Category: News

Tennessee boaters have the month of June to renew their boat registration before the first fee increase in 12 years goes into effect on July 1st.
Any boating vessel operated by a gas engine, electric motor or sail is required to be registered.
The current fee for a 16-foot boat and under is $13 for one year, $24 for two and $35 for three. The new fees will be $15, $28 and $41. Vessels with a length over 16-feet to 26 feet will increase from $25 to $29 for a year. Those over 26 feet to 40 feet will increase from $38 to $44, and vessels more than 40 feet will increase from $51 to $59 for a year.
Vessels that are powered only by paddles, such as canoes or kayaks are not required to be registered.
Boat registration can be done online at gooutdoorstennessee.com.

Tennessee’s Driver Services will start issuing Real-ID driver licenses beginning July 1st.
The Real-ID compliant-cards will be needed to fly on airplanes, go into federal buildings or enter military bases effective October 1st, 2020.
Those IDs are marked with a gold star at the top of them.
The Real ID is designed to make driver’s licenses less susceptible to forgery by requiring proof of U.S. residency. It requires states to retain copies of identification documents, like birth certificates.
You do NOT need a REAL ID only a Standard ID to:
• Drive
• Vote
• Purchase alcohol or cigarettes
• Access hospitals
• Visit the post office
• Access federal courts
• Apply for or receive federal benefits such as social security or veterans’ benefits

Coffee County District Attorney Craig Northcott is now under official investigation by the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Board of Professional Responsibility.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations provided a copy of a letter sent by the state Supreme Court’s Board of Professional Responsibility confirming its investigation of Northcott. The council filed a complaint after the anti-Islam comments.
According to screenshots of Facebook posts, Northcott wrote Islam is “evil, violent and against God’s truth”.
He was recorded on video at a religious conference, saying he didn’t believe in gay marriage and added same-sex partners wouldn’t receive protections under domestic violence laws because he didn’t recognize the marriage.
So far Northcott has not made a comment to any member of the media.

Local authorities have arrested a third suspect in the fatal shooting of military veteran Dennis Carter from Grundy County earlier this month. Warren County deputies arrested 65 year-old John Cherry of Murfreesboro and charged him with criminal homicide.
Also arrested on the same charges were Murfreesboro residents, Kate Prichard and Timothy Wayne Baer. All three are being held at the Warren County Jail.
Authorities say Carter was shot during an altercation with a member of the Rebels Motorcycle Club at the club’s building on Pike Hill Road.

As financial scammers continue targeting Tennessee’s vulnerable adults, Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed Saturday, June 15, 2019 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Tennessee. In anticipation of this day, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Securities and Consumer Affairs divisions are joining other Tennessee state agencies to warn seniors and their families in order to help them avoid falling victim to identity theft, financial abuse and scams.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was created by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization of the United Nations in 2006 to bring awareness to the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors. Every year, an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
TDCI offers tips to help Tennessee residents recognize and avoid financial exploitation and fraud:
Senior Investor Tips
• If a stranger asks for money, proceed with caution. Swindlers can take advantage of your good manners.
• Make sure you invest with a licensed investment adviser. You can ensure a broker is licensed here.
• Beware of salespeople who prey upon your fears. Fear can blind your good judgment. Only invest when you have all the facts and feel comfortable.
• Don’t be embarrassed to report fraud or abuse. Every day you delay reporting fraud or abuse is another day the scammer is spending your money and finding new victims.

Identity Theft Prevention Tips
• Never buy from a stranger who calls or visits unannounced.
• Shred all paperwork containing any identifying information, healthcare information, banking information, or passwords.
• Monitor bank and credit card statements.
• Monitor your credit report.
• Use direct deposit for benefit checks to prevent checks from being stolen.
• Never give your credit card, banking, Social Security number, Medicare number, or other personal information over the phone, unless you initiated the call
If you suspect that you might be a victim of securities or insurance fraud, or if you would like to file a complaint or speak with an investigator, please contact the Tennessee Securities Division – Financial Services Investigations Unit at (615) 741-5900. Other types of elder abuse involving abuse, neglect or exploitation should be reported to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services Unit by phone at (888) 277-8366 or by visiting https://reportadultabuse.dhs.tn.gov/.

Megan Fibelkorn an 8th grader at Temple Baptist Christian School in Manchester placed first in the nation in the 8th grade division in the Fleet Reserve Association Americanism Essay Contest for 2018-2019 school year.
Megan received her award from John Davis, retired U.S. Navy which consisted of a certificate, plaque, and $2500 in award money.
Megan had also placed 1st in the district and region.
Congratulations to Megan Fibelkorn Temple Baptist Christian School.

The City of Tullahoma has made it official; they have a job opening for Chief of Police.
Jason Ferrell has been serving as interim chief since Jan. 7, 2019 when former police chief Paul Blackwell was placed on administrative leave pending investigations into his office’s handling of a November car crash involving his son.
Blackwell pled to a no contest (not admitting guilt) in the case. This was in reference to tampering with evidence. Blackwell resigned his position from the City of Tullahoma and gave up his police certification.
He received a four-year sentence that is deferred, meaning he will serve that sentence on probation. He can have his record expunged if his record is clean after that period of time.
The city will be taking in resumes and employment applications through July 15.

The last time Bonnaroo was a complete sellout occurred in 2013 when Rock n Roll Hall of Famer and Beatles great Paul McCartney performed his incredible 3-hour set.
The lowest number of tickets sold to the annual event was in 2016 when only around 46,000 attended.
The 2019 edition of Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee is expected to sell-out before Thursday’s opening. Over 80,000 tickets are predicted to be sold with many of those already secured.
Grand Old Opry at Bonnaroo kicks things off Thursday night. Phish headlines Friday and Sunday. Post Malone on Saturday. Other performers include Maren Morris, Kasey Musgraves, Cardi B, Lumineers and more.

Tips to help you navigate the 18th annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester.
Avoid Dehydration & Exercise Care with Alcohol:
• Drink plenty of water. Summer temperatures in Tennessee can be relentless. It is crucial to stay hydrated.
• Familiarize yourself with the location of free water stations if they are available.
• Try to avoid intense outdoor activity during the hottest time of day (10am – 2pm). Plan your schedule to incorporate rest periods.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored layers for sun protection and ventilation.
• Don’t forget to apply and reapply sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Monitor your alcohol intake carefully. Do not use alcohol as a substitute for water.
• Don’t take drinks, drugs or food from strangers.
• Do not leave your food or drinks unattended.
Utilize the Buddy System & Set a Meeting Place:
• Designate a “buddy” – someone you can trust to watch out for you and vice versa.
• Have a communication plan. Identify a relative or friend to contact in case of emergency.
• Identify a place to meet friends in case you get separated or an emergency occurs.
• Report any suspicious persons to a member of security at the event or to the Camp Site Assistance Team.
Supervise & Secure Your Belongings:
• Avoid bringing jewelry and valuables to music concerts and festivals.
• Keep cash, wallets, and credit cards out of back pockets where they can easily be taken.
• Don’t leave valuables in the car or tent.
• Identify items you want to have on hand (medications, snacks, water, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc.).
• Check with the festival’s organizers to see if backpacks or large handbags are permitted to be carried into the venue and/or if storage lockers are available.