The mobile food pantry that was scheduled for families with students in the Manchester or Coffee County School systems on Friday, Feb. 12, has been cancelled. According to event organizers, it was cancelled due to possible inclement weather. The next scheduled mobile food pantry is set for April 9. Thunder Radio will post more details on that event as they are...

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department has immediate openings for Correction’s Officers to work inside the jail. The person applying must be at least 18 years-old, drug and alcohol free, no criminal history and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Other requirements may be possible. If you are interested, contact administration at the jail, 931-570-4427. You can also stop by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department at 76 County Jail Lane in Manchester to pick up an...

A new AAA travel survey, conducted in January, reveals that 59 percent of Tennesseans are uncomfortable traveling during the Covid-19 pandemic. The main concerns are: · Fears of getting sick (63%) · The number of Covid-19 cases (60%) · New strains of the virus (50%) The travel industry has been hit hard by this pandemic. Nearly three-in-five Tennesseans (59%) canceled or rescheduled travel plans in 2020. Currently, over half (52%) of Tennesseans are comfortable staying in a hotel, while only 29 percent feel comfortable taking a commercial flight. The majority (88%) feel most comfortable traveling in their personal vehicle....

The latest report is in and the Tullahoma-Manchester Micropolitan Statistical Area (McrSA) has been ranked number two in Tennessee according to the latest economic ratings, keeping the area in one of the strongest positions in in the entire United States. The Tullahoma-Manchester McrSA consists of Coffee, Franklin, and Metropolitan-Moore counties with approximately 104,000 residents. The annual report is prepared by POLICOM Corporation, an independent economics research firm based in Palm City, Florida, which specializes in analyzing local and state economies and economic development. The index takes into account the condition of the economy from the viewpoint of its impact...

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). “A strong specialty crop sector is beneficial for all of Tennessee agriculture,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “Tennessee is proud to administer this valuable program, providing assistance to large and small organizations by supporting projects ranging from research and education to market studies.” The Tennessee Department of Agriculture administers the grants, which are authorized through the USDA. SCBGP funds are granted to enhance production and competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits and vegetables, dried fruits,...

By Nadia Ramligan, TN Public News Service Tennesseans charged with a crime often face a mountain of fees and fines, even if they aren’t convicted. Critics say mandatory costs help pay for operating the criminal-justice system, but may simultaneously create new, indirect costs for governments, while trapping those who are unable to pay in the system. Mandy Pellegrin, policy director at the Sycamore Institute, said residents have reported owing several thousands of dollars in fines and fees. “If you use a public defender, there is a fee for that service,” Pellegrin explained. “You can face fees for things like...

Coffee County Sheriff’s Department authorities are asking for the public’s help to find stolen property. According to CCSD, a 2015 Polaris Razer 900 was stolen over the weekend from the Beechgrove area. A white Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck is a vehicle of interest in this case. (see a photo of the Razer and the vehicle of interest below) If anyone has information, please contact Coffee County Sheriff’s Department Investigator James Sherrill at 931-728-9555 or...

Two people have been killed in a plane crash in Franklin County. At approximately 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department personnel responded to Keith Springs Mountain in reference to a plane crash. Upon arrival on the scene, deputies were able to locate the scene of the crash in the Hickory Ridge area. Details of the crash are currently under investigation and further information will be released when appropriate, according to officials. The pilot and passenger in the plane have been identified as Carl C. Spray, age 78 of Estill Springs., and Joseph L. Mackey, age...