Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-25-24

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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 25, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Columbia Fire Engine (MauryCountySource)
Columbia City Council recently approved the acquisition of a new fire engine.
This advanced apparatus is equipped with a 750-gallon water tank, a 20-gallon foam tank, a 1500 GPM pump, and has a 20-year life expectancy. By selecting a fully loaded preconfigured unit, the City was able to save $150,000 on this $750,000 purchase.
This strategic investment ensures that the fire department has the necessary tools to continue providing excellent service and safety to the community.

Scams on Rise in Spring Hill (MauryCountySource)
Scams are on the rise in Spring Hill. Police have taken a couple reports in the last month dealing with home rental scams. Both of these scams originated on Facebook Marketplace. Both rental homes are currently owned by American Homes for Rent. Both victims used the mobile payment app “Zelle” to transfer money to the scammers. Both victims were asked to pay a $100 application fee, a $1,000 deposit, and the first month’s rent. In one case, the scammer gave the victim the key code (self-guided tour) to access the keys to the house. The scammer will email a fake lease. The scammer will also ask for your personal identifying information such as your date of birth and social security number. The “Landlord” will never meet you in person. They will have a built-in excuse of why they can’t. If you send the scammer money, they will come up with other reasons why you need to send them more money until you realize it’s a scam.
If you fall victim to a rental scam, please report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (https://www.ic3.gov/) and your local law enforcement agency.

Ogles Files Articles of Impeachment (Tennessean)
U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, is leading an effort with other conservative Republicans in criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris in the wake of President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race.
Ogles announced Tuesday a second impeachment resolution against Harris, according to a Politico story.
In a Tuesday announcement first reported by Fox News, Ogles is also urging Harris to invoke the 25th amendment amid concerns over Biden's health. The 25th Amendment allows for the permanent or temporary removal of the president if they are unable to fulfill the duties of the office.
Biden announced Sunday he was dropping out of the U.S. presidential race, saying he would no longer seek reelection amid pressure to step down over increasing Democratic concerns regarding his election chances against former President Donald Trump.
Ogles represents Tennessee's 5th Congressional District and he faces Metro Nashville Council member Courtney Johnston in the Aug. 1 Republican primary.

Spring Hill Annexation (CDH)
The Spring Hill Planning Commission is currently reviewing two requests for annexation off Clark Road, which ties into the city's recent Urban Growth Boundary expansion.
The requests were submitted by The Richmond Group for South Nashville Commerce, both parcels technically on the same Clark Road property just south of the city limits and east of Saturn Parkway and went before the board Monday.
One request for 18.9 acres on its north side and 24.9 acres on the south side for what will be the Spring Hill Commerce Center.
In 2023, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen were initially considering these requests, which was ultimately decided through public referendum. However, things have changed since then, Development Director Dara Sanders said.
"Since that time, our Urban Growth Boundary for the Williamson County portion [of the city] east of I-65 has been amended to include these properties," Sandars said. "The impact there is that annexation of these two properties can be annexed per city action instead of per a voter's referendum."
There is also a "perfunctory" certification required to officially approve the city's new Urban Growth Boundary, Sanders added.
"That is expected to happen prior to the Board of Mayor and Alderman, who would vote, act or consider the planning commission's recommendation for the annexation of these two properties," she said.
City Attorney Patrick Carter added that the certification will be heard prior to the BOMA's vote, and is pretty much guaranteed to pass.
"This is approval by the local government planning advisory commission," Carter said. "That's expected in September on the UGB part of it. So, it's coming, though I don't have an exact date yet."
No votes were taken Monday on the annexation requests, but both items will go back before the planning commission in August. The commission's recommendation, positive or negative, will then go before BOMA for the final approval. Though if approved, annexation is just step one.
Though the property will be annexed into the city upon approval, it is zoned for agricultural use currently. The city's land use designation for the property is also described as Gateway Areas, which contain the highest forms of development and future land use to include things like technology and research facilities, conference centers and office space.
No details of these plans for the Spring Hill Commerce Center were presented Monday, though a rezone for anything other than agricultural use would be required.
"There is no rezoning action associated with this annexation, and so should the annexation be approved, these two properties would enter the city limits with an agricultural (AG) zoning designation," Sanders said. "Any future rezoning would require an application to be submitted for consideration with the Development Services Department."
That application would then be reviewed by the planning commission and BOMA.

