Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-1-24

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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.

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for November 1, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
District 5 Race Update (TennesseeLookout)
Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, facing an FBI investigation, is running a quiet campaign against Democratic opponent Maryam Abolfazli, yet she started attacking him this week in the race for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District seat.
Ogles, a Culleoka resident and former Maury County mayor, hasn’t purchased any TV ads as he seeks a second two-year term in Congress after winning the district seat in 2022 by defeating moderate Republicans. After decades as a Democratic stronghold, the 5th District was redrawn two years ago to combine a portion of Davidson County with red rural areas and give Republicans an advantage at the polls. 
Abolfazli, a Nashville resident who has become a frequent participant in state legislative affairs, entered the race with a serious deficit caused by the district’s heavily Republican political makeup but recently bought two short TV ads to bolster her campaign.
Abolfazli ran a spot Monday taking Ogles to task for failing to bring federal funds to Tennessee. In it, she says the 5th Congressional District, which stretches from Wilson County, across part of Davidson and Williamson, to Maury, Marshall and Lewis, is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, requiring new infrastructure. But, she says, Ogles failed to help the district contend with change.
“Typically, a freshman congressperson brings about $12 million down to their district for that use. Guess how much your congressperson, Andy Ogles, has brought down to District 5. Zero,” she says. “That’s unacceptable.”
Ogles has stayed out of the public eye in recent weeks, especially after the revelation that federal agents confiscated his phone as part of a fraud investigation. But in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, he sent out a press release Monday saying he introduced a bill that would add $10 billion for disaster relief to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The money would be made available by rescinding funding for IRS agents approved in 2022.
In September, Ogles acknowledged a six-figure loan to his campaign from FirstBank after failing to disclose it on previous forms, which led to a complaint by the Campaign Legal Center. The nonpartisan watchdog group alleged that Ogles had nearly $1 million in finance discrepancies between his House disclosure form and campaign finance reports.
Ogles maneuvered to unseat Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy two years ago when he entered Congress and has an endorsement from former President Donald Trump on his re-election website. Trump support alone is expected to boost him in a state likely to give the Republican presidential candidate at least 60% of the vote on Nov. 5. He also has backing from U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio. 
Ogles reported bringing in $964,369 over the last two years and spending nearly $992,000. His latest filing lists no loans and $25,718 in cash on hand.
Abolfazli reported raising $403,300 over the last six months and spending about $293,500. She had nearly $110,000 on hand as of Oct. 16.
In her newest ad, Abolfazli declines to mention Ogles and describes herself as a single, working mother who knows what it takes to support a family.
Abolfazli acknowledges housing, health care and groceries are expensive and says, “We need someone in Congress that deals with this every day, not someone who’s paid by big donors.” In another 15-second ad, Abolfazli shows support for reproductive rights in a state where abortions are outlawed, except in extreme circumstances.
“My son has been the light of my life for the last six years, but it was my decision to have a child. Every woman deserves the right to make that decision for herself,” she says.
Ogles’ website says he believes life begins at conception and adds that “we are duty-bound to protect it at every stage until natural death.”

