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Coffee County authorities looking for stolen tractor
Authorities are searching for this tractor that was stolen.
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public to please be on the lookout for a CK 35-10 Kioti tractor with front hay spear and bush hog stolen from 3900 block of Shady Grove rd on August 21, 2019. Anyone with information contact Investigator James Sherrill at 931-570-4404.
Duck River Electric Membership elects board members
Marshall county native John Moses was re-elected to a three-year term on the
DREMC Board of Directors for Zone 5 (Marshall and Giles counties). Moses defeated challenger R.L. Williams by a margin of 128-49 in the election held August 12-16 at the co-op’s Lewisburg and Chapel Hill offices.
Announcement of the election results was made at the annual membership meeting held on Saturday, August 17 before approximately 200 DREMC members, employees and guests at Franklin County High School in Winchester.
Four unopposed directors were re-elected to new terms, and board officers were named in the reorganizational session following the meeting. Baxter White, Zone 1 (Coffee and Warren counties); Laura Willis, Zone 2 (Franklin, Grundy & Marion counties, University of the South); Buford Jennings, Zone 3 (Moore and Lincoln counties); and Dana Salters, Zone 6 (Maury, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis and Williamson counties) returned to the board of directors by acclamation vote. Barry Cooper was re-elected chairman of the DREMC board, and other officers include Buford Jennings, vice chairman; John Moses, treasurer; and Laura Willis, secretary.
Attendees heard business reports and recaps about co-op programs and projects and were introduced to Washington Youth Tour winners. Door prizes were awarded at the conclusion of the meeting.
Chairman Cooper addressed the attendees assuring that the financial condition of the cooperative is sound and continues to invest in the network of substations, circuits and lines that maintain the reliability of electric service in DREMC’s 16-county footprint.
In his report Cooper recognized several area businesses and manufacturers for job creation and significant investment in rural Tennessee.
“Opportunities are all around us,” said Cooper. “It’s not just the big cities in our state that benefit. Almost half the job commitments in 2017 to the state’s economic development department were in rural counties – 9,700 new jobs. And this number was up by over 30% from five years prior. Electric cooperatives, with their commitment to economic development, help make this happen.”
Cooper shared another example of DREMC’s commitment to job growth.
“A DREMC zero-interest loan fund, created from a partnership with the Rural Utilities Service, helped the Coffee County Industrial Board finance their latest industrial park spec building currently being marketed to industries looking to locate in our area.”
The chairman further explained DREMC’s community commitment by sending students to Washington D.C. each summer and to Nashville for a leadership summit. He also stated that DREMC is involved with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum to our youngest citizens.
“Our employees visited with over 8,400 students and teachers last school year,” remarked Cooper. Cooper shared the benefits of the co-op connections card, reporting specific examples of how cooperative members are saving on prescriptions, hotel stays, restaurants and more.
Chairman Cooper closed his remarks by thanking the DREMC employees for their work in keeping the lights on and recognized those that retired this past year with combined experience of 125 years.
Interim President and CEO Charles McDonald updated attendees on a variety of cooperative activities including progress on broadband and fiber deployment, advanced meter installation completion, a new system operations center in Shelbyville, and expected growth in the coming years.
“It is projected the cooperative will grow to more than 80,000 members within a four-year period, up from approximately 76,000 today, with the estimated capital cost to maintain reliability and meet anticipated growth equaling $72 million,” stated McDonald. “Maintaining reliability and supporting our communities is our priority.”
Plans for DREMC’s expected growth include two new substations, a private 35-megawatt solar farm within our service area and the introduction of new state of the art light emitting diode (LED) security lighting program, which will take effect in October of this year.
“My interest in this cooperative goes back some 45 years,” said McDonald. “I’ve been back on two different occasions after retirement to assist DREMC. I appreciate the board’s confidence in me as they conducted a nationwide search for a new CEO, and I thank the employees for making me feel as if I never left.”
McDonald received a standing ovation by those in attendance. Board Treasurer John Moses reported that DREMC is financially strong, with assets of just over $254 million and system equity under $115 million which represents approximately 45% of total assets.
Operating revenues and other income are just over $204 million. Moses also reported the cooperative realized over $300,000 in savings on last year’s wholesale power bill to TVA due to the Beat the Peak program.
“Approximately 75% of our total expenses for 2019 went to pay TVA for power with the remaining margin used for capital improvements, taxes, loan repayments and operating expenses,” said Moses. Before concluding, Cooper introduced the new President & CEO Scott Spence. Spence was one of 74 applicants for the position and comes to DREMC most recently from Arab Electric where he served as CEO.
Newly named CEO Spence greeted the crowd saying, “I am excited to begin my time with DREMC and look forward to working with the employees and members in moving DREMC forward.”
Spence began work at the cooperative’s Shelbyville location on Monday, August 19. For a more detailed report of the cooperative’s annual meeting, go to www.dremc.com and visit What’s Happening.
