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Widespread outage causes 7,000 DREMC customers to lose power Sunday evening
Shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday night (March 6, 2022) much of Manchester and the northeastern part of Coffee County went dark.
According to Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, about 7,000 customers were without power for a little less than an hour. Most all of the city limits of Manchester lost power, and most all business and residence east of Highway 53 and North of highway 41 lost juice.
Rumors were rampant as to the cause of the outage. But Duck River confirms to us that a substation went down due to “animal contact.”
Crews worked vigorously and most power was restored shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday evening.
TAX TIPS – save tax by contributing to your retirement
By Rosalyn Partin, Manchester H&R Block
Contributions to retirement accounts can be a great way to reduce your taxable income and thereby reduce your tax. Contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts for 2021 can be made up until the filing deadline of April 18, 2022. The 2021 contribution limit for IRAs is $6,000 per taxpayer with an additional $1,000 allowed for taxpayers age 50 and over. You can claim an IRA contribution deduction even if you use the standard deduction.
Deductible contributions to a Traditional IRA can not only reduce your taxable income and save you tax, but in some cases the contribution can also increase tax credits that are available on the return making an even bigger impact.
IRA deductions may be limited if you or your spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work and your income exceeds certain levels.
Consult your tax preparer if you are interested in saving tax and increasing your refund (or reducing your balance due) by making an IRA contribution. Tax professionals can show you the difference that making tax deductible retirement contributions will have on your tax return. Be informed about your tax situation and possible tax savings moves you can still take for 2021. See an H&R Block tax professional.
If you have questions about retirement plan contributions or other tax-saving moves, please call your local H&R Block office. In Manchester TN call 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
Tennessee unemployment rate falls slightly
The state of Tennessee recorded another drop in statewide unemployment at the start of 2022, according to newly released data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). January is the latest month the rate has decreased, or remained steady, since April 2020.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January 2022 is 3.5%, which is 0.1 of a percentage point lower than the revised December 2021 rate of 3.6%. This is the lowest the state’s unemployment rate has been since November 2019.
In a year-to-year comparison, Tennessee’s statewide unemployment rate dropped by 1.7 percentage points.
Tennessee employers created 3,000 more nonfarm jobs between December and January. The largest increases occurred in the retail trade sector, followed by the professional and business services sector, and the durable goods manufacturing sector.
Over the year, nonfarm employment increased by 110,400 jobs. The largest increases took place in the leisure and hospitality sector, the trade, transportation, and utilities sector, and the professional and business services sector.
Nationally, January’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly to 4%, up 0.1 of a percentage point from December’s revised rate. The 2022 rate is 2.4 percentage points lower than it was one year ago.
TDLWD has prepared a complete analysis of January’s statewide unemployment rate which can be accessed here (https://www.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=166478db53c066a7d114ea462&id=0e6aff496c&e=29851e7b63) .
Jobs4TN.gov currently has nearly 400,000 open positions available around Tennessee and just across its borders. Job seekers can utilize a variety of services on the site that will help them find meaningful employment.
The Department offers many online and in-person services to assist Tennesseans on their employment journey. TNWorkReady.com is a one-stop website that makes it easy for job seekers to research those services.
THP graduates 56 state troopers
On March 4, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State Troopers. The department simultaneously instructed a regular 16-week trooper cadet class and a 10-week lateral trooper cadet class. The lateral class returned from their district assignments for the graduation ceremony that took place at the Hermitage Hills Baptist Church on Lebanon Road in Nashville. To view highlights of the class during their academy, click here<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfPDsTEpfdM&feature=youtu.be>.
The 46 graduates of Trooper Cadet Class 1021 included five prior law enforcement officers, 14 cadets with prior military service, six cadets with Associate’s degrees, 19 cadets with Bachelor’s degrees and one cadet with a Master’s degree.
Lateral Trooper Cadet Class 921 graduated 10 trooper cadets composed of all prior Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified law enforcement officers. Class 921 had two cadets with Bachelor’s degrees and one with a Master’s degree.
Some of the new troopers will be assigned to counties in our listening area. Trooper Micah Keele is assigned to Bedford County and trooper Hunter Lawson to Franklin County.
Governor Lee served as the keynote speaker during the graduation ceremony, and Commissioner Jeff Long swore in the new troopers as they delivered their oaths of office.
“Law enforcement is a calling, and I commend Tennessee’s newest trooper class for their commitment to protect and serve their fellow Tennesseans,” said Governor Bill Lee. “The Tennessee Highway Patrol plays an essential role in ensuring public safety, and I remain dedicated to supporting them with strong investments in high-quality training, recruitment and the resources needed to keep our communities safe.”
“Each one of you earned this incredible honor of being chosen to serve as a Tennessee state trooper,” said Commissioner Jeff Long. “You now rank among the best of the best. Congratulations on your graduation and you will be a representative for Tennessee’s finest.”
“This class has presented you with some unique challenges, and throughout your career, you will continue to be challenged,” said Colonel Matt Perry. He reminded the graduates that adversity comes with the job and challenged them to rise to the adversities they will face. He continued, telling the newest members of the Highway Patrol, “You no longer serve only yourself; you serve the citizens of the state of Tennessee and those that travel to and through our state.”
Cadet Class #1021 hosted a blood drive with American Red Cross and Blood Assurance. They also collected money to donate to Waverly Police Chief Grant Gillespie to help with flood recovery efforts in Humphreys County as part of their class project.
Bethel University presented a $5,000 scholarship to Trooper Bailey Williams. Trooper Williams will serve at the Nashville District.
Trooper James Roark of class 1021 was named the top cadet for his class and was presented with the Trooper Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence for his leadership, work ethic and academics. The award was named in honor of the late Trooper Calvin Jenks, who was killed in the line of duty in January 2007.
Tennessee gas prices jump 25 cents over the weekend; national average hits $4 per gallon
AAA is providing fuel-saving tips as it appears the pain at the pump has intensified. The Tennessee Gas Price average (is now $3.81 which is an 25 cent increase over the weekend and 44 cents more expensive than one week ago. Six metro areas in the state also saw double-digit increases in their metro averages overnight.
In Coffee County, the average price per gallon is $3.83, which is 2 cents above the state average and 17 cents below the national average, which has now hit $4 per gallon.
“The Russia-Ukraine conflict has intensified what was already a global oil market that was tight on supplies,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Sanctions and regulations have effectively removed Russian oil from the market. Prices accelerated Wednesday, when OPEC and its allies announced that they would not ramp up production beyond the modest increases previously planned.”
A new AAA survey shows that the pain at the pump has already reached a point where some drivers are beginning to adjust their driving habits.
Sunday’s average price for gasoline in Tennessee is $3.81 per gallon. According to AAA’s survey , that’s within the price range that 60% of drivers in the state would change their driving behaviors. Sixteen percent said they would not change their driving behaviors regardless of the price.
Top Changes Tennesseans Have Made Because of Gas Prices:
· 39% are driving less often
· 31% participate in fuel rewards programs
· 23% are driving shorter distances
· 21% combined trips
Fuel-Saving Tips for Drivers
· Maintain your vehicle to ensure optimal fuel economy. J&W Auto Repair, Manchester Tire and Brake and Hullett’s Service Center in Manchester are locations Thunder Radio recommends to service your vehicle, although there are certainly other options to explore.
· Combine errands to limit driving time.
· Slow down. Fuel economy diminishes significantly at highway speeds above 50 mph.
· Drive conservatively and avoid aggressive driving. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy.
Theme of agricultural safety awareness week is ‘Prepare. Prevent. Protect’
Sharing resources that will help farmers and ranchers keep safety top-of-mind through the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program is a priority of county and state Farm Bureau leaders across the nation.
As part of this year’s ASAP commemoration, March 7-11 has been designated as Agricultural Safety Awareness Week. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm Bureau in promoting the week with its theme “Prepare. Prevent. Protect.”
A different safety focus will be highlighted by Coffee County Farm Bureau and U.S. Ag Centers each day
of the week:
Monday, March 7 – Livestock
Tuesday, March 8 – Cost of Safety-Finances
Wednesday, March 9 – Disaster Preparedness
Thursday, March 10 – Youth Safety
Friday, March 11 – Equipment Safety
During this week and throughout the year, Farm Bureau encourages farmers to make safety a priority on
the farm.
“Safe practices on America’s farms and ranches should be a priority, not an afterthought,” said Coffee County Farm Bureau President A J. Teal. “Investing in safety and health in agricultural communities can help save lives and resources by preventing injuries and lost time on the job.”
The Agricultural Safety Awareness Program is a part of the Farm Bureau Health and Safety Network of
professionals who share an interest in identifying and decreasing safety and health risks. For more
information and resources, visit the ASAP Facebook page. Visit the Centers’ YouTube channel
(www.youtube.com/user/USagCenters) for new content and fresh ideas about how to stay safe while
working in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Join the movement to keep farms safe and share your own
safety messages on social media using the hashtags #KeepFarmsSafe, #ASAP22 and #USAgCenters.
