Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-23-24

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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 September 23, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Owens Brothers Apprehended (HoodlineNews)
Following a call for public assistance last week, the local authorities announced the arrest of two family members, LeVarius and LaDarius Owens, on Wednesday evening.
The brothers were apprehended in Columbia, as reported earlier in an update by the Franklin Police Department.
Charged with multiple offenses, including financial exploitation of the elderly, theft of significant sums, forgery, and identity theft, the Owens brothers have found their bonds set at $35,000 each.
Still believed last seen in a silver Chevy Impala, LeVarius, 24, and LaDarius, 23, hailing from Columbia, were finally brought to justice after the issuance of several warrants for their alleged crimes.
The Franklin Police Department expressed gratitude towards those who provided tips leading to the capture of the suspects, underscoring the significance of community involvement in law enforcement efforts.
In a statement obtained by the Franklin Police Department, they thanked its local law enforcement partners and the public for submitting tips.
Only a few days before the arrest, authorities had urged the public to aid in the search for the Owens brothers. Crime Stoppers of Williamson County had also offered a reward of up to $1,000 for information resulting in an arrest.
Attorney Fred Gray Speaks in Columbia (CDH)
Seminal civil rights attorney Fred Gray, 93, who represented such iconic figures as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, said that although America has come a long way since the 1960s, there's more work to be done.
Keynote speaker of the Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative Legacy Night fundraiser Thursday, Gray shared his experiences as lead attorney on groundbreaking cases that paved the way for President Lyndon B. Johnson to sign the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
An audience of 500 packed the sanctuary of Maury Hills Church in Columbia, as CPJI co-founders Trent Ogilvie and Pastor Russ Adcox and vice president Demetrius Nelson led the event.
Gray, not bothered by serving as a behind-the-scenes legal powerhouse, said he never desired to be out front "talking and preaching," but preferred to concentrate on upholding the U.S. Constitution.
"I wanted to do legal work," Gray said, who has sustained a 70-year legal career. "I wanted to obtain Constitutional rights that all other citizens had. I didn't need to talk and preach. I didn't have to do that or be in a contest with them."
He said it wasn't difficult for him to decide what profession to pursue, and he began making an impact on America in his early 20s.
"I decided I wanted to destroy everything that was segregated," Gray said. "They told me lawyers help people solve problems. When I saw the problems that we had, I decided I really wanted to do something about it. That's why I became a lawyer."
"I am an American. I am a parent, a father of four children, a husband. I am a grandfather, and I am probably best known as a civil rights lawyer," Gray also said in a USA TODAY video shown to the audience ahead of his speech. "America is the greatest country in the world."
A walking history of the civil rights era, Gray worked alongside King for over a decade, planned peaceful protests with Parks, represented victims of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and collaborated with Thurgood Marshall.
King called him "a brilliant young" attorney and "chief of the protest movement."
Coming full circle in Columbia Thursday, Gray's visit allowed the CPJI to exceed its goal of raising $140,000 to erect a statue of Thurgood Marshall at East 8th Street and North Main Street in Columbia as part of a project to tell the history of the Columbia Uprising of 1946, also known as the Columbia Race Riot of 1946.
According to Adcox, $190,000 was raised at the event for the project.
Gray recalled going to Marshall for advice early in his legal career. As an attorney and part of the NAACP, Marshall served as part of the legal counsel that led to the acquittal of almost 100 Black men after the uprising in 1946 in Columbia.
Gray said he could not refuse CPJI's invitation to speak after reading a 14-page invitation, or proposal outlining the Thurgood Marshall project (approved last October by Columbia City Council) and being notified that he himself inspired the project.
During a question and answer session, Gray recapped the harrowing days after Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama, when he filed a lawsuit against the state of Alabama, arguing the state had a legal obligation to protect protesters who desired to march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in the name of voting rights.
Civil rights activist John Lewis, who went to college in Nashville before eventually serving in the U.S. House, led over 600 marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, where they were attacked by state troopers; the violent day was dubbed Bloody Sunday.
Gray worked on getting legal approval to pass the bridge peacefully, which took a few days.
"I told [Martin Luther King Jr.] this is the most important case in the movement we have ever had that could set the tone for [the rest of the movement]. I needed assurance no one would cross that bridge," Gray said. "He listened, and said 'I understand.'"
Ultimately, King exercised patience and leadership by postponing the march so that the group could get permission from a judge to resume the long arduous trek. Instead, the group prayed and then turned around and walked to a nearby church.
Gray won the case and "the rest is history," he said, as history books document the peaceful march that became a turning point in the fight for civil rights.
Gray, the youngest of five children, highlighted his faith and upbringing as playing a key role in his tenaciousness as a lawyer and unbreakable will to never give up until equal rights were obtained in America.
"I have kept Christ first in my life. I listened to my mother," Gray said. "With each case, I have always asked, 'Is this a case the Lord would have me help the client get what they want?'"
Gray cited the progress the country has made in civil rights but highlighted lingering struggles today.
"The struggle for equal justice continues. Notwithstanding our progress in recent years, we have seen an increase in racism, including the burning of churches, the resurgence of hate groups all over the nation," Gray said.
"These activities increased when Mr. Obama was president. It has continued to increase since the inauguration of President Biden, not to mention the attempt to change the results of the 2020 presidential election by force on Jan. 6, 2021. The US Supreme Court for over a quarter of a century pioneered civil rights for minorities including women but in recent years , there has been a change in that court. And it has made changes , reversing itself on many of the constitutional principles, including the Shelby [Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder] case which is declared unconstitutional as part of the Voting Rights Act."
Gray praised the CPJI and Columbia City Council for the Thurgood Marshall statue project.
"You decided on your own that you don't try to hide things under the rug," Gray said. "The new generation might not know anything about it, so you have to educate them on what took place and then let them look at what the history shows, and then decide what we can learn and what we can do .... be creative and solve our problems."
"What you've done here in Columbia is a good example of that."
Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder declared Sept. 19, 2024, Fred Gray Day, and Gray was presented with the CPJI Legacy Award, which he accepted on behalf of the known and unknown heroes of the civil rights movement.
Gray, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, resides in Alabama, where he continues his work towards equality as president of the Tuskegee Human & Civil Rights Multicultural Center.

