There will be a mobile food pantry on August 13th at 9 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Manchester.
The food pantry will be for families who have children enrolled in Coffee County Schools or Manchester City schools. This will be a first come first serve event.
Tax Tip Tuesday: “Back to School”
With schools starting back, H&R Block has some tips regarding education related tax benefits. If you are an educator, student, or have a student dependent, take note of the following points to get the most tax benefit from your education expenses:
-Elementary, middle, and high school teachers and certain other educators are eligible for up to $250 deducted from their taxable income for the money spent on unreimbursed classroom supplies. So keep your receipts!!
-Many expenses to attend colleges, universities, vocational, and technical schools qualify for tax credits. In order to claim a credit for amounts spent for books and supplies required for class, it is important to keep purchase receipts. Additionally, the institution will provide Form 1098-T either through the mail or posted online in the student’s account at the beginning of 2022. Form 1098-T reports the tuition and fees eligible for the education tax credits. Education tax credits can be worth up to $2,500 in tax
savings!
-Usually, your child can be claimed as a dependent through age 23 if they are a full-time student during 5 months of the tax year. Most of the time it is more beneficial for the parents to continue to claim the student as a dependent than for the child to claim themselves on their own tax return.
-IRA distributions used for qualifying higher education expenses are exempt for the 10% penalty for early distributions. So, if you need money for your or your child’s education after high school, look to your IRA for possible funding.
-If you’re interested in how to save for your child’s future education, talk to your investment advisor about Qualified Tuition Plans (also known as 529 plans). These tax advantaged plans grow tax free if used for education. Qualified Tuition Plans can be used for primary and secondary schools as well.
-If you are self-employed and attend conferences, seminars, college or vocational classes, or other types of education related to your business, you may be able to deduct the cost of the classes and materials from your self-employment income resulting in a savings in income tax and self-employment tax.
-Student loan interest paid is deductible from your taxable income (subject to higher income
phaseouts). The loan company will provide Form 1098-E at the beginning of 2022 reporting the amount of student loan interest paid in the year.
If you are interested in going back to school to begin a part-time career as an H&R Block Tax Professional, the H&R Block Income Tax Class begins soon. Registration is open now. Classes are taught virtually. Students who complete the class are eligible to interview for a position with H&R Block. If you are detail oriented, love working with numbers, and love working with people, you are exactly who we are looking for! Call your local office for more information!
If you have questions about education related tax benefits and would like help from the Tax Professionals at H&R Block, please call your local H&R Block office. In Manchester TN call 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
*Column by Rosalyn Partin at Manchester H&R Block
Tennessee Department of Health recognizes August as National Immunization Awareness Month
The Tennessee Department of Health is recognizing National Immunization Awareness Month this August. This comes at a time when Tennessee is seeing an increase in the COVID-19 vaccination as more Tennesseans are choosing to become vaccinated against COVID-19. Total vaccinations increased 47 percent from July 12 to August 2. Over the last week, 94 of the 95 counties across the state have experienced an accelerated rate of vaccine administration. TDH also continues to see an increase in vaccines among all demographics.
• 3 percent increase in total population with at least one dose in the last month
• 30.8 percent of the Black population have received at least one does of the vaccine
• 40.2 percent of the Hispanic population have received at least one dose
• 12-15 age group has seen the highest increase in vaccination rate with a 7.1 percent change in the last six weeks
As children across the state begin a new school year, many families are scheduling routine checkups. TDH encourages parents to make sure routine vaccinations are part of that visit.
“Vaccinations prevent the spread of diseases and outbreaks,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “Tennessee has always done well at ensuring routine vaccinations for both children and adults are up to date. However, we know many Tennesseans got off-track with routine medical care during the pandemic and could be at risk for infection or disease. That is why it is so important to talk with a medical provider or visit your local health department to see how your family can get back on track with routine vaccinations.”
It is equally important for adults to take the proper steps to ensure they are up to date on recommended vaccines. According to the CDC, some vaccines are recommended for adults based on age, health condition, or other factors. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Interactive Vaccine Guide, which provides an Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool. CDC also offers the recommended immunization schedule for infants and children. Parents can find that schedule online at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/child-easyread.html.
“While we are focused on routine vaccination, we must also continue to encourage the COVID-19 vaccine,” Piercey said. Tennesseans age 12 and above are eligible to receive the vaccine in the state. Families can make appointments with their local health department or personal medical provider to receive all their necessary vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Across the state, more and more Tennesseans are choosing to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Over the last week, 94 of the 95 counties across the state have experienced an accelerated rate of vaccine administration. TDH also continues to see an increase in vaccines among all demographics.
