Candidates who wish to file for the upcoming May 3 primary have must have their petitions turned in by noon Thursday, Feb. 17.
Candidates for the upcoming May 3, 2022 State and Coffee County Primary Elections began picking up petition papers on Dec. 20 at the Coffee County Election Commission.
The deadline to have petitions returned is Thursday, Feb. 17 at noon with a withdrawal deadline of Feb. 24.
Once all petitions are filed, Thunder Radio will publish the names of all qualifying candidates in each race.
Anyone wishing to vote in the May 3 primary must be registered by Monday, April 4. You can register by visiting the Coffee County Election Commission on McArthur St. Early voting will be April 13 through April 28. You can also register to vote from your computer – just click here.
There are multiple races up for grabs this election cycle. Just to name a few: Coffee County Sheriff, Coffee County Mayor, Manchester Mayor, Circuit Court Clerk, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, Coffee County Trustee, Road Superintendent, General Sessions Judge, District Attorney General, along with various county commissioners, city aldermen and school board seats.
Quik Mart donates to Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center
Aiming to support children in Coffee County, Quik Mart Convenience Stores donated more than $6,000 to the Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center this year. Every December, Quik Mart locations hold a fundraising event, known as Cupcakes for Child Advocacy. Customers have a chance to join the battle against child abuse by purchasing cupcake cutouts. The company then matches the funds dollar for dollar. The company operates 40 Quik Mart Convenience Stores, including two stores in Tullahoma and one in Manchester.
East Regional Supervisor Ralph Harwell said that the company is proud to continue to match donations dollar for dollar each year.
“We sell the cupcakes and proceeds go to the local children’s advocacy center of each area,” Harwell said.
This donation will help the Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center provide services for children who have experienced abuse.
“We are so thankful for the support of Quik Mart,” said Executive Director of Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center Joyce Prusak. “The company has donated to the center for several years. Quik Mart donated over $6,700 between Cupcakes for Child Advocacy and the Giving Pump Program donations. These funds are used to provide services to children and their families and to help them recover and deal with the trauma they have experienced. We wouldn’t be able to operate without donations such as this. This donation will help make a positive impact on children served by the center. The Coffee County CAC serves more than 300 children every year.”
This campaign is very special to Chief Marketing Officer of Quik Mart Convenience Stores Sally Edwards Darnell, who “has a heart” for supporting local initiatives, said Harwell.
“We want to give back to our community,” Harwell said, crediting customers for the success of the campaign. “If it weren’t for the customers, the campaign wouldn’t be as successful.”
In December of 2021, Quik Mart Convenience Stores collected more than $35,000. With the company matching the funds, Quik Mart donated more than $70,000 to child advocacy centers serving the communities where the stores are located.
Cupcakes for Child Advocacy began in December 2015 and has seen growing support by local communities, according to the company’s website. Since launching the campaign, with the help of customers, the company has been able to donate more than $350,000 to child advocacy centers serving communities where the stores are located.
Tennessee receiving increased allocations of oral COVID-19 treatments
PRESS RELEASE, TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The Tennessee Department of Health continues to receive increased bi-weekly allocations of oral antivirals to treat mild to moderate COVID-19.
There are currently two oral antiviral medications available for COVID-19 treatment. Paxlovid® by Pfizer and molnupiravir by Merck are available to treat mild to moderate disease in individuals at high risk of progression to severe illness, including hospitalization and death. When these treatments were first authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), allocations to states were limited. However, in recent weeks, allocations have increased, allowing additional pharmacies and other dispensers to submit requests for these oral antiviral treatments.
“This increase in allocations is something we have been anticipating for weeks,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “Our goal has always been to increase access to these treatments by onboarding more pharmacies to maximize access to patients. We have seen a steady increase in allocations to the state and know many pharmacies and providers are eager to offer this treatment to help mitigate COVID-19 disease progression for those at risk of a severe outcome.”
The department recently shared information to pharmacies and other potential dispensers on submitting requests for these oral antivirals through the State REDCap survey. This is in addition to the oral antiviral treatments continuing to be available at participating Walmart locations.
