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 TEMPORARY FIRE AND POLICE STATION. FIRE CHIEF DON KELLY AND ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF DARREN GOOLSBY UPDATED CITY COUNCILMEN TODAY (THURSDAY) ABOUT THE STATION LOCATED ON BUSINESS PROPERTY OWNED BY GARY MITCHELL ON HIGHWAY 64 WEST OF CROCKETT PARK. KELLY SAID THAT THE FACILITY IS BEING STAFFED WITH AN E-M-T AND FIREFIGHTERS FROM 6 A-M TO 9 P-M DAILY. THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO WORKING WITH THE COMPANY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNALS ALONG THE CONSTRUCTION SITE TO ALLOW FOR EMERGENCY PERSONNEL TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE LIGHTS TO HELP WITH TRAFFIC IN THE SINGLE LANE PORTIONS OF THE ROADWAY IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. ACCORDING TO GOOLSBY, AT LEAST ONE AND SOMETIMES TWO CITY POLICE OFFICERS ARE BEING POSTED AT THE TEMPORARY SITE DURING 1ST AND 2ND SHIFTS. THE ASSISTANT CHIEF STATED THAT IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE RESPONSE TIMES, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP OFFICERS WEST OF THE CONSTRUCTION FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROJECT. STATE OFFICIALS SAY THE BRIDGES SHOULD BE COMPLETE BY OCTOBER. 11 Mar 2011 19:29:14 GMT PREPARE TO "SPRING FORWARD" AS DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS THIS WEEKEND. THE OFFICIAL START OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME WILL BE SUNDAY AT 2 A-M. REMEMBER TO SET YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR BEFORE GOING TO SLEEP SATURDAY NIGHT. RESIDENTS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO USE THE TWICE A YEAR TIME CHANGE AS A REMINDER TO CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN ALL OF YOUR HOME'S SMOKE DETECTORS AND WEATHER RADIOS TO ENSURE THEY ARE IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME WILL CONTINUE THIS YEAR THRU SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH. 11 Mar 2011 19:30:49 GMT CITY LEADERS MET IN REGULAR SESSION THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING AT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. THE BOARD OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL APPROVED A RESOLUTION TO DISCONTINUE USING ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND ENGINEERING INCORPORATED FOR SERVICES OF MONITORING THE DEMOLITION LANDFILL. THE AGREEMENT WITH THE COMPANY TO CONDUCT REGULATION TESTS AND OTHER SERVICES AT THE LANDFILL WAS TERMINATED DUE IN PART TO ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH INVOICING AND NOTICE OF SITE VISITS. A RESOLUTION WAS ALSO APPROVED TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH TRESSLES L-L-C FOR SERVICES PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED BY E-M-E. SOLID WASTE DIRECTOR GARY WAYNE HYDE TOLD THE BOARD THAT AT THE CURRENT RATE OF USE, THE DEMOLITION LANDFILL WON'T REACH CAPACITY FOR ABOUT 8 TO 10 YEARS. 11 Mar 2011 19:33:26 GMT PERFORMANCES CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKENDS FOR LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY THEATER'S PRODUCTION OF THE COMEDY "DEARLY DEPARTED". THE SHOW, DIRECTED BY BOB AUGUSTIN, TELLS THE STORY OF A DYSFUNCTIONAL SOUTHERN FAMILY AS THEY COME TOGETHER FOR A FUNERAL AND STIR UP CONFLICTS ALONG THE WAY. THE PLAY BEGINS AT 7 P-M FRIDAY (TONIGHT) AND SATURDAY NIGHT AND NEXT FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT THE HISTORIC CROCKETT THEATER. GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS ARE 10 DOLLARS PLUS A 2 DOLLAR TICKET SAGE FEE AND ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR 11 Mar 2011 19:33:46 GMT A LATE THURSDAY CAR CRASH HAS CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A LAWRENCE COUNTY MAN. THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL REPORTS THAT 31 YEAR-OLD CODY GREY OF SUMMERTOWN WAS KILLED SHORTLY AFTER 11 P-M IN A ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT. GREY WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON HIGHWAY 20 IN A 1994 LINCOLN WHEN HE STRUCK A DEER CAUSING THE CAR TO SLIDE AND HIT A TREE. THE DRIVER WAS PROUNCED DEAD AT CROCKETT HOSPITAL. STATE TROOPER KYLE BURLESON WAS THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER. 15 Mar 2011 14:41:57 GMT THE LORETTO LADY MUSTANGS' RUN FOR A STATE TITLE CAME TO AN END IN BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT ACTION FRIDAY. LORETTO LOST 54 TO 39 AGAINST THE NORTH GREEN LADY HUSKIES IN THE CLASS-A SEMI-FINALS OF THE T-DOUBLE-S-DOUBLE-A GIRL'S STATE TOURNAMENT AT MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY. WAYNE COUNTY ADVANCED TO SATURDAY'S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AFTER A 47 TO 28 WIN OVER SCOTTS HILL ON FRIDAY. BOY'S TEAMS FROM ACROSS THE STATE WILL BEGIN TOURNAMENT PLAY NEXT WEEK IN MURFREESBORO. 15 Mar 2011 14:42:10 GMT AUTOMOTIVE TOOLS WERE STOLEN FROM A GARAGE IN LAWRENCEBURG. CITY POLICE REPORTS INDICATE THAT A 4TH STREET PROPERTY OWNER CALLED IN A BURGLARY ON THURSDAY. THE VICTIM SAID SOMEONE BROKE INTO HIS GARAGE OVERNIGHT AND TOOK A SANDER, GRINDER, AIR RATCHETS AND A PAINT SPRAY GUN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 14 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 15 Mar 2011 14:42:31 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS INVESTIGATING A BREAK IN AT AN ETHRIDGE CHURCH. REPORTS INDICATE THAT SOMEONE PRIED OPEN A DOOR AT PARK GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH ON ETHRIDGE - RED HILL ROAD SOMETIME LATE WEDNESDAY OR EARLY THURSDAY. THIEVES MADE AWAY WITH CASH, A FLATSCREEN T-V AND MICROPHONES VALUED AT 805 DOLLARS. 15 Mar 2011 14:42:56 GMT AN EAST LAWRENCE COUNTY CHURCH IS COUNTING ITS LOSSES AFTER A RECENTLY BURGLARY. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE MEMBERS OF THE NEW PROSPECT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FOUND THAT A DOOR HAD PRIED OPEN AND ITEMS STOLEN LAST WEEK. THIEVES TOOK A SOUND BOARD, MICROPHONES, A PRINTER, AND A CHAIR. DAMAGES AND LOSSES ARE ESTIMATED AT TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS. 15 Mar 2011 19:55:31 GMT A WEEKEND FIRE LEFT DAMAGE TO A LAWRENCEBURG APARTMENT COMPLEX. CITY FIRE CREWS RESPONDED TO THE BLAZE AT THE PINE BLUFF APARTMENTS JUST BEFORE 8 SUNDAY MORNING. REPORTS INDICATE SMOKE WAS VISIBLE FROM TWO APARTMENTS WHEN FIREMEN ARRIVED. POLICE OFFICIALS ASSISTED ONE RESIDENT FROM THE BUILDING WHO ADVISED THAT PETS AND MORE PEOPLE COULD STILL BE INSIDE. FIREMEN CONDUCTED A SEARCH OF THE STRUCTURE AND WERE ABLE TO RESCUE A SMALL DOG. THE SOURCE OF THE BLAZE WAS LOCATED AND CONTAINED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. 15 Mar 2011 19:55:41 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY DEPUTIES ARE INVESTIGATING THE THEFT OF JEWELRY FROM TWO NORTHWEST LAWRENCE HOMES. REPORTS INDICATE BURGLARS PRYED OPEN A DOOR ON A NAPIER ROAD HOME ON FRIDAY TAKING JUST OVER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN JEWELRY AND A JEWELRY BOX. ALSO FRIDAY ANOTHER NAPIER ROAD HOMEOWNER REPORTED THE THEFT OF A WHITE GOLD RING VALUED AT A THOUSAND DOLLARS. SHERIFF'S INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO THE CRIMES. 15 Mar 2011 19:56:02 GMT VANDALS HAVE STRUCK A LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS THAT VANDALS SPRAY PAINTED PHRASES AND PROFANITY ONTO A PORTABLE STORAGE BUILDING AT LEOMA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LATE SATURDAY. VANDALS ALSO DAMAGED A WINDOW SCREEN AND SPRAY PAINTED TWO OUTDOOR CHAIRS AND TWO CENTRAL HEATING AND COOLING UNITS. OFFICIALS SAY MORE PAINT WAS FOUND ON THE BUILDING'S BRICK AND AROUND DOORS. THE MATTER REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 15 Mar 2011 19:56:25 GMT LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL'S MUSTANGS HAVE NEW LEADERSHIP. PRINCIPAL ANDY AUGUSTIN HAS ANNOUNCED LEE BOYD WILL HELM THE SCHOOL'S FOOTBALL SQUAD FOR THE 2011 SEASON. BOYD, AN L-H-S GRADUATE, WILL ASSUME THE HEAD COACH'S JOB IN TIME FOR SPRING TRAINING CAMP. 15 Mar 2011 19:56:47 GMT THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL IS ASKING FOR HELP FROM THE PUBLIC TO SOLVE AN APPARENT HIT AND RUN PEDESTRIAN FATALITY IN GILES COUNTY. INVESTIGATORS WITH THE CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM AND THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION ARE ATTEMPTING TO LOCATE THE VEHICLE AND DRIVER CONNECTED TO THE INCIDENT. BETWEEN 3 AND 4 A-M MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH, 50 YEAR-OLD CHARLES RICHARD STEVENSON OF PULASKI WAS STRUCK BY A CAR ON CATES ROAD NEAR OLD HIGHWAY 64. A NEIGHBOR DISCOVERED THE VICTIM'S BODY AROUND 7 THAT MORNING AND CALLED AUTHORITIES. STEVENSON WAS FOUND WEARING A BLACK T-SHIRT, A GREEN BUTTON DOWN SHIRT, CAMOUFLAGE PANTS AND HIKING SHOES. T-H-P INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE THE DRIVER MAY HAVE THOUGHT HE OR SHE HIT A DEER. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE IN LAWRENCEBURG AT 766-1425. 16 Mar 2011 20:33:32 GMT THE FIRST HURDLE HAS BEEN CLEARED FOR A PROPOSED SPRING HILL THEME PARK. THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVED A REZONING MEASURE MONDAY NIGHT THAT WILL ALLOW DEVELOPERS TO CONSTRUCT THE "FESTIVAL TENNESSEE" PARK JUST EAST OF INTERSTATE 65. COMMISSIONERS VOTED 3 TO 2 ON THE PROPOSAL TO REZONE 755 ACRES OF LAND NEAR JIM WARREN ROAD AND STIPULATED THAT ONLY A THEME PARK CAN BE CONSTRUCTED ON THE PROPERTY. THE BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN WILL HAVE FINAL SAY ON THE PROPOSAL AT AN APRIL MEETING. THE 750 MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT IS BEING DEVELOPED BY NEVADA BASED BIG INTERNATIONAL GROUP OF ENTERTAINMENT. DEVELOPERS HAVE PROMISED UP TO 20 THOUSAND NEW JOBS FOR THE AREA AND FOR THE PARK TO BE OPEN BY THE FALL OF 2012. 16 Mar 2011 20:33:57 GMT A QUICK RESPONSE NETTED AUTHORITIES A SUSPECT IN A LAWRENCEBURG PHARMACY BREAK-IN. ACCORDING TO CITY POLICE REPORTS, AN OFFICER WAS DISPATCHED TO CHECK OUT AN ALARM AT A SOUTH LOCUST AVENUE PHARMACY MONDAY NIGHT JUST BEFORE 10:30. UPON ARRIVAL, THE OFFICER FOUND A SECURITY GUARD FROM NEIGHBORING CROCKETT HOSPITAL SPEAKING WITH A MAN OUTSIDE THE BUSINESS. THE GUARD HEARD THE ALARM AND WENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SAW THE SUSPECT CLIMBING OUT OF A BROKEN WINDOW AT THE DRUG STORE. THE OFFICER SEARCHED THE MAN AND DISCOVERED A BOTTLE OF HYDROCODONE WITH NO PRESCRIPTION LABLE IN THE MAN'S PANTS. THOMAS PATRICK WHITE, 33, OF LORETTO WAS ARRESTED ON BURGLARY, THEFT OF PROPERTY AND VANDALISM CHARGES. 16 Mar 2011 20:34:43 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING INTO A MONDAY EVENING BURGLARY AT A LEOMA DINER. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, THE RESTAURANT OWNER'S SON ARRIVED AT THE HIGHWAY 43 SOUTH BUSINESS AROUND 9:30 TO FIND SOMEONE HAD PUSHED AN AIR CONDITIONER THRU A WINDOW TO GAIN ENTRY TO THE BUILDING. INSIDE, A SAFE WAS TAKEN AND A CASH REGISTER TAMPERED WITH. DAMAGES AND LOSS TOTALED 950 DOLLARS. 16 Mar 2011 20:40:36 GMT TENNESSEE GOVERNOR BILL HASLAM HAS OUTLINED HIS 2011-2012 BUDGET. THE PROPOSED SPENDING PLAN INCLUDES A 1 POINT 6 PERCENT RAISE FOR STATE WORKERS, INCLUDING TEACHERS, COSTING AN ADDITIONAL 77 MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY. THE RAISE WOULD BE THE FIRST FOR THE STATE'S WORKFORCE SINCE 2007. THE BUDGET CONTINUES TO FUND A 50 DOLLAR MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION FOR STATE EMPLOYEE 4-0-1-K PLANS AND FULLY FUNDS BASIC EDUCATION NEEDS FOR THE COMING YEAR. THE BUDGET PROPOSAL WOULD ELIMINATE AROUND ONE THOUSAND STATE JOBS, MOSTLY THRU ATTRITION AND AROUND 13 MILLION WOULD BE CUT FROM HIGHER EDUCATION. CRITICS FEAR THE HIGHER EDUCATION CUTS WOULD LEAD TO TUITION INCREASES AND LARGER CLASS SIZES. 160 MILLION IN RESERVE FUNDS WOULD CONTINUE HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH AND CHILDREN SERVICES FOR ANOTHER YEAR SINCE THE LOSS OF STIMULUS FUNDING FOR THE DEPARTMENTS. THE BUDGET WILL NOW BE DEBATED IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE BEFORE BECOMING FINAL THIS SUMMER. 16 Mar 2011 20:40:59 GMT TENNESSEANS WILL SOON SEE A CHANGE IN THEIR DRIVER'S LICENSE AND STATE ISSUED I-D CARDS. THE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY HAS ANNOUNCED THAT A NEW VERSION OF THE CARDS WILL FEATURE DOCUMENT FRAUD AND IDENTITY PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY IN ADDITION TO A BRAND NEW LOOK. THE LICENSE WILL CARRY A NEW BANNER SHOWCASING TENNESSEE LANDMARKS, A NEW BACKGROUND DESIGN AND A RE-DESIGNED BACK THAT WILL BE MORE DIFFICULT TO ALTER OR COUNTERFEIT. OFFICIALS INDICATE THE UPDATED LOOK WILL BE PHASED IN OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AT THE STATE'S VARIOUS DRIVER'S CENTERS. EXISTING LICENSES ARE STILL VALID, ALTHOUGH, ANYONE APPLYING FOR A NEW OR RENEWAL LICENSE WILL RECEIVE THE NEW FORMAT. 17 Mar 2011 18:27:45 GMT THE SUMMERTOWN EAGLES BASKETBALL TEAM LOST A TOUGH GAME TODAY WEDNESDAY IN THE QUARTER FINALS OF THE T-DOUBLE-S-DOUBLE-A STATE TOURNAMENT HOSTED THIS WEEK BY MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY IN MURFREESBORO. THE EAGLES WERE TAKEN DOWN BY HAMPTON BY A FINAL SCORE OF 61 TO 47. SUMMERTOWN ENDS THE SEASON WITH A 21 AND 12 OVERALL RECORD. 17 Mar 2011 18:27:58 GMT A LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSIONER HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO SERVE ON THE TENNESSEE REHABILITATION CENTER AT COLUMBIA ADVISORY BOARD. BERT SPEARMAN SENIOR HAS BEEN NAMED TO THE BOARD BY THE STATE OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES. THE DEPARTMENT'S DIVISION OF REHABILITATION SERVICES HAS A NETWORK OF 17 COMMUNITY CENTERS THAT OFFERS SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SEEKING EMPLOYMENT. THE COLUMBIA CENTER SERVES EIGHT COUNTIES INCLUDING LAWRENCE. SPEARMAN, A RESIDENT OF LAWRENCEBURG, SERVES AS DISTRICT 17 COMMISSIONER FOR LAWRENCE COUNTY. 17 Mar 2011 18:28:18 GMT SOME TIRE RIMS WERE REPORTED STOLEN FROM A LAWRENCEBURG RESIDENCE. POLICE REPORTS INDICATE THAT A PROSSER ROAD RESIDENT NOTICED TUESDAY THAT SOMEONE HAD TAKEN A SET OF ALUMINUM RIMS FROM BESIDE A SHED IN HIS BACKYARD. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT 175 DOLLARS. A LEOMA RESIDENT REPORTED SOME AUTOMOTIVE PARTS AND TOOLS MISSING OVER THE WEEKEND. LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE PROSSER ROAD HOMEOWNER DISCOVERED SOMEONE HAD TAKEN SOME PARTS TO A 1995 MUSTANG AND TOOLS FROM HIS BASEMENT. THE MISSING ITEMS WERE VALUED AT 360 DOLLARS. 17 Mar 2011 18:28:42 GMT A HUSBAND AND WIFE CHARGED IN THE DEATH OF THE MOTHER OF THEIR GRANDCHILD HAVE ACCEPTED PLEA AGREEMENTS. STEVEN AND SYLVIA BEERSDORF OF WAYNE COUNTY WERE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE JANUARY 2010 MURDER OF 21-YEAR-OLD ROSE GOGGINS. ACCORDING TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, 48 YEAR-OLD STEVEN BEERSDORF PLED GUILTY ON WEDNESDAY TO A CHARGE OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER AND CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MURDER AND RECEIVED A SENTENCE OF LIFE IN PRISION. 44 YEAR-OLD SYLVIA BEERSDORF WAS SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISION FOR A GUILTY PLEA TO CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FIRST DEGREE MURDER. OFFICIALS INDICATE THAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWED THAT SYLVIA BEERSDORF CONSPIRED TO COMMIT THE MURDER BUT DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN KILLING THE VICTIM WHOSE BODY WAS FOUND BURIED ON THE BEERSDORF'S PROPERTY. GOGGINS WAS ENGAGED TO THE BEERDORF'S SON, A TENNESSEE NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER IN THE PROCESS OF AN IRAQ DEPLOYMENT AT THE TIME OF THE MURDER. 18 Mar 2011 21:10:38 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN AND TWO OTHERS HAVE BEEN LINKED TO A STRING OF HOME BURGLARIES IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. SEVERAL BREAK-INS STRETCHING FROM LONG BRANCH ROAD TO THE FALL RIVER COMMUNITY WERE REPORTED FROM MID-FEBRUARY TO MID-MARCH WITH WITNESSES LEADING INVESTIGATORS TO A WHITE PONTIAC CAR IN THE AREA OF THE BURGLARIES AND TO A SUSPECT. ACCORDING TO A SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE, AUTHORITIES RECOVERED SOME GUNS REPORTED STOLEN FROM THE FALL RIVER COMMUNITY INSIDE AN ABANDONED PROPERTY ON CLEAR CREEK ROAD. OTHER PROPERTY, INCLUDING QUARTERS AND A RAT TERRIER PUPPY, STOLEN IN THE RECENT BREAK-INS LED INVESTIGATORS TO IDENTIFY A JUVENILE AS A BURGLARY SUSPECT. ANOTHER JUVENILE FROM GILES COUNTY HAS ALSO BEEN LINKED TO THE CASES. ON TUESDAY, LAWRENCE COUNTY INVESTIGATORS CHARGED WILLIAM KENNETH LOVELESS OF LAWRENCEBURG WITH AGGRAVATED BURGLARY FOR A COPPERAS BRANCH ROAD ROBBERY WITH MORE THEFT CHARGES TO BE PRESENTED TO THE GRAND JURY. CHARGES AGAINST THE JUVENILES WILL BE FILED THRU THE JUVENILE COURT WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF THE TWO BEING TRANSFERRED AND CHARGED AS ADULTS. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PRAISED AREA RESIDENTS FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION CRUCIAL IN SOLVING THE CASES AND THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR HELP WITH THE INVESTIGATION. 18 Mar 2011 21:11:19 GMT THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR FROM CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR CITY OFFICES IN MAY DURING A FORUM PLANNED FOR NEXT WEEK. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY TEA PARTY WILL HOST A CANDIDATE FORUM TUESDAY AT 7 AT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. THE EVENT WILL INCLUDE THOSE RUNNING FOR OFFICE IN THE UPCOMING LAWRENCEBURG AND ETHRIDGE CITY ELECTIONS. LAWRENCEBURG VOTERS WILL GO TO THE POLLS TO ELECT A MAYOR AND TWO COUNCIL MEMBERS ON MAY 3RD. RESIDENTS OF ETHRIDGE WILL ELECT ONE COMMISSIONER IN THE MAY 24TH ELECTION. 18 Mar 2011 21:11:41 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION HAVE SOME UPCOMING MEETINGS ON THE SCHEDULE. THE BUDGET COMMITTEE WILL MEET FRIDAY MORNING AT 9 IN THE SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER. THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING IS SET FOR TUESDAY AT 5 IN THE COMMISSION ROOM AT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COURTHOUSE. 18 Mar 2011 21:11:59 GMT MOUNT PLEASANT CITY RESIDENTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE ON A SALES TAX INCREASE DURING THE NEXT ELECTION. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THAT CITY LEADERS APPROVED A MEASURE TUESDAY THAT WILL ALLOW VOTERS THE CHANCE TO APPROVE OR DENY A HALF OF A PERCENT SALES TAX INCREASE ON THE CITY'S JULY BALLOT. IF APPROVED, RESIDENTS WOULD GO FROM 2 POINT 25 PERCENT TO 2 POINT 75 PERCENT, THE MAXIMUM SALES TAX ALLOWED BY STATE LAW. THE CITY SALES TAX IS IN ADDITION TO A 7 PERCENT STATE SALES TAX. OFFICIALS SAY THEY FEEL A SALES TAX INCREASE IS MORE FAIR THAN A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. THE MOVE IS ESTIMATED TO GENERATE AN ADDITIONAL 60 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN ANNUAL REVENUE. 21 Mar 2011 20:02:27 GMT A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE FEBRUARY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR TENNESSEE WAS ANNOUNCED THURSDAY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. THE FEBRUARY RATE WAS 9 POINT 6 PERCENT, UP TWO TENTHS FROM THE JANUARY RATE. THE NATIONAL JOBLESS RATE FOR FEBRUARY WAS 8 POINT 9 PERCENT, ONE TENTH OF A PERCENTAGE POINT LOWER THAN THE JANUARY RATE. 21 Mar 2011 20:03:11 GMT AN ETHRIDGE MAN WAS ASSAULTED EARLY THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING WHILE CAMPING WITH FRIENDS. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A GROUP OF THREE MEN WERE CAMPING IN A WOODED AREA OFF OF INDIANA AVENUE IN ETHRIDGE WHEN AN UNKNOWN MALE CAME TO THE AREA AND BEGAN TO ARGUE WITH THE CAMPERS. THE FIGHT ESCALATED AND ONE OF THE MEN SUFFERED A SEVERLY BROKEN LEG. THE VICTIM WAS TAKEN BY HELICOPTER TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO THE CASE. 21 Mar 2011 20:03:29 GMT EIGHTH GRADE NIGHT AT GILES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS TO EXPLORE ALL THE OPTIONS INCOMING FRESHMEN WILL HAVE TO DECIDE THEIR FUTURE PATH. THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION POLICY REQUIRES STUDENTS TO HAVE THREE CREDITS IN AN ELECTIVE FOCUSED PROGRAM OF STUDY TO PREPARE FOR WORKFORCE TRAINING OR COLLEGE. EIGHTH GRADE NIGHT, SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, WILL INCLUDE A TOUR OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL CLASSROOMS AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET INSTRUCTORS, GUIDANCE COUSELORS AND THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION TO HELP STUDENTS CHOOSE A PROGRAM OF STUDY. PIZZA WILL BE SERVED IN THE CAFETERIA AT 5 WITH TOURS AND MEETINGS WITH FACULTY AND STAFF FROM 5:30 TO 8. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 363-8154. 21 Mar 2011 20:03:53 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS ANNOUNCED A SCHEDULE OF LOWCOST, CONVENIENT RABIES VACCINATION CLINICS FOR APRIL. THE CLINICS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY AREA VETERINARIANS AT A COST OF $8 PER ANIMAL. CLINICS WILL BE HELD MONDAY, APRIL 11TH AT INGRAM SOWELL, SUMMERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH LAWRENCE ELEMENTARY AND CALVERTS COUNTRY STORE IN CENTER, TUESDAY, APRIL 12TH AT E-O COFFMAN, ETHRIDGE ELEMENTARY, HENRYVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER AND SAINT JOE CITY HALL, THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH AT LEOMA ELEMENTARY, WEST END FIRE HALL, NEW PROSPECT ELEMENTARY AND CROSSROADS FIRE DEPARTMENT AND FRIDAY, APRIL 15TH AT DAVID CROCKETT SCHOOL, MOUNT HOREB BAPTIST CHURCH, MASHBURN'S GROCERY IN FIVE POINTS AND LIBERTY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH. ALL CLINICS WILL BE HELD FROM 4:30 TO 5:30. MAKE-UP CLINICS WILL BE HELD AT LOCAL VET'S OFFICES DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS ON SATURDAY, APRIL 16TH AT THE SAME PRICE. STATE LAW REQUIRES ALL DOGS AND CATS AT LEAST SIX MONTHS OF AGE BE VACCINATED AGAINST RABIES. 21 Mar 2011 20:04:13 GMT MEMBERS OF THE GILES COUNTY COMMISSION MET IN REGULAR SESSION MONDAY MORNING. MEMBERS APPROVED THE LIST OF NEW AND RENEWAL NOTARIES AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND EQUALIZATION BOARD. A MOTION EXEMPTING THE COUNTY FROM STATE STANDARDS FOR ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS FAILED TO PASS. COMMISSIONERS ALSO DENIED THE CHARTER COMMISSION EXTRA TIME TO FILE THE COUNTY'S NEWLY REWORKED CHARTER WITH THE STATE. THE MAJORITY FELT THE PROCESS SHOULD BE COMPLETE WITHIN THE ORIGINAL NINE MONTH ALLOTMENT. THE CHARTER WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE STATE IN APRIL BEFORE PLACEMENT ON A BALLOT NEXT YEAR FOR VOTER APPROVAL. TWO RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS WERE SENT BACK TO COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER STUDY. THE COMMISSION WILL MEET IN SPECIAL SESSION IN APRIL TO VOTE ON THE TWO MEASURES. ALL OTHER ITEMS ON MONDAY'S AGENDA WERE APPROVED. 22 Mar 2011 20:22:14 GMT CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG AND ETHRIDGE OFFICES IN THE MAY ELECTIONS WILL DISCUSS THEIR VIEWS AT AN EVENT THIS WEEK. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY TEA PARTY WILL HOST A CANDIDATE FORUM TUESDAY EVENING AT 7 AT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. THOSE ON THE BALLOT FOR LAWRENCEBURG MAYOR AND TWO COUNCIL SEATS AND AN ETHRIDGE COMMISSION SEAT HAVE BEEN INVITED TO PARTICIPATE. LAWRENCEBURG VOTERS WILL GO TO THE POLLS MAY 3RD WITH THE CITY OF ETHRIDGE ELECTION SET FOR MAY 24TH 22 Mar 2011 20:22:25 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL BE IN SESSION FOR PART OF THE DAY THIS FRIDAY. STUDENTS WILL ATTEND CLASSES FROM 8 TO NOON WITH LUNCH TO BE SERVED BEFORE DISMISSAL. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES WILL BE HELD FROM 1 UNTIL 4 FOR ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. THE SCHEDULE CHANGE IS DUE TO REVISIONS OF THIS YEAR'S ACADEMIC CALENDAR TO MAKE UP DAYS MISSED IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY FOR SNOW. 22 Mar 2011 20:22:53 GMT A COUPLE OF MEETINGS FOR THE JOINT ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED. AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE HELD THIS THURSDAY AT 4 AT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICE. THE BOARD WILL REVIEW THE CHAMBER'S BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR. THE FULL BOARD WILL MEET NEXT THURSDAY AT 4 IN THE SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM AT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER. THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING WILL BE TO APPROVE THE BUDGET REQUEST TO BE PRESENTED TO THE COUNTY BUDGET DIRECTOR. 22 Mar 2011 20:23:17 GMT OWNERS AND FANS OF VINTAGE CARS, TRUCKS AND TRACTORS ARE INVITED TO THE 1ST ANNUAL ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL ANTIQUE CAR, TRUCK AND TRACTOR SHOW. THE EVENT WILL BE HELD SATURDAY FROM 8 TO 3 WITH STREET ROD, CLASSIC, LATE MODEL AND ANTIQUE CLASSES WITH A JUNIOR DIVISION FOR PARTICIPANTS 19 & UNDER. REGISTRATION WILL BE FROM 8 TO NOON AND COSTS 20 DOLLARS WITH FREE LUNCH FOR REGISTERED VEHICLE OWNERS. CONCESSIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 265-710-2315. 22 Mar 2011 20:23:49 GMT A MONDAY AFTERNOON FIRE DESTROYED A HOUSE IN WEST POINT. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, FIRE FIGHTERS WERE SUMMONED TO A STRUCTURE FIRE AT 339 HARDIN LOOP JUST BEFORE 3:30. THE WEST POINT AND GANDY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED AND FOUND THE HOME FULLY ENGULFED BY THE BLAZE WITH A PORTION OF THE YARD ON FIRE AS WELL. INVESTIGATORS FOUND SHOEPRINTS AT THE SOUTH WEST CORNER OF THE RESIDENCE NOT MATCHING THOSE OF ANY OF THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL ON THE SCENE. THE HOME, OWNED BY A TEXAS RESIDENT, HAD BEEN EMPTY FOR SOME TIME AND NO POWER LINES WERE ATTACHED TO THE STRUCTURE. A NEIGHBOR TOLD DEPUTIES THAT SOMEONE HAD TRIED TO SET THE HOUSE ON FIRE TWICE BEFORE. THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 23 Mar 2011 18:32:57 GMT AUTHORITIES ARE INVESTIGATING THE DISCOVERY OF A BODY IN SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY. CHANNEL 48 NEWS REPORTS THAT SHERIFF'S OFFICIALS WERE CALLED TO A SHOOTING MONDAY NIGHT ON BEVIS SCHOOL ROAD AND DISCOVERED THE BODY OF AN UNIDENTIFIED MAN. THE VICTIM HAS DIED AS A RESULT OF A GUNSHOT WOUND. NO ARRESTS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 23 Mar 2011 18:33:11 GMT A DANGEROUS VANDALISM WAS REPORTED TO LAWRENCE COUNTY AUTHORITIES MONDAY NIGHT. ACCORDING TO SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS, A BAKER LANE RESIDENT CALLED DEPUTIES AROUND 8:15 P-M WHEN SOMEONE FIRED A SHOT INTO HIS HOME. THE VICTIM SAID HE WAS WALKING THRU HIS LIVING ROOM WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND A WINDOW SHATTERED. THE HOMEOWNER WAS ABLE TO GIVE INVESTIGATORS A DESCRIPTION OF A VEHICLE HE SAW, AND TRIED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO FOLLOW, AFTER THE SHOT WAS FIRED. DAMAGES WERE ESTIMATED AT 500 DOLLARS. 23 Mar 2011 18:33:33 GMT VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR THE ANNUAL MAURY COUNTY CLEAN UP DAY COMING UP IN APRIL. THE GREAT MAURY COUNTY CLEAN UP HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 16TH. THE ANNUAL EVENT TYPICALLY DRAWS ABOUT 600 PEOPLE TO PICK UP LITTER ALONG ROADWAYS, PARKS, SCHOOLS AND OTHER PUBLIC AREAS AROUND THE COUNTY. WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANY WILL PROVIDE RECYCLING SUPPLIES FOR THE EVENT WITH THE SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT TO SUPERVISE AND PICK UP GARBAGE BAGS. VOLUNTEERS WILL MEET AT 7:30 A-M AT THE MEMORIAL BUILDING ON WEST 7TH STREET. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 381-5544 OR 388-8511. 23 Mar 2011 18:33:53 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL'S HORTICULTURE PROGRAM WILL OPEN THEIR GREENHOUSE TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY'S FOR ITEMS READY TO SELL. BEGINNING THIS WEEK, THE GREENHOUSE WILL BE OPEN ON FRIDAY'S FROM 8 TO 11. STUDENT GROWN TOMATO PLANTS WILL BE READY FOR PURCHASE THIS WEEK. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE L-C-H-S OFFICE AT 762-9412. 23 Mar 2011 18:34:13 GMT A MAJOR DRUG TRAFFICKING OPERATION IN GILES COUNTY IS NO MORE. OFFICIALS WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, 21ST JUDICIAL DRUG TASK FORCE, PULASKI POLICE AND FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES BUSTED AN OPERATION LAST WEEK THAT ALLEGEDLY BROUGHT DRUGS INTO THE AREA FROM NASHVILLE AND PORTIONS OF ALABAMA. AMONG THOSE ARRESTED ARE TRAVIS LYNN GENTRY, 31, BETTY KATHERINE GENTRY, 66, RANDY RANDOLPH, 47, BRANDON COREY MATTHEWS, 26 ALL OF PROSPECT, FRANK DWAYNE RANDOLPH, 47, ALFRED TRYAN COFFEY, 50, CHANNING ACE RANDOLPH, 21, JAMES THOMAS COFFEY JUNIOR, 35, NICHOLAS THERON WHITE, 32 AND JONAS LAVAR HAYES, 27, ALL OF PULASKI ON CHARGES OF PARTICIPATING IN A DRUG TRAFFICKING CONSPIRACY. THE ARRESTS NETTED OVER 100 POUNDS OF MARIJUANA, OVER 600 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASH, 23 FIREARMS AND A BULLET PROOF VEST. A TOTAL OF 20 INDIVIDUALS FACE CHARGES IN THE CASE WITH ONE NOT YET IN CUSTODY. 24 Mar 2011 19:21:17 GMT ON TUESDAY, MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCEBURG UTILITIES BOARD MADE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD CHANGING A BACK-BILLING POLICY FOR ERRORS IN RATE CATEGORIZATION FOR SOME WATER AND SEWER CUSTOMERS. LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS HAS BEEN REVIEWING ALL CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS VERIFYING THAT BUSINESSES ARE BEING CHARGED A COMMERCIAL RATE AND HOMES A RESIDENTIAL RATE FOR WATER AND SEWER SERVICE. FOR SEVERAL BUSINESSES THAT HAD BEEN BILLED FOR SEVERAL YEARS AT THE LOWER RESIDENTIAL RATE, THE UTILITY HAD BEGUN SENDING A RETRO-ACTIVE BILL FOR UP TO THREE YEARS OF SERVICE AT THE HIGHER RATE AS ALLOWED BY STATE LAW. THE BOARD HAS HEARD FROM SEVERAL OF THE AFFECTED BUSINESS OWNERS COMPLAINING THAT THE ERROR IN RATE CLASSIFICATION WAS MADE BY L-U-S STAFF AND BUSINESSES SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR A UTILITY EMPLOYEE'S MISTAKE. BOARD MEMBERS AGREED THAT CUSTOMERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL FOR THE UTILITY'S MISTAKE AND VOTED TO SUSPEND COLLECTION EFFORTS ON RETRO-ACTIVE BILLED PAST DUE ACCOUNTS PENDING A NEW POLICY ON THE MATTER. THE BOARD IS WORKING WITH LEGAL STAFF TO DRAFT A NEW POLICY THAT WOULD HAVE ANY CUSTOMER CLASSIFIED WITH THE WRONG RATE BY L-U-S ERROR TO BE CHARGED THE CORRECT RATE BEGINNING WITH THE NEXT BILLING CYCLE WITH NO BACK BILLING. APPROVAL OF THE NEWLY WORDED POLICY WILL BE ON THE AGENDA OF A FUTURE MEETING. 24 Mar 2011 19:21:42 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS GATHERED FOR THEIR REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT. LEADERS APPROVED A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO ALLOW THE SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE TO BE PAID FROM THE COUNTY GENERAL FUND. THE CHANGE WILL MAKE THE STAFF SALARY-BASED EMPLOYEES RATHER THAN THE CURRENT FEE BASED SYSTEM. THE REGISTER OF DEEDS WILL NOW BE REQUIRED TO DEPOSIT COLLECTIONS ON A MONTHLY BASIS RATHER THAN A QUARTERLY DEPOSIT SCHEDULE. AMENDMENTS TO THE SCHOOL SYSTEM AND SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BUDGETS WERE ALSO APPROVED. OFFICIALS O-KAYED A MEASURE TO SPEND A MAXIMUM OF 65 HUNDRED DOLLARS TO CONSTRUCT A NEW COUNTY GOVERNMENT WEBSITE. THE COUNCIL PASSED A RESOLUTION ASKING TENNESSEE'S FEDERAL REPRESENTATION TO RESTORE FUNDING FOR METH LAB CLEAN UPS. THE FUNDS HAD BEEN PULLED AS A RESULT OF BUDGET CUTS IN WASHINGTON. A RESOLUTION TO RESCIND A PREVIOUS MEASURE PERTAINING TO WASTE SUPPLY AND DISPOSAL SERVICES WAS PULLED FROM THE COUNCIL'S AGENDA. ALL OTHER AGENDA ITEMS WERE APPROVED. 24 Mar 2011 19:22:06 GMT THE UTILITIES BOARD MET IN REGULAR SESSION TUESDAY AT LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS. BOARD MEMBERS APPROVED NEW SEWER REGULATIONS TO COMPLY WITH STATE RULES AND DISCUSSED HAVING A WRITTEN POLICY FOR RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR L-U-S EMPLOYEES. GENERAL MANGER VIC PUSSER REPORTED THAT T-V-A'S FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT FOR APRIL WILL MEAN AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY RATES THAT WOULD AMOUNT TO ABOUT 50 CENTS TO 2 DOLLARS PER MONTH FOR RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS. THE BOARD ALSO DISCUSSED A BOND ISSUE AND AGREED TO MEET WITH CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG OFFICIALS FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THE MATTER. 24 Mar 2011 19:22:28 GMT LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS HAS ANNOUNCED A PLAN TO STEP UP INSPECTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT OF GREASE TRAPS IN AN EFFORT TO MINIMIZE GREASE RELATED SEWER LINE PROBLEMS. RESTAURANTS AND OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS THAT PREPARE FOOD FOR THE PUBLIC ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A PROPERLY SIZED AND FUNCTIONING GREASE TRAP AND IT MUST BE MAINTAINED ON A REGULAR BASIS. BECAUSE GREASE IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF SEWER LINE BLOCKAGES, BACKUPS AND OVERFLOWS, RESTAURANTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE L-U-S INSPECT THE INSTALLATION, PLUMBING AND LOCATION OF ALL TRAPS. THE UTILITY MAY ALSO REQUEST REGULAR INSPECTIONS TO CONFIRM THE TRAPS ARE BEING MAINTAINED PROPERLY AND ARE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT GREASE TRAP INSTALLATIONS OR INSPECTIONS, CALL 766-4741. 24 Mar 2011 19:22:54 GMT SEVERE STORMS LEFT DAMAGE TO A NORTH LAWRENCE COUNTY RESIDENCE WEDNESDAY NIGHT. A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS MOVED THRU THE AREA AROUND 7 P-M BLOWING AWAY A PORTION OF A DOOLEY ROAD HOME'S ROOF. TIN FROM THE DAMAGED ROOF WAS FOUND ABOUT A HUNDRED YARDS AWAY FROM THE STRUCTURE. THE STORMS ALSO UPROOTED SEVERAL TREES AND DAMAGED POWER LINES IN THE AREA. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. CREWS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL DETERMINE IF THE DAMAGE IS CONSISTENT WITH A TORNADO OR STRAIGHT LINE WINDS. 25 Mar 2011 18:29:09 GMT A REGULAR SESSION MEETING OF THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD THURSDAY MORNING AT THE CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. COUNCILMEN APPROVED A ZONING CHANGE ON SECOND AND FINAL READING FOR PROPERTY ON THE WEST SIDE OF TRIPLE-K AVENUE. THE 8 ACRE PROPERTY, OWNED BY MITCH TAYLOR, WAS REZONED FROM NEIGHBORHOOD CONVENIENCE TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT TO ALLOW A MULCH PRODUCTION AND STORAGE BUSINESS TO BE ESTABLISHED. CITY LEADERS ALSO APPROVED AMENDMENTS TO THIS YEAR'S BUDGET FOR THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD'S TAX INCREMENT FINANCING AND DOG CONTROL EXPENSES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. THE COUNCIL ALSO AGREED TO A JOINT MEETING WITH THE UTILITY BOARD FOR NEXT THURSDAY AT 8:30 AT CITY HALL TO DISCUSS BOND REFINANCING. 25 Mar 2011 18:29:20 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COURTHOUSE WAS EVACUATED THURSDAY MORNING DUE TO A BOMB THREAT. REPORTS INDICATE THAT SOMEONE CALLED A LOCAL MEDIA AGENCY ABOUT A BOMB IN THE COURTHOUSE AROUND 10:30 PROMOTING THE EVACUATION. AUTHORITIES FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, LAWRENCEBURG POLICE, AND TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL CONDUCTED A THOROUGH SEARCH OF THE STRUCTURE AND FOUND NO EXPLOSIVE DEVICE. THE BUILDING WAS GIVEN AN ALL CLEAR STATUS AROUND 3 P-M AND WILL REOPEN AT THE REGULAR TIME FRIDAY. CASES BEING HEARD IN THE THURSDAY SESSION OF CIRCUIT COURT WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER TIME. INVESTIGATORS URGE ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCIDENT TO CONTACT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AT 762-3626. 25 Mar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ar 2011 18:30:01 GMT PARTS OF NORTH ALABAMA WERE ROCKED BY AN EARTHQUAKE EARLY WEDNESDAY. THE U-S GEOLOGICAL SURVEY INDICATES THAT A 2 POINT 2 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE WAS REPORTED 5 MILES WEST OF ELKMONT, ALABAMA JUST BEFORE 7 A-M. OFFICIALS INDICATE THE QUAKE WAS SO LIGHT THAT MANY PEOPLE WOULDN'T HAVE NOTICED IT. THE QUAKE WAS THE SECOND REPORTED IN THE AREA IN THE PAST WEEK. THE OTHER OCCURRED SATURDAY JUST NORTHEAST OF HUNTSVILLE. NO DAMAGE WAS REPORTED FROM EITHER EVENT. 25 Mar 2011 18:30:24 GMT AN EARLY MORNING FIRE CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO A LAWRENCEBURG COMMERCIAL BUILDING. THE BLAZE WAS REPORTED JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT FRIDAY MORNING AT THE FACILITY ON 7TH STREET. LAWRENCEBURG FIRE CREWS FOUGHT THE BLAZE FOR SEVERAL HOURS. THE BUILDING SUFFERED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGES BUT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 30 Mar 2011 14:22:09 GMT A NUMBER OF ISSUES WERE ON THE AGENDA FOR THURSDAY'S LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS BILL HEATH REPORTED TO THE BOARD ON PENDING STATE LEGISLATION AFFECTING EDUCATION. HEATH MET WITH STATE LAWMAKERS THIS WEEK AND RECEIVED INFORMATION ON TENURE, CHARTER SCHOOLS AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BILLS MOVING THRU THE HOUSE. SHOULD THE MEASURES ON TENURE BECOME LAW, TEACHERS WILL RECEIVE TENURE ONLY WITH CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF HIGH EVALUATIONS AFTER A PROBATION PERIOD AND CAN LOSE TENURE WITH BACK TO BACK YEARS OF POOR EVALUATIONS. THE BOARD AGREED TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TO REPLACE AND REPAIR THE GYM BLEACHERS AT TWO SCHOOLS. INSPECTORS HAVE NOTIFIED PRINCIPAL ANDY AUGUSTIN THAT LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL'S BLEACHERS ARE IN VIOLATION OF CURRENT CODES AND MUST BE REPLACED. L-C-H-S PRINCIPAL MICHAEL ADKINS TOLD THE BOARD THAT A NUMBER OF HIS BLEACHERS HAVE BROKEN BRACKETS THAT NEED TO BE REPAIRED. A MOTION WAS PASSED TO GET THREE ESTIMATES FOR THE BLEACHER REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR PROJECTS. THE BOARD ALSO ANNOUNCED THE TEACHER OF THE MONTH AS JERRY THOMAS OF LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL AND SUPPORT STAFFER OF THE MONTH MARTHA DAVIS OF INGRAM SOWELL ELEMENTARY. 30 Mar 2011 14:22:19 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS SURPASSED IT'S MONETARY DONATIONS GOAL DURING THE AGENCY'S ANNUAL RADIO-THON. CHAPTER OFFICIALS REPORT AROUND $9,000 WAS PLEDGED DURING THE FOUR HOUR EVENT HELD FRIDAY MORNING ON W-L-X A-M AND F-M. THE DONATIONS WILL AID IN FUNDING THE CHAPTER'S HEALTH EDUCATION AND DISASTER RESPONSE PROGRAMS. CONTRIBUTORS CAN MAIL DONATIONS TO P-O BOX 61 IN LAWRENCEBURG OR VISIT THE CHAPTER OFFICE ON HOSPITAL LANE DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. 30 Mar 2011 14:22:51 GMT A FARMING ACCIDENT HAS LEFT A SUMMERTOWN MAN INJURED. REPORTS INDICATE THE INDIVIDUAL WAS INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT AT A TURNPIKE PROPERTY AROUND 3:30 THURSDAY AFTERNOON. THE VICTIM SUFFERED SEVERE DAMAGE TO HIS LEFT HAND AND WAS AIRLIFTED TO A NASHVILLE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. 30 Mar 2011 14:23:11 GMT AN ETHRIDGE HOME WAS LOST IN A TUESDAY AFTERNOON FIRE. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, A DEPUTY WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT SAW SMOKE JUST BEFORE NOON AND WENT TO INVESTIGATE THE SOURCE. THE DEPUTY DISCOVERED A HOME ON FIRE AT 109 HIGH AVENUE AND SUMMONED FIRE FIGHTERS. THE HOME WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHEN MEMBERS OF THE ETHRIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. THE NEW PROSPECT, HENRYVILLE, SUMMERTOWN AND CRAWFISH VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENTS ASSISTED IN PUTTING OUT THE BLAZE. THE HOME WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE HOMEOWNER WAS AWAY WHEN THE FIRE STARTED BUT TOLD AUTHORITIES HE HAD NOTICED A BURNED PLASTIC SMELL EARLIER IN THE DAY. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 31 Mar 2011 14:57:50 GMT AUTHORITIES ARE LOOKING INTO THEFTS OF SCRAP METAL IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A WEST POINT PROPERTY OWNER HAD A PILE OF SCRAP METAL STOLEN AROUND LUNCH TIME ON TUESDAY FROM HIS FIELD ON WATERLOO ROAD. SOME SIGNS AND BARBED WIRE WERE ALSO DAMAGED. A NEIGHBOR GAVE DEPUTIES A DESCRIPTION OF A VEHICLE SEEN BACKED UP TO THE PROPERTY AROUND THE TIME OF THE THEFT. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT AROUND A HUNDRED DOLLARS. AN ETHRIDGE RESIDENT REPORTED ITEMS MISSING FROM HIS CHURCH AVENUE HOME. ON TUESDAY, THE VICTIM CALLED THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AFTER FINDING A PILE OF SCRAP METAL AND AN OLD CAST IRON TUB MISSING FROM THE HOUSE HE IS REMODELING. THE ESTIMATED VALUE OF THE STOLEN ITEMS WAS JUST OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS. 31 Mar 2011 14:58:15 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HAS SCHEDULED INFORMATION SESSIONS AND REGISTRATION FOR STUDENTS ENTERING THE 9TH GRADE THIS FALL. ALL SCHOOL SYSTEM 8TH GRADERS AND PARENTS ARE INVITED TO THE 9TH GRADE TRANSITION SESSION THURSDAY, APRIL 7TH AT 6 IN THE HIGH SCHOOL'S CAFETERIA. THE EVENT WILL COVER ACADEMIC GUIDELINES, GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR L-C-H-S STUDENTS. HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELORS WILL SPEAK TO E-O COFFMAN STUDENTS THURSDAY (THIS) MORNING FROM 9:15 TO 11:15 TO PROVIDE AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE AT L-C-H-S. THIS WILL BE AN INFORMATION SESSION ONLY AND NOT A CLASS SCHEDULING OPPORTUNITY. L-C-H-S 9TH GRADE REGISTRATION FOR THE 2011-2012 ACADEMIC YEAR WILL BE HELD IN THE COMING WEEKS. E-O COFFMAN STUDENTS MAY REGISTER TUESDAY, APRIL 12TH FROM 1 TO 6, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13TH AND THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH FROM 1 TO 5 EACH DAY. ETHRIDGE ELEMENTARY 8TH GRADERS MAY REGISTER TUESDAY, APRIL 19TH AND NEW PROSPECT STUDENTS MAY REGISTER WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20TH FROM 9 TO 4 BOTH DAYS. PARENTS UNABLE TO ATTEND THE SCHEDULED REGISTRATION DATES MAY CONTACT THEIR SCHOOL TO DISCUSS OTHER REGISTRATION OPTIONS. 31 Mar 2011 14:58:34 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES A BRIDGE CLOSURE BEGINNING NEXT WEEK. ON MONDAY, THE LONGBRANCH BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FOR 6 TO 8 WEEKS FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT. NO THRU TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED FROM CANNON ROAD TO STINGY RIDGE ROAD DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT. 31 Mar 2011 14:59:55 GMT TWO IRON CITY RESIDENTS WERE BUSTED IN LAWRENCEBURG LAST WEEK WITH COMPONENTS TO MANUFACTURE METHAMPHETAMINE. LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT A PHARMACY EMPLOYEE ALERTED AUTHORITIES THAT A WOMAN KNOWN TO PURCHASE A LARGE QUANTITY OF PSEUDOEPHEDRINE, USED TO MAKE METH, HAD JUST BOUGHT MORE OF THE DRUG. INVESTIGATORS QUESTIONED THE SUSPECT WHEN SHE LEFT THE STORE AND GOT INTO A VEHICLE WITH A MALE DRIVER. A SEARCH OF THE FORD RANGER REVEALED OTHER COMPONENTS USED TO MANUFACTURE METH. DEPUTIES ARRESTED 26 YEAR-OLD HOLLIE DANIELLE MCWILLIAMS AND 38 YEAR-OLD KEITH O-NEAL BUTLER ON PROMOTION OF METH CHARGES. BOTH ARE SCHEDULED FOR GENERAL SESSIONS COURT ON APRIL 18TH. 01 Apr 2011 16:50:10 GMT THE FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM SERVING AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS WILL FOLD IF CONGRESS APPROVES A BILL TO ELIMINATE THE CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE. LEGISLATORS ARE NEGOTIATING A PROPOSAL TO CUT GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND IN ITS CURRENT FORM WILL TERMINATE FUNDING FOR THE SENIOR CORPS FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM, SERVING COMMUNITIES FOR 45 YEARS. FOSTER GRANDPARENTS ASSIST TEACHERS AND FACULTY MEMBERS AND GIVE ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT TO STUDENTS IN CLASSROOMS. GRANDPARENTS RECEIVE A NON-TAXABLE STIPEND OF 2.65 PER HOUR WHICH MANY USE FOR FOOD, RENT, UTILITIES AND GAS TO SUPPLEMENT FIXED RETIREMENT INCOMES. TEACHERS ARE ENCOURAGING PARENTS AND STUDENTS TO CALL OR WRITE CONGRESSMEN AND ASK THAT THE FUNDING FOR THE SENIOR CORPS PROGRAM CONTINUE. HANDWRITTEN LETTERS ARE GIVEN PRIORITY IN CONGRESSIONAL OFFICES BUT ANY CORRESPONDENCE ON THE ISSUE MAY HELP SAVE THE PROGRAM. LETTERS AND CALLS MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE SCHEDULED APRIL 8TH VOTE. 01 Apr 2011 16:50:23 GMT SUMMERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL WAS HONORED WITH SOME AWARDS AT THE RECENT TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT COUNCILS CONVENTION. S-H-S WON THE FOUR STAR AWARD AND THE PLATINUM AWARD FOR THE COUNCIL'S WORK ON A VARIETY OF PROJECTS THIS YEAR. MEMBERS SUBMITTED REPORTS FOR 20 PROJECTS INCLUDING LUNCHEONS FOR SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF, TEACHER APPRECIATION EVENTS AND GRANTING A WISH THRU THE MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION. STUDENTS BLAKE CLARK, JASON HILL, TAYLOR HOLMAN AND JESSICA SMITH WERE CHOSEN FOR THE ASSOCIATION'S ALL-STAR AWARDS. SUMMERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL BRENT LONG WAS ALSO NAMED THE TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT COUNCILS' ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR. 01 Apr 2011 16:50:46 GMT MARTIN METHODIST COLLEGE WILL REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY WITH THEIR UPCOMING ANNUAL SPRING SERVICE DAY. COLLEGE STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF WILL PARTICIPATE IN SPRING SERVICE DAY SATURDAY, APRIL 9TH FROM 9 TO NOON AS PART OF KEEP TENNESSEE BEAUTIFUL'S GREAT AMERICAN CLEAN-UP PROJECT. THREE GROUPS FROM M-M-C WILL WORK AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS ON A VARIETY OF TASKS. ONE GROUP WILL WORK AT THE COLLEGE'S COMMUNITY GARDEN TO MAKE RAISED BEDS AND PLANT VEGETABLES. THE SECOND GROUP WILL DO PARK CLEAN-UP AND PLANT TREES WITH THE PULASKI PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT. THE THIRD WILL ASSIST TEMPLE OF PRAISE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH WITH SPRING CLEANING FOR ELDERLY AND SHUT-IN RESIDENTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SPRING SERVICE DAY, CALL 424-7363. 01 Apr 2011 16:51:10 GMT TENNESSEE COMMISSIONER OF SAFETY BILL GIBBONS WAS IN LAWRENCEBURG THURSDAY TO CONTINUE HIS GOAL TO VISIT ALL OF THE STATE'S DRIVER CENTERS AND HIGHWAY PATROL HEADQUARTERS. GIBBONS EXPLAINED THAT ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED 2011-2012 BUDGET INCLUDES BASELINE CUTS, THE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY WOULD SEE AN OVERALL POINT 4 PERCENT INCREASE FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS FUNDING. THE CUTS WILL INCLUDE ELIMINATION OF 18 JOBS. THE COMMISSIONER DISCUSSED HOW THE NEW BUDGET WILL EFFECT DRIVERS LICENSE CENTERS AND WAIT TIMES. GIBBONS STRESSED THAT DESPITE CUTS TO THE DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET, IT'S AGENCIES WILL CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON PUBLIC SERVICE. 04 Apr 2011 21:37:41 GMT A ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP LED TO A DRUG POSSESSION ARREST BY THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE, TROOPER MICHAEL KILPATRICK PULLED OVER A HONDA CIVIC WITH TEXAS TAGS ON WEDNESDAY FOR FOLLOWING ANOTHER VEHICLE TOO CLOSE ON INTERSTATE 40 IN HICKMAN COUNTY. SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR BY THE DRIVER LED THE TROOPER TO BRING IN A K-9 DRUG DETECTION DOG. AUTHORITIES FOUND TWO LARGE BUNDLES OF MARIJUANA WEIGHING ABOUT 55 POUNDS IN THE HONDA. DRIVER MONIQUE MOORE, 29, OF COVINGTON, GEORGIA WAS ARRESTED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HICKMAN COUNTY JAIL. TROOPER KILPATRICK, THE T-H-P'S LAWRENCEBURG INTERDICTION PLUS TEAM LEADER, WAS ASSISTED BY TROOPER PHILLIP LONG. THE VEHICLE AND DRUGS WERE SEIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW. 04 Apr 2011 21:38:00 GMT MINOR INJURIES WERE REPORTED FROM A THURSDAY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVOLVING A WAYNE COUNTY SCHOOL BUS. WAYNESBORO POLICE INDICATE THAT A PICK-UP TRUCK COLLIDED WITH THE BUS JUST SOUTH OF THE TOWN SQUARE AROUND 3 P-M. STUDENTS WERE ON THE BUS AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH BUT NO INJURIES TO THE CHILDREN WERE REPORTED. THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. 04 Apr 2011 21:39:11 GMT THE LATEST UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES WERE ANNOUNCED THURSDAY AND WHILE THE STATE RATE WAS UP SLIGHTLY, MOST TENNESSEE COUNTIES POSTED A DROP IN JOBLESS NUMBERS FOR FEBRUARY. THE STATE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR FEBRUARY WAS 9 POINT 6 PERCENT, UP FROM 9 POINT 4 IN JANUARY. OVERALL, THE JOBLESS RATE DECREASED IN 57 COUNTIES, INCREASED IN 26 COUNTIES AND STAYED THE SAME IN 12 COUNTIES. LINCOLN COUNTY REGISTERED THE LOWEST RATE AT 6 POINT 6 PERCENT AND SCOTT COUNTY HAD THE HIGHEST AT 22 POINT 7 PERCENT. THE NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR FEBRUARY WAS 8 POINT 9 PERCENT, DOWN ONE TENTH OF A POINT FROM THE PREVIOUS MONTH. 04 Apr 2011 21:39:36 GMT COLUMBIA POLICE HAVE ARRESTED THREE SUSPECTS IN CONNECTION WITH A RECENT SHOOTING DEATH AT OAKVIEW APARTMENTS. A PRESS RELEASE INDICATES THAT ON FRIDAY, DETECTIVES ARRESTED ONE ADULT AND TWO JUVENILES, ALL OF MAURY COUNTY, RELATED TO THE MARCH 27TH HOMICIDE OF 20 YEAR-OLD TIMOTHY WILSON AT THE HAMPSHIRE PIKE APARTMENT COMPLEX. TERRY LEE CHAMBERS, 18, HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF A WEAPON WHILE COMMITTING A FELONY AND ATTEMPTED POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA FOR RESALE. AN UNIDENTIFIED 17 YEAR-OLD IS CHARGED WITH 2ND DEGREE MURDER, USING A WEAPON DURING THE COMMISSION OF A FELONY AND ATTEMPTED POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA FOR RESALE. ANOTHER 17 YEAR-OLD WAS CHARGED WITH RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT AND ATTEMPTED POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA FOR RESALE. AUTHORITIES SAY THAT THE CASE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION AND ADDITIONAL ARRESTS AND CHARGES COULD BE FORTHCOMING. 05 Apr 2011 18:34:50 GMT COLUMBIA'S ANNUAL MULE DAY CELEBRATION TURNED TRAGIC FRIDAY WHEN A MAN DIED AFTER BEING THROWN FROM HIS MULE. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THAT L-F CARTER, 73, OF ATHENS, ALABAMA WAS THROWN FROM HIS MULE AT MAURY COUNTY PARK JUST BEFORE THE PARADE FRIDAY MORNING. CARTER DIDN'T SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY AND CONTINUED TO RIDE FOR A FEW HOURS BEFORE BECOMING ILL. THE VICTIM WAS TAKEN TO MAURY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER WHERE FAMILY MEMBERS SAY DOCTORS DISCOVERED A RUPTURED SPLEEN AMONG OTHER INJURIES. CARTER WAS AIRLIFTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER WHERE HE DIED SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT. 05 Apr 2011 18:35:07 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING INTO SOME RECENT THEFT CASES. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, A FOUR WHEELER WAS STOLEN FROM A WAYNESBORO HIGHWAY RESIDENCE. THE BLUE, YAMAHA A-T-V VALUED AT 15 HUNDRED DOLLARS WAS TAKEN SOMETIME LAST WEEK FROM THE HOME'S BACK YARD. THIEVES TOOK A COMPRESSOR FOR A COMMERCIAL FREEZER FROM BONNERTOWN STORE. THE MANAGER OF THE RABBIT TRAIL ROAD BUSINESS REPORTED THE 400 DOLLAR COMPRESSOR WAS STOLEN SOMETIME LATE THURSDAY OR EARLY FRIDAY. A SANDERS STREET PROPERTY OWNER TOLD DEPUTIES THAT SOMEONE HAD TAKEN COPPER WIRE AND DAMAGED THE CEILING IN HER RENTAL HOUSE. LOSS AND DAMAGES TOTALED 500 DOLLARS. 05 Apr 2011 18:35:28 GMT LAWRENCEBURG'S DURA AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING FACILITY HAS BEEN HONORED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE MICHIGAN BASED AUTO MAKER ANNOUNCED LAST WEEK THAT DURA WAS NAMED A RECIPIENT OF THE WORLD EXCELLENCE SILVER AWARD. THE HONOR RECOGNIZES SELECT FORD SUPPLIERS DEMONSTRATING THE HIGHEST QUALITY, TECHNOLOGY, COST AND DELIVERY STANDARDS. A TOTAL OF 26 SILVER AWARDS WERE PRESENTED TO WORLD-WIDE SUPPLIERS DURING A CEREMONY WEDNESDAY IN MICHIGAN. 05 Apr 2011 18:35:46 GMT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE WILL OFFER AN ONLINE MEDICAL CODING CLASS BEGINNING THIS MONTH THRU THE SCHOOL'S CENTER FOR ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. THE NON-CREDIT COURSE BEGINS FRIDAY, APRIL 22ND AND CONSISTS OF A TOTAL OF 950 HOURS OF STUDY. MEDICAL CODERS ARE SKILLED PROFESSIONALS IN CLASSIFYING MEDICAL DATA FROM PATIENT RECORDS ASSIGNING NUMERIC CODES FOR EACH DIAGNOSIS AND PROCEDURE. TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 540-2660 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE COLUMBIASTATE.EDU. 05 Apr 2011 18:36:20 GMT SEVERE STORMS LEFT DAMAGE TO PARTS OF LAWRENCE AND GILES COUNTIES MONDAY. HIGH WINDS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR DOWNING 6 POWER POLES ON RABBIT TAIL ROAD IN THE CENTER POINT COMMUNITY AROUND 3 P.M. RESIDENTS WERE WITHOUT POWER WHILE CREWS FROM THE LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEM WORKED TO RESTORE ELECTRICAL SERVICE. TRAFFIC ON THE ROADWAY WAS REROUTED WHILE REPAIRS WERE BEING PERFORMED. SEVERAL TREES WERE LOST IN BOTH COUNTIES. GILES COUNTY AUTHORITIES REPORTED THE STORMS SNAPPED POWER POLES LEAVING SEVERAL PULASKI ELECTRIC SYSTEM CUSTOMERS IN THE DARK FOR A SHORT TIME. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED IN EITHER COUNTY. 05 Apr 2011 18:36:44 GMT A LAUDERDALE COUNTY JUDGE DELIVERED A DEATH SENTENCE MONDAY FOR THE MAN CONVICTED OF KILLING A PACKAGE STORE EMPLOYEE IN 2005. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS THAT CIRCUIT JUDGE MIKE JONES SENTENCED 26 YEAR-OLD DAVID DEWAYNE RILEY JUNIOR TO DEATH BY LETHAL INJECTION FOR THE JANUARY 2005 MURDER OF 38 YEAR-OLD SCOTT MICHAEL KIRTLEY AT DANDY'S PACKAGE STORE. MONDAY MARKED THE SECOND TIME RILEY WAS SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR SHOOTING KIRTLEY MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE HEAD DURING A ROBBERY AT THE FLORENCE BOULEVARD STORE. A JANUARY 2007 CONVICTION WAS OVERTURNED BY THE COURT OF APPEALS ON A TECHNICALITY. THE JURY DELIBERATED JUST 15 MINUTES ON MARCH 11TH BEFORE RECOMMENDING THE JUDGE SENTENCE RILEY TO DEATH FOR HIS CRIME. HE WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO DEATH ROW AT HOLMAN CORRECTIONAL FACILITY SOMETIME LATER THIS WEEK. 06 Apr 2011 21:39:52 GMT STORMS TOOK A TOLL ON SOME MAURY COUNTY SCHOOLS. J-E WOODARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE DURING MONDAY'S SEVERE WEATHER. A LARGE PORTION OF THE BUILDING'S ROOF WAS TORN OFF AND DAMAGE WAS REPORTED TO SOME CLASSROOMS. STUDENTS HAD ALREADY TAKEN COVER IN ANOTHER PART OF THE BUILDING WHEN THE DAMAGE OCCURRED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. CLASSES WERE CANCELLED AT THE SCHOOL FOR TUESDAY FOR CLEAN-UP AND REPAIRS. THE DUG OUT ON THE BASEBALL FIELD AT SPRING HILL SCHOOL WAS DESTROYED BUT NO DAMAGE WAS REPORTED TO THE MAIN BUILDING. 06 Apr 2011 21:40:03 GMT GILES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MET IN SPECIAL SESSION MONDAY AUTHORIZING GENERAL OUTLAY OBLIGATION BONDS FOR SEWER LINE EXTENSIONS. THE 2 MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT WILL EXTEND SEWER LINES TO INTERSTATE 65, EXIT 14 IN FRANKEWING. THE PROJECT WILL HELP TO SECURE FUTURE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE COMMUNITY. 06 Apr 2011 21:40:27 GMT A NEW PROGRAM COMING TO COLUMBIA STATE WILL HELP ADULT STUDENTS ACHIEVE A DEGREE WHILE BALANCING WORK, FAMILY AND OTHER COMMITTMENTS. COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE WILL LAUNCH CORE, AN EVENING COHORT PROGRAM, FOR THE FALL 2011 SEMESTER. THE CORE COHORT PROGRAM WILL FOLLOW A SEQUENCE OF COURSES DESIGNED TO OFFER SMALL CLASS SIZES, ASSURED SEATS IN EVENING CLASSES, STUDY SUPPORT AND MORE TO INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF COMPLETING A DEGREE. THE PROGRAM IS TARGETED TO ADULT STUDENTS AGES 23 OR OLDER BUT OTHERS HAVE THE OPTION TO COMMIT TO THE 24 MONTH PROGRAM. FREE INFORMATION SESSIONS ABOUT THE NEW PROGRAM WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 19TH AND THURSDAY, MAY 5TH AT 6 P-M IN ROOM 237 OF THE WARF BUILDING ON THE COLUMBIA CAMPUS. TO PRE-REGISTER FOR THE INFO SESSIONS, VISIT THE WEBSITE COLUMBIASTATE.EDU/CORE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM, CALL 540-2862. 06 Apr 2011 21:40:54 GMT THREE MEN WERE INJURED IN AN EARLY MORNING (WEDNESDAY) TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN MOUNT PLEASANT. FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS INDICATED THE DRIVER OF A SOUTHBOUND FORD EXPLORER DROVE OFF HIGHWAY 43 JUST BEFORE A BRIDGE NEAR CANAAN ROAD. THE VEHICLE CAME TO REST UNDER THE BRIDGE, IN THE CREEK, TRAPPING THE TRIO INSIDE THE S-U-V. ONE VICTIM WAS CONSCIOUS AND USED A CELL PHONE TO CALL FOR HELP. TWO OF THE OCCUPANTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO MAURY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT WHILE THE THIRD WAS AIRLIFTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER. THE MOUNT PLEASANT POLICE DEPARTMENT IS INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. 07 Apr 2011 19:55:21 GMT BURGLARS TARGETED HOMES IN NORTHERN LAWRENCE COUNTY THIS WEEK. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, SOMEONE BROKE INTO A HOME ON JUNIOR STAGGS ROAD ON TUESDAY. A LOCK ON THE FRONT DOOR HAD BEEN PRIED OPEN AND TWO SHOTGUNS AND A RIFLE WERE STOLEN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 37 HUNDRED DOLLARS. A BREAK-IN WAS ALSO REPORTED AT A HOME ON EAST BIG SPRINGS ROAD. THIEVES ENTERED THE RESIDENCE SOMETIME LATE SUNDAY OR EARLY MONDAY. THERE WERE PRY MARKS ON THE FRONT DOOR, A WINDOW WAS BROKEN OUT AND CASH WAS REPORTED MISSING. DAMAGES AND LOSS TOTALED 700 DOLLARS. 07 Apr 2011 19:55:40 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WILL HOST AN INFORMATION SESSION FOR STUDENTS ENTERING THE 9TH GRADE THIS FALL. THE 9TH GRADE TRANSITION SESSION FOR 8TH GRADERS AND PARENTS WILL BE HELD THURSDAY (THIS) EVENING AT 6 IN THE CAFETERIA. THE EVENT WILL COVER ACADEMIC GUIDELINES, GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR INCOMING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. L-C-H-S 9TH GRADE REGISTRATION FOR THE 2011-2012 ACADEMIC YEAR WILL BE HELD AT E-O COFFMAN, ETHRIDGE AND NEW PROSPECT SCHOOLS IN THE COMING WEEKS. 07 Apr 2011 19:56:09 GMT THE DATE FOR THE LAWRENCE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S ANNUAL CAREER WOMEN'S LUNCHEON IS QUICKLY APPROACHING. THE EVENT WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27TH AT 11:30 AT DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK RESTAURANT. R-S-V-P IS REQUIRED BY THURSDAY, APRIL 21ST. CALL 762-4911 FOR MORE INFORMATION. 07 Apr 2011 19:56:28 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD WILL MEET THIS WEEK. AN AGENDA MEETING WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT 5:30 WITH A POLICY MEETING TO FOLLOW. THE SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE CENTRAL OFFICE ON MAHR AVENUE IN LAWRENCEBURG. 07 Apr 2011 19:56:47 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY GRAND JURY HAS INDICTED A LAWRENCEBURG MAN ON VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CHARGES. 23 YEAR-OLD TERRY MICHAEL GIBSON WAS THE DRIVER DURING A NOVEMBER 2010 CAR ACCIDENT ON FALL RIVER ROAD THAT CLAIMED THE LIVES OF DEVON PRINCE, 15, OF LAWRENCEBURG AND MISTY MCWHORTER, 17, OF LEOMA. PASSENGERS SARAH BURKS, 21, AND 15 YEAR-OLD BLAKE CLEM WERE ALSO INJURED IN THE CRASH. INVESTIGATORS ALLEGE THAT THE DRIVER WAS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. GIBSON IS CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS OF VEHICULAR HOMICIDE AND TWO COUNTS OF VEHICULAR ASSAULT AND IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN CIRCUIT COURT MAY 2ND. 08 Apr 2011 21:27:16 GMT THE 10TH ANNUAL TENNESSEE GOVERNOR'S ONE-SHOT TURKEY HUNT AND RELATED FESTIVITIES WILL BE HELD THIS WEEKEND IN GILES COUNTY. THE CELEBRATION INCLUDES THE GOBBLER'S GALA WITH ARTS AND CRAFTS ON THE PULASKI SQUARE, A 5-K RUN AND A BANQUET AND CONCERT FEATURING COUNTRY STARS CRAIG MORGAN, ANDY GRIGGS, JEFF BATES AND OTHERS. A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE TENNESSEE WILDLIFE RESOURCES FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 931-638-9478 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE TWRF.NET. 08 Apr 2011 21:27:30 GMT A WELL KNOWN RAP ARTIST HAS LANDED IN THE MARSHALL COUNTY JAIL. WEBSTER GRADNEY JUNIOR - KNOWN AS RAPPER LIL WEBBIE - 25, OF BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA WAS ARRESTED MONDAY DURING A TRAFFIC STOP ON INTERSTATE 65. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS STOPPED FOR SPEEDING JUST BEFORE 10 A-M NEAR THE 32ND MILE MARKER. TROOPER WAYNE DUNKLEMAN OBSERVED GRADNEY, A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE, THROWING A BAG OF MARIJUANA OUT OF THE WINDOW. TROOPERS SEARCHED THE NISSAN AND NETTED OVER 14 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASH, TWO OUNCES OF MARIJUANA AND A LOADED FIREARM. GRADNEY WAS BOOKED INTO THE MARSHALL COUNTY JAIL ON DRUG RELATED CHARGES AND FOR TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE. THE DRIVER, DERRIC WATSON, 34, OF LOUISIANA WAS ARRESTED FOR DRIVING ON A SUSPENDED LICENSE. PASSENGER MICHAEL ABBOTT, 22, OF LOUISIANA WAS CHARGED WITH THE INTENT TO GO ARMED. A 4TH OCCUPANT, TYRONE TERRIO, 34, ALSO OF LOUISIANA WAS CHARGED WITH MARIJUANA POSSESSION. AUTHORITIES SEIZED THE DRUGS AND MONEY ACCORDING TO STATE LAW. 08 Apr 2011 21:27:51 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG CHURCH WAS BURGLARIZED THIS WEEK. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE PASTOR OF VICTORY BAPTIST CHURCH REPORTED THAT A BREAK-IN AT THE HIGHWAY 43 SOUTH BUILDING HAD HAPPENED LATE TUESDAY OR EARLY WEDNESDAY. ENTRY WAS MADE BY PRYING OPEN A BASEMENT DOOR AND CHANGE, A GUITAR AND A VARIETY OF AUDIO EQUIPMENT WAS STOLEN. DOOR HASPS ON SOME OUTBUILDINGS WERE ALSO PRIED OPEN. LOSS AND DAMAGES TOTALED MORE THAN 18 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 08 Apr 2011 21:28:17 GMT THIEVES TARGETED SOME OUTBUILDINGS AT THE LORETTO AMERICAN LEGION OVERNIGHT WEDNESDAY. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THREE STORAGE BUILDINGS WERE BROKEN INTO ON THE HIGHWAY 43 SOUTH PROPERTY. ITEMS MISSING INCLUDED FOOD AND CLOTHING VALUED AT 11 HUNDRED DOLLARS. THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF ITEMS WERE STOLEN FROM A SUMMERTOWN PROPERTY. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT THE OWNER OF THE COOK ROAD PROPERTY NOTICED SOME ITEMS WERE MISSING ON TUESDAY. A TABLE AND CHAIRS, TOOL BOX, MOWER DECK, WIRE AND VARIOUS METAL ITEMS WERE TAKEN. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 2 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 08 Apr 2011 21:28:39 GMT LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE A FEW ITEMS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT REGULAR SESSION MEETING. A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION TO USE A PORTION OF THE CITY'S DOG POUND PROPERTY FOR USE AS A TRAP SHOOTING RANGE WILL BE DISCUSSED. COUNCILMEN WILL ALSO CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOR THE OLD JAIL MUSEUM. A BUDGET AMENDMENT ORDINANCE IS UP FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT 8:30 AT THE CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. 11 Apr 2011 19:10:14 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY GRAND JURY HAS INDICTED A LEOMA MAN ON VEHICULAR ASSAULT CHARGES. 21 YEAR-OLD STEPHEN EARL "TRIPP" WILLIAMS THE THIRD WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY BY THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT THURSDAY FOR CHARGES STEMMING FROM A DECEMBER 2010 INCIDENT. INVESTIGATORS RECEIVED INFORMATION ABOUT A DECEMBER 20TH ACCIDENT THAT RESULTED IN ONE PERSON BEING RUN OVER BY A VEHICLE AND SUFFERING SERIOUS INJURIES. WILLIAMS IS CHARGED WITH VEHICULAR ASSAULT, RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT, LEAVING THE SCENE AND FAILURE TO RENDER AID AFTER AN ACCIDENT. HE IS SCHEDULED TO BE IN CIRCUIT COURT MAY 2ND. 11 Apr 2011 19:10:29 GMT THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WILL SOON CONDUCT A STUDY TO DETERMINE IF A NEW EXIT COULD EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON INTERSTATE 65 IN SPRING HILL. CHANNEL 4 NEWS REPORTS THAT STATE OFFICIALS WILL CONSIDER IF A NEW INTERSTATE INTERCHANGE WOULD BE BEST SERVED AT THOMPSON STATION ROAD OR FURTHER SOUTH AT DUPLEX ROAD. BOTH ROADWAYS CURRENTLY CROSS I-65 BUT DO NOT HAVE INTERSTATE ACCESS. THE STATE HAS PLANNED TO ADD AN INTERCHANGE IN THE AREA BY THE YEAR 2035. THE PROJECT IS UNRELATED TO THE PROPOSED "FESTIVAL TENNESSEE" THEME PARK THAT IS SET TO BE CONSTRUCTED BY NEXT YEAR. SPRING HILL AND WILLIAMSON COUNTY LEADERS APPROVED A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CONTRIBUTE 60 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO THE STUDY. THE PROJECT WOULD COST AN ESTIMATED 6 POINT 5 MILLION DOLLARS. 11 Apr 2011 19:11:56 GMT AUDITIONS OPENING SOON FOR “GENTLEMAN FROM THE CANE” AUDITIONS FOR LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY THEATRE'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF "GENTLEMAN FROM THE CANE" WILL BE HELD LATER THIS MONTH. A NUMBER OF ROLES FOR ADULTS, YOUNG ADULTS AND CHILDREN ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE MUSICAL WITH AUDITIONS SET FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 23RD FROM 3 TO 6 AND MONDAY, APRIL 25TH AT 6 AT THE CROCKETT THEATER. THE CAST WILL BE LIMITED TO 12 MEN, 7 TO 10 WOMEN, 8 MALE AND 8 FEMALE YOUNG ADULTS AND 5 CHILDREN. MOST ROLES WILL INCLUDE CHORAL OR SOLO SINGING. AUDITION MUSIC IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY THEATER DOT ORG. THIS PRODUCTION OF THE HISTORICAL TALE OF DAVY CROCKETT'S DAYS IN LAWRENCE COUNTY WILL INCLUDE MORE EXTENSIVE SETS AND NEW ARRANGEMENTS OF SOME OF THE MUSICAL NUMBERS WITH PREVIOUS CAST MEMBERS ENCOURAGED TO AUDITION FOR DIFFERENT PARTS. REHEARSALS WILL BE HELD IN MAY AND JUNE WITH PERFORMANCES SCHEDULED FOR JULY 7TH THRU 9TH, 15TH AND 16TH AND 22ND AND 23RD AT THE CROCKETT THEATER. 11 Apr 2011 19:13:45 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG COUPLE HAS BEEN ARRESTED ON CHILD NEGLECT AND DRUG CHARGES. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, DEPUTIES WERE CALLED TO A HOME ON RED HILL CENTER ROAD ON WEDNESDAY TO CHECK ON THE WELFARE OF TWO SMALL CHILDREN LIVING WITH THEIR PARENTS AT THE RESIDENCE. UPON ARRIVAL, AUTHORITIES ALLEDGE THAT THE PARENTS WERE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND THE HOME WAS DIRTY AND HAD LARGE HOLES IN THE FLOOR, BIG ENOUGH FOR THE CHILDREN TO FALL THRU. INVESTIGATORS ALSO FOUND ILLEGAL PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND MARIJANA IN THE HOME. 29 YEAR-OLD TIMOTHY MARK LOYD AND 25 YEAR-OLD ANITA KAYE LOYD WERE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOR AGGRAVATED CHILD NEGLECT AND DRUG POSSESSION. THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES TOOK THE 4 AND 5 YEAR-OLD CHILDREN INTO CUSTODY. THE LOYD'S ARE IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL ON 21 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND AND ARE SCHEDULED FOR GENERAL SESSIONS COURT APRIL 18TH. 12 Apr 2011 18:46:43 GMT A BURGLAR APPARENTLY SEALED HIS FATE WHEN HE RETURNED TO THE SCENE OF HIS CRIMES FOR THE THIRD TIME IN A DAY. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT A LORETTO RESIDENT CALLED AUTHORITIES SATURDAY AFTER DISCOVERING SOMEONE HAD STOLEN A VARIETY OF ITEMS FROM HIS GLENDALE ROAD PROPERTY. DEPUTIES TOOK A REPORT JUST AFTER 4 P-M OF AN EXERCISE BIKE, GRILL, SWING CANOPY, BATTERY CHARGERS AND OTHER ITEMS VALUED AT AROUND 700 DOLLARS STOLEN FROM AN OUTBUILDING. JUST BEFORE 8 P-M, ANOTHER BURGLARY WAS REPORTED AT THE SAME ADDRESS WITH TOOLS AND A LAWN MOWER TRAILER STOLEN FROM A SHED. INVESTIGATORS DECIDED TO WATCH THE PROPERTY FROM A NEARBY FIELD WHERE THEY DISCOVERED THE MISSING TRAILER HAD BEEN STASHED. AROUND 1 A-M, A PICK-UP TRUCK DROVE BY THE PROPERTY MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEN A MAN GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK AND ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE TRAILER. AUTHORITIES PURSUED THE SUSPECT BY CAR AND ON FOOT AND THEY APPREHENDED MARK WILLIAM LUCE, 30, OF SAINT JOSEPH. LUCE IS CHARGED WITH BURGLARY, THEFT OVER 500 DOLLARS, EVADING ARREST AND DRUG POSSESSION AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT MAY 9TH. 12 Apr 2011 18:47:16 GMT A CHANGE MACHINE HAS BEEN STOLEN FROM A LAWRENCEBURG BUSINESS. CITY POLICE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE ENTIRE COIN MACHINE AND ITS CONTENTS WERE TAKEN SOMETIME LATE SATURDAY OR EARLY SUNDAY AT THE WISHY WASHY ON HICKS STREET. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS. 12 Apr 2011 18:48:10 GMT A SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAS DRIVE OFF COST A WAYNESBORO HIGHWAY STORE MORE THAN A HUNDRED DOLLARS. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, AN EMPLOYEE OF SELF'S MARKET CALLED AUTHORITIES AFTER A TRUCK FILLED UP WITH 103 DOLLARS IN GAS AND DROVE AWAY WITHOUT PAYING. A SECURITY TAPE SHOWED THE SUSPECT'S VEHICLE TO BE A DODGE PICK-UP AND INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO THE CASE. 12 Apr 2011 18:48:22 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM WILL HAVE REGISTRATION FOR THE 2011-2012 PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS NEXT WEEK. PARENTS MAY REGISTER STUDENTS THURSDAY, APRIL 21ST FROM 2 TO 5 AT PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS. STATE LAW REQUIRES ALL CHILDREN TO MEET IMMUNIZATION AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS BEFORE ENROLLING IN SCHOOL. PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS MUST HAVE UP TO DATE IMMUNIZATION RECORDS AND A HEALTH EXAM DATED NO EARLIER THAT FEBRUARY 1ST, 2011 TO BEGIN SCHOOL IN AUGUST. FOR QUESTIONS OR ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, CALL THE SCHOOL OR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HEALTH COORDINATOR AT 762-0409. 12 Apr 2011 18:50:06 GMT PLANS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR THIS YEAR'S LAWRENCE COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE FOR THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. EVENTS WILL BE HELD SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MAY 21ST AND 22ND AT ROTARY PARK. ON MAY 21ST AT 5 P-M, A RECEPTION WILL BE HELD TO HONOR CANCER SURVIVORS WITH ENTERTAINMENT AND FOOD FROM RELAY TEAM BOOTHS. OPENING CEREMONIES WILL BEGIN AT 6 WITH THE CANCER SURVIVORS MAKING THE OPENING LAP AROUND THE TRACK. TEAMS REPRESENTING LOCAL BUSINESSES, CHURCHES, FAMILIES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS WILL ALSO PARADE AROUND THE TRACK TO CELEBRATE THE FUND RAISING EFFORTS FOR THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. THE LUMINARIA CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 9 P-M TO HONOR SURVIVORS AND REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE LOST THE BATTLE AGAINST CANCER. THE LUMINARIA WILL LINE THE TRACK AND BURN THRU THE NIGHT. LUMINARIA ARE AVAILABLE BY DONATION FROM ANY RELAY TEAM OR CALL 829-4000. SEVERAL ENTERTAINERS HAVE ALSO BEEN SCHEDULED TO PERFORM THRU-OUT THE EVENING. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RELAY FOR LIFE LAWRENCE COUNTY EVENT, CALL 629-2882 OR 242-7032. 13 Apr 2011 21:11:50 GMT A NEW TOURISM WELCOME CENTER OPENED RECENTLY IN GILES COUNTY. THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HOSTED THE GRAND OPENING OF THE INTERSTATE 65 ARDMORE WELCOME CENTER. THE NEARLY 5 THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT FACILITY HAS A LOG CABIN DESIGN AND OFFERS VISITORS ENTERING THE STATE ON I-65 AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN TENNESSEE. STATE OFFICIALS WERE JOINED BY GILES COUNTY EXECUTIVE JANET VANZANDT, ARDMORE MAYOR TIM MCCONNELL AND REPRESENTATIVE EDDIE BASS AT THE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY. 13 Apr 2011 21:12:38 GMT A DAYTIME BREAK-IN AT A SAINT JOE RESIDENCE WAS REPORTED ON MONDAY. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE VICTIM RETURNED TO HER SOUTH OLD MILITARY ROAD HOME AROUND 3:30 TO FIND THE DEAD BOLT REMOVED FROM A BACK DOOR AND SEVERAL PIECES OF JEWELRY, OLD COINS AND A JACKET HAD BEEN STOLEN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 31 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 13 Apr 2011 21:13:42 GMT STUDENTS FROM LORETTO AND LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS MADE A SUCCESSFUL SHOWING AT THIS YEAR'S VIRTUAL ENTERPRISE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR IN NEW YORK CITY. AROUND 145 VIRTUAL ENTERPRISE FIRMS FROM SCHOOLS IN THE U-S, BELGIUM, SWEDEN, WALES, GERMANY, AUSTRIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES COMPETED IN THE AREAS OF BOOTH DESIGN, SALESMANSHIP AND WEBSITE AND CATALOG DESIGN. THE L-H-S FIRM "THE ANIMAL KINGDOM" MADE IT TO THE SEMI-FINALS FOR BOTH THE WEBSITE DESIGN AND CATALOG DESIGN COMPETITIONS. THE L-C-H-S FIRM "STUBWAY" PLACED IN THE TOP 20 IN THE SALESMANSHIP COMPETITION. MORE THAN 2600 STUDENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ATTENDED THE ANNUAL TRADE FAIR. 13 Apr 2011 21:14:03 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM WILL HOST A DISTRICT PARENT INVOLVEMENT MEETING NEXT WEEK. THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING WILL BE TO EXPLAIN THE PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES AND CURRICULUM OFFERED BY THE SCHOOL SYSTEM AND TO ESTABLISH A PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL TO PROVIDE INPUT INTO THE DISTRICT'S IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICIES. ALL PARENTS OF CHILDREN ENROLLED IN LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOLS IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 19TH AT 6:30 AT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICE AT 700 MAHR AVENUE IN LAWRENCEBURG. 13 Apr 2011 21:14:26 GMT A CHALLENGE OF THE RESULTS OF THE AUGUST 2010 LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S RACE CONTINUES AT THE STATE CAPITOL THIS WEEK. THE TENNESSEE COURT OF APPEALS WILL HEAR THE CASE INVOLVING FORMER SHERIFF KENNY TAYLOR'S BID FOR A NEW ELECTION DUE TO AN UNQUALIFIED CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATION IN THE RACE. INCUMBENT TAYLOR LOST THE ELECTION BY 118 VOTES TO CURRENT SHERIFF JIMMY BROWN IN THE AUGUST 5TH GENERAL ELECTION. SHERIFF'S CANDIDATE MIKE RISNER CAME IN THIRD IN A FIELD OF FIVE BUT WAS LATER DETERMINED TO HAVE BEEN UNQUALIFIED TO RUN FOR LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF AS HE LIVES IN GILES COUNTY. BROWN GARNERED 3,516 TOTAL VOTES, TAYLOR 3,398, AND RISNER 2,497. TAYLOR FILED SUIT IN CIRCUIT COURT TO HAVE THE RESULTS OVERTURNED. ON OCTOBER 8TH, JUDGE ROBERT HOLLOWAY RULED NOT TO VOID THE COMPLETE ELECTION RESULTS BUT TO VOID ONLY THE VOTES CAST FOR RISNER. THE JUDGE DEEMED THAT EVEN THOUGH THE ELECTION COMMISSION FOLLOWED CURRENT RULES TO PUT A CANDIDATE ON THE BALLOT, RISNER SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO RUN IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. HOLLOWAY'S DECISION MEANT THAT THE OTHER CANDIDATES' VOTE TOTALS WOULD STAND AS THE LEGAL ELECTION RESULTS THEREBY GIVING BROWN THE WIN. TAYLOR'S LEGAL COUNSEL, COLUMBIA ATTORNEY RUSS PARKES, HAS APPEALED THE CIRCUIT COURT RULING AND IS SCHEDULED TO ARGUE FOR A NEW ELECTION IN APPEALLATE COURT THURSDAY (TODAY) AT 9 A-M IN NASHVILLE. 14 Apr 2011 18:35:26 GMT AN EXERCISE TO EVALUATE RESPONSE TO A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY WILL BE HELD THIS WEEK. THE SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL OFFICE OF THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL CONDUCT THE MOCK EMERGENCY ON THURSDAY (TODAY). THE EXERCISE WILL INVOLVE THE RESPONSE OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND OTHER ENTITIES IN THE EVENT OF A CHEMICAL NERVE AGENT INCIDENT. SOUTHERN MIDDLE TENNESSEE AREAS PARTICIPATING IN THE EMERGENCY DRILL WILL INCLUDE GILES, HICKMAN, LAWRENCE, LEWIS, MAURY, PERRY AND WAYNE COUNTIES. STATE AND REGIONAL AGENCIES PLANNING TO TAKE PART IN THE EXERCISE INCLUDE THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, THE DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH AND HOMELAND SECURITY AND THE TENNESSEE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY. 14 Apr 2011 18:35:58 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY FARMER'S MARKET WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS THIS SATURDAY. SEASONAL VEGETABLES, BEDDING PLANTS AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS WILL BE AVAILABLE. THIS YEAR, THE MARKET WILL OPERATE ON A DIFFERENT SCHEDULE AND UNDER SOME NEW RULES OF OPERATION THAT STRESS VENDORS SELL ONLY LOCAL, HOMEGROWN PRODUCE. THE FARMER'S MARKET BUSINESS HOURS FOR 2011 WILL BE TUESDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM 6 A-M UNTIL NOON AND THURSDAY FROM 3 TO 6 P-M. 14 Apr 2011 18:36:31 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD HAS SOME MEETINGS ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK. THE APRIL REGULAR SESSION WILL BE HELD THURSDAY (TODAY) AT 5:30 FOLLOWED BY A BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING. BOTH MEETINGS WILL BE HELD AT THE CENTRAL OFFICE ON MAHR AVENUE IN LAWRENCEBURG. 14 Apr 2011 18:36:55 GMT REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY FOR A BENEFIT 5-K RUN. THE STUDENT NURSES ORGANIZATION AT MARTIN METHODIST COLLEGE WILL HOST THE ROWDY 5-K RUN/WALK SATURDAY AT 9 A-M ON THE PULASKI CAMPUS. THE FEE IS 25 DOLLARS FOR ADULTS AND 15 DOLLARS FOR STUDENTS. PROCEEDS FROM THE EVENT WILL HELP FUND TWO NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 424-7372. 14 Apr 2011 18:37:15 GMT AN EARLY MORNING TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SENT ONE TO THE HOSPITAL. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, A SOUTHBOUND FORD F-150 CROSSED OVER HIGHWAY 43 AND STRUCK A NORTHBOUND NISSAN FRONTIER AROUND 6 A-M THURSDAY JUST SOUTH OF THE LAMBS FERRY ROAD INTERSECTION. THE DRIVER OF THE FORD WAS AIRLIFTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT WHILE THE DRIVER OF THE NISSAN WAS TREATED FOR MINOR INJURIES AT THE SCENE. THE ACCIDENT WAS INVESTIGATED BY TROOPERS STEVEN ELLIS AND BRANDON DIXON. 15 Apr 2011 20:54:56 GMT A LORETTO COUPLE IS BEHIND BARS ON A NUMBER OF CHARGES. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, DEPUTIES WERE SERVING SEARCH WARRANTS TUESDAY AT A STATE LINE ROAD RESIDENCE WHEN A HOST OF ITEMS REPORTED STOLEN FROM A SAINT JOSEPH HOME WERE RECOVERED. AUTHORITIES ALSO FOUND COMPONENTS OF A METH LAB IN THE HOUSE. BRITTANY L. DUCHARME, 19, WAS ARRESTED ON THEFT, AGGRAVATED BURGLARY, VANDALISM AND DRUG CHARGES. ON WEDNESDAY, DEPUTIES RETURNED TO THE PROPERTY AND APPREHENDED 39 YEAR-OLD WILLIAM THOMAS CLAY FOR AN EXISTING EVADING ARREST WARRANT ALONG WITH THEFT, VANDALISM AND OTHER CHARGES. BOTH ARE DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT IN MAY. 15 Apr 2011 20:55:07 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY MORNING. THE BOARD APPROVED A BUDGET AMENDMENT ON SECOND AND FINAL READING. THE AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S GENERAL FUND BALANCE PROVIDES FOR TWO EXPENDITURES TOTALING 60 THOUSAND, 518 DOLLARS. AROUND 59 THOUSAND WILL GO TO THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING FUND WITH THE BALANCE TO COVER EXPENSES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S DOG CONTROL EFFORTS. IN OTHER BUSINESS, BOARD MEMBER JAMIE SEVIER ASKED THAT THE COUNCIL LOOK INTO CITY CODES AND OTHER MEASURES TO KEEP RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL AREAS OF THE CITY CLEAN. COUNCILMAN JERRY MOORE REQUESTED THE BOARD BE BRIEFED ABOUT FINANCIAL AND OTHER ISSUES AT LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS TO ALLOW CITY LEADERS TO PROVIDE PROGRESS UPDATES TO THE PUBLIC. COUNCIL MEMBERS ALSO DISCUSSED BEGINNING THE PROCESS OF LAYING OUT THE BUDGET FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR. BUDGET WORK SESSIONS WILL BEGIN AS EARLY AS NEXT WEEK. 15 Apr 2011 20:55:29 GMT NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON A COUPLE OF LEASE AGREEMENT RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA FOR THURSDAY'S LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MEETING. THE BOARD VOTED TO TABLE A MEASURE THAT WOULD HAVE THE CITY ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION TO USE A PORTION OF THE DOG POUND PROPERTY AS A TRAP SHOOTING RANGE FOR THE LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL TRAP TEAM. A VOTE ON THE YEAR-BY-YEAR LEASE WAS TABLED AFTER A NEIGHBOR ASKED THE COUNCIL TO DENY THE SCHOOL BOARD THE LEASE. GREG JOHNSTON, OWNER OF A HORSE FARM NEAR THE POUND'S HILL DRIVE PROPERTY, REQUESTED THE TRAP TEAM FIND AN ALTERNATE SITE AS THE SOUND OF GUN FIRE UPSETS HIS STOCK. THE SITE HAS BEEN USED BY AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AS A SHOOTING RANGE. THE COUNCIL ALSO DEFERRED ACTION ON A 25 YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOR THE OLD JAIL MUSEUM PROPERTY. QUESTIONS WERE RAISED ABOUT THE COST FOR GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE ON THE MUSEUM AND IT'S CONTENTS AS THE CITY WOULD BE REQUIRED TO CARRY BY THE TERMS OF THE LEASE. PRICE ESTIMATES FOR A LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE BOARD BEFORE MOVING FORWARD WITH THE MEASURE. 15 Apr 2011 20:55:57 GMT THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL WILL HOST CAR-FIT, A SENIOR SAFE DRIVING PROGRAM, NEXT WEEK IN LAWRENCEBURG. CAR-FIT IS A FREE, ONE-ON-ONE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM DESIGNED TO IMPROVE ELDER DRIVERS' SAFETY BY ENSURING PROPER AND COMFORTABLE RESTRAINT IN MOTOR VEHICLES. STUDIES INDICATE THAT WHILE SENIOR DRIVERS ARE LESS LIKELY TO SPEED OR DRIVE WHILE INTOXICATED, THEY ARE MORE LIKELY NOT TO WEAR SEAT BELTS. THE PROGRAM TAKES ABOUT 20 MINUTES TO COMPLETE AND WILL BE OFFERED MONDAY FROM 1:30 TO 3:30 AT ROTARY PARK. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY CALLING 762-4231. 15 Apr 2011 20:56:19 GMT A PULASKI MAN HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH FELONY VANDALISM FOR USING A SLEDGE HAMMER ON A PATROL CAR. ACCORDING TO A GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE, DEPUTIES ASSIGNED TO COURTHOUSE SECURITY ARRESTED 38 YEAR-OLD JOSEPH EARL MEDLEY. MEDLEY ALLEGEDLY TOOK A SLEDGE HAMMER AND BEAT THE HEADLIGHTS OUT OF SERGEANT WAYNE GRAVES MARKED PATROL CAR ON MONDAY. THE SUSPECT SAID THAT GRAVES WASN'T HELPFUL CONCERNING A SITUATION WITH MEDLEY'S CHILDREN. HE WAS BOOKED AND LATER RELEASED ON 35 HUNDRED DOLLARS BOND. 17 Apr 2011 15:17:23 GMT A PULASKI MAN WAS ARRESTED WEDNESDAY ON SEVERAL STALKING AND HARASSMENT CHARGES. A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATES THAT INVESTIGATORS HAD BEEN LOOKING INTO COMPLAINTS FROM SEVERAL AREA RESIDENTS ABOUT HARASSING PHONE CALLS. THE CALLS WERE TRACED TO 57 YEAR-OLD RONALD EARL COOK JUNIOR AND AUTHORITIES BEGAN NIGHTTIME SURVEILLANCE OF THE VICTIMS' HOMES ALONG HIGHWAY 31. COOK WAS ARRESTED WHILE STALKING AND WINDOW PEEPING AT ONE OF THE ADDRESSES BEING WATCHED. WITH EVIDENCE GATHERED THRU-OUT THE INVESTIGATION, THE SUSPECT HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH 14 COUNTS OF OBSERVATION WITHOUT PERMISSION, 3 COUNTS OF STALKING, ALONG WITH MULTIPLE CRIMINAL TRESPASSING, PHONE HARASSMENT AND THEFT CHARGES. COOK IS IN THE GILES COUNTY JAIL ON 21 THOUSAND 5 HUNDRED DOLLARS BOND. 17 Apr 2011 15:17:33 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED A LIST OF 25 TEACHERS FOR TENURE, AMONG OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS, AT THURSDAY'S REGULAR SESSION MEETING. BOARD MEMBERS DISCUSSED SEVERAL SCHOOL POLICIES AND GRANTED APPROVAL FOR STUDENTS TO USE CELL PHONES ON BUSES AS RECOMMENDED BY A MAJORITY OF SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS. THE BOARD REJECTED A DRESS CODE CHANGE THAT WOULD HAVE ALLOWED STUDENTS TO HAVE MOHAWK HAIRCUTS NO LONGER THAN ONE INCH IN LENGTH BY A 5 TO 3 MARGIN. THE ISSUE WILL BE SENT BACK TO THE POLICY COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION. THE BOARD ASKED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE COST ESTIMATES FOR PROJECTS TO FIX THE GYM BLEACHERS AT LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL AND FOR BLEACHER REPAIR AT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL. DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS DOCTOR BILL HEATH ANNOUNCED THE TEACHER OF THE MONTH TO BE 1ST GRADE TEACHER JENNIFER TROTTER OF SUMMERTOWN ELEMENTARY AND THE SUPPORT STAFFER OF THE MONTH IS BUS GARAGE EMPLOYEE GUS FARRIS. THE NEXT MONTHLY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING HAS BEEN SET FOR TUESDAY, MAY 10TH AT 5:30 AT SUMMERTOWN ELEMENTARY. 17 Apr 2011 15:18:03 GMT THE 2011 TAX FILING SEASON HAS AN EXTENDED DEADLINE. TAXPAYERS HAVE UNTIL MONDAY TO FILE THEIR TAX RETURNS AND PAY ANY TAXES DUE THIS YEAR. ACCORDING TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, TAXPAYERS HAVE AN EXTRA THREE DAYS TO FILE BECAUSE EMANCIPATION DAY FALLS ON THE USUAL DEADLINE. EMANCIPATION DAY, A HOLIDAY OBSERVED BY THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, FALLS ON APRIL 15TH AND, BY LAW, IMPACTS TAX DEADLINES AS ALL FEDERAL HOLIDAYS DO. TO ACCOMODATE THE HOLIDAY, THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL APRIL 18TH. FOR ANY TAX INFORMATION, VISIT THE WEBSITE I-R-S DOT GOV. 17 Apr 2011 15:18:24 GMT VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR THE ANNUAL MAURY COUNTY CLEAN UP DAY THIS WEEKEND. THE GREAT MAURY COUNTY CLEAN UP HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY (TODAY). THE ANNUAL EVENT TYPICALLY DRAWS ABOUT 600 PEOPLE TO PICK UP LITTER ALONG ROADWAYS, PARKS, SCHOOLS AND OTHER PUBLIC AREAS AROUND THE COUNTY. WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANY WILL PROVIDE RECYCLING SUPPLIES FOR THE EVENT WITH THE SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT TO SUPERVISE AND PICK UP GARBAGE BAGS. VOLUNTEERS WILL MEET AT 7:30 A-M AT THE MEMORIAL BUILDING ON WEST 7TH STREET. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 381-5544 OR 388-8511. 17 Apr 2011 15:18:45 GMT TWO LAWRENCEBURG HOMES WERE LOST TO A PAIR OF FRIDAY NIGHT FIRES. LAWRENCEBURG FIREMEN WERE CALLED TO A RESIDENCE ON FRANCIS STREET AROUND 8 P.M. TO A REPORT THE STRUCTURE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE HOME SUFFERED MAJOR DAMAGE HOWEVER FIREFIGHTERS WERE ABLE TO RESCUE SEVERAL ANIMALS FROM THE PROPERTY. A SECOND BLAZE BROKE OUT AT A HOME ON AUSTIN CIRCLE AROUND 10 P.M. CITY AND NEW PROSPECT CREWS BATTLED THE BLAZE FOR SEVERAL HOURS HOWEVER THE HOME WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF BOTH FIRES REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED FROM EITHER INCIDENT. 18 Apr 2011 18:19:19 GMT A PULASKI WOMAN IS DEAD FOLLOWING A SUNDAY INCIDENT. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, TWO GILES COUNTY DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED TO DO A WELFARE CHECK ON 50 YEAR-OLD DONNA KOLHOFFER AT HER HICKORY DRIVE RESIDENCE. A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATES THAT THE DEPUTIES WERE CONFRONTED BY A SUBJECT WITH A SHOTGUN AND RETURNED FIRE IN DEFENSE OF THEMSELVES. THE T-B-I REPORTS THAT KOLHOFFER WAS SHOT AND KILLED AT THE SCENE. AS IS STANDARD PROCEDURE, AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE SHOOTING IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE T-B-I WITH THE RESULTS TO BE TURNED OVER TO THE D-A'S OFFICE. 19 Apr 2011 18:27:28 GMT DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE, DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED TO A HOME ON MINOR HILL HIGHWAY AROUND 9:30 FRIDAY NIGHT ON AN ARMED ROBBERY CALL. THE RESIDENTS, IVAN AND SHIRLEY HUGHES, TOLD AUTHORITIES THAT A NUMBER OF MASKED INDIVIDUALS HAD ENTERED THEIR HOME AND DEMANDED MONEY. ONE OF THE INTRUDERS SHOT MISTER HUGHES IN THE NECK BEFORE LEAVING WITH SOME CASH. THE VICTIM WAS TREATED FOR NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES AT HILLSIDE HOSPITAL. INVESTIGATORS COLLECTED EVIDENCE THAT LED THEM TO ARREST FOUR JUVENILES AGES 14 TO 17 AND 18 YEAR-OLD KEVIN LAMAR JONES OF PULASKI FOR THE CRIME. JONES IS IN THE GILES COUNTY JAIL ON 40 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. THE UNDERAGE SUSPECTS WERE TAKEN TO PULASKI'S JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITY AND LATER RELEASED BY JUVENILE COURT INTO THEIR PARENTS' CUSTODY. 19 Apr 2011 18:27:40 GMT BURGLARS TARGETED A LAWRENCE COUNTY HOME FOR A SECOND TIME. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A BREAK-IN WAS CALLED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AT A HOME ON HARLAND DRIVE. THE SAME ADDRESS HAD BEEN BURGLARIZED RECENTLY AND A BOARD HAD BEEN NAILED ACROSS A DAMAGED BACK DOOR THAT HAD BEEN USED TO ENTER THE PROPERTY DURING THE FIRST BREAK-IN. THIEVES MADE THE SECOND ENTRY BY KICKING IN THE BOARDED BACK DOOR AND THEY TOOK SEVERAL PIECES OF JEWELRY AND COINS. DAMAGES AND LOSS TOTALED 11 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 19 Apr 2011 18:27:59 GMT A LORETTO COUPLE CAME HOME SUNDAY TO FIND THEIR HOME HAD BEEN BURGLARIZED. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT THE KILLEN ROAD HOMEOWNERS HAD LEFT AROUND 1:30 AND RETURNED AROUND 4 TO FIND THEIR BACK DOOR KICKED IN . THE LIST OF STOLEN ITEMS INCLUDED COINS, JEWELRY AND SHOTGUN BARRELS VALUED AT MORE THAN 13 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 19 Apr 2011 18:28:19 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM WILL HOST A DISTRICT PARENT INVOLVEMENT MEETING TUESDAY. THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING WILL BE TO EXPLAIN THE PROGRAMS OFFERED BY THE SCHOOL SYSTEM AND TO ESTABLISH A PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL TO PROVIDE INPUT INTO THE DISTRICT'S IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICIES. ALL PARENTS OF CHILDREN ENROLLED IN LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOLS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 6:30 AT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICE ON MAHR AVENUE IN LAWRENCEBURG. 19 Apr 2011 18:28:41 GMT IT WILL BE SEVERAL WEEKS BEFORE A DECISION IS ANNOUNCED AS TO THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF AN APPEAL FOR A NEW ELECTION FOR LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF. A THREE JUDGE PANEL WITH THE STATE COURT OF APPEALS HEARD THE CASE LAST WEEK CHALLENGING THE RESULTS OF LAST AUGUST'S LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S RACE. FORMER SHERIFF KENNY TAYLOR FILED SUIT TO HAVE A NEW ELECTION DUE TO AN UNQUALIFIED CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATION IN THE RACE. A CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE RULED IN OCTOBER AGAINST A NEW ELECTION FOR SHERIFF. TAYLOR'S ATTORNEY, RUSS PARKES, THEN FILED AN APPEAL. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICE INDICATED THAT A RULING FROM THE JUDGES' PANEL WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN 30 TO 45 DAYS. 20 Apr 2011 20:04:39 GMT MOUNT PLEASANT CITY LEADERS HAVE FILED SUIT AGAINST THE ENGINEERING FIRM THAT DESIGNED THE CITY'S TROUBLED MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM. THE COLUMBIA DAILY HERALD REPORTS THAT THE SUIT AGAINST JAMES C. HAILEY AND COMPANY ALLEGES THE FIRM MISREPRESENTED THE FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY OF THE PROJECT, BREACHED IT'S CONTRACT WITH THE CITY AND WAS PROFESSIONALLY NEGLIGENT. THE CITY IS SEEKING 10 MILLION DOLLARS IN DAMAGES. THE NASHVILLE BASED FIRM WAS HIRED IN 1996 TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AGING WASTE WATER TREATMENT FACILITY IN MOUNT PLEASANT. IN 2002, COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES RECOMMENDED UTILIZING FORMER PHOSPHATE MINING PONDS AS COST EFFECTIVE WASTE WATER TREATMENT LAGOONS. THE PROJECT WAS ESTIMATED TO COST 4 POINT 7 MILLION DOLLARS IN 2003, BUT AFTER A SERIES OF DELAYS AND LEAKS, THE COST CAME TO AROUND 8 MILLION IN 2007. LAST YEAR, AN INSPECTION BY THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION CONCLUDED THE SYSTEM'S SPRAY FIELD WAS LEAKING INTO A NEARBY CREEK. ADDITIONAL REPAIRS TO THE LAGOONS COULD COST AN ADDITIONAL 8 MILLION DOLLARS AND MUST BE COMPLETED BY 2012 TO MEET STATE COMPLIANCE REGULATIONS. LEADERS HAVE ASKED FOR 10 MILLION DOLLARS IN STATE ASSISTANCE TO HELP WITH THE COST OF REPAIRS. A COURT HEARING ON THE SUIT HAS NOT YET BEEN SCHEDULED. 20 Apr 2011 20:04:51 GMT SPRING HILL'S PROPOSED FESTIVAL TENNESSEE THEME PARK HAS RECEIVED A MAJOR SET BACK. CHANNEL 4 NEWS REPORTS THAT CITY LEADERS UNANIMOUSLY REJECTED A REQUEST TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF PROPERTY FOR THE PARK SITE MONDAY NIGHT. DEVELOPERS OF THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT HAD ASKED FOR A CHANGE IN ZONING FOR SEVEN HUNDRED ACRES OF LAND NEAR INTERSTATE 65 AND JIM WARREN ROAD. CITY OFFICIALS DENIED THE REQUEST AFTER QUESTIONS AROSE ABOUT THE LEGITIMACY OF THE PARK'S LEADERSHIP. THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN REQUESTED THAT DEVELOPERS SUBMIT A NEW REZONING REQUEST WITH A MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN BEFORE RECONSIDERING THE MATTER. 20 Apr 2011 20:05:15 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY ARCHIVES HAS ANNOUNCED A CHANGE IN BUSINESS HOURS THIS WEEK. THE ARCHIVES WILL BE OPEN WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND MONDAY FROM 8 TO 4:30. THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY. A PREVIOUS NOTICE THAT THE ARCHIVES WOULD BE CLOSED FOR SEVERAL DAYS SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. 20 Apr 2011 20:08:39 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION WILL HOST THEIR ANNUAL PLANT SALE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 30TH. THE EVENT WILL BE HELD FROM 7 TO 2 ON THE GROUNDS OF THE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE ON BUFFALO ROAD IN LAWRENCEBURG. THE SALE FEATURES MANY HARD TO FIND AND UNIQUE PLANTS INCLUDING HEIRLOOM TOMATOES, HOT AND SWEET PEPPERS, ROSES, BEDDING PLANTS, HERBS AND MORE. LOCAL GARDENERS, EXTENSION PERSONNEL AND OTHER EXPERTS WILL ALSO GIVE SEVERAL PRESENTATIONS ON GARDEN RELATED TOPICS. PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE WILL SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS OF THE MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE EXTENSION OFFICE AT 762-5506. 20 Apr 2011 20:09:09 GMT A TUESDAY AFTERNOON FIRE LEFT A SUMMERTOWN FAMILY WITHOUT A HOME. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT THE FIRE WAS STARTED BY A LIT CIGARETTE. THE WOODSIDE LANE HOMEOWNER TOLD INVESTIGATORS THAT SHE FELL ASLEEP ON THE COUCH WITH A LIT CIGARETTE THAT APPARENTLY FELL ON THE COUCH OR FLOOR. SHE WOKE UP AND WENT INTO ANOTHER ROOM OF THE HOUSE AND LATER SMELLED SMOKE. THE RESIDENT FOUND THE COUCH SMOLDERING AND WENT TO A NEIGHBOR'S TO CALL 9-1-1. BY THE TIME CREWS WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, THE LIVING ROOM AND KITCHEN WERE A TOTAL LOSS WITH EXTENSIVE SMOKE DAMAGE TO THE REST OF THE HOME AND ITS CONTENTS. NO OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WERE HOME AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE LAWRENCEBURG CHAPTER OF THE RED CROSS IS ASSISTING THE FAMILY OF TWO ADULTS AND SIX CHILDREN. THE THREE BOYS AND THREE GIRLS, RANGING IN AGE FROM 3 MONTHS TO 10 YEARS-OLD, ARE STAYING WITH RELATIVES AND ARE IN NEED OF CLOTHING. THE RED CROSS WILL ACCEPT DONATIONS OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND ADULT AND KID SIZE CLOTHING BEGINNING MONDAY AT THE CHAPTER OFFICE ON HOSPITAL LANE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE RED CROSS AT 762-1599. 21 Apr 2011 19:46:01 GMT A PULASKI MAN IS BEHIND BARS ON A SERIES OF DRUG CHARGES. ACCORDING TO THE GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, 51 YEAR-OLD JEFF D. GROVES WAS ARRESTED TUESDAY AFTER OFFICERS DISCOVERED A METH LAB DURING A SEARCH OF HIS MYRICK BRANCH ROAD RESIDENCE. GROVES IS CHARGED WITH MANUFACTURING METHAMPHETAMINE , POSSESSION OF METH FOR RESALE AND DRUG PARAPHENALIA. THE SUSPECT REMAINS IN THE GILES COUNTY JAIL ON 202 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. 21 Apr 2011 19:46:12 GMT CITY AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES HAVE ANNOUNCED SOME SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR THE UPCOMING GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY. LAWRENCEBURG CITY OFFICES AND LAWRENCE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY ARCHIVES WILL ALSO BE CLOSED. LAWRENCEBURG RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE PICK-UP SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY WILL BE ON THURSDAY THIS WEEK. RESIDENTS ARE ASKED TO HAVE CARTS OUT EARLY TO ACCOMMODATE THE DOUBLE ROUTE PICK-UP. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY AND SATURDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF GOOD FRIDAY. 21 Apr 2011 19:46:36 GMT THE GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WARNS CITIZENS OF A POSSIBLE SCAM. REPORTS INDICATE THAT A WHITE MALE IN HIS TWENTIES HAS RECENTLY ATTEMPTED TO SOLICIT MONEY FROM RESIDENTS OF THE ANTHONY HILL AND FALL RIVER COMMUNITIES. DEPUTIES SAY THE MAN TELLS POTENTIAL VICTIMS THAT HE IS TRYING TO TRAVEL TO NASHVILLE TO SEE A SICK RELATIVE AND NEEDS GAS MONEY. THE SCAMMER IS REPORTED TO BE DRIVING A SILVER OR WHITE PICK-UP. ANYONE THAT HAS HAD CONTACT WITH THE SUSPECT SHOULD CALL THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AT 363-2460. 21 Apr 2011 19:46:55 GMT SEVERAL MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED FOR EARLY MAY FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS PLANNING TO ATTEND SCHOOL AT E-O COFFMAN NEXT YEAR. 6TH GRADE PARENT ORIENTATION NIGHT WILL BE TUESDAY, MAY 3RD AT 6 IN THE COFFMAN GYM. TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE TRANSITION FROM ELEMENTARY TO MIDDLE SCHOOL, CLASS PLACEMENT AND A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION. 6TH GRADE ORIENTATION INCLUDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INCOMING 7TH GRADERS TO BE A PANTHER FOR A DAY. INGRAM SOWELL 6TH GRADERS WILL ATTEND COFFMAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 4TH, LAWRENCEBURG PUBLIC THURSDAY, MAY 5TH AND CROCKETT ELEMENTARY FRIDAY, MAY 6TH. A FOOTBALL PARENT MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, MAY 3RD AT 7 IN THE CAFETERIA FOR INCOMING 7TH AND 8TH GRADERS. PARENTS OF STUDENTS PLANNING TO TRANSFER TO COFFMAN NEXT YEAR MAY CALL 762-6395 FOR MORE INFORMATION. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM WILL HAVE REGISTRATION FOR THE 2011-2012 PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS THIS WEEK. PARENTS MAY REGISTER STUDENTS THURSDAY FROM 2 TO 5 AT PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS. STATE LAW REQUIRES ALL CHILDREN TO MEET IMMUNIZATION AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS BEFORE ENROLLING IN SCHOOL. PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS MUST HAVE UP TO DATE IMMUNIZATION RECORDS AND A HEALTH EXAM DATED NO EARLIER THAT FEBRUARY 1ST, 2011 TO BEGIN SCHOOL IN AUGUST. FOR QUESTIONS OR ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, CALL THE SCHOOL OR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HEALTH COORDINATOR AT 762-0409. 21 Apr 2011 19:47:12 GMT A DETACHED GARAGE IN THE MARS HILL COMMUNITY WAS LOST IN A WEDNESDAY NIGHT FIRE. THE BLAZE WAS REPORTED AROUND 10 P-M BY A NEIGHBOR OF THE WEAKLEY CREEK ROAD PROPERTY. THE STRUCTURE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHEN MEMBERS OF THE NEW PROSPECT AND ETHRIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED. CREWS WERE ABLE TO CONTAIN THE FIRE TO THE GARAGE BUT THE STRUCTURE AND CONTENTS, VALUED AT AROUND 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS, WAS A TOTAL LOSS. AUTHORITIES ARE LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE BUILDING WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING AMONG OTHER PROBABLE CAUSES OF THE FIRE AND IT REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 22 Apr 2011 18:45:27 GMT A MISSOURI MAN ACCUSED IN A 1992 LAWRENCE COUNTY MURDER CASE WILL WAIT A FEW MORE MONTHS BEFORE GOING TO TRIAL. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS THAT 46 YEAR-OLD CURTIS STAGGS WAS SET FOR TRIAL THIS WEEK FOR FIRST-DEGREE FELONY MURDER AND AGGRAVATED ROBBERY IN THE MURDER-FOR-HIRE KILLING OF 52 YEAR-OLD JOANN RIGLING. INSTEAD OF PROCEEDING WITH THE TRIAL, PROSECUTORS ASKED FOR MORE TIME TO LOCATE AND INTERVIEW TWO WITNESSES IN CONNECTION WITH THE CASE. STAGGS AND THE VICTIM'S HUSBAND, 74 YEAR-OLD PHILLIP RIGLING, WERE INDICTED LAST AUGUST FOR THE JUNE 19TH, 1992 KILLING AT PHIL'S ONE STOP MARKET ON HIGHWAY 43 SOUTH IN SAINT JOSEPH. TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION OFFICIALS ALLEGE THAT PHILLIP RIGLING OFFERED STAGGS 50 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO KILL HIS WIFE AND MAKE IT LOOK LIKE A ROBBERY. TWO OTHERS WERE ALSO ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE CASE. TAMMY SMITH PLED GUILTY TO 2ND DEGREE MURDER IN 1997, SERVED HER SENTENCE AND IS OUT OF JAIL. JIMMY DALE HOGAN WAS FOUND GUILTY OF MURDER AND ROBBERY IN 1997 BUT HAS SINCE HAD HIS MURDER CONVICTION OVERTURNED AND IS IN JAIL AWAITING A NEW TRIAL. STAGGS MURDER TRIAL HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR THIS JUNE. PHILLIP RIGLING IS OUT OF JAIL ON BOND WITH HIS TRIAL SET FOR OCTOBER. 22 Apr 2011 18:45:38 GMT AUDITIONS FOR LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY THEATRE'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF "GENTLEMAN FROM THE CANE" WILL BE HELD IN TWO SESSIONS. A NUMBER OF ROLES FOR ADULTS, YOUNG ADULTS AND CHILDREN ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE MUSICAL WITH AUDITIONS SET FOR SATURDAY FROM 3 TO 6 AND MONDAY AT 6 AT THE CROCKETT THEATER. THE CAST WILL BE LIMITED TO 12 MEN, 7 TO 10 WOMEN, 8 MALE AND 8 FEMALE YOUNG ADULTS AND 5 CHILDREN AND MOST ROLES WILL INCLUDE CHORAL OR SOLO SINGING. REHEARSALS WILL BE HELD IN MAY AND JUNE WITH PERFORMANCES SCHEDULED FOR JULY 7TH THRU 9TH, 15TH AND 16TH AND 22ND AND 23RD AT THE CROCKETT THEATER. AUDITION MUSIC AND MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY THEATER DOT ORG. 22 Apr 2011 18:46:01 GMT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE WILL OFFER AN ONLINE MEDICAL CODING CLASS BEGINNING THIS WEEK THRU THE SCHOOL'S CENTER FOR ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. THE NON-CREDIT COURSE BEGINS FRIDAY AND CONSISTS OF A TOTAL OF 950 HOURS OF STUDY. MEDICAL CODERS CLASSIFY MEDICAL DATA FROM PATIENT RECORDS ASSIGNING NUMERIC CODES FOR EACH DIAGNOSIS AND PROCEDURE. TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 540-2660 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE COLUMBIASTATE.EDU. 22 Apr 2011 18:46:23 GMT AN AFTERNOON BOMB THREAT CLEARED THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COURTHOUSE FOR THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN A MONTH. THE THREAT WAS CALLED IN TO WLX JUST AFTER NOON ON THURSDAY. THE COURTHOUSE WAS EVACUATED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME WHILE AUTHORITIES SEARCHED THE BUILDING FOR EXPLOSIVES. NONE WERE FOUND AND BUSINESS RESUMED AS USUAL FOR COURTHOUSE STAFF AND VISITORS. INVESTIGATORS WERE ABLE TO GATHER EVIDENCE AT WLX AS TO THE SOURCE OF THE PHONE CALL. ANOTHER BOMB THREAT TO THE COURTHOUSE WAS MADE TO LOCAL MEDIA ON THURSDAY, MARCH 24TH. THAT CALL CAUSED A COMPLETE SHUT DOWN OF THE COURTHOUSE FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE DAY. BOTH INCIDENTS ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THE CASES IS URGED TO CONTACT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AT 762-3626. 25 Apr 2011 20:31:02 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCEBURG UTILITIES BOARD MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY. THE BOARD DECIDED NOT TO CHANGE A BACK-BILLING POLICY THAT CAME INTO QUESTION DURING THEIR MARCH MEETING. THE UTILITY SYSTEM HAS REVIEWED ALL CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS TO VERIFY THAT BUSINESSES ARE BEING CHARGED A COMMERCIAL RATE AND HOMES A RESIDENTIAL RATE FOR UTILITIES. FOR THOSE UNDER-BILLED OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS, THE UTILITY SENT A RETRO-ACTIVE BILL FOR UP TO THREE YEARS OF SERVICE AT THE HIGHER RATE AS ALLOWED, BUT NOT REQUIRED, BY STATE LAW. COMPLAINTS FROM SOME BUSINESS OWNERS LAST MONTH PROMPTED THE BOARD TO RECONSIDER THE POLICY. ON THURSDAY, THE L-U-S GENERAL MANAGER, CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER AND ATTORNEY ADVISED THE BOARD NOT TO CHANGE THE POLICY AS THE MAJORITY OF THE BACK-BILLED ACCOUNTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN PAID. FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS, THE BOARD VOTED TO LEAVE THE RETRO-BILLING POLICY IN PLACE. THE UTILITY HAS IMPLEMENTED A PROCEDURE FOR CLASSIFYING NEW ACCOUNTS TO ENSURE CORRECT BILLING RATES ARE APPLIED WHEN ACCOUNTS ARE SET UP. BOARD MEMBERS APPROVED AN EMPLOYEE RESIDENCY POLICY FOR HIRING PURPOSES DRAFTED BY GENERAL MANGER VIC PUSSER. ACCOUNTANT JOHN CAIN ALSO UPDATED THE BOARD ON HIS PROGRESS IN CHANGING THE UTILITY FROM ONE CHECKING ACCOUNT TO THREE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS FOR THE ELECTRIC, GAS AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS. THE STATE ORDERED THE UTILITY TO SEPARATE THE DEPARTMENTS' ACCOUNTS AFTER IMPROPER FUND TRANSFERS WERE REPORTED TO THE COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE LATE LAST YEAR. 25 Apr 2011 20:31:18 GMT COUNTY UNEMPLOYMENT RATES FOR MARCH WERE RELEASED THURSDAY WITH THE VAST MAJORITY OF TENNESSEE COUNTIES SHOWING A DECREASE IN JOBLESS NUMBERS. OVERALL, 93 COUNTIES POSTED A DECREASE WITH AN INCREASE IN 2 COUNTIES FROM FEBRUARY TO MARCH. LAWRENCE COUNTY'S MARCH RATE WAS 13 POINT 2 PERCENT, GILES COUNTY 11 POINT 6, MAURY COUNTY 13 POINT 5 AND WAYNE COUNTY 12 POINT 8 PERCENT - ALL SHOWING A DECREASE IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FROM THE PREVIOUS MONTH. LINCOLN COUNTY HAD THE STATE'S LOWEST RATE AT 6 POINT 1 PERCENT WITH SCOTT COUNTY POSTING THE HIGHEST AT 21 POINT 9. THE AVERAGE RATE FOR THE STATE OF TENNESSEE FOR MARCH WAS 9 POINT 5 PERCENT WITH THE NATIONAL JOBLESS RATE AT 8 POINT 8 PERCENT. 25 Apr 2011 20:31:44 GMT A COUPLE OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED FOR MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD. A POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE HELD TUESDAY AT 5:30 FOLLOWED BY A MEETING OF THE WAGE AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE. BOTH WILL BE HELD AT THE CENTRAL OFFICE ON MAHR AVENUE IN LAWRENCEBURG. 25 Apr 2011 20:33:43 GMT NEARLY A YEAR AFTER HISTORIC FLOODING STRUCK 49 COUNTIES, THE TENNESSEE AND FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCIES SAY DISASTER RECOVERY CONTINUES IN MANY COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE. A PRESS RELEASE SENT OUT MONDAY INDICATES THAT A TOTAL OF 612 POINT 5 MILLION DOLLARS IN FEDERAL ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO TENNESSEANS IN THE FORM OF DISASTER GRANTS AND LOW INTEREST LOANS AS A RESULT OF MAY 2010 FLOODING. NEARLY 68 THOUSAND INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES REGISTERED WITH FEMA FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE WITH 46 COUNTIES DECLARED DISASTER AREAS FOR INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE AND 49 COUNTIES DECLARED FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE. AROUND 56 HUNDRED RECOVERY PROJECTS WERE FUNDED BY LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS TOTALING 178 MILLION DOLLARS THRU FEMA'S COST-SHARE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. OFFICIALS EXPECT THE RECOVERY PROCESS TO BE ONGOING AS LARGE PROJECTS, INCLUDING BRIDGE REPAIRS AND RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS, MAY TAKE YEARS TO COMPLETE. 26 Apr 2011 18:28:52 GMT AN ALABAMA BOY WAS ACCIDENTALLY SHOT SUNDAY DURING A FAMILY EASTER GATHERING. ACCORDING TO THE TIMES DAILY, AN UNIDENTIFIED PERSON WAS SHOOTING A PISTOL FOR TARGET PRACTICE IN AN ARDMORE BACKYARD. A BULLET RICOCHETED OFF OF A TREE AND HIT THE BOY. THE CHILD WAS TAKEN TO A HUNTSVILLE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES AND IS EXPECTED TO RECOVER. INVESTIGATORS SAY THE SHOOTER WAS UNAWARE THAT CHILDREN WERE PLAYING CLOSE BY. 26 Apr 2011 18:29:23 GMT A TWO PERCENT PAY RAISE FOR CITY EMPLOYEES IS PART OF A PROPOSED 2011-2012 COLUMBIA BUDGET. ACCORDING TO THE DAILY HERALD, CITY MANAGER PAUL BOYER PRESENTED THE 58 POINT 2 MILLION DOLLAR SPENDING PLAN DURING A RECENT MEETING WITH CITY LEADERS. THE RAISE WOULD BE THE FIRST FOR THE CITY'S 439 EMPLOYEES SINCE 2008. THE PROPOSAL MAINTAINS THE CURRENT PROPERTY TAX RATE OF $1.31 PER 100 DOLLARS OF ASSESSED VALUE. THE BUDGET ALSO INCLUDES 50 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION UPGRADES AND A PLAN TO UPGRADE COMPUTER EQUIPMENT ON A THREE YEAR CYCLE. COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL CONTINUE TO REVISE THE BUDGET DURING A SATURDAY WORK SESSION FROM 8 TO 4 AT THE RILEY 4-H CENTER. 26 Apr 2011 18:30:22 GMT A WEEKEND BURGLARY IN IRON CITY COST A HOME OWNER HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT SOMEONE BROKE INTO AN IRON CITY ROAD HOME LATE FRIDAY OR EARLY SATURDAY. THE VICTIM CAME HOME TO FIND HIS FRONT DOOR STANDING OPEN AND AN X-BOX, SEVERAL GAMES AND MEDICATION STOLEN. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 9 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 26 Apr 2011 18:31:04 GMT THE PULASKI POWER BOARD WILL MEET IN REGULAR SESSION THIS WEEK. THE AGENDA INCLUDES AN UPDATE TO AN OPERATING POLICY, A QUARTERLY BUDGET REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY BUDGET DISCUSSION FOR THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR. SEVERAL FINANCIAL REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS WILL BE REVIEWED AND A NEW BOARD MEMBER SWORN IN. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD TUESDAY MORNING AT 7. 26 Apr 2011 18:32:30 GMT THE TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE SECOND NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY THIS WEEKEND. MIDDLE TENNESSEANS ARE WELCOME TO DROP OFF EXPIRED, UNUSED AND UNWANTED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS SATURDAY FROM 10 TO 2 AT T-B-I HEADQUARTERS AT 901 R-S GASS BOULEVARD IN NASHVILLE. THE EVENT IS A WAY TO SAFELY DISPOSE OF NO LONGER NEEDED MEDICATIONS THAT ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IF LEFT IN HOME MEDICINE CABINETS. LAST YEAR, 105 POUNDS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS WERE COLLECTED BY THE T-B-I WITH THE NATIONWIDE COLLECTION AT 242 THOUSAND POUNDS. FOR INFORMATION ON THE MORE THAN 47 HUNDRED SITES ACROSS THE COUNTRY PARTICIPATING IN SATURDAY'S EVENT, VISIT THE WEBSITE DEA.GOV. 28 Apr 2011 15:27:04 GMT INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO A COUPLE OF RECENT BURGLARIES THAT COST THE PROPERTY OWNERS THOUSANDS IN STOLEN MERCHANDISE. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT, WHEELS AND TIRES WERE STOLEN MONDAY FROM A 1985 CHEVY S-10 AND A 2000 CHEVY BLAZER ON SHORT AVENUE. THE THIEVES LEFT THE VEHICLES ON BLOCKS AFTER TAKING THE ITEMS VALUED AT 19 HUNDRED DOLLARS. BURGLARS KICKED IN THE FRONT DOOR OF A STEPHENS STREET RESIDENCE ON FRIDAY MORNING WHILE THE HOMEOWNER WAS OUT SHOPPING. THE VICTIM REPORTED SEVERAL ITEMS OF JEWELRY STOLEN. LOSS AND DAMAGE WAS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 7 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 28 Apr 2011 15:27:44 GMT THIEVES TARGETED A LEOMA HOME LATE SUNDAY OR EARLY MONDAY. LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT A WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER UNIT AND SOME ALUMINUM RAMPS WERE STOLEN FROM THE FALL RIVER ROAD PROPERTY. THE WINDOW THAT HELD THE AIR UNIT WAS ALSO DAMAGED DURING THE THEFT. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 6 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 28 Apr 2011 15:28:04 GMT A POPULAR BROADWAY MUSICAL WILL BE FEATURED AS THE FINAL PRODUCTION OF THE 2010-2011 FIRST FARMERS AND MERCHANTS BANK PERFORMANCE SERIES AT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE. THE SCHOOL'S COMMERCIAL ENTERTAINMENT DEPARTMENT WILL PERFORM THE AWARD WINNING MUSICAL "THE WIZ", A MODERN INTERPRETATION OF "THE WIZARD OF OZ" SATURDAY AT 7 IN THE CHERRY THEATER ON THE COLUMBIA CAMPUS. THE FAMILY FRIENDLY PRODUCTION WILL ALSO INCLUDE GAMES FOR CHILDREN AND KIDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DRESS UP AS THEIR FAVORITE OZ CHARACTER. TICKETS ARE 15 DOLLARS FOR ADULTS AND 10 DOLLARS FOR STUDENTS. TO CHARGE TICKETS BY PHONE, CALL 540-2879. FOR COMPLETE TICKET INFORMATION, VISIT THE WEBSITE COLUMBIA STATE.EDU. 28 Apr 2011 15:28:42 GMT SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES LEFT A DEVASTATING MARK IN THE TENNESSEE VALLEY ON WEDNESDAY. A SERIES OF TORNADOES DESTROYED SEVERAL HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN FRANKLIN, LAWRENCE, LIMESTONE, MADISON, CULLMAN AND DEKALB COUNTIES. AS OF THURSDAY MORNING, THE ALABAMA STATEWIDE DEATH TOLL STOOD AT NEAR 60. SOME UTILITY COMPANIES HAVE INDICATED THAT POWER IN AFFECTED AREAS COULD BE OFF FOR NEARLY A WEEK. LOCALLY, STORMS ARE TO BLAME FOR THE LOSS OF A SUMMERTOWN HOME AND TWO GARAGES. TWO NEW PROSPECT RESIDENCES SUFFERED DAMAGE IN ADDITION TO NUMEROUS REPORTS OF DOWNED TREES, POWER LINES AND FLOODING. PULASKI ELECTRIC SYSTEM INDICATED THAT JUST OVER A THOUSAND CUSTOMERS WERE WITHOUT POWER FOR A PERIOD OF TIME WEDNESDAY. CREWS WORKED OVERNIGHT TO RESTORE SERVICE. NO MAJOR INJURIES WERE REPORTED IN LAWRENCE OR GILES COUNTY. 29 Apr 2011 16:25:11 GMT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HAS CONFIRMED A WEATHER RELATED DEATH AT A CAMPGROUND ALONG THE NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY. A PRESS RELEASE INDICATES THAT A 40 YEAR-OLD MAN FROM COVINGTON, LOUISIANA WAS STRUCK AND KILLED BY A FALLING TREE WEDNESDAY MORNING IN THE JEFF BUSBY CAMPGROUND ON THE TRACE SOUTH OF TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI. THE SEVERE WEATHER WAS REPORTED AS THE CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THE DEATH. 29 Apr 2011 16:25:35 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN WAS ARRESTED MONDAY FOR ALLEGEDLY ALTERING THE AMOUNTS ON TWO PRESCRIPTIONS. REPORTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN AT LEDBETTER DRUGS CONTACTED AUTHORITIES AFTER A COUPLE OF PRESCRIPTIONS WERE DROPPED OFF WITH UNUSUAL PILL COUNTS. THE TECH CALLED THE DOCTOR TO CONFIRM THE NUMBERS AND WAS TOLD THEY HAD BEEN CHANGED. A LORTAB PRESCRIPTION WAS CHANGED FROM 45 TO 95 AND XANAX FROM 10 TO 90 PILLS. INVESTIGATORS CHARGED 40 YEAR-OLD BOBBY LEON GRAVES WITH TWO COUNTS OF FORGERY. GRAVES IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT MAY 5TH 29 Apr 2011 16:26:09 GMT SUMMERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL HAS PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO GET FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT FUTURE EMPLOYMENT CHOICES WITH THE CAREER LUNCH PROGRAM. S-H-S ALUMNI AND LOCAL ATTORNEY RYAN DURHAM SPOKE AT THE APRIL CAREER LUNCH HOSTED BY THE STUDENT COUNCIL. DURHAM DISCUSSED THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND THE PROS AND CONS OF BECOMING A LAWYER. THE CAREER LUNCH PROGRAM BEGAN AS THE RESULT OF A SPRING 2010 SURVEY ON THE TOP CAREERS THE STUDENTS WANTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT. THE LUNCH TIME EVENTS INCLUDE BOTH A PRESENTATION AND A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION. SO FAR, CAREER LUNCHES HAVE INCLUDED A FIREFIGHTER, PHOTOGRAPHER, COSMETOLOGISTS, HIGHWAY PATROLMAN, PARK RANGER, PHYSICAL THERAPIST, AN ARMY REPRESENTATIVE AND A FORMER PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE. 29 Apr 2011 16:27:22 GMT THE FIRST GREEN STREETS MARKET OF 2011 WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY ON THE LAWRENCEBURG SQUARE. EVENTS BEGIN AT 3 AND INCLUDE SHOPPING, MUSIC, FOOD AND FAMILY FUN. GREEN STREETS MARKETS ARE HELD THE LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH THRU SUMMER. VENDOR SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE WEBSITE GREEN STREETS MARKET DOT COM. 29 Apr 2011 16:27:43 GMT A POPULAR BROADWAY MUSICAL WILL BE FEATURED AS THE FINAL PRODUCTION OF THE 2010-2011 FIRST FARMERS AND MERCHANTS BANK PERFORMANCE SERIES AT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE. THE SCHOOL'S COMMERCIAL ENTERTAINMENT DEPARTMENT WILL PERFORM THE AWARD WINNING MUSICAL "THE WIZ", A MODERN INTERPRETATION OF "THE WIZARD OF OZ" SATURDAY AT 7 IN THE CHERRY THEATER ON THE COLUMBIA CAMPUS. THE FAMILY FRIENDLY PRODUCTION WILL ALSO INCLUDE GAMES FOR CHILDREN AND KIDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DRESS UP AS THEIR FAVORITE OZ CHARACTER. TICKETS ARE 15 DOLLARS FOR ADULTS AND 10 DOLLARS FOR STUDENTS. TO CHARGE TICKETS BY PHONE, CALL 540-2879. FOR COMPLETE TICKET INFORMATION, VISIT THE WEBSITE COLUMBIA STATE.EDU. 29 Apr 2011 16:28:01 GMT EARLY VOTING FOR LAWRENCEBURG'S MAY 3RD CITY ELECTION ENDS THURSDAY. AS OF WEDNESDAY MORNING, 629 VOTERS HAD CAST EARLY BALLOTS IN THE RACE TO DECIDE TWO CITY COUNCIL SEATS, MAYOR AND A REFERENDUM ON SALES OF LIQUOR BY THE DRINK. OFFICIALS INDICATE THE NUMBER OF EARLY VOTES IS LOW COMPARED TO PREVIOUS ELECTIONS. AROUND 7 THOUSAND LAWRENCEBURG RESIDENTS ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE. 29 Apr 2011 16:36:02 GMT LAST WEEK, THE SUMMERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL SPONSORED THEIR FIRST ANNUAL LUNCHEON FOR RETIRED TEACHERS FROM THE SCHOOL. 24 FORMER S-H-S TEACHERS RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL LIBRARY ON APRIL 20TH TO ENJOY LUNCH AND SHARE MEMORIES OF THEIR CAREERS AT SUMMERTOWN. A TALLY OF THE AMOUNT OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE AMONG THE ATTENDEES TOTALED 704 POINT 5 YEARS IN EDUCATION. 29 Apr 2011 16:42:58 GMT COLUMBIA POLICE HAVE ARRESTED FOUR SUSPECTS IN A KIDNAPPING CASE. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE, AUTHORITIES WERE CALLED TO AN APARTMENT COMPLEX EARLY WEDNESDAY ON A REPORT OF A WOMAN BEING HELD AGAINST HER WILL. INVESTIGATORS LEARNED THAT A 22 YEAR-OLD FEMALE WAS HELD CAPTIVE, SEXUALLY ASSAULTED AND ROBBED OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS BY FOUR MALES AT AN APARTMENT WITHIN THE COLUMBIA COMPLEX. THE VICTIM IDENTIFIED HER CAPTORS AS JUSTIN DE'WAYNE FRIERSON, RONDRIQUEZS TROVON BULLOCK-GORDON, LAQUANTIS CARDAE BROWN AND LESLIE OSHA SPARKMAN. ALL FOUR HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED KIDNAPPING, AGGRAVATED RAPE AND ROBBERY AND ARE BEING HELD ON 400 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. 02 May 2011 19:23:03 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY. MEMBERS HEARD A PRESENTATION ABOUT REFINANCING BONDS FOR THE CITY AND LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS. THE PROPOSAL REFINANCES THE BONDS AT A LOWER INTEREST RATE WITH A POTENTIAL SAVINGS OF 165 THOUSAND DOLLARS OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT 20 YEARS. A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOR THE OLD JAIL MUSEUM WAS APPROVED. THE BOARD ALSO AGREED TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE STATE FOR STREET SWEEPING. COUNCIL MEMBERS FINISHED THE REGULAR SESSION BUSINESS MEETING AND FOLLOWED UP WITH A BUDGET WORK SESSION. 02 May 2011 19:23:17 GMT A SCHEDULE OF MAY MEETINGS HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION. THE BUDGET COMMITTEE WILL MEET MONDAY AT 4 FOLLOWED BY AN AGENDA MEETING AT 5. THE NON-PROFITS COMMITTEE WILL MEET THURSDAY, MAY 5TH AT 5 WITH MONDAY, MAY 9TH MEETINGS FOR THE HIGHWAY COMMITTEE AT 4 AND THE RESOLUTION COMMITTEE AT 5. ALL MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN THE SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM AT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER. THE BUDGET COMMITTEE AND THE SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE WILL MEET THURSDAY, MAY 12TH AT 4. THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE WILL MEET TUESDAY, MAY 10TH AT 5, THURSDAY, MAY 19TH AT 5 AND THURSDAY, MAY 26TH AT 5 WITH THE MEETINGS TO BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM OF THE COURTHOUSE. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR SESSION MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, MAY 24TH AT 5 AT THE COURTHOUSE. 02 May 2011 19:23:38 GMT LAWRENCEBURG VOTERS WILL GO TO THE POLLS TUESDAY TO CAST BALLOTS FOR MAYOR, TWO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND VOTE FOR OR AGAINST SALES OF LIQUOR BY THE DRINK. INCUMBENT MAYOR KEITH DURHAM IS BEING CHALLENGED BY RICHARD GRIMES. COUNCIL SEAT ONE INCUMBENT JERRY MOORE IS ON THE BALLOT WITH CHAD MOORE. SEAT TWO COUNCILMAN ROBIN WILLIAMS IS UNOPPOSED. A REFERENDUM ON LIQUOR BY THE DRINK SALES INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS IS ALSO ON THE BALLOT. POLLS OPEN AT THE NINE LAWRENCEBURG CITY PRECINCTS AT 8 A-M AND CLOSE AT 7 P-M. FOR COMPLETE ELECTION RESULTS, TUNE IN TO W-L-X WITH COVERAGE BEGINNING AFTER THE POLLS CLOSE 03 May 2011 18:16:17 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN WAS ARRESTED ON ASSAULT CHARGES AFTER A KNIFE WAS USED IN A FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHT. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT A DEPUTY WAS DISPATCHED TO CROCKETT HOSPITAL'S E-R WHEN A MAN WAS BROUGHT IN WITH STAB WOUNDS. INVESTIGATORS WERE TOLD BY A FAMILY MEMBER THAT 30 YEAR-OLD DANIEL RAY SERRETT HAD GONE OUT INTO THE PARKING LOT OF A BAR ON POWDER MILL HILL AROUND 1:30 A-M WITH 29 YEAR-OLD BRIAN LANCE DIAL. THE PAIR ARGUED AND DIAL ALLEGEDLY STABBED SERRETT WITH A POCKET KNIFE. SERRETT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT AND DIAL LATER TURNED HIMSELF IN TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. THE SUSPECT IS CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT MAY 16TH. 03 May 2011 18:16:28 GMT A TOTAL OF 28 COUNTIES IN ALABAMA HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS DISASTER AREAS DUE TO LAST WEEK'S DEADLY STORMS. THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY'S DISASTER DECLARATION GIVES THE AFFECTED AREAS ACCESS TO FEDERAL DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS FOR HOMES AND BUSINESSES DAMAGED BY WEDNESDAY'S TORNADOES. ELIGIBLE COUNTIES INCLUDE: AUTAUGA, BIBB, BLOUNT, CALHOUN, CHEROKEE, CHOCTAW, CULLMAN, DEKALB, ELMORE, ETOWAH, FAYETTE, FRANKLIN, GREENE, HALE, JACKSON, JEFFERSON, LAWRENCE, LIMESTONE, MADISON, MARENGO, MARION, MARSHALL, SUMTER, SAINT CLAIR, TALLAPOOSA, TUSCALOOSA, WALKER AND WASHINGTON. 03 May 2011 18:16:46 GMT JUNIOR BETA CLUB STUDENTS AT SOUTH LAWRENCE SCHOOL ARE ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR NORTH ALABAMA TORNADO VICTIMS. ITEMS NEEDED INCLUDE: FLASHLIGHTS, BATTERIES, BABY WIPES, DIAPERS, FORMULA, NON-PERISHABLE FOOD, PERSONAL CARE ITEMS, FIRST AID SUPPLIES, STORAGE CONTAINERS, TRANSISTOR RADIOS, TARPS AND BOTTLED WATER. NO CLOTHING IS NEEDED AT THIS TIME. DONATIONS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT THE SCHOOL THRU FRIDAY. LIBERTY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH IN LORETTO IS ALSO ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR STORM VICTIMS. NON-PERISHABLE FOOD, WATER, DIAPERS, CLOTHING AND MONETARY DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED MONDAY UNTIL 6 AND TUESDAY FROM 9 TO 6. ITEMS WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE PHIL CAMPBELL COMMUNITY CENTER ON WEDNESDAY. CALL THE CHURCH FOR MORE INFORMATION AT 853-7103. 03 May 2011 18:17:15 GMT RENOVATIONS TO THE LAUDERDALE COUNTY COURTHOUSE WILL GET UNDERWAY THIS YEAR WITH SELECTION OF A GENERAL CONTRACTOR TO MADE IN THE COMING WEEKS. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS THAT THE PROJECT WILL SOON BE OPEN FOR A THREE WEEK BIDDING PROCESS WITH WORK TO BEGIN 30 TO 45 DAYS AFTER A CONTRACTOR IS SELECTED. ARCHITECTS INDICATE THE RENOVATION WILL INVOLVE EXTENSIVE DEMOLITION WORK ON ALMOST EVERY FLOOR OF THE BUILDING. THE FORMER COUNTY JAIL WILL BE CONVERTED TO OFFICES FOR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INCLUDING A NEW GRAND JURY ROOM AND EXPANDED SPACE FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. THE RENOVATION IS EXPECTED TO TAKE NEARLY A YEAR TO COMPLETE. 03 May 2011 18:17:39 GMT A STRONG MONDAY AFTERNOON STORM PROMPTED SEVERAL TORNADO WARNINGS FOR LAWRENCE AND WAYNE COUNTIES. THE STORM CELL CROSSED THE AREA JUST AFTER 4 P-M PRODUCING A WELL DEFINED WALL CLOUD. SOME STORM SPOTTERS REPORTED SEEING A SMALL FUNNEL FOR A SHORT TIME ALTHOUGH THE TORNADO NEVER TOUCHED DOWN. THE STORM TOOK A PATH FROM WAYNE COUNTY THRU NORTHWEST LAWRENCE BEFORE MOVING THRU CENTRAL MAURY COUNTY. NO DAMAGES OR INJURIES WERE REPORTED 04 May 2011 17:58:41 GMT DUE TO LAST WEEK'S SEVERE STORMS, LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOLS WERE CLOSED FOR TWO DAYS AND HAVE MISSED MORE DAYS THIS ACADEMIC YEAR THAN ALLOWED BY THE STATE. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS DOCTOR BILL HEATH, THE SCHOOL SYSTEM HAS DEVELOPED A PLAN TO MAKE-UP THE DAYS. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM HAS SUBMITTED A WAIVER TO THE STATE OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER REGARDING THE LAST TWO DAYS MISSED. IF APPROVED, THE FINAL DAY OF SCHOOL AND UNDERCLASS EXAMS WILL REMAIN ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 25TH WITH EARLY DISMISSAL. IF THE WAIVER IS DENIED, THE TWO DAYS WILL BE ADDED TO THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. IN THAT CASE, THE FIRST DAY OF UNDERCLASS EXAMS WILL BE THURSDAY, MAY 26TH WITH THE FINAL DAY OF SCHOOL AND EXAMS ON FRIDAY, MAY 27TH WITH EARLY DISMISSAL. AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGARDING THE WAIVER REQUEST WILL BE MADE AS SOON AS A DECISION IS RECEIVED. 04 May 2011 17:58:53 GMT AN ALABAMA WOMAN WAS ARRESTED IN LAWRENCEBURG MONDAY NIGHT ON A VARIETY OF CHARGES. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, A BERGER STREET RESIDENT CALLED OFFICERS WHEN A WOMAN VISITING HIS HOME HAD BECOME VERY DRUNK AND VIOLENT. THE VICTIM REPORTED THAT THE WOMAN HAD KICKED IN A BEDROOM DOOR, KICKED A HOLE IN A WALL, DROVE HIS CAR INTO AN OUTBUILDING AND THEN LEFT WHEN HE CALLED POLICE. DAMAGE WAS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 17 HUNDRED DOLLARS. OFFICERS PICKED UP IRIS HEATHER BERRYHILL, 34, OF ATHENS, A SHORT TIME LATER ON GROH STREET. SHE IS CHARGED WITH VANDALISM AND PUBLIC INTOXICATION AND IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT JUNE 3RD. 04 May 2011 17:59:29 GMT DEPUTIES HAVE ARRESTED A LAWRENCEBURG MAN FOR THEFT AND CREDIT CARD FRAUD. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT 33 YEAR-OLD MICHAEL JOEL SMITH WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AT HIS HOME EARLY TUESDAY. SMITH IS ACCUSED OF USING A COMMERCIAL FUEL CARD ISSUED TO A TRUCKING COMPANY FOR MULTIPLE UNAUTHORIZED PURCHASES. THE SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY CHARGED MORE THAN 29 THOUSAND DOLLARS ON THE CARD IN LAWRENCE AND MAURY COUNTIES OVER AN 18 DAY PERIOD IN APRIL. SMITH IS DUE IN CIRCUIT COURT JUNE 6TH. 04 May 2011 18:00:01 GMT THE GILES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' SOCCER TEAM WILL HOST THE DISTRICT QUARTERFINAL GAME THIS THURSDAY. A WIN ON THURSDAY WILL PUT THE TEAM IN THE SEMI-FINALS MONDAY AT COLUMBIA ACADEMY. THE DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP IS SET FOR THURSDAY, MAY 12TH AT COLUMBIA ACADEMY. SELECTIONS FOR THE ALL-DISTRICT TEAM WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT MONDAY'S SEMI-FINAL. 04 May 2011 18:01:44 GMT LAWRENCEBURG VOTERS SAID YES TO SALES OF LIQUOR BY THE DRINK. THE REFERENDUM PASSED 806 TO 597 IN TUESDAY'S ELECTION. IN THE MAYOR'S RACE, INCUMBENT KEITH DURHAM HELD ON TO HIS SEAT TAKING 85 PERCENT OF THE VOTES WITH 15 PERCENT OF VOTES CAST FOR CHALLENGER RICHARD GRIMES. DURHAM'S TOTAL WAS 1,297 TO GRIMES 228. CHAD MOORE BEAT INCUMBENT JERRY MOORE FOR CITY COUNCIL SEAT ONE. CHAD'S TOTAL WAS 1,016 TO JERRY'S 514 VOTES. SEAT TWO INCUMBENT ROBIN WILLIAMS RAN UNOPPOSED AND POSTED MORE THAN A THOUSAND COMPLIMENTARY VOTES. THE NEXT AREA ELECTION IS COMING UP LATER THIS MONTH. JOHN E. BARNES AND JERRY W. FRAZIER JUNIOR WILL VIE FOR KAY TAYLOR'S ETHRIDGE CITY COMMISSION SEAT. RESIDENTS WILL GO TO THE POLLS MAY 24TH. EARLY VOTING FOR THE ETHRIDGE ELECTION IS UNDERWAY NOW AND CONTINUES THRU THURSDAY, MAY 19TH. 05 May 2011 20:26:54 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WILL OFFER A FREE SUMMER SCHOOL SESSION OF ALGEBRA FOR STUDENTS THAT DIDN'T PASS THE COURSE DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. WITH NEW GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS, ALL TENNESSEE STUDENTS MUST TAKE AND PASS FOUR MATH CLASSES TO RECEIVE A DIPLOMA. THE SCHOOL RECOMMENDS THAT ANYONE THAT DIDN'T PASS ALGEBRA THIS YEAR TO ENROLL IN THE SUMMER SESSION. CLASSES WILL BE HELD JUNE 6TH THRU 30TH FROM 8:30 A-M TO NOON. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED AT NO COST. TUTORING SESSIONS WILL BE HELD FROM 1 TO 4 DAILY. THE PROGRAM IS OPEN TO L-C-H-S STUDENTS ONLY. SEATING IS LIMITED. RESERVE A SPOT BY JUNE 1ST BY CALLING 762-9412 DURING SCHOOL HOURS. 05 May 2011 20:27:04 GMT SOUTH LAWRENCE HEAD START IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 3 AND 4 YEAR-OLDS. HEAD START IS A FREE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO MEET INCOME ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OR HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS. TO APPLY, YOU MUST PROVIDE THE CHILD'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR INSURANCE CARD AND PROOF OF INCOME. APPLICATIONS MAY BE SUBMITTED FROM 8 TO 3 AT SOUTH LAWRENCE HEAD START IN IRON CITY. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 845-4994. 05 May 2011 20:27:48 GMT THE DEANNA GLOSSUP FOUNDATION WILL HOST A BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT FRIDAY AT THE SADDLE CREEK GOLF COURSE IN LEWISBURG . THE LOCAL CANCER ASSISTANCE ORGANIZATION WILL RECEIVE PROCEEDS FROM THE FOUR MAN SCRAMBLE AND PARTICIPANTS HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN A HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE AND A 2011 CHEVROLET TRUCK. TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 931-478-0762 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE DEANNA GLOSSUP FOUNDATION DOT ORG. 05 May 2011 20:28:31 GMT AS CLEAN UP FROM DEVASTATING STORMS IN NORTH ALABAMA CONTINUES, THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NOW HAS A CLEARER PICTURE OF HOW MANY TORNADOES TOUCHED DOWN APRIL 27TH. STORM SURVEYORS NOW BELIEVE A TOTAL OF 13 TWISTERS DESTROYED OR DAMAGED PARTS OF ALMOST EVERY NORTH ALABAMA COUNTY. THE STRONGEST OF THE STORMS WAS AN E-F-5 TORNADO THAT CONTAINED WINDS OF OVER 200 MILES PER HOUR AND WAS ON THE GROUND FOR JUST OVER 100 MILES FROM HACKLEBURG, ALABAMA TO SOUTHERN FRANKLIN COUNTY, TENNESSEE. OFFICIALS INDICATE AN ADDITIONAL THREE E-F-1, FOUR E-F-2 AND FIVE E-F-4 TORNADOES WERE REPORTED APRIL 27TH. SURVEYORS SAY THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TOUCH DOWNS COULD GROW AS THEIR EFFORTS HAVE BEEN SLOWED BY THE WIDESPREAD DAMAGE. AROUND 60 FATALITIES WERE REPORTED IN NORTHERN ALABAMA AS A RESULT OF LAST WEEK'S STORMS. 06 May 2011 21:48:25 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN WAS ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES, INCLUDING CHILD ABUSE, AFTER PASSING OUT IN HIS CAR IN A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. ACCORDING TO POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS, THE MANAGER OF THE NORTH LOCUST AVENUE MCDONALDS CALLED AUTHORITIES TUESDAY NIGHT AFTER A MAN PASSED OUT IN HIS CAR AND WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO ATTEMPTS TO WAKE HIM. POLICE WERE ABLE TO ROUSE 25 YEAR-OLD JOSEPH LEVI MARTIN AND DETERMINED THAT HE WAS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL. MARTIN'S 6 YEAR-OLD AND 2 YEAR-OLD CHILDREN WERE WITH HIM IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. A SEARCH OF THE SUSPECT REVEALED ILLEGAL LORTAB AND XANAX PILLS . THE CHILDREN WERE RELEASED INTO THE CUSTODY OF A FAMILY MEMBER AFTER THEIR FATHER'S ARREST. MARTIN IS CHARGED WITH DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, DRUG POSSESSION, TWO COUNTS OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT AND TWO COUNTS OF RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT. HE IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT JUNE 3RD. 06 May 2011 21:48:37 GMT LAWRENCEBURG POLICE MADE A COUPLE OF ARRESTS IN ROTARY PARK LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT. REPORTS INDICATE THAT OFFICERS WERE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR A LAWRENCEBURG MAN WANTED ON A FUGITIVE WARRANT FROM CALIFORNIA. AUTHORITIES TRACKED THE MAN TO A JACKSON STREET RESIDENCE AND STARTED SURVEILLANCE OF THE PROPERTY. JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT, THE SUSPECT AND A FEMALE LEFT THE PROPERTY AND DROVE TO ROTARY PARK WHERE THEY WERE STOPPED BY POLICE. OFFICERS ARRESTED 25 YEAR-OLD RUSSELL LOUIS MILLER ON A FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE WARRANT. AFTER DISCOVERING DRUGS ON THE FEMALE, 23 YEAR-OLD FELICIA DAWN FOURAKER OF LAWRENCEBURG WAS ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF METH AND DRUG PARAPHENALIA, HAVING DRUGS IN A DRUG FREE ZONE AND ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACT. BOTH ARE SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT JUNE 3RD. 06 May 2011 21:49:20 GMT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF AUTOMOTIVE PARTS WERE STOLEN FROM AN ETHRIDGE PROPERTY. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A HIGHWAY 43 NORTH PROPERTY OWNER REPORTED THAT THIEVES HAD DAMAGED A DOOR AND FRAME TO GAIN ENTRY TO HIS PROPERTY SOMETIME OVER THE PAST WEEK. SEVERAL CAR PARTS WERE TAKEN WITH LOSS AND DAMAGE TOTALING 78 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 06 May 2011 21:49:42 GMT HILLSIDE HOSPITAL WILL KICK OFF NATIONAL HOSPITAL WEEK WITH A BREAKFAST AND HEALTH FAIR ON SATURDAY. THE EVENT WILL BE HELD FROM 8 TO 11 A-M AND INCLUDES FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS AND INFORMATION ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS INCLUDING NUTRITION, EXERCISE, MEDICATION AND MORE. ATTENDEES CAN TOUR THE NEW CARDIAC REHAB DEPARTMENT, FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SLEEP STUDIES AND MEET LOCAL PHYSICIANS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 363-9366. 06 May 2011 21:50:01 GMT PLENTY OF PROGRAMS ARE PLANNED FOR THIS WEEKEND AT DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK. FRIDAY'S ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A NATURE HIKE AND AN EDUCATIONAL SESSION ABOUT HAWKS. ON SATURDAY, BRING THE FAMILY FOR AN INTRODUCTION TO FISHING, A CREEK STOMP OR THE TRAVELING NATURE CENTER. SUNDAY'S PROGRAMS INCLUDE PRESENTATIONS ABOUT TURTLES AND HAWKS AND ANOTHER LOOK AT THE TRAVELING NATURE CENTER. FOR INFORMATION ON ANY PARK PROGRAM, CALL THE OFFICE AT 762-9408. 06 May 2011 21:50:25 GMT FEMA IS ON SITE IN LAWRENCE COUNTY, ALABAMA TO MEET WITH RESIDENTS IMPACTED BY LAST WEEK'S SEVERE WEATHER. REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE MOULTON RECREATION CENTER FROM 7 A-M TO 7 P-M, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK UNTIL ALL RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN SERVED. STORM VICTIMS ARE URGED TO VISIT THE CENTER TO REGISTER FOR AVAILABLE SERVICES. OTHER AGENCIES WILL ALSO BE ON SITE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. FOR THOSE IN NEED OF TRANSPORTATION, CALL THE E-M-A OFFICE AT 256-974-7641. 07 May 2011 20:54:44 GMT A GRANT FROM THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WILL LINK SOME LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOLS WITH EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AT THE MEMPHIS ZOO AND BEYOND. THE NEW PROGRAM USES NANOTECHNOLOGY TO CONNECT THE ZOO TO RURAL SCHOOLS IN TENNESSEE INCLUDING THREE HIGH SCHOOLS AND THREE MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. THE SCHOOLS WILL RECEIVE DISTANCE LEARNING EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS THEM TO BE LINKED TOGETHER AND WITH THE MEMPHIS ZOO IN REAL TIME OVER VIDEO. THE NANO-ZOO CONNECTS INITIATIVE WILL PROVIDE FREE CONTENT FROM THE ZOO ALONG WITH THE OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO COLLABORATE WITH OTHER SCHOOLS WORLDWIDE, PARTICIPATE IN DUAL ENROLLMENT SPECIALTY CLASSES AND TAKE VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO HELP IMPROVE MATH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND ALLOWS STUDENTS TO CONNECT WITH EXPERTS IN PHYSICS, PALEONTOLOGY AND MARINE BIOLOGY WITH LIVE TWO-WAY INTERACTION. THE TECHNOLOGY CAN ALSO BE USED FOR INSTRUCTION AT ONE SCHOOL TO BE OPEN TO STUDENTS AT OTHER SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT REGARDLESS OF LOCATION WITH VIDEO CONFERENCING. 07 May 2011 20:55:09 GMT A GAS DRIVE OFF WAS REPORTED THURSDAY AT A WAYNESBORO HIGHWAY CONVENIENCE STORE. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, AN EMPLOYEE OF SELF'S MARKET CALLED DEPUTIES WHEN A CUSTOMER PUT AROUND 45 DOLLARS WORTH OF GAS IN A BROWN BUICK AND DROVE AWAY WITHOUT PAYING. WITNESSES WERE ABLE TO GIVE INVESTIGATORS A DESCRIPTION OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS AND A TAG NUMBER. 07 May 2011 20:55:34 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION WILL MEET NEXT WEEK. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT 4 AT THE ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICE ON CENTENNIAL BOULEVARD. THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING WILL BE TO CERTIFY THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY ELECTION RESULTS. 07 May 2011 20:55:51 GMT A FRIDAY AFTERNOON VEHICLE CRASH INVOLVING A LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL BUS HAS LEFT ONE DEAD. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, A NORTHBOUND 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE VAN COLLIDED WITH SOUTHBOUND BUS-4 JUST NEAR THE FREEDOM HILL ROAD INTERSECTION ON HIGHWAY 43 AROUND 3:30. THE DRIVER OF THE VAN, 61 YEAR-OLD HENRIETTA PRIEST OF COLUMBIA, WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT CROCKETT HOSPITAL. THREE CHILDREN ON THE BUS WERE TREATED FOR MINOR INJURIES. MEMBERS OF THE ETHRIDGE, SUMMERTOWN, AND LAWRENCEBURG FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND LAWRENCE COUNTY EMS RESPONDED TO THE CRASH. THE ACCIDENT WAS INVESTIGATED BY TROOPER KYLE BURLESON. 07 May 2011 20:56:08 GMT A FLORENCE WOMAN WAS ARRESTED OVER THE WEEKEND ON MURDER CHARGES. ACCORDING TO THE TIMES DAILY, 20 YEAR-OLD TIFFANY MARIE NUNLEY WAS ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE STABBING DEATH OF 50 YEAR-OLD DAVID LYNN PENNINGTON OF THE MACEDONIA COMMUNITY. INVESTIGATORS ALLEDGE THAT NUNLEY STABBED PENNINGTON LATE LAST MONDAY NIGHT AT HIS HOME WITH ROBBERY AS THE LIKELY MOTIVE. THE VICTIM, DISABLED BY A STROKE, WAS FOUND DEAD TUESDAY MORNING BY A FAMILY MEMBER. AUTHORITIES APPREHENDED NUNLEY IN SOUTHHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI LATE SATURDAY AND TRANSPORTED HER BACK TO THE SHOALS. SHE IS BEING HELD IN THE LAUDERDALE COUNTY JAIL WITHOUT BAIL. 10 May 2011 18:35:33 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHRIS JACKSON ATTENDED A WHITE HOUSE SUMMIT LAST WEEK WITH MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES. AROUND 100 COUNTY OFFICIALS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY MET MAY 3RD IN WASHINGTON D-C TO DISCUSS SEVERAL ISSUES OF CONCERN TO COUNTY GOVERNMENTS. THE GROUP PARTICIPATED IN POLICY DISCUSSIONS WITH FOUR CABINET SECRETARIES AND AN E-P-A ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE HALF-DAY SUMMIT BEING AN APPEARANCE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT. COMMUNITY LEADERS ATTENDED THREE SESSIONS ON TOPICS INCLUDING BREAKING THE CYCLE OF JAILS AND POVERTY, INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AND HEALTH REFORM AND MEDICAID. JACKSON SAID IN A PRESS RELEASE THAT HE WAS HONORED TO HAVE BEEN INVITED TO THE WHITE HOUSE AND THE MEETING PROVIDED A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE CONTACTS THAT THE COUNTY CAN CALL ON WHEN FEDERAL ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED. 10 May 2011 18:37:13 GMT SPRING HILL'S GENERAL MOTORS PLANT WILL ADD ABOUT 50 JOBS NEXT YEAR BY MANUFACTURING PARTS FOR OTHER FACILITIES. ACCORDING TO THE DAILY HERALD, UNION OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED THAT FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS FOR CORVETTE WILL BE MOLDED AND PAINTED AT THE SPRING HILL PLANT TO BE SHIPPED TO G-M'S BOWLING GREEN PLANT, ADDING 13 NEW JOBS LOCALLY. THE SPRING HILL FACILITY WILL ALSO MANUFACTURE DOOR PARTS FOR THE G-M-C ACADIA AND TRAVERSE MEANING ANOTHER 35 JOBS THAT WILL GO TO SOME OF THE 500 WORKERS LAID OFF FROM THE PLANT SINCE NOVEMBER 2009. THE FACILITY IN SPRING HILL IS ALSO BEING READIED FOR FUTURE PRODUCTION OF THE NEW ECOTEC 4-CYLINDER ENGINE NEXT FALL WHICH SHOULD PUT SEVERAL HUNDRED WORKERS BACK ON THE PAYROLL. UNION OFFICIALS AND G-M ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE A NEW 4-YEAR LABOR AGREEMENT IN PLACE BY SEPTEMBER. 10 May 2011 18:37:45 GMT A LEOMA CHURCH WAS BURGLARIZED SOMETIME LATE LAST WEEK. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, DEPUTIES WERE CALLED TO BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH EARLY SUNDAY WHEN A BREAK-IN WAS DISCOVERED. THIEVES GAINED ENTRY INTO THE BUILDING BY PRYING OPEN A SIDE DOOR. MISSING ITEMS INCLUDE GUITARS, AUDIO EQUIPMENT AND A VIDEO CAMERA. LOSS AND DAMAGES TOTAL 25 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 10 May 2011 18:38:05 GMT ANOTHER GAS DRIVE OFF WAS REPORTED IN THE AREA LAST WEEK. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE DRIVER OF A 1999 BLACK FORD F-150 EXTENDED CAB PUT ABOUT 72 DOLLARS WORTH OF GAS IN THE TRUCK FRIDAY AFTERNOON AT SUPER STOP NUMBER-2 AND LEFT WITHOUT PAYING. A GAS DRIVE OFF WAS REPORTED TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT LAST THURSDAY AT SELF'S MARKET. A BROWN BUICK DROVE AWAY WITHOUT PAYING FOR 45 DOLLARS IN GAS. 10 May 2011 18:45:00 GMT MEMBERS OF THE GILES COUNTY COMMISSION WILL MEET NEXT WEEK IN REGULAR SESSION. THE BOARD WILL CONSIDER PASSING A WHEEL TAX RESOLUTION SPONSORED BY COMMISSIONERS TOMMY CAMPBELL AND BILL HOLT. THE PROPOSED TAX ON REGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES WILL BE 50 DOLLARS PER YEAR FOR A 20 YEAR PERIOD WITH THE FUNDS EARMARKED FOR THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT. THE AGENDA ALSO INCLUDES REVIEW OF FINANCIAL REPORTS, ELECTION OF NOTARIES AND SOME BUDGET AMENDMENTS. THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS RESOLUTIONS TO ADOPT A CONTINUING BUDGET AND TAX RATE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1ST AND APPROVAL OF THE SHELTER AT BODENHAM SCHOOL. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD MONDAY AT 9 A-M AT THE GILES COUNTY COURTHOUSE. 11 May 2011 19:11:31 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY IS ONE OF MORE THAN 70 TENNESSEE COMMUNITIES THAT WILL RECEIVE GRANTS TO UPGRADE TECHNOLOGY AT THE LIBRARY. THE LOCAL LIBRARY WILL GET MORE THAN 16 THOUSAND DOLLARS OF A TOTAL OF 1 POINT 2 MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANT FUNDING. THE GRANTS ARE THE PRODUCT OF A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE, THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RURAL DEVELOPMENT TO STRENGTHEN RURAL COMMUNITIES BY DEVELOPING LIBRARIES. THE MONEY MAY BE USED TO COVER COSTS FOR COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, NEW TRAINING, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, INTERNET ACCESS AND OTHER ENHANCEMENTS APPROVED BY THE U-S-D-A. 11 May 2011 19:13:00 GMT A LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED AGAINST THE CITY OF PULASKI STEMMING FROM A MAY 2010 TRAFFIC STOP INCIDENT. CHANNEL 4 NEWS REPORTS THAT DOCTOR TERRY WYNN IS SEEKING 10 MILLION DOLLARS IN DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRAFFIC STOP AND HER SUBSEQUENT ARREST. WYNN, AN AFRICAN AMERICAN DOCTOR, IS ACCUSING THE PULASKI POLICE DEPARTMENT OF RACIAL PROFILING. WYNN WAS STOPPED BY OFFICER CHAD ESTES FOR SPEEDING WHILE ENROUTE TO DELIVER A BABY AT HILLSIDE HOSPITAL. POLICE OFFICIALS MAINTAIN THAT WYNN NEVER TOLD THE OFFICER WHERE SHE WAS GOING AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AWAY DESPITE BEING WARNED THAT SHE WOULD BE ARRESTED IF SHE LEFT. THE OFFICER FOLLOWED WYNN TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE SHE WAS ARRESTED AND THEN PROCESSED AT THE COUNTY JAIL. THE DOCTOR WAS LATER RELEASED AT THE REQUEST OF PULASKI POLICE CHIEF JOHN DICKEY. THE DEPARTMENT SUSPENDED TWO OFFICERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE INCIDENT. 11 May 2011 19:14:22 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG WOMAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED ON CHILD ABUSE CHARGES. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, 22 YEAR-OLD JENNIFER LINDSEY SWAW WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY MONDAY ON CHARGES RELATING TO THE OCTOBER 2010 DEATH OF HER 9 MONTH-OLD DAUGHTER ALEXXIS "LEXXI" RIHANNA JACOBS. SWAW'S FORMER BOYFRIEND DARION STEVENSON IS CHARGED WITH 2ND DEGREE MURDER IN THE INFANT'S DEATH AND HAS BEEN IN JAIL SINCE NOVEMBER. SWAW IS FACING AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT CHARGES AND IS DUE IN CIRCUIT COURT JUNE 6TH. 11 May 2011 19:14:40 GMT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF ITEMS WERE STOLEN OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS FROM AN IRON CITY BUSINESS. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE OWNER OF IRON CITY STAMPING CALLED AUTHORITIES MONDAY AFTER DISCOVERING THE THEFT. HUNDREDS OF POUNDS OF COPPER WIRE, COPPER SCRAP, MULTIPLE TRUCK BATTERIES, SKIDS, GALVANIZED POSTS, GUARD RAILS AND LOG CHAINS VALUED AT AROUND 5 THOUSAND DOLLARS WERE LISTED AS MISSING. 11 May 2011 19:14:59 GMT LAWRENCEBURG ROTARY CLUB'S 3RD ANNUAL SCRAMBLE FOR HUMANITY GOLF TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD SATURDAY AT DIXIE OAKS GOLF CLUB. THIS YEAR'S CELEBRITY GUEST HOST WILL BE CHANNEL 4'S RUDY KALIS. THE ENTRY FEE IS 260 DOLLARS FOR A 4-MAN TEAM OR 65 PER PLAYER. PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS. TO ENTER A TEAM, CALL 964-4991. 11 May 2011 19:15:22 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BUSTED TWO METH LABS AND ARRESTED THREE SUSPECTS ON JANUARY 5TH. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE, THE CRIME SUPPRESSION UNIT MADE A TRAFFIC STOP AFTER RECEIVING INFORMATION ABOUT A SUSPECT PURCHASE OF PSEUDOEPHEDRINE, A COMPONENT USED TO MAKE METHAMPHETAMINE. JUSTIN BRADBARY, BRICE JOYNER AND RACHEL KILLEN WERE QUESTIONED AND REVEALED THE LOCATION OF TWO METH LABS - ONE IN A BARN ON VALLEY ROAD AND ANOTHER AT AN IDAHO ROAD ADDRESS. AGENTS FOUND ITEMS USED TO MANUFACTURE METH AT BOTH LOCATIONS. THE TRIO WAS CHARGED WITH INITIATION AND PROMOTION OF THE PROCESS TO MANUFACTURE METH. KILLEN WAS ALSO CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHENALIA. ADDITIONAL ARRESTS ARE POSSIBLE IN THE CASE. 12 May 2011 18:41:13 GMT STEP BACK INTO THE 1800S THIS WEEKEND WITH CIVIL WAR HISTORICAL TOURS HOSTED BY THE RAWDON-SPEARS SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS. S-C-V COMMANDER MIKE SPEARS INVITES EVERYONE TO EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY OF THE AREA WITH THIS UNIQUE EVENT. THE TOURS BEGIN SATURDAY AT THE TWISTED STICK TRADING POST IN SUMMERTOWN WITH SIX STOPS ALONG THE WAY. HISTORICAL INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE AT EACH LOCATION AND ACTORS WILL PORTRAY PEOPLE OF THE ERA TO TELL HISTORICALLY ACCURATE STORIES FROM EACH PLACE. THE EVENT ALSO INCLUDES CIVIL WAR ARTIFACT DISPLAYS, AN ENCAMPMENT ON SITE AT SUGAR CREEK, WAGON RIDES, BLACKSMITH DEMONSTRATIONS, STORY TELLING AND CONCESSIONS. TOURS WILL BE HELD FROM 9 TO 1. TOUR AND MEAL PRICES ARE 10 DOLLARS FOR ADULTS, 5 DOLLARS FOR AGES 3 TO 12 AND UNDER 3 FREE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 964-4133. 12 May 2011 18:41:35 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD GATHERED FOR THEIR REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING TUESDAY AT SUMMERTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. THE BOARD APPROVED A MOTION TO NO LONGER OFFER AN ALGEBRA ONE CREDIT TO 8TH GRADE STUDENTS BASED ON CONCERN THAT FULL ALGEBRAIC CONCEPTS WERE LACKING COMPREHENSION IN HIGH SCHOOL. MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL STILL GIVE INSTRUCTION ON FOUNDATIONS OF ALGEBRA BASED ON STATE STANDARDS. A MOTION TO REMOVE KEYBOARDING FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM WAS ALSO PASSED. THE CLASS IS NOW TAUGHT IN MIDDLE SCHOOLS. BOARD MEMBERS OPTED TO KEEP THE DATA ENTRY POSITION PAY SCALE AT THE CURRENT RATE, CONSTRUCT NEW RESTROOMS AT SOUTH LAWRENCE SCHOOL AND INSTALL AN ELEVATOR AT E-O COFFMAN. GYM BLEACHER PROJECTS AT LORETTO AND LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS WERE APPROVED ALONG WITH ALL OTHER AGENDA ITEMS. LAWRENCEBURG PUBLIC EDUCATOR BARRY HOLT AND SUMMERTOWN ELEMENTARY EMPLOYEE SARAH SMITH WERE HONORED AS THE TEACHER AND SUPPORT STAFFER OF THE MONTH. 12 May 2011 18:42:05 GMT THE SUMMERTOWN LADY EAGLES SOFTBALL TEAM TOOK THE DISTRICT TITLE TUESDAY NIGHT. THE LADY EAGLES WERE NAMED CHAMPS AFTER A 10 TO 3 WIN IN THE DISTRICT 12-A CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. SUMMERTOWN PLAYERS NAMED TO THE ALL DISTRICT TEAM INCLUDE: MEGAN KILBURN, COURTNEY GROOMS, MORGAN LONG AND KARLIE HARVILLE WITH ALLEY BENEFIELD NAMED MOST VALUABLE PLAYER. THE TEAM WILL OPEN REGION TOURNAMENT ACTION MONDAY AT HOME. SUMMERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL'S THEATER ARTS CLASS AND HOSA CLUB WILL HOST DINNER AND A SHOW FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS. THE PLAY, "CYRANO LOVES ROXANNE" IS A COMEDIC VERSION OF THE CLASSIC STORY OF TRUE LOVE AND MISTAKEN IDENTITY "CYRANO DE BERGERAC". DINNER INCLUDES CHILI OR TACO SOUP, DESSERT AND A DRINK AND WILL BE SERVED UNTIL 6:30 WITH THE PLAY TO BEGIN AT 7. DINNER AND SHOW TICKETS ARE 9 DOLLARS, TICKETS FOR THE PLAY ARE 5 DOLLARS AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR. 12 May 2011 18:42:46 GMT A NORTH ALABAMA T-V-A POWER PLANT IS IN TROUBLE WITH FEDERAL REGULATORS. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, THE BROWNS FERRY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT NEAR ATHENS RECEIVED A "RED" FINDING FROM THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION AFTER IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT AN AUXILIARY HEAT REMOVAL VALVE HAD BECOME STUCK. THE ISSUE ORIGINATED AFTER MAY 2009 BUT WAS NOT IDENTIFIED AND REPAIRED UNTIL OCTOBER 2010 DURING REFUELING ONE OF THE PLANT'S REACTORS. T-V-A OFFICIALS BLAME THE VALVE MANUFACTURER FOR THE PROBLEM AND STRESSED THAT THE PUBLIC WAS NEVER IN ANY DANGER. THE HEAT REMOVAL SYSTEM IS PART OF THE FACILITY'S EMERGENCY COOLING SYSTEM AND WOULD NOT HAVE WORKED AS DESIGNED IF USED BEFORE THE ISSUE WAS CORRECTED. REGULATORS INDICATE THAT T-V-A WILL NOW HAVE TO PAY FOR A DETAILED INSPECTION OF THE PLANT. 12 May 2011 18:43:08 GMT WITH CLEAN UP AND REPAIRS CONTINUING, THERE IS NOW A CLEAR PICTURE OF JUST HOW MUCH DAMAGE WAS MADE BY AN E-F-1 TORNADO IN LATE APRIL IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, THE TWISTER AND HIGH WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH A LINE OF STORMS ON APRIL 27TH AFFECTED A TOTAL OF 55 PROPERTIES IN THE COUNTY. 4 HOMES WERE CLASSIFIED AS DESTROYED, 11 HAD MAJOR DAMAGE AND 25 REPORTED MINOR DAMAGE. 15 GARAGES AND BARNS RECEIVED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE FROM THE SEVERE WEATHER. ONE MAN REPORTED MINOR INJURIES BUT NO FATALITIES OCCURRED IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. ASSISTANCE FOR AFFECTED RESIDENTS IS STILL AVAILABLE BY CALLING THE LOCAL RED CROSS AT 762-1599. 13 May 2011 19:04:18 GMT THE BOARD OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY MORNING. COUNCILMEN WERE PRESENTED WITH THE LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS FROM LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS. L-U-S WILL PROVIDE THE CITY WITH AN UPDATED REPORT EACH MONTH AS MANDATED BY THE STATE AS PART OF THE UTILITY'S PLAN OF ACTION TO REPAY IMPROPER FUND TRANSFERS BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS. THE COUNCIL APPROVED A RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH BUFFALO RIVER SERVICES FOR PROPERTY ON W-O SMITH AVENUE. THE BOARD AGREED TO ACCEPT THE TRANSFER OF THE FARMERS MARKET PROPERTY FROM THE LAWRENCEBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY TO THE CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG. AN INITIAL RESOLUTION TO ISSUE MORE THAN 2 MILLION DOLLARS IN GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS ALSO PASSED. THE MEASURE WILL CONVERT SOME CAPITAL OUTLAY NOTES TO BONDS. 13 May 2011 19:04:37 GMT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG'S NEW SALES OF LIQUOR BY THE DRINK POLICY WAS DISCUSSED THURSDAY AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING. RESIDENTS VOTED TO APPROVE A REFERENDUM ON THE MATTER DURING THE MAY 3RD ELECTION. CITY ATTORNEY ALAN BETZ TOLD COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT THE CITY HAS THE OPTION TO ADOPT A PRIVILEGE TAX FOR ANY TYPE OF BUSINESS THAT PARTICIPATES IN THE SALES. BETZ PRESENTED A LIST OF THE MAXIMUM ANNUAL CHARGES TO DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF BUSINESSES AS SET BY STATE STATUTE. THE BOARD VOTED TO ADOPT THE PRIVILEGE TAX AND INCLUDE IT IN THE MUNICIPAL CODE. THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION ISSUES LICENSES FOR LIQUOR SALES. ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS MUST APPLY TO THE STATE FOR APPROVAL AND THE CITY HAS NO INFLUENCE ON THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSES. THE A-B-C ALSO REGULATES THE SALE HOURS FOR LIQUOR BY THE DRINK. BETZ SAID THAT ONCE CITY ELECTION RESULTS ARE CERTIFIED BY THE STATE, THEN BUSINESSES CAN BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION WILL CERTIFY THE ELECTION RESULTS THURSDAY. THE PAPERWORK WILL BE SENT TO THE STATE WITHIN A FEW WEEKS. 13 May 2011 19:17:21 GMT A LAWRENCE COUNTY CHURCH WAS RECENTLY STRUCK BY BURGLARS. ACCORDING TO A REPORT FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THIEVES BROKE INTO PORTER'S CHAPEL CHURCH OF GOD SOMETIME SUNDAY OR MONDAY TAKING A PROJECTOR SCREEN, HOT PLATES AND OTHER ITEMS. LOSS AND DAMAGES TO THE FACILITY'S FRONT DOOR TOTALED MORE THAN 400 DOLLARS. 13 May 2011 19:17:50 GMT THE SUMMERTOWN EAGLES WENT UNDEFEATED IN TOURNAMENT ACTION TO CAPTURE THE DISTRICT BASEBALL TITLE. THE EAGLES DEFEATED WAYNE COUNTY WEDNESDAY TO WIN THE DISTRICT 12-A CHAMPIONSHIP. EAGLES NAMED TO THE ALL DISTRICT TOURNAMENT TEAM INCLUDE: KEGAN ROBERTS, BEN LYONS, BLAKE PHILLIPS AND BLAKE GRAY. THOMAS HUDDLESTON WAS NAMED MOST VALUABLE PLAYER. SUMMERTOWN ADVANCES TO THE REGION TOURNAMENT BEGINNING MONDAY. 13 May 2011 19:32:30 GMT CHARGES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT AGAINST TWO LAWRENCEBURG RESIDENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE 2010 DEATH OF A 15 YEAR-OLD BOY. EVIDENCE WAS PRESENTED TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY GRAND JURY AND 45 YEAR-OLD TERRY LEE STORY AND 40 YEAR-OLD MELANIE DELENE BENNETT HAVE BEEN INDICTED FOR CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE UNIDENTIFIED VICTIM HAD BECOME ILL AFTER TAKING MORPHINE IN THE COMPANY OF THE SUSPECTS. INVESTIGATORS ALLEGED THAT STORY AND BENNETT FAILED TO GET THE JUVENILE TO THE HOSPITAL IN A TIMELY MANNER WHICH RESULTED IN THE VICTIM'S DEATH FROM A MORPHINE OVERDOSE. THE CHILD'S FAMILY CONTACTED AUTHORITIES IN FEBRUARY 2010 WHILE HE WAS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AT VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER. BOTH STORY AND BENNETT APPEARED IN CIRCUIT COURT MAY 2ND FOR ARRAIGNMENT. NO DATE HAS BEEN SET FOR TRIAL. 16 May 2011 18:57:37 GMT A MAN AND WOMAN FACE A LENGTHY LIST OF CHARGES AFTER A TUESDAY TRAFFIC STOP TURNED DRUG BUST. A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATES THAT SAINT JOSEPH POLICE OFFICERS OBSERVED A HONDA ACCORD TRAVELING OVER THE SPEED LIMIT ON HIGHWAY 43 NEAR THE STATE LINE AND ATTEMPTED TO INITIATE A TRAFFIC STOP. THE DRIVER, IDENTIFIED AS CHRISTOPHER THOMAS NEWTON, ACCELERATED TO NEAR 100 MILES PER HOUR, SWERVED INTO OTHER LANES AND BEGAN TOSSING ITEMS OUT OF THE WINDOW. WHEN HE STOPPED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, NEWTON CAME AT THE OFFICERS WITH A KITCHEN KNIFE. POLICE WERE ABLE TO PLACE THE DRIVER AND A PASSENGER, THELITHA ELIZABETH DOLAN JONES, UNDER ARREST. NUMEROUS HYDROCODONE AND OTHER PILLS WERE FOUND IN THE CAR ALONG WITH BURGLARY TOOLS AND A STOLEN CHAINSAW. UNITS FROM THE LORETTO POLICE DEPARTMENT AND LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED IN TO ASSIST IN SECURING AND GATHERING EVIDENCE THAT HAD BEEN THROWN FROM THE CAR DURING THE PURSUIT. A TOTAL OF 868 PILLS OF VARIOUS TYPES WERE RECOVERED. NEWTON WAS ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF DRUGS FOR RESALE, POSSESSION OF BURGLARY TOOLS, THEFT OF PROPERTY, TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE, D-U-I, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT ON POLICE OFFICERS AND OTHER CHARGES. JONES WAS CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF DRUGS FOR RESALE AND BURGLARY TOOLS, TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE AND THEFT OF PROPERTY. BOTH ARE BEING HELD WITHOUT BOND AND ARE SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT JUNE 21ST. 16 May 2011 18:57:54 GMT A LEOMA MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT AGENTS WITH THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION UNIT EXECUTED A SEARCH WARRANT LAST SATURDAY MORNING AT A HOME ON MOCKERSON ROAD. SEVERAL COMPONENTS USED TO MANUFACTURE METHAMPHETIMINE WERE DISCOVERED AND DEPUTIES ARRESTED 48 YEAR-OLD FRED ALLEN JONES. HE IS CHARGED WITH INITIATION AND PROMOTION OF MANUFACTURING METH AND POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHENALIA. JONES IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT JUNE 13TH. 16 May 2011 18:58:19 GMT DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF YOUR FAMILY ONLINE WITH THE TENNESSEE ELECTRONIC LIBRARY. THRU THE LIBRARY'S WEBSITE, RESIDENTS CAN TRACE THEIR FAMILY HISTORIES WITH THE EASY TO SEARCH COLLECTION OF GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORIC SOURCES OF HERITAGE QUEST. SEARCH BY NAME, YEAR OR LOCATION TO FIND FAMILY INFORMATION DATING BACK TO THE 1700S. THE DATABASE INCLUDES CENSUS RECORDS, DIGITIZED GENEALOGY AND LOCAL HISTORY BOOKS AND WAR RECORDS. T-E-L IS A FREE WEBSITE ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES. 16 May 2011 18:58:44 GMT COLUMBIA POLICE ARE ASKING THE PUBLIC FOR INFORMATION TO HELP SOLVE TWO WEEKEND ROBBERIES. ON SATURDAY AROUND 7:30 P-M, A MAN ENTERED THE WALGREENS AT 1202 SOUTH JAMES CAMPBELL BOULEVARD, PASSED A NOTE TO THE CASHIER STATING THAT HE HAD A GUN AND HE DEMANDED MONEY. THE MAN WAS GIVEN AN UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF CASH AND THEN FLED THE STORE. THE SUSPECT IS A WHITE MALE IN HIS LATE 20S TO MID-30S, ABOUT 5 FEET 8, MEDIUM BUILD, A THIN BEARD AND DARK HAIR THAT WAS BALDING. AT THE TIME OF THE ROBBERY HE WAS WEARING A WHITE T-SHIRT, JEANS, BLACK WRISTBANDS AND MIRRORED SUNGLASSES. WHILE OFFICERS WERE AT WALGREENS, ANOTHER UNRELATED ARMED ROBBERY OCCURRED AT SUNSHINE BEER AND TOBACCO AT 1300 HATCHER LANE. AT ABOUT 9 P-M, A MAN ENTERED THE STORE AND DEMANDED MONEY. HE MAY HAVE HAD A HUNDGUN IN HIS RIGHT HAND COVERED BY A PLASTIC BAG. HE TOOK AN UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF MONEY AND FLED. THE SUSPECT IS A HEAVY SET BLACK MALE, ABOUT 5 FEET 8 INCHES TALL. HE WAS WEARING A GREEN AND BLACK HOODED SWEATSHIRT AND JEANS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON EITHER CRIME IS ASKED TO CALL THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION AT 380-2721, THE SAFE TIPS LINE AT 380-2930 OR CRIMESTOPPERS AT 381-4900. 18 May 2011 18:32:21 GMT AN ELDERLY LAWRENCEBURG MAN WAS ARRESTED ON NUMEROUS CHARGES STEMMING FROM A FRIDAY INCIDENT. ACCORDING TO POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS, OFFICERS WERE DISPATCHED TO A RESIDENCE ON FALL RIVER ROAD AROUND 7 P-M ON A CALL OF A DOMESTIC ASSAULT INVOLVING A KNIFE. WHEN AUTHORITIES ARRIVED, 76 YEAR-OLD BILLY GENE JOHNSON, WITH ONE ARM IN A SLING, WAS SHOUTING OBSCENITIES AND TRYING TO PUNCH A FAMILY MEMBER. DURING AN ATTEMPT TO BREAK UP THE FIGHT, THE SUSPECT TRIED TO HIT THE OFFICERS AND WAS PLACED IN THE BACK OF A PATROL CAR. WITNESSES REPORTED JOHNSON HAD THREATENED TO KILL SOME OF HIS FAMILY MEMBERS AND HE LATER MADE SIMILAR THREATS TO THE ARRESTING OFFICERS. A KNIFE WAS RECOVERED AT THE SCENE AND HYDROCODONE AND MORPHINE PILLS WERE ALSO FOUND ON JOHNSON. DUE TO HIS AGE AND MEDICAL CONDITION, JOHNSON WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR EVALUATION. HE IS CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC ASSAULT, ASSAULT ON A POLICE OFFICER AND DRUG POSSESSION. A COURT DATE HAS YET TO BE SCHEDULED. 18 May 2011 18:32:32 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG WOMAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR SELLING DRUGS TO UNDERCOVER OFFICERS. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT AGENTS RECEIVED A TIP ABOUT A 3RD STREET RESIDENT SELLING ILLEGAL PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. IN EARLY FEBRUARY, UNDERCOVER AGENTS ALLEGEDLY BOUGHT 30 DOLLARS WORTH OF LORTABS FROM THE SUSPECT. A WARRANT WAS ISSUED FRIDAY FOR 37 YEAR-OLD LISA GAYLE WILKERSON FOR THE SALE OF SCHEDULE THREE NARCOTICS. SHE WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT JUNE 2ND. 18 May 2011 18:33:14 GMT MEMBERS OF THE GILES COUNTY COMMISSION MET MONDAY MORNING TO ENTERTAIN A BUSY AGENDA. A RESOLUTION TO IMPOSE A 50 DOLLAR ANNUAL WHEEL TAX WITH FUNDS TO GO TO THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA. LEADERS APPROVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN OUTDOOR SHELTER ON THE BODENHAM SCHOOL PROPERTY. THE STRUCTURE WILL BE FUNDED BY SCHOOL ALUMNI AND THE STATE. RESOLUTIONS TO ADOPT A CONTINUING BUDGET FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR, APPROVAL OF SURETY BONDS FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES AND BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS WERE PASSED. OFFICIALS ALSO APPROVED A MEASURE TO RESTRUCTURE THE INTERLOCAL SOLID WASTE PLANNING REGION TO INCLUDE MOORE AND BEDFORD COUNTIES. THE NEW COUNCIL WILL CONSIST OF 15 VOTING MEMBERS. COMMISSIONERS WILL MEET AGAIN DURING THE SUMMER TO FINALIZE BUDGET PLANS FOR THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR. 18 May 2011 18:33:37 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE FOR THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY WILL BE HELD SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT ROTARY PARK. ON SATURDAY AT 5 P-M, A RECEPTION WILL BE HELD TO HONOR CANCER SURVIVORS WITH ENTERTAINMENT AND FOOD FROM RELAY TEAM BOOTHS. OPENING CEREMONIES WILL BEGIN AT 6 WITH THE CANCER SURVIVORS MAKING THE OPENING LAP AROUND THE TRACK. TEAMS REPRESENTING LOCAL BUSINESSES, CHURCHES, FAMILIES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS WILL ALSO PARADE AROUND THE TRACK TO CELEBRATE THE FUND RAISING EFFORTS FOR THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. THE LUMINARIA CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 9 P-M TO HONOR SURVIVORS AND REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE LOST THE BATTLE AGAINST CANCER. THE LUMINARIAS WILL LINE THE TRACK AND BURN THRU THE NIGHT AND WILL BE AVAILABLE BY DONATION AT THE EVENT. SEVERAL ENTERTAINERS HAVE ALSO BEEN SCHEDULED TO PERFORM THRU-OUT THE EVENING. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RELAY FOR LIFE LAWRENCE COUNTY EVENT, CALL 629-2882 OR 242-7032. 18 May 2011 18:34:29 GMT FIREFIGHTERS SPENT TUESDAY MORNING BATTLING A SOUTHEAST LAWRENCE COUNTY BARN FIRE. THE STRUCTURE, LOCATED ON BROWN LANE, WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHEN CREWS FROM THE CENTER POINT AND SOUTHEAST FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARRIVED AROUND 11:30. THE BARN AND ITS CONTENTS, INCLUDING MOTORCYCLES, LAWN MOWERS AND OTHER ITEMS, WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 19 May 2011 16:30:20 GMT A SUSPECTED CHEMICAL SPILL SHUT DOWN ROADWAYS AND PROMPTED A RESPONSE BY THE LAWRENCEBURG HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TEAM LATE TUESDAY. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, A LEAKING CONTAINER WAS DISCOVERED AROUND 5:30 IN THE AREA OF ETHRIDGE/RED HILL AND RED HILL/CENTER ROADS. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTAINER HAD ONCE CARRIED NITRIC ACID AND CREWS DIVERTED TRAFFIC AROUND THE AREA FOR A NUMBER OF HOURS. HAZ-MAT PERSONNEL WITH THE ASSISTANCE FROM WEST END AND ETHRIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENTS CLEANED THE SCENE OF THE SUBSTANCE WHICH WAS LATER DETERMINED TO BE NON-TOXIC FARMING MATERIALS. AUTHORITIES BELIEVE THE CONTAINER HAD ROLLED OFF OF A TRANSPORTING VEHICLE. 19 May 2011 16:30:31 GMT A LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSIONER WILL ASK THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO FUND AN ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP TO BENEFIT A LOCAL STUDENT WITH PLANS TO PURSUE A CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE. THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP PROPOSAL IS SPONSORED BY COMMISSIONER CHRIS JACKSON AND IS ON THE AGENDA OF THE NEXT REGULAR SESSION MEETING. THE 1500 DOLLAR SCHOLARSHIP WILL BE AWARDED TO ONE SENIOR EACH YEAR THAT HAS SHOWN A RECORD OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. THE RECIPIENT MUST ALSO AGREE TO GIVE 100 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE TO LAWRENCE COUNTY DURING THE YEAR THE SCHOLARSHIP IS AWARDED. JACKSON INDICATES THAT THE PROGRAM WILL BE AN INCENTIVE TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES WHILE PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FURTHER EDUCATION. THE LEGISLATION WILL BE UP FOR APPROVAL AT NEXT TUESDAY'S COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AT 5 AT THE COURTHOUSE. 19 May 2011 16:31:00 GMT THE APRIL 27TH TORNADOES THAT STRUCK ALABAMA COULD BE THE COSTLIEST NATURAL DISASTER IN THE STATE'S HISTORY. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS THAT INSURED LOSSES FROM THE TWISTERS IS IN THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN THE SOUTHEAST WITH 70 PERCENT OF THE LOSSES IN ALABAMA. THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE PUTS ALABAMA'S TOTAL BETWEEN 2 POINT 45 AND 4 POINT 2 BILLION DOLLARS. THE NUMBERS ARE BASED ON AN ESTIMATE PROVIDED BY AN INTERNATIONAL CATASTROPHE MODELING COMPANY. THE ESTIMATE ALSO SAYS THAT THE TORNADO THAT HIT TUSCALOOSA AND TRAVELED TO BIRMINGHAM ACCOUNTS FOR ABOUT 40 PERCENT OF DAMAGE IN THE SOUTHEAST. 19 May 2011 16:31:24 GMT ANOTHER LAWRENCE COUNTY CHURCH HAS BEEN BURGLARIZED. REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT THE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH ON PARK GROVE ROAD WAS BROKEN INTO LAST WEEK. THIEVES STOLE FOOD AND A TAPESTRY AND DAMAGED THE FELLOWSHIP HALL. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 850 DOLLARS. FOUR OTHER CHURCHES IN THE COUNTY HAVE REPORTED BURGLARIES SINCE EARLY APRIL. A WEEKEND BREAK-IN COST A TURNPIKE ROAD RESIDENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN STOLEN ITEMS. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, DEPUTIES WERE SUMMONED SATURDAY MORNING WHEN THE VICTIM REPORTED SOMEONE HAD BROKEN INTO HIS WORK TRUCK. THE LATCH ON THE TRUCK TOPPER WAS BROKEN AND THREE CHAINSAWS AND SEVERAL CHAINS WERE STOLEN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 44 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 19 May 2011 16:34:19 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN WAS CITED FOR HAVING A WEAPON IN HIS VEHICLE BUT NO PERMIT TO CARRY ONE. REPORTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT AN OFFICER INITIATED A TRAFFIC STOP ON A TOYOTA TRUCK MONDAY MORNING ON WEST GAINES STREET. WHILE SPEAKING WITH THE DRIVER, THE OFFICER NOTICED A GUN CASE IN THE TRUCK AND ASKED IF THERE WERE WEAPONS IN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SAID NO, BUT A SEARCH TURNED UP A LOADED 22-CALIBER REVOLVER STUCK BETWEEN THE SEAT AND THE CONSOLE. THE DRIVER, 34 YEAR-OLD LARRY BRONSON AYERS, TOLD POLICE HE HAD NO PERMIT TO CARRY THE WEAPON. HE WAS CITED FOR UNLAWFULL POSSESSION OF A WEAPON AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT JUNE 2ND. 19 May 2011 16:36:29 GMT MAINSTREET LAWRENCEBURG HAS ANNOUNCED THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THIS YEAR'S UPCOMING HERITAGE FESTIVAL IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LAWRENCEBURG. THE EVENT KICKS OFF THURSDAY, JUNE 2ND WITH A CARNIVAL OPENING AT 4 AND MUSIC BY THE BAND BROKEN AND MATT ROY. FRIDAY, JUNE 3RD WILL FEATURE DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE DAVID CROCKETT LONG HUNTERS, GREEN STREET MARKET VENDORS AND GOSPEL MUSIC BY THE WORD OF LIFE BAND, JOSH AND ASHLEY FRANKS AND THE KELLYS. THE FESTIVAL WILL CLOSE WITH A FULL DAY OF ACTIVITIES SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH INCLUDING A VISIT BY AN ANTIQUES APPRAISER, ARTS AND CRAFTS VENDORS AND CONCERTS THRU-OUT THE DAY. THE MARGARITA BEACH BAND, A JIMMY BUFFETT TRIBUTE GROUP, WILL CAP OFF THE PERFORMANCE SERIES AT 8 P-M. ADMISSION TO THE FESTIVAL IS FREE FOR ALL AGES. 20 May 2011 20:53:10 GMT THE SUMMERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM WON THEIR 6TH CONSECUTIVE REGION 6-A CHAMPIONSHIP ON WEDNESDAY. THE EAGLES BEAT MOUNT PLEASANT 13 TO NOTHING WITH FRESHMAN NATHANIEL MORRISON PITCHING A NO HITTER FOR SUMMERTOWN. THE TEAM ADVANCES TO THE SUB-STATE TOURNAMENT HOSTING CASCADE FRIDAY AT 6:30. 20 May 2011 20:53:37 GMT THIEVES TARGETED COPPER WIRE IN A HOME BURGLARY. A REPORT FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATES THAT A MAPLE STREET RESIDENT HAD BEEN STAYING AT A SICK RELATIVE'S HOUSE FOR A NUMBER OF WEEKS AND RETURNED HOME TO FIND HIS TRAILER HAD BEEN BURGLARIZED. THE POWER SUPPLY HAD BEEN PULLED FROM THE METER AND THE HOME'S CONTENTS TOSSED. THE FRONT DOOR OF HIS SHOP BUILDING WAS KICKED IN AND COPPER WIRE HAD BEEN STOLEN. LOSS AND DAMAGES TOTALED OVER 500 DOLLARS. 20 May 2011 20:53:57 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG POLICE OFFICER HAS BEEN HONORED FOR HIS ROLE IN RESOLVING A STAND-OFF EARLIER THIS YEAR. PATROLMAN BRIAN HAGAN WAS AWARDED THE DEPARTMENT'S MEDAL OF VALOR ON FRIDAY FOR HIS SERVICE DURING THE JANUARY 6TH INCIDENT. HAGAN, THE DEPARTMENT'S FIELD TRAINING OFFICER, WAS ABLE TO TALK AN ARMED SUSPECT OUT OF A MAPLE AVENUE RESIDENCE. THE SUSPECT, WANTED FOR A DOMESTIC ALTERCATION, HAD LED LAW ENFORCEMENT ON A CAR CHASE THRU-OUT THE COUNTY AND EVENTUALLY TO THE HOME WHERE HE WAS ARRESTED. THE OFFICER SUSTAINED A BROKEN LEG DURING THE APPREHENSION. HAGAN HAS BEEN WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SINCE 2007. 20 May 2011 20:54:25 GMT DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK HAS A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS PLANNED FOR THIS WEEKEND. ON FRIDAY, THERE WILL BE A NATURE HIKE AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE AQUATIC LIFE OF SHOAL CREEK. SATURDAY'S PROGRAMS INCLUDE AN INTRODUCTION TO FISHING, A TURTLE DERBY AND A CREEK STOMP. ON SUNDAY, BRING THE FAMILY FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OWLS AND SNAKES AND THE TRAVELING NATURE CENTER. FOR A SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMS OR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE PARK OFFICE AT 762-9408. 20 May 2011 20:55:07 GMT THE FEATURED ENTERTAINERS FOR THIS FALL'S MIDDLE TENNESSEE DISTRICT FAIR CONCERT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCEBURG ROTARY CLUB, THE BEACH BOYS WILL PLAY THE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH CONCERT AT ROTARY PARK. TICKETS PRICES AND PURCHASING INFORMATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE. 23 May 2011 18:51:45 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY BOARD MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY. ERIC GROOMS FROM THE MUNICIPAL GAS AUTHORITY GAVE A PRESENTATION TO BOARD MEMBERS ON A RATE STRUCTURE FOR NATURAL GAS FOR INDUSTRIAL USE. THE BOARD ALSO DISCUSSED CHOOSING A COMPANY TO PERFORM ITS ANNUAL AUDIT. THE COMPANY LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS HAS USED FOR SEVERAL YEARS HAS AGREED TO PERFORM THE NEXT AUDIT AT THE SAME OR BELOW COST AS THIS YEAR'S AUDIT. BOARD MEMBERS REQUESTED TO SEE SOME BIDS FOR THE JOB TO COMPARE COSTS OF THE SERVICE BEFORE MAKING A SELECTION. THE T-V-A FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT FOR JUNE WILL MEAN A SLIGHT INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY RATES. RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS WILL SEE A 25 TO 50 CENT INCREASE ON THEIR NEXT BILL. BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET FOR A BUDGET WORK SESSION ON MONDAY, JUNE 6TH AT 4 AT L-U-S. 23 May 2011 18:52:00 GMT A PLAN TO REVITALIZE PARTS OF EAST COLUMBIA IS UNDERWAY. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THE CITY IS IN THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING DILAPIDATED HOMES AND PROPERTIES WITH PLANS TO DEMOLISH AND REPLACE THE STRUCTURES WITH NEW HOUSING UNITS. THE PROGRAM IS FUNDED BY A 500 THOUSAND DOLLAR GRANT FROM THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT. OFFICIALS SAY THE EFFORT IS TO MAKE A POSITIVE REINVESTMENT INTO THE AREA. A PORTION OF THE FUNDS WILL GO TOWARD ASSISTING FAMILIES WHO PURCHASE ONE OF THE NEW HOMES WITH A 10 THOUSAND DOLLAR LOAN. MODULAR ONE IN PULASKI WILL CONSTRUCT THE THREE BEDROOM, TWO BATH DWELLINGS. THE CITY HOPES TO HAVE THE FIRST OF FOUR HOMES READY FOR A FAMILY BY LATE SUMMER. 23 May 2011 18:52:32 GMT TOOLS AND SPORTING EQUIPMENT WERE REPORTED STOLEN FROM A BAKER LANE PROPERTY THIS WEEK. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE RESIDENT CALLED AUTHORITIES THURSDAY WHEN SHE DISCOVERED SOMEONE HAD BROKEN INTO HER OUTBUILDING. TWO COMPOUND BOWS, A FISHING POLE, REEL AND VARIOUS TOOLS WERE STOLEN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 990 DOLLARS. 23 May 2011 18:52:53 GMT A LORETTO HOUSE FIRE KEPT FIREMEN FROM SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS BUSY FOR A NUMBER OF HOURS SUNDAY. CREWS WERE CALLED TO THE JOHNSON LANE RESIDENCE AROUND 11 A-M TO A REPORT OF VISIBLE SMOKE ON THE PROPERTY. THE TWO STORY STRUCTURE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHEN CREWS ARRIVED. THE HOME OWNERS WERE AT CHURCH AT THE TIME OF THE BLAZE. AUTHORITIES BELIEVE THE FIRE STARTED AS A RESULT OF AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. MEMBERS OF THE LEOMA, LORETTO, WEST POINT, SOUTHEAST, SAINT JOSEPH AND CENTER POINT FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED. THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IS ASSISTING THE FAMILY. 24 May 2011 18:33:28 GMT THE SUMMERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM ADVANCES TO STATE TOURNAMENT ACTION THIS WEEK AFTER TAKING THE SUB-STATE TITLE LAST WEEK. THE EAGLES BEAT CASCADE 5 TO 2 ON FRIDAY TO WIN THE SUB-STATE. SUMMERTOWN TAKES A 25 AND 3 RECORD INTO THE T-DOUBLE-S-DOUBLE-A STATE TOURNAMENT. THE EAGLES FIRST GAME IS SET FOR TUESDAY AGAINST FRIENDSHIP CHRISTIAN AT MIDDLE TENNESSEE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL IN MURFREESBORO. 24 May 2011 18:33:39 GMT AGENTS WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DISCOVERED A LARGE STASH OF DRUGS, GUNS AND CASH AT A PROPERTY IN SUMMERTOWN. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE, THE AGENTS WERE ALERTED ABOUT A POSSIBLE DRUG BUST WHEN A SERGEANT AT THE JAIL WAS GIVEN CASH THAT SMELLED OF MARIJUANA TO BAIL OUT A PRISONER. THE 4 THOUSAND DOLLAR CASH BOND FOR THE INMATE, INCARCERATED ON DRUG CHARGES, WAS PRESENTED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT BY JOHNNY ASHLEY. AGENTS QUESTIONED THE SUSPECT AND HIS WIFE PEGGY ASHLEY ABOUT THE SMELL OF THE MONEY AND WERE TOLD THE CASH HAD BEEN STORED IN A SAFE WITH ABOUT A QUARTER OUNCE OF MARIJUANA. AGENTS OBTAINED CONSENT TO SEARCH THE COUPLE'S NORTH BRACE ROAD HOME. THE SAFE CONTAINED 4 OUNCES OF MARIJUANA, HALLUCINOGENIC MUSHROOMS, L-S-D, COCAINE AND 944 DOLLARS IN CASH. A FURTHER SEARCH OF THE PROPERTY YIELDED 17 HANDGUNS, 21 LONG GUNS, INCLUDING ASSAULT RIFLES, MORE MARIJUANA, PRESCRIPTION PILLS, DRUG PARAPHENALIA AND A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 5 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASH. CHARGES IN THE CASE WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE GRAND JURY. 24 May 2011 18:39:59 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WILL OFFER A FREE SUMMER SCHOOL SESSION OF ALGEBRA FOR STUDENTS THAT DIDN'T PASS THE COURSE DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. WITH NEW GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS, ALL TENNESSEE STUDENTS MUST TAKE AND PASS FOUR MATH CLASSES TO RECEIVE A DIPLOMA. THE SCHOOL RECOMMENDS THAT ANYONE THAT DIDN'T PASS ALGEBRA THIS YEAR TO ENROLL IN THE SUMMER SESSION. CLASSES WILL BE HELD JUNE 6TH THRU 30TH FROM 8:30 A-M TO NOON. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED AT NO COST. TUTORING SESSIONS WILL BE HELD FROM 1 TO 4 DAILY. THE PROGRAM IS OPEN TO L-C-H-S STUDENTS ONLY. SEATING IS LIMITED. RESERVE A SPOT BY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1ST BY CALLING 762-9412. 24 May 2011 18:40:20 GMT A NUMBER OF ARRESTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN GILES COUNTY ON THEFT AND DRUG RELATED CHARGES. A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATES THAT 22 YEAR-OLD DERRICK LANE HARWELL OF PULASKI IS CHARGED WITH INITIATION OF METHAMPETAMINE, THEFT AND BURGLARY CHARGES AND REMAINS IN JAIL ON 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. JUSTIN DEAN BURCHELL, 21, OF PULASKI FACES THEFT OF PROPERTY AND BURGLARY CHARGES AND HAS BEEN RELEASED ON BOND. 19 YEAR-OLD WILLIAM KENNETH LOVELESS IS CHARGED WITH THEFT AND BURGLARY CHARGES FROM LINCOLN AND GILES COUNTIES. JESSE WADE MCGILL, 23, FACES CHARGES OF DRUG POSSESSION AND INITIATION OF METH AND HAS BEEN RELEASED ON BOND. 50 YEAR-OLD RICKY LANE HARWELL IS IN JAIL FOR INITIATION AND POSSESSION OF METH FOR RESALE, VIOLATION OF PROBATION AND WEAPONS CHARGES. PHILLIP THOMAS DANIEL IS CHARGED WITH INITIATION OF METH AND REMAINS IN JAIL ON 20 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. SHERIFF KYLE HELTON STATED THAT DEPUTIES HAVE WORKED THREE METH LABS IN FIVE DAYS BRINGING THE TOTAL TO SIX FOR THE MONTH OF MAY. INVESTIGATORS ARE STILL WORKING SEVERAL RELATED BURGLARY AND DRUG CASES WITH MORE ARRESTS EXPECTED SOON. 25 May 2011 18:58:02 GMT LORETTO POLICE ARE SEEKING THE PUBLIC'S HELP TO SOLVE A FATAL HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT. ACCORDING TO DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS, 60 YEAR-OLD JERRY SPRINGER OF LORETTO WAS RIDING HIS BICYCLE NORTH ON HIGHWAY 43 EARLY ON MAY 10TH WHEN A NORTHBOUND TOYOTA PICK-UP STRUCK AND CRITICALLY INJURED THE CYCLIST. SPRINGER DIED MAY 19TH AS A RESULT OF THOSE INJURIES. AUTHORITIES BELIEVE THE SUSPECT'S VEHICLE IS DARK COLORED AND HAS FRONTAL DAMAGE FROM THE COLLISION. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL LORETTO POLICE AT 853-6797. 25 May 2011 18:58:14 GMT SOME GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS HAVE ANNOUNCED CLOSINGS FOR THE UPCOMING MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY. CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY. RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE PICK-UP IN LAWRENCEBURG FOR MONDAY WILL BE THURSDAY, JUNE 2ND. PLEASE HAVE CARTS OUT EARLY FOR THE DOUBLE ROUTE DAY. ALL LAWRENCE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND PULASKI ELECTRIC SYSTEM WILL ALSO BE CLOSED MONDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY. 25 May 2011 18:58:37 GMT APPLIANCES AND OTHER ITEMS WERE TAKEN IN A NORTH LAWRENCE COUNTY HOME BURGLARY. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT A RED HILL/CENTER ROAD RESIDENT CALLED DEPUTIES MONDAY WHEN HE DISCOVERED SOMEONE HAD BROKEN INTO HIS HOUSE. A WASHER, DRYER, T-V, HAND TOOLS, FISHING POLES AND TACKLE WAS REPORTED MISSING VALUED AT MORE THAN 14 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 25 May 2011 18:58:55 GMT THE TENNESSEE COURT OF APPEALS RULED MONDAY AGAINST FORMER SHERIFF KENNY TAYLOR'S BID FOR A NEW ELECTION. TAYLOR CHALLENGED THE AUGUST 5TH, 2010 SHERIFF'S ELECTION RESULTS DUE TO AN UNQUALIFIED CANDIDATE'S PARTICIPATION IN THE RACE. TAYLOR'S ATTORNEY, RUSS PARKES, FILED SUIT AFTER THE ELECTION TO CONTEST THE AUGUST SHERIFF'S RACE WHERE TAYLOR WAS DEFEATED BY 118 VOTES. IN OCTOBER, A CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE RULED AGAINST A NEW ELECTION AND PARKES THEN FILED AN APPEAL. THE THREE JUDGE PANEL OF THE APPEALLATE COURT RULED THIS WEEK THAT TAYLOR'S MONTHS LONG DELAY IN FILING SUIT TO CHALLENGE THE THIRD PLACE CANDIDATE'S LEGITIMACY TO RUN FOR LAWRENCE COUNTY OFFICE PREVENTS HIM FROM PURSUING LITIGATION IN THE MATTER. IN AN ANALYSIS OF THE CASE, THE APPEALS COURT STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH TAYLOR HAD CONCERNS ABOUT A CANDIDATE'S RESIDENCY EARLY ON IN THE CAMPAIGN, HE FILED NO FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE ADMINISTRATOR OF ELECTIONS, ELECTION COMMISSION, THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OR THE STATE DIVISION OF ELECTIONS AND WAITED TO FILE SUIT UNTIL HE LOST THE ELECTION. TAYLOR'S ATTORNEY IS CONSIDERING ANOTHER APPEAL TO A HIGHER COURT. 