 Oct 2010 20:34:59 GMT After increases for eight months, the Tennessee Valley Authority's fuel cost adjustment will decrease by five percent November 1st. The decrease will cut residential bills between $3.50 and $7. TVA officials said Wednesday that in September, coal, purchased power and gas prices were 12 percent below the predicted level. That helped to offset demand that was higher than projected and lower hydro generation than had been forecast. About half of TVA's power supply comes from coal, oil and natural gas. 14 Oct 2010 20:35:20 GMT The state has approved a four million dollar emergency loan needed to cover the maury county school system's friday payroll. Maury county commissioners and the school board have not come to a 2010-2011 budget agreement. All school systems in the state must have a budget approved by october 1st in order to receive state funding. Students are slated to return to classes monday but without funding, schools could be forced to close. The maury county school board will discuss its budget in an emergency session at 5 today at horace o. Porter school. 14 Oct 2010 20:35:47 GMT A lawrenceburg business and the lawrenceburg housing authority reported to lawrenceburg police this week that gang graffiti had been spray-painted on their buildings. Performance feeds on fourth street reported that vandals had spray-painted the west side of the business with gang-related graffiti including the word "crip" and gang symbols. Damages were estimated at 100 dollars. Several housing units of the lawrenceburg housing authority were spray-painted with symbols used by the gang the "kitchen crips." damages were estimated at more than 700 dollars. 14 Oct 2010 20:36:05 GMT THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE HAS ANNOUNCED A THURSDAY DEADLINE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR RETROACTIVE PAYMENTS. MILITARY MEMBERS WHOSE SERVICE WAS INVOLUNTARILY EXTENDED, OR WHOSE RETIREMENT WAS SUSPENDED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2009, DUE TO STOP LOSS, ARE ENTITLED TO RETROACTIVE PAYMENTS OF $500 FOR EACH MONTH. A 2009 ACT ESTABLISHED THE RETROACTIVE STOP LOSS SPECIAL PAY. ONLY ABOUT 58,000 OF THE 145,000 ELIGIBLE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN PAID, LEAVING MORE THAN $300 MILLION TO ELIGIBLE VETERANS. THE AVERAGE PAYOUT IS $4,000. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR BENEFITS IS THURSDAY. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE LOCAL VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE AT 766-1583. 15 Oct 2010 16:02:32 GMT COUNTRY COTTAGE IS ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR ITS ANNUAL RUTH'S REWARD THROUGH SUNDAY. THOSE WHO KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS SHOWN DEDICATION TO AN OLDER PERSON CAN NOMINATE THEM FOR THE 7TH ANNUAL RUTH'S REWARD. NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE COTTAGE, THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICE OR ONLINE AT COTTAGE ASSISTED LIVING DOT COM SLASH RUTH. ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY SUNDAY. THE REWARD CELEBRATION WILL BE HELD NOVEMBER 7TH AT 2 AT COUNTRY COTTAGE. 15 Oct 2010 16:02:58 GMT THE FINAL NUMBERS ARE IN AND THIS YEAR'S ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION MEMORY WALK IN LAWRENCE COUNTY RAISED OVER $17,000. ROUGHLY 100 INDIVIDUALS FROM LAWRENCE AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES ATTENDED THE WALK. ORGANIZERS EXTENDED THEIR THANKS TO ALL THOSE INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES WHO HELPED WITH THIS YEAR'S EVENT. DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL MONDAY. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 931-455-3345. 15 Oct 2010 16:03:39 GMT WITH NO BUDGET AGREEMENT IN PLACE, MAURY COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF CLOSURE FOR THE ENTIRE WEEK. AT THURSDAY'S EMERGENCY MEETING, MAURY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS VOTED TO ONCE AGAIN SEND THE MORE THAN 75 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET BACK TO THE COUNTY COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL. COUNTY LEADERS HAVE VOTED AGAINST INCREASING THE 75.7 MILLION DOLLAR SCHOOLS BUDGET BY 800 THOUSAND DOLLARS. ALL SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN TENNESSEE MUST HAVE A BUDGET APPROVED BY OCTOBER 1ST TO RECEIVE STATE FUNDING. THE STATE APPROVED A 4 MILLION DOLLAR EMERGENCY LOAN ON THURSDAY TO COVER THE SCHOOL SYSTEM'S FRIDAY PAYROLL. CHANNEL FOUR NEWS REPORTS THAT SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT EDDIE HICKMAN INDICATED THAT SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE WITH AFTER SCHOOL ATHLETIC AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SET TO GO ON AS PLANNED. THE MAURY COUNTY COMMISSION HAS SCHEDULED A 9 A-M MONDAY MEETING TO REVISIT THE BUDGET ISSUE. 15 Oct 2010 16:04:04 GMT Loretto High School's Theater Arts Class will present an outdoor production beginning Saturday. Students will present Mark Twain's' "The Diary of Adam and Eve," adapted by Mark Bucci on the lawn behind the Little Theater Saturday at 7, and Tuesday, October 26th and Thursday, October 28th at 6:30. The play is being directed by Senior Keeli Allen and stars seniors Matthew Mcafee, Holly Davis and Chelsea Richardson. The remainder of the cast is being filled by the freshman Introduction to Theater class. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic supper. A make-up date will be announced in case of inclement weather. 18 Oct 2010 18:57:47 GMT Maury County Commissioners voted Monday morning to increase the school board's budget by $800,000, ending a budget crisis that almost closed schools. The measure passed 13 to 8. Officials announced Saturday that they were close enough to an agreement that classes would resume this week from fall break. The move raises the school board's budget to $76.5 million. All school systems in Tennessee must have a budget approved by October 1st or face losing state funding. 18 Oct 2010 18:58:06 GMT A Pulaski man was killed and two others injured in an early Sunday morning accident. The THP reports that a vehicle driven by 31-year-old Dustin Oertle of Pulaski was traveling north on 373 in Maury County when it left the roadway and overturned several times. Oertle was injured along with passenger 24-year-old Adam Rose of Pulaski. Passenger Michael Brumit was killed. Charges in the accident are pending. The wreck was investigated by Trooper Brandon Mccauley. 18 Oct 2010 18:58:49 GMT A Giles County man is behind bars after leaving the scene of a hit and run accident and impersonating a police officer.  Giles County Deputies say a truck driven by 21 year-old Casey Freemon rear-ended a vehicle on Stella Road Saturday night. Freemon then followed the victim to his residence where he proceeded to threaten him and again rammed the victim's vehicle.  Freemon fled the scene at a high rate of speed.  Deputies then received several reports of a man pulling over vehicles on Stella Road by using a flashing light.  In one incident reported to authorities, Freemon detained two men by claiming he was a wildlife resource officer.  Freemon attacked one of the men and inflicted damage to the stopped vehicle. The two men recognized Freemon and were able to notify the sheriff's department.  State Troopers later found Freemon's abandoned vehicle in a ditch.  Warrants were issued for Freeman who arrested without incident a short time later.  He was booked into the Giles County Jail on $18,250.00 bond.  Freemon is charged with three counts of assault, criminal impersonation of a police officer, two counts of reckless endangerment, and leaving the scene of an accident, among other charges.  Authorities believe Freemon may have pulled over several drivers in the area of Stella Road Saturday night.  If you or someone you know may have been a victim of Freemon then contact the Giles County Sheriff's Department at 363-2460. 18 Oct 2010 21:09:29 GMT A downed power-line shut down traffic on a busy Summertown highway Monday evening.  According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol a low hanging line was clipped by a passing 18 wheeler resulting in the power polel snapping and falling onto Highway 43 just before 5 Monday afternoon.  No one was hurt however traffic had to be rerouted through Summertown for several hours while crews worked to repair the downed line. 19 Oct 2010 15:17:17 GMT The Summertown Lady Eagle Volleyball Team has won the Regional Volleyball Championship. The semi-final matches started off with Summertown playing Columbia Academy. Molly Tucker and Megan Kilburn led in hitting with nine kills each. Courtney Grooms had 6 aces. The second semi-final match was loretto taking the win from santa fe in three straight as well, which set up the final between the Eagles and Mustangs. Summertown won the first game 25 to 13, the second 25 to 16 and the third 25 to 22. Stat leaders were Molly Tucker with 18 kills and Megan Kilburn with 14. Morgan Long lead in blocks with 6. Aces were lead by Megan Kilburn with 5 and Courtney Grooms had 40 assists. Brooklyn Kroeger, Danielle Ray, Karlie Harville, Kelly Konig, and Taylor Franks all contributed in offence and defense for the win. 20 Oct 2010 21:46:39 GMT An Ethridge man reported to the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department this week that he has been the victim of identity theft. The report says the man was contacted by Bank of America some time back about a debt. The man says he did not have an account with the bank. The victim was recently contacted by a debt collector who said he owed $10,000 on a credit card that originated at a branch of the bank in Huntsville, Alabama. The collection agency had all the man's personal information. The case is under investigation. 20 Oct 2010 21:47:05 GMT David Crockett State Park will offer the Halloween History Trail Saturday from 7 until 8:30 from the swimming pool parking lot. There will be a short hayride and a stop at the amphitheater for stories and folklore. Drinks, chili, and hot dogs will be available at the pool for a donation to the Friends of the Park. Trick-or-treating will take place on the trail and at the park restaurant. Bring a carved pumpkin for the jack-o-lantern contest to the park office Saturday between ten and four. Pumpkins will be placed along the trail. 20 Oct 2010 21:47:22 GMT The Lawrenceburg Parks and Recreation Department will hold its Halloween Carnival Sunday, October 31st from six until eight at Rotary Park. The event is free to the public and is for girls and boys ages 10 and under. There will be carnival games, karaoke and more. Don't forget to wear you costume and bring your treat bag. Lawrenceburg Mayor Keith Durham asked that parents who live in the city have their children trick or treat on Saturday, October 30th. 20 Oct 2010 21:47:38 GMT Two men were arrested on drug charges following a Sunday traffic stop. Jamie Dale Stepenson, 33, of Leoma and Brian Keith Suratt, 29, of Ethridge, face charges, including the promotion of methamphetamine, after being stopped for speeding. During a search, officers found items used to make meth, two grams of marijuana, pills, a baggie of meth and drug parapenalia. The pair is scheduled to appear in court January 6th. 20 Oct 2010 21:47:56 GMT There will be a flu clinic at the Giles County Health Department on Thursday, October 28th from 8 until 3 by appointment only. Call 363-5506 for an appointment. 20 Oct 2010 21:48:12 GMT A Lawrence County man was seriously injured after he fell off a camper and struck his head on a 2 by 4. The accident occurred around 1:30 Thursday afternoon on Valley Road in Ethridge.  According to reports, the 49 year-old victim was unconscious when paramedics arrived.  A Lifeflight helicopter was originally called to the scene however the man was transported to Crockett Hospital by ambulance in an unknown condition. 21 Oct 2010 19:40:34 GMT Columbia has received a federal grant worth a quarter of a million dollars.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the 1.5 million dollar grant to Tennessee officials for making communities more livable.  250,000 dollars will go toward making the James Campbell Corridor a more sustainable neighborhood.  The agency indicated the money will be utilized for residential and commercial development.  The remaining part of the grant will be used for neighborhood improvements in Memphis. 21 Oct 2010 19:51:00 GMT An early Thursday morning traffic stop has landed a Waynesboro man in an Alabama jail. An officer with the Lawrenceburg police department spotted 32-year-old timothy Scott Kilburn driving on north locust avenue and knew his license was revoked. A national crime information center - or n-c-i-c - check revealed felony arrest warrants for Kilburn out of Colbert county, Alabama for grand larceny. Alabama authorities indicated they would extradite Kilburn. He is scheduled to appear in general sessions court November 5th on the local charges of fugitive from justice and driving on a revoked license. 21 Oct 2010 21:03:22 GMT The 20th annual Giles County Chili Cook-Off is being hailed as a success.  Giles County Chamber of Commerce Director Donna Baker said the annual benefit contest drew around 1,300 people to the Downtown Pulaski Square to sample chili from more than 50 contestants Thursday night.  The prize for first place chili was awarded to Thompson Chapel.  Pulaski Electric System took second place honors. Proceeds from the cook-off benefit the chamber and a scholarship fund. 22 Oct 2010 16:49:35 GMT The City of Ethridge has received a community development block grant worth $57,000.  Ethridge was one of several municipalities in the state to receive funds for community livability.  City officials say the money will go toward the instillation of two tornado sirens, one at City Hall and the other near Ethridge Elementary School.  The sirens are designed to be heard for several miles with hopes that nearby Amish could be alerted to severe weather.  The Ethridge Fire Department will provide matching funds. The sirens are expected to be installed next spring. 22 Oct 2010 18:36:51 GMT A Lawrence County man is facing multiple charges after a recent traffic stop. A deputy on routine patrol spotted 39-year-old Kalvin Coolidge Story, who was wanted on active warrants, driving in Saint Joseph. The report says Story didn't have a driver's license, strongly smelled of alcohol and that Story told the officer he was on his way to get more beer. He had a young child in the vehicle with him. Story agreed to a blood alcohol test. He was arrested on outstanding warrants for violation of probation and failure to appear and additional charges, including, DUI, possession of a controlled substance and aggravated child endangerment. He is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court November 8th. 25 Oct 2010 18:43:41 GMT Severe weather moved through Middle Tennessee Sunday evening, with official spottings of two tornadic touchdowns in Maury County. A roof blew off a building in the Collinwood area. Thunderstorm warnings were issued for northeastern Lawrence and northwestern Giles counties. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency had no reports of deaths or injuries statewide. The National Weather Service said another chance of thunderstorms is coming Tuesday as a cold front pushes into Tennessee. 25 Oct 2010 18:44:00 GMT Plans are in the works for this year's Giles County Santa Train. This year's efforts will be coordinated by First United Methodist Church located at 200 West Jefferson Street in Pulaski. Santa Train applications are available at the church office and are due by Thursday, November 11th. When all the applications are in, the church will be asking local businesses to set up Santa Train trees to solicit adopters to provide Christmas presents for the children. For more information, contact the church at 363-2595. 25 Oct 2010 18:44:18 GMT The Lawrence County Board of Education will meet Tuesday at 5:30 at Lawrence County High School. A special session will immediately follow the work session. The school board is expected to discuss how it will allocate $1.6 million in state funding. The board currently has three proposals for consideration. The school board is also expected to issue a press release soon regarding a possible settlement in the board's lawsuit against some companies involved in the David Crockett Elementary School building project. 25 Oct 2010 18:44:34 GMT Lawrence County's recycle program is going strong. Lawrence County Solid Waste, located on Baler Drive, recycles newspapers, magazines, aluminum, metal cans, used cooking and engine oil, vehicle batteries, cardboard and plastics numbers one and two. Lawrence County Solid Waste also accepts tires for a small fee. Since July of this year, the landfill has recycled 225 tons of cardboard, 40 tons of newspaper, 48 tons of magazines, 20 tons of plastic, 60 tons of metal, three tons of aluminum and 700 gallons of used oil. In 2009, Lawrence County recycled 62.8 percent of its waste stream. The state mandate is 25 percent. Lawrence County Solid Waste extends it appreciation to students, residents, businesses and industries for their continuing efforts to make the recycle program such a success. 25 Oct 2010 18:44:53 GMT An Ethridge man faces charges after allegedly stealing garbage cans from David Crockett State Park. Park officials reported to the sheriff's department Friday that several items were missing from the park, including 15 steel garbage receptacles, a ladder and saw. Officials located the cans at Grimes Recycling Center. The business furnished a receipt listing the seller as James Lester Heatherly, 43. The report says Heatherly confessed to stealing the garbage cans but said he knew nothing about the other items. Evidence against Heatherly will be presented to the next session of the Lawrence County Grand Jury. The loss to the park is estimated at $2200. 25 Oct 2010 18:45:09 GMT A shotgun was fired in a Monday night home invasion in Giles County.  According to the Giles County Sheriff's Department, a man shot his way into a York Road home around 8:15 Monday night.  The man then proceeded to rob a couple who was at home at the time of the incident.  Giles County Deputies with assistance from the Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter and a K-9 unit responded to the area however the suspect could not be located.  Deputies indicate the suspect left an amount of evidence at the scene of the crime.  Sheriff's officials are requesting information from anyone who may have observed suspicious activity in the York Road area Monday night.  The Giles County Sheriff's Department can be reached by calling 363-2460. 26 Oct 2010 19:26:08 GMT A Saturday night police chase ended with one man evading authorities. According to the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, a deputy attempted to stop an early 90's green camaro near Kirk's Store in St. Joseph late Saturday night. The unidentified driver briefly slowed down before speeding up toward the Alabama stateline. The chase ended on Lauderdale County Road 39 near Lexington where the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The male driver was able to evade perusing deputies and members of the Alabama Highway Patrol by running to an area of woods. Upon search of the vehicle, investigating officers discovered a loaded gun, a police scanner, and drug paraphernalia. Officers are also looking into the possibility the camaro was stolen. The case remains under investigation by the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department. 26 Oct 2010 20:50:25 GMT Lawrence County School System personnel will receive bonuses thanks to $1.6 million in "Jobs Bill" funding. In a 7 to 2 vote, the school board approved School Director Dr. Bill Heath's recommendation on how to appropriate the funds. Under his recommendation, during this and the next two fiscal years - $600,000 will go to administrator bonuses - that would be $5500 annually for principals and supervisors and $4,000 annually for assistant principals; $600,000 will go towards bonuses for certified staff, including teachers; and $275,000 towards support staff bonuses; $200,000 will be used through the 2012/2013 fiscal year to fund or retain two teaching positions. The money is being given to school system personnel in the form of bonuses because salaries are recurring while the $1.6 million in funding is a one-time appropriation. Roberta Brazier and Brenda Jacobs voted against the recommendation saying they didn't feel it was equitable. There are 530 certified staff members and 430 support staff personnel compared to around 40 administrators. Dr. Heath explained that his recommendation included the highest bonus for administrators because their salaries are $25,000 below the state median. Support staff salaries are comparable to the state median and support staff received a July bonus and a 3% raise in September. Teacher salaries are about $1,000 below the state median. The board will vote on how the bonuses will be disbursed during its November meeting. 27 Oct 2010 01:11:07 GMT A Pulaski woman has been charged with vehicular homicide in the death of a Pulaski man. According to the THP, 26-year-old Jason Smith's vehicle was struck head on on Highway 31 by a vehicle driven by 36-year-old Tonya Smith of Pulaski early Tuesday morning. Tonya Smith has been charged with vehicular homicide. Investigating Trooper was Jamie Prince. 28 Oct 2010 16:03:55 GMT The Lawrenceburg City Council is considering combining its Parks and Recreation, Street, and Flood Control departments into a single Public Works Department. Ronald Fox said he thought the city could run more efficiently as one department. The council agreed to have City Administrator Pee Wee Mcclain perform a feasibility study to determine if the move would be a good one. 28 Oct 2010 20:31:21 GMT Work continues on Simms Street Park improvements. Lawrenceburg Parks Director Beth Campbell has obtained a $34,400 quote on new playground equipment. Mayor Keith Durham said the city will seek grant funds to cover the cost. Other planned improvements include the installation of a larger drainage pipe, new lighting and fencing enhancements. 28 Oct 2010 20:31:41 GMT Lawrenceburg's City Council will apply for a Downtown Renovation Project Grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The funds would include sidewalks around the square, traffic signage and new landscaping. The city would pay a 20 percent match. It will be next summer before the city knows if it was awarded the grant. In other business, the council updated its OSHA program and authorized changes in its Tennessee Risk Management Pool accounts. 28 Oct 2010 20:31:59 GMT Lawrenceburg Utility Systems announced Thursday that natural gas rates are down. The rates decreased 10 percent in October from September. Based on average residential bills, natural gas customers should see a decrease of between $3.50 and $7 monthly depending on usage levels. 28 Oct 2010 20:32:17 GMT An early morning fire has left damaged to a Lawrenceburg landmark.  The blaze broke out around 4 this (Monday) morning in the warehouse portion of the former Salant and Salant Building on Depot Street.  According to the property owner, the fire left smoke damaged to the building now used by Gibbs Furniture Outlet.  Members of the Lawrenceburg Fire Department responded and quickly contained the fire.  No injuries were reported.  The incident remains under investigation. 01 Nov 2010 15:12:31 GMT The Wayne County Sheriff's Department is continuing to search for a missing Clifton man. David Field, 71, went missing Thursday after failing to meet with friends for a fishing trip. Investigators say that no one has made contact with Field since Thursday morning. His vehicle is a beige 1997 Buick La Sabre with Tennessee license plate 6-9-7 Y-Z-D. Anyone with information is asked to call the Wayne County Sheriff's Department at 931-722-3613. 01 Nov 2010 15:17:47 GMT Lawrence County's Economic Development Board met Thursday and agreed to offer Ohio-based United Bio Solutions up to 25 of the approximately 100 acres in Team Lawrence Commerce Park at a cost of $4500 per acre. Board Attorney Charlie Holt is to draw up the contract. An incentive package, likely in the form of tax abatements, will be worked out later. The company will convert wood waste purchased from local sources into wood pellets and bricks that it will sell to big box retailers that will in turn, sell it for residential use. If the contract is finalized, the company will begin construction on a facility by February. The plant would employ 20 to 25 workers. 01 Nov 2010 15:18:37 GMT A Lincoln County train derailment kept crews busy for several hours on Monday.  According the the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, 15 cars of a C-S-X train derailed near the Dellrose community around 4 Monday morning.  No one was injured and no hazardous materials were reported to have spilled during the accident.  The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.   02 Nov 2010 14:28:25 GMT The Wayne County Sheriff's Department is continuing to search for a missing Clifton man.  David Field, 71, went missing Thursday after failing to meet with friends for a fishing trip.  Investigators say Field was last sited near Highway 48 and Reeves Road in Lewis County while on business early Thursday afternoon.  Field may have been planning to travel through the Lawrence or Giles County area before meeting with friends.  His vehicle is a beige 1997 Buick La Sabre with Tennessee license plate 6-9-7 Y-Z-D.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Wayne County Sheriff's Department at 931-722-3613. 02 Nov 2010 14:29:19 GMT Lawrence County Commissioners discussed a waterline extension project and technology issues Monday. Commissioner Sam Purcell says she wants water line extensions installed on shackelford road. The county did not receive the CDBG grant this year that it had applied for, but plans to submit another grant application that would likely include Shackelford Road. If the county doesn't receive grant funding for the project, it would have to fund an extension with county funds. IT Director Walt Hollman says the county is experiencing e-mail difficulties and that some e-mail accounts had been compromised. He says he has taken steps to address the problem but would like to establish an action-item list that would include blocking access to additional sites. Hollman also wants the county network infrastructure to be moved from the boiler room of the main courthouse to an upstairs location. Hollman is to meet with the Technology Committee to address the issues. 03 Nov 2010 18:58:29 GMT Loretto Telephone Company and the Ralph J. Passarella Family have donated $5,000 to Columbia State Community College for a scholarship to benefit students at the Lawrence County campus. Columbia State’s Office of Advancement maintains and builds relationships within the nine-county service area to continue community support for student scholarships. To find out how to participate or contribute, call 931-540-2512. 