By Tennessee Public News Service
More than 100,000 lower-income Tennessee residents who paid for online-tax prep services advertised as being free may be eligible for payments, as part of a new nationwide settlement with Inuit, the owner of TurboTax.
Samantha Fisher, communications director for the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, said people who used TurboTax for tax years 2006 through 2018 may be eligible for payments of around $30 for each year they paid for services, but would have qualified for the free edition.
“Inuit has the eligible consumer contact information already,” Fisher pointed out. “So, you should not have to do anything. You should end up being contacted and sent a payment, sent a check in the mail.”
Inuit came under fire after investigative reporting by ProPublica alleged the company was using deceptive tactics to steer low-income people toward its commercial products and away from federally-supported free tax services.
Attorneys General in every state and the District of Columbia have signed on to the $141 million agreement. As part of the settlement, Intuit admitted no wrongdoing, according to a statement on the company’s website.
Fisher explained Intuit offered two free versions of TurboTax. One was through a partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which allowed taxpayers earning less than $34,000 a year, and members of the military, to file their income tax returns free of charge.
“Then they have this other commercial product called TurboTax Free Edition,” Fisher noted. “And it was confusing for people filing their taxes about which one was truly free.”
Fisher added some settlement money will be used to set up additional resources for consumers.
“As we work through this part of the process, there’ll be a website that will have more information for consumers,” Fisher emphasized. “Especially, for instance, if you’ve moved since the years where this applied.”
Around 195 million tax returns and other forms were filed electronically in 2020, according to the IRS.
Missing person reported out of Warren County
A missing person report was filed with the Warren County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday, May 8, on behalf of Damien Gonzales.
Gonzales was last known to be transported to St. Thomas Dekalb Hospital in Smithville on April 19. He is reported to be of Puerto Rican descent with tattoos on his forearms, a scar on his forehead with medium skin tone, between 5’6′ and 5’9″, medium build between 190 and 210 pounds.
He moved to Tennessee in 2018. He does not have a vehicle or working cellphone.
If anyone has any information on his whereabouts, please contact Warren County Sheriff’s Department at 931-668-7000.
Tennessee gas prices jump 18 cents over past week; average price hits $4.08
The rollercoaster ride at the pump continues as the Tennessee state gas price average rose above $4.00 per gallon on Friday. Gas prices jumped, on average, 18 cents over the course of last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.08 which is nearly 18 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.37 more than one year ago.
The average price in Coffee County comes in at $4.01 per gallon, which is 7 cents below the state average and 31 cents below the national average of $4.32.
“A tight global oil supply combined with expectations of high summer gasoline demand and rising crude oil prices are pushing prices at the pump more expensive this week,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Right now, the state gas price average is only four cents below the previous record set earlier this year in March. It’s unclear if we will surpass that record this week, but if market conditions persist, it’s likely we could set a new gas price record here in Tennessee.”
Quick Facts
· 50% of Tennessee gas stations have prices above $4.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.87 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.42 for regular unleaded
· Every metro area in TN saw a double digit increase in its metro average over last week
National Gas Prices
Drivers are paying more at the pump—a lot more—as the cost of gasoline moves steadily higher. In the past two weeks, the national average for a gallon of gasoline has risen 20 cents to $4.32, a penny less than the record high set on March 11. The increase is primarily due to the high cost of crude oil, which was hovering near $100 a barrel last week and is now closing in on $110.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 2.2 million bbl to 228.6 million bbl last week. However, gasoline demand increased slightly from 8.74 million b/d to 8.86 million b/d. Increasing gas demand and rising oil prices have pushed pump prices higher. Pump prices will likely face upward pressure as oil prices remain above $105 per barrel.
Meanwhile, today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.32, which is 20 cents more than a month ago, and $1.36 more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $1.51 to settle at $109.77. Crude prices rose last week after the European Union announced a proposal to ban Russian oil imports within six months, while refined product imports would be prohibited by the end of 2022. The price increases occurred despite continuing COVID lockdowns in China weighing down crude demand and EIA reporting that total domestic crude inventories increased by 1.3 million bbl to 415.7 million bbl, which is approximately 14 percent lower than the storage level at the end of April 2021. Since supply remains tight and the market remains highly volatile, crude prices will likely continue to fluctuate this week, potentially pushing pump prices higher.
