Today's News

With only a few agenda items for consideration and even fewer onlookers, LaFollette city council members plowed through Monday evening’s workshop agenda in short order.

Issues including insurance for retirees and roof repairs to a LaFollette Fire Department building required the most discussion during the meeting.

When Edward and Trena Smiddy’s phone rang at 4:30 Tuesday morning they didn’t know the upset that call would bring.

The 911 operator on the phone told Trena Smiddy the couple’s barn was on fire. But this was not just any barn. It was a barn that had become an area landmark.

In November the Smiddys purchased “The Party Barn” from Hack and Tommy Ayers. During the last 16 years the site had become known not only for its unique atmosphere but for the many antiques and county artifcats housed there.

Following a brief hearing last Thursday, Jeffery Cress was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

During the morning proceedings, Cress agreed he was guilty of sexual battery and aggravated assault, both of which are felonies. However, while Cress was willing to take the deal offered by prosecutors in the case, his attorney Michael Hatmaker did not agree.

“The plea is not my recommendation,” Hatmaker said. He went on to tell Criminal Court Judge Shayne Sexton that Cress could continue and accept the plea but it was “absent my recommendation.”

A one time city of LaFollette employee has filed suit claiming he is the victim of discrimination.

On Monday, Gary “Wayne” Gregg filed the $500,000 lawsuit in circuit court claiming that when he attempted to return to work following his medical leave, he no longer had a job. Gregg is alleging the city discriminated against him because of his age and handicap. In the course of his employment with the city, Gregg says he has incurred injuries to his legs, back, other extremities and his hearing.