The Tennessee House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation last Thursday that expands who can visit a hospital patient during a time when COVID-19 is a health concern.
House Bill 2665 requires that hospitals allow a patient to have at least one representative as a visitor as long as the individual agrees to follow safety protocols established by the facility. The legislation does not apply to areas of a hospital that necessitate higher levels of safety protocols such as intensive care units.
State law already requires at least one family member to be allowed in a hospital with a patient during a period in which a disaster, emergency, or public health emergency for COVID-19 has been declared. House Bill 2665 removes the requirement of a negative COVID-19 test and lack of symptoms, and replaces it with the requirement that the family member or patient representative agrees to follow all safety protocols established by the hospital.
A companion version of the bill is still making its way through the Senate. Information about House Bill 2665 can be found here.
TAX TIPS: Ways to pay your taxes
By Rosalyn Partin, H&R Block
Ways to Pay Your Tax Due
Each year, about 30 million taxpayers file and owe the IRS. For those who owe, the IRS allows you to make “other” arrangements if you can’t pay the tax with your return.
Payment arrangements can include payment plans, extensions to pay, or hardship agreements such as payment deferral (called “currently not collectible” status) or an offer in compromise. Many of these payment arrangements come with fees, so it’s helpful to know what you’re in for when making arrangements with the IRS.
If you are able to pay your tax balance due by the due date, you can pay the IRS by mailing a check or directly from your bank account using a bank draft when you efile. You can also use the IRS Direct Pay option on the IRS website, irs.gov. IRS Direct Pay lets you choose to pay by bank draft or with your debit or credit card. For debit/credit card payments, there are service fees charged by the IRS approved payment processors.
If you aren’t able to pay your balance due by the due date you may want to consider setting up a payment arrangement with the IRS. Unless IRS rules consider you to be a low-income taxpayer, most payment arrangements require a setup fee with the IRS. However, there is no fee if you just ask for an extension of time to pay (the IRS can give you an extension of up to 120 days). If you will need longer than 120 days to pay the full balance due, you can apply for an installment agreement. The IRS will usually grant an installment agreement with payments spread over 6 years. Depending on the amount owed, you may be asked to provide detailed financial statements or use existing assets to pay the balance.
Depending on your financial situation, you may be able to be placed in “currently not collectible” status. Currently not collectible (CNC) status will mean that you don’t have to make payments to the IRS until your financial situation improves. To obtain CNC, you must prove to the IRS that you can’t pay based on your current income and necessary living expenses. There are also additional programs available from IRS to allow payment of your balance due when you are in a financial hardship.
It’s best to make arrangements immediately after you file and know you can’t pay the balance. If you can’t pay, it may be best to get help from a tax pro who can help you sort out what options are best for you. Tax pros can analyze your details and work with the IRS to get you the best outcome for your situation.
If you have a tax balance due and need help considering your options, call H&R Block. In Manchester TN call 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
ELECTION 2022: Early voting for May 3 primary begins Wednesday, April 13
Early voting for the Coffee County May 3 primary begins on Wednesday, April 13.
Once early voting begins, it will run through April 28 with election day set for May 3. Deadline to register to vote in this primary has already passed.
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.
Federal waivers for USDA nutrition assistance set to expire June 30
Story by Nadia Ramligan, TN Public News Service
Federal waivers put in place at the height of the pandemic allowed federal child nutrition programs more flexibility in delivering meals to households, because kids weren’t at school.
Those waivers are set to expire in a few months – and in Tennessee, groups that work to fight hunger warn that more children, especially in rural areas, will be at risk.
Director of U.S. Food Security & Nutrition for Save the Children – Tamara Sandberg – said the waivers allowed parents to pick up multiple meals for their kids at a time, and in one convenient location.
“The waivers allowed schools and other community partners to deliver meals right to their home,” said Sandberg. “Many, many more meals were distributed as a result. So, we’re very concerned with the impact that that is going to have on the rates of children receiving meals this summer.”
One in six Tennessee children faces hunger, and more than 41% of households with children rely on SNAP benefits.
