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Grey Goose Vodka Stolen in Tullahoma
On Jan. 2 Tullahoma Police Officer Tommy Elliott responded to a burglary alarm at East Carroll Street Liquors.
When the officer arrived he found a large glass window broken on the east side of the building and a large rock laying in front of the window that had been used to break it.
The owner of the business, Patricia Holt, told the officer that three bottles of Grey Goose Vodka had been taken. The liquor was valued at $73.99 a bottle.
In looking at security video, the officer observed three people wearing hooded sweaters come from behind the store and break the window. They then fled on foot toward South Washington Street.
Detective Tyler Hatfield is investigating the theft.
Police in Franklin County Investigating Stolen Guns
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office investigators, in conjunction with the Cowan Police Department, are investigating a series of vehicle burglaries that occurred Monday Jan. 2nd from approximately 8:00pm to 5:00am Jan. 3rd.
The investigation, so far, has revealed that several vehicles in the Elliott Drive area of Cowan were burglarized and several weapons are missing from vehicles including an assault rifle.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident please contact the Cowan Police Department at 931-962-0110, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 931-962-0123 or Crime Stoppers at 931-962-INFO.
Middle Tennessee Grain Conference set for Manchester
The twelfth annual Middle Tennessee Grain Conference set for Thursday, Jan. 26 at Coffee County’s Fairgrounds in Manchester. This will offer farmers insight to a number of emerging corn, soybean, and wheat production concerns. According to the 2016 conference evaluation survey, 147 farmers from twenty-two middle and east Tennessee Counties and two adjoining states rated the Middle Tennessee Grain conference as an excellent source of information addressing pertinent crop production topics. The conference is scheduled to get underway with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. Registration is twenty dollars at the door or participants can save ten dollars by pre-registering by noon, Monday, Jan. 23 through our UT- Extension office. Registration fees include the program and materials, refreshments, lunch, a copy of the conference proceedings, and a grain conference cap. This program, like all UT Extension programs, is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability or veteran status. A trade show of various seed, chemical and equipment dealers will begin at 8 a.m. followed by a slate of speakers addressing current production topics for corn, wheat and soybeans beginning at 9 a.m.
Complete details on conference topics and pre-registration can be obtained by visiting your local UT Extension Office in the Coffee County Administrative Plaza or by calling us at 931-723-5141.
1/4/17—Myrtle Elizabeth “Libby” Swanger
Myrtle Elizabeth “Libby” Swanger was born October 21, 1941 to the late
John Thomas and Grace Coker Hawkersmith of Decherd, Tennessee. Libby is
also preceded in death by a daughter, Shelley Goana and a brother Wayne
Hawkersmith. Libby is survived by her loving husband Foster V. Swanger.
Libby and Foster made Manchester their home. Libby was affiliated with
the Calvary Baptist on the McMinnville Highway in Manchester. She worked
and retired from the Batesville Casket Company. Libby had many talents, a
few being crocheting, sewing, knitting, and cooking. She was always making
something for someone else and enjoyed doing it. Libby has two children;
Shana L. Mai (Bill) of Manchester, Tennessee and Ronald D. Wilhoite of
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, nine grandchildren; Jessica L. Trussell of
Manchester, Tennessee, Jonathan D. Mai of Nashville, Tennessee, Joseph W.
Mai of Monroeville, Alabama, Blake Simmons of Manchester,Tennessee, Jason
Wilhoite of Manchester, Tennessee,Josh Wilhoite of Manchester, Tennessee,
Megan Simmons of Manchester, Tennessee, Latisha Goana of Manchester,
Tennessee, Alex Goana of Manchester, Tennessee, five great-grandchildren;
Kennedi Walz, Isaac Walz, Aiden Mai, Madeline Mai, and Braylon Simmons,
and a brother; Randy Hawkersmith of Huntsville, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations be made for
the Gideon Bible organization fund. Gideon Bible envelopes will be
available.
