The state of Tennessee has a new license plate design after 300,000-plus people cast their votes.
Roughly 42% of voters chose the blue plate with an outline of the state around the word “Tennessee” over the other three designs. The new plate will be available online and in-person beginning January 3, 2022 when people renew their vehicle registration. Up to 100,000 of the plates will be produced per week to meet the initial demand. Under state law, the license plate is redesigned every 8 years if funds are approved in the General Assembly’s annual budget, according to a release from Governor Bill Lee’s office.
United Way golf tournament is set for Oct. 29; still room for your team
United Way of Highway 55 will host an event for the first time since the pandemic began in March of 2020. Last year was a struggle for all nonprofits to organize a safe fundraiser and continue fund flow. United Way of Highway 55 partners with local nonprofits every year through their thorough allocation process. Last year they partnered with 16 local nonprofits and allocated $40,000. This year the committee chose 19 nonprofits in the 3 counties UWHWY55 serves: Coffee, Moore, and Warren Co. Every year the goal is to raise more, to give more. All funds raised here, stay here.
The United Way ‘Hwy 55 Classic’ will be held at Lakewood Golf & Country Club on October 29th at noon. Lunch, drinks, prizes for winners, and swag bags. And a promised good time supporting a great cause! There will also be tickets and drawings for items like a smoker, mountain bike, Yeti, Jack Daniels barrel and tour, men’s one-of-a-kind Tri-Star necklace, and more. A free car is up for grabs to a lucky 18th hole-in-1 player courtesy of Payless Auto in Tullahoma.
The cost to register is $400/Team of 4. Mulligans available at registration. Contact Ashley Abraham at 931-455-5678 or Director@highway55unitedway.org for more details.
Grundy County Courthouse to remain closed this week after water damage
The Grundy County courthouse will be closed the remainder of this week to allow crews to continue cleaning up the water damage sustained over the weekend that occurred after a busted pipe.
The courthouse will re-open on Monday, October 11th, according to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department.
TDH recognizing child health month
The Tennessee Department of Health is recognizing Child Health Month throughout the month of October. This annual recognition is a time to celebrate and raise awareness around what Tennessee is doing to promote the health of our most important resource: Tennessee’s children.
The theme for Child Health Month 2021 is Childhood Resilience: Nurturing Social, Emotional and Physical Health. Having the support of a stable, committed adult — whether it be a parent, caregiver, teacher, or community member— can help foster childhood resiliency and ensure a child feels that he or she has what it takes to overcome life’s challenges.
TDH in collaboration with state and local partners, is utilizing the whole-child approach to address childhood resiliency. The following focus areas are being highlighted during Child Health Month to ensure children and families receive valuable information for overall health:
• Tobacco Use Prevention
• Promoting Healthy Eating Habits and Healthy Drinks
• Dance Across Tennessee – Statewide Virtual Dance Party
• Social and Emotional Health
• Children with Special Health Care Needs
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
Tennessee consumer outlook plunges to all-time low
Outlook among Tennessee consumers has plummeted to an all-time low, according to the latest statewide survey by Middle Tennessee State University.
The Tennessee Consumer Outlook Index plummeted in September to a score of –106, down from 20 in June and also lower than the previous record low of -58 score in December 2020, reports the Office of Consumer Research in the Jennings A. Jones College of Business at MTSU. “This precipitous decline in outlook was accompanied by growing concerns about inflation and consumers feeling worried, frustrated, afraid, sad, upset and angry about the current state of affairs with our nation and the economy,” noted Tim Graeff, marketing professor and director of the Office of Consumer Research.
“Recent events affecting our nation and economy are apparently not unexpected. Only 3% of respondents reported feeling surprised. These negative feelings and accompanying declines in outlook for the economy were felt in all three regions of the state.”
-The top three reasons cited for concerns about the future of the nation and/or economy were: higher inflation, higher taxes and more business shutdowns because of COVID-19.
– The Purchasing Situation Index and the Future Expectations Index are each at their lowest level ever.
– Mounting concerns about declining values of investments and savings can also significantly inhibit consumers’ desire to open up their wallets and increase spending.
-News partner WGNS Radio provided this news report.
Temporary lane closures in Coffee County for inspections
There are a few temporary lane closures in Coffee County this week to be aware of, according to TDOT:
*Bridge Inspection will be performing a Routine Inspection of the bridge on McMinnville Highway over the Little Duck River from 8 AM – 3 PM on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. The rightmost southbound lane will be closed.
COFFEE COUNTY SR-2 (US-41) bridge repair over the CFW Railroad (LM 14.3) in Manchester: Project activity will be take place 9/30/21 through 10/06/21 from 6 AM to 7 PM to allow for abutment concrete pours. The roadway will be reduced to one lane both directions to support operations. Motorists are advised to use caution and be alert to all construction signage and equipment while traveling through the work zone area.
COFFEE AND GRUNDY COUNTY, I-24 resurfacing from east of Rutledge Hill Road (LM 28.9) in Coffee County to east of the Bells Mill Road bridge (LM 2.5) in Grundy County, including bridge repair: Project activity will continue from 7 PM to 6 AM. The roadway will be reduced to one lane nightly both directions to support operations. Motorists are advised to use caution and be alert to all construction signage while traveling through the work zone and be prepared to reduce speeds while approaching the work zone located between Coffee County Mile Marker 125.75 to Grundy County Mile Marker 129.43, the posted speed limit has been reduced from 65 MPH to 55 MPH within the work zone.
TAX TIPS TUESDAY: YOUR LAST WARNING!
H&R Block Presents – Your Last Warning!
