Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-6-24

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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 November 6, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Election Results (WKOM)
The Election of 2024 has come to a close in historic fashion. For the second time in American history a President has been elected twice non-consecutively. President Trump was declared the winner at around 12:45am when he garnered the needed 270 electoral votes. He won key battleground states including Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This win also makes him the oldest man to be elected to the presidency, surpassing outgoing President Joe Biden.
The make-up within Congress also marks an uptick in Republican representation. The Senate now has a Republican majority and they have picked up several seats in the House, which is still undecided this morning.
In Maury County, where record voter turnout took place, Trump received 37,348 votes to Kamala Harris’ 14,135. Marsha Blackburn defeated opponent Gloria Johnson in a landslide for her US Senate Seat. Andy Ogles defeated Maryam Abolfazli in the 5th Congressional District race. Sen. Joey Hensley easily held his seat in the Tennessee Senate, while both incumbents Scott Cepicky, and Kip Capley easily held on to their seats in the State House.
In Columbia City elections, DeVena Hardison retained her seat in Ward 1, Charlie Huffman defeated incumbent Debbie Wiles in Ward 2. Cheryl Secrest will assume the Ward 3 chair. Kenny Marshall will continue representing Ward 4, and Andy Hart will take the open seat in Ward 5.
In Mt. Pleasant, the top three vote-getters who will serve on the City Commission will be Willie Webster Alderson, Loree Baker Knowles, and Mayor Bill White.

Election Volunteers (WKOM Audio 1:18)
Yesterday, Election Day, volunteers were integral to the smooth running of the election process. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy stopped by the Maury County Election Commission and spoke to Lollie Jo Greene, one of the many election day volunteers…

Columbia Man Charged with Attempted Mass Destruction (MSM)
A Columbia man has been arrested by federal agents and charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to destroy an energy facility.
Skyler Robert Philippi, 24, has been charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The arrest was announced by the Department of Justice on Monday, Nov. 4.

“As charged, Skyler Philippi believed he was moments away from launching an attack on a Nashville energy facility to further his violent white supremacist ideology – but the FBI had already compromised his plot,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This case serves as yet another warning to those seeking to sow violence and chaos in the name of hatred by attacking our country’s critical infrastructure: the Justice Department will find you, we will disrupt your plot and we will hold you accountable. I am grateful to the public servants of the FBI for their extraordinary work on this case and for the work they do every day to keep our country safe.”
“Driven by a racially motivated extremist ideology, the defendant allegedly planned to attack the power grid with a drone and explosives, leaving thousands of Americans and critical infrastructure like hospitals without power,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI’s swift work led to the detection and disruption of the defendant’s plot before he could cause any damage. We are committed to hold accountable anyone who threatens or plans harm to critical infrastructure or seeks to hurt American communities through domestic violent extremism.”
“Dangerous threats to our critical infrastructure threaten every member of this community and will not be tolerated,” said Thomas J. Jaworski, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. “We will always work with our law enforcement partners to identify and stop any and all efforts to wreak this kind of havoc and will not hesitate in prosecuting those involved to the fullest extent of the law.”
Beginning in June 2024, Philippi allegedly told a confidential human source (CHS) about his desire to commit a mass shooting at a YMCA facility located in or around Columbia. In July 2024, Philippi reportedly told another CHS about the impact of attacking large interstate substations and said that attacking several substations would “shock the system,” causing other substations to malfunction. Philippi allegedly researched previous attacks on electric substations and concluded that attacking with firearms would not be sufficient. Philippi, therefore, planned to use a drone with explosives attached to it and to fly the drone into the substation.
In September 2024, Philippi reportedly drove with undercover employees (UCEs) of the FBI to an electric substation he had previously researched and targeted, and conducted reconnaissance of the substation. While driving, Philippi reportedly ordered a plastic explosive composition known as C-4 and other explosives from the UCEs. Philippi later purchased black powder to be used in pipe bombs, which Philippi intended to use during the attack on the substation. Philippi is said to have texted the CHS: “if you want to do the most damage as an accelerationist, attack high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis.” Referring to the substation, Philippi stated, “Holy (expletive). This will go up like a fun Fourth of July firework.”
Philippi reportedly talked about operational security, including the need for disguises, the use of leather gloves because latex and nitrile gloves can transfer fingerprints, wearing shoes that are too big, the need to burn their clothes after the attack and not bringing smartphones on the night of the attack.
On Nov. 2, 2024, Philippi is said to have participated in a Nordic ritual, which included reciting a Nordic prayer and discussing the Norse god Odin. Philippi told the UCEs that “this is where the New Age begins” and that it was “time to do something big” that would be remembered “in the annals of history.”
Philippi and the UCEs drove to the operation site. The UCEs moved to their assigned positions as lookouts for Philippi. Law enforcement agents arrested Philippi. When he was taken into custody, officials said Philippi was at the rear of the vehicle, with the drone powered up, and the explosive device was armed and located next to the drone.
The FBI Nashville Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Kurtzman of the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

