T U E S D A Y 162nd YEAR • NO. 21 MAY 24, 2016 CLEVELAND, TN 16 PAGES • 50¢ Sheriff accused of ‘conduct unbecoming’ By BRIAN GRAVES She said it was not her belief the sheriff Banner Staff Writer "of his own volition took [the BCSO Facebook] page down." Watson issues response Sheriff Eric Watson was accused of "I think that someone who may or may "conduct unbecoming" and being unre- not be in this room told him to, and I sponsive to a constituent's concerns dur- thank them," Williams said. to residents’ complaints ing Monday night's work session of the She said after the May 2014 Republican Bradley County Commission. primary when Watson won his office By BRIAN GRAVES During a meeting light on business, it because there was no Democratic opposi- Banner Staff Writer was the comments by two local residents tion, one of her daughters posted on her Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson has responded to accusa- concerning the sheriff which took the Facebook page "a comment about him." tions made against him at Monday night’s County Commission spotlight. She did not give any specifics of the post- meeting after hearing a recording of that session Tuesday morn- Debbie Williams, who admitted to being ing. ing. a supporter of former Sheriff Jim Ruth, "It was true. The then-superintendent of In response to the comments made by Bradley County resident said she wanted to discuss the lawsuit schools and her principal called her in," Debbie Williams to commissioners during a work session, the against Watson and the county by the she said, noting her daughter had been Banner photo, BRIAN GRAVES sheriff said he appreciated “her honesty in expressing her sup- DEBBIE WILLIAMS addressed the Bradley American Atheists and a local "Jane Doe." told "He could sue you." port, past and present, for the former sheriff.” "What I'm in fear of is more lawsuits Williams said they researched U.S. “It is my belief that puts all of her comments into context,” County Commission during Monday night’s work coming because what I would like to pres- Supreme Court decisions about what session. Williams was one of two residents who ent and tell you is what I consider to be a could and could not be posted on complained about what they believe to be actions pattern unbecoming of any elected offi- See RESPONSE, Page 5 and inactions by Sheriff Eric Watson. cial," Williams said. See SHERIFF, Page 5 Inside Today School system director will be named earlier Banner photo, JOYANNA LOVE Board decision CITY COUNCILMEN Bill Estes, from left, Charlie McKenzie and Avery Johnson stand with Mayor Tom Rowland, Sue Zius, Nunnelly reaching Councilmen Richard Banks, David May, Dale Hughes and Vice Mayor George Poe as they honor Janice Casteel (seated) during her to be Thursday for state gold last City Council meeting as city manager. By LARRY C. BOWERS Walker Valley Mustangs track Banner Staff Writer and field standout Bryce Nunnelly started well in state decathlon The Cleveland Board of competition Monday. Nunnelly City manager interviews set Education is putting its selection currently sits in seventh place with of a new director of schools on 2,859 points after Day 1. The the fast track. fledgling Lee University lacrosse Council to meet with candidates June 6-8; The city’s school board has team has added three new names scheduled a called meeting for 1 to the growing roster of Flames p.m. Thursday, to vote for one of players. See Sports, Pages 9-11. two final candidates. The meeting retiring Janice Casteel attends final session will be held at the central office in Mending fences By JOYANNA LOVE Councilman David May. the Yates Primary-Ross Banner Senior Staff Writer Mayor Tom Rowland commented he felt Elementary complex. Trump’s priority “Janice cares about everybody: this would not be in compliance with open “Board mem- The Cleveland City Council has chosen employees and the citizens of meeting laws. Those laws in Tennessee bers felt it was As the Republican party’s pre- June 6-8 as the dates for holding inter- Cleveland. She has a passion for require that any discussion between two unfair for the sumptive nominee for the U.S. views with the five candidates for the posi- her job, which she has done well, elected officials to make a decision on a two candidates presidency in the November gen- tion of city manager. and been so respectful to me, and government matter must be done in a pub- to have to wait eral election, Donald Trump has The interviews will be scheduled for 3 so professional.” lic meeting. There are few exceptions, for us to make some serious fence-mending to our decision,” p.m. or later on each day. — Councilman Avery Johnson including some discussions with an attor- do among other GOP contenders After the interviews, the Council will ney. said eight-time and supporters who have felt the make a selection on June 16 at 3 p.m. “I think it is important to keep reaffirm- board chair- wrath of his political rhetoric This voting session will replace the regular Consultant Larry Wallace has completed ing the process,” Councilman Richard man Dawn throughout the primary season. Monday meeting. A work session will not his detailed checks into the background, Banks said. “I would like to hear what you Robinson on For one person’s perspective on be held that day. The date was changed social media presence, etc. of each candi- found out.” Monday. Alves what he needs to do, and with because some city employees and officials date. He suggested that each councilman The board whom, see the guest “Viewpoint” had tentatively will be attending the Tennessee Municipal “Is it possible that we could have an on Page 12 of today’s edition. scheduled a League conference earlier in the week. executive session on this?” asked See CITY MANAGER, Page 16 meeting for Forecast Friday, June 3, for the voting Today looks to be mostly sunny, session to with highs in the mid to upper 80s. allow member HCI grant moratorium might be extended Dr. Murl Tonight’s forecast calls for partly “With what is left, you couldn’t do very much.” water service. Dirksen to cloudy skies, with lows in the lower By BRIAN GRAVES Banner Staff Writer The Commission recently voted to restore Water service does not require the same return from a 60s. Wednesday should be mostly actions by the HCI committee as other grant trip overseas. the water grant portion to $30,000, leaving a Dyer sunny, with highs in the mid to The Finance Committee of the Bradley balance of around $8,000. requests. He is sched- County Commission will recommend the upper 80s and southwest winds of Noting water projects should be a priority, Commissioner Dan Rawls also said the uled to return moratorium on HCI grants remain in effect for 10 mph or less. Wednesday night Blake added, “the moratorium needs to be water grants are important. June 2. a few more years. “We’ve contacted him and told calls for partly cloudy skies and amended to maintain that until the balance “There are some people in my district where Committee Chairman Milan Blake present- him we believe we should move lows in the mid 60s. Thursday gets to $50,000, and let that account grow.” the wells are starting to dry up,” he said. “At should be mostly sunny, with highs ed the plan to the committee during its some point, there will have to be consideration ahead with the selection,” added Monday afternoon session. Water projects through the grant process, in the mid to upper 80s. Thursday to having water run into those areas.” Robinson. “My recommendation is the HCI committee which will be allowed under Blake’s proposal, “We want our citizens to have water,” The vote on Thursday will con- night should be mostly clear, with stand in a holding pattern for a couple of years are done as a split of the utilities, HCI funds lows in the mid 60s. until the balance rises to $50,000,” Blake said. and area residents wanting a certain type of See GRANT, Page 16 See DIRECTOR, Page 16 Index Classified................................14-15 Sherlin is Comics...........................................6 Moore building Editorials......................................12 Horoscope......................................6 convicted Obituaries.......................................2 future to receive Sports........................................9-11 Stocks............................................4 of murder TV Schedule..................................7 more discussion By ALLEN MINCEY Weather..........................................8 Banner Staff Writer By JOYANNA LOVE Around Town Banner Senior Staff Writer Among tears and disbelief from The final verdict may still be out on the future of the Moore the defense, Alina Doug Caywood presenting a building at 266 Inman St. detailed plan ... Roger Jenne pro- Members of MainStreet Cleveland and former owner Ben Sherlin received viding his opinion ... Nicholas Moore’s attorney George McCoin will meet with Moore today the verdict of a Broadhead making some plans to present detailed information on what MainStreet would like Bradley County ... Heidi Tompkins enjoying sum- the city to do with the building. jury Monday mer in a hammock. Moore has stated he wanted the building demolished and a afternoon — parking lot developed in its place. guilty of second- Sherlin degree murder. “He may change his mind on this,” McCoin told Cleveland Banner photo, JOYANNA LOVE City Council members Monday. She now faces jail time for the THE MOORE BUILDING on Inman Street has been the topic of much Class A felony of 15 to 25 years. See MOORE, Page 16 talk and debate as MainStreet Cleveland has fought for its preservation.