Here are the top stories reported first by free-to-read media Crossville News First during 2025

ICONIC PLAYHOUSE DIRECTOR JIM (BOB) CRABTREE HAS PASSED AT 80

Jim Crabtree, affectionally known as “Jim Bob” has passed.  Jim died on Christmas day morning after a long illness. Jim is the son of Paul and Mary Crabtree the founders of Cumberland County Playhouse in the 60’s.  For the past several decades Jim has served as producer, director, actor and CEO of the Playhouse.  Jim was a great friend to many over the years.

CROSSVILLE VOTES DOWN ASKING STATE TO ALLOW AMBULANCE REFERENDUM

The Crossville City Council voted down a proposal to ask the Tennessee General Assembly to allow Crossville to hold a special referendum on creating a city-wide EMS tied to the Crossville Fire Department.  The Crossville City Charter does not allow for a referendum to decide to have a City operated EMS without the State passing a law.  The City Council voted on the proposal Tuesday night to request the General Assembly’s approval for an EMS referendum and it failed 3 to 2 with Dr. Mark Fox and Mike Turner voting against.  This ultimately means the whole idea of creating a City Wide EMS is dead unless it appears again on the agenda to vote on by the City Council.

SERVICES ANNOUNCED FOR CROSSVILLE RADIO PIONEER WARREN DEAN

Fred Warren Dean Jr. , 89, of Chatsworth, Georgia (formerly Crossville, Tennessee), passed away peacefully September 3, 2025. Born in Lakeland, Florida, to Fred and Blanche Dean, his life was marked by strength, compassion, wisdom, and love. He is survived by his son Bryan and daughter in law Tracy Dean, son in law Victor Whitney (Kim), grandchildren, Holly Dean and Marley Dean, and many nieces, nephews, loved family, and friends. Warren was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jack Dean and Earl Dean, precious wife Jessie Smith Dean, son, Mark Dean, and daughter, Kim Dean Whitney. After leaving the Air Force, he began his career in radio. He was known as a pioneer in Crossville radio broadcasting.  In 1982, he retired from radio and went on to help manage Monticello Canning Company. After retirement, he and Jessie enjoyed traveling. When Jessie passed away, he moved to Georgia to live with Bryan and his family. Warren was a founding member and deacon of Central Baptist Church in Crossville. He was also a member of the Gideons and Shriners International. Visitation will be at Crossville Memorial, Friday, September 12th from 12 to 2pm with a graveside service immediately following at Lantana Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Gideons or Shriners.

CROSSVILLE MAN SHOT IN HEAD ON MAIN STREET IN FRONT OF COURTHOUSE

Sources say that a man, possibly mentally disturbed, was in the street of downtown Crossville and close to the War Memorial Park acting erratically when three other men approached him. Once the other men approached the ‘erratic’ man it was clear there was a confrontation – right in the middle of Main Street. One of the men seems to be struck by the ‘erratic’ man and leaves the scene, walks across Main Street to the other side and retrieves a pistol.  That man then walks purposely across Main street back to where the ‘erratic’ man was jumping around two other men as if wanting to fight them, raises his gun and shoots the ‘erratic’ man in the head who drops to the pavement. We’ve heard the victim was a veteran – he seems to have a prosthetic leg.  We’ve also heard the other men in the video are also veterans and were upset that the ‘erratic’ man was making obscene hand gestures toward the flags in the War Memorial Park.

CROSSVILLE DETECTIVE LORENZ CLEARED OF ASSAULT CHARGE

A misdemeanor assault charge against Crossville Police Detective Tyrel Lorenz was dismissed last week in Cumberland County Criminal Court.

Lorenz had been accused of using excessive force during the arrest of Anthony Jorge Corson, 33, in June of 2024. Corson was being investigated for violating the sex offender registry. Lorenz’s attorney had planned to call a police training expert to testify that Lorenz’s actions were justified.

Corson, who has a criminal history that includes a 54-month prison sentence for incest and solicitation, was reportedly uncooperative during the arrest. A TBI investigation led to Lorenz’s indictment in August, and he was suspended pending the outcome. Police Chief Jessie Brooks says Lorenz will be reinstated following a brief recertification and review period.

