For anyone wanting to get their hands on at-home COVID-19 tests, they can do so beginning Wednesday.
According to Tennessee Department of Health, every home in the United States can order four at-home COVID-19 tests beginning January 19. There are no direct costs or shipping costs and you will not need to enter a credit card number to get the tests.
Visit covidtests.gov on January 19 to order.
Plan to vote in May primary? Details here on how to register
There have been over 40 candidates pick up petitions for various elected offices across Coffee County in the upcoming 2022 elections.
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.
Coffee County under Winter Storm Watch
Coffee County and all of Middle Tennessee has been placed under a Winter Storm Watch by the National Weather Service.
The watch is for Saturday night into Sunday.
Here are the bullet points for this watch offered by NWS:
* A major winter storm will cause significant impacts from the Midwest down to the Tennessee Valley, then up the east coast. * Significant snow accumulations are expected across all of Middle Tennessee.* Travel will become very difficult, maybe impossible in some areas.* Over the next 24-36 hours, the WATCH (get set!) will be updated to become an ADVISORY or WARNING (here we go!) as final forecast adjustments are made. We are very confident that snow will blanket the area. Exact amounts are not certain, but our latest forecast calls for 3 to 6 inches for most areas. Localized heavy bands of snow could cause some spots to have more than 6 inches. Generally lower amounts are expected down along the Alabama border and in the far northwest near Land Between the Lakes. This snow total forecast will certainly be adjusted and updated, but everyone should get ready for major travel disruptions. A few other notes: some sleet or freezing rain may be in the mix, but we do not expect big problems with ice. The transition from rain to snow will occur after 6 PM Saturday evening, generally north to south through the night. The heaviest snow will fall Sunday morning. At that time, local heavy bands could dump 1-2 inches per hour. The snow is expected to taper off Sunday evening. Temperatures will be cold Sunday night through MLK Day, so travel problems will linger.
Coffee County, Manchester City Schools closed Friday, Jan. 14 due to illness
Due to widespread illness, both Coffee County School System and Manchester City Schools will be CLOSED Friday, January 14.
No extended care available.
Both systems are scheduled to have Monday, Jan. 17, off for Martin Luther King, Jr. day, giving students and staff four consecutive days off.
TBI, Franklin County authorities make drug arrest in Belvidere
Franklin County Sheriff’s Department officials, in conjunction with Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the TBI, executed a search warrant at 489 Benson Ln. in Belvidere that resulted in two arrests and confiscation of multiple weapons and drugs.
Law enforcement discovered approximately 14.2 ounces of what is believed to be methamphetamine, various pills, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Law enforcement also recovered several firearms from the scene.
Arrested were Eric Douglas Maxwell – charged with manufacture, sell of schedule II, possession of schedule I substance, simple possession / casual exchange of schedule IV and simple possession of schedule VI, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful carry or possession of a weapon.
Also arrested was April Danielle Shields, of Huntland – charged with possession of schedule I substance.
TN Hotline Received More than 1,000 Human-Trafficking Tips in 2021
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and state public health officials said it is important to recognize the warning signs and risk factors of exploitation.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are more than 25 types of human trafficking spanning numerous industries, from sex trafficking within escort services to the labor trafficking of farmworkers.
Tobi Adeyeye Amosun, assistant commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Family Health and Wellness, said the economic and social distress caused by the pandemic has exacerbated risks and vulnerability.
“From a statistics standpoint, through mid-December 2021, Tennessee had received 1,185 tips for human-trafficking concerns,” Amosun reported.
She pointed out those numbers are up from 2020. To report a possible case of human trafficking or suspect someone may need help, call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 855-558-6484 or text “BEFREE” to 233722.
Amosun noted increased computer time from online school and staying at home has increased the online exploitation of children.
“Tweens in particular get lured into unsavory situations through multiplayer gaming,” Amosun asserted. “That’s one thing that parents need to be aware of, just constantly checking in with your kids for their social media and internet exposure.”
She added red flags for human trafficking include lack of identifying documents such as a drivers’ license, excessively long or unusual work hours, and signs of fear, paranoia and depression. She emphasized the pandemic-driven recession has put more individuals in dangerous situations.
“They believe that there’s been an increase in forced and coercive labor for some people who can’t afford food and rent,” Amosun stated.
She stressed staffing shortages in law enforcement and social services have decreased the capacity of state agencies to respond, investigate and prosecute these cases. Last month, the Biden administration released an updated National Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.
H&R BLOCK STUDENT OF THE WEEK – Chloe Hensiek
Join us at Thunder Radio and Rosalyn Partin of the Manchester H&R Block and congratulate our student of the week – Chloe Hensiek.
Chloe is a 7th grader at Coffee Middle School. She was nominated by her teachers and administrators. Chloe is the daughter of Shawnda and Tim Hensiek. Her favorite subject is science. During her free time, Chloe enjoys running cross country and track.
She is currently undecided about her plans after school.
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, Chloe!