Sandberg noted leaders from across the country will gather at the Rural Child Hunger Summit on April 28 to brainstorm ways to ensure rural kids don’t go hungry as the nation shifts out of pandemic-era policies.
Tennessee Deputy Director for Save the Children – Chapple Osborne-Arnold – said amid high gas and energy prices, demand for food assistance is already skyrocketing in rural Tennessee.
“It’s way worse than it was before,” said Osborne-Arnold. “We’re seeing lots of lines, we’re seeing long lines of cars and people coming here and saying that, you know, they either can’t find food based on availability, or that they don’t have the money.”
Osborne-Arnold said Save the Children’s focus this summer will be on flexible and even unconventional access to meals for kids, so families don’t have to travel long distances to food pantries.
“We’re going to partner with several community-based organizations in different counties,” said Osborne-Arnold. “And they’re going to do some pop-up pantries at, like, the local community pools, where the parents just drop off their kids, or the kids walk there, in the summer.”
She added throughout the pandemic, Save the Children has provided nearly 45 million meals to rural kids and their families nationwide – about four million in Tennessee.
Tennessee gas prices fall another 8 cents
Gas prices across Tennessee are continuing their downward trend this week. On average, gas prices across the state fell by nearly eight cents. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.89 which is nearly 24 cents less expensive than one month ago and $1.21 more than one year ago.
“Gas prices are continuing to fall across the state, providing much needed relief at the pump for Tennesseans, ” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If oil prices remain below $100 per barrel we can expect to see additional drops in pump prices again this week.”
The average gas price in Coffee County according to AAA is $3.88. That is one penny below the state average and 23 cents below the national average of $4.11.
Quick Facts
· 86% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.59 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.19 for regular unleaded
· All metro areas in the state now have a metro average below $4 per gallon
National Gas Prices
The cost of gasoline has continued to slide due to falling oil prices. The global oil market has seen lower prices since the U.S. and its allies agreed to significant releases of oil reserves. Also weighing down oil prices is the fear of resurgent COVID-19 infections in China and its potential for an economic slowdown in one of the world’s largest oil-consuming nations. Domestically, the national average for a gallon of gas has fallen to $4.11.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 2 million bbl to 236.8 million bbl last week. Gasoline demand increased slightly from 8.5 million b/d to 8.56 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 pump prices. Pump prices will likely face downward pressure if oil prices remain below $100 per barrel.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.11, which is seven cents less than a week ago, 22 cents less than a month ago, and $1.25 more than a year ago.
The most expensive gas in the nation remains out west in California, where a gallon will cost you $5.76 on average.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $2.23 to settle at $98.26.
Overall crude prices declined last week following EIA’s weekly report, which showed U.S. crude oil inventories rose by 2.4 million bbl to reach 412.4 million bbl. For this week, crude prices could decline further if the EIA’s next report shows another increase in total domestic supply. Additionally, market watchers will be keeping a close eye on China’s COVID lockdown of Shanghai and the impact it may have on crude oil demand.
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 AAA.com/mobile (https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=vgPU0L08DtdYS96St647-2FWiju92RD0qJ52u24YCNHC8-3DWKW0_7Q9RAhmRMOAGK9TAwZe-2FcD8ApDKFdGlBoBa5sPSfoEcEA7eLjIo8rZa74yK-2Ba-2Bd6sp08FGsWGItGBek34SZIkE2vkAFcBOwGi3SfnSRzFUgZhkCvy9trz-2BQ5IKmf5-2FNGxEMFfKYXBnMVjXwYp9tp1KwRSzAk8xQURVvJML1OZNQsOywEai-2FPdEn0cTZMMGfgBEvQGXLUkuxKQ0uE0Pn3-2Bj2U60qSAz2-2BYPkS-2F7sX6YL4VZL9qsiVafyMuJHVt-2F9mgdeD2TJRuUDppq0omrq6CSGHHPSfMWYNal2pxpwF-2FjMlJ31KOnVqnziZwgK2sZlLz15HemWUAVm89tPfWNNTFJhLc1wGuXnDthYmmgZr2kQ-3D .
