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1/31/2016-South Cumberland State Park Hikes
January Programs Friday, January 1st 8:00 am Frosty Meadow Hike (First Day Hike) Join Ranger Jason at the visitor's center for a refreshing morning stroll through the meadow. This hike is geared toward those who are looking for a peaceful excursion whilst learning many of the local winter-time inhabitants of our region. Please dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear. This is an easy 1.3 mile hike, suitable for adults and kids. Meetup: 11745 Hwy 41, Monteagle, TN 37356 10:00 am Laurel Gorge Hike, 5 miles (First Day Hike) Celebrate the first of the year with Ranger Jessie while hiking the beautiful Fiery Gizzard Trail above Foster Falls and Laurel Gorge! Whether you are beginning a new work out regiment or just wanting to see the wintry sites, this is the hike for you. Be sure to dress warmly and bring plenty of water. This is a moderate five-mile hike. Both adults and children are welcome. Meetup: 498 Foster Falls Rd. Sequatchie, TN 37374 Saturday January 2nd 9:00 am Saturday Trail Days (Fiery Gizzard) Flex your Tennessee volunteer muscle by helping with a major trail reroute along the Fiery Gizzard Trail. This exciting reroute will cut through some rough and beautiful terrain so be prepared with sturdy footwear and plenty of water/snacks. If you have a favorite tool or pair of gloves, feel free to bring them. We will meet at the Grundy Forest parking lot and will work till early afternoon. For more info or if you want to bring a large group, email Ranger Jason at jason.reynolds@tn.gov. Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387 11:00 am Meet Ranger Park at the Grundy Forest parking lot for a refreshing 2 mile moderate hike on the northern terminus of the famed Fiery Gizzard Trail. There are plenty of rocks and roots on this hike so please be prepared. Bring plenty of water too! Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387 10:00 am Foster Falls Hike (2 miles) Join Ranger Jessie at the Foster Falls parking lot for a moderate 2 mile loop hike to explore the base of Foster Falls and the surrounding cliffs. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water! Meeting Location: 498 Foster Falls Rd. Sequatchie, TN 37374 Sunday, January 3rd 8:00 am Trail Run – BCR/Laurel Trails Join Ranger Aaron at the Stone Door parking lot for a moderate 7-mile trail run. We will run past the Great Stone Door and many other overlooks on the Big Creek Rim trail. Runners must be able to keep at least a 12 min/mile pace. Wear trail shoes and bring plenty of water. For more information call the Stone Door Ranger Station at (931) 692-3887. Meeting Location: 1183 Stone Door Rd. Beersheba Springs, Tennessee 37305 1:00 pm FIRE! Ever wonder how to make a warming fire with only one match, or how to make a fire with no match or lighter? Join Ranger Park at the Grundy Forest Pavilion for a How-To on making a survival fire. All materials are provided, just bring yourself! Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387 Friday, January 8th 11:00 am Hike to Sycamore Falls (3.1 mi) Join with Ranger Park at the Grundy Forest parking lot for a moderate 3.1 mile hike to Sycamore Falls. With numerous waterfalls and winding trails this hike is sure to not disappoint! Please wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is rocky with lots of roots. Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387 Saturday, January 9th 9:00 am Saturday Trail Days (Fiery Gizzard) Flex your Tennessee volunteer muscle by helping with a major trail reroute along the Fiery Gizzard Trail. This exciting reroute will cut through some rough and beautiful terrain so be prepared with sturdy footwear and plenty of water/snacks. If you have a favorite tool or pair of gloves, feel free to bring them. We will meet at the Grundy Forest parking lot and will work till early afternoon. For more info or if you want to bring a large group, email Ranger Jason at jason.reynolds@tn.gov. Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387 10:30 am Savage Falls – Resolution Hike Celebrate the addition of another New Year by going an extra mile! The slower pace of this hike is for all seniors fifty and older, to enjoy a crisp January stroll. After viewing Savage Falls, either frozen or flowing, we will venture a mile further on the South rim Trail to the second overlook. Hot chocolate and a warm welcome await you at the end of this six mile hike. Meet at Savage Gulf Ranger Station. Led by seasoned hiker, Eleanor! Meeting Location: 3177 Hwy 399 Palmer, TN Sunday, January 10th 10:00 am Laurel Gorge Hike (5 mi) Join Ranger Park at the Foster Falls parking lot for a moderate 5 mile hike out to view the GORGEous Laurel Gorge! Come ready for beautiful panoramic views and towering cliffs, so bring a camera. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Meeting Address: 498 Foster Falls Rd. Sequatchie, TN 37374 12:00 am Sunday Afternoon Lake Walk (1.5 miles) Meet Ranger Jessie at the Grundy Lakes for a short, easy hike around Grundy Lakes to look into the beauty of the natural world. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Meeting Address: 587 Lakes Road, Tracy City, TN 37387 6:00 pm Astronomy Astronomy Meet up with Ranger Park at the Visitor's Center for a look into the wonders of the night sky. Ever wonder how the spot a satellite? Or which of those little specks are planets and which are stars? Or maybe, what's the story behind the Pleiades anyhow? Well, bring all of your questions as well as a red light and find out! There will be a short walk on the Meadow Trail out to were the telescope will be set up so wear close toed shoes. Please dress for the weather and bring water. Meeting Address: 11745 US 41 Monteagle TN Wednesday, January 13th 8:30 am Trail Run, Savage Day Loop Keep your healthy resolution on track with a brisk trail run. The pace is slow for beginners. Choose a 2-mile or 4-mile option. Meet Ranger Gheesling at Savage Gulf Ranger Station. Meeting Location: 3177 Hwy 399 Palmer, TN Saturday, January 16th 9:00 am Hike to Buggytop (5mi) Meet Ranger Park at the Carter State Natural Area parking lot for a strenuous 5 mile hike to the entrance of one of the largest cave openings in the state of Tennessee. There will be significant elevation change as well as rough ground so please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water! Meeting Address: 6829 Sherwood Rd, Sherwood, TN 37376 Sunday, January 17th 1:00 pm FIRE! Ever wonder how to make a warming fire with only one match, or how to make a fire with no match or lighter? Join Ranger Park at the Grundy Forest Pavilion for a How-To on making a survival fire. All materials are provided, just bring yourself! Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387 Friday, January 22nd 1:00 pm FIRE! Ever wonder how to make a warming fire with only one match, or how to make a fire with no match or lighter? Join Ranger Park at the Grundy Forest Pavilion for a How-To on making a survival fire. All materials are provided, just bring yourself! Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387 6:00 pm Astronomy Astronomy Meet up with Ranger Park at the Visitor's Center for a look into the wonders of the night sky. Ever wonder how the spot a satellite? Or which of those little specks are planets and which are stars? Or maybe, what's the story behind the Pleiades anyhow? Well, bring all of your questions as well as a red light and find out! There will be a short walk on the Meadow Trail out to were the telescope will be set up so wear close toed shoes. Please dress for the weather and bring water. Meeting Address: 11745 US 41 Monteagle TN Saturday January 23rd 9:00 am Saturday Trail Days (Fiery Gizzard) Flex your Tennessee volunteer muscle by helping with a major trail reroute along the Fiery Gizzard Trail. This exciting reroute will cut through some rough and beautiful terrain so be prepared with sturdy footwear and plenty of water/snacks. If you have a favorite tool or pair of gloves, feel free to bring them. We will meet at the Grundy Forest parking lot and will work till early afternoon. For more info or if you want to bring a large group, email Ranger Jason at jason.reynolds@tn.gov. Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387 10:30 am Collins Gulf overlook / Suter Falls Hike Enjoy the geologic beauty of Collins Gulf and Suter Falls. We will hike 1/3 mile to the overlook at Collins West campground, then on to Suter Falls. This impressive feature marks the head of the Collins Gulf. This is a relatively steep 2 mile round trip hike. Meet Ranger Gheesling at the Collins West trailhead. Meeting Address: 2689 55th Ave. Gruetli-Laager, TN 37339 Saturday, January 24th 1:00 pm Natural Bridge Geology Join Ranger Park at the Natural Bridge parking lot for a pleasant walk to learn the geologic history of the region with a spectacular back drop! Please wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Meeting Address: 591 Natural Bridge Rd Sewanee, TN 37375 Friday, January 29th 1:00 pm Stone Door Hike Meet Ranger Aaron at the Stone Door parking lot for an easy 2 mile hike to see the beautiful Stone Door overlook. This hike is a great introduction to South Cumberland State Park. The Great Stone Door is one of the most stunning overlooks in the state and provides views across all of the Savage Gulf State Natural Area. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a bottle of water, and don’t forget your camera! Meeting Location: 1183 Stone Door Rd. Beersheba Springs, Tennessee 37305 Saturday, January 30th 9:00 am Saturday Trail Days (Fiery Gizzard) Flex your Tennessee volunteer muscle by helping with a major trail reroute along the Fiery Gizzard Trail. This exciting reroute will cut through some rough and beautiful terrain so be prepared with sturdy footwear and plenty of water/snacks. If you have a favorite tool or pair of gloves, feel free to bring them. We will meet at the Grundy Forest parking lot and will work till early afternoon. For more info or if you want to bring a large group, email Ranger Jason at jason.reynolds@tn.gov. Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387 11:00 am Hiking Through History Meet Ranger Park at the Grundy Lakes parking lot for a look into the turbulent past of the coal mining industry that created much of the region by hiking a moderate 2.3 miles. Our history is full of tragedy and comedy so come on out with a healthy curiosity to learn more! Please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Meeting Address: 587 Lakes Road, Tracy City, TN 37387 Sunday, January 31st 1:00 pm Meadow Trail Hike (1.5 miles) Meet Ranger Park at the Visitor Center for an easy hike around the Meadow Trail to search for what critters may still be above ground this time of year. Please dress for the weather and bring water. Meeting Address: 11745 US 41 Monteagle TN
12/21/15 — Billy Duane Ring
Billy Duane Ring, age 65 of Hillsboro, passed away Thursday December 17, 2015. A native of McMinnville and resident of Hillsboro, Mr. Ring was a farmer and a UFTA bird dog National Champion. He is preceded in death by his father: Jesse David Ring and sister: Peggy Owens. Mr. Ring is survived by his wife: Sharon Zane Ring of Hillsboro; mother: Mae Eloise Ring of Hillsboro; 2 daughters and sons-in-law: Lauren (Steve) Jernigan of Manchester and Alison (Will) Terry of Murfreesboro; 2 sons and daughters-in-law: Abram (Melinda) Ring of Franklin and Caleb (Kirsten) Ring of Clermont, FL; sister: Beverly Dysart; grandchildren: Owen Ring, Caedmon Ring, Bram Ring, Electra Jernigan, Carter Jernigan, Roman Terry, Keiko Terry; great grandchildren: Tayla Ring, Ellie Ring, Emma Ring. Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Monday in the chapel of Central Funeral Home with Rev. Caleb Ring officiating. Interment will be in the Hillsboro United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5-8 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home.
Central Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Westwood Lady Rockets Advance to Conference Championship

Westwood Lady Rocket Ashley Starks
A pair of 4th quarter free throws by Ashley Starks helped lift the Westwood Lady Rockets to Saturday’s finals of the Duck River Valley Conference tournament with a 30 to 28 win over Huntland on Thursday afternoon. Trailing by 2 points entering the fourth quarter, Westwood held Huntland to three 4th quarter points in a tense semi-final match up. The 2 teams were tied at 15 at the half in the pressure-packed, defensive struggle.

