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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 January 8, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Warming Shelter Available (Press Release)
Warming stations will be open throughout Maury County through Saturday.
Now through Saturday (01/11) those needing a warm refuge can seek temporary shelter at either First United Methodist Church located at 222 W. 7th Street in Columbia or West 7th Church of Christ located at 405 W. 7th Street in Columbia.
First United Methodist will be open: 7 AM- 7 PM
West 7th Church of Christ will be open: 7 PM- 7 AM
This shelters will be open 24 hours so all needing a warm place can come at any time between now and Saturday.
Attempted Theft (MauryCountySource)
In the early morning hours of January 7th, Spring Hill Police Department officers responded to an alarm call at a warehouse on Cleburne Road.
When officers arrived, they noticed that the fencing had been cut. Using a drone, officers located an adult female hiding in a wooded area close by.
She was taken into custody without incident. Later in the morning, based on a citizen tip, officers located an adult male walking in the area who was detained after briefly resisting.
Officers have evidence to believe that both individuals were involved in the attempted theft from the warehouse and will face charges. Police do not believe any other subjects were involved in this theft.
Ogles Recommended for Investigation (MSM)
A congressional panel released a report last week recommending further investigation into the campaign finances of 5th District U.S. Congressman Andy Ogles.
The Office of Congressional Ethics’ report, which was released on Jan. 2, 2025, states in part that the board “finds that there is substantial reason to believe that Rep. Ogles omitted or misrepresented required information in his financial disclosure statements or FEC candidate committee reports.”
The board’s report also states that more review is necessary because of the likelihood that Ogles’ campaign committee accepted excessive contributions that were instead reported as personal loans and contributions from him.
Ogles, who was re-elected in November 2024 to a second term representing Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, filed amended campaign financial reports in May 2024, saying he had not personally loaned his campaign $320,000 as he had reported back in 2022.
Other amendments to his financial reports resulted in Ogles retracting claims regarding thousands of dollars in campaign contributions and expenditures that he had previously reported to the Federal Election Commission.
A Federal Election Commission complaint was filed against Ogles’ 5th District Congressional campaign in August 2022 as well, alleging a “pattern of malfeasance” in Ogles’ management of required financial disclosures to federal authorities.
In August 2024, the FBI seized Ogles’ cell phone as part of a reported investigation into his campaign finances. Ogles stated at the time via social media that he was cooperating fully and believed “that the reporting discrepancies were based on honest mistakes.”
The ethics board’s report states, however, that Ogles refused to cooperate with the inquiry and recommends that Ogles be subpoenaed to provide information.
Jeter Resigns from County Commission (MSM)
The Maury County Commission formally announced the resignation of 8th District Commissioner Ray Jeter during a special called meeting on Monday, Jan. 6.
Jeter’s resignation was triggered after he reportedly moved outside his district, which under state law automatically triggers a resignation.
Jeter ran for the Republican nomination for State House District 64 last year but lost in the primary to incumbent Scott Cepