Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 12-26-24

What is Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price?

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 December 26, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Old School Vapor Gets Settlement (MSM)
The owners of two hemp businesses raided by the Spring Hill Police Department earlier this year have reached a $735,000 settlement after filing a federal lawsuit over the seizure of legal inventory.
SHPD seized 231 pounds of legal hemp from Old School Vapor and SAK Wholesale in Columbia on May 9, 2024.
On Monday, May 20, Litson PLLC filed a civil rights lawsuit in federal court on behalf of clients Old School Vapor and SAK Wholesale for what it called the “illegal seizure of $1.35 million worth of legal hemp products by the Spring Hill Police Department.”
The warrants authorizing the searches of the stores reportedly did not allow for the seizure of hemp products, which are legal under federal and Tennessee law as long as the Delta-9 THC levels are not more than 0.3 percent of dry weight. The lawsuit also claimed that there was no warrant issued to search SAK Wholesale’s Columbia warehouse.
In filing the lawsuit, it was noted that District Attorney General Brent Cooper reportedly told law enforcement that hemp and marijuana were the “same damn thing,” despite that not being the case.
“Today, that statement has proven both legally and financially costly. This settlement is more than a financial recovery – it’s a critical statement about law enforcement’s responsibility to understand and respect the law,” attorney Alex Little said in a press statement. “Hemp is a legal agricultural product, and businesses should not live in fear of arbitrary seizure based on ignorance.”
Cooper responded to Main Street Maury that a statement would be forthcoming, but one had not been received at press time.
SHPD Public Information Officer Lt. Michael Foster issued a statement on the city’s behalf, stating, “The settlement dictates that the City of Spring Hill will pay $375,000 and the State of Tennessee will pay $375,000. The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen have to approve all lawsuit settlements prior to payment. The vote on this payment will likely occur early next year. The monies for the settlement will come from the City’s Insurance Fund. In this settlement, the City does not admit any wrongdoing.”
Foster went on to say, “SHPD officers receive frequent training on hemp laws, but this is an area of law quickly evolving with additional changes expected to be mandated by the State of Tennessee in 2025. The City will remain vigilant in its training to make sure officers understand the law and best practices relative to the same.”

Former Corrections Officer Sentenced (WSMV)
A former corrections officer at the Maury County Jail was sentenced in federal court on Thursday, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The DOJ said James Stewart Justice, formerly known as James Stewart, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. This comes after his conviction of falsifying a record in a federal civil rights investigation in connection to a report he wrote responding to allegations that he had sexually abused an inmate while guarding her in a hospital room while she recovered from surgery.
Court documents said that Justice “wrote an official report for the Maury County Jail” in response to the allegations against him.
The court said Justice’s report:
1) falsely claimed that he had reported to two Maury County Jail supervisors that an inmate had made sexual advances toward him while the inmate was in his custody at the hospital;
2) falsely claimed that those two Maury County Jail supervisors both advised him not to write a report about those alleged sexual advances by the inmate;
3) omitted a claim he later made to criminal investigators that he had a sexual relationship with the inmate after the inmate’s release from custody.
“Everyone who serves in law enforcement knows of their duty of candor,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “That duty of candor is at its highest when responding to serious allegations such as the sexual abuse of an inmate in the officer’s care. The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute officers who disregard that duty and obstruct federal civil rights investigations.”
“When the authority that corrections officers are given is abused, it’s not just the civil rights of prison inmates that are threatened, but the public’s trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “This sentencing should be a reminder that the FBI will vigorously investigate these kinds of cases and bring to justice any law enforcement officer who violates the constitution and trust of the people.”

