Posted by Jim Young
on December 20, 2004

The City of Crossville wants to continue recognition as a Three Star Community, a program operated by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

City council approved 2 resolutions required at their regular December meeting expressing their intentions to continue participating in the program designed to assist local communities in their efforts to achieve excellence in community and economic development.

City clerk Sally Oglesby advised council that Paris, Tennessee and Henry County have requested to collaborate in a part of the program called community connection. The program allows similar communities in different grand divisions of the state to share ideas, expertise and experiences. The program is designed as a way to improve both communities.

Oglesby told council the fact that Paris/Henry County has requested to connect with Crossville/Cumberland County is a sign that the local community’s successes are being recognized in other parts of Tennessee.

Crossville/Cumberland County also receives additional points required for their participation in the Three Star program by participating in the connection program. Council agreed to participate in the connection program with Paris/Henry County.

Oglesby added that there have been some recent changes in the Three Star program and they would require the Cumberland County government to pass similar resolutions and begin some 5-year planning they have not had to do in the past.

Crossville Mayor J. H. Graham advised council the city had received a request from two of the larger gas retailers in the city for assistance in dealing with gas drive offs. With the recent increase in gas prices, more stores have had customers pump gas and then flee without paying for gas. Graham said the city had received a request to consider an ordinance that would require all gas to be paid in advance as a way to stop the drive offs that create problems for city police.

Further study on the problem was referred to city attorney Ken Chadwell. The matter will come back before council at a future date.

As expected, the family of Cassandra Compton had filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Crossville. The lawsuit stems from Compton’s death in an auto crash on Highway 127-N following a chase started by a Crossville City police officer after the car she was a passenger in fled from the officer. In addition to the 18-year-old Compton, 16-year-old Samantha Miller was killed when the car driven by David Regen struck an oncoming vehicle head on. Regen survived the crash and has since pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the wreck as well as and meth charges. Components of a meth lab from the car Regen was driving were scattered around the location of the crash.

According to city attorney Ken Chadwell the city’s insurance company has assigned the case to a lawyer to defend the city in the matter.

Mayor Graham presented the Student of the Month Award to Martin Elementary fourth grader Beth Ariks. Her teacher Stacy Dykes who nominated Ariks described her as “a good citizen, helpful to other students and an excellent student herself.” Dykes added that Ariks “works hard and is prepared for school with a good attitude.”