The Manchester Police Department has hired a new police officer. Last week officer Travis Dickson was sworn in by Manchester Mayor Marilyn Howard and has begun his career. Join us at Thunder Radio in saying congratulations to new officer Travis Dickson. Pictured at left is Manchester Mayor Marilyn Howard and, at right, Travis Dickson. ...

Even though economic activity is still below pre-pandemic peak levels, a report from Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office shows signs of economic recovery. The Tennessee Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report for the third quarter of 2020 showed 16,470 new entity filings, representing a strong 42.2 percent increase over the same quarter in 2019. Initial filings have now seen positive year-over-year growth for 35 consecutive quarters. “The pandemic made a significant impact on our economy, but Tennessee’s entrepreneurial spirit and business-friendly environment has seen some Tennesseans start their own businesses,” said Secretary Hargett. Growth in new entity filings...

Weather forecasters have snuck a four-letter word into the forecast for late Monday: Snow. According to the National Weather Service Sunday forecast, the plateau could see between 1 and 2 inches of snow Monday night and areas along I-65 and east (including Coffee County), could see a dusting up to a half an inch. Snow amounts depend on timing of colder temperatures and moisture. Should there be closures or changes in schools or other area business, check thunder1320.com Follow Thunder on Twitter.  Follow Thunder on Facebook...

Many Tennessee counties experienced changes in their unemployment rates during October 2020, according to newly released data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). Unemployment in 93 of Tennessee’s 95 counties increased in October. Davidson and Sevier counties saw their rates decrease during the month. During October, two counties in the state had unemployment rates below 5%, 90 counties had rates of 5% or greater, and three counties recorded rates of 10% or higher. In Coffee County, unemployment nudged up over a full percentage point and now stands at 6.6 percent. That is up 1.1% from...

Commissioner Jeff Long of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSOHS) and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Dereck R. Stewart announced the “Tennessee Challenge” traffic safety initiative. The “Tennessee Challenge” will increase traffic enforcement efforts on the busiest travel days of the Thanksgiving holiday.  The THP has extended the challenge to our partnering agencies here in Tennessee to make our state safer over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The THP will have an increased presence on all interstates and all other highways. Troopers will be working 12-hour shifts: Wednesday, November 25, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m....

Saturday is the day for the annual Manchester Christmas Parade. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. and travel North on US 41 from the intersection of Highways 41 and 55, and then turn onto the downtown square using W. Main Street. You will be able to watch the parade pass at any spot in those areas. The annual parade is themed “Childhood Dreams of Christmas.” Bonnie Gamble is the grand marshal. See the full parade route...

In this season of giving, Secretary of State Tre Hargett cautions Tennesseans to be wary of scams when making charitable donations. “Tennesseans are generous and support each other in times of need, especially around the holidays,” said Secretary Hargett. “I encourage everyone to be diligent in making sure a charitable organization is legitimate before writing a check or donating online.” To help Tennesseans avoid charity fraud and maximize their donation’s impact, the Secretary of State’s Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming created a Wise Giving Tips video available on sos.tn.gov (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ecgzzmb/yvgckg/q5609yn). The Wise Giving Tips are: If a nonprofit...

Thanksgiving travelers will not be delayed by construction on Tennessee roads during this holiday. TDOT will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. All construction related lane closures will be stopped beginning at noon on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, November 30, 2020. “Thanksgiving is typically the most traveled holiday of the year,” said TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright. “Halting road work during this time will provide maximum capacity on our highways and help alleviate congestion, especially during the predicted peak travel days of...