Spring Hill BOMA Honors Fallen Soldier (MSM)
The City of Spring Hill paid homage to a deceased military man during the Dec. 16 meeting of its Board of Mayor & Aldermen.
A Gold Star Military Service Banner in honor of Army Major Gary Hughes was presented to his widow, Kimberly, on behalf of the city by Mayor Jim Hagaman and Alderman Jason Cox.
In 1986, Hughes enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18. He was deployed to Panama in 1991 and after his return, he completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned in 1992. As a first lieutenant, he continued his service with the Army Reserve. In 2014, Gary was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach and liver cancers. He rose to the rank of major before his death in 2018.
“His many accolades include a Meritorious Service Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, a Humanitarian Service Medal, a NATO medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, an Iraqi Campaign Medal and a Combat Badge,” Hagaman said.
After his death, Kimberly Hughes fought to prove that her husband was a victim of toxic air exposure from burn pits. Her experiences are documented in the 2023 book “The Promise” and in an upcoming documentary “Thank You For Your Service – A Burn Pits Story,” scheduled to be released in 2025. Kimberly remains committed to advocating for veterans, their families and survivors.

Maury Regional Holiday Hugs (CDH)
Employees, physicians and volunteers at Maury Regional Medical Center and Lewis Health Center (LHC) once again spread holiday cheer to local school children through the annual Holiday Hugs gift program.
Originally called Christmas Steps, the Holiday Hugs program started in 1999 with Maury Regional Health facilities partnering with local school systems.
Since its inception, the Holiday Hugs program has provided more than 11,000 gifts to children in need. This year, the program continued its legacy of generosity with 505 gifts collected at MRMC for Maury County Public Schools and 31 at Lewis Health Center for Lewis County Schools, ensuring children received items like coats, sweaters and other winter clothing to stay warm this holiday season.
“We are truly blessed to have the annual Maury Regional Holiday Hugs program,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Ventura. “The continued support from Maury Regional’s employees and volunteers makes an incredible impact on the lives of our families, and we are so grateful.”
MRH's Volunteer Services Department works with the school systems each year to identify children in need at the districts' elementary and middle schools. Gifts are collected, organized and delivered to each school with the help of MRH's Supply Chain and Facility Services Departments as well as other team members and volunteers.
“Giving is the reason for the season and the Holiday Hugs program is one of the many ways we can give back to our community,” said Cindy Short, director of Volunteer Services. “This effort would not be possible without the teamwork of our employees and volunteers, and we thank everyone who helped make this year’s program a success.”
Holiday Hugs is one of the many seasonal giving initiatives across the Maury Regional Health system. Wayne Medical Center (WMC) employees collected gifts through the Angel Tree program, helping a total of 15 children.
Marshall Medical Center (MMC) participated in Foster Care Christmas for foster children of Marshall County, donating a total of 129 gifts for children and also participated in a nursing home Angel Tree program, providing a total of 31 gifts for seniors. Lastly, MMC held a food drive where staff donated canned goods to Hope Town.
"The holidays remind us of the power of community and generosity, and it's a privilege to give," said Maury Regional CEO Martin Chaney, MD. "It's heartwarming to know we can provide joy and support to families in our communities. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season from Maury Regional Health."

