A detailed investigation led Grundy County Sergeant Brandon Selvog and Sequatchie County Officer Shawn Edgmon to file a strong case in Grundy County involving three illegal white-tail bucks and a stolen weapon. The deer and firearm were seized. The firearm was stolen in 1995 from a residence in Sequatchie County. The owner was able to regain possession of the Winchester Model 70 Lightweight .270 caliber rifle and a scope.
Help stop illegal activity in your area. Call a poaching hotline. In middle Tennessee call 1-800-255-8972.
Category: News
Deer Poaching Case in Grundy County
Theft at Walmart in Winchester
The Winchester Police Department is requesting assistance in identifying two male suspects. Both suspects were allegedly involved in theft incidents that occurred at Wal Mart in Winchester. 
If you or someone you know can identify the suspect(s) please contact Detective Brian Wilder at the Winchester Police Department 931-967-3840 or Crimestoppers 931-962-INFO (4636).
Gas Prices Still Falling
Prices at the gas pump are off to their lowest start to the month of January since 2016. Gas prices in Tennessee dropped another 3.5 cents last week. The state average has now declined a total of 71 cents since October.
Tennessee motorists are now paying an average price of $1.98 per gallon-the lowest daily average since December 2016. Compared to last Memorial Day, when the state average peaked at $2.73 per gallon, Tennessee motorists are now saving more than $11 on a full 15-gallon tank of gasoline.
The national average price for gasoline is $2.24 per gallon.
The low price in Manchester as of Monday evening was $1.84 and in Tullahoma the low price per gallon was $1.83.
New Tennessee Law Creates Statewide Program to Identify Causes of Suicides
Tennessee State Capital
But legislative action has already begun to continue to raise awareness of the growing problem for the upcoming session. Representative Rick Staples has filed a resolution recognizing teen suicide as a “crisis” across the state.
The rate of people taking their own lives has increased every year for the past three, up to 1,163 in 2017.
Staples said the new 2019 law will help quantify the causes behind people taking their own lives.
He says raising awareness and reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health can make a huge difference for people of all ages.
You may recall in 2018, “The Suicide Prevention Act of 2018” authorized the Commissioner of Health to create the Tennessee suicide prevention program. This team appointed by the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health will further address the growing number of adult suicides in Tennessee.
The suicide prevention lifeline number is 1-800-273-TALK. You can also text the letters “TN” to 741741.
Coffee County Government meetings
MEETINGS THE WEEK OF JANUARY 7, 2019
Monday, January 7
4:30 p.m. – Beer Board
Caucus Meeting
5:00 p.m. – Rural Caucus at CCAP Conf. Rm #1
5:00 p.m. – Manchester Caucus at CCAP Conf. Rm #2
6:00 p.m. – Tullahoma Caucus at the Marcum Bldg.
Tuesday, January 8
4:00 p.m. – Industrial Board at CCAP Conf. Rm #1
6:00 p.m. – Full Commission Meeting
Thursday, January 10
4:30 p.m. – Law Enforcement
January 8 2019 Coffee County Commission meeting agenda
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
COFFEE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE PLAZA
January 8, 2019 @ 6:00 p.m.
A G E N D A
1.Sheriff Proclaims Commission Open for Business
2.Invocation
3.Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
4.Roll Call
5.Approve agenda.
6.Review and approval of the minutes of previous meeting.
7.Resolution of Memorial, Sympathy and Commendation
a.Resolution 2019-01 – Charles Elmer Wells (deceased)
b.Other
8.Elections, Appointments and Confirmations
a.Notaries
b.Purchasing
c.Beer Board
d.Audit Committee
e.Coroner
f.Rural Roads & Bridges
g.Veteran’s Service Officer
h.Board of Zoning Appeals
i.Consolidated Industrial Board
j.Emergency Management Agency Board
k.Public Building Authority
l.Planning Commission
m.Board of Health
n. Other
9.Unfinished Business
10.New Business
a. Resolution 2019-02 – Resolution to Support State Legislation Repealing the
provision that reduces the commission retained by the County Register of Deeds.
b.Budget Amendments
c.Proposed 2020 Fiscal Budget Calendar
d.Other
*Report of standing committee and action thereon by the commission.
*Report of special committees and action thereon by the commission.
11.Statements & Announcements
12.Public Comments
13.Adjournment
Court Date Delayed for Man Accused of Aggravated Sexual Battery against 12-year-old
Evans Baird jail intake photo.
The court date for a man accused of aggravated sexual battery against a 12-year-old was delayed last week. Thomas Evans Baird was set for a Jan. 3 court date, but his case was continued until Feb. 14 at 1 p.m.
The 79-year-old Baird was Westwood Junior High School’s band director for 30 years. He is the vice chairman of the Manchester Historical Zoning Society and is a member of the Manchester Steering Commission.
Baird, who was released from jail on a $10,000 bond, was ordered by Coffee County Judge Jere Ledsinger to stay away from people under the age of 18 and wear a GPS monitor as a part of his bond agreement.
According to a motion filed by the district attorney office, on December 9, 2018, Baird was found to be present at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Tullahoma where one of his alleged minor victims was present. Further, the State says that Baird knew or should have known that one or more of his victims would be present at the church as they are regular attendees. Coffee County District Attorney Craig Northcott says the man was confronted by church security. He refused to exit the sanctuary to speak with Tullahoma Police officers who had been called to deal with the situation. Tullahoma officers were forced to enter the sanctuary to confront Baird about being in the presence of children in the worship service.
In a separate incident on the same date (December 9, 2018), Baird allegedly attempted to contact one of the victims’ mothers, and she reported the incident to Manchester Police.
On December 17, Ledsinger ruled that attending church with minors in the audience was not a violation of his bond.
Man Charged with Murder in Winchester
James R Hill jail intake photo.
Hill, age 25 is also charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count of domestic violence and two counts of violation of a protective order.
Hill’s bond was set at $1 million and he is set to appear in Franklin County General Session Court on Jan. 31.
Two Suspects being Sought in Storage Building Burglary
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying two individuals that were allegedly involved in a burglary at the Riley Creek Storage on December 23, 2018. If you recognize either of these two subjects, please contact Coffee County Sheriff’s Department Investigator James Sherrill at 931-570-4404.
No information has been released at this time about what items were taken in the burglary.
So-Called Deputy Scam is Back
WMSR News reported at least twice in 2018 and 2017 about the so-called “Deputy Scam.” That scam has returned. The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department reports that they have received several calls from citizens getting phone calls from an individual identifying himself as a Coffee County Deputy. The subject tells the intended victim that they have fines or fees associated with missing court, having warrants, or other activities that need paying off or an arrest warrant will be issued. The sheriff’s department says these types of calls are fake. Creditable calls from law enforcement will never ask for payment over the phone.
People are being asked to obtain a “Green Dot” or “Moneypak” card. If you have any questions, please call the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department at 931-728-3591 or your local law enforcement agency.
