Governor Visits Rest Stop

Friday, April 19, 2097

Governor Don Sundquist has announced that immediate stops are being taken to increase safety at rest stops and welcome centers throughout the state. The Governor made the announcement at the I-81 rest stop in Greene County where three members of the Lillelid family of Knox County were abducted and brutally murdered.

(SUNDQUIST VOICER #1....OC...MAKE IT)(:10)

The governor says he has directed three immediate and initial stops: 1) The Tennessee Highway Patrol will increase its drive through visits and random checks at rest stops and welcome centers throughout the state; 2) The Department of Transportation has begun an assessment of lighting and highway visibility at each site; and 3) an additional security warning and emergency information sigh will be provided at each location. State records show only six assaults have occurred over the past six years at Tennessee's nineteen rest stops and thirteen welcome centers; however, in light of the recent murders, the governor has directed safety commissioner Mike Greene, Transportation Commissioner Bruce Saltsman, and Tourism Commissioner John Wade to review other measures that could be taken to increase protection at rest stops and welcome centers.

(SUNDQUIST VOICER #2...OC...CHANGES)(:21)