Josh Peterson

Active cases of COVID-19 in Coffee County dropped again on Tuesday, falling to 288 according to data provided by Tennessee Department of Health.

That makes a drop of 33 cases over the past two days in Coffee County, falling from 321 on Sunday to 288 on Tuesday.
Since testing began in March, there have been a total of 700 cases in Coffee County. Of these, 406 have recovered and six have passed away, leaving 288 active cases. This number is dropping closer to the threshold for local schools to return to traditional learning. However, numbers would need to fall below 282 for consecutive weeks for that to be considered now that a hybrid plan has been put in place.

Across the state, active cases fell by 1,221 Tuesday. This after a decrease of over 1,300 the previous day.
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The state of Tennessee released tourism impact numbers Tuesday, including data specific to Coffee County and Manchester.

The 2019 State of Tennessee Tourism Economic Impact Report ranks Coffee County 21st in the state in tourism expenditures. That makes Coffee County first in the rankings out of county’s that do not operate a convention and visitor’s bureau.

In 2019 each household across Coffee County saved $414.16 in local taxes thanks to tourism expenditures, up from $396.92 in 2018, according to data provided by Manchester tourism officials. This is the result of $104.46 million in direct tourism expenditures. Of those expenditures, some 824 jobs were created with $20.94 million in payroll, $2.71 million in local tax revenue, and $6.25 million in state tax revenue.

On average $286,185 is spent by visitors daily in Coffee County reeling in $7,415 in local taxes and $17,123 in state taxes each day.

“Coffee County and the southern middle Tennessee region continues to see fantastic growth in tourism expenditures,” said Manchester alderman Ryan French. “This is very much the result of a regional effort and folks visiting for music, sports, outdoors, and unique regional destinations.

“When looking at Coffee County tourism we can thank local partners like the George Dickel, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, the Manchester – Coffee County Conference Center, Old Stone Fort State Park, and regional partners like Jack Daniels, Tims Ford State Park, The Caverns, South Cumberland State Park, and many more. All of these efforts are supported by visitors stopping to take in a great meal at our local restaurants, finding unique shopping experiences in our shops and boutiques, and most importantly feeling welcomed by the southern charm and hospitality that makes our community unique and Manchester a small town with a big soul!”

Coffee County Fair Board announced Tuesday several changes to this year’s fair,

There will be no fair pageants or baby shows this year. There will also be no 4-H Science Fair, no junior education booth, no Chick Chain Show sale, no Plant Sale, no Youth Field Day events and no Pet Show.

The 2020 Coffee County Fair will be Sept. 21-26. Entries will be taken on the 19th and 20th, but there will not be entertainment those evenings as originally scheduled.

Manchester Mayor Lonnie Norman was officially sworn in to a third consecutive term in office Tuesday night at Manchester City Hall by Judge Craig Johnson.

Norman won a narrow mayoral race over Steven Jones on Aug. 6.

Also sworn in Tuesday night were three incumbent alderman who all won another term – Chris Elam, Bob Bellamy and Ryan French. New Manchester School Board Member Lee Sullivan was also sworn in. Sullivan takes over for Mike Lewis, who did not seek re-election to the city board of education.

(In the top photo, Manchester Mayor Lonnie Norman is sworn in by Judge Craig Johnson. Bottom left photo, aldermen Bob Bellamy, Ryan French and Chris Elam are sworn in. Bottom right photo, Director of Manchester schools Dr. Joey Vaughn, school board member Travis Hillis, new school board member Lee Sullivan, school board member Dr. Prater Powell. )