State Rep. Tim Rudd, R-Murfreesboro, and State Sen. Janice Bowling, R-Tullahoma, Monday announced The Unborn Child Dignity Act has been signed by Gov. Bill Lee and will become law on July 1.
The bill, HB1181/SB828, advocates for the dignity of the unborn by requiring proper burial or cremation for a surgically aborted child. The legislation grants the same protection, respect and dignity to a deceased, surgically aborted child required by law to any other deceased human being.
“Tennessee is overwhelmingly a right-to-life state. While it’s disheartening that we have to propose legislation to ensure a preborn child’s body will be treated with the same respect as any other human being, I’m grateful for the support,” Rudd said. “I thank the governor and my colleagues for their commitment to defend and honor all life with this important legislation.”
Rudd and Bowling’s bill does not limit or restrict an abortion or access to an abortion. Currently, Tennessee law grants guidelines for the disposal of pets and animals, but gives no such dignity to aborted children.
“I am very grateful this legislation was passed by the General Assembly and has now been signed into law,” Bowling said. “It is a tragedy in Tennessee that we regulate how veterinarians properly dispose of the remains of animals, but there are no regulations regarding human babies. These are the remains of human beings and should be treated as such. This new law corrects that oversight and ensures that the remains of unborn children are treated with dignity.”
The bill mirrors an Indiana law that survived a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2019. In their decision, the U.S. Supreme Court justices recognized that states have a legitimate interest in the proper disposition of human fetal remains. The court ruled the law did not impose a burden or interfere with an abortion choice.
Once the bill becomes law, it would be the responsibility of the abortion facility or mother to provide a burial or cremation. Approximately 862,000 abortions are reported each year in the United States. Nearly 11,000 abortions were performed in Tennessee in 2020. Currently, 11 states require burial or cremation of aborted fetal remains.
Longtime Coffee County resident Col. Trey Brannom retires from the Tenn. National Guard after 30 years
After more than 30 years of service in the Tennessee National Guard, Col. Leonard “Trey” Brannom, a long-time Tullahoma and Murfreesboro resident, retired on May 6.
Brannom, who was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel where he was responsible for the personnel management of over 10,000 Tennessee National Guardsman, began his career in 1991 as an AH-1 Cobra Helicopter Pilot. Also piloting the UH-1 Huey and UH-60 Blackhawk, he flew more than 1,100 hours in the early part of his career.
Aside from flying, Brannom also served in many key leadership positions to include Assistant Professor of Military Science at Tennessee Technological University and Middle Tennessee State University, Company Commander for a Knoxville Medivac Helicopter unit, Public Affairs Officer, and Deputy Commander for Tullahoma’s 30th Troop Command.
In 1997, Brannom deployed to Bosnia as a helicopter pilot and then to Eastern Europe in 2000 as a commander of a Medical Evacuation Helicopter Company. During the Global War on Terror, he deployed twice to Afghanistan, first as an instructor at Kabul’s Counterinsurgency Academy and then as the Executive Officer of the 1-107th Airfield Operations Battalion. During that deployment, he served as the Airfield Commander for Afghanistan’s fourth busiest airfield.
In 2018, he was selected as the Vice Chair of the Military Personnel Advisory Council, a position where he helped shape national policy within the National Guard. From 2019 to 2021 he served as the Council’s National Chair.
“All my time in the National Guard has been an absolute blessing,” said Brannom. “I will miss putting on the uniform every day but I do have a lot I want to do starting tomorrow.”
“Colonel Brannom is a beloved figure in our organization,” said Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, Tennessee’s Adjutant General. “His Soldiers love him and he has always been an incredible ambassador to the communities where he lives and works. I do not expect that to stop as he begins the next chapter of his life. No matter what he chooses to do, he will be a success and I wish him the best.”
The Tennessee National Guard held a retirement ceremony in honor of Brannom at Smyrna’s Town Center on May 6.
Motlow State to begin reopening campus
Motlow State Community College will re-open its campuses to in-person students for the fall semester. Motlow’s re-opening aligns with the Tennessee Board of Regents institutions across the state. The college began initiating its return to campus plan beginning May 10. Specific details for accessing campuses and services are available at www.mscc.edu or by calling 1-800-654-4877 between 8 am – 4:30 pm CST.
Truth in Sentencing ensures criminals serve full sentences, lawmaker say
Both Tennessee chambers unanimously approved House Bill 1047 which requires ‘truth in sentencing’ for violent criminals and sex offenders.
