Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-29-24

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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 August 29, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Hotel Fire Alarm (MauryCountySource)
Shortly after 1pm on Tuesday, Spring Hill Fire Department responded to an alarm at the Hampton Inn in the Crossings. Engine 61 and Battalion 60 were dispatched.
While en route, dispatch received a 911 call reporting the smell of something electrical burning on the second floor.
Chief 60 & 61, Marshal 60 & 62 responded to the scene, and Battalion 60 added Truck 63 to the call. Units operated on-site for nearly an hour, thoroughly checking the entire building. Fortunately, nothing was found during the investigation, and the alarm was reset.

Rescue at Stillhouse Hollow (MauryCountySource)
On Sunday night at 9:04pm Maury County Fire Department was alerted to a person who was experiencing a medical emergency near Stillhouse Hollow Falls. Units responded along with Maury County Sheriff’s Department and Maury Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Paramedics.
MCFD arrived on the scene with a litter wheel and stokes basket and descended down to the patient. Units extracted the patient without incident.

Man Sentenced in Vehicular Homicide Case (Press Release)
On Friday, August 23, a sentencing hearing was held in Maury County Circuit Court following the guilty plea of Clark Daniel to Reckless Vehicular Homicide.

Around 4 p.m. on Dec. 12, 2022, at the intersection of Highway 43 and Williamsport Pike, Reserve Deputy Brad Miller was working security, in a construction zone, in a marked patrol unit, when he was rear-ended by 27 year old Daniel. Deputy Miller died as a result of his injuries.

After hearing testimony from the victim's family, the defendant's family, and a THP Accident Reconstruction expert, Circuit Judge Russ Parkes sentenced Daniel to 4 years probation, with numerous conditions, including no alcohol consumption, counseling, and loss of driver's license for 4 years. Reckless Vehicular Homicide is a Class C felony, carrying a sentence of 3 to 6 years.

Assistant District Attorney Ross Boudreaux prosecuted the case for the state. The crash was investigated by THP Critical Incident Response Trooper Paul Sanders.

Bookstore Hot Topic in Commission (MSM)
At its Aug. 19 meeting, the Maury County Commission voted against offering $900,000 to buy Melody’s Bookstore near the newly constructed courthouse on South Main Street in Columbia. Two commissioners introduced a resolution to buy the property, possibly to build a needed parking lot, and to tear down the bookstore because it’s out of character with the courthouse.
The purchase would have been funded by interest on federal American Rescue Plan money, which wouldn’t burden the Maury County tax base. Supportive commissioners and public commenters also raised the possibility that an unsavory, high-revenue business like a vape shop or bail bondsman could take over the old bookstore, undermining the dignity and visual appeal of the courthouse.
Mayor Sheila Butt compared buying it to her and her husband’s decision to buy five acres next to the 15 they owned, to prevent bad neighbors from moving in next door.
“If my grandchildren and I drive by this building, and [there’s] a vape shop or a cigar shop or a cash place in front of our $32 million justice building, I’m gonna be ashamed,” she said, “that this County Commission did not have the foresight to say, ‘This is what needs to be here.’ “
Most who spoke against the purchase were motivated by fiscal responsibility.
“Everything that government spends money on is a result of taxation,” said Commissioner Kenny Morrow, summing up their sentiments. “So don’t get the idea that there’s any free money involved in this.”
Commissioners Morrow, Pam Huffman and Kathey Grodi transmitted unanimous opposition from their constituents. They also judged the site a bad return on investment. Morrow said he didn’t see how “two-fifths of an acre… in Maury County” could be worth $900,000. Public commenters Karen Parkhurst and Dave Grodi did the math and found that if a one-level parking lot cost a further $1.4 million to build, the city would be spending $40,000-$100,000 per parking space, depending on how many spaces the lot could hold.
Public commenter Jason Whatley retorted that earlier commissions had thought nothing of larger unwise purchases like the old Daily Herald building. Commissioners Scott Sumners and Jerry Bridenbaugh also replied that at 4,000 square feet, the bookstore was comparable in price to nearby real estate. Sumners said all but one of his constituents came to support the purchase when he explained the reasons and the funding to them.
Commissioner Gabe Howard reminded the Commission that the resolution had been debated for eight or nine months, was not recommended by its committee and would have died there if two commissioners hadn’t moved to bring it to a vote. He also took the opportunity to argue that Maury County development has a “systemic problem” much bigger than a bookstore.
“We need to approach it from the Strong Towns method. Our core needs to be strong,” he concluded. “That courthouse should have been in the back parking lot [behind the square].”
The new courthouse is a few blocks from the square, down a steep hill, far from the offices that lawyers have rented for decades around the old courthouse.
After commissioner and public comments lasting more than an hour, the resolution was brought to a vote and failed to pass, with only eight votes in favor. It would have needed a two-thirds majority since it had failed in committee.
An amendment lowering the offer to $650,000 failed when Commissioner Kevin Markham told the Commission on what he called good authority that somebody had just offered the owner $800,000.

Fall Festival to Return (Press Release)
Columbia Main Street is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Second Annual FALL FEST, scheduled to take place on September 28th from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm in downtown Columbia. This event, presented in partnership with Kiwanis of Columbia, promises a day filled with family-friendly activities in the heart of downtown.
This community festival includes FREE admission to listen to live entertainment, enjoy a FUN ZONE for all ages, pose in front of Tri-Green’s tractor photo booth, watch the Miss Maury County FALL FEST pageant, and paint a mini pumpkin! Additionally, attendees can support local businesses by shopping with artisan-craft vendors, eating from delicious food trucks, purchasing a ticket for the Kiwanis Chili Cook Off or pre-registering to participate in the Miss Maury County FALL FEST pageant.
This year’s festivities feature the highly anticipated annual chili cook-off by Kiwanis of Columbia. This ticketed experience supports Kiwanis’ local initiatives. Attendees who purchase a ticket will get to taste a variety of chili recipes from local teams and vote for their favorites. “We love hosting our annual Chili Cook-Off,” says Suzanne Ganser from Kiwanis of Columbia. “We’re still accepting teams, so sign up today to secure a spot for your business.” Find details on how to register your team or purchase tickets on the FALL FEST event page at ColumbiaMainStreet.com.
Kiwanis of Columbia will also host a “FUN ZONE” featuring free face painting, balloon artists, caricature artists, inflatables, a dunk tank, axe throwing, and refreshing snow cones! LIVE Entertainment will light up the FALL FEST stage with performances from talented local artists throughout the day, thanks to sponsor, Atmos Energy
The opening act is Catapult, a high school group from Santa Fe, TN, who will kick things off with hit classics from the early 2000s.
The middle band will be The Exotics, who will bring a mix of hits from the 60s and 70s.
And the headliner is Deondra & 46 Story, who will wrap up the day with a high-energy dance set featuring both current and classic R&B songs.
“Bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes because you’re going to be singing along and having a great time with each of the bands,” says Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager.
Back by popular demand is the Miss Maury County FALL FEST Pageant by Britts. Early registration is encouraged and can be found by visiting columbiamainstreet.com.
Attention local businesses! You're invited to join the "Best Pumpkin" contest at FALL FEST. Show off your creativity by entering a hand-crafted pumpkin by your business. Attendees will vote for their favorite designs, and prizes will be awarded to the top entries! Plus, kids can enjoy a painting station, where they can pick and decorate a mini pumpkin, thanks to our sponsor, Wire Masters.
"We are excited to expand FALL FEST this year by closing down the entire square, providing ample space for attendees to fully immerse themselves in the festivities while exploring all that downtown Columbia has to offer," said Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager. “We are privileged to partner with so many local businesses and organizations that work hard to produce amazing products, excellent food, and great customer experiences that help transform events like this that create memorable moments for those in attendance. We hope that you enjoy the craft vendors, food trucks, the bands, and all the activities for every age.” For more information about the Second Annual FALL FEST, including how to participate or volunteer, please visit columbiamainstreet.com or follow Columbia Main Street on social media.
Columbia Main Street remains dedicated to enhancing our community by offering opportunities events like this that bring people together, fostering a stronger sense of pride for our beloved town! Our mission focuses on preserving the historic and cultural identity of downtown Columbia through community engagement, economic revitalization, and promotion of local businesses. Please visit Columbiamainstreet.com.

CSCC Groundbreaking (WKOM Audio 3:55)
Yesterday afternoon, Columbia State Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new Southern Regional Technology Center. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy attended the ceremony and spoke to Columbia State President Dr. Janet F. Smith to learn all about what the new facility will offer students…

