Manchester Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Manchester Arts Center and Hoover Paint Store to host a paint-by-number community mural project.
The project will be painted using Manchester Arts Center as the canvas.
No artistic experience is necessary – everyone is welcome. Just show up and you’ll be shown what to do. The project will be completed between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 at the Manchester Arts Center – 128 E. Main St. in Manchester.
Coffee County Veterans will host Memorial Day Ceremony on May 30
PRESS RELEASE
Your Coffee County Veterans Association (CCVA) will again proudly host its
annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30th, 2022 on Manchester Square.
The ceremony will commence at 11 AM.
The public, especially school-age children, are encouraged to attend and
learn that freedom is not free; that a dear price has been paid; and that
the liberties we enjoy should never be taken for granted.
Attendees are asked to bring a folding chair, as limited seating will be
available. There is no cost for attendance, and CCVA never solicits
donations at its events.
Additional details will be published once confirmed. Updated information can
also be found on the Coffee County Veterans Association Facebook page and
the VFW website, www.vfwpost10904.com <http://www.vfwpost10904.com>
Amid school violence in other states, Tennessee reminds parents and students to download SafeTN app
On the heels of school shootings in other states in recent weeks, leaders in Tennessee are reminding parents and students to download and use the SafeTN Smartphone app to report problems.
SafeTN is a secure, open door communications platform where you can send in tips and access useful resources to help keep your school and community safe.
FROM TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY:
How Does It Work?
With our anonymous reporting system, students, faculty, parents, and the public can easily and confidentially report their concerns to help prevent violence in our schools and our communities. Tips can be submitted 24/7 through the mobile app from any compatible device. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will review, assess, and then send all submissions to law enforcement, mental health crisis response teams, and/or school administrators for intervention based on the information received.
What To Report
With SafeTN, you can anonymously report suspicious or criminal behavior and other safety concerns. You can do this by reporting observed threats, behaviors, or actions. Here is an example of some of the common behaviors and incidents to report:
• Assault
• Sexual misconduct
• Bragging about an upcoming planned attack
• Violence or planned violence
• Physical injury or harm to self or others
• Threats of violence
How Do I Get SafeTN?
SafeTN is free. Students, staff, parents, and the community need only to download the free mobile app on a compatible device.
THP announces increased patrols for Memorial Day Weekend
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) plans to increase patrols and utilize a variety of traffic safety enforcement tools to reduce the number of crashes across the state during this year’s Memorial Day holiday period. The THP will conduct saturation patrols, seat belt, and sobriety checkpoints, as well as increased visibility on high-crash corridors throughout the summer to reduce serious injury and fatal crashes. The 2022 Memorial Day holiday period will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, and concludes at 5:59 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31.
“We are committed to saving lives and preventing injuries on Tennessee roads. Memorial Day weekend is when we start seeing heavier traffic,” Colonel Matt Perry said. “This is the time of year for family vacations and outdoor activities. Our troopers will be focused on distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and seat belt laws during the holiday and throughout the summer months. I have instructed my district captains to use all resources available to ensure traffic safety. I am asking that all motorists help us make this a safe summer. You can do this by ignoring your phone, driving the speed limit, wearing your seat belt, and designating a sober driver. If you plan to drink, do not drive.”
Last year, ten people were killed in vehicular crashes during the Memorial Day weekend. Five of the occupant fatalities were not wearing safety restraints and one of the traffic fatalities occurred in an alcohol-related crash. Two motorcycle riders were killed during last year’s Memorial Day holiday. One pedestrian was also killed during that time.
“This Memorial Day weekend, as we pause and remember the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice, please remember to keep yourself and those who will be in your vehicle safe,” said Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long. “Through education and enforcement along with voluntary compliance from the motoring public, we can make this a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone.”
State troopers arrested 78 individuals on suspicion of DUI and ticketed 743 motorists for violation of the seat belt law and issued 1,867 speeding citations during last year’s Memorial Day holiday. A list of the locations for the scheduled Memorial Day holiday checkpoints can be found on our website.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety<http://www.TN.Gov/safety>) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.
