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Gas prices hold steady through the new year; Coffee County prices higher than state average
Tennessee gas prices are off to their lowest start to a new year since 2019 and the state gas price average remains unchanged over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.04 which is 14 cents more than one month ago and 35 cents less than one year ago.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Coffee County is $2.09 – 5 cents above the state average. The national average is at $2.25 per gallon.
“Holiday road travel was down at least 25%. With fewer people on the road, Tennessee motorist saw little change at the pump from the last week of 2020 to the first few days of 2021,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
Quick Facts
· 50% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $1.87 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.31 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee remains the 10th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
The new year has started, but the national gas price average remains unchanged, holding steady at $2.25 for the last 12 days. Pump price stability at the start of the year is credited to consistent crude oil prices in late December, about $47-48/bbl, combined with low demand. U.S. gasoline demand, as recorded by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), was at the lowest level for the last week of December in 23 years (since 1998) – at 8.1 million b/d.
While the national gas price average is nine cents more than last month, January gas prices are already 33 cents cheaper than this time last year. That is the largest year-over-year difference at the beginning of January since 2015. AAA expects demand to dwindle in coming weeks and gas prices to likely be cheaper, especially if crude oil holds at the current price point.
How high or low gas prices will go in 2021 will largely depend on crude oil prices, supply and demand. AAA expects that as the vaccine becomes more widely available and states loosen travel restrictions, Americans will begin to drive more and at that point we will see an impact at the pump. At $2.17, 2020 saw the lowest annual national gas price average since 2016.
COVID-19 vaccines to begin at Coffee County fairgrounds Wednesday
UPDATE, JAN 4, 4:17 PM – The health department has communicated with the emergency management agency that a very limited allotment of COVID-19 vaccines will be available this week at the fairgrounds, and that allotment has already been “booked up.” Therefore, unless you have previously spoken with the health department about your vaccine and have an appointment or a booking, then you likely will not receive one. This includes Wednesday and Friday vaccine dates.
ORIGINAL STORY, JAN 3:
Vaccines for COVID-19 will begin in Manchester at the Coffee County fairgrounds beginning Wednesday, Jan. 6. Available hours will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. while supplies are available.
Vaccines are currently available for those ages 75 and older as Coffee County is currently in phase 1a1, 1a2 and 75-years and older.
The Department of Health communicated late Sunday that Coffee County has currently exhausted its vaccine resources for now. However, the emergency management agency expects vaccines to be available by Wednesday, Jan. 6. We will post updates at thunder1320.com. It is unclear how many doses will be available.
Following Wednesday, there will be a rotating schedule of vaccines and testing at the fairgrounds site.
After Wednesday, the schedule will be as follows:
Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays: vaccines will be administered.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: COVID testing will be provided by the health department.
The Coffee County Fairgrounds are located at 99 Lakeview Dr. in Manchester.
If you have any questions concerning vaccinations or testing you can reach out to the health department via phone
Tullahoma- 455-9369
Manchester- 723-5134
Update on Coffee County active Covid-19 cases, vaccines administered
As of New Years Day – there have been 126,887 vaccinations administered in Tennessee, according to data provided by Tennessee Department of Health. However, this number is likely higher due to a lag in reporting.
As of the same date, 1.21% of the Coffee County population (estimated over 55,000 total) has received at least a partial vaccination.
Currently, there are 547 active cases of the COVID-19 virus reported in Coffee County – a drop from the peak that went over 800 in December. There have been 65 deaths reported in Coffee County and currently 70 Coffee Countians are hospitalized with the virus.
Across the state there have been 6,070 virus related deaths since March of 2020.
Total hospitalizations across the state have topped 3,000: now at 3,176.
Winchester authorities asking for help finding church burglars
Winchester police authorities are asking for help solving a burglary and theft reported on Dec. 29.
According to authorities, sometime between noon on Dec. 28 and noon on Dec. 29, Journey Church, located at 916 Dinah Shore Blvd., was broken into.
Reportedly stolen were a MacBook, iPad and Nord Keyboard.
If you have any information about this theft or these items, contact Winchester Police Department detective Brian Wilder at 931-967-3840 or at Crimestoppers at 931-962-INFO.
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Foul trouble, bad third quarter dooms Raiders in district opener
COLUMBIA, TENN — A bad third quarter, foul trouble and turnovers doomed the Central High School Red Raiders in their District 8-AAA opener Saturday afternoon, a 50-44 loss to the Columbia Lions.
