Bridge

Presenting News And Views From around The County

A Prize-Winning Newspaper UT-TPA Press Awards 2008

www.carthagecourier.com

Volume 97 Number 5-USPS No. 092-180

January 29, 2009

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

Warning

By Eddie West

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

The test of a siren to warn visitors of a breach at Center Hill Dam will be sounded on Tuesday of next week.

make sure it works properly.

In the unlikely event of a breach of the dam, the siren will be activated and an evacuation plan would become effective, Center Hill officials say. Officials with the Center Hill Lake project would assist the visiting public in the Long Branch and Buffalo Valley recreation areas in evacuating.

Months ago, when it was announced a multi-million dollar

project to shore up the aging Center Hill Dam would be implemented, residents below the dam were alerted to have an individual evacuation plan as a precautionary measure.

Also, local emergency services has an evacuation plan in place for residents which would be effected by a failure at the dam.

Part of the plan is a reverse 911 call which would first

warn residents of Lancaster of a breach at the dam.

Residents in other parts of the county would be notifi ed secondly.

A flurry of construction activity, aimed at rehabilitating the dam, is underway.

Work could take as long as seven years and is expected to cost more than two hundred million dollars.

Vice Mayor Futrell dead County commissioner, former druggist

By Eddie West Staff Writer Carthage vice mayor, county commissioner and longtime pharmacist Jerry Futrell was found dead, Monday evening.

Futrell, 73, was discovered by friends and his sister deceased at his Eatherly Landing apartment around 6 p.m.

After not being seen on Monday, Brother Jerry Wallace, pastor of Carthage United Methodist Church where Futrell at-

tended, South Carthage Mayor Jimmy Wheeler and Futrell’s sister, Joy Alford, went to his apartment where he was discovered in bed, deceased.

Smith County Medical Investigator Ricky Slack was called to the scene and determined Futrell had apparently passed away in his sleep.

Futrell was pronounced dead at Riverview Regional Medical Center North at 6:55 p.m.

In addition to being a longtime pharmacist at Read Brother

Drugstore (eventually owning the business), Futrell was one time president of what is now Smith County Bank and a former administrator at what is now Riverview Regional Medical Center North, retiring from that position in April of 2001.

Always an avid Democratic supporter and a close friend Jerry Futrell and supporter of Albert Gore councilman and county commisSr., Albert Gore Jr. and the sioner, representing Carthage.

Gore family, Futrell became Futrell served a total of 21 a fixture on the local political scene, serving as a Carthage city Please See Page A – 10

Reverse 911 test planned

BRIEFLY

By Eddie West

Public works director dies GORDONSVILLE—Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon for Gordonsville Public Works Director Ronnie Dillard. The Gordonsville resident passed away early Monday morning of last week after suffering a fatal heart attack.

A 1980 graduate of Gordonsville High School, Dillard had been public works director for the town of Gordonsville for more than 13 years. Through the years, Dillard often helped his wife, Joani Michelle Hawks Dillard, with her business, Miss Joani’s Day Care which has been in operation for several

Staff Writer A countywide test of the Reverse 911 emergency system is planned for Sunday (February 1).

Residents should receive a call with a prerecorded message saying “This is a test of the 911 system”, Emergency Manage-

ment Service Director Ricky Slack described.

The electronic calls will be placed beginning around 8 p.m. and continue for about an hour.

The reverse 911 system has been used on previous occasions, more recently to alert residents south of the interstate

a fugitive was being sought in the area, the director said.

The calls will only be made to households or land lines and not to cellular telephones.

Any residents who have questions about the test can contact Slack at 735-2121 or Emergency Management Agency Director Sonny Carter at 735-8218.

Please See Page A – 8

Bloodmobile CARTHAGE—The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at Riverview Regional Medical Center on Tuesday (February 3). The bloodmobile will be at the hospital from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.

INSIDE Obituaries: Carleton Armbruster Effie Begin Earny Davis Mary Harris Ronnie Dillard Charles Donoho Frank Gibbs Helen Nixon G.W. Oldham Reggie Swindler Pauline Williams

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Lancaster and Central District firemen battle a blaze which destroyed a house in the Lancaster community.

Fire destroys house in Lancaster Family in need grateful for assistance

By Eddie West

Janie Monday: Snowman

Pettus Read: Farm Dog

Staff Writer Fire destroyed a house located in the Lancaster community, Wednesday morning.

The house was located at 10 Nixon Valley Lane and owned

by Ron and Tammie Nedrow.

Flames were visible when fi remen arrived at the singlestory, wood frame structure house.

Single Copy 50¢

Editorial Commentary

Test siren to sound at Center Hill Staff Writer Officials at Center Hill Dam will be testing an emergency evacuation siren next week.

Center Hill officials are in the process of notifying the public plans are for the siren to go off at 1 p.m., Tuesday (February 3).

In actuality, the siren would be sounded as a warning sign that a breach or break in Center Hill Dam has occurred.

The siren serves the Long Branch and Buffalo Valley recreation areas but is expected to be heard by private property owners near the dam and in the Lancaster community.

The sounding is only a test of the system and is being done to

30 pages

The couple was using an electric stove to heat an area of the house and forgot and left it on, according to County Fire Investigator Scott Hale.

Tammie Nedrow and her seven-year-old son were home and discovered smoke coming from the room where the stove was located.

Nedrow said by the time she and her son escaped the house,

she saw flames coming from the house which, along with its contents, was completely destroyed.

“We are not originally from here but we have lived here about 20 years. I can’t believe how generous the people have been to us,” said Tammie Nedrow, Monday morning.

Rebuild Cordell Hull Bridge Today statesman’s work outweighs cost An industrialized society as we live in today places a premium on modernization which often translates into demolition reigning supreme over preservation.

Such a philosophy often results in the hasty casting aside of that which may be of historical significance or serve a meaningful economic purpose.

Historically significant structures and vistas are often discarded or eliminated from existence to make way for modern thoroughfares, buildings, vari- Cordell Hull ous developments or a simple asphalt parking lot.

Pieces of our communities, cities, counties and nation are forever lost from viewing and can no longer be experienced.

Generations who follow can only research what is lost in our past from pages of books.

Missing is the often emotional impressions, ranging from awe inspiring to melancholy, which can be experienced through witnessing.

Bridges are built, leading to the downtown areas of cities throughout the country, because of their economical importance.

So this publication feels the location of the Cordell Hull Bridge in relation to economics is self-explanatory and by all means argue this point alone is reason for the bridge to be restored.

However, when analyzing why the Cordell Hull Bridge should be reconstructed, we feel there is one argument for the structure to be restored which rises well above economics—history.

Sometimes eyes are blinded by modernization and have to be opened to that which cannot be seen.

The Cordell Hull Bridge is not another structure which simply links two river banks.

Through the years, millions of individuals have crossed the north and south banks of the Cumberland River by way of the Cordell Hull Bridge, viewing the aging structure simply as a means of crossing a free-flowing body of water.

Numerous buildings, facilities and agencies in the mid-state area bear the name of the honorable Cordell Hull.

But we feel there is no greater symbol in the state which immortalizes Tennessee’s greatest statesman than the Cordell Hull Bridge.

Here is where eyes should be opened.

This state has produced three presidents and at least one vice president, in addition to other noted regional and national leaders.

We feel Cordell Hull’s legacy (body of work), arguably, rises above that of these individuals because his contributions to the world continues today in epic proportions.

By any standards, the estimated twelve million dollars needed to reconstruct the Cordell Hull Bridge is a substantial sum of money.

However, we feel this sum pales in comparison to the contributions Cordell Hull makes to the town of Carthage, the county of Smith, state of Tennessee, the nation known as the United States of America and the world, years after his death.

The goal of the United Nations is to bring countries together to fight poverty, work for peace and harmony and enhance relationships between countries.

Cordell Hull played such an immense role in creating the United Nations, his hometown of Carthage was considered to be the location for the world agency, as documented in earlier editions of this publication.

We can only speculate logistics was the main factor as to why Carthage was not selected as the home of the United Nations.

Through his work in helping to found the United Nations, Please See Page A – 8

Please See Page A – 8

A – 8 u CARTHAGE COURIER u JANUARY 29, 2009

How Cordell Hull continues to contribute to today’s society

By Eddie West

Staff Writer Cordell Hull served 12 years under Franklin Roosevelt as Secretary of State, the longest tenure of any one person in this office.

Here’s how the Tennessee statesman’s contributions continue today: •After the outbreak of World War II, Hull proposed the formation of a new world organization in which the U.S. would participate. In 1941, Hull formed an Advisory Committee on Postwar Foreign Policy. In 1943, Hull and his State Department staff drafted a document entitled “Charter of the United Nations” which led to the development of the United Nations.

At the time, the ideology behind the action was to prevent a third world war and encourage working relationships between countries. Because of failing health, Hull resigned from office on November 27, 1944, just prior to the final ratification of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco. Though he

had retired, Hull was persuaded to serve as a member and senior advisor at the United Nations Conference in San Francisco. Historians quote President Roosevelt as saying, “(Hull) is the one person in all the world who has done his most to make this great plan for peace (United Nations) an effective fact”. President Roosevelt called Hull the infamous “Father of the United Nations” for his work which resulted in his being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (for peace) in 1945.

Although it’s debatable, the Cordell Hull Institute, based in Washington D.C., maintains Hull’s greatest work which continues today and chief legacy is two fundamental reforms of U.S. trade policy: •First, the adoption of unconditional most-favored-nation (i.e. “equal”) treatment in international trade, which Congress enacted in the Tariff Act of 1922.

•Second, by persuading Congress in the Reciprocal Trade Agreement Act of 1934 to abandon the “autonomous

tariff” and delegate to the president the setting of tariffs and making of trade policy.

In 1933, Hull’s Reciprocal Trade Agreements Program, in the wake of the worldwide havoc and misery wrought by the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, was a key factor in rebuilding international commerce, according to the Cordell Hull Institute.

During World War II, Hull pushed for the rules-based multilateral trading system that eventually came into being in 1948 under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), according to the Cordell Hull Institute.

Hull’s legacy continues with the World Trade Organization, which administers the substantially amended GATT and the additional agreements reached in the Uruguary Round negotiations of 1986-94 on maintaining, developing and extending the multilateral trading system, according to the Cordell Hull Institute.

The Cordell Hull Institute was established to honor the vision and persever-

Police confiscate drugs, cash, gun, car in December shooting Two charged in shooting set for court

By Eddie West Staff Writer A man shot during a recent robbery attempt in South Carthage is expected to face charges.

South Carthage police seized a large amount of drugs, several hundred dollars in cash, a 12 gauge shotgun and a 1999 Crown Victoria from shooting victim Dominique Haughton, according to South Carthage Police Chief Fred Brown.

On December 28, Haughton was shot during what TBI officials allege was an attempted robbery.

Drugs confiscated include cocaine, marijuana and prescription medication, according to the South Carthage police chief.

When the cocaine was located in the victim’s coat pocket, a search warrant for Haughton’s vehicle was obtained, Chief Brown explained.

Evidence collected in the case will be presented to the grand jury which next meets in April.

The shooting took place in the parking lot of MoJo’s Convenience Market located at the intersection of Highway 70 and Hogan’s Creek Road.

Haughton was believed to have been staying with an individual who resides at the apartment complex located at the intersection, the police chief said.

Sergeant Shane Gregory was on duty when the shooting occurred and is investigating the case.

Chief Brown and other law enforcement officers and agencies were called to the scene after the shooting took place.

Meanwhile, the shooting was investigated by the TBI and South Carthage police with assistance from the Smith and Trousdale County sheriff’s departments.

Two men face numerous charges stemming from the shooting incident which TBI arrest warrants refer to as an “attempted robbery”.

The TBI’s arrest warrants do not indicate drugs and cash were located at the scene.

The shooting occurred around 5 p.m. on a Sunday.

Haughton was critically injured in the shooting and had to be airlifted by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville for treatment.

It’s unclear whether Haughton remains hospitalized.

Gunshot wound victims are entered under a “no info” policy, a spokesperson for Vanderbilt’s news and public affairs department said, Monday.

The two shooting suspects, Michael (Mike) Crockett Crawford, 27, Athens Way Road, Lebanon, and Noel Keese Phillips, 27, North Dickerson Road, Lebanon, were located in neighboring Trousdale County.

The two are scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court today (Thursday, January 29).

Crawford faces charges of attempted criminal homicide, resisting arrest and criminal impersonation, according to an arrest warrant filed by the TBI. Meanwhile, Phillips has been charged with criminal responsibility/criminal attempt to homicide and evading arrest, according to a separate arrest warrant issued by the TBI. After the shooting occurred, the two suspects fled west on Highway 70/Lebanon Highway, turning onto Hiwassee Road which leads to Trousdale County.

The vehicle in which the suspects were traveling was halted in Trousdale County’s Providence community after tires were deflated when the car ran over spikes deployed by the Trousdale County Sheriff’s Department to stop the vehicle.

Phillips, the driver of the vehicle, surrendered to law enforcement authorities and

Crawford fled on foot and was located at a roadblock after he was given a ride by a Good Samaritan.

An arrest warrant for Crawford, filed at the courthouse, charges he “intentionally and knowingly committed the offense of attempted criminal homicide by shooting the victim Dominique Haughton”, resulting in the attempted criminal homicide charge.

The arrest warrant further alleges a prearranged meeting between the subjects where Crawford intended to rob Haughton.

“Defendant stated he went to meet Dominique Haughton to rob him,” the TBI arrest warrant reads.

Crawford was also charged with resisting arrest after fleeing police, according to a separate arrest warrant.

Also, Crawford is charged with criminal impersonation, alleged in a third arrest warrant filed by the TBI. That arrest warrant claims, the suspect “... provided a false name to law enforcement officers during an official investigation”.

Phillips was charged with criminal responsibility/criminal attempt to homicide, according to an arrest warrant.

The arrest warrant alleges, “Phillips drove Mike Crawford to 57 Lebanon Highway to meet Dominique Haughton to rob him. The victim was shot by Mike Crawford and defendant fled the scene in the vehicle...”

Also, Phillips faces charges of evading arrest “for intentionally fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement authorities after failing to stop following a shooting which occurred at 57 Lebanon Highway”, according to an arrest warrant.

Charges in the shooting were filed on December 29, the day after the incident took place.

Crawford and Phillips are expected to face additional charges in Trousdale County related to the pursuit.

Former business owner passes away A former Carthage businesswoman passed away over the weekend.

Reggie Hackett Swindler, 100, passed away around 7:50 a.m., Saturday at Elmcroft Assisted Living in Lebanon.

A native of Jackson County’s Highland community, Swindler founded the town of Carthage’s second fl ower shop, Reggie’s

Flowers, and also owned Reggie’s Beauty Shop.

Both businesses were located on Main Street in part of what is today Tuley Furniture Company.

After selling the businesses in 1967, Swindler opened Reggie’s House of Fashion on Main Street which was located next door to Anna’s Flower Shop.

Funeral services where held Monday morning at the Carthage Chapel of Sanderson Funeral Homes.

Swindler had resided at the assisted living facility since June of 2004.

(See Sanderon Funeral Homes obituaries for additional details.)

Callers claiming to be with bank latest scam Bank officials are warning customers not to give out information concerning their accounts over the telephone.

The warning is coming after several mid-state residents reported receiving telephone calls requesting information related to their bank accounts.

One longtime banker said the incident is one of the most “wide spread scams” he has seen during his career.

Residents are urged not to give out bank information over the telephone to anyone who calls them because the bank already has the information.

ance of Cordell Hull in pursuing the idea of an international economic order as the basis for peace and prosperity in the world.

The institute is an independent think tank that promotes analysis and public discussion of issues on international economic relations, focusing primarily on trade, investment and competition.

Cordell Hull Career Time Line: •Born in Pickett County on October 2, 1871; •Attended National Normal University in Lebanon, Ohio, 1889-1890; •Delegate to the Tennessee Democratic Convention in 1890; •Graduated from Cumberland University Law School in 1891; •Admitted to the bar the same year and practiced in Celina: •Member of the State House of Representatives, 1893-1897; •Served in Cuba as captain, Fourth Regiment, Tennessee Volunteer infantry; •In 1989 resumed the practice of

law; •Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Tennessee 1903-1907; •Representative from Tennessee 1907-1921 and 1923-1931; •Chairman of the Democratic National Committee 1921-1924; •Senator from Tennessee 19311933; •Commissioned Secretary of State in President Franklin Roosevelt’s Cabinet March 4, 1933 and served until November 30, 1944: •As Secretary of State, sponsored a reciprocal-trade program: •Chairman of American delegations to numerous international conferences; •United States delegate to the Moscow Conference in 1943; •Appointed a delegate to the United Nations Conference at San Francisco in 1945; •Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945.

•Died in July of 1955.

Reconstruct Cordell Hull Bridge From page A – 1 Cordell Hull envisioned an agency which would bridge countries of the world.

When eyes are opened, a bridge serves a greater purpose than a simple passage connecting two divided bodies of land.

A bridge fills a void to connect that which is separated.

The United Nations looks to unite countries of the world by building bridges between its governments.

What better symbol to represent Cordell Hull’s legacy than a bridge which he envisioned.

Smith County is home to the Cordell Hull Dam and the Cordell Hull Lake, both of which were constructed years after the Tennessee statesman’s death and named in his honor.

The Cordell Hull Bridge was a project which the former secretary of state worked to secured funds to construct for our county and our state.

Like the United Nations, it is an actual piece of his body of

work, conceived while he was serving under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Not only should the Cordell Hull Bridge be restored, a marker noting the work of the legendary leader should be erected on the north side of the bridge, noting his contributions to today’s world.

Since his death, Cordell Hull has never stopped contributing to society by his efforts to establish the United Nations and other works including the Cordell Hull Bridge, a vital economic component to this area.

This publication feels eyes must be opened to the enormity of this great statesman’s contribution to our community, our county, our state, our nation and our world.

Some may argue the cost to reconstruct a bridge built in the 1930s is an act of “throwing good money after bad” which is not always the case.

For instance, in some states there are pre-civil war era bridg-

es which remain functional today and serve a vital role in their communities.

We ask that State Senator Mae Beavers and State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver continue their work to open the eyes of their Capitol Hill colleagues and Governor Phil Bredesen to the immense contributions Cordell Hull has made to our community, our county, our state, our nation and our world and the unique symbolic relationship this great structure (Cordell Hull Bridge) has to his legacy.

We feel that Congressman Bart Gordon, Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander’s eyes should be opened to the possible loss of this great treasure.

Once eyes are opened to the historical signifi cance of this structure, we cannot envision any government official opposing reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge despite the immense economic challenges this nation faces today.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

A Lancaster fireman works to extinguish a fire which left a family homeless, last week.

Fire destroys family’s Lancaster home From page A – 1 Earlier this week, the family was staying with a neighbor who had “opened up her home” to them, Nedrow said.

The couple’s son attends Gordonsville Elementary School.

“The teacher sent notes home to his classmates about the fire.

He got off the school bus with a bag full of items,” Nedrow said.

Ron Nedrow, who is a welder and auto body repairman, is drawing unemployment after being laid off from a Lebanon company.

The house was paid for, but the couple did not have insurance, Tammie Nedrow said.

The Nedrows are looking for a mobile home to locate on their property.

While bank employees never call customers for account information, if the customer calls the bank requesting information about the account, they may ask for specific information to verify the person calling is the From page A – 1 individual who has access to years. The daycare is located on that particular account.

The couple lived in New York state before relocating to Smith County.

The two, who have been married for 25 years, relocated here after a shooting near their home in New York left four people dead.

“We wanted a better environment to raise our children,” Nedrow said.

Lancaster and Central District Fire Departments were dispatched to the fire.

Fire departments were dispatched to the fire at 10:43 a.m.

Firemen remained at the scene for about three hours.

Other calls during the past week: •Sykes Fire Department was dispatched to 12 School House Circle to set up a landing zone

at 11:36 p.m., Tuesday.

•New Middleton Fire Department was dispatched to 23 Hunter Lane to set up a landing zone at 3:13 p.m., Thursday.

•Gordonsville Fire Department were dispatched to a brush fire originally reported at 3:14 p.m., Thursday, on Interstate 40 at the 258 mile marker but located at 14 Fairview Avenue.

•Gordonsville Fire Department responded to the report of a motor vehicle accident at 3:12 p.m., Friday on Main Street in front of Ivy Agee Park.

•South Carthage Fire Department was dispatched to a fi re alarm sounding at 9:24 a.m., Monday at 130 Lebanon Highway (Riverview Regional Medical Center South). False alarm.

Services for public works director held Hickman Highway in Gordonsville.Dillard was also a member of the Hickman Baptist Church.

(See Sanderson Funeral Homes for complete obituary.)

Presenting News And Views From around The County

A Prize-Winning Newspaper UT-TPA Press Awards 2008

www.carthagecourier.com

Volume 97 Number 7-USPS No. 092-180

February 12, 2009

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

44 pages

Single Copy 50¢

Downtown woes related to bridge shutdown Carthage council members say businesses closing because of blockage

By Eddie West Staff Writer Numerous businesses in downtown Carthage have closed in recent months and city officials blame the closings on the shutdown of the Cordell Hull Bridge.

Councilman Digger Poindexter estimated the number of businesses to close in recent months near 20.

At a time when convenience is paramount to customers, council members blamed the demise of the town’s business district not on the recession or the opening of the Wal-Mart Supercenter last spring, rather the lack of traffic to downtown generated by the bridge.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Carthage council members say several businesses have closed in recent months because the Cordell Hull Bridge has been closed for more than a year. Motorists turn off the bridge, at left, onto Main Street into the downtown area when the bridge is open. According to transportation department figures, some 7,000 motorists traveled the bridge daily.

“There’s nothing downtown anymore. It’s pitiful,” commented Councilman Charles

Waggoner, during the council’s February meeting Thursday night.

Digital television switch delayed until June date

Waggoner, owner of Smith County Motors, said he was witness to the affects of the

bridge closing.

“People in Rock City and Rome are going to Lebanon,”

Waggoner commented.

Please See Page A – 11

Last week’s freezing temps melted away

Change would have come Tuesday

By Eddie West Staff Writer The date for the nationwide change to digital television transition has been delayed.

Known as DTV, the transition, when television stations were set to discontinue broadcasting from analog signals and begin exclusive digital, was to take place on Tuesday (February 17) of next week.

However, it is estimated six million households nationwide would not be ready for the transition.

A new date of June 12 for the transition to occur has been approved by national legislators.

One major reason for the change is a waiting list of more than three million households nationally for converter box coupons which are distributed through the federal govern-

ment.

In Tennessee, there are 39,593 on the waiting list, according to the department of commerce.

Also, there is a converter box shortage of at least two million units.

“Without this extension, close to 40,000 Tennessee households would not be able to watch television after February 17,” Please See Page A – 11

Vacant council position filled during meeting Commission, grand jury foreman seats to be filled

By Eddie West

The Courier’s annual Progress edition, located inside this week’s paper, was re-named and re-organized this year in order to more accurately reflect our community.

BRIEFLY Holiday COUNTY—Many offices will be closed Monday for President’s Day. The holiday is recognized by county, state and federal governments. Schools will also be closed. Most businesses, including the Courier, will be open.

Staff Writer Two of four elected or appointed seats held by the late Carthage resident Jerry Futrell have been filled.

Former city councilman Jim Cowan has been appointed to fill the council seat left vacant

by Futrell’s death.

Cowan, the only candidate at the meeting for the position, was seated by the council during its February meeting, Thursday night.

Cowan will fill the unexpired term until the next city election which is in 2010.

Futrell had been elected to a four-year term in November of last year.

Councilman L.C. Grisham was elected as the city’s vice mayor, a position which he has held before.

Futrell also served as a county commissioner, representing Carthage.

An appointment to that vacancy could come as soon as March when the commission next meets.

Individuals who reside within the district can present themselves before the commission as candidates to fill that seat.

Commissioners will then vote on a replacement.

Futrell was also foreman of the county’s grand jury.

The grand jury next meets in Please See Page A – 11

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Temperatures some mornings last week were in the teens, resulting in heavy frosts. This past weekend, temperatures moderated to the 60’s and 70’s.

Couple makes money off free trip to Superbowl XLIII

INSIDE Obituaries: Sina Bush Joseph Dillman Flora Harper Harold Richards Irene Woodard

By Eddie West

Janie Monday: Pork Tenderloin

Pettus Read: Uncle Sid EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Glen and Greta Kirby display some Superbowl memorabilia.

Staff Writer A trip to the Superbowl costs well into the thousand dollars, but a Turkey Creek couple is making money after attending Superbowl XLIII held two weeks ago in Tampa Bay. While thousands of Smith Countians viewed one of the world’s premier sporting events on television from their living room recliners and couches, Glen and Greta Kirby witnessed the Pittsburgh Steelers 27 to 23 come from behind victory over the St. Louis Cardinals from their first level seats at Raymond James Stadium.

An all expense paid trip to Superbowl XLIII, plus additional perks, were Greta Kirby’s latest significant sweepstakes win.

It was only last year, Kirby, a sweepstaker (defined as someone who avidly enters sweepstakes), won a car.

While the automobile was courtesy of General Motors, the Superbowl winnings were through Oberto Super Bowl Sweeptstakes. Oberto is a prime producer of beef jerky.

The trip to the Superbowl included a four day, four night stay at the Mariott World Resort Hotel Please See Page A – 11

FEBRUARY 12, 2009 u CARTHAGE COURIER u A – 11

Kirbys win Superbowl trip From page A – 1 in Orlando, two $800 tickets to the Superbowl, airfare on Southwest Airlines from Nashville to Orlando, a party at the Monkey Bar in Orlando and transportation to and from the game.

The Kirbys were flown to Orlando on Thursday before Sunday’s Superbowl game and given $250 in spending money.

Having lived on Florida’s east coast near Cape Kennedy where Glen had worked for 17 years, the Kirbys took advantage of a few free hours and the $250 in cash by renting a car and visiting friends.

In addition to attending the Superbowl, the Kirbys attended a reception which featured special guest Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri.

The couple had their picture made with the NFL star and have an autographed picture on a mantel in their living room.

Neither of the Kirbys are fans of the Steelers or Cardinals, rather are like millions of other people who wouldn’t give up a chance to attend the Superbowl for free, a prize valued at $12,000.

Greta Kirby says she isn’t a fan of the sport of football at all.

“It was the first professional game I have ever been to. I had gone with my husband, Glen, to a University of Tennessee football game one time and didn’t particularly care for it. I didn’t like all that screaming and hollering,” says Kirby. “People around you can get gross, cussing, coughing and spitting.”

Furthermore, her husband, Glen, is an Indianapolis Colts fan.

“We weren’t totally for either team. But we kind of began pulling for the Cardinals because

they were the underdog,” commented Kirby, who enjoyed the sporting event’s “hoopla”, pregame and halftime ceremonies more than the game.

Although the game was competitive, unlike many Superbowls, and the couple had premium seats, Kirby says the obnoxious conduct of nearby drunk fans took away much of the enjoyment of the game.

When the couple returned from their four-day trip last week, Greta Kirby placed the two used Superbowl tickets on e-bay to sell.

One ticket sold for $75 and another for $80.

“One guy selling his on e-bay got $100,” said Kirby who is in the process of selling off numerous gifts the couple received as part of their trip including two T-shirts, two National Football League caps, two National Football League sports bags, two National Football League minihelments and stadium seats.

The used Superbowl tickets were not just stubs as this year they were scanned by gatekeepers.

As a sweepstaker, Kirby spends about three hours a day entering various sweepstakes.

Kirby doesn’t keep her winning ways a secret.

In fact, she freely shares them with groups and encourages other individuals to take up her lucrative hobby which accounted for more than $50,000 in winnings last year.

Two tips from the sweepstaker to those looking to take up the hobby is to enter the sweepstakes as many times as rules will allow and enter as many sweepstakes as possible.

These two steps increase the individuals chances of winning something for their efforts.

Also, Kirby notes it is im-

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Kirbys scan photos of Superbowl trip.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

This view shows the Kirbys were only yards from the football field at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida.

portant to safeguard against being taken in by a scam. Never pay to enter a sweepstakes or pay to collect the prize, Kirby stresses.

Whether it be free products, a T-shirt or baseball cap, Kirby wins something most every day of the week.

Businesses closing

Only the major wins make the news.

Winning items valued in the From page A – 1 hundreds of dollars is typical “This city was built around for Kirby. that bridge and the river. EveryWhen a reporter showed up at thing once came through downher house before noon Friday, town,” commented Councilman she had already won an ipod Jim Cowan. that day.

According to the state department of transportation figures, when the Cordell Hull Bridge was open, some 7,000 vehicles passed through the downtown area, Councilman Phillip Brooks noted.

To this point, city leaders feel their concerns about the economic impact the bridge closing has had on the city has fallen on deaf ears with top government officials in Nashville.

So city officials plan to turn to an old friend who saved the Cordell Hull Bridge from being demolished in the early 1990s when the Carthage Bypass was completed.

Then Senator Al Gore Jr. secured around nine hundred thousand dollars to refurbish the bridge just prior to becoming vice president in the early 1990’s which allowed the bridge to remain open.

Councilmen are looking to recruit the former vice president to help lobby their cause with Governor Phil Bredesen and the state’s transportation commissioner.

Council members are hopeful the estimated twelve million dollars needed to reconstruct the bridge can be mainly funded by the federal government through the economic stimulus plan, EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Glen and Greta Kirby at the Superbowl.

Congressman Gordon says stimulus package to help economy

By Eddie West Staff Writer Congressman Bart Gordon says the much debated Economy Recovery Bill, which he supported, was needed to keep the economy from worsening .

“We are at the defining moment in this economic crisis—if we didn’t pass an Economic Recovery Bill, the next two years would have been more painful for middle Tennesseans and people across the country.

It’s about jobs, jobs, jobs—we must do everything we can to create more jobs in Tennessee and throughout the country.”

Also, the Congressman says economists predict the current

economic situation is likely to last for another two years unless strong action is taken.

Many economic analysts predict that unless the government intervenes, the nationwide unemployment rate could reach and possibly exceed 10 percent, the congressman says.

Congressman Gordon notes Smith County and Tennessee were not immune to the nation’s economic woes.

Tennessee’s unemployment is at a 22-year high.

Smith County’s unemployment rate jumped from 10.5 percent to 11.3 percent from November to December (2008).

“Around 80 people in Smith County lost their jobs in one

month alone,” the congressman noted. “My heart goes out to each of these workers and their families. I have heard from a number of people who live in Smith County and we all share the concern that things are going to get a lot worse before the economy recovers.”

The latest state department of labor and workforce development statistics indicate there are 1,110 people who were unemployed in Smith County alone during the month of December.

Many other people have either stopped looking for jobs or are underemployed, Congressman Gordon pointed out.

In November of last year,

there were 1,032 people unemployed in Smith County. The county’s unemployment rate has almost doubled from December 2007’s 5.7 percent rate.

Congressman Gordon noted the need for national legislators to work in a bipartisan way to insure economic recovery.

The congressman feels a combination of tax cuts and smart spending initiatives can get the economy back on track.

This week the House and Senate are working on the final draft of the Economic Stimulus package which would be ready for the president to sign before President’s Day, Monday (February 16).

Graduating class of 1979 planning thirty year reunion for spring Preparations are underway for the Smith County High School graduating class of 1979’s school reunion.

The class will be celebrating its 30-year reunion this spring.

The event will be held at Lavilla Restaurant beginning at 7

p.m., Saturday, May 9.

For additional information contact Bob Fisher at fishdadd@ yahoo.com.

proposing 80 percent be aid through federal funds and 20 percent through state funds.

In addition to the economic impact the bridge has on the downtown area, city offi cials plan to argue the state has funded infrastructure improvements in the past such as building new roads for the location of major automakers.

During a recent county commission meeting, County Mayor Michael Nesbitt said he had checked with legislators who told him a project such as the rebuilding of the Cordell Hull Bridge would not qualify for the economic stimulus program.

The county mayor said he was told projects which make the list have to be ready for construction within weeks.

It is estimated it would take about a year to engineer the reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge.

However, County Mayor Nesbitt noted to commissioners when the state transfers other projects to be paid for through the stimulus plan, it would freeup funds in the state’s transportation budget which could possibly be used for the Cordell Hull Bridge.

The county mayor also noted he was told the proposed bridge replacement of the Benton McMillin Bridge (bridge crossing the Caney Fork River at Elmwood on Highway 70) could qualify for the stimulus package.

Gordon on digital change From page A – 1 said Congressman Bart Gordon.

“While most people won’t be affected by the DTV transition, the 115-day extension will give people who have rabbit ears on their television sets time to get converter coupons and purchase equipment they need to ensure their television continues to work.”

“It is important for everyone to figure out if they are going to be affected by the transition,” said Gordon. “If you have already made the transition, this delay will not affect you at all.

Also, if you have a digital television or a television connected to cable, satellite or other pay television service, you do not need to do anything.”

Viewers who are using an antenna and have an analog tele-

vision (purchased before 2004) will need a digital-to-analog converter box in order to continue to watch broadcast television after the June 12 date.

Individuals who have not gotten a converter box or applied for a converter box coupon can contact 1-888-388-2009 or go online at www.dtv2009.gov.

Government officials report those on a waiting list to receive converter box coupons from the federal government should be receiving theirs soon.

The Economic Recovery Bill includes provisions that will increase the number of coupons the federal government is able to provide to consumers.

Converter boxes cost from $40 to $70.

A coupon covers $40 of the cost.

There is a limit of two coupons per household.

Futrell seats being filled From page A – 1 April.

A new grand jury is expected to be seated and a foreman set by then.

Presenting News And Views From around The County

A Prize-Winning Newspaper UT-TPA Press Awards 2008

www.carthagecourier.com

Volume 97 Number 8-USPS No. 092-180

February 19, 2009

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

32 pages

Single Copy 50¢

Representatives feel Cordell Hull Bridge repair will be funded Senator Beavers, Representative Weaver meeting with officials to secure funding

By Eddie West Staff Writer State Senator Mae Beavers and Representative Terri Lynn Weaver say they feel funds to reconstruct the Cordell Hull Bridge will be allocated.

The two state legislators feel the $12 million in funds needed to reconstruct the bridge will be made available through the recently approved federal Economic Stimulus Bill or the state’s transportation budget.

After reading an article which

appeared in last week’s edition of the Courier, about the loss of businesses in the downtown Carthage area and plans to meet with Governor Phil Bredesen in an effort to lobby their cause, both representatives contacted the Courier.

The two say they are meeting feverishly with state officials in Nashville in an effort to secure funds for the project.

“We are working on this every day,” commented Senator Beavers, who is a member

of the Senate Transportation Committee. “We are doing everything within our power. This is a priority for us. Anybody is welcome to call my office for an update.”

The senator said the two legislators have been meeting with transportation officials, state comptroller’s office and fellow lawmakers, lobbying their case for funding the bridge’s reconstruction.

Representative Weaver says Please See Page A – 12

Sheriff’s department probes convenience market burglary

By Eddie West Staff Writer The sheriff’s department is investigating a burglary which occurred last week at J&N Bait Shop.

The burglary was discovered

by the owner, Janet Myers, when she opened up Wednesday morning, sheriff’s department detectives say.

An undisclosed amount of cash, cigarettes and lottery tickets were taken from the business, according to Detective

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Sheriff’s department detectives were called to J&N Bait Shop, located on Highway 25 near the Carthage city limits, to investigate a burglary which occurred in the early morning hours, Wednesday.

BRIEFLY Bloodmobile SOUTH CARTHAGE—The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be here from 2-7 p.m., next Wednesday (February 25) at the agriculture center in South Carthage. The blood drive is being hosted by Smith County and Gordonsville high schools’ Health, Occupational Students Association of America (HOSA).

INSIDE Obituaries: William Boles James Dillehay Ruby Dillehay Martha Fields Gordon Fish Lenora Gann Geraldine Petty Ruby Rice Bradley Tippit Ralph Williams Eleanore Wojdyla

Janie Monday: Creamed Chicken

Pettus Read: Modern Homemakers

Shannon Hunt.

Individuals cut through a metal, wire mesh protecting a rear window to the store to gain entrance into the business, detectives say.

Once the protective covering had been removed, a glass window was broken out.

The burglary occurred sometime between 2:30 a.m. and 5 a.m., Detective Hunt said.

The lottery tickets are worthless because they are numbered and if anyone tries to collect on a winning ticket, they will be detected as having committed the burglary.

Detectives have some leads in the cases.

The convenience market which sells Citgo gasoline is located on Highway 25 just outside the Carthage city limits.

If anyone has any information about this burglary, they are urged to contact the sheriff’s department.

Local home foreclosures increased in 2008 County follows national trend

By Eddie West Staff Writer Following a state and national trend, the number of families losing their homes to foreclosure in the county is up dramatically.

The number of foreclosures in 2008 show a significant increase from the previous year.

Last year, there were 94 foreclosures recorded in Smith County, compared to 57 in 2007, an increase of 65 percent, according to Tennessee Housing Development Agency statistics.

In most years, the number of home foreclosures is hardly front page news.

But during a recession, it is an important indicator of the status of the local economy and how

it compares to other counties and regions.

In 2006, before the current economic crisis struck, only 40 foreclosures occurred.

Last year’s 94 home foreclosures, compared to 2006’s 40 fi lings, represents an increase of 135 percent.

Percentagewise, the county ranked 39 among the state’s 95 counties in number of foreclosures.

Surrounding county foreclosures and rankings include: Macon County with 96 home foreclosures, ranked 45 among the state’s 95 counties; Wilson County had 530 home foreclosures, ranking 30; Trousdale County had 41, ranking 34; Jackson County had 31 home

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

(Top) Finish Line Auto Detailing and Customizing owner Shawn Cook sweeps broken twigs off the roof of his business after a section of a large oak tree was blown down during Wednesday’s storm. A section of the tree landed on the business’ roof. (Left) Two men measure a section of roof where tin was blown off Estelle Vaden’s home near Gordonsville.

Winds cause some damage

By Eddie West Staff Writer March, a month noted for its turbulent weather, has yet to arrive but strong winds resulting in some damage passed through the county last week.

High winds on Wednesday blew down numerous trees and resulted in mainly roof damage to buildings including houses, businesses and barns.

Workers were busy Monday, repairing a section of roof at Finish Line Auto Detail and

Customizing where a section of a large oak tree split, causing damage to the business’ roof. The business is located on Main Street in Carthage.

The section of roof had been covered with tarps until the roof work could be done.

In the Gordonsville area, work was underway Wednesday afternoon to repair a section of a tin roof which had blown off at Estelle Vaden’s house, located on Charles Vaden Lane, just outside the Gordonsville city limits.

Please See Page A – 12

Correction Corporation temporarily halts construction of new prison Officials hope work resumes soon

By Eddie West

Staff Writer Local government officials are hoping a temporary halt in construction of a new prison at the former Hartsville Nuclear Plant facility is just that.

