Latest news with #Hutto
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
June 2025 marks ten years since Hutto police officer was killed
The Brief June 2025 marks ten years since Hutto Police Sgt Chris Kelley was killed Kelley was run over by a suspect attempting to drive off with his patrol car His legacy lives on in his family, coworkers and the Chris Kelley Foundation HUTTO, Texas - The blue light that shines on Hutto Police Officer Chris Kelley's memory hasn't dimmed after 10 years. Community members continue to honor the ultimate sacrifice he made. The backstory Kelley served in the United States Air Force and then eventually became a sergeant with the Hutto Police Department. On June 24, 2015, Kelley was killed. Law Enforcement officers to pay tribute to fallen Hutto Sgt. Chris Kelley A hope for healing after the funeral of Sgt. Chris Kelley Hutto PD honors fallen police officer Chris Kelley Kelley was trying to arrest a man when the suspect got into the driver's seat of the patrol car and ran him over. The man accused of killing him, Colby Williamson, went on trial in 2017. He was convicted and sentenced to prison. What they're saying "It means that his life is not going unnoticed, that his servant heart meant the world to the community, to the police department and to all of us just as much," Chris Kelley's widow, Michele Kelley, said. An eternal blue glow burns not just in memory, but in gratitude. "Everyone was drawn to Chris. I don't think Chris didn't have a friend in this police department," Hutto Police Department Lt. Josh Bellenir said. Kelley was known for his sense of humor. "He always kept things lively. There was never a dull moment," Lt. Bellenir said. He was also known as a leader in the department. "We all knew he was going to be a chief here one day," Lt. Bellenir said. "I tell people that it feels like yesterday, but also feels like a lifetime ago," Kelley said about Chris's death. She said it was a time when strangers were united by tragedy. "I think that through the tragedy, though, people were able to embrace not only the police department and police officers as human beings, but it was also able to help them be served at hearts and for them to see some beauty in the tragedy," Kelley said. Kelley's family in blue continues to remember him. "His fingerprints, his memory, his legacy is on everything that we do in this department and what we have done and what we will continue to do," Hutto Police Department Chief Jeffrey Yorbrough said. "We're never going to let his name be forgotten," Lt. Bellenir said. Dig deeper To continue his legacy, Michele started the Chris Kelley Foundation. "We continue to help first responders and military members in need financially. We also provide school scholarships, so it means a lot to be able to help the next generation as well as help those who serve us each and every day," Kelley said. They hold an annual 5K. This year's is on June 21st at 7:30 p.m. at the Brushy Creek Amphitheatre in Hutto. There will be live music, a silent auction, and a memorial for fallen officers. "Just like the day that we brought Chris home, the community was there when we were heading to the Catholic Church. There wasn't a single empty space on the side of that road as we were escorting Chris to the church. The 5K is just as tremendous because all these years later, and we still see many of the same faces that were lined up along the road, holding the blue flags, wearing the shirts and yeah, 7610, that's a number that we don't forget," Lt. Bellenir said. Though his shift is over, his courage lives on forever lit in blue. "Sergeant Christopher Dan Kelly, end of watch June 24th, 2015," Kelley said. The Source Information in this report comes from reporting/interviews by FOX 7 Austin's CrimeWatch reporter Meredith Aldis.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Juvenile shot at large party in Hutto: police
The Brief Juvenile shot at large party in Hutto 18-year-old arrested on scene for unlawfully carrying a weapon Police were initially responding to a noise complaint HUTTO, Texas - A juvenile was shot at a large party in a Hutto subdivision overnight. An 18-year-old was also arrested for unlawfully carrying a weapon. What we know The Hutto Police Department said that just before 12:30 a.m. on June 1, officers were dispatched to a noise complaint about a large party on Phillips Street in the Hutto Parke subdivision. While officers were responding, the call got updated to shots fired. 911 callers reported people shooting, running and driving away from the area. When officers arrived, they found a male juvenile with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his arm. The juvenile was taken by EMS to a local hospital. At least one vehicle and one home were struck during the incident and no other injuries were reported. An 18-year-old, who was not from Hutto, was arrested on scene for unlawfully carrying a weapon and taken to the Williamson County Jail. What we don't know It is currently unknown what prompted the shooting or if the man arrested was connected to the shooting. What's next The investigation into this case remains active. HPD says it believes this to be an isolated incident and there is no further danger to the public. What you can do Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call 512-846-2200 or email crimetips@ Crime tips may also be sent anonymously via cell phone to HPD by texting the keyword HUTTOPD and their message/tip to 847411 (tip411). The Source Information in this report comes from the Hutto Police Department.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
