Story by Tennessee Public News Service More than 1 million adults in Tennessee have no access to dental coverage, and only about half of kids enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program receive dental care, according to a new report. Report author Kinika Young, senior director of health policy and advocacy at the Tennessee Justice Center, said Tennessee is one of three states that don’t provide dental care to Medicaid recipients. That’s on top of a chronic shortage of dental-health professionals, especially in rural areas. “We know that having a health insurance card or dental-care insurance is not the ‘end all, be...

A suspect is in custody after allegedly stealing two vehicles and leading Coffee County authorities on – not one – but two high-speed pursuits. According to Coffee County Sheriff’s Department investigator Brandon Gullett, a vehicle was stolen at about 1:30 a.m. Monday morning, Feb. 7 from Love’s Truck Stop near Interstate-24 exit 117. That vehicle was located by authorities near Anderson St. in Tullahoma. A pursuit was initiated, at which point the suspect turned onto Joint Park Blvd. Authorities say the suspect ditched the vehicle and bailed on foot. “Manchester Police Department canine units tracked him until about 10...

Coffee County 14th Judicial District Attorney General Craig Northcott has officially announced plans to seek re-election in the upcoming 2022 cycle. Below is a statement submitted by Northcott: It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve the 14th Judicial District (Coffee County) as District Attorney since September 1, 2014. I am officially announcing that I have qualified to seek re-election for this position in 2022. Coffee County District Attorney Craig Northcott When I first sought this position, I promised to perform my duties based upon the Christian values that I hold and upon which this wonderful Country...

Candidates who wish to file for the upcoming May 3 primary have just over one week to do so. Candidates for the upcoming May 3, 2022 State and Coffee County Primary Elections began picking up petition papers on Dec. 20 at the Coffee County Election Commission. The deadline to have petitions returned is Thursday, Feb. 17 at noon with a withdrawal deadline of Feb. 24. Anyone wishing to vote in the May 3 primary must be registered by Monday, April 4. You can register by visiting the Coffee County Election Commission on McArthur St. Early voting will be April...

Gas prices in Tennessee continue to climb. Prices are up again this week, according to AAA, marking the fifth consecutive week of increases. The average price per gallon regular unleaded gasoline in Tennessee as of Monday, Feb. 7 is $3.14. That is up four cents from last week and 10 cents from two weeks prior. That price is 15 cents higher than last month and 93 cents more expensive than one year ago. Meanwhile, the average price of gasoline in Coffee County is currently at $3.10, which is 4 cents below the state average and a penny more expensive...

Tennessee Republicans lawmakers filed legislation last week to increase liability protections for officers in pursuit of a fleeing suspect. According to House Bill 2605, law enforcement personnel and their agency would not be liable for injuries to a third party caused by a suspect who flees from authorities “unless the law enforcement personnel were grossly negligent” and that gross negligence “was a proximate cause” of the injuries. “This legislation only protects law enforcement officers who follow the proper policies and procedures while pursuing a fleeing suspect,” said State Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis. “It is important that officers and their...

By Rosalyn Partin, Manchester H&R Block There is a significant and exciting change to the Child and Dependent Care credit for 2021 tax returns. The Child and Dependent Care credit allows families to claim expenses related to the care of a child or someone who is physically or mentally unable to care for themselves. Families who pay for care while the parents work or attend school may claim a refundable credit of up to 50% of qualifying expenses, meaning they could claim a maximum credit of: $4,000 for one qualifying child (based on $8,000 of expenses)$8,000 for two or...

Gov. Bill Lee last week addressed a joint session of the General Assembly in the House Chamber in which he outlined his legislative priorities for 2022 and presented his budget proposal for the upcoming year. The governor’s fourth state of the state highlighted strategic investments in education, infrastructure, public safety, rural Tennessee and supporting families. He emphasized Tennessee’s embodiment of “America at its best” and his commitment to building on the state’s past successes.  “Tennessee stands as a beacon to the rest of the country for how we can change lives when we control the size of government, prioritize...