Latest Headlines
State wants to Increase Teacher Preparation Program Outcomes
Tennessee education officials plan to increase teacher preparation program outcomes across the state. The Tennessean reports the promise follows the launch of a Tennessee Board of Education database detailing how many of the state’s preparation programs aren’t meeting expected quality standards. Tennessee Higher Education Commission Executive Director Mike Krause said on Tuesday the state can do better. State Education Commissioner Candice McQueen says improvement plans include increased communication about state expectations to college presidents, connecting professors more closely to schools and state standard resources and a statewide school tour meant to introduce high-achieving, young students to the education profession....
Snow Hits Coffee County
Snow moved into Coffee County around 7am Tuesday morning. The weather system brought anywhere from a dusting to several inches of snow to parts of Tennessee. Here in Coffee County we received around 2 inches. Some areas in southern Kentucky saw at least nine inches of snow. The snow brought with it difficulties on our roadways. Several minor accidents were reported throughout Coffee County. Please be aware that it is very cold with wind chills dipping to below...
Make Sure Your Mailbox is Clear of Snow and Ice
The U.S. Postal Service needs residents to help keep walkways and areas around mailboxes clear of snow and ice. The USPS said, “the Postal Service Tennessee District officials are making a concerted effort to raise public awareness of the importance of keeping walkways, sidewalks, and approaches to mailboxes clear from snow and ice in the interest of neighborhood safety.” Here are some tips to help keep your USPS letter carrier safe: Clear enough snow from curbside boxes to allow mail trucks to approach the box, deliver the mail and to drive away from the box without danger of the...
Gas Prices Rise
Gas prices increased across most of the country during the past week, yet states in the southeast still have some of the cheapest prices in the nation. Tennessee gas prices increased 6 cents during the past week. The state average of $2.34 is 10 cents more than a month ago and 20 cents more than this time last year. The national average price of a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.52, which is 8 cents more than a month ago and 18 cents more than a year ago. The low price this week in Manchester is $2.23 per gallon...
TBI Used Reserve Funding to Avoid Layoffs and More
A report says the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation used reserves over the last four years to avoid layoffs and operational gaps due to budget cuts required by Gov. Bill Haslam’s administration. The state comptroller’s office review says TBI has underestimated its costs and annually expected to operate at a budget shortfall with reserve accounts filling the gaps. The report says TBI’s reserve accounts have been greatly diminished. Additionally, the Tennessee commissioner of finance and administration swept more than $6.1 million from TBI’s handgun permit fund in 2014 to put in Tennessee’s general fund. The report says TBI didn’t request...
TWRA Asking for Public Input
Tennessee officials seek comments on hunting regulations Tennessee wildlife officials are seeking public comments on regulations for the 2018-19 hunting season. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says it’s an opportunity for Tennesseans to offer ideas and share concerns about hunting regulations with the agency’s staff. The agency says the comment period is open through Feb. 15. It says public comments will be considered by the agency’s staff and may be presented as proposals for regulation changes. Comments may be submitted by mail to: 2018-19 Hunting Season Comments, TWRA, Wildlife and Forestry Division, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204 or...
Camping Prices Going Up in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Officials with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced fee increases at frontcountry campgrounds and picnic pavilions, starting on March 1, 2018. According to a report from WBIR-TV in Knoxville, the increases range from 10 to 15 percent, which averages out to about $3 to $5, depending on the area. For example, a camping spot in Cades Cove or Elkmont will go from $20 to $25 in peak season. Officials said the rate increases are necessary to meet the rising costs of operations, reduce a backlog of maintenance requirements on park facilities, and initiate needed improvements. The park...
Manchester man facing Multiple Charges
Nicholas Dillon Murphy age 23 of Old McMinnville Hwy, Manchester was charged over the weekend by Coffee County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Jason Dendy with Theft of Property. According to the arrest warrant, on December 1, 2017 Murphy removed two vehicles from 386 Sharp Lane in Beechgrove without the owner’s permission. The vehicles were allegedly taken to a salvage yard and sold for $397.10. Manchester Police Investigator Jackie Matheny also charged Murphy on Friday for shoplifting from Walmart on December 6, 2017. Murphy allegedly removed items valued a $1,002.06 from the store without paying for them. He was booked in...
