Josh Peterson

Author's posts

David Morgan Frazier

David Morgan Frazier of Tullahoma passed this life on Wednesday, June 16,
2021 at his residence at the age of 67. Memorial services are to be held at
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 12 noon. Family
will receive family and friends from 11 am until service time.

Mr. Frazier, a native of Tullahoma, Is the son of Jessie and Sylvia
Frazier. Mr. Frazier loved to bass fish, watch nascar and old television
shows.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa Frazier; son, David Dewayne Frazier
(Lori); daughters, Sonia Carlton (Tony), Christie Cathey (Jason);
step-daughter, Jeana Whaley (John), brothers, Ricky Frazier, Donnie Frazier
(Shannon); eleven grandchildren and twenty four great grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Off-duty police officer charged with aggravated assault

An off-duty Decherd police officer was charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly pointed his department-issued handgun at a driver Sunday in Murfreesboro, a Rutherford County supervisor said.

Mathew Ward, 31, of Cason Lane in Murfreesboro, was charged after an investigation of the road-rage case starting on Interstate 24, said Patrol Cpl. William Travis, who was the arresting officer.

Decherd City Administrator Rex Clark confirmed Ward was immediately suspended from his duties without pay, and Ward subsequently resigned.

The investigation showed Ward observed driver Ilya Kovalchuk of Franklin speeding on I-24 Sunday evening.

The officer displayed his Decherd Police badge and signaled for Kovalchuk to slow down, Travis reported. They exchanged words.

Ward pursued Kovalchuk to Medical Center Parkway at Silohill Lane where both men exited their vehicles.

“Ward drew his Decherd-issued handgun and pointed it at Mr. Kovalchuk while ordering him to lay on the ground,” Travis reported.

Travis and Detective Joe Duncan investigated the case, resulting in Ward’s arrest.

Ward was booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center and released on a $5,000 bond. A hearing is set for Oct. 27 in General Sessions Court.

Clark said Ward’s resignation creates a vacancy within the Police Department, and the city will be seeking applicants to fill the void.

TWRA announces application period for 2021 WMA Big Game Quota Hunts

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has announced the application period for the 2021 Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Big Game Quota Hunts, the regular elk, youth elk, and WMA youth is now underway through July 23.

Entries must be submitted before midnight (CDT) July 23. The WMA hunting instruction sheet lists locations and dates for each of the quota hunts along with drawing rules and regulations. Instruction sheets can be obtained and applications made for the hunts at any TWRA license agent, TWRA regional office or online. Mailed applications will not be processed into the drawing system.

There is no fee for current Annual Sportsman License holders, Lifetime Sportsman License holders, or seniors possessing a Type 167 Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman License. For all other applicants, there is a non-refundable $12 permit fee for each drawing entered. There is a $1 agent fee for applications made at a license agent. When applying at a license agent, hunters must remain at the location while the application is processed to verify the information is correct on the receipt.

For applications made on the internet, there is a $2 internet usage fee. If entering multiple quota hunts, a person must pay the permit and agent fee(s) for each quota hunt application submitted.

The WMA (elk hunts excluded) priority point system gives a priority point for each year a hunter participates (this year a maximum of 13 points) without being successfully drawn for a hunt. Applicants drawn for a hunt last year will start over with a priority of zero.

After all the drawings are conducted, leftover permits will be sold on-line, on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning Aug. 25 at 8 a.m. (CDT).

The state’s 13th gun elk hunt will be held Oct. 9-15 with seven individuals selected to participate. Six of the participants will be selected through a computer drawing conducted by the TWRA. The seventh participant will be the recipient of a permit that is donated to a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), which is the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation. That permit will be issued in a raffle for the third year.

Additionally, this will be the fifth year for an archery only hunt with seven permits. Elk archery hunt dates are Sept. 25-Oct. 1.

American Red Cross experiencing a severe blood shortage

The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets – are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.

Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb by 10% in 2021− more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions.  

