For scammers, the season of holiday giving is the season of taking, and Tennesseans’ hard-earned money again tops scammers’ wish lists. Unfortunately, Tennessee consumers are falling for scammers’ ploys when it comes to gift card swindles in increasing numbers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s Consumer Sentinel Network reports Tennesseans lost nearly $1 million – over $943,000 – through prepaid gift card scams in 2018, which is a 44 % increase compared to 2017 when scammers stole $653,709 from consumers. While family, friends, and co-workers may use gift (or ‘reload’) cards to express holiday appreciation, scammers want the cards’ PIN...

The holiday season is ramping up, and while most people look forward to festivities with friends and family, for others this time of year can worsen stress, sadness and depression. Some people have increased anxiety due to travel obligations, or the expenses of gift-giving. Others neglect self-care trying to make the holidays special for family or loved ones. There is no evidence that the suicide rate spikes at Christmas, but suicides have dramatically increased in the U.S. in recent years. And Dennis Gillan, who lost two brothers to suicide, said each person needs coping mechanisms to help maintain their...

A state government group says Tennessee should still keep a paper trail of voters’ ballots roughly 10 years after coming out with a similar recommendation that resulted in little change. According to the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, just 14 of the state’s 95 counties produce some sort of a paper record for independent recounts and audits. The group first urged changes to the state’s election system in 2007, when it found only two counties had such requirements. All the other counties use direct recording electronic voting machines with touch screens that do not produce a paper record...

Tennessee State Parks will offer free, guided hikes at 55 state parks as part of the annual First Day Hike program across the state. The hikes are designed for all ages and abilities. Some hikes are over rugged terrain while others are nice strolls. Each hike is led by an experienced park ranger. The hikes are part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes in all 50 states. Hikes feature spectacular views and informative guidance by the rangers. Old Stone Fort is one of the most scenic hiking areas around. Join Park Rangers on a 3.5 mile strenuous/ difficult...

Manchester Police Chief Investigator Jackie Matheny has issued a warning about a scam making its way around Manchester and Coffee County. IRS imposters are threatening arrests, lawsuits, and property seizures unless the victim pays up. Law enforcement says they’re investigating alongside several other agencies across the United States. The scammers are spoofing phone numbers that seem to be local. Caller ID spoofing is the practice of causing the telephone network to indicate to the receiver of a call that the originator of the call is from someone or place other than the true originating person or place. Investigator Matheny...

On Sunday December 9, 2018 around 9:51 p.m. officers of the Winchester Police Department responded to a call of an armed robbery that had taken place at 1018 South College Street also known as Loui’s Bar and Grill. Upon arrival, officers spoke with an employee of Loui’s. The employee stated that an unknown individual came into the establishment wearing all black, wearing a ski mask, and did have a firearm. The individual then demanded money. The individual did obtain an undetermined amount of money and left in an unknown direction. The employee of Loui’s was unharmed in the incident....

A Shelbyville check cashing business was robbed late Saturday morning, police said. Two women at Check Into Cash, on Madison Street in the old Taco Bell building, said a man they could only describe as a “white male” came in and demanded money. “He never showed a weapon but acted like he had one,” Detective Sgt. Charles Merlo of the Shelbyville Police Department said. The man grabbed the money and ordered the employees into a bathroom, according to Merlo. An employee set off an alarm after the man’s demand, Merlo said. The suspect was last seen running behind the...

The Manchester Tourism and Community Development Commission has partnered with the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce to reward folks for shopping local! The idea is pretty simple, bring 3 holiday shopping receipts from local stores here in Manchester to the Chamber of Commerce and pick between a festive green or red soft-style “Team Manchester” t-shirt. Alderman Ryan French tells us more: http://www.thunder1320.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ryan-French-3.mp3French also mentions how shopping local helps the local economy:http://www.thunder1320.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ryan-French-4.mp3 Remember start collecting your receipts now, as the shirts will be available at the Chamber office starting Wednesday December 12th. Sizes and quantities are limited, first come first...