Gates for the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival open on Tuesday, June 14 for select patrons who chose to enter on that date. Bonnaroo attendees will continue filtering into the festival grounds all week.
Meanwhile, ticket will-call pickup will be located at Coffee County Central High School from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, this includes will-call for people who purchased discounted local tickets through Thunder Radio.
This year’s attendance is expected to be about half of the normal capacity. According to event organizers with C3 Presents, this year’s attendance will be down versus the usual crowds that can reach around an estimated 100,000 strong.
Tickets do remain on sale for the event and those living in Coffee County can purchase tickets at a discounted rate through Thunder Radio.
Local discounted tickets are available for $304.14 after service charges, fees and taxes. Four day GA parking passes are also available for $138.45. A GA car camping / parking pass is available for $81.71.
Different from past years, anyone wishing to purchase tickets through the local discount can do so from their own devices. There is no need to come to the Thunder Radio studio. In fact, there are no tickets available at the actual station.
To purchase your ticket, visit this Bonnaroo ticketing website by clicking here. Once on that local ticket website, use the promo code ROOLOCAL756 to get the local discount. If you have questions, email josh.peterson.wmsr@gmail.com. In order to receive the discounted price, purchaser must have a zip code within Coffee County. Anyone attempting to purchase outside the county will have their purchase cancelled. Limit 4 GA admission tickets per purchase.
The festival is set to be held Thursday, June 16, through Sunday, June 19.
Headliners this year include Tool, J. Cole and Stevie Nicks.
Tennessee groceries will be tax free for the entire month of August
Tennesseans will be able to purchase food and food ingredients without paying sales tax for the entire month of August.
This year’s state budget allocates for the entire month to be exempt from state sales tax at the grocery store. The holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31.
During this period, food and food ingredients may be purchased tax free. Food and food ingredients purchased from a micro market or vending machine remain subject to sales tax.
Food and food ingredients are defined as liquid, concentrated, solid, frozen, dried or dehydrated substances that are sold to be ingested or chewed by humans and are consumed for their taste or nutritional value. Food ingredients do NOT include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, candy, dietary supplements or prepared food.
The most common example of a dealer selling food and food ingredients is a grocery store. Food and food ingredients are those items otherwise taxed at 4% state sales tax plus the applicable local rate.
Local sales tax will still apply.
OTHER SALES TAX HOLIDAYS
Tennessee’s traditional sales tax holiday on clothing, school supplies and computers begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2022
For 2022-2023, the Tennessee General Assembly has approved a sales tax holiday on gun safes and safety devices that begins at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2022 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2023
Tennessee gas prices jump another 14 cents
The Tennessee state average for gas prices set new record highs this weekend after increasing nearly 14 cents over the course of last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.64 which is 47 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.76 more than one year ago.
The price per gallon in Coffee County comes in at $4.65, which is a penny over the state average and 36 cents below the national average, which has hit an all-time high of $5.01.
The most expensive gasoline in the nation is out west, $6.43 in California.
“For the second week in a row, Tennesseans saw record-breaking prices at the pump, ” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Price fluctuation is likely again this week as the price of crude oil still remains high and increases in demand are expected. One bit of good news for Tennesseans, though, is that Tennessee moved up one spot this week to the 8th least expensive market in the nation.”
Quick Facts
- 90% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.75
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $4.47 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.87 for regular unleaded
- Tennessee is the 8th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
The cost of a barrel of oil is over $120, nearly double last August’s price, as increased oil demand outpaces the tight global supply. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline demand remains robust as the summer driving season ramps up. As a result, the national average for a gallon of gas surged and is 15 cents more than a week ago, 58 cents more than a month ago, and $1.94 more than a year ago. Today’s national average is $5.01—an all-time high never seen since AAA began collecting pricing data in 2000.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 800,000 bbl to 218.2 million bbl last week. Meanwhile, gasoline demand grew from 8.98 million b/d to 9.2 million b/d as drivers continue to fuel up for the summer driving season, typically a time when gas demand increases. This dynamic between decreased supply and increased demand is contributing to rising prices at the pump. Coupled with increasing crude oil prices, this means that the price of gas will likely remain elevated for the near future.
But on the bright side, consumers will once again enjoy a tasty AAA gas price–related treat courtesy of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Running every Wednesday through Labor Day, Krispy Kreme will lower the price of a dozen Original Glazed donuts to the national average that AAA reports each Monday. A dozen glazed doughnuts typically cost around $12. This Wednesday’s dozen should cost $5.01, not including sales tax, and is available only in shop, drive-thru, or online pickup.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by 84 cents to settle at $120.67. Although prices ended lower on Friday due to the rising value of the dollar, crude prices increased earlier last week in response to global supply concerns amid expected demand increases, particularly as China emerges from lockdowns that reduced crude demand. Crude prices have increased despite EIA reporting that total domestic stocks increased by 2.1 million bbl to 416.8 million bbl last week. However, the current storage level is still approximately 12 percent lower than a year ago, contributing to rising crude prices. Crude prices could rise further this week if EIA’s next report shows an inventory decline.
Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The app can also map a route, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
HEAT: Remember don’t forget children, pets inside vehicles with record-breaking heat on tap
AAA PRESS RELEASE
With forecasts predicting temperatures in the 90’s for portions of the state this week, AAA is urging motorists to keep their children, pets and vehicles safe during what is expected to be some of the hottest weather so far this summer.
“In just 10 minutes, a car can heat up by 20 degrees and become deadly,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We are urging parents and caregivers to not underestimate the risks that excessive heat can pose and to understand that hot car deaths are preventable.”
According to NoHeatstroke.org, on average, 38 children die from heatstroke inside hot vehicles each year nationwide. Despite warnings from safety organizations each year, children continue to die from this preventable tragedy.
AAA-The Auto Club Group provides the following safety tips to help keep children safe:
- Don’t Leave Children Alone, Even for Short Amounts of Time – Never leave children unattended in a vehicle – even if the windows are open or the air conditioning is running.
- Teach Children That Vehicles Are Not Play Areas – Don’t let children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach your children that a vehicle is not an appropriate hiding spot in hide-and-seek.
- Keep Your Vehicle Locked – lock your vehicle doors and trunk even in driveways and garages, and keep keys out of children’s reach.
- Make it a Habit to Check Your Vehicle– Before locking your vehicle and walking away, make it a habit to always check the front and back seats.
- Create Caregiver Reminders – If you normally drop your child off at a babysitter or daycare, ask the caregiver to call you if your child doesn’t show up as expected.
- Add Reminders in Your Vehicle– Put your purse, wallet or cell phone in the back seat. This way, you are reminded to look in the back seat before leaving the vehicle. You can also keep a stuffed animal in your child’s car seat. When the child is with you, move it to the front seat as a reminder that your child is in the back.
- Call for Help – If you see a child or pet alone in a locked car, call 911 immediately and follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
The soaring temperatures in a vehicle can also place your pets at risk. Never leave an animal in a parked car, even if the windows are partially open. Even on pleasant days, your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet in danger.
Extreme heat can also pose risks to your vehicle. AAA recommends drivers check these five key areas to help their vehicle safely survive higher temperatures:
1. Battery
- Securely mount the battery in place to minimize vibration.
- Clean any corrosive build up from the battery terminals and cable clamps.
- Ensure the clamps are tight enough that they will not move.
- If a car’s battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested by a trained technician to determine how much longer it will last.
- The test can be performed at any AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, or AAA members can request a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician come to them and test their battery free of charge.
- Should the battery need replacement, the technician can usually replace it on location. For more information about the AAA Mobile Battery Service visit AAA.com/Battery.
2. Engine Coolant
- Have the system flushed and the coolant replaced periodically as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
- Consult the owner’s manual to determine the service interval appropriate for a vehicle.
- Inspect hoses and drive belts for cracking, soft spots or other signs of poor condition.
- Replace worn parts.
3. Tires
- Check tires when the car has not been driven recently.
- Inflate tires to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer—not the number molded into the tire sidewall.
- Inspect the tire treads for adequate depth and any signs of uneven wear that might indicate a suspension or alignment problem.
4. Engine Fluids
- Check all vehicle fluids including motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid to ensure they are filled to the appropriate levels.
- If any fluids need to be topped off, be sure to use the type of fluid specified in the owner’s manual.
5. Air Conditioning
- Maintain a comfortable driving environment to reduce fatigue and increase driver alertness for increased vehicle safety.
- Have the air conditioning system checked by a certified technician.
Be Prepared for Summer Breakdowns
Even with proper preventive maintenance, summer breakdowns can still occur. AAA recommends every driver have a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. The kit should include a flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves and shop rags or paper towels.
To help keep Tennesseans’ vehicle emergency kits fully stocked this summer, local AAA branches are providing free AAA Summer Driving Kits. To find your local AAA branch visit AAA.com/Branches. You do not have to be a AAA member to pick up a kit.
NEWS IN PHOTOS: Many turn out for Saturday’s ‘Paint the Town’ event
Several people showed up at the Manchester Arts Center Saturday (June 11) for the Paint the Town event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Check out photos below.
See the full Facebook gallery by clicking here.