These therapies require a prescription by a licensed provider. Individuals seeking this treatment option should coordinate with their health care provider before contacting a location to receive these therapies.
Coffee County School System names teachers of the year
Coffee County School System on Monday (Feb. 14) presented district level teacher of the year awards.
This year’s recipients were:
In the PreK-4th grade category: Cindy Gilliam at North Coffee Elementary School
In the grades 5-8 category: Kelly Sheppard at Hillsboro Elementary
In the grades 9-12 category: Kandace Perry at Coffee County Central.
CC Schools 9-12 Teacher of the Year Kandace Perry (second from left) 
CC Schools 5-8 Teacher of the Year Kelly Sheppard (second from right) 
CC Schools PreK-4th grade Teacher of the Year Cindy Gilliam (second from left)
Proposed would strengthen unlawful photography law in Tennessee
A proposal to expand the definition and punishment of unlawful photography in Tennessee will soon begin making its way through House committees.
House Bill 2459 clarifies that unlawful photography includes taking photos or recordings of unclothed intimate areas of a person’s body for the purpose of offending, intimidating, embarrassing or harassing them or for personal sexual arousal or gratification.
“The deliberate invasion of privacy can be humiliating for victims,” said bill sponsor State Rep. Iris Rudder, R-Winchester. “Strengthening this law will serve as a deterrent, but will also allow our justice system to fully punish those who intentionally stalk or harass others in this way.”
The bill clarifies that when an offender uses images for sexual gratification they will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, a penalty that carries a possible sentence of 11 months, 29 days in jail and $2,500 fine. The proposal adds a Class B misdemeanor offense when an image is used for offending, intimidating, embarrassing or harassing a person. That crime carries a penalty of six months and a $500 fine.
Rudder introduced the bill after a teenager in Franklin County was secretly recorded by another student while undressed in a bathroom stall at school. The student shared the video on social media, but could not be criminally charged under current statute.
For more about House Bill 2459, visit here.
Gas prices hit 7 year high; prices soar in Tennessee
Gas prices have reached a seven-year high as tensions between Russia and Ukraine make the oil market even tighter. Since last Monday, gas prices across Tennessee have risen 11 cents, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.26 which is 24 cents more expensive than one month ago and 98 cents more than one year ago.
The gas price in Coffee County is actually above the state average – coming in at $3.28 per gallon of regular unleaded. That is up 18 cents from last week’s price of $3.10. Surrounding counties aren’t faring much better, with averages in Bedford, Franklin, Moore and Rutherford counties at $3.29.
The National Average is $3.48, that is up 4 cents from $3.44 the previous week.
“Domestically, the moderating winter weather and optimism over a potential fading of the omicron variant have led to an increase in gas demand,” Stephanie Milani, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Increased demand domestically, coupled with potential sanctions on Russian oil added to the already-tight global supply of crude oil doesn’t give much hope for relief at the pump anytime soon”
Quick Facts
- 46% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.25
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.09 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.53 for regular unleaded
National Gas Prices
The national average price for a gallon of gas rose sharply last week to $3.48, four cents more than a week ago. U.S. oil prices have now increased 22%, so far this year. Seven percent of that increase occurred in the past two weeks. The main culprit behind the recent climb in pump prices remains the high cost of crude oil, which is stubbornly bobbing around $90 per barrel. Moderating winter weather and optimism over a potential fading of the omicron variant have led to an increase in gas demand.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks dropped by 1.6 million bbl to 248.4 million bbl last week. On the other hand, gasoline demand rose from 8.23 million b/d to 9.13 million b/d. A decrease in total stocks and increased demand have contributed to upward pressure on pump prices, but rising crude prices continue to play the dominant role in pushing pump prices higher. Gas prices will likely increase as demand grows and crude oil prices remain above $90 per barrel.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.48, which is 18 cents more than a month ago and 98 cents more than a year ago.
TAX TIPS: What if you owe income tax?
