The Tullahoma Police Department needs your help in identifying a person of interest in an incident that occurred in April 2022. If you know this person (photo below) please contact Detective Karl Pyrdom at 931-455-0530 ext. 112 or at kpyrdom@tullahomatn.gov.
Bonnaroo fast approaching. First festival since 2019 to be held next week
Barring another sudden pandemic, or the remnants of a hurricane barreling through Middle Tennessee next week, Bonnaroo will finally be back.
The annual festival that has brought hundreds of musical acts and hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the world to Manchester in June every year since 2002 has been on pause after the 2019 festival. The 2020 festival was postponed and eventually cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 festival was postponed due to COVID and then cancelled just 48 hours before the opening act due to the remnants of Hurricane Ida coming through Middle Tennessee in September.
But everything appears to be on track for this year’s festival. Traffic in the area will start increasing over the coming days. The festival is set to be held Thursday, June 16, through Sunday, June 19.
Headliners this year include Tool, J. Cole and Stevie Nicks.
Social media drives sales of illicit pills laced with Fentanyl
Story by Nadia Ramligan, TN Public News Service
Online sales of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl are on the rise, and experts say social media apps like Snapchat and TikTok are driving the surge, including in Tennessee.
Shabbir Safdar, executive director of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, said an alarming number of counterfeit prescription drug pills containing fentanyl are being bought online by teens and young adults.
“And in fact, just in the last four years, we’ve tracked fatalities in 19 different states from people who’ve met a drug trafficker on Snapchat and then bought a fake pill,” Safdar reported.
According to the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, more than 2,000 Tennesseans died of fentanyl-related drug overdoses in 2020, more than double the number in 2019.
Tennessee is one of many states recently passing laws decriminalizing fentanyl test strips in an effort to reduce deaths. The tests work by dipping the strip in water containing dissolved drugs.
Safdar noted he believes strips should be legal, but pointed out they do not always detect fentanyl in large batches.
“In fact, there’s a young man in Tennessee that we profiled in the last couple of years, who he and his friends all order Xanax off the dark Web, and they each took a pill,” Safdar recounted. “It was only this young man’s that had the fatal amount of fentanyl in it.”
Safdar pointed out more Americans are turning to online pharmacies for acetaminophen, aspirin, blood thinners and other routine medications, but said there’s risk in buying products from any source other than a licensed pharmacy.
“During the pandemic, as many as one in seven Americans went online to purchase medication, and many of them went to these fake Canadian pharmacy websites,” Safdar emphasized.
According to a study in the Journal of the American Pharmacies Association, there are more than 11,000 websites based in the U.S. and Canada calling themselves “pharmacies” and selling drugs online.
Elam resigns as Manchester alderman after moving outside city limits
Manchester alderman Chris Elam has resigned his post with the city, Thunder Radio News has learned.
Elam was in the middle of his second term as an elected alderman. He was originally elected in 2016. He was elected to a second term in 2020 – a term that expires in 2024. However, Elam cut it short with a resignation on Thursday (June 2, 2022) after moving to a new home that is outside the city limits.
He sent a letter of resignation to the city attorney and a statement to Thunder Radio:
“It is with deep sadness I share with our community that I have submitted my resignation as Alderman for the City of Manchester effective immediately. A decision that was not made lightly; however, in the seasons of change, my family and I recently relocated right outside the city limits to build our dream home. It has been a great honor to serve as one of your Alderman for the past six years. Being born and raised in this community laid the foundation for me to understand its rich history and the importance of supporting and giving back. I am incredibly proud of the progress that has been made over the past six years without raising your property taxes — a lot more is still to come. The City of Manchester’s employees are top notch and provide impeccable service to our citizens and I commend them for their unwavering service. While I may no longer be in this official capacity, my family and I will continue to give back and serve the community we love and the people in it. Again, it is has been a high honor to serve and I appreciate your confidence and wish the very best for Manchester moving forward. Thank you, Manchester.”
Elam’s resignation leaves an immediate hole in the city government. Three other aldermen – Bill Nickels, Roxanne Patton and Mark Messick – will see their terms completed in August of this year. Only Messick is seeking re-election. There are 7 other candidates (8 if you include Messick) seeking those three open seats. The top three vote-getters in the August 4 election will receive the three open seats. However, because the August election is already set, whether Elam’s seat can be filled in the August election is unclear.