VISITATION: Wednesday, January 4, 2017, 5 – 8:00 P.M. at the Central
Funeral Home, 2812 Hillsboro Highway, Manchester, Tennessee
FUNERAL: Thursday, January 5, 2017, 10:00 A.M. at the Central Funeral Home
BURIAL: Wesley Chapel Cemetery
CENTRAL FUNERAL HOME IS IN CHARGE OF THE ARRANGEMENTS
Coffee County Basketball Returns to Court Tonight
Tonight, here on Thunder Radio, the Coffee County Central High School basketball teams return to the hardwood as the Red Raiders and Lady Raiders return to district action. Lincoln County will visit the Joe Frank Patch Memorial Gym tonight as the Raiders and Lady Raiders have a pair of district games this week. Tonight’s game begins a busy week of prep basketball coverage as the 1st National Bank Hometown Sports Series returns on Thursday night at the Coffee County Middle School. Lucky Knott will be on the call as the Raiders play host to Warren County at 6 PM. On Friday, it is high school basketball as Coffee County welcomes Columbia to “The Patch” for the 2nd district game of the week. High school basketball gets underway at 6 PM and Thunder Radio will bring you all the action. Our live coverage begins tonight at 5:50 with the Char-El Apartments and Home Rental Pregame Show.
2016 Year in Review – Girls’ Prep Basketball
As we have turned the page on 2016, Thunder Radio Sports looks back at some of the highlights of the calendar year for each of the 12 prep sports. Today we look back at a highlight from the girls’ basketball teams. The highlight of the 2016 year in girls’ basketball was the amazing 2015-2016 season by the Coffee County Middle School Lady Raiders as they compiled a record of 25 and 1 and finished as the runner-up in the TMSAA state tournament in Murfreesboro. The Lady Raiders fell to Mt. Juliet 43 to 42 on February 6th.
Thunder Radio reported on their success with the following story we published on February 8th

The Coffee County Middle School Lady Raiders with the 2nd place trophy following the TMSAA Middle Section State Tournament on Saturday(Photo by Jay Bailey – Manchester Times)
Mt Juliet got a short jumper from Emma Palmer with 4 seconds remaining to hand the Coffee County Middle School Lady Raiders their first loss of the year 43 to 42 on Saturday afternoon in the TMSAA Middle School Sectional State Finals in Murfreesboro. A Coffee County rebound under the Mt. Juliet goal was tied up with the possession arrow belonging to the Lady Bears with 9 seconds showing on the clock. That set up the last second in-bounds play to the taller and more physical Lady Bear post player who sank the shot and the Red and Black’s state title dreams.
![CCMS basketball players (left to right) Julia Duncan, Bella Vinson and Jenna Garretson were named to the All Tournament team following the TMSAA Middle Section State Tournament on Saturday(Photo by Jay Bailey - Manchester Times) [EDITED FROM ORIGINAL]](https://www.thunder1320.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/CCMS-All-Tournament-227x300.jpg)
CCMS basketball players (left to right) Julia Duncan, Bella Vinson and Jenna Garretson were named to the All Tournament team following the TMSAA Middle Section State Tournament on Saturday(Photo by Jay Bailey – Manchester Times) [EDITED FROM ORIGINAL]
Coffee County was led in scoring by Julia Duncan who had 16 points. Jenna Garretson added 9 points, including 7 in the 4th quarter. Ellie Graham and Bella Vinson each finished with 6 points. Following the game, Duncan, Garretson and Vinson were all named to the All-Tournament Team.
Thunder Radio was on hand to record the finals match-up and that game will be broadcast on Monday night at 8 PM. A copy of the podcast will be available at our website, beginning on Monday evening at: http://www.thunder1320.com/downloads/ The Lady Raiders will also be guests on Saturday’s Coffee Coaches Show at 10 AM here on Thunder Radio. The Coffee Coaches Show is broadcast live from Al White Ford/Lincoln.
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The Westwood Lady Rockets faced a rebuilding task this year after advancing to the Conference Tournament title game in 2015. The biggest win of the year for the Lady Rockets came on December 5th when Westwood defeated Fayetteville on 8th grade night 31 to 13.
Thunder Radio reported on their success with the following story we published on December 6th

2016 Westwood Lady Rockets 8th graders and families
Westwood welcomed Fayetteville to the Joel Vinson Gym for 8th grade night on Monday. The Lady Rockets controlled the game for the onset to capture a 31 to 13 win. The Rockets got off to an ice cold start as they fell 50 to 32.
The Lady Rockets used their pressure defense in the 3rd quarter to blow open a 4 point game and coast to the season sweep of the Lady Tigers. Allie Roberts was the leading scorer for Westwood with 8 points. Elissa Woodard added 6 points and Kasen Holt finished with 5 points.
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The CHS Lady Raiders continue to improve under Coach Herb Horton as they have begun this season with a record of 9 and 3. The most dramatic win of the year for the Lady Raiders came on December 6th as Abby Morgan hit a jumper with 3 seconds remaining to give Coffee County an exciting win over Warren County.
