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Over 5,000 early votes cast at the close of early voting in Coffee County
Final numbers are in for early voting in Coffee County – with 14.3 percent of registered voters having cast their ballots during the 14-day early voting period.
According to Administrator of Elections Andy Farrar, 5,065 total votes were cast during early voting, with 304 voting on the final day of early voting Saturday.
Of these voters, 2,263 were rural county voters, 1,795 were Tullahoma voters and 1,007 were Manchester voters. Statewide, the voter turnout for early voting has been down about 25 % versus the 2018 August election.
If you did not vote early, you may vote at your assigned precinct on Thursday, August 4. Polls will be open on election day until 7 p.m.
Coffee County voters are encouraged to review their sample ballot before they head to the polls. Reviewing your ballot and deciding how you will vote can reduce your time at the polls.
CLICK HERE to see a full sample ballot for the Aug. 4 election.
On election night (Aug. 4), Thunder Radio will broadcast live returns from the Coffee County Election Commission office beginning at 7 p.m. Tune in at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go app and thunder1320.com
Tennessee groceries will be tax free for the entire month of August. Check here for a list of included items
Tennesseans will be able to purchase food and food ingredients without paying sales tax for the entire month of August.
This year’s state budget allocates for the entire month to be exempt from state sales tax at the grocery store. The holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31.
During this period, food and food ingredients may be purchased tax free. Food and food ingredients purchased from a micro market or vending machine remain subject to sales tax.
Food and food ingredients are defined as liquid, concentrated, solid, frozen, dried or dehydrated substances that are sold to be ingested or chewed by humans and are consumed for their taste or nutritional value. Food ingredients do NOT include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, candy, dietary supplements or prepared food.
The most common example of a dealer selling food and food ingredients is a grocery store. Food and food ingredients are those items otherwise taxed at 4% state sales tax plus the applicable local rate.
Local sales tax will still apply.
OTHER SALES TAX HOLIDAYS
Tennessee’s traditional sales tax holiday on clothing, school supplies and computers begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2022
For 2022-2023, the Tennessee General Assembly has approved a sales tax holiday on gun safes and safety devices that begins at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2022 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2023
Manchester, Coffee County Schools return to session Monday
Both the Coffee County and Manchester City School Systems will officially return from summer break on Monday. This means the return of school zones and children walking to school.
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department urges motorists to please use caution, obey school zone lights and speeds, do not drive distracted inside school zones and remember to stop for school buses with an extended stop arm activated.
For Coffee County Schools, Monday will be an abbreviated registration day from 8-10 a.m. There will be no school on Tuesday, and the first full day set for Wednesday, August 3.
There will also be multiple open houses for parents and children to visit the schools, learn their way around and meet teachers and faculty.
COFFEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE – 5-7 p.m. Aug. 1
COFFEE COUNTY RAIDER ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE – 5-7 p.m. Aug. 1
COFFEE MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE – 5-7 p.m. Aug. 2
EAST COFFEE ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – 5-7 p.m. Aug. 1
NORTH COFFEE ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – 5-7 p.m. Aug. 1
HICKERSON ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – 4:30-5:30 p.m. Aug. 1
DEERFIELD ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – 4:30-5:30 p.m. Aug. 1
NEW UNION ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 16
HILLSBORO ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – 4-5:30 p.m. Aug. 1
Meanwhile, for Manchester City Schools, Monday Aug. 1 is also a registration day from 8-9 a.m. for Westwood Elementary, Westwood Middle and College Street Elementary.
COLLEGE STREET ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – Tuesday, Aug. 9
WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY BACK TO SCHOOL BASH – 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 1
WESTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE – 4-6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1
Seasonal unemployment boosts county jobless rate for June
School employees on their yearly summer break were one of the factors that impacted the June 2022 county unemployment rates, according to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). The latest statistics showed, as they typically do in June, jobless numbers increased in each of the state’s 95 counties.
Statewide, unemployment remained unchanged between May and June at 3.3%. The state rate is seasonally adjusted to consider seasonal impacts, like school breaks, while county unemployment data is not adjusted.
In Coffee County, unemployment rate jumped to 4.2 percent in June compared to 3.4 percent in May. But this year’s June rate is 0.8 of a percentage point better than June 2021, when unemployment was at 5 percent.
