Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 12-27-24

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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 27, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Old School Vapor Gets Settlement (MSM)
The owners of two hemp businesses raided by the Spring Hill Police Department earlier this year have reached a $735,000 settlement after filing a federal lawsuit over the seizure of legal inventory.
SHPD seized 231 pounds of legal hemp from Old School Vapor and SAK Wholesale in Columbia on May 9, 2024.
On Monday, May 20, Litson PLLC filed a civil rights lawsuit in federal court on behalf of clients Old School Vapor and SAK Wholesale for what it called the “illegal seizure of $1.35 million worth of legal hemp products by the Spring Hill Police Department.”
The warrants authorizing the searches of the stores reportedly did not allow for the seizure of hemp products, which are legal under federal and Tennessee law as long as the Delta-9 THC levels are not more than 0.3 percent of dry weight. The lawsuit also claimed that there was no warrant issued to search SAK Wholesale’s Columbia warehouse.
In filing the lawsuit, it was noted that District Attorney General Brent Cooper reportedly told law enforcement that hemp and marijuana were the “same damn thing,” despite that not being the case.
“Today, that statement has proven both legally and financially costly. This settlement is more than a financial recovery – it’s a critical statement about law enforcement’s responsibility to understand and respect the law,” attorney Alex Little said in a press statement. “Hemp is a legal agricultural product, and businesses should not live in fear of arbitrary seizure based on ignorance.”
Cooper responded to Main Street Maury that a statement would be forthcoming, but one had not been received at press time.
SHPD Public Information Officer Lt. Michael Foster issued a statement on the city’s behalf, stating, “The settlement dictates that the City of Spring Hill will pay $375,000 and the State of Tennessee will pay $375,000. The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen have to approve all lawsuit settlements prior to payment. The vote on this payment will likely occur early next year. The monies for the settlement will come from the City’s Insurance Fund. In this settlement, the City does not admit any wrongdoing.”
Foster went on to say, “SHPD officers receive frequent training on hemp laws, but this is an area of law quickly evolving with additional changes expected to be mandated by the State of Tennessee in 2025. The City will remain vigilant in its training to make sure officers understand the law and best practices relative to the same.”

Firefly Development Breaks Ground (MSM)
The Storied Development team, along with their partners at Wheelock Street Capital, gathered on the 700-acre site near Spring Hill on Tuesday, Dec. 17 to break ground on Firefly, Middle Tennessee’s newest luxury golf and recreation community. They were joined by more than 60 Founder members to meet with renowned golf course designer Andrew Green and preview plans for Firefly’s 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses.
“We’re excited to take the next step in the evolution of Firefly,” said Mark Enderle, Storied partner. “We’ve closed on the property, and we received more than 700 inquiries from people interested in becoming a part of this community. We believe our vision has resonated with those looking for an incomparable lifestyle environment in the beautiful, rolling Tennessee countryside all while being just down the road from downtown Nashville.”
Construction has already begun on Firefly’s multiple golf courses, with play anticipated in the spring of 2026. Sixty initial Founders have already acquired Founder Memberships, which include priority position on the selection of home-sites. Enderle says Firefly will unveil a new Encore membership in early 2025. Firefly is located approximately 30 miles south of Nashville and 15 miles south of Franklin.
“Firefly will be a community that’s welcoming to multiple generations of residents,” said Mark Yarborough, Storied partner. “Premier golf will be a key part of the community, but there will also be a full-service clubhouse, fitness center, family club, adult and kid pools, and a racquet club with indoor pickleball courts, along with some of the best private dining in Tennessee.”
The golf courses are being designed by Maryland-based golf course architect Andrew Green in his first original design. Green is best known for the renovation of classic golf courses such as Scioto, Interlachen, Congressional, Inverness, Oak Hill and East Lake.
“It’s gratifying to have been able to walk this beautiful property not that long ago and now see its beauty being incorporated into a world class lifestyle experience,” said Green. “To be able to share that sense of excitement with our Founder members has been an amazing opportunity.”
Storied expects to start closing on home-sites in the summer of 2025 with expected pricing to range between $500,000 and $1.5 million. Built homes are expected to start at approximately $2.5 million. Construction of the homes and clubhouse amenities will begin in mid-2026.
To learn more about becoming a member of Firefly, please visit www.fireflyliving.com.

