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Anthony “Tony” William Martin
Martin, Anthony “Tony” William , of Tullahoma, also known as “The Golf Cart Man,” passed this life on Wednesday, February 23 rd , 2022 at the age of 60. Tony was born in July 28 th , 1961 to the late Charles William Martin and Betty V. Lopez. He worked during his life as a mechanic at numerous golf courses including Lakewood and Scenic View, and most recently Arnold Golf Course. You would always see Tony coming and going with a golf cart on his trailer with his best buddy, “Willie,” hanging out the window. He was so proud of the golf cart business he had started and built up over the years and was always taking care of his business. Tony was a devoted husband, uncle, son-in-law, and was the best friend anyone could want. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother and three sisters, Albert, Brenda, Sheila and Janie. Tony is survived by his wife of 30 years, Keita Martin; special nephew, Lexie Lee Fletcher; three brothers, Mike, Danny and Charles; and two sisters, Nellie and Debbie. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 28 th , 2022 at Kilgore Funeral Home from 12:00-2:00pm with the funeral to immediately follow at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery. Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Truck stolen from Hillsboro area over the weekend
Coffee County Sheriff’s Department authorities are asking for your help finding a pickup truck that was allegedly stolen over the weekend from the Hillsboro area.
The truck in question is a Morgan Excavation service truck. It is white in color, extended cab Chevrolet with a noticeable dent in the lower part of the rear passenger door.
If you have information regarding this theft, please call Sgt. James Sherrill 931-570-4404.
Tennessee gas prices skyrocket 15 cents
Tennessee gas prices continue to increase across the state, jumping 15 cents, on average, since last Monday. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.44 which is 35 cents more expensive than one month ago and 94 cents than one year ago.
The average in Coffee County is $3.48, which is 4 cents higher than the state average and just 13 cents below the national average.
“Russia’s invasion and the responding escalating series of financial sanctions by the U.S. and its allies have given the global oil market the jitters,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Like the U.S. stock market, the oil market responds poorly to volatility. This serves as a reminder that events on the far side of the globe can have a ripple effect for American consumers.”
Quick Facts
· 85% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.50
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.19 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.69 for regular unleaded
·Tennessee ranks 7th in the nation’s top 10 largest weekly increases
The most expensive gasoline in the country can be found at $4.82 per gallon in California.
National Gas Prices
Russia’s violent invasion of Ukraine has roiled the oil market, with crude spiking briefly to over $100/bbl before settling back into the mid-$90s. The increase in the global price of oil has led to higher pump prices in the U.S. The national average for a gallon of gas has risen to $3.61, eight cents more than a week ago.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 600,000 bbl to 246.5 million bbl last week. Meanwhile, gasoline demand rose slightly from 8.57 million b/d to 8.66 million b/d. The increase in gas demand and a reduction in total supply contribute to rising pump prices. But increasing oil prices play the lead role in pushing gas prices higher. Pump prices will likely continue to rise as crude prices continue to climb.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.61, which is 26 cents more than a month ago and 90 cents more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $1.22 cents to settle at $91.59. Although crude prices saw some fluctuations on Friday, they surged after Russia launched its military invasion of Ukraine earlier in the week. As the conflict continues, the oil markets will likely respond by continuing to increase the price of crude oil to reflect more risk of disruption to tight global oil supplies this week. Additionally, EIA reported that total domestic crude stocks increased by 4.5 million bbl to 416 million bbl. The current stock level is approximately 10 percent lower than mid-February 2021, contributing to pressure on domestic crude prices.
Manchester police say phone scam is using actual officer names
Residents in the Coffee County area are receiving phone calls from scammers who are using names of actual Manchester Police Department officers.
This is a new spin on a scam that has been making the rounds for a while now.
According to Manchester Police Department Assistant Chief Adam Floied, MPD has received complaints that someone is calling and identifying themselves as “Sergeant Devin Deford.” While Devin Deford does work for MPD, he is actually a captain.
