TVA officials will likely close the property near the Barton Springs Bridge on Lyndell Bell Road to horseback riding in the coming months, unless area planners can come up with a way to halt the environmental damage reportedly caused by the riding. A TVA spokesman says that a recent land assessment, which monitors the uses of TVA property, observed approximately 7 ½ miles of unauthorized trails on the 100-150 acres set aside for natural resource retention. According to TVA, those trails are causing serious environmental damage. According to the TVA, riding in the area is currently permitted, but the agency is concerned about erosion from the volume of traffic. At the request of local officials, the TVA provided a local riding group and the South Central Tennessee Development District an opportunity to develop a plan by the end of August that would allow further riding without allowing additional damage the property. The network of trails that crisscross the area in many areas have worn deep into the hilly terrain, six-feet deep in places. TVA officials say they are doubtful that a workable solution can be made to allow continued riding in the area.-Manchester Times-

Police are investigating the theft money from the Mapco Market located on Cedar Lane. According to a report by Tullahoma Police Officer Tyler Hatfield, the manager of the store reported Monday evening that an employee had taken money from the store’s safe. The manager told the officer that after the cash drawer from Sunday came up short, she reviewed the store’s security system and observed an employee removing money from the store’s safe. The video reveals, according to the police report, that the employee entered the store around 1:45 a.m. Sunday and walked to the store’s storage area to check the work schedule. She then walked toward the cash register and asked the clerk on duty to get her an energy drink. When the clerk left the area, the video shows the employee place her hand near the safe and then put her hand in her pocket.

Outside the Coffee County Jail... By Barry West

As the temperatures heat up, so does the population of the Coffee County Jail. According to Sheriff Steve Graves, 272 inmates were being housed in the jail Tuesday. The jail was designed to house only 196 inmates. The sheriff stated that corrections captain Pam Freeman sent ten inmates to the state prison late last week, but the population continues to swell. The county is in hopes of construction starting soon on a new jail.

Between now and Labor Day weekend, thousands of boaters are enjoying time on the water with family and friends. Following safe and responsible boating practices, including wearing a life jacket, can make each time you are on the water fun while being prepared for an emergency situation. In 2011, the U.S. Coast Guard counted 4,588 accidents that involved 758 deaths, 3,081 injuries and approximately $52 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Of those drowned, 84 percent were not wearing life jackets. The statistics show that no matter where you are boating, following boating safety, being properly prepared and equipped, and always wearing a life jacket can help save many lives. Follow these five life jacket safety tips from the National Safe Boating Council to prevent drowning and promote safe boating practices. 1. No matter what activity you have planned – boating, fishing, sailing, etc. – always remember to wear a life jacket every time you are on the water. 2. Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved. Double-check that your life jacket is appropriate for your boating activity. 3. Take the time to ensure a proper fit. 4. Life jackets meant for adults do not work for children. If you are boating with children, make sure they are wearing properly fitted, child-sized life jackets. Do not buy a life jacket for your child to “grow into.” 5. On recreational vessels underway, children under 13 years old must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket unless they are below decks or in an enclosed cabin. Some state laws vary – check with your local Marine Law Enforcement Authorities. Tennessee ranks 8th in the nation in the number of deaths in boating accidents.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation had planned to offer free radon test kits through July 30. However, due to such a large demand, their free supply was gone within hours of offering them on Monday. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into homes through cracks and openings in the foundation. In concentrated levels, it can threaten human health. Federal statistics show it as the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States. The best time to use the kits is in cold weather, usually from October to March.