Motlow State Alumnus, Taylor Rayfield, left, was honored with the Motlow College Foundation’s 2021 One to Watch Young Alumni Award. He graduated from Motlow in 2014 and currently works as the State Coordinator of Family Resource Centers for the Tennessee Department of Education. Joining Taylor for the award presentation is Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence.
The Motlow College Foundation honored Tennessee Department of Education State Coordinator of Family Resource Center’s Taylor Rayfield with its 2021 One to Watch Young Alumni Award on April 26.
“It is a humbling honor even to be considered a candidate, let alone an honoree for this recognition. I am a proud alumnus of this quality educational institution!” exclaimed Rayfield. “Motlow celebrates a half-century in student-centered education that serves as the integral foundation for its students to excel in whatever pathway they choose.”
Rayfield, a Manchester resident, graduated from Motlow State in 2014 with an associate degree in Business Education. He continued his education at Trevecca Nazarene University and completed a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Relations in 2015. He will receive his master’s degree in education, with a focus in counseling, administration and supervision in May 2021 from Middle Tennessee State University.
He started his career as a student management coordinator for Coffee County Schools in 2014. Two years later, he became the coordinator of the Family Resource Center for Coffee County Schools and a coordinator for the Sportsmen and Businessmen Charitable Organization.
Rayfield is currently serving as State Coordinator of Family Resource Centers and has been in this role since 2020. He is responsible for providing guidance, leadership, and oversight to the 102 Family Resource Centers across Tennessee.
“Motlow State was critical in my success, serving as the strong foundational piece in ensuring a successful post-secondary achievement – ultimately being the best decision I could have ever made when choosing a post-secondary institution,” said Rayfield.” Motlow, its faculty and staff, and its student-focused philosophy positioned me to become a successful college graduate and laid the foundation for beginning my career.”
Some of Rayfield’s many accomplishments include designing and supervising a county-wide day of giving at the Coffee County Student Expo, participating in the #GetYourSelfieToSchool community summit, and presenting several conferences hosted by the Tennessee Department of Education and various other Tennessee education-related associations.
“I am a strong advocate for ensuring that access and equity are provided for all, and believe in the importance of healthy relationships, not only with students, families, and schools but also the community,” he said.
At Motlow, Rayfield is a future participant of the 2021 Strategic Planning Meeting. He has spoken with students majoring in education on the importance of their work and how much they are needed. He is also a graduate of Coffee County Leadership, past president and board of directors’ member of the Manchester Rotary Club, past ambassador for the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce; current member of Motlow’s strategic planning committee, advisory member for Coffee County Schools’ Career and Technical Education business programs, committee member and volunteer for Sportsmen and Businessmen’s Charitable Organization and the Dusty Elam Foundation.
“Taylor is inspiring! He elevates those around him to seek to be their best. It is amazing what he has already accomplished in his few years, and I can’t wait to see where his goals take him throughout his life,” said Lisa Myers, assistant vice president for Business and Finance.
“Motlow is like no other post-secondary institution. It stands poised as an innovative, diverse community college committed to providing educational equity, access, and opportunity for all,” Rayfield added.
The Motlow College Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting and advancing Motlow State Community College’s objectives to provide educational and career opportunities. The Foundation offers scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students, equipment and program enhancements to academic and athletic departments, and capital funding for new college facilities and upgrades. For more information about the Foundation, visit mscc.edu/give/foundation.html.
The Foundation’s mission is to connect private and corporate philanthropists with opportunities to support Motlow State and build relationships that make a difference in the lives of its students and community. The awards are usually presented in person at the Annual Motlow Gala in the spring, but it was held virtually this year due to the pandemic.
Tennessee’s Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient, and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. The system offers associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs, and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tbr.edu or visit Motlow at mscc.edu.
Lockhart announces bid for Circuit Court Judge
On Monday May 3, 2021 Attorney William Lockhart officially announced his campaign for Circuit Court Judge for the 14th Judicial District.
“I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Circuit Court Judge for the 14th Judicial District. The rule of law is the cornerstone of our democracy and having a judge that has the skills, experience, and temperament necessary to make decisions based on the law and facts only is paramount. Circuit Court Judges hear a wide variety of cases, and I have the broad and practical experience to fairly and impartially decide the cases that come before me. As a lifelong Republican, I have always felt that a judge’s role is to apply the law and not make the law. If elected, I will always strive to make decisions based solely on the law.”
Lockhart continued “Judicial elections only come around every 8 years so I think it is very important to make an informed decision on who will be the next Circuit Court Judge. I plan on spending the next year talking with as many people as I can so that the voters of this county can make an informed decision.”