Last week, Corrections Corporation of America announced it had “temporarily suspended Please See Page A – 12 construction work” on a new 2,000 bed facility which is being built in Four Lake Regional Industrial Development Authority’s PowerCom Industrial Center.

The company projected the facility would be completed by the first of next year, bringing much needed jobs to the area.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER Company offi cials estimate Following a national trend, foreclosures in the county were up the new prison will create dramatically in 2008. around 350 permanent jobs.

The Trousdale County government committed to infrastructure improvements of around six million dollars to accommodate the new prison.

Four Lake Authority committed $1.5 million in infrastructure improvements as part of the project.

Monday, County Mayor Michael Nesbitt, who is a member of the Four Lake Authority board, said he hoped the halt in construction would be no longer than two to six months, at most.

The county mayor speculated the company was likely looking at demand once the state (Tennessee) budget has been set.

Because of a revenue shortfall, the state is expected to scale back spending in several

areas of its 2009-2010 fiscal year budget.

Corrections Corporation of America also houses prisoners from other states which have the same budget woes.

“You can’t put off housing inmates,” commented Mayor Nesbitt, who added, “When we were planning this, the state said a prison could be built each year and there wouldn’t be enough room for all the state’s prisoners.”

It was last year when the two parties announced they had come to an agreement on a land sale.

While the prison will be located in Trousdale County, which will receive more than Please See Page A – 12

A – 12 u CARTHAGE COURIER u FEBRUARY 19, 2009

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

(Left) A section of roof to a barn in the Cage’s Bend community was blown onto Cage’s Bend Lane (Top), Wednesday.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

A large cedar tree was blown down during Wednesday’s storm, blocking Pea Ridge Road. Good Samaritans helped remove the tree.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

There were numerous trees downed by Wednesday’s storm. Several streets were fully or partially blocked in Carthage and roads in the county. Here, a patrol car pulls up to a tree blocking much of Carmack Avenue.

High winds cause damage around county From page – A1 Also Wednesday afternoon, Wayne Taylor was out surveying the damage to one of his tobacco barns in the Cages Bend community which is located in the Riddleton and Beasley’s Bend area.

High winds ripped a section of the large barn’s roof off, dumping it onto Cages Bend Lane.

Upper Cumberland Electric had to be called to the scene to shut off the electricity running to the barn.

The calendar read February, but temperatures were unseasonably warm Wednesday, reaching beyond the 60 degree plateau.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER The county was placed under Almost a half-inch of rain fell during a brief period as a storm passed through the county on a tornado watch before noon.

Wednesday.

A band of thunderstorms,

Funds for bridge repair may be allocated From page – A1 she has met with or contacted by telephone numerous transportation officials and colleagues in an effort to gain support for the project.

Among those the representative has met with include Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey, Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jim Tracy, State Comptroller Justin Wilson and Senate Majority Leader Jason Mumpower.

“I’ve put my whole heart in this. I feel if we work together as a team we can make this happen,” commented Representative Weaver, noting roads

and bridges in the district were a priority with her.

During the February Carthage City Council meeting held two weeks ago, council members noted numerous businesses in downtown Carthage had closed in recent months.

City leaders blamed the closings on the shutdown of the Cordell Hull Bridge.

Councilman Digger Poindexter estimated the number of businesses to close in recent months near 20.

Some city leaders feel the businesses closing are a result of less traffic in the downtown

area.

One councilman said transportation figures indicated an average of around 7,000 people were using the bridge daily when it closed.

At February’s meeting, city officials indicated they wanted to meet with the governor to lobby their case, recruiting the help of former vice president Al Gore.

Senator Beavers added criticizing transportation department officials will get the project nowhere and representatives with the transportation department had been working well with her on the matter.

Foreclosures up dramatically in 2008 From page – A1 foreclosures and ranked 80; DeKalb County had 55, ranking at 77 and Putnam County had 250, ranking 63.

Rankings are based on percentage of foreclosed housing units in each county.

For instance, Macon County had 96 home forelosures last year and ranked 45 among the state’s 95 counties. While Macon County had more foreclosures than Smith County, that county has a greater number of housing units, thus having a lower forcelosure rate or percentage than Smith County and ranking lower among the state’s 95 counties.

The percentage of housing

units foreclosed here rated at 1.15 percent, while Macon County’s rating was 1.02.

Last year, there were 44,153 foreclosure filings across the state, an increase of 70 percent from 2007 and up 128 percent over 2006.

Nationwide, there were 2,330,483 home foreclosure filings.

The 44,153 Tennessee foreclosure fi lings represent 1.89 percent of the 2.3 million national total.

The state ranked 12 in the nation in foreclosures last year.

Nationally, foreclosures were up 81 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.

The state with the highest foreclosure rate was Nevada

where there was one foreclosure filing for every 14 households.

DeKalb County was one of only two Tennessee counties which recorded fewer home foreclosures in 2008 than in 2007.

Last year, there were 55 home foreclosures in that county, compared to 72 in 2007 and only 11 in 2006.

The other county where foreclosures declined from 2007 to 2008 was Decatur.

Pickett County had the fewest number of foreclosure fi lings last year at four, followed by Moore County at six and Hancock at nine.

Shelby County had the highest number of foreclosures at 15,516.

bearing heavy rainfall and high winds, swept through shortly after noon.

Around 12:15, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the county as a line of precipitation and high winds approached the county.

By the time the rain had ceased, there were numerous reports of downed trees, some completely blocking roadways.

A larger cedar tree was blown down, blocking Pea Ridge. Another downed tree blocked Highway 70 in the Chestnut Mound community. Also, downed trees were reported blocking the road in the Horseshoe Bend community.

Downed trees resulted in random power outages around the county.

While the outages were not isolated to a single area, District Manager L.C. Grisham said outages were most numerous in the northern section of the county and in the Brush Creek area in the southern section.

The district manager estimated some 300 homes were without electricity for varied periods.

The electric company began receiving calls around 2 p.m. and power to most homes was restored by 7:30 p.m.

Once the heavy rain passed and skies cleared, high winds continued to blow into the night.

The storm dropped anywhere from .32 to .47 of an inch of rainfall, as recorded at the four area CoCoRaHS weather stations in the county.

Construction of prison delayed From page – A1 a million dollars in taxes annually from the medium security prison, the project is expected to mean jobs for local residents during construction and once completed.

In January of 2007, officials announced the Corrections Corporation of America was looking to expand by adding onto its existing facilities and building at least one new prison.

The company initiated a feasibility study for locating a

new prison in the PowerCom Industrial Center.

Several hundred workers will be employed during construction of the facility.

Corrections Corporation of America will spend around $4 million for infrastructure upgrades.

Under terms of the agreement, the company purchased 108 acres of Four Lake Authority land for approximately $3,200 per acre.

County mayors from each county form the executive com-

mittee which is the controlling agency of the industrial park land.

Four Lake Authority began developing PowerCom Industrial Center in 2002, purchasing 550 acres of land from the Tennessee Valley Authority to construct an industrial park in hopes of attracting high tech companies.

A $2 million state-of-theart speculative building was completed in 2007 but has not been sold.

Some stations will drop analog broadcast

By Eddie West Staff Writer While the date for the nationwide transition to digital television has been delayed, some area stations dropped their analog television broadcasts as scheduled (February 17) .

By dropping their analog broadcast, it will mean those who are not equipped for the transition will lose the station’s signal.

Stations in Nashville which will drop their analog broadcast include WZTV (Fox), WNAB and WUXP-TV. In Bowling Green, Kentucky, stations WKYU-TV (PBS) and WNKY (NBC) will drop their analog broadcast.

The transition was originally scheduled to take place Tuesday, February 17.

It is estimated six million

households nationwide are not ready for the transition.

A new date of June 12 for the transition to occur was recently approved by national legislators.

One major reason for the change is a waiting list of more than three million households nationally for converter box coupons which are distributed through the federal government.

In Tennessee, there are 39,593 on the waiting list, according to the department of commerce.

Also, there is a converter box shortage of at least two million units.

“Without this extension, close to 40,000 Tennessee households would not be able to watch television after February 17,” said Congressman Bart Gordon.

Viewers who are using an antenna and have an analog tele-

vision (purchased before 2004) will need a digital-to-analog converter box in order to continue to watch broadcast television after the June 12 date.

Individuals who have not gotten a converter box or applied for a converter box coupon can contact 1-888-388-2009 or go online at www.dtv2009.gov.

Government officials report those on a waiting list to receive converter box coupons from the federal government should be receiving theirs soon.

The Economic Recovery Bill includes provisions that will increase the number of coupons the federal government is able to provide to consumers.

Converter boxes cost from $40 to $70.

A coupon may cover up to $40 of the cost.

There is a limit of two coupons per household.

Presenting News And Views From around The County

A Prize-Winning Newspaper UT-TPA Press Awards 2008

www.carthagecourier.com

Volume 97 Number 11-USPS No. 092-180

March 12, 2009

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

Single Copy 50¢

28 pages

Commission supports Bass for election office Newly appointed election commission to include three Republicans

By Eddie West Staff Writer The entire 24-member county commission threw its support behind retaining Administrator of Elections Charlene Bass.

A resolution complimenting Bass’ work and support to retain the administrator of elections was approved during Monday night’s March county commission meeting.

“This is not binding. It makes a statement to the newly appointed election commission...,” County Mayor Michael Nesbitt informed commis-

sioners before the unanimous vote was taken.

“She has never gotten into politics...

She does a wonderful job. We will be sending this to our legislators, local election commission and state election commission,” the county mayor went on to say.

Following up on a request by one of the commissioners, the commission’s action will also be sent to the governor’s office.

With one of the busiest election years coming in 2010, it is unclear who will be administrator of elections next year.

Word which has been circulating around Capitol Hill in Nashville for weeks about some or possibly all administrators of elections in the state’s 95 counties being replaced has filtered-out into the communities across the state in recent weeks. This talk prompted Monday night’s action by the commission.

Administrators of elections oversee elections and are in charge of daily operations of county election commission offices.

A certifi ed administrator of elections, Bass has held the position since January of 1986.

The issue may not be settled until the first of April as new county election commissions will be set throughout the state on the first Monday in April.

State law requires the makeup of every county election commission in the state to change to three Republicans and two Democrats following the election of a Republican majority in November’s (2008) election.

Last November’s election was the first time Republicans have held a majority in the state house and senate since the Reconstruction era.

The local commission has been made up of three Democrats and two

Republicans for years.

Among other duties, election commissions are responsible for appointing the administrator of elections.

Senator Mae Beavers and Representative Terri Lynn Weaver make the recommendations of candidates for the Republican Party to fill the three Republican seats to the state election commission.

Democrats are selected by a Democratic representative.

Based on those recommendations, the state election commission makes Please See Page A – 12

Man’s death probed

State sets repair work to bridge in Elmwood for this year

By Eddie West

Plans for new bridge crossing Caney Fork River move forward

By Eddie West Staff Writer Repair work to the Benton McMillian Bridge, which crosses the Caney Fork on Highway 70 in the Elmwood community, is scheduled to take place this spring.

Meanwhile, plans to replace the aging structure are nearer.

The interim repair work is scheduled for the state transportation department’s March letting.

Repair work calls for repairs to steel in certain areas, spot painting on the truss and some concrete repairs to the piers, according to the transportation department’s Community Relations Officer B.J. Doughty.

Work should be concluded

by December of this year, ac-

BRIEFLY Two appointed to state boards COUNTY—Two Smith County natives have been named to boards by Governor Phil Bredesen. Alberta Winkler, Helms Bend resident and longtime assistant to Al Gore Jr., has been named to the Tennessee Community Service Agency Board of Directors. Winkler is one of Please See Page A – 12

INSIDE

cording to the transportation official.

While the work is taking place, traffic will be reduced to one lane, meaning stop lights will be posted in the construction zone.

A replacement bridge which will be constructed alongside the Benton McMillian Bridge is still on go.

The tentative schedule letting that project is early 2011, said Doughty, noting there is a possibility the project could be moved up.

“The repairs being done this year are necessary in order to maintain traffic during the construction of the new EDDIE WEST/COURIER bridge,” said Doughty.

The new bridge will be con- Repair work to the Benton McMillian Bridge, which crosses the Caney Fork River on Highway structed on the south side of 70 in the Elmwood community, is expected to begin this spring. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the near future. The new bridge will be located to the south (right in photo) of the the existing structure. existing structure.

Staff Writer The sheriff’s department was called to a residence on Stewart’s Bend Lane where a man was discovered deceased, Monday afternoon.

Michael Price, described to be in his 60’s and a resident at 102 Stewart’s Bend Lane, was discovered dead, in his home, by a neighbor who looked after the individual, according to Detective Steve Babcock who investigated the incident.

Price appeared to have been dead for three to four days, said Detective Shannon Hunt who was familiar with the investigation.

While a gunshot wound was discovered and a gun located, investigators do not suspect foul play at this time, Detective Hunt said.

The remains have been sent to Nashville for an autopsy.

Authorities were dispatched to the house around 5 p.m.

A neighbor looked after the man because he did not have any relatives in Smith County, explained Detective Hunt who said Price had health issues.

Lancaster fi remen were dispatched to the scene to assist the sheriff’s department and ambulance service during the investigation.

Legislator looks for bridge funds in budget Project doesn’t qualify for stimulus funding, says representative

By Eddie West Staff Writer State legislators are waiting to see if the reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge is included in the state’s 2009-2010 fiscal year budget.

State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, who attended the March Carthage City Council meeting to field questions about the bridge, explained the gover-

nor’s proposed budget had been delayed this year, awaiting news of what funds would be made available through a federal economic stimulus package.

Weaver explained the project did not qualify for stimulus funding because it “was not shovel ready”.

If the project is not in the governor’s budget, Representative Weaver explained she and Senator Mae Beavers would

fight to have it added.

“We have been waiting to see the governor’s budget which should have been out by the end of February,” said Representative Weaver, who anticipated the state budget being presented later this month.

“If it’s not on there, we will work to make sure it’s on there before the budget is passed,” the representative said.

While the bridge is not ex-

pected to be included in the economic stimulus package, money which the transportation department had planned to spend on other projects could be freed-up for other projects such as the reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge.

“We’ve been beating this thing to death and it doesn’t seem to be anybody’s priority (referring to the state administration),” commented Council-

man Jim Cowan.

While the local chamber of commerce has initiated a letter writing campaign, the representatives said citizens, governments and businesses should be repeatedly writing the governor, stressing the importance of the bridge and support for the project.

Senator Beavers had been Please See Page A – 12

County’s jobless rate soars to 14.9 percent

Obituaries: Maude Brown Corrine Bush Ken Dickerson Sadie Driver Mamie Grisham Annie Hackett Coleman Wright

By Eddie West

Janie Monday: Chinese Ribs

Pettus Read: Economy Challenges

Staff Writer As the county’s number of unemployed continues to increase, more than 300 residents were added to Smith County’s jobless total in January.

In December of 2008, 1,110 Smith Countians were listed as unemployed.

That fi gure rose to 1,430 for January (2009), according to the latest county unemployment rate released on Thursday.

Following a national trend, the local unemployment rate continues to increase and at an alarming rate as the nation’s recession deepens.

The county’s jobless rate for January was at 14.9 percent, up a dramatic 3.2 percent compared to December’s (2008) 11.7 percent.

January 2009’s unemployment is more than double that of January 2008 which was at seven percent.

Also, the county has the twelfth highest unemployment rate in the state.

Ranking above Smith County are Perry County at 27.3 percent; Lauderdale County at 18.6 percent; Scott County at 17.8 percent; Lewis County at 17.3 percent; Pickett County at 17.1 percent; Henderson County at 16 percent; Maury County at 15.6 percent; Clay County at

15.6 percent; Marshall County at 15.5 percent; Overton County at 15.5 percent and Lawrence County at 15.3 percent.

The county’s jobless rate is more than double that of two counties which tied with the lowest unemployment rate.

Lincoln and Knox counties were both at 6.6 percent.

The state’s most affluent county, Williamson, which has led the state with the lowest unemployment rate for months, dropped to third with a 6.8 percent rate.

Also, the number of employed Smith Countians continues to decline.

In December of last year, there were

8,380 local residents who had jobs.

That number fell to 8,140 for January of this year.

The state’s unemployment rate for January is at 8.6 percent, one percentage point higher than the December rate of 7.6 percent.

The national unemployment rate for January was at 7.6 percent.

The county’s unemployment rate reached double-digits in November of last year.

The halting of production at MidTennessee Zinc Company this past fall Please See Page A – 12

A – 12 u CARTHAGE COURIER u MARCH 12, 2009

Futrell recognized

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

A new bridge is scheduled to be constructed, replacing the Benton McMillian Bridge on Highway 70 in the Elmwood community.

The new bridge will be constructed on the south side (as pictured) of the existing structure.

Carthage City Council meets for March session From page – A1 scheduled to attend the meeting, but had a conflict in schedule.

In other matters to come before the council, the city will be using Murphy Oil Company as a source for its gasoline.

Council members agreed to make the switch because of cost savings and the company’s ability to track every gallon of gasoline as to where, when and by whom a purchase is made through the use of a gasoline card.

For years, Rankin Oil Company has been the lone provider of gasoline to the city.

During the February council meeting, Treva Massey, a representative with Murphy Oil Company, explained the company’s program to council members.

Rankin Oil Company, which has a fuel tank located at city hall for city vehicles to be refueled, has furnished gasoline for city vehicles for a number of years.

Since the company furnished the fuel tank, it was the only company to bid on providing fuel to the city for its vehicles.

In February, the council asked that a representative for Rankin Oil Company be at this month’s meeting to discuss the issue.

While no representative was at the meeting, Mayor David Bowman informed the council he had discussed the matter with a Rankin Oil Company representative who said, because of EPA requirements, they would have to dig up the tank in the near future, but the company could provide gasoline cards through a program like Murphy Oil Company had proposed.

Council member Jim Cowan asked the mayor why both companies couldn’t be used because the city’s relationship with Rankin Oil had gone well through the years.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

The late Dr. Jerry Futrell was honored with a resolution presented on Capitol Hill in Nashville by Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (center). The resolution was presented to Dr. Futrell’s sister, Joy Alford, right, during the March Carthage City Council meeting, Thursday night. From left are Carthage United Methodist Church Reverend Jerry Wallace, Representative Weaver and Alford.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

The new Carthage City Council includes, seated, from left, Phillip Brooks, Mayor David Bowman, Nancy Woodard. Second row, from left, C.D. “Digger” Poindexter, Vice Mayor L.C. Grisham, Charles Waggoner and Jim Cowan. Cowan was recently seated to fill the vacancy left by the late Vice Mayor Jerry Futrell. Grisham was seated as vice mayor.

The mayor explained that would require numerous cards which could be confusing in record keeping.

The council also debated the fact Murphy Oil gasoline has ethanol, which raised concerns about productivity.

There have been media and other reports which indicate vehicles get less gas mileage with gasoline that includes ethanol.

Also, there have been some reports which allege possible damage to vehicle engines related to ethanol.

In other matters, the council awarded a roofing project to Oldham’s Roofing.

The council delayed awarding a bid for a new roof for the water plant, chemical building and sewer building at its February meeting.

The council had received bids from three companies—Oldham Roofing at $36,272, which also submitted an alternative bid of $24,649; Rackley Roof-

ing which submitted a bid of $35,132 and Reece Construction which submitted a bid of $24,546.

Last month, the council debated at length the possible need for sloping on the chemical building and products used by Oldham’s Roofing and Rackley Roofing.

Mayor Bowman told council members he did not think the low bid from Reece Construction met specifications.

During last week, the council awarded the project to Oldham’s Roofing at $24,649.

Oldham’s higher bid included removing the existing roof.

Owner Sammy Oldham explained to the council there was no need to remove the existing roof because it was on a cement surface.

Since the February meeting, the mayor reported the roofs on the building had suffered hail damage and the city’s insurance provider had paid the city

$21,000 in damages.

Also, work to secure a vacant, deteriorated house on Upper Ferry Road will begin soon.

Council members had noted the house presented a liability for the city as a safety hazard.

Of main concern to the city was a youth getting inside the house and being injured.

Councilman Digger Poindexter said he would use his backhoe and tear off a section of roof over the structure’s car port at no cost to owner Lois Vaughn.

Vaughn was present at the meeting and explained to the council she did not have the funds to restore or tear down the house and build a new one but was seeking a loan.

The motion included giving the owner six months to get a loan before discussing the issue again.

The house will also be boarded up.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Carthage Mayor David Bowman presents Joy Alford, sister to the late Dr. Jerry Futrell, with a resolution honoring the late Carthage resident who served as vice mayor and was a longtime member of the council. The presentation took place during the city’s council meeting held Thursday night.

Commission supports Bass From page – A1

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Councilman L.C. Grisham, left, was recently sworn in as vice EDDIE WEST/COURIER mayor for the city of Carthage. From left are, Grisham, grandson Jim Cowan, left, was recently seated to fill the vacancy on the Taylor Aldridge, center, who was on hand for the ceremony, and Carthage City Council, replacing the late Jerry Futrell.

Mayor David Bowman, right.

County’s unemployment rate up significantly From page – A1 made a major impact on local unemployment figures as some

250 to 300 jobs were lost.

Since then, other companies and businesses have scaled back

employment.

Also, a number of local residents who had worked out of

county have lost their job because of closings or workforce reductions.

Two selected for state boards by Governor Bredesen From page – A1 16 members recently named to the board. Walter Clark McKinney, former employee with Sanderson Funeral Home and

co-owner of Ligon and Bobo Funeral Home in Lebanon, was named to the board of funeral directors and embalmers. “I want to commend all those appointed for their readiness to serve the

state through its boards and commissions,” Bredesen commented. “Tennesseeans have always been known to give of their time and talents to serve their fellow citizens, and I thank

the appointments to fill the local election commission seats.

Next year will be a busy election year in Smith County. One that comes along every four years.

While the election season doesn’t begin until August here, some counties will be holding local primaries as soon as the spring of next year.

Local races include: county mayor, trustee, sheriff, circuit court clerk, county clerk, register of deeds, 24 county commission races, four school board races and the unexpired term of the late Criminal Court Judge J.O. Bond.

Along with the county elections in August, Democratic and Republican primary elections will be held for the U.S. House of Representatives, governor, Tennessee Senate, Tennessee House of Representatives, state executive committeeman for 17th District and state executive committeewoman. Additional elections will take place in November.

As the General Assembly is in session, neither Senator Beavers nor Representative Weaver were at Monday night’s meeting.

Two weeks ago, Representa-

tive Weaver told the Courier she was simply prepared to nominate three Republicans for the local election commission.

Representative Weaver went on to deny plans to remove administrator of elections based on political party affiliations, as talk has suggested.

The resolution noted Bass”... has fulfilled all the duties outlined in Tennessee Code Annotated Section 2-12-201 to the voters, government officers, and candidates for office in Smith County, Tennessee with diligence, efficiency and competence...Now, be it resolved that the Smith County Commission desires that Charlene Bass remain as the Smith County Administrator of Elections and continue to fulfill the duties and obligations required of such office.”

“We elect these people (to office) and they need to represent the people and not the party,” commented Commissioner Jeff Winfree, following the commission’s vote.

To serve on the county election commission, state law requires the individual to be a registered voter, and a resident of the county where they will serve for two years.

these men and women for sharing in this tradition. They will E-911 board meeting planned for next week be valuable additions to the reThe Smith County E-911 Jefferson Avenue East in Carspective boards they have been Board will meet beginning at thage. appointed to represent.”

5:30 p.m., March 17 at 513

Presenting News And Views From around The County

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April 23, 2009

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

28 pages

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Six road projects included in state’s budget Cordell Hull Bridge included in bridge bond program; funding under debate

By Eddie West Staff Writer Reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge is one of the six projects which has been included in the state’s transportation department three-year plan.

In addition to the rehabilitation of the Cordell Hull Bridge, other projects include replacement of the Benton McMillian Bridge crossing the Caney Fork River on Highway 70 in the Elmwood community, resurfacing of Interstate 40 from State Route 53 to the Putnam County line, rehabilitation of

the bridge crossing Roundlick Creek on Highway 70 (connecting Rock City and Rome communities), rehabilitation of bridge on Highway 25 (Dixon Springs Highway) crossing Lick Creek and right-of-way acquisition for reconstruction of Highway 80 near Bishop Hollow Lane to south of Tony Hollow Lane (Graveltown area).

The six projects are among 450 highway-related projects included in the transportation department’s proposed comprehensive multi-modal work program for the fiscal years

2010-2012.

The plan was released on Tuesday of last week by Governor Phil Bredesen.

The governor is proposing to fund the 450 projects through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (economic stimulus funding), proposed bridge bonds and the transportation department’s regular funding mechanisms.

Funding for the projects remained up in the air this week and was expected to be debated in the Senate.

According to the list, the transportation department’s

proposal calls for funding the bridge rehabilitation and replacement projects by means of a bridge bond program.

That proposal was being opposed by some Capitol Hill legislators.

According to the list, the only local project included for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is the resurfacing of Interstate 40 from State Route 53 to the Putnam County line, a project of 8.6 miles.

Other projects are funded Please See Page A – 10

Cordell Hull Bridge undergoes more inspection

By Eddie West Staff Writer Engineers with a specialized engineering company hired by the state’s transportation department last year examined the Cordell Hull Bridge again last week.

This time, inspectors were examining the cement areas of the bridge, a worker at the site said.

The inspectors were trying to detect if there were holes in the concrete or any loose slabs underneath the bridge which could fall.

Lichtenstein, an engineering firm which specializes in restoration of historic bridges and based in New Jersey, was hired by the state’s transportation department last year to conduct an analysis of the bridge.

Lichtenstein officials briefly looked at

the bridge last summer and returned in October to conduct a more in-depth inspection in order to determine the bridge’s load capacity and exactly what it would take to restore the structure to where it could be reopened.

The company incorporated information with data the state has already gathered

‘Tea Party’ at courthouse

Carthage resident promoted with state’s highway patrol

demonstrations.

BRIEFLY Election meeting rescheduled CARTHAGE—A reorganization meeting for the county’s election committee has been reset. A new county election committee, which includes Jimmy West, Jimmy Kemp, George Horn, Randal M. McCaleb and Darrin A. Drake, was named earlier this month. The new election commission is made up of three Republicans and two Democrats. The committee will be electing a chairman, appointing an administraPlease See Page A – 10

INSIDE Obituaries: Dan Agee Mary Bell Helen Cowan Dorothy Gentry Elizabeth Gill Rita Gorman Iline Hastings Rose Lampley Wayne Lewis Darlene Preston Georgia Powell Alyce Robinson Christine Wilson Ralph Shores Jr.

Janie Monday: Buttermilk Brownies

Pettus Read: String Trimmers

Dr. Kenneth R. Futrell will be this year’s commencement speaker at Smith County High School, Principal Jimmy Maynord has announced.

Commencement will take place beginning at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 16.

A 1980 grad- Dr. Futrell uate of Smith County High School, Dr. Futrell has been employed by United Airlines since 1985, currently flying as captain on the Boeing 777 in worldwide operations.

As a captain, Dr. Futrell has flown the Boeing 737, 757, 767 and 777.

Dr. Futrell has a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace technology, a Masters degree in aerospace education and an Education Specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from Middle Tennessee State University and a Doctorate in Education degree in curriculum and instruction from Tennessee State University.

While Dr. Futrell resides in Murfeesboro, he commutes (via air) to Washington D.C. Dr. Futrell is married to the former Lisa Hunsberger. The couple has two children.

Futrell is the son of the late Dr. Jerry Futrell.

Engineers inspect the concrete portion of the Cordell Hull

Please See Page A – 10 Bridge, Wednesday.

A Smith County resident has been named to an elite position with the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Carthage resident Betty Blair has been promoted to captain of the Offi ce of Professional ResponsibilEDDIE WEST/COURIER ity (OPR).

A local version of “Tea Parties” held around the country, Wednesday, took place at the The Office courthouse. The group, which supports efforts to rehabilitate the Cordell Hull Bridge, marched of Professionfrom the courthouse across the structure. “Tea Parties” were held Wednesday as anti-tax al Responsi- Betty Blair

Dr. Futrell to speak at Smith County graduation

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

bility is charged with managing investigative and disciplinary processes for the department of safety.

Blair replaces former captain Vic Donoho who was appointed to Nashville District Captain in February.

A native of Livingston, Betty Blair has served as lieutenant in the Staff Inspection Unit since August 2006.

First assigned to the Staff Inspection Unit as a trooper in January of 2000, Blair was

promoted to sergeant in the unit in October of 2002. The Staff Inspection Unit ensures all sections of the department are properly following all policies and procedures as part of the primary mission of the Professional Standards Bureau.

The Professional Standards Bureau was established in March 2007 to ensure that employees of the department meet the highest standards of profesPlease See Page A – 8

Titans caravan visits school

By Eddie West Staff Writer Elementary school students often envision growing up to become a police officer, fireman or maybe even a professional athlete.

Childhood is not necessarily the period to be dwelling on adult matters, says one National Football League star athlete.

“When I was their age (elementary school), I was worried about recess. I couldn’t wait to get outside and play,” recalled Tennessee Titans’ all-pro safety Michael Griffin, who was traveling with the organization’s Titans Caravan XII last week. “It wasn’t until my junior year in high school I started getting serious about how I was going to pay for college. I started really focusing on football. At their age (Forks River students), they should be having fun. There’s going to come a point where life gets really serious. You have to have some fun in life.”

A gifted athlete, Griffin played running back at Bowie High School in Texas and went on to become a star player at the University of Texas.

In college, the all-pro was moved to the defensive side of the ball, playing safety and cornerback.

Standing six feet tall and weighing 202, Griffin doesn’t

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Please See Page A – 8 Students at Forks River Elementary School jump for joy as Tennessee Titans pro bowl safety Michael Griffin is introduced.

A – 10 u CARTHAGE COURIER u APRIL 23, 2009

Small deeds large help to ‘older ladies/gentlemen’ I recently received a much welcomed note from Carthage resident Joy Alford.

Because of the nature of the newspaper Behind The Byline business, positive n o t e s a r e By Eddie West about as common as a stranger offering to carry your groceries to your car.

Having known her for years, I’m sure Joy wouldn’t mind me referring to her by her first name.

In the newspaper business, after the subject of the story is identifi ed, thereafter the individual is generally referred to by their last name throughout the remainder of the story, unless it is a story where the individuals have the same last name.

During a recent shopping trip to the grocery, it seems Joy, who describes herself as an “older lady”, found herself in a predicament which is common to “older ladies”, and to “older gentlemen” for that matter.

Joy must have made the mistake of going to the grocery before having lunch because when she paid for her groceries she discovered they were too heavy for her to lug to her vehicle.

“I only had to wonder for a minute what to do, as two young boys, with smiles on their faces, ran up and took control of the situation,” Joy described in her note. “They loaded my groceries in my car and carried the shopping cart to the proper place.”

Joy was so overwhelmed by the act it “made a difference in my day” and she contacted the local newspaper.

There’s an essential lesson we all can learn here.

One of the most neglected sectors of our “modern” society is the elderly.

My years in the newspaper business have taught me that most females are sensitive about their age, so I’m not calling Joy elderly, just an “older lady”.

I have seen case after case where “older ladies/gentlemen” do not have enough money to pay for essentials such as medicine, groceries and various bills, while adults (such as myself) and teens often complain about having to cut back non-essential items such as going to movies, taking trips, buying the latest CD, etc.

A far greater tragedy is from time to time I have witnessed the lack of respect among younger people for “older ladies/gentlemen”.

Our elderly population can teach all of us lessons.

For example, our nation is in a recession mainly because the general population has borrowed and spent to the maximum, mainly on non-essentials.

One reason the nation is experiencing a recession is that people can’t afford the mortgage on their home. A home is an essential.

But some have taken the old phrase “a man’s home is his castle” literally, purchasing houses large enough for each individual in a family of eight to have their own bedroom and bathroom.

I have found that most elderly people are frugal, primarily because their parents instilled in them to be of this nature mainly because they had experienced hard times in the past.

Secondly, “older ladies/gentlemen” are frugal because it is a necessity. Retired individuals have limited incomes and an

inability to better themselves because of physical limitations which in most cases are due to the aging process.

As a child I acquired a certain respect for the elderly after spending hours playing games such as checkers with my great grandmother, who, for several years without someone leading her as she walked, was confined to a chair. These were some of the happiest times in my life—what some would refer to as boring.

Since becoming a news reporter, I have gained an even greater respect for “older ladies/ gentlemen”.

While covering this county, I have often found myself driving down an unfamiliar road in search of a particular place or individual.

When I couldn’t find my destination, I often stopped at a house to ask directions.

Quite often it would be an “older lady or gentleman” who would answer the door, steering me in the appropriate direction.

Many thanks for all those who have helped me through the years.

And for those whose front door I may be knocking on next, I drive a small, red, Chevrolet pickup truck As we see in Joy’s case, “something as simple as someone helping them to their car with their groceries “makes their day” and plays a significant role in the daily lives of “older ladies/gentlemen”. How neglected they often are!

I haven’t forgotten the reason for Joy’s writing the note. The two young men who helped Joy with her groceries were Jackson and Evan Penfield, a couple of devoted scout members.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Department of Transportation delivered their “Between the Barrels” program to high school students at Gordonsville and Smith County high schools on Thursday of last week. The highway safety-related program was presented prior to the schools’ senior prom. The safe driving program is geared to students who are just learning to drive in an effort to reduce the chances of being involved in a dangerous work zone crash. Among those participating in the program were Captain Thomas Miller, Lieutenant R.C. Christian and Sgt. Harold Gooding.

Remains believed to be missing man

By Eddie West Staff Writer Remains, believed to be that of a Wilson County man who jumped from Hunter’s Point Bridge into the Cumberland River on April 1 have been located.

Volunteers with the county’s rescue squad have been assisting in search efforts for Timothy Fields, 44.

The remains were located by fishermen about 15 miles downstream from the bridge in Sumner County near the Cairo Bend Road area, Friday.

The remains had the same clothing Fields was wearing when he jumped from the bridge. Fields did not have identification on him at the time of the incident.

Remains were sent to the medical examiner’s office in Nashville for positive identification.

Rescue personnel searched for the body for more than two weeks.

Smith County Emergency Management Agency Director Sonny Carter said the local agency was asked to aid in the search by authorities in Wilson

County.

The rapidly moving water of the Cumberland River has been at the top of its banks for several weeks.

The river has remained at a high level partially because of the abundance of rainfall and water being released from Center Hill and Wolf Creek dams.

Among those assisting were Aaron Sterling, Cody Mitchell, Jessie Crawford and Chris Faris.

Rescue volunteers from Wilson, Sumner and other areas were involved in the search.

More inspection of Cordell Hull Bridge EDDIE WEST/COURIER

A new animal clinic recently opened in Carthage. From left are Lisa Massey (office manager), Hillary Askew (veterinary assistant), and Lindsey Dixon (veterinarian).

Animal clinic open in Carthage Smith County Animal Clinic is a small animal veterinary hospital providing a wide range of diagnostic tools for your pet.

Lindsey Petty Dixon, D.V.M., was born in Smith County and is a 2000 Smith County High School graduate.

She attended Tennessee Tech University for three years and was accepted for early admittance to the University of Tennessee’s (UT) College of Veterinary Medicine.

After graduating from UT. she joined a seven doctor small animal practice in Mt. Juliet.

“Smith County Animal Clinic is proud to provide state of the art diagnostic tools to ensure that a prompt and accurate diagnosis is possible for your pets. We are the only veterinary hospital in the area providing digital radiography,” said Dr. Dixon, who is also certified for stem cell injections to treat arthritis and other diseases.

The new business also offers in-house bloodwork, vaccination and wellness packages, in-house pharmacy and microchipping.

“Smith County Animal Clinic is able to meet your pet’s surgical needs including spaying, neutering, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery,” commented Dr. Dixon.

The office is located in Carthage can be reached at 7353330.

From page – A1 during its inspections which started in 2007.

During a public meeting here in December, state transportation officials announced the bridge would have to be reconstructed which would cost an estimated 12 million dollars.

The bridge has undergone two extensive restorations in the past and the special analysis indicated the structure is at a point where it needed to be reconstructed.

This would mean the bridge’s concrete deck would have to be replaced.

Also, the metal areas would have to be dismantled and

officials said the bridge could remain closed another two to three years.

The bridge was closed by the state’s transportation department following an inspection which took place in December of 2007.

During that inspection, a high pressure washer was used to clean areas where damage to the bridge was located.

When the bridge was open, more than 7,500 motorists used the bridge daily.

Lichtenstein officials briefly looked at the bridge earlier this summer but are in the process of conducting a more in-depth inspection.

State proposes funds for projects From page – A1 through the transportation department’s three-year Multimodal Work Program.

“The Recovery Act is fundamental about creating and retaining jobs during one of the toughest economic times our nation and state have faced since the Great Depression,” said Governor Bredesen. “This three-tiered program represents a record investment in Tennessee’s transportation system.

The Recovery Act, along with the bridge bonding and transportation department’s regular program, will put thousands of Tennesseans to work rebuild-

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

reassembled. Some of the metal would also have to be replaced.

State transportation officials have repeatedly said they remain committed to restoring the Cordell Hull Bridge, but maintain the process will be lengthy, likely measured in years.

State transportation department official Paul Degges, who is head of the engineering department, and Wayne Seger, who is in charge of the state’s bridge inspection program, met with local business owners and concerned residents in August (2008) to outline the state’s plans to restore the bridge.

At the August meeting, state

ing and strengthening one of Tennessee’s largest economic drivers, our transportation system.”

“Not only will these transportation projects help create or save tens of thousands of jobs for Tennesseans, the end result of this investment will be a more reliable transportation system,” said Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely.

“This three-tiered program represents a responsible, balanced and community-based approach to transportation. Years of planning and study have gone into each of the projects funded for construction.”

A total of 50 projects in the transportation department’s

Region Three will be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The state received $572 million in Recovery Act funds.

The state distributed $85.8 million to the eleven metropolitan planning organizations and the city of Murfreesboro, leaving $486.2 million for the state’s transportation department to disperse.

All projects funded by the economic stimulus package will be let contract in May and June of this year.

Of the 450 proposed projects, 122 are in the transportation department’s Region Three which includes Smith and a host of middle Tennessee counties.

Election commission meeting changed

Hickman truck driver James Hall continues to move the Los Angeles Dodgers around. For several years, Hall moved the Dodgers’ equipment from California to Florida for spring training. Hall had From page – A1 anticipated the relationship ending when the Dodgers announced they would hold spring training in Phoenix, Arizona instead of Vero Beach, Florida. However, Hall moved the Dodgers to Phoenix tor of elections and a deputy for earlier this year and moved them back to Los Angeles on March 29. the office. The meeting was set

for 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 22.

Monday, the meeting had been rescheduled to 5 p.m., Thursday.

The meeting will take place

in the conference room at the Turner Building and is open to the public.

