The Manchester Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Manchester downtown merchants to host “Moonlight & Mistletoe” – a downtown shopping event set for December 17th.
This event will feature all of the Manchester downtown boutiques and shops, many of which will remain open later than normal for Christmas shoppers to find gifts for the holiday season.
On the downtown square will be Christmas carolers, a photo backdrop for cell-phone family pics at Southern Diva Boutique, special menu and festive drinks at Harvest Local Foods, Women’s wish list and scratch off ornaments for a discount at Aislinge Boutique. These are just a few of the special events.
Downtown businesses like The Cracked Pot, Soul Revival, Owen’s Provisions and Apparel, Sprout Children Shop, Southern Diva Boutique, Harvest Local Foods, Southern Healing Enterprises, Mercantile and Reese’s Genes Boutique will all be open extended hours (through about 8 p.m.).
Follow the Facebook event page for more details (click here).
Wreaths Across America honoring deceased military in Coffee County
Wreaths across America has placed Remembrance Wreaths on the military graves at Arlington National Cemetery at Christmas for 30 years.
For the fifth year Coffee County has joined more than 3,100 other sites nation-wide participating in this program to honor our deceased military veterans.
On Saturday December 18, 2021 following a ceremony at 11 a.m., wreaths will be placed graves of military veterans that have been identified who are interred at several local cemeteries.
Evergreen (75 military graves), Maplewood (280 military graves) and Oakwood (250 military graves) Cemeteries in Tullahoma will also have ceremonies at 11 a.m.
Marine Corps Junior ROTC Cadets Tullahoma High School will participate in the ceremony and help place wreaths at Oakwood Cemetery in Tullahoma.
The Coffee County Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Honor Guard will participate in the ceremony at 11 a.m. and place wreaths at Hurricane Grove Cemetery (30 military graves) just off I-24 northwest of exit 105 in Coffee County.
The Army Junior ROTC from Warren County High School will participate in the ceremony at Fredonia Cemetery (95 military graves) at 2 p.m.
The Brig Gen. Shofner chapter of the Marine Corps League will run the ceremonies at Shofners Cemetery at 11 a.m. and Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Bedford County at noon.
A ceremony will also be held at the Beech Grove Confederate Cemetery at 11 a.m. where a Revolutionary War veteran and veterans of the Civil War are buried.
Ceremonial wreaths will also be placed at Citizens Cemetery in Tullahoma and at Rose Hill Cemetery in rural Coffee County.
Prior to the ceremonies at cemeteries a ceremony placing eight ceremonial wreaths representing all the military services, the Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and POW/MIAs will be held at the old Coffee County Courthouse on the Square in Manchester at 9:00 a.m.
Families of military veterans buried at any of these cemeteries are invited to make sure the committee has the name and location of the grave of their family member so a wreath can be placed on their grave in case they have not already been identified.
The Coffee County Republican Women have taken this project on as a non-partisan project with 100 percent of all funds collected locally being used to order and place wreaths on veterans graves.
All the money collected for this project goes directly to Wreaths Across America who are shipping the wreaths directly to Coffee County from Maine.
Funds have been raised to place wreaths on all currently identified military graves in the ten local locations this year.
Anyone interested in adding and being the Point of Contact for other local cemeteries in 2022 can contact Cyndi Clower (931) 728-9898 at Clower Automotive at 1406 McArthur St. in Manchester, TN 37355.
Checks for the 2022 Wreaths Across America effort should be made out to WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA TM and dropped off or mailed to Cyndi Clower (931) 728-9898 at Clower Automotive at 1406 McArthur St. in Manchester, TN 37355.
Wreaths across America is a IRS 501c3 non-profit and all donations are tax deductible.
$15 sponsors one wreath – $30 sponsors two wreaths – $75 sponsors five wreaths $150 sponsors 10 wreaths.
Businesses, organizations and individuals can sponsor wreaths and they can do so in memory of a deceased veteran or veterans.
If you would like to volunteer to help place wreaths on December 18th call Claude Morse (931) 247-5151.
