Category: News

Manchester VFW gives out awards

The Manchester, Tennessee Veterans of Foreign Wars All-American Post 10904
presented twenty awards, both to members and supporters in our community,
for their dedication to local veterans and their families.

Notable recipients include Lisa Mullins, Shelia Pack and Kyra Hill of the
Altamont Post Office, who accepted a special Military Support Appreciation
award on the post office’s behalf for their overwhelming support for area
veterans and their families.

Resa Smith, student at Coffee County Central High School, received 1st Place
in the VFW Auxiliary Patriotic Art Awards for her two paintings of veterans.
She was accompanied by her teacher, Mary Vacek, who shared that her father
had been in the military and wished he could have been a member of a group
like Manchester VFW. She said she thinks he would have loved it.

Virginia Hooker received the VFW Post Auxiliary Achievement Award for her
tireless volunteer work with the Auxiliary. Fred Kasper received the VFW
Post Award of Commendation for his vast volunteer work with the Post and
local community.

For details, more information and to stay current on the latest VFW news,
visit our website by clicking here.

In the photo below, pictured from left to right are Manchester VFW Post 10904 Commander Kim King; Altamont Post Office staff Kyra Hill, Shelia Pack and Lisa Mullins; and VFW Tennessee State Past Commander Mike Rhew.

 

Unemployment claims continue steep decline across Tennessee; still abnormally high

News claims for unemployment benefits and continued claims for unemployment benefits both dropped in Tennessee last week.

For the week ending Aug, 8, there were 10,036 new claims filed for unemployment benefits. This is down 1,600 from the previous week and 9,400 from two weeks ago. However, this is still abnormally high and makes 781,310 new claims since COVID-19 pandemic began in mid March.

Meanwhile, continued claims dropped significantly for the second consecutive week. There were 208,810 continued claims, down 15,283 from the previous week and down 33,587 from two weeks prior – which is when CARES act federal unemployment benefits ended.
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Active COVID-19 cases at 300 in Coffee Co.

There are 300 active cases of COVID-19 virus in Coffee County as of Thursday, this according to data provided by the Tennessee Department of Health.

This is two fewer cases than the previous day and remains down 21 for the week.

Since testing began in March, there have been 584 total cases in Coffee County. Of these, 281 are classified as recovered and three people have passed away, leaving 300 active cases. Coffee County’s total population is estimated at 57,000.

Statewide, active cases went up by 233 on Thursday but remain down for the week by about 2,300.

Coffee County near passing Census response rate from 2010

Coffee County is nearing the mark to surpassing the self-response rate of the last US Census.

Currently, Coffee County has a 68.9 percent self-response rate to the 2020 Census. For the previous Census, in 2010, Coffee County’s self-response rate was 70.

Currently, Coffee County has the sixth best response in the entire state of Tennessee out of 95 counties. Local officials encourage everyone to complete Census data. One study shows that for every person that goes uncounted, Coffee County will miss out on about $11,000 in federal funding.

You can complete your Census in just about 5-10 minutes on our website at www.thunder1320.com by clicking here or by calling this number: 1-844-330-2020. If you do not self-respond, a census taker will visit you soon. Census takers began hitting the street in Coffee County this week.

FEATURE FRIDAY: Friends help protect, preserve Old Stone Fort State Park in Manchester

By Susan Campbell, Thunder Radio

 

In 1993, the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation that would allow private, nonprofit groups to organize for the purpose of “maintaining, and enhancing” the state park system. These groups are more commonly known as “Friends.”

According to the state, Friends are concerned citizens who have banded together to assist in protecting, preserving and promoting the beauty and the splendor of their favorite state park. They give selflessly of their time, talents and energy to help ensure the park’s integrity is intact for future generations to enjoy.

Currently, 50 state parks have active Friends organizations, including Tims Ford State Park, South Cumberland State Park, and one of the newest — Manchester’s Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park.
Chartered on March 5, 2019, Friends of Old Stone Fort began organizing in November of 2018, when Park Manager Keith Wimberley and Ranger Leigh Gardner attended the annual Friends of Tennessee State Parks meeting to gather information for forming a local branch. Interested individuals began working toward organizing in January of 2019, with the official charter happening two months later.

According to Joan Hartvigsen, board secretary, the Friends of Tennessee State Parks supplied a start-up grant to help pay for the costs of organizing into a nonprofit, and Nancy Schelin, state volunteer coordinator, attends all of the meetings to help with organization.

“Our mission is to support park staff in their drive to protect, preserve, promote and enhance Old Stone Fort as a center of cultural heritage and natural beauty,” Hartvigsen said.

