Brownsville Radio News Archives

February unemployment data just release for Haywood County
March 31, 2011

The state department of labor and workforce has published new unemployment rate data. The report shows Haywood County’s unemployment rate remains solidly in double-digits and that it rose slightly in February, the month for which the latest data is available.

Haywood County’s unemployment rate is 15.1%, up one-tenth of a percent from January. A year ago the unemployment rate was 17.8%.
Data for surrounding counties;

Lauderdale: 15.9%
Crockett: 13.9%
Hardeman: 13.3%
Fayette and Tipton: 11.6%

Tennessee’s February unemployment rate was 9.6%.

According to the report, the unemployment rate decreased in 57 counties, increased in 26 counties and remained the same in 12 counties.

 

Haywood County and Brownsville see significant population decline
March 25, 2011

Data from the 2010 Census revealed that Haywood County experienced the largest decrease in population of any in the Southwest Regional Economic Development area.

The county suffered a 5.1% decrease, shrinking from 19,797 residents in year 2000 to 18,787 in 2010, a loss of over 1,000 people.
The City of Brownsville also declined in population by 4.2%, going from 10,748 residents in 2000 to 10,292 in 2010.

Tipton, Lauderdale, Fayette, Madison, Crockett, McNairy, and Henderson counties all grew over the past decade, with Fayette showing the largest percentage gain at 33.35 %. Tipton had the largest gains in the number of actual people with the addition of 9,810 residents, bringing the county population to 61,081.

Madison County continues to have the largest overall population in the area with 98,294.

While Gibson County managed a slight overall increase in population, largely due to the explosive growth of Medina, Humboldt lost over a thousand residents during the past decade, more than any listed small town in the area.

Interestingly, Planner Tom Skehan noted that the three fastest growing communities in rural West Tennessee are Tiptonville, Whiteville, and Mason. The common denominator among all three: prisons. Inmate populations are included for purposes of census data in the towns where they are located.

Brownsville planning board condemns houses
March 25, 2011

After dealing with repeated code violations over several years and broken promises by landowners to rectify problems, the Planning Commission decided Thursday to proceed with the demolition of residential properties owned by Florence Ayers at 903 Haywood Street, and by Willie Carney at South Mclemore and Taylor Street.

Carney owns eight buildings at the South McLemore location, and seven of those will be cleared from the land, having been deemed uninhabitable health and safety risks.


Brownville sign ordinance under review
March 25, 2011

The Planning Commission discussed concerns about the blight and clutter of signage along Brownsville’s main corridors.

Blinking signs are not allowed under the current ordinance, but there are few limitations on the size and location of commercial signage in Brownsville. City Building Inspector Jerry McClinton is in the process of compiling a study of sign ordinances in 15 communities in areas around Brownsville for comparison and reevaluation purposes.

The Commission will take the information from the study and make recommendations to the aldermen and the mayor concerning possible changes to the current ordinance.


Brownsville downtown renovation could start soon
March 25, 2011

Mayor Jo Matherne says the Tennessee Department of Transportation has notified her that the low bid for the downtown redevelopment project in Brownsville has been received.

The bid process clears the way for implementation of the plan to improve landscaping and parking around court square.

Brownsville planner Tom Skehan advises strategy
March 25, 2011

Community Principal Planner Tom Skehan of The Tennessee Dept. of Economic and Community Development met with the Brownsville Planning Commission and advised members to devote part of their monthly meeting time to strategic land use planning for the City of Brownsville. Skehan suggested taking demographic information and trends along with existing land use patterns to formulate a strategic plan for the future development of Brownsville.

Questions such as where to locate the central business district, where to locate educational facilities, and residential growth need to be incorporated into future planning.

Brownsville preservation project meeting set
March 25, 2011

City Director of Planning Sharon Hayes noted that the First meeting of the local Steering Committee for the State Downtown Preservation Project would occur on April 6th.

Brownsville was one of only 12 communities chosen statewide by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to provide assistance in the historic preservation and economic development of small towns through this project, which is soon to get underway.

Called meeting of the Brownsville City Board
March 25, 2011

There will be a called City Board Meeting this Tuesday, March 29, at 5:30 P.M. for the purpose of the second public reading of the proposed expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary for Brownsville.

Brownsville On the Move Ready for Next Meeting
March 25, 2011

The Brownsville on the Move planning process, a partnership with the City of Brownsville and the University of Memphis Planning Department will host its next meeting on Saturday, April 2nd from 10 am to 12 pm at the First South Bank Community Center, located on West Main Street.

