Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-15-24

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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 15, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Governor Appoints Judges (CDH)
Gov. Bill Lee announced this week his appointments of three key judicial positions.
Among the appointments was Jessica Parrish to the 22nd Judicial District Circuit Court
The 22nd Judicial District covers Giles, Lawrence, Maury and Wayne counties.
“I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals and value the significant experience they will bring to their respective roles,” Lee stated in a press release. “I appreciate their leadership and am confident they will serve Tennesseans with integrity.”
Parrish currently serves as assistant district attorney for the 22nd Judicial District. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Austin Peay State University and juris doctor at Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at University of Memphis. Parrish has been appointed to succeed retiring Judge David. L. Allen, effective Aug. 3.
"It means a lot to me to be able to step into this new role and represent the state of Tennessee and it's people in this way," Parrish said. "I am extremely honored and humbled by the appointment."
District Attorney Brent Cooper of the 22nd Judicial District said he believes Parrish will "serve the position well," as she was his assistant DA for many years.
"She's been a phenomenal prosecutor, and I think she will make a fantastic judge," Cooper said. "She's been great, and we are going to miss her on our staff."

Ogles and Johnston Makes Pitch in Marshall (CDH)
In a rare meeting in the 5th District Congressional primary, U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles and his challenger Nashville Metro Council member Courtney Johnston both made their pitch to Marshall County Republicans at their annual dinner in Lewisburg on Thursday night.
While both have campaigned voraciously in recent weeks, the event was one of the few this cycle that they’ve made their pitch to the same room. Afterward, voters stated that their support for Ogles was solidified, while others carried signs for Johnston.
On Thursday, about 230 people gathered at the Lewisburg Parks and Recreation facility, an 80 minute drive south of Nashville, for a fried chicken dinner, door prizes, and speeches from state and federal elected officials.
U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, drove over from East Tennessee to headline the night, and state Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, and Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, also spoke. Trump hats and flags were on sale in the back for $10.
“The mayor just called, and asked all the politicians to please park their cars on the left side of the parking lot,” Marshall County GOP Chair Craig Blackwell joked, kicking off the evening with a hearty laugh from the crowd.
Johnston was a new face for many in the room, as she has worked to build name recognition in rural counties outside of Nashville and its suburbs where she is better known. Introducing herself, Johnston touted her work fighting tax hikes and securing resources for police while being "completely outnumbered" as a conservative on the 40-seat progressive Metro Council.
"I think we deserve at a baseline level to be represented by people with a heart for public service, that want to make a difference, that have character, integrity, and the ability to tell the truth," Johnston said. "We have to trust who is representing us."
Just over 10 miles from his farm, it's Ogles’ home turf. He won the county with 37% of the vote in a crowded 2022 primary.
“How many people miss Donald Trump?” Ogles yelled as he went onstage, to cheers from the crowd. "I was the first member of Congress that Donald Trump endorsed for 2024. I have a relationship with the president, and I can tell from my conversations with him that he's ready for the job."
Ogles invoked the former president's name 10 times during his 8-minute speech as he touted his efforts to help secure the Southern border and cutting government spending — primarily by introducing 131 pieces of legislation.
Ogles told the crowd that while some of his legislation has not yet moved forward, it is important because it will be taken up when Trump gets back in the White House.
Several attendees said their views on the race were solidified by Ogles’ remarks.
"I'm impressed with what our existing congressman has done for us," voter Jack Cathey stated. "I support him and the job he's doing."
“When we go into January, and we have the White House, we have the Senate, and we have the House of Representatives, we've got to get it done," he said. "You're going to see a lot of executive orders by the President. We're going to start rolling back all this nonsense from Joe Biden. You're going to see this legislation that we're putting forward start coming to the Senate."
In a straw poll held at the end of the evening, Johnston earned 27 votes to Ogles’ 155. 