Two Coffee County deputies involved in shooting
Two Coffee County Sheriff’s Department deputies were involved in a shooting at the Interstate-24 overpass at exit 117 early Tuesday morning, May 24, 2022.
According to Sheriff Chad Partin, deputies were responding to a call of a suicidal subject at the 117 overpass (AEDC exit). That subject has since been identified as Evan Krenson, age 20.
Deputies made contact with Mr. Krenson and began talking with him in an attempt to get him to seek medical treatment. It was at this time that Mr. Krenson allegedly produced a handgun and fired upon deputies. At that time, deputies returned fire and struck Mr. Krenson. He was transported to the hospital for treatment where he remains in critical but stable condition. His injuries are not expected to be life threatening, according to Partin.
The names of all of the deputies involved have not yet been released. The bridge was closed for much of the early morning. It was open again as if 6 am Tuesday. The TBI is leading the investigation at the request of Coffee County 14th Judicial District Attorney General Craig Northcott.
More information will be released as it is available.
No road construction for Memorial Day travelers in Tennessee
Road Construction will not delay motorists as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at noon on Friday, May 27 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend.
“Suspending construction-related lane closures during the Memorial Day weekend will lessen congestion and delays on Tennessee’s major highways,” said Interim Commissioner Joe Galbato. “We want to do our part to help everyone have an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend and keep traffic flowing as smoothly and efficiently as possible.”
Motorists may still encounter some lane closures or restrictions while traveling through long-term construction projects. In addition, drivers should know reduced speed limits will be in effect in work zones. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.
Despite historically high gas prices, nearly 87% of Tennessee Memorial Day travelers plan to drive. AAA predicts 698,000 Tennesseans are forecast to take a holiday road trip. That’s 4.1% more than last year’s holiday weekend.
Tennessee Highway Patrol graduates 36 state troopers
On May 20, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State Troopers. The department simultaneously instructed a regular 16-week trooper cadet class and a 10-week lateral trooper cadet class. The lateral class returned from their district assignments for the graduation ceremony that took place at the Hermitage Hills Baptist Church in Nashville. To view highlights of the graduation, Click Here<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq3P115sqF4>.
Lateral Trooper Cadet Class 422 graduated 14 trooper cadets composed of all prior Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified law enforcement officers. Class 422 completed 10-weeks of specialized training to build upon their training and experience received as prior law enforcement officers.
Graduating Trooper Cadet Class 522 graduated 22 cadets. This was a traditional full 16-week trooper cadet class. This included four cadets with prior military service, one cadet with an Associate degree and five cadets with Bachelor’s degrees.
One graduate, trooper Daniel Houston, will be assigned to Coffee County.
The new graduating troopers completed intense physical and classroom training which earned them their badges. After graduation, the new troopers will continue training with troopers who are classified as Field Training Officers. This additional training will consist of more than 400 hours of hands-on experience in the field.
Governor Lee served as the keynote speaker during the graduation ceremony, and Commissioner Jeff Long swore in the new troopers as they delivered their oaths of office.
“The Tennessee Highway Patrol plays a crucial role in protecting Tennesseans, and I commend the newest trooper class for answering this important call to service,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “This year, we made strategic investments to put 100 additional troopers on Tennessee roads, strengthen training and prioritize proven crime prevention, and we’ll continue to give law enforcement the support they need to keep every Tennessee community safe.”
“Today, we recognize the hard work and perseverance you have shown during several months of difficult physical and academic training,” said Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Jeff Long. “You are now part of a thin blue line that brings order during chaos. At times you will selflessly put your life on the line for people you have never met. In return, you will make Tennessee a safer place to live and work in. I’m proud to congratulate you as you join one of the most respected law enforcement agencies in the United States.”
“When you leave here today, and every day as you don your uniform, remember that service is at the heart of being a Tennessee State Trooper. Perform your duty with honor and treat this badge and uniform with respect. This job will test you. It will test your patience, your compassion, your mental and physical strength. It will challenge you with adversity, stress, and long days and nights. But it is work worth doing. You no longer serve only yourself; you serve the citizens of the state of Tennessee and those that travel through our state.”
