Early voting for the August 4 election began on Friday, July 15. Through three days of early voting (July 15, 16 and 18), a total of 1,144 total votes have been cast. Of those, 460 are county voters, 431 reside in Tullahoma and 253 reside in Manchester.
Monday, July 18 has been the heaviest day of early voting so far, with 535 total votes cast on that day.
Those interested in voting early will have multiple opportunities to do so.
Early voting in Manchester is at the Coffee County Election Commission, located at 1329 McArthur St. Suite 6. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 to noon on Saturdays July 15-30.
Meanwhile, in Tullahoma early voting is at the CD Stamps Center at 810 South Jackson St. Hours are 9a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays July 15-30.
“Coffee County voters need to be aware that the August ballot is longer than we normally see and will take additional time to complete,” said Coffee County Elections Administrator Andy Farrar. “In this election you’ll have the opportunity to choose which candidates will advance to the general election in November, to retain or replace judges and elect Circuit and General Session Court Judges, District Attorney, Public Defender, County Mayor, County Commissioners, Sheriff, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, Trustee, Circuit Court Clerk, Road Superintendent, Road Commissioners, School Board, Constables, Manchester City Mayor, Alderman and School Board, City of Tullahoma Alderman and School Board .”
Coffee County voters are encouraged to review their sample ballot before they head to the polls. Reviewing your ballot and deciding how you will vote can reduce your time at the polls.
“With the longer ballot in this election, I encourage Coffee County voters to make your voice heard during our state’s generous early voting period,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Casting your ballot early and reviewing your ballot before you go can reduce the amount of time it takes to vote.”
CLICK HERE to see a full sample ballot for the Aug. 4 election.
Area authorities seeking suspected vandal
Grundy and Warren County Sheriff’s Department authorities are asking for the public’s help to identify a male subject who is believed to have vandalized property near the Warren and Grundy County line.
The person involved appears to be a a slender white male, driving an older model, light color Chevrolet SUV. You can see photos below.
Anyone with questions or information should call 931-692-3466.
Bank bag recovered at Fred Deadman Park; owner sought
Manchester Police Department responded to a call to recover a bank bag that was located at Fred Deadman Park.
The bag was located within the last 10 days the police department is seeking the owners of the bag. If you lost a bank bag that had money in it – Manchester Police Department is in possession.
If you call, be prepared to describe the bank bag and the amount of money included inside to claim the property. Contact investigator Trey Adcock at 931-728-2099.
Gas prices in Tennessee fall for 5th straight week
The downward trend at the gas pump continues as Tennessee is headed into its fifth straight week of declines. Gas prices fell, on average, 18 cents over last week – the biggest weekly decline so far this year. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.10 which is 50 cents less expensive than one month ago and $1.22 more than one year ago.
Prices in Coffee County were below the state average when prices peaked in June. But prices have been slower to come down, with the average price in Coffee County at $4.16, which is 6 cents above the state average and 32 cents below the national average of $4.52.
Gas is less expensive in Bedford County, where the average price per gallon is $3.88 and in Warren County at $3.93.
“Tennesseans are now seeing the cheapest prices at the pump in 10 weeks and it’s likely that prices will move even lower this week, ” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While the oil market still remains volatile, significant drops in crude oil prices over the last few weeks alongside a steep decline in domestic gasoline demand are paving way for cheaper prices at the gas pump.”
Quick Facts
- 41% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.00
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.74 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.52 for regular unleaded
- Tennessee is the 7th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
The national average for a gallon of gas fell 15 cents since last week to $4.52. The steady decline is due to lower domestic demand for gasoline at the pump and a much lower global price for oil. The cost of a barrel of oil is in the mid-$90s, down from around $110 two weeks ago.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand dropped from 9.41 million b/d to 8.06 million b/d last week, while total domestic gas stocks increased by 5.8 million bbl. The decrease in demand and declining oil prices have helped push pump prices down. As these supply/demand dynamics hold, drivers will likely continue to see price relief at the pump.