Duck River EMC, a Touchstone Energy® cooperative, is a not-for-profit, member owned organization providing electric and other services to more than 76,500 homes and businesses in southern Middle Tennessee. Duck River EMC serves an area of approximately 2,500 square miles in Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Grundy, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marion, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Rutherford, and Williamson counties
TDH asking for reports of vaping respiratory illness; CDC investigating cluster of pulmonary disease related to vaping
The Tennessee Department of Health is asking health care providers across the state to report any cases of suspected serious respiratory illness they treat among patients who use electronic cigarettes or other vaping devices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a cluster of severe pulmonary disease among people who use e-cigarettes or vape, with more than 150 cases reported to date in 16 states.
‘’We are alerting Tennessee health care providers to be on the lookout for patients with severe respiratory symptoms who report vaping in the weeks before they got sick,‘’ said TDH State Epidemiologist Tim Jones, MD.
‘’We expect to find cases of this illness in Tennessee,‘’ Jones continued. ‘’We’ll investigate any cases reported here to look for common factors and collect information on specific components or brands of vaping products that may be the source of the illness.‘’
Patients have had symptoms including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue, with symptoms growing worse over a period of days or weeks before admission to the hospital. Other symptoms may include fever, chest pain, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Most of the cases are among adolescents and young adults.
TDH issued a public health advisory on the risks posed by vaping, juuling and use of other electronic nicotine delivery products in December 2018 and continues to urge caution to Tennesseans of all ages who use or are considering the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems. Find updated information on federal regulation of these products at www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices-perspectives-fda-leadership-and-experts/how-fda-regulating-e-cigarettes. For additional information on electronic cigarettes and their health effects, visit www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm.
TDH offers free assistance to Tennesseans who want to stop tobacco or nicotine use. Contact your local health department for information on tobacco cessation services and learn about the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine at www.tnquitline.org/.
Motlow partners with TSU to expand Mechatronics program in McMinnville
Motlow State mechatronics graduate Ryan Gibson, from Hillsboro, will continue his pathway to a
bachelor’s degree through the new ‘2+2’ program agreement between Motlow’s McMinnville
campus and Tennessee State University.
Getting a four-year degree in the growing field of mechatronics
just got easier for students in the McMinnville area, thanks to Motlow State’s partnership with Tennessee State University (TSU).
“Motlow is very pleased to now offer a ‘2+2’ program in mechatronics with TSU for our McMinnville campus,” said Fred Rascoe, dean of career readiness at Motlow. “The agreement means that students can attend Motlow to obtain an A.A.S. degree in Mechatronics, then seamlessly articulate to TSU and continue to take classes on the Motlow McMinnville campus to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical and Industrial Technologies with a concentration in Mechatronics. It is a wonderful opportunity for any mechatronic student wishing to continue their education and receive a four-year degree, all on the Motlow McMinnville campus.”
Recent Motlow mechatronics graduate Ryan Gibson will be one of the first students to take advantage of the new opportunity. Gibson, who lives in Hillsboro, is enrolled in the program this fall. Being able to remain in school at the nearby McMinnville campus while still living at home and working in Manchester at the Wal-Mart Auto Care Center makes it possible for him to continue his educational plan. According to Gibson, he was very concerned with the prospect of transferring to a much larger school after having grown accustomed to the warm and supportive student environment on the Motlow McMinnville campus.
“At Motlow, I always feel welcome and important,” said Gibson. “I’ve
been told by people attending larger campuses that sometimes your teachers just don’t have time for you. At Motlow, faculty is always there to help you. It’s not uncommon for anyone (faculty) to stay late or meet with students between classes to help them grasp the material. And you can call them any time. They’re always dedicated to satisfying the students’ needs.”
According to a recent article published in “Community College Review”, 2+2 agreements are increasingly occurring nationwide as community colleges and four-year-schools work together to ensure the courses they offer complement each other for an overall, comprehensive degree program.
The seamless transition process ensures students do not waste time or money on classes that will not be a good fit for their final goals. Reasons for considering a 2+2 program include:
• Financial savings, since tuition at community colleges is traditionally much less than tuition at
four-year schools
• Additional academic assistance for students who need remedial help to succeed in school –
this sort of assistance is much more plentiful at community colleges
• Community college may be easier to access, allowing students to live at home their first two
years of school or longer
• Better college access for first-generation college students, immigrants and others who might
not be eligible for immediate entrance to a four-year school right out of high school
• A better fit for mature students who typically enter community college after years in the
work force
“Our partnership with Motlow is a demonstration of the need for more innovative collaborations to meet the urgent workforce demands for technical skills and knowledge in production, IT, and logistics,” said Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, dean of the college of engineering at TSU. “We are excited about our joint program (with Motlow) to produce more graduates in the emerging field of mechatronics, and the opportunity to provide a larger pool of diverse technicians, technologists, and
engineers for the industry growth in middle Tennessee and beyond.”
