Category: News

Unemployment falls by 2 percent in Tennessee

Unemployment across Tennessee decreased significantly in November 2020 according to newly released data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).

Tennessee’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for November is 5.3%, a 2 percentage point drop from October’s revised rate of 7.3%. The new statistic is just 2 percentage points higher than the state’s unemployment rate one year ago in November.

The current rate is also 2 percentage points higher than it was in March 2020, just one month before the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in Tennessee. In April, Tennessee’s unemployment reached its all-time high of 15.5%.

Total nonfarm employment increased by 2,100 jobs between October and November. The manufacturing sector recorded the largest number of new hires for the month, followed by the trade/transportation/utilities and mining/logging/construction sectors.

When comparing year-to-year statistics, Tennessee’s employment decreased by 112,800 jobs between November 2019 and November 2020. Leisure/hospitality continues to be the hardest hit sector across the state. The manufacturing and government sectors have also experienced significant job loss when compared to 2019.

TDLWD has produced a complete economic analysis of the November 2020 unemployment data which is available here (https://www.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=166478db53c066a7d114ea462&id=ae7d90a236&e=29851e7b63) .

While seasonally adjusted unemployment was down nationally in November, the nation did not see the improvement in its jobless rate Tennessee experienced. The United States unemployment rate for the month decreased to 6.7%, down 0.2 of a percentage point from October’s revised rate of 6.9%.

Tennessee employers continue to help the state’s economy rebound and are searching for employees of all skill levels.

Currently, on the state’s workforce development website, Jobs4TN.gov, job seekers can find more than 240,000 open positions in a wide range of occupations and skill levels.

The state also recently launched the Tennessee Virtual American Job Center (VAJC). The new website is located at www.TNVirtualAJC.com. It allows Tennesseans to research different programs, from different state agencies, that can help them remove barriers to employment, so they can more easily reenter Tennessee’s workforce. The VAJC allows job seekers to do this on their schedule, anytime, anywhere.

In Coffee County, 306 people are currently receiving unemployment benefits related to COVID-19 Pandemic.

Tennessee 2nd smallest tax burden on residents, report shows

What is the landscape of taxes in America going into 2021? The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in 2017 by President Trump, reduced personal income tax rates for most people across the nation. However, that same piece of tax legislation also put a cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions. Formerly, taxpayers who itemize could deduct the total amount of state and local taxes paid from their federal tax return, which significantly reduced an individual’s federal tax burden. But the new tax code caps SALT deductions at $10,000—a change that has made living in high-tax states even more expensive for high earners.

The three largest types of state and local taxes that impact residents in those states are sales, property, and individual income taxes. Based on data from the U.S Census Bureau’s most recent Annual Survey of State and Local Government Finances, Americans paid $1,869 in sales taxes, $1,301 in income taxes, and $1,672 in property taxes per capita in 2018. Combined, this equates to $4,842 per capita, or approximately 8.9% of per capita income. But, the total amount of taxes paid and the allocation of those taxes across sales, income, and property vary widely by state.

The analysis found that in Tennessee, property, income, and sales taxes for residents amount to about 5.70% of income. On average, residents spend about $2,694 annually on these taxes. Out of all U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Tennessee places the 2nd smallest tax burden on its residents.

Here is a summary of the data for Tennessee:

• Property, income, and sales taxes as a percentage of income: 5.70%
• Annual property, income, and sales taxes per person: $2,694
• Property taxes as a percentage of income: 1.69%
• Income taxes as a percentage of income: 0.08%
• Sales taxes as a percentage of income: 3.93%

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

• Property, income, and sales taxes as a percentage of income: 8.88%
• Annual property, income, and sales taxes per person: $4,842
• Property taxes as a percentage of income: 3.07%
• Income taxes as a percentage of income: 2.39%
• Sales taxes as a percentage of income: 3.43%

For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on HireAHelper’s website: https://www.hireahelper.com/lifestyle/states-with-largest-and-smallest-tax-burden/

Manchester City Schools to move to virtual learning after Christmas break

Manchester City Schools will be moving to at-home learning for a brief period of time after the upcoming Christmas.