Lockhart currently practices in Manchester at Burch & Lockhart where he is a general practitioner. He received his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University and his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. He served as Coffee County Bar Association President from 2015-2021. He also serves on the Manchester Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He lives in Tullahoma with his wife Hayley, and has two children, Timothy and Annie.
Election for this seat will be in 2022.
Gas prices hold steady over past week
The Tennessee gas price average held steady over the last week with the state average remaining unchanged from the previous week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.69 which is the same as one month ago and $1.15 more than one year ago.
The average price in Coffee County is $2.67, which is 2 cents below the state average and 23 cents below the national average of $2.90.
“While April saw minimal fluctuation, May is likely to see much larger increases alongside demand spikes, especially closer to Memorial Day weekend,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Compared to May 2019, U.S. gasoline demand is down only 4% and gas prices are, on average, just two cents more.”
Quick Facts
- 76% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.75
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.49 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.97 for regular unleaded
- Tennessee remains the 10th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
At the start of May, the national gas price average is $2.90, which is three cents more than a month ago. Pump prices in April saw minimal variability compared to March, which increased 15 cents from start to finish. Stable crude oil prices amid fluctuating demand helped keep the national average price jumps nominal last month.
On the week, the national average increased two cents. Ten states saw averages increase between five and eight cents, but the majority of states saw increases of one to three cents. The pump price changes come amid a flux in supply and demand. For the week ending April 23, the Energy Information Administration reported gasoline stocks saw a small 100,000 bbl build to reach the 135 million bbl mark. That is the highest supply rate since the end of February and an 8.3 million bbl surplus compared to the same time two years ago. While supply increased, demand saw a decrease of 3% to 8.87 million b/d.
Summer Fuel Supply
Last week, media reports surfaced that a shortage of fuel tank truck drivers may impact gasoline availability this summer. As gasoline demand increases, gas stations are working to adjust delivery schedules to keep pace. However, deliveries may be delayed in a small number of markets this summer causing select stations to see low to no fuel at some pumps for short periods, one or two days.
“With road trips expected to be popular this summer, some summer travel destinations, like beaches or mountains, may see some pumps affected. It is important to understand this is not a market-wide impact. Gas can be found at other stations within a market,” said Cooper. “The U.S. is not looking at a gas supply shortage; there is ample gasoline supply across the country. It is just a matter of more frequent deliveries to stations to meet demand.”
In markets where this happened last month, it was contained within a brand/chain at a select number of pumps. As a rule of thumb in general, AAA recommends that motorists consider filling up when their fuel level hits a quarter of a tank.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $1.43 to settle at $63.58. Although prices ended the day with a decrease, supported by a strong dollar, the price of crude increased by nearly $1.50 per barrel on the week. Increased market optimism that crude demand will recover, despite surging coronavirus infection rates in Asia, helped to lift prices. Prices could continue to climb this week if the market remains optimistic. Additionally, prices increased last week after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) and its allies, including Russia, recommended leaving in place a recent agreement to gradually increase crude production by at least 2.1 million b/d in May and June. At the next OPEC+ meeting on June 1, the cartel will determine crude output levels for July and August.
Authorities searching for Coalmont man after pursuit
Area authorities are searching for Michael Robert Gray, age 38, of Coalmont.
According to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, deputies attempted to stop Gray’s vehicle on suspicion of impaired driving on Highway 108 in Gruetli-Laager.
Deputies chased Gray until his vehicle ran through a gate and his vehicle was disabled in Pelham. He allegedly fled on foot. He is not considered dangerous, authorities say.
Deputies found what is believed to be meth and marijuana inside of Gray’s vehicle. If anyone knows of his whereabouts, you are encouraged to call 931-692-3466×5.
Tennessee General Assembly passes no debt $42B budget
The House and Senate of the 112th General Assembly on Thursday successfully approved a no-debt $42.6 billion budget that provides strategic investments in education, health care, public safety and economic development initiatives.
The budget provides a return to many pre-pandemic priorities with the 2021-22 fiscal year budget. The 2021-22 fiscal year budget invests $100 million into the Rainy-Day fund, bringing the state’s savings account to $1.55 billion. The budget also sets aside $250 million through the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System. Tennessee remains on solid financial ground as one of the indebted states in the nation with a AAA bond-rated state rating.
The budget provides $730 million in new spending for education, including the spending from the special session. This includes more than $480 million on K-12 education and more than $240 million on higher education.
The Basic Education Plan (BEP) will be fully funded at approximately $62 million. Tennessee educators will receive $120 million to provide a pay increase in addition to $43 million allocated for teacher salary increases during January’s special session. The budget includes $79 million to address the growing needs of Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology campuses. The new budget funds $250 million for a Mental Health Trust Fund to provide mental health assistance and support for K-12 students.
