The Tennessee State Veterinarian issued an order allowing the distribution of a newly released vaccine to protect again Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease. Because this vaccine is under emergency use authorization, Tennessee will be approving veterinarians individually until emergency approval status is lifted by the Center for Veterinary Biologics.
According to Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious and often fatal foreign animal disease that affects domestic rabbits, wild hares, and pika.
“We would like to make it clear that the approval process through the State Vet’s office is not intended to restrict access, but rather is being used as a precaution due to the fact that the vaccine is not fully licensed,” Tennessee Department of Agriculture said in a statement. “Because the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics Medgene Labs has approved the vaccine conditionally, with an Emergency Use Authorization, there are specific steps and documentation required to distribute the vaccine. Only licensed veterinarians are currently allowed to administer the vaccinations, and the State Veterinarian’s office is working with Medgene to track distribution and use of this new product. We do this with other conditional use biologics and vaccines. “
TDA would like to be able to monitor distribution and also trace animals that may enter the food chain until the emergency approval status is lifted.Rabbit owners need to work directly with a veterinarian for the vaccination. Veterinarians may contact Medgene to order vaccine and the company will reach out to the State Vet’s office for approval. Additional questions should go to the State Vet’s office at 615-837-5120.
Tullahoma Police need help identifying driver of truck used to steal trailer
Tullahoma Police Department officials are asking for the public’s help to identify the driver of a vehicle that was allegedly used in the theft of a trailer on October 18th.
The truck in question is a white, extended cab Ford. See photo below.
Any and all assistance will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Detective Karl Pyrdom at 931-455-0530 ext. 112 or at kpyrdom@tullahomatn.gov.
TBI makes dozen arrests, including Tullahoma man, in human trafficking operation
A two-day undercover operation by Special Agents with the TBI Human Trafficking Unit, Murfreesboro Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Office of the 16th District Attorney General, and Tennessee Human Trafficking Task Force has resulted in the arrest of 12 men accused of seeking illicit sex from minors.
Over a two-day period beginning October 13th, as part of an undercover investigation aimed at addressing human trafficking in Middle Tennessee, authorities placed several decoy advertisements on websites known to be linked to prostitution and commercial sex cases. The focus of the operation was to identify individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors. As a result of the operation, detectives and agents arrested 12 men and booked them into the Rutherford County Jail:
*Terrance Deshun Becton (DOB 10/31/1993), Mason: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude, Simple Possession/ Casual Exchange.
*Edilberto Nataren-Aguilar (DOB 02/27/1989), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Colin Patrick Hamilton (DOB 01/17/1995), Tullahoma: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Javier Urbina Leija (DOB 11/14/1989), Smyrna: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Alasfour Abdullah Hassan (DOB 07/23/1999), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*John Darrell Schulze (DOB 07/20/1962), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Garrett Robert Zabloudil (DOB 08/03/1980), China Grove, NC: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Edward Pope (DOB 05/12/1989), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Lucas Javier Diaz-Hernandez (DOB 04/13/1998), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Francisco Ruiz-Diaz (DOB 12/07/1991), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*Michael Lee Sovern (DOB 07/21/2001), Smithville: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
*William DeJesus Morales-Garcia (DOB 10/16/1975), Murfreesboro: Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude.
Drug take back event set for Oct. 23
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
The Tullahoma Police Department, Coffee County Anti-Drug Coalition, and Walmart have partnered together for this event. Together they will provide an additional resource for citizens to dispose of unused or expired medication(s). The event will take place at Walmart on North Jackson Street in Tullahoma. Drop-off services will be available from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM Saturday, October 23, 2021.
If you would like to dispose of medications any other time, Manchester and Tullahoma Police Departments have a permanent drop box.
Tennessee gas price average sees double-digit increase for 2nd straight week
For the second week in a row, the Tennessee gas price average saw a double-digit increase week-over-week. Since last Monday, gas prices across Tennessee have risen 10 cents, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.12 which is 22 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.18 more than one year ago.
In Coffee County, the average price per gallon is $3.17, which is 5 cents above the state average and just 15 cents below the national average.
“Compared to the price of gas a year ago, it now costs consumers about $17 more to fill up their vehicles,” said Megan Cooper, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like drivers will be finding relief at the pump any time soon. Global supply concerns continue to keep upward pressure on the price of crude oil, which is now closing daily above $80 per barrel.”
Quick Facts
- 24% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.93 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.35 for regular unleaded
- 4 metro areas saw double-digit increases in their metro averages over last week: Cleveland (+ 17 cents), Nashville (+15 cents), Chattanooga (+ 14 cents), Clarksville (+ 12 cents)
National Gas Prices
The national average for a gallon of gasoline rose a nickel over the past week to hit $3.32. The primary driver of this surge remains the cost of crude oil, which is now closing daily above $80 a barrel. In August, the price of crude was in the low $60s per barrel.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), last week’s total domestic gasoline supply fell by 2 million bbl to 223.1 million bbl. Gasoline demand also fell from 9.43 million b/d to 9.19 million b/d, but the agency calculates it is still some 610,000 b/d above last year. Typically, softening demand should result in some easing of pump prices, but the higher cost for crude is blocking this. With oil prices remaining elevated, pump prices will follow suit because the cost of crude oil accounts for more than half of the price of each gallon of gas.
Forecasts from the International Energy Agency for more robust oil demand, especially heating oil this winter, are also keeping crude oil prices elevated.
