The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee • Page 6

2B Tu-Uy, Mrch 24 199 THE TENNESSEAN 2 STATELOCAL NEWS )h Compiled by lucent Troict Good weather may pave way for major roadwork projects LEBANON County road crews are chomping at the bit to stop patching and do some major roadwork just as soon as the weather breaks, Assistant Roads Superintendent Steve Lynch said. "We have been ready if we can get some break in the weather," Lynch said. The first big project on the list for when the skies clear is the widening and oiling-and-chipping of Simmons Bluff Road and Ford Road, two of the last remaining public gravel roads in the county. County road crews are hoping to eliminate all gravel roads this year. WARREN DU2AK Student lawmakers ready when 4-H congress convenes ASHLAND CITY When the 51st annual state 4-H Club Congress convenes Sunday, Cheatham County will be represented by three delegates.

Brandon Allen and Crystal Taylor of Cheatham County Central High will be joined by Amanda Elrod, a student at Goodpasture Christian School as the county's delegates. Each delegate will be assigned to either the 4-H Senate or House of Representatives, and will actually organize and operate their own version of a state government called a Congress. They will practice drafting, debating and enacting bills into law. The 1998 state officers include: Elijah Aaron, Loudon County, governor; Rob Fitzgerald, Macon County, speaker of the Senate; Trey Lefler, Loudon County, speaker of the House of Representatives. -PAUL OLDHAM i REX PERRY STAFF BRIGHT IDEA Larry Brown of Rains Electric replaces old lightbulbs strung In trees around Riverfront Park.

Brown said he and co-workers plan to replace more than 13,000 bulbs downtown. felon, and law enforcement officials consider him armed and dangerous. Warrants for aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a scheduled drug are on file for Cammon. The Rutherford County Sheriffs Department is ask ing for anyone with any information on Cammon to contact them at 615-898-7770. Crime Stoppers of Ruth erford County is offering a reward for information that leads to Cammon's arrest DEBBIE MCCLANAHAN Pregnant woman injured by crude mailbox bomb SPRINGFIELD Authorities are investigating a mailbox bomb which exploded and injured a pregnant Robertson County woman Saturday.

Angela Sneed, 28, of Route 8, Springfield, received cuts to her left arm and left leg Saturday afternoon when a beer bottle exploded, said Detective Sgt Jesse Richardson of Robertson County Sheriffs Department Sneed, 26 weeks pregnant and the mother of two children, had just removed the bottle from her family's mailbox when it exploded, Richardson said. "I opened up the mailbox to get the mail for two days. I noticed a partially filled beer bottle that had leaked on some of my mail," Sneed said. "I took the bottle out and laid it on the ground beside the mailbox. As I turned and started toward my car across the highway, the bottle exploded." Sneed's husband called the Sheriff's Department and then drove his wife to the emergency room, where she was treated and release.

"Postal inspectors have sent evidence to the FBI lab," said Kim Whitworth of the Springfield Post Office. Richardson said it is not known how the bomb was detonated. PAUL OLDHAM $30,000 worth of damage and taking $60,000 worth of electron ics, a car and a van. All five pleaded guilty. The suspects and their sentences are: Michael David Hutchinson, 18, of 1011 Alford Road, Murfreesboro.

Hutchinson was sentenced to six years in prison. He will serve 120 days, then be on a work release program for the remainder of the six years. Daniel Allen Pulaski, 19, of 66 Upper Station Camp Creek Road, Gallatin, was also sentenced to six years in prison. He will serve 90 days in boot camp at the Tennessee Department of Correction. Pulaski will be on probation the remainder of the sentence.

Leonard Eugene Rowe 20, of 231 New Shackle Island Road No. D-29, received a five-year sentence and will also go to boot camp, then be on probation for the remainder of the five years. Mason Thomas YVilbanks, 19, of 101 Center Point Road, Hendersonville, was sentenced to 10 years. Steve A. Williams, 19, of 123 Township Drive, Hendersonville, received a 12-year sentence.

