Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 1-10-25

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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 January 10, 2025

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Weather-Related Closures (Press Release)
All Maury County Public Schools will be closed for inclement weather on Friday, January 10. All Boys & Girls Club locations will also be closed. Twelve-month employees should not report. All buildings and facilities will be closed for ALL activities through Sunday, January 12.
Along with Maury, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Marshall, and Williamson County Schools are closed. All Columbia State Community College Campuses are closed, with staff working virtually.
In addition, all Maury County, Columbia and Spring Hill City Offices, and are closed today as well.

Warming Shelter Available (Press Release)
The National Weather Service Nashville has issued a winter storm watch for Maury County, which is expected to last until early Saturday morning.
This includes estimated snow accumulations of between three to seven inches across Middle Tennessee, with locally higher amounts possible.
NWS advises pedestrians to be aware of slippery roads, as well as hazardous road conditions for commuting drivers.
"A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely," the NWS report states. "A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely."
Warming stations will be open throughout Maury County through Saturday.
Now through Saturday (01/11) those needing a warm refuge can seek temporary shelter at either First United Methodist Church located at 222 W. 7th Street in Columbia or West 7th Church of Christ located at 405 W. 7th Street in Columbia.
First United Methodist will be open: 7 AM- 7 PM
West 7th Church of Christ will be open: 7 PM- 7 AM
Columbia Police Department has also issued tips for bearing the winter weather, such as:
Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Check your vehicle's antifreeze, battery, defroster, windshield wipers, wiper fluid and other equipment. Clear all snow from the vehicle before driving and always drive slow in bad weather.
When using alternative heating sources, keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure everyone knows how to use it properly.

McKelvy Appointed to 5th Ward City Council (WKOM)
At last night’s Columbia City Council meeting, the council voted to appoint a councilman to the 5th Ward to fill the term vacated by Curry Andrew Hart, who won the seat in the August election but stepped down prior to being sworn in. One candidate, Brian McKelvy, who campaigned for the seat during the election cycle and garnered over 2100 votes in the 5th ward spoke on his own behalf to fill the seat for the next two years. After a brief discussion, Councilman Kenny Marshall made the motion to accept McKelvy. It was seconded by Councilperson DaVena Hardison and the motion passed 5-1, with new councilmember Charlie Huffman giving the only dissenting vote.

Ogles Recommended for Investigation (MSM)
A congressional panel released a report last week recommending further investigation into the campaign finances of 5th District U.S. Congressman Andy Ogles.
The Office of Congressional Ethics’ report, which was released on Jan. 2, 2025, states in part that the board “finds that there is substantial reason to believe that Rep. Ogles omitted or misrepresented required information in his financial disclosure statements or FEC candidate committee reports.”
The board’s report also states that more review is necessary because of the likelihood that Ogles’ campaign committee accepted excessive contributions that were instead reported as personal loans and contributions from him. 
Ogles, who was re-elected in November 2024 to a second term representing Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, filed amended campaign financial reports in May 2024, saying he had not personally loaned his campaign $320,000 as he had reported back in 2022.
Other amendments to his financial reports resulted in Ogles retracting claims regarding thousands of dollars in campaign contributions and expenditures that he had previously reported to the Federal Election Commission.
A Federal Election Commission complaint was filed against Ogles’ 5th District Congressional campaign in August 2022 as well, alleging a “pattern of malfeasance” in Ogles’ management of required financial disclosures to federal authorities.
In August 2024, the FBI seized Ogles’ cell phone as part of a reported investigation into his campaign finances. Ogles stated at the time via social media that he was cooperating fully and believed “that the reporting discrepancies were based on honest mistakes.”
The ethics board’s report states, however, that Ogles refused to cooperate with the inquiry and recommends that Ogles be subpoenaed to provide information.

Waste Management Weather Changes (Press Release)
Spring Hill Waste Management will not be providing waste services on Friday, January 10, or Saturday, January 11, due to the forecasted winter storm. WM intends to resume services on Monday, January 13.
Monday customers for trash and recycling will be on a normal schedule. Friday customers who are skipped this week will be serviced throughout Monday – Wednesday of next week. Friday customers are asked to leave their trash cans at the curb until they are serviced.
Friday customers will also receive their regularly scheduled trash services on Friday, January 17.

