In an effort to improve quality of water in the distribution system, the Manchester Water and Sewer Department has announced it will be performing its semi-annual cannon flushing of fire hydrants.
System-wide flushing will take place Monday through Friday during the weeks of July 11 and July 18 during the hours of midnight to 5:30 a.m.
During this event, water customers may experience low pressure and discoloration of water. Water customers are advised not to wash clothes during this period of time.
The Manchester Water Department regrets any inconvenience that may result from the flushing procedure.
This effort is being made in order to maintain and improve the quality of water in the system. For emergencies during this time, call 931-723-8662.
Heat advisory in place for Coffee County through Friday
Dangerous heat will continue across the midstate, including Coffee County, through Friday.
The US National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Coffee County and other counties in the eastern portion of Middle Tennessee. Meanwhile, NWS has issued a Excessive Heat Warning for many other nearby counties, including Bedford, Moore and Rutherford counties. Excessive Heat Warning meats heat index values are expected to reach north of 110.
Areas within the heat advisory, such as Coffee, Warren, Franklin, Canon and Grundy counties, can expect heat index values between 105 and 110 degrees.
NWS encourages everyone to check on those most vulnerable to heat-related illness, such as elderly, children, people without air conditioning, those with chronic illness and animals. And, as always, never leave children or animals inside your vehicle for any amount of time with these temperatures.
Heat illness can lead to stroke and is deadly. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in shaded or cooled areas and drink plenty of water. If you suspect heat stroke, contact 911 immediately.
Jobs4TN website up and operational again after outage
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) has completed the testing phase of Jobs4TN.gov and determined the system is operational and ready to resume service.
The state’s vendor, Geographic Solutions, Inc. (GSI), completed the restoration of the state’s unemployment and workforce development computer system on Sunday, July 3. GSI experienced what it has called anomalous activity at its network operation centers on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The anomalous activity forced the company to take Jobs4TN.gov, and systems for approximately three dozen other states, offline.
Both the unemployment and workforce development functions of Jobs4TN.gov are once again operating.
Individuals who need to file a new unemployment claim, or complete weekly certifications, should follow the instructions below.
- FILE A NEW CLAIM
- You can file your claim now.
- Even though you could not apply between June 25 and July 2, that will still be the claim’s effective date if you meet eligibility requirements.
- Please complete the filing process by July 8, at 4:30 p.m. CDT, so staff can review your claim and set the correct effective date.
- After you file your claim and staff complete an initial review, you will receive an email with instructions explaining when to start your weekly certifications.
- Please note, that staff will need to review your application to determine the eligibility of your claim and that will take multiple weeks to complete.
- COMPLETING WEEKLY CERTIFICATIONS
- If you were able to complete weekly certifications before the system outage, you can now restart that process.
- Because you could not certify for the week ending June 25, you now need to complete certifications for that week and the week ending July 2.
- The system will prompt you to complete this process for both weeks.
- Please remember, that Monday, July 4, is a bank holiday, so payments will be delayed by a day.
TDLWD understands and apologizes for the confusion and hardship this extended system outage caused Tennesseans who depend on Jobs4TN.gov for the critical services it provides.
Tennessee gas prices fall another 9 cents
Gas prices across Tennessee are continuing to inch lower as this week marks the third straight week of declines in the state. Gas prices fell nearly nine cents over the course of last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.41 which is nearly eight cents less expensive than one month ago and $1.53 more than one year ago.
In Coffee County, the average price for gasoline is $4.40, a penny below the state average and 40 cents below the national average, which sits at $4.80.
“Even though gas prices were at record highs for the Independence Day holiday, Tennessee travelers were able to reap the benefits of a three-week decline in gas prices heading into the holiday weekend, “said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It’s difficult to say how long this trend will continue with an expected busy summer travel season happening alongside a very volatile crude oil market – but at least for now, Tennesseans can enjoy a bit of good news at their local gas pump.”
Quick Facts
- 76% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.50
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $4.09 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.77 for regular unleaded
- Tennessee is the 8th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
The national average for a gallon of gasoline fell to $4.80, down eight cents over the past week. The primary reason for the decline is lower demand at the pump as fewer people fueled up over the past two weeks. The lull, however, could end with the arrival of the summer driving season.