Thunder Radio reported on their success with the following story we published on December 7th
![Abby Morgan of CHS basketball [Photo by Demarco Moore - Manchester Times]](https://www.thunder1320.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Abby-Morgan-256x300.jpg)
Abby Morgan of CHS basketball [Photo by Demarco Moore – Manchester Times]
With 9.9 seconds remaining in the game, Coffee County coach Herb Horton called a timeout with his team trailing by 1 point. The play call was drawn up for Abby Morgan to take the game’s final shot and the sophomore did exactly that burying a 10 foot jumper with 3 seconds left to give the Lady Raiders the dramatic win. Coffee County, which led most of the game, saw Warren County take a 5 point lead with 6 minutes remaining. But the Lady Raiders hit eight of their ten 4th quarter free throws to capture the dramatic win and a season sweep over the Lady Pioneers. Alliyah Williams led the Lady Raiders on scoring with 19 points. Holli Smithson added 10 points and Abby Morgan finished with 9. Williams and Morgan were named the Crazy Daisies co-players of the game.
2016 Year in Review – Men’s Prep Basketball
As we have turned the page on 2016, Thunder Radio Sports looks back at some of the highlights of the calendar year for each of the 12 prep sports. Today we look back at a highlight from the boys’ basketball teams. The highlight of the year 2016 in the boys’ basketball world has to be the resurgence of the Central High School Red Raiders basketball team. Coffee County opens 2017 with a record of 12 and 3. The Red Raiders got their 10th win in dramatic fashion on December 21st to win the 2016 Red Raider Invitational.
Thunder Radio reported on their success with the following story we published on December 22nd
The ability to slow down the East Hamilton Hurricanes high tempo attack and a huge second half comeback lifted Coffee County to the tournament title of the Red Raider Invitational on Wednesday night. Trailing by 7 points entering the 4th quarter, the Red Raiders played nearly flawless basketball in the 4th quarter to rally for the 66 to 59 win before an electric crowd at the Joe Frank Patch Memorial Gym.
Coffee County was a perfect 9 for 9 at the free throw line in the 4th quarter as they outscored the favored Hurricanes 26 to 12 in the final 8 minutes. Coffee County was led in scoring by Grant Sadler who finished with 18 points. Garrett Eldridge and Stephen Sullivan each finished with 13 points as the trio were named to the All-Tournament team. DeAaron Rozier and Tyrese McGee each added 8 points for Coffee County as the Raiders improved to 10 and 2 overall.
When asked about the halftime adjustments, Coach Williams had this to say

(Left to Right) Garrett Eldridge, Grant Sadler and Stephen Sullivan were named to the Red Raider Invitational All-Tournament team.
In Wednesday’s other tournament results Franklin County defeated Grundy County 46 to 37 for 7th place. Beech dumped Community 57 to 33 for 5th place and Middle Tennessee Christian raced past Red Bank for 3rd place by a score of 61 to 46
Coffee County will be back in action on Tuesday as they begin play in the King of the Smokies Tournament in Pigeon Forge. Coffee County will take on Grainger at 12:30 PM(EST) at Pigeon Forge Middle School. The tournament will run through Thursday, December 29th at Pigeon Forge High School and Pigeon Forge Middle School. Thunder Radio will keep you updated on results.
The Lady Raider basketball team begins play in the Whitwell Tournament on Wednesday, December 28th as they take on Lenoir City. That tournament will run through Friday, December 30th. After the cancellation of the Hixson Tournament this past weekend, the Lady Raiders have scheduled a pair of games with Baylor. Coffee County will travel to Baylor on Saturday, January 7th for a JV/varsity doubleheader. The JV game will tip off at 4:30 PM EST with the varsity game to follow. Baylor will come to Coffee County on Monday, February 6th for another JV/Varsity doubleheader. The JV game will tip off at 4:30 PM CST with the varsity game to follow.
Both CHS basketball coaches will be guests on Saturday’s Coffee Coaches Show to give fans an update on their seasons thus far. The Coffee Coaches Show is broadcast LIVE each Saturday morning(including Christmas Eve and News Year Eve) at 10 AM from the showroom of Al White Ford/Lincoln. The Coffee Coaches is also broadcast live and heard here exclusively on Thunder Radio.
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The Coffee County Middle School Red Raiders opened up the 2016 – 2107 season with their 2nd consecutive Woodbury Border War Tournament title. The Raiders defeated Swiss Memorial 44 to 36 in the title game on October 29th.
