Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-22-24

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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 October 22, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Mt. Pleasant Candidate Forum (CDH)
With the Nov. 5 General Election just weeks away, Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance presented another opportunity for citizens to meet their local candidates as part of a public forum.
The first of these forums, which took place Monday, Sept. 30, focused on candidates running for Columbia City Council. A second forum was held later in the week, this time focusing on the five candidates running for three seats available on the Mt. Pleasant Commission.
The candidates included Mt. Pleasant Mayor Bill White, Loree Knowles, Vice Mayor Jacqueline Grandberry, Willie Webster Alderson and Lonnie Thomason.
Much like the previous Columbia City Council forum, each candidate was given five minutes to present an opening statement, followed by two questions presented by Maury Alliance President Wil Evans.
Early voting, which began Oct. 16, will continue through Saturday, Oct. 26. Registered Maury County voters may vote anytime between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday at the Maury County Election Commission, 1207 Tradewinds Drive, or the Spring Hill Public Library, 144 Kedron Parkway.
Mayor Bill White
Mt. Pleasant's current mayor, Bill White, was first to speak, expressing that his wishes for reelection were primarily based on the community's encouragement to run again.
Couple that with the fact Mt. Pleasant is currently undergoing numerous improvements White said he wishes to see through.
"We are currently working on our water system, and I am very proud to let everybody know that in the last month and a half we have cut our water consumption by almost 300,000 gallons a day," White said. "That's huge, and that's through repairing leaks and not having to run the plant as much. It's certainly saving all the people in this community money."
White added the city has also constructed a new fire hall, which also includes new planning and zoning offices, as well as improvements to Mt. Pleasant's downtown and park spaces, among many other plans looking ahead to 2025.
White's question was in regard to his opinion on what thoughtful and sustainable growth looks like in a city like Mt. Pleasant, as well as how his role would provide a positive impact.
"We are working right now on a comprehensive transportation plan, rezoning and what that should look like," White said. "We are currently getting a few engineers together to look at our streets, how to repair them, which ones need it the worst and which ones will get finished the quickest and have the biggest impact on our community."
White's second question asked how he would work with other municipalities within the county to build stronger relationships and how the decisions being made would benefit the community as a whole.
For White, it comes down to attracting new industry investments, which create new jobs, while also finding sustainable solutions that in the end save money.
"We just recently announced Project Extenera, a $45 million project with 85 new jobs," White said. "And these are sustainable jobs ... not cheap paying jobs, and that's how we work together. We've also signed a contract with CPWS in case we ever have water problems to purchase 200,000 gallons of water per day."
Jacqueline Grandberry
Mt. Pleasant's vice mayor, Jacqueline Grandberry also finds herself in the run for reelection after serving eight years on the commission.
Grandberry said she first ran much like many people seeking public office; she saw a problem that needed fixing.
"It was a challenge was how I ended up on the commission, because we had a park that I could not get parks and rec to look at and start development on," Grandberry said. "I have enjoyed eight years up there, though I can't say we always agree on everything. But, I have always stood by my vote ... and that I'm a voice of the people."
Grandberry was later asked what she saw as Mt. Pleasant's greatest challenge and how she plans to address it during her term.