The 11 U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers (www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/agctrhom.html) are funded
by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Charles LaDue Willmore
Mr. Charles LaDue Willmore, age 90, of Manchester,
TN, passed from this life on Friday, March 4, 2022, in Tullahoma, TN. Mr.
Willmore was born in Boaz, Alabama, to his late parents, Freeman Willmore
and Vera Estell Frazier Willmore. He loved working on his farm and riding
and working with his horses. Mr. Willmore loved his family and loved having
family gatherings on the farm. He was a devoted member of East Main Street
Church of Christ, serving as an elder for many years. In addition to his
parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Charles LaDue Willmore Jr.,
daughter, Lisa Gail Angelica, sisters, Louise Pack and Edith Willmore. Mr.
Willmore is survived by his wife of 73 years, Julia Willmore; son, Steve
(Dawn) Willmore; daughter, Ann (Roger) Johnson; brothers, Kenneth (Joann)
Willmore and Sammy (Martha) Willmore; sisters, Reba (Aaron) Jones and Linda
(JW) Higgins; grandchildren, Sonia Johnson, Jody (Carissia) Johnson,
Crystal (Chas) Keel, Allen (Amanda) Willmore, Adam (Leslee) Willmore,
Amanda (Adam) Fletcher; great grandchildren, Paris (Matt) Weatherly,
Wednesday Hambrick, Ian Fletcher, Caleb Fletcher, Aaliyah Johnson, Keinen
Johnson, Casey Keel, Cavrin Keel, Anna Claire Willmore, Anslee Willmore,
Allee Willmore, Leeam Willmore, Adlee Willmore, Madalee Willmore; great
great grandchildren, Caroline and Carson Weatherly. Visitation with the
family will be on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, from 12:00pm until 2:00pm at
Central Funeral Home in Manchester, TN. Funeral services will be conducted
immediately following visitation at 2:00pm with Alan Adams officiating.
Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Tullahoma, TN. Central
Funeral Home is serving the family, 931-723-7774, centralfuneralhome.com
BASKETBALL: Tickets on sale now for Monday night State Sectional game in Manchester
If you want your tickets to the state sectional basketball game Monday – you may want to go ahead and purchase them now to make sure you have a seat.
Coffee County’s Red Raider boys will host Stewarts Creek High School at 7 p.m. Monday, March 7 at Joe Frank Patch Memorial Gymnasium. The Raiders are looking to go to the state basketball tournament for the first time since the 1960s. The winner on Monday will move on to the state tournament. The loser’s season comes to an end.
Tickets will be available at the gate on a first come, first served basis for $10 apiece (prices set by TSSAA). You can purchase tickets in advance to ensure your ticket and avoid long purchase lines by going through gofan.co for $8 (plus convenience charge).
Click here for the direct link to purchase tickets through gofan.co.
HOW YOU CAN LISTEN
Can’t make the game? Tune into Thunder Radio beginning with pregame at 6:30 p.m. — 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, Manchester Go app and thunder1320.com.
WATCH FROM HOME
The game will be video streamed by Raider TV (CHS audio visual class) in partnership with Thunder Radio and sponsors Al White Ford Lincoln and Premier Service Contracting LLC. You can watch on the Thunder Radio Facebook page (starting at about 6:50 p.m.) by clicking here. Or the Raider TV Youtube page by clicking here.
SPRING SCOREBOARD: Results from Thursday, March 3
BASEBALL
Coffee County Middle 19, Grundy County 0
Coffee County Middle Baseball improved to 3-0 on the season with a 19-0 thrashing of visiting Grundy County Thursday night.
Tatsuki Aso, Jase Cashion and Landan Abellana all had two RBIs apiece and Caleb Crouch picked up 4 RBIs and a run scored for the Raiders.
SOFTBALL
Westwood 11, Huntland 1
The Lady Rockets of Westwood Middle School opened the spring season with a bang – run-ruling Huntland 11-1 in five innints.
Eighth grader Lily Norman had a great night at the plate and in the circle. Norman ripped three hits and knocked in 5. She scored a pair of runs, as well. Kyle Evans added a pair of RBIs and Audri Patton was 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for the Lady Rockets.
Norman went the distance in the circle. She struck out 13 batters in 5 innings of work.
SOCCER
Coffee Middle 0, Harris 3
Birthdays- March 4
Birthdays:
Maddie Wilson- 8- Pizza Winner!
Dayne Crosslin
Anniversaries:
Cake- Hunter Smithson
Flowers- Tim & Misti Garrett