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Convicted Murderer Sentenced To Life In Prison
Jacob Pearman
Carla Pearman was the former Carla Dillard of Manchester and was a 2002 graduate of Coffee County High School.
Monday Prep Update
Wet field conditions cancelled middle school baseball and softball on Monday as Coffee Middle’s teams will need to reschedule home games with White County while Westwood’s teams will have to reschedule trips to Moore County.
The Coffee County Middle School soccer team opened their 2015 campaign as they traveled to Sparta to take on conference foe White County. The Red Raiders got a 5 to 1 win as Coffee County got 4 first half goals to put the game out of reach early. Peyton McKenzie scored the hat trick for Coffee Middle as he netted 2 first half goals and the lone Raider goal in the second half. Briggs Haithcock and Anakin Dillehay each added first half goals for the Red and Black. Kix Ferrell turned away all but one of the shots he faced in net as the Raider defense was effective in limiting the Warrior chances. Coffee County Middle will travel to Lincoln County on Thursday to take on the Falcons in a 5:30 PM match.
Tuesday’s Prep Schedule(Weather Permitting)
5:00 PM – CCMS Baseball at White Co (CANCELLED)
5:00 PM – CCMS Softball at White Co
5:30 PM – WMS Baseball HOSTS Moore Co
6:00 PM – CHS B. Soccer HOSTS LaVergne(Scrimmage)
Update–Arrest Made After Elderly Woman’s Body Found In Shelbyville
William Russell Brace
Special Agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have arrested and charged a Murfreesboro man in connection to the murder of his neighbor.
TBI Special Agents began investigating the death of Lois Jean Espy on Monday, February 23rd, the same date deputies from the Bedford County Sheriff’s Department found the body of the 86-year-old woman on Mullins Mill Road. During the course of the investigation, Agents developed information which led to her neighbor, William Russell Brace, as the individual responsible for Espy’s death in her Murfreesboro apartment on or around February 22nd, as well as the placement of her body in Bedford County.
On Sunday TBI agents arrested and charged Brace with one count of First Degree Murder. The 60-year-old Murfreesboro man was being held in the Rutherford County Jail without bond. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Espy’s death continues, with the cooperation of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Department and the Murfreesboro Police Department.
AEDC Receives Compost Grant
AEDC personnel who are captains and participants on the Green Team recently met to discuss their roles in the Compost at AEDC program made possible by an Air Force Innovation Grant. Pictured left to right is Steven Leply, Paul Wright, Tim White, Matt Duran, Nikki King, Glenda Perry, Donna Spry, Kraig Smith, Andy Escue, Brent Pewitt, Annie Clements, Clare Zisk, Craig Morris and Gary Frost. (Photo by Jaqueline Cowan)
Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) employees can reduce their footprint on the environment through the Compost at AEDC program made possible through an Air Force Innovation Grant. Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. This personal, passive (natural decomposition) compost program will help reduce the amount of compostable items delivered to the landfill from AEDC, as well as tipping fee costs. The idea was proposed by Annie Clements, a systems analyst and developer with the ATA Information Technology and Systems Department.
Clements recalled how she acquired her Tullahoma home-compost bin through the City of Tullahoma almost 20 years ago which was offered free to residents to divert compostable waste away from residential trash. She thought AEDC could benefit from a similar program because of the employee recycling efforts already in place.
Seventy-five Earth Machine compost bins were attained through the Innovation Grant program and they will be placed at up to 47 buildings at the Complex as more Green Team captains volunteer for the program.
According to Clements’ grant research, an employee generates a minimum of ¼ to ½ pounds of compostable waste each day at AEDC which computes to 156 tons of compost annually costing $7,300 in landfill tipping fees. In conjunction with cost savings in tipping fees, some other benefits projected in Clements’ research include diverting as much as 65 percent of compostable waste from the landfill. This diversion causes a reduction in landfill methane emissions by allowing aerobic decomposition. The resulting rich compost is available to employees participating in the program for gardening and landscaping.
3/4/15 —- Annie June McLeod Winstead
Funeral services for Mrs. Annie June McLeod Winstead, age 84 of Manchester will be conducted Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 12:00 Noon at Coffee County Funeral Chapel with Reverend Randy Brown officiating.
Interment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 10:00 AM until time of services at 12:00 Noon at the funeral home.
Mrs. Winstead passed away Sunday, March 1, 2015 at her residence in Manchester surrounded by her loving family.