03 Nov 2010 18:58:58 GMT Lawrence County Commissioners held an agenda session Monday for their November 30th meeting. Commissioners Ron Taylor, Mark Niedergeses and Jerry Dryden are sponsoring a resolution to reverse road sign name changes along the eastern section of the 64 by-pass. Some citizens who live on the roads that saw name changes were upset and want the names changed back. Emergency personnel say the name changes make it much easier for them to locate 911 addresses. The commission approved name changes for the western section of the bypass last year. The commission's Highway Committee is to set guidelines for future name changes in compliance with state law. 03 Nov 2010 19:00:13 GMT Lawrence County Commissioners met in special session Monday and gave the green light to all items of business on their agenda. Two resolutions called for approval of loans in the amounts of $132,000 for solid waste facility improvements and $165,000 for courthouse renovations. Budget Director Teresa Purcell explained that the resolutions had already been approved in January but the commission needed to reword the resolutions based on state and federal recommendations. The total cost of the solid waste project is $256,000 - $132,000 will be funded from a loan and $124,000 from grant funds. The project will fund new storage space for recyclables. The total cost of the courthouse renovation project is $194,000 - $165,000 to be funded from a loan and $29,000 from grant funds. The project will include modifying offices for the best use of space and some security measures. The resolutions were approved in a 15 to 1 vote. Sam Purcell voted nay. Anne Brown and Mark Niedergeses were absent. The commission also voted to approve Chad Moore to replace Karen Woodall and Eulan Hooper to replace Rick Lanning on the Economic Development Board of Lawrence County. 03 Nov 2010 19:00:32 GMT There were no surprises in Tuesday's General Election. The GOP took control of the U.S. House and Tennessee's Congressional Democrats lost their majority. Republican Bill Haslam took the governor's seat, defeating Democrat opponent Mike Mcwherter; Republican Scott Desjarlais defeated Democrat Incumbent Congressman Lincoln Davis; Republican Jim Summerville took Democrat Doug Jackson's 25th District State Senate Seat and Republican State Representative Joey Hensley held off Democrat Challenger Calvin Moore. The city of Saint Joseph will be represented by newly-elected Commissioners Benji Barnett and Jean Hill. In Giles County, Democrat State Representative Eddie Bass held on to his 65th District Seat, fending off Republican Challenger Billy Spivey. Pat Ford won the Pulaski Mayor's Race. The three Pulaski Aldermen Elected were Jeff Hatfield, Charles Jenkins and Patricia Miles. 03 Nov 2010 19:00:53 GMT The search for a missing Clifton man has ended tragically.  David Field, 71, went missing October 28 after failing to meet friends for a fishing trip.  Field's body and wrecked car was discovered late Thursday afternoon on Stephens School House Road in Maury County.  Investigators believe that Field suffered a medical emergency that caused him to loose control of his vehicle.  A weekend long search turned up several reported sightings of Field who was believed to have been disoriented and driving around the area.  Field was a diabetic and dependent on medication.  An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. 05 Nov 2010 14:57:03 GMT A worker has been hurt on the site of a Lawrenceburg construction project.  According to reports, the man was struck by a 150 pound piece of duct work while working in the former K-Mart building around 11 Monday morning.  It was said that the victim never lost consciousness although emergency officials called for an Air Evac helicopter.  The worker was air lifted to a Nashville hospital in an unknown condition.  City officials say the K-mart property is being renovated to house Goodwill and a new Dollar Tree. 08 Nov 2010 22:23:57 GMT A Monday evening fire left damage a Lawrenceburg duplex. The Spring Street residence caught fire around 4:30 Monday afternoon. Members of the Lawrenceburg Fire Department were able to contain the fire to the east side of the structure although the west half did sustain smoke damage. The blaze displaced two families for the night making it the first multifamily fire in Lawrence County in more than a decade. The fire was said to have started on the east side around the kitchen stove. The American Red Cross provided assistance to the families. 08 Nov 2010 23:09:06 GMT Christmas is arriving early in Lawrenceburg, as New Prospect Baptist Church prepares to serve as a collection point for Operation Christmas Child. Through the world’s largest Christmas project, Lawrenceburg residents are helping send shoe box gifts this year to more than 8 million children in 100 countries suffering from natural disaster, war, terrorism, disease, famine and poverty. Shoe boxes include school supplies, toys, necessities, hard candy and a letter of encouragement. To register shoe box gifts and find out what country they are delivered to, use the ez give donation form found at samaritanspurse.org. 09 Nov 2010 21:15:02 GMT The Friends of Lawrenceburg will present their Second Annual Christmas Tour of Homes on Saturday, December 4th, from noon until 4. This year’s event is a fundraiser for Lawrenceburg Public School with all profits going to benefit the school. LPS students will be involved in the project by selling tickets for the event. Tickets are $10 each. The student who sells the most tickets will be awarded $100. The class that sells the most will receive a pizza party. Tickets will also be available at Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service and at the homes on tour the day of the event. Review the FYI section of the Advocate on Wednesday, December 1st, for a complete detailed description of each home on tour. For more information call Anne Morrow at 931-242-2643. 09 Nov 2010 21:16:37 GMT The First Annual Jason Lee Ellis Memorial Hunt was held Saturday, October 30th by Saint Joseph First Baptist Church. Jason Ellis was a Lawrence County Sheriff's Deputy and Loretto Firefighter. He tragically lost his life in a May 2003 training accident. The hunt was free of charge and included 35 hunters ranging from ages 6 to 15. Zach Brown and his guide Brandon Brown won the biggest buck prize - a 15 foot Buddy ladder stand and a portable climbing stand. The biggest doe prize went to Cain Mcdougal and his guide Jeff Nelson. They won a 15 foot regular ladder stand and a ground blind. Organizers extend their thanks to all those who donated to the event. For more information, call Saint Joseph First Baptist Church at 845-4303. 09 Nov 2010 21:17:00 GMT The annual Christmas Pops concert tickets will be available Saturday, November 20th at ten o'clock at the Crockett Theater ticket booth. General admission tickets are distributed as a gift to the community from Parkes Lumber Company, Title and Escrow of Lawrence County and First Farmers and Merchants Bank. Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis with each person in line receiving a maximum of four tickets. The concert, featuring the Heritage Children's Chorale of the South, will be Monday, December 6th at 7:30 at Crockett Theater. A limited number of reserve tickets can be purchased for $25 each at the law office of Harwell, Plant and Williams on Mahr Avenue. 09 Nov 2010 21:17:19 GMT A Lawrenceburg man has been arrested for murder. Lawrenceburg officers arrested Darion D. Stevenson, 21, of Glenn Springs Road, for the murder of his girlfriend's nine-month-old infant daughter last month. Alexxis "Lexxi" Rihanna Swaw, was the nine-month-old daughter of Jennifer Lindsey Swaw and Benjamin Carl Jacobs. Stevenson is currently being held at the Lawrence County Jail without bond one one count of second degree murder. He is scheduled to appear in court November 15th. 09 Nov 2010 21:17:38 GMT A man reported to be armed and suicidal was shot by a Columbia Police Officer Tuesday evening. The incident occurred at a Highland Avenue residence around 6:30. After a short altercation, an officer fired his weapon at the man who was transported by Lifeflight to Vanderbilt Hospital. He was alert and talking to officers when transported, but the extent of his injuries is unknown at this time. As is routine for officer-involved shootings, the officer has been placed on administrative leave during a TBI investigation. 10 Nov 2010 15:29:07 GMT The city of Lawrenceburg has set its May election date. Three seats are up for grabs when city voters go to the polls Tuesday, May 3rd. Mayor Keith Durham's seat is on the ballot as will as those of Councilmen Jerry Moore and Robin Williams. The deadline to qualify to run in the city's May election is February 18th at noon. Qualifying petitions can be picked up beginning Thursday, November 18th. 10 Nov 2010 20:15:54 GMT Maury County authorities are investigating the murder of a Culleoka man. George Foster, a resident of Valley Creek Road, was found shot to death inside his car Tuesday evening on Richardson Lane. Reports indicate Foster had been shot multiple times. Maury County Sheriff’s Detective Brandon Park is in charge of the investigation. 10 Nov 2010 20:16:15 GMT A Thursday night traffic accident in the Loretto area injured one and temporarily left some residents without power. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, a vehicle struck a telephone box and utility pole in the area of Mcgee Lane and North Main Street around 6 Thursday evening. The pole was snapped in half and fell onto the roadway with live power lines and an active transformer functioning until emergency workers were able to shut off the electricity. The driver of the car, 25-year-old Derrick Balentine, of Saint Joseph, was arrested on charges of DUI 2ND, driving on a suspended license and implied consent. He sustained minor injuries. Investigating Trooper was Jamie Benefield. 12 Nov 2010 15:21:55 GMT Giles County authorities are searching for a man they think is responsible for burglary after he escaped from police custody Thursday night. According to reports, deputies detained 19 year old Tim Ozell Gilbert and 19 year old Kendrick Rakim Young after receiving reports of burglaries in the North Ridge Subdivision. Both men were placed under arrest when evidence linking them to the burglaries was discovered in one of the suspect's home. While being transported to jail, Young opened the back door of the squad car and fled from deputies. Gilbert was booked into the Giles County Jail on two counts of aggravated burglary, one count of theft over $500, and one count of theft under $500. Kendrick Rakim Young is being sought by authorities for evading arrest, theft, and burglary. If you have any information regarding Young's whereabouts contact the Giles County Sheriff's Department at 363-2460. 12 Nov 2010 15:22:08 GMT 9 Giles Countians are behind bars and face a long list of charges after authorities raided a drug trafficking operation.  The Giles County Sheriff's Department, with assistance from Pulaski Police, made the drug bust at 2149 Elkton Pike Saturday night.  James Morris Fralix, Thomas Will Fralix, Brittney Nicole Arbuckle, Cody Smith, David Timms, Chris Randolph, Jessica Arbuckle, and Timothy Dunn were all arrested on drug related charges. Eric Thornton was charged with under age drinking. Two juveniles were released to their parents.  Giles County Sheriff Kyle Helton says the department had received several complaints about drugs at the Elkton Pike residence and that the bust came as a result of a lengthy investigation into the matter.  Authorities indicate that more charges could be presented at the next session of the Giles County Grand Jury. 14 Nov 2010 18:27:59 GMT A Lawrenceburg man has been indicted in the murder of his wife. Joshua Stanley Chapman, 30, was charged with first degree murder in the death of 24-year-old Daysha Marie Chapman. Chapman is accused of shooting his wife to death at the couple's Piney Road Home in March. Chapman has been indicted on the charge and is scheduled to appear in Circuit Court December 6th. 15 Nov 2010 22:30:07 GMT A Lawrence County Grand Jury has indicted a Lawrenceburg man accused of abusing his elderly mother. According to a police department press release issued in September, the charge of elder abuse against 56-year-old Stephen Owens stemmed from an investigation into allegations that he had mistreated and neglected his mother, 87-year-old Vernon Owens. Stephen Owens has denied the allegations. A Lawrence County Grand Jury has indicted him on charges of willful abuse of an elder and harrassment. He is scheduled to appear in Circuit Court December 6th. 15 Nov 2010 22:31:40 GMT Organizers of this year's Christmas Pops concert have announced that they will not be able to sell reserve tickets this year. The change is due to the city's agreement with Ticketsage, a company that provides tickets for events held at the Crockett Theater online. The only chance to grab your ticket to this year's performance will be Saturday at ten at the Crockett Theater box office. Tickets are free - a gift from Parkes Lumber Company, Title and Escrow and First Farmers and Merchants Bank. There will be a limit of four tickets per person. 15 Nov 2010 22:31:57 GMT A national non-profit organization is providing medical care for a dog shot in Leoma and offering a reward for a conviction in the case. United animal nations is providing $300 for veterinary care for magic and has pledged a $2,500 reward for anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction of those responsible. The dog, named Magic, was rescued by the Beaulieu family in 2005. This past Wednesday, when the family returned home from church, they let their four dogs into the yard. They called them inside a few minutes later but Magic did not come. They found her lying motionless in the driveway and rushed her to a vet. Magic may not be able to walk again. She will be reassessed in a few days. The family is struggling to provide for their four children, one grandchild and four dogs. Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the Lawrenceburg Police Department at 762-0450. To learn more about the lifeline grant program, visit uan.org/lifeline. To make a donation directly to Magic's care, contact Shoal Creek Animal Hospital. 16 Nov 2010 22:29:13 GMT Lincoln County deputies are investigating the death of teenager. Deputies responded to a call of a shooting Sunday on Merrill Road and found the body of 16-year-old Blake Wallis in the woods. Wallis was a student at Giles County High School. At this time, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department will only say it's a death investigation and haven't released any other details. 16 Nov 2010 22:29:47 GMT The Lawrenceburg Fire Department is asking for the public's help in solving a case of arson. On Monday, November 1st at 4:13 a.m., a fire was reported at 203 First Street in Lawrenceburg. Fire crews responded and the fire was quickly brought under control. It was soon determined that the fire had been set intentionally. Anyone in the area of First Street or Depot Street and Highway 43 in the early morning hours of Monday, November 1st who saw anything suspicious, is urged to call the Tennessee Arson Hotline. The hot line is a phone line dedicated to receiving information about suspicious and incendiary fires. It is answered 24 hours a day and you may remain anonymous when providing information. Cash awards are offered for information leading to an arrest or conviction. The arson hotline number is 1-800-762-3017. 16 Nov 2010 22:30:19 GMT Spring Hill residents are one step closer to having their own medical facility. The proposal by Centennial Medical Center to construct an emergency room near Kedron Road and Saturn Parkway was granted a certificate of need by the state's health services and development agency Wednesday morning. The proposal passed the board by a 4 to 3 vote with one abstaining. The facility's design includes eight treatment rooms, a C-T scanner, x-ray, and laboratory areas. Vanderbilt, Maury Regional and Williamson Medical Centers have expressed opposition to the facility's construction. Opposed parties will now have the option to appeal the group's decision. 17 Nov 2010 21:48:14 GMT The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department is investigating a report of an intentional shooting of an animal. A Marie Lane man told deputies he was outside with his dog Tuesday afternoon around 1 when he went inside his home. His girlfriend went outside around 2:30 and found the dog lying dead in front of her vehicle. The dog had been shot. The man said he had owned the playful mixed breed for four years. Anyone with information in the crime is asked to call the department at 762-3626. 17 Nov 2010 21:48:38 GMT The Lawrence County Ambulance Service plans to station a fourth ambulance in the northern part of the county this month. The county commission has approved funding for the additional ambulance, that will be equipped with Advanced Life Support capability. The ambulance will permanently be stationed somewhere in northern portion of the county. Ambulance Service Director Scott Storey says the northern portion of the county has been underserved and response times there are longer. The plans are to have the fourth unit online 24 hours per day by the end of this month. The unit will temporarily be stationed at the Ethridge Fire Hall most of the day, with permanent plans to be decided by the county commission and its Public Safety Committee. 17 Nov 2010 21:50:34 GMT A criminal case involving a former police chief has ended in a plea agreement. Former Iron City Police Chief Jesse Barnett was indicted on charges of official misconduct and false imprisonment earlier this year. Charges against Barnett were the result of a TBI investigation of an arrest Barnett made in 2009. Barnett was fired last November for hiring officers without permission, having three wrecks in less than six months and continuously purchasing items without proper authorization. A Channel 4 News investigation that aired that same week, revealed Barnett had previously been fired from one police department and forced to resign from another. Barnett denied any wrongdoing. This month, Barnett entered a best interest plea to the charge of official misconduct. The charge of false imprisonment was dismissed. He received two years probation with post-plea diversion meaning if he successfully completes his probation, the charge will be removed from his record. 17 Nov 2010 21:51:00 GMT A Giles County teen has agreed to testify in a triple homicide case in exchange for a life sentence. A Giles County Grand Jury indicted William Angel Junior and Matthew James Wood in the deaths of Desere, Anthony and Jerrod Thornton in October 2009. Both were indicted for three counts of first degree murder, three counts of first degree felony murder, aggravated arson, setting fire to personal property, aggravated burglary, theft and aggravated cruelty to animals. Both teens faced the death penalty. District Attorney General Mike Bottoms said Angel has pleaded guilty to all charges and agreed to give truthful testimony against Wood in exchange for a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Wood's trial is scheduled for February. 17 Nov 2010 21:51:33 GMT Several resolutions are listed on the Lawrence County Commission's Tuesday meeting agenda. The list includes resolutions: requiring a petition signed by a majority of residents owning property on a county road in order to change the speed limit; establishing an ambulance service station on the Summertown High School Campus; requesting the state legislature to amend state law regarding the composition of utility district boards; naming certain roads bi-sected by the Highway 64 By-pass; establishing guidelines for street naming and renaming and addressing in Lawrence County for unincorporated areas; and approving an Economic Impact Plan for the Commerce Park Economic Development District. The commission meets at five at the courthouse. 19 Nov 2010 22:49:38 GMT Classic Hits WLX along with J. Crisler Productions will present The Return! The Nation's Premier Beatles Tribute Band! Saturday, December 11th at 7 at the historic Crockett Theatre. Special guest will be Lee Marshall. Doors open at 6. All seats are $15 with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the "Kids to Love" Foundation. Purchase tickets at 762-4231 or online at Crockett theatre.com. 19 Nov 2010 22:52:40 GMT Tennessee’s unemployment rate remains steady. The state's jobless rate for October was 9.4 percent, unchanged from September. The national unemployment rate for October 2010 was 9.6 percent, also unchanged from the September rate. Its the second month in a row Tennessee has had an unemployment rate lower than the national average. 19 Nov 2010 22:53:25 GMT The Lawrence County Board of Education has approved how school employee bonuses will be disbursed. $1.6 million in "Jobs Bill" funding made the bonuses possible. During this and the next two fiscal years - $600,000 will go to administrator bonuses, $600,000 will go towards bonuses for certified staff, including teachers; and $275,000 towards support staff bonuses. Based on a survey of employees, the board approved disbursing teacher and support staff bonuses each year at Christmas; supervisors will receive one bonus at Christmas and one bonus at the end of the school year. 19 Nov 2010 22:53:47 GMT Lawrence County is one step closer to creating a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. The city of Lawrenceburg and Lawrence County Industrial Development Boards met Thursday and approved an Economic Impact Plan for the Commerce Park Economic Development District. The difference between base year taxes within the district and taxes earned from new development within the district could be used to help fund projects at Team Lawrence Commerce Park. Both the city and county governments would have to approve the Economic Impact Plan. The county commission will vote on the issue Tuesday and the Lawrenceburg City Council on Wednesday. 19 Nov 2010 22:54:13 GMT A text message based scam is targeting members of a local credit union.  Several customers with Employee Resources Credit Union have reported receiving a cell phone text claiming their debit card has been deactivated and to call a phone number listed in the message to reactivate the card. The message lists the first four digits of the card that are common to all E-R-C-U customers.  Upon calling the number an automated attendant asks for the full card and pin number, and expiration date therefore gaining access to the victim’s account.  Several non-customers have also received similar messages by text and e-mail. E-R-C-U president Konda Bowling advises that the credit union would never contact customers by text and that no ones account information has been compromised.  It is believed the scam originated in Giles County within the past two weeks although reports of a similar scheme have been reported around the country.  Bowling invites anyone who is concerned about their account to call the credit union at 766-9288. Authorities have opened an investigation into the scam. 20 Nov 2010 04:20:20 GMT Donations are now being accepted for the 14th Annual Santa for Seniors Christmas drive, and needs are great this holiday season. The goal of the program is to provide necessities and a little holiday cheer for Lawrence County's senior citizens and shut-ins. Items often requested by program recipients include heaters, large-size fleece wear, house slippers, socks, gloves, handkerchiefs, gowns, pajamas, housecoats, underwear, coats, towels, bedding, pillows, blankets, personal care items, household items, coffee and coffee pots. There is always a great need for Depends or Assurance pull ups. In addition, a number of those listed are diabetic and would benefit from special diabetic foods that are often too expensive for those on a fixed income. Donations may be dropped off weekdays, from 8 until 5 at WLX. All telephone inquiries should be directed to 629-2181. 22 Nov 2010 21:02:49 GMT It may pay for Lawrence Countians to keep an eye on their pets. A third dog shooting in the county was reported Sunday on Cherry Hill Road in Leoma. A man said his wife found their mixed breed dog deceased in their driveway from a gunshot wound. The sheriff's department is investigating a report of an intentional shooting of another dog on Marie Lane in the New Prospect Community last Tuesday. The pet's owner told deputies he was outside with his dog when he went inside his home. His girlfriend later found the dog lying dead from a gunshot wound in the driveway. A California-based animal protection group, United Animal Nations, is providing $300 for veterinary care for a family pet shot on Prokesh Road in Leoma last Wednesday. The organization is offering a $2,500 reward for anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction of those responsible. The dog, named Magic, is stable but still unable to walk. 22 Nov 2010 21:02:59 GMT Area government offices are reminding citizens that they will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. Lawrenceburg City Hall will be closed Thursday and Friday. Garbage pick-up will be on Friday. Customers are asked to have carts out early. The Lawrence County Courthouse and Admin Center will also be closed Thursday and Friday, along with all county departments. Lawrence County Solid Waste Services will be closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 22 Nov 2010 21:03:46 GMT The Tennessee Departments of Tourist Development and Transportation have announced the launch of the Walking Tall Trail on December 1st. The kick-off events will be held at the Buford Pusser Home and Museum in Adamsville at 9 a.m. and Graceland, home of Elvis Presley, at 1 p.m. The 5TH of 16 self-guided driving trails in the Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways Program, Walking Tall features 196 tourism sites in Memphis, Shelby County and seven surrounding counties and features 360 miles of historic sites, preserved homes, eateries and museums. 23 Nov 2010 22:05:47 GMT The Summertown Lady Eagles and Spring Hill Raiders emerged the victors in Summertown Monday night, in a pair of close battles. The Lady Eagles won the first match 42 to 41. Summertown was led by Claire Franklin with 13 points. In the boys’ game, the Eagles fell 84 to 79. The Eagles were led by Bubba Clifton with 22 points. The Eagles and Lady Eagles return to action on Friday as they travel to Lawrenceburg to face the Lady Wildcats and Wildcats of LCHS. Game time is 6. 23 Nov 2010 22:06:27 GMT A Pulaski man is behind bars after authorities busted his shake and bake meth lab. James Robert Dickey Jr. was arrested Monday afternoon after Sheriff's officials discovered him shaking a bottle with meth components outside of a Pulaski apartment complex. The lab was reported to be within 1,000 feet of a city park. Dickey is charged with initation of meth manufacture, possession of meth for resale, simple possession of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Officers seized 4 grams of meth, 3 grams of marijuana, Xanax pills, and a Cadillac. Other charges are pending in the case. 23 Nov 2010 22:06:54 GMT Two Lawrence County homes were recently the targets of thieves. A Rabbit Trail Road resident reported Monday that sometime between Friday and Monday, burglars took several items from a building on his property including a twelve gauge shotgun, Gibson guitar, Pioneer karoke machine and a Honda generator. The belongings were valued at $6,800. A couple on Hood Hollow Road lost a laptop, netbook, digital cameras and jewelry to thieves Friday. The loss is estimated at $3500. Neighbors saw a beige, S-10 truck with an Alabama tag on the day of the burglary. 