For the first time in several weeks, the Tennessee gas price average saw a weekly decline. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.04 which is 75 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.35 more than one year ago. This is down 8 cents from last week.
Gas prices in Coffee County are at $4.04 on average – which is inline with the state average and 21 cents below the national average of $4.25.
“Tennessee gas prices are slowly beginning to trend downward, mostly due to a decline in crude oil prices,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If oil prices continue to drop this week, pump prices will likely follow suit. However, it’s important to remember that the oil market remains extremely volatile. Any big swings in crude oil pricing, in either direction, will continue to factor into local pump prices.”
Quick Facts
· 53% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.82 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.27 for regular unleaded
National Gas Prices
After hitting a record $4.33 on March 11, the national average for a gallon of gasoline has fallen to $4.25. The primary reason is the lower global price of crude oil, which peaked shortly after Russia launched its war in Ukraine, but is now more than $20 lower and hovering near $105/bbl. Domestically, gasoline demand is defying seasonal trends and has dipped slightly, perhaps in response to higher prices at the pump.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks fell by 3.6 million bbl to 241 million bbl last week. Gasoline demand also decreased slightly from 8.96 million b/d to 8.94 million b/d. The drop in gas demand is contributing to price decreases, but the recent reversal in oil prices is creating downward pressure on pump prices. If the oil price continues to decline, pump prices will likely follow suit. However, should oil prices start to climb again, pump prices will likely follow.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.25, which is seven cents less than a week ago, 72 cents more than a month ago, and $1.37 more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $1.72 to settle at $104.70. After crude prices spiked in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, crude prices changed course in reaction to China announcing new lockdowns alongside rising COVID-19 infection rates last week. However, crude prices could increase further this week as E.U. foreign ministers, who will meet Monday in Brussels, decide whether the 27-nation bloc should join the United States in banning Russian energy imports, including crude oil. Additionally, EIA reported that total domestic crude stocks increased by 4.3 million bbl to 415.9 million bbl last week.
.
TAX TIPS: How to file back tax returns with the IRS
By Rosalyn Partin, H&R Block
Have you failed to file previous years’ tax returns? If so, it’s time for you to get caught up! Not filing a required return is a serious issue with the IRS. If you don’t file, the IRS can file a return for you — with taxes and penalties.
Most taxpayers are required to file a tax return every year. The IRS keeps a record of taxpayers who are required to file but don’t – and the IRS can pursue those returns. That can mean stiff consequences and increasing complications.
If you have back tax returns, the IRS can charge you expensive penalties, hold your refund, and even file a return for you without any credits or deductions in your favor (called a substitute return). Whether you have one or many returns to file, you should start taking steps right away to file an accurate and complete tax return that will get you back in good standing with the IRS.
You may find that you have a refund due from previous years. However, IRS generally won’t issue refunds if your return is over 3 years past the required filing date. So, if you haven’t filed your 2018 tax return and it has a refund, you must file the return on or before April 18, 2022 to receive the refund.
Act now to file all past-due returns.
- If you don’t have all your documents for the year, start by requesting your wage and income transcripts from the IRS. These transcripts will help you identify the Forms W-2 and 1099 that you will need to prepare your return.
- Gather information about self-employment, investments, and any other income that isn’t on file with the IRS.
- If you have several past-due returns to file, the IRS normally requires that you file returns for the current year and past six years. But your specific facts and IRS rules will determine how far back you should file.
- Complete your tax returns accurately. It’s best to double check your return against your IRS transcripts to make sure that you included all your income as it was reported to the IRS, and that you included all your withholding/estimated tax payments.
- Send your return to the right IRS location.
- Make sure you get proof that you filed in case the IRS doesn’t process your return or you experience related compliance activity (like IRS collection notices, a lien, a levy, or an unfiled return investigation).
Your H&R Block tax professional can help you track down all the information you’ll need to file a past-due return, resolve any related compliance issues, and communicate with the IRS.
If you have questions about past due returns you need to file or want to schedule an appointment, please call H&R Block in Manchester TN at 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
Grundy County men charged with second degree murder in fentanyl drug cases
Travis King 
Bobby Northcutt
The Grundy County Grand Jury has returned indictments on two men for
second degree murder.
Travis Heath King (43) and Bobby Jack Northcutt (60) from Tracy City have been
charged in two separate cases.
Investigators believe King distributed drugs containing fentanyl that
resulted in the death of a Gruetli-Laager man in June 2021. Investigators also believe that Northcutt
distributed drugs containing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a Monteagle man in January 2021.
“These cases are very tough and time tasking. Investigators from our agency with assistance from the
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation were able to plug in all the pieces that resulted in these charges,” said Grundy County Sheriff Clint Shrum.
King is being held on $100,000 bond. Northcutt is being held on $50,000 bond and has been transferred
to another facility. Both men have an initial appearance date for March 25th
Names of the victims will not be released.
