Your Local News
Local Fire Department Not Receiving Local Funding
The North Coffee Volunteer Fire Department will not be receiving $22,000 for the Coffee County government. The Coffee County Health, Welfare and Recreation Committee recently voted to not give the fire department the money until its Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating can be lowered. North Coffee’s current ISO rating is at level 9, while a 10 is the rating equivalent to having no fire department at all. More than one-third of the fire districts in the United States have a Class 9 rating, which indicates the minimum recognized standard of fire protection. In comparison, Summitville is a 5 and...
Several Arrested On Drug and or Weapons Charges
An investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) along with several other law enforcement agencies has resulted in 22 people arrested on several drug and firearm charges. The arrests, made Wednesday, canvassed nine counties across southeast Tennessee, northern Georgia and northern Alabama with the operation being centered in Marion County. The investigation resulted in two separate grand jury indictments which includes charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by prohibited people. Those charged in the first indictment include: David Henderson, 45, of...
Some State Leaders Want More Physical Activity For Tennessee Students
A bill being considered in the state House would require students in kindergarten to fifth grade to participate in a physical education class at least twice a week. The proposal was approved on a voice vote in a House Education subcommittee on Wednesday. Currently, school districts must integrate a minimum of 90 minutes of physical activity per week into the school day for elementary and secondary school students. The latest proposal would be in addition to that. Opponents of the measure question if there would be enough resources and time for the additional...
Inmate Death In Franklin County
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into the recent death of an inmate in Winchester. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the investigation Tuesday after the female inmate died in their jail. The Lincoln County woman from the Kelso community was arrested March 1 and died March 18. The TBI was asked to investigate on March 19. Franklin County investigators say the case remains active and...
McMinnville Woman Charged With TennCare Fraud
A Warren County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, which is going from doctor to doctor in a short period of time in order to obtain prescriptions drugs, while using TennCare as payment. The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, announced the arrest of Taylor Renee Cantrell, 24, of McMinnville. She is charged with four counts of doctor shopping to obtain the painkillers Tramadol and Oxycodone. TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. The OIG, which is...
National Youth Violence Prevention Week Aims to End Youth Violence in Tennessee
As National Youth Violence Prevention Week continues, health and education leaders in Tennessee say families, schools and communities each play a role in preventing violence before it occurs. According to the CDC, youth violence is the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 24. Carleen Wray, executive director of Students Against Violence Everywhere, says children should be taught respect, anger management and effective conflict resolution starting at an early age. “So many times they are desensitized to the violence that’s happening because they’ve grown up with it,” says Wray. “Whether through the media and TV, music or...
Some Leaders Want To Strip Local Authority Power To Ban Guns In Public Parks
Legislation that would strip local governments of the power to ban guns in public parks is advancing in the Legislature despite concerns from the governor. The measure sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Harrison of Rogersville was approved 15-5 Tuesday in the House Finance Committee and is now being scheduled for a vote on the House floor. The companion bill is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. Currently, community parks, playgrounds and sports fields are among the few areas in Tennessee where local governments can ban people with handgun carry permits from being armed. Harrison’s proposal would change that....
AAA Wants To Stop New Motorcycle Helmet Legislation In Tennessee
AAA motor club wants to put the brakes on proposed legislation that would allow many motorcyclists to ride without a helmet. Currently, Tennessee law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. But a bill under discussion would allow anyone who is 21 or over who has health coverage, as long as it is not through TennCare, to be able to legally ride without a helmet. AAA says the bill will be almost impossible to enforce and will lead to more deaths and...