Thunder Radio News spoke with Coffee County Administrator of Elections Andy Farrar on Thursday. Farrar said he has not yet been officially informed by the city of Elam’s resignation.
“I can’t start working on that and see how that will work out until the city formerly notifies the election commission of the resignation,” explained Farrar. “Then we can go through the process of making a decision on how it will be handled.”
Tennessee ranks 17th in drunk driving
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a major reason for road accidents and road deaths in the United States each year. The year 2020, being the first year of the COVID pandemic, shows a clear trend shift when it comes to drunk driving fatalities – unfortunately, in the wrong direction.
With 11,654 deaths, drunk driving accounted for 30% of all road fatalities – the worst year since 2005. Furthermore, drunk driving fatalities are up a staggering 1512 deaths (14.9%) compared to 2019, dealing a heavy blow to safety advocates and regulators alike.
Tennessee ranks 17th in the nation when it comes to drunk driving. This according to a DUI severity score compiled for US DUI Report filed by Zutobi.
The report takes into consideration DUI arrests, DUI road fatalities and total DUI fatalities.
Tennessee came in with a DUI severity score of 51.8, tying with Roade Island. Tennessee reports 349 DUI arrests per 100,000 drivers. Montana is reported to be the worst state for DUI and Delaware the best, with only 35.4 arrests per 100,000. Information was not complete for Alabama or Washington DC.
Coffee County probation to host job / education fair June 24
Coffee County Probation office will be hosting a job / education fair on June 24.
Everyone in the community is welcome to attend – not just clients who are on probation.
The fair will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 24 at the justice center – located at 300 Hillsboro Blvd in the first floor courtroom.
Multiple agencies will be available, including:
Surge Staffing
Metro Industrial
Express Staffing
Randstad Staffing
Love Beauty School
Tennessee College of Applied Technolgoy
Local Veteran’s Representative
Adult Education.
Anyone with questions should contact Linda Baker at 931-723-3939 ext. 4.
Thunder Radio summer political forum set for July 14th
Thunder Radio political forum for the upcoming August General Election will be held on Thursday, July 14th.
In a format similar to past years, Thunder Radio will welcome candidates involved in contested races. Some races will include a debate-style format, while others will include candidate speeches. Specific details will be released soon.
The event will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 14 at The Church at 117 – an event facility located in downtown Manchester. Early voting for the August 4 election begins on July 15 and runs through July 30. The Thunder Radio political forum is open and free for anyone to attend. It will also be broadcast on Thunder Radio: 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go app, thunder1320.com and video provided on Thunder Radio Facebook.
Multiple races will be contested in the August election, including Coffee County Sheriff, Coffee County Mayor, Coffee County Clerk and Coffee County Road Superintendent. There will be other various commission seats for grabs, as well as 8 candidates for aldermen seeking 3 open seats.
Anyone with questions should direct them to Josh Peterson at josh.peterson.wmsr@gmail.com.
TWRA warns of fake boating policy circulating online
Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency is warning of a fake policy from a fake agency making the rounds on social media.
The post in question comes from the “Tennessee Waterway Commission.” This commission states that new policies are in effect beginning May 30th, 2022. One of these policies is that a strict ratio of three alcoholic beverages per passenger can be maintained on a boat at anytime. The policy also states that all boaters must maintain respectful attire.
The problem with this post is that it is completely fake. There is actually no such agency as the Tennessee Waterway Commission. It does not exist and the policy is fake.
TWRA says: “We do encourage Tennesseans operating a boat to leave the alcohol and drugs at home.”
100 deadliest days for teen drivers have begun
Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of summer and a dangerous time of year for young drivers. Nationwide, more than 30 percent of deaths involving teen drivers occur during what’s called the “100 Deadliest Days” – a period that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
For every mile driven, new teen drivers (ages 16-17 years old) are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults. Now that school is out for summer, these inexperienced teen drivers will have more time to spend on the road. That means more time driving at night and potentially engaging in risky behaviors like speeding, texting, or simply sharing the vehicle with teen passengers. The risk gets even greater when you add more vehicles on the road.