Celebrate Spring Hill Event (CDH)
The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce “Celebrate Spring Hill 2024,” presented by John Maher Builders. This longest-standing annual event celebrates the community spirit and the invaluable contributions of the Spring Hill Chamber.
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on Sept. 14 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Worldwide Stages, 5000 Northfield Lane, Door 100 in Spring Hill.
Proceeds will benefit the Chamber of Commerce.
Included with Tickets will be :
Craft cocktails
A Culinary experience
Whiskey tasting
Dueling piano show
Gaming tables
And Valet parking
Attire is elegant or cocktail chic.
There will be valet parking at Door 100.
Sponsors include as follows:
 Presenting Sponsor: John Maher Builders
 Celebration Partner: Worldwide Stages
 Gold Sponsors: Maury Regional Health, TriStar Spring Hill ER, Vanderbilt Health, Williamson Health
 Silver Sponsors: Listerhill Credit Union
 Bronze Sponsors: Company Distilling, Premier Design Build, Parkway Wine & Spirits
 Supporting Sponsor: Hampton Inn Spring Hill, Ascend Federal Credit Union
“Celebrate Spring Hill” is a highly anticipated annual benefit for the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event promises a night of community, celebration, and impact by showcasing our timeless community assets, and celebrating the Chamber's work and mission.
Tickets are available now through September 1st. Reserve your spot today by visiting our website at https://tinyurl.com/ffuffhds.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Vera Ann Rose Allen, 81, resident of Columbia, TN died August 28, 2024 at her daughter’s residence.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday, August 30, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…
Williamson County Schools Sued (Tennessean)
The parents of an Independence High School student are suing the Williamson County school board and District Attorney Stacey Edmondson after they say their child was unfairly expelled and punished under a districtwide zero tolerance policy.
The case is the latest filing against the board regarding the zero tolerance policy, passed in 2023 as a result of the Covenant School shooting in Nashville. A second case, filed May 21 in the U.S. District Court's Middle Tennessee district at Nashville, involves two middle school students and is also pending.
The Williamson County school board declined to comment for this story, citing the pending litigation.
Attempts to reach Edmondson for comment on this story were not successful.
The newest lawsuit, filed Aug. 16 by Julie and Scott Wernert in the same U.S. District Court at Nashville, claims the couple's son was criminally prosecuted by Edmonson’s office and was “humiliated before his peers, deprived of access to his classes and curriculum and made to suffer other indignities," after he was expelled for allegedly doing a "Hitler salute" and making a comment about North Korea in a class on Sept. 11.
Under Williamson County Schools' zero tolerance policy, any student found to have made threats, including speech, that a reasonable person could conclude would lead to serious bodily injury or death for two or more people should be expelled for a year.
But, no evidence has been presented, to date, showing that the boy actually made the salute or the comment, the 22-page suit said, noting that Independence High School Principal Nikki Patton is said to have shouted, “I don’t care, I want him arrested,” in response to the lack of proof.
The boy was subsequently arrested, strip-searched, taken to a Juvenile Detention Center and placed in solitary confinement, the suit said. It also adds that the use of the word “threat” is not defined in state law and as a result, “the lack of an intent element leaves a child who utters anything that can be even remotely construed as a ‘threat’ vulnerable to criminal prosecution and other dire consequences.”
That argument is advanced further in the joint lawsuit, filed on behalf of the middle schoolers in May. It claims both students were questioned and punished under the zero-tolerance policy.
In the first incident, a 14-year-old student at Page Middle School was accused on Aug. 10, 2023 by another student of making threats about having a gun in his backpack, shooting up the school and having a bomb at home, the suit said.
The student was placed on a 24-hour solitary confinement hold and, “was required to strip down and change into jail clothes while an adult male guard was facing away,” the suit said, also noting that the boy was incarcerated for four days and later placed under house arrest in his parents' custody.
After appealing the punishment to the school board, Williamson County Superintendent Jason Golden concluded that the boy would be allowed to return to class, although he created a rumor “of a threat of a weapon” at school.
The second incident outlined in the joint suit makes no mention of a resolution.
It occurred on Aug. 22, 2023 at Fairview Middle School.
School officials determined that a 13-year-old student's text message was a “Threat of Mass Violence,” the suit said.
In a text thread, shared with the court, the student was talking about plans for the week and responded at one point, "on Thursday we kill all the Mexico’s,” the suit reads.
The girl was taken to the Williamson County Juvenile Detention Center, where she was forced to undergo a strip search. She was also allegedly questioned by staff, who asked “if she had ever had sex, an abortion or suicidal thoughts,” the suit said.
The joint suit is seeking $300,000 in damages for both students and for the zero tolerance policy to be declared unconstitutional.
The Wernert lawsuit is also seeking $300,000 in damages along with the same policy designation.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center® announces its highly anticipated 2024-25 International Dance Series, a captivating exploration of global dance traditions and innovations featuring four world-renowned dance companies.
From the bold innovations of modern dance with the MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY and PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY to the vibrant cultural expressions of BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO, and the timeless elegance of classical ballet from THE JOFFREY BALLET, this season offers a diverse and broad spectrum of movement through the world of dance. Each performance promises to be a unique celebration of rhythm, storytelling and artistic excellence.
Series ticket packages are on sale now at TPAC.ORG.