Tennessee Regional Prices
· Most expensive metro markets – Knoxville ($3.99), Morristown ($3.99), Memphis ($3.93)
· Least expensive metro markets – Clarksville ($3.81), Kingsport ($3.82), Chattanooga ($3.83)
Coffee County School board to meet Monday
Coffee County Schools Board of Education has a meeting set for 4:30 p.m Monday at the Board of Education building on McArthur St. Everyone is welcome to attend this public meeting. Agenda below:
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.)
- Minutes from March 14, 2022 Board Meeting
- 1st Reading of Policies: 6.306, 6.206, 1.102
- Overnight Field Trip / CHS Girls Basketball / June 12 –June 14
- Overnight Field Trip / DECA / April 22 – April 27
- Use of Facilities /Top Gun / Kenneth Buchanan /Tues. & Thurs Waive Fee EC
- Use of Facilities / Top Gun / Ben Shemwell / April-May
- Use of Facilities/ Taylor – Cope /April 6,11,13,18,20,25,27 May 2,4,9,11,
IV. Agenda Items - Bonnaroo Agreement
- Calendar Change FY 2022-2023
- Calendar Change FY 2023-2024
- Surplus School Bus
- Surplus Clinical Furniture
- Bid CDW G Samsung TV
- Bid CDW G View Sonic Panel
- Bid CCCHS Softball / Baseball Bleachers
- Compensation Committee
1) Supervisor Salary Schedule Adjustment
2) Technology Support Specialist Work Calendar
3) Soccer Field Maintenance Stipend
4) Elementary Assistant Principals’ Work Calendar and Stipend Adjustment
5) Align Finance Specialists to Pay Line
6) Administrative Assistant to the Supervisor of Transportation from Clerical to Bookkeeper
7) Central Office Receptionist Pay Line
8) Adjustment of Attendance Secretaries’ Work Calendar - General School Budget FY 2022-2023
- School Nutrition Budget FY 2022-2023
- Budget Update
V. Items for Discussion
VI. Committee Reports
VII. Student Ambassador Report
VIII. Director’s Report - ESSER Update
Ongoing drug investigation results in two dozen arrests in Grundy County
An ongoing drug investigation by special agents with the Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of other law enforcement partner agencies, has resulted in the arrest of 24 people in Grundy County on various drug-related charges.
Beginning in early 2021, TBI agents conducted a series of undercover drug purchases in Grundy County, resulting in the acquisition of various types of narcotics including methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pills. On March 14th, the Grundy County Grand Jury heard the case, and returned indictments charging multiple individuals on various drug-related charges, including the possession for resale and the distribution of illegal narcotics.
Over the past two weeks, TBI drug agents, joined by Grundy County Sheriff’s deputies and agents with the 12th Judicial District Drug Task Force and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, began locating and arresting those named in the indictment.
The individuals who have been arrested and booked into the Grundy County Jail at this stage of the investigation include:
Jason Miller (DOB 04/05/1973), Tracy City: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Methamphetamine.
*James Saltzman (DOB 02/07/1978), Tracy City: Six counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Methamphetamine.
*Beverly Alford (DOB 10/03/1959), Tracy City: Four counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Hydrocodone.
*Melanie Nelson (DOB 03/11/1967), Tracy City: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Hydrocodone.
*Matthew Baker (DOB 05/03/1979), Tracy City: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Methamphetamine.
*Bobby Church (DOB 11/24/1954), Tracy City: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Oxycodone.
*Jay Douglas (DOB 12/28/1987), Tracy City: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Morphine.
*Jayme Featherstone (DOB 02/10/1980), Monteagle: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Methamphetamine.
*Jerry Fraley (DOB 08/14/1960), Tracy City: Eight counts Manufacture, Delivery, Possession, Sale of Schedule II Controlled Substance, two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession – Methamphetamine.
*David Hughes (DOB 05/25/1972), Tracy City: Four counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession Schedule II Controlled Substance.
*Donald McDaniel (DOB 08/02/1973), Tracy City: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Methamphetamine.
*Sherry Nunley (DOB 05/02/1963), Tracy City: Four counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Alprazolam.
