New data released by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development showed unemployment rates increased slightly during May in each of the state’s 95 counties. Even with the minimal increases, 93 of Tennessee’s 95 counties maintained rates lower than 5% for the month.  Coffee County unemployment numbers jumped nearly a half percentage point – increasing from 3.0 percent in April to 3.4 percent in May. The rate is still 0.7 of a percentage point than May 2021, when Coffee County unemployment rate was 4.1 percent. Williamson County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the state for May. At 2.3%,...

A Manchester woman has passed away after an incident at Barton Springs boat ramp late Tuesday night (June 21, 2022). According to Frank Watkins with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, police received a call of CPR in progress at approximately 11:40 p.m. Tuesday at the boat ramp. The victim, a 52-year old female from Manchester, was transported to Vanderbilt Harton where she passed away shortly after noon on Wednesday. According to Watkins, the victim and other individuals were swimming in that area. He said alcohol may have been involved. Coffee County Sheriff’s Department is investigating. The victim’s name has...

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival organizers penned a letter to county and state officials, dated June 21, with a strong tone against new event fees passed by the county commission that will assess a $5 per ticket fee on all tickets sold. The letter from Bonnaroo was signed by Brad Parker, project manager for C3 Presents, and it scolds the county commission for creating fees that they say singles out the festival. Bonnaroo goes on to request a “full accounting for those funds every year to ensure they are being used for their legally specified purpose.” According to Parker’s...

Motlow State registration, advisement, and admission specialists will host 12 days of on-campus assistance June 27-30, July 18-21, and August 1-4. Prospects and students can RSVP at Motlow.edu/calendar. Prospective and current students who either have or have not applied for the Fall 2022 semester are welcome. Apply to Motlow at Motlow.edu/apply. EVENT SCHEDULE Monday, June 27 at 4 p.m. in SmyrnaTuesday, June 28 at 4 p.m. in Moore CountyWednesday, June 29 at 4 p.m. in FayettevilleThursday, June 30 at 9 a.m. in McMinnvilleMonday, July 18 at 4 p.m. in SmyrnaTuesday, July 19 at 4 p.m. in Moore CountyWednesday, July 20 at...

United Way of Highway 55 today announces the funding of twenty local nonprofits. ​On April 27, 28, & 29 United Way of Highway 55 allocations team, made up of local community and Board members, reviewed applications and conducted interviews with each agency. The 20 nonprofit partners are located and/or serve in Coffee, Moore, and Warren Counties. They will receive a total of $40,000 or more for the year. Each nonprofit will receive 4 checks for the year. Ashley Abraham, Director of United Way of Highway 55, states “Our goal is to allocate more funds every year to local nonprofits....

With Independence Day holiday approaching – many residents are beginning to purchase fireworks for celebration. It is important to know the ordinance for the respective city you live in. In Tullahoma, fireworks are permissible for use from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. July 1 through July 3 and 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on July 4th. In Manchester, rules and regulations are far more relaxed. According to the mayor’s office, fireworks may be shot from June 20 through July 5 until 11 p.m. The City of Manchester will have a large, free fireworks display for everyone at 9 p.m....

Manchester Fire Department crews responded to a home at 728 S. spring St. Saturday night (June 18th). Crews arrived and discovered smoke coming from the rear of the home and discovered the fire was not extinguished, as reported. Crews entered the home and extinguished the fire that was in the hood system above the stove. According to MFD, while conducting salvage and overhaul operations they discovered the fire had gotten into a void space above the hood system and into the second floor area of the home. Further investigation also revealed the fire got into some void spaces in...

Shelbyville Police Department is asking for the public’s help to identify a male individual who allegedly committed felony vandalism. According to the police department, on June 17, the individual in question picked up a rock and threw it at a vehicle traveling on East Lane Street, causing extensive damage. Surveillance photos show what appears to be a black male (photos below). Anyone with information about this person is encouraged to contact detective Nathan Everhart at Shelbyville Police Department,...