For those interested in making a donation to the area Wreaths Across America program, there will be a match available for next year – but donations must be made in the next week. This past year was the fifth year for local ceremonies and wreath placement on veterans graves in local cemeteries. This program began with three locations and expanded to 11 this year with wreaths placed on more than 1,000 veteran graves. If you would like to make a donation to the program, it will be matched. For example, a $100 donation will become a $200 donation. Wreaths...

  FROM TENNESSEE PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE A new report provides insight into what Tennessee could focus on in the New Year to improve the health of its residents. The America’s Health Rankings 2021 report from UnitedHealthcare ranks Tennessee a dismal 41st among states for health outcomes. The state’s notable challenges include high numbers of smokers and people with multiple chronic health conditions, as well as high levels of mental distress. The report also reveals a 20% increase in obesity among Tennesseans in the past decade. Dr. Matthew Spann, weight loss surgeon and director of surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, believes...

  Last week, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) announced the state has received shipments of the Merck and Pfizer oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for molnupirvar by Merck and an emergency use authorization for Paxlovid™ by Pfizer as oral antiviral treatments of COVID-19. Early studies indicate these treatment options may reduce severe outcomes from COVID-19 including hospitalization or death. These treatments are recommended for individuals who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19 or have underlying medical conditions. Consult with your physician about your risk...

  Ed Reader Andrew Hetrick Coffee County citizens will have the opportunity to recognize the efforts of volunteers who strive to improve their community during the Coffee County Commission Meeting on January 11th; and an awards celebration on February 14th. After soliciting public nominations for volunteers, citizens from various walks of life were asked to serve on a committee to review submissions. In conjunction with the Fourteenth Annual Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards, Tennessee’s statewide volunteer recognition program, Coffee County will recognize honoree Ed Reader, Sr. and Youth honoree Andrew Hetrick. These volunteers have displayed exemplary dedication to serving the...

  Margaret Cunningham PRESS RELEASE FROM MARGARET CUNNINGHAM: Margaret Cunningham, County Commissioner from District 7, has announced her candidacy for Coffee County Mayor as an Independent in the upcoming election on August 4th.   Her qualifications-experience, integrity, common sense, knowledge of county government– give her the leadership skills, with fifteen years’ experience in County Government, to lead Coffee County.   She will be a new voice for changing times. Margaret worked as Project Manager under two different County Mayors for 7 years and has been serving as County Commissioner for the last 8 years.    As County Commissioner, she...

 The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) will conduct a strict traffic safety enforcement campaign during the 2021 New Year’s Eve holiday period beginning Friday, December 31, at 6:00 p.m. and concluding Sunday, January 2, at 11:59 p.m.  State troopers will perform traffic saturation patrols, seat belt, sobriety, and driver’s license checkpoints during the holiday.  All of Tennessee’s 95 counties will have troopers working to ensure a safe holiday. “Our goal is to keep everyone safe on Tennessee roadways,” Colonel Matt Perry said.  “We will not tolerate drivers that endanger the public with their bad choices. Now is the time to...

 In recognition of the upcoming holiday, Coffee County Government offices and Manchester City Government offices will both be closed on Friday, Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve. Emergency offices such as 911 communications, sheriff’s department, police and fire departments will remain open and operational. Offices will be open on Thursday for anyone needing to conduct business with either...