Wreaths Across America (MSM)
On Saturday, Dec. 14, Wreaths Across America laid flags at the graves of soldiers in the cemetery of Zion Presbyterian Church. The Navy JROTC of Columbia Central served as the color guard and the local Marines also participated. Reverend Darryl Martin of New Life independent Baptist church made the commemorative prayers.
The wreath-laying tradition was begun in the early 1990s at Arlington National Cemetery, by a wreath maker named Morrill Worcester and his local American Legion chapter. One Christmas season, Worcester donated his company’s unsold wreaths to be hung on graves in older, more neglected sections of Arlington. Today, three million wreaths are laid at military graves in 3,700 cemeteries around the country.
Three hundred wreaths were laid in Columbia alone. The Daughters of the American Revolution specially commemorated the Revolutionary War soldiers at Zion Presbyterian, which was founded in the early 19th century and contains the graves of several men who moved to Tennessee after fighting for American independence. They included James White Stevenson, the founding pastor of Zion Presbyterian and a schoolteacher whose students included future president Andrew Jackson and possibly James Knox Polk; James Armstrong, one of the first parishioners at Zion; Dr. Samuel Mayes, an army doctor who was captured twice by the British; and David Matthews, a native Irishman who was the last Revolutionary War soldier to die in Maury County. They also took a wreath later to the yard of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where one Revolutionary War soldier is buried.
County Commissioner Connie Green reminded all of the reason for the remembrance.
“The ancient Egyptians said that a man dies twice: once when his body stops, and finally when no one remembers his name,” she said. “We are here to remember [their] names.”
Daughters of the American Revolution representative Dianne Breyfogle laid the wreath on David Matthews’ grave.
“These were the founders of Maury County,” she said.

Microchip Scanner Installed (MSM)
Maury County Animal Services has installed a community microchip station outside the entrance to the animal shelter.
Instructions for using the microchip scanner are posted on a sign above the machine. The scanner and its outdoor location will allow people to scan a lost animal at any time, regardless of the operating hours of the shelter.
“A big thank you to Friends of Maury County Animal Services for providing this valuable resource to our community,” said MCAS Director Kim Raffauf. “We truly hope this helps reunite lost pets [as soon] as the animal is found.”

Laws Saving Paws (MSM)
In other pet-related news…a new nonprofit, Laws Saving Paws (LSP), has officially become a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to advocate for stronger laws to reduce issues related to animal overpopulation, abandonment, neglect and exploitation — all while fostering a culture of compassion and responsibility.
The organization was inspired when founder Meaghan Thiede saw the effects of Tennessee’s animal overpopulation
first-hand when volunteering with her county’s municipal shelter.
“Five dogs would be adopted one day, and six would be come in the next day. It was discouraging,” Thiede said.
Even with all the municipal shelters and animal rescues throughout the state, the number of animals needing homes continued to rise exponentially. Meaghan began exploring the ripple effects this was having across Tennessee, and the role it played in other animal-related incidents.
Three months into their quest for change, Laws Saving Paws has made animal overpopulation their top priority and is now on a mission to educate Tennessee residents that no matter who you are or what you do, this issue affects everyone – from rural farmers to taxpayers to animal lovers. Rather than applying yet another Band-aid to cyclical problems of animal overpopulation, Laws Saving Paws is focused on confronting the root of the problem, promoting proactiveness instead of reactiveness.
To learn more about the Laws Saving Paws mission or if you or your business would like to use your skills and resources to partner with them, visit lawssavingpaws.org.
Founded in 2024 and based in Columbia, Laws Saving Paws is dedicated to safeguarding the rights and welfare of animals through innovative legal reform and advocacy. LSP is dedicated to empowering communities, educating the public, and working collaboratively with policymakers to ensure that voiceless pets are heard and their needs upheld in the legal system.