Spring Hill Approves Preliminary Ortho Center (MSM)
Spring Hill’s Planning Commission gave conditional approval to a site plan for Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance’s new office on Reserve Boulevard during the group’s Oct. 14 meeting.
The proposal includes a medical office building that will be a 58,183-square foot, two-story building with 206 parking spaces and access points from Reserve and Vanguard Avenue.
Planning staff said the site plan showed light trespass onto other adjoining properties and requested that the plan be changed to alleviate that. Commissioners also put conditions that the applicant return with elevations and colors for later approval.
Jason Morelock of Fulmer Lucas Engineering said the plan met the intent of the Unified Development Code and asked for clarification on what staff wanted to see.
Charles Watkins with developer/owner Oman-Gibson Associates said after having spoken with TOA physicians, they were concerned about cross-access with adjoining properties because of mobility issues with many of their patients.
“A lot of their patients are not in very good shape, a lot of crutches, wheelchairs, boots… they’re just concerned about patient safety,” Watkins said.
Alderman Matt Fitterer said that Spring Hill had a tradition of requiring cross-access and that he “was not open to deviating from” that policy.
Planners also chose to defer a preliminary plat modification to the Notting Hills subdivision, noting issues with the application that staff said had not been adequately addressed.
First approved in September 2021, Notting Hills will consist of 59 single-family lots in R-2 zoning. In its report, planning staff noted that not all the lots met the required 75-foot minimum width. The modifications requested by the developer included modifying the southern roadway alignment with Emberly Townhomes to the south, the left turn lane at Buckner Road, adding a pedestrian crosswalk, and modifying several lot sizes and configurations.
“All lots did not meet the bulk and area requirements set forth by the UDC. The minimum requirement is 75 feet width… All street improvements and identifying impacts of the changes along Buckner Road and the southern access point were not addressed adequately,” Associated Planner Jackson Reid said in recommending the deferral of the application.
Commissioner Jonathan Duda asked if there was a dispute by the developer regarding the lot width and was told by Development Director Dara Sanders that based on the city’s measuring tools, some of the lots were not in compliance with requirements.
County To Purchase Tornado Sirens (MSM)
At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Maury County Commission discussed purchasing tornado sirens for the rural parts of the county.
The Commission had originally planned to purchase three sirens and have the Emergency Department install them at the Yanahli, Chickasaw Trace and Maury County Parks, at a cost of $135,000. The sirens, which are connected to a much larger network, are meant to be heard out of doors within a one-mile radius, alerting people in remote places to take shelter.
“We looked at areas where people are least protected, outside,” explained Emergency Management Director Jeff Hardy. “There is no quick or easy place for those people to seek shelter, so we felt it was [the] best use of tax dollars to do that first with the limited funds… we were asking for.”
Several commissioners had been strong advocates for the sirens at previous County Commission and committee meetings, and that night Commissioner Eric Previti suggested purchasing four more sirens for Culleoka, Mount Pleasant, Hampshire and Santa Fe, bringing the total up to seven.
“I think that if we’re gonna spend taxpayer dollars, let’s protect the taxpayers,” Previti said. Commissioners Tommy Wolaver, Jerry Bridenbaugh, and Gary Stovall agreed.
Commissioner Scott Sumners, however, suggested that the Commission slow down, voting through its planned three sirens and deciding about others the next month. He reminded them that the lowered siren price (from $55,000 apiece) would last the whole fiscal year thanks to a TIPS bidding process.
“I don’t think we’re in any hurry to rush and get these things right now,” he said.
Commissioner Gabe Howard insisted that the Commission practice fiscal responsibility and not buy too many sirens just because they would come at a discount.
“We came in tonight [planning to buy] three, and somehow we’re up to [seven],” he reminded the Commission. “In this room, we live in this fear of missing out on an opportunity, and this is another one of those perfect examples of that.” He agreed with Sumners and suggested moving the other possible sirens to the next year’s capital projects budget.
The other commissioners, however, saw the need for rural sirens as too urgent to neglect. Commissioner Gary Stovall introduced Previti’s idea as a motion, and reminded the Commission that Middle Tennessee has a secondary tornado season in November and December. The County Commission passed the amended version of the bill 19-2, agreeing to purchase seven sirens.