Bonnaroo begins Thursday, June 16; local ticket discount still available
When the gates to Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival open on Thursday, June 16, it will have been 1,096 days since the festival last took place.
With COVID-19 cancelling the 2020 festival and remnants of Hurricane IDA cancelling the 2021 event at the very last minute, it has been a long time since musical fans have descended on Manchester for a weekend of music and fun. That ends on Thursday.
The annual festival will actually begin opening gates for tiered entry on Tuesday, June 14. Locals can expect more congested traffic in town for a few days. However, this year’s attendance is expected to be about half of the normal capacity. According to event organizers with C3 Presents, this year’s attendance will be down versus the usual crowds that can reach around an estimated 100,000 strong.
Tickets do remain on sale for the event and those living in Coffee County can purchase tickets at a discounted rate through Thunder Radio.
Local discounted tickets are available for $304.14 after service charges, fees and taxes. Four day GA parking passes are also available for $138.45. A GA car camping / parking pass is available for $81.71.
Anyone purchasing tickets before the end of the day Monday, June 6, will have the option to have tickets mailed. Purchasing after Monday will mean your tickets will be at will-call pickup. Will-call box office will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday (June 14) through Thursday (June 16) at Coffee County Central High School.
Different from past years, anyone wishing to purchase tickets through the local discount can do so from their own devices. There is no need to come to the Thunder Radio studio. In fact, there are no tickets available at the actual station.
To purchase your ticket, visit this Bonnaroo ticketing website by clicking here. Once on that local ticket website, use the promo code ROOLOCAL756 to get the local discount. If you have questions, email josh.peterson.wmsr@gmail.com. In order to receive the discounted price, purchaser must have a zip code within Coffee County. Anyone attempting to purchase outside the county will have their purchase cancelled. Limit 4 GA admission tickets per purchase.
The festival is set to be held Thursday, June 16, through Sunday, June 19.
Headliners this year include Tool, J. Cole and Stevie Nicks.
Pennington resigns as director of Manchester Water and Sewer
After nearly 25 years as director of the Manchester Water and Sewer Department, Bryan Pennington is moving on.
Pennington announced that his last day with the department will be July 8 of this year. He has accepted a position at Arnold Air Force Base.
“The decision to leave was not an easy one,” Pennington wrote in an email. “There have been many sleepless nights and a lot of prayers, but I feel the best decision for my family and myself will be to begin this exciting new career.”
Pennington’s tenure as Water and Sewer Director is marked as the longest one in the city’s history. He was hired as director in 1997. The position will now be posted to be filled, according to Manchester Mayor Marilyn Howard.
“We will go through MTAS (Municipal Technical Advisory Service) and advertise that position and look for the most qualified person,” explained Howard. “I don’t think Bryan will be easily replaced. He has served us well for many years. I know he really labored over this decision and decided this is what is best for his family. We will certainly miss him.”
Manchester Police need help identifying suspect in multiple car burglaries
Manchester Police Department officials are asking for the public’s help to identify a female who is a person of interest in multiple car burglaries that occurred at the Manchester Recreation Complex.
These burglaries allegedly happened Wednesday afternoon, June 8.
If you can help identify this person, contact MPD Investigator Benjamin Sneed at 931-728-2099. (see photo below).
Record breaking heat to Middle Tennessee this week
Record-breaking heat is forecast for Middle Tennessee this week, beginning Monday, June 13 through the end of the week.
According to National Weather Service, forecast high temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid-90s through the entire week. Head index values are expected to climb well into the 100s.
According to National Weather Service, morning lows will remain in the upper 70s with very humid conditions persisting. This heat is often related to heat illness such as exhaustion and heat stroke. NWS cautions everyone to check often on elderly friends and family who may not have extended shelter or relief from heat.
Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness. If you experience these symptoms, move to a cooler area, loosen your clothing and sip cool water.
Signs of heat stroke include confusion, dizziness and loss of consciousness. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if not immediately treated. If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing and remove layers and cool with water or ice.
Thunder Radio Father’s Day Giveaway – register here for a chance at a big prize package!
Thunder Radio Father’s Day Giveaway registration continues this week with the deadline to enter set for noon on Thursday, June 17.
There are plenty of goodies up for grabs this year for the winner. One lucky person will walk away with over $700 worth of prizes from Thunder Radio – Manchester, Tennessee’s Community Radio Station. Up for grabs will be a set of 4 ticket to watch the Atlanta Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks on July 30. Also in the prize back are 4 unlimited passes to Lake Winnie, 4 passes to Beech Bend Park and 4 passes to Dog Days of Summer Motocross event coming to Altamont in July.
Click here to fill out the registration form. Registration is free.
