Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on Monday announced a statewide “safer-at-home” order, closing all “non-essential” businesses. Clarifying, Lee said the order is not a “shelter-in-place” order. He does urge Tennesseans to stay home if possible. The order mandates organizations and business not performing essential services to close public access, use delivery, takeout, online or phone operations. Essential services include health care or public health operations, human services operations, essential infrastructure operations, essential government functions, food and medicine stores, food and beverage production and agriculture, charitable and social services, religious and ceremonial functions, media, convenience stores or transportation businesses, financial institutions,...

The Tennessee gas price average continues to decline and has dropped nearly 13 cents since this time last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $1.77 which is 45 cents less than one month ago and nearly 71 cents less than one year ago. “Tennessee motorists are seeing dramatic declines in pump prices. The state average is down 45 cents since March 1,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “More discounts are expected in the coming week as gasoline demand continues to decline.” In Manchester, gas could be found at $1.80 per gallon as...

Only three counties in the state of Tennessee have reached a 40-percent self-response rate for the 2020 United States Census. Coffee County is one of those three. As of Monday, March 30, Coffee County is tied for the second best Census self-response rate in the entire state of Tennessee, with at 41.1% response rate, tying with Loudon County. Moore County has the best response rates at 41.4%. “This is a very important Census for Coffee County,” said Coffee County Mayor Gary Cordell. “It is of utmost important that everyone is accounted for. This data and these results will have...

Saturday, March 28, Unity Medical Center was notified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that it conducted testing on a patient who tested positive for COVID-19. “We immediately activated protocols for handling COVID-19 cases,” Unity said in a press release. “The protocols in place allowed Unity staff to test the patient in at outside structure without entering the facility. After speaking with the provider, it is reported that the patient is self-isolating at home and reports that they are doing well. Unity Medical Center will continue following precautions to ensure the safety of our patients, colleagues and visitors....

Manchester has closed down its park facilities to the public, effective Saturday, March 28, due to social distancing concerns amid COVID-19 pandemic. Per Manchester Mayor Lonnie Norman’s office, the park facilities at Fred Deadman Park, Dave King Park, Manchester Sports Park will be closed – this includes ADA Wright Center, ball fields, skate park and dog park facilities. The Little Duck River Greenway will remain accessible. Restrooms remain open and will close at 4:30 p.m.. “This is a safety precaution for our citizens,” said Bonnie Gamble, Manchester Director of Parks and Recreation. The Recreation Center had already been closed...

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation stopped disconnections of electric service for non-payment on March 19 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “These actions were taken in recognition of the financial hardships some members may face due to the coronavirus outbreak. We understand electricity is essential for the health and safety of you and your family during these difficult times.” said Duck River Electric Membership Corporation President & CEO Scott Spence. All members will still receive regular monthly electric bills, and payment is appreciated by the due date as Duck River Electric must continue to pay the wholesale power bill...

  In an effort to help connect our local citizens with area businesses that have taken on different operating procedures and hours during this COVID-19 pandemic, on Friday Thunder Radio launched a page on our website called Code COVID. “ As a local, small, family-owned business ourselves here at Thunder Radio, we encourage you to continue patronizing small businesses if you have the means to do so financially and safely,” said Josh Peterson, co-owner of Thunder Radio. “We are doing our best to focus our news coverage on these businesses and offer a resource for the community to visit...