Author's posts
JD Jones
Mr. JD Jones, age 86, of Manchester, TN, passed from this life on Monday, July 12, 2021, at his residence surrounded by his family. Mr. Jones was born in Coffee Co., TN, to his late parents Elmer Haley and Alice Jones. He was the owner of Jones Enterprise for 40 years of his life. Mr. Jones also loved going on cruises and went on 145 in his lifetime. Mr. Jones is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Jones; daughter, Cheryl (Mark) Cutshaw; son, David Jones; grandchild, Jason
(Carrie) Rigney; great grandchild, Maverick Rigney. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, July 16, 2021, from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Central Funeral Home in Manchester, TN. Graveside services will immediately follow at Fredonia Cemetery in Manchester, TN at 1:00pm with Jim Frizzell officiating. Jason Rigney, Thomas White, Brian Keith, Ronald Lomax, Chris Cravens, and Mark Howell will serve as active pall bearers. Central Funeral Home is serving the family, 931-723-7774, centralfuneralhome.com
Tennessean’s expected to save money because of record low interest rates
The State of Tennessee has completed the biggest sale of general obligation bonds in its history by closing on approximately $658.7 million of bonds. The bonds sold with a record-setting low true interest cost of 1.41%.
The debt offering was sold in two series of bonds consisting of $167.75 million of Series A tax-exempt bonds and $490.9 million of Series B taxable bonds.
A majority of the bonds were issued to refinance certain outstanding bonds to take advantage of low interest rates. These refunding bonds will allow the state to achieve $50 million in net present value interest cost savings over the next 14 years.
Approximately $125 million of the bond proceeds will be used to repay commercial paper that was issued to fund capital projects such as the new State Library and Archives building, the new lodge at Fall Creek Falls State Park, higher education classroom buildings, and many more.
Tennessee’s debt level is one of the lowest, if not the lowest, of any state, and investors recognize its strong history of balanced budgeting and fiscal stability. Investor demand for the Tennessee’s GO bonds generated a $43.4 million premium.
“Tennessee is one of just 13 states with a triple-A credit rating from each of the three major credit rating agencies,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “As Tennesseans, we take pride in our state’s fiscal responsibility. The commitment shown by Governor Lee and the General Assembly to strong financial principles saves all of us money whenever we sell bonds.”
Follow the Comptroller’s Office on twitter @TNCOT and on Instagram @tncot.
Federal judge puts a hold on Tennessee bathroom signage law
A federal judge on Friday halted enforcement of a new Tennessee law requiring businesses to post special signs if they allow transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice.
The first-of-its-kind law went into effect on July 1 and would require such businesses to post signs on multiperson bathrooms that read, “This facility maintains a policy of allowing the use of restrooms by either biological sex, regardless of the designation on the restroom.”
Businesses in Nashville and Chattanooga sued over the law, claiming that being forced to post those signs would violate their First Amendment rights by compelling them to communicate language they find offensive. The state of Tennessee argued in court that the signs are merely factual.
In her Friday decision, U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger handed a victory to the businesses that sued, granting a preliminary injunction that effectively prevents the state from enforcing the law while the case works through the courts. She noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has found that compelling individuals to “‘mouth support for views they find objectionable’” violates a cardinal constitutional command unless justified by “the strongest of rationales.”
American Red Cross continuing to experience a severe blood shortage
While donors across the country have rolled up a sleeve to give this summer, the need for blood and platelets remains crucial for patients relying on lifesaving transfusions. The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage and donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets – are urged to make an appointment to give.
Right now, the Red Cross needs to collect more than 1,000 additional blood donations each day to meet current demand as hospitals respond to an unusually high number of traumas and emergency room visits, organ transplants and elective surgeries.
To thank donors who help refuel the blood and platelet supply this month, all who come to give July 7-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card via email and will also receive automatic entry for a chance to win gas for a year (a $5,000 value).
Also, all those who come to donate throughout the entire month of July will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm.
