Patients of Unity Medical Center, Manchester Family Medicine and other area medical practices have been receiving calls from someone posing as an official from the medical office in an attempt to obtain personal information.
According to hospital officials, scammers have “spoofed” the number of the hospital and other medical clinics, making it appear as if the medical office is actually calling people when it is really a scammer. Once making contact with random people on the phone, the scammer then attempts to obtain personal information over the phone.
Unity Medical Center told Thunder Radio News that the hospital will never request detailed personal information through the telephone. If you receive one of these calls you are encouraged to simply hang up the phone. You can also report the call to area law enforcement.
Coffee County Sheriff’s Dept. asking for help locating stolen truck
Burglaries and theft cases continue to plague the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department and other area law enforcement.
On Wednesday, Oct. 20, a 2002 Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck was stolen from the Hillsboro area and authorities are asking for the public’s help to locate the vehicle. The truck appears to be dark blue in color with gray trim. See a photo below.
According to CCSD officials, this is the third vehicle reported stolen in the past two days – the other two have been recovered.
Just earlier this month approximately 30 vehicles were broken into in the New Union area.
Anyone with information about this stolen truck should contact CCSD investigator Brandon Reed at 931-728-3591.
TDOE Announces Subcommittee Members Representing Tennessee Schools and Districts Focused on Student-Based Funding Strategy
On Wednesday, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the subcommittee members of the Teacher Advisory Subcommittee, Principal Advisory Subcommittee, School System Personnel Subcommittee, School System Leadership Subcommittee, Rural and Small District Subcommittee, Suburban Districts, Municipals, and Fast-Growing Communities Subcommittee, Urban District Subcommittee, which is the next in the series of announcements on Tennessee’s review of a student-based public education funding strategy.
On Friday, October 8, Governor Lee called for a full review of the state’s funding formula for public education to focus on a student investment strategy that emphasizes all students rather than systems, empowers parents to engage in their child’s education and outcomes, ensures all students are prepared for postsecondary success, and reflects Tennesseans’ values. In total, eighteen subcommittees will convene twice per month to hold conversations on how to create a student-focused investment strategy from the lens of their subcommittee’s respective stakeholder group.
“Bringing our district and school leaders and educators who are the boots on the ground in our school systems each and every day is essential as we hold discussions on a student-focused funding strategy for public education in Tennessee,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “Our educators, district and school leaders and advocates for these groups understand the needs our students have in the classroom and can provide critical insights during these conversations as we explore how to better support our students and their futures.”
The 86 members of the school and district focused funding review subcommittees are:
· Teacher Advisory Subcommittee
o Chair: Morgan Rankin, 2021-22 Teacher of the Year, Johnson City Schools, First Region
o Daniel Warner, 2020-21 Teacher of the Year finalist, Shelby County Schools, Southwest Region
o Brianne Matheney, 2021-22 Teacher of the Year finalist, Chester County Schools, Southwest Region
o Danielle VanCleave, 2021-22 Teacher of the Year finalist, Weakley County Schools, Northwest Region
o Elizabeth Evans, 2021-22 Teacher of the Year finalist, Anderson County Schools, East Region
o Kami Lunsford, 2020-21 Teacher of the Year, Knox County Schools, East Region
o Erin Blalock, 2021-22 Teacher of the Year finalist, Warren County Schools, Upper Cumberland Region
o Hannah Hopper, 2020-21 Teacher of the Year finalist, Hamblen County Schools, First Region
o Laura Boyd, 2021-22 Teacher of the Year finalist, Franklin Special School District, Mid Cumberland Region
o Lauryn England, 2020-21 Teacher of the Year finalist, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Mid Cumberland Region
o Samantha Stevens, 2020-21 Teacher of the Year finalist, Tullahoma City Schools, South Central Region
o Sheron Smith, 2021-22 Teacher of the Year finalist, Cleveland City Schools, Southeast Region
o Dawn White, Senator, Tennessee General Assembly
o Tim Hicks, Representative, Tennessee General Assembly
· Principal Advisory Subcommittee
o Chair: Farrah Griffith, Principal, White County Schools
o Kimberly Shurett, Principal, Marion County Schools
o Stephanie Beach, Principal, Bartlett City Schools
o Lance Taylor, Principal, Sumner County Schools
o Monti Hillis, Principal, Warren County Schools
o Corey Limburg, Principal, Bradley County Schools
o Nancy Lay, Principal, Campbell County Schools
