Category: News

First female deputy of Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Northcutt, passes away

Coffee County Sheriff’s Department has announced the passing of the department’s first-ever female deputy.
Deputy Carolyn Ann Northcutt passed away on January 4, 2021.

According to the sheriff’s department, Northcutt was Coffee County’s first female deputy. She was hired by former Sheriff Dan Daniel in the 1960s. She remained with the department for over 30 years before retiring under former sheriff Steve Graves.

Northcutt’s last assignment was with the court officer division with circuit court proceedings.

“Deputy Northcutt was a professional in her field and worked tirelessly to attain perfection. Deputy Northcutt will be sorely missed,” CCSD stated. “All our thoughts and prayers will be with her family during this difficult time.”
Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 at Manchester Funeral Home.

Tullahoma Police welcome newest patrolman

The Tullahoma Police Department has announced it is welcoming its newest police officer – Ashley Chambers, who recently began serving the citizens of Tullahoma.

Pictured are, from left, Lt. Phil Henderson, patrolman Chambers and chief Jason Williams.

Vaccines to be very limited at fairgounds this week; allotment is already booked

After announcing on Sunday (Jan 3) that vaccines would start being administered by the health department at the Coffee County Fairgrounds this week, the health department is now saying that vaccines are limited and unavailable for this week. 

According to Allen Lendley with the Coffee County EMA, the health department will indeed have a limited number of vaccines at the Coffee County fairgrounds Wednesday morning. However, the department has already booked up the expected available vaccinations for this week – including Wednesday and Friday. In other words – if you haven’t already spoken with the health department and have a vaccine scheduled – then don’t show up to get a vaccine. 

Tennessee and Coffee County is currently in phase 1a1 and 1a2, which allows for ages 75 and older to receive vaccines.  When vaccines are available, it will be a drive-through format according to Katie McMinn with the Coffee County Health Department.  Also, there will be a pre-registration process to “reduce long lines and wait times.” However, more information on how to register for a vaccine appointment is not yet available. 

Beginning on Wednesday (Jan. 6) the health department is offering vaccines on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays at the fairgrounds, with testing being performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However – as previously stated – no vaccines will be available this week unless you are already scheduled.

For more information please reach out to the Local Health Department:
Tullahoma – 931-455-9369
Manchester – 931-723-5134

Heather Duncan to vacate position as Circuit Court Clerk Jan. 31

After serving Coffee County as Circuit Court Clerk for over 26 years, Heather Hinds Duncan has notified the Coffee County Mayor and the Coffee County Commission that she will be vacating the office effective January 31, 2021.  She has accepted a different position.

“Serving the citizens of Coffee County has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my career as Circuit Court Clerk,” said Duncan “The friendships I have made and the things I have learned while here will always be with me.  I have so many wonderful memories at the Coffee County Justice Center.”

The Circuit Court Clerk is responsible for maintaining all court files for the Circuit, General Sessions, and Juvenile Courts.  In addition, the Clerk prepares the court dockets, attends each session of court, and maintains the minutes of the Court.   The Circuit Court Clerk collects all fines, costs, litigation taxes, and restitution ordered by the Court.

Duncan last won re-election in 2018 – a four-year term.

It is unclear how the position will be filled. Thunder Radio has reached out to Coffee County Mayor Gary Cordell for clarification and as yet to receive a response. Duncan commented to Thunder Radio that she thought a judge would assign a temporary replacement. Thunder Radio will work to clarify the next steps moving forward.

“In 1994 when I was first elected, Judge Gerald Ewell and Judge John Rollins were our Circuit Judges.  We only had one full-time General Sessions Judge, Tim Brock, and our Juvenile Judge was only a part time position.  Over time our case load grew to a point that we needed another full-time General Sessions Judge who would assume the role of Juvenile Judge as well,” stated Duncan

In a career that spans three decades, county government and the court system have seen many changes during her tenure.

“We had an office of 23 employees with no computer system when I started.  We were accounting for all cases and court costs by hand,” explained Duncan. “Within my first year, we automated and today we use technology in every office function.  We now have an additional judge, hundreds of Bonnaroo cases each year, a drug court, automated traffic citations just to name a few of the many changes.  Our caseload has grown tremendously and we are collecting millions of dollars for Coffee County and the state of Tennessee, but our staff size has only increased by one.

 “I am thankful for the amazing staff that I have spent my workdays with each day.  They are smart, capable people who know the importance of their jobs and will continue to do a professional, efficient, and courteous job of serving the people of Coffee County.

“I have worked very hard to display the values that I was raised on during my time in office.  It has been my goal to treat every citizen in a kind and respectful way.  I have done my best to ensure that dealings with the Circuit Court Clerk’s office added to the professionalism of and respect for the Coffee County court system.

