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Federally funded pandemic unemployment to end Saturday, July 3rd
All federally funded pandemic unemployment compensation programs will end in Tennessee on Saturday, July 3.
Back in May, Governor Bill Lee announced that the extra federal unemployment aid offered amid the COVID-19 pandemic would not be available in Tennessee starting July 3, weekly payments.
Federal pandemic unemployment programs set to end on Saturday include the following:
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provides for an additional $300 weekly payment to recipients of unemployment compensation
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides benefits for those who would not usually qualify, such as the self-employed, gig workers and part-time workers
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides for an extension of benefits once regular benefits have been exhausted
- Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), which provides an additional $100 benefit to certain people with mixed earnings
Unemployment claimants in Tennessee have been required to complete three weekly job searches in order to remain eligible for benefits since Oct. 4, 2020. Any weeks filed before July 3 that are eligible under federal program requirements will continue to be processed.
If you or someone you know is searching for a job, resources can be found on the Tennessee Virtual American Job Center, which allows Tennesseans to research different programs that can help remove barriers to employment so they can more easily reenter Tennessee’s workforce. You can also search the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce jobs site.
What is the rebound?
As Middle Tennessee works to rebound from the impact of the Coronavirus, we want to help. Whether it’s getting back to work, making ends meet during this uncertain time, or managing the pressure, we’re committed to finding solution. In addition, we want to tell your stories of hope, inspiration, and creativity as Middle Tennessee starts to rebound.
Gas prices fall one cent in Tennessee, Coffee County below national and state average
The Tennessee gas price average fell a penny over last week as over 939,000 Tennesseans prepare to take a road trip for the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.84 which is three cents less than one month ago and 89 cents more than one year ago. The Coffee County average is $2.82 which makes Coffee County 27 cents below national average and 2 cents below the state average.
“Even though gas prices have been trending less expensive over the last two weeks, Tennesseans are expected to see the most expensive Independence Day gas prices since 2014,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
Historical Tennessee Independence Day Gas Prices
-2020 $1.94
-2019 $2.46
-2018 $2.61
-2017 $2.00
-2016 $2.06
-2015 $2.53
-2014 $3.45
Quick Facts
· 93% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.61 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.10 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee ranks as the 9th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
At $3.09, the national gas price average is at its highest of the year and not stopping. That average will increase, possibly as much as another nickel, in the lead up to the Independence Day holiday weekend as AAA forecasts a record-breaking 43.6 million Americans will hit the road for a holiday getaway. This year’s Independence Day weekend is defined as Thursday, July 1 – Monday, July 5.
While it is typical to see gas prices increase ahead of a holiday, especially during the peak summer driving season, pump price increases as of late have been noticeable.
Crude oil, and in turn gas prices, are more expensive compared to years past mostly due to three major factors: confidence in worldwide vaccination rollout, global oil demand spikes, and the easing of travel restrictions leading to optimism for leisure travel. Last week, crude oil sold at $74/bbl, the highest price in nearly three years. Motorists can expect little relief at the pump following the holiday. With crude oil prices likely to continue climbing, gas prices are most likely to see increases through the end of summer.
Today’s national average is more expensive on the week (+2 cents), the month (+5 cents) and the year (+92 cents). The latest weekly increase follows the latest data from the Energy Information Administration, which showed that gas demand increased from 9.36 million b/d to 9.44 million b/d, while total domestic gas stocks decreased by 3 million bbl to 240 million bbl.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased 75 cents to settle at $74.05. Crude prices increased last week due to optimism that vaccine rollout will continue to help crude demand recover. In fact, the price of crude crossed the $74 per barrel threshold and prices have not been at this level since October 2018. Additionally, crude prices were bolstered by EIA’s latest report revealing that total domestic crude supplies decreased by 7.6 million bbl to 459.1 million bbl. For this week, another reduction in domestic crude supply could push prices up further after EIA’s next weekly report is released.
Tax Tip Tuesday: “things you should know about unemployment adjustments”
Some taxpayers have begun receiving additional payments from IRS. These payments are due to changes to the return as a result of nontaxable Unemployment.
The American Rescue Plan Act passed in mid-March made the first $10,200 of 2020 unemployment exempt from tax (subject to income limits). At that time millions of returns had already been filed showing the unemployment income as taxable.
UNEMPLOYMENT ADJUSTMENTS are being made automatically by IRS for returns affected by this change. IRS began recalculating returns and processing the adjustments in late May and will continue working through the returns affected throughout the summer. IRS has said they will process the adjustments in a phased approach with the first adjustments being for single taxpayers with no dependent related credit. They will continue to work through other returns in a phased approach.
