Public safety
Dyer County deputies and local officers arrested 12 people during an overnight saturation sweep in Dyersburg and surrounding areas, the Dyer County Sheriff's Office said. The operation ran from Friday evening, Oct. 30, into early Saturday morning, Oct. 31. Deputies made traffic stops and served outstanding warrants across the community. Dyersburg police, the West Tennessee Drug Task Force and the Tennessee Highway Patrol helped with the operation.
Investigator Heather Defoe arrested the operation's main target on a charge of violation of sex offender registry, the sheriff's office said. The suspect had absconded since 2019. Drug Task Force Agent Justin Jones made a traffic stop that led to a DUI arrest. A body scanner search at the Law Enforcement Center led to charges of possession of a Schedule II substance to include felony amounts of fentanyl and cocaine. Officers also brought a second suspect to the center on a city warrant, where the suspect was charged with introduction upon entering the jail.
“This is what the citizens of Dyer County can expect in the future - continued teamwork and coordination with all law enforcement agencies,” Sheriff Montgomery said. “A special thank you to the DTF, DPD, and THP for their involvement with this operation.”
Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
State prison officials searched for an escaped inmate who fled the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, the Tennessee Department of Correction said. Staff discovered that Jacob Allen Morley, 28, was unaccounted for around 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. Security cameras confirmed Morley breached the perimeter fence and left the facility in his prison uniform. Morley is serving a life sentence for a Carter County conviction for first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, evading arrest and vandalism. Officials warned the public not to approach him and urged residents to call 911 or 1-844-TDC-FIND with any information.
Read our story: Inmate serving life for murder escapes Northwest Correctional Complex.
Elections
Early voting ended Thursday, Oct. 29, as county residents cast ballots ahead of Election Day, the Dyer County Election Commission said. Voters who did not cast an early ballot must vote at their assigned precinct on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polling places across the county will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
County and city government
Dyersburg's unemployment rate stood at 3.0% in September as jobless rates dropped across the state, the City of Dyersburg said. Every county in Tennessee reported a decline in unemployment compared to the previous month. Only two counties recorded rates of 5.0% or greater, with the highest at 5.1%. Eight counties recorded the state's lowest rate at 2.7%.
Read our story: Dyersburg unemployment rate was 3.0% in September as rates fell statewide.
The Dyer County Legislative Body will meet Monday, Nov. 9, county officials said. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Circuit Courtroom on the second floor of the county courthouse.
Read our story: Dyer County Legislative Body to meet Nov. 9.
Residential loose-leaf pickup across Dyersburg is scheduled to start Monday, Nov. 2, the City of Dyersburg said.
Read our story: Dyersburg to start residential loose-leaf pickup Nov. 2.
The City of Dyersburg opened applications for a heavy equipment operator in the Water and Sewer Department, city officials said. The job includes digging trenches, repairing water and sewer lines, finding pipes, backfilling and loading trucks with dirt and gravel. Qualified applicants must have experience operating a backhoe and excavator, a commercial driver's license and a high school diploma or GED. Candidates can apply at City Hall at 425 W. Court St. or email a resume to steague@dyersburgtn.gov.
Dyersburg Mayor John Holden presented a city proclamation to Transitions of Dyer County Executive Director Angel Dycus, the City of Dyersburg said. The proclamation recognized local Drug-Free Week activities based at the group's center at 250 Youth Home Road. Transitions works to transform and disciple women seeking a new beginning through Jesus Christ. Dyer County officials also commended the organization's positive impact on women in the community.
Read our story: Mayor John Holden presents Drug-Free Week proclamation to Transitions.
County and city leaders also took part in civic events during the week, county officials said. Dyer County Mayor Eric Maupin served as the program speaker for the Rotary Breakfast Club of Dyersburg Oct. 28. Dyersburg Mayor John Holden celebrated his birthday Oct. 30.
Community
Dyersburg Trojan football defeated Ripley 45-13 Thursday night, the City of Dyersburg said. The Trojans led 38-7 at halftime and will host Round 1 of the TSSAA state tournament next Friday.
Read our story: Dyersburg Trojans defeat Ripley 45-13.
The city recognized local businesses and seasonal events during the final week of October, city officials said. The chamber of commerce held a ribbon cutting for Southern Smile Studio Oct. 29. The Dyersburg Moose Lodge sponsored a youth sports team at the Dyersburg Activity Center. Daylight saving time ended Sunday, Nov. 1, when clocks fell back one hour at 2 a.m.