Donors who give now will help stock the shelves for the rest of the summer season. Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Experts see uptick in eating disorders because of social media and pandemic
Experts say they’re seeing an uptick in eating disorders fueled by social media consumption and more than a year of increased stress and isolation for many individuals. Nashville-based therapist Catherine Stutzner teaches Body Positive workshops for people wanting to learn how to foster a positive body image and intuitive eating. She says eating disorders can be triggered by anxiety, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and even by traumatic experiences.
With summer’s arrival, many Tennesseans are rededicating themselves to fitness. Stutzner advises being in tune with and listening to your body, eating when you’re hungry, stopping when you’re full, and avoiding dieting.
Personal trainer and Healthy Lifestyle Coach in Nashville Dani Dyer believes in starting each morning with positive affirmations, and encourages her clients to think outside the box when it comes to increasing movement throughout the day.
UnitedHealthcare Chief Medical Officer of Population Health Management Dr. Donna O’Shea says it’s important to re-establish routines that include the basics: good nutrition, exercise, and sufficient sleep. She adds that nationwide, many individuals are struggling with their relationship to food in response to the coronavirus crisis.
She also points to UnitedHealthcare’s ‘Step Up” campaign, where anyone can sign up to pledge to make their health a priority. For more information visit uhcstepup.com.
Clova Loraine Ridge Caldwell
Clova Loraine Ridge Caldwell of Farragut was called to her heavenly home Saturday, July 10, 2021, just five weeks before her 100 th birthday. Mrs. Caldwell, originally from east Tennessee, was a 60-year resident of Tullahoma before returning to east Tennessee to spend her last years near family there. During her time in Tullahoma, Mrs. Caldwell was an active member of First Baptist Church of Tullahoma where she cherished her many longtime friendships. Mrs. Caldwell loved to travel and she always looked forward to playing cards and other games with family and friends. Mrs. Caldwell was also a competitive bowler well into her 80’s, with a room full of trophies and plaques honoring her many games with scores of 200 and above and her series scores of 500 and above. In addition, Mrs. Caldwell particularly enjoyed her daily telephone conversations with her younger sister Christine and her special friend Callie Allen. Mrs. Caldwell was born in Lenoir City, TN to the late William Riley and Annie Hughes Ridge. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Caldwell is preceded in death by her husband, Hubert A. Caldwell; three sisters, Hazel Davis, Christine Crabtree, and Juanita Blevins; and three brothers, Albert Ridge, J.D. Ridge, and W.R. Ridge Jr. She is survived by her son, Charles Caldwell (Brenda); two grandchildren, Scott Caldwell (Susan), and Molly Young (Jamie); five great-grandchildren, Madison, Jay, Katy Ann, Austin, and Chesney; and one great-great-grandson, M’Lijah. Visitation for Mrs. Caldwell will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 from 1:00-2:30 at Kilgore Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens at 3:00pm with Rev. Scott A. Caldwell officiating.
Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
SOFTBALL: Lady Raiders to participate in summer scrimmages Tuesday, Wednesday
The TSSAA dead period is over and fall sports teams are scurrying to prepare for the 2021 season that begins in about a month. However, spring sports are hard at work, too.
The Coffee County Central High School Lady Raiders will be on the field this week for a pair of summer scrimmages. The Lady Raiders travel to Smyrna on Tuesday and will host Riverdale on Wednesday. Both scrimmages are set to begin at 5 p.m. and the public is welcome to come and enjoy.
You can hear Lady Raider softball all spring long on Thunder Radio – 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, thunder1320.com and the Manchester Go app.
SOFTBALL: Munn named to TSWA Softball all-state team
Add another postseason plaque to the wall for Coffee County Central softball player Keri Munn.
On Monday, Munn was named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association AAA All-State Team. She was the only Lady Raider on the list and one of three pitchers in the state selected.
Munn graduated in May and has signed with MTSU. Munn was 27-4 in the circle for Coffee County through the 2021 season, striking out 268 batters.
Coffee County’s softball team compiled a 34-7-1 record during the 2021 season, finishing as state runner up in a deep run at the TSSAA Spring Fling in May. It was the best single-season finish in program history.
Birthdays- July 11
Micky Howard- 24- Pizza Winner!
Prater Powell
Birthdays- July 10
Steve French- Pizza Winner!
Patricia Wells- 77