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Two more opportunities to win Bonnaroo bands
We have two opportunities coming up for you to WIN TICKETS to Bonnaroo 2021!
Friday, Thunder Radio will be LIVE AND ON LOCATION at Payless Auto in Tullahoma from 3-5! Stop by and see us to register to win those tickets and other great prizes! Also, Saturday at Interstate Liquors at 20 expressway drive in Manchester there will be a free tasting AND you can register to win those tickets between 11-1! You can even register at BOTH places! These are our final two Bonnaroo ticket giveaways of the summer!
Coffee County Government offices to remain open
Coffee County Government offices were slated to be closed on Aug. 13 for electric work – however, that will no longer be the case.
Mayor Gary Cordell’s office announced that “Due to unforeseen circumstances with Duck River Electric, the resetting of the meters has been postponed and the offices at the Coffee County Administrative Plaza will be open regular hours on Friday, August 13.”
Thunder Radio will announce when that work will be rescheduled.
Becky Buller joins the Coffee County CAC’s quest to end child abuse
Fiddler, singer, songwriter Becky Buller, who has earned 10 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards, has joined the Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center’s quest to end child abuse. She is also the first artist ever to win in both instrumental and vocal categories, as well as the first female to win Fiddle Player of the Year.
“I grew up in Minnesota, but my husband, Jeff Haley, grew up here, and Manchester, Tennessee, became my adopted hometown just over 12 years ago,” Buller said.
“Through my songs I like to tell stories and reach people’s hearts, stir their emotions and make them smile. I’d like to use my voice today to talk about something that’s near and dear to my heart: children. I want to use my voice to help end child abuse.”
The Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center served 350 children victims of severe child abuse in 2020.
“The greatest challenge to battling child abuse is lack of awareness,” Buller said.
“Community members can help prevent child abuse by learning the red flags, recognizing child abuse and responding appropriately to signs of child abuse. Using my voice today, I have joined the advocacy center’s quest. Together, we can end child abuse.”
Executive Director of Coffee County CAC Joyce Prusak expressed appreciation.
“Not only is Becky Buller a talented, internationally recognized musician but she is a loved and respected member of our community,” Prusak said. “Her support means so much and will help us reach more people and raise awareness of child abuse. Child sexual and physical abuse is a growing problem in our community. But we can end child abuse with the help of the community. Becky Buller’s involvement just proves that our community is ready to battle the issue. We are so thankful.”
Visit coffeecountycac.org and follow Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center on social media to learn more about child abuse prevention.
Email elena@coffeecountycac.org to schedule a free child abuse prevention training session.
You can watch the video here: http://www.coffeecountycac.org/post/becky-buller-joins-our-quest-to-end-child-abuse.
FOOTBALL: Raiders finish preseason with strong showing over Tyner
The Central High School Red Raider football team now turns its attention to Franklin County.
The Raiders wrapped up the preseason schedule with a home scrimmage against Tyner Tuesday night at Carden-Jarrell Field. CHS ended the night ahead 35-14 on the scoreboard. The game was tied 14-14 at the half with both teams playing mostly second and third teamers for the final two quarters.
The Raiders led early on a tough, short touchdown run from junior tailback Konor Heaton – who also bulled his way into the end zone midway through the second quarter to finish with a pair of touchdowns in the first half.
Coffee County had a shot at a 35-yard field goal to end the first half with the lead after a forced fumble and recovery by Derrick Scott in the backfield. But Ian Welden’s attempt was blocked. Welden was 2-for-2 on extra points.
After the blocked field goal, Scott pressured the Tyner quarterback into throwing an interception to Raider linebacker Brendan Sheppard to close the half.
Coffee Count’s depth flexed on Tyner in the second half. Tristin Galy rumbled in from 5 yards out and Kendall James got in on the action with a touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Freshman Jayden Carter got in on the action to close the scoring, rumbling 25-yard and running over multiple Rams on his way into the end zone.
Sophomore Elijah McCoy was 3-for-3 in extra points in the second half.
The Raiders now turn their attention to the season opener – August 20th at Franklin County. The Raiders’ first home game will be Aug. 27 when Tullahoma comes to town.
