Final numbers are in for early voting in Coffee County – with 14.3 percent of registered voters having cast their ballots during the 14-day early voting period.
According to Administrator of Elections Andy Farrar, 5,065 total votes were cast during early voting, with 304 voting on the final day of early voting Saturday.
Of these voters, 2,263 were rural county voters, 1,795 were Tullahoma voters and 1,007 were Manchester voters. Statewide, the voter turnout for early voting has been down about 25 % versus the 2018 August election.
If you did not vote early, you may vote at your assigned precinct on Thursday, August 4. Polls will be open on election day until 7 p.m.
Coffee County voters are encouraged to review their sample ballot before they head to the polls. Reviewing your ballot and deciding how you will vote can reduce your time at the polls.
CLICK HERE to see a full sample ballot for the Aug. 4 election.
On election night (Aug. 4), Thunder Radio will broadcast live returns from the Coffee County Election Commission office beginning at 7 p.m. Tune in at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go app and thunder1320.com
Tennessee groceries will be tax free for the entire month of August. Check here for a list of included items
Tennesseans will be able to purchase food and food ingredients without paying sales tax for the entire month of August.
This year’s state budget allocates for the entire month to be exempt from state sales tax at the grocery store. The holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31.
During this period, food and food ingredients may be purchased tax free. Food and food ingredients purchased from a micro market or vending machine remain subject to sales tax.
Food and food ingredients are defined as liquid, concentrated, solid, frozen, dried or dehydrated substances that are sold to be ingested or chewed by humans and are consumed for their taste or nutritional value. Food ingredients do NOT include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, candy, dietary supplements or prepared food.
The most common example of a dealer selling food and food ingredients is a grocery store. Food and food ingredients are those items otherwise taxed at 4% state sales tax plus the applicable local rate.
Local sales tax will still apply.
OTHER SALES TAX HOLIDAYS
Tennessee’s traditional sales tax holiday on clothing, school supplies and computers begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2022
For 2022-2023, the Tennessee General Assembly has approved a sales tax holiday on gun safes and safety devices that begins at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2022 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2023
Manchester, Coffee County Schools return to session Monday
Both the Coffee County and Manchester City School Systems will officially return from summer break on Monday. This means the return of school zones and children walking to school.
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department urges motorists to please use caution, obey school zone lights and speeds, do not drive distracted inside school zones and remember to stop for school buses with an extended stop arm activated.
For Coffee County Schools, Monday will be an abbreviated registration day from 8-10 a.m. There will be no school on Tuesday, and the first full day set for Wednesday, August 3.
There will also be multiple open houses for parents and children to visit the schools, learn their way around and meet teachers and faculty.
COFFEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE – 5-7 p.m. Aug. 1
COFFEE COUNTY RAIDER ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE – 5-7 p.m. Aug. 1
COFFEE MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE – 5-7 p.m. Aug. 2
EAST COFFEE ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – 5-7 p.m. Aug. 1
NORTH COFFEE ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – 5-7 p.m. Aug. 1
HICKERSON ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – 4:30-5:30 p.m. Aug. 1
DEERFIELD ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – 4:30-5:30 p.m. Aug. 1
NEW UNION ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 16
HILLSBORO ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – 4-5:30 p.m. Aug. 1
Meanwhile, for Manchester City Schools, Monday Aug. 1 is also a registration day from 8-9 a.m. for Westwood Elementary, Westwood Middle and College Street Elementary.
COLLEGE STREET ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – Tuesday, Aug. 9
WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY BACK TO SCHOOL BASH – 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 1
WESTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE – 4-6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1
Seasonal unemployment boosts county jobless rate for June
School employees on their yearly summer break were one of the factors that impacted the June 2022 county unemployment rates, according to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). The latest statistics showed, as they typically do in June, jobless numbers increased in each of the state’s 95 counties.
Statewide, unemployment remained unchanged between May and June at 3.3%. The state rate is seasonally adjusted to consider seasonal impacts, like school breaks, while county unemployment data is not adjusted.
In Coffee County, unemployment rate jumped to 4.2 percent in June compared to 3.4 percent in May. But this year’s June rate is 0.8 of a percentage point better than June 2021, when unemployment was at 5 percent.
