The Secretary of State’s office is launching an award for Tennessee high schools which meet student voter registration thresholds, named after renowned Tennessee suffragist Anne Dallas Dudley.
High schools across the state that register 100 percent of the eligible students, who are 18 or older by the next election, to vote will earn the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level Award. High schools that register at least 85 percent of the eligible students, 18 or older by the next election, will earn the Anne Dallas Dudley Silver Level Award. Tennessee law allows students who will be 18 or older on or before the next election to register to vote.
“Our state and our nation are stronger when every eligible Tennessean is registered to vote and casts a ballot on Election Day,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “We are working with county election commissions across our great state to make sure students know that it has it has never been easier to register to vote in Tennessee and to encourage them to make their voices heard by going to the polls on Election Day.”
The Secretary of State’s office will present high schools that earn the Gold Level Award with a commemorative plaque and recognize students who led the registration efforts with certificates. For Anne Dallas Dudley Silver Level Award schools, the Secretary of State’s office will mail certificates recognizing the students who led the registration efforts.
Anne Dallas Dudley helped lead the successful effort to get the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ratified nationwide and in her home state, Tennessee. On Aug. 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th and final state needed to pass the amendment giving women the right to vote.
“It is an honor to have a voter registration award named after my grandmother, Anne Dallas Dudley,” said Trevania Dudley Henderson, Mrs. Dudley’s granddaughter. “Hopefully this award encourages all eligible students across Tennessee to register to vote.”
All Tennessee public, charter or private school or home school associations are encouraged to participate in the Anne Dallas Dudley Award program. Participating schools must submit an Anne Dallas Dudley Award application by March 31, 2022. For award rules and guidelines, visit sos.tn.gov/products/Anne-Dallas-Dudley-Award.
The Anne Dallas Dudley Award is part of the Secretary of State’s civics engagement initiative to promote voter registration to Tennessee students and prepare them to be actively engaged citizens. For more information about this award and our other civic engagement education efforts, visit sos.tn.gov/civics.
TBI issues most wanted alert
A TBI Most Wanted alert has been issued for 42-year-old Edward Laster Moore, Jr.
Moore is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the TBI for multiple charges: Assault on a Federal Officer with a Dangerous Weapon, Federal Attempt to Possess Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute, Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, Possession of Cocaine for Resale, Evading Arrest, Possession of MDMA for Resale, Possession of Marijuana for Resale, and Possession of Methamphetamine for Resale.
Edward Moore should be considered armed and dangerous.
There is a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.
Call 1-800-TBI-FIND if you see Edward Moore, or know where he may be.
TAX TIPS TUESDAY: Sept. 15 is a big day for some taxpayers
September 15 is an important date for some taxpayers.
If you are responsible for filing a Partnership or S-Corporation tax return based on a calendar year and you filed for an extension, the extended due date is September 15. It is imperative that the 1065 or 1120S return be filed by midnight September 15 to avoid incurring costly late filing penalties.
If you are responsible for filing a calendar year Trust or Estate return (Form 1041), and filed an extension, the extended due date is September 30.
For individual taxpayers, Income Taxes are “pay-as-you-go”. This means that you need to pay most of your income tax during the year, as you receive income, rather than paying your tax at the end of the year when you file your tax return. If you owe over $1,000 when you file your tax return, you may be subject to the Estimated Tax Penalty. IRS urges taxpayers to check into their options to avoid these penalties. Taxpayers can adjust their withholdings or make quarterly estimated tax payments during the year. Estimated tax payments can be made by mailing a check to IRS or electronically through bank withdrawal or debit/credit card at IRS.GOV.
The estimated tax due dates are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. If you pay estimated taxes for your individual income tax liability, the 3rd estimate is due on or before September 15. Many people pay quarterly estimates since some of their income is from sources that don’t have automatic withholding. Others prefer to pay their income tax through estimated tax payments instead of having the taxes automatically withheld from their income. Estimated tax payments are especially important for self-employed taxpayers, members of partnerships or S-Corporations, or taxpayers with substantial income from investments or rental property.
If you are concerned that you may owe over $1,000 on your tax return, you should seek the help of a tax professional to estimate your 2021 tax and discuss ways to avoid or minimize the estimated tax penalty.
If you need to file a Partnership, Corporation, Estate, or Trust tax return or you have questions about Estimated Taxes 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!
TBI most-wanted fugitive caught in Bedford County
UPDATE: Samuel Earl Rich was taken into custody Sunday evening, Aug. 15,, by Bedford County Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Tenessee Bureau of Investigation and area law enforcement are searching for Samuel Earl Rich, age 25, following a shooting in Bedford County.
Bedford County Sheriff’s Department authorities responded a shooting Friday morning on Temple Ford Rd. and transported a female victim to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Investigation led to authorities wanting Rich on charges of attempted first degree murder and theft of property.
