Author's posts
Coffee County Basketball Stays Perfect in 2019, Sweeps Columbia
Ellie Graham of Coffee County CHS basketball
The Coffee County CHS basketball teams got their 7th straight doubleheader sweep on Tuesday night as claimed a pair of district wins from Columbia. Both the Lady Raiders and Red Raiders played some of their best basketball of the year as each held on to the top spot in the district standings with impressive victories. The Lady Raiders mauled the Lady Lions 77 to 28 while the Red Raiders dominated the pace of the game in a 66 to 55 win over the Lions.
The Lady Raiders got off to another red hot start as they drilled seven 3 point baskets in the 1st quarter to build a 31 to 4 advantage, Coffee County held Columbia to 2 points in the 3rd quarter as they built a phenomenal 67 to 13 lead heading to the 4th quarter. Abby Morgan led the Lady Raiders in scoring with 13 points. Ellie Graham had four triples as she finished with 12 points. Jacey Vaughn and Bella Vinson each added 11 points and Chloe Spry came off the bench to hit a pair of 3 pointers as Coffee County finished with 12 baskets from behind the arc. For their shooting prowess, Graham and Spry were named the Crazy Daisies co-players of the game. The Lady Raiders improved to 22 and 3 on the year and 8 and 0 in district play.
Rod Brinkley of Coffee County CHS basketball
The Red Raiders closed out the first quarter on an 8 to 2 run to take an 18 to 12 lead. Stopping Columbia in transition, keeping the Lions off the offensive glass and defending the perimeter allowed Coffee County to hold onto that lead throughout the game. Coffee County forced 18 Columbia turnovers in the win. Darius Rozier led the Raiders in scoring with 20 points. Kyle Farless chipped in 13 while Harley Hinshaw and Rod Brinkley each netted 8. For his spectacular rebounding performance, Brinkley was named the Crazy Daisies player of the game. The win is the 10th win in their last 11 games and moves Coffee County to 15 and 4 overall and 7 and 1 in district play.
Coffee County will enjoy an off night on Friday before the Raiders return to the court on Tuesday night when they play host to Lincoln County in a pair of crucial games for district seeding. Tip-off is set for 6 PM at the Joe Frank Patch Memorial Gym. Thunder Radio’s live coverage begins with the Char-El Apartments and Home Rental pregame show at 5:50
Download the broadcast at: http://www.thunder1320.com/downloads/
Temple Baptist Christian School Basketball Falls to Shelbyville’s Victory Baptist
Alex Gloden of Temple Baptist Christian School basketball
Despite 37 points from Cody Swayze, the Temple Baptist Christian School could not earn the season sweep over Victory Baptist on Tuesday night. Trying to get their second straight win over their rivals from Shelbyville, the Eagles came up short by a 71 to 69 score. The JV Eagles were dominated by the Victory JV in a 49 to 7 decision.
Trailing by 2 in the final seconds, Temple could not get a game tying, or potential game winning, shot to fall against Victory. After Temple took an 8 point lead into halftime, the visiting Patriots double teamed Swayze throughout the 2nd half in an attempt to slow the senior down. Swayze, averaging 36 points a game, was held to 18 points in the 2nd half as Victory was able to rally for the win. Alex Gloden had 15 points for Temple while brother Mich added 10. The loss drops the Eagles record to 7 and 5 on the season. In the JV game, Alex Gloden, David Tran and John Green each had 2 points to lead the Eagle attack.
Temple will be back in action on Friday night as they play host to Franklin Road Christian out of Murfreesboro. The Varsity game will get underway at 6 PM at the E.C. Bailey Gym at Temple Baptist Christian School.
Coffee County Middle School Basketball Teams Return to Action Wednesday in CTC Tournament
2019 CTC Girls Backet – updated 1-22
The Coffee County Middle School basketball teams will both be in action on Wednesday night in the CTC postseason tournament. The Red Raiders will tangle with South Franklin at 4 PM in a semifinal matchup. The Lady Raiders will open tournament play at 5:15 PM against Warren County. Lucky Knott will be on hand to bring you the broadcast of the girls’ game as part of the First National Bank Hometown Sports Series. Thunder Radio’s live coverage will begin with the pregame show a little after 5.
2019 CTC Boys Backet – updated 1-22
Baird says he’s Not Guilty
Evans Baird jail intake photo.
An arraignment for Manchester resident, 79-year-old Thomas Evans Baird was held on Tuesday. Baird is charged with 34 counts of sexual misconduct, allegedly involving multiple minors between 2016 through 2018. Baird pled “not guilty” through his attorney on Tuesday.
Baird is free on bond after being charged on Jan. 9 for:
• Twelve counts of exploitation of a minor to observe sexual activity
• Six counts of indecent exposure
• Two counts on continuous sexual abuse to a child
• Three counts of aggravated sexual battery
• Five counts of sexual battery by authority figure
• Three counts of attempted sexual battery by an authority figure
• One count of attempted rape
• One count of attempted aggravated statutory rape
• One count of attempted statutory rape by an authority figure
The next court appearance will be the “plea assignment date,” set for April 10, 2019. Tullahoma Attorney Robert Carter is representing Baird and the Coffee County district attorney’s office is prosecuting.
