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PREP SPORTS SCHEDULE: Tuesday, Sept. 14
Below is the local prep sports schedule for Tuesday, Sept. 14.
| Tuesday | 9/14/21 | 7:00 PM | CHS | Soccer | Franklin County ** | Home |
| Tuesday | 9/14/21 | 5:30 PM | CMS | Soccer | Harris | Home |
| Tuesday | 9/14/21 | 6:30 PM | CHS | Volleyball | Lincoln County* | Away |
| Tuesday | 9/14/21 | 6 p.m. | CMS | Volleyball | South Franklin | Home |
Tennessee now 8th lowest price in nation for gasoline
The Tennessee gas price average declined slightly over last week, falling nearly two cents, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.89 which is nearly a penny more expensive than one month ago and 95 cents more than one year ago.
The average price per gallon in Coffee County is $2.90 per gallon, which is a penny higher than the state average and 27 cents below the national average of $3.17. The lowest-priced nearby gas can be found in Bedford County, where the average price is $2.77.
“Timing is everything, and while supplies have tightened due to the slow recovery after Hurricane Ida, this is also the point when gas demand starts its seasonal decline,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While there may be some price fluctuation, we expect most motorists to see stability at the pump.”
Quick Facts
· 91% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.70 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.17 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee moved to the 8th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
With the height of summer in the rearview mirror, motorists are seeing some relief at the pump, as the national gas price average dropped by a penny on the week to $3.17. However, the recovery from Hurricane Ida remains slow, with the latest U.S. data showing just under half of the U.S. offshore oil production in the Gulf still idle after companies shuttered production ahead of the storm.
Meanwhile, refinery utilization is down almost 10%, causing gasoline stock levels to fall by 7.2 million bbl to 220 million bbl, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Stock levels are likely to remain tight until Ida-affected refineries resume normal operations. While refineries are reporting progress towards restarting, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) said it would release an additional 1.5 million bbl of crude oil held at the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to help ease tightened supplies brought by Hurricane Ida. This is the second such release, and the DOE said the SPR has now released a total of 3.3 million bbl of crude oil in response to the storm.
The constraint on stocks would typically lead to higher prices, but it has been offset by decreased demand going into the fall. In the week ahead, pump prices may be impacted by Tropical Storm Nicholas, which is expected to bring heavy rains and a storm surge to the Texas coast this week. If the tropical storm puts additional refineries offline, we are likely to see prices increase.
Today’s national average of $3.17 is a penny less than a month ago but is 98 cents more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $1.58 to settle at $69.72. Crude prices remain elevated as approximately 48% of crude oil production in the Gulf Coast region is shuttered due to Hurricane Ida, according to the federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. As production gradually returns to normal operations, crude prices should stabilize as supply increases. Additionally, crude saw jumps last week after the EIA reported that total domestic crude inventories decreased by 1.5 million to 423.9 million bbl.
Tennessee kicks off ‘TN Working Week’
Monday, September 13, 2021, marked the start of Keep TN Working Week across the state. In conjunction with National Workforce Development Month, Tennessee is highlighting this week to focus on the hiring momentum across the state that is putting Tennesseans back into the workforce. Keep TN Working Week emphasizes the number of employers in the state actively searching for new employees.
Keep TN Working Week will include nearly two dozen job fairs in areas across each grand division of the state. These events will help to connect Tennesseans with the skills and opportunities necessary to secure meaningful employment. More than 50 job fairs are scheduled across Tennessee throughout September.
In addition to the highlighted job fairs, listed below, there are more than two dozen other events taking place this week across the state. You can find more information about those events here (https://www.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=166478db53c066a7d114ea462&id=48590f006e&e=29851e7b63) .
* September 13 – Breakthrough Knoxville , 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
* September 14 – Wilson County Career Expo, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
* September 15 – Chattanooga American Job Center, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
* September 16 – Blount County Library, 10 a.m. – noon
* September 16 – Washington County Chamber – Virtual, 9 – 11 a.m. & 2 – 4 p.m.
* September 16 – West Tennessee Employers – Virtual, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
* September 17 – KCDC Knoxville , 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Coffee County government evaluating redistricting plans; due at end of year
With latest Census data now available and significant growth evident in Coffee County, government officials are now in the process of evaluating Coffee County Commission Districts.
Redistricting plans for all 95 Tennessee counties must be adopted by January 1, 2022.
Currently, there are 21 County Commission Districts with 1 commissioner per district in the county government. Districts 2, 3 and 4 (Manchester area districts) are currently showing as overpopulated versus the ideal population , according to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury (TCT). District 3 is currently about 19.1 percent overpopulated, according to TCT.
Coffee County Mayor Gary Cordell said the county re-districting committee’s next meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15 in the commission meeting room at the Coffee County Administrative Plaza.
