Category: News

MTSU Poll Shows Close Vote Coming On Amendment 1

MTSU3A close vote may be in store for Tennessee’s proposed constitutional amendment on abortion, according to the latest statewide MTSU Poll.
The amendment, known as Amendment 1, would specify that Tennessee’s constitution does not include a right to an abortion. The recent poll of 600 registered voters, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points, showed the following:
• 39 percent — for
• 32 percent — against
• 15 percent — undecided
• 8 percent — won’t/didn’t vote
• 6 percent — no answer
This poll was conducted Oct. 22-26 by professional interviewers with Issues & Answers Network Inc. The poll completed 600 telephone surveys among a random sample of adult Tennessee registered voters using a mix of 80 percent landline and 20 percent cell phones.
To pass, all amendments must have 50 percent plus one vote of the total number of votes cast in the governor’s race to be counted. This is required by the state constitution. (Information from WGNS Radio)

It’s Time To “Fall Back”

clockIt’s time to “fall back” again. At 2 a.m. Sunday, you’ll have to turn your clock back one hour, because it’s the end of daylight saving time.
It’s also time to change smoke alarm batteries. Local fire departments remind you to change batteries at least twice a year. You also need to test these alarms and reminding others to do the same are some of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce tragic deaths and injuries.
Working smoke alarms can increase your chances of surviving a fire by up to 50%. And don’t forget the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarms!
Like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms also wear out. They need to be replaced according to manufacturer instructions about every 7 years.
Tullahoma and Manchester fire departments offer free smoke alarms to its residents. People living inside the city limits of either can contact their department for more information.

Important Voting Information

vote4Yesterday early voting ended and now if you plan on casting a ballot you’ll need to head to the polls on Tuesday (Nov. 4). We have information concerning the voters in District 20, that’s the Coffee County Senior Citizens Center, in Tullahoma.
The Senior Citizens building has a flooding issue and will not be available for voting on Tuesday. The Coffee County election commission is trying to get the word out to all those voters that they should go to DW Wilson Center, 510 N. Collins St. (just across the street) to vote on Election Day.
Early voting numbers show nearly 5,000 people voted early in Coffee County.

Dead Bobcat Found Hanging From Goalpost At Tullahoma’s Practice Field–UPDATE

This is an actual photo taken before the Bobcat was taken down.

This is an actual photo taken before the Bobcat was taken down.

On Tuesday, October 28, 2014 a dead Bobcat was discovered at the football practice field at Tullahoma High. That field was in use on Monday and no irregularities were noticed. The students who discovered the Bobcat reported to their teacher and the Bobcat was removed from the goalpost. THS officials reported the incident to the Tullahoma Police Department and the dead animal was removed from the property by Tullahoma Animal Control.
Local authorities and officials with Coffee County High School and Tullahoma High School are investigating this issue.
Dr Dan Lawson Director of Tullahoma Schools says, “This despicable act does not represent the leadership, citizenry or the vast majority of students at Coffee County High School and Tullahoma High School.” Lawson added, “We are friends, neighbors, relatives and at time fierce competitors, but that fierce competition leaves no room for cruelty to animals.” Lawson says, “Nearly every student in Tullahoma and Manchester is disgusted that any innocent animal is used as an object lesson and all are hopeful that our competition is safe, fair and fun!”
Dr Joey Vaughn, Principal of Coffee County High School said in a written statement to WMSR, “The rivalry between Coffee County Central High School and Tullahoma High School has a storied tradition with mutual respect from both sides.” Vaughn added, “There have been various events throughout these years, but this week someone took a high school rivalry and took it too far. The actions of a few do not represent this community as a whole.” Vaughn said, “At this time we do not know who committed this callous act or what their involvement with the rivalry is, but there is no place in our community or this world for these types of actions.” Dr Vaughn wrapped up his statement by saying, “The rivalry will continue on the football field this Friday night and we ask that our community remember that we have outstanding young people representing both great high schools.”
Dr LaDonna McFall Director of Schools for Coffee County says, “It stuns and saddens me to think that someone committed an act of such cruelty in the name of a high school rivalry. We are actively investigating this situation and the perpetrator(s) will be dealt with appropriately.” McFall urges the community to not judge our student body as a whole based on this heinous act of a few. McFall added, “We have caring respectful students that do not condone this type of behavior.”
The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency website says that Bobcat hunting and trapping seasons are only open between Nov. 21 and Feb. 28.
We’ll have more information as this story develops.

Shelbyville Man Arrested After Fight Breaks Out Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

McCleish Christmas "Mac" Benham.. Photo from Airport Police

McCleish Christmas “Mac” Benham.. Photo from Airport Police

We learned from our friends at the Shelbyville Times Gazette that a Shelbyville man faces charges after a brawl at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport last Thursday.
McCleish Christmas “Mac” Benham, 27, is charged with public intoxication and simple assault.
Benham allegedly kicked a man in the groin and hit him in the head with his fist before three to five passengers subdued him, according to a Dallas police report. He continued to struggle with officers while being arrested, an airport police officer said in his report.
According to a DFW Airport police officer, Benham argued with an American Airlines gate agent over flight arrangements, telling her he’d consumed “100 drinks.”
Dallas police say, Benham allegedly made a verbal slur toward a man who told him to calm down because police were on the way, then struck him twice, also threatening another man standing nearby.

