The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department held ceremonies Thursday to swear-in students into its Cadet Safety Patrol program.  A total of 32 students at Deerfield Elementary, Hickerson and East Coffee Elementary were sworn in. The cadets are selected by teachers at each elementary school and will have duties of helping with special events at the school and other duties through the year. The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department will also use the students for special tasks through the year. They will also have an opportunity to attend the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department cadet camp at the end of the school...

September is Basic Education & Literacy Month for Rotary International. A longstanding project, in memory of Rotarian Jerry Bartlett, Manchester Rotary Club delivers dictionaries to all third grade students in Manchester City and Coffee County Schools each year. This year’s deliveries were made last week.  “The Dictionary Project’s goal is to assist all students in becoming good writers, active readers, creative thinkers, and resourceful learners by providing them with their own personal dictionary,” said Taylor Rayfield, President of Manchester Rotary Club. Manchester Rotary is a vibrant, active club supporting its community since 1935. For more information about this project...

The Fall Heritage Festival is a free, annual event held Sept Friday through Sunday  in Cowan, TN.  Organized by the Cowan Railroad Museum, the festival includes  food, music, entertainment, arts & crafts, living history, classic and antique Cruise-In, Corn Hole Competition, and activities for children of all ages. Friday and Saturday evenings will feature Fireworks at 8:30 pm.  Hours are Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  There will be a Smokey & the Bandit Convoy, Beauty Pageant, Cruise in and Fireworks on Friday, a Kids Zone and musical entertainment...

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EDITOR’S NOTE – Some details in this story may be disturbing to some readers.) Thunder Radio News has learned that two Coffee County parents have been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse or neglect after Coffee County Sheriff’s Department (CCSD) investigators found eight children living in deplorable conditions. Arrested on Tuesday night, Sept. 17 were Andrea Lynn Arthur, 31, and Alonso Dewite Maxin, 35. Both charged with aggravated child abuse or neglect and more charges are expected, according to CCSD. Investigators found the children after a call for a welfare check on Aug. 20 to a trailer park...

The Manchester Fire and Rescue Department announced Wednesday (Sept. 18) that effective immediately, the fire department will not be issuing burn permits until further notice due to dry conditions. The department said once an appreciable amount of rainfall is received in the area, they will lift the burning ban. For any questions, contact the Manchester Fire Department at 931-728-2999....

Great Lakes Cheese employees held a “penny drive” to collect funds to contribute to the community. The employees were able to donate $1,190.54 to the Coffee County Schools’ Coordinated School Health program.  “We are grateful tot he employees of Great Lakes Cheese and their commitment to our community,” said Tonya Garner, coordinator for coordinated school health.  The proceeds will be used to purchase equipment to increase physical activity in Coffee County elementary...

Tennessee ranks fourth among the states for the percentage of abortions provided to out-of-state residents, according to an analysis of data by the Associated Press. More than 28,000 women have traveled to Tennessee since 2009 to end a pregnancy. Francie Hunt, executive director of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood, said she sees it as proof that, regardless of where they live, women need access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care.  “We know that reducing unintended pregnancies requires access to birth control,” she said. “Once we equip people with medically accurate, age-appropriate information about their health, we find...