Presenting News And Views From around The County

A Prize-Winning Newspaper UT-TPA Press Awards 2008, 2009

www.carthagecourier.com Volume 97 Number 28-USPS No. 092-180

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

July 9, 2009

24 pages

Single Copy 50¢

Funding for bridge remains uncertain Phase I bridge repairs to be set

By Eddie West Staff Writer Despite the approval of a state budget, the status for possible funding of the reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge remains unclear.

Earlier this year, Governor Phil Bredesen proposed spending $350 million to refurbish or replace ailing bridges across the state. That proposal was modified by lawmakers with the recent approval of the state’s budget.

“Under the bridge bonding bill, the transportation department is to provide a plan to the General Assembly by October. The bridge bonding program will encompass four years of work (or four phases) and the General Assembly directed the bridges funded in each phase must

be spread across the three grand divisions of the state,” said Public Information Officer Julie Oaks. “At this time, we (transportation department) are working to develop our first year list for the bridge bonding program for presentation to the General Assembly some time before the October deadline.”

Those bridges included in phase I are expected to be announced later in the year.

The governor had intended to borrow the funds and begin the projects within a two-year period, but the proposal was modified to spread the program out over a four-year period, according to transportation department officials.

Because of the state’s continuing shortfall in revenue, under the modified proposal the program will be reevauated by legislators next year.

Locally, the state’s bridge bond program includes the reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge, building a new bridge crossing the Caney Fork River on Highway 70 in the Elmwood community replacing the Benton McMillian Bridge, restoring the bridge crossing Roundlick Creek on Highway 70 (connects Rock City and Rome communities) and a rehab of a bridge near the Trousdale County line on Highway 25 in the Dixon Springs community.

Statewide, the proposal called for the refurbishment or replacement of approximately 100 bridges.

There is also a second method in which the reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge could be funded.

The transportation department has already committed several million dollars in economic stimulus

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Cordell Hull Bridge

funding to various highway projects throughout the state.

However, state officials are now saying they feel the state’s transportation department could receive additional stimulus funding.

Depending on how much funding the transportation department were to receive from the federal government, the reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge could be funded by this means.

In recent weeks, word has spread about a list ranking state bridges based on need and deficiencies.

“There is no such list,” Oaks said. “We are still in the process of developing our first year list for the (bridge bonding) program.”

It’s evident reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge is a high priority project with the current state administration, as a transportation department official has said $800,000 has been spent on an engineering study.

Meanwhile, State Senator Mae Beavers and Representative Terri

Please See Page A – 6

Unemployment rate down — latest figures Over one thousand without work

By Eddie West Staff Writer After reaching a high of nearly 15 percent earlier this year, the county’s latest unemployment rate is near 13 percent.

The county’s unemployment rate rose above the 14 percent mark for the months of January, February and March, but has fallen to just shy of the 13 percent mark.

According to the latest figures released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, May’s unemployment rate was at 12.8 percent which is down from April’s 12.9 percent.

April’s 12.9 percent is down from March’s 14.5 percent.

The county’s highest rate this year was 14.8 percent

which was recorded in January. January’s rate was the highest unemployment rate here in years.

While the local unemployment rate seems to have leveled-off and has been declining in recent months, the good news could be short-lived as some 200 employees at Dura are expected to be released this month when the plant closes operations here and relocates to Canada.

The loss of 200 jobs could result in as much as a two percent increase in the unemployment rate.

County Mayor Michael Nesbitt said one reason the county’s jobless rate declined in April and May is because Dura recalled several employees to close out production locally.

In January, there were 1,430 listed as unemployed,

a figure which dropped to 1,180 in May. May’s (2009) unemployment rate is up seven percent from May 2008’s 5.8 percent.

Surrounding counties May jobless rates include: DeKalb County at 10.8 percent; Jackson County at 14.3; Macon County at 12.6; Putnam County at 9.7; Trousdale County at 12.4 and Wilson County at 9.3.

On the bright side, Smith County recorded one of the few declines among the state’s 95 counties in May. Jobless rates were up in 88 counties and declined in only six. The unemployment rate remained unchanged in one county.

The state’s lowest unemployment rate was recorded

Please See Page A – 6

More vendors at farmer’s market with harvest season Tomatoes, sweet corn in high demand

By Eddie West Staff Writer

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

With the arrival of the fruit and vegetable harvest season, the number of vendors and variety of produce offered at the county’s farmer’s market is increasing.

Several vendors are taking advantage of the relatively

Construction of the bridge crossing the Caney Fork River in the Betty’s Bend community is continuing. The bridge will replace the former Laycock Bridge, connecting the communities of Club Springs and Lancaster.

BRIEFLY Meeting set for this week

and cabbage.

The Dillehays also had a variety of jams, jellies and preserves, including strawberry, peach, blackberry, blueberry, pear and plum.

Hogan’s Creek resident Ronnie Bussell was at the market earlier in the day ped-

Please See Page A – 6

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

With the arrival of the summer harvest season there is an increasing number of fruits and vegetables, more vendors are setting up at the farmers market, located in South Carthage at Crump Paris Park.

Reward offered in stolen truck, lawn mower case

CARTHAGE—The July Carthage City Council meeting will be held this week. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Thursday, July 9. The meeting was set for Thursday, July 2, but changed because the council had met Thurs- By Eddie West day, June 25, for a budget Staff Writer workshop.

The sheriff’s department and Rutherford County law enforcement authorities are NSIDE investigating the theft of a flatbed truck which had two Obituaries: lawn mowers on board.

Juanita Brooks The truck, owned by a Rutherford County landscaping Mary Huffines company, was discovered in Rome Wilmore Roundlick Creek in the Rome community off Highway 70, Janie Monday: Sunday, June 28, according to sheriff’s department Detective Lemon Chicken Shannon Hunt.

The truck was stolen from Pettus Read: Rutherford County and had been run down the Corps of Burping Cows Engineer’s boat ramp into the creek which flows into the Cumberland River at the Rome Ferry crossing.

An off duty Wilson County

new facility located on Highway 53 in South Carthage.

Thursday afternoon, Hogan’s Creek residents Darren and Miranda Smith were selling peaches. The couple also plan to sell apples this fall.

Scott and Deborah Dillehay of the Defeated community were peddling potatoes, sweet pepper, blackberries, squash

Truck found in creek

I

law enforcement officer discovered the truck and reported it to the sheriff’s department.

Two lawn mowers, valued in the thousands of dollars, were missing from the vehicle.

The truck and lawn equipment was taken from Peach Tree Landscaping on June 22.

The business is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft or return of the mowers. An ad appears in this week’s edition of the Courier.

The lawn mowers include a 61 inch Yazoo and Bobcat Bagger.

The ad requests individuals

DTC to hold election this year

DeKalb Telephone Cooperative (d/b/a DTC Communications) will host its annual meeting on September 26 at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria.

Directors will be elected in three exchanges, including the Alexandria (529), Liberty (536), and Smithville (215/597) exchanges.

Voting for directors will take place at the cooperative’s Please See Page A – 6 annual meeting on Saturday,

September 26.

Thursday, September 17, will be the last day to make changes to your membership for the 2009 election.

Only DTC members may vote, and each member must present identification.

For a single membership, only that individual may vote.

Either member of a joint membership may vote, but not both. In the case of a busi-

ness membership, a business affidavit is required.

Individuals interested in becoming a candidate for a director’s position must meet the qualifications as defined in the bylaws and submit a petition by 5 p.m. on August 12, 2009. For questions regarding membership and voting guidelines, refer to the by-laws section included in the current DTC phone directory.

A – 6 u CARTHAGE COURIER u JULY 9, 2009

Carthage man faces multiple charges

By Eddie West Staff Writer A Carthage man faces multiple charges from multiple agencies, according to local law enforcement investigators.

Travis Bogle, 34, faces charges filed by the Smith and Trousdale County sheriff’s departments and Carthage Police Department, according to sheriff’s department Detective Shannon Hunt.

Last week, Detective Hunt

said he had charged Bogle with taking a diamond ring, valued at $300, and four checks from a Wilburn Hollow Road residence where he was doing handyman work.

The detective said Bogle is suspected of passing the checks in Trousdale County, where he faces additional charges.

Also, during an investigation on June 9, Carthage Police Officer Brit Davis charged Bogle with possession of a legend drug, possession of a schedule IV drug,

possession of a schedule II drug, possession of a weapon for the purpose of going armed, theft of property (two counts, less than $500), auto burglary, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a suspended license.

Carthage Police Chief Steve Hopper said the charges stem from an investigation where two vehicles parked in the Wal-Mart parking lot were broken into the day before charges were filed.

“We had video surveillance of the suspect and the type

of vehicle from Wal-Mart’s security cameras. Officer Davis made contact with the vehicle (June 9) and made an investigative stop, discovering the individual was driving on a suspended license and drugs were on him. A lady’s wallet was found in his vehicle which had come from an automobile which was broken into the day before the traffic stop,” the chief said.

Bond for Bogle on those charges (Carthage) was set at $13,500, the chief said.

Additional funds for unemployed For some who have lost their jobs, unemployment benefits will be extended.

The funds are being provided through the American Recovery Reinvestment Act or economic stimulus bill through the Tennessee Extended Benefits Program.

Unemployed workers who have exhausted their emergency compensation benefits on or after February 28 can receive up to 20 weeks in additional benefits.

Unemployed workers who believe they may be eligible for state extended benefits will file online by accessing the department’s web site at http://tn.gov/labor-wfd/.

The extended benefit application will be available online beginning July 15.

No applications will be available before July 15.

Unemployment claimants who are receiving benefits as of July 15 will automatically transition to the extended benefits and will not have to reapply. Those who meet the requirements to establish an extended benefits claim will receive a notice of monetary entitlement that will be mailed within 28 days advising claimants of the amount of benefits.

Benefits will not be paid until eligibility is determined.

Individuals who do not

have access to a personal computer may go to their nearest Tennessee Career Center where staff will assist claimants in accessing the Internet application.

Paper copies of the applications may be requested.

Department of labor and workforce development officials warn mail-in claims will take longer to process.

State extended benefits differ from regular state unemployment and federal emergency unemployment in two major ways: First, the claimants will be required to make a minimum of two tangible and documented work searches

each week. Claimants will be required to keep a journal of these work searches that is subject to periodic inspection by the agency to verify compliance. An additional question will be added to extended benefit weekly certifications asking claimants if they have documented their work searches for the week.

Secondly, the definition of suitable work has changed.

If a claimant refuses a job where the weekly wage is greater than the weekly benefit amount of unemployment, the unemployment claim is stopped. The extended benefit program ends on December 26.

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Lynn Weaver voted against the state’s recently approved 2009-2010 fiscal year budget which included the realigned bridge bonding program.

During discussions of the bridge bonding program, Senator Beavers maintained she

is opposed to the state borrowing money to pay for construction of bridges,because of the debt factor and concerns about the state’s continuing shortfall in revenue.

The senator is critical of borrowing in Washington, saying it is “digging a hole for our children and grandchildren” and doesn’t want the state to

adopt the same policy.

Senator Beavers is one of those who feels a second round of stimulus money may be coming to the state’s transportation department and feels it should be earmarked by the department for high priority bridge projects, including the Cordell Hull Bridge.

Based on information they have received from the state comptroller’s office, both Senator Beavers and Representative Weaver argue they feel there are sufficient funds in the transportation department budget to fund reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge.

Latest jobless figures show rate down slightly From page – A1 in Lincoln County at 6.5 percent.

The state’s highest unem-

ployment rate was in Perry County at 24.6 percent.

The county with the second highest rate was Lauderdale County at 19.2 percent.

Meanwhile, the state’s un-

employment situation continues to worsen.

At 10.7 percent, the state rate is up eight-tenths of a percentage point from April’s 9.9 percent rate.

State officials warn the rate will go higher in the months ahead.

The U.S. jobless rate is at 9.4 percent.

Several vendors take advantage of market From page – A1 dling sweet corn.

While the market is open all day, customers may want to arrive in the morning as some vendors may sell out by noon.

A steady stream of customers were stopping at the market Thursday afternoon to see what vegetables and fruits were available.

Tomatoes seem to be in highest demand.

Sweet corn is also a popular item.

The market is located in Crump Paris Park at the soccer field/walking track parking lot.

Construction of the farmer’s market was completed in the fall of 2007.

The market opened for its first full season last year.

Local producers favored the location because of the high volume of traffic flowing along Highway 53 and the location’s visibility to the highway.

Hundreds of vehicles pass along Highway 53, leading from Carthage to Gordonsville.

The farmer’s market includes eight bays and was constructed with a $40,000

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Cordell Hull Bridge funding remains unclear From page – A1

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U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.

The outdoor facility is equipped with ceiling fans, electricity and is located next to the restroom facilities at the soccer fields.

The idea is for the market to become a centralized location for residents to look for produce instead of the producer having to locate the consumer.

Presents The Finish Line Auto Detail, Service & Tire

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Reward offered for info on stolen lawn mowers From page – A1 who may have information about the theft contact the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department.

Individuals can also contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Departments with information.

In unrelated matters, the sheriff’s department is investigating an unusual call where

four propane tanks were taken from campers at the Defeated Creek Campground In Defeated. The tanks were taken from the 102, 103, 99 and 96 campsites in the campground on June 28.

Also on June 28, a John Deere 850 tractor with a belly mower was reported taken from Difficult Road. The tractor was taken from Bobby Williams, who deals in tractor and farm equipment.

Smith County Republican Party to hold meeting The Smith County Republican Party will be meeting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 14 at Cornerstone Cafe in Gordonsville.

Guest speaker will be Pas-

tor Kevin James who will be speaking on the history of religious freedom in this country.James, who works in public affairs and religious liberty department of the

Southern Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, will be touching on current challenges to first amendment rights in this country.

The speaker has 20 years

experience in dealing with first amendment rights under state and federal laws.

The cafe is located at the intersection of Highway 141 and Highway 53.

JULY - OCTOBER • 4PM - 8PM 2ND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH - Carthage, TN th

• July 11 - We will have inflatables for the kids and a dunking booth. Also appearing will be the Southern Rock Band “Exit South” and also the Patriot Girls of Tennessee will be signing autographs.

• Peoples Choice Awards will also be given to the Best Car, Truck & Motorcycle at all events!!!

• Horsepower Dyno runs provided by C&C Preformance.

• Concessions will be provided at all events by Charley’s BBQ & LaVilla Restaurant • We will also have a 50/50 drawing for CASH money every month along with door prizes 104.1 The Ranch will give away 2 FREE

Keith Urban Sugarland Tickets JULY 11TH Cruise-In EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Smith County High School seniors who had perfect attendance this past year include: front row, from left, Amber Allen, Cody Anderson, Anna Beadle, April Beadle, Jana Blair, Canaan Bowman, Corey Carver, Julia Donnell. Second row, from left, Casey Elrod, Adam Franklin, Nicholas Gregory, Luis Guerrero, Logan Hackett, John Wesley Halliburton, Hayden Holliman, Faith Hubbard. Third row, from left, Lauren Johnson, Seth Kinslow, Maggie Beth Law, Abby Litchford, Joshua Lynn, Hunter Manning, Isaac Manning, Heather Markillie. T-shirts were provided by Smith County Drug, Dr. David McDonald and Community Bank of Smith County.

Other Cruise-In dates - August 8th, Sept. 12th, Oct 10th.

Contacts 615-735-3347 or 615-489-3236

Have a relative in the military?

Share their picture with Courier readers…

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Smith County High School seniors who had perfect attendance during the past year include: front row, from left, Justin McCall, Ethan McCormick, Shelby McElwee, Judson Mofield, Leah Rash, Brittany Roberts, Carter Robinson, Cassie Rutherford; second row, from left, Jordan Shoulders, Anthony Spicer, Brandon Stacey, Katie Stewart, Robert Territo, Shawn Thomas, Brittany Thompson, Paige West. Third row, from left, Julia West, Brittany White, Meagan White, Ashley White, Joshua L. Williams, Casey Woodard, Darlene Young. (Not pictured Jeremy Robinson.)

The Courier is interested in publishing a picture of your relative who is currently serving in the military. It can be an individual picture of them in uniform or a picture of them taken where they are serving (just be sure everyone in photo is identified, from left to right,). Please include with picture: their name, rank, where they are from and where they are currently serving. You may also include your name and how you are related if you would like. Bring photos by the Courier office (there will be a box to drop them in up front) or mail to: Carthage Courier, P.O. Box 239, Carthage, TN 37030. If you want your picture back you may either pick it up after it comes out in the paper or include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and we will return it.

Presenting News And Views From around The County

A Prize-Winning Newspaper UT-TPA Press Awards 2008, 2009

www.carthagecourier.com Volume 98 Number 4-USPS No. 092-180

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

January 28, 2010

28 pages

Single Copy 50¢

Summer’s election hot topic around county

By Eddie West Staff Writer While it may be the middle of winter, election talk is the hot topic of conversations.

With the qualifying deadline approximately two months away, interest in this year’s county and state elections is running high.

The buzz around the county is who’s “running for” and who’s “not running for” various county and

state offices.

And who’s thinking about running is always part of the conversations.

Discussion is even including who’s going to be candidates in the November Carthage and Gordonsville city elections.

In recent city elections, council seats have mainly been unchallenged.

Meanwhile, candidates who have made up their minds are already letting their positions be known.

This week, Gordonsville area resident Kerry Gibbs is announcing his candidacy for county mayor.

Trustee Lee Ann Williams is announcing she’s seeking re-election and Hickman resident Hugh Thomas is announcing his candidacy for register of deeds.

Two weeks ago, Club Springs area resident Donny Payne announced his candidacy for sheriff.

This week, longtime school board member Scotty Yeaman, represent-

ing Carthage, is announcing he won’t be seeking re-election to the position he has held for 25 years.

Carthage attorney Michael Collins is announcing his candidacy for the seat in this edition.

The seat is one of four school board terms to expire this year.

Meanwhile, Carthage resident and businessman C.D. “Digger” Poindexter announced last week he doesn’t plan to seek re-election to his county commission seat. Poin-

dexter also holds a seat on the Carthage City Council which expires in November.

Candidates for state offices began lining up last year.

Carthage native and Wilson County resident, Albert “A.J.” McCall II has decided against running for the Republican nomination for the District 17 senatorial seat.

McCall, operator of the family

Please See Page A – 10

Prime tract of land being eyed No new deed for property recorded yet

By Eddie West Staff Writer It’s one of the most prime tracts of land in the county, a site where numerous retail businesses would like to be.

A “for sale” sign sits on the southwest corner of the 1.3 acre lot. But has it sold?

A South Carolina company has acknowledged it recently turned in plats to the highly sought after commercial property at Carthage city hall and the register of deeds office in the Turner Building.

However, a spokesperson for Freeland and Association Inc. said the survey took place a year ago and is just now turning them in.

An individual registered the plats two weeks ago,

spurring speculation the land has sold.

Some who have been eyeing the Myer Bottom tract of land say there are new survey stakes on the property, indicating a recent survey has taken place.

The Shopping Center Group, which has an offi ce in Nashville, is marketing the property.

The Courier contacted the company, attempting to speak with the real estate agent who has the property listed.

On the first call, the agent was out of the office.

A second call found the agent was on a teleconference call and a message was left on his voice mail asking if the property had been sold and for a return call.

During a third call, the receptionist said she did not know if the particular agent was in the office but would check, promptly asking who’s calling.

After checking, the receptionist said the real estate agent was out of the office.

After the location of the still relatively new Wal-Mart Supercenter on the Carthage Bypass, local real estate owners speculated it would attract other businesses to that area of town.

Murphy Oil located on one of the out parcels, while the one in question has been for sale since the supercenter opened.

O ne a re a of proje c te d growth for commercial business the Wal-Mart project was

Collins in board race

Please See Page A – 10

INSIDE Obituaries: James Collins Sr. Mary Cummings Ruth Foutch Ben Gentry Jr. Donna Gentry Etta Moore Raymond Overstreet Dian Tubb Rosa Whitehead Amanda Winston

Janie Monday: Habanero Chili

Pettus Read: Horse Hair Snake

the super Wal-Mart, may have sold or is being eyed for development.

Legislator continues push for bridge funds

BRIEFLY CARTHAGE—Michael Collins announces his candidacy for Smith County School Board for District 6 – Carthage. Collins, a lawyer in Carthage, is married to Selicia Case Collins of Giles County. The couple has a two and a half year old son, Case Miles Collins. Collins and his family reside on Virginia Av- Collins enue in Carthage. He has been a lifetime Carthage resident except for his time spent away in college and law school. Collins is the son of Harold “Slick” Collins and the late Cindy Gilbert Collins, both of Carthage. Collins attended Carthage Elementary and graduated from Smith County High School where he was in the top ten of his 1991 graduating class. Collins was also a standout football and basketball player as a member of the 1989 and 1991 state tournament basketball teams.

He is a member of the Smith County High School sports hall of fame. Collins received his Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro in 1998 with honors and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis in 2001. After passing the bar and being ad-

expected to spur is the intersection of Upper Ferry Road and the Carthage Bypass. So far, no development has appeared on property which is for sale.

The recession which began filtering into the county and mid-state area last year likely played a major role in the lack of development in the area.

One factor which could peak developers interest in the area is the additional traffic along the bypass.

Approximately 15,000 motorists pass along the Veterans Memorial Bridge now that the Cordell Hull Bridge is closed, Mayor David Bowman said.

More than 7,000 motorists EDDIE WEST/COURIER used the Cordell Hull Bridge There is speculation this tract of land, located in front of when is was open for traffic.

By Eddie West Staff Writer State and local legislators continue to seek funding for the reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge.

Monday, State Senator Mae Beavers reported engineering plans for the restoration of the structure were almost complete.

“Nothing could be done until the engineering plan had been completed,” said Senator Beavers.

A member of the Senate Transportation Committee, the state senator said she was working to have funding for the project included in the state transportation department’s 2010-2011 fiscal year budget which will be set in the spring.

The senator said the transportation committee would be meeting several times and she would be working in support of funds for the project.

Last year, state transportation department officials said the bridge did not qualify for federal “economic stimulus” funds because an engineering plan had not been prepared.

If funding is not included in the transportation department’s regular fiscal year budget, there could be other avenues of funding.

During a meeting here last fall, a regional supervisor with the transportation department said the bridge project was included in its four year bridge bond program with funding to be appropriated in 2012.

The transportation department implemented phase I of

the bridge bonding program this past year.

While the program will be under review this year by the General Assembly, it is anticipated phase II of the bridge bonding program will be implemented this year. Phase I projects were announced in late summer of last year.

The state remains committed to the project, having spent $800,000 for an engineering study in order to determine what would be needed for the bridge to be repaired.

Now transportation engineers have spent hours of work devising an engineering plan.

The bridge is in need of an estimated 12 million dollars in repair work.

Yeaman not seeking re-election

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Numerous rainbows appeared around the county, Thursday, as a severe thunderstorm swept through. Widespread hail was reported countywide. Most of the hail was pea-size and smaller. No major damage was reported. Some roadways were flooded from heavy rainfall. No major accidents or damage was reported from the storm.

Longtime Carthage school board representative Scotty Yeamna announces he will not seek re-election.

Yeaman has served on the school board for 25 years, during which time he has been chairman of the board on several occasions.

In making the announcement Yeaman said: “I have been a school board member for 25 years. I’m not a politician. My only claim to politics in Smith County is that my father, my grandfather

and my grandmother were all sheriff of Smith County. My grandfather owned a store in Hickman which closed during the depression. He was elected sheriff and passed away in office and the county court named my grandmother sheriff. My father, Lillard Yeaman, worked as chief deputy. When my grandmother’s term ended, my father ran for and was elected sheriff.”

“Being a school board member is very gratifying and also has heartaches. We

in Smith County are very fortunate to have the administration we have and the best teachers in the state. Look at our test scores as compared to the rest of the state and you will see why the board is so happy. Decisions have to be made that are not gratifying.

We have discipline problems that come to the board that have to be made. The hardest decision that I had to make was whether or not to close

Please See Page A – 10

Gibbs in county mayor’s race

Williams to seek Thomas will seek re-election to seat register’s office

Kerry Gibbs announces his candidacy for county mayor.

“My name is Kerry Gibbs and I am announcing my candidacy for Smith County mayor. I was born in Smith County and have always lived and worked here, so I have a vested interest in the progress and success of our county.”

“My wife of 32 years Kerry Gibbs is Yvonne Lancaster Gibbs. We have three children and one grandchild—Korinne, who is married to Andy Hill, and their son, Ashtin; Shanna Gibbs and Andrew Gibbs, all of Smith County. My parents are Van Robert and the late

Lee Ann Williams announces her re-election candidacy for trustee.

“I am announcing my candidacy for reelection for the office of Trustee. I want the people of Smith County to know that I will maintain my commitment to always run the office with all honesty and efficiency. And I want to Lee Ann Williams thank them for allowing me to serve as your trustee. I guess the only way I could explain how I feel about the job is to say I always want to do what’s right and what helps Smith County.”

“In my time in office there have been many changes that have come about, some due to state

Hugh Thomas announces his candidacy for register of deeds.

“My name is Hugh Thomas and I would like to officially announce my candidacy for the Smith County Register of Deeds. I am a longtime resident of Smith County and currently reside in the Hickman community with my wife Hugh Thomas and two daughters.

My wife, Penny, is currently employed at the Gordonsville Elementary School in the cafeteria. My oldest daughter, Megan, is currently attending Tennessee Tech in Cookeville. My youngest daughter, Jessica, is a junior at Gordonsville High School. We

Please See Page A – 10

Please See Page A – 10

Please See Page A – 10

Presenting News And Views From around The County

A Prize-Winning Newspaper UT-TPA Press Awards 2008, 2009

www.carthagecourier.com Volume 98 Number 18-USPS No. 092-180

May 6, 2010

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

32 pages

Single Copy 50¢

Flooded

Eddie West/Courier

(Top) A rescue squad member helps an unidentified woman from her home off Industrial Drive in Carthage, Monday morning. (Bottom, left) Rescue personnel help Kaye Brown, seated, second from left, and Ed Brown, standing (shielding eyes), from their home. The Browns waited until flood water rose to the top step of their Moore Lane home in Carthage to leave. (Bottom, right) Rescue squad personnel help an unidentified woman from a raft. The woman was helped from her home off Industrial Drive.

BRIEFLY Send in flood photos Residents of Smith County — please send your photos of last weekend’s historic flooding from your community to the Carthage Courier.

Provide a brief, 1-sentence description of the image and the name of the person who took the shot.

The Courier will chronicle these in next week’s issue, May 13.

E-mail pictures to: photos@carthagecourier.com.

Minimum photo requirements include: jpeg file, 200 dpi, hi-resolution.

INSIDE Obituaries: Margaret Carter Garlon Chambers Elizabeth Clemons Glenn Dixon Neal Huddleston Beatrice Ikner Kenneth Kelley Kenneth Scott George Sensabaugh Ernest Tyree Agnes Vaughn

Janie Monday: Potato Medley

Pettus Read: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Epic flood hits Carthage, county

By Eddie West Staff Writer Residents awoke to a natural disaster of historic proportions in the making, Monday morning.

Water began spilling into homes and businesses along the Cumberland and Caney Fork rivers in the early morning hours and continued until afternoon.

Many residents and curious onlookers watched but could do nothing as water covered property, resulting in millions of dollars in damage.

Some residents in flood prone areas, particularly Industrial Drive and Riverside Drive in Carthage, began

loading their possessions on trailers, trucks and vans, Sunday, in preparation of the flood.

While some cleared their homes, others chose only to pack memorabilia and essentials, leaving the rest in hopes the flood water would not reach historic proportions.

The day prior, Sunday, some residents along Kinslow Lane in the fl ood prone Watervale community had already evacuated as backwater from the Cumberland River seeped toward their homes and into at least two residences.

While some residents in Carthage evacuated Sunday night, others stayed

Four pages of photos inside until water surrounded or reached the top step of their home.

Monday morning, rescue workers used boats and rafts to evacuate individuals in an area surrounding Industrial Drive in Carthage.

Ed and Kaye Brown had to be loaded onto a rescue squad boat which anchored on the top step of their Moore Lane home.

Water around their home was at

least waist deep.

Their son, Shannon Brown, said the couple didn’t want to leave their home.

“Am I going to be in the paper?” asked Kaye Brown, once reaching a narrow strip of Industrial Drive. “I was in it (the newspaper) in ‘75.”

Brown was referring to a legendary flood which hit Carthage and areas surrounding the Cumberland River in 1975, resulting in $8.1 million in damage.

By this time, around 8 a.m., all but one lane of Industrial Drive was submerged by the water from the

Please See Page A – 10

Cordell Hull Bridge in state plan

By Eddie West Staff Writer Rehabilitation of the Cordell Hull Bridge has been included in the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s proposed comprehensive multimodal program.

The transportation department outlines projects on a

Cordell Hull Bridge three-year basis.

Rehabilitation of the bridge, which is anticipated to cost around $12 million, is planned for the transporta-

tion department’s 2011-2012 fiscal year.

Senator Mae Beavers says this means the project could be funded and bid as soon as July of 2011.

Local officials had hoped the project could have been funded through stimulus funds last year, but Senator Beavers said the project did

not qualify because engineering had not been completed.

Senator Beavers says this shows the state is committed to the project.

Senator Beavers noted the bridge had recently been place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Representative Terri Lynn Weaver said the listing was

favorable news for the project.

“It’s not going to be done as quick as we would want, but I’m thrilled about the news,” commented Weaver.

“All the people involved in supporting this project should be congratulated for their ef-

Please See Page A – 10

Purchase of hospitals planned

By Eddie West Staff Writer A Brentwood-based health company is expected to become the new owner of Riverview Regional Medical Center North and South.

The company has agreed to terms with Sumner Regional Health Systems which owns both local hospitals, in ad-

dition to Trousdale Medical Center in Trousdale County and Sumner Regional Medical Center in Sumner County.

Sumner Regional Health Systems also provided various other health-related services in addition to owning the four hospitals.

Friday, Sumner Regional Health System’s board of

directors announced it had accepted an offer from LifePoint, over nine other offers.

Officials say there will be no disruption in services while the acquisition is taking place.

“Following an exhaustive review of 10 bids, I am pleased to announce the proposed sale of Sumner

Regional Health Systems to LifePoint Hospitals,” said George Carter, chairman of Sumner Regional Health System’s board of directors.

“We are confident this acquisition will secure the future of the organization, resulting in a stronger health system that is able to provide the complete array of core and speciality medical services

that our communities have come to rely on from Sumner Regional Health Systems.

The sale to LifePoint will provide a number of benefits to our physicians, associates, patients and the community.

Patients who have relied on our hospitals will continue to receive quality care from

Please See Page A – 10

A – 10 u CARTHAGE COURIER u MAY 6, 2010

Wet weather hasn’t weakened dams — Corps

By Eddie West Staff Writer Major rehabilitation work for leaky pockets threatening the stability of Center Hill and Wolf Creek dams has been well documented by the media in recent months.

Above normal rainfall in the mid-state and southern Kentucky grounds has left saturated conditions, leading to the weakening of the ground in certain areas.

Numerous rock and dirt slides

have occurred in the county with the recent rainfalls.

Also, trees have fallen after their root system gave way from the loosening of the ground.

Several weeks ago, Corps officials announced they were re-aligning work at Wolf Creek because sensors raised concerns about a portion of earthen dam where it connects with the concrete structure.

U.S. Corps of Engineer officials insist the earthen embankment at

Wolf Creek and Center Hill dams remain stable despite the excessive rainfall.

“We are seeing no problems with the integrity of our dams despite record rainfall amounts throughout the region,” stated Barney Davis, Chief of Engineering and Construction for the Corps’ Nashville District.

The Corps is continuing to monitor two high priority dams, Wolf Creek Dam in Jamestown, Kentucky and Center Hill Dam in Lancaster.

“The data from these projects is showing nothing of concern,” continued Davis. “We will continue monitoring these projects closely until the lakes return to their lowered target elevations.”

While the lake elevations at both dams are higher due to this weekend’s rainfall, there is no impact on the stability of the dams. Because of this, the Corps will continue to operate the dams to reduce fl ood damages downstream. Neither lake

is currently at the elevation reached in February 2010.

“We have no structural concerns at any of our dams, but we will continue to monitor them closely throughout this situation,” stressed Davis.

Record high lake elevations are being recorded at dams such as J. Percy Priest in Nashville; Old Hickory in Hendersonville and Cheatham in Ashland City, as a result of recent rainfall.

Water releases at dams outlined by federal agency The Corps released the following information about water releases at its dams: Wolf Creek Dam on the Cumberland River, Jamestown, Ky. •All hydropower units at Wolf Creek Dam have been shut off to minimize downstream flows and to provide fl ood protection for Celina and Carthage.

•As local runoff subsides, the hydropower units will be brought on-line to start the process of pulling the lake level back down toward the

680 target elevation. That process is likely to begin in the next 12-24 hours.

Dale Hollow Dam on the Obey River, Celina.

•All hydropower units have been shut off to minimize flows into Cordell Hull Lake and ultimately provide fl ood protection for Celina and Carthage.

•As local runoff subsides, the hydropower units will be opened to start the process of pulling the lake level back down. There is a good

chance that spillway gates will need to be opened to pull the lake level down in a timely manner.

Cordell Hull Dam on the Cumberland River.

•The Cordell Hull Lake area received very large amounts of rainfall late in the day on Sunday, resulting in a large inflow to the lake. In order to keep the water from going over the lock gate, a series of increases to spillway releases were implemented overnight. The Cordell Hull lake level crested at elevation 508.33.

•The process is currently underway to make flow reductions at Cordell Hull. This process is expected to continue throughout the day. The Cordell Hull reductions will result in smaller inflows to Old Hickory and ultimately to lower river stages at Carthage and points downstream, including Nashville.

•Over the next several days the lake level will be brought back down to the summer pool level of 504.0.

Center Hill Dam on the Caney Fork River.

•All hydropower units have been shut off to manage flooding at Carthage. Currently the only release through Center Hill Dam is a very small flow through the orifice gate.

•As local runoff subsides and the Cumberland River at Carthage returns to a non-fl ooding level, the hydropower units will be brought on-line to start the process of pulling the lake level back down toward the 630 target elevation. That process is likely to begin in the next 12-24 hours.

County experiences widespread flooding as rivers overflow from rains From page – A1 Cumberland River.

Some residents who were evacuated said they had no place to go.

A shelter was set up at the agriculture center in South Carthage.

Carthage was the hardest hit by this week’s flood.

Numerous homes were flooded and some businesses damaged. Areas along Industrial Drive and Riverside Drive were most affected by the flood.

Water from the Caney Fork River began seeping into the William L. Bonnell Company, Monday morning, and continued for several hours.

The company is located beside the Caney Fork River off Highway 53 and had recently installed a new multi-million dollar press.

Gordonsville was also hit hard as the Caney Fork River rose into the county’s industrial park, flooding some businesses.

A weekend of heavy rainfall led to significant flash flooding throughout the county, Saturday and Sunday.

Monday morning, most of the streams had receded and flooding from the county’s two rivers became the problem.

Three CoCoRaHS weather stations in the Carthage area reported 8.45 inches (Saturday and Sunday totalled), 9.02 inches and 9.32 inches of rainfall. A Gordonsville area station recorded 8.73 inches.

Saturday and Sunday’s heavy rainfall resulted in numerous rescues around the county from flooded homes and flooded vehicles.

At varied periods, sections of practically every road in the county was underwater during the two-day deluge.

Flooding was a result of either water overflowing from ditches or streams spilling over their banks.

The flash flooding resulted in numerous stranded motorists as some had to be rescued when their vehicle became stalled in water.

Rescue squad members were dispatched to stranded motorists throughout the county.

In addition to rescue squad members, law enforcement and firefighters were monitoring the rising water, alerting residents of potential fl ood conditions.

Sunday, rescue personnel had to retrieve a girl from flash flood waters on Salt Lick Creek who was clinging to a bush.

All-the-while, the Cumberland River was creeping upward.

The Pa la c e , a nurs ing home located in Red Boiling Springs in neighboring Macon County, was evacuated, Sunday. Some of the residents were brought to Riverview Regional Medical Center.

While the county was under a tornado watch, Saturday and Sunday, the main problem was heavy rainfall.

Heavy to moderate rainfall began as early as 8 a.m., Saturday. In some areas of the county.

Moderate to heavy rainfall continued throughout the day.

By mid-afternoon, county wide flooding began.

Saturday, as many as 10

homes were affected by the fl ooding in the Rolling Hills and Winding Hills subdivisions in the Grant community.

Also, late Saturday afternoon an excursion train traveling from Nashville to Monterey became stranded in Brush Creek after flood waters covered the tracks.

The county’s emergency management agency arranged for school buses to transport the approximately 450 passengers to Nashville.

Flooded rivers drove several residents from their homes.

Monday night, some 40 to 60 people sought shelter at the agriculture center.

During the day Monday, the main road leading to the agriculture center was cut off by flood water from the Caney Fork River.

A rear entrance was used to get in and out of the facility.

The American Red Cross brought cots to the shelter.

Food was donated from numerous businesses, residents and churches.

In addition to Carthage,

homes in several communities including Pleasant Shade, Watervale and Rome, flooded.

As the flood water rose from the Cumberland River Monday, Carthage was crowded with vehicles from numerous spectators.

Many stopped on the Veterans Memorial Bridge and watched the muddy water roll west.

The weekend’s heavy rainfall resulted in thousands of dollars in damage to county roads, washing up pavement and tiles.

In the Pleasant Shade community, the heavy rain washed out a waterline which left some residents without water for a period, Monday.

The break almost drained storage tanks which supply the Pleasant Shade and Defeated areas.

Monday, Brandon Powell, with the utility district that serves that area, said, if something were to happen that the town of Carthage could not supply the utility district with water, residents would have to do without.

Carthage Mayor David Bowman said the city’s pumping station was operating despite being submerged in water.

Because some county and state roads were under water, Monday, some businesses were closed.

Other businesses closed during the day as flood waters continued to rise.

Wal-Mart, located dangerously close to the flood water in Myer Bottom, closed at noon.

Schools were closed Monday and Tuesday.

Saturday and Sunday’s rainfall came after excessive rainfall on the previous weekend.

The weekend before this week’s flood, anywhere from two and one-half to three inches of rain fell. In some areas of the county, flood waters began to level-off by mid to late afternoon, Monday.

The Cumberland River was at 46.10 feet at 5 p.m., Monday. Forty feet is flood stage.

No fatalities were reported from the flooding.

Cordell Hull Bridge rehab plan listed by state transportation department From page – A1 forts to save the structure. It has been saved. It was scheduled to be torn down.”

The Cordell Hull Bridge project was included in Governor Phil Bredesen’s bridge bonding program, a plan to

rehabilitate several bridges across the state over a twoyear period by borrowing funds.

The program was approved, but spread out over four years instead of two. The Cordell Hull Bridge was designated to be rehabilitated under that program in 2012, according

to state officials.

Other projects included funds for reconstruction of a section of Highway 80 near the Graveltown community and between Bishop Hollow and Tony Hollow. The project is three-tenths of a mile in length.