She was born October 22, 1930 in Melvindale, Michigan the daughter of the late Donald Alexander McLeod and Margaret Alice Davidson.
On March 12, 1949, she married the love of her life, Lawrence Edsel Winstead and the two began their life together which would withstand 66 glorious years together. In earlier years, while raising her family, Mrs. Winstead was actively involved in Home Demonstration Club as well as Girl Scouts, where she served as a Girl Scout leader for several years. She had a love for children which lead her to be a natural pre-school teacher for over 12 years with the First United Methodist Church. She adored the children she taught and loved to make crafts with them. She and her husband, Ed, shared a passion for antique Ford Lincoln Zephyr’s, which lead them on many trips in search of both the cars and accompanying parts. She also had a special love for the water. Whether going to the beach, deep sea fishing or simply spending most every summer on the lake, boating, swimming water skiing and fishing were hobbies she enjoyed with her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker who enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening as well as cooking and canning. Throughout her life she was an avid sports fan, watching the Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Tigers faithfully. She never missed a child or grandchild’s event while they were growing up. In later years, on up into her 70’s, she still was actively participating in sporting events such as the Senior Olympics, where, she earned medals in the mile walk, javelin and swimming competitions. She and Ed, were also faithful Manchester greenway walkers often seen daily by passers by. Mrs. Winstead possessed a loving and giving heart who touched many lives along the way. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a son, Lawrence Edsel Winstead, Jr., and two brothers, Jackie and Peter McLeod.
Survivors include her loving husband, Lawrence Edsel “Ed” Winstead of Manchester; two daughters, Teri Christian and husband, Rod of Manchester; and Deborah Blanton and husband, Buck of Viola, TN; four grandchildren, Rachel Christian Bruner and husband, Bob of Ootlewah, TN; Brad Christian and wife, Krystal and Alex Christian and wife, Tristan all of Manchester and Ashleigh Blanton of Viola, TN; seven great-grandchildren, Samuel, Alexander and Nicholas Bruner, Brady and Brock Christian and Luke and Jillian Christian; five brothers and sisters; Raymond McLeod and wife, Irene; LaDon Phillips and husband, Henry all of Lincoln Park, MI; Cindy Conrad and husband, Ray of Hardin, KY; Karen DeLong and husband, Dennis of Melvindale, MI; and Donald McLeod of Lincoln Park, MI; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Pre-School Learning Center or First United Methodist Church Young Children’s Sunday School Classes or to Hospice Compassus of Tullahoma.
Coffee County Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Annie June McLeod Winstead.
Report Alleges American Kennel Club Lobbies Against Puppy Mill Laws
Purebred dogs are the picture of perfection, and their popularity was highlighted at the recent Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. But an investigation by the Humane Society of the United States alleges that the American Kennel Club – a major player at dog shows – has opposed more than 150 different laws around the country that would help protect dogs in puppy mills. That includes the puppy mill regulation passed by Tennessee lawmakers in 2008 that was not renewed last year. Leighann Lassiter, the Tennessee state director of the Humane Society of the United States, says the AKC played a role in what transpired. “The Kennel Club actually fought against keeping that regulation in place for Tennessee,” Lassiter says. “In 2014 Tennessee became the first state in the nation to ever go backwards on puppy mill regulation.” Lassiter says in addition to lobbying efforts, two former AKC “Breeders of Merit” reportedly were found to be keeping dogs in poor conditions after recently passing their AKC inspections. A spokesperson for the American Kennel Club says the organization would “never support disreputable breeders,” and any violation of their policies is met with a quick response. Kathleen Summers, director of outreach with the Society’s Stop Puppy Mills campaign, says the AKC has an incentive to register more dogs. “There’s a profit motive involved,” says Summers. “The AKC does get income from litter registrations and the more puppies they can register, the larger their market share as a dog-registry organization.” Lassiter says the best thing consumers can do is investigate breeders before doing business with them, and adds if they decline your request to visit their facilities to pick up the pup, it could be an indication they don’t have the dogs’ best interest at heart. “They’ll tell you ‘I live too far into the country, you won’t be able to find my house, just let me just meet you in town in a parking lot,'” says Lassiter. “They come up with all kinds of excuses not to let you see their kennel and if someone won’t let you see their kennel don’t buy a puppy from them.” Lassiter also emphasizes many purebred dogs can be found at local animal shelters and asks consumers to report any suspicious breeding facilities they encounter to the local authorities.
