A bill on Gov. Bill Lee’s desk would expand eligibility for certain types of work licenses to Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA) recipients, individuals with Temporary Protected Status, and anyone else authorized to work in the United States.
Luis Mata, policy coordinator for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition Votes, among the bill’s backers, said it will allow individuals who want to work in bars, real estate, salons, medical technology and more, to obtain the credentials needed to do so.
“Being able to let Tennessee use the skills and talents that already exist here,” Mata explained. “For the individuals who are going to benefit, they are able to use those skills and talents that they’ve trained and invested so much in.”
Senate Bill 2464 was sponsored by Sen. Shane Reeves, R-Murfeesboro. The governor is expected to sign it. According to federal data, in 2020, immigrants made up 17% of the national workforce.
The American Immigration Council said more than 7,000 active DACA recipients call Tennessee home. They would be eligible for commercial or trade licensure if the bill becomes law.
Naomi, a DACA recipient and Davidson County resident, said it would allow her to follow her desired career path.
“It helps me especially by getting a better job and allowing me to work in a nursing station, and allowing me to be a nurse, which is what I’ve always wanted to do,” She remarked.
Mata sees the bill as a sign Tennessee lawmakers care about communities making up the bulk of the state’s essential workers.
“We’re urging Governor Bill Lee to enthusiastically sign this piece of legislation,” Mata emphasized. “And this is only the first step. We’re not done yet, we’re just getting started.”
Tennessee is among a handful of states nationwide seeing the largest increase in its immigrant population, up by nearly 200,000 in the last two years, according to the Center on Immigration Studies.
Coffee County unemployment falls below 3 percent
Newly released unemployment data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) showed jobless numbers dropped in nearly every county in the state during March. Ninety-two of 95 counties had lower rates for the month, while the rates increased for two counties, and remained the same in one county.
The state of Tennessee now has 93 counties with unemployment rates below 5%, compared to 90 counties in February. One two counties in the state have an unemployment rate higher than 5%.
In Coffee County, unemployment fell to 2.9 percent – down 0.2 of a percentage point from the rate of 3.1 percent in February. This is down 1.9 percent from the rate of 4.8 percent one year ago.
Moore and Williamson counties had the lowest unemployment in March, each with rates of 1.9%. The new figure accounted for a 0.1 of a percentage point increase for Moore County and 0.1 of a percentage point decrease for Williamson County. Wilson County recorded the second-lowest rate at 2.2%, which was a 0.2 of a percentage point drop from its February number.
With rates of 5.2%, Cocke and Perry counties saw the state’s highest jobless numbers in March. Still, both counties experienced a significant drop in unemployment. Cocke County’s rate was down 1.1 percentage points, while Perry County’s rate decreased by 0.5 of a percentage point. Lake County had the second-highest rate at 4.8%, which was also down 1.1 percentage points from the previous month.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics does not take into account seasonal impacts on data when calculating county unemployment rates, while it does seasonally adjust the statewide unemployment number.
TDLWD has a complete analysis of the March county unemployment data available here. (https://www.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=166478db53c066a7d114ea462&id=57cf77744b&e=29851e7b63)
March’s statewide unemployment data marked a milestone for Tennessee. The month’s 3.2% rate became the lowest ever and edged out the previous record of 3.3% set in August 2019.
Nationally, unemployment also dropped in March. The seasonally adjusted rate for the United States decreased by 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.6%. The rate is down 2.4 percentage points in a year-to-year comparison.
Tennesseans actively looking for work can find a variety of free services that can help them find impactful employment at www.TNWorkReady.com.
Coffee County to hold household hazardous waste collection April 23
Coffee County Rural Solid Waste and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will hold a household hazardous waste collection event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 23.
The collection will be at 2180 Murfreesboro Hwy, Manchester, TN 37355.
This is your chance to dispose of hazardous household waste for free. You can dispose of leftover household chemicals, lawn and garden products and automotive materials that you’ve never known what to do with. Household waste is defined as corrosive, flammable, toxic or reactive materials used in your home, car or truck, garden and lawn that is unwanted or unusable.
Items to bring include:
drain openers
oven cleaners
wood cleaners and polishes
metal cleaners and polishes
toilet bowl cleaners
disinfectants
paint thinner
wood preservatives
paint strippers and rmovers
adhesives
fingernail polish removers
pool chemicals
photo processing chemcials
medicines and drugs
reactive materials
aerosols
compressed gas
mercury thermostats
mercury thermometers
fluorescent light bulbs
needles (in container)
lead
herbicides
pesticides
fungicides
fertilizers
fuel additives
grease and rust solvents
air conditioning refrigerants
starter fluids
body putty
coolants
carburetor cleaners
NO Medical or infectious waste (except needles in puncture-proof containers). No explosives, ammunition, radioactive waste including smoke detectors or any empty containers. Waste from non-household sources such as businesses and farms will be accepted by appointment only at 615-643-3170.
For additional information, call 931-723-5139.
H&R BLOCK STUDENT OF THE WEEK – Peyton Henley
Join us at Thunder Radio and Rosalyn Partin of the Manchester H&R Block and congratulate our student of the week – Peyton Henley.
Peyton is a 5th grader at Hillsboro Elementary School. She was nominated by her teachers and administrators. Peyton is the daughter of Ruth and Brandon Henley.
Her favorite subject is Math. In her free time she enjoys soccer, football and art.
All students of the week are selected for their work ethic and excellent attitudes in and out of the classroom.
