Most area schools return to class next week, with abbreviated days scheduled for Aug. 2 and full days of school on Aug. 4.
Manchester City Schools Director Dr. Joey Vaughn issued a statement Tuesday morning to address COVID-19 protocols for the city school system as schools open. His statement highlights that the district is open for in-person learning and that face masks are optional for students. The full statement is below.
Manchester City School system is comprised of College Street Elementary, Westwood Elementary and Westwood Middle School.
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“Manchester City Schools is excited to begin the 2021-2022 school year. We will welcome students back on August 2, 2021 with registration from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. The first full day for students is August 4. The district will be open with in-person learning.
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain a priority as we enter the upcoming school year. We will continue to look to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), national, state, and local health officials for guidance regarding decisions to ensure safe in-person learning. An overview of our health and safety guidelines are provided below.
- Face masks are recommended indoors for individuals not fully vaccinated. Masks are optional.
- Social distancing measures are recommended whenever possible.
- Regular handwashing and use of hand sanitizer are recommended.
- Frequently touched surfaces will undergo cleaning often, and no less than daily. Staff will perform additional disinfecting on frequently touched surfaces and equipment throughout the day as possible.
- Students who are kept home or sent home for illness with COVID symptoms will be required to follow the COVID-19 Return to School Protocol, which will be updated and released at the beginning of the school year.
- Visitors will be limited inside school buildings during school hours. Visitors may attend afterschool events, such as PTA activities, Open Houses, sporting events, etc.
- The above protocols apply to all athletic activities and extracurricular programs. Athletic
activities will also follow all applicable TSSAA, Coffee County Health Department, and state/national guidance.
Please contact your child’s school if you have any questions or concerns:
Manchester City Schools Dr. Joey Vaughn, Director 728-2316
Coordinated School Health Leslie Brasfield, RN 728-2805
College Street Elementary Tom Jacobs, Principal 728-2805
Callie Millaway, RN
Westwood Elementary Rebecca Welch, Principal 728-3412
Jennifer Banks, RN
Westwood Middle Jim Stone, Principal 728-2071
Joyce Crites, RN “
Tennessee gas price average falls 2 cents, Coffee County below state and national average
Tennessee motorists saw a little relief at the pump over last week as gas prices fell two cents, on average, across the state. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.86 which is two cents more expensive than one month ago and 94 cents more expensive than one year ago. The Coffee County gas price average is $2.84 which makes it 2 cents below the state average and 31 cents below the national average.
“For pump prices to push less expensive, OPEC will need to follow through with their production increases, crude will need to sell consistently at lower prices and the market will need to adjust to the potential resurgence of COVID cases,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If these factors prove true consistently, pump prices could be less expensive in August, though the national average could still be at or above the $3 per gallon mark.”
Quick Facts
· 93% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.64 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.15 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee remains the 8th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
Motorists saw some positive change at the pump on the week with 31 state gas price averages declining one to five cents. The national gas price average pushed two cents cheaper to $3.15. One factor contributing to the decline was U.S. gasoline demand remaining relatively flat on the week.
At this point, it is too early to say if cheaper pump prices will be sustained or continue their downward trend. Part of the unknown is due to fluctuating crude prices, which dropped to a low of $66/bbl last Monday, but were back over $70/bbl by the end of the week. Prices initially dropped following news from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that they have reached a deal to increase production in August. However, that promise has been compromised by concerns about the rise in COVID case numbers and how that could negatively affect global demand.
Since the beginning of July, gas prices have averaged $3.14. Today’s national average is more expensive on the month (+6 cents) and the year (+97 cents).
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by 16 cents to settle at $72.07. Although crude prices tumbled last week to $66 per barrel due to market concerns that the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant will slow potential economic growth and demand, market concern about the ongoing pandemic reversed by the end of the week and pushed crude prices higher. Prices increased despite the Energy Information Administration reporting that total domestic crude inventories rose by 2.1 million bbl to 439.7 million bbl and plans by OPEC to increase production next month. For this week, crude prices could decline if market concerns about demand grow.