"Our biggest challenge is infrastructure, and it's going to keep being our biggest challenge," she said. "We have a lot of water leaks that need to be fixed, as well as our streets ... but we need to take care of one project at a time to get there."
Her second question was in regard to infrastructure improvements, specifically how to acquire the needed funding to address infrastructure needs.
"It's got to be limited to what we can do during that time, and that's with infrastructure," Grandberry said. "Sometimes we have to limit the increase here just so we can have the things that we need. The next thing is, when you bring in more people, you are bringing in more funds, and you take care of infrastructure with funds."
Lonnie Thomason
Candidate Lonnie Thomason said he is no stranger to Mt. Pleasant, from both growing up in the area and running for a position on the commission twice before in the past.
His professional career has covered many areas, from working for Union Carbide when it was still operational to owning his own business. As a civil servant, Thomason has previously served on the Mt. Pleasant Regional Planning Commission from 2008-2011, where he was also vice chairman.
"I have been blessed and I've done pretty well, and I know what it takes to get things done," Thomason said. "I have knowledge on a lot of different topics and that's what you need in a city commissioner. The commission deals with a lot of issues, and you need a well-rounded person to fill the position."
Thomason's first question was in relation to how he would work with other municipalities within Maury County to develop stronger relationships as a whole. His answer focused on the work being planned for U.S. Highway 43, including the widening of Bear Creek Pike.
"There is a lot of activity about to happen on that Mt. Pleasant Pike area," Thomason said. "If we can work with any other municipality, I have no problem with that, but Columbia is going to be our biggest since we are dealing with their water and our ingress/egress on U.S. 43."
His second question was what Thomason saw as the city's biggest challenge.
"We can't keep kicking things down the road 10 years, because some of us aren't going to be here. I want to see things start happening here in town," Thomason said. "I've talked to a lot of people and they aren't happy with what they are seeing."
Loree Knowles
Loree Knowles is a lifelong Mt. Pleasant citizen describes herself as "always a voice for the children and families."
When it comes to her role as a commissioner, Knowles was asked how she would make sure the city is receiving the right infrastructure to tackle the ongoing growth.
"My plans are to do a full and complete review of our budgetary resources for the budget year, and also propose relocation funds into much-needed areas we are lacking," Knowles said. "I would also seek alternate funds through grants, federal grants that can fill in deficits."
Knowles was also asked what thoughtful and sustainable growth in Mt. Pleasant means to her.
"In order to have sustainable growth, you have to have the available resources, and to be able to cater to our demographics," Knowles said. "We have to get back to that small town feel yet be able to grow by having our retail stores come back, having our demographic needs met. We have to get back to the old basics but have the resources available to do so."
Willie Alderson
Willie Alderson, who currently serves on the board, was unable to attend the Mt. Pleasant forum, but a letter she prepared prior to the event was read by commissioner Pam Johnson.
In the letter, Alderson states her goals moving forward include completion of the city's street maintenance plan, which includes paving streets, sidewalks and other areas on a consistent basis.
The city's sewer and water will also remain a top priority.
"The city of Mt. Pleasant's water and sewer funds have to work on a sound financial basis," the letter states. "We may not be able to lower rates, but with good financial planning, along with growth and the implementation of access fees to new development, our goal is for taxes to finally level out."
Alderson ended her letter on a positive note, stating that there is a momentum the city is experiencing that will be crucial not just for today, but for the foreseeable future.
"We are headed in the right direction," Alderson writes. "Let's keep this going for the next four years."