Maury Regional Holiday Hugs (CDH)
Employees, physicians and volunteers at Maury Regional Medical Center and Lewis Health Center (LHC) once again spread holiday cheer to local school children through the annual Holiday Hugs gift program.
Originally called Christmas Steps, the Holiday Hugs program started in 1999 with Maury Regional Health facilities partnering with local school systems.
Since its inception, the Holiday Hugs program has provided more than 11,000 gifts to children in need. This year, the program continued its legacy of generosity with 505 gifts collected at MRMC for Maury County Public Schools and 31 at Lewis Health Center for Lewis County Schools, ensuring children received items like coats, sweaters and other winter clothing to stay warm this holiday season.
“We are truly blessed to have the annual Maury Regional Holiday Hugs program,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Ventura. “The continued support from Maury Regional’s employees and volunteers makes an incredible impact on the lives of our families, and we are so grateful.”
MRH's Volunteer Services Department works with the school systems each year to identify children in need at the districts' elementary and middle schools. Gifts are collected, organized and delivered to each school with the help of MRH's Supply Chain and Facility Services Departments as well as other team members and volunteers.
“Giving is the reason for the season and the Holiday Hugs program is one of the many ways we can give back to our community,” said Cindy Short, director of Volunteer Services. “This effort would not be possible without the teamwork of our employees and volunteers, and we thank everyone who helped make this year’s program a success.”
Holiday Hugs is one of the many seasonal giving initiatives across the Maury Regional Health system. Wayne Medical Center (WMC) employees collected gifts through the Angel Tree program, helping a total of 15 children.
Marshall Medical Center (MMC) participated in Foster Care Christmas for foster children of Marshall County, donating a total of 129 gifts for children and also participated in a nursing home Angel Tree program, providing a total of 31 gifts for seniors. Lastly, MMC held a food drive where staff donated canned goods to Hope Town.
"The holidays remind us of the power of community and generosity, and it's a privilege to give," said Maury Regional CEO Martin Chaney, MD. "It's heartwarming to know we can provide joy and support to families in our communities. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season from Maury Regional Health."

King’s Daughter’s Christmas (CDH)
The season of giving is a special time for the King's Daughter's School, when the community brings Christmas to students, who live on site.
This year Santa brought his own pair of bowling shoes, while he celebrated with students at Tenn Pin Alley in Columbia.
When the King's Daughter's School shuts down for the holiday season, many students will remain on campus, including children in state custody, who have experienced abuse, neglect or are separated from their families due to difficult circumstances.
King's Daughter's Executive Director Shauna Pounders said Christmas is the biggest time of year for the children, and that every child deserves a visit from Santa, whatever the circumstance.
"Every child’s vision of Christmas starts with them waking up in their own bed, at their own home, but for some children—through no fault of their own—that’s not their reality," Pounders said. "Our community rallies around these little ones and gives them a holiday that is precious and full of joy. We truly could not do it without community support, so it’s such a joy to be able to share with you some of the loving things our friends and neighbors do to create Christmas magic for our students who are in state custody."
On Friday, the King's Daughters' students were treated to an afternoon of bowling, laser tag and presents from Santa at Tenn Pin Alley, a tradition now in its third year.
"We make sure these kids have a wonderful Christmas, and it's because they miss out on so much," KDS Recreational Therapist Shannon Neff said. "Their stories are all different and are not in their homes due to different circumstances. That's why they are here for us on Christmas, and while they are here, we are making sure they are living their best lives, that they get to experience things they wouldn't anywhere else, and we make sure they are happy."
Providing a merry Christmas to KDS students is largely made possible through donations from community members, local businesses and nonprofits.
Prior to Friday's lunch and gift giving, The Knights of Columbus sponsored a pizza party for about 100 King's Daughters' students. The organization also provides winter coats to each student every year.
"In reality, they don't have family around, and so we try to become that family every year for them," Ray Turner, a Knights of Columbus member who dons the red hat and coat every year, said. "That's really what it all boils down to."
Icon Sports & Entertainment and Special Olympics Tennessee also hosted a shopping spree at Dick's Sporting Goods for Christmas this year, where state custody students picked out new tennis shoes, football gloves and other sports gear alongside Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis.
The students in state custody also benefit from the King's Daughter's Santa's Mailbox program with Heritage Bank & Trust, in which community members shop for items on each student's Christmas wish list.
Tony and Gina Wolfe of McDonald's of Columbia also sponsor a Breakfast with Santa each year for the children.
Much of the gifts delivered Friday were provided through individual donations, as well as organizations such as the Maury County Sheriff's Department and the Maury County Fair, who also organize My Day at The Fair for children with special needs and their caregivers each year.
"This is all through donations," Turner said. "It's all from the people here that make this happen. They are guardian angels."
The King's Daughters' School's Enrich Box program has also provided students with hundreds of hours of hands-on vocational training by producing Christmas gift boxes curated with products from local businesses.
The Enrich Box program includes gift boxes curated by KDS with goods and products in partnership with area businesses, specially prepared for customer purchase.
"All of the kids have all had jobs for the Enrich program. They made the boxes," Pounders said. "The kids have really enjoyed that and got their certificates of achievement for the jobs they did this year."
Megan Fralix, main organizer for the Enrich program, said the curriculum not only teaches the students a sense of responsibility, but also skills such as socializing with others in the workplace.
"We started our own curriculum to teach job skills to our students," Fralix said. "We also teach them things like, 'Why do you work?' or 'Why do you get a job?' It's a really great start for them, and each Enrich box also includes their own business cards they've created themselves."
While the time for shipping Enrich Boxes before Christmas has closed, Pounders said there is "always a chance" a few might be left over to purchase once the school reopens.
"If we have any left after the holidays, people can still come buy them," Pounders said. "The school's office will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but then we will reopen again, and folks can come get them."
More than anything, Christmas time at King's Daughters is about how the local community comes together to provide a well-rounded holiday to children who otherwise wouldn't have one, all done simply through the act of giving.
"The community comes together to make the holidays really precious for these kids," Pounders said. "The community works to give them as much as we possibly can, knowing we can't take the place of having their own home on Christmas. This is something special, and just for them."
KDS is a nonprofit school, offering various programs to children and adults up to 40 years of age, some with disabilities, through skills training, education and residential programs.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by 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.