Spring Hill Election (MauryCountySource)
The City of Spring Hill Local Election will be on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with early voting beginning on March 21 and ending on April 5.
The purpose of this election is to elect a Mayor to serve a term of four years and one Alderman from each of the four wards to be elected at large.
The qualifying deadline is January 16th. For more information, please visit:
https://www.springhilltn.org/CivicAlerts

Sweet Maggie Rose (WKOM Audio 2:16)
Yesterday, a new boutique called Sweet Maggie Rose opened inside Living on 6th furniture store on East 6th Street in Columbia. With more is Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy who stopped by the grand opening and spoke to proprietors Chris and Margaret Ziegler…

Kids Place Gala (Press Release)
You are cordially invited to step into an evening of mystery, elegance, and purpose at the 6th Annual Kid’s Place Gala on January 31, 2025. This year’s event, “Beyond the Mask”, will take place at the exquisite Keestone Resort in Loretto, Tennessee, setting the perfect stage for a dazzling Masquerade Ball. 

Behind the masks, abuse happens silently in our own communities; the children and families Kid’s Place serves are your neighbors, employees, family, and friends. Attendees will unite to illuminate a critical cause: the fight against child abuse. Together, we can ensure children and families in our community receive the hope, help, and healing they deserve. 

All proceeds from the gala will support the vital work of the four Kid’s Place centers serving Giles, Lawrence, Maury, and Wayne counties. Last year alone, Kids Place served more than 600 victims of child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse at no cost to the families, thanks to generous supporters like you. 
As the largest fundraising and awareness event, the gala’s success depends on the support of compassionate individuals like yourself. Whether by attending, donating, or sponsoring, your involvement helps sustain the critical services we provide. 

Kid’s Place works together with law enforcement, prosecution, mental health resources, and the community to combat the ever-growing epidemic. They cannot do this work alone; their biggest resource is YOU! 

Spring Hill Chamber Event (Press Release)
The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 21st anniversary and the achievements of its members at its Annual State of the Chamber and Awards Ceremony on Dec. 12 at the UAW Hall.

In 2024, the Chamber saw a membership increase to 539, including 128 new members and an 86% retention rate. It hosted a record-setting 64 programs and events, and participated in 40 ribbon cuttings, highlighting the expanding business community in Spring Hill.

The annual award recipients included:
George Bobier Ambassador of the Year Award: Alan Delaney, Legacy Exteriors
Jim Grimes Board Member of the Year Award: Lyndsay Sullivan, Bone & Joint Institute
New Member of the Year Award: The Awaken House (Owners: Lydia Ingegneri, Erinn Hartwell, and Scott Ingegneri); Nominees also included Downey Digital Media, Tech Squared, and Listerhill Credit Union.
Chamber Member of the Year Award: Hampton Inn Spring Hill; Nominees also included Costa Vida, Birdy Grace Boutique, and Concierge Ride.
The event concluded with a keynote address on collaboration by Rod Thurley, Vistage Advisory Board Chair and Executive Coach in Middle Tennessee.

Executive Director Rebecca Melton expressed gratitude toward the members during the State of the Chamber and Awards Ceremony. “Over the last year we worked diligently with our members and partners to create innovative programs and events so that business could thrive in our wonderful community of Spring Hill and beyond. We are looking forward to valuable connections being made in 2025.”

Rodney Holliman, 2025 Board Chair, expressed the board's appreciation to Rebecca Melton and all the chamber staff for all their hard work and dedication. "2024 was a very challenging year for the chamber and all the businesses in Spring Hill. Inflation, national elections and economic volatility highlighted 2024. The Chamber remains strong and dedicated to providing the best value for our over 500 member businesses."

Tom Hitch Parkway to Partially Close (Press Release)
Repairs to a bridge crossing the Duck River will lead to a temporary closure of a portion of Tom J. Hitch Parkway, Maury County and City of Columbia officials announced last week.
Beginning on Monday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m., Tom J. Hitch Parkway will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic between Bear Creek Pike (Highway 412) and Iron Bridge Road. Construction is expected to last through summer 2025.
Highway 31 through downtown Columbia is the preferred detour, officials announced.
Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to contact the Maury County Highway Department at [phone].

Sobriety Checkpoint (Press Release)
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 10pm until midnight.  The location is State Route 50 East @ .2 mile east of the 19mm. 

Knights of Columbus to Honor LEOs (MSM)
At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, the Knights of Columbus at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church (Council #7447) will hold their 39th annual appreciation dinner for the law enforcement officers of Maury County and its towns. The dinner, catered by Shaffer Farms Barbecue, is open to anyone who wishes to honor LEOs and their families.
“Each year the Knights of Columbus… honor local law enforcement,” said Grand Knight William Simpson, “for the sacrifices they make to ensure we live in a safe community.”
At the dinner each department (Maury County Sheriff, Columbia, Spring Hill and Mount Pleasant Police) will present an award to its Officer of the Year, accompanied by a speech from the department chiefs.