From their own resources, Cadet Class 522 conducted a class project. This resulted in the cadets donating 22 backpacks filled with school supplies for students at Hickman Elementary School in Nashville, Tennessee.
Bethel University presented a $5,000 scholarship to Trooper Cody Roberts. Trooper Roberts is assigned to Maury County, of the THP Lawrenceburg District.
Trooper Albert South of class 522 was named the top cadet for his class and was presented with the Trooper Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence for achieving the overall highest average. The award was named in honor of the late Trooper Calvin Jenks, who was killed in the line of duty in January 2007.
Two Coffee County deputies involved in shooting
Two Coffee County Sheriff’s Department deputies were involved in a shooting at the Interstate-24 overpass at exit 117 early Tuesday morning, May 24, 2022.
According to Sheriff Chad Partin, deputies were responding to a call of a suicidal subject at the 117 overpass (AEDC exit). That subject has since been identified as Evan Krenson, age 20.
Deputies made contact with Mr. Krenson and began talking with him in an attempt to get him to seek medical treatment. It was at this time that Mr. Krenson allegedly produced a handgun and fired upon deputies. At that time, deputies returned fire and struck Mr. Krenson. He was transported to the hospital for treatment where he remains in critical but stable condition. His injuries are not expected to be life threatening, according to Partin.
The names of all of the deputies involved have not yet been released. The bridge was closed for much of the early morning. It was open again as if 6 am Tuesday. The TBI is leading the investigation at the request of Coffee County 14th Judicial District Attorney General Craig Northcott.
More information will be released as it is available.
Manchester Lemonade Day brings in more than $8K
Numbers are in from last week’s Lemonade Day. Apparently, people were really thirsty.
In partnership with Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Manchester City Schools students setup lemonade stands around town on Thursday, May 19 as part of the Lemonade Day program to learn about entrepreneurship. Over 3 hours and 12 different lemonade stands, a total of $8,187.37 was made.
The lemonade stand generating the most revenue was a Westwood Elementary Stand at Coffee County Bank, which generated $1,236.50.
All money was given to the groups of students that worked each stand. Part of the Lemonade Day curriculum is for students to divide the profits by spending for a class reward, donating to a local non profit or to the school and reinvesting and putting money back into the program for next year’s students.
Unemployment rate in Tennessee remains at its lowest level in state history
New data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) revealed unemployment across the state remained at a historic low in April. The state reached its all-time low unemployment rate in March, and April’s seasonally adjusted rate of 3.2% mirrored the previous month’s record-breaking number.
The April 2022 rate is 1.6 percentage points lower than it was one year ago. In April 2020, unemployment in Tennessee reached its highest level ever at 15.9%. Two years later, the rate is 12.7 percentage points lower than it was during the height of pandemic-related business closures.
The number of Tennesseans in the workforce also hit new highs in April. Statewide, the seasonally adjusted civilian workforce grew to 3,388,426 from March’s total of 3,370,646. The number of Tennesseans employed came in at 3,278,825, compared to 3,261,628 for the previous month.
Employers across the state added 7,700 nonfarm jobs between March and April. The leisure and hospitality sector saw the largest number of new positions. The professional and business services sector had the next biggest increase in jobs, followed by the mining, logging, and construction sector.
Over the last 12 months, the state’s employers added 145,600 nonfarm jobs. The leisure and hospitality sector created the largest percentage of those jobs, followed by the trade, transportation, and utilities sector and the professional and business services sector.
Unemployment across the nation also remained unchanged in April at 3.6%. One year ago, the national rate came in at 6%.
TDLWD has produced a complete analysis of the state’s unemployment data for April 2022. That report is available here (https://www.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=166478db53c066a7d114ea462&id=2344ad9986&e=29851e7b63) .
The state offers Tennesseans trying to return to the workforce a variety of free services that can help them find meaningful employment. Job seekers can take advantage of career counseling, job search assistance, and even programs to help pay for necessities such as uniforms and gas. Many of those services are available both online and in person. TNWorkReady.com (https://www.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=166478db53c066a7d114ea462&id=0b20d51366&e=29851e7b63) has all the information needed to get started.
