Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-21-24

What is Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price?

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 21, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Man Charged with Attempted Homicide (MauryCountySource)
On August 18th, at 7:30 p.m., officers received a call about a disorder at a home on Via Fransecso Way in the Benevento neighborhood.
The investigation revealed that there was an argument between an adult male and female inside the house, which escalated when the male discharged a handgun allegedly near the female. The female was able to flee the home and dial 911.
Officers set up a perimeter around the house and called the male to get him to exit. After a brief standoff, the male did exit the home and was taken into custody without any incident.
No one inside the home was injured.
The male was charged with attempted criminal homicide and two counts of reckless endangerment.

Spring Hill Administrator Forced to Retire (MSM)
City Administrator Pam Caskie announced her intent to retire to the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen during its regular session on Aug. 5.
However, comments from Mayor Jim Hagaman made it apparent that Caskie’s retirement was a forced one, made in response to the Tennessee Comptroller’s rejection of the city’s 2024-25 budget earlier this summer.
“Our budget transparency task force had recommendations: one was the termination of one of our staff members, which has been done. Another was the termination of Ms. Caskie herself,” Hagaman said. “I asked her to resign over this. It’s unfortunate, HR items are usually done in private. In this case, because of Ms. Caskie’s position, we have to talk about this publicly.
“My issue with the letter of retirement, I do not accept it with regards to one thing, she wants to remain on staff through the hiring and training of a new city administrator. In my opinion, that’s bad management.”
Hagaman also noted that the budget rejection could impact the city’s bond rating, which is currently at AA+.
Caskie said in her retirement letter that she wanted to continue working until the new administrator’s first week on the job. While Hagaman said he was opposed to such an open-ended arrangement, the remaining members of the board made it clear they supported keeping Caskie on, especially in light of a number of projects the city either has underway or will start in the near future.
Alderman Trent Linville called the budget rejection “a significant error” but said he firmly disagreed with Hagaman’s assessment of keeping Caskie on for the immediate future.
“I think Ms. Caskie is the best fit to continue to lead the city staff until we identify the next hire… There’s going to be significant challenges in having someone take the reins for an interim period,” Linville said.
Matt Fitterer concurred with Linville, calling the mayor’s logic “flawed” and “inappropriate.”
“Ms. Caskie offers continuity and an opportunity to continue the critical projects they’ve been tasked with… To disrupt that is to create long-term and perhaps irrevocable damage,” he said.
Fitterer added that it was the BOMA’s responsibility to set a timeline for and oversee the hiring process of a new city administrator. Vincent Fuqua suggested, and board members concurred with, hiring an outside firm to conduct a hiring search.
“The goal here should not be to hit a deadline, the goal should be to make the best hire possible,” Fitterer said, while asking that a Request For Qualification (RFQ) for a search firm should be on the agenda for the next BOMA meeting.
Alderman Brent Murray said he is concerned about how the city would operate if Caskie left, considering that she is temporarily serving as the city’s finance director after the departure of Deborah Dutcher.
Caskie said the rejection of the budget was because of the city’s failure to follow a new ordinance format now required by the Comptroller’s Office.
“I have no excuses,” she said. “What I want to do is make sure that we fix the problem and never let it happen again.”
As a result of the budget rejection, Caskie said the city is being required for now to obtain written permission from the Comptroller’s Office to issue new debt.
“We have been assured that will be approved,” she said
“I’m proud of the achievements we’ve made together, such as implementing effective systems, adopting a comprehensive approach to economic development, enhancing cost accounting and fostering a skilled and cohesive staff,” Caskie said in announcing her retirement. “The quality and commitment of the team I have assembled here is unparalleled in the history of Spring Hill. My colleagues are not just employees, but trusted friends.”
“Most importantly, I express my gratitude to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for their support, their encouragement, their willingness to take some risk on new ideas and different approaches to solve old problems,” Caskie added. “Serving Spring Hill has been the pinnacle of my career, and I thank you all.”