Merchandise Marketplace (WKOM Audio 1:17)
On Friday, Merchandise Marketplace, located at Neeley’s Mill shopping center in Columbia held a grand re-opening. Front Porch Radio’s Mike Lyle attended the ribbon and got to learn about what Merchandise Marketplace has to offer…

Artist Chosen For Sculpture (CDH)
The Columbia Peace & Justice Initiative has chosen artist David Alan Clark to create the new Thurgood Marshall monument to be located at the intersection of North Main and East 8th Streets in downtown Columbia.
Columbia City Council approved the project in November.
The monument will stand at the entrance of the historic Columbia former Black business district, formerly known as "The Bottom," as well as the sight of the 1946 Columbia race riot, now remembered by local historians as an "uprising" in the Black community against Tennessee State Troopers, who ransacked the neighborhood.
Marshall, a young NAACP lawyer at the time, was notable for visiting Columbia to help assemble the legal team who gained the acquittal of almost 25 Black residents arrested in the 1946 riots. Marshall became ill during the trial requiring hospitalization, while lawyers Z. Alexander Looby and Maurice Weaver became lead council in the case.
Marshall later faced such threats such as a "near-lynching" during a visit to the city when he was detained by law enforcement on a faulty drunk driving charge and driven by authorities to the Duck River before being deterred by Looby, who made sure to follow close behind the police car, according to multiple historical accounts, including American Radio Works.
Marshall, despite such dangers and intimidation, went on to become the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
"This statue marks the beginning of our efforts to tell the story of the 1946 Columbia riots,” Dr. Christa Martin said. “We aimed to select a statue that serves as a powerful gateway to that narrative.”
In choosing an artist, Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder appointed a committee, which included seven members.
These included Martin, co-chair, and board member Eric Jacobson, CEO and historian for the Battle of Franklin Trust that manages Rippavilla in Spring Hill and other Civil War sites in Franklin.
Clark is a sculptor raised near Green River, Wyoming, crafting his first commissioned bronze piece as a teenager.
His works have since been featured among many cities, universities and more around the nation, including:
Senator Matthew Gaines at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Civil Rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. Hosea Williams, W. A. Scott, Dr. Rita Samuels, and Dorothy Lee Bolden in Atlanta, Georgia
President Abraham Lincoln as a young state senator in Naperville, Illinois
David Thompson, legendary basketball hall of famer from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
St. Francis at the St. Francis Cancer Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tom Lee Monument in Memphis, TN for the hero and riverman who despite he could not swim, rescued 32 people from the Mississippi River
Clark's sculptures are often known for their emotional depth and historic accuracy, including his upcoming Marshall statue, a CPJI press release said.
Clark's vision for the Marshall statue, he said, was inspired by a 1956 Associated Press photograph.
In the photograph, a 38-year-old Marshall is depicted in his iconic trench coat striding uphill from East 8th Street towards the Maury County Courthouse.
This would symbolize Marshall's relentless fight against racial violence and oppression, Clark said.
“The fact that he is walking uphill reminds us that the struggle is hard, and that it is still not over,” Clark wrote in his proposal.
In addition, a noose will be placed at Marshall's feet which is to illustrate the dangers he faced.
The sculpture will also be 125% life-size, illustrating Marshall's larger-than-life impact and legacy.
"I was particularly captivated by how [Clark] plans to capture motion in this statue,” said Jan McKeel, a member of the Thurgood Marshall statue committee and former executive director of the South Central TennesseeWorkforce Alliance.
"It’s not just a static figure like so many others you see. Clark's unique approach brings statues to life, even in bronze. You can see the movement and the muscles, all telling a compelling story through a seemingly static piece of art.”
The CPJI and Clark plan to unveil the new Marshall sculpture in July of 2025. 