Maury Alliance Annual Meeting
Join Maury Alliance on Thursday, January 30th for their annual meeting, their most anticipated event of the year as they celebrate their accomplishments for 2024 and recognize the transition of their volunteer leadership. 

This will be a lively night of entertainment and networking celebrating business and industry in Maury County with a social hour, dinner and live music! 

The event will take place at the Memorial Building, located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia. The event will begin at 5pm with a networking/cocktail hour and wrap up by 8pm. Purchase tickets now to guarantee a seat at Maury Alliance’s biggest event of the year!  Get them by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

Registration will close January 20 at 5:00 pm. 

Night of Hope (Press Release)
The Well Outreach is pleased to present their 2025 "Night of Hope" on February 22nd, 2025 at Worldwide Stages featuring Christian Contemporary Artists, We The Kingdom! It's going to be an evening full of inspiring live music, worship, and hope - plus, your ticket helps feed local families in need.

What's Included:
- Your ticket feeds a family of four with groceries for a week
- VIP/Meet & Greet opportunities (with upgraded ticket)
- Small bites and tastings before the show
- A live auction to support The Well Outreach’s cause
- A powerful concert and worship experience with We The Kingdom

This event raises important funding for the rest of the year so that The Well can meet the needs of thousands of families coming to their food pantry with food insecurities. This is more than just a concert - it's a night to come together in faith and make a tangible impact on the lives of those who need it most. 

Tickets are still available, including limited seats to a special meet-and-greet with We The Kingdom plus tickets by the seat or table.
For more information on the work and mission of the Well Outreach, please visit their website: thewelloutreach.org

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Leroy “Lee” Seals, Jr., 72, a retired minister, and resident of Columbia, died Sunday, December 22, 2024 at TriStar of Spring Hill. 
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Columbia First Church of the Nazarene with Lang Ingram officiating. There will be a time of remembering his full life with family and friends in attendance. 
Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…
Sen. Blackburn’s Agenda (WilliamsonScene)
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn held her first virtual news conference of 2025 after she took the oath of office as part of the 119th Congress on Jan. 3.
Before the news conference, Blackburn was sworn in for her second term by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
“Getting President [Donald] Trump's nominees confirmed is going to be at the top of the list,” Blackburn said.
Her other stated priorities include making the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, often referred to simply as the “Trump tax cuts,” permanent.
Blackburn continues to push for action on her 2021 veterans' health care bill and her 2021 “online privacy bill,” especially with the growth of the use of artificial intelligence online.
She is also advocating for the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which she co-sponsors, and was passed by the Senate in July.
“The only thing that has stood in its way is the current Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and [House Majority] Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), who felt like it would be an infringement on free speech, but as my Senate colleagues have continued to say, protecting children and having laws that protect children is not something that's a violation of free speech,” Blackburn told reporters.
President Joe Biden has indicated he would sign the law if it reaches his desk. He has already signed the Revising Existing Procedures on Reporting via Technology (REPORT) Act, which strengthened online safeguards for children.
That law updated requirements for tech companies, including social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram, to report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) when they become aware of violations involving the online sexual exploitation of children, and was co-sponsored by Blackburn and Georgia Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff.
KOSA has been criticized by groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union. After the legislation passed the Senate in July, the ACLU released a statement that said the legislation would “threaten young people’s privacy, limit minors’ access to vital resources, and silence important online conversations for all ages.”
Blackburn also spoke about her support for Trump's immigration action, which includes planned mass deportations.
In March, Blackburn introduced the Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal [CLEAR] Act of 2024, which if passed, would empower states to “investigate, identify, apprehend, arrest, detain, or transfer to Federal custody aliens in the United States (including the transportation of such aliens across State lines to detention centers), for the purposes of assisting in the enforcement of the immigration laws of the United States in the course of carrying out routine duties.”
The bill would allow state and local law enforcement agencies to be reimbursed by the federal government for the costs of immigration enforcement. It would also cut federal law enforcement funding for “sanctuary cities,” and see the creation of around 20 new immigration detention facilities.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
A night out with a few laughs from a nationally touring comedian is always a fun night out, especially when it’s right here in town.
The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St., will host Tennessee comedian Karen Mills for an evening of standup starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Mills has appeared on Season 12 of "America's Got Talent," and has made many appearances on The Grand Ole Opry.
Her latest comedy special, "Pink Pants" is available on YouTube.
Mills' comedy is described as having a "straight forward approach to the realities of life. Even Ovarian cancer couldn't stop her from turning her pain into punchlines.
Friday's show will also feature Mills' longtime touring partner comedian Leanne Morgan.
Tickets are $20-$25 and are available at www.SeeTickets.us. Email [e-mail] or call [phone] for more information.