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Manchester City Schools to serve free breakfast and lunch during virtual learning
Beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 6, the Manchester City Schools Nutrition Department will be providing breakfast and lunch for children 18 and under while virtual instruction proceeds through Jan. 15.
Meals will be served daily, Monday through Thursday (Thursday pickups will include breakfast and lunch for Friday).
College Street Elementary pickup will be from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Orr Street; Westwood Elementary pickup is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the front drop-off circle; Westwood Middle School pickup will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. behind the school.
Vaccines booked up this week for Coffee County; call health department for details
After announcing on Sunday (Jan 3) that vaccines would start being administered by the health department at the Coffee County Fairgrounds this week, the health department is now saying that vaccines are limited and unavailable for this week.
According to Allen Lendley with the Coffee County EMA, the health department will indeed have a limited number of vaccines at the Coffee County fairgrounds Wednesday morning. However, the department has already booked up the expected available vaccinations for this week – including Wednesday and Friday. In other words – if you haven’t already spoken with the health department and have a vaccine scheduled – then don’t show up to get a vaccine.
Tennessee and Coffee County is currently in phase 1a1 and 1a2, which allows for ages 75 and older to receive vaccines. When vaccines are available, it will be a drive-through format according to Katie McMinn with the Coffee County Health Department. Also, there will be a pre-registration process to “reduce long lines and wait times.”
However, more information on how to register for a vaccine appointment is not yet available.
Beginning on Wednesday (Jan. 6) the health department is offering vaccines on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays at the fairgrounds, with testing being performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However – as previously stated – no vaccines will be available this week unless you are already scheduled.
For more information please reach out to the Local Health Department:
Tullahoma – 931-455-9369
Manchester – 931-723-5134
First female deputy of Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Northcutt, passes away
Coffee County Sheriff’s Department has announced the passing of the department’s first-ever female deputy.
Deputy Carolyn Ann Northcutt passed away on January 4, 2021.
According to the sheriff’s department, Northcutt was Coffee County’s first female deputy. She was hired by former Sheriff Dan Daniel in the 1960s. She remained with the department for over 30 years before retiring under former sheriff Steve Graves.
Northcutt’s last assignment was with the court officer division with circuit court proceedings.
“Deputy Northcutt was a professional in her field and worked tirelessly to attain perfection. Deputy Northcutt will be sorely missed,” CCSD stated. “All our thoughts and prayers will be with her family during this difficult time.”
Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 at Manchester Funeral Home.
Tullahoma Police welcome newest patrolman
The Tullahoma Police Department has announced it is welcoming its newest police officer – Ashley Chambers, who recently began serving the citizens of Tullahoma.
Pictured are, from left, Lt. Phil Henderson, patrolman Chambers and chief Jason Williams.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Lady Raiders roll past Harris to keep perfect CTC record
Rust wasn’t a factor for the Coffee Middle School Lady Raiders after a 20-day layoff.
Eight different Lady Raiders scored points on Monday night (Jan. 4), including 15 from 8th grader Channah Gannon the CMS cruised to a 53-18 beating of visiting Harris Middle School – a game you heard live on Thunder Radio as part of the Mid Tenn Turf Hometown Sports Series.
Coffee Middle went on a 17-2 run to close the first quarter and led 36-12 at the half before taking a dominating 51-14 lead into the final period.
Gannon was dominant in the paint, scoring 9 in the first half and 6 within the first few minutes of the third quarter before sitting the rest of the night.
Guard Natalie Barnes added 12 points – including a pair of 3-pointers for CMS.
Olivia Vinson added 9 for the Lady Raiders, Ella Arnold 6, Sophie McInturff 5, and Kaylee Mason, Ava McIntosh and Autumn Stover each added 2.
The win improves CMS to 9-1 on the year and keeps the Lady Raiders perfect in CTC play. They will host West Tullahoma Tuesday.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Raiders get 20 from Kirby, hold off late Harris rally in Monday win
Evan Kirby put together a 20-point performance for the Red Raiders and Coffee Middle held off a late Harris rally to pick up a 43-31 CTC win in Manchester.