To find information on services offered by local health departments, visit https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/localdepartments/lrhd/local-services.html.
During National Immunization Awareness Month, the Tennessee Department of Health will be sharing information and resources on social media to highlight the importance of vaccines. Follow the conversation on Facebook and Twitter@TNDeptofHealth, and use #ivax2protect to share why you choose to vaccinate.
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
Tennessee Department of Education prohibits certain concepts in instruction
Schools in Tennessee have new rules to follow when it comes to a number of issues, but one item that has stood out in recent weeks revolves around a number of subjects that are not allowed in Tennessee classrooms.
The Department of Education’s “Prohibited Concepts in Instruction” list actually names certain topics that are to be off limits for teachers.
Some of the off-limit topics include the subject of race and sex, which states that educators can not teach that one race or sex is superior to another. Another off-limit subject states that a teacher cannot promote or advocate the violent overthrowing of the U.S. government.
Teachers cannot tell students that Americans are not created equal and are not endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
JC Bowman, Executive Director of the Professional Educators of Tennessee, released his opinion on the proposed rule for Prohibited Concepts in Instruction. Bowman stated, “On the surface, it looks like a very deliberative process. We think enforcement could be challenging. The key will be at the local level, and stakeholder groups working to ensure our educators understand this new law. We plan to solicit educator input and give that input to policymakers. Ultimately, people on both sides of this debate want students to become good citizens, who are able of safeguarding our democracy and stewarding our nation toward a greater understanding of our shared American values.”
While some of the topics maybe common sense to avoid, the same topics may prove to be necessary to teach when highlighting history and things that happened during different historical times. Therefore, the schools are told to choose carefully which textbooks and instructional materials are used in the classrooms.
To tackle touchy subjects, specifically the ones that the Department of Education say is a no-no, the state has released a set of guidelines on how to handle complaints. Those guidelines are part of the “Prohibited Concepts in Instruction” rules (read the entire document released by the Department of Education HERE).
From the Tennessee Department of Education (PROHIBITED CONCEPTS):
(1) The following concepts are prohibited concepts that shall not be included or promoted in a course of instruction, curriculum, instructional program, or in supplemental instructional materials:
a. One (1) race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex; b. An individual, by virtue of the individual’s race or sex, is inherently privileged, racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously;
c. An individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment because of the individual’s race or sex; d. An individual’s moral character is determined by the individual’s race or sex;
e. An individual, by virtue of the individual’s race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex;
f. An individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or another form of psychological distress solely because of the individual’s race or sex;
g. A meritocracy is inherently racist or sexist, or designed by a particular race or sex to oppress members of another race or sex;
h. This state or the United States is fundamentally or irredeemably racist or sexist;
i. Promoting or advocating the violent overthrow of the United States government; 2
j. Promoting division between, or resentment of, a race, sex, religion, creed, nonviolent political affiliation, social class, or class of people;
k. Ascribing character traits, values, moral or ethical codes, privileges, or beliefs to a race or sex, or to an individual because of the individual’s race or sex;
l. The rule of law does not exist, but instead is series of power relationships and struggles among racial or other groups;
m. All Americans are not created equal and are not endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; or
n. Governments should deny to any person within the government’s jurisdiction the equal protection of the law
Concerns of History
The concern today from many is, will teachers be able to properly follow the guidelines while teaching history? Philosopher George Santayana stated, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” While repeating history in a number of sensitive, yet historical events is not likely, lessons learned from history can indeed shine light on specific events to give insight to future leaders that are in the classroom today.
Download and read the entire document that was released by the State of Tennessee Department of Education HERE.
Source: Partner Station WGNS
Evictions beginning for Tennessee
Evictions are expected to get underway in Tennessee, after the state says the CDC overstepped their boundary on issuing an eviction moratorium. WGNS’ Ron Jordan has the news…
The Legal Aid Society recently released information on eviction notices being served and highlighted that approximately 167,000 households in Tennessee are behind on rent and face eviction.
Source: Partner Station WGNS
21st annual Rumble on the Hill Truck and Tractor Pull set for this weekend
Hillsboro Homecoming Associations 21st Annual Rumble on the Hill Truck & Tractor Pull is set for this weekend in Hillsboro.
Admission is $15 for adults and children 6-12 are $5. Children under 6 are free. Gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6 and Saturday, Aug. 7, and tires spin at 7 p.m. both nights.
The pull is located at 7926 Hillsboro Highway in Hillsboro. Call 931-596-2749 for more information.
National Defense Authorization Act passed; Arnold Air Force Base to become 1st fully 5G base in the country
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), a member of the Armed Services Committee, led her colleagues in passing the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) out of Committee.
