Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-7-24

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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 7, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Suspects Sought (MauryCountySource)
The Hohenwald Police Department and Lewis County Sheriff’s Office are requesting the public’s help in locating a vehicle involved in a pursuit on August 1st in Lewis County where the car swerved into an oncoming lane occupied by a police vehicle, causing the police vehicle to make an evasive turn to avoid being hit.
The car was blue but has since been painted black. The vehicle has a license plate of Alabama KSA002. The car is a Mercedes C-43 four-door sedan that has a small American flag on the driver’s side of the back window.
The driver of the vehicle is a white male. The car has been seen on camera in the Spring Hill/Columbia in the last several days.
Please immediately contact your local law enforcement agency if you see this vehicle. If you see this vehicle in Spring Hill, please contact dispatch at 931-486-2632.

Ogles Under FBI Investigation (Tennessean)
The FBI on Friday took possession of U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles’ cell phone as part of an investigation he believed concerned his campaign finance filings, the freshman congressman said in a social media post Tuesday afternoon.
“It has been widely reported for months that my campaign made mistakes in our initial financial filings,” Ogles said in the post made to X, formerly known as Twitter. “We have worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts to correct the errors and ensure compliance going forward. It is my understanding that they are investigating the same well-known facts surrounding these filings."
Ogles' phone was taken one day after he survived a primary election challenge last week. The congressman faces ongoing scrutiny over his federal campaign finance filings, and personal finance disclosures.
Ogles is seeking re-election in Tennessee's 5th Congressional district this year, with former President Donald Trump's endorsement. Ogles defeated a well-funded primary challenge from Republican Courtney Johnston on Thursday evening, who challenged Ogles' integrity and first-term record. U.S. Department of Justice typically does not take overt investigative action against political candidates that could influence how people vote within 60 days of an election.
Elizabeth Clement-Webb, a spokesperson for the FBI's Memphis Field Office declined to confirm or deny the search, pursuant to U.S. Department of Justice policy.
Mark Wildasin, spokesperson for the U.S. District Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, declined to confirm or deny the existence of a search warrant.
Ogles' congressional office did not respond to a request for comment. His chief of staff directed The Tennessean to Ogles’ social media post. 
Channel 5 reported earlier Tuesday that the FBI executed a search warrant on Ogles but did not specify where the search occurred nor what was searched.
For more than two years, Ogles has faced scrutiny and multiple complaints over his federal campaign finance disclosures.
Shortly before the primary in 2022, an Federal Election Commission complaint was filed against him alleging a "pattern of malfeasance" in Ogles' financial dealings. Ogles' attorney responded to a request for comment with a threat of legal action.
He's also had to deal with chronic problems stemming from his campaign finance disclosures. He was required to pay $5,750 in civil penalties for campaign finance violations after the 2022 cycle, the Nashville Scene first reported.
He recently admitted that a self-loan of $320,000 that he had reported as cash to the FEC for two years was in fact a “pledge” for funding for which the need never arose.
"We set money aside. It was in a joint account, which you can't do ― we know that now ― so technically we have to go back and say the campaign didn't have full control," Ogles said. "But that being said when my wife and I and decided that I was going to run for Congress, we set aside every penny we had to put into the race."
Ogles' personal finance disclosures do not reflect a savings or checking account under Ogles' control with the amount he said he made available to his campaign. But his disclosure does include a mortgage loan initiated in January 2022 in the corresponding amount range. Maury County property records do not reflect any property purchase in January 2022 by Ogles. But he did buy a house adjacent to his family home in September, just after winning the primary. He later sold that home to his Congressional district director at a $60,000 loss.
"That money was real, it existed, and it was ready to be used. Fortunately, we didn't have to use it," Ogles said during a recent radio interview. "That was money that we had saved over time being frugal. It was a big commitment. We went all in. ... We really felt that this was a God thing."
Ogles has said publicly that he hired an outside campaign finance compliance consultant to go back "with a fine-toothed comb" and fix mistakes reported to the FEC.
In his social media post on Tuesday, Ogles said he would cooperate with the FBI and the FEC.
"I am confident all involved will conclude that the reporting discrepancies were based on honest mistakes, and nothing more," he wrote.
Ogles is also currently facing an ethics complaint filed by the Campaign Legal Center in January requesting an investigation into discrepancies in the congressman's financial disclosures, including the personal loan of $320,000.
Campaign Legal Center Ethics Director Kedric Payne on Tuesday said the watchdog group expected a possible FBI investigation since Ogles had significant discrepancies in his financial reports, but the swift action is surprising.
Payne, a former deputy chief counsel for the Office of Congressional Ethics, said such investigations usually take much longer.
“With a move this quickly, the evidence must be strong, especially to move in an election year,” he said. "It looks like what we complained about is the tip of the iceberg of what may be going on. It looks very serous."
Ogles has also admitted that he was "mistaken" about what degree he received from Middle Tennessee State University, after scrutiny that he embellished his credentials and work experience during the 2022 primary.

