Gas prices continue to rise as over 698,000 Tennesseans are forecast is now $4.28 which is 43 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.41 more than one year ago.
The average price per gallon in Coffee County currently sits at $4.26, which is 2 cents below the state average and 33 cents below the national average, which has skyrocketed to $4.59 per gallon.
“Road trippers can expect to pay the most expensive gas prices on record for Memorial Day this weekend, ” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Unfortunately, due to a combination of tightening global oil supplies alongside strengthening demand, the unprecedented pain at the pump is likely to continue throughout the summer driving season.”
Quick Facts
· 35% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.25
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $4.11 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.54 for regular unleaded
National Gas Prices
The national average for a gallon of gas has not fallen for nearly a month. Gasoline has either remained flat or risen every day since April 24 and has set a new record daily since May 10.^ That was the day gas eclipsed the previous record high of $4.33, set earlier this year on March 11. The national average for a gallon of gasoline is now $4.59 and all 50 states are above $4 per gallon.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 4.8 million bbl to 220.2 million bbl last week. Meanwhile, gasoline demand increased from 8.7 million b/d to 9 million b/d. Tighter supply and increased demand have pushed pump prices higher. This supply/demand dynamic and volatile crude prices will keep upward pressure on pump prices.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.59, which is 47 cents more than a month ago, and $1.56 more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $1.02 to settle at $113.23—nearly $3 per barrel higher than the closing price at the end of the previous week. Crude prices rose after EIA reported that domestic crude supply decreased by 3.4 million bbl to 420.8 million bbl. The current level is approximately 13.4 percent lower than during the second week of May 2021. Additionally, market optimism for China’s efforts to end some COVID-19 restrictions by June 1 helped to bolster the market, which has continued to worry that global crude demand will decline as a result of continuing restrictions. For this week, however, crude prices may decline amid heightened economic uncertainty as the likelihood of a recession increases. A recession would likely cause crude demand to drop amid decreased economic activity and as a result crude prices would decline.
Manchester Dr. Florence barred from prescribing controlled substances
In a settlement reached last week, David Florence, D.O., a Manchester, Tennessee physician, agreed to be barred from prescribing Schedule II and the vast majority of Schedule III controlled substances, announced United States Attorney Mark H. Wildasin for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Pursuant to the Consent Judgment and Permanent Injunction, Florence is permanently enjoined from issuing prescriptions for any controlled substances under Schedules II and III of the Controlled Substances Act, with limited exceptions for buprenorphine products as allowed by Tennessee law, testosterone, and two migraine medications. Florence also agreed not to order or store any controlled substances, and not to prescribe to himself, any immediate family members, fellow employees, or significant others.
Under the terms of the agreement, DEA has the right to enter Florence’s registered location at any time during business hours without notice for the purpose of determining compliance. In addition, Florence must comply with all laws concerning the supervision of mid-level providers. If Florence fails to comply with the terms of the settlement agreement, he is subject to civil penalties, criminal charges, and/or the revocation of his DEA Registration.
This agreement resolves all remaining claims the United States asserted against Florence, stemming from a lawsuit originally filed by the former office manager of a Cookeville, Tenn. pain clinic where Florence practiced, which was brought under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The Whistleblower provisions allow private citizens with knowledge of false claims to bring civil suits on behalf of the government.
“We rely on whistleblowers to help identify unlawful conduct, and we greatly appreciate the assistance that the relator in this case provided throughout the investigation and court proceedings that allowed us to stop Dr. Florence from ever again prescribing the dangerous controlled substances at issue here,” said U.S. Attorney Wildasin. “This extraordinary injunctive relief is one of the many ways in which the United States can protect the public from providers who recklessly prescribe, or fail to properly supervise others in prescribing, dangerous controlled substances.”
In March 2016, the United States filed a civil complaint in intervention, alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act, against Florence and other defendants. As to Florence, the United States alleged that he prescribed controlled substances that had no legitimate medical purpose and failed to properly supervise mid-level practitioners. The United States previously obtained settlements that resulted in the dismissal of its claims against all other defendants named in its complaint in intervention.
This matter was investigated by the Department of Health & Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wynn Shuford represented the United States.
The case is captioned as United States ex rel. Norris v. Anderson, No. 3:12-cv-00035 (M.D. Tenn.). The claims in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Coffee County senior parade is Monday
Coffee County Central High School will return to a traditional graduation ceremony this year after COVID-19 led to vehicle parades for the class of 2020 and 2021.
