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THE LEADER
Daniel Allen Dennis Chaney Melissa Barnett Phillip Martin Curtis Baltz Monica Jackson Mike Pegg Frank Perez
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2012 ▪ VO L . 1 2 8 , N O. 3 8 ▪ T H E VO I C E O F TIPTON COUNTY S I N C E 1 8 8 6 ▪
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ELECTION 2012
Police say this man robbed Rite Aid at gunpoint last Thursday morning, but they need help identifying him. If you can help, call 901-475-1261.
Crime spree has residents asking
‘What’s going on?’ By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com COVINGTON – On South Main Street two houses have recently been put up for sale. At another house, one couple has quit taking walks together at night, instead staying inside with the doors locked. One family makes their daughters – a newborn and a toddler – sleep on the floor instead of in their beds. These are but a few of the changes that have been taking place in the once-quiet, peaceful neighborhood near Covington's historic district, changes prompted by a recent rash of crime in the city. "I'm not sure if it's drugs or gangs or what, but it's getting bad here," said Deborah Lavelle, who has lived in her South Main home for a year. In the past month city hall and a tanning salon have been burglarized, two young men physically assaulted a woman at a local funeral home and stole her wallet and a drugstore was robbed at gunpoint. Closer to South Main, Lavelle and other residents report hearing dozens of SHERIFF PANCHO rounds of gunfire close to CHUMLEY on the their homes approximately recent crime wave in three weeks ago. A black Covington spot in front of a home on the corner of East Lookout and South Tipton shows the place where two cars were torched after police finished investigating the shootings. Residents say they're living in fear. "Scared, we're scared. I think the whole neighborhood is scared. This was a nice, peaceful neighborhood when we moved here," said Bill Freeman. There have been no arrests made in the city hall burlgary, the tanning salon burglary, the physical assault and mugging at Maley-Yarbrough Funeral Home or the armed robbery at Rite Aid last Thursday. And police aren't saying much. The Leader's calls to the Covington police chief have gone unreturned. Residents say they have heard rumors that the increase in robberies and burglaries lately is a form of gang initiation, but that could not be confirmed. Tipton County Sheriff Pancho Chumley said he's getting tired of the growing violence and had some very harsh words for the criminals. "All they are are terrorists. Why should we look at them any differently than international terrorists? They're shooting, burning, right here in the streets of Covington and Tipton County. There's more gang ac-
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All they are are terrorists.
A Debra Moody supporter poses with campaign signs in Munford during Thursday's election. Photo by Echo Day
Moody, Cousar post big wins By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com
TURNOUT
Debra Moody and Rose Cousar posted big wins in Thursday's county general and state primary elections. Backed by political powerhouse families such as the Vandergrifts, Moody was able to score the Republican nomination for state representative, a seat that will be vacated by longtime representative Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington) who served for nearly four decades. Moody took 44 percent of
▪ Overall, 7,575 voters – or 19 percent of those registered – cast a ballot in the August 2012 election ▪ Munford had the largest turnout with 1,205 voters (27 percent) ▪ Northeast Covington and West Wilkinsville tied for worst turnout at 14 percent
votes; she lead in all precincts except Wilkinsville, Mullins' home community, where she had 30 percent of votes to Mullins' 37. Overall, Rory Bricco had 25 percent of votes and Terry Mullins, known for supporting term
limits, had 24 percent of votes. Randy McKee, a staff sergeant in the National Guard and Purple Heart recipient, earned 5.3 percent votes on what was the third anniversary of an IED attack that wounded him and killed three of his soldiers. Moody will be the Republican candidate on the ballot to fill Naifeh's seat. Tommy Hill (IBrighton) and Conneye Albright (D-Covington) are the other two candidates. Cousar wins assessor race Rose Cousar, a 20-year deputy
SEE CRIME, PAGE A3
SEE ELECTION, PAGE A2
Tip leads to restaurant owner’s gambling arrest By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com COVINGTON – A tip from the public led to the arrest of a local restauranteur for gambling, the Tipton County Sheriff's Office announced Monday. According to a press release issued by the department, search warrants were executed on Thursday, Aug. 2 after
receiving reports of an illegal gambling operation. Deputies searched a home at 808 Stitt Street as well as Little Porky's, a restaurant owned by Steve Uttz, and confirmed payouts were being made from gambling machines inside the residence. Uttz, 49, of Fair Way Drive, was confirmed to be the owner of the
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machines. He allegedly admitted to owning the machines and receiving cash for illegal gambling while being interviewed by police. He was arrested for aggravated gambling promotion and is free on a $5,000 bond. Uttz's next appearance in court is Sept. 11. His charge history includes two DUI arrests in 2010. Additionally, TCSO ar-
rested Denise Whitehead, 39, of Tatlock Circle on charges aggravated gambling promotion related to this case. It is unclear at press time what part she played in the operation. Whitehead's prior arrests include domestic violence, theft, drug, worthless check, criminal impersonation and violation of probation
Reader’s Guide TODAY’S WEATHER Chance of storms. High 93, low 70.
INSIDE Opinion Faith Obituaries Community Sports
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Our annual Football Preview supplement is coming in next week's edition. HOW TO REACH US Call 901.476.7116 Fax 901.476.0373 Email news@covingtonleader.com Visit us at 2001 Hwy. 51 South, Covington, TN 38019 or online at covingtonleader.com
SEE ARREST, PAGE A3
The Wings Over Halls Airshow will be August 18 and 19. Pick up your tickets at any Patriot Bank location or go to www.hallsairshow.com for more information. We hope to see you there!
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