For the second time this week, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department teamed up with a local elementary school to make large collections of pet food and blankets for the Coffee County Animal Shelter.
This week, the sheriff’s department teamed up with Deerfield Elementary School and the school’s Safety Patrol.
Tullahoma Police need help identifying individual
Tullahoma Police Department officials are asking for the public’s help to identify an individual.
This person, a black male, was allegedly involved in an incident at a local business back on January 20, 2022. (see photo below).
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact TPD detective Johnny Gore at 931-455-0530 ext. 109 or email jgore@tullahomatn.gov.
Thunder Radio to discontinue text alerts; move all alerts to Manchester Go smartphone app
Thunder Radio WMSR is discontinuing its text message alert service effective Wednesday, Feb. 8, announced company vice president Josh Peterson.
Instead, daily weather messages, school closure and breaking news alerts will continue to be sent via push notification from the station’s smartphone app: “Manchester Go” app.
“The text message service that we have used for over a decade has become outdated and, frankly, obsolete,” explained Peterson. “We have been sending breaking news alerts, school closings, etc. out via text message for over a decade. In the past year we began also sending those messages out as a push notification to smartphones from the Manchester Go app. This new avenue is more effective and efficient for our users and for Thunder Radio. Messages are able to be sent faster and received faster”
Thunder Radio is Manchester’s leading voice for school closings, weather alerts and breaking news. To continue receiving these messages after Feb. 8, simply download the Manchester Go app to your apple or android smartphone (it is free), and allow for push notifications. There is not cost.
Thunder Radio is owned and operated by Coffee County Broadcasting, Inc., which is Manchester’s only locally owned and operated media. Hear them broadcast at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, on the Manchester Go app and at thunder1320.com, where you will also find daily news, sports, obits and community calendar events. They are located in Manchester at 1030 Oakdale St.
Gas prices jump 6 cents in Tennessee over past week
For the fourth consecutive week the Tennessee gas price average has increased. Since last Monday, gas prices across Tennessee have risen six cents, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.10 which is 11 cents more expensive than one month ago and 87 cents more than one year ago.
The average price per gallon in Coffee County is $3.09 per gallon, which is just 1 cent below the state average and 28 cents below the national average of $3.37.
“Tensions along the Ukrainian border have helped push crude oil prices higher almost daily,” said Stephanie Milani, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If oil prices continue to climb toward $90 a barrel, pump prices will likely follow suit.”
Quick Facts
- 28% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.91 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.42 for regular unleaded
National Gas Prices
Uncertainty over Russia’s intentions toward Ukraine is contributing to higher crude oil prices, which are closing in on $90 per barrel. Russia is a member of OPEC+, and any sanctions based on their actions toward Ukraine may cause it to withhold crude oil from the global market. Higher oil prices will lead to higher pump prices for drivers. The national average for a gallon of gas has risen to $3.36, three cents more than a week ago.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic crude stocks increased by 2.4 million bbl to 416.2 million bbl. The current crude stock level is approximately 13 percent lower than in mid-January 2021, contributing to the pressure on domestic crude prices. Continued growth in crude oil prices has helped maintain elevated pump prices. If oil prices continue to climb toward $90 a barrel, pump prices will likely follow suit.
Today’s national average of $3.36 is eight cents more than a month ago and 94 cents more than a year ago.
The most expensive gasoline in the nation remains in California at $4.64 per gallon.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by 21 cents to settle at $86.82. The cost of crude oil rose last week despite EIA reporting that total domestic crude stocks increased by 500,000 bbl to 413.8 million bbl. The current crude stock level is approximately 15 percent lower than in mid-January 2021, contributing to pressure on domestic crude prices. For this week, crude prices could continue to climb if EIA’s next weekly report shows a decrease in total inventory.
Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The app can also map a route, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
Motlow mechatronics program receives reaccreditation
The Mechatronics program at Motlow State Community College recently achieved reaccreditation by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). Motlow has proudly been accredited by the ATMAE since 2015.
“Accreditation proves Motlow’s Mechatronics program meets established standards in providing the best possible learning experience to our students. It indicates that Motlow has a vested interest in ongoing educational improvement,” said Walter McCord, Dean of Career and Technical Programs at Motlow. “It is quality assurance from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) that says Motlow meets a strict and recognized set of service and operational standards.”
Why This Matters
Accreditation sets standards for academic accreditation of Applied Engineering, Engineering Technology, and other Technology-related areas. It requires evaluation against a set of standards to measure program goals and objectives, promotion of academic integrity, and proper methods of assessment. It is an ongoing process to ensure that Motlow not only initially passes a quality review, but also maintains and continues to improve upon those standards.
Motlow is one of only seven Community Colleges in Tennessee to receive accreditation from ATMAE. The ATMAE certified Motlow Mechatronics program provides highly recruited graduates for business and industry. Accreditation presently gives consideration to both qualitative and quantitative criteria as set forth in the ATMAE Accreditation Handbook (2021).