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Coffee County TN Wreaths Across America Committee
Spokesperson/Board Member Claude Morse (931) 247-5151
Wreaths Across America Events on December 18, 2021
9 a.m. War Memorials, Old Coffee County Courthouse
Eight Ceremonial Wreaths Only
POC Claude Morse (931) 247-5151
11 a.m. Beech Grove Confederate Cemetery
Eight Ceremonial Wreaths and approximately 61 military graves
Sons of the Confederacy
POC Michael Anderson
11 a.m. Hurricane Grove Cemetery – Rural Coffee County near I-24 exit 105
Eight Ceremonial Wreaths and approximately 30 military graves
Coffee County High School Junior Air Force ROTC
POC Bobbie Morse (931) 247-4545
11 a.m. Evergreen Cemetery – Tullahoma
Eight Ceremonial Wreaths and approximately 75 military graves
POC Tullahoma Alderman Sernobia McGee (931) 247-2082
11 a.m. Maplewood Cemetery – Tullahoma
Eight Ceremonial Wreaths and approximately 280 military graves
Tullahoma Girl Scout Troop
POC Greg Gressel (615) 969-8005
11 a.m. Oakwood Cemetery – Tullahoma
Eight Ceremonial Wreaths and approximately 250 military graves
Tullahoma High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC
POC Claude Morse (931) 247-5151
11 a.m. Shofner Cemetery – Bedford County
Eight Ceremonial Wreaths and approximately 30 military graves
Brig. General Shofner Chapter of the Marine Corps League
POC Fred Kasper (847) 687-2747
Noon – Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church – Bedford County
Eight Ceremonial wreaths
Brig. General Shofner Chapter of the Marine Corps League
2 p.m. Fredonia Cemetery – Rural Coffee County
Eight Ceremonial Wreaths and approximately 100 military graves
McMinnville High School Army Junior ROTC
POC – Cyndi Clower (931) 247-4882
TBD Citizens Cemetery – Tullahoma
Eight Ceremonial Wreaths Only
TBD Rose Hill Cemetery – Highway 55 Coffee County
Eight Ceremonial Wreaths Only
Two arrested for DUI after crash on McMinnville highway
A man and his girlfriend were both arrested on Friday, Dec. 10, after a crash on State Highway 55.
According to a news report by WOWC, a 2006 Buick Rendezvous driven by Bobby Towry, age 68, of Morrison, was traveling east on Highway 55 when he crossed into the Westbound lane and struck a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder that was driven by Liana Rigney, 49, of Manchester. Rigney was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
THP Trooper Wade Myers noticed that Towry appeared intoxicated and belligerent at the scene of the crash. According to the report, Towry refused a sobriety test and refused medical transportation. Towry’s girlfriend, Kizzie Parson, age 62, allegedly arrived on the scene and appeared to be intoxicated. She failed sobriety test and was arrested at the scene for DUI. Towry was arrested and charged with DUI 5th offense, reckless endangerment and failure to maintain lane of travel.
Gas prices drop another 4 cents in Tennessee
Tennessee gas prices declined another four cents since last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.03 which is 12 cents cheaper than one month ago and $1.11 more than one year ago.
“Gas prices tend to fall a bit this time of year due to the shorter days and less robust demand,” said Stephanie Milani, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “And this trend was assisted by the recent steep drop in oil prices due to fears over the omicron variant. But the variant’s impact on pricing appears to be fading, so it remains to be seen if oil prices stabilize or move higher.”
Quick Facts
- 54% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.78 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.35 for regular unleaded
National Gas Prices
Pump prices continue their slow seasonal descent, despite a slight rebound in oil prices due to waning fears of a global slowdown caused by the COVID-19 omicron variant. The national average for a gallon of gas fell two cents on the week to $3.33.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks increased by nearly 4 million bbl to 219,304 million bbl last week. Meanwhile, gasoline demand was relatively flat, creeping upwards from 8.8 million b/d to 8.9 million b/d. The slight increase in demand was countered by crude prices in the low $70s bbl.
Today’s national average of $3.33 is eight cents less than a month ago and $1.17 more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of last week’s formal trading session, WTI increased 73 cents to settle at $71.67. Crude prices increased slightly after EIA’s weekly report showed that total domestic crude inventories decreased by 200,000 bbl to 432.9 million bbl. The current storage level is approximately 14 percent lower than last year’s storage level at this time, which is helping to keep crude prices elevated. Additionally, prices rebounded last week as optimism increased that the omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus will not have as large an impact on global energy demand as initially feared. For this week, continued optimism could help crude prices continue to rise.
Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER: Stay jolly, merry, happy and safe
By Joyce Prusak, Executive Director of Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center
The holidays bring exciting moments and wonderful time spent together with family and friends. As we enjoy these beautiful moments together and create everlasting memories, it’s important to ensure the safety of children. The holidays may bring stress and busy schedules, leading to situations and opportunities for abusers. Rates of child sexual abuse often increase around the holidays, according to Darkness to Light. The following tips will help prevent child sexual and physical abuse.
Limit one-on-one situations
Most child sexual abuse incidents (about 80%) happen when the abuser is alone with the child. Additionally, more than 90% of children experiencing sexual abuse are abused by someone they love and trust. Limiting one-on-one situations can protect children. Eliminate situations that create opportunities for offenders. If you need to leave your child alone with an adult, let that person know you may call to check on them or pick the child up a little earlier than the agreed time. It’s also important to limit alone time with other children – about 30% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by more powerful children, according to Darkness to Light.
Discuss boundaries
During the holidays, you and your child will probably spend a lot of time with family members and friends, who may want to hug and kiss your child. Tell you children it’s their body and no one has the right to touch their body or take pictures without permission. Sometimes family members and friends might want to hug, touch and tickle your children. Tell your children they don’t have to hug anyone if they don’t want to. Talk with your children and let them know that it’s okay to say “no.”
Stay vigilant
Remember, stranger-danger is a myth. Most perpetrators are people the child and the family trusts. Be vigilant. Implement prevention measures, establish boundaries and apply these rules equally. Don’t make exceptions. Sometimes, perpetrators are people who are very respected and likable.
Prevent physical abuse
Sometimes, the holidays may cause anxiety related to meeting too many people or not being able to be with people you usually see for the holidays. Also, financial difficulties may increase stress. For some families, this may result in increased risk of physical abuse. It’s important to stay calm and help others who may be experiencing stress. If you feel overwhelmed, ask for support. Call a friend and share your frustration. If you need support beyond friends, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health counselor or crisis support line. Your mental health and your child’s wellbeing is what matters most and friends and/or professionals will be ready to help you.
If you notice that a friend or a family member is struggling, it’s important to provide support. If you see signs of increased stress or possible abuse in those around you, reach out and tell them you understand how stressful the holidays can be and that you want to help. Concerning signs include short tempers, children that seem jumpy or afraid, or physical signs of abuse, such as bruises.
Report if you suspect
If you suspect a child has been harmed, report by calling 1-877-237-0004. It can be difficult to make that call. Sometimes, it takes bravery, especially when the suspected abuser is a close friend or a family member. But children’s safety and wellbeing comes first. And usually, the way child abuse is stopped is when adults are vigilant and report suspicions of abuse.
For more information about child abuse prevention, follow Coffee County Children’s Advocacy on social media and visit coffeecountycac.org. Happy holidays from the Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center
Manchester residents survive deadly tornado on duck hunting trip in West Tennessee
Thankfully, Coffee County was spared any storm damage from the 22-tornado outbreak that hit Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Kentucky over the past weekend.
But some Coffee County residents had to fight to survive the deadly storms while on a trip.
Brett Harris, a 2010 Central High School graduate, was on a duck hunting trip with friends in Lake County – the far northwestern tip of the state – when a tornado ripped through and devastated the area. Two deaths were reported in the rural Lake County, that has a population of just around 7,500.
In a TV interview with WSMV, Harris said: “It turned and came right for us. We started grabbing mattresses and pillows and couch cushions. We had a mattress on top of us everybody was holding on to it. And it took it like a baseball card. Gone. Ripped it out of our hands.”
Harris said the group took cover in the bathroom and the walls were ripped from around them.
“We kind of went sliding off into the yard and all you can do is grab onto each other and pray.”
The lodge Harris and his friends were staying at was a total loss. Luckily, everyone in his group survived and went about checking on others in the nearby area.
Harris is going to be a guest on the Thunder Radio Morning Show Wednesday, Dec. 15. The Morning Show airs from 6:30-8 a.m. on 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, on the Manchester Go app and at thunder1320.com.