According to the latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, gas demand currently sits at 8.93 million b/d, which is lower than last year’s rate of 9.11 million b/d at the end of June. On the other hand, total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 2.6 million bbl to 221.6 million bbl. These supply/demand dynamics, along with decreasing oil prices, have pushed pump prices lower. If these trends continue, drivers will likely continue to see relief at the pump.
Today’s national average of $4.80 is four cents less than a month ago and $1.67 more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $2.67 to settle at $108.43. The price of crude increased at the end of last week due to market optimism that demand will remain robust throughout the summer. However, crude prices faced strong resistance amid broad market concern regarding the potential for economic growth to slow or stall due to rising interest rates and inflation, which could send prices lower this week if market concerns persist. A lower-than-expected economic growth rate could cause crude demand to decline, leading prices to follow suit. Additionally, EIA reported that total domestic crude stocks decreased by 2.7 million bbl to 415.6 million bbl last week, which is nearly 37 million bbl lower than at the end of June 2021.
Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The app can also map a route, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
Shelbyville police need help finding missing man
Shelbyville Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance to help locate a missing person.
At approximately 10 a.m. on Monday, July 4, Dustin Meeker left his residence on foot and did not take his cell phone or car keys. He was last seen wearing a green “lucky” t-shirt, lightly faded jeans and a ball cap. He is 5’10” and weighs approximately 140 pounds. He has a tribal tattoo on his right forearm and one on the left side of his neck.
Any person with knowledge of his location should contact detective Cody Swift with the Shelbyville Police Department at 931-684-5811.
Suspect who allegedly assaulted trooper is behind bars
PRESS RELEASE | DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY
On Saturday, July 3 in Grundy County, Tennessee at approximately 11:30 p.m., Trooper Sam Johnson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s (THP) Chattanooga district initiated a traffic stop on a white male operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The suspect struck Trooper Johnson’s patrol vehicle with the ATV. As Trooper Johnson attempted to apprehend the suspect, the male suspect struck Trooper Johnson. A lengthy struggle ensued from which the suspect was able to get back on the ATV and flee from the immediate area. Trooper Johnson was treated and released from Emerald Hodgson Hospital with minor injuries.
Words cannot express our gratitude to the Grundy and Marion County Sheriff’s Offices and to their officers who responded to assist Trooper Johnson. We are also extremely thankful to the community that did not tolerate this act of senseless violence on our trooper. We are very proud to say that through the collaboration with our law enforcement partners, and with the help of unnamed private citizens, that Austin McHone, 24, from Tracy City, Tennessee turned himself into the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office.
“On Saturday, one of our troopers was the victim of a senseless act of violence,” said Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Matt Perry. “He was attacked while conducting what he thought was a routine stop. We know this can happen, but it is never truly expected. I want to give a sincere thank you to the staff at Emerald Hodgson Hospital for taking great care of Trooper Johnson, to the Grundy and Marion County Sheriff’s Offices for their swift response and aid, and to the local citizens who provided information resulting in the identification of the suspect.” Colonel Perry added, “We don’t take physical attacks on our troopers lightly and will not rest until those responsible are in custody.”
HELP NEEDED: Trooper assaulted in Grundy County, suspect sought
Grundy County and Tennessee Highway Patrol authorities are seeking the public’s help to find a suspect who allegedly assaulted a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper late Sunday night (July 3, 2022).
According to Grundy County Sheriff’s Department authorities, a trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop at the intersection of Flat Branch Rd. and Hobbs Hill Rd. in Tracy City at 11:40 p.m. Sunday night. The suspect was on a yellow ATV.
The suspect fled before losing control in the ditch line. The Trooper approached the rider and was “violently attacked,” reports say. During the attack, the suspect allegedly attempted to take the trooper’s weapon but was unsuccessful. The attack lasted approximately five minutes before the suspect fled the scene after sustaining unknown injuries.
The trooper was treated at a local hospital and released.
The suspect is described as being between 6’2″ and 6’4″ and weighing approximately 240 pounds with a short beard.
If you have any information or know someone who fits this description, call the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department at 931-692-3466×8 or THP at 423-634-6890. Information will be kept confidential and anonymous.
