In an effort to better inform our listeners and the electorate at large, Thunder Radio WMSR will host a political forum on April 7 – just before early voting begins for the May 3 Coffee County primary.
This continues an election-year tradition for Thunder Radio WMSR that dates back to 2012.
The forum will run from 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7. The public is welcome to attend the event, which will be held at The Church at 117 (117 E. Fort St.) just off the square in downtown Manchester.
For those who are unable to attend, the forum will be broadcast live on Thunder Radio: 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go app, thunder1320.com. There is no charge to attend.
Anyone wishing to submit questions for candidates should do so by April 1 to josh.peterson.wmsr@gmail.com.
The schedule for April 7 is as follows (times are approximate and subject to change).
6:00-6:22 p.m.: Circuit Court Judge Part 2
Eric Burch
Bobby Carter
6:27 – 6:49: General Sessions Judge Part 2
Gerald Ewell
Garth Segroves
6:54 – 7:16: District Attorney General
Craig Northcott
Felicia Walkup
7:21-7:43: Circuit Court Clerk
Jenny Anthony
Josh Morris
7:48-8:05: Road Superintendent
Benton Bartlett
Scott Hansert
8:10-8:32 – Sheriff
Chad Partin
Alethia Rawn
Candidates will be provided up to 2 minutes for opening statements and 2 minutes to answer questions. Closing statement of 1 minute will be given if time allows.
Early voting is April 13-28. Election day May 3.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH: Know the risks for children in digital environment
By Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center
The digital world has become an important part of our lives, with children spending significant time online. Children use technology and devices for a wide range of activities – from playing and connecting with other children to attending classes and learning. Children increasingly use social media, and social media applications, such as TikTok and Instagram, have appeared in news media due to harmful incidents involving young children engaging with strangers or promoting harmful behavior. Risks include cyberbullying, harassment, sexting, online sexual exploitation, and negative impact on body image for children. In the next several weeks, the Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center will provide information about these dangers and ways to prevent negative effects.
“One of the most important aspects of keeping children safe is knowing the facts,” said Joyce Prusak, executive Director of Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center. “Learn about the dangers and have honest conversations with your children. Don’t just focus on the negatives and the risks. Technologies, including social media, games and websites, have positive aspects as well, and it’s important to acknowledge that. Understanding the positive and negative aspects will help you protect your children.” Positive aspects of using technological devices, social media and spending time online include sharing useful content, facilitating knowledge, supporting education and maintaining relationships with family and friends. Studies show that using social media can also enhance life satisfaction and self-esteem.
On the opposite side, spending time online and social media can have harmful impacts. Inappropriate use of social media may negatively affect the physical and psychological health of individuals and lead to social isolation. Teenagers who are very concerned with self-presentation on social media could suffer psychological stress. Additionally, sharing personal information on social media could lead to privacy and security risks.
“Cyberbullying, rumors, explicit images are among the dangers for youth,” Prusak said.
A Pew Research Center survey revealed 59% of teenagers in the United States have experienced at least one of six types of abusive online behaviors. The study found that the most common type of harassment youth encounter online is name-calling, with 42% who have experienced being called offensive names online or via a phone. Thirty-two of teens said someone has spread false rumors about them online. Twenty-one percent of teens have had someone (not their parent) constantly asking them where they are, who they’re with or what they’re doing. Sixteen percent of teens have received physical threats online. In this study, 25% of teens said they have been sent explicit images they didn’t ask for, and 7% said someone has shared explicit images of them without their consent.
How to protect children?
Have conversations with your child about the positive and negative impacts of technology. When you talk with your children, focus on information and language that’s age appropriate. Make your children aware of the dangers and ask them to let you know if they witness or if they are the target of an incident. Find ways to talk with children so they can learn how to protect themselves. You can use a scene in a book or movie to start the conversation. Ask simple questions to find out what your children know and what they think. Some questions you can ask are: What apps do you like? Why do you like these apps? How often do you use them? Who do you communicate with? And, then, listen attentively to your child’s responses. Stay calm and ensure your children they can tell you anything. When you talk to your children about the dangers of apps, focus on the behavior and not on a specific app. All apps can be used for bad purposes and children need to know how to recognize something that would be harmful. Give examples of harmful behavior and be specific. Tell your children that no one should ask them for pictures or personal information, such as where they live and where they go to school. Tell your children that if they notice inappropriate behavior online, they should leave the app and let you know.
Implement tech free times and zones in your household. For example, ask your children not to use devices in the kitchen and while the family is dining. You can also set tech free times – no phones before 11 a.m. and after 6 p.m., for example.
Staying aware of the risks and having conversations about them with your children is one of the most important steps you can take in protecting your children.
For more information about keeping children safe, follow Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center on social media and visit coffeecountycac.org. 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.
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.
TAX TIPS — Deadline to file fast approaching
By Rosalyn Partin, H&R Block
Your 2021 Individual Income Tax Return, is due in 2 weeks. To be timely filed, your tax return must be filed on or before April 18, 2022.