Groom New Mt. Pleasant Manager (MSM)
Phillip Grooms was named as the new city manager for Mount Pleasant last month, stepping into the seat of the retiring Kate Collier.
Grooms has been a part of the Mount Pleasant community for the past 24 years in fire service, serving for the last seven as the city’s fire chief. His education includes a master’s in public administration as well as several certifications in building codes. Grooms said he is focused currently on continuing the mission of the city’s elected officials.
When asked about how his former role with the fire department and how it correlates to his current city manager position, Grooms stated, “I think when you look at the fire and then even working closely with police, more of that kind of servant leadership, what can you do for community? The fire service background is what can we do to help you? On their worst days or even their best days, we’re always out educating about fire and life safety. So, I think that kind of mind-set, customer-service based, is what we were, what we were in the fire department, even when I was in Columbia, customer-service based. I think that’s the biggest thing that I can bring to this role.”
This attitude of service to his community is essential to Grooms and shows within his core values.
Grooms said he approaches his role as a city manager diplomatically and pushes to uphold the standards of the city of Mount Pleasant. The city manager position is not just serving the role, but truly being a public servant to the community
Grooms said he understands this very well, saying, “I think the biggest thing in this role is (defining) what are the standards? Let’s follow them and make sure we stay on point with everything we’re doing.”
As for his goals within the community he stated in a recent State of The City article: “The top goals from our recent strategic plan adoption are to protect health and safety, ensure delivery of basic services, and always maintain fiscal integrity of the city. Therefore, I will help facilitate identified priorities such as, employee professional development, expand and support community-oriented programs, develop comprehensive parks maintenance programs, and develop a city-wide pavement management program.”
Grooms also would like locals to get involved in the city by attending government meetings and events in the city. He brings the attitude of “What can I do for you?” to a city he has lived in and served in throughout his life.
Spring Hill Budget Denied (MSM)
The City of Spring Hill was notified late last week that the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget was not approved by the State of Tennessee Comptroller’s Office.
This decision was reached due to the City of Spring Hill providing a Budget Ordinance with incomplete information regarding debt, along with missing information regarding pending/proposed capital projects and their funding sources.
As a result, the City of Spring Hill will now be required to seek approval from the Comptroller prior to the issuance of any debt. This will be done on a case-by-case basis between the State and the City of Spring Hill.
While the missing information is held within the City’s budgeting software, it was erroneously left off the Budget Ordinance submitted to the Comptroller. Officials said the Budget Ordinance has since been corrected and will be reviewed by the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen at the regularly scheduled August meetings. Following this review, it will then be resubmitted to the State.
City officials said they were taking the necessary steps to ensure oversights like this do not happen moving forward.
The City of Spring Hill has worked tirelessly throughout this past year to improve upon the yearly budget process, implementing new programs and helping to increase transparency for City residents. In partnering with OpenGov — a technology company that offers cloud software for public sector accounting, planning and budgeting — residents are able to check in on how the city is budgeting its money through a transparency portal, located at https://springtn.opengov.com/.