By Rosalyn Partin, H&R Block
Not everyone gets a refund on their tax return. Some taxpayers owe due to not having enough tax paid in throughout the year. This may be by choice or the taxpayer may be surprised or even shocked to learn about the balance due.
Causes of a balance due on your tax return are varied. Some taxpayers just don’t have enough tax withheld from their paycheck throughout the year. Others may have taken distributions from their retirement accounts, have large investment income, or be self-employed. Whatever the reason for the balance due, here are some strategies to make the tax burden a little easier.
Even if your tax return is prepared and filed early, you have until April 18 to pay the tax balance due. By having your tax return prepared early, you can set a game plan to save as much as possible before the tax must be paid. We recommend that you have your tax return prepared as soon as you have gathered all your tax information so you know what the outcome is, and if you have a balance due, you know how much you will need to pay the tax.
If you are financially unable to pay the full amount of tax owed by the due date of the return (April 18 this year), you can make monthly payments through an installment agreement with IRS. While the IRS usually charges a fee to set up an installment agreement, the failure to pay penalty is cut in half. Some installment agreements are simple payment arrangements that you or your tax professional can set up using the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool. Others are more complicated to request and can involve sending IRS proof of your income and assets. In these cases, the IRS can limit your expense to a “reasonable” amount when it is calculating how much you can afford to pay every month. The best type of installment agreement for your situation depends on the amount you owe, how fast you can pay, and your financial circumstances.
Avoid the surprise of finding out too late that you have a balance due. Call now to schedule your appointment at H&R Block. Open Monday through Friday 9am-7pm and Saturday 9am-5pm. As always, we also accept walk-in clients at your convenience.
If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, please call H&R Block in Manchester TN at 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
Bedford County SRO finds two loaded handguns at middle school
On Friday, Bedford County SRO Cam Farrell received a tip of a threat at Community Middle School.
Farrell investigated and located two loaded 9mm handguns in the backpack of a 13-year old student.
That student was taken into custody and has been charged with two counts of carrying a weapon on school property.
“Bedford County Sheriff’s Office would like to commend SRO Farrell for his quick response in resolving this threat,” the department stated. “We also want to thank the ones that came forward with the tip. If you have information regarding the threat, please contact BCSO 931-684-3232.”
General Assembly confirms new TN Supreme Court Justice
Members of the Tennessee General Assembly confirmed the appointment of Sarah K. Campbell to the Tennessee Supreme Court in a joint session in the House Chamber on Thursday.
Sarah K. Campbell most recently served as Tennessee’s Associate Solicitor General and Special Assistant to the Attorney General. In that role, she represented the state before the Tennessee Supreme Court, the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Courts of Appeals. She previously worked for Williams and Connolly LLP in Washington, D.C. While in D.C., she clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.
The vacancy on the Tennessee Supreme Court bench was created when Justice Cornelia Clark died in September. The General Assembly is required to confirm appointments for Supreme Court Justices per an amendment added to the state constitution in 2014. Justices are retained through a “yes” or “no” election every eight years.
Also on Thursday, the General Assembly confirmed the appointment of John W. Campbell to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals for the Western Section. Judge John W. Campbell has served as a criminal court judge for the 30th Judicial District for Shelby County since 2012 where he presided over more than 1,200 criminal cases each year. He fills a vacancy left by the retirement of the late Judge Alan E. Glenn on July 1, 2021.
Most wanted alert issued for suspect in Murfreesboro shooting; reward offered
A TBI Most Wanted Alert has been issued on behalf of the Murfreesboro Police Department for Jamar Adams Marks.
Marks is wanted on numerous charges, including first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, three counts of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Marks was allegedly involved in a deadly shooting at Habibi Hookah Cafe in Murfreesboro Friday night. One person was killed and others injured.
Marks may be traveling in a 2012 Silver Ford Focus with Tennessee Tag 433DD7. He should be considered armed and dangerous. A reward of up to $2,500 is offered for information leading to his arrest. Call 1-800-TBI-FIND with information regarding his whereabouts.
