There was a somber milestone on Tennessee roads last week. The overhead signs on the interstate totaling the number of lives in fatal crashes hit 1,000. Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers said that exceeds the 937 people who died on Tennessee roads last year. State troopers said that more than half of those deaths may have been prevented had the person been wearing a seatbelt. With that in mind, the highway patrol said they will be focusing on enforcing that and two other big problems – speed and alcohol. Troopers attribute warmer than normal temperatures in January, February and March...

In nearby Bedford County, the body of a missing 42-year old Shelbyville man has been found. Reports indicate the body of Charles “Moto” Farrar was found by a relative behind a church on Thursday. Farrar was last seen by his girlfriend on December 23rd. The body was found in a wooded area near the St. William’s Catholic Church located just south of the city. The body has been taken to Nashville, where an autopsy was...

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced the appointments of 152 Tennesseans to 58 state boards and commissions Friday. Appointment terms vary due to differing requirements or term limits determined by specific qualifications. Local appointments are: Architects and Engineers Board of Examiners Jerome Headly, Tullahoma Keep Tennessee Beautiful Advisory Council Sandra Ennis, Tullahoma Statewide Independent Living Council Cynthia Martin, Tullahoma Underground Storage Tanks and Solid Waste Disposal Control Board Mark Williams, Manchester Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Board Randall Braker,...

Local attorney Jeff Ridner will be joining the staff of Coffee County District Attorney Mickey Layne on Jan. 1. Layne announced that Ridner will replace Emily Roberts, who will be leaving the position today (Dec. 28, 2012). Roberts, who has worked in the district attorney’s office for the last five years, has prosecuted cases during preliminary hearings in the General Sessions court. She has taken a position with the Mining Safety and Health Administration in the U.S. Department of Labor. She will also be responsible for prosecuting any mining companies that might be found guilty of violating mining laws....

An Estill Springs man was arrested on charges of aggravated robbery. Jeffery Wade Quick, 41, of Sunset Drive Estill Springs was arrested on the charges on Dec. 21 on the charges. The warrant alleges that Tullahoma Police Officer Reggie Yarbrough was dispatched to Harton Regional Medical Center on May 28 to a possible domestic assault. When the officer arrived she learned from a female victim that Quick assaulted her while at Tullahoma Village Apartments. The warrant alleges that in addition to the alleged assault Quick also robbed her of $25 and kicked her about the body. Quick was booked...

Doctors are telling patients who have not had their flu shot to get one as flu season continues to sicken people across Tennessee. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Region 4 which includes Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina has elevated cases of influenza. Elevated means the percentage of positive influenza tests is above the national average. If you do get sick the doctors say you should stay home so you do not infect others. The flu can be the most dangerous for infants, the elderly or others with compromised immune systems. Each year...

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is accepting entries to compete for a spot in its Tennessee Wildlife Magazine calendar issue for the upcoming year. The agency is looking for photos on fishing and wildlife species native to Tennessee, as well as fishing and hunting scenes across the state. The format is horizontal digital images on disk. Those selected will receive $60. The submission deadline is March 7. Entries can be mailed to: Tennessee Wildlife Magazine, Calendar Issue, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, Tenn....

Trend experts say people are stopping to enjoy the moment more and more – and this includes savoring the foods they eat. According to a new food trend report – the McCormick flavor forecast 2013 – people are diving headfirst into sumptuous flavor combinations and unapologetic eating experiences that offer an escape from their daily demands. Chef Mark Garcia says people are looking for the perfect bite that gives them an indulgent moment to savor. Imagine the kind of satisfaction of a flavor combination like decadent bitter chocolate, sweet basil and passion fruit. We asked the chef how can...