Login Form



Latest

Sinkhole closes U.S. 64

April 25 - Nonlocal traffic along U.S. 64 in both directions was turned around today after a portion of the highway broke off and collapsed about 6 feet downward.

Kevin Hinson, chief manager for Mountain States Contractor says he first heard about the road collapse around 12:00 a.m. today when he was awakened by a call from a Tennessee state trooper.

"This is a pretty major thing," Hinson said. "Of course, that goes back to what you’ve always heard – nothing good ever happens after midnight."

Before the road collapse, Mountain States was in the midst of a construction project on the side of the road opposite to the damage. From Hinson’s observations, he believes the damage occurred when a nearby sinkhole or cave opened.

But despite the few yards between Mountain States’ work and the collapse, Hinson says the ongoing project played no role in the damage.

"This was Mother Nature," Hinson said. "We did not touch this."

Once Hinson arrived to the affected area, he says the scene was not what he pictured. Instead of pieces of U.S. 64 breaking off and sliding away, Hinson said a portion of the roadway as well as nearby trees sank straight down.

To repair the damage, Hinson says Mountain States plans to work around the clock to make the road navigable for traffic between Wayne and Hardin County.

Hinson projects the highway will reopen by Tuesday at the latest.

 

UPDATE: Inmates hoist Moody out of Hardin jail

April 23 - A little over seven hours after Matthew T. Moody escaped from the Hardin County Correctional Facility Wednesday, the Hardin County Sheriff’s Department arrested the escapee at 8:41 p.m. in the parking lot of the U.S. Post Office branch on 705 Water Street.

Arrested during a methamphetamine sting April 15, Moody, 21, of 930 Tenn. 114, Scotts Hill was initially arrested on charges of initiation to manufacture methamphetamine and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.

During Moody’s escape, Hardin County Sheriff Sammy Davidson says another inmate distracted an officer supervising the inmate.

During the diversion, Davidson says two additional inmates hoisted Moody, 5 feet 11 inches tall and 170 pounds, up the exercise yard’s wall.

Classified as a medium security inmate, Davidson says Moody sustained injuries from razor wire as he escaped.

Once out, Davidson says Moody ran along the wall containing the exercise yard and jumped about 17 feet to the ground. Davidson says Moody then ran into a nearby wooded area.

To help catch the escapee, Davidson says the sheriff’s department contacted the Savannah Police Department.

"We tried to keep him in the same, wooded area," Davidson said. "The police department helped contain him."

After the arrest, Davidson says Moody received treatment for minor cuts and was brought back to the correctional facility the same night.

In addition to his original charges, Davidson says Moody also faces a felony escape charge.

The inmates who participated in Moody’s escape are being charged with criminal responsibility for the facilitation of a felony, Davidson says.

   

Page 46 of 104


Also see


Senate Live Video

House Live Video

Capitol Hill Week

From

Senator Dolores Gresham

Dated June 29, 2010
Click here to see the Legislative Wrap.
Dated May 6, 2010
Click here to see what's going on with the Senate.
Dated June 5, 2010
Click here to see what's going on at Capitol Hill.