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ruta

  • Joined: February 25, 2026
  • Articles: 245

The power of a novelty horn

Rain was falling on a chilly weekday morning as I slowed towards the intersection to adhere to our local laws regarding red lights. A hearty yawn emerged from within. My eyes were a little sleepy still and the sun had yet to make an appearance for the day.

Blue Monarch receives gift of new kitchen

On a chilly morning on March 12, the opening of a new commercial kitchen for Out of the Blue Granola marked another major milestone for Blue Monarch, a local non-profit, which serves women in recovery and their children. After a ribbon cutting hosted by the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce, the dedication began with the history, as told by Susan Binkley, who founded the business in 2008. Three granola employees shared their journeys, and the benefactors explained why they were inspired to provide the new kitchen. Lydia Fultz, a new baker for Out of the Blue, told the crowd, “I am so proud because this is the first time I have worked a job sober after fifteen years of addiction,” which illustrated the significance of the business and its purpose.

Lady Raiders top Tullahoma in extra innings

It took the equivalent length of a Major League Baseball game, but Coffee County softball got the job done last Sunday evening.Hosting cross-county rival Tullahoma, the Lady Raiders overcame a slow start to defeat the Lady Cats 3-2 in nine innings. The win was also Coffee County’s third straight.“Not a great start. Probably one of the worst starts we’ve had innings 1-5, but the fact that they stuck together, had the grit and they found a way to tie. Once we tied it, I kind of felt good, felt a bit better about ourselves,” Coffee County coach Brandon McWhorter said. “They kept working, they kept working and finally we got the break we needed.”Tullahoma jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning and stayed ahead by a run through the next three. The Lady Cats went on to add another run in the top of the fifth to put Coffee County in a 2-0 hole with two innings to go.After preventing Tullahoma from adding any additional runs in the top of the sixth, the Lady Raiders led off the bottom of the inning with a line drive single from Cara Newlin. Newlin went on to steal second on the next at- bat, before Lily Norman knocked a line drive to center field for a double. With two runners in scoring position and one out, Haleigh Skipper came to the plate and doubled on a line drive to right. Newlin proceeded to head home from third base before Norman’s courtesy runner Kenzie Shelton followed from second, tying the game at 2-2. Neither team was able to add another run in the seventh inning, sending the game to extras. After a scoreless eighth inning, Tullahoma came up empty in the top of the ninth to give Coffee County a chance to close it out.Ella Arnold got it started with a hit out to center field for a double. Newlin was then intentionally walked on the next at-bat, bringing Raelyn Wainwright to the plate. Wainwright proceeded to ground into a fielder’s choice, leading to Arnold getting tagged out on the way to third. While Arnold was out, an error allowed Newlin to run past third base and make it home for the game-winning run.“We still have grit, even in the ninth. We don’t have to be winning by seven,” Norman said of team’s ability to come back late. “We can just have grit and stay in the game and be able to come out and win.”Coffee County posted nine hits over the course of the game, led by Norman with two. Arnold, Newlin, Skipper, Maggie Montgomery, Yeidy Cruz, Kamryn Hoback and Bailey Hale all had one hit each.Skipper was credited with both of the team’s two RBI.Norman pitched a complete game, striking out 11 and holding Tullahoma to two hits, two runs and four walks across all nine innings.

HARRELL

Mr. Jesse “Buddy” Harrell, age 89, of Manchester, passed from this life Sunday, March 15, 2026, at his residence. Jesse Milton Harrell, fondly known as “Buddy” and “The Woodman” by family and friends, was born on June 1, 1936, to the late Elm Milton Harrell and Sarah Anna McCullough Harrell in Murfreesboro, TN. He retired from Rich’s in 1998 as a mixer for many years. After retiring he went into logging, baling hay and had his own wood cutting shop at his home for many years before he was unable to continue his work, which he loved doing. He loved watching WWE Wrestling and spending time with family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Marie Gannon; brothers, Bobby Gene and Tommy Harrell; and his wife of 67 years, Jean Harrell. Mr. Harrell is survived by daughters, Rebecca Finney (Billy) and Anna Fulton; son, Milton Harrell; grandchildren, Jennifer Knight (Jason), Jessica Wimley; great grandchildren, Zachary Wimley, Amara Todd and Gracie Knight; brothers, Franklin Harrell and Jimmy Harrell; several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of friends. Visitation was held Thursday, March 19, from 11 a.m. until funeral service time at 1 p.m. at Central Funeral Home in Manchester. Burial followed at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Tullahoma.