Today's News

From staff reports

A burglary call led to the discovery of a pipe bomb at a home on Chilhowee Street in Harriman on Friday.

Harriman Police Chief Randy Heidle said the residence belonged to Gregory Lynn Williford, who was recently arrested in a murder-for-hire plot.

Heidle said the Knoxville Bomb Squad, ATF, Harriman Fire Department and Roane County Sheriff’s Office were all notified.

By JENNIFER RAYMOND

jraymond@roanecounty.com

The city that was a spot on the infamous Thunder Road will have two liquor stores opening their doors soon.

These two liquor stores would be the first allowed in Rockwood and expect to be open by Labor Day, according to city recorder Jim Hines.

In the November 2008 election, referendums for the allowance of package liquor stores and liquor by the drink were placed on the ballot after petitions were circulated and gained the required signatures.

By CINDY SIMPSON

csimpson@roanecounty.com

Harriman has been in violation of its own charter, having multiple department heads residing outside the city limits.

Now, after Harriman City Council unanimously approved charter changes that came back from the state assembly last month, that is no longer an issue.

Among department heads living outside the city are Harriman Police Chief Randy Heidle.

The council approved the changes, which included the deletion of a residency requirement, last month.

By DAMON LAWRENCE

dlawrence@roanecounty.com

Randall Ridenour may have violated Tennessee Department of Correction's policy, but his actions didn't constitute a criminal offense.

Because of that, Roane County Criminal Court Judge E. Eugene Eblen dismissed a facilitation charge against him on Wednesday. 

“This case shows a violation of policy, which is an administration situation,” Eblen said. “But it does not in the court's opinion rise to a criminal aspect, although it could have.”