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Evaluation begins on County Director of Schools
Last week we reported that Coffee County Director of Schools Dr LaDonna McFall told the school board that she was seeking other job opportunities. Her contract runs until June of 2020.
This year’s evaluation committee has been formed. School board members serving this year are Shannon Duncan, Gary Nester and Pat Barton.
The evaluation will include leadership and culture, policy and governance, communications and community relations, organizational and human resources management, curriculum planning development, instructional leadership, and ethical leadership. Added to the evaluation process this year includes the district’s five-year plan and add in how well the director met specific goals in the plan.
The deadline for board members to have their evaluations completed by is March 1.
More Information on Possible Homicide in Grundy County
We have an update on an apparent homicide in Grundy County. Early Sunday morning around 12:20am Grundy County deputies were called to Lockhart Town Road in Coalmont. When they arrived, 38 year-old Bradford Orion Meeks of Coalmont was found shot to death.
Reports indicate an altercation at a residence led to the death of Meeks.
While information is limited, investigators for Grundy County and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say that an argument had ensued on Saturday night between Meeks and his girlfriend Brandy Shrum at the residence. Meeks left the residence but returned a short time later and another argument ensued.
At some point during this argument, shortly after midnight, Shrum’s father, George “Junior” Byers arrived at the house. An altercation between Byers and Meeks took place leaving Meeks dead.
The investigation is ongoing, and no arrest has been made at this time.
Bill Officially Filed to Daylight Saving Time
A Tennessee lawmaker has introduced a bill to observe daylight saving time year-round in the Volunteer State.
The bill is being filed by Rep. Rick Tillis and if passed, would make daylight saving time the standard time of the entire state.
Tillis has said in the past that the extra hour would improve health and the overall quality of life for people living in the state. He also feels it would encourage people to stay active and spend time supporting local businesses.
However, even if it does get approved at the state level, the law can’t go into effect unless it’s signed off by the federal government.
According to the bill, the law would take effect on the first Sunday of November after the United States Congress amends or repeals a federal law that requires states to observe standard time.
In other words, states can exempt themselves from observing daylight saving time but not standard time.
Former Rutherford County Sheriff may be Released Early from Prison
Robert Arnold jail intake photo.
Reports indicate that Arnold has been a model prisoner.
Arnold is serving a 4-year sentence at Maxwell Federal Prison Camp outside Montgomery, Alabama.
Officials are beginning the paperwork now, and if approved, the ousted Rutherford County Sheriff could serve his first 6-months of freedom in a halfway house in Tennessee. That could be as soon as 3-months from now. The remaining half-year would be under house arrest.
Tennessee Officials Offer Flood Advice
Some are comparing last week’s Tennessee flooding to May 2010, when torrential rains in two days resulted in deaths and widespread property damage. (Nashville.gov)
According to the National Weather Service in Nashville, the city’s average rainfall total for February was exceeded within the first week of the month. Kevin Walters of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance said it’s important to prepare now for the possibility of more storms.
“We want to tell people to be prepared in the event of future flooding events,” Walters said. “So remember, where it can rain, it can flood. And an inch of water in a home could cause more than $25,000 in damages.”
Walters said it’s important to know the evacuation routes in your community in the event of flooding. And if you’re staying in your home during a flood event, move valuable items and documents to higher ground.
Flooding is the most common and expensive type of natural disaster in the U.S., according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Yet data from a 2016 FEMA report on active flood-insurance policies revealed many Tennesseans are not covered. And Walters said renters and homeowners need to be aware that the insurance coverage they have likely has limitations.
“The most important thing to understand about flood insurance is what it isn’t,” he said. “Flood damages are not typically covered through most homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies. And flood insurance can be purchased through an agent or insurer participating in a National Flood Insurance Program, which FEMA manages.”
More information on flood insurance and flood preparedness is available from FEMA at floodsmart.gov.
2/16/19–Vernon W. Freeze
Funeral services for Mr. Vernon W. Freeze, age 82, of Manchester, will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Coffee County Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, February 15, 2019, at the funeral home. Mr. Freeze passed from this life surrounded by his loving family on Monday, February 11, 2019, at his residence in Manchester.
Vernon was born in Coffee County, TN to the late Haskell and Nellie Freeze. He was in law enforcement as the Chief of Police for the City of Manchester and worked security at AEDC for over 45 years together before his retirement. Vernon loved collecting coins, and he could fix any electronic you brought to him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
In addition to his parents, Vernon is also preceded in death by one brother, Leon Freeze; one grandson, Christopher Freeze. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Alice Bennett Freeze; one son, Christopher Freeze; one daughter, Nedra Freeze; one brother, David Freeze; six grandchildren, Jeremy Freeze, Alicia Lewis, Baylnn Baker (Bailey), Candra Baker, and Taylor Freeze; five great-grandchildren, Kori Smith, Kinley Smith, Kylee Cantrell, Karris Lewis, and Caydance Foster.
Coffee County Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Freeze family.
2/14/19–Ryan Thomas Logan
Ryan Thomas Logan was born August 15, 1987 in Kansas City, MO and departed
this earthly life February 10, 2019 in Nashville, TN
Proceeded in death by adoring late father Stephen Milo Logan, Maternal
Grandparents Dick and Kate Shasteen, Paternal Grandparents, Tommy Logan and
Mary Jane Logan, and Beloved Golden Retrievers Allie Girl, Iniki and
Sophie.
Survived by devoted Mother Julia Logan-Mayes and husband Steve Mayes of
Estill Springs, endearing Brothers Trent Logan (Maria Santiago and Rebecca
Estrada), Tullahoma and Alex Mayes (Elaina Evans), North Potomac, MD,
Paternal Step-Grandmother, Judy Logan, Winchester, and many precious aunts,
uncles, cousins & friends.
Ryan was a graduate of Tullahoma High School and attended Cabrillo College
in California.
Most recently he resided in Nashville and was employed by The George Jones.
In addition, he lived an adventurous life with his family and many beloved
friends along the way across this land in Maryland, Pennsylvania,
Connecticut, Hawaii, California, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Ryan had an adventurous spirit whether it be honing his skills in
photography or enjoying every opportunity to cycle, hike camp, skydive,
rock climb, snow board and numerous water sports. Ryan recently said he
was grateful for having a loving family and friends that have given him the
opportunities to improve his life, the lust for travel, tickets booked for
more traveling, future plans for a great job opportunity, and his late
father’s job which gave him his lust for travel. He said most importantly
he was thankful for a safe place to lay his head down to sleep. As he got
older he found that one really doesn’t need everything you thought needed
when younger. Happiness and love is something that money could never buy.
Ryan
lived BIG in this life, was a fun and faithful friend, he was kind,
compassionate and helpful. His love of nature took him many places in his
short life from the oceans coast to coast (and beyond) to the peaks of
Yosemite and Colorado and the lakes of his beloved Tennessee. He will
always be remembered by his family and friends for his great love of life,
his wonderful personality, his beautiful infectious smile and contagious
laugh.
Visitation will be 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2019 and a
celebration of life service immediately following at First United Methodist
Church, Tullahoma, TN.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials or donations can be made to Tullahoma Animal
Shelter or First United Methodist Church Henry Center.
Daves Culbertson, Tullahoma, TN is in charge of arrangements.
www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com
DATE CHANGED: Special Call Tourism & Community Development Commission Meeting
The Tourism & Community Development Commission has moved their Special Call meeting from 2-13-19 to Thursday, February 14, 2019, at 5:30 pm located at City Hall.
Joseph Michael Brantley
*Joseph “Mike” Michael Brantley of Beechgrove, passed this life on
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at his residence, at the age of 63 Years.
Private Graveside Services are scheduled.*
*A native of Nashville, he was the son of the late Joe Meeks Brantley and
Jean King Brantley of Brentwood. He was a graduate of UT Martin and was an
avid reader and history buff. He enjoyed watching all college sports.*
*In addition to his mother, he is survived by wife, Carol Brantley of
Beechgrove, TN and sister, Lynne Brantley of Nashville.*
*In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the dog rescue,
Bonaparte’s Retreat, P O Box 150232, Nashville, TN 37215.*
* Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.*
2/17/19 — James H. Thompson
*James H. Thompson of Manchester, passed this life on Sunday, February 10,
2019 at Unity Medical Center in Manchester at the age of 69 years. Funeral
Services are scheduled for 2 PM Sunday, February 17, 2019 at
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends beginning
at 12 PM. In addition, there will be Celebration of Life Gatherings at The
Water Hole II in Manchester on March 2 and 3.*
*A native of Franklin County, he was the son of the late Raymond and Josie
Williams Thompson. He was a U S Army veteran and served in the Vietnam War.
He owned and operated The Water Hole II in Manchester for several years.
He enjoyed carpentry work and fixing things. He also enjoyed riding
motorcycles. *
*In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Shelia
Ann Cornelison.*
*Mr. Thompson is survived by son, James Daniel Perry of Lebanon; daughters,
Sherry Kay Garner and her husband, Jackie of Decherd and Sylvia Darlene
Thompson of Manchester; brothers, Charles Thompson and his wife, Martha of
Manchester, Reese Thompson of Texas, David and Kenneth Thompson, both of
Manchester, William Thompson of Texas; sisters, Barbara Willoughby and
Wanda Lusk, both of Manchester; nine grandchildren; sixteen great
grandchildren and several nieces, nephew and “special brothers”.*
*In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in his
honor to the Franklin County VFW.*
* Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.*