Apple Fest (Press Release)
Bright Apple is set to host the first ever Apple Fest on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, from noon-3 p.m. The event will take place at Iglesia Una Esperanza Viva Church, located at 2628 Pulaski Highway in Columbia. The event is being held to raise funds to support Bright Apple’s mission to provide healthy snacks for students in Maury County.
Attendees will enjoy tacos and dessert. They can also participate in an apple tasting of treats such as apple cider and donuts, apple butter, homemade applesauce and fried apple pies. There will be plenty of family fun with outdoor games and festivities, a fall-themed photo booth, live band, face painting and temporary tattoos. Kids can even try bobbing for apples!
“Our board of directors and volunteers are excited for this first ever Apple Fest and are rallying together to make it a special time for folks to get together for great food and good fun for our mission,” said Lisa Ciesliga, Director of Development for Bright Apple.
Bright Apple is a nonprofit organization that provides healthy snacks for students in Maury County each school day. The snacks help students concentrate during the school day as many students have lunch at school, but don’t eat again until the following day.
School schedules vary and some children eat lunch early or late in the day and feel hungry before or after lunch. It is Bright Apple’s mission to focus on feeding children so they can focus on learning.
“We conducted a survey earlier this year with our teachers and administrators,” Ciesliga said. “Out of the 103 responses we received, 100 percent said that the healthy snacks contribute to better student focus and attention in class.”
Since 2019, Bright Apple has provided over 850,000 healthy snacks to students in Maury County. Bright Apple proudly serves the students of J.R. Baker Elementary, Joseph Brown Elementary, Highland Park Elementary, Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Riverside Elementary. Bright Apple’s newest school, Randolph Howell Elementary, was added to the roster this school year.
Howell Elementary Principal Marisa Massey says the snacks have been very well received and the teachers are appreciative.
“It really equals the playing field when everyone has a healthy snack during the school day,” Massey said. “Kids can’t learn when they are hungry. As a school, we want to give students what they need academically, emotionally and physically. The snacks from Bright Apple help us do that. It truly makes a difference.”
It costs just $5 a month to provide snacks for one student each school day. Bright Apple has relationships with food distributors to have USDA Smart Snacks such as apples, bananas, pears and cheese and crackers sent directly to participating schools. The goal for Bright Apple’s first ever Apple Fest is to raise enough money to fund one school for the entire school year.
“Every contribution we receive from Apple Fest means so much more than a yummy fruit for our students in class. It means dignity staying intact, better classroom atmosphere, behavior issues decreasing, teacher satisfaction and most importantly, learning success for our students,” Ciesliga said.
Apple Fest Tickets can be purchased online for $25 per person/all ages. Table sponsorships are available for $200 and include admission for eight table guests as well as the opportunity to have an informational booth at the event. For more information about Apple Fest and to purchase tickets, visit BrightApple.org or send an email to [e-mail].

Evensong at St. John’s (Press Release)
The St. Peter’s Episcopal Church choir is hosting an afternoon performance of Choral Evensong on Sunday, November 3, at 3:00pm at historic St. John’s Ashwood located at 6497 Trotwood Avenue. The service will be led by the St. Peter’s Adult Choir under the direction of Dr. Peter Douglas, assisted by organist Glenn Perry.
Evensong is an Anglican and Episcopal service traditionally held at the close of the day. This particular service also observes the Feast of All Souls, remembering those who have passed away and serving as a commemoration of the faithfully departed. Nearly all of the service’s content is taken directly from the Bible.
Readings from the Old and New Testaments, the recital of the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer are combined with sung psalms and canticles.
“This will be a very moving service in a reverberant space,” said Dr. Peter Douglas, St. Peter’s Director of Music. “All gathered will sing hymns together, in addition to experiencing beautiful choral and keyboard music.”
This event is free and open to the public with no tickets required.

Spring Hill HS Veteran’s Day Program (MSM)
Maj. Douglas Harter will be the keynote speaker at the annual Spring Hill High School Veterans Day program. Harter is the Executive Officer for the Regimental Support Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Tennessee Army National Guard in Columbia. He served as an enlisted infantryman in the United States Marine Corps from 1991-95 and has served in numerous leadership positions in the Tennessee Army National Guard prior to his current appointment.
Harter’s many awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (4), Marine Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal (2), among others.
The school’s Army JROTC color guard will present the colors and the award-winning SHHS Band will perform. The SHHS Choir will sing “In Flanders Fields,” based on the poem by Maj. John McCrae, M.D. Veterans will be honored and remembered.
The program will take place in the school’s gymnasium at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Veterans and the general public are invited to attend.

