Local News

A federal indictment has charged former Springfield resident 52-year-old Chad William Rudicel, with seven counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Rudicel was arrested by FBI agents at his current home in Largo, Florida. Acting U.S. Attorney Mary Jane Stewart for the Middle District of Tennessee says Rudicel owned Ellis & Rudicel Welding a steel fabrication and welding company located in Springfield.

Tennessee Department of Health officials say the COVID-19 outbreak is a “pandemic of the unvaccinated.”  On Friday, Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said almost all cases of severe illness resulting in hospitalizations or death are among the unvaccinated.  About 97 percent of all hospitalizations and over 98 percent of deaths are among the unvaccinated.  However, she said the state has had about one-thousand breakthrough cases among those who are fully vaccinated.

Jury selection is expected to start today in the trial of a man accused of killing a Dickson County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant.  Steven Wiggins is facing first-degree premeditated murder and first-degree felony murder, among other charges.  Wiggins is accused of shooting Sergeant Daniel Baker six times in May of 2018.  If convicted, Wiggins could face the death penalty.

The first-ever sales tax holiday on gun safety equipment is underway.  For the next year, through June 30th, 2022 buyers will not pay sales tax on gun safes, locks and other gun safety equipment.  Unlocked firearms often lead to accidental shootings and tragedies.  Officials urge gun owners to secure their firearms and ammunition properly.