o Jenna Sharp, Principal, Clinton City Schools
o Lee Ziegler, Principal, Hamilton County Schools
o Rusty Crowe, Senator, Tennessee General Assembly
o John Gillespie, Representative, Tennessee General Assembly
· School System Personnel Subcommittee
o Chair: Steve Starnes, Director of Schools, Greeneville City Schools
o Kim Worley, Director of Schools, Dyersburg City Schools
o Bo Griffin, Director of Schools, Millington Municipal Schools
o Cathy Beck, Director of Schools, Cheatham County Schools
o Dr. Joey Vaughn, Director of Schools, Manchester City Schools
o Clint Satterfield, Director of Schools, Trousdale County Schools
o Dr. Bruce Borchers, Superintendent, Oak Ridge City Schools
o Dr. Nakia Towns, Interim Superintendent, Hamilton County Schools
o Tutonial Williams, Chief Financial Officer, Shelby County Schools
o Gary Hicks, Representative, Tennessee General Assembly
o Ed Jackson, Senator, Tennessee General Assembly
o Mark Cochran, Representative, Tennessee General Assembly
o Nick Darnell, Member, State Board of Education
· School System Leadership Subcommittee
o Chair: Dr. Danny Weeks, Director of Schools, Dickson County Schools
o Mark Florence, Director of Schools, Benton County Schools
o Dr. Gary Lilly, Superintendent, Collierville Schools
o Dr. Steve Barnett, Superintendent, Johnson City Schools
o Chad Moorehead, Director of Schools, Moore County Schools
o Diane Elder, Director of Schools, Pickett County Schools
o Rob Britt, Director of Schools, Blount County Schools
o Dr. Russell Dyer, Director of Schools, Cleveland City Schools
o Dr. Mischelle Simcox, Director of Schools, Johnson County Schools
o Page Walley, Senator, Tennessee General Assembly
o John Ragan, Representative, Tennessee General Assembly
· Urban District Subcommittee
o Chair: Cato Johnson, Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President of Public Policy/Regulatory Affairs, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
o Candy Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Urban League of Greater Chattanooga; Liaison, Tennessee Urban League Affiliates
o Terence Patterson, President & Chief Executive Officer, Memphis Education Fund
o Cardell Orrin, Memphis Executive Director, STAND for Children Tennessee
o David Jordan, President & Chief Executive Officer, Agape
o Tyler Boldin, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee; Liaison, Big Brothers Big Sisters Tennessee Statewide Association
o Ted Cornelius, Executive Director, Tennessee State Alliance of YMCAs
o Ryan Hughes, Executive Director, Boys and Girls Club in Tennessee
o Chris Henson, Chief of Finance, Metro Nashville Public Schools
o Dr. Joris Ray, Director of Schools, Shelby County Schools
o Raumesh Akbari, Senator, Tennessee General Assembly
o Eddie Mannis, Representative, Tennessee General Assembly
o Darrell Cobbins, Member, Tennessee General Assembly
· Suburban Districts, Municipals, and Fast-Growing Communities Subcommittee
o Chair: Dr. Ted Horrell, Director of Schools, Lakeland School System
o Dr. Annette Tudor, Director of Schools, Bristol City Schools
o Scott Becker, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Genesco
o Bill Spurlock, Director of Schools, Rutherford County Schools
o Dr. Catherine Stephens, Director of Schools, Tullahoma City Schools
o Dr. Del Phillips, Director of Schools, Sumner County Schools
o Vanessa Presson, Complex Human Resources Manager, Tyson
o John Aitken, Advisory Board, Association of Independent and Municipal Schools
o Paul Rose, Senator, Tennessee General Assembly
o Charlie Baum, Representative, Tennessee General Assembly
o Lillian Hartgrove, Chair, State Board of Education
· Rural and Small District Subcommittee
o Chair: Janet Ayers, President, The Ayers Foundation
o Dr. Allan Pratt, Board Member, Tennessee Rural Education Association
o Charlie Hatcher, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
o Dr. Jerry Boyd, Director of Schools, Washington County Schools
o Mike Garren, Superintendent, Loudon County Schools
o Kristy Brown, Director of Schools, Jackson County Schools
o Shawn Kimble, Director of Schools, Lauderdale County Schools
o Dr. Norma Gerrell, Director of Schools, Paris Special School District
o Eddie Pruett, Director of Schools, Gibson County Special School District
o William Curtis, Director of Schools, Cannon County Schools
o John Stevens, Senator, Tennessee General Assembly
o Ron Gant, Representative, Tennessee General Assembly
o Bob Eby, Vice Chair, State Board of Education
The state’s engagement includes the central steering committee and 18 subcommittees, in addition to a committee of national experts, regional meetings of county commissioners and school board members, public engagement representatives, and an opportunity for public comment through a formal survey later in the fall. Each of the 18 subcommittees, composed of 8-10 members, will be led by a chair who is tasked with capturing ideas and feedback based in the unique perspective of the stakeholder group or respective topic area they serve. Each chair is a trusted advocate to responsibly collect and share feedback and suggestions for a student-based funding approach.