Today’s national average of $3.32 is 13 cents more than a month ago, $1.16 more than a year ago, and 67 cents more than in 2019.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by 97 cents to settle at $82.28. Crude prices increased last week despite the EIA reporting that total domestic crude inventories increased by 6.1 million bbl to 427 million bbl last week. The current storage level is nearly 13 percent lower than the level at this same time last year. Given supply concerns, the market continues to bolster prices higher because of tight supply. Prices could climb further this week if EIA’s next report shows a decline in stocks.
Tennesseans make earthquake preparedness priority
Tennessee will be among 14 central and southern U.S. states on Thursday, Oct., 21, 2021, coordinating the annual Great Central U.S. ShakeOut drill to raise awareness about the importance of catastrophic earthquake preparedness.
The most recent earthquake to strike the Middle Tennessee area took place in nearby Bedford County on August 25, 2021. That quake registered at 2.3 in magnitude. Evidently, it was felt at 1:19 in the morning. See the earthquake map HERE.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is working to register businesses, communities, individuals, organizations, and schools for the ShakeOut drill so they can learn how to prevent damage and injuries in the event of a catastrophic earthquake.
“The emergencies Tennesseans have faced over the past two years – COVID-19, devastating floods, tornados, a Christmas Day bombing – show us that if a disaster can happen, it will happen,” said TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan. “We don’t know when the next earthquakes will happen, but we can prepare and learn how you can protect yourself, your family, your business, and your community before the ground starts shaking.”
During the ShakeOut drill, participants will practice the Drop, Cover, and Hold On technique, which is the proper self-protection measure in an earthquake. The technique’s actions are:
• DROP to the ground;
• Take COVER under a sturdy desk or table, or cover your head and neck with your arms;
• HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
The ShakeOut is free and open-to-the-public. To participate, and for more information, individuals and organizations can register at www.shakeout.org/centralus.
New meeting opportunity for area veterans, first responders
Veterans of Foreign Wars All-American Post 10904 is partnering with Access
Hope 24/7 to announce a new group for military veterans and first
responders. The DD-214 Alumni Meeting will be held the first Thursday of
each month at 6 PM at 411 South Anderson Street in Tullahoma.
Since first responders often face similar types of trauma that military
people do, and they have answered a similar call to serve, they are
encouraged to attend the meetings until there is enough attendance to create
a separate first-responder group.
Access Hope 24/7 is a local non-profit with many resources to help with the
complex issues people face today. More information is available at
www.accesshope247.com <http://www.accesshope247.com>
For more information and to stay current on the latest local VFW news, visit
our Facebook page and website at www.vfwpost10904.com
<http://www.vfwpost10904.com>
TAX TIP TUESDAY: Economic Impact Payments for those who don’t file a return
By Rosalyn Partin, Manchester H&R Block
Individuals who are not required to file a tax return may still be eligible for Economic Impact Payments (also known as Stimulus Payments). To be eligible for the payments you must be a US citizen or resident alien, have a work-eligible Social Security number, and not be a dependent on someone else’s tax return in 2020.
There have been 3 Economic Impact Payments. The first payment was issued in April/May of 2020 and was $1200 for adults and $500 for qualifying children dependents. The second payment was issued in January 2021 and was $600 for adults and $600 for qualifying children dependents. The third payment was issued beginning in March 2021 and was $1400 for adults and their dependents. The first and second Economic Impact Payments which were not received when IRS processed the payments can be claimed as the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing a 2020 Income Tax Return.
Individuals who receive Social Security, SSI, Railroad Retirement, or VA benefits should have received the EIP even if they didn’t file a tax return. However, in some cases those payments were missed due to the IRS not having enough information to issue the payment. Also, if you don’t file a return but you have dependent children living in your home, you should file a 2020 return or register as a non-filer to receive the payments for your dependent children. You can register as a non-filer on the IRS website at IRS.GOV/EIP or contact your tax professional to file a return.
If IRS indicates that your stimulus payments have been issued but you have not received the payment, you should initiate a payment trace using IRS Form 3911 or contact IRS at 800-919-9835.
If you need to file a 2020 return to receive the 1st and 2nd Economic Impact Payments, please call your local H&R Block office. In Manchester TN call 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
3rd annual Veterans Day Parade is set for Nov. 6
The third annual Manchester Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony are set for Saturday, Nov. 6. Everyone is invited to come and attend the event on the downtown square in Manchester.
Prize money will be awarded to the top 3 parade entries.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. with the ceremony starting at 11 a.m.
The parade is being hosted by the Coffee County Veterans Association.
You can find the parade application by clicking here and then scrolling down.
For additional information or questions, contact Kimberly King at 251-554-8836.
Nominees being accepted for Coffee County Governor’s Star Award
Each year Tennessee celebrates its Volunteer State legacy by honoring the
state’s top volunteers. The Governor’s Stars Awards recognizes one person
over age 25, and one person under age 25, in each county. Howard Thompson of
Tullahoma was the Coffee County recipient for 2020-2021.
This year, G. Lamar Wilkie has been asked to serve as Coffee County
Coordinator for the program. Residents of Coffee County since 2007, he and
his wife Donna are involved in church, local civics and veterans’ groups. A
21-year Navy veteran, Wilkie is a writer with several published books. His
other passions include music, art, travel and continuing his service to the
community by helping others.
Wilkie has convened a committee of several men & women, in widely different
social circles, who will review all nominations and make the final
selection. Their recommendation will be sent to the Governor’s Stars Award
State Coordinator.
If you know someone whose stellar community service merits the Governor’s
Stars Award, a fillable PDF nomination form is available at
https://bit.ly/gvsaccpage or a paper form may be requested by contacting
Wilkie at glw@glwilkie.com or by leaving a
message at (931) 246-9258.
