Josh Peterson

The City of Manchester leaf vacuum service begins again on Oct. 19.

The City of Manchester Street Department provides leaf vacuum service to all city residents from Fall to Spring of each year.
All leaves and grass must be recycled under State and Federal regulations.

All leaves placed out to be vacuumed must be free of any sticks, rocks, limbs, etc. or any other debris that would obstruct or harm the equipment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Manchester Street Department office at 728-6903 Monday- Friday, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Early voting for the Nov. 3 State and Federal Primary and County General election starts tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 14. Early voting runs Monday to Saturday until Thursday, Oct. 29.

Early voting offers Tennesseans the flexibility of evening and Saturday hours, along with multiple polling locations in many counties. The first and last days of early voting are normally peak days. Voters looking to avoid the busiest days of early voting should plan to vote on days other than the first and last day of early voting.

Tennessee voters can find their early voting and Election Day hours, polling locations, view and mark sample ballots and much more with the GoVoteTN app or online at GoVoteTN.com (https://t.e2ma.net/click/6hv4rmb/yvgckg/yrxmkxn). The GoVoteTN app (https://t.e2ma.net/click/6hv4rmb/yvgckg/ekymkxn) is free to download in the App Store or Google Play.

In Coffee County, registered voters can cast their ballots at the Coffee County election commission at 1329 McArthur St. Suite 6., or the CD Stamps building in Tullahoma at 810 S. Jackson St. Tullahoma.

“Early voting offers Tennesseans the flexibility to choose their location and time to cast a ballot,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I encourage voters to do their part by wearing a face covering while taking advantage of Tennessee’s generous early voting period.”

Voters need to bring valid (may or may not be current) photo identification to the polls. A Tennessee driver license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government or the federal government are acceptable even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable. More information about what types of ID are acceptable can be found on sos.tn.gov by calling toll free 1-877-850-4959.

Tennessee state law requires polling locations and the area within a 100-foot boundary surrounding each entrance to remain campaign-free zones. This includes the display or distribution of campaign materials and the solicitation of votes for or against any person, party or question on the ballot in these areas. Voters wearing campaign-related clothing or paraphernalia will not be allowed within the 100-foot boundary.

During early voting and on Election Day, Tennesseans are encouraged to wear a face covering and maintaining a six-foot distance from poll officials and other voters. Voters should expect to see signs with further safety instructions at their polling locations. All poll officials will be wearing face coverings and will be trained in social distancing measures.

The voter registration deadline to participate in the November election was Monday, Oct. 5. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

For the latest information on the State and Federal General Election, follow our social media channels Twitter: @SecTreHargett (https://t.e2ma.net/click/6hv4rmb/yvgckg/uczmkxn), Facebook: Tennessee Secretary of State (https://t.e2ma.net/click/6hv4rmb/yvgckg/a5zmkxn) and Instagram: @tnsecofstate (https://t.e2ma.net/click/6hv4rmb/yvgckg/qx0mkxn).

For more information about early voting in Tennessee, go to GoVoteTN.com (https://t.e2ma.net/click/6hv4rmb/yvgckg/6p1mkxn) or call the Division of Elections toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is reminding citizens to follow simple safety practices to prevent wildfires and obtain a debris burn permit for leaf and brush piles. The official start of wildfire season in Tennessee is Oct. 15 – meaning a burn permit is required to burn starting on that date.

Debris Burn Permits for leaf and brush piles are available online at no charge. For larger, broadcast burning, such as forestry, agricultural, and land clearing, call your local Division of Forestry burn permit phone number Mon. through Fri., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The online system for permits and phone numbers can be found at www.BurnSafeTN.org.

Permits are issued only when conditions are conducive to safe burning. If you live inside city limits, you will need to contact the Manchester Fire Department before burning.

A list of materials that may not be burned can be found in the open burning guidelines from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation at www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/apc-air-pollution-control-home/apc/open-burning.html.

Burning without a permit, a Class C misdemeanor, is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine. Wildfires caused by arson are a class C felony punishable by three to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day, and you may remain anonymous. Cash awards are offered for information leading to an arrest or conviction. To report illegal burning, call 1-888-891-TDEC.