Thunder Radio reported on their success with the following story we published on October 31st
After trailing 16 to 13 after the first quarter of the finals, Coffee County held off a hot shooting Swiss Memorial team to capture the tournament title by a final of 44 to 36. Swiss hit nine 3 pointers in the game, including 5 in the 4th quarter, but it was not enough to overcome the 11 made free throws by the Raiders in the 4th quarter. Jaxon Vaughn led Coffee County in scoring with 11 points while Marshall Haney and Kyle Farless each added 8. Vaughn, Haney, Farless and Hayden Hullett were named to the All-Tournament team.
The Raiders and Lady Raiders will be off this week as their next game will be on Monday, November 7th at White County. The girls’ game will get underway at 6 PM.
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The Westwood Rockets opened the Duck River Valley Conference Basketball Tournament with a dramatic 37 to 31 win over Huntland on December 10th.
Thunder Radio reported on their success with the following story we published on December 12th

Eliot Sain of Westwood basketball
Composure ending up being the deciding factor on Saturday as the Westwood Rockets defeated Huntland 37 to 31 in the Duck River Valley Conference Tournament play-in game at the Joel Vinson Gym. In a game marred by a technical foul call on a Huntland player and the ejection of a Huntland parent, Coach Will Pannell and his Rocket team kept their cool in a contentious 2nd half. The Rockets battled back from a 7 point deficit in the 3rd quarter to advance to Wednesday’s quarterfinal round at Cascade.
Leading by 3 points at the half, Huntland stretched their lead to 7 in the first 2 and a half minutes of the 3rd quarter before the wheels fell off of the Hornet train. Brady Nugent hit a pair of free throws awarded to Westwood after Huntland’s top scorer overreacted to an official’s decision. That technical foul call triggered a chorus of displeasure from the Huntland fans directed at the game’s referees. The remainder of the 3rd quarter saw Westwood finish on a 10 to 2 run and also saw a Huntland fan removed from the gym.
Westwood was a remarkable 8 for 10 at the free throw line in the 3rd quarter comeback. Eliot Sain led the free throw barrage as he was 7 of 8 from the free throw line in the 2nd half and finished the game with 7 points. Trent Thompson and Wyatt Nugent led the Rockets in scoring as each finished with 8 points. Will Partin was a perfect 4 for 4 at the line and finished with 4 points.
Westwood will take on the tournament’s #1 seed Cascade on Wednesday night in the tournament’s semifinals. That game will tip-off at 6 PM.
Bobby Hulsey
Bobby Hulsey, age 54, of Manchester passed away at Unity Regional Medical Center Monday, January 2, 2017.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Grant Funeral Services.
1/4/17 — Frank Shelton Jones
Funeral services for Mr. Frank Shelton Jones, age 88 of Manchester, will be conducted on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel at Manchester Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with full military honors. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at the funeral home from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
Mr. Jones was a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church. Frank was originally from Sampson County, North Carolina and he lived in Manchester for 33 years after moving from Merritt Island, Florida. He was a United States Air Force Veteran where he retired as Chief Master Sergeant. In addition to retiring from the Air Force, he also retired from AEDC. Frank enjoyed golfing, fishing, and was a very talented painter that specialized in landscapes done in oils and acrylics.
Preceded in death by his parents, James and Grace Jones; his loving wife, Bobbie Jones; brothers, James Edwin Jones, Joel Jones, Donald Jones; sister, Willie Marjorie Wilkerson. Survived by his children, Brenda Lowe (Steve) of Marietta, GA, Virginia Orr (Bill) of Franklin, Wisconsin, Shelton Jones (Carol) of Orlando, Florida, Kimesa Jones of St. Mary’s, Georgia; grandchildren, Justin Lowe, Whitney Barr (Ryan), Rebecca Brack (Tim), Jessica Orr, Reuben Orr, Nathan Orr (Arlene), Lindsey Vidaurrazaga (Piero), Erin Anderson (James), Kaitlyn Jones, Alex Pietzsch, Sean Pietzsch, Dylan Pietzsch; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, Wilburn Jones (Dorothy) of Clinton, North Carolina, Bernard Jones (Phyllis) of Clinton, North Carolina; sister, Geraldine Campbell of Richardson, Texas.
Manchester Times-Paid
Others-Non-Paid
MANCHESTER FUNERAL HOME IS HONORED TO SERVE THE JONES FAMILY
1/2/17 — Birthdays
No birthdays to report.