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CMS volleyball reaches double-digit wins after dropping North
The Coffee County Middle School Lady Raider volleyball team reached double-digit wins with a 2-0 sweep of North Franklin on the road Thursday.
Coffee County picked up wins of 26-24 and 25-20 to get the sweep of North. The JV Lady Raiders also won 2-0 for a clean sweep on the trip.
CMS will travel across town to take on Westwood on Monday, Sept. 21. Junior varsity will start at 5 p.m. with the varsity to start at 6 p.m.
Rocket football gets defensive, beats Cannon County to stay unbeaten
The stats weren’t pretty. But the one that mattered most went in Westwood’s favor Thursday in Woodbury.
In a game you heard on Thunder Radio Thursday evening, the Westwood Rocket football team brought its defense on the road to win a 2-0 struggle over Cannon County in Woodbury.
The Rockets lone score came via a safety. Otherwise, neither team was able to find enough offensive rhythm to get into the end zone.
The win moves the Rockets to 6-0 on the season and drops Cannon County to 4-2.
Westwood has next week off before traveling to Cascade for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff on Oct. 1. The Rockets have already clinched the regular season Duck River Valley Conference Championship and will host the championship game – tentatively set for Oct. 8.
Raiders return home, set to host Siegel Friday night on Thunder Radio
The Coffee County Central High School Football team hosts Region 3-6A opponent Siegel at 7 p.m. Friday night at Carden-Jarrell Field.
Coffee County (1-2 overall) is looking to get back to .500 after back-to-back losses. Meanwhile, Siegel is 0-4 and looking for its first win of the season.
Tickets will not be sold at the gate. Anyone wanting to purchase tickets now will need to do so digitally. Smartphone users with an iPhone can download the GoFan app. Meanwhile, Android users should visit www.gofan.co. (not .com). Face coverings are required for entry and temperature checks will be performed at the gate.
The game will be broadcast live on Thunder Radio – your home for all Red Raider and Lady Raider sports. Pregame coverage begins at 5 p.m. with regional coverage on Prep Football Insiders. At 6 p.m. the Friday Night Thunder pregame show hits the air, a full hour focused on the Raiders and the Stars, including pregame interviews and analysis. We have the kickoff at 7 p.m. and the postgame Friday Night Thunder with a scoreboard rundown and game highlights will follow the game. Tune in at 107.9 FM, 106.7 FM, 1320 AM, stream at www.thunder1320.com and on the Manchester Go app.
Manchester, Coffee Co. Mayors proclaim September as Suicide Awareness Month
Manchester Mayor Lonnie Norman and Coffee County Mayor Gary Cordell joined several leaders across the state in signing a proclamation recognizing September as Suicide Awareness Month in Manchester and Coffee County
.The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network will hold several events across the state in observance of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this September.
According to an August 2020 Harris Poll conducted by leaders in the suicide prevention field, more than half of adults know someone who has had suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and approximately 1 in 4 U.S. adults has personally thought about or attempted suicide. In Tennessee, an average of 3 people die by suicide each day. In 2018 – the latest year for which state-specific figures are available – there were 1,159 recorded suicide deaths in Tennessee.
TSPN draws awareness to this public health issue throughout the year, and these efforts culminate during a statewide event each September. This year’s event, held on September 10, was a success, drawing in more than 250 attendees across the state. Attendees included professionals in the mental health field, government leaders, and dedicated friends of TSPN. The event featured many informative talks from TSPN leaders and wrapped up with a keynote address from Dr. Kelly Posner, creator of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).
