County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for February 2012 show the rate decreased in 75 counties, increased in 10 counties, and remained the same in 10 counties.

Tennessee’s unemployment rate for February fell to 8.0 percent, down from the January revised rate of 8.2 percent. The national unemployment rate for February 2012 was 8.3 percent, unchanged from the January rate.

Williamson Co. had the lowest rate at 5.6% and Scott Co. the highest at 17.6.

Coffee Co. has the same as the state at 8% down .2.  Bedford Co. fell 9.8 to 9.6, Franklin Co. dropped .2 to 9.6%, Grundy went down 10.6 from 11%, Moore Co. went up from 7.7 to 8.1, Warren Co. goes down slightly to from 9.9 to 9.8 and Cannon Co. is now at 7.8 down 0.1.

"The Rock" in Sewanee... By Barry West

A 50 year old Pennsylvania man fell to his death Saturday night on Sewanee Mountain in Franklin County. According to Franklin county Sheriff Tim Fuller, Eric Petrilla of Pennsylvania and his son had been sitting on what is known as The Rock that sits on the side of Highway 64 watching the sunset. According to the sheriff, he apparently stood up to look off the side of the mountain and fell some 50 feet to his death. Petrillla’s son attempted to catch him but was unable to do so. He was flown to Erlanger Medical Center where died. Petrilla had been staying in Sewanee with his brother Dr. Matt Petrilla.

An early morning traffic accident took the life of an Estill Springs man. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrolman Duane Stevens, Tracy Hedge, 45, of Old Tullahoma Road, Estill Springs was driving a 2009 Hyundai along Highway 130 when he apparently lost control of his vehicle in a curve near the intersection of Eastbrook Road. According to the trooper’s report, Hedge’s vehicle left the road went down an embankment and finally came to rest against several trees. The rescue truck from the Winchester Fire Department was summoned but the Jaws of Life was not needed to extract Hedge from the vehicle. Deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff’s department assisted the trooper at the crash scene.

Two area fast food restaurants recently were the victims of counterfeiters. According to Tullahoma Police reports, a white female driving a Chevrolet Cavalier passed a $5 bill at Captain D’s on March 26 at the drive through window. When the store clerk checked the bill and determined that it was counterfeit. The clerk then went back to the window and asked for another $5 bill and when she did the woman drove away. Also on March 26, seven $1 bills were passed at Sonic located on South Lincoln Street. A white female driving a gray four-door car passed the bill there. Tullahoma Police Detective Ty Brazier is investigating the incident.

All the firefighters that took training

Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department in conjunction with Alto Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department hosted the first tri county fire training weekend this past Saturday, March 31, at the Hillsboro Park. Following the motto “train like your life depends on it… because it does,” over 70 firefighters from Coffee, Franklin, and Grundy counties took part in a live fire training exercise. Training stations included sessions about ventilation tactics, fire attack, landing zones, interior search and rescue, and rehabilitation. Departments who attended include Alto-Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department, Fourth District Volunteer Fire Department, Belvidere Volunteer Fire Department, Capitol Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Estill Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Cowan Fire Department, Decherd Fire Department, Pelham Valley Fire Department, Gruetli – Laager Fire Department, Palmer Volunteer Fire Department, Tracy City Volunteer Fire Department, Coalmont Fire Department, Altamont Volunteer Fire Department, Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department, New Union Volunteer Fire Department, Hickerson Station Volunteer Fire Department, Summitville Volunteer Fire Department, AEDC Fire and Emergency Services, and Manchester Fire and Rescue. Participants will take their new skills and information to disperse to fellow firefighters at each of their respective departments.

Learning more about fire fighting and saving lives.... By Barry West

Firefighters get instructions... By Barry WestArea firefighters are taught news ways to fight fires and save lives..... By Barry West

The month just ended was the warmest March on record across Tennessee.
National Weather Service records shows that the temperatures were higher in each county during the month. Forecasters said the lack of strong cold fronts moving through the state helped maintain the warm temperatures.
April is starting off warm as well.

This week’s winners at CCMS who had the correct answer to Nurse Angie’s Mystery question were 6th grader Madelyn Weems and 7th Grader Chasity Doss. The answer this week was Jackie Joyner Kersee. They won a Wilson Super Grip Football with reusable water bottle and a Head Tennis Racket with pedometer. The Subway card winners this week were 6th grader Paige Cothran (not pictured), 7th Grader Abbigale Westmoreland (not pictured), and 8th Jordan Harmon. This week’s staff member who won was Angelia Farris. All of this is made possible through the Fuel Up to Play 60 Grant. Helping kids make healthier food choices and be more physically active for a healthier life!!