Josh Peterson

A proposal to expand the definition and punishment of unlawful photography in Tennessee will soon begin making its way through House committees.

House Bill 2459 clarifies that unlawful photography includes taking photos or recordings of unclothed intimate areas of a person’s body for the purpose of offending, intimidating, embarrassing or harassing them or for personal sexual arousal or gratification.

“The deliberate invasion of privacy can be humiliating for victims,” said bill sponsor State Rep. Iris Rudder, R-Winchester. “Strengthening this law will serve as a deterrent, but will also allow our justice system to fully punish those who intentionally stalk or harass others in this way.”

The bill clarifies that when an offender uses images for sexual gratification they will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, a penalty that carries a possible sentence of 11 months, 29 days in jail and $2,500 fine. The proposal adds a Class B misdemeanor offense when an image is used for offending, intimidating, embarrassing or harassing a person. That crime carries a penalty of six months and a $500 fine.

Rudder introduced the bill after a teenager in Franklin County was secretly recorded by another student while undressed in a bathroom stall at school. The student shared the video on social media, but could not be criminally charged under current statute.

For more about House Bill 2459, visit here.

Gas prices hit 7 year high; prices soar in Tennessee

Gas prices have reached a seven-year high as tensions between Russia and Ukraine make the oil market even tighter. Since last Monday, gas prices across Tennessee have risen 11 cents, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.26 which is 24 cents more expensive than one month ago and 98 cents more than one year ago.

The gas price in Coffee County is actually above the state average – coming in at $3.28 per gallon of regular unleaded. That is up 18 cents from last week’s price of $3.10. Surrounding counties aren’t faring much better, with averages in Bedford, Franklin, Moore and Rutherford counties at $3.29.

The National Average is $3.48, that is up 4 cents from $3.44 the previous week.

“Domestically, the moderating winter weather and optimism over a potential fading of the omicron variant have led to an increase in gas demand,” Stephanie Milani, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Increased demand domestically, coupled with potential sanctions on Russian oil added to the already-tight global supply of crude oil doesn’t give much hope for relief at the pump anytime soon”

Quick Facts

46% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.25
The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.09 for regular unleaded
The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.53 for regular unleaded

National Gas Prices

The national average price for a gallon of gas rose sharply last week to $3.48, four cents more than a week ago. U.S. oil prices have now increased 22%, so far this year. Seven percent of that increase occurred in the past two weeks. The main culprit behind the recent climb in pump prices remains the high cost of crude oil, which is stubbornly bobbing around $90 per barrel. Moderating winter weather and optimism over a potential fading of the omicron variant have led to an increase in gas demand.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks dropped by 1.6 million bbl to 248.4 million bbl last week. On the other hand, gasoline demand rose from 8.23 million b/d to 9.13 million b/d. A decrease in total stocks and increased demand have contributed to upward pressure on pump prices, but rising crude prices continue to play the dominant role in pushing pump prices higher. Gas prices will likely increase as demand grows and crude oil prices remain above $90 per barrel.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.48, which is 18 cents more than a month ago and 98 cents more than a year ago.

TAX TIPS: What if you owe income tax?

By Rosalyn Partin, H&R Block

Not everyone gets a refund on their tax return. Some taxpayers owe due to not having enough tax paid in throughout the year. This may be by choice or the taxpayer may be surprised or even shocked to learn about the balance due.

Causes of a balance due on your tax return are varied. Some taxpayers just don’t have enough tax withheld from their paycheck throughout the year. Others may have taken distributions from their retirement accounts, have large investment income, or be self-employed. Whatever the reason for the balance due, here are some strategies to make the tax burden a little easier.

Even if your tax return is prepared and filed early, you have until April 18 to pay the tax balance due. By having your tax return prepared early, you can set a game plan to save as much as possible before the tax must be paid. We recommend that you have your tax return prepared as soon as you have gathered all your tax information so you know what the outcome is, and if you have a balance due, you know how much you will need to pay the tax.

If you are financially unable to pay the full amount of tax owed by the due date of the return (April 18 this year), you can make monthly payments through an installment agreement with IRS. While the IRS usually charges a fee to set up an installment agreement, the failure to pay penalty is cut in half. Some installment agreements are simple payment arrangements that you or your tax professional can set up using the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool. Others are more complicated to request and can involve sending IRS proof of your income and assets. In these cases, the IRS can limit your expense to a “reasonable” amount when it is calculating how much you can afford to pay every month. The best type of installment agreement for your situation depends on the amount you owe, how fast you can pay, and your financial circumstances.

