Tennessee’s rural county health departments continue providing traditional services and are taking every precaution to keep patients, clients and staff members safe from COVID-19. In addition to routine services, TDH county health departments offer COVID-19 testing at no charge for anyone who wishes to be tested. “We’re ready and eager to provide crucial services such as immunizations, WIC, family planning and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, and to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining routine health care,” said Assistant Commissioner for Community Health Services Karen Hyman, MHA. “We will work with you to provide the care you...

Area high school rising juniors, a fantastic opportunity is knocking at your door. Motlow State is offering free dual enrollment courses to high school juniors interested in pursuing a degree in Mechatronics. The Motlow Middle College program will pay for all books, tuition, and even travel for juniors willing to pursue a dual enrollment mechatronics degree. “High school juniors are now able to earn an associate degree, at no extra cost to them or their families, while they earn their high school diploma,” said Sally Pack, Motlow administrator of high school initiatives. “The high demand for qualified employees in...

The Hillsboro Homecoming Association announced Wednesday that the annual Rumble on the Hill truck and tractor pull has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  But not all is lost – the association will host a free, drive-thru lunch on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Hillsboro park. More details will follow soon on this upcoming event.  The HHA issued a statement regarding the cancellation, it is below: “It is with a heavy heart that we type this post. After careful consideration by our directors and our local elected officials, HHA has elected to cancel our annual tractor pull, Rumble...

There remain 23 active cases of COVID-19 virus in Coffee County, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. Since testing began in March, there have been 109 positive tests in Coffee County. Of these, 86 have recovered – leaving the 23 active cases. Meanwhile, there are approximately 16,085 active cases of the virus across the entire state of Tennessee. There have been 583 confirmed deaths from the virus and 2,715 hospitalizations since mid-March. There have been 817,522 total tests administered in Tennessee, which means about 5.5% of people testing are testing positive. Since testing began in March, there have...

We are two weeks away from the Thunder Radio political debate, which will be held Thursday, July 16 – which is one day prior to the early vote opening in Coffee County. However, unlike past forums held by Thunder Radio, due to COVID-19 concerns and limitations for crowds, this year organizers say they have decided that it would be best to host the forum on the radio only. Candidates for Manchester Mayor will be on the air taking questions from 6 to 635 p.m. on July 16. Meanwhile, three candidates for alderman will be on the air from 6:35...

Unity Medical Center continues with extensive renovations to the hospital campus at 481 Interstate Dr. On Friday, July 3, patients, workers, vendors and visitors should be aware that the hospital plans to begin pouring new concrete outside the emergency room entrance – which will close this entrance temporarily. Patients who need emergency treatment will need to go to the glass door in the back – signage will be posted in order to direct you in the right direction. The emergency department entrance will re-open on Saturday. “This is just another step in ongoing renovations to improve and enhance our...

We are two days away from the City of Manchester’s annual Independence Day celebration. Although COVID-19 pandemic has altered this year’s celebration to look a little different with no live music or entertainment at Rotary Park, the city will still be shooting fireworks on Saturday, July 4, beginning at 9 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from the Manchester Recreation Center grounds at 557 N. Woodland St. With other cities in the area cancelling or postponing their shows, Manchester’s show will go on and citizens and visitors from other areas are encouraged to find suitable viewing area and remain socially...