There have now been 206,128 people statewide who have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. Meanwhile, 4,561 people have received two doses of the vaccine, according to data provided by Tennessee Department of Health.  More information available here https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov/covid-19-vaccine-information.html#vaccine As of January 10, there have been 6,607 confirmed COVID-19 related deaths in the state of Tennessee. There were an additional 81 deaths reported Sunday. Also, there are currently 3,085 people hospitalized across the state with COVID-19 related issues. In Coffee County, there are currently 71 people hospitalized with virus related issues and there have been 76 deaths reported....

After 32 consecutive weeks of declining continued claims of unemployment in Tennessee, that trend reversed at the end of December and the first week of January. This according to data provided by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Developoment. Coincidentally, timing of this trend reversal began the week that President Donald Trump signed the $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill on Dec. 27. In Tennessee for the week ending on Dec. 26, there was a jump in new claims: with 10,198 new unemployment claims compared to the 7,411 the week prior. The following week, ending Jan. 2, there were...

The Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) has once again been recognized nationally as one of the best-funded state pension programs in the country. In a recent report, Pew Charitable Trusts, a nonprofit focused on non-partisan government research, listed Tennessee, along with New York and South Dakota, as best prepared to fulfill pension promises made to public employees. TCRS is the defined benefit pension plan serving over 369,000 active and retired state, higher education, and participating local government employees, as well as K–12 public teachers. Administered by the Tennessee Department of Treasury, TCRS provides a lifetime retirement, and survivor and...

The Air Engineering Metal Trades Council (AEMTC), Arnold Engineering Development Complex’s largest union, has elected its new officers. The new officers include: Alvin Cleek, President; Allen Garner, Vice President; Jason Kelley, Recording Secretary; Annette Painter, Financial Secretary; Kevin Glaser, Sergeant-at-Arms; Chris Cleek, Ricky Taylor and Mike Riddle, Trustees; and Brian Farless, Tim Orange, Tommy Anderson and Michael Buckner, Grievance Committee members. The AEMTC officers will each serve three-year terms. PICTURED: Engineering Metal Trades Council (AEMTC) gather for a photo on Jan. 5, 2021, at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. Officers include: Alvin Cleek, President; Allen Garner, Vice President; Jason...

Coffee County Circuit Court Clerk Heather Hinds Duncan – who is vacating her position effective Jan. 31 – has accepted a new offer from the University of Tennessee County Technical Advisory Service as a county government consultant. Her new role includes a region of 12 counties – including Coffee County. “I will be able to continue working to help make local governments something we can all be proud of,” Duncan said. Duncan served over 26 years as an elected official in Coffee County. Her most recent re-election was August of 2018. She leaves office with a little less than...

A total of 169,070 COVID-19 vaccinations have been reported in Tennessee as of Monday, Jan. 4. In Coffee County, 1.85 percent of the county’s population has received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, a tiny portion of the 55,000-plus residents of the county. Frustration over the speed of vaccine rollout and communication has been evident this week. The department of health began vaccinating those 75 and older on Wednesday (Jan. 6) at the Coffee County fairgrounds. However, only a limited number of doses were available and those were booked by Monday of this week – although there is...

The Winchester Police Department is putting out a call for the public’s help as they investigate several incidents. The department needs help identifying three individuals. (see photos and vehicles below). Anyone with information should contact detective Ryan Fuller or Brian wilder at...

The Coffee County Commission will appoint someone to fill the remainder of the term being vacated by outgoing Circuit Court Clerk Heather Hinds Duncan, Thunder Radio has learned.. Duncan recently informed the commission that she intends to vacate her elected position on Jan. 31, 2021. Just a little over halfway through a four-year term. Duncan was re-elected to her position in August of 2018. Coffee County Mayor Gary Cordell told Thunder Radio News that Melissa O’Guin will be judge appointed to fill the position on an interim basis until the Coffee County Commission can appoint a replacement. Cordell said...