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City Manager? Ray reneges on Signal Mountain contract to pursue Manchester
Whether or not the City of Manchester will push forward with a plan to hire a city manager for the first time since 2002 is yet to be seen.
But, apparently, at least one person wants that job.
Josh Ray, the former city manager in Shelbyville (among other places), has expressed interest in the position, according to an email Ray sent to Manchester Mayor Marilyn Howard on May 5.
However, the city hasn’t actually posted that it is hiring for such a position, though talk has been underway for several years now and has recently gained more traction.
Ray was fired from his post as city manager in Shelbyville in March of this year after a little more than a year on the job. According to the Shelbyville Times Gazette, the only reason given was: “Shelbyville City Council decided it was necessary to make a change in management style in the position of City Manager.”
Ray then went on to accept the job as city manager in Signal Mountain, Tennessee in April of this year. According to The Chattanoogan, Ray signed a contract with the city on April 29. But officials in Signal Mountain learned that on May 5, 2022, six days after signing his contract, Ray wrote an email to Manchester Mayor Marilyn Howard inquiring about becoming city manager in Manchester. This email came despite already accepting the Signal Mountain job. Ray was supposed to report for work June 1 in Signal Mountain. When confronted by Signal Mountain city officials about reaching out to Manchester while under contract, Ray reportedly decided to terminate his contract with Signal Mountain, according to The Chattanoogan.
Thunder Radio obtained a copy of the email that Ray sent to Mayor Marilyn Howard on May 5 through an open records request. In it, the email (titled City Manager Letter of Interest) includes an attached cover letter and resume for a city manager position, dated for May. Ray also states his willingness to work on a short-term contract until the board could update its policies and procedures. (MTAS is scheduled to meet with Manchester board members Tuesday, May 31 regarding the position).
Howard told Thunder Radio News that she had not solicited Ray to inquire about the position. She added that she was unsure if the board would decide to move forward with posting the position and/or hiring someone now, considering there will be at least two new board members after the August election.
Prior to being fired in Shelbyville, Ray served as City Manager in four different cities in North Carolina, New Mexico, and Texas over a period of about 17 years, according to the Shelbyville Times Gazette. He was fired as city manager in Whiteville, N.C. in 2009 after what councilmen there said were issues with the speed of projects and poor handling of sewer and drainage issues, according to WECT news.
John Otto Phillips, Jr.
John Otto Phillips, Jr., “Jack”, departed this life Sunday, May 22, 2022,
at the home of his daughter, Joanna, in Pensacola, Florida. Jack was born
to Florentine Holmes and John O Phillips, Sr. in Miami, Florida August 20,
1935
Jack spent his early years in Manchester, Tennessee where he and his family
were very involved in the community. He was an Eagle Scout, lifeguard at
the local swimming pool, high school football player, active member of the
United Methodist Church and worked at Evans grocery store.
He attended Coffee County schools and graduated in 1953. He began his
college life at Vanderbilt University prior to receiving an Appointment by
Tennessee Congressman Joe L. Evins to the United States Naval Academy.
While wrestling at the Naval Academy, Jack sustained an injury which
disqualified him from remaining as a Midshipman and he had to leave the
academy. Jack continued his studies at the University of Tennessee (UT) and
ultimately graduated with honors and a business degree. While at UT, Jack
was a member of the UT Singers ensemble. Jack received a MS in Management
from Rollins College in 1971.
Upon graduation, Jack went to work at Chrysler Corporation in Huntsville,
Alabama. While working at Chrysler Jack met Mary Dudley Call. They were
married May 1963 and had four children. After spending several years with
Chrysler, he was hired by the National Aeronautics Space Administration
(NASA) and moved to Titusville, Florida. While employed by NASA for 30+
years, he was involved in many projects including Apollo Missions, booster
rocket redesign for the Space Shuttle and the Hubble Telescope among many
others. Jack received several awards and accolades for his work at NASA.
Jack married JoAllen Rogers May 6, 1978. After spending time in Huntsville,
Al, Pass Christian, MS and Danbury, CT, they returned to live in their
hometown of Manchester, TN in 1984.
Following his retirement, Jack began looking for a way to stay busy and
spend as much time as possible at the family farm. Together, Jack and Jo
opened The Fairway Driving Range on Interstate Drive. Jack was always
working on a project and could often be found scouring local junk yards to
find parts for cars he was fixing up. He enjoyed watching sports (aka
snoring on the couch), thrifting at the local goodwill, playing cards,
eating sweets, and traveling to visit his friends and family. Jack never
knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone.
Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by his wife, JoAllen Rogers, an infant
son, Jay, and both of his parents. He is survived by his three children
Leigh (and Robert) Radmacher of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Joanna Cope of
Pensacola, Florida, and John (and Lorie) Phillips of Vestavia Hills,
Alabama; three stepchildren Jennifer Dunn of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Bobby
(and Bobbie) Dunn of Brown Summit, North Carolina, and Jeff (and Christy)
Dunn of Raleigh, North Carolina; One sister, Florentine “Tine” Liegerot of
Brevard, North Carolina; 8 Grandchildren and 2 nephews.
Visitation with family and friends will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022,
from 10:00am until 11:00am at Central Funeral Home in Manchester, TN.
Funeral services will immediately follow. Burial will take place at
Hillsboro United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Leslie Howard Hartley
Leslie Howard Hartley of Fairview, TN passed this life on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Alive Hospice in Nashville at the age of 75. Mr. Hartley was born in Franklin, TN to the late Leslie Ewan and Jennie Mae Ferrell Hartley. Leslie served his country in the United States National Guard, and was a proud member of the International Heat and Frost Insulators Local #86. He loved NASCAR, and country music. In addition to his parents, Mr. Hartley is preceded in death by one brother, Robert “Bobby” Hartley; and one sister, Reta Faye Hartley. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Joan Brown Hartley; one daughter, Kimberly Lingle (Jay); one son, Leslie Brad Hartley; two sisters, Daisy Glascoe (Ernie), and Virginia Burton (Harry “Bug); three grandchildren, Johnny Leslie Lingle, Jennie Katherine Alma Lingle, and Montana Ruth Hartley. Visitation for Mr. Hartley will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2022 from 1:00-2:00pm at Kilgore Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 2:00pm in the Kilgore Funeral Home chapel with Anthony Nicholson officiating, and members of International Heat and Frost Insulators Local #86 serving as honorary pallbearers. For those who wish, the family asks that donations in Leslie’s memory be made to Alive Hospice Inc. 1718 Patterson St. Nashville, TN 37203. Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Harold Headley Offutt, Jr.
Harold Headley Offutt, Jr. passed away on May 27, 2022 at his home in
Tullahoma, following a short illness. He was 92. He was born in
Earlington, KY on March 22, 1930 to the late Harold Headley Offutt, Sr. and
the late Ruby Lee Beard Offutt.
Raised in Earlington until he was 14, Harold spent many days with his
grandfather, Sam Offutt in his drugstore. He moved to Mt. Pleasant, TN in
1944, with his family when his father got a job as a train engineer with
the L&N Railroad. Harold would become the QB of the Hay Long High School
football team in Mt. Pleasant where he would begin dating his future wife
after asking her to ride home with him on the pep bus after an away game.
Harold and Mary Bond Burnett married on March 15, 1952 while he was home on
leave from the Army. Following their marriage, Harold was stationed at
Tripler Hospital in Honolulu, HI where he served as a medic during the
Korean War. Mary Bond would join him in Hawaii and they spent their first
year of marriage there. After his time in the Army, Harold attended
pharmacy school, following in his grandfather’s footsteps. He graduated
from The University of Tennessee School of Pharmacy in 1955, where he was a
member of the Phi Delta Chi fraternity. Harold and Mary Bond moved to
Tullahoma in 1959 where they planted roots and began their family. He and
his wife were members of the Bel-Aire Church of Christ, which would later
relocate and become the Cedar Lane Church of Christ. Harold joined Medical
Building and Taylor’s Pharmacies, becoming a partial owner. Harold served
the Tullahoma community for over 30 years before retiring to play golf full
time.
An avid golfer, he won the Senior Championship tournament at Lakewood Golf
and Country Club on two occasions and made a hole in one on their course
once. In addition to golf, he ran two or three miles several times a week,
he could be seen running on the THS track many years before it became a
popular pastime. A strong supporter of The University of Tennessee sports,
he and his wife spent many Fall Saturdays in Neyland Stadium with their
children. Watching Tennessee football and basketball games became a family
tradition. Mr. Offutt had a joy for life and loved to play pranks on his
family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of
62 years, Mary Bond Burnett Offutt and his sister, Martha Jean “Dollye”
Offutt Haskew. Mr. Offutt is survived by his four children, Daryl Offutt of
Fayetteville, Mary Lee Stewart of Estill Springs, Kevin (Denise) Offutt of
Franklin and Lynda (Sean) Sanders of Murfreesboro; three grandchildren,
Alex Adams, Holly Stewart (Thomas Clark) and Connor Offutt; one
great-grandchild, Adaleyah Adams and a great-grandchild on the way, Riley
Clark; and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend
their gratitude to the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living and Compassus
Hospice of Tullahoma for their care of Harold over the last several weeks.