Kirby was dominant inside, outside and at the free-throw line. The eighth-grade post scored 11 In the first half and 9 in the second. He was the benefactor of multiple assists from Brennan Young and Cole Pippenger in the first half for buckets around the basket. He was also 3-of-4 at the charity stripe, and even knocked down a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from the corner to close the third quarter.
CMS took a 28-10 lead into the locker room and then a 37-19 lead into the fourth period after Kirby’s 3-pointer.
But the Eagles took off on a 12-0 run to start the fourth period to cut the Raider lead to 37-31 and possession of the ball with less than two minutes to play.
The Raiders didn’t get on the board in the fourth quarter until there was 1:12 to play on a bucket by Young. But from there it was all CMS. The Raiders closed the game on a 6-0 run.
Pippenger finished with 13 points, Young 5, Farrar 4, and Jase Cashion 1.
The Raiders are now 6-2 overall and 5-2 in CTC play. They host West Tullahoma Tuesday.
Titans set to play Ravens in playoffs Sunday
The Titans clinched the AFC South title on Sunday with a win over the Texans.
Now, we know when they’ll be playing in the playoffs.
The NFL announced the Titans will host the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday at 12:05 p.m., CST at Nissan Stadium. You can listen to the game live on Thunder Radio – 107.9 FM, 1320 AM.
The Titans beat the Ravens 30-24 in overtime back on November 12 of this season. The Titans knocked the Ravens out of the playoffs last year.
The Titans finished the 2020 season with a record of 11-5. The Ravens also finished 11-5, and in second place in the AFC North behind the Steelers.
It will be the first playoff game at Nissan Stadium since the 2008 season.
Vaccines to be very limited at fairgounds this week; allotment is already booked
After announcing on Sunday (Jan 3) that vaccines would start being administered by the health department at the Coffee County Fairgrounds this week, the health department is now saying that vaccines are limited and unavailable for this week.
According to Allen Lendley with the Coffee County EMA, the health department will indeed have a limited number of vaccines at the Coffee County fairgrounds Wednesday morning. However, the department has already booked up the expected available vaccinations for this week – including Wednesday and Friday. In other words – if you haven’t already spoken with the health department and have a vaccine scheduled – then don’t show up to get a vaccine.
Tennessee and Coffee County is currently in phase 1a1 and 1a2, which allows for ages 75 and older to receive vaccines. When vaccines are available, it will be a drive-through format according to Katie McMinn with the Coffee County Health Department. Also, there will be a pre-registration process to “reduce long lines and wait times.” However, more information on how to register for a vaccine appointment is not yet available.
Beginning on Wednesday (Jan. 6) the health department is offering vaccines on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays at the fairgrounds, with testing being performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However – as previously stated – no vaccines will be available this week unless you are already scheduled.
For more information please reach out to the Local Health Department:
Tullahoma – 931-455-9369
Manchester – 931-723-5134
Heather Duncan to vacate position as Circuit Court Clerk Jan. 31
After serving Coffee County as Circuit Court Clerk for over 26 years, Heather Hinds Duncan has notified the Coffee County Mayor and the Coffee County Commission that she will be vacating the office effective January 31, 2021. She has accepted a different position.
“Serving the citizens of Coffee County has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career as Circuit Court Clerk,” said Duncan “The friendships I have made and the things I have learned while here will always be with me. I have so many wonderful memories at the Coffee County Justice Center.”
The Circuit Court Clerk is responsible for maintaining all court files for the Circuit, General Sessions, and Juvenile Courts. In addition, the Clerk prepares the court dockets, attends each session of court, and maintains the minutes of the Court. The Circuit Court Clerk collects all fines, costs, litigation taxes, and restitution ordered by the Court.
Duncan last won re-election in 2018 – a four-year term.
It is unclear how the position will be filled. Thunder Radio has reached out to Coffee County Mayor Gary Cordell for clarification and as yet to receive a response. Duncan commented to Thunder Radio that she thought a judge would assign a temporary replacement. Thunder Radio will work to clarify the next steps moving forward.
“In 1994 when I was first elected, Judge Gerald Ewell and Judge John Rollins were our Circuit Judges. We only had one full-time General Sessions Judge, Tim Brock, and our Juvenile Judge was only a part time position. Over time our case load grew to a point that we needed another full-time General Sessions Judge who would assume the role of Juvenile Judge as well,” stated Duncan
In a career that spans three decades, county government and the court system have seen many changes during her tenure.