26 May 2011 19:03:36 GMT A COLUMBIA MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR RAPE. ON TUESDAY, COLUMBIA POLICE EXECUTED A SEARCH WARRANT AT THE 7TH AVENUE HOME OF 34 YEAR-OLD GREGORY TAVARES CREWS. A PRESS RELEASE INDICATES THAT CREWS WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AS A RESULT OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION FROM AN APRIL 19TH INCIDENT. AUTHORITIES ALLEGE THAT CREWS, AN EMPLOYEE OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WITH THE TENNESSEE CAREER CENTER, OFFERED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE DESTITUTE VICTIM THEN COERCED HER INTO COMMITTING SEXUAL ACTS. POLICE ARE CONTINUING TO INVESTIGATE THE SUSPECT'S POSSIBLE USE OF HIS EMPLOYMENT AS A MEANS TO GAIN ACCESS AND THE CONFIDENCE OF WOMEN NOT ABLE TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THEMSELVES. AUTHORITIES ARE SEEKING INFORMATION FROM THE PUBLIC REGARDING THIS CASE OR OTHER ASSAULTS BY CREWS. CALL THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION AT 380-2721, THE SAFE TIP LINE AT 380-2930 OR CRIME STOPPERS AT 381-4900. 26 May 2011 19:03:52 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MET IN REGULAR SESSION TUESDAY. MEMBERS APPROVED SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR A TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LITTER GRANT AND AGREED TO PROVIDE MATCHING FUNDS FOR A GRANT FOR THE CROSSROADS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT. COUNTY LEADERS ALSO GAVE APPROVAL FOR WATER LINE EXTENSIONS ON ALEXANDER SPRINGS ROAD IN SUMMERTOWN AND TO RENAME A BRIDGE ON GAMBLE ROAD IN SOUTHERN LAWRENCE COUNTY FOR THE LATE PAUL GAMBLE. FAMILY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE THANKED THE COMMISSION FOR NAMING THE SITE THE PAUL GAMBLE MEMORIAL BRIDGE IN HIS MEMORY. COMMISSIONERS VOTED 9 TO 7 AGAINST A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH AN ANNUAL 15 HUNDRED DOLLAR LAWRENCE COUNTY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP FOR A STUDENT PLANNING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE. ALL OTHER AGENDA ITEMS WERE APPROVED. 26 May 2011 19:04:13 GMT WITH A LONG HOLIDAY WEEKEND COMING UP, THE SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMS AT DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK HAS BEEN EXPANDED. PROGRAMS BEGIN THURSDAY WITH A NATURE HIKE AND INFORMATION ABOUT PARK REPTILES. ON FRIDAY, ACTIVITIES INCLUDE AN INTRODUCTION TO FISHING, A DEMONSTRATION OF TOOLS THAT WERE USED IN DAVID CROCKETT'S TIME, INFORMATION ON TURTLES AND SPORTS NIGHT AT THE PARK. SATURDAY'S SCHEDULE INCLUDES INFO ON HAWKS AND AQUATIC LIFE OF SHOAL CREEK, KICKBALL, A TURTLE DERBY, PRIMITIVE FIRE STARTING AND A NIGHT HIKE. ON SUNDAY, ENJOY SESSIONS ABOUT OWLS AND SNAKES AND A CREEK STOMP AND ON MEMORIAL DAY, PROGRAMS INCLUDE ANOTHER INFORMATION SESSION ON SNAKES AND THE TRAVELING NATURE CENTER. FOR INFORMATION ON PROGRAM TIMES AND MEETING LOCATIONS, CALL THE PARK OFFICE AT 762-9408. 26 May 2011 19:05:03 GMT SEVERE STORMS LEFT THEIR MARK ON LAWRENCE COUNTY LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT. A LINE OF STORMS MOVED THRU THE AREA AROUND 11 P-M RESULTING IN NUMEROUS DOWNED TREES AND POWER LINES. OFFICIALS INDICATE FALLING TREES DAMAGED HOMES ON LAFAYETTE AND JACKSON AVENUES IN LAWRENCEBURG AND ON MILLER LANE IN NEW PROSPECT. AN OUT-BUILDING IN WEST POINT AND A BARN ON HUDSON ROAD IN WESTERN LAWRENCE COUNTY WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY HIGH WINDS. LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND AMERICAN RED CROSS OFFICIALS WILL CONTINUE TO SURVEY STORM DAMAGE FOR POTENTIAL FEDERAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE. 27 May 2011 19:40:18 GMT AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING DURING WEDNESDAY NIGHT'S STORM. ACCORDING TO LAWRENCE COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE DIRECTOR SCOTT STOREY, LIGHTNING STRUCK THE AMBULANCE SERVICE BUILDING ALSO HITTING E-M-T RONALD BUTTRUM. THE VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT AND LATER RELEASED. BUTTRUM WAS REPORTED TO BE DOING WELL THURSDAY WITH THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF HIS INJURIES UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. 27 May 2011 19:41:28 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY MORNING. COUNCIL MEMBERS APPROVED A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS NOT TO EXCEED 5 POINT OH-7-5 MILLION DOLLARS. THE MEASURE REFINANCES CURRENT BONDS AND CAPITAL OUTLAY NOTES AT A LOWER INTEREST RATE SAVING THE CITY IN EXCESS OF 200 THOUSAND DOLLARS OVER SEVERAL YEARS. AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A PRIVILEGE TAX ON SALES OF LIQUOR BY THE DRINK LISTED ON THE AGENDA FOR A SECOND AND FINAL READING WAS DEFERRED WITH NO ACTION TAKEN. CONSIDERATION OF THE MATTER WILL BE ADDRESSED AT A LATER DATE. 27 May 2011 19:41:56 GMT LAUDERDALE COUNTY GRAND JURORS HAVE ISSUED A TRIO OF INDICTMENTS IN TWO COLD MURDER CASES. CHANNEL 19 NEWS REPORTS THAT EDDIE FRANK CHANDLER WAS INDICTED IN THE 1994 DEATH OF CHRIS STANBACK. THE VICTIM WENT MISSING WHILE VISITING FAMILY IN THE FLORENCE AREA. STANBACK'S BODY WAS DISCOVERED IN A WOODED AREA FOUR DAYS AFTER HE WAS REPORTED MISSING. SHANNON RAY JOHNSON AND ALFRED SHAWN JOHNSON WERE BOTH INDICTED IN THE BEATING DEATH OF KEITH BARNETT. THE PAIR IS ACCUSED OF BEATING BARNETT AFTER LEAVING A WAYNE COUNTY NIGHT CLUB IN JULY 2000. BARNETT WAS FOUND INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO A BIRMINGHAM HOSPITAL WHERE HE LATER DIED. COURT DATES FOR THE SUSPECTS HAVE NOT BEEN SET. 27 May 2011 19:42:34 GMT BURGLARS HAVE BEEN ACTIVE IN LAWRENCE COUNTY LATELY TARGETING GUNS AND COPPER WIRE. REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT THIEVES STRUCK AN OLD FLORENCE - PULASKI ROAD RESIDENCE LATE TUESDAY WHILE THE HOME OWNERS WERE ATTENDING A SCHOOL GRADUATION. ITEMS REPORTED MISSING INCLUDE SEVERAL RIFLES, A SHOTGUN, COLLECTOR KNIVES AND COINS. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT OVER 15 THOUSAND DOLLARS. INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO THE THEFT OF A FIREARM FROM A LEOMA HOME SOMETIME TUESDAY. THE MISSING PISTOL IS VALUED AT 400 DOLLARS. BURGLARS TARGETED A SOUTH LAWRENCEBURG POWER SUBSTATION EARLIER THIS WEEK TAKING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF COPPER WIRE. AUTHORITIES BELIEVE THE THEFT OCCURRED SOMETIME BETWEEN SATURDAY AND WEDNESDAY AT THE EAGLE FACTORY ROAD FACILITY WITH LOSS ESTIMATED AROUND 5 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 27 May 2011 19:42:55 GMT THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL ENCOURAGES ALL HOLIDAY TRAVELERS TO WEAR SEAT BELTS AND DRIVE SAFE THIS WEEKEND. THE OFFICIAL MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY TRAVEL PERIOD BEGINS AT 6 P-M FRIDAY EVENING AND CONTINUES THRU MONDAY AT MIDNIGHT. 13 PEOPLE WERE KILLED ON STATE ROADWAYS DURING THE 2010 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY. OF THOSE FATALITIES, 50 PERCENT OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS KILLED WERE NOT WEARING SEAT BELTS. PLENTY OF STATE TROOPERS WILL BE ON THE ROAD THIS WEEKEND TO ENFORCE SEAT BELT LAWS AND TO LOOK FOR AGGRESSIVE AND IMPAIRED DRIVERS. MORE THAN 70 ROADSIDE SAFETY CHECKPOINTS ARE PLANNED THRU-OUT THE LONG HOLIDAY WEEKEND. 31 May 2011 19:14:16 GMT A FOUR DAY TRIAL ENDED IN A GUILTY VERDICT FOR A WAYNESBORO MAN ACCUSED OF MURDER. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS THAT 39 YEAR-OLD CHRIS ALLEN CUMMINGS WAS CONVICTED OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER IN THE APRIL 2010 BEATING DEATH OF 33 YEAR-OLD BUDDY ALAN GRIGGS. THE VICTIM'S BODY WAS FOUND MAY 14TH, 2010 AT THE BOTTOM OF AN EMBANKMENT IN NORTHERN WAYNE COUNTY. CUMMINGS' WIFE, KRYSTAL LYNN LINVILLE CUMMINGS, TESTIFIED DURING TRIAL THAT HER HUSBAND KILLED GRIGGS, SHE HELPED DISPOSE OF THE BODY AND TRIED TO COVER UP WHAT HAD HAPPENED. SHE IS THE MOTHER OF TWO OF GRIGGS' CHILDREN AND HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE, ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACT AND FILING A FALSE REPORT - ALL FELONIES. AFTER DELIBERATING FOR AN HOUR ON THURSDAY, THE JURY CAME BACK WITH THE GULITY VERDICT FOR CHRIS ALLEN CUMMINGS. CIRCUIT JUDGE ROBERT HOLLOWAY SENTENCED HIM TO LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE. A TRIAL DATE FOR KRYSTAL CUMMINGS HAS NOT BEEN SET. 31 May 2011 19:14:34 GMT A LOCAL WAR HERO WILL BE HONORED AT THIS YEAR'S MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE IN LAWRENCEBURG. LARRY FELDHAUS WILL BE THE FEATURED SPEAKER AND WILL SHARE MEMORIES OF HIS LATE BROTHER, VIETNAM VETERAN JOHN ANTHONY "JACKIE" FELDHAUS. THE SOLDIER WAS SHOT DOWN IN HIS SKYRAIDER FIGHTER IN NORTH VIETNAM. HIS BODY REMAINED AT THE CRASH SITE FOR 35 YEARS BEFORE IT WAS RETURNED TO THE U-S. THE TRIBUTE WILL BE HELD MONDAY AT 6 AT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. 31 May 2011 19:15:24 GMT THE SUMMERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM WAS PUT OUT OF STATE TOURNAMENT PLAY THURSDAY AFTER LOSING A PAIR OF GAMES TO FRIENDSHIP CHRISTIAN. THE EAGLES FELL 12 TO 6 IN THE FIRST GAME AND 4 TO NOTHING IN THE SECOND TO THE TEAM THEY DEFEATED IN THE OPENING GAME OF THE T-DOUBLE-S-DOUBLE-A TOURNAMENT EARLIER THIS WEEK. SUMMERTOWN ENDS THE 2011 SEASON WITH DISTRICT, REGION AND SUB-STATE TITLES AND AN IMPRESSIVE 27 AND 5 RECORD. 31 May 2011 19:15:45 GMT A GILES COUNTY HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT COULD BE COMPLETE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, WORK IS NEARING AN END ON THE STRETCH OF HIGHWAY 64 FROM PULASKI TO BODENHAM. CONTRACTORS HAVE UNTIL OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT. WITH FINAL PAVING AND WORK TO BRIDGES ALL THAT REMAINS, THE ROADWAY COULD POTENTIALLY OPEN LATER THIS SUMMER. T-DOT OFFICIALS ADDED THAT THE WESTERN SECTION OF THE LAWRENCEBURG BY-PASS HAS RECEIVED FUNDING AND COULD GO TO CONTRACTORS BY THIS FALL. 01 Jun 2011 21:36:07 GMT THE TENNESSEE WILDLIFE RESOURCES AGENCY REMINDS BOATERS TO BE SAFE THIS SUMMER. THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY IS TRADITIONALLY THE START OF THE SUMMER BOATING SEASON AND T-W-R-A OFFICIALS EMPHASIZE THE NEED FOR LIFE JACKETS AND BOATING RESPONSIBLY DURING THE WARM WEATHER MONTHS. LAST YEAR, 167 BOATING ACCIDENTS RESULTED IN 19 DEATHS IN THE STATE'S 32 MAJOR RESERVOIRS AND 17 THOUSAND MILES OF WATERWAYS. ALONG WITH THE IMPORTANCE OF LIFE JACKET USE, THE T-W-R-A REMINDS BOATERS THAT OPERATING A BOAT WITH A BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT OF POINT-OH-8 OR HIGHER IS ILLEGAL IN TENNESSEE. A TOTAL OF 155 PEOPLE WERE CITED FOR BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IN 2010 WITH MORE THAN 25 HUNDRED CITATIONS ISSUED FOR OTHER INFRACTIONS. 01 Jun 2011 21:36:19 GMT LAWRENCEBURG POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING AN ARSON CASE. REPORTS INDICATE THAT A RESIDENT OF SECOND AVENUE DISCOVERED SOMEONE HAD BROKEN INTO HER HOME LATE LAST WEEK. A METAL BASKET FULL OF CLOTHING HAD BEEN SET ON FIRE, DAMAGING A WALL AND CEILING OF THE RESIDENCE. LOSS AND DAMAGES TOTALED MORE THAN 16 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 01 Jun 2011 21:36:46 GMT THE SUMMER CREDIT RECOVERY PROGRAM AT LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL WILL BEGIN WEDNESDAY. REGISTRATION WILL BE AT 8 A-M AND STUDENTS MUST BRING A PARENT AND A REPORT CARD SHOWING THE COURSE GRADE FOR THE SUBJECT TO BE MADE UP. STAFF MEMBERS WILL MEET WITH PARENTS AND STUDENTS TO DISCUSS THE PROGRAM WITH CLASSES TO FOLLOW. STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH EACH DAY. LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WILL OFFER A FREE SUMMER SCHOOL SESSION OF ALGEBRA FOR STUDENTS THAT DIDN'T PASS THE COURSE DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. WITH NEW GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS, ALL STUDENTS MUST PASS FOUR MATH CLASSES TO RECEIVE A DIPLOMA IN TENNESSEE. CLASSES WILL BE HELD MONDAY, JUNE 6TH THRU THURSDAY, JUNE 30TH FROM 8:30 A-M TO NOON. FREE LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED AND TUTORING SESSIONS WILL BE HELD FROM 1 TO 4 DAILY. THE PROGRAM IS OPEN TO L-C-H-S STUDENTS ONLY. SEATING IS LIMITED. RESERVE A SPOT BY WEDNESDAY BY CALLING 762-9412. 01 Jun 2011 21:37:09 GMT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE WILL OFFER A NON-CREDIT INTRODUCTION TO QUICKBOOKS 2010 CLASS THIS WEEK. THE COURSE COVERS BANKING AND BILLING ACTIVITIES, WORKING WITH REPORTS AND BUDGETS, PROTECTING AND BACKING UP DATA AND MORE. THE FEE IS 129 DOLLARS AND INCLUDES A TEXTBOOK. THE CLASS WILL BE HELD SATURDAY FROM 8:30 TO 4:30 ON THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY CAMPUS. TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 540-2660 OR GO ONLINE TO COLUMBIASTATE.EDU. 01 Jun 2011 21:37:33 GMT DOWNTOWN LAWRENCEBURG WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO A CENTER OF FAMILY FUN FOR THIS WEEK'S MAINSTREET LAWRENCEBURG HERITAGE FESTIVAL. EVENTS KICKS OFF THURSDAY WITH A CARNIVAL OPENING AT 4 AND MUSIC BY BROKEN AND MATT ROY. FRIDAY WILL FEATURE DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE DAVID CROCKETT LONG HUNTERS, GREEN STREET MARKET VENDORS AND GOSPEL MUSIC BY WORD OF LIFE, JOSH AND ASHLEY FRANKS AND THE KELLYS. THE FESTIVAL WILL CLOSE WITH A FULL DAY OF ACTIVITIES SATURDAY INCLUDING A VISIT BY AN ANTIQUES APPRAISER, ARTS AND CRAFTS VENDORS AND CONCERTS THRU-OUT THE DAY. THE MARGARITA BEACH BAND, A JIMMY BUFFETT TRIBUTE GROUP, WILL CAP OFF THE PERFORMANCE SERIES AT 8 P-M. ADMISSION TO THE FESTIVAL IS FREE FOR ALL AGES. 02 Jun 2011 21:02:19 GMT A PLAN TO RENAME A PORTION OF RUTHERFORD LANE IN COLUMBIA FOR A LOCAL MARINE KILLED IN ACTION THIS YEAR IS UNDERWAY. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THAT PENDING APPROVAL FROM THE CITY COUNCIL THIS WEEK, A STRETCH OF THE ROADWAY IN FRONT OF WOODARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WILL BE NAMED FOR COLUMBIA NATIVE ANDREW CARPENTER. THE SOLDIER DIED IN FEBRUARY AFTER BEING SHOT IN THE NECK WHILE ON PATROL IN AFGHANISTAN. CARPENTER'S WIDOW GAVE BIRTH TO THEIR ONLY CHILD LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER ANDREW'S FUNERAL. CITY LEADERS PLAN TO NAME THE PORTION OF RUTHERFORD LANE THAT EXTENDS FROM TROTWOOD AVENUE TO OAKLAND PARKWAY THE MARINE LANCE CORPORAL ANDREW CARPENTER MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. A DEDICATION CEREMONY WILL LIKELY BE SCHEDULED FOR CARPENTER'S BIRTHDAY ON SEPTEMBER 28TH. 02 Jun 2011 21:02:31 GMT A LEOMA MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED ON THEFT CHARGES. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A RESIDENT OF OLD FLORENCE-PULASKI HIGHWAY REPORTED SUNDAY THAT TWO OF HIS PUSH MOWERS HAD BEEN STOLEN. WHILE INTERVIEWING A SUSPECT THE NEXT DAY, INVESTIGATORS GOT A CONFESSION FROM 37 YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER LEE KENNEDY. KENNEDY ADMITTED THAT HE TOOK THE MOWERS AND THEN SOLD THEM. HE IS CHARGED WITH THEFT AND THEFT BY FRAUD FOR SELLING PROPERTY THAT DID NOT BELONG TO HIM. KENNEDY WAS RELEASED ON 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT JUNE 28TH. 02 Jun 2011 21:02:53 GMT A COUPLE OF RECENT BURGLARIES HAVE BEEN REPORTED AT HOMES ON TURNPIKE ROAD. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT ONE PROPERTY OWNER CALLED AUTHORITIES AFTER DISCOVERING SOMEONE HAD MADE ENTRY TO HIS HOME BY PRYING OPEN A BEDROOM WINDOW. A RIFLE, SHOTGUN AND MEDICATIONS WERE STOLEN VALUED AT MORE THAN 15 HUNDRED DOLLARS. ANOTHER TURNPIKE PROPERTY OWNER CALLED DEPUTIES THIS WEEK WHEN HE FOUND PRY MARKS ON HIS GARAGE DOOR AND A LARGE AMOUNT OF JEWELRY STOLEN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 19 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 02 Jun 2011 21:04:54 GMT SIGN-UPS FOR GILES COUNTY JUNIOR 4-H CAMP HAVE BEEN EXTENDED THRU FRIDAY. KIDS IN 4TH THRU 6TH GRADES ARE ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DARBY AT THE GILES COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE AT 363-3523. 02 Jun 2011 21:05:13 GMT A WISCONSIN BASED ORGANIZATION THAT ADVOCATES FOR SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE IS UP IN ARMS OVER PRAYERS HELD DURING GILES COUNTY SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THAT THE FREEDOM FROM RELIGION FOUNDATION SENT LETTERS TO THE GILES COUNTY SCHOOL DIRECTOR AND THE PRINCIPAL OF PULASKI ELEMENTARY AFTER RECEIVING A COMPLAINT FROM PARENTS ABOUT A PRAYER RECITED AT THE SCHOOL'S MAY 20TH KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION CEREMONY. THE LETTER, FROM THE ASSOCIATION OF ATHIESTS AND AGNOSTICS, STATES THAT THE PRAYER WAS UNCONSTITUTIONAL, CITING SUPREME COURT RULINGS ON THE MATTER AND EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT PRAYERS GIVEN AT ALL GILES COUNTY GRADUATION CEREMONIES. PULASKI ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL BILL HOLT TOLD THE MEDIA THAT HE WAS SADDENED THAT AMERICA HAS COME TO THE POINT THAT YOU CAN'T HAVE A KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM AND SAY A PRAYER AND THE SCHOOL WASN'T TRYING TO PUSH RELIGION ON ANYBODY. 03 Jun 2011 20:59:01 GMT LAWRENCEBURG'S ANNUAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL IS UNDERWAY ON THE DOWNTOWN SQUARE. EVENT GOERS CAN ENJOY ARTS AND CRAFTS VENDORS, FOOD AND A CARNIVAL FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES. GATES OPEN AT 4 THURSDAYDAY WITH MUSIC BY THE CHRISTIAN BAND BROKEN AT 7 AND MATT ROY AT 8. FRIDAY FEATURES A MID-DAY DEMONSTRATION BY THE DAVID CROCKETT LONG HUNTERS PLUS A TRIO OF GOSPEL GROUPS. WORD OF LIFE WILL TAKE THE FESTIVAL STAGE AT 6 FOLLOWED BY PERFORMANCES BY JOSH AND ASHLEY FRANKS AT 7 AND THE KELLYS AT 8. FESTIVITIES CONCLUDE SATURDAY WILL ALL DAY MUSIC CAPPED OFF BY AN APPEARANCE BY A JIMMY BUFFETT TRIBUTE BAND. ADMISSION TO THE MAINSTREET LAWRENCEBURG SPONSORED HERITAGE FESTIVAL IS FREE. 03 Jun 2011 20:59:12 GMT A COLUMBIA MAN WAS ARRESTED ON A VARIETY OF CHARGES AFTER A WEDNESDAY EVENING DIRT BIKE RIDE IN LAWRENCEBURG. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT AN OFFICER ON PATROL ON BUFFALO ROAD SAW A MAN RIDING A DIRT BIKE TURN ONTO JACKSON STREET JUST BEFORE 8 P-M. POLICE TRIED TO PULL OVER THE UNHELMETED RIDER WHO FLED FROM THE OFFICERS AND EVENTUALLY WAS FOUND IN A MAHR AVENUE PARKING LOT. 31 YEAR-OLD JEREMY CLINT GABEL WAS ARRESTED FOR DRIVING ON A REVOKED LICENSE, EVADING ARREST, OPERATING AN UNAUTHORIZED MOTOR VEHICLE AND VIOLATION OF THE HELMET LAW. HE IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT JULY 7TH. 03 Jun 2011 20:59:30 GMT THIEVES NETTED CASH AND MORE BY TAKING A SAFE FROM AN EAST LAWRENCE COUNTY PROPERTY. ACCORDING TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, AN OVERNACK ROAD RESIDENT CAME HOME WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON TO FIND SOMEONE HAD BROKEN INTO HIS HOUSE . A SAFE CONTAINING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN CASH, A VARIETY OF MEDICATIONS AND JEWELRY WAS STOLEN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 5 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 03 Jun 2011 20:59:50 GMT A NEW TENNESSEE LAW THAT CURBS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS FOR TEACHERS HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS THAT THE LEGISLATION REPLACES TEACHERS' BARGAINING RIGHTS THRU A UNION WITH "COLLABORATIVE CONFERENCING". EDUCATORS ARE STILL ALLOWED TO HAVE PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS PAY FOR UNION DUES BUT THE LAW STATES THAT THE MONEY CANNOT BE USED FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES SUCH AS CANDIDATE CONTRIBUTIONS. CRITICS ARGUED THAT THE MEASURE IS POLITICAL RETRIBUTION FOR THE TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION'S LONGTIME SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES. 03 Jun 2011 21:00:09 GMT EARLY THURSDAY WRECK SENDS ST. JOE MAN TO HOSPITAL AN EARLY THURSDAY AFTERNOON TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SENT A SAINT JOSEPH MAN TO THE HOSPITAL. ACCORDING TO THE LORETTO POLICE DEPARTMENT, 52 YEAR-OLD LARRY JOE BRADLEY WAS TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON HIGHWAY 43 IN A 2003 DODGE PICK-UP WHEN HE STRUCK A POWER POLE NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF EAST AUGUSTIN DRIVE. BRADLEY WAS AIRLIFTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER IN STABLE CONDITION. THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. 06 Jun 2011 18:54:08 GMT LAWRENCEBURG POLICE ARRESTED A MAN SUSPECTED OF SETTING A FIRE UNDER A BRIDGE ON WEST GAINES STREET. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT A LAWRENCEBURG FIREMAN HAD IDENTIFIED A SUSPECT AT THE SCENE OF A THURSDAY NIGHT ARSON. FIRE CREWS WERE DISPATCHED TO A FIRE AROUND 9 P-M THAT HAD BEEN SET BENEATH THE BRIDGE JUST EAST OF PARKWAY MOTORS. JOHN GRISHAM LOVE THE THIRD, 26, OF LAWRENCEBURG WAS QUESTIONED AND ADMITTED THAT HE AND ANOTHER MAN HE BELIEVED TO BE HOMELESS HAD SET THE FIRE. SOME ILLEGAL PILLS WERE REPORTEDLY FOUND IN HIS POCKET. LOVE IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT JULY 1ST. 06 Jun 2011 18:55:57 GMT AUTHORITIES ARRESTED A LAWRENCEBURG MAN OUTSIDE A CONVENIENCE STORE EARLY FRIDAY ON DRUG CHARGES. REPORTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT A PUBLIC INTOXICATION CALL CAME IN JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT WITH A MAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE OUTSIDE OF THE STORE ON WEST GAINES STREET. OFFICERS QUESTIONED 29 YEAR-OLD WILLIAM NICHOLAS FLEEMAN AND DETERMINED HIM TO BE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AN ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE. A SEARCH OF HIS BACKPACK TURNED UP A LARGE AMOUNT OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS AND SOME DRUG PARAPHENALIA. FLEEMAN WAS ALSO IDENTIFIED AS A POSSIBLE SUSPECT IN A NEARBY ARSON CASE FROM A FEW HOURS BEFORE. HE IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT JULY 1ST. 06 Jun 2011 18:59:48 GMT TWO LAWRENCEBURG TEENAGERS ARE FACING A NUMBER OF VANDALISM AND BURGLARY CHARGES. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, OFFICERS WERE DISPATCHED TO A VANDALISM CALL EARLY THURSDAY WITH TWO BOYS REPORTED TO BE BREAKING FLOURESCENT LIGHT BULBS OUTSIDE A CHURCH. POLICE SPOKE WITH A 13 AND 14 YEAR-OLD AT THE SCENE WITH BOTH ADMITTING TO THE VANDALISM. THE BOYS AGREED TO CLEAN UP THE BROKEN BULBS AND WERE LET GO WITH A WARNING. LATER CALLS ABOUT SOME VEHICLE BREAK-INS IN THE 5TH, 6TH AND 7TH STREET AREA LED OFFICERS TO THE 14 YEAR-OLD'S HOME FOR QUESTIONING. THE BOY ADMITTED THAT HE HAD BEEN DOING DRUGS AND HE AND HIS FRIEND HAD BROKEN INTO SOME VEHICLES. THE TEEN SHOWED AUTHORITIES SOME ITEMS TAKEN IN THE BURGLARIES AND TOOK POLICE TO THE SCENES OF THE THEFTS. JUVENILE PETITIONS ARE PENDING FOR BOTH OFFENDERS. 06 Jun 2011 19:00:55 GMT A NEW TENNESSEE LAW THAT CURBS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS FOR TEACHERS HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS THAT THE LEGISLATION REPLACES TEACHERS' BARGAINING RIGHTS THRU A UNION WITH "COLLABORATIVE CONFERENCING". EDUCATORS ARE STILL ALLOWED TO HAVE PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS PAY FOR UNION DUES BUT THE LAW STATES THAT THE MONEY CANNOT BE USED FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES SUCH AS CANDIDATE CONTRIBUTIONS. CRITICS ARGUED THAT THE MEASURE IS POLITICAL RETRIBUTION FOR THE TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION'S LONGTIME SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES. 06 Jun 2011 19:01:33 GMT THE 15TH ANNUAL SOUTHEASTERN LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING SEMINAR WILL BE HELD THIS WEEK THRU THURSDAY IN LAWRENCEBURG. THE THEME OF THIS YEAR'S EVENT IS "OFFICER SURVIVAL - TRAIN TO LIVE" AND INCLUDES PRESENTATIONS BY FORENSIC EXPERT DOCTOR HENRY LEE AND TERRORISM SPECIALIST JOE RUFFINI. LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL FROM ACROSS THE SOUTH WILL ATTEND SELETS EVENTS AT THE CROCKETT THEATER, ROTARY PARK AND THE F-O-P SHOOTING RANGE. 08 Jun 2011 19:08:08 GMT FLORENCE AUTHORITIES ARE INVESTIGATING A TRAGIC FRIDAY EVENING DEATH OF A FATHER AND SON. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS THAT 28 YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER BYRD JUNIOR AND HIS 5 YEAR-OLD SON CHRISTOPHER THE THIRD DROWNED IN A SWIMMING POOL AT A LINDA LANE RESIDENCE. IT IS BELIEVED THE PAIR HAD BEEN DOING LANDSCAPING WORK ON THE PROPERTY WHEN THEY DECIDED TO COOL OFF IN THE POOL. THE HOMEOWNER DISCOVERED THE FATHER AND SON IN THE POOL AFTER NOT HAVING CONTACT WITH THE PAIR FOR AROUND 15 MINUTES. BOTH WERE PRONOUNCED DEAD AT E-C-M HOSPITAL. 08 Jun 2011 19:08:23 GMT A SUMMERTOWN WOMAN ADDED DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES TO HER TROUBLES AFTER A FRIDAY MORNING INCIDENT. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, DEPUTIES WENT TO A HONEYSUCKLE ROAD RESIDENCE TO SERVE A WARRANT ON 44 YEAR-OLD KAREN RENEE FANNON FOR VIOLATION OF PROBATION. THE SUSPECT REFUSED TO ANSWER THE DOOR FOR AUTHORITIES WHO THEN ENTERED THE RESIDENCE THRU A BACK DOOR AND MADE THE ARREST. AFTER TRANSPORTING FANNON TO THE COUNTY JAIL, DEPUTIES DISCOVERED A COUPLE OF PILLS IN THE BACK OF THE PATROL CAR. THE SUSPECT SAID THE PILLS WERE HERS BUT THAT SHE DIDN'T HAVE ANY OTHER ILLEGAL DRUGS ON HER. WHILE BEING PROCESSED, AUTHORITIES FOUND MORE THAN 50 TOTAL SOMA, AMBIEN, LORTAB AND OTHER PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ON FANNON. IN ADDITION TO THE VIOLATION OF PROBATION CHARGE, SHE FACES POSSESSION OF DRUGS AND INTRODUCTION OF DRUGS INTO A PENAL FACILITY. SHE IS DUE IN COURT IN JULY. 08 Jun 2011 19:08:46 GMT ALABAMA CRIMINALS WILL HELP PAY FOR LAUDERDALE COUNTY'S DRUG TASK FORCE. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS THE STATE LEGISLATURE HAS PASSED A BILL TO ADD FEES TO LAUDERDALE COUNTY CRIMINAL CASES AS A PERMANENT MEANS OF FUNDING THE COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE. THE MEASURE, PASSED LAST WEEK, WILL ADD 25 DOLLARS FOR MISDEMEANOR CASES AND 50 DOLLARS FOR FELONY DRUG CASES. THE DIRECTOR OF THE TASK FORCE SAID THAT WITH FEDERAL MONEY BEING DEPLETED EACH YEAR, FUNDING FOR THE UNIT WAS IN QUESTION - UNTIL NOW. SEVERAL DRUG AGENCIES IN THE STATE HAVE SIMILAR FUNDING MECHANISMS IN PLACE INCLUDING COLBERT AND LAWRENCE COUNTIES. THE NEW LAW WILL GO INTO EFFECT 90 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING THE GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE. 08 Jun 2011 19:09:55 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL WILL MEET IN REGULAR SESSION THIS WEEK. THE AGENDA INCLUDES A MONTHLY REVIEW OF LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS AND CITY FINANCIAL REPORTS AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE 2010-2011 FISCAL YEAR. COUNCILMEN WILL ALSO CONSIDER ADOPTING A PRIVILEGE TAX ON RETAIL SALES OF LIQUOR BY THE DRINK ON SECOND AND FINAL READING. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT 8:30 AT CITY HALL. IN RELATED NEWS, A COUPLE OF MEETINGS ARE SCHEDULED THIS WEEK FOR MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION. THE BUDGET COMMITTEE WILL MEET THURSDAY AT 4 IN THE 2ND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER. A UTILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT 5 IN THE COMMISSION ROOM AT THE COURTHOUSE. 08 Jun 2011 19:24:45 GMT A MOUNT PLEASANT WAREHOUSE WAS SPARED ANY MAJOR DAMAGE AFTER A POWER POLE SNAPPED MONDAY NIGHT. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THAT AROUND 9:30, A UTILITY POLE BROKE AND FELL FORWARD IN A COURTYARD JUST OUTSIDE OF THE FIRST AVENUE APPERTAIN BUILDING, DROPPING TWO TRANSFORMERS AND POWER LINES TO THE GROUND. THE FIRE CHIEF SAID A POTENTIAL DISASTER WAS AVERTED BY THE TRANSFORMERS FALLING AWAY FROM RATHER THAN ONTO THE BUILDING WHEN THE AGE-ROTTED POLE SNAPPED. NO PEOPLE WERE IN THE BUILDING AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT AND DAMAGE TO THE STRUCTURE WAS MINIMAL. ELECTRICITY WAS OUT IN THE AREA BRIEFLY WHILE MOUNT PLEASANT POWER EMPLOYEES REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. 09 Jun 2011 20:57:38 GMT A LAWRENCE COUNTY NATIVE HAS BEEN DRAFTED BY THE ATLANTA BRAVES. FORMER LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER MARK LAMM WAS SELECTED TUESDAY BY THE BRAVES IN THE 6TH ROUND OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL DRAFT. LAMM IS CURRENTLY A SENIOR RELIEF PITCHER FOR THE VANDERBILT COMMODORES. HE IS THE SON OF LORETTO BASEBALL COACH GARY AND SHERYL LAMM. 09 Jun 2011 20:58:01 GMT INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO A COUPLE OF RECENT THEFT CASES IN NORTHERN LAWRENCE COUNTY. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT A SELF ROAD PROPERTY OWNER CALLED DEPUTIES AFTER SOMEONE STOLE HIS HAY TETTER LATE MONDAY OR TUESDAY. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 35 HUNDRED DOLLARS. THIEVES HELPED THEMSELVES TO A LAWN MOWER, A 40 FOOT LADDER, JACK STANDS AND SCRAP METAL FROM A DAVIS STREET RESIDENCE IN SUMMERTOWN MONDAY EVENING. THE ITEMS WERE VALUED AT 13 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 09 Jun 2011 20:58:36 GMT SUMMER HAS ARRIVED EARLY IN THE TENNESSEE VALLEY WITH DAYTIME HIGHS REACHING 90 DEGREES AND ABOVE FOR NEARLY TWO WEEKS. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INDICATES THAT NO RELIEF FROM THE HEAT IS IN SIGHT AND RECOMMENDS THESE TIPS TO ENJOY WARM WEATHER SAFELY: DRESS FOR SUMMER. WEAR LIGHTWEIGHT AND LIGHT COLORED CLOTHING. PLAN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES DURING THE COOLEST PARTS OF THE DAY - THE EARLY MORNING OR LATE AFTERNOON. AND, TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. STAYING OUTSIDE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME CAN LEAD TO SUNBURNS, HEAT CRAMPS, EXHAUSTION AND STROKES. OFFICIALS ADVISE THAT IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY SYMPTOMS OF HEAT RELATED ILLNESS, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. THE OFFICIAL START OF SUMMER IS NOT UNTIL JUNE 21ST, BUT ALREADY TWO DEATHS IN THE MEMPHIS AREA ARE CITED AS HEAT RELATED. 09 Jun 2011 21:01:34 GMT AN ETHRIDGE PROPERTY WAS HONORED AS THIS YEAR'S LAWRENCE COUNTY CENTURY FARM DURING TUESDAY'S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SALUTE TO AGRICULTURE BREAKFAST. THE GANG FARM WAS NAMED THE CENTURY FARM DURING AN INTRODUCTION BY EXTENSION DIRECTOR CALVIN BRYANT. JOHN AND MARGARET GANG ESTABLISHED THE ORIGINAL 232 ACRE FARM IN 1878 PRODUCING TOBACCO, CORN, WHEAT AND OATS. TODAY, 168 ACRES OF THE ORIGINAL FARM REMAINS WITH GANG FAMILY DESCENDANTS. 09 Jun 2011 21:01:55 GMT FIVE DAYS OF FUN, FAMILY FRIENDLY PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED AT DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK. EVENTS BEGIN THURSDAY WITH PROGRAMS ON THE AQUATIC LIFE OF SHOAL CREEK AT 11 AND TURTLES AT 2. ON FRIDAY, MEET FOR A PROGRAM ON SNAKES AT 10, A NATURE HIKE AT 2, A CREEK STOMP AT 4 AND SPORTS NIGHT AT THE PARK GETS UNDERWAY AT 7. SATURDAY WILL FEATURE THE FISHING RODEO FROM 9:30 TO NOON, TOOLS OF THE TRADE AT 2, A PADDLE BOAT RACE AT 3:30 AND A TURTLE DERBY AT 5. SUNDAY'S PROGRAMS INCLUDE CHURCH SERVICE FROM 9 TO 9:30, OWLS AT 11, A CREEK STOMP AT 2 AND THE TRAVELING NATURE CENTER AT 4. ON MONDAY, JOIN A NATURE HIKE AT 9 AND A PROGRAM ON HAWKS AT 2. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE PARK OFFICE AT 762-9408. 09 Jun 2011 21:02:23 GMT FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A WEEK, A FORMER LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER HAS BEEN DRAFTED BY THE BRAVES. CLINT WRIGHT WAS CHOSEN IN THE 22ND ROUND BY THE ATLANTA CLUB IN THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL DRAFT. WRIGHT JUST FINISHED HIS SOPHOMORE SEASON AT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE. VANDERBILT RELIEF PITCHER AND LORETTO ALUMNUS MARK LAMM WAS ALSO PICKED BY ATLANTA IN THE 6TH ROUND. 10 Jun 2011 21:17:49 GMT A COUPLE OF ISSUES INVOLVING SALES OF ALCOHOL IN LAWRENCEBURG WERE ADDRESSED AT THURSDAY'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING. CITY LEADERS PASSED AN ORDINANCE ON SECOND AND FINAL READING TO ADOPT A PRIVILEGE TAX ON RETAIL SALES OF LIQUOR BY THE DRINK. THE MEASURE PROVIDES FOR A PRIVILEGE TAX ON THE SALES TO BE PAID BY ESTABLISHMENTS WITH LIQUOR BY THE DRINK PERMITS. THE AMOUNT TO BE PAID TO THE CITY GENERAL FUND ANNUALLY IS DETERMINED BY 2003 STATE STATUTE THAT DEFINES THE TYPE OF BUSINESS AND IT'S SEATING CAPACITY. COUNCIL MEMBERS ALSO APPROVED ON FIRST READING AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY'S BEER SALES ORDINANCE. ONE CHANGE WILL SET THE HOURS FOR BEER SALES TO THE SAME HOURS THE STATE HAS LEGISLATED FOR LIQUOR BY THE DRINK SALES. IF THE MEASURE PASSES ON SECOND AND FINAL READING, ESTABLISHMENTS WITH BEER, LIQUOR OR BOTH PERMITS WILL BE ALLOWED TO SELL ALCOHOL MONDAY THRU SATURDAY FROM 8 A-M TO 3 A-M AND ON SUNDAY FROM 10 A-M TO 3 A-M. THE CHANGE WILL MAKE ENFORCEMENT OF THE SALE HOURS EASIER TO POLICE. 10 Jun 2011 21:18:14 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR SESSIONTHURSDAY MORNING. THE COUNCIL WAS PRESENTED WITH FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL FROM LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS. ACCOUNTANT JOHN CAIN REVIEWED THE STATEMENTS FOR THE ELECTRIC, GAS AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS WITH THE COUNCIL AS IS REQUIRED MONTHLY BY THE STATE COMPTROLLER AS PART OF AN IMPROPER FUND TRANSFER ISSUE. THE COUNCIL ALSO APPROVED ON FIRST READING A BUDGET AMENDMENT ORDINANCE FOR THE 2010-2011 FISCAL YEAR. THE MEASURE RECONCILES THE PROPOSED BUDGET WITH THE ACTUAL EXPENSES OF AN ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT RETIREE PAYOUT AND A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT TOTALING AROUND 33 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 10 Jun 2011 21:18:33 GMT A COUPLE OF ISSUES INVOLVING SALES OF ALCOHOL IN LAWRENCEBURG WERE ADDRESSED AT THURSDAY'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING. CITY LEADERS PASSED AN ORDINANCE ON SECOND AND FINAL READING TO ADOPT A PRIVILEGE TAX ON RETAIL SALES OF LIQUOR BY THE DRINK. THE MEASURE PROVIDES FOR A PRIVILEGE TAX ON THE SALES TO BE PAID BY ESTABLISHMENTS WITH LIQUOR BY THE DRINK PERMITS. THE AMOUNT TO BE PAID TO THE CITY GENERAL FUND ANNUALLY IS DETERMINED BY 2003 STATE STATUTE THAT DEFINES THE TYPE OF BUSINESS AND IT'S SEATING CAPACITY. COUNCIL MEMBERS ALSO APPROVED ON FIRST READING AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY'S BEER SALES ORDINANCE. ONE CHANGE WILL SET THE HOURS FOR BEER SALES TO THE SAME HOURS THE STATE HAS LEGISLATED FOR LIQUOR BY THE DRINK SALES. IF THE MEASURE PASSES ON SECOND AND FINAL READING, ESTABLISHMENTS WITH BEER, LIQUOR OR BOTH PERMITS WILL BE ALLOWED TO SELL ALCOHOL MONDAY THRU SATURDAY FROM 8 A-M TO 3 A-M AND ON SUNDAY FROM 10 A-M TO 3 A-M. THE CHANGE WILL MAKE ENFORCEMENT OF THE SALE HOURS EASIER TO POLICE. 10 Jun 2011 21:19:00 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY DEPUTIES ARE INVESTIGATING A CASE WHERE SHOTS WERE FIRED NEAR A A COUPLE'S CAMP. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE PAIR WAS AWAKENED AROUND 6 WEDNESDAY MORNING TO GUN FIRE AT THEIR IDAHO ROAD CAMPSITE. A LIGHT BLUE TRUCK WAS SEEN DRIVING AWAY FROM THE SCENE AFTER THE INCIDENT. THE VICTIMS ALSO REPORTED THE THEFT OF A TRAILER FROM THE SAME PROPERTY LAST WEEKEND. 10 Jun 2011 21:19:23 GMT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE HAS BEEN AWARDED A STATE GRANT WORTH 6 AND A HALF MILLION DOLLARS TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY FOR A NEW CAMPUS IN FRANKLIN. THE PROPOSED SITE IS LOCATED ON LIBERTY AVENUE AND WILL REPLACE THE CURRENT 30 YEAR-OLD WILLIAMSON COUNTY CAMPUS ON HILLSBORO PIKE. OFFICIALS INDICATE THE GRANT IS ONLY FOR THE PROPERTY AND WILL CONTINUE TO SEEK FUNDS TO CONSTRUCT THE NEW FACILITIES. THE GRANT IS PART OF AN 88 MILLION DOLLAR PACKAGE FOR TENNESSEE'S 13 COMMUNITY COLLEGES. 10 Jun 2011 21:19:44 GMT THREE YEARS AFTER THE INCIDENTS, A JURY RETURNED QUICKLY WITH A GUILTY VERDICT IN A WAYNE COUNTY SCHOOL HAZING CASE. THE TENNESSEAN REPORTS THAT A FEDERAL TRIAL CONCLUDED THURSDAY WITH THE DECISION THAT THE WAYNE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM FAILED TO PROTECT TWO BOYS FROM SEXUAL HARASSMENT WHILE UNSUPERVIZED IN A MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCKER ROOM IN 2008. THE VICTIMS' MOTHERS FILED SUIT AGAINST THE SCHOOL DISTRICT CLAIMING THEIR SONS WERE SUBJECTED TO SEXUAL-BASED HAZING AS 7TH GRADERS AT THE HANDS OF OLDER BASKETBALL TEAMMATES. AFTER TESTIMONY BY THE BOYS REVEALED ONE VICTIM WAS HELD DOWN AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTED WITH A MARKER AND THE OTHER MADE TO DO SIT-UPS WHILE AN 8TH GRADER WITH HIS PANTS DOWN STOOD ABOVE HIM, THE 5 WOMEN AND 2 MEN JURY RENDERED THEIR DECISION IN ABOUT AN HOUR. THE JURY AWARDED THE FAMILIES 100 THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH AFTER FINDING THAT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM VIOLATED A FEDERAL LAW THAT PROTECTS STUDENTS FROM BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BASED ON THEIR SEX. 13 Jun 2011 17:53:39 GMT ONE OF THE NATION'S PREMIERE KENNEL GROUPS IS HOSTING IT'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION IN LAWRENCEBURG THIS WEEKEND. THE PROFESSIONAL KENNEL CLUB'S ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIP DOG SHOW CONTINUES THRU SATURDAY AT ROTARY PARK, DRAWING SOME OF THE COUNTRY'S BEST HOUNDS AND HANDLERS. CATEGORIES INCLUDE PRO AND YOUTH LEADERS, STATE, PRO AND YOUTH CHAMPIONS WITH CASH AWARDS RANGING FROM 500 DOLLARS TO 25 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER. THE EVANSVILLE, INDIANA BASED ORGANIZATION BEGAN HOSTING THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN LAWRENCEBURG IN 2010. 13 Jun 2011 17:58:17 GMT GILES COUNTIANS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY AT AN UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVE. THE AMERICAN RED CROSS WILL HOST A PULASKI DONOR RECOGNITION BLOOD DRIVE MONDAY FROM NOON TO 6 AT THE PULASKI REC-CENTER. ALL BLOOD TYPES ARE NEEDED. IF YOU ARE AT LEAST 17 YEARS OF AGE, WEIGH A MINIMUM OF 110 POUNDS AND ARE IN GOOD GENERAL HEALTH, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO GIVE BLOOD. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE WEBSITE RED CROSS DOT ORG. 13 Jun 2011 18:01:14 GMT TUITION IS GOING UP AT NORTHWEST-SHOALS COMMUNITY COLLEGE. ACCORDING TO THE TIMES DAILY, THE ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVED THE INCREASE THURSDAY THAT WILL COST AN ADDITIONAL 15 DOLLARS PER CREDIT HOUR. THE HIKE WILL MEAN THAT A FULL-TIME STUDENT ENROLLED FOR A MINIMUM OF 12 HOURS WILL PAY A TOTAL OF 1,608 DOLLARS IN TUITION AND FEES. STATE OFFICIALS CLAIM THE INCREASE COMES AT A TIME WHEN STATE APPROPRIATIONS TO THE TWO-YEAR SCHOOL SYSTEM ARE DECLINING AND ENROLLMENT IS GROWING. THE HIKE IS EXPECTED TO RAISE MORE THAN 30 MILLION DOLLARS IN ADDITIONAL REVENUE. 13 Jun 2011 18:03:45 GMT THE FEE FOR A TRAFFIC TICKET IN TENNESSEE WILL SOON SEE AN INCREASE. CHANNEL-4 NEWS REPORTS THAT THE STATE WILL TACK ON AN ADDITIONAL 13 DOLLARS AND 75 CENTS PER TRAFFIC CITATION WRITTEN BY POLICE AGENCIES. THE ADDITIONAL FEE WILL GO INTO EFFECT JULY 1ST WITH PROCEEDS TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR THE TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. 13 Jun 2011 18:06:18 GMT COLUMBIA POLICE ARE LOOKING INTO THE DEATH OF A MAURY COUNTY WOMAN IN A HOTEL. ON SATURDAY, AUTHORITIES WERE CALLED TO THE EXTENDED STAY SUITES ON NASHVILLE HIGHWAY ON A REPORT OF A DECEASED PERSON IN ONE OF THE ROOMS. THE VICTIM WAS IDENTIFIED AS 49 YEAR-OLD VIVIEN ADCOCK OF COLUMBIA. THE CAUSE OF DEATH IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING TWO BLACK MALES ENTERING THE ROOM AND THEN LEAVING THE SCENE SHORTLY BEFORE POLICE ARRIVED. ONE MAN IS DESCRIBED AS HEAVYSET, LATE 20'S TO EARLY 30'S AND DRIVING A GREEN S-U-V, POSSIBLY A MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE OTHER MAN IS TALL AND SLENDER, EARLY TO LATE 20'S AND DRIVING AN S-U-V, POSSIBLY A FORD EXPLORER. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IN THE CASE IS ASKED TO CALL THE COLUMBIA POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 388-2727 OR CRIMESTOPPERS AT 381-4900. 14 Jun 2011 18:05:41 GMT A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR BRINGING DRUGS INTO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, DRUG AGENTS RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT AN EMPLOYEE OF THE FACILITY WAS SMUGGLING CONTRABAND TO JAIL INMATES. ON WEDNESDAY, INVESTIGATORS CONFRONTED ADAM COZART WHEN HE ARRIVED AT THE JAIL FOR WORK AND FOUND A PACKAGE IN THE SUSPECT'S POCKET CONTAINING PERCOCET PILLS, MARIJUANA, ROLLING PAPERS AND TOBACCO. COZART ADMITTED TO BRINGING A SIMILAR PACKAGE TO INMATES HARVEY LANCE AND TERRY GIBSON ON FRIDAY, JUNE 3RD. THE OFFICER TOLD AUTHORITIES HE WAS PAID 25 DOLLARS PER PACKAGE AND HE PICKED UP THE DRUGS AND PAYMENT FROM ONE OF THE INMATE'S GIRLFRIENDS, IDENTIFIED AS HOPE COFFMAN. COZART WAS ARRESTED AND FACES 2 CHARGES OF INTRODUCTION OF CONTRABAND INTO A PENAL FACILITY, POSSESSION OF DRUGS AND DRUG PARAPHENALIA. HIS 1997 CHEVY TRUCK WAS SEIZED DUE TO ITS USE IN A DRUG TRANSACTION. HOPE COFFMAN LATER ADMITTED INVOLVEMENT IN THE SCHEME AND WAS ARRESTED ON THE SAME CHARGES. INMATES LANCE AND GIBSON BOTH ADMITTED PARTICIPATING IN THE INCIDENTS AND HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH INTRODUCTION OF CONTRABAND INTO A PENAL FACILITY. 14 Jun 2011 18:05:53 GMT A PAIR OF MISSING LEWIS COUNTY GIRLS HAS BEEN FOUND SAFE. CHANNEL-4 NEWS REPORTS THAT 4 YEAR-OLD KILEY MCKENNON AND 8 YEAR-OLD CHLOE OLIVER WERE LOCATED WITH THEIR MOTHER, CHRISTINA MCKENNON, IN GEORGIA ON SUNDAY. LEWIS COUNTY AUTHORITIES ANNOUNCED OVER THE WEEKEND THAT THEY WERE LOOKING FOR THE CHILDREN AND HAD ISSUED A WARRANT FOR THE MOTHER. CHRISTINA MCKENNON REPORTEDLY FLED WITH THE GIRLS WHEN SHE LOST CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN FRIDAY TO THEIR GRANDMOTHER. AUTHORITIES CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE THE MATTER. 14 Jun 2011 18:06:15 GMT SEVERAL ITEMS WERE STOLEN DURING A FRIDAY BURGLARY IN IRON CITY. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT A DANLY ROAD COUPLE WERE AWAY IN THE EARLY EVENING WHEN SOMEONE BROKE INTO THEIR HOME THRU A WINDOW. THE HOUSE WAS RANSACKED AND JEWELRY, A LAPTOP, A CAMCORDER, GUNS, KNIVES, A SAFE AND CASH WAS STOLEN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 19 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 14 Jun 2011 18:06:38 GMT SEVERAL GUNS WERE STOLEN FROM A SUMMERTOWN RESIDENCE. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE BRACE ROAD HOME WAS BROKEN INTO SOMETIME THURSDAY NIGHT OR FRIDAY. FOUR SHOTGUNS, THREE RIFLES, A COMPUTER MONITOR AND HAND TOOLS WERE TAKEN VALUED AT AROUND 22 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 14 Jun 2011 18:06:58 GMT STUDENT ATHLETES IN MAURY COUNTY WILL PRACTICE AFTER SCHOOL NOT DURING CLASSES BEGINNING THIS FALL. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THAT THE SCHOOL BOARD VOTED LAST WEEK TO BAR SCHOOLS FROM DEVOTING CLASS TIME TO SPORTS PRACTICE. WITH BLOCK SCHEDULING, SOME STUDENTS WERE SPENDING AS MUCH AS A QUARTER OF THEIR ACADEMIC DAY ON SPORTS. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN DEBATED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS BUT SCHOOL OFFICIALS CITED TOUGHER STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS AS THE REASON FOR THE DECISION TO END SCHOOL-DAY ATHLETIC PRACTICES. 14 Jun 2011 18:07:20 GMT COLUMBIA POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR A MAN WANTED FOR CHILD ABUSE. A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE DEPARTMENT INDICATES THAT A WARRANT HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR 21 YEAR-OLD MARQUIS ANTWON "KESSY" TIPTON FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT. AUTHORITIES ALLEDGE TIPTON ABUSED A 4 YEAR-OLD BOY ON MONDAY AT A 7TH STREET RESIDENCE THEN LEFT THE VICTIM AND HIS 10 MONTH-OLD BROTHER ALONE AT THE HOME WITHOUT SUPERVISION. THE SUSPECT IS A BLACK MALE WITH BLACK HAIR, BROWN EYES, 6 FEET 2 INCHES TALL, 175 POUNDS AND HAS FAMILY LIVING IN MURFREESBORO. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON HIS WHEREABOUTS IS ASKED TO CALL THE COLUMBIA CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION AT 380-2721 OR CRIMESTOPPERS AT 381-4900. 15 Jun 2011 18:46:32 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR INAPPROPRIATELY TOUCHING A TEENAGE GIRL. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS 43 YEAR-OLD LARRY JAMES COMER WAS ARRESTED TUESDAY ON GRAND JURY CHARGES FOR SEXUAL BATTERY BY AN AUTHORITY FIGURE. AN ON-GOING INVESTIGATION BY THE CHILD SEX ABUSE DIVISION INDICATED THE SUSPECT UNLAWFULLY, SEXUALLY TOUCHED A LAWRENCEBURG TEEN. COMER WAS BOOKED INTO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL ON 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND AND IS SET TO APPEAR IN CIRCUIT COURT JULY 5TH. 15 Jun 2011 18:46:43 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION BUDGET COMMITTEE MET MONDAY. ACCOUNTS AND BUDGETS DIRECTOR TERESA PURCELL UPDATED COMMISSIONERS ON A PAYROLL ISSUE THAT WILL AFFECT COUNTY EMPLOYEES IN THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR. CURRENTLY THE COUNTY PAYS EMPLOYEES EVERY TWO WEEKS TOTALING 26 PAY PERIODS PER YEAR; HOWEVER, ABOUT EVERY 13 YEARS A 27TH PAY PERIOD MUST BE ADDED TO INCLUDE LEAP YEAR DAYS. AS IS THE CASE NEXT YEAR, HOURLY EMPLOYEES WILL BE PAID FOR THEIR ACTUAL HOURS WORKED, INCLUDING THE EXTRA DAYS, BUT SALARIED EMPLOYEES WILL WORK TWO WEEKS WITH NO PAYCHECK UNDER THE 26 WEEK PAY SYSTEM. DIVIDING THE SALARIED WORKERS PAY BY 27 WEEKS WILL MEAN A SMALLER PAYCHECK FOR THOSE EMPLOYEES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR. ADDING ANOTHER PAY PERIOD TO OFFSET THE DIFFERENCE FOR ALL SALARIED EMPLOYEES WOULD COST THE COUNTY AN ADDITIONAL 250 THOUSAND DOLLARS. THE COMMITTEE DISCUSSED SEVERAL OPTIONS TO MAKE PAYROLL FAIR FOR ALL EMPLOYEES BUT DECLINED TO MAKE ANY IMMEDIATE CHANGES PENDING FURTHER STUDY. MEMBERS VOTED IN FAVOR OF AN INCREASE IN THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT BUDGET FOR 2011-2012. THE DEPARTMENT WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL PENNY OF THE PROPERTY TAX REVENUE TO ALLEVIATE INCREASING COSTS OF EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS. NEXT YEAR'S BUDGETS FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD AND SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT ARE PENDING BUT ALL OTHER DEPARTMENT BUDGETS WERE REVIEWED AND APPROVED. THE NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE MONDAY, JUNE 27TH. 15 Jun 2011 18:47:10 GMT UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA OFFICIALS HAVE VOTED TO MOVE THE SCHOOL'S DIVISION TWO ATHLETICS PROGRAM TO NCAA DIVISION ONE. CHANNEL 48 NEWS REPORTS THAT U-N-A TRUSTEES VOTED MONDAY SIX TO THREE IN FAVOR OF THE MOVE THAT INVOLVES A REQUIRED INCREASE OF THE ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT BUDGET TO 7 POINT 5 MILLION DOLLARS. THE SCHOOL CURRENTLY SPENDS AROUND 4 MILLION ANNUALLY ON SPORTS PROGRAMS. OFFICIALS ANTICIPATE SOME OF THE EXTRA COSTS TO BE OFFSET BY ADDITIONAL SPONSORSHIPS, HIGHER TICKET SALES, AN INCREASE TO THE STUDENT ATHLETIC FEE AND CONFERENCE FUNDING DISTRIBUTION. SCHOOL LEADERS EXPRESSED INTEREST EARLIER THIS YEAR IN MOVING THE COLLEGE'S ATHLETIC CONFERENCE FROM GULF SOUTH TO OHIO VALLEY PENDING APPROVAL OF THE BUDGET INCREASE. 15 Jun 2011 18:47:31 GMT UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA STUDENTS WILL PAY MORE FOR CLASSES THIS FALL. SCHOOL TRUSTEES UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED A MEASURE MONDAY THAT INCREASES TUITION BY 10 POINT 3 PERCENT. THE HIKE MEANS PAYING AN ADDITIONAL 19 DOLLARS PER CREDIT HOUR. THE TUITION INCREASE COMES ON THE HEELS OF THE UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCING IT WILL MOVE ITS ATHLETICS CONFERENCE FROM DIVISION TWO TO DIVISION ONE WHICH INCLUDES AN INCREASE THE SPORTS PROGRAMS BUDGET. THE DECISION TO INCREASE U-N-A'S TUITION WAS MADE LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER NORTHWEST SHOALS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ANNOUNCED A 15 DOLLAR PER CREDIT HOUR FEE HIKE BEGINNING NEXT SEMESTER. 15 Jun 2011 18:48:11 GMT COMMUTERS ON ALABAMA HIGHWAY 64 WILL SOON EXPERIENCE TRAFFIC DELAYS. STARTING THIS WEEK, ROAD CREWS WILL BEGIN A RESURFACING PROJECT FROM U-S HIGHWAY 43 TO THE LEXINGTON CITY LIMITS WITH WORK EXPECTED TO LAST SEVERAL WEEKS. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS THAT ROGERS GROUP WON THE 2 POINT 7 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT THAT INCLUDES REMOVING OLD PAVEMENT, LAYING A COMPLETELY NEW SURFACE AND CORRECTING ANY STORM WATER DRAINAGE ISSUES. DRIVERS ARE ASKED TO USE CAUTION WHEN PASSING THRU THE CONSTRUCTION AREA. UNDER ALABAMA HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES, ROGERS GROUP HAS 80 DAYS TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT. 16 Jun 2011 18:40:29 GMT INVESTIGATORS WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ARE LOOKING INTO A COUPLE OF CASES REPORTED THIS WEEK. EARLY TUESDAY, VANDALS SLASHED ALL FOUR TIRES ON A VEHICLE PARKED AT A CHESTNUT LANE RESIDENCE. DAMAGES TO THE CHEVY TRAILBLAZER TOTALED 700 DOLLARS. A TELEVISION WAS STOLEN AROUND 4 A-M THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING FROM A HOME ON WATERLOO ROAD WHILE THE RESIDENTS WERE ASLEEP. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 22 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 16 Jun 2011 18:45:15 GMT THIS WEEKEND'S GREAT DUCK RIVER CLEAN-UP WILL HONOR THE EVENT'S LATE FOUNDER. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THAT SATURDAY'S CLEAN-UP EFFORT WILL BE DEDICATED TO FORMER MAURY COUNTY COMMISSIONER GLEN HASSE WHO INITIATED THE ANNUAL EVENT AND WAS AN ADVOCATE FOR RECYCLING AND A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT. HASSE DIED FROM A HEART ATTACK ON MAY 17TH. SINCE ITS INCEPTION, DUCK RIVER CLEAN-UP CREWS HAVE WORKED THEIR WAY DOWN THE RIVER SECTION BY SECTION. THIS YEAR, ORGANIZERS PLAN TO COVER THE SECTION OF THE RIVER BELOW CHICKASAW TRACE BUT ALSO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO CLEAN-UP ANY PART OF THE WATERWAY. SUPPLIES MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE KEEP MAURY BEAUTIFUL OFFICE ON WEST 7TH STREET STARTING AT 7 A-M SATURDAY. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 388-8511. 16 Jun 2011 18:45:56 GMT THE SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMS COMING SOON TO DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED. EXPERIENCE AQUATIC LIFE OF SHOAL CREEK THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND A NATURE HIKE, PRIMITIVE FIRE STARTING, CREEK STOMP, OWL PROWL AND NIGHT HIKE THRU-OUT THE DAY ON FRIDAY. ON SATURDAY, LEARN ABOUT SNAKES AND TOOLS OF THE TRADE FROM CROCKETT'S ERA, ENJOY PADDLE BOAT RACES, THE TURTLE DERBY AND SPORTS NIGHT AT THE PARK. SUNDAY'S EVENTS BEGIN WITH CHURCH IN THE PARK, THEN A PROGRAM ON OWLS, A CREEK STOMP AND THE TRAVELING NATURE CENTER AND AN INFORMATION SESSION ON HAWKS IS SET FOR MONDAY AFTERNOON. FOR PROGRAM TIMES AND MEETING PLACES, CALL THE PARK OFFICE AT 762-9408. 16 Jun 2011 18:46:17 GMT A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION PROGRAM WILL BE OFFERED THIS SUMMER AT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE. STUDENTS CAN EARN CERTIFICATION IN 13 WEEKS THRU THE SCHOOL'S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. THE SUMMER SCHEDULE OF CLASSES WILL BE ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS FROM 6 TO 9:30 P-M, JUNE 28TH THRU AUGUST 16TH ON THE COLUMBIA CAMPUS. THE COURSE FEE IS 999 DOLLARS AND INCLUDES 50 HOURS OF INSTRUCTION, BOOKS AND ALL SUPPLIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 540-2660 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE COLUMBIA STATE DOT E-D-U. 16 Jun 2011 18:46:50 GMT PROPERTY TAKEN DURING A STRING OF CHURCH BURGLARIES IN SEVERAL SOUTHERN MID-STATE COUNTIES HAS BEEN RECOVERED AND FOUR MEN ARE BEHIND BARS. ACCORDING TO THE GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, AGENTS CONDUCTED A SEARCH OF AN EAST LAWRENCE COUNTY PROPERTY TUESDAY RECOVERING A LARGE AMOUNT OF STOLEN GOODS TAKEN FROM AREA CHURCHES OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS. GILES COUNTY DETECTIVES INDICATE SOME OF THE STOLEN ITEMS WERE LOCATED AT PROPERTIES IN GILES AND LINCOLN COUNTIES AND THEY CONTINUE TO WORK WITH AUTHORITIES IN FIVE OTHER COUNTIES TO RETURN THE ITEMS. DEPUTIES ARRESTED DANIEL RAY PRINCE, 28, RICKY LEE SHARP, 25, BOTH OF LEOMA, JEREMY SHAWN FIELD, 24, OF PULASKI AND GEOFFREY NATHAN BEAN, 22, OF FAYETTEVILLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE CRIMES. THE SUSPECTS FACE BURGLARY AND THEFT CHARGES AND HAVE BEEN BOOKED INTO THE GILES COUNTY JAIL. THE FOUR MEN COULD FACE MORE CHARGES IN A COMING SESSION OF THE GILES COUNTY GRAND JURY. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE ARE MORE THAN 30 CHURCH BURGLARIES SPANNING 6 COUNTIES INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION. CHURCHES CAN INQUIRE ABOUT RECOVERED ITEMS BY CALLING THE GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AT 363-3505. 21 Jun 2011 13:39:54 GMT A NUMBER OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS LEFT THEIR MARK ON LAWRENCE COUNTY LATE WEDNESDAY. HIGH WINDS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR DOWNING NUMEROUS TREES AND POWER-LINES RESULTING IN ELECTRICITY OUTAGES FOR NUMEROUS LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY CUSTOMERS. THE ROOF OF A BUFFALO ROAD BUSINESS WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED DURING WIND GUSTS ESTIMATED AT 60 MILES PER HOUR. LIGHTNING WAS TO BLAME FOR IGNITING A FIRE IN AN EAST LAWRENCEBURG OUT BUILDING AROUND 5 P-M. THE BLAZE LEFT MINOR DAMAGE TO THE STRUCTURE. THE STORMS DID ERASE A RAIN DEFICIT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE. DOPPLER RADAR ESTIMATES THAT AN AVERAGE OF AN INCH AND A HALF OF RAIN FELL ACROSS LAWRENCE AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES. 21 Jun 2011 13:40:23 GMT THE DEADLINE IS COMING SOON TO BID ON CELEBRITY DONATED ITEMS IN AN ONLINE AUCTION TO RAISE MONEY FOR ALABAMA TORNADO VICTIMS. CIVIL WARS BAND MEMBER AND LORETTO NATIVE JOHN PAUL WHITE ANNOUNCED THE E-BAY AUCTION EARLIER THIS MONTH THAT CONTINUES THRU 9 P-M SATURDAY. WHITE WITNESSED THE DEVASTATION FIRST HAND FROM SPRING SEVERE WEATHER AS A CURRENT RESIDENT OF FLORENCE. THE AUCTION FEATURES LIMITED EDITION ITEMS FROM THE CIVIL WARS ALONG WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM BRAD PAISLEY, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, SUGARLAND, TAYLOR SWIFT, ZAC BROWN AND MANY OTHERS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE WEBSITE AUCTION FOR ALABAMA DOT COM. 21 Jun 2011 13:40:43 GMT AN EARLY MORNING SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH HAS CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A MISSISSIPPI MAN. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AROUND 4:30 THURSDAY MORNING ON HIGHWAY 20 IN SUMMERTOWN JUST WEST OF THE TURNPIKE INTERSECTION. REPORTS INDICATE AN 18-WHEELER DRIVEN BY 73-YEAR-OLD JUNIOR PETERS OF CORINTH, MISSISSIPPI WAS EAST BOUND WHEN THE TRUCK'S LOAD OF ASPHALT OIL SHIFTED IN A CURVE CAUSING THE SEMI TO LEAVE THE ROADWAY AND FLIP BEFORE COMING TO REST IN A DITCH. PETERS WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. AUTHORITIES WERE CONCERNED WITH A LEAK OF THE ASPHALT OIL WHICH PROMPTED A RESPONSE BY THE LAWRENCEBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TEAM. THE AREA AROUND THE WRECK WAS CLOSED FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHILE CREWS CLEARED THE SCENE. THE ACCIDENT WAS INVESTIGATED BY STATE TROOPER BRIAN ROSE. 21 Jun 2011 13:41:04 GMT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS GIVEN TENNESSEE PRINCIPALS SOME HOMEWORK THIS SUMMER TO GET READY FOR MANDATORY TEACHER EVALUATIONS COMING THIS FALL. ON TUESDAY, THE BOARD ADOPTED STATE RECOMMENDED TEACHER EVALUATION MODELS FOR DISTRICTS TO IMPLEMENT IN THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR. THE TENNESSEAN REPORTS THAT PRINCIPALS ARE FAMILIARIZING THEMSELVES WITH THE MODEL FORMS THAT WILL BE USED FOR EVERY PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER WITH THE EVALUATION RESULTS DIRECTLY TIED TO GAINING AND KEEPING TENURE. THE NEW RATINGS WERE PUT IN PLACE AS PART OF THE RACE TO THE TOP SCHOOL REFORM PROGRAM THAT NETTED THE STATE 500 MILLION DOLLARS IN FEDERAL GRANT FUNDING. TENNESSEE'S 2010 FIRST TO THE TOP LEGISLATION REQUIRES TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS TO BE EVALUATED EACH YEAR WITH RATINGS TO BE TABULATED, IN PART, ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE. TO DETERMINE A TOTAL SCORE, 50 PERCENT WILL BE DETERMINED BY STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND 50 PERCENT FROM A MINIMUM OF 4 CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS USING THE APPROVED EVALUATION MODELS. TWO STATE ANALYSTS WILL MONITOR EVALUATIONS AND NINE STATE WORKERS WILL TRAIN ADMINISTRATORS ON THEIR USE. 21 Jun 2011 13:41:26 GMT A LEOMA MAN WAS KILLED IN A POSSIBLE HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT TUESDAY MORNING. THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL REPORTS THAT A PASSERBY SAW A BODY LYING BESIDE THE ROADWAY ON FALL RIVER ROAD AROUND 4:30 A-M AND SUMMONED THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. DEPUTIES DETERMINED THE VICTIM HAD BEEN STRUCK BY A VEHICLE AND CALLED IN THE HIGHWAY PATROL. THE VICTIM WAS IDENTIFIED AS 40 YEAR-OLD JOSHUA STUART WISEMAN. THE T-H-P CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION ARE LOOKING INTO THE DEATH. AUTHORITIES ASK ANYONE WHO MAY HAVE WITNESSED THE INCIDENT BETWEEN 1 AND 4:30 A-M TUESDAY OR HAS ANY OTHER INFORMATION IN THE CASE TO CONTACT THE LAWRENCEBURG DISTRICT OF THE HIGHWAY PATROL AT 766-1464 OR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AT 762-3646. 22 Jun 2011 18:30:55 GMT COLUMBIA TAKES A STEP TOWARD NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION. ACCORDING TO THE DAILY HERALD, CITY LEADERS VOTED TO BUY FOUR VACANT, DILAPIDATED PROPERTIES WITH PLANS TO DEMOLISH THE EXISTING STRUCTURES AND POSSIBLY BUILD NEW LOW INCOME HOUSING. MORE THAN 27 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN FEDERAL GRANT MONEY FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT WILL BE USED TO BUY THE PROPERTIES ON HILL STREET, EAST 9TH STREET, EAST 11TH STREET AND WEST 3RD STREET. OVERALL, THE CITY RECEIVED UPWARDS OF 519 THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE HUD NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM TO BUY BLIGHTED PROPERTIES AND REVITALIZE AREAS OF COLUMBIA. 22 Jun 2011 18:31:05 GMT THE TENNESSEE WILDLIFE RESOURCES AGENCY AND VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTORS WILL OFFER A HUNTER SAFETY CLASS NEXT WEEK. THE CLASS WILL MEET MONDAY, JUNE 27TH THRU FRIDAY, JULY 1ST FROM 5 TO 9 P-M AT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE AT LEAST 9 YEARS OF AGE TO BE CERTIFIED. ALL HUNTERS BORN ON OR AFTER JANUARY, 1ST, 1969 ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE PASSED AN APPROVED HUNTER SAFETY CLASS BEFORE HUNTING ANY SPECIES OF GAME IN TENNESSEE. NO PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. PARTICIPANTS MUST KNOW THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, ADDRESS AND BIRTH DATE TO REGISTER ON MONDAY. BRING A NUMBER TWO PENCIL. 22 Jun 2011 18:31:25 GMT SEVERAL EVENTS ARE PLANNED FOR THIS YEAR'S LAWRENCEBURG - LAWRENCE COUNTY 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION. THE FREE COMMUNITY FESTIVITIES WILL BE HELD MONDAY, JULY 4TH AT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL. THE OLD TIMERS BASEBALL GAME IS SET FOR 5:30 WITH ENTERTAINMENT BY THE JEFF QUILLEN BAND AT 6:30. BAND MEMBERS INCLUDE: QUILLEN, STEVE WALKER, JOHN MARSTON JUNIOR AND SENIOR, RANDY HARTSFIELD, TAYLOR CHEATWOOD, RONNIE ALLEN, SHELLY AND ELROD MOORE, MIKE HARRIS AND MORGAN GULLEY ALONG WITH OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS. THE CELEBRATION WILL CULMINATE WITH A "HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA" FIREWORKS SHOW. VENDORS ARE WELCOME TO SET UP BOOTHS WITH NO CHARGE FOR SPACE. ATTENDEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING PICNIC BLANKETS, FOOTBALLS AND FRISBEES AND PICK A SPOT FOR A TAILGATE PARTY TO CELEBRATE AMERICA'S INDEPENDENCE. 