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Charles Choate

WQAK - WYVY
newsroom@charterinternet.com

Dave Chaffin

WCMT FM AM - WCDZ
newsroom@crunet.com

 
 
DISCOVERY PARK GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY HELD ON 07/01/08


State Senator Roy Herron, Tennessee Department of Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Obion County Mayor Benny McGuire and Obion County Commission Chairman Ralph Puckett were all a part of the ceremony.


Local and state elected officials, project volunteers and Kirkland family members were all a apart of the ceremonial groundbreaking for the $100 million dollar Discovery Park of America project.


Union City's Robert Kirkland, the man behind the Discovery Park project and major financial contributor, speaks to the crowd during groundbreaking ceremonies Tuesday, July 1st.


This is the architects design of the Discovery Park of America facility that will be constructed in Union City.

Photos By: Charles Choate


FULTON INMATES IMPROVE SHELTER - Posted 07/03/08

FULTON COUNTY'S JAIL INMATES ARE STEPPING UP TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS AT THE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER IN HICKMAN.

FULTON CITY COMMISSIONER MIKE FARMER MADE A VIDEO-TAPED INSPECTION OF THE SHELTER SUNDAY DOCUMENTING INHUMANE AND UNSANITARY CONDITIONS... PUBLIC OUTCRY FOLLOWED WHEN FARMER POSTED THE VIDEO ONLINE AT fultonkynews.com.

FULTON CITY MANAGER KENNY EHTERTON ISSUED AN OPEN LETTER STATING THE CITY WOULD IMPOUND ANIMALS AT WARD'S ANIMAL CLINIC IN FULTON UNTIL THE ISSUES AT THE HICKMAN SHELTER ARE ADDRESSED.

FULTON COUNTY JAILER RICKY PARNELL SAYS HE AND A JAIL WORK CREW WILL BEGIN MONDAY CLEANING AND IMPROVING THE SHELTER.

PARNELL SAYS COUNTY OFFICIALS HAVE AUTHORIZED HIM TO INSTALL A PERIMETER FENCE THAT WILL ALLOW THE ANIMALS TO RUN AND HE ALSO SAYS FOOD AND WATER ISSUES WILL BE ADDRESSED WITH BOWLS THAT WON'T SPILL AS EASILY.

THE GROUP OF FIVE INMATES WILL BEGIN WORKING MONDAY AND PARNELL SAYS THE FENCE SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE WEEK.

ON THE WEB: www.fultonkynews.com
KEN-TENN HUMANE SOCIETY: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/TN351.html

:by Dave Chaffin


CHILD PORNOGRAPHER SENTENCED FOR FAKING DEATH - Posted 07/03/08

A WEST TENNESSEE MAN CONVICTED OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY WHO FAKED HIS OWN DEATH HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO AN ADDITIONAL 21-MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON.

THE U.S. ATTORNEYS OFFICE SAYS STEVEN YURICK OF BETHEL SPRINGS RECEIVED THE ADDED SENTENCE THIS WEEK IN FEDERAL COURT IN MEMPHIS.

YURICK WAS CONVICTED OF POSTING SEXUAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF HIS PRE-TEEN DAUGHTER ON THE INTERNET... POLICE BEGAN LOOKING FOR HIM WHEN HE FAILED TO REPORT TO PRISON IN 2004 TO SERVE AN 11-YEAR SENTENCE.

POLICE SAY YURICK LEFT HIS TRUCK PARKED ON A TENNESSEE RIVER BRIDGE IN SAVANNAH TRYING TO MAKE AUTHORITIES BELIEVE HE'D COMMITTED SUICIDE.

IN NOVEMBER, U.S. MARSHALS FOUND YURICK – VERY MUCH ALIVE – HIDING IN THE ATTIC OF HIS MOTHER'S MCNAIRY COUNTY HOME.

:by Dave Chaffin


ALAMO FIRE DESTROYS CHIEF'S BUSINESS - Posted 07/03/08

THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO A TUESDAY NIGHT FIRE THAT DESTROYED THE BUSINESS OF THE ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF IN ALAMO.

ALAMO VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS WERE UNABLE TO SAVE THE STRUCTURE AT PARTNERS PALLETS.

THE BUSINESS IS OWNED BY ALAMO ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF TIMMY WILLIAMS AND DISTRIBUTES WOODEN PALLETS TO BUSINESSES ACROSS THE STATE.

ALAMO FIRE CHIEF JIMMY WHEELER SAYS THE CAUSE OF THE BLAZE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

:by Dave Chaffin


TANNER RESPONSE - Posted 07/03/08

UNION CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE READ A PREPARED STATEMENT BY A FAMILY MEMBER OF RODGER AND WANDA TANNER, WHOSE DOG WAS PUT TO DEATH AFTER BEING PICKED UP IN THE COUNTY, BY THE UNION CITY ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER.

TY TANNER, BROTHER OF RODGER TANNER, TOLD THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL THAT ALTHOUGH THE TANNER’S FEEL THE INCIDENT WAS A MISTAKE, THEY BELIEVE THE KILLING OF ANIMALS IS A ROUTINE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE OF THE DOG POUND TO MAXIMIZE PROFITS MADE ON THE CITY CONTRACT.

TANNER SPOKE OF DOG POUND OPERATOR TIM DOYLE AND ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER DARRELL BATY AND HOW THEY COMBINED TO EUTHANIZE THE TANNERS SHEEP DOG ONLY ONE DAY AFTER BATY PICKED THE ANIMAL UP ON WALKER TANNER ROAD IN THE COUNTY.

RODGER TANNER TOLD COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT THE WRITING OF THE CURRENT ANIMAL CONTROL CONTRACT IS AN INCENTIVE TO KILL THE ANIMALS TO SAVE ON DOG FOOD.

SINCE THE JUNE INCIDENT, DOYLE HAS INFORMED CITY OFFICIALS OF HIS INTENT TO GIVE UP THE DOG POUND OPERATION AND BATY WAS TERMINATED OF HIS POSITION AS CITY ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER.

:by Dave Chaffin 


BOARD APPOINTMENTS - Posted 07/03/08

UNION CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS MADE SEVERAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS AT TUESDAY AFTERNOON’S MEETING.

COUNCIL MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED JIM RIPPY JR. TO THE OBION COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS, STEVE SEDBERRY TO THE ELECTRIC POWER BOARD AND MARGIE SMITH TO THE CITY BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION.

MEMBERS ALSO APPOINTED ELLARINE MOSES TO THE OBION COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD.

A BOARD SEAT AS AN AT-LARGE POSITION ON THE CITY BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION REMAINS TO BE FILLED BY THE UNION CITY COMMISSION.

:by Charles Choate


TRAFFIC CAMERA’S - Posted 07/03/08

UNION CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS VOTED 4-2 TO PLACE TRAFFIC CAMERA’S AT THREE LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CITY AT TUESDAY AFTERNOON’S MEETING.

MAYOR TERRY HAILEY AND COUNCILMAN JOHNNY BACON VOTED AGAINST THE MEASURE IN THE SECOND READING OF THE ORDINANCE.

COUNCIL MEMBERS DID DECIDE TO WAIT UNTIL AN ACCEPTABLE CONTRACT WAS IN HAND BEFORE AGREEING TO USE TRAFFIPAX FOR THE CAMERA SERVICE.

THE CAMERA’S ARE TO BE INSTALLED AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF MAIN AND EVERETT BOULEVARD, REELFOOT AND EVERETT BOULEVARD AND REELFOOT AND FIRST STREET.

:by Charles Choate


SHANTI TO BRING JOBS TO MAYFIELD? - Posted 07/03/08

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICIALS SAY A NEW INDUSTRY IS BRINGING A HUNDRED NEW JOBS TO GRAVES COUNTY, KENTUCKY... ALTHOUGH THE NAME OF THE COMPANY IS NOT BEING OFFICIALLY RELEASED.

GRAVES COUNTY GROWTH ALLIANCE DIRECTOR DON DORRIS ANNOUNCED PUBLICLY THIS WEEK A COMPANY THAT MANUFACTURES COAT HANGERS WILL SET UP SHOP IN MAYFIELD.

