The Tennessee Department of Health released data showing that 1,451 people died from drug overdoses in Tennessee in 2015. Officials say this is the highest annual number of overdose deaths recorded in state history.
6,036 lives have been lost due to drug overdoses in Tennessee in the past five years.
The numbers included 14 overdose fatalities in Coffee County. Nearby Franklin County had 13. The most reported was 188 in Shelby County. To protect the identities of victims, the Tennessee Department of Health did not release data for counties with less than one dozen overdose deaths. 8 counties reported zero deaths.
Data indicates nearly 72 percent of the 1,451 drug overdose deaths last year involved opioids, with the vast majority being unintentional.
Deaths involving fentanyl rose from 69 in 2014 to 174 in 2015. Deaths involving heroin rose from 147 to 205.
If you or someone you know is ready to get assistance with addiction, call the Tennessee REDLINE at 1-800-889-9789.

On Tuesday Tullahoma officers were called to Kroger for a possible shoplifter. Officer Brooke Earhart made contact with Kroger personnel who stated that a man had allegedly stolen approximately $119.15. Terry Dwight Mooningham Jr age 33 Faye Creek Rd Wartrace also allegedly admitted to the officer that he had driven a motor vehicle to the store. A check of the subject’s driver’s license showed it to be revoked/suspended 2nd offense for DUI and Mooningham was also listed as a habitual traffic offender.
He was charged with, driving on revoked/license 2nd offence, habitual traffic offender, theft of property (shoplifting) and burglary. Mooningham’s bond was set at $12,000 and he’ll appear in court on Jan. 5, 2017.

Attention citizens and businesses of Tullahoma. The Tullahoma Police Department is asking you to please be very careful when accepting cash money. Cash was recently accepted by a local business and upon first glance it looks legitimate. After closer examination, the cash currency clearly says “For Motion Picture Use Only” in multiple places. Please examine the cash you receive and report any suspicious bills to the Tullahoma Police Department immediately at 931-455-0530 or drop by the police department at 123 North Jackson St. in Tullahoma.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office personnel, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Decherd Police Dept., Estill Springs Police Dept. and the Winchester Police Dept., executed the serving of 33 indictments returned by a Franklin County Grand Jury on Monday November 14th, 2016. The indictments were the result of an 11 month undercover drug operation that resulted in 9 search warrants being executed along with 6 probation searches as well as 4 vehicles being seized along with $28,277 also being seized. The operation will continue as law enforcement attempts to complete the serving of all 33 indictments.

It’s that time of year again. Tennessee’s gun hunting season opens Saturday, Nov. 19.
Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969 is required to carry proof of satisfactory completion of a hunter education class or be in possession of the Apprentice Hunting License while hunting any species in Tennessee.
As the season begins, sportsmen are reminded of changes made this year in regard to the definition of “antlered deer.”
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, “Antlered deer are defined as male or female deer with antlers protruding above the hairline. Velvet antlered deer are also considered antlered.”
No more than one may be taken per day.
Male fawns with no antler protruding above the hairline do not count toward a hunter’s antlered bag limit, rather toward the hunter’s antlerless bag limits.
Deer having already shed their antlers and does without antlers are also considered antlerless.

Tennessee State Parks will offer free, guided hikes at 56 of its parks on Friday, Nov. 25, including Old Stone Fort State Park in Manchester. This is the day after Thanksgiving and is the third year for this event, and one in a series of five statewide ranger-led hikes throughout the year.
All hikes will be guided by park rangers and will feature the best that Tennessee lands have to offer, ranging from hikes along historical and interpretive trails to stunning views of waterfalls, peaks and plateaus.
The hikes are designed for all ages and abilities. Some hikes will be approximately one mile in length, tailored for novice hikers, while others are lengthier, and geared toward more experienced hikers.