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Archives
06-05-2002 News
Close election results in no change
Close election results in no change The Livingston Municipal Election resulted in no changes, though the voting was close in all categories. A total of 1,391 city voters went to the polls. Incumbent Hosea Winningham retained the mayor's seat with a 95-vote margin over challenger Curtis Hayes. The liquor referendum resulted in a 149-vote favor denying package liquor sales. Johnny Halfacre, Thurman Langford, and Robert D. Jolley retained their aldermen seats in more close voting.
Local Relay For Life raises over $24,000
By ROBBIE J. MELTON Despite what they tell you in college, partying all night does pay off, at least at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers camped out and partied the night away to raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer Friday, May 31. That night alone, the Relay For Life event in Livingston raised $24,100. Pauletta Brady, Relay For Life chair, said, "There are not enough ways to show our appreciation for your support of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life events in Overton County; however, the 8.9 million Americans alive today with a history of cancer and the millions of volunteers who are working diligently to fight this deadly disease thank you for contributing to the fight." After a brief ceremony, cancer survivors kicked off the event by leading the first lap of the overnight event. Then, one member from each of the 13 teams began walking or running relay style for the 12 hour period. After sundown, lighted luminaria lined the track in honor of those living with cancer and in memory of those who lost their battle with the disease. A ceremony recognized and remembered those from Overton County that have been touched by cancer. American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information about Relay For Life call American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. Bank robbery attempted at Rickman The Rickman branch of Union Bank & Trust Company was almost robbed Saturday morning. A car pulled up to the bank between 8 and 8:30 a.m. and its occupants reportedly got out and began putting on ski masks. After the bank tellers realized what was taking place outside, they quickly engaged the alarm system and the doors automatically locked. The subjects, upon realizing they could not enter, fled the scene with no loot. The getaway car was recovered; however, officials had no suspects at last report. At least two persons are believed to have been involved in the attempt, possibly three. Anyone arrested for the crime will face charges of Attempted Armed Robbery. Loftis pleads to murder conspiracy By ROBERT FORSMAN, court reporter Jeffery G. Loftis, 37, an Overton County Jail inmate, pled guilty Monday to conspiracy to murder his ex-wife. Represented by Public Defender Art Johnson, Loftis entered the plea during the June 3 session of Overton County Criminal Court, Judge Leon Burns presiding. Livingston Police commenced an investigation after receiving a tip that Loftis said he wished his ex-wife would fall off the face of the earth and he would pay someone to kill her. A meeting was arranged between Loftis and an undercover officer posing as a hit man. When asked how much he would pay for the murder, Loftis said he could make a down payment in a month. Loftis was arrested. He was indicted by Overton County Grand Jury on February 11. He was arraigned and placed under a $100,000 bond, which he was unable to make. According to the plea agreement, Loftis was sentenced to 8 years in prison with credit for jail time served since his arrest in February. Loftis also pled guilty to violation of probation and to delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance. He was sentenced to 6 years in prison for the parole violation and to 8 years in prison for the drug conviction. All sentences will be served concurrently. Having a prior criminal record, Loftis was sentenced as a Range II offender. According to sentencing guidelines, offenders in that category serve prison sentences at a rate of at least 35 percent. At that rate, an 8-year sentence equals 2 years, 9 months and 12 days. First reading of city budget approved By DEWAIN E. PEEK, OCN staff First reading of the 2002-2003 Town of Livingston budget was approved by Livingston City Council during the Monday, June 3 regular monthly meeting, with all aldermen present. A budget hearing is set for Monday, June 24 at 6 p.m. All the rates are to remain the same, according to Mayor Hosea Winningham. The Council approved the Merchants Association request for $500 for the Overton County Summer Music Festival scheduled for July 19-20. The action is dependent on the state not cutting funds to the town. The Council approved in lieu of tax for natural gas in the amount of $12,355 to the General Fund. The Council also approved in lieu of tax for water and sewer in the amount of $21,735. Second reading was approved on rezoning Alfred Ballinger property from I-1 to C-3. Mayor Winningham informed the Council that a project to make East Main Street from "the triangleÓ to Overton Restaurant into a three lane will begin soon. "If that goes like scheduled, it should be done in three months,Ó Mayor Winningham said. The state already has enough right-of-way for the project, according to Mayor Winningham. Some sidewalks will be moved and several utility poles will also be moved. The state has informed the Town of Livingston that traffic lights for the intersection of Bilbrey Street and Main Street will be let to bid on February 4, 2003, according to Mayor Winningham. The Council approved the Court Square Committee. Alderman Johnny Halfacre, who is also a member of the committee, informed the Council of a major project the committee has been involved in. "The big project that's coming up involves the state, city, and county all," Alderman Halfacre said. The town has a problem of water running into buildings in places where sidewalks are not higher than the road. To fix the problem, the state will grind down the roadways around the square, and the city will put in storm drains. When the renovation is made, overhead electric wires will be replaced with underground wires. "There'll be new sidewalks and new streets," Alderman Halfacre said. To assist in future maintenance without damaging the renovated roadway, a specific area will be created for all utilities to flow through. "All the water lines and electric lines will be in this ditch Ð cables, TV cables and so on," Alderman Halfacre said. "If there's ever a problem, then we don't have to dig up our new sidewalks or our new streets. They'll take these blocks out Ð whoever, city, electric company Ð go in and fix the problem, and then they'll put gravel back, and just lay the blocks back." Mayor Winningham informed the Council that residents in the Carr subdivision are requesting annexation into the city limits. A Tennessee Housing Development home grant application submitted by the Town of Livingston was not approved, according to the mayor. The Council approved changing the time for making the lines on the city ballfields to 5 p.m., and also approved having two workers stay until 7 p.m. at the ballpark to keep the restrooms clean. The meeting adjourned.
Overton County News
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