Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-31-24

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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 July 31, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Road Closure (MauryCountySource)
Twin Lakes Drive in Spring Hill will be closed until August 30 as crews continue the Buckner Lane Widening Project.
Buckner Lane will be fully open during this time.
This closure has been extended one month due to unforeseen underground conditions found once the improvements were started.
While Twin Lakes Drive will be closed to thru traffic, access to Summit High School and the surrounding area will still be available via Spring Station Drive.

Wired Mastermind Pitch Winners (Press Release)
Last week, Maury Alliance teamed up with the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce to host the second annual WIRED Pitch Contest! Local entrepreneurs had the chance to present their innovative ideas, with the WIRED Mastermind Group awarding $10,000 to help accelerate their businesses. After impressive presentations and careful deliberation, the group selected Christine Cole of Cammellia Chocolates and Donna Parker of Blondy's Baked Goods the winners. Each of the businesses received a prize of $5,000!
In 2021, Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance and Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce launched WIRED – A Mastermind Group for local entrepreneurs and CEOs. WIRED Mastermind is designed to foster growth and development through the sharing of experiences, lessons-learned, and game-changing moments. The 2023-2024 Wired Mastermind Group is comprised of five local Entrepreneurs and CEO’s that were selected through an application process. Each year, the group hosts an annual Pitch Contest for early businesses poised for growth in Maury County.
Learn more about the initiative at www.mauryalliance.com/wired.

Voting Machine Certification (MSM)
Last week, the Maury County Election Commission underwent a process to review a randomly selected voting machine to make sure there were no issues and that the machine was giving accurate results.
Administrator of Elections Chris Mackinlay said that if the machine were to fail the test and give inaccurate readings, it would be replaced by a different machine that was accurate.
“If they don’t match, we’ll do it again,” Mackinlay said. “If they still don’t match, we just get rid of that machine. The human touch supersedes the machine.”
West End, the machine that was inspected, passed the test without any errors. It has paper ballots to go along with the thumb drive that has the results on it as well.
It was noted that in doing the checks the issue of wrong votes had not been seen by the team inspecting them.
“If we lose all the ballots, we have the stick,” Mackinlay said. “If we lose the stick, we still have the ballots.”
Each machine has a checklist that must be passed before the votes from it can even be looked at, including different stickers around the machine to ensure no one can tamper with the machine and passwords that only select people have access to, Mackinlay said.
When the machine is turned off, it prints a piece of paper showing votes for each candidate that can then be verified by the physical ballots as well, he said.
West End passed the test and will be ready to go when the elections take place Thursday, Aug. 1.

