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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 November 4, 2024
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
5th Congressional Race (CDH)
Election Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 5. You can listen to this station, 101.7 WKOM as the returns come in. Besides electing a new president and vice president, Tennesseans will also be voting on several other key races, including seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
One of the top races in Middle Tennessee is the fifth congressional district, where incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, is seeking reelection. The freshman congressman is facing opposition from first-time candidate and longtime political activist, Maryam Abolfazli, as well as independent candidates Yomi "Fapas" Faparusi and Jim Larkin.
Tennessee's fifth Congressional District includes Marshall, Maury and Lewis Counties as well as parts of Davidson, Williamson and Wilson Counties.
Here's what to know about the candidates and their respective priorities.
Ogles, a former Maury County mayor, previously worked as a lobbyist for Americans for Prosperity Tennessee, a conservative advocacy group that has backed his Congressional bid both with grassroots outreach and ad buys.
His top campaign priorities include immigration enforcement, school choice and Second Amendment issues.
Backed by the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, Ogles has faced criticism for embellishing details on his resume, including misrepresenting the degree he received from Middle Tennessee State University, which he has characterized as an unintended mistake, previously reported the Tennessean.
Ogles has also faced scrutiny and multiple complaints over his federal campaign finance disclosures for over two years. He recently admitted that a self-loan of $320,000 that he had reported as cash to the FEC for two years was in fact a “pledge” for funding for which the need never arose. He was required to pay $5,750 in civil penalties for campaign finance violations after the 2022 cycle.
Ogles is also currently facing an ethics complaint filed by the Campaign Legal Center in January requesting an investigation into discrepancies in the congressman's financial disclosures, including the personal loan of $320,000.
A day after the August primary, where he won the nomination handily, and just weeks after calling for the impeachment of presidential nominee Kamala Harris, FBI agents confiscated Ogles cell phone in what he believes to be a probe related to his campaign finance filings.
Maryam Abolfazli is a Nashville native and activist. A Hume Fogg High School graduate, Abolfazli has worked on economic development in several former Soviet and Middle Eastern countries.
According to her campaign website, Maryam has served in a multiple executive roles with nonprofit organizations, including Project Return, Brave New Software, Millions of Conversations, and Atlas Project. She has also served as board chair of AWAKE Tennessee and Chair of the Metro Human Relations Commission.
Following a deadly shooting at the Covenant School in March 2023, Abolfazli organized a rally of thousands that converged on the state Capitol, calling for lawmakers to pass gun control legislation. Months later, during a special legislative session, she was removed by state troopers from a committee hearing room for holding a sign calling for gun control.
Abolfazli was one of three plaintiffs that sued the state on First Amendment grounds, successfully challenging a ban of signs in the House of Representatives gallery, adopted by Republican leadership. She is founder of the organization Rise and Shine Tennessee, which advocates for community engagement in state legislative issues.
Among her top campaign policies are reproductive rights, gun safety and economic growth and affordability.
Dr. Yomi "Fapas" Faparusi, of Brentwood, is a physician and immigration attorney.
According to his campaign website, his policy priorities include job creation and economic growth, securing the southern border, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and working to prevent the threat of government shutdown, which he says "have caused significant pain and instability for many Americans."
He pledges to prioritize the interests of his constituents over political partisanship.
Jim Larkin is an independent candidate with a limited campaign presence outside of social media. In a series of posts regarding his policy platforms, Larkin said he supports lower tax rates for lower-income households and is critical of public dollars flowing to corporations. He opposes private prisons, supports legalizing marijuana and is critical of abortion bans with zero exceptions.
A gun owner himself, Larkin supports background checks on all purchases, a bump stock ban and a magazine capacity cap.
GM Grant Drives Beautification in Columbia (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Columbia Infrastructure and Greenspace Improvement Project in downtown Columbia. This project, made possible through a partnership with Columbia Main Street, was funded by General Motors through the GM on Main Street Grant.
Earlier this year, General Motors awarded five $50,000 grants to nonprofit organizations and municipal government entities near GM facilities, including the City of Columbia. The improvements enhance both the safety and aesthetic appeal of the downtown district.
Columbia Main Street Director Kelli Johnson remarked, “As a nationally recognized Main Street program, Columbia Main Street was eligible to apply for the GM on Main Street grant, which supports innovative place-making projects in downtown districts. We were honored to be one of only five recipients selected this year and are thrilled with the partnership between the City of Columbia, General Motors, and Columbia Main Street to create improvements that enhance both the safety and beauty of our downtown area through this grant initiative.”