Across Tennessee, 68 counties had unemployment rates that were less than 5% in June. The remaining 27 counties had rates that came in at 5% or higher but less than 10%.
Williamson County recorded the state’s lowest rate for the month at 2.8%, which was a 0.5 of a percentage point increase. Cheatham and Wilson counties had the next lowest rates at 3.2%, both increased by 0.6 of a percentage point.
Perry County’s rate was Tennessee’s highest in June. At 6.8%, unemployment there increased by 1.3 percentage points during the month. Bledsoe County followed with an increase of 1.6 percentage points to 6.7%.
TDLWD has a complete analysis of the June 2022 county unemployment data, including labor force estimates for many of the state’s cities, which is available here.
There are many paths to employment across the state and TDLWD offers both in-person and online assistance to job seekers. The Department’s www.TNWorkReady.com website puts all of those services in one convenient location. From www.TNVirtualAJC.com, which outlines the programs available, 24/7 on the job seeker’s schedule, to an interactive map that easily identifies where to find the state’s American Job Centers.
‘Catch Me If You Can’ opens at Manchester Arts Center Aug. 5
The Teen Actors Guild brings the high-flying musical comedy Catch Me If You Can to the stage at the Manchester Arts Center beginning August 5. Based on the hit Leonardo DiCaprio – Tom Hanks movie and the incredible true story, it’s all about chasing your dreams… and not getting caught.
Seeking fame and fortune, precocious teenager Frank Abagnale, Jr., played by Caleb Heath, runs away from home with nothing more than boyish charm, a big imagination, and millions of dollars in forged checks, successfully posing as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer – living the high life until his lies catch the attention of FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tucker Johnson).
Director Travis Lawson’s cast includes Carter Jernigan, Zoe Stinson, Loralei Petty, Aubrey Crosslin, Jackson Eaton, Gianna Afflerbaugh, Talia Dillard, Cassie Douglas, Alyssa Freeze, Eliza Griffey, Jeffery Hale, Jonah Hernandez, Elsie Lazalier, Luis Reyes, Giovanni Salazar, Ta’Nasia Thomas, Abby Troyer, Jaxen Waggoner, Kohen West, and Levi Willow.
Catch Me If You Can runs August 5 – 7 and 12 – 14, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and military, and $10 for students, and are available at millenniumrep.org or by calling 931.570.4489. The 2022 Millennium Repertory Company season is sponsored by Capstar Bank of Manchester.
The MAC is located just off the Manchester square at 128 E. Main St.
Friday is final full day of early voting; statewide turnout down 25 percent compared to 2018
Friday is the final full day of early voting that remains for the upcoming Aug. 4 election in Coffee County, with a half day available for voters to head to the polls on Saturday, July 30.
An additional 392 voters went to the polls on Wednesday, July 27, bringing the total of early votes cast to 3,837. Of those, 1,706 are rural county voters, 1,354 are Tullahoma voters and 777 are from Manchester. This makes about 10.84 percent of registered voters who have voted early.
July 18 has been the heaviest day of early voting so far, with 535 total votes cast on that day.
When compared to the general election turnout in 2018, Coffee County has had an 18% drop off in votes cast through early voting to date.
That is par for the course across the state of Tennessee. When compared to 2018 turnout, nearby Warren County is 10 percent lower, Bedford County has seen a 54 percent drop-off, Moore County is down 25 percent and Cannon county is down 21 percent. Statewide, turnout is down 25.4 percent. Nearby Franklin County is one of the few counties with an increase in voter turnout, up nearly 4 percent, and Grundy County is up 23 percent versus 2018.
Those interested in voting early only have two days to do so – full day Friday and half a day on Saturday.
Early voting in Manchester is at the Coffee County Election Commission, located at 1329 McArthur St. Suite 6. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 to noon on Saturday through July 30.
Meanwhile, in Tullahoma early voting is at the CD Stamps Center at 810 South Jackson St. Hours are 9a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday through July 30.
If you do not vote early, you may vote at your assigned precinct on Thursday, August 4. Polls will be open on election day until 7 p.m.