Former Fire Chief Can Contest Termination (MSM)
Former Columbia Fire Chief Ty Cobb is entitled to contest his termination before the city’s Civil Service Board, according to a court ruling issued last week.
Judge David Allen issued his ruling on Aug. 2, stating “…the municipal code specifically and unambiguously states that the fire chief is entitled to a civil service hearing upon termination.”
“The code states that a department of public safety ‘shall’ be created. The Respondent clearly failed or refused to follow this requirement and uses its failure to do so as a basis for arguing that Respondent should be denied a civil service hearing because Respondent was acting as a or the department head in the absence of the Respondent creating this position or department,” the ruling goes on to state.
Allen’s ruling also stated that Cobb, who joined the department in 2000 before becoming chief in 2017, had never received any notice that his civil service status had changed.
Columbia’s municipal code requires the appointment of a Director of Public Safety, who is to act as a supervisor for the fire chief and police chief. However, according to the ruling, City Manager Tony Massey testified that there had never been such an appointment. Allen’s ruling stated that in effect, Massey himself served in that capacity
Cobb was terminated as chief of Columbia Fire & Rescue on March 12. In the letter of termination, Massey stated allegations that included “a message falsely accusing the chief of police of being involved in an attempted break-in at the apartment of the person who sent the text” and “a message offering to pay for favorable news stories which would benefit your interest.”
Cobb officially requested a civil service hearing by email on March 15. He served a 30-day suspension in late October 2023 and most of November. At the time, a memorandum from Massey to Cobb cited “insubordination” and added that Cobb would be on probation for a period of one year after the suspension.
The suspension was announced shortly after Cobb requested that the City of Columbia launch an internal investigation into the city’s response to the May 3, 2023 Central High School shooting hoax. In that request, Cobb cited concern for the safety of his employees.
Whether the city will appeal the ruling was not immediately known.
“We are surprised and disappointed with this decision. The City is evaluating its options,” Massey said in an email to Main Street Maury.