“When seconds count in emergency trauma situations, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can make the difference in lifesaving care,” said Garry Allison, Regional Donor Services Director, of Red Cross Tennessee Region. “As many people begin to enjoy travel and time with loved ones again this summer, patients are relying on the generosity of donors to help ensure they have access to the treatment they need. Please consider blood donation as a summer activity that can help save lives.”

Patients need the help of the American people. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Area Blood Drives

Bell Buckle 
6/17/2021: 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., James E. Elkins Fire Hall, 113 Main Street

Murfreesboro
6/14/2021: 12:30pm – 7:30pm, M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/15/2021: 10am – 3pm, Nashville Predators Lowes Murfreesboro, 1825 Old Fort Parkway
6/15/2021: 12:30pm – 7:30pm, M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/17/2021: 10am – 5pm, M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/18/2021: 8am – 3pm, M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/19/2021: 8am – 3 p.m., M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/20/2021: 8am – 3pm, Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/21/2021: 12pm – 5pm, North Boulevard Church of Christ, 1112 North Rutherford Boulevard
6/21/2021: 12:30pm – 7:30pm, M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/21/2021: 1pm – 6pm World Outreach Church, 1921 New Salem Highway
6/22/2021: 12:30pm – 7:30pm, M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/23/2021: 10am – 3pm, Murfreesboro Missionary Baptist Church, 316 Fortress Blvd
6/24/2021: 9am – 3pm, St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital, 1700 Medical Parkway
6/24/2021: 10am – 5pm, M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/24/2021: 11am – 4pm, Bumpus Harley-Davidson, 2250 NW Broad
6/25/2021: 8am – 3pm, M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/26/2021: 8am – 3pm, M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/27/2021: 8am – 3pm, M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/28/2021: 10am – 4pm, New Vision Baptist Church, 1750 N. Thompson Lane
6/28/2021: 12:30pm. – 7:30pm, M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/28/2021: 2pm – 7pm, Christian Life Church, 745 Cason Lane
6/29/2021: 12:30pm. – 7:30pm, M’Boro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
6/30/2021: 9am – 3pm, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic Gateway, 1272 Garrison Drive

BASKETBALL: CHS Lady Raiders go 4-1 at home summer camp

Coffee County Central’s Lady Raiders went 4-1 in summer camp play in Manchester Monday and Tuesday, with the lone loss coming by one point to state power Bradley Central.

Coffee County picked up 18 points from Chloe Gannon in the post and 9 from incoming freshman Olivia Vinson to smash Franklin 45-18.

Gannon added 12 to go with 11 from upcoming junior guard Alivia Reel to beat Huntland 46-23. Gannon got into double figures yet again, piling up 21 points in a 58-17 win over district foe Shelbyville. Kiya Ferrell pitched in 8 during that win and Channah Gannon 8.

Elli Chumley went off in a 39-32 win over Moore County, piling up 18 points to go with 12 from Reel.

In their lone loss, the Lady Raiders fell to Bradley Central 42-41. Chumley scored 10 and Vinson and Chloe Gannon each pitched in 8.

You can hear Lady Raider basketball all winter long on Thunder Radio (107.9 FM, 1320 AM, thunder1320.com) — your Coffee County Sports Authority.

Chloe Gannon

BASKETBALL: Lady Raiders lose starting PG Ruehling to ACL tear

Coffee County’s Lady Raider basketball team has gone from having to replace one starter from last year’s team to having to replace two – at least for a little while.

Upcoming junior Jalie Ruehling, a two-year starter and a mainstay at point guard for the CHS Lady Raider basketball team, tore her ACL during summer workouts for the Lady Raiders. Ruehling confirmed the diagnosis to Thunder Radio on Tuesday.

Head coach Joe Pat Cope is hopeful that Ruehling will be able to return at some point during the upcoming 2021-2022 basketball season.

Coffee County lost one starter from last year’s 28-win team to graduation – Bella Vinson, who signed with Lipscomb.

Ruehling led the Lady Raider defensive effort in 2020-2021, harassing opposing offenses into turnovers and was third on the team in rebounding, despite starting at the 1-guard.

