Category: News

Four Chattanooga residents are in the Coffee County Jail following a wild pursuit that started at the Manchester post office on Wednesday, Feb. 3. 

According to Coffee County Sheriff’s Department Chief Investigator Billy Butler, the sheriff’s department was working with the postal inspector in relation to a case of identity theft in the area.

Authorities got word that potential suspects were actually at the post office and were shipping packages. One of the subjects got out of the vehicle and was apprehended inside the post office by Coffee County Sheriff’s Department authorities. That subject has been identified as Tawon Lebron Billips, Jr..

“We then boxed in the vehicle they were traveling in the parking lot,” explained Butler.

At that point, the driver, identified as Jeffery Dewayne Dews, rammed police vehicles and took off. Police chased the vehicle down US Highway 41, and then on State Highway 55 toward McMinnville.

“Warren County had strips set up before the split at (Warren County) High School. They went around it and then traveled the wrong direction up Highway 55.”

Butler said the suspects threw two loaded handguns out of the vehicle that were recovered by officers.

“The pursuit was terminated on Highway 70 going toward Cannon County,” said Butler.

A short time later, the vehicle was discovered abandoned and the three occupants inside were apprehended a few hundred yards from the vehicle.

In addition to Dews and Billups Jr., also arrested were Armond Jarve Dews and Jada Yanai Springs. All have Chattanooga addresses.

Butler said joint efforts of McMinnville Police Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol were integral in a safe resolution to the pursuit.

Butler said the group faces multiple charges, including evading arrest, aggravated assault with the vehicle, reckless driving, identity theft and others. He added that gun charges will be turned over to federal authorities.

Area authorities are searching for three males who allegedly committed armed robbery at the Dollar General store in Pelham. This happened at approximately 9:04 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2.

According to Grundy County Sheriff Clint Shrum, two black males and a third male of unknown ethnicity entered the store with their faces covered. One of the subjects presented a black handgun and pointed it at the cashier’s head and asked for the manager.

Once in contact with the manager, the group demanded gift cards loaded with cash.
According to authorities, the suspects fled eastbound on Interstate 24 in two separate vehicles. One maroon vehicle and one blue.

Anyone with information or who may have seen these vehicles is encouraged to contact Grundy County Sheriff’s Captain Larry Sims at 931-692=3466 ext. 5.

During the hours of late Sunday night or early Monday morning, someone broke into the Good Samaritan of Tullahoma, Ministry offices and thrift store.

According to the Good Samaritan organization, the thieves were able to take money, merchandise, personal hygiene and cleaning products and managed to leave the office area in disarray.

To inquire about how you can assist the Tullahoma Good Samaritan, contact director@goodsamaritanoftullahoma.org
director@goodsamaritanoftullahoma.org

(photo from Tullahoma Good Samaritan Facebook)

Tennessee needs at least $58.6 billion of public infrastructure improvements during the five-year period of July 2019 through June 2024, according to a new report released by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR). Public infrastructure improvements for Coffee County total $154.0 million, an increase of $6.6 million (4.5%) since last year’s report.

The current report, which is based on information provided by state and local officials, shows an increase of $3.8 billion in the entire state’s infrastructure needs (6.9%) from the January 2020 report.
Statewide, the top three areas of need are
• Transportation at $32.0 billion,
• Post-secondary education at $5.6 billion, and
• School Renovations at $5.1 billion.

Officials report that Coffee County’s top three areas of need are
• Transportation at $115.3 million,
• New public schools & additions at $11.5 million, and
• School renovations at $11.0 million.

The county’s total estimated cost for new or improved infrastructure is $2,725 per capita, compared with $8,578 statewide per capita. Coffee County’s estimated transportation needs per capita amount to $2,039, lower than the $4,689 per capita reported statewide.

Coffee County reported new public schools & additions infrastructure needs of $203 per capita, lower than the statewide average of $495 per capita. As for school renovations infrastructure needs, Coffee County reported $195 per capita, which is lower than the statewide average of $753 per capita. Less than a third of the money needed to meet Tennessee’s public infrastructure needs has been identified. Statewide, officials are confident that $15.5 billion (35.0%) will be available for the $44.3 billion in needs for which funding information is collected in this year’s report.

About $15.6 million (12.0%) of the $129.7 million total funding needed to meet Coffee County’s infrastructure needs has been identified. Funding information for needed improvements at existing schools and for needs reported in state agencies’ capital budget requests is not collected in the inventory.

Among Tennessee’s 95 counties, Coffee County ranked
• 25th in total population (56,520),
• 24th in population change between 2000 and 2019 (8,353),
• 31st in population growth rate since 2000 (17.3%),
• 27th in population density at 132 people per square mile,
• 57th in total estimated infrastructure needs ($154.0 million),
• 90th in total estimated infrastructure needs per capita ($2,725), and
• 56th in total public-school needs per student ($2,495).