See the full proclamation signed by Norman below:
WHEREAS, suicide is one of the most disruptive and tragic events a family and a community can experience, with more than 1100 lives lost in Tennessee each year and an estimated 25 attempted suicides for each suicide death; and
WHEREAS, suicide is the 9th-leading cause of all deaths in Tennessee, the second-leading cause of death among youth ages of 10 to 24, and the first leading cause for children ages 10-17; and
WHEREAS, more than three lives a day are lost to suicide in Tennessee, which means we lose 21 Tennesseans each week and 84 people per month; and
WHEREAS, Tennessee veterans, active-duty military, and National Guardsmen face a disproportionate risk as compared to the general population, with more dying from suicide than combat; and
WHEREAS, public awareness of this tragic problem is the key to preventing further suffering and loss of life; and the risk for human self-destruction can be reduced through awareness, education and treatment as the highest risk for suicide is among the survivors of those who died by suicide or those who have attempted suicide; and
WHEREAS, suicide prevention has been declared a state priority by the Governor; and the Tennessee Legislature has declared teen suicide prevention as a state priority in partnership with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network to implement the Tennessee Strategy for Suicide Prevention; and
WHEREAS, Tennessee is a national leader in the effort to prevent suicide, being one of the first states to develop a suicide prevention and evaluation plan covering the lifespan; and
WHEREAS, the Governor of Tennessee has appointed a Suicide Prevention Network Advisory Council to coordinate the implementation of the Tennessee Strategy for Suicide Prevention; and
WHEREAS, the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network is a grassroots collaboration of Tennesseans and organizations working to eliminate the stigma of suicide, educate the community about the warning signs of suicide, and ultimately reduce the rate of suicide in our state; and
WHEREAS, 2020 marks Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network’s 20th year of dedicated efforts to reach every Tennessean in every county; and
WHEREAS, every member of our community should understand that throughout life’s struggles we all need occasional reminder that we are all silently fighting our own battles; and
WHEREAS, we encourage all Tennesseans to take the time to inquire as to the wellbeing of their family, friends, and to genuinely convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate. A simple phone call, message, handshake, or hug can go a long way towards helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Lonnie J. Norman, Mayor of the City of Manchester, do hereby proclaim September 2020, as SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH in Manchester, Tennessee, and do urge all citizens to work to prevent suicide and to raise awareness and tolerance around all people affected by this tragedy.
Pictured (below) standing from left are City of Manchester Vice Mayor Marilyn Howard and Contact Life Line of the Highland Rim Representative Ellen Stowers; seating from left are City of Manchester Mayor Lonnie J. Norman and Coffee County Mayor Gary Cordell. The proclamation signing took place today at the City of Manchester in an effort to show a united front.

Poll workers needed for election day
Written by Susan Campbell, Thunder Radio
With the presidential election quickly approaching, election commission officers around the country are scrambling to meet the need for additional poll workers, and Coffee County Administrator of Elections Andy Farrar is no exception.
COVID-19, coupled with the older age of most poll workers, has led to a critical shortage around the country because many experienced poll workers are choosing to stay home. According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, even as Tennessee and many other states expand access to vote-by-mail and absentee voting options, many county residents, especially voters with disabilities and those who lack reliable mail service, will continue to rely on in-person voting to cast a ballot.
According to Farrar, Coffee County had 141 Election Day workers on Aug. 6. However, many poll workers who had worked the March 3 primary canceled due to coronavirus concerns.
“Most of our poll officials, while concerned, attended the training and when they learned of the precautions we were taking felt a little more at ease,” Farrar said. “Some workers who had concerns due to pre-existing conditions did not work, understandably.”
During the August election, the Coffee County Election Commission implemented several changes designed to make both voters and poll workers feel safe during both early voting and on Election Day.
“Each voter was given an ink pen with a stylus that they signed all documents with and voted on the voting machine with,” Farrar said. “This way, no one was sharing pens or touching the voting machines. We also had sanitizer stations for workers and voters, social distancing signs and floor stickers showing each 6-foot space to stand in line. All voting machines were separated by 6 feet, as well.”
Farrar said all election workers were required to wear masks, and were offered gowns, gloves and face shields if they chose to wear them.
“I tried to make this as comfortable of an experience for everyone during this pandemic,” Farrar said. “During the November Election as it stands today all of the same measures will be in place and possibly a few more based on feedback we received during the August election.”
On Nov. 3, Coffee County voters will choose a president, as well as one U.S. senator and one U.S. House member. The largest election of the 4-year cycle, Farrar plans on adding between 20 and 30 additional poll workers. Smaller precincts will have five or six workers, with large precincts having 69 workers.
“We base this on voter turnout over the last four to eight years,” Farrar said.
Coffee County has 21 voting precincts: four in Manchester, 10 in rural Coffee County, and seven in Tullahoma.
Poll workers in Coffee County are compensated approximately $110 for training, according to Farrar, but to receive the compensation they are required to attend and work on Election Day. Anyone interested in becoming a poll official may go to www.coffeecountyelectioncommission.com, or www.govotetn.com, click on the link and fill out the form, which will be received by email at the election commission office.
Early voting begins Oct. 14 and ends Oct. 29. Election Day is Nov. 3. Absentee by-mail requests are available for registered voters who qualify until Oct. 27.
Area citizens, businesses organize trunk-or-treat event after safe on square cancellation
With the recent announcement to cancel Safe on the Square in Manchester, local citizens and businesses have quickly organized a large-scale trunk-or-treat event or 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Oc.t 30 at the old Southern Family Market parking lot on Hillsboro Blvd. in Manchester.
There will be a costume contest, food vendors and music on hand provided by Thunder Radio.
