The Tennessee legislature fiscal budget for July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 waves the state portion for license plate renewals.
The state fee is $23.75 when renewing tags for a Class B vehicle and $16.75 to renew class A (motorcycles).
Coffee County Clerk Teresa McFadden told Thunder Radio News that she has yet to be notified of the change.
Even though the state fee will be waved, you will still need to renew tags and pay the county portion of the renewal. In Coffee County, the clerk fee is $3.50. Other counties with wheel taxes will still collect those fees.
Manchester Chamber of Commerce brings Lemonade Day to Manchester
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 graduate inducted into MTSU Media Wall of Fame
Manchester native Don Aaron, a 1977 graduate of Manchester Central High School, was inducted to the MTSU Media Wall of Fame last Friday.
Aaron currently works with the Metro Nashville Police Department as the public affairs director and has for 30 years. He can often be seen on television as the primary spokesperson for the department.
Aaron got his start in media working for WMSR-AM in Manchester at 16-years old where he worked on and off until graduating from MTSU.
Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications with minors in English and Management.
Franklin County investigators recover over $200K in stolen property
Investigators with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department announced they have recovered approximately $210,000 worth of stolen property.
Lt. George Dyer and Inv. Chuck Stines say that a boat, as well as a truck that were purchased through fraudulent practices were recovered. The case has been turned over to authorities in nearby Shelbyville, as well as Osage Beach, Missouri and the United States Secret Service.
Horse tests positive for West Nile Virus in Middle Tennessee
STORY FROM NEWS PARTNER WGNS RADIO:
The state veterinarian confirms that a horse in nearby Smith County has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The 22-year-old horse has been euthanized.
Smith County is about 70 miles north of Manchester.
Mosquitoes transmit WNV and although humans can contract the virus, horses do not transmit the disease to humans or horses. Symptoms in horses may include fever, weakness, loss of appetite, or convulsions. There is no cure for WNV, and the illness can cause lasting effects and can be fatal.
“There are actions horse owners can take to prevent WNV,” State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty said. “Good preventative care includes control of mosquitoes and vaccination against WNV. Work with your veterinarian on a vaccination plan for your animals and manage the environment around your animals to deter mosquitos.”
Tips to prevent viruses include:
- Eliminate standing water sources and damp areas where insects could gather and breed.
- Manage manure and disposal.
- Keep barns clean and apply fly sprays and insect repellants as needed.
- Never share needles, dental, or surgical equipment among different animals.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division is responsible for promoting animal health in Tennessee. The state veterinarian’s office seeks to prevent the spread of disease through import and movement requirements, livestock traceability, disaster mitigation, and the services of the C.E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory. The division collaborates with other health-related stakeholders, academic institutions, and extension services to support One Health, an initiative to improve health for people and animals.
TAX TIPS: Reminder, Manchester H&R Block open year around to serve you
The deadline to file and pay federal income taxes has passed for most people. If you haven’t filed, and you didn’t file an extension, you should act fast to get your 2021 return filed. If you are due a refund, there is no penalty for filing late. However, if you owe and you missed the deadline without requesting an extension, you should file quickly to limit your penalties and interest.
The H&R Block office in Manchester is open year-round to serve you with filing your 2021 tax return, tax planning for your 2022 return, responding to IRS inquiries and letters, establishing a business and learning what tax records you should keep, and a host of many other services. Our current office hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10am-5pm with other times available by appointment.
If you have a tax question or concern, call H&R Block. In Manchester TN call 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
AAA: TN gas prices stabilize; below average prices in Coffee County
Gas prices across Tennessee stabilized over the last week, with today’s state gas price average the same as one week ago. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.85 which is nearly 18 cents less expensive than one month ago and $1.16 more than one year ago.
The average price in Coffee County has actually dipped significantly below the state average – currently sitting at $3.75 per gallon, according to AAA. That is 10 cents below the state average and 37 cents below the national average of $4.12.
The most expensive gas in the nation can still be found out west, coming in at an average of $5.68 per gallon in California.
