Bridge closure could cause nightmare for commuters
By Chris Tramel

While cuts to the Tennessee Department of Transportation's budget have caused some inconvenience to local drivers and property owners, delaying widening projects on Highway 70 West and Highway 56 South, cuts to one project may prove to be a nightmare to local commuters and tourists. Officials say a major project to rehabilitate Sligo Bridge could cut off a large section of the county for a year or more.

Sligo Bridge is a steel-through truss bridge over the Caney Fork River (Center Hill Lake) on US-70 (SR-26) east of Smithville. The bridge was built in 1947 and is 1,375 feet in length and 24 feet wide (curb-to-curb, available width for traffic). It was once the tallest bridge east of the Rocky Mountains.

TDOT Regional Community Relations Officer Jennifer Flynn told The Middle Tennessee Times, "In 1982, TDOT had a project to construct a concrete overlay over the existing concrete deck, and in 1994 the structural steel was repainted. As you can see, this bridge has served the public well for the last 60 years."

Flynn says the original plan was to replace the aging bridge, building another next to the old structure and utilizing the old bridge while the new one was under construction. But, cuts to TDOT's budget has caused officials to scrap that plan, opting for a "rehabilitation" of the old bridge.

"Over time, the deck is again showing signs of deterioration," Flynn told The Times. "Due to the bridge's height, the Department placed netting under the bridge as a precaution to catch pieces of concrete that may fall from the deck. While the bridge is safe, it is showing signs of age. A replacement of this bridge has been proposed, but various problems have prevented that from occurring at this time. The estimated $20 million replacement cost is very expensive, so the Department is in the preliminary phases of developing a project to totally rehabilitate this structure. The concrete bridge deck needs to be totally replaced, the steel truss structure needs repairs, and the entire bridge needs repainting."

But the problem with the project is that the bridge is the only direct connection to the Johnson's Chapel area to the rest of DeKalb County. Because of the scale of the project, and the design of the old structure, officials say the bridge will most likely have to be closed for twelve to eighteen months. The closure would force commuters to travel through the Austin Bottoms area in Putnam County, or the Rock Island area in Warren County, in order to get to the rest of DeKalb County.

"Because of the narrow width of the bridge, it will be necessary for it to be closed during the rehabilitation project," Lynn said. "We have explored various options, such as trying to maintain one lane of traffic while working on the other. However, the available lane would not be wide enough to safely accommodate daily traffic."

"This couldn't come at a worse time," County Mayor Mike Foster told The Times. "With the economy and gas prices the way they are, it's really going to affect a lot of people and tourism." Foster says he plans to personally drive the alternative routes to get an idea of commute times. "Our biggest problems will be school buses and the landfill." Foster says the closure could add an hour to school bus routes, with them having to travel I-40 to get the Johnson's Chapel area. In addition, the County's landfill is located in the area, causing an additional blow to the gas budget, as trucks have to travel further.

"Other concerns are law enforcement, EMS, and fire protection," Foster said. "We do have a fire station in the area, and we have first responders. We may be able to work something out with White County to help cover the area. Then you have all the people that commute to work, either to Smithville or to White County. This will pose a big problem to them."

Mayor Foster says he understands that the bridge project is a safety issue, and there are few options for commuters. "It's one of those things where they either fix it or close it. It's just going to be hard for everyone."

Flynn told The Times that the project is still in the early development phase, and no letting schedule has been set. "TDOT anticipates receiving extra funds for this rehabilitation project in the next fiscal year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009). Once these funds are received, the Department will consider the overall construction schedule and determine what would be the best time to let this project. We will try to set the construction period so that the contractor can minimize the inconvenience to the public and take advantage of the best weather conditions."

Officials say the earliest possible date for the start of project is December 2008 or early 2009, but admits the start date will most likely be at a later date. When asked if there would be any public meetings on the project Lynn told The Times, "Normally we do not hold public meetings on bridge projects because there's no public input like in a road project. We either build a new bridge, rehabilitate a bridge, or close it. But this is a unique situation, and we may schedule a public information meeting."

Lynn continued, "The Department's objective for all of our bridges is to maintain them in a safe condition for the movement of people and products. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, and our infrastructure requires occasional maintenance to keep it safe and operational. This is why we are proposing this approach."

DA Bill Gibson announces resignation
By Chris Tramel

Embattled Upper Cumberland area District Attorney William E. (Bill) Gibson announced his resignation last week, after a special committee was formed to discuss his possible removal. Gibson has temporarily lost his license to practice law after corresponding with a man he was supposed to be prosecuting.

In a letter, dated April 24, to Governor Phil Bredesen, Gibson submitted his resignation writing;

"I am writing to submit to you my resignation from the office of District Attorney General for the 13th Judicial District. My resignation will become effective on Thursday, July 10th, 2008 and I will vacate the office on that date. It is my intention that this letter be irrevocable and offered in anticipation of giving you ample time to select a proper replacement for appointment to this office.

"It has been my great pleasure to serve the people of Tennessee and the Thirteenth Judicial District in this capacity for the past 18 years. Blessed with an exceptional staff, great accomplishments have been made in our area. I have told many groups that the District Attorney has the very best job description in the world; to do justice on behalf of the people, to do the right thing under a wide variety of circumstances. My decision today follows through on that notion of doing what I believe is the right thing under difficult and challenging circumstances."

Two weeks ago, a Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet), held a special committee meeting to hear a resolution to set up the special committee to investigate the removal of Gibson. The Committee approved the resolution and sent the measure to the full Senate, where it was approved. Tennessee's Constitution provides that attorneys for the state may be removed from office by a concurrent two-thirds vote of both Houses of the General Assembly, each House voting separately.