TBI THREW DETECTIVE LORENZ UNDER THE BUS IN PRESS RELEASE

LONG TIME CROSSVILLE BUSINESSMAN ED JONES PASSES AT 75

AFTER 20 YEARS, HOMESTEADS APPLE FESTIVAL CANCELLED FOR 2025

The Cumberland Homestead Tower Association posted an announcement this evening that 2025 Apple Festival will not be held. The Apple Festival celebrated its 20th anniversary last fall. Below is the announcment:

Official Homesteads Apple Festival Announcement: The Cumberland Homesteads Tower Association Board of Directors has decided not to hold the Homesteads Apple Festival in 2025. They made this decision after careful thought and planning for the future. This is a time to make positive changes that will benefit all vendors, the community, and help preserve the Cumberland Homesteads. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.

FUNERAL SERVICES ANNOUNCED FOR LOCAL BUSINESSMAN GARRY HOOD

Local longtime businessman and civic leader Garry Hood has passed.  Garry was the owner operator of Hood Funeral Home and Crematory for many decades.  Garry also served many years on the Cumberland County Fair Board of Directors including serving as President of the Fair Board over the years. Garry died from health complications at the age of 70.

BUSINESSMAN, OWNER OF BUCK CREEK RANCH-TOM PELFREY HAS PASSED AWAY

Longtime Crossville businessman and entrepreneur, Tom Pelfrey has passed away at 80. Tom started many companies in his lifetime including Alpha Equipment, a telecommunication company.  He was known as a down to earth and generous man.  He built one of the largest estates in the county known as Buck Creek Ranch which served as his home and just about anyone else who needed a home.  Buck Creek is a very popular venue for special events. Tom was  a driving force in helping  many local civic organizations throughout the years.  Services for Tom will be Friday from 5 till 7pm at Buck Creek Ranch

LONG TIME BUSINESSMAN JERRY WHITSON PASSES

Jerry Whitson, owner of Whitson’s Auto Sales and Whitsons Auto Detailing has passed at 79.  Jerry owned Whitsons Auto Sales for several decades on West Avenue.  You couldn’t help but like Jerry…always ready with a joke and as friendly as you ever ask for. There will be a Celebration of Life for Jerry at Buck Creek Ranch on Tuesday April 22 from 4 til 7.

28-YEAR-OLD PEDESTRIAN FATALITY ON GENESIS ROAD IDENTIFIED

A 28 year old woman was killed Tuesday morning as she walked along 3594 Genesis Road in Cumberland County.  According to the THP report, Courtney Chandler was walking south on Genesis road at 5:47am.  The report said Ms. Chandler was wearing dark clothing and no reflective gear. Paul Beaty was approaching Ms Chandler and noticed her walking along the road. He tried to steer away from her but struck the woman.  Chandler was pronounced dead at the scene. No charges were filed.

CRAB ORCHARD MAN KILLED IN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING TUESDAY

At the request of 13th Judicial District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway, TBI special agents continue to investigate a fatal officer-involved shooting Tuesday afternoon involving an officer of the Fairfield Glade Police Department.

Preliminary information indicates the incident occurred at approximately 4:30 CT. Law enforcement officers had been searching for a suspect involved in a domestic incident, when an officer located the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop the driver, who led the officer on a pursuit. The driver eventually pulled into a gravel driveway at a location in the 9000 block of Peavine Road and exited his vehicle, armed with a handgun, and fired at the officer, striking the patrol vehicle’s windshield. The driver then advanced toward the officer on foot, after which the officer returned fire, striking and killing him. Authorities later identified the driver as 42-year-old Jody Tollet, of Crab Orchard. No law enforcement officers were hurt in the incident.

TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events in the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration. The TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting TBI’s involvement.

The TBI does not identify the officers involved in these types of incidents and instead refers questions of that nature to the respective department to answer as it sees fit.

COMMUNITY PLEADS WITH COUNTY TO REINSTATE DIRECTOR BILLY STEPP

The Cumberland County Schools and County Education Committee met last night in their regularly scheduled meeting.

However, the Committee moved their meeting venue from the School’s library to the Stone auditorium to allow comments from the community concerning the dismissal of Director of Schools Billy Stepp.  There has been an uproar within the community of Stepp’s release with most saying Stepp is the best DOS the county has ever had.

Five School Board Members voted to not renew Stepps contract last Thursday night. The County is asking why. There has been some indication the five members acted on personal and private agenda’s in casting their vote that had nothing to do with Stepp’s performance as Director of Schools.

There is currently an investigation into the possible private agenda’s among the five Board Members.