Latest Headlines
Unemployment claims soar amid COVID-19 pandemic layoffs
The state of Tennessee experienced an unprecedented spike in new initial unemployment claims according to data released this morning by the United States Department of Labor. For the week ending March 21, 2020, Tennesseans filed 39,096 initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits. The week prior, the state received 2,702 new unemployment claims. The latest figure represents a nearly 20 fold increase in week-to-week claims. Nationwide, Americans filed 3,283,000 new unemployment claims, an increase of 3,001,000 from the previous week’s revised national level. Week ending March 21, 2020, at a glance: • New: 39,096 • Last week: 2,702 • Difference:...
Unity has tested 33 patients for COVID-19; issues statement reminding public of CDC testing guidelines
Unity Medical Center in Manchester issued a press release late Wednesday informing local residents of COVID-19 testing information at the facility and some of the processes involved. As of Wednesday, the hospital has tested 33 patients, with 10 negative tests and the remaining 23 tests still outstanding as “labs are behind 7-12 days in reporting results.” “Unity Medical Center’s top priority is always providing the best care for our patients and community. The staff at Unity is working tirelessly to ensure that each of our patients receives the appropriate care,” Unity said in a press release. The remainder of...
Local schools work hard to provide at-home learning during closure
With schools closed for COVID-19 pandemic, Manchester City Schools have worked hard to offer online resources for parents and children at home to continue learning. Dr. Joey Vaughn, director of Manchester City Schools, joined the Thunder Radio Morning Show on Wednesday, March 25, and explained that it is important that, if possible, children continue learning at home during this downtime. He did say that the coursework and exercises offered online is not mandatory, but is important for future development. “We always want to keep their brain moving forward,” Vaughn said. Vaughn also explained that the state 180-day education requirement...
Now 784 COVID-19 cases in Tennessee
As of March 25, there are now 784 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tennessee, including three deaths and 53 hospitalizations. There are currently no confirmed cases in Coffee County. Meanwhile, there are 19 confirmed cases in Rutherford County, one in Franklin County, and one in Grundy County. These numbers reported directly from the Tennessee Department of Health....
Manchester Chamber challenges residents to keep supporting local
The Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce and director Katy Riddle have announced a 14-day challenge to continue to support local business during this unprecedented time. Day 1 of the challenge calls for residents of Manchester to continue shopping local, but shop online, through pick-up service or through social media. For instance, many stores are offering deals through their websites or Facebook pages to shop remotely, or are offering private showings or curbside services, such as The Cracked Pot, High Cotton, The Wandering Apple, Merle Norman, Reese’s Genes Boutique, Owen’s Provisions & Apparel, Harvest Local Foods, Sprout Children’s Shop and...
Manchester city schools offer online tools during school closure
With schools closed for COVID-19 pandemic, Manchester City Schools have worked hard to offer online resources for parents and children at home to continue learning. Dr. Joey Vaughn, director of Manchester City Schools, joined the Thunder Radio Morning Show on Wednesday, March 25, and explained that it is important that, if possible, children continue learning at home during this downtime. He did say that the coursework and exercises offered online is not mandatory, but is important for future development. “We always want to keep their brain moving forward,” Vaughn said. Vaughn also explained that the state 180-day education requirement...
Coffee County, Manchester Schools to remain closed through April 24 after Governor request
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Tuesday that all public schools in Tennessee should remain closed through April 24 due to the COVID-19 virus. Locally, Coffee County and Manchester City Schools have already been closed since March 16. Both districts announced Monday afternoon, March 23, that they would be closed through April 12. Now the governor’s announcement extends that closure even further. “The Department of Education team will continue to work closely with our districts as they serve students and families during this time. We are committed to doing whatever we can to support our district leaders as they make...
Tullahoma mayor backs off proclamation, curfew
Tullahoma Mayor Lane Curlee issued clarifications Tuesday, easing a “proclamation” he issued on Monday in favor of an “advisory” for residents to shelter at home. Curlee told residents that he was not authorized to issue the proclamation to the extent that he did, saying that he made a “series of mistakes in issuing a proclamation containing ‘shalls’ I am not authorized to make.” Curlee also apologized for the confusion. The curfew issued by Curlee in the original proclamation is not valid and businesses are not required to close their doors. Curlee does continue to ask non essential businesses to...