Across Tennessee, 68 counties had unemployment rates that were less than 5% in June. The remaining 27 counties had rates that came in at 5% or higher but less than 10%.
Williamson County recorded the state’s lowest rate for the month at 2.8%, which was a 0.5 of a percentage point increase. Cheatham and Wilson counties had the next lowest rates at 3.2%, both increased by 0.6 of a percentage point.
Perry County’s rate was Tennessee’s highest in June. At 6.8%, unemployment there increased by 1.3 percentage points during the month. Bledsoe County followed with an increase of 1.6 percentage points to 6.7%.
TDLWD has a complete analysis of the June 2022 county unemployment data, including labor force estimates for many of the state’s cities, which is available here.
There are many paths to employment across the state and TDLWD offers both in-person and online assistance to job seekers. The Department’s www.TNWorkReady.com website puts all of those services in one convenient location. From www.TNVirtualAJC.com, which outlines the programs available, 24/7 on the job seeker’s schedule, to an interactive map that easily identifies where to find the state’s American Job Centers.
Michael “Mikey” Cannon
Michael “Mikey” Cannon, of Estill Springs, TN passed away July 25, 2022, at the age of 35. Funeral Services are scheduled for Monday, August 1, 2022 at 11 AM at Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, July 31, 2022 from 5 – 8 PM.
He is survived by a brother, Brian (Michelle) Cannon of Estill Springs; two daughters, Kinsley Rose Cannon age 6 and Kyleigh Shae Dixon age 10 of Jefferson City, TN; an uncle John (Elaine) Messier of Albuquerque, New Mexico and a host of friends who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lynne M Cannon and Charles William Cannon of Tullahoma, TN.
Michael grew up in Tullahoma where he attended Tullahoma High School. Michael enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, cleaning his car, spending time with his girls and hanging out with friends. Michael had some struggles, but he lived everyday to the fullest and tried to enjoy each day. If you knew Michael you knew he had a heart of Gold and would help anyone at any time. He loved his friends and family and cherished them. He made you laugh and cry all at the same time. He was a jokester and could pull a fast one on you better than anyone. Our family is grateful to know he is finally at peace, and as Mikey would say ROLL TIDE! His famous last words, “Don’t Tell Me What To Do”.
Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Lynne M. Cannon
Lynne M. Cannon, age 67, of Tullahoma passed away July 26, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Funeral Services are scheduled for August 2, 2022 at 10 AM at Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 9 AM until service time. Burial is scheduled for 1 PM at Nashville National Cemetery. Lynne was born June 18, 1955 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is survived by a son, Brian (Michelle) Cannon of Estill Springs, TN; her one and only granddaughter, Kinsley Rose Cannon of Jefferson City, TN; brother, Jon (Elaine) Messier of Albuquerque, New Mexico; nieces and nephew, Jon S., Larissa, Jessica Messier and Jennifer (Mike) Beradino; four grand-nieces and a nephew and a lifelong friend, Stevie LeBlanc from Tullahoma, TN. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Elizabeth Sheeley of Fayetteville TN; husband, Charles William Cannon of Tullahoma, TN; son, Michael Timothy Cannon of Estill Springs TN.
Lynne grew up traveling the world in an Army family. After graduating High School in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, she met and married Charles Cannon in San Clemente, California. Several years later they moved to Tullahoma and soon after she lost her husband, leaving her a widow to raise their two sons, Brian and Michael. They were her pride and joy. She devoted her life to raising her boys attending all sporting events, being involved in all aspects of their lives. She remained in Tullahoma close to her sons until her passing. She was a very hard worker, very conscientious, as well as a good friend. She had a twenty- year career and later retired from the Wal-Mart in Tullahoma, TN where she made many lifelong friends. Lynne loved photography, watching reality shows, antique shopping, picnics, camping. Lynne was a kind and generous soul with a wicked sense of humor.
Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements
Birthdays – July 29
Birthdays:
Christy Tensfield – 46
Diane Mitchell – 68
Jamie Hambrook- Pizza Winner!
Mary Kelly
Weekly Winners:
Cake – Hannah Smartt
Flowers – John & Brittney Cole
Jerry Ray Prater
Mr. Jerry Ray Prater, age 74, of Beechgrove, TN, passed from this life on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at his home.