23 Nov 2010 22:07:23 GMT Name changes made to some Lawrence County roads bi-sected by the new Highway 64 bypass will be reversed following county commission action Tuesday.  Citizen Lee Stanford told the commission that the name changes made by E-911 Director Johnny Cheatwood were made without proper authority, that the changes were unnecessary and without consistency or logic. Cheatwood told the commission that he made the changes just like he had for the past twelve years and thought he was authorized to change the road names. He said the changes were made logically and for safety purposes and that out of the 100 residents affected by the changes, 63 had already complied with them. The commission also established guidelines for street naming, renaming and addressing in Lawrence County for unincorporated areas. Under the guidelines, 911 will submit proposed changes to the Highway Committee, a public hearing will be held, and the committee will make a recommendation to the county commission. In other business, the commission sent a resolution establishing a county ambulance service station on the Summertown High School Campus back to committee for further study; and the commission sent a resolution approving an Economic Impact Plan for the Commerce Park Economic Development District to the Budget Committee for review. 24 Nov 2010 16:08:40 GMT A Friday night accident claimed two lives and injured three. Devon Prince, 15, of Lawrenceburg, and Misty McWhorter, 17, of Leoma, were killed when the car they were riding in crashed on Fall River Road just after nine. Driver Terry Gibson, 22, of Lawrenceburg, passenger Sarah Burks, 21, of Summertown, and Blake Clem, 15, were all injured. According to the THP, Gibson failed to negotiate a curve and the vehicle left the roadway, Gibson overcorrected and the vehicle went sideways, left the roadway again and hit a mailbox and fence before coming to rest. Charges against Gibson are pending. The accident was investigated by Trooper Kyle Burleson and the THP's CIRT Team. 27 Nov 2010 23:03:34 GMT A Tennessee State Trooper was injured in a Friday night car wreck while responding to a Lawrence County accident.  The wreck occurred shortly before 10 Friday night at the intersection of South Second and West Jefferson Streets in Pulaski. Sergeant Jason Thompson was running emergency traffic southbound on South Second Street when a westbound 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Audrey Bell of Pulaski collided with Thompson's patrol car.  Reports indicate that both drivers vision was obstructed by a furniture store building.  Both individuals were wearing seat belts although did sustain minor injuries.  The investigating officer was Lieutenant Wayne Sellers. 29 Nov 2010 17:46:50 GMT David Crockett State Park is hosting a unique Christmas event next week. Reservations are being taken now for "Around the World at Christmas Time," a special park event that will highlight several different countries' holiday traditions. Friends of the Park will be stationed at Shelter One to accept donations for chili, hot dogs baked goods, coffee and hot chocolate. Each shelter will highlight a different country and offer an activity. The program begins at 5, Monday and Wednesday, December 6th and 8th, with tours leaving every 20 minutes. The park will accept donations through Friday. To reserve your spot call 762-9408. 29 Nov 2010 22:35:18 GMT Two churches located in northern Lawrence County were the target of burglars recently. A member of Panoramic Church, located on Highway 20 in Summertown, reported the church building was burglarized sometime between last Sunday and Wednesday. Several pieces of stereo equipment are missing. The total loss is estimated at $13,000. Thieves also broke into Unity Baptist Church, located on Highway 43 north. A church member noticed the windows of the church building open on Friday. Deputies found pry marks on the windows and one window was broken. Damages are estimated at $400. 29 Nov 2010 22:40:16 GMT The Lawrenceburg Fire Department is investigating another case of arson. Lawrenceburg Fire Department Investigator Shayne Adams said the fire was intentionally set sometime around eleven Friday night at the former Chrysler building on 3rd Street. A white, four door car was seen in the vicinity around the time of the fire. Another fire was set recently on First Street at the former M-Fine building. Anyone with information is urged to call the non-emergency dispatch line at 762-0450 or the Arson Hot Line at 1-800-762-3017. Callers can remain anonymous and receive a reward if an arrest and conviction is made in the case. 29 Nov 2010 22:40:41 GMT A power loss kept the lights out at several Lawrence County homes Monday night.  According to Lawrenceburg Utilities, a T-V-A transmission line near Dugout Road some how lost its electrical connection around 9 p.m. which resulted in power loss for several homes in Lawrenceburg and southern Lawrence County.  Utilities workers were able to bypass the line and restore power by around midnight.  T-V-A officials were investigating the source of the connection loss Tuesday morning. 30 Nov 2010 16:05:59 GMT A Lawrence County man is facing drug charges following a Tuesday traffic stop. A Lawrenceburg Police Officer received a tip last week that 32-year-old Nicholas Jay Gross had a methamphetamine lab in the back seat of his vehicle. Officers report finding a large bag containing several components used to make the drug. Gross was charged with initiation and promotion of meth among other charges. He is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court December 7th. 30 Nov 2010 20:36:03 GMT A Saturday night burglary has the Giles County Sheriff's Department asking for the public's help in watching for suspicious activity. According to reports, two deputies were able to recover over $33,000 in stolen property after following leads from residents who observed the crime happen. Witnesses told officers that a white pick-up truck left Coastal Lumber Company hauling away metal and other items Saturday evening. Deputies later located the vehicle and arrested Charles Delk, 34 of Pulaski, on charges of burglary and theft over $10,000. Delk was booked into to the Giles County Jail on $20,000 bond. Sheriff Kyle Helton asks the public be observant of suspicious activity after a rash of burglaries in Giles County by reporting such cases to 363-3505. 30 Nov 2010 20:36:27 GMT Giles County officials are reminding residents that the Agri-Park is now closed for the season.  The park shuts down each year from October thru the end of March.  Limited funding forces the annual downtime for the facility.  Officials say the Agri-Park will re-open for public and private events April 1, 2011 with revised rental fees and a new set of rules and regulations. 01 Dec 2010 17:44:06 GMT The Elkton Christmas Angel Tree has again been placed at Elkton City Hall and there are angels needing to be adopted. Similar to the Salvation Army Angel Tree, local schools and citizens provide the names of children for the Elkton Angel Tree who need adopting in order to have a Merry Christmas. To pick out your angel, just visit Elkton City Hall during regular business hours. 01 Dec 2010 20:43:30 GMT A Lawrenceburg man has been charged with vehicular homicide following a fatal Friday night crash. Devon Prince, 15, of Lawrenceburg, and Misty McWhorter, 17, of Leoma, were killed when the car they were riding in crashed on Fall River Road. Driver Terry Gibson, 22, of Lawrenceburg, passenger Sarah Burks, 21, of Summertown, and Blake Clem, 15, were all injured. The arrest warrant says Gibson was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. He is scheduled to appear in court December 7th. 01 Dec 2010 20:44:05 GMT A Lawrenceburg man's murder case has been bound over to a Lawrence County Grand Jury. Officers arrested Darion D. Stevenson, 21, last month, for the murder of his girlfriend's nine-month-old infant daughter, Alexxis "Lexxi" Rihanna Jacobs. Stevenson faces one count of second degree murder. He appeared in General Sessions court Tuesday. 01 Dec 2010 20:45:13 GMT Giles County officials are reminding residents that the Agri-Park is now closed for the season. The park shuts down each year from October thru the end of March. Limited funding forces the annual downtime for the facility. Officials say the Agri-Park will re-open for public and private events April 1, 2011 with revised rental fees and a new set of rules and regulations. 01 Dec 2010 20:45:34 GMT A fluid spill shut down a busy Lawrenceburg roadway for several hours Tuesday. A city owned garbage truck leaked nearly 50 gallons of hydraulic fluid from near Calvary Hill Church of God on Highway 64 to Springer Road before arriving at it's destination at Lawrence Farmers Co-op. Emergency workers were forced to shut down Springer Road while crews from several agencies worked to clean the fluid. The spill occurred just before noon Tuesday morning however traffic was allowed to resume Springer Road travel by 3 p-m. 02 Dec 2010 20:40:22 GMT The Lawrenceburg Police Department is warning citizens of a possible scam utilizing the Social Security Office. Citizens have reported calls to the police department saying the caller claims to be with the Social Security Office and asks for Social Security numbers and account routing numbers. The caller threatens cancellations of benefits if the information is not provided. The department warns residents to be cautious of anyone asking for personal information. The Social Security Office will not call you for your personal information. If someone asks you for this kind of information, do not give it. You should never provide your Social Security number or other personal information over the telephone unless you initiated the contact or are confident of the person to whom you are speaking. If in doubt, do not release information without first verifying the validity of the call by contacting the local Social Security Office or calling the toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. 02 Dec 2010 20:41:02 GMT Preliminary reports indicate the number of Thanksgiving holiday travel period fataltities were up this year as compared to last year. Twelve people were killed during the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, compared to 10 fatalities during last year. The time period ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 24th to midnight Sunday, November 28th. Seven of this year's twelve victims were not wearing seat belts. The 10 crashes occurred in Campbell, Davidson, Grainger, Hamilton, Lawrence, Marshall, Mcnairy, Rutherford, Shelby, and Union counties. The crash in Lawrence County was a double fatality that killed two teenagers, ages 15 and 17. Neither victim was wearing a safety restraint. 02 Dec 2010 20:41:27 GMT A Leoma woman says someone killed her pet Yorkshire Terrier Friday night. The resident of Dunn-Leoma Road said sometime overnight, someone entered her dog's pen, tied a cord around the dog's neck and killed it. The case is under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the sheriff's department's Criminal Investigation Division at 762-1608. The family is offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. 06 Dec 2010 21:17:46 GMT A West Point man is facing drug charges. Lawrenceburg Police Department officers stopped 26-year-old Curtis John Luna Saturday. They report finding five ounces of bagged marijuana and Morphine and Xanax pills inside Luna's vehicle. They seized the truck and $190. Luna was charged with possession of marijuana for resale and drug possession. He is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court January 7th. 06 Dec 2010 21:22:43 GMT A teenager accused of killing another teen at a Lawrenceburg Park has been indicted on a charge of first degree murder. Triston Cortez Bush, 18, whose address is listed on the arrest report as Pulaski, is accused of the August 31st shooting death of 19-year-old Joshua Smith at Simms Street Mini-park. Authorities say the shooting was over a drug dispute. Bush was arraigned Monday morning in Circuit Court. 06 Dec 2010 21:23:11 GMT The Lawrence County Administrative Center has set up collection boxes for those wishing to donate to Santa for Seniors or Christmas for Critters. The Santa for Seniors Program provides food, clothing, household and personal care items to seniors and shut-ins in need. The Lawrence County Humane Society's Christmas for Critters Campaign collects food and pet supplies for homeless animals. Those wishing to donate items can drop them off at the Administrative Center Monday through Friday from 8 to 4:30. 06 Dec 2010 21:25:33 GMT An early more fire has claimed an Ethridge residence. The blaze broke out around 4 Monday morning at 319 North Church Avenue. The structure was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters from the Ethridge, Summertown, and Henryville Fire Departments arrived. The property owner indicated that no one lived in the home and electricity had been disconnected for some time. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 06 Dec 2010 21:26:29 GMT A Lincoln County man is dead after shooting and killing a man and wounding an ex-lover. According to Huntsville police Luke Bates, 44 of Taft, shot and killed 25 year old Stan Ryan Malone and wounded 41 year old Martha Ann White in the University Drive Walmart parking lot Monday afternoon. Bates fled the scene and was later located near his home in Taft suffering from a self inflected gun shot wound. Bates was transported to a Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he later died. Authorities believe Bates and White were once in a relationship. White was released from Huntsville Hospital Monday evening. 08 Dec 2010 18:47:04 GMT Lawrenceburg's Garrett House is holding an Open House Saturday from 4:30 until 8. Owners Bob and Teresa Kelly restored the home to earn a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The Garrett House, an example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture, is located just south of the downtown square. Refreshments will be offered. Admission if $5. 08 Dec 2010 19:01:51 GMT Thieves targeted trailers at two businesses located on Highway 43 south overnight Monday. Justin Carvell Story, the owner of Floored By Justin, reported to Lawrenceburg police that someone had taken a trailer from his business and another trailer from Story and Lee Furniture. The thieves lost one trailer on Hood Lakes Road after it apparently detached from the vehicle hitch. The second trailer, also damaged, was located in the parking lot of Victory Baptist Church. 08 Dec 2010 19:02:03 GMT A shopper was mugged Tuesday night while leaving the Lawrenceburg Walmart Supercenter. The victim told police that she exited the store around 10:30 and felt somebody pull hard on her purse as she was getting into her vehicle. She described the mugger as a black male wearing a yellow-hooded shirt and jeans. After a brief struggle, he grabbed the purse and jumped in the passenger side of an older model maroon Nissan Maxima. 08 Dec 2010 19:02:28 GMT A Summertown man has been arrested for violating the state's sex offender registry laws. Officers arrested 37-year-old Gregory Neal Pigg of Railroad Bed Road Monday. The registry lists a charge of aggravated rape against Pigg dating to 1990. Pigg is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court January 10th. 14 Dec 2010 22:29:48 GMT 40,000 Tennesseans receiving unemployment benefits will have to wait a few more days for their checks. According to Department of Labor officials, recent flooding at the Tennessee Tower has forced the delay of checks for unemployed workers certified to receive benefits by Monday. Those who are certified for checks on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday won't be affected. Officials say the checks have not been damaged by water but are stuck in a envelope placement machine that shutdown when the tower experienced flooding earlier this week. Department of Labor workers indicate the checks will be mailed by Friday afternoon. 16 Dec 2010 21:43:51 GMT A Perry County woman is dead after a late Wednesday car crash. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Sandra Duncan, 60 of Linden, was killed when she lost control of her 1990 Ford Astro Van, flipped, and struck a tree. The wreck occurred on Highway 48 near Trace Creek Road in Lewis County around 6 Wednesday night. State Trooper Dustin Jones was the investigating officer. 16 Dec 2010 21:44:19 GMT A Columbia man has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide in the death of a Lawrenceburg woman. Ricky Ray Redd, Junior, 37, was arrested in August on charges of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and aggravated vehicular homicide. The charges are the result of a May 22nd accident in the city of Lawrenceburg. Mary Jo McDonald, 56, of Lawrenceburg, succumbed to injuries in July that she sustained in that accident. Redd pleaded to the charge of vehicular homicide and received a twelve year sentence to be served at 30 percent. 16 Dec 2010 21:44:39 GMT Wintry weather caused several problems for Lawrence County residents Wednesday. Reports indicate several car crashes occurred due to icy roads in several parts of the county. Once such accident involved a vehicle crashing into a home on Frazier Lane in Leoma. Two wrecks were reported around 5 Wednesday on Fall River Road. Minor injuries were reported in both incidents. A residence at 626 Glenn Springs Road sustained light damage from a fire around 7:30 Wednesday evening. Crews from the Gandy, West Point, and Crawfish Valley Fire Departments responded although firemen did experience problems in getting to the scene due to ice on Glenn Springs Road. The Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that, combined, 39 accidents occurred in Lawrence and Giles County on Wednesday. 16 Dec 2010 21:44:48 GMT A Waterloo Road business has been lost to fire. Crews from the Gandy Fire Department were dispatched to Country Bob’s Market around 6 Wednesday morning after reports of smoke in the business. When firefighters arrived the market was fully engulfed in flames resulting in the total loss of the structure. Members of 7 Lawrence County volunteer fire departments battled the blaze for several hours. No one was injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 16 Dec 2010 21:45:23 GMT A Circuit Court judge has ruled that a Giles County triple homicide case will be tried in that county. Judge Robert Jones recently ruled that the trial of Matthew James Wood, charged with the murders of Desere, Anthony and Jerrod Thornton in October 2009, will be held in Giles County. The jury, however, will be selected from another county that will not be disclosed beforehand. William Angel, Junior, also accused in the murders, has pleaded guilty to all charges and agreed to testify against Wood in exchange for a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Wood's trial is scheduled for February. 16 Dec 2010 21:45:41 GMT An accidental shooting has claimed the life of a Giles County teen. According to the Giles County Sheriff's Department, Trenton Christopher Holt 13, was killed after he, and a 14-year-old friend were handling a gun. The weapon fired, killing Holt instantly just before 6 Friday evening. Authorities have ruled the shooting as an accident and no charges will be sought in the incident. 18 Dec 2010 20:43:05 GMT A morning fire destroyed a Leoma shop building. The blaze occurred at 213 Idaho Road around 10 Saturday morning. Crews from Center Point, Leoma, Crossroads, and Southeast Volunteer Fire Departments responded although the building was a total loss. Firefighters were able to pull a puppy from the burning structure unharmed. 18 Dec 2010 20:43:30 GMT A deadly I-40 vehicle crash has claimed the life of a young Lawrence County woman. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Megan Inman, 22 of Lawrenceburg, was traveling east on I-40 near Pegram when she lost control of her Nissan Exterra, flipped, and was ejected from the vehicle. Reports indicate Inman was not wearing a seat belt. The one vehicle accident occurred just before 5 Monday evening. 21 Dec 2010 15:29:09 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY'S ACCOUNTS AND BUDGETS DIRECTOR HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR NATIONAL RECOGNITION. THE ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTANTS HAS NOTIFIED TERESA PURCELL THAT SHE WILL RECEIVE THE DISTIGUISHED LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR HER SERVICE TO THE COUNTY. THE NATIONAL AWARD RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP, IMPROVED FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, POLICIES AND OPERATIONS AMONG OTHER FACTORS. PURCELL WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTS AND BUDGETS IN 2004 AND HAS SINCE IMPLEMENTED SEVERAL COST SAVING POLICIES SAVING THE COUNTY AN ESTIMATED 4 MILLION DOLLARS. SHE WILL RECEIVE THE AWARD WHEN THE ASSOCIATION MEETS IN FEBRUARY. 21 Dec 2010 15:29:27 GMT A SUNDAY EVENING FIRE CLAIMED A LAWRENCEBURG RESIDENCE. THE BLAZE BROKE OUT AROUND 4 SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT 329 DELLAR STREET. CITY FIRE CREWS PUT OUT THE FIRE HOWEVER THE STRUCTURE HAD EXTENSIVE SMOKE AND WATER DAMAGE. WITNESSES INDICATED THAT AT LEAST TWO PEOPLE LIVED AT THE HOME BUT WERE AWAY AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. THE CAUSE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 21 Dec 2010 15:29:56 GMT VANDALS AND BURGLARS ARE KEEPING THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BUSY. A RESIDENT OF OAK ROAD REPORTED TO DEPUTIES THAT ON FRIDAY NIGHT OR EARLY SATURDAY SOMEONE DROVE A VEHICLE INTO HIS YARD, SPUN AROUND AND BROKE SEVERAL YARD ORNAMENTS. DAMAGE IS ESTIMATED AT 250 DOLLARS. A HOME ON SUGARLAND DRIVE IN ETHRIDGE WAS BROKEN INTO DURING THE PAST WEEK. INVESTIGATORS FOUND A DOOR KICKED IN AND A STEREO AND SEVERAL CASSESSETTS MISSING. LOSS AND DAMAGES TOTAL 850 DOLLARS. AND A SUMMERTOWN RESIDENT ARRIVED HOME FRIDAY NIGHT AND DISCOVERED HER HOME HAD BEEN BURGLARIZED. THE FRONT DOOR HAD BEEN FORCED OPEN AND ITEMS TOTALING 600 DOLLARS WERE REPORTED MISSING. 21 Dec 2010 15:30:31 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN IS THE APPARANT VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A TREE TOP TRAIL RESIDENT CONTACTED INVESTIGATORS AFTER BEING TOLD HE OWED MORE THAN A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO A SATELLITE COMPANY. THE VICTIM WAS IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING SATELLITE SERVICE INSTALLED AT HIS HOME WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT HE HAD A PAST DUE BILL WITH THE COMPANY. THE VICTIM CLAIMED TO NEVER HAVE HAD THE SERVICE BEFORE AND WAS TOLD A RESIDENT OF BETHPAGE TENNESSEE HAD USED HIS SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER TO OBTAIN SERVICE AND HAD NOT PAID THE BILL. INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO THE CASE. 21 Dec 2010 15:30:58 GMT DRUG AGENTS WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN BUSY WITH SEVERAL METH LAB INVESTIGATIONS OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS. ON NOVEMBER 29TH, AGENTS WERE DISPATCHED TO BALL PARK ROAD IN SUMMERTOWN TO CHECK OUT A SUSPICIOUS COOLER. ITEMS FOUND IN THE COOLER AND DURING A SEARCH OF THE AREA YIELDED SEVERAL ITEMS USED TO MANUFACTURE METH. ON DECEMBER 3RD, AGENTS FOUND NOAH WILL ROBINSON IN POSSESSION OF A METH LAB AT A HOME ON OLD FLORENCE PULASKI ROAD IN LEOMA. ROBINSON IS CURRENTLY IN THE COUNTY JAIL. ON DECEMBER 7TH, AGENTS DISCOVERED A DUFFLE BAG WITH METH LAB COMPONENTS ON THE RAILROAD TRACKS ON HOWARD STREET IN LAWRENCEBURG. ALSO ON DECEMBER 7TH, AGENTS DISCOVERED A DUMP SITE FOR METH LAB ITEMS ON SWIMMING HOLE ROAD. ON DECEMBER 13TH, AGENTS ARRESTED KEVIN ROSE AND GEORGIA JODY BUIE AFTER FINDING A METH LAB AT A 4TH STREET HOME IN LAWRENCEBURG. AGENTS ALSO LOCATED SEVERAL ITEMS BELIEVED TO BE FROM NUMEROUS BURGLARIES IN LAWRENCE AND GILES COUNTIES. AND TUESDAY, THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND THE SAINT JOE POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE DISPATCHED TO A LOCATION ON TIDWELL HOLLOW ROAD WHERE THEY DISCOVERED A METH LAB AND ITEMS INVOLVED IN MANUFACTURING METH WERE FOUND IN NEARBY LOCATIONS. 23 Dec 2010 22:10:31 GMT THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS FORECASTING A WHITE CHRISTMAS FOR MUCH OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE AND PORTIONS OF NORTH ALABAMA. A LARGE AREA OF PRECIPITATION WILL MOVE INTO THE AREA FRIDAY AFTERNOON BEGINNING AS RAIN THEN CHANGING TO AN ICE AND SNOW MIX EARLY SATURDAY. FORECAST PROJECTIONS FOR SOUTHERN TENNESSEE AVERAGE BETWEEN HALF AN INCH TO TWO INCHES OF SNOW ACCUMULATION. THE WEATHER SERVICE ADVISES HOLIDAY TRAVELERS TO MODIFY THEIR PLANS ACCORDINGLY AS HIGHWAY CONDITIONS WILL LIKELY DETERIORATE WHEN WINTRY PRECIPITATION BEGINS. SHOULD SNOW FALL ON SATURDAY, 2010 WILL BE THE TENTH "WHITE CHRISTMAS" ON RECORDS THAT DATE BACK TO 1884. THE LARGEST CHRISTMAS SNOW OCCURRED IN 1969 TOTALING JUST OVER TWO INCHES. 23 Dec 2010 22:10:43 GMT BURGLARIES CONTINUE TO BE REPORTED IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT SOMETIME OVERNIGHT MONDAY, THIEVES TOOK THE WHEELS AND TIRES FROM A 1995 CHEVY TRUCK BELONGING TO A WARNER ROAD RESIDENT. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT 300 DOLLARS. AND A LEOMA RESIDENT WAS APPARENTLY VISITED BY THE GRINCH ON TUESDAY. THE DUNN ROAD HOMEOWNER TOLD DEPUTIES THAT SOMEONE HAD KNOCKED OFF THE BACK DOOR KNOB TO ENTER HER HOME AND STOLE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS VALUED AT 400 DOLLARS. 23 Dec 2010 22:11:04 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MET WEDNESDAY AND DISCUSSED SEVERAL ITEMS OF BUSINESS. COUNCILMEN APPROVED ON FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS REGARDING HEALTH CARE COVERAGE FOR CITY WORKERS. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE RULES OF PAY RATES FOR EMPLOYEES WORKING OUT OF CLASSIFICATION WAS TABLED TO ALLOW FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION. RESOLUTIONS ALLOWING THE CITY TO APPLY FOR 450 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS AND TO APPLY FOR 18,500 DOLLARS IN GRANT MONEY FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT THE POLICE FIRING RANGE WERE APPROVED. THE COUNCIL ALSO PUT FORTH A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE A NEW PUMPER TRUCK FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WITH CAPITAL OUTLAY NOTES. FAMILY ASKS FOR PARK CLOSING FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS SPOKE TO THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY MORNING AGAINST REOPENING SIMMS STREET MINI-PARK AFTER THE SHOOTING DEATH OF A TEEN AT THE LOCATION. THE MOTHERS OF THE VICTIM, 19 YEAR OLD JOSHUA SMITH AND THE ACCUSED SHOOTER 18 YEAR OLD TRISTON BUSH BOTH ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL. SMITH WAS KILLED AUGUST 31ST DURING WHAT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY AUTHORITIES AS A DRUG RELATED DISPUTE. MAYOR KEITH DURHAM HAD ASKED THAT THE PARK BE CLOSED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT BUT AFTER COMMUNITY MEMBERS OBJECTED, THE CITY AGREED TO RENOVATE AND REOPEN THE PARK. THE FAMILY ASKED THE COUNCIL TO SCRAP PLANS TO REOPEN THE PARK CALLING IT A DANGER TO OTHER CHILDREN. CITING THE FISCAL BURDEN OF PURCHASING NEW EQUIPMENT AND CONTINUED MAINTENANCE AND THE EMOTIONAL BURDEN OF THOSE AFFECTED BY THE MURDER, THE SPEAKERS ASKED THE CITY TO CONSIDER CLOSING THE PARK PERMANENTLY. COUNCIL MEMBERS EXPRESSED THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES BUT TOOK NO ACTION ON THE MATTER. 