A Grundy County pastor is facing charges of attempted rape of a child. Grundy County Sheriff Clint Shrum says that 48-year-old William E. “Tim” Smith, Jr. was taken into custody after Sheriff’s investigators found him and a 12-year-old girl in a remote wooded area, engaged in sexual conduct. Smith also had legend and Schedule II prescription drugs in his possession according to Shrum. Smith identified himself as the pastor of the Church of God in Palmer. Smith’s bond has not been set; he has an initial court date of July...

A man’s body was found in the Duck River on Saturday afternoon. He has been identified as Mitchell Smith of Shelbyville, who was in his late 50s. According to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Department, a TWRA officer saw what he thought was a body around noon. They said the body was recovered near Warner Bridge Road. It’s not clear what led to his death, but officials believe this may be an accidental drowning. An autopsy has been planned to officially rule out foul...

Now through June 15, you have the chance to win $200 worth of local meats from a Tennessee farm. Pick Tennessee Products, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s promotion that connects farmers directly to consumers, is offering a “Fill Your Grill” contest. A total of 12 winners will be randomly chosen on Monday, June 18 and notified by Pick Tennessee Products. A link to the contest website can be found online at www.PickTnProducts.org. You may also search “Pick Tennessee Products” on Facebook and click on the “Fill Your Grill” post, which is linked to the directory of participating farmers. Contestants...

The 2018 Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 9 when anyone may fish free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides the annual free day in hopes of increasing interest in fishing. The day allows anyone the opportunity to try this great outdoor sport, especially children to celebrate fishing as a wholesome and healthy recreational option. In addition, children ages 15 and younger may fish without a license beginning on Free Fishing Day through the following Friday (June 15). The day and week are annual events in Tennessee and are great opportunities to...

Dr. John J. Cauthon, 51, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was sentenced this week in U.S. District Court to two years in prison for healthcare fraud, announced Don Cochran, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Cauthon was indicted in October 2015 on seven counts of healthcare fraud and was found guilty on four counts, after a jury trial in September 2017. In sentencing Cauthon, Chief U.S. District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr., noted that Cauthon had accepted no responsibility for his actions and showed no remorse. Chief Judge Crenshaw also ordered Cauthon to pay $218,000 in restitution. Cauthon is...

A 19-year-old Franklin County High School senior who just graduated died in a vehicle-pedestrian accident on Yellow Branch Road in Winchester just before 5 a.m. Tuesday. Tennessee Highway Patrol reports identified the victim as Isiah T. Crockett of Decherd. Reports said the District Attorney General’s Office has ordered an autopsy. Reports said Crockett was lying in a fetal position in the middle of the road when a vehicle, driven by 62-year-old Larry Stephens, struck him. Reports said Stephens was not aware of the victim’s presence. Crockett was pronounced dead at the scene. No citations were issued, and no charges...

An overnight fire early Thursday at the Marion County Regional Skills Center in Kimball heavily damaged the American Job Center (AJC) affiliate office located inside the Battlecreek Road facility. The office provides job seekers and local businesses with employment and workforce development services. The fire started during the overnight hours while the center was closed, so no one was inside the building. Local firefighters worked to contain the flames, and no one was injured while fighting the fire. Investigators are currently trying to determine how the fire started. Starting Monday, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development will...

Can’t make it to the beach this summer? No worries, the beach is coming to YOU. Tomorrow (June 2, 2018) come join the fun at the first-ever Downtown Luau in Manchester to celebrate the beautification of our county seat. There will be a sandcastle building contest on the SunCrest of Manchester Beach, lawn games of all kinds, a land shark chase, live music, a late-night movie and more. Best of all, it’s FREE to attend. Bring your kids, bring your beach towels and folding chairs, and join us for a full day of fun surrounding the courthouse square. Here’s...