Also included on the de-

partment’s program is replacement of the Benton McMillin Bridge, crossing the Caney Fork River in Elmwood.

A fourth project includes funding for preliminary engineering for an east bound truck climbing lane on Interstate 40 beginning at the 250

mile marker which is at the Wilson County line.

“These infrastructure projects are great news for the citizens of Smith County,” said Senator Beavers. “Smith County citizens deserve their fair share of taxpayer dollars that they pay in.”

Representative Weaver

added, “These bridge announcements are much needed and I am pleased that transportation offi cials have heeded my pleas and understand that these infrastructure projects will bring more growth and prosperity to Smith County.”

Officials anticipate Riverview Regional, Sumner Health Systems sale From page – A1 our physicians and associates.

Our physicians and associates will have access to the best practices across a large health system and the hospital will have the backing and stability of a nationally recognized, well-capitalized company with a long-standing commitment to non-urban communi-

ties, which is particularly important during these times of state and federal financial uncertainty.” ” The sale is taking place through a “Chapter 11 filing and 363 sale process”.

The sale is expected to conclude sometime this summer.

“For many months, our board of directors and senior

leadership team have been working diligently to explore all strategic options available to Sumner Regional Health Systems to achieve our goal of becoming a viable, sustainable, high-quality health system for the long-term. We are confident that our partnership with LifePoint will enable us to do exactly that,” said Roger Kaiser Jr., MD and CEO of EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Riverview Regional North at left. Riverview Regional South below.

Sumner Regional Medical Center. “This is great news for our organization and a testament to the hard work of our associates and physicians who have maintained their commitment to providing the highest levels of patient care during this crucial point in our history. The thoughtful process we have planned will facilitate the sale of Sumner Regional Health Systems’s operations, while protecting all of our constituents and securing the long-term future of the organization through its acquisition by a financially sound, high quality, reputable hospital company. Our medical staff and associates

look forward to continuing to serve the communities that have counted on us for more than 50 years to provide outstanding patient care and services.”

LifePoint owns hospitals in Tennessee in Athens, Lawrenceburg, Livingston, Pulaski and Winchester.

The health company also owns hospitals in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

The purchase price for Sumner Regional Health Systems was reported at $145

million.

LifePoints, which owns 48 hospitals, offer is subject to a bankruptcy judge’s approval, according to reports.

In recent months, Sumner Regional Medical Center has laid-off more than 100 employees at its four facilities.

Sumner Regional Health Systems, a non-profit organization, acquired Smith County Memorial and Carthage General hospitals some years ago.

The health company merged the two local hospitals. LifePoint is billed as a leading hospital company focused on providing healthcare services to non-urban communities.

Send Us Your Flood Pictures Abrupt change in plans with unexpected flood

By Eddie West Staff Writer When it rains, it pours!

It’s a sentiment that many residents affected by this week’s flooding must feel.

Also, local emergency personnel who began responding to flooding, Saturday, and continued through Tuesday are likely to share the same sentiment.

Though we, at the Courier, have not experienced loss because of this tragedy, we were somewhat overwhelmed in having to deal with such a signifi cant story so close to our deadline.

In addition to the flood, we have two major page 1 stories this week further complicat-

ing the issue.

Those stories included planned funding for the Cordell Hull Bridge which has been closed for several months and the purchase of our two local hospitals.

In cases of high impact breaking news, such as countywide fl ooding resulting in considerable financial losses, it becomes necessary to delay some stories because of space availability and the abrupt change of focus.

We regret, because of staff limitations, we were not able to cover flood situations in all our communities. You are just as important.

Because of limitations in staffing and time, our at-

tention was on high impact areas.

We had several other significant stories planned for this week’s edition of the Courier which we will be getting to next week.

Among those stories— Principal Ronnie Scudder has been recognized as one of the state’s top principals; we continue to cover/update a possible child abuse case; George McDonald’s announcing for state senate.

We ask that our readers and the public understand all stories are important to us because that’s what we’re about.

We ask for your understanding.

Residents of Smith County- Please send your photos of last weekend’s historic flooding from your community to The Carthage Courier.

Provide a brief 1 sentence description of the image and the name of the person who took the shot.

The Courier will chronicle these in next week’s issue, May 13.

E-mail pictures to: photos@carthagecourier.com Minimum photo requirements include: jpeg file, 200 dpi, hi resolution.

Presenting News And Views From around The County

A Prize-Winning Newspaper UT-TPA Press Awards 2008, 2009, 2010

www.carthagecourier.com Volume 99 Number 9-USPS No. 092-180

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

March 3, 2011

24 pages

Single Copy 50¢

Cordell Hull Bridge rehab set for summer Senator Beavers, Representative Weaver updated on project

By Eddie West Staff Writer A top state department of transportation official says rehabilitation of the Cordell Hull Bridge could begin as soon as this summer.

Tennessee’s Chief Engineer Paul Degges, who has worked closely with the project through a series of inspections and subsequent closing, informed State Senator Mae Beavers and Representative Terri Lynn Weaver he “anticipates the project will be ready for the construction phase by July”.

Degges also told legislators the bridge rehabilitation project is eligible for “Surface Transportation Program” funds.

Senator Beavers and Representative Weaver released a joint statement, Friday, updating progress on the project.

“This is a project that Representative Weaver and I have been working on for some time now,” said Senator Beavers. “I am very pleased we are now seeing progress. I have talked with new administration offi cials who realize the importance of this

bridge to our citizens. I look forward to seeing the next phase of this project as we see the construction phase begin this summer.”

“This is great news,” added Representative Weaver. “Our citizens need this bridge to travel across the Cumberland River. It is a major connection within Smith County. We have been working on this project for quite some time. It is very good to see that rehabilitation of this bridge is so close at hand.”

Last year, the project was listed on the transportation department’s

three-year comprehensive multimodal program as a project scheduled to begin this year.

Funding has always been a concern for the project, especially with the state’s budget crisis.

The rehabilitation project has the support of first-year Governor Bill Haslam.

Last fall, gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam made a special campaign stop in Carthage to announce his support for the project.

The construction plans are essentially finished and the department

is in the process of fi nalizing the environmental document in preparation for the acquisition of a 25 foot construction easement on either side of the bridge, according to the statement released by Senator Beavers and Representative Weaver.

The transportation department is also finalizing the environmental permits necessary for the construction project, according to the legislators.

In addition to funds provided

Please See Page A – 10

Election head plans to retire next month

Black History Month Celebrated

Commission looking to fill position when vacated

By Eddie West Staff Writer

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

The annual Black History Month celebration was held, Friday, at the Smith County Senior Citizen Center in South Carthage.

(Left) The Community Choir performs. (Right) Hubert Smith, lecturer, was guest speaker for the event.

Police departments set safety seat event Carthage and South Carthage police departments are teaming to sponsor a child car seat inspection event.

Carried out by Safe Journey, the event will take place in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Carthage from 2-4 p.m., Thursday, March 17.

Safe Journey addresses

occupant protection and the correct use of child passenger safety devices (car seats) through public and professional education and awareness.

The organization is an education outlet for community organizations and agencies interested in offering child

passenger safety information and education to families and caregivers of young children.

Carthage Police Chief John Hogan and South Carthage Police Chief David Long are organizing the event.

The staff of Safe Journey conducts weekly car seat

Longtime administrator of elections Charlene Bass will be retiring next month.

“It has truly been a pleasure and wonderful opportunity to serve the citizens and voters of Smith County,” commented Bass. “One of the most important duties of the administrator of elections is to faithfully and impartially administer the laws of the state of Tennessee.

I can truthfully say that I have done this. I have made many

friends over the years and I treasure these friendships and the many visits, hugs and encouragement which individuals have given me. I will never forget you and will miss all of you.”

Bass first began working in the election commission office in 1963.

In 1970, the Tanglewood resident took a position with Production Credit in South Carthage.

Bass returned to the elec-

Please See Page A – 10

checkpoints in Smith County and surrounding areas.

Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of unintentional injury and death to children under the age of 14, according to Safe Journey.

Please See Page A – 11

EDDIE WEST/COURIER EDDIE WEST/COURIER The county escaped widespread damage from storms which struck Thursday night and Monday. There were reports of isolated power outages and some trees down as a result of Thursday night’s storms. This tree was located in a yard at a Administrator of Elections Charlene Bass is retiring next South Carthage residence across from Riverview Regional Medical Center South on Highway 70. month. Bass has headed local elections for several years.

BRIEFLY

Top students named at high schools

Lions Club benefit BRUSH CREEK—The Brush Creek Lions Clubs will hold a pancake breakfast to raise funds for improvements to the community center and benefit the Lions Club White Cane Program. The event is set for 6-10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 12. The event will be held at the community center.

INSIDE Obituaries: Raymond Barrett Glyn Dycus Phil Glover Jennie High Edwin Overstreet William Rankin II

Janie Monday: Baked Potato Soup

Pettus Read: Round Scar Generation

Jagger Edgell

Leah Bane

Dillon Reed

Jessica Blackburn

Smith County High Gordonsville High Jagger Kubic Edgell is valedictorian and Leah Danielle Bane is salutatorian of the 2011 graduating class at Smith County High School, Principal Jimmy Maynord has announced.

Jagger Kubic Edgell placed first in his graduating class. Edgell is the son of Glen and Elaine Edgell of Gordonsville. Upon graduation, Edgell plans to attend the University of Tennessee and major in nursing.

Edgell then plans to work his way through anesthesiology school.

While attending high school, Edgell has been a member of the Spanish Club for three years; Science and Math Club for two years; French Club for one year and Beta Club for

four years.

Edgell’s awards include Scholar Athlete of the Year, Governor’s Award in 2009 and West Point 2010 SLS. Leah Danielle Bane placed second in her graduating class. Bane is the daughter of Tommy and Deborah Bane of Carthage.

Upon graduating, Bane plans to attend Tennessee Tech University and major in business and accounting.

Bane hopes to be a CEO or CFO of a large accounting firm one day. She aspires to be a great mother, wife and friend.

While attending high school, Bane

Please See Page A – 11

Dillon Reed is the valedictorian and Jessica Leigh Blackburn is the salutatorian of the 2011 graduating class at Gordonsville High School, Principal Annette Hord has announced.

Dillon Reed is the son of James and Melinda Reed of Grant. He is the grandson of Bobby and Sandra Denney of Grant and Gerald and Brenda Reed of Brush Creek. Dillon is a member of Caney Fork Missionary Baptist Church.

Dillon has been a member of numerous clubs and organizations throughout his high school years including Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the Drama Club, serv-

ing as president of both his senior year. He has been a member of the Interact Club, Beta Club, Science and Math Club, Spanish Club, and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). He was on the prom committee his junior year as well as Youth Leadership Opportunity of Smith County. He is also a member of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Club.

Dillon was one of a group of young men selected to represent GHS at American Legion Boys State his junior year. The same year he was one of 44 students from across the

Please See Page A – 10

A – 10 u CARTHAGE COURIER u MARCH 3, 2011

Victoria Vantrease

Keely Hix

Amanda Kromko

Michaela Apple

GHS top students From page – A1 state of Tennessee chosen to attend the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Leadership Summit in Nashville, just days after scoring a 31 on his fi rst attempt at the ACT. During his senior year he was selected by the faculty of GHS to receive the DAR Good Citizen and Danforth Awards.

Outside of school Dillon is a volunteer at the Smith County Help Center and is an avid writer. Dillon plans to attend Tennessee Technological University in the fall and major in education.

Jessica Leigh Blackburn, daughter of Bill and Teresa Blackburn, Jr. of Gordonsville, is the salutatorian of the Class of 2011 at Gordonsville High School. Jessica has been a member of New Middleton United Methodist Church for 17 years and is an active part of the youth group.

While staying academically focused and earning a grade point average of 3.86, Jessica has taken part in many school clubs and organizations which have given her the opportunity to be active in her school and community. She is a member of the GHS Student Council and the Interact Club and serves as the treasurer of both.

She has been a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), the Beta Club, and “The Tiger” yearbook staff for four years. She is currently an editor on the yearbook staff. For two years she has been a member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and the Spanish Club; and for one year she was in the GHS Chorus and the Science and Math Club. She has competed for three years at the math competition held annually at Tennessee Tech University. As a junior Jessica was nominated by the faculty of GHS to attend Volunteer Girls State at Lipscomb University in Nashville. By her classmates she was named “Miss Junior” and “Most Likely to Succeed”.

In addition to her club and organization involvement, Jessica has also participated in athletics and provided tutoring to younger students after school and on weekends. She was a member of the softball team and has been a manager for the high school basketball team for two years. Upon graduation from GHS Jessica plans to attend Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville to major in education.

Victoria Lynn Vantrease, daughter of Sammy and Sandra Vantrease of Brush Creek, is ranked third in the 2011 Gordonsville High School graduating class. She is a member of The Lighthouse Church. After high school graduation Victoria plans to attend college at the University of Tennessee at Martin to major in biology with an emphasis on pre-medicine and later become a pediatric oncologist.

Victoria is the president of her senior class and was the reporter for the class during her junior year. Her senior classmates named her “Biggest Brain”. She is a member of the GHS Student Council and represented the council in the 2010 football homecoming parade. She received academic awards in Spanish I and Emergency Medical

Services as a junior and the Perfect Attendance Award for her sophomore year. She is a two-time participant at the annual math competition at Tennessee Tech University and has been named a Tennessee Scholar.

Victoria has been involved in various clubs and organizations at GHS. She is a four-year member of the Beta Club and a four-year recipient of the club’s Award for Academic Excellence. She is also a four-year member of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD); a threeyear member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), serving as reporter both her junior and senior years; and a two-year member of the Science and Math Club, the Spanish Club, Chorus, and the Interact Club. As part of the Interact Club, she is a member of the Ollie the Otter Seatbelt Safety Team and also provides tutoring to other students. She is a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the GHS student office staff.

In addition to her involvement in school activities, Victoria is also committed to volunteerism and her community.

She has often given her time to help various organizations and causes. She was chosen through essays and interviews to be one of 16 individuals in Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital’s “STriVe” Summer Teen Volunteers Program where she volunteered 120 hours in June 2010. She has volunteered at numerous “Relay for Life” events in Smith County, Community Bank’s Family Fun Days, the Rotary Club’s pancake breakfasts and fair booths, MLK Clean-up Days, and the construction and recent restoration of Kids Central Park. She is a regular participant in the Jordan Hackett 5K Race and a graduate of the 2010 Smith County Youth Leadership class.

Ranking fourth in this year’s graduating class at Gordonsville High School is Amanda Rose Kromko.

Amanda is the daughter of John Kromko and Marian Robinson. She is employed full-time at Captain D’s of Lebanon and plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University in the fall to study pre-law and Spanish.

Amanda served as her class president for five years and was named “Miss Class” during her sophomore and senior years of high school. She has had perfect attendance since seventh grade. Amanda has been the varsity setter for the GHS Tigerettes’ volleyball team for four years and was named on the All District Second Team during her senior year in addition to receiving the Captain’s Award.

Amanda has been a member and served as an offi cer of the Beta Club.

She is a four-year member of the Student Council; the Blue and White Club; and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). She has also been an active member of the Spanish Club, Science and Math Club, and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) for two years and has participated in the GHS Chorus.

McKenzie Burchfield

Brooke Hall

Lexie Randolph

McKenzie Blair Burchfield, the daughter of Tom and Vanda Wiley and the late Ron Burchfield, is ranked fifth in her graduating class at Gordonsville High School. She has been a student at Gordonsville for 13 years.

Throughout her high school career, McKenzie has worked diligently to accomplish her goals while also being active in school clubs and activities. As a freshman, she earned academic awards in English I, Physical Science, Algebra II, and Health Science Education. She has been a member of the Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) since her junior high years at GHS, and she has been member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) for four years.

She is also a two-year member of Future Farmers of America (FFA), the Spanish Club, the Science and Math Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and the Blue and White Club.

In addition to her academic and club involvement, McKenzie has been a manager for the boys’ basketball team for two years, and her senior classmates named her “Most Genuine”. McKenzie plans to attend Tennessee Tech University in the fall to pursue a career in nursing.

Ranking sixth in the Class of 2011 at Gordonsville High School is Chelsea Brooke Hall. She is the daughter of Jason and Sandy Hall of Hickman.

Following high school graduation, Brooke plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Martin.

She has held a part-time job for the past two years while also keeping up her studies.

Brooke has been involved with many clubs and organizations during high school.Her club memberships include the Beta Club, Spanish Club, “G” Club, and Interact Club.

She also participated in the GHS Chorus. Her membership in organizations include Health Occupations Students of America

(HOSA); Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA); Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA); and Future Farmers of America (FFA). She was named “Class Beauty” by her peers.

Lexie Noelle Randolph, the daughter of Lee and Michelle Randolph of Gordonsville, is ranked seventh out of 87 students in her senior class at Gordonsville High School.

Lexie is a proud member of Macedonia The Baptist Church in Club Springs.

For four years Lexie has been a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), the “G” Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

She has served as an officer of FCA for the past two years. Also, she has been in the Beta Club throughout high school and currently serves as vice-president of the club. Lexie has been an active member of the Interact Club for three years, the Spanish Club for two years, and the Science and Math Club for one year.

As a freshman and sophomore, she served as the secretary of the school’s 4-H Club and was selected to attend 4-H Congress her sophomore year. During her junior year, Lexie participated in the Smith County Youth Leadership program. She was named “Most Creative” by her senior class.

In addition to her involvement in school clubs and organizations, Lexie has been very active in athletics. She was a member of the basketball team for three years and has played volleyball and softball for four years.

She has received multiple All-District and All-Tournament awards in softball.

Upon graduation from high school, Lexie hopes to pursue a degree in education while also playing softball at the college level.

Creek. While also working part-time, she earned a grade point average of 3.66. Upon graduation from high school, Lakin plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University in the fall.

Lakin has been a member of numerous clubs and organizations throughout high school including Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD); and the Spanish Club. She also serves as president of the Beta Club. She has been a member of “The Tiger” yearbook staff for four years and earned the position of editor this year.

Ranking eighth in the Class of 2011 at Gordonsville High School is Lakin Taylor Jackson. Lakin is the daughter of Scotty and Connie Jackson of Brush

Keely Hix ranks ninth in the Class of 2011 at Gordonsville High School.

Keely is the daughter of Elisa and Lee Oliver and the late Chris Hix. She is employed by Zaxby’s of Lebanon and plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University after graduation from GHS. She plans to major in both accounting and in business communications and entrepreneurship in addition to minoring in Spanish.

Throughout high school Keely has been actively involved in clubs and organizations, holding officer positions in some. Keely has been a member of the Beta Club and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) for four years. She is also a fouryear member of the Drama Club and has participated in plays at the school-level and county-wide including GHS’s production of Clue and the county-wide musical Beauty and the Beast.

Also, she currently has a lead role in the countywide production of Cinderella. She has been a member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) for three years and is a twoyear member of the Interact Club, Spanish Club, and Science and Math Club. During her freshman year, she held membership in Future Farmers of America (FFA), the 4-H Club, and was a cheer-

Lakin Jackson

leader as well.

During Keely’s sophomore year of high school, she was selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, for eleven days. She was also chosen to be a participant in the Smith County Youth Leadership program during her junior year of high school.

Keely was the 2010 Smith County Fairest of the Fair and also represented Smith County at the state level.

Keely would like to thank her parents for all they have done to help her become the person she is today.

Michaela Danielle Apple is ranked tenth in this year’s graduating class at Gordonsville High School with a grade point average of 3.55. Michaela is the daughter of Keith and Melanie Apple of New Middleton. She is the granddaughter of Wayne and Carolyn Burton of the Gladdice community and Kenneth and Anita Apple of New Middleton. She is a member of Macedonia The Baptist Church in Club Springs.

Michaela has held membership with many school clubs and organizations including Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), serving as an officer her senior year. As a junior she represented GHS at the FCCLA state competition in the scrapbooking category.

She has been a member of the Beta Club for four years and a member of the “G” Club, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and the Spanish Club for two years. She was on the yearbook staff and in the GHS Chorus for one year. She has also been involved in the Interact Club, Book Club, and Science and Math Club.

She was a cheerleader for two years.

After graduation from high school Michaela plans to attend Tennessee Tech University and pursue a career in physical therapy.

Legislators updated on Cordell Hull Bridge From page – A1 through the “Surface Transportation Program”, the state transportation department has been working with officials at the federal level to secure a funding source to retire bond debt from the project.

The project is included in the transportation department’s proposed 2011-2012 fiscal year budget which

will have to be approved by the General Assembly this spring.

Once construction begins, it is anticipated to take 24 to 30 months to complete the rehabilitation work.

The bridge has been closed since December of 2007.

During that year, the structure underwent several inspections by the state transportation department.

The inspections began in the summer and continued through December when the bridge was closed because several deficiencies were detected.

The bridge has been the subject of numerous community meetings.

During the 2010 political season, the status of the bridge evolved into a major campaign issue.

Besides in-house inspections, the state has spent several hundred thousand dollars to have the structure analyzed by a Kansas City engineering firm which specializes in restoration of bridges.

Last year, the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The bridge was renovated last during 1992-93.

Longtime administrator of elections retiring From page – A1 tion commission office in 1986.

The administrator of elections position was formerly known as registrar-at-large.

The title change came in 1997.

This past year was one of the busiest election seasons ever with Democratic and Republican primaries and county election in August and state elections in November.

There were lengthy ballots in both elections.

This year, the only election scheduled is a South Carthage City Election in August.

While the election process is down dramatically this year, Bass says there is plenty of work to be done in the office, including updating voter registrations, filing new registrations and redistricting.

Bass has been a highly popular administrator of elections. Despite opposition from some in 2009, she retained the

position.

In April of 2009, the fivemember election commission changed from three Democratic representatives to two.

The number of Republican representatives on the committee increased from two to three.

The election commission changed from a makeup of a Democratic majority to a Republican majority because of the change of majority in the General Assembly.

Bass became one of several administrator of elections who were targeted by state election officials for replacement because of their appointment under the Democratic majority election commission.

In April 2009, the newly seated election commission voted 3-2 to retain Bass.

Weeks prior to the election commission vote, in a show of support, the 24-member county commission voted unanimously in support of a resolution calling for the

election commission to retain Bass.

The vote was non-binding because only the election commission has a vote in the matter.

Some weeks ago, Bass said she informed the commission she would be retiring next month.

Bass is expect to remain in office until April 15.

Meanwhile, the search for a replacement is underway.

The election commission has advertised for “resumes or letters of interest” for the position which are being accepted until 4 p.m., March 1.

Resumes can be left at the election commission office located in the Turner Building in Carthage.

The election commission has scheduled a meeting for 5:30 p.m., March 1, to review resumes and letters of those interested in the position and discuss other business matters.

The commission has scheduled another meeting for 5:30 p.m., March 8, to interview applicants for the position and discuss other business.

In addition to the administrator of elections, the office employs a full time deputy.

Marsha Huffines had filled the position for several years but retired in December.

Staffing for the office is approved by the county election commission at the recommendation of local state legislators.

Members of the five-man election commission include Chairman Darrin Drake, Secretary Jimmy Kemp, Jimmy West, Marty McCaleb and Tom Arnold Jr. Through the years, the election commission office has had a number of locations.

In recent years, the office was located in the former Clerk and Master’s office at the courthouse and in the basement of the county li-

Presenting News And Views From around The County

A Prize-Winning Newspaper UT-TPA Press Awards 2008, 2009, 2010

www.carthagecourier.com Volume 99 Number 18-USPS No. 092-180

May 5, 2011

30 pages

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

Single Copy 50¢

High winds rip county again

Additional Photos Inside...

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

(Top photo) A barn on the Buddy Kemp farm in Sullivan’s Bend was destroyed during last Wednesday’s storm. (Bottom left photo) Sections of the barn were scattered several yards.

Tin was blown across a field and up a hillside. Numerous trees were blown down on the farm and the roof of a mobile home located on the farm was damaged. (Right photo) An employee with Tom Arnold Construction Company clears a cedar tree on the Tom Arnold Sr. farm in the Helm’s Bend community, Wednesday afternoon. Numerous trees were blown down on the farm.

Damage isolated; hundreds of trees downed by force

By Eddie West Staff Writer For a second time in April, high winds swept through the county, downing numerous trees, knocking out power and resulted in isolated cases of personal property damage.

The latest storm struck Wednesday morning as residents were traveling to work and many students were on their way to school.

The high winds caused the most damage in the Gordonsville area and in the Pea Ridge, Club Springs, Sullivan’s Bend, Brush Creek, Sykes, Hickman and McClure’s Bend communities.

In the Sullivan’s Bend community, a barn on Buddy and Joyce Kemp’s farm was demolished and numerous trees were blown down.

A mobile home on the Kemp property received roof

BRIEFLY Longtime owner of business dies DIXON SPRINGS—Longtime South Carthage and Hartsville businesswoman Inez Oldham Taylor, 94, Dixon Springs, died at 6:35 p.m., Tuesday, April 26, at Sumner Regional Medical Center in Gallatin. Taylor was admitted to the hospital under hospice care on April 25. Taylor co-owned and operated the Smith County and Tennessee Tobacco Warehouses in South Carthage and was owner of the Planters Tobacco Warehouse in Hartsville. Funeral services were held Saturday from the Carthage Chapel of Sanderson Funeral Home. (See Sanderson Funeral Home for additional details.)

INSIDE Obituaries: Harry Fletcher Tom Kittrell Marietta McCaleb Inez Taylor Edward Van Der Vliet III Frank Waller Janie Monday: Apple Salad Pettus Read: Get Into Sales

damage.

Across Cordell Hull Lake from the Sullivan’s Bend community, there was storm damage at the Keith Hendry residence in the McClure’s Bend community which was hit with high winds earlier in the month.

During the fi rst of April, high winds resulted in damage to several single-engine airplanes and a hangar where aircrafts are stored.

Emergency Management Agency Director Sonny Carter said a barn was blown down on the Hendry farm and an ultra light airplane was blown onto another.

During the earlier storm, two single-engine airplanes were blown into a pond.

Other airplanes and ultralight aircrafts also sustained damage. The hangar where the aircrafts were stored was also damaged.

Last week’s storm caused some damage to the Hendry house.

Since the first storm struck, the Hendry family has installed a storm shelter where the family took shelter during the latest storm, Carter said.

Several tress were down in the McClure’s Bend community.

“It looked like the way the tree tops were twisted, it may have been a tornado,” said Carter.

Trees completely or partially blocked roads in Sullivan’s Bend, McClure’s Bend, Sykes, Brush Creek, Helm’s Bend, Hickman and Gordonsville areas.

Trees were blown across the Nashville & Eastern Railroad line in Brush Creek, Carter said.

Forks River Fire Department firemen checked out and helped clear roads in that area,

Carter said.

“In the Bellar Hollow, a tree had to be removed so a school bus could get through,” said Carter. “There were no students on the bus.”

Damage to the roof of two houses on New Middleton

Highway, just east of the New Middleton School, was reported.

There was also roof damage to a house on Luther Allan Lane, which is located behind T-N-T Market on Highway 53, Carter said. A storage

shed at the residence was demolished and a large tree blown down.

The emergency management director said a wall located outside the William

Please See Page A – 13

Director of schools apologizes for late call in closing notice

By Eddie West Staff Writer When a storm bearing powerful winds and heavy rainfall swept through the county last Wednesday morning, posing life-threatening conditions in many areas, school buses were rolling.

Parents were also en route to schools with their children and many students were on their way to school in private vehicles.

Several students and parents arrived at schools only to learn classes had been canceled for the day.

Please See Page A – 13

Funds for Cordell Hull Bridge in budget

By Eddie West Staff Writer Plans for the reconstruc-

tion of the Cordell Hull Bridge continue to move forward.

The latest step in the pro-

Two other projects in transportation budget

By Eddie West Staff Writer Plans for a new Benton McMillin Bridge continue to move forward.

The bridge crosses the Caney Fork River on Highway 70 in the Elmwood community.

Funding for construction of a new bridge is included in this year’s state department of transportation budget.

The new bridge will be constructed alongside the existing structure.

The project is included in the transportation department’s comprehensive multimodal program, released by the department on Wednesday of last week.

The General Assembly is expected to approve the state’s transportation depart-

Please See Page A – 13

cess—a significant hurdle— came when the department of transportation released its three-year multimodal program on Wednesday of last week.

The first state transportation department plan to be released under Governor Bill Haslam includes funding for the rehabilitation of the Cordell Hull Bridge.

Funding has always been a major obstacle for the project, especially with the state facing a budget crisis and looking to make cuts.

State Senator Mae Beavers and State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, in a joint press release, confirmed funding had been included in the governor’s 2011-2012 transportation budget.

Payne speaker at Gordonsville High School 2011 graduation Tillman W. Payne III will address the 2011 graduating class at Gordonsville High School.

Graduation is set for 7 p.m., Friday, May 13.

A native of Smith County, Payne is a graduate of Gordonsville Elementary School and Gordonsville High School (1977).

Payne attended college at the University of Tennessee where he received a Bachelors of Science degree in agriculture.

Upon graduating, Payne was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Air Force

and entered active duty in the military service.

While in the military, Payne was trained as a logistics plans officer, coordinating supply, transportation and maintenance units.

His duties included various assignments throughout the U.S. including Hawaii.

His service also included duties in Zaragoza, Spain as a division chief in logistics plans, and in South Korea as a unit commander.

Payne was twice selected to serve as an executive officer to top level general of-

ficers— once at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and later at the defense logistics agency. Tillman Payne Payne gave 20 years of service to the U.S. Air Force, retiring from active duty as a Lt. Col. in 2003.

While in military service,

Please See Page A – 11

“This is a project that Representative Weaver and I have been working on for some time now,” said Senator Beavers. “We have been talking with new administration officials who realize the importance of this bridge to our citizens. I am very pleased the governor has included it in the department’s budget which is now confirmed with the publication of this project list.”

“We had been assured that it would be in the budget but seeing it in print is great news,” added Representative Weaver. “Our citizens need this bridge to travel across the Cumberland River. It is a major connection point within Smith County. It is very good to see that rehabilitation of

this bridge is so close at hand.”

Earlier this year, Governor Haslam met with various state commissioners, asking them to make cuts in their budget.

Funding for the Cordell Hull Bridge project has apparently survived those potential budget cuts.

Governor Haslam’s proposed state budget now has to be approved by the General Assembly, action which will be taking place in the weeks ahead.

Approving a state budget is one of the last pieces of legislation lawmakers address before ending the session.

A new budget is expected to be in place by the end of

Please See Page A – 13

Race For Jordan among four Saturday events

By Eddie West Staff Writer No less than four events, including three benefits, will be taking place this weekend.

Headlining the events will be the eighth annual Race For Jordan 5K Run/Walk, a benefit for the Jordan Hackett Foundation.

This year’s event will take place beginning at 8 a.m., Saturday (May 7) at the Cordell Hull Dam. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

The event honors Jordan Cage Hackett, the son of Stephen and Karen Hackett, who passed away as an infant in October of 2002.

The launching ramp and parking area at the Cordell Hull Dam will be closed from 6-10 a.m. in order to stage the event.

Also, Saturday, there will be a benefit to raise funds for the Ballard Chapel United Methodist Church at the agriculture center in South Carthage.

Located in the Stonewall community, the church’s building was destroyed by fire in November of last year.

The event will begin around 11 a.m. with a benefit dinner to include catfish and barbecue.

Please See Page A – 11

Severe storms rip county second time this year From page – A1 L. Bonnell Company building was blown down.

Wind gusts continued throughout the day Wednesday and is said to be the cause of an overturned truck pulling a camper.

A North Carolina man was traveling west bound on Interstate 40 near the Wilson County line when he said a gust of wind struck, causing the vehicle and the camper to roll onto its side.

The man was not injured in the accident.

Both lanes of west bound traffic were closed for a period.

The county’s rescue squad pulled the wreckage to the side of the interstate and one lane was opened.

While forecasters had predicted a strong chance of storms for Wednesday morning, Carter said he had a conference call with officials in Nashville and there was no report of threatening weather at the time.

“It popped up out of nowhere,” commented Carter. “It appeared any severe weather was going to go south of us. It made a turn.”

The downed trees and limbs knocked out power in many locations of the county.

Friday, Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation District Manager L.C. Grisham said the company was still making repairs, assessing damage and tallying the number of residents affected by power outages.

Road Commissioner Steve Coble said the department began receiving calls about trees in roadways around 6:30 a.m.

The department received approximately 47 calls where trees had to be removed from roadways.

“We appreciate residents letting us know and their help,” said Coble.

In addition to county road department employees, state road department employees, rescue squad and fire department members and some

residents volunteered to help clear roadways.

Heavy rain accompanied Wednesday’s storm.

Thursday morning, CoCoRaHS weather stations near Carthage reported 2.70, 3.65 and 2.31 inches of rainfall (for preceding 24-hour period).

A Gordonsville CoCoRaHS station reported 2.45 inches.

The National Weather Service is still probing damages caused by high winds around the mid-state on Wednesday (April 27) in an effort to determine how many tornados touched down during the event.

Wednesday’s storm was the second to hit the county since the first week in April.

The first storm resulted in more widespread property damage.

The latest storm downed many more trees.

Many of those trees fell in roadways, fell away from houses and buildings or in pastures, etc., limiting property damage for many resi-

dents.

In its preliminary findings reported on its website for the Old Hickory office near Nashville, the National Weather Service is reporting a tornado touched down in Lawrence County near Summertown; two tornados and straight line wind damage occurred in Rutherford County; a microburst occurred in Wayne County near the Lawrence County line; a microburst occur in New Johnsonville area in Humphreys County and a tornado touched down near Clarkrange near the Fentress/ Putnam County line.

A microburst is a convective downdraft with an affected outflow area of less than two and one-half miles wide and peak winds lasting less than five minutes.

The office has not reported on damage in Smith County.

The weather service says further evaluation of affected areas could result in changes in the cause of damage from straight lines winds, microbursts and tornados.

Director apologizes for late call From page – A1 Meanwhile, Director of Schools Roger Lewis has issued an apology to the community in response to the delay in closing schools.

Wednesday morning’s storm would have made it impossible for some students and school buses to arrive at their designated schools on time because numerous roads were blocked by trees blown down during the storm.

Also, trees fell on numerous power lines, knocking out power in many locations.

Trees were mainly down in the southern and eastern portions of the county, where the most damage has been reported.

In one case, a school bus was stranded on a hill in the Bellar Hollow near the Pea Ridge community because of a fallen tree blocking the roadway.

The school bus could not back up, so the tree had to be cut out of the way before the school bus could continue.

There were no students on the school bus.

Because forecasters were calling for the possibility of damaging winds overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday, Lewis arrived at the central office at 4 a.m. to begin monitoring weather conditions.

During this period, the director said he relied on the National Weather Service and Emergency Management Agency Director Sonny Carter who was being updated on weather conditions by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency in Nashville.

“I checked with the National Weather Service and the local emergency management agency and they said there would be rain, heavy at times, and some wind. There was nothing said about straight line wind or a tornado,” said Lewis, who left the central office shortly after 6 a.m. to ready (shower, change clothes) for a routine day.

Reflecting on the incident Wednesday afternoon, Lewis said, “I should have delayed school an hour (to continue monitoring the weather).

But at 6 a.m., there was no

straight line wind or tornado being reported to me by the National Weather Service or the local emergency management agency. I thought it was clear, based on the information I was given. I apologize to the people of Smith County.

The safety of each student, teacher, staff, personnel is first and foremost. I sincerely apologize to the people. I am grateful no one got injured or hurt.”

Lewis said he also talked with the director of schools in neighboring Jackson County twice Wednesday morning before 6 a.m. and when he spoke with him last, he had not canceled school. Jackson County schools were eventually closed.

The director said when he learned of the severe weather, he called for school bus drivers to return to the station and for principals to not leave the school until every child was accounted for.

Some parents and residents have been critical of the director for not delaying or canceling school sooner.

The following is the letter of apology to the community the director posted on the school system’s website.

The letter also explains what transpired Wednesday morning.

“First, accept my apology for the decision I made to have school on regular schedule Wednesday, April 27, 2011. I was here at the central office at 4 a.m. to watch the weather and contact emergency management. I spoke with the National Weather Service twice before 6 a.m. and did not get any reports of tornadoes in our area for this morning. During these hours, I also spoke with Sonny Carter who is our Emergency Management Operations official. During our conversations, he and I discussed the weather for this morning.

Through his contact with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, he had the same information that I had received from the National Weather Service reporting: rain, heavy at times and some wind. Nothing was mentioned about tornadoes at that time.

I spoke with Mrs. Gochcoff,

supervisor of transportation, on two different occasions during the morning hours as well. We held the buses as late as we could to still be able to run the routes for school to begin at 8 a.m. Based on the National Weather Service forecast, we were hoping to get to school, and be prepared to close early, if necessary, before stronger afternoon storms occurred. I left the central office at 6:05 a.m. to go home to get ready and return to work.

During this time, a tornado or straight line winds developed in Rutherford County, picked up speed, and touched down in parts of the southern part of our county. When this happened, Mrs. Gochcoff contacted me and we instructed all the drivers to pull their buses off the road and seek shelter. After realizing that the southern part of the county was hit by straight line winds or a tornado, I immediately closed schools.

The safety or our students, faculty, and staff are of the utmost importance to me, and I take that responsibility very seriously. Over the years, I have made some difficult decisions and am always protective of our students, faculty and system employees. During my term as superintendent, we have had no accidents or injuries to students/employees due to weather-related issues. This is a record I intend to keep, and I am thankful everyone made it home safely today without personal injury or damage to the school bus fleet. Ms. Gochoff reported to me that all buses were returned safely to the garage and that all drivers reported in safely.

Again, please accept my sincere apology and feel free to contact me to discuss this at any time. I value the safety and well-being of every student, teacher, system employee and parent. Thank you for your continued support and all that you do for the Smith County School system.”

The letter was posted on the county’s board of education website Wednesday, soon after events transpired.

School was canceled around 7:20 a.m.

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Check it out: www.carthagecourier.com

Cordell Hull Bridge funding From page – A1 May. In March, the Courier reported a top state department of transportation official told Senator Beavers and Representative Weaver funds for the rehabilitation of the Cordell Hull Bridge would be included in this year’s transportation budget.

Updating residents on the progress of the project, the representatives also said the project could be bid this summer.

In March, Tennessee’s Chief Engineer Paul Degges, who has worked closely with the project through a series of inspections and subsequent closing, informed State Senator Beavers and Representa-

tive Weaver he “anticipated the project will be ready for the construction phase by July”.

Degges also told legislators the bridge rehabilitation project is eligible for “Surface Transportation Program” funds.

The rehabilitation project has the support of the firstyear governor.

Last fall, then gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam made a special campaign stop in Carthage to announce his support for the project.

The construction plans for the project are essentially finished, according to state officials.

In recent weeks, the state transportation department has been in the process of finalizing the environmental

document in preparation for the acquisition of a 25 foot construction easement on either side of the bridge.

