By Carla Trail, Nurse Practitioner
A yearly skin check can save your life.
I’m not one for over-hyping and sensationalizing, but this really is a necessary step that can simply save your life. Get a skin check at least once a year!
How old should you be? By the time you are 30 or older you definitely need to make an appointment with me to get a yearly skin check. But honestly, it’s never too early to start getting checked. I had a melanoma at our McMinnville clinic on a 21-year old a couple months ago. Just last week I sent off 4 biopsies in a row.
So many times people come in for something else and I’ll do a skin-check anyway, and we catch something. I cannot emphasize enough just how important it is to come in for skin checks and if you see something and you aren’t sure, come see me.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and it’s estimated that 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer – this is a huge percentage and likely means that if not you, then someone you know will be affected.
Now, here is the good news. There are some very common sense steps you can take to help:
First – Wear your sunscreen! I know, you have that vision for that nice tan body. I’m going to paint you a better vision: a cancer-free body, with healthy skin that will look younger as you age. Follow your sunscreen directions for application and re-application. One application for 6 hours at the beach will not work.
Second – Try to stay covered when you are going to be in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Hats, rash guards for the beach, etc.
Third – I’ve said it and I’ll say it again and again – get your yearly skin check. Come see me at Fast Pace Dermatology in Coffee and Warren counties.
We accept pretty much any insurance you can think of. Go ahead and call any of our offices such as McMinnville (931-259-4144) or Tullahoma (931-563-5469) and they can make appointments for you, or you can make one online at fastpacehealth.com
Coffee County authorities need help identifying subjects
Coffee County Sheriff’s Department authorities are asking for the public’s help identifying subjects who are wanted for questioning in regards to stolen property from Black Rifle Coffee.
Black Rifle Coffee is located in the Industrial Park on Volunteer Parkway in Coffee County. The subjects were driving a white box truck (photo below).
If you have any information or can identify these subjects, contact CCSD Investigator Brandon Gullett at 931-728-3591 or email bgullett@coffeecountytn.org
Conference Center announces Manchester Music Series; ticket information available
Manchester-Coffee County Conference Center has announced the launch of a “Visit Manchester Music Series” with the first concert set for Friday, Nov. 12.
The headlining performance will be by national touring artist Tyler Braden. Also performing will be Matt Dillon, Logan Wheat and Stephanie Nash.
Tickets are now on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here. Tickets will also be available at the gate. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Nov. 12.
Tennessee gas prices stabilize after 4 straight weeks on increase
After four straight weeks of increases at the pump, gas prices across Tennessee appear to have stabilized. Gas prices, on average, remain the same this week as they did last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average remains $3.16 which is 26 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.28 more than one year ago.
In Coffee County, average prices is at $3.13, which is 3 cents below the state average and 27 cents below the national average of $3.40.
“Thanks to a dip in domestic demand, Tennessee drivers are starting to see a little relief at the pump,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although still elevated, crude oil prices seem to have leveled off, helping to minimize any additional spikes in pump prices in the short term.”
Quick Facts
- 10% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.97 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.39 for regular unleaded
- Tennessee moved to the 10th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
The national average price for a gallon of gas rose to $3.40, but the two-cent rise over last week is the smallest weekly increase in a month. News that Iranian oil, which has not been sold globally in large quantities since 2018, may return to the world market coupled with an OPEC+ meeting on November 4 via videoconference, is increasing market volatility, but slowing pump price increases, at least for now.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 2 million bbl to 215.7 million bbl last week. Gasoline demand also fell from 9.63 million b/d to 9.32 million b/d. The drop in demand has helped slow price increases, but elevated crude prices continue to put upward market pressure on pump prices, which will likely keep rising as long as oil prices are above $80 per barrel.
Today’s national average of $3.40 is 21 cents more than a month ago and $1.27 more than a year ago, and 79 cents more than in 2019.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by 76 cents to settle at $83.57. Crude prices gained on the day due to market expectations that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and their allies, known as OPEC+, will maintain production cuts during their meeting this week. However, crude prices took a slight step back on the week after EIA reported that total domestic crude supply increased by 4.3 million bbl to 430.8 million bbl. If EIA’s next report shows another inventory increase, crude prices could decline this week.
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.
Melissa Northcott Anderson announces bid for County Clerk
Melissa Northcott Anderson has announced her intention to run for Coffee County Clerk in the 2022 election. Anderson intends to run on the Republican ticket.
Anderson will be challenging longtime incumbent Teresa McFadden for the office.
Below is Anderson’s full statement:
“After much prayerful consideration, I am excited to officially announce my
candidacy as a Republican candidate for Coffee County Clerk. As a lifelong
resident of Coffee County, my parents, Tom and Nancy Northcott, through their
words, and more importantly, through their example, instilled in me the love of
community, the importance of public service, and the value of strong leadership.
