New redistricting maps received final approval by both chambers last week. House Bill 1034, House Bill 1035 and House Bill 1037 now head to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature. Every 10 years, new House, Senate and Congressional maps are drawn to reflect population changes based on U.S. Census data. The plan complies with all state and federal requirements in the Voting Rights Act and is reflective of Tennessee’s growth.
For Coffee County, TN House District 47 would now include Coffee County and Grundy County. (see maps below)
Coffee County’s state senate district would include DeKalb, Warren, Grundy, Franklin and Lincoln counties. (see map below)
Key Redistricting Plan highlights:
- U.S. growth was 7.4 percent
- Tennessee’s population grew 8.9 percent, growing from 6,346,105 in 2010 to 6,910,840 in 2020.
- Ideal district size increased from 64,102 to 69,806
- 17 counties grew by more than 10 percent. Middle Tennessee had the highest growth
- 30 counties experienced negative growth compared to only eight in 2010 –Rural West Tennessee, the Upper Cumberland region and Northeast Tennessee had the lowest growth
- This caused a three-seat shift in representation to Middle Tennessee from other parts of the state
- There are 30 split counties – nine in West Tennessee, nine in Middle Tennessee, and 12 in East Tennessee
- Seven districts have paired incumbents and eight are without incumbents.
- This concept maintains the current number of majority/minority districts – 13
- Six districts remain unchanged
Partin officially announces bid for re-election as Coffee County Sheriff
It has been long assumed and common knowledge that Coffee County Sheriff Chad Partin would seek re-election to a second term as sheriff.
Partin officially announced Friday that he plans to do just that. See his full announcement below. Partin will be running as a Republican, pitting him against Alethia Rawn in the upcoming May primary. The winner of that race will face-off with Independent candidates Brandon Tomberlin and Danny Ferrell in the August general election.
Partin’s announcement:
Hello, I am Sheriff Chad Partin. I would like first and foremost to thank you for letting me serve you, the citizens of Coffee County as Sheriff. In 2018 you elected me to my first term as Sheriff. We hit the ground running by putting in place what was promised. The new administration had a plan that was put in motion to achieve the goals that were desperately needed. The first day School Resource Officers were placed in all rural schools. This has been a great program for the safety and security of our children, teachers, and system staff. We are very proud of the work that the SRO’s have done and will continue to do into the future. Training was an area that was heavily focused on by this administration with an emphasis on the jail and court security. Training is now a daily conversation within the department to keep the staff abreast on safety, security, and self-protection. Over the years the Coffee County Jail has grown tremendously. This unfortunate growth also brings on giant financial responsibilities. We have taken a business model approach to stay successful within the budget. Hundreds of thousands of tax dollars have been saved in this term. These savings have allowed the county to invest into other areas of need. We are very excited about the financial position the county has today. During this first term as your Sheriff many goals and projects have been achieved and completed far surpassing my expectations. The Sheriff’s Office strives every day to provide quality protection and services needed in Coffee County. This office will continue our duty of keeping the peace, maintaining, and securing the jails and courts, also diligently serving warrants and civil process.
For 30 years I have been dedicated in serving the citizens. For those who may not know me I have served as a Corrections Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Patrol Supervisor, and Investigator. I have also served at the District Attorney’s Office as a Drug and Violent Crime Investigator. I have also served as Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director for Coffee County. All these duties and experiences built the foundation for me to be elected nearly four years ago. Soon after being elected, I had the honor of being appointed to the State of Tennessee Peace Officer Standards & Training Commission (P.O.S.T.). As a freshman sheriff I was elected to be vice chairman of the board and then elected to chairman where I have served for over a year. This Commission is responsible for developing and enforcing standards and training for all local police officers. P.O.S.T. is the primary regulatory body for Tennessee law enforcement. As sheriff I have served on many other boards and committees that relate to daily duties of the Sheriff’s Office. I am also a member of the State Sheriff’s Association Legislative committee. This committee works hard every year to ensure that good laws are passed, and unnecessary ones fail. I am blessed to have the loving support of my wife Leann and two children, Maggie and Will. I have been absent or away more times than I can remember over the years, but they understand the sacrifice to serve the people. My family and I humbly ask for your support and vote in the upcoming Republican May primary. “Promises Made-Promises Kept” Re-Elect Chad Partin Sheriff of Coffee County.
Anthony announces bid for Circuit Court Clerk
Jenny Anthony has announced her plans to seek office of Coffee County Circuit Court Clerk in the 2022 Coffee County General Election.
Anthony was appointed to the position last spring after the longtime clerk Heather Duncan resigned to take another position.
Anthony will be running on the Republican ticket and will face opposition in the form of Josh Morris in the May 3 Primary. Below is her full announcement:
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Hello, I am Jenny Anthony, Circuit Court Clerk for Coffee County, and I would like to announce my candidacy for this position in the upcoming Republican Primary on May 3. I am a dedicated Christian conservative, wife, and mother. I am a lifelong resident of Coffee County and graduated from Coffee County Central HighSchool. I have been faithfully married to my high school sweetheart Jonathan Anthony for 22 years. Jonathan is a detective with Coffee County Sheriff’s Office. We have two children, Taylor and Justus. I am active in my children’s school activities and have served as a PTO member at Hickerson Elementary. Both children enjoy playing basketball, riding horses, and enjoy the rural life of Coffee County. Our family resides on a small farm near Rutledge Falls, which has been in the Anthony family for approximately 100 years.
My journey began at the Coffee County Circuit Court Clerk’s office in September 2016. I knew upon being hired that I had found my place and became very passionate about my position. I served as a Deputy Clerk in General Sessions Criminal Court. Shortly after one year of being hired, I was promoted to Chief Deputy of General Sessions Criminal Court. During that short amount of time, I learned the basic fundamentals of a Deputy Clerk, preparing court dockets, cost bills, collecting court fines and costs, and building a great working relationship with all involved in the judiciary system, including Judges, District Attorney General’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Bondmen’s, Coffee County Probation, Coffee County Drug Court, as well as private attorneys. Managing General Sessions Court played a significant role in preparing me for my current position as Circuit Court Clerk.
I was humbled and honored to be appointed Circuit Court Clerk by the Coffee County Commission on March 9, 2021. I stepped into this position in a challenging time. The Circuit Court staff have been dedicated to the needs of the courts during the pandemic. Covid -19 changed the way we did business. Coffee County’s Covid response plans set the standard for local courts in the state.
I have a total of 22 years of office experience. I continue to seek this position as a public servant, out of Love for this office and the exceptional, hardworking staff that comes along with it, to serve the County with fair and correct decisions, to always with professionalism, kindness, and humble heart. I would appreciate your support and vote on May 3, in the Republican Primary.
Coffee County unemployment up slightly in December, data shows
An increase in Tennessee’s unadjusted labor force participation had a slight impact on county unemployment rates in December. According to newly released data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, unemployment increased in 87 counties during the month. Five counties saw rates go down, while the numbers remained the same in three counties.
The new county-level data comes after Tennessee recorded its lowest statewide unemployment rate in two years. The December 2021 seasonally adjusted figure of 3.8% was down 0.2 of a percentage point from November and the lowest the state has recorded since January 2020.
Unlike statewide unemployment data, county data is not seasonally adjusted to account for economic influences such as school breaks and severe weather events.
In Coffee County, the unemployment rate for December 2021 was 3.2 percent. That was up 0.3 of a percentage point from 2.9 percent in November, but is down 2.0 percentage points from the rate of 5.2 percent in December 2020.
The state’s unadjusted labor participation increased to 60.6% in December, from 60.2% in November. When people join the labor force, they are typically unemployed, and that can drive unemployment rates up.
While the unadjusted number of employed individuals did increase during the month, which is consistent with seasonal hiring, the number did not grow enough to offset the labor force growth, which caused the county unemployment rates to inch upward.
Williamson County topped the list of counties with the lowest unemployment in December. It recorded a rate of 2.1%, which mirrored its number from the previous month. Moore County had the state’s second-lowest rate at 2.3%, which was up 0.1 of a percentage point compared to November.
Perry County recorded the highest unemployment rate in Tennessee during December. The rate there jumped 2.7 percentage points to 7.9%. Cocke County followed with a rate of 5.4%, up 0.6 of a percentage point from November.
Nationally, unemployment for the month dropped 0.3 of a percentage point to 3.9%.
The Department has compiled a complete analysis of the December 2021 county unemployment data, which can be found here (https://www.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=166478db53c066a7d114ea462&id=498ba0305e&e=29851e7b63) .
Tennessee has many different services that can help unemployed residents find a new job or assist someone looking to skill up for a new career. There are nearly 100 American Job Center locations across the state where job seekers can meet with career specialists and come up with an action plan. They can also find assistance online. The journey to a new job in the Volunteer State starts at www.TNWorkReady.com. The site offers multiple resources in an easy-to-access format.
Coffee County School System CLOSED Friday, Jan. 28
Schools in the Coffee County School System will be CLOSED on Friday, Jan. 28 due to illness.
No ESP will be available. Extra curricular activities can proceed per normal schedule.
Motlow State establishes program to get students business clothing
Making a good first impression and feeling confident are important components of professionalism as students navigate the workforce to their dream careers. Motlow State Community College recently established Bucks Closet, a donation-based and student-designed and operated free career apparel store for Motlow students.
Bucks Closet is a non-profit program that allows students to obtain business casual and business professional attire from a wide selection of donated clothing items.
“First impressions are often the only chance to make a great impression. The first three to six seconds can make an impression that will make or break an opportunity of a lifetime. We intend to create equity among all students and faculty at Motlow for career attainment along with personal and professional development,” said Christine Summers, a Business instructor at Motlow and faculty advisor for the student-run program.