It is usually not necessary to file a corrected return for the exclusion of unemployment. However, if the return is “newly” eligible for a credit due to the unemployment becoming non- taxable, an Amended Tax Return is needed to claim the credit. For example, if the return was not eligible for Earned Income Credit due to income phaseout but with the reduction in income due to nontaxable unemployment it becomes eligible for EIC, the taxpayer will need to file an Amended Tax Return to claim the EIC.
Approximately 30 days after the return is adjusted by IRS, the taxpayer will receive a notice explaining the change. Taxpayers should keep any notices they receive to verify that the adjustment was correct.
In most cases, amounts that are refunded due to the adjustment will be sent to the direct deposit account on the 2020 return or a paper check will be mailed to the return address.
** It is always recommended that you keep a log of any payments received from IRS including date, amount, and reason for the payment.
If you have questions about the unemployment adjustment you may be eligible for on your 2020 tax return and would like help from the Tax Professionals at H&R Block, please call 931-728-9462. H&R Block has your back in Manchester!
Thunder Radio to begin selling Bonnaroo bands Tuesday, June 29th
Just a reminder that Thunder Radio will begin selling Bonnaroo Bands at a discounted rate for Coffee County Residents on Tuesday, June 29th at 9:00 am. They will be sold at the Thunder Radio station located at 1030 Oakdale street in Manchester. Those eligible are allowed to purchase up to 4 bands per I.D. Purchases can be made with credit card only. For more information, visit our website at thunder1320.com.
Rowena Smith Rhoton
Rowena Smith Rhoton, of Lynchburg, was born on March 13, 1925 and passed away on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at the age of 96. Visitation will be held at Lynchburg Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 29 from 4PM until 7PM. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, June 30 at 1PM at Lynchburg Funeral Home with Bro. AJ Alderman and Bro. Jack Hice officiating. Interment will take place at Lynchburg Cemetery.
A native of Moore County, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Ova Rolman Smith. She was a housewife and worked for Wilson Manufacturing for several years at her home. She was active in the Moore County Senior Citizens Center for many years and was on the board for 15 years. She was very sports-minded and was District Athlete of the Year in the Senior Olympics of Tennessee, winning many Gold Medals. She loved watching many sports on TV but her favorite teams were the Atlanta Braves and TN Lady Vols. She spent much of her time in her garden and tending to her flowers. Her favorite Bible verse was John 3:16. She attended Marble Plains Baptist Church for many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Aubrey H. Rhoton and three brothers: Charles, Emmett, and Harlan Smith.
She is survived by one son, Wayne Rhoton (Gaynell), one granddaughter, Amy (Ed) Cashion, three great-grandchildren, Andrew, Laney, and Aubrey Cashion and one great-grandson, Jaxton, all of Lynchburg. She is also survived by three siblings, Pete, Helen, and Georgie, and many nieces and nephews.
For online guest registry please visit, www.lynchburgfuneralhome.com
LYNCHBURG FUNERAL HOME IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
Tammie T Keith
Tammie T Keith of Tullahoma passed this life on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at
St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital at the age of 53. Funeral Services are
scheduled on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 2 PM at the Living Word Fellowship
Outreach Church, 213 W. Cook Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388 with burial to
follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 PM
until the service time.
Tammie Keith was the owner/operator of Alphabet Soup Daycare in Tullahoma
for 12 Years. She loved and cherished each and every one of her students.
She loved to cook and be around all her family and friends. She also
enjoyed fishing and she never met a stranger.
Tammie was preceded in death by her husband of 33 Years, Vertie Harold
Keith and her mother Mary Maxine “Ene” Hayworth.
Mrs. Keith is survived by her daughters, Myohsha and Miciah Keith, both of
Tullahoma; her grandchildren, Elijiah, Jonovan, D’Kaari and Nshaela Brooks;
brother, Travis Hayworth of Missouri; father, Harold; sister-in-law, Dora
McKinney of McMinnville; nephew, Matthew Hayworth (Chelsea) of Iowa; niece,
London Hayworth of North Dakota; great nieces, Ariyah and Ziyanna Hayworth
and a number of special members of the Hayworth and Keith families as well
as a very special family friend, Mr. Evans Ray.
Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival announces Thunder Radio as official local station for upcoming 20th anniversary event
–LIMITED AMOUNT OF DISCOUNTED LOCAL TICKETS WILL NOW BE AVAILABLE TO SOLD OUT FESTIVAL ON SALE TUESDAY, JUNE 29 FOR COFFEE COUNTY RESIDENTS EXCLUSIVELY VIA THUNDER RADIO
-PROCEEDS FROM LOCAL TICKET SALES TO GO DIRECTLY BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY THOUGH THE BONNAROO WORKS FUND
–EXCLUSIVE RADIO BONNAROO CONTENT TO AIR THROUGHOUT FESTIVAL WEEK ON THUNDER RADIO
–BONNAROO 2021 SET FOR SEPTEMBER 2-5 ON THE FARM IN MANCHESTER, TN
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival has announced Manchester, TN’s Thunder Radio as the Official Local Station of Radio Bonnaroo for the internationally acclaimed camping festival’s upcoming 20th anniversary edition. Bonnaroo 2021 takes place September 2–5, 2021 on the Bonnaroo Farm, located just 60 miles southeast of Nashville in Manchester, TN.
Bonnaroo 2021 will once again present an extraordinarily diverse bill featuring a remarkable selection of top artists performing around the clock across more than 10 unique stages over the four-day festival. Locally owned and operated by Josh and Holly Peterson, Thunder Radio (WMSR) broadcasts in the Manchester, TN region at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM and streams its content at thunder1320.com and on the Manchester Go smartphone app (available HERE).
The new partnership will see exclusive Radio Bonnaroo content broadcast via Thunder Radio during the week of the festival. Though tickets for Bonnaroo 2021 are now officially sold out, as part of the Radio Bonnaroo team, Thunder Radio has been allocated a very limited number of tickets to sell to Coffee County residents at a special discounted rate. All proceeds from the sales of these discounted tickets will go directly back into the community via the Bonnaroo Works Fund. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Thunder Radio studios, located at 1030 Oakdale St. Manchester, TN, 37355. There is a limit of 4 tickets per valid driver’s license. ID must be presented at time of purchase and purchaser must live within Coffee County. Camping and/or parking passes will also be available for purchase at Thunder Radio. Local tickets will go on sale Tuesday, June 29 at 8:30 am (CT) and will remain on sale through August 24 or while supplies last. Box office hours at Thunder Radio will be Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am through 5 pm (CT). All purchases must be made with a credit card; no cash purchases.
“We are part of this Manchester community and are always looking for ways to do business with local businesses and local vendors,” says Jeff Cuellar, Bonnaroo Festival Director. “It’s simply a win-win for local businesses and the festival. Radio Bonnaroo is an integral part of our festival every year. This allows us to instantly communicate with everyone on the festival grounds in case of emergency and also allows to provide another avenue of entertainment and music to our guests. I think this is a great way to connect our festival and the Manchester community as one.”
“I can’t express how thrilled we are to be working with the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and to lend the great services of our local station and our local listenership to them,” said Josh Peterson, vice president of Thunder Radio. “This partnership also allows us to help the festival with its local ticketing program. This ticket program serves multiple purposes – getting discounted tickets to local residents and helping to fund the Bonnaroo Works Fund, which is the charitable arm of Bonnaroo that has been so good to our community organizations over the past years.”
ABOUT BONNAROO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
Hailed by the New York Times as the summer event that “revolutionized the modern rock festival,” Bonnaroo has drawn high-profile media attention and critical acclaim for two groundbreaking decades. The 2021 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival will showcase a wide range of legendary artists and rising new stars, including Foo Fighters, Megan Thee Stallion, Run The Jewels, Lizzo, Tame Impala, My Morning Jacket, Tyler, The Creator, Lana Del Rey, Lil Baby, Janelle Monáe, Glass Animals, Deftones, G-Eazy, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Phoebe Bridgers, deadmau5, Leon Bridges, Young the Giant, and many more. For complete festival details, updates, and additional information, please see www.bonnaroo.com.
In 2009, the Bonnaroo Works Fund was created as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to support and collaborate with nonprofit partners benefiting the arts, education, sustainability, and social impact. Since the inception of the festival, Bonnaroo and the BWF have awarded more than $7M in funding to more than 100 local, regional and national nonprofit organizations. For complete information, please visit bonnarooworksfund.org.
ABOUT THUNDER RADIO
Thunder Radio is locally owned and operated by Josh and Holly Peterson, who purchased the station in September 2019. The Petersons are graduates of Coffee County Central High School and residents of Coffee County.
Thunder Radio focuses on local news, sports and community events. All programing is simulcast on three frequencies – 1320 AM, 107.9 FM and 106.7 FM. All programming is also streamed at thunder1320.com.