New School New School Year (CDH)
With shiny new floors, a state of the art theater and competitive athletic facilities, the much awaited Battle Creek High School in Spring Hill opened its new doors on Monday to students and teachers on the first day of school in Maury County Public Schools.
Students flooded the pristine campus with excitement in the air as freshmen and sophomores explored the new building and found their classes.
But before students were dismissed to their first class, principal Mike Kinnard, a 1977 Columbia Central High School graduate, addressed the student body in the cafeteria with a simple message - they matter, and he loves them.
"This place is an amazing facility, but the best thing is that you guys are here," Kinnard said. "I can't tell you how blessed we've been in coming here to work with you. I can tell you, we have your best interest at heart. Let's cooperate, let's work together.
"In case someone hasn't told you this morning, Mr. Kinnard loves you."
With a capacity of 2,200 students, Battle Creek High, a project that cost the county upwards of $90 to $112 million-plus across 300,000 square feet, will accommodate a growing student body in fast-developing north Columbia and Spring Hill. Thousands of new townhomes and single family homes are being built around the school, where Columbia and Spring Hill meet in Maury County, marking the need for a new school.
The high school sits on 50 acres, sharing a campus with Battle Creek middle and elementary schools, which opened at the 200-acre site in 2019.
Students Deandra Welsh and Savannah Winters walked with their friends to the cafeteria meeting spot, taking in the new massive two-story building with long and wide hallways, dozens of classrooms and amenities like a theater, basketball courts, football stadium and auxillary gym.
"I am looking forward to getting to know my teachers. Just hope I don't get lost," Winters said.
The school will be populated with freshmen and sophomores this school year as the school gradually increases in students each year until the first senior class graduates in 2027.
Kinnard says he is ready to start a new chapter at Battle Creek High after serving as the first principal to open Battle Creek Middle School as well.
Student Jonathan Barnes said he believes Battle Creek High School will deliver a positive high school experience.
"I think safety and trust in principals is important," Barnes said. "And I believe this school has those things."

New Sculptures to Be Unveiled (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is excited to announce the unveiling of three
sculptures in the heart of the Columbia Arts District. This special event will showcase the talents of local artists Whitney Herrington, Rommel Ricaurte, and his sons Nicholas and Cory Ricaurte. The unveiling will
take place on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 4:00 PM at Firefighters Park, situated at the gateway to the Arts District at 1000 South Garden Street in Columbia. The event will begin with a brief ceremony and an introduction of the artists, followed by the unveiling of all three sculptures. The community is invited to join the city in celebrating these additions to the landscape of Columbia’s Arts District.

Blood Drive (MauryCountySource)
The City of Columbia and Blood Assurance are hosting a blood drive on August 16th from 10am – 3pm at Riverwalk Park.
Schedule your appointment at www.bloodassurance.org/riverwalk or come down between the hours of 10-3pm to donate.
Riverwalk Park is located at 102 Riverside Drive, Columbia.
Did you know that one donation can save up to three lives and that Blood Assurance keeps the donations local? This means your donation will directly impact your community. Plus you get a free tote bag as a very special “Thank you”

New Exhibit From TSM and AAHSMC (Press Release)
The African American Heritage of Maury County (AAHSMC) presents Building a Bright Future: Black Communities and Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee, a new traveling exhibition, on display August 2, 2024, through September 13, 2024, at the Maury County Public Library. Created by the Tennessee State Museum in partnership with The John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library at Fisk University, the exhibition traces the history of education for Black Tennesseans from the Reconstruction period, through the development of the Rosenwald program, and into the present day.

“The Rosenwald Schools served African American students in Rural Maury County for more than 40 years. In addition to the traveling exhibition from the Tennessee State Museum, the AAHSMC’s companion exhibition will include photos of teachers, students, and the 15 Maury County Rosenwald Schools. Also, the AAHSMC is hosting “In Conversation: Former Rosenwald School Students.” Former students will share their educational experiences on August 10, 2024, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, at the Maury County Public Library,” said Jo Ann McClellan, AAHSMC President.
What are commonly referred to as Rosenwald Schools were the result of an initial partnership between Sears, Roebuck, and Co. president Julius Rosenwald, Tuskegee Institute president Booker T. Washington, and Black Communities throughout the South. Between 1912-1937, that partnership resulted in the construction of almost 5,000 schools for Black children across 15 southern states, including 354 in Tennessee. Rosenwald schools drove improvement in Black educational attainment and helped educate the generation who became leaders of the Civil Rights movement. The traveling exhibition on display at the Maury County Public Library consists of five two-sided panels and includes the engaging stories of alumni and community members from 16 different Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee.
“TSM and Fisk wanted to build a more diverse and inclusive space for all Tennesseans to learn about and honor the history and legacy of Black education in the state,” said Debbie Shaw, Senior Curator of Archaeology at the Tennessee State Museum. “The resilience and perseverance of these Black communities as they strived for equal access to education is highlighted through their work with the Rosenwald School program. The legacy continues today as members from these same groups work toward the preservation of these schools and communities.”
“Our teams at the Fisk University John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library and the Forging Future Pathways Forward: Building a Portal to Rosenwald Collections for all at Fisk University project were thrilled to partner and collaborate with Tennessee State Museum,” said DeLisa M. Harris, Director of Library Services at Fisk University. “This exhibit is the first major showcase of the impact and legacy of the Julius Rosenwald Fund Rural School program in Tennessee.”
This traveling exhibit is an expansion of Building a Bright Future: Black Communities and Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee, an initiative that included a 4,000 square foot temporary exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum and a two-day symposium. The project won a 2024 American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Leadership in History Award of Excellence and the 2024 Tennessee Association of Museums President’s Award. For more information visit www.tnmuseum.org.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…   
Charles David “Charlie” Workman, 78, resident of Culleoka passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, August 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM at South Gate Church of Christ. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at South Gate Church of Christ. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Jeffery Glenn Johnson, 50, died Saturday, August 3, 2024.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, August 9, 2024 at 4:00 PM at Mt. Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The family will visit with friends Friday from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the church. 

