Category: News

VFW All-American Post 10904 proudly announces that three local teachers have been awarded the coveted Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Tennessee, Teacher of the Year Award for 2020-2021.

The recipients are Donna Harryman of Hickerson Elementary School in the Kindergarten-5th grade category; Donna Burdine of Westwood Middle School in the 6th – 8th grade category; and Becki Louden of Coffee County Central High School in the high school category.

With 92 VFW Posts in Tennessee, being selected Teacher of the Year at the state level is a remarkable achievement. Seven local area teachers have received the honor over the last four years; this marks the first “sweep” as all three teachers selected at the local VFW Post level advanced to District selection and went on to be awarded Teacher of the Year for the State of Tennessee.

These three remarkable teachers will now advance to the VFW National level. Emily Ezell of Cowan Elementary School received the National award in 2018.

Donna Harryman has worked as a teacher for 29 years. She was selected because of the work she has done to educate elementary school children on veterans, American history, Veterans Day and the meaning of “service to country”. Around 15 years ago she created the Wall of Honor, which featured the names of former Hickerson Elementary students who later served in the military.

She inspires her students to regard veterans as “superheroes” with artwork displayed throughout the school. She has supervised veterans programs and sold bracelets and other items to fund the ceremonies; as well as baked goods for the events. She teaches students patriotic songs and uses current political differences to teach American history such as the conflict between Andrew Jackson and John Adams.

Donna Burdine has a degree in business from Lee University. After working at an Atlanta business for a year, she had two children and was encouraged by family to work in the school system. After serving as a substitute teacher, she chose to pursue a degree in education. In 2017, she was awarded the Scottish Rite Educator of the Year award. She educates her students in flag etiquette, as well as the meaning of the various patriotic days and the importance of mutual respect in the classroom.

She had her students make Valentines and holiday cards for veterans at the VA Hospital in Murfreesboro; in last year’s Veterans Day Parade she dedicated the parade entry to former First Lieutenant Gary Dyer, former Westwood Middle School student and Vietnam veteran, who returned and served his school as coach and teacher before his retirement.

Becki Louden served in the United States Army and was awarded the Bronze Star for her service in Iraq. She is Culinary Arts teacher at Coffee County Central High School and a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. To honor veterans, she coordinated projects in support of Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Patriots Day, Pearl Harbor Day and created a Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) competition. For Veterans Day last year, she and her students provided a drive-thru meal for veterans so that none felt forgotten.

She educates her students on topics ranging from Prisoners of War / Missing in Action veterans, events surrounding September 11th, the meaning of the military funeral bugle call TAPS and the different branches of the service.
VFW Post 10904 Commander Kimberly King noted: “It is always an honor to meet and interview teachers who serve our country in this way. In an age when self-worth is stressed and sacrifice is not even discussed, it is so important for school children to realize what has been given to them as Americans. Teachers who educate our children in the values and morals of America are so deserving of this award.”

A tentative awards ceremony is scheduled for March 8th, 2021, at the Veterans Building located at 130 Shelton Road in Manchester.

The COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be administered across the state of Tennessee, albeit at different rates and paces.

Across the state, 244,567 people have received the first dose of the two-dose vaccine. A total of 42,851 people have received the two doses required.

In Coffee County, 2.61 percent of the population has received the first of two required vaccines for the virus. In terms of percentage of population, this is less than all surrounding counties with the exception of Rutherford County, where about 2.08 percent o the population has received the first dose of the vaccine. Warren County has seen 4.72% of the population receive the first dose. Meanwhile, Franklin County is at 3.79 percent.

Henry County in West Tennessee appears to have administered first doses of vaccines to a larger percentage of its population, with 10.40 percent of the population receiving the first dose. But virtually no one in Henry County has received a second dose, just 0.07 percent.

As it pertains to the second dose, very few have received that. In Coffee County, just 0.12 percent of the population has received two doses. In Rutherford County, 0.62 percent has received the second dose.

Currently, those qualified for phase 1a1 and 1a2 can sign up to be on the waiting list for vaccination in Coffee County by clicking here. Limited vaccines are being distributed on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.

Gov. Bill Lee has signed a resolution authorizing major changes to the state’s Medicaid program, TennCare.

Critics warned the move could lead to healthcare cuts and reduced coverage for vulnerable populations.

The Medicaid waiver, greenlighted by the federal government and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly, is the first of its kind in the country, and gives the state more freedom to choose how it uses federal dollars.

Michele Johnson, executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center, said in exchange for the flexibility, the state will lose out on billions.

“[This is] the first state in the nation to say to the federal government, ‘You give us less accountability, and we’ll take less money,'” Johnson lamented.