Spring Hill GM Plant Unaffected by Layoffs (CDH)
General Motors announced worldwide layoffs Monday, impacting more than 1,000 salaried employees in its software and services division. The Spring Hill GM plant in Tennessee appears unaffected by the job cuts, a Spring Hill GM representative stated Monday morning.
GM employs more than 3,000 workers in its Maury County facility, where it produces vehicles like the Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6 and the second-generation GMC Acadia.
The layoffs, first reported by CNBC, are the result of a review of operations following the exit of GM executive Mike Abbott, who served as the executive vice president of software and services before leaving the company in March due to health reasons.
“As we build GM’s future, we must simplify for speed and excellence, make bold choices, and prioritize the investments that will have the greatest impact,” a GM spokesman said in a statement to the Detroit Free Press. “As a result, we’re reducing certain teams within the Software and Services organization. We are grateful to those who helped establish a strong foundation that positions GM to lead moving forward.”
The plant in Spring Hill originally opened in 1990 to build Saturn cars and has since expanded to the current 11 million-square-foot facility rolling electric and gas-powered cars off of its assembly line. In November 2023, the plant's employees played a significant role in ending a nationwide strike, ultimately resulting in a 25% across-the-board pay scale increase with top pay of $50 an hour and a 10% 401(k) retirement contribution.
The 2023 union wins also included an end to a tiered wage structure that paid temporary workers as little as $16 per hour in jobs where full-time employees received $30 or more per hour.

Maury Alliance Women in Business Lunch (Press Release)
Join Maury Alliance and the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce for an enriching event designed to foster connections, inspire change, and strengthen our community of professional women. 

Use Your Inside Voice: Turn your inner critic into your inner coach will be led by author LouAnn Clark.
Women know they are capable of doing, being, and having more, if only they could get motivated and maintain change. If you have a critical voice inside your head that drives you relentlessly toward unrealistic standards, you may give up before you even begin.

How can you stop harsh self-judgment from sabotaging your efforts to grow and achieve more success? How about turning that inner critic into an inner coach? In this session, you will learn how to do just that.
 
LouAnn Clark spent two decades battling depression before she learned to become happier and healthier by taking control of her own thoughts. Today, she is an award-winning speaker and author of the book, A Decided Difference, sharing strategies and practical techniques to help overcome stress and anxiety. A dynamic storyteller, her refreshing "renovational" approach to change enables her to connect with audiences and inspire them to rise above their previous limits.

Join Maury Alliance’s Women and Business at this exciting event to share experiences, gain invaluable insights, and connect with like-minded women. Secure your spot today and prepare to be inspired.

Register today! Tickets are $25 ($30 for non-members) and include lunch.
Registration Deadline is today by 5:00pm.

City Issues Bonds (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the successful closing of its municipal bonds, resulting in substantial financial savings for local taxpayers. These bonds, which will fund the construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant, reflect the city’s strategic financial planning. Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has reaffirmed the city’s strong financial position with an AA+ credit rating, the second-highest possible. This rating is a testament to the city’s fiscal discipline and long-term financial stewardship. S&P also upgraded Columbia’s financial management metric from “strong” to “very strong,” highlighting the ongoing enhancements in the city’s financial practices.
The successful bond issuance was the result of careful planning and collaboration between city officials and Financial Advisor Elizabeth Zuelke of Raymond James. The decision to time the bond closing for optimal market conditions, ahead of potential disruptions due to the upcoming national election, was instrumental in securing the best possible terms.
The City Council approved the bond issue on July 11, authorizing the funds to be used for the construction and equipping of the new wastewater treatment plant, acquisition of necessary property, and covering associated costs. The bonds were issued under Tennessee state law, ensuring transparency and compliance throughout the process. This successful bond issuance marks a significant step forward in the City of Columbia’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing essential public services while ensuring long-term financial stability.

Delta Recovery Opening (WKOM Audio 2:00)
Yesterday, a ribbon cutting was held at Delta Recovery. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy attended the grand opening and spoke to facility director Matt White to learn more about what Delta Recovery offers its patients…

New Maury Regional Doctor (Press Release)
Dr. Deepa Nair, MD, recently joined the medical staff at Maury Regional Medical Center. She is affiliated with Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) Pulmonary and Critical Care.
Dr. Nair received her medical degree from the Government Medical College, Ernakulam, India. She completed her residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Nashville, TN, as well as a fellowship at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. She is board certified in internal medicine and pulmonary disease.
MRMG Pulmonary and Critical Care is a specialty practice dedicated to the care of adults with conditions related to the lungs and pulmonary system. The practice includes specialists who see patients by appointment in the Columbia office as well as specialists who provide care to patients who are hospitalized in the Critical Care Unit at Maury Regional Medical Center. Patients may be referred to the practice by a primary care provider or specialist for diagnosis and treatment of lung-related conditions. In addition to Dr. Nair, practice physicians are John Forstall, DO, Jon Freels, MD, Spencer Jensen, MD, Karthik Jothianandan, MD, Brett Norman, MD, MPH, Thomas Quinn, MD and Kyle White, MD.
MRMG Pulmonary and Critical Care is located in suite 503 of the Maury Regional Medical Center Medical Office Building at 1222 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia. For more information, call 931.490.7775 or visit MauryRegional.com/Pulmonary.