Mule Day Scholarships Announced (MSM)
The Maury County Bridle & Saddle Club, Mule Day and the Mule Day WORKS Scholarship Committee are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Mule Day WORKS Scholarships. These awards are presented to young people pursuing vocational, technical and career training, who are residents of Maury County (or active members of the MCB&SC), have graduated or earned a GED in the current or previous two academic years and are pursuing CTE (career technical education) or vocational training. 
These four fine young people are the first class to be awarded Mule Day WORKS scholarships. The MCB&SC, Mule Day and the Mule Day WORKS scholarship committee are thankful to the many generous sponsors, attendees and volunteers who make it possible for Mule Day to have a positive impact on families while giving back to the community. For information on becoming a sponsor of Mule Day or applying for a Mule Day WORKS scholarship, please visit www.MuleDay.com/WORKS or email [e-mail].
The 2024 Mule Day WORKS recipients are: Garrison Mills, Santa Fe High School, TCAT-Hohenwald, studying Welding & Mechanics; Emma Parks, Columbia Central High School, Weatherford College, studying Diagnostic Medical Sonography; Autumn Conley, Culleoka Unit School, Columbia State Community College, earning Business Technology Certificate; and Tyler Maxwell, Hampshire Unit School, TCAT-Hohenwald, studying Electro-Mechanical Technology.

Early Voting Encouraged (MSM)
Citizens in Maury County are encouraged to utilize the early voting period for the Aug. 1 State and Federal Primaries and County General Elections as a safe and secure way to cast their ballots before Election Day.
“We have been preparing for this election for the last several months,” said Chris Mackinlay, the Maury County Administrator of Elections. “All Maury County registered voters are encouraged Vote Early at the Election Commission Building on Tradewinds Drive.”
The 14-day early voting period runs through July 27. All registered voters can find hours and polling locations, view sample ballots, and much more by visiting GoVoteTN.gov or downloading the Secretary of State’s free GoVoteTN app.
“We want all registered Tennesseans to utilize our robust early voting period as a convenient way to cast a ballot and make their voices heard,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett.
Tennesseans voting early or on Election Day should remember to bring valid photo identification to the polls. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, by the Tennessee state government or by the federal government are acceptable even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable.
“Early voting is quick and easy, and registered Tennessee voters will likely experience shorter wait times during early voting,” said State Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “I encourage all eligible Tennessee voters to take advantage of the convenience of early voting.”
The Secretary of State’s office is Tennessee’s trusted source for all election information — including the GoVoteTN app.
For more information about early voting and other election information, visit GoVoteTN.gov or contact the Maury County Election Commission.

Maury Schools Receive Food (MauryCountySource)
Maury County Public Schools is pleased to announce that City of Columbia and Mt. Pleasant Schools will be participating in Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
The schools are as follows: J. R. Baker Elementary, Joseph Brown Elementary, Highland Park Elementary School, Randolph Howell Elementary STEM School, Mt. Pleasant Elementary, Riverside Elementary School, J. E. Woodard Elementary School, EA Cox Middle School, Mt Pleasant Middle School of the Visual & Performing Arts, Whitthorne Middle School, Columbia Central High School, Northfield Academy and Mt. Pleasant High School.
In a CEP school, all students receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of family income. A meal must include a fruit or vegetable, then the choice of meat, grain, milk and fruit or vegetable (the opposite of the first choice). Students can decline two of the five items at lunch but must have a fruit or vegetable. Students can decline one item at breakfast but need to have a fruit or vegetable on their tray.
If you have any questions about the CEP, please contact Brian Parkhurst at 931-388-8403 #8135
Learn more at https://www.mauryk12.org/cep

Sobriety Checkpoint (Press Release)
The Spring Hill Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint beginning on Friday, July 26th from 11 pm until 1 am.
This checkpoint will be located on Main St. close to Crossings Blvd.
A Tennessee Supreme Court ruling requires this notification.
Year to date the SHPD has made 87 arrests for driving under the influence. Please remember to choose a sober ride.

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

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…   
Sondra Jane Clay Stofel, 84, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024. 
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, July 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with David Stofel and Ricky Clay officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Friday from 10:00 AM until time of the services at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

Thomas Melvin “Tommy” Hight, Sr., 87, well-known local insurance agent for Shelter Insurance Company died Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care, surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM at South Gate Church of Christ. Burial will follow in The Arbors at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday, July 26, 2024 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at South Gate Church of Christ.

