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Manchester graduate inducted into MTSU Media Wall of Fame
Manchester native Don Aaron, a 1977 graduate of Manchester Central High School, was inducted to the MTSU Media Wall of Fame last Friday.
Aaron currently works with the Metro Nashville Police Department as the public affairs director and has for 30 years. He can often be seen on television as the primary spokesperson for the department.
Aaron got his start in media working for WMSR-AM in Manchester at 16-years old where he worked on and off until graduating from MTSU.
Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications with minors in English and Management.
Franklin County investigators recover over $200K in stolen property
Investigators with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department announced they have recovered approximately $210,000 worth of stolen property.
Lt. George Dyer and Inv. Chuck Stines say that a boat, as well as a truck that were purchased through fraudulent practices were recovered. The case has been turned over to authorities in nearby Shelbyville, as well as Osage Beach, Missouri and the United States Secret Service.
Horse tests positive for West Nile Virus in Middle Tennessee
STORY FROM NEWS PARTNER WGNS RADIO:
The state veterinarian confirms that a horse in nearby Smith County has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The 22-year-old horse has been euthanized.
Smith County is about 70 miles north of Manchester.
Mosquitoes transmit WNV and although humans can contract the virus, horses do not transmit the disease to humans or horses. Symptoms in horses may include fever, weakness, loss of appetite, or convulsions. There is no cure for WNV, and the illness can cause lasting effects and can be fatal.
“There are actions horse owners can take to prevent WNV,” State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty said. “Good preventative care includes control of mosquitoes and vaccination against WNV. Work with your veterinarian on a vaccination plan for your animals and manage the environment around your animals to deter mosquitos.”
Tips to prevent viruses include:
- Eliminate standing water sources and damp areas where insects could gather and breed.
- Manage manure and disposal.
- Keep barns clean and apply fly sprays and insect repellants as needed.
- Never share needles, dental, or surgical equipment among different animals.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division is responsible for promoting animal health in Tennessee. The state veterinarian’s office seeks to prevent the spread of disease through import and movement requirements, livestock traceability, disaster mitigation, and the services of the C.E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory. The division collaborates with other health-related stakeholders, academic institutions, and extension services to support One Health, an initiative to improve health for people and animals.
TAX TIPS: Reminder, Manchester H&R Block open year around to serve you
The deadline to file and pay federal income taxes has passed for most people. If you haven’t filed, and you didn’t file an extension, you should act fast to get your 2021 return filed. If you are due a refund, there is no penalty for filing late. However, if you owe and you missed the deadline without requesting an extension, you should file quickly to limit your penalties and interest.
The H&R Block office in Manchester is open year-round to serve you with filing your 2021 tax return, tax planning for your 2022 return, responding to IRS inquiries and letters, establishing a business and learning what tax records you should keep, and a host of many other services. Our current office hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10am-5pm with other times available by appointment.
If you have a tax question or concern, call H&R Block. In Manchester TN call 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
AAA: TN gas prices stabilize; below average prices in Coffee County
Gas prices across Tennessee stabilized over the last week, with today’s state gas price average the same as one week ago. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.85 which is nearly 18 cents less expensive than one month ago and $1.16 more than one year ago.
The average price in Coffee County has actually dipped significantly below the state average – currently sitting at $3.75 per gallon, according to AAA. That is 10 cents below the state average and 37 cents below the national average of $4.12.
The most expensive gas in the nation can still be found out west, coming in at an average of $5.68 per gallon in California.
“The rollercoaster ride at the pump is expected to continue this week,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “After a five-week decline in the Tennessee state average, gas price declines slowed over last week and stabilized over the weekend. The fluctuating price of crude oil remains the biggest factor influencing pump prices. It’s likely that Tennesseans will catch a break from last month’s record-high pump prices, however, dramatic drops at the pump aren’t expected.”
Quick Facts
· 91% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.59 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.16 for regular unleaded
National Gas Prices
The recent dip in pump prices has reversed, with the national average for a gallon of regular gas rising four cents over the past week to $4.12. Upward pricing pressure on concerns that less Russian oil will enter the global market is countered by fears of a COVID-induced economic slowdown in China, the world’s leading oil consumer. These opposing forces are causing the oil price to hover around $100 a barrel.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by nearly 1 million bbl to 232.3 million bbl last week. Gasoline demand increased slightly from 8.73 million b/d to 8.86 million b/d. Although supply and demand factors would have typically supported elevated pump prices, the fluctuating oil price continues to be the main factor influencing prices at the pump.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.12, which is 12 cents less than a month ago, and $1.24 more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $1.72 to settle at $102.07. Crude prices weakened at the end of the day due to demand concerns in Shanghai as fears of a demand-reducing slowdown in global economic activity loom. Crude prices declined despite EIA reporting that total domestic oil inventories decreased by 8.1 million barrels to 413.7 million barrels. This week, crude prices could see further reductions if demand concerns continue to drag the market down.
SOFTBALL: Lady Raiders sweep Saturday tournament games over Boyd Buchanan, Greenbriar
After dropping two tough extra-inning games on Friday night, the Coffee County Lady Raider softball team bounced back Saturday with a pair of wins to close out the Coffee County Classic in Manchester.
The Lady Raiders came from behind to beat Boyd Buchanan 6-4 before dismissing Greenbriar 10-5 in a pair of games at Dave King Park – you heard both on Thunder Radio.
