Top local news stories of 2015
JACKSON, Tenn. — 2015 is quickly coming to a close and as we get ready to ring in the new year we’re taking a look back at a year packed with big stories all across West Tennessee.
This year was packed with local news some of it tragic and disturbing, others signaling elements of change and some uplifting. Between tales of mother nature’s wrath to moments of heroism — here are the stories that topped our newscasts throughout 2015.
January
A Madison County saw mill caught fire and burned for more than three days.
“It looked like Dante’s Inferno out there,” one resident said. “The sky was red and flames were shooting above the buildings across the road.”
Strong winds were blamed for spreading the flames and sending smoke and soot into the surrounding neighborhoods. Dozens of firefighters worked the scene, 24 hours a day until it was put out.
February
A Jackson Police Officer was severely beaten while on duty. Sgt Mike Thomas was getting coffee at a gas station on N. Highland Ave. during his break when officers said he was viciously beaten by Cepeda Coble.
“It was so graphic,” Jackson Police Chief Julian Wiser said. “I almost didn’t recognize him when I walked into the ER that night.”
Sgt. Thomas suffered facial fractures and other injures but he was able to return to duty 5 months later.
March
Humboldt Native Janice Frisbee made headlines across the county in March after being shot multiple times during a kidnapping and attempted bank robbery at the Bancorp South in Humboldt.
“We’re going to see what God holds for me because I know it’s something good,” Frisbee said. “He doesn’t pull you out for something small.”
Frisbee credits a necklace with saving her life. It was a miracle that brought the entire city together, creating a movement called ‘Humboldt Strong’.
Also in March, another tragedy at a bank this time in Jackson. Officers said David Laster entered the north Jackson branch of the Bank of Jackson and shot and killed his ex-girlfriend Virginia Dorris who was a teller there. He then shot and killed himself.
May
2015 was also a big year for politics. The highly anticipated Jackson Mayoral Race ended with another term for Mayor Jerry Gist. He defeated former state Senator Lowe Finney.
Tragedy struck the Madison County Fire Department in May when firefighter Chris Blankenship died in the line of duty.
“He was a firefighter’s firefighter, always smiling,” Madison County Fire Chief Turner said. “I don’t know if he had a bad day because we didn’t see that.”
Blankenship was killed when a tree fell on him as he worked to put out a car fire. He is the first Madison County firefighter to be killed on the job.
June
A big update in the Holly Bobo case came in June. The state officially chose to seek the death penalty for Jason Autry and brothers, Zach and Dylan Adams.
October
Tragedy once again struck Madison County in October. Deputy Rosemary Vela was killed while responding to a call. Officers said her cruiser left Highway 70 near Huntersville went down and embankment and crashed into a tree.
Law enforcement came from across the nation to honor her.
November
In November a Madison County man was attacked and killed by his newly adopted dog.
“It’s just one of those tragic stories,” Tom Mapes with the Madison County Sheriff Office said. “We want to encourage people to adopt pets but then something like this happens and it’s just mind boggling.”
December
A story that rocked Gibson County. Two-term Sheriff Chuck Arnold along with 11 of his former employees were indicted after a TBI investigation. Charges include theft and official misconduct.
Also in December, the Jackson-Madison County School Board approved their ‘Vision 2020’ plans. Restructuring the school system by voting to close Jackson Central-Merry High School and a number of elementary and middle schools.
Just before the year is out, severe weather also made headlines. Tornadoes touched down in parts of the area. They left a path of destruction from North Mississippi into West Tennessee.