Floied said that the scammer tells his intended victim that they have a warrant for their arrest and they must pay a fine to avoid jail. They then give a number for the intended victim to call and pay. Floied said when that number is called someone answers it as a police department but it is “clearly a scam.”
“There is really no way to tell where this originates from,” added Floied.
MPD officials say they will never solicit payments over the phone in lieu of an arrest warrant. If you have questions or receive one of these calls, you can contact police at 931-728-2099.
Manchester City Schools applying for afterschool program grant renewal
The Manchester City School District is presently completing a grant renewal for the 21st Century Community Learning Center.
The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program provides federal funding to establish or expand community learning centers. These centers provide students with opportunities for academic enrichment, youth development, and family support during non-school hours or during periods when school is not in session. Originally funded by direct grants from the U.S. Department of Education (ED), responsibility for the administration of this program was transferred to state education agencies under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (formerly No Child Left Behind Act of 2001). Current guidelines for the administration of the 21st CCLC grant can be found under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)[20 U.S. Code § 6301].
The overarching goal of the 21st CCLC program is to provide students—particularly students who attend schools in need of improvement—with academic enrichment opportunities and support services to help them meet state and local standards in the core content areas.
The 21st CCLC program goals are in alignment with the department’s Best for All strategic plan specifically by providing academic and non-academic supports so that all students can have a high-quality education.
Manchester City Schools has been a recipient of this grant for the past 10 years. This after school program operates at Westwood Middle School, Monday through Friday from 7:00-7:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. when school is in session.
Students receive a healthy snack, physical activity, academic and homework assistance, additional help for students with a deficiency in skills and standards, and many enrichment activities. The electives range from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) arts and crafts, additional physical education activities, and drama. The program has continually grown over the past 2 years. The Manchester City Schools district plans to expand the new grant by increasing the number of students served.
The grant is due by April 14, 2022. Awards will be announced in late July. For more information about this program or review the grant application, please contact the Manchester City School’s office or Jimmy St. John, Afterschool Journey Program Director at 931-728-3412 extension 2434.
TAX TIPS: Educator expense tax deduction
By Rosalyn Partin, H&R Block
Classroom decorations, books, supplemental learning materials, party supplies and occasional sweet treats are common classroom expenses for K-12 instructors. Do you have to front the costs of these expenses? A lot of times, yes.
But there’s also a teacher tax deduction available to help offset these expenses. Eligible instructors can qualify for an educator expense tax deduction of up to $250. It extends up to $500 if an educator is married to another eligible educator and filing under the status married filing jointly (up to $250 per person combined).
Common teacher classroom supplies that fit the tax deduction include: books and educational textbooks, instructional supplies (like pens, paper, craft goods, etc.), professional development courses related to curriculum or students, supplementary materials used in the classroom. Protective items paid for by the educator are also deductible such as: air purifiers, surface disinfectant, disposable gloves, face masks, and hand soap and sanitizer.
To qualify as an educator for this deduction, you must spend at least 900 hours within an academic year providing elementary or secondary education. Unfortunately, the educator expense deduction doesn’t apply to homeschooling instructors, or any college professor or instructor in post-secondary learning environments.
Don’t miss important tax deductions such as the Educator Expense deduction. See an H&R Block tax professional for help with your tax return this year!
If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, please call H&R Block in Manchester TN at 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
REGION TOURNAMENT CENTRAL: Things you need to know about this week’s tournaments in Manchester
With both Coffee County Central boys and girls basketball teams winning in the Region 3-4A quarter-finals Friday and Saturday night, respectively, that sets up a fun week of basketball at Joe Frank Patch Memorial Gymnasium this week.
The first round of the region tournament was played at the highest-seeded team. Now the remainder of the tournament – semi-finals and finals – moves to Coffee County Central.
MONDAY
Monday night, Feb. 28, will be the girls semi-final games. Bradley Central will take on Warren County at 6 p.m. That will be followed up by Coffee County Central and McMinn County girls at approximately 7:30 p.m.