State senator invites Trump to visit Upstate BMW plant
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – A South Carolina senator has extended an invitation to President Donald Trump to visit BMW's manufacturing facility in the Upstate. Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) introduced a resolution Tuesday recognizing the 'significant economic and community contributions' of the Greer facility and invites the president to 'witness firsthand its impact on the Palmetto State and the nation.' It comes just about a week after Trump's top trade advisor, Peter Navarro, criticized BMW's manufacturing process at the Spartanburg County facility during an appearance on CNBC, calling it 'bad for the country's economics and our national security.' 'And the thing like, you take automobiles, what we're doing now is a scam like BMW comes to Spartanburg, South Carolina, and all we do is assemble German transmissions and autos,' he said. 'It's like they get all the good jobs. They get all the good profits, and we get stuck with a hindsight.' South Carolina officials, including Gov. Henry McMaster, were quick to defend the company and its role in attracting new business to the state since arriving in 1992. 'They have sent the word out around the world that this is a great manufacturing state,' McMaster told reporters on April 9. 'They trust our people. We train them, and they go to work, and they stay working.' South Carolina halts license plate reader setup on state roads Hutto's resolution highlights the Upstate plant's impact on economic development, from generating nearly $27 billion each year for the state to employing tens of thousands of people. 'When I heard the criticism come down in Washington, it just dawned on me: maybe they don't know what they're talking about, and maybe they should come down here to take a look,' Hutto said Tuesday on the Senate floor. Hutto, who represents six South Carolina counties, noted how businesses throughout the state have benefited from being in BMW's supply chain. 'The point is: BMW is a jewel for South Carolina,' he said. 'It's not a scam, and if people in Washington don't understand that, I invite them to come down here and take a look at what BMW has done for us.' The resolution was referred to the Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee. Local leaders told News 2 affiliate WSPA that they would also welcome the opportunity to speak directly with the president. 'I would love for the president to come to Spartanburg…and let me talk about why we have been so successful,' Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt told the outlet. 'They are the golden goose that saved South Carolina and the Southeast and put us on the map in the world.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
County Mayor's speech highlights achievements, goals for future
Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto gave his annual State of the County Address on Wednesday. Interlaced with comedy, the presentation showed some of the accomplishments the county saw not only in the past year, but in years leading up to 2025. Some insights into the future of the county were also given by Mayor Hutto. Between some segments, clips of comedian Nate Bargatze's stand-up routine about Wilson County were included. Held at the Wilson Bank & Trust Operations Center on North Castle Heights Avenue, topics discussed, which Hutto believed are important to the residents of Wilson County, included growth, achievements, quality of life, education and transit projects. Hutto took a few moments to recognize elected officials and educators during the address. '[I'm] proud to say we work with a great group of elected officials,' Hutto said. 'Every time they make a decision, they make it with your family on their mind.' Statistics on Wilson County were highlighted, especially rankings compared to other counties in the state. Hutto said the county is #1 in education, public safety and agriculture, adding that Wilson County has the highest number of Century Farms in Tennessee. For economic development, the county ranks second. 'Wilson County has been known as the place to be,' he added. 'We want to be the best in the state of Tennessee when you compare it to all 95 counties.' Video clips were included in the slideshow from various city officials across the county, and also a message from Governor Bill Lee. 'I want to take a moment to recognize your work to ensure Tennessee remains the best state in the nation,' Lee said. 'Wilson County plays an important role in the Middle Tennessee region, and we're grateful for the many ways that this community drives our economy, spurs job creation, strengthens Tennessee families and so much more.' Within the past 12 years, 12 new schools were constructed and seven buildings were renovated. Hutto said education has been a large contributor to the county's success. The Wilson County School Board said the county has above average graduation rates compared to the rest of Tennessee. The information was shared in a video clip featuring Wilson County Schools Public Information Officer Bart Barker. 'We are growing. In fact, new schools are being built as we speak,' Barker said. 'Because people want to be here, they want to raise their families here and they want to send their children to an incredible public school system.' Regarding public safety, the county has doubled the size of the jail, and Hutto said a new 911 center was installed to make emergency responses more efficient. He said plans are underway to overhaul the LaGuardo WEMA station to bring new equipment for the western half of the county. Funds would come from $6 million left over from the 2020 tornado recovery funds. Wilson County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Scott Moore spoke about school safety in another video clip embedded into the presentation. 'We're one of the first counties in the state of Tennessee to put a certified school resource officer in every school,' Moore said. A recent active shooter training was held at Friendship Christian School by first responder agencies across the county. 'I want to reassure every citizen of Wilson County that we will do everything we can to train our SROs so they are confident in their abilities to handle these situations,' Moore said. 'They will remain proactive rather than reactive.' Road improvement projects were also brought up, including the county's plans to revamp many of the roadways based on a 10-to-20-year projection. Hutto said TDOT is working with the county on these investments. The presentation said economic growth and new jobs coming to the county are a high priority for future plans. New restaurants and businesses are opening up in Lebanon and Mt. Juliet. In-n-Out Burger and Tim Hortons are opening two locations in the county, new sit-down restaurant Aubrey's plans to open in Lebanon. A Sam's Club, Walmart and Target are building in Lebanon. Hutto said the county plans to recruit more corporate, white-collar jobs to the area. According to data presented in the address, 49,000 people leave Wilson County on average every day to commute to work. Nearly 31,000 commute into the county to work. 'The 49,000 is probably something we want to continue to work at to try to find better jobs for our people here,' Hutto said. 'The goal is to continue to recruit good, high-paying jobs.' Information provided by Zip Data Maps claims Wilson County is the 27th fastest growing county in the nation with Lebanon as the 12th fastest growing city in the nation. Other projects like the rail yard turntable project currently underway in Watertown were briefly brought up, and Mayor Hutto ended the address by challenging people to do something for someone everyday without expectation of any payment in return.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
Wilson County mayor discusses growth in annual address
WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — In Wilson County, growth continues to be a headline. About 60% of that growth has been in the city of Lebanon over the last six years. While it's considered a desirable location, Wilson County also ranks No. 1 in the state when it comes to public safety, education, and agriculture, according to data from the mayor's office. 'Of course we want to be the best in the state of Tennessee when you compare us to all 95 counties,' Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto said. During Hutto's annual State of the County Address on Wednesday, March 26, he pointed out Wilson County is the 27th fastest growing county in the nation. Meanwhile, as News 2 reported last year, Lebanon was named the 12th fastest growing city in the country. Lebanon family has no regrets going cold turkey from screen time According to Hutto, the county is No. 1 in the state when it comes to public safety based on several factors. 'We've just doubled the size of the jail here in Wilson County. With that double in size of the jail, we put a 911 location center there,' Hutto said. Last week, law enforcement and first responders across the county trained for an active shooter situation. 'This is a big process, something we've never been through, but it's something that can happen any day,' Capt. Scott Moore with the Wilson County Sheriff's Office told News 2 on Thursday, March 20. Wilson County is one step closer to building new middle school On top of safety in schools, officials had license plate recognition cameras installed across the county, with cameras in both Mt. Juliet and Lebanon catching criminals from surrounding areas. According to recent data, more than 88% of the people arrested in Mt. Juliet this month were not Mt. Juliet residents. In fact, the majority of them were from the Nashville area. Hutto said Wilson County also leads in education as the growing population demands more schools. In the last 12 years, the county built 12 schools. 'I know the most asked question I get all the time is, I'm driving down the road and I see that construction site and everybody says, 'What's over there?'' Hutto said. ⏩ When it comes to new development, from the Costco Wholesale in Mt. Juliet to the In-N-Out Burger coming to Lebanon, just to name a couple, Hutto said the county has seen a 44% increase in jobs, which has brought more people to Wilson County. 'We're the second lowest unemployment rate in the state of Tennessee, and that was as of August of '24,' Hutto said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