Multiple city departments contributed to the success of this project including Development Services, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Tourism & Marketing, all playing essential roles in designing and implementing these improvements. Their collaborative efforts with Columbia Main Street were instrumental in transforming the vision into a reality.
“This project underscores Columbia’s dedication to people-centered development,” stated Mayor Chaz Molder. “By prioritizing pedestrian safety and creating more green spaces, we are enhancing not only the beauty, but also the connectivity of our downtown. I’m grateful for the teamwork and support that made these upgrades possible, and I look forward to seeing our community thrive in this revitalized space.”
As a result of this project, downtown has seen significant improvements, including curb extensions at three intersections on the public square, increased greenspace, bicycle racks, and two informational kiosks. Curb extensions, an innovative traffic-calming measure, enhance pedestrian safety by reducing crossing distances and slowing motorists. The additional greenspace offers passive areas for relaxation and enjoyment, while the informational kiosks provide visitors with details about local businesses, attractions, and Columbia's unique history, fostering a stronger sense of place.
City Manager Tony Massey stated, “We are grateful to General Motors for providing this grant opportunity. These improvements are a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Columbia.”
Judicial Center Interview (WKOM Audio 3:42)
On Friday, WKOM/WKRM’s Delk Kennedy stopped by the Maury County Judicial Center and spoke to Juvenile Court Judge Douglas Chapman to see how well the brand new facility is working after its first two weeks of operation…
Dollar General Not Welcome in Spring Hill (CDH)
Dollar General is looking to open its latest location in Spring Hill not far from the Tennessee Children’s Home, and local residents are not pleased.
The proposed Dollar General’s concept plan was brought before Spring Hill’s Municipal Planning Commission last week for discussion, which drew a large crowd of concerned citizens, all speaking out against the value grocery chain, which would be located off rural, winding Beechcroft Road near Dr. Robertson Road.
“I have to say ‘No’ to the Dollar General,” Sue Hoffman, who moved to Spring Hill in 1993, said. “I live one block west of Dr. Robertson, and so when we walk down our street it’s going to be there. We just don’t need a Dollar General.”
Much of the concerns centered around traffic, crime, as well as the quality of products Dollar General sells, such as processed foods.
“I would speak for the community in saying the last thing we want is a Dollar General selling nonliving, unfresh and processed, corporate ... artificial, I can’t even call it food,” claimed Emily Allen, who along with her husband Daniel, own neighboring Allenbrooke Farms.
Another concern is whether Dollar General presents a good fit for the area, and if it would likely generate enough business to remain open.
Allen also cited the high prevalence of Dollar General locations in the area, approximately 20, from Maury County to Chapel Hill.
Monty Turner, a developer for Dollar General, addressed some of the issues presented by the public comments, first regarding the aforementioned closures the company reports.
“Back in ‘05 or ‘06, I built the first Dollar General in Spring Hill on Port Royal, and it is still open,” Turner said. “We did recently, about four or five years ago, build another on the other end of Port Royal across Saturn Parkway, and obviously that’s still open. Those are the only two in the city of Spring Hill.”
Regarding traffic concerns, Turner said Dollar General typically aims to attract primarily residents already in the area.
“We won’t attract traffic from 4-5 miles away. It’s typically vehicles already traversing Beechcroft,” Turner said. “Delivery trucks will not have to access Dr. Robertson. We’ll use the entrance that’s already there and will be shared with the storage facility.”
Allison Corolla of T-Square Engineering added that a full traffic impact study will be conducted prior to the item’s site plan application.
When discussion came back to the planning commission, Alderman Matt Fitterer said the public would “likely find no differing opinions up here,” although Dollar General has a right to pursue approval. The planning commission’s role is simply to determine if it was done correctly.
“I think from what you’ve heard over the last hour, you are not a very welcome development, at least from the neighbors,” Fitterer told Turner, which was met with applause. “The planning commission’s job is to review the project, whether or not it adheres to adopted city code. This is not a review on whether we endorse or support the project in any way.”
The planning commission’s main concern is that not enough information, such as building materials, elevation levels and the yet-to-be-determined traffic study, was presented by the applicant.
“Obviously, there is still a lot of leg work to determine how those things fit into the site as well,” Alderman Trent Linnville said.
Since this was a discussion item, no votes were taken regarding Dollar General.