“We are looking at a few different models,” explained Cordell. “We may be going from 21 districts down to 7 and then have 2 or 3 commissioners per district. That is one option. When I spoke with CTAS (County Technical Advisory Service), we have the highest number of commissioners in our 12 country area.”
“In Hickman County, they have 7 districts and they had three commissioners per district but they switched to two per precinct.”
High-Impact Practices Make a Difference for TN’s Community-College Students
By Nadia Ramligan, TN Public News Service
As the pandemic continues to pose challenges for college students across the state, research by the Lumina Foundation shows that a set of more engaged and active teaching and learning approaches – called high-impact practices – implemented at 13 Tennessee community colleges benefit students.
Heidi Leming is Vice Chancellor for Student Success at the Tennessee Board of Regents. She said the extra supports help ensure students stay on their degree track.
“Students who participate in high-impact practices not only are earning higher GPAs,” said Leming, “but they’re persisting at higher rates because they’re again more engaged with faculty and the institutions and their learning.”
Leming said Columbia University’s Community College Research Center found Tennessee’s community colleges are the furthest along in implementing these reforms of any community college system in the nation.
Leming said one of the most common high-impact practices colleges have relied on are first-year seminars.
“And many of our institutions require students to take this course, which teaches them effective learning strategies,” said Leming. “How the college operates, resources that can assist them – whether it’s tutoring or counseling – other wrap around supports.”
She added that in addition to high-impact practices, colleges have increased coaching and developed guided pathways to help students navigate coursework toward degrees based on their academic or career interests.
“And making the connection of what’s being taught to real-life experiences, they see the purpose of being there,” said Leming. “So that motivates them to keep moving forward to the next course that they need to take to complete.”
More Tennessee students enroll in community colleges than any other public and private college and university sector in the state.
In fall of 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, 54% of Tennessee public high-school graduates heading to a public higher-education institution enrolled in a community or technical college.
Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.
TAX TIPS TUESDAY — YOUR TIME TO FILE IS ALMOST UP!
If you filed for an extension of time to file your 2020 Individual Income Tax Return, you have one month left. To be timely filed, your tax return must be filed on or before October 15, 2021.
It is recommended that you gather your income and deduction documents for 2020 as soon as possible and get them to your tax preparer so there’s time to get the return done before the October 15 due date. Frequently tax professionals find that they don’t have all the information they need to complete the return and the taxpayer must search for the documents that are missing or ask for reissued documents. Usually it takes time to get missing documents, so allow yourself plenty of time in case you find you are missing important information.
If you wait until after your extended due date of October 15 to file, you will be subject to the late filing penalty which can be substantial.
If you need to file your 2020 Income Tax Return, please call your local H&R Block office. In Manchester TN call 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
VOLLEYBALL: Lady Raiders 1-3 at weekend tournament
The Lady Raider volleyball team struggled to a 1-3 record over the weekend at the Rocky Top Classic in east Tennessee.
Montgomery County 2, Coffee County 0 (22-25, 18-25)
Coffee County was led in digs and kills by Kiya Ferrell with 13 and 10, respectively. Lauren Brandt pitched in 3 service aces and 10 assists.
Prestonburg, Ky 0, Coffee County 2 (25-18, 25-18)
Ryleigh McInnis and Kiya Ferrell each served up four aces in the win over Prestonburg.
Westminster 2, Coffee County 1
Lauren Brandt had 4 service aces in the loss.
Eagleville 2, Coffee County 0 (15-25, 20-25)
CHS fell short to Eagleville despite 7 digs from Kiya Ferrell and 5 apiece from Maddy Sussen and Lauren Brandt.
The Lady Raiders return to district play when they travel to Lincoln County on Tuesday, Sept. 14.
THREE-PEAT! Lady Raider soccer drops Tullahoma in PKs, retains Coffee Cup for third straight year
It came down to penalty kicks between Coffee County Central and Tullahoma soccer Saturday night.
And the Lady Raiders came through.
Coffee County was good on four penalty kicks and senior CHS keeper Lucy Riddle rejected two Tullahoma attempts to give the Lady Raiders a 5-3 win. It is the third straight Coffee Cup victory for Coffee County soccer over Tullahoma.
With the scored tied 1-1 after regulation, Coffee County’s Diana Ramirez, Katie Cotten, Jayda Wright and Jorga Waggoner all made good on their penalty kicks. Meanwhile, Tullahoma was only able to get two into the net thanks to the stifling work of senior goalkeeper Lucy Riddle.
The score was tied 1-1 after both teams picked up goals in the first half. Tullahoma took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Amy Johnson. But the Lady Raiders answered after Cotten was fouled and drilled a penalty kick to knot the score at 1-1.
