Your Local News
Area Man Charged in “Operation Watchful Guardians”
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn joined Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Vernon Keenan to announce the results of a three-day, multi-state effort to combat human trafficking and the online exploitation of children in Tennessee and Georgia. The agencies conducted “Operation Watchful Guardians”. According to TBI Director Mark Gwyn, the results of “Operation Watchful Guardians” further demonstrate that partnerships among law enforcement are critical in combating these demand-driven crimes. During the operation, 168 different men contacted undercover Agents depicted in three online advertisements. Agents arrested 16 men attempting to purchase sex from a prostitute. Agents also arrested four...
Less than 1% Mandated Drug Tests for Welfare
Officials say less than 0.2 percent of people who have applied for welfare since July 2014 have failed a drug test mandated for some. Citing data provided by the Department of Human Services to The Tennessean, the newspaper reports that 65 of 39,121 people applying for Families First cash assistance benefits tested positive for drugs since the law was implemented. Since the law started, 609 people have been asked to take a drug test, with 544 testing negative. An additional 116 refused to participate in an initial drug screening questionnaire, automatically disqualifying them from benefits. State Rep. Sherry Jones,...
Applying for College Aid is Free: Buyer Beware of Services Offering Help
Applying for college can be daunting enough. Add to that the pressures of finding the financial aid available and many students and parents can feel overwhelmed. Experts say those feelings are what scammers and unscrupulous businesses are preying on during this time of year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting money for the majority of students, and while it costs nothing to apply, Mallory Wojciechowski, spokeswoman with the Better Business Bureau, says you should exercise precautions when using online search engines. “A lot of people will go to what they believe...
Early Voting Starts Wednesday
Early voting is set to begin Wednesday, February 10, and runs until Tuesday, February 23. Early Voting Hours: Manchester: Coffee County Administrative Plaza 1329 McArthur Street, Suite 6, Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM and Saturday 8:30-12:00 PM. In Tullahoma: C.D. Stamps Community Center 810 South Jackson Street, Monday-Friday 9:00AM-4:30 PM and Saturday 9:00-12:00 PM. Tennesseans must bring valid state or federal photo identification with them to the polls. On the ballot; Presidential preference primary for presidential candidates and the following offices will be on the March County Primary ballot: Public Defender (unexpired six (6) year term), Assessor of Property, Constable – Seat...
Man Busted for “Sizzurp”
An Antioch man has been charged with distributing bottles of sizzurp — a modified cough syrup — in Bedford County. Chance Lyndell Norman, 27, of Antioch was charged with possession and sale of schedule II and III drugs Tuesday by the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and Metro Nashville police. “We have been involved in a joint investigation with Metro Nashville police concerning illegal distribution of sizzurp, also known as lean,” DTF Assistant Director Tim Miller said. “Sizzurp, also known as ‘Lean’ and ‘Purple Drank,’ is a mixture of cough medicine — often prescription strength, containing codeine —...
Confusion over Grave Markers
In recent days a number of people have expressed concern about a posting of a video on Facebook of military grave markers being found in a ditch. In the video, which has since been taken down, an unseen narrator alleges that the grave markers had been illegally removed from a Tullahoma cemetery. However, according to Franklin County Sheriff Tim Fuller, the tombstones depicted in the video were never installed in any cemetery. The markers are located on private property located on “Z” Lane in Franklin County which is off of Highway 130, according to Fuller. “The tombstones/grave markers that...
“Operation Watchful Guardians” nets more than 20 Arrest
Authorities say more than 20 people have been arrested on charges related to sex trafficking and online exploitation of children in Tennessee and Georgia. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Friday that law enforcement officers conducted “Operation Watchful Guardians” this week in the two states. Agents conducted operations that investigated and prosecuted people accused of being sex traffickers and online predators. Agents arrested 16 men attempting to purchase sex from a prostitute and four women who were advertised as prostitutes. Victims of sex trafficking were identified and offered housing, counseling and addiction treatment....
CCMS Sectional State Title Bid Comes Up 4 Seconds Short
Mt Juliet got a short jumper from Emma Palmer with 4 seconds remaining to hand the Coffee County Middle School Lady Raiders their first loss of the year 43 to 42 on Saturday afternoon in the TMSAA Middle School Sectional State Finals in Murfreesboro. A Coffee County rebound under the Mt. Juliet goal was tied up with the possession arrow belonging to the Lady Bears with 9 seconds showing on the clock. That set up the last second in-bounds play to the taller and more physical Lady Bear post player who sank the shot and the Red and Black’s...