Ogles Hires Lawyers for Defense (Tennessean)
Freshman U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles spent $50,000 to hire white collar defense attorneys immediately after the FBI confiscated his cell phone in a probe believed to be related to chronic errors in his campaign finance filings.
Ogles paid a $25,000 retainer for legal consulting to Secil Law PLLC in Falls Church, Virginia — a firm that specializes in white collar criminal defense and compliance, among other specialties. Funds were paid on Aug. 6, days after the FBI took his phone, according to Ogles’ latest campaign spending disclosures.
On the same day, Ogles spent another $25,000 for consulting from the E & W Law Group in Washington, D.C., attorneys that specialize in investigations, compliance and criminal defense.
Ogles is seeking reelection in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District this year, with former President Donald Trump's endorsement. He faces Democrat Maryam Abolfazli on Nov. 5. Early voting is underway through Oct. 31.
For more than two years, Ogles has faced scrutiny and multiple complaints over his federal campaign finance disclosures, including a Federal Election Commission complaint alleging a “pattern of malfeasance” in his financial dealings in 2022, and $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. He recently admitted that the 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.
Previously, Ogles has said that he believes the probe is connected with errors in his campaign finance filings, which he has “worked diligently” to correct. 

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.

Playground Dedication (Press Release)
The City of Columbia invites the community and media to attend a special dedication ceremony for the playground at Woodland Park. The playground is being named in honor of former City Councilman Ken Wiles, recognizing his significant contributions and commitment to the city. The event will include remarks from city officials and special guests.
When: Thursday, October 24, at 10:30 AM
Where: Woodland Park, 821 W 9th Street, Columbia, TN 38401

Hertz Helps Voters Vote (Press Release)
Today, Hertz announced that it is helping citizens in communities across the nation get to the polls with its Free Day on Election Day promotion. Customers will get one day free* when they reserve a car for at least two days and pick up now through November 5 at participating Hertz neighborhood locations.
“Hertz has thousands of locations in communities across the country and we want to make it easier for people to exercise their right to vote by providing greater access to reliable transportation,” said Henry Kuykendall, Hertz Executive Vice President of North America Operations. “Transportation on Election Day can be a challenge for many and we are proud to help people get to and from the polls this year.”
There are thousands of Hertz neighborhood locations around the country.  Customers must use PC code 211636 when they make a reservation on Hertz.com. Additional terms apply: 

Frierson Recognized for 50 Years of Officiating (MSM)
Thomas Ray Frierson wasn’t exactly bitten by the sports officiating bug.
At least, not early.
“My initial response was ‘no sir, that’s not for me,’ “ the Mt. Pleasant native recalled when he was approached with the idea of calling high school basketball games. “‘That’s not my personality; I don’t like crowds.’ “
When told that his former coach, W.C. Johnson, thought otherwise, “that’s when my antenna went up.”
Five decades later, it appears Frierson’s hoops mentor was right.
The 70-year-old Frierson was recently recognized by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association for 50 years of service as an official, having called basketball, baseball, softball, football and volleyball over that time – and “working in the postseason in every sport I’ve officiated.”
Despite officiating since he was 20, Frierson was as much in as out for probably his first 10 years, recounting numerous occasions when he was ready to move on from doing so and being talked out of leaving the avocation.
“It’s been a journey,” he said, recalling fellow officials such as Ryan Lankford, James Harlan and Ray Moffett that supported him in his formative years when he considered quitting.
After 10 years, though, heeding their words paid off as Frierson drew the first of his 10 TSSAA basketball state tournament officiating assignments.
“It’s been very rewarding,” said Frierson, one of nine brothers, five of whom wore the stripes at some point in their adult lives.
“Ricky; my other brother, Chris; another brother, Ronald, who moved to Georgia – I recruited all those guys,” he said. “My oldest brother, Wayne, worked for three or four years. There were five of us working at one time. I always enjoyed working with my brothers.
While they were officiating, they were grooming the next generation as well. Toby, who like his dad played at Mt. Pleasant, heads into his 11th season on the hardwood this winter.
“He’d go with me when he was a little boy – 5 years old, he’d be in the gym,” the elder Frierson recalled. “Everywhere I’d go, he’d want to go.
“His first two or three years (as an official), we worked together pretty regularly. My thing was to train him, bring him along. I tried to do a good job with that.”
Frierson advanced to the collegiate level briefly, before work and family resulted in him focusing on high school sports. However, he’s done that virtually year-round.
These days, he only calls basketball games when pressed into duty as he holds the title of supervisor and assigning officer for the South Central Tennessee association. He is still active, though, as a football and volleyball official and as a softball umpire.
“I feel I’ve been blessed by officiating, and blessed by God to be able to be viable for 50-plus years, and I want to continue as long as I can,” he said.
“It’s been a great journey, getting to know people and the officials I’ve worked with over the years, the officials that have impacted my officiating over the years. Nobody is successful on their own, and I just feel really blessed to have had the experience.”