Manchester Board of Education Meeting is Wednesday at 5pm
Manchester Board of Education Special Call Meeting on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 immediately after the work session. (Work Session starts at 5:00 p.m.) in the administrative building at 215 E. Fort Street in Manchester, TN.
A G E N D A
1. Contract between Manchester Board of Education and Lee Wilkerson
2. Offer Position for New Director of Schools
3. Adjournment
According to a recent report on WMSR News, the board is likely to offer the system’s director position to current Coffee County Deputy Director, Dr Joey Vaughn.
Gas Prices Going Up
Gas prices in Tennessee are going up due to recent strength in the oil market and rising wholesale gasoline prices. The average price for gasoline in Tennessee is $2.05 per gallon but should rise another 7 to 10 cents this week.
Tennessee motorists are paying 1 cent to almost 20 cents more than a week ago. However, the average price is still 7 cents less than last month, and 35 cents less than this time last year.
The national average price of gasoline is $2.24 per gallon.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the low price per gallon in Coffee County was $1.90, but all stations are expected to be above $2 per gallon by the end of day on Wednesday.
Report Reveals More Suicides Among Tennessee Children
Suicide is now the ninth leading cause of death in Tennessee, taking three lives per day, with a large spike among 10- to 17-year-olds. (JulieK/Twenty20)
The new report, in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, analyzes suicide demographics to share with mental-health professionals, lawmakers and the public.
While there’s no single reason for a person taking their own life, Ridgway says children’s exposure to “mature concepts” should be a concern.
“We’re seeing younger kids think about suicide and part of that is, is that they are exposed to social media, they are watching stuff on TV,” says Ridgway. “There’s a lot more exposure.”
Experts say it’s unclear how big a role social media plays in suicide attempts, but a 2016 study ties online bullying to increased anxiety in young adults. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24 hours a day, at 800-273-8255.
Ridgway says helping to identify the root causes of kids’ anxiety could be the key to preventing suicide. His organization is offering free training for community, faith and civic groups focused on listening and compassion.
“If they’re dealing with some stress in their life, instead of us just saying, ‘Oh everyone’s dealing with that,’ what we need to do is kind of find out what’s the root of what’s going on in that child’s life,” says Ridgway.
He adds for every number and rate in the “2019 Status of Suicide in Tennessee” report, a family member, loved one, neighbor, co-worker or friend left behind is also suffering.
Ridgway says mental-health professionals no longer believe that people who talk about considering suicide aren’t “truly serious” or are just trying to get attention. He says it’s now clear that these cases should be referred to professionals.
“Take every sign seriously when it relates to suicide,” says Ridgway. “So, when a child says, ‘I am thinking about killing myself,’ instead of them saying that they’re ‘attention seeking,’ we really need to focus on yes, they’re seeking your attention.”
Every day, three Tennesseans take their own lives. For help or to learn more about the suicide prevention training, look online at ‘tspn.org.’
1/22/19 — Birthdays
Birthdays:
Hayden Hardgrove, 16 — Pizza Winner!
Kip Statum
Joyce Harrell
Loyce Gilley
1/22/19–Juanita Gifford Bradford
Juanita Gifford Bradford, age 84, of Manchester, TN, passed from this life on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at Life Care Center in Tullahoma, TN. A private family memorial visitation was held on Monday, January 21, 2019 at Manchester Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oakland Memory Lanes in Dolton, IL, at a later date.
Juanita was born in Princeton, AL, the daughter of the late Gus and Lorena Hensley Gifford. She was a homemaker, who loved being with her family and enjoyed quilting and painting.
In addition to her parents, Juanita was also preceded in death by her husband, James Monroe Bradford; one brother, Carl Gifford; and four sisters, Violeta Gifford, Lou Scott, Grady Gifford, and Lometta Russell. She is survived by two sons, Danny Bradford and Garland Judge; two daughters, Rose DeBoer and Kathy Bradford; one sister, Margaret Zerby; four grandchildren, Jason Casteel, Eric Bradford, Jessica Bond, and Andrea Johnson; and seven great grandchildren, Cade Casteel, Caleb Bradford, Becca Casteel, Nathan Johnson, Jasmine Bradford, Mallory Stone, and Hannah Bond.
MANCHESTER FUNERAL HOME IS HONORED TO SERVE THE BRADFORD FAMILY
www.manchesterfuneralhome.com
Coffee County Government meetings of the week
Tuesday, January 22
4:00 p.m. – Planning Commission
5:00 p.m. – Health, Welfare & Recreation Committee
6:00 p.m. – Special Called Full Commission Meeting
Wednesday, January 23
5:00 p.m. – Rural Roads & Bridges Committee