Manchester Fire and Rescue crews responded to a structure fire at 407 S. Spring Street at approximately 8:45 p.m. Monday. The building is The Bible Church.
According to MFD officials, when crews arrived on scene they were met with heavy black smoke in the rear of the church. Crews began attacking the fire in the classroom area of the building. Crews were able to knockdown the fire inside the classroom area.
Fire crews were able to help a resident of the second floor apartment obtain necessary items from upstairs.
Serv Pro was contacted to board up the damaged area of the building.
Coffee County EMS, Tullahoma Fire and Manchester Police Department assisted, as well as Duck River Electric.
The cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation.
TBI REPORT: 10% increase in crimes against law enforcement officers in Tennessee
On Monday, Aug. 15, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Statistical Analysis Center released its annual publication detailing the volume and nature of crimes directed toward the state’s law enforcement officers.
The report, ‘Law Enforcement Officers Killed or Assaulted 2021,’ draws upon data submitted to the TBI from the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System (TIBRS).
There were a total of 2,586 reported incidents in 2021, an increase of about 10% from 2020 numbers. There was a notable increase in crimes classified as simple or aggravated assault, up 10.75% and 11.33%, respectively.
Of these, 1,042 were reported to be aggravated assaults, 1,442 were simple assaults, 141 intimidation, 1 murder and 1 stalking.
You can read the full TBI report by clicking here.
Decherd Mayor submits resignation
Decherd Mayor Michael Gillespie resigned from his position Friday morning (Aug. 12), according to Thunder Radio partner WCDT News.
The news comes days after a Monday, Aug. 8 meeting of the Decherd Board of Mayor and Aldermen where allegations were made against Gillespie that he misused his authority as mayor to single out black Decherd small business owner Sonny Elliot, who is the owner of the restaurant Sonny’s on Main Street.
Elliot allegedly told WCDT News that several lawsuits were pending against the city.
The Decherd Board of Mayor and Alderman voted during Friday afternoon’s special called meeting to accept Gillespie’s resignation.
The Board also agreed to appoint Decherd Water Superintendent Eric Bradford as the temporary City Administrator. Mary Nell Hess is acting mayor.
Tennessee becomes the third least expensive market for gasoline
Tennessee gas prices dropped another 12 cents, on average, last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.50 which is nearly 69 cents less expensive than one month ago but still 62 cents more than one year ago.
Gas prices in Coffee County are slightly below the state average at $3.46 per gallon, according to AAA. Prices in neighboring Rutherford County come in at $3.27 and $3.26 in Bedford County.
At the current rate of $3.50 per gallon, only Arkansas ($3.47) and Texas ($3.45) have a lower average in the state than Tennessee.
“This week, Tennessee moved up to the third least expensive state in the country for gas prices. Our state gas price average is only about 5 cents more expensive than Texas – the least expensive state in the country for gas prices right now, ” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “As we head into the rest of the week, drivers should continue to see drops in pump pricing thanks to stable crude oil prices and lower gasoline demand than is typical for this time of year.”
Quick Facts
- 60% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.50
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.16 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.93 for regular unleaded
- Tennessee is the 3rd least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
The national average for a gallon of regular gas fell 10 cents in the past week to $3.95, due primarily to stable oil prices and fewer drivers than usual fueling up.
AAA finds that drivers are making significant changes to cope with high pump prices. In a recent survey, almost two-thirds of U.S. adults have changed their driving habits or lifestyle since March. Drivers’ top two changes to offset high gas prices are driving less and combining errands.
According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose from 8.54 million b/d to 9.12 million b/d last week. However, the rate is 307,000 b/d lower than last year. Also, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 5 million bbl to 220.3 million bbl. Although gasoline demand has risen and supplies have tightened, easing oil prices have helped lower pump prices. If oil prices edge lower, drivers will likely see falling pump prices.
