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CHS basketball to host second kids camp this summer
Due to high demand, Coffee County basketball coaches Joe Pat Cope and Andrew Taylor will be hosting one more kids basketball camp this summer.
Any children entering grades K-8 are welcome to attend camp July 20-21 from 1-3 p.m. each day at the Coffee County Central Gymnasium (100 Red Raider Dr.).
Cost is $40 per camper with a $10 siblings discount and a $10 discount for campers who attended the June camp.
In order to guarantee a shirt that fits, pre-registration is a must. Pre-registration is available from 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 16 at the CHS gym.
Tuesday is deadline to submit questions for Thunder Radio political forum
Thunder Radio political forum for the upcoming August General Election will be held on Thursday, July 14th.
In a format similar to past years, Thunder Radio will welcome candidates involved in contested races. Some races will include a debate-style format, while others will include candidate speeches.
The schedule for the evening is as follows:
6:00-6:08 p.m. – Candidates for Road Superintendent
6:12 – 6:37 – Candidates for Coffee County Mayor*
6:45-6:53 – Candidates for County Clerk
6:57 – 7:33 – Candidates for Coffee County Sheriff*
7:37 – 8:10 – Candidates for Manchester Alderman
(*Indicates debate-style format. Questions welcome to be submitted to josh.peterson.wmsr@gmail.com. Candidates in other races listed will have 4 minutes of open microphone time. )
The event will be held from 6-8:10 p.m. Thursday, July 14 at “The Church at 117” – an event facility located in downtown Manchester. Early voting for the August 4 election begins on July 15 and runs through July 30. The Thunder Radio political forum is open and free for anyone to attend. It will also be broadcast on Thunder Radio: 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go app, thunder1320.com and video provided on Thunder Radio Facebook (click here to follow).
Multiple races will be contested in the August election, including Coffee County Sheriff, Coffee County Mayor, Coffee County Clerk and Coffee County Road Superintendent. There will be other various commission seats for grabs, as well as 8 candidates for aldermen seeking 3 open seats. See complete sample ballot by clicking here.
Anyone with questions should direct them to Josh Peterson at josh.peterson.wmsr@gmail.com. Deadline to submit questions is 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 12.
Tennessee raises child care assistance by 20%
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is announcing new actions to support child care providers and parents. On July 1, 2022, TDHS increased child care payment assistance reimbursement rates by 20% across all categories of care in the Child Care Certificate Program. Beginning August 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, TDHS also will waive co-pay costs for families currently participating in the State’s child care payment assistance programs. The Department initiated these changes in direct response to rising costs faced by families and child care providers.
“Our Child Care Services team works hard to maintain an understanding of the needs of child care providers and families, and recognized parents and providers feel the impact of the current economy,” said Clarence H. Carter, TDHS Commissioner. “It is important that we do our part to help ensure Tennessee families have sustainable access to affordable care for their children so they can work and pursue education. It’s equally important that providers have the resources they need to provide safe, quality care.”
Under the Child Care Certificate program, the state pays a reimbursement rate directly to child care providers on behalf of families who are enrolled and meet the income and work or education requirements of the program. This increase to the reimbursement rate will save participating families money by reducing the portion they have to pay to cover tuition expenses.
In addition to the increased reimbursement rate, from August 1 – December 31, 2022 the state will waive the co-pay fees paid by parents participating in the Child Care Certificate Program. This means providers will be paid at the full established State Reimbursement Rate. Parents are encouraged to reach out to their child care provider to understand how these changes impact them, as well as any potential cost difference payment responsibility.
These investments are the latest in a series of moves to support and expand access to child care in Tennessee that is safe, healthy, and educationally rich. In recent years TDHS has offered Enhancement and Stabilization grants, established a WAGE$ program to raise salaries, and is taking action to modernize child care licensing.
TN Gas prices fall another 13 cents
For the fourth week in a row, Tennessee saw a decline in its state gas price average. Since last Monday gas prices fell, on average, 13 cents across the state. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.28 which is 35 cents less expensive than one month ago and $1.40 more than one year ago.
Gas prices in Coffee County remain slightly above the state average, coming in at $4.30 per gallon. The cheapest gas nearby can be found in Bedford and Moore counties at an average of $4.02.