Over the past two months project members have been soliciting feedback from town residents to learn more about what makes Brownsville great and what needs to happen to make it better. The visioning exercise is part of a six month community-wide input process which will lead to a community-based plan for the future development and growth of Brownsville based on the values identified by residents in surveys, interviews and input meetings.
"We know we've got a good thing here, it's just building on our strengths and letting people know about it," said Mayor Jo Matherne.

Brownsville community members of all ages are invited to come to the next input meeting to hear what residents have been saying so far and learn where we go from here. To learn more about the Brownsville on the Move visit Brownsvilleonthemove.com.




 

Jones steps down as Tomcat coach
March 22, 2011

Director of Schools Marlon King says he will organize a committee — much like he did last fall when searching for a head football coach — to replace Tomcat Basketball Coach Ray Jones.

Jones has coached in the school system for 27 years but told King in a letter he wanted to “retire” from coaching but remain a teacher in the county school system.

Jones has been the Tomcat’s head coach for the last three years and ended this season winning 15 games. The Tomcats placed second in district play and competed at the district level.

King appointed a committee last fall to replace Tomcat football Coach Tim Seymour. The committee recruited Slade Calhoun to the position. King said he would use a similar strategy to replace Jones.


Haywood County Commission approves $50,000 lawsuit settlement
March 22, 2011

The Haywood County Commission unanimously followed the recommendation of Mayor Franklin Smith and County Attorney Michael Banks to settle, by payment of $50,000, a lawsuit filed almost a decade ago by Tawanna Currie against the County and Timothy Rogers.

Based upon allegations of improper conduct by former Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Rogers, Currie won a judgment rendered by Circuit Court Judge Clayburn Peebles which was recently affirmed by the Tennessee Court of Appeals. One of the primary issues at trial and on appeal was whether the county's liability should be limited to the statutorily required Sheriff's bond amount of $25 thousand, instead of the $50,000 award.
The case stems from an incident that occurred in February of 2000.

Attorney Michael Banks noted that the county could appeal to the Supreme Court, but that legal fees involved in litigating at that level weighed heavily in the recommendation to settle. The county will have to pay the entire judgment since the facts of the case were not within the obligations of the bonding company to pay any part of it's $25 thousand contract with the Sheriff.

Personnel hired for Haywood County Criminal Justice complex.
March 22, 2011

In addition to two of the present maintenance men currently working at the courthouse who will perform duties at the Haywood County Criminal Justice Complex, Mayor Franklin Smith sought and obtained Commission approval for the hiring of David Sullivan and Raymond Starks to work at the new facility. As for security personnel, Sheriff Melvin Bond has hired Clarence Delk to fill the position of courtroom bailiff previously approved by the commission; and there will be four part time employees at the metal detector entrance working the equivalent of one full time, five-day position over the course of each week.


Haywood County Criminal Justice Complex under budget
March 22, 2011

Mayor Smith presented a cost summary prepared by Henson Construction Services referencing budgeted costs as well as current and projected expenditures on the new Justice Complex. The Henson figures contrasted the $11,370,100 budget for the construction of the facility with the projected final cost of $10,570,147, indicating the final tally to be about $800,000 under budget. Those figures do not include land and building acquisition costs. Coupled with other contingent budgeted items that did not materialize, the total amount under budget will exceed $1 million according to Mayor Smith.
There will be an open house on Friday, April 1, from 3 to 6 p.m.


Governor nixes Haywood solar farm related projects
March 22, 2011

Governor Bill Haslam has put state funding for the destruction and relocation of a bridge as well as for the construction of a visitor’s center associated with the solar farm on hold.

Mayor Franklin Smith reported that he has been in discussions with the Governor about these projects and indicated the Governor will revisit the issues before making a final decision. Since education of the public about the advantages of solar power is one of the goals of the solar farm project, Mayor Smith sees the visitor center as vital to achievement of the educational goals.


Haywood commissioners discuss school reorganization.

The Commission discussed a plan recently proffered by Haywood County Supt. of Schools Marlon King to realign student bodies to different locations for the upcoming school year.

The plan calls for placing first through third graders at Haywood Elementary; fourth and fifth graders at Sunny Hill; with sixth, seventh, and eighth graders at a middle school located at the present junior high facility. Alternative school students, justice academy students, and students above normal high school age would attend at Anderson School. The plan has not been adopted but is currently under review.

