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Archives
05-24-2000 News
Deputy Critically Injured In Wreck
Deputy Critically Injured In Wreck
Allred, 33, of Livingston, was transported by helicopter to Erlanger Hospital where he was in critical but stable condition at last report. He reportedly suffered multiple cuts and abrasions, but no broken bones or internal injuries. Sheriff Kelly Hull said, "The Overton County Sheriff's Department would like to thank everyone, LifeFlight, fire department, EMS, and other law enforcement involved in the incident. We appreciate everyone's prayers and would ask that you continue to pray." According to Carrie Christensen, the wreck was the 20th in that spot in 13 years. Robert Watson being the last injured there before this. From that corner to the church just past her house, approximately a half-mile, Christensen said this makes 31 wrecks in the past 13 years. Commission Votes To Settle Spears Lawsuit By Dewain E. Peek The Overton County Legislative Body held its monthly meeting on Thursday, May 18. Commissioners Gail Reed Arney and Tom Montooth were absent. At the urging of the county's insurance company and the recommendation of lawyers, the County Commission voted to settle a lawsuit brought against the county by Reba Spears, former administrative employee of the Overton County Sheriff's Department. County Executive Richard M. "OssieÓ Mitchell said, "Our insurance did not cover embarrassment and emotional damage. So, we were in somewhat of a predicament. "I met in the federal courthouse building with a mediator, and all parties for this case did, and we met for three hours on the 11th, from 1 o'clock to 4 o'clock, and agreed on a settlement of $77,500. "All the lawyers have advised us to settle this case. The problem we had with not having insurance was the scary thing. If we don't settle it tonight, we go to court the 23rd." According to Executive Mitchell, attorney fees could have amounted to $30,000 if the case went to court, in addition to any settlement. The motion to settle the case also included approving a budget amendment for $38,750 from the fund balance to pay the county's part of the settlement. The insurance company will pay the rest. Commission Alan Atnip addressed Executive Mitchell saying, "You saved the county some bucks." Executive Mitchell told the Commission, "In federal court, you've got a six-person jury, you don't have 12 people to deliberate. And they've been known to give out big judgments." The lawsuit was filed in April 1999. The lawsuit alleged Spears was sexually discriminated against by Allen Loftis, who was sheriff of Overton County at the time of the alleged misconduct. The lawsuit also alleged a hostile work environment. Loftis was not named as a defendant in the suit. The county was sued for allegedly not protecting her. After the settlement was approved, Commissioner Wayne
Sells made a motion concerning the incident. "I'd like to make a motion that we check with the county attorney to see if we have any recourse against this county official that cost us this money," he said. Commissioner Stanley Carter asked how much this official had already cost the county. Executive Mitchell responded, "To my knowledge it's $48,750." That number includes a $10,000 deductible paid out in another case, he said. In other business, Jerry L. Wilkinson was appointed to the Overton County Industrial Authority. Executive Mitchell said, "The three commissioners from the area down there recommended that. "They thought maybe they needed somebody on the industrial board from the Rickman area because we've still got the possibility of some of these days, of, hopefully, building an industrial park down there, somewhere along 111 in the Rickman area. "Some people's opposed to it, but a lot of people's not opposed to it. As far as I'm concerned, for the public, it's still on the drawing board." The third quarter General Report was approved. Executive Mitchell said, "Everybody has stayed within their budget this year." The Commission approved giving a quit claim deed to Hardy's Chapel Freewill Baptist Church for property originally deeded to the Overton County Board of Education. The School Board deeded the land to the church approximately 40 years ago, but the School Board did not have that authority. The County Legislative Body has to deed county property. A resolution was adopted to request the unclaimed balance of accounts remitted to the state treasurer under the Unclaimed Property Act. The money has been staying with the state. The resolution would bring the money back to the county for use. The Commission approved changing the amount charged for use of Joe L. Evins Community Center in Livingston. Executive Mitchell said, "This all stems from the fact that we've had to spend a lot of money down there, spent over $4,000 putting tile back and fixing things back like it should be, and we don't want to have to keep spending that money. "We want people to put a $100 damage deposit down, and if the custodian says there's no damage, we give them the $100 back. "But we're changing the fees up to $50. It's been running $25, I think, and $35, depending on the event. But it will be a straight $50 charge for the use of the community center, with a $100 damage deposit. "You just have to have something to take care of damages anymore." The community center is currently being refurbished. Budget amendments approved were an interdepartmental transfer of $5,400 in the Sheriff's Department, and a $2,700 from the fund balance for gas for the ambulance service and $900 for surplus equipment. Approved as notaries-at-large were Kenneth Dodson II, Patricia Robbins, Hershel Wilson, Nancy L. Coffman, Patrice Randolph, Angela Butler, Michele Matthews, Kenneth Winningham Jr., Tommy E. Stephens, Jamie N. Wilson, Sandy K. Cummins, Sandra Heaton, Donna Hummel, and James R. Johnson. The meeting adjourned. Allan Terry Announces Candidacy Allan Terry has informed the News that he plans to run for election to the Overton County School Board in District I in the upcoming Thursday, August 3, 2000 election. His statement is as follows: "I, Allan Terry, hereby announce my candidacy for the two year term seat on the Overton County School Board in District One. "I am married to the former Linda Wilson, daughter of Elmo and Essie Wilson of Hilham. We have one son, Paul. I have managed Lay-Simpson Furniture Co. in Livingston since 1980, when my father, Paul Terry, retired. "I have decided to seek this office with one goal in mind. I intend to put my knowledge, experience, and integrity toward efforts to provide the students of Overton County with a quality education which will allow them to open every door of opportunity. "As the husband of a teacher and as the father of a son who completed the first 13 years of his education in Livingston's schools, I know the challenges facing our schools and our students. As the manager of a small business, I understand the necessity of having the best people for the job and also the need to find creative solutions to problems. "I will approach this office as a businessman concerned with the day to day operation of our school system, as an educator who understands the needs of teachers and students, and as a father who understands the desire for our children to succeed. The people of Overton County should expect no less from their school board members. I will be visiting with many of you in the coming weeks, but I would like to take this opportunity to ask all of you for your vote and support. I would greatly appreciate the influence and vote of each of you in the upcoming election."
Overton County News
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Rescue
personnel give aid to Overton County Sheriff's Deputy Thomas Ryan
Allred after his patrol car struck a tree along Willow Grove Highway.
According to reports, Dep. Allred was driving the 1995 Ford Crown
Victoria patrol car toward Clay County around 4:11 p.m. on his way
to assist the Clay County Sheriff's Department in a call of a person
shooting at neighbors on Charlie Melton Lane. As he entered a curve
near the Christensen farm, he apparently lost control of the patrol
car on the rain-slick pavement. The car struck a tree along the
passenger side, and the car wrapped around the tree.