2/27/15 —- Linda Ferrell Mullins
Private graveside services for Mrs. Linda Ferrell Mullins, age 67, of Manchester, will be conducted at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Mullins passed away Friday afternoon at United Regional Medical Center in Manchester.
Linda was born in Franklin, TN, the daughter of the late Ollie and Lena Pittman Ferrell.
She worked for the Coffee County Court Clerk’s office and was a member of Main Street Church of Christ.
In addition to her parents, Linda was also preceded in death by two brothers, Bill and Roy Ferrell.
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Albert Mullins of Manchester; one son, Scott (Fara) Mullins of Manchester; two sisters, Lois Holmes of Manchester and Betty Duke of Woodbury; and one granddaughter, AnnaBelle Mullins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Multi County Cancer Support Network, P.O. Box 1355, Tullahoma, TN 37388.
Manchester Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Prep Spring Sports Update
CHS baseball coach Jon Spears talks to his team prior to Saturday’s scrimmage action
Kohl Young delivers a pitch in scrimmage action on Saturday
The Red Raider baseball team welcomed Cumberland County and Grundy County to Powers Field on Saturday for their first scrimmages of the year. First year head coach Jon Spears got outstanding pitching performances from his staff as they swept the day’s doubleheader. In the first contest, the Raiders dropped Cumberland County 3 to 1 in a seven inning varsity contest. Kohl Young threw well coming off ACL injury threw 3 strong innings while Dylan Sandoval and Jimmy Hollandsworth both were impressive in the first live action of the spring. Trace Friedlein and Daniel Gassman, who are penciled in as starters also pitched well. In the 2nd contest, the Red Raiders stung Grundy County 9 to 2 in the 7 innings of varsity work. Friedlein was credited with a big day a the plate for Coffee County while coach Spears was complimentary of how the Raiders were successful in sacrifices and situational hitting. Spears singled out Sandoval who was able to get down multiple bunts. Defensively, the Raiders committed only 3 errors in 18 innings of work. Spears is hoping to schedule another scrimmage this coming weekend, weather permitting. The Red Raiders open their regular season on March 9th at Forrest, with the home opener scheduled for March 10th vs. Huntland.
Haley Richardson of Coffee County Middle School delivers a pitch on Saturday in a scrimmage against Lincoln County
Amanda Mukai of Coffee County Middle School in action at 3rd base on Saturday in a scrimmage against Lincoln County
Coffee County Middle School softball traveled to Lynchburg on Saturday in their second weekend of scrimmage action this season. The Lady Raiders, coached by Lana Creek, return only 2 full time starters from last season’s team. Creek took the opportunity this week-end to work with various lineup combinations as she prepares for Monday’s regular season opener. The Lady Raiders got strong pitching performances from Erin Ferrell, Haley Richardson and Macie Campbell as they won 2 of the 3 scrimmage contests defeating Tullahoma and Liberty, while falling to Lincoln County. Coffee County struggled to get any offensive rhythm on the day but Coach Creek singled out Jayden Scheller who was impressive at the plate for Coffee County. Weather permitting; the Lady Raiders will open their regular season at home on Monday as they host White County. First pitch is at 5:00 PM at their new field behind Coffee County Middle School.
The Coffee County Central High School softball team got in their first scrimmages of the season as they travel to Mt. Juliet on Saturday. Head coach Terry Floyd begins his 12th season at the helm of a Lady Raider team looking for a return trip to the TSSAA Spring Fling in May. The Lady Raiders, who have advanced to the state tournament in 2 of the past 3 years, lost only one player to graduation as Floyd takes one of his most experienced squads into the season. On Saturday, Coffee County was able to get outside for only the 3rd time all season and got to see several younger players in action. The Lady Raiders will travel to Shelbyville on Saturday for a scrimmage tournament as they wrap up their preseason. The regular season begins on Monday, March 9th as Franklin County visits Lady Raider Field for a 7 PM game. That game can be heard live on Thunder Radio with Lucky Knott on the call. John St.Clair was on hand Saturday and his pictures can be found at:http://folio.johnstclairphoto.com/mtjulietplayday.
