An employee with the Cannon County Sheriff’s Office was arrested Wednesday, May 18, 2022, on charges of cruelty to animals.
On Tuesday, May 17, the Cannon County Sheriff’s Office received information on a possible cruelty to animals incident. After an initial review into the information and a short investigation, corrections officer Bryce Lamb was placed on administrative leave on Tuesday, May 17. Lamb, 22, began working for the sheriff’s office in April of this year.
Effective May 18, Lamb is no longer employed by the sheriff’s office. He is being held on $2,000 bond.
Sheriff’s Department warns of scams in Coffee County using specific names
Scammers are allegedly using the names of Coffee County Sheriff’s Department members to try and get money.
According to the department, scammers are using the names of Investigator Brandon Reed and Captain Billy Butler to request Green Dot Cards for payment as a result of missing grand jury.
This is a scam. The sheriff’s department will not contact you by phone and request payment for anything. Disregard these calls if you receive them.
Despite record gas prices, AAA predicts big travel for Memorial Day weekend
Gas prices may be at record highs, but AAA predicts that Memorial Day weekend is expected to be the busiest in three years, building on a travel resurgence that began earlier this spring. This year’s forecast marks the second highest single-year increase in travelers since 2010 (2021 was the highest), bringing volumes almost in line with pre-pandemic levels.
Click here to read the report.
“By the looks of this Memorial Day travel forecast, the summer travel season is off to a sizzlin’ start,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “People are more comfortable traveling now than any other time in the past two years, and travel bookings are a reflection of that. Reservations for flights, hotels, and cruises for Memorial Day weekend are twice as strong as last year’s holiday and that momentum will likely carry into the summer.”
AAA predicts over 803,000 Tennesseans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend. That’s an 7.4% increase over 2021, bringing travel volumes in line with those from 2017.
May 21-27 is National Safe Boating Week
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is participating in the 2022 National Safe Boating Week, May 21-27. The annual event promotes safe activity and the wear of life jackets as the summer boating season kicks off.
National Safe Boating Week is annually held the week prior to Memorial Day weekend. Boating partners across the United States and Canada are teaming to promote safe boating practices, including the wear of life jackets for National Safe Boating Week and throughout the 2022 boating season. The TWRA and the organizations continue to strive in their efforts in educating the boating community about life jacket wear and the options available when it comes to comfortable and lightweight life jackets.
Tennessee offers boating enthusiasts an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the resources across the state. Memorial Day weekend is viewed as the unofficial start to the summer boating season.
TWRA has reported a noticeable increase in traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers the last couple of years. Thus far in 2022, there have been eight statewide fatalities, three of which have involved paddlecraft.
“We want to continue to stress that the single most important action one can take to prevent drowning while boating is to wear a life jacket,” said Betsy Woods, TWRA Boating Education Coordinator. “We encourage our boaters to enjoy their time on the water in a safe and responsible matter.”
In addition, Friday, May 20 is Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day. Boaters can share a photo wearing a life jacket at work (or home) on social media along with the hashtag #lifejacket2work and tagging @boatingcampaign (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram). Photos can also be emailed to outreach@safeboatingcouncil.org. Winners will be chosen randomly throughout the day to receive boating prizes from the Safe Boating Campaign, such as T-shirts, dry bags, first aid kits, stickers, and more.
Recommended tips for boaters:
- Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters.
- Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.
- Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board.
- Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.
- Use an engine cut-off device. An engine cut-off device, or engine cut-off switch, is a proven safety device to stop the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.
- Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.
- Know what’s always going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents last year were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
- Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed.
- Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.
- Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.
Manchester Rec Center announces Memorial Day Swim
Memorial Day is around the corner – marking the unofficial start of summer- and the Manchester Recreation Center will be celebrating the occasion by opening the pools.
The building will be closed – but the indoor and outdoor pools will open to the public from noon until 5 p.m. for everyone’s enjoyment.
The Manchester Recreation Center is located at 557 N. Woodland St. in Manchester. Call 931-728-0273 with questions.
City hiring multiple positions
Multiple positions are open with the Parks and Recreation Department – including full time positions of maintenance technician and night and weekend supervisor. Several part time jobs are open, including lifeguards, concession manager, front desk, child care nursery and summer camp positions. Click here to apply.
Gas prices jump another 13 cents; more increases likely, AAA says
Another week of rising gas prices is likely for Tennesseans. Since last Monday, gas prices across the state have risen nearly 13 cents. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.20 which is nearly 36 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.31 more than one year ago.
The average price per gallon in Coffee County comes in at $4.14 – which is 6 cents below the state average and 34 cents under the national average of $4.48.
The highest prices in the nation can be found out west in California, where the average price for a gallon is now $5.98.
“Gas prices in Tennessee have risen nearly 34 cents, on average, so far this month. For the last seven days in a row, a new highest recorded state average has been set, ” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Tennesseans are likely to feel more pain at the pump this week as global supplies still remain tight, gasoline futures are surging, and the market is bracing for a stronger summer driving season compared to last year.”
Quick Facts
· 96% of Tennessee gas stations have prices above $4.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $4.04 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.49 for regular unleaded
National Gas Prices
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 3.6 million bbl to 225 million bbl last week. Gasoline demand also decreased slightly from 8.86 million b/d to 8.7 million b/d. Typically, lower demand would put downward pressure on pump prices. However, crude prices remain volatile, and as they surge, pump prices follow suit. Pump prices will likely face upward pressure as oil prices stay above $105 per barrel.