If you aren’t able to get your information together to file your tax return by the due date, you should file for an extension. The extension request must be made by April 18. If you don’t file your return or request an extension by April 18, you may face a failure to file penalty. By filing an extension, you are given until October 17 to file the tax return. However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay. Any tax due that is not paid by April 18 is subject to the failure to pay penalty and interest. So, it is best to complete your tax return as much as possible so you have a good estimate of the tax that may be owed. Then pay that estimated amount when you file your extension.
To get an extension to file you can file Form 4868 electronically or by mail. Another option is to make an electronic payment through Direct Pay on IRS.GOV and select Form 4868 or Extension as the payment type. If you make an electronic payment designated as an extension payment, IRS will automatically count it as an extension and you aren’t required to file Form 4868.
If you still need to file your 2021 Income Tax Return or want help in estimating your tax due and filing an extension, please call your local H&R Block office. In Manchester TN call 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
Legislation protecting women’s college athletics advances in Tennessee committee
A bill aimed at protecting the competitive balance of female intercollegiate sports is advancing through Tennessee House committees. House Bill 2316 prohibits male students from participating in certain intercollegiate or intramural athletic teams or sports that are designated for females. The bill ensures public colleges and universities are not creating opportunities for undue injury to students who participate in intercollegiate activities and sports. The bill ensures biological males are not able to displace biological females in competitive events which could deny female athletes’ victories, opportunities or scholarships. The bill does not apply to sports deemed co-ed.
“The anatomical differences of the greater male muscular strength are undeniable,” State Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge. “Consequently, it is an absurdity to expect sporting competitions involving speed, strength and endurance with males competing against females to be fair. It is (wrong) to take opportunities for scholarships away from young women.”
House Bill 2316 also creates a private cause of action for violations that deprive a student of an athletic opportunity or causes direct or indirect harm to students attending a public school or public charter school. The General Assembly passed legislation in 2021 to ensure that middle and high school students compete in athletic competitions that correspond with their sex at birth. House Bill 2316 establishes certain prohibitions for government entities, accrediting organization, and athletic associations.
Another bill also sponsored by Ragan requires funds to be withheld from a local school district for failure to restrict student athletics participation by sex. House Bill 1895 passed Thursday in the House chamber. For information about House Bill 1895, visit here. For information about House Bill 2316 here.
Manchester American Legion to host Easter Egg Hunt
Manchester’s American Legion Gold Star Post 78 will be hosting an Easter Egg
Hunt at the Coffee County Veterans’ Building, 130 Shelton Road, on Saturday,
April 9 from to 2-5 PM. The egg hunt is open to all children up through 8
years of age; and is cosponsored by the American Legion and Hardee’s.
Some eggs contain candy, while other eggs will have prize tickets in them. A
silent auction will also be held for a boy’s and girl’s bicycle.
Refreshments will be available, and a fun time for all is assured.
This is also a great opportunity for the public to learn more about the
American Legion and the many benefits of membership; and how the Coffee
County veterans’ organizations work seamlessly together for the benefit of
all.
Gas prices slip below $4 in Tennessee
For the first time in three weeks, the Tennessee gas price average fell below $4.00 per gallon. Gas prices, on average, fell five cents over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.97 which is 30 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.28 more than one year ago.
The average price in Coffee County is $3.96, according to AAA, which is a penny below the state average and 22 cents below the national average of $4.18.
“Gas prices across Tennessee are drifting lower thanks to declining crude oil prices. About 75% of gas stations across the state have prices below $4.00 per gallon,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The oil market is seeing stronger downward pressure from the planned release of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an effort to ease global supply concerns.”
Quick Facts
· 75% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.73 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.22 for regular unleaded
National Gas Prices
President Biden’s decision to release one million barrels of oil per day for six months (180 million barrels) from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) helped send the global oil price tumbling to near $100 bbl. The release is intended to stem rising energy prices. The national average for a gallon of gas has fallen to $4.18
The SPR is a collection of underground salt caverns along the Gulf Coast where millions of gallons of crude oil are stored. Created in 1975 and managed by the U.S. Department of Energy, it is said to be the largest supply of emergency crude oil in the world. President Biden’s announcement came as OPEC and its allies announced they would maintain a plan to gradually ramp up production with 400,000 b/d monthly increases. Domestically, dipping gasoline demand is defying seasonal trends for a third straight week, perhaps due to higher pump prices and consumers altering their driving habits.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 800,000 bbl to 238.8 million bbl last week. Gasoline demand decreased from 8.63 million b/d to 8.5 million b/d. The drop in gas demand, alongside growth in total stocks, contributes to price decreases. If demand continues to decline as gasoline stocks continue to build, the national average will likely continue to move lower.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.18, which is six cents less than a week ago, 35 cents more than a month ago, and $1.31 more than a year ago.
Large fundraiser for businesses devastated by March fire is Saturday, April 9. Everyone can help.
Multiple area businesses were destroyed by fire at the Woodland Plaza on Monday morning, March 21.
