STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
The Glasgow City Council officially welcomed its newest addition as Sarah Young takes on the mantle of city clerk, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the evening. Glasgow Police Department Detective Allen Ward also received commendation from Walgreens for his role in taking down a criminal organization targeting the chain across half the nation.
Sarah Young (left) will assume the role of Glasgow City Clerk as of Monday’s swearing in. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
Young’s appointment comes after the previous clerk, Danielle Cashion, left the office earlier this year. Little discussion was held at her appointment and, after joking that she had not taken part in a duel, Young was sworn in by Mayor Henry Royse.
The meeting took a decidedly somber turn as Royse welcomed Glasgow Fire Department Chief Lucas Tinsley to update the public on the status of firefighter Chase Dile, who was injured while assisting at a house fire on April 10. Tinsley noted that two other firefighters sustained injuries but were released the same day and have since returned to work. However, Dile’s recovery may take longer due to the extent of his injuries. He has been released from medical care but will not be returning to service in the foreseeable future, according to Tinsley.
“He was treated for his injuries and he’s back at home now to begin his recovery process,” Tinsley said. “They are positive… it’s going to be a while before he’s able to return.”
Royse and the council thanked Tinsley and his staff for their service and expressed their concern and well-wishes, echoed in Councilwoman Marina Kirkpatrick’s invocation.
“I know everyone is breathing a sigh of relief to hear he [Dile] is on the mend,” Royse added.
Tinsley, in kind, said the outpouring of community support has been appreciated by all at the department.
The city’s recognition of first responders continued as Police Chief Guy Howie took the podium.
“Glasgow is considered a nice, small community that has very little to no organized crime,” Howie said, “and I’m here tonight to tell you, that’s not the case.”
A reported case of theft at Walgreens last December yielded much more than simple shoplifting, as the investigation uncovered approximately $120,000 in stolen merchandise and roughly $15,000 in cash, according to Walgreens major crime investigator Greg Lazette.
As Howie turned the microphone over to Lazette, it was revealed that the theft ring spanned multiple states, “from Toledo to Texas.”
“This group affected at least 30 different Walgreens locations across eight different states,” Lazette said. “Through our combined efforts, we were able to follow the trail all the way to Texas.”
Lazette complimented the department, with special mention of Allen Ward.
“We are proud to call Detective Ward a partner,” he said, “and request that this letter of commendation be placed into his personnel file as a testament to his dedication.”
With accolades accepted, the council returned to two more routine matters, including a pair of rezoning ordinances recommended by the Joint City-County Planning and Zoning Commission following a March 17 public hearing.
One ordinance would rezone three parcels at 105 and 107 Hillcrest Street and 418 West Front Street, totaling roughly 0.232 acres, from light industrial to R-3, a small-lot, medium-density residential classification.
A second ordinance would rezone a 2.5-acre tract at 150 Childress Road from R-1 (low-density residential) to R-4, allowing for medium-density, multi-family residential development.
Both requests, submitted by property owner Shawn Smith, were unanimously approved by the council with no discussion.
The council’s next scheduled meeting is set for Apr. 27.
Key facts:
• Glasgow City Council swore in new city clerk Sarah Young at its latest meeting at City Hall.
• Fire Chief Lucas Tinsley reported firefighter Chase Dile is home and recovering after being injured at an April 10 house fire.
• Tinsley said Dile will not return to service in the foreseeable future, while two other injured firefighters have already returned to work.
• Walgreens representative Greg Lazette honored Detective Allen Ward for helping uncover a theft ring that hit at least 30 Walgreens stores in eight states.
• Investigators reported about $120,000 in stolen merchandise and roughly $15,000 in cash tied to the Walgreens theft ring.
• Police Chief Guy Howie said the case shows Glasgow is not immune to organized crime.
• The council unanimously approved rezoning for small-lot and multi-family residential development on Hillcrest Street, West Front Street and Childress Road.
• The next Glasgow City Council meeting is scheduled for April 27.
Gage Wilson with Glasgow News 1 contributed to this reporting.
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