Area law enforcement continues to receive tips about IRS imposters threatening arrests, lawsuits, and property seizures unless the victim pays up. Law enforcement says they’re investigating alongside several other agencies across the United States. Police say these calls are not coming from the IRS.
The Internal Revenue Service will never demand payment over the telephone. Typical IRS communication comes in the form of U.S. Mail. If you receive a phone call that you suspect is a tax scam, hang up and report it to the US Treasury, Office of Inspector General at 1-800-366-4484. To help avoid becoming the victim of a scam, area law enforcement recommend to never transfer funds through third-party wire or card services. People in Coffee County have fallen for this scam in the past. Sheriff Steve Graves is advising local residents to not fall prey to this latest attempt by scam artists.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam isn’t ruling out a future run for U.S. Senate. The governor’s comments came in response to a question at a Tennessee Press Association luncheon Wednesday. He also told reporters that a possible Senate bid isn’t something he’s been spending a lot of time thinking about. Haslam, who cannot seek re-election in 2018 due to term limits, said he really doesn’t know what he’s going to do next. He said governor and U.S. senator are two really different jobs. Haslam said at this point, he’s “kind of in love” with what he’s doing as governor. The comments could further fuel speculation that Sen. Bob Corker could run for governor next year, or Sen. Lamar Alexander could retire after his term ends in 2020.

Al White Motors and WMSR (Thunder Radio) are teaming up to honor those who serve that thin blue line, our local law enforcement. Each month someone in law enforcement will be honored as a Hometown Hero.
Our hero this month is Coffee County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Sharketti. He has been an employee with the sheriff’s department since January of 2012 as a corrections officer. He became a certified deputy in 2012, only 6 months after his hire date then became a corporal with the department Feb, 2015.
“Shark”, as he is known by many, served our country in the Air Force for 22 years. Sharketti is married with two daughters.
Sheriff Steve Graves says that “Shark” is very respectful, fair and willing to help his community and is a great mentor to young people in the community and in the department. He believes in doing what is right and his patriotism for his country is always evident in his actions and demeanor.
We are continuing to ask for the public’s help for more hometown heroes. Go to our Facebook page or the Al White Ford Lincoln Mercury Facebook page to nominate a law enforcement official. Tell us why you think someone that serves Coffee County in law enforcement deserves to be chosen as a “Hometown Hero”. The man or woman that is selected each month will be recognized on WMSRradio.com and receive a nice surprise from Al White Motors.
Thank you to all that serve and protect us, our Hometown Heroes.

Come out and run/walk to help the family of Jason Creek. Any amount donated will be accepted and appreciated! This is an untimed event to raise money to support Jason Creek and his family during their time of need. A 5K Benefit Fun Run has been set up for Saturday, Feb. 25 beginning at the Manchester Recreation Center.
On Monday, January 2, 2017, Jason was driving to referee a college basketball game when an impaired driver crossed over the median on Interstate 75 north of Atlanta and struck Jason’s vehicle head-on. Jason suffered significant injuries in the accident. Jason spent several weeks in a Georgia hospital, but the good news is that he just recently came home.
Jason is an assistant principal at Coffee County Middle School, and his wife, Lana, is also an educator. They have two young sons.
This fundraiser has been set up to assist the family with medical expenses and associated costs throughout Jason’s recovery.
The event, hosted by the Mach Tenn Running Club begins at 8am.