You can hear the Red Raiders all season long on Thunder Radio – your home for Coffee County football for over 60 years. Catch the Red Raiders every Friday, beginning with the Friday Night Thunder Pregame show at 6 p.m. for unmatched content, interviews and analysis of Coffee County football. Hear Thunder Radio at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, on your phone with the Manchester Go app and at thunder1320.com.
Important dates
WEDNESDAYS: The Coach Doug Greene Show. Heard exclusively on Thunder Radio every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. live from Praters BBQ. Show begins on Wednesday, Aug. 18.
FRIDAYS: High School football begins on Aug. 20. See the full schedule below.
Aug. 20 AT Franklin County – 7 p.m.
Aug.. 27 vs. Tullahoma – 7 p.m.
Sept. 3 AT Shelbyville * 7 p.m.
Sept. 10 vs. Page – 7 p.m.
Sept. 17 AT Lebanon* 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 – AT Spring Hill – 7 p.m.
Oct. 1 – vs. Warren Co.* – 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 – OPEN
Oct. 15 – vs. Cookeville – 7 p.m.
Oct. 22 – vs. Rockvale – 7 p.m.
Oct. 29 AT Rhea County – 6:30 p.m.
An * denotes region game.
Bold games at home.
Tristin Galy 
Konor Heaton 
Derrick Scott
Jahlin Osbourne 
Nate Luttrell 
Kelby Walker and Konor Heaton
FOOTBALL: Coffee Middle opens season with blowout road win over West Wilson
Coffee County Middle School’s Red Raider football team went on the road and took care of business Tuesday night in the season opener.
Red Raider quarterback Caiden Martin accounted for five touchdowns and the Raiders cruised to a 35-7 win over West Wilson.
It was a big night for Martin, who put the Raiders up 7-0 early in the first quarter when he broke loose for a 70-yard touchdown gallop. Martin also kicked the extra point.
Martin was able to get outside with 2:39 to play in the first half and sprint 38 yards for another Raider score. After a botched extra point snap, Martin was able to pick up the ball and find Layton Yancer for a 2-point conversion to put the Raiders up 15-0 at the half.
The Raider defense was phenomenal in the first half, as well. Caleb Dodson killed a West Wilson drive with an interception with 25 seconds left in the first half and the defense put up a goal-line stand when West Wilson got to the 1 yard line in the first quarter, forcing a turnover on downs.
Martin added three more touchdowns in the second half – the first with 1:15 remaining in the third quarter when he was able to find room up the middle for a 54-yard score. Martin snuck in a score early in the fourth quarter and then was able to rumble in for another touchdown with 38 seconds left on the clock.
The Raiders return to the field Aug. 17, traveling to Tullahoma or a 6:30 p.m. kickoff. That game will be broadcast live on Thunder Radio as part of the Capstar Bank Hometown Sports Series.
Birthdays- August 10
Allen Barnes- 27- Pizza Winner!
Megan Smith
Johnny Duke
Bonnaroo to require vaccine or negative COVID-19 test before entry
Just three weeks before the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, organizers have announced that patrons must have a COVID-19 vaccination or provide a negative COVID test to attend the 2021 festival.
Bonnaroo will be held Sept. 2-5 in Manchester.
“Bonnaroo strongly encourages vaccination,” organizers said. “The last day to receive the second shot of Moderna or Pfizer, or a single dose of Johnson and Johnson is Thursday, August 19.
“For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test results must be obtained within 72 hours (3 days) of first entering Centeroo. Bonnaroo requests that unvaccinated individuals wear a mask at all times while on the farm.”
Thunder Radio has Bonnaroo tickets on sale for $175 apiece. Tickets can be purchased at 1030 Oakdale St. between the hours of 9-5 Monday through Friday.
Gas prices stay steady in Tennessee; Coffee County below state and national average
The Tennessee gas price average held steady over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.89 which is the same price as one month ago and 99 cents more than one year ago. The Coffee County average is $2.86 which puts the county 3 cents below the state average and 33 cents below the national average.
“We continue to see very robust gasoline demand for the peak summer driving season,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The latest demand rate was 2% higher than the same time period in 2019, while gasoline stocks are about 1% below.”