THIS MATCH WAS BROADCAST BY THUNDER RADIO. CLICK HERE TO CATCH THE REPLAY OF THE BROADCAST.
Alethia Smartt-Rawn announces bid for Coffee County sheriff
Coffee County Sheriff’s Department deputy and current school resource officer Alethia Smartt-Rawn is announcing her candidacy for Coffee County Sheriff.
Rawn’s announcement to run as a Republican will mean a primary challenger for incumbent sheriff Chad Partin, who intends to seek re-election. Primary for the 2022 election will be in the spring, with election in August.
Below is the full announcement from Alethia Smart-Rawn:
“Coffee County Sheriff’s Department Deputy and SRO Alethia Smartt-Rawn announces her candidacy
for Sheriff of Coffee County to be held in 2022. A conservative veteran patriot, Rawn is a 1999 Coffee
County Central High School graduate. She began her Law Enforcement career as a 911 dispatcher for
Coffee County. Enlisting in the ARMY National Guard in 2001 as a Military Police Officer, Rawn
participated in Annual Trainings held in Vicenza, Italy as well as Border Patrol training in Yuma, Arizona.
As a single parent, she enrolled in Cleveland State Community College Law Enforcement Training
Academy, graduating 7th in her class. Rawn’s unparalleled work ethic earned her the Personal
Development Award from Cleveland State. After graduation, Rawn worked as a Corrections Officer at
Coffee County Sheriff’s Department. She served on the SRT (Special Response Team) Team while in
corrections until hired by the Tullahoma Police Department.
“Rawn was hired at Bedford County Sheriff’s Department where she became a School Resource Officer at Shelbyville Central High School in 2013. While at Shelbyville Central, she mentored over 3,000 students. She was recognized and awarded the highest designation in the state for an SRO, the President’s Award by the TN School Resource Officers Association. Rawn earned the title by disarming a student in a full classroom who was in possession of a loaded .22 pistol and other items. Rawn began the Community Service Program at SCHS. First time juvenile offenders, who completely and successfully finished their hours, retired their charges.. Rawn was recruited to come home to Coffee County Sheriff’s Department to be one of the SRO’s for Coffee County Schools. She was placed at North Coffee Elementary in 2018 under current Sheriff Chad Partin. Rawn was given the opportunity to attend Moore County’s SWAT School in September of 2019, making her the first female Deputy of the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department to be put through and successfully complete the training.
“This date, September 11th, the Anniversary of the worst terror attack on U.S. soil, will forever be
engraved in our minds. I remember when patriotism swept throughout our nation like an enveloping
breeze. A true patriot, my heart hurts and I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER! I pray for our Military and
First Responders daily. I am grateful and humbled by the opportunity to serve the citizens of Coffee
County. Given the opportunity, I commit to show you, the citizens of Coffee County, my strength in the
midst of adversity, my compassion for others, my desire to excel at my job duties to the greatest extent
and the ability to grow along with the needs of this community. There is no “I” in team and together I
know we can work to make Coffee County a more desirable destination for citizens, visitors, and
businesses. It’s the Right Time for bold leadership and I am the Right Choice for the position. With your
support, we can make history together. I am excited about my first meet and greet opportunity at the
Patriot Rally held by the Republican Party on Monday September 13, at the FOP Lodge @ 6:00 pm. Stay
tuned for future announcements regarding upcoming fundraisers to benefit the Committee to Elect Sheriff
Rawn. You can find me on Facebook @ Alethia for Sheriff”
Unity Medical Center encourages COVID-19 vaccinations
Unity Medical Center in Manchester has issued a statement advocating for public education on the topic of COVID-19 vaccination. The full statement is below:
“As medical facilities across the state are left in the wake of the second wave of COVID-19 infections there has been an extreme uptick in COVID related hospitalizations. As these infection rates rise statewide vaccination rates have not risen to meet the challenge. Almost all new COVID-19 hospitalization cases are individuals who have not been vaccinated.
“The new Delta variant is rapidly sweeping through the population and has generated critical levels of strain for local medical care facilities. Tennessee is currently sitting at a vaccination rate of 50.7% of individuals with at least one initial dose, but only 42.8% of individuals are fully vaccinated. Within the coffee county area, the same statistics lie at 42.8% and 35.2% respectively. The need for vaccination has become unparalleled as healthcare facilities and their staff have become burnt-out and grapple with a lack of available resources.
“The Unity Medical Center family is devoted to educating the public on the advantages and importance of being vaccinated against COVID-19. As a facility dedicated to the betterment of our community, we encourage individuals to understand the severity of our current situation and recommend that vaccination be done as soon as possible. The facility has seen a major increase in COVID-19 related admissions. Nearly all new admissions are unvaccinated individuals. We must stress the importance of being vaccinated for the safety of our community, for individuals, and for their families. “