22 Jun 2011 18:31:47 GMT A GILES COUNTY RESIDENT HAS FILED AN 11 MILLION DOLLAR LAWSUIT AGAINST A FORMER COUNTY COMMISSION CANDIDATE, A PULASKI POLICE OFFICER AND THE CITY OF PULASKI STEMMING FROM A 2010 INCIDENT OVER POLITICAL SIGNS. THE ATTORNEY FOR RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER THOMAS CLAY MCALISTER FILED SUIT TUESDAY IN GILES COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT ACCUSING THE DEFENDANTS OF PARTICIPATING IN FALSE ACCUSATIONS AND SMEARING MCALISTER'S NAME. WILLIAM ALLEN BARRETT, UNSUCCESSFUL COUNTY COMMISSION CANDIDATE, AND PULASKI POLICE OFFICER HAROLD DEAN GLOSSUP JUNIOR HAVE BEEN NAMED AS DEFENDANTS ALONG WITH THE CITY OF PULASKI AS GLOSSUP'S EMPLOYER. THE SUIT ALLEGES THAT BARRETT AND GLOSSUP HAD MCALISTER ARRESTED FOR VANDALISM LAST JULY WHEN THEY ACCUSED MCALISTER OF TAKING SOME OF BARRETT'S POLITICAL SIGNS AND THROWING THEM IN A DITCH. BARRETT HAD USED A VIDEO CAMERA TO TAPE MCALISTER AND CLAIMED THE FOOTAGE SHOWED MCALISTER REMOVING THE SIGNS FROM A LOCATION ON MILL STREET AND DISPOSING OF THE SIGNAGE IN A DITCH. BARRETT SUPPLIED A TAPE TO OFFICER GLOSSUP WHO APPEARED BEFORE A JUDICIAL COMMISSIONER CLAIMING THE VIDEO PROVED THE VANDALISM ACCUSATIONS AGAINST MCALISTER. THE SUIT CLAIMS THE TAPE SHOWS MCALISTER MOVING A SIGN FOR COUNTY MAYOR JANET VANZANDT, A CANDIDATE HE SUPPORTED, FROM BEING BLOCKED BY OTHER SIGNS. GLOSSUP'S SUPERIORS AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REVIEWED THE TAPE AND DETERMINED THE VANDALISM ALLEGATIONS WERE NOT SUPPORTED BY THE TAPED EVIDENCE AND DROPPED THE CHARGES IN DECEMBER. MCALISTER'S ATTORNEY ASSERTS THAT BARRETT AND GLOSSUP'S FALSE ALLEGATIONS AND ARREST CAUSED HIM SERIOUS MENTAL INJURY. HE IS SEEKING ONE MILLION DOLLARS IN COMPENSATORY DAMAGES AND 10 MILLION IN PUNITIVE DAMAGES. MCALISTER IS REPRESENTED BY FAYETTEVILLE ATTORNEY RAYMOND FRALEY JUNIOR. 23 Jun 2011 18:21:22 GMT A COUPLE OF FIVE POINTS RESIDENTS LOST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN PROPERTY AND DAMAGES IN RECENT BURGLARIES. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE A WARREN HOLLOW ROAD HOME WAS TARGETED BY THIEVES BETWEEN JUNE 10TH AND 20TH. A FORMER RENTER RETURNED TO THE PROPERTY THIS WEEK TO RETRIEVE A FEW ITEMS LEFT AFTER HE MOVED WHEN HE DISCOVERED THE BREAK-IN. THE RENTER AND PROPERTY MANAGER REPORTED A MICROWAVE, WASHER AND DRYER WAS STOLEN AND DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE CENTRAL UNIT AND ELECTRICAL PANEL. LOSS AND DAMAGES TOTALED AROUND 32 HUNDRED DOLLARS. INVESTIGATORS ARE ALSO LOOKING INTO THE THEFT OF PROPERTY AT A HOME ON W-W SMITH ROAD. THE VICTIM TOLD AUTHORITIES THAT A T-V, VIDEO GAME CONSOLE, A GENERATOR AND LAWN MOWER WAS STOLEN. THE MISSING ITEMS WERE VALUED AT AROUND 21 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 23 Jun 2011 18:22:19 GMT GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICIALS ARE ASKING FOR REPRESENTATIVES OF RECENTLY BURGLARIZED CHURCHES TO ATTEND A SPECIAL MEETING REGARDING RECOVERED PROPERTY AND ARRESTS IN A MONTHS LONG CRIME SPREE. DETECTIVES RECOVERED A HOST OF STOLEN GOODS EARLY LAST WEEK FROM A LAWRENCE COUNTY HOME THAT WAS TAKEN FROM SEVERAL AREA CHURCHES. FOUR MEN WERE ARRESTED AND FACE CHARGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE CASES. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, JULY 8TH AT 6 P-M AT THE GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE LOCATED AT 200 THOMAS GATLIN DRIVE IN PULASKI. OFFICIALS WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION ON HOW CHURCHES CAN BECOME MORE SECURE AND WILL DISCUSS THE ARRESTS IN THE CASES. CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES PLANNING TO ATTEND ARE ASKED TO RESERVE A SPACE BY CALLING 363-3505. 23 Jun 2011 18:22:53 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG RESIDENT REPORTED A HOME BURGLARY THIS WEEK. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, A HOUSE ON HOBBS LANE WAS BROKEN INTO LATE SUNDAY OR MONDAY BY TAKING A SCREEN OUT OF AN OPEN WINDOW. THE LIST OF STOLEN ITEMS INCLUDED SEVERAL PIECES OF JEWELRY, A JEWELRY BOX AND CHANGE. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 500 DOLLARS. 23 Jun 2011 18:23:13 GMT JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH AND THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SAFETY COUNCIL PLANS TO HONOR THE SAFE BUSINESS PRACTICES OF LOCAL INDUSTRY. ALL INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES IN THE COUNTY ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT THEIR OFFICIAL NUMBER OF DAYS WITHOUT A LOST TIME ACCIDENT AS OF THIS FRIDAY. THE COMPANY WITH THE GREATEST NUMBER OF NO LOST TIME ACCIDENT DAYS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH A PLAQUE AT THE JULY SAFETY COUNCIL MEETING. THE TOP FIVE ENTRIES WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE. SUBMIT ENTRIES TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SAFETY COUNCIL IN CARE OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, P-O BOX 86, LAWRENCEBURG, 38464. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 853-4351. 23 Jun 2011 18:24:00 GMT NEIGHBORS EXPRESSED THEIR DISPLEASURE TO THE CITY COMMISSION OVER A PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE THAT WOULD ALLOW A CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTION FACILITY TO BE LOCATED IN THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY LIMITS. LEWIS THOMAS OF O'HENRY DRIVE HAS REQUESTED THE CITY REZONE HIS PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE ROAD FROM R-2, A LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO R-1, A LARGE LOT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO EXPAND HIS PROPERTY FOR AGRICULTURAL USE. THOMAS PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A NEW CHICKEN BARN ON THE PROPERTY INCITING OPPOSITION FROM SOME OF HIS NEIGHBORS. IN A LETTER TO THE COUNCIL, THOMAS CLAIMS THAT MODERN EGG PRODUCING FACILITIES ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY CONTROLLED TO CUT DOWN ON THE ODOR PROBLEMS OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH CHICKEN BARNS. CRITICS OF THE MEASURE CITED PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS WITH THE PROPOSED PROPERTY ALONG A SECTION OF SHOAL CREEK AS ONE PROBLEM WITH THE FACILITY'S LOCATION. THE BOARD PASSED THE REZONING ORDINANCE ON FIRST READING THURSDAY MORNING AFTER EXPLAINING TO THE CITIZENS IN ATTENDENCE THAT THE MEASURE MUST BE APPROVED FOR AN INITIAL READING TO MOVE INTO THE REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE NEIGHBORS TO MAKE THEIR OPINIONS ON THE MATTER PUBLIC RECORD. THE PUBLIC HEARING HAS BEEN SET FOR THURSDAY, JULY 14TH AT 8:30 AT CITY HALL. 24 Jun 2011 18:25:20 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY MORNING WITH A LONG LIST OF AGENDA ITEMS UP FOR DISCUSSION. A BUDGET AMENDMENT ORDINANCE PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL READING ALONG WITH AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CODE. COUNCILMEN VOTED ON FIRST READING TO ADOPT A CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN TO PAY BACK A UTILITY SYSTEMS INTERFUND LOAN. REAPPOINTMENTS TO SEVERAL BOARDS WERE ALSO APPROVED. THE COUNCIL RECOGNIZED THE RETIREMENT OF LONGTIME CITY BENEFITS COORDINATOR SUE BROWN AND COMMENDED COUNCILMAN JERRY MOORE FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITY. JERRY MOORE WAS DEFEATED IN THE MAY ELECTION BY CHAD MOORE WHO WILL BE SWORN IN AS COUNCIL SEAT ONE REPRESENTATIVE ON FRIDAY, JULY 1ST AT NOON AT CITY HALL. 24 Jun 2011 18:36:46 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY'S AMERICAN RED CROSS CHAPTER IS GROWING. EFFECTIVE JULY 1ST, THE CHAPTER WILL ALSO PROVIDE SERVICES TO WAYNE AND GILES COUNTIES AS PART OF A REGIONAL RESTRUCTURING EFFORT. THE CHAPTER WILL REMAIN BASED IN LAWRENCEBURG AND WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO THE THREE COUNTY AREA. GILES AND WAYNE COUNTIES HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN A PART OF OTHER REGIONAL RED CROSS CHAPTERS. A MEETING WELCOMING GILES AND WAYNE VOLUNTEERS WILL BE HELD MONDAY, JULY 11 AT 6:30 AT THE CHAPTER BUILDING ON PROSSER ROAD IN LAWRENCEBURG. LOCAL RED CROSS OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE ANYONE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING TO CALL 762-1599. 24 Jun 2011 18:37:10 GMT PULASKI RESIDENTS WILL CELEBRATE OUR NATION'S INDEPENDENCE WITH A JULY 4TH FIREWORKS SHOW AND COOK OUT. THE CELEBRATION KICKS OFF WITH THE OPENING OF THE REC-CENTER SWIMMING POOL AT 10 A-M FOLLOWED BY BAR-B-Q LUNCH AT NOON. LOCAL MUSICIANS WILL TAKE TO THE SHAREWOOD PARK STAGE THRU-OUT THE AFTERNOON WITH FEATURED PERFORMANCES BY THE CHRIS SHRADER BAND AT 6:45 AND COUNTRY ARTIST AMBER HAYES AT 8. THE EVENT WILL BE CAPPED OFF WITH A FIREWORKS SHOW AT 9. GILES COUNTY EXECUTIVE JANET VANZANDT WILL ALSO HONOR LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS DURING THE CELEBRATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE PULASKI PARKS AND RECREATION CENTER AT 363-4666. 24 Jun 2011 18:38:27 GMT SOME MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK FOR MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION. THE BUDGET COMMITTEE WILL MEET MONDAY AT 8 A-M AND THE TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE WILL MEET MONDAY AT 4 P-M IN THE 2ND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER. A BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL SESSION WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT 5 IN THE COMMISSION ROOM AT THE COURTHOUSE. 24 Jun 2011 18:38:46 GMT LOCAL JOBLESS NUMBERS DOWN SLIGHTLY MOST TENNESSEE COUNTIES SHOWED A DECREASE IN UNEMPLOYMENT RATES FOR MAY . THE DATA WAS RELEASED THURSDAY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. LAWRENCE COUNTY'S JOBLESS RATE FOR MAY WAS 12 POINT 9 PERCENT, DOWN FROM APRIL'S RATE OF 13 POINT 1. GILES COUNTY POSTED AN 11 POINT 3 PERCENT RATE, DOWN SLIGHTLY FROM THE APRIL RATE OF 11 POINT 4. MAURY COUNTY SHOWED A DECREASE FROM 13 POINT 2 IN APRIL TO 13 POINT 1 IN MAY. AND WAYNE COUNTY'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DECREASED FROM 12 POINT 2 PERCENT IN APRIL TO 11 POINT 5 IN MAY. THE STATE'S HIGHEST RATE WAS IN SCOTT COUNTY WITH 20 POINT 8 PERCENT. THE LOWEST RATE WAS POSTED IN LINCOLN COUNTY WITH 6 POINT 1 PERCENT. OVERALL, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE ACROSS THE STATE FOR MAY DECREASED IN 56 COUNTIES, INCREASED IN 24 AND STAYED THE SAME IN 15 COUNTIES. 26 Jun 2011 15:10:46 GMT THE SEARCH FOR A MISSING LAWRENCEBURG TEEN ENDED ON A HAPPY NOTE EARLY SUNDAY MORNING.  FOURTEEN YEAR OLD JARRED GARLAND OF LAWRENCEBURG WENT MISSING SATURDAY NIGHT AFTER NOT RETURNING FROM A WALK ON FAMILY PROPERTY ON C-C-ROAD IN THE CENTER COMMUNITY.  FAMILY MEMBERS QUICKLY BEGAN A SEARCH AROUND 6 P.M. THEN CALLED AUTHORITIES WHEN NO SIGN OF THE TEEN COULD BE FOUND.  DEPUTIES AND MEMBERS OF THE WEST END AND HENRYVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENTS CONDUCTED SEARCHES OF OF THE AREA NEAR THE LAUREL HILL WILDNERESS PRESERVE FOR SEVERAL HOURS WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE T-W-R-A SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG.  TEAMS LOCATED GARLAND ALIVE AND WELL AROUND 6 A.M. SUNDAY AROUND TWO MILES FROM HIS FAMILY HOME.  GARLAND STATED THAT HE HAD BECOME LOST WHILE WALKING THROUGH A WOODED AREA AND OPTED NOT TO ATTEMPT A TREK HOME UNTIL DAYLIGHT.   27 Jun 2011 19:01:16 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN WAS ARRESTED FRIDAY ON RAPE CHARGES. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE LAWRENCE COUNTY GRAND JURY INDICTED 40 YEAR-OLD CHARLES PARKER INMAN WITH AGGRAVATED STATUTORY RAPE AND SOLICITING SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR. INVESTIGATORS WITH THE CITY POLICE, THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND THE T-B-I CONDUCTED AN 8 WEEK INVESTIGATION INTO THE ALLEGATIONS. THE FEMALE JUVENILE VICTIM'S NAME HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED. INMAN IS BEING HELD IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL ON 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND AND IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN CIRCUIT COURT AUGUST 1ST. 27 Jun 2011 19:01:37 GMT AFTER 19 YEARS, THE MAN ACCUSED OF SHOOTING JOANN RIGLING HAS BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER. NEWS CHANNEL 5 REPORTS THAT 46 YEAR-OLD CURTIS STAGGS WAS CONVICTED THURSDAY IN THE 1992 DEATH OF JOANN RIGLING AT THE SAINT JOE CONVENIENCE STORE SHE OWNED WITH HER HUSBAND PHILLIP RIGLING. PROSECUTORS PRESENTED EVIDENCE IN THE TRIAL THAT STAGGS WAS HIRED TO KILL THE VICTIM BY HER HUSBAND FOR 25 THOUSAND DOLLARS. STAGGS' ATTORNEY CLAIMS HIS CLIENT IS TAKING THE BLAME FOR ANOTHER SUSPECT THAT WAS CONVICTED IN THE CASE IN 1997 AND HAD HIS CASE OVERTURNED ON A TECHNICALITY. STAGGS, A RESIDENT OF MISSOURI AT THE TIME OF HIS ARREST, FACES A LIFE SENTENCE IN A TENNESSEE PRISON. PHILLIP RIGLING IS OUT ON BOND AND IS SCHEDULED TO GO TO TRIAL ON DECEMBER 5TH FOR HIRING A HIT MAN TO KILL HIS WIFE. 27 Jun 2011 19:08:35 GMT CLEAN UP EFFORTS ON SAW CREEK IN SUMMERTOWN ARE ALMOST COMPLETE FOLLOWING A JUNE 16TH TRUCK ACCIDENT THAT RESULTED IN AROUND 5 THOUSAND GALLONS OF ASPHALT EMULSION MATERIAL SPILLING INTO THE CREEK. FOLLOWING THE SPILL, A CLEAN UP CONTRACTOR FOR THE TRUCKING COMPANY CONTAINED THE MATERIAL WITH BOOMS AND DAMS AND BEGAN REMOVING CONTAMINATED WATER. THE U-S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ASSUMED MANAGEMENT AND CLEAN UP AND COMPLETED REMOVAL OF THE CONTAMINATED WATER ON THURSDAY. CLEAN WATER WAS DIVERTED AROUND THE SPILL SITE ON SAW CREEK DURING THE HAZARDOUS MATERIAL REMOVAL AND WATER IS ONCE AGAIN FLOWING THRU THE STREAM CHANNEL. THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION REPORTS THAT TWO PROPERTY OWNERS WERE ADVISED TO MOVE CATTLE AWAY FROM SAW CREEK DURING THE CLEAN UP BUT BECAUSE THE CONTAMINATION WAS CONTAINED, THERE SHOULD BE NO IMPACT TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS AND LIVESTOCK ON THE CREEK. WATER SAMPLES WILL BE COLLECTED TO CONFIRM ADEQUATE CLEANING. SINCE THE MATERIAL WAS CONTAINED AND REMOVED, GROUNDWATER SHOULD NOT BE AFFECTED AND RESIDENTIAL WELLS NOT UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SURFACE WATER SHOULD NOT BE A CONCERN. ANYONE WITH QUESTIONS CAN CALL THE DEPARTMENT'S COLUMBIA FIELD OFFICE AT 931-380-3371. 27 Jun 2011 19:08:56 GMT THIEVES BROKE INTO A LAWRENCE COUNTY HOME THIS WEEK WHILE THE OWNER WAS AWAY. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE RESIDENT ARRIVED HOME THURSDAY TO FIND THAT HIS HOUSE HAD BEEN BURGLARIZED. INVESTIGATORS FOUND PRY MARKS ON A DOOR AND A SAFE CONTAINING SEVERAL PERSONAL PAPERS, SILVER COINS AND MEDICATIONS WAS STOLEN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT JUST OVER 11 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 27 Jun 2011 19:09:16 GMT CROCKETT HOSPITAL HAS ANNOUNCED THE ADDITION OF A NEW SLEEP CENTER TO IT'S LAWRENCEBURG FACILITY. THE CENTER WILL AID IN DIAGNOSING SLEEP DISORDERS AND PROVIDE PUBLIC EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES. STUDIES INDICATE SLEEP DISORDERS CAN ACCOUNT FOR SOME SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART ATTACKS. THE SLEEP CENTER FEATURES TWO BEDROOM-LIKE RESEARCH LABS TO BE USED IN THE TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CENTER AND THE EFFECTS OF SLEEP DISORDERS IS AVAILABLE BY CALLING 766-3184. 27 Jun 2011 19:09:42 GMT A TRAGIC SUNDAY EVENING ACCIDENT CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A 2 YEAR-OLD IN SPRING HILL. CHANNEL 4 NEWS REPORTS THE LITTLE GIRL, JOSLYNN MCDANIEL, WAS HIT AND KILLED IN THE DRIVEWAY OF HER FAMILY'S SUGAR RIDGE DRIVE HOME. AUTHORITIES SAID THE VICTIM RAN AROUND THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FAMILY VAN DRIVEN BY TIM MCDANIEL WHO HAD NO IDEA HIS DAUGHTER WAS BY THE VEHICLE WHEN HE BEGAN TO LEAVE HIS DRIVEWAY. JOSLYNN WAS RUSHED TO A NEARBY FIRE STATION THAN TAKEN BY HELICOPTER TO VANDERBILT MEDICAL CENTER BUT DID NOT SURVIVE. TROOPERS INDICATE THE CRASH IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION BUT HAVE NO REASON TO BELIEVE IT WAS ANYTHING OTHER THAN A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT. 28 Jun 2011 18:06:57 GMT MEMBERS OF THE GILES COUNTY COMMISSION GATHERED FOR A SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MONDAY MORNING. LEADERS APPROVED BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT, SCHOOL SYSTEM AND COUNTY GENERAL FUND. COMMISSIONERS ESTABLISHED A REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE AS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW AND FILLED A VACATING POSITION ON THE COUNTY'S EQUALIZATION BOARD. A RESOLUTION TO CONSOLIDATE MONEY FROM ALL FEE BASED OFFICES TO THE COUNTY TRUSTEE'S OFFICE WAS SENT BACK TO COMMITTEE AFTER CONCERN WAS EXPRESSED THAT SUCH A MOVE WOULD OVERLOAD THE TRUSTEE'S STAFF. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AN AMENDED RESOLUTION TO BORROW AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE STATE FOR THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT. SOME LEADERS EXPRESSED CONCERN CITING THE LOAN AS A TEMPORARY FIX FOR THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT BUDGET HOWEVER IT WAS STATED THAT A LONG TERM SOLUTION WOULD BE LOOKED AT FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR. 28 Jun 2011 18:07:35 GMT A TRUCK DROVE THRU THE FRONT OF THE ETHRIDGE RICK'S BAR-B-Q STORE JUST BEFORE NOON MONDAY. REPORTS INDICATE THAT A 2008 FORD F-150 CRASHED THRU THE FRONT GLASS AND INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE STORE AROUND 11:45. THE UNIDENTIFIED DRIVER AND A PASSENGER WERE TREATED FOR NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES AT THE SCENE AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED TO STORE EMPLOYEES OR CUSTOMERS. 28 Jun 2011 18:08:31 GMT CREWS WERE CALLED TO A FIRE MONDAY AFTERNOON AT A LAWRENCEBURG APARTMENT COMPLEX. THE BLAZE BROKE OUT SHORTLY BEFORE 1 P.M. AT THE B AND K APARTMENTS ON MAHR AVENUE. OFFICIALS SAY THE FIRE BEGAN WHEN GREASE IGNITED ON A STOVE. LAWRENCEBURG FIREFIGHTERS WERE ABLE TO CONTAIN THE BLAZE TO THE KITCHEN IN A SINGLE HOUSING UNIT WITH SOME MINOR HEAT DAMAGE REPORTED ON THE SECOND FLOOR ABOVE THE STOVE. FIREMEN ATTRIBUTE NO INJURIES TO THE RESIDENTS TO PROPERLY WORKING SMOKE DETECTORS IN THE APARTMENT. 28 Jun 2011 18:08:55 GMT EVENTS FOR ALL AGES ARE INCLUDED IN THIS YEAR'S ANNUAL LORETTO SACRED HEART SCHOOL 4TH OF JULY PICNIC. FESTIVITIES WILL BEGIN AT 8 A-M WITH A 5-K RUN, BAKE SALE AND COUNTRY STORE WITH GLASSWARE, JELLIES AND MORE. GAMES, RIDES AND INFLATABLES WILL OPEN FOR KIDS AT 10 A-M WITH THE MISTER AND MISS INDEPENDENCE PAGEANT AT 10:30 IN THE GYM. GOAT STEW, HAMBURGERS AND HOTDOGS WILL BE SERVED AT 11:30 AND THE "STRUT YOUR MUTT" PATRIOTIC POOCH PAGEANT GETS UNDERWAY AT NOON. THE BICYCLE PARADE WILL BEGIN AT 1:30, A CHICKEN AND HAM SUPPER WILL BE SERVED AT 4:30 AND THE AUCTION STARTS AT 6. AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE CELEBRITY AUTOGRAPHED MERCHANDISE, VACATIONS AND A VARIETY OF GOODS AND SERVICES FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 853-4370 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE SACRED HEART LORETTO DOT COM. 28 Jun 2011 18:24:15 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN IS FACING A LENGTHY LIST OF CHARGES AFTER A MONDAY NIGHT INCIDENT ON HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT OFFICERS WERE DISPATCHED TO A MILDRED STREET RESIDENCE ON A CALL THAT A MAN BANNED FROM HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY HAD FORCED HIS WAY INTO A HOME. POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND SPOKE WITH 23 YEAR-OLD CORDAY BRIONTE JONES AS HE CAME OUT OF THE RESIDENCE. THEY INFORMED JONES THAT HE WAS NOT ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY AND HE HAD TO LEAVE. THE SUSPECT REFUSED TO LEAVE, REFUSED TO COOPERATE WITH OFFICERS AND ASSAULTED OFFICERS TRYING TO SUBDUE HIM. DURING THE FIGHT, JONES WAS ABLE TO GET AWAY AND FLEE TO NEARBY SMITH AVENUE WHERE HE ASSAULTED ANOTHER MAN. OFFICERS WERE ABLE TO PLACE HIM UNDER ARREST AT THE SCENE OF THE SMITH AVENUE INCIDENT. JONES IS CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED BURGLARY, ASSAULT, ASSAULTING AN OFFICER, RESISTING ARREST, VANDALISM, PUBLIC INTOXICATION AND CRIMINAL TRESPASSING AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT AUGUST 5TH. 29 Jun 2011 18:49:01 GMT THE 2011 LIBERTY DAY PAGEANT WAS HELD SATURDAY AT THE CROCKETT THEATER IN LAWRENCEBURG HOSTED BY JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY. THE WINNERS INCLUDE: MISS TINY TOT LIBERTY - KAYLYN ELISE DICKEY, THE 3 YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF STEPHEN AND KIM DICKEY OF PULASKI; TINY MISS - MALLORIE BUTLER, THE 4 YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF DAVID AND KARISSA BUTLER OF LAWRENCEBURG; LITTLE MISS - ANISSA ROSE GRIMES, THE 7 YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF WALTER AND NORA GRIMES OF MOUNT PLEASANT; JUNIOR MISS - CHEYENNE TRINITY SKYE JOHNSON, THE 12 YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF MARKELIA AND JOHNNY JOHNSON OF LAWRENCEBURG AND MISS LIBERTY - JESSICA LEE PARKER, THE 18 YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF MYERS AND LINDA PARKER OF CYPRESS INN. THE WINNERS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY AS PART OF THE LAWRENCEBURG - LAWRENCE COUNTY 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION MONDAY AT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL. 29 Jun 2011 18:49:13 GMT THE MISTER AND MISS INDEPENDENCE BEAUTY PAGEANT WILL BE PART OF THE LORETTO SACRED HEART SCHOOL 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION. THE PAGEANT WILL BE HELD MONDAY AT 10:30 IN THE GYM WITH BOYS ZERO TO 6 YEARS AND GIRLS ZERO TO 18 ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE. CONTESTANTS ARE ASKED TO WEAR PLAYWEAR OR SPORTSWEAR WITH NO SUNDAY OR PAGEANT DRESSES OR COSTUMES ALLOWED AND NO MAKE-UP FOR GIRLS 6 AND UNDER. FOR THE MOST PHOTOGENIC CATEGORY, CONTESTANTS MAY SUBMIT UNFRAMED BLACK AND WHITE OR COLOR PHOTOS NO LARGER THAN 8 BY 10. ENTRY IS 15 DOLLARS FOR BEAUTY CATEGORIES, 10 DOLLARS FOR PHOTOGENIC OR 20 DOLLARS FOR BOTH. REGISTRATION FORMS ARE DUE SUNDAY AT 6 IN THE SCHOOL GYM. FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE LIBRARY, 1ST FARMERS AND MERCHANTS BANK, THE CHILDREN'S CLOSET, GREEN'S GIFT SHOP AND LORETTO TELEPHONE COMPANY. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 853-6809 OR 853-4370. 29 Jun 2011 18:56:30 GMT FIRE FIGHTERS HAVE HAD A BUSY START TO THIS WEEK. A MORNING FIRE LEFT SMOKE DAMAGE TO A LAWRENCEBURG BUSINESS. THE LAWRENCE STREET STRUCTURE RECEIVED MINOR DAMAGE FROM HEAVY SMOKE TUESDAY MORNING. LAWRENCEBURG FIRE CREWS INDICATED THE BLAZE ORIGINATED IN THE BUILDING'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE BUILDING CURRENTLY HOUSES AN AUTOMOTIVE CLEANING SERVICE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. CREWS WERE CALLED TO A FIRE MONDAY AFTERNOON AT A LAWRENCEBURG APARTMENT COMPLEX. THE BLAZE BROKE OUT SHORTLY BEFORE 1 P-M AT B AND K APARTMENTS ON MAHR AVENUE. OFFICIALS SAY THE FIRE BEGAN WHEN GREASE IGNITED ON A STOVE. LAWRENCEBURG FIREFIGHTERS WERE ABLE TO CONTAIN THE BLAZE TO THE KITCHEN IN A SINGLE HOUSING UNIT WITH SOME MINOR HEAT DAMAGE REPORTED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE STRUCTURE. 29 Jun 2011 18:58:06 GMT WITH THE 2010-2011 FISCAL YEAR COMING TO A CLOSE, LAWRENCEBURG CITY LEADERS ARE WORKING TO FINALIZE A NEW SPENDING PLAN. THE BOARD OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL WILL MEET WEDNESDAY MORNING AT 8 IN SPECIAL SESSION TO CONSIDER THE 2011-2012 BUDGET. A SPECIAL SESSION HAS BEEN SCHEDULED THIS WEEK FOR MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD. THE AGENDA INCLUDES DISCUSSION ON SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS AND A SPECIAL EDUCATION POSITION. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT 5:30 AT THE CENTRAL OFFICE ON MAHR AVENUE IN LAWRENCEBURG. 29 Jun 2011 18:58:24 GMT TENNESSEE LAWMAKERS HAVE AGREED TO HELP COMMUNITIES PAY FOR METH LAB CLEAN UP. A PRESS RELEASE FROM LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHRIS JACKSON INDICATES THE STATE ASSEMBLY HAS ALLOCATED 750 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN THE NEW FISCAL YEAR BUDGET TO CLEAN UP THE DANGEROUS, TOXIC COMPONENTS USED TO MANUFACTURE METHAMPHETAMINE. WHILE THE FUNDING IS A TEMPORARY FIX AND WILL BE USED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS, JACKSON SAYS THE MONEY WILL PROVIDE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TIME TO FIND ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF REVENUE TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE IN THE LONG TERM. FEDERAL FUNDING FOR METH LAB CLEAN UP WAS CUT TO ZERO EARLIER THIS YEAR LEAVING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS SCRAMBLING TO FIND FUNDS TO DISPOSE OF BUSTED LABS. METH LAB CLEAN UP COSTS AN AVERAGE OF 3 THOUSAND DOLLARS PER LAB. 30 Jun 2011 19:31:21 GMT A COLUMBIA MAN IS FACING RAPE CHARGES AFTER AN INCIDENT LAST WEDNESDAY. ACCORDING TO MEDIA REPORTS, 30 YEAR-OLD KELCIONE ANDERSON WAS ARRESTED MONDAY AND CHARGED WITH RAPE, AGGRAVATED KIDNAPPING AND COERSION OF A WITNESS. AUTHORITIES INDICATE THE CHARGES STEM FROM A JUNE 22ND INCIDENT WHEN THE SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY RAPED AN UNIDENTIFIED 16 YEAR-OLD GIRL AT THE CHICKASAW TRACE PARK. INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE ANDERSON HAD BEEN SOCIALIZING WITH THE GIRL EARLIER IN THE EVENING AND WAS GIVING HER A RIDE HOME WHEN HE THREATENED TO DROP HER OFF ON THE ROADSIDE IF SHE DIDN'T ACCOMPANY HIM TO THE PARK. THE SUSPECT ASSAULTED THE TEEN AND THREATENED TO HARM HER IF SHE REPORTED THE MATTER. ANDERSON WAS BOOKED INTO THE MAURY COUNTY JAIL ON 45 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. 30 Jun 2011 19:31:31 GMT MORE THAN 20 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN SAW MILL EQUIPMENT WAS REPORTED STOLEN TUESDAY FROM A WAYNESBORO HIGHWAY PROPERTY. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THE OWNER DISCOVERED PARTS OF HIS SAW MILL WERE TAKEN SOMETIME RECENTLY. THE OWNER LIVES IN COLLINWOOD AND IS UNSURE EXACTLY WHEN THE THEFT OCCURRED. THE LIST OF STOLEN ITEMS INCLUDES A LARGE SAW MILL, SMALL SAW MILL, FORK LIFTS, A TRACTOR AND A SEMI-TRUCK WITH LOSS ESTIMATED AT 26,500 DOLLARS. 30 Jun 2011 19:31:59 GMT A GILES COUNTY MAN IS BEHIND BARS ACCUSED OF A MAURY COUNTY BURGLARY. ACCORDING TO THE GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, 25 YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER MARK WILEY WAS ARRESTED TUESDAY AT HIS LYNNVILLE RESIDENCE ON AGGRAVATED BURGLARY AND THEFT WARRANTS. OFFICERS RECOVERED A MACK DUMP TRUCK ON WILEY'S PROPERTY THAT HAD BEEN REPORTED STOLEN FROM MAURY COUNTY. WILEY CONFESSED TO INVESTIGATORS THAT HE HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE DURING A BURGLARY IN COLUMBIA. THE SUSPECT WAS TURNED OVER TO MAURY COUNTY AUTHORITIES. 30 Jun 2011 19:32:44 GMT THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF THE MUSICAL "GENTLEMAN FROM THE CANE" WILL BE HELD IN JULY AT THE CROCKETT THEATER. LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS THE HISTORIC DEPICTION OF THE PIONEER LIFE OF DAVID CROCKETT IN LAWRENCE COUNTY IN WORDS AND SONG JULY 7TH, 8TH, 9TH, 15TH, 16TH, 22ND AND 23RD AT 7:30. THE PLAY ILLUSTRATES SEVERAL IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS OF CROCKETT'S TIME IN THE AREA FROM 1817 TO 1822. THE SHOW, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY DOLLY LEIGHTON, WAS FIRST PERFORMED AS AN OUTDOOR MUSICAL DRAMA IN 1976 IN THE AMPITHEATER AT DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK. THE PRODUCTION'S POPULARITY KEPT IT RUNNING FOR SEVERAL SUMMERS THRU 1986 WITH A 30TH ANNIVERSARY REVIVAL PERFORMANCE HELD IN 2006 AT THE CROCKETT THEATER. THE LATEST PRODUCTION'S CAST AND CREW INCLUDES DOZENS OF L-C-T VETERANS AND NEW COMERS OF ALL AGES AND PROMISES AN EVENING OF FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT. ADVANCE TICKETS ARE 23 DOLLARS FOR RESERVE SEATS AND 12 DOLLARS FOR SECOND TIER SEATS AND CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT LAWRENCEBURG T-N DOT GOV. TICKETS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR. FOR GROUP DISCOUNTS OR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 762-4231. 30 Jun 2011 19:34:24 GMT A MOUNT PLEASANT MAN IS 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS RICHER THIS WEEK AFTER A SURPRISE VISIT BY THE PUBLISHERS CLEARING HOUSE PRIZE PATROL. SWEEPSTAKES OFFICIALS PRESENTED BILL MANEE A VERY LARGE CHECK MONDAY AT HIS COLUMBIA WORK PLACE. MANEE REGISTERED HIS ENTRY ONLINE AND IS STILL ELIGIBLE FOR THE 10 MILLION DOLLAR GRAND PRIZE DRAWING. 30 Jun 2011 19:34:43 GMT TWO MOUNT PLEASANT TEENS ARE DEAD AND TWO WERE INJURED FOLLOWING A WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. ACCORDING TO MOUNT PLEASANT POLICE, THE WRECK OCCURRED AROUND 4 P-M AT THE INTERSECTION OF 1ST AVENUE AND HIGHWAY 43. AUTHORITIES INDICATED A B-M-W DRIVEN BY 17 YEAR-OLD SARAH GRAHAM OF MOUNT PLEASANT COLLIDED WITH A NORTHBOUND 18-WHEELER AFTER GRAHAM PULLED INTO THE ONCOMING TRUCK'S PATH. GRAHAM AND 16 YEAR-OLD PASSENGER KYLE TATE WERE PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. TWO OTHER PASSENGERS IN GRAHAM'S CAR WERE AIRLIFTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER IN CRITICAL CONDITION. THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK WAS TREATED FOR NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES AT MAURY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE, GRAHAM WAS AN INCOMING SENIOR AT SUMMERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL AND A MEMBER OF THE LADY EAGLES BASKETBALL TEAM. THE ACCIDENT REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY MOUNT PLEASANT POLICE. 01 Jul 2011 18:50:37 GMT THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL IS GEARING UP TO KEEP ROADWAYS SAFE DURING THE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND. THE OFFICIAL HOLIDAY TRAVEL PERIOD IS FROM 6 P-M FRIDAY UNTIL MONDAY AT MIDNIGHT AND TROOPERS WILL STEP UP PATROLS AND ROADSIDE SAFETY CHECKPOINTS. DURING LAST YEAR'S 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY WEEKEND, 15 PEOPLE DIED IN 14 CRASHES ON STATE ROADWAYS. OF THE FATALITIES, 67 PERCENT WERE NOT WEARING SEATBELTS AND 27 PERCENT WERE IN ALCOHOL-RELATED CRASHES. SOBRIETY AND DRIVERS LICENSE CHECKPOINTS WILL BE HELD ACROSS THE STATE DURING THE LONG HOLIDAY WEEKEND. 01 Jul 2011 18:51:02 GMT OFFICIALS ELECTED TO THE LAWRENCEBURG BOARD OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL DURING THE MAY GENERAL ELECTION WILL TAKE THE OATH OF OFFICE FRIDAY. INCUMBENT MAYOR KEITH DURHAM WILL BE SWORN-IN FOR A SECOND TERM ALONG WITH SEAT TWO COUNCIL MEMBER ROBIN WILLIAMS. CHAD MOORE WILL TAKE OVER COUNCIL SEAT ONE FROM OUTGOING MEMBER JERRY MOORE. THE PUBLIC CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT NOON AT CITY HALL FOLLOWED BY LIGHT REFRESHMENTS. 01 Jul 2011 18:51:25 GMT A BOAT WAS REPORTED STOLEN TUESDAY FROM A LAWRENCEBURG PROPERTY. ACCORDING TO POLICE, THE HIGHWAY 43 NORTH RESIDENT CAME HOME FROM WORK AND DISCOVERED THIEVES HAD TAKEN AN ALUMINUM FLAT BOTTOM BOAT AND TRAILER PARKED IN HER YARD. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT A THOUSAND DOLLARS. 01 Jul 2011 18:51:45 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LEWISBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR THE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION DURING THE "FILL THE BOOT" BENEFIT IN JULY. THE 2ND ANNUAL EVENT WILL HAVE FIRE CREW MEMBERS ASKING FOR MONETARY DONATIONS TO FILL THEIR FIREMEN BOOTS ON SATURDAY, JULY 9TH AT AREA GROCERY STORES. THE GROUP RAISED MORE THAN 3 THOUSAND DOLLARS DURING LAST YEAR'S FUND RAISER. PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARD HELPING FAMILIES AFFECTED BY MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY INCLUDING TRIPS FOR KIDS WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES TO ATTEND THE CENTER FOR COURAGEOUS KIDS SUMMER CAMP IN KENTUCKY. 01 Jul 2011 18:52:03 GMT THE TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION HAS CHARGED THREE SUSPECTS WITH MURDERING A CENTERVILLE MAN. THE ARRESTS ARE IN CONNECTION WITH THE BEATING DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT OF 19 YEAR-OLD ALPHONSO WATERS. THE VICTIM'S BODY WAS DISCOVERED BY POLICE EARLIER THIS WEEK IN A RAVINE OFF OF COLUMBIA AVENUE IN CENTERVILLE. JESSICA DOTSON, 25, AND BRENT FRAZIER, 27, BOTH OF CENTERVILLE, ARE CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL HOMICIDE AND ABUSE OF A CORPSE. 22 YEAR-OLD DEVIN SIMPSON OF HOHENWALD IS CHARGED WITH ABUSE OF A CORPSE AND ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACT. AUTHORITIES BELIEVE WATERS WAS KILLED JUNE 11TH INSIDE DOTSON AND FRAZIER'S RESIDENCE, DISMEMBERED AND PUT IN A FREEZER UNTIL THE SUSPECTS DISPOSED OF THE BODY DAYS LATER. THE MOTIVE FOR THE MURDER APPEARS TO BE DRUG RELATED. THE TRIO HAS BEEN BOOKED INTO THE HICKMAN COUNTY JAIL. DOTSON AND FRAZIER ARE BEING HELD WITHOUT BOND. SIMPSON IS BEING HELD ON 300 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. ALL THREE ARE SCHEDULED TO BE IN COURT JULY 12TH. 05 Jul 2011 20:43:19 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVED THE SCHOOL SUPPLIES LIST FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR DURING A THURSDAY SPECIAL SESSION. AT THE JUNE 16TH REGULAR SESSION, THE BOARD REQUESTED THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR REVIEW THE LENGTHY SUPPLY LISTS REQUESTED BY ALL SCHOOLS AND CONSOLIDATE THE SEPARATE SCHOOL LISTS INTO ONE LIST APPROPRIATE FOR EACH GRADE LEVEL WITH ONLY THE BASIC SCHOOL SUPPLIES NECESSARY FOR STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM. A PRESS RELEASE FROM SCHOOL DIRECTOR BILL HEATH STATES THE ORIGINAL REQUESTED LISTS WERE SLASHED BY MORE THAN 80 PERCENT, LEAVING ONLY COMMON ITEMS SUCH AS PAPER, NOTEBOOKS, CRAYONS AND GLUE ON THE REVISED VERSION. AT HEATH'S RECOMMENDATION, THE BOARD AGREED TO SUPPLY EACH SCHOOL WITH 10 DOLLARS PER CHILD TO ESTABLISH A SCHOOL BASED FUND TO PAY FOR THE ITEMS THAT WERE REMOVED FROM THE LISTS SUCH AS HAND WIPES, KLEENEX, SCISSORS AND MONETARY DONATIONS. THE FUNDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS LATER THIS MONTH. HEATH SAYS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENT DONATIONS BUT HAS AGREED TO ELIMINATE SUPPLY AND DONATION REQUESTS THAT HAVE THE PERCEPTION FROM PARENTS THAT THEY ARE A REQUIREMENT. SCHOOLS WILL CONTINUE TO ACCEPT DONATIONS FOR SUPPLIES BUT WILL DISCONTINUE MONETARY REQUESTS FOR SUPPLIES TO PARENTS. THE RELEASE ALSO SAYS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING FREE AND APPROPRIATE PUBLIC EDUCATION TO THE CHILDREN OF LAWRENCE COUNTY. SOME LOCAL TEACHERS ATTENDING THE THURSDAY MEETING VOICED THEIR CRITICISM OF THE MEASURE SAYING THE LISTS DON'T INCLUDE SEVERAL ITEMS NECESSARY FOR STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES AND FEEL THE FINANCIAL BURDEN TO PROVIDE THE SUPPLIES WILL FALL ON THE TEACHERS' SHOULDERS. 05 Jul 2011 20:43:32 GMT CITY AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE UPCOMING INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER AND LAWRENCEBURG CITY HALL WILL ALL BE CLOSED MONDAY. MONDAY'S LAWRENCEBURG RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE PICK-UP WILL BE ON THURSDAY. PLEASE HAVE CARTS OUT EARLY FOR THE DOUBLE ROUTE PICK UP DAY. MONDAY'S LORETTO GARBAGE PICK-UP WILL BE ON TUESDAY. PULASKI ELECTRIC SYSTEM WILL ALSO BE CLOSED MONDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF THE JULY 4TH HOLIDAY. 05 Jul 2011 20:43:55 GMT THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE CAUTIONS TENNESSEANS TO BE SAFE WITH 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS. WHILE FIREWORKS ARE A TRADITIONAL PART OF INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS, MANY PEOPLE ARE SERIOUSLY INJURED EACH YEAR BY THEIR CARELESS USE. IF YOUR FAMILY CHOOSES TO SET OFF YOUR OWN DISPLAY, THE FIRE MARSHAL OFFERS SOME SAFETY TIPS: NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO HANDLE OR IGNITE FIREWORKS, ONLY LIGHT FIREWORKS ON A SMOOTH, FLAT SURFACE AWAY FROM HOMES, DRY LEAVES AND FLAMMABLE MATERIALS, NEVER TRY TO RELIGHT MALFUNCTIONING FIREWORKS AND KEEP A BUCKET OF WATER AND A GARDEN HOSE NEARBY IN CASE OF FIRE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FIREWORK SAFETY, VISIT THE WEBSITE T-N DOT GOV SLASH COMMERCE. 05 Jul 2011 20:44:19 GMT A SCHEDULE OF JULY MEETINGS FOR MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED. AN AGENDA MEETING WILL BE HELD TUESDAY AT 5 AND THE BUDGET COMMITTEE WILL MEET WEDNESDAY AT 8:30 A-M. THE RESOLUTION COMMITTEE WILL GATHER MONDAY, JULY 11TH AT 5 AND THE PURCHASING COMMITTEE WILL MEET THURSDAY, JULY 14TH AT 2 WITH ALL THE SESSIONS TO BE HELD IN THE 2ND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER. THE NEXT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR SESSION IS SET FOR TUESDAY, JULY 26TH AT 5 IN THE COMMISSION ROOM AT THE COURTHOUSE. 05 Jul 2011 20:44:41 GMT GILES COUNTY LEADERS ARE SET TO OPEN A TIME CAPSULE THIS WEEK. THE 25 YEAR-OLD CONTAINER WILL BE MOVED TO THE COURTHOUSE ROTUNDA FRIDAY AT 11 A-M WITH THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BEGIN SHORTLY THEREAFTER. COUNTY EXECUTIVE JANET VANZANT SAYS THERE ARE AT LEAST 400 ITEMS IN THE CAPSULE INCLUDING A VIDEO SHOT IN THE MID 1980S. VANZANT INDICATES THAT OFFICIALS WILL COLLECT AS MANY ITEMS AS POSSIBLE TO BE PLACED IN A NEW CAPSULE SET TO BE BURIED IN THE COMING WEEKS WITH AN OPENING DATE IN 2036. ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO PLACE AN ITEM IN THE NEW CAPSULE CAN DO SO AT FRIDAY'S CEREMONY OR BY CONTACTING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S OFFICE AT 363-5300. 06 Jul 2011 19:00:34 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG NATIVE HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE NATION'S BEST PUNTERS IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL. TENNESSEE TECH SENIOR NICK CAMPBELL HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE 2011 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PERFORMANCE AWARDS WEBSITE WATCH LIST OF PUNTERS FOR THE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION. CAMPBELL HAS A 38 POINT 9 YARD AVERAGE IN 122 CAREER KICKS AND 18 KICKS OF 50 YARDS OR BETTER. THE COLLEGE ACCOUNTING MAJOR GRADUATED FROM LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL IN 2008 AND TURNED DOWN A FULL SCHOLARSHIP TO PLAY BASEBALL AT COLUMBIA STATE RIGHT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL. HIS MOTHER SAID NICK PRAYED ABOUT THE DECISION AND WAS LED INSTEAD TO WALK ON AS A PUNTER AT TECH. HE IS THE SON OF TINA AND TIM CAMPBELL OF LAWRENCEBURG. 06 Jul 2011 19:01:49 GMT THE MONTH OF JUNE IS NOW IN THE HISTORY BOOKS AND THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS SOME SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT THE 6TH MONTH OF 2011. ACCORDING TO THE NASHVILLE OFFICE, LAST MONTH WAS THE 20TH HOTTEST JUNE ON RECORD WITH DAILY TEMPERATURES AVERAGING ALMOST 90 DEGREES. THE HOTTEST DAY OF THE MONTH WAS THE 15TH AT 97 DEGREES WHILE THE TOTAL MONTHLY RAINFALL WAS JUST OVER 5 INCHES. THE FIRST 11 DAYS OF THE MONTH BECAME THE SECOND HOTTEST CONSECUTIVE PERIOD ON RECORD IN NASHVILLE SURPASSING 1874 OBSERVATIONS. AS FOR A CONTINUING HEAT WAVE, THE MONTH OF JULY HAS BEGUN SLIGHTLY COOLER WITH DAILY HIGHS AVERAGING AROUND 91 DEGREES. 06 Jul 2011 19:02:16 GMT TENNCARE NOW PAYS TO HELP SMOKERS KICK THE HABIT. THE TENNESSEAN REPORTS THE STATE'S MEDICAID PROGRAM WILL COVER OVER THE COUNTER AND PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES FOR RECIPIENTS TO QUIT SMOKING. THE COVERAGE WENT INTO AFFECT JULY 1ST AND WAS APPROVED AND FUNDED THIS YEAR BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE. THE STATE BUDGETED 3 POINT 5 MILLION DOLLARS WITH AN ADDITIONAL 7 MILLION DOLLARS IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAM THIS YEAR. THE STATE WILL COVER SMOKING CESSATION TREATMENTS FOR UP TO 24 WEEKS A YEAR WITH PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED. 06 Jul 2011 19:02:37 GMT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE WILL OFFER A NON-CREDIT COURSE THIS MONTH TO LEARN HOW TO USE SOME COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR BOOKKEEPING. AN INTRODUCTION TO QUICKBOOKS 2010 CLASS WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, JULY 15TH ON THE COLUMBIA CAMPUS. INSTRUCTION COVERS BANKING AND BILLING ACTIVITIES, WORKING WITH REPORTS AND BUDGETS AND PROTECTING AND BACKING UP DATA. THE FEE IS 129 DOLLARS INCLUDING A TEXT BOOK. TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 540-2660 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE COLUMBIA STATE DOT E-D-U. 06 Jul 2011 19:02:55 GMT LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL NOW HAS A NEW PRINCIPAL. DIRECTOR OF LAWENCE COUNTY SCHOOLS, DOCTOR BILL HEATH ANNOUNCED LATE TUESDAY THAT DOCTOR JENNIFER LITTLETON HAS BEEN NAMED PRINCIPAL OF LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL. LITTLETON, A LORETTO RESIDENT, HAS WORKED IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR 10 YEARS, 8 OF WHICH WAS AT SUMMERTOWN HIGH AS A MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTOR THEN FOR TWO YEARS AT LORETTO IN THE SAME CAPACITY. HEATH INDICATES THAT LITTLETON ASSUMED HER NEW RESPONSIBILITIES TUESDAY IN PREPARATION FOR THE COMING 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR. 07 Jul 2011 17:57:16 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG INDUSTRY HAS COMPLETED A GRANT FUNDED PROJECT AIMED AT MODERNIZING IT'S FACILITY. INSYTE SOLUTIONS WRAPPED UP A SEVEN-HUNDRED-FIFTY-THOUSAND-DOLLAR PROJECT ON JUNE 30TH THAT UPDATED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THE FORMER MURRAY COMPLEX. OFFICIALS INDICATE THE IMPROVEMENTS WILL AID IN RECRUITING NEW INDUSTRIES TO FILL VACANCIES IN THE FACILITY AND WILL HELP IT'S CURRENT TENANTS: ASSURANCE PACKAGING, ALL SOURCE LOGISTICS, AND H-L-H EXPRESS IMPROVE BUSINESS OPERATIONS. THE GRANT FUNDS WERE OBTAINED AS A COOPERATION OF LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS, AND THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 07 Jul 2011 17:57:29 GMT A LATE SUMMER FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT WILL HONOR A FORMER MEMBER OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY WILDCATS AND RAISE FUNDS IN HIS MEMORY. THE SECOND ANNUAL ADAM GARLAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 7 ON 7 FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD JULY 30TH AT THE L-C-H-S SOCCER FIELDS. THE EVENT IS SET TO KICK OFF WITH REGISTRATION AT 7:30 A.M. WITH THE FIRST ROUND OF PLAY AT 8:30. THE REGISTRATION FEE FOR TEAMS NOW UNTIL JULY 29TH IS $100 DOLLARS OR $125 DOLLARS FOR TEAMS THAT REIGSTER THE DAY OF. THE EVENT WILL FOLLOW FLAG FOOTBALL RULES WITH ALL PROCEEDS SET TO BENEFIT THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND. TEAM ORGANIZERS ARE ASKED TO LIMIT THEIR TEAMS TO 10 PLAYERS. GARLAND, A 2002 LCHS GRADUATE AND WILDCAT FOOTBALL PLAYER, PERISHED IN A 2005 VEHICLE ACCIDENT. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER A TEAM CALL 931-231-6452. 07 Jul 2011 17:57:52 GMT LAWRENCEBURG POLICE ARE LOOKING INTO A VANDALISM CASE INVOLVING FIREWORKS. REPORTS INDICATE A KENTUCKY RESIDENT DISCOVERED HIS 2006 HONDA HAD BEEN DAMAGED BY FIREWORKS ON THE 4TH OF JULY WHILE HE WAS VISITING FRIENDS AT AN ANNIE ROONEY ROAD RESIDENCE. THE VICTIM TOLD OFFICERS THAT SOMEONE HAD THROWN FIREWORKS ONTO THE HOME'S FRONT PORCH AND HAD ALSO PLACED THEM ON THE HOOD OF HIS CAR. DAMAGES ARE ESTIMATED AT $500 DOLLARS. 07 Jul 2011 17:58:44 GMT AUTHORITIES ARE INVESTIGATING THE THEFT OF YARD TOOLS AND HOME MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT FROM A LAWRENCEBURG PROPERTY. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT A LUFFMAN LANE RESIDENT DISCOVERED A LEAF BLOWER, HEDGE TRIMMER, PRESSURE WASHER, DRILL, SAW, AND MORE TAKEN FROM HIS PROPERTY SOMETIME BETWEEN JUNE 17TH AND JULY FIRST. LOSSES ARE ESTIMATED AT JUST OVER THIRTEEN-HUNDRED-DOLLARS. 07 Jul 2011 17:59:05 GMT A PULASKI MAN WHO WORKS AS A LAWRENCE COUNTY JAILER WAS ARRESTED WEDNESDAY FOR IMPERSONATING A POLICE OFFICER. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT, OFFICERS WERE DISPATCHED TO A LIBERTY AVENUE RESIDENCE AFTER A CALL CAME IN THAT A MAN WITH A GUN WAS WALKING AROUND THE AREA. POLICE SPOKE WITH SEVERAL WITNESSES WHO SAID THE MAN HAD A GUN ON HIM AND CLAIMED TO BE AN OFFICER LOOKING FOR SOMEONE. WHILE INTERVIEWING NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS, THE SUSPECT CAME BACK TO THE PROPERTY AND OFFICERS IDENTIFIED HIM AS 19 YEAR-OLD CAMERON AYANDIA LABARIUS CHATMAN, KNOWN TO AUTHORITIES AS AN EMPLOYEE OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL. WHEN QUESTIONED ABOUT THE INCIDENT, CHATMAN CLAIMED HE WAS JUST OUT RUNNING IN THE AREA AND HAD NO GUN. POLICE FOLLOWED TRACKS TO A NEARBY OUTBUILDING WHERE THEY FOUND A HOLSTER AND A GLOCK HANDGUN WITH 10 LIVE ROUNDS IN THE WEAPON'S MAGAZINE. CONFRONTED WITH THE EVIDENCE, CHATMAN ADMITTED THE GUN WAS HIS. HE IS CHARGED WITH UNLAWFUL CARRYING OF A WEAPON, CRIMINAL IMPERSONATION OF AN OFFICER AND GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO POLICE. HE WAS BOOKED INTO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT AUGUST 5TH. 08 Jul 2011 18:11:37 GMT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE KILLED IN FATAL ACCIDENTS ON TENNESSEE ROADWAYS IS DOWN FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2011. THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY THAT THE PRELIMINARY NUMBER OF DEATHS FROM VEHICULAR FATALITIES DROPPED 15 PERCENT FROM THE SAME PERIOD IN 2010 - FROM 517 LAST YEAR TO 440 THIS YEAR THRU JUNE 30TH. THE STATISTICS ALSO SHOW THE NUMBER OF ARRESTS MADE BY TROOPERS THIS YEAR FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE HAS INCREASED 30 POINT 7 PERCENT COMPARED TO LAST YEAR. T-H-P COLONEL TRACY TROTT SAYS THERE IS A DIRECT CORRELATION BETWEEN THE INCREASE IN D-U-I ARRESTS AND THE DECREASE IN FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS. THE HIGHWAY PATROL REGULARLY CONDUCTS SOBRIETY, SEATBELT AND DRIVERS LICENSE CHECKPOINTS ACROSS THE STATE TO ENCOURAGE SAFE DRIVING. 08 Jul 2011 18:11:47 GMT TEXTING WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY OF FLORENCE, ALABAMA WILL SOON BE ILLEGAL. CHANNEL 48 NEWS REPORTS CITY LEADERS APPROVED THE BAN DURING A TUESDAY NIGHT MEETING. FLORENCE POLICE INDICATE THE NEW LAW WILL BE CLASSIFIED AS A PRIMARY OFFENSE GARNERING A ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR PER TICKET FEE. DRIVERS CAUGHT TEXTING WHILE DRIVING MORE THAN ONCE WILL BE CITED ON A ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR PER OFFENSE INCREMENT SYSTEM. THE LAW GOES INTO EFFECT AUGUST 1ST. 08 Jul 2011 18:12:06 GMT A LEOMA FIREWORKS STAND WAS BURGLARIZED EARLY TUESDAY MORNING. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT THIEVES ENTERED THE HIGHWAY 43 SOUTH FIREWORKS TENT AND STOLE THE CASH REGISTER WITH ABOUT 75 DOLLARS INSIDE AND THE FIREWORKS LICENSE FOR THE BUSINESS. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 375 DOLLARS. 08 Jul 2011 18:12:24 GMT WITH ONLY ABOUT A MONTH LEFT OF SUMMER VACATION FOR MOST TENNESSEE STUDENTS, THE STATE HAS ANNOUNCED THE 2011-2012 POLICY FOR FREE AN REDUCED PRICE SCHOOL LUNCHES. ON WEDNESDAY, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RELEASED UPDATED INFORMATION FOR A REDUCTION IN PRICE FOR SCHOOL LUNCHES TO ENSURE ALL STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS MEALS. FAMILIES MEETING FEDERAL INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES OR RECEIVING CERTAIN GOVERNMENT BENEFITS MAY APPLY FOR FREE OR REDUCED PRICE MEALS. FOR EXAMPLE, A FAMILY OF FOUR MUST MAKE LESS THAN 796 DOLLARS A WEEK IN TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM. FOR INCOME ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OR MORE INFORMATION, CALL TOLL FREE 866-311-4287. 08 Jul 2011 18:14:40 GMT A TEEN IS DEAD AFTER AN EARLY MORNING SHOOTING IN FLORENCE. CHANNEL 48 NEWS REPORTS THE UNIDENTIFIED 17 YEAR-OLD MALE WAS SHOT IN THE CHEST DURING A ROBBERY ON BLAIR STREET FRIDAY. THE VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED TO AN AREA HOSPITAL WHERE HE LATER DIED. AUTHORITIES CONDUCTED AN EXTENSIVE SEARCH OF THE AREA BUT WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE SHOOTER. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCIDENT IS ASKED TO CALL FLORENCE POLICE AT 256-760-6300. 11 Jul 2011 19:08:29 GMT BY AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY, MOUNT PLEASANT VOTERS REJECTED A PROPOSED SALES TAX INCREASE DURING TUESDAY'S ELECTION. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS ALMOST 75 PERCENT OF RESIDENTS CASTING BALLOTS WERE OPPOSED TO THE INCREASE THAT WOULD HAVE RAISED THE CITY'S RATE FROM 2 POINT 25 PERCENT TO 2 POINT 75 PERCENT, THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED BY STATE LAW. CITY LEADERS HAD EXPECTED THE HIKE TO GENERATE ABOUT 600 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN ADDITIONAL REVENUE. 11 Jul 2011 19:08:49 GMT A FLORENCE SALVATION ARMY EMPLOYEE WAS STRUCK BY A CAR AND KILLED WHILE TRYING TO CROSS THE STREET WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS 43 YEAR-OLD STACEY DEWAYNE WEST OF RUSSELLVILLE STEPPED INTO THE PATH OF TRAFFIC JUST AFTER 9 P-M AT THE INTERSECTION OF HELTON DRIVE AND HUNTSVILLE ROAD. WEST WAS STRUCK BY A 1995 DODGE INTREPID DRIVEN BY 43 YEAR-OLD JAMES STEWART AND WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. THE VICTIM HAD BEEN WORKING AND LIVING AT THE LOCAL SALVATION ARMY OFFICE FOR THE PAST YEAR. AUTHORITIES BELIEVE WEST WAS WALKING BACK TO THE SALVATION ARMY DORMITORY WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. WITNESSES TOLD AUTHORITIES THEY SAW THE VICTIM STOP TO PICK SOMETHING OFF THE GROUND AND THEN HE STEPPED INTO THE INTERSECTION. POLICE ARE STILL INVESTIGATING THE CRASH BUT PRELIMINARY REPORTS INDICATE THAT NO CHARGES ARE EXPECTED TO BE FILED AGAINST THE DRIVER. 11 Jul 2011 19:09:08 GMT A WAYNESBORO ATTORNEY HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FROM PRACTICING LAW DUE TO RULES VIOLATIONS. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE SUPREME COURT, THE LAW LICENSE OF JOHN WILBURN CASTLEMAN JUNIOR WAS SUSPENDED DURING A TUESDAY RULING. THE BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FILED A PETITION FOR DISCIPLINE AGAINST CASTLEMAN IN MAY 2010 FOR FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE WITH CLIENTS, FAILURE TO PURSUE CLIENTS' DIVORCE MATTERS AND FAILURE TO RETURN UNEARNED FEES. CASTLEMAN HAS BEEN ORDERED TO PAY RESTITUTION AND BOARD COSTS AND CANNOT PRACTICE LAW UNTIL THE STATE SUPREME COURT REINSTATES HIS LICENSE. 11 Jul 2011 19:09:39 GMT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN TENNESSEE SHOWED IMPROVEMENT IN ALL SUBJECT AREAS ACCORDING TO ACHIEVEMENT TEST RESULTS RELEASED FRIDAY BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. THE 2010-2011 TENNESSEE COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM TEST RESULTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE IN A DISTRICT-BY-DISTRICT BREAKDOWN SHOWING HOW EACH SCHOOL SYSTEM PERFORMED IN GRADES 3 THRU 8. ACROSS THE STATE, STUDENT MATH SCORES INCREASED BY 7 PERCENT AND READING SCORES BY 3 POINT 7 PERCENT AS COMPARED TO 2009-2010 T-CAP DATA. FOR THE FIRST TIME, T-CAP ACHIEVEMENT TEST RESULTS FOR ALL TENNESSEE SCHOOL SYSTEMS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC ON THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WEBSITE AT WWW.TN.GOV/EDUCATION. 11 Jul 2011 19:09:59 GMT A REZONING PROPOSAL FOR SOME PROPERTY ON O-HENRY AVENUE IN LAWRENCEBURG HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA. A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG INDICATES THE PROPERTY OWNER NO LONGER WISHES TO PURSUE THE REZONING MEASURE AT THIS TIME. AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE THE PROPERTY TO ALLOW FOR A CHICKEN BARN TO BE BUILT AND AN EGG PRODUCTION FACILITY LOCATED THERE HAD BEEN PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL AT THEIR JUNE 23RD REGULAR SESSION. DURING THE MEETING, SEVERAL NEIGHBORS VOICED SOME PUBLIC HEALTH AND OTHER CONCERNS IN OPPOSITION TO FACILITY. 13 Jul 2011 19:25:59 GMT THE 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY WEEKEND WAS A RELATIVELY SAFE ONE FOR MOTORISTS ON TENNESSEE ROADWAYS. THE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY ANNOUNCED A DECLINE IN TRAFFIC FATALITIES FOR THE 2011 HOLIDAY TRAVEL PERIOD AND RESULTED IN THE LOWEST NUMBER OF DEATHS ON STATE ROADS SINCE 1998. THE DATA FOR THIS YEAR SHOWS THAT SEVEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN TRAFFIC CRASHES DURING THE 78 HOUR TIME PERIOD JULY 1ST THRU THE 4TH. OF THE SEVEN FATALITIES, SIX WERE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND ONE WAS A MOTORCYCLIST. FOUR OF THE VICTIMS WERE NOT WEARING SEAT BELTS AND NONE OF THE DEATHS WERE ALCOHOL RELATED. IN 2010, 15 TRAFFIC RELATED DEATHS OCCURRED DURING THE 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY WEEKEND. 13 Jul 2011 19:26:37 GMT THREE MEN ARE BEHIND BARS AND CHARGED WITH A FLORENCE MURDER. CHANNEL 48 NEWS REPORTS LAMARCUS LETRE LASHORE, 18, DEVANTE BARNETT, 19, AND TYRUS MONTRELL THOMPSON, ALSO 19, HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH CAPITAL MURDER IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF 17 YEAR-OLD JOSHUA HONEY. AUTHORITIES ALLEDGE THE TRIO KILLED THE VICTIM DURING A FRIDAY MORNING BURGLARY AT HONEY'S BLAIR STREET HOME. THE MOTIVE MAY BE DRUG RELATED. THE SUSPECTS ARE BEING HELD IN THE LAUDERDALE COUNTY DETENTION CENTER WITHOUT BOND. 13 Jul 2011 19:27:15 GMT A PLEA AGREEMENT IS PENDING IN A 2009 KIDNAPPING CASE. ACCORDING TO CHANNEL 4 NEWS, TAMMY SILAS OF ARDMORE, ALABAMA IS CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING A FOUR DAY-OLD CHILD FROM NASHVILLE WHILE CLAIMING TO BE AN IMMIGRATION AGENT. THE CHILD WAS FOUND UNHARMED THREE DAYS LATER AT SILAS' ARDMORE HOME. SILAS PLANS TO PLEAD GUILTY TO THE CRIME IN EXCHANGE FOR A 20 YEAR SENTENCE. A HEARING ON THE PLEA WILL BE HELD THIS WEEK IN U-S DISTRICT COURT IN NASHVILLE. 13 Jul 2011 19:28:25 GMT A BREAK-IN WAS REPORTED AT THE LAWRENCEBURG CHAPTER RED CROSS BUILDING SATURDAY NIGHT. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT A CROCKETT HOSPITAL SECURITY GUARD WAS MAKING ROUNDS WHEN HE DISCOVERED SOMEONE HAD KICKED IN THE REAR DOOR OF THE BUILDING. THE GUARD TOLD OFFICERS HE HEARD SOMEONE RUNNING INTO THE WOODS BEHIND THE BUILDING WHEN HE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE. NOTHING WAS REPORTED MISSING. DAMAGES TOTALED MORE THAN 600 DOLLARS. 13 Jul 2011 19:28:45 GMT INVESTIGATORS WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ARE LOOKING INTO SEVERAL AREA BURGLARIES REPORTED OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS. THE OWNERS OF A TURNPIKE ROAD PROPERTY ALERTED AUTHORITIES WHEN THEY DISCOVERED SOME BUILDINGS HAD BEEN BROKEN INTO. ITEMS MISSING INCLUDED TOOLS, CAR PARTS AND TRACTOR BATTERIES VALUED AT AROUND 3 THOUSAND DOLLARS. A JUNIOR STAGGS ROAD RESIDENT REPORTED TWO CHAINSAWS AND A VEHICLE REGISTRATION TAG STOLEN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 750 DOLLARS. THIEVES BROKE INTO A BUFFALO ROAD BUSINESS BY CUTTING A WINDOW SCREEN. THE OWNER REPORTED PAINT SPRAYERS AND TOOLS MISSING AND PAINT SPILLED ON THE FLOOR. LOSS AND DAMAGES TOTALED JUST UNDER 37 HUNDRED DOLLARS. A GREENBRIAR ROAD RESIDENT CAME HOME FROM WORK TO FIND THE GLASS BROKEN OUT OF HER BACK DOOR AND A JEWELRY BOX AND JEWELRY MISSING VALUED AT AROUND 59 HUNDRED DOLLARS. AND A RESIDENT OF BIG SPRING FORK ALSO CAME HOME FROM WORK AND DISCOVERED HER BACK DOOR DAMAGED, HER BEDROOM RANSACKED AND JEWELRY MISSING. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 12 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 13 Jul 2011 19:29:07 GMT WITH EXCESSIVE HEAT CONTINUING TO PLAGUE THE REGION, THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFERS SOME TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT AND STAY SAFE WHILE OUTDOORS. HIGH TEMPERATURES CAN AFFECT PEOPLE OF ALL AGES BUT THE VERY YOUNG AND THE ELDERLY NEED TO BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS WHEN OUTSIDE ON 90 PLUS DEGREE DAYS. TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. OFFICIALS RECOMMEND DRINKING BETWEEN TWO AND FOUR GLASSES OF WATER FOR EACH HOUR SPENT OUTSIDE. BE SURE TO WEAR APPROPRIATE, LIGHT COLORED CLOTHING AND APPLY SUNBLOCK. TRY TO SCHEDULE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE EARLY MORNING OR LATE AFTERNOON WHEN THE HEAT WILL BE LESS INTENSE. NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE AS TEMPERATURES CAN SOAR TO DANGEROUSLY HIGH LEVELS IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. FOR THOSE WHO BECOME OVERHEATED, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. HEAT RELATED DEATHS CLAIMED AROUND 25 HUNDRED AMERICANS IN 2010. LOCALLY, AFTERNOON TEMPERATURES WILL REMAIN IN THE 90'S FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS WITH HEAT INDEXES LIKELY TO RISE INTO THE LOWER ONE HUNDREDS. 14 Jul 2011 18:28:21 GMT AN UPDATED AGENDA HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR THE NEXT LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MEETING. DISCUSSION WILL INCLUDE RESOLUTIONS TO AUTHORIZE TRANSFER OF SOME HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY TO THE CITY, APPROVE PARTICIPATION IN THE T-M-L RISK MANAGEMENT POOL SAFETY PARTNERS LOSS CONTROL MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM AND APPROVE A WAIVER OF BUILDING PERMIT FEES FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY. COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER RESOLUTIONS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO APPLY FOR A GRANT AND SELL SURPLUS PROPERTY ONLINE AND APPROVE PURCHASE OF A GIANT-VAC LEAF LOADER FOR THE CITY. AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT A CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN FOR AN INTERFUND LOAN AT THE UTILITY SYSTEM WILL BE UP FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING AS WELL AS FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO ALLOW FOR PARTIAL PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS. THE MEETING IS SET FOR THURSDAY MORNING AT 8:30 AT THE CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. 14 Jul 2011 18:29:47 GMT WITH VERY HOT TEMPERATURES OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS, A LOCAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION IS ASKING FOR DONATIONS TO HELP KEEP EVERYONE COOL THIS SUMMER. GOD'S STOREHOUSE IS REQUESTING DONATIONS OF FANS TO PROVIDE SOME RELIEF FROM THE HEAT FOR AREA RESIDENTS WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING. BRING FANS TO GOD'S STOREHOUSE ON FRANK STREET OR THE COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE IN THE OLD M-FINE BUILDING ON 1ST STREET IN LAWRENCEBURG. 14 Jul 2011 18:30:26 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING INTO A TUESDAY ARSON AND VANDALISM AT IRON CITY PARK. REPORTS INDICATE THAT MEMBERS OF THE IRON CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE DISPATCHED JUST BEFORE 10 P-M TO A FIRE IN ONE OF THE PAVILIONS AT THE PARK. CREWS WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE BLAZE QUICKLY LEAVING ONLY SOME CHARRED PLACES ON THE STRUCTURE. AUTHORITIES DISCOVERED SOMEONE HAD SET A TIRE ON SOME GARBAGE AND LIT THE PILE ON FIRE TO START THE BLAZE. LIGHT BULBS IN BOTH PAVILIONS WERE ALSO BROKEN. DAMAGES TOTALED 150 DOLLARS. 14 Jul 2011 18:30:45 GMT INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO A COUPLE OF VANDALISMS REPORTED THIS WEEK IN LAWRENCEBURG. ACCORDING TO CITY POLICE, THE OWNER OF PROPERTY ON 2ND STREET CALLED OFFICERS TUESDAY AFTER SOMEONE SPRAY PAINTED OBSCENITIES ON THE EXTERIOR OF HER HOUSE. DURING THE SAME TIME PERIOD A LOVE SEAT BELONGING TO A NEIGHBOR WAS SET ON FIRE IN AN ALLEY BEHIND THE HOME. DAMAGES FROM THE PAINT TOTALED 500 DOLLARS. A VEHICLE PARKED AT A ROBERTS AVENUE RESIDENCE WAS EGGED SOMETIME MONDAY. THE 1999 CADILLAC DEVILLE HAD DEEP SCRATCHES ALONG WITH CHIPPING PAINT FROM THE EGGS WITH DAMAGES ESTIMATED AT 15 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 14 Jul 2011 18:31:04 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCEBURG BOARD OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY MORNING. NEW COUNCILMAN CHAD MOORE PARTICIPATED IN HIS FIRST MEETING SINCE BEING ELECTED TO COUNCIL SEAT ONE. THE BOARD VOTED FOR ROBIN WILLIAMS TO SERVE AS VICE MAYOR AND ALSO APPROVED WILLIAMS' REAPPOINTMENT TO THE UTILITY BOARD. THE COUNCIL PASSED ON FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE TO ALLOW CITIZENS TO MAKE PARTIAL PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS. ONCE PASSED ON SECOND READING, PROPERTY OWNERS MAY MAKE UP TO FOUR PARTIAL PAYMENTS BETWEEN OCTOBER 1ST AND THE LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY TO COVER THE TOTAL AMOUNT OWED. A RESOLUTION TO TRANSFER 11 HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES TO THE CITY WAS PASSED. THE PROPERTIES INCLUDE PARKING LOTS AND EMPTY LOTS THAT WERE ALREADY BEING MAINTAINED BY THE CITY. THE BOARD ACCEPTED THE LOW BID OF 21,750 DOLLARS FROM INSYTE SOLUTIONS FOR A GIANT-VAC LEAF LOADER FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT AND A BID OF JUST OVER 35 THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM H-M-A CONTRACTORS FOR COLD PLANING PORTIONS OF 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, 4TH, 5TH AND 6TH STREETS. ALL OTHER AGENDA ITEMS WERE PASSED. 15 Jul 2011 17:54:47 GMT A PRESS RELEASE RECEIVED WEDNESDAY FROM LAWRENCE COUNTY EXECUTIVE J-MACK CHANDLER OUTLINES SOME PENDING PROJECTS AND THE NEW FISCAL YEAR BUDGET. THE COUNTY PLANS TO USE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND LOCAL FUNDS FOR WATERLINE EXTENSIONS. THE PROJECTS INCLUDE PORTIONS OF ADAIR, GILLESPIE, SHACKLEFORD, RICHARDSON, BLOOMING GROVE, REVILO, JONESTOWN AND GIMLET ROADS. GRANT FUNDS WILL ALSO HELP COVER THE COST OF REMODELING THE COURTHOUSE TO ACCOMMODATE ALL COURT RELATED OFFICES. THE PROJECT WILL EFFECTIVELY UTILIZE THE SPACE FOR THE OFFICES OF THE GENERAL SESSIONS, CIRCUIT AND CHANCERY COURTS. THE COUNTY HAS PURCHASED THE FORMER CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER BUILDING AND NOW HOUSES THE BUDGET OFFICE AT THE FACILITY. THE ELECTION COMMISSION IS IN THE PROCESS OF RELOCATING TO THE FORMER BUDGET OFFICE SPACE ELIMINATING LEASE PAYMENTS FOR THE ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICE PAID BY THE COUNTY. THE 4TH CREW OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE HAS BEEN RESTORED AND AN AMBULANCE STATION OPENED IN ETHRIDGE TO PROVIDE FOR QUICKER RESPONSE TIMES FOR COUNTY RESIDENTS. THE PROPOSED 2011-2012 BUDGET INCLUDES A THOUSAND DOLLARS IN ADDITIONAL SPENDING TO HELP EACH COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFSET INSURANCE INCREASES. CHANDLER SAYS COUNTY LEADERS HAVE WORKED HARD TO CUT THE BUDGET TO AVOID A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. THE FULL COMMISSION WILL CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED BUDGET LATER THIS MONTH. 15 Jul 2011 18:03:44 GMT AN INMATE IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL IS IN MORE TROUBLE AFTER ATTEMPTING TO SMUGGLE DRUGS INTO THE JAIL. ACCORDING TO SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS, 63 YEAR-OLD WILLIAM RAY GARLAND OF LAWRENCEBURG HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH INTRODUCTION OF DRUGS INTO A PENAL FACILITY AFTER CORRECTIONS OFFICERS DISCOVERED A BAG WITH 5 SOMA PILLS IN THE MAN'S POCKET. GARLAND WAS BEING PROCESSED INTO THE JAIL ON AN UNRELATED MATTER WHEN THE DRUGS WERE FOUND. HE WILL ANSWER TO THE CHARGE IN A COMING SESSION OF GENERAL SESSIONS COURT. 15 Jul 2011 18:04:14 GMT A NEW WEBSITE AIMS TO ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO READ. THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY THE LAUNCH OF READ TENNESSEE ONLINE TO HELP TEACHERS, PARENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS UNDERSTAND NEW CURRICULUM STANDARDS AND INCREASED EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS. THE WEBSITE PROVIDES INFORMATION ON PROMOTING EARLY GRADES READING AND ACCELERATING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT IF CHILDREN DO NOT READ ON GRADE LEVEL BY THIRD GRADE, THEY MAY NEVER CATCH UP WITH THEIR PEERS. THE NEW SITE OFFERS TOOL KITS WITH RESOURCES TO HELP PARENTS AND TEACHERS IMPROVE EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY AND MORE. TO VISIT THE WEBSITE, GO ONLINE TO READTENNESSEE.ORG. 15 Jul 2011 18:10:01 GMT THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL IS ASKING FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING AN UNSOLVED JUNE HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT. IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF JUNE 21ST, 40 YEAR-OLD JOSHUA STUART WISEMAN WAS STRUCK AND KILLED BY AN UNKNOWN VEHICLE WHILE HE WAS WALKING ALONG FALL RIVER ROAD JUST SOUTH OF DUNN-FALL RIVER ROAD. THE T-H-P AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION IS INVESTIGATING THE INCIDENT AND REQUESTS ANYONE WITH INFORMATION TO CALL THE LOCAL HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE AT 766-1425. 18 Jul 2011 18:08:50 GMT THE FAMILY OF A MISSING LAWRENCEBURG TEENAGER REQUESTS ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THE 16 YEAR-OLD'S WHEREABOUTS TO CONTACT THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. RAY NEAL BRATTON HAS BEEN MISSING SINCE JUNE 14TH. BRATTON IS 5 FEET 6 OR 7 INCHES TALL, HAS BROWN HAIR AND BROWN EYES AND HAS THREE TATOOS INCLUDING HIS NAME ON HIS BACK. IF ANYONE HAS SEEN THE TEEN OR KNOWS ABOUT HIS LOCATION, CALL LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OR HIS MOTHER AT 931-279-1190. THE FAMILY INDICATES THAT CALLERS MAY REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND A 400 DOLLAR REWARD IS OFFERED FOR THE TEEN'S SAFE RETURN. 18 Jul 2011 18:09:10 GMT THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCED MILLIONS IN FUNDING THIS WEEK FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES. TENNESSEE WILL RECEIVE MORE THAN 54 MILLION DOLLARS TO BE USED FOR LARGE-SCALE IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS. THE LAWRENCEBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS BEEN AWARDED JUST UNDER 400 THOUSAND DOLLARS, COLUMBIA AROUND 402 THOUSAND DOLLARS, PULASKI 280 THOUSAND DOLLARS, MOUNT PLEASANT AROUND 145 THOUSAND DOLLARS AND HOHENWALD JUST UNDER 147 THOUSAND DOLLARS. HUD'S CAPITAL FUND PROGRAM PROVIDES ANNUAL FUNDING TO ALL PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES TO BUILD, REPAIR, RENOVATE AND MODERNIZE COMMUNITY HOUSING. THE MONEY CAN BE USED FOR ALL MAJOR PROJECTS INCLUDING NEW ROOFS AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT UPGRADES TO REPLACE OLD PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. 18 Jul 2011 18:09:28 GMT JUNIOR HIGH THRU COLLEGE STUDENTS INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT CHEERLEADING ARE INVITED TO AN EVENT THIS WEEKEND IN PULASKI. MARTIN METHODIST COLLEGE WILL HOST A CHEER CLINIC SATURDAY (TODAY) FROM 9 TO 4 AT THE CURREY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER. PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN CHEERS, DANCE MOVES, JUMPS AND MORE FROM M-M-C CHEER COACHES MICAH AND MONICA HARTSFIELD. THE COST IS 50 DOLLARS PER PERSON AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED. 18 Jul 2011 18:09:51 GMT LOCAL ARTISTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THEIR TALENTS DURING AN OPEN STUDIO SESSION NEXT WEEK. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY ART COMMISSION WILL SPONSOR THE SESSION FRIDAY, JULY 22ND FROM 1 TO 5 AT THE CROCKETT ARTS CENTER NEXT TO THE CROCKETT THEATER. THE FREE EVENT IS OPEN TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN ART. BRING A CURRENT PROJECT AND SUPPLIES AND ENJOY AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK SIDE-BY-SIDE AND GET INPUT FROM FELLOW ARTISTS. NO INSTRUCTION WILL BE OFFERED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 852-4411. 18 Jul 2011 18:10:28 GMT GILES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS GATHERED FOR A REGULAR SESSION MEETING MONDAY MORNING. COMMISSIONERS APPROVED THE ELECTION OF NOTARIES, TWO REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CAMPBELLSVILLE LIBRARY BOARD AND THREE JUDICIAL COMMISSIONERS. OFFICIALS WERE INFORMED THAT THE RECENTLY RESTORED EAGLE STATUE WAS RETURNED TO THE COURTHOUSE DOME OVER THE WEEKEND. THE STATUE HAD BEEN UNDERGOING A RESTORATION PROCESS FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS. LEADERS ALSO HEARD REPORTS FROM SEVERAL COUNTY OFFICES, APPROVED SURETY BONDS FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND PASSED A MEASURE TO INCREASE LITIGATION TAXES FOR GENERAL SESSIONS COURT. THE BOARD ALSO GAVE APPROVAL TO THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT TO ACCEPT A LITTER GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE STATE FOR THE NEW FISCAL YEAR. ACTION ON A RESOLUTION ON CLOSING THE STEVENS ROAD BRIDGE WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA PENDING FURTHER STUDY. ALL OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS WERE APPROVED. 19 Jul 2011 17:35:14 GMT A PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ALUMINUM WASTE LANDFILL IN MOUNT PLEASANT HAS BEEN GRANTED BY THE STATE. ACCORDING TO CHANNEL 4 NEWS, THE PROPOSAL WAS APPROVED FRIDAY BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION. THE SITE WILL BE USED TO DISPOSE OF ALUMINUM WASTE FROM A PAIR OF MOUNT PLEASANT BASED PROCESSING PLANTS. THE PROJECT HAS MET WITH CONERN FROM A GROUP OF CITIZENS WHO FEAR THE LANDFILL WILL LEAK CHEMICALS INTO THE CITY'S WATER SUPPLY AND-OR GENERATE HARMFUL AMMONIA FUMES. THE PROPOSAL STILL MUST GAIN FINAL APPROVAL FROM THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION IN AN UPCOMING MEETING. THE LANDFILL WILL TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS TO CONSTRUCT AND WILL EMPLOY AROUND 225 WORKERS. 19 Jul 2011 17:35:24 GMT THE TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION HAS ADDED A SPRINGFIELD MURDER SUSPECT TO THE STATE'S MOST WANTED FUGITIVES LIST. 34 YEAR-OLD THOMAS LAMONT DOWLEN IS WANTED FOR CRIMINAL HOMICIDE AND AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AFTER A SHOOTING INCIDENT LAST MONTH IN THE NORTHERN MIDDLE TENNESSEE COMMUNITY. SPRINGFIELD POLICE REPORT THE SUSPECT SHOT AND KILLED CANDICE OWENS AROUND 3:30 P-M ON JUNE 30TH AT A 12TH AVENUE EAST RESIDENCE. A WITNESS TOLD AUTHORITIES DOWLEN SHOT OWENS MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE LEGS AND TORSO AFTER THE VICTIM REFUSED TO TELL HIM THE LOCATION OF HIS GIRLFRIEND. DOWLEN IS DESCRIBED AS A BLACK MALE WITH BLACK HAIR AND BROWN EYES, 6 FEET 1 INCH TALL, WEIGHS 230 POUNDS AND HAS SEVERAL TATTOOS. THE SUSPECT ALSO GOES BY THE NAMES THOMAS PRATT AND THOMAS CHAPMAN AND HAS A LENGTHY HISTORY OF VIOLENCE. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON DOWLEN'S WHEREABOUTS IS URGED TO CALL 1-800-T-B-I-FIND. 19 Jul 2011 17:35:53 GMT A GOODSPRING WOMAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR SHOPLIFTING HUNDREDS OF ITEMS FROM A LAWRENCEBURG DOLLAR STORE. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE NORTH LOCUST AVENUE STORE MANAGER CALLED AUTHORITIES FOR A SUSPECTED SHOPLIFTER EARLY FRIDAY EVENING. AN EMPLOYEE SAID THEY WITNESSED 32 YEAR-OLD BRANDY NICHOLE COLLINS MAKE SEVERAL TRIPS IN AND OUT OF THE STORE AND HER CAR WITH ITEMS SHE DIDN'T PAY FOR. A TOTAL OF 241 ITEMS, INCLUDING HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND CHILDREN'S CLOTHING, WERE ALLEDGEDLY STOLEN VALUED AT 637 DOLLARS. COLLINS IS CHARGED WITH THEFT OF MERCHANDISE OVER 500 DOLLARS AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT AUGUST 4TH. 19 Jul 2011 17:36:30 GMT AUTHORITIES ARE LOOKING INTO A CASE OF AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS IN NORTHERN LAWRENCE COUNTY. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A RAILROAD BED PIKE PROPERTY OWNER ALERTED DEPUTIES FRIDAY THAT SOME OF HIS LIVESTOCK HAD BEEN SHOT AND KILLED OVER THE PAST WEEK. HE FOUND TWO CALVES ON JULY 11TH AND A COW ON JULY 13TH - ALL DEAD FROM GUNSHOTS. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT 1800 DOLLARS. 19 Jul 2011 17:37:46 GMT A COUPLE OF RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES WERE REPORTED TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT OVER THE WEEKEND. SOMETIME LATE FRIDAY OR EARLY SATURDAY, THIEVES BROKE INTO A HOUSE ON HUDSON ROAD THAT IS BEING REMODELED BY THE OWNER. SEVERAL TOOLS WERE STOLEN VALUED AT AROUND 2900 DOLLARS. A TURNPIKE ROAD RESIDENT CAME HOME SUNDAY TO FIND HER BACK DOOR OPEN AND A 50 INCH TELEVISION AND PLAYSTATION-3 GAME SYSTEM MISSING. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 1600 DOLLARS. 19 Jul 2011 17:38:12 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN ACCUSED OF THE MARCH 2010 MURDER OF HIS WIFE HAS ACCEPTED A PLEA AGREEMENT. JOSHUA STANLEY CHAPMAN HAS PLEAD GUILTY TO 2ND DEGREE MURDER IN CONNECTION WITH THE SHOOTING DEATH OF HIS WIFE, 24 YEAR-OLD DAYSHA MARIE CHAPMAN, AT THE COUPLE'S PINEY ROAD HOME. CHAPMAN'S PLEA INCLUDES THE MAXIMUM 25 YEARS IN JAIL FOR THE 2ND DEGREE OFFENSE AND HE MUST SERVE 100 PERCENT OF THE SENTENCE. CHAPMAN WAS INDICTED LAST FALL ON 1ST DEGREE MURDER CHARGES. 20 Jul 2011 20:51:09 GMT A FLORENCE MAN IS BEHIND BARS, CHARGED WITH THE DEATH OF HIS ROOMMATE. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS 31 YEAR-OLD CALVIN ROMAN HANKINS WAS ARRESTED MONDAY AND CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER IN THE STABBING DEATH OF 27 YEAR-OLD PATRICK LEWIS JOHNSON. AUTHORITIES INDICATE JOHNSON DIED OF A SINGLE STAB WOUND TO THE CHEST AFTER A CONFRONTATION WITH HANKINS EARLY SATURDAY. THE SUSPECT IS BEING HELD WITHOUT BOND IN THE COLBERT COUNTY JAIL. 20 Jul 2011 20:51:28 GMT OFFICIALS WITH DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK REMIND VISITORS THAT DROPPING UNWANTED PETS AND OTHER ANIMALS IN THE PARK IS AGAINST THE LAW. LEAVING AN UNWANTED ANIMAL AT THE PARK IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW AND THOSE CAUGHT CAN BE CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY WHICH CARRIES A POSSIBLE JAIL TERM FOR THOSE FOUND GUILTY. IT IS ALSO ILLEGAL TO BE IN POSSESSION OF A WILD ANIMAL WITHOUT THE PROPER PERMIT. DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK IS PERMITTED FOR REHABILITATION OF BIRDS OF PREY AND SMALL MAMMALS EXCLUDING ANY ANIMAL PRONE TO RABIES SUCH AS BATS AND SKUNKS. PARK PERSONNEL ENCOURAGE GUESTS THAT NOTICE AN INJURED WILD ANIMAL TO LEAVE THEM ALONE FOR YOUR SAFETY. ANY BABY ANIMALS THAT SEEM TO BE ABANDONED MOST LIKELY HAVE BEEN HIDDEN BY THEIR MOTHERS FOR THEIR PROTECTION. REMOVING A WILD ANIMAL FROM ITS NATURAL HABITAT IS SIMILIAR TO REMOVING A HUMAN FROM THEIR HOME WITHOUT CONSENT. IN THE CASES OF INJURED ANIMALS, ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR THE REHABILITATION NEEDS OF PERMITTED ANIMALS. ANY ANIMAL NOT ACCEPTED BY THE PARK MAY BE REFERRED TO THE WALDON'S PUDDLE REHAB FACILITY FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE. CALL WALDEN'S PUDDLE AT 615-299-9938. 20 Jul 2011 20:51:49 GMT AN UPCOMING FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT WILL HONOR A FORMER MEMBER OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WILDCATS AND RAISE FUNDS IN HIS MEMORY. THE SECOND ANNUAL ADAM GARLAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 7 ON 7 FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, JULY 30TH AT THE L-C-H-S SOCCER FIELDS. REGISTRATION WILL BE AT 7:30 A-M WITH THE FIRST ROUND OF PLAY AT 8:30. THE REGISTRATION FEE FOR TEAMS THRU JULY 29TH IS 100 DOLLARS OR 125 DOLLARS THE DAY OF THE EVENT. PARTICIPATING TEAMS ARE ASKED TO LIMIT THEIR ROSTER TO 10 PLAYERS. GARLAND, A 2002 L-C-H-S GRADUATE AND WILDCAT FOOTBALL PLAYER, DIED IN A 2005 VEHICLE ACCIDENT. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER A TEAM CALL 231-6452. 20 Jul 2011 20:52:14 GMT IN SPITE OF A FEDERAL LAWSUIT CHALLENGING THE DECISION, TENNESSEE GOVERNOR BILL HASLAM IS DEFENDING THE MOVE TO CUT BACK HOME CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ON TENNCARE. THE CUTS TO IN-HOME CARE SERVICES MEANS SOME PATIENTS REQUIRING ROUND-THE-CLOCK CARE WILL HAVE TO BE MOVED TO GROUP HOMES. A LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED ON BEHALF OF 39 TENNESSEANS RANGING IN AGE FROM 7 TO 52 CLAIMING THE CUTS VIOLATE THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. THE MOTHER OF A PLAINTIFF WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SAYS SHE CAN'T IMAGINE HAVING TO TAKE HER CHILD OUT OF HER HOME DUE TO BUDGET CUTS. HASLAM TOLD THE MEDIA LAST WEEK THAT GROUP HOMES SAVE MONEY WHILE STILL DELIVERING PERSONALIZED SERVICES AND THAT BEING THE SUBJECT OF LAWSUITS COMES WITH THE JOB OF BEING GOVERNOR. 20 Jul 2011 20:52:49 GMT PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS WILL BE HEARD THIS WEEK FOR A PULASKI MAN ACCUSED OF MURDER AND ARSON. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS 43 YEAR-OLD ROBERT WAYNE GARNER WILL BE IN COURT THURSDAY FOR A HEARING ON A COUPLE OF MOTIONS SUBMITTED BY HIS ATTORNEY. GARNER IS CHARGED WITH THE JANUARY 19TH, 2010 MURDER OF 61 YEAR-OLD BRENDA WILBURN. THE VICTIM WAS FOUND IN THE REMAINS OF HER BURNED HICKS CUT ROAD HOME. AUTHORITIES ALLEDGE GARNER COMMITTED THE MURDER, STOLE A DIAMOND RING AND SET WILBURN'S HOUSE ON FIRE TO COVER UP EVIDENCE OF THE CRIMES. THE T-B-I ARRESTED WILBURN A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE INCIDENT ON FIRST DEGREE MURDER, FELONY MURDER, AGGRAVATED ARSON AND BURGLARY CHARGES. PRETRIAL MOTIONS WERE FILED THIS MONTH ASKING FOR A SEQUESTERED JURY AND A CHANGE OF VENUE. JURY SELECTION IS SET TO BEGIN AUGUST 8TH WITH THE TRIAL TO FOLLOW. 21 Jul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ul 2011 19:03:42 GMT A COLUMBIA TEEN IS DEAD AFTER A TUESDAY EVENING CAR CRASH ON OLD ZION ROAD. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, 18 YEAR-OLD SARAH SUE PHILLIPS WAS KILLED WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF HER 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER, OVER CORRECTED AND FLIPPED SHORTLY BEFORE 8 P-M. TROOPER JACK SUTPHIN INVESTIGATED THE ACCIDENT. PHILLIPS' DEATH MARKS THE 29TH TRAFFIC RELATED FATALITY OF THIS YEAR IN THE LAWRENCEBURG HIGHWAY PATROL DISTRICT. 21 Jul 2011 19:10:34 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG 14 YEAR-OLD ALL STARS DEFENDED THEIR TITLE TUESDAY AS BABE RUTH BASEBALL EAST STATE CHAMPIONS. LAWRENCEBURG DEFEATED MARSHALL COUNTY 19 TO 2 IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WITH PEYTON SOCKWELL AS THE WINNING PITCHER. THE 14'S ADVANCE TO THE SOUTHEAST REGIONAL TOURNAMENT IN GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA OPENING AGAINST SOUTH FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, JULY 28TH AT 10 A-M. 21 Jul 2011 19:11:00 GMT AN I-POD WAS STOLEN FRIDAY FROM A CAR PARKED AT A LAWRENCEBURG STORE. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, A WOMAN REPORTED HER APPLE I-POD WAS STOLEN FROM A FRIEND'S 1998 HONDA CIVIC IN THE WALMART PARKING LOT. THE VICTIM SAID THE CAR MUST HAVE BEEN LEFT UNLOCKED. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT 250 DOLLARS. 21 Jul 2011 19:12:16 GMT A WEEKEND BENEFIT WILL RAISE MONEY FOR SOME LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT FOR SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. A DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD SATURDAY AT 2 AT THE GYM AT MARTIN METHODIST COLLEGE IN PULASKI. TEAMS MAY CONSIST OF 5 PLAYERS ON THE COURT WITH 3 OPTIONAL SUBS. STANDARD DODGE BALL RULES APPLY. THE COST IS 10 DOLLARS PER PLAYER WITH PROCEEDS TO GO TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF AN AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATION DEVICE. THE EVENT IS ALSO A BOY SCOUT EAGLE PROJECT FOR AUSTIN BLADE. TO SIGN UP OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 931-478-0295. 21 Jul 2011 19:13:04 GMT AN ELDERLY LAWRENCE COUNTY COUPLE HAS FALLEN VICTIM TO AN APPARENT SCAM. REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT A BUFFALO ROAD RESIDENT ALERTED AUTHORITIES WEDNESDAY WHEN SHE BECAME SUSPICIOUS OF A CONTEST SHE HAD BEEN TOLD SHE WON. EARLIER THIS MONTH, A MAN CALLED THE VICTIM'S HOME AND SAID SHE AND HER HUSBAND HAD WON A NEW CAR AND THE PRIZE WOULD BE DELIVERED AFTER THEY PAID A PROCESSING FEE OF 1550 DOLLARS. OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS, THE COUPLE WAS TOLD TO SEND MORE MONEY ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS TO RECEIVE THEIR CAR. THE CHECKS WERE MADE OUT TO BERNICE VERNICE WASHINGTON AND SENT TO A DOSER, NORTH CAROLINA ADDRESS AND TOTALED 2500 DOLLARS. AS OF THIS WEEK, THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DELIVERED AND A CALL FOR ADDITIONAL MONEY HAD BEEN RECEIVED. AUTHORITIES ARE LOOKING INTO THE CASE. 22 Jul 2011 17:45:53 GMT INVESTIGATORS WITH THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT ARE LOOKING INTO A COUPLE OF THEFTS REPORTED ON WEDNESDAY. A 2ND STREET RESIDENT TOLD OFFICERS SOMEONE STOLE HIS TRUCK FROM HIS BACKYARD. THE OLDER MODEL PICK-UP WAS TAKEN AND AN EXTRA SET OF KEYS AND THE TITLE TO THE VEHICLE WERE MISSING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 25 HUNDRED DOLLARS. A GAS DRIVE OFF WAS CALLED IN BY AN EMPLOYEE OF A HIGHWAY 43 NORTH CONVENIENCE STORE. THE HANDY ANDY WORKER SAID A MAN IN A WHITE CHEVY TRUCK PULLING A TRAILER WITH A LAWN MOWER STOPPED TO GET GAS AROUND 3 P-M AND THE PUMP WOULDN'T TAKE HIS CARD. THE EMPLOYEE APPROVED THE MAN TO PUMP GAS AND COME INSIDE TO PAY. AFTER PUMPING MORE THAN 80 DOLLARS IN GAS, THE MAN DROVE AWAY WITHOUT COMING BACK INSIDE THE STORE TO PAY FOR THE PURCHASE. 22 Jul 2011 17:46:15 GMT YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY TO SEE LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY THEATER'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF THE MUSICAL "GENTLEMAN FROM THE CANE" WILL BE THIS WEEKEND AT THE CROCKETT THEATER. THE FINAL PERFORMANCES OF THE HISTORIC DEPICTION OF DAVID CROCKETT'S LIFE IN LAWRENCE COUNTY WILL BE FRIDAY (TONIGHT) AND SATURDAY AT 7:30. THE SHOW, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY LAWRENCE COUNTY NATIVE DOLLY LEIGHTON, WAS FIRST PERFORMED AS AN OUTDOOR MUSICAL DRAMA IN 1976 AT DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK. TICKETS ARE 23 DOLLARS FOR FIRST TIER SEATS AND 12 DOLLARS FOR SECOND TIER SEATS AND CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT LAWRENCEBURGTN.GOV OR AT THE DOOR. K-2 MEDIA PRODUCTIONS WILL HAVE D-V-D COPIES OF THE LATEST PRODUCTION FOR SALE FOR 20 DOLLARS IN THE THEATER LOBBY. FOR MORE TICKET INFORMATION OR GROUP DISCOUNTS, CALL 762-4231. 22 Jul 2011 17:46:40 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY CHEERLEADERS ATTENDED CHEER CAMP RECENTLY AND BROUGHT HOME NUMEROUS AWARDS. THE TEAM RECEIVED FIRST PLACE FOR THEIR HOME DANCE ROUTINE, SECOND PLACE FOR FIGHT SONG ROUTINE AND FORTH PLACE FOR EXTREME DANCE. THE VARSITY SQUAD INCLUDES RYAN FREEMON, LAKLIN LONG, DANIELLE SHELTON, KRISTIN BURDETTE, SARA MESSER, SALLY EDWARDS, ANNIE SHACKELFORD, LAURA FORSYTHE, GRACE BRASWELL, ALLIE WRIGHT, TORI MCNUTT, RACHEL MATTHEWS, MYRANDA BAKER, HALLIE BOSTON, LEXIE TIETGENS AND CAPTAIN MAGGIE FINCHER. COACHES ARE CARRIE LYNN SHELTON AND TAMMY HARDY. 22 Jul 2011 17:47:03 GMT ALL LAWRENCE COUNTY 4-H MEMBERS IN GRADES 7 AND ABOVE ARE INVITED TO LEARN ABOUT SAFE GRILLING. AN OUTDOOR MEAT COOKERY PRACTICE SESSION WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, JULY 26TH AT 5:30 AT THE EXTENSION OFFICE. ELIGIBLE YOUTH WILL LEARN HOW TO GRILL SAFELY AND HAVE FUN DOING IT. PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER BY THIS FRIDAYAT 4 P-M. CALL THE EXTENSION OFFICE AT 762-5506. 22 Jul 2011 17:47:25 GMT COLUMBIA POLICE AND FEDERAL AUTHORITIES ARE LOOKING FOR THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR A THURSDAY EVENING PIPE BOMB EXPLOSION. OFFICIALS INDICATE A CALL CAME IN AROUND 7:25 ABOUT AN EXPLOSION IN THE 200 BLOCK OF SANTE FE PIKE. AN AREA RESIDENT HEARD THE SOUND, WENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND THEN ALERTED POLICE. WHEN POLICE ARRIVED, THEY DISCOVERED WHAT APPEARED TO BE A DETONATED PIPE BOMB IN THE ROADWAY. MEMBERS OF THE HAZARDOUS DEVICES UNIT COLLECTED THE REMAINS OF THE DEVICE FOR PROCESSING. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE EXPLOSION. DETECTIVES WITH THE COLUMBIA POLICE DEPARTMENT ARE INVESTIGATING THE INCIDENT WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE F-B-I AND A-T-F. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IN THE CASE IS ENCOURAGED TO CALL THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION AT 380-2721 OR CRIME STOPPERS AT 381-4900. 25 Jul 2011 19:09:54 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY BOARD MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY. DANNY DUGAN WITH NORTH AMERICAN ADMINISTRATORS UPDATED THE GROUP ON THE UTILITY SYSTEM EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE HIS COMPANY HAS SERVICED FOR L-U-S SINCE 1986. THE CURRENT SELF-FUNDED BENEFITS PLAN MEETS OR IS BETTER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR COVERAGE, DEDUCTIBLES AND OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES FOR EMPLOYEES. THE BOARD ALSO HEARD FROM ACCOUNTANT JOHN CAIN THAT THE REQUIRED YEARLY AUDIT GOT UNDERWAY THIS WEEK WITH NEW ACCOUNTING FIRM A-T-A. LAST MONTH, THE BOARD OPTED TO CONTRACT WITH THE COMPANY AFTER BIDDING OUT THE JOB AND A-T-A SUBMITTING THE LOWEST BID FOR THE SERVICE. THE AUDIT FINDINGS WILL BE REPORTED TO THE BOARD AT THE END OF OCTOBER. THE T-V-A FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT WILL MEAN A SLIGHT INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY RATES FOR NEXT MONTH. FOR RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS, BILLS WILL AVERAGE 50 CENTS TO A DOLLAR MORE FOR POWER. BOARD MEMBERS ALSO VOTED TO CHANGE THE TIME FOR THEIR MONTHLY MEETINGS. REGULAR SESSIONS WILL REMAIN ON THE THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BUT THE TIME HAS BEEN MOVED FROM 11 A-M TO 8:30 A-M. THE TIME CHANGE WILL GO INTO EFFECT AUGUST 18TH. 25 Jul 2011 19:10:06 GMT MOUNT PLEASANT CITY LEADERS ARE HAVING A HARD TIME DECIDING WHO'S GOING TO BE THE NEXT MAYOR. THREE OF THE CITY'S FIVE COMMISSIONERS ARE VYING FOR THE POSITION THAT IS APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSION. THE ISSUE WAS DISCUSSED AT A RECENT MEETING ALTHOUGH NONE OF THE CANDIDATES GARNERED THE REQUIRED MAJORITY OF VOTES TO BE DECLARED THE WINNER. ACCORDING TO THE CITY CHARTER, SHOULD THE COMMISSION NOT CHOOSE SOMEONE FOR THE OFFICE WITHIN 90 DAYS, THE VICE-MAYOR WOULD BECOME MAYOR. LEADERS WOULD THEN BE TASKED WITH CHOOSING A NEW VICE MAYOR. THE COMMISSION WILL DISCUSS THE ISSUE AT THE AUGUST 16TH REGULAR SESSION. 25 Jul 2011 19:10:36 GMT UNEMPLOYMENT IS UP SLIGHTLY IN TENNESSEE AS IS THE NATIONAL JOBLESS RATE FOR JUNE. ON THURSDAY, THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCED THE JUNE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR TENNESSEE WAS 9 POINT 8 PERCENT, UP FROM 9 POINT 7 IN MAY. THE NATIONAL RATE FOR JUNE WAS 9 POINT 2 PERCENT, UP ONE-TENTH OF A POINT FROM THE PREVIOUS MONTH. JUNE WAS THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE MONTH WITH A SLIGHT INCREASE IN UNEMPLOYMENT FOR TENNESSEANS. 25 Jul 2011 19:11:03 GMT GILES COUNTY VETERANS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR TRAVEL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY THE GILES COUNTY VETERANS ALLIANCE. THE NON-PROFIT, ALL VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION HAS VAN SERVICE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS AT THE V-A HOSPITALS IN NASHVILLE AND MURFREESBORO. LOCAL VETERANS OF ALL BRANCHES OF THE MILITARY MAY CALL FOR A RIDE PRIOR TO THEIR APPOINTMENT TO GIVE THE SCHEDULING OFFICER TIME TO ASSIGN A DRIVER. FOR VAN SERVICE, CALL 638-2183. 25 Jul 2011 19:11:27 GMT A PAIR OF WEEKEND FIRES CLAIMED TWO LAWRENCE COUNTY STRUCTURES. A BARN ON FULLER'S CHAPEL LANE IN LEOMA WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHEN FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED JUST AFTER NOON ON SATURDAY. MEMBERS OF THE LEOMA, CENTER POINT AND SOUTHEAST FIRE DEPARTMENTS BATTLED THE BLAZE FOR HOURS BUT THE STRUCTURE AND ITS CONTENTS WERE A TOTAL LOSS. AND A FAULTY DRYER IS TO BLAME FOR AN EARLY SUNDAY FIRE THAT DESTROYED A SUMMERTOWN HOME. THE OWNER OF THE BRACE LOOP RESIDENCE INDICATED SHE HAD STARTED THE APPLIANCE AROUND 8 A-M AND WENT OUTSIDE TO DRINK A CUP OF COFFEE. SHE DISCOVERED THE FIRE MINUTES LATER AFTER HEARING A SMOKE ALARM. SUMMERTOWN, HENRYVILLE AND ETHRIDGE FIRE CREWS RESPONDED BUT THE HOME WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED FROM EITHER WEEKEND FIRE. 26 Jul 2011 19:01:55 GMT NEW ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED BY THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE STATE'S COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW. ANY STUDENT ACCUMULATING 5 OR MORE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES WILL BE IN VIOLATION OF STATE LAW AND ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. PARENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET WITH THE SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELOR AND ATTENDANCE SUPERVISOR FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION TO EXCUSE THE ABSENCES. IF PARENTS ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE EXCUSES, THEY AND THEIR CHILD WILL BE PETITIONED TO JUVENILE COURT. FOR AN ABSENCE TO BE EXCUSED, ONLY SPECIFIC DOCUMENTATION IS ACCEPTABLE. PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING THE SCHOOL WITH THE PROPER DOCUMENTATION AND ALL ABSENCES ARE CONSIDERED UNEXCUSED UNTIL THE SCHOOL HAS BEEN PROPERLY NOTIFIED. THREE OR MORE TARDIES AND/OR EARLY CHECK-OUTS FROM SCHOOL WILL ALSO ADD UP TO ABSENCES. 15 UNEXCUSED TARDIES OR CHECK-OUTS WILL PUT A STUDENT IN VIOLATION OF THE COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW. 26 Jul 2011 19:02:17 GMT THE MAURY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM IS CONSIDERING WHETHER TO REINSTATE A TEACHER RECENTLY ACQUITTED OF MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THE ATTORNEY FOR 39 YEAR-OLD SHAWN ARMSTRONG HAS REQUESTED THE FORMER RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1ST GRADE TEACHER GET HER JOB BACK. IN ADDITION TO THE REINSTATEMENT, ARMSTRONG IS ASKING FOR BACK PAY FOR THE 17 MONTHS SHE WAS SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY WHILE AWAITING TRIAL. ON JULY 7TH, ARMSTRONG WAS FOUND NOT GUILTY OF THE FEBRUARY 2010 SHOOTING DEATH OF HER ESTRANGED HUSBAND. DURING TESTIMONY, ARMSTRONG SAID HER HUSBAND ATTACKED HER AND SHE FIRED AT HIM IN SELF DEFENSE. THE BOARD SUSPENDED ARMSTRONG WITHOUT PAY THREE DAYS AFTER THE SHOOTING. ARMSTRONG BEGAN TEACHING IN THE MAURY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM IN 2005 AND WAS GRANTED TENURE IN 2009. SCHOOL OFFICIALS ARE CONDUCTING A POST-ACQUITTAL INVESTIGATION TO DECIDE IF ARMSTRONG SHOULD BE REINSTATED. THEY PLAN TO ANNOUNCE THEIR DECISION BY AUGUST 1ST. 26 Jul 2011 19:02:40 GMT TWO TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WITHIN A HALF HOUR OF EACH OTHER SENT FOUR PEOPLE TO AREA HOSPITALS SUNDAY EVENING. ACCORDING TO LORETTO POLICE, THE FIRST ACCIDENT OCCURRED JUST AFTER 6 P-M AS A NORTHBOUND CHEVY TAHO DRIVEN BY MATTHEW GALLAHAR COLLIDED WITH A JEEP WRANGLER ATTEMPTING TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT NEAR AUGUSTIN LANE. TWO PASSENGERS IN THE JEEP WERE TAKEN TO CROCKETT HOSPITAL FOR NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. GALLAHAR AND THE JEEP'S DRIVER, GARY RASBERRY, WERE NOT INJURED. AROUND 6:30, ANOTHER CRASH OCCURRED AT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAYS 43 AND 101. REPORTS INDICATE A NORTHBOUND LINCOLN TOWNCAR, DRIVEN BY CHARLES CAMERON, STRUCK A NISSAN FRONTIER ATTEMPTING TO TURN NORTH ON 43. THE NISSAN'S DRIVER, GRANT EARNEST, WAS TAKEN TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER WITH HEAD AND CHEST INJURIES. CAMERON WAS TRANSPORTED TO MAURY REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. THE LORETTO FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO BOTH INCIDENTS. 26 Jul 2011 19:03:03 GMT THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS ISSUED NEW IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS AND A NEW CERTIFICATE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY INTO SCHOOL. ALL VACCINATIONS MUST BE UP-TO-DATE AND DOCUMENTED ON THE NEW FORM PRIOR TO ENROLLING IN PRE-K, KINDERGARTEN AND 7TH GRADE OR AS A NEW STUDENT ENTERING TENNESSEE SCHOOLS. AS OF JULY 1ST, TWO DOSES OF HEPATITIS-A HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE REQUIRED SHOTS FOR KINDERGARTEN AND NEW STUDENTS TO BE ENROLLED IN SCHOOL. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL HOST A WALK-IN CLINIC FOR THE IMMUNIZATIONS DURING THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF AUGUST. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT AT 762-9406. 26 Jul 2011 19:03:23 GMT TENNESSEE TAXPAYERS WON'T FOOT THE BILL FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE'S MULTIPLE OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL PLANS DUE TO A POLICY CHANGE MADE BY HOUSE SPEAKER BETH HARWELL. BEFORE HARWELL'S CHANGE, MEMBERS WERE ALLOWED TO TAKE ONE OUT-OF-STATE TRIP PER YEAR WITH TAXPAYERS COVERING TRANSPORTATION AND HOTEL COSTS PLUS AN EXPENSE ALLOWANCE OF 176 DOLLARS PER DAY. STATE REPS WERE ALSO ALLOWED TO MAKE MORE TRIPS AND ONLY BILL THE STATE FOR THE DAILY EXPENSE AMOUNT. THE NEW POLICY, ENACTED IN MAY, MAKES THE ONE TRIP PER YEAR RULE ALSO APPLY TO THE DAILY EXPENSE PAYMENTS. THE HOUSE SPEAKER SAYS MEMBERS CAN CHARGE THEIR TRAVEL EXPENSES FOR MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THEIR CAMPAIGN ACCOUNTS INSTEAD OF TENNESSEE CITIZENS. RECORDS FOR 2010 SHOW THAT AT LEAST 16 REPRESENTATIVES COLLECTED DAILY EXPENSES FOR MORE THAN ONE OUT-OF-STATE TRIP. 26 Jul 2011 19:04:22 GMT SUMMER VACATION IS WINDING DOWN FOR AREA STUDENTS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL. GILES COUNTY'S FIRST FULL DAY OF CLASSES IS SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY WITH TEACHERS ALREADY BACK IN CLASSROOMS THIS WEEK TO PREPARE FOR STUDENT ARRIVALS NEXT WEEK. MAURY COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL BE OPEN FOR A HALF DAY ON MONDAY WITH THE FIRST FULL DAY OF CLASSES NEXT TUESDAY. MAURY COUNTY TEACHER INSERVICE FOR FACULTY AND STAFF IS UNDERWAY THIS WEEK. STUDENTS IN LAWRENCE COUNTY WILL ATTEND THEIR FIRST FULL DAY OF CLASSES ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 11TH WITH TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS SCHEDULED TO ATTEND INSERVICE AND TEACHER PREP AUGUST 5TH, 8TH, 9TH AND 10TH. 27 Jul 2011 18:19:19 GMT FLORENCE CITY LEADERS ARE EYEING A SERIES OF SAFETY CHANGES TO THE CYPRESS CREEK DAM. ACCORDING TO CHANNEL 48 NEWS, THE CITY COUNCIL RECENTLY ESTABLISHED A COMMITTEE TO REVIEW SAFETY MEASURES AND COMPILE A LIST OF IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED TO THE STRUCTURE. THE DAM'S SAFETY ISSUES WERE BROUGHT TO LEADERS ATTENTION AFTER A YOUNG LAUDERDALE COUNTY MAN LOST HIS LIFE EARLIER THIS YEAR WHILE KAYAKING BY THE DAM. OFFICIALS INDICATE THE GOAL IS TO ELIMINATE THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENTAL DROWNING AT THE SITE AND ARE ENTERTAINING A HOST OF CHANGES TO THE THE AREA AROUND THE DAM. THE COMMISSION WILL HEAR PROPOSALS AND OPEN BIDS FROM CONSULTANTS IN AN AUGUST MEETING AND HOPE TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION NEXT YEAR. 27 Jul 2011 18:19:31 GMT A SOUTH BRACE ROAD RESIDENT SHOT AT A WOULD-BE BURGLAR TRYING TO BREAK INTO HIS HOME. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED TO THE SUMMERTOWN PROPERTY MONDAY EVENING ON AN ATTEMPTED BURGLARY CALL. THE RESIDENT HAD BEEN NAPPING IN A RECLINER WHEN A NOISE FROM THE BACK OF HIS HOUSE WOKE HIM UP. HE RETRIEVED HIS GUN AND FOUND A WHITE FEMALE TRYING TO GET INTO HIS HOUSE THRU A REAR WINDOW. THE SUSPECT RAN WHEN SHE SAW THE HOME OWNER. HE WENT OUTSIDE AND SHOT AT THE INTRUDER WHEN SHE STOPPED IN THE YARD AND ASKED HIM NOT TO CALL POLICE. SHE THEN RAN TO A WHITE S-U-V PARKED AT A NEIGHBORS HOUSE AND SPED AWAY WITH TWO OTHER FEMALES IN THE VEHICLE. DAMAGE TO THE STORM WINDOW WAS 200 DOLLARS AND THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 27 Jul 2011 18:20:15 GMT A 4-WHEELER WAS REPORTED STOLEN MONDAY FROM A LAWRENCE COUNTY PROPERTY. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THE 2001 YAMAHA 200 A-T-V WAS TAKEN FROM THE FRONT YARD OF A BLANKENSHIP LANE RESIDENCE. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 1600 DOLLARS. 27 Jul 2011 18:20:35 GMT CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET CUTS WILL MEAN AN EARLIER CLOSURE TIME FOR THE LAWRENCEBURG AND COLUMBIA SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICES. EFFECTIVE AUGUST 15TH, THE OFFICES WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 30 MINUTES LESS PER DAY. THE NEW HOURS WILL BE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY FROM 9 TO 3:30. FEDERAL LAWMAKERS CUT THE SOCIAL SECURTIY ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET BY NEARLY A BILLION DOLLARS THIS FISCAL YEAR. IN AN EFFORT TO CUT COSTS, MORE THAN 1600 WORKERS HAVE BEEN LAID OFF FROM FIELD OFFICES NATIONWIDE OVER THE PAST 9 MONTHS. SOME SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT DON'T REQUIRE AN OFFICE VISIT AND CAN BE DONE OVER THE PHONE OR ONLINE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL TOLL FREE 800-772-1213 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE SOCIALSECURITY.GOV. 27 Jul 2011 18:20:53 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION PASSED THE 2011-2012 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET DURING A TUESDAY REGULAR SESSION. MEMBERS APPROVED AN AMENDED BUDGET AFTER LENGTHY DISCUSSION ON SOME ISSUES. FUNDING FOR A SUPPORT POSITION FOR THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT WAS ADDED TO THE SPENDING PLAN. THE I-T DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY EMPLOYS ONLY ONE PERSON TO OVERSEE THE TECHNOLOGY FOR ALL COUNTY OFFICES. ADDING AN ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEE WILL COST 35 THOUSAND DOLLARS PLUS BENEFITS WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF SOME OF THE COST TO BE INCURRED BY THE CITY. A PART-TIME JUVENILE JUDGE POSITION WAS ALSO ADDED TO THE BUDGET. THE POSITION WILL REQUIRE A 30 THOUSAND DOLLAR SALARY. THE BOARD VOTED TO ADD THE JUDGE TO THE PAYROLL CONTINGENT ON THE SCHOOL BOARD PAYING HALF THE ANNUAL SALARY. DEBATE ON WHETHER TO FUND THE 60 THOUSAND DOLLAR COST FOR DEAD ANIMAL REMOVAL FOR AREA FARMERS CONTINUED FOR COUNTY LEADERS. LOCAL LIVESTOCK OWNERS HAD SAID AT A RECENT SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE MEETING THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO PAY 35 DOLLARS PER HEAD TO HELP OFFSET THE COST OF THE SERVICE. THE COMMITTEE OPTED TO RECOMMEND THE COUNTY PAY 100 PERCENT OF THE CONTRACT FOR ONE YEAR WHILE THEY LOOKED INTO A LOWER COST OPTION FOR NEXT YEAR. FIVE COMMISSIONERS VOTED AGAINST THE COUNTY FOOTING THE ENTIRE BILL BUT THE FULL FUNDING PASSED WITH 13 VOTES. A COUPLE OF ATTEMPTS TO TAKE FUNDING FOR 5 NEW PATROL CARS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TO FUND 4 NEW DUMP TRUCKS FOR THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT FAILED TO PASS. THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ORIGINALLY REQUESTED 10 NEW CARS TO REPLACE SEVERAL HIGH MILEAGE PATROL CARS CURRENTLY IN THE FLEET BUT AGREED TO WORK WITH 5 NEW CARS DURING BUDGET DISCUSSIONS. AN AMENDMENT PRESENTED AT TUESDAY'S MEETING WOULD HAVE CUT THE CARS COMPLETELY FROM THIS YEAR'S BUDGET WITH THAT FUNDING TO BE APPROPRIATED TO THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT INSTEAD. THE AMENDMENT FAILED BY A 13 TO 5 VOTE. ANOTHER AMENDMENT TO KEEP THE PATROL CARS BUT ADD ANOTHER 70 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO THE SPENDING PLAN FOR THE DUMP TRUCKS FAILED 10 TO 8. THE BUDGET PASSED WITH NO PROPERTY TAX INCREASE TO LAWRENCE COUNTY CITIZENS. 28 Jul 2011 20:34:27 GMT SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ATTENDED A TUESDAY EVENING LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING TO VOICE OPPOSITION TO A PROPOSED CHANGE TO THE FOOTAGE REQUIREMENT FOR BEER PERMIT ELIGIBILITY. A RESOLUTION TO CHANGE THE MINIMUM FOOTAGE REQUIREMENT FROM 2000 FEET TO 1000 FEET FROM SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES WAS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSIDERATION BEFORE THE REGULAR SESSION MEETING GOT UNDERWAY. THE PROPOSED CHANGE SPARKED SOME CRITICISM FROM CHURCH CONGREGATIONS AND CITIZENS WHO SPOKE OUT AT THE MEETING EVEN AFTER THE CHANGE WAS PULLED FROM THE AGENDA. THE PROPOSAL WAS ORIGINALLY SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO A LOCAL BUSINESS INTENDING TO FILE SUIT AGAINST THE COUNTY DUE TO TWO ESTABLISHMENTS NOT MEETING THE 2000 FEET FOOTAGE BOUNDARY BUT STILL APPROVED TO SELL BEER BY THE COUNTY BEER BOARD. THE LESSER FOOTAGE WOULD HAVE ALLOWED THE TWO BUSINESSES NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FOOTAGE REQUIREMENT TO MEET THE STANDARD. THE COMMISSION DID NOT CONSIDER THE LESS FOOTAGE POLICY AND INSTEAD TOOK UP THE ISSUE OF REVOKING THE PERMITS OF THOSE NOT IN COMPLIANCE. THE COMMISSION APPROVED A RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE BEER BOARD TO REVOKE THE PERMITS WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THOSE NOT WITHIN THE REQUIRED DISTANCE. AN AMENDMENT TO ALSO REMOVE THE CURRENT BEER BOARD MEMBERS THAT APPROVED THE TWO PERMITS IN QUESTION FAILED TO GARNER APPROVAL. AN AMENDMENT TO KEEP THE THREE CURRENT BEER BOARD MEMBERS OF GARY WAYNE HYDE, JOHNNY DANIELS AND MARK NIEDERGESES AND ADD TWO ADDITIONAL MEMBERS WAS APPROVED. MEMBERS VOTED TO ADD VIRGIL LUNA AND ANNE BROWN TO THE BOARD'S NOW FIVE MEMBER PANEL. 28 Jul 2011 20:34:42 GMT GILES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS GATHERED FOR A SPECIAL SESSION WEDNESDAY MORNING TO CAST THEIR THEIR VOTES ON THREE ISSUES INCLUDING A NEW BUDGET. A RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE FUNDING TO COUNTY NON-PROFITS WAS APPROVED BUT DUE TO CUTS, THE TOTAL FUNDING WILL BE TEN PERCENT LESS THAN LAST YEAR. LEADERS DEBATED AND APPROVED TWO AMENDMENTS TO THE 2011-2012 BUDGET - ONE DEDUCTING 500 THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE FUND BALANCE TO COVER A PORTION OF THE BUDGET UNTIL PROJECTED REVENUE FROM THE NEW HIGHWAY PATROL WEIGH STATION BECOMES AVAILABLE. THE FACILITY IS EXPECTED TO OPEN IN OCTOBER. THE DIP INTO THE FUND BALANCE WILL LEAVE JUST OVER 400 THOUSAND DOLLARS AVAILABLE IN THE ACCOUNT. A SECOND AMENDMENT ADDED BACK THREE POSITIONS ORIGINALLY CUT FROM THIS YEAR'S SPENDING PLAN. THE POSITIONS WERE FROM JANITORIAL SERVICES AND THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OFFICE AT A COST OF 72 THOUSAND DOLLARS INCLUDING SALARIES AND BENEFITS. THE AMENDED BUDGET, TOTALING JUST OVER 8 POINT 9 MILLION DOLLARS, WAS APPROVED BY A VOTE OF 13 TO 8. 28 Jul 2011 20:36:19 GMT GOSPEL MUSIC LOVERS WILL CONVERGE ON LAWRENCEBURG THIS WEEK FOR THE ANNUAL JAMES D-VAUGHN SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL. THE MAINSTREET LAWRENCEBURG SPONSORED EVENT WILL FEATURE 4 CONCERTS THURSDAY THRU SATURDAY AT THE HISTORIC CROCKETT THEATER. ON THURSDAY NIGHT AT 7, HEAR THE TALENTS OF ERNIE HAASE AND THE SIGNATURE SOUND QUARTET. FRIDAY FEATURES PERFORMANCES BY THE INSPIRATIONS, THE TRIUMPHANT QUARTET AND THE LEDGENDARY CHUCK WAGON GANG AT THE 7 P-M SHOW. NEW TO THIS YEAR'S SCHEDULE IS A 1 O-CLOCK SATURDAY MATINEE WITH THE SOUTHERN SOUND QUARTET, THE SINGING AMBASSADORS, THE DIPLOMATS AND A SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY GOSPEL MUSIC VETERAN LES BEASLEY. THE FESTIVAL WRAPS UP SATURDAY NIGHT AT 6 WITH PERFORMANCES BY THE MARK TRAMMEL QUARTET AND JIMMY BLACKWOOD AND THE BLACKWOOD BROTHERS. LOCAL FAVORITES THE KELLYS ARE SET TO APPEAR EACH EVENING OF THE FESTIVAL IN ADDITION TO SPECIAL PERFORMANCES BY MASTER OF CEREMONIES JOSH FRANKS. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT LAWRENCEBURG T-N DOT GOV OR BY CALLING THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT AT 762-4231. 28 Jul 2011 20:38:04 GMT LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL HAS ANNOUNCED PLANS TO READY STUDENTS FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR. STUDENTS WHO PRE-REGISTERED FOR THE 2011-2012 ACADEMIC YEAR MAY PICK UP SCHEDULES IN THE FRONT LOBBY DURING SPECIFIED TIMES. SENIORS MAY PICK UP SCHEDULES MONDAY FROM NOON TO 2:30, JUNIORS ON TUESDAY FROM 8 TO 11:30 A-M AND SOPHOMORES IN THE AFTERNOON FROM 12:30 TO 2:30. ON THESE DAYS, STUDENTS MAY ALSO REGISTER FOR A PARKING LOT ASSIGNMENT AND DECAL. TO PURCHASE A DECAL, STUDENTS MUST BRING A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE, REGISTRATION AND PROOF OF INSURANCE. LOCKER ASSIGNMENTS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. INCOMING FRESHMAN AND PARENTS ARE INVITED TO ORIENTATION ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 9TH FROM 6 TO 8 P-M. THE FIRST FULL DAY OF SCHOOL IN LAWRENCE COUNTY IS THURSDAY, AUGUST 11TH. 28 Jul 2011 20:38:39 GMT A MAURY COUNTY CHURCH IS MOURNING THE LOSS OF A YOUNG MEMBER OF ITS CONGREGATION AFTER A TRAGIC THURSDAY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. CHANNEL 4 NEWS REPORTS A VAN CARRYING AROUND 14 PEOPLE FROM DESTINY CHURCH OF COLUMBIA CRASHED JUST BEFORE 10 A-M ON INTERSTATE 40 NEAR WAVERLY. THE GROUP WAS RETURNING FROM A WEST TENNESSEE YOUTH EVENT. THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL INDICATED THE EAST BOUND VAN FLIPPED OFF OF AN EXIT RAMP AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. 14 YEAR-OLD MACKENZIE TURNER WAS KILLED AND SEVERAL OTHER OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED IN THE SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH. THREE VICTIMS WERE AIRLIFTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER IN CRITICAL BUT STABLE CONDITION. SEVEN OTHERS, INCLUDING THE DRIVER, 25 YEAR-OLD BOBBY SASSER OF COLUMBIA, WERE TREATED FOR NON LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES AT A HUMPHREYS COUNTY HOSPITAL. THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 01 Aug 2011 17:41:42 GMT A LATE THURSDAY AFTERNOON FIRE COMPLETELY LEVELED A PINEY RESIDENCE. MEMBERS OF THE WEST END, GANDY, HENRYVILLE AND CRAWFISH VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENTS BATTLED THE BLAZE THAT BROKE OUT JUST AFTER 5 P-M AT A BRYANT ROAD HOME. NO ONE WAS LIVING IN THE DOUBLE WIDE TRAILER AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE BUT ELECTRICITY WAS STILL CONNECTED TO THE HOME. THE CAUSE OF THE BLAZE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 01 Aug 2011 17:42:08 GMT COLUMBIA POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A SUSPECT IN AN EARLY MORNING SHOOTING. A PRESS RELEASE INDICATES AUTHORITIES WERE CALLED TO MCBRIDE CIRCLE SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT FRIDAY MORNING IN RESPONSE TO A SHOOTING. 19 YEAR-OLD DEMONTISE DRUMWRIGHT HAD SUSTAINED A GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE LEG AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO MAURY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER WITH NON LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES. SHORTLY AFTER, PATROL OFFICERS LOCATED AND ARRESTED THE SUSPECTED SHOOTER, 29 YEAR-OLD DAVID LEE GREEN. GREEN WAS CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND BOOKED INTO THE MAURY COUNTY JAIL. 01 Aug 2011 17:42:47 GMT VANDALS ON 4-WHEELERS HAVE MADE THEIR MARK ON SOME SAINT JOSEPH PROPERTIES. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, MAILBOXES WERE KNOCKED DOWN LATE WEDNESDAY OR EARLY THURSDAY AT THREE NEIGHBORING HOMES ON SOUTH OLD MILITARY ROAD. 4-WHEELER TRACKS WERE FOUND AROUND THE SCENES. DURING THE SAME TIME PERIOD, SOMEONE ON A 4-WHEELER THREW A ROCK THRU A GARAGE WINDOW AT A HOME ON SARA DRIVE. THE DAMAGES FROM ALL THE INCIDENTS COST THE HOMEOWNERS HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. 01 Aug 2011 17:43:39 GMT A MAJORITY OF TENNESSEE COUNTIES SAW AN INCREASE IN UNEMPLOYMENT FROM MAY TO JUNE. ACCORDING TO DATA RELEASED THURSDAY, THE JOBLESS RATE FOR LAST MONTH INCREASED IN 91 COUNTIES AND DECREASED IN JUST 4 COUNTIES FROM THE PREVIOUS MONTH. LAWRENCE COUNTY POSTED A 14 POINT 2 PERCENT RATE FOR JUNE, UP FROM 12 POINT 9 IN MAY. GILES COUNTY'S RATE WENT FROM 11 POINT 3 IN MAY TO 12 POINT 2 IN JUNE. MAURY COUNTY INCREASED FROM 13 POINT 1 PERCENT IN MAY TO 13 POINT 9 IN JUNE. AND WAYNE COUNTY JUMPED FROM 11 POINT 5 IN MAY TO 13 POINT 2 IN JUNE. SCOTT COUNTY HAD THE STATE'S HIGHEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AT 20 POINT 9 PERCENT. LINCOLN COUNTY REGISTERED THE LOWEST RATE AT 6 POINT 8 PERCENT. 01 Aug 2011 17:43:59 GMT THE PULASKI STAAR THEATER HAS BEEN AWARDED A GRANT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION. THIS WEEK, THE TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION ANNOUNCED GRANT FUNDING FOR 28 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS FOR PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC SITES, DISTRICTS AND STRUCTURES. THE SOUTHERN TENNESSEE AREA ARTS REPERTORY ORGANIZATION WAS AWARDED 6000 DOLLARS FOR A CONDITION ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION PLAN FOR THE PULASKI OPERA HOUSE. THE OPERA HOUSE IS THE CURRENT HOME OF THE STAAR THEATER. THE GRANTS PAY FOR UP TO 60 PERCENT OF THE COSTS OF APPROVED PROJECT WORK WITH THE RECIPIENT PROVIDING THE REMAINING 40 PERCENT OF THE COST AS MATCHING FUNDS. IN TOTAL, THE STATE HISTORICAL COMMISSION WILL ADMINISTER 600 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN PRESERVATION GRANT FUNDING THIS YEAR. 01 Aug 2011 17:45:24 GMT A LATE FRIDAY FIRE HAS CLAIMED A LEOMA RESIDENCE LEAVING A FAMILY HOMELESS. THE FIRE BROKE OUT AROUND 10:30 P-M AT A TRAILER ON MARSTON ROAD. THE FAMILY OF THREE, INCLUDING AN 18 MONTH-OLD BABY, WAS SLEEPING WHEN THEY WERE AWAKENED BY A POPPING NOISE ON THE BACK PORCH. THE HOMEOWNER WENT TO INVESTIGATE THE SOUND AND FOUND THE BACK OF THE RESIDENCE ON FIRE. MEMBERS OF THE LEOMA, CENTER POINT AND SOUTHEAST FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED TO THE SCENE. CREWS WERE ABLE TO CONTAIN THE FIRE TO ONE HALF OF THE HOME WITH THE REMAINING PORTION SUSTAINING HEAVY SMOKE AND WATER DAMAGE. THE FAMILY ESCAPED UNHARMED BUT ONE FIREMAN WAS TREATED AT THE SCENE FOR HEAT EXHAUSTION. AUTHORITIES BELIEVE THE FIRE BROKE OUT AROUND A THE HOME'S HOT WATER HEATER. THE LOCAL RED CROSS CHAPTER IS ASSISTING THE FAMILY. 02 Aug 2011 17:46:31 GMT TWO PEOPLE ARE DEAD AND ANOTHER INJURED IN AN EARLY MORNING SHOOTING IN GREENHILL. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS A GREENHILL MAN AND HIS ESTRANGED WIFE ARE DEAD AFTER A SHOOTING AROUND 1:30 A-M MONDAY AT A RESIDENCE ON HIGHWAY 43 JUST NORTH OF ALABAMA 64. LAUDERDALE COUNTY AUTHORITIES ARE STILL TRYING TO DETERMINE THE DETAILS OF THE INCIDENT THEY CONFIRM WAS THE RESULT OF A LENGTHY DOMESTIC DISPUTE. THE SHERIFF TOLD REPORTERS A 39 YEAR-OLD MAN AND HIS 32 YEAR-OLD WIFE WERE KILLED DURING THE SHOOTING AND ANOTHER MAN WAS FOUND SHOT AT THE RESIDENCE. THE INJURED MAN WAS FLOWN TO HUNTSVILLE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. THE NAMES OF THE VICTIMS HAVEN'T BEEN RELEASED PENDING NOTIFICATION OF RELATIVES. 02 Aug 2011 17:46:42 GMT A SUMMERTOWN MAN IS FACING SERIOUS CHARGES STEMMING FROM A LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION. REPORTS INDICATE THAT 36 YEAR-OLD DANNY JOHN ZELL IS CHARGED WITH SEXUAL BATTERY, INCEST AND RAPE OF A CHILD. A WARRANT FOR HIS ARREST WAS SERVED FRIDAY AT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. ZELL IS SCHEDULED TO BE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT AUGUST 23RD. 02 Aug 2011 17:47:02 GMT A COLUMBIA MAN HAS BEEN NAMED A PERSON OF INTEREST IN A JULY PIPE BOMB CASE. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS A MORNINGSIDE LANE HOME WAS SEARCHED FRIDAY AFTERNOON BY AGENTS WITH THE BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES IN CONNECTION WITH THE JULY 21ST PIPE BOMB INCIDENT ON SANTE FE PIKE. COLUMBIA POLICE SAID THE HOME'S UNIDENTIFIED OCCUPANT BECAME A PERSON OF INTEREST SHORTLY AFTER THE EXPLOSION. SEVERAL ITEMS WERE REPORTEDLY SEIZED FROM THE HOME WHEN AUTHORITIES SERVED THE FEDERAL WARRANT. THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY COLUMBIA POLICE AND OFFICIALS WITH THE A-T-F AND F-B-I. 02 Aug 2011 17:47:25 GMT THIEVES AND BURGLARS HAVE BEEN AT WORK IN LAWRENCE COUNTY IN RECENT DAYS. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, TOOLS AND YARD EQUIPMENT WERE STOLEN FROM A NORTH BRACE ROAD PROPERTY SOMETIME BETWEEN JULY 16TH AND THE 30TH. THE OWNER NO LONGER LIVES AT THE PROPERTY BUT RETURNED TO FIND THIEVES HAD ENTERED AN OUTBUILDING TAKING ITEMS VALUED AT MORE THAN 13 HUNDRED DOLLARS. ON SUNDAY, SOMEONE TOOK A HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FROM A DENSON ROAD PROPERTY. THE PROPERTY OWNER DISCOVERED THE 500 DOLLAR UNIT HAD BEEN REMOVED BY CUTTING THRU DUCT WORK AND WIRING. 02 Aug 2011 17:47:46 GMT IN AN EFFORT TO COMBAT CHILDHOOD OBESITY, 20 SCHOOLS WILL RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND EXERCISE EQUIPMENT FROM THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF TENNESSEE HEALTH FOUNDATION. ACCORDING TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, ABOUT 40 PERCENT OF TENNESSEE CHILDREN ARE OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE. THE SHAPE THE STATE GRANTS ARE VALUED AT 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH AND WILL BE AWARDED TO PUBLIC, PRIVATE OR PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS SERVING 6TH, 7TH AND 8TH GRADE STUDENTS. THE FUNDING PROVIDES CURRICULUM, TEACHER TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT FOR EACH RECIPIENT SCHOOL. APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW THRU MONDAY, AUGUST 15TH WITH GRANT WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED SEPTEMBER 12TH. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY, VISIT THE WEBSITE SHAPETHESTATE.COM. 02 Aug 2011 17:49:37 GMT WITH SEVERAL RECENT REPORTS OF ATTEMPTED FRAUD AND SCAMS, THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REMINDS RESIDENTS TO BE CAREFUL WITH PERSONAL INFORMATION AND KNOW WITH WHOM YOU ARE DOING BUSINESS. THE MOST COMMON REPORTED SCAM IS A SWEEPSTAKES SCAM. TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM, FOLLOW THESE TIPS. IF IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS. IF YOU DON'T REMEMBER ENTERING A SWEEPSTAKES OR LOTTERY, IT IS MORE THAN LIKELY A SCAM. AND IF MONEY IS DEMANDED TO CLAIM A PRIZE, IT'S NOT LEGITIMATE. OTHER COMMON ATTEMPTED FRAUDS INCLUDE OVERDUE LOAN SCAMS AND FAMILY MEMBER IN JAIL SCAMS. THESE SCAMS ARE ATTEMPTS TO GET ACCESS TO YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION. NEVER GIVE OUT PERSONAL INFORMATION TO SOMEONE YOU DON'T KNOW OR TO A BUSINESS THAT YOU DON'T KNOW IS LEGITIMATE. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS AND OBTAIN INFORMATION SO YOU CAN VERIFY THE VALIDITY OF THE CALLER AND THE BUSINESS. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE A TARGET OF SCAMMERS, CONTACT YOUR BANK AND THE THREE MAJOR CREDIT BUREAUS AND REQUEST AN ALERT BE PUT ON YOUR FILE. IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CONTACT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. FOR ASSISTANCE OR GUIDANCE ABOUT SCAMS AND FRAUD, CALL THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AT 762-3626. 03 Aug 2011 19:21:19 GMT MORE INFORMATION HAS BEEN RELEASED ABOUT A DOMESTIC SITUATION TURNED DEADLY EARLY MONDAY AT A GREENHILL HOME. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS 39 YEAR-OLD ROBERT JASON POSS AND HIS ESTRANGED WIFE, 34 YEAR-OLD SONJA FAITH POSS, WERE FOUND DEAD IN THE HIGHWAY 43 RESIDENCE WHILE ANOTHER MAN WAS INJURED. 36 YEAR-OLD MITCHELL HOPPER WAS TREATED FOR GUNSHOT WOUNDS TO THE SHOULDER, ELBOW AND HAND AT DECATUR GENERAL HOSPITAL AND IS EXPECTED TO RECOVER. ACCORDING TO THE LAUDERDALE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, JASON POSS ENTERED HIS WIFE'S HOME AROUND 1:30 A-M AND SHOT THE COUPLE IN THE BEDROOM. HOPPER WAS ABLE TO ESCAPE BUT SONYA POSS WAS SHOT AND KILLED IN THE LIVING ROOM. JASON POSS THEN TURNED THE GUN ON HIMSELF IN THE HOME HE AND SONJA HAD ONCE SHARED. SONJA POSS' 16 YEAR-OLD SON CALLED POLICE FROM HIS BEDROOM AND THEN RAN FROM THE HOME. HE WAS UNINJURED. SONJA AND JASON POSS WERE IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING A DIVORCE AND JASON HAD BEEN LIVING IN LEXINGTON. TWO HANDGUNS WERE FOUND INSIDE THE HOME AND AUTHORITIES INDICATE THAT JASON POSS USED BOTH OF THEM IN THE ATTEMPTED MURDER, MURDER AND SUICIDE. 03 Aug 2011 19:25:30 GMT A GILES COUNTY INDUSTRY IS PLANNING AN EXPANSION. CHANNEL 4 NEWS REPORTS THAT SPEARS COASTLINE PLASTICS HAS PURCHASED A BUILDING IN PULASKI'S INDUSTRIAL PARK AND PLANS TO CONSOLIDATE IT'S ARDMORE FACILITY TO THE COMPANY'S NEW HOME IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE MOVE WILL ALSO ADD 25 NEW WORKERS OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS. THE COMPANY IS A SAFETY AND INDUSTRIAL PIPE PRODUCER AND HOPES TO COMPLETE THE MOVE WITHIN THE COMING MONTHS. 03 Aug 2011 19:27:27 GMT SOUTH LAWRENCE HEAD START IS NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR CHILDREN AGES 3 AND 4. HEAD START IS A FREE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES THAT MEET FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OR HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS. APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE THEIR CHILD'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE, PROOF OF INCOME, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AND MEDICAL INSURANCE CARDS. TO APPLY, VISIT SOUTH LAWRENCE HEAD START AT 114 WEST SECOND STREET IN IRON CITY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY FROM 8 TO 3. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 845-4994. 03 Aug 2011 19:27:47 GMT THE MAN CONVICTED OF THE 1992 MURDER OF JOANN RIGLING HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO THE MAXIMUM PENALTY ALLOWED BY LAW. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS 47 YEAR-OLD CURTIS STAGGS WAS GIVEN A SENTENCE OF LIFE IN PRISON FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER AND 12 YEARS FOR AGGRAVATED ROBBERY FOR THE BURGLARY AND SHOOTING DEATH OF THE PHIL'S ONE-STOP CONVENIENCE STORE CO-OWNER. THE SENTENCES WILL BE SERVED CONSECUTIVELY WITH A POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE AFTER 30 YEARS. STAGGS WAS CONVICTED BY A CIRCUIT COURT JURY IN JUNE. AUTHORITIES ALLEDGE THAT THE ROBBERY WAS PART OF A PLAN TO COVER UP A MURDER-FOR-HIRE PLOT PAID FOR BY JOANN'S HUSBAND, PHILLIP RIGLING. PHILLIP RIGLING IS ACCUSED OF PAYING STAGGS 25 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO KILL HIS WIFE WHILE SHE WAS WORKING AT THEIR SAINT JOSEPH STORE. HE HAS BEEN INDICTED FOR CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER, FELONY MURDER AND AGGRAVATED ROBBERY AND IS SCHEDULED FOR TRIAL DECEMBER 5TH. 04 Aug 2011 21:01:12 GMT A RETIRED NASA ENGINEER IS DEAD FOLLOWING A LINCOLN COUNTY PLANE CRASH. CHANNEL 4 NEWS REPORTS THAT 70 YEAR-OLD LARRY SHEAKS WAS KILLED WHEN HIS ULTRA LIGHT AIRCRAFT CRASHED AROUND NOON TUESDAY NEAR LIBERTY ROAD. INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE THIS WAS SHEAKS FIRST TIME PILOTING THE SINGLE ENGINE PLANE. THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD HAS LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ACCIDENT. 04 Aug 2011 21:06:38 GMT PARENTS CAN SAVE SOME MONEY ON BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND CLOTHING WITH THIS WEEKEND'S SALES TAX HOLIDAY. TENNESSEANS CAN SHOP TAX FREE ON CERTAIN ITEMS FROM 12:01 A-M FRIDAY THRU 11:59 P-M SUNDAY. ELIGIBLE ITEMS INCLUDE SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND CLOTHING WITH A COST OF 100 DOLLARS OR LESS PER ITEM AND COMPUTERS PRICED AT 1500 DOLLARS OR LESS. NOT ALL SUPPLIES AND CLOTHING ARE ELIGIBLE FOR TAX EXEMPT STATUS. FOR A LIST OF INCLUDED ITEMS, VISIT THE WEBSITE TNTAXHOLIDAY.COM. 04 Aug 2011 21:06:56 GMT SOME LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOLS HAVE PLANNED EVENTS FOR NEXT WEEK TO WELCOME STUDENTS BACK TO THE CLASSROOM. SUMMERTOWN STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE INVITED TO BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT TUESDAY FROM 4 TO 6 AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND FROM 6 TO 9 AT THE HIGH SCHOOL. DAVID CROCKETT ELEMENTARY WILL HAVE AN OPEN HOUSE TUESDAY FROM 5 TO 6:30. PARENTS MAY VISIT CLASSROOMS. ROSTERS WILL BE POSTED AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED. SWIM WITH THE CROCKETT COUGARS WILL BE HELD NEXT THURSDAY FROM 5 TO 7 AT ROTARY POOL. LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN ORIENTATION WILL BE HELD TUESDAY FROM 6 TO 8. 04 Aug 2011 21:08:49 GMT TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE GILES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL PIGSKIN PREVIEW DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION. THE EVENT WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, AUGUST 13TH AT 6 IN THE G-C-H-S CAFETERIA. PRE-SALE TICKETS FOR THE STEAK OR CHICKEN DINNER ARE 25 DOLLARS EACH AND ARE AVAILABLE FROM ANY FOOTBALL PLAYER. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 205-2707 OR 309-9695. 04 Aug 2011 21:10:32 GMT LAWRENCEBURG POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A SUSPECT IN A TUESDAY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, CITY OFFICERS WERE CALLED TO A BECKAM AVENUE RESIDENCE FOR A DOMESTIC INCIDENT BETWEEN 37 YEAR-OLD JASON MATTHEW JUDKINS AND HIS GIRLFRIEND, 33 YEAR-OLD STACEY HANCOCK. JUDKINS HAD ALLEDGEDLY CAUSED BRUISING AND TRAUMA TO HANCOCK'S FACE DURING THE ASSAULT. HE ALSO CUT ALL 4 TIRES AND PULLED WIRES FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF HIS GIRLFRIEND'S 2000 ISUZU. HANCOCK'S 13 YEAR-OLD SON WAS ALSO IN THE HOME DURING THE ALTERCATION. THE VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED TO CROCKETT HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT AND RELEASED. JUDKINS HAD A CUT ON HIS HAND THAT WAS BELIEVED TO BE FROM CUTTING THE VEHICLE'S TIRES. HE WAS TAKEN TO CROCKETT'S E-R FOR TREATMENT. WHILE AT THE HOSPITAL, JUDKINS ESCAPED FROM OFFICERS. HE WAS PURSUED ON FOOT AND CAPTURED A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE MEDICAL FACILITY. JUDKINS IS CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC ASSAULT, VANDALISM, ESCAPE, RESISTING ARREST, DRUG POSSESSION AND OTHER CHARGES AND IS BEING HELD IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL ON 107 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. HE IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT SEPTEMBER 1ST. 05 Aug 2011 19:40:24 GMT THE SUMMERTOWN 7 AND 8 YEAR-OLD SOFTBALL ALL STARS WERE NAMED DIXIE SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN LOUISIANA. THE UNDEFEATED TENNESSEE TEAM TOOK THE WIN FROM FLORIDA 10 TO 3. THE TEAM SCORED A TOTAL OF 79 RUNS IN THE SERIES WHILE ONLY ALLOWING 9 RUNS BY THEIR OPPONENTS. MEMBERS OF THE SUMMERTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A WELCOME HOME PARADE FOR THURSDAY FOR THE WORLD CHAMPS. THE TEAM IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE IN SUMMERTOWN AROUND 5 OR 6 P-M. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL MEET THE TEAM IN HENRYVILLE AND COME THRU SUMMERTOWN TO THE QUICK MART ON HIGHWAY 43. THE COMMUNITY IS INVITED TO GREET THE TEAM ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE. 05 Aug 2011 19:45:07 GMT TOOLS WERE STOLEN FROM A GARAGE IN SOUTHERN LAWRENCE COUNTY. REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE A WELDER, A CHAINSAW AND OTHER ITEMS WERE TAKEN SOMETIME IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS FROM A CEDAR HILL ROAD PROPERTY. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 19 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 05 Aug 2011 19:45:27 GMT THE STAFF AT DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK IS GEARING UP FOR SEVERAL PROGRAMS PLANNED THIS WEEKEND. ON FRIDAY, LEARN ABOUT SNAKES AT 10, TOOLS OF THE TRADE AT 2, A POOL PROGRAM AT 3, INFORMATION ABOUT BARRED OWLS AT 5 & SPORTS NIGHT IN THE PARK AT 7. ON SATURDAY, ENJOY A SESSION ON PRIMITIVE FIRE STARTING AT 2, A POOL PROGRAM AT 3, LEARN ABOUT TURTLES AT 4, SPLASH ALONG ON A CREEK STOMP AT 6 AND TAKE AN EVENING HIKE AT 8. THE 9 A-M CHURCH SERVICE IN THE PARK WILL START SUNDAY'S PROGRAMS FOLLOWED BY A TURTLE DERBY AT 11, THE TRAVELING NATURE CENTER AT 2, ANOTHER POOL PROGRAM AT 3 AND A CREEK FLOAT AT 4. FOR MEETING PLACES OR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE PARK OFFICE AT 762-9408. 05 Aug 2011 19:46:09 GMT A MAURY COUNTY TEACHER RECENTLY ACQUITTED OF MANSLAUGHTER HAS BEEN REINSTATED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS 39 YEAR-OLD SHAWN ARMSTRONG HAS BEEN DEEMED ELIGIBLE TO RETURN TO WORK AND HAS BEEN ASSIGNED A POST AS A CLASSROOM TEACHER AT THE COUNTY'S ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL. ARMSTRONG WAS FOUND NOT GUILTY IN JULY IN THE FEBRUARY 2010 SHOOTING DEATH OF HER ESTRANGED HUSBAND CLAIMING SHE ACTED IN SELF-DEFENSE. SHE WAS SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY FROM THE SCHOOL SYSTEM THREE DAYS AFTER SHE SHOT HER HUSBAND. HER TEACHING LICENSE HAS SINCE BEEN REINSTATED BY THE STATE. ARMSTRONG HAD MOST RECENTLY WORKED AS A FIRST GRADE TEACHER AT RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. 08 Aug 2011 19:29:07 GMT CUSTOMERS OF THE LEXINGTON, ALABAMA WATER DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN ASKED TO BOIL AND CONSERVE WATER. CITY OFFICIALS INDICATE AN UNKNOWN PROBLEM HAS CAUSED A LACK OF WATER PRESSURE WHICH COULD ALLOW CONTAMINANTS TO ENTER THE FRESH WATER SUPPLY. WORKERS CONTINUE TO TRY AND ISOLATE THE ISSUE AND HOPE TO LIFT THE BOIL AND CONSERVE ORDER SOON. OFFICIALS OFFER SOME TIPS TO FOLLOW UNTIL THE SITUATION IS RESOLVED. REFRAIN FROM WATERING YOUR LAWN OR GARDEN, FILLING SWIMMING POOLS AND WASHING VEHICLES. BOIL ALL WATER BEFORE USING IT FOR DRINKING, COOKING OR OTHER CONSUMABLE NEEDS. AND REPAIR ANY WATER LEAKS IN YOUR HOME OR ON YOUR PROPERTY TO SUPPORT FRESH WATER CONSERVATION. 08 Aug 2011 19:30:29 GMT A LATE THURSDAY FIRE KEPT LAWRENCE COUNTY CREWS BUSY FOR SEVERAL HOURS. THE FORMER BRAZIER'S PACKAGE STORE BUILDING ON HIGHWAY 64 WEST CAUGHT FIRE JUST AFTER 11 P-M PROMPTING A RESPONSE FROM WEST END, GANDY, HENRYVILLE AND CRAWFISH VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENTS. THE BUILDING WAS REPORTED AS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 08 Aug 2011 19:30:56 GMT INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO A COUPLE OF BURGLARIES REPORTED THIS WEEK. ACCORDING TO THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT, A CLAYMAR DRIVE RESIDENT CAME HOME THURSDAY AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS AWAY AND DISCOVERED SOMEONE HAD STOLEN HIS TELEVISION FROM HIS APARTMENT. THE ITEM WAS VALUED AT ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS. A T-V AND AN X-BOX GAME SYSTEM WERE STOLEN FROM AN APARTMENT EARLY FRIDAY. THIEVES PRIED OPEN THE FRONT DOOR TO GAIN ENTRY TO THE MANNER DRIVE HOME. LOSS AND DAMAGE WAS ESTIMATED AT 700 DOLLARS. 08 Aug 2011 19:31:14 GMT A CRASHED 18 WHEELER LEFT A CENTER POINT ROADWAY SHUT DOWN FOR A NUMBER OF HOURS MONDAY MORNING. THE SOUTHBOUND TRACTOR TRAILER WAS ATTEMPTING TO NEGOTIATE A CURVE ON RABBIT TRAIL ROAD WHEN A TIRE BLEW, CAUSING ITS LOAD OF MULCH TO SHIFT AND THE TRUCK TO FLIP. THE VEHICLE CAME TO REST ON ITS SIDE IN THE NORTHBOUND LANE. MOST OF THE MULCH WAS LOST INTO AN ADJACENT FIELD. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. 09 Aug 2011 20:21:06 GMT AN ETHRIDGE MAN IS FACING A LENGTHY LIST OF CHARGES AFTER AN EARLY MORNING INCIDENT. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED TO A MINT SPRINGS ROAD RESIDENCE AROUND 1 A-M MONDAY FOR A DOMESTIC ALTERCATION. WHEN OFFICERS ARRIVED, THE SUSPECT, 41 YEAR-OLD WILLIAM BRENT TURNER, WAS STANDING IN THE FRONT YARD OF HIS RESIDENCE. UPON SEEING THE DEPUTIES, TURNER GOT IN HIS VEHICLE AND DROVE AWAY, HITTING A PARKED TRACTOR TRAILER TRUCK IN THE PROCESS. AUTHORITIES FOLLOWED THE SUSPECT FOR A COUPLE OF MILES WHEN TURNER BACKED INTO A DRIVEWAY. DEPUTIES PULLED THE PATROL CAR IN FRONT OF TURNER'S VEHICLE TO BLOCK HIM IN AND TURNER PROCEEDED TO RAM THE PATROL CAR WITH HIS VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL HE GOT STUCK. THE SUSPECT THEN FLED ON FOOT AND WAS CAPTURED IN NEARBY WOODS. AFTER BEING PLACED IN THE PATROL CAR, TURNER BANGED HIS HEAD AGAINST THE GLASS DIVIDER AND WAS TAKEN TO CROCKETT HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. INVESTIGATORS ALLEGE THAT TURNER HAD EARLIER BEEN INVOLVED IN A PHYSICAL ALTERCATION WITH HIS GIRLFRIEND AT THEIR HOME. TURNER IS CHARGED WITH DOMESTIC ASSAULT, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, RESISTING ARREST, RECKLESS DRIVING AND PUBLIC INTOXICATION AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT AUGUST 13TH. 09 Aug 2011 20:21:46 GMT COLUMBIA POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A SUSPECT IN A JULY PIPE BOMBING INCIDENT. ON FRIDAY, AUTHORITIES CHARGED PEARCE HERTZBERG WITH FELONY RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT AND FELONY PROHIBITED WEAPONS POSSESSION. HERTZBERG BECAME A SUSPECT SHORTLY AFTER THE JULY 21ST INCIDENT WHEN A PIPE BOMB EXPLODED ON SANTA FE PIKE. NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THE BLAST. A FEDERAL SEARCH WARRANT WAS EXECUTED AT THE SUSPECT'S MORNINGSIDE LANE RESIDENCE ON JULY 29TH. HERTZBERG IS IN THE MAURY COUNTY JAIL ON 125 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. 09 Aug 2011 20:22:04 GMT A MAURY COUNTY BOY WAS FOUND SAFE AFTER BEING MISSING FOR A NUMBER OF HOURS SUNDAY AFTERNOON. CHANNEL 4 NEWS REPORTS 9 YEAR-OLD JOHNNY HAHN WENT MISSING FROM HIS COLUMBIA HOME AROUND 12 P-M. EMERGENCY WORKERS, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM TWO K-9 UNITS, SPENT MUCH OF THE AFTERNOON SEARCHING FOR THE CHILD WHO HAS AUTISM. HAHN WAS FOUND AROUND 4:30 PLAYING CLOSE TO A NEARBY CREEK. AUTHORITIES BELIEVE THE BOY HAD WANDERED OFF EARLIER WHILE PLAYING WITH NEIGHBORHOOD DOGS. HAHN SUSTAINED A FEW BUG BITES AND IS EXPECTED TO BE OK. 09 Aug 2011 20:23:27 GMT A LAWRENCE COUNTY GOOD SAMARITAN WAS THE VICTIM OF A RECENT BURGLARY. REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE A GOODHOPE ROAD RESIDENT WAS MOWING HIS YARD LAST WEEK WHEN HE WAS APPROACHED BY A MAN AND WOMAN CLAIMING TO BE OUT OF GAS. THE VICTIM TOOK THE MAN TO A NEARBY CONVENIENCE STORE TO PURCHASE SOME GAS LEAVING THE FEMALE OUTSIDE AT THE HOME. THE COUPLE LEFT SOON AFTER. A WITNESS SAW THE WOMAN GO IN AND COME OUT OF THE HOUSE AT LEAST TWICE WHILE THE VICTIM AND THE MALE SUSPECT WERE GONE. A LONG LIST OF JEWELRY AND CASH WAS REPORTED STOLEN VALUED AT MORE THAN 24 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 09 Aug 2011 20:23:45 GMT LAWRENCEBURG POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING SEVERAL WEEKEND CAR BREAK-INS. BURGLARS ENTERED AN UNLOCKED VEHICLE PARKED IN THE CARPORT OF A FAIR AVENUE RESIDENCE. A PURSE CONTAINING CASH, CREDIT CARDS AND MEDICATIONS WAS STOLEN WITH LOSS ESTIMATED AT 227 DOLLARS. SOMEONE THRU A BRICK THRU A WINDOW OF A CAR PARKED ON BRINK STREET EARLY SATURDAY MORNING. A PAIR OF OAKLEY SUNGLASSES WAS MISSING. DAMAGES AND LOSS TOTALED 683 DOLLARS. AND A PURSE WAS STOLEN FROM THE CAR OF A SONIC EMPLOYEE LATE FRIDAY OR EARLY SATURDAY. CASH, I-D, A CHECKBOOK AND DEBIT CARD WERE REPORTED MISSING VALUED AT 216 DOLLARS. 09 Aug 2011 20:24:03 GMT SOME MAURY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WANT HIGHER PAY TO SERVE AS ELECTED OFFICIALS. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS A PROPOSAL APPROVED LAST WEEK BY THE ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE WILL DOUBLE THE AMOUNT MEMBERS RECEIVE FOR COMMITTEE AND FULL COMMISSION MEETINGS. CURRENTLY, MEMBERS RECEIVE 20 DOLLARS FOR COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND 40 DOLLARS FOR MEETINGS OF THE ENTIRE 22 MEMBER BOARD. THE INCREASE WOULD COST THE COUNTY ABOUT 40 THOUSAND DOLLARS WITH COMMISSIONERS ATTENDING EVERY MEETING GOING FROM 1,680 DOLLARS A YEAR TO 3,360 DOLLARS ANNUALLY. THOSE FOR THE INCREASE SAY THE AMOUNT COMMISSIONERS RECEIVE NOW DOESN'T EVEN COVER THE COST OF SERVING. COMPENSATION FOR ATTENDING THE MEETINGS WAS INCREASED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A DECADE IN 2007, THEN REDUCED IN 2009 DUE TO THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN. CRITICS OF THE MEASURE SAY WITH THE ECONOMY NOT SHOWING SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT, THERE ARE TOO MANY OTHER PRESSING NEEDS FOR THE COUNTY TO CONSIDER A PAY INCREASE. THE MATTER WILL GO BEFORE THE FULL COMMISSION FOR CONSIDERATION SOON 10 Aug 2011 21:36:55 GMT PREPARATIONS ARE UNDERWAY FOR THE 62ND ANNUAL GILES COUNTY FAIR. EVENT GOERS WILL ENJOY FOOD AND FUN AT THE FAIR MONDAY, AUGUST 15TH THRU SATURDAY, AUGUST 20TH AT THE GILES COUNTY AGRI-PARK ON HIGHWAY 31 SOUTH. MONDAY WILL FEATURE AN EVENING OF PHOTO AND BEAUTY CONTESTS BEGINNING AT 6 P-M. TUESDAY WILL WELCOME THE KISSEL SHOWS RIDES AND MIDWAY WITH ANOTHER ROUND OF BEAUTY PAGEANTS AT 6. THRILL SEEKERS WILL ENJOY WEDNESDAY'S DEMOLITION DERBY ACTION AT 6:30 WITH A SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE BY CHANNEL 4'S SNOWBIRD. MUSIC LOVERS WILL HEAR THE TALENTS OF CHARLIE MEZAC AND CHRIS HENNESSEE THURSDAY EVENING AT 6. FRIDAY WILL FEATURE TRACTOR PULL ACTION AT 6 AND A MOTOCROSS EVENT IS PLANNED FOR SATURDAY AT 6. ADMISSION TO NEXT WEEK'S FAIR WILL BE 5 DOLLARS ON MONDAY NIGHT AND 10 DOLLARS PER PERSON TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY WITH UNLIMITED ACCESS TO RIDES INCLUDED. PARKING AT THE PULASKI LION'S CLUB SPONSORED EVENT WILL BE FREE. 10 Aug 2011 21:37:07 GMT A COUPLE OF BURGLARIES WERE REPORTED RECENTLY TO THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. A SUMMERTOWN RESIDENCE WAS TARGETED BY THIEVES SOMETIME OVER THE WEEKEND. A FRIEND CHECKED ON THE HOUSE FOR THE OUT-OF-TOWN OWNERS AND FOUND THE FRONT DOOR OPEN AND A KITCHEN WINDOW BUSTED OUT. THREE GUNS, A TELEVISION AND SOME MEDICATION WERE MISSING. LOSS AND DAMAGES TOTALED 34 HUNDRED DOLLARS. A PRUITTON ROAD PROPERTY OWNER REPORTED FRIDAY NIGHT THAT SOMEONE CUT A CABLE ACROSS THE DRIVEWAY TO ENTER HIS IRON CITY PROPERTY. SEVERAL ITEMS WERE STOLEN INCLUDING WELL PUMPS, LADDERS, SCRAP METAL, A WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER, HOT WATER HEATER AND COPPER WIRE. A NEIGHBOR GAVE INVESTIGATORS A DESCRIPTION OF A VEHICLE SEEN IN THE DRIVEWAY ON THE DAY OF THE BURGLARY. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 24 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 10 Aug 2011 21:37:31 GMT A GENERATOR WAS STOLEN OVER THE WEEKEND FROM A COMMERCIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION SITE IN LAWRENCEBURG. REPORTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT SOMEONE ENTERED THE LOCKED BUILDING LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF WEST GAINES AND WEST POINT ROAD AND TOOK THE 12 THOUSAND WATT HONDA PORTABLE GENERATOR. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 3 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 10 Aug 2011 21:37:56 GMT STATE SENATOR JIM SUMMERVILLE WILL MAKE A VISIT TO LAWRENCEBURG THIS WEEK. THE 25TH DISTRICT LEGISLATOR WILL ATTEND A PUBLIC MEETING WEDNESDAY AT 3:30 AT THE CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. SUMMERVILLE'S 25TH DISTRICT INCLUDES LAWRENCE, LEWIS, GILES, HUMPHREYS, HICKMAN AND DICKSON COUNTIES. 10 Aug 2011 21:38:15 GMT QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LEGALITY OF UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA OFFICIALS MEETING BEHIND CLOSED DOORS HAVE ARISEN AFTER A FRIDAY TRUSTEE'S SESSION. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS THE MEETING TO DISCUSS ATHLETIC DONORS WAS CLOSED ON THE ADVICE OF U-N-A ATTORNEY BOB HILL. HILL CLAIMED HE SPOKE TO A MEMBER OF THE ALABAMA ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE FOR AN OPINION ON WHETHER THE PUBLIC COULD BE EXCLUDED FROM THE MEETING. THE ALABAMA OPEN MEETINGS ACT OUTLINES THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A MEETING CAN BE CLOSED BUT U-N-A OFFICIALS DID NOT SEEK A FORMAL WRITTEN STATEMENT ABOUT CLOSING FRIDAY'S MEETING. STATE LAW REQUIRES A 24 HOUR NOTICE FOR MOST PUBLIC MEETINGS WHICH THE TRUSTEES ALSO FAILED TO DO. THE TRUSTEES VOTED EARLIER THIS YEAR TO MOVE THE SCHOOL'S ATHLETIC PROGRAMS TO N-C-DOUBLE-A DIVISION ONE AND WILL COST THE UNIVERSITY MILLIONS TO MAKE THE CHANGE. OFFICIALS HAVE BEGUN A FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO COVER THE INCREASED COSTS. THE TRUSTEE'S ATHLETICS COMMITTEE MET FRIDAY TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL DONORS WITH SOME TO BE OFFERED APPOINTMENTS TO AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THAT DISCUSSION WAS HELD DURING THE CLOSED DOOR MEETING. 12 Aug 2011 15:36:54 GMT THE TENNESSEE GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL CRUNCH MAY BE LOOSENING EVER SO SLIGHTLY. CHANNEL 4 NEWS REPORTS THE STATE'S TAX COLLECTIONS WERE HIGHER THAN EXPECTED IN JULY. LAST MONTH'S TAX REVENUES WERE 843 MILLION DOLLARS - 19 POINT 9 MILLION DOLLARS HIGHER THAN ESTIMATED. OFFICIALS SAY THAT DESPITE BEING UNDER BUDGET FOR TWELVE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS, THE STATE'S YEAR-TO-DATE SALES AND CORPORATE TAX COLLECTIONS INDICATE A SLOW ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND URGE CAUTION IN FUTURE BUDGET PLANNING. 12 Aug 2011 15:37:44 GMT WITH LAWRENCE COUNTY STUDENTS HEADING BACK TO CLASSROOMS THURSDAY (TODAY), THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WILL FOCUS EFFORTS ON TRAFFIC SAFETY IN AND AROUND SCHOOL ZONES. STATE TROOPERS WILL TARGET TRAFFIC VIOLATORS, SPECIFICALLY THOSE WHO SPEED IN SCHOOL ZONES AND PASS STOPPED SCHOOL BUSES. DRIVERS WHO ARE FOUND IMPATIENT, CARELESS AND DISTRACTED IN SCHOOL ZONES CAN EXPECT TO FACE STIFF PENALTIES. THE FINE FOR SPEEDING IN A SCHOOL ZONE IS UP TO 500 DOLLARS. FOR MOTORISTS THAT PASS A SCHOOL BUS WHEN IT IS STOPPED FOR LOADING OR UNLOADING PASSENGERS, THE FINE IS FROM 250 TO 1 THOUSAND DOLLARS. IN 2010, THE T-H-P ISSUED MORE THAN 3 THOUSAND TRAFFIC CITATIONS IN SCHOOL ZONES ACROSS THE STATE. 12 Aug 2011 15:38:06 GMT TWO LAWRENCE COUNTY BUSINESSES WILL KEEP THEIR BEER PERMITS EVENTHOUGH THE COUNTY COMMISSION DIRECTED THAT THEY BE REVOKED. THE COUNTY BEER BOARD MET WEDNESDAY TO DISCUSS A CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE THAT CAME TO LIGHT AT THE JULY COMMISSION MEETING. THE COUNTY REQUIRES ESTABLISHMENTS BE A MINIMUM OF 2000 FEET FROM SCHOOLS, CHURCHES AND OTHER PUBLIC GATHERING PLACES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A PERMIT TO SELL BEER. IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR, NEW PROSPECT MARKET ON HIGHWAY 64 EAST WAS APPROVED FOR A PERMIT EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE BETWEEN 16 AND 17 HUNDRED FEET FROM NEW PROSPECT BAPTIST CHURCH. THE PERMIT APPLICATION STATES THAT THE BUSINESS MUST BE 2000 FEET "OR LESS" TO MEET THE DISTANCE REQUIREMENT. WHEN THE STORE OWNERS ASKED A BOARD MEMBER WHAT THE "OR LESS" MEANS, THEY WERE TOLD THAT IF SOMEONE FROM THE CHURCH PROTESTED THEIR PERMIT DURING A PUBLIC HEARING, THEY WOULD NOT BE APPROVED. BUT IF NO PROTEST WAS MADE AND THEY MET ALL OTHER REQUIREMENTS, THEN A PERMIT WOULD BE GRANTED. NO PROTEST WAS MADE AND NEW PROSPECT MARKET WAS GRANTED A PERMIT THAT HAS BEEN IN USE FOR THE PAST 8 MONTHS. THE OTHER BUSINESS INVOLVED IN THE CONTROVERSY IS DUNN BAIT AND TACKLE ON THE TURNPIKE IN SUMMERTOWN. THE STORE'S PROPERTY IS WITHIN 15 TO 16 HUNDRED FEET OF SUMMERTOWN CEMETERY. THE BUSINESS APPLIED FOR AND WAS GRANTED A PERMIT EARLIER THIS YEAR WITH NO PROTEST AT THE PUBLIC HEARING. MIKE HARRIS, ATTORNEY FOR THE DUNN STORE OWNER, SPOKE TO THE BEER BOARD AND CITED STATE CASE LAW AND STATUTES REGARDING THE MATTER. ACCORDING TO HARRIS, WHEN THE BOARD APPROVED NEW PROSPECT MARKET'S PERMIT, THE COUNTY FOOTAGE REQUIREMENT BECAME VOID. DUNN BAIT AND TACKLE'S PROXIMITY TO THE CEMETERY BECAME IRRELEVANT AS THEY APPLIED FOR AND WERE GRANTED A PERMIT AFTER NEW PROSPECT MARKET. FURTHERMORE, HARRIS SAID THE DEFINITION OF A PUBLIC GATHERING PLACE IS UNCLEAR AND MAY NOT INCLUDE THE CEMETERY. AFTER HEARING THE LEGAL ARGUMENTS ABOUT THE DISTANCE REQUIREMENT'S VALIDITY, A MOTION WAS MADE BY A BEER BOARD MEMBER TO REVOKE BOTH PERMITS BUT FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. COUNTY ATTORNEY CHARLIE HOLT ADVISED THE BOARD THAT THE DISTANCE REQUIREMENT MUST BE REVISITED BY THE COUNTY COMMISSION BEFORE IT CAN ONCE AGAIN BECOME PART OF THE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS. THE BEER BOARD ALSO DISCUSSED THEIR INTENTION TO REVISE THE APPLICATIONS TO INCLUDE MORE PRECISE LANGUAGE. THE COUNTY COMMISSION IS EXPECTED TO TAKE UP THE DISTANCE ISSUE IN THE COMING WEEKS. 12 Aug 2011 19:07:53 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY MORNING. MAYOR KEITH DURHAM PRESENTED RETIRING CODES ENFORCEMENT OFFICER KEN NELSON WITH A PLAQUE HONORING NELSON'S 19 YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY. THE BOARD PASSED THE 2011-2012 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET ON SECOND AND FINAL READING. THE SPENDING PLAN IS BASED ON THE SAME PROPERTY TAX RATE AS LAST YEAR. AN ORDINANCE CREATING A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO APPROVED ON FINAL READING. THE MEASURE CONSOLIDATES THE PARKS AND RECREATION, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND STREET DEPARTMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO BETTER UTILIZE RESOURCES AND MANPOWER. COUNCIL MEMBERS PASSED A RESOLUTION TO CREATE A DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICY IN ACCORDANCE WITH NEW STATE LAW. AND A RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR AN APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION GRANT WAS APPROVED. IF THE GRANT IS AWARDED, FUNDING WILL BE USED FOR ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS TO REMKE STREET AND HELTON DRIVE IN INDUSTRIAL PARK. THE PROJECT'S COST IS 625 THOUSAND DOLLARS WITH THE GRANT PAYING 500 THOUSAND AND THE CITY PAYING 125 THOUSAND DOLLARS. 12 Aug 2011 19:14:05 GMT A SPECIAL EDITION 4-WHEELER WAS REPORTED STOLEN THIS WEEK FROM AN ETHRIDGE PROPERTY. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THE 2005 DALE EARNHART EDITION, RED, POLARIS 90 C-C A-T-V WAS TAKEN LATE TUESDAY OR EARLY WEDNESDAY FROM A SHED ON DRY WEAKLEY ROAD. THE FAMILY IS OFFERING A 100 DOLLAR REWARD FOR INFORMATION THAT LEADS TO THE RETURN OF THE 4-WHEELER. CALL 629-8896. 12 Aug 2011 19:14:22 GMT A UTILITY TRAILER WAS STOLEN WEDNESDAY FROM A LAWRENCEBURG PARKING LOT. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THE 5 BY 8 FOOT BLACK UTILITY TRAILER WAS TAKEN FROM A PARKING LOT ON PARKRIDGE DRIVE. LOSS IS ESTIMATED AT 700 DOLLARS. 12 Aug 2011 19:14:38 GMT TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE GILES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL PIGSKIN PREVIEW DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION. THE EVENT WILL BE HELD SATURDAY AT 6 IN THE G-C-H-S CAFETERIA. PRE-SALE TICKETS FOR THE STEAK OR CHICKEN DINNER ARE 25 DOLLARS EACH AND ARE AVAILABLE FROM ANY FOOTBALL PLAYER. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 205-2707 OR 309-9695. 12 Aug 2011 19:15:00 GMT AFTER MORE THAN 4 DECADES OF SERVICE, THE ATTORNEY FOR THE CITY OF MOUNT PLEASANT HAS RESIGNED DUE TO CONFLICTS WITH SOME COMMISSIONERS. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THE CITY HAS ACCEPTED A LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM ATTORNEY TOM HARDIN. THE LETTER OUTLINES THE REASONS FOR HARDIN'S DECISION TO STEP DOWN FROM THE POSITION HE HAS SERVED IN FOR 43 YEARS. HARDIN SAYS HIS WORK SITUATION HAS BECOME UNTENABLE AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO EFFECTIVELY SERVE AS CITY ATTORNEY WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE CITY MANAGER AND THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. THE LETTER GOES ON TO SAY THAT VARIOUS COMMISSIONERS CONTINUOUSLY DISREGARD THE CITY CHARTER, MAKE INAPPROPRIATE DEMANDS ON STAFF AND FAIL TO ABIDE BY THEIR OATH OF OFFICE. THE CITY MANAGER SAID HE DID NOT ASK FOR HARDIN'S RESIGNATION BUT DECIDED TO ACCEPT IT BECAUSE IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY'S RESIDENTS. 13 Aug 2011 20:10:18 GMT LAWRENCEBURG POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A MAN SUSPECTED OF ROBBING TWO CONVENIENCE STORES. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, OFFICERS WERE CALLED TO TAZ MART ON WEST GAINES STREET JUST BEFORE 6 A-M FRIDAY ON AN ARMED ROBBERY CALL. THE STORE CLERK TOLD INVESTIGATORS A WHITE MALE CAME INTO THE STORE WANTING CIGARETTES. AS THE CLERK WENT TO GET THEM, THE SUSPECT STUCK A GUN IN HER FACE AND DEMANDED THE MONEY IN THE CASH REGISTER. THE EMPLOYEE COMPLIED AND THE MAN LEFT ON FOOT. WHILE SEARCHING THE AREA, ANOTHER ROBERRY CALL CAME IN AT NORTH END GROCERY ON MAHR AVENUE. THE STORE OWNER WAS ABLE TO GIVE OFFICERS A DESCRIPTION OF THE ROBBER AND A DESCRIPTION OF A VAN THE SUSPECT LEFT IN. INVESTIGATORS LOCATED THE BLUE, HONDA ODYSSEY VAN AT A LOCAL APARTMENT COMPLEX AND IDENTIFIED THE SUSPECT AS 32 YEAR-OLD JOSHUA DAVID CARTER OF LAWRENCEBURG. ALL OF THE PROPERTY TAKEN IN THE ROBBERIES WAS RECOVERED AND RETURNED TO THE OWNERS. CARTER IS BEING HELD IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL ON 130 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND FOR TWO COUNTS OF AGGRAVATED ARMED ROBBERY AND THEFT. 15 Aug 2011 18:39:59 GMT A SPECIAL SESSION HAS BEEN CALLED FOR LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WITH THE INTENT OF DISMANTLING THE COUNTY BEER BOARD. THE COMMISSION WILL CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AMENDING PREVIOUS POLICIES ESTABLISHING THE BEER BOARD OR BEVERAGE PERMIT COMMITTEE. THE MEASURE CALLS FOR THE DISMANTLEMENT OF THE BOARD AND TRANSFERS THE AUTHORITY TO THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. THE MEETING COMES AS A RESPONSE TO THE BEER BOARD'S FAILURE THIS WEEK TO REVOKE THE PERMITS OF TWO AREA BUSINESSES APPROVED FOR BEER SALES EVEN THOUGH THEY DO NOT MEET DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS FROM A CHURCH AND A CEMETERY. THE COMMISSION VOTED AT THEIR JULY REGULAR SESSION TO DIRECT THE BEER BOARD TO REVOKE THE PERMITS IN QUESTION WITHIN 10 DAYS. THE BEER BOARD HEARD LEGAL ARGUMENTS AT WEDNESDAY'S MEETING CHALLENGING THE FOOTAGE REQUIREMENT AND THE MOTION TO REVOKE THE PERMITS FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. THE SPECIAL SESSION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND WILL BE HELD MONDAY, AUGUST 22ND AT 5 IN THE COMMISSION ROOM AT THE COURTHOUSE. 15 Aug 2011 18:42:48 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED ON THEFT CHARGES AFTER CONFESSING TO BURGLARY. REPORTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARMENT INDICATE A FAIR AVENUE RESIDENT CALLED OFFICERS THURSDAY AFTER FINDING THAT SOMEONE HAD ENTERED HER HOME THRU A BACK DOOR AND STOLE A FLAT SCREEN TELEVISION AND A COMPUTER MONITOR WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF MORE THAN A THOUSAND DOLLARS. INVESTIGATORS IDENTIFIED A SUSPECT, QUESTIONED THE MAN AND WERE GIVEN A FULL CONFESSION. THE T-V WAS RECOVERED AND RETURNED TO THE OWNER. 32 YEAR-OLD JOSEPH WADE KEPHART IS FACING AGGRAVATED BURGLARY AND THEFT CHARGES AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT SEPTEMBER 1ST. 15 Aug 2011 18:43:00 GMT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF JEWELRY HAS BEEN REPORTED STOLEN FROM A SUMMERTOWN RESIDENCE. LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE A RAILROAD BED PIKE RESIDENT WAS DUSTING HER JEWELRY BOX WEDNESDAY WHEN SHE DISCOVERED SOME ITEMS BELONGING TO HER AND HER HUSBAND WERE MISSING. SEVERAL RINGS AND NECKLACES WERE STOLEN VALUED AT MORE THAN 53 HUNDRED DOLLARS. INVESTIGATORS DID LOCATE A FEW OF THE PIECES THAT HAD BEEN SOLD TO A LOCAL BUSINESS FOR SCRAP. THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 15 Aug 2011 18:43:21 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN IS DEAD FOLLOWING A SATURDAY NIGHT VEHICLE CRASH. THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL REPORTS 70 YEAR-OLD BILLY J. BARTON WAS TRAVELING WEST ON GIMLET ROAD IN A 1994 FORD RANGER WHEN HE RAN OFF THE ROAD WHILE NEGOTIATING A CURVE. BARTON HIT A MAILBOX, CROSSED A DITCH AND A FIELD AND STRUCK A TREE. AUTHORITIES BELIEVE THE VICTIM WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE TRUCK AFTER THE CRASH BUT DIED OF HIS INJURIES BEFORE HE COULD SEEK HELP. NEARBY PROPERTY OWNERS TOLD TROOPERS THEY HEARD THE CRASH BUT THE ACCIDENT WASN'T REPORTED UNTIL EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON. STATE TROOPER BRIAN ROSE WAS THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER. 16 Aug 2011 18:00:20 GMT JURORS RETURNED GUILTY VERDICTS SATURDAY IN A GILES COUNTY MURDER TRIAL. 43 YEAR-OLD ROBERT WAYNE GARNER WAS CONVICTED ON ALL THREE CHARGES: FIRST DEGREE FELONY MURDER, AGGRAVATED ARSON AND THEFT OVER 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS. GARNER WAS INDICTED IN THE JANUARY 2010 MURDER OF 61 YEAR-OLD BRENDA WILBURN WHILE ROBBING HER HOUSE AND SETTING FIRE TO HER HICKS CUT ROAD HOME. GARNER'S SENTENCING HEARING WILL BE HELD AT A LATER DATE. 16 Aug 2011 18:02:43 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG TEEN HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR A NUMBER OF HOME BURGLARIES. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, INVESTIGATORS HAVE A SUSPECT IN CUSTODY FOR A RECENT RASH OF BURGLARIES AND THEFTS IN THE HAYES ROAD AND ALEX DRIVE AREA. AFTER GATHERING EVIDENCE AND SPEAKING WITH VICTIMS AND WITNESSES, AUTHORITIES WERE LED TO A RESIDENCE ON FALL RIVER ROAD WHERE THEY LOCATED AND RECOVERED MOST OF THE STOLEN PROPERTY. 19 YEAR-OLD TRAVIS CLAY PHILLIPS IS CHARGED WITH BURGLARY, THEFT OVER 60 THOUSAND DOLLARS AND VANDALISM AND IS IN THE LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL ON 82 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES WITH MORE PROPERTY TO BE RECOVERED AND MORE ARRESTS EXPECTED TO BE MADE. 16 Aug 2011 18:03:19 GMT INVESTIGATORS WITH THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ARE LOOKING INTO SOME THEFTS REPORTED RECENTLY. A SAINT JOE RESIDENT ALERTED AUTHORITIES SUNDAY WHEN HE DISCOVERED HIS RED, FLEX BRAND KAYAK, A PADDLE AND FISHING TACKLE WAS STOLEN FROM HIS POSEY CIRCLE PROPERTY. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 890 DOLLARS. ON FRIDAY, A BARNESVILLE ROAD RESIDENT REPORTED A BURGLARY. SOMEONE KICKED IN THE DOOR OF AN ABANDONED HOUSE ON THE SUMMERTOWN PROPERTY AND STOLE SEVERAL CHEVY MOTOR PARTS VALUED AT 3 THOUSAND DOLLARS. AND A FIVE POINTS RESIDENT TOLD AUTHORITIES SATURDAY THAT SOMEONE HAD ENTERED HER BLOOMING GROVE PROPERTY AND STOLE COPPER WIRE, A C-D PLAYER AND OTHER ITEMS AND DAMAGED THE SIDING AND SHEET ROCK IN THE RESIDENCE. LOSS AND DAMAGE WAS ESTIMATED AT 780 DOLLARS. 16 Aug 2011 18:03:50 GMT LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS HAS SCHEDULED A POWER OUTAGE FOR TUESDAY FROM 7:30 TO 10:30 A-M. THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED INCLUDES PARK GROVE, HUDSON, DENSON AND CREWS ROADS. THE PURPOSE OF THE OUTAGE IS TO UPGRADE SERVICE IN THE AREA AND L-U-S REGRETS ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE CUSTOMERS. 16 Aug 2011 18:05:32 GMT AN ALABAMA MAN HAS PLED GUILTY TO A NUMBER OF CHARGES STEMMING FROM A 2009 COLUMBIA PHARMACY ARMED ROBBERY. CHRISTOPHER LYNN CHAPPLE PLED GUILTY LAST WEEK IN MAURY COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT TO AGGRAVATED ROBBERY, THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND THREE COUNTS OF AGGRAVATED ASSAULT. THE PLEA COMES FROM THE APRIL 10TH, 2009 HOLD UP OF COLUMBIA'S HOLLAND'S PHARMACY ON HATCHER LANE. ACCORDING TO COLUMBIA POLICE, CHAPPLE ENTERED THE STORE WITH A HANDGUN AND DEMANDED NARCOTICS. THE SUSPECT FIRED THE WEAPON MULTIPLE TIMES AS LOCAL POLICE ARRIVED. CHAPPLE FLED THE PHARMACY WITH THE DRUGS AND STOLE A DELIVERY CAR OWNED BY THE STORE TO MAKE HIS GET-AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS QUICKLY RECOVERED BUT THE SUSPECT WAS NOT. CHAPPLE WAS IDENTIFIED AS A SUSPECT THRU A COLLABORATION WITH THE F-B-I, COLUMBIA POLICE, MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA AUTHORITIES. HE WAS LINKED TO THE COLUMBIA ROBBERY THRU D-N-A EVIDENCE AND WAS ARRESTED LATE LAST YEAR. CHAPPLE IS ALSO SERVING FELONY SENTENCES FOR SIMILAR CHARGES THRU-OUT THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES. 17 Aug 2011 14:32:40 GMT SEVERAL ARRESTS WERE MADE OVER THE WEEKEND BY SAINT JOSEPH POLICE. ON FRIDAY, OFFICERS REMOVED AN UNRULY CUSTOMER FROM THE COWPEN GRILLE. 40 YEAR-OLD RICHARD JAMES HOWARD OF KILLEN RESISTED OFFICERS' ATTEMPTS TO REMOVE HIM FROM THE BUSINESS. HEATHER MAE PETERS, 37, ALSO OF KILLEN BECAME AGGRESSIVE WITH THE OFFICERS ESCOURTING HOWARD FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT AND WAS ALSO PLACED UNDER ARREST. PETERS IS CHARGED WITH PUBLIC INTOXICATION AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT. HOWARD IS CHARGED WITH ASSAULT, RESISTING ARREST, DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND PUBLIC INTOXICATION. ON SATURDAY, SAINT JOE POLICE OBSERVED A VEHICLE STOPPED ON MCINTYRE ROAD AND A BEER CAN NEXT TO THE CAR. 59 YEAR-OLD CALVIN DONALD ARNOLD OF SAINT JOSEPH ADMITTED THROWING THE BEER OUT AND OFFICERS ASKED TO SEARCH THE VEHICLE. EIGHT HYDROCODONE TABLETS WERE FOUND IN THE CAR AND ARNOLD COULD NOT PROVIDE A PRESCRIPTION FOR THE MEDICATION. HE WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. ON SUNDAY, OFFICERS WERE DISPATCHED TO CHECK OUT A SUSPICIOUS PERSON ON ROCK CRUSHER ROAD. AUTHORITIES MADE CONTACT WITH 28 YEAR-OLD WILLIAM DAVID PRUETT OF LORETTO RIDING AN A-T-V. MARIJUANA AND ROLLING PAPERS WERE FOUND IN HIS POSSESSION. PRUETT WAS CITED FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA AND DRUG PARAPHENALIA. ALL THE SUSPECTS ARE DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT SEPTEMBER 20TH. 17 Aug 2011 14:33:30 GMT A MAJORITY OF MAURY COUNTY'S COMMISSIONERS VOTED TO GIVE THEMSELVES A PAY RAISE ON MONDAY. ACCORDING TO CHANNEL 4 NEWS, THE 22 MEMBER COMMISSION VOTED 13 TO 9 TO DOUBLE THE AMOUNT MEMBERS RECEIVE TO ATTEND MEETINGS. THE MEASURE RAISES COMPENSATION TO 80 DOLLARS PER MEMBER FOR FULL MEETINGS AND 40 DOLLARS EACH FOR COMMITTEE MEETINGS. TWO YEARS AGO THE BOARD CUT ITS PAY BY HALF DUE TO THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN. 17 Aug 2011 14:34:05 GMT A MOTORCYCLE WAS REPORTED STOLEN FROM AN EASTERN LAWRENCE COUNTY HOME. REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THE BLACK, 2002 BIG DOG CHOPPER WITH AN OSTRICH SKIN SEAT WAS TAKEN LATE SUNDAY OR EARLY MONDAY FROM THE SIDEWALK BY A WHITNEY LANE RESIDENCE. THE BIKE WAS VALUED AT 15 THOUSAND DOLLARS. BURGLARS TOOK SEVERAL ITEMS FROM AN OUTBUILDING ON DELLAR STREET OVER THE WEEKEND. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE PROPERTY OWNER DISCOVERED THE BREAK-IN SATURDAY. THE DOOR TO THE BUILDING WAS FORCED OPEN AND ELECTRONICS, APPLIANCES, A RIDING LAWN MOWER, TOOLS AND OTHER ITEMS WERE STOLEN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 25 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 17 Aug 2011 14:34:40 GMT A RECORD ENROLLMENT IS EXPECTED THIS SEMESTER AT MARTIN METHODIST COLLEGE. SCHOOL OFFICIALS EXPECT 300 FRESHMEN AND 75 TRANSFERS TO ARRIVE ON CAMPUS OVER THE NEXT WEEK IN ANTICIPATION OF THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES AUGUST 24TH. THE PROJECTED TOTAL ENROLLMENT FOR 2011-2012 IS 1,090 - WHICH WOULD BE THE 21ST RECORD ENROLLMENT OVER THE PAST 22 YEARS. NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS WILL TAKE PART IN MARTIN PRIDE DAYS THIS WEEK TO KICK OFF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR. 17 Aug 2011 14:35:33 GMT A FLORENCE, ALABAMA MAN WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A TUESDAY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN LEOMA. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, THE CRASH OCCURRED JUST BEFORE NOON ON HIGHWAY 43 SOUTH NEAR THE SIMMS LANE INTERSECTION. 69 YEAR-OLD J-D LOVELL OF LAWRENCEBURG WAS TRAVELING SOUTH IN A 1998 CHEVROLET S-10 WHEN HE MADE A U-TURN CAUSING ANOTHER SOUTHBOUND DRIVER ON A MOTORCYCLE TO COLLIDE WITH LOVELL'S TRUCK. 62 YEAR-OLD WILLIAM THOMAS CHEATHAM, WHO WAS RIDING A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON, WAS AIRLIFTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER WITH SERIOUS INJURIES. LOVELL, WHO WAS NOT INJURED, WAS CITED FOR AN IMPROPER TURN AND FAILURE TO EXERCISE DUE CARE. STATE TROOPER BRIAN ROSE WAS THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER. 18 Aug 2011 17:57:05 GMT A MAURY COUNTY CONSTABLE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR AN ALLEDGED SEXUAL ASSAULT. CHANNEL 4 NEWS REPORTS LARRY STEVE MANGRUM HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF SEXUAL BATTERY BY A FEMALE EMPLOYEE OF A SECURITY GUARD COMPANY HE OWNS. MANGRUM WAS ELECTED AS CONSTABLE IN 2006 AND RE-ELECTED IN 2010 AND PRIMARILY SERVES PAPERS FOR THE MAURY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. POLICE CONFIRM THEY ARE INVESTIGATING THE COMPLAINT BUT HAVE RELEASED NO DETAILS. MANGRUM HASN'T BEEN CHARGED OR ARRESTED AT THIS TIME AND REMAINS ON DUTY AS CONSTABLE. WHEN CRITICS QUESTIONED MANGRUM REMAINING ON THE JOB, OFFICIALS WITH THE ELECTION COMMISSION TOLD THE MEDIA THAT WHEN A PERSON IS ELECTED TO OFFICE, THEY CONTINUE TO SERVE UNTIL THEY DIE, RESIGN, DO NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION OR ARE REMOVED FROM OFFICE FOR MISCONDUCT. ELECTION OFFICIALS ADDED THAT WHEN A PERSON IS CONVICTED OF CRIMES DEEMED INAPPROPORIATE WITH HOLDING ELECTED OFFICE, THE PROCESS OF REMOVAL IS INITIATED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. 18 Aug 2011 17:57:37 GMT LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER RESIGNING HIS POST, TOM HARDIN HAS BEEN REHIRED AS MOUNT PLEASANT CITY ATTORNEY. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS HARDIN'S RETURN IS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF SHAKE-UPS IN THE TOWN'S GOVERNMENT. ON AUGUST 10TH, THEN CITY MANAGER STEVE HUFFER ACCEPTED HARDIN'S LETTER OF RESIGNATION THAT INCLUDED A DIVIDED CITY COMMISSION CAUSING UNACCEPTABLE WORKING CONDITIONS AS ONE OF THE REASONS THE ATTORNEY WANTED TO STEP DOWN. ON AUGUST 11TH, HUFFER WAS FIRED BY THE COMMISSION AT A SPECIAL SESSION AND POLICE CHIEF TOMMY GOETZ WAS NAMED INTERIM CITY MANAGER. AFTER POLLING THE COMMISSIONERS ON FRIDAY, GOETZ DETERMINED THE MAJORITY WANTED HARDIN REHIRED. THE NEW CITY MANAGER MET WITH THE ATTORNEY MONDAY AND HARDIN AGREED TO RETURN TO THE JOB HE HAD SERVED IN FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. THE CITY OF MOUNT PLEASANT IS FACING SEVERAL MAJOR ISSUES INCLUDING A FAULTY WASTEWATER SYSTEM AND AN ALUMINUM RECYCLING LANDFILL PROPOSAL. 18 Aug 2011 17:57:57 GMT VANDALS AND THIEVES HAVE BEEN BUSY IN LAWRENCE COUNTY RECENTLY. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, CAR RADIATORS WERE STOLEN AND THE GLASS BROKEN OUT OF SOME OLD CARS BEING STORED AT A KNOB CREEK ROAD PROPERTY. THE OWNER LIVES AT AN ADJACENT PROPERTY AND BELIEVES THE THEFT HAPPENED SOMETIME BETWEEN JUNE 1ST AND AUGUST 11TH. LOSS AND DAMAGES WERE ESTIMATED AT ABOUT 18 HUNDRED DOLLARS. A HUGHES ROAD RESIDENT CALLED DEPUTIES TUESDAY AFTER HE DISCOVERED HIS WEEDEATER WAS MISSING. THE VICTIM ALSO REPORTED HIS GIRLFRIEND'S JEWELRY BOX CONTAINING SEVERAL PIECES OF JEWELRY WAS STOLEN LAST WEEKEND. THE MISSING ITEMS WERE VALUED AT AROUND 13 HUNDRED DOLLARS. 18 Aug 2011 17:58:19 GMT A NORTHERN LAWRENCE COUNTY UTILITY DISTRICT IS ASKING CUSTOMERS TO CONSERVE WATER. SUMMERTOWN UTILITY DISTRICT ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY THAT AREA RESIDENTS SHOULD CUT BACK ON WATER USAGE DUE TO DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE REQUEST INCLUDES MINIMAL OR NO WATERING LAWNS OR GARDENS OR WASHING VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS ARE ASKED TO CONTINUE CONSERVATION MEASURES UNTIL THE AREA RECEIVES SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL. 18 Aug 2011 17:59:15 GMT MEMBERS OF THE MOUNT PLEASANT CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ARE IN SHOCK AFTER BEING OUSTED BY THE MAYOR. MEDIA REPORTS INDICATE THAT MAYOR MAURY COLVETT DISMISSED THE SEVEN MEMBER BOARD AFTER A TUESDAY MEETING. THE DISMISSAL COMES ON THE HEELS OF THE PLANNING BOARD'S VOTE EARLIER THIS MONTH TO REJECT A PROPOSED ALUMINUM RECYCLING LANDFILL TO BE BUILT IN THE CITY LIMITS. COLVETT, A SUPPORTER OF THE PROJECT, APPOINTED NEW MEMBERS TO THE COMMISSION DURING THIS WEEK'S MEETING. TWO MOUNT PLEASANT BASED RECYCLERS HAVE SUPPORTED THE LANDFILL'S CONSTRUCTION AS OPPOSED TO HAULING WASTE TO FACILITIES IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE STATE. SUPPORTERS OF THE PROPOSED SITE SAY THE LANDFILL WILL ADD JOBS AND JOB SECURITY TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY WHILE THOSE OPPOSED SAY THE ALUMINUM WASTE COULD CREATE A HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD. 19 Aug 2011 18:41:35 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCEBURG UTILITIES BOARD MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY MORNING. THE MEETING WAS THE FIRST AT 8:30 A-M - A TIME CHANGE FROM 11 A-M APPROVED DURING THEIR JULY REGULAR SESSION. GENERAL MANAGER VIC PUSSER ANNOUNCED AN ELECTRICITY RATE DECREASE FOR NEXT MONTH DUE TO T-V-A'S FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT. RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS WILL GET A 50 CENT TO A DOLLAR AND HALF BREAK ON SEPTEMBER'S POWER BILL. THE BOARD APPROVED A NEW DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICY AND A PLAN OF ACTION FOR REPAYMENT OF AN IMPROPER INTER-FUND LOAN TO MEET COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS WITH THE STATE. MEMBERS DISCUSSED THE POSSIBILITY OF A WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASE OF 2 PERCENT IN THE FUTURE TO GENERATE FUNDS FOR EMERGENCIES. IN A RELATED DISCUSSION, THE BOARD IS CONSIDERING A RATE CONTRACT WITH SUMMERTOWN UTILITY DISTRICT TO BUY WATER FROM L-U-S. THE CURRENT CONTRACT WITH SUMMERTOWN AND OTHER UTILITY DISTRICTS IS 2 DOLLARS PER THOUSAND GALLONS. A MOTION WAS MADE AND PASSED TO KEEP THE 2 DOLLAR RATE FOR UTILITY DISTRICTS BUT IF L-U-S RAISES WATER RATES FOR RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS, THE SAME INCREASE WILL GO INTO EFFECT FOR UTILITY DISTRICT'S RATES. THE GROUP ALSO AGREED TO REVIEW SOME PROJECTIONS ON HEALTH CARE AND PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE COSTS IF HIGHER CO-PAYS WERE PUT INTO EFFECT. THE ISSUE WILL BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE SEPTEMBER MEETING. AND LONGTIME UTILITY BOARD MEMBER PAUL BATES ANNOUNCED HIS INTENTION TO RETIRE FROM THE BOARD THIS YEAR. THE SPECIFIC DATE FOR HIS EXIT HAS YET TO BE DECIDED. 19 Aug 2011 18:43:12 GMT THE START OF THE 2011 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON KICKS OFF THIS WEEK FOR MANY AREA TEAMS. ON FRIDAY, LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS COLUMBIA CENTRAL AND LORETTO TAKES ON EAST HICKMAN AT L-M FORSYTHE FIELD. GILES COUNTY IS ON THE ROAD FOR THEIR FIRST REGULAR SEASON MATCH UP PLAYING AT LINCOLN COUNTY AND RICHLAND HOSTS HOUSTON COUNTY FRIDAY IN LYNNVILLE. 19 Aug 2011 18:43:38 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO THE THEFT OF A WEEDEATER AND GAS CANS FROM A WEAKLEY CREEK ROAD PROPERTY. REPORTS INDICATE THE CRIME OCCURRED SOMETIME TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY MORNING. THE STOLEN GOODS WERE TAKEN FROM A BARN ON THE PROPERTY AND WERE VALUED AT 645 DOLLARS. 19 Aug 2011 18:44:27 GMT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE MIDDLE TENNESSEE DISTRICT FAIREST OF THE FAIR PAGEANTS. THERE WILL BE FIVE PAGEANTS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH AND 25TH. THE CATAGORIES ARE MISS TINY TOT FOR AGES 3 TO 5, TINY MISS AGES 6 TO 8, LITTLE MISS AGES 9 TO 12, JUNIOR MISS AGES 13 TO 15 AND MISS FAIREST FOR AGES 16 TO 20. THE ENTRY FEE IS 65 DOLLARS AND INCLUDES PHOTOS AND 2 FAIR CONCERT TICKETS. APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY SEPTEMBER 3RD. SEE THE 2011 FAIR CATALOG FOR CONTEST RULES AND APPLICATIONS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 629-0293 OR 242-3625. 19 Aug 2011 18:44:54 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD GATHERED FOR THEIR AUGUST REGULAR SESSION ON THURSDAY. OFFICIALS HEARD A PRESENTATION BY THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR ABOUT THE CHANGES TEACHERS FACE WITH A NEW EVALUATION SYSTEM AND STEPS THE BOARD HAS TAKEN TO EASE THE TRANSITION. THE BOARD ALSO HEARD REPORTS FROM LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL AND E-O COFFMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL. L-C-H-S HAS IMPROVED ITS GRADUATION RATE TO 94 PERCENT SINCE 2007 AND CONTINUES TO WORK TO PROVIDE CAREER-READY SKILLS TO STUDENTS. COFFMAN OFFICIALS INDICATED THE SCHOOL MADE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN ALL SUBJECT AREAS DURING THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR. BOARD MEMBERS APPROVED ALL OF THE ITEMS ON THE LENGTHY AGENDA INCLUDING FUNDING 50 PERCENT OF THE SALARY FOR A NEW PART-TIME JUVENILE JUDGE. THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT WILL COVER THE REMAINING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE POSITION. A SERIES OF ATHLETIC COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS WERE APPROVED AS WELL AS A MOTION MOVING ALL BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETING TIMES FROM 5:30 TO 6 P-M. E-O COFFMAN SCHOOL WILL HOST THE SEPTEMBER SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. 22 Aug 2011 18:39:29 GMT TENNESSEE'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WAS UNCHANGED FROM JUNE TO JULY. ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED THURSDAY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, THE JOBLESS RATE FOR JUNE AND JULY WAS 9 POINT 8 PERCENT. THE NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR LAST MONTH WAS 9 POINT 1 PERCENT - DOWN SLIGHTLY FROM 9 POINT 2 IN JUNE. 22 Aug 2011 18:39:41 GMT INVESTIGATORS ARRESTED A COUPLE OF LAWRENCE COUNTY RESIDENTS ON DRUG CHARGES THIS WEEK. REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE DEPUTIES WERE SERVING A WARRANT AT A LORETTO RESIDENCE SUNDAY WHEN THEY SAW SOME DRUG PARAPHENLIA IN THE HOME. AUTHORITIES KNEW THE SON OF THE NORTH MAIN STREET PROPERTY OWNER WAS SUSPECTED IN SOME DRUG CASES AND ASKED FOR AND WERE GIVEN CONSENT TO SEARCH THE AREA. SEVERAL COMPONENTS USED TO MANUFACTURE METHAMPHETAMINE WERE FOUND IN THE SUSPECT'S BEDROOM. 33 YEAR-OLD THOMAS MATTHEW DAVIS WAS ARRESTED FOR PROMOTION AND POSSESSION OF METH AND POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHENALIA AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT SEPTEMBER 27TH. ON WEDNESDAY, A PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICER WAS CONDUCTING A HOME VISIT AT A RESIDENCE ON SHACKLEFORD ROAD WHEN HE DISCOVERED SOME PRESCRIPTION PILLS, AN OPEN SYRINGE AND A STRAW AT THE LORETTO PROPERTY. 36 YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER SHANE SOUTH WAS ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF DRUGS AND DRUG PARAPHENLIA. HE IS SCHEDULED FOR GENERAL SESSIONS COURT SEPTEMBER 22ND. 22 Aug 2011 18:40:03 GMT THREE WAYNE COUNTY INMATES ARE RECOVERING FROM AN ELECTRIC SHOCK AFTER A THURSDAY ACCIDENT. CHANNEL 4 NEWS REPORTS THE TRUSTEES WERE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE WORK AT CLIFTON CITY HALL WHEN A LADDER THEY WERE MOVING CAME IN CONTACT WITH EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES AND SHOCKED THE UNIDENTIFIED TRIO. TWO INMATES WERE AIRLIFTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT WHILE THE THIRD WAS TREATED AT A LOCAL HOSPITAL. ALL THREE ARE WORK RELEASE PRISONERS FROM THE NEAR-BY SOUTH CENTRAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITY. 22 Aug 2011 18:40:22 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO HAVE FAILED ONE OR MORE REQUIRED CLASS MAY ATTEND CREDIT RECOVERY TO MAINTAIN THEIR PATH TOWARD GRADUATION. CLASSES WILL BE HELD EVERY MONDAY, TUESDAY AND THURSDAY FROM 3:15 TO 6:15 AND WEDNESDAY FROM 3:15 TO 5:15. TO PARTICIPATE, STUDENTS MUST GET PERMISSION FROM THEIR COUNSELOR, COMPLETE AN APPLICATION AND ATTEND AN INTAKE MEETING WITH A PARENT OR GUARDIAN. ANY STUDENT WHO ATTENDED SUMMER CREDIT RECOVERY HAS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 16TH TO COMPLETE THEIR COURSEWORK OR RE-DO THE ENTIRE COURSE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 762-9412 EXTENSION 5054. 22 Aug 2011 18:40:44 GMT AN ALABAMA MAN IS DEAD FOLLOWING AN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. REPORTS INDICATE 22 YEAR-OLD JOSHUA ALLEN WHITE OF ANDERSON WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON A MOTORCYCLE ON HIGHWAY 43 JUST BEFORE 4 A-M WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE BIKE. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF BEAR TOWN ROAD. WHITE DIED FROM HIS INJURIES. MEMBERS OF THE LORETTO POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATED THE CRASH. 23 Aug 2011 18:39:17 GMT A MAN IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION IN A NASHVILLE HOSPITAL AFTER A SATURDAY NIGHT SHOOTING IN COLUMBIA. ACCORDING TO COLUMBIA POLICE, OFFICERS WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE OF A SHOOTING ON EAST BURT DRIVE JUST AFTER 7 P-M. 37 YEAR-OLD FERNANDO BENVELOS TADEO HAD BEEN SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES AND WAS AIRLIFTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT. OFFICERS ARRESTED 35 YEAR-OLD JORGE PANSO GARCIA AT THE SCENE. GARCIA HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND REMAINS IN THE MAURY COUNTY JAIL ON 50 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. TADEO WAS REPORTED TO BE IN CRITICAL BUT STABLE CONDITION. 23 Aug 2011 18:39:28 GMT FIRST WEEK OF REGULAR SEASON HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ACTION. THE LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WILDCATS LOST THEIR SEASON OPENER AT HOME AGAINST COLUMBIA WITH THE FINAL SCORE 49 TO 12. THIS WEEK, THE WILDCATS TRAVEL TO GILES COUNTY FOR THE ANNUAL COWBELL GAME AND COLUMBIA WILL PLAY ON THE ROAD AT DICKSON COUNTY. LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL TOOK A TOUGH 39 TO 36 LOSS FROM EAST HICKMAN ON FRIDAY. LORETTO HAS ANOTHER HOME GAME ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK HOSTING SUMMIT. GILES COUNTY OPENED THEIR SEASON ON THE ROAD AT LINCOLN COUNTY FRIDAY NIGHT. THE BOBCATS LOST 27 TO 14. AND THE RICHLAND RAIDERS WERE SHUT OUT AT HOME IN WEEK ONE TAKING A 44 TO NOTHING LOSS FROM HOUSTON COUNTY. RICHLAND TRAVELS TO JACKSON COUNTY THIS WEEK. 23 Aug 2011 18:40:06 GMT LAWRENCEBURG UTILTITY SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES A POWER OUTAGE FOR TUESDAY FROM 7:30 TO 10:30 A-M. THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED INCLUDES CREWS, HUDSON AND MCCALEB ROADS. THE PURPOSE OF THE OUTAGE IS TO UPGRADE SERVICE. THE PULASKI POWER BOARD IS SCHEDULED TO MEET TUESDAY MORNING. THE AGENDA INCLUDES UPDATES TO THE OPERATING POLICY, A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH MARTIN METHODIST COLLEGE AND REVIEW OF JULY REPORTS. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 7 A-M. 23 Aug 2011 18:42:01 GMT THE CROCKETT THEATER BOARD ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE WORLD FAMOUS GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA TO THE HISTORIC LAWRENCEBURG THEATER. THE GROUP WILL FEATURE AN ENCORE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR POPULAR STAGE SHOW TUESDAY AT 7. TICKETS ARE 25 DOLLARS FOR RESERVED SEATS AND 15 DOLLARS FOR GENERAL ADMISSION AND ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PARKS AND RECREATION OFFICE INSIDE ROTARY PARK OR ONLINE AT LAWRENCEBURGTN.GOV. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 762-4231. 23 Aug 2011 18:42:22 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION HAS TAKEN OVER THE ROLE OF BEER BOARD AFTER A MONDAY SPECIAL SESSION. MEMBERS UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE 1943 STATUTE THAT CREATED THE COUNTY BEVERAGE PERMIT COMMITTEE TO INCLUDE 18 MEMBERS AND NAMED THE ENTIRE COUNTY COMMISSION TO SERVE ON THE BOARD. THE MEASURE WAS IN RESPONSE TO THE FORMER BEER BOARD GRANTING PERMITS TO TWO COUNTY BUSINESSES TO SELL BEER THAT ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH A DISTANCE REQUIREMENT FROM CHURCHES, SCHOOLS OR OTHER PUBLIC GATHERING PLACES. IN JULY, COUNTY LEADERS DIRECTED THE BEER BOARD TO REVOKE THE PERMITS IN QUESTION. AT THE BEER BOARD'S AUGUST MEETING, MEMBERS TOOK NO ACTION TO REVOKE THE PERMITS AFTER HEARING SEVERAL LEGAL CHALLENGES TO THE ISSUE. AT MONDAY'S MEETING, SEVERAL COMMISSIONERS COMMENTED THAT THE BEER BOARD MUST FOLLOW THE LETTER OF THE LAW AS THE REASON THEY WISHED TO TAKE ON THE AUTHORITY OF THE BEER BOARD. QUESTIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN RAISED THAT OTHER BEER PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, SUCH AS PROVIDING A CERTIFIED SURVEY SHOWING THEIR BUSINESS DOESN'T VIOLATE THE REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTANCES, HAVEN'T BEEN FOLLOWED BY ANY COUNTY BUSINESSES GRANTED PERMITS. WHETHER THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS SHOULD HAVE THEIR BEER PERMITS REVOKED WILL BE A MATTER FOR THE NEW BEER BOARD TO CONSIDER. 24 Aug 2011 18:05:28 GMT LAWRENCEBURG POLICE MADE SEVERAL DRUG RELATED ARRESTS LATE LAST WEEK. ON FRIDAY, AN OFFICER WAS ALERTED BY A LOCAL STORE'S EMPLOYEES THAT A COUPLE HAD PURCHASED SOME ITEMS THAT COULD BE USED TO MANUFACTURE METHAMPHETAMINE. AFTER QUESTIONING THE PAIR AND SEARCHING THEIR VEHICLE, OFFICIALS FOUND SEVERAL COMPONENTS TO MAKE THE DRUG. JAMES WILLIAM BRAZIER THE SECOND, 31, OF LAWRENCEBURG AND THERESA MICHELLE STAGGS, 34, OF ETHRIDGE CONFESSED TO BUYING THE ITEMS TO MAKE METH AND WERE ARRESTED FOR PROMOTION AND INITIATION OF THE PROCESS TO MANUFACTURE METH. BOTH ARE SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT OCTOBER 7TH. ON SATURDAY NIGHT, OFFICERS WERE CALLED TO A PARKING LOT ON BUFFALO ROAD WHEN TWO PEOPLE SUSPECTED OF BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS WERE TRYING TO ENTER A BUSINESS. THE PAIR TOLD POLICE THEY HAD RUN OUT OF GAS AND A SEARCH OF THEIR VEHICLE TURNED UP DRUG PARAPHENALIA AND COMPONENTS TO MAKE METH. PAUL JENNINGS REGISTER, 41, OF JACKSON AND DONNA LEE BURNS, 28, OF OAKLAND WERE BOOKED ON POSSESSION OF DRUGS AND DRUG PARAPHENALIA AND PROMOTION AND INITIATION OF METH MANUFACTURING CHARGES. THE COUPLE IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT SEPTEMBER 1ST. 24 Aug 2011 18:09:15 GMT A PULASKI MAN WAS ARRESTED SUNDAY ON A VARIETY OF CHARGES AFTER TRYING TO STEAL GAS FROM GILES FARMERS CO-OP. ACCORDING TO THE GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A DEPUTY ON PATROL ON HIGHWAY 31 SOUTH SPOTTED A VEHICLE BEHIND THE CO-OP TIRE SHOP. AUTHORITIES DISCOVERED 39 YEAR-OLD JEFFERY MICHAEL PANNELL HAD USED A PUMP TO EXTRACT FUEL FROM UNDERGROUND TANKS AT THE BUSINESS. IN THE PROCESS OF PUMPING THE GAS, PANNELL SPILLED SEVERAL GALLONS OF FUEL ON THE GROUND CAUSING A FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD AND PUTTING HIS PASSENGERS - HIS WIFE AND TWO SMALL CHILDREN - IN DANGER. HE IS CHARGED WITH THEFT OF PROPERTY, RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT, CRIMINAL SIMULATION AND CRIMINAL TRESPASS. PANNELL WAS BOOKED INTO THE GILES COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED ON 16 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. 24 Aug 2011 18:09:38 GMT A SUSPECT IS IN CUSTODY FOR A WEEKEND BURGLARY AT A LAWRENCEBURG SQUARE BUSINESS. REPORTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT OFFICERS DISCOVERED THE FRONT WINDOW HAD BEEN BROKEN OUT OF NEW MOON ANTIQUES AROUND 9 P-M SUNDAY. THE STORE OWNER TOLD AUTHORITIES COINS, BASEBALL CARDS AND ARROWHEADS VALUED AT MORE THAN 14 HUNDRED DOLLARS WERE MISSING FROM THE STORE. A PATROLMAN DETAINED A SUBJECT FOUND IN THE AREA NOT LONG AFTER THE BURGLARY. 34 YEAR-OLD THOMAS PATRICK WHITE JUNIOR WAS QUESTIONED AND CONFESSED TO THE BREAK-IN. THE STOLEN ITEMS WERE ALSO FOUND IN THE SUSPECT'S BACKPACK. WHITE IS CHARGED WITH BURGLARY, VANDALISM, POSSESSION OF BURGLARY TOOLS AND THEFT OVER 1000 DOLLARS AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT OCTOBER 6TH. 24 Aug 2011 18:10:11 GMT A DEDICATION CEREMONY WAS HELD LAST WEEK FOR A MARKER COMMEMORATING THE BELLS ROUTE OF THE TRAIL OF TEARS THRU LAWRENCE COUNTY. THE SIGN WAS PLACED ALONG HIGHWAY 64 ON THE LAWRENCE AND GILES COUNTY LINE. THE TRAIL OF TEARS TRAVELED THRU THE AREA ALONG HIGHWAY 64 INTO LAWRENCEBURG THRU THE TOWN SQUARE DURING THE NATIVE AMERICANS' FORCED REMOVAL FROM THE EAST TO OKLAHOMA. THE MARKER IS SPONSORED BY THE TRAIL OF TEARS ORGANIZATION, THE TRAIL OF TEARS MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION AND WOODMEN OF THE WORLD. 24 Aug 2011 18:12:23 GMT INVESTIGATORS WITH THE MAURY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAVE RECOVERED SOME MERCHANDISE THEY BELIEVE WAS SHOPLIFTED BY MEMBERS OF AN ONLINE THEFT RING. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS AUTHORITIES RECOVERED MORE THAN 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF ITEMS TAKEN FROM AREA STORES AT A RESIDENCE IN MAURY COUNTY. OFFICIALS ALLEDGE THAT A GROUP OF UNIDENTIFIED SUSPECTS WERE STEALING ITEMS FROM HOBBY LOBBY, ELECTRONIC EXPRESS, HOME DEPOT, BED-BATH-AND-BEYOND AND KOHL'S AND THEN SELLING THE MERCHANDISE AT A DISCOUNT ON E-BAY. THE MONTH LONG INVESTIGATION BEGAN WHEN A HOBBY LOBBY EMPLOYEE CONTACTED AUTHORITIES ABOUT A RISE IN MISSING MERCHANDISE. DETECTIVES WORKED WITH THE STORE'S LOSS PREVENTION TEAM TO IDENTIFY THE SUSPECTS WHICH LED INVESTIGATORS TO THE OTHER TARGETED STORES. ITEMS RECOVERED AT THE HOME INCLUDED ART SUPPLIES, VIDEO GAMES AND TABLET COMPUTERS BUT AUTHORITIES BELIEVE MORE ITEMS HAD ALREADY BEEN SOLD ONLINE THAN THEY HAD RECOVERED. MORE THAN 200 SHIPPING CONFIRMATION SLIPS WERE ALSO FOUND AT THE RESIDENCE. EVIDENCE AGAINST THE SUSPECTS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE GRAND JURY IN SEPTEMBER. 25 Aug 2011 18:18:11 GMT ALTHOUGH IT ISN'T FULLY FUNCTIONAL YET, ALABAMA WILL IMPLEMENT A NEW LAW THIS YEAR THAT HOLDS STUDENTS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR BEHAVIOR ON CAMPUS. ACCORDING TO THE TIMES DAILY, THE LEGISLATION LINKS A STUDENT'S BEHAVIOR AT SCHOOL TO WHEN THEY MAY QUALIFY FOR A DRIVER'S PERMIT, LICENSE OR WATERCRAFT LICENSE. TAYLOR'S LAW WAS SIGNED IN JULY 2009 BUT THE NEW STATEWIDE DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM TO BE USED TO TRACK STUDENT'S BEHAVIOR IS STILL NOT READY TO BE FULLY FUNCTIONAL. WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL, THE SYSTEM WILL TRACK STUDENTS WHO COLLECT PENALTY POINTS FOR BAD BEHAVIOR AND EARN THEIR WAY OUT OF PENALTIES WITH GOOD BEHAVIOR BEGINNING THE SCHOOL YEAR THE STUDENT TURNS 13. EACH ACCUMULATED POINT ADDS A WEEK'S WAIT BEFORE THE STUDENT IS ALLOWED TO APPLY FOR A PERMIT OR DRIVER'S LICENSE WHEN THEY COME OF AGE UP TO A MAXIMUM OF ONE YEAR. TAYLOR'S LAW IS NAMED AFTER MUSCLE SHOALS RESIDENT DAVID TAYLOR WHO WAS KILLED IN 2002 BY A TEENAGE DRIVER THAT RAN A STOP SIGN AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND COLLIDED WITH TAYLOR'S VAN. STATE PUBLIC SAFETY AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS DON'T HAVE A SPECIFIC START DATE FOR THE SYSTEM TO BECOME FULLY OPERATIONAL BUT EXPECT IT TO BE UP AND RUNNING THIS SCHOOL YEAR. 25 Aug 2011 18:18:28 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG BOARD OF MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WILL MEET IN REGULAR SESSION THIS WEEK. THE AGENDA INCLUDES SECOND AND FINAL READING OF 2010-2011 BUDGET AMENDMENTS AND A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO ZERO TURN MOWERS FOR USE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER A MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT WEST POINT ROAD AND GRANDADDY ROAD AT THE PROPOSED WEST POINT ROAD CONNECTOR. A PRE-MEETING RECOGNITION OF THE 7 AND 8 YEAR-OLD LITTLE LEAGUE STATE CHAMPIONS AND THE 11 YEAR-OLD BABE RUTH CHAMPIONS HAS ALSO BEEN SCHEDULED. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD THURSDAY MORNING AT 8:30 AT CITY HALL. 25 Aug 2011 18:19:04 GMT A WIDE VARIETY OF NON-CREDIT COURSES WILL BE OFFERED IN SEPTEMBER AT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE THRU THE SCHOOL'S CENTER FOR ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. TOPICS INCLUDE: INTRODUCTION TO EXCEL, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS, ONLINE MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION, ONLINE MEDICAL CODING AND SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BUSINESSES. OTHER AVAILABLE CLASSES BUILD BUSINESS AND LIFE SKILLS WITH ESSENTIALS OF LEADERSHIP, EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT AND MORE. FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON NEXT MONTH'S CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES, CALL 540-2660 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE COLUMBIA STATE DOT E-D-U. 25 Aug 2011 18:19:28 GMT PLANS ARE UNDERWAY FOR A MAYOR'S PRAYER BREAKFAST NEXT MONTH AT LAWRENCEBURG CITY HALL. THE EVENT WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH AT 8 IN THE AUDITORIUM OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND AND OFFER PRAYERS FOR OUR CITY, STATE, NATION AND WORLD. 