Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-12-24

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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 November 12, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Fire (MauryCountySource)
Two individuals were transported for smoke inhalation after a house fire in Maury County over the weekend.
Maury County Fire Department reports crews responded Saturday night to the Stoneybrook neighborhood to find a home with heavy fire. MCFD says the fire was in the garage and in the attic of the home upon arrival.
Crews tried putting out the fire right away, and it was under control within 30 minutes of them arriving on the scene.
Maury EMS transported two occupants of the home for smoke inhalation, and the status of their condition was not provided.

Crestar Labs Case (Williamson Scene)
Two men were found guilty in a multi-million dollar, multi-state Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme that involved a Spring Hill lab.
Owner and chief executive officer of Spring Hill’s now-defunct Crestar Labs, Fadel Alshalabi, has been found guilty of conspiracy to violate and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and money laundering following a seven-week federal trial, according to Thomas J. Jaworski, acting United States attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
As previously reported, 57-year-old Alshalabi, of Waxhaw, North Carolina, was among eight people who were arrested in 2021, for their involvement in a fraudulent $86 million Medicare billing scheme centered on the self-described "diagnostic reference laboratory."
30-year-old Samuel Harris, the owner of Flojo Recruiting d/b/a Secure Health, a Utah-based marketing company that contracted with Crestar Labs, was also found guilty of conspiracy to violate and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.
In 2023, a Chicago doctor was also found guilty of the same crime for his role in the scheme which was accomplished by targeting seniors in door-to-door marketing, at senior citizen fairs and nursing homes, and administering mouth swab tests in exchange for kickbacks paid by Crestar Labs, all with the knowledge of the co-conspirators that the tests were fraudulent. Ultimately, Medicare and Medicaid billed were billed for more than $100 million in testing acquired through the illegal kickbacks.
"Decisions to order health care items and services should not be coerced and influenced by the payment of illegal kickbacks. These defendants' criminal scheme to pay and receive kick-backs corrupts our country's healthcare system and costs the taxpayers millions of dollars that should go to pay for legitimate health care services for the elderly and poor," acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski said in a news release.
Alshalabi and Harris will be sentenced in March 2025. They each face up to 10 years in prison on the counts of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute and up to 5 years for conspiracy to violate the statute. Alshalabi also faces up to 10 years in prison for money laundering. Both were acquitted on separate counts of health care fraud.
MRMC Receives Reaccreditation (Press Release)
The Maury Regional Women’s Center announced that it has earned the prestigious American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation for breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided biopsy. This reaccreditation, effective until 2028, recognizes the center’s commitment to providing high-quality imaging and diagnostic services that meet or exceed national standards in radiology.
“Receiving this accreditation from the American College of Radiology highlights the dedication and experience of our team at the Women’s Center,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “Almost every family has been impacted by breast cancer, including my own. The Women’s Center strives for excellence every day to serve the women of our community — especially women who are high-risk for breast cancer and for those undergoing breast ultrasound and biopsy procedures.”
Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and better treat medical conditions. Ultrasound imaging of the breast produces a picture of the internal structures of the breast. An ultrasound-guided biopsy is a procedure that uses ultrasound imaging to guide a needle to extract a tissue sample for analysis.
The ACR is a professional medical society that accredits facilities based on rigorous peer-review evaluations conducted by board-certified radiologists and medical physicists. This comprehensive review process assesses the qualifications of personnel, equipment performance, quality control procedures and overall quality assurance. The accreditation is recognized as a national gold standard in radiology, validating Maury Regional Women’s Center’s ongoing dedication to quality, safety and patient care.
This accreditation also reflects Maury Regional Women’s Center’s continuous efforts to maintain the highest levels of precision and accuracy in diagnostics imaging. Breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided biopsies are critical tools for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, allowing physicians to identify and address concerns swiftly and effectively.
The Women’s Center, located in the Pavilion at Maury Regional Medical Center, provides a convenient, private and pleasant environment for women’s health services, such as 3D mammography, breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and bone density studies.
For more information about Maury Regional’s Women’s Center and its accredited imaging services, visit MauryRegional.com/Women.

Bridge Closure (MSM)
The bridge between Sugar Creek Lane and Magnolia Drive in Maury County will be entirely closed for the next six months, possibly less. Since the pike is State Highway 243, the Tennessee Department Of Transportation will do the repairs. The agency’s plans have been changing week by week, says Mount Pleasant City Manager Philip Grooms.
The Mount Pleasant City Commission was informed of the plan at its October meeting. Repairs were supposed to start Nov. 18, and were initially supposed to take 11 months, to the City Commission’s dismay. Fortunately, Grooms was able to report that the complete closure would last only six months at most.
Grooms recommends that people take Highway 43 to get around the blockage. Drivers can take the exits for South Cross Bridges Road and Highway 166/1st Avenue to get to the north end of Mount Pleasant and the Mt. Joy Road and South Main Street exits to get to its south end. To get onto 243 north of the bridge, drivers can take the Highway 43 exits onto Canaan Road, Zion Road or the airport road.
Grooms stressed that the local businesses in front of and behind the bridge are still open and operating normally.