“Coffee County voters need to be aware that the August ballot is longer than we normally see and will take additional time to complete,” said Coffee County Elections Administrator Andy Farrar. “In this election you’ll have the opportunity to choose which candidates will advance to the general election in November, to retain or replace judges and elect Circuit and General Session Court Judges, District Attorney, Public Defender, County Mayor, County Commissioners, Sheriff, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, Trustee, Circuit Court Clerk, Road Superintendent, Road Commissioners, School Board, Constables, Manchester City Mayor, Alderman and School Board, City of Tullahoma Alderman and School Board .”
Coffee County voters are encouraged to review their sample ballot before they head to the polls. Reviewing your ballot and deciding how you will vote can reduce your time at the polls.
“With the longer ballot in this election, I encourage Coffee County voters to make your voice heard during our state’s generous early voting period,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Casting your ballot early and reviewing your ballot before you go can reduce the amount of time it takes to vote.”
CLICK HERE to see a full sample ballot for the Aug. 4 election.
On election night (Aug. 4), Thunder Radio will broadcast live returns from the Coffee County Election Commission office beginning at 7 p.m. Tune in at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go app and thunder1320.com
Tax free weekend for clothing, school supplies begins Friday, July 29
Tennessee’s traditional sales tax holiday on clothing, school supplies and computers begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 29 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2022.
During this time clothing, school supplies and computers may be purchased tax free. Certain restrictions do apply. Items sold online are also eligible. Items must be purchased for personal use and not for business or trade.
CLOTHING
Tax exempt items include general apparel that costs $100 or less per item such as shirts, pants, socks, shoes, dresses, etc.
Non-exempt clothing includes apparel priced more than $100, items sold together such as shoes cannot be split up to stay beneath the $100 maximum. Items such as jewelry, handbags or sports and recreational equipment are not tax exempt.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Tax exempt items are School and art supplies with a purchase price of $100 or less per item, such as binders, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils, and rulers, and art supplies such as glazes, clay, paints, drawing pads, and artist paintbrushes.
Items not exempt are school and arts supplies priced at more than $100. Items normally sold together cannot be split up to stay beneath the $100 maximum.
COMPUTERS
Examples of tax exempt items are: computers for personal use with a purchase price of $1,500 or less. Laptop computers, if priced at $1,500 or less, also qualify as well as tablet computers.
Not exempt items include storage media, like flash drives and compact discs; individually purchased software; printer supplies and household appliances.
3-digit suicide crisis hotline now available
In a crisis, every second counts. To save precious time and quickly connect people in crisis to the resources they need, a new 3-digit national hotline is available.
Those who are in mental or emotional crisis, or calling on behalf of someone who is, can now call 988 and be connected to a certified counseor who can help them. The traditional number, (800) 273-8255, is still available as well.
Veterans in crisis can call the 988 number, press “1” and will be connected immediately to the Veterans Crisis Hotline.
COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION AGENDA
Coffee County Board of Education will hold a work session at 4:30 p.m. Monday, August 1 at the board meeting room, 1343 McArthur St. in Manchester. Everyone is welcome to attend the open, public meeting.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
II. Agenda Items
- Digital Sign CCCHS Baseball / Softball
- Board Member Access to Embargoed Data
- Student Registration Enrollment Form
- Trespass / Disruption Issue
- Directors Evaluation for SY 2021-2022
- Director’s Evaluation Instrument for SY 2022-2023
Lower water levels caused by unauthorized opening of Old Stone Fort dam
Anyone driving over the US Highway 41 bridge near Old Stone Fort State Park and Morton’s Lake Subdivision near Fredonia Rd. over the past few days may have noticed a significant drop in water levels.
Thunder Radio news has learned that an unauthorized opening of a small weir dam at Old Stone Fort State Park has led to the drop in water levels.
Officials with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation told Thunder Radio news that the dam, which is controlled by a chain and pulley system, was opened on Sunday (July 24, 2022) by “non-park personnel.” This unauthorized action emptied the backed up water for approximately a mile upriver.
Some residents in the Morton’s Lake subdivision have complained about smell and dead fish on the banks.
TDEC officials said “park staff have not observed any dead aquatic life, but we cannot confirm if there have been any impacts to fish.”
TDEC went on to say that the dam is opened by park staff every few years to lower the water level and inhibit the spread of invasive plants. Now that the water has been lowered an invasive plants are dying off as a result, park staff have decided to wait and close the dam in several weeks once that process ends.
Officials said they will be installing signage directing the public to not touch controls at the park.