DORRIS DECLINED TO NAME THE COMPANY DUE TO ONGOING NEGOTIATIONS BUT A WEEKEND REPORT IN THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL INDICATES WISCONSIN BASED SHANTI INDUSTRIES PLANS TO OPEN A PLANT IN MAYFIELD. (link to article below)

OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT WHEN THE PLANT WOULD OPEN OR WHERE IT WOULD BE LOCATED HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED.

ON THE WEB: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=766947

http://www.mayfield-graves.com/gga%20page%202.htm

:by Dave Chaffin


ROBBERY ARRESTS IN HAZEL - Posted 07/03/08

CALLOWAY COUNTY AUTHORITIES ARE REPORTING TWO ARRESTS IN CONNECTION WITH A MONDAY NIGHT ARMED ROBBERY IN HAZEL (KENTUCKY).

INVESTIGATORS SAY 23-YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER HUMPHREYS IS THE MAN SHOWN ON SURVEILLANCE VIDEO ROBBING DISCOUNT CITY TOBACCO AT GUNPOINT.

SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES SAY THEY LOCATED THE RED CHEVY BLAZER USED DURING THE ROBBERY TUESDAY NIGHT.

INVESTIGATORS SAY 24-YEAR-OLD ADAM GLISSON ADMITTED TO DRIVING THE GET-AWAY VEHICLE WHILE HUMPHREYS ROBBED THE STORE.

POLICE SAY HUMPHREYS CONFESSED TO THE CRIME, SAYING HE WAS MOTIVATED TO ROB THE BUSINESS BECAUSE HE COULDN'T SUPPORT HIS FAMILY.

HUMPHREYS IS CHARGED WITH ROBBERY WHILE GLISSON IS CHARGED AS AN ACCESSORY... AS OF LAST NIGHT THE TWO REMAINED JAILED IN CALLOWAY COUNTY EACH UNDER A 100-THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND.

:by Dave Chaffin


EVERETT STEWART AIRPORT GRANT - Posted 07/03/08

GOVERNOR PHIL BREDESEN SAYS A 76-THOUSAND DOLLAR GRANT HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR UNION CITY'S EVERETT STEWART AIRPORT.

BREDESEN SAYS FUNDS FROM THE AERONAUTICS GRANT WILL BE USED TO BUY A NEW BEACON AND CONSTRUCT A NEW 75-FOOT BEACON TOWER.

IN STATEMENTS ISSUED THIS WEEK STATE REPRESENTATIVE PHILLIP PINION AND STATE SENATOR ROY HERRON ARE BOTH EXPRESSING THEIR GRATITUDE FOR THE STATE FUNDS.

PINION CALLS THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FUNDS AN “INVESTMENT” IN THE FACILITY'S GROWTH... WHILE HERRON SAYS THE IMPROVEMENTS WILL BETTER MEET THE NEEDS OF TRAVELLERS.

ON THE WEB: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2008/062708d.htm

:by Dave Chaffin


INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURES - Posted 07/03/08

FRIDAY IS THE BEGINNING OF THREE-DAY WEEKEND FOR MANY AREA RESIDENTS, AND SPECIFICALLY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES.

GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY... THIS INCLUDES ALL AREA CITY HALLS, COUNTY COURTHOUSES AND POST OFFICES.

EXPECT YOUR LOCAL BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TO BE CLOSED ALSO.

ONE GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO WILL BE WORKING FRIDAY ARE WASTE COLLECTORS FOR BARKER BROTHERS.

BARKER BROTHERS EMPLOYEES WILL BE RUNNING THEIR REGULAR ROUTES FRIDAY AND CUSTOMERS ARE ASKED TO GO AHEAD AND PUT THEIR CONTAINERS TO THE CURB FOR PICK-UP.

:by Dave Chaffin


HUNTINGDON BORROWS 10MIL FOR LAKE - Posted 07/03/08

CITY OFFICIALS IN HUNTINGDON ARE TAKING OUT A TEN-MILLION DOLLAR LOAN TO BUILD A LAKE IN THE LEACH COMMUNITY.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE ONE-THOUSAND ACRE RECREATIONAL WATERSHED LAKE IS PLANNED THREE MILES OUTSIDE THE CITY ON JACKSON HIGHWAY-70.

DURING A JUNE MEETING THE CARROLL COUNTY WATERSHED BOARD AGREED TO SEEK THE LOAN FROM THE TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE... THE CITY OF HUNTINGDON IS SERVING AS GO-BETWEEN FOR THE FUNDS.

HUNTINGDON MAYOR DALE KELLEY SAYS THE LOAN COULD EXTEND A MAXIMUM 29-YEARS.

A REPORT IN THE MCKENZIE BANNER NEWSPAPER CHARTS THE TRANSFER... HUNTINGDON APPLIES FOR THE LOAN, THE WATERSHED AUTHORITY RE-PAYS THE CITY, AND THE CITY THEN RE-PAYS T.M.L.

ON THE WEB: http://www.huntingdontn.com/
http://www.carrollcounty-tn-chamber.com/

:by Dave Chaffin


CAL RIPKEN MARTIN SEEKS HOST FAMILIES  - Posted 07/03/08


WITH THE CAL RIPKEN WORLD SERIES ABOUT A MONTH AWAY, MARTIN CITY OFFICIALS ARE SEEKING AREA RESIDENTS WILLING TO SERVE AS HOST FAMILIES FOR PARTICIPATING PLAYERS.

ABOUT 25 MORE HOST FAMILIES ARE NEEDED FOR THE 11 AND 12 YEAR OLD BOYS WHO WILL ARRIVE ON AUGUST 5th.

MARTIN PARKS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR BRIAN MOORE SAYS, WHILE THE BOYS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR PARENTS, THE HOST FAMILY EXPERIENCE OFFERS THE CHANCE FOR THE CHILDREN FROM OTHER REGIONS TO EXPERIENCE OUR LOCAL CULTURE.

MOORE SAYS PARTICIPATING FAMILIES WILL RECEIVE FREE BANQUET TICKETS, AN INVITATION TO A SPECIAL PICNIC, AND A FREE FAMILY PASS TO ATTEND ANY OF THE CAL RIPKEN GAMES.

ALL FAMILIES IN OUR LISTENING AREA ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE... THE CHILDREN ARE INSURED AGAINST ACCIDENTAL INJURY THROUGH BABE RUTH LEAGUE INCORPORATED.

THOSE INTERESTED ARE ENCOURAGED TO CALL THE MARTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT.

MARTIN PARKS: (731) 587-6784

ON THE WEB: http://worldseries.ripkenbaseball.com/
 http://www.cityofmartin.net/parksrec.htm

:by Dave Chaffin


HICKMAN-DORENA FERRY  - Posted 07/03/08

THE HICKMAN-DORENA FERRY REMAINS CLOSED DESPITE THE NEW FISCAL YEAR, LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER LEVELS AND APPROVED FUNDING FROM BOTH KENTUCKY AND MISSOURI.

FULTON COUNTY JUDGE EXECUTIVE DAVID GALLAGHER SAID TUESDAY THAT HE IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE LONG CLOSURE, AFTER THE KENTUCKY SIDE HAS APPROVED EXTRA FUNDING TO DO REPAIRS AND PAY FOR FUEL TO BEGIN OPERATIONS.

GALLAGHER SAID HE HAS CONTACTED CONGRESSMAN ED WHITFIELD TO ASK MISSOURI OFFICIALS WHY THE FERRY IS STILL CLOSED.

ON THE MISSOURI SIDE, MISSISSIPPI COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBER SWAYNE BIRD TOLD KYTN NEWS THE FERRY IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO ENGINE REPAIR, BUT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN OPERATIONS AS BOTH GALLAGHER AND BIRD SAY THE CLOSURE HAS AFFECTED TOURISTS, BUSINESS PEOPLE AND FARMERS.

THE HICKMAN-DORENA FERRY IS THE ONLY PASSAGE ACROSS THE RIVER BETWEEN DYERSBURG AND CAIRO, ILLINOIS.

:by Charles Choate


ARMED ROBBERY IN HAZEL  - Posted 07/02/08

CALLOWAY COUNTY AUTHORITIES ARE SEEKING A SUSPECT IN A MONDAY NIGHT ARMED ROBBERY IN HAZEL (KENTUCKY).