“We had an office of 23 employees with no computer system when I started. We were accounting for all cases and court costs by hand,” explained Duncan. “Within my first year, we automated and today we use technology in every office function. We now have an additional judge, hundreds of Bonnaroo cases each year, a drug court, automated traffic citations just to name a few of the many changes. Our caseload has grown tremendously and we are collecting millions of dollars for Coffee County and the state of Tennessee, but our staff size has only increased by one.
“I am thankful for the amazing staff that I have spent my workdays with each day. They are smart, capable people who know the importance of their jobs and will continue to do a professional, efficient, and courteous job of serving the people of Coffee County.
“I have worked very hard to display the values that I was raised on during my time in office. It has been my goal to treat every citizen in a kind and respectful way. I have done my best to ensure that dealings with the Circuit Court Clerk’s office added to the professionalism of and respect for the Coffee County court system.
“I appreciate Judge Craig Johnson, Judge Vanessa Jackson, Judge Jere Ledsinger and Judge Greg Perry and the members of the Coffee County Bar Association who have been an important part of my professional life and for whom I share many close personal friendships. We are blessed in Coffee County with a well-respected judicial system.
“I have enjoyed a positive working relationship with so many of the other elected officials and department heads in Coffee County. I treasure the relationships we have shared over the years.
“I am grateful to my husband, John, and our four beautiful children (and our precious daughter-in-law) for their continued love and support. They have graciously enjoyed and endured the life of a wife and mother who was always on duty as a public official.”
Duncan went on to state how thankful she is for the voters of Coffee County giving her multiple terms as an elected official with the county.
“I am forever thankful to the voters of Coffee County for giving me the opportunity to serve as Circuit Court Clerk. I leave with great gratification that I have tirelessly given my time, energy, and effort to make your experience with this office a very positive one. I appreciate the faith you have placed in me over the past 26 years and for the opportunity to spend these years in a job that I have loved so dearly.”
SCHOOLS RETURN FROM BREAK: Manchester City Schools to be virtual, County Schools learning in person
Both the Manchester City and Coffee County School Systems will return from the Christmas holiday break on Wednesday, Jan. 6 – but in different fashions.
As Manchester City Schools return from the Christmas holiday break on Wednesday, the city schools will be switching to virtual learning through Friday, Jan. 15.
Manchester City Schools include College Street Elementary, Westwood Elementary and Westwood Middle School.
Dr. Joey Vaughn, director of schools, made the announcement prior to the holiday break.
“Given the current community Covid-19 numbers and the likelihood of a spike in numbers following the upcoming holidays, Manchester City Schools will begin the new year with an at home only learning schedule for all students,” the district announced. “The district will use this option from January 6 – 15, 2021. Students will report back to in-person learning on Tuesday, January 19 (the district is closed January 18).”
Meanwhile, Coffee County School System is set to return to normal, in-classroom learning (minus Fridays, which have been virtual days all year long) on Wednesday, Jan. 6.
Below are instructions for Manchester City Schools and their virtual learning:
Instruction will follow the procedures outlined below:
Pre K – 2: At Home Learning Packets
Classrooms will provide instructional packets that will allow families and students flexibility in the school day.
Assignments for the week will be available at the beginning of each week. Teachers will utilize online resources when appropriate and available.
Attendance will be taken through teacher communication method of choice with parents/guardians – may include texts, Remind, Class Dojo or other communication methods.
Grades 3 – 5: At Home Learning Packets and/or Online Learning
Classrooms will have flexibility in determining the best method of instruction. A mixture of online or instructional packets will be used. Assignments for the week will be available at the beginning of each week.
Attendance will be taken through teacher communication method of choice with parents/guardians – may include texts, Remind, Class Dojo or other communication methods.
Grades 6 – 8: Online Learning
Classrooms will continue online learning.
Situations requiring modifications will be addressed as needed (lack of connectivity).
Attendance will be taken each class period.
extra information:
• Learning materials may be picked up at the school at times communicated by the school.
• Breakfast and lunch will be provided for pickup from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday. Meals for Friday will be provided on the Thursday pickup.
• Afterschool Journey will be offered virtually for students who wish to participate.