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State Fire Marshal’s Office Shares Tips on keeping families Safe from Toxic Smoke and Fumes in Home Fire
While smoke alarms have always been a factor in the survivability of a home fire, their importance has never been greater. Most fire fatalities are not caused by burns, but by smoke inhalation. As the toxicity and speed of smoke increases, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is sharing tips on how you can keep your family safe from the toxic smoke and fumes produced by a home fire.
When a fire grows inside a building, it will deplete most of the available oxygen which slows the burning process. This slowed rate of fire spread leads to incomplete combustion, resulting in the release of toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, and ammonia. As oxygen levels lower and the proportion of toxic chemicals rise, survivability chances become diminished.
Smoke is usually the first element of fire to affect residents. Often the toxic gases that comprise smoke incapacitate so quickly that people aren’t able to make it to a perfectly accessible exit. The crucial early warning of a smoke alarm can provide occupants with invaluable extra seconds to escape.
According to a UL report, smoke is more toxic now than ever as homes are filled with more synthetic, chemical-coated materials that release toxins when burned. This, combined with construction factors like open floor plans and new construction materials, leave occupants with under four minutes to escape.
The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office urges Tennesseans to implement the following guidelines to help protect themselves and their loved ones from the devastating effects of fire and smoke:
• Install working smoke alarms in every sleeping area, outside of every sleeping area, and on every level of your home. If you need working smoke alarms and live in Tennessee, contact your local fire department to see if they participate in the SFMO’s “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” program.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.
• Close your bedroom door before going to sleep at night. A closed door can slow the spread of deadly smoke and flames, giving you more time to escape.
• Install working carbon monoxide alarms if your household contains a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or has an attached garage.
• Create a home fire escape plan that details two ways out of every room and a designated outdoor meeting place. Practice the plan with all members of your household. You can download a free home fire escape plan grid on the SFMO’s website.
• If smoke alarms sound or a fire is discovered in your home, get out fast and stay out. Never go back into a burning building.
• If you have to escape through smoke, get as low to the ground as possible and go under the smoke to your way out.
• Once you are out, call the fire department from your meeting place or a neighbor’s house.
• If people or pets are trapped, notify the fire department and let them handle the rescue efforts. Never go back inside for people, pets, or things.
For more information on how you can keep your family safe from fire, visit tn.gov/fire.
5/3/19–Mark Jerry Bass
Bass, Mark Jerry, of Tullahoma, passed this life on Friday, April 26th, 2019 at his home at the age of 57. Mr. Bass was born in Tullahoma to the late Jerry W. and Carolyn Reid Bass. He served his country proudly in the United States Army from which he retired as a Sergeant and was a Veteran paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne Division. He also was a graduate of the University of Maryland where he majored in Business Management and minored in Psychology. After his retirement from active duty, Mr. Bass worked as a civilian employee for the military. He was a member of the VFW Post 862, the George Washington Lodge and was a Scottish Rite Freemason. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Michael Wayne Bass. Mr. Bass is survived by his wife, Mikaela Bass of Vicenza, Italy; two sons, Jonathan Wayne Bass (wife, Anna Piano Bass) of Fort Warren, Georgia and Shane Mark Bass of Vicenza, Italy; one brother, Thomas Scott Bass of Dalzell, South Carolina; and one grandson, William Wayne Bass. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 3rd, 2019 from 9:00am-10:00am at Kilgore Funeral Home with the funeral to immediately follow with Bro. David Wall officiating. Burial will follow at New Mount Herman Cemetery in Bedford County. Mark will be greatly missed and his memory will live within us all. AIRBORNE! ALL THE WAY!
Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Monday Prep Results and Tuesday Prep Schedule
Saturday Prep Results
CHS Track Hosted Red Raider Night of Miles – See the Results HERE
Coffee County Claybusters dominated at Hog Heaven – See the Results HERE
Monday Prep Results
Coffee County Golf defeated Westwood Golf – 9 to 3 – See the Results HERE
CCMS Baseball beat North Franklin(CTC Tournament semifinals) – 10 to 0 – See the Results HERE
CCMS Baseball fell to Tullahoma(CTC Tournament finals) – 6 to 4 – See the Results HERE
CHS Baseball drops Riverdale – 6 to 4 – See the Results HERE
Tuesday Prep Schedule
4:00 PM – CHS Tennis(Boys) HOSTS Shelbyville – District 8AAA Tournament
4:00 PM – WMS Tennis HOSTS Coffee Co Tennis at Fred Deadman Park
6:00 PM – CHS Baseball at Cookeville
6:00 PM – CCMS Baseball at Tullahoma – CTC Tournament(Finals)
7:00 PM – CHS Boys’ Soccer HOSTS Tullahoma – Gilley Crane Hometown Sports Series Broadcast on Thunder Radio
Coffee County Baseball Rallies to Beat Riverdale
Griffin Meeker of CHS baseball
The Coffee County CHS baseball team hit the road on Monday for a battle with region foe Riverdale. A huge 4th inning by Coffee County lifted the Raiders to the win. Coffee County won by a final score of 6 to 4.