The Well Using Hydroponics (CDH)
Hope and dignity are the primary goals for The Well Outreach, says Chief Executive Officer, Shelly Sassen, as the food pantry finds fresh new ways to innovate and feed hungry families. 
Now, clients at the new The Well facility in Mt. Pleasant in Maury County can access high quality food options without the rising cost of grocery shopping – an expense that is becoming increasingly difficult for many to afford.
Enter hydroponic lettuce growing – a method that uses various means of growing produce via a nutrient-based water solution.
Grants have allowed much expansion for the ministry and the new hydroponic growth system is just one new direction that will yield fresh varieties of lettuce, grown entirely at the pantry's new Mt. Pleasant location.
Finding a sustainable way to provide fresh produce at a reasonable cost has been a big challenge, according to Sassen.
“We are thankful this enables us to meet our goal,” Sassen said. “This allows us to honor our mission of giving dignity and hope to our clients by providing access to the very best products that we can.”
Describing the choice of offering lettuce as a versatile food, cheap to produce, Sassen said growing greens on-site will ensure freshness and abundance under one roof, cutting out transport.
The Well Outreach recently expanded its single Spring Hill location by opening a second location in April in Mt. Pleasant, 700 N. Main St., which is more than twice the size of its original location. The new 16,000 square-foot facility houses a large food pantry, coffee shop, consultation rooms, prayer rooms, a children's area and warehouse area for food storage.
The response to the new hydroponic option has been huge, Sassen said, with the help of social media.
Greenstar, Romaine, Butterhead and Summer Crisp varieties will make their way into the homes of the nearly 1,300 people, according to Sassen.
The new greens offer a higher grade of food that people would find with farm-to-table options.
The pantry is also offering meat and dairy from nearby local farms, including farm fresh Jersey milk from Old Stone Creamery Market produced by Cleburne Jersey and Angus Farm in Spring Hill and beef from 1822 Farms in Williamsport.
The Well used its grant funds to purchase the hydroponic system installed onsite thanks in part to a Cigna Healthcare initiative that seeks to create better communities. Across the globe, Cigna has given 15 fellowships to nonprofits to launch the Community Ambassador Fellows program, a fellowship forged by choosing a nonprofit partner to better the community.
“The goal is to complete a project to positively impact the health and vitality of individuals in the communities where we live and work,” said Cigna senior clinical account executive, Kent Wuflestad, who serves as project leader.
Wuflestad and leaders of The Well identified hydroponics as an innovative approach to help deliver fresh produce year around, and Wuflestad was selected by Cigna as a 2024 Community Ambassador Fellow to turn the hydroponics dream into reality for The Well.
Wuflestad was given a three-month term to help implement the new project with $20,000 partial funding from Cigna.
The Cigna grant works alongside Gov. Bill Lee’s Community Development Block Grant program to assist lower-income families. In total, $70,000 has been prioritized to help kick start the environmentally friendly growing method, which will yield 50 pounds of lettuce per week.
Hydroponic growing at a food pantry is something brand new that one would have to look far and wide to find, according to Wuflestad.
Part of his job is to guide and educate staff and volunteers on the growing and production process.
The process begins with seeds being planted in saturated rock wool, or small nutrient-filled porous fertilizing trays, housing buds which are then transported to a large "flood tray" where they receive proper light and continue growing.
Patrons can view the cylindrical growing columns where the lettuce is eventually ready for picking.
The hydroponic growing method is free of pesticides and not entirely organic but eliminates some negative aspects of food processing.
It’s a refreshing surprise for many clients, said Mt. Pleasant site manager, Dawson Gorman.
“Their eyes kind of pop when clients see the new produce,” Gorman said. “This is the first time they’ve ever seen anything like this here.”
For now, Sassen says the plan is to keep the efforts focused on producing quality lettuce but says, other foods like tomatoes are not out of the question for the future.
Until that time, Sassen says the pantry will continue to offer the best food possible for clients.
For more information, visit www.thewelloutreach.org.

Columbia 101 (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the launch of Columbia 101, an innovative program designed to engage residents with local government and community services. Participants in Columbia 101 will have the unique opportunity to interact closely with city officials and staff, gaining firsthand knowledge of how municipal services are delivered and learning about avenues for community involvement and advocacy.
This consecutive two-day program will be open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents and offered twice per year, with the official kick-off occurring on September 17th and September 18th. Participants can expect to begin each day at City Hall before learning more about all 12 city departments and touring select city facilities, such as the Fire & Rescue and Public Works Departments.
Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, August 9th at 4:00 pm. Learn more and apply today at https://www.columbiatn.com

Now, news from around the state…
Trump Assassination Attempt (Tennessean)
The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally reverberated Sunday across Tennessee, where Gov. Bill Lee and other leaders rallied behind the likely 2024 GOP presidential nominee before today’s start of the Republican National Convention.
Trump was addressing a crowd of supporters at 6:15 p.m. when gunshots rang out. A bullet grazed Trump's upper right ear, leaving him visibly bloodied, but not seriously injured, before he was escorted off-stage.
According to authorities, one rally attendee, confirmed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as former volunteer Buffalo Township Fire Chief Corey Comperatore, was killed in the gunfire. Two others, whose names have not been confirmed, were "critically injured."
Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, said Saturday on X, formerly Twitter, that his nephew was among those injured at Trump’s rally in Butler.
“My family was sitting in the front, near where the President was speaking. They heard shots ringing out — my nephew then realized he had blood on his neck and something had grazed and cut his neck,” he wrote.
A GoFundMe created by Meredith O'Rourke, the national finance director and senior advisor for the Trump Campaign, to assist the families of the victims has raised nearly $1.2 million since it opened, with Nashville musician Kid Rock in the top donation slot with a $50,000 donation.
The shooter was later identified as 20 year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who was a kitchen worker in a local nursing home with no criminal background.
Shortly after the incident, U.S. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi posted on X that "a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue."
He added: "US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
It has since been confirmed that the shooter was on a rooftop about 150 yards from where Trump stood. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Republican from Knoxville, and a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, has called for an investigation to understand how the shooter was able to thwart Secret Service security.
“Heads ought to roll over this,” Burchett said in a statement in the hours after the shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania.
Shortly after the news broke, Governor Lee posted a statement to social media.
"Maria & I ask Tennesseans to join us in praying for President Trump & his family, & all who were in attendance at today’s rally in Pennsylvania," he said.
Rep. Andy Ogles stated on social media, “President Trump is an American hero. Join me in praying for him and the innocent rally attenders in Pennsylvania. This is a dark day in American history.”
"Our love goes out to the other victims and their families," Trump said in a statement on Truth Social on Sunday morning. "We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed."
Trump added later that he would travel to Milwaukee for Monday's opening of the Republican National convention.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Trailblazing country music group Sawyer Brown is the definition of a road-warrior band. With 40 years under its belt since winning the first-ever Star Search singing competition, the band announced that it will play its 6,000th show on October 1st at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Throughout Sawyer Brown’s four-decade long career, the band has performed on thousands of stages across the country and world with one of the most rowdy, high-energy sets in the genre. Fans can expect to hear the band’s hit songs including “Some Girls Do,” “Step That Step,” “The Walk,” “The Boys and Me” and more.
“I wanted our 6000th show to be special and what better way to celebrate than at the iconic Ryman Auditorium with the second best 90s band Hot Country Knights,” says Sawyer Brown’s Mark Miller.
Over the last year, Sawyer Brown has celebrated its 40th anniversary milestone with a new documentary “Get Me To The Stage On Time” with Blake Shelton serving as Executive Producer, lead singer Mark Miller’s memoir The Boys And Me: My Life In The Country Music Supergroup Sawyer Brown, and the Shelton-produced album Desperado Troubadours (3.8 via Curb Records). The band will also tour across Canada with GRAMMY-winning 90s country band Shenandoah supporting. It’s all been leading up to this unforgettable show at one of Nashville’s most iconic venues.
Learn more at www.sawyerbrown.com/tour.