Today’s national average of $4.52 is 46 cents less than a month ago and $1.36 more than a year ago.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $1.81 to settle at $97.57. Crude prices increased slightly at the end of the week due to the market expecting crude supply to remain tight throughout summer. Tightening of supply is being driven by the potential for slower economic growth due to rising interest rates and inflation. Declining crude demand, due to reduced economic activity, could lead prices to follow suit. For this week, crude prices could rise if the market continues to believe supply will remain tight. Additionally, EIA reported that total domestic crude stocks increased by 3.3 million bbl to 427.1 million bbl last week, which is nearly 11 million bbl lower than the storage level last year.
Manchester City Schools score above state average in ELA, Math
At the end of each school year, students across the state of Tennessee take part in the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program(TCAP). Students in grades 3 through 5 are tested in English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, and science. Students in middle school are also tested in the same subjects with the addition of social studies.
The 2021-22 school year presented many obstacles and challenges for everyone. Manchester City Schools worked diligently to identify possible gaps in student learning caused by the loss of instructional time during the pandemic. The district focused on literacy in all grades, common formative assessments, and using high quality instructional materials. “Our teachers and staff worked incredibly hard to take care of our students during a time when many challenges were present,” said Superintendent, Dr. Joey Vaughn. As a result of their work, Manchester City Schools was named a “Reading 360 District” and a “Best for All District” for the 2021-22 school year.
The Tennessee Department of Education released preliminary data this past week. With this data, Manchester City Schools was able to see a significant increase in proficiency rates across ELA and Math as compared to scores from 2021. Specifically, the district scored at or above the state averages in most of the grade levels in ELA and math. “We are incredibly proud of the work our teachers, staff, and students have put forth,” stated Instructional Supervisor, Dr. Mick Shuran. “Teachers have high expectations for their students, are strategically focusing on standards, and regularly looking at data for strengths and needs.”
Vaughn concluded by restating the importance of teachers and staff members in children’s lives. “We are thankful for all of those who work with Manchester City Schools and to our community for always being supportive. While assessment plays an important role in education, our focus is still on our students and our priority is in keeping them healthy, happy, and safe.”
Motlow State testing center to offer on-site ACT assessment test
Motlow State Community College Testing Center will administer the On-Campus ACT exam on August 3 from 8:30 a.m. – Noon and on August 17 from 12:30 – 4 p.m. The test will be administered in room 1043 of the Crouch Center on the Moore County campus.
The On-Campus ACT Test is for individuals under 21 years of age planning to attend Motlow State and could not take the ACT on a national test day. A Motlow admission application must be on file prior to taking the On-Campus ACT Assessment Test.
To be eligible to take the test, applicants must complete the On-Campus ACT Test registration form at https://www.motlow.edu/academics/testing and pay the $68.50 registration fee. Applicants must present a valid picture identification on the day of the test.
Any student who plans on attending another college must take the National ACT or take the ACT on the campus of the prospective college, as scores for the On-Campus ACT test cannot be transferred to another college or university or used to apply for scholarships.
For more information or for test registration, visit the Motlow Testing Center website at www.motlow.edu, or call 931-393-1763 or 800-654-4877, ext. 1763.
Early voting turnout through two days near same pace as spring primary
It is still early – but turnout at the polls in Coffee County for the August 4 election is down slightly when compared to the first two days of early voting from the May 3 primary.
Early voting for the August 4 election began on Friday, July 15. Through two days of early voting, a total of 609 votes have been cast. Of those, 240 are county voters, 236 reside in Tullahoma and 133 reside in Manchester.
By comparison, 686 votes were cast through the first two days of early voting back in April for the May 3 primary. Both of those days were weekdays. The first two days of early voting in the current election included a Friday and Saturday.
Those interested in voting early will have multiple opportunities to do so.
Early voting in Manchester is at the Coffee County Election Commission, located at 1329 McArthur St. Suite 6. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 to noon on Saturdays July 15-30.
Meanwhile, in Tullahoma early voting is at the CD Stamps Center at 810 South Jackson St. Hours are 9a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays July 15-30.
CLICK HERE to see a full sample ballot for the Aug. 4 election.
Manchester City Schools score above state average in ELA, Math
At the end of each school year, students across the state of Tennessee take part in the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program(TCAP). Students in grades 3 through 5 are tested in English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, and science. Students in middle school are also tested in the same subjects with the addition of social studies.