The two semi-final winners will play in the region championship Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at CHS. The winners will also be guaranteed a spot in the state sectional (a win in the sectional means a trip to the state tournament). The two losing teams in the semi-finals are eliminated from the postseason. (see full bracket at the bottom of this post)
TUESDAY
Tuesday night, March 1, will be the boys semi-final games. Walker Valley and McMinn County boys will play at 6 p.m., followed by Coffee County’s Red Raiders and Franklin County boys at approximately 7:45 p.m.
The two semi-final winners will play in the region championship Thursday night at 7 p.m. at CHS. The winners will also be guaranteed a spot in the state sectional (a win in the sectional means a trip to the state tournament). The two losing teams in the semi-finals are eliminated from the postseason. (see complete bracket at the bottom of this post).
WEDNESDAY
Girls Region 3-4A championship at 7 p.m.
THURSDAY
Boys Region 3-4A championship at 7 p.m.
HOW YOU CAN GET TICKETS
Tickets are available at the gate for each night. Cost is $8 per adult and $4 per students. TSSAA sets the prices. Postseason play means season passes and student renaissance cards are not accepted.
HOW YOU CAN LISTEN
All Coffee County games – girls and boys – will be broadcast live on Thunder Radio just as they have all season long. Tune in at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM or listen on your smartphone with the Manchester Go app or thunder1320.com
HOW YOU CAN WATCH
The Coffee County semi-final games on Monday and Tuesday will be broadcast by the Raider TV class at the high school in partnership with Thunder Radio – thanks to sponsor Al White Ford Lincoln. You can watch the semi-final games through Raider TV Youtube Channel by clicking here. You can also watch the video stream on the Thunder Radio Facebook page.
The Coffee County High School audio visual class produces the video broadcast, while plugging into the audio feed from Thunder Radio’s audio broadcast.
CHS football postpones banquet because of basketball
Coffee County football head coach Doug Greene has announced he is postponing the team’s banquet due to the high school basketball team’s playing in the region tournament this week.
The team was originally scheduled to have its banquet celebrating the 2021 season on Tuesday, March 1. But the Red Raider basketball team will be playing in the Region 3-4A semi-finals against Franklin County that night in Manchester, leading Greene to push it back to an undecided date.
“This is a great problem for us to have,” said Greene. “We want our guys out there supporting the basketball team and hopefully cheering them on to a big win.”
The 2021 Red Raider football team went 5-5 in the regular season before losing to Riverdale in the opening round of the playoffs. It was the most wins in a season since 2007 and another stepping stone after a 4-6 season in 2020.
The upcoming 2022 season will be the 100th year of Coffee County football.
You can hear Coffee County football in the fall on Thunder Radio – 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go app and thunder1320.com.
WRESTLING: Coffee County’s Barlow takes 3rd in state
Coffee County Central High School sophomore Jacob Barlow placed third in the state 152-pound division with a 6-2 win over Nolensville’s Charles McTorry Saturday morning at the Williamson County Expo Center.
Wrestling in the 152-pound class, Barlow won his first two matches of the tournament and was one win shy of reaching the state title match, but lost 4-3 in a tightly contested bout. He bounced back and won an 8-3 decision over Adam Tibitoski of Oakland to move into the third place match.
Barlow, a sophomore, won the sectional round and went on to have the best finish of all CHS wrestlers at this year’s state championships.
Jacob Roaten of Arlington won the state championship in the weight class.
Mother’s Day diaper & wipes drive happening in Tullahoma
The United Way of Highway 55 has teamed up with The Salvation Army and First Baptist Church of Tullahoma to spearhead a Mother’s Day Diaper and Wipes Drive.
The drive is set up to benefit families in need in the Tullahoma area.
You can drop off diapers and wipes through May 8 at the First Baptist church of Tullahoma – 108 E. Grundy Street. Drop off hours are 9am to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.