Just as the tornado and tragedy that struck Apison in 2011 brought the community together, the destruction of the memorial erected in its wake will also have a silver lining, if Bill Hullander has anything to say about it.
The Apison Tornado Memorial, which was put up in 2012 and cost nearly $20,000, lies in several pieces after a suspected drunk driver crashed his car into the monument two weeks ago.
According to a news release, deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene at 10200 East Brainerd Road shortly after 12:15 a.m. June 21. Deputies found a silver Acura RS6, driven by Frankie Parsons and containing Jesse Morris, who both refused transport to a hospital.
After failing a sobriety test, Parsons was taken into custody on a DUI charge, though the investigation is continuing.
Morris possessed marijuana and was arrested for possession of a firearm while intoxicated, authorities said.