Josh Peterson

The Tennessee House chamber last week approved the Mercenary Rioter Act which aims to ensure protests remain peaceful. House Bill 881 increases penalties for those who are paid to participate in riots and those who come from outside the state with intent to commit a criminal offense and riot.

This legislation makes it a Class E felony and increases the punishment for aggravated rioting to a mandatory minimum sentence of 45 days imprisonment for one offense or 60 days for two or more offenses.

Tennessee law defines a riot as three or more individuals inciting a violent disturbance that creates grave danger of substantial property damage, serious bodily injury, or obstruction of law enforcement or government functions. The bill passed in the Senate chamber in March. It now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Taylor Rayfield Recognized as Motlow Foundation 2021 One to Watch Young Alumni

Motlow State Alumnus, Taylor Rayfield, left, was honored with the Motlow College Foundation’s 2021 One to Watch Young Alumni Award. He graduated from Motlow in 2014 and currently works as the State Coordinator of Family Resource Centers for the Tennessee Department of Education. Joining Taylor for the award presentation is Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence.

The Motlow College Foundation honored Tennessee Department of Education State Coordinator of Family Resource Center’s Taylor Rayfield with its 2021 One to Watch Young Alumni Award on April 26.

“It is a humbling honor even to be considered a candidate, let alone an honoree for this recognition. I am a proud alumnus of this quality educational institution!” exclaimed Rayfield. “Motlow celebrates a half-century in student-centered education that serves as the integral foundation for its students to excel in whatever pathway they choose.”

Rayfield, a Manchester resident, graduated from Motlow State in 2014 with an associate degree in Business Education. He continued his education at Trevecca Nazarene University and completed a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Relations in 2015. He will receive his master’s degree in education, with a focus in counseling, administration and supervision in May 2021 from Middle Tennessee State University.

He started his career as a student management coordinator for Coffee County Schools in 2014. Two years later, he became the coordinator of the Family Resource Center for Coffee County Schools and a coordinator for the Sportsmen and Businessmen Charitable Organization.

Rayfield is currently serving as State Coordinator of Family Resource Centers and has been in this role since 2020. He is responsible for providing guidance, leadership, and oversight to the 102 Family Resource Centers across Tennessee.

“Motlow State was critical in my success, serving as the strong foundational piece in ensuring a successful post-secondary achievement – ultimately being the best decision I could have ever made when choosing a post-secondary institution,” said Rayfield.” Motlow, its faculty and staff, and its student-focused philosophy positioned me to become a successful college graduate and laid the foundation for beginning my career.”

Some of Rayfield’s many accomplishments include designing and supervising a county-wide day of giving at the Coffee County Student Expo, participating in the #GetYourSelfieToSchool community summit, and presenting several conferences hosted by the Tennessee Department of Education and various other Tennessee education-related associations.

“I am a strong advocate for ensuring that access and equity are provided for all, and believe in the importance of healthy relationships, not only with students, families, and schools but also the community,” he said.

At Motlow, Rayfield is a future participant of the 2021 Strategic Planning Meeting. He has spoken with students majoring in education on the importance of their work and how much they are needed. He is also a graduate of Coffee County Leadership, past president and board of directors’ member of the Manchester Rotary Club, past ambassador for the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce; current member of Motlow’s strategic planning committee, advisory member for Coffee County Schools’ Career and Technical Education business programs, committee member and volunteer for Sportsmen and Businessmen’s Charitable Organization and the Dusty Elam Foundation.

“Taylor is inspiring! He elevates those around him to seek to be their best. It is amazing what he has already accomplished in his few years, and I can’t wait to see where his goals take him throughout his life,” said Lisa Myers, assistant vice president for Business and Finance.

“Motlow is like no other post-secondary institution. It stands poised as an innovative, diverse community college committed to providing educational equity, access, and opportunity for all,” Rayfield added.

The Motlow College Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting and advancing Motlow State Community College’s objectives to provide educational and career opportunities. The Foundation offers scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students, equipment and program enhancements to academic and athletic departments, and capital funding for new college facilities and upgrades. For more information about the Foundation, visit mscc.edu/give/foundation.html.

The Foundation’s mission is to connect private and corporate philanthropists with opportunities to support Motlow State and build relationships that make a difference in the lives of its students and community. The awards are usually presented in person at the Annual Motlow Gala in the spring, but it was held virtually this year due to the pandemic.

Tennessee’s Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient, and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. The system offers associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs, and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tbr.edu or visit Motlow at mscc.edu.

Lockhart announces bid for Circuit Court Judge

On Monday May 3, 2021 Attorney William Lockhart officially announced his campaign for Circuit Court Judge for the 14^th Judicial District.

“I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Circuit Court Judge for the 14^th Judicial District. The rule of law is the cornerstone of our democracy and having a judge that has the skills, experience, and temperament necessary to make decisions based on the law and facts only is paramount. Circuit Court Judges hear a wide variety of cases, and I have the broad and practical experience to fairly and impartially decide the cases that come before me. As a lifelong Republican, I have always felt that a judge’s role is to apply the law and not make the law. If elected, I will always strive to make decisions based solely on the law.”