For taxpayers who filed an extension of time to file your 2020 Individual Income Tax Return, you have just over one week left. To be timely filed, your tax return must be filed on or before October 15, 2021, says Rosalyn Partin with Manchester H&R Block.
If you wait until after the extended due date of October 15 to file your return, you will be subject to the late filing penalty which can be substantial. In some cases, you may be able to contact IRS to have the penalty removed.
If you have a balance due on your return and you pay it after the original due date of May 17, you will be subject to late paying penalty and interest. The IRS will bill you for the penalty and interest after processing your return.
If you need to file your 2020 Income Tax Return or want help in contacting the IRS about penalty abatement, please call your local H&R Block office. In Manchester TN call 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
Tennessee 7th least expensive market in nation for gas
After holding steady for two weeks in a row, the Tennessee gas price average remains relatively unchanged this week with an increase of nearly a penny over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.90 which is a penny more expensive than one month ago and 96 cents more than one year ago.
In Coffee County, the average price is at $2.84, which is 6 cents below the state average and 36 cents below the national average, which sits at $3.20.
“Global economic uncertainty and supply chain concerns caused by the lingering COVID-19 pandemic could be playing a role in keeping crude oil prices elevated,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “But, there may be some relief on the horizon due to the news that OPEC and its allies might ramp up production increases faster than previously agreed.”
Quick Facts
92% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.71 for regular unleaded
The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.16 for regular unleaded
Tennessee remains the 7th least expensive market in the nation
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by 85 cents to settle at $75.88. Crude prices increased on the week due to a stronger dollar and despite EIA’s recent report showing that total domestic crude inventories increased by 4.5 million bbl to 418.5 million bbl. For this week, prices could decline if OPEC+, which comprises the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia and their allies, moves forward with an agreement to produce an additional 400,000 b/d in November. The collective previously decided in July to boost crude output by 400,000 b/d each month until at least April 2022 in a push to phase out 5.8 million b/d of existing production cuts. OPEC+ is meeting Monday via videoconference. The proposed increase would be in addition to the July boost.
Two Coffee County Sheriff’s Department deputies graduate from police academy
Two Coffee County Sheriff’s Department deputies graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy on Friday, Oct. 1.
Deputy Ryan Maiden and Deputy Eugene Waycaster both graduated from the academy.
Join us at Thunder Radio in congratulating by deputy Maiden and deputy Waycaster.
Meanwhile, other area agencies had new officers to graduate. Deputy Elizabeth Hodge graduated for Warren County sheriff’s Department and Franklin County Sheriff’s Department graduated Deputy Destiny Clark.
Deputy Waycaster 
Deputy Maiden
Deputy Destiny Clark 
Deputy Elizabeth Hodge
Tennessee launches Pink & Pearl Awareness to promote early detection of breast, lung cancers
While most recognize the color pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this October and November marks the second annual Tennessee Pink and Pearl Campaign promoting both breast and lung cancer awareness. The addition of the pearl color represents the ribbon for lung cancer awareness, which is observed in November. While breast cancer is the most common cancer in female Tennesseans, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women.
Routine cancer screenings continue to be incredibly important. It is estimated that nationally over 3.9 million breast cancer screenings have been missed due to the pandemic. Providers encourage all eligible individuals to attend routine check-ups, including routine cancer screenings. With fewer screenings, there are fewer diagnoses of breast cancer, which may result in some cancers being diagnosed at later stages with poor prognoses.
“Routine health screenings are an important part in a person’s health care journey,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “With proper screening and interventions, we can save more lives and curb the rising number of breast and lung cancer deaths in our state. The Tennessee Pink and Pearl Campaign raises awareness of these treatable conditions and reminds us that we all have a role to play – whether it is our own screening or encouraging that of a friend or family member.”
If your financial situation has changed due to COVID-19, you may qualify for free breast cancer screenings through the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBSCP). TBCSP provides breast and cervical screening services to uninsured and underinsured women and diagnostic testing for qualifying men and women. Learn more about the program at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/rwh/tbcsp.html or contact your local health department for more information.
Breast Screening Recommendations (Optional)
The current United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines recommend women begin regular mammogram screenings at the age of 50. Depending on risk factors, some women may need to begin screening at an earlier age.
Lung Screening Recommendations (Optional)
The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer in adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.
Reducing Disparities
While both breast and lung cancer impact individuals of all races and ethnicities, they are among many diseases that disproportionately affect minority populations. For both types of cancer, black men and women are more likely than their white counterparts to be diagnosed in later stages, and blacks are also more likely to die from these diseases. Data also indicates that black women and men are diagnosed with more aggressive subtypes of these cancers than their white counterparts.
“In both breast and lung cancer, screening often is imperative to an early diagnosis and optimizing the chance of a better prognosis,” said Director of the Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination Monique Anthony, MPH, CHES. “As COVID-19 continues to amplify these inequities on vulnerable populations, including lack of quality care, the availability and cost of diagnostics and follow up care, bias, unfair policies and practices in health care. TDH is committed to reducing disparities and advancing health equity by increasing access to cancer screenings, conducting cancer prevention education and outreach strategies, and encouraging the inclusion of minorities in clinical trials.”
It is important to talk to your provider about your risk factors and determine if screening is right for you. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm for breast cancer and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/ for lung cancer.
Pink and Pearl Day
To recognize this campaign, Friday, November 5th will be Pink and Pearl Day. Please support this campaign and bring awareness to both breast and lung cancer by wearing pink and pearl. Pictures posted to social media are appreciated, using the campaign hashtags #TNPinkandPearl and #MyPinkandPearlWhy.
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