The Raiders let a 22-14 halftime lead slip away into a 33-26 deficit after three quarters. The Lions outscored Coffee County 19-4 in the third period and the Raiders fell into foul trouble. Unofficially, the Raiders had 7 third quarter turnovers.
Red Raider Trenton Scrivnor and CJ Anthony both fouled out, meanwhile Connor Shemwell and Tyler Taylor each finished with four fouls. In total, there were 25 fouls called on the Raiders. The Lions took advantage, hitting 20 free throws.
Coffee County trailed by as many as 14 in the fourth quarter, but mounted a comeback behind 9 fourth quarter points from senior Jaxon Vaughn and 6 from senior Kyle Farless, who finished with a game high 16 points. But the Raiders were unable to pull any closer than 7 points during meaningful minutes. Vaughn drained a halfcourt shot at the buzzer to secure the final score at 50-44.
GAME NOTES:
*The Raiders drop to 4-4 on the season with the loss and 0-1 in District 8-AAA play. It was the first game for CHS since Dec. 19 and just their third game in 31 days due to COVID-19 limitations.
*The win makes Columbia 1-0 in district play and snaps a 4 game losing streak for the Lions.
*This game was scheduled to start at 4 p.m. but was delayed for 56 minutes due to no officials being onsite for the start of the game.
*Red Raider senior Kyle Farless was named Stone Fort Mortgage Player of the Game.
*Ferdinand Davis did the majority of the damage for the Lions, piling up 16 points – 13 coming in the second half and 7 of those coming at the free throw line.
UP NEXT
*The Raiders will be back in action Tuesday, Jan. 5 when they travel to Shelbyville for another District 8-AAA game. The Lady Raiders will tip at 6 p.m. with the Raiders to follow. Both games can be heard live on Thunder Radio – 107.9 FM, 106.9 FM, 1320AM
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING: Two Lady Raiders place at Stewarts Creek
Five different Lady Raider wrestlers started the new year by competing in the Redhawk Rampage at Stewarts Creek on Saturday, Jan. 2.
Paryss DeShane took first place in the 119/125 weight division. Meanwhile, Lyra Leftwich placed third in the 132/140 pound division.
Also competing for the Lady Raiders on Saturday were Mary Wolfrum, Sara Crosslin and AJ Rue.
Prep Sports Schedule: Jan 4 – 9
This week in prep sports.
Monday
6 p.m. – Coffee Middle Basketball HOSTS Harris Middle (Game will be broadcast LIVE on Thunder Radio as part of the Mid Tenn Turf Hometown Sports Series. 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, thunder1320.com).
Tuesday
6 p.m. – Coffee Middle Basketball HOSTS West Tullahoma
6 p.m. – Central High School AT Shelbyville (Game will be broadcast LIVE on Thunder Radio. 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, thunder1320.com)
Wednesday
6 p.m. – Coffee County Basketball Coaches Show LIVE from Praters BBQ (Financed by FirstBank of Manchester) Join in person or listen live at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, thunder1320.com.
Thursday
6 p.m. – CMS basketball AT Warren County
6 p.m. – CHS wrestling HOSTS Smyrna & Lawrence County
Friday
6 p.m. – CHS basketball AT White County (Game will be broadcast LIVE on Thunder Radio. 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, thunder1320.com)
Friday & Saturday
TBA – Westwood boys and girls basketball at Webb School tournament.
Saturday
10 a.m. – Coffee Coaches Show, live from Al White Ford-Lincoln. Join in person or listen live at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, thunder1320.com or the Manchester Go smartphone app.
Howard Herbert Clutter
Howard Herbert Clutter, age 80, of Manchester, Tennessee, beloved husband of Helen, passed from this life December 30, 2020.
Born in Washington, Pennsylvania to Robert D. and Mollie (Harrer) Clutter. Mr. Clutter graduated high school from Tombstone Union High School, Tombstone, Arizona and went on to receive his B.A. from David Lipscomb College in 1963 and later completed his Master of Business Administration Degree from Wright State University in 1972.
Mr. Clutter served in the United States Army as First Lieutenant Field Artillery, First Calvary Division in the Vietnam conflict; and was awarded The Purple Heart Medal during his service.
Mr. Clutter was an Industrial Engineer with Standard Register for many years until his entrepreneurial spirit led he and his wife, Helen to purchase and operate the Sweetwater KOA Campground. After selling their own campground, they worked for KOA Corporate, traveling the country as campground inspectors.
Mr. Clutter was a longtime ham-radio operator. He was delighted when his son and daughter-in-law purchased WMSR-Thunder Radio. He and Helen moved to Manchester in 2006 so that Howard could “play” radio station with his son. Mr. Clutter was the host of the “Swap n Shop” program on WMSR-Thunder Radio until the time of his death.