“The rollercoaster ride at the pump is expected to continue this week,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “After a five-week decline in the Tennessee state average, gas price declines slowed over last week and stabilized over the weekend. The fluctuating price of crude oil remains the biggest factor influencing pump prices. It’s likely that Tennesseans will catch a break from last month’s record-high pump prices, however, dramatic drops at the pump aren’t expected.”
Quick Facts
· 91% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.59 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.16 for regular unleaded
National Gas Prices
The recent dip in pump prices has reversed, with the national average for a gallon of regular gas rising four cents over the past week to $4.12. Upward pricing pressure on concerns that less Russian oil will enter the global market is countered by fears of a COVID-induced economic slowdown in China, the world’s leading oil consumer. These opposing forces are causing the oil price to hover around $100 a barrel.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by nearly 1 million bbl to 232.3 million bbl last week. Gasoline demand increased slightly from 8.73 million b/d to 8.86 million b/d. Although supply and demand factors would have typically supported elevated pump prices, the fluctuating oil price continues to be the main factor influencing prices at the pump.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.12, which is 12 cents less than a month ago, and $1.24 more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $1.72 to settle at $102.07. Crude prices weakened at the end of the day due to demand concerns in Shanghai as fears of a demand-reducing slowdown in global economic activity loom. Crude prices declined despite EIA reporting that total domestic oil inventories decreased by 8.1 million barrels to 413.7 million barrels. This week, crude prices could see further reductions if demand concerns continue to drag the market down.
REPORT: 2 found dead in Decherd victims of possible fentanyl overdose, police say
Two males in their 20s were found deceased inside a home in Decherd Thursday, April 21 – the victims of an apparent heroin and/or fentanyl overdose, according to our news partners with WCDT Radio in Franklin County.
According to a report from WCDT, St. Investigator Greg King with the Decherd Police Department entered a residence in Decherd and discovered the two victims, ages 26 and 29. Officers also found a third individual – female – who was alive and exhibited signs of being under the influence of narcotics. She was transported to Southern TN Regional Health System for treatment.
Investigators say heroin and/or fentanyl use is possible.
No further information was available.
Early voting in Coffee County ends Thursday
Early voting for the May 3 Coffee County primaries will wind down this week.
The final day to cast your ballot in the early voting period is Thursday, April 28. If you miss early voting, election day will be May 3.
Registered voters in Coffee county can appear and cast their early voting ballot at one of two locations:
Coffee County Election Commission at 1329 McArthur St Suite 6 in Manchester. Early voting hours are between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
CD Stamps Center at 810 South Jackson St. in Tullahoma. Early voting hours there are between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Voters are required to show a federal or state photo ID when voting.
If you do not early vote, you will vote at your assigned precinct on Election Day (May 3). Voting hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p..m on that day. If you have questions, contact the election commission at 931-723-5103.
Campaign finance and ethics reform act passes TN house
The Tennessee House chamber passed comprehensive legislation last week that will provide increased transparency and accountability in elections.
House Bill 1201, sponsored by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and State Rep. Sam Whitson, R-Franklin, will close loopholes which have in the past been exploited by special interest groups attempting to hide their identity or activities days before an election.
The law would provide a mechanism to make reporting and disclosing of campaign finances more transparent so that Tennessee voters can truly make more informed decisions.
As amended, the bill proposes several reforms to the state’s existing campaign finance laws. Tax exempt organizations that spend $5,000 or more within a 60-day window of an election would be required to disclose their total expenditures.
The bill requires a 501 (c) (4) that spends a minimum $5,000 for campaign materials or communications naming or showing the likeness of a candidate within 60 days of an election to report expenditures.
The legislation enhances interim reporting for candidates and PACs of contributions and expenditures received 10 days before an election. One of the most important changes is that the bill would extend civil penalty joint liability to candidates controlling or serving as officers of PACs. It would prohibit PAC funds from being used to pay assessed penalties on those PACs. Information about House Bill 1201 can be found here.
