After a year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the policies put in place to protect homeowners and renters are coming to an end, and this fall could see a wave of foreclosures and evictions as a result.
From early on in the pandemic, policymakers enacted measures to protect renters and homeowners from being put out of their homes. The federal government created funds for rent and mortgage assistance, enacted an eviction moratorium to protect renters, and established a foreclosure moratorium and forbearance program for homeowners with federally-backed mortgages. Numerous states and localities followed suit with moratoriums and housing assistance programs of their own, while many private lenders offered mortgage forbearance options in line with the federal policy.
The foreclosure moratorium expired on July 31, with forbearance options remaining available until September 30.
In Tennessee, 6.1% of adults reported not being current on their mortgage payment.
Here is a summary of the data for Tennessee:
– Percentage of adults who were behind on their mortgages: 6.1%
– Total adults who were behind on their mortgages: 321,793
– Median monthly owner costs for mortgage holders: $1,264
– Peak unemployment rate in 2020: 15.6%
For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:
– Percentage of adults who were behind on their mortgages: 6.5%
– Total adults who were behind on their mortgages: 16,297,059
– Median monthly owner costs for mortgage holders: $1,609
– Peak unemployment rate in 2020: 14.8%
BASEBALL: David Martin leaving Red Raider baseball program
Coffee County Central head baseball coach David Martin intends to resign, Thunder Radio sports has learned.
Martin, who just completed his sixth season at the helm of the Red Raider baseball program, said he needed to step aside for personal reasons. Martin told his team of his intentions late Thursday afternoon.
“I put a lot of time and thought and consideration into this decision,” Martin told Thunder Radio. “If you are going to do this job, you have to be in it 100 percent. If you can’t be in it 100 percent and put the time that it requires to do it right then that’s not fair to the players in the program and the great history of this program and you need to step aside and let someone else give it their best shot.”
“The hardest part is not being able to have these experiences with the kids that we have here,” added Martin. “But I have to do what is best for my family and right now I need some time with my family to see if I can’t make up some lost time. It is a difficult situation but after a lot of thought, my family comes first and I got to do what is best for them.”
Martin brought much needed stability and success to a reeling program. The Raiders won just 4 games the season prior to his arrival, a number that steadily increased over his tenure and reached to over 20 wins in the 2021 spring season – the most team wins since the Raider baseball team reached the TSSAA State Tournament in 2010.
“I appreciate all of coach Martin’s contributions and his time commitment to all of our baseball student athletes over the past 6 years,” said CHS principal Paul Parsley.
Whoever is next to coach the Raiders will have the benefit of taking over a program that is much more stable that it was six years ago and has a strong pipeline of talent. The Raiders are early favorites to content for a district championship in 2022 with the talent expected to return.
“I really appreciate (former principal) Dr. (Joey) Vaughn and the administration for bringing me in and trusting me and standing behind me,” said Martin. “And (former AD Rebecca) Koger and principal Paul Parsley for their continued support. I was lucky enough to coach these kids that I’ve been able to coach.”
Martin remains with the school system as a physical education teacher.
Parsley said the administration will evaluate the next move as it pertains to a head coach.
“For now, we are evaluating where to go with our program and we will have more to say over the next week or two,” explained Parsley. For now assistant coach (Kyle Douglas) and coach (Parker) Gunn will lead the kids through their offseason workouts.”
Manchester City Schools planning expansion at Westwood Middle
Manchester City School System has its eyes on continued expansion of schools – with plans in the works to add onto Westwood Middle School.
The Manchester Board of Education heard from architects last week on a nearly $1.5 million project that would add four classrooms to the school. If bids on this project are at expectations, the board will be able to pay for the expansion from the system’s fund balance without additional funding or bonds.
Bids are expected to open later this month.
$1.2 billion in Unclaimed Property – Tennessee Treasury launches enhanced, mobile-friendly claims portal
The Tennessee Department of Treasury Unclaimed Property Division has launched exciting enhancements to ClaimItTN.gov, the online portal where anyone can search and claim missing money they may have in Tennessee. As of June 30, 2021, there is $1.2 billion waiting to be claimed.
The Unclaimed Property Division is a consumer protection program of the Tennessee Department of Treasury that works to reunite the millions of missing dollars turned over every year with its rightful owners. Treasury estimates that one in six Tennesseans could have missing money.
ClaimItTN.gov is now mobile-friendly, improving online searches for unclaimed property in Tennessee on any internet device. The claims process has also been streamlined, including enhanced communications within the portal. Claimants can now file multiple properties on a single claim, greatly reducing the time it takes to claim and receive property.
In response to a customer service survey sent to each claimant, Tennesseans are praising their claim experience in the new portal.