CORWIN A.THOMAS Man fleeing deputy dies after crashing into trees CLARKSVILLE A man being pursued by a Montgomery County sheriffs deputy was killed after crash ing his car into two trees. Deputy James Derico began pursuit early Saturday after noticing a car being driven by Jerry Lee Huff, 47, of Adams, was weaving on State Route 76, said Sheriffs Department Lt. Milan Lewis. Derico quickly stopped the pursuit because of Huffs speed and a windy road, Lewis said. Seconds later, and out of Derico's view, Huff crashed.

Sheriffs Department policy regarding pursuits has always been to "back off if it gets too wild," Lewis said. "They know when to pull off." Huff, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected through the rear window of his car. Huff was driving on a revoked license and could have had his vehicle seized if he had been stopped, Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Thurmon Groves said. ASSOCIATED PRESS Clarksville Police Department is looking for a new chief CLARKSVILLE Clarksville is in the market for a police chief to head a 200-employee department. Veteran Chief Johnny Rosson was transferred to the Building and Codes Department, effective at the March meeting of the City Council, to head that department.

Mark Smith, who was deputy chief under Rosson, is serving as acting chief. Wilbur Hill, Human Resources spokesman, said he understands Mayor Don Trotter would like to name a new chief about May 1. Qualifications: bachelor's degree in police science and 10 years experience with a municipal police department. Clarksville is the state's fifth largest city with a population of almost 100,000. PAUL OLDHAM Donation helps to settle company's waste case DICKSON A company here has settled an environmental case with the state by adding waste treatment processes and contributing up to $40,000 for a greenhouse project at Montgomery Bell State Park.

Sumiden Wire Products, which sent out waste that wasn't properly treated to a landfill, will also give $10,000 to a new "Friends of the Park" group being organized. "These kind of settlements allow a corporate neighbor to put money into the community where residents can benefit," said Commissioner Milton H. Hamilton Department of Environment and Conservation. Under the agreement, Sumiden will build one or more greenhouses in the park, primarily to cultivate native plant species. ANNE PAINE Fugitive who assaulted deputy remains at large MURFREESBORO Michael Hudson Cammon, who fled after assaulting a Rutherford County sheriffs deputy last month during a routine Feb.

17 traffic stop on Interstate 24, is still at large. The 24-year old African-American man is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds. He is a convicted Judge sentences five men for Beech High burglary GALLATIN Five men accused of theft and bur glary of Beech High School were sentenced yesterday in Sumner County Criminal Court. The five men, four from Sumner County and another from Murfreesboro in Rutherford County, are accused of breaking into the high school July 1, causing Three youths caught in 3-hour hunt The Tennessean lists events and meetings as space permits. The Local News section Includes support groups on Mondays and Tuesdays; meetings on Wednesdays; classes and single activities on Thursdays; special events and parks on Fridays; and tourist attractions on Saturdays.

A list of fine arts, theater and music events appears Sundays in Arts Entertainment. Information should be submitted, at least two weeks before the event, in writing to Calendar of Events, The Tennessean, 1100 Broadway, Nashville, Tenn. 37203; fax 259-8057; e-mall IMngtennessean.com. Calendar entry forms are available In The Tennessean lobby, by writing the above address or by calling 259-8054. Lists are compiled by Linda Stone.

By TANYA N. BALLARD Staff Writer MOUNT JULIET A nearly three-hour manhunt involving the Wilson County Sheriff's Department, Metro K-9 units and a Metro police helicopter ended with the capture of three Davidson County "We sight them on two or three occasions within the woods and one suspect was apprehended from the woods after about 45 minutes," Kennedy said. "The two other suspects crossed Benders Ferry and got into the woods again." A Metro K-9 unit and a police helicopter joined the hunt for the remaining two suspects, but left as the search dragged on. The two remaining suspects were captured through the help of a watchful eye. "A concerned citizen called and said the two suspects were on Burton Road and our two or three units get there and apprehend the other two suspects," Kennedy said.

"That was about 4:30 p.m." Kennedy and Ashe said it appeared the suspects had broken into another house earlier. "The pickup truck was stolen out of Metro and it was loaded down with all the stereo equipment from the other house," he said. "And then they get interrupted at the other house where they had stuff stacked up at the door ready to load." The three suspects were taken to the Wilson County Criminal Justice Center. Ashe said the three were to be transported to a Middle Tennessee juvenile detention center last night said last night The victim went to a neighbor's home and called the sheriff's department and another neighbor, he said. The second neighbor used a vehicle to block the suspects' truck and got a shotgun out of the suspects' truck.