The concept of the parade was so well liked, however, there will still be a senior parade.
The senior parade will be Monday, May 23. It will leave Coffee County Central High School at 6 p.m. and finish at Carden-Jarrell Field behind Raider Academy for “senior sunset” festivities.
The parade route is as follows:
Leaving CHS at 6 p.m. and traveling on State Route 55 toward Raider Academy.
Turn left on US Highway 41, traveling southbound (wrong way lanes) to Spring Street.
Turn right onto Spring St.
Turn Left onto Main St.
Turn right onto Irwin St.
Turn right on to Fort St.
Turn right onto Woodland St.
Turn left onto Highway 41 (northbound (wrong way lanes).
Turn left at Highway 41 and 55 toward Raider Academy
Turn left into CCRA entrance
Traffic will be completely closed to thru traffic on US 41 between the intersection of Highway 41 & 55 and Spring Street and at the main intersection during the parade. Please avoid that area if possible.
Meanwhile, traditional graduation will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 27 at Carden-Jarrell Field behind Raider Academy.
First Thundie Sports Awards honors top athletes, issues $13,000 in scholarships Saturday night
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Approximately 300 people packed the inaugural Thundie Sports Awards Saturday night (May 21, 2022) at First Baptist Church Gymnasium.
Presented by the Dream for Weave Foundation, in partnership with Thunder Radio and presenting sponsor Al White Ford Lincoln, over 30 awards were presented at the Thundies in front of a sold out crowd. MTSU head softball coach and former CHS softball coach Jeff Breeden delivered the keynote address, focusing on just how special the Coffee County community is when it comes to “small town athletics.” Breeden drove home to athletes and parents “Just how good they have it here” in comparison to other communities he visits on the recruiting trail.
Awards were selected by the Thundies Awards Committee, comprised of a mix of media, coaches and CHS administrators. Award Winners were as follows:
| Dennis Weaver Male Athlete of the Year | Connor Shemwell | ||
| Dennis Weaver Female Athlete of the Year | Kiya Ferrell | ||
| Dennis Weaver Team of the Year | Central High School Boys Basketball | ||
| Dennis Weaver Coach of the Year | Andrew T aylor | ||
| Football Offensive Player of the Year | Connor Shemwell | ||
| Football Defensive Player of the Year | Derrick Scott | ||
| Girls Soccer Player of the Year | Lucy Riddle | ||
| Volleyball Player of the Year | Kiya Ferrell | ||
| Cross Country Boys Runner of the Year | Jacob Rutledge | ||
| Cross County Girls Runner of the Year | Patricia Barrera | ||
| Boys Golfer of the year | Logan Hale | ||
| Girls Golfer of the Year | Cadie Prater | ||
| Boys Basketball Player of the Year | Dayne Crosslin | ||
| Girls Basketball Player of the Year | Elli Chumley | ||
| Boys Wrestler of the Year | Jake Barlow | ||
| Girls Wrestler of the Year | Lyra Leftwich | ||
| Girls Swimmers of the Year | Emily Williams | Kennedy Norman-Young | |
| Baseball Player of the Year | Brady Nugent | ||
| Softball Player of the Year | Olivia Evans | ||
| Boys Tennis Player of the Year | Krish Patel | ||
| Girls Tennis Player of the Year | Lauren Perry | ||
| Boys Track Athlete of the Year | Ethan Welch | ||
| Girls Track Athlete of the Year | Madison Rooker | ||
| Boys Soccer Player of the Year | Aidan Abellana | ||
| Cheerleader of the Year | Anna Jones | ||
| Raiderette Dancer of the Year | Makenna Orrick | ||
| Trap Shooter of the Year | Logan Meadows | x | |
| Fisherman of the Year | Kaden Freeze | ||
| Coffee Middle Male Athletes of the Year | Caiden Martin | Landan Abellana | |
| Coffee Middle Female Athletes of the Year | Ella Arnold | Natalie Barnes | |
| Westwood Middle Female Athletes of the Year | Audri Patton | Jules Ferrell | Lily Norman |
| Westwood MIddle School Male Athletes of the Year | Kaysen Lowery | Will Rogers |
Also on Saturday night, the Dream for Weave Foundation distributed $1,000 scholarships to 13 different athletes to aid in their post-secondary educations. Over 20 applicants applied and funds raised through Thundie sponsorships allowed for $13,000 in scholarships. Those receiving $1,000 scholarships were:
Patricia Barrera
Luke Beachboard
Elizabeth Brown
Olivia Evans
Kiya Ferrell
Kasen Holt
Landon Meadows
Logan Meadows
Makenna Orrick
Jacob Sherrill
Bodey Todd
Ethan Welch
Kennedy-Norman Young
The 2023 Thundie Awards are tentatively set for Saturday, May 20.