“This summer could prove to be even more dangerous for teen drivers as the 100 Deadliest Days coincides with what is expected to be a busier summer driving season than last year,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA expects two years’ worth of pent up travel demand to be unleashed in the coming months. That means more traffic on our roadways, which raises the crash risk – particularly for young, inexperienced drivers.”
100 Deadliest Days statistics from 2011 – 2020
Nationwide
· Each year an average of 2,063 teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes; 642 of those (31%) occurred during the 100 deadliest days
· More than 7,124 people died in teen-related summertime crashes from 2011 to 2020.
· That’s more than seven people a day each summer compared to the rest of the year (six people/day).
Tennessee
· An average of 18 teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes during this time.
· On average, 70 people are killed in teen driver-related crashes every year; 19 (27%) of those occur during the 100 deadliest days.
· 190 people were killed in teen driver-related crashes during the past 10 summers.
Risky Habits for Teen Drivers
“Teens’ inexperience behind the wheel makes them more susceptible to dangerous driving behaviors – like speeding, distracted driving, and driving while drowsy,” continued Cooper. “Even young drivers that are prepared and focused carry an increased crash risk due to their lack of experience behind the wheel. That’s why it’s so important for parents to play an active role in guiding their teens toward safe driving behaviors.”
Understanding the risks and knowing the facts will prepare both you and your teen for the road ahead:
· Driving with teen passengers. Teen drivers’ crash risks multiply when they have teen passengers. Set limits and enforce them.
· Driving at night. Night driving is more dangerous due to limited visibility, fatigue, and impaired drivers on the road. This is especially a risky time for teens. Limit the time your novice driver spends behind the wheel at night.
· Not wearing a safety belt. Wearing a safety belt greatly reduces the risk of being hurt or killed in a crash. Make a rule: everyone buckles up for every trip.
· Speeding. Speed is a leading factor in crashes for teens and adults. Teens need to follow posted speed limits and parents should set a good example and strong rules. Teens should also learn how to adjust their speed based on roadway factors like reduced traction and visibility and varying traffic volumes.
· Distracted driving. Teen passengers are the biggest distraction to teen drivers, but cell phones come in second. Many teens admit to interacting with their phone and in-car infotainment systems while behind the wheel despite clear dangers. Make a family rule covering these and other distractions that everyone abides by.
· Drowsy driving. Teens have a hard time getting enough sleep and often struggle with drowsiness. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving, and teens have the highest risk. Ensure everyone who is behind the wheel has gotten enough sleep.
· Impaired driving. Driving impaired from alcohol and other drugs puts everyone at risk. Enforce strict zero tolerance rules with your teen and be a good role model.
AAA Advice for Parents
The single most important thing parents can do to keep their teens safe behind the wheel is to be actively involved in the learning to drive process:
· Talk with teens early and often about abstaining from dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment and distracted driving.
· Teach by example- Maintain appropriate space around your vehicle, adjust your speed to the conditions and minimize risky behavior when you drive.
· Establish a parent-teen driving agreement (https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=iesGENwk9ZVmCixsbOYoOEEJw10UHVlDMLqjeX7HJiTl5nKHxk4utFi5wzlrU7d3m8bM52JWL0RZ1coB9y86uzjFqGPYvIf0V5bnlgzRkQ1xfDBbo4lzkRSDMl6dLiLbG-2FHPSbPAVCpGWd9g0KR-2B4g-3D-3DppE9_7Q9RAhmRMOAGK9TAwZe-2FcD8ApDKFdGlBoBa5sPSfoEcEA7eLjIo8rZa74yK-2Ba-2Bd6sp08FGsWGItGBek34SZIkE2vkAFcBOwGi3SfnSRzFUgZhkCvy9trz-2BQ5IKmf5-2FNG8jUmi2qqK6GwhBVccz1L8rfc3VKDcA8Qy3AiYXJ-2BUmPp6lGJK7e-2BKc1Fthv-2Br6W1NM4oZJ4U6t4SgTLoBX-2FTK4NHWUxpPfATKHoB4iO1CsbLBkcJ0R0CnSWQLChrxE1htUidC53iYUkUQKNas2OSD-2BKThqIdSF8Q9jOqB52DHtRIreYT03huuYTbhmllKn-2FbEyyt8c1oGGbn0XFfhFvS3PWypDHDkJMqPiHoWTA-2FKJA-3D that sets family rules for teen drivers.