Car Crash (MauryCountySource)
Maury County Fire Department responded to a rollover crash with the vehicle on fire on Fred White Rd Monday morning.
The department neighbors who heard the wreck rushed out and helped cut the occupant’s seat belt to free them from the vehicle. Fire crews arrived and extinguished the fire.
The occupant was transported by Maury EMS in stable condition.

Mt. Pleasant Water Loss (CDH)
Mt. Pleasant continues its work in partnership with Columbia Power and Water Systems to repair leaks within its water system, which had reported to be draining 400,000 gallons per day.
The leakages were identified over the course of several studies dating back multiple years, particularly Winter Storm Elliot in December of 2022, according to CPWS Director Jonathan Hardin.
In January, it was discovered that winter weather had caused further damaging effects over the system's life cycle, some of which dates back more than 40 years, Hardin said.
"When you are serving rate payers, you need them to know all of the ways you are trying to return value to them. That's important," Hardin said. "It was during that particular event where Mt. Pleasant, basically, put out a cry for help. A lot of utility systems at that time had found themselves in a pickle, which was no fault of their own, but just needed assistance. Our directive was pretty much 'Find where you can help and help.'"
Once the current leakages were identified, the choice became whether to seek the route of new infrastructure and expand Mt. Pleasant's water plant capacity or plug the leak, Hardin said. The city chose the latter.
"There are utilities and entities in the business related to water where, instead of trying to find and fix leaks, they'll just try to get more water. A lot of times it's born out of, 'Why would we spend a bunch of money to find leaks on our infrastructure when we can just get more from the source to make up for how much is leaking?'" Hardin said. "That's not responsible management of natural resources."
Mt. Pleasant City Manager Phillip Grooms said repairs continue being made to fix the leakages.
CPWS Director Jonathan Hardin said, while several leaks were identified throughout the system, one of the worst was just a few hundred feet from the main plant.
"The one prominent leak that was discovered was a break that occurred very close to the plant," Hardin said. "Just within a few hundred feet, there was an area of leakage discovered over the course of working with them and helping with the plant. Then there were some smaller leaks that, once identified and fixed, amounted to a substantial amount of water savings."
Historically, Mt. Pleasant has experienced a 50% water loss, Grooms said. In addition to working to reduce that number with these repairs, Mt. Pleasant remains diligent in giving the customer a fair rate, he said.
Also, upgrades to the city's utilities are ongoing.
"We did a professional rate study a few years back and are implementing that," Grooms said. "We built a water treatment plant going on 10 years ago, and we are finishing upgrades to our wastewater treatment plant. But a lot of people don't realize in the middle of all this we still have the aging distribution lines, aging sewer, and we are all the time looking at our models, capital improvement plans and funding sources."
Grooms said the leakage repairs are halfway completed.
"We are working through those service lines and are about halfway through," Grooms said.
Grooms noted that Columbia Power and Water Systems can provide the city with 200,000 gallons of water when an emergency arises, and can be available in the future as the city grows.
On average, Mt. Pleasant Gas and Water Department currently uses an average of 1.4 million gallons of water per day, according to a recent city press release.
"Our partnership with Columbia Power and Water is great, because we get 200,000 gallons [from them], which we don't need right now, but we take it if we have a line break, or our tanks have fallen. It's also for future growth, because we have a lot of potential there for us that we can build off in the future," Grooms said.
Mt. Pleasant obtains its water from ground water under the influence of surface water, coming from natural springs located south and southeast of the City of Mount Pleasant. A small amount of water comes from Columbia Water and Power Systems. Water is processed through the City of Mount Pleasant Water Treatment Plant.
Although 40% of the leakage points have been identified, Grooms said there is still "a long way to go."
"We're halfway through, but still looking at other areas as to where our water is going and all kinds of things to where we can better study our system on a daily basis," Grooms said.
Hardin said "good work and collaboration needs to be noted" in making the repairs.
"We need to show folks how hard we work together to return value to rate payers, ensure the integrity of our systems and also protect the integrity of the water source we are getting the water from," Hardin said.
"In Columbia, that's the Duck River, whereas in Mt. Pleasant it's ground water supply, which is also finite and something you need to value and protect."