23 Dec 2010 22:11:34 GMT A FIGHT AT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL HAS COST AN INMATE HIS LIFE. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, AN ALTERCATION ON THURSDAY HAD RESULTED IN THE DEATH ON FRIDAY OF INMATE JAMES HEATHERLY. THE VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE CROCKETT HOSPITAL E-R AND THEN FLOWN TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER WHERE HE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD. THE CAUSE OF DEATH HAS BEEN UNOFFICIALLY ATTRIBUTED TO A LIVER LACERATION. INVESTIGATORS LEARNED THAT HEATHERLY HAD GOTTEN INTO AN ALTERCATION WITH AT LEAST TWO INMATES IDENTIFIED AS MARK ALLEN WHITT AND JASON DAVID WILBURN. EVIDENCE SUGGESTS OTHER INMATES ARE INVOLVED AND COULD BE CHARGED IN THE HOMICIDE. THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY HAS INDICATED THAT HE WILL ASK FOR A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY GRAND JURY IN EARLY JANUARY TO BRING CHARGES IN THE CASE. THE T-B-I IS ALSO INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION. 01 Jan 2011 16:44:52 GMT PROPERTY OWNERS IN LAWRENCE COUNTY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PAY PROPERTY TAXES CLOSER TO HOME WITH COMMUNITY TAX COLLECTION SITES THROUGHOUT THE AREA IN JANUARY. TRUSTEE KILEY WEATHERS HAS ANNOUNCED EIGHT SITES THAT WILL BE OPEN ON SPECIFIC DATES AND TIMES NEXT MONTH TO MAKE THE PROCESS OF PAYING PROPERTY TAXES MORE CONVENIENT FOR RESIDENTS OF RURAL COMMUNITIES. THE SCHEDULE INCLUDES COLLECTIONS: JANUARY 11TH FROM 9 TO 4 AT LORETTO CITY HALL, JANUARY 12TH FROM 9 TO NOON AT THE SUMMERTOWN UTILITY DISTRICT AND FROM 12:30 TO 3:30 AT ETHRIDGE CITY HALL, JANUARY 14TH FROM 9 TO NOON AT CITY HALL IN IRON CITY AND 12:30 TO 3:30 AT SAINT JOSEPH CITY HALL, AND FROM 9 TO NOON JANUARY 18TH AT MASHBURNS GROCERY IN FIVE POINTS, JANUARY 19TH AT NEW PROSPECT FIRE DEPARTMENT AND JANUARY 20TH AT WEST END COMMUNITY CLUB. 01 Jan 2011 16:45:51 GMT MAURY COUNTY AUTHORITIES ARE INVESTIGATING AN ALLEGED SPRING HILL MURDER.  THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATED AN UNIDENTIFIED MAN'S BODY WAS DISCOVERED INSIDE A MOBILE HOME ON JIM WARREN ROAD JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT NEW YEAR'S DAY.  THE CAUSE OF DEATH HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED HOWEVER AN ALTERCATION WAS REPORTED NEAR THE LOCATION WHERE THE BODY WAS FOUND.  DETECTIVES ARE TREATING THE INCIDENT AS A POSSIBLE MURDER AND AN AUTOPSY IS SCHEDULED TO BE PERFORMED. 03 Jan 2011 16:10:13 GMT A COUNTERFEIT BILL TURNED UP WEDNESDAY AT A LAWRENCEBURG STORE. AN EMPLOYEE OF BIG CHIEF'S MARKET ON WEAKLEY CREEK ROAD ALERTED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ABOUT THE FUNNY MONEY. A CUSTOMER HANDED THE CASHIER A 20 DOLLAR BILL TO PAY FOR PURCHASES. THE EMPLOYEE NOTICED THE BILL HAD SOME DISCOLORATION AND A MARKER TEST SHOWED THE BILL WAS COUNTERFEIT. THE SHOPPER TOLD OFFICERS SHE DIDN'T REMEMBER WHERE SHE ACQUIRED THE FAKE TWENTY. THE BILL WAS TAKEN INTO EVIDENCE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. 03 Jan 2011 16:11:05 GMT A RASH OF MAILBOX VANDALISMS HAS BEEN REPORTED IN LAWRENCE COUNTY THIS WEEK. THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS RESPONDED TO SEVERAL CALLS OF MAILBOXES BEING DAMAGED OR COMPLETELY DESTROYED TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND (TODAY) THURSDAY. REPORTS INDICATE AROUND A DOZEN MAILBOXES ON EDGEWOOD DRIVE, FORREST AVENUE, STATE AVENUE, CROWDER ROAD, BEECHWOOD AND DUNN ROAD HAVE BEEN VANDALIZED. DAMAGES IN EACH CASE RANGE FROM 30 TO 100 DOLLARS. 03 Jan 2011 16:13:45 GMT A TENNESSEE BASED COMPANY HAS FOUND SUCCESS IN THIS ECONOMIC DOWNTURN.  DOLLAR GENERAL STORES, BASED IN GOODLETTESVILLE, ANNOUNCED MONDAY THAT THE DISCOUNT CHAIN PLANS TO OPEN 625 NEW STORES AND ADD 6 THOUSAND NEW WORKERS NATIONWIDE IN 2011.  PLANS ALSO INCLUDE REMODELING OR RELOCATION OF 550 EXISTING STORES.  TENNESSEE WILL GAIN 25 NEW STORES AND 250 NEW JOBS THIS YEAR.  DOLLAR GENERAL CURRENTLY OPERATES 92 HUNDRED STORES IN 35 STATES. 05 Jan 2011 22:19:31 GMT AN ARREST HAS BEEN MADE IN A NEW YEAR'S DAY MURDER. MAURY COUNTY AUTHORITIES HAVE CHARGED J.D. COBB, 54, ON A CHARGE OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER FOR THE NEW YEAR'S DAY DEATH OF 32-YEAR-OLD ANTONIO TYROME HARRISON. HARRISON'S BODY WAS DISCOVERED AT HIS SISTER'S HOME ON JIM WARREN ROAD SATURDAY MORNING FOLLOWING AN ALLEGED ALTERCATION NEAR THE RESIDENCE. COBB IS ALSO CHARGED WITH THE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIRE ARM AND IS BEING HELD IN THE MAURY COUNTY JAIL ON A $1 MILLION DOLLAR BOND. 05 Jan 2011 22:19:50 GMT ANOTHER VANDALISM HAS BEEN REPORTED AT A LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT, A NEW HALOGEN FLOODLIGHT WAS BROKEN IN FRONT OF LAWRENCEBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL. THE VANDALISM HAPPENED SOMETIME BETWEEN CHRISTMAS DAY AND DECEMBER 30TH. DAMAGE IS ESTIMATED AT 200 DOLLARS. VANDALS ALSO BROKE A WINDOW AND CUT A WINDOW SCREEN IN A PORTABLE CLASSROOM AT NEW PROSPECT SCHOOL DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK CAUSING ABOUT 200 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES. 05 Jan 2011 22:20:17 GMT TWO DOGS WERE INTENTIONALLY KILLED SOMETIME LAST WEEK IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT A WEAKLEY CREEK ROAD RESIDENT CALLED DEPUTIES THURSDAY TO REPORT HIS BORDER COLLIE AND HEALER MIX HAD BEEN KILLED. THE FAMILY RETURNED HOME CHRISTMAS DAY AND DISCOVERED THE DOGS WERE MISSING FROM A FENCED AREA ON THEIR PROPERTY. ON DECEMBER 27TH, THE BORDER COLLIE WAS FOUND IN A NEIGHBOR'S YARD DEAD FROM A GUNSHOT TO THE HEAD. THE NEXT DAY, A NEIGHBOR FOUND THE HEALER MIX WITH A LACERATION TO THE HEAD AND THE DOG DIED SOON AFTER. THESE INCIDENTS ARE THE LATEST OF SEVERAL INTENTIONAL KILLINGS OF FAMILY PETS IN THE AREA OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS. IN NOVEMBER, TWO DOGS WERE SHOT IN THE LEOMA AREA AND ONE IN NEW PROSPECT. IN EARLY DECEMBER, A DOG WAS FOUND STRANGLED WITH A CORD AT A DUNN-LEOMA ROAD HOME. INVESTIGATORS CONTINUE TO LOOK INTO THE CASES. 05 Jan 2011 22:20:39 GMT A WEDNESDAY MORNING VEHICLE CRASH HAS CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A LAWRENCE COUNTY MAN. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, TOM TODD, 88 OF WEST POINT, WAS KILLED WHEN HIS 1989 DODGE PICK-UP COLLIDED WITH AN 18-WHEELER DRIVEN BY DAVID MIMS OF RUSSELLVILLE, ALABAMA. TODD WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE WHILE MIMS WAS TRANSPORTED TO CROCKETT HOSPITAL WITH MINOR INJURIES. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AROUND 11 THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING ON HIGHWAY 43 NEAR THE SHELTON DRIVE INTERSECTION IN ST. JOSEPH. TRAFFIC WAS REROUTED FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHILE CREWS FROM THE ST. JOE AND LORETTO FIRE DEPARTMENTS WORKED TO CLEAR THE SCENE. THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY ST. JOSEPH POLICE AND THE HIGHWAY PATROL CIRT TEAM. 05 Jan 2011 22:21:09 GMT FOUR INMATES HAVE BEEN CHARGED IN THE CHRISTMAS EVE DEATH OF ANOTHER INMATE IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL. THE TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PRESENTED EVIDENCE TO A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GRAND JURY THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING CONCERNING THE DECEMBER 24TH DEATH OF JAMES LESTER HEATHERLY. MARK ALLEN WHITT AND JASON DAVID WILBURN ARE CHARGED WITH SECOND DEGREE MURDER. HARVIE LEE LANCE AND CHRISTOPHER THOMAS JACKSON ARE CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR SECOND DEGREE MURDER. 43 YEAR-OLD HEATHERLY DIED AT VANDERBILT HOSPITAL A DAY AFTER HE WAS INVOLVED IN A FIGHT AT THE JAIL. WHITT, WILBURN, LANCE AND JACKSON ARE BEING HELD WITH NO BOND AND ARE SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN CIRCUIT COURT FEBRUARY 7TH. 06 Jan 2011 19:49:28 GMT THE CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG IS ASKING THE PUBLIC TO WRITE LETTERS IN SUPPORT OF SIDEWALKS FOR SCHOOLS. THE CITY WILL APPLY FOR THE "SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT" WITH FUNDS TO GO TOWARD THE CONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALKS FROM INGRAM SOWELL ON 7TH STREET TO LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL ON SPRINGER ROAD. THE FEDERALLY FUNDED GRANT FOCUSES ON THE BENEFITS OF CHILDREN WALKING AND BIKING SAFELY TO SCHOOL, PROMOTING A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE FOR ALL AGES AND IMPROVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD. THE GRANT IS A COMPETITIVE GRANT AND THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY WILL IMPROVE THE CHANCES OF RECEIVING THE FUNDS. PARENTS, TEACHERS AND AREA RESIDENTS ARE ASKED TO WRITE LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR THE SIDEWALKS TO BE SUBMITTED WITH THE GRANT APPLICATION. SEND LETTERS TO MAYOR KEITH DURHAM, 233 WEST GAINES STREET, N-B-U NUMBER 4, LAWRENCEBURG, TENNESSEE. THE DEADLINE FOR THE APPLICATION IS WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. SUBMIT LETTERS OF SUPPORT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. 06 Jan 2011 19:49:41 GMT BURGLARS TOOK ELECTRONICS AND JEWELRY FROM A WEST POINT ROAD HOME LAST WEEKEND. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, SOMEONE BROKE INTO THE RESIDENCE THRU A WINDOW PRIED FROM THE FRAME. THE MISSING PROPERTY INCLUDED TWO TELEVISIONS AND A GOLD CHAIN. TOTAL LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 34 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 06 Jan 2011 19:50:07 GMT AN ICY ROAD IS TO BLAME FOR TWO TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS THURSDAY MORNING IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, A 2001 FORD TAURUS WAS TRAVELING WEST ON MOUNT HOREB ROAD SHORTLY BEFORE 8 A-M WHEN IT HIT AN ICE PATCH ON THE ROADWAY AND FLIPPED. THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WERE NOT INJURED. AROUND 8:16, A WESTBOUND PONTIAC SUNFIRE DRIVEN BY 29 YEAR OLD TIFFANY WOODARD STRUCK THE SAME PATCH OF ICE, HIT A CULVERT, FLIPPED AND EJECTED THE DRIVER. WOODARD WAS FLOWN TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER IN CRITICAL CONDITION. BOTH ACCIDENTS WERE INVESTIGATED BY TROOPER JOSH CULP. 07 Jan 2011 20:00:07 GMT A FLORENCE, ALABAMA HOSPITAL HAS AGREED TO PAY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO SETTLE A MEDICARE FRAUD CASE. ACCORDING TO THE TIMES DAILY, E-C-M HOSPITAL HAS AGREED TO PAY 676 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR ALLEGED MEDICARE FRAUD FROM 2000 AND 2008. MEDICARE CLAIMS THE HOSPITAL WAS PERFORMING A MINIMALLY INVASIVE OSTEOPOROSIS TREATMENT AS AN IN-PATIENT PROCEDURE TO INCREASE MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENTS. DECATUR GENERAL HOSPITAL WAS FACING A SIMILAR ALLEGATION AND AGREED TO MAY MORE THAN 537 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO SETTLE THE SUIT. SEVEN MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS NATIONWIDE AGREED TO SETTLE MEDICARE FRAUD CASES. 07 Jan 2011 20:00:18 GMT SEVERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WERE INVOLVED IN A CHASE THRU LAWRENCE COUNTY THURSDAY NIGHT RESULTING IN THE ARREST OF A LAWRENCEBURG MAN. ACCORDING TO CHIEF JUDY MOORE OF THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT, OFFICERS RESPONDED TO A MAPLE AVENUE HOME ON A CALL OF A POSSIBLE DOMESTIC ALTERCATION. WHEN OFFICERS ARRIVED, THEY FOUND AN INJURED WOMAN AND THE SUSPECT, 32 YEAR OLD JASON EDWARD PERRY, HAD FLED IN A CAR. OFFICERS RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM A FAMILY MEMBER THAT PERRY WAS SUICIDAL AND IN POSSESSION OF A GUN AND PRESCIPTION MEDICATION. OFFICERS FOUND PERRY DRIVING ON PROSSER ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO PULL HIM OVER. THE SUSPECT RAN FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT THROUGHOUT THE AREA INVOLVING DEPUTIES FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL IN THE PURSUIT. PERRY RETURNED TO THE MAPLE AVENUE HOME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT SURROUNDED THE PROPERTY. LAWRENCEBURG POLICE OFFICER BRIAN HAGAN MADE CONTACT WITH PERRY AND PROCEEDED TO TALK THE SUSPECT INTO PUTTING DOWN THE WEAPON AND COMING OUTSIDE. AFTER COMING OUT OF HIS OWN ACCORD, PERRY RESISTED ATTEMPTS TO PLACE HIM UNDER ARREST. DURING PERRY'S APPREHENSION, OFFICER HAGAN'S LEFT LEG AND ANKLE WERE BROKEN. CHIEF MOORE PRAISED THE COOPERATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE ARREST. PERRY IS CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH SEVERAL OTHER CHARGES EXPECTED TO BE FORTHCOMING. 09 Jan 2011 13:51:01 GMT THE GLARE OF SUNLIGHT IS TO BLAME IN A THURSDAY EVENING TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVOLVING A SAINT JOSEPH POLICE OFFICER. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, OFFICER TYLER MCDOW STOPPED TO ASSIST A MOTORIST OUT OF GAS AROUND 5 P-M IN THE HIGHWAY 43 TURN LANE NEAR THE NORTH SECOND AVENUE INTERSECTION. A CHEVY MALIBU DRIVEN BY LAKESHA MOORE OF LORETTO STRUCK THE FRONT OF MCDOW'S PATROL CAR INJURING THE OFFICER AND THE STRANDED MOTORIST. BOTH WERE TREATED AND RELEASED FROM CROCKETT HOSPITAL WITH MINOR INJURIES. REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE INTENSE SUN GLARE KEPT MOORE FROM SEEING THE VEHICLES AS SHE APPROACHED. TROOPER JONATHAN PULLEY INVESTIGATED THE ACCIDENT. 09 Jan 2011 13:52:38 GMT AN INTERNATIONAL CABLE AND SATELLITE TELEVISION NETWORK IS PLANNING A PROGRAM TO HIGHLIGHT LAWRENCE COUNTY'S GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE. THE HISTORY CHANNEL HAS NOTIFIED CURATORS OF THE JAMES D-VAUGHN MUSEUM THAT A PROGRAM IS IN THE WORKS ABOUT VAUGHN'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN MUSIC. VAUGHN IS CREDITED AS THE FATHER OF THE SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC GENRE WITH THE FIRST QUARTET FORMED IN LAWRENCEBURG IN THE EARLY 19 HUNDREDS. MUSEUM OFFICIALS ASK THAT ANYONE WITH VAUGHN RELATED MATERIAL OR PICTURES THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR THE PROGRAM TO CONTACT TOM CREWS AT 762-8991. 09 Jan 2011 13:53:00 GMT THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS HAS RESIGNED AMID QUESTIONS OF UNAUTHORIZED MONEY TRANSFERS. UTILITY C-F-O JOHN CAIN WAS ASKED TO STEP DOWN LAST WEEK AFTER CITY OFFICIALS DISCOVERED CAIN HAD BEEN MOVING MONEY FROM THE ELECTRIC FUND TO COVER A 2 POINT 9 MILLION DOLLAR DEFICIT IN THE SEWER AND WATER FUND. MAYOR KEITH DURHAM TOLD CHANNEL FIVE NEWS THAT NO DISHONESTY, THEFT OR EMBEZZLEMENT WAS SUSPECTED BUT CAIN WAS ASKED TO RESIGN DUE TO UNAUTHORIZED MOVEMENT OF MONEY BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS. DURHAM ALSO TOLD REPORTERS THAT, BY LAW, THE NEARLY THREE MILLION DOLLAR DEFICIT HAS TO BE REPAID WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. ONE OF THE FIVE UTILITY BOARD MEMBERS TOLD W-L-X NEWS FRIDAY THAT THE GROUP WAS WORKING TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE IMMEDIATELY. 09 Jan 2011 13:53:23 GMT A FLORENCE, ALABAMA MAN FACING HUNDREDS OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES HAS REQUESTED TO BE GRANTED WORK RELEASE WHILE AWAITING TRIAL. ACCORDING TO THE TIMES DAILY, THE ATTORNEY FOR 26 YEAR OLD BRYAN PATRICK GIST ASKED THE COURT THAT HIS CLIENT BE ALLOWED WORK RELEASE TO EARN MONEY TO HELP CARE FOR HIS PARENTS. GIST HAS BEEN IN THE LAUDERDALE COUNTY JAIL SINCE AUGUST ON CHARGES OF POSSESSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF OBSCENE MATTER OF A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 17. A NUMBER OF VIDEOS AND A COMPUTER ALLEGEDLY CONTAINING EXPLICIT MATERIAL WAS SEIZED FROM GIST'S HOME. HE WAS INDICTED ON 800 PLUS CHILD PORN CHARGES DURING THE DECEMBER SESSION OF THE GRAND JURY AND IS BEING HELD ON 50 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. GIST'S ATTORNEY MADE THE WORK RELEASE REQUEST AT A HEARING WEDNESDAY WITH CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE MIKE JONES. THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE OPPOSES THE REQUEST BASED ON THE NATURE AND VOLUME OF THE CHARGES. THE JUDGE SAID HE WILL CONSIDER THE MOVE TO WORK RELEASE IF GIST IS ABLE TO FIND A JOB. 09 Jan 2011 13:53:50 GMT A SUNDAY FIRE LEFT MINOR DAMAGE TO A LAWRENCEBURG HOME. THE BLAZE WAS REPORTED AT 1811 MAHR AVENUE JUST BEFORE 7 P-M. MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCEBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED ALTHOUGH THE FIRE HAD BEEN EXTINGUISHED BEFORE FIREMEN ARRIVED. REPORTS INDICATE THE HOME'S SIDING AND A CHAIR ON THE FRONT PORCH HAD MELTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED. 11 Jan 2011 19:40:05 GMT SEVERAL BLOOD DRIVES ARE SCHEDULED IN JANUARY FOR LAWRENCE COUNTY OFFERING A VARIETY OF LOCATIONS TO MAKE A DONATION. BLOOD DRIVES WILL BE HELD: JANUARY 17TH FROM 12:30 TO 5:30 AT YODER'S HOMESTEAD MARKET IN SUMMERTOWN, JANUARY 18TH FROM 12:30 TO 5:30 AT ETHRIDGE CHURCH OF CHRIST, JANUARY 24TH FROM 2 TO 6 AT THE LORETTO AMERICAN LEGION, JANUARY 25TH FROM 12:30 TO 5:30 AT DOMINO'S PIZZA IN LAWRENCEBURG, JANUARY 26TH FROM 1:30 TO 5:30 AT SUMMERTOWN SADDLE AND BRIDLE CLUB AND JANUARY 31ST AT NEW PROSPECT BAPTIST CHURCH. TO BE AN ELIGIBLE, DONORS MUST BE AT LEAST 17 YEARS OF AGE, AT LEAST 110 POUNDS AND IN GOOD GENERAL HEALTH. 11 Jan 2011 19:40:17 GMT SCHOOLS, GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND MANY BUSINESSES ARE CLOSED TODAY AFTER A WINTER STORM DUMPED NEARLY 11 INCHES OF SNOW IN PORTIONS OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY. HIGHWAY CREWS WORKED THOUGH OUT THE NIGHT AND DAY TO KEEP MAJOR STATE ROADWAYS OPEN HOWEVER OFFICIALS ADVISE THAT SECONDARY ROADS ARE STILL COVERED IN SNOW AND POSSIBLY ICE. STAY TUNED TO W-L-X FOR THE LATEST WEATHER AND WEATHER RELATED ANNOUNCEMENTS. 11 Jan 2011 19:42:44 GMT AN ICY BRIDGE IS TO BLAME FOR A MULTI-CAR PILE UP TUESDAY MORNING IN MOUNT PLEASANT. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, TEN CARS CRASHED INCLUDING A MAURY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY ON THE JUDGE WORKMAN BRIDGE ON HIGHWAY 43. THE FIRST VEHICLE WRECKED JUST BEFORE 7 A-M WITH OTHER CARS SAID TO HAVE CRASHED IN THE SAME LOCATION FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL MINUTES. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE T-H-P INVESTIGATED THE ACCIDENTS. 13 Jan 2011 15:50:35 GMT LAST WEEK, DRUG AGENTS CONTENDED WITH MORE METH LAB CASES IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. ACCORDING TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A JANUARY 5TH TRAFFIC STOP YIELDED SOME DRUGS AND LED TO THE DISCOVERY OF A METH LAB. AGENTS PULLED OVER TONYA AND CHRISTOPHER WINDHAM ON A TIP THAT THE PAIR WAS MANUFACTURING METH. A SEARCH OF THE CAR TURNED UP SOME METH AND DRUG PARAPHENALIA. A SUBSEQUENT SEARCH OF THE WINDHAM'S OLD FLORENCE PULASKI ROAD HOME TURNED UP A METH LAB AND A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF THE DRUG. BOTH ARE BEING HELD IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL UNDER 100 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. DRUG AGENTS ARRESTED A LEOMA MAN JANUARY 6TH AFTER DISCOVERING A METH LAB IN HIS CHANCE ROAD RESIDENCE. OFFICIALS WERE CALLED TO THE HOME AFTER AN ELDERLY FEMALE REPORTED WEIRD SMELLING FUMES COMING FROM A BACK BEDROOM. AGENTS DISCOVERED A METH LAB AND EVACUATED THE FEMALE. CENTERPOINT FIRE DEPARTMENT AND LAWRENCEBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT'S HAZARDOUS MATERIAL UNITS WERE DISPATCHED TO THE SCENE. PAUL PAWELCO WILL FACE METH RELATED AND RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT CHARGES. AND ON JANUARY 9TH, DRUG AGENTS WERE CALLED TO A RIGLING ROAD RESIDENCE ON SUSPICION OF DRUG ACTIVITY. A METH LAB AND DRUG PARAPHENALIA WAS DISCOVERED. 25 YEAR OLD CHRISTOPHER BARTH OF LORETTO WILL FACE DRUG CHARGES. BARTH WAS ALREADY IN CUSTODY ON AN UNRELATED AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGE FOR POINTING A HANDGUN AT A NEIGHBOR. DURING THE SEARCH OF THE HOME, AGENTS ALSO FOUND TWO LAUDERDALE COUNTY ALABAMA SHERIFF'S UNIFORMS. OFFICIALS CONTINUE THE INVESTIGATION. 13 Jan 2011 15:51:12 GMT BEACH DAYS AND THE BIG KAHUNA FUNDRAISER EVENTS AT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED. THE EVENTS HAVE BEEN MOVED FROM THIS WEEK TO NEXT TUESDAY THRU FRIDAY. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS MAY BEGIN SETTING UP BOOTHS FOR DAILY ACTIVITIES ON MONDAY FROM 2 TO 5 IN THE CAFETERIA. THE FUNDS FROM THE ANNUAL EVENT WILL GO TO THE CENTENNIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. TO DATE, THE PROGRAM HAS AWARDED NEARLY 20 SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALING ALMOST 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 13 Jan 2011 15:51:52 GMT AN ALABAMA MAN WAS INJURED IN A SATURDAY DIRT BIKE ACCIDENT IN WEST POINT. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, 31 YEAR OLD RYAN STANFORD SMITH OF LACY SPRINGS, ALABAMA WAS RIDING TRAILS ON SOUTH ORE ROAD WITH SOME FRIENDS WHEN HIS HANDLE BAR STRUCK A TREE AND JERKED BACK AGAINST HIS LEG. THE WRECK CAUSED A NICK IN THE FEMORAL ARTERY OF SMITH'S LEFT THIGH. A FRIEND USED A BELT AS A TOURNAQUET ON THE VICTIM'S LEG WHILE ANOTHER FRIEND CALLED FOR HELP. SMITH WAS FLOWN TO A HUNTSVILLE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT AND IS EXPECTED TO MAKE A FULL RECOVERY. 13 Jan 2011 15:53:43 GMT 13 Jan 2011 21:37:57 GMT A SUMMERTOWN RESIDENT'S TRUCK WAS BROKEN INTO THIS WEEK. LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT A 1998 CHEVY S-10 PARKED AT A HOME ON RAILROAD BED PIKE WAS TARGETED BY THEIVES LATE SUNDAY OR MONDAY. A WINDOW WAS BROKEN OUT AND A RADIO STOLEN. DAMAGES AND LOSS TOTALED MORE THAN 17 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 13 Jan 2011 21:38:29 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG SCHOOL FALLS VICTIM TO VANDALS AGAIN. ACCORDING TO CITY POLICE REPORTS, AN EMPLOYEE OF LAWRENCEBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL STOPPED BY CAMPUS SATURDAY AND DISCOVERED A FLOODLIGHT DAMAGED AND THE SCHOOL'S MAILBOX MISSING. THE DAMAGED LIGHT WAS JUST RECENTLY REPAIRED AFTER A DECEMBER VANDALISM DAMAGED THE SAME FIXTURE. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT 250 DOLLARS. 13 Jan 2011 21:38:39 GMT THREE TENNESSEE STATE TROOPERS WITH LOCAL TIES HAVE BEEN PROMOTED TO HIGHER RANKS. GREGORY RAGAN OF LORETTO WAS PROMOTED TO ADMINISTRATIVE LIEUTENANT FOR THE HIGHWAY PATROL'S 7TH DISTRICT. RAGAN BEGAN HIS CAREER IN 1998 AS A TROOPER AND WAS PROMOTED TO SERGEANT IN 2006. WILLIAM SPIVEY JUNIOR OF LEWISBURG HAS BEEN PROMOTED TO SERGEANT. SPIVEY JOINED THE T-H-P IN 2002 AND CURRENTLY SERVES IN MARSHALL COUNTY. WAYNE DUNKLEMAN OF CORNERSVILLE WILL SERVE AS A SERGEANT IN MARSHALL COUNTY. DUNKLEMAN HAS WORKED WITH THE HIGHWAY PATROL SINCE 2003 AND IS THE DISTRICT'S K-9 OFFICER. 13 Jan 2011 21:39:01 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MET THURSDAY MORNING TO DISCUSS BUSINESS. CITY LEADERS VOTED TO APPROVE ON FINAL READING AN ORDINANCE ALLOWING CITY WORKERS PERFORMING DUTIES IN A HIGHER PAY CLASSIFICATION FOR AT LEAST FOUR HOURS TO RECEIVE THE HIGHER PAY RATE. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SOME PERSONNEL RULES CONCERNING EMPLOYEE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE WAS ALSO PASSED ON FINAL READING. A RESOLUTION TO ALLOW AN OUTDATED H-V-A-C CHILLER AT THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING TO BE DECLARED SURPLUS PROPERTY TO BE SOLD TO A RECYCLER WAS APPROVED. THE COUNCIL TOOK NO ACTION ON APPROPRIATIONS FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND WILL REVISIT THE ISSUE AT A LATER MEETING. 14 Jan 2011 19:32:05 GMT A SINGER WITH LOCAL TIES WILL BE ON NATIONAL T-V THIS EVENING. LAWRENCE COUNTY NATIVE JOHN PAUL WHITE IS SCHEDULED TO PERFORM ON THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO WITH THE GROUP "THE CIVIL WARS". WHITE IS HALF OF THE DUO WITH SINGER/SONGWRITER JOY WILLIAMS. THE PAIR WILL BE PROMOTING THEIR UPCOMING ALBUM RELEASE. IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME MUSIC FROM THE CIVIL WARS HAS BEEN GIVEN NATIONAL EXPOSURE. THE GROUP'S SINGLE "POISON AND WINE" WAS FEATURED ON AN EPISODE OF THE HIT SERIES "GREY'S ANATOMY" LAST YEAR. WHITE GRADUATED FROM LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL AND CURRENTLY LIVES WITH HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN IN THE FLORENCE ALABAMA AREA. 14 Jan 2011 19:33:47 GMT ELECTRONICS, APPLIANCES AND OTHER ITEMS WERE REPORTED MISSING LAST WEEK FROM A LEOMA HOME BREAK IN. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A COUPLE ARRIVED HOME FRIDAY TO FIND THEIR SANDERS LANE RESIDENCE HAD BEEN BURGLARIZED. THEIVES BROKE IN THE BACK DOOR AND TOOK SEVERAL ITEMS INCLUDING A T-V, D-V-D PLAYER, A STOVE, COPPER WIRE, A HORSE TRAILER AND MORE. TOTAL LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 52 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 14 Jan 2011 19:34:07 GMT THE ANNUAL WINTERGUARD COMPETITION AT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE HELD THIS WEEKEND. THE BIG GOLD MACHINE AND BAND BOOSTER ORGANIZATION INVITE EVERYONE TO THE 2011 COMPETITION ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. SCHOOLS FROM ACROSS TENNESSEE AND SURROUNDING STATES WILL PARTICIPATE. ADMISSION IS 7 DOLLARS FOR ONE DAY AND 10 DOLLARS FOR A 2 DAY TICKET. CHILDREN UNDER FOUR WILL BE ADMITTED FREE. CONCESSIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE. 14 Jan 2011 19:34:36 GMT A COUPLE OF TRUCKS WERE STOLEN OVER THE WEEKEND IN LAWRENCEBURG. A CHEVY 15 HUNDRED SERIES TRUCK WAS REPORTED STOLEN MONDAY FROM CAR DEALER ON HIGHWAY 43 NORTH. THE 1997 MODEL TRUCK WAS VALUED AT 79 HUNDRED DOLLARS. A 1986 TOYOTA FOUR BY FOUR WAS TAKEN FROM A MAN DOING REPAIR WORK ON THE VEHICLE AT A GARAGE ON HIGHWAY 43 SOUTH. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT 4 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 14 Jan 2011 19:34:58 GMT A FLORENCE, ALABAMA TEEN HAS BEEN ARRESTED ON CHILD ABUSE CHARGES. ACCORDING TO CHANNEL 48 NEWS, JAMES ROBERT SMITH AGE 19 WAS ARRESTED SUNDAY AFTER OFFICERS WERE CALLED TO E-C-M HOSPITAL TO INVESTIGATE A REPORT OF CHILD ABUSE. LAUDERDALE COUNTY SHERIFF'S INVESTIGATORS ALLEGE THAT SMITH SPANKED HIS FIVE MONTH OLD SON SO HARD THAT THE CHILD HAD SEVERE BRUISING. SMITH IS CHARGED WITH TORTURE AND WILLFUL ABUSE OF A CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF ONE. HE WAS RELEASED FROM THE LAUDERDALE COUNTY DETENTION CENTER ON ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. 