Transportation department officials have also been finalizing the environmental permits necessary for the construction project.

In addition to funds provided through the “Surface Transportation Program”, the state transportation department has been working with officials at the federal level to secure a funding source to retire bond debt from the project.

Once construction begins, it is anticipated to take 24 to 30 months to complete the rehabilitation work.

The bridge has been closed since December of 2007.

budget, the project could be bid later this year.

The transportation department budget is the fi rst released under newly installed Governor Bill Haslam.

One other project is includ-

ed in the three-year plan.

Funding for right-of-way construction for an east bound climbing lane on Interstate 40 in Smith County beginning at the 250 mile marker is included in the plan.

State funding two road projects From page – A1 ment budget later this month when it approves the state budget.

This means, unless funds are cut from the transportation

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Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 99 Number 25-USPS No. 092-180

June 23, 2011

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

20 pages

Single Copy 50¢

INSIDE ...

Several indicted in burglaries

News

Charges levied during special grand jury session

INSIDE

By Eddie West

Civitan Club’s Smith County Horse Show Photos . . . . . . . . . . . A7

Staff Writer

“Living History Walk” Features Tennessee Central Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A8

Several suspects face charges related to multiple burglaries and thefts which have occurred in recent weeks and months.

Charges stem from sheriff’s

department investigations.

Sealed indictments were returned against the individuals by the grand jury, meeting in special session on June 10.

Numerous items were taken in the burglaries.

While high priced items such

as jewelry, electronics, guns and tools are common items targeted in residential burglaries, in recent burglaries, no item has been of too small of value.

In one of the burglaries, Christmas decorations and baseball cards were taken.

Caney Fork River part of happening

ETI Precision County’s Newest Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A8

By Eddie West Staff Writer

Baseball Post Season Tourney Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1 Little League, Minor League All Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1

The 2011 edition of the Smith County Fair is nearing.

Inside this week’s Courier is The Fair on the River—Smith County Fair Guide.

The all inclusive, 80 page tabloid lists fair dates, event times and when and where to The Smith County Fair tabloid is located register for those planning on inside this edition of the Courier. The tabloid entering contests and particiincludes registration times, events and other pating in events. fair happenings.

Briefly EARLY DEADLINE CARTHAGE — Because of the Fourth of July holiday, the deadline for the July 7 edition of the Courier has been changed. The deadline for advertising and news items is noon, Friday, July 1.

Auction Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7, 10

See Burglaries A7

Tabloid lists fair events

Library’s Summer Reading Program Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A8

Sports

Kevin James Sapp, 36, and Angela Bright, 37, both of Kemp Hollow Road, Pleasant Shade, were indicted for theft of property valued at between $1,000-$10,000, aggravated burglary and vandalism

Besides the shows, rides, the exhibit hall, live entertainment, this year’s fair will be unique by incorporating the Caney Fork River.

New to the fair will be a “Paddle Inn”, a leisure fl oat and a 10-mile kayak race.

Those participating in the Paddle Inn will begin at the new Gordonsville/Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency boat ramp on the Caney Fork River in Gordonsville. The

armada of kayaks and canoes will travel four miles down the Caney Fork River to the South Carthage access which is located beside the agriculture center which is the centerpiece of the county fair.

The Paddle Inn will take place beginning at 4 p.m., Saturday, July 30. The event is $10 per person which covers shuttle service and fair

See Tabloid A7

Governor here for bridge project

By Eddie West Staff Writer State transportation department officials say the Cordell Hull Bridge rehabilitation project is scheduled to be advertised in July with the bid letting to take place the following month.

The latest dates from the state’s transportation department has the

project scheduled to be advertised beginning on July 8 and be included in the August 5 bid letting.

The August 5 date is the fi rst bid letting in the transportation department’s 2011-2012 fiscal year budget.

State Senator Mae Beavers and Representative Terri Lynn Weaver are also confirming the project is scheduled to be bid next month.

Planning is underway for a kickoff ceremony with Governor Bill Haslam attending.

The event is scheduled for 5 p.m., Saturday.

The event will take place on the Carthage side of the bridge.

In May of this year, the department of transportation released its three-year multi-modal program which included rehabilitation of

the bridge beginning this year.

The plan was the first state transportation department threeyear multi-modal program to be released under the first-term Republican governor.

Funding has always been a major obstacle for the project, especially with the state facing a

See Governor A7

Church Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6

Storms Sweep Across County

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B4-10 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Auline Allmon

Jimmy Dawson

Evelyn Hayes

Truman Nesbitt

E.S. White

Dewitt Wright

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Strong thunderstorms swept through the county on Wednesday of last week. Hail of various sizes was reported throughout the county. High winds blew down trees along Smith Fork Creek Road in Lancaster. A section of tree fell on a house located along the road. Neighbors said no one lived in the house and believed the property was owned by individuals who live outside the county. Meanwhile, Sunday, thunderstorms swept through the county again, resulting in hail in some places. In the northern most section of the county, hail described as large as golf balls and even larger was reported.

Public Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-3

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Several indicted for TennCare fraud

By Eddie West Staff Writer Several individuals charged in April’s Operation No Boundaries, the most recent undercover drug investigation conducted by The Fifteenth Judicial District Drug Task Force, are now being accused of TennCare fraud.

In April, some 33 individuals were charged during a roundup of those suspected of illegal drug sales, following a year long undercover investigation.

During a special session of the county’s grand jury held on June 10, sealed indictments were returned against several of those charged in the roundup.

The individuals are being accused of purchasing painkilling medications through TennCare and selling them on the street.

Indictments no longer sealed include: Deborah K. Usry, 50, Carthage, was indicted on three counts of TennCare fraud.

Charles L. Johnson—48, Ball-

inger Road, Carthage, was indicted on one count of TennCare fraud.

Jessica M. Martin, 31, Carthage, was indicted on one count of TennCare fraud.

Lloyd N. Cherry, 68, Dixon Springs, was indicted on one count of TennCare fraud.

See TennCare A7

Mobile home park auction Area Professional, Business and Service Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . B2

By Eddie West Staff Writer The mobile home park located on Industrial Drive in Carthage is being auctioned today (June 23).

The mobile home park, EDDIE WEST/COURIER The mobile home park located on Industrial Drive in Carthage will sell in a known as Beasley Court and Brooks Court, is to be sold foreclosure auction, today.

in a foreclosure sale set for 11 a.m.

The property includes 8.43 acres of land.

Several abandoned mobile homes remain on the property.

In May of last year, the

See Auction A7

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Several sealed indictments issued for TennCare fraud From page – A1 Cynthia M. Driver, 23, Chestnut Mound, was indicted on two counts of TennCare fraud.

Jennifer F. Gregory, 31, Dixon Springs, was indicted on one count of TennCare fraud.

April’s undercover operation had been ongoing for a

little over a year.

In addition to the local charges, the undercover operation resulted in charges against several individuals in Macon County, only weeks

earlier.

The most common painkiller purchased by undercover agents during the operation was Dihydrocodeinone.

The Fifteenth Judicial

District Drug Task Force is supported and works in conjunction with the sheriff’s department and Carthage Police Department.

Governor here Saturday for bridge project kick-off From page – A1 budget crisis and looking to make cuts.

In a joint news release in May, Senator Beavers and Representative Weaver confirmed funding for the rehabilitation had been included in the governor’s 2011-2012 transportation budget.

The two legislators have been adamant supporters of the project since the bridge closed in December of 2007.

The rehabilitation project has survived despite cost cuts made to the state’s 2011-2012 fiscal year budget.

Earlier this year, Governor

Haslam met with various state commissioners, asking them to make cuts in their budget.

Governor Haslam’s state budget was approved by the General Assembly in May. In March, the Courier reported a top state department of transportation official told Senator Beavers and Representative Weaver funds for the rehabilitation of the Cordell Hull Bridge would be included in this year’s transportation budget.

Updating residents on the progress of the project, the representatives also said the project was expected to be bid this summer.

In March, Tennessee’s

Chief Engineer Paul Degges, who has worked closely with the project through a series of inspections and subsequent closing, informed State Senator Beavers and Representative Weaver he “anticipated the project will be ready for the construction phase by July”.

Degges also told legislators the bridge rehabilitation project is eligible for “Surface Transportation Program” funds.

As a gubernatorial candidate, the bridge rehabilitation project had the support of now Governor Haslam.

Last fall, then gubernatorial candidate Haslam made

a special campaign stop in it is anticipated to take 24 to Carthage to announce his 30 months to complete the support for the project. rehabilitation work.

This spring, state transportation department officials announced pre-construction plans for the project were essentially finished.

During the first of the year, transportation department officials finalized the environmental document in preparation for the acquisition of a 25 Hwy. 25 Motors, LLC foot construction easement on both sides of the bridge.

During the same period, transportation department officials finalized environmental permits necessary for the construction project.

Once construction begins,

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Several indicted in residential burglaries From page – A1 valued at between $1,000 to $10,000.

Sapp and Bright are charged in connection with a burglary which occurred at the Buffalo community residence of Johnny Cooper.

The Cooper home was burglarized on April 25.

Items reported missing included a safe, camcorder, chainsaw, laptop, gas, beer, cigarettes, chains, battery chargers, household goods, groceries and numerous hand power tools.

Items were taken from Cooper’s home and a shed.

A door was broken to gain entrance to the residence and shed and broken locks on

a Liberty safe and freezer amounted to between one and ten thousand dollars.

A third person is being sought in connection with the burglary.

Richard Spencer Raby, 23, Brush Creek, was indicted on charges of aggravated burglary and theft of property between $1,000 and $10,000.

Raby is accused of burglarizing the home of Misty Howard on November 11 (2010) and taking a safe and cash valued at more than $1,000 but less than $10,000.

Raby, and two others, have been charged in connection with taking more than $500 worth of items from a storage building belonging to Nancy

Lanier.

Items reported missing included a watch with a gold band, two silver necklaces, a silver bracelet, a gold ring and a silver ring. In addition, miscellaneous jewelry items were also taken.

Raby, Joshua Eugene Sapp, 23, Gordonsville, and James Adam Allmon, 27, Carthage, each face charges in the theft.

Also, Josh Poss, 25, and Aleisha Poss, 25, were indicted for burglary and theft between $1,000 and $10,000.

The two are accused of taking items from a building located on property owned by Lavone Hale.

Items taken include a sewing machine, baseball cards,

shotgun, computer, tools, jewelry and jewelry box, Christmas decorations and other miscellaneous items.

The items were discovered missing on November 10 of 2010.

Other formerly sealed indictments include: Marco Patten was indicted for violation of sexual offender registry and four counts of violation of community supervision for life.

Jennifer Washer was indicted for theft under $500.

Sheriff Steve Hopper said he appreciated the hard and diligent work of his officers and staff, particularly the detectives division, which have led to the charges.

Tabloid outlines fair events, registration From page – A1 admission. Participants need to provide their own canoe and/or kayak.

Another event which incorporates the Caney Fork River is a 10 mile kayak race.

The race will begin at noon, Saturday, July 30 at Betty’s Bend in the Club Springs community and continue to the access ramp at the fairgrounds in South Carthage.

Entry fee is $20 per person.

Fee includes shuttle, fair admission and entry in the leisure float.

Participants must provide their own canoe and/or kayak.

The fair will take place July

25-30, including both carnival rides and shows.

Monday through Friday, fair admission will be $3 per person. Saturday admission is $4. Those under age six are admitted free.

A season pass for all seven days is $15.

Pre-fair events will take place on Saturday, July 23, before carnival rides arrive.

Pre-fair events (July 23) include a draft horse and mule show beginning at 10 a.m. A new pre-fair event will be a youth horse show beginning at 5 p.m. Admission to the show will be $4. (A season pass includes these events.)

The fair guide also includes

a layout of the fairgrounds.

Readers are encouraged to set aside the tab in an easy to remember location for use as a guide during the six-day event.

Just as important, the guide includes early registration times, dates and locations.

Under Pre-fair Schedule— Entries and Pageant information, details are given about where and when to register for beauty pageants and exhibit items.

Also, the fair guide includes parking locations and details.

Carnival rides open nightly at 5 p.m.

This year, all veterans will

Check us out online – www.carthagecourier.com

pay one dollar admission on Monday—Veterans Night.

Another special event will be Senior Day on Wednesday (July 27).

Senior Day will run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on that day.

Special events for seniors including corn hole, bingo, horseshoe pitching and exhibit hall tour will take place.

On that day, evening events will begin at 6 p.m. with an open beef show. At 6:30 p.m., the Ms Senior Fairest of the Fair for those ages 60 and above will take place.

As in past years, Family Attractions Amusement will provide the carnival rides.

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Mobile home park being auctioned today From page – A1 mobile home park flooded and all residents had to be evacuated.

After the flood, several mobiles were abandoned.

Some of the mobile homes

have been removed from the property, others have been salvaged for scrap metal.

In recent months, all residents have left the property as sewer and water service have been discontinued.

This past winter, sever-

al fires occurred at mobile homes in the park.

Nashville Auction and Realty Company is in charge of the foreclosure auction.

The mobile home park, which is located in a floodplain, flooded in the 1970s.

At that time, the park was known as Moore Mobile Home Park.

After that fl ood, mobiles had to be elevated several feet to meet building code specifications.

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Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 99 Number 26-USPS No. 092-180

INSIDE ...

Sports

Little League, Minor League All Stars Schedules, Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B1

Cole Miller, Qualifies For Ponca City Grand Nationals. . . . . B1

Bridge project kickoff Staff Writer

INSIDE

Bob Corker Holds Open Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Briefly BUSINESSMAN DIES CARTHAGE — Funeral services were held Friday for a one time Carthage Fire Department assistant chief and businessman. In addition to serving as the city’s assistant fire chief, Harry T. Woodard owned and operated Woodard’s Mobil Station, once located on Main Street in Carthage next to Smith County Bank. Woodard died at 7:06 p.m., on Tuesday of last week, at the Smith County Health Care Center. Woodard, 82, had been at the facility since January of 2001. At

See Woodard Page A8 Auction Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8 Church Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A10 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B3-8 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Auline Allmon Aliyah Giffen Dewight Luttrell Carolyn Pettross Linda Vanattia

Several residents and government officials attended Governor Bill Haslam’s announcement ceremony for the planned rehabilitation of the Cordell Hull Bridge.

During Saturday’s ceremony, the EDDIE WEST/COURIER governor announced plans for the state Governor Bill Haslam makes comments during Saturday’s announcement of plans to rehabilitate the

A7

Anti-crime Law Takes Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A9

Mabel Duncan Charles Green Kim Peeler Nancy Smith Betty Williams

Harry Woodard

Public Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1, 2

See Bridge A8

Online

www.carthagecourier.com

Investigation ongoing

By Eddie West Staff Writer The TBI and sheriff’s department are investigating a shooting incident which took place in the Club Springs community late Monday night.

The shooting incident occurred at 104 Club Springs Road which is near Cheek Petty Hill.

Tuesday morning, law enforcement authorities were releasing few details of the shooting as evidence was still being gathered and investigators were trying to determine what transpired.

A male subject was shot inside the residence and airlifted

by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. The subject’s condition was unknown at presstime.

After the shooting took place, a woman inside the

house fled the scene to a neighbor’s residence to call 911.

Other individuals were believed to be at the residence when the shooting took place.

Investigators were at the residence all night and into Tuesday.

A TBI crime scene unit remained at the scene, Tuesday morning, continuing to gather evidence.

The unit was expected to remain at the residence until at least noon.

The shooting occurred around 11 p.m.

Sheriff Steve Hopper said details of the incident would be released, including the victim’s name, when investigators piece together what may have taken place at the residence.

A follow-up story will be in next week’s edition of the Courier.

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(Top) The TBI crime scene investigation unit was at a Club Springs house Tuesday morning investigating a shooting incident.

(Left) The residence where the shooting took place is secluded by trees.

Hermitage man buys mobile home park

By Eddie West Plans for the mobile home park located on Industrial Drive in Carthage, which has a new owner, are uncertain.

The abandoned facility was purchased by a Hermitage man in a foreclosure auction for $30,000, Thursday morning.

Odell Binkley Jr. is expected to become the new owner of the

property.

Binkley was not at the auction.

Jeff Smith with Nashville Real Estate Exchange purchased the property on behalf of Binkley.

Smith said Binkley was out of

the country and he “doesn’t know what plans” the new owner may have for the property.

Binkley is the owner of the land only. The abandoned mobile

See Mobile A8

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Cordell Hull Bridge. At right are Representative Terri Lynn Weaver and Senator Mae Beavers who spoke during the event.

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June 30, 2011

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School board members study director options Contract set through June 2012

By Eddie West Staff Writer School board members are contemplating whether to open the director of schools position to applicants.

Director of Schools Roger Lewis’ contract doesn’t expire until June of next year.

During next month’s school board meeting, board members are expected

to decide whether to open the position to applicants in addition to Director Lewis.

The school board can extend the current director’s contract from one to four years or take additional applications.

The issue surfaced during the school board’s June meeting last week.

Director Lewis indicated, whichever

See Director A8

Proposal for new ball fields meets board approval

By Eddie West Staff Writer A proposal, made by a group of private residents, to construct baseball and softball fields on a tract of land in Carthage has been approved by the school board.

After discussing the pro-

posal during prior meetings, the school board voted 6-1 in favor of the proposal during its June meeting held on Tuesday night of last week.

The lone vote against the proposal came from school board member Michael Col-

See Ball A8

Lancaster Fourth of July parade Sunday

By Eddie West Staff Writer Area Professional, Business and Service Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . A11

The end of work week Friday will mean a long weekend for many residents with the Fourth of July holiday on Monday.

One of the main annual local events is the Lancaster Fourth of July parade and community gathering “on the village green”, Sunday, July 3.

The festive parade includes

numerous individuals dressed as historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, Uncle Sam, etc.

Floats and other units in the parade are decorated with a patriotic theme.

The parade will begin at 5 p.m. with lineup starting at 4 p.m.

Lineup will be at the intersection of Lancaster Highway and Temperance Hall Highway, where

the parade begins.

The parade travels along Lancaster Highway to downtown Lancaster.

After the parade, a community gathering will be held “on the village green” in Lancaster.

The gathering will include musical performances from several groups and individuals, a guest minister will speak, homemade ice cream and concessions will be

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The Tennessee Highway Patrol will hold extra patrols during the holiday week, including holding sobriety roadside safety checkpoints throughout the fi rst week of July.

On Monday, state, federal and county offices will be closed. In addition, the landfill and convenient sites will be closed for the holiday.

A – 8 u CARTHAGE COURIER u JUNE 30, 2011

Woodard From page – A1

the age of 58, Woodard suffered a dehabilitating stroke.

A Dixon Springs native, Woodard retired in April of 1978, selling the station which was the terminal for the Trailways Bus Line. Woodard joined the Carthage Fire Department in 1956 and retired in 1990 with 34 years of service. Services for Woodard were held at 1 p.m. from the Carthage Chapel of Sanderson Funeral. (See Sanderson Funeral Home obituaries for additional information.)

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Prospective bidders and those curious about the sale of the mobile home park located on Industrial Drive in Carthage attend Thursday’s auction.

Hermitage man purchases mobile home park land at auction From page – A1 homes were not included in the sale, an announcement made prior to the sale.

In fact, the auctioneer acknowledged they were selling 8.43 acres, “we think”, he told those gathered for the sale.

The property was sold “as is” terms.

The legal issues with the property were so dicey, all pre-sale announcements were recorded in case of any legal issues which may arise.

Before being abandoned, the property was known as Beasley Court and Brooks Court.

Some mobile homes have been removed from the property.

Others have been stripped

of their siding for salvage material.

In addition, fires have occurred at several of the mobile homes during the past few months.

Also, several of the abandoned mobile homes have been vandalized.

Entrances to the park have been barricaded to stop traffic into the mobile home park.

The property is overgrown and has been unkept for several months.

If the price were lower, the city was looking to purchase the property and have it cleaned up.

The city placed several bids on the property during the auction.

The city council had also discussed purchasing the property through the Fed-

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The mobile home park located on Industrial Drive in Carthage was purchased by a Hermitage man during a foreclosure auction, Thursday.

eral Emergency Management Agency’s flood mitigation program where the federal government would pay 75 percent of the property’s estimated value and the state and

city would pay 12.5 percent each. Finalization of the property purchase was expected to take place this week.

Nashville Auction and Realty, located on Central Pike

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in Hermitage, was in charge of the auction.

The property had been advertised locally, in Davidson County and on the Internet.

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Governor Haslam visits county for bridge rehabilitation event From page – A1 transportation department to begin advertising the project on July 8 with the bid letting to take place the first of August.

Since taking office, Governor Haslam has made the bridge a priority of the transportation department which will be spending millions of dollars in transportation improvement projects across the state this year.

The rehabilitation project will be included in the first transportation department bid letting since Governor Haslam took office, according to transportation department officials.

While campaigning for governor last year, Governor Haslam made a special campaign stop in Carthage to announce his support for the project.

Also during Saturday’s

ceremony, Senator Mae Beavers and Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, who have been adamant supporters of the project since the bridge closed in December of 2007, made brief remarks.

County Mayor Michael Nesbitt outlined efforts made by state and local legislators and residents to save the structure.

Last year, the bridge was added to the National Regis-

ter of Historic Places list.

For Saturday’s announcement, residents gathered on the Carthage end of the bridge, with the steel truss which rises above the bridge as a backdrop. The event took place beginning at 5 p.m.

In May of this year, the department of transportation released its three-year multimodal program which included rehabilitation of the bridge beginning this year. Once the

School board approves proposal for ball fields From page – A1 lins. Board member Sonja Hammond was absent from the meeting.

During the discussion among school board members prior to the vote, it was noted the city of Carthage did not take a stance on the issue calling for construction of a baseball and a softball field.

When discussed at their June meeting, some Carthage council members supported the project while others opposed it.

The group plans to spend approximately $180,000 on the project which will be constructed on a tract of land located on Third Avenue, First Avenue and High Street and known as the Evelyn Louise Sloan property.

During discussions, the group has also committed to maintaining the grounds.

Several residents are opposing the proposal because it will be located in a residential area.

Supporters say the fields are needed because of overcrowding at the ball fields at Crump Paris Park.

Supporters say the site is preferable because it adjoins high school property and is owned by the school board.

During last week’s discussion, questions were raised about sponsorship signs being placed around the fields.

It was noted signs would be inside the field.

Speaking on behalf of residents at the beginning of the meeting, C.W. High, a resident whose home is located across the street from the proposed ball fields, said he

felt the proposed request was in violation of city codes and questioned whether the tract of land would be large enough for the two fields.

“I don’t see the field (property) as large enough to have what you want there. It doesn’t look like to me that it’s large enough,” High told school board members. “We just ask if there’s any way you can find another spot, we would appreciate it. Please look over this and give it more thought before you vote. It would be very much appreciated.”

School board member Richard Fulton asked those supporting the project if the fields would be regulation size. Those supporting the project indicated they would be in compliance with high school regulations.

Following several questions from school board members, attorneys Jacky Bellar and Jamie Winkler told the board, in their opinion, the school board had the right to construct the project on the property.

The school board attorneys warned citizens could always oppose the project through litigation.

Also, the attorneys said in implementing the project all regulations (permits, etc.) for construction within the city would have to be followed.

A school board member asked Director of Schools Roger Lewis for his opinion on the project.

“I know many of these people (opposing the project).

I’ve had their children in school. When I think about this, I think about the school.

If this group is willing to fund

it, I recommend that we do it,” said Lewis.

School board member Michael Collins was asked for his opinion on the project.

An attorney, Collins said he personally supported the project, but as a representative of the residents opposing the project, he had to vote against it.

“Those who live in the area are unanimously against it.

Others have mixed feelings,” commented Collins, who estimated he had around 300 calls and messages on the issue.

During a May meeting on the issue, Carthage attorney Richard Brooks, who grew up in the area and is now a resident of the Tanglewood community, spoke on behalf of residents against the proposed complex.

During that meeting, the attorney asked if he would be able to address the board during this month’s meeting, prior to the expected vote, and was told no.

In another item discussed during the meeting, because of a change in next year’s Presidential Primary Election, the school board made a change in the school calendar. The election was set for February 7 (2012), but has been moved to March 6 (2012). The school board voted to not have school on March 6 (2012) on election day. School will be in session on February 7.

Concerning another item, the ticket booth located at the rear entrance to the county fair will be relocated. Fair board member Michael Nesbitt came before the board requesting a ticket booth be

Board looks at director’s seat From page – A1 the school board decides, he will seek the position.

If the school board decides to open the position for applications, a formal process, which would include advertising the position, taking and reviewing applications, interviews, public meetings, etc. would have to be decided in the upcoming months by school board members.

“Whatever the school board decides to do, I can live with it. If you decided to extend my contract I would be grateful. If you decided to post the position, I will understand,”

commented Director Lewis, indicating he intended to be one of the applicants if the school board decides to open the position.

During the school board’s May meeting, school board member William Barrick requested discussion of whether to open the application process be on the June agenda.

Named in March of 2000, Lewis is the county’s first appointed director of schools.

Lewis took over the school system in August of 2000 when former superintendent Robbie Richardson’s term expired.

Richardson was the last

elected school superintendent.

Following action taken by state legislators, the school superintendent position took on the title of director of schools and became a school board appointed seat in 2000.

The county’s school board began its search of a director of schools in January of 2000, accepting applications until January 31.

Shortly afterward, Lewis was selected from three candidates including John Gore and David Watson.

At the time of his appointment, Lewis was principal of Smith County High School.

allowed to be set up at the rear entrance to the fair on school board property on the northwest side of Smith County Middle School. The mayor first asked the booth be placed on the property permanently and the fair board would maintain and landscape around it. When asked his opinion, Director of Schools Roger Lewis said he was opposed to the permanent location of the booth because it would detract from the appearance of Smith County Middle School. School board members opposed the idea of the booth being located permanently at the site. Nesbitt then asked if the fair board could install a concrete slab for the booth to be placed on each year during the fair. The booth will be removed from the site while the fair is not taking place. The school board approved the request.

rehabilitation work begins, it is anticipated to take 24 to 30 months to complete.

Prior to and after the announcement ceremony, the governor held a “meet and greet” with individuals attending the event, taking time out to pose with numerous individuals for photos.

From Carthage, the governor traveled to Wilson County to attend that county’s Reagan Day Dinner.

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A – 6 u CARTHAGE COURIER u AUGUST 11, 2011

Three cooperatives holding elections this year

By Eddie West Staff Writer Board of directors elections will be held at three cooperatives which serve Smith County.

Elections will take place this summer and fall at Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Cooperative, DeKalb Telephone Cooperative and Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative.

Upper Cumberland Electric provides electric power to Smith County, DeKalb Telephone Cooperative provides telephone service to the southern section of the county and Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative provides telephone service to the eastern section of the county.

The Upper Cumberland Electric election will take place this month, followed by DeKalb Telephone Cooperative’s election in September and Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative’s election in October.

•Upper Cumberland Electric The Upper Cumberland Electric election will take place from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., August 27.

One director term will expire in District 2 (Putnam and White counties); District Three (Overton, Clay, Fentress and Pickett counties) and District 4 (Jackson County).

In District 2, incumbent Alan Pippin is running unop-

posed. In District 3, incumbent James West is being challenged by James Thrasher. In District 4, incumbent candidate Ben Underwood is running unopposed.

On the day of the election, voting will take place at the cooperative’s office in each directorate district. Locally, voting will take place at Upper Cumberland Electric’s headquarters located on Highway 53 in South Carthage.

Director candidates looking to announce their candidacy for the election in the Courier as a news item need to do so by the newspaper’s August 18 edition.

In order to meet the deadline for the August 18 edition, the announcement will have to be submitted to the Courier

by noon, August 15.

Any information received after the deadline will be considered an advertisement.

•DeKalb Telephone Cooperative: DeKalb Telephone Cooperative (d/b/a DTC Communications) will host its annual meeting on Saturday, September 17, 2011, at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria.

Directors will be elected in three exchanges, including the Milton (273), Norene (286), and Woodbury (563) exchanges.

Incumbents Charles Dwight Vinson, Terry McPeak and Greg Rogers are running unopposed in the Milton, Norene and Woodbury ex-

changes (respectively).

Voting for directors will take place at the cooperative’s annual meeting (Saturday, September 17).

Candidates looking to make formal announcements of their candidacy as a news item should do so by the Thursday, September 8 edition of the Courier. In order for the announcement to appear in that edition, the announcement has to be submitted to the paper by noon, Friday, September 2, as the office will be closed on Monday, September 5 for the Labor Day holiday.

Any candidate information submitted after noon, Friday, September 2 will be considered advertising material.

•Twin Lakes The annual Meeting of Members in which representatives are elected for Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative Corporation is October 1.

Voting will take place from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., October 1.

Early voting will be held from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, September 24.

Candidates looking to make announcements as a news item have until the September 15 edition of the Courier.

The deadline for announcements to appear in the September 15 edition is noon, September 12.

Any candidate information submitted after noon, September 12, will be considered an advertisement.

Twenty-four residents vote in South Carthage city election

By Eddie West Staff Writer While the temperature was steaming hot Thursday, this year’s political season in South Carthage has been anything but a hotly contested event.

Two incumbent candidates

were running unopposed for alderman seats in an election which took place Thursday.

A total of 24 voters participated in the election.

There are approximately 800 registered voters in the town of South Carthage.

Ward I Alderman Hollis Lee Mullinax received 14

votes.

Ward II Alderman Kristy Grisham received 10 votes.

Both candidates were reseated.

Write-in candidates are required to give election officials a 50 day notice before an election is held, said newly elected Administrator of Elec-

Carthage ‘movie nights’ plan

By Eddie West Staff Writer A new event initiated in Carthage is “town movie night”.

Close to 100 people attended the first ever “town movie night” held at the Carthage City Park on June 23.The featured movie was “Despicable Me”.

A second “town movie night” is being organized for Labor Day, September 5.

Residents will have input in selecting the next movie. Residents can go to the Carthage City Pool Facebook page and vote for a movie or give city hall a call at 735-1881.

“We owe our thanks to Barbara and Don Kannapel for their sound equipment, Terri Lynn and Mike Weaver for the use of their screen and Linda Nordhaus for providing the popcorn machine,” said Mayor Sabra Hodge. “We could not have offered this

opportunity without their generosity.”

“We want to hold one more ‘town movie night’ on Labor Day, September 5th, which will also be the last day for the pool season. While we’re working on the details, we would like to hear from you about what movie you would like to see. Check out the Carthage City Pool Facebook page and vote there or give us a call at Carthage City Hall.”

tions Yvonne Gibbs.

Since the candidates were running unopposed, there was no required early voting period, a first for the county under a new law which was only recently approved.

Also modified for the election was the poll hours.

The election was held from

10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

In an uncontested election and in a town with less than 5,000 residents, poll hours can be modifi ed, explained Gibbs, who was appointed to the position earlier this year.

It was the new administrator’s first election.

As for her first election,

“It went smooth. We didn’t have any problems. I credit that to the poll officials,” said Gibbs.

The election is the only local election this year.

The next election will be held March 6 of next year, the presidential primary election.

Centurion passes away One of the county’s oldest residents has passed away. Smith County native Louise Conditt died Sunday, August 7 at Smith County Health Care Center at the age of 102.

A longtime resident of Nashville, Conditt had cancer. During the past several

years, Conditt had lived with a niece on Jefferson Avenue East in Carthage.

A 1926 graduate of Carthage High School and a 1930 graduate of Belmont College (Nashville) with a degree in library science, Conditt retired from the Metro Nashville-Davidson

County Public Library system in 1978.

At the time of her retirement, Conditt was head librarian at the Green Hills Branch. Graveside services were conducted at 10 a.m., Tuesday at Ridgewood Cemetery.

Smith County High School reunion A Smith County High School grand reunion will be held Saturday, August 20.

The event will take place from 6-10 p.m. at the agri-

culture center in South Carthage.

The reunion includes classes from 1960 through 1985.

Faculty and staff are also

invited to the reunion.

For additional information, contact 615-774-6677 or e-mail schsgrandreunion@ gmail.com.

Two charged in murder in court From page – A1

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

An exhibit at the county fair showed the various products produced in Tennessee. The cart was constructed by Hogan’s Creek resident Ronnie Bussell, left. Products were provided

by Sav-Way Grocery. Pictured from left are Bussell, Samantha Bussell, Sav-Way employee Jimmy Gregory, Fair Board President Stan Webster. Items were donated to Emmanuel House following the fair.

Exhibits at fair up this year From page – A1 shows including 270 sheep, 146 goats, 90 beef cattle, 61 horses and mules and 21 youngsters participated in the youth horse, a new event for the fair.

In fruits and vegetables, there were 324 adult exhibitors and 221 youth exhibitors for a total for 545 participants.

In crafts, there were 686 adult exhibits and 391 youth.

The largest attendance days were the final two days of the event, Friday and Saturday, when the paid attendance numbers were 1,997 people and 2,002.

There were additional rides at this year’s fair.

The number of rides were up by nine percent, Webster noted.

A new and unique event was Saturday’s kayak race which began at Betty’s Island on the Caney Fork River and continued to the boat launch-

ing ramp at the fair.

The winning time was around two hours.

Also new this year was the Paddle Inn. Fifteen families traveled by canoe or kayak from the boat ramp on the Caney Fork River in Gordonsville to the boat ramp at the fair site.

Participation in this year’s senior day was also up, Webster said.

Senior day included a corn From page – A1 hole tournament, bingo and Diazepam, conspiracy to dishorseshoe pitching contest. tribute schedule III drug, Hydrocodone and simple possession of schedule III drug, Hydrocodone.

Deborah J. Duncan was statement saying they are unable to bring their household indicted for possession of garbage to the “curb” or are schedule IV drug, Alprahandicapped will be exempt. zolam, with intent, possession A public hearing on the ordi- of schedule III drug, Hydronance will be held before the codone, sell of schedule III third and final reading. During drug Alprazolam, possession a special called meeting in of drug paraphernalia.

Claude M. Duncan was June, council members voted to implement the proposed indicted for possession of “curb service” plan.

•The council paid tribute to the late Mayor James Clay for his service as mayor. The From page – A1 former mayor is attributed with the 1976 E.P.A. grant bidding process) in order to which was used to build a new set its budget for the comcity water plant. In 1982, the ing year. former mayor helped secure The latest development in funds for a new sewer plant, the process is a significant with sewer lines extended to step forward. the county’s industrial park in Both bids are said to be Gordonsville. The late mayor within the amount allotted was attributed with allowing for the project by the transyouth baseball leagues to use portation department, which the fairgrounds, oversaw the is critical. building of the new pool house Since the cost figures are at the city pool, authorized the within the amount allotted by purchase of a new Mack fire the transportation department, engine and made upgrades the state will not have to come to the Carthage Fire Depart- up with additional funding, ment, worked with former provided one of the two bids Governor Ned McWherter is accepted. to insure construction of the Advertised since the fi rst Veterans Memorial Bridge of July, the project was inand extended the sewer pump- cluded in the state’s August ing station on Highway 25 to bid letting. allow Hardees restaurant to be The August bid letting is constructed. the first letting of bids by the •The council is looking at state’s transportation departavenues which would lead to ment for the 2011-2012 fiscal the sale of the former city- year budget and first-term owned landfill off Bradford Governor Bill Haslam’s first Hill Road. budget.

City looks at ‘synthetic drugs’ From page – A1 law enforcement agencies throughout the state about whether to seize the products,” the state attorney general explained. “The legislature, with Governor Haslam’s support, has now plugged this gap enacting House Bill 457/ Senate Bill 396 (2011 Tennessee Public Acts, Chapter 169). The act makes it illegal to ‘knowingly produce, manufacture, distribute, sell, offer for sale or possess with intent to produce, manufacture, distribute, sell or offer for sale’ any capsule, pill, or other product containing certain synthetic derivatives of methcathinone, which is the key ingredient of ‘plant food, bath salts’ and possibly, other harmful substances.”

The new legislation became effective May 5.

General Cooper went on to say,” If an individual sees these products on sale at their local stores, they may want to notify their local law enforcement so they can confiscate the products and prosecute sellers under the new law.”

Last week, Lebanon police made their first arrest under the relatively new ordinance outlawing synthetic drugs. In an undercover sting, police department agents attempted to purchase ‘synthetic drug’ items at five retail outlets in the city. Four markets refused to sell any ‘synthetic drugs’.

The name of the alleged ‘synthetic drug’ was ‘7-H Mary Jane”.

In March, they obtained a restraining order and authorized a state-wide seizure of “Molly’s Plant Food”.

“Because possession or sale of these synthetic drugs was not illegal at that time, we filed a civil suit successfully arguing that the store in which the products were sold had not registered them, as requested by the state department of agriculture, as fertilizer,” General Cooper said.

In other matters to come before the council: •An ordinance implementing “curb service” garbage pickup was approved on second reading. The ordinance needs to be approved by the council on third reading to become law. Council members approved the ordinance on first reading during their July meeting. The ordinance requires residents to bring their garbage to the edge of the sidewalk or city street (where there is no sidewalk) on the day of pick up by ATFAB. In addition to being brought to the curb, the ordinance requires “all trash must be in a closed bag and placed inside the designated container”. As it stands, garbage is picked up by ATFAB Industries wherever it’s located on the resident’s property. Only those residents who present the city with a doctor’s

where he has been detained since the murder occurred.

The youth, who also resided on Guerrero Lane at the time of the shooting, is being represented by Hartsville Attorney Eddie Taylor.

In a statement given to Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Special Agent Brian Harbaugh, shortly after the murder, Barrios Gonzales Sr. admits being present during the shooting incident but says it was his son who shot the victim.

The father’s allegations were included in his arrest warrant, issued by Special Agent Harbaugh shortly after the two suspects were located hiding on property where the shooting took place.

According to the arrest warrant, Barrios Gonzales Sr.

told Special Agent Harbaugh he learned of his son’s “intentions to kill Medrano prior to the killing”.

Upon learning of his son’s “intentions”, the father told the TBI agent he “encouraged his son to take a deadly weapon with him to be used within the crime”.

“The defendant accompanied his son to Guerrero Lane, Riddleton and participated by being his son’s protection while his son shot the victim multiple times in the head,” according to the arrest warrant filed by the TBI agent.

The arrest warrant doesn’t mention the victim was beaten although it was indicated by the autopsy and other investigators at the scene.

The victim was shot multiple times in the head and may have been deceased when the beating occurred,

sources say.

In addition to Barrios Gonzales Sr. and his son, a female witness was at the residence when the shooting occurred.

Investigators are labeling the shooting “domestic” in nature.

The case is being prosecuted by Thirteenth Judicial District Attorney General Randy York after Fifteenth Judicial District Attorney General Tommy Thompson cited a conflict in the case.

The shooting occurred around 3:20 a.m., the day before the Fourth of July holiday, in a mobile home on Guerrero Lane, on a farm where several Hispanic residents live.

Guerrero Lane is off Wilburn Hollow Road which is located off Highway 25 just west of Catesa Farms.