Meanwhile, the switch to the more expensive summer blend of gasoline, which usually adds seven to ten cents per gallon depending on the market, is happening now. This switchover should be complete nationwide by early June. This summer blend switch is an annual event. It is unrelated to the Biden Administration’s announcement a few weeks ago to allow the higher ethanol E15 gas blend to remain on sale throughout the summer until September.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.48, which is 40 cents more than a month ago, and $1.43 more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $4.36 to settle at $110.49/bbl. At the beginning of last week, the price of crude oil decreased due to global market concern that crude demand will suffer as COVID lockdowns in China remain in place. However, crude prices reversed course at the end of the week over growing market worries that Ukrainian and European Union actions against Russian oil and natural gas companies could spark retaliation by Russia, which would lead to more market disruption and uncertainty. Crude prices could fall this week if demand concerns continue to weigh the market down. Additionally, EIA reported that domestic crude supply increased by 8.5 million bbl to 424.2 million bbl. The current level is approximately 12.5 percent lower than during the first week of May 2021.
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
Tennessee Regional Prices
· Most expensive metro markets – Johnson City ($4.26), Memphis ($4.25), Morristown ($4.24)
· Least expensive metro markets – Chattanooga ($4.14), Cleveland ($4.16), Clarksville ($4.16)
Ways to Save on Gasoline
· Combine errands to limit driving time.
· Shop around for the best gas prices in your community.
· Pay with cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.
· Remove excess weight in your vehicle. Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
· Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy.
North Coffee students perform at TPAC
On May 12, some North Coffee Elementary School third and fourth graders traveled to Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) in Nashville to participate in the Student Share Celebration.
This performance was the final bow for those students, who took part in this year’s Disney Musicals in Schools Program, performing Winnie the Pooh.
Students were able to get on the big stage and perform three songs from their musical. The Disney Musicals in Schools Program is a 3 year program and North Coffee will be taking part in the program for a final year in 2022-23.
First ever Thundies Sports Awards are sold out
The Dream for Weave Foundation and Thunder Radio will be hosting the first ever “Thundie Sports Awards” for the Coffee County community on Saturday, May 21.
Tickets to the event have sold out.
The inaugural sports awards will honor the best athletes, coaches and teams of Coffee County Central High School, Westwood Middle School and Coffee Middle School. Doors for the red carpet event will open at 5:15 p.m. at First Baptist Church Gymnasium (1006 Hillsboro Blvd). Middle Tennessee State University head softball coach and the pioneer of the CHS Lady Raider softball program, Jeff Breeden, will deliver the keynote address.
Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with awards to follow. Approximately three dozen awards will be handed out, as well as approximately $13,000 in scholarship funding from the Dream for Weave Foundation
“This is the type of event that Holly, myself and the foundation board envisioned when the Dream for Weave Foundation launched back in late 2020, it has just taken us some time to get there,” said Josh Peterson, vice president of Thunder Radio and treasurer of the Dream for Weave Foundation.
“We put a great emphasis on local sports coverage at Thunder Radio with our broadcasts, our daily sports coverage, photos, Thunder The Magazine and our weekly coaches show,” added Peterson. “As everyone saw last spring when the Lady Raider softball team made a deep run in the state tournament and just recently when the Red Raider basketball team reached the state tournament – athletics are very important to our community. This event is perfect to recognize and honor them.”
The Thundie Sports Awards are driven by Al White Ford Lincoln — the presenting sponsor.
Sponsor Peoples Bank & Trust is providing meals and t-shirts for winning athletes, and Unity Medical Center is providing dessert and admission for award-winning athletes. All athletes who are set to be honored have been contacted and invited to the event free of charge thanks to these generous sponsors. Awards will be decided based on decisions of the awards committee.
“There are multiple people who are putting in so much of their time to make this event possible for our athletes and if not for them and our great sponsors, it simply would not be possible,” said Rob Clutter, president of the Dream for Weave Foundation.
Dream for Weave Foundation
The foundation was formed in October of 2020, just 3 months after the sudden passing of Thunder Radio sports director Dennis Weaver after complications from a routine operation.
Beloved by all, Weave as the play-by-play voice for Coffee County athletics and one of the key contributors to the rise of the CHS softball program in the 90s. He was a graduate of Central High School.
His love for sports and the athletes who played them led to the formation of the foundation, which aims to ensure all children who want to play sports have the means and equipment necessary to play. The foundation also strives to provide scholarship funding to athletes departing CHS and pursuing higher education – whether in the college or technical fields.
About Keynote Speaker Jeff Breeden
Jeff Breeden is currently coaching his 10th season as Head Softball Coach at Middle Tennessee in 2022 and has seen improvement in his team in each of the nine previous years.
MT finished at 26-22 overall in 2021, including an 11-8 mark in Conference USA play, leading the Blue Raiders to their first winning record in league play since 2007.
Breeden is a high school state championship softball coach in Tennessee with over 700 career wins. He is largely credited with helping to build the Coffee County Central Lady Raider softball program, which had 1 win before his arrival. Breeden coached with Weaver for many years and together the two helped to build the softball complex where the Lady Raiders now play. He earned 341 wins as Lady Raider head coach from 1990-2003, and made two state tournament appearances before leaving for Riverdale.
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. Everyone in Manchester is encouraged to participate by visiting one of the stands.
There will be Lemonade Stands at the following locations on 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.
Peoples Bank & Trust | 1203 Hillsboro Blvd.
Powers Plaza | 307 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
CHS senior parade is May 23; graduation May 27
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.