King’s Daughter’s Christmas (CDH)
The season of giving is a special time for the King's Daughter's School, when the community brings Christmas to students, who live on site.
This year Santa brought his own pair of bowling shoes, while he celebrated with students at Tenn Pin Alley in Columbia.
When the King's Daughter's School shuts down for the holiday season, many students will remain on campus, including children in state custody, who have experienced abuse, neglect or are separated from their families due to difficult circumstances.
King's Daughter's Executive Director Shauna Pounders said Christmas is the biggest time of year for the children, and that every child deserves a visit from Santa, whatever the circumstance.
"Every child’s vision of Christmas starts with them waking up in their own bed, at their own home, but for some children—through no fault of their own—that’s not their reality," Pounders said. "Our community rallies around these little ones and gives them a holiday that is precious and full of joy. We truly could not do it without community support, so it’s such a joy to be able to share with you some of the loving things our friends and neighbors do to create Christmas magic for our students who are in state custody."
On Friday, the King's Daughters' students were treated to an afternoon of bowling, laser tag and presents from Santa at Tenn Pin Alley, a tradition now in its third year.
"We make sure these kids have a wonderful Christmas, and it's because they miss out on so much," KDS Recreational Therapist Shannon Neff said. "Their stories are all different and are not in their homes due to different circumstances. That's why they are here for us on Christmas, and while they are here, we are making sure they are living their best lives, that they get to experience things they wouldn't anywhere else, and we make sure they are happy."
Providing a merry Christmas to KDS students is largely made possible through donations from community members, local businesses and nonprofits.
Prior to Friday's lunch and gift giving, The Knights of Columbus sponsored a pizza party for about 100 King's Daughters' students. The organization also provides winter coats to each student every year.
"In reality, they don't have family around, and so we try to become that family every year for them," Ray Turner, a Knights of Columbus member who dons the red hat and coat every year, said. "That's really what it all boils down to."
Icon Sports & Entertainment and Special Olympics Tennessee also hosted a shopping spree at Dick's Sporting Goods for Christmas this year, where state custody students picked out new tennis shoes, football gloves and other sports gear alongside Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis.
The students in state custody also benefit from the King's Daughter's Santa's Mailbox program with Heritage Bank & Trust, in which community members shop for items on each student's Christmas wish list.
Tony and Gina Wolfe of McDonald's of Columbia also sponsor a Breakfast with Santa each year for the children.
Much of the gifts delivered Friday were provided through individual donations, as well as organizations such as the Maury County Sheriff's Department and the Maury County Fair, who also organize My Day at The Fair for children with special needs and their caregivers each year.
"This is all through donations," Turner said. "It's all from the people here that make this happen. They are guardian angels."
The King's Daughters' School's Enrich Box program has also provided students with hundreds of hours of hands-on vocational training by producing Christmas gift boxes curated with products from local businesses.
The Enrich Box program includes gift boxes curated by KDS with goods and products in partnership with area businesses, specially prepared for customer purchase.
"All of the kids have all had jobs for the Enrich program. They made the boxes," Pounders said. "The kids have really enjoyed that and got their certificates of achievement for the jobs they did this year."
Megan Fralix, main organizer for the Enrich program, said the curriculum not only teaches the students a sense of responsibility, but also skills such as socializing with others in the workplace.
"We started our own curriculum to teach job skills to our students," Fralix said. "We also teach them things like, 'Why do you work?' or 'Why do you get a job?' It's a really great start for them, and each Enrich box also includes their own business cards they've created themselves."
While the time for shipping Enrich Boxes before Christmas has closed, Pounders said there is "always a chance" a few might be left over to purchase once the school reopens.
"If we have any left after the holidays, people can still come buy them," Pounders said. "The school's office will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but then we will reopen again, and folks can come get them."
More than anything, Christmas time at King's Daughters is about how the local community comes together to provide a well-rounded holiday to children who otherwise wouldn't have one, all done simply through the act of giving.
"The community comes together to make the holidays really precious for these kids," Pounders said. "The community works to give them as much as we possibly can, knowing we can't take the place of having their own home on Christmas. This is something special, and just for them."
KDS is a nonprofit school, offering various programs to children and adults up to 40 years of age, some with disabilities, through skills training, education and residential programs.

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. 

West Haven Park Rededicated (Press Release)
The City of Columbia, Tennessee, celebrated the completion of significant upgrades to West Haven Park with a rededication ceremony held on December 19th. This event marked a major milestone in the
City’s ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces for residents of all ages and abilities.

Mayor Chaz Molder emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “West Haven Park is a cornerstone of our community, and these improvements ensure that it remains a welcoming and accessible space for everyone. This rededication reaffirms our commitment to fostering inclusivity and creating places where families and neighbors can
come together.”

The ceremony showcased the park’s new features, including a beautifully constructed pavilion equipped with picnic tables for gatherings and events, swings designed to accommodate all ages and ensure accessibility, and an ADA-compliant parking space with a newly installed access path, making the park more inclusive than ever.

City Manager Tony Massey also highlighted the project’s significance, noting, “The improvements at West Haven Park demonstrate our dedication to creating vibrant public spaces that serve every member of our community. This project reflects the City’s vision of providing high-quality amenities and ensuring access for all.”