Indictments returned by grand jury schedule IV drug, Alprazolam with intent, possession of schedule III drug, Hydrocodone, with intent; sell of schedule III drug, Hydrocodone, two counts sell of schedule IV, Alprazolam, obtaining prescription drugs by fraud.

Christopher Allan Russell was indicted on fi ve counts of conspiracy to manufacture schedule II drug, meth, more than .5 grams.

Charges are a result of investigations conducted by the sheriff’s department and

the Fifteenth Judical District Drug Task Force.

Other formerly sealed indictments include: Jenadiah Ray Barnes— forgery (three counts), passing a forged instrument (three counts); Brian Phillip Harville— theft of property between $1,000 and $10,000; Kelsie Rena Smith—forgery, passing a forged instrument.

Additional indictments remain sealed.

Two vying for bridge project Mid-State Construction Company is based in Livingston, Tennessee and has worked on other bridge projects in the county.

Dement Construction Company is based in Jackson.

The project has considerable support at the state level.

Governor Bill Haslam made a campaign stop here in the fall of last year to announce his support for the project.

State Senator Mae Beavers and Representative Terri Lynn Weaver have lobbied to the governor and other state officials for the project.

The governor was here again this summer for an event held on the bridge, announcing plans for the project to move forward.

When released this spring, the project was included in the state’s transportation department’s three-year multimodal program.

Funds were allotted for the project in the state transportation department’s budget to be

bid this year.

During state budget talks this past spring, the project survived state budget cuts.

Also, its inclusion in the state’s first transportation department bidding letting process under Governor Haslam demonstrates the project is a priority within the administration.

Rehabilitation plans for the bridge were completed earlier this year, which meant the project was ready for bidding.

In addition to compiling reconstructing requirements for the structure, the state had to prepare an environmental document for the acquisition of a 25 foot construction easement on both sides of the bridge.

Also, transportation officials had to obtain environmental permits.

Once construction begins, it is anticipated to take 24 to 30 months to complete the rehabilitation work.

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Briefly SENATOR CORKER CARTHAGE Senator Bob Corker will make a visit to Carthage. Senator Corker is scheduled to hold a meeting at the chamber of commerce in Carthage beginning at 2 p.m., Tuesday, August 16.

By Eddie West

Suspects appear in court Monday

By Eddie West Staff Writer Two suspects charged in connection with the murder of a Riddleton man made appearances in General Sessions Court, Monday.

During a hearing before General Session Court Judge David Bass, the case against Jose Luis Barrios Gonzales Sr. was bound over to the grand jury.

Bond for Barrios Gonzales Sr., who is being represented by the public defender’s office, has been set at $100,000.

Barrios Gonzales Sr., 40, Guerrero Lane, has been charged with homicide in the incident and is being detained in the county jail.

Barrios Gonzales Sr. has implicated his 16year-old son as planning and being the trigger man in the shooting death of Alex (Serfin Ramos) Medrano, 30.

The shooting death occurred in the early morning hours of July 3 at a residence located on Guerrero Lane.

Medrano was shot multiple times in the head and was also beaten in the head which resulted in his death, according to the state medical examiner’s autopsy report.

The status of the sixteen-year-old’s case is unclear as General Sessions Judge David Bass has closed each of the suspect’s hearings.

The Courier has also been denied information about court actions involving the youth.

The 16-year-old is apparently still incarcerated at a juvenile detension center in Cookeville

See Murder A6

Two Tennessee construction companies are vying for the reconstruction contract for the Cordell Hull Bridge.

Companies placing bids on the project were posted on the state transportation department’s web site, Friday morning.

Bids include Mid-State Construction Company at $9,503,430.64 and Dement Construction Company at $12,656,138.

Transportation department officials have 30 days to review the bids before awarding the contract.

While Mid-State Con-

struction Company is the low bidder in the project, awarding of the contract to the low bidder is not automatic, according to transportation department officials.

Offi cials with the transportation department will review both bids to make sure contractors have met specifications or components as outlined by the transportation department in its bid request.

During the review, one of the bids could be accepted or both rejected, according to transportation officials.

There is a $3.1 million difference in bids, a considerable amount.

As a policy, the transpor-

Jeff Barnes

Louise Conditt Ronny Patterson

By Eddie West Staff Writer A Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) probe has resulted in statutory rape charges against a Hiwassee Road man.

A sealed indictment charging Milan Krnjaic (age unavailable) with aggravated statutory rape and sexual

battery by an authority figure was returned during the August session of the grand jury.

The indictment alleges Krnjaic had sexual relations with a female who was more than 13 years old but less than 18 years old.

The alleged incident occurred on February 27.

Bond for Krnjaic was set

By Eddie West EDDIE WEST/COURIER

A Nashville and Eastern Railroad train passes through the Sykes community, crossing Sykes Road. The train was hauling crushed stone. For those who do not live in the area, the passing of a train along the rail line is a rare sight.

City eyes ‘synthetic drugs’

By Eddie West Staff Writer “Synthetic drugs” being sold as “bath salts” and “plant food” would become illegal in Carthage under a proposed ordinance.

The town is looking to follow the route taken by the cities of Cookeville and Lebanon which

have approved laws making the substances illegal.

Thursday night, council members approved the ordinance on first reading during its August meeting, stipulating City Attorney David Bass research the matter.

There is some question as to whether state law has already outlawed “synthetic drugs”.

A news release issued to media outlets across the state in July by Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper was headlined “new state law gives law enforcement authority to remove synthetic drugs”.

“In the absence of criminal legislation, there was confusion among

See Drugs A6

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See Indictments A6

Exhibits up

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at $1,500.

The case was investigated

by TBI agent Chet Mason.

Several indictments, which were no longer sealed, Monday, involved drug-related charges.

Deborah K. Usry was indicted for conspiracy to distribute schedule IV drug,

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See Bridge A6

Several indictments in drug cases

Lucille Smith

Online

tation department doesn’t provide an estimated cost of a project prior to bid lettings.

A projected cost by the department could influence bids.

However, during discussions and analysis which began shortly after the bridge was closed in December of 2007, an estimated cost of reconstruction of approximately twelve million dollars surfaced.

Also, the transportation department has to come up with a projected cost (which is not divulged prior to the

Man faces charges of statutory rape

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Homicide Contractors bid on Cordell Hull Bridge case to go before rehabilitation project grand jury Staff Writer

Sports

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Carthage, Tennessee 37030

August 11, 2011

Starting with next week’s August 18 issue, the newsstand price of the Carthage Courier will increase to 75 cents.

The boost in the cost of a single copy of overthe-counter, in-store sales is the first increase since 1997 — despite absorbing several production, printing and delivery (fuel) cost increases during that 14-year period.

Due to continuing postal and production

increases, the price of mail subscriptions will also be adjusted — beginning September 1.

Annual subscriptions for Smith County will be $22 (approximately 42 cents per issue). Other counties in Tennessee will be $25 while out-of-state subscriptions will be $29.

In appreciation to our readers and subscribers for their support, the Courier will offer new and existing subscribers

the opportunity to add any number of years to their current subscription at the current rates of $18 in Smith County, $21 in Tennessee and $25 out-ofstate.

The deadline for those paid subscriptions will be 4 p.m., Wednesday, August 31.

For your convenience, a mail-in coupon for this offer is available on page B-8 of this issue.

The Courier is also available 24/7 online at www.carthagecourier.com.

Now approaching 200 online subscribers, online subscriptions will remain the same price of $20 per year.

An average of 1,200 visitors view the website each week.

Since joining Facebook some ten weeks ago, the Courier has now become ‘Friends’ with over 1,500.

For skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services, we strive to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Main Campus – 158 Hospital Drive, Carthage 615.735.1560 South Campus – 130 Lebanon Highway, Carthage 615.735.9815

Our community. Our hospital.

Staff Writer While attendance at the county fair was down some this year, the number of participants in exhibits is on the increase.

Some 13,000 people paid at the gate.

Overall attendance, which includes paid admission and exhibitors and vendors, is much more.

Fair Board Chairman Stan Webster said the rule of thumb is overall attendance is about 40 percent above paid admission.

The persistent heat likely kept attendance numbers down some, Webster said.

Economics also likely played a significant factor in attendance.

The high cost of gasoline and the county’s more than nine percent unemployment rate likely caused some to stay home.

Paid attendance at last year’s fair was approximately 13,900.

The number of individuals participating and entering items for exhibits is up.

A total of 567 animals were exhibited in livestock

See Fair A6

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Lewis to apply; plans will be set at meeting

By Eddie West As a result of action taken by the county’s school board this month, the director of schools position will be open to prospective candidates.

During its August meeting, school board members voted down a motion to discuss the extension of the director of schools’ contract at its September agenda.

Instead, the position will be posted or advertised for all interested parties, including cur-

rent Director of Schools Roger Lewis who is under contract through June of next year.

The director has made it known to school board members he will be interested in retaining the position and will be one of the applicants.

During this month’s school board meeting, a motion to place the “extension of the director of schools contract on the agenda for September board meeting” failed by a 5-3 vote.

Had the motion been approved, it would have

removed the option to post or advertise the director’s position. School board members would have simply discussed whether to extend the director’s contract one to three years at their September meeting.

Prior to taking a vote on the issue, school board members Michael Collins and Sonja Hammond said they had conducted informal surveys concerning the position on Facebook and had received mixed comments about Director Lewis’ performance.

See Director A7

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Livingston based MidState Construction Company will receive the contract for reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge, according to Representative Terri Lynn Weaver.

Friday, Representative Weaver said she had spoken with the state transpor-

tation department’s chief engineer, Paul Degges, who confirmed the project would be awarded to Mid-State Construction Company, low bidder for the project.

“He said they will be having a pre-construction meeting with the company to review plans and the contract will be signed,” the representative said.

Deficit number one security threat: Corker

By Eddie West Staff Writer

At $9.5 million, MidState Construction was low bidder for the project.

Mid-State Construction was one of two companies bidding on the project.

Dement Construction Company of Jackson placed a bid of $12.6 million on the project.

See Bridge A7

See Corker A7

Injured youth undergoing rehabilitation Automobile accident claimed two lives; benefit set

By Eddie West Staff Writer A New Middleton youth, critically injured in an automobile accident on the Fourth of July, is undergoing rehabilitation in Nashville.

MacKenzie Reeder, 12, was recently transferred from Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center to the Stallworth Rehabilitation Center located next door to the hospital.

Monday, the victim’s grandmother, Brush Creek resident Ann Wallace, said the youth is responding to treatment, making gestures such as smiling and blinking, but is still unable to speak.

While it may seem like minute

MacKenzie Reeder

steps, Wallace said the family is excited about the progress and optimistic about her future.

Even with assistance, the youth cannot stand because the doctors don’t want her to put pressure on her legs since she suffered broken bones in each one, Wallace said.

The 12-year-old can sit and be wheeled around in a special chair.

Wallace said the family is grateful to God the youth remains with them and shows signs of improvement beyond what doctors had predicted.

Also, the generosity shown by individuals who share their thoughts, prayers and support has been a blessing from God, Wallace said.

One charged in burglary

By Eddie West Staff Writer Area Professional, Business and Service Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . B2

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

U.S. Senator Bob Corker speaks to those gathered for an open meeting held at the chamber of commerce, Tuesday afternoon.

Labeling the country’s deficit as the number one security threat, U.S. Senator Bob Corker said both Democrats and Republicans are to blame with the nation’s trillion dollar deficit.

“The number one security threat to the United States is the budget. Both parties are at fault in getting us to this place,” remarked the U.S. senator during a town hall meeting held at the chamber of commerce in Carthage on Tuesday of last week.

The senator noted there was a simple solution to the problem—both parties working together.

While Corker is optimistic it can be achieved, to American citizens it’s unimaginable.

“One thing is we (Washington’s political leaders) have to come together and I think we can do that,” commented Senator Corker.

The Tennessee senator noted tax reform was needed to make the budget more sensible.

State goes with lower bid

By Eddie West

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School board votes to open director’s seat Staff Writer

Owls Off To Flying Start With Win Over White County. . . . . . . . . . B1

26 pages

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

August 25, 2011

The sheriff’s department has arrested a Gordonsville area man in connection with a local burglary.

Jason Thomasson, 31, Maynard Lane, faces charges of aggravated burglary, vandalism and theft of property, according to Lt. Detective

Shannon Hunt.

Thomasson is being accused of burglarizing a Luther Allen Lane residence on August 14, the detective said.

Homeowners reported guns, a VCR, electronics and jewelry missing.

There is no estimate on the value of the items.

A window was broken to gain entrance to the

residence.

Also, the telephone line and electrical system to the residence were cut.

Several items from the burglary were located at pawn shops and had been purchased by individuals.

Those items were re-

See Burglary A7

See Benefit A7

UCEMC worker found dead on farm

By Eddie West Staff Writer Funeral services were held Sunday for a supervisor at Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation and a Smith County Soil Conservation District board member who passed away unexpectedly.

Stanley Dillehay, rightFor skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services, we strive to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Main Campus – 158 Hospital Drive, Carthage 615.735.1560 South Campus – 130 Lebanon Highway, Carthage 615.735.9815

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The New Middleton Elementary School student is expected to be at Stallworth at least until the middle of October.

The youth sustained multiple injuries including severe head trauma in the two-vehicle accident which occurred in Warren County near McMinnville.

Reeder also suffered broken bones in both legs, a punctured lung and multiple cuts.

When first admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center Children’s Hospital in Nashville, the youth was in a medically induced coma because of brain swelling.

Two people were killed in the

of-way supervisor and longtime employee with Upper Cumberland Electric, was found dead Dillehay on his farm located on Smith Hollow

See Supervisor A7

AUGUST 25, 2011 u CARTHAGE COURIER u A – 7

Benefit for injured youth scheduled for Saturday at New Middleton From page – A1 devastating accident and seven injured.

The youth’s father, Derrick Reeder, 31, and his fi ancee were killed in the accident.

Meanwhile, a benefit is being held Saturday at New Middleton Elementary School where the youth was a cheerleader last year.

The event is being sponsored by community volun-

teers.

Because of the severity of Reeder’s injuries, the youth is expected to have lifetime medical needs.

The event will be held beginning at 5 p.m.

The benefit includes a barbecue or hot dog plate supper and activities.

Activities include a Wii Challenge and tournament, featuring “Mario” and “Just Dance”.

A cake, tool and purse

walk will be held beginning at 6 p.m.

A silent auction will also be held.

“Numerous items have been donated for the event,” said Melissa Ross, one of the organizers of the event.

A corn hole challenge and tournament will take place beginning at 6 p.m.

Tournament registration will take place from five to six p.m. Entry fee is $10 per person.

“Dress Up” pictures and Reeder Medical Trust) has the youth. concessions will be avail- been set up at GreenBank for able.

Highway Patrol Trooper Darryl Winningham will present an interactive program on 233 Dixon Springs Hwy • Carthage, TN 37030 seat belt safety.

For additional information • Sales and Service contact Shelia Ferrell at 615• All Makes and Models 418-5282 or Melissa Ross at 615-489-7177.

• Heat Pump, Gas Funds raised from the event or Electric will be used to help with Reeder’s future needs.

Owner Jason West Also, a fund (MacKenzie

West Air Conditioning & Heating

Store: 615-735-1205 • 615-735-7797 (C)

School board opens director’s position From page – A1 School board members voting in support of the motion were Collins (who made the motion), Tim Maynard, and Joe Taylor (who seconded Collins’ motion). Those voting no included Hammond, William Barrick, Karen Shoulders, Richard Fulton and Tommy Manning.

School board members will meet in a special workshop session to form guidelines for the position and how it will be posted or advertised.

That meeting is set for 5 p.m., August 30.

During the school board’s May meeting, board member William Barrick requested the

June agenda include discussion of whether to open the director of schools application process.

During the June meeting, school board members were asked to study the issue (gather feedback from constituents, etc.) which would be voted on at the August meeting.

During the June school board meeting, Director Lewis indicated whichever route the school board decided to take, he will seek the position.

“Whatever the school board decides to do, I can live with it. If you decided to extend my contract I would be grateful. If you decided to post the position, I will understand,”

commented Director Lewis during that meeting.

Named in March of 2000, Lewis is the county’s first and only appointed director of schools.

Lewis took over the school system in August of 2000 when former superintendent Robbie Richardson’s term expired. Richardson was the last elected school superintendent.

Following action taken by state legislators, the school superintendent position took on the title of director of schools and became a school board appointed seat in 2000.

The county’s school board began its search for the coun-

Mid-State will rehab bridge From page – A1 Governments can award contracts to a higher bidder if the low bid doesn’t meet all the specifications outlined in the bid proposal.

“He said we’ll be getting everything in the low bid we would get in the higher bid.

It’s just the difference in the way the two companies do business,” Representative Weaver explained about the $3.1 million difference in bids.

Early on, a cost estimate for the project was in the neighborhood of $12 million.

The transportation department doesn’t release anticipated costs for projects prior to the bidding process because it could effect the bids.

The transportation department has since released an estimated cost of $8.4 million for the project.

“I’m so excited for the people. We’re one step closer to the date when we cut the ribbon and open it up. The bridge is so much a part of the people and community. The

bridge being closed is not all the fault of the difficult local economy, but it is a shot in the arm,” said Representative Weaver.

In addition to Degges’ conformation, Mid-State Construction Company is listed on the transportation department’s web site as receiving the bid.

The transportation department began advertising the rehabilitation project in July.

Bids were revealed earlier this month. Bids included Mid-State Construction Company at $9,503,430.64 and Dement Construction Company at $12,656,138.

Transportation department officials have 30 days to review the bids before awarding the contract or rejecting all bids.

While not publicly revealing an estimated construction cost, officials within the transportation department have to come up with a projected cost in order to set its budget for the coming year.

That projected cost was $12 million. Since the bid

is well within the estimated cost, the latest development in the process is a significant step leading to the beginning of construction.

The August bid letting is the first letting of bids by the state’s transportation department for the 2011-2012 fiscal year budget and first-term Governor Bill Haslam’s first budget.

The rehabilitation project would not be taking place without considerable support at the state level.

Governor Haslam made a campaign stop here in the fall of last year to announce his support for the project.

State Senator Mae Beavers and Representative Weaver have lobbied to the governor and other state officials for the project since the bridge was closed in December of 2007.

This summer, Governor Haslam made a second appearance at the bridge, announcing plans for the project to move forward.

The Cordell Hull Bridge project also survived state budget cuts this past spring.

Corker says budget main threat From page – A1 “The tax code has to be updated. If we deal with tax reform it will create economic growth resulting in more revenue,” the senator said.

Senator Corker warned there is no quick fi x to the problem, indicating residents will have to endure for months, if not years, the negative impact associated with a poor economy before the problem is corrected.

“The budget affects the quality of life. The first cuts will be the easiest. The next round of cuts will be more difficult,” the U.S. senator related.

During the hour-long meeting, the senator also noted Washington has too many regulations.

“They (Washington) want to regulate milk spills as if they were oil spills,” the senator related. “Everyone who serves in Washington D.C. feels they have a good idea. Things have to change.

People understand it’s got to happen. I think something good is going to come out of

all of this. I can see people from both sides of the aisle coming together.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, Senator Corker touched on the Medicare crisis.

The Tennessee senator said discussions have alarmed those who depend on Medicare because they are on a fixed income.

“Some call it ‘mediscare’,” the senator said. “It will mainly affects those 54 years old and younger.”

The problem is there will not be enough people paying into Medicare to sustain the government funded program which is predicted to become insolvent by the year 2024.

Following the meeting, Senator Corker met with reporters and discussed taxing online businesses.

The senator said it could be three to four years before Congress passes national guidelines on tax collections for online retailers such as Amazon.com.

Store owners argue not taxing online companies puts their business at an unfair advantage.

It’s an issue Tennessee legislators will likely be grappling with when the General Assembly meets next year.

Amazon.com is moving into a warehouse in Wilson County, creating several hundred much needed jobs.

In Tennessee, the state struck a deal with Amazon. com that it would not tax their distribution centers.

The company is expected to create 1,200 full-time jobs at distribution centers in Bradley and Hamilton County facilities and 500 jobs at a Wilson County distribution center.

While the company is providing much needed jobs, not only is it placing retail stores at a disadvantage, a University of Tennessee study estimated the state is losing as much as $411 million annually in sales tax from online shopping.

That figure will likely grow as shopping on the Internet is predicted to continue increasing. Amazon.com officials say the company is willing to pay taxes if a uniform national law is put in place.

Man charged with burglary From page – A1 covered by the sheriff’s department.

Bond for Thomasson, who has an October 20 General Sessions Court date, was set at $9,000.

Luther Allen Lane is located off Highway 53 near Gordonsville.

The sheriff’s department is anticipating additional arrests on unrelated burglaries.

Lt. Detective Hunt said evidence has been gathered in

other burglaries which will be presented to the grand jury.

The grand jury is expected to meet in special session in October.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the grand jury is in December.

Supervisor found deceased on farm From page – A1 Lane North in the Diffi cult community in the early morning hours of last Wednesday.

Dillehay, 59, was found deceased on a hillside near a pond by his wife, Geneil Hailey Dillehay, around 5:25 a.m. The well-known Difficult community resident apparently suffered a heart attack while climbing a hillside to check the water level in a pond. An autopsy was performed to determine the exact

cause of death.

In addition to working at Upper Cumberland Electric and being a farmer, Dillehay also served on the board of supervisors for the Smith County Soil Conservation District.

The life-long resident of the Diffi cult community attended Difficult School until it closed, later graduating from Defeated Creek Elementary School and Smith County High School in 1970.

Prior to his employment with Upper Cumberland Electric, Dillehay had also worked with General Electric in Hendersonville and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

In 1987, Dillehay was hired

by Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation as a groundsman, worked his way up to right-of-way supervisor.

(See Sanderson Funeral Home obituaries for additional details.)

ty’s first appointed director of schools the first week in January of 2000, accepting applications through the end of the month.

Shortly afterward, Lewis was selected from three candidates including teachers John Gore and David Watson.

At the time of his appointment, Lewis was principal of Smith County High School.

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931-526-9801 or 615-489-7090 (cell) Email:DJackson@cumberland-auto.com

1540 Interstate Drive • Cookeville, TN 38501

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Smith County Ag Center 159 Ag Center Lane • Carthage, TN 37030

Sunday, August 28 • 7:00 PM Monday, August 29 • 7:00 PM Tuesday, August 30 • 7:00 PM LIVE ON STAGE For More Information call: 615-683-8884 • 615-735-3284 615-735-1929

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Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 100 Number 28-USPS No. 092-180

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VETERANS OUTREACH COUNTY The Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs will sponsor a Veterans Outreach Program at the agriculture center in South Carthage this month.

The outreach program is for veterans, surviving spouses and dependents.

The program is being held for vet-

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Firemen battle blaze Firemen battle a grass fire which spread to a hillside in the Sullivan’s Bend community. The fire was reported in the early evening on the Fourth of July.

Smith County Machine Pitch All-Stars Take Title, Runner-up . . . . . . . B1

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EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Sports

Thomas Atkins, Sr. Albert Burke Dorothy Coley Laura Moore Joe Smith Janice Vinson

July 12, 2012

Dry conditions lead to several fires Rainfall brings temporary relief to some areas

By Eddie West Staff Writer Much needed rain fell across the county this week as a cold front passed through the state.

If only temporary, the rainfall and cooler temperatures helped to diminish the threat of grass and woodland fires.

Because of the extreme dry conditions, county officials placed a ban on outdoor burning two weeks ago.

Various amounts of rainfall were recorded overnight Sunday around the county.

The most significant amount of rain fell in the Dixon Springs area where more than an inch was recorded at a CoCoRaHS weather station.

At 7 a.m., Monday, 1.57 inches was recorded at the weather station.

Much smaller amounts were recorded at other weather stations.

At 5 a.m., Monday,

.09 of an inch of rainfall was recorded in the Difficult area; at 7 a.m., .07 of an inch was recorded in Gordonsville and at 7 a.m., .62 of an inch was recorded in an area southwest of Carthage.

Rainfall totals represent the preceding 24-hour period.

Fire departments have responded to as many as 15 brush/grass fires since July 1.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

See Rain A13

A fireman helps battle a woodland fire in the Sullivan’s Bend community last Wednesday.

Bridge work labeled ‘on schedule’ Rehabilitation expected to be completed next fall

By Eddie West Staff Writer Construction on the Cordell Hull Bridge is running on schedule, according to State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver.

At the request of city leaders, the state representative appeared before the Carthage City Council

during its July meeting, Thursday night, to provide an update on the project.

The project is scheduled to be completed in November of next year.

Representative Weaver informed council members repairs had been made to the piers and cross-tie steel beams were being replaced.

“The concrete is worse than they thought. It’s like every renovation project. You find something as you go along,” Representative Weaver told council members.

The contract for rehabilitation of the bridge was awarded to Livingston’s Mid-State Construction Company last year.

All of the cement, except the

center section which is used by construction crews to access the bridge, has been removed.

All of the bridge’s cement deck and side railings will be removed and replaced before the project has been completed.

Steel truss piers will also have

See Cordell A13

Elmwood bridge rehab delay continues

By Eddie West Staff Writer The bid letting for Elmwood’s Benton McMillin Bridge is expected to be delayed until September.

Construction of a new Benton McMillin Bridge which crosses

the Caney Fork River on Highway 70 in the Elmwood community was placed in the state’s March bid letting.

The project was pulled from the bid letting by the state when it was learned an item had been left out

of bid specifications pertaining to the construction of a haul road to a bridge pier.

State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver appeared before the Carthage City Council during its July meeting, Thursday night, provid-

ing an update on the project and the rehabilitation of the Cordell Hull Bridge.

The representative said the state’s department of transportation and department of environ-

See Elmwood A13

Early voting in elections taking place

By Eddie West Staff Writer Early voting in the county general and state primary elections set for August 2 begins tomorrow (Friday, July 13), Early voting in the elections will be taking place through July 28 at the Election Commission headquarters which is located in the Turner Building off Spring Street in Carthage.

In the county general election, two top county offices are up for re-election, but only one is being contested.

See Early A13

Photo Submitted

District Attorney Tommy Thompson will be part of an educational video filmed to raise awareness of the dangers of synthetic drugs and prescription medication abuse. The video is part of the Tennessee District Attorney Generals joint efforts to combat the problems. (See story on page 14.)

JULY 12, 2012 u CARTHAGE COURIER u A – 13

Residents encouraged to take advantage of early voting

By Eddie West Staff Writer State and local election officials are encouraging

residents to take advantage of early voting in the August 2 elections.

Early voting in the county general and state primary

elections begins tomorrow (Friday, July 13) and continues through Saturday, July 28.

Early voting has been open

to all registered voters for the past several years.

“Early voting is a convenient way for voters to be sure their voices are heard,” said

Early voting starts tomorrow in elections From page – A1 Two candidates are seeking the office of road superintendent, Steve Coble of Brush Creek and Kenneth A “Butch” Shores of Turkey Creek.

Incumbent Assessor of Property Terry Collins was the only candidate to qualify for that office.

Collins has served two terms.

County commission races The August election also includes commission races.

There are three vacant commission seats which are to be fi lled with the August election.

Two of the three seats were vacated by resignations and one vacated by a death.

The seats were temporarily filled by the county commission earlier this year through appointments which expire at the fi rst county general election which is August 2.

In District 4, where two seats are up for election, Pamela C. Billington was the only candidate to meet the qualifying deadline and the only candidate on the ballot.

Billington was appointed by the commission earlier this year to fill a vacated seat.

Meanwhile, Josh Kirby, who was appointed by the county commission to fill one of the two seats, has qualified as a write-in candidate.

Write-in candidates also have to meet a qualifying deadline, according to Administrator of Elections Yvonne Gibbs.

That deadline passed in June.

Meanwhile, no one qualifi ed for the District 2 county commission seat which was held by the late Dick Brimm and includes the Riddleton, Dixon Springs and Tanglewood areas.

In March, commissioners appointed Brimm’s son, Andy, to fill the seat until the August election.

Gibbs said she checked with state election offi cials and the seat will become vacated again in August and can be placed on the November ballot.

School board races The August 2 election also includes four school board

races.

Three candidates are seeking the School Board District 1 seat. Candidates include incumbent Karen Shoulders and challengers Jackie P. Dillehay and Robin C. Moore. District 1 includes the communities of Difficult, Pleasant Shade and Defeated.

Two candidates met the qualifying deadline for the District 2 seat. Candidates included incumbent Dick Fulton and challenger Scott Hensley.

While still on the ballot, Fulton recently announced he had halted his campaign and supports Hensley for the seat.

District 2 includes the areas of Tanglewood, Riddleton and Dixon Springs.

Meanwhile, in District 5, Brenda Bradford and Eddie Dale Sykes are going headto-head. Incumbent Tommy Manning, who serves as school board chairman, is not seeking re-election to his District 5 seat. The district includes the Gordonsville area.

In District 7, incumbent Sonja Bass Hammond is being challenged by Brian L. Smith. The district includes the general area of South Carthage.

Half of the eight member school board will be seated with the August election.

In addition to the county elections, Democratic and Republican primary elections will be held on August 2.

State House of Representatives race The possibility of two Smith County residents vying for the District 40 State House of Representative seat in November should raise interest in that race for local voters.

Incumbent Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, Lancaster, was the only Republican candidate seeking the seat.

Carthage resident Sarah Marie Smith was one of two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination.

Smith faces Sumner County resident Wesley Duane Hodges in the Democratic Primary Election.

The winner will face Weaver in November.

This is not Smith’s first run for the House seat.

In 2008, Smith was involved in what is likely one of the most unusual House races ever.

The Carthage resident was one of seven candidates to run in the Democratic Primary Election.

Smith carried Smith County but lost the district race.

In that race, Macon County resident Dean Sircy carried his home county and Gayla Hendrix carried her home county of DeKalb.

However, none of the three candidates won the nomination.

Cleveland Bain, a resident of DeKalb County, placed second in each of the three counties and won the Democratic Party’s nomination.

Three other candidates in the race received less than 150 votes each.

Some interesting dynamics were added to this year’s District 40 House race as the district was radically restructured during the state’s redistricting process which was approved earlier this year.

The district now includes Smith, Trousdale and portions of both DeKalb and Sumner counties.

Macon County was removed from the district.

Through the years, Macon County has had a large number of Republican voters.

Weaver is seeking her third two year term as state representative.

The Lancaster resident won her second term in the fall of 2010, defeating Democratic candidate and DeKalb County resident James Hale 8,369 votes to 6,680 votes.

Weaver was first elected to the House in 2008 when she defeated Democratic challenger Cleveland Bain and Independent candidate Ray Amalfitano.

Weaver received 11,288 votes, Bain received 8,540 and Amalfitano 817 votes.

Weaver first ran for the House seat in 2006 and was defeated by longtime Democratic incumbent Frank Buck 3,738 votes to 2,431 votes.

U.S. Senate Meanwhile, the August election includes a local congressional race and a U.S. Senate race.

Three candidates qualified for the District 6 Congressional race which includes Smith County.

Incumbent Republican Congresswoman Diane Black, a Sumner County resident, is being challenged by Lou Ann Zelenik, a former Murfreesboro resident now living in Mt. Juliet, in the Republican Primary Election.

The seat was vacated two years ago with the retirement of former Congressman Bart Gordon.

While there were six Republican candidates for the seat two years ago, Black and Zelenik were the two top candidates.

The race erupted into a political slug-fest between Black and Zelenik.

Black won the 2010 election, but Zelenik came up only 286 votes short.

Since the fi rst race, Rutherford County, where Zelenik resided, was removed from the Sixth Congressional District through redistricting.

Zelenik has relocated to Mt. Juliet in Wilson County to continue the showdown.

In announcing her campaign earlier this year, Zelenik said “federal law does not require a candidate to live in a district” but she re-located anyway.

Also, Independent candidate Robert Beasley qualified for the race.

The August race will also include primary races for U.S. Senator.

Incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Corker is seeking reelection.

Corker is one of 18 candidates who qualified for the race.

Republican qualifiers include Fred Anderson, Mark Twain Clemens, Brenda S. Lenard and Zach Poskevich.

Democratic candidates include Mark Clayton, Larry Crim, Gary Davis, Dave Hancock, Ashley King, Park Overall, T.K. Owens and Benjamin Roberts.

Independent candidate qualifi ers include Shaun E. Crowell, David Gatchell, James Higdon, Michel Long and Troy Stephen Scoggin.

The U.S. Senate term is for four years.

Administrator of Elections Yvonne Gibbs. “With this kind of flexibility, I hope that our voters will not miss this opportunity to exercise their right to vote.”

Four years ago (2008) when many of the same offices were up for election, 2,940 residents voted in the county general and state primary elections. Of that amount, 1,215 voted early.

In 2010, when a number of top offices were up for re-election, as well as 24 commission seats, 6,850 residents voted in the election. Of that number, 4,200 voted early.

There are approximately 13,000 voters who are eligible to participate in the upcoming election.

Early voting will be conducted at the Smith County Election Offi ce, 122 Turner High Circle, Carthage. Early voting hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Saturday election times are 8 a.m. until noon.

Individuals can contact the Smith County Election Commission office at 615-7358241 for more information regarding early voting hours, locations and sample ballots.

Veterans outreach From page – A1 erans of the armed forces, National Guard and Reserves in Smith, DeKalb, Jackson, Trousdale, and Macon counties.

The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., July 18.

The agricultural center is located at 159 Ag Center Lane. The program will feature free service filing claims for disability compensation,

non-service connected pension, health care benefits, education benefi ts, survivor benefi ts, agent orange exposure, radiation exposure, Gulf War veteran benefi ts and exPOW benefits.

The following representatives will be available: Tennessee Department Of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Department of Labor Veterans Outreach Specialist and the National Guard Family & Transition Assistance.

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735-2878

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Happy 18th Birthday “Baby Girl” Kayla Bowman

Rain provides temporary relief from grass fires From page – A1 As the Fourth of July holiday approached last week, many residents were concerned about the safety of their property, knowing stray fireworks could set off a bonfire.

Prior to last Wednesday’s holiday, County Mayor Michael Nebsitt said several residents contacted his offi ce asking that fireworks be banned for the holiday.

The county mayor contacted the state fire marshal’s office where officials informed him the county would have to adopt a resolution specifically banning fireworks.

The county mayor was also

told a burn ban designated by the state’s department of agriculture did not prohibit fireworks.

However, according to the state department of agriculture officials, if a fire were started by an individual discharging fireworks, the incident could be considered reckless burning which carries the same penalty as a violation of a burn ban.

Violation of a state burn ban is considered reckless burning and is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor which carries a fine of $2,500 and/or up to 11 months and 29 days in jail.

During Monday night’s July county commission

meeting, commissioners approved a resolution which will allow the county to ban fireworks during drought conditions. The ban doesn’t include public displays where permits are obtained.

Police responded to several incidents where fireworks were being discharged, Wednesday night, but none resulted in significant property damage or arrests. However, a series of suspicious fi res occurred in the eastern section of the county on the Fourth of July.

Wednesday evening, the Forks River Fire Department responded to a brush fire in the Sullivan’s Bend community.

While the fire department was battling the blaze, a fire was reported at an abandoned structure on Pea Ridge Road.

Lancaster and Gordonsville fire departments responded to the blaze as Forks River firemen were batting the Sullivan’s Bend blaze.

Also, shortly after 9 p.m., fi re destroyed a barn in the Duck Hollow.

In addition to scattered rainfall, the cold front has brought some relief from 100 degree temperatures. During the latter part of June and first of July, temperatures were at or above the 100 degree mark most every day.

The cool front dropped temperatures into the 80s.

You Go Girl “Love You Button” From, Pa & Granny & Aunt Stacy

Elmwood bridge construction project delayed From page – A1 ment and conservation are working together to make sure they have obtained all the permits required for the project.

In April, state department of transportation officials took another look at the bridge in anticipation of constructing its replacement, inspecting the bridge from the water.

During their inspection, employees with the transportation department’s materials and test department were at the bridge “drilling to take foundation samples from the site of the proposed bridge”, Transportation Department spokesperson Deanna Lam-

bert told the Courier in April.

“They were testing foundation samples which is a common procedure before building a new bridge,” Lambert said.

After the project was pulled by the state, Lambert told the Courier., “Basically, the plans and environmental permits did not clearly identify how a contractor would have access to construct the piers in the water. There are typically two ways to access the construction area. Contractors can either set up a barge in the water to work from or the contractor can build a temporary haul road to transport

materials to the water. There was some uncertainty about how contractors could get materials and equipment to the pier on this project.”

At that time, Lambert estimated it could be the “middle of the year” before the bridge comes up for letting.

Last year, officials announced funds for the project were included in the 20112012 state transportation budget.

The new bridge will be constructed beside the existing structure on the south side.

There had been some speculation the project might be bid last year.

In January of 2010, the county signed a “standard agreement” with the transportation department in connection with the project.

For years, the width of the existing structure has been a main concern for residents and government officials.

The project includes the removal of the existing 1,277 feet steel truss bridge.

The new structure will be a 963.5 feet, eight-span, concrete girder bridge.

The original completion date for the project was on or before September 15 of 2013. The delay will change that date.

Congratulations to

Cordell Hull Bridge repairs ‘on schedule’ From page – A1 to be replaced.

The state representative recently met with the individual overseeing the project for Mid-State Construction Company and the state’s commissioner of transportation for a briefing on the project.

The update was the first provided since the project began last year.

Once rehabilitation work has been completed, the bridge will be painted either green or gray.

The cities of Carthage and South Carthage will be re-

sponsible for lighting on the bridge.

Representative Weaver said there are plans to hold a gathering/fund-raiser, as well as a ribbon cutting, at the bridge once the project has been completed next fall.

The state representative

has been an avid supporter of the project.

“They are tearing down these types of bridges acorss the state. This is an iconic bridge. It needs to kept and preserved for future generations,” Representative Weaver commentd.

Melanie Drennen Schwartz who graduated with an ADN from Georgia Highlands College in Rome, GA. Melanie will practice nursing in the Emergency Department at Northside Cherokee Hospital in Canton, GA. She is the daughter of Bud and Doris Beasley Drennen of Marietta, GA and the granddaughter of Hayes and Mildred “Nig” Beasley of Pleasant Shade.

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Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 101 Number 24-USPS No. 092-180

June 13, 2013

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

26 pages

Single Copy 75¢

House fire claims four lives Two children among victims; believed deadliest fire in county’s history

By Eddie West Staff Writer A tragic weekend house fire in Carthage claimed the lives of four people and injured five others.

Meanwhile, emergency services

offi cials say Saturday night’s fi re is believed to be the deadliest in the county’s history.

The victims of the deadly fire were identified as Timothy Watkins, 29, and

See House A13

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Agents with the state fire marshal’s bomb and arson unit investigate last weekend’s deadly house fire.

INSIDE ...

Where’s Scoop?