The bill requires any person convicted of violent or sexual offenses that typically target women and children to serve their full sentencing term as assigned by a jury or judge. It applies to offenses like rape, sexual battery, continuous sexual abuse of a child, sexual battery by an authority figure, incest, promoting prostitution, aggravated child abuse, domestic assault, aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and trafficking for a commercial sex act.
While House Bill 1047 does not remove judicial discretion, it ensures that parole or probation are not options for those found guilty of crimes that fall into these categories of offenses. This legislation strengthens protections for victims and their families by ensuring offenders serve their full sentences.
Gas prices jump 3 cents over last week; Coffee Co. prices below state average
After holding steady last week, gas prices in Tennessee rose three cents, on average, over the last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.72 which is 3 cents more than one month ago and $1.12 more than one year ago.
As of Monday, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Coffee County was $2.64, which is 8 cents below the state average and 32 cents below the national average of $2.96.
“The shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline late last week will likely have implications on both gasoline supply and prices in Tennessee, and those could happen as early as this week,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The longer the pipeline is down, the greater the threat of rising gas prices. Tennesseans may see prices increase three to seven cents this week.”
Quick Facts
· 69% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.75
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.53 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.99 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee moved to the 8th least expensive market in the nation this week
National Gas Prices
On the week, the national gas price average jumped six cents to $2.96. If the trend continues, an increase of three more cents would make the national average the most expensive since November 2014 –the last time we saw average prices at $2.99 and higher.
AAA forecasts gas prices to climb this week in reaction to the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, which delivers approximately 45% of all fuel to the East Coast. Over the weekend, the Colonial Pipeline announced they were the victim of a cybersecurity attack and, as a precaution, shut down the pipeline, which runs from Texas to New York Harbor. At this time, some lateral lines have reopened, but there is no word of when the mainline, including the gasoline line, will be operational.
The longer the pipeline is offline, the larger the impact on the east coast. However, foreign gasoline imports and other pipelines can supplement Northeastern supply. Other areas of the country will see little impact.
While there is sufficient gasoline supply in the U.S. (235.8 million bbl), other pipelines and the Department of Transportation’s temporary hours-of-service exemption for tanker trucks transporting gasoline and other fuels, will be able to ease the strain, but not resolve the issues caused by the pipeline interruption. Once the pipeline is up and running, there could still be residual delays as it takes about 15–18 days for fuel to flow from Texas to New York.
AAA will continue to monitor the latest news concerning the Colonial Pipeline. In the meantime, we urge against panic-buying of gasoline. Keep these tips in mind to conserve fuel:
· Plan ahead to accomplish multiple errands in one trip, and whenever possible avoid high-traffic times of day.
· If you own more than one car, use the most fuel-efficient model that meets the needs of any given journey.
· Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car. Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use. It takes more fuel to accelerate a heavier car, and the reduction in fuel economy is greater for small cars than for larger models.
· Minimize your use of air conditioning. Even at highway speeds, open windows have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor.
· In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield sunscreen to lessen heat buildup inside the car. This reduces the need for air conditioning (and thus fuel) to cool down the car.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by 19 cents to settle at $64.90. Market optimism that crude demand will recover, despite an uptick in coronavirus infection rates, helped to lift prices last week. Prices could continue to climb this week if the market remains optimistic as vaccines continue to rollout. Additionally, prices increased after the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest weekly report revealed that total domestic crude oil inventory dropped by 8 million bbl to 485.1 million bbl. If EIA’s next report shows another decrease in total domestic crude supply, crude prices could climb further this week.
Multiple COVID-19 pop-up vaccination sites available in Coffee County this week
Those wishing to receive COVID-19 vaccination in Coffee County will have multiple opportunities to do so over the coming weeks with no appointments needed.
On Monday, vaccinations are available at the Manchester Health Department from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and at the Tullahoma Health Department from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, vaccinations are available from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Manchester Health Department, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Tullahoma Health Department and a pop up vaccination site will be located near Interstate 24 Exit 105 from 3-6 p.m.
Wednesday
Manchester Health Department, 9-11 a.m.
Tullahoma Health Department, 9-11 a.m.
Southern Family Markets Building Manchester, 3-6 p.m.
Lakewood Park CC, 2-5 p.m.
Thursday
Manchester Health Department, 9-11 a.m.
Tullahoma Health Department, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Southern Family Markets Building Manchester, 11-2 p.m.
Friday
Manchester Health Department, 7-9 a.m.
Tullahoma Health Department, 7-9 a.m.
Saturday
Westwood Middle School Vietnam Veterans Event, 10-2 p.m.
Westwood Middle School 3-5 p.m.