One Gen Away (MauryCountySource)
Franklin-based nonprofit OneGenAway will host a drive-thru Mobile Pantry event, providing free groceries to anyone in need. Recipients will receive fresh produce, pantry staples and more.
The event will take place on Saturday, November 16th at Columbia State College, 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN
Distribution begins at 9:00 a.m. and continues until food runs out (approximately 10:00 a.m.).
Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at 7:30 a.m.
OneGenAway operates its Mobile Pantry almost every Saturday throughout its service area, which includes Middle Tennessee, North Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.

Tractor Supply Supports Pet Adoption (Press Release)
The Columbia Tractor Supply store has provided Rudimentary Rescue with a $200 adoption grant to support the rescue's animal adoption program. With these funds, the organization will be better able to purchase needed supplies and support program initiatives.
"Through this Adoption Grant, we will provide Rudimentary Rescue with resources to help maintain and grow their programs," said Gabby Serra, manager of the Columbia Tractor Supply store.
"We're passionate about animals at Tractor Supply, and we're hopeful this partnership will encourage more local adoptions from Rudimentary Rescue and put deserving pets in loving homes."
Tractor Supply serves as a destination for pet owners, providing food, treats, toys, crates, carriers and supplements, as well as expert advice on all things pet. With its focus on animals, the rural lifestyle retailer makes it a priority to support local animal organizations like Rudimentary Rescue whenever possible.
Other community rescue groups interested in hosting in-store adoption events at the Columbia Tractor Supply should contact the store by calling 931-380-1234 for more information. Columbia Tractor Supply is located at 130 Ashwood Drive.

City of Columbia to Unveil New Sculptures (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is excited to announce the unveiling of two new sculptures in the heart of the Columbia Arts District. This special event will showcase the talents of local artists Kevin Hale and Joseph Hazelwood. The unveiling will take place on Wednesday, November 13, at 3:00 PM in the Columbia Arts District. The event will begin with a brief ceremony and an introduction of the artists, followed by the unveiling of all the sculptures. The community is invited to celebrate these additions to the landscape of our local Arts District.
The unveiling will take place on November 13th at 3:00pm on the corner of S. Garden and 11th Streets in the Columbia Arts District.

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.

Christmas Festivities (CDH)
One of Columbia's biggest events will bring twice the holiday cheer this year as Columbia Main Street announced its two-day plans for this year's Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.
The annual yuletide gathering will take place over two nights during the first weekend of December, with the tree lighting kicking off the season during the Dec. 6 First Fridays and the parade occurring the following day on Dec. 7.
"This is a special, holiday-themed First Fridays blended with the Tree Lighting ceremony hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus," Columbia Main Street stated in a press release. "Experience the fun of First Fridays with a holiday twist that includes festive music from DJ Rio, local craft vendors, food trucks, and other holiday-inspired, family-friendly activities throughout the evening."
This year's parade route will once again march along West 7th Street, making its way downtown amongst the square's many shops as spectators watch the parade consisting of dozens of decorated floats, lights, marching bands and more, all representing businesses, schools and local organizations.
"More than bright lights and festive floats, these events are the spark of holiday magic that ignites community spirit and creates beloved memories that will last a lifetime,” Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager, said. “We encourage residents and visitors to attend both nights so they can fully immerse themselves in our unique holiday experience in the heart of beautiful downtown Columbia.”
As always, both events are free to attend and open to the public. For more information, contact Columbia Main Street at [phone] or visit www.VisitColumbiaTN.com.
 
Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)
The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.
Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.
Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.
Any Maury County Resident can use this office.
All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.
Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.

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

Virginia Couch “Ginger” Harlan passed away November 7th, 2024 at the Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, TN.  
A service will be held at noon at Mt. Pleasant First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, TN on Wednesday, November 13th. The family will receive guests before the service starting at 9:30 am.