Maury County Fair (MauryCountySource)
The Maury County Fair will return on Thursday, August 29th and run until Monday, September 2nd, 2024.
All the family fun and entertainment you love will soon be back!
This year, the fair festivities begins with a Rodeo, taking place on Thursday of Fair Week. Several other popular events will be happening like the junk car jump and run and the Saturday motocross races.
In addition to the back arena fun, all your favorite animal shows and exhibitor competitions are back this year too! The kids zone will see a variety of live, exotic animals and science shows that will amaze kids of every age.
Address: Maury County Fair & Exposition
1018 Maury County Park Dr. Columbia, TN 38401
For more on the fair and updates, visit maurycountyfair.com.

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

Henrietta Smith Dooley, 89, former owner and operator of Henri’s on the Square, and resident of Columbia, TN, died Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at NHC Columbia.
A Memorial service will be conducted Friday, August 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Graymere Church of Christ. The family will visit with friends Friday, August 23, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Graymere Church of Christ.

Charles Peter “Chuck” O'Reilly, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at his home in Thompsons Station, TN, on August 15th, 2024. He was 54. 
In lieu of funeral services, a celebration of life will be planned at a future date.
 
SPRING HILL MEMORIAL PARK, FUNERAL HOME, AND CREMATION SERVICES is helping with arrangments.

Now, news from around the state…
Tennessee Three to Speak at DNC (Tennessean)
State Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson ― dubbed the Tennessee Three after Republicans sought to expel them following a gun control protest last year ― are slated to speak on the main stage on Thursday, shortly before scheduled remarks from Vice President Kamala Harris.
“The DNC is a tremendous platform. I am humbled and honored to be asked to deliver remarks during this phenomenally historic time in American politics,” Pearson said.
Jones, D-Nashville, told CNN the trio will speak on Thursday and will address gun violence in the country.
"Last year we were expelled for fighting for common sense gun laws, and the next day Vice President Kamala Harris came to Tennessee, sat in solidarity with us in our fight for democracy, in our fight to protect kids, not guns. That's why I'm here," Jones said.
Pearson, D-Memphis, is also a delegate and Johnson, D-Knoxville, is the party's U.S. Senate nominee in the November election.
“I am proud to cast my vote at the DNC to officially certify the first woman of color to be the Democratic Party nominee for President — Vice President Kamala Harris," Pearson said. "Democracy, justice and the soul of our nation are at stake in this election and a vote for Vice President Harris for President and Gov. Tim Walz for Vice President is a vote for democracy, justice and a brighter future for America,” Pearson said. “There is no better leader for our country.”
Others in Tennessee's delegation include former Vice President Al Gore, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus and Vice Chair Rachel Campbell, and a large group of state lawmakers. Altogether, there are 72 delegates, five alternates, 10 standing committee members, and five staffers attending the convention, according to the Tennessee Democratic Party. 

