The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department and East Coffee Elementary School teamed up for a food drive – donating collected items to the Store House Food Pantry in Manchester.
The East Coffee Safety Patrol was able to deliver and distribute donations that amounted to 762 pounds.
BASKETBALL: Lady Raider Elli Chumley officially signs with Freed-Hardeman University
Just two and a half hours before tipping off her senior season of high school basketball, Coffee County Central Senior Elli Chumley officially signed to extend her career into college.
In front of a library full of friends, family and teammates on Friday, Nov. 19., Chumley signed on the dotted line to play at Freed-Hardeman University – honoring her verbal commitment she made three months ago. Chumley signed at 3:30 p.m. – then took off to a walk through for her season opener set for 6 p.m. Friday against Moore County.
“It is such a blessing and a relief to get this out of the way [before my senior season],” Chumley told Thunder Radio when she committed. “A huge thank you to my parents and just all the coaches I’ve had along the way: coach (Joe Pat) Cope, Matt (Vinson), my dad (Rece Chumley), Amanda (Ruehling), Anita (Gannon) and my AAU coach Jerome Hoosier.
“And I really want to thank the entire Coffee County community. The support here is just amazing and I want to thank everyone here for their support.”
Chumley’s defensive prowess and masterful rebounding make her valuable to whatever team she is playing for. Last season for the Lady Raiders, Chumley averaged 8 points, 3 assists and 9 rebounds per game. She was a 68 percent free throw shooter. She tallied over 200 points and 200 rebounds for Coffee County. She was consistently in the starting lineup the past two seasons and will be again this winter.
Despite a few options, Chumley said she was able to zero in on Freed-Hardeman for a few reasons – the main one being religion.
“It was not an easy decision at first,” explained Chumley. “The main thing was how they are religiously there. That is just what I am more comfortable with and what I’ve grown up with and I think I would be more comfortable there religiously.
“And they really made me feel at home (at Freed-Hardeman),” Chumley added. “And not just the basketball team but everybody i came into contact with: admissions and people I met along the way were just so genuine and so nice it made me feel really welcome.”
Chumley plans to major in Biology. She is the daughter of Rece and Allison Chumley. She has been a 3-sports athlete during her time at Coffee County Central – also playing soccer and track & field.
You can hear more of our interview with Elli Chumley below:
Overturned tractor trailer snarls Manchester traffic Thursday
Traffic through Manchester and on Interstate-24 hit a major snag Thursday morning when a tractor trailer overturned near the eastbound 112 mile marker around 6 a.m.
The overturned truck diverted traffic through town for hours and as of noon Thursday had interstate traffic backed up for about 8 miles, past the 105 exit.
State bill to end anonymous child abuse reporting will harm children, advocacy center says
The story below is an opinion piece written by Joyce Prusak with the Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center.
Imagine this situation: A step-father sexually abuses a 5-year-old girl. The mother has been suffering abuse from him for years, and when she finds out he abuses her daughter, she decides to make a report to the child abuse hotline. Do you think the mother will feel safe providing her name? Will she be scared? Will she be safe during the investigation, or will she be afraid he will retaliate against her, intensifying the abuse?
Imagine this: You are the teacher of a 9-year-old boy who comes to school with bruises and black eyes. You want to report the suspected abuse, but know that the child’s parent has a history of violence. You know you have to report the suspected abuse, but you would rather not give your name out of fear of threats to yourself or family. You decide to give your name because you know the investigator may have more questions, but now you know that your name may be open to discovery under a change in law.
What about the following situation? You find out that your brother sexually abuses his 4-year-old daughter, your niece. Would it be easier to report if you could do it anonymously?
Reporting suspected child abuse is difficult for anyone who has ever had to make that call. It is not a call that is made lightly. Taking away the protection of anonymity would make it more difficult and may cause some to not report at all. We cannot afford, our children cannot afford, more barriers to reporting abuse.
During the last legislative session, Tennessee lawmakers pushed to end anonymous reporting of child abuse and neglect. This proposed bill, sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling, would be harmful to children suffering abuse and would have chilling effects on callers who may be afraid of retaliation if their identity is exposed. Supporters of the bill claim that anonymous reporting allows for potential of false reports of allegations of child abuse. There are already protections against false reports.
When a report of child abuse is submitted, the next step is investigating to find out if there’s sufficient evidence that abuse occurred. The report just triggers an investigation, it doesn’t lead to the arrest of the alleged abuser. Investigators are trained and know how to find out which reports are substantiated. Only when sufficient evidence of child abuse or neglect exists, the next steps of the investigation process take place. Child protective service agencies investigate about 55% of the child sexual abuse incidents reported to them. The rest are “screened out” for lack of adequate information or for other reasons. Of those reports investigated, only a portion meets the criteria for “substantiated,” according to data provided by Darkness to Light. These facts show that even in a case of a false report (which is extremely rare) there would be no detrimental consequences for the adult against whom a false report has been filed – without evidence of committed child abuse, the investigation is terminated.