Ham Fly to East TN (WKOM Audio 2:10)
On Saturday, Columbia Breakfast Rotary and Catalyst Christian Men worked together to pack up barbeque and other foodstuffs to fly to East Tennessee to support the victims of Hurricane Helene. With more, is our own Delk Kennedy, who stopped by Maury County Airport and spoke with Jeff Benefield about the relief effort…
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by 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.
John Cheairs Porter died on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at his home in Richmond, Virginia.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 6th in the Parish Hall at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church from 3-5pm. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, November 7th at St. John’s Cemetery at 10am. As plans are still in progress, please confirm with the websites of St. Peters and Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home for specific times.
And now, news from around the state…
Mock Election (Press Release)
This year, 43,744 students from 168 schools across Tennessee cast votes for President and U.S. Senate as part of the Tennessee Secretary of State’s 2024 Student Mock Election.
“Through their participation, these future leaders experienced how registered Tennessee voters select their elected officials,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “We are excited about the enthusiasm we saw from this year’s participants, and we hope this experience has inspired them to become future voters.”
Launched by the Secretary of State’s office in 2016, the Tennessee Student Mock Election is a non-partisan, educational experience; it is open to all students in Pre-K through 12th grade from public, private, or home school associations. Participating schools received “I Voted” stickers and a Tennessee Student Mock Election ballot.
Secretary Hargett announced this year’s results on Nov. 1. In the 2024 Student Mock Election Presidential Race, former President Donald Trump received 28,434 votes — 65 percent of the vote total. Vice President Kamala Harris received 15,310 votes, or 35 percent.
In the U.S. Senate Mock Election, Senator Marsha Blackburn received 23,516 votes or 63.4 percent. State Rep. Gloria Johnson received 13,555 votes, representing 36.6 percent.
For more information about this long-standing civic engagement initiative and other opportunities through the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office, please visit sos.tn.gov/civics.
No Trash November (Press Release)
The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) Nobody Trashes Tennessee (NTT) campaign announces its fourth annual No Trash November, a month-long statewide initiative encouraging Tennesseans to participate in cleanup events in their communities. Last year’s campaign included more than 150 events with over 2,200 volunteers who collected more than 86,000 pounds of litter from the state’s roadways.
“Litter on our public roads, including our state’s scenic byways and waterways, have detrimental impacts on safety, the environment, and the economy, while also detracting from Tennessee’s natural beauty,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “We want to keep our residents and travelers safe from the harmful effects of litter, especially with increased travel during the holiday season. No Trash November offers an entire month for the Volunteer State to come together and make a real impact.”
In partnership with Keep Tennessee Beautiful (KTnB), Adopt-A-Highway participants, and youth groups including Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts, the initiative encourages residents to join existing public events or host their own community cleanup in November. Groups that collect the most litter will be recognized in four categories: Keep Tennessee Beautiful Affiliate, Adopt-A-Highway Group, Youth Group, and River Group. Participating scout groups will also earn a Nobody Trashes Tennessee patch.
“We are grateful for our many partners with a passion for keeping their local communities clean, safe, and beautiful,” said Brittany Morris, TDOT Transportation Program Supervisor. “They are once again taking action during No Trash November to help us in our mission to prevent and reduce litter.”
New this year, and to encourage individuals to get involved in No Trash November, is the Trash Masters Rewards program. Participants earn points for various activities like taking a litter quiz, attending cleanup events, and spreading awareness. Participants can earn double points for all activities throughout November, making it the perfect time to join. Points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including discounts at local businesses and exclusive NTT swag. It's a fun and engaging way for individuals to contribute to a litter-free Tennessee while being recognized for their commitment to the environment.
To find a local cleanup event and to register your group to participate in No Trash November, visit nobodytrashestennessee.com/events. Campaign tools and resources including a cleanup location map and a trash tracker measuring pounds collected are also available online.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Santa will make his grand arrival at CoolSprings Galleria on Saturday, November 9th at 11 am. There, he will celebrate the holiday season and hear Christmas wishes at his workshop in Center Court.
“Visiting Santa is a time-honored tradition for families,” said Tori Dean, Senior Marketing Director at CoolSprings Galleria. “Children and adults alike look forward to having their photos taken and sharing their wish list each year.”
Santa’s Workshop is sponsored by Williamson Health, and CoolSprings Galleria is thrilled to offer our visitors multiple Santa experiences this holiday season. Reserve your visit by going to www.vipholidayphotos.com.