Strong leadership must be founded upon the Christian values of treating others
better than yourself, honesty, integrity and the resolve to always do the right thing
no matter how difficult or unpopular. I would like to serve this community that has
given me so much by bringing this leadership to the Coffee County Clerk’s Office.“
“After graduating Tullahoma High School, I obtained my degree in Biology from
MTSU. I then followed in my father’s footsteps by obtaining my dental degree
from the University of Tennessee, College of Dentistry in Memphis. After 2 years
of providing free dental care for Native Americans in Tuba City, Arizona, I
returned to Tullahoma and started and operated a successful dental practice. I
left the practice of dentistry to raise my three (3) children. Now that they are in
college and high school, I have returned to the business world and currently
manage a team of 30 people for an INC 5000 ranked company. Through owning
and operating a small business for many years, I know the value of money and
how to avoid unnecessary expenses through fiscal efficiency. It also taught me
the importance of and need to provide services by focusing on the needs of the
customer. Through that same experience as well as my current role, I have
learned how to manage people.“
“My commitment and desire to repay in part what our community has given to me
motivates me to bring these skills to the position of Coffee County Clerk. I humbly
ask for your support and look forward to the opportunity to serve Coffee County.“
(A previous version of this story stated Anderson was seeking County Court Clerk position. That was incorrect. Thunder Radio apologizes for the error)
TAX TIPS TUESDAY: what about hobby income?
By Rosalyn Partin, Manchester H&R Block
With more time at home, many people have taken up hobbies such as crafting, photography, woodworking, etc. These hobbies may also be a source of income. Taxpayers who make money from a hobby must report that income on their tax return.
What is the difference between a hobby and a business? A business operates to make a profit whereas people engage in hobbies for recreation or sport and do not have a profit motive. Taxpayers should consider nine factors when determining whether their activity is a business or a hobby, and they should base their determination on all the facts and circumstances.
IRS considers these 9 factors when determining if an activity is a hobby or a business:
- Whether the activity is carried out in a businesslike manner and the taxpayer maintains complete and accurate books and records
- Whether the time and effort the taxpayer puts into the activity show they intend to make it profitable
- Whether they depend on income from the activity for their livelihood
- Whether any losses are due to circumstances beyond the taxpayer’s control or are normal for the startup phase of their type of business
- Whether they change methods of operation to improve profitability
- Whether the taxpayer and their advisors have the knowledge needed to carry out the activity as a successful business
- Whether the taxpayer was successful in making a profit in similar activities in the past
- Whether the activity makes a profit in some years and how much profit it makes
- Whether the taxpayers can expect to make a future profit from the appreciation of the assets used in the activity
Hobby income is reported as “Other Income” on the tax return. Expenses cannot be deducted from the income. The hobby income is subject to income tax but not to self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare tax). Alternatively, business income of a sole proprietor is reported on Schedule C of the 1040 return. Business expenses can be deducted from the income before tax is calculated, and business losses can offset other income. Business income is subject to income tax and self-employment tax.
If you have questions about the tax impact of hobby income and would like help from the Tax Professionals at H&R Block, please call 931-728-9462. H&R Block has your back in Manchester!
“My commitment and desire to repay in part what our community has given to me
motivates me to bring these skills to the position of Coffee County Clerk. I humbly
ask for your support and look forward to the opportunity to serve Coffee County.“
Shelbyville man indicted, charged in Shelbyville and Nashville shootings
Ongoing casework by special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has led to 13 felony indictments for a Shelbyville man in connection to two shootings – one of them deadly – earlier this year in Middle Tennessee.
On August 13th, at the request of 17th District Attorney General Robert Carter, TBI special agents began investigating the shooting of a woman in Shelbyville. On August 17th, 20th District Attorney General Glenn Funk requested TBI agents merge the investigation – with the assistance of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department – with one involving the shooting death in Nashville of 22-year-old James William Warner, of Shelbyville. During the investigation, agents developed information leading to 25-year-old Samuel Earl Rich (DOB 8-9-96) as the person responsible for both crimes.
On Wednesday, the Davidson County Grand Jury returned indictments, charging Rich with three counts of First-Degree Murder, one count of Especially Aggravated Robbery, one count of Felon in Possession of a Weapon, and one count of Theft in relation to Warner’s homicide.
On August 15th, authorities arrested and charged Rich in connection to the Shelbyville shooting, and, this week, a Bedford County Grand Jury returned indictments charging him with seven criminal counts related to the case, including Attempted First-Degree Murder.
Authorities transferred Rich from the Bedford County Jail to Davidson County and served him with the additional charges, where, at the time of this release, he remained in custody without bond.
Unemployment in Coffee County falls to pre-pandemic levels
Unemployment rates dropped in a majority of counties across Tennessee in September, according to the latest data released by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).
Eighty-eight of the state’s 95 counties experienced lower unemployment during the month. Rates increased in six counties in September and remained the same in one county.
The unemployment rates in 87 counties stand at less than 5%, while the rates are greater than 5%, but less than 10%, in the remaining eight counties.
In Coffee County, unemployment fell to 3.4 percent, which is down 0.6 of a percentage point from August rate of 4 percent and down from 6.4 percent one year ago. The 3.4 percent rate puts Coffee County at pre-pandemic levels of unemployment.
Williamson and Moore counties had the lowest percentage of unemployed residents for the month, each with a September rate of 2.3%. That was a 0.3 of a percentage point decrease from the August rate for Williamson County and a 0.4 of a percentage point drop for Moore County.
Perry County had the highest unemployment rate for the month at 8.4%, which was a 1.9 percentage point increase from its August rate of 6.5%. Maury County had the state’s second-highest rate in September. Unemployment in the county grew by 1.5 percentage points to 6.1%.
Tennessee’s statewide unemployment rate dropped for the fourth consecutive month in September, decreasing from 4.6% in August to 4.4%.
Unemployment across the country also ticked down in September. Nationally, the jobless rate dropped by 0.4 of a percentage point to 4.8%.
Unlike the statewide and national unemployment rates, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted to factor in seasonal economic influences such as school breaks and severe weather conditions.
TDLWD has produced a complete analysis of the September 2021 county unemployment data and that information can be found here (https://www.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=166478db53c066a7d114ea462&id=b20a253b8d&e=29851e7b63) .
Tennesseans can find the resources they need to help them navigate their return to the workplace at www.TNWorkReady.com. This includes over 550,000 job openings in and near Tennessee, as well as information about available training programs to help individuals skill up for a new career,
REMINDER: Manchester Veterans Day parade is Saturday
The annual Manchester Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony will be held on
Saturday, November 6th, 2021, with the parade commencing at 10 AM. Lineup
for the parade, at Raider Academy on McMinnville Highway, will begin at 9 AM.
Those with a family member who is, or was, in the military are encouraged to
decorate, if possible, and drive their vehicle in the parade in their honor.
Those with military vehicles or equipment may also participate. Participants
can either walk the 1.5 mile route, drive a vehicle, or pull a float.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 parade entries.
There are no vendor fees for merchants and food vendors who would like to
set up a booth or trailer.
The Veterans Day Ceremony will be held immediately following the parade at
11 AM on Manchester Square. U.S. Navy retiree and VFW Post 10904 Surgeon
Fred Kasper will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
There will be food and merchandise vendors. Up & coming Nashville country
performer Chris Turner will headline this year’s live music after the
ceremony. Safe distancing is encouraged, and attendees should wear
appropriate personal protection as they deem necessary.
The public is urged to attend this event as we pay respect to our veterans,
who have sacrificed so much to defend the freedoms we all enjoy.
The parade registration form can be found on the Coffee County Veterans
Association Facebook page and the VFW website, www.vfwpost10904.com
<http://www.vfwpost10904.com> or by calling CCVA President Kimberly King at
(251) 554-8836.
Multiple Halloween events in the area; trick-or-treating is Sunday
Thunder Radio Newsroom has received dozens of calls this week regarding “when door-to-door trick-or-treating” is to be held this year.
The answer is simple: Traditional trick-or-treating is on Halloween, which is Sunday, Oct. 31st.
The Manchester Mayor’s office confirmed to Thunder Radio news that “Halloween is on Sunday” and added that anyone planning to do door-to-door trick-or treating in Manchester should plan to do so that evening.
There are several community events scattered throughout the weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
There will be a trunk-or-treat event from 6-9 p.m. Friday at the old Southern Family Markets building on Hillsboro Blvd. That will include a costume contest, outdoor movie, food trucks and more fun. Meanwhile, the Coffee County Rescue Squad will have a Halloween Party from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30th with trick-or-treating opportunities. There will be candy and hot dogs – located at 2270 Murfreesboro Highway.
Grace Baptist Church will have a trunk-or-treat from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. There are other various events being held by churches and businesses.
On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year according to Safe Kids Worldwide.
AAA of Tennessee recommends the following safety guidelines for drivers:
· Remain seated and buckled. Everyone in the vehicle should remain seated and buckled at all times, even when parked on the side of the road.
· Designate a navigator. If you need to check a map, take pictures, or do anything that will take your attention off the road, pull over or delegate those tasks to a passenger.
· If you are driving, focus on driving. Even going just a few miles over the speed limit in a residential neighborhood greatly increases the dangers for cyclists and pedestrians sharing the road.
· Keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters. Pedestrians can be very unpredictable, especially children. Be on the lookout for children’s shoes or costumes under vehicles to make sure they are not crossing the street between parked cars in neighborhoods.
AAA Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips
· Be visible. Light-colored clothing or costumes provide the best visibility to motorist. If unavailable, try adding reflective material or tape to costumes to increase visibility. Giving your child a glow stick or flashlight to carry also increases their chances of seeing and being seen by drivers.
· Cross the street responsibly. Cross using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look both ways before crossing the street and keep an eye on the road while are you are crossing. Remind your child to not cross the street mid-block or run out between parked cars in neighborhoods.
· Don’t walk distracted. Save the social media updates for before or after you go trick-or-treating. Avoid checking your phone while walking or supervising children.
· Stay on sidewalks. If no sidewalks are available, always walk facing traffic and stay as far to the left of the roadway as possible.
