John Coffelt, Editor

Manchester Mayor-elect Joey Hobbs announced Friday, Aug. 16 his immediate resignation as Coffee County Commissioner. 

“It has been my great pleasure and honor to serve on the Coffee County Commission, but I now must turn all of my focus and energy to my newly elected position as the Mayor of Manchester,” Hobbs writes in his resignation letter to Interim County Mayor Dennis Hunt. 

“I hereby submit my resignation of my seat on the Coffee County Commission, representing District Two. This resignation is effective immediately. Best wishes in your future endeavors as you and others continue to serve the residents of Coffee County,” Hobbs said. 

Hunt, who won the election to fill the remaining two years of the late Mayor Judd Matheny’s term, will by state law vacate his commission seat  representing District 6 when he is sworn in as County Mayor. 

The Coffee County Republican Party will conduct a caucus at 5 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2024 at the Coffee County Administrative Plaza Community Room to select candidates for Coffee County Commission Districts 2 and 6 for the Nov. 5 General Election ballot. 

Hobbs will be sworn in as Manchester Mayor on Aug. 19. He had served as Manchester Alderman since 2022. That vacancy will be appointed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The city is currently taking applications for the appointment.    

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.