Gibson's trouble began in September 2006, after he contacted a man he was prosecuting in a murder case. Gibson and the murder defendant, 34-year-old Christopher Barrett Adams of Cookeville, exchanged letters in which Gibson offered legal advice and religious counseling. Gibson was prosecuting the man for the murder of an elderly Buffalo Valley woman, and Adams was trying to get his sentence reduced.

Gibson reportedly sent eleven letters to Adams over a two-year period and met twice with him during plea negotiations. The letters were also sent to Adams without telling Adams' attorney, which is prohibited by ethics rules. It was also reported that Gibson prevented efforts by his staff to get a longer sentence for Adams. Adams is currently serving 35 years for the crime. Under a negotiated settlement, he pleaded guilty to second degree murder rather than first degree.

Gibson currently serves an eight year term in office for the 13th Judicial District, which includes Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White Counties. If the Governor accepts the resignation, he will appoint a replacement to serve until the next available election.

Police warning businesses with gambling machines

Smithville Police Chief Richard Jennings announced on Monday that his department will soon be cracking down on illegal gambling in Smithville. He says that owners of gambling machines should take notice.

In a press release to The Middle Tennessee Times, Chief Jennings said, "I have received several complaints from citizens in our community about illegal gambling devices in certain business establishments within the city limits of Smithville, Tennessee. I contacted the District Attorney General's office and ask for clarification of the TCA code on possession of illegal gambling devices and their recommendation on the enforcement of the law. The Attorney General's office recommended giving ten (10) days notice of the police department's intention to enforce TCA code 39-17-505 (possession of gambling devices). I have decided to follow their recommendations."

Jennings says that on Friday, May 9th, the Smithville Police Department will begin the enforcement of TCA 39-17-505. Possession of gambling device or record - Forfeiture.
The law states that a person will be charged who knowingly owns, manufactures, possesses, buys, sells, rents, leases, stores, transports, prints, or makes any gambling device or record.

It goes on to state that any gambling device or record is contraband and shall be subject to seizure, confiscation and forfeiture in accordance with the forfeiture provisions, codified in Chapter 11, Part 7 of this Title.

After a gambling device or record has been forfeited to the State pursuant to Chapter 11, Part 7 of this Title, the court hearing the criminal charges resulting in the forfeiture shall order the destruction of the device or record. If the District Attorney General or law enforcement agency does not believe that a gambling device or record should be destroyed in a particular case, the District Attorney General shall petition the court for an alternate disposition of the record or device. If the court finds that the proposed alternate disposition reasonably ensures that the device will not be used in an unlawful manner in this State, the court may grant the petition and order the disposition of the device or record in accordance with the petition.

Police say the possession of a gambling device or record is a Class B misdemeanor.

D.A.R.E. Program holds graduation

On Tuesday, April the 22, 192 fifth-grade students graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program or D.A.R.E. at Northside Elementary School.
Top Essay winners from each class were: Ms. Bell's Class - John Bradford, Ms. Raymond's Class - Haley Davis, Ms. Wenger's Class - Lenzi Dickens, Ms. Gottlied Class - Ashland Dillon, Ms. Day's Class - Ale Maciel, Mr. Crockett's Class - Rayanna Baker, and Ms. Griffith's Class - Lance Ball.

The winner for the best essay from the Northside 5th Grade DARE Class was out of Ms. Vance's Class- Destiny McCardell. Destiny was presented with a $50.00 check from General Sessions/Juvenile Court Judge Bratten Cook II, a certificate and pin, and the DARE mascot stuffed animal which is Daren the Lion.

On April the 23rd, 42 5th grade students graduated from DARE at DeKalb West School. Top Essay Winner for Ms. Watson's class was Jydia Trail, and the winner for the best essay from the DeKalb West School 5th Grade DARE Class was out of Ms. Caplinger's Class - Bruce Wilson. Bruce was also presented with a $50.00 check from General Sessions/Juvenile Court Judge Bratten Cook II, a certificate and pin, and the DARE mascot stuffed animal which is Daren the Lion.

During the ceremonies at both schools, Deputy/Dare Officer Tim Hearn told the students, "By participating in today's graduation ceremony, you will be joining millions of other DARE graduates who have taken the pledge to stay drug free and avoid violence. Your hard work and dedication in the DARE Program has provided you with life long skills needed to help you resist the use of drugs and avoid violence. Your commitment to remain drug free is something that no one can take from you. I challenge you now to take the knowledge and skills that you have learned throughout our time together and use them to remain true to your commitment to avoid drugs and violence."

Director of Schools Mark Willoughby told the students at both schools, "Law Enforcement officers are your friends, and I challenge you, when you marry and have children, to teach your children to trust Law Enforcement Officer's. I also challenge you to stay drug free, it will make your life a whole lot easier."

Sheriff Patrick Ray also told students at both schools, "D.A.R.E. is a cooperative effort made by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, DeKalb County School System, parents, and the community - all four working together to help you make the right choices concerning drug use. Over the last few weeks, Deputy Tim has taught you lesson plans on how to focus in four major areas: First, he has provided you accurate information about drugs, alcohol and tobacco; second, he has taught you good decision-making skills; third, he has shown you how to recognize and resist peer pressure; and fourth, he has given you ideas for positive alternatives to drug use."

Sheriff Ray continued saying, "Deputy Tim has also shown you ways of positive self-esteem, and how to make positive decisions on your own. Through role-playing, lecture, question and answer, and use of the specialized D.A.R.E workbooks, you have been taught the negative consequences of drug use. I ask you today, students, to take this valuable information and apply it to your lives, now, and forever."