Spring Hill Considering Purchasing Ferguson Hall (CDH)
Discussions related to the city's potential purchase of one of Spring Hill's beloved historic structures, as well as its future use was brought before the Board of Mayor and Aldermen this month.
Ferguson Hall has stood as somewhat of a fixture upon entering the city from the south side of U.S. Highway 31, dating back to the mid-1800s. Over the years, it has served many purposes from a private residence to multiple schools, churches and even a one-time headquarters for the U.S. Army during the Battle of Spring Hill.
Most recently, the property served as part of the Tennessee Children's Home up until the nonprofit relocated to its new campus off Dr. Robertson Road in October of 2021.
Since then, plans have been in place to redevelop the former Children's Home property into Kedron Square, a mixed-use community of residential homes, retail, restaurants and a hotel.
Yet, what to do with Ferguson Hall, as well as its potential if it were purchased by the city, remained uncertain.
Monday's presentation was led by Battle of Frankin Trust CEO Eric Jacobson, who was joined by Spring Hill Public Library Director Dana Juriew and Spring Hill Historical Commission Chair Alicia Fitts.
As a town with a rich history, Spring Hill's continued growth has created more obstacles when it comes to preserving its remaining historic properties.
"There's not much left of what was once Spring Hill, and I think everyone knows that," Jacobson said. "Right now, there are two conversations at play. One is a discussion with the developer to see what might be done there, and the other is the historical component."
Fitts added the importance of its founder and former owner Martin Cheairs, brother of Nathaniel Cheairs the original owner of Rippavilla Plantation, among others.
"That property is well documented in terms of its importance to the Cheairs family in this community. What may not be as well documented is that family is connected to six other historic structures in this town," Fitts said.
"It's pretty much part of the story and doesn't just stand alone. Having the opportunity to share that story, and the resilience of that particular structure is pretty important to sharing the resilience of Spring Hill. That's the historic piece."
There is also the fact that historic land has become scarce, and the kind of commodity that cannot be reproduced.
"That property is, in many ways, the heart and soul of old Spring Hill," Fitts said. "There are a lot of uses for that building. Of course, you all need to do your due diligence. It is an old house, but I can also say that it's a really unique opportunity that we are not going to get again."
While historic preservation of historic Ferguson Hall is a top priority, another aspect of a potential purchase is how it can be utilized, as it had so many times in the past.
Juriew presented one potential use that could fulfill one of the library's many needs for expansion.
This includes creating a space to store and preserve many of the library's artifacts and historic documents, a project dating back nearly 50 years.
"We've been building this archive since 1975," Juriew said. "We currently have about 70 artifacts, with many of them in storage because we don't have a place to put them now. If you've seen my office, many of them are in there."
It can also be a space that can utilize Spring Hill's unique placement across two counties.
"We think Ferguson Hall is an ideal place where we can grow an archive that supports the county archives both in Williamson and Maury in a way that compliments them but focuses solely on Spring Hill," Juriew said.
And above all, it can be a place people can trust to donate artifacts that will be properly looked after for generations to come.
"People are ready to leave their legacies to us," Juriew said. "They need a place where they know their legacies will be preserved and that they can trust us."
Jacobson commented on the changing landscape of the area with Kedron Square, and that Ferguson Hall could serve as a beacon for community events like the Spring Hill Christmas Parade.
"I would love to see a Christmas tree lighting right there at Ferguson Hall," Jacobson said. "This town is changing, and that area will become much more of a walkable community, and that building, that house and little tract of ground adjacent to the historical presbyterian church is, was and can long be a part of the city's future."
No votes were cast related to the Ferguson Hall property, nor did BOMA members provide comment during the presentation.