Avoid the surprise of finding out too late that you have a balance due. Call now to schedule your appointment at H&R Block. Open Monday through Friday 9am-7pm and Saturday 9am-5pm. As always, we also accept walk-in clients at your convenience.

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!

Marie Parks Alcorn

Marie Parks Alcorn, born November 22, 1930, passed away on Friday, February
11, 2022, at the end of a full and active life. A sixty-three-year
resident of Manchester, Tennessee in the New Union Community, she was an
active member of Goosepond United Methodist Church during seven decades.

Her leadership and contributions to the Manchester community were
consistent. As an accomplished seamstress, Mrs. Alcorn became a business
owner when she established Alcorn Fabrics operating in downtown Manchester
from 1970 to 1981. Following its closure, Mrs. Alcorn transitioned to The
Athletic Shop where she sewed thousands of names and numbers onto jackets
and team jerseys to identify sporting youth and adults. Later, she enjoyed
being amidst children as a Teachers’ Assistant at East Coffee Elementary
School.

She and her late husband, Robert, began their family in Shelbyville,
Tennessee. Upon moving to Manchester, they joined Goosepond United
Methodist Church and were involved in the effort of constructing the
building it still meets in today.

From 1959 to 1962, she along with others in the New Union Community
advocated to obtain a new facility for New Union Elementary School.

Mrs. Alcorn’s most active community engagement came through helping
organize and raise funds for the New Union Fire Department, where she
served as their years-long treasurer.

Her tremendous pride in family was plain to all who heard the stories she
loved to share

of her children, 13 grandchildren, and 27 great grandchildren. Her greatest
joy was found in being present with and hosting family whether in her own
home or in varied locations with extended family.

A prolific gardener, she spent her summers canning pickles and fruits and
putting up vegetables to share with family and friends throughout the year.
For years, those in her sphere enjoyed loaves of sourdough bread that she
baked weekly in her kitchen.

As she slowed in her last few months of life, the family expresses
gratitude to caregivers and staff at McArthur Manor for their steadfast and
unwavering care in providing the assisted setting she chose for her final
years.

The family is grateful to the current nurses, doctors and staff of Unity
Medical Center-Manchester who provided stellar care in her last days
leading to a peaceful departure as the end for her aged body was drawing
nigh.

Mrs. Alcorn was predeceased by her daughter, Beverly Kay Alcorn; parents,
Bert and Katie Sue Parks of Shelbyville; her husband of 53 years, William
Robert Alcorn, Sr., and brother Bill Parks of Shelbyville.

Mrs. Alcorn is survived by six children: William Robert “Bob” Alcorn, Jr.
(Marie) of Knoxville, Dorothy Shelton of Manchester, Rebecca “Becky” Alcorn
Pilkinton Anderson of Franklin, Nancy Alcorn of Brentwood, Barbara Alcorn
Wood (Ron) of Manchester and Susie Alcorn (Darrin Kirkus) of Nashville;
thirteen grandchildren: William Robert “Bo” Alcorn III, Meg Alcorn Grunke
(Aaron), Kimberly Shelton Stiffel (Andy), Jake Shelton, Karen Shelton
Shuford (Nick), Ryan Shelton (Brittany), Melissa Shelton Hand (Jeremy),
Rachel Pilkinton Stovall (John), Jesse Pilkinton (Amanda), Kathryne
Anderson Coonce (John), J Clark Anderson IV (Sasha), Andy Wood, Janet Wood
Galyen (Nick); 27 great grandchildren; siblings Audra Steele (Don), Leroy
Connell Parks (Mary Jane), David Parks (Marie), Joyce McGee (Bobby); and
her multitude of nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to one of the following:
Goosepond United Methodist Church, c/o Anna Arnold, 1494 Lumley Stand Road,
Manchester TN 37355; New Union Fire Department, c/o Mitchell Green, 2455
Old Woodbury Hwy, Manchester TN 37355; or Mercy Multiplied, P.O. Box
111060, Nashville TN 37222.

Coffee County Funeral Home, 786 McMinnville Highway, Manchester, Tennessee,
is handling arrangements. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 15 from 11
a.m.-1 p.m. Central followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. Burial will
follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.

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Proposed would strengthen unlawful photography law in Tennessee

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Marie Parks Alcorn