Entry Form, Contest Rules & Last Week’s Winner . . . . . . . A12

Sports Southwest Inks Watts

Several indicted on drug-related charges County’s grand jury gathers for special June session

By Eddie West Staff Writer Several individuals were indicted on drug-related charges by the

By Eddie West

Takes Game To Next Level . . . B1

Staff Writer

News

The estimated completion date for rehabilitation work on the Cordell Hull Bridge in Carthage has been extended until next summer.

Transportation offi-

Dogs Removed From Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A13

Briefly

MONDAY STORM COUNTY A strong thunderstorm swept through the county Monday afternoon. Strong winds blew down trees and sections of trees in different areas of the county. The storm struck around 3 p.m. , entering the northern section of the county and sweeping southeastward.

Those indicted on drug-related charges include: Andrews Kenneth Gibbs— promotion of methamphetamine manufacture, conspiracy to man-

ufacture schedule II drug methamphetamine, initiate process to manufacture methamphetamine,

See Grand Jury A11

Cordell Hull Bridge work won’t be completed until 2014; contract extended

FCS Baseball Standout

Local Animal Rescue

county’s grand jury which met in special session on Friday.

A number of indictments included charges involving methamphetamine.

cials said the contractor was given an extension for the project in November of last year (2012).

Local and state representatives were not aware of the extension until days ago.

When the project was bid in 2011, the estimated

completion date was November of this year.

The contractor, MidState Construction of Livingston, was granted an extension to June 30th, 2014.

“The original reha-

See Bridge A11

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Work on the Cordell Hull Bridge continues. The project is not expected to be completed until June of next year.

Corps awaits Washington’s directions after ban on restrictions at dams

Defeated Creek Bluegrass Festival this weekend

By Eddie West

The annual Defeated Creek Bluegrass Festival will take place Friday and Saturday night, June 14-15.

A crowd of spectators into the thousands attend the two-night event.

Staff Writer The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Nashville District is awaiting instructions from Washington D.C.

following passage of legislation banning its recently implemented restrictions on fishing from boats at dams along the Cumberland River and its tributaries, according to Corps officials

in Nashville.

Restrictive signs and buoys were recently placed below and above the Cordell Hull Dam and other dams

See Corps A11

By Eddie West Staff Writer

See Defeated A11

See Storm Page A13 Auctions . . . . . . . . . . A-13, B9, B12 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . B4-B12 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2, A3 Jimmie Bennett Pete Gill Betty Hilton Gayle Matthews

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EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Ground-breaking for Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation’s new corporate headquarters in Carthage was held Monday. Several individuals were on hand for the ground-breaking. Those holding shovels, from left are Smith County Chamber of Commerce Director Bill Woodard, Chamber of Commerce President Jason Martin, Upper Cumberland Electric General Manager Jimmy Gregory, Upper Cumberland Electric Board Chairman Bob Woodard, Carthage Mayor Sabra Hodge, Morris Mabry owner/architect Morris Mabry Architecture, Luke Allen, W&O Construction (project manager), South Carthage Mayor Jimmy Wheeler and Red Harris W&O construction supervisor.

JUNE 13, 2013 CARTHAGE COURIER A – 11

Cookeville company gets contract for removal of houses

By Eddie West Staff Writer A Cookeville company has been awarded a contract for the demolition and removal of five houses included in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) fl ood mitigation project in Carthage.

The five houses, located in flood prone areas, were recently purchased through FEMA’s flood mitigation program with federal, state and local funds.

Elk Mountain Construction Company was announced as low bidder in the project at approximately $71,000, during Thursday night’s June Carthage City Council meeting.

“We held a pre-construction conference meeting with the company today. We explained to them we wanted them to be good neighbors to the surrounding houses while they were tearing down these houses,” said Dawn Kupferer, with Kwill Consultants, a Cookeville company which is in charge of implementing the program.

Kupferer informed council members asbestos material from the houses would be

removed and properly disposed as the initial phase of the project.

Houses will next be demolished and removed from the site.

The construction company will also be looking to recycle as much of the houses as possible, Kupferer told council members.

Among the items which can be recycled include brick, copper, windows and concrete.

“The company will be responsible for keeping a record of items it recycles.

The state knows the dimensions of these houses and approximately how much (in weight) should be removed at each site,” Kupferer told the council members.

Kupferer said the project could be completed in as soon as 190 days.

Once letters with the state have been signed, the company has 180 days to demolish, remove and seed the lot to become green space.

The city will become owners of the lots.

Bids for the demolition of five houses were taken in May. Bids were accepted through

May 17.

Nine property owners had asked to be a part of the federal program which included the purchase and demolition of houses in flood prone areas.

Four homeowners decided not to participate in the program or rejected the federal government’s purchase price through the program.

Under the flood mitigation program, the federal government pays 75 percent of the cost of the project. The state and city pay the remaining 25 percent of the cost.

The city’s cost is expected to be $32,700.

In other matters: •The council approved a 15 percent increase in the city’s water rates for the coming fiscal year. This marks the third consecutive year water rates have been increased. The city was required to make the increases in order that its water department create enough revenue to pay for expenses.

The city had to implement the plan or it could have faced an approximate sixty percent rate increase in one year, city officials say. The city’s water department is expected to be operating with a surplus in revenue by the end of this

fiscal year. The increase was approved on second reading.

•The city passed a 20132014 fiscal year budget on second reading. The budget will have to be approved on one more reading. Figures will be updated before the third and final reading. That meeting, which will include a work session on the budget, is set for June 27. At this point, the budget does not include a pay raise for city employees.

•The council approved the hiring of a new officer for the police department. The officer, Josh Vinson, has been working as an officer and dispatcher with the depart-

ment. Vinson will be required to complete training at the police academy in Nashville to become certifi ed. During a presentation to the council in May, Police Chief John Hogan said the department needed another full-time officer. The chief told council members the department is operating with 11 full-time employees, seven officers and four dispatchers. Vacation time for employees added up to 40 weeks, which requires comp time and overtime for other employees, the chief told the council.

•The council approved an ordinance which would prohibit modular/prefabricated

Field Day

houses from being located in residential areas. Sometimes the structures are referred to as double-wide mobile homes. Modular homes are basically any house built off site. Approval did not come without debate. Councilman L.C. Grisham said some modular homes were as nice or better than his and other houses in the city. The ordinance had to be approved to include all areas of the town and not select locations or neighborhoods within the city. The ordinance was approved on first reading.

•Pay for volunteer firemen was increased from $25 to $30 per call.

Corps awaits Washington directions From page – A1 along the river in Tennessee and Kentucky.

On Monday of last week, legislation placing a two-year ban on enforcement of the restrictions was signed into law

by President Barack Obama.

The legislation, “Freedom to Fish Act”, had already been approved in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.

During a news conference held on Monday of last week, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander said he felt the restrictive signs should be removed.

“The Nashville District is awaiting guidance on how to proceed from Corps headquarters in Washington D.C.,” according to a statement released by the Corps communications office in Nashville, Friday.

The Corps has stopped installing restrictive signs and buoys following passage of the “Freedom to Fish Act”.

Officials with the Nashville District office said restrictive signs have been placed at Old Hickory Dam and Percy Priest Dam in nearby Davidson

County.

Posting of restrictive signs and placement of buoys has not been completed at Lake Barkley Dam, Cheatham Dam and Wolf Creek Dam, according to Corps officials.

In response to a question as to whether Cordell Hull Dam was the first location where restrictive signs and buoys were posted, as some local and state officials have said, officials with the Corps said, “The Corps had several projects simultaneously installing signs and buoys. We do not know which was the first project to place buoys in the water.”

Under the “Freedom to Fish Act”, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency would govern waters along the Cumberland River in Tennessee and the Kentucky Wildlife Resource Agency would govern waters in Kentucky.

Both state agencies have opposed the restrictions as presented by the Corps, but said they were willing to work with the federal agency.

While President Obama signed the “Freedom to Fish Act” into law on Monday of

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Signs and buoys have been placed at Cordell Hull Dam and other dams along the Cumberland River restricting fishing from boats immediately below and above dams. Legislation authorizing the signs has been banned for two years, but the signs remain posted.

last week, the legislation was approved by the U.S. Senate on May 16 and U.S. House of Representatives on May 21.

“Now the Corps is required, by law, to stop wasting taxpayer dollars and ignoring elected officials who are standing up for fi shermen,” Senator Alexander said on Monday of last week.

The “Freedom to Fish Act” was introduced by Senator Alexander because other pieces of legislation concerning Corps fishing regulations near dams has stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The U.S. Senate has approved Senator Alexander’s “Water Resource Development Act” which calls for a permanent solution to stop the Corps’ plan and develop a compromise plan.

The “Water Resource Development Act” also delegates enforcement to state wildlife agencies instead of the Corps.

Because the act has stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives, Senator Alexander said it became necessary to pass the “Freedom to Fish Act”, placing a two year ban on Corps restrictions.

Since the controversy began, Senator Alexander has taken other steps to restrict Corps actions.

During a hearing in Washington D.C. last month, legislation prohibiting the Corps from moving funds from one account to another was implemented.

The Corps estimated the cost for implementing its plan at more than two million dollars.

Legislation opposing the Corps plan has been approved on a non-partisan basis.

Virtually all Tennessee and Kentucky representatives in Washington D.C. are opposing the Corps restrictions.

In addition to Senator Alexander, Tennessee legislators against the Corps proposal include Senator Bob Corker, Representative Marsha Blackburn, Representative Diane Black, Representative Stephen Fincher and Representative Jim Cooper.

Kentucky legislators opposing the Corps plan include Representative Ed Whitfield, Representative Andy Barr, Senator Mitch McConnell and Senator Rand Paul.

Also, state legislators and local governments in Tennessee and Kentucky are opposing Corps restrictions.

Defeated Bluegrass Festival here From page – A1 The festival was recently expanded to include an antique tractor show on Saturday. The added event has become highly popular with exhibitors in the area.

Friday night’s entertainment includes Sam Stout & Tennessee Central and Bluegrass Solutions.

Saturday night’s entertainment includes South Bound and Tom Brantley & Missionary Ridge.

Rhythm In Motion will entertain the crowd each night with square dancing and clogging.

Musical entertainment and

dancing begins at 7 p.m. each evening.

The Saturday tractor show runs from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Originally held in Carthage and sponsored by the chamber of commerce, some years ago the event became a fund-raiser for the Defeated Creek Fire Department.

Admission is $3 per person.

In addition to the entertainment, the event includes various booths.

A variety of foods are offered at festival booths.

Booths also include crafts and activities for youth, such as inflatables.

This will mark the seventh year the tractor show has

been held.

In addition to the tractors on display, the show includes competitions and activities.

Activities include chain in the box, slow race, blind man’s drive and barrel roll.

A tractor parade—drive through the campground— takes place at noon and will last for about an hour.

Awards will be presented for most unique tractor, most distance traveled, oldest tractor, oldest exhibitor and ugliest tractor.

Admission to the tractor show is free.

For additional information contact (615) 774-3230.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Elementary school students from across the county participated in a field day at the end of school. The event included various athletic competitions.

Grand jury holds special session From page – A1 felony drug paraphernalia; Garry Scott Bennett—promotion of methamphetamine manufacture, conspiracy to manufacture schedule II drug methamphetamine, imitate process to manufacture methamphetamine, felony drug paraphernalia; Joshua D. French—unlawful possession of prohibited weapon, conspiracy to manufacture schedule II drug methamphetamine, promotion of methamphetamine manufacture, driving on suspended license (second offense), suspended priors; Dylan S. Hackney—possession of drug paraphernalia; Tracie Lynn Evans—possession of schedule IV drug, marijuana, possession of schedule IV drug Alprazolm

with/intent, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of schedule II drug Amphetamine; Cassie Lynette Graves— simple possession of schedule II drug methamphetamine, simple possession of schedule VI drug marijuana, criminal conspiracy to manufacture schedule II drug methamphetamine, promotion of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia; Additional indictments include: Bobby Hickman—aggravated criminal littering; Gordon Terry Hughes— aggravated domestic assault; Angela Rene Crawford aka Angela Litchford—DUI (fourth offense), DUI priors, driving with license suspended, violation of conditional license, failure to show proof of

insurance, operation due care; Gordon Terry Hughes—aggravated assault; Joe Douglas Trapp—driving under the influence (fifth offense), DUI priors, driving on revoked license (second offense), revoked priors, driving while blood alcohol above legal limit; James Steven Leduc—introduction of contraband into penal institution; Eddie Richard French— driving with license revoked, violation of registration, failure to show proof of insurance; Devon E. Hudson-Boyd— theft of property $1,000$10,000; William Chad Allen—theft under $500.

Additional indictments remain sealed.

Bridge rehabilitation work extended From page – A1 bilitation plans were revised by the state’s transportation department to include modification of the expansion joints and the removal of the concrete deck and beams, due to deterioration, in three of the bridge spans,” said Deanna Lambert, community relations specialist with the transportation department.

“Also, a phone cable will be temporarily relocated to allow the contractor the ability to field verify measure the existing structural members of the bridge as required for fabrication. These changes will cost $577,000. These modifications are often common in this type of project. Once we get into the bridge, we often

find more deterioration, etc.”

The rehabilitation project has been a priority with Governor Bill Haslam’s administration.

The bridge project was included in the transportation department’s August 2011 bid letting, which meant funds for the project were included in the governor’s first budget.

While campaigning, Governor Haslam, who was elected in 2010 and took office in January of 2011, supported the rehabilitation project.

The governor made a special campaign stop here to announce his support for the project.

The governor was also here for a construction kickoff for the rehabilitation project.

Mid-State Construction

Company was low bidder for the project at $9.5 million.

With the additional work, the total cost of the rehabilitation project has increased to slightly more than $10 million.

Prior to bidding the project, the transportation department estimated the project would cost around $8.4 million.

The estimate was not released until after the bid process had taken place.

The bridge has been closed since December of 2007.

Originally, the project was expected to be completed during a 24 to 30 months period.

The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

THIS ISSUE:

8 Yard Sales 8 Help Wanted 224 Real Estate Listings 3 Auctions

A Prize-Winning Newspaper

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■ Sav-Way Grocery

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■ Hardee’s ■ Subway

Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 102 Number 26-USPS No. 092-180June 26, 2014

INSIDE ...

Where’s Scoop?

Entry Form, Contest Rules & Last Week’s Winner . . . . . . . . A8

Sports 2014 Championship Red Sox, Parliment “Squeeze”

By Orioles For Sr. League Title . . B1

Batting For Smith County Local Leagues Announce All-Star Selections, Schedules . . . . . . . B1

News Local Interests

Public Meeting On Proposed Garbage Disposal Fee . . . . . . . A7

Health Department Looks To Provide Added Services At Schools . . . . . . . . . A7

Briefly

LANCASTER PARADE LANCASTER The Lancaster Fourth of July parade, community gathering and fireworks show is set for this Sunday (June 29.

The event will take place from 6-9 p.m., beginning with a parade along Highway 141 through Lancaster.

Lineup for the parade begins at 5 p.m. on the Alan Mason farm. The parade

See Fourth Page A10

MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE GORDONSVILLE In loving memory of Mike Finley.

From 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 30 at Gordonsville Elementary School Gym. To schedule an appointment, see ad on page A-5.

COMMUNITY REUNION HICKMAN An inaugural Hickman Ice Cream Party Community Reunion has been planned “on the square” for July 4. The event, to begin at 6 p.m., is still evolving from a Facebook page called “Best Of Hickman”.

Any updates will be available at that site. Plan to bring your chair, share your stories and bring old photos of friends, family and events that happened in or around Hickman.

Honorary guests will be Hickman residents Clarence & Mary Etta Nixon who hand-dipped ice cream for three generations of kids at the former Nixon-Paschall General Merchandise store.

24 pages

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

Single Copy 75¢

Bridge opens next week

By Eddie West

Carthage side of the bridge.

Planning for the event was Staff Writer still underway this week.

After being closed for more The reconstruction conthan six years, transportation tract ends June 30 when all officials say the Cordell Hull work is expected to be comBridge will open to traffic pleted. following a ceremony set for Last month, transportation Wednesday (July 2). officials announced they were A ceremony including a eying a tentative date between ribbon cutting is set for 2 p.m. July 1-3 for a ribbon cutting and the bridge will open to ceremony. traffi c immediately followFinal work on the reconing the ceremony, according struction project has been to transportation communi- taking place in recent weeks. ty relations offi cer Heather Final stages have included Jensen. completing painting, paving Representatives from the approaches to the bridge, Tennessee Department of installing lighting and fi nal Transportation, state and steel work. local legislators and officials In August of 2011, the are expected to take part in See Bridge A10 the ceremony planned for the

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Workers make final repairs to the Cordell Hull Bridge. The state’s transportation department says the bridge will open next Wednesday afternoon following a ceremony.

Fair features rally Indictments Tabloid inside in high dollar theft cases

By Eddie West Staff Writer

By Eddie West Staff Writer Sealed indictments were returned by the grand jury in three separate cases involving high dollar thefts.

The sealed indictments were returned against three individuals during a special session of the grand jury held on June 13.

The unrelated indictments

involve the theft of vehicles and cash.

Anna M. Gammons, 29, Carthage was indicted on a charge of theft of property between $10,000 and $60,000.

The indictment alleges Gammons “exercised control over money between $10,000 and $60,000 from November 1,

Political candidates can argue their cause at this year’s Smith County Fair.

One of the new events at this year’s county fair is the “Rally on the River”, an old-fashioned political rally.

Fair officials are encouraging all candidates in the August and November elections to take part in the event and bring their The Smith County Fair tabloid is located supporters. inside.

“Rally on the River” will take place at the Carson Maxwell Livestock Arena beginning at 7 p.m., Tuesday,

See Indictments A10

See Fair A10

Justice served

K-9 responsible for drug seizures, arrests (The following is a story about how a once castaway canine, which recently passed away, became a public servant, responsible for the confi scation of hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal drugs and the arrest of numerous individuals on charges ranging from misdemeanor to

federal felony charges.)

As a road trooper stationed in Smith County (Cookeville District) in 2001, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Trooper Shannon Brinkley was accepted into K-9 handler school for a drug detector dog.

At times, the highway patrol obtains their K-9’s

Horse show held

from local kennels and/ or dog pounds (rescue shelters).

The highway patrol K-9 training staff was in the process of locating dogs for an upcoming class when Lebanon’s animal control contacted David Frost, who at the time was the highway patrol’s main K-9 train-

er, along with Sgt. Chuck Williams.

Lebanon’s animal control unit picked up two black labrador retrievers and one yellow lab, which if not adopted would have to be euthanized. Trooper Brinkley and Frost met at the Leb-

See Justice A10 Justice

Carthage selected to participate in Tennessee Downtowns program

By Eddie West Staff Writer Carthage is one of six communities designated for the

Tennessee Downtowns program.

Communities selected to participate in the Tennessee Downtowns program will form

a volunteer committee of local citizens who will participate in a two-year training curriculum supported by the National Main

See Carthage A10

Relay For Life Saturday night

By Eddie West

Auctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8, B12 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6-B12 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2

Staff Writer Relay For Life will take place Saturday at the county’s

Charles Butler Nell Climer Flossie Gregory Pink Mahaney, Jr. Ronnie Mayberry Vic Nostrand, Jr. Cheryl Ray James Sadler

agriculture center.

The annual event is a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society.

The event includes live en-

tertainment and a variety of activities for all ages.

Events begin at 5 p.m. and

See Relay A10

Communities get electricity

Public Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7

By Eddie West Staff Writer EDDIE WEST/COURIER

The 50th annual Carthage Civitan Club Horse Show was held Friday night.

We are Riverview

BIGGER BETTER FASTER

In 1926, electricity was being expanded to communities surrounding Carthage and into other

counties by the Tennessee Power Company.

By late spring of 1926, the company had almost completed a new

See Electricity A10

MyRiverviewMedical.com • (615) 735-1560

A – 10

CARTHAGE COURIER JUNE 26, 2014

Carthage selected as part of program From page – A1

Street Center.

The curriculum is designed to teach citizens about comprehensive, sustainable downtown revitalization and historic preservation.

The training includes webinars, workshops and a $15,000 reimbursable grant to complete individualized downtown development projects.

In recent years steps have been taken to improve the aesthetics of downtown Carthage with the addition of street lamps to Main Street in the downtown area, decorative trash containers and a paver project has taken place at the courthouse.

Tennessee Department of Economic and County Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty made the announcement Thursday morning.

Tennessee Downtowns is a tiered program affiliated with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Tennessee Main Street Program.

Carthage was selected in the fourth round of participants to be announced.

“We are very pleased to have been one of only six communities in Tennessee to have received a Tennessee Downtowns grant.

This says a lot about the direction in which our town is headed, and the confidence the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has in Carthage and Smith County.”

“Since first becoming mayor of Carthage, I’ve had a vision for downtown renewal and projects that accentuate the beauty, culture and history of our town,” commented Mayor Sabra Hodge. “The Tennessee Downtowns project will be the cornerstone of this vision, and it will be a project that all of Smith County will be proud of. As a county commissioner, I’ve worked closely with the Smith County Living Committee and others who are dedicated to restoring our downtown. By working together we will assure the success of this project. The

future of Carthage has never been brighter.

I’m looking forward to more good things to come and sharing them all with you.”

“Congratulations to the six newest communities joining our Tennessee Downtowns program,” Hagerty said. “This program offers valuable tools to support downtown revitalization and historic preservation. Strong downtowns create overall economic strength in our state, both encouraging investment from within and attracting fresh commitments to Tennessee.”

“These six communities new to the Tennessee Downtowns program are looking to the future of their historic downtowns, and we look forward to working with them on their revitalization efforts,” Tennessee Main Street Director Nancy Williams said.

In addition to Carthage, Arlington, Ducktown, Etowah, Jamestown and Shelbyville received the grant.

The six selected communities are each home to downtown commercial districts established at least 50 years ago and have demonstrated their readiness to organize efforts for downtown revitalization based on the successful “Main Street Four-Point Approach to Downtown Revitalization.”

The highly competitive selection process was based on five core criteria: historic resources, need (economic and physical), demonstrated local effort, overall presentation and probability of success.

Main Street revitalization is a comprehensive, incremental, self-help economic strategy that also focuses on developing public-private partnerships to enhance community livability and job creation, while maintaining the historic character of the district.

Tennessee Main Street provides technical assistance and guidance for communities in developing common sense solutions to make downtowns safe, appealing, vibrant places where folks want to shop, live and make memories.

Relay For Life Saturday night From page – A1 continue through mid-night.

Throughout the year, teams have been holding various fund-raisers. Proceeds from those fund-raising efforts are combined with funds raised d u r i n g S a t u r d a y n i g h t ’s event.

Relay For Life raises tens of thousands of dollars each year to benefit the American Cancer Society.

At the Carson Maxwell Pavilion, a continuous walking relay around an oval track will take place throughout the event.

Cancer survivors walk the first lap of the relay, followed by a caregiver lap.

As the relay is taking place, there are live performances on a stage next to the relay track.

Also, teams participating in Relay For Life sponsor booths with various activities

and concessions.

Booths encircle the relay track.

Meanwhile, inside the agriculture center, a cakewalk, luminaria decorating and a silent auction will take place.

Inflatable houses and slides for kids will be part of the activities.

Events After nightfall, luminaries are lit and encircle the track.

A schedule of entertainment and events include: 5 p.m.—Reception for cancer survivors will be held inside the agriculture center.

6 p.m.—Opening ceremony and scripture reading and prayer by Brother Doug Dillard. Local scouts will be on hand for the flag presentation. Representative Terri Lynn Weaver will sing the National Anthem. Michaela Coogan will be guest speaker.

6:30 p.m.—The survivor lap song: It’s a Beautiful

Day will be sung by Jamie Grace. Caregiver lap song I’m So Happy will be played.

Survivor balloon release will take place 6:45 p.m.—Kids parade 7 p.m.—Elvis 7:30 p.m.—Singers from the North Carthage Baptist Church will perform.

8 p.m.—Deidre Bentley will perform.

8:30 p.m.—Performance by dance group.

9 p.m.—Lighting of the luminaries. Deidre will perform Amazing Grace.

9:30 p.m.—Mr. Relay-emceeded by Jennifer Akers Scalf.

10:30 p.m.—Zumba-on stage for anyone who wishes to participate with instructor Jennifer Akers Scalf.

11 p.m.—Free dance time with Tyrone.

11:30 p.m.—Closing ceremonies and team award.

Photo Submitted

Tennessee Highway Patrol Sgt. Shannon Brinkley with a bag of marijuana K-9 Justice helped locate during a search.

Justice served From page – A1 anon animal control shelter to evaluate the three dogs.

In order to qualify for the K-9 program, a candidate (canine) must possess a very high prey drive or ball drive—a continuous urge to retrieve or chase.

Upon examining the two black labs, Trooper Brinkley and Frost determined they had no interest in the tennis ball used to check their level of prey/ball drive; however, the two found the yellow lab was chasing the ball through the parking lot and over debris every chance he could get.

The yellow lab, which Trooper Brinkley named Justice, was picked up by Lebanon Police Department during an animal neglect call.

“Whoever had been Justice’s previous owner had neglected and abused him,” said Brinkley. “If Justice had not been adopted on that day

by THP K-9 department, he was to be put to sleep. He had the mange really bad and was malnourished, weighing only 37 pounds which is very low for a two year old yellow lab.”

Once evaluated by Frost, Justice exceeded requirements to be a K-9 candidate and was accepted by the department to undergo training to be a drug detector K-9.

On the same day Justice was accepted for training, the canine was evaluated by veterinary Dr. Perry Harmon and determined to be in poor health but could be rehabilitated due to his age of only two years old.

Also that day, Justice was assigned to Trooper Brinkley, who would be responsible for housing and working the canine until the training class as a drug detector K-9 began weeks later.

When the class started, Justice’s health had im-

proved dramatically. While working Justice back to health, Trooper Brinkley developed a bond with the canine.

Justice, along with his handler, Trooper Brinkley, graduated the THP’s 10 week K-9 program on November 30, 2001, beginning what was to become a long and productive career for Justice with the highway patrol.

During their career, Justice and Trooper Brinkley patrolled Smith County and surrounding counties which make up the highway patrol’s Cookeville District.

In addition to patrolling roadways, Justice and Trooper Brinkley held presentations at the local schools and participated in programs throughout middle Tennessee.

In addition to their duties with the highway patrol, Justice and Trooper Brinkley were on call to assist local law enforcement with drug round ups and searches of vehicles, etc.

In 2008, Trooper Brinkley and K-9 Justice were assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Nashville office where they both worked in the investigations unit.

In December 2010, Trooper Brinkley left the DEA for a promotion as sergeant with THP’s Research, Planning and Development Unit where he remains assigned.

Upon Sgt. Brinkley’s promotion, Justice was retired and offered to Sgt. Brinkley and his family.

Without hesitation, Sgt. Brinkley accepted the offer.

After caring for and working with the canine, Sgt. Brinkley had spent more time with Justice his family.

“There was no way I was going to abandon Justice,” Sgt. Brinkley said. “He had been such a part of my family’s life for so many years.”

At the age of 15, Justice,

Justice while still with the Brinkley family, developed kidney failure and passed away on May 9 with Sgt. Brinkley at his side.

Justice was cremated and his remains are with Sgt. Brinkley and his family.

“We miss him every day,” Brinkley notes.

During his tenure as a THP drug detector, the K-9 partnered with Sgt. Brinkley to make numerous discoveries of illegal drugs and proceeds.

The following are some of the more notable accomplishments: •Justice was involved in numerous seizures of illegal drug proceeds totaling more than $1.2 million.

His largest currency seizure was $535,000 from a Commercial Motor Vehicle stop on Interstate 40 in Smith County.

•Justice was responsible for the seizure of over 80 pounds of cocaine during a stop also made on Interstate 40 in Smith County.

•During his career, Justice located hundreds of pounds of marijuana and numerous amounts of methamphetamine and heroin.

•These statistics do not account for the hundreds of smaller felony and misdemeanor drug cases in which illegal drugs were located and seized.

•Justice was also responsible for numerous drug arrests along with weapons and vehicle seizures.

(A native of Smith County, Trooper Brinkley still resides locally.)

Fair featuring political rally From page – A1 July 29.

All candidates must pre-register by 6:30 p.m.

Names will be drawn at random by the moderator.

Candidates must be on hand to speak in person.

Also, all candidates will receive an alloted time to speak.

There will be no charge for the candidate (other than gate admission).

Any candidate for any office which appears on the ballot is allowed to speak at the event.

This year’s fair will held July 26 through August 2.

Those who may have questions about the event can contact Chairperson Bill Woodard at 615-566-9150 or 615-735-2093.

Meanwhile, inside this week’s Courier is The Fair on the River—Smith County Fair Guide, a guide to all of the activities which will be taking place at the county fair.

The 88 page tabloid contains fair event times and dates, as well as register times for those planning to enter contests and participate in events.

The fair guide also includes a layout of the fairgrounds and admission costs.

Readers are encouraged to set aside the tab in an easy to remember location for use as a guide during the week of the event.

Indictments in high dollar crimes From page – A1 2013 through December 23, 2013 from the Dollar Store located on Highway 25 in Carthage. Gammons has posted $15,000 bond and is to appear in criminal court on August 15. The case was investigated by Lt. Detective Tommy Proffitt.

In an unrelated case, Kenneth Ray Allmond, 66, Carthage, was indicted on a charge of theft of property between $10,000 and $60,000.

The indictment alleges Allmond “obtained or exercised control over a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck valued at more than $10,000 but

less than $60,000 (on May 8, 2012), the property of Larry Hatmaker”. The case was investigated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Criminal Investigation Division. Allmond has posted $10,000 bond and is to appear in criminal court on August 15.

Also, Jeff Parker, 53, Carthage, was indicted on charges of theft of property between $1,000 and $10,000, two counts of failure to maintain records of auto part sales and selling vehicle parts without a license. The indictment alleges Parker “obtained or exercised control over certain property, a 2001 Chevrolet 1500 of the value of more than $1,000 but

less than $10,000, property of Joesph Boyd”. Parker has posted $10,000 bond and is to appear in criminal court on August 15. The case was investigated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Criminal Investigation Division.

In another unrelated indictment, Maria Rae Hines, 29, Gordonsville, was charged with introduction of drugs into a penal institute. Hines allegedly attempted to take Suboyone, a schedule III drug, into the county jail.

The case was investigated by Randy Glover with the sheriff’s department correctional department.

Additional indictments remained sealed, Monday.

Fourth of July parade, fireworks From page – A1 features floats and costumed historical characters such as Uncle Sam, Benjamin Franklin,

etc. Following the parade, entertainment takes place in downtown Lancaster. Concessions are available. This will mark the tenth year the parade has been held.

Electricity for several communities From page – A1 power line from Carthage to Lebanon. Current for the line was to be provided from the falls of the Caney Fork River at Rock Island.

A right of way of one hundred feet in width was cleared from Carthage to Lebanon for the new line which included three aluminum lines carrying 44,000 volts of electricity.

Also in April of 1926, the Tennessee Power Company began an extension from Carthage to Gainesboro. The extension included 11,000 volts of electricity on three Number 4 copper wires and furnished electricity to Elmwood, Chestnut Mound, Granville and Gainesboro to Celina, Livingston and Algood.

Construction of a line to New Middleton and Grant was expected to begin in the summer of 1926.

Plans were being devised for the extension of electric lines from Gordonsville to Lancaster and Buffalo Valley.

Also, Monoville was to be connected to Carthage in April of 1926.

Negotiations were taking place for extension of electric lines to Defeated and Difficult.

In February of 1926, Will Burbage, a resident of Carthage, was named manager

of the Carthage Division of the Tennessee Power Company. Burbage succeeded G.B. Shawyer who was promoted to executive of construction of all the company’s plants in the state.

In addition to Carthage and Gordonsville, communities which already had electric power were Hickman, Brush Creek, Riddleton, Dixon Springs, Hartsville, Pleasant Shade and the Macon County communities of Russell Hill, Willette, Red Boiling Springs and Lafayette.

The company was preparing to construct a line from Willette to Gainesboro in Jackson County which meant power to Elmwood and Chestnut Mound.

Singing convention In October of 1926, the county’s third singing convention was held in Carthage.

Professor Carl Dickerson of Pleasant Shade was president of the Smith County Singing Association which sponsored the annual singing convention which was held at the courthouse.

“Singing classes” came from all parts of the county to be a part of the event which began at 9 a.m. and continued through the day.

One of the features of the convention was the Smith County Radio String Band which included Rob King, T.K. Ford, Ernest Grisham and others.

Bridge opens next Wednesday From page – A1 transportation department awarded the reconstruction contract to Mid-State Construction Company of Livingston, low bidder for the project at $9.5 million.

Initially, the bridge reconstruction project was

scheduled to be completed in November of 2013.

The contractor was given an extension on the project several months ago.

The color of the bridge, silver, was selected by the Carthage City Council.

The council had the option

of silver or blue.

Silver was the original color of the bridge.

After being closed several times for inspection from the summer of 2007 until December (2007), the bridge has been barricaded since December 13 of 2007.

A Special Section Honoring an Historical Smith County Landmark ---------------The Cordell Hull Memorial Bridge

A Prize-Winning Newspaper

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Volume 102 Number 27-USPS No. 092-180

g Tennessee 37030 Carthage,

32 pages

July 3, 2014

Single Copy 75¢

After 2,393 Days...

COME ON

OVER

SOUTH CARTHAGE

SAV-WAY

G a Carthage p e h t t o g S n i a v g ings Brid Only 1½ Miles Away after July 2nd

58 Cookeville Hwy • Carthage, TN • 615-735-9200 | Monday - Saturday 6:30 A.M.- 9 PM • Sunday 7 AM - 8 PM

2 CORDELL HULL MEMORIAL BRIDGE CARTHAGE COURIER JULY 3, 2014

Cordell Hull Bridge opens Wait finally over for restoration of historic structure

By Eddie West Staff Writer

After being closed for more than six years, transportation officials have determined the Cordell Hull Bridge will open to traffic following a ceremony set for Wednesday (July 2).

A ceremony including a ribbon cutting is set for 2 p.m. Immediately following the ceremony, the bridge will be open for pedestrians, according to a release from the Smith County Chamber of Commerce.

The bridge will open to traffic at 6 p.m.

Representatives from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, state and local legislators and officials are expected to take part in the ceremony planned for the Carthage side of the bridge.

The reconstruction contract ended June 30 when all work was completed.

Final stages have included completing painting, paving approaches to the bridge, installing lighting and final steel work.

The color of the bridge, silver, was selected by the Carthage City Council who also had an option of the color blue.

Silver was the original color of the bridge.

Installation of electrical/lighting, lattice work and a general cleaning took place as final stages of the reconstruction project, according to Jensen, noting final work is “weather dependent”.

In August of 2011, the transportation department awarded the reconstruction contract to

JENNIFER BUSH / COURIER

Mid-State Construction Company of Livingston, low bidder for the project at $9.5 million.

Initially, the bridge reconstruction project was scheduled to be completed in November of 2013.

The contractor was given an extension on the project several months ago.

After being closed several times for inspection from the summer of 2007 until December 2007, the bridge has been barricaded since December 13 of 2007.

Before being barricaded, the bridge was inspected by state engineers for several hours on December 10 and December 11 (2007).

When barricaded, transportation officials initially said the bridge would be closed for a seven day inspection.

Transportation officials later said the bridge was undergoing a 30 day review, during which time a decision would be made as to whether the bridge

would reopen or be closed indefinitely.

Transportation officials determined the bridge was in need of extensive repair work and remained closed.

According to the transportation department, the inspection revealed significant deterioration to the bridge’s steel truss, spans and connections.

The project has included removing and replacing the bridge’s concrete deck, replacement of bridge rails, repairs to various steel sections of the bridge, bearing replacement and repairs to bridge piers.

Prior to the December 2007 closing of the bridge, in July of 2007, the structure was temporarily closed for a few days during an inspection by state transportation engineers.

The bridge was temporarily closed for a few days again in November of the same year.

The bridge opened in 1936.

New look for a . . .

very, very old friend . . .

EDDIE WEST / COURIER

JULY 3, 2014

CARTHAGE COURIER CORDELL HULL MEMORIAL BRIDGE 3

Remembering . . .

WHEN BRIDGE FIRST OPENED The Cordell Hull Bridge first opened on Thursday, May 14, 1936. Here’s how the opening was recalled in a Courier article.

“Thursday, May 14 was a great day for Carthage and for Smith County.

That was the day on which the new two hundred thousand dollar bridge across the Cumberland River at Carthage was thrown open to traffic.

The bridge has been under construction nearly two years and though it has been open to traffic, R.B. Culbertson, the engineer in charge of the work, says the finishing touches will not be completed until about the first of August. The finishing work includes the polishing of the piers and other concrete portions and the painting.

Mr. Culbertson has furnished the Carthage Courier with some very interesting figures as to the amount of material used in the bridge as follows: cement—31,283 bags; reinforcing steel 521,108 pounds; structural steel 1,492,478 pounds; gravel—8,665,391 pounds; sand—5,849,921 pounds.

The actual cost of the structure was $199,083.39.

The contractors were Vincennes Bridge Company of Vincennes, Indiana.

The sub-contractors were: R.E. Martin, Nashville grading; G.M. Nichols, Knoxville, handrails; Backham Painting Corporation, Chicago, painting.

The general superintendent of construction was J.H. Moon, later succeeded by Luther Shoemake. Most of the labor was employed locally or in Smith County.

The engineering force was composed of Mr. Culbertson, who, by the way, is one of the best in the state, assisted by N.H. Hickerson, instrument man; Ben Drake, Sidney Harper and Newman Porter, rod men.

The bridge has been appropriately named in honor of Secretary of State Cordell Hull. The naming of the bridge was done by a special act of the Legislature.

This Act was sponsored

by Representative I.D. Beasley.

Truly, this new bridge does come as a great blessing to Smith County. It was a great day back in 1908 when the fi rst bridge was built at Carthage, eliminating the ferry across the Cumberland River. Though the first bridge was built as a toll bridge and remained a toll bridge until 1927 when it was purchased

by Smith County and the state highway department and opened to the public, it was a great improvement over the ferry system.

In the days of 1908, there were no automobiles or heavy trucks in use on the highways and the bridge at that time was built for horse and buggy and wagon traffic and served well. After the innovation of the automobiles and trucks, the general increase of transportation across the Cumberland River at

Carthage became a serious matter to those most concerned because no one knew just how long the old bridge would stand the heavy strain.

But through the good graces of Governor Hill McAlister and his state highway department and the federal authorities, this critical situation at Carthage has been taken care of by the construction of a modern, new free bridge that will serve all purposes for years to come.

The people, not only of Carthage, but in all parts of Smith County are indeed grateful for this new bridge. This gratitude on the part of the people will be demonstrated with a big celebration in the near future. Such celebration will be held at such time as Secretary of State Cordell Hull, Governor McAlister and others instrumental in its construction can be present.

From the above, it is to be seen that Carthage and Smith County have had three great days on which to rejoice in connection with the transportation problem across the Cumberland River at Carthage. First, in 1908 when the toll bridge supplanted the ferryboat; second, in 1927 when the toll bridge was made a free bridge; third, in 1936 when the old and inadequate bridge was replaced with the present modern new bridge.