Woman Charged in Graceland Scheme (Tennessean)
A Missouri woman was arrested Friday morning and charged in connection to the attempted foreclosure scheme of Graceland, former home to music great Elvis Presley, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a press release Friday. Friday is also the anniversary of Presley's death.
Lisa Jeanine Findley — who the DOJ said has gone by aliases such as Lisa Holden, Lisa Howell, Gregory Naussany, Kurt Naussany, Lisa Jeanine Sullins and Carolyn Willaims — was charged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.
The 30-page criminal complaint charges Findley with aggravated identity theft and mail fraud.
"As alleged in the complaint, the defendant orchestrated a scheme to conduct a fraudulent sale of Graceland, falsely claiming that Elvis Presley’s daughter had pledged the historic landmark as collateral for a loan that she failed to repay before her death," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, in a statement. "As part of the brazen scheme, we allege that the defendant created numerous false documents and sought to extort a settlement from the Presley family. Now she is facing federal charges. The Criminal Division and its partners are committed to holding fraudsters to account."
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee Kevin Ritz, who has spent most of his life in Memphis and has been nominated by President Joe Biden for a federal judgeship, called the scheme "brazen" and said the DOJ "will vigorously prosecute anyone who commits financial crimes or identity theft."
Three foreclosure notices were published by Naussany Investments beginning on May 6, citing a public auction for the historic Memphis estate. On May 22, the foreclosure sale was halted by Chancellor JoeDae Jenkins after a Shelby County Chancery Court hearing.
According to an affidavit in the charging documents, Findley created Naussany Investments and "used, without lawful authority, [Lisa Marie Presley’s] name and signature, as well as the names, signatures and notary seals of other real persons to create fake loan documents purporting to memorialize [Lisa Marie Presley’s] 2018 agreement to borrow $3.8 million from Naussany Investments and pledge Graceland as collateral for the loan, including a fake promissory note and deed of trust."
Investigators looked at records provided to them by Microsoft that showed the email for Naussany Investments was created on July 14, 2023.
Findley, who was arrested in Kimberling, Missouri, began threatening to foreclose Graceland for not repaying the purported $3.8 million loan soon after creating the email, according to the affidavit. On July 28, 2023, officials say a "creditor’s claim" package was sent from Kimberling to Lisa Marie Presley’s business manager in Woodland Hills, California. The claim was captioned to be filed in the California Superior Court.
Officials tracked down Findley through a PO Box that she rented in the name of one of her aliases, Lisa Holden. A phone number attached to the creditor’s claim was also linked to Findley, officials say.
A number of other packages were sent under numerous aliases from the same post office in Kimberling, according to officials. Some of those packages included sworn affidavits that officials allege were fraudulent.
The charging complaint, according to documents, was originally filed under seal Thursday, citing concerns that “the defendant may flee, conceal evidence or seek to influence persons cooperating with the investigation if they learn of the investigation’s existence” and that the investigation was ongoing.
Prior to the foreclosure sale happening, Riley Keough — an actress and daughter of Lisa Marie Presley — filed a lawsuit in court to halt the sale.
Following a hearing on May 24, Memphis-based law firm Morton & Germany filed the court-ordered injunction bond. Morton & Germany is representing Riley Keough and The Promenade Trust, which controls ownership of the Graceland estate. Morton & Germany filed the countersuit regarding the sale and said the foreclosure claims were fraudulent.
Numerous emails, riddled with grammatical errors, were sent to attorneys and media outlets, including The Commercial Appeal. On May 25, The CA received a second email from someone purporting to be Kurt Naussany — one of the aliases officials say Findley used.
That second email was written in Spanish and claimed the alleged Naussany Investments firm was the "Yahoo Ring Leader of Nigeria." The New York Times and The Daily Memphian also reported receiving similar emails from Kurt Naussany. The emails to other media outlets were written in different languages and contained slightly differing details, however, still claimed responsibility for predatory and fraudulent behavior.
According to the DOJ, all names associated with Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC were actually Findley, and "after the scheme attracted global media attention, Findley allegedly wrote to representatives of Elvis Presley’s family, the Tennessee state court, and the media to claim falsely that the person responsible for the scheme was a Nigerian identity thief located in Nigeria."
"Fame and money are magnets for criminals who look to capitalize on another person's celebrity status," Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations Group said in the statement. "In this case, Ms. Findley allegedly took advantage of the very public and tragic occurrences in the Presley family as an opportunity to prey on the name and financial status of the heirs to the Graceland estate, attempting to steal what rightfully belongs to the Presley family for her personal gain."

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
One of the country’s largest lantern festival returns this winter! Zoolumination®, presented by Anheuser-Busch at the Nashville Zoo, will feature 1,000+ brand-new lanterns with larger than life scenes full of colorful, stunning imagery and fantastical beasts! Plus, nightly awe-inspiring performances from Chinese acrobats and entertainers!
With brand-new lanterns, nightly entertainment featuring Chinese acrobats and the first-ever outdoor ice rink, this promises to be the biggest event of the year!
Dates: Nightly, Nov. 16 – Jan. 5 | Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 9 – Feb. 9
Time: 5-9pm
Advance tickets are suggested!
Parking is $8. Members park free.
For more information, please visit www.nashvillezoo.org/zoolumination.