Josh Peterson

The COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be administered across the state of Tennessee, albeit at different rates and paces.

Across the state, 244,567 people have received the first dose of the two-dose vaccine. A total of 42,851 people have received the two doses required.

In Coffee County, 2.61 percent of the population has received the first of two required vaccines for the virus. In terms of percentage of population, this is less than all surrounding counties with the exception of Rutherford County, where about 2.08 percent o the population has received the first dose of the vaccine. Warren County has seen 4.72% of the population receive the first dose. Meanwhile, Franklin County is at 3.79 percent.

Henry County in West Tennessee appears to have administered first doses of vaccines to a larger percentage of its population, with 10.40 percent of the population receiving the first dose. But virtually no one in Henry County has received a second dose, just 0.07 percent.

As it pertains to the second dose, very few have received that. In Coffee County, just 0.12 percent of the population has received two doses. In Rutherford County, 0.62 percent has received the second dose.

Currently, those qualified for phase 1a1 and 1a2 can sign up to be on the waiting list for vaccination in Coffee County by clicking here. Limited vaccines are being distributed on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.

Gov. Bill Lee has signed a resolution authorizing major changes to the state’s Medicaid program, TennCare.

Critics warned the move could lead to healthcare cuts and reduced coverage for vulnerable populations.

The Medicaid waiver, greenlighted by the federal government and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly, is the first of its kind in the country, and gives the state more freedom to choose how it uses federal dollars.

Michele Johnson, executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center, said in exchange for the flexibility, the state will lose out on billions.

“[This is] the first state in the nation to say to the federal government, ‘You give us less accountability, and we’ll take less money,'” Johnson lamented.

She added hundreds of patient-advocacy groups, doctors, and nurses opposed the decision. Gov. Lee and supporters say the block grant will allow state leaders to improve health.

More than 1.5 million low-income Tennesseans, including pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities, rely on TennCare.

Johnson believes the block grant leaves the state holding the check for its most vulnerable residents.

She pointed out services like neonatal intensive care or hospice care could be reduced or cut, and that’s on top of the increased healthcare burden from COVID-19.

“We’re number one in the world at positive COVID cases over the last few weeks,” Johnson observed. “Number one in the world, like, we are ground zero for where you wouldn’t want to take away accountability if your goal is to have stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

Johnson insisted fewer Medicaid dollars will further harm rural communities already hard-hit by hospital closures. She noted rural COVID patients have had to travel longer distances for emergency care.

“And the hospitals closest to them have closed, and the one after that has closed, and the one after that has closed,” Johnson emphasized. “We have huge swaths of the state where there’s ‘healthcare deserts.'”

The move also will allow TennCare to limit coverage of some prescription drugs. Experts say the Medicaid waiver approval will likely face legal challenges.

State fire officials want to remind you that cold winter months brings an uptick in home fires, urging Tennesseans to focus on home fire safety tips during what has historically been the most tragic and deadly week for fire-related incidents in the Volunteer State.

Data from the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office shows that Tennessee has averaged almost four fire deaths per year during the second week of January since 2015. When the temperature drops below 32 degrees, Tennesseans are 40 percent more likely to have a home fire than if it were above 32 degrees. When temperatures drop below 15 degrees, structure fires are twice as likely to occur than when temperatures remain above 32 degrees.

Heating equipment is the third leading cause of home fire deaths both nationally and in Tennessee. Specifically, portable heaters were responsible for 19 fire deaths from 2015-2019 in our state. Tennessee averages 53 portable heating fires resulting $1.7 million dollars in reported property loss each year. Remember to please keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment including fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters, and turn off your portable heaters when you leave your room or before going to bed. Lastly, ensure you have working smoke alarms inside each sleeping area, on every level of the home and that they are tested regularly.

Now is also a good time to review your fire safety plan with your children and family. Should your home catch fire, call 911 immedietely. 

According to newly reported numbers on Monday, there are currently 482 active cases of COVID-19 virus in Coffee County.

There have been 82 total virus related deaths in Coffee County.

Across the state of Tennessee, there have been 7,050 confirmed COVID-19 related deaths. There are currently 2,660 hospitalizations

In Coffee County, vaccines are being administered to those age 75 and older as supplies are available. To sign up to be on the vaccine waiting list, click here.

The Tennessee gas price average has increased for two consecutive weeks, up five cents over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.19 which is 22 cents more than one month ago and nearly 15 cents less than one year ago.