Businesses that were completely destroyed or incurred significant damage or losses include Most Awesome Cleaning Company, Reese’s Genes Boutique, Greg Green Photography and Toliver’s Warehouse space. Other businesses suffered water and smoke damage.
Area businesses have immediately jumped into action and are offering multiple ways for the Manchester community to help those businesses affected get back onto their feet.
There will be a 5K run/walk at 1 p.m. Saturday April 9 with all sponsorship and registration proceeds going to the affected businesses. The 5K will start and end at the Coffee County Fairgrounds. Registration for runners remains open through April 9. Click here to register.
There will also be a silent auction and a food trucks set up at the registration area for the 5K at the fairgrounds (99 Lakeview Dr.) Anyone wishing to donate to the silent auction should contact Katy Bess at 931-952-8256.
Also on Saturday, April 9, a long (and growing) list of businesses are volunteering to donate a portion of their business proceeds for that day to businesses affected by fire.
So far, businesses that have agreed to participate include:
High Cotton
Sprout Children’s Shop
Southern Diva Boutique
Imhoff Trucking
Imhoff Landscape and Supply Yard
Suds & Bubbles
Sun Studio
Naturally Tranquil Spa
Middle TN Thermography
Higgins Lawn Care
Southern Sass Salon
Artsy Edibles by Kimberly
Jefferson’s
Common John Brewing Company
Nails by R
EZ Appliance Repair
Life Long Chiropractic & Wellness
All proceeds will be given directly to businesses destroyed by fire to help offset their disaster costs and loss of payroll. Remember to shop local and shop these businesses on April 9.
UPDATED: Manchester authorities need help locating missing 16-year old (FOUND SAFE)
UPDATE 1:50 pm Sunday, April 3
This child has been located safely.
UPDATE 12:30 pm Sunday, April 3
Police located the truck in question. It turns out that it is not related to the case.
UPDATED!!!!
Manchester Police Department looking for anyone with knowledge of who may have used a rollback to tow a black Chevy or GMC pickup truck near the 105 exit Friday afternoon. Details in the story below:
UPDATE 11:45 am Sunday, April 3
Manchester Police Department officials are seeking information on anyone who may have towed a black 4×4 Chevrolet or GMC pickup truck between 1-3 p.m. Friday, April 1 from the US Highway 41 overpass at Interstate Exit 105.
Police say that may be the vehicle that Haynes was traveling in. Investigators say a rollback type of two vehicle was used to tow that black pickup on Friday. Anyone working for or knowing anyone working for a tow company who may have towed this truck is encouraged to call Manchester Police Department immediately at 931-728-2099.
Original story
Manchester Police Department Authorities and TBI are asking for the public’s help to locate a missing 16-year old male from Manchester.
According to MPD, Jayden Richard Neal Haynes, age 16, was last seen on March 31 at approximately 5 p.m. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a gray hoodie and no shoes.
Jayden is described as a white male, 5’11” and weighing 130 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. (see photo below)
If you have seen him or have information regarding his whereabouts, please call the Manchester Police Department at 931-728-2099 or 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Coffee County unemployment rate drops to near 3 percent
Unemployment rates dropped in counties across Tennessee in February, according to new data released by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). Each of the state’s 95 counties saw lower unemployment during the second month of 2022.
Ninety-one counties recorded a rate of less than 5% for February, while four counties had unemployment higher than 5%, but less than 10%, during the month.
The unemployment rate in Coffee County fell 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.1. That is down from 3.3 percent in January and down from 4.8 percent in February of 2021.
Moore County had Tennessee’s lowest unemployment rate in February. At 1.8%, its rate dropped 0.4 of a percentage point from the January rate of 2.2%. Williamson County had the state’s second-lowest rate for the month at 2%, down 0.2 of a percentage point.
Cocke County had the highest jobless rate for the month at 6.3%. While the county’s rate was the highest, its February number dropped 0.8 of a percentage point from January’s rate of 7.1%. Lake County had the next highest rate at 5.8%, which was a 0.6 of a percentage point decrease from January’s rate of 6.4%.
When calculating county unemployment rates, seasonal impacts are not factored into the rates, while the statewide unemployment data is adjusted for those occurrences.
Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February was 3.4%, a 0.1 of a percentage point drop from January’s rate of 3.5%. The new figure came in 1.6 percentage points lower than the 2021 rate of 5%.
The United States unemployment rate also dropped slightly in February. The nationwide seasonally adjusted rate inched down by 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.8%. One year ago, the national jobless rate was 6.2%.
Analysis of the February county unemployment numbers for each county, including labor force estimates for areas across the state, can be found here (https://www.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=166478db53c066a7d114ea462&id=4e39f2609e&e=29851e7b63) .
TDLWD has many resources available to help individuals navigate the thousands of open jobs in and around Tennessee, as well as locate opportunities to improve skill sets or learn new, in-demand skills. Job seekers can find those resources in-person at an American Job Center, or online at www.TNWorkReady.com.