Trotwood Development (MSM)
Columbia residents spoke against a master plan and preliminary plat approval that was ultimately approved during the Columbia Municipal Planning Commission meeting on July 10.
There was much discussion concerning the request from T-Square Engineering for the final planned unit development master plan and preliminary plat approval for Old Zion Subdivision, consisting of 765 lots off Trotwood Avenue.
It was explained that this development near Ridley Park was approved in the summer of 2023 and was one of the final large developments approved under the previous zoning ordinance.
“The preliminary planned unit development established the general layout of the development and how it would function, the density, intensity development, the layout of streets, the civic space that buffers the protection or compatibility with adjacent neighborhoods, off-site improvements, a lot of commitments from the developer,” Columbia City Planner Kevin McCarthy said. “This stage is the final Planned Unit Development master plan, where they’re showing you some greater detail and fixing in place those entitlements.
“It’s also the preliminary plat, which will allow them to move forward with preparation of the site, grading, installation of infrastructure, etc., that will later they’ll come in in phases for the final plat, the actual creation of the lots.”
It was discussed that the commission would need to decide if the final Planned Unit Development master plan is in compliance with the preliminary and if the plat matches the master plan and complies with the subdivision regulations.
McCarthy said that changes included the elimination of a cul-de-sac, shifting of some lots and some units being sprinkled.
“Staff recommendation is that any condition, any approval, be conditioned on the amenities being in place by the time of the 300th certificate of occupancy,” McCarthy said, adding that other suggestions included “the buffer moving ahead of the development” [and] “the traffic improvements need to match everything that was in the preliminary Planned Unit Development master plan approval, which the applicant has agreed to.”
Columbia resident Robert Graham said that community leaders have estimated 14,000 new homes will be built in Maury County and Columbia in the next few years, only increasing concerns.
“And while we can’t halt growth, it’s essential we take some steps to management, and I’m going to take the emotion out of it and just give you numbers,” Graham said, adding that “with an average of two children under 18 per family, 14,000 new homes would translate to approximately 27,160 children,” saying additional schools would be needed.
He said that there are “an average of 2.2 cars per household in Tennessee, and an influx of 14,000 homes would add 30,800 more vehicles to our already congested one-lane and two-lane highways.”
“We already have 110,000 vehicles in Maury County,” Graham said.
He also discussed the concerns of water usage and strain on Duck River.
Other comments from those who spoke included traffic concerns and opposition of the reduction of the buffer area between the new development and the existing one.
Commission chairman Charlie Goatz asked McCarthy to clarify points on the previous approval.
“Just to make sure I understand this right, this preliminary Planned Unit Development was previously approved, so there’s certain rights associated with it,” Goatz said. “Our job here tonight is making sure that the final Planned Unit Development that they’re presenting here conforms to the preliminary and in a material manner,” he asked.
“Yes, sir, substantial compliance,” McCarthy said, adding that that was the “term in the zoning ordinance.”
The motion to approve the plan, subject to the removal of the nine lots that encroach the buffer and conditioned on the timing of the traffic, along with all of staff’s conditions, passed.
A preliminary plat and site development plan from Greg Gamble for a mixed-use development comprised of 444 residential units and 30,120 sq. ft. of commercial space located off N. James M. Campbell Blvd and Professional Center Drive was approved as well.
The plan consists of “two large mixed-use buildings, several large multifamily buildings, and then the smaller buildings represent the small multifamily buildings,” McCarthy said.
The commission heard this is a vacant property on the backside of the Pinewood Health Facility.
“The reason why the site is orientated in this way is because the zoning code does not permit the whole entire site to be large multifamily,” McCarthy said. “It allows up to 20 percent of that, and so they are providing the 20 percent large multifamily, asking for a very minor exception of three percent to be 23 percent of that, with the rest of the development site consisting of the two mixed use buildings and small multifamily buildings.
“There’s also a proposed commercial building that will house a daycare facility on the site.”
The commission also approved consent agenda items that included a request from Allen O’Leary for final plat approval with surety in the amount of $290,000 for Williamsport Landing, phase two, consisting of 33 lots off Rockwell and Williamsport Landings; a request from T-Square engineering for final plat approval with surety in the amount of $260,000 for Summit at Carter’s Station, phase four, consisting of 35 lots off Cleburne Road; a request from T-Square Engineering for final plat approval with surety in the amount of $435,000 for Summit at Carter’s West, phase 1B, consisting of 29 lots off Cleburne Road; a request from T-Square Engineering for final plat approval with surety in the amount of $470,000 for Summit at Carter’s West, phase two, consisting of 36 lots off Cleburne Road; and a request from T-Square Engineering for final plat approval with surety in the amount of $220,000 for Independence at Carter Station, phase 6.5, consisting of 40 lots off Tucker Trace.
In other business during its meeting, the planning commission:
Approved, subject to all staff and technical comments, the final plat for T-Square Engineering with surety in the amount of $210,000 for Quail Run Meadows, phase four, consisting of 34 lots and open spaces off Quail Run Way;
Approved the revision of the final PUD master plan and preliminary plat from Crunk Engineering for Landings at Greens Mill Road consisting of 550 residential lots.
The motion was approved, subject to staff comments and technical conditions, including the premise that when it comes back for final flat approval, the commission would have the opportunity and expectation to see a more detailed plan with regards to the open space;
Approved, subject to staff comments or staff’s technical comments, a preliminary plat and site development plan from WES Engineers and Surveyors for four townhome units at 111 East 16th Street;

Prestige Physical Therapy (WKOM Audio 2:20)
Yesterday, Prestige Physical Therapy on Trotwood Avenue in Columbia, held their grand opening. Our own Delk Kennedy stopped by the ribbon cutting and spoke to Adam Bedwell and Brian Coggins about what the new facility has to offer its patients…