Now, news from around the state…
Vandy Listed as Next Gen Ivy (Tennessean)
Vanderbilt was named as one of the next generation of Ivy League schools.
In recent years, the Ivy Leagues have faced numerous critiques over admissions policies, grade inflation and response to campus protests. Amid this backlash the Ivies have faced, Forbes created a new group of Ivy Leagues of 20 prestigious public and private universities.
The schools on Forbes' list are ones that produce graduates that are highly sought after by employers. These 20 universities are what Forbes is introducing as the "New Ivies—the 10 public universities and 10 ascendant private ones turning out the smart, driven graduates craved by employers of all types."
Currently, eight universities are included in the elite Ivy League category.
These universities are: Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth University, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University and Yale University. Other universities have the prestige of the Ivy Leagues but are not included in the elite eight. Schools like the University of Chicago, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Duke University are all schools that fit this criteria.
Forbes analyzed 1,742 colleges and universities that have at least 4,000 students, admissions data and standardized test scores for the SAT and ACT. For private universities, admissions had to be below 20%, and public universities had to be below 50%.
Among the public universities that make the next-gen ivy list include:
Binghampton University in NY, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Florida, University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, University of Texas, University of Virginia, and University of Wisconsin.
Among the private schools are:
Boston College, Carnegie Mellon University, Emory University, Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Rice, Notre Dame, UCLA, and Vanderbilt Universities.

Gas Prices (MSM)
Tennessee gas prices moved more expensive over last week, but began declining again over the weekend. We’re starting the week only a penny more expensive than last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.07 which is 10 cents less expensive than one month ago and 40 cents less than one year ago.  
“We saw some volatility in our state gas prices over last week, but it’s still mostly good news for Tennessee gas prices,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We can still likely expect fluctuating gas prices this week, but the silver lining is that we’re now seeing gas prices 40 cents cheaper than we were at this time last year.” 
Tennessee is sixth least-expensive state in nation for gas prices.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Calling all canines and their companions! August makrs the beginning of a special phase of Cheekwood’s popular concert series, Thursday Night Out. Every Thursday in August, dogs are invited to join their human family members to enjoy the gardens, food and treats. Dog Nights of Summer feature dedicated drink stations for those with paws and local dog-focused vendors offering treats, apparel and more. Humans can enjoy seasonal beers, expertly crafted cocktails, and delicious bites created by Café 29 and local food trucks while listening to great music.
Dogs Nights of Summer are August 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to come prepared for hot weather. Water will be provided for dogs, but visitors are asked to BYOB – bring your own bowl – to ensure their dogs stay hydrated. All dogs must be on a leash. Except for service animals, dogs are not allowed inside any buildings including the Historic Mansion and Museum.
For a full list of musical acts scheduled throughout August and ticket information visit cheekwood.org.