Lawrenceburg Now

Barn destroyed in Sunday evening fire

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 23:07:27 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now

A fire that ignited in Western Lawrence County Sunday evening completely destroyed a barn and contents. Units with Henryville, and West End Fire Departments were dispatched on the call at 6:30 p.m. to the Midway Road home of resident Brad Long. Long reported he had noticed smoke coming from the barn and quickly placed a 911 call to summon help. While he was able to remove his tools from the structure before it went up in flames, Long indicated a camper and jet ski were still inside. Although firefighters were unable to save the barn or contents, they were successful in preventing the flames from spreading to Long’s house, nearby. Total loss was not immediately available.

Crash results in injury to cyclist in Memorial ride

Sun, 5 Sep 2010 19:55:16 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A benefit motorcycle ride was tarnished Sunday afternoon when one of the riders was involved in a crash. According to rider Todd Yannayan, the ride had originally been planned as a benefit for Edith Jacobs, but after her death became the Edith Jacobs Memorial Ride. VIDEO: Memorial Rider has accident on Hwy 64 Riders were traveling westbound along U.S. Highway 64 around 1:00 p.m., just west of the Lawrenceburg City Limits and David Crockett Elementary School, when one rider reportedly “got too close” to rider Donnie Howell; his front tire bumping into the rear of Howell’s motorcycle. Howell was able to bring his motorcycle back under control, however the unnamed rider was not as fortunate. Yanayan explained that the action caused the other rider’s motorcycle to flip and sent him skidding across the pavement. He was treated at the scene, then airlifted with what was described as “serious, but non-life threatening injuries.” A second biker was later air lifted via Air Evac from the same accident

Area church targeted by burglars

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 12:15:55 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A church in the West Point area was targeted by burglars who reportedly stole electronics equipment, then trashed the stage area before fleeing. Brent Davis of Faith Fellowship Church, 140 Tennessee Circle, reported the crime occurred sometime between 2:00 p.m. Sunday and 8:00 p.m. Wednesday. According to reports filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, the culprits pried open a door to gain access to the church. Inside, they reportedly stole a Peavey mixing board, Sony CD duplicator and its accompanying 160 gigabyte hard drive. Although music stands were knocked over and sheet music and other papers strewn about in the stage area, Davis indicated nothing appeared to be damaged. Total loss and damages are estimated at $820.99. The matter remains under investigation by detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division.

Residents return home to find stray wheel has damaged carport and truck

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 12:01:34 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Residents of 50 Rabbit Trail Road returned home from work Wednesday to discover that a stray wheel had wreaked havoc on their carport. The female resident reported she had left for work around 8:30 that morning and everything appeared to be in order. When she returned around 2:30 that afternoon, she found damages to her carport and her husband’s truck. Reports indicate that a wheel and tire from a large truck had apparently come loose from a passing vehicle. The wheel then traveled across the victims’ yard at a high rate of speed, crashing into a portion of the metal carport, then impacting the side of the Dodge truck. Damages were initially estimated to total $1,000. The reporting Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy reports that he conducted a sweep of the area in an effort to find the vehicle in question. He indicates he was unable to do so. Afterwards, he contacted Lawrence Farmers CoOp, Garland Tire and J&G Tire Center to ascertain whether anyone had stopped to replace a wheel. All indicated they had had no such requests. Investigation into matter is currently on-going.

Teen murdered in drug deal gone bad

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 12:26:14 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A Lawrenceburg teenager lost his life overnight Tuesday in what law enforcement officials suspect was a drug-related altercation. The shooting occurred around 9:05 p.m. Tuesday at the former Swinging Bridge/Simms Street Park on Simms Street. At the time of the incident officials with the City of Lawrenceburg were already in the process of dismantling the park. They hope to re-establish the park somewhere in the same general vicinity. According to Lawrenceburg Police Department Investigator Anthony Nugent, the victim of the shooting is Joshua Fox Smith, age 18. He indicates that Smith sustained two gunshot wounds during what they suspect was “a drug deal gone wrong;” one to the left chest and one to the throat. Once Smith was wounded, officials speculate the pair continued to fight and his assailant was rendered unconscious. Smith was transported to nearby Crockett Hospital by his girlfriend. He later died as the result of injuries sustained. The alleged shooter, Tristan Bush, age 18, of Lawrenceburg, was later arrested on charges of first degree murder. Authorities indicate he is currently being held at the Lawrence County Jail without bond.

Several crimes under investigation through local law enforcement agencies

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:36:59 -0500

News from LawrenceburgNow.com

Law enforcement officials throughout the county were kept busy during the weekend, investigating several domestic disturbances and various other crimes. On Saturday officers with the Lawrenceburg Police Department were dispatched to a home on Gallaher Street, where a neighbor made contact with an intruder claiming to be the resident’s niece. The neighbor, age 30, told officers that he noticed around 7:15 p.m. that his neighbor’s door was standing open; which was unusual. The neighbor reported he discovered an unknown female inside the house, but that she claimed to be the resident’s niece. The woman reportedly made off with a gallon jug that contained approximately $95 worth of coins and five $1 bills, for a loss of $100. When officers spoke with the resident, age 75, he told them he had no idea who the intruder might have been. He reported he had gone out for a while, leaving his door unsecured. He also indicated he has no niece who lives near this area. The intruder was described as 5’5” tall, weighing 180 to 190 pounds, with dark hair and a mole between her eyes. In a separate incident, deputies with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to a home 35 South Chisholm Creek Road, West Point, Sunday morning. The sixty-one-year-old victim told deputies she had left her home around 9:30 a.m. and returned around 10:00 a.m. During that brief time, she reported someone entered her home through an unlocked screen door and stole a five-gallon water bottle filled with approximately $3,000 worth of coins. Nothing else, she said, appeared to be missing or out of place. A resident of 285 Shoally Branch Road, Leoma, reported Saturday that her home had been burglarized on Tuesday while she was attending a fireworks show at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski. When she returned, the victim said she discovered three firearms had been purloined. Loss totaled nearly $1,000. The theft may be attributed to a relative. Investigation into the matter is continuing at the current time. A burglar who stole gasoline from an Ethridge resident overnight Saturday left a clue behind for police officials. Deputies report being dispatched to 3313 Buffalo Road shortly after 11:00 a.m. Saturday where they spoke with the resident, age 57. He stated that someone had entered his barn overnight, stealing a two gallon gas can containing two gallons of gasoline. Deputies reported that the perpetrator dropped the back of a cell phone that bore the inscription “Zach 69.” Also, deputies noted the perpetrator appeared to be using a walking cane. Circular impressions were left in the dirt, attributed to a walking cane. Investigation into all cases is continuing by detectives with the departments’ Criminal Investigation Divisions. Anyone who has information regarding any of the incidents should contact the police department at 762-2276, or the sheriff’s department at 762-3626.

Overnight guest steals resident's car and money

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:36:09 -0500

News from LawrenceburgNow.com

A resident of Iron City was disheartened to discover during the weekend that her car had been stolen, then abandoned in Alabama, absent the car stereo. The victim, age 43, told deputies with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department that she had allowed an acquaintance to spend the night because it was her daughter’s birthday. She said she got up around 1:30 a.m. and discovered that the overnight guest, Wesley Lee Gibson, age 24, of 132 Woodland Hills, Road, Florence, Alabama, was not inside the home. The victim indicated that she went outside to look for Gibson and discovered that he was gone, along with her 1993 Nissan Sentra. When she reentered the house, she realized her purse had been moved. Checking inside, she found that $100 in cash was missing. Gibson, the victim reported, had left his clothing, cell phone charger and wallet behind. Later, the victim contacted deputies once again. She indicated that she had been able to make contact with Gibson. He informed her that he had left her car parked at a Kangaroo gas station on Wilson Dam Road in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. In addition, he told her he had removed the CD player. The victim’s loss was estimated to total $1,700.00. Deputies indicate that the vehicle identification number was entered into the National Crime Information Center, and an arrest warrant was issued against Gibson, charging him with the crime of theft. At the time reports were filed Gibson had not yet been arrested on the charge.

Husband arrested in Owens murder

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:21:45 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

After an investigation that spanned a year and a half, law enforcement officials arrested a Lawrenceburg man Friday in connection with his wife’s murder. Danny Owens was apprehended by officials with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department around 5:30 Friday afternoon at his Rain Tree Subdivision home. He is charged in connection with the February, 2009, death of wife Vicki Owens, age 57. Deputies were dispatched to the couple’s Treetop Trail home around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 7, after Danny Owens reported his wife had shot and killed herself. When they arrived, deputies found that Vicki Owens had died as the result of a single gunshot wound. At that time, Danny Owens told deputies he had heard the shot while he was inside the garage. As the result of on-going investigation, agents were able to gather additional information in the case. That evidence was presented to a recent session of the Lawrence County Grand Jury. That panel opted to return an indictment, charging Danny Owens with one count of first degree murder. Members of the sheriff’s department spent much of the day Friday searching for Owens. He was arrested and booked through the Lawrence County Jail without incident. Owens is currently being held without bond.

Council eyes replacing segment of damaged drainage system

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:12:17 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

City of Lawrenceburg Administrator William McLain informed city council members Thursday, that recent flooding in various areas of the city is being attributed to a damaged segment of the city’s old storm water drainage system. McLain indicated during the bi-monthly meeting of the Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Council that they had been contacted recently in regards to flood waters accumulating along First Street, North Military Avenue, Depot Street and other areas. He indicated that they made use of a Lawrenceburg Utility System mobile camera system in order to inspect the interior of the drain system. It was discovered that a segment of the city’s older drain is irreparably damaged and must be replaced. While using the camera system to inspect the interior of the drain, EMA Director Joe Baxter pointed out they found one date on the pipes of 1932. McLain indicated that an approximate 300 foot segment of the drain near the old M. Fine Building, at the corner of North Locust Avenue and First Street, is damaged and blocked, and that no storm water can drain through that section. This, McLain explained, is causing storm water from other areas to back up, as well, and preventing the system from emptying properly. McLain explained to council members, “We must fix this.” He indicated that he would compile a cost estimate in regards to the replacement/repair work, and have those costs ready for inspection at an upcoming meeting.

Fire department implements new policy designed to cut expenses

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:11:34 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Lawrenceburg Fire Chief Don Kelly indicates that he has implemented a new police designed to save his department a considerable amount normally spent on false alarm calls. Kelly told members of the Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Council during their meeting Thursday morning that in the past, approximately 48% of all calls answered by his department turn out to be false alarms. In order to maintain the department’s ISO (Insurance Service Office) rating (the rating by which insurance agencies establish premiums for an area), the department had been required to respond fully to all calls. Kelly recently learned that ISO had made changes in their grading system, relaxing some of the requirements in order to assist areas that were being bombarded with false alarm calls. Now, instead of requiring that all units respond to every call, ISO allows for one fire truck, staffed with a minimum of two firemen, to respond to the scene, assess the situation, then call for remaining units when needed. While in the past response time was judged by the time the call as actually received, future response time will begin when the initial team dispatched calls for assistance. Kelly told council members that he implemented the change on Wednesday. The change, he said, should drastically cut excessive overtime pay. Overtime payments in his department, Kelly said, should be “cut in half or more” as a result of the new procedure. Members of the council then approved an ordinance designed to further cut false alarm calls. The ordinance, approved on first reading in January, then deferred, establishes a schedule of fees to be charged in connection with false emergency calls “not caused by a violent act of nature.” The ordinance, which takes effect immediately, should further lessen the load of false alarm calls answered by both the fire and police departments.

Man apprehended after fleeing, hiding beneath house

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:01:45 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A local man was apprehended by law enforcement officers Tuesday evening after first leading them on a foot chase, then crawling beneath a house. Officers with the Lawrenceburg Police Department report they were patrolling in the area of Second Street around 9:50 p.m. when they met a driver who failed to dim his lights, then flashed them at the officer. The officer reports the driver continued to run his lights on high beam as he passed. The officer turned and followed the driver west along Second Street, onto Second Avenue, then First Street. When he initiated a traffic stop, he reports the driver made an abrupt stop, then bailed out of his 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlas and fled on foot. Officers gave chase, pursuing the man through the 400 Block. They indicate he ran behind one house where he scaled a wooden fence. He failed to stop when officers repeatedly ordered him to the ground. Backup units were called to the scene and the search continued while the reporting officer made his way back to the vehicle. He was able to trace the vehicle back to owner Charles Stephen Graves, 48, of Old Florence Road. The vehicle was then towed from the scene to the City Impound Lot. Meanwhile, residents of the area were conveying information to officers regarding the suspect’s whereabouts. One reported the man had been hanging around the carport of his Seventh Street home for a time. He reported that he watched as the man crawled into the crawl space beneath a nearby home. An officer was able to regain visual contact with the man, identified as Graves. He was then placed under arrest on charges of resisting arrest, stop, halt, frisk, search, violation of the light law, and violation of the driver license law. (Although Graves has resided in Tennessee for more than one year, officers noted he still had a driver license issued through the State of Florida.) Graves was booked on the charges through the Lawrence County Jail. He is slated for an initial appearance through Lawrence County General Sessions Court on October 1, 2010. In addition to the local charges, officials indicate there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest issued through Giles County.

Redd arrested on vehicular homicide indictment in May death

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:41:08 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Charges have been issued in connection with the death of a Lawrenceburg woman who allegedly died in July from injuries she sustained when struck by a drunk driver in May. Mary Jo McDonald, age 56, was struck by the vehicle on Buffalo Road on May 25, 2010. McDonald sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted from the scene. McDonald remained hospitalized until her death on July 5 at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia. Authorities allege that the driver of the vehicle, former Lawrenceburg resident Ricky Ray Redd, 37, of 207 Fifth Avenue, Columbia, was intoxicated at the time he struck McDonald. After hearing evidence in connection with the case, a Lawrence County Grand Jury opted to issue indictments against Redd, charging him with the crimes of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and aggravated vehicular homicide. Redd was processed through the Lawrence County Jail on the charges Thursday. He is scheduled to answer the charges through Lawrence County Circuit Court on September 13, 2010. He was additionally charged with violation of probation and is slated to answer that charge through circuit court on September 23, 2010. McDonald was an employee of Walmart where she worked in the delicatessen.

Adopters needed at overpopulated city pound

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:40:06 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

The Lawrenceburg City Pound is overrun with occupants these days, and officials are inviting anyone who can to adopt an animal. With around thirty dogs being housed at the facility at the current time, the overpopulation is creating difficulties as far as caring for the animals is concerned. In an effort to assist the department, officials with Tractor Supply Company on North Locust Avenue have agreed to allow an adoption day to be held on their parking lot. The business will allow officials to use their kennels to hold the dogs throughout the day. Officials are urging residents to come by and consider adopting a dog, in the hopes of saving the lives of many of the animals. The Adoption Day will get underway at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, August 28, and officials expect it will continue until around 1:00 p.m. An adoption fee of $25 will be charged, however adopters can recoup that cost by providing the department with proof of vaccination and spay/neuter procedure.

Taylor files paperwork to contest election results

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:41:43 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Lawrence County Sheriff Kenny Taylor filed paperwork with the local court system Friday afternoon that will allow him to contest the outcome of the August 5 County General Election results in the sheriff’s race category. VIDEO: Sheriff Kenny Taylor statement Saturday Taylor ran for re-election to the post he has held for the past four years, opposed by challengers Jimmy Brown, Mike Risner, Lee Adam England and Pete Shrader. When the numbers came in, candidate Jimmy Brown drew the greatest number of votes. Unofficial numbers show that Brown received 3,516 votes; Sheriff Kenny Taylor 3,398; Mike Risner 2,497, Lee Adam England 332; and Pete Shrader 175. With a near 2,500 votes cast for Risner, many felt that Risner’s bid may have slanted the outcome of the election. Shortly after the results were known, speculation began as to whether Taylor would contest the results – all because there existed a question regarding whether Risner was a legitimate candidate in the first place. When Risner qualified to run for sheriff, many were quick to notify various officials that Risner was a long-time resident, not of Lawrence County, but of Giles County. Since there is no county charter outlining local voter/candidate qualifications, county elections are governed under state law. While there is no residency requirement to run for sheriff, Tennessee Codes Annotated specify that a candidate must, “Be a qualified voter of the county” in which he/she is seeking election. In order to seek election to the office of sheriff, all candidates must gain certification through the State of Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. One requirement set forth under that entity is that the candidate provide, “proof of qualified voter status in the county in which election is sought.” Officials with the Lawrence County Election Commission indicate that Risner, whose home lies along the Lawrence/Giles County border, and whose vehicles are licensed in Giles County, did change his voter registration to Lawrence County within the proper time period. In his registration packet, Risner declared his residential address to be 3948 Highway 43 North, Ethridge. This is a very small structure that Risner has owned for some years, that appears to be uninhabited. Many have asserted that Risner never physically moved to this address. In fact, in recent interviews Risner conceded that his wife still lived at the Giles County address, and that he had changed his address only so that he could run for sheriff. The question of wrong-doing comes into play on Risner’s Candidate Nominating Petition. Directly beneath the words, “I hereby direct that my name appear on the official ballot as follows, and I declare, under penalty of perjury, that the information provided over my signature is true and correct,” appears Risner’s signature along with the listing of the Highway 43 address as his residential address. Officials in the Election Commission office indicate that they did check to ensure that Risner was receiving mail at the address, and had consulted with state officials regarding the issue. No action was taken, however, prior to the election. Members of the Election Commission are slated to meet Monday to certify the results of the election. Taylor would have up to five days afterward to contest the results. Taylor filed his challenge with the Lawrence County Chancery Court office at 4:20 p.m. Friday. The case must now be heard by a Chancery Court Judge. Once the judge hears evidence in the case, he/she will have fifty days in which to return a ruling. That will determine whether Taylor has the right to a second election.

Sampling results from Beech Creek area analyzed

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:13:26 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation reported today that mercury was not detected in any of the water samples collected in either Beech Creek or wells serving area residents. Results are not back yet for sediment and fish tissue samples. On August 13, the department issued water contact and fish consumption advisories for Beech Creek, a small eastside tributary of the Tennessee River in Wayne County, due to the discovery of visible amounts of elemental mercury in sediment at one location in the creek near Leatherwood. The advisory stated that the public should avoid contact with the sediment and should not eat fish, turtles or other aquatic life from the creek or the embayment on the Tennessee River, and remains in effect. “These early sampling results are good news because they indicate that Beech Creek area water supplies have not been contaminated by mercury,” said Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Paul Sloan. The Department of Environment and Conservation has worked with the Department of Health to collect and analyze multiple samples over the past week: Residential water was tested at 27 wells identified by department staff. Mercury was not detected in any of these water samples. Water samples from Beech Creek itself were collected at three sites. Like the residential wells, none of these samples contained mercury in detectable amounts. Sediment samples were collected at 13 locations, including the original Leatherwood site where mercury was previously documented at elevated levels. The analyses of these samples are not yet completed. Fish were captured for analysis both in the embayment and in the creek. Bass species were targeted because they tend to bio-concentrate mercury and are, therefore, good indicators of its presence. These data will indicate whether or not consumption of fish poses a threat to public health. “The initial results of water sampling are reassuring, but until the sediment and fish sample results have been analyzed and reported, the public should continue to avoid contact with Beech Creek sediment and should not eat fish from Beech Creek or its embayment on the Tennessee River,” said Sloan. Citizens are strongly urged to not go looking for mercury in the creek. Mercury should never be handled because the vapor from it is very toxic and is easily inhaled. Some forms of mercury can also be absorbed by the skin. The department will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Local native American group seeks independent audit of petition for recongnition

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:12:07 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

In response to a finding issued, indicating that they should not be recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the local Native American group is requesting an independent audit of their Petition for Recognition as well as a complete investigation. Lawrence County’s Central Band of Cherokee received notification June 19 from the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs (TCIA) that they were among six tribes that had gained official state legal recognition. The announcement was immediately followed by controversy when a group of ten former TCIA commissioners raised opposition to the decision and requested that it be reviewed. As a result of the review, Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for the State of Tennessee, Larry Echo Hawk, issued a statement August 6, outlining a proposed finding. Hawk proposed, “not to acknowledge the petitioner known as the Central Band of Cherokee (CBC) as an Indian tribe.” In the statement issued Hawk asserted the group was not qualified to receive the recognition granted, and indicated that their claims of being descendents of Native Americans appeared to be invalid. Principal Chief Joe White issued a press release on Friday in order to respond to this latest development. He explains, “We, the Central Band of Cherokee, are of great sorrow and grieved at heart that our American Indian Brother, Chief Echo Hawk…has been blinded to the truth about the findings of the BIA Office of Acknowledgement concerning our petition.” White states, “We are asking for an independent audit of our Petition for Recognition…We also request a complete investigation by the Unites States Attorney General to expose the fraud perpetuated by Cherokee that are in control of the BIA Office of Acknowledgement…and request prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.” White asserts, “The leak to the press in this case is irregular in that the findings have not been published in the National Register by law.” Officials are uncertain at this point when or if the review/investigation will be undertaken.