Congressional Race (TNLookout)
In the waning days of the Republican primary, a political action committee backing Metro Nashville Councilmember Courtney Johnston is shifting its strategy to attack U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in Middle Tennessee districts stretching across Nashville into Columbia. 
Conservatives With Character started running TV ads and sending mailers questioning Ogles’ claims as an economist and challenging his support for a sales tax increase in Maury County during his mayoral term there, in addition to reports showing he failed to pay property taxes on time for several years in Williamson County.
The group had spent $640,000 as of July 24, and spending is expected to spend $1.2 million by Election Day set on Thursday. 
Conservatives With Character has received funding from more moderate Republicans, including $10,000 from former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist. It is also backed by another political action committee called Best of Tennessee, formed by pro-choice lawyer Chloe Akers, and longtime Republican fundraisers Kim Kaegi and Tom Ingram, which gave $140,000. 
All of the group’s spending was to be used for pro-Johnston pieces. But its treasurer, former state Rep. Randy Stamps, said Monday the PAC opted to change its plan and publish “anti-Ogles” mailers and TV ads.
“Her name ID wasn’t where it needed to be, so we did that one positive piece that was all about her and the previous Republican president. But from the beginning, our mission was to make sure people understood the character of Ogles,” Stamps said.
News reports questioned Ogles’ resume last year, including his claims that he earned a degree from Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management and worked as an economist, even though he had no degree or formal training in the field. Ogles, a Columbia resident, also filed an amended federal campaign finance report showing he brought in much less than he initially claimed in 2023. 
Ogles, who started running ads last weekend claiming an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, worked as state director of Americans for Prosperity, which has been flooding markets with money supporting pro-school voucher candidates.
The House Freedom Action Fund set up by the House Freedom Caucus has also spent about $85,000 on the campaign, $50,000 to support Ogles and $35,000 to oppose Johnston.
The former Maury County mayor filed articles of impeachment against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris last week following her entrance into the presidential campaign after President Joe Biden left the race. Ogles claimed Harris should be removed from office because of the administration’s policies at the southern border.
The move by Ogles led to a bump in fundraising for Johnston, according to Stamps. 
Johnston, who claims to have been a thorn in the side of liberal Metro Council members, hasn’t had problems raising money for the primary, bringing in more than $700,000 and running her own second TV ad accusing Ogles of being a “do-nothing” Republican who accomplished nothing on border security or inflation in his first two-year term.
Ogles won the his current seat in Congressman in 2022, after state Republicans split Nashville across the three districts, eliminating its Democratic lean. Following the gerrymandering, Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, who held the 5th District for nearly two decades, dropped out of the race.
Ogles then vaulted to the win with the help of dark-money independent spending on ads that blasted his opponents, former House Speaker Beth Harwell and retired Brigadier Gen. Kurt Winstead as “too liberal.” 

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

Martha Matthews, 100, retired secretary of Joseph Brown Elementary School and resident of Scott Hollow Road, died at home Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Funeral services will be at noon on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia. Visitation with the family will be two hours prior to the service. Burial will be at Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbia.

Martha Jane “Janie” McCormack Sanders, 71, trauma nurse for Skyline Medical Center, died Saturday, July 27, 2024 at her residence in Nashville. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Now, news from around the state…
Election Information from Tre Hargett (Press Release)
Ahead of the Aug. 1 State and Federal Primaries and County General Elections, Secretary of State Tre Hargett and the Division of Elections are reminding all registered voters casting a ballot that they have two options for the reporting of suspicious activity — via text or by placing a call into the Division’s toll-free hotline. 
“It is easy for registered voters to cast a ballot in Tennessee, but hard to cheat,” said Secretary Hargett. “Should registered voters notice anything out of the ordinary on Election Day, we urge them to text or call us and report any suspicious activity that may arise.”
Tennesseans can text 'TN' to 45995 using a cell phone or other texting device. They will receive a secure link where they can submit concerns directly to the Division of Elections. The Division reviews reports of possible voter fraud, misinformation, intimidation, or any other Election Day impropriety and works with county election commissions, district attorneys, and other parties to take proper action. 
“Our system focuses on giving voters direct access to report potentially suspicious activity,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “Voters can remain confident their concerns are being heard by state election officials.”
Voters can also report voting issues or get answers to Election Day questions by calling the Division of Elections Official Election Day Hotline toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.
The Secretary of State’s office is Tennessee’s trusted source for election information. For more information about the Aug. 1 elections, including polling locations, times, and candidate lists, or to view a sample ballot, download the GoVoteTN app,  or visit GoVoteTN.gov. 

Gas Prices (MSM)
Tennessee gas prices moved less expensive over last week, falling five cents, on average. Tennessee also moved into the third least expensive state gas price average in the country. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.06 which is five cents less expensive than one month ago and 32 cents less than one year ago.  
“We saw another drop in oil prices last week and we’re starting to see concerns emerge that global fuel demand is softening,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If market conditions stay the same, it’s likely that we’ll see another break at the pump again this week. The even better news is that Tennessee has some of the cheapest gas prices in the country.” 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
On Saturday evening, Ricky Skaggs invited 50-time Christian chart-topper Steven Curtis Chapman to be the latest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
The four-decade veteran performer and 59-time Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Award winner will be the first Christian artist added to the Opry's cast since The Issacs in Sept. 2021.
His induction will mark the 18th Opry cast addition since Jan. 2021.
The current era marks the busiest the Opry has been insofar as multiplying its cast membership in six decades.
"That is incredible," said Chapman. "I can not tell you all how surprised I am. This is a massive surprise. I had no idea, and I am so honored and just so grateful.”
Chapman's induction date will be announced soon.