Maury Regional Foundation and Family Center Partner (Press Release)
For more than 15 years, the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation has partnered with The Family Center to provide critical support to individuals and families in need of medication assistance to treat illnesses like diabetes, viral infections and others, improving the health outcomes and quality of life of Maury County residents.
The Family Center’s medication assistance program — with support of the Foundation — is designed to support low-income individuals who may struggle to afford their prescriptions. By covering essential medication costs, The Family Center helps community members receive the care they need, without the financial burden.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation,” said Dawn Taylor, executive director of The Family Center. “Their support has been invaluable in sustaining our medication assistance program. Many of our clients face difficult choices between paying for their prescriptions or other basic needs, and this program provides them with the relief they need to be stable and healthy.”
To participate in the medication assistance program, individuals or families can apply through The Family Center. If approved, they will then transfer their prescriptions to a designated pharmacy located in Columbia, where their prescriptions will be filled. This streamlined approach allows participants to focus on their health while the organization covers the cost of their essential prescriptions. This does not cover narcotics or painkillers and has an annual limit of $250.
“The Family Center’s dedication to meeting the health and well-being needs of our community aligns with our mission,” said Patrick Harlan of the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation. “By supporting their medication assistance program, we’re helping our community stay healthy and prevent or manage serious illnesses.”
Founded in 1994, The Family Center is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. They are a longstanding nonprofit that takes a holistic approach to supporting their community, aiming to enhance stability and health. Over the years, it has evolved into a multi-faceted organization addressing various community needs, especially during times of economic hardship and in support of children and the unhoused population. In addition to medication assistance, they offer a variety of programs that range from providing financial support for rent or utilities and assistance with food, eyeglasses and more.
Fall marks a busy season for The Family Center. In 2023, they provided 141 backpacks with school supplies to children in Maury County, 807 turkeys for households for Thanksgiving and gifts for 1,236 children for the holidays through a program called Santa’s Workshop. In 2024, that number is expected to grow.
To learn more about The Family Center and how you can support their programs, including volunteering, visit FamilyCenter.org/Programs or call 931.388.3840.
The Maury Regional Health Care Foundation works to expand health care services and community outreach programs throughout southern Middle Tennessee. Thanks to the generous support of donors, the Foundation has provided more than $5.1 million in programs and services throughout the region since its formation in 2006.
To learn more about the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation and how you can support their programs like medication assistance, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation. 

Spring Hill HS Veteran’s Day Program (MSM)
Maj. Douglas Harter will be the keynote speaker at the annual Spring Hill High School Veterans Day program. Harter is the Executive Officer for the Regimental Support Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Tennessee Army National Guard in Columbia. He served as an enlisted infantryman in the United States Marine Corps from 1991-95 and has served in numerous leadership positions in the Tennessee Army National Guard prior to his current appointment.
Harter’s many awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (4), Marine Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal (2), among others.
The school’s Army JROTC color guard will present the colors and the award-winning SHHS Band will perform. The SHHS Choir will sing “In Flanders Fields,” based on the poem by Maj. John McCrae, M.D. Veterans will be honored and remembered.
The program will take place in the school’s gymnasium at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Veterans and the general public are invited to attend.

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

Ruth Helen Pitts Rogers Curry, 85, retired loan officer for First Farmers & Merchants and resident of Columbia, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at her residence.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 11:00 AM until time of the services at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…
Most Dangerous Cities for Car Fatalities (WKRN)
Tennessee is the #8 state for fatal car accidents in America, experiencing 1.7 fatal crashes per 10,000 residents in 2022. Overall, 1,314 people died in Tennessee car accidents that year.
Truck Parking Club used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to rank the cities in Tennessee with the highest accident rates as part of a larger national analysis. Rankings are based on the rate of accidents per 10,000 residents in 2022. Ties were broken by the total number of fatal accidents, though some ties may remain. Only cities with at least 10 fatal crashes and 20,000 residents were included in the analysis. Cities without available Census Bureau population estimates were not included.
#8. Murfreesboro
– Fatal accidents per 10,000 residents: 0.7 (Below the national average)
– Total fatal accidents: 11 (11 fatalities)
– Most common crash site: State highways (4 fatal accidents)
#7. Clarksville
– Fatal accidents per 10,000 residents: 1.2 (About the same as the national average)
– Total fatal accidents: 21 (23 fatalities)
– Most common crash site: U.S. highways (8 fatal accidents)
#6. Chattanooga
– Fatal accidents per 10,000 residents: 1.5 (About 1.3x the national average)
– Total fatal accidents: 28 (30 fatalities)
– Most common crash site: Local city streets (9 fatal accidents)
#5. Nashville
– Fatal accidents per 10,000 residents: 1.6 (About 1.4x the national average)
– Total fatal accidents: 106 (112 fatalities)
– Most common crash site: Local city streets (35 fatal accidents)
#4. Knoxville
– Fatal accidents per 10,000 residents: 1.9 (About 1.6x the national average)
– Total fatal accidents: 38 (40 fatalities)
– Most common crash site: U.S. highways (12 fatal accidents)
#3. Kingsport
– Fatal accidents per 10,000 residents: 2.5 (About 2.1x the national average)
– Total fatal accidents: 14 (15 fatalities)
– Most common crash site: Local city streets (4 fatal accidents)
#2. Morristown
– Fatal accidents per 10,000 residents: 3.2 (About 2.7x the national average)
– Total fatal accidents: 10 (10 fatalities)
– Most common crash site: U.S. highways (4 fatal accidents)
#1. Memphis
– Fatal accidents per 10,000 residents: 3.3 (About 2.8x the national average)
– Total fatal accidents: 207 (228 fatalities)
– Most common crash site: Local city streets (111 fatal accidents)

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Fifteen-time GRAMMY® winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ricky Skaggs announced his 2024 holiday tour: Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas.
Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder will perform at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on December 22, 2024. 
The show will feature songs both old and new as Skaggs and his band perform their own perfect blend of tight harmony in their refreshing acoustic style.
“This is my favorite time of the year,” explains Skaggs. “Not only do we celebrate the birth of the Savior, we also get to play some really fun music. I hope you will come out and see one of our Kentucky Thunder Christmas shows. It’s a joyful time. You’ll love it.”
For ticketing information, visit rickyskaggs.com/tour.