District Attorney Mickey Layne

Local attorney Jeff Ridner will be joining the staff of Coffee County District Attorney Mickey Layne on Jan. 1. Layne announced that Ridner will replace Emily Roberts, who will be leaving the position today (Dec. 28, 2012). Roberts, who has worked in the district attorney’s office for the last five years, has prosecuted cases during preliminary hearings in the General Sessions court. She has taken a position with the Mining Safety and Health Administration in the U.S. Department of Labor. She will also be responsible for prosecuting any mining companies that might be found guilty of violating mining laws. Assistant D.A. Kristy West has been assigned to replace Roberts in the prosecution of cases in Coffee County General Sessions Court. Formerly, West prosecuted cases involving domestic violence. No stranger to the DA’s office, West spent seven years working with the Haven of Hope and while there helped institute the program that allows women who have been domestically assaulted to obtain orders of protection against their attacker. In 2005 West began as a secretary in the D.A.’s office and while working in that position she began attending the Nashville School of Law. “Jeff will be taking over the prosecution of domestic violence cases,” Layne said. “He will be continuing the work that Christy has been performing.” The DA stated that Ridner is very knowledgeable of the law and will be a good “addition to the staff” of the district attorney’s office.

An Estill Springs man was arrested on charges of aggravated robbery. Jeffery Wade Quick, 41, of Sunset Drive Estill Springs was arrested on the charges on Dec. 21 on the charges. The warrant alleges that Tullahoma Police Officer Reggie Yarbrough was dispatched to Harton Regional Medical Center on May 28 to a possible domestic assault. When the officer arrived she learned from a female victim that Quick assaulted her while at Tullahoma Village Apartments. The warrant alleges that in addition to the alleged assault Quick also robbed her of $25 and kicked her about the body. Quick was booked into the Coffee County Jail on the charges and was freed after posting a bond of $25,000. He is scheduled to appear in Coffee County General Sessions Court Jan. 28, 2013 on the charges.

Doctors are telling patients who have not had their flu shot to get one as flu season continues to sicken people across Tennessee. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Region 4 which includes Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina has elevated cases of influenza. Elevated means the percentage of positive influenza tests is above the national average. If you do get sick the doctors say you should stay home so you do not infect others. The flu can be the most dangerous for infants, the elderly or others with compromised immune systems. Each year the flu kills more than 30,000 people nationwide.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is accepting entries to compete for a spot in its Tennessee Wildlife Magazine calendar issue for the upcoming year. The agency is looking for photos on fishing and wildlife species native to Tennessee, as well as fishing and hunting scenes across the state. The format is horizontal digital images on disk. Those selected will receive $60. The submission deadline is March 7. Entries can be mailed to: Tennessee Wildlife Magazine, Calendar Issue, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, Tenn. 37204

Trend experts say people are stopping to enjoy the moment more and more – and this includes savoring the foods they eat. According to a new food trend report – the McCormick flavor forecast 2013 – people are diving headfirst into sumptuous flavor combinations and unapologetic eating experiences that offer an escape from their daily demands. Chef Mark Garcia says people are looking for the perfect bite that gives them an indulgent moment to savor. Imagine the kind of satisfaction of a flavor combination like decadent bitter chocolate, sweet basil and passion fruit. We asked the chef how can we use these ingredients, Chef? Garcia said even in winter, baby back ribs can be a flavorful and comforting escape, especially when they’re combined with rich chocolate and sweet passion fruit. Mix cocoa powder and basil in a savory spice rub. Wrap them in foil and throw them in the oven for easy, hands-off roasting. Brush the ribs with a passion fruit barbecue sauce for the perfect finishing touch. For this recipe and more, visit flavor forecast.com

The call came in two days before Christmas… A Murfreesboro victim was told that he was chosen to receive one million dollars. The victim told police the caller suggested that he was one of two people in Tennessee to receive the pay-out. The victim told the person on the other end of the line to stop by his house to issue him the winning check. The caller’s name was Jack Mendez. A quick search on the internet showed that this was not the first time that a Mr. Mendez has called someone telling them they had just won a large sum of money. He told another person that they would soon be receiving a massive check from the social security office. As far as what the scam was all about – that has yet to be determined. The phone number where the call came from was tied to a line in Jamaica.