The approach of the new bridge on the Carthage side is at the old Benton McMillin home on South Main Street and the other approach is on the highest point

Various postcards from the Cordell Hull Bridge.

of U.S. Highway 24 (State Route 70), under the bluff and pad passes directly over where the Tennessee Central Railroad Company depot formerly stood. The depot has been removed to the forks of Highway No. 24 and the Gordonsville Road in South Carthage, near Waggoner’s

Store.

This bridge not only serves a vast number of people on the south side of the county who wish to come to their county seat and the numbers on this side of the county who want to go to the other side, but it connects two of the state’s main highways, No. 24

and No. 25.

The old bridge is being taken down and stored for use by the county.

After-all, Smith County is making much progress and the people should be, and are, happy over their handsome new free bridge.”

HISTORICAL GEM . . .

Overlooked until state closure

By Eddie West Staff Writer

It’s one of the county’s most historically significant structures, perhaps ranking second only to the county courthouse, but the Cordell Hull Bridge was overlooked for years.

Maybe because the bridge played such a vital role in the county’s modern infrastructure (highway system), its historical importance was overshadowed.

Efforts to have the bridge placed on the National Register of Historic Places did not begin until after the bridge had been closed due to structural deficiencies and its future clouded with uncertainty.

In December of 2007, the bridge was closed to traffic by the state’s transportation department.

It was not until November of 2009 the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

On November 20 of 2009, the bridge was added to the register.

The county has 12 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the bridge was next to last to be added.

When there was a possibility the historic structure would be torn down, residents of the community began pondering its demise.

Smith County without the Cordell Hull Bridge?

The thought caused many who look to future rather than the past to cringe.

Carthage resident and local historian Sue Maggart Petty was assigned the duty of filing appropriate paperwork to submit to the organization.

Dixonia, located on Highway 25 in Dixon Springs, was added in July of 1973; Dixon Springs District (downtown) was added in February of 1975; James Bradley House, located in the Dixon Springs community, was added in September of 1978; Smith County Courthouse was added in April of 1979; Cullum Mansion, located in Car-

Bridge work EDDIE WEST/COURIER

(Right) Bridge down to the steel frame on the South Carthage side. (Below) Workers reconstructing bridge.

Other entries include:

thage, was added in January of 1983; Davis-Hull (Cordell Hull) House was added in January of 1983; Carthage United Methodist Church was added in July of 1985; Rome Ferry in Rome was added in December of 1986; Fite-Williams-Ligon House, located in Carthage, was added in July of 2003; Battery Knob Earthworks, a Civil War site where trenches were dug for soldiers guarding Carthage during the war (located on the hill behind Riverview Regional Medical Center) was added in November of 2003; Fortified town at the mouth of Dixon Creek-Beasley Mounds was added in July of 2010;

4 CORDELL HULL MEMORIAL BRIDGE CARTHAGE COURIER JULY 3, 2014

Bridge restoration photos by Eddie West, Jennifer Bush

JULY 3, 2014

CARTHAGE COURIER CORDELL HULL MEMORIAL BRIDGE 5

Pathway to the Past

Cordell Hull Bridge Restoration

TIMELINE 2007

The Cordell Hull Bridge pictured from the South Carthage side leading to downtown Carthage.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Cordell Hull Bridge Overview

STRUCTURALLY, the Cordell Hull Bridge is what is known as a steel truss bridge. A truss bridge is one whose load-bearing superstructure is composed of a truss, a triangular arrangement of members that distributes compressive and tensile forces in a pattern determined by the specific design of the truss. Truss bridges are one of the oldest types of what are classified as modern bridges. A truss bridge is economical to construct because it uses materials efficiently. Specifically, the bridge is a three span continuous through truss. A truss is framework of beams which creates support. The nature of a truss allows the analysis of the structure using a few assumptions and the application of Newton’s laws of motion according to the branch of physics known as statics. For purpose of analysis, trusses are assumed to be pin jointed where the straight components meet.

This assumption means members of the truss (chords, verticals and diagonals) will act only in tension or compression.

The Cordell Hull Bridge is what is known as a “through truss” bridge, meaning the truss members are both above and below the roadbed. A bridge with the roadbed atop the truss is a “deck truss’ bridge. A bridge where the sides extend above the roadbed but are not connected is a pony truss or half-through truss bridge.

JULY—Bridge temporarily closed for a day.

Transportation officials say it was closed for a routine inspection.

AUGUST—Bridge temporarily closed two days after bridge of similar construction collapsed in Minnesota. Transportation department officials says it is conducting a routine inspection of the bridge.

SEPTEMBER—Bridge is temporarily closed again for routine inspection by the state’s transportation department.

NOVEMBER—Bridge temporarily closed for inspection by the transportation department for inspection.

DECEMBER—Bridge is closed for inspection on December 13. Transportation officials say bridge could reopen after inspection. The bridge remains closed at the end of the December.

2008

JANUARY—As inspections continue, transportation officials say the bridge could still reopen.

By the end of the month, transportation officials say the bridge has 10 significant deficiencies and it can not be reopened without structural problems being corrected. Future of the bridge is very much in doubt.

JUNE—State transportation officials announce a New York based firm would be hired to inspect the bridge and pin-point deficiencies and how they can be corrected.

OCTOBER—New York company examined the bridge to produce estimate of repair costs and list deficiencies.

NOVEMBER—Announcement was made of a meeting which would be held on December 4 to reveal findings of the New York company.

DECEMBER—Problems and estimated costs of repairs are revealed. The estimated cost to repair the bridge is $12 million. Because of repair costs, the bridge remains in jeopardy. However the state has spent excessive funds in studying and inspecting the bridge which means the project could move forward.

2009

Cordell Hull

alternately inverted equilateral triangle shaped spaces along with its length, ensuring that no individual strut, beam or tie is subject to bending or torsional straining forces, but only to tension and compression. Length of largest span is 315.9 feet. Total length of bridge is 1,412.1 foot. Bridge deck width is 23.9 feet. Vertical clearance of above deck is 15.4 feet.

SOME FACTS about the bridge constructed from 1934-1936:

THE BRIDGE was constructed and —A total of 31,283 bags of cement opened for traffic in May of 1936. Conwere used. struction took almost two years. An ap—A total of 521,108 pounds of reinproximate one million dollar renovation forcing steel were used. to the bridge took place in 1992.

—A total of 1,492,478 pounds of DIMENSIONS (when first constructural steel were used. structed) and bridge style—The main —A total of 8,665,391 pounds of span is a three span continuous truss whose central span is a 318-foot Park- gravel were used.

—A total of 5,849,921 pounds of er-K trough truss flanked on each end with a 144.5 foot Warren deck truss. A sand were used.

Parker truss is a Pratt truss design (in—The bridge were constructed at a cludes vertical members and diagonals cost of $199,083.39. A total of $200,000 that slope down towards the center) with was allotted for construction. a polygonal upper chord. A ‘Camelback” —One person was killed while conis a subset of the Parker type, where the struction was taking place. The man was upper chord consists of exactly five segstruck by a piece of lumber which fell. ments. In reference to the “Warren deck truss”, the Warren truss was patented APPROXIMATELY 7,600 vehicles in 1848 by its designers, James Warren crossed the bridge on a daily average and Willoughby Theobald Monzani, and when it was closed in December of 2007. consists of longitudinal members joined Compiled by Eddie West only by angled cross members, forming

JANUARY—Courier runs front page editorial on January 29 as to why Cordell Hull Bridge should be reconstructed. Copies of the newspaper are dispersed on Capitol Hill in Nashville.

APRIL—Residents are urged to write state legislators in support of Cordell Hull Bridge.

Cordell Hull Bridge rehabilitation project makes 2010-2012 transportation department list, however funding remains in question. Bridge undergoes more inspections by the transportation department.

JULY—State budget approved, but funding for the Cordell Hull Bridge not secured.

2010

MAY—Cordell Hull Bridge included on transportation department’s list of projects. Funding remains in question.

OCTOBER—Funding for reconstruction of bridge becomes issue in fall of 2010 election as reconstruction has not started and funds have yet to be secured. The state’s department of transportation’s policy is to pay for projects as they are developed instead of borrowing funds.

2011

MARCH—Announcement comes from state’s transportation department reconstruction of the Cordell Hull Bridge could start as early as summer.

MAY—Funding for Cordell Hull Bridge in state transportation budget.

AUGUST—Contractors bid on bridge project first of month. Mid-State Construction Company of Livingston low bidder at $9.5 million.

Reconstruction on bridge began in the fall of 2011 with the projected completion date as fall of 2013. The contractor moved equipment to bridge site, but little work was done at first.

2012

JANUARY—Reconstruction work continues.

NOVEMBER—Transportation department grants contractor an extension for reconstruction project until June 30 of 2014.

2014

JANUARY—Reconstruction continues. Most concrete work completed. Painting continues.

JULY—Bridge reopens on July 2.

6 CORDELL HULL MEMORIAL BRIDGE CARTHAGE COURIER JULY 3, 2014

How Cordell Hull Bridge came to exist

By Eddie West Staff Writer In order to learn about the Cordell Hull Bridge as it is today, one must look at how the structure came to be.

Before a bridge was constructed across the Cumberland River in Carthage, a ferryboat operated along the waterway.

At the time, horse and buggy or wagons were the main mode of transportation.

Opening in 1908, a privately owned toll bridge was the first structure to span the Cumberland River at Carthage.

In 1927, the toll bridge was purchased by the state government and made a free crossing.

By the 1930s, the aging structure, which was referred to as the Carthage Bridge, had become outdated and falling into a state of disrepair.

Automobiles were replacing horse and buggies and wagons.

A local movement began to have the bridge replaced.

By the mid-1930s, Carthage resident Cordell Hull was a prominent figure in Washington D.C., holding the position of Secretary of State.

Through the secretary of state’s efforts, in 1934, funds were approved for a new bridge in Carthage through the National Industrial Recovery Act. THOSE BEHIND THE MOVEMENT Carthage Attorney H.B. McGinness and others from Carthage met with Governor Hill McAlster to ask for appropriating funds for a new bridge. The governor agreed a new bridge was needed.

The next step was securing funding from Washington D.C. The federal road department “did not look upon the proposition with much favor, insisting road funds should be used for road purposes and not for building a bridge”, according to an article which appeared in the Courier. Secretary Hull, familiar with the community’s needs, “interceded and it was then the federal authorities permitted funds to be appropriated for the erection of a new bridge”.

CORE DRILLING FOR BRIDGE In June of 1934, the state highway department announced the contract for drilling the core for the Cordell Hull Bridge had been awarded to the Kentucky based company Diamond Drilling Company.

In August of 1934, the Diamond Core Drilling Company, which had been contracted for making the “sounding” (drilling holes) for the Cordell Hull Bridge, had completed its work.

The drilling took approximately four weeks.

Approximately ninety holes were drilled on each side of the river and some in the river’s channel.

The holes were drilled through the soil surface to a rock bed.

The type of rock was studied for stability purposes.

ACT OF CONGRESS In order for the core drilling to begin, permits had to be obtained by the state’s department of highways and public works from the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads and the War Department.

An act of Congress is required for construction of a bridge over a navigable stream. The passage of such an act for the bridge at Carthage was secured months prior to construction or the project being bid.

Plans for the bridge had to be approved by the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads.

Drilling for structures such as bridges had to be done in the bed of the river where the piers are built, not only on solid rock but thirty feet deep in the rock.

Also, the U.S. War Department held a public hearing for the proposed bridge.

A representative from the department came to Carthage and held a “sort it out” hearing where all interests, particularly in regards to the Cumberland River navigation interests, were given an opportunity to present any objections to the construction of a bridge.

If any objections are made or if they are made and either adjusted or over-ruled, the project will have reached the point of advertising for bids for the construction of the bridge.

PROJECT BID, CONTRACT AWARDED The next phase of the bridge project was for engineers to design the bridge which would be advertised for bid. This came after core drilling had been completed and a federal hearing.

In October of 1934, the state’s department of highways and public works advertised the bridge project to be bid.

The contract set certain wages for workers. The minimum wage paid to all skilled labor employed as part of the project was 75 cents per hour.

The minimum wage paid to all intermediate grade labor employed as part of the project was 45 cents and for all unskilled labor was 30 cents per hour.

The Cordell Hull Bridge was awarded to the Vincennes Bridge Company of Vincennes, Indiana, in the late fall.

Frank L. Oliphant, John P. Oliphant and Jacob L. Riddle incorporated the Vincennes Bridge Company in 1898 for the purpose of fabricating structural steel for bridges.

Until the 1920s, the firm’s work consisted primarily of small I-beam spans and pony truss bridges.

Although the company undertook jobs in 27 states, it primarily constructed bridges in Illinois and Indiana.

The firm changed its name in 1932 to the Vincennes Steel Corporation.

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION During the first week in December of 1934, machinery required for construction of the bridge was unloaded from freight cars. The machinery included derricks, steam shovels, concrete mixers, etc.

The first few weeks were spent readying equipment for construction.

Here’s a description of work which appeared in a February 1935 Courier article.

“In recent weeks, the bridge builders constructed a large conveying cable across the river, the ends of the cable being attached to tall and massive steel towers on each side of the stream.

This steel cable, which is capable of carrying a load

of several tons, is used to convey materials to be used in the bridge construction wherever desired. The contraptions, someone has said, greatly resembles the old water telegraph system, which was operated by a wire being strung from the residence upon the hill down to the spring in the hollow, and the water bucket caused to travel to and from the spring on the wire by use of a small cord and windlass. The piling is being driven and much other preparation is being made for the construction of the bridge foundation.”

In the May 30, 1935 edition of the Courier an article read: “The new bridge that is being erected across the Cumberland River at Carthage is now beginning to take form.

Last Tuesday, the first steel was placed in the structure.

This work began on the west end, and on that side of the river the peers are completed from the highway to the river’s edge, and no doubt steel will be placed this distance within the next few days. At present the contractors are completing the piers from the east bank to Main Street in Carthage, there being several of these. Also, at times, workmen are preparing the coffer dam for the construction of the pier that is to be placed out in the river several feet from the west bank. It is already to be seen this new bridge is going to be tall and handsome and one of the greatest improvements that has come to Smith County in a very, very long time.”

BRIDGE IS NAMED In August of 1935, (as construction was taking place) approval was given for the bridge to be named the Cordell Hull Bridge. An act was introduced to the General Assembly in Nashville by state Representative I.D. Beasley (Smith County native) and passed by state legislators approving the naming. In addition to being Secretary of State, Hull was a former captain in the Spanish American War, a former congressman from the Fourth Congressional District. The state legislature directed a plate or marker to be placed on the structure with its new name. Hull was noted as one

of the nation’s leading statesmen at this time.

WORK ON BRIDGE PROGRESSING In December of 1935, workers were installing a long span across the Cumberland River. The span was 318 feet and was “high enough for steamboats to pass under at the highest water mark. To be exact, the clearance is 91 feet at the low water mark and 40 feet on a high tide”.

The location of the bridge is 308 miles from the mouth of the Cumberland River which empties into the Ohio River.

The following Courier article describes what workers faced: “Work on the Carthage bridge is just as hazardous as on the large ones. Workmen have to climb about and over the steel work like squirrels hopping from limb to limb in the tree tops.

One of the workmen explains to be a bridge builder you have to be sure-footed, have a non-swimming head, a strong back and a mind weak enough not to see danger.

Also, you have to know how to shoot and catch red hot bolts just like boys playing marbles. All this work is carried on with the rattling music of the jackhammer or riveting machine.”

Work on the Cordell Hull Bridge was completed and opened to traffic in May of 1936.

TEARING DOWN THE OLD BRIDGE When the Cordell Hull Bridge opened to traffic in 1936, the old bridge (one time toll bridge) was torn down. The bridge was dismantled and parts were salvaged for use on rural bridges.

In June of 1936, the last and main span of the old bridge was “pulled down”.

“Tons of steel were pulled off the piers and the mass fell into the water. Now the contractors are engaged in taking the structure apart and the pieces are being stored for use by the county,” a Courier article described.

Several hundred people stood on the Cordell Hull Bridge and watched the span fall.

The old bridge stood for almost 30 years.

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

(Left) Workers restore steel on bridge. (Top) Workers jackhammer old concrete.

JULY 3, 2014

CARTHAGE COURIER CORDELL HULL MEMORIAL BRIDGE 7

Restoring county’s historical icon photos by Eddie West

8 CORDELL HULL MEMORIAL BRIDGE CARTHAGE COURIER JULY 3, 2014

CORDELL HULL BRIDGE Editorial Carthage Courier

An Enduring Symbol Restoration of historic structure embodies the vision of Smith County’s very own & renowned world leader An industrialized society as we live in today places a premium on modernization which often translates into demolition reigning supreme over preservation.

Such a philosophy often results in the hasty casting aside of that which may be of historical significance or serve a meaningful economic purpose.

Historically significant structures and vistas are often discarded or eliminated from existence to make way for modern thoroughfares, buildings, various developments or a simple asphalt parking lot.

Pieces of our communities, cities, counties and nation are forever lost from viewing and can no longer be experienced.

Generations who follow can only research what is lost in our past from pages of books.

Missing is the often emotional impressions, ranging from awe inspiring to melancholy, which can be experienced through witnessing.

Bridges are built, leading to the downtown areas of cities throughout the country, because of their economical importance.

The location of the Cordell Hull Bridge in relation to economics of our community is self-explanatory and by all means argue this point

simply as a means of crossing a freeflowing body of water.

Numerous buildings, facilities and 47th United States agencies in the mid-state area bear the Secretary of State name of the honorable Cordell Hull.

The longest serving However, there is no greater symbol in U.S. Secretary of State — the state which immortalizes Tennessee’s holding the position for 11 years greatest statesman than the Cordell Hull (1933-1944) in the administration of Bridge.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt Here is where eyes should be opened. during much of World War II This state has produced three presidents Received Nobel Peace Prize in 1945 for his role in and at least one vice president, in addition establishing the United Nations and was referred to by to other noted regional and national President Roosevelt as the leaders.

“Father of the United Nations”.

Cordell Hull’s legacy (body of work), arguably, rises above that of these alone as reason enough for the bridge to have individuals because his contributions to the world been restored. continues today in epic proportions.

However, when analyzing why the Cordell Hull By any standards, the millions of dollars Bridge should have been reconstructed, there needed to reconstruct the Cordell Hull Bridge is a is one argument for the structure to be restored substantial sum of money. which rises well above economics—history.

However, years after his death, we feel this sum Sometimes eyes are blinded by modernization pales in comparison to the contributions Cordell and have to be opened to that which cannot be Hull made to our town of Carthage, our county seen. of Smith, our state of Tennessee and our nation The Cordell Hull Bridge is not another structure known as the United States of America and to the which simply links two river banks. world.

Through the years, millions of individuals The goal of the United Nations is to bring have crossed the north countries together to fight poverty, work for peace and south banks of and harmony and enhance relationships between the Cumberland countries.

River by way Cordell Hull played such an immense role of the Cordell in creating the United Nations, Carthage was Hull Bridge, considered to be the location for the world agency. viewing Through his work in helping to found the United the aging Nations, Cordell Hull envisioned an agency which structure would bridge countries of the world.

When eyes are opened, a bridge serves a greater purpose than a simple passage connecting two divided bodies of land. A bridge fills a void to connect that which is separated.

The United Nations looks to unite countries of the world by building bridges between its governments.

What better symbol to represent Cordell Hull’s legacy than a bridge which he envisioned.

Smith County is home to the Cordell Hull Dam and the Cordell Hull Lake, both of which were constructed years after the Tennessee statesman’s death and named in his honor.

The Cordell Hull Bridge was a project which the former secretary of state worked to secure funds to construct — for our county and our state.

Like the United Nations, it is an actual piece of his body of work, conceived while he was serving under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, leaving no doubt the Cordell Hull Bridge should have been restored to the majestic state it is today.

Cordell Hull

Since his death, Cordell Hull has never stopped contributing to society by his efforts to establish the United Nations and other works including the Cordell Hull Bridge, a vital economic component to this area.

Some may argue the cost to reconstruct a bridge built in the 1930s is an act of “throwing good money after bad” which is not always the case.

For instance, some states maintain pre-Civil War era bridges which remain functional and serve a vital role in their communities.

Now that the reconstruction has been completed, the Cordell Hull Bridge will remain a legacy for its namesake and continue to have a positive economic impact on our community.

BUILT MAY 14, 1936

—

RESTORED

JULY 2, 2014

THIS ISSUE:

10 Yard Sales 11 Help Wanted 239 Real Estate Listings 5 Auctions

A Prize-Winning Newspaper

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Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 102 Number 27-USPS No. 092-180July 3, 2014

INSIDE ...

Where’s Scoop?

Entry Form, Contest Rules & Last Week’s Winner . . . . . . . . A4

Sports

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

House, barn destroyed in busy week for fi res

By Eddie West Staff Writer Firemen managed to extinguish a blaze at Dana Corporation without major damage.

A fi re alarm sounded at the fa-

Game To Collegiate Level. . . . B1

cility shortly after noon, Saturday.

The fi re was located in a paint room of the factory.

Gordonsville Fire Chief Jerry Craighead said the fi re ignited in a paint filter.

A water sprinkler was activated,

helping to extinguish some of the fl ames before firemen arrived on the scene.

Firemen used fire extinguishers to put out remaining flames.

Craighead estimated the fire was extinguished within approx-

imately 30 minutes after arrival of fire units.

There was no one inside the factory when firemen arrived on the scene.

See Dana A6

Residents can view bridge up close Staff Writer

GHS Standout Taking

Single Copy 75¢

Dana blaze extinguished

By Eddie West

Cumberland Inks Vaden

32 pages

Residents will have a rare opportunity to view the newly renovated Cordell Hull Bridge up close.

A ceremony, which is expected to include Commissioner of Transportation John Schroer, as

well as local and state government representatives, is scheduled to take place on the Carthage side of the bridge beginning at 2 p.m., Wednesday.

Following the ceremony, the bridge will remain closed to motorists until 6 p.m., according to the chamber of commerce.

During this period, residents can walk across the bridge, take photos, etc.

The bridge is of interest to many.

On Saturday, eighty-four year old Glenn B. Grisham, a Smith County native who now lives in Wilson County, walked across the newly restored bridge for the first

time since his youth. A Korean War veteran, Grisham grew up in South Carthage and often walked across the bridge to get to Carthage.

“He said he would like to walk across it one more time before they opened it for traffic,” said his son, Eric Grisham, who drove his father here from Lebanon.

Craighead Signs With Vol State Basketball . . . . . . . . B1

News Law Enforcement Finds Marijuana Plants, Stolen Items . . . . . . . . A10

By Eddie West

Lancaster

Staff Writer

Fourth Of July Parade Scenes . . . . . . . . . . . . A8

Briefly HOLIDAY CLOSING COURIER The Courier newspaper office will be closed Friday for the July 4 holiday. Deadlines will remain the same.

RED CROSS CARTHAGE The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the Carthage Community Center (Upper Ferry Road) from noon until 6 p.m., Monday (July 7).

Auctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8, B12 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6-B12 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Mildred Gibbs Wilma Porter

Public Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-B2

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Relay For Life held Director of schools in office A new director of schools took office Tuesday.

New Middleton resident Barry Smith becomes the second director of schools appointed by the county’s school board.

Roger Lewis’ tenure as director of schools came to an end Monday.

Lewis, who announced in January Barry Smith he would be retiring at the end of the fiscal year, June 1, took office as director of schools on September 1, 2000.

Lewis’ retirement came unexpectedly as he was in the middle of a three year contract.

Smith, the former Smith County High

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

A youth is pulled in a wagon decorated for the kids parade at Saturday’s Relay For Life. The theme for this year’s event was “carnival of hope”.

See Smith A6

Hickman reunion; Emmanuel House event

By Eddie West Staff Writer While the Fourth of July is noted for backyard family barbecues/cookouts, fireworks and family outings at the lake, there will be plenty of alternative activities taking place Friday.

The inaugural Hickman Ice Cream Party and Community Reunion will be held on the square in Hickman.

Families and friends are expected to begin gathering at 6 p.m.

Organizers are asking residents to bring old photographs and their memories to share with those in attendance.

Hickman residents Clarence and Mary Etta Nixon will be honored guests at the event.

The couple are the former owners of Nixon-Paschall General Merchandise Store where hand-dipped ice cream was severed for three

generations.

The event will feature plenty of ice cream and memorabilia.

Also Friday, at the agriculture center in South Carthage a fund-raising event for Emmanuel House featuring activities and concessions will be held.

The event, which takes place from 4-9 p.m., ends with a fireworks display.

Federal loan awarded in South Carthage assisted living project

Harper seeking utility board seat

Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) recently received a $1,360,000 Rural Economic Development Loan from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development.

These loan funds will pass through UCEMC to an ultimate recipient, Carthage Assisted Living LLC, to help fund the conversion of a 41,000 square feet vacant hospital building into an assisted living facility.

Election next month

Carthage Assisted Living LLC saw an opportunity to meet area demand for an assisted living facility and with the assistance of a zero interest USDA loan passed through UCEMC, an intermediary lender, they were able to do so.

With additional private funds, Carthage Assisted Living LLC will be renovating a vacant 41,000 square feet hospital/medical offi ce building complex located

SOUTH CARTHAGE

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west of Carthage along state highway 70.

The ultimate loan recipient, Carthage Assisted Living LLC, will be converting the existing building into a state of the art 43 bed assisted living facility with a new 1,200 square feet dining room area.

Plans are for the facility to have 20 studio type apartments, 21 one bedroom apartments, and one two bedroom

See Federal A6

“I, Joey Harper, would like to announce my candidacy for Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation Board of Directors from UCEMC’s District One.”

Joey Harper

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Presenting News And Views From around Smith County Volume 102 Number 28-USPS No. 092-180July 10, 2014

Carthage, Tennessee 37030

24 pages

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Man faces child abuse charges Several sealed indictments returned by grand jury

Election Sample Ballot B6 - B7

By Eddie West Staff Writer A Carthage man has been indicted on child abuse charges.

Kenta Grooms, 26, faces seven counts of aggravated child abuse.

A sealed indictment was returned charging Grooms during a special session of the grand jury in June.

INSIDE ...

The indictment alleges Grooms “did knowingly, other than by accidental means, treat the victim, a child of eight years of age or less in such a manner as to inflict injury and the act of abuse resulted in serious bodily injury to the child”.

The alleged incidents took place from January 15 through April 30.

Bond for Grooms was set at

$75,000.

Grooms is to make an initial court appearance on August 15.

The case was investigated by sheriff’s department Detective Chris Jenkins.

Other sealed indictments include: Paul Timothy Wright, 46, Cookeville, was indicted for

theft of property between $1,000$10,000. Investigators allege Wright took a 2001 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck owned by Joseph Boyd. Bond was set at $5,000.

The case was investigated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s CID Trooper Randy Crain.

See Sealed Indictments A9

Residents, young & old, stroll across revamped bridge

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Entry Form, Contest Rules & Last Week’s Winner . . . . . . . . A7

Sports 12U All-Stars

Blast Their Way To Tourney Sweep, 3-0. . . .

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Purple Pride Caravan Makes Stop At Carthage Walmart . . . . . . . B1

News Solid Waste

EDDIE WEST/COURIER

Reveals No Signifi cant

Two youth look over the edge of the Cordell Hull Bridge as pedestrians walk along the bridge, Wednesday afternoon. Additional photos inside.

Shortfalls; Disposal

Rehabilitated bridge opens with fanfare

Fee Talks Continue . . . . . . . . A10

78 Years Later . . .

Glenn B. Grisham Walks Cordell Hull Bridge, Again . . . A6

Briefly

COMMISSION MEETING COUNTY The county commission will meet Monday night (July 14) for its July session. Items on the agenda include: items 1-4 routine; public hearing concerning the footage between a residential dwelling and an establishment that sells beer and alcoholic

See County Page A9 Auctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8, B12 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5-B12 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2, A3 Bob Cowan Gary Grisham Jane Lohman Daisy Ramsey Janie Weyebacher Laura Woodard

Public Notices . . . . . . . . . . . B6, B7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1

By Eddie West Staff Writer Motorists had to wait a little longer than pedestrians to cross the newly revamped Cordell Hull Bridge which had been closed for more than six years.

Hours before last Wednesday’s 2 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony, pedestrians were trekking across the historic structure.

After a brief ceremony, which included Transportation Commissioner John Schroer, the bridge

remained open for pedestrian traffic only until 6 p.m.

A large crowd fi lled the Carthage end of the bridge for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

“This must be special. This is the largest crowd I have ever seen at a bridge opening,” remarked Schroer.

As soon as the ceremony concluded, a fl urry of curious residents, who had bypassed the bridge in their vehicles for more

See Cordell A9

Inmate faces host of charges

By Eddie West Staff Writer An inmate faces vandalism and assault charges following some unruly incidents which occurred behind bars at the county jail.

Jonathan L. Woods, 32, Knoxville, has been indicted on vandalism and assault charges.

Woods was indicted for vandalism between $1,000 and $10,000 for allegedly smearing feces on the walls and floors of an isolation cell and claiming to have hepatitis C. Woods was also indicted for vandalism up to $500 for “slinging all the sandwiches for inmate meals onto the floor”. Bond for Woods on the two charges was set at $10,000.

In an unrelated incident, Woods was indicted on two counts of as-

We are Riverview

Cordell Hull Bridge Facts

(Provided by the Tennessee Department of Transportation) ■ Bridge is one of 50 steel truss bridges in use in Tennessee.

■ Bridge design features a continuous deck truss with riveted construction.

■ Deteriorated steel and concrete resulted in the closing of the bridge.

■ Mid-State Construction was able to save the truss and most of the rivets.

■ As much as 70 percent of the original structure remains, including the substructure and lattice work.

■ The reconstruction project involved 150 workers and 12 subcontractors.

■ A total of 400,000 pounds of rebar were used during reconstruction and 200,000 pounds of new structural steel was installed.

■ A total of 4,000 gallons of paint was used in the project.

sault for allegedly striking another inmate on May 28. Bond on the charge was set at $10,000.

The sealed indictments were returned during a special session of the grand jury held in June.

The cases were presented to the grand jury by sheriffs department corrections Col. Randy Glover with the sheriff’s department correctional department.

Police records show Woods has been incarcerated here since January when he was taken into custody in Gordonsville on charges filed by Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Jeremy Willhite.

Those charges included driving on a revoked license, violation of open container law, manufacture/ delivery/sell of a controlled substance and theft of property.

PRIVATE COMFORT HEAL

Gospel music show added to fair events Fair organizers continue to add events to this year’s annual Smith County Fair.

A bluegrass/country gospel music show will be held on Friday (July 25) night at the agriculture center pavilion, according to County Mayor Michael Nesbitt, a fair volunteer/organizer.

The event will include the Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 35 years ago.

Based in Hendersonville, the Isaacs often perform at the Grand Ole Opry and are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and concert series.

The special concert also includes Wilburn and Wilburn, a duo featuring Smith County native Jonathan Wilburn and son, Jordan.

As their special guest, Wilburn and Wilburn will feature Jonathan’s mother and South Carthage resident Elaine Wilburn.

Jonathan Wilburn formed Wilburn and Wilburn after leaving the

See Gospel A9

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CARTHAGE COURIER A – 9

Cordell Hull Bridge opens after being closed over six years From page – A1 than six years, rushed onto the bridge, some stopping to eye the structure while others viewed the breath-taking scenery.

A man attending the event grabbed one of the numerous American fl ags which lined the entrance to the bridge for the ribbon cutting ceremony and led the procession across the bridge, swaying the fl ag back and forth in the air.

“I will always remember this event,” said 72-yearold Carthage resident Vivan Allen, who was celebrating her birthday. “I have crossed this bridge in my car all these

years, but have never walked across it.”

Because of a medical condition, the Upper Ferry Road resident only half-way traversed the bridge.

“I just wanted to see the forks of the river,” Allen said, who made it safely to the center of the bridge to view the sight of the Caney Fork River merging with the Cumberland.

The transportation department had originally planned for the event to be held in the middle of the bridge, but apparently only notifi ed the media.

Local organizers planned

to stage the event at the Carthage end of the bridge in order to allow room for the crowd.

Tents, sound system and seating were in place by 1 p.m. when two transportation department trucks pulling trailers to stage the event arrived.

A compromise was reached and the ceremony took place where the concrete attached to the pavement.

Throughout the afternoon, parents holding hands with curious youngsters made their way across the bridge.

After a series of inspections, the bridge was closed

in December of 2007.

A routine inspection revealed significant deterioration in the bridge’s steel truss, spans and connections, according to transportation officials.

Repair work on the bridge offi cially began in August of 2011 when Mid-State Construction was awarded a contract to rehabilitate the truss style bridge.

The official reconstruction cost, according to the transportation department, was $9.5 million.

The project included the removal and replacement of the concrete bridge deck in

all truss spans, replacement of the bridge rails for the full length of the bridge and various structural steel repairs and bearing replacements.

Concrete repairs were also made to the bridge piers, ac-

cording to the transportation department, which noted that through blast cleaning and repainting, much of the original structure remains, including the overhead truss, lattice work and countless rivets.

NOW OPEN

County commission to meet Monday night From page – A1 beverages of less than five percent; presentation plaque to the Gordonsville Tigerettes softball team for their accomplishment of winning the 2014 Class 1A state championship; approval of May 12 Smith County Commission meeting minutes; presentation of Budget and Finance Committee meeting minutes (May 13, May 15, May 27, May 29, June 3, June 5, June 12 meetings); presentation of Smith County Agriculture Committee meeting minutes; presentation of Smith County Joint Economic and Community Development meeting minutes; presentation of Solid Waste Committee meeting minutes (June 10, July 1 meetings);

presentation of Smith County Board of Zoning Appeals meeting minutes; presentation of Beer and Alcoholic Beverage Law Study Committee meeting minutes (June 2, June 17, July 14 meetings); presentation of joint meeting of the Smith County Living Committee and Downtowns Committee meeting minutes; notifi cation of over budget on the general fund 101-54610-county coroner/ medical examiner; notifi cation of correction on resolution 05-2014-15 Smith County High Department; presentation of Smith County Veterans Service office report; Resolution No. 07-2014-01-request for support of Amendment 1 on the November 4, 2014 General Election ballot and encouraging support of the

same; Resolution No. 07-2014-02-appointment of Smith County genealogist; Resolution No. 07-2014-03-appointment of Smith County historian; Resolution No. 07-2014-04-appointment of Board of Zoning Appeals members; approval of Smith County Trustee’s year to date cash receipts, disbursement and balances for year ending June 30, 2014; approval of Smith County Circuit Court annual financial report for year ending June 30, 2014; approval of Smith County General Sessions Court annual financial report for year ending June 30, 2014; approval of the Smith County Tennessee audit for year ending June 30, 2013; comp time and overtime report for county employees July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014; election of notaries; adjourn.

DYER

Gospel music show part of this year’s fair From page – A1 popular gospel music group Gold City.

Jonathan and Elaine Wilburn performed with the wellknown southern gospel group The Wilburns for a number of years.

“I have been very fortunate to have grown up listening to

a lot of good gospel music.

The Wilburns have been one of many,” said County Mayor Nesbitt. “Jonathan Wilburn with Wilburn and Wilburn brought Gold City to the Smith County Agriculture Center several years ago with a packed house. Gold City has come back to Smith County twice since then. Great times

Sealed indictments

and great gospel music. Jonathan thought it would be a great addition to the Smith County Fair with some good old gospel music so he was able to put together a deal with the Isaacs for the 2014 Smith County Fair. I am looking forward to some good times and good gospel singing. Way to go Wilburns and thanks for keeping Smith County in your hearts and minds.”

Admission to the event is $10.

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Those attending the event are encouraged to bring their lawn chair.

Fair events will continue beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, July 26 with a fishing contest.

Other events for Saturday include a homemade wine contest, ham, bacon and jowl show, draft horse and mule show and a 4-wheeler rodeo for adults.

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Carnival rides arrive on Monday, July 28.

From page – A1 Robert J. Hickman, Elmwood, 37—one count theft of property between $10,000-$60,000. The indictment alleges Hickman took a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck valued at more than $10,000 but less than $60,000 from Auto Village in Lebanon on May 22, 2012. Bond for Hickman was set at $12,000.

The case was investigated by Tennessee Highway Patrol CID Trooper Randy Crain.

Gary Wayne Thomas, 40, Pleasant Shade—aggravated assault (two counts), reckless endangerment (two counts), assault, resisting arrest. Bond was set at $20,000. The case was presented by sheriff’s department Lt. Dt. Shannon Hunt.

Kenneth L. Hires, 36, Carthage—simple possession of schedule II drug Oxycodone, simple possession of schedule IV drug Alprazolam, simple possession of schedule IV drug Clonazepam. Bond was set at $1,000. The case was presented

by Carthage Police Department’s Lt. Dt. Tommy Profitt.

Rupell Allen Gulley, 24, (address unavailable)—aggravated burglary, theft of property between $500-$1,000. Bond was set at $5,000. Carthage Police Department’s Lt. Dt. Tommy Profitt investigated the case.

Bobby Lee Heady, 20, Carthage—theft of property between $1,000-$10,000. Heady allegedly took a Ford F-150 pick-up truck from John Hayden. Bond was set at $25,000. The case was investigated by sheriff’s department Detective Chris Jenkins.

Richard Lee Stafford, 34, Pleasant Shade—theft of property between $1,000-$10,000. Bond for Stafford was set at $1,500.

The case was presented by Carthage Police Department’s Lt. Dt. Tommy Profitt.

Sary Marie Gulley, (age unavailable), Pleasant Shade—theft of property between $1,000-$10,000. Bond was set at $1,500.

The case was investigated by Carthage Police Department’s Lt. Dt. Tommy Profitt.

Amber Jackson, 18, Carthage—theft of property between $1,000-$10,000. Bond was set at $1,500. The case was presented by Carthage Police Department’s Lt. Dt. Tommy Profitt.

Nicholas Mayberry, 23, Carthage—theft of property between $1,000 and $10,000. Bond was set at $1,500. Case was investigated by the Carthage Police Department’s Lt. Dt. Tommy Profitt.

Nicky Joe Silcox, 41, Carthage—contraband into penal facility. Bond was set at $2,000. The case was investigated by sheriff’s department correctional Col. Randy Glover.

Tyler Shawn Fowler, 19, Carthage—vandalism between $500-$1,000. Bond for Fowler was set at $1,500. Case was presented by sheriff’s department Dt. Chris Jenkins.

Grazyna Warchalowski, 61, Carthage—forgery up to $1,000, passing a forged instrument, theft under $500. Bond was set at $1,000. Lt. Dt. Tommy Profitt investigated the case.

Taylor Williams, 21, Carthage—statutory rape. Bond was set at $1,500. Case presented by sheriff’s department deputy Kevin Dick.

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