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New Mayors, Police Chiefs, Thieves: November 2007

Last updated on Tuesday, January 1, 2008

(UNDATED) - November 2007 was a news month dominated by politics and the police.

Gas Station Robbed Twice In One Week

The month started off with the second robbing of the Johnny Hall-Mar gas station in Bedford in 1 week. Both times, a window would be broken out, and thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes and coins would be taken.

At this time, the gas station burglars have not been caught.

More Details Released In Judge McIntyre's Death

That same day, the death of Lawrence County Judge Richard McIntyre Sr. would be ruled a suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning.

McIntyre's body was found in the driver's seat of his SUV by his wife Meredith, who called police.

McIntyre's family would voluntarily reveal at a memorial service that the late judge was under investigation by U.S. attorneys. The investigation revolved around furniture purchased through a military contract.

Girgis Wins Big In Bedford, Terrell Unseats Mitchell's Chastain

On November 6th, both Bedford and Mitchell would elect new mayors in clear and decisive races.

Independent Shawna Girgis would clean house in Bedford, more than doubling the total of her closest rival, and early frontrunner, Republican Jean Williams.

In Mitchell, incumbent Democrat Butch Chastain would be unseated by Republican Dan Terrell.

However, just because the elections weren't over, that doesn't mean the controversy would end. Dan Terrell would have to fight over his salary as mayor of Mitchell since it would negate his reportedly healthy pension from the railroads, an issue Terrell would have to take care of in Washington D.C. in early 2008.

Additionally, in Bedford, Republican runner-up Jean Williams would take a swipe at the Bedford Times-Mail newspaper for endorsing Girgis. Williams would ask her supporters to reconsider their subscriptions to the paper saying it insulted the intelligence of its readers.

Bedford's New Chief Of Police Announced

Toward the end of the month, Shawna Girgis would get together with incumbent Mayor Joe Klumpp, who supported her, to select a new chief of police to replace the retired David Jarrard.

Girgis and klumpp would agree on appointing public-information and training officer Major Dennis Parsley as the new chief of police.

The decision was reportedly between Parsley and Major Dan Kirk, who are both long-time veterans of the force and good friends.

Parsley would subsequently name Kirk as assistant-chief.

Stay tuned to for more of "2007, Everything You Needed To Know," and for the most local, up to date and relevant news in Bedford. The staff at 1340 AM WBIW wishes you and yours a fantastic new year.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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