Josh Peterson

There are 23 active cases of COVID-19 in Coffee County, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.
Since testing began in March, there have been 108 positive tests in Coffee County. Of these, 85 have officially recovered, which leaves 23 active cases.

Meanwhile, across the entire state of Tennessee there are approximately 14,984 active cases. There have been 578 confirmed deaths related to the virus and 2,665 hospitalizations. There have been 792,779 total tests administered in Tennessee, meaning about 5.44 percent of all persons tested are testing positive.

We are now three days away from the City of Manchester’s annual Independence Day celebration.
Although COVID-19 pandemic has altered this year’s celebration to look a little different with no live music or entertainment at Rotary Park, the city will still be shooting fireworks on Saturday, July 4, beginning at 9 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from the Manchester Recreation Center grounds (557 N. Woodland St.)

With other cities in the area cancelling or postponing their shows, Manchester’s show will go on and citizens and visitors from other areas are encouraged to find a suitable viewing area and remain socially distanced. Wherever you choose to watch from, whether it be in the park, in your car or a random parking lot, you will be able to hear synchronized, patriotic music to the fireworks on Thunder Radio – 107.9 FM and 1320 AM. Radio programming will begin at approximately 8:53 p.m. on July 4, with the fireworks to begin at 9 p.m.

Active cases of the COVID-19 virus remain at 20 in Coffee County, this according to numbers provided by the Tennessee Department of Health Monday afternoon.

Since testing began in March, there have been 105 positive tests here. Of these, 85 have recovered, leaving 20 active cases.

Statewide, there are approximately 14,419 active cases. There have been 568 confirmed deaths and 2,599 total hospitalizations.

Monday (June 29), Governor Bill Lee extended Tennessee’s State of Emergency through Aug. 29. This allows for suspension of various laws and regulations in the name of containing the virus.

Among the items of note, this allows for continued electronic government meeting, continued takeout of alcohol sales and limits social and recreational gatherings to 50 people with the exception of places of worship, weddings and funerals.

Lee’s guidance also urges Tennesseans to wear face coverings, but does not mandate them, and urges employers to allow remote working.

Other recommendations include limiting contact sports with a requirement or substantial likelihood of close contact – although this does not apply to collegiate or professional sports under the rules of their governing bodies.

The Tennessee gas price average jumped 6 cents this week following a steady week of slow increases. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $1.95 which is 24 cents more than one month ago and nearly 47 cents less than one year ago. Gas price average in Manchester is about $1.99 per gallon of regular unleaded.

“The increase in gasoline demand contributed towards the state average’s six cent jump to $1.95. That average may continue to increase ahead of the Independence Day holiday weekend, however, travelers could find pump prices nearly 50 cents cheaper than last year’s holiday,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group.

Quick Facts

· 90% of Tennessee gas stations still have prices below $2.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $1.77 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.19 for regular unleaded

Summer Travel Outlook + Independence Day Gas Prices

AAA did not release an Independence Day holiday travel forecast this year, but does forecast that Americans will take 683 million road trips from July 1 – September 30. Before you hit the road for the holiday or a summer trip, AAA recommends:

· Make sure your vehicle is road trip ready – have your engine and oil levels checked.
· Include an emergency road kit in your vehicle with an extra cell phone charger, first-aid kit, a blanket, flashlight, basic tools, jumper cables, and gloves.
· Visit AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map for the latest state and local travel restrictions.
· Pack face coverings, cleaning supplies and a thermometer.
· Take all necessary travel documentation, including health insurance cards.

Historical Tennessee Independence Day Gas Prices

(Price per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline)

· 2019 – $2.46
· 2018 – $2.61
· 2017 – $1.99
· 2016 – $2.06
· 2015 – $2.53

Active cases of COVID-19 virus in Coffee County continue to remain near the same levels, with 20 active cases as of 2 p.m. Saturday. The Tennessee Department of Health did not issue data on COVID-19 cases and tests on Sunday, June 28, 2020 due to an unplanned shutdown of the state surveillance system.

Since testing began in March, there have been 103 confirmed cases in Coffee County. Of those cases, 83 have recovered, leaving the 20 active cases.

Meanwhile, across the state there were 13,129 active cases as of 2 p.m. Saturday. Since testing began, there have been 39,848 confirmed cases. There have been 560 confirmed deaths and 2,564 hospitalizations.

Approximately 748,229 tests have been administered in Tennessee. This means of all those testing, about 5.33 % are testing positive.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident that occurred on Saturday June 27th at approximately 7 p.m. in the Pleasant Grove Road area of Franklin County.

Initial reports indicate that a victim (who has yet to be identified) sustained gunshot wounds inflicted from what was reported to be a shotgun stemming from a disturbance.

The Sheriff’s Office is seeking to make contact with Brent Moon, of Tullahoma. Moon is wanted for questioning about this incident and was last reported to be possibly traveling in a silver Ford Fusion car. Anyone having contact with Mr. Moon is advised to NOT approach and contact your local law enforcement authorities immediately. (Photo below)

With Independence Day fast approaching, Manchester officials want to remind everyone about fireworks regulations inside the city limits.

It is permissible shoot fireworks from June 20 through July 5, which is this upcoming Sunday. Also, fireworks shall not be fired after 11 p.m..

Manchester City Schools want parents to know that if their family is receiving free and reduced lunches, you can apply for extra food benefits. These food benefits are called Pandemic EBT or P-EBT benefits.

Parents who already receive SNAP or TANF benefits do not have to apply, and the funds should have already been added to your EBT cards. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 29.
Click here to apply.