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 ($4.14), Morristown (4.12), Knoxville ($4.12)
· Least expensive metro markets – Chattanooga ($3.99), Clarksville ($4.02), Cleveland ($4.03)
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.
Manchester VFW takes 1st place for community service
Manchester’s Old Stone Fort Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars, All-American
Post 10904 has taken First Place in the State of Tennessee for Community
Service. This is a significant achievement because the 89 VFW Posts in
Tennessee are not categorized by size. VFW Post 10904, with 187 members, was
up against much larger Posts . yet took the number one spot with more, and
more impactful, community service than any other VFW Post.
Categories judged for this award include:
1. Community Involvement
2. Cooperation with other Organizations
3. Aid to Others
4. Safety and Health training
5. Americanism
6. Youth and Voice of Democracy
VFW 10904 Post Commander, retired Navy Chief Kimberly King, reported the
good news to her members by email. “We have never received this award
primarily because we are up against huge Posts with hundreds of members,”
she wrote. “This is extremely good news, and I am very happy and proud to
report this to all of you! Thank you for making our Post the best in
Tennessee! What an achievement!”
Manchester’s VFW Post will now be considered by VFW national leadership as
it goes up against top Posts from the other states for best in the nation.
For more information and to stay current on the latest local VFW news, visit
our Facebook page and website at <http://www.vfwpost10904.com>
www.vfwpost10904.com
Manchester Police Department welcomes Gault to force
Manchester Police Department has announced that it has added a new member to the team – officer Justin Gault was recently sworn-in by Manchester Mayor Marilyn Howard.
Gault transferred to the police department from the Manchester Fire Department.
Gault follows in the footsteps of his father, Ronnie Gault, who served previously as Coffee County Sheriff from 1994-1998.
Manchester Chamber of Commerce brings Lemonade Day to Manchester. Sponsors still needed
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.”
The Manchester Chamber of Commerce is working in partnership with Manchester City Schools to provide curriculum and training materials to all fourth-grade students at College Street and Westwood Elementary Schools and one group of students at Westwood Middle School.
Participants will learn how to create a business plan, market a product, and determine how much to charge per cup of lemonade to make a profit. All of this will be done in the classroom, with teachers guiding students through the program’s workbook and generating discussion and ideas of how to make theirs the best lemonade stand.
The program will culminate in Lemonade Day Manchester on Thursday, May 19. Eleven lemonade stands will be located at area businesses, led by these student entrepreneurs.
“We are thrilled to bring Lemonade Day to Manchester,” said Manchester Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katy Riddle. “This program introduces students to financial literacy, empowers them to launch a business, and connects them with resources in our community designed to help them succeed.”
The impact of a program like Lemonade Day is four-fold: 1) teach financial literacy to kids; 2) promote entrepreneurship; 3) teach kids to be responsible and self-reliant; and 4) contribute to their community’s development.
“Communities that host Lemonade Day programs are making a difference in a positive, meaningful way: they are demonstrating their commitment to bettering people, society and the economy by supporting youth entrepreneurship,” states Lemonade Day National Director Debbie Nazarian.
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.
For more information about the event, stand locations, and how to become a sponsor, please visit www.manchestertnchamber.org/lemonade.
Since 2007, more than one million kids have participated in Lemonade Day in throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, plus Canada and Bermuda. For more information, please visit www.lemonadeday.org.
The Manchester Chamber of Commerce is a proactive, high-energy partner with citizens and government, with an involved and informed membership. The Chamber is focused on recruiting, promoting, and celebrating business in the Manchester area.
Manchester School Board agenda for Monday, May 9
Manchester City Schools Board of Education will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, May 9 at College Street Elementary school. The public is invited and welcome to attend. The agenda is below:
MEETING AGENDA
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
1.1 Recognition of Visitors
1.2 Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
1.3 Intent to Address the Board
2. CONSENT ITEMS
2.1 Approval of Minutes of April 11, 2022
2.2 Additions/Deletions and Acceptance of Agenda
2.3 Memorandum of Understanding between Centerstone Community Mental Health Centers, Inc. and Manchester City Schools
2.4 Memorandum of Agreement between WCI Management
3. HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS
3.1 WMS Girls Basketball Team
3.2 Eligibility and Granting Tenure
4. BOARD/DIRECTOR DISCUSSION
4.1 Rescheduling June 13th School Board Meeting
5. COMMUNICATION TO THE BOARD
5.1 Finance Report
5.2 Administrators, Directors and Principals Report
5.3 WMS’ Buildout Project Report
5.4 Director of Schools Report
6. PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
6.1 Resignations
6.2 Long-term Leave
6.3 After School Journey Program
7. FUTURE MEETING
The next Regular Rescheduled Board meeting TBA after Board approval. 8. ADJOURNMENT
County School Board agenda for May 9 meeting
The Coffee County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, May 9. Everyone is welcome to attend the public meeting. Meeting starts at 4:30 p.m. at the board of education at 1343 McArthur St. in Manchester:
Agenda below:
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
II. Call for Intent
III. General Consent Items
(If no objections, the following items will be considered passed when the agenda is passed.)
- April 11th minutes
- Second reading of Policies: 6.306, 6.206, 1.102
- Overnight Field Trip / Red Raider Basketball / June 1 – June 2
- Overnight Field Trip / CCCHS Volleyball / September 9 – September 11
- Overnight Field Trip / CCCHS Volleyball / July 17 – July 19
- Overnight Field Trip / CCCHS Dance Team / July 11 – July 14
- Overnight Field Trip / CCCHS Girls Basketball / June 12 – June 14
- Overnight Field Trip / CCCHS Beta Club / June 29 – July 4
- Overnight Field Trip / CCCHS Cheerleaders / June 21 – June 24
- Overnight Field Trip / CCMS / Washington D.C. / WorldStrides Student Travel
- Use of Facilities / Richard Gable / May 28th
- Use of Facilities / CCMS / Middle Tennessee Nationals / May – November 2022
IV. Action Items - Truck Bid
- Cargo Van Bid
- Surplus Drivers Education Car
- Creation of Coffee County Middle School Wrestling Program
- Unused School Waiver Fee Approval
- Consolidated Funding Approval FY 23
- Budget Amendment Food Service
- Budget Amendment General School 141-2022-3
- Budget Amendment General School 141-2022-4
- Budget Amendment General School 141-2022-5
- Budget Update
V. Items for Discussion
VI. Committee Reports
VII. Student Ambassador Report
VIII. Director’s Report - ESSER Updat
18th annual Dusty Elam Foundation Benefit is May 14
The 18th annual Dusty Elam Foundation Benefit is set for Saturday, May 14 at the Elam Farm – 5223 Woodbury Highway just outside of Manchester.
There will be food, fun and games to go along with a live auction and a musical contest – Dusty’s Voice Music Competition.
Also at the annual event will be field events, inflatables a dunking booth and face painting. Single tickets are $25 and 5 tickets are $100. Kids 12 and under are free – cost of food included with your ticket. Gates open at noon, live auction starts at 2 and Dusty’s Voice starts at 6 p.m.
Dusty’s Voice will feature a $1,500 first place prize. There is a 25 artist / band limit. Each artist or band will play 1 song or 5 minutes. $50 per entry. First place wins $1,500 and second place wins $500. There is still room for a few entries. For Dusty’s Voice details or entry, call Justin McIntosh at 931-273-5194.
For tickets to the benefit, call Chris Elam at 931-273-3419 or Jay Nogodula at 615-653-7846.
Tennessee driver centers down Thursday due to statewide outage
Tennessee Driver Services Centers across the state experienced a statewide outage Thursday, according to Tennessee Department of Safety.
As a result of the outage, driver license transactions can’t be completed at driver service centers at this time.
As of early Thursday afternoon, the outage was still ongoing.
The driver service center in Coffee County is located at 307 Industrial Blvd. in Tullahoma.
To call ahead of time about wait times or possible outages, call 931-461-7850.