In his spare time, Mr. Clutter loved restoring old cars produced by the American Motors Corporation; often with his son and grandson (Eli). He was honored to drive Mayors’ Superstein and Pennington in City parades in his bright red 1966 Rambler Rogue Convertible.
Finding that he had a commitment to help provide safe, low-income housing for the citizens of Manchester, Mr. Clutter was in his second term as a Commissioner on the Board of the Manchester Housing Authority. He was instrumental in the current Oakdale Street grant project.
Mr. Clutter was an active Kiwanian since 1988. Serving Kiwanis in several positions over the years, including Secretary, President and Lt. Governor.
A wonderful Christian man, he served as Deacon, lead bible class, helped in many projects and was devoted to his congregation at the Red Hill Church of Christ.
Mr. Clutter is preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Connie Clutter Laurence.
Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Helen, son, Rob (Tiffany) Clutter, grandchildren Mollie (Sean) Metts, Alex (Beka Candore) Oates, Eli Clutter, Andie Mae Clutter and Hudson Clutter. Great-grandchild, Norah Metts.
Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, January 5, 2021, 11 AM-1 PM at Central Funeral Home in Manchester. Funeral to held immediately following in the Central Funeral Home Chapel at 1 PM. The family understands that in this strange time of Covid, you may not be able to attend in-person. Your prayers and love are felt from any distance and greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Howard’s name to the Dream for Weave Foundation at https://www.facebook.com/DreamForWeave.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Rockets battle to championship game, fall in finals
Westwood’s Rockets pushed Elkmont Middle School to the brink on Wednesday.
But in the end, the Rockets fell just short.
On Wednesday afternoon in Alabama, Westwood fell to Elkmont 40-37 in the winner’s bracket finals to fall down into the loser’s bracket finals. The Rockets bounced back and beat Highland Rim 39-33 to move to the championship of the double elimination tournament. The Rockets beat Elkmont 35-30 to force a deciding game, where the Rockets fell 38-29.
Westwood 37
Elkmont 40
The Rockets exploded for 16 points in the fourth quarter after a slow offensive start, but couldn’t complete a comeback and fell to Elkmont in the winner’s bracket finals. Jayden Carter led the way with 16 points, including 5 in the fourth quarter.
Westwood 39
Highland Rim 33
Rocket Jaiden Warren put in a steady performance to lead the Rockets with 10 points in a 39-33 win. Cayden Trail and Jayden Carter each pitched in 8 to get the Rockets out of the loser’s bracket finals and into the championship game.
Westwood – 35
Elkmont 30
In their third game in a row, the Rockets used 14 points from Jayden Carter and 7 from Caiden Warren to beat the same Elkmont team that they fell to earlier in the day. Cayden Trail and Blake Hillis each pitched in five points for Westwood to force a third game with Elkmont.
Westwood 29
Elkmont 38
In the decisive championship game, Westwood finally ran out of gas and fell to tournament host Elkmont 38-29. The Rockets could only muster 4 points in the final period.
Blake Hillis finished with 9 points to lead the way for the Rockets. Cayden Trail added 6.
The Rockets are now 9-10 overall on the season with one tournament left – scheduled for next weekend at Webb School.
Predators to open season without fans at Bridgestone
The Nashville Predators will open the hockey season in January with no fans at Bridgestone arena. You can hear the Predators on Thunder Radio (brought to you by Charlie Gonzales, realtor with Weichert Realtors Joe Orr and Associates).
See the team’s statement below:
First and foremost, our top priority is always the health and safety of our fans. As COVID-19 cases reach record-high numbers, we want to be a supportive member of the Nashville community, not a detriment.
Over the past few months, we have continued to shape, frame and revise our plan for reopening, and we couldn’t be more thankful to the Metro Board of Health, Mayor Cooper’s Office, the NHL and many others in helping us do so.
We know by now that the landscape in these times can change by the day. While we don’t want to articulate our plans too far ahead of time, we will make every effort to detail our arrangements with as much notice as possible.
Therefore, as we drop the puck on Jan. 14, we have decided to begin the season without fans in attendance at Bridgestone Arena. Over time, we will work toward allowing limited numbers of fans into the arena while finding new ways to engage our fanbase and steadily grow the number of fans permitted in the building.
Reopening our arena and getting back to playing hockey won’t be the same without our Loyal Legion cheering us on in person, but we will continue to build toward what we have come to know and appreciate in Smashville – 17,159 of the best fans in sports cheering the Nashville Predators to victory night after night.