17 Jan 2011 16:59:28 GMT THE PUBLIC STILL HAS A FEW MORE WEEKS TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED LANDFILL SITE IN MOUNT PLEASANT. STATE OFFICIALS HAVE EXTENDED THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD UNTIL FEBRUARY 7TH FOR RESIDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON ALLOWING TWO ALUMINUM WASTE PROCESSING COMPANIES TO BUILD A LANDFILL IN THE COMMUNITY. TENNESSEE ALUMINUM PROCESSORS AND SMELTER SERVICE CORPORATION WANT TO BUILD THE LANDFILL TO BURY "SALT CAKE", THE MATERIAL LEFT OVER FROM THEIR RECYCLING PROCESSES. CITY LEADERS HAD INITIALLY DENIED A PREVIOUS REQUEST BY THE COMPANIES TO REZONE THE PROPOSED LANDFILL SITE BUT HAVE SINCE RELENTED FOR FEAR OF LOSING JOBS IF THE BUSINESSES MOVED OUT OF THE CITY. COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC POURED IN AFTER IT WAS REVEALED THAT SALT CAKE CAUSES DANGEROUS AMMONIA FUMES WHEN EXPOSED TO WATER OR SOME HOUSEHOLD WASTES. THE STATE HAS SAID IT IS PREPARED TO APPROVE THE LANDFILL PERMIT BUT HAS GIVEN THE PUBLIC UNTIL THE FEBRUARY DEADLINE TO COMMENT ON THE MATTER. 17 Jan 2011 17:00:01 GMT EMERGENCY PERSONNEL IN GILES COUNTY WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE SPECIALIZED TRAINING ON RESPONDING TO A FREIGHT RAIL CAR INCIDENT INVOLVING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. THE RURAL DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS CONSORTIUM WILL CONDUCT A FREE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CERTIFIED COURSE ON RAIL CAR INCIDENT RESPONSE SATURDAY, JANUARY 29TH FROM 8 TO 5 AT THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE. THE TRAINING AIMS TO EDUCATE THOSE ON THE FRONTLINES OF DEFENSE ON WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A RAIL CAR INCIDENT INVOLVING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. THE FEDERAL RAILWAY ADMINISTRATION REPORTS 166 INCIDENTS INVOLVING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, MOST OF WHICH OCCURRED IN RURAL AREAS. 17 Jan 2011 17:02:35 GMT BEACH DAYS AND THE BIG KAHUNA FUNDRAISER EVENTS AT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED. THE EVENTS WILL BE WEDNESDAY THRU FRIDAY OF NEXT WEEK. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS MAY BEGIN SETTING UP BOOTHS FOR DAILY ACTIVITIES ON TUESDAY FROM 3 TO 5 IN THE CAFETERIA. THE FUNDS FROM THE ANNUAL EVENT WILL GO TO THE CENTENNIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. TO DATE, THE PROGRAM HAS AWARDED NEARLY 20 SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALING ALMOST 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 17 Jan 2011 17:03:09 GMT A YOUNG MAURY COUNTY BOY IS RECOVERING AFTER BEING ACCIDENTALLY SHOT ON THURSDAY. ACCORDING TO THE MOUNT PLEASANT POLICE DEPARTMENT, A 10-YEAR-OLD BOY WAS SHOT BY HIS 12-YEAR-OLD BROTHER WHILE THE TWO WERE PLAYING WITH A GUN SHORTLY AFTER 1 THURSDAY AFTERNOON. THE VICTIM WAS FLOWN TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER IN CRITICAL CONDITION. THE SHOOTING OCCURRED ON POLK LANE AND REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 18 Jan 2011 20:54:16 GMT TENNESSEE'S NEW GOVERNOR BEGAN HIS TERM BY SIGNING SOME EXECUTIVE ORDERS, ONE OF WHICH CONTRADICTS HIS PROMISE TO MAKE THE STATE'S GOVERNMENT MORE TRANSPARENT. ACCORDING TO MEDIA OUTLETS, BILL HASLAM SIGNED THREE ORDERS OVER THE WEEKEND. THE FIRST ELIMINATES A REQUIREMENT FOR THE GOVERNOR AND SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS TO DISCLOSE THEIR YEARLY EARNINGS. UNDER THE NEW RULES, TOP OFFICALS ARE REQUIRED TO LIST THE SOURCE OF THEIR INCOME BUT NOT HOW MUCH THEY MAKE PUTTING THEM IN LINE WITH THE CURRENT NONDISCLOSURE RULES FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. THE SECOND ORDER REQUIRES STATE LEADERS TO UNDERGO EXTENSIVE TRAINING RELATED TO OPEN MEETINGS, RECORDS, ETHICS AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS. HASLAM'S THIRD ORDER PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, GENDER, COLOR, DISABILITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, AGE OR POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS. SOME STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS ALREADY ON THE BOOKS PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION ON THOSE BASIS. HASLAM WAS SWORN IN AS THE STATE'S 49TH GOVERNOR ON SATURDAY. 18 Jan 2011 20:54:27 GMT THE SEIZURE OF METHAMPHETAMINE LABS ACROSS TENNESSEE HAS SET A RECORD AND SURPASSED THE NUMBER AUTHORITIES HAD INITIALLY ESTIMATED. ACCORDING TO A REPORT IN THE TENNESSEAN, POLICE FOUND 2 THOUSAND 95 METH MANUFACTURING LABS IN 2010 THE HIGHEST ANNUAL NUMBER EVER FOR THE STATE. THE DATA WAS RELEASED AS LAWMAKERS CONSIDER TIGHTER CONTROL ON THE SALE OF PSEUDOEPHEDRINE - A DRUG USED TO TREAT COMMON SINUS CONDITIONS AND THE MAIN INGREDIENT IN METH. IN LAWRENCE COUNTY, DRUG AGENTS HAVE DISCOVERED AND DISPOSED OF 15 METH LABS SINCE EARLY DECEMBER RESULTING IN SEVERAL ARRESTS. 18 Jan 2011 20:54:51 GMT NEW PAYMENT OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR TENNESSEANS RECEIVING UNEMPLOYEMENT BENEFITS. BEGINNING TUESDAY (TODAY), THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WILL OFFER UNEMPLOYED WORKERS TWO NEW ELECTRONIC OPTIONS TO RECEIVE BENEFITS - DEBIT CARDS AND DIRECT DEPOSIT. THE VISA DEBIT CARD IS CALLED TENNESSEE AUTOMATED PAYMENT AND IS PROVIDED BY CHASE BANK. CLAIMANTS CAN MAKE WITHDRAWLS FROM ANY BANK DISPLAYING THE VISA LOGO AND MONITOR ACCOUNT BALANCES ONLINE AT NO CHARGE. OTHER TRANSACTIONS CAN RESULT IN FEES AND SURCHARGES. DIRECT DEPOSITS TO THE BANK ACCOUNTS OF UNEMPLOYED WORKERS SAVES TAXPAYERS THE COST OF POSTAGE AND PAPER AS COMPARED TO THE PAPER CHECK PAYMENT METHOD. DEBIT CARDS AND DIRECT DEPOSIT WILL BE OFFERED TO NEWLY UNEMPLOYED WORKERS AS OF THIS WEEK. CLAIMANTS CURRENTLY RECEIVING BENEFITS CAN ENROLL FOR THE NEW OPTIONS ONLINE AT U-I-T-N DOT GOV. DEBIT AND DIRECT DEPOSIT INFORMATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE AT STATE DOT T-N DOT U-S. 18 Jan 2011 20:55:10 GMT STATE SENATOR JIM SUMMERVILLE WAS GIVEN COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS DURING LAST WEEK'S OPENING OF THE 2011 LEGISLATIVE SESSION. SUMMERVILLE WAS APPOINTED TO THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE TO REVIEW LEGISLATION REGARDING K THRU 12 SCHOOLS AND HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE TO REVIEW STATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS. THE NEWLY ELECTED SENATOR WAS ALSO APPOINTED SECRETARY OF THE ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION AND TOURISM COMMITTEE. THE GROUP HEARS ALL MATTERS CONCERNING ENERGY, FORESTRY, GAME, FISH AND THE NATURAL RESOURCES OF TENNESSEE. SUMMERVILLE REPRESENTS THE 25TH DISTRICT INCLUDING LAWRENCE, LEWIS, GILES, HUMPHREYS, HICKMAN AND DICKSON COUNTIES. 18 Jan 2011 20:55:30 GMT THE MAURY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM MAY BE LOOKING FOR MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS FOR CLASSROOM SOFTWARE. ACCORDING TO THE DAILY HERALD, DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS EDDIE HICKMAN WANTS THE SCHOOL SYSTEM TO PURCHASE CLASS-WORKS SOFTWARE THAT HE BELIEVES WILL INCREASE STUDENT TEST SCORES. THE SOFTWARE, COSTING A MILLION DOLLARS, WOULD REQUIRE MORE COMPUTER HARDWARE AND WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL 5 THOUSAND DOLLARS PER SCHOOL FOR YEARLY MAINTENANCE. HICKMAN IS LOOKING TO SEE IF FEDERAL "RACE TO THE TOP" FUNDS CAN BE USED FOR THE SOFTWARE. SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE PURCHASE CITING THE SYSTEM'S RECENT BUDGET CRISIS. THE MATTER WAS TABLED DURING THE BOARD'S JANUARY MEETING AND WILL BE RECONSIDERED IN FEBRUARY. 19 Jan 2011 20:11:57 GMT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE HAS GIVEN GRANT FUNDS TO A LAWRENCE COUNTY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SERVING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. A 3 THOUSAND DOLLAR GRANT WAS DISTRIBUTED TO THE SHELTER AS PART OF THE FOUNDATION'S ANNUAL GRANTMAKING PROCESS. THE MONEY WILL BE USED TO PROVIDE FOR THE NEEDS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS AND CHILDREN STAYING AT THE SHELTER. THE FOUNDATION HAS ALREADY DISTRIBUTED MORE THAN 756 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO 154 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN 27 MIDDLE TENNESSEE COUNTIES THIS YEAR. 19 Jan 2011 20:14:59 GMT GILES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MET IN REGULAR SESSION TUESDAY MORNING. OFFICIALS APPROVED A LIST OF PUBLIC NOTARIES AND APPOINTED TRACY WILBURN TO FILL THE REMAINDER OF AN UNEXPIRED TERM ON THE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION COMMITTEE. THE BOARD ALSO APPROVED A RESOLUTION ALLOWING SURETY BONDS FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES AND APPROVED THE 2010 HIGHWAY LIST. A RESOLUTION TO MOVE THE COMMISSION'S REGULAR MEETING TIME FAILED TO PASS. THE COMMISSION DEBATED A RESOLUTION TO EXEMPT THE COUNTY FROM STATE STANDARDS FOR ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS. THE MOTION OF EXEMPTION FROM STATE STANDARDS FAILED DUE TO CONCERN FROM SOME MEMBERS THAT THE COUNTY COULD LOSE GRANT FUNDS FROM THE STATE. ACTION ON ANIMAL PICK UP AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY FUNDING WAS DEFERRED TO THE BUDGET COMMITTEE. COMMISSIONERS ALSO APPROVED THE USE OF THE COURTHOUSE BY A MOTION PICTURE COMPANY TO FILM IN THE LARGE COURTROOM. 19 Jan 2011 20:15:38 GMT SOUTH LAWRENCE HEAD START IS NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS. OPENINGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE FREE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR 3 AND 4 YEAR OLD CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO MEET INCOME ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OR REQUIRE SPECIAL NEEDS. TO APPLY, PARENTS SHOULD BRING PROOF OF INCOME AND THEIR CHILD'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE. APPLICATIONS MAY BE SUBMITTED TO HEAD START AT 114 WEST SECOND STREET IN IRON CITY. FOR MORE INFORMATION. CALL 845-4994. 19 Jan 2011 20:16:54 GMT NO RATE INCREASE WAS IMPLEMENTED BY BOARD MEMBERS THURSDAY AT A LENGTHY MEETING AT LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS. AFTER COVERING USUAL AGENDA ITEMS, THE FOCUS OF THE MEETING TURNED TO A PLAN OF ACTION TO REPAY INTERDEPARTMENTAL LOANS MADE WITHOUT STATE APPROVAL. FUNDS FROM THE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT OF THE UTILITY HAD BEEN MOVED TO COVER A DEFICIT IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT FUND BEGINNING IN 2009. THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS IS LEGAL AS LONG AS THE DEBT IS PAID BACK BY THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR. THE MONEY HAD NOT BEEN REPAID BY THE DEADLINE AND BECAME A LOAN BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS WHICH MUST HAVE PRIOR APPROVAL BY THE STATE TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS. THE TOTAL OF THE UNAUTHORIZED FUND TRANSFERS IS 3 POINT 1 MILLION DOLLARS. L-U-S MANAGER VIC PUSSER CITED WATER AND SEWER PROJECTS TO INDUSTRIAL PARK NORTH, AMONG OTHERS AND A DECREASE IN WATER USAGE AS THE REASON FOR THE DEFICIT IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT. WHEN PRESSED BY BOARD MEMBERS AND MAYOR KEITH DURHAM AS TO WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FUNDS BEING TRANSFERED BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, PUSSER NAMED FORMER L-U-S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER JOHN CAIN. PUSSER AND BOARD CHAIRMAN MAC OLD STRESSED THAT THEY BELIEVED CAIN MADE THE ERROR DUE TO LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAW AND NOT FROM AN ACTION TO PURPOSELY DO ANYTHING WRONG. CAIN HAS STEPPED DOWN AS C-F-O OF THE UTILITY BUT STILL WORKS AS AN ACCOUNTANT AS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR FOR THE UTILITY. IN AN EFFORT TO FREE UP RESOURCES TO AID IN REPAYMENT OF THE LOAN, PUSSER SAID MAJOR COST SAVING MEASURES HAVE BEEN INSTITUTED, INCLUDING EMPLOYEE LAY-OFFS, OVER THE PAST FOUR WEEKS. PUSSER ALSO MENTIONED A 7 PERCENT WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASE IN JANUARY OF 2010 AS ANOTHER MEASURE IMPLEMENTED TO REPAY THE LOAN. A 2 PERCENT RATE INCREASE WILL GO INTO EFFECT ON JULY 1ST BUT IS PART OF A RATE INCREASE SCHEDULE APPROVED BY THE BOARD A DECADE AGO. PUSSER RECOMMENDED NO FURTHER RATE INCREASES BE INSTITUTED AT THIS TIME. MAYOR DURHAM AND SELECT UTILITY SYSTEM STAFF WILL MEET ON TUESDAY WITH THE STATE COMPTROLLER OFFICE TO LAY OUT A REPAYMENT PLAN. 20 Jan 2011 22:21:32 GMT A CONNECTICUT INDUSTRY HAS PLANS TO MOVE TO LAWRENCEBURG. INSYTE SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT IT WILL CLOSE AND RELOCATE ALL MANUFACTURING AND WAREHOUSING OPERATIONS FROM SOUTH WINDHAM, CONNECTICUT TO LAWRENCEBURG. INSYTE SOLUTIONS AND ITS SUBSIDIARY GIANT-VAC PRODUCE CONSUMER, PROFESSIONAL AND MUNICIPAL LEAF AND DEBRIS CONTROL EQUIPMENT INCLUDING BLOWERS, VACUUMS AND WALK BEHIND FIELD, BRUSH AND YARD MOWERS. THE CONNECTICUT FACILITY HAS PREVIOUSLY EMPLOYED ABOUT 75 WORKERS. THE RELOCATION OF OPERATIONS TO LAWRENCEBURG IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY APRIL 1ST. 20 Jan 2011 22:29:11 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DISCOVERED A COUPLE MORE METH LABS ON SATURDAY. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE, TWO CITIZENS WALKING IN THE KELLY ROAD AREA OF LEOMA FOUND A RED AND BLACK BAG CONTAINING SUSPICIOUS ITEMS IN A WOODED AREA NEAR THE ROADWAY. THE PAIR THOUGHT THE CONTENTS OF THE BAG LOOKED LIKE METH LAB COMPONENTS THEY HAD SEEN ON TELEVISION AND ALERTED THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. THE LAB WAS PROCESSED BY DRUG AGENTS. THE SAME DAY, AUTHORITIES SERVED A VIOLATION OF PAROLE WARRANT AT A DUKES PARK ROAD HOME FOR MICHAEL ANTHONY LINDSEY OF MOUNT PLEASANT. AGENTS FOUND LINDSEY ATTEMPTING TO FLUSH HALLUCINOGENIC MUSHROOMS AND CRYSTAL METH DOWN THE TOILET. A FURTHER SEARCH OF THE PROPERTY UNCOVERED A DISMANTLED METH LAB. LINDSEY IS CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF DRUGS FOR RESALE, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHENALIA, INITIATION AND PROMOTION OF METH MANUFACTURING AND TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE. HE IS BEING HELD IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL WITHOUT BOND. AROUND 17 METH LABS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN LAWRENCE COUNTY IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY. 21 Jan 2011 19:55:54 GMT A COLUMBIA MAN HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF OPERATING A MULTI-COUNTY SEX RING. ACCORDING TO THE DAILY HERALD, SMYRNA POLICE ARRESTED 26 YEAR-OLD WILLIAM BRADLEY LEE FOR ALLEGEDLY OPERATING AN INTERNET BASED PROSTITUTION BUSINESS IN RUTHERFORD, DAVIDSON AND MARSHALL COUNTIES. DETECTIVES BELIEVE ONE OF THE WOMEN WORKING FOR LEE WAS JUST 16 YEARS OLD. HE IS CHARGED WITH 49 COUNTS OF STATUTORY RAPE, ESPECIALLY AGGRAVATED STATUTORY RAPE AND PROMOTING PROSTITUTION, AMONG OTHER CHARGES. LEE IS IN THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY JAIL UNDER 1 POINT 5 MILLION DOLLARS BOND. 24 Jan 2011 20:25:40 GMT STATEWIDE, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE STAYED STEADY LAST MONTH ACCORDING TO DATA RELEASED THURSDAY BY THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. THE JOBLESS RATE WAS 9.4 PERCENT IN DECEMBER UNCHANGED FROM THE NOVEMBER FIGURE. THE NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR DECEMBER WAS ALSO 9.4 PERCENT, DOWN POINT 4 PERCENT FROM NOVEMBER. 24 Jan 2011 20:26:23 GMT A PORTION OF THE NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY HAS BEEN CLOSED DUE TO ICE. THE TRACE IS CLOSED FROM TENNESSEE HIGHWAY 46 AROUND MILEPOST 429 TO MILEPOST 444 OUTSIDE OF NASHVILLE. A PARK SERVICE REPORT INDICATES THAT ICE IS COVERING THE PARKWAY FROM MILEPOST 385 NORTH AND IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS ON TRACE BRIDGES. THIS SECTION OF THE TRACE IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN CLOSED AT LEAST UNTIL SATURDAY (THIS) EVENING. FOR PARKWAY ROAD CONDITIONS, CALL 662-680-4027 OR 680-4000. 24 Jan 2011 20:26:42 GMT A BURGLAR WAS CAUGHT IN THE ACT LAST WEEK BY LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES. REPORTS ALLEGE THAT SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL WERE CALLED TO A POWELL CIRCLE RESIDENCE IN FIVE POINTS WEDNESDAY MORNING AFTER A HOMEOWNER HAD AN ALTERCATION WITH A MAN ATTEMPTING TO GET INTO THE HOUSE. THE VICTIM SAID AN UNKNOWN MAN PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY, CLAIMED TO BE HAVING CAR TROUBLE AND CAME INTO THE HOUSE. THE VICTIM TOLD DEPUTIES HE PUSHED THE MAN OUT THE DOOR, LOCKED IT AND THEN WATCHED THE SUSPECT DRIVE AWAY DOING ABOUT 500 DOLLARS DAMAGE TO YARD TORCHES IN THE PROCESS. WHILE TALKING WITH THE VICTIM, DISPATCHERS CONTACTED THE DEPUTIES ABOUT A BURGLARY IN PROGRESS CALL ON THE SAME ROAD. WHEN THEY ARRIVED, DEPUTIES FOUND 20 YEAR OLD DONALD ANDREW GREEN JUNIOR OF LEXINGTON, ALABAMA SITTING ON THE PORCH. THE RESIDENT REPORTED THAT SHE HAD FOUND THE SUSPECT STANDING IN A HALLWAY OF HER HOME AND SHE CALLED 9-1-1. WHILE CALLING FOR HELP, SHE SAW GREEN GO OUTSIDE, GO THRU HER CAR AND THEN SIT ON THE FRONT PORCH. GREEN WAS ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE BURGLARY, CRIMINAL TRESPASS, VANDALISM AND OTHER CHARGES. 25 Jan 2011 18:39:43 GMT COMPONENTS OF A METH LAB WERE FOUND IN A BAG IN A PARKING LOT IN FIVE POINTS ON SATURDAY. WHILE PICKING UP TRASH IN THE LOT ON RABBIT TRAIL ROAD, REPORTS INDICATE A BAG CONTAINING ITEMS USED TO MANUFACTURE METHAMPHETAMINE WAS FOUND. MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT CALLED THE HAZ MAT TEAM TO PROCESS THE LAB COMPONENTS AND THE CASE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 25 Jan 2011 18:39:54 GMT VANDALS TARGETED A COUPLE OF CARS IN LAWRENCE COUNTY OVER THE WEEKEND. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE WINDOWS, HEAD AND TAIL LIGHTS WERE BUSTED OUT OF A 2007 CHRYSLER SEBRING PARKED AT A HOME ON MARKS BRANCH ROAD IN LEOMA FRIDAY NIGHT. THERE WERE ALSO SEVERAL DENTS IN THE BODY AND SIDE MIRRORS AND DOOR HANDLES BROKEN. TOTAL DAMAGE IS ESTIMATED AT 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS. AN ETHRIDGE MAN DISCOVERED SOMEONE HAS STOLEN A FRONT TIRE OFF OF HIS TRUCK PARKED IN THE BLUFF ROAD HOME'S DRIVEWAY. THE VICTIM WENT TO LEAVE FOR WORK SATURDAY MORNING AND FOUND A BLOCK WHERE ONE OF HIS TIRES HAD BEEN. THE LOSS WAS REPORTED AT 218 DOLLARS. 25 Jan 2011 18:40:17 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS CAN PAY PROPERTY TAXES CLOSER TO HOME WITH COMMUNITY TAX COLLECTION SITES THIS WEEK. COLLECTIONS WILL BE HELD TUESDAY (TODAY) FROM 9 TO 4 AT LORETTO CITY HALL, WEDNESDAY FROM 9 TO NOON AT SUMMERTOWN UTILITY DISTRICT AND FROM 12:30 TO 3:30 AT ETHRIDGE CITY HALL AND THURSDAY FROM 9 TO NOON AT CITY HALL IN IRON CITY AND FROM 12:30 TO 3:30 AT SAINT JOE CITY HALL. PROPERTY TAXES MAY ALSO BE PAID AT THE TRUSTEE'S OFFICE IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. 25 Jan 2011 18:40:35 GMT JUST ONE ITEM OF BUSINESS IS ON THE AGENDA WHEN LAWRENCEBURG LEADERS MEET IN REGULAR SESSION THIS WEEK. THE CITY COUNCIL WILL VOTE ON A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE APPROPRIATIONS TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE 2010-2011 FISCAL YEAR. THE LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS TO RECEIVE THE FUNDS INCLUDES A KIDS PLACE, THE SHELTER, GOD'S STOREHOUSE, THE HUMANE SOCIETY AND THE TENNESSEE REHABILITATION CENTER AT COLUMBIA. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT 8:30 AT THE CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. 25 Jan 2011 18:41:02 GMT SUSPECTED RAPIST HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY. ACCORDING TO A LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE, INVESTIGATORS ARRESTED MIGUEL ANGEL MALDONADO JUNIOR ON MONDAY. MALDONADO IS CHARGED WITH RAPE OF A CHILD, SOLICITATION OF A MINOR TO OBSERVE SEXUAL CONDUCT, INCEST AND AGGRAVATED SEXUAL BATTERY. HE IS BEING HELD IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL UNDER 115 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND AND IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT FEBRUARY 4TH. 26 Jan 2011 19:40:09 GMT A NORTH ALABAMA COMPANY HAS ANNOUNCED IT PLANS TO EXPAND ITS WORKFORCE. ACCORDING TO THE TIMES DAILY, WISE ALLOYS WILL ADD 43 NEW POSITIONS TO THE CURRENT WORKFORCE OF ONE THOUSAND. THE COMPANY HAS EXPANDED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS AND HAS ADDED 75 TO 100 WORKERS TO THE PAYROLL IN THE LAST YEAR. THE COMPANY PRODUCES ALUMINUM PRODUCTS FOR THE BEVERAGE INDUSTRY. THE BUSINESS BEGAN PRODUCTION AT THE FLORENCE FACILITY IN THE 1940'S AS REYNOLD'S METALS. 26 Jan 2011 19:40:22 GMT NO FEDERAL AID WILL COME TO NORTH ALABAMA COUNTIES HIT HARD BY AN EARLY JANUARY WINTER STORM. ACCORDING TO THE TIMES DAILY, A COLLECTIVE OF NORTH ALABAMA COUNTIES IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE GOVERNMENT DOLLARS TO OFFSET MONEY SPENT ON SNOW REMOVAL AND OTHER EXPENSES RELATED TO THE JANUARY 10TH WINTER STORM. PORTIONS OF THE AREA SAW BETWEEN 8 AND 14 INCHES OF SNOW. ALABAMA OFFICIALS INDICATE AN ESTIMATED 2 MILLION DOLLARS WAS SPENT ON CLEAN UP - FALLING SHORT OF THE 5 POINT 8 MILLION DOLLAR THRESHOLD NEEDED FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT ESTIMATES DO NOT INCLUDE DAMAGES ROADS MAY HAVE SUSTAINED AS A RESULT OF FREEZING TEMPERATURES OR THE CLEANING PROCESS. SOME TENNESSEE COUNTIES ARE SAID TO BE SEEKING SIMILAR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE. 26 Jan 2011 19:42:01 GMT THE JANUARY REGULAR SESSION OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION WAS HELD TUESDAY AT THE COURTHOUSE. COMMISSIONERS APPROVED RESOLUTIONS AMENDING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET, RECOMMENDING CHARLIE HOLT AS THE DELINQUENT TAX ATTORNEY FOR THE COUNTY, ESTABLISHING A COMMITTEE TO REVISE AND CONSOLIDATE THE RULES OF THE LEGISLATIVE BODY AND THE COUNTY ROAD LIST. THE COMMISSION ALSO APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY AT 202 DELLAR STREET IN LAWRENCEBURG OWNED BY A KID'S PLACE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER. THE BUILDING, VACATED BY THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION FOR A DIFFERENT LOCATION ON WEST POINT ROAD, WILL BE USED TO HOUSE THE COUNTY BUDGET OFFICE. THE OFFICES OF THE COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION WILL BE MOVED INTO THE CURRENT BUDGET OFFICE LOCATION. THE COUNTY AGREED TO PAY 150 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE DELLAR STREET PROPERTY THRU CAPITAL OUTLAY NOTES. AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION AND AN AMENDMENT TO THE ORIGINAL PLAN, A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AN ECONOMIC IMPACT PLAN FOR TEAM LAWRENCE COMMERCE PARK PASSED BY A 13 TO 4 VOTE. CONCERNS ABOUT TAX INCREMENT FINANCING - OR TIF - LED TO AN AMENDMENT OF THE RESOLUTION TO INCLUDE A 50 THOUSAND DOLLAR CAP ON MONEY GOING INTO THE TIF ACCOUNT UNTIL A PROJECT IS IN HAND. A RESOLUTION APPROVING A LIST OF AREAS TO BE INCLUDED IN WATER LINE EXTENSIONS WAS ALSO APPROVED. 27 Jan 2011 21:54:16 GMT A LENGTHY AND SOMETIMES HEATED DEBATE ABOUT FUTURE USE OF THE FORMER TEMPORARY JAIL FACILITY WAS HELD AT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT. THE TEMPORARY JAIL FACILITY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2007 IN A BUILDING ON BALER DRIVE THAT HAD BEEN USED BY THE SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT WHEN STATE INSPECTORS CLOSED THE COUNTY JAIL FOR CHRONIC OVERCROWDING AND DISREPAIR IN LATE 2005. THE TEMPORARY JAIL WAS VACATED IN DECEMBER 2009 WHEN THE NEW JAIL FACILITY ADJACENT TO THE COURTHOUSE WAS BUILT. A RESOLUTION TO SELL SURPLUS PROPERTY FROM THE UNUSED TEMPORARY JAIL WAS UP FOR APPROVAL AT THIS WEEK'S MEETING. COMMISSIONER RONNIE BENEFIELD SUGGESTED KEEPING THE FACILITY AS IS AND PUTTING IT TO USE AS A WORKHOUSE FOR MINIMUM SECURITY PRISONERS. OTHER COMMISSIONERS VOICED CONCERNS OVER THE COST OF RENOVATING THE BUILDING TO MEET STATE REQUIREMENTS AND THE ON-GOING COSTS OF SECURITY STAFF AND MAINTENANCE FOR THE FACILITY. SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT MANAGER GARY WAYNE HYDE SPOKE TO COMMISSIONERS ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THE COUNTY IS ALREADY MAKING IN ITS EXTENSIVE RECYCLING EFFORTS AT THE LANDFILL AND EXPRESSED A NEED TO HAVE THE BUILDING BE TURNED BACK INTO WAREHOUSE SPACE FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE RECYCLING PROGRAM. IN DECEMBER 2006, THE COUNTY COMMISSION APPROVED USE OF THE LANDFILL BUILDING FOR THE TEMPORARY JAIL AND APPROVED BUILDING A 50 BY 100 FOOT ADDITION FOR USE BY THE SOLID WASTE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS OF SPACE. THE ADDITION WAS NEVER CONSTRUCTED. THE RESOLUTION TO LIQUIDATE THE SURPLUS PROPERTY WAS TABLED AND THE MATTER WAS SENT BACK TO THE FACILITIES COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION ON ALL THE POSSIBLE USES FOR THE SPACE. 27 Jan 2011 21:54:28 GMT STUDENTS AT ONE MAURY COUNTY SCHOOL HAVE A REASON TO CELEBRATE. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THAT COLUMBIA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL HAS RAISED OVER 16 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR SAINT JUDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. STUDENTS MORE THAN DOUBLED THEIR ORGINIAL GOAL OF 7 THOUSAND DOLLARS. TEACHERS CREDIT THE STUDENTS' SUCCESS TO THE INSPIRATION OF 16 YEAR-OLD DYLAN REBEOR. REBEOR, A C-H-S STUDENT AND FOOTBALL PLAYER, DIED OF COLON CANCER ON DECEMBER 3RD. THE 13 HUNDRED STUDENTS RAISED FUNDS WITH A PENNY WAR AND LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN. 27 Jan 2011 21:54:57 GMT A LEOMA WOMAN'S COMPUTER WAS STOLEN FROM A CAR SOMETIME OVER THE WEEKEND. REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT THE VICTIM LEFT A COMPUTER CASE CONTAINING A LAPTOP, FLASH DRIVES, A MEMORY CARD AND ACCESSORIES IN THE BACK OF HER MOTHER'S 1998 VOLVO LAST FRIDAY. WHEN SHE WENT TO RETRIEVE IT ON MONDAY, IT WAS MISSING. THE MOTHER, UNAWARE THAT THE ITEMS WERE IN HER CAR, THOUGHT SHE MAY HAVE LEFT HER CAR UNLOCKED AT TIMES OVER THE WEEKEND. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 900 DOLLARS. 27 Jan 2011 21:55:36 GMT A MOTORCYCLE WAS STOLEN FROM THE BACK DECK OF A LORETTO HOME. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE ALLISON DRIVE RESIDENT REPORTED TUESDAY THAT SOMEONE HAD TAKEN HER SON'S BLACK SUZUKI 80 MOTORCYCLE. THE BIKE WAS VALUED AT 4 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 27 Jan 2011 21:55:55 GMT LAWRENCEBURG POLICE HAVE MADE AN ARREST IN A CASE INVOLVING SEX WITH A MINOR. A POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE INDICATES THAT 18 YEAR-OLD CLINTON BRANT NEAL WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY TUESDAY FOR UNLAWFUL SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH A 13 YEAR-OLD. NEAL IS BEING HELD IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL ON 100 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. HE IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT FEBRUARY 4TH. 28 Jan 2011 17:40:36 GMT LAWRENCEBURG POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A LOCAL WOMAN ON CHILD NEGLECT CHARGES. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE, 33 YEAR-OLD TANA CHARMAINE CANNON WAS ARRESTED TUESDAY AT HER FISHER ALLEY HOME. INVESTIGATORS ALLEGE THAT CANNON'S THREE SMALL CHILDREN WERE LIVING IN DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS AND THE RESIDENCE WAS UNSUITABLE FOR HUMAN HABITATION. VERY LITTLE FOOD WAS FOUND IN THE HOME AND IT WAS INFESTED WITH COCKROACHES. THE CHILDREN WERE PLACED IN D-C-S CUSTODY AND THEIR MOTHER TAKEN TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL. CANNON IS CHARGED WITH THREE COUNTS OF CHILD NEGLECT AND IS BEING HELD ON 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. SHE IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT MARCH 3RD. 28 Jan 2011 17:40:49 GMT ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE IS MISSING FROM A LORETTO HOME. DEPUTIES FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED TO AN ALLISON DRIVE RESIDENCE WEDNESDAY AFTER THE HOME OWNER DISCOVERED A YAMAHA MOTORCYCLE HAD BEEN STOLEN FROM AN OUTBUILDING ON THE PROPERTY. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT 13 HUNDRED DOLLARS. ANOTHER BIKE WAS REPORTED MISSING FROM THE BACK DECK OF THE HOME EARLIER IN THE WEEK. 28 Jan 2011 17:42:28 GMT RESEARCHERS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS HAVE MADE A SURPRISING DISCOVERY IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. SCIENTISTS SAY THEY FOUND A NEW SPECIES OF CRAYFISH IN SHOAL CREEK DURING A PROJECT THAT CONCLUDED LATE LAST YEAR. THE NEW CRAYFISH IS DESCRIBED AS HAVING A DISTINCT BEARDED ANTENNA AND CAN GROW TO THE SIZE OF A LOBSTER. UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS WERE DIRECTED TO SHOAL CREEK BY A T-V-A RESEARCHER WHO FOUND ONE OF THE RARE CRUSTACEANS IN 2009. 28 Jan 2011 17:42:54 GMT A POSSIBLE PLEA AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED IN A 2009 GILES COUNTY TRIPLE HOMICIDE CASE. MATTHEW JAMES WOOD AND WILLIAM ANGEL JUNIOR ARE ACCUSED OF THE OCTOBER 2009 MURDERS OF DESERE THORNTON AND HER TWO SONS 16 YEAR-OLD JERROD AND 9 YEAR-OLD ANTHONY THORNTON. WOOD, WHO FACES THE DEATH PENALTY, WILL PRESENT A PLEA AT 9 A-M MONDAY AT THE GILES COUNTY COURTHOUSE. LAST NOVEMBER, ANGEL AGREED TO PLEAD GUILTY TO MULTIPLE MURDER AND ARSON CHARGES AND TESTIFY AGAINST WOOD IN EXCHANGE FOR A SENTENCE OF LIFE IN PRISON. ANGEL WILL PRESENT A NEW PLEA DEAL AT 1 P-M. CIRCUIT JUDGE ROBERT JONES WILL HEAR BOTH PLEA AGREEMENTS. 01 Feb 2011 19:31:17 GMT A SPECIAL SESSION HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR GILES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO DISCUSS A FEW ITEMS OF BUSINESS. THE SESSION'S AGENDA INCLUDES RESOLUTIONS TO AUTHORIZE AND FUND WATER FACILITIES PROJECTS IN THE COUNTY AND TO DISCONTINUE THE DEAD STOCK REMOVAL SERVICE AGREEMENT. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD AT 9 A-M IN THE BASEMENT BOARDROOM OF THE COURTHOUSE ANNEX. 01 Feb 2011 19:31:59 GMT KIDS CAN LEARN HOW ABOUT HEALTHY EATING HABITS AT THE CULINARY KIDS EVENT HOSTED BY JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY. THE TWO HOUR PROGRAM WILL EDUCATE CHILDREN AGES 5 TO 11 ABOUT HEALTHY EATING AND WILL TEACH THEM HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY SNACKS FOR THEMSELVES. PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE AN APRON AND A COOKBOOK WITH KID FRIENDLY RECIPES. THE PROGRAM WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH FROM 10 TO NOON AT IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH. ADMISSION IS 3 DOLLARS PER CHILD OR 5 DOLLARS FOR 2. SPACE IS LIMITED AND REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS TUESDAY. FOR REGISTRATION OR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 231-0759. 01 Feb 2011 19:32:19 GMT A MEETING OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD NEXT WEEK. THE MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY AT 11:30 AT THE BRASS LANTERN RESTAURANT. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED. THOSE PLANNING TO ATTEND SHOULD R-S-V-P BY E-MAIL BY TUESDAY TO D-METHVIN AT L-C-S-S DOT U-S. 01 Feb 2011 19:32:43 GMT VANDALS DAMAGED BUILDINGS AND OTHER ITEMS AT LAWRENCEBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL OVER THE WEEKEND. ACCORDING TO A REPORT FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE PRINICIPAL CALLED OFFICERS TO THE SCHOOL SUNDAY AFTER AN EMPLOYEE DISCOVERED THE DAMAGES. STONES HAD BEEN REMOVED FROM UNDER AN OUTBUILDING CAUSING THE FOUNDATION TO SHIFT AND ONE END OF THE BUILDING COLLAPSED. TWO METAL SIGNS WERE BROKEN OFF POLES, DOOR HANDLES WERE DAMAGED AND A BIRDHOUSE WAS BROKEN OFF OF A WOODEN POST. DAMAGES WERE ESTIMATED AT 635 DOLLARS. LAWRENCEBURG PUBLIC ALSO REPORTED VANDALISMS EARLIER THIS MONTH AND OVER CHRISTMAS BREAK IN DECEMBER. 01 Feb 2011 19:33:02 GMT A RASH OF MAILBOX THEFTS AND VANDALISMS MAY BE OVER AFTER A COUPLE OF ARRESTS ON SUNDAY. LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT MAILBOXES FROM A HOME ON GREENWOOD DRIVE AND GORE ROAD WERE STOLEN AND SEVERAL MAILBOXES WERE VANDALIZED ON BEELER ROAD LATE SATURDAY AND EARLY SUNDAY. A YARD ON O-K ROAD HAD ALSO BEEN VANDALIZED REPEATEDLY AND THE HOMEOWNER HAD PUT A HOMEMADE SPIKE-STRIP IN THE YARD TO DISCOURAGE FURTHER DAMAGES. VANDALS DROVE THRU THE YARD AGAIN SATURDAY NIGHT. DEPUTIES FOUND A TRUCK STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT NEAR THE LATEST VANDALIZED YARD. ONE OF THE TIRES HAD BEEN PUNCTURED AND ONE OF THE MAILBOXES REPORTED STOLEN WAS IN THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. AUTHORITIES ARRESTED 20 YEAR-OLD TRACY ERIC HUNT OF LEOMA ON THEFT CHARGES AND 19 YEAR-OLD BRETT ALLEN BASSHAM OF FIVE POINTS ON THEFT AND VANDALISM CHARGES. BOTH ARE SCHEDULED FOR GENERAL SESSIONS COURT FEBRUARY 14TH. TWO JUVENILES WERE ALSO IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE ARRESTS. 01 Feb 2011 19:33:42 GMT COLUMBIA OFFICIALS ARE PLANNING A MAJOR REVITALIZATION OF ONE OF THE CITY'S COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THAT CITY LEADERS ARE LOOKING TO CREATE A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE JAMES CAMPBELL BOULEVARD COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR. THE EFFORTS WILL INCLUDE WAYS TO RE-USE VACANT PROPERTY, AFFORDABLE HOME CONSTRUCTION AND THE FEASIBILITY OF BUS OR RAIL TRANSPORTATION. OFFICIALS INTEND TO USE A 250 THOUSAND DOLLAR GRANT THE CITY WON LAST YEAR TO STUDY THE AREA. CONSULTANTS WILL BE HIRED TO DO A FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF THE CORRIDOR AND TO PINPOINT THE SECTOR'S ROLE IN THE OVERALL COMMERCE OF COLUMBIA. ONCE COMPLETE, THE FINDINGS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR FURTHER ACTION. 01 Feb 2011 19:34:18 GMT TWO TEENS CHARGED IN A 2009 GILES COUNTY TRIPLE HOMICIDE HAVE ACCEPTED A PLEA DEAL FOR THEIR CRIMES. MATTHEW JAMES WOOD AND WILLIAM ANGEL JUNIOR, BOTH 19, PLEAD GUILTY IN THE OCTOBER 2009 MURDERS OF DESERE THORNTON AND HER TWO SONS 16 YEAR-OLD JERROD AND 9 YEAR-OLD ANTHONY THORNTON. WOOD AND ANGEL REPORTEDLY STABBED AND CHOKED THE VICTIMS THEN SET THE HOUSE ON FIRE. AUTOPSIES SHOWED THAT THE THORNTON'S WERE STILL ALIVE WHEN THE HOUSE WAS SET ABLAZE AND THEY DIED FROM SMOKE INHALATION. WOOD AND ANGEL APPEARED IN COURT MONDAY AND ACCEPTED PLEA DEALS REQUIRING THEM TO SERVE THREE LIFE SENTENCES WITHOUT PAROLE FOR MURDER AND ARSON. WOOD IS ALSO CHARGED WITH STEALING AN X-BOX GAMING SYSTEM AND GAMES FROM THE THORTON RESIDENCE. THE PAIR WILL SOON BE ASSIGNED TO STATE PRISON TO SERVE THEIR SENTENCES. 02 Feb 2011 21:06:20 GMT A MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN THE SATURDAY ARREST OF A GANG MEMBER SUSPECTED OF DEALING DRUGS IN LAWRENCE AND MAURY COUNTIES. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE, DRUG AGENTS WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY AND MAURY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENTS ALONG WITH LAWRENCEBURG AND MOUNT PLEASANT POLICE DEPARTMENTS WERE INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION OF MARIJUANA DISTRIBUTION IN BOTH COUNTIES. SEARCH WARRANTS WERE EXECUTED SATURDAY AT TWO DIFFERENT RESIDENCES ALLEGEDLY USED BY "KITCHEN CRYPT" GANG MEMBER EARON BERNARD SILER OF SUMMERTOWN TO DISTRIBUTE DRUGS. THE SEARCH OF A NORTH OLD MILITARY PROPERTY IN SUMMERTOWN TURNED UP MARIJUANA AND DRUG PARAPHENALIA. DURING THE SEARCH OF A SOUTH MAIN STREET HOME IN MOUNT PLEASANT, AGENTS RECOVERED MORE DRUGS AND PARAPHENALIA. 30 YEAR-OLD SILER AND 27 YEAR-OLD CRYSTAL MCCLAIN OF MOUNT PLEASANT WERE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY. AN UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION OF SILER HAS BEEN UNDERWAY SINCE JULY 2010 WITH NUMEROUS DRUG PURCHASES TO BE PRESENTED TO UPCOMING SESSIONS OF THE LAWRENCE AND MAURY COUNTY GRAND JURIES. 02 Feb 2011 21:06:36 GMT TWO PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED AND FOUR CHILDREN REMOVED FROM THEIR HOME AFTER A SATURDAY NIGHT ALTERCATION. LAWRENCEBURG POLICE WERE CALLED TO INVESTIGATE AN ASSAULT WHEN 29 YEAR-OLD JOSHUA WHEAT OF LAWRENCEBURG CAME TO CROCKETT HOSPITAL WITH STAB AND CUT WOUNDS TO HIS BODY AND ARMS. OFFICERS LEARNED THAT 25 YEAR-OLD WILLIAM CLINT TUCKER OF LAWRENCEBURG STABBED THE VICTIM AT TUCKER'S RAYFIELD AVENUE HOME. REPORTS INDICATE THAT FOUR SMALL CHILDREN WERE IN THE HOUSE AT THE TIME OF THE ALTERCATION AND INVESTIGATORS FOUND THE HOME TO BE UNSAFE WITH BEER CANS SCATTERED ABOUT AND A LARGE AMOUNT OF BLOOD ON THE FLOOR. DURING THE ALTERCATION, THE CHILDREN'S MOTHER AND GIRLFRIEND OF THE STABBING VICTIM, 30 YEAR-OLD THERASA TUCKER FIRED A ROUND FROM A HANDGUN INTO THE FLOOR WHILE INTOXICATED. THE CHILDREN WERE TAKEN INTO D-C-S CUSTODY. THE MOTHER WAS ARRESTED FOR RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT, CHILD NEGLECT AND UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM. SHE IS BEING HELD IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL ON 15 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. WILLIAM CLINT TUCKER WAS ARRESTED FOR AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT AND IS BEING HELD WITHOUT BOND. BOTH ARE SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN COURT MARCH 4TH. WHEAT WAS TRANSPORTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT. 02 Feb 2011 21:06:59 GMT DRUG AGENTS BUSTED A METH LAB AT A LAWRENCEBURG RESIDENCE ON FRIDAY. A LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE INDICATES THAT DEPUTIES WENT TO A MAPLE AVENUE HOME ON A TIP THAT A METHAMPHETAMINE LAB WAS LOCATED THERE. DRUG AGENTS FOUND THE INGREDIENTS AND COMPONENTS USED TO MANUFACTURE METH. 38 YEAR-OLD PAULA CHRISTINE HUNT WAS ARRESTED ON A VARIETY OF MANUFACTURING METH CHARGES. HUNT WILL APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT FEBRUARY 14TH. 02 Feb 2011 21:08:45 GMT A FRIDAY TRAFFIC STOP YIELDED TWO DRUG ARRESTS. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, MEMBERS OF THE LORETTO AND SAINT JOSEPH POLICE DEPARTMENTS PULLED OVER A 1995 BUICK FOR A ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP. POLICE SMELLED MARIJUANA AND SEARCHED THE VEHICLE. OFFICERS FOUND MARIJUANA AND METHAMPHETAMINE. 27 YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER ALLEN SMITH AND 18 YEAR-OLD ANTHONY JAMES SMITH WERE ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES AND ARE SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT IN MARCH. 02 Feb 2011 21:09:08 GMT A NEW COLUMBIA CITY HALL IS IN THE WORKS WITH A LAWRENCEBURG BASED COMPANY IN THE RUNNING FOR THE INITIAL PHASES OF THE RENOVATION PROJECT. ACCORDING TO THE DAILY HERALD, THE COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL APPROVED SPENDING UP TO 1 POINT SIX FIVE MILLION DOLLARS TO REDESIGN THE FORMER REGIONS BANK BUILDING AT 700 NORTH GARDEN STREET FOR A NEW CITY HALL. ON THURSDAY, THE COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER ACCEPTING THE LOW BID OF 54 THOUSAND 300 DOLLARS FROM DOSS BROTHERS GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF LAWRENCEBURG FOR DEMOLITION WORK ON THE THREE STORY BUILDING. THE BUILDING'S FIRST FLOOR IS IN FOR THE BIGGEST CHANGES WITH THE CITY RECORDER'S OFFICE, GRANTS AND PLANNING AND ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS TO BE LOCATED THERE. THE BASEMENT LEVEL WILL GET AN EXTENSIVE RENOVATION AS WELL AND WILL BE THE NEW HOME OF THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS. THE BID PROPOSAL IS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE 6:30 REGULAR SESSION MEETING ON THURSDAY. 03 Feb 2011 21:30:19 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM WILL CONDUCT SUBSTITUTE TEACHER TRAINING FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH AT 9 AT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE. COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS, A COPY OF YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE AND SOCIAL SECURITY CARD ARE REQUIRED ON THE DAY OF TRAINING. REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT L-C-S-S DOT U-S OR WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE TRAINING SESSION. A BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED AT A COST OF 48 DOLLARS BEFORE TRAINING. TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL KATHY BURKS AT 762-3581 EXTENSION 115. 03 Feb 2011 21:30:30 GMT BUDGET CUTS PROPOSED BY TENNESSEE GOVERNOR BILL HASLAM COULD LEAVE SOME POOL GOERS DRY THIS SUMMER. ACCORDING TO CHANNEL 4 NEWS, 6 OF THE 18 STATE PARK SWIMMING POOLS COULD BE CLOSED AS PART OF THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS. PARK OFFICIALS INDICATE THAT SOME OF THE POOLS COULD BE REPLACED WITH SPLASH POOLS THAT ARE CHEAPER TO MAINTAIN AND DON'T REQUIRE LIFEGUARDS. THE PROPOSAL ALSO INCLUDES THE ELIMINATION OF 20 SEASONAL JOBS AND 28 POSITIONS WITH THE STATE'S GROUND WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM. DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK EMPLOYEES HAVE NOT BEEN ADVISED BY THE STATE IF THEIR POOL IS ONE OF THE POTENTIAL CUTS. 03 Feb 2011 21:30:53 GMT IMPENDING CUTS TO TENNCARE WILL LIMIT DOCTOR AND HOSPITAL VISITS FOR ADULTS ON THE STATE'S HEALTH PLAN. ACCORDING TO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, THE STATE IS PREPARING TO CUT 300 MILLION DOLLARS FROM TENNCARE SPENDING IN AN EFFORT TO HELP REDUCE THE 1 BILLION DOLLAR BUDGET DEFICIT IN TENNESSEE. THE MAJORITY OF THE CUTS WILL BE BY LIMITING ADULT VISITS TO EIGHT DAYS EACH FOR INPATIENT HOSPITAL OR PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL STAYS, NON-EMERGENCY HOSPITAL SERVICES, DOCTOR'S OFFICE VISITS AND LAB AND X-RAY SERVICES. ANY CHANGES TO THE TENNCARE PROGRAM MUST BE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE. GOVERNOR BILL HASLAM IS SCHEDULED TO HOLD BUDGET HEARINGS THIS MONTH, INCLUDING DISCUSSION ON TENNCARE'S SPENDING. FORMER GOVERNOR BREDESEN CUT 170 THOUSAND ADULTS FROM THE PROGRAM AND REDUCED BENEFITS TO THOUSANDS MORE IN 2005 IN AN EFFORT TO BRING SPENDING UNDER CONTROL. TENNCARE COSTS STILL MAKE UP ABOUT 25 PERCENT OF THE STATE'S TOTAL BUDGET. 03 Feb 2011 21:31:15 GMT WHAT BEGAN WEDNESDAY AS A SHOPLIFTING INVESTIGATION ENDED WITH A COUPLE OF DRUG ARRESTS. LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT OFFICERS WERE SUMMONED TO WALMART AFTER AN EMPLOYEE SUSPECTED A PAIR OF SHOPPERS HAD TAKEN ITEMS FROM THE STORE WITHOUT PAYING. POLICE SPOKE WITH 26 YEAR-OLD SARAH DENISE MORRIS OF WAYNESBORO SITTING IN A CAR IN THE PARKING LOT DRINKING A SODA SHE HAD TAKEN FROM THE STORE WITHOUT PAYING. MORRIS SAID SHE HAD FORGOTTEN TO PAY FOR THE ITEM AND SHE WAS WAITING FOR HER BOYFRIEND WHO WAS STILL IN THE STORE. OFFICERS THEN SPOKE WITH THE BOYFRIEND, 30 YEAR-OLD ROCKY DURAN JONES OF JOELTON AND DISCOVERED HE HAD A PAIR OF SHORTS IN HIS POCKET THAT HAD NOT BEEN PAID FOR. WHILE SEARCHING THE COUPLE'S VEHICLE FOR OTHER POSSIBLE STOLEN ITEMS, POLICE FOUND METHAMPHETAMINE, ILLEGAL PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, MARIJUANA AND ITEMS USED TO MANUFACTURE METH. JONES CLAIMED OWNERSHIP OF ALL THE DRUGS. A PIPE WAS LATER FOUND ON MORRIS. THE PAIR WAS ARRESTED AND TAKEN TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL. JONES IS CHARGED WITH SEVERAL DRUG OFFENSES AND MORRIS IS CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHENALIA AND THEFT. BOTH ARE SCHEDULED TO BE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT MARCH 4TH. 04 Feb 2011 17:18:00 GMT GILES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MET IN SPECIAL SESSION THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING TO DISCUSS AN IMPORTANT AGENDA. LEADERS PASSED A BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION AND COURTHOUSE MAINTENANCE. TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED PERTAINING TO A 4 POINT 2 MILLION DOLLAR WATER LINE EXTENSION PROJECT FOR MINOR HILL, FAIRVIEW AND BODENHAM. COMMISSIONERS DISCUSSED AT LENGTH A RESOLUTION TO DISCONTINUE THE DEAD STOCK REMOVAL SERVICE AGREEMENT. OFFICIALS VOTED TO TEMPORARILY EXTEND THE CURRENT SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTH CENTRAL TENNESSEE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT THRU JUNE 30TH. JUST UNDER 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS WILL BE APPROPRIATED FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO COVER THE CONTRACT EXTENSION. THE MATTER WILL ALSO BE STUDIED IN COMMITTEE FOR A PERMANENT SOLUTION THAT COULD SEE A 25 DOLLAR PER PICK-UP FEE IMPOSED ON FARMERS. LEADERS INDICATED THAT THE COUNTY WOULD MATCH THE FARMER'S FEE. 04 Feb 2011 17:18:12 GMT SHOTS WERE FIRED AT A TRUCK AND INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING AT A CASE OF RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT. ACCORDING TO A REPORT FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A RESIDENT AND HIS GRANDSON HAD GONE HUNTING ON THEIR CHRISTOPHER LANE PROPERTY IN NORTHERN LAWRENCE COUNTY IN EARLY JANUARY AND THE GRANDSON HAD HEARD SOME SHOTS FIRED IN THE VICINITY AT THAT TIME. WHILE DOING SOME WORK TO THE TRUCK THIS WEEK, THE VICTIM DISCOVERED BULLET HOLES IN THE ROOF WITH THE BULLETS LODGED IN THE HEADLINER OF THE 2007 DODGE TRUCK. DEPUTIES AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY ADVISED THE OWNER TO HAVE THE BULLETS REMOVED FROM THE HEADLINER BY A LOCAL BODY SHOP FOR EVIDENCE. THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES 04 Feb 2011 17:18:35 GMT FIRE CONSUMED A SUMMERTOWN HOME EARLY THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING. REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE SUMMERTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A STRUCTURE FIRE AT 1095 NORTH BRACE ROAD BEFORE 3 A-M. CREWS EXTINGUISHED THE BLAZE BUT THE HOUSE AND ITS CONTENTS WERE A TOTAL LOSS. THE OWNER ADVISED AUTHORITIES THAT NO ONE HAD BEEN LIVING AT THE ADDRESS AND THE ELECTRICITY HAD BEEN OFF FOR SOME TIME. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT 50 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 04 Feb 2011 17:18:55 GMT A YOUNG WOMAN IS DEAD AND TWO OTHERS INJURED IN A THURSDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT IN LAWRENCEBURG. ACCORDING TO POLICE, 18 YEAR-OLD HALEY STAMPS WAS KILLED IN A ROLL-OVER WRECK AROUND 7 P-M ON HIGHWAY 64 ABOUT A QUARTER MILE WEST OF THE BUFFALO ROAD INTERSECTION. INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE THAT STAMPS WAS THE DRIVER OF THE SMALL BLAZER S-U-V CARRYING TWO PASSENGERS, 20 YEAR-OLD BRITTNEY KILLEN AND AN UNNAMED TODDLER. THE BLAZER WAS TRAVELING WEST ON 64, STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE AROUND THE BUFFALO ROAD INTERSECTION, CROSSED INTO THE EAST BOUND LANE, OVERCORRECTED BACK ACROSS THE WEST BOUND LANES. THE VEHICLE THEN HIT THE CURB AND A UTILITY POLE AND FLIPPED OFF THE ROADWAY. STAMPS WAS EJECTED AND WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. THE CHILD WAS ALSO EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE BUT, MIRACULOUSLY, SUFFERED NO LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. KILLEN, WHO HAD BEEN IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, WAS THROWN INTO THE BACK SEAT DURING THE ROLL-OVER AND SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. BOTH PASSENGERS RECEIVED TREATMENT AT CROCKETT HOSPITAL. LAWRENCEBURG POLICE, EMERGENCY CREWS AND THE HIGHWAY PATROL WERE AT THE SCENE FOR SEVERAL HOURS. THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. 07 Feb 2011 18:09:07 GMT THE PUBLIC HAS UNTIL MONDAY TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED LANDFILL SITE IN MOUNT PLEASANT. STATE OFFICIALS EXTENDED THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD UNTIL FEBRUARY 7TH FOR RESIDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON ALLOWING TWO ALUMINUM WASTE PROCESSING COMPANIES TO BUILD A LANDFILL IN THE COMMUNITY. TENNESSEE ALUMINUM PROCESSORS AND SMELTER SERVICE CORPORATION WANT TO BUILD THE LANDFILL TO BURY "SALT CAKE", THE MATERIAL LEFT OVER FROM THEIR RECYCLING PROCESSES. COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC POURED IN AFTER IT WAS REVEALED THAT SALT CAKE CAUSES DANGEROUS AMMONIA FUMES WHEN EXPOSED TO WATER OR SOME HOUSEHOLD WASTES. THE STATE HAS SAID IT IS PREPARED TO APPROVE THE LANDFILL PERMIT BUT HAS GIVEN THE PUBLIC UNTIL MONDAY TO COMMENT ON THE MATTER. 07 Feb 2011 18:09:20 GMT HUNDREDS OF SHEETS OF TIN WERE REPORTED STOLEN WEDNESDAY FROM IRON CITY STAMPING. REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT THIEVES ENTERED THE BUSINESS OVERNIGHT AND TOOK 500 SHEETS OF TIN. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FORCED ENTRY INTO THE BUILDING. THE MISSING PROPERTY IS VALUED AT 4 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 07 Feb 2011 18:09:38 GMT MARSHALL COUNTY AUTHORITIES HAVE SHUT DOWN AN ALLEGED PUPPY MILL. ACCORDING TO CHANNEL 4 NEWS, SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES AND MEMBERS OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY RAIDED PROPERTY THAT WAS SUSPECTED OF ILLEGAL BREEDING PRACTICES. OFFICIALS SAY AROUND A HUNDRED PUREBRED DOGS AND A CAT WERE RELEASED INTO THE CARE OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY. THE ANIMALS WILL RECEIVE VETERINARIAN CARE BEFORE BEING PUT UP FOR ADOPTION. THE ANIMAL'S OWNER WILL NOT FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES. 07 Feb 2011 18:09:57 GMT IN SPITE OF APPEARING IN COURT LAST WEEK TO PLEAD GUILTY TO THREE MURDERS, TWO GILES COUNTY TEENS ARE EXPECTED TO CHALLENGE THEIR PLEA DEALS. ACCORDING TO THE DAILY HERALD, DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE BOTTOMS SAID MATTHEW JAMES WOOD AND WILLIAM ANGEL JUNIOR WILL MOST LIKELY FILE FOR POST CONVICTION RELIEF BUT THINKS THEIR ATTEMPTS WILL BE UNSUCCESSFULL. WOOD AND ANGEL, BOTH 18 AT THE TIME OF THE MURDERS, MAY ALLEGE THAT THEY DIDN'T FULLY UNDERSTAND THE DEALS THEY AGREED TO AND/OR HAD POOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION. ON JANUARY 31ST, BOTH APPEARED BEFORE JUDGE ROBERT JONES IN A GILES COUNTY COURTROOM AND ACCEPTED DEALS THAT WOULD HAVE THEM PLEAD GUILTY TO MURDER, ARSON AND OTHER CHARGES IN EXCHANGE FOR LIFE SENTENCES WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE. BOTTOMS SAID IT IS COMMON FOR RECENTLY CONVICTED PRISONERS TO ASK FOR POST CONVICTION RELIEF BUT WENT ON TO SAY THAT JUDGE JONES EXPLANATION TO THE PAIR AS TO WHAT THEY WERE AGREEING TO WAS THE MOST THOROUGH HE'S SEEN GIVEN IN A COURTROOM. BOTTOMS ADDED THAT THE TEENS' ATTORNEYS HAD SPENT MORE THAN A YEAR PREPARING FOR TRIAL AND IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO ASSERT THAT THEY HADN'T DONE THEIR JOBS. WOOD AND ANGEL WERE ACCUSED OF THE BRUTAL, PRE-MEDITATED KILLINGS OF 38 YEAR-OLD DESERE THORNTON AND HER SONS 16 YEAR-OLD JERROD AND 9 YEAR-OLD ANTHONY IN THE THORNTON'S PULASKI HOME ON OCTOBER 22ND, 2009. PROSECUTORS HAD INITIALLY PLANNED TO SEEK THE DEATH PENALTY FOR THE DEFENDANTS BUT THE VICTIMS' FAMILY DIDN'T WANT TO GO THRU THE TRIALS. 08 Feb 2011 23:28:12 GMT TRUSTEES HAVE APPROVED A 3 MILLION DOLLAR EXPANSION AT MARTIN METHODIST COLLEGE. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES GAVE THE GREEN LIGHT TO THE SCHOOL'S NEXT MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ON JANUARY 20TH. A 44 ACRE TRACT OF LAND ON EAST COLLEGE STREET WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO AN ATHLETIC COMPLEX AND RECREATIONAL SIGNATURE PLAZA FOR STUDENTS. THE EAST CAMPUS PROJECT DEVELOPMENT WILL INCLUDE VARSITY SOFTBALL AND BASEBALL FIELDS, AN 11 THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT INDOOR PRACTICE FACILITY, AN INTRAMURAL FIELD, WALKING TRAIL, POND AND PICNIC AREA. THE SIGNATURE PLAZA WILL INCORPORATE THREE PIECES OF TWISTED STEEL FROM THE 2001 WORLD TRADE CENTER DISASTER INTO THE DESIGN. FUNDING FOR THE EXPANSION WILL BE PROVIDED PRIMARILY BY TUITION REVENUE GENERATED BY NEW JUNIOR VARSITY SOFTBALL, BASEBALL AND SOCCER TEAMS. 08 Feb 2011 23:28:25 GMT SOME FAKE MONEY WAS DISCOVERED OVER THE WEEKEND AT A LAWRENCEBURG RESTAURANT. ACCORDING TO POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS, THE MANAGER OF ARBYS CONTACTED OFFICERS AFTER FINDING TWO COUNTERFEIT 20 DOLLAR BILLS HAD BEEN PASSED AT THE STORE. A BANK HAD ALSO INFORMED THE MANAGER THAT ANOTHER FAKE 20 HAD BEEN DISCOVERED IN A RECENT DEPOSIT. THE BILLS WERE TURNED OVER TO POLICE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. 08 Feb 2011 23:28:48 GMT LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES A SCHEDULED WATER OUTAGE FOR TUESDAY (THIS) MORNING. WEATHER PERMITTING, THE WATER WILL BE OFF FROM 8 TO 11 A-M ON WEST GAINES FROM DAVID CROCKETT PARK TO BUFFALO ROAD AND ON WATERLOO STREET FROM HIGHWAY 64 TO AND INCLUDING FRISBIE AVENUE. THE PURPOSE OF THE OUTAGE IS TO DO MAINTENANCE ON THE WATER LINE. L-U-S REGRETS ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE CUSTOMERS. 08 Feb 2011 23:29:44 GMT FACULTY AND STAFF WILL HOST AN OPEN HOUSE THIS WEEK AT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL. PARENTS ARE INVITED TO EXPERIENCE AN ABBREVIATED ACADEMIC DAY TO VISIT WITH THEIR CHILD'S TEACHERS DURING SCHEDULED TEN MINUTE CLASS PERIODS. TEACHERS WILL EXPLAIN THEIR ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS AND SHARE CONTACT INFORMATION WITH PARENTS. THE EVENT WILL SERVE AS A MEET AND GREET OPPORTUNITY AND NOT A PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE. PARENTS SHOULD BRING A COPY OF THEIR CHILD'S CLASS SCHEDULE AND THE NAME OF THEIR TEACHERS. THE OPEN HOUSE WILL BE HELD IN TWO SESSIONS ON THURSDAY. THE FIRST ACADEMIC ROTATION WILL BE FROM 5 TO 6 AND THE SECOND FROM 6:10 TO 7:10. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE SCHOOL OFFICE AT 762-9412. 08 Feb 2011 23:30:31 GMT A CENTER POINT RESIDENCE HAS BEEN LOST TO FIRE. THE LUNCEFORD ROAD HOME WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHEN FIRE CREWS ARRIVED AROUND NOON TUESDAY. NO ONE WAS AT HOME AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE ALTHOUGH THE STRUCTURE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. MEMBERS OF THE CROSSROADS, CENTER POINT, SOUTHEAST, AND LEOMA FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED TO THE INCIDENT. THE CAUSE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 09 Feb 2011 21:23:50 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT WILL HOST A FAFSA WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS THURSDAY AT L-C-H-S. INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID THAT IS USED TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID FOR COLLEGE. PARENTS AND STUDENTS SHOULD BRING COMPLETED TAX RETURNS AND OTHER FINANCIAL RECORDS AND HAVE PERSONAL INFORMATION SUCH AS DATE OF BIRTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS FOR BOTH PARENTS AND STUDENTS. SESSIONS WILL BE HELD FROM 5 TO 6 AND FROM 6:10 TO 7:10 IN THE COMPUTER LAB. PRE-REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED AS SEATING IS LIMITED. TO REGISTER FOR OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 762-9412 EXTENSION 102. 