Community members, city officials, and local media attended the ceremony, joining together to celebrate the revitalization of this cherished public space. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the upgraded facilities, enjoying the enhanced features that make West Haven Park a welcoming and inclusive destination for everyone.

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

Cecil Alvin Blocker, 65, retired truck driver with First Express Trucking and a resident of Columbia, died Friday, December 20 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, December 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Morrow Cemetery in the Hampshire Community. The family will visit with friends Thursday, December 26 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mrs. Debbie Rose, 63, lifelong resident of Columbia, died Sunday, December 8th at Maury Regional Medical Center. A Memorial service is scheduled for Sunday December 29th at Williamsport United Methodist Church. Visitation will start at 2:00 PM with a celebration of life to follow at 3:00 PM.

Robert Scott Howell, 53, resident of Murfreesboro, died Friday, December 20, 2024 at Alive Hospice- Murfreesboro.
A graveside service will be conducted Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery. 

Charlotte Eugenia Lentz Morrow, 88, life-long resident of Columbia, TN passed away Saturday, December 14, 2024, at her home. 
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, December 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…
Megamillions over $1Billion (CDH)
No one became a "billionaire" overnight.
The Christmas Eve Mega Millions drawing hit an estimated $1 billion just ahead of Tuesday night and now it is set to climb even higher after no ticket matched all the numbers once again. The jackpot is now at an estimated $1.15 billion, with a $516.1 million lump sum cash option, making it the fifth-highest jackpot in the history of the game, according to MegaMillions.com.
This Mega Million jackpot has now broken into the top 10 jackpots for both Powerball and Mega Millions. It sits at the ninth-largest jackpot of all time.
It is also an unusual jackpot.
According to Mega Millions, the jackpot has been won only three times in 2024 so far, making it the year with the fewest wins in any single year since the game began in 2002. In comparison, 2023 had 10 jackpots won, the most in a single year since a major matrix change to the game in 2013.
With only two drawings left in the year, will 2024 have another big winner or will the jackpot continue to climb in the new year?
The next Mega Millions drawing is at 10 p.m. CT on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
Holiday Driving (Press Release)
Road construction won’t delay travelers during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction on Tennessee roadways beginning at 11:59 p.m. Monday, December 23, 2024, through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. 
 
AAA expects an estimated 2.7 million Tennesseans to travel between December 21 and January 1 with 2.58 million of them driving.
 
“Safety is our top priority and with so many people expected to travel Tennessee roadways during the holidays, we want to keep traffic moving and get everyone to their destinations,” said Deputy Governor & TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “As always, please wear your seatbelt, reduce your speed, avoid distractions, and move over for emergency vehicles.”
 
Except for a few long-term closures that must remain for safety, all construction-related closures will be suspended during the holiday period.  Workers may still be on-site in some construction zones.  Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction areas.  Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced.  Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possibly increased insurance premiums. 
 
Get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras from your desktop or mobile device at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 for statewide travel information.  As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The Grand Ole Opry will once again celebrate Opry member Dolly Parton for the 3rd annual Opry Goes Dolly on January 18 at the Grand Ole Opry House.
Opry Goes Dolly will celebrate country music’s greatest global ambassador and an artist who takes the Opry with her wherever she goes. The special Saturday night Opry Goes Dolly is a one-of-a-kind Opry show that falls just a day before her actual birthday. While Parton will not appear in-person, the Opry Goes Dolly show will honor her with tributes throughout the Opry 100 show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House – a perfect way to continue the Opry 100 celebration and pay tribute to a true icon.
Opry Goes Dolly will feature special guest artists performing their favorite Dolly hits, Dolly-themed events, photo-ops and more. Among those scheduled for the Opry Goes Dolly show are Dolly fans Bill Anderson, Rhonda Vincent, Ashley Cooke, and Chapel Hart as well as the first Opry debut of 2025, six-time Grammy nominee Shaboozey.
Tickets for “Opry Goes Dolly” are on sale now at (615) 871-OPRY and opry.com.