Tennessee holding earthquake response exercise, and more region news

photo Earthquake tile

Tennessee National Guard members and emergency response officials are holding an exercise this week to simulate the response to a large earthquake along the New Madrid fault.

More than 1,000 guardsmen and other responders will participate in the exercise that runs through Thursday.

The New Madrid zone stretches 150 miles, crossing parts of Tennessee and six other states. In 1811 and 1812, it unleashed a trio of powerful jolts that rattled the central Mississippi River valley.

Maj. Gen. Max Haston, commander of the Tennessee National Guard, said the exercise will demonstrate the close relationship with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

Haston says the Guard's mission includes "providing the governor with troops ready to respond to disasters or civil disturbance here at home."


CULLMAN, Ala.

Judge may lower bond in slaying

A judge will consider lowering the bond for an Alabama man charged with killing a sex offender who sexually abused his daughter.

Cullman County Circuit Judge Gregory Nicholas has scheduled a hearing for 2 p.m. CDT Thursday to consider a request to reset bail for the man, who's being held on a cash bond totaling $141,000.

The father is accused of murder, attempted murder and other charges in two shootings, including one that killed 59-year-old Raymond Earl Brooks on June 8.

Brooks pleaded guilty in 2001 and served more than two years in prison for sexually abusing the man's daughter.

The Associated Press doesn't identify the victims of sex crimes, and it isn't naming the man who is charged in the killing to protect the identity of his daughter.

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