Reporting out of Nashville has connected Rich with a man found murdered on 35th Avenue North over the weekend. The victim has been identified as 22-year old James William Warner, of Shelbyville. WTVF reports that authorities want to question rich regarding that shooting.
Rich should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. He is a white male, approximately 6 feet tall and weighs 165 pounds. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should contact local law enforcement or 1-800-TBI-FIND. Reward money is being offered for information leading to his capture.
Motlow to require masks this semester
Motlow State Community College has announced that face masks are required on campus this fall. Motlow State requires all persons who enter a Motlow building to wear a face mask.
“This effort is in compliance with CDC guidance.“Our priority continues to be the health, safety, and well-being of all of our students, faculty, staff, and at-large community,” said Dr. Michael Torrence, Motlow President.
Will Lockhart appointed to open Coffee County judge seat
On Friday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced key appointments to the Board of
Parole and judicial positions across the state – including appointment of Will Lockhart to an open judge position in Coffee County.
“It’s an honor to announce the appointment of eight qualified Tennesseans who will each bring valuable
experience to their respective roles,” said Gov. Lee. “I am grateful for their commitment to our state and
confident they will serve with integrity.”
The following individuals have been appointed:
Judicial Appointments
• Robert Bateman – 19th Judicial District Circuit Court
• Sean Day – 29th Judicial District Public Defender
• Adrienne Fry – 19th Judicial District Circuit Court
• Will Lockhart – 14th Judicial District Circuit Court
• Steve Maroney – 26th Judicial District Chancery Court
Board of Parole Reappointments
• Zane Duncan
• Tim Gobble
• Roberta Kustoff
Will Lockhart is an attorney at Burch and Lockhart in Manchester. He earned his J.D. at the University of
Tennessee College of Law and his bachelor’s degree at Middle Tennessee State University. Lockhart will fill
the Honorable L. Craig Johnson’s vacancy, effective immediately.
“I am beyond humbled by the appointment,” said Lockhart. “I have to first and foremost thank my wife Hayley and the rest of my family for being so supportive throughout this process. Thank you to Governor Lee for putting your trust in me and giving me this opportunity. I am so excited to begin serving the people of Coffee County. This is a special place and I will work tirelessly to be the best judge that I can be. I continue to ask for your prayers and support in this new endeavor.”
Robert Bateman is an attorney at Bateman and Bateman in Clarksville. He earned his J.D. at Vanderbilt
University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree at Austin Peay State University. Bateman will fill the
Honorable Jill Ayers’ vacancy, effective immediately.
Sean Day is an Assistant District Public Defender for the 29th Judicial District. He earned his J.D. at the
University of Memphis Humphreys School of Law and his bachelor’s degree at the University of Memphis. Day will begin serving September 1, following Public Defender James Lanier’s retirement.
Adrienne Fry is an attorney at Fry and Ritchie in Clarksville. She earned her J.D. at the University of
Tennessee College of Law and her bachelor’s degree at East Tennessee State University. Fry will fill the
Honorable Ross. H. Hicks’ vacancy, effective immediately.
Steve Maroney is an attorney at Teel and Maroney in Jackson. He earned his J.D. at the University of
Memphis Humphreys School of Law and his bachelor’s degree at Union University. Maroney will fill Chancellor James Butler’s vacancy, effective immediately.
Zane Duncan served prior in public affairs roles and as an appraiser for the Knox County Property Assessor.
He earned his bachelor’s degree at Lincoln Memorial University. Duncan’s reappointment is effective through December 2027.
Tim Gobble formerly held positions in the Secret Service, law enforcement and emergency management, most recently serving as Interim Deputy Chief of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Lipscomb University. Gobble’s reappointment is effective through December 2027.
Roberta Kustoff served prior as an attorney in the Shelby County Trustee’s Office, where she represented
county government in chancery, circuit and general sessions courts. She earned her J.D. at the University of
Memphis and her bachelor’s degree at Bellarmine University. Kustoff’s reappointment is effective through
December 2027.
Manchester to pursue large sidewalk project that will span multiple streets
Earlier this month, Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a resolution to pursue a major sidewalk project.
The project will prioritize sidewalks on many city streets and areas that have been the center of complaints for a while. This includes Hills Chapel Rd., Oak Drive from 55 to Hills Chapel, Coffee Street , and extended on Oakdale St..
The project will come with a hefty price tag – between $1.5-3 million depending on bids and work done by the city directly.
Manchester City Schools score above Tennessee average for Spring 2021 TCAP
The Spring 2021 TCAP results were released earlier this summer, and proficiency for the 2020-2021 school year declined in all subjects in and all grade levels.
However, Manchester City Schools released a statement stating that the system had several grades place higher than the state average in Math and ELA (English Language Arts). Third grade scored higher in both Math and ELA. Sixth and eighth grade scored higher in ELA. As well as fourth, fifth, and seventh grade scoring higher in Math.
