Your Local News
Record Number of Voters Cast Ballots in Early Voting
A record number of voters showed up to cast their ballots early this year, shattering past numbers ahead of the March 1 primary. Secretary of State Tre Hargett along with Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins held a news conference about the milestone Wednesday afternoon. The new record is 385,653 Tennesseans. That shattered the record that was set in 2008 of 329,154 voters. 3,461 people voted in Coffee County with 2,588 voting Republican and 873 casting ballots for Democrats. The busiest day was the last day of early voting. On Tuesday (February, 23) 806 Coffee Countians voted. This Tuesday, March...
TN Senate Passes Anti-Refugee Resolution
The Tennessee Senate this week passed a resolution that directs the state attorney general to sue the federal government over policies surrounding refugee resettlement. Specifically, the resolution alleges the federal government failed to consult with the state on the issue, while mandating the use of state funds. Eben Cathey, advocacy director for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, said the resolution, if passed, sends the wrong message to our national and international neighbors. “This bill embarrasses Tennessee and makes us seem like an unwelcoming place for people who are fleeing violence and persecution,” he said. “This is the...
2nd Drive-Thru Lane coming to Duck River Electric in Manchester
Duck River EMC members in Coffee County have made the drive-through payment window at the Manchester District Office the busiest in the entire service area. This is why construction of a second drive-through lane will start in March. Unfortunately, this will necessitate the closing of the existing payment window while contractors work to add the second lane. Starting March 8, co-op members will need to park and come inside the office to pay their electric bills, or use other payment alternatives. Completion of the new drive-through lane is expected in June. Manchester District Manager Michael Millraney says a special...
New Bill would Fine people for using Phones in Cars
A new proposal at the Tennessee state capitol would require phone calls on the road to be hands-free. The bill would fine drivers 50 dollars for talking on the phone without a hands-free device, unless it is an emergency. Triple A reports that 23,000 crashes in 2015 involved a cell phone or electronic device. The group blamed fifty-one deaths on electronic distractions. If passed, the law would take effect January...
Tennessee to have official State Rifle
While Tennessee lawmakers last year decided to not make the Holy Bible the official state book, they have chosen to designate an official state rifle. The Rutherford County-made .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle now takes its place alongside state symbols like the tomato as Tennessee’s official fruit and the square dance as the state folk dance. Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville cast the lone vote against the resolution on Wednesday, arguing the state shouldn’t make a state endorsement of a private company. He said lawmakers wouldn’t want to choose between other Tennessee-made products like Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel...
State Bill to end Newspaper legal notice requirements Fails
A proposal to allow legal notices to be published online instead of in printed newspapers has failed in a Senate committee. The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Todd Gardenhire of Chattanooga did not receive a motion in the State and Local Government Committee on Tuesday. Gardenhire said the measure was brought to him by city and county mayors. It would have given the electronic notice the same legal effect as one published in a newspaper. Open government groups and newspapers have opposed the proposed change in the past over concerns that the notices would be harder to find and...
Bill would reduce Handgun Permits in Tennessee
This week, an “administration” bill was presented in a Senate Committee that has the effect of cutting the existing handgun permit fees charged to Tennesseans by more than half over time. That bill was approved by the Senate Committee members on a 9-0 vote with no significant debate. John Harris, Executive Director of the Tennessee Firearms Association, stated, “The current permit costs $115 and is good for four years. This bill reduces the state fee to $100 and extends the permit to an eight year permit.” Public records obtained by the Tennessee Firearms Association from the Tennessee Department of...
Meet & Greet for New Manchester Library Director
As you may already know, the Coffee County Manchester Public Library has a new director, her name is Polly Vaughn. On Thursday, February 25, 2016 (today) from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. the library is hosting a meet-and-greet so she can get to know the wonderful patrons of the Coffee County Manchester Public Library. Drop by during this time and help the community welcome Polly to the Coffee County Manchester Public...
