Robertson Co. News

Coopertown Police are investigating the theft of a $63,000 hydraulic hammer owned by Scott & Ritter, Inc. It was stolen from a job site near York Rd and E Felts Rd sometime Friday or Saturday, March 19^th or 20^th.  Police say the large industrial jackhammer was on-site to break ground for new housing and weighs more than 5,000 pounds. The owners are offering a$5,000 reward for information that leads to the capture of the perpetrators and for the return of the item. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Coopertown Police

Hundreds of faith leaders across Tennessee are asking Governor Bill Lee to reconsider allowing permitless carry of handguns.  Governor Lee supports a bill that would allow most adults 21 and older to carry a handgun without a permit.  Outside the State Capitol yesterday, pastors said more guns won’t make the state safer.  The so-called constitutional carry bill is expected to receive final approval in the House next week.

A bill to make Amazing Grace as sung by Dolly Parton an official song of Tennessee is moving forward.  A Tennessee House Naming and Designating Committee recommended the measure for passage yesterday.  The bill says the hymn written by slave trader turned abolitionist John Newton is one of the “songs of historic significance that have influenced this state,” and cites it as “one of the most celebrated songs in modern history.  The legislation was introduced after the Sevier County-native rejected a different bill proposing a statue be erected in her honor at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.

The TBI says there’s no rise in hate crimes against Asian and Pacific Islanders in Tennessee.  The TBI says there have been less than a dozen anti-Asian hate crimes in Tennessee over the last five years.  Just two were reported last year.  Candlelight vigils calling for an end to violence against Asian Americans were held in Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis on Sunday.