Rosalyn Partin, owner of the Manchester H&R Block, has been inspired to recognize great kids in our community all year long. H&R Block gives each Student of the Week a commemorative plaque, a special letter of recognition and two tickets to Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park.
Job well done, Peyton!
Cannon County officials ask for help finding driver of Altima involved in theft
Cannon County Sheriff’s office are asking for help finding the driver of a silver Nissan Altima that was allegedly involved in a theft there.
According to Cannon County authorities, this vehicle is silver in color with tinted windows and damage to the passenger side. It was last seen leaving Jim Cummings Highway Dollar General and headed to the Coffee County line. The subject was allegedly involved in a theft from a motor vehicle. (see photo below)
If you have more information call 615-563-9751.
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TBI asking for information about Tracy City fire
TBI Special Agent Fire Investigators are seeking information about a church fire that was started at the Historic Christ Church Episcopal in Tracy City, Grundy County, earlier this month.
On April 8th, shortly before 8:30 p.m., the Tracy City Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at the church at 530 10th Street.
TBI Certified Fire and Explosives Investigators and an Accelerant Detection Canine team responded to the scene, as did agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).The initial investigation indicates the fire had been deliberately set, and agents investigating the scene are hoping to learn more about who may have been in that area around the time the blaze began.
They are especially interested in a sedan that was seen parked on the 5th Street side of the church around 8:15 that night. If you have information about the fire at the Historic Christ Church Episcopal the evening of April 8th in Tracy City, please call 1-800-TBI-FIND, or send an email to TipsToTBI@tn.gov.
Detention @ The Elementary to host Play with a Purpose fundraiser for Children’s Advocacy Center Thursday night
This year’s fundraiser for Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center will be an in-person event, offering fun activities, golf simulators, video and arcade style games, bumper cars and more. The event is Apr. 21, at the Detention @ The Elementary entertainment center.
Coffee County CAC Director Joyce Prusak expressed her excitement about “our first in-person fundraiser since 2019.” Coffee County CAC is a nonprofit serving children who have experienced severe abuse.
“After a few years, we are ready to have some fun and would like people to come out and be kids for a night and play for a purpose,” Prusak said. “We are excited to partner with Detention @ The Elementary and offer games and activities to individuals attending our event. The purpose will be to raise funds for children and families served by the Coffee County CAC but also for attendees to spend unforgettable and enjoyable time.”
Tickets cost $65 per person, with the event including dinner, auction, games and fun activities. Tickets are still available: 931-723-8888.
Sponsor the event
“Locals will have the opportunity to help our cause and sponsor the event,” Prusak said. “Please visit our website (coffeecountycac.org) to find sponsorship forms. You can fill out the sponsorship form and mail it to Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center or bring it to our office, located 104 N. Spring St., Manchester.”
Please call Coffee County CAC at 931-723-8888 to sponsor the event.
About Coffee County CAC
Coffee County CAC provides services for children who have experienced severe abuse. The center’s programs and services include family advocacy, forensic interviews, prevention education, therapy and medical exams. All services are free for children and their families.
About Detention @ The Elementary
Detention @ The Elementary is located at 615 School St., Morrison, Tennessee. Detention @ The Elementary is a perfect spot for family fun. The family entertainment center offers exciting activities, such as laser tag, mini golf, climbing wall, bumper cars and arcade games, and a restaurant.
Please stop by the Coffee County CAC, 104 N. Spring St., Manchester, to purchase tickets for the event. For more information about the event, call Coffee County CAC at 931-723-8888.
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School board approves Bonnaroo using CHS campus
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival will continue use of the Coffee County Central Campus for this year’s music festival.
The Coffee County Board of Education approved the request – asking that the festival pay $5,000 for use of the parking lot for registration purposes. The contract covers June 11-20. Festival organizers still need to approve the deal.
The festival has used the school facilities in years past.
Coffee County to hold household hazardous waste collection April 23
Coffee County Rural Solid Waste and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will hold a household hazardous waste collection event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 23.
The collection will be at 2180 Murfreesboro Hwy, Manchester, TN 37355.
This is your chance to dispose of hazardous household waste for free. You can dispose of leftover household chemicals, lawn and garden products and automotive materials that you’ve never known what to do with. Household waste is defined as corrosive, flammable, toxic or reactive materials used in your home, card or truck, garden and lawn that is unwanted or unusable.
Items to bring include:
drain openers
oven cleaners
wood cleaners and polishes
metal cleaners and polishes
toilet bowl cleaners
disinfectants
paint thinner
wood preservatives
paint strippers and rmovers
adhesives
fingernail polish removers
pool chemicals
photo processing chemcials
medicines and drugs
reactive materials
aerosols
compressed gas
mercury thermostats
mercury thermometers
fluorescent light bulbs
needles (in container)
lead
herbicides
pesticides
fungicides
fertilizers
fuel additives
grease and rust solvents
air conditioning refrigerants
starter fluids
body putty
coolants
carburetor cleaners
NO Medical or infectious waste (except needles in puncture-proof containers). No explosives, ammunition, radioactive waste including smoke detectors or any empty containers. Waste from non-household sources such as businesses and farms will be accepted by appointment only at 615-643-3170.
For additional information, call 931-723-5139.
Over 1,100 voters turnout in first 4 days of early voting
Early voting for the May 3 Coffee County primaries began last Wednesday, April 13. From Wednesday through end of voting on Saturday, April 16, approximately 1,150 votes were cast, according to administrator of elections Andy Farrar. These totals include the first three full days and the half day of voting on Saturday.
Early voting ends on April 28th and election day is 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.
