Republican legislation to make Tennessee roadways safer by increasing the punishment for those who flee law enforcement advanced out of the House Criminal Justice Committee last Wednesday. House Bill 1886 would allow vehicles used to evade arrest to be seized by authorities and subject to forfeiture in accordance with existing state law. “It’s important that we do everything we can to give law enforcement the tools they need to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe,” State Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, said. “This legislation sends a strong message not to flee from police, and will hopefully make individuals think twice...

The Sportsmen and Businessmen Charitable Organization donated to both Coffee County Schools Family Resource Center, Manchester City Schools Family Resource Center, and the Tullahoma City Schools Coordinated School Health.. “It is a mission of SBCO to support programs that directly assist the children in our community. We are proud to contribute to Coffee County Schools’ Family Resource Center’s ‘Invest in the Best’ program, Manchester City Schools’ Family Resource Center’s ‘WeCare’ program and Tullahoma City Schools’ Coordinated School Health Program. All are outstanding student support initiatives that continually address the barriers hindering student academic achievement,” said Carter Sain, SBCO President. The Sportsmen and Businessmen Charitable Organization...

An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the indictment and arrest of an Alabama man on charges of statutory rape and sexual battery. At the request of 12th Judicial District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor, on January 5th, TBI agents began investigating Danny Pitts on allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor in Grundy County. Working with detectives from the Hartselle (AL) Police Department, agents developed information that the sexual offenses occurred from August to November in 2019. On March 14th, the Grundy County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Danny D. Pitts (age...

An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and deputies with the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of a Shelbyville man, who now faces a murder charge. At the request of 17th Judicial District Attorney General Robert Carter, on March 15th, TBI agents joined Bedford County deputies in investigating a homicide, after a woman was found deceased in a home in the 31-hundred block of Sims Road.  The woman was subsequently identified as Sarah Angelina Johnson (age 32). During the course of the investigation, agents and detectives identified Raymond Smith as the...

Firefighters work to extinguish a large-scale fire that destroyed multiple businesses at Woodland Plaza Monday morning, March 21, 2022. Multiple businesses in Manchester were devastated by an early morning fire Monday, March 21, 2022. The fire destroyed at least 4 businesses in the Woodland Plaza at the corner of US Highway 41 and Woodland Street near the downtown square. Other businesses in the plaza sustained some minor smoke and water damage, according to fire officials. Firefighters responded at 6:15 a.m. to a fire alarm from Toliver’s Pawn Shop, which has a warehouse attached to that plaza. According to Manchester...

Tennessee governor Bill Lee, along with recording artist Lee Greenwood and other special guests will be on hand for a groundbreaking ceremony at Manchester Rotary Park Tuesday, March 22, to honor lance corporal Eric Frazier as part of ‘Helping a Hero.’ Frazier, a retired marine, had his hand shattered, jaw broken and lost both legs when his Humvee hit an IED in Iraq. Frazier is a Bass Pro home recipient of Helping a Hero and in a few months will be moving into a fully accessible home. The ceremony on Tuesday, March 22, will be held at Rotary Amphitheater...

For the first time in several weeks, the Tennessee gas price average saw a weekly decline.  The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.04 which is 75 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.35 more than one year ago.  This is down 8 cents from last week. Gas prices in Coffee County are at $4.04 on average – which is inline with the state average and 21 cents below the national average of $4.25. “Tennessee gas prices are slowly beginning to trend downward, mostly due to a decline in crude oil prices,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If oil...

By Rosalyn Partin, H&R Block Have you failed to file previous years’ tax returns? If so, it’s time for you to get caught up! Not filing a required return is a serious issue with the IRS. If you don’t file, the IRS can file a return for you — with taxes and penalties. Most taxpayers are required to file a tax return every year. The IRS keeps a record of taxpayers who are required to file but don’t – and the IRS can pursue those returns. That can mean stiff consequences and increasing complications. If you have back tax...