“We are now headed into the fourth straight week of declines for gas prices in Tennessee, which is providing a much needed break at the pump for drivers, ” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Despite a slight rise in gasoline demand over the Independence Day holiday – which would typically push prices more expensive – we are still seeing prices at the pump continue to drop thanks to falling crude oil prices. Barring any sudden rebound in the price of crude oil, it’s likely that we will continue to see falling prices at the gas pump again this week.”
Quick Facts
- 44% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.25
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $4.67 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.95 for regular unleaded
- Tennessee is the 8th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
Pump prices declined again, falling another 12 cents since last week to $4.67. The dip in the national average for a gallon of gas occurred despite a slight rise in demand, likely due to robust July 4th holiday automobile travel. AAA forecasted that 42 million people would hit the roads for the holiday weekend, a new record.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased from 8.92 million b/d to 9.41 million b/d ahead of the 4th of July holiday, while total domestic gas stocks decreased by 2.5 million bbl. Typically, these supply/demand trends would put upward pressure on pump prices; however, falling oil prices have contributed to lower pump prices.
Today’s national average of $4.67 is 32 cents less than a month ago and $1.53 more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $2.06 to settle at $104.79. Although the price of crude rose at the end of the week due to increased market optimism as markets rebounded, the price was still down nearly $4 per barrel from the previous week. For this week, crude prices could continue to face strong headwinds if the market remains concerned that a potential recession will reduce demand for crude. If demand declines, crude prices will likely follow suit. Additionally, EIA reported that total domestic crude stocks increased by 8.2 million bbl to 423.8 million bbl, which is nearly 22 million bbl lower than the storage level one year ago.
Manchester water department performing semi-annual flushing this week
In an effort to improve quality of water in the distribution system, the Manchester Water and Sewer Department has announced it will be performing its semi-annual cannon flushing of fire hydrants.
System-wide flushing will take place Monday through Friday during the weeks of July 11 and July 18 during the hours of midnight to 5:30 a.m.
During this event, water customers may experience low pressure and discoloration of water. Water customers are advised not to wash clothes during this period of time.
The Manchester Water Department regrets any inconvenience that may result from the flushing procedure.
This effort is being made in order to maintain and improve the quality of water in the system. For emergencies during this time, call 931-723-8662.
Thunder Radio political forum is Thursday. Deadline to submit questions is 5 pm Tuesday
Thunder Radio political forum for the upcoming August General Election will be held on Thursday, July 14th.
In a format similar to past years, Thunder Radio will welcome candidates involved in contested races. Some races will include a debate-style format, while others will include candidate speeches.
The schedule for the evening is as follows:
6:00-6:08 p.m. – Candidates for Road Superintendent
6:12 – 6:37 – Candidates for Coffee County Mayor*
6:45-6:53 – Candidates for County Clerk
6:57 – 7:33 – Candidates for Coffee County Sheriff*
7:37 – 8:10 – Candidates for Manchester Alderman
(*Indicates debate-style format. Questions welcome to be submitted to josh.peterson.wmsr@gmail.com. Candidates in other races listed will have 4 minutes of open microphone time. )
The event will be held from 6-8:10 p.m. Thursday, July 14 at “The Church at 117” – an event facility located in downtown Manchester. Early voting for the August 4 election begins on July 15 and runs through July 30. The Thunder Radio political forum is open and free for anyone to attend. It will also be broadcast on Thunder Radio: 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go app, thunder1320.com and video provided on Thunder Radio Facebook (click here to follow).
Multiple races will be contested in the August election, including Coffee County Sheriff, Coffee County Mayor, Coffee County Clerk and Coffee County Road Superintendent. There will be other various commission seats for grabs, as well as 8 candidates for aldermen seeking 3 open seats. See complete sample ballot by clicking here.
Anyone with questions should direct them to Josh Peterson at josh.peterson.wmsr@gmail.com. Deadline to submit questions is 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 12.
Early voting for August election starts Friday, July 15
Local elections and state primaries will culminate on election day on August 4. Early voting begins Friday, July 15 and will end on July 30th.