This report is the only source of statewide information on the condition of public-school buildings and the cost to put them all in good or better condition. According to local school officials, 88.9% of local public schools statewide are now in good or excellent condition.

However, they estimate the cost to put the remaining 11.1% in good or better condition and keep the others in good or excellent condition is $4.9 billion, which is a $35 million increase from the cost reported in the previous inventory.
Officials in Coffee County rated 5.0% of their school buildings as less than good overall. Local officials estimate the cost to upgrade or maintain existing schools to good or better condition is $21.0 million for the Coffee County school system, none for the Manchester school system, and $1.5 million for the Tullahoma school system.

The cost to bring all Tennessee public school buildings up to at least good condition is $5,361 per student statewide, compared with $1,220 per student in Coffee County.

This year’s report, like last year’s, includes a statewide overview chapter that provides information by type of infrastructure, the condition and needs of our public-school facilities, the availability of funding to meet reported needs, and a comparison of county-area needs.

The full report can be found on TACIR’s web site at https://www.tn.gov/tacir/infrastructure/infrastructure-reports-/building-tennessee-s-tomorrow-2019- 2024.html TACIR Mission

Samuel Pace, age 26, is in the Coffee County Jail and facing two counts of attempted first degree murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and possessing a firearm during the commission of a crime.

According to Tullahoma police, Pace allegedly shot a man and a woman at the Quik Mart gas station at South Jackson and East Carroll streets.

Both victims are expected to survive.

Pace was later apprehended in Manchester. According to authorities, the motive remains unclear.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact TPD investigator Jason Maloney at 931-455-0530.

By Nadia Ramligan, TN Public News Service

As the state continues its battle against invasive Asian carp, environmentalists say plans to erect new barriers to stop the carp from entering the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers are a step in the right direction.

Michael Butler, CEO of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, said Asian carp continue to be a massive problem for Tennessee’s fishing and outdoor recreation industries, and noted the state recently received $25 million in federal funding to help erect barriers to stop carp from migrating.

“So they outcompete our native bait fish and they occupy a large volume of water when they get to be in large schools,” Butler described. “That in turn impacts the fishery, which in turn impacts tourism.”

He pointed out the state’s fishing economy generates more than $1 billion annually.

Asian carp are now found in all three of Tennessee’s major waterways, from the Mississippi River to the Tennessee River north of Chattanooga.

Butler noted the money will help fund several barriers that often use combinations of sound, light, bubbles and other technologies to block the migration of carp from downstream reservoirs.

He added barrier technologies are currently being tested at the Barkley Dam, which separates the Cumberland River Basin from the Ohio River.

“25 million may or may not be enough,” Butler cautioned. “So, we’re going to continue to evaluate the funding needs for the program here in the Tennessee and Cumberland river systems.”

Asian carp can grow up to 100 pounds and can threaten boaters’ safety.

“There are four species of Asian carp,” Butler explained. “And one of them jumps into the air pretty regularly and can weigh up to 30 pounds or more. And so, that’s not something you want to have running into you if you’re driving in a power boat or a jet ski.”

Asian carp have no natural predators and they consume the bottom-chain food sources of native fish, which can have devastating effects on habitats.

The deadline to apply to be part of the Tennessee Highway Patrol Caden Class 1021 is 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2.

The trooper cadet class starts June 27. During the 16-week academy, the training division will challenge and prepare you for the real-life scenarios you will experience as a trooper.

Depending on the amount of interest shown during the application process, a lateral class will be offered at the same time. Applicants who are currently employed in a full-time law enforcement position and Tennessee POST certified could qualify for a potential lateral class. This is dependent on the number of eligible applicants but would allow for a 10-week academy with graduation the first week of September 2021.

THP is a multi-faceted, full-service, statewide law enforcement agency with numerous divisions. Daily services performed by a Tennessee state trooper include: Assisting the public, enforcement of criminal and traffic laws, traffic enforcement, motorcycle traffic patrol, crash investigation, crash reconstruction, criminal interdiction, criminal investigations, identity crimes investigations, special operations and tactical duties, K-9 handling, diving, aviation, executive protective services, bomb squad, and much more.

Men and women interested in a career as a Tennessee state trooper must apply online, at https://www.tn.gov/careers/apply-here.html. Individuals interested in applying must be at least 21-years-old, a U.S. citizen and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The training that you receive from the training curriculum is transferable as college credit hours. We provide the opportunity to attend numerous law enforcement training classes to obtain specialty skills such as crash reconstruction, drug recognition expert (DRE), instructor development and more. The THP is a national leader in law enforcement and is internationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Additionally, our training is Peace Officer Standards Training Commission (POST).