Today’s national average of $3.95 is 62 cents less than a month ago, but 77 cents more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $2.25 to settle at $92.09. Although crude prices declined at the end of the week due to concerns that an economic slowdown could cause crude demand to stagnate or decline, prices rose earlier in the week after the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a smaller than expected increase in inflation last month at 8.5 percent. The rise in market optimism helped to boost prices despite EIA reporting that total domestic crude supply increased by 5.4 million bbl. For this week, oil prices could continue to decline if demand concerns persist.
Man sought after alleged theft from local business
Manchester Police are asking for your help and a local business is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of an alleged thief.
According to ownership with Custom Auto and Rod Shop in Manchester, a white male subject visited their store and purchased a t-shirt with cash. However, the subject then allegedly took a Memphis Amplifier and tried to hide it as he exited the store. The amplifier is worth approximately $1,500.
The person in question is a white male with what appears to be a grey haired goatee. He was wearing sunglasses and a chain. See photo below.
Custom Auto & Rod Shop is offering a $100 reward for information leading to his arrest. If you have information, contact Manchester Police Department at 931-728-2099.
Coffee County Fair less than three weeks out
We are less than three weeks away from the opening ceremonies of the 165th annual Coffee County Fair.
Remember, the fair is earlier this year than in recent history when it has been held in late September.
This year, the fair will hold opening ceremonies and beauty pageants on Saturday, Sept. 3. Midway rides and entertainment roll into town on Monday, Sept. 5. The final day of the Fair is Saturday, Sept. 10.
A few changes at this year’s fair include credit and debit cards being accepted at the ticket booths.
Also, you can pre-purchase ride wristbands for a $5 discount. One wristband is good for one day. Click here to purchase.
Also new contests this year will be coloring contests, marble counting, pumpkin painting and rooster crowing contests.
Senior citizen day will return from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday Sept. 7 and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department Youth Field Day will return on Friday, Sept. 9. Click here for the complete fair book.
You can also see a full schedule, admission information and ride information here.
City to make repairs to animal shelter; waiting on county direction
Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen agree that repairs need to be made to the city’s animal shelter.
Outgoing alderman Bill Nickels made a motion to allocate funds to repair the facility. Other aldermen wanted to wait and see what the Coffee County government eventually does about its animal control situation with new commissioners and a new county mayor are sworn in next month. Currently the city and county share an animal control facility at 156 Freedom Dr. The county has previously signaled its intent to move to a new location but has been unable to finalize plans and begin construction.
The city public works department will handle repairs at the facility.
Unity Medical cuts ribbon on new Rural Health Clinic
Staff with Unity Medical Center, along with community members and the Manchester Chamber of Commerce gathered at the hospital’s recently completed “Rural Health Clinic” Wednesday for a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Located across from Unity Medical at 482 Interstate Drive, the Rural Health Clinic consolidates an entire network of family practices, and also houses women’s health and cardiac services as well as sleep services.
The project took about 18 months from concept to completion. To learn more, call 931-728-4718 or visit the Unity website here.
Tullahoma PD welcomes new officer
Tullahoma Police Department has announced the hiring of a new officer.
The newest officer to the department is Megan Grenier.
“We are all working toward a common goal, and your contribution is integral to our mission,” TPD said in a social media post.
Photo below: Pictured from L to R: Lt. Ferrell, Officer Grenier, and Chief Williams.
Raz’n Kids Consignment continues through Friday in Manchester
The Raz’n Kids Fall/Winter Consignment Sale is slated for Aug. 10-12 at the Coffee County Fairgrounds in Manchester.
Hours are 8 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 and 12. There will be a public half price sale from 7:30 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Aug. 13.
The sale will feature kids clothes, junior girls and women’s clothing, young men’s clothes, bicycles, shoes for all ages, sports cleats, infant toys, baths and pack and plays. There will also be home decor, movies, board games, books, purses, backpacks and Halloween costumes.
The Coffee County Fairgrounds can be found at 99 Lakeview Dr. in Manchester. Learn more at raznkids.com.