The August 4th election will include County General Election, Manchester municipal along with the state and federal primary elections.
Races of note
A few winners from the May 3 primary will square off against Independent candidates in August who were not on the May 3 ballot; while others will be Republican and Democratic winners from May 3 facing each other. Some winners from May 3 are unopposed and a lock for winning in August.
Republican candidate for Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny, who ran unopposed in the primary, will face off against Independent candidate Margaret Cunningham in August for the county’s top seat.
Coffee County Sheriff Chad Partin, who defeated challenger Alethia Rawn in the May 3 primary will face two challengers. Independent candidates Brandon Tomberlin and Danny Ferrell will each be seeking the highest law enforcement spot in the county – you will see all three on the ballot with the option to select one.
Longtime County Clerk Teresa McFadden (I) will be challenged by Republican Melissa Anderson (R) in August.
Road Superintendent Benton Bartlett beat Republican challenger Scott Hansert in the May 3 primary and will now face Democratic primary winner Ronnie Watts, who ran unopposed in May.
There are a couple of Coffee County Commission seats that will see challenges in August. In District 2, Republican primary winners Joey Hobbs and Claude Morse will face Democratic primary winner Mike Stein. The top two vote-getters will serve as commissioners.
In District 5, Republican primary winners Missy Deford and Tim Morris will face off against Democratic primary winner Bonnie Gamble. The top two vote-getters will serve as commissioners.
And in District 7, Republican primary winner Tina Reed will face Democratic candidates Rosemary Crabtree and Jackie Duncan. The top two vote-getters will serve as commissioners.
Also coming up in August will be City of Manchester Mayor and Aldermen elections. City Mayor Marilyn Howard will be running unopposed.
Three Manchester alderman seats will expire in August. Aldermen Bill Nickels, Mark Messick and Roxanne Patton will all see their terms expire in August. Only Messick is seeking re-election.
Eight candidates have filed petitions to run for Manchester alderman – they include Messick, Julie Anderson, David Bradley, Helen Debellis, Joey Hobbs, Claude Morse, Donny Parsley and James Threet.
Also, alderman Chris Elam has resigned his spot with two years remaining on his term. Therefore, the aldermanic candidate receiving the fourth most votes will take Elam’s spot and serve the remainder of his term.
CLICK HERE to see a full sample ballot for the Aug. 4 election.
Manchester, Coffee County school boards each meet this week. County commission to meet Tuesday
The Manchester Board of Education and Coffee County Board of Education will each have regularly scheduled board meetings this week, along with the Coffee County Commission. Full details and agendas below:
MANCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING – BOARD ROOM (215 E. Fort St.)
JULY 11, 2022– 5:00 P. M.
- MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
1.1 Recognition of Visitors
1.2 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
1.3 Intent to Address the Board - APPROVAL OF CONSENT ITEMS
2.1 Minutes – June 20, 2022
2.2 Additions/Deletions and Acceptance of Agenda
2.3 2022-2023 SY Agreement for Special Education Services - BOARD/DIRECTOR DISCUSSION
3.1 Update on ESSER Funds
3.2 Second and Final Reading – 2.806 Bids and Quotations - COMMUNICATION TO THE BOARD
MEA
Finance
Principals
Administrators/Directors
Director of Schools Report - PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
- FUTURE MEETING
The next Board meeting will be scheduled for August 8, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
Dates of Interest
July 21-24 Summer Law Institute & School Bd Retreat Gatlinburg, TN
July 26-28, 2022 Teacher In-service - ADJOURNMENT
COFFEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING AGENDA
COFFEE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
1343 McArthur Street / Manchester, Tennessee 37355
SUBJECT: Regular Board Meeting
DATE: July 11, 2022
TIME: 4:30 p.m.
PLACE: Coffee County Board of Education
Pledge of Allegiance
CCCHS Classroom Addition and Restroom Renovations Update – OLG (Oliver Little Gipson
Engineering, Inc.)
Spring 2022 Testing Data – Dr. Blessing
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
II. Call for Intent
III. General Consent Items
(*If no objections, the following items will be considered passed when the agenda is passed.)