To that end, the Friends have identified two projects to pursue: a certified arboretum on the Nature Trail and the Garrison Road Trail, and a boat shed to house the park’s canoes and kayaks. The group recently received funds from the Tennessee Trails Association (TTA) Evan Means Small Grants Program for the creation of the arboretum. This project is slated to be completed by the end of 2020.

According to the TTA, Evan Means was a journalist, author, conservationist, hiker, trail builder, originator of The Cumberland Trail, and co-founder of the Tennessee Trails Association. Means won countless awards for his work through the years to protect Tennessee’s natural resources and beauty, and was dedicated to projects that allowed hikers to enjoy this natural beauty.

“We need to raise funds for the boat shed, which is difficult to do during the pandemic,” Hartvigsen said.
The Friends of Old Stone Fort currently has 17 members, including Brian Wofford, president; Shawn Wolfe, vice president; Megan Chaput, treasurer; Hartvigsen, secretary; and Peggy Delaney, Kara Carden and Mariah O’Toole, members at large. Folks can join the Friends by stopping by the museum’s visitor center/museum, or by visiting Facebook at Friends of Old Stone Fort.

The next meeting of the Friends of Old Stone Fort is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 19 on the visitor center/museum’s roof. The public is invited.

 

FRIENDS/PARK EVENTS

In June, the Friends partnered with the park and Manchester Parks and Rec to hold a bicycle rodeo for children.

“We helped with the bike rodeo with over $1,000 worth of prizes, plus our Friends group helped with set up, refreshments and assistance,” said Wofford. The Friends received a $1,000 grant from the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation for the bike rodeo.

Currently, the group is raising money for materials and help with construction of a canoe storage building at the park.

A program on honey bees has been set for Saturday, Aug. 15, National Honey Bee Day, at the park.
The state park is located on the site of the Old Stone Fort, which was actually dirt mounds, not stone. The fort was built during the Middle Woodland Period, 1,500-2,000 years ago. Native Americans used this area continuously for about 500 years, eventually leaving it abandoned. In 1966, the state of Tennessee purchased 400 acres of the Chumbley estate as the core of what is now Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park.

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COVID-19 numbers drop again across Tennessee on Wednesday; up slightly in Coffee Co.

Active cases of COVID-19 dropped across the state again on Wednesday and rose only slightly in Coffee County.
Across the state, active cases dropped by 517 on Wednesday. This brings active cases across the state down by over 2,500 for the week.

Meanwhile, in Coffee County active cases are back up to 302. This is up just four from the previous day and remains down for the week. Since testing began in March, there have been 573 cases in Coffee County. Of these, 268 have recovered and three have passed away, leaving 302 active cases.

Suspect in custody, accused of murder in Rutherford Co.

A suspect accused of killing a Rutherford County resident turned himself in about 4:45 Wednesday afternoon at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. Suspect Christopher Hawk Robinson of Cerulean, Ky., has been booked on charges of first-degree murder.

Hawk is accused of killing 45-year old of Erick Bixler of Asbury Lane in Murfreesboro, said Detective Ty Downing.

The 37-year old Kentucky resident is also charged with especially aggravated robbery, especially aggravated kidnaping, murder in the perpetration of a crime and possession of a firearm.

Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the Asbury Lane home on July 26, 2020 where they found his body.

Detectives developed leads and identified Robinson as a suspect. They served a search warrant at his Kentucky home Sunday (8/15/2020).

Hawk’s bond is set at $750,000 bond at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. A bond hearing is set for Aug. 25, 2020 in General Sessions Court.

Amazon expansion to bring hundreds of jobs to Middle Tennessee

Amazon Logistics has signed a lease in an effort to open a new delivery station near Nashville in 2020. The new delivery station will be located in La Vergne and will power Amazon’s last-mile delivery capabilities to speed up deliveries for customers in Rutherford Counties. The station will create hundreds of full-time and part-time jobs, paying a minimum of $15 per hour and offering a variety of benefits packages from day one.

“We are excited to continue to invest in the state of Tennessee with new delivery stations that will provide efficient delivery for customers, and create hundreds of job opportunities for the talented workforce,” said Amazon spokesperson Ashley Lansdale. “These new delivery stations represent Amazon’s unwavering commitment to safety, technological innovations and skilled teams who are obsessed with delivering for our customers.”

Delivery stations power the last mile of Amazon’s order fulfillment process. Packages are transported to delivery stations from Amazon fulfillment and sortation centers and then loaded into vehicles for delivery to customers. Amazon currently has more than 150 delivery stations in the United States.

“Amazon’s delivery station opening here in La Vergne continues to show that our business-friendly environment and access to an incredible workforce are draws for new businesses throughout Middle Tennessee,” said La Vergne Mayor Jason Cole. “Amazon brings its global influence and industry-leading business here to our community.”

