Staff Report

Staff Report

  • Joined: June 1, 2026
  • Articles: 341

Former judge Ledsinger passes away at 88

Former General Sessions Judge Jere Mac Ledsinger, of Tullahoma, passed away on Saturday, September 5th, 2026 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville at the age of 88. Jere was born in Kenton, TN to the late Granville and Mary Holloman Ledsinger. During his life he worked as a General Sessions Judge in Co c ee County, and was a long-time member of Highland Baptist Church in Tullahoma.

Riley Carter

Riley Maurice Carter, age 95, of Manchester, TN, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, surrounded by his children in Nashville, TN.

Brenda Daniel

Mrs. Brenda Kay Daniel, age 77, of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, returned to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Born May 19, 1949 in Tullahoma, Tennessee to the late William Horace and Mamie Ruth Fulton.

Mary Jane Smith

Mary Jane Smith of Tullahoma passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Brookdale Senior Living at the age of 90. Mrs. Smith was born in Lynchburg to the late Fred and Jennie Bell Mullins. During her life, Jane worked as a clerk at the Coca-Cola Store, and was a longtime member of Grundy Street Church of Christ. She was passionate about health-conscious cooking and maintaining an active lifestyle, and taught exercise classes for many years at the Tullahoma Senior Citizens Center. Mrs. Smith had been a resident of Brookdale for the past several years, and enjoyed attending the church services there with the church of Christ at Cedar Lane. In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Smith; one sister, Donna Watkins (Jim); and one brother, Charles Mullins (Mary Ann). She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Dahl (James); one niece, Jennifer Ferrell (Avery); nephews, Jerame Watkins and Fred Mullins (Diane); great-niece, Jaelyn Woodward (Tyler); great-nephew, Jadin Watkins; and great-greatnephew, Braxtan Lee Woodard. A graveside service for Mrs. Smith will be held on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 12 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Tullahoma.

Time to buy or refinance an auto is near

As dealerships make room for new model-year vehicles each fall, shoppers may find opportunities to save on currentyear models still sitting on dealer lots. While discounts and incentives vary, this season is a great time to explore your options if you’re considering a new ride or refinancing your current one. Whether you’re eyeing a new or used vehicle or carrying a car loan with a rate that could improve to better meet your needs, the right financing partner can be just as powerful as timing. Working with a local lender can make a world of difference while you’re shopping.

The Lessons of 9/11, 25 Years Later

The events of September 11, 2001, are still fresh in my mind. It’s hard to believe that today’s 30-year-olds were in kindergarten when terrorists took so many lives, and changed everyone else’s. A few years ago, I was asked to speak to a group of high school students about 9/11. I thought it might be helpful to show video of the news coverage from that morning, as it unfolded on live TV. The first plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. We all hoped and prayed it was just a random accident.

Don’t let others tell you how to vote

Regarding several letters published in this column, I would like to say this about the upcoming mid-term elections: DON’T LET OTHERS TELL YOU HOW TO VOTE! It is a privilege and registered voters have the right to vote their conscience. Please do your research to choose your candidate carefully. Your vote does make a difference.