Reasons to Choose Motlow Mechatronics
- Hands-on systematic training in automation technology and mechatronic systems
- Develops critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
- Enhances/refines individual technical skills
- Develops work-ready communication and collaboration skills
- Prepares students to serve as an interface between business and manufacturing operations
- Prepares workers for multiple industries in the global competitive market
- Credits transfer to Mechatronics bachelor’s degree programs at Middle Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and Tennessee State University
Learn More
Visit motlow.com /mechatronics or call 931-393-1501 to learn more about the Mechatronics educational opportunities at Motlow State Community College. Apply to Motlow today at mscc.edu/apply or call 931-393-1520.
Window remains open for candidates to pick up petitions for May 3 primary
Candidates who wish to file for the upcoming May 3 primary have just over two weeks to do so.
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.
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.
TAX TIPS: When to expect your tax refund
By Rosalyn Partin, H&R Block
IRS is currently accepting returns for processing. As in previous years, IRS says most taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of IRS acceptance if the return is electronically filed with direct deposit of the refund.
Due to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS cannot issue refunds containing Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit before mid-February. The IRS expects most EITC/CTC related refunds for returns filed by February 15 to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards by the first week of March, if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return.
Where’s My Refund? on IRS.gov and the IRS2Go mobile app remain the best way to check the status of a refund. Return status is usually available on the IRS website twenty-four hours after you electronically filed your tax return or 4 weeks after you’ve mailed a paper tax return.
Where’s My Refund and the IRS2Go app will be updated with projected deposit dates for most early EITC/CTC refund filers by February 22. So EITC/CTC filers will not see an update to their refund status for several days after Feb. 15.
Refund status is updated once per day, usually at night. There’s no need to check more often.
If you receive a letter from IRS regarding your current tax return, it is very important you respond to the letter quickly so your tax return isn’t held up in processing. If you need help understanding what you need to do, the tax professionals at H&R Block can help you respond to the letter.
While most refunds are received within 21 days of acceptance of the return, you may need money now. With the H&R Block Refund Advance tax refund loan you can borrow against your tax refund with no interest, no loan fees, and no impact to your credit score. You borrow part of your future refund upfront, and the loan is paid back using proceeds from your tax refund.
Call now to schedule your appointment at H&R Block. As always, we also accept walk-in clients at your convenience. Open Monday through Friday 9am-7pm and Saturday 9am-5pm.
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!
Hillsboro cadets collect items for animals
The Hillsboro Elementary Cadets, under the supervision of the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department SRO program, recently took part in a community outreach project to help the Coffee County animal shelter.
The cadets led the school in collecting food and blankets over the past several weeks and delivered the items to the Coffee County Animal Shelter to help care for those animals.
TN Secretary of State warns business owners to beware of scam
Secretary of State Tre Hargett is warning Tennessee business owners about a scam that has recently resurfaced targeting businesses with a deceptive mailer from a company that goes by two names: Tennessee Certificate Service and TN Certificate of Existence Filing Company.
“Our Division of Business and Charitable Organizations and I personally have heard of multiple complaints from business owners across Tennessee about these misleading mailers. We have seen scams like this before, with similar deceptive language that implies that businesses must have a Certificate of Existence to complete its formation or to fully operate in the state,” said Secretary Hargett. “This is not the case. Unfortunately, businesses who order a Certificate of Existence through these scammers may be paying an exorbitant amount for something that is totally unnecessary or would only cost $20 through our office.”
The misleading mailer titled 2022 Certificate of Existence Request has been sent to businesses across the state—purporting that all Tennessee businesses are required to pay a fee of either $83 or $175.50 for this third-party company to step in and complete the Certificate of Existence paperwork on businesses’ behalf. However, 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.The mailer 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. 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.
Multiple Manchester businesses bring home awards at annual Chamber Gala
Multiple area businesses and community leaders earned awards at last Thursday’s 46th annual Awards Gala hosted by the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Among the award winners were:
Tourism Partner Award – Common John Brewing Company
The Other Award – Ryan and Rebecca French
Wayne Bramblett Award winner – David Cleveland
Roger Dotson Board Member of the Year – Brad Goodwin
Ambassador of the Year – Heather Phillips
Spotlight Award – Old Timers Day
Tourism Achievement Award – Barbara Arp, Ryan French
Small Business of the Year – Thunder Radio
Business of the Year – Rogers Group
Industry of the Year – Kirchhoff Automotive
Common John Brewing Company – Tourism Partner Award 
Josh and Holly Peterson – Thunder Radio, Small Business of the Year 
Kirchhoff Automotive – Industry of the Year 
Rogers Group – business of the year 
Heather Phillips – Ambassador of the Year 
Brad Goodwin – Roger Dotson Board Member of the Year 
David Cleveland, Wayne Bramblett Award (received by family) 
Ryan and Rebecca French – the Other Award
Photos provided by Manchester Chamber of Commerce