This years sponsors included:
Al White Ford Lincoln – Presenting Sponsor
Dinner Sponsor – Unity Medical Center
Dessert & T-Shirt Sponsor – Peoples Bank & Trust Company
Scholarship Level Sponsors: Rob and Tiffany Clutter, JV Heating and Cooling, Morgan Lawn and Landscaping, Premier Service Contracting, Taste of Tennessee Catering, Gilley Construction, Gilley Crane, Attorney Shawn Trail, Realtor Ryan Barker, Ferrell Auto Repair, Imhoff Trucking, Imhoff Landscaping, Riddle Trucking, Coffee County Bank, Norman Homebuilders, Dr. James Vanwinkle, Magnolia Family Medicine, Edward Jones – Duane Conklin, Coffee County Bass Club, John Nicoll Public Defender, Rebecca Welch, Turfworks, Project Donuts, Jim and Erin Dobson, Lemmtek, Reese’s Genes Boutique, Chuck Neel Electric and several more contributions were received.
Patricia Barrera and Jacob Rutledge 
Lucy Riddle 
Cadie Prater 
Logan Hale 
Elizabeth Brown 
Makenna Orrick 
Derrick Scott 
Ethan Welch 
Jake Barlow 
Elli Chumley 
Anna Jones 
Dayne Crosslin 
Emily Williams 
Kennedy Norman-Young 
Landon Meadows 
Lauren Perry 
Kaden Freeze 
Luke Beachboard 
Krish Patel 
Kasen Holt 
Olivia Evans 
Kiya Ferrell 
Logan Meadows 
Brady Nugent 
Aidan Abellana 
Madison Rooker 
Natalie Barnes 
Ethan Welch 
Makenna Orrick 
Caiden Martin 
Patricia Barrera 
Ella Arnold 
Landan Abellana 
Bodey Todd 
Audri Patton and Jules Ferrell 
Lily Norman 
Kaysen Lowery 
Will Rogers 
Andrew Taylor 
Landon Meadows 
Kiya Ferrell 
Kennedy Norman-Young 
Aidan Abellana 
Jacob Sherrill
Thunder Radio photos by Holly Peterson
Coffee County senior parade is Monday
Coffee County Central High School will return to a conventional graduation ceremony this year after COVID-19 led to vehicle parades for the class of 2020 and 2021.
The concept of the parade was so well liked, however, there will still be a senior parade.
The senior parade will be Monday, May 23. It will leave Coffee County Central High School at 6 p.m. and finish at Carden-Jarrell Field behind Raider Academy for “senior sunset” festivities.
The parade route is as follows:
Leaving CHS at 6 p.m. and traveling on State Route 55 toward Raider Academy.
Turn left on US Highway 41, traveling southbound (wrong way lanes) to Spring Street.
Turn right onto Spring St.
Turn Left onto Main St.
Turn right onto Irwin St.
Turn right on to Fort St.
Turn right onto Woodland St.
Turn left onto Highway 41 (northbound (wrong way lanes).
Turn left at Highway 41 and 55 toward Raider Academy
Turn left into CCRA entrance
Traffic will be completely closed to thru traffic on US 41 between the intersection of Highway 41 & 55 and Spring Street and at the main intersection during the parade. Please avoid that area if possible.
Meanwhile, traditional graduation will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 27 at Carden-Jarrell Field behind Raider Academy.
Over 18,000 pounds of medications collected in Tennessee on take back day
Tennessee Department of Health and Substance Abuse has announced that last month’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in Tennessee collected over 18,000 pounds of prescription medication by 102 participating agencies.
Drug coalitions say that you should not throw unwanted medications in the trash or flush them down the drain. You can dispose of unwanted medications at any drug coalition dropbox, which can be found at the Manchester Police Department in Manchester.
Tennessee Employment Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels
Tennessee nonfarm employment has fully rebounded from the pandemic, surpassing pre-pandemic levels of employment with 45,500 more people holding jobs now than in February 2020.
The Tennessee Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report issued by Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office shows that state unemployment dropped to 3.2%, below the national rate of 3.6%.