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…

Joseph “Joe” John Pfieffer, 76, lifelong resident of Columbia died Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Poplar Estates Retirement Center.
A graveside memorial service will be conducted Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Morton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…
Elephant Travels to Hohenwald Sanctuary (CDH)
A Tennessee elephant sanctuary recently received an African elephant from a California Zoo.
Over the weekend, Osh the African elephant was transported from the Oakland Zoo in Oakland, California, to The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. The trip took almost 46 hours to travel across the country with Osh in an air-conditioned trailer.
The 30-year-old elephant weighs 15,000 pounds and is over 11 feet tall, so the zoo keepers had to help prepare him for the almost 2,250-mile journey by having him get used to the trailer for the week leading up to his journey. The team, consisting of two Oakland Zoo animal keepers and a veterinarian, stopped every three hours to check on Osh and feed him after leaving Oakland on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Osh was moved to The Elephant Sanctuary so he could have the best care for his needs. As he was the last elephant left at the zoo, and elephants are social creatures, it will be more beneficial to Osh to let him be with other elephants. The decision was made by the Oakland Zoo and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' African Elephant Taxon Advisory Group.
“We are excited to welcome Osh to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee,” Janice Zeitlin, CEO of The Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary said. "His arrival marks a significant moment for us as our second African male elephant. We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration with Oakland Zoo and for his safe travels."
The Elephant Sanctuary is located on 3,060 acres in rural Tennessee and is the largest natural habitat refuge developed for African and Asian elephants.
Two new 3,000-square-foot barns have been added at the sanctuary for Osh and Artie, a 41-year-old African Elephant.
It has provided care to 33 elephants since it first opened in 1995. The sanctuary is currently home to 12 elephants who can be viewed through a livestream on the sanctuary's website.
Osh will be joining Donna who was moved from the Oakland Zoo the year prior, so he will see a familiar face there.
As it is a sanctuary and not a zoo, the area is not open to the public. While the sanctuary is not open, there is The Elephant Discovery Center where guests can learn about the animals through interactive exhibits, shows and special events.
While the zoo keepers tried to find companions for Osh to be able to stay in California, they were unable to make it work. The zoo searched for over a year to find compatible African elephants in protected care, but none were able to join Osh at the zoo. So, the decision to move Osh to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee was made.

TNAchieves Mentors Needed (Tennessean)
tnAchieves, a statewide mentoring and scholarship program for Tennessee students seeking educational opportunities beyond high school, needs more than 1,000 volunteer mentors to meet student demand in 2025 before its registration deadline next month.
Several counties in Middle Tennessee have an outstanding need for mentors, including many in the greater Nashville area
The program only has about an 81% recruitment rate across the state as it begins student enrollment for the Class of 2025.
Maury County has about 88% of its vacancies filled, leaving nine openings, and about 62-69% of the mentors have been recruited in Dickson, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford and Sumner Counties.
"tnAchieves mentoring offers the opportunity to make an impact that goes beyond an individual student," tnAchieves Vice President of External Partnerships Tyler Ford said in a program release.
"Mentors play an important part in ensuring that first-generation, low-income students have the support necessary to begin their college careers. In doing so, mentors break down barriers for students and open doors to high-paying, in-demand careers. Every day, tnAchieves mentors help students to achieve their goals while ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow thrives."
Mentors do not need an extensive background in the college-going process to succeed, officials said.
Each mentor works with 2-3 students, helping them meet critical deadlines by sending reminders, answering questions and providing encouragement.
tnAchieves provides mentors with training, a handbook and ongoing support to ensure each has the tools necessary to encourage and guide students through navigating the college-going process. The time commitment for mentors is about one hour per month.
Mentors may choose which county and high school they want to serve, and once enrolled, they will be scheduled to meet with their respective students in December, January or February at the school.
Anyone interested in becoming a mentor is asked to register before the Nov. 15 deadline at tnAchieves.org/mentors.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, CHICAGO, will return to Tennessee Performing Arts Center®’s Jackson Hall Jan. 28 – Feb. 2, 2025.
With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, CHICAGO is the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history — and it shows no sign of ever slowing down!
Tickets on sale at TPAC.ORG, by phone at 615-782-4040 and in person at the TPAC Box Office, 505 Deaderick St., in downtown Nashville.