Additionally, the budget cuts more than $50 million for a sales tax holiday on grocery sales and prepared foods from July 30-Aug. 5.
The budget also puts a strong emphasis on job creation and rural development with a significant $100 million investment to expand high-speed broadband to underserved Tennessee communities. These funds are in addition to federal coronavirus stimulus money provided for this purpose. In other jobs investments, the budget provides $190 million for Fast Track Infrastructure Grants to add high-quality jobs throughout the state. It also provides $7 million to help support Tennessee entrepreneurs and innovators with promising start-up companies.
Health care is another essential priority for next year’s budget. It provides $37.9 million to fully fund medical inflation in the state’s TennCare program and adds $5 million to further widen the state’s Health Care Safety Net. The Health Care Safety Net focuses on services that help uninsured patients get preventative and disease management care and avoid more costly hospitalizations.
Key budget highlights include:
*$100 million for cities and counties with funds available in July for any non-recurring needs;
*$931 million for capital improvements to keep the state’s infrastructure strong without incurring debt;
*$9.5 million to improve salaries for probation and parole officers to offer competitive pay with other states
*$4.4 million for new agents in TBI;
*$17 million for a new radio communications system, $2.3 million for body cameras and full funding of the salary plan and survey for state troopers;
*$8 million to expand marketing and tourism initiatives
*$145 million for air and rail transportation infrastructure
The FY21-22 budget takes effect July 1, 2021.
The Tennessee Election Integrity Act passes both chambers
Both chambers of the General Assembly gave final approval this week to legislation that aims to uphold the integrity of elections in Tennessee by ensuring absentee ballots are not fraudulent.
House Bill 1276, requires all absentee ballots to include an easily discernible watermark approved by Tennessee’s Coordinator of Elections, except those officially authorized to be delivered electronically. The Tennessee Election Integrity Act, the legislation also requires absentee ballot counting boards of local county election commissions to reject any absentee ballot without the approved watermark to prevent election fraud.
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Two Coffee County residents killed in interstate crash
Two Coffee County residents were killed in an accident on Interstate-24 just across the Rutherford County line on Thursday. The accident left traffic snarled for hours in Rutherford and Coffee counties.
Killed were 19-year old Sebastien Tarin, of Manchester, and 65-year old Stanley Peterson of Beechgrove.
A passenger was injured.
According to THP, Tarin’s vehicle was traveling east on Interstate 24 when it left the roadway and crossed the median, entering the westbound lanes and striking Peterson’s Nissan head on.
Capacity, concession restrictions lifted for Coffee County Central sports
Capacity limitations and restrictions on food sales for all athletic events at Coffee County Central High School have now been lifted.
CHS athletic director Rebecca Koger made the announcement Thursday afternoon.
The school has been dealing with varying capacity limitations and restrictions on concession sales due to COVID-19 pandemic all school year long.
With Governor Bill Lee’s announcement earlier this week that retires the Tennessee Pledge and lifts most all restrictions on business and masks across the state, the TSSAA is now free to lift any remaining limitations.
Coffee County Health Dept. announces walk-in options for vaccines
The Coffee County Health Department announced today it is offering walk-in options for individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments are still available but not required.
The Coffee County, Tullahoma, Health Department is open Monday: 4:30-6:30 PM, Tuesday & Thursday: 1:30-3:30 PM, Wednesday: 9:00-11:00 AM, and Friday:7:00-9:00 AM for COVID-19 vaccine administration. Additionally, the Coffee County, Manchester, Health Department is open Monday: 1:30-3:30 PM, Tuesday; 3:30-6:30 PM, Wednesday & Thursday: 9:00-11:00 AM, and Friday: 7:00-9:00 AM for COVID-19 vaccine administration. For questions, individuals can call the Coffee County Health Department hotline at 931-490-8312.
Tennesseans age 16 and up are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals seeking a COVID-19 vaccine can schedule an appointment at vaccinate.tn.gov, visit the Coffee County Health Department for a walk-in appointment, or search vaccinefinder.org to find a local vaccine provider.
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.
SBCO makes donation to sheriff’s cadet camp
Sportsman and Businessmen’s’ Charitable Organization (SBCO) donated money to the Coffee County Sheriff’s Cadet Summer Camp being held this summer.
The camp, which will be held May 31 through June 4, will include elementary age cadets and Middle School Explorers. These students will be participating in various activities to educate them in law enforcement and emergency operations. They will hear from law enforcement leaders, safety awareness, peer pressure and learn about making good choices.