The 2021-22 school year presented many obstacles and challenges for everyone. Manchester City Schools worked diligently to identify possible gaps in student learning caused by the loss of instructional time during the pandemic. The district focused on literacy in all grades, common formative assessments, and using high quality instructional materials. “Our teachers and staff worked incredibly hard to take care of our students during a time when many challenges were present,” said Superintendent, Dr. Joey Vaughn. As a result of their work, Manchester City Schools was named a “Reading 360 District” and a “Best for All District” for the 2021-22 school year.
The Tennessee Department of Education released preliminary data this past week. With this data, Manchester City Schools was able to see a significant increase in proficiency rates across ELA and Math as compared to scores from 2021. Specifically, the district scored at or above the state averages in most of the grade levels in ELA and math. “We are incredibly proud of the work our teachers, staff, and students have put forth,” stated Instructional Supervisor, Dr. Mick Shuran. “Teachers have high expectations for their students, are strategically focusing on standards, and regularly looking at data for strengths and needs.”
Vaughn concluded by restating the importance of teachers and staff members in children’s lives. “We are thankful for all of those who work with Manchester City Schools and to our community for always being supportive. While assessment plays an important role in education, our focus is still on our students and our priority is in keeping them healthy, happy, and safe.”
POLITICAL FORUM REPLAYS
If you missed the Thunder Radio political forum Thursday night in Manchester there are a few ways to go back and get information.
Early voting begins Friday, July 15
Local elections and state primaries will culminate on election day on August 4. Early voting begins Friday, July 15 and will end on July 30th.
The August 4th election will include County General Election, Manchester municipal along with the state and federal primary elections.
Races of note
Here in Coffee County, a few winners from the May 3 primaries will square off against Independent candidates in August who were not on the May 3 ballot; while others will be Republican and Democratic winners from May 3 facing each other. Some winners from May 3 are unopposed and a lock for winning in August.
Republican candidate for Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny, who ran unopposed in the primary, will face off against Independent candidate Margaret Cunningham in August for the county’s top seat.
Coffee County Sheriff Chad Partin, who defeated challenger Alethia Rawn in the May 3 primary will face two challengers. Independent candidates Brandon Tomberlin and Danny Ferrell will each be seeking the highest law enforcement spot in the county – you will see all three on the ballot with the option to select one.
Longtime County Clerk Teresa McFadden (Independent) will be challenged by Republican Melissa Anderson (Republican) in August.
Road Superintendent Benton Bartlett beat Republican challenger Scott Hansert in the May 3 primary and will now face Democratic primary winner Ronnie Watts, who ran unopposed in May.
There are a couple of Coffee County Commission seats that will see challenges in August. In District 2, Republican primary winners Joey Hobbs and Claude Morse will face Democratic primary winner Mike Stein. The top two vote-getters will serve as commissioners.
In District 5, Republican primary winners Missy Deford and Tim Morris will face off against Democratic primary winner Bonnie Gamble. The top two vote-getters will serve as commissioners.
And in District 7, Republican primary winner Tina Reed will face Democratic candidates Rosemary Crabtree and Jackie Duncan. The top two vote-getters will serve as commissioners.
Also coming up in August will be City of Manchester Mayor and Aldermen elections. City Mayor Marilyn Howard will be running unopposed.
Three Manchester alderman seats will expire in August. Aldermen Bill Nickels, Mark Messick and Roxanne Patton will all see their terms expire in August. Only Messick is seeking re-election.
Eight candidates have filed petitions to run for Manchester alderman – they include Messick, Julie Anderson, David Bradley, Helen Debellis, Joey Hobbs, Claude Morse, Donny Parsley and James Threet.
Also, alderman Chris Elam resigned his spot with two years remaining on his term. Therefore, the aldermanic candidate receiving the fourth most votes will take Elam’s spot and serve the remainder of his term.
CLICK HERE to see a full sample ballot for the Aug. 4 election.
How, where to vote early
Those interested in voting early will have multiple opportunities to do so.
Early voting in Manchester is at the Coffee County Election Commission, located at 1329 McArthur St. Suite 6. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 to noon on Saturdays July 15-30.
Meanwhile, in Tullahoma early voting is at the CD Stamps Center at 810 South Jackson St. Hours are 9a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays July 15-30.