Morgan Jones of Westwood basketball
Morgan Jones led Westwood in scoring with 13 points including eight in the third quarter. Starks finished with 12 points while Karen Medina added three points. Westwood will play in the Duck River Valley Conference tournament championship game at 2:15 on Saturday. The Lady Rockets will take on tournament host Forrest in Chapel Hill. This will be the 3rd meeting of the 2 teams with Westwood winning both previous matchups.
CHS Wrestlers Split a Pair of Matches on Thursday Night

Rein Bozich of CHS Wrestling
The Coffee County Central High School wrestling team welcomed Siegel and Franklin County to The Meat Grinder on Thursday night for a dual meet. The powerhouse team from Siegel swept both matches while Coffee County got a win over Franklin County.
In the Siegel match Coffee County got an overtime, come from behind decision win from Rein Bozich in the 138 pound weight class and Josh Tobbit(182) got a pin for the Raider’s 9 points. Coach Roger Barlow had praise for his team’s conditioning and aggressiveness against the super talented Siegel squad.

CHS Wrestler Josh Tobitt
Against Franklin County, Coffee County needed two wins in their last two matches to secure a 42 to 34 win over the Rebels. Seth Green(132) and Rein Bozich(138) both delivered pinfall wins to give Coffee County the win and a split on the night. Harry Hosea(195)and Austin Silvers(126)got forfeit wins for Coffee County. Scoring pinfall wins for the Raiders were Green(132), Bozich(138) Brody Litz(160), Michael Presley( 170) and Tobitt(182). Coffee County is off for the Christmas holidays. They return to the mat at home on January 5th when they host a dual meet with McGavock and Mt. Juliet at the Coffee County Raider Academy.
Blues Rally in Third to Top Preds
Pete Weber’s Postgame Report
Vladimir Tarasenko scored late on the power play and the St. Louis Blues rallied in the third period to defeat the Nashville Predators 2-1 on Thursday night at Scottrade Center. The loss moves the Preds to 0-2-0 against the Blues this season, leaving Nashville in fifth in the Central Division standings.
“It’s kind of like I said a few games ago, it’s not good enough,” Captain Shea Weber said. “I don’t know who we’re kidding if we say it doesn’t matter if you outchance teams – I don’t think we did tonight because we played a lot in our own end – but we’ve played games where we sit there and say that we were better with the offensive-zone chances; that’s not what matters. What matters is the scoring. We’re not beating teams and we have to be better.”
After St. Louis forward Paul Stastny broke his stick in the first period, the Predators slowly crept toward the Blues net before Roman Josi unleashed a one-timer off a feed from Filip Forsberg. Josi’s eighth of the season was the Blues first power-play score allowed since Nov. 25, a stretch of 10 games.
Play remained tight through a scoreless middle frame, with both teams defending high-quality chances from the opposing offense.
But early in the third, Blues Captain David Backes got his club on the board when he tipped a Kevin Shattenkirk shot through Preds goaltender Pekka Rinne to knot the score at 1-1. Then, with 5:20 remaining in regulation, Tarasenko capitalized on the man advantage, potting his 20th of the season which proved to be the game winner.
Nashville had one final push with the extra attacker, but Jake Allen made the last few of his 27 saves to preserve the victory for St. Louis.
“It’s a team effort; we’ve all got to dig in and we’ve all got to be better,” Josi said. “We’re not playing up to our expectations, and we just have to keep playing and staying positive. It’s frustrating right now, but we’re not playing to our expectations.”
The Predators are now 3-5-0 against the Central Division this season.
Forward Colin Wilson returned from a lower-body injury, playing in a game for the first time since Dec. 7 at Boston. Wilson finished with 13:22 of ice time and one shot in his return.
The Predators face another Central Division foe on Saturday when they’ll host the Minnesota Wild at Bridgestone Arena. Nashville is 1-1-0 against Minnesota so far this season. Thunder Radio will bring you the broadcast beginning at 7 PM.