Even with the possibility to report anonymously, most child abuse is not reported. Eliminating the anonymous reporting option, would lead to even fewer reports. Only about one third of child sexual abuse incidents are identified, and even fewer are reported. Studies show that only 38% of child victims disclose that they have been sexually abused. Of them, 40% tell a close friend, rather than an adult or authority, and these “friend-to-friend” disclosures often don’t result in reports, according to Darkness to Light. These numbers reveal that the vast majority of child sexual abuse incidents are never reported to authorities.
Tennessee is a mandated reporter state which means that anyone with suspicions of child abuse must report the suspected abuse. A hotline through the Department of Children’s Services allows individuals to report anonymously. DCS acts on that tip within 48 hours. DCS will work with law enforcement to determine if there is evidence of abuse. Reporting abuse is vital because it is extremely rare that abuse is reported from the child directly to law enforcement, or from the child to DCS.
The individuals who report child abuse are the ones that make a tremendous, positive difference in children’s lives. They are often the ones who help put a stop to the abuse and help children begin their healing.
It is unknown if this bill will reemerge in the next legislative session, but child advocates across the state are paying close attention. The bill was the subject of a summer study session earlier this year, but the future of it remains unknown.
To report child abuse or neglect, call the child abuse hotline at 877-237-0004 or visit the Department of Children’s Services website.
To learn more about child abuse prevention, follow Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center on social media and visit coffeecountycac.org.
Motlow State Offers Free Google IT Professional Certificate Training
Motlow State Community College is a leader in technology and employee professional development. Through a collaborative effort between Academic Affairs and Workforce’s ‘MotlowTrained’ division at Motlow, community members can participate in free Google IT Support Professional Certificate training.
“This online training program provides the skills you need for an introductory-level job in IT support, such as a help desk analyst, with no relevant experience required,” said Motlow’s Cyber Defense Instructor Walter McCord. “The course gives you a micro-credential and a competition badge you can put on your resume.”
Those who complete the training will also receive six credit hours at Motlow. After completion, individuals can take the CompTIA A+ exams, an industry-standard certification for IT. This valuable benefit can help build IT foundations and prepare those who complete the training for high-wage, entry-level positions in the information technology field. Trainees will learn in-demand skills that will have them job-ready in less than six months.
“Any chance we can get to take advantage of free industry credentialed training that will lead to career-sustaining employment is a WIN! The Google IT Support Staff training is one of those opportunities that can not only expand an individual’s content knowledge but will grow their capacity for future training and future career opportunities,” said Joy Rich, assistant vice president of Workforce Development at Motlow.
Users can start instantly and learn on their own schedule.
According to Coursera, the company that conducts the training, within the last 12 months there have been more than 340,500 U.S. job openings in IT with a $50,800 average entry-level salary in IT support.
To sign up, complete this form: https://forms.gle/8xPix9tsQzTEm7oS8. For more information, email workforce@mscc.edu, call 931-393-1760, or visit mscc.edu.
Experts: Lifestyle Changes Can Stem Onset of Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes
By Nadia Ramligan, TN Public News Service
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and state health experts say they are working to educate individuals on ways to reverse pre-diabetes and prevent the onset of diabetes through healthy lifestyle changes, despite challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Dr. Morgan McDonald, deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health, explained in pre-diabetes, a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but have not spiked high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes, and often shows no symptoms.
She added healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity can help stave off the condition.
“We’ve got good evidence that action taken early is helpful in preventing diabetes, both with lifestyle changes and sometimes with medications as well,” McDonald emphasized.
To find out if you’re at risk for pre-diabetes, McDonald recommended taking a one-minute test online at cdc.gov/diabetes/takethetest.
According to state data, more than 710,000 Tennesseans have been diagnosed with diabetes and nearly 10% reported being told they had pre-diabetes. Experts say the numbers are most likely underestimated.
McDonald also pointed out the pandemic has increased risk factors for chronic conditions such as diabetes among Tennessee’s kids.
“Certainly kids have had less access to nutrition in many cases, and have been more sedentary,” McDonald observed. “That has increased weight gain in our pediatric population pretty significantly.”
She noted managing diabetes often requires regular doctor visits and testing, and recommended as COVID cases continue to plateau, now is the time to make preventive-care appointments.
“We really want to use this month to highlight the importance of people across the state to get tested, to get caught up on their screenings, to get caught up on those doctor visits and those immunizations that they’ve missed, and to take the time to exercise and plan meals,” McDonald advised.