Two Kiwanians Receive Honor (Press Release)
The Kiwanis Club of Columbia honored two former Club Presidents, Patrick Harlan and Patricia Bridges, with the George F. Hixson Fellowship.
The George F. Hixson Fellowship was established by the Kiwanis Children’s Fund in 1983. It is named for the first President of Kiwanis International and is one of the highest honors given by Kiwanis. It recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to Kiwanis’ history of generosity and for their dedicated service to their Kiwanis Club and their community.
Patrick Harlan became a member of the Kiwanis Club in 1995 and served as the 94th President during the 2014-2015 club year. He had the honor of being the local club President during the year that Kiwanis International celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Harlan is the son of the late Edward “Bubba” Harlan and Jean Corley Harlan and is a sixth generation Maury Countian through his father and a seventh generation Tennessean through his mother. He is a graduate of Columbia Central High School and Memphis State University and has a Certified Financial Planner designation. He is an employee of Maury Regional Medical Center for 30 years. Harlan has been married to Julie Oakes Harlan for 33 years and has two daughters, Katherine Harlan Bolding and Madeline Harlan.
Patricia Bridges became a member of the Kiwanis Club in 2005 and served as the 97th President during the 2017-2018 club year and as treasurer for ten years. She is the daughter of the late Murray Miles and Mary Jane Miles.
Bridges is a graduate of Columbia Central High School and the University of Tennessee with a BS in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor. She is married to Mark Bridges and has two sons, John and Will, and is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church where she is a member of the Adult Choir and Handbell Choir and has served as an elder and deacon.

Driver Center to Close for Upgrades (Press Release)
In Middle Tennessee, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Cookeville, McMinnville, Dickson, Fayetteville, Columbia and Shelbyville Driver Services Centers and 12 Driver Services partner locations will close this week for a one-day installation of new credentialing equipment and new self-service kiosks.

Columbia Driver Services Center - 1701 Hampshire Pike will be closed on Wednesday, September 25th.

