Story by Nadia Ramligan, TN Public News Service \Some state lawmakers want stricter regulations to ensure Tennesseans have access to affordable prescription drugs. Senate Bill 1617 would spotlight the role of pharmacy-benefit managers, the so-called “middlemen” who negotiate prices between drug makers, pharmacies and health insurers. The bill would prevent those managers from artificially inflating drug costs for health plans. At Tennessee Oncology, Dr. Stephen Schleicher, president of the Tennessee Oncology Practice Society, said some cancer patients wait weeks to get medications, with higher out-of-pocket costs. He said PBMs wield a huge amount of power, and prescribers have little...

A resolution allowing voters to change the way Tennessee’s Attorney General is selected was approved on Tuesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senate Joint Resolution 1, sponsored by Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Ken Yager (R-Kingston), calls for a transparent nomination process by the Tennessee Supreme Court in selecting the State Attorney General, followed by a confirmation vote of the nominee by a majority of both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly. “This is one of the most important appointed positions in the state,” said Senator Yager. “The State Attorney General has over 340 employees and a budget of over...

After serving 23 years as a judge in Coffee County, Circuit Court Judge Craig Johnson on Tuesday announced that he plans to retire. First elected in 1998, Johnson has served nearly three full terms as a judge. His retirement will be effective in May of this year. “First, I want to express my appreciation to the people of Coffee County who have continually voted for me for three consecutive terms of office and 24 years of service to the State of Tennessee,” Johnson said in a letter. “It has been a great honor to have served the citizens of...

Local businessman Jay Kalvala and Manchester resident Gene Holmes have teamed up to work on a project to show support for law enforcement officers at Manchester Police Department. They began this project in September of 2020, and this month were able to recognize four more Manchester Police Department officers. The officers were: Captain Mitchell West, Sergeant Jordan Watson, Officer Jamie Newman and K-9 Officer Daryn Gadeken. Mr. Kalvala and Mr. Holmes stated they intended to continue this project until every officer is recognized. All of the staff at MPD is humbled and thankful for the show of support from...

A Grundy County deputy escaped without injury after his vehicle was struck while checking on a disabled motorist on Hwy. 399. According to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, at approximately 5:55 p.m. Sunday, Deputy Logan Faulkner was checking on a Chevrolet Blazer that was pulling a small trailer and sitting in the westbound lane. Faulkner activated his blue lights. While speaking to a driver, a silver Chrysler Sebring struck the blazer and deputy Faulkner’s patrol vehicle. No injuries were reported and THP is investigating the...

Due to COVID-19 related circumstances, Coffee County Central High School has announced that students in grades 9-12 (which includes Raider Academy, will not take semester exams this spring. A similar measure was in place for the fall exams. Friday, May 21 will be a school day for all students. Students who are passing all classes will be exempt from school attendance on Monday, May 24 through Wednesday, May 26. Students who are failing one or more classes will be required to attend remediation periods on those...

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department is attempting to locate the owner or owners of two pull-behind trailers. You can see photos of the trailers (below). If you are the owner and can provide sufficient evidence to prove you are the owner, you should contact CCSD Investigator James Sherrill at 931-570-4404....

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department is attempting to locate an individual who is wanted on multiple warrants.  Investigators are looking for Rodney Duncan, age 45. He is a white male who is believed to be in the Coffee County area. FCSD Investigators believe he frequents establishments in the Tullahoma area.  If anyone has information regarding Mr. Duncan’s whereabouts, you are encouraged to contact Lt. George Dyer of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department at 931-308-9420.  (see photos below)  ...