UPDATE: Surveillance photos available from Melrose Market robbery. Police need your help.
Manchester Police Department authorities are searching for the person or persons responsible for an armed robbery at Melrose Market Monday night, January 10, 2022.
According to a police report filed by Manchester Police Department officer Travis Dickson, just after 7:30 p.m. Monday night an unknown male entered Melrose Market at 1440 Murfreesboro Highway. According to a worker in the store, the man entered the business with a gun, pointing it at her husbands head and demanding all the money in the store.
According to the worker, the suspect then took her personal cell phone and smashed the store phone on the ground. The worker’s husband, who was at the store visiting his wife, told police that the the gun appeared to be a silver colored revolver that he believed was a “38 caliber.” Neither victim was able to provide a very good description of the suspect.
The male victim said after the suspect left he attempted to run outside to make out a vehicle, but the suspect was “already around the corner and into a vehicle which was running and had someone else driving.”
Surveillance video of the suspect and a car are below.
Anyone with information on this robbery is encouraged to contact MPD at 931-728-2099.
Morris announces candidacy for Circuit Court Clerk
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE CANDIDATE
Coffee County resident, Josh Morris, has announced his candidacy for the office of Circuit Court Clerk. He is seeking election in the May 3rd Republican primary.
Josh Morris served over five years as a Deputy Clerk in the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. During his employment in the Clerk’s office, Josh worked with all three courts – Circuit, General Sessions, and Juvenile Courts. He was responsible for preparing court dockets, maintaining court files, collecting fines and court costs, and helping to ensure that new laws and changes in the law were followed.
Josh left his employment with Circuit Court Clerk’s office after being recruited to begin a career in home healthcare. He is currently employed with Caris Healthcare as a healthcare consultant. In this position, Josh works with patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure patient needs are met. He helps to ensure that patients and families have a clear understanding of Hospice care and that coordination of service is maintained.
Early in his professional career, Josh was employed by the Manchester Recreation Center. He served as Wellness Director when the facility first opened. He was later promoted to Assistant Director and was eventually named as Director. As Director, Josh oversaw all budgeting, technology, and program/event decisions.
Josh Morris is graduate of the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 2000. He attended UT on a baseball scholarship where he was the starting shortstop for the baseball team.
In addition to his professional career, Josh has volunteered his time to coach baseball and softball throughout Coffee County. He was an assistant baseball coach at Coffee County Central High School in 2011, the only year in school history that the Red Raider baseball team went to the state playoffs.
Josh grew up in Morrison. He is the son of Ricky and Melinda Morris. Josh is married to Amy Abbott Morris of Tullahoma (parents Tommy and Kathy Abbott of Tullahoma). Together, they have 5 children, Gracie and Lily Morris and Brody, Lily, and Blake Melton. His family attends King’s Cross Church in Tullahoma.
Josh’s statement follows:
“I would be honored to serve the residents of Coffee County as Circuit Court Clerk. I have had an interest in leading this office since my employment began there in 2010.”
“My previous experience in the Clerk’s office gives me an incredible amount of knowledge of the duties of this office. The Court system is a vital part of every community. Knowledge of laws, respect for people, and continuous search for efficiencies are essential parts of a Court Clerk’s job.”
“The Circuit Court Clerk collects all fines, court costs, and litigation taxes for the Court system. My previous experience in this office gives me direct knowledge of the importance of accounting for this money properly. In addition, I am aware of the many agencies and offices that the Circuit Court Clerk corresponds with regularly and the need to communicate with them effectively.”
“My work experience, both current and previous, and my college education have provided me with the qualities needed to lead this public office. I have proven that I am able to assist people in need, make strong management decisions, communicate effectively, and lead an office environment of kindness, professionalism and efficiency.”
“In addition, my success on the baseball field, both as a player and coach, illustrate that I am no stranger to hard work and commitment. I know firsthand that success comes from teamwork, dedication to the job, and a willingness to go beyond the expectation. I will perform the duties of the Circuit Court Clerk with all of these qualities.”
“I would appreciate your vote and support in my candidacy for the office of Circuit Court Clerk.”
More donations sought for new digital sign for Crethan Hansert Memorial Hitting Facility
Organizers have raised a little over half of the funds necessary for a new digital sign that will be located next to Powers Field behind Coffee County Central High School.
The sign will replace the current sign for the Crethan Hansert Memorial Hitting Facility, which rests between the CHS baseball and softball fields. The new sign will be placed behind the press box for the baseball field for maximum visibility.
The facility was erected after the death of Crethan Hansert, who perished in a single-vehicle crash on Halloween of 2003 while a senior right fielder for the baseball team.
Scott Hansert, Crethan’s father, is leading the fundraising charge for the new digital sign, which will cost a little north of $20,000 and feature a 8×4 foot digital display. The display will sit on top of a six foot tall stone-covered base. No school or county funding will be used for the campus upgrade. Those wishing to make a donation can do so at Coffee County Bank or by contacting Josh Peterson at Thunder Radio (931-728-1320).