Use of this service is not limited to specific events or qualifications. Currently, attire is limited to two complete outfits per student per year. “Hopefully, these parameters will change as Bucks Closet grows,” said Summers.
The Bucks Closet operations team plans to be fully open in March with the following hours:
- Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The first location is at Motlow’s Smyrna campus. Pop-up shops on the other Motlow campuses will be held once a semester. At Smyrna, students can visit Bucks Closet in the AWJ building, room 113.
Student volunteers operating Bucks Closet can count their time as volunteer hours for their TN Promise scholarships or other service-learning obligation.
“MTSU’s Raiders Closet has generously offered to get us started with some of their clothing items,” said Summers.
For more information contact buckscloset@mscc.edu.
Manchester fire crews respond to Tuesday night structure fire
Manchester Fire-Rescue responded to a structural fire Tuesday night around 6:04 pm.
Crews arrived on scene within minutes and were presented with a fully involved Pole Barn/House fire. The structures were located about 200 yards of off Interstate Dr. in a wooded area. Crews began an initial attack with deck gun and handlines from the first arriving Engine company. That initial Engine was replaced with the 2nd arriving Engine. Then a Mutual Aid tanker from Summitville Volunteer Fire department arrived on scene and reserviced Eng 1 with water until a water supply could be established.
Once the Engine refilled their water tank they deployed about 800 feet of 4 inch large diameter hose into the Engine on scene. Once a water supply was established crews deployed a 2.5” master stream and a 2.5 “ monitor nozzle along with 1 ¾ attack lines to combat the fire. Crews were able to get the fire under control and then started conducting salvage and overhaul operations on the incident.
The facilities involved in the incident were a pole barn and house that had been on the property for some years. Crews did a great job in extinguishing this fire, said MFD chief George Chambers.
“Coffee County EMS and 911 center did a great job along with Summitville Volunteer Fire department and Manchester PD. “
H&R BLOCK STUDENT OF THE WEEK – Madison Pruitt
Join us at Thunder Radio and Rosalyn Partin of the Manchester H&R Block and congratulate our student of the week – Madison Pruitt.
Madison is a sophomore at Coffee County Central High School. She was nominated by her teachers and administrators. Madison is the daughter of Jerry and Kristin Pruitt. She plays for the Lady Raider volleyball and softball teams and spends time with her youth group at First Baptist Church. She is also a member of BETA and HOSA clubs.
She plans to play softball in college and pursue a career in the health 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, Madison!
Black Rifle Coffee Company donates new tactical gear to Coffee County Sheriff’s Department
As part of their commitment to local law enforcement, Black Rifle Coffee Company on Wednesday made a large donation to the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department in the form of new tactical gear for the department’s swat team.
Sheriff Chad Partin said the donation of gear amounts to about $20,000 in value.
“This is one of the largest donations we have ever received (in my 29 years with the department),” explained Partin.
“It isn’t only big towns. Rural America can succumb to evil, as well,” said Partin in his explanation for the necessity of the gear.
Black Rifle Coffee Company purchased tactical vests, breach shields, helmets and ballistic glass face shields for the department. The purchase was made from Redemption Tactical.
“This is thousands of dollars in equipment … to the point we couldn’t have made this in one purchase,” added Partin.
The sheriff’s department visited Black Rifle Coffee Company’s location in the Coffee County Industrial Park on Wednesday to accept the donation and take a tour of the facility.
“We can’t them enough for this donation and for their partnership,” Partin said. “We have men and women who go into extremely dangerous situations an this will be of great benefit to them.”
Partin applauded Sgt. Daniel Ray for helping to spearhead the effort with Black Rifle.
Suspects names released in Cash Express robberies
Three suspects are in custody after an attempted robbery of a Cash Express in Woodbury Tuesday morning (Jan. 25) and a lengthy police pursuit that ended in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
According to police officials, there was an attempted robbery of Cash Express in Woodbury Tuesday morning. Doors were locked and subjects were unable to complete the robbery. Because of this, witnesses were able to contact police and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit ended in Wilson County when spike strips were deployed on Interstate 40 and the vehicle caught fire.
Three suspects fled on foot and carjacked an individual shortly after. Suspects were later apprehended when they fled on foot once they traveled to the end of a dead-end road.
Arrested were Jaquan Brown, 21, Marques Newsom, 21 and Quenterius Anton Lewis, 21, all residents of Nashville.
Manchester Police believe these suspects involved in the attempted robbery and pursuit are the same ones who committed armed robbery at Manchester Cash Express on January 18. Police also believe the suspects are tied to an armed robbery at a Cash Express in White Bluff, Tennessee on January 10.
Manchester Police Department Assistant Chief Adam Floied told Thunder Radio News that the ATF office in Nashville will be handling the investigation.