Since 2010, Amazon has created more than 12,000 jobs in Tennessee and invested more than $8.9 billion across the state, including infrastructure (from fulfillment centers to delivery stations, to Whole Foods Markets) and compensation. These investments have helped create 12,700 indirect jobs on top of Amazon’s direct hires—from jobs in construction and logistics to professional services. In addition, more than 28,000 independent authors and small and medium businesses in Tennessee are selling to customers in Amazon’s store, creating thousands of additional jobs across the state.

“Rutherford County has been very fortunate over the years to attract well-known businesses like Amazon, a company that not only enhances our economic footprint but is also committed to making a positive impact in the community,” said Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron. “We are proud that Amazon will continue its partnership with the County and investment in our community.”

“The past few months have spotlighted the importance of logistics and the role it plays in the global economy,” said Bill Jones, chairman of Destination Rutherford. “That’s why I’m grateful for Amazon’s continued partnership. Today’s announcement solidifies that Rutherford County remains a top choice for international companies.”

TN Senate, House passes COVID-19 recover act

The Tennessee State House and Senate both passed the Tennessee COVID-19 Recovery Act (SB 8002/HB 8001) which protects businesses from unfounded legal claims. The effort has been a primary focus of the statewide Chamber and Tennessee’s business and manufacturing community since the pandemic created the threat of unsupported COVID-19 liability claims. Legislative leaders in both the Senate and House have noted since the start of the special session on Aug. 10 that liability protections are a major priority to ensure Tennessee’s economic recovery.

“This is a tremendous win for Tennessee’s economy as businesses strive to put people back to work and save families from greater economic hardship,” said Bradley Jackson, President & CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “Governor Lee, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, House Speaker Cameron Sexton and members of the General Assembly showed tremendous leadership and sound commitment to the business community to restore our state’s economy and businesses confidence.”

Since June, the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry has worked with a broad coalition of business and industry, trade associations, education, nonprofits, and the healthcare sector, that collectively employ approximately 2 million Tennesseans in support of this legislation. These entities have been crucial in providing essential services and goods for Tennesseans throughout the pandemic. As Governor Bill Lee has gradually led Tennessee’s businesses through a phased reopening, businesses have been encouraged to sign on to the Tennessee Pledge, a plan created in consultation with business leaders throughout the state to help businesses reopen in a safe environment, restore their livelihoods and reboot the state’s economy.

According to a report, 771,274 Tennesseans have filed for first-time unemployment benefits since March 15. Of those, 224,093 have filed weekly certifications to continue their claims as of Aug. 1. According to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the statewide unemployment rate for June 2020 was 9.7 percent.

“So many businesses have been devastated by this pandemic. Research shows that two-thirds (67%) of small businesses are worried about coronavirus-related lawsuits. Liability protections are one of the most crucial things that can be done for businesses right now,” according to Jackson. “Swift economic recovery cannot occur unless unfair legal exposure is mitigated and businesses have certainty that their efforts to safeguard their employees and customers is acknowledged by the General Assembly and the courts. The Tennessee COVID-19 Recovery Act provides these assurances, while maintaining fair recourse when there is gross negligence or willful misconduct. The broad-based legislation also provides protections for schools, churches, nonprofits and manufacturers who have donated or shifted operations to make PPE when asked to do so by elected leaders. The Tennessee business community is proud to see leadership from the General Assembly and Governor Bill Lee that demonstrates that our state is serious about keeping business and industry strong.”

On Wednesday, Aug. 12, the Tennessee COVID-19 Recovery Act passed both the House and Senate. Under this act, a covered entity will not be liable for any damages, injury, or death that results from a health emergency claim if the covered entity did not act with gross negligence or willful misconduct and substantially complied with applicable public health guidance.

In May 2020, the Tennessee Chamber led a group of industry and trade groups in sending a letter to Governor Bill Lee expressing concerns over rising numbers of COVID-19-related lawsuits throughout the country. The Chamber and its co-signers indicated that a number of businesses across every industry were concerned with the possibility of being the subject of such a lawsuit, despite taking action to adhere to the Tennessee Pledge and follow public health guidelines for safe reopenings.

COVID-19 numbers fall for second straight day in Coffee County

Active cases of COVID-19 virus in Coffee County dropped by four on Tuesday, according to data provided by the Tennessee Department of Health. There are now 298 active cases in Coffee County.

There were 302 active cases on Monday and 321 on Sunday.

Since testing began in March, there have been 558 positive cases in Coffee County. Of these, 257 have recovered and three have passed away. There have been 9,640 negative tests performed in Coffee County.

Meanwhile, across the state active cases dropped by 1,180 on Tuesday, making it 2,000 fewer active cases over the previous two days.

There have been 1,232 confirmed deaths in Tennessee due to COVID-19 related complications since March, and 5,464 hospitalizations.
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