“While the brave men and women of our armed services defend our freedom, we must push for the resources they need to fight and win,”said Senator Blackburn. “To get this done, I ensured that the Committee-passed bill text reflected the goals of our service members and their families, as well as the needs of the many Tennessee-based scientists and engineers who support our national security mission at home and abroad.”
“Senator Blackburn showed real leadership and dedication not only to protecting American families but to improving the lives of service members in Tennessee and around the world. Because of her work, we will make real investments in technological innovation that will keep us competitive with China—spurred by research at Tennessee’s universities—and strengthen our nuclear deterrent, which is the cornerstone of our national security, in part due to the critical research being done at Oak Ridge and Y-12,” said Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.).
Key Points:
Supporting Families
• Establishes a pilot program for Tennessee’s active-duty military spouses to transfer professional licenses across state lines.
• Requires the Defense Health Agency to take a hard look at excessive burdens placed on those in the Exceptional Family Member Program.
• Expands mentorship, counseling, and support for the special operations community, including our Green Berets and Night Stalkers, to improve quality of life and retention.
Promoting Innovative Research
• Provides additional funding for nuclear research efforts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 National Security Complex.
• Expands university-based partnership program for technological research with the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University.
• Increases funding for battlefield awareness emergent technology, with the University of Memphis and its research center leading the way.
Advancing Cybersecurity
• Addresses recent wave of cyber-attacks by establishing pilot project to allow qualified civilian personnel to assist in identifying cyber vulnerabilities.
•Strengthens research capabilities on Artificial Intelligence (AI) development through public-private talent exchanges with the Department of Defense and companies leading the way in AI development.
• Addresses concerns about the Department of Defense joining contracts with companies that have sold surveillance and Facial Recognition Technologies to non-democratic governments to surveil, track, and repress citizens.
Click here for more information on Senator Blackburn’s work in the FY 2022 NDAA to support Tennessee service members and strengthen national defense capabilities.
* Funding incudes expanded research projects and 5G capabilities at Arnold Air Force Base, according to Blackburn.*
The executive summary of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 can be found here.
Coffee County to host “Out of the Darkness” walk
Coffee County will host an “Out of the Darkness” walk to support suicide prevention.
“Out of the Darkness” is a national movement that has been around since 2004, holding hundreds of community walks across the country. These events help to create a platform where people can feel comfortable about opening up about their mental health. This movement encourages everyone to walk together to support each other and the ones that we have lost.
The Coffee County walk will take place on September 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Rotary Park. Registration is free and open to anyone wishing to attend. For more information, to register, or to donate, you can visit https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=7754
Coffee County Schools students will receive free breakfast and lunch for 2021-2022 school year
All students in Coffee County Schools will receive free breakfast and lunch based on a nationwide directive for the 2021-2022 school year.
A la carte items are not included in the free meal program.
Parents are strongly encouraged to continue filling out the Free and Reduced application form. https://www.myschoolapps.com/
August 1-7 recognized as National Farmers Market Week
Summer brings fresh produce and Tennessee is highlighting peak season during National Farmers Market Week Aug. 1-7, 2021.
“Farmers markets offer a variety of fresh, healthy, and delicious products,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “Supporting local growers benefits the local economy, the grower and producer, as well as the consumer since produce travels a shorter distance to reach the buyer.”
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Pick Tennessee Products program will mark National Farmers Market Week by lighting the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge over the Cumberland River in Nashville. The night of Aug. 2 the bridge was lit green to recognize Pick Tennessee Products and the impact of farmers markets in Tennessee.
“Our customers often meet the person who grew or raised the product they’re buying,” Jonesboro Farmers Market Manager Emily Lamb said. “In addition to healthy foods, we started Farm, Fresh, Fit, a program that offers tokens for customers who walk a mile and then use the tokens to buy produce.”
Many Tennessee farmers markets offer live music, flower arrangements, and food trucks in addition to the traditional seasonal produce. Some markets allow SNAP and EBT benefits on certain days. Check with your local market for information on food assistance programs.
Pick Tennessee Products is the perfect connection to a farmers market near you. There are currently 156 farmers markets listed on the Pick Tennessee Products website and mobile app. Markets are encouraged to apply for this free listing at www.pickTNproducts.org. Follow @PickTNProducts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for seasonal updates and information about farm-related events, activities, and products.
There are 4 farmers markets located in Coffee County:
-Coffee County Farmers Market: 216 E Fort St., Manchester
-Farmers Market Tullahoma: 404 South Jackson St., Tullahoma
-Manchester Locally Grown: 251 Interstate Dr., Manchester
-Tullahoma Farmers Market: 705 Wilson Ave., Tullahoma