Naomi Berri (Partin) Derryberry, aged 75, passed away on July 21, 2024 at her home in Spring Hill.
Visitation for Ms. Derryberry will take place on Friday, July 26th from 4:00-7:00pm and on Saturday, July 27th from 10:00-11:00am at Spring Hill Memorial Park. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at Spring Hill Memorial Park at 11:00am.
Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Friends of the Spring Hill Public Library.

Now, news from around the state…
Bitcoin Conference Underway (TheNewsTN)
Crypto enthusiasts will take over Music City Center on Thursday for Bitcoin2024, a three-day conference with international stature dedicated to the foundational blockchain currency. The event promises a keynote address by former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has sharply pivoted toward crypto in recent weeks. Landing the premiere event also certifies locals’ years-long effort to build Nashville into a top American Bitcoin hub. 
Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also has a speaking slot, as do Tennessee's U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, failed GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, comedian Russell Brand and several executives and influencers prominent in the Bitcoin community. Conference programming mostly takes place downtown from Thursday, July 25, to Saturday, July 27. Prices for a single conference pass range from $700 to $21,000. 
Bitcoiners Build an Outpost in Nashville
The value of a single Bitcoin has climbed to record highs over the past six months and currently sits just below $70,000, bestowing fresh spending power to its investors. The GOP, led by Trump, began aggressively courting votes and donations from the crypto community over the past few months. While the U.S. dollar remains the world’s leading reserve currency — conferring tremendous influence and power onto the United States — it has lost ground in recent years. Apparently comfortable with the geopolitical consequences, Republicans have begun fully leveraging the party’s reputation for small government and free-marketeering to attract Bitcoiners. The community describes its lucrative siege on the financial order with values like “personal sovereignty” and “freedom,” all part of an ongoing power struggle in which Bitcoin grows more valuable at the expense of government-backed currencies.  
The addition of J.D. Vance — a freshman Ohio senator and Trump's VP pick, who has blue chip connections in Silicon Valley — infused the Trump ticket with techno-futurist bona fides. Billionaire Elon Musk immediately pledged $45 million to a Trump-aligned PAC; endorsements (and money) from Silicon Valley elites poured in. Fellow billionaire Mark Cuban called it a direct play to drive up Bitcoin value. Many expect concrete crypto commitments from Trump at Saturday’s keynote address, including policy planks like an official U.S. Bitcoin reserve.
Sen. Blackburn speaks with Ramaswamy on Saturday afternoon about “Mobilizing Bitcoin Voters.” Blackburn’s son Chad appears on a panel on Thursday; in his conference bio, Chad Blackburn says that he stores “all” of his personal liquidity in Bitcoin, owns investments in Bitcoin companies and describes himself as “orange-pilled,” jargon denoting a Bitcoin devotee. Sen. Hagerty appears Friday morning in a conversation titled “Freedom Tech: Bitcoin’s Policy Outlook in 2024 and Beyond” with local investor Rod Roudi. Roudi helped start Bitcoin Park, a members-only space in Hillsboro Village dedicated to the cryptocurrency. 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Running from August 15 through August 24, 2024, this year’s Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair has the theme of “Sow Fun and Harvest Memories.” The focus this year is on wheat and small grains, making it a great place to take kids to learn about where our food actually comes from, not just the grocery store shelves. The event is even billed as “the largest outdoor classroom,” providing a “rich tradition in agriculture, education and history.”
“There is so much to see and do,” said Helen McPeak, Executive Director, Wilson County Promotions who coordinates the event, “you cannot do it all in one night… there will be more than 150 events taking place this year.” The 124-page fair program can be found at www.wilsoncountytnstatefair.com. 
 Opening day is on August 15 beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the Pick Tennessee Experience ribbon cutting. That will be followed by the welcome and Grand Opening at 6:00 p.m., with the parade beginning at 7:00 p.m.