Coffee County 6, Boyd Buchanan 4
Shaky defense and some well placed Boyd Buchanan hits put the Lady Bucs in front 4-1 after two innings. But the Lady Raiders responded in a big way with 4 in the third an an insurance run in the fourth to pick up the win.
Emily Schuster was 2-for-3 with a pair of RBIs in the win.
Kaitlyn Davis entered in the third inning to relieve Channah Gannon in the circle and immediately settled the Lady Raider defense – allowing only 2 hits and no runs over the final three innings while striking out 4. None of the 4 runs given up by Gannon were earned.
Davis also made an impact at the plate with a pair of hits, including a double.
Coffee County 10, Greenbriar 5
The Lady Raiders and Lady Cats were tied 4-4 entering the 5th before Coffee County erupted for 6 in the 5th inning to put it out of reach.
Olivia Evans notched a pair of doubles, picked up 2 RBI and three stolen bases in the win for the Lady Raiders. She also scored twice.
Gannon also doubled in the win for Coffee County. In total, the Lady Raiders outhit Greenbriar 13-5 but 4 Lady Raider errors kept Greenbriar close for four innings.
CHS improves to 17-12 win the wins Saturday.
REPORT: 2 found dead in Decherd victims of possible fentanyl overdose, police say
Two males in their 20s were found deceased inside a home in Decherd Thursday, April 21 – the victims of an apparent heroin and/or fentanyl overdose, according to our news partners with WCDT Radio in Franklin County.
According to a report from WCDT, St. Investigator Greg King with the Decherd Police Department entered a residence in Decherd and discovered the two victims, ages 26 and 29. Officers also found a third individual – female – who was alive and exhibited signs of being under the influence of narcotics. She was transported to Southern TN Regional Health System for treatment.
Investigators say heroin and/or fentanyl use is possible.
No further information was available.
Early voting in Coffee County ends Thursday
Early voting for the May 3 Coffee County primaries will wind down this week.
The final day to cast your ballot in the early voting period is Thursday, April 28. If you miss early voting, election day will be May 3.
Registered voters in Coffee county can appear and cast their early voting ballot at one of two locations:
Coffee County Election Commission at 1329 McArthur St Suite 6 in Manchester. Early voting hours are between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
CD Stamps Center at 810 South Jackson St. in Tullahoma. Early voting hours there are between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Voters are required to show a federal or state photo ID when voting.
If you do not early vote, you will vote at your assigned precinct on Election Day (May 3). Voting hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p..m on that day. If you have questions, contact the election commission at 931-723-5103.
Campaign finance and ethics reform act passes TN house
The Tennessee House chamber passed comprehensive legislation last week that will provide increased transparency and accountability in elections.
House Bill 1201, sponsored by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and State Rep. Sam Whitson, R-Franklin, will close loopholes which have in the past been exploited by special interest groups attempting to hide their identity or activities days before an election.
The law would provide a mechanism to make reporting and disclosing of campaign finances more transparent so that Tennessee voters can truly make more informed decisions.
As amended, the bill proposes several reforms to the state’s existing campaign finance laws. Tax exempt organizations that spend $5,000 or more within a 60-day window of an election would be required to disclose their total expenditures.
The bill requires a 501 (c) (4) that spends a minimum $5,000 for campaign materials or communications naming or showing the likeness of a candidate within 60 days of an election to report expenditures.
The legislation enhances interim reporting for candidates and PACs of contributions and expenditures received 10 days before an election. One of the most important changes is that the bill would extend civil penalty joint liability to candidates controlling or serving as officers of PACs. It would prohibit PAC funds from being used to pay assessed penalties on those PACs. Information about House Bill 1201 can be found here.
TN Gov. expected to expand work eligibility for DACA recipients
A bill on Gov. Bill Lee’s desk would expand eligibility for certain types of work licenses to Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA) recipients, individuals with Temporary Protected Status, and anyone else authorized to work in the United States.
Luis Mata, policy coordinator for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition Votes, among the bill’s backers, said it will allow individuals who want to work in bars, real estate, salons, medical technology and more, to obtain the credentials needed to do so.
“Being able to let Tennessee use the skills and talents that already exist here,” Mata explained. “For the individuals who are going to benefit, they are able to use those skills and talents that they’ve trained and invested so much in.”
Senate Bill 2464 was sponsored by Sen. Shane Reeves, R-Murfeesboro. The governor is expected to sign it. According to federal data, in 2020, immigrants made up 17% of the national workforce.
The American Immigration Council said more than 7,000 active DACA recipients call Tennessee home. They would be eligible for commercial or trade licensure if the bill becomes law.
Naomi, a DACA recipient and Davidson County resident, said it would allow her to follow her desired career path.
“It helps me especially by getting a better job and allowing me to work in a nursing station, and allowing me to be a nurse, which is what I’ve always wanted to do,” She remarked.
Mata sees the bill as a sign Tennessee lawmakers care about communities making up the bulk of the state’s essential workers.
“We’re urging Governor Bill Lee to enthusiastically sign this piece of legislation,” Mata emphasized. “And this is only the first step. We’re not done yet, we’re just getting started.”
Tennessee is among a handful of states nationwide seeing the largest increase in its immigrant population, up by nearly 200,000 in the last two years, according to the Center on Immigration Studies.