Public safety

Dyer County deputies arrested a suspect in the 2025 murder of Deandre Pickering, the sheriff's office said Oct. 9. The suspect was wanted for second-degree murder. Officers with the West Tennessee drug task force, Dyersburg police and state troopers helped deputies find and arrest the suspect. The sheriff's office did not name the suspect or give an arrest location. "Great teamwork by all agencies involved, led by Capt. Caldwell," Sheriff Grant Montgomery said. "If you provide fentanyl or any other dangerous drugs to our citizens or inmates, you will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Read our story: Dyer County Sheriff's Office arrests suspect in 2025 murder of Deandre Pickering.

Deputies charged two people Oct. 8 after construction equipment was damaged beneath the Mississippi River Bridge, the sheriff's office said. The damage was reported Sept. 14. A man is charged with vandalism over $10,000, and a juvenile is charged with vandalism over $1,000. The damage totaled more than $26,000. District Attorney General Danny Goodman will prosecute the cases. "This is a great example of teamwork between our Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions," Capt. Caldwell said. "I would like to commend Deputy Wyatt Farrow and Investigator Heather Defoe for working together to solve this case so quickly."

Read our story: Two charged in vandalism of construction equipment beneath Mississippi River Bridge.

Deputies helped federal marshals arrest two fugitives hiding in Dyer County Oct. 5, the sheriff's office said. One suspect was wanted on felony charges out of Missouri. The second suspect was charged with aggravated rape, rape of a child and incest. The sheriff's office did not name either suspect. Both will face prosecution in the jurisdictions where charges were filed. "Dyer Countians should rest easier tonight knowing two more fugitives are off the streets," U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller said.

Read our story: U.S. Marshals, Dyer County Sheriff's Office arrest two fugitives.

Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Retired police dog Axel returned to duty for a few hours Oct. 9 to help train the department's team, Dyersburg police said. Axel helped the team with open-area searches for narcotics and evidence recovery.

The sheriff's office promoted Lt. Chris Cole Oct. 5, Sheriff Montgomery said. He asked the community to join in congratulating Cole on the promotion.

Weather and roads

Dyersburg was under a flood watch Saturday ahead of Hurricane Isaias, city officials said. The storm was expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to the area. The National Weather Service forecast 1 to 3 inches of rain, sustained winds of 20 to 25 mph, and gusts up to 45 mph. Residents were urged to secure loose outdoor items, watch for localized flooding and never drive through flooded roadways.

Earlier in the week, Sheriff Montgomery shared weather advisories that warned of 2.5 to 4 inches of rain, the sheriff's office said. Forecasts on Oct. 8 also warned that the storm could bring heavy rain and strong winds across the Mid-South.

Read our story: Dyersburg under Flood Watch Saturday as Hurricane Isaias approaches, city says.

County and city government

Street department worker Greg Taylor celebrated 42 years of service with the city Oct. 5, Dyersburg officials said. Taylor works as a heavy equipment operator. City leaders congratulated him and thanked him for his dedicated service to local residents.

The City of Dyersburg also marked Manufacturing Day Oct. 5, city officials said. Leaders thanked local manufacturers and plants for their contributions, jobs and investments in the community.

Schools

Dyersburg City Schools celebrated its instructional coaches Oct. 6, school officials said. Coaches work alongside teachers every day to help educators grow. They support learning and strengthen instruction in classrooms across the district.

Community

The local chamber of commerce promoted the Levitt AMP fall concert series at Forked Deer River Park in Dyersburg, chamber officials said. Indie-rock artist Zach Person was scheduled to play Saturday on the riverfront stage. Singer Christie Huff opened the concert series earlier in the month. Concertgoers can post photos with the #MusicMoves hashtag to win AirPods Pro. The posts also help Dyersburg compete for a $5,000 concert grant from the Levitt Family Foundation.

The chamber scheduled a ribbon cutting Oct. 8 for Vietnamese cuisine & Cafe on Forrest Street, chamber officials said. The group also promoted Tennessee Restaurant Week and spotlighted Tigrett & Pennington Insurance. Members marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month with their "Thinking Pink" campaign. On Wednesday, Java Cafe offered chicken Rotel plate lunches as part of its fall menu.