Once approved by the Department of Human Resources, applicants will be notified of their qualification status via email and are required to complete a survey within five days of the date of application. THP anticipates the agility and interview appointments to begin February 22 through 26. If approved to interview, applicants will be notified of their appointment location based on the Tennessee Highway Patrol headquarters located closest to the applicant’s residency.

“I am excited about the opportunity our troopers have to serve the citizens of Tennessee,” said Colonel Matt Perry.” The role of a trooper is critical to the safety and security of our state. I am proud of the training, technology and tools troopers will receive during cadet school. We train and prepare our troopers to do their job professionally and ethically. We want the best men and women to join our ranks and promote the mission of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.”

Legislation implemented in October 2012, called the Tennessee Excellence, Accountability and Management Act (TEAM Act) revised the hiring method to incorporate an interview process that tests an applicant’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies. As a result, there is no longer an examination portion to qualify for the state trooper position.

If hired, individuals must obtain a valid Tennessee driver license prior to the class graduation date. Candidates are required to successfully complete a level II background investigation which includes a credit check and polygraph test. Recruits must pass a psychological and medical examination including a drug screening.

There are currently 639 authorized commissioned trooper positions within the THP. Please be aware the majority of the vacant positions at this time are within the Middle and West Tennessee areas. Upon graduation, trooper cadets will be assigned to vacant positions across the state. The starting salary for a trooper cadet while in school is currently $3,153 per month, with an increase to $3,488 per month after graduation. This equates to $41,856 annually with an annual 4.5% statutory step raise for the first 10 years. With regular pay increases, a state trooper can earn $62,208 per year after 10 years of service under the current pay structure. Pay may also increase if you are promoted within the THP.

The position also includes a retirement plan, 401k, 457, health insurance, overtime pay and paid holidays. Troopers are also provided with winter and summer uniforms, equipment, weapons, as well as a patrol vehicle.
For additional information on becoming a state trooper, visithttp://www.tn.gov/safety/article/trpqualifications. Please complete our contact survey to be included in notifications at www.JoinTHP.org. For more information about applications, please contact the Tennessee Department of Human Resources Applicant Services Division at (615) 741-4841.

No applicants with felony convictions will be considered. Additional disqualifications include convicted for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or similar offense; usage of any of the following drugs: Cocaine, Heroin (Opioids), Inhalants (age 21 or older at the time of use), LSD, MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly), Methamphetamine, Mushrooms or PCP; usage of the following drugs within the last two (2) years: Anabolic Steroids (Performance Enhancing); Marijuana; Peyote; or Prescription Drugs (illegal use)

Tennessee gas prices rose four cents, on average, over last week, marking the fourth straight week of increases at the pump. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.23 which is 19 cents more than one month ago and a penny less than one year ago.

Prices in Coffee County are higher than the state average by 3 cents, at $2.26 per gallon. The national gas price average is $2.42.

Tennessee drivers found the lowest gas prices for the month of January since 2019. The monthly average for January was $2.15 per gallon, the most expensive month at the pump since February 2020. Last month’s state average was 19 cents less than January 2020 and 15 cents more than what drivers paid in January 2019.

“Prices at the pump continue to increase due to sustained crude oil prices – despite a drop in demand and refinery utilization ,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Prices could continue to increase over this week if crude oil pricing remains steady, however, pump price gains could be limited due to concern over new coronavirus infections and associated travel restrictions.”

Quick Facts

· 52% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.25
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.04 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.46 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee remains the 10th least expensive market in the nation
· Tennessee ranks 9th in the nation’s largest weekly increases

Programming changes are coming to Thunder Radio WMSR beginning this week.

The station is announcing a brand new afternoon live and local drivetime show – the “After Class Music Blast” hosted by Michael T Hansen.

The show will air from 3-5 p.m with Hansen hosting the drive home. Music requests are welcome.

“We want to continue to set Thunder Radio apart from corporate radio by being live and local as often as possible, and providing engaging and entertaining content,” said Josh Peterson, Thunder Radio co-owner. “Our live and local morning show is our most popular show and we want to carry some of that fun to the afternoon drive for folks coming home from school and work. Michael T is a fun DJ who will engage our awesome listeners with games, requests and fun, classic and southern-rock music.” 

The After Class Music Blast is presented on Thunder Radio by AbilisHealth Homecare. 

Hansen formerly hosted “The Community Jukebox” from 10-12 a.m. Monday through Friday. That slot will now be filled by the syndicated Rick & Bubba Show.

Dave Ramsey will now be one hour shorter, airing from 1-3 p.m. and Hansen’s show will air from 3-5 with music continuing until 6 p.m., when Thunder Radio often switches to local sports broadcasts, Nashville Predators Hockey or Atlanta Braves Baseball.

You can listen to Thunder Radio at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go smartphone app or thunder1320.com. 

See the Thunder Radio on-air schedule here.