.
Transparency in sentencing for victims act passes TN House Chamber
The Tennessee House of Representatives on Thursday unanimously passed the Transparency in Sentencing for Victims Act.
House Bill 2657 is designed to better inform crime victims and their families about how much time an offender will serve at the time of sentencing.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, partnered with State Rep. Michael G. Curcio, R-Dickson, the co-prime sponsor of the bill. House Bill 2657 would require all Tennessee courts to place on the record, either orally or in writing, the estimated number of years and months to be served before a criminal is eligible for parole.
Improving transparency in sentencing aims to ensure victims and their communities will know precisely when an offender will be released from prison and improve overall public safety. The Senate companion version of the bill is expected to be considered in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 22. Information about House Bill 2657 can be found here.
.
Detention @ The Elementary to host Play with a Purpose fundraiser for Children’s Advocacy Center
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.
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.
.
The first ever Thundie Sports Awards to be held May 21
The Dream for Weave Foundation and Thunder Radio will be hosting the first ever “Thundie Sports Awards” for the Coffee County community on Saturday, May 21.
The inaugural sports awards will honor the best athletes, coaches and teams of Coffee County Central High School, Westwood Middle School and Coffee Middle School. Doors for the red carpet event will open at 5:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church Gymnasium (1006 Hillsboro Blvd). Middle Tennessee State University head softball coach and the pioneer of the CHS Lady Raider softball program, Jeff Breeden, will deliver the keynote address.
Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with awards to follow. Event tickets are now on sale for $50 ($400 per table). To purchase tickets, contact Josh Peterson at 931-409-2215 or josh.peterson.wmsr@gmail.com or Holly Peterson at 931-409-2173.
“This is the type of event that Holly, myself and the foundation board envisioned when the Dream for Weave Foundation launched back in late 2020, it has just taken us some time to get there,” said Josh Peterson, vice president of Thunder Radio and treasurer of the Dream for Weave Foundation.
“We put a great emphasis on local sports coverage at Thunder Radio with our broadcasts, our daily sports coverage, photos, Thunder The Magazine and our weekly coaches show,” added Peterson. “As everyone saw last spring when the Lady Raider softball team made a deep run in the state tournament and just recently when the Red Raider basketball team reached the state tournament – athletics are very important to our community. This event is perfect to recognize and honor them, and to raise funds for a foundation that gives back to them directly.”
The Thundie Sports Awards are driven by Al White Ford Lincoln — the presenting sponsor.
Sponsor Peoples Bank & Trust is providing meals and t-shirts for winning athletes, and Unity Medical Center is providing dessert and admission for award-winning athletes. All athletes who are set to be honored will be contacted and invited to the event free of charge thanks to these generous sponsors. Families, friends and fans can purchase tickets to the event to join in on the fun by contacting Josh Peterson at 931-409-2215 or josh.peterson.wmsr@gmail.com, or Holly Peterson at 931-409-2173. Awards will be decided based on decisions of the awards committee.
In addition to awards, the Weave Foundation annual scholarships will be presented at the Thundies. In its first year of operation, the Dream for Weave Foundation presented $3,500 in scholarship funding to athletes departing CHS. The foundation has also purchased and provided athletic gear and apparel for athletes in need.
“There are multiple people who are putting in so much of their time to make this event possible for our athletes and if not for them and our great sponsors, it simply would not be possible,” said Rob Clutter, president of the Dream for Weave Foundation.
Any businesses that would like to contribute – the event is still accepting “scholarship sponsors” for $250. This includes 4 event tickets and inclusion on in-event materials and promotions. The Dream for Weave Foundation is a 501c3 organization and all contributions are tax deductible.
All funds raised from the event tickets and sponsorships will be re-invested into athletes in need and scholarship funding.
“We will be honoring the best athletes from our schools and as many sports as possible – from football to fishing,” explained Peterson. “We want everyone dressed in their best and ready to have a good time.”
Dream for Weave Foundation
The foundation was formed in October of 2020, just 3 months after the sudden passing of Thunder Radio sports director Dennis Weaver after complications from a routine operation.
Beloved by all, Weave as the play-by-play voice for Coffee County athletics and one of the key contributors to the rise of the CHS softball program in the 90s. He was a graduate of Central High School.
His love for sports and the athletes who played them led to the formation of the foundation, which aims to ensure all children who want to play sports have the means and equipment necessary to play. The foundation also strives to provide scholarship funding to athletes departing CHS and pursuing higher education – whether in the college or technical fields.
About Keynote Speaker Jeff Breeden
Jeff Breeden is currently coaching his 10th season as Head Softball Coach at Middle Tennessee in 2022 and has seen improvement in his team in each of the nine previous years.