REMINDER: Thunder Radio political forum set for July 14
Thunder Radio political forum for the upcoming August General Election will be held on Thursday, July 14th.
In a format similar to past years, Thunder Radio will welcome candidates involved in contested races. Some races will include a debate-style format, while others will include candidate speeches.
The schedule for the evening is as follows:
6:00-6:08 p.m. – Candidates for Road Superintendent
6:12 – 6:37 – Candidates for Coffee County Mayor*
6:45-6:53 – Candidates for County Clerk
6:57 – 7:33 – Candidates for Coffee County Sheriff*
7:37 – 8:10 – Candidates for Manchester Alderman
(*Indicates debate-style format. Questions welcome to be submitted to josh.peterson.wmsr@gmail.com. Candidates in other races listed will have 4 minutes of open microphone time. )
The event will be held from 6-8:10 p.m. Thursday, July 14 at The Church at 117 – an event facility located in downtown Manchester. Early voting for the August 4 election begins on July 15 and runs through July 30. The Thunder Radio political forum is open and free for anyone to attend. It will also be broadcast on Thunder Radio: 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go app, thunder1320.com and video provided on Thunder Radio Facebook (click here to follow).
Multiple races will be contested in the August election, including Coffee County Sheriff, Coffee County Mayor, Coffee County Clerk and Coffee County Road Superintendent. There will be other various commission seats for grabs, as well as 8 candidates for aldermen seeking 3 open seats. See complete sample ballot by clicking here.
Anyone with questions should direct them to Josh Peterson at josh.peterson.wmsr@gmail.com.
July 5 is deadline to register for Aug. 4 election
Tennesseans who want to cast a ballot in the Aug. 4 State and Federal Primary & State and County General Election must register or update their voter registration before the voter registration deadline on Tuesday, July 5.
“With our convenient online voter registration system, it’s never been easier or safer for Tennesseans to register to vote or update their registration.” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett.
Registering to vote, updating your address or checking your registration status is fast, easy and secure with the Secretary of State’s online voter registration system. Any U.S. citizen with a driver’s license or a photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security can register online in minutes from any computer or mobile device at GoVoteTN.gov.
Voters can also download a paper voter registration application at GoVoteTN.gov. Completed paper voter registration applications must be mailed to your local county election commission office or submitted in person. In Coffee County, the election commission is located in the Coffee County Administrative Plaza at 1329 McArthur St.
Mailed voter registrations must be postmarked by July 5.
Election Day registration is not available in Tennessee.
Early voting for the Aug. 4 election starts Friday, July 15, and runs Monday to Saturday until Saturday, July 30. The deadline to request an absentee by-mail ballot is Thursday, July 28. However, eligible voters who will be voting absentee by-mail should request the ballot now
.For up-to-date, accurate information about the Aug. 4 election, follow the Secretary of State’s social media channels Twitter: @SecTreHargett, Facebook: Tennessee Secretary of State and Instagram: @tnsecofstate.
Manchester Independence Day celebration set for July 4th; Thunder Radio to broadcast patriotic music for fireworks
Manchester Parks and Recreation Department has announced its annual Independence Day celebration will be held on July 4th at Rotary Park.
Provided for free will be live music and a spectacular fireworks show. Thunder Radio (107.9 FM, 1320 AM) will broadcast patriotic music to go along with fireworks at 9 p.m. The live music starts at 7 p.m. with The Spazmatics performing at Rotary Amphitheatre.
There will be food trucks on site at Rotary Park to purchase meals, including Jefferson’s, Mercantile, El Oro Verde, Crazy Daisies, Common John Brewing Company, SnoBros, Ms. Pokey’s Lemonade and Bad Boys Bbq.
The event is sponsored by Manchester Tourism Commission.
Manchester Rotary Park is located at 557 N. Woodland St. next to the Manchester Recreation Complex. The fireworks will be shot from across the street from the recreation center, making other areas available for watching the fireworks.
Be sure to tune into 107.9 FM during the fireworks show to enjoy synchronized patriotic music, which will begin at approximately 8:53 p.m.. (NOTE. When tuning in for music. Tune directly to 107.9 FM. If you listen to Thunder Radio on the Manchester Go app or thunder1320.com, there is a 10-15 second delay).