Poole appointed to Haywood County Beer Board
March 22, 2011

To replace retiring member Nelson Cunningham, the Commission voted to appoint Cherrie Poole to the Beer Board. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Robert Green, Mayor Smith stated that as far as he knew there were no time limitations on appointments, which prompted the suggestion that the beer board should have term limits with staggered rotation. On a humorous note, Commissioner Robert Earl Thornton opined that "staggered" is not a term appropriate for discussion about members of the Beer Board.

Next Haywood County Commission meeting is in May
March 22, 2011

There is no regularly scheduled County Commission Meeting for April, and the body adjourned the March meeting subject to call in April should the need arise.


 

Other counties courting meatpackers
March 15, 2011

Lauderdale and Tipton Counties are trying to lure the proposed meatpacking plant away from Haywood County. The news comes from Mayor Franklin Smith. Smith said Tuesday that disposal of the waste from the plant is at least one of the issues.

Last year the county commission gave the industrial prospect acreage at the county farm to build the plant predicted to hire at least 25 workers. But Mayor Smith says the owners have said building an on-site waste disposal facility may be cost prohibitive. Smith says he has asked the Brownsville Energy Authority to give permission to dump their sewage in the city’s sewer. Smith says he made the request about three weeks ago but has not received an answer.

Meantime, the mayor has learned that leaders in both Tipton County and Lauderdale County have made overtures to the developers.

County to pay damages in lawsuit
March 15, 2011

An appeals court has agreed with Circuit Court Judge Clayburn Peeples that a woman who charged a sheriff’s deputy acted inappropriately should be paid.

The case goes all the way back to February 2002 when then- Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Rogers allegedly made inappropriate advances to a Stanton area woman while on duty.

Suing in Haywood County Circuit Court Tawana Currie was awarded $50,000 in damages. The county appealed Judge Peeples’ ruling but lost. At Tuesday’s budget committee meeting members voted to recommend the county commission pay the award.

Solar farm’s center put on hold
March 15, 2011

The governor’s office has apparently halted work on the demolition of the I-40 Albright Road bridge and plans for the solar farm’s visitor’s center.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation and the University of Tennessee are in charge of the projects. Mayor Franklin Smith said Tuesday that he understands budgetary concerns have the two projects “on hold.”

“I will be with the governor Thursday and I plan to find out what’s going on, “ Smith told a group of county commissioner gathered for a joint budget/jail committee meeting.

The visitor’s center was planned to showcase the solar farm and removal of the bridge was designed to heighten visibility by I-40 travelers. The center would also employ up to a dozen people.


Concerns weigh in Criminal Justice Center operational cost
March 15, 2011

County Commissioner Leonard Jones said, “We thought we’d need less not more.” Jones made his remarks during a joint meeting of the budget and jail committees when they met Tuesday. Jones was among a handful of county commissioners in a quandary about the hiring of new workers for the 80,000 square foot $13 million facility.

Mayor Franklin Smith said the commission voted sometime ago on an operational plan that would increase the workforce by as many as 13. But Smith says current plans are to add what amounts to a total of only four fulltime people. Two maintenance workers have already been hired. A full time police academy trained officer will serve as the court bailiff. Four part time people will provide security for the front doors of the courts. The four part timers equal at least one full time worker.

Mayor Smith said Tuesday the cost of the justice center is projected to come in more than $1 million under budget.

City decides not to add on to Delta Heritage
March 16, 2011

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to accept to recommendation of the Advisory Board of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center to scrap plans begun in 2006 for a 5,200 square foot addition to the Center.

The original plan called for construction of an auditorium / conference room suitable for seating 100 to 150 people.

More than four years ago Brownsville sought and was awarded a Transportation Enhancement Grant of over a half-million dollars, but a recent projected construction budget puts the cost of the project at $1.2 million, over twice the original estimate. In light of the new extremely high costs for the addition, the City Board decided to return the grant money and scrap the proposed auditorium.

Aldermen accept utility rate increase
March 16, 2011

Due to increasing charges for electrical power from TVA, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved a requested base rate increase of approximately 5 1/2 %. Brownsville Utility Department Director Regie Castellaw noted the local rates per kilowatt-hour are among the lowest in the state and would remain competitive even after the necessary increase.

Public Hearing for Urban Growth Boundary
March 16, 2011

Continuing a theme from previous meetings, Mayor Jo Matherne presented for public comment the proposed revisions to the Urban Growth Boundary Plan for Brownsville.

Areas encompassed by the revised plan include lands stretching southward all the way to the Hatchie River and eastward almost to Interstate 40 along Highway 70 towards Jackson.

