Tennesseans are now finding the cheapest prices at the pump since early March. Gas prices across the state fell nearly 16 cents, on average, over last week, continuing an eight week trend of falling pump prices. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.62 which is 81 cents less expensive than one month ago and 73 cents more than one year ago.
The average price in Coffee County is $3.59, which is 3 cents below the state average and 46 cents below the national average of $4.05. Despite prices slightly below the state average here in Coffee County, prices remain much lower in Bedford County at $3.36 and $3.38 in Rutherford County.
“We’re still finding that fewer drivers are filling up, even despite gas prices falling eight weeks in a row,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Lower demand for gasoline coupled with oil prices that continue to trend lower are paving the way for plunging prices at the pump. This week, Tennesseans should expect another week of declining gas prices. However, it’s worth remembering that the fuel market has proven to be extremely volatile this year, and trends can change rather quickly if something reignites concerns about fuel supplies.”
Quick Facts
- 72% of Tennessee gas stations have prices above $3.75
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.25 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.03 for regular unleaded
- Tennessee is the 6th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
Despite steadily falling gas prices during the peak of the summer driving season, fewer drivers fueled up last week. It’s another sign that, for now, Americans are changing their driving habits to cope with higher pump prices. Meanwhile, the cost of oil has edged lower on fears of economic slowdowns elsewhere around the globe. Because of these factors, the national average for a gallon of gas fell to $4.05.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand dropped from 9.25 million b/d to 8.54 million b/d last week. The rate is 1.24 million b/d lower than last year and is in line with the need at the end of July 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions were in place and fewer drivers hit the road. Moreover, according to EIA, the total domestic gasoline supply rose slightly by 200,000 bbl to 225.3 million bbl. If gas demand remains low and the supply continues to increase alongside falling oil prices, drivers will likely continue to see pump prices drop.
AAA finds that drivers made significant changes to cope with high pump prices. In a new survey, almost two-thirds of U.S. adults have changed their driving habits or lifestyle since March. Drivers’ top two changes to offset high gas prices are driving less and combining errands.
Today’s national average of $4.05 is 67 cents less than a month ago and 87 cents more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by 47 cents to settle at $89.01. Although crude prices made slight gains on Friday due to a strong U.S. jobs report for July, they saw significant declines throughout the week as a result of continuing market concern that demand will decline if economic growth stalls or reverses course. Prices have not been this low since mid-February 2022—before Russia invaded Ukraine. Additionally, EIA reported that total domestic crude supply increased by 4.5 million bbl to 426.6 million bbl. The sharp inventory increase, during the usually high-demand summer driving season, signals low demand could continue pushing prices lower. For this week, crude prices could continue to decline if demand concerns persist.
Manchester City Schools receives $1.6M grant for after school remedial and enrichment program at Westwood Middle
Manchester City Schools applied for renewal of the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant on April 14, 2022. The Request for Proposal was made by input from an advisory board comprised of students, parents, community leaders, and school personnel.
Each application was read and scored by three reviewers. The peer review team provided each application with a
technical merit score based upon the review criteria and rubric. The technical merit score served as the foundation
for determining which applications to fund and at what level. Applications that received an average score of 69 or
higher were considered for funding. Approximately $10.4 million was available to award for 21st CCLC. The
applications with a score of 69 or more requested approximately $15.6 million in funding. Hence, it was not possible
to award applicants 100% of the requested amount.
Manchester City Schools received a technical merit score of 99.7, and the Tennessee Department of Education made
an award to Manchester City Schools in the amount of $322,448.00 each year beginning in 2022-23. The award
will continue for 5 years.
With this award, Manchester City School’s will offer academic, remedial, and enrichment services for up to 248
students at Westwood Middle School. This afterschool learning opportunity will provide a safe environment for
children who have working parents and can’t be at home afterschool. The program, Afterschool Journey, will
operate each regular day of school from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 3:00 p.m. until
4:00 p.m. on Fridays. Additional time will also include 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday. There
will be no cost for families.
Performance goals set forth by the Tennessee Department of Education and Office of Extended Learning and
Afterschool include improvement in Reading and Language Arts and Math, addressing chronic absenteeism,
increasing family engagement, and help address social and mental health challenges of students and families.
Many great organizations have partnered with Afterschool Journey to provide enriching activities that address the
aforementioned performance goals and some “just plain fun” things to do. Our partners are: University of
Tennessee Agriculture Extension 4-H, Coffee County Central High Future Farmers of America, University of the
South Sewanee, University of Tennessee Space Institute, Hope Petty-Homeschool Theater Enrichment Program,
Old Stone Fort, Coffee County Central High School Dance team, and the Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
Others will be added as the year progresses.
For questions or more information, contact Jimmy St. John, Manchester City Schools Afterschool Journey Program
Director at jstjohn@k12mcs.net or at 931-728-3412 extension 2434.
Heavy use of earbuds could trigger noise-induced hearing loss, health experts warn
BY NADIA RAMLIGAN, TN PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE
Hearing experts warn cranking up music using earbuds can lead to hearing loss.
Dr. James Lewis, associate professor of audiology and speech pathology at the University of Tennessee, said many people listen to music while they are running a lawn mower or exercising in a loud gym. He explained listening to music over loud background noise can set the stage for ear damage.
“That’s pretty hazardous,” Lewis stressed. “Because what you tend to do when you’re in a noisy environment, and you’re trying to listen to your music through headphones, you tend to really increase the volume of your headphones, putting yourself at greater risk.”
One in eight people in the United States 12 years or older has experienced hearing loss in both ears, according to Data from the National Institutes of Health.
He pointed out while many people are aware high-pitched tinging or buzzing is a warning sign of potential hearing loss, it is lesser known constant fatigue can also foreshadow a hearing problem.
“Especially if you know during the day you’re in these environments where you really have to focus on listening,” Lewis noted. “When you have hearing loss, that can cause you to exert greater effort in trying to understand what’s going on. And that can have this kind of tiring effect as you go throughout the day.”
Claire Johnson, manager of clinical services for UnitedHealthcare and an audiologist, said there are reminders to ensure you are not causing damage.
“One good recommendation or quick, easy rule that we recommend at UnitedHealthcare hearing is a 60/60 rule,” Johnson outlined. “Limiting music to 60 minutes at a time at 60% of the player’s maximum volume.”
The Centers for Disease Control said the use of hearing aids is on the rise among people age 45-64, as well as among those 65 and over.
Kentucky flood victim collection Monday in Manchester
Manchester residents have teamed up to begin a collection of items for victims of recent floods in Eastern Kentucky.
A trailer will be dropped off Monday, Aug. 8 in the Southern Family Market parking lot to be filled. The items will be driven to the Sycamore Volunteer Fire Department for distribution.
Items needed include:
Water
Tooth paste
Tooth Brush
Deoderant
Feminine products
Diapers
Baby Formula
Soap
Shampoo
Razors
Towels
Shaving Cream
Pet Food
Cleaning supplies (trash bags, gloves, brooms, brushes)
No clothing is being accepted at this time.
In addition to collection items, anyone wishing to make monetary donations to cover fuel expenses of the trip can be made at 1873 Hillsboro Blvd. in Manchester (Imhoff Landscape). Additional funds over fuel costs will be used for gift cards for more supplies.
Southern Family Markets parking lot is located at 2050 Hillsboro Blvd. next to Al White Ford Lincoln.
Flood waters ravaged the eastern part of Kentucky in late July, leaving at least 37 people dead.
Federal ID requirements change in 9 months
Beginning May 3, 2023, all persons must have a REAL ID license to access certain federal facilities, military bases and board commercial flights within the United States.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) began issuing REAL IDs on July 1, 2019 and has issued 2,259,820 REAL ID credentials to date.
Alternate Documents instead of a REAL ID that will be accepted? A passport or other acceptable alternative form of identification found here can be used in place of a REAL ID credential.
What documents are needed to apply for a REAL ID? To apply for a REAL ID, customers will need to bring one proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, a valid Social Security Number,
and two proofs of Tennessee residency. In addition, if there has been a name change, a certified legal document supporting the name change must be presented with the approved documents.
A complete list of accepted documents can be found here. All documents must be originals or certified. Photocopies will not be accepted. We suggest you utilize the convenient option of
uploading your required documents beforehand.
Where can you apply for a REAL ID? The first application for a REAL ID must be made in person at a Driver Services Center or participating County Clerk Partner. Participating locations can be found on www.tnrealid.gov.
What if you don’t need a REAL ID? Those who do not wish to obtain a REAL ID will receive a standard credential indicated by “Not for REAL ID Act Purposes” on the front of the credential.
Your current or common credential will continue to be accepted for general identification purposes such as driving, purchasing alcohol or tobacco products, applying for federal benefits,
banking, voting, and accessing hospitals, post offices, and federal courts.
How much does the REAL ID cost? If this is your initial issuance, the standard fee is $28.00. However, if you wish to obtain a REAL ID outside of your renewal period,
there will be a duplicate fee depending on license classification. Click here to find the exact cost of your duplicate license.
Where can I find more information about REAL ID? More information about Tennessee REAL ID can be found at www.tnrealid.gov.
We encourage everyone to come in before the deadline on May 3, 2023, to avoid the potential influx of customers at our Driver Services Centers.
TN secretary of state warns of resurfaced scam targeting business owners
Secretary of State Tre Hargett is warning Tennessee business owners to be aware of a scam that has resurfaced and is once again targeting businesses with a deceptive mailer from a company that goes by TN Certificate of Existence Filing Company.
“Our Division of Business and Charitable Organizations has recently received multiple complaints from business owners regarding this misleading mailer,” said Secretary Hargett. “We have seen scams like this before with the same deceptive language implying that a business must have a Certificate of Existence in our state. That is simply not the case. Business owners don’t need to waste their hard-earned money on a document that may not be necessary or would only cost $20 through our office.”
Businesses across the state have received the misleading mailer titled 2022 Certificate of Existence Request claiming that all Tennessee businesses are required to pay a fee of $175.50 for this third-party company to step in and complete the Certificate of Existence paperwork on businesses’ behalf.
The mailer also makes it appear that the 2022 Certificate of Existence Request is part of the business entity’s registration process: “A Certificate of Existence certifies that your Tennessee business is in existence, is authorized to transact business in the state and complies with all state requirements.”
The mailer and organization are not affiliated with or authorized by the Secretary of State’s Office in any way.
Businesses may wish to obtain a Certificate of Existence in certain circumstances, such as a loan closing or other business transaction. However, they are not required to do so as a matter of course during the business formation process.
A Certificate of Existence can be obtained directly from the Secretary of State’s office for just $20, either by phone, mail or online at tnbear.tn.gov/Ecommerce/CertOfExistenceInstr.aspx.
Secretary Hargett encourages business owners to call the Division of Business and Charitable Organizations by phone at 615-741-2286 or email TNSOS.CERT@tn.gov if they receive a questionable mailer or want to know more about obtaining a Certificate of Existence.
Local VFW post commander honored
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is pleased to announce that Kimberly A. King has achieved All-American status as both a Post and District Commander. To achieve either, Commanders must meet strict requirements in their role to include exceptional leadership; authentic accomplishment in membership growth; and strong support of VFW’s core programs.
King, a Legacy Life Member and Commander of VFW Post 10904 in Manchester, Tennessee, is one of the 270 VFW Post Commanders worldwide to earn the title of All-American Commander. She was the only female VFW Commander to be awarded a dual All-American award for her efforts with both the Manchester Post, and Tennessee’s 5th District, comprised of ten Middle Tennessee Posts. Her hard work played an integral role helping the organization successfully remain focused on its service to veterans.
“Commanders like Kimberly King are a fine example of VFW leadership: and it’s her hard work and dedication to the mission and values of our organization that has rightly earned her this great honor,” said VFW National Membership Director Rick Butler.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation’s largest and oldest major war veterans’ organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionally chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With more than 1.5 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in nearly 6,000 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans service organization is proud to proclaim that “NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS” than the VFW… which is dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs. For more information or to join, visit our website at www.vfw.org.
For more information and to stay current on the latest local VFW news, visit our Facebook page and website at www.vfwpost10904.com
Partin breezes to second term as Coffee County Sheriff
Coffee County Sheriff Chad Partin had many obstacles in his way to a second term in office.
He cleared the final ones on Thursday night.
Partin easily defeated Independent challengers Brandon Tomberlin and Danny Ferrell to win another four-year term as Coffee County Sheriff. It is the second win in the past few months for Partin, who easily outpaced Republican challenger Alethia Rawn in the May primary.
Thursday night totals for Partin were impressive – racking up 5,252 total votes. The next closest challenger was Tomberlin, who serves as Manchester City Police Chief Investigator, who picked up 2,199 votes. Danny Ferrell received 1,183 total votes.
All totals are unofficial until certified by the election commission.
“I’m just overwhelmed by the numbers,” said Partin in an election night interview with Thunder Radio. Click below to listen to the complete election night interview with Partin.
See more election night results from Coffee County by clicking here.
McFadden, Bartlett fend off challengers to retain positions. See full election results here
Teresa Henegar McFadden has been serving as Coffee County Clerk since 1994. After a resounding victory on Thursday, she will get to serve four more years.
McFadden (Independent) faced a Republican challenger in Melissa Northcott Anderson and easily won another term with 5,537 votes to 3,010.
Meanwhile, Coffee County Road Superintendent Benton Bartlett fought off a challenger in the republican primary in May and held strong again on Thursday, defeating democratic challenger Ronnie Dale Watts 6,009 to 2,335. This will be Bartlett’s third term as road superintendent. He was first elected in 2014.
All totals are unofficial until certified by the election commission.
See more election night results from Coffee County by clicking here.
Manchester to have three new aldermen after Thursday election
We knew there would be at least three new Manchester aldermen after the August 4 election. We now know who they are.
There were three seats vacated by the end of a term with only one incumbent seeking re-election. Meanwhile, another seat was vacated with a resignation.
The three open seats will be filled by Joey Hobbs (747 votes), Donny Parsley (727 votes) and incumbent Mark Messick (712 votes). Those new aldermen will serve four year terms.
Meanwhile, the fourth seat will be filled by Julie Anderson (664 votes). She will serve a two-year term, which is the remainder that was left on Chris Elam’s term – he resigned earlier this summer. Other votes totals were as follows:
Helen Debellis 617, James Threet 561, Claude Morse 519 and David Bradley 478.
All totals are unofficial until certified by the election commission.
See more election night results from Coffee County by clicking here.