General Assembly establishes a Medical Cannabis Commission
Before adjourning last week, the Tennessee General Assembly approved legislation creating the Tennessee Medical Cannabis Commission. The commission will serve as a nonpartisan, medically-focused entity that will study federal and state laws regarding legalization of medical marijuana. House Bill 490 requires the commission to make recommendations to the General Assembly on ways to implement an effective, patient-centered medical cannabis program in Tennessee upon the reclassifying of marijuana on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s list of Schedule I drugs. The current classification of marijuana by the federal government makes it illegal to use the drug, even for medicinal purposes.
The bill adds to the list of current patients who are legally allowed to bring .9 percent THC oil-only products into the state of Tennessee for personal use. Currently those with epilepsy and seizures qualify. This legislation adds eight other qualifying conditions to the list including cancer, ALS and Multiple Sclerosis. Patients with qualifying conditions must obtain a letter from their doctor showing evidence of their specific condition.
The bill now heads to Governor Bill Lee’s desk and will become effective upon his signature.
Push to involve more Tennesseans in once-in-a-decade redistricting
By Nadia Ramligan, TN Public News Service
Tennesseans historically have had few opportunities for public participation in the redistricting process, and this year, some advocacy groups are working to change that.
Shanna Singh Hughey, president of the nonpartisan think tank ThinkTennessee, said in past once-in-a-decade cycles, residents have mostly submitted draft maps or shared their opinions with their legislators. But in the previous cycle, she said, only four draft maps were submitted.
“One extremely important opportunity for the public is the ability to submit their input and draft maps,” Hughey contended.
Hughey believes lawmakers should maintain websites that serve as one-stop shops for redistricting information. She also thinks they should actively share this information with constituents, the same way they do with voter registration drives or town hall meetings, in newsletters and on websites and social media.
Matia Powell, executive director of the nonprofit CivicTN, said she’s working across the state to educate voters and organizations about map drawing.
“And then getting input from them on those communities of interest,” Powell explained. “What parts of your community should be held together when we’re thinking about these district maps? How do you want to be represented and have that collective voice?”
Michelle Davis, publisher and executive editor of the website RedistrictingOnline.org, said nationwide, the biggest issue is the postponement of complete census data.
“And the delay in the redistricting data comes from a couple of things; most of it is COVID,” Davis observed. “This is going to be about four months’ delay.”
Full census data is expected to be delivered to Tennessee lawmakers by Sep. 30.
Capstar Bank donates to Lady Raider softball for facility upgrade
Officials with Capstar Bank of Manchester went to Coffee County Central High School Lady Raider Softball Field (Terry Floyd Field) on Thursday to make a donation to the program.
The donation was sizable – and was used to pay for the purchase of a storage shed placed outside the fence down the right field line. The shed is used for field tool storage.
“We’ve been needing something like this for a while,” explained Coffee County softball coach Brandon McWhorter. “We were storing all of our field tools in one small room attached to the visitor’s dugout and it just wasn’t feasible anymore. We really appreciate Capstar Bank for making this donation.”
The CHS softball team is currently competing in the district tournament. The Lady Raiders next game is 7 p.m. Tuesday night in Fayetteville.
Pursuit reaches 177 mph; suspect stopped in Pelham
On Tuesday, May 4, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Chattanooga District responded to a BOLO from the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) that their troopers were in pursuit of a stolen Rolls-Royce out of Georgia. THP Sergeant David McVey observed the stolen vehicle speeding at 177 mph on I-24 WB in Marion County, Tennessee. The stolen vehicle then passed a Porsche 944 and caused the driver of the Porsche to crash into the rear of the Rolls-Royce. Both vehicles pulled to the shoulder of I-24 at the 127 mm just outside of Coffee County, where two males exited the Rolls-Royce and attempted to physically remove or carjack the driver of the Porsche. During the altercation, a semi-automatic pistol was presented by one of the suspects.
THP Sergeant McVey pulled in behind the vehicles, where he observed one male with his clothing partially torn yelling for help. The sergeant quickly brought the man to safety behind his patrol vehicle. Sergeant McVey then apprehended the two male suspects. Sergeant McVey then recovered a loaded Glock 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol which had been dropped in the Porsche during the altercation.
“We are so thankful for the high level of partnership that the THP has with the Georgia Department of Public Safety and all of our federal, state, and local partners,” said Colonel Matt Perry.
The driver, Tyler O. Long, age 20 from Jackson, TN, and a juvenile, age 17 from Jackson, TN, were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office. Booking photos and a list of charges can be obtained by contacting the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office booking section.
“If not for the swift action of Sergeant McVey, the outcome of this incident could’ve been tragically different,” said Captain Timothy Spicer.