· Conduct at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving with their teen.
· Enroll your teen in both online and in-person driving courses.
· Talk with your teens about anticipating other driver’s mistakes and how to adjust their driving to others.
AAA’s How to Drive Program for Teens
Quality driver education is critical in developing safe driving behaviors for teens. That’s why AAA, a leader in driver safety for over 75 years, developed an online, supplemental program for teen drivers.
AAA’s How to Drive Online (https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUSgL-2FhqhCReC61EG6CrcRuk-2FrjTH-2Fj2M3EDkjLRgdta2iHVPxCPlBOb6ur8d5A-2BadWSLdZdo-2Bm9yR-2FEhaPh0AU-2FL1bxcYi-2FB0QakwvSfVWYlSTnS_7Q9RAhmRMOAGK9TAwZe-2FcD8ApDKFdGlBoBa5sPSfoEcEA7eLjIo8rZa74yK-2Ba-2Bd6sp08FGsWGItGBek34SZIkE2vkAFcBOwGi3SfnSRzFUgZhkCvy9trz-2BQ5IKmf5-2FNG8jUmi2qqK6GwhBVccz1L8rfc3VKDcA8Qy3AiYXJ-2BUmPp6lGJK7e-2BKc1Fthv-2Br6W1NM4oZJ4U6t4SgTLoBX-2FTK8U-2BD62JZCbwo0-2FJD-2F0blt9Gxe31z9w-2FBGsr3bfA2-2FUNErZ-2FFb9fiJKOrq1ikyM02-2FNoCHDa8-2BcLJB2DbcVvM7P5o1EALDSzohwLrGnAYxOJH0DJXSDP1R5J3G-2BrnNsF-2Bh5-2F6IQuB9Y0u8pOvz3lnhI-3D provides a solid foundation of the knowledge and skills necessary to reduce a teen’s risk behind the wheel. This program is an online, 25 hour course that features:
· Convenient, self-paced delivery
· Research-based curriculum
· Videos, simulations, and interactive exercises to enhance content retention
· Optional virtual parent session to help educate parents on the learning to drive process
Visit here (https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTr-2FV8TjgJOx7JeSbExGXhUUD0Gebz6mzDQOoendlVf6sN-2Bwl5TQZlazua61QQIrtA-3D-3DdNQU_7Q9RAhmRMOAGK9TAwZe-2FcD8ApDKFdGlBoBa5sPSfoEcEA7eLjIo8rZa74yK-2Ba-2Bd6sp08FGsWGItGBek34SZIkE2vkAFcBOwGi3SfnSRzFUgZhkCvy9trz-2BQ5IKmf5-2FNG8jUmi2qqK6GwhBVccz1L8rfc3VKDcA8Qy3AiYXJ-2BUmPp6lGJK7e-2BKc1Fthv-2Br6W1NM4oZJ4U6t4SgTLoBX-2FTK52BZwAS4HtsvmAqMJXgy6u0SUxllk-2FvIkBvRT0nbwbiTq6Ab9hh96Zut62NS3lGlQrAQlhLCVTKAqs9XPd4jYtIu-2FrQIC1LGT7SMsMJqwV1UbODT5hn8oOsDFtceopYTrqYJcT52B18sruO9IuOqYw-3D to find our AAA Approved Driving schools in your area.
To learn more, contact DriverTraining2@acg.aaa.com (mailto:DriverTraining2@acg.aaa.com) or call (888) 222-7108.
Winchester police asking for help identifying subject
The Winchester Police Department is requesting assistance in identifying the individual in the photos below. The individual in question was traveling in the white SUV. If you may know the identity of the individual please contact Detective Ryan Fuller at 931-967-3840. You may also report anonymously to Crimestoppers at 931-962-INFO(4636)