Robert Scott Howell, 53, resident of Murfreesboro, died Friday, December 20, 2024 at Alive Hospice- Murfreesboro.
A graveside service will be conducted Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery. 

Charlotte Eugenia Lentz Morrow, 88, life-long resident of Columbia, TN passed away Saturday, December 14, 2024, at her home. 
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, December 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mrs. Doris C. Dye, 95, passed away peacefully, at her home on December 24. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, December 30 at 10:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit Sunday, December 29 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…
Williamson County Parks to Receive Millions (Tennessean)
Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, announced this week over $3.5 million in funding from the state to support the maintenance and expansionion of local parks and recreation facilities in Williamson County. 
Williamson County Parks and Recreation manages 34 properties that offer a variety of services including tennis courts, soccer fields and pools. The county also is home to newly built bike trails with a Mountain Biking Trail that opened in Brentwood in April.
“I am happy to announce that the Town of Nolensville, Town of Thompson’s Station, and Williamson County have been selected to receive funding from Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)”, Johnson said.
The direct recipients and the amount of funding they received are:
Town of Nolensvillewill receive $1.2 million from the state directed to the Local Parks and Recreation Fund.
Town of Thompson’s Station will receive $600,000 from the state directed to the Local Parks and Recreation Fund.
Williamson County will receive $2.173 million to help with construction of paved, accessible walking trail, multipurpose playing courts and site amenities at Osburn Park. Additionally, it will help with construction of equestrian arena, driveway, parking areas, seating area, concessions/restroom, and pavilion at Castle Park.
 “These funds will go a long way in preserving the quality of our local parks. Thank you to the local officials for submitting a great application as well as TDEC for their great work on this,” he said.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Finish off 2024 with a five-course dinner of champagne-inspired recipes at Rue 6, 109 E. 6th St., who will host two Prix-Fixe (total fixed price) dinners.
Seatings will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The five-course meal is $60 per person, with a $36 wine pairing fee.
Guests will start with a champagne escargot soup entree, followed by a white cabbage salad.
The main course will consist of champagne marinated shrimp boil, followed by a Tennessee artisan cheese board and "poppy & peep" bon bon chocolates for dessert.
Learn more at www. https://www.farmsteadroots.com/farmsteadcellar