Benefit For 15 Year-Old Football Player Who Is Suffering From Several Medical Issues

Photo of Weston Eaves from Facebook

Photo of Weston Eaves from Facebook

Friends of Weston Eaves are having a fundraiser for him and his family this Saturday Nov 1, 2014 from 5pm-7pm at Grace Baptist Church Gym in Tullahoma, TN. to help offset the costs because both of his parents literally lived at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital for 3 weeks while Weston was being treated and could not work.
Southern Hospitality Catering will be donating the catering for a delicious spaghetti dinner with salad and garlic bread.
Ticket are $10 for adults and $7 children under 11 years old.
Weston Tucker Eaves is a 15 year old freshman and football player at Tullahoma High School.
On September 9, Weston sprained his ankle during a football practice. For six consecutive days after his injury, he continued to be in unbearable pain while running a high temperature. Although he saw several doctors during these six days, Weston was progressively getting worse, and on September 16, his parents took him to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. He spent most of the next 24 days in the Intensive Care Unit on a ventilator, fighting for his life.
Weston was given three diagnosis: sepsis (infection in the blood stream), Osteomyelitis (infection in the bones and joints), and respiratory distress (caused from infection in his lungs). He had surgery on his left knee and three different surgeries on his right ankle where they had to remove some of his fibula.
October 9 he was able to come home. He continues to have infection in the bone and joint of his ankle which the doctors say will take a long time to heal. He is also enduring physical therapy to help get his strength back and to learn to walk properly again.
For more information on where to buy tickets or make a cash donation, go by Al White Motors in Manchester, that’s where Weston’s Dad Chris is employed. Also you can email: Craig Bradshaw at CraigSBradshaw@gmail.com – or Shannon Smith at SSSmiles@gail.com

Pro Baseball Player Will Be The Grand Marshall Of Tullahoma Christmas Parade

Justus Sheffield when he was presented the Gatorade Player of the Year in the spring.. Photo by Deuce Anderson

Justus Sheffield when he was presented the Gatorade Player of the Year in the spring.. Photo by Deuce Anderson

Tullahoma High School graduate and 2013-14 Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year Justus Sheffield has been named Grand Marshal of the 58th annual Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade.
The event is being sponsored for the second consecutive year by Stan McNabb Automotive Group and is set for Friday, Dec. 5.
Sheffield was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft.
The theme for this year’s event is “A Movie Time Christmas,” a tribute to favorite seasonal films.
Floats will be awarded prizes in five categories: Business, Civic/Non-profit, CEO/School, Jingle Bell Music, and the Mayor’s Award.
Entry fees are $50 for pageant winners and titleholders and $30 for all others.
Each marching or walking unit, vehicle or float must pay a separate fee even if multiple floats are entered under one name. Fees are non-refundable and must accompany the entry form.
Forms must be returned to the chamber office no later than Nov. 19 in preparation for the Dec. 5 event.
There is no entry fee for school bands, military drill teams or government vehicles.
Entry forms can be picked up at the Tullahoma Chamber of Commerce at 135 W. Lincoln St. or emailed upon request. Call the chamber at 455-5497.

Beechgrove Man Charged With Statutory Rape

Andrew James Kemock intake photo.

Andrew James Kemock intake photo.

A 25-year-old Beechgrove man was arrested on Sunday (Oct. 26) on charges of statutory rape following an incident at a Manchester motel.
According to a warrant obtained by Investigator Butch Stewart, Andrew James Kemock is accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old in the parking lot of the Regency Inn located on Expressway Drive in Manchester.
He is also accused of sexually assaulting the girl again in a wooded area behind the motel.
Kemock was booked into the Coffee County Jail under a bond of $125,000. Kemock’s bond was lowered to $20,000 on Tuesday.

Franklin County Man Arrested For Attempted 1st Degree Murder, Aggravated Arson and More

John W. Worley intake photo

John W. Worley intake photo

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office personnel have arrested a Franklin County man wanted in connection with an alleged aggravated arson that occurred last week. A report filed by Franklin County Investigator Nick Watson indicated that John W. Worley (7395 AEDC Rd. Estill Springs, TN.) was wanted for aggravated arson in a case that originated on Mansford Road in Franklin County.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office personnel placed John Worley in custody late Monday afternoon. Worley was transported to the Franklin County jail and booked on Attempted 1st Degree Murder, Aggravated Arson, Violation of a Protective Order and Stalking charges. Worley is currently being held on $250,000.00 bond.

Moore County Authorities Looking For The Public’s Help

Photo of man wanted for questioning.

Photo of man wanted for questioning.

Moore County authorities report that a burglary occurred at the Dollar General store in Lynchburg on Friday October 24.
Investigators with the Metro Moore County Sheriff’s Department are searching for a person they want to question in this case.
The picture on our website is that of a male the investigators want to speak to. If you know the person in the photos, or have details of this crime that took place at Dollar General in Lynchburg, please contact Investigators Shane Taylor, or Mike Rainey at Metro Moore County Sheriff’s Department. Call 931-759-7323, your call will be kept confidential.