Jalie Ruehling moves the ball up the floor against Oakland in the Region 4-AAA semi-finals on March 2, 2021. — Thunder Radio photo by Holly Peterson

Virginia Nell Mangrum Oxford

Virginia Nell Mangrum Oxford, of Tullahoma, passed this life on Tuesday, June 15 th , 2021 at Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital at the age of 97. Mrs. Oxford was born in Wartrace to the late Jim and Annie Jordan Mangrum. She loved participating in bingo and the bean auction at Morning Pointe, where she had happily lived for the last several years. She loved reading, coloring by numbers, playing games on her tablet and spending time with her friends at Morning Pointe. Mrs. Oxford was also a member of Wesley Heights United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56, William Harold Oxford; one brother, Alton Mangrum; two sisters, Ruth Hudgens and Annerene Beckman. Mrs. Oxford is survived by her two children, Larry Oxford and his wife Debbie, and Lisa Riddle and her husband Norman; five grandchildren, Jessica Kelly, Jason Oxford, Jennifer Rogers, Heather Pickett, and Zac Solomon; eleven great-grandchildren, Jordan, Bubba, Haley, Will, Zoieh, Ethan, Emma, Olivia, Brantley, Wyatt and William; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 17 th , 2021 at Kilgore Funeral Home from 5:00-8:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 18 th , 2021 at 1:00pm in the Kilgore Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Shelbyville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Morning Pointe of Tullahoma, 711 Kings Lane, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388. Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Predators Goaltender Pekka Rinne Wins 2021 King Clancy Memorial Trophy

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy on Monday, as announced during the 2021 NHL Awards presented by Bridgestone.

It is Rinne’s first career King Clancy victory, which is presented to the “player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.” Rinne, who was named a finalist alongside New Jersey’s P.K. Subban and San Jose’s Kurtis Gabriel, was chosen for the award by a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.

By winning, the NHL made a $25,000 donation on Rinne’s behalf to benefit the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily, a total that the Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub will match.

In honor of Rinne’s award and the commitment he’s shown to the Nashville community for nearly 15 years, the Predators are inviting fans to consider making a donation to the 365 Fund on his behalf. Fans can help the Predators Foundation reach its goal of $36,500 in donations by clicking here; more information more information about the 365 Fund can be found here.

TBI Warns of Phone Scheme Involving Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline Number

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation would like to warn the public about a reported phone scheme involving a man presenting himself as a representative of a human trafficking task force.

The scheme reportedly uses the phone number of the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline, as well as a number associated with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The caller, who reportedly identifies himself as “Ryan McClain,” states he represents the “Nashville Human Trafficking Task Force” and informs the individual their phone number has been identified as being on the phone of a human trafficking victim, and if they want to have their name “cleared,” they need to pay a large sum of money.

Anyone who receives a similar phone call should ignore the caller’s message and report it to the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or online at www.ic3.gov.

Researchers find out how to use stats to prepare for next pandemic

Researchers have found that cultural and demographic factors can help predict how COVID-19 and future outbreaks could progress.

The authors say their techniques potentially could be used to figure out how an infectious disease will move beyond hot spots to regions that are not yet affected. Librarian for STEM research at Vanderbilt University Joshua Borycz says using predictive modeling, a handful of risk factors predicted coronavirus spread in U-S counties, including population size and density, public transportation, and percentage of Black Americans.

As governments struggle to predict and plan for the next disease outbreak, Borycz says the data-driven approach could help save lives. He adds that the U-S scored high on many of the socio-cultural risk factors for an outbreak, including low trust in institutions and high levels of obesity. Nearly 600-thousand people in the U-S have died from the coronavirus.

The study also found that voting patterns could be used to predict disease spread. Borycz says the data show that in large cities, even when controlled for population density and other differences, areas with more Democratic voters had a higher rate of infection and death from COVID-19.

Borycz also notes the analysis made some surprising predictions about the spread of COVID-19 around the world — showing that, for example, African countries would not be heavily affected by COVID-19. So far, around 133-thousand people have died from the coronavirus on the African continent, far lower than elsewhere around the globe.