Services will be held Tuesday, May 31 with visitation from 12:00 PM to 2:00
PM and the services to begin at 2:00 PM, with interment to follow at Rose
Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorials can be made to the Cedar Lane Church of
Christ (1200 Cedar Lane Tullahoma, TN 37388) or Special Olympics.
AAA: Gas prices in Tennessee stabilize for now
Tennessee gas prices began to stabilize over last week, providing drivers with a small respite from additional increases at the pump ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Even with a bit of stabilization, drivers still paid the highest gas prices ever recorded for Memorial Day this year. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.28 which is nearly 39 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.41 more than one year ago.
The average price in Coffee County is $4.20 per gallon, which is 8 cents below the state average and 42 cents below the national average, which has reached $4.62.
The most expensive gas in the nation remains out west, where the average price in California has shot up to $6.16.
“While drivers might have seen a small break in pump price increases this holiday weekend, we could be looking at the calm before the storm for gas prices,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Crude oil prices surged to $115 per barrel last week alongside further tightening of domestic supplies. Renewed upward pressure on pump prices likely means additional increases in pump prices for drivers in the next couple of weeks.”
Quick Facts
· 45% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.25
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $4.08 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.57 for regular unleaded
National Gas Prices
A dip in gasoline demand provided drivers with a bit of stability at the pump, as the national average for a gallon rose less than three cents over the past week to reach $4.62. But this respite could be brief. Crude oil has moved above $115 a barrel due to fears of further global supply constraints caused by a European Union (EU) ban on Russian oil exports. And domestic gas demand may again start to climb as drivers fuel up for the three-month-long summer travel season, which began this Memorial Day weekend. AAA forecast nearly 35 million travelers hit the road for Memorial Day. It’s the highest number since 2019, despite record prices at the gas pump.
According to Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 500,000 bbl to 219.7 million bbl last week. Gasoline demand also dipped from 9 million b/d to 8.8 million b/d, approximately 700,000 b/d lower than a year ago. The softening of gas demand helped minimize price increases ahead of Memorial Day. However, gas demand may spike this week after drivers took to the roads for the holiday. But pump price increases could be limited if demand slows again following the holiday weekend.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.62, which is 45 cents more than a month ago, and $1.58 more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by 98 cents to settle at $115.07. Crude prices rallied at the end of last week following news that the EU was seeking unanimous support of all 27 member countries to impose a ban on Russian oil later this year. Yesterday, EU leaders announced they will ban 90 percent of Russian oil imports by the end of 2022. Crude prices also increased last week after EIA reported that domestic crude supply decreased by 1 million bbl to 419.8 million bbl. The current level is approximately 13.3 percent lower than during the third week of May 2021. Crude prices could rise again this week if EIA’s next report shows total domestic supply remains tight.
United Way raises over $30,000 at May event
On May 21st, United Way of Highway 55 held their inaugural fundraiser on BBQ Hill overlooking the Jack Daniels distillery. A limited number of tickets were sold, and this event was one of only two outside organizational events in 2022 scheduled on BBQ Hill. Over 160 people attended, and the evening consisted of an upscale dinner, live entertainment by Utopia, and silent auction.
National Aerospace Solutions supported the event as the Diamond Sponsor and Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital as the Platinum Sponsor.
United Way of Hwy 55 Director, Ashley Abraham, explains “This night would not have been possible without each of our sponsors. We had a variety of auction items from businesses around our community, so thank you to those that donated.” Black Rifle Coffee Co. served cold brew coffee and handed out coffee bags to attendees. Every attendee went home with a wood engraved coaster made by Jack Daniels and United Way cookie by Sami Kay Cookies. Top Sponsors received engraved Gentleman Jack bottles and tour tickets. Abraham states, “certain sponsor levels were able to tour a cave below the event space the night of the event. We wanted to give our top sponsors an experience they would not forget and to thank them for their support.”