“I appreciate Judge Craig Johnson, Judge Vanessa Jackson, Judge Jere Ledsinger and Judge Greg Perry and the members of the Coffee County Bar Association who have been an important part of my professional life and for whom I share many close personal friendships.  We are blessed in Coffee County with a well-respected judicial system.

“I have enjoyed a positive working relationship with so many of the other elected officials and department heads in Coffee County.   I treasure the relationships we have shared over the years.

“I am grateful to my husband, John, and our four beautiful children (and our precious daughter-in-law) for their continued love and support.  They have graciously enjoyed and endured the life of a wife and mother who was always on duty as a public official.”

Duncan went on to state how thankful she is for the voters of Coffee County giving her multiple terms as an elected official with the county.

“I am forever thankful to the voters of Coffee County for giving me the opportunity to serve as Circuit Court Clerk.  I leave with great gratification that I have tirelessly given my time, energy, and effort to make your experience with this office a very positive one.  I appreciate the faith you have placed in me over the past 26 years and for the opportunity to spend these years in a job that I have loved so dearly.”

SCHOOLS RETURN FROM BREAK: Manchester City Schools to be virtual, County Schools learning in person

Both the Manchester City and Coffee County School Systems will return from the Christmas holiday break on Wednesday, Jan. 6 – but in different fashions.

As Manchester City Schools return from the Christmas holiday break on Wednesday,  the city schools will be switching to virtual learning through Friday, Jan. 15.

Manchester City Schools include College Street Elementary, Westwood Elementary and Westwood Middle School.
Dr. Joey Vaughn, director of schools, made the announcement prior to the holiday break.

“Given the current community Covid-19 numbers and the likelihood of a spike in numbers following the upcoming holidays, Manchester City Schools will begin the new year with an at home only learning schedule for all students,” the district announced. “The district will use this option from January 6 – 15, 2021. Students will report back to in-person learning on Tuesday, January 19 (the district is closed January 18).”

Meanwhile, Coffee County School System is set to return to normal, in-classroom learning (minus Fridays, which have been virtual days all year long) on Wednesday, Jan. 6.

Below are instructions for Manchester City Schools and their virtual learning:

 

Instruction will follow the procedures outlined below:
Pre K – 2: At Home Learning Packets
Classrooms will provide instructional packets that will allow families and students flexibility in the school day.

Assignments for the week will be available at the beginning of each week. Teachers will utilize online resources when appropriate and available.

Attendance will be taken through teacher communication method of choice with parents/guardians – may include texts, Remind, Class Dojo or other communication methods.

Grades 3 – 5: At Home Learning Packets and/or Online Learning
Classrooms will have flexibility in determining the best method of instruction. A mixture of online or instructional packets will be used. Assignments for the week will be available at the beginning of each week.

Attendance will be taken through teacher communication method of choice with parents/guardians – may include texts, Remind, Class Dojo or other communication methods.

Grades 6 – 8: Online Learning
Classrooms will continue online learning.

Situations requiring modifications will be addressed as needed (lack of connectivity).

Attendance will be taken each class period.

extra information:
• Learning materials may be picked up at the school at times communicated by the school.
• Breakfast and lunch will be provided for pickup from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday. Meals for Friday will be provided on the Thursday pickup.
• Afterschool Journey will be offered virtually for students who wish to participate.

 

Gas prices hold steady through the new year; Coffee County prices higher than state average

Tennessee gas prices are off to their lowest start to a new year since 2019 and the state gas price average remains unchanged over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.04 which is 14 cents more than one month ago and 35 cents less than one year ago.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Coffee County is $2.09 – 5 cents above the state average. The national average is at $2.25 per gallon.

“Holiday road travel was down at least 25%. With fewer people on the road, Tennessee motorist saw little change at the pump from the last week of 2020 to the first few days of 2021,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.

Quick Facts

· 50% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $1.87 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.31 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee remains the 10th least expensive market in the nation

National Gas Prices

The new year has started, but the national gas price average remains unchanged, holding steady at $2.25 for the last 12 days. Pump price stability at the start of the year is credited to consistent crude oil prices in late December, about $47-48/bbl, combined with low demand. U.S. gasoline demand, as recorded by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), was at the lowest level for the last week of December in 23 years (since 1998) – at 8.1 million b/d.

While the national gas price average is nine cents more than last month, January gas prices are already 33 cents cheaper than this time last year. That is the largest year-over-year difference at the beginning of January since 2015. AAA expects demand to dwindle in coming weeks and gas prices to likely be cheaper, especially if crude oil holds at the current price point.