Over the next three months, the subcommittees will meet twice a month, either in person or virtually. The central steering committee will convene monthly and review finalized feedback provided by the subcommittees. All associated committee meeting materials, including recordings, transcripts, and minutes, will be posted here. Additional subcommittee members will be released in the coming days.
More than 1,000 Tennesseans have already submitted their interest in engaging in discussions and receiving updates related to a student-centered investment strategy. Members of the public are encouraged to continue to submit their interest via this form.
Summitville Fire Dept. has free smoke alarms to distribute
The Summitville Volunteer Fire Department has free smoke alarms for your home.
If you are currently in need of smoke detectors, you can call to inquire at 931-728-9730 and leave a message. Someone will return your call.
Young sportsman deer hunt set for Oct. 30-31
The first of two Tennessee young sportsman deer hunts for the 2021-22 season will be held the weekend of Oct. 30-31. Youth ages 6-16 may participate. Participating youth can use gun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment.
Young sportsmen must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 or older who must remain in position to take immediate control of the hunting device. The adult must also comply with the fluorescent orange regulations as specified for legal hunters. Multiple youth may be accompanied by a single qualifying adult.
Archery season began in the state on Sept. 25 and the first segment ends Oct. 29, the day prior to the opening of the young sportsman hunt. The second segment of archery only season is Monday, Nov. 1 through Friday, Nov. 5. Muzzleloader/archery season starts Nov. 6. In Unit CWD, gun/muzzleloader/archery season begins Nov. 6. The statewide gun/muzzleloader/archery season has the traditional opening date of the Saturday before Thanksgiving which this year is Nov. 20.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recommends that all hunters obtain a 2021-22 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide lists license requirements, the counties and bag limits for each of the different deer management units. The guide is available on the TWRA website. www.tnwildlife.org, the TWRA App, and where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
TDOT to begin work at US 41 and SR 55 intersection
Motorists have likely already seen construction barrels appearing near the main intersection in Manchester – US Highway 41 and State Route 55.
According to TDOT, that intersection will be undergoing “improvements” with project activities daily and “various roadway construction activities being performed”
TDOT urges motorists to proceed with caution through the area and to be aware of signage, personnel and equipment.
Also, TDOT will be installing interchange lighting on Interstate 24 at the junction of SR-55 (McMinnville Highway.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Department needs help with theft & vandalism case
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding a theft and vandalism case.
On Tuesday, Oct. 19, the Sheriff’s Office received a report that person(s) unknown had stolen a Razor from Iron Gap Road, Belvidere.
The report states that the Razor had approximately $4,000.00 in after market accessories and was black in color. There were also various tools taken, most of which were Black & Decker brand. The report further states that there were approximately $4,000.00 in damage done to a cabin. Anyone having any information regarding this matter is asked to contact Inv. Chuck Stines at 931-307-1850.
Manchester Chamber introduces ‘Manchester Gift Card’ for holiday shopping
Manchester Chamber of Commerce is introducing a “Manchester Gift Card” just in time for holiday shopping.
The card, which works much like a regular gift card, can be used at multiple Manchester area businesses for your holiday shopping.
Currently, businesses signed up to participate are Detention at the Elementary, Hillsboro 41 Market, Marcrom’s Pharmacy, Mercantile Cafe Bakery & Gift Shop, Owen’s Provisions & Apparel and Southern Diva Boutique.