The next City Board Meeting will be a called meeting on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at 5:30 P.M., at which time there will be a second hearing and vote on the Urban Growth Boundary Plan.



 

Two Louisiana escapees captured
March 15, 2011

A lot of people in West Tennessee got a better night’s sleep Monday night because the two Louisiana jail escapees were finally captured.
The break for authorities — who had been searching for the two since last Tuesday — came with they carjacked a Jackson Madison County Parks and Recreation worker and took his pickup.

The worker managed to free himself and call for help about 1:30 Monday afternoon, but the two desperados had at least a thirty-minute head start. The manhunt, which was already quite large, ramped up even more as the news spread about the carjacking.

Eventually the stolen truck and the two men were spotted in Desoto County Mississippi and were chased into Shelby County where they were corralled by dozens of cops at Winchester and Hacks Crossing. Both men were taken into custody.

The two men, Rickey Wedgeworth and Drake Pierce, are suspects in two carjackings and a murder since their March 4 escape from jail in Baton Rouge.

Budget and jail committees meeting on justice complex cost
March 15, 2011

The county’s budget committee met Monday afternoon. The committee managed mostly routine budget amendments — but they’ve decided to meet again Tuesday — in a joint session with the commission’s jail committee.

The two committees will meet Tuesday afternoon at the criminal justice complex. On their agenda is the added cost they’re now expecting from operations of the new $15 million complex. The budget committee has already agreed to add money to this year’s budget to cover additional employees.
Budget committee members are beginning to squawk about the cost — and that’ll be part of today’s discussion.

Meantime, Mayor Franklin Smith’s office issued an invitation Monday to the grand opening of the building. It’s set for April 1 from 3 to 5 in the afternoon.

TIPTON GRAND JURY CLEARS HAYWOOD CHIEF DEPUTY MIKE SMOTHERS IN MASON SHOOTING INCIDENT

On Monday, March 7, 2011, the District Attorney General Mike Dunavant presented to the Tipton County Grand jury the results of a T.B.I. investigation into the fatal shooting death of Chastain Montgomery, Jr. by the Haywood County Chief Deputy Sheriff Mike Smothers, on February 14, 2011, in Mason, Tennessee. After a through review and consideration of all the facts and circumstances of both the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the district Attorney that the use of deadly force by Chief Smothers was justified, proper, and necessary to stop the further threat of deadly violence being presented at the time by Montgomery, Jr. Therefore, the Grand Jury declined to return any indictment or presentment in the matter, or to assign any other criminal responsibility for the death of Montgomery, Jr.

The results of the T.B.I. investigation reveal that at approximately 6:00a.m. on February 14, 2011, Chastain Montgomery, Jr. committed a carjacking of a 2008 Chevrolet truck from a construction site on Elm Hill Pike in Nashville, Tennessee. The victim of that robbery reported that a black male wearing a ski mask and carrying a silver handgun took the vehicle, which was equipped with an OnStar system. Later that same morning, the Haywood County sheriff’s department was notified by OnStar of the truck’s location on Highway 70. Haywood County Sheriff’s deputies, Zach Smith and Chief Deputy Mike Smothers, responded to the call and located the truck traveling west on Highway 70 in Haywood County. As deputy’s pursued the vehicle west, they were joined in pursuit by Haywood County Sheriff’s investigator Jamie Moore and were advised by dispatch that a black male suspect had carjacked the vehicle and was armed with a silver handgun. The truck continued west for several miles on Highway 70, and ran a red traffic light in a construction area near Stanton. The deputies activated their emergency blue lights and sirens in an attempt to make a traffic stop, but the vehicle did not pull over. As the vehicle approached the Tipton County line, deputies notified dispatch, who then notified the Mason Police department of the pursuit coming into the Mason City limits on Highway 70. Mason Police Chief James Paris responded to the call, and attempted to stop the truck by positioning his car in front of the truck on Highway 70. When the truck still did not stop, Chief Paris joined the pursuit, and positioned his patrol car to become the lead pursuit unit. At approximately 9:00a.m., the truck slowed to a stop at the intersection of highway 70 and Highway 59 in Mason, near the Xpress Mart. Chastain Montgomery Jr. exited the truck on the driver’s side and immediately began shooting with two handguns, one in each hand, toward Chief Paris’ patrol car. It was visible to officers that Montgomery was holding a silver handgun in his hand. Chief Paris then reversed his patrol unit and moved south on Highway 59 to avoid the gunfire. Montgomery Jr. then pointed his guns east toward Highway 70, where Smith, Smothers and Moore were positioned, and continued to shoot at those officers. The officers took cover, and then observed Montgomery, Jr. turn and point the guns in the direction of the Xpress Mart parking lot. Montgomery, Jr. then turned and again fired shots in the direction of Chief Paris’ vehicle on Highway 59, before walking back in the direction of the Xpress Mart. As he did so, Chief Deputy Mike Smothers fired his .40 caliber service weapon toward Montgomery, Jr., shooting one of the guns from Montgomery’s left hand. Montgomery Jr. then walked across Highway 70 in the direction of Chief Paris’ vehicle, continuing to shoot. Chief Smothers the shot four times at Montgomery, Jr., striking him three times in the right arm which was holding the remaining handgun, and one final fatal shot striking him in the chest. Montgomery Jr. fell on his stomach in the middle of Highway 70, and was still moving with the gun in his hand. Thereafter, officers approached and handcuffed Montgomery, Jr., who was later pronounced deceased at the scene. It has been determined that at the time that Chief Smothers fired upon Montgomery Jr., he was a distance of approximately 57 yards away from the suspect. As has previously been reported, Montgomery, Jr., was previously wanted on an outstanding warrant for attempted murder in Davidson County, Tennessee, as well as the carjacking offense that led to this incident. Additionally as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chastain Montgomery, Jr. has been identified as being responsible, along with his father, Chastain Montgomery Sr., for the double homicide of postal employees Paula Robinson and Judy Spray in the U.S. Post Office in Henning, Tennessee, on October 18, 2010.