“I love how the status of each step of the process was self-explanatory. I will definitely refer others to search your website! Thanks!!”
“This was a very easy and pleasant experience. I have told everyone I know about it. Who knew there was lost money out there. Thank you so much!”
“This Unclaimed Property was a total surprise to me. And during this difficult year of the COVID-19 virus, the lockdowns and unfortunate deaths of so many people, this small unexpected ‘gift’ lifted my spirit, and made me smile with gratefulness.”
“It was fast and the staff I spoke with were always helpful and so kind. Thank you for this service; this money was truly needed right now.”
From July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, 188,704 properties totaling about $60 million were returned by the Unclaimed Property Division to the owners or their heirs, local governments, and reciprocal states.
“It has been rewarding to see millions of dollars put back into Tennesseans’ bank accounts during such a critical time,” State Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr. said.
Unclaimed property is money that has been turned over to the State by businesses and organizations unable to locate the owners. This includes intangible assets such as utility or business refunds, unclaimed wages, credit balances for overpayments, gift certificates, securities, bank accounts, etc.
The Treasury Department utilizes various methods to locate owners of unclaimed property, including mailing letters to the address provided when the property was turned over from the business (holder), and sending letters to employers of potential claimants whose Social Security Number has been matched with records from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. On average, the Unclaimed Property Division sends hundreds of thousands of letters each year to potential claimants. If you have received a letter, you can verify the information by visiting ClaimItTN.gov.
There is never a fee to claim your missing money in Tennessee, nor is there a timeframe to claim. Anyone can see if they are owed any missing money by searching their name at ClaimItTN.gov, and may file a claim online if they find unclaimed property belonging to them. The online database contains all unclaimed property in Tennessee dating to the beginning of the program. Treasury recommends searching for common misspellings of your name and addresses as well, as that may be why the business was unable to return the money to you initially. Our website also includes a link to help you search for missing money in other states.
Franklin County authorities need help locating suspect
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate a subject who is wanted for questioning relating to lottery tickets that were recently taken from Trolley Rock. (see photo below)
Anyone having any information regarding the identity or whereabouts of this person is asked to contact Inv. Todd Hindman at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 931-962-0123.
Suicide rates, depression on the rise in Tennessee
Suicide deaths in the U.S. are prevalent now more than ever. Tennessee’s suicide rate is the highest it has been in five years, according to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S. Since 1999, suicide rates have increased by 35%.
Depression has increased by 20% and anxiety has increased by 30% since 2019, said Dr. Joseph Sharpe, Chief Medical Officer of Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital.
Patriot Day ceremony set for Saturday in Manchester
A Patriot Day Ceremony will be this Saturday, Sept 11th, at the Coffee County Veterans Building starting at 6 p.m. – located at 130 Shelton Rd.
The event will be behind the building. Chairs will be set out for the event and social distancing will be observed for a safer environment.
Claude Morse will serve as master of ceremonies for the event, which marks the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.
Four local veterans organizations — American Legion, VFW, DAV and Marine Corps League — will all pay honors to several local first responders.
Everyone is encouraged to attend.
Gas prices jump 5 cents in Tennessee
The Tennessee gas price average rose five cents over last week in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Holiday travelers also found the most expensive Labor Day gas prices in seven years. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.91 which is nearly two cents more than one month ago and nearly 94 cents more than one year ago.
Average price per gallon of gasoline in Coffee County is at $2.97, which is 6 cents higher than the state average. The National Average is $3.18.
“Historically, gas demand starts to decline in the fall as schools reopen and summer road trips end, which leads to less expensive gas prices,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Despite the dip in demand, the national average is expected to remain above $3/gallon especially as crude oil continues to price on the higher end.”
Quick Facts
· 91% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.72 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.19 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee remains the 9th least expensive market in the nation
PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN: learn what ‘grooming’ is
By Joyce Prusak, Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center
Understanding how perpetrators gain access to children and are able to continue to sexually abuse them is critical to preventing child sexual abuse. More than 90 percent of children who are abused sexually are abused by someone they love and trust. Often, the perpetrators are people trusted by the family of the child. Perpetrators use a tactic called “grooming” to gain and maintain access to children.
At the Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center, every year we serve hundreds of children who are victims of severe abuse. We served 347 children in 2020 and many of the cases involved sexual abuse. We have seen the effects of grooming, and we want to share that information with our community, so people can use that knowledge to protect their children.
Grooming is the deliberate process abusers use to gain trust of the child and of the child’s family.
By grooming, abusers gradually initiate and maintain sexual relationships with victims, according to Darkness to Light.