“Employment exceeding pre-pandemic levels is an important milestone for our state,” said Secretary Hargett. “It reflects Tennessean’s resilience and our leaders’ commitment to a business-friendly environment that encourages investment and job growth. As the economy resets, we are seeing more companies choosing to make Tennessee their new home.”
New business filings in the first quarter of 2022 grew 8.7% from first quarter filings in 2021, marking 42 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth. Over 77,000 new businesses filed over the past year and 21,353 new entities filed in the first quarter of 2022.
Growth in business filings typically leads to growth in jobs, personal income and state revenue. The largest number of filings in the first quarter were in Shelby County, followed by Davidson, Knox and Hamilton counties. These four most-populous counties accounted for 44.3% of new filings state-wide.
However, most of the year-over-year growth in filings occurred in Tennessee’s other 91 counties. Businesses in those counties expanded by 16.2%, reflecting efforts across the state on workforce development, education, infrastructure and responsible fiscal management.
“Everywhere you look, there’s evidence that the strong economic momentum in Tennessee isn’t slowing down,” said Bill Fox, director of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research. “Nonfarm employment has not only recovered to pre-pandemic levels, but has exceeded them. Tax revenues are up; personal incomes are up. Our growing economy is not only beneficial to Tennesseans, but attractive to others wanting to move here, too.”
This report provides a snapshot of the state’s economy based on key indicators, including new business data from the Secretary of State’s Division of Business and Charitable Organizations. It is published through a partnership with the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research and the Secretary of State.
To review the complete Q1 2022 Tennessee Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report, past reports and a teleconference recording about the report with Secretary Hargett and Dr. Fox visit, sos.tn.gov
Rep. Bricken passes law saving Tennessee charities $2M
State Rep. Rush Bricken, R-Tullahoma, announced the General Assembly has successfully reduced the $10 fee for charitable filings through June 30, 2023. The reduced fees will save Tennessee non-profits an estimated $2.1 million.
The legislation extends a reduction to all fees charged under the Charitable Solicitations and Gaming Act to $10 for the 2022 fiscal year. Charitable filing fees typically range from $50 to $240.
“Tennesseans are incredibly generous, and the donations they give to non-profits across our state each year deserve to stay with those important organizations,” Bricken said. “I was proud to sponsor this legislation to reduce charitable filing fees for another year in Tennessee. By doing so, we will help ensure millions of dollars in contributions remain with non-profits that offer essential support to individuals across our state.”
Gov. Bill Lee signed the legislation into law on April 14, 2022. Public Chapter Act 867 takes effect July 1, 2022.
“Tennessee non-profit organizations can better use hard-earned funds for their mission instead of filling government reserves,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I appreciate Representative Bricken working with our office to sponsor legislation that keeps Tennesseans’ generous donations in the hands of charities that help many across our state every day.”
For information about the Secretary of State’s Division of Business and Charitable Organizations, visit sos.tn.gov/charities.
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>
LEMONADE DAY IS THURSDAY. Make your plans to visit elementary lemonade stands around town
Manchester will be the second community in Tennessee to play host to a global youth entrepreneurship program that teaches leadership and business skills by encouraging children to launch a lemonade business – the program is simply called “Lemonade Day.”
Manchester Chamber of Commerce is working in partnership with the Manchester City Schools to allow fourth grade students to study material, develop individual business plans and, for a day, run a lemonade stand at various locations in Manchester. Each group will develop their own products, plans and pricing. Everyone in Manchester is encouraged to participate by visiting one of the stands.
There will be Lemonade Stands at the following locations between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 19:
Advantage Realty | 861 McArthur St.
Coffee County Administrative Plaza | 1329 McArthur St.
Coffee County Bank | 301 Murfreesboro Hwy.
First Bank | 1500 Hillsboro Blvd.
First Vision Bank | 2134 Hillsboro Blvd
Food Lion | 944 Hillsboro Blvd.
J & G Pizza & Steak House | 520 McMinnville Hwy.
Jefferson’s | 138 Relco Dr.
Peoples Bank & Trust | 1203 Hillsboro Blvd.
Shear Artistry Hair Designs | 401 Hillsboro Blvd.
Walgreens | 806 McArthur St.
Westwood Elementary School | 912 Oakdale St.
The program is made possible by presenting sponsor SERVPRO of Coffee, Franklin, and Warren County, and the following additional sponsors: Coffee County Bank, First Bank, First Vision Bank, J & G Pizza and Steak House, Peoples Bank & Trust and Thunder Radio.