Dr. Joey Vaughn, director of schools, made the announcement Wednesday. Manchester City Schools consists of Westwood Elementary, College Street Elementary and Westwood Middle School.

“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).  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.

Praters BBQ makes generous donation to MPD Christmas Angel program

Praters BBQ in Manchester and owner Gary Prater made a generous donation of toys to the Manchester Police Department Angel Tree Program.

Praters has participated in the event for several years.

Manchester Police Department would like to think Mr. Prater and his efforts in helping less-fortunate families in the community every holiday season.

Praters BBQ is located at 620 Woodbury Highway in Manchester.

34 million fewer Americans to travel this holiday season, AAA predicts

AAA Travel expects the vast majority of Americans to stay home this holiday season. Public health concerns and travel guidance are influencing their decisions not to travel over the year-end holidays, a period that typically sees high demand for vacations.

While AAA expects at least 34 million fewer travelers compared to last year’s holiday season, as many as 84.5 million Americans may still travel from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, a decline in travel of at least 29%. In Tennessee, the expectation is that 2 million Tennesseans may still travel – a decline in travel of 28.4%.

“While Thanksgiving is traditionally spent gathering with friends and family, the year-end holidays are when Americans often venture out for longer, more elaborate vacations. That will not be the case this year,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Public health concerns, official guidance not to travel, and an overall decline in consumer sentiment have encouraged the vast majority of Americans to stay home for the holidays.”

Based on mid-October travel forecast models, AAA expected up to 50 million people would travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, which would have been a decline of 10% from 2019. While final Thanksgiving travel numbers are not yet available, AAA expects the decline to be closer to 15–20%, as the CDC and state and local authorities advised against holiday travel.

Holiday travelers are continuing to take a wait-and-see approach to their travel decisions. With COVID 19 cases steadily increasing this month, the expected continued rise will likely prompt some Americans to make last minute decisions to not follow through with upcoming travel plans, which was the trend during the lead up to Thanksgiving.

Manchester Recreation Center asks public to take mask request seriously when using facility

The Manchester Parks and Recreation Department issued a plea to the public Tuesday to please continue using masks when using the facility.

Some communities are closing and altering their recreation facilities due to COVID-19, a move Manchester Parks and Recreation hopes to not make.

“We do not want to have to stop classes, close gyms and limit numbers again,” the department said. “Please help us stay open by wearing a mask when entering the recreation complex, walking to your class, gym or workout and in the restrooms.”

Contrary to posts made by other media outlets in the area, the Manchester Parks and Recreation Department remains open at this time. You can visit the recreation center at 557 N. Woodland St. in Manchester.

With vaccines arriving in Tennessee this week, here is who can receive them first

The Tennessee Department of Health has received its first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine ahead of statewide shipment on Thursday, as announced by Thunder Radio News on Monday. The state obtained an early shipment of 975 doses to hold as an emergency backup supply with anticipated receipt of 56,550 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine this week.

The first and second Pfizer vaccine shipments will be used to provide first and second vaccine doses to individuals qualifying for Phase 1a1, as detailed in the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan for Tennessee.

Phase 1a1 patients include the following:
*Hospital / free-standing emergency department staff with direct patient exposure and/or exposure to potentially infectious material
*Home care staff
*COVID-19 mass testing site staff
*Student health providers
*Staff and residents of long term care facilities
*First responders with diret public exposure
With first priority to those who meet the following:
65 and older, cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, solid organ transplant, obesity with a BMI greater than 30, serious cardiac disease, sickle cell disease and type 1 nd 2 diabetics.

You can read Tennessee’s full vaccination plan by clicking here. 

 

City of Tullahoma alters operations due to high COVID-19 count

The City of Tullahoma announced Tuesday that city operations will move to
Phase 3 COVID-19 Operations. The City COVID-19 Operation Plan is a
three-phased strategy for operations, and when Coffee County case count goes
over 500 cases, the City modifies operations for the safety of employees and
the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning Wednesday, December 16 and continuing until further notice, the
following changes in city operations will be in effect.