Grooming takes time, and it starts long before the sexual abuse occurs. The offender slowly overcomes natural barriers through grooming, which often looks like a close relationship between the perpetrator and the child (and often, with the child’s family). Grooming becomes easier for offenders when they are well-known and respected in the community, which is sometimes the case.
Grooming begins with targeting a child
Grooming develops in stages, starting with targeting a child. Perpetrators look for targets with perceived vulnerabilities, such as a chaotic home life, lack of parental oversight, neglect or isolation. The offender starts paying special attention to the child.
Gaining trust
Offenders gain the trust of the child and the child’s caregivers by calculatingly providing needed support. They aim to lower suspicion and gain trust, while at the same time they gather more information about the child and the family.
Gift giving, helping the child and/or the family
Now that they know what the needs of the family and the child are, perpetrators start filling needs. They may give gifts, offer financial help, flattery and emotional support.
Creating one-on-one situations with the child
The offenders find opportunities to isolate the child. They create situations in which they are alone with the child, such as babysitting, coaching, trips. Perpetrators try to make the child feel they have a special relationship with the child, that they understand the child better than anyone else.
Initiating sexual contact
When the perpetrator establishes emotional control over the child, he or she tries to initiate sexual contact. Offenders may use pictures and create situations in which both the offender and the child are naked, swimming, for example.
Maintaining control
When the sexual abuse begins, the perpetrator maintains it through threats, blame, and emotional manipulation. The child might think that keeping the secret is less damaging than exposing the offender and disclosing the offender’s acts.
How to prevent it?
It’s important to recognize red flags and react appropriately. Most cases of abuse happen in one-on-one situations. Avoid letting your child be alone with an adult. Gift giving and adults who are extremely interested in your child may be red flags. If you notice some of the red flags, let the person know, be specific when you describe behavior that’s inappropriate, and establish clear boundaries. If you have any suspicion that your child is being abused, report it immediately to the child abuse reporting hotline at 877-237-0004 or local law enforcement.
Communicate with your child. Let your children know they can speak with you about anything, and ensure your children you will be there for them to support them.
The Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center offers free child abuse prevention training to community members. To learn more, visit coffeecountycac.org and follow Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center on social media.
TAX TIP TUESDAY: Charitable contributions
H&R Block Presents – Charitable Contributions
With the recent disasters and the health pandemic, many people are looking for ways to help those in need. Contributing to a qualified charitable organization entitles you to a deduction on your income tax return. Previously in order to deduct charitable contributions you had to be able to itemize your deductions on Sch A of your tax return. However, for 2020 and 2021 a charitable contribution deduction is allowed for cash donations even if you don’t itemize. The deduction for non-itemizers for 2020 was $300 per return. The deduction for 2021 is $600 for a return using the Married Filing Jointly filing status and $300 for other filing statuses. Of course, higher amounts for qualified charitable contributions may still be deducted as itemized deductions.
What is a Qualified Charitable Organization? To be a deductible contribution, the donation must be made to a qualified nonprofit religious, educational, scientific, or charitable organization. These are typically called 501(c)(3) organizations. Almost all churches, schools, and hospitals are qualified organizations. Additionally, well known organizations like United Way, Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warriors, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and many others are qualified. If you are planning to make a tax deductible contribution to other organizations, you should first verify their nonprofit status. Donations made directly to individuals are not tax deductible.
What is a Qualified Contribution? Contributions may be made in cash (cash, check, automatic bank withdrawals, credit card), or non-cash (donations of property). You may also make tax deductible contributions by volunteering at a qualified organization. The amount of your contribution is the actual out-of-pocket donation made. For cash contributions, this is the amount of contribution less the value of any item or service received. For non-cash contributions, the amount of your contribution is the fair market value (FMV) of the item donated. Contributions made as a volunteer are limited to the amount spent for items provided including mileage at a rate of 14 cents per mile. The volunteer’s time and expertise are not considered in determining the amount of contribution.
What records are needed to support tax deductible contributions? For individual cash contributions of less than $250, IRS accepts a receipt, cancelled check, bank statement, or credit card statement showing the organization name, date of contribution, and amount of contribution. If you make a one-time contribution of $250 or more, IRS requires a statement from the organization containing the name, date, amount, and a statement that no goods or services were received or the amount of value received. Non-cash contributions require a receipt with all the above information including a description of what was donated. The fair market value of items should also be listed in order to claim the deduction. Fair Market Value (FMV) is the amount the item could be expected to be sold for on the date of the donation. To determine FMV for items such as clothing, furniture, and household goods you may use the charts provided on the Salvation Army or Goodwill websites. For donations of items valued at $5,000 or more, an appraisal is usually required.
If you have questions about Charitable Contributions and tax deductions and would like help from the Tax Professionals at H&R Block, please call your local H&R Block office. In Manchester TN call 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