Research has found a link between diabetes and increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection. One study found more than 14% of patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 and recovered also were newly diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Multiple Manchester businesses offering deals for Pink Friday Shopping
Multiple Manchester area businesses will be offering special discounts and deals this Friday, Nov. 19, for “Pink Friday.” The event is setup to incentivize locals to shop at Manchester owned shops and boutiques.
Among the great deals you may find are:
Aislinge Boutique on South Spring Street – enter a drawing with every purchase
The Cracked Pot on W. Main St. – 20% off ornaments
Southern Diva Boutique on S. Spring St. – 20% off pink tagged items (new arrivals)
Soul Revival Boutique on W. Main St. – Secret scratch off card with every $50 purchase
Reese’s Genes Boutique at 201 Hillsboro Blvd. – BIG1 1/2 off denim, $15 athletic leggings and 20% off graphic tees.
Businesses are expected to offer more deals and discounts for Black Friday on Nov. 26 and Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27.
Coffee County Commissioner Jim Fielding passes away
Coffee County Commissioner Jim Fielding passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 16. He was 70 years old.
He represented District 11, which included the Boynton Valley area.
His obituary is below:
Mr. James Edward Fielding, Jim as he was fondly known by family and friends, was born on July 30, 1951, in New York to the late Wayne Winston and Charlene Elizabeth Morris Fielding. He retired from JCB as the vice president of sales. Jim enjoyed elk hunting and boating. He was a county commissioner for Coffee County.
In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by one brother, Bill Fielding. He is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Dawn Rushing Fielding; daughters, Shannon Judkins (Jeff), and Sommer Walker (Jason), Kathy Tafelski (Dave), Amy Coughlin (Charles); sons, Mark Hannah (Susan) and Jimmy Hannah; grandchildren, Josie (Charles), Olivia, Carson, Makaiyla, Hunter, Forrest, Rayne, Spencer, Skylar, Carter, and Cooper; great grandchildren, Bentleigh, Amelia, Theo, and Elle; brother, David Fielding (Paula), numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members and a host of friends. Jim was loved by all that knew him.
Jim passed away unexpectedly, on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. A celebration of life will be held in his memory at a later date.
Gas prices will prevent travel this Thanksgiving, survey says
While the economy may be bouncing back, Thanksgiving travel is not. GasBuddy, the leading fuel savings platform providing North American drivers with the most ways to save money on gas, revealed in its 2021 Annual Thanksgiving Travel Survey that 32% of Americans plan to travel for Thanksgiving this year, a decline from 35% last year that compares to some 65% that planned to hit the road for Thanksgiving 2019.
The national average price of gasoline is projected to decline to $3.35 per gallon on Thanksgiving Day, still amongst the highest we’ve seen in over seven years. But there remains a remote chance that should oil suddenly surge, gas prices could quickly follow and potentially beat 2012’s record for most expensive national average ever for the date: $3.44 per gallon.
“Similarly to last year, motorists are contending with a rise in Covid cases ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday when many drive to celebrate with friends and family. Only this year, we’re also just cents away from the highest Thanksgiving gas prices ever recorded,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “With global oil demand surging this year as the pandemic has eased, we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory – some of the highest Thanksgiving gas prices on record. Americans are responding to the prices by slamming the car door shut and staying off the road.”
Seventy-five percent of Americans also say that Covid-19 has had no impact on their holiday plans this year, up substantially from last year’s 46%. Yet, even less are traveling this year than in 2020. Fifty percent of Americans say they are driving less overall this year, and when asked what it would take for them to drive more, an overwhelming 78% said lower gas prices.
Those who are traveling are opting for shorter trips, with most (13%) expecting to spend 1-3 hours in the car. When it comes to making a rest stop, decent gas prices remained of most importance to those selecting, though location and convenience rose above the rest stop’s cleanliness in 2021’s results.
GasBuddy offers these travel tips for those who are traveling for Thanksgiving:
● Use the GasBuddy app to watch for price differences between state lines: Gas prices can vary as much as $20 per tank in some areas of the country between state lines.
● Use a gas discount card like Pay with GasBuddy® to lower your gas bill by as much as 25 cents per gallon. According to this year’s survey, 67% of Americans will be using a gas card or gas loyalty program when they fill up.
Friday is deadline to register for Manchester Christmas Parade
Manchester Christmas Parade – themed “Christmas Through the Ages” – registration closes on Friday, Nov. 19.
The 2021 Christmas parade will be held on its normal day – the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is Saturday, Nov. 27. Parade lineup begins at 5 p.m. with festivities starting at 6:30 p.m. The annual downtown tree lighting will take place at the conclusion of the parade.
Registration for entries is now open and the deadline to register your parade entry is Friday, Nov. 19. Grand Marshal’s for the 2021 parade will be Ray and Jane Marcrom. A photo of the parade route is below.
Click here for a link to the parade entry packet.
