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Daily News from MuleTown to Music City and beyond. Listen to Tom Price read the news of the day from Kennedy Broadcasting, WKOM & WKRM Radio.
WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for December 23, 2024
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Former Corrections Officer Sentenced (WSMV)
A former corrections officer at the Maury County Jail was sentenced in federal court on Thursday, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The DOJ said James Stewart Justice, formerly known as James Stewart, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. This comes after his conviction of falsifying a record in a federal civil rights investigation in connection to a report he wrote responding to allegations that he had sexually abused an inmate while guarding her in a hospital room while she recovered from surgery.
Court documents said that Justice “wrote an official report for the Maury County Jail” in response to the allegations against him.
The court said Justice’s report:
1) falsely claimed that he had reported to two Maury County Jail supervisors that an inmate had made sexual advances toward him while the inmate was in his custody at the hospital;
2) falsely claimed that those two Maury County Jail supervisors both advised him not to write a report about those alleged sexual advances by the inmate;
3) omitted a claim he later made to criminal investigators that he had a sexual relationship with the inmate after the inmate’s release from custody.
“Everyone who serves in law enforcement knows of their duty of candor,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “That duty of candor is at its highest when responding to serious allegations such as the sexual abuse of an inmate in the officer’s care. The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute officers who disregard that duty and obstruct federal civil rights investigations.”
“When the authority that corrections officers are given is abused, it’s not just the civil rights of prison inmates that are threatened, but the public’s trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “This sentencing should be a reminder that the FBI will vigorously investigate these kinds of cases and bring to justice any law enforcement officer who violates the constitution and trust of the people.”
West Haven Park Rededicated (Press Release)
The City of Columbia, Tennessee, celebrated the completion of significant upgrades to West Haven Park with a rededication ceremony held on December 19th. This event marked a major milestone in the
City’s ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces for residents of all ages and abilities.
Mayor Chaz Molder emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “West Haven Park is a cornerstone of our community, and these improvements ensure that it remains a welcoming and accessible space for everyone. This rededication reaffirms our commitment to fostering inclusivity and creating places where families and neighbors can
come together.”
The ceremony showcased the park’s new features, including a beautifully constructed pavilion equipped with picnic tables for gatherings and events, swings designed to accommodate all ages and ensure accessibility, and an ADA-compliant parking space with a newly installed access path, making the park more inclusive than ever.
City Manager Tony Massey also highlighted the project’s significance, noting, “The improvements at West Haven Park demonstrate our dedication to creating vibrant public spaces that serve every member of our community. This project reflects the City’s vision of providing high-quality amenities and ensuring access for all.”
Community members, city officials, and local media attended the ceremony, joining together to celebrate the revitalization of this cherished public space. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the upgraded facilities, enjoying the enhanced features that make West Haven Park a welcoming and inclusive destination for everyone.
BOMA Defers Airport Development (CDH)
The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen has postponed any further movement on a proposed zoning amendment which would allow construction of an airport off Jim Warren Road in Spring Hill.
The proposed Spring Hill Commerce Center's request went before the BOMA on Monday for its second reading, which was deferred with minimal discussion until the board's Jan. 21, 2025 regular meeting.
The BOMA previously approved unanimously the item's first reading earlier this month, where Development Services Director Dara Sanders explained further what the request is seeking, including a new master plan for the site.
"There are some conditions of approval that could change slightly, particularly related to street improvements that staff is continuing to work with the developer applicant on," Sanders said during the Dec. 2 meeting.
Sanders added that some conditions of approval could change by the second reading, particularly street improvements, but no agreement between staff and the developer was discussed prior to Monday's deferral.
Though no concrete discussions of an airport have been made by the BOMA, there have been talks in the past of it being a possibility.
BOMA initially approved the Spring Hill Commerce Center's master plan in 2023, which allowed for development of an approximately 700-acre business park.
In November, the Municipal Planning Commission approved unanimously a favorable recommendation to amend the master plan, which would allow use of an airport. Citizens had also spoken out in support, and how Spring Hill could benefit from having its own airport if approved.
"What this is going to be an airport for, is an economic engine to bring tremendous value to this community. The businesses that look for headquarters that have high paying jobs, high-valued corporate headquarters, one of their criteria is easy access to an airport," Mike Harris, founder of Hawkins Flight Academy in Shelbyville previously told the planning commission.
"What this is as well is an opportunity for young people to pursue flight training and to pursue high-paying jobs. I have 17-year-old high school seniors ... who by the time they are 21 are going to be making six figures in the airlines, at 21 years old."
Shaq Christmas (WKOM Audio 6:13)
On Friday, the annual Shaq Mason Foundation Christmas took place at J.E. Woodard Elementary. With more on the annual Christmas event is WKOM’s Jack Cobb and Clayton Harris, who got to speak to Alicia McGuire, mother of NFL superstar Shaq Mason, who gets to oversee the event…
To see video of the big day, visit WKOM’s Facebook page.
Maury County Junior Naturalist (MauryCountySource)
Doctors and researchers have long studied the impact of spending time in nature, and found that the rewards of even just a few moments outdoors each day can lead to happier, healthier and more productive lives, according to NatureBridge.com. Maury County Parks and Recreation provides a great program to introduce kids to the great outdoors called Maury County Junior Naturalist.
“A naturalist is any person who studies the natural world,” says Naples Botanical Garden’s website. Naturalists make observations of the relationships between organisms and their environments, as well as how those relationships change over time.” One of the most well-known naturalists is Charles Darwin.
“Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882) transformed the way we understand the natural world with ideas that, in his day, were nothing short of revolutionary,” explains the Natural History Museum website. “He and his fellow pioneers in the field of biology gave us insight into the fantastic diversity of life on Earth and its origins, including our own as a species.”
The initiative was designed to foster environmental education and exploration for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. The program integrates history, culture, science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and outdoor experiences. It provides kids with an immersive learning experience to help them become young nature enthusiasts.
To get a child signed up for the program, visit the Maury County Parks and Recreation Department at 1018 Maury County Park Drive in Columbia, Tennessee between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to pick up a Maury County Junior Naturalist workbook.
The workbook can be completed at the child’s pace. It provides a range of engaging educational activities that will ignite their curiosity and deepen their connections to the natural world. It will open their eyes to the adventures to be found by engaging with nature.
“Join us on this incredible journey as we empower the next generation to become stewards of the environment,” says the Parks and Recreation Department website. “Together, let’s nurture a love for nature and inspire a brighter, greener future for Maury County and beyond!”
Once the workbook has been completed, the booklet needs to be brought back to the Maury County Parks and Recreation Department. Once turned in, the participating child will be asked to recite the Junior Naturalist pledge.
“We’ll celebrate their accomplishment by awarding them with an official Maury County Junior Naturalist badge,” explains the Parks and Recreation department website, “a symbol of their commitment to preserving and appreciating our planet and its inhabitants.”
If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Maury County Parks and Recreation Department at emcclain@maurycounty-tn.gov or call 931-375-6103.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Cecil Alvin Blocker, 65, retired truck driver with First Express Trucking and a resident of Columbia, died Friday, December 20 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, December 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Morrow Cemetery in the Hampshire Community. The family will visit with friends Thursday, December 26 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
Mrs. Debbie Rose, 63, lifelong resident of Columbia, died Sunday, December 8th at Maury Regional Medical Center. A Memorial service is scheduled for Sunday December 29th at Williamsport United Methodist Church. Visitation will start at 2:00 PM with a celebration of life to follow at 3:00 PM.
Mrs. Charlotte Eugenia Lentz Morrow, 88, resident of Columbia, died Saturday, December 14, 2024 at her residence. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time, and will be announced at a later date.
And now, news from around the state…
Governor’s End of Year Pardons (Tennessean)
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Friday issued 43 pardons, granting an official statement of forgiveness for a host of Tennesseans the governor said have demonstrated strong rehabilitative and community engagement efforts.
Include among the pardons is Lanesha Faye Brown, a 38-year-old Nashville resident who was just 13 years old when she was convicted of attempted second degree murder. Brown retaliated with a small knife from an art project. She's never had another criminal incident on her record in the past 25 years, Lee said on Friday, and earned her associate's degree.
But Brown's criminal record continued to follow her. She was hired to work at a Nashville hotel but was later fired when her criminal background check came back several weeks later.
"Her colleagues and the hotel general manager were so impressed with her, that they successfully lobbied the hotel’s corporate office to allow Ms. Brown to return to work," Lee said. "There was no victim opposition to her clemency claim."
During his administration, Lee has typically issued a swath of clemency grants at the end of each year. This year, Lee only granted pardons, but has in previous years also granted commutations, which can reduce time served for individuals or expedite their cases to parole eligibility.
Lee earlier this year quietly ended an expedited clemency program, which he established in 2021, for those sentenced under a previous version of the state's drug-free school zone law.
Among Lee's other pardons announced Friday include Matthew Hoover, a Chattanooga business owner now involved in several community groups and a jail ministry and Quanroyas Clendening, who was convicted of felony drug offenses three decades ago but later earned his bachelor's and master's degrees and now runs an ACT prep program for high school students.
"It is a very serious responsibility that I take," Lee said of the pardon process. "We have an exhaustive process that we go through before we get to this moment. Every case was reviewed individually by the board of parole, my legal team and individually by me."
Holiday Driving (Press Release)
Road construction won’t delay travelers during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction on Tennessee roadways beginning at 11:59 p.m. Monday, December 23, 2024, through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
AAA expects an estimated 2.7 million Tennesseans to travel between December 21 and January 1 with 2.58 million of them driving.
“Safety is our top priority and with so many people expected to travel Tennessee roadways during the holidays, we want to keep traffic moving and get everyone to their destinations,” said Deputy Governor & TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “As always, please wear your seatbelt, reduce your speed, avoid distractions, and move over for emergency vehicles.”
Except for a few long-term closures that must remain for safety, all construction-related closures will be suspended during the holiday period. Workers may still be on-site in some construction zones. Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction areas. Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possibly increased insurance premiums.
Get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras from your desktop or mobile device at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 for statewide travel information. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Dance your way into the New Year with Rubiks Groove at The Mulehouse!
This band is your premiere “Outside the Box” 80s, 90s & 00s tribute band – this high energy, character-driven act will take you back to the best era of music with a complete 360 degree interactive experience that includes live music from rock to hip hop, characters, costumes, and videos!
A New Year’s buffet is brought to you by Loose Wheels and Vida Nova! You can purchase this ticket separately and enjoy your meal anytime from 6:00-8:00! Just show your ticket and they will get you to the buffet and lounge bar!
The Balcony Suite is available for purchase and will the place to be for the #1 party night of the year! You have room to stand or there are two high top tables with barstools and a velvet couch available . You also will have your own designated server throughout the evening. Waters provided along with a charcuterie board for you and your guests! Bottles of champagne available for $25!
Learn more by visiting www.themulehouse.com.