Lockhart continued “Judicial elections only come around every 8 years so I think it is very important to make an informed decision on who will be the next Circuit Court Judge. I plan on spending the next year talking with as many people as I can so that the voters of this county can make an informed decision.”

Lockhart currently practices in Manchester at Burch & Lockhart where he is a general practitioner. He received his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University and his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. He served as Coffee County Bar Association President from 2015-2021. He also serves on the Manchester Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He lives in Tullahoma with his wife Hayley, and has two children, Timothy and Annie.

Election for this seat will be in 2022.

Gas prices hold steady over past week

The Tennessee gas price average held steady over the last week with the state average remaining unchanged from the previous week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.69 which is the same as one month ago and $1.15 more than one year ago.

The average price in Coffee County is $2.67, which is 2 cents below the state average and 23 cents below the national average of $2.90.

“While April saw minimal fluctuation, May is likely to see much larger increases alongside demand spikes, especially closer to Memorial Day weekend,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Compared to May 2019, U.S. gasoline demand is down only 4% and gas prices are, on average, just two cents more.”

Quick Facts

76% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.75
The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.49 for regular unleaded
The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.97 for regular unleaded
Tennessee remains the 10th least expensive market in the nation

National Gas Prices

At the start of May, the national gas price average is $2.90, which is three cents more than a month ago. Pump prices in April saw minimal variability compared to March, which increased 15 cents from start to finish. Stable crude oil prices amid fluctuating demand helped keep the national average price jumps nominal last month.

On the week, the national average increased two cents. Ten states saw averages increase between five and eight cents, but the majority of states saw increases of one to three cents. The pump price changes come amid a flux in supply and demand. For the week ending April 23, the Energy Information Administration reported gasoline stocks saw a small 100,000 bbl build to reach the 135 million bbl mark. That is the highest supply rate since the end of February and an 8.3 million bbl surplus compared to the same time two years ago. While supply increased, demand saw a decrease of 3% to 8.87 million b/d.

Summer Fuel Supply

Last week, media reports surfaced that a shortage of fuel tank truck drivers may impact gasoline availability this summer. As gasoline demand increases, gas stations are working to adjust delivery schedules to keep pace. However, deliveries may be delayed in a small number of markets this summer causing select stations to see low to no fuel at some pumps for short periods, one or two days.

“With road trips expected to be popular this summer, some summer travel destinations, like beaches or mountains, may see some pumps affected. It is important to understand this is not a market-wide impact. Gas can be found at other stations within a market,” said Cooper. “The U.S. is not looking at a gas supply shortage; there is ample gasoline supply across the country. It is just a matter of more frequent deliveries to stations to meet demand.”

In markets where this happened last month, it was contained within a brand/chain at a select number of pumps. As a rule of thumb in general, AAA recommends that motorists consider filling up when their fuel level hits a quarter of a tank.

National Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $1.43 to settle at $63.58. Although prices ended the day with a decrease, supported by a strong dollar, the price of crude increased by nearly $1.50 per barrel on the week. Increased market optimism that crude demand will recover, despite surging coronavirus infection rates in Asia, helped to lift prices. Prices could continue to climb this week if the market remains optimistic. Additionally, prices increased last week after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) and its allies, including Russia, recommended leaving in place a recent agreement to gradually increase crude production by at least 2.1 million b/d in May and June. At the next OPEC+ meeting on June 1, the cartel will determine crude output levels for July and August.

TENNIS: Perry, McNamara win doubles championship

The CHS tennis team had multiple top finishers at the district championship match last week. —

Coffee County’s tennis program had a banner day at the district tournament last week.

Lauren Perry and Rylea McNamara won the girl’s doubles championship and were both named all-district players.

Meanwhile, Jaden Talley finished as boys singles runner-up and also was named to the all-district team. Perry, McNamara and Talley will all be advancing to the regional tournament.

Coffee County’s Katie Lawrence won the junior varsity individual championship and Austin Dockrey won the boys junior varsity championship with Matthew Blomquist as runner-up. Johnathan Welch and Jonathan Nelson finished as varsity doubles runner-up.

Rylea McNamara and Lauren Perry won the district doubles championship.

TRACK & FIELD: Raider boys take first, girls second at district meet

Lady Raider Elli Chumley took first place in the track district meet on Friday, April 30, 2021. Chumley is pictured here at a meet earlier this season. — Thunder Radio photo by Holly Peterson

Coffee County Central’s boys track team took first place in the District track meet on Friday in Tullahoma, with the Lady Raider team placing second among seven teams.

Below are Coffee County athletes who placed in the top 5 of their event.