The Tennessee gas price average has increased for two consecutive weeks, up five cents over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.19 which is 22 cents more than one month ago and nearly 15 cents less than one year ago.

The average price in Coffee County is on par with the state average, at $2.19 per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline.

“This week marks the second week of increases so far this year for Tennessee pump prices. Since January 1st, gas prices have increased a total of 15 cents,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Market optimism surrounding the coronavirus vaccine, tightening supply and increasing crude oil prices are all factors helping to push gas prices higher.”

Quick Facts

· 74% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.25
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.00 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.45 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee remains the 10th least expensive market in the nation

National Gas Prices

Since last week, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by nearly seven cents to $2.39, which is nearly 18 cents more than a month ago, and nearly 17 cents less than a year ago. Pump prices have increased while gas demand remains low at 7.53 million b/d and total refinery utilization increased from 80.7 percent to 82 percent in the latest weekly report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Last week, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced special session legislation addressing K-12 student learning loss and the adverse effects on Tennessee students’ proficiency in reading and math after extended time away from the classroom due to COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has disrupted every aspect of education and we are on the cusp of severe consequences for our students if we don’t act now,” said Gov. Lee. “Data suggests that Tennessee third graders are facing an estimated 50% drop in reading proficiency and a projected 65% drop in math proficiency and that is not an acceptable path for our kids[1]. I thank Lt. Gov. McNally, Speaker Sexton and members of the General Assembly for acting quickly on behalf of our students and taking up intervention measures during the special session.”

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reports that only 34% of Tennessee students are proficient or advanced readers by fourth grade. Research shows that students who do not achieve reading proficiency by third grade are more likely to drop out of high school, be incarcerated or experience poverty as adults.

In addition to learning loss interventions and accountability hold harmless measures, Gov. Lee will propose adding funding for teacher salaries.

“Educators across the state are working tirelessly to turn the tide for their students and help them regain critical math and reading skills,” said Gov. Lee. “We believe they should be compensated for their efforts and look forward to working with the General Assembly to provide funding for our teachers.”

Intervening to Stop Learning Loss – SB 7002
• Requires interventions for struggling students including after-school learning mini-camps, learning loss bridge camps and summer learning camps, beginning summer 2021
• Program prioritizes students who score below proficient in both reading (ELA) and math subjects
• Creates the Tennessee Accelerated Literacy and Learning Corps to provide ongoing tutoring for students throughout the entire school year
• Strengthens laws around a third grade reading gate so we no longer advance students who are not prepared

Building Better Readers with Phonics – SB 7003
• Ensures local education agencies (LEAs) use a phonics-based approach for kindergarten through third grade reading instruction
• Establishes a reading screener for parents and teachers to identify when students need help, well before third grade
• Provides training and support for educators to teach phonics-based reading instruction

Accountability to Inform – SB 7001
• Extends hold harmless provisions from the 2019-20 school year to the 2020-21 school year so that students, teachers, schools and districts do not face any negative consequences associated with student assessments
• Provides parents and educators with assessment data including TCAP testing to provide an accurate picture of where Tennessee students are and what supports are needed to offset any learning losses
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Motlow State Community College leadership plans a return to on-campus instruction and activities by Fall 2021. The plan is contingent upon the status and spread of the Covid-19 virus. Leadership will make the final determination of the College’s on-ground Fall 2021 plan later this summer. Current planning is based on Tennessee’s vaccination plan and Motlow’s pattern of success in its pandemic response.

The approaching Spring 2021 semester will continue to operate using an alternate schedule. The alternate schedule allows most classes to meet online in a virtual environment, with on-campus exceptions made for required course completion in programs such as nursing, mechatronics, and emergency medical services. College faculty and staff are available virtually Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Spring 2021 classes begin Jan. 19, with all campuses closed Jan. 18 for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Motlow’s new website, which debuted recently, includes easy and intuitive navigation to apply to the College, review updated campus and Covid-19 information, choose a course or program, and contact critical services such as the library and disability, counseling, and advising. Visit the new site at mscc.edu.

Students, employees, and visitors are currently still required to complete a self-assessment health form before coming to campus during the Spring 2021 semester. Additionally, those on campus will continue to be required to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and follow additional protective measures.

New students planning to attend Motlow beginning Summer or Fall 2021 are encouraged to apply by Mar. 31 to ensure completion of payment, planning, financial aid processing, orientation scheduling, and any needed placement testing before their term begins.