Those traveling to and from Rutherford County on Interstate 24 the past couple of days have probably noticed some random lane closures and slower travel. This is scheduled to continue through Wednesday evening, March 2. Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced that I-24 in both directions between mile markers 89 and 96 (Buchanan Rd. and Beech Grove exit) will continue to have temporary lane closures between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. through March 2 for “maintenance work.” Anyone making that trip is encouraged to allow for extra time or take US Highway 41 as an alternate...

Republican legislation intended to ensure that students are taught about the benefits of America’s founding principles as part of their social studies curriculum advanced out of the Tennessee House Education Instruction Subcommittee last week. House Bill 2742 would require that high school students in Tennessee be taught about the virtues of capitalism and the constitutional republic form of government as compared to other political and economic systems such as communism and socialism. “We understand that the job of educators is to teach accurate, unbiased material to students,” State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, told members of the subcommittee. “The objective...

Another day, another scam alert to tell you about. This alert comes out of Franklin County. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department is warning people that a scammer is contacting people about a rental home opportunity in which you have to complete an application and an $80 application fee. Authorities say to disregard this and do not send in any payments. This call comes from a 423 area code number. If you have received such an officer, call Franklin County Sheriff’s Department investigator Chuck...

This white truck was allegedly stolen from the Hillsboro area over the weekend of Feb 26-27, 2022. Coffee County Sheriff’s Department authorities are asking for your help finding a pickup truck that was allegedly stolen over the weekend from the Hillsboro area. The truck in question is a Morgan Excavation service truck. It is white in color, extended cab Chevrolet with a noticeable dent in the lower part of the rear passenger door. If you have information regarding this theft, please call Sgt. James Sherrill...

Tennessee gas prices continue to increase across the state, jumping 15 cents, on average, since last Monday. The Tennessee Gas Price average  is now $3.44 which is 35 cents more expensive than one month ago and 94 cents than one year ago.   The average in Coffee County is $3.48, which is 4 cents higher than the state average and just 13 cents below the national average. “Russia’s invasion and the responding escalating series of financial sanctions by the U.S. and its allies have given the global oil market the jitters,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Like the U.S. stock market,...

Residents in the Coffee County area are receiving phone calls from scammers who are using names of actual Manchester Police Department officers. This is a new spin on a scam that has been making the rounds for a while now. According to Manchester Police Department Assistant Chief Adam Floied, MPD has received complaints that someone is calling and identifying themselves as “Sergeant Devin Deford.” While Devin Deford does work for MPD, he is actually a captain. Floied said that the scammer tells his intended victim that they have a warrant for their arrest and they must pay a fine...

The Manchester City School District is presently completing a grant renewal for the 21st Century Community Learning Center.  The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program provides federal funding to establish or expand community learning centers. These centers provide students with opportunities for academic enrichment, youth development, and family support during non-school hours or during periods when school is not in session. Originally funded by direct grants from the U.S. Department of Education (ED), responsibility for the administration of this program was transferred to state education agencies under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (formerly...

By Rosalyn Partin, H&R Block Classroom decorations, books, supplemental learning materials, party supplies and occasional sweet treats are common classroom expenses for K-12 instructors. Do you have to front the costs of these expenses? A lot of times, yes. But there’s also a teacher tax deduction available to help offset these expenses. Eligible instructors can qualify for an educator expense tax deduction of up to $250. It extends up to $500 if an educator is married to another eligible educator and filing under the status married filing jointly (up to $250 per person combined). Common teacher classroom supplies that fit the...