Manchester Parks and Recreation Center to begin after school program
The Manchester Parks and Recreation Center will begin a children’s after school program for this upcoming school year.
The program will begin August 2nd and students will be transported to the Rec Center after school every day for the month of August, every Friday from September through May, and days when school dismisses early.
This program is for Kindergarten through 5th grade and is from 3:15 p.m.-6 p.m. The fee is $40 for afternoons and an additional $5 per day for early dismissal and full days. Students must pre-register and spots are limited. You can register at the Rec Center.
The activities include group games, swimming, board games, sports, snacks, and youth wellness time.
You can contact the Manchester Recreation Center for more information.
Tax Tip Tuesday: IRS Letters
Nothing can make your blood pressure rise more than getting a letter from the IRS. But remember, getting a letter from the IRS isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, some notices are for your benefit. No matter the reason for the letter, it is very important to read it and, if necessary, act on it as soon as possible.
Many people incorrectly believe that their tax professional will also receive a copy of their letter from the IRS. However, the IRS only sends letters to the taxpayer and spouse unless they have previously signed and executed an IRS Power of Attorney for their tax preparer. Therefore, when you receive a letter from IRS you should always contact your tax preparer for assistance in understanding and responding to the letter.
The IRS assigns a number to every notice they send out. The number identifies the type of letter and is usually found in the upper right corner of the first page. Some common IRS letters are:
CP2000 Notice of Underreported Income – This is one of the most common letters taxpayers receive. It is sent by IRS when the information reported to the IRS by 3rd parties doesn’t match what has been reported on the tax return. This is not an audit but it does require a response by the date referenced in the letter.
CP21 or CP22 Notice of Changes to Your Tax Return – Based on information you provided to the IRS, your tax return was changed. Taxpayers who reported taxable unemployment on their return prior to the tax law change in mid-March will receive one of these letters when IRS adjusts the return for the unemployment exclusion.
12C Information Request – Additional information is needed to process your return. Return processing will be suspended until the information is received.
4883C Identity Verification – IRS needs the taxpayer to verify his or her identity before the return will be processed. The letter gives instructions of how to verify your identify either online or by phone.
CP14 or Letter 501 Notice of Balance Due – This is generally the first notice that is sent after taxes are filed and there is still an outstanding balance of tax due.
CP502 Second Reminder Notice of Balance Due – This is the second notice you will receive if you have an overdue account.
CP504 Final Notice of Balance Due & IRS Intends to Levy – If the balance due is not paid in full, this is the 3rd and final notice before the IRS gets serious and starts searching for assets to levy.
CP90 Final Notice of Intent to Levy – Notice of an intent to levy your assets. The taxpayer has 30 days to appeal the levy.
Letter 3391 30 day Nonflier Letter – IRS is giving notice of a missing return. The letter includes computation of a proposed amount due based on IRS calculating the return. The calculation is not always correct and should be verified by a tax professional. The taxpayer has 30 days to appeal.
2205 Return Selected for Examination – The return has been selected for examination by the IRS. The letter gives the examiner’s name and contact information as well as a list of what items are being reviewed.
Letter 6419 – This is a new letter that will be sent to taxpayers who receive the Advance Child Tax Credit. The letter will be sent in January 2022 and should be given to your tax preparer with your other tax documents when preparing your return.
The above list is a sampling of the many letters sent to taxpayers by the Internal Revenue Service. It is always recommended that you contact a qualified tax professional for guidance and assistance in responding to IRS letters.
If you have questions 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!
*By Rosalyn Partin
Franklin County Sheriff’s office investigating a break in
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a break in that occurred at 4070 Keith Springs Mountain Road.
The compliant stated that between 7/8/21 and 7/23/21 unknown people gained entry to his cabin and removed several items including chainsaws, winches and other various hardware tools valued at well over $1,000.00.
