CROSSVILLE —
With innocuous names like "plant food" and "bath salts" they are instead a dangerous synthetic high that can cause psychosis and make users dangerous to themselves and others.
Because of the danger to the public and concerns about the use of these products brought to the city council's attention by law enforcement and the district attorney, council members agreed to move forward with an ordinance to try and control the sale of the product.
While the product is called by a variety of names and is labeled as "not for human consumption," it is a synthetic cannabinoid, essentially a synthetic version of the chemical in marijuana. Because the chemicals used to create the product are unknown and the compound is manipulated to create the product, the long-term effects are also unknown.
The city council members expressed concern about the products' use and possible purchase by young people. The use of these substances can be extremely addictive and are not currently detectable by procedures commonly used in the workplace.
Crossville police chief David Beaty and narcotics officer Becky Wright both talked about the problem with the council and presented information including a disturbing video of a person under the influence of the drug. In the last 90 days the police department has received numerous calls on the abuse of the synthetic marijuana products.
The council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to outlaw the product by making the manufacture, sale, possession, use or distribution a civil offense. The ordinance is based on one passed recently by the city of Kingsport.
The council also passed a second ordinance that adds to a list of "prohibited conduct or activities by a beer permit holder." Because the product is mostly sold by small markets and gas stations that also sell beer, the future sale of synthetic marijuana would jeopardize their beer license.
The council also passed the first reading of an ordinance regulating the use of so-called jake brakes by truck drivers moving through the city limits. A jake brake is a mechanism on semi-trucks that uses the compression of the engine to slow down the speed of the vehicle. It can create a loud shuddering noise as the speed reduction device is applied.
Because the actual measuring of the specific sound in decibels is difficult, the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) recommends that cities require that trucks comply with the approved muffler requirements of the Tennessee Code Annotated.
The council unanimously approved the first reading of the "jake brake" ordinance as recommended by MTAS.
The council approved the first reading of an ordinance annexing 14.44 acres of land adjacent to the Gardens RV village. A letter from the Gardens' CEO Tim Wilson said that two potential buyers for lots in the new portion and plans for subdividing the plat are ready to move forward.
The council also approved the second reading of an ordinance annexing a lot on Mockingbird Lane.
Charles Loveday was reappointed to an additional seven-year term on the Crossville city lake commission. His term was expiring and his reappointment was recommended by the commission and the motion made by councilman Earl Dean.
The Cumberland County Recycling Center was recognized as the mayor's green partner for the "accomplishments in expanding the recycling opportunities of our community." The award was presented to Tom Breeden with the recycling center.
Also recognized at the council meeting was retiring member of the Crossville Tree Board Bill Haynes. Haynes was recognized for his "expertise towards enhancing the beauty, aesthetics and environment of our community."
Area News
City council fights synthetic drugs
- Area News
-
-
Long-time coach, teacher granted diversion
A long-time Cumberland County elementary school teacher and coach indicted in March on a charge of assault in connection with the paddling of a child has been granted diversion in the case and will be eligible to have the charge removed from his record once he completes terms of the sentencing agreement.
-
Honoring fallen heroes
-
Laurel Hills POA action questioned by State Attorney General
The Laurel Hills Property Owners Association on Renegade Mountain recently notified Renegade Mountain residents and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation that, effective July 9, 2012, it would no longer provide water service to any party other than itself with its water system.
The action has caused a hearing, scheduled Monday, May 21, before the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA). -
Looking Back
A weekly historical news feature.
-
Homestead named Lighthouse School of Excellence
Although they call themselves the Bulldogs, students at Homestead Elementary School did not mind Principal Robin Perry describing them as butterflies last week.
-
Suspect faces multiple charges in burglaries
A Cumberland County man was arrested in connection with two burglaries during which thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and tools were stolen. Some of the property has been recovered, according to arrest warrant affidavits.
-
School attendance an issue for those over 18
While state law and school system policies are proving helpful in getting younger students to school, school officials are finding increasing absenteeism among students 18 years and older.
-
Report shows Justice Center needs much work to repair leaks
Commissioners on the building and grounds committee made a consensus agreement earlier this week to have the county attorney review an extensive repair estimate report for work needed at the Cumberland County Justice Center in order to repair numerous leaks and problems.
-
Fire engulfs residence
-
School bus driver cited for leaving the scene
A Cumberland County school bus driver was given a summons to court and, according to unconfirmed reports, is no longer employed as a driver, after the bus she was driving with 63 persons on board struck a concrete guard rail and then continued on its way.
- More Area News Headlines
-
Long-time coach, teacher granted diversion
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
A Few Odd Business Sparks but Europe Gloomy
Revived Focus on Regulation After JPMorgan Loss
Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes
At Least 25 Dead in India Train Collision
Raw Video: Private Rocket Blasts Off
Boy to Rescuers: 'Do You Have a Plan?'
Doctors and Devotees Debate Barefoot Running
Blacks Seek to Find Their Own Missing
Houston Museum Unveils $85 Million Dinosaur Hall
Chicago Police: 90 Arrested in NATO Protests
Ex-Rutgers Student Gets 30 Days in Webcam Case
Obama Sees Inspiration in Joplin Graduates
Raw Video: Man Saved After Niagara Falls Plunge
NATO: Afghan Exit 'Irreversible'
Catholic Groups Sue Over Contraception Mandate
4 Arrested After Man's Beating at Dodger Stadium
Investors Slap Facebook 11 Percent Lower
Raw Video: Dramatic 270-Foot Waterfall Rescue
Fingers Do the Fighting at Wrestling Tourney