She added hundreds of patient-advocacy groups, doctors, and nurses opposed the decision. Gov. Lee and supporters say the block grant will allow state leaders to improve health.

More than 1.5 million low-income Tennesseans, including pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities, rely on TennCare.

Johnson believes the block grant leaves the state holding the check for its most vulnerable residents.

She pointed out services like neonatal intensive care or hospice care could be reduced or cut, and that’s on top of the increased healthcare burden from COVID-19.

“We’re number one in the world at positive COVID cases over the last few weeks,” Johnson observed. “Number one in the world, like, we are ground zero for where you wouldn’t want to take away accountability if your goal is to have stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

Johnson insisted fewer Medicaid dollars will further harm rural communities already hard-hit by hospital closures. She noted rural COVID patients have had to travel longer distances for emergency care.

“And the hospitals closest to them have closed, and the one after that has closed, and the one after that has closed,” Johnson emphasized. “We have huge swaths of the state where there’s ‘healthcare deserts.'”

The move also will allow TennCare to limit coverage of some prescription drugs. Experts say the Medicaid waiver approval will likely face legal challenges.

State fire officials want to remind you that cold winter months brings an uptick in home fires, urging Tennesseans to focus on home fire safety tips during what has historically been the most tragic and deadly week for fire-related incidents in the Volunteer State.

Data from the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office shows that Tennessee has averaged almost four fire deaths per year during the second week of January since 2015. When the temperature drops below 32 degrees, Tennesseans are 40 percent more likely to have a home fire than if it were above 32 degrees. When temperatures drop below 15 degrees, structure fires are twice as likely to occur than when temperatures remain above 32 degrees.

Heating equipment is the third leading cause of home fire deaths both nationally and in Tennessee. Specifically, portable heaters were responsible for 19 fire deaths from 2015-2019 in our state. Tennessee averages 53 portable heating fires resulting $1.7 million dollars in reported property loss each year. Remember to please keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment including fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters, and turn off your portable heaters when you leave your room or before going to bed. Lastly, ensure you have working smoke alarms inside each sleeping area, on every level of the home and that they are tested regularly.

Now is also a good time to review your fire safety plan with your children and family. Should your home catch fire, call 911 immedietely. 

According to newly reported numbers on Monday, there are currently 482 active cases of COVID-19 virus in Coffee County.

There have been 82 total virus related deaths in Coffee County.

Across the state of Tennessee, there have been 7,050 confirmed COVID-19 related deaths. There are currently 2,660 hospitalizations

In Coffee County, vaccines are being administered to those age 75 and older as supplies are available. To sign up to be on the vaccine waiting list, click here.

The Tennessee gas price average has increased for two consecutive weeks, up five cents over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.19 which is 22 cents more than one month ago and nearly 15 cents less than one year ago.

The Tennessee gas price average has increased for two consecutive weeks, up five cents over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.19 which is 22 cents more than one month ago and nearly 15 cents less than one year ago.

The average price in Coffee County is on par with the state average, at $2.19 per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline.

“This week marks the second week of increases so far this year for Tennessee pump prices. Since January 1st, gas prices have increased a total of 15 cents,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Market optimism surrounding the coronavirus vaccine, tightening supply and increasing crude oil prices are all factors helping to push gas prices higher.”

Quick Facts

· 74% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.25
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.00 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.45 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee remains the 10th least expensive market in the nation

National Gas Prices

Since last week, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by nearly seven cents to $2.39, which is nearly 18 cents more than a month ago, and nearly 17 cents less than a year ago. Pump prices have increased while gas demand remains low at 7.53 million b/d and total refinery utilization increased from 80.7 percent to 82 percent in the latest weekly report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Last week, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced special session legislation addressing K-12 student learning loss and the adverse effects on Tennessee students’ proficiency in reading and math after extended time away from the classroom due to COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has disrupted every aspect of education and we are on the cusp of severe consequences for our students if we don’t act now,” said Gov. Lee. “Data suggests that Tennessee third graders are facing an estimated 50% drop in reading proficiency and a projected 65% drop in math proficiency and that is not an acceptable path for our kids[1]. I thank Lt. Gov. McNally, Speaker Sexton and members of the General Assembly for acting quickly on behalf of our students and taking up intervention measures during the special session.”

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reports that only 34% of Tennessee students are proficient or advanced readers by fourth grade. Research shows that students who do not achieve reading proficiency by third grade are more likely to drop out of high school, be incarcerated or experience poverty as adults.

In addition to learning loss interventions and accountability hold harmless measures, Gov. Lee will propose adding funding for teacher salaries.

“Educators across the state are working tirelessly to turn the tide for their students and help them regain critical math and reading skills,” said Gov. Lee. “We believe they should be compensated for their efforts and look forward to working with the General Assembly to provide funding for our teachers.”