Operations at Tullahoma’s D.W. Wilson and C.D. Stamps community centers will remain open but have limited activities. The centers are suspending programming, classes, and direct contact sports,
including basketball. The City’s JR NBA basketball program has been postponed until January 2nd. Please check the Parks web site as other restrictions or limits may apply.

The Tullahoma Animal Shelter will close to the public, but staff remains available to assist with adoptions by appointment. Individuals are encouraged to go to petfinder.com to view dogs currently available for adoption
and call 454-9580 to schedule a visit. Tullahoma’s shelter remains a compassionate, no-kill animal shelter and we hope to find a forever home for each pet.

City government meetings will be conducted virtually. Most recently, the Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen conducted business by video conference and broadcast using Facebook Live, as well as broadcasting to Charter Ch.
193 and Lighttube Ch. 6. Citizens may join in watching the next City Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 22, at 5:30 p.m.

The weekly Development Advisory Committee (DAC) meetings scheduled for each Wednesday have been cancelled until further notice. If you have a project for review, please e-mail Winston Brooks at Wbrooks@tullahomatn.gov. The project will be distributed electronically to the DAC for comments.

Other City of Tullahoma departments remain open and are focused onmaintaining the health, safety and welfare of our citizens and City team members.

The City will release updates at our  Facebook page and Tullahomatn.gov. The City will reassess the situation when there is a sustained decrease in active cases.

Individuals can assist in practicing everyday prevention measures, in
compliance with the CDC recommendations for minimizing possible exposure to
COVID-19:

* Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If
not available, use hand sanitizer.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

* Avoid contact with people who are sick.

* Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.

* Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or
sneezing.

* Clean commonly touched surfaces regularly.

* Select a room in your house to utilize if you must self-quarantine
and identify someone who can bring you supplies to avoid having to make
trips.

* Stay informed on the latest updates.

Tennessee now 7th least expensive market for gasoline

The Tennessee gas price average remains relatively steady, up nearly two cents from last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average  is now $1.92 which is four cents more than one month ago and 38 cents less than one year ago. 

However, Tennessee has dropped to the 7th least expensive market to purchase gas in the entire nation.

“Gasoline demand is down 14% year-over-year. The numbers we are seeing as of late are very similar to readings from May when many states were locked down and demand was very low,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The fact is, Americans are filling-up less as states re-introduce travel restrictions and the pandemic lingers.”

Quick Facts

· 91% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $1.76 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.20 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee moved to the 7th least expensive market in the nation

National Gas Prices

Since the beginning of November, U.S. gasoline demand has softened. The Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) data shows demand measured at 8.7 million b/d for the week ending November 6. In their latest report, for the week ending December 4, demand measured at 7.6 million b/d. That is the lowest reading since the end of May and marks four weeks of straight decline. 

With softer gasoline demand, many states are seeing pump prices push cheaper, though at modest rates. Motorists are not seeing larger declines at the pump likely due to crude oil prices, which continue to trend around $46/bbl (WTI). However, crude prices have not pushed above this price point.

Regardless, amid low gasoline demand, high gasoline inventory and a resurgence in coronavirus cases, gas prices are not likely to see large increases. On the week, the national gas price average held steady at $2.16. That is also four cents less than last month and 40 cents cheaper than last year.

SANTA DELIVERS EARLY: Gifts under Manchester tree for those in need

The Manchester Police Department has “coordinated with Santa Claus” and placed toys under the Christmas tree on the square in downtown Manchester.

The toys were placed there Tuesday morning, Dec. 15, and are available for families in need this Christmas season.

“Santa would like for families in need to come get what you need for your children,” MPD said. “And be respectful of how much you get. Let’s all share and we will hopefully have enough for all that need help.”

Thunder Radio news has multiple sources that have confirmed that once Tuesday’s toys are gone, Santa will be making more random early visits to the downtown square between now and Christmas.