How high or low gas prices will go in 2021 will largely depend on crude oil prices, supply and demand. AAA expects that as the vaccine becomes more widely available and states loosen travel restrictions, Americans will begin to drive more and at that point we will see an impact at the pump. At $2.17, 2020 saw the lowest annual national gas price average since 2016.

COVID-19 vaccines to begin at Coffee County fairgrounds Wednesday

UPDATE, JAN 4, 4:17 PM – The health department has communicated with the emergency management agency that a very limited allotment of COVID-19 vaccines will be available this week at the fairgrounds, and that allotment has already been “booked up.” Therefore, unless you have previously spoken with the health department about your vaccine and have an appointment or a booking, then you likely will not receive one. This includes Wednesday and Friday vaccine dates. 

ORIGINAL STORY, JAN 3:

Vaccines for COVID-19 will begin in Manchester at the Coffee County fairgrounds beginning Wednesday, Jan. 6. Available hours will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. while supplies are available.

Vaccines are currently available for those ages 75 and older as Coffee County is currently in phase 1a1, 1a2 and 75-years and older.

The Department of Health communicated late Sunday that Coffee County has currently exhausted its vaccine resources for now. However, the emergency management agency expects vaccines to be available by Wednesday, Jan. 6. We will post updates at thunder1320.com. It is unclear how many doses will be available. 

Following Wednesday, there will be a rotating schedule of vaccines and testing at the fairgrounds site.

After Wednesday, the schedule will be as follows:
Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays: vaccines will be administered.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: COVID testing will be provided by the health department.

The Coffee County Fairgrounds are located at 99 Lakeview Dr. in Manchester. 

If you have any questions concerning vaccinations or testing you can reach out to the health department via phone
Tullahoma- 455-9369
Manchester- 723-5134

Update on Coffee County active Covid-19 cases, vaccines administered

As of New Years Day – there have been 126,887 vaccinations administered in Tennessee, according to data provided by Tennessee Department of Health. However, this number is likely higher due to a lag in reporting.

As of the same date, 1.21% of the Coffee County population (estimated over 55,000 total) has received at least a partial vaccination.

Currently, there are 547 active cases of the COVID-19 virus reported in Coffee County – a drop from the peak that went over 800 in December. There have been 65 deaths reported in Coffee County and currently 70 Coffee Countians are hospitalized with the virus.

Across the state there have been 6,070 virus related deaths since March of 2020.

Total hospitalizations across the state have topped 3,000: now at 3,176.

Winchester authorities asking for help finding church burglars

Winchester police authorities are asking for help solving a burglary and theft reported on Dec. 29.

According to authorities, sometime between noon on Dec. 28 and noon on Dec. 29, Journey Church, located at 916 Dinah Shore Blvd., was broken into.

Reportedly stolen were a MacBook, iPad and Nord Keyboard.

If you have any information about this theft or these items, contact Winchester Police Department detective Brian Wilder at 931-967-3840 or at Crimestoppers at 931-962-INFO.

Howard Clutter, host of Thunder Radio’s Swap & Shop, has passed away

Thunder Radio is saddened to report to you that Howard Clutter, longtime host of Swap & Shop and other various programs on our airwaves, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. He was 80 years old.

“Howard was the well-recognized voice, the smiling face behind the microphone and the unbelievably friendly personality behind Thunder Radio’s Swap and Shop – probably our most popular and well-known program on Thunder Radio,” said Thunder Radio co-owner Josh Peterson. “Holly and I are sending our prayers to Rob, Tiffany, Helen and the Clutter family during this most difficult time. We ask that our community do the same.”

Howard always brought a smile behind the microphone that all of Coffee County could hear through their car radios, computers and telephones – starting most every show with: “Well Hello everybody, it’s time for Swap and Shop. You know, that program where you buy, sell and trade stuff with other people.”

He continued to host the show up until the time of his passing. 

“The phones usually ring off the hook for Swap and Shop, but occasionally when we would get a lull Howard would almost get excited to play some of his ‘Golden Oldies’ music that he would crank up during a slow time,” said Thunder Radio co-owner Holly Peterson. “The program was around before Howard and will continue, but it will just never be the same without him in the building.”

Howard was integral in much of the behind-the-scenes engineering of the radio station for the past 15 years during the tenure that the station was owned by his son and daughter-in-law – Rob and Tiffany Clutter. He gladly stayed on to continue hosting Swap and Shop every day of the week after Josh and Holly Peterson purchased the station in September of 2019.

Visitation with the family will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, with funeral to follow at 1 p.m. from Central Funeral Home in Manchester. Read the complete obituary here. .