Quick Facts
· 91% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.71 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.17 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee remains the 9th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
Crude oil prices dropped below $70/bbl at the end of last week in reaction to concerns about the delta variant, growing COVID case numbers and the possibility of potential lockdowns. While crude is a little cheaper, gas prices are still positioned to remain high in August.
Today’s national average is $3.19. That is the most expensive gas price average of the year as well as $1.02 more than a year ago, a nickel more than a month ago and two cents more than a week ago. Pump prices fluctuated across the county last week with states seeing as much as a nine-cent jump to a seven-cent decrease. The variation in prices is partly attributed to the U.S. seeing an increase in demand and decrease in stocks, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
August can be a busy month at the pump with school starting and others taking last minute summer trips. AAA offers these daily driving tips to help save on gas:
· Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.
· Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine. It is unnecessary and wastes fuel.
· When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early and allow your car to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake.
· Accelerate smoothly with light to moderate throttle. This allows the automatic transmission to upshift into higher gears sooner, reducing engine rpm and saving fuel.
· AAA members can save at the pump by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program at AAA.com/Shell. Members save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up when they join between now and August 31, 2021. As part of the Fuel Rewards program, AAA Members earn Gold Status ongoing and save five cents per gallon every day on each individual gas purchase of up to 20 gallons from participating Shell stations with no minimum fill ups.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by 81 cents to settle at $68.28. A stronger dollar and market concern about the impact of new coronavirus infections on crude demand pushed prices lower at the end of last week. Crude prices also declined after the EIA’s latest report showed that total domestic crude stocks increased by 3.6 million bbl to 439.2 million bbl. For this week, crude prices could decrease further if the market continues to worry that crude demand will decline as restrictions are imposed to halt transmission of COVID-19.
DCS extends deadline for former foster care to apply for pandemic aid
The Department of Children’s Services has extended the deadline for former foster youth to apply for federal stimulus funds to assist with living expenses such as rent, groceries, transportation and education. Former foster youth ages 21-26 may apply through Sept. 15, 2021. Former foster youth ages 18-20 may continue to apply after Sept. 15, while funds remain available.
“Navigating young adulthood is difficult for many, but for those who were previously in foster care it can bring additional challenges; that is why we are committed to doing everything we can to help our former foster youth thrive and be successful,” DCS Commissioner Jennifer Nichols said. “We encourage as many of our former foster youth who are now young adults to enroll in this program. These funds will make an immediate difference in their daily lives.”
The department has $7.4 million in stimulus funds available for Tennessee youth. To date, DCS has received more than 2,500 applications. Depending on the number of eligible applications received, individual checks may be worth up to $1,200, while funds last.
Who Can Qualify:
– Young adults who were in foster care in Tennessee at the age of 14 or older and are currently 18-26 may be eligible.
– Young people also have the option to re-enter Extension of Foster Care to receive additional support services if they aged out of foster care in Tennessee after Jan. 27, 2020.
Learn More and Apply at tn.gov/dcs: https://www.tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/youth-in-transition/youth-resources/pandemic-aid-former-tn-foster-youth.html
Source: Partner Station WGNS
FOOTBALL: Rockets drop thriller to Grundy County 20-12
Westwood Rocket football dropped its season opener Monday night, a 20-12 thriller against visiting Grundy County.
Grundy County’s Kaden Dove broke loose on a 25 yard touchdown scamper with with 3 minutes to play to take the lead and the win from the Rockets.
Winton’s score broke a 12-12 tie. The Rockets had just tied the game after a 60 yard run from Isaiah Deadman set up a 1-yard touchdown plunge from quarterback Kaysen Lowery.
The Rockets led 6-0 early after driving down the field in the first quarter and capping a six-minute drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Lowery to Matthew White.
The Jackets answered quickly, one play later Jayden Winton scampered 76 yards for a score.
Deadman led Westwood on the ground with 113 yards on 13 touches. Lowry was 2-of-5 through the air for 37 yards and the one touchdown to White. Joel Barrera and Deadman led the Rockets in tackles.
Westwood has a short turnaround. The Rockets will go to Fayetteville City for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff on Thursday.