Anita Jo Foster, 76, passed at Life Care Center of Columbia on November 9th.
A memorial service will be conducted Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Rick Points officiating. Inurnment will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…
Senate to Elect Leadership (Tennessean)
In elections set this week to select a new Senate majority leader, U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty is backing U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida in his quest for the powerful role, while U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has not yet publicly endorsed a candidate, saying she'll wait to hear from everyone.
The three major contenders for the position are Scott, and U.S. Sens. John Thune of South Dakota and John Cornyn of Texas. Elections for Senate majority leader will be held by secret ballot on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Many Trump allies are backing Scott, who is seen as most closely aligned with President-elect Donald Trump. Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and billionaire X owner Elon Musk enthusiastically endorsed Scott on social media Sunday, while Musk knocked Thune as "the top choice for Democrats."
Hagerty was one of the earliest senators to endorse Scott in a statement on Saturday.
“President Trump’s massive coattails delivered a historic Republican Senate majority. As a result of President Trump’s leadership, we saw Republican Senate victories in seats (i.e. PA, OH, MT) that have eluded Republicans for decades," Hagerty said. "Any leader of this new majority must be able to work hand-in-hand with President Trump to advance his America First agenda. The Senate must lean into advancing this agenda. That’s why I want to see a Senate Majority Leader who can join me in embracing the Trump agenda, which will unify Senate Republicans. On Wednesday, I will be voting for Rick Scott.”
Scott has also gained support from former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and U.S. Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Marco Rubio of Florida.
Blackburn, who has long been a close Trump ally and outspoken supporter of the president elect, has not yet publicly backed anyone. In a social media post on Monday, she said she will listen to each candidate as they make their pitches this week.
"I look forward to hearing from all of the candidates this week, and I'm going to vote for the person who is best to work with President Donald Trump to begin the great American comeback," Blackburn said.

Foreign Land Ownership in TN Put to Test (Tennessean)
A group of foreign investors is challenging a state law that will ban people living in some foreign countries from owning land in Tennessee.
A company and three of its investors — a U.S. citizen living in Shanghai, an Italian citizen living in Hong Kong and a U.S. citizen in South Carolina — sued the state on Oct. 31 ahead of the law’s Jan. 1 implementation. The law, passed this year, prohibits residents of China, Iran, North Korea and other countries subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations from owning land in Tennessee.
The law states that foreign owners have to divest their property by the start of the year or else face criminal prosecution and civil penalties, including eventually losing their land without compensation, the lawsuit states.
The company Walton Tennessee — which the plaintiffs are invested in — has an ownership interest in more than 1,200 acres across the state, according to the lawsuit. The company and individual owners say they will lose more than $100 million if the state takes their properties.
Jason Vance, who is one of the plaintiffs, and several other investors of Walton Tennessee own an interest in the land and are citizens of the U.S. living domestically. Despite this, the lawsuit states there is still a “credible threat” they will be harmed since others with interest in the property are prohibited from doing so under the law.
The plaintiff living in Shanghai is Stephen Misch, the chief physician at the Sino United Health New Bund Medical and Surgical Center. The Italian citizen in Hong Kong is Alessandro Silvestroni.
The law signed by Gov. Bill Lee in May is part of a growing trend around the country restricting foreign land ownership. Those laws are often aimed at China, which has become a target for lawmakers like Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn.
Leaders in East Tennessee’s Loudon County sounded the alarm on Walton Tennessee earlier in 2024, with Tennessee Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, calling it a “shell company" because it sold parcels of land to foreign investors, WATE reported.

Best Roadside Eats (Tennessean)
Every good road trip needs a great pitstop. Some people look for roadside signs. Others look for telltale wisps of smoke leading the way to what will hopefully be a hidden gem of a barbecue restaurant. Others rely on word of mouth.
Southern Living magazine editors, who often cruise the country looking for the very best in Southern food, hospitality and other treasures announced their favorite eateries below the Mason-Dixon Line.
The magazine released a list of the 15 Best Roadside Restaurants in The South. The restaurants, full of plenty of barbecue and classic Southern fare, were picked after countless months of reporting, researching and traveling the South. Three of the fifteen are found in Tennessee. They are:
The Loveless Cafe, Nashville, TN: This classic Southern restaurant is wildly busy because of its warm hospitality, big, beautiful breakfasts and eclectic on-site shops. 8400 TN-100.
Fat Tiger Korean BBQ & More, White Bluff, TN: This casual, counter-service spot serves Korean comfort food such as bulgogi and fried chicken and other Asian-influenced snacks in a rustic setting. 5122 US-70.
B.E. Scott's BBQ, Lexington, TN: Excellent whole hog hickory-smoked barbecue and true blue Southern sides served through a window. 10880 US-412.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Mariah Carey is bringing her signature holiday flair all the way to Music City this winter with her Black Irish holiday pop-up bar.
The Queen of Christmas' seasonal pop-up bar will open at the Virgin Hotels Nashville on Nov. 15 and run through Dec. 29, transforming the space into a festive winter wonderland that includes signature cocktails with Carey's Irish cream liqueur, Black Irish, and photo ops galore.
The seasonal pop-up, a partnership between Carey's Black Irish, Virgin Hotels and Bucket Listers, is also headed to Chicago, Dallas, New Orleans and New York City.
As Carey's classic tune "All I Want for Christmas Is You" sees its 30th holiday season, now is the perfect time to get into the spirit Mariah-style, with some boozy treats and festive decor.
You can purchase tickets at virginhotels.com.