Josh Peterson

The latest report is in and the Tullahoma-Manchester Micropolitan Statistical Area (McrSA) has been ranked number two in Tennessee according to the latest economic ratings, keeping
the area in one of the strongest positions in in the entire United States.

The Tullahoma-Manchester McrSA consists of Coffee, Franklin, and
Metropolitan-Moore counties with approximately 104,000 residents.

The annual report is prepared by POLICOM Corporation, an independent
economics research firm based in Palm City, Florida, which specializes in
analyzing local and state economies and economic development. The index
takes into account the condition of the economy from the viewpoint of its
impact upon the standard of living of the people who live and work in the
area.

In the latest ranking, the 3-county local area is rated Number 56 out of 543
Micropolitan Areas in the U.S. In Tennessee, only Sevierville was rated
higher in the 2021 report, coming in at Number 44 out of thirteen such
areas.

Each year since 1997, POLICOM has ranked the U.S. Metropolitan and
Micropolitan Areas for their long-term tendency to consistently grow in both
size and quality. POLICOM analyzes local economies, determines if they are
growing or declining, identifies what is causing this to happen, and offers
ideas and solutions to improve the local economy.

United States Micropolitan Statistical Areas (McrSA), as defined by the U.S.
Office of Management and Budget(OMB), are labor market areas in the United States centered on an urban cluster(urban area) with a population of at least 10,000 but fewer than 50,000
people.

The micropolitan area designation was created in 2003. Like the better-known
Metropolitan Statistical Areas(MSA), a micropolitan area is a geographic
entity used for statistical purposes based on counties and county equivalents.

From its research and educational programs, community and government leaders
can discover what is driving their economy and what the community will have
to do to enhance the “quality of life” for the people living and working in
the area.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).

“A strong specialty crop sector is beneficial for all of Tennessee agriculture,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “Tennessee is proud to administer this valuable program, providing assistance to large and small organizations by supporting projects ranging from research and education to market studies.”

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture administers the grants, which are authorized through the USDA. SCBGP funds are granted to enhance production and competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, honey, floriculture, and other nursery crops.

Eligible organizations include universities, institutions, cooperatives, producers, and industry or community-based organizations. The program aims to support projects that directly affect multiple Tennessee producers and have a positive, long-lasting impact on Tennessee agriculture.

Previous grant funding assisted Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville to expand markets for Tennessee bush-type heirloom green beans. “The Specialty Crop Block Grant is a high-impact program focused on benefiting a wide range of Tennessee stakeholders,” Associate Professor of Plant Science Dr. Brian Leckie said.

Another grant recipient, Cul2vate, works to increase demand for specialty crops and provide education to future specialty crop growers in Middle Tennessee. “Through this grant, Cul2vate has been able to improve our training and education resources regarding specialty crops and emphasize their value to our local food chain,” Executive Director Joey Lankford said. “It has helped us concentrate our efforts toward outcomes that make us better and more productive as a farm.”

Eligible individuals and organizations must submit proposals using the 2021 project template. The project template, performance measures, and information required to apply are available online at www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/business-development/scbg.html.

Proposals are due by March 15, 2021 and should be submitted by email to tn.scbg@tn.gov. First-time recipients have a funding limit of $25,000. Early submission is encouraged.

By Nadia Ramligan, TN Public News Service

Tennesseans charged with a crime often face a mountain of fees and fines, even if they aren’t convicted.

Critics say mandatory costs help pay for operating the criminal-justice system, but may simultaneously create new, indirect costs for governments, while trapping those who are unable to pay in the system.

Mandy Pellegrin, policy director at the Sycamore Institute, said residents have reported owing several thousands of dollars in fines and fees.

“If you use a public defender, there is a fee for that service,” Pellegrin explained. “You can face fees for things like a blood alcohol test or a drug test. You often owe a weekly or a monthly fee for probation or parole.”

Tennessee law allows judges to reduce or waive costs for those who cannot afford them, but Pellegrin pointed out audits have found wide variation across the state in how judges determine who can and can’t pay, and cautioned heavy caseloads often leave little time to accurately assess an individual’s ability to pay.

Recent data from the Sycamore Institute documented more than 360 state-authorized fees, fines and taxes.

Pellegrin noted costs can be levied by courts, state officials and sometimes even private entities.

She stated civil action against people who have not paid their fees and fines can lead to garnished wages, interest, and other penalties, further driving individuals into debt.

She believes it’s time for the state to assess the role of fines and fees in communities.

“One really good place to start is better understanding the extent to which different local governments in Tennessee are relying on this as a source of revenue,” Pellegrin contended.

Research shows criminal-justice system costs can have negative ripple effects because family members often share the burden of financial obligations.

If debts lead to incarceration of a parent, they may also contribute to negative long-term outcomes for children.

Coffee County Sheriff’s Department authorities are asking for the public’s help to find stolen property.

According to CCSD, a 2015 Polaris Razer 900 was stolen over the weekend from the Beechgrove area. A white Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck is a vehicle of interest in this case. (see a photo of the Razer and the vehicle of interest below)

If anyone has information, please contact Coffee County Sheriff’s Department Investigator James Sherrill at 931-728-9555 or 931-570-4404.

Two people have been killed in a plane crash in Franklin County.

At approximately 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department personnel responded to Keith Springs Mountain in reference to a plane crash.

Upon arrival on the scene, deputies were able to locate the scene of the crash in the Hickory Ridge area.
Details of the crash are currently under investigation and further information will be released when appropriate, according to officials.

The pilot and passenger in the plane have been identified as Carl C. Spray, age 78 of Estill Springs., and Joseph L. Mackey, age 58 of Estill Springs. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA will assist in the investigation.

For the first time in four weeks, gas prices across the state held steady instead of increasing. Gas prices in Tennessee, on average, are the same as last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.23 which is nearly 12 cents more than one month ago and nearly four cents more than one year ago.

Average prices in Coffee County are on par with the state average at $2.23 per gallon of regular unleaded. The National gas price is $2.46.

“Even though gas prices held steady across the state this week, it’s likely that Tennesseans can expect to pay more at the pump this month ” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Crude oil prices jumped $4 per barrel over last week and are the most expensive that we’ve seen since January 2020. It typically takes a few weeks to see the impact at the pump from changes in crude oil pricing, but given that crude accounts for more than 50% of retail price, it’s very likely that we will see pump prices begin to trickle upward in response.”

Quick Facts

· 57% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.25
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.05 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.48 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee remains the 10th least expensive market in the nation

National Gas Prices

This past Saturday, February 6, was the first time in 340 days the national average was more expensive than a year ago. Today, nearly two-thirds of all state gas price averages are more expensive year-over-year. Pump prices continue to climb, in part due to expensive crude oil and the market’s growing optimism that demand will increase amid the vaccination roll-out.