Based upon the forgoing, the results of the T.B.I. investigation indicate that Chief smothers’ use of deadly force in shooting Chastain Montgomery, Jr. was justified, proper, and necessary to stop the further threat of deadly violence being presented at the time of Montgomery, Jr. It is also clear from the circumstances of the shooting incident that Montgomery, Jr. was a dangerous and violent offender who posed a serious and immediate risk of serious bodily injury or death to both law enforcement as well as citizens in the area. “Chief Smothers’ calm and precise actions in the face of intense danger are a testament to his training and professionalism as a law enforcement officer, and no doubt saved lives that day in Mason,” said District attorney Mike Dunavent. “I thank and commend Chief Smothers for his bravery under fire, and for preventing and further injury or death of innocent persons by neutralizing the deadly threat posed by Montgomery, Jr. There is no question that Chief Smothers acted legally appropriately, and just as he was trained to do when confronted with such a dangerous situation.” As a result of the Tipton County Grand Jury’s finding of justification in this matter, the Office of the District Attorney is closing its file in the case, and requesting that the T.B.I do the same.

TBI OFFERS REWARD MONEY FOR TIP LEADING TO FUGITIVES LOCATION

TBI SEEKS PUBLIC’S HELP IN MANHUNT

Nashville, Tenn. - The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is seeking the public’s assistance locating two escaped inmates from Louisiana who are believed to be in the West Tennessee area. Both are considered dangerous and should be approached with caution. If spotted, the public should call 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463).

The last time 36-year-old Ricky Wedgeworth (top picture) and 33-year-old Darian “Drake” Pierce (bottom picture) were spotted was in Jackson, Tenn. last evening after a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a stolen car out of Vicksburg, Miss. near mile marker 84 along I-40 and the two escapes fled on foot. Officers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Jackson Police Department and Madison County Sheriff’s Office pursued the fugitives on foot and have been searching for them in the Jackson, Tenn. area all night with the TBI and US Marshals.

The two escaped Friday at approximately 2:00 PM from the Louisiana State Police Headquarters Compound where they were on work detail. They stole a state issued van which was later found near St. Francisville in Louisiana. It’s believed they then traveled to Mississippi where they stole the car that was recovered last night.

Wedgeworth is a Memphis native and has a criminal history out of Shelby County. He was serving time in Louisiana for a 2006 armed robbery and has an arrest record that includes theft, reckless endangerment and aggravated assault.

He is described as a white male approximately 5’8” tall weighing 145 lbs. with reddish brown hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on his arms, chest and abdomen.

Pierce was serving time in Louisiana for attempted second degree murder and has been arrested for murder as well as aggravated criminal damage to property in Louisiana. Pierce is described as a white male who stands 5’11” tall and weighs approximately 145 lbs. He has brown hair and eyes and tattooed fingers on his right hand.

The escapees are believed to have ties to Middle and West Tennessee.