Dr. Joey Vaughn, the Director of Schools for Manchester City Schools made a statement regarding the high scores. “Our students worked diligently last year while facing numerous challenges. We can’t begin to express our gratitude for our teacher, staff, families, and community for their commitment to taking care of our students and their education and thank you in advance for your continued support during the 2021-22 school year as we strive to remediate student weaknesses, build upon strengths, and support the whole child to the greatest extent possible.”
Individual student data reports will be sent home with students on Friday, August 20. Parents may also access individual student data by visiting familyreport.tnedu.gov. In order to access the reports, the student ID number will be needed. This number can be found on each student’s MCS Skyward account and is also located on the top left corner of individual student reports.
Winchester Police Department search for suspect
The Winchester Police Department needs the public’s help to identify a subject wanted in a report of an armed robbery. The robbery happened on August 8th at Speedway Market in Winchester.
The Subject was described as a slender white male possibly in his 20’s-30’s. He was seen wearing grey pants, a black “Realtree” hooded sweatshirt, a mask, and black gloves. You can view an image of the suspect and the vehicle the suspect was in at the time of the incident below.
If you or anyone you know has information regarding this situation, you are asked to contact Detective Brian Wilder with the Winchester Police Department. Anonymous tips can also be made by contacting Crimestoppers at 931-962-INFO(4636).
Coffee County CAC Kids Clinic provides medical exams when there are concerns of child sexual abuse
Can you imagine the thoughts and questions going through the mind of a child being sexually abused? Can you imagine the dread, horror and confusion? As difficult it is for us to even think about it, it is much harder for children who experience child sexual abuse.
One of the services we provide at the Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center is medical exams for children when there’s concern of child sexual abuse.
Through a partnership with Our Kids Clinic, the Coffee County CAC serves as a satellite clinic of Our Kids, offering services for children in Coffee County and surrounding areas. The clinic has served children in Coffee County since 2005.
When people think about child abuse, they most often think about neglect and physical abuse. In fact, child sexual abuse is very prevalent, with 1 in 10 children being sexually abused before their 18thbirthday.
Child sexual abuse is a big problem. Most children don’t disclose immediately and many don’t tell at all. That’s why we – adult – must be vigilant and learn the facts about child sexual abuse. There’s overlap among children who are abused, with many suffering a combination of sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect.
As we see many children dealing with sexual abuse, we are so thankful for the partnership we have with Our Kids Clinic. The clinic’s experts provide medical forensic evaluation and crisis counseling for children and families. Our Kids Clinic serves more than 800 children each year, providing services in more than 45 counties. There’s no cost to families for the services. The clinic’s medical experts help children overcome myths surrounding child sexual abuse, including the “stranger danger” myth. The reality is most children are abused by someone who’s trusted and loved by the child and the family. Medical professionals provide exams in a safe environment, with a checkup, which is not painful or invasive and is done in a child-friendly way. The medical exams are essential when it comes to collecting evidence; but, more importantly, they are crucial for the child to understand that his or her body is still healthy. Our Kids professionals provide that assurance to children and help dispel any fears children may have even years after abuse may have occurred.
Learn to recognize the signs
Child sexual abuse involves sexual contact between a child and an older person, or between a child and a peer who forces sexual contact. Most of the sexual abuse incidents are perpetrated by acquaintances and friends of the child and the family. With the abuser often being someone the child loves and trusts, it is very difficult for the child to disclose abuse, and that’s another reason adults must watch for signs and protect children.
The symptoms of child sexual abuse vary from child to child. The following are possible indicators of child abuse, according to the Department of Children’s Services: soreness or bruising, pain or itching in genital or anal areas; sexually transmitted diseases; nightmares or bedwetting; unexplained loss of appetite; becoming isolated or withdrawn; excessive masturbation or sexual play. Other red flags include abusing children, animals or pets; attaching very quickly to strangers or new adults in their environment; obsession with pornography or viewing sexually explicit photos; repeated runaway or suicide attempts; self-destructive behavior/self-injury/cutting; risky or delinquent behavior; substance abuse.
We can prevent child abuse
The ripples of saving even one child are enormous. The Coffee County CAC and Our Kids Clinic are dedicated to helping children and preventing child abuse. As passionate as we are about our work and ensuring a happy future for children, we can’t do that alone. We need your help. We need members of the community to be knowledgeable and help us raise awareness.
We can end child abuse together. I encourage community members to learn more about child sexual abuse. It’s important to know how to react if a child discloses or if you suspect child abuse. Everyone should also know what “grooming children and families” means. I am looking forward to sharing more information about child abuse prevention. Please visit www.coffeecountycac.org and follow the Coffee County CAC on social media to learn more. Schedule a free child abuse prevention training by emailing elena@coffeecountycac.org.
*Column by Joyce Prusak*