- Minutes from June 13, 2022 Board Meeting
IV. Action Items
- Policy 4.600, Grading System / First and Final Reading
- Budget Update
V. Items for Discussion
VI. Committee Reports
VII. Student Ambassador Report
VIII. Director’s Report - ESSER Update
COFFEE COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022. FULL AGENDA BELOW:
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
COFFEE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE PLAZA. 1329 McArthur Street.
July 12, 2022 @ 6:00 p.m.
A G E N D A
REVISED
- Sheriff Proclaims Commission Open for Business
- Invocation
- Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
- Roll Call
- Approve agenda.
- Public Comments
- Review and approval of the minutes of previous meeting.
- Resolution of Memorial, Sympathy and Commendation
- Elections, Appointments and Confirmations
a. Notaries - Unfinished Business
- New Business
a. Discussion of the Sale of the Museum Property
b. Proposal to use $500,000 of ARP funds as seed money for a new Animal Control
Building with the stipulation that construction of the building begin within 18
months.
*Report of standing committee and action thereon by the commission.
*Report of special committees and action thereon by the commission. - Statements & Announcements
- Adjournment
Manchester VFW receives national honors
PRESS RELEASE
Since the Veterans of Foreign Wars was established in Tennessee in 1930, no other Tennessee Post has ever earned the coveted All-American Post designation three years in a row. Now. Manchester’s Old Stone Fort Memorial VFW Post 10904 has been awarded the VFW National All-American Post Award for the fourth consecutive year, as well as the VFW Tennessee All-State Post Award for the fifth consecutive year.
The VFW All-American Post Award goes to top-performing VFW Posts globally to recognize those Posts achieving the highest standards. These include providing support for veterans, their families, and the communities they serve. They are considered the very “best of the best”. There are approximately 5,900 VFW Posts worldwide, and 89 Posts in Tennessee.
The public is invited to help celebrate this hallmark achievement on August 13 from 10 am to 4 pm. An “All-American Celebration” will be held at the Coffee County Veterans Building, 130 Shelton Road in Manchester. This will be an open house event with food, fun, music and more. Details to follow.
VFW 10904 Post Commander, retired Navy Chief Kimberly King, announced the award to Post members, adding, “this year (VFW) National set the bar very high for the All-American award and you all did an excellent job. This past fiscal year, our Post won the VFW National Award of Merit; the Department of Tennessee Community Service Award; the VFW Department of Tennessee All-State Award (5th year); and now the VFW National All-American award (4th year).”
For more information and to stay current on the latest local VFW news, visit our Facebook page and website at www.vfwpost10904.com
FOOTBALL: Raiders hit the road this week for pair of 7 on 7 games
The TSSAA mandated dead period for athletics ends on Monday (July 11) and the Coffee County Central football team will be very busy this week getting ready for the upcoming season.
The Raiders will hit the road on Tuesday (July 12) for an early 7-on-7 passing session at Ooltewah High School that will begin at 8 a.m. Central Time.
Thursday (July 14th), the Raiders will travel to Red Bank for a 5:30 p.m. central start in more 7 on 7 action. The first week of practice in full pads begins on July 25th.
The Raiders kickoff the regular season Aug. 19 when Franklin County comes to town. This will be the 100th year of Red Raider football in Manchester. Since 1957, Red Raider football can be heard all season long on Thunder Radio – 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, Manchester Go app and thunder1320.com. Friday Night Thunder pregame show begins every week at 6 p.m.
IMPORTANT DATES UPCOMING FOR RAIDER FOOTBALL
July 12 – 7 on 7 at Ooltewah
July 14 – 7 on 7 at Red Bank
July 23 – Stadium cleanup
July 25 – first official day of practice
July 29 – Scrimmage at La Vergne
July 30 – Picture Day
Aug 5 – HOME scrimmage vs. Marshall County
Aug. 10 – scrimmage AT Tyner
Aug. 17 – The Doug Greene Coaches Show. 7 p.m. on Thunder Radio LIVE from Praters BBQ (Built by Gilley Construction)
Aug. 19 – KICKOFF. Franklin County at Coffee County. Pregame Friday Night Thunder Show at 6 p.m.. Listen at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go app.