Breakfast with the Mayors (Press Release)
Join Maury Alliance on November 19th at 8:30am at the Memorial Building located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia for their annual Breakfast with the Mayors event. Sponsored by John Maher Builders and Fairfield by Marriott of Columbia, learn about what is happening in your community directly from the mayors. County Mayor Sheila Butt, Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman, and Mt. Pleasant Mayor Bill White will be on hand to talk about their communities and answer questions. Admission is $25 for Maury Alliance Members and $30 for non-members. You must register by November 12th. You can do so by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…

Brenda Charlene Leach, 73, former cake decorator for Publix, and resident of Columbia, died Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at her residence.
Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

Kenneth Eugene Davis, 67, retired self-employed stone mason and resident of Hampshire, passed away Friday, October 25, 2024 at his residence.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Davis Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 4:00 PM till 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

Virgil Woodard White, 85, retired operator for Texas Eastern and lifelong resident of Columbia, died Monday, October 28, 2024 at Maury Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Knob Creek Cemetery with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19 . The family will visit with friends Friday, November 1, 2024 from 3:00 PM till 8:00 PM, and on Saturday from 9:00 AM till the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mrs. Rebecca Ellis Gregory Daimwood, long time resident of Hilltop Drive passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on October 30, 2024 after a short illness. Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rose Hill cemetery. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 4:00 PM till 6:00 PM, and on Monday from 10:00 AM till the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
Mrs. Olive Gray “Sunny” Houser, 73, resident of Columbia, died Wednesday at Maury Regional Medical Center. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 4:00 PM till 6:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…
Graduation Rates Hit High in Tennessee (Press Release)
Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the 2023-24 statewide graduation rate is 92.1 percent, breaking the previous record achieved in the 2022-23 school year at 90.6 percent. 
 
"Once again, Tennessee’s unwavering dedication to fostering student success has led us to achieve an extraordinary milestone—setting a new state record for graduation rates for the second consecutive year," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of our district and school leaders, educators, and families working together to help all our students achieve their goals and be successful." 
 
For the 2023-24 school year, the most notable takeaways from graduation data include:   
Clay County Schools, McKenzie Special School District, South Carroll Special School District, and West Carroll Special District each had over a 99% graduation rate. 
73 districts graduated 95% or more of their students on time. 
1,756 more students graduated in the 2024 cohort compared to last year, for a total of 67,232 students graduating across the state. 
78 districts improved their graduation rates from 2023 to 2024, with seven districts improving by five percentage points or more. 
The English learners student group demonstrated a 12-percentage point increase in their graduation rate from 67% in 2022-23 to 79% in 2023-24. 
23 districts finished the year with over a 99% graduation rate for at least one of the following student groups: English Learners, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Economically Disadvantaged, and Students with Disabilities. 
In order to advance academic achievement and prepare students for postsecondary success, districts continue to offer summer programming and tutoring supports for additional learning time, innovative college and career exploration, and access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses.   
For more information on graduation rates for individual districts and schools, please visit the department’s Data Downloads webpage at www.tn.gov/education.  

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
This weekend jumps right into another month, which also means another First Fridays to kick things off.
The downtown Columbia square will once again light up with vendors, live music and more for the community's monthly gathering, which will run primarily between 5-8 p.m.
In addition to the square, First Fridays fun extends to the North Garden business park at 510 N. Garden St., where you can dine on a gourmet Ollie & Finn's sandwich while enjoying a craft beer from Bad Idea or Grinder's Switch's gourmet wines.
Strolling on 6th will also return along West 6th Street, featuring yet another massive block party of live music, food trucks and more.
In other words, if you visit downtown Columbia on Friday night, you won't have to look far to find the fun.