Tullahoma Man Busted for Drugs in Manchester

Kenneth Darius Hubbard arrest intake photo.
Manchester Police Officer Ernie Colvin responded to Holly Tree Apartments to speak to an individual about using drugs. Colvin saw Hubbard arrive in a Nissan Xterra and after getting out of the vehicle the police report says the man almost fell as well being very unsteady on his feet. The officer requested the department’s new K9 dog and Officer Dale Robertson come to the apartments.
The dog searched the outside of the vehicle and alerted on the driver’s side. The officer then searched the vehicle and allegedly found a full unsmoked marijuana joint and one partially smoked. The officer then asked Hubbard to sit on the curb. Robertson spotted some type of baggy in the back of the man’s pants. After a search of the bag, officers allegedly found 112.7 grams of marijuana, 70 Oxymorphone pills, two Xanax pills and an unknown pill. They also found a metal grinder with marijuana residue in it, as well as a set of digital scales.
Hubbard’s girlfriend told officers that he fell asleep and almost wrecked while driving from Tullahoma to Manchester.
Police seized Hubbard’s vehicle and $706.56 in cash.
Hubbard was booked at the Coffee County Jail under a bond of $55,000.
Shelbyville Woman Charged with 17th DUI
Police say a Shelbyville woman has been arrested 17 times for drunken driving.
WSMV-TV reports Dorothy Hanson’s charges date back to 1985. Police say six of the offenses have taken place in the past 10 years.
Police say Friday marked Hanson’s 17th DUI arrest, when she hit another car head-on. Hanson reportedly had open beer and whiskey containers in her car, and paramedics were unable to draw blood from her being so dehydrated.
Shelbyville Police Chief Jan Phillips says in addition to the DUI arrests, Hanson now has 16 charges of driving on a revoked license.
Hanson was released from jail after posting a $75,000 bond.
It’s unclear if Hanson has an attorney. Her father told WSMV-TV that she’s a “good person with an alcohol problem.”
Fatal Accident in Beechgrove
A Tracy City man was killed in a two-car crash on Highway 64 in the Beechgrove area Tuesday afternoon.
According to a report by Tennessee Highway Patrol, Joshua Collings, 30, of Tracy City, was driving a 1995 Mustang east on Highway 64 when he lost control and began to cross over the center line into the westbound lane of traffic. The Mustang then collided at an angle with a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix operated by Bryan Martin, 27, of Shelbyville. Both vehicles came to rest in the westbound lane of the highway.
Martin was injured in the accident and was airlifted from the scene and flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. He was listed in critical condition as of Thursday afternoon.
Beware of Scammers Using the Name IRS
Some area residents have received calls from a scam that is making the rounds in the area.
People are calling residents claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. The caller tells their intended victim that they owe the federal agency money and if they don’t pay it then they will be arrested.
The scammers called one Tullahoma resident and left a message for her to call the IRS. When she called the number back it was in El Paso, Texas and man answered by announcing that he was with the IRS. He then asked for the woman’s Social Security number to which she told him that the IRS already has her number. The Tullahoma woman said that the man then began to call her names and use profanity, she then hung up.
If you receive a call claiming to be from the IRS, don’t give out your personnel information. As the Tullahoma woman told the caller this week, the IRS already has your social security number they don’t need to ask you for it. Also don’t give out your bank account to such callers.
The Tullahoma woman hung up from her scammer and contacted the IRS’s phone number where you can report such calls. Coffee County Sheriff Steve Graves says that is the best thing to do if you receive such a call. The IRS usually sends out written notices that you owe them money.
East Coffee Elementary School Receives Grant and DARE Students Graduate

DARE graduates
East Coffee Elementary fifth-graders recently graduated from the DARE program sponsored by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department. During the semester-long course, Officer Morris Vanattia taught the students how to say no to drugs and violence through Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE). East Coffee is thankful to Officer Vanattia for his 18 years of service to this important program.