If anyone has any information relating to this incident, they are asked to contact Investigator Todd Hindman or Investigator Chuck Stines at 931-962-0123.
Coffee County 911 Communications Center names new director
Coffee County 911 Communications Center officially has a new director.
Scott LeDuc, who was serving as interim director, has now been named the full-time center director. He takes over for Diane Argraves, who was terminated by the Coffee County Consolidated Communications Committee earlier this year.
Four people were interviewed for the position.
Coffee County Sheriff’s Department warns community about scam calls
Coffee County Sheriff’s Department has received calls advising that citizens have received calls from individuals posing as members of the Sheriff’s Department.
Citizens are being advised that they have missed court and are going to be arrested and that a fine could be paid with green dot cards. This is another version of a scam that has hit this and other areas before. Coffee County Sheriff’s Department does not call individuals and notify them of criminal warrant. They also do not ask for money through Green Dot cards.
If you receive a call from individuals identifying themselves as members of law enforcement ask for their name and badge numbers, look up the number for their department yourself and call to verify the legitimacy of the call. If you have received a call or been a victim of this please notify your local law enforcement.
Bonnaroo ticket giveaway and Resource MFG job fair Wednesday
Resource MFG is having a Job Fair on Wednesday, July 28 and Thunder Radio will be on site!
Come join us at 1802 N. Jackson St. in Tullahoma from 1-3 p.m. and register to win Lake Winnie Tickets, Beech Bend Park Tickets, Thunder Radio swag and Two Bonnaroo Tickets will be up for grabs! And you might even get a job!
Arnold Air Force Base experienced gas leak
The Arnold Air Force Base experienced a gas leak on Friday. Some of the powdered bromine compound mixed with the humid air had gasified. As a precaution, emergency personnel closed Wattendorf Memorial Highway and redirected traffic around the area.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “breathing bromine gas could cause you to cough, have trouble breathing, get a headache, have irritation of your mucous membranes (inside your mouth, nose, etc.), be dizzy, or have watery eyes.”
At approximately 10:30pm Friday, the area re-opened and Utility operators returned to their work stations.
As of approxametly 7 p.m. Saturday night, the air quality in nearby buildings had returned to normal and base entry resumed as usual.
The TWRA responds to bird disease concerns
Reports of dead birds have been increasing in Tennessee due to the recent news coverage of a disease affecting birds in several eastern and midwestern states. The disease is reportedly causing eye swelling and crusty discharge from the eyes of birds and may also be associated with neurological symptoms.
A significant number of reports have come from Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Most birds reported exhibiting this condition are young and have included common grackles, European starlings, blue jays, and American robins along with other species of songbirds. There are no confirmed cases of the disease in Tennessee and there have been no reports of the disease occurring in humans, poultry, or livestock.
Disease experts are diligently working to determine the cause of the disease and have not found signs of infection from known illnesses (i.e. Salmonella, avian influenza, West Nile virus, Newcastle disease, herpesviruses, poxviruses, and Trichomonas parasites). TWRA is working closely with regional experts to further explore the cause and to determine if the disease is affecting birds in Tennessee. Please contact TWRA Bird Conservation Coordinator David Hanni at David.Hanni@TN.gov with specific questions or need for additional information.
TWRA Recommendations
- Cease feeding birds and cover bird baths, if dead birds are found, until this wildlife mortality event subsides (food sources are not limited during the summer).
- Clean up excess feed that has spilled or was placed onto the ground
- Clean feeders and bird baths with a 10 percent bleach solution (one-part bleach mixed with nine parts water), rinse with water, and allow to air dry. Do not replace them.
- Avoid handling birds unless necessary. If you do handle them wear disposable gloves. If picking up a dead bird, place an inverted plastic bag over your hand to avoid direct contact with the bird.
- Keep pets (including pet birds) away from sick or dead wild birds as a standard precaution.
- If you find recently deceased birds exhibiting crustiness or bulging eyes and/or neurological issues, please use your discretion to contact the TWRA at (615) 781-6500.