SURVEILLANCE VIDEO SHOWS THE MAN ROBBING THE EMPLOYEES OF DISCOUNT CITY TOBACCO AT GUNPOINT.


SHERIFF'S INVESTIGATORS DESCRIBE THE SUSPECT AS A STOCKY BUILD WHITE MALE WITH A DARK GOATEE, IN HIS TWENTIES OR THIRTIES... HE WAS REPORTEDLY DRIVING A RED CHEVY BLAZER.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL THE CALLOWAY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT... THE SUSPECT IS CONSIDERED TO BE ARMED AND DANGEROUS.

A SURVEILLANCE CAMERA PHOTOGRAPH OF THE SUSPECT CAN BE VIEWED AT OUR WEBSITE www.wcmt.com.

:by Dave Chaffin


HANNAH GROVES - WEST TN ENDANGERED CHILD ALERT HAS BEEN CANCELED - Posted 07/02/08


THE TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION SAYS A TEENAGE GIRL MISSING FROM CHESTER COUNTY HAS BEEN LOCATED IN MEMPHIS.

14-YEAR-OLD HANNAH GROVES WENT MISSING JUNE 6th FROM THE WEST TENNESSEE CHILDREN'S HOME IN CHESTER COUNTY... INVESTIGATORS SAY GROVES JUMPED FROM HER WINDOW AND FLED.

A MISSING CHILD ALERT WENT OUT QUICKLY CLASSIFYING GROVES AS AN ENDANGERED RUNAWAY.

SHE WAS SEEN DAYS LATER IN BROWNSVILLE BUT WASN'T LOCATED UNTIL THIS WEEK.

T.B.I. OFFICIALS SAY MEMPHIS OFFICERS HAVE LOCATED HANNAH AND SHE IS SAFE.

ON THE WEB: http://www.ticic.state.tn.us/Missing_Children/miss_child.htm

:by Dave Chaffin


BEATING  - Posted 07/02/08

A 17 YEAR OLD HICKMAN TEENAGER WAS TAKEN TO VANDERBILT HOSPITAL IN NASHVILLE, AFTER HE WAS STRUCK IN THE HEAD WITH A BASEBALL BAT DURING A DOMESTIC INCIDENT.

HICKMAN POLICE CHIEF TONY GROGAN SAID LADREKUS MOFFITT WAS AIR EVACCED FROM FULTON'S PARKWAY HOSPITAL, AFTER AN INCIDENT ON BELMONT STREET IN HICKMAN MONDAY NIGHT.

GROGAN SAID INVESTIGATIONS REVEALED MOFFITT AND 18 YEAR OLD KENNY VOWELL, ALSO OF HICKMAN, WENT TO A HOME ON BELMONT WITH STICKS LOOKING FOR A SUBJECT.

WHILE AT THE LOCATION, GROGAN SAID A FIGHT ENSUED BETWEEN AT LEAST THREE TO FOUR INDIVIDUALS.

GROGAN SAID THE PROPERTY OWNER, MICHEAL STOWE, CAME FROM THE HOME AND STRUCK MOFFITT WITH THE BAT CAUSING WHAT HE CALLED A "SERIOUS INJURY."

CURRENTLY NO CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILE AGAINST ANYONE CONNECTED WITH THE INCIDENT, BUT GROGAN SAID HE IS INVESTIGATING AND CONFERRING WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY ABOUT THE SITUATION.

:by Charles Choate


THP TWRA TEAM UP FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY  - Posted 07/02/08

STATE TROOPERS ARE TEAMING UP WITH TENNESSEE WILDLIFE OFFICERS TO KEEP THE ROADWAYS AND WATERWAYS SAFE OVER THE INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND.

THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL HAS ANNOUNCED DOZENS OF DRIVERS' LICENSE AND SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS SCHEDULED THIS WEEKEND.

ON FRIDAY, TROOPERS WILL SET UP DRIVERS' LICENSE CHECKPOINTS AT ....

HIGHWAY-54 IN WEAKLEY COUNTY

STATE ROUTE 77 IN CARROLL COUNTY

HIGHWAY-45 IN GIBSON COUNTY

AND... STATE ROUTE 78 IN DYER COUNTY

ADDITIONALLY, TROOPERS WILL OPERATE A SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT SATURDAY NIGHT ON HIGHWAY-79 IN CARROLL COUNTY.

OFFICERS WITH THE TENNESSEE WILDLIFE RESOURCES AGENCY SAY THEY'LL BE CONDUCTING SIMILAR CHECKS THIS WEEKEND WITH AREA BOATERS.

THE FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY IS SECOND ONLY TO NEW YEAR'S AS THE MOST DEADLY FOR MOTORISTS.

DURING LAST YEAR'S INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND SEVEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED ON TENNESSEE ROADWAYS... FOUR OF THOSE CRASHES WERE ALCOHOL RELATED.

:by Dave Chaffin


UNEMPLOYMENT MAY 08  - Posted 07/02/08

UNEMPLOYMENT IS UP SHARPLY IN WEST TENNESSEE.

A LARGE NUMBER OF WEAKLEY COUNTIANS FOUND THEMSELVES OUT OF WORK IN THE MONTH OF MAY... WEAKLEY COUNTY'S JOBLESS RATE JUMPED TO 6.6 PERCENT... MORE THAN A FULL PERCENTAGE POINT ABOVE APRIL'S FIVE-AND-A-HALF PERCENT.

THE NUMBERS REPRESENT OVER A THOUSAND WEAKLEY COUNTIANS WITHOUT A JOB... STATE LABOR OFFICIALS ATTRIBUTE THE INCREASE TO SEASONAL DROPS IN MANUFACTURING AND BUSINESS SERVICE SECTORS.

IN SURROUNDING COUNTIES, UNEMPLOYMENT ROSE ALMOST A FULL PERCENTAGE POINT.

HARD HIT GIBSON COUNTY RECORDED AN 8.3 PERCENT JOBLESS RATE... CARROLL COUNTY'S RATE JUMPED TO 7.9 PERCENT... HENRY COUNTY HAS A 7.7 PERCENT UNEMPLOYMENT RATE... AND OBION COUNTY SITS AT SIX-PERCENT.

STATEWIDE, UNEMPLOYMENT IN TENNESSEE WAS RECORDED AT 6.4 PERCENT IN MAY... A FULL PERCENTAGE POINT ABOVE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.

STATE FIGURES INDICATE ALMOST 200-THOUSAND TENNESSEANS ARE OUT OF WORK.

:by Dave Chaffin


DISCOVERY PARK OF AMERICA - Posted 07/02/08

UNION CITY MAYOR TERRY HAILEY WELCOMED A CROWD OF APPROXIMATELY 400 PEOPLE TO OBSERVE THE OFFICIAL GROUNDBREAKING OF THE $100 MILLION DOLLAR DISCOVERY PARK OF AMERICA, TUESDAY MORNING IN UNION CITY.

LOCAL, COUNTY, STATE AND CANADIAN OFFICIALS WERE ALL PART OF THE MONUMENTAL CELEBRATION OF THE BEGINNING OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE FACILITY, OFF OF EVERETT BOULEVARD.

THE TOURIST AND HISTORICAL FACILITY WAS THE IDEA OF ROBERT AND JENNY KIRKLAND, OF UNION CITY, AND WILL BE FUNDED BY THEM THROUGH THEIR FOUNDATION.

OBION COUNTY MAYOR BENNY McGUIRE TOLD THE CROWD THAT THE VISION OF UNION CITY’S ROBERT KIRKLAND AND THE WORK OF LOCAL VOLUNTEERS HAS PLACED THE COUNTY IN THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT.

OFFICIAL GROUND WORK IS SLATED TO START MONDAY, WITH THE TOTAL PROJECT SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN 2010.

THE FACILITY IS SLATED TO INCLUDE A MUSEUM, A GRAND HALL, BOTANICAL GARDENS, MILITARY EXHIBIT, ARTIFACTS AND MANY OTHER FEATURES.

THE PROJECT WAS DESIGNED BY WORLD ACCLAIMED ARCHITECT DOUGLAS CARDINAL OF CANADA.

:by Charles Choate

 
FULTON TO SHELTER ANIMALS ELSEWHERE - Posted 07/02/08

SUBSTANDARD CONDITIONS AT THE FULTON COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER ARE PROMPTING CITY OFFICIALS IN FULTON TO TRANSPORT ANIMALS ELSEWHERE.

FULTON CITY COMMISSIONER MIKE FARMER MADE A VIDEO-TAPED INSPECTION OF THE SHELTER SUNDAY DOCUMENTING INHUMANE AND UNSANITARY CONDITIONS... PUBLIC OUTCRY FOLLOWED WHEN FARMER POSTED THE VIDEO ONLINE AT www.fultonkynews.com.

FULTON CITY MANAGER KENNY EHTERTON ISSUED AN OPEN LETTER MONDAY STATING THE CITY WOULD IMPOUND ANIMALS AT WARD'S ANIMAL CLINIC IN FULTON UNTIL THE ISSUES AT THE HICKMAN SHELTER ARE ADDRESSED.

MEANWHILE, FARMER SAYS THE STORY IS GATHERING SOME NATIONAL ATTENTION... FARMER SAYS HE'S BEEN CONTACTED BY C.N.N. ABOUT THE STORY.

FARMER SAYS HE'S BEEN TOLD BY HICKMAN CITY OFFICIALS THEY'RE INVESTIGATING THE MATTER.

:by Dave Chaffin


BARKER BROTHERS REMINDER  - Posted 07/02/08

OFFICIALS WITH BARKER BROTHERS WASTE ARE REMINDING CUSTOMERS THAT THEY WILL RUN REGULAR ROUTES ON FRIDAY, JULY 4TH.

IF YOUR REGULAR PICK-UP DAY IS FRIDAY, BARKER BROTHERS ASK YOU TO PLEASE PUT YOUR CONTAINERS OUT FOR PICK-UP.

:by Charles Choate


KENTUCKY REPORTS - Posted 07/02/08

thirteen people died in twelve separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, June 23RD through Sunday, June 29TH.

Eleven of the fatalities involved motor vehicles AND INCLUDED TWO FATALITIES IN FULTON COUNTY AND ONE IN HICKMAN COUNTY.

Through June 29TH, 367 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways THIS YEAR.

This is 52 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007.

:by Charles Choate


ROADBLOCKS  - Posted 07/02/08

KENTUCKY STATE POLICE WILL BE CONDUCTING TRAFFIC CHECKPOINTS THIS FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND IN THEIR 11 COUNTY COVERAGE AREA.

TROOPERS WILL BE LOOKING FOR IMPAIRED DRIVERS, SAFETY SEAT AND SEAT BELT VIOLATORS AND OTHER TRAFFIC OFFENSES.

THE MAYFIELD POST ONE REPORT SAID 13 POSSIBLE LOCATIONS FOR THE CHECKPOINTS ARE DESIGNATED FOR FULTON COUNTY AND 11 POSSIBLE LOCATIONS ARE LISTED FOR HICKMAN COUNTY.

:by Charles Choate


WEAKLEY COUNTY DRUG CONSPIRACY SENTENCE - Posted 07/01/08

A DRESDEN MAN ACCUSED OF LEADING A CRACK COCAINE DISTRIBUTION RING HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO NEARLY TWENTY YEARS IN PRISON.

37-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL ELLISON – KNOWN ON THE STREET AS “BIG MIKE” - ENTERED A GUILTY PLEA IN FEDERAL COURT IN JANUARY ON CONSPIRACY CHARGES.

ELLISON WAS ARRESTED IN 2006 FOLLOWING A TWO-YEAR UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION BY WEAKLEY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES AND DRUG TASK FORCE AGENTS.

PROSECUTORS CLAIM ELLISON WAS THE RING LEADER OF THE LOCAL DRUG OPERATION WHO THREATENED WITNESSES AND MAINTAINED A STABLE OF FIREARMS.

FOR HIS GUILTY PLEA, ELLISON WAS SENTENCED TO 235 MONTHS IN PRISON... SENTENCING WAS ADMINISTERED FRIDAY IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT IN JACKSON BY JUDGE JAMES TODD.

:by Dave Chaffin


KENTUCKY STATE POLICE  - Posted 07/01/08

KENTUCKY STATE POLICE HAVE DEVISED A PROGRAM TO OFFSET THE IMPACT OF HIGH GAS PRICES.

STATE POLICE COMMISSIONER RODNEY BREWER SAID OFFICIALS ARE TRYING TO CUT COSTS, WHILE MAINTAINING THE SAME COVERAGE OF PROTECTION FOR CITIZENS.

OPERATION SAFE CHECK WILL BEGIN JULY 4TH AND WILL HAVE TROOPERS CONDUCTING OVER 200 CHECKPOINTS, AT HIGH CRASH RATIO LOCATIONS, UNTIL THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND.

BREWER SAID THE CHECKPOINTS WILL ALLOW TROOPERS TO MONITOR THE ROADWAYS, WHILE REDUCING THE NUMBER OF ROVING PATROLS IN AN AREA.

BREWER SAID THE PROGRAM COMES AFTER OFFICERS PURCHASED NEARLY 11,000 LESS GALLONS OF FUEL IN MAY OF THIS YEAR, FROM MAY OF 2007, BUT AT A $132,000 INCREASE IN COST.

:by Charles Choate


HICKMAN-FULTON CO. RESCUE SQUAD - Posted 07/01/08

THE HICKMAN-FULTON COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD IS BACK IN OPERATION AFTER AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THEMSELVES AND THE COUNTY’S FISCAL COURT.

MEMBERS OF THE RESCUE SQUAD RETURNED TO THEIR POSTS AFTER SQUAD MEMBERS AND COUNTY OFFICIALS AGREED TO ORDER A NEW TRUCK WITH THE COUNTY SUPPLYING $30,000 TOWARD ITS PURCHASE.

THE REMAINDER OF THE $65,000 COST WILL COME FROM FUNDRAISERS AND DONATIONS.

FULTON COUNTY JUDGE EXECUTIVE DAVID GALLAGHER SAID THE RESCUE SQUAD SIGNED A NEW LETTER OF AFFILIATION WITH BOTH THE COUNTY AND CITY OF HICKMAN LAST WEEK TO RESUME OPERATIONS.

ONLY HOURS AFTER THE AGREEMENT WAS MADE, THE SQUAD MEMBERS WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT THAT CLAIMED THE LIVES OF TWO PEOPLE IN A ONE VEHICLE CRASH.

:by Charles Choate


CHARGES LIKELY IN WEAKLEY CO. CRASH - Posted 06/30/08

THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL SAYS CRIMINAL CHARGES ARE EXPECTED IN CONNECTION WITH A FIERY CRASH IN WEAKLEY COUNTY THAT INJURED SEVEN PEOPLE.

THE CRASH OCCURRED MAY 23rd ON HIGHWAY-54 ABOUT A HALF-MILE FROM THE HENRY COUNTY LINE.

A PONTIAC G.T.O. DRIVEN BY MITCHELL DAVIS OF SOUTH FULTON COLLIDED WITH A VAN CARRYING SIX PEOPLE.

TROOPER ANDY FORSYTHE SAYS MITCHELL WAS TRAVELLING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN HE CROSSED INTO THE OPPOSING LANE AND COLLIDED HEAD-ON WITH THE VAN.

FORSYTHE SAYS THE 21-YEAR-OLD DAVIS IS STILL HOSPITALIZED AT VANDERBILT HOSPITAL IN NASHVILLE BUT IS RECOVERING... FORSYTHE SAYS PRELIMINARY TESTS INDICATE MITCHELL WAS NOT UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL.

FORSYTHE ALSO SAYS A PURYEAR WOMAN MOST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE CRASH – 60-YEAR-OLD RUBENER TEAGUE -- IS RECOVERING AT PLUMLEY RE-HAB CENTER IN HENRY COUNTY AND IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN THERE SEVERAL MORE MONTHS.

FORSYTHE SAYS THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES AND HE ANTICIPATES FILING CHARGES AGAINST DAVIS... ALTHOUGH HE DECLINED TO SAY WHAT THOSE CHARGES MIGHT BE.

OTHERS INJURED IN THE CRASH HAVE SINCE BEEN RELEASED FROM AREA HOSPITALS AND ARE RECOVERING AT HOME.

:by Dave Chaffin


QUILT SHOW  - Posted 06/30/08

The 25th Annual American Quilter’s Society Quilt Show & Contest will be held at the Paducah Expo/Executive Inn complex, ACCORDING TO A RELEASE ON THE QUILTER SOCIETY WEBSITE.

Representatives of the American Quilter’s Society, alongside Paducah city officials made the announcement FRIDAY during a press conference.

According to Mayor Bill Paxton, The Julian Carroll Convention Center will be remodeled in time for the show.

POOR ACCOMODATIONS AT THE PADUCAH EXECTUTIVE INN HAD QUILTING OFFICIALS PONDERING A MOVE TO SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI FOR THE 2009 SHOW.

AQS President Meredith Schroeder SAID the new owners and management of the Executive Inn, haVE contracted to renovate all of the hotel rooms and provide improved hotel services by April OF 2009.

THE ANNUAL SHOW BRINGS THOUSANDS OF VISITORS, FROM SEVERAL STATES AND COUNTRY’S, TO THE CITY FOR THE FOUR DAY EVENT.

OFFICIALS SET THE DATE OF APRIL 22ND THRU THE 25TH FOR THE 2009 SHOW.

:by Charles Choate


THEFT  - Posted 06/30/08

A FULTON MAN WAS ARRESTED FOR THEFT CHARGES AFTER HE LED POLICE AUTHORITIES ON A CHASE.

FULTON ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF JERE HUGHES SAID 48 YEAR OLD ANTOINE JERNIGAN, OF WELLS AVENUE, WAS ARRESTED AFTER HE REPORTEDLY STOLE MERCHANDISE FROM CARDINAL LIQUORS IN FULTON.

POLICE REPORTS SAID JERNIGAN LEFT THE BUSINESS ON HIS BICYCLE AND LED BOTH FULTON POLICE OFFICERS AND DEPUTY’S FROM THE FULTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT ON A CHASE BETWEEN HOUSES IN THE CITY.

REPORTS SAID JERNIGAN WAS CAUGHT WHEN HE WRECKED THE BICYCLE AND WAS THEN TRANSFERRED TO PARKWAY HOSPITAL AFTER COMPLAINING OF INJURIES.

HE WAS CHARGED WITH SHOPLIFTING AND 1ST DEGREE EVADING ARREST.

:by Charles Choate


FIREWORKS THEFT  - Posted 06/30/08

FOUR FULTON JUVENILES AND FOUR ADULTS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE THEFT OF FIREWORKS FROM A STORAGE BUILDING.

FULTON POLICE REPORTS SAID THE GROUP BROKE INTO A BUILDING ON WALNUT STREET, IN FULTON, AND TOOK THE FIREWORKS THAT WERE INTENDED FOR SALE AT A STAND.

BUILDING OWNER BRENT GREER SAID THE STOLEN FIREWORKS WERE VALUED AT SEVERAL THOUSANDS DOLLARS.

THE FOLLOWING MORNING, FULTON OFFICERS LOCATED A MAJORITY OF THE STOLEN MERCHANDISE IN EAST FULTON AND CHARGED THE JUVENILES WITH RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY OVER $300 AND 3RD DEGREE BURGLARY.

CHARGES THAT WERE PLACED ON THE ADULTS WERE NOT RELEASED.

:by Charles Choate


TRIED AS ADULT  - Posted 06/30/08

A 16 YEAR OLD RUNAWAY FROM MEMPHIS WILL BE TRIED AS AN ADULT IN JACKSON COURT AFTER TWO ROBBERIES.

JACKSON POLICE REPORTS SAID DESHAUN TUCKER WAS ORDERED TRIED AS AN ADULT AFTER HE APPEARED IN A MADISON COUNTY JUVENILE COURT.

POLICE SAID TUCKER WAS INVOLVED IN A MASKED ARMED ROBBERY OF WALGREEN’S, ON HIGHLAND AVENUE, ON MAY 21ST AND AN AGGRAVATED ROBBERY ON MAY 25TH IN WHICH A JACKSON MAN WAS SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES AS HE SAT IN HIS CAR.

TUCKER WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE MADISON COUNTY CRIMINAL COMPLEX AND ORDERED HELD ON $250,000.

:by Charles Choate


FATAL ACCIDENT  - Posted 06/30/08

TWO HICKMAN PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN A ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT EARLY FRIDAY MORNING IN FULTON COUNTY.

KENTUCKY STATE POLICE SAID 34 YEAR OLD WILLIE HAGLER JR. WAS DRIVING A 1993 GMC YUKON SOUTHBOUND ON KY125, WHEN HE CROSSED INTO THE NORTHBOUND LANE STRIKING A SIGN POST.

REPORTS SAID HE THEN CROSSED BACK ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND OVERTURNED AND STRUCK A TREE.

ALSO KILLED IN THE WRECK WAS HIS PASSENGER, 17 YEAR OLD JALISSA KINNEY.

BOTH WERE PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE BY FULTON COUNTY CORONER MATT MOSS.

THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 3:30 AND WAS DISCOVERED BY A PASSERBY.

:by Charles Choate


FESTIVAL GUIDE  - Posted 06/30/08

THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE-MARTIN WestStar Leadership Program class has published A West Tennessee Festival & Event Guide.

THE GUIDE IS an informational resource for major festivals and events, and served as the group’s class project.

WESTSTAR DIRECTOR DAVID BELOTE SAID Each class is responsible for organizing a project designed to benefit West Tennessee.

BELOTE SAID The new guide lists almost 140 festivals and events and will be a helpful resource and contributor to the region’s economic development.

WestStar was created in 1989 at UTM AND now has 524 graduates.

Copies of the guide are available through LOCAL chambers of commerce.

:by Charles Choate


BURGLARY ARRESTS  - Posted 06/30/08

HICKMAN POLICE ARREST THREE PEOPLE IN THE BREAK-IN OF A CONVENIENCE STORE IN WEST HICKMAN.

POLICE CHIEF TONY GROGAN SAID 18 YEAR OLD MICHAEL HIGGINS, OF MARKET STREET, ALONG WITH TWO JUVENILES WERE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER THE THEFT OF SEVERAL ITEMS FROM THE MENGEL MART STORE, ON HALL STREET.

REPORTS SAID THE THREE ENTERED THE STORE THROUGH AN UNLOCKED DOOR AND TOOK FISHING POLES AND TACKLE, ALONG WITH DRINKS AND OTHER ITEMS.

HIGGINS WAS TAKEN TO THE FULTON COUNTY DETENTION CENTER AND CHARGED WITH 3RD DEGREE BURGLARY, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF AND UNLAWFUL TAKING OVER $300.

CHARGES AGAINST THE JUVENILES WERE NOT RELEASED.

:by Charles Choate


RAPE CHARGES  - Posted 06/30/08

A HICKMAN MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED ON 1ST DEGREE RAPE AND 1ST DEGREE SODOMY CHARGES.

HICKMAN POLICE CHIEF TONY GROGAN SAID 31 YEAR OLD CLINTON MOORE, OF 808 CEDAR STREET, WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY LAST WEEK, AFTER ALLEGATIONS OF THE SEXUAL ABUSE WAS TOLD TO POLICE OFFICERS.

GROGAN SAID THE VICTIM, NOW 18 YEARS OLD, WAS AN ACQUAINTANCE OF MOORE AND TOLD OF THE UNCONSENTING SEXUAL ACTIVITY THAT HAD ALLEGEDLY BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS.

GROGAN SAID MOORE REMAINS IN THE FULTON COUNTY DETENTION CENTER AND HIS DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO INVESTIGATE.

MOORE MOVED TO HICKMAN FROM ILLINOIS APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS AGO, ACCORDING TO THE CHIEF.

:by Charles Choate


WEAKLEY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD - Posted 06/30/08

WEAKLEY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET AGAIN TUESDAY AND CONSIDER FINALIZING THE 2008-2009 SCHOOL SYSTEM BUDGET.

WEAKLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAVE GIVEN THEIR APPROVAL TO THE CURRENT DRAFT OF THE 30-MILLION DOLLAR SCHOOL BUDGET.

SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT RICHARD BARBER SAYS THERE'S SOME DISAPPOINTMENT THE BUDGET DOESN'T INCLUDE RAISES FOR WEAKLEY COUNTY TEACHERS... HOWEVER, BARBER SAYS HEALTH INSURANCE INCREASES SEEN BY OTHER COUNTY EMPLOYEES ARE NOT BEING GIVEN TO SCHOOL EMPLOYEES.

THE BUDGET INCLUDES LUNCH PRICE INCREASES FOR WEAKLEY COUNTY STUDENTS... CHILDREN IN GRADES “K” THROUGH FIVE WILL PAY 25-CENTS MORE FOR LUNCH IN THE COMING YEAR, WHILE GRADES SIX THROUGH TWELVE WILL SEE A 35-CENT INCREASE.

NUTRITION SUPERVISOR TAMI SIMPSON SAYS THE INCREASES ARE A RESPONSE TO A 90-THOUSAND DOLLAR INCREASE IN THE FOOD SERVICES BUDGET.

WEAKLEY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS MEET TUESDAY NIGHT AT 5:00 AT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICES IN DRESDEN.

:by Dave Chaffin


DOUBLE FATALITY  - Posted 06/30/08

KENTUCKY STATE POLICE CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE A ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT THAT CLAIMED TWO LIVES IN FULTON COUNTY FRIDAY.

OFFICIALS AT THE SCENE SAID THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED SOMETIME AROUND 3:30 FRIDAY MORNING AND WAS DISCOVERED BY A PASSERBY, APPROXIMATELY EIGHT MILES SOUTHEAST OF HICKMAN.

THE NAMES OF THE TWO VICTIMS ARE STILL BEING WITHHELD UNTIL AN OFFICIAL REPORT IS RELEASED BY KENTUCKY STATE POLICE.

THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON KY125, NEAR A SECTION CALLED “THE Y” IN FULTON COUNTY LEADING TO UNION CITY.

A KENTUCKY STATE POLICE DISPATCHER SAID A FULL REPORT WAS ISSUED SOMETIME FRIDAY.

:by Charles Choate


WEAKLEY COUNTY COMMISSION JUNE 08  - Posted 06/30/08

A ONE-TIME WEAKLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONER HAS RETURNED TO HIS FORMER SEAT.

AT THEIR RECENT MEETING, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED DALE OVERTON TO FILL THE DISTRICT-6 COMMISSION SEAT LEFT VACANT BY THE DEATH OF DON MALONE IN MAY.

OVERTON IS A FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER WHO SERVED PREVIOUSLY ON THE COUNTY COMMISSION DURING A FOUR-YEAR TERM IN THE LATE NINETIES.

OVERTON WILL HOLD THE DISTRICT-6 UNTIL AUGUST WHEN IT WILL BE OPEN FOR CANDIDATES TO RUN IN THE GENERAL ELECTION.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, COMMISSIONERS APPROVED SEVERAL BUDGET RESOLUTIONS AND TRANSFERS ... THEY ALSO ADOPTED A TENTATIVE WORKING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY UNTIL THE NEW 2008-2009 BUDGET IS FORMALIZED.

WEAKLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILL MEET AGAIN JULY 28th AND ARE EXPECTED TO ADOPT THE NEW FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AT THAT TIME.

:by Dave Chaffin


GREENFIELD MAN ARRESTED GIBSON COUNTY  - Posted 06/30/08

DRUG TASK FORCE AGENTS IN GIBSON COUNTY SAY AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION HAS RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF A GREENFIELD MAN ACCUSED OF STEALING THOUSANDS OF PRESCRIPTION PILLS.

29-YEAR-OLD STEVEN BELL WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY OVER THE WEEKEND AFTER INVESTIGATORS REPORTED SEIZING OVER FOUR THOUSAND HYDROCODONE PILLS FROM HIM... THE STREET VALUE OF THE PILLS IS ESTIMATED AT 40-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

BELL IS FREE ON A 20-THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND CHARGED WITH THEFT AND DRUG POSSESSION.

TRENTON POLICE CHIEF WILL SANDERS TOLD THE JACKSON SUN OTHER DETAILS OF THE CASE ARE BEING WITHHELD RIGHT NOW WHILE THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.

CHIEF SANDERS SAY MORE ARRESTS ARE EXPECTED SOON.

:by Dave Chaffin


FATALITY  - Posted 06/27/08

A 15 YEAR OLD UNION CITY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AND MEMBER OF THE GOLDEN TORNADOES FOOTBALL TEAM HAS DIED AS A RESULT OF A CAR ACCIDENT TUESDAY.

KENTUCKY STATE POLICE REPORTS SAID KENDALL WILSON WAS EJECTED FROM A 2001 CHEVROLET BEING DRIVEN BY 22 YEAR OLD THOMAS SIMS OF CLINTON.

THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN HICKMAN COUNTY ON KY239, APPROXIMATELY THREE MILES NORTH OF THE FULTON COUNTY LINE.

KSP REPORTS SAID SIMS APPARENTLY FEEL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL, AS THE CAR LEFT THE ROADWAY, STRUCK SEVERAL TREES AND ROLLED MULTIPLE TIMES.

WILSON WAS TAKEN TO THE VANDERBILT MEDICAL CENTER IN NASHVILLE BY AIR EVAC AND DIED AS A RESULT OF HIS INJURIES WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD SATURDAY AT 1:00 AT THE GREEN VALLEY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN CLINTON, WITH BURIAL TO FOLLOW IN THE CLINTON CEMETERY.

:by Charles Choate


BREDESEN RECOMMENDS GRANTS FOR SHARON; GLEASON - Posted 06/27/08

GOVERNOR PHIL BREDESEN SAYS HE'S RECOMMENDING THE APPROVAL OF OVER 300-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN GRANT MONEY FOR TWO WEAKLEY COUNTY TOWNS.

SHARON CITY OFFICIALS RECENTLY APPLIED WITH THE DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY FOR A 159-THOUSAND DOLLAR GRANT FOR A WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT.

THE CITY OF GLEASON HAD APPLIED FOR 173-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN GRANT MONEY FOR A SEWER LINE REHAB PROJECT.

TWO OF THE THREE DUPLEX SEWER PUMPING STATIONS IN GLEASON HAVE FREQUENT MECHANICAL PROBLEMS, AND THE CITY PLANS TO REPLACE THEM WITH NEW SELF-PRIMING SEWER PUMPING STATIONS.

THE CITY OF SHARON RELIES ON A DILAPIDATED WATER SYSTEM THAT LEAKS BADLY AND IS DAMAGING STREET SURFACES... SHARON CITY OFFICIALS PLAN TO REPLACE THE ASBESTOS CEMENT AND CAST IRON PIPES WITH PLASTIC PVC PIPES.

IN PRESS RELEASES ISSUED THURSDAY BREDESEN SAYS HE'S SUPPORTING THE GRANT APPLICATIONS AND IS RECOMMENDING THEIR APPROVAL.

FOLLOWING THE GOVERNOR'S ANNOUNCEMENT, STATE SENATOR ROY HERRON OF DRESDEN SAID HE WAS PLEASED WITH BREDESEN'S BACKING.

HERRON SAYS THE GOVERNOR'S SUPPORT MEANS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THOSE IN GLEASON AND SHARON.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE MARK MADDOX SAYS THE GRANT PROCESS IS INDICATIVE OF A STRONG PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEADERS.

:by Dave Chaffin


HICKMAN COUNTY CRASH - Posted 06/27/08

A UNION CITY TEENAGER HAS DIED FROM INJURIES SUSTAINED IN A TUESDAY TRAFFIC CRASH IN HICKMAN COUNTY (KENTUCKY).

KENTUCKY STATE TROOPERS SAY 22-YEAR-OLD THOMAS SIMS WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON KENTUCKY-239 IN HICKMAN COUNTY WHEN HE FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL.

TROOPER MICHAEL COOK SAYS SIMS' VEHICLE LEFT THE ROADWAY, STRUCK SEVERAL TREES, AND OVERTURNED SEVERAL TIMES.

A PASSENGER IN THE CAR, 15-YEAR-OLD KENDALL WILSON, A STUDENT AT UNION CITY HIGH SCHOOL, WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.

FOLLOWING THE CRASH, WILSON WAS FLOWN TO NASHVILLE'S VANDERBILT HOSPITAL WHERE HE DIED WEDNESDAY.

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR KENDALL WILSON WILL BE HELD SATURDAY AFTERNOON AT 1:00 AT THE GREEN VALLEY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN CLINTON.

:by Dave Chaffin


LABOR DEPT. IN HUNTINGDON CONTRACT - Posted 06/27/08

A MILAN COMPANY HAS BEEN GIVEN THE CONTRACT TO BUILD THE NEW LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CAREER CENTER IN HUNTINGDON.

THE CONTRACT WAS GIVEN TO FISHER CONSTRUCTION FOLLOWING THEIR BID OF TWO-AND-A-HALF MILLION DOLLARS.

CARROLL COUNTY MAYOR KENNY MCBRIDE TOLD THE MCKENZIE BANNER (NEWSPAPER) COUNTY ARCHITECTS ARE CURRENTLY REVIEWING FISHER'S CONSTRUCTION PLANS.

THE NEW MULTI-PURPOSE, 22-THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT CENTER WILL BE LOCATED NEXT TO THE CARROLL COUNTY VOCATIONAL CENTER AND WILL HOUSE OFFICES, A COMPUTER LAB, A CALL CENTER, AND CLASSROOMS.

THE NEW BUILDING WILL TAKE THE PLACE OF THE 44-YEAR-OLD, EXISTING CENTER ON EAST MAIN STREET.

CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SOME TIME AFTER JULY 1st.

:by Dave Chaffin


EMPLOYEE THEFT - Posted 06/27/08

AN EMPLOYEE OF REYNOLDS BROTHERS TIRE OF UNION CITY WAS ARRESTED FOR THE THEFT OF CASH FROM MONEY BAGS.

UNION CITY POLICE REPORTS SAID 59 YEAR OLD TOMMY POLLARD, OF 710 NORTH FIFTH STREET, WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER AN INVESTIGATION BY COMPANY OFFICIALS.

REPORTS SAID THEFT DETECTION POWDER WAS PLACED ON MONEY IN A BAG, AFTER $200 WAS REPORTED MISSING FROM THE BUSINESS, AND SERIAL NUMBERS WERE RECORDED.

AFTER BUSINESS OFFICIALS DISCOVERED ANOTHER $20 MISSING, THE POWDER WAS DISCOVERED ON POLLARD’S TIME CARD.

UNION CITY POLICE THEN WENT TO POLLARD’S RESIDENCE, WHERE ONE $20 BILL IN HIS WALLET HAD A MATCHING SERIAL NUMBER AND ANOTHER $20 BILL CONTAINED THE DETECTION POWDER.

REPORTS SAID POLLARD THEN ADMITTED TO TAKING THE MONEY FROM THE BUSINESS.

:by Charles Choate


DISCOVERY PARK SIGN - Posted 06/27/08

WORKERS WITH SEARCY CONTRACTORS OF UNION CITY HAVE ERECTED A SIGN PROCLAIMING THE SITE OF THE DISCOVERY PARK OF AMERICA PROJECT.

THE DOUBLE SIGN WAS PLACED AT THE FUTURE SITE OF THE TOURIST MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL FACILITY, ON EVERETT BOULEVARD IN UNION CITY, THURSDAY.

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONIES ARE SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK AS WORK BEGINS ON THE $100 MILLION DOLLAR STRUCTURE ON 50-ACRES OF PROPERTY.

DISCOVERY PARK OF AMERICA WAS THE IDEA OF UNION CITY’S ROBERT AND JENNY KIRKLAND, WHO WILL BE PROVIDING FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT THROUGH THEIR FOUNDATION.

:by Charles Choate

 
RIDGELY MAN THREATENS CHIEF - Posted 06/27/08

A RIDGELY MAN IS RECEIVING A MENTAL EVALUATION FOLLOWING AN ARMED CONFRONTATION WITH THE POLICE CHIEF.

ON MONDAY, RIDGELY POLICE CHIEF GLEN FLOYD AND ASSISTANT CHIEF KENNY LEE WENT TO THE HOME OF 42-YEAR-OLD JAMES HICKS... HICKS CALLED POLICE TO REPORT HIS MOTHER WAS THREATENING SUICIDE.

WHEN THEY ARRIVED, CHIEF FLOYD SAYS HICKS STOOD IN THE DOORWAY POINTING A SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN AT HIM.

AFTER A FEW TENSE SECONDS, HICKS EVENTUALLY OBEYED AN ORDER TO DROP THE GUN AND WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY.

HICKS WAS HOSPITALIZED FIRST AT BAPTIST MEMORIAL IN UNION CITY FOR A MENTAL EVALUATION, THEN TO WESTERN HOSPITAL IN BOLIVAR.

RIDGELY POLICE SAY HICKS WILL BE CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WHEN HE'S RELEASED FROM BOLIVAR.

:by Dave Chaffin


PARIS RECOGNIZED AS RETIREMENT DESTINATION - Posted 06/27/08

A NATIONAL MAGAZINE IS RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF PARIS AS ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S TOP RETIREMENT DESTINATIONS.

THE JULY ISSUE OF RETIREMENT LIFESTYLES SPOTLIGHTS TENNESSEE'S ADVANTAGES FOR RETIREES, INCLUDING OUTDOOR RECREATION AND THE LACK OF A STATE INCOME TAX.

THE ARTICLE ALSO POINTS TO PARIS, WHICH IT CALLS A “MOST CHARMING SMALL TOWN”.

AND, OF COURSE, THE ARTICLE INCLUDES A PHOTO THE CITY'S “WELCOME TO PARIS” SIGN AND THE BIG CATFISH THAT RESTS ABOVE IT.

:by Dave Chaffin


RAPE SUSPECT - Posted 06/27/08

A RAPE SUSPECT CAPTURED IN UNION CITY HAS RETURNED TO KENTUCKY TO FACE CHARGES.

AN OFFICIAL WITH THE OBION COUNTY GENERAL SESSIONS COURT SAID 25 YEAR OLD DARYL SAMUELS, OF MEMPHIS, SIGNED EXTRADITION AND HAS BEEN TAKEN TO McCRACKEN COUNTY BY PADUCAH POLICE DETECTIVES.

SAMUELS HAS BEEN HELD IN THE OBION COUNTY JAIL AFTER HE WAS ARRESTED BY UNION CITY POLICE, ON EVERETT BOULEVARD JUNE 12TH.

HE WAS CHARGED LOCALLY WITH ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF A WEAPON AFTER TWO GUNS WERE FOUND IN HIS CAR, ALONG WITH ALTERING A SERIAL NUMBER ON A GUN.

SAMUELS SERVED FIVE DAYS IN JAIL AND PAID THE COURT COSTS ON THOSE CHARGES, ACCORDING TO REPORTS.

HE NOW IS JAILED ON $50,000 CASH BOND FACING CHARGES OF RAPING A 24 YEAR OLD WOMAN IN PADUCAH, ONLY HOURS BEFORE HIS ARREST IN UNION CITY.

 :by Charles Choate


MURRAY DRUG ARREST - Posted 06/27/08

A MURRAY MAN WAS ARRESTED THIS WEEK AFTER POLICE SAY THEY FOUND DRUG'S HIDDEN INSIDE THE MAN'S BIBLE.

26-YEAR-OLD BILLY SCOTT WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY TUESDAY IN MURRAY... INVESTIGATORS SAY HE SOLD CRACK COCAINE TO AN UNDERCOVER OFFICER.

OFFICERS ARRESTED SCOTT DURING A TRAFFIC STOP AND SAY THEY FOUND IN HIS POSSESSION TEN GRAMS OF CRACK AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA HIDDEN INSIDE A BIBLE.

SCOTT IS JAILED UNDER A 100-THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND IN CALLOWAY COUNTY CHARGED WITH DRUG POSSESSION AND TRAFFICKING.

:by Dave Chaffin


CAMDEN MAN DIES IN CRASH - Posted 06/27/08

THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL IS INVESTIGATING A BENTON COUNTY CRASH THAT CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A CAMDEN MAN.

30-YEAR-OLD SHANNON PHILLIPS DIED WEDNESDAY WHEN HIS PICK-UP TRUCK LEFT THE ROADWAY AND OVERTURNED ON SAWYERS MILL ROAD... PHILLIPS WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.

A PASSENGER, 34-YEAR-OLD MONICA WOODS OF CAMDEN, WAS ALSO INJURED IN THE CRASH.

IN THE CRASH REPORT THE INVESTIGATING TROOPER INDICATES PHILLIPS COULD HAVE POSSIBLY SURVIVED THE CRASH HAD HE BEEN WEARING A SEAT BELT.

:by Dave Chaffin


MARIJUANA BUST - Posted 06/27/08

THE PENNYRILE DRUG TASK FORCE, ALONG WITH SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTS FROM CALLOWAY, McCRACKEN AND MARSHALL COUNTY ARREST A MAJOR MARIJUANA SUPPLIER IN WESTERN KENTUCKY.

McCRACKEN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS SAID 31 YEAR OLD WILLIAM MATHIS, OF EDDYVILLE, WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER AN INVESTIGATION INTO LARGE QUANTITIES OF MARIJUANA TRAFFICKING.

REPORTS SAID UNDERCOVER OPERATIONS LED TO THE ARREST OF MATHIS AFTER HIS DELIVERY OF 25 POUNDS OF THE LEAFY DRUG TO AN ESTABLISHMENT IN REIDLAND.

A SEARCH OF THE MATHIS VEHICLE ALSO YIELDED SEVERAL LORITAB PILLS IN AN UNPROPER CONTAINER AN A LEDGER WITH THE ALLEGED NAMES OF THE AREA’S DRUG DEALERS AND THE AMOUNT OF MONEY OWED TO MATHIS.

HE WAS TAKEN TO THE McCRACKEN COUNTY REGIONAL JAIL CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING IN MARIJUANA OVER FIVE POUNDS AND POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN AN UNPROPER CONTAINER.

:by Charles Choate


SKYHAWK SIGNEE - Posted 06/27/08

THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE-MARTIN BASKETBALL TEAM HAS SIGNED A JUCO PRODUCT FROM NORTH OKLAHOMA COLLEGE.

HEAD COACH BRET CAMPBELL SAID 6’3” GUARD RUEBEN CLAYTON WILL TRANSFER TO THE SKYHAWKS, AFTER HE AVERAGED 13.2 POINTS PER GAME LAST SEASON FOR HIS JUNIOR COLLEGE TEAM.

CLAYTON PLAYED HIS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL AT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL IN MEMPHIS, THE SAME SCHOOL WHICH PRODUCED UTM’S OVC STANDOUT LESTER HUDSON.

CAMPBELL SAID CLAYTON HAS THREE YEARS OF PLAYING ELIGIBILITY AND WILL BE A STRONG ASSET TO THE TEAM.

:by Charles Choate


CORKER ON KOREA - Posted 06/26/08

TENNESSEE U.S. SENATOR BOB CORKER SAYS HE WELCOMES NORTH KOREA’S DECISION TO DISCLOSE ASPECTS OF ITS NUCLEAR PROGRAM.
CORKER’S COMMENTS CAME AFTER THE KOREAN COUNTRY’S DECISION TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON A NEGOTIATED REQUIREMENT FROM TALKS AMONG SIX COUNTY’S, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES.

AS A MEMBER OF THE SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE, CORKER SAID FINAL JUDGMENT MUST BE RESERVED UNTIL NORTH KOREA COMPLETELY DISMANTLES ITS NUCLEAR PRODUCTION CAPABILITY.

CORKER SAID HE HOPES THIS PROGRESS WILL ENCOURAGE A CHANGE TO COUNTRY’S LIKE IRAN, WHO CONTINUE TO IGNORE THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.

:by Charles Choate


HICKMAN COUNTY CRASH - Posted 06/26/08

KENTUCKY STATE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A WEDNESDAY CRASH THAT CRITICALLY INJURED A LOCAL MAN.

STATE TROOPERS SAY THOMAS SIMS WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON KENTUCKY-239 IN HICKMAN COUNTY WHEN HE FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL.

TROOPER MICHAEL COOK SAYS SIMS' VEHICLE LEFT THE ROADWAY, STRUCK SEVERAL TREES, AND OVERTURNED SEVERAL TIMES.

A PASSENGER IN THE CAR IDENTIFIED AS KENDALL WILSON WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.

FOLLOWING THE CRASH, WILSON WAS FLOWN TO NASHVILLE'S VANDERBILT HOSPITAL... THE SPECIFIC EXTENT OF HIS INJURIES HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED.

:by Dave Chaffin


DECKER TO COACH - Posted 06/26/08

FORMER OBION COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL STAR AND COACH KIM DECKER HAS BEEN NAMED HEAD COACH OF THE BOY’S PROGRAM AT DYERSBURG HIGH SCHOOL.

MS. DECKER WILL REPLACE DION REAL, WHO RESIGNED TO ACCEPT THE HEAD COACHING POSITION AT COVINGTON.

MS. DECKER SERVED AS AN ASSISTANT IN THE DYERSBURG PROGRAM LAST SEASON AND NOW BECOMES THE ONLY FEMALE COACH IN RURAL WEST TENNESSEE TO GUIDE A BOY’S HIGH SCHOOL TEAM.

HER HUSBAND, FORMER OBION COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL STAR PAUL DECKER, IS CURRENTLY AN ASSISTANT COACH IN FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL WITH THE DYERSBURG SCHOOL.

:by Charles Choate


REESE - Posted 06/26/08

SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER JERRY REESE WILL SPEAK AT DYERSBURG STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

REESE WILL TELL HIS STORY OF GROWING UP IN TIPTONVILLE, HIS DAYS OF PLAYING FOOTBALL AT LAKE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL AND UT-MARTIN TO BECOMING THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN GENERAL MANAGER IN HISTORY TO WIN A SUPER BOWL.

THE EVENT IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC AND WILL BE HELD AT THE E.H. LANNOM GYMNASIUM BEGINNING AT 3:00.

:by Charles Choate


SEWAGE DISCHARGE AT DYER COUNTY JAIL - Posted 06/26/08

STATE OFFICIALS ARE INVESTIGATING A WEEKEND INCIDENT IN WHICH RAW SEWAGE DISCHARGED FROM THE DYER COUNTY JAIL.

THE DISCHARGE IS ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY INMATES WHO CLOGGED UP THE SEWER SYSTEM BY FLUSHING TOWELS, UNDERWEAR, AND OTHER ITEMS INTO THE BUILDING'S SANITATION SYSTEM.

THAT CAUSED RAW SEWAGE TO FLOOD ACROSS THE JAIL'S PARKING LOT AND INTO A DITCH THAT RUNS INTO THE FORKED DEER RIVER.

SPOKESPERSON TAMMY HEISE SAYS INVESTIGATORS WITH THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION ARE EXAMING THE INCIDENT.

:by Dave Chaffin


MURRAY CHURCH IMPERSONATOR - Posted 06/26/08

SOME CHURCH GOERS IN MURRAY SAY SOMEONE IS SCAMMING WEST KENTUCKY RESIDENTS CLAIMING TO BE RAISING MONEY FOR THE CHURCH.

MEMBERS OF THE RUSSELL CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SAY THEY'VE RECEIVED REPORTS SOMEONE IN THE AREA IS APPROACHING PEOPLE SEEKING DONATIONS FOR THE CHURCH'S BUILDING FUND.

THE ACTIVITY WAS REPORTED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AFTER A FAMILY WHO ACTUALLY ATTENDS THE CHURCH WAS APPROACHED AND KNEW THE PERSON WASN'T A CHURCH MEMBER.

ANYONE RECEIVING SIMILAR SOLICITATIONS IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE CALLOWAY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

:by Dave Chaffin