MT finished at 26-22 overall in 2021, including an 11-8 mark in Conference USA play, leading the Blue Raiders to their first winning record in league play since 2007.
Breeden is a high school state championship softball coach in Tennessee with over 700 career wins. He is largely credited with helping to build the Coffee County Central Lady Raider softball program, which had 1 win before his arrival. Breeden coached with Weaver for many years and together the two helped to build the softball complex where the Lady Raiders now play. He earned 341 wins as Lady Raider head coach from 1990-2003, and made two state tournament appearances before leaving for Riverdale.
H&R BLOCK STUDENT OF THE WEEK – Jonathan Williams
Join us at Thunder Radio and Rosalyn Partin of the Manchester H&R Block and congratulate our student of the week – Jonathan Williams
Jonathan is a freshman student at Coffee County Raider Academy. He was nominated by his teachers and administrators. Jonathan is the son of Stephanie and Chris Williams.
His favorite subject is sociology. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys drawing. He is a member of BETA Club and Student Government.
He plans to pursue a degree in the medical field.
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, Jonathan.
Slight chance of severe weather for Middle Tennessee Friday
The National Weather Service office in Nashville and the Storm Prediction Center have placed much of Middle Tennessee, including Coffee County, in a slight risk for severe weather threat Friday, March 18, 2022.
According to NWS, the main time frame for severe weather will be from 2-10 p.m. Damaging winds are possible and tornadoes cannot be ruled out along with 1-inch hale.
In case of severe weather, tune into 107.9 FM and 1320 AM for storm warnings and updates.
STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: Historic Raider season comes to an end
MURFREESBORO — The run had to come to an end sometime.
A magical, Cinderella run to the state tournament that will forever cement the 2021-22 Coffee County Central Red Raider Basketball team in the history books came to a close Wednesday in a 66-52 loss to Dobyns-Bennett High School in the quarter-finals of the TSSAA State Basketball Championships.
The score got slightly lopsided in the end, but didn’t reflect the game.
The Raiders led 15-14 after a quarter and took a 25-22 lead into the locker room. At one point the Raiders led by 8 in the first half at 25-17 on a Brady Nugent breakaway layup. But the Indians hit a a 5-0 run to close the half and quickly seized the lead in the third – going in front 28-27 just 45 seconds into the third quarter.
Dobyns-Bennett went on to outscored the Raiders 21-12 in the third and the Raiders were unable to recover as the Indians were solid at the free throw line, hitting 17-of-22 (14-18 in the final two periods).
Coffee County was led in scoring by senior guard Aidan Abellana with 11 points. He was 4-for-8 from the field and 3-for-4 at the stripe and was Thunder Radio’s Stone Fort Mortgage Player of the Game.
THIS GAME WAS BROADCAST LIVE ON THUNDER RADIO. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE AUDIO REPLAY
Dayne Crosslin and Nugent each joined Abellana in double-figures with 10 apiece. Phineas Rollman added 8 points and four offensive rebounds. Connor Shemwell added 7 points, Cooper Reed 4 and Jackson Shemwell 2.
The Raiders knew they would have to deal with a potent Indian offense and it was hard to stop a team with 5 players averaging in double-figures. The Raiders held Jack Browder 5 points under his season average and Malachi Hale, who averages 15 points per game, didn’t hit a single field goal. But Brady Stump more than filled in the void with 27 points. The senior was 5-for-7 from the three-point line.
Season ends
The loss ends a historic season for the Raiders with a 24-10 record.
Coffee County won the postseason district tournament for the first time since 1979, then went on to win the region tournament for the first time since 1977 with a 10-point fourth quarter comeback and a double overtime win over Walker Valley. The Raiders then went on to beat Stewarts Creek in the substate to reach the state tournament for the first time since 1965.
Brady Nugent 
Connor Shemwell 
Connor Shemwell Student Section 
Aidan Abellana 
Brady Nugent 
Andrew Taylor 
Phineas Rollman 
Cooper Reed 
Dayne Crosslin 
Dayne Crosslin 
Jackson Shemwell 
Treyton Williams 
Team timeout
Woman found dead near wreck scene; person of interest sought
Authorities in Bedford County are seeking a man who they believe may have been involved in the death of a woman there.
This person – described by Bedford County Sheriff’s Department as a “black male, slender in build” allegedly walked away from a crash at the area of Sims and Henslee Road intersection at 7:30 p.m Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
According to Bedford County authorities, when troopers arrived at the crash, no one was in the car.
Authorities later found that the car belonged to a woman who was found dead in a nearby home.
Authorities believe the vehicle that belonged to the deceased woman was taken from the home.
Investigators added that the man allegedly knocked on the doors of two homes in the area before disappearing. He was last seen walking toward Sims Rd. from Henslee Rd. Deputies described the man as armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about this incident should call 931-684-3232.