"As the suspects leave the house they realize they are blocked in, they run into the woods, and shots are exchanged between the neighbor and the suspects," said Lt David Kennedy. The three suspects were triangled in between Benders Ferry Road, Sanford Drive and Lebanon Road. juveniles yesterday afternoon. The search began after the three youths were interrupted at about while allegedly robbing a Mount Juliet home on Sanford Road. Police would not release the names of the suspects.

"A lady came home this afternoon after lunch and found a pick- 'up truck backed up to her house," IWilson County Sheriff Terry Ashe WDCN wants to spin off from board How to get to early voting Early voting for the May 5 Davidson County primary election begins April 15 at the Election Commission office at the Howard Office Building, 700 Second Ave. S. Early voting at branch sites begins April 23. All early voting ends April 30. Voters may go to any site to vote early.

Times will vary each day. Branch sites are: Belle Meade City Hall, 4705 Harding Pike. Madison Station Senior Center, 301 Madison St. Looby Library, 2301 Metro Center Blvd. Donelson Hermitage Senior Center, 108 Do nelson Pike Woodbine Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 3016 Nolensville Pike East Middle School, North Tenth and Main streets Civilian benefits to match officers' sonville Hospital, 355 New Shackle Island Road, Hendersonville.

Free. 264-4357. Recovery A mental health self-support group for eradicating panic attacks, anxiety-worries, sleeplessness, fears, 6 p.m. each Thursday, Belmont United Methodist Church, 2007 Acklen Ave. Free.

646-0049, 832-7208. Second Wind: Support group for chronic pulmonary disease sufferers, meets 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every fourth Thursday, lower level, Baptist Hospital Rehabilitation Center, 2000 Hayes St. Free but reservations required. 329-5022.

Separate Prisons: Support group for individuals with a loved one in prison or jail, meets 6 p.m. each Tuesday, Reconciliations Rainbow House, 702 51st Ave. N. 292-6371. Sexaholics Anonymous: Support group to help members achieve sexual sobriety and progressive victory over lust in all its forms.

251-7516. Sharing: For people coping with miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death, meets at 7 p.m. every first and third Thursday, School of Nursing, Godchaux Hall, Vanderbilt University campus, 21st Avenue South. 790-8334. Single Again: Dickson County support group for people divorced or widowed (615) 446-4115 or (615) 446-3880.

Smokers Anonymous: Meets at 6 p.m. each Thursday, Blakemore United Methodist Church, 3601 West End Ave. Call Barbara, 329-1835. Step Family Support Network: Meets 6 p.m. every first Thursday, 201 23rd Ave.

S. 228-9650; also a.m. every third Saturday, Family and Children's Services, 4732 W. Longdate Drive. 832-9220.

Sudden Loss: For all who have lost a friend or family member suddenly or unexpectedly, meets p.m. every other Tuesday, Crisis Intervention Center. 244-7444. Survivors of Suicide: For all who have lost a friend or family member to suicide, meets p.m. each Monday, Crisis Intervention Center.

244-7444. Survivors of Incest: For women, meets 6:30 p.m. each Thursday, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5110 Franklin Pike. Television tapings Crook A Chase: Hosted by Lor-lanne Crook and Charlie Chase, tapes 11 a.m.-noon today. Doors open at 10 a.m., Jim Owens Productions, 1525 McGavock St.

(near Music Row). Admission is free. Reservations must be made by calling 242-8000. Guests scheduled today: Tracy Byrd, entertainment reporter talks about his Interview with Billy Crystal. Prime Tune Country.

Hosted by Gary Chapman, tapes 5 p.m. today at Studio A in the Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland. Doors open at 4 p.m. Admission is free. Reservations must be made by calling 889-6611.

In the event of no-shows, stand-by seating is available on first-come, first-served basis. Parking is available in Areas 3 and 6 of the Opryland parking lot for $2. Guests scheduled today: Vicki Lawrence, Neal McCoy, Tracy Byrd. Support Nashville Alliance for the Mentally Ill-Nashville: The family organization for brain disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, meets 7:30 p.m. every fourth Tuesday, West End Church of Christ, 3534 West End Ave.

385-0938. One-in-Teen Support Group: For gay, lesbian and bisexual youth ages 14-22, meets p.m. each Wednesday, at The Center for Lesbian and Gay Community Services, 703 Berry Road. 297-0008. Overeaten Anonymous: Meets 9 a.m.

each Saturday, St. Edwards Church library, 188 Thompson Lane. 833-5402. Parents of Autistic Children (PAC): Meets at various times and locations. 952-5402 or 889-5500.

Parents Encouraging Parents: A parent-to-parent support and Information network for families of children with disabilities or special medical need. Free. 340-5697. Parents of Teens Support Group: Featuring discussions on teen behavior, 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Free Methodist Church, 568 N.

Water Gallatin. Free. 451-9204. Parkinson Support Group: Meets 7 p.m. every fourth Tuesday, Physicians Dining Room, Hender affiliated with the Public Broadcasting System run by local governing bodies like school boards.

Of the other 178 stations buying PBS programming, 90 are held by nonprofit groups, 62 by universities and 26 by state governments, said Jeannie Bunton, spokeswoman for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. School board member Kent Weeks said the time was right to start the process to remove WDCN from board control. "I think it's a win-win situation" for both the school board and station, he said. But Weeks cautioned, it remained to be seen if a new public TV board could raise enough money to stand on its own. "It's moving into uncharted waters, and the new group is taking a huge risk," he said.

If the station is run independently, the school board could save $2 million a year by 2003, said Charles Brumbelow, assistant to the general manager at WDCN. The board would still pay the station about $1.25 million a year to produce and air instructional programming, but would not have to foot the bill for salaries, overhead and other operating expenses. "It really boils down to money. The school board, out of necessity, has to focus its attention on the children and the schools," Shepherd said.B Station officials say they hope to offer more local programming, including a long-planned current affairs show that would take in-depth looks at topics ranging from politics to lifestyle issues like traffic congestion. WDCN now produces three shows: Tennessee Crossroads, a cultural news magazine; Tennessee Outdoorsman, a sporting show; and Volunteer Gardener.

If the station spins off, the lineup of national programs featuring popular shows like Nova, Frontline and Newshour with Jim Lehrer would not change immediately. But Shepherd says the station may be able to air more PBS programming when InterMedia's two new educational channels start up later this year. Talk of spinning off WDCN stretches back more than a decade, but the need for the move is now more urgent. The station will have to convert to digital broadcast by 2003 or face the loss of its channel. A conversion is estimated to cost $4.85 million, Shepherd said.

WDCN, which has a budget of $5.5 million, gets about $2.1 million a year from the school board. Fund raising brings in another $2.4 million, while about $1 million comes from state and federal funds, officials said. WDCN is one of eight stations lowed 46 "uniformed" civilian employees in the fire department to join the firefighters plan more than three years ago. Civilian employee Representatives argued that they wear uniforms, too, and should get the same benefits as firefighters. Metro's pension plan specifically refers to "uniform fire services" and doesnt differentiate between uniformed and non-uniformed employees in the department The Metro Code, however, provides that civilians in the police department must receive the same benefits as their counterparts in the department That was their argument when they went to court "The police and fire pension plan 'just has more benefits," said David ikomisar, general counsel of the police civilian employee association.

Police officers and firefighters 'jean retire at age 53 with at least 22 years of service to Metro. General government civilians can retire at 65 with 25 years of service. higher percentage toward police and firefighter pensions. The average Metro contribution to employee pension plans is 10.6 of their salary. Metro currently pays $3.9 million a year to its nearly 4,000 retirees.

The total pension and insurance budget for all 17,000 current and former employees is about $43 million annually. Bredesen said benefit board members added the 46 firefighters on a voice vote and without consulting their legal counsel. The issue was not on the agenda for the meeting. The benefit board's decision in 1995 is one of a series of decisions and actions that has Bredesen upset with the benefit board and its director, Jim Luther. The mayor said last week that he is considering privatizing the pension section of the benefit board because of the recent problems.

An audit report issued last week found that the board has overpaid Metro retirees $2.3 million from 1987-1995. City pensioners also were underpaid about $2.6 million. Also, Metro contributes a sngnuy 1.