The Mechatronics 2+2 agreement is the second of its kind between the two institutions, following a 2+2 program that began in Fall 2018 that offers degrees in Agricultural Business and Animal Science at the Motlow Fayetteville campus.
Mechatronics is a synergy of mechanical, electrical and computerized technologies that together form a complex system used in product engineering, manufacturing, and packaging operations. This career program will provide the academic knowledge and practical experience necessary to prepare students for employment as a highly skilled mechatronics technician.
“With this new 2+2 program TSU has at Motlow, all of my worries are gone,” added Gibson. “I can stay right where I feel at home and obtain a degree in a high-wage, high-demand field, and know I’m surrounded by people that care about me and my future and want me to succeed.”
For additional information about Motlow State’s Mechatronics program, visit
www.mscc.edu/programs/mechatronics-technology or contact Fred Rascoe, dean of career and technical programs, at 931-668-7010, Ext. 2123 or frascoe@mscc.edu.
Manchester natives to take stage at Lynchburg fest Friday, Saturday
Sarah Pearson
The Lynchburg Music Fest begins Friday and runs through Saturday. There are a few local musical talents who will be on the stages at the festival. Manchester’s very own Macy Tabor will actually begin the festival with a quick 15 minute set from 12-12:15 p.m. Friday on the Jack Daniels Stage. Manchester’s Sarah Pearson will also be on the Jack Daniels Stage from 1-1:15 p.m.
Later in the day on the JD Visitors Center Stage, Tabor will perform from 1:30 until 2:30 and Pearson returns to the stage from 2:45-4 p.m.
On Saturday, Becky Buller Band will play from 1:45 until 2:30. Sarah Pearson will play another long set on Saturay, 12:15-1:30 p.m. on the JD BBQ Hill Stage, and Tabor will play an early set, from 10:15-10:45 a.m. on the Lynchburg Radio Stage. You can get tickets at lynchburgmusicfest.com
Naked man runs from Tullahoma police, dies in car crash
A Moore County man is dead after a police chase and then a crash in Tullahoma in the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 21st.
Tullahoma Police report receiving a phone call around 1 a.m. Wednesday referencing a naked man walking around the Food Lion on West Lincoln Street.
As officers responded, the man, who was later identified as Lawrence Bean, age 29, left in a Nissan Altima and police pursued. Bean crashed into multiple parked vehicles and was ejected from his vehicle. He was not wearing a seat belt.
Tullahoma Police report that the chase was suspended prior to the crash due to dangerous speeds.
Saturday is ‘free hunting day’ in Tennessee
Tennessee residents are allowed to hunt without a license this Saturday, Aug. 24th, which coincides with the opening day of squirrel season. “Free Hunting Day” is an event the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency annually provides in hopes of increasing interest in hunting.
On Free Hunting Day, state resident hunters are exempt from hunting licenses and WMA permit requirements.
The TWRA offers a reminder that hunter education requirements are not waived for Free Hunting Day. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1st, 1969 is required to have successfully completed a hunter education course.
TE Connectivity to expand, add 100 jobs in Coffee County
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and TE Connectivity officials announced Tuesday that the company will expand in Tullahoma. The global technology company will invest more than $15.7 million and create approximately 100 new jobs in Coffee County.
TE Connectivity, headquartered in Switzerland, is a $14 billion global industrial technology leader that manufactures connectors and sensors that can be found in just about any vehicle, home, factory or office building in the world. TE employs 80,000 people at sites in 140 countries. The company has operated in Tullahoma since 1997.
With this expansion, TE Connectivity plans on updating its current facility in Tullahoma and adding new equipment to its operations. The site expansion will add approximately 100 new jobs, including assembly and molding operators, maintenance technicians, engineers and supervisors. The Tullahoma site produces connectors that empower heavy construction, mining and agriculture equipment, as well as commercial vehicles.
Since 2013, TNECD has supported 11 projects in Coffee County, resulting in the creation of more than 1,000 new jobs and approximately $187 million in capital investment.
Tullahoma police need help finding person of interest (photo with story)
The Tullahoma Police Department needs your assistance in identifying a person of interest regarding an incident at a local business on August the 16th. This person in question was driving a small black car. If you have any information to the identity of this person, please contact Detective Johnny Gore at 931-455-0530 or at jgore@tullahomatn.gov
Study ranks Tennessee as second friendliest state
A study produced by a group called Big Seven Travel recently ranked all 50 states according to “friendliness.”
This probably doesn’t come as a surprise to most of us here, but Tennessee ranked as the second friendliest state in the country.
The study cited “classic southern charm” and “locals with an attitude and eagerness to show off their cities to out-of-towners.”
Minnesota ranked as the most friendly state.
In case you are curious as to who took the bottom three spots – Deleware ranked 48th, Arkansas 49th and, ranking last, is New York.
Big Seven asked its social audience of 1.5 million to help with the rankings.