Visit www.BurnSafeTN.org for additional tips to burn safely and to protect your community.

Manchester Mayor Lonnie Norman passed away during the early morning hours of Monday, Oct. 12, after a battle with COVID-19 virus. 

The family of Mayor Lonnie J. Norman has issued the following statement:

“It is with a deep sense of sadness and a profound sense of loss that the Norman family announces the passing of Mayor Lonnie J. Norman. He passed away early on the morning of October 12th from COVID-19.

“It is said that when your work speaks for itself—let it. Mayor Lonnie Norman’s eight decades on this planet were filled with work that testifies to both his accomplishments and his values.

“He spent 40 years with Arnold Engineering Development Complex, retiring as a technician supervisor. In 1984 he entered public office and in 1991, Mr. Lonnie Norman became the first black Mayor of Manchester, Tennessee. His friends and neighbors returned him to the Mayor’s office four times—an act of trust for which he was immensely grateful. In his numerous campaigns for public office, he never lost a political race. He loved his hometown and they loved him.

“A new recreation complex, soccer field, improvements to countless parks, other infrastructure, and support for our beloved Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival were among his proudest accomplishments. He also fought hard against rural hospital closures, so all Coffee County citizens could access quality, affordable health care.

“Without question Lonnie Norman’s greatest accomplishments were as father to Virginia, Deborah, Priscilla, Lonnie, Jr. and grandfather to Brandi Sails and Kandi Guest. The entire family wishes to thank the people of Manchester, Coffee County, and the state of Tennessee for their support during this difficult time. Even with sadden hearts, we hold tight to Lonnie’s favorite quote: “It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. We as a family appreciate all of the calls, texts, prayers, and well wishes.

“COVID-19 is a real and it took our beloved Lonnie Norman from us. To his fellow public officials, we say please remember your duty to keep the public safe. To our fellow citizens, we say please wear a mask, practice physical distancing, and protect public health and each other.

“We are all in this together.

“In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and/or Bonnaroo Works Fund.”

The Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen has issued the following statement:

“Today we share in the sorrow of a great loss to our community. Mayor Lonnie J. Norman was a dedicated servant to the people of Manchester for several years. He served as Mayor during the early 90’s and again since 2012.

“Lonnie was a statesman and a diplomat, but above all else, he was kind, honest, and thoughtful. In a world that seems to so easily divided, Mayor Norman brought us together. Mayor Norman understood the importance of compromise and honest debate. He guided our community with a strong and steady yet gentle hand with empathy and compassion.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our beloved Mayor’s family, and to his extended families.”

See the original story of Mr. Norman’s passing by clicking here. 

Tennessee’s generous early voting period for the upcoming State and Federal General Election begins Wednesday, Oct. 14, and runs Monday to Saturday until Thursday, Oct. 29.

“Our top priority, this election season is that every Tennessee voter can cast their ballot safely and securely,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Utilizing Tennessee’s robust early voting period is an excellent way to accomplish this goal.”

Early voting provides Tennesseans the opportunity to avoid Election Day crowds and can shorten your wait time. Early voting also offers the flexibility of evenings and Saturdays, along with multiple polling locations in many counties.

During early voting and on Election Day, Tennesseans are encouraged to do their part. This includes wearing a face covering and maintaining a six-foot distance from poll officials and other voters. Voters should expect to see signs with further safety instructions at their polling locations. All poll officials will be wearing face coverings and will be trained in social distancing measures.

In Coffee County, registered voters can cast their ballots at the Coffee County election commission at 1329 McArthur St. Suite 6., or the CD Stamps building in Tullahoma at 810 S. Jackson St. Tullahoma.

Tennesseans can find early voting and Election Day polling locations, view and mark sample ballots and much more with the GoVoteTN app (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ati1qmb/yvgckg/ek2laxn) or online at GoVoteTN.com (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ati1qmb/yvgckg/uc3laxn). You can download the GoVoteTN app for free in the App Store or Google Play. Reviewing your sample ballot and deciding how you will vote can reduce your time at the polls.

Tennesseans voting early or on Election Day should remember to bring valid photo identification with them to the polls. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, by the Tennessee state government or by the federal government, is acceptable even if it’s expired. College student IDs are not acceptable.