Speakers of the night included National Aerospace Solutions (Diamond Sponsor), President & General Manager: Rich Tighe and Deputy General Manager: Wayne Monteith. They spoke about their employee payroll deduction program and presented United Way of Highway 55 Director, Ashley Abraham, and Board with a $33,231 (2022 Employee Payroll Deduction Total) check. Other speakers of the night included Cindy Kenney, Director of The Good Samaritan of Tullahoma and Cassell Galligan-Davis, Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Center, 31st Judicial District. They spoke on how the United Way funds help their mission in the counties we serve.
Abraham states, “We raised over $30,000. The list of people and businesses to thank is long. This is the first big gathering we have been able to hold since Covid. These funds will help pay vet bills for injured animals or control the overpopulation of animals. It provides affordable childcare to low-income families. These funds support an after school and summer program that provides activities and tutoring for less fortunate children. That may be there only safe place. It supports a nonprofit that provides a recreational horseback riding program designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical and/or intellectual challenges. It helps provide free healthcare to the working uninsured. These are real missions and stories happening in our community daily. Along with many others. Our goal is to protect your donated dollars and place them were most needed and that will create the biggest impact. We appreciate the support.”
United Way of Highway 55 would like to thank their Board Members: Michele Simmons (Board Chair), Michele Carmack (Treasurer), Ashley Wright (Secretary), Ashley Kraft, Ryan Andrews, Monty Hawkins, Amanda Martin, Pamela Barnes, and Marsha Hale. United Way of Highway 55 event committee members included Jenny Orr, Emily Rice, Marsha Hale, Holly Buchanan, Michele Simmons, Michelle Carmack, Ryan Andrews, Pam Bussell, Amanda Martin, and Ashley Kraft. Abraham added, “Huge thanks and special recognition to Board Member Marsha Hale who went over and beyond to ensure this was a successful fundraiser. And Jack Daniels event coordinator Dianne Potts.”
Abraham ends by saying, “Our goal is to raise more, so we can give more to our local nonprofits. All funds raised here, stay in the 3 counties we serve: Coffee, Moore, and Warren. We are excited to continue this fundraiser for years to come and continue to build the awareness and support. It is a gorgeous venue. Thank you to all attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and businesses that donated auction items. It takes a village. United.”
Irwin David Gordon
Irwin David Gordon, of Manchester, passed this life on Thursday, May 26,
2022 at his residence, at the age of 74. No services are scheduled.
Irwin, a native of Brooklyn, New York, was the son of the late Nathaniel
Gordon and the late Evelyn Katz Gordon.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his brother, Mitchell Gordon and sister, Roberta Striano.
Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
CHS basketball programs announce 3-day summer kids camp
Kids entering kindergarten through 8th grade who love basketball will have a chance to learn from the best this summer.
Coach Cope and Coach Taylor’s Basketball Camp 2022 will be June 8-10 from 8-10:30 a.m. each day at the Central High School gymnasium.
The camp is for boys and girls entering grades K-8 next school year.
Campers will be placed in groups by age and skill level and work on basketball fundamentals with Lady Raider head coach Joe Pat Cope and Red Raider boys basketball coach Andrew Taylor, as well as assistant coaches, current and former players.
The Lady Raider basketball program has won 5 consecutive district championships. Meanwhile, the Raider boys are fresh off a trip to the TSSAA State Tournament.
Campers will be working on dribbling, shooting, passing, offense and defense each day. Each camper will receive a t-shirt. Cost is $60 per player.
Pre-registration for a guaranteed t-shirt has already passed. Campers can still register late by contacting Cope at copej@k12coffee.net
Lady Raider softball tryouts are May 31, June 1
Tryouts for the 2023 Coffee County Central Lady Raider softball team will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday (May 31 – June 1).
Those wishing to tryout should bring a glove, bat, cleats and an updated physical form. If you plan to tryout, click here to fill out a form prior to arrival.
Tryouts on Tuesday, May 31, will be broken into two sessions: 4-5:30 p.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. The student athlete should choose their session in the form here.
Tryouts to be held at Terry Floyd Field, behind Coffee County High School at 100 Red Raider Dr. in Manchester.
City to discuss city manager at special called work session Tuesday
City of Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen will meet in a special called work session Tuesday, May 31.
Top on the list of items to be discussed will be the possibility of moving forward with a city manager – a long discussed item of business.
Below is the full agenda. The work session will start at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall: 200 W. Fort St. The public is invited to attend.
- MTAS discussion regarding City Manager/Chief of Operations position:
- 2022-2023 Budget:
- Water/Sewer Commission salary recommendation:
- Transition plans for City Attorney position: