Tag Archives: Van Buren County

The State Appeals Court has denied the appeal of a Van Buren County man charged with raping his eleven-year-old daughter. Joel Ernest Blanton faces 212 years in prison after being convicted on seven counts of rape during the 2018 trial. Blanton also convicted on one count of aggravated sexual battery involving his ten-year-old daughter. Blanton appealed the verdict citing insufficient ... Read More »

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office requested a new fingerprint machine Tuesday, but the county commission sent the purchase back to committee since it was not a budgeted. Deputy Jarrod Campbell said he received two bids and recommended the lowest price at about $20,000. “Our finger print machine is reaching the end of its life,” Campbell said. “In other words, ... Read More »

Van Buren County set to close on its BDS property sale Monday. Mayor Greg Wilson said nothing has changed with the property deal since the county commission approved it in February. Wilson said the convenience center on the land has closed as a result, so a temporary site is in the works. “We were going to be just right off ... Read More »

Warren County Highway Department reporting several impassable roads due to flooding Wednesday. Road Superintendent Levie Glenn said water covers county roads in the southeast portion of the county. Those communities include Irving College, Centertown and Viola. Glenn said crews will survey the areas throughout the day as waterways are expected to rise. Glenn said no road wash outs have been ... Read More »

Van Buren County will use grant money to purchase new fire protection and rescue gear. Commissioner William Maxwell said new breathing apparatuses, turnout gear and vehicle extraction equipment would bring its five departments up to standards. “This gives us the ability to upgrade these things and get equipment that we would ordinarily not be able to purchase without a grant,” ... Read More »

A new non-profit coming to Van Buren County that provides financial assistance and vehicle repairs for livelihoods depending on transportation. Auxilium Auto of Tennessee purchased the Van Buren BDS property to establish a main office. Founder Jason Hees said he started the organization to combine his two passions: cars and non-profit work. “Last year I started a non-profit called Auxilium ... Read More »

Van Buren County accepting bids to renovate its Old Masonic Building to house a daycare facility. The County Commission moved forward with the project Tuesday night. Three private parties have expressed interest in leasing the building. Mayor Greg Wilson said he estimates the work to cost about $30,000. Wilson said using American Rescue Plan money for the project could be ... Read More »

The Van Buren County Commission once again approved the sale of the BDS property. Real Estate Agent Melissa Harmon presented the commission with two offers Tuesday night. Commissioners voted to move forward with a $220,000 deal with Nashville-based non-profit Auxilium Auto. “Offers are very similar,” Harmon said. “But one is $220,000. The other one is $225,000 with the contingency to ... Read More »

Van Buren County Commissioner Michael Woodlee resigning from his first district seat. Four candidates interested in replacing Woodlee: Cale Crain, Dusty Madewell, Brian Hickerson and Tim Harris. Commissioners will discuss the matter Tuesday.   Read More »

The Van Buren County Masonic Building could receive the needed funding to upgrade the vacant structure to a new daycare facility. The county’s Committee B approved $30,000 to bring the building up to codes. Mayor Greg Wilson said at least three parties have expressed interest in opening a facility. “One thing that Van Buren County doesn’t have other than our Head ... Read More »