*Michael Posey (DOB 08/03/1999), Altamont: Four counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Methamphetamine.
*Gerald Simer (DOB 09/14/1961), Tracy City: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Methamphetamine.
*Eddie Stiefel (DOB 10/23/1957), Tracy City: Four counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell, Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance.
*Jimmy Harris (DOB 01/16/1964), Tracy City: Four counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession Schedule II – Controlled Substance.
*Christopher Summers (DOB 11/18/1984), Monteagle: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Morphine.
*Nathan Layne (DOB 08/30/1979), Monteagle: One count Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession of a Counterfeit Controlled Substance.
*Houston Seagroves (DOB 03/30/1963), Gruetli Laager: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Oxycodone.
*Vicki Douglas (DOB 03/05/1956), Tracy City: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Morphine.
*Jordan Hornbuckle (DOB 06/20/1996), Gruetli Laager: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sale or Possession of Methamphetamine.
*Teresa Church (DOB 07/18/1954), Tracy City: Two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Oxycodone.
*Carl Dykes (DOB 01/01/1951), Altamont: Four counts Delivery, Sell of Schedule III, two counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule IV Drugs – Xanax.
*Eric Bunn (DOB 09/25/1985), Tracy City: Four counts Manufacture, Delivery, Sell of Schedule II – Oxycodone.
Coffee County Sheriff’s Department need help locating suspected thieves
Coffee County Sheriff’s Department authorities need your help locating two white males who are suspects in a trailer theft from the Busy Corner storage on April 1.
The trailer has since been recovered.
However, authorities are still seeking the individuals allegedly responsible for taking the trailer. From a surveillance photo (see below), the truck is a white, extended cab pickup truck.
Anyone with information should contact investigator Brandon Gullett at 931-728-3591,
Fire destroys Woodbury Highway business early Sunday morning
A fire broke out in the overnight hours early Sunday morning (April 10) on Woodbury Highway that left a business completely destroyed.
A Blast to the Past Store, located at 2116 Woodbury Highway, was engulfed in flames overnight and left completely destroyed despite the best efforts of Manchester Fire and Rescue and volunteer fire departments. The fire was paged out at 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
The store started in March of 2017.
There were no injuries reported. According to store owners: “nothing will be salvageable.”
Cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
Howard only candidate to file for Manchester Mayor; 8 candidates running for alderman
It appears that Manchester Mayor Marilyn Howard will serve a full term as Mayor.
Howard, who was appointed Manchester Mayor in October of 2020 after elected Mayor Lonnie Norman passed away, is up for re-election this August. She is the only candidate who filed paperwork with the election commission to seek the office of Manchester Mayor. The deadline to file was Thursday, April 7th, 2022.
Meanwhile, three Manchester alderman seats will expire in August. Aldermen Bill Nickels, Mark Messick and Roxanne Patton will all see their terms expire in August. Only Messick is seeking re-election.
Eight candidates have filed petitions to run for Manchester alderman – they include Messick, Julie Anderson, David Bradley, Helen Debellis, Joey Hobbs, Claude Morse, Donny Parsley and James Threet. The three candidates receiving the most votes will win seats. Election day is Thursday, August 4, with early voting July 15-30th.
There will be several other races on the ballot for the August general election – including the winners of the upcoming May 3 primary, some who will have opponents waiting. For instance, the winner of Coffee County Sheriff Republican primary (Alethia Smartt Rawn or Chad Partin) will face two Independent challengers in Brandon Tomberlin and Danny Ferrell.
Rush Bricken, incumbent for House of Representatives 47th District, will face challenger Ronnie Holden in a state Republican primary in August.
There will also be a County Mayor race this summer – with Independent candidate Margaret Cunningham waiting on Judd Matheny (republican) to get through the primary, where he is running unopposed. Longtime Coffee County Clerk Teresa McFadden (Independent) will also be facing a challenger this August in republican candidate Melissa Northcott Anderson.
There are other races this summer for Coffee County School Board, road commissioners, Tullahoma aldermen and school board seats – we will list those in a later story.