The station features multiple live and local shows and is proud to broadcast sports for Coffee County High school, Westwood Middle and Coffee Middle Schools. The station has been operating in Manchester since 1957. Learn more at thunder1320.com.
TSSAA dead period begins Monday
The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) mandatory dead period begins on Monday, June 28 and will end on Monday, July 12.
The dead period prohibits TSSAA coaches from having athletic contact with athletes.
The return from the dead period marks the first official practice for high school golf. Meanwhile, unofficial workouts will commence for many fall sports – such as football, volleyball and girls soccer.
The first official day of fall sports practice for football, soccer and volleyball is July 26.
Thunder Radio will be on site to broadcast well over 60 games this fall as part of the Capstar Bank Hometown Sports Series – including Coffee Middle, Westwood Middle and Coffee County High School sports. Thunder Radio coverage of Red Raider football begins Aug. 20 – presented by Al White Ford Lincoln.
A complete fall broadcast schedule will be released soon.
“Think Tullahoma 2040” project to begin
Over the next ten months, the City of Tullahoma will participate in an engagement and input process to update the City’s comprehensive plan. This project, called Think Tullahoma 2040: Take-off to Tomorrow, will involve the entire community and key stakeholders, including the Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
The City along with the Walker Collaborative Consultants will be updating the Comprehensive Plan to guide future development over the next 20 years. A Comprehensive Plan is a visionary document that helps guide decisions in areas such as land use, economic development, housing, transportation and more.
The public’s opinions and ideas during this process will help the City to collect and evaluate input from all sources and to begin the process of crafting the Think Tullahoma 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
The first public meeting will be at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Lecture Hall of Tullahoma High School. During the public meeting, the project process and objectives will be explained, Tullahoma’s challenges and opportunities will be discussed, and other similar model-communities will be identified. We welcome all to attend this meeting and find out what is in store for our great City.
The Think Tullahoma 2040 Comprehensive Plan tag line is take-off to tomorrow, and it will be a way to leverage what we have accomplished, refine areas of focus, identify important goals, and align our priorities with our future vision. A strong Comprehensive Plan is used to guide everyday transactions and decisions. So, like building a jet engine, bolt by bolt, the engine is only as good as the design. If the rivets are not placed in the proper place or order, our engine will not get us where we want to go.
Coffee County CAC encourages people to recognize red flags for child abuse
Imagine a 7-year-old boy, curled up on a cold bed in a room, where darkness and sadness reign. The boy craves warmth and care but receives neglect and harm instead. Bruises cover his arms, and sleeves cover his bruises. You may meet the boy when you pick up your children from school, or you may meet him at the playground. And you may be the boy’s only chance for escaping the darkness and sadness. That’s why you need to be prepared and you must recognize the red flags.
Child abuse can happen in any town, neighborhood, home. In Coffee County, many children experience pain and live in fear. Employees of the Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center, law enforcement and the Department of Children’s Services meet victims of child abuse every day. Everyone involved fights the issue and works hard to provide support and healing to children in our community. But we need your help. We can only end child abuse with the help of the community.
Unfortunately, no community is safe, and, chances are you know a child who has experienced child abuse. It’s extremely important to be aware and know the red flags because sometimes you may be the only person who can save a child from his or her abusers. Usually, the red flags exist, and it takes someone with knowledge about child abuse and determination to react responsibly and to report abuse.
As child abuse crosses all socioeconomic and educational levels, religions, and ethnic and cultural groups, you may notice concerning signs and need to be ready to react.
Last year, of the 347 referrals received for services in Coffee County, 40% of the children were 6 years old or younger, 36% between the ages of 7 and 12, and 24% were between 13 and 18.
In Coffee County, in 2020, there were: 4 investigations involving the death of a child; 244 investigations involving sexual abuse allegations; 333 total severe child abuse investigations.
Think about the four investigations involving the death of a child – families and friends mourning the loss; communities dealing with trauma; and children robbed of life and a chance at happiness.
Just this past month, there were 32 referrals, with 12 children being 6 years of age or younger. Thirteen of the children were from Tullahoma, 10 from Manchester, and nine from the county.
Statistics show that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys will be sexually abused by age 18; and 95% of victims are abused by someone they know and trust.
The good news is our community can fight the problem and end child abuse if all adults become involved and learn about the issue.
When a child enters the Coffee County CAC, I see fear and desperation in the child’s eyes. And when the child receives the necessary services, he or she can thrive. We must continue to help children who are victims of abuse. And together, we must make efforts to prevent child abuse.
*Column by Joyce Prusak*