Trailing 2 to nothing entering the 4th inning, Coffee County sent 11 batters to the plate scoring 6 runs to take control of the contest. The Raiders pieced together 5 hits, a pair of walks and a Riverdale error in the frame highlighted by a Harley Hinshaw double and a 2 RBI single from Owen Neel. Coffee County outhit Riverdale 10 to 7 in the game led by Griffin Meeker who had 3 singles and 2 RBI. Zach Milan pitched 4 innings to get the victory, Meeker and Braden Brown finished up as Brown got the save.
The Red Raiders close out the regular season on Tuesday when they travel to Cookeville to take on the Cavaliers. First pitch is set for 6 PM. The Red Raiders will open up District tournament play on Wednesday when they travel to Tullahoma to take on the Wildcats. Thunder Radio will be on hand to bring you the broadcast. First pitch will be at 6 PM, Lucky Knott will begin live coverage with the pregame show at 5:50.
Coffee County Middle School Baseball Falls in CTC Title Game
Nolan Jernigan of CCMS baseball
The quest for a CTC title came up one game short for the Coffee County Middle School baseball team on Monday. Needing a pair of wins to force a winner-take-all final on Tuesday, the Red Raiders could only manage a split. The Red Raiders raced past North Franklin in the semifinals 10 to 0 before falling to Tullahoma in the finals by a score of 6 to 2.
In the semifinal matchup, the Red Raiders got the benefit of 10 walks including 4 in the first inning as the Raiders built a 3 to 0 lead. Nolan Jernigan had a 2 RBI double in the pivotal first inning as Coffee Middle staked themselves to a lead they would not surrender. Dayne Crosslin, Cole Pippenger, Jacob Holder also had doubles for the Red Raiders. England Bryan pitched 5 2/3 innings to get the win striking out 7 and surrendering only 2 hits.
Tullahoma pushed across 2 runs in the top of the 1st inning and pushed that margin to 4 to 0 before the Raiders could push across a run. After leaving the bases loaded in the 2nd and 3rd inning, Coffee Middle finally pushed across a pair of runs in the 5th inning to cut the deficit to 2. Tullahoma added a pair of unearned runs in the 7th inning to seal the championship.
Coffee County was led in hitting by Cole Pippenger who had a single and a double and drove in a runs. Nolan Jernigan added a 2 singles while Hayden Garr had a double and walked twice. The Red Raiders finished the season with a record of 17 and 3. Coffee County also finished as the regular season Central Tennessee Conference champions.
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Coffee Middle Drops Westwood in Middle School Golf
Zack Tidwell of CCMS Golf
The Coffee County Middle School and Westwood Middle School golf teams squared off in a rivalry match on Monday at Willowbrook. Competing head to head in 4 matches scored on the Junior PGA flag scoring system, each team was battled for 3 flags per 9 hole round. At the end of the day, the Raiders dropped the Rockets 9 to 3.
The Raider team of Zach Tidwell and Austin Dockery captured all 3 flags against the Rocket team of Araya Hughes and Marli Miller. The Westwood team of Leah Kate Sullivan and Lyndsey Paschal split their match with the Coffee Middle team of Kolby McCormick, Kira Jarrell and Avery Hill as each team gained 1 ½ flags. The Coffee Middle team of Cadie Prater, Maggie Crouch and Liza Freeze swept all 3 flags from the Rocket team of Danny Hawkins and Evan Eldson. The two teams each split the 3 flags of the 4th match.
Lyndsey Paschal of WMS Golf
Up next for the prep golfers is the beginning of the conference tournament next week. First round pairings, locations and start times will be announced later this week.
Coffee County Track Closes Regular Season with Strong Home Meet Performance
Coffee County CHS track seniors and parents. [Photo by Chris Welch]
In the team relays, the Lady Raiders posted a 1st place finish in the 4×800 relay; a 2nd place finish in the 4×200 relay and a 3rd place finish in the 4×100 relay. The Lady Raiders got individual event wins from: Chloe Haggard in the 100M hurdles(with a time of 18.33) and 300M hurdles(55.02), Macy Tabor in the high jump(5’), Makenzie Webb in the triple jump(26’ 7.5”) and Carlie Barnes in the shot put(32’).
Additionally, the following Lady Raiders got Top 3 finishes:
- Ryan Green – 2nd place, 100M hurdles; 2nd place, 300M hurdles;
- Madison Rooker – 2nd place, long jump; 3rd place, 1 mile run;
- Patricia Barrera – 2nd place, 3200M;
- Carlie Barnes – 2nd place, discus;
- Zoe Mills – 3rd Place, 800M;
- Chloe Haggard – 3rd place, high jump; 3rd place, long jump;
- Chandlar Carter – 3rd place, 300M hurdles;
- BriAnna Norton – 3rd place, shot put;
In the boys’ relay races, the Coffee County men got 1st AND 3rd place in the 4×400; 1st place in the 4×800; 3rd place in the 4×100 and 3rd in the 4×200 The Red Raiders got event wins from: Trace Bryant in the 300M hurdles(44.23), the long jump(19’ 4.5”) and the high jump(6’), Jacob Rutledge in the mile(4:47.42); Kelvin Verge in the triple jump(37’ 6”) and Ethan Welch in the discus(103’ 11”)
Additionally, the following Red Raiders got Top 3 finishes:
- Michael Pritchett – 2nd place, triple jump; 3rd place, long jump;
- Dillon Helms – 2nd place, high jump;
- Trace Bryant – 2nd place, shot put;
- Christian Alvarez – 2nd place, 800M;
- Bodey Todd – 2nd place, 3200M;
- Landon Kenney – 2nd place, mile;
- Renato Garcia – 3rd place, mile;
- Ethan Welch – 3rd place, high jump;
- Joshua Roberson – 3rd place, 110M hurdles;
- Ethan Beaty – 3rd Place, 400M;
- Lee Bieder – 3rd place, triple jump;
The Red Raiders return to the track on Friday at Tullahoma for the sub-sectional meet. Field events will get underway at 2 PM. Top finishers at the sub-sectional will compete in the TSSAA Sectional Meet at Rhea County on Friday, May 10th.
Coffee County Claybusters Clean Up in East Tennessee
Members of the Claybusters Varsity team(left to right) Cheyenne Martin, Victoria Majors, Colter Smith , Tucker Carlton and Hayden Jacobs.
The Coffee County Claybusters traveled to Jefferson County in east Tennessee on Saturday to compete at the Hog Heaven Gun Club. As has been the case all season long, the Coffee County shooters proved they are once again the best in the state. The Claybusters swept all 3 divisions in which they competed and also swept the male and female top shooter awards in all 3 classes.
The varsity team of Hayden Jacobs, Tucker Carlton, Victoria Majors, Colter Smith and Cheyenne Martin won their division shattering 484 clays out of a possible 500 to easily outdistance 2nd place Jefferson County by 22 clays. Colter Smith was the high overall male with a score of 99(out of 100). Victoria Majors was the high overall female with a score of 98.
In the Junior Varsity division, the Claybuster team of Brayden Davenport, Landon Meadows, Xavier Bartley, Logan Meadows and Emma Mathews shot a 455 to cruise past second place Cocke County who finished with 418. Landon Meadows was the high overall male with 96 while Emma Mathews was the high overall female with a score of 93.
In the Intermediate Advanced division the team of Aubrey Payne, Jonah Wyatt, Riley Bellomy, Dylan Hickerson and Garrett Taylor shattered 458 targets to get past Hamblen County by 30 target. Jonah Wyatt was high overall male with a score of 94. Aubrey Payne was the high overall female with a score of 91.
The Claybusters return to the range on May 18th when they travel to the Nashville Gun Club to compete in an American Trapshooting(ATA) individual tournament. That event is set to begin around 9 AM.
Honor Flight Takes Off May 1
The next Honor Flight of Middle Tennessee will take flight May 1.
50 veterans including some from Coffee County and their companions will travel to go Washington, D.C. to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of the country.
Fifteen of the veterans will be in wheelchairs, with guardians assisting them.
The group will fly out of Nashville to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
The veterans will visit the World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Marine Corps, and Air Force memorials.
Participants will also watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery.
The flights are free for the veterans due to donations, with guardians paying $450.
The honor flight bus pickup locations are Tullahoma, Manchester, Winchester, and Murfreesboro.
Veterans who qualify to fly are as follows: terminally ill veterans from any campaign, World War II veterans, Korean War veterans, and Vietnam War veterans with a 70% or more VA Disability due to the Agent Orange in Vietnam. (Portion of this story from the Tullahoma News)
Two Cumberland County Sixth Graders Charged Conspiracy to Commit Murder
Cumberland Co. Sheriff’s Department SUV
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Crossville Police Department issued a joint release saying a school resource officer at South Cumberland Elementary was alerted to a rumor of a “hit list” containing students to be shot in a future school shooting.
They did not uncover a hit list, but they did find a hand-drawn map of the school and a plot between the two sixth grade students to bring weapons, hide them in the locker room, and then on the last day of school, enter through the back door, shoot faculty and students, and then commit suicide.
Investigators say the two students had talked several times over the last two weeks about the plot.
Deputies searched both students’ homes for weapons and/or evidence about the plot but found no weapons in either home.
Both students were arrested and taken to the Cumberland County Juvenile Detention Facility where they were charged with conspiracy to commit murder. They remain in custody pending a court hearing. (WATE-TV)