Sarah West of Westwood Middle legs out a triple on Saturday in scrimmage action at Lynchburg against Fayetteville
Hallie Wimberly of Westwood Middle delivers a pitch on Saturday in scrimmage action at Lynchburg against Fayetteville
The Lady Rocket softball team of Westwood Middle traveled to Lynchburg on Saturday to take on Fayetteville and Community in scrimmage action. The Lady Rockets, who return 4 starters, are coached by Angela Houck. Houck came out of the tournament impressed with how well her team played considering the limited practice time they have had due to weather. Alexcia Barnes, Danielle Baker and Sarah West were all 4 for 4 at the plate on the day. Pitchers Hallie Wimberley, Avery Whitsett and Carlee Sullivan all pitched for the Lady Rockets as Houck needs to replace her starting battery. The Lady Rockets open the regular season on Monday at Moore County, weather permitting. The first pitch is set for 5:00 PM.
Weather damage to backstop at the Coffee County Middle School baseball field. Photo by Lana Creek
The Coffee County Middle School baseball team had their Saturday scrimmage called off due to damage to their field caused by the recent ice storm. The Red Raiders suffered damage to the backstop when ice and wind combined to damage 2 of the poles holding up the backstop netting on the 3rd base side of the field. The Red Raiders, coached by Rodney Meeker, are scheduled to open the season at home on Monday against White County. The game is set to start at 5:00 PM.
3/7/15 —- Geneva Grace Patterson
Funeral services for Mrs. Geneva Grace Patterson, age 87 of Pelham, TN will be conducted Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 1:00 PM at Coffee County Funeral Chapel with Reverend Lynn Cassidy officiating.
Interment will follow at Warren Cemetery in Pelham, TN.
Visitation will be held Saturday from 11:00 AM until time of services at 1:00 PM.
Mrs. Patterson passed away Friday, February 27, 2015 at Life Care Center in Tullahoma, TN surrounded by her loving family.
She was born November 5, 1927 in the Payne’s Cove community of Grundy County, the daughter of the late Robert Cheatom Oliver and Allie Irene Phipps Oliver.
At age 15, she met and soon thereafter, married her husband, Dillon Patterson on April 24, 1943 in Ringgold, GA. Mrs. Patterson was a devoted homemaker who loved and cherished her family. She was a master seamstress who also enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning. She possessed a giving heart, always sharing her home cooked foods or her beautifully hand stitched works with family and friends. She was known for her talent of cross stitching as well as her beautifully made porcelain dolls. She was a very talented artist, expressed in her many hand drawn pictures. Throughout her lifetime, she assisted her husband with the family farm and also spent ten years working at Tyson Foods. She found her greatest joy in her family and in giving to others.
She will forever be missed by her loving family and friends. She was a member of Chapman’s Chapel Church of the Nazarene.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Patterson is preceded in death by her husband, Dillon Patterson who passed away February 11, 1996; and brothers, Melvin Oliver, Marvin Earl Oliver, Jim Oliver, and a sister, Joanne Pace.
Survivors include two children, Eddie M. Patterson and wife, Susan of Murfreesboro and Theresa J. Compton and husband, Jerry also of Murfreesboro; two grandchildren, Kent Patterson of Franklin, TN and Blake Patterson and wife, Tracie of San Juan, Puerto Rico; two step-grandchildren, Marchelle Butler and husband, Billy of Alphretta, GA and Valerie Yambor and husband, Paul of Lavergne, TN; eight great-grandchildren, Max, Ben, Holly and Lauren Patterson and Saralyn, Shawn and Bryan Yambor and Rachel Butler. Also surviving is a brother, Bernie Oliver and wife, Shelia of Alto, TN and a loving, devoted care giver, Glenda Patterson and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Patterson may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Coffee County Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family Mrs. Geneva Grace Patterson.
Judge Lowers Bond For Murder Suspect
Judge Vanessa Jackson
At the time, King was seen running from the house with blood on her screaming hysterically. She claimed that someone broke into the house and assaulted her and killed Colucci. His body was found just inside the garage by authorities.
After the murder police later arrested her husband Troy King in California near San Diego. He was charged with murder. She was later arrested in Florida.
Connie King’s mother testified before Judge Jackson that if Connie King was granted bond that she would live in Grundy County with her. Her attorney, Chris Stanford, told the judge that his client would wear a GPS ankle bracelet for tracking purposes and that she would stay at her mother’s house. According to Assistant District Attorney Kristy West, the order does allow King to visit her attorney’s office while wearing the She has been held in the Franklin County Jail. Meanwhile, Troy King remains in the Coffee County Jail under a bond of $1 million.
The Colucci murder has drawn national attention as the CBS television show 48 hours has filed a request with the court to video the trial. The trial is set to get started on May 14 in the Coffee County Circuit Court with Judge Jackson presiding.