Boys 400 meter dash

4 – Ethan Beath. 56.00

5 – Ethan Welch. 57.85

Boys 800 meter run

3 – Cayden Miller. 2:19.23

Boys 1600 meter run

1 – Jacob Rutledge. 4:43.66

3 – Garrett Masters. 4: 57.15

Boys 3200 meter run

1 – Jacob Rutledge. 10:44.65

2 – Garrett Masters. 11:04.90

3. Jacob Slabaugh. 11:59.18

Boys 110 meter hurdles

1 – Ethan Welch. 17.34

4. Zach Galy. 20.85

Boys 300 meter hurdles

1 – Zach Galy. 49.43

Boys High Jump

1 – Kelvin Verge. 6-01

5 – John Dobson. 5-09

Boys Long Jump

3 – Kelvin Verge. 18-09.50

Boys Triple Jump

4 – Kelvin Verge. 38-04

Boys Pole Vault

1 – Ethan Welch. 9-06

2 – Travis Martin. 9-00

4. John Dobson. 8-00.

Boys Discus

5 – Ethan Welch. 116-05

Girls 100 meter dash

5 – Maddie Sullivan. 14.07

Girls 200 meter dash

4 – Maddie Sullivan. 29.01

5. Kasen Holt. 30.28

Girls 400 meter dash

5 – Kera Marlow. 1:13.80

Girls 800 meter

5 – Zoe Mills. 2:53.71

Girls 1600 meter run

1 – Patricia Barrera. 5:48.79

Girls 3200 meter run

1 – Patricia Barrera. 12:41.50

4 – Kailee Rossman. 15:13.58

Girls 100 meter hurdles

3 – Madison Rooker. 17.74

Girls 300 meter hurdles

3 – Maddie Sullivan. 55.49

4. Alexis Rayman. 57.49

Girls High Jump

2 – Macy Tabor. 4-10

3 – Kenzie Givens. 4-08

Girls Triple Jump

3 – Madison Rooker. 29-10

Girls Pole Vault

2 – Madison Rooker. 6-00

Girls Discus

2 – Nikki Graham. 71-11.50

3 – Elli Chumley. 63-09.00

Girls Shot Put

1 – Elli Chumley. 33-03

3 – Holli Hancock. 27-03

5 – Brayden Tomberlin. 23.00

SEE FULL RESULTS HERE.

BASEBALL: Raiders split with Cavaliers, blowout Pioneers

Carter McKenzie slings a pitch for Coffee County in a win over Cookeville Saturday, May 1, 2021. — Thunder Radio photo by Holly Peterson

Coffee County’s baseball team went 2-1 over the weekend with a 10-1 non-district win over Warren County Friday night and a 9-5 win over Cookeville at home on Saturday. The Raiders lost the second game of a double-header with Cookeville on Saturday, falling 4-2.

The Raiders move to 17-9 on the season and will host LaVergne for senior night at 5:30 p.m. Monday.

Coffee County 10, Warren County 1

Griffin Meeker was nearly unhittable for the Raiders, allowing just four hits in a 7-inning complete game to lead the Raiders to a rout of Warren County on the Pioneer senior night in McMinnville.

Meeker struck out 5 Pioneers and needed just 93 pitches to get through the game. He allowed 1 run in the bottom of the sixth.

Meanwhile, the Raiders touched up three Pioneer pitchers for 10 hits in the win. Jacob Holder, Lane Spry and Nolan Jernigan all doubled and Hayden Hullett had a triple in the win. Holder and Hullett each had multi-hit games and combined for 5 RBIs. Braden Brown also had a hit and a pair of RBIs.

Cookeville 5, Coffee County 9

The Raiders played flawless defense, picked up a couple of highlight reel catches in left field from Wyatt Nugent and took advantage of 8 Cavalier errors to put together a 9-5 win. The Raiders led 6-1 after one inning and never looked back.

Braden Brown earned the win on the mound – allowing just 2 runs on 3 hits through 4 innings. He walked 5 Cavalier batters. Carter McKenzie and Brady Nugent carried it the rest of the way on the mound, with Nugent closing things out with a pair of strikeouts with the Cavaliers threatening in the top of the 7^th.

Jacob Holder and Hayden Hullett each had two hits and two RBIs. Nolan Jernigan also had a hit and an RBI.

Coffee County 2, Cookeville 4

Coffee County struggled to get its offense off the ground in the final game of a Saturday double-header.

Coffee County managed just two runs on six hits – none of which were extra base hits. Hayden Hullett had an RBI for the Raiders at the plate on a hit.

Aiden Robertson took the loss on the mound for Coffee County. The sophomore worked 3 innings and allowed 3 hits, walked 4 and struck out 5 while giving up a pair of earned runs.

Wyatt Nugent allowed 1 run in two innings and Charlie Pierce one run in 2 innings of work.

Authorities searching for Coalmont man after pursuit

Area authorities are searching for Michael Robert Gray, age 38, of Coalmont.

According to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, deputies attempted to stop Gray’s vehicle on suspicion of impaired driving on Highway 108 in Gruetli-Laager.

Deputies chased Gray until his vehicle ran through a gate and his vehicle was disabled in Pelham. He allegedly fled on foot. He is not considered dangerous, authorities say.

Deputies found what is believed to be meth and marijuana inside of Gray’s vehicle. If anyone knows of his whereabouts, you are encouraged to call 931-692-3466×5.

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Birthdays- May 1

Aubrey Leon Fowler

The General Assembly passes the Mercenary Rioter Act