25 Aug 2011 18:19:54 GMT A CHILD WAS SHOT IN THE FOOT DURING A DOMESTIC ALTERCATION WEDNESDAY IN SOUTHERN GILES COUNTY. ACCORDING TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, DEPUTIES WERE CALLED TO A JOE GULLEY ROAD RESIDENCE FOR A REPORTED DISTURBANCE. WHILE RESPONDING TO THE CALL, DISPATCH RECEIVED WORD THAT A CHILD FROM THE JOE GULLEY ROAD AREA HAD BEEN TAKEN TO HILLSIDE HOSPITAL WITH A GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE FOOT. INVESTIGATORS LEARNED THAT A FAMILY ALTERCATION HAD OCCURRED AND THE TWO YEAR-OLD CHILD WAS SHOT, THE CHILD'S FATHER WAS INJURED AND ANOTHER PERSON SUFFERED A CUT TO THE HAND. 19 YEAR-OLD WILLIAM BRITTON WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND IS BEING HELD IN THE GILES COUNTY JAIL ON 25 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. THE CHILD WAS SENT TO VANDERBILT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT AND THEN RELEASED TO THE PARENTS. THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 26 Aug 2011 19:23:41 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG BOARD OF MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL GATHERED THURSDAY MORNING AT CITY HALL. PRIOR TO THE REGULAR SESSION, MEMBERS MET WITH THE 7 AND 8 YEAR-OLD LITTLE LEAGUE STATE CHAMPS AND THE 11 YEAR-OLD BABE RUTH CHAMPIONS TO CONGRATULATE THE TEAMS FOR THEIR WINNING SEASONS. THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL ALSO RECOGNIZED 30 YEAR STREET DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE DAVID SUTTON ON HIS RETIREMENT. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2010-2011 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL READING AS DID A RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING GREG JOHNSTON TO THE CITY BEER BOARD. COUNCILMEN ALSO APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF TWO ZERO TURN MOWERS FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. OF THE FOUR BIDS SUBMITTED, FARMERS SUPPLY HAD THE LOW BID FOR THE LAWN EQUIPMENT AT 22,700 DOLLARS. THE BOARD ALSO AGREED TO ENTER INTO A MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT WEST POINT ROAD AND GRANDADDY ROAD AT THE PROPOSED WEST POINT ROAD CONNECTOR. THE NEW LIGHTS WILL BE NECESSARY WHEN THE WESTERN PORTION OF THE HIGHWAY 64 BYPASS PROJECT IS CONSTRUCTED. 26 Aug 2011 19:23:51 GMT AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAMS ARE GEARING UP FOR ANOTHER WEEK OF ACTION. GILES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WILL HOST LAWRENCE COUNTY IN THE ANNUAL COWBELL GAME FRIDAY NIGHT IN PULASKI. BOTH TEAMS ARE COMING OFF OF TOUGH LOSSES LAST WEEK. THE LORETTO MUSTANGS ARE AT HOME THIS WEEK HOSTING SUMMIT. THE MUSTANGS ARE OH AND ONE SO FAR THIS SEASON. COLUMBIA CENTRAL IS ON THE ROAD AGAIN THIS WEEK PLAYING AT DICKSON COUNTY. THE LIONS WON THEIR SEASON OPENER LAST WEEK AT LAWRENCE COUNTY. AND RICHLAND WILL TRAVEL TO JACKSON COUNTY ON FRIDAY. THE RAIDERS WERE SHUT OUT LAST WEEK IN GAME ONE OF THE REGULAR SEASON. 26 Aug 2011 19:24:10 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO A COUPLE OF RECENTLY REPORTED THEFT AND VANDALISM CASES. DEPUTIES WERE CALLED TO AN IRON CITY PROPERTY WEDNESDAY AFTER THE OWNER DISCOVERED SOMEONE HAD STOLEN SCRAP METAL, AN AIR CONDITIONER AND OTHER ITEMS. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT 230 DOLLARS. AN EVANS ROAD HOMEOWNER REPORTED THAT SOMEONE HAD VANDALIZED A VEHICLE PARKED AT THE PROPERTY. THE VICTIM, WHO MOVED FROM THE HOME IN JUNE, RETURNED WEDNESDAY TO FIND DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION AND TIRES. THE DAMAGES TOTALED 450 DOLLARS. 26 Aug 2011 19:24:36 GMT REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT DESJARLAIS HAS ANNOUNCED HIS "LISTENING TO TENNESSEE" TOUR WILL MAKE A STOP IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. THE TOUR WILL BE COMPOSED OF LISTENING SESSIONS ACROSS THE STATE'S 4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT TO HEAR OPINIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON IMPORTANT POLICY ISSUES. THE CONGRESSMAN WILL VISIT THE MUSTANG CAFE IN LORETTO ON TUESDAY FROM 2 TO 3. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF LISTENING SESSIONS, VISIT THE WEBSITE DESJARLAIS.HOUSE.GOV. 26 Aug 2011 19:24:36 GMT THE LIST OF CHARGES FOR A WANTED MAN GREW THURSDAY AFTER HE TRIED, UNSUCCESSFULLY, TO AVOID BEING ARRESTED. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT, AROUND 3:30 OFFICERS SPOTTED 27 YEAR-OLD JEREMY BOCEPHUS FRAZIER OF LAWRENCEBURG AS A PASSENGER IN A VEHICLE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY 43. POLICE KNEW OF AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT ON FRAZIER AND INITIATED A TRAFFIC STOP. AN OFFICER STOOD BESIDE THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OF THE CAR TO TALK TO THE SUSPECT WHEN FRAZIER JUMPED OVER THE DRIVER AND OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW AND FLED ON FOOT TO GARNER LANE. WHILE TRYING TO ESCAPE, FRAZIER RAN INTO A BARBED WIRE FENCE AND INTO A TREE LINE WHERE HE WAS PLACED UNDER ARREST. IN ADDITION TO THE CHARGES ON THE ORIGINAL WARRANT, HE IS NOW FACING EVADING AND RESISTING ARREST CHARGES. FRAZIER IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT OCTOBER 6TH. 30 Aug 2011 14:46:21 GMT A LEXINGTON BANK WAS GIVEN AN UNINTENDED NEW DRIVE-THRU ENTRANCE THURSDAY WHEN AN S-U-V CRASHED INTO THE BUILDING. THE TIMES DAILY REPORTS 68 YEAR-OLD RONALD CLIFFORD MCKENZIE WAS DRIVING HIS 2008 PONTIAC TORRENT AROUND 9:40 A-M WHEN HE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF BANK INDEPENDENT ON ALABAMA 101. MCKENZIE TOLD POLICE HE WAS TRYING TO PUT ON THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T STOP. THE DRIVER WAS UNHURT BUT HIS WIFE WAS TAKEN TO E-C-M HOSPITAL WITH MINOR INJURIES. NO ONE INSIDE THE BUSINESS WAS HURT AND THE BANK CONTINUED OPERATIONS. 30 Aug 2011 14:46:47 GMT PULASKI POLICE ARE SEARCHING FOR A MAN ACCUSED OF ROBBING EMPLOYEES OF A LOCAL GAS STATION. REPORTS INDICATE EMPLOYEES OF THE CORNER MARKET WERE IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A DEPOSIT AROUND 7:30 THURSDAY EVENING AT A NEAR BY BANK WHEN THEY WERE APPROACHED BY AN UNIDENTIFIED BLACK MALE. THE SUSPECT STRONG ARMED THE PAIR AND MADE AWAY WITH AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT OF MONEY. NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THE ROBBERY. POLICE ASK IF ANYONE WITNESSED THE CRIME TO CALL INVESTIGATORS AT 424-4404. 30 Aug 2011 14:47:06 GMT AN OPEN HOUSE HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY AT LORETTO HIGH SCHOOL. THE FACULTY AND STAFF WILL BE ON HAND FROM 5 TO 7 FOR PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 853-4324. 30 Aug 2011 14:47:22 GMT MID SOUTH MEDIATION SERVICES OFFERS PARENTING CLASSES FOR DIVORCING PARENTS IN TENNESSEE. MID SOUTH IS APPROVED BY THE COURTS TO OFFER THE REQUIRED FOUR HOUR PARENTING EDUCATION SEMINAR FOR PARENTS IN THE PROCESS OF DIVORCE. CLASSES WILL BE HELD SATURDAY FROM 10 TO NOON AND 1 TO 3 AT THE MID SOUTH MEDIATION OFFICE IN LAWRENCEBURG AND IN CENTERVILLE AT THE HICKMAN COUNTY LIBRARY. TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 796-0487 OR 622-1462. 30 Aug 2011 14:47:41 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN WAS ARRESTED SATURDAY ON AGGRAVATED ROBBERY AND ASSAULT CHARGES. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, A MAN REPORTED TO DEPUTIES THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ALTERCATION AND ROBBED WHILE AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE. AROUND 8 A-M, THE VICTIM WAS SITTING ON THE CARPORT OF THE WAYNESBORO HIGHWAY RESIDENCE WHEN 49 YEAR-OLD GARY BOYD MCMAHAN CAME UP BEHIND HIM, THREW HIM OUT OF THE CHAIR AND PINNED HIM FACEDOWN ON THE GROUND WITH MCMAHAN'S KNEE IN HIS BACK. THE SUSPECT ALLEDGEDLY TOOK THE VICTIM'S WALLET OUT OF HIS BACK POCKET AND STOLE 60 DOLLARS IN CASH AND THEN LEFT. DEPUTIES TRACKED THE SUSPECT BY A DESCRIPTION OF THE VEHICLE HE LEFT THE SCENE IN AND PULLED HIM OVER ON WEST POINT ROAD. MCMAHAN WAS TAKEN TO JAIL AND IS DUE TO FACE THE CHARGES IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT OCTOBER 4TH. 30 Aug 2011 18:15:23 GMT VANDALS TARGETED AN S-U-V IN WEST POINT LATE LAST WEEK. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THE WEST MAPLE STREET RESIDENT CAME HOME SATURDAY TO FIND HER MAZDA TRIBUTE HAD BEEN VANDALIZED. THE SUN ROOF WAS DAMAGED, A TIRE WAS CUT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS BROKEN. DAMAGES TOTALED 1150 DOLLARS. 30 Aug 2011 18:15:42 GMT REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT DESJARLAIS'S "LISTENING TO TENNESSEE" TOUR WILL MAKE A STOP IN LAWRENCE COUNTY ON TUESDAY. THE CONGRESSMAN WILL VISIT THE MUSTANG CAFE IN LORETTO FROM 2 TO 3. THE TOUR INCLUDES LISTENING SESSIONS ACROSS THE STATE'S 4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT TO HEAR OPINIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON IMPORTANT POLICY ISSUES. 30 Aug 2011 18:16:14 GMT FOSTER PARENTS ARE NEEDED IN LAWRENCE COUNTY AND REQUIRED CERTIFICATION CLASSES WILL BEGIN THIS WEEK. CURRENTLY, 130 LAWRENCE COUNTY KIDS ARE IN FOSTER CARE WITH JUST 39 DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES APPROVED HOMES IN THE COUNTY. SEVERAL OF THOSE HOMES ARE ABOUT TO CLOSE DUE TO ADOPTIONS. THE FOUR WEEK FOSTER PARENT CERTIFICATION COURSE WILL BEGIN TUESDAY AT 6 IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN LAWRENCEBURG. TO ENROLL, CALL THE MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AT 615-494-7680. 30 Aug 2011 18:16:40 GMT THREE ADULTS AND ONE JUVENILE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED BY THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT ON CHILD ABUSE CHARGES. POLICE REPORTS INDICATE A 5 YEAR-OLD GIRL AND HER 4 YEAR-OLD BROTHER WERE PHYSICALLY ABUSED ON SATURDAY AT A LAWRENCEBURG HOME. INVESTIGATORS SEIZED A HOMEMADE VIDEO TAPE SHOWING THE ABUSE OF THE CHILDREN AT THE RESIDENCE. 30 YEAR-OLD MARIETTA CODY HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH CHILD ABUSE AND CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILD ABUSE AND IS BEING HELD ON 20 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. 25 YEAR-OLD TABITHA JANE SIMS AND 23 YEAR-OLD NICHOLAS LEE DANIELS ARE BOTH CHARGED WITH CHILD ABUSE AND ARE BEING HELD ON 5 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND EACH. THE FOURTH OFFENDER IS AN UNIDENTIFIED JUVENILE. THE THREE ADULTS ARE SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT OCTOBER 6TH. 31 Aug 2011 19:43:38 GMT ACTING AS THE NEWLY INSTALLED BEER BOARD, THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION REVOKED THE BEER PERMITS OF TWO AREA BUSINESSES ON MONDAY. 13 MEMBERS VOTED FOR THE REVOCATION OF THE PERMIT TO SELL BEER FOR NEW PROSPECT MARKET. 2 OTHER MEMBERS PASSED ON THE VOTE WITH THE REMAINING 3 MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ABSENT. THE VALIDITY OF THE PERMIT FOR THE HIGHWAY 64 EAST BUSINESS CAME INTO QUESTION SOME MONTHS AGO WHEN IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE MARKET DIDN'T MEET A MINIMUM DISTANCE REQUIREMENT FROM NEW PROSPECT BAPTIST CHURCH. THE COUNTY REGULATIONS INDICATE THAT ESTABLISHMENTS MUST BE AT LEAST 2000 FEET FROM A SCHOOL, CHURCH OR OTHER PUBLIC GATHERING PLACE. THE BOARD ALSO VOTED TO REVOKE THE PERMIT OF SUMMERTOWN BAIT AND TACKLE ON TURNPIKE ROAD. 10 MEMBERS VOTED FOR REVOCATION, 2 AGAINST AND 3 PASSED. THE BUSINESS IS LOCATED LESS THAN 2000 FEET FROM SUMMERTOWN CEMETERY. ATTORNEYS FOR BOTH BUSINESSES SPOKE TO THE COMMISSION BEFORE THE VOTE AND OUTLINED LEGAL CHALLENGES THAT WOULD BE PURSUED IF THE STORES LOST THEIR PERMITS. THE BEER PERMITS FOR BOTH BUSINESSES WERE INVALIDATED EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. 31 Aug 2011 19:44:05 GMT THE 18TH ANNUAL TRAIL OF TEARS MOTORCYCLE RIDE WILL BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER WITH THOUSANDS OF RIDERS EXPECTED TO TRAVEL THRU THE AREA TO COMMEMORATE THE FORCIBLE REMOVAL OF NATIVE AMERICANS FROM THE EAST TO OKLAHOMA. THE RIDE IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH WITH MORE THAN 50 THOUSAND MOTORCYCLISTS EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TENNESSEE TO OKLAHOMA EVENT. THE RIDE IS HELD EACH YEAR TO HONOR NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE, REMEMBER THE TRAIL OF TEARS AND RAISE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS. THE INITIAL LEG OF THE REMEMBRANCE RIDE WILL START IN CHATTANOOGA AND END AT MCFARLAND PARK IN FLORENCE. ABOUT 10 THOUSAND RIDERS ARE EXPECTED TO PASS THRU PULASKI AND ENTER LAWRENCE COUNTY ON THE NEW HIGHWAY 64 BYPASS THEN TAKE HIGHWAY 43 SOUTH TO FLORENCE. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO GATHER ALONG THE ROUTE TO SUPPORT THE CAUSE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE WEBSITE TRAILOFTEARS-REMEMBRANCE.ORG. 31 Aug 2011 19:44:21 GMT A NUMBER OF WEST LAWRENCE COUNTY HOMES WERE WITHOUT POWER FOR A NUMBER OF HOURS LATE MONDAY AFTER A TRANSFORMER EXPLODED. WITNESS REPORTS INDICATE THE TRANSFORMER BLEW AROUND 10:30 P-M NEAR THE MASON PLACE SUBDIVISION SENDING POWER LINES TO THE GROUND. SOME OF THE LINES SPARKED A FIELD FIRE NEAR A NUMBER OF HOMES BUT WAS QUICKLY CONTAINED BY AREA FIRE CREWS. HIGHWAY 64 WEST WAS SHUT DOWN WHILE UTILITY CREWS REPAIRED THE DAMAGE. POWER WAS RESTORED TO THE AFFECTED AREA EARLY TUESDAY MORNING. 31 Aug 2011 19:44:38 GMT PLANS ARE UNDERWAY TO MAKE A DANGEROUS INTERSECTION AT SPRING HILL HIGH SCHOOL SAFER FOR MOTORISTS. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS DESIGN WORK HAS BEGUN FOR A TRAFFIC SIGNAL TO BE INSTALLED AT THE INTERSECTION OF SPRING MEADE BOULEVARD AND HIGHWAY 31 INCLUDING EXTENDED TURN LANES TO ACCESS THE ENTRANCE TO THE SCHOOL ON RAIDER LANE. OFFICIALS BELIEVE THE CHANGES WILL MAKE THE INTERSECTION SAFER FOR STUDENTS. THE PROJECT WILL BE FUNDED BY FEDERAL MONEY DISTRIBUTED THRU THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. 31 Aug 2011 19:44:55 GMT TENNESSEE OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED TUESDAY THAT PERRY COUNTY WILL SEE AROUND 400 NEW JOBS CREATED IN THE COMING YEARS. ACCORDING TO A REPORT BY CHANNEL 4 NEWS, MICHIGAN BASED AUTOMOTIVE PARTS SUPPLIER N-Y-X WILL OCCUPY A PRESENTLY VACANT FACILITY AND PLANS TO EMPLOY 400 NEW WORKERS OVER A FIVE YEAR PERIOD. THE COMPANY LEASED THE VACANT 175,000 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY FOR 10 YEARS AND PLANS TO CONTINUE OPERATIONS OF A SMALLER PRODUCTION FACILITY IN LOBELVILLE. OFFICIALS INDICATE THE CREATION OF JOBS IN PERRY COUNTY IS A HOPEFUL TURN AROUND FROM ONCE HAVING THE STATE'S HIGHEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AT JUST UNDER 30 PERCENT IN 2009. THE COUNTY CURRENTLY HAS 14-POINT-7 PERCENT OF IT WORKFORCE WITHOUT JOBS. PRODUCTION IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN EARLY 2012. 01 Sep 2011 17:53:51 GMT THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS TO THE MIDDLE TENNESSEE DISTRICT FAIREST OF THE FAIR PAGEANTS IS COMING SOON. THERE WILL BE FIVE PAGEANTS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH AND 25TH. THE CATAGORIES ARE MISS TINY TOT FOR AGES 3 TO 5, TINY MISS AGES 6 TO 8, LITTLE MISS AGES 9 TO 12, JUNIOR MISS AGES 13 TO 15 AND MISS FAIREST FOR AGES 16 TO 20. THE ENTRY FEE IS 65 DOLLARS AND INCLUDES PHOTOS AND 2 FAIR CONCERT TICKETS. APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY THIS SATURDAY. SEE THE 2011 FAIR CATALOG FOR CONTEST RULES AND APPLICATIONS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 629-0293 OR 242-3625. 01 Sep 2011 17:54:16 GMT 3 SUMMERTOWN VEHICLES WERE BURGLARIZED SOMETIME EARLY TUESDAY. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT THE THREE VEHICLES WERE PARKED AT PROPERTIES ON FREEDOM ROAD WHEN THE CRIMES OCCURRED. THIEVES HELPED THEMSELVES TO A PAIR OF CD PLAYERS, MUSIC CD'S, A WOMAN'S WALLET, AND HUNTING EQUIPMENT WITH A TOTAL ESTIMATED LOSS OF $554 DOLLARS. SHERIFF'S INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO THE CRIME SPREE. 01 Sep 2011 17:54:33 GMT INVESTIGATORS WITH THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT ARE LOOKING INTO THE THEFT OF OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS IN TOOLS FROM A WORKSITE. REPORTS INDICATE THIEVES BROKE INTO A TRAILER PARKED AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE ON HIGHWAY 43 SOUTH SOMETIME BEFORE SATURDAY. ITEMS MISSING INCLUDE TOOLS, HINGE LOCKS, AND BOLT CUTTERS ALL VALUED AT $1,432 DOLLARS. THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 01 Sep 2011 17:54:55 GMT MOTORISTS CAN EXPECT INCREASED EFFORTS BY THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL TO REMOVE DRUNK DRIVERS FROM STATE ROADWAYS DURING THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND. TROOPERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL "DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER" CAMPAIGN FOR THE OFFICIAL HOLIDAY TRAVEL PERIOD FROM 6 P-M FRIDAY THRU 11:59 P-M MONDAY. THE T-H-P WILL ESTABLISH SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS THRU-OUT THE STATE TO LOOK FOR AGGRESSIVE AND IMPAIRED DRIVERS AS WELL AS SAFETY BELT VIOLATORS. LAST YEAR, 10 PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN 10 FATAL CRASHES IN TENNESSEE DURING THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND. 02 Sep 2011 17:57:09 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCEBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT ARE CELEBRATING THE ARRIVAL OF A NEW FIRE TRUCK. DEPARTMENT LEADERS INDICATE THE NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART VEHICLE WILL REPLACE THE CURRENT ENGINE ONE AND WILL OPERATE OUT OF THE DOWNTOWN FIRE STATION. THE CUSTOM BUILT TRUCK WAS DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED BY THE FLORIDA BASED E-ONE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE, WHICH WAS DELIVERED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, IS EXPECTED TO OPERATE IN THE CITY'S FIRE DEPARTMENT FLEET FOR A LIFETIME OF AROUND 20 YEARS. THE NEW TRUCK IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN SERVICE SOMETIME IN THE NEXT WEEK. 02 Sep 2011 17:58:09 GMT COLUMBIA AUTHORITIES ARE LOOKING INTO A STRING OF RECENT CAR BURGLARIES IN THE WEST 7TH STREET AREA. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS A 17 YEAR-OLD BOY IS RECOVERING FROM MINOR INJURIES TO HIS ARM AFTER CONFRONTING A VEHICLE BURGLAR IN A STORE PARKING LOT ON SUNDAY. AROUND 10:30 P-M, THE VICTIM NOTICED A BLACK MALE TRYING TO GET INTO HIS CAR PARKED IN THE FRED'S DISCOUNT STORE PARKING LOT ALONG WEST 7TH STREET. WHEN THE VICTIM CONFRONTED THE THE ROBBER, THE TWO BEGAN TO FIGHT UNTIL THE SUSPECT FLED ON FOOT. AUTHORITIES SAY THE INCIDENT IS ONE OF 10 BURGLARIES IN THE AREA FROM AUGUST 25TH TO 29TH. POLICE CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENTS AND URGE MOTORISTS TO ALWAYS LOCK CAR DOORS AND REMOVE ANY VALUABLES FROM VEHICLES. 02 Sep 2011 17:58:44 GMT THIEVES TARGETED A LAWRENCEBURG CAR LOT OVER THE WEEKEND. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE OWNER OF THE NORTH LOCUST AVENUE BUSINESS NOTICED THE LOCKS HAD BEEN PRIED OFF OF HIS STORAGE SHEDS. FOUR CHEVY TAHOE RIMS AND CHROME CENTER CAPS WERE STOLEN. LOSS AND DAMAGES TOTALED JUST OVER 500 DOLLARS. 02 Sep 2011 17:59:11 GMT PLANS ARE UNDERWAY FOR THE 5TH ANNUAL SEPTEMBER 11TH MEMORIAL WALK IN LAWRENCE COUNTY SPONSORED BY AMERICAN LEGION POST 146. THE WALK WILL BE HELD SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH AT 6 P-M FROM THE OLD NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY TO THE LAWRENCEBURG SQUARE. CITY AND COUNTY OFFICIALS, THE LORETTO AMERICAN LEGION, THE V-F-W, LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL BANDS, COMMUNITY CLUBS AND CHURCHES WILL PARTICIPATE. THE MEMORIAL WALK WILL CONCLUDE WITH A CANDLELIGHT SERVICE, FLAG RAISING CEREMONY AND THE PLAYING OF TAPS. A BUS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TRANSPORT WALKERS BACK TO THE ARMORY FOLLOWING THE EVENT. 02 Sep 2011 17:59:30 GMT A LEOMA MAN IS IN JAIL AFTER AN EARLY MORNING TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT, OFFICERS WERE DISPATCHED JUST AFTER 2 A-M FRIDAY TO A MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH ON HIGHWAY 43 SOUTH. THE DRIVER, 36 YEAR-OLD SHANE TRENTON HANS, WAS UNINJURED IN THE WRECK BUT A FEMALE PASSENGER SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN BY HELICOPTER TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT. WITNESSES SAID THE DRIVER APPEARED INTOXICATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CRASH. HANS REFUSED TO VOLUNTARILY SUBMIT TO A BLOOD ALCOHOL TEST BUT AS THE ACCIDENT CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY, THE BLOOD TEST WAS MANDATORY AND WAS PERFORMED AT CROCKETT HOSPITAL. HANS IS CHARGED WITH DRIVING ON A SUSPENDED LICENSE, VIOLATION OF THE IMPLIED CONSENT LAW AND VEHICULAR ASSAULT AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT OCTOBER 7TH. 06 Sep 2011 17:58:04 GMT A LAWRENCE COUNTY MAN IS FACING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES AFTER A WEDNESDAY MORNING INCIDENT AT A SHOALLY BRANCH ROAD HOME. REPORTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT DEPUTIES WERE CALLED IN AFTER 23 YEAR-OLD COURTNEY JOSHUA SMITH HAD ALLEGEDLY THREATENED TO KILL HIS GIRLFRIEND AND THEIR 5 YEAR-OLD SON AND DID ABOUT 26 HUNDRED DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THEIR HOME. THE VICTIM TOLD AUTHORITIES THAT AROUND 2 A-M SMITH HAD DRIVEN HIS TRUCK THRU THE YARD TEARING UP THE PROPERTY UNTIL HIS VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULDN'T RESTART. HE THEN CAME INTO THE HOUSE AND USED A 22 CALIBER PISTOL TO SHOOT UP THE PLACE. WHEN THE VICTIM SAID SHE WAS GOING TO TAKE THE CHILD AND LEAVE, SMITH SAID HE WOULD KILL HER AND THE BOY IF SHE LEFT. HE THEN USED A BASEBALL BAT ON THE FURNITURE AND THREW KNIVES AROUND THE ROOM. SMITH EVENTUALLY TOOK HIS GIRLFRIEND'S KEYS AND LEFT IN HER CAR. HE WRECKED THE VEHICLE A SHORT TIME LATER AND WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AT A PROPERTY NEAR THE ACCIDENT SCENE. SMITH IS CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC ASSAULT, RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT, VANDALISM AND AGGRAVATED KIDNAPPING AND IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT OCTOBER 29TH. 06 Sep 2011 17:58:21 GMT SOME CLOSINGS AND SCHEDULE CHANGES HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR THE UPCOMING LABOR DAY HOLIDAY. CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY. RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE CART PICK UP FOR MONDAY WILL BE ON THURSDAY. PLEASE PUT CARTS OUT EARLY FOR THE DOUBLE ROUTE DAY. OFFICES AT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER WILL BE CLOSED ON LABOR DAY. PULASKI ELECTRIC SYSTEM WILL ALSO BE CLOSED MONDAY. SCHOOLS IN LAWRENCE, GILES AND MAURY COUNTIES WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY. 06 Sep 2011 17:58:57 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL WILL MEET IN REGULAR SESSION NEXT WEEK. THE AGENDA INCLUDES AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2011-2012 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AND A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE CITY'S PURCHASING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT 8:30 A-M AT THE CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. 06 Sep 2011 17:59:17 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAS ANNOUNCED PLANS FOR THIS YEAR'S BUSINESS EXPO. THE ANNUAL EVENT WILL BE HELD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13TH FROM 3 TO 8 AT THE ROTARY PARK GYMS. THE EXPO WILL FEATURE DISPLAYS AND INFORMATION ON THE CHAMBER'S MEMBERSHIP BUSINESSES. THOSE ATTENDING WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REGISTER TO WIN A 4 DAY, 3 NIGHT CRUISE. MEMBERS PLANNING TO TAKE PART NEED TO CONTACT THE CHAMBER BY NEXT FRIDAY TO RESERVE A FREE 10-BY-10 BOOTH SPACE. NON-MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO OBTAIN A DISPLAY AREA BY CONTACTING CHAMBER OFFICIALS AT 762-4911. ADMISSION TO THIS YEAR'S EXPO IS FREE. 06 Sep 2011 17:59:48 GMT A COLUMBIA MAN CHARGED WITH HIS GIRLFRIEND'S MURDER HAD A LONG HISTORY OF DOMESTIC ASSAULTS. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS 37 YEAR-OLD JOHNNY LEE FLEMING THE FOURTH WAS ARRESTED LAST WEEK AFTER AUTHORITIES FOUND TONYA MAY THOMPSON'S BODY AT THE COLUMBIA HOME THE PAIR SHARED. THOMPSON HAD BEEN SHOT. AT THE TIME OF THE MURDER, FLEMING WAS ON PROBATION AFTER PLEADING GUILTY ON JULY 27TH TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES. HE WAS SENTENCED TO 11 MONTHS AND 29 DAYS PROBATION, 10 DAYS SUSPENDED JAIL TIME FOR VIOLATING HIS BOND TERMS AND WAS ORDERED TO FORFEIT HIS FIREARMS. FLEMING WAS ALSO ORDERED BY THE COURT TO ENROLL IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION CLASSES WHICH HE DID NOT DO. COURT RECORDS SHOW THAT THE SUSPECT WAS ARRESTED IN MAY FOR DOMESTIC SIMPLE ASSAULT AND AGAIN IN JULY FOR VIOLATING HIS BOND CONDITIONS BY BEING IN THOMPSON'S COMPANY WHILE A NO CONTACT ORDER WAS IN PLACE. IN 1998 AND 2004 HE WAS ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AGAINST HIS THEN WIFE. FLEMING IS NOW CHARGED WITH FIRST DEGREE MURDER IN THOMPSON'S DEATH AND IS BEING HELD IN THE MAURY COUNTY JAIL WITHOUT BOND. 07 Sep 2011 18:59:28 GMT IT WAS A WET LABOR DAY WEEKEND FOR AREA RESIDENTS AS TROPICAL STORM LEE PAID A VISIT TO THE MID-SOUTH. MODERATE, LONG-LASTING RAIN SPOILED MANY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES BUT HELPED MAKE UP FOR AN INCH AND A HALF RAINFALL DEFICIT FROM AUGUST. DOPPLER RADAR ESTIMATES INDICATE MOST OF THE MUCH NEEDED PRECIPITATION FELL OVER SOUTHWEST MIDDLE TENNESSEE FROM SATURDAY THRU MONDAY. LAWRENCE COUNTY SAW AROUND 6 INCHES OF RAIN, WAYNE COUNTY HAD JUST OVER 7 INCHES, MAURY COUNTY HAD AN AVERAGE OF 5 AND A HALF INCHES AND GILES COUNTY AROUND 4 AND A HALF. THE SLOW PACED RAIN KEPT FLOODING AT A MINIMUM BUT A NUMBER OF SOAKED TREE LIMBS FELL ONTO ROADS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE AREA RESULTING IN MINOR TRAFFIC DELAYS. MORE RAIN AND COOLER AIR WILL VISIT THE AREA IN COMING DAYS. CHECK OUT THE WEATHER SECTION OF WLXONLINE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. 07 Sep 2011 18:59:39 GMT THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY MIDDLE TENNESSEE DISTRICT FAIR AT ROTARY PARK IN LAWRENCEBURG. ACTIVITIES AT THE FAIR WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD THRU SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2ND. ADMISSION TO THIS YEAR'S FAIR IS 7 DOLLARS FOR AGES 13 AND OLDER, 3 DOLLARS FOR AGES 6 TO 12 AND UNDER 6 ADMITTED FREE. WEEKLY PASSES ARE 25 DOLLARS EACH AND PARKING ON THE FAIRGROUNDS AND THE MAHR AVENUE LOT IS 5 DOLLARS. THE W-G WADE SHOWS MIDWAY ARM BANDS FOR RIDES WILL BE 18 DOLLARS MONDAY THRU THURSDAY FROM 5 TO CLOSE, 20 DOLLARS ON FRIDAY FROM 11 A-M TO CLOSE, 20 DOLLARS ON SATURDAY FROM 11 TO 2 AND 25 DOLLARS AFTER 2 AND 18 DOLLARS ON SUNDAY FROM 1 TO CLOSE. TICKETS FOR THE BEAUTY PAGEANTS TO BE HELD AT THE CROCKETT THEATER WILL BE 7 DOLLARS EACH. BEACH BOYS CONCERT TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE IN A RANGE OF PRICES FROM 15 TO 50 DOLLARS DEPENDING ON SEAT LOCATION AND ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ROTARY PARK TICKET OFFICE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 762-4678 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE MTDFAIR.ORG. 07 Sep 2011 18:59:57 GMT WITH SEVERAL CALLS COMING IN TO THE WRONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE, THE CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG WOULD LIKE THE PUBLIC TO KNOW THE CORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT. THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IS A DEPARTMENT OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY GOVERNMENT - NOT THE CITY - AND CAN BE REACHED BY CALLING 766-0900. THE SOLID WASTE STATION IS LOCATED AT 2126 BALER DRIVE IN LAWRENCEBURG. 07 Sep 2011 19:00:24 GMT THOSE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA ARE INVITED TO REGISTER FOR A COUPLE OF RELATED NON-CREDIT COURSES COMING SOON TO COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE. THE SOCIAL MEDIA BASIC CLASS IS AN INTRODUCTORY COURSE GEARED TO NEW AND LESS EXPERIENCED USERS OF SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS. THE SESSION WILL COVER TOPICS INCLUDING HOW TO ESTABLISH A PRESENCE ON SUCH NETWORKS AS FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND LINKED-IN. THE CLASS WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY (TODAY) FROM 9 TO 11 ON THE COLUMBIA CAMPUS. THE FEE IS 30 DOLLARS INCLUDING ALL COURSE MATERIALS. A SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BUSINESS COURSE IS ALSO SCHEDULED FOR THIS MONTH. THE INTERMEDIATE CLASS IS DESIGNED TO SHOW HOW TO INCORPORATE SOCIAL MEDIA INTO A COMPANY'S MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS PLANS. THE SESSION WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST FROM 9:30 TO 12:30 ON THE COLUMBIA CAMPUS. THE FEE IS 45 DOLLARS. TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 540-2660 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE COLUMBIASTATE.EDU. 07 Sep 2011 19:00:46 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY MORNING. THE BOARD APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF BOBBY JONES TO THE UTILITY BOARD AS RECOMMENDED BY MAYOR KEITH DURHAM. JONES WILL TAKE THE PLACE OF RETIRING BOARD MEMBER PAUL BATES AS OF OCTOBER 1ST. COUNCIL MEMBERS APPROVED A BUDGET AMENDMENT THAT WILL ALLOCATE 2000 DOLLARS IN DONATIONS TO BE USED FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY'S ANIMAL CONTROL FACILITY. ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS WAS DONATED BY LEADERSHIP LAWRENCE COUNTY ALUMNI AND THE OTHER THOUSAND FROM AN ANONYMOUS DONOR. THE FUNDS WILL BE USED TO ADD SHADE FOR THE ANIMALS, ADD MORE KENNELS AND OTHER PROJECTS AT THE DOG POUND. THE BOARD ALSO APPROVED AMENDING THE PURCHASING POLICY AND PROCEDURE TO INCREASE THE PURCHASE AMOUNTS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN QUOTES OR BIDS AND AGREED TO APPLY FOR A 133,800 DOLLAR GRANT FOR FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT. A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF CONCRETE FROM IRVING MATERIALS WAS ALSO APPROVED. 09 Sep 2011 19:30:59 GMT LAWRENCEBURG POLICE MADE AN ARREST TUESDAY EVENING IN A HIT AND RUN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. REPORTS INDICATE THAT OFFICERS WERE DISPATCHED TO A WRECK WITH INJURIES JUST AFTER 7 P-M AT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 43 AND 64. WITNESSES TOLD AUTHORITIES A CHEVY S-10 TRUCK HAD PULLED INTO THE PATH OF A MOTORCYCLE, SERIOUSLY INJURING TWO RIDERS, AND THEN FLED THE SCENE WITH ANOTHER WITNESS TAILING THE TRUCK. POLICE STOPPED THE VEHICLE IN THE MAHR AVENUE AND MORROW STREET AREA A SHORT TIME LATER. THE VICTIMS, JAYCE MATTHEW STAGGS, 37 AND SHANNA MARIE COX, 22, BOTH OF LAWRENCEBURG, WERE TAKEN TO CROCKETT HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK, 47 YEAR-OLD JAMES ANTHONY WEATHERS OF LAWRENCEBURG WAS ARRESTED FOR TWO COUNTS OF VEHICULAR ASSAULT, LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT, DRIVING ON A REVOKED LICENSE, OPEN CONTAINER AND FAILURE TO GIVE IMMEDIATE NOTICE OF AN ACCIDENT. WEATHERS IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT OCTOBER 6TH. 09 Sep 2011 19:39:16 GMT A FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN GILES COUNTY HAS CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A PULASKI MAN. THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL REPORTS THE WRECK OCCURRED TUESDAY EVENING AROUND 6:30 ON HIGHWAY 166 IN PROSPECT. A 2001 FORD F-150 DRIVEN BY 40 YEAR-OLD DAVID WAYNE BARTLETT WAS SOUTHBOUND WHEN THE TRUCK WENT OFF THE ROADWAY AND ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DRIVER WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. THE ACCIDENT WAS INVESTIGATED BY TROOPER WILLIAM ALVAREZ. 09 Sep 2011 19:39:35 GMT COLUMBIA POLICE ARE ASKING THE PUBLIC FOR INFORMATION ON A WEEKEND ARMED ROBBERY. AUTHORITIES INDICATE TWO MEN ENTERED THE FAST STOP STORE AT 2585 NASHVILLE HIGHWAY AROUND 10:45 P-M. ONE MAN POINTED A PISTOL AT THE CLERK AS THE OTHER WENT AROUND THE COUNTER AND TOOK THE MONEY FROM THE REGISTER. THEY BOTH FLED ON FOOT. THE MEN ARE BOTH BLACK MALES, 6 FEET TO 6 FEET 2 INCHES TALL WITH A SLENDER BUILD. THEY WERE DRESSED IN GRAY HOODED SWEATSHIRTS AND DARK COLORED PANTS AND BOTH WERE WEARING SKI MASKS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCIDENT IS ASKED TO CALL THE COLUMBIA POLICE DEPARTMENT'S DECTECTIVES DIVISION AT 380-2721 OR CRIMESTOPPERS AT 381-4900. 09 Sep 2011 19:40:01 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY'S FALL USED BOOK SALE GETS UNDERWAY THIS WEEK. THE SALE WILL RUN FROM THIS SATURDAY THRU SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH DURING REGULAR LIBRARY HOURS. A SPECIAL PREVIEW SALE WILL BE HELD FRIDAY FROM 5:30 TO 7:30 AND IS FREE TO MEMBERS OF THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR A 5 DOLLAR DONATION TO THE BOOKS FOR BABIES PROGRAM. 09 Sep 2011 19:40:21 GMT AN EARLY FRIDAY MORNING MOUNT PLEASANT SHOOTING HAS BEEN DEEMED GANG RELATED BY AUTHORITIES. ACCORDING TO CHANNEL 4 NEWS, A CITY POLICE OFFICER ON PATROL DROVE UP ON THE SCENE OF A SHOOTING AT A MAIN STREET APARTMENT COMPLEX. THE SUSPECTS FIRED THE LAST SHOTS AS THE OFFICER TURNED ON HIS LIGHTS. THE SHOOTER JUMPED INTO A WAITING CAR, THREW THE GUN OUT THE WINDOW AND LEFT THE SCENE. POLICE WERE ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE SHORTLY AFTER THE INCIDENT AND THREE MEN SURRENDERED PEACEFULLY. INVESTIGATORS INDICATE THE UNIDENTIFIED MEN ARE ALL KNOWN GANG MEMBERS FROM COLUMBIA AND PULASKI. NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THE SHOOTING. 12 Sep 2011 19:35:36 GMT THE MAURY COUNTY SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT WILL HOST A HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION EVENT ON SATURDAY. COLLECTION WILL BE HELD FROM 8 TO 1 AT THE MAIN OFFICE OF THE SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT AT 1233 LAWSON WHITE DRIVE NEAR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. ACCEPTED MATERIALS WILL INCLUDE: HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS, PESTICIDES, POOL CHEMICALS, FUEL ADDITIVES, AEROSOLS AND CELL PHONES. ITEMS THAT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED INCLUDE: MEDICAL WASTE, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES, USED OIL AND TIRES. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HAZARDOUS GARBAGE DISPOSAL, CALL THE MAURY COUNTY SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT AT 375-6401. 12 Sep 2011 19:35:47 GMT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S CENTER FOR ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WILL OFFER AN ONLINE MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION COURSE BEGINNING THIS MONTH. THE PROGRAM CONSISTS OF 6 CONSECUTIVE BLOCKS OF 4 TO 5 COURSES AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 6 WEEKS EACH TO COMPLETE FOR A TOTAL OF 905 HOURS OF STUDY. THE COURSE WILL BE HELD FROM SEPTEMBER 12TH THRU JUNE 12TH. THE FEE IS 2198 DOLLARS AND DOES NOT INCLUDE BOOKS AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 540-2660 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE COLUMBIA STATE DOT E-D-U. 12 Sep 2011 19:36:13 GMT TWO PEOPLE ARE RECOVERING FROM INJURIES SUSTAINED IN A LATE MONDAY MORNING VEHICLE CRASH INVOLVING AN AMISH BUGGY. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, A 1998 CHEVROLET MINIVAN DRIVEN BY 85 YEAR OLD CHARLES FOSTER OF SUMMERTOWN WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON HENRYVILLE ROAD AROUND 11 A.M. WHEN THE VEHICLE STRUCK A SOUTHBOUND HORSE DRAWN AMISH BUGGY. A 46 YEAR OLD AMISH MAN WAS TRANSPORTED TO CROCKETT HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF HIS INJURIES WHILE THE VAN'S PASSENGER, 76-YEAR-OLD EMMA FOSTER OF SUMMERTOWN, WAS TAKEN TO MAURY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT. THE HORSE WAS KILLED AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. STATE TROOPER KYLE BURLESON WAS THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER. 13 Sep 2011 17:54:59 GMT FLORIDA BASED COMPANY WILL SOON OPEN A NEW CALL CENTER IN SPRING HILL. CHANNEL 4 NEWS REPORTS T-R-G CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS HAS LEASED A 50 THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT SPACE IN THE NORTHFIELD OFFICE BUILDING FOR A CALL CENTER. THE COMPANY IS SEEKING QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS TO WORK IN THE NEW FACILITY AND HAS PLANNED A JOB FAIR FOR WEDNESDAY FROM 4 TO 7 AND THURSDAY AND FRIDAY FROM 10 TO 3. THE JOB FAIR WILL BE HELD IN THE NORTHFIELD BUILDING LOCATED AT 100 SATURN PARKWAY. T-R-G IS A CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY COMPANY AND OPERATES IN 13 LOCATIONS IN 6 COUNTRIES. 13 Sep 2011 17:55:09 GMT GILES COUNTY AUTHORITIES MADE A DRUG BUST OVER THE WEEKEND AT A LOCATION ALREADY UNDER QUARANTINE FOR AN EARLIER METH ARREST. A SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE INDICATES INVESTIGATORS RECEIVED A TIP TO CHECK OUT A GARAGE AT A RESIDENCE ON LIBERTY CIRCLE IN PROSPECT. UPON ARRIVAL, THE DOOR WAS OPEN TO A GARAGE THAT WAS STILL UNDER A PREVIOUS METHAMPHETAMINE QUARANTINE ORDER. A SEARCH OF THE AREA REVEALED METH HAD BEEN RECENTLY MANUFACTURED AT THE ADDRESS AND OFFICERS SEIZED METH, LORTAB PILLS AND DRUG PARAPHENALIA. AUTHORITIES ARRESTED MELVIN WAYNE ROLIN, 35, OF PROSPECT, CHRYSTAL HARWELL, 28, OF PROSPECT, JOSEPH BOWEN, 24, OF LYNNVILLE AND DANA FUSILIER, 22, OF ETHRIDGE. ALL THE SUSPECTS ARE CURRENTLY IN THE GILES COUNTY JAIL. THE CASE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION AND OTHER CHARGES MAY BE FORTHCOMING. 13 Sep 2011 17:57:11 GMT SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF GUNS WERE STOLEN FROM A WEST POINT ROAD RESIDENCE. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE VICTIM CAME HOME FRIDAY NIGHT TO FIND HIS FRONT DOOR OPEN. BURGLARS HAD CUT A LARGE SECTION OF SCREEN FROM A LIVING ROOM WINDOW TO GAIN ENTRY TO THE PROPERTY. A NUMBER OF FIREARMS WERE TAKEN AND THE THIEVES LEFT THRU THE FRONT DOOR. LOSS AND DAMAGES WERE ESTIMATED AT 5850 DOLLARS. 13 Sep 2011 17:59:06 GMT A SUMMERTOWN BASED NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION HAS DONATED FUNDS TO THE SUMMERTOWN YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE. THE MALLORY'S WAY FOUNDATION PRESENTED A CHECK FOR 1,750 DOLLARS TO THE LOCAL YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUE. THE FUNDS WILL BE USED TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION OF A PRESS BOX AND SCOREBOARD AT THE FIELD IN TIME FOR THE SEASON OPENING HOME GAMES ON OCTOBER 1ST. THE MALLORY'S WAY FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTES TO LOCAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN MEMORY OF THE LATE MALLORY SCOTT. 13 Sep 2011 17:59:25 GMT LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAVE A COUPLE OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK. THE BUDGET COMMITTEE WILL MEET TUESDAY AT 4 FOLLOWED BY A RESOLUTION COMMITTEE MEETING AT 5. BOTH SESSIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER. THE NEXT FULL COMMISSION MEETING WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH AT 5 IN THE COMMISSION ROOM AT THE COURTHOUSE. 13 Sep 2011 17:59:50 GMT AUTHORITIES MADE AN ARREST AFTER A PIPE BOMB WAS DETONATED MONDAY AFTERNOON IN A MOUNT PLEASANT NEIGHBORHOOD. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS OFFICERS WERE CALLED TO A POLK LANE RESIDENCE AROUND 12:30 WHEN NEIGHBORS REPORTED AN EXPLOSION TO POLICE. THE PROPERTY OWNER, 38 YEAR-OLD JONATHAN DANDRIDGE, TOLD AUTHORITIES HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO BLOW UP A CLOTHES LINE POST. WHEN OFFICERS ARRIVED ON THE SCENE THEY REPORTED SEEING WHAT APPEARED TO BE ANOTHER PIPE BOMB AS WELL AS BOMB-MAKING MATERIALS. THE COLUMBIA BOMB SQUAD, MOUNT PLEASANT FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE F-B-I AND HOMELAND SECURITY WERE ALL CALLED TO THE SCENE. DANDRIDGE IS CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF A PROHIBITED WEAPON. THE CLASS-B FELONY CARRIES A POSSIBLE JAIL SENTENCE OF 8 TO 30 YEARS. 14 Sep 2011 15:35:34 GMT A SHOPLIFTER AND WOULD-BE PURSE SNATCHER WAS ARRESTED FRIDAY AFTER AN INCIDENT AT A LAWRENCEBURG STORE. REPORTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT OFFICERS WERE CALLED TO WALMART JUST BEFORE 10 A-M ON A SHOPLIFTING AND ROBBERY CALL. STORE EMPLOYEES AND WITNESSES TOLD POLICE A WOMAN HAD TRIED TO STEAL A SHOPPERS PURSE AND LEFT THE STORE WITH SEVERAL ITEMS WITHOUT PAYING. THE VICTIM SAID SHE NOTICED THE WOMAN WATCHING HER WHILE SHE WAS PRINTING PICTURES AT THE PHOTO SHOP. THE SUSPECT GRABBED THE VICTIM'S PURSE OUT OF HER CART AND RAN. THE VICTIM CHASED THE ROBBER, CAUGHT HER AND PULLED HER HAIR UNTIL SHE GAVE UP THE PURSE AND FLED FROM THE STORE. OFFICERS TRACKED THE SUSPECT AND CAUGHT HER BEHIND ANOTHER NEARBY SHOPPING COMPLEX. STOLEN ITEMS, INCLUDING JEANS AND MAKE-UP WERE RECOVERED. WHEN QUESTIONED, THE SUSPECT INITIALLY GAVE AUTHORITIES A FALSE NAME. SHE WAS IDENTIFIED AS 33 YEAR-OLD SHANNON NICHOLE ALEXANDER OF LAWRENCEBURG. SHE IS CHARGED WITH SHOPLIFTING, ROBBERY AND CRIMINAL IMPERSONATION AND IS DUE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT OCTOBER 6TH. 14 Sep 2011 15:45:22 GMT BURGLARS BROKE INTO A FIVE POINTS MILL STORE SOMETIME LATE SUNDAY OR EARLY MONDAY. REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INDICATE THE OWNERS OF THE FIVE POINTS ROAD PROPERTY CALLED DEPUTIES AFTER FINDING THE DOOR TO THE BUILDING HAD BEEN PRIED OPEN. 117 DOLLARS IN CASH, A LAPTOP AND TWO CAR BATTERIES HAD BEEN STOLEN VALUED AT 851 DOLLARS. 14 Sep 2011 15:48:14 GMT AREA RESIDENTS MAY RECEIVE A PHONE CALL NEXT WEEK ASKING ABOUT NATURAL GAS SAFETY. IN AN EFFORT TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL PIPELINE SAFETY REGULATIONS, LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONTACTED BY PHONE TO SURVEY RESIDENTS ABOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF GAS SAFETY. GAS CUSTOMERS AND NON-CUSTOMERS WILL RECEIVE AUTOMATED SURVEY PHONE CALLS FROM A 2-0-2 AREA CODE NUMBER WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SAFE USE OF GAS IN THE COMMUNITY. THE SURVEY IS PART OF A PUBLIC AWARENESS PLAN UTILITIES MUST NOW IMPLEMENT TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS IN AREAS WITH NATURAL GAS LINES ABOUT REPORTING LEAKS, CALL BEFORE YOU DIG AND OTHER KEY SAFETY MESSAGES. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT NOW REQUIRES UTILITIES TO ASSESS THEIR OUTREACH EFFORTS TO INFORM THE COMMUNITY ABOUT GAS SAFETY AND TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS YEAR-BY-YEAR IN COMMUNITY AWARENESS. THE PHONE SURVEY FOR OUR AREA IS SCHEDULED TO BE CONDUCTED NEXT MONDAY AND TUESDAY. 14 Sep 2011 15:50:35 GMT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE WILL HOST AN ABRAHAM LINCOLN TRAVELING EXHIBIT AND PERFORMANCES BY AN AWARD WINNING LINCOLN INTERPRETER. THE EXHIBITION ENTITLED "LINCOLN: THE CONSTITUTION AND THE CIVIL WAR" WILL RUN FROM THIS WEDNESDAY THRU OCTOBER 28TH AT THE FINNEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY ON THE COLUMBIA CAMPUS. THE DISPLAY EXAMINES HOW PRESIDENT LINCOLN USED THE CONSTITUTION TO CONFRONT THE DIVISIVE ISSUES OF THE CIVIL WAR. A GRAND OPENING OF THE EXHIBIT ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND WILL ALSO FEATURE TWO PERFORMANCES OF "MEET MISTER LINCOLN" BY INTERPRETER DENNIS BOGGS. THE SHOWS WILL BE HELD AT 10 A-M AND 6:30 P-M IN THE CHERRY THEATER. A RECEPTION AT 4:30 IN THE FINNEY LIBRARY WILL ALSO FEATURE "THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS" BY BOGGS. THE EXHIBITION AND PERFORMANCES ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE COLUMBIA STATE LIBRARY AT 540-2560. 14 Sep 2011 15:50:58 GMT A NEW EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM WITH SEVERAL UPGRADED FEATURES WILL REPLACE THE CURRENT SYSTEM USED BY MAURY COUNTY SCHOOLS. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS THE SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED A MEASURE LAST WEEK TO SPEND JUST UNDER 19 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO IMPLEMENT THE UPGRADED EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM KNOWN AS SCHOOL MESSENGER FOR A 3 YEAR CONTRACT. THE NEW SYSTEM OFFERS TEXT AND E-MAIL NOTIFICATIONS, FACEBOOK AND TWITTER INTEGRATION, I-PHONE SUPPORT, INTERACTIVE MESSAGING AND TRANSLATION CAPABILITIES AND IS MORE COST EFFECTIVE THAN THE EXISTING SYSTEM. THE DATE SCHOOL MESSENGER WILL BE INSTALLED WILL DEPEND ON THE END DATE OF THE CURRENT SYSTEM'S CONTRACT. 15 Sep 2011 18:28:19 GMT TRAINED STORM SPOTTERS ARE NEEDED IN THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AND A FREE CLASS FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A STORM SPOTTER WILL BE HELD THIS WEEK AT NORTHWEST SHOALS COMMUNITY COLLEGE. THE CLASS IS SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY FROM 6 TO 8 P-M AT THE MUSCLE SHOALS CAMPUS. PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN HOW TO DETECT TORNADOES AND OTHER SEVERE WEATHER TO HELP WEATHER OFFICIALS AND EMERGENCY RESPONDERS SPOT AND TRACK DANGEROUS STORMS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE COLBERT COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY OFFICE AT 256-386-8558. 15 Sep 2011 18:28:32 GMT INVESTIGATORS WITH THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT ARE LOOKING INTO A RECKLESS DRIVING AND VANDALISM CASE. REPORTS INDICATE A RESIDENT OF DOUGLAS DRIVE WAS OUT IN HER YARD TUESDAY JUST BEFORE 3:30 WHEN SHE HEARD TIRES SQUEAL AND A LOUD POP. THE WITNESS SAID A SMALL, WHITE S-U-V HAD DRIVEN INTO THE UTILITY BOXES AT THE SPRINGER ROAD INTERSECTION AND THEN DROVE AWAY. EQUIPMENT INSTALLED BY LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS AND CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS WAS DAMAGED TOTALING 4100 DOLLARS. THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION. 15 Sep 2011 18:33:46 GMT SEVERAL TOOLS WERE STOLEN FROM THE GARAGE AT A HICKORY STREET RESIDENCE. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE LAWRENCEBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE PROPERTY OWNER DISCOVERED THE BREAK-IN MONDAY MORNING WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF POWER TOOLS AND HAND TOOLS MISSING. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 1500 DOLLARS. 15 Sep 2011 18:34:00 GMT A NON-CREDIT COURSE OFFERED THIS WEEK AT COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHES THE ESSENTIALS OF LEADERSHIP. THE CLASS WILL BE HELD THURSDAY FROM 8:30 TO 12:30 AT THE COLUMBIA CAMPUS. THE INSTRUCTION WILL HELP LEADERS MULTIPLY THEIR EFFECTIVENESS BY MOTIVATING THEIR TEAM TO ENHANCE PERFORMANCE AND GIVE FEEDBACK PEOPLE CAN ACT UPON AND ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT. THE FEE IS 149 DOLLARS AND INCLUDES FOUR HOURS OF INSTRUCTION, A TEXTBOOK AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION. TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 540-2660 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE COLUMBIA STATE DOT E-D-U. 15 Sep 2011 18:34:17 GMT THE LAWRENCEBURG BOARD OF MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WILL MEET FOR A WORK SESSION ON FRIDAY. THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING WILL BE TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED CONTRACT BETWEEN LAWRENCEBURG UTILITY SYSTEMS AND T-V-A. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 8 A-M AT CITY HALL. 15 Sep 2011 18:35:32 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCEBURG UTILITIES BOARD MET IN REGULAR SESSION THURSDAY MORNING. CUSTOMERS WILL SEE A DECREASE NEXT MONTH ON ELECTRIC BILLS. THE T-V-A FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT WILL CUT RATES BY 4 PERCENT WHICH WILL MEAN A SAVINGS OF A DOLLAR FIFTY TO FOUR-FIFTY ON RESIDENTIAL BILLS. THE BOARD PASSED A RESOLUTION TO ALLOW ASSURANCE OPERATIONS TO APPLY FOR A U-S-D-A GRANT TO EXPAND THEIR FACILITY. THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCED THE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED A CONTRACT WITH YAMAHA AND NEEDS TO ADD ON TO THEIR LIBERTY AVENUE BUILDING AND ADD 10 TO 15 WORKERS TO ACCOMMODATE THE INCREASE IN BUSINESS. IF THE GRANT IS APPROVED, THE FUNDING MUST BE ADMINISTERED THRU A UTILITY COMPANY AND L-U-S WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR THE MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED IN THE GRANT TERMS. THE BOARD ALSO APPROVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE L-U-S SEWER USE ORDINANCE. ANY CUSTOMER USING AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE FOR WATER BUT DISCHARGING USED WATER INTO THE CITY SEWER SYSTEM WILL NOW HAVE TO PAY FOR THE SEWER SERVICE. A METER MUST BE INSTALLED ON THE WATER SOURCE TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF WATER BEING DISCHARGED INTO THE SEWER AND THE CUSTOMER WILL BE CHARGED FOR THAT USAGE. THE BOARD ALSO PRAISED RETIRING BOARD MEMBER PAUL BATES FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE. HIS RETIREMENT IS EFFECTIVE AS OF THE END OF THIS MONTH. BOBBY JONES HAS BEEN APPOINTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION TO FILL THE SEAT BEGINNING OCTOBER 1ST. 16 Sep 2011 17:39:57 GMT A LAWRENCEBURG MAN IS FACING DRUG FRAUD CHARGES. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, CITY POLICE WERE CALLED TO A NORTH LOCUST AVENUE PHARMACY WEDNESDAY MORNING TO INVESTIGATE A TAMPERED PRESCRIPTION. THE PRESCRIPTION, ISSUED BY THE CROCKETT HOSPITAL E-R, HAD ORIGINALLY BEEN MADE FOR 20 TRAMADOL PILLS BUT HAD BEEN ALTERED TO INCLUDE 20 HYDROCONE TABLETS. OFFICERS MADE CONTACT WITH THE E-R TO VERIFY THE LISTED MEDICATIONS AND THE HYDROCONE PILLS WERE NOT PART OF THE PRESCRIPTION. OFFICERS CONFRONTED THE SUSPECT WHEN HE RETURNED TO THE PHARMACY TO RETRIEVE THE MEDICATION. 25 YEAR-OLD JEREMY EDWIN DAVIS ADMITTED TO ALTERING THE PRESCRIPTION AND WAS ARRESTED. DAVIS WILL APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT OCTOBER 6TH. 16 Sep 2011 17:41:05 GMT GILES COUNTY AUTHORITIES FOUND A METH LAB AT THE DOG DAYS FLEA MARKET IN ARDMORE. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE, THE GILES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WAS ALERTED TUESDAY BY ARDMORE CITY POLICE AFTER THEY LOCATED AN ACTIVE METH LAB AT A TRAILER ON THE PROPERTY. THE GILES COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE, GILES COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE AND THE ARDMORE FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE ALL CALLED IN TO DISPOSE OF THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS USED TO MANUFACTURE THE DRUG. 36 YEAR-OLD SHAWN PARMLEY OF ARDMORE WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH INITIATION OF METH MANUFACTURING, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHENALIA AND THEFT OF PROPERTY. HE IS BEING HELD IN THE GILES COUNTY JAIL ON 24,500 DOLLARS BOND. OTHER CHARGES ARE PENDING AND THE CASE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. 16 Sep 2011 17:42:26 GMT THE REGULAR SEASON WILL REACH THE HALF-WAY POINT THIS FRIDAYFOR AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAMS. LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WILL HOST FRANKLIN COUNTY AT HENDRIX STAGGS STADIUM AND THE LORETTO MUSTANGS WILL PLAY AT HOME AGAINST WAYNE COUNTY. GILES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL TRAVELS TO MARSHALL COUNTY THIS WEEK AND COLUMBIA WILL HOST SHELBYVILLE. THE RICHLAND RAIDERS WILL PLAY AT HOME ON FRIDAY AGAINST COLUMBIA ACADEMY. 16 Sep 2011 17:42:44 GMT THE FINAL PERFORMANCES OF THE STAAR THEATER'S "HEE HAW VARIETY SHOW" WILL BE HELD THIS WEEKEND. THE SHOW FEATURES SINGING, DANCING AND COMEDY AND WILL BE HELD FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT 7 AT THE THEATER ON THE PULASKI SQUARE. TICKETS ARE 10 DOLLARS FOR ADULTS AND 8 DOLLARS FOR CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 363-7222 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE S-T-A-A-R DASH ARTS DOT ORG. 16 Sep 2011 17:43:21 GMT SOME MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK FOR THE LAWRENCE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION. THERE WILL BE A POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY AT 6 FOLLOWED BY A SUPPLEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING. THE MONTHLY BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND AT 6. ALL SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE CENTRAL OFFICE ON MAHR AVENUE IN LAWRENCEBURG. 16 Sep 2011 17:44:57 GMT MAINSTREET LAWRENCEBURG HAS BEEN AWARDED A $500,000 DOLLAR STATE GRANT FOR DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION. THE GRANT, GIVEN AS PART OF THE GOVERNOR'S ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM, WILL BE UTILIZED FOR UPGRADING SIDEWALKS, BIKE PATHS, AND PEDESTRIAN WALK WAYS IN DOWNTOWN LAWRENCEBURG. THE FUNDS WILL ALSO PAY FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO LANDSCAPING IN AROUND THE DOWNTOWN SQUARE. THE GRANT WAS ANNOUNCED AT A SPECIAL GATHERING THURSDAY MORNING BY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONER JOHN SCHROER. THE CITY OF LAWRENCEBURG WILL ADD AN ADDITIONAL $125,000 FOR THE PROJECT. 19 Sep 2011 18:14:10 GMT WITH VALUABLE HELP FROM A NARCOTICS DETECTING DOG, COLUMBIA POLICE DISCOVERED HUNDREDS OF POUNDS OF MARIJUANA HIDDEN IN A SEMI-TRUCK . ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, PATROL OFFICERS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE NARCOTICS AND VICE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A CALL OF SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY AT A TRAVEL CENTER ON BEAR CREEK PIKE. A POLICE K-9 INDICATED THE PRESENCE OF DRUGS IN A TRACTOR TRAILER TRUCK AND OFFICERS FOUND FOUR CONCEALED COMPARTMENTS IN THE VEHICLE. EIGHT METAL CONTAINERS WERE REMOVED FROM THE COMPARTMENTS AND INVESTIGATORS FOUND A TOTAL OF 500 POUNDS OF MARIJUANA IN THEM WITH AN ESTIMATED STREET VALUE OF 750 THOUSAND DOLLARS. THE TRUCK DRIVER, 46 YEAR-OLD JUAN MANUEL GRACIANO OF DALLAS, TEXAS, WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF DRUGS FOR RESALE. IN ADDITION TO THE DRUGS, AUTHORITIES SEIZED THE TRUCK AND 2600 DOLLARS IN CASH FROM THE SUSPECT. GRACIANO REMAINS IN THE MAURY COUNTY JAIL ON 275 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. 19 Sep 2011 18:14:53 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GATHERED THURSDAY EVENING FOR THE ORGANIZATION'S ANNUAL BANQUET AND AWARDS CEREMONY. THE CHAIR OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATORS WAS PRESENTED TO CROCKETT SCHOOL MATH TEACHER DAVID BRAD ROCHELLE AND E-O COFFMAN GEOGRAPHY TEACHER MIGNON BEARD. AS PART OF THE AWARD, THE PAIR EACH RECEIVED ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR INDIVIDUAL USE AND A THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR BOTH OF THEIR SCHOOLS. MIKE WATSON ACCEPTED THE HONOR OF INDUCTION TO THE SMALL BUSINESS HALL OF FAME FOR HIS FAMILY BUSINESS, TRUE VALUE HARDWARE AND GENERAL STORE. WATSON'S GRANDFATHER OPENED THE BUSINESS IN 1936 AS WESTERN AUTO. THE EVENT'S HIGHEST HONOR, CITIZEN OF THE YEAR, WAS PRESENTED TO TERESA FRAZIER. FRAZIER WAS SELECTED FOR HER INVOLVEMENT WITH 4-H, RELAY FOR LIFE AND WORKING WITH FAMILIES WITH LOVED ONES IN ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE. AND DOCTOR JOHN BEASLEY WAS NAMED THE CHAMBER'S NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD FOR THIS YEAR. 19 Sep 2011 18:15:19 GMT TENNESSEE'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST WAS DOWN SLIGHTLY FROM THE PREVIOUS MONTH BUT REMAINS HIGHER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE. ACCORDING TO DATA RELEASED THURSDAY, THE STATE JOBLESS RATE FOR LAST MONTH WAS 9 POINT 7 PERCENT, A DECREASE FROM 9 POINT 8 PERCENT IN JULY. THE NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST WAS 9 POINT 1 PERCENT, UNCHANGED FROM JULY. 19 Sep 2011 18:16:37 GMT THE 18TH ANNUAL TRAIL OF TEARS MOTORCYCLE RIDE WILL BE HELD THIS WEEKEND WITH THOUSANDS OF RIDERS EXPECTED TO TRAVEL THRU THE AREA TO COMMEMORATE THE FORCIBLE REMOVAL OF NATIVE AMERICANS FROM THE EAST TO OKLAHOMA. THE RIDE IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY WITH THOUSANDS OF MOTORCYCLISTS EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT TO HONOR NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE AND RAISE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS. THE INITIAL LEG OF THE REMEMBRANCE RIDE WILL START IN CHATTANOOGA AND END AT MCFARLAND PARK IN FLORENCE. RIDERS WILL PASS THRU PULASKI AND ENTER LAWRENCE COUNTY ON THE NEW HIGHWAY 64 BYPASS THEN TAKE HIGHWAY 43 SOUTH TO ALABAMA. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE WEBSITE TRAIL OF TEARS DASH REMEMBRANCE DOT ORG. 19 Sep 2011 18:17:01 GMT A SUNDAY NIGHT CAR CRASH SENT A YOUNG CHILD TO THE HOSPITAL AND THE DRIVER TO JAIL. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, THE SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT OCCURRED SHORTLY AFTER 7 P-M ON FREEDOM HILL ROAD. AN UNIDENTIFIED 25 YEAR-OLD FEMALE WAS DRIVING A 2000 MAZDA-66 WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, RAN OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A TREE. THE YOUNG PASSENGER WAS AIRLIFTED TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER IN AN UNKNOWN CONDITION. THE WOMAN WAS ARRESTED AT THE SCENE FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE. THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE CRASH CONTINUES. 20 Sep 2011 18:55:22 GMT GENERAL MOTORS HAS ANNOUNCED PLANS TO REOPEN THEIR SPRING HILL PLANT. THE DAILY HERALD REPORTS A NEW PRODUCT FOR THE IDLED MAURY COUNTY FACILITY IS PART OF A FOUR YEAR CONTRACT AGREEMENT REACHED FRIDAY BETWEEN THE UNITED AUTO WORKERS AND G-M. LOCAL UNION WORKERS HAVE YET TO BE TOLD WHAT NEW PRODUCT THE PLANT WILL BUILD BUT THE DECISION COULD POTENTIALLY BRING BACK HUNDREDS OF LAID-OFF WORKERS AND CREATE NEW JOBS. A VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN BUILT AT THE SPRING HILL PLANT SINCE NOVEMBER 2009 WHEN PRODUCTION OF THE CHEVY TRAVERSE WAS MOVED TO MICHIGAN. LAST YEAR, G-M ANNOUNCED PLANS TO MANUFACTURE THE ECOTEC ENGINE AT THE COMPLEX. LOCAL OFFICIALS ARE AWAITING SPECIFIC DETAILS ABOUT THE FACILITY'S FUTURE. 20 Sep 2011 19:18:54 GMT INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO A COUPLE OF THEFT AND VANDALISM CASES IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT A WEAKLEY CREEK ROAD RENTAL PROPERTY WAS VANDALIZED RECENTLY. DAMAGE HAD BEEN DONE TO A DOOR, DOOR FRAME, WINDOWS AND SCREENS VALUED AT 1700 DOLLARS. A BARN ON MORGAN ROAD WAS BROKEN INTO WITHIN THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. THE VICTIM WAS STORING A VARIETY OF ITEMS IN THE BUILDING WHEN SHE DISCOVERED SEVERAL PIECES OF FURNITURE, FISHING RODS AND OTHER BELONGINGS HAD BEEN DAMAGED OR STOLEN. LOSS WAS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 2200 DOLLARS. 20 Sep 2011 19:22:08 GMT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM ANNOUNCES THE SECOND YEAR OF THE ADOPT-A-TEACHER PROGRAM IS UNDERWAY TO HONOR A FORMER OR CURRENT TEACHER WITH CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE TEACHER APPRECIATION PROGRAM. THE FUNDS WILL GO INTO A SUNSHINE FUND FOR EDUCATORS TO RECEIVE SMALL TREATS THRU-OUT THE YEAR. LAST YEAR, 54 TEACHERS WERE ADOPTED WITH THE FUNDS RAISED GOING TO PURCHASE WELCOME BACK TEACHER APPRECIATION BAGS FOR THIS YEAR'S FACULTY. ADOPT-A-TEACHER FORMS CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOLS WEBSITE AT L-C-S-S DOT U-S. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL SHANNON WATSON AT 762-9412. 20 Sep 2011 19:23:08 GMT A RESOLUTION TO MOVE THE MEETING LOCATION OF TWO REGULAR SESSION LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION MEETINGS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE BOARD AT THE NEXT MEETING. COMMISSIONER CHRIS JACKSON IS SPONSORING THE MEASURE TO MOVE THE NOVEMBER AND JANUARY REGULAR SESSION MEETINGS TO LORETTO AND SUMMERTOWN. JACKSON SAID THE CHANGE OF VENUE WILL GIVE CITIZENS IN THE NORTH AND SOUTH ENDS OF THE COUNTY THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS AND EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS. THE ISSUE WILL GO BEFORE THE FULL COMMISSION AT THE SEPTEMBER 27TH MEETING. 20 Sep 2011 19:23:27 GMT MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSION WILL MEET FOR A COUPLE OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS THIS WEEK. THE PURCHASING COMMITTEE WILL MEET TUESDAY AT 2 TO OPEN BIDS FOR THE LAWRENCE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADDITION. THE REAPPORTIONMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TUESDAY AT 5. BOTH SESSIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER. THE LAWRENCEBURG BOARD OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL WILL MEET THIS WEEK IN REGULAR SESSION. THE AGENDA INCLUDES AMENDMENTS TO THE BUDGET AND THE CITY ZONING ORDINANCE AND A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMEN