Lawrenceburg Now

Teen returning from school finds burglar inside home

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:06:01 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A South Lawrence teen returning home from school Wednesday discovered that a burglar was inside. A resident of Iron City Road reported the matter to Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies around noon. The girl told deputies she knew something was not right when she pulled into the driveway and found that the family dog was outside. She said that she exited her car and looked inside the house. She found a man wearing a long-sleeve, orange shirt and black baseball cap standing in the living room. The teen reported that she quickly went to her neighbors’ house and told them about the intrusion. They returned to the home with her and checked inside, but report that the man had already fled. The resident reported no damages were incurred and that nothing appeared to be missing.

Leoma resident falls victim to identity theft

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:05:08 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Law enforcement officers initiated an investigation Wednesday morning after a Leoma resident discovered she was a victim of identity theft. The victim, age 58, told deputies with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department that someone had filed a tax return in her name in 2010 in the amount of $69,000. She told deputies she had not filed a tax return since her retirement in 1999. At that, she said, time her return was filed under a different last name. The victim reported she had experienced no loss as a result of the crime, however the investigation was turned over to detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division.

Resident surrenders self at jail while intoxicated

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:04:23 -0600

News from Lawrenceubrg Now.com

A Lawrenceburg woman, who surrendered herself for incarceration at the local jail Wednesday, faces additional charges for doing so while intoxicated. Reports filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department indicate that Toni McKissack, a thirty-one-year-old resident of 406 Prosser Road, surrendered herself at the Lawrence County Detention Center just before midnight. She had been ordered to report to the facility to serve a 45 day sentence on a previous violation of probation charge. Deputies found that McKissack was under the influence of medication at that time. Reports show she exhibited several signs of intoxication. McKissack was processed, then booked under a new charge of public intoxication. She is to answer the charge in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on March 20, 2012.

Officials tour area schools

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:03:15 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

On Wednesday, local school board members and county commissioners toured Leoma Elementary School, South Lawrence Elementary and Loretto High School as part of an effort to gain insight into the local school system. Those attending said the tour is important as it helps them observe what is working within our schools as well as where the county can improve in our children's education. There will be two more tours in the coming weeks which will encompass schools in the center of Lawrence County as well as those in the north end.

Commisssioners recommend deeding land for construction of spec burilding

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:02:11 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

After considering a request issued by Lawrenceburg Mayor Keith Durham, members of the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners have voted to recommend that land be deeded for construction of a spec building inside Team Lawrence Commerce Park. Durham addressed the commission during the regular bi-monthly business meeting on Tuesday. During their January 12 meeting, members of the Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Council voted to work toward a joint construction project inside the now-vacant industrial park, in the hopes of drawing potential industry to the area. Durham proposed that the city partner with county government, the local industrial board and the Joint Economic and Community Development Board, to construct a building on a ten-acre parcel situated at the northeast corner of the property. Leaders wish to construction a metal, prefabricated building with a minimum of 50,000 square feet, 34 foot high eaves, with provisions for 5,000 square feet of office space, and an unfinished interior. Once sold, the occupant would then complete the interior as needed. Durham told commissioners, “The nature of industrial recruitment these days is totally different than it was even five years ago. It’s highly competitive, and for lack of better words, communities have to buy jobs.” He explained, “Other communities do that and we do see jobs going to those communities.” Durham pointed out that when a new or expanding industry looks for a new site, time is an important factor. “Site selection committees are tasked with getting the facility up and running and the product to the market as quick as possible. It’s very rare these days that you find a site selection committee looking for what we call a green field site – a location with no building on it at all. In fact, I’ve been in government here for nine years, and I can’t remember a time that a company came to our community and had a green field project. Everything that we’ve landed has gone into existing facilities.” Durham pointed out, “Our community doesn’t have the type of facility that these site selection committees are looking for. “ Durham told the commission that eave heights are extremely important. While there are several locations available locally that are suited for warehousing, etc., Durham said there are none suited for manufacturing. He said there is much space available inside the old Murray building, but that the eaves are only around 18 feet tall. “That’s just not conducive to today’s industrial purposes,” Durham explained. The proposed spec building, he pointed out, would have an eave height of between 30 and 34 feet. Having a building, with an unfinished interior, Durham said, would, “Give us a leg up on the processes involved.” Inside the City of Lawrenceburg, Durham said there is a minimum two-month process involved in obtaining approval through the city’s Planning Commission. “There’s two months,” he said, “even before you get to break ground…If we had a building on the ground, those types of issues would already be out of the way.” Durham pointed out, “We want the building to be the most marketable building that we can build.” After considering the request, members of the commission opted to recommend that the county’s Industrial Development Board deed to the city, the ten acres requested for the project. Under the plan, the county would receive payment for the land after the property is sold.

Commission requests local democrats do away with primary elections

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:01:10 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Members of the Lawrence County Commission are issuing a recommendation to the local Democratic Party, asking that they change their current candidate selection process. Commissioners approved the resolution during a meeting held Tuesday evening. The resolution, “respectfully requests and recommends to the executive committees of the political parties of Lawrence County that elections of all county offices be conducted in a non-partisan manner.” While representatives of the local Republican Party select candidates from within the party, the Democratic Party utilizes a primary election system. Tennessee Codes Annotated allows political parties to nominate candidates, “by the political party rules or by primary election.” Commissioners point out that elimination of the primary election for county offices would save taxpayer dollars. Each county primary is held at a cost of approximately $30,000. County Commissioner Chris Jackson, who is Chairman of the local Democratic Party, stated, “I was happy to support this legislation.” “As it stands now,” Jackson said, “the primary costs the taxpayers $30,000 to hold and has many flaws which question the process’ credibility.” Jackson explained, “In the months to come, I am going to urge the party to come up with a new process that still allows the people of Lawrence County to choose the best candidate possible, but saves the taxpayer $30,000. “Once this happens, I will sponsor legislation that would require the county to use the money saved each year from not having the primary, to be used towards economic development projects and improvements to infrastructure throughout the county,” Jackson concluded.

MIssing Lawrence man located after Friday night search

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:37:16 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A young Lawrence County man was located safely Saturday after having gone missing the night before. The missing persons report was filed Friday night. The complainant told deputies that the twenty-one-year-old man who lived with him had disappeared, along with his .22 caliber rifle. He indicated that the young man was suffering from depression in the wake of his mother’s death. The complainant said that he had last seen the young man around 3:00 p.m. It was around 9:30, he said, when he located the young man’s truck in a remote location he frequented. Deputies report the truck was unlocked with the keys in the ignition. A note that appeared to have been written in blood had been placed on a windshield wiper blade, along with two spent .22 shell casings and a cell phone with a bullet hole through it. The note read simply, “Too late.” A search was quickly organized by law enforcement agencies and the New Prospect Fire Department. A Search and Rescue K-9 was also called in. The search continued for several hours, however they were unable to locate any sign of the young man. Saturday morning a deputy driving in the area reports he spotted the young man walking down a driveway. He said that the man had sustained several bruises and scratches, and that he was thirsty, but otherwise seemed to have sustained no injury. He was transported to Crockett Hospital to undergo an evaluation.

Home burglarized after resident is transported to hospital

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:36:04 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Nearby residents summoned police officers to a Deller Street home Sunday evening after they saw someone climbing through their neighbor’s window. Lawrenceburg Police Officers arrived at 325 Deller Street around 9:15 p.m. Neighbors reported they had heard the sound of glass breaking, then saw someone climbing through the window. They told officers that the intruder ran through the house and out the back door. They reported that the seventy-four-year-old resident had been transported to Crockett Hospital approximately one hour before. Due to his condition, the resident was unable to inspect his property. His sister, however, discovered that a lock box/safe containing checks and personal papers, had been stolen out of a bedroom. The case currently remains under investigation by detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division. Anyone who might have information pertinent to the investigation is urged to contact the department at 762-2276.

Child endangerment charges issued after man forces his way into home

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:35:10 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A Lawrenceburg man garnered child endangerment charges during the weekend after he allegedly forced his way inside a Leoma home. Mark Allen Whitt, age 36, faces numerous charges in connection with the Sunday evening incident. Reports filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department show that deputies were dispatched to the Prokesh Road home shortly after 9:00 p.m. The female resident told deputies that Whitt had come to the home after having already been told not to do so. She said that when she refused to let him inside he kicked the door open, nearly striking a small child. Two children, ages 4 and 5, were inside the home at the time, as was a twenty-nine-year-old male. The female resident told deputies that before leaving, Whitt stole two bottles of prescription medications, containing Lortab and Xanax pills. Whitt left prior to the arrival of deputies. Deputies conducted a traffic stop shortly afterwards on the vehicle in which Whitt was a passenger. The other two occupants, ages 15 and 17, told deputies they had given Whitt a ride in exchange for gas money, but said they had no idea he intended to kick in the door. The teens were later released into the custody of a relative. Reports show that juvenile petitions will be sought against one of the teens for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Whitt was taken into custody and transported to the Lawrence County Detention Center. He was booked on charges that include: aggravated burglary, aggravated child endangerment, two counts of reckless endangerment, aggravated criminal trespassing, theft, vandalism, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Whitt will answer the charges in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on March 20, 2012.

Neighbors spy burglars leaving crime scene

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:34:23 -0600

Lawrenceburg Now.com

Neighbors summoned police officers to a Fifth Street home Sunday after catching sight of individuals who had apparently been in the process of burglarizing the property. Lawrenceburg Police Officers responded to the 3:39 p.m. burglary-in-progress call to 509 Fifth Street. A neighbor reported he heard a noise in the alley that runs between Fourth and Fifth Streets, alerting him to the crime. He told officers he went to investigate. When he walked around a shed, he said he saw individuals in a dark blue SUV parked there. Once they noticed him, he said they quickly drove away. Officers report that the culprits used a shovel to open a rear window on the shed. Glass was also broken out of the rear door to the house. The owner reported that at the time of the burglary the home was being used for storage only. He said that he was uncertain whether anything was missing, but would continue to look over his property.

Girls ask deputy to take dad to jail

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:33:16 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputy reports when he arrived to intervene in a domestic altercation during the weekend, two young girls ran out of the home, asking that he take their father to jail. Department reports show that a 911 call was placed by the couple’s eldest daughter around 6:30 p.m. Saturday. When the responding deputy exited his patrol car, he reports the girls, ages 9 and 6, ran out yelling, “My daddy is in the house yelling at my mommy, please take him to jail.” Reports show the male resident, Quincie Adam Hunt, age 40, exited the home, yelling for his wife and children to get back inside. The deputy indicates Hunt had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage about him, and appeared to be intoxicated. The wife told deputies she and Hunt had become involved in an argument during which he became enraged. She said that he broke antique lamps inside the home, then punched a hole in a door. Deputies also noted damage to sheetrock. The couple’s six-year-old daughter, who has Downs Syndrome, told the deputy she had been frightened and showed him how she had covered her head with a blanket “when her dad started yelling at her.” Hunt was placed under arrest and transported to the Lawrence County Detention Center. He was booked under three counts of domestic assault, domestic vandalism, and public intoxication. Hunt is slated for an initial appearance in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on February 14, 2012.

Hunter safety class scheduled

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:32:19 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and volunteer instructors will offer the Hunter Safety Class March 5th – 9th at the Unity Baptist Church on Highway 43 at Brace Road in Summertown. The class will meet from 6pm until 9pm each evening. Participants in the class must be at least nine years of age on the day of class in order to be certified. All hunters born on or after January 1, 1969 are required to have taken and passed an approved hunter safety class before hunting any species of game in Tennessee. The hunter is required by law to carry proof of completion of the hunter safety class on his/her person while hunting. Hunters who have previously taken the class but have lost their card may get a new card by going to any license agent and requesting a replacement card which will be issued for a small fee. There is no pre-registration required for this class. Participants should know their name, social security number, address and birth date in order to register for the class on Monday night. The only materials which a participant might bring to class in a #2 pencil to fill out the registration form.

Council okays negotiations with industry eyeing Lawrenceburg

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:30:05 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Lawrenceburg leaders have approved a measure that paves the way for negotiations to be held in earnest, in the hopes of bringing a new industry to the area. Few details have been released regarding the matter, however members of the Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Council approved a resolution on the subject during a business meeting Thursday morning. The resolution called for the council to, “approve a PILOT (payment-in-lieu-of-tax) lease agreement between the Industrial Development Board of the City of Lawrenceburg and TPR America, Inc.” The resolution reads, “TPR America, Inc., an Illinois corporation, has indicated an interest in locating a manufacturing facility in the City of Lawrenceburg that will provide employment opportunities for citizens of the City and of Lawrence County…that will be operated by an entity that is jointly owned by the company and another manufacturer of automotive parts…” The resolution authorizes the city’s Industrial Development Board to negotiate and enter into the PILOT transaction. The board would acquire title to the facility in question, and “acquire title to the manufacturing equipment and other personal property to be installed in the facility,” then lease all to TPR. The resolution approves a twenty-year lease. It specifies that, “no payments in-lieu-of-taxes shall be required to be made to the city or county by the company during the term of the facility lease.” In addition, it establishes a PILOT schedule, indicating that between 2012 and 2031, the city and county will receive PILOT payments of $100 apiece, annually. The document sets an effective date of, “the earliest date allowed by law.”

Employee claims meth found inside convenience store

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:43:13 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

An employee claimed ownership of a small amount of methamphetamine that was found inside a Summertown convenience store during the weekend. Deputies with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to Quik Mart on U.S. Highway 43 North around 7:00 p.m. Sunday. Employees on duty reported they had located drug-related items that had been stashed inside the market. Deputies report that employees found a cigarette case that contained approximately one gram of meth, a straw, and some aluminum foil. Employees told deputies they suspected the contraband belonged to another employee who had a history of illegal drug activity. One of the deputies noted that on two separate occasions he had been involved on searches of the suspect’s home. On both occasions, he reported, methamphetamine had been seized. Deputies made their way to the Highway 43, Mt. Pleasant home of the sixty-one-year-old suspect. When confronted, they report she admitted the items belonged to her. Evidence in the case is will be presented to an upcoming session of the Lawrence County Grand Jury.

Burglary reported at Ethridge business

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:42:25 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A criminal investigation was initiated during the weekend after owners discovered their Ethridge business had been targeted by burglars. According to reports filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department an owner of Beard & Sons Garage, 3420 U.S. Highway 43 North, stopped by the department to report the matter. He told deputies he had gone to the business to drop off some items, only to find a computer and television set had been stoeln. He told deputies that the culprits had removed screws from a rear door, then bent the metal frame in order to gain access. The owner pointed out that when the business is closed, guard dogs are allowed to roam freely inside. He told deputies that the perpetrators must have been familiar to the dogs, else they would have bitten them. Loss is estimated at $450. Investigation into the matter has been relinquished to detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division.

Teens apprehended after breaking inot Lawrenceburg home

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:41:30 -0600

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Three local teens were taken into custody late last week after police officers found they were in possession of drug-related items inside a house they had burglarized. Lawrenceburg Police officers answered burglary in progress call at 240 Admiral Circle at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. They arrived to find the front door locked, and three male juveniles inside the home. Officers at the rear door reported they could hear the youths conversing, then saw one run toward the front of the home. The trio was ordered to exit the home and promptly complied. Inside, officers report finding marijuana stems and roaches, a film container that bore marijuana residue, a bong, and various bottle lids that had been modified to smoke marijuana. The teens, ages 16, 17 and 16, were transported to the Lawrenceburg Police Department where they were charged with one count of aggravated burglary, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia apiece. They were subsequently released into the custody of their parents. The teens will answer the charges against them through Lawrence County Juvenile Court.