09 Feb 2011 21:24:32 GMT THE OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE MAY BE INTERESTED IN MAKING THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA A NEW MEMBER. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS THAT PRESIDENTS FROM O-V-C UNIVERSITIES VISITED CAMPUS SUNDAY AND MONDAY TO ACQUAINT THEMSELVES WITH THE SCHOOL AND ITS ATHLETICS PROGRAM. THE GROUP IS EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITY OF FUTURE EXPANSION OF ITS 11 TEAM, DIVISION ONE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE. U-N-A OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE IN THE FINAL STAGES OF STUDYING A POSSIBLE MOVE FROM DIVISION TWO'S GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE TO A DIVISION ONE CONFERENCE BUT NO FORMAL APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE FOR ADMITTANCE TO THE O-V-C. A STUDENT REFERENDEM CONTINUES THRU WEDNESDAY (TODAY) TO ASSESS INTEREST IN THE MOVE AS IT WOULD REQUIRE A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE STUDENT FEE TO SUPPORT ATHLETICS. THE SCHOOL'S OVERALL ATHLETIC BUDGET WOULD HAVE TO INCREASE BY ABOUT 4 POINT 5 MILLION TO BE COMPARABLE TO OTHER O-V-C MEMBERS. U-N-A'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES COULD VOTE ON ON THE MATTER AS SOON AS THEIR QUARTERLY MEETING SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 14TH. 09 Feb 2011 21:24:49 GMT SOMEONE SIDESWIPED A MOBILE HOME IN LORETTO ON MONDAY. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A THORNTON ROAD HOMEOWNER SAID SOMEONE HAD PULLED INTO HER DRIVEWAY AND SKIDDED INTO THE SIDE OF HER MOBILE HOME. THE DRIVER THEN DROVE THRU THE YARD TEARING UP THE PROPERTY. DAMAGES ARE ESTIMATED AT 450 DOLLARS. 09 Feb 2011 21:25:08 GMT SOME APPLIANCES WERE REPORTED STOLEN FROM A LEOMA RENTAL PROPERTY. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE OWNER OF THE WEAVER CIRCLE HOME CONTACTED DEPUTIES ON SUNDAY AFTER HE DISCOVERED A WOOD HEATER AND KITCHEN STOVE WERE MISSING FROM THE VACANT PROPERTY. THE STOLEN ITEMS WERE VALUED AT 1 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 09 Feb 2011 21:25:27 GMT ONE PERSON IS DEAD AFTER A WEDNESDAY BOATING ACCIDENT ON THE TENNESSEE RIVER IN ALABAMA. ACCORDING TO CHANNEL 48 NEWS, TWO MEN WERE BOATING NEAR ROGERSVILLE WHEN THEIR CRAFT CAPSIZED, TRAPPING THE PAIR IN THE WATER FOR NEARLY 20 MINUTES. ONE VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED TO E-C-M HOSPITAL WHILE THE OTHER WAS AIR-LIFTED TO ATHENS-LIMESTONE HOSPITAL AND LATER PRONOUNCED DEAD. RESCUERS INDICATED THAT BOTH VICTIMS WERE WEARING LIFE JACKETS. THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 11 Feb 2011 19:38:50 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY MORNING AT CITY HALL. COUNCILMEN PASSED A RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR 500 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS FOR SEWER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS. THE GRANT WOULD GO TOWARD THE ESTIMATED 625 THOUSAND DOLLAR COST OF REHABILITATION OF THE SEWER SYSTEM'S BASIN 12. THE BASIN 12 PROJECT INCLUDES THE AREA OF NORTH MILITARY AVENUE WEST TO GLENN SPRINGS ROAD AND RANDAL STREET SOUTH TO WATERLOO. LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS WILL PROVIDE THE BALANCE OF THE PROJECT'S COST. A RESOLUTION ALSO PASSED TO DECLARE A COMBINATION SAFE AND A METAL RECEIPT FILING CABINET IN THE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT AS SURPLUS TO BE SOLD ONLINE AT GOVDEALS.COM. 11 Feb 2011 19:39:01 GMT SNOW HAS AGAIN BLANKETED THE MID-SOUTH PROMPTING SCHOOL AND OTHER CLOSINGS. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INDICATES BETWEEN ONE AND TWO AND A HALF INCHES OF SNOW FELL WEDNESDAY NIGHT. SNOW AND ICE ARE TO BLAME FOR SEVERAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN THE AREA; HOWEVER, NO MAJOR INJURIES HAVE BEEN REPORTED. WITH SEVERAL ROADWAYS REMAINING HAZARDOUS FOR TRAVEL, MANY EVENTS HAVE BEEN POSTPONED OR CANCELLED. WEDNESDAY'S ACCUMULATION ADDS TO AN UNOFFICIAL TOTAL OF SEVENTEEN INCHES OF SNOW SINCE JANUARY FIRST. 11 Feb 2011 19:39:50 GMT A GILES COUNTY INMATE JAILED ON ROBBERY CHARGES WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN A WEDNESDAY NIGHT ESCAPE ATTEMPT. ACCORDING TO SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS, 47 YEAR-OLD MARCUS COFFEE WAS AT HILLSIDE HOSPITAL UNDERGOING A MEDICAL EVALUATION WHEN THE INMATE BEGAN TO STRUGGLE WITH A CORRECTIONS OFFICER. THE ALTERCATION ENSUED AS THE OFFICER ATTEMPTED TO HANDCUFF THE INMATE JUST BEFORE LEAVING THE FACILITY. HOSPITAL OFFICIALS WERE ABLE TO RESTRAIN COFFEE UNTIL MORE POLICE OFFICERS ARRIVED. INVESTIGATORS DETERMINED THAT COFFEE HAD MADE PLANS TO ESCAPE WHILE AT THE HOSPITAL WITH ASSISTANCE FROM 33 YEAR-OLD CRYSTAL GROSS. GROSS WAS ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR FACILITATION OF A FELONY. COFFEE WAS CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS OF ASSAULT AND ATTEMPTING AN ESCAPE. MORE CHARGES STEMMING FROM THE INCIDENT COULD BE FORTH COMING. 14 Feb 2011 20:19:10 GMT POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A LAWRENCEBURG MAN SUSPECTED OF MULTIPLE BURGLARIES THIS WEEK. ACCORDING TO A POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE, OFFICERS WERE DISPATCHED TO BOBBY MORGAN AUTO SALES AT 1111 NORTH LOCUST AVENUE THURSDAY MORNING TO INVESTIGATE A REPORTED BURGLARY. WHILE ON THE SCENE, POLICE DISCOVERED THAT HERBS CAR WASH AT 1125 NORTH LOCUST AND HOMEFRONT REALTY AT 1005 NORTH LOCUST HAD ALSO BEEN BROKEN INTO. EVIDENCE AT ALL THREE LOCATIONS LED INVESTIGATORS TO ARREST 31 YEAR-OLD BRANDON HEATH JACOBS. THE SUSPECT WAS CHARGED WITH BURGLARY, VANDALISM, THEFT OF PROPERTY AND DRUG POSSESSION WITH OTHER CHARGES TO BE PRESENTED TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY GRAND JURY. JACOBS IS BEING HELD ON A 13 THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND AND IS DUE IN COURT MARCH 3RD. 14 Feb 2011 20:19:23 GMT A THREE TON CARRIER HEATING AND AIR UNIT WAS STOLEN FROM A LORETTO HOME. LAWRENCE COUNTY DEPUTIES REPORT THAT BURGLARS BROKE INTO A LAMBS FERRY ROAD HOME WITHIN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. THE FRONT DOOR WAS REPORTED DAMAGED AND THE AIR UNIT WAS TAKEN FROM THE BACK OF THE RESIDENCE. DAMAGE AND LOSS TOTALED 13 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 14 Feb 2011 20:19:42 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY EXECUTIVE J-MACK CHANDLER CONGRATULATES A LAWRENCEBURG BUSINESS FOR LANDING A NEW CONTRACT WITH GENERAL MOTORS. PLANT MANAGER DAVE CASSILY OF DURA AUTOMOTIVE HAS ANNOUNCED THE COMPANY HAS BEEN AWARDED A CONTRACT TO BE G-M'S TIER ONE SUPPLIER FOR THE 2014 FULL SIZE CHEVROLET AND G-M-C PICKUP TRUCKS. DURA WILL PRODUCE THE POWER, REAR, SLIDING WINDOW WITH DEFROST FOR THE TRUCK LINES. CHANDLER SAID IN A THURSDAY PRESS RELEASE THAT THE HARD WORKING PEOPLE AT DURA AND THE PLANT MANAGER SHOULD RECEIVE ALL THE CREDIT FOR ADDING ANOTHER "PLUS" TO LAWRENCE COUNTY. 14 Feb 2011 20:20:15 GMT BURGLARS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN ACTIVE IN LEOMA. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, SOMEONE STOLE FOUR ROLLS OF COPPER WIRE FROM AN ALDRIDGE ROAD BUSINESS. THE LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT 13 HUNDRED DOLLARS. A 1945 ALLIS-CHALMERS TRACTOR AND TWO METAL BOATS WERE REPORTED MISSING FROM AN IDAHO ROAD HOME IN LATE JANUARY OR EARLY FEBRUARY. DEPUTIES ESTIMATE THE LOSS AT AROUND 5 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 14 Feb 2011 20:20:38 GMT AN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS TELEVISION NETWORK HAS HIGHLIGHTED THE LIFE OF A COLUMBIA TEEN AND HIS FIGHT WITH CANCER. E-S-P-N IS CURRENTLY AIRING "DO IT FOR DYLAN", A SEGMENT DOCUMENTING THE LIFE OF 16 YEAR-OLD DYLAN REBEOR AND THE COLUMBIA CENTRAL LIONS BID FOR THE STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP. REBEOR, A JUNIOR C-H-S FOOTBALL PLAYER, WAS DIAGNOSED WITH COLON CANCER LAST SUMMER AND DIED IN EARLY DECEMBER. 15 Feb 2011 19:26:24 GMT THIEVES AND VANDALS WERE BUSY IN ETHRIDGE, LEOMA AND SUMMERTOWN OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, AN OAKS ROAD PROPERTY OWNER TOLD DEPUTIES THURSDAY THAT SOMEONE HAD STOLEN AN EXTENSION LADDER AND A 100 GALLON WATER TANK FROM HIS BARN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 200 DOLLARS. ON SATURDAY, A RESIDENT OF HENRYVILLE ROAD CAME HOME TO FIND THAT SOMEONE HAD SCRATCHED THE SIDE OF HIS 1984 CHEVROLET CAMARO. DAMAGES TOTALED 200 DOLLARS. A WALLET AND AN I-PHONE WERE REPORTED STOLEN FROM A PARKED CAR ON SUNDAY DURING SERVICES AT AN IDAHO ROAD CHURCH. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 380 DOLLARS. A BOAT WAS REPORTED STOLEN FROM THE FRONT YARD OF A TURNPIKE ROAD HOME. THE V-HAUL ALUMINUM BOAT WAS VALUED AT 2 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 15 Feb 2011 19:26:56 GMT A GUN WAS REPORTED STOLEN FROM A STAGGS LOOP HOMEOWNER. LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE VICTIM DISCOVERED SOMEONE HAD BROKEN INTO HIS HOME BY PRYING OPEN A BASEMENT DOOR SOMETIME FRIDAY. A SMITH AND WESSON 357 MAGNUM REVOLVER WAS TAKEN FROM AN UPSTAIRS BEDROOM. DAMAGE AND LOSS TOTALED A THOUSAND DOLLARS. 15 Feb 2011 19:27:18 GMT A MONDAY AFTERNOON GRASS FIRE DESTROYED AN R-V TRAILER AND A VEHICLE. MEMBERS OF THE NEW PROSPECT AND LAWRENCEBURG FIRE DEPARTMENTS FOUGHT THE BLAZE JUST BEFORE 2 P.M. ON INTERNATIONAL DRIVE. WITNESSES INDICATE THE FIRE STARTED AS A CONTROLLED BURN THAT QUICKLY GOT OUT OF HAND. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. 15 Feb 2011 19:27:36 GMT THE NEXT PERFORMANCE IN THE MARTIN METHODIST COLLEGE SONGWRITER'S DREAM SERIES WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY. A CONCERT WITH A-J MASTERS AND VICTORIA BANKS WILL BE HELD AT THE GAULT FINE ARTS CENTER. MASTERS IS THE WRITER OF HIT SONGS FOR COUNTRY MUSIC STARS JOHN BERRY AND RANDY TRAVIS. BANKS HAS PENNED HITS FOR SINGERS JESSICA SIMPSON AND SARA EVANS. THE SONGWRITER'S DREAM SERIES IS SPONSORED BY BRINDLEY CONSTRUCTION, CARDIN DISTRIBUTORS, CANINE SOLUTIONS, FIRST NATIONAL BANK, HILLSIDE HOSPITAL AND RICHLAND INN. TICKETS ARE 20 DOLLARS AND ARE AVAILABLE BY CALLING 363-9815. PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE MARTIN METHODIST COLLEGE MUSIC PROGRAM. 15 Feb 2011 19:27:57 GMT WHILE SERVING A WARRANT FOR AN UNRELATED CRIME, MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FOUND METHAMPHETAMINE IN LAWRENCEBURG. A PRESS RELEASE INDICATES THAT DEPUTIES WENT TO A SHORT AVENUE RESIDENCE LAST TUESDAY TO SERVE AN ARREST WARRANT ON NATHAN COX FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT. WHILE AT THE HOME, AGENTS FOUND MULTIPLE BAGGIES OF METH AND ITEMS USED TO MAKE THE DRUG. A FEMALE, IDENTIFIED AS REBECCA SHULTZ, WAS DISCOVERED TRYING TO HIDE METH FROM OFFICERS IN THE BATHROOM. BOTH WERE CHARGED WITH INITIATION AND PROMOTION TO MANUFACTURE METH, POSSESSION OF METH FOR RESALE AND DRUG PARAPHENLIA. COX WAS ISSUED A 216 THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND AND SHULTZ A 116 THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND. 16 Feb 2011 19:26:10 GMT THE CITY OF MOUNT PLEASANT COULD FACE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN STATE FINES FOR IT'S AGING WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO THE DAILY HERALD, CITY OFFICIALS WILL SOON MAKE A DECISION ON A SERIES OF OPTIONS BEFORE A T-DEC DEADLINE OF 2012. LEADERS HAVE BEEN REVIEWING A REPORT FROM A NASHVILLE ENGINEERING FIRM THAT PROVIDES SEVERAL OPTIONS INCLUDING ABANDONING THE CITY'S 8 MILLION DOLLAR LAGOON PROJECT. THE LAGOONS WERE CONSTRUCTED IN 2006 AS A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THE WASTE WATER PROBLEM BUT THE PROJECT HAS SEEN A SERIES OF DELAYS AND LEAKS, AMONG OTHER ISSUES. LEADERS ARE ALSO CONSIDERING A 6 MILLION DOLLAR SEWER LINE REHABILITATION PROJECT. MOUNT PLEASANT WASTE WATER RATES ARE ESTIMATED TO BE AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE STATE. 16 Feb 2011 19:26:21 GMT WORK WILL SOON BEGIN ON A NEW LAUDERDALE COUNTY, ALABAMA LANDFILL. ACCORDING TO THE TIMES DAILY, COMMISSIONERS APPROVED A 1 POINT 6 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT FOR THE NEW SITE TO BE CONSTRUCTED NEAR THE EXISTING LANDFILL IN UNDERWOOD. PLANS INCLUDE A NEW TRANSFER STATION, A STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND MODIFICATIONS TO HIGHWAY 157 FOR A NEW ENTRANCE. WORK IS SET TO BEGIN AROUND MARCH 1ST. LEADERS ESTIMATE THE USE OF THE NEW LANDFILL TO EXCEED 50 YEARS. 16 Feb 2011 19:26:42 GMT A ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP YIELDED A COUPLE OF ARRESTS FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS AND LIQUOR. ACCORDING TO A LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE, DEPUTIES AND SAINT JOSEPH POLICE PULLED OVER A VEHICLE AT THE INTERSECTION OF MAIN STREET AND IRON CITY ROAD FOR SPEEDING ON THURSDAY. AFTER MAKING CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER, OFFICERS NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF MARIJUANA. A SEARCH OF THE VEHICLE REVEALED AN OUNCE OF MARIJUANA, XANAX PILLS AND SOME UNTAXED LIQUOR. DRIVER CHARLES KEETON WAS ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA FOR RESALE AND UNTAXED LIQUOR. PASSENGER MICHELLE SUITA WAS ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF DRUGS AND POSSESSION OF UNTAXED LIQUOR AND MARIJUANA FOR RESALE. 16 Feb 2011 19:27:04 GMT A COLUMBIA MARINE WOUNDED MONDAY IN AFGHANISTAN IS EXPECTED TO BE TAKEN OFF LIFE SUPPORT. FAMILY MEMBERS TOLD THE DAILY HERALD THAT 27 YEAR-OLD ANDREW CARPENTER WAS ON PATROL WHEN HE WAS SHOT IN THE NECK, SEVERING HIS SPINAL CORD. THE SOLDIER WENT WITHOUT OXYGEN FOR AROUND 40 MINUTES AFTER BEING WOUNDED. THE VICTIM'S FATHER TOLD THE MEDIA THAT HIS SON IS BRAIN DEAD AND IS BEING KEPT ALIVE BY A VENTILATOR. CARPENTER GRADUATED FROM COLUMBIA CENTRAL IN 2002 AND WAS DEPLOYED TO THE MIDDLE EAST LAST AUGUST. CARPENTER'S WIFE IS DUE TO HAVE THE COUPLE'S CHILD IN TWO WEEKS. 17 Feb 2011 20:56:15 GMT FEDERAL AND STATE CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED AGAINST SEVERAL FLORENCE, ALABAMA RESIDENTS IN AN ONLINE DRUG SCHEME. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS THAT AUTHORITIES HAVE MADE 22 ARRESTS SO FAR IN AN ONGOING ROUNDUP OF THOSE SUSPECTED OF USING STOLEN AND ALTERED MEDICAL RECORDS AND IDENTIFICATION TO BUY PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ON THE INTERNET. FOUR SUSPECTS ARE IN JAIL ON FEDERAL CHARGES OF MAIL FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT FOR USING ALTERED OR STOLEN RECORDS TO CREATE FRAUDULENT PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED BY ONLINE PHARMACIES IN ILLINOIS, FLORIDA AND CALIFORNIA. FEDERAL INDICTMENTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR ALFRED SHAWN JOHNSON, 40, KRISTI LEIGH FRALEY, 39, MARCUS ROY OAKLEY, 33 AND ROBERT TAYLOR RUSSELL, 34 ALL OF FLORENCE. THE FOUR FACING FEDERAL CHARGES WILL ALSO FACE THE SAME STATE CHARGES OF UNLAWFUL POSSESSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LEVIED AGAINST 18 OTHER LAUDERDALE COUNTY RESIDENTS ARRESTED FOR THE SCAM. DRUG AGENTS ALLEGE THAT THE FOUR ORGANIZERS WERE GETTING AS MANY AT FIVE PACKAGES OF THE DRUGS XANAX AND LORCET A WEEK DELIVERED TO THE ADDRESSES OF THE OTHER CHARGED SUSPECTS. THE PACKAGES AVERAGED 100 PILLS EACH WITH THE PILLS SELLING ON THE STREET FOR 7 TO 10 DOLLARS APIECE. OFFICERS STILL HAVE ACTIVE WARRANTS FOR SIX OTHER SUSPECTS IN THE CASE. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION DATING BACK TO 2008. 17 Feb 2011 20:56:39 GMT NEARLY 20 FIELD FIRES HAVE KEPT LAWRENCE COUNTY FIRE FIGHTERS BUSY SINCE LAST FRIDAY. THE T-W-R-A INDICATES THAT EXTREMELY DRY CONDITIONS ARE TO BLAME FOR CONTROLLED BURNS THAT HAVE QUICKLY SPREAD AND GOTTEN OUT OF HAND. ONE FIELD FIRE CLAIMED A SOUTHEAST LAWRENCE COUNTY BARN ON TUESDAY WHILE ANOTHER BLAZE DESTROYED AN EAST LAWRENCEBURG R-V TRAILER AND VEHICLE ON MONDAY. OFFICIALS REMIND RESIDENTS THAT BURN PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ANY OUTDOOR BURNING THRU MAY 15TH. TO OBTAIN A PERMIT IN LAWRENCE COUNTY, CALL 766-1413. 17 Feb 2011 20:57:03 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY TRUSTEE KYLIE WEATHERS HAS ANNOUNCED HIS OFFICE WILL BE OPEN ADDITIONAL HOURS THIS MONTH TO ACCEPT PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS. THE TRUSTEE'S OFFICE WILL BE OPEN THIS SATURDAY AND SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH FROM 8 TO NOON. PROPERTY TAXES MAY ALSO BE PAID DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS THRU THE WEEK. THE OFFICE IS LOCATED IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING NEXT TO THE COURTHOUSE. 17 Feb 2011 20:57:31 GMT THE LINE UP FOR THIS YEAR'S BONNAROO FESTIVAL HAS BEEN RELEASED. THE ANNUAL MUSIC SERIES WILL INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY GREGG ALLMAN, ALISON KRAUS, LORETTA LYNN, EMINEM, WIDE SPREAD PANIC, LIL WAYNE, THE BLACK KEYS AND OTHERS. HIGHLIGHTING THIS YEAR'S CONCERT WILL BE A REUNION PERFORMANCE BY THE SURVIVING ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF THE CLASSIC ROCK BAND BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD. BONAROO WILL CELEBRATE ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY WHEN FANS GATHER JUNE 9TH THRU THE 12TH IN MANCHESTER. TICKETS FOR THE FESTIVAL GO ON SALE SATURDAY AT 11 A-M. 17 Feb 2011 20:57:52 GMT A GILES COUNTY MAN IS IN CUSTODY AFTER SHOOTING AT HIS WIFE WITH A DEER RIFLE. ACCORDING TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, BOBBY CHRIS WHITE, 46 OF TARPLEY SHOP FIRED SHOTS AT HIS WIFE DURING AN ARGUMENT AROUND 1 WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. SHERIFF'S OFFICIALS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL SECURED THE AREA AROUND THE COUPLE'S ELKTON PIKE RESIDENCE. AUTHORITIES WERE ABLE TO NEGOTIATE WITH WHITE AND THE SUSPECT SURRENDERED. INVESTIGATORS DISCOVERED THAT WHITE POSSESSED SEVERAL FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES READY FOR DETONATION. THE SUSPECT WAS ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC ASSAULT, RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT AND POSSESSION OF AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED DURING THE INCIDENT. 18 Feb 2011 20:53:45 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN WAS ARRESTED WEDNESDAY AFTER AN INCIDENT AT A LOCAL GAS STATION. REPORTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ALLEGE THAT 44 YEAR-OLD DOUGLAS EUING TUCKER JUNIOR WAS THE DRIVER OF A TRACTOR TRAILER TRUCK THAT HIT A DIESEL FUEL PUMP AT QWIK MART 30 ON NORTH LOCUST AVENUE. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE PUMP BUT NO INJURIES FROM THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER ADMITTED TO POLICE THAT HE HAD TAKEN A LARGE AMOUNT OF THE DRUG METHODONE BEFORE THE INCIDENT. A BOTTLE MARKED FOR OTHER MEDICATION BUT CONTAINING METHODONE PILLS WAS FOUND ON THE SUSPECT. A LOADED MOSSBERG 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN WAS FOUND IN THE TRUCK DRIVEN BY THE CONVICTED FELON. THE SUSPECT WAS TAKEN TO CROCKETT HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF A POSSIBLE OVERDOSE. TUCKER IS CHARGED WITH D-U-I, POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF A WEAPON AND POSSESSION OF A WEAPON WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE. HE WILL APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT MARCH 4TH. 18 Feb 2011 20:53:59 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICE HAS RELEASED THE NAMES OF THE CANDIDATES QUALIFYING FOR THE MAY LAWRENCEBURG AND ETHRIDGE CITY ELECTIONS. IN LAWRENCEBURG, INCUMBENT MAYOR KEITH DURHAM IS BEING CHALLENGED BY RICHARD GRIMES. THE ELECTION WILL ALSO INCLUDE TWO CITY COUNCIL SEATS. SEAT ONE INCUMBENT JERRY MOORE WILL BE ON THE BALLOT AGAINST CHAD MOORE. ROBIN WILLIAMS, CURRENT SEAT TWO COUNCILMAN, WILL RUN UNOPPOSED. THE CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG ELECTION WILL BE HELD MAY 3RD. ONE COMMISSION SEAT IS INCLUDED IN THE UPCOMING ETHRIDGE CITY ELECTION. JOHN E. BARNES AND JERRY W. FRAZIER JUNIOR WILL VIE FOR KAY TAYLOR'S SEAT. ETHRIDGE RESIDENTS WILL GO TO THE POLLS MAY 24TH. 18 Feb 2011 20:54:17 GMT THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE HAS DESIGNATED 34 COUNTIES IN TENNESSEE AS PRIMARY NATURAL DISASTER AREAS DUE TO LOSSES CAUSED BY DROUGHT AND EXCESSIVE HEAT THAT BEGAN JUNE 1ST, 2010. AS OF WEDNESDAY, LAWRENCE, GILES, MAURY AND WAYNE COUNTIES WERE INCLUDED ON THE LIST OF AREAS ELIGIBLE FOR LOW INTEREST EMERGENCY LOANS FROM U-S-D-A'S FARM SERVICE AGENCY. FARMS IN COUNTIES ADJOINING THOSE DECLARED DISASTER AREAS ALSO QUALIFY FOR ASSISTANCE INCLUDING PERRY AND LEWIS COUNTIES IN TENNESSEE AND LAUDERDALE AND LIMESTONE COUNTIES IN ALABAMA. FARMERS HAVE EIGHT MONTHS FROM THE DECLARATION DATE TO APPLY FOR LOANS TO HELP COVER LOSSES DUE TO DROUGHT CONDITIONS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL U-S-D-A SERVICE OFFICE OR VISIT THE WEBSITE FSA.USDA.GOV. 18 Feb 2011 20:54:36 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY'S SCHOOL BOARD MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY NIGHT. THE COUNCIL HELD THE SESSION AT SOUTH LAWRENCE SCHOOL FOLLOWING A TOUR OF THE FACILITY'S NEW CLASSROOMS. OFFICIALS LEARNED THAT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AT ETHRIDGE AND SUMMERTOWN ELEMENTARIES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED UNDER BUDGET AND A RECENT AUDIT OF THE SYSTEM'S BUDGETS REVEALED NO FLAWS. MOTIONS WERE APPROVED TO CONSTRUCT NEW RESTROOMS AT SOUTH LAWRENCE AND INSTALL A HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE ELEVATOR AT E-O COFFMAN. BOARD MEMBERS OPTED NOT TO VOTE ON A RECOMMENDATION FOR NEXT YEAR'S SCHOOL CALENDAR. THE COUNCIL APPROVED L-C-E-A TEACHER CONTRACTS CONTAINING A ONE PERCENT RAISE FOR LAWRENCE COUNTY EDUCATORS. A MOTION ALSO PASSED TO PRO-RATE A 30 CENT PER HOUR RAISE FOR BUS DRIVERS USING 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM CAPITAL FUNDS. SPECIAL ED BUSSES WILL NOW BE REQUIRED TO CARRY SPECIAL EDUCATION ATTENDANTS BEFORE CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED ON THE VEHICLES. A PLAN TO RELOCATE A PORTABLE CLASSROOM FROM SUMMERTOWN TO ETHRIDGE DID NOT GARNER THE BOARD'S SUPPORT DUE TO A TRANSFER COST OF 89 THOUSAND DOLLARS. ALL OTHER AGENDA ITEMS WERE APPROVED. 22 Feb 2011 17:12:50 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG UTILITIES BOARD MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY. GENERAL MANAGER VIC PUSSER ANNOUNCED ELECTRICITY AND GAS RATE INCREASES WILL GO INTO EFFECT IN MARCH. DUE TO T-V-A'S FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT, THE INCREASE IN THE ELECTRIC RATE WILL MEAN RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS WILL PAY $1.50 TO $3.50 MORE ON NEXT MONTH'S BILL. THE GAS RATE WILL ALSO SEE A SLIGHT INCREASE; HOWEVER, THE RATE WILL STILL BE 5 PERCENT LOWER THAN WHAT GAS CUSTOMERS PAID IN FEBRUARY OF LAST YEAR. IN OTHER BUSINESS, BOARD MEMBERS AGREED TO APPLY FOR A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FOR 500 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO BE USED FOR SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECTS. IF GRANTED, THE FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR BASIN IMPROVEMENTS MANDATED BY THE STATE. THE BOARD ALSO APPROVED A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE LIST OF THOSE QUALIFIED TO PROVIDE SIGNATURES ON CHECKS, APPROVED THE LANDSCAPING CONTRACT WITH NO PAY INCREASE, APPROVED PROVISIONS AND GUIDELINES TO DEFINE A PROPERTY AS QUALIFYING FOR RESIDENTIAL SERVICE AND AMMENDED THE CURRENT PURCHASING POLICY TO INCLUDE THE BOARD'S APPROVAL FOR ANY PURCHASE OVER 20 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 22 Feb 2011 17:13:04 GMT A COLUMBIA MARINE WOUNDED LAST WEEK IN AFGHANISTAN PASSED AWAY SATURDAY AFTER BEING TAKEN OFF OF LIFE SUPPORT. ON FEBRUARY 14TH, LANCE CORPORAL ANDREW CARPENTER WAS SHOT THRU THE NECK, SEVERING HIS SPINAL CORD, WHILE ON PATROL WITH THE 26TH MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT. THE SOLDIER'S FATHER TOLD THE DAILY HERALD THAT DOCTORS HAD DECLARED CARPENTER BRAIN DEAD AFTER GOING MORE THAN 40 MINUTES WITHOUT OXYGEN WHEN HE WAS INJURED. CARPENTER'S FATHER WAS WITH HIM IN A GERMAN HOSPITAL WHEN HE WAS REMOVED FROM THE VENTILATOR. THE SOLDIER'S WIFE WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE JOURNEY TO EUROPE TO SEE HER HUSBAND BEFORE HE PASSED AS SHE IS LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY FROM DELIVERING THE COUPLE'S SON. 22 Feb 2011 17:13:44 GMT REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST STEP TOWARD REDUCING THE POWER OF THE TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION TEACHER'S UNION. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEAN, A COMMITTEE OF STATE SENATORS VOTED ALONG PARTY LINES 6 TO 3 ON WEDNESDAY TO REVERSE A 1978 LAW THAT GIVES TEACHERS THE RIGHT TO BARGAIN COLLECTIVELY THRU A UNION. THE BILL IS ONE OF SEVERAL BEING PROPOSED IN THE LEGISLATURE TO MINIMIZE THE T-E-A'S ABILITY TO NEGOTIATE FOR THE 52 THOUSAND TEACHERS THEY REPRESENT IN ALL 92 SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE STATE. SUPPORTERS SAY THE MEASURE WOULD END LITIGATION OVER TEACHER CONTRACTS, MAKE IT EASIER TO FIRE BAD TEACHERS AND GIVE NON-UNION TEACHERS MORE SAY IN PAY, CLASSROOM CONDITIONS AND EDUCATION REFORM. OPPONENTS SAY THE BILL WOULD ESSENTIALLY STRIP THE TEACHERS OF ANY VOICE IN EDUCATION POLICIES. THE VOTE CAME WITHIN DAYS OF GOVERNOR BILL HASLAM ANNOUNCING HIS PLANS FOR STATEWIDE EDUCATION REFORM INCLUDING TOUGHENING TENURE REQUIREMENTS AND EASING RESTRICTIONS ON CHARTER SCHOOLS. WEDNESDAY'S COMMITTEE VOTE SENDS THE MEASURE TO THE FULL SENATE WHICH COULD VOTE ON THE PROPOSAL AS EARLY AS NEXT WEEK. 22 Feb 2011 17:16:03 GMT THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL HAS ANNOUNCED THE RECIPIENTS OF THE TROOPER AND DISPATCHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS FOR 2010. CHRIS HANNAH WAS NAMED TROOPER OF THE YEAR FOR THE LAWRENCEBURG DISTRICT. ASSIGNED TO THE SPECIAL PROGRAMS UNIT, HANNAH IS A DARE INSTRUCTOR AND HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR HIS PART IN ORGANIZING AND COORDINATING MOCK CRASHES FOR AREA HIGH SCHOOLS AND PARTICIPATING IN THE "BETWEEN THE BARRELS", "OLLIE THE OTTER" AND "TENNY C-BEAR" PROGRAMS. RICHARD DORNING WAS NAMED THE LAWRENCEBURG DISTRICT DISPATCHER OF THE YEAR. DORNING IS A 34 YEAR VETERAN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY. THE WINNERS WERE ANNOUNCED DURING A SPECIAL CEREMONY AT THE T-H-P TRAINING CENTER IN NASHVILLE ON FRIDAY. 22 Feb 2011 17:16:22 GMT A WEST POINT RESIDENT REPORTED SOME FARM EQUIPMENT STOLEN ON THURSDAY. LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT A MASSEY TRACTOR AND BUSH HOG WERE TAKEN FROM A SPRING CREEK ROAD PROPERTY. THE MACHINERY HAD BEEN PARKED UNDER A TARP IN FRONT OF THE VICTIM'S BARN. THE LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT NEARLY 12 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 22 Feb 2011 17:16:44 GMT AN IRON CITY MAN SUSPECTED OF STALKING HIS WIFE LED OFFICERS ON A CHASE THAT EVENTUALLY ENDED IN ALABAMA. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A DEPUTY WAS DISPATCHED TO A HOME ON THORNTON LANE IN LORETTO SUNDAY EVENING TO LOOK INTO A STALKING CALL. WHILE ENROUTE, THE DEPUTY MET A VEHICLE DESCRIBED AS THAT OF THE STALKING SUSPECT. THE DEPUTY PULLED BEHIND THE BUICK REGAL AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE DRIVER FOR QUESTIONING. THE DRIVER THEN RAN A STOP SIGN, ACCELERATED AND DROVE SOUTH AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE SUSPECT TRIED TO RAM A PATROL CAR, ALMOST HIT ANOTHER OFFICER'S VEHICLE, DROVE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND EVENTUALLY CROSSED THE STATE LINE INTO ALABAMA IN HIS ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE. MEMBERS OF THE LAUDERDALE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WERE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND MAKE THE ARREST. THE SUSPECT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS 25 YEAR-OLD NICHOLAS ALAN WILLIAMS. HE IS CHARGED WITH RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT, EVADING ARREST AND DRIVING ON A REVOKED LICENSE AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT MARCH 14TH. 28 Feb 2011 17:41:38 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG INDUSTRY WILL CLOSE IT'S DOORS. MISA METALS WILL CEASE OPERATIONS AT IT'S HELTON DRIVE FACILITY IN SIXTY DAYS, ELIMINATING AROUND 40 JOBS. A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE COMPANY STATES THAT MISA WILL EXCHANGE ASSETS IN A VENTURE WITH WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES. WORTHINGTON PLANS TO RELOCATE MACHINERY FROM THE LOCAL FACILITY TO VONORE, TENNESSEE. A MISA LOCATION IN MIDDLETOWN, OHIO WILL JOIN THE LAWRENCEBURG PLANT IN THE SHUT-DOWN. 28 Feb 2011 17:43:01 GMT TWO LAWRENCE COUNTY MEN FACE CHARGES FROM A DECEMBER TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. ON DECEMBER 21ST, THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT RECEIVED INFORMATION ABOUT AN INCIDENT THE PREVIOUS NIGHT THAT RESULTED IN ONE PERSON BEING RUN OVER. INVESTIGATORS TOOK AN INITIAL STATEMENT FROM THE VICTIM IN THE I-C-U AT CROCKETT HOSPITAL. WHEN THEY INTERVIEWED ALL THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE, AUTHORITIES DISCOVERED DISCREPANCIES IN THE STORIES. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT MULTIPLE CRIMINAL OFFENSES HAD BEEN COMMITTED. EVIDENCE HAS BEEN PRESENTED TO THE GRAND JURY AGAINST STEPHEN EARL "TRIPP" WILLIAMS THE THIRD OF LEOMA AND RYAN MICHAEL APPLETON OF LAWRENCEBURG, BOTH AGE 21. WILLIAMS FACES VEHICULAR ASSAULT, RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT, LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT AND OTHER CHARGES. APPLETON FACES A CHARGE OF DUTY TO RENDER AID AFTER AN ACCIDENT. 01 Mar 2011 20:48:51 GMT A TEEN WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH A CRIMINAL HOMICIDE IN NASHVILLE WAS CAPTURED IN LYNNVILLE OVER THE WEEKEND. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, METRO NASHVILLE POLICE CONTACTED LOCAL AUTHORITIES AFTER A TIP THAT 19 YEAR-OLD WILLIAM MATTHEW "BUSTER" BLACK MAY BE HIDING IN THE AREA. BLACK WAS WANTED FOR A FEBRUARY 18TH CRIMINAL HOMICIDE IN NASHVILLE. MEMBERS OF THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM AND U-S MARSHALL'S FUGITIVE TASK FORCE WENT TO A RELATIVE'S RESIDENCE ON HAPPY HILL ROAD TO LOOK FOR THE SUSPECT. AFTER ATTEMPTS TO NEGOTIATE A SURRENDER WERE UNSUCCESSFUL, OFFICERS DEPLOYED TEAR GAS INTO THE HOME AND SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND BLACK IN THE ATTIC. HE WAS TAKEN TO THE GILES COUNTY JAIL TO AWAIT TRANSFER TO NASHVILLE. 01 Mar 2011 20:49:40 GMT A SUNDAY AFTERNOON WRECK SENT SEVERAL PEOPLE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED JUST BEFORE 1 ON HIGHWAY 64 NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF GLENN SPRINGS ROAD. REPORTS INDICATE THAT AN EASTBOUND 18 WHEELER COLLIDED WITH AN EASTBOUND DODGE DURANGO. THE DODGE THEN HIT A HONDA ODYSSEY AND A CADILLAC S-R-X. SEVEN PEOPLE WERE TREATED FOR MINOR INJURIES AND RELEASED FROM CROCKETT HOSPITAL. 01 Mar 2011 20:50:08 GMT BURGLARS WERE BUSY OVER THE WEEKEND WITH A COUPLE OF BREAK-INS REPORTED IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. ACCORDING TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A LEOMA HOMEOWNER CALLED AUTHORITIES ON SATURDAY AFTER DISCOVERING THAT SOMEONE HAD CUT A SCREEN DOOR TO GAIN ENTRY INTO HIS CLEAR CREEK ROAD HOME. A LARGE AMOUNT OF CHANGE WAS STOLEN. LOSS AND DAMAGES TOTALED 700 DOLLARS. A PROPERTY ON CHRISTOPHER LANE WAS TARGETED BY THIEVES SOMETIME SATURDAY NIGHT. THE DOOR HAD BEEN KICKED IN AND A 10 GAUGE SHOTGUN AND A BOX OF SHELLS WERE MISSING. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 200 DOLLARS. 01 Mar 2011 20:50:33 GMT AUTHORITIES CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE THE DISCOVERY OF A BODY IN GILES COUNTY. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, THE REMAINS OF 50 YEAR-OLD CHARLES RICHARD STEVENSON OF PULASKI WERE FOUND EARLY MONDAY ON CATES ROAD NEAR THE LAWRENCE COUNTY LINE. REPORTS INDICATE THAT STEVENSON HAD BEEN WALKING ALONG THE ROADWAY WHEN HE WAS STRUCK BY AN UNIDENTIFIED VEHICLE SOMETIME BETWEEN 3 AND 4 O-CLOCK MONDAY MORNING. MEMBERS OF THE STATE'S CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM AND THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION ARE LOOKING INTO THE CASE. TROOPER JAMIE PRINCE WAS THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER FOR THE HIGHWAY PATROL. 02 Mar 2011 21:37:48 GMT A LONG TIME TENNESSEE STATE TROOPER HAS RISEN TO A HIGHER RANK IN THE AGENCY. WAYNE SPRINGER OF LORETTO HAS BEEN PROMOTED TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL OVER FIELD OPERATIONS. SPRINGER BEGAN HIS CAREER WITH THE T-H-P IN 1982 AS A DISPATCHER BEFORE BECOMING A TROOPER TWO YEARS LATER. IN 2005, HE GAINED THE RANK OF CAPTAIN OVER THE LAWRENCEBURG DISTRICT AND WAS THEN PROMOTED TO MAJOR IN 2006. 02 Mar 2011 21:38:22 GMT WITH SPRING DRAWING NEAR, THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DIVISION OF FORESTRY REMINDS RESIDENTS THAT A BURN PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ANY OUTDOOR BURNING THRU MID-MAY. FREE BURN PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR BURNING BRUSH, LEAVES OR ANY MATERIAL OUTDOORS UNTIL MAY 15TH. PERMITS CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING THE LOCAL FORESTRY DIVISION OFFICE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY FROM 8 TO 4:30. PERMITS ARE GOOD FOR 24 HOURS AND CAN BE ISSUED FOR WEEKEND BURNING. IN LAWRENCE COUNTY, CALL 766-1413, IN MAURY COUNTY 682-2436 AND GILES COUNTY 424-4010. MORE INFORMATION ON SAFE BURNING PRACTICES FOR THE OUTDOORS IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT BURN SAFE T-N DOT ORG. 02 Mar 2011 21:38:45 GMT MARCH IS RED CROSS MONTH AND BLOOD DONORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO VISIT A BLOOD DRIVE THIS MONTH. DRIVES WILL BE HELD THURSDAY, MARCH 10TH FROM 12:30 TO 4:30 AT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AND TUESDAY, MARCH 15TH FROM 12:30 TO 4:30 AT ETHRIDGE CHURCH OF CHRIST. BLOOD DRIVES WILL ALSO BE HELD MONDAY, MARCH 21ST FROM 12:30 TO 4:30 AT YODER'S HOMESTEAD MARKET IN SUMMERTOWN, THE SAME DAY FROM 2 TO 6 AT THE LORETTO AMERICAN LEGION AND TUESDAY, MARCH 22ND FROM 12:30 TO 5:30 AT DOMINO'S PIZZA IN LAWRENCEBURG. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES, VISIT THE WEBSITE RED CROSS BLOOD DOT ORG. 02 Mar 2011 21:39:10 GMT SPRING HILL OFFICIALS HAVE ANNOUNCED THAT A NEVADA COMPANY HAS INTENTIONS TO BUILD A THEME PARK JUST EAST OF INTERSTATE 65. ACCORDING TO CHANNEL 4 NEWS, THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS CALLED FESTIVAL TENNESSEE AND WILL FEATURE A CONFERENCE CENTER AND WATER PARK. THE DEVELOPER IS SAID TO BE INVESTING OVER 700 MILLION DOLLARS IN THE PROJECT AND IS NOT ASKING FOR CITY OR STATE TAX INCENTIVES. THE PARK IS SET TO OPEN IN FALL 2012 NEAR JIM WARREN ROAD AND COULD CREATE UP TO 20 THOUSAND JOBS. THE CITY'S PLANNING COMMISSION CLEARED THE WAY FOR REZONING THE PROPOSED SITE IN A TUESDAY MEETING. SPRING HILL'S MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN WILL HAVE THE FINAL SAY ON REZONING AND ANNEXING ADDITIONAL LAND FOR THE PROJECT IN A FUTURE MEETING. 03 Mar 2011 22:03:54 GMT MEMBERS OF THE TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION WILL GATHER SATURDAY AFTERNOON IN NASHVILLE TO PROTEST SOME EDUCATION RELATED LEGISLATION BEING PROPOSED BY STATE LEADERS. SUPPORTERS PLAN TO GATHER AT NOON AT BICENTENNIAL CAPITOL MALL PARK AND WILL MARCH TO LEGISLATIVE PLAZA TO HEAR SPEAKERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE. THE RALLY IS A RESPONSE TO BILLS BEING FILED IN THE 107TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ONE OF WHICH WOULD REVERSE A 1978 LAW THAT GIVES TEACHERS THE RIGHT TO BARGAIN COLLECTIVELY THRU A UNION. THE PROPOSAL WOULD ESSENTIALLY SILENCE THE T-E-A'S VOICE TO NEGOTIATE FOR THE 52 THOUSAND TEACHERS THEY REPRESENT IN ALL 92 SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE STATE. OTHER BILLS UNDER CURRENT CONSIDERATION PERTAINING TO EDUCATION REFORM ARE ALSO DRAWING CRITICISM FROM TENNESSEE TEACHERS. 03 Mar 2011 22:04:09 GMT THE CITY OF MOUNT PLEASANT HAS AGREED TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THE FIRM THAT DEVELOPED THE CITY'S TROUBLED SEWAGE SYSTEM. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THAT CITY LEADERS VOTED TO SUE JAMES C-HAILEY AND COMPANY FOR A YET TO BE DETERMINED AMOUNT. THE COMPANY WAS HIRED TO DESIGN AND OPERATE AN 8 MILLION DOLLAR WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM INCLUDING TWO LAGOONS. THE PROJECT BEGAN IN 2006 AND HAS SEEN A SERIES OF DELAYS AND LEAKS WITH REPAIRS ESTIMATED AT AN ADDITIONAL 6 MILLION DOLLARS. THE TREATMENT SYSTEM, PRESENTLY UNFINISHED, WAS TO BE COMPLETED BY 2008. COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO SEEK 10 MILLION DOLLARS IN AID FROM THE STATE IN ADDITION TO A SETTLEMENT FROM A SEPARATE COMPANY THAT BUILT PART OF THE SYSTEM. IN A RELATED MATTER, A SETTLEMENT OFFER FROM THE ASSOCIATION CONCERNED OVER RESOURCES AND NATURE WAS REJECTED BY LEADERS. THE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP FILED SUIT IN 2010 SEEKING AN ESTIMATED 58 MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE CITY'S ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT. THE GROUP'S SETTLEMENT OFFER ASKED FOR ATTORNEY FEES AND A REVERSAL ON ZONING THAT WILL ALLOW AN ALUMINUM RECYCLING LANDFILL TO BE LOCATED IN THE CITY. COMMISSIONERS INDICATED THAT THEY FELT THE GROUP'S OFFER WAS NOT MADE IN GOOD FAITH. 03 Mar 2011 22:04:38 GMT SOME SHIPPING CONTAINERS WERE REPORTED MISSING THIS WEEK FROM A LAWRENCE COUNTY BUSINESS. ACCORDING TO SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS, A SHOP FOREMAN DISCOVERED TUESDAY THAT 12 STEEL SHIPPING CARRIERS HAD BEEN STOLEN FROM AROUND THE PRO-RACK BUILDING ON INTERNATIONAL DRIVE. THE MISSING ITEMS ARE VALUED AT 2 THOUSAND DOLLARS. ALSO, VANDALS CONTINUE TO TARGET MAILBOXES IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT A FIVE POINTS PROPERTY OWNER CALLED IN DAMAGED MAILBOXES AT THREE LOCATIONS ON TUESDAY. A MAILBOX ON LEGG ROAD AND TWO BOXES ON THOMAS ROAD HAD BEEN VANDALIZED. DAMAGES TOTALED 400 DOLLARS. 03 Mar 2011 22:07:17 GMT A SUMMERTOWN TEEN HAS BEEN ARRESTED ON BURGLARY AND VANDALISM CHARGES. A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATES THAT DEPUTIES RESPONDED TUESDAY TO A REPORTED BREAK-IN AT A HOME ON FREEDOM ROAD IN SUMMERTOWN. THE MAJORITY OF THE HOME'S CONTENTS WERE COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND SEVERE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE STRUCTURE ITSELF. INVESTIGATORS GATHERED INFORMATION THAT A TRUCK HAD BROKEN DOWN IN THE AREA ON THE NIGHT OF THE BURGLARY. FOLLOW UP INFORMATION FROM THE TRUCK INCIDENT AND EVIDENCE FROM THE BREAK-IN LED AUTHORITIES TO A SUSPECT. 18 YEAR-OLD JOSHUA ALLYN FRANCIS WAS ARRESTED FOR AGGRAVATED BURGLARY, THEFT AND VANDALISM OVER 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS. HE IS BEING HELD IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL UNDER A 16 THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT MARCH 14TH. 04 Mar 2011 21:02:46 GMT A PULASKI MAN HAS PLEAD NOT GUILTY IN THE 2002 DEATH OF A MASSACHUSETTS WOMAN. JOHN LOFLIN ENTERED THE PLEA DURING AN ARRAIGNMENT WEDNESDAY IN MASSACHUSETTS. LOFLIN IS ACCUSED IN THE MURDER OF 43 YEAR-OLD MARLENE ROSE. THE VICTIM WAS FOUND BEATEN AND STRANGLED TO DEATH IN JULY 2002. LOFLIN WAS LINKED TO THE CASE BY D-N-A EVIDENCE AND WAS ARRESTED IN HIS PULASKI HOME LAST NOVEMBER. 04 Mar 2011 21:03:41 GMT A LAWRENCE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL HAS BEEN INVITED TO A CEREMONY COMMEMORATING THE BATTLE OF THE ALAMO. COUNTY COMMISSIONER ANN BROWN WILL REPRESENT LAWRENCE COUNTY DURING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HISTORIC BATTLE IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. BROWN INDICATES PORTIONS OF THE EVENT WILL BE FILMED FOR AN UPCOMING HISTORY CHANNEL SPECIAL. FAMED FRONTIERSMAN AND TENNESSEE CONGRESSMAN DAVID CROCKETT DIED DURING THE INFAMOUS FIGHT WITH MEXICAN FORCES IN 1836. CROCKETT, A ONE TIME LAWRENCE COUNTY RESIDENT, WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED IN THE T-V PROGRAM. 04 Mar 2011 21:04:00 GMT LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE VYING FOR PRIZES AND THE TITLE IN THE FIRST EVER "MUSTANGS GOT TALENT" COMPETITION. L-H-S STUDENTS HAVE PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED BEFORE A PANEL OF JUDGES TO GAIN A SPOT IN THE FINAL FOUR AND A SHOT AT A 500 DOLLAR CASH PRIZE. THE CONTEST'S FINALE WILL BE FRIDAY (TONIGHT) AT 6:30 IN THE GYM. ADMISSION IS 5 DOLLARS FOR ADULTS AND 2 DOLLARS FOR STUDENTS. THE COMPETITION IS A PROJECT OF THE STUDENT NUTRITION ADVISORY CLUB. ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY'S RELAY FOR LIFE. 04 Mar 2011 21:04:25 GMT A VANDALISM IN WEST POINT HAS CAUSED A PROPERTY OWNER THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN DAMAGES. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A STORY ROAD RESIDENT REPORTED DAMAGES TO AN ALUMINUM AWNING, AN ENCLOSED TRAILER AND A WOODEN FENCE WORTH A TOTAL OF 59 HUNDRED DOLLARS. THE VICTIM BELIEVED THE VANDALISM TOOK PLACE SOMETIME SATURDAY. A WITNESS REPORTED SEEING A PICKUP TRUCK PULL OUT OF THE PROPERTY AROUND THE TIME OF THE CRIME. INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO THE CASE. 04 Mar 2011 21:05:32 GMT BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION HAS PROMPTED LAWRENCEBURG OFFICIALS TO REWORK ITS EMERGENCY SERVICES FIRST RESPONSE PLANS. A TEMPORARY FIRE AND POLICE STATION HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED WEST OF CROWSON CREEK FOR THE DURATION OF BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION ON HIGHWAY 64 NEAR CROCKETT PARK. OFFICIALS WERE CONCERNED WITH EMERGENCY PERSONNEL RESPONSE TIMES WEST OF THE CREEK GIVEN RECENT TRAFFIC TIE-UPS AT THE CONSTRUCTION SITE. FIRE CREWS WILL MAN THE TEMPORARY STATION FROM 6 A-M TO 9:30 P-M DAILY. STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REPRESENTATIVES INDICATE THE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT SHOULD BE COMPLETE BY OCTOBER. 07 Mar 2011 19:01:38 GMT INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO A COUPLE OF BURGLARIES REPORTED FROM THE SAME NEIGHBORHOOD AROUND THE SAME TIME. LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT SOMEONE KICKED IN A BACK DOOR TO GAIN ENTRY TO A HOME ON LONGBRANCH ROAD IN THE EARLY AFTERNOON ON WEDNESDAY. THE HOME OWNER LISTED A RIFLE, COMPOUND BOW, JEWELRY AND JARS OF COINS MISSING. A GUN CABINET, SAFE AND LOCK BOX WERE ALL DAMAGED DURING THE BREAK-IN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 5 THOUSAND DOLLARS. ANOTHER LONGBRANCH ROAD RESIDENT REPORTED A BURGLARY HAD OCCURRED AT HIS HOME AROUND THE SAME TIME. THE VICTIM CAME HOME TO FIND THE BACK DOOR STANDING OPEN AND CASH, JEWELRY AND GUNS VALUED AT MORE THAN 2 THOUSAND DOLLARS WERE MISSING. 07 Mar 2011 19:01:54 GMT LAWRENCEBURG RESIDENTS WILL DECIDE IF THEY WANT TO ALLOW LIQUOR BY THE DRINK SALES AT ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE CITY DURING THE MAY ELECTION. A PETITION ASKING FOR VOTERS TO DECIDE FOR OR AGAINST "ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL" HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE ELECTION COMMISSION WITH MORE THAN THE REQUIRED 280 SIGNATURES NEEDED TO PLACE A REFERENDUM ON THE BALLOT. BY LAW, A NUMBER EQUAL TO TEN PERCENT OF THE CITY'S REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE PREVIOUS GOVERNOR'S ELECTION ARE REQUIRED TO PUT A REFERENDUM TO A VOTE. THE ISSUE WILL BE INCLUDED ON THE MAY 3RD LAWRENCEBURG CITY ELECTION BALLOT. 07 Mar 2011 19:03:02 GMT THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN TENNESSEE ROSE SLIGHTLY FROM DECEMBER TO JANUARY ACCORDING TO NUMBERS RELEASED ON THURSDAY. THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCED A JANUARY 2011 JOBLESS RATE OF 9 POINT 5 PERCENT, UP ONE-TENTH OF A PERCENTAGE POINT FROM DECEMBER'S RATE. IN 2010, THE JANUARY RATE WAS 10 POINT 4 PERCENT. THE NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THIS JANUARY WAS AN EVEN 9 PERCENT - POINT 4 PERCENT LOWER THAN THE NATIONAL RATE FOR DECEMBER. 07 Mar 2011 19:03:36 GMT A VANDALISM WAS REPORTED AT A WEST POINT PROPERTY FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A WEEK. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A WITNESS ALERTED A STORY ROAD PROPERTY OWNER EARLY SUNDAY THAT A GREEN DODGE TRUCK HAD DRIVEN INTO HIS FIELD, DID DONUTS IN THE GRASS AND RAN OVER SEVERAL FEET OF FENCE AND POSTS. THE DRIVER ALSO KNOCKED DOWN A PAVILLION AND RAN OVER A TREE BEFORE LEAVING THE AREA. A VEHICLE WITH THE SAME DESCRIPTION WAS SEEN VANDALIZING THE SAME PROPERTY EARLIER IN THE WEEK. THE LATEST INCIDENT OF DAMAGES TOTALED OVER 20 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 08 Mar 2011 19:03:07 GMT THE BODY OF A MAN WHO WENT MISSING DURING A WEEKEND BOATING TRIP WAS FOUND MONDAY IN LINCOLN COUNTY. CHANNEL 19 NEWS REPORTS THAT A BOAT CARRYING NATHAN WILLIAMS OF PETERSBURG AND RICKY SMITH OF LEWISBURG CAPSIZED AROUND 8:30 P-M SATURDAY ON CANE CREEK IN NORTHERN LINCOLN COUNTY. WILLIAMS WAS ABLE TO SWIM TO SHORE BUT SMITH NEVER REACHED LAND AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL WERE SUMMONED TO CONDUCT A SEARCH. CREWS LOCATED SMITH'S BODY IN THE CREEK MONDAY MORNING AROUND 10 A-M. 08 Mar 2011 19:03:24 GMT BURGLARS HELPED THEMSELVES TO A VARIETY OF ITEMS DURING A BREAK-IN AT A SUMMERTOWN HOME. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT SOMEONE BUSTED OUT A WINDOW AND DAMAGED THE SCREEN AT A NORTH OLD MILITARY ROAD HOME LAST WEEK TO GAIN ENTRY TO THE PROPERTY. THE RESIDENT LISTED A WII VIDEO GAME SYSTEM, SEVERAL GAMES, CLOTHING, JEWELRY AND OTHER ITEMS AS MISSING. TOTAL LOSS WAS VALUED AT MORE THAN 17 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 08 Mar 2011 19:04:03 GMT THE THEFT OF ITEMS FROM A BOAT BELONGING TO A LAWRENCEBURG RESIDENT COST THE OWNER THOUSANDS. CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT AN ANN ROAD RESIDENT DISCOVERED SOMEONE HAD PRIED OPEN A LOCKED COMPARTMENT ON HIS BOAT THAT HAD BEEN PACKED AND READIED FOR A WEEKEND FISHING TRIP. ITEMS MISSING INCLUDED A BOAT G-P-S, A TACKLE BAG AND TACKLE. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 7 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 08 Mar 2011 19:07:45 GMT LAWRENCEBURG LEADERS WILL DISCUSS A COUPLE OF RESOLUTIONS CONCERNING THE DEMOLITION LANDFILL AT THEIR NEXT REGULAR SESSION MEETING. A RESOLUTION FOR THE BOARD TO TERMINATE SERVICES PROVIDED BY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND ENGINEERING INCORPORATED TO MONITOR THE LANDFILL IS ON THE AGENDA. COUNCILMEN WILL ALSO CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH TRESTLES L-L-C FOR CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE LANDFILL. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT 8:30 AT CITY HALL. 08 Mar 2011 19:11:20 GMT A FORMER UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA STAFF MEMBER HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH SENDING A THREATENING LETTER TO THE SCHOOL LAST WEEK. CHANNEL 19 NEWS REPORTS THAT MARY LEE HUDSON, 56 OF TUSCUMBIA, WAS ARRESTED MONDAY AND CHARGED WITH A CLASS-A FELONY IN SENDING A THREATENING LETTER CONTAINING A SUSPICIOUS SUBSTANCE TO THE SCHOOL'S EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. POLICE ALLEDGE THAT HUDSON SENT THE LETTER TO AN UNIDENTIFIED FACULTY MEMBER IN STEVENS HALL THURSDAY AFTERNOON. THE FACILITY WAS TEMPORARILY SHUT DOWN FOR HAZ-MAT CREWS TO CLEAR THE BUILDING. HUDSON HAD WORKED IN THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT U-N-A FROM 2003 TO 2010. MORE CHARGES IN THE CASE COULD BE FORTHCOMING. 09 Mar 2011 19:08:04 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG RESIDENT HAS REPORTED A CASE OF IDENTITY THEFT TO AUTHORITIES. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE VICTIM RECEIVED AN ACCOUNT STATEMENT MONDAY AT HIS WEAKLEY CREEK ROAD ADDRESS FOR TWO MACY'S CREDIT CARDS IN HIS NAME. THE BILLING STATMENT LISTED PURCHASES IN LATE JANUARY AT TWO LOCATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA TOTALING 18 HUNDRED AND THREE DOLLARS FOR CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES AND JEWELRY. THE VICTIM CONTACTED THE MACY'S CUSTOMER SERVICE FRAUD NUMBER AND FOUND THAT SOMEONE USED HIS NAME, ADDRESS AND OTHER INCORRECT PERSONAL INFORMATION TO OBTAIN THE CARDS. LOCAL INVESTIGATORS ARE GATHERING EVIDENCE IN THE CASE. 09 Mar 2011 19:09:34 GMT INVESTIGATORS WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ARE LOOKING INTO A MONDAY HOME BURGLARY. REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE HOMEOWNERS RETURNED TO THEIR LANNING ROAD RESIDENCE TO FIND SOMEONE HAD KICKED IN A BASEMENT DOOR AND STOLE TWO HANDGUNS, SOME KNIVES AND AN I-POD. SOME DAMAGE WAS FOUND ON A GUN SAFE ALONG WITH DAMAGE TO THE DOOR FRAME AND WALL DURING THE BREAK-IN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 27 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 09 Mar 2011 19:10:32 GMT THE TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMISSION HAS ANNOUNCED THE OFFICIAL CIVIL WAR 150TH ANNIVERSARY LICENSE PLATE WITH PROCEEDS TO HELP PRESERVE CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELDS IN TENNESSEE. A PORTION OF THE FUNDS RAISED FROM THE PLATES WILL GO TO THE HOME COUNTY OF EACH PARTICIPANT TO SUPPORT THE TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR TRAILS PROGRAM, HELPING LOCAL COMMUNITIES FUND CIVIL WAR TRAIL SIGNS AND THEIR ONGOING MAINTENANCE. NO PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO PREORDER A PLATE AND ONCE A THOUSAND ORDERS ARE RECEIVED, PURCHASERS WILL BE INVOICED. THE ANNUAL FEE IS 35 DOLLARS FOR A REGULAR PLATE AND 70 DOLLARS FOR A PERSONALIZED PLATE. THE DEADLINE FOR ORDERS IS JUNE 30TH. TO PLACE AN ORDER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE WEBSITE T-C-W-P-A DOT ORG. 09 Mar 2011 19:10:51 GMT COUNTY TEACHER WILL GO TO TRIAL THIS WEEK. ACCORDING TO THE DAILY HERALD, JURY SELECTION IS SET TO GET UNDERWAY TODAY (BEGAN WEDNESDAY) IN THE TRIAL OF 39 YEAR-OLD SHAWN MICHELLE ARMSTRONG WHO IS ACCUSED OF SHOOTING HER ESTRANGED HUSBAND MAURY FRANKLIN ARMSTRONG JUNIOR ON FEBRURAY 21ST, 2010. THE SUSPECT WAS SHOOTING TARGETS IN A RURAL AREA SOUTH OF MOUNT PLEASANT WHEN A HEATED ARGUMENT BETWEEN THE SPOUSES ENSUED AND RESULTED IN SHAWN ARMSTRONG FIRING A 38 CALIBER HANDGUN ONCE INTO MAURY ARMSTRONG'S CHEST. THE PAIR HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN A BITTER DIVORCE AT THE TIME OF THE SHOOTING. THE FORMER RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY FIRST GRADE TEACHER HAD INITIALLY BEEN CHARGED WITH SECOND DEGREE MURDER WITH THE CHARGES AMENDED TO VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER AND EMPLOYING A FIREARM WITH THE INTENT TO GO ARMED. A 4 MILLION DOLLAR WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT HAS ALSO BEEN FILED AGAINST SHAWN ARMSTRONG BY THE VICTIM'S SISTER ON BEHALF OF THE ARMSTRONGS' THREE CHILDREN. 10 Mar 2011 21:08:01 GMT LORETTO’S LADY MUSTANGS HAVE ADVANCED IN TOURNAMENT PLAY AFTER DEFEATING JACKSON COUNTY WEDNESDAY. THE SQUAD FINISHED THE MATCH 55 TO 32. THE TEAM WILL PLAY NORTH GREEN FRIDAY MORNING AT 10. THE TSSAA TOURNAMENT IS BEING STREAMED ONLINE AT TSSAANETWORK.COM 10 Mar 2011 21:08:21 GMT CHANNEL 4 TELEVISION HAS SELECTED SUMMERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL AS THE NEXT "COOL SCHOOL". NETWORK CREWS PAID A VISIT TO THE CAMPUS TUESDAY TO FILM SEGMENTS FOR A FRIDAY MORNING SPECIAL THAT FEATURES UNIQUE PROGRAMS AT AREA SCHOOLS. REPORTER AARON SOLOMAN SPOKE WITH STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS ABOUT THE REASONS THAT MAKE S-H-S STAND OUT INCLUDING THE FORENSICS AND SHARP SHOOTING PROGRAMS. THE FEATURE WILL AIR DURING CHANNEL 4'S EARLY FRIDAY NEWS FROM 4 TO 7 A-M. 10 Mar 2011 21:08:58 GMT MORE GUNS WERE REPORTED STOLEN THIS WEEK IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT A SANDUSKY ROAD RESIDENT CAME HOME TUESDAY AFTERNOON TO FIND A DOOR KICKED IN AND SEVERAL ITEMS MISSING. THREE RIFLES, OTHER GUNS, A LARGE COLLECTION OF KNIVES, CASH AND TWO RAT TERRIER PUPPIES HAD BEEN STOLEN. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 17 THOUSAND DOLLARS. ALSO ON TUESDAY, AN ETHRIDGE HOMEOWNER RETURNED TO HIS LINCOLN STREET PROPERTY AND DISCOVERED A RIFLE, TWO SHOTGUNS, A SECURITY SYSTEM AND TWO CELL PHONES HAD BEEN TAKEN. THE VALUE OF THE MISSING ITEMS WAS AROUND 700 DOLLARS. BURGLARIES INVOLVING STOLEN GUNS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS ON LANNING ROAD, NORTH OLD MILITARY ROAD, LONGBRANCH ROAD AND CHRISTOPHER LANE. 10 Mar 2011 21:09:19 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION WILL MEET THURSDAY. THE MEETING WILL INCLUDE APPOINTING OFFICERS TO WORK THE MAY 3RD LAWRENCEBURG CITY ELECTION AND THE MAY 24TH ETHRIDGE CITY ELECTION. PROVISIONAL BALLOT BOXES FOR EACH PRECINCT WILL ALSO BE LOCKED. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 4 AT THE ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICE ON CENTENNIAL BOULEVARD. 10 Mar 2011 21:09:37 GMT LAWRENCEBURG PROPERTY OWNERS THAT HAVEN'T PAID CITY PROPERTY TAXES FROM 2009 HAVE JUST A FEW WEEKS LEFT UNTIL THE ACCOUNTS WILL BE TURNED OVER TO THE COURT SYSTEM. THE DEADLINE TO PAY DELINQUENT 2009 TAXES IS APRIL 1ST. ANY UNPAID ACCOUNTS WILL BE TURNED OVER TO THE CLERK AND MASTER'S OFFICE IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND A PENALTY, INTEREST AND LEGAL FEES WILL BE ADDED TO THE AMOUNT OWED. THE CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG WILL ACCEPT PAYMENTS AT CITY HALL DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS OF 8 TO 4:30 MONDAY THRU FRIDAY AND AFTER HOURS AT THE NIGHT DEPOSIT BOX LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. ANY PAYMENTS MAILED IN WITH A POSTMARK OF MARCH 31ST OR EARLIER WILL ALSO BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT PENALTY. 11 Mar 2011 19:11:45 GMT LAWRENCEBURG OFFICIALS ARE WORKING TO CUT DOWN RESPONSE TIMES FOR EMERGENCY PERSONNEL WEST OF BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS WITH A TEMP