Intervening to Stop Learning Loss – SB 7002
• Requires interventions for struggling students including after-school learning mini-camps, learning loss bridge camps and summer learning camps, beginning summer 2021
• Program prioritizes students who score below proficient in both reading (ELA) and math subjects
• Creates the Tennessee Accelerated Literacy and Learning Corps to provide ongoing tutoring for students throughout the entire school year
• Strengthens laws around a third grade reading gate so we no longer advance students who are not prepared

Building Better Readers with Phonics – SB 7003
• Ensures local education agencies (LEAs) use a phonics-based approach for kindergarten through third grade reading instruction
• Establishes a reading screener for parents and teachers to identify when students need help, well before third grade
• Provides training and support for educators to teach phonics-based reading instruction

Accountability to Inform – SB 7001
• Extends hold harmless provisions from the 2019-20 school year to the 2020-21 school year so that students, teachers, schools and districts do not face any negative consequences associated with student assessments
• Provides parents and educators with assessment data including TCAP testing to provide an accurate picture of where Tennessee students are and what supports are needed to offset any learning losses
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Motlow State Community College leadership plans a return to on-campus instruction and activities by Fall 2021. The plan is contingent upon the status and spread of the Covid-19 virus. Leadership will make the final determination of the College’s on-ground Fall 2021 plan later this summer. Current planning is based on Tennessee’s vaccination plan and Motlow’s pattern of success in its pandemic response.

The approaching Spring 2021 semester will continue to operate using an alternate schedule. The alternate schedule allows most classes to meet online in a virtual environment, with on-campus exceptions made for required course completion in programs such as nursing, mechatronics, and emergency medical services. College faculty and staff are available virtually Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Spring 2021 classes begin Jan. 19, with all campuses closed Jan. 18 for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Motlow’s new website, which debuted recently, includes easy and intuitive navigation to apply to the College, review updated campus and Covid-19 information, choose a course or program, and contact critical services such as the library and disability, counseling, and advising. Visit the new site at mscc.edu.

Students, employees, and visitors are currently still required to complete a self-assessment health form before coming to campus during the Spring 2021 semester. Additionally, those on campus will continue to be required to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and follow additional protective measures.

New students planning to attend Motlow beginning Summer or Fall 2021 are encouraged to apply by Mar. 31 to ensure completion of payment, planning, financial aid processing, orientation scheduling, and any needed placement testing before their term begins.

Monday
Martin Luther King Day; special called Manchester Public Building Authority Meeting.

–Most government offices are closed in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Coffee County and Manchester City Schools are also closed.

–Also on Monday, while the Manchester City Government offices are closed, there will be a special called meeting of the Manchester Public Building Authority at 11:30 a.m. at the Manchester-Coffee County Conference Center (147 Hospitality Blvd.)

Tuesday
City schools return to in person learning; final day of Governor’s executive order

–Manchester City Schools return to in-person, traditional learning beginning on Tuesday. The city schools were on a virtual-only schedule following the Christmas holiday break.
Manchester City Schools consist of College Street Elementary, Westwood Elementary and Westwood Middle Schools.

–Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s executive order 70, which took effect on Dec. 20, is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on January 19. This order limits indoor gatherings to 10 or fewer people, among other guidelines.

–Also on Tuesday, the Coffee County Budget & Finance Committee is set to meet at 5 p.m. at the administrative plaza – 1329 McArthur St. in Manchester.

The Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee’s Unified Command Group have added new features to the COVID19.tn.gov website to make it easier for users to find county-specific information and request an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination.

The COVID19.tn.gov website provides a simple tool for Tennesseans to find their phase in Tennessee’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. Updates to this tool make it easier for eligible users to request a vaccination appointment with their county health department. Find the tool at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/eligibility/.

The website also offers an interactive map where Tennesseans can select their county to learn the risk-based and age-based phases currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and how to request a vaccination appointment. New county-specific pages offer information including current local vaccine availability. Find the map at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/county-vaccine-information/.

A new video explains the registration process for users. Find the video tutorial at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/.

The COVID19.tn.gov website also offers dashboards and daily reports with state and county-level information including case counts, hospitalizations and tests conducted. This site serves as a resource Tennesseans can use in making decisions about activities for their families, businesses and communities as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.

COVID-19 vaccine supplies remain limited, and availability of vaccines varies by county. Tennessee counties may progress through COVID-19 vaccination phases at different times depending on supplies of vaccines. Tennesseans can learn their phase for receiving vaccine at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/vaccine-phases/.

As of early Sunday morning, there have been 330,775 total vaccinations reported in Tennessee. Nearly 43,000 people have received the required two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.