TAX TIPS – Preparing to File Your 2021 Tax Return (Part 2 Self-Employed)
H&R Block Presents – Preparing to File Your 2021 Tax Return (Part 2 Self-Employed)
Taxpayers who have self-employment income (businesses or farms) or rental income can take some steps now to prepare to file their 2021 tax return. Beginning to get your records together now will help you file an accurate return and avoid processing delays that can slow your tax refund. Here are steps you can take now to make sure your tax filing experience goes smoothly in 2022.
Make sure your income journal is complete. Your income journal should be an accounting of the income received by your business throughout the year. Preferably, the journal should be by month. If you are required to file sales tax returns, have a copy of the returns you filed during 2021. If you have a business bank account, have a copy of your bank statements and match your income journal to your deposits to verify accuracy. If you sold any assets you have used in your business you should list them separately from other income and show the description of the asset, date sold and amount.
Have an expense journal that is detailed showing the date, payee, description, and amount for all business expenses. The expenses should be categorized into common types of expenses dependent on your type of business. A monthly or yearly summary of the expense categories is needed when filing your tax return. List assets purchased for your business or farm (such as equipment, vehicles, livestock) separate from other expenses showing the date purchased, description, and cost. If you have employees, have your payroll returns for 2021 available to reconcile the entries on your tax return.
Other items needed for small businesses include: If you use your personal vehicle in your business, make sure your mileage log is complete and detailed. Your log should contain the date, destination, business purpose, and number of miles for each business-related trip. If your business keeps inventory of saleable goods, you must account for your inventory at the end of the year. As soon as possible after December 31, you should determine the value of your remaining inventory using the cost of the product. If you have a qualified home office or home based business, gather your home related expenses such as mortgage interest or rent, utilities, insurance, and repairs.
If you have questions about recordkeeping for your business or documents needed to file your 2021 tax return, please call H&R Block at 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
Hillsboro 1st ever Country Christmas Parade is Dec. 17
The first ever Hillsboro Country Christmas Parade will be held Friday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.
The parade will feature tractors, ATVs and UTVs decorated with Christmas cheer.
The parade route will run along Hillsboro Highway at the Hillsboro Park and end at Hillsboro 41 market. Parking will be available along the side of the road.
REMINDER: Moonlight & Mistletoe shopping event is Friday in downtown Manchester
The Manchester area Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Manchester downtown merchants to host “Moonlight & Mistletoe” – a downtown shopping event set for December 17th.
This event will feature all of the Manchester downtown boutiques and shops, many of which will remain open later than normal for Christmas shoppers to find gifts for the holiday season.
On the downtown square will be Christmas carolers, a photo backdrop for cell-phone family pics at Southern Diva Boutique, special menu and festive drinks at Harvest Local Foods, Women’s wish list and scratch off ornaments for a discount at Aislinge Boutique. These are just a few of the special events.
Downtown businesses like The Cracked Pot, Soul Revival, Owen’s Provisions and Apparel, Sprout Children Shop, Southern Diva Boutique, Harvest Local Foods, Southern Healing Enterprises, Mercantile and Reese’s Genes Boutique will all be open extended hours (through about 8 p.m.).
Follow the Facebook event page for more details (click here).
Tullahoma woman indicted for abusing corpse of newborn
A Tullahoma woman has been indicted on charges of abuse of a corpse in relation to a case that dates back several years.
On Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, Tullahoma Police received a call to Watts N Storage at 1004 Old Estill Springs Rd in Tullahoma regarding unidentified remains found in a storage unit that had recently been auctioned.
It was not readily apparent if the remains were human. Upon sending the remains to the medical examiner’s office, they determined that the remains were that of a human newborn.
According to a release from District Attorney General Craig Northcott, it was learned that the storage unit had been continuously rented by Melissa Sims McCann, 62, of Tullahoma, since March 1994.
Officers with Tullahoma Police Department discovered that she allegedly rented the unit for the sole purpose of storing the remains of her full-term newborn baby, according to a release from Northcott. The release goes on to state that the baby had been “delivered at home a few days prior to the renting of the unit.”
Coffee County grand jury indicted McCann for two counts of Abuse of a Corpse on Friday, Dec. 10.
“If further investigation establishes evidence of other crimes, additional indictments will be sought as appropriate,” Northcott states.
McCann is scheduled to appear in Coffee County Circuit Court for arraignment on Friday, Dec. 17 at 9 a.m.
