Category: News

Coffee County Sheriff deputies and investigators are currently searching for a stolen 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 dually truck dark blue in color. The truck was stolen from the Cedar Point Road area around July 2, 2018. The tag number on the vehicle is J250188.
If you have any information on this theft call Coffee County Sheriff’s Department Investigator James Sherrill at 931-570-4404 or the Coffee County Communication Center at 931-728-9555.

More than 20 young people died as a result of violence in Nashville in 2017, and the issue of youth violence is being addressed by a new community group – Gideon’s Army.
The organization recently held events in the Nashville area to look at ways communities can address the problem before it escalates.
“There are community-based strategies to address the root cause issues of youth violence,” said Rasheedat Fetuga, the group’s president and chief executive, “so that we can come together and collaborate from policy perspectives, policing, and other community-based strategies.”
Creating youth programs and activities to keep children off the streets and from engaging with risky behavior is one strategy. Others have said eliminating the availability of guns, particularly those obtained illegally, is another way.
Memphis has had a Youth Violence Prevention Plan since 2006, which includes strategies to offer educational and employment opportunities for at-risk youths.
Fetuga said her organization’s name, which references a prophet in the Bible, is intentional.
“It just takes a small, committed group of people to make great change,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how big the mountain or the obstacle, if you have a group of people who are deeply committed, who are strategic and wise, you can overcome these obstacles.”
Nashville leaders also are working to address the problem, with the Metro Health Department, Juvenile Justice Center, district attorney’s office, mayor’s office, church leaders, public defenders and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America all getting involved.

The U.S. Secret Service is warning motorists, businesses and police of a disturbing surge in criminals’ stealing credit information at gas pumps.
Fraudsters are installing a tiny device called a skimmer inside the gas pump.
The device copies credit card information when customers pay.
This past weekend, the Secret Service fanned out across the nation – at more than 80 locations in 21 states – hunting for the devices.
The Secret Service has recovered 59 skimmers from 85 locations during the initiative.
Once criminals have the credit card information, they are able to print fraudulent credit cards by the thousands and use those cards to make purchases.
The Secret Service says that millions of dollars every year are being swiped from credit card information obtained at the pump. It says one reason it is so easy is it can be done so quickly.
To reduce the chance of having credit information being stolen, here are some options. Customers can pay with credit cards inside the gas station, rather than at the pump.
Paying with cash may be the most effective way to stop card theft at the pump.

It is that time of year again! Coffee County Schools’ Family Resource Center is gearing up for its Coffee County Student Expo – a student support event to engage students, staff, and community organizations with the goal of combating barriers that hinder student academic success. This event provides Coffee County Schools’ students in need, grades Pre-K-12th, with a backpack, school supplies, hygiene items, and much more.
Taylor Rayfield, Coffee County Schools Coordinator of Family Resource Center said, “Community partnerships and sponsors foster this program, providing necessary items for our students. We are fortunate to live in a community that ensures the needs of our children are met. We are excited and look forward to working with our businesses, industries, and organizations on this event.”
“We need your help Stuffing the Bus! “Powered by Peoples Bank & Trust Company, Coffee County Schools Family Resource Center will be touring around businesses, industries, and organizations in Manchester picking up needed school supply items to stuff the bus.
Those interested in participating will sign up for one specified school supply item to collect.
Items needed:
Packs of #2 Pencils, Colored Pencils, Pens, Crayons, Wide Ruled Loose Paper, Graph Paper, Glue, Scissors, Index Cards, Dividers, Composition Books, Spiral Notebooks, Folders with Prongs, and 3-Ring Notebook Binders.
If your business, industry, or organization would like to participate in the 2nd Annual Stuff the Bus Tour, please contact Taylor Rayfield, rayfieldt@k12coffee. net (931) 222-1066, (931) 409-8556 to sign up.

Eight Tennessee community colleges are among 20 institutions across the U.S. accepted into the 2018 class of the Achieving the Dream Network, strengthening their commitment to college access and the success of all students.
Achieving the Dream is a national reform movement for student success, created in 2004 to help community colleges close academic achievement gaps for low-income and minority students and assist all students achieve their goals of academic success and economic opportunity. Its founders include the Lumina Foundation, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Community College Research Center at Columbia University, and the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin. It has grown into a national network of more than 220 community colleges.
Achieving the Dream’s new Tennessee members includes Motlow St Community College.
Their new membership increases to 12 the number of Tennessee Board of Regents colleges in the program. Jackson State and Roane State community colleges are concluding their third year, and Chattanooga State and Southwest Tennessee community colleges are finishing their second year.
TBR Chancellor Flora W. Tydings encouraged broader participation in ATD as part of the College System of Tennessee’s commitment to student success, closing academic achievement gaps and improving graduation rates.

When Tennessee K-12 public students begin classes next month, the national motto “In God We Trust” will be required to be posted somewhere in their schools.
What’s called the “National Motto Act” passed quietly at the Tennessee General Assembly last April.
The bill says local districts shall require each school to display ‘In God We Trust” in a prominent location such as an entry, cafeteria or common area.
The bill’s sponsor said there is no penalty for not displaying the motto.
The bill’s language says the motto can take the form of a mounted plaque or even student artwork.

MANCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING – BOARD ROOM JULY 9, 2018 – 4:00 P. M.
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER 1.1 Recognition of Visitors 1.2 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
2. APPROVA OF CONSENT ITEMS 2.1 June 11, 2018 Minutes 2.2 Additions/Deletions and Acceptance of Agenda
3. COMMUNICATION TO THE BOARD: MEA Finance Administrators Principals
4. Approval of Consent Agenda Items 4.1 Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between the TN Department of Education and MCS
FY2018-19 – Coordinated School Health 4.2 Agreement to Administer the School Nutrition Program and Local Agriculture Products Compliance Plan SY 2018-19 4.3 Approval of Employee Work Calendars
5. BOARD/DIRECTOR DISCUSSION 5.1 Discussion of Finalization of Summer Law Institute in Gatlinburg for Registrations/Reservations 5.2 Approval of Second and Final Reading on Descriptor Code: 3.400 Student Transportation Management
6. PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
7. Old Business: SRO MOU School Board Meeting Time
8. FUTURE MEETING: The next Board meeting will be scheduled for August 13, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
9. ADJOURNMENT