There will be prizes for first, second and third place for best costume and a prize for best decorated trunk. There will be a $100 prize for first-place costume and a $50 gift card for first-place trunk. There will also be prizes for second and third place costumes.
For additional information, contact Brandon Imhoff at 931-588-7609 or email premierlawncare94@gmail.com

Thursday only day to buy paper tickets for Raiders vs. Siegel
After the week off last week, the Central High School Red Raider football team returns to Carden-Jarrell Field this week to take on visiting Siegel in a Region 3-6A contest.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. – the game can be heard live on Thunder Radio (beginning with pregame at 6 p.m.)
Coffee County (1-2) is looking to get back to .500 on the season and pull to 1-1 in region play with a win against visiting Siegel (0-4).
If you plan to attend – here is ticket information to consider.
*There will be no tickets sold at the gate the night of the game – Friday, Sept. 18.
*Tickets will be on sale at the Central High School main office, 100 Red Raider Dr. in Manchester.
*Thursday, Sept. 17, any remaining tickets (not purchased by football, band, cheer or dance family) will be sold to the public at the CHS main office from 8 a.m. until noon – 100 Red Raider Dr.
Digital tickets can be purchased anytime using the GoFan app. There is a convenience fee to use this app that does not go to the school athletic program. Iphone users can download the GoFan app. Android users should visit www.gofan.co (not .com) to purchase tickets.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Preschool children are free. TACA and TSSAA cards will be accepted at the pass gate.
COVID-19 related procedures remain in place – temperatures will be checked for all coaches, players, team personnel, officials, administrators and fans. Masks and facial coverings will be required while on site. Social distancing is strongly encouraged. Concessions will sell only pre-packaged, sealed food and drinks.
If you can’t go
If you cannot attend the game, you can always listen to every Red Raider football game on the home for all Red Raider and Lady Raider athletics – Thunder Radio (107.9 FM, 106.7 FM, 1320 AM, Manchester Go app stream, www.thunder1320.com stream). Pregame coverage begins at 6 p.m. with kickoff at 7 p.m. and postgame to follow.
Thursday, Sept. 17 prep sports schedule
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 prep sports schedule:
5 p.m – Coffee Middle Volleyball AT North Franklin
5:30 p.m. – CHS JV Volleyball AT Columbia
6:30 p.m. – WMS Football AT Cannon County (First National Bank Hometown Sports Series Broadcast on Thunder Radio. Tune in at 107.9 Fm, 106.7 FM, 1320 AM, www.thunder1320.com)
6:30 p.m. – CHS volleyball AT Columbia
Cole Hamels throws 3 innings in Braves debut Wednesday
Cole Hamels‘ season debut might not have concluded as smoothly as he desired, but pitching for the first time in nearly a year, the veteran lefty provided reason to believe he can impact the Braves the rest of the season.
Hamels’ much-anticipated return to the mound occurred as the Braves lost, 5-1, to the Orioles on Wednesday night at Camden Yards. He cruised through the first two innings in scoreless fashion, stumbled during a three-run third inning and then continued to build his endurance while retiring the only batter he faced in the fourth. Continue reading here
Adult learners in Tennessee can now earn high school equivalency online
Adults across Tennessee who did not graduate high school now have an online pathway that will lead them to a high school equivalency diploma. Every county in the state offers students virtual classes that will prepare them to take the online HiSET examination.
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) is coordinating the statewide campaign “Learn Online. Graduate Online.” to make adult education accessible to all interested Tennesseans.
“There are still several adult education programs whose classrooms are closed due to COVID-19,” said Jay Baker, interim Assistant Commissioner of Adult Education. “We want everyone interested in improving their math, literacy, and English language skills to know they never have to leave home and they can still work to change their future. And that includes earning a high school equivalency diploma—all of it can be done completely online.”
Individuals interested in learning more about their local adult education program can call TDLWD at 800-531-1515. Callers will give agents details about their local area and then transfer the caller to the adult education provider in their area.
Once in contact with a local provider, interested individuals will receive the resources needed to begin their online adult education. All course programs are available virtually and will prepare students to take the online HiSET examination to determine if they have earned their high school equivalency diploma.
The online exams are identical to HiSET exams taken in physical testing centers in terms of content, format, on-screen experience, and scoring. Each of the features test takers experience in testing centers, such as the ability to preview, skip questions, review, and change answers, are available with the online exam.
“Earning a high school equivalency diploma can really change a person’s life,” Baker added. “An adult who has a diploma can earn much higher wages and unlock more opportunities for education and career advancement.”
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s HiSET Voucher Program covers all costs associated with the exams. To receive a voucher from a local Adult Education program, a test taker must be a Tennessee resident and demonstrate test preparedness through a qualifying practice test.