Mr. Prater was born in Woodbury to his late parents Joe L. Prater and On Nadine Pitts Prater. He worked for Cummins Signs in Murfreesboro for 25 years, then went on to row-cropping soy beans with his brother Lonnie and wife and son and also grew pepper for several years afterwards. After retiring from Cummins, he and his wife started 4-J Chair Shop where they build hand-made rocking chairs, ladder backs and several other types of chairs with the help of son Jr., sister-in-law Pam, and later to be son, Jeffery. Little did they know that their business would thrive for 32+ years. He was a member of the Iconiura Church of Christ. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Laved Duggin and Cathy Crouch; brothers, Lannie Prater and Dwaine Prater.
Mr. Prater is survived by his wife, Joyce Prater; sons, JR (Rhonda) Prater and Jeffery (Heather) Prater; grandchildren, Kiersten Prater, Amelia Prater, Paisley Prater, and Tori Prater.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022, from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Central Funeral Home in Manchester, TN. Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 31, 2022, at 2:00pm from the chapel of Central Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Duncan Cemetery in the Goose Pond Community.
Central Funeral Home is honored to serve the Prater family.
‘Catch Me If You Can’ opens at Manchester Arts Center Aug. 5
The Teen Actors Guild brings the high-flying musical comedy Catch Me If You Can to the stage at the Manchester Arts Center beginning August 5. Based on the hit Leonardo DiCaprio – Tom Hanks movie and the incredible true story, it’s all about chasing your dreams… and not getting caught.
Seeking fame and fortune, precocious teenager Frank Abagnale, Jr., played by Caleb Heath, runs away from home with nothing more than boyish charm, a big imagination, and millions of dollars in forged checks, successfully posing as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer – living the high life until his lies catch the attention of FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tucker Johnson).
Director Travis Lawson’s cast includes Carter Jernigan, Zoe Stinson, Loralei Petty, Aubrey Crosslin, Jackson Eaton, Gianna Afflerbaugh, Talia Dillard, Cassie Douglas, Alyssa Freeze, Eliza Griffey, Jeffery Hale, Jonah Hernandez, Elsie Lazalier, Luis Reyes, Giovanni Salazar, Ta’Nasia Thomas, Abby Troyer, Jaxen Waggoner, Kohen West, and Levi Willow.
Catch Me If You Can runs August 5 – 7 and 12 – 14, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and military, and $10 for students, and are available at millenniumrep.org or by calling 931.570.4489. The 2022 Millennium Repertory Company season is sponsored by Capstar Bank of Manchester.
The MAC is located just off the Manchester square at 128 E. Main St.
Cricket Kemp Scott
Mrs. Cricket Kemp Scott, age 82, of Manchester, TN, passed from this life Thursday, July 28, 2022, in Murfreesboro, TN.
Mrs. Scott was born in Hartsville, TN, but lived most of her life in Rutherford and Coffee County. She was a member of Main Street Church of Christ in Manchester, TN.
Cricket is preceded in death by her parents Genie Edgar Kemp and Lillie B. Loftis and her grandparents, several aunts and one uncle. Also one brother-in-law Donald Hucks, one niece Paula Williams both from Great Falls, Montana.
She is survived by the love of her life Grady S. Scott of 29 years and her much loved son Stephen Michael Melton and wife Tara of Murfreesboro, TN. A sister Ruby Hucks of Great Falls, Montana, two nieces Pattie Harris and Pam Ferguson of Great Falls, Montana.
Cricket worked for JC Penney Co. for 23 1/2 years and SunTrust Bank for 8 years in Murfreesboro, TN. She was dedicated to her work. She was chosen as employee of the month while she was working for SunTrust by the Chamber of Commerce. She loved to sew and decorate for Christmas and was very artistic. She had a great loved for all kinds of music. She and Grady loved to cruise and do land trips, taking 47 cruises and about 100 land trips. She also loved the elderly very much and had many friends in Murfreesboro and Manchester. Grady was her rock, soul mate, and love of her life. They dearly loved each other. They both had the same birthday on April 10 and were inseparable.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 1, 2022, from 11:00am until 2:00pm at Central Funeral Home in Manchester, TN. Funeral services will be conducted immediately following visitation at 2:00pm in the chapel of Central Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Warren County,
Central Funeral Home is honored to serve the Scott family, 931-723-7774, centralfuneralhome.com