Anyone with the card can use it at any of these locations so long as the card has a balance. Click here to inquire about getting a card or registering as a participating business.
Implement tech rules to keep your children safe online
By Joyce Prusak, Executive Director of Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center
Simple rules can help keep your children safe online.
According to the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC), 95% of teens have access to smartphones and 45% report being online almost constantly. And this statistic isn’t for teens only, it’s related to younger children, too. With all the online usage, it’s important to think about online safety and implement technology rules in the household.
Parental approvals, privacy settings
Utilize parental approvals and privacy settings. Parental approvals allow you to see what apps children are interested in. Privacy settings will allow you to focus on location settings and will help you control who your children can communicate with and not communicate with through the apps they are using.
Tech free times and zones
Implement times and zones free of technology in your household. For example, ask your children not to use cell phones in the kitchen and while the family is having dinner. You can also set times that will be tech free – no phones before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m., for example. During tech free times, family members can place their devices at a certain place, on the kitchen counter or in a drawer, for example. Some parents choose to turn off their Wi-Fi at a certain time to limit the usage of devices when children should be sleeping or can’t be monitored. Setting certain tech free zones and times allows children to get used to spending time without devices tempting them to check updates. Tech free times and zones would help children rest better and focus on another activity (having a conversation with a friend, playing, or reading, for instance). An example of a tech free zone is asking your children not to use phones behind closed doors. Tech free zones limit opportunities for risky behavior, such as oversharing or participating in a dangerous online challenge, for example. Tech free zones help establish healthy boundaries, which are essential to ensure children grow up in a safe environment.
These rules are recommendations and can be adapted to the needs of your household. So make rules appropriate for your family and adhere to those rules.
Remember, we, adults, must adhere to those rules, as well, and be a good role model for our children. In situations where you have to make an exception, it’s important to explain to your children why you’re making the exception to keep transparent and honest communications and avoid resentment. We must set a good example.
Focus on behavior, not the app
Focus on the behavior and not the app. With millions of apps available – new apps gain popularity every day – it can be dangerous to only focus on the app and prohibit the usage of certain apps. It’s more appropriate and safe to teach your children what risky behavior is and how certain apps promote risky behaviors. That way, your children will learn to make wise decisions. Encourage healthy online behaviors that can be used across any app and any device. Having conversations about driving positive behavior with your children will help them stay safe online no matter the app or device they’re using.
This information was compiled with the help of National Criminal Justice Training Center sources.
To learn more about child abuse prevention follow Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center on social media. The Coffee County CAC offers free child abuse prevention training to community members. Learn more by visiting www.coffeecountycac.org.
TBI makes dozen arrests, including Tullahoma man, in human trafficking operation
A two-day undercover operation by Special Agents with the TBI Human Trafficking Unit, Murfreesboro Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Office of the 16th District Attorney General, and Tennessee Human Trafficking Task Force has resulted in the arrest of 12 men accused of seeking illicit sex from minors.
Over a two-day period beginning October 13th, as part of an undercover investigation aimed at addressing human trafficking in Middle Tennessee, authorities placed several decoy advertisements on websites known to be linked to prostitution and commercial sex cases. The focus of the operation was to identify individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors. As a result of the operation, detectives and agents arrested 12 men and booked them into the Rutherford County Jail:
*Terrance Deshun Becton (DOB 10/31/1993), Mason: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude, Simple Possession/ Casual Exchange.
*Edilberto Nataren-Aguilar (DOB 02/27/1989), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Colin Patrick Hamilton (DOB 01/17/1995), Tullahoma: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Javier Urbina Leija (DOB 11/14/1989), Smyrna: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Alasfour Abdullah Hassan (DOB 07/23/1999), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*John Darrell Schulze (DOB 07/20/1962), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Garrett Robert Zabloudil (DOB 08/03/1980), China Grove, NC: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Edward Pope (DOB 05/12/1989), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Lucas Javier Diaz-Hernandez (DOB 04/13/1998), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Francisco Ruiz-Diaz (DOB 12/07/1991), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Michael Lee Sovern (DOB 07/21/2001), Smithville: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*William DeJesus Morales-Garcia (DOB 10/16/1975), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