The new self-service kiosks can be used to complete many Driver Services transactions including renewing or replacing a duplicate Driver License or ID Card, changing an address, updating emergency contact information, advancing a Teen/Graduated Driver License, paying reinstatement fees, and requesting a license reissue after reinstatement requirements are met. The new kiosks can take photos and process payments with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a credit or debit card.
For more information on Tennessee Driver Services including the new self-service kiosks visit tn.gov/safety/driver-services.html.
Athenaeum Candlelight Tour (Press Release)
The Athenaeum Rectory, one of Columbia’s premier historic sites, located at 808 Athenaeum Street, will be hosting their Annual Candlelight tour on Sept 28 from 7-9 PM. Come tour the Rectory the way it needs to be seen, by nothing but Candlelight and learn the mourning customs of the 19th century.  Tickets are $10 per person and available at the door. The ticket price goes towards the perpetual upkeep of the Athenaeum Rectory historic site. Learn more by visiting historicathenaeum.com.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Linda Gail Owens Gordon, 79, resident of Summertown, died Thursday, September 19, 2024 at her residence.
A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Oakley cemetery. Online condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Evelyn Jett Brewer, 83, and resident of Columbia, died Friday, September 20, 2024 at Poplar Estates Assisted Living.
Funeral arrangements and a complete obituary will be realeased at a later date. Oakes and Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family. 

And now, news from around the state…
TVA Expanding Gas Capacity (WPLN)
The Tennessee Valley Authority is increasing its gas capacity by about 60% this decade. 
Last month, TVA revealed plans for another methane gas plant in West Tennessee. The TVA Board, the utility’s main regulator, approved funds for a 300-megawatt, or .3-gigawatt, facility in Brownsville, a town about an hour northeast of Memphis. 
TVA has now proposed nine gas plants since 2020. 
TVA’s current power mix is 45% fossil fuels. During the last fiscal year, TVA’s total power use, including purchased power, was split between 42% nuclear, 31% gas, 14% coal, 9% hydro and 4% wind and solar. 
From a capacity perspective — meaning the maximum amount of power TVA could generate at a given time last year, such as during peak summer heat or extreme cold — gas accounted for nearly 40% of the maximum output. That figure could soon grow to more than 50%. (TVA gets its capacity from owned generation and purchased power. Including purchased power, and assuming that power doesn’t change, this figure still ends up at over 50%.)
By building more gas plants, TVA is increasing its reliance on gas to deliver during temperature extremes.
In 2022, TVA had 11.8 GW of owned gas capacity, before any of the new gas projects went online, according to a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. TVA intends to add 6.9 GW of capacity this decade, roughly a 60% increase in gas capacity. 
TVA has repeatedly said that its gas expansion will increase reliability, but there is growing concern about the reliability of gas in cold weather. 
In December 2022, during an Arctic storm, TVA issued rolling blackouts after losing fossil fuel generation equivalent to 20% of its peak demand. TVA could not fully operate 10 of its 17 gas plants. 
“Extreme cold weather events have repeatedly impaired the production, gathering, processing, and transportation of natural gas,” the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said in a report about the event, referring to fracking sites, pipelines and compressor stations.

TVA has also claimed that it needs more gas to reliably incorporate more wind and solar, despite having gotten just 4% of its energy from either source last year. In other places, like California and Texas, grids have become more reliable during heat waves through the expansion of solar and storage — and less polluting.
TVA’s fossil fuel expansion will cause significant climate and air pollution each year across the Tennessee Valley. Gas projects, as opposed to renewable and storage projects, may also increase costs for TVA’s 10 million customers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which detailed critiques of the environmental review for TVA’s Kingston project. 
TVA raised electricity rates by about 5% for the second consecutive year last month — and experts pointed the finger at the gas expansion.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Multi-Grammy® and GMA Dove Award-winning Steven Curtis Chapman will officially become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on November 1. Others scheduled to appear include Opry group Lady A, who is scheduled to induct Chapman as an Opry member; Ricky Skaggs, who invited Chapman to become an Opry member this summer; Russell Dickerson; and rock band Colony House, which features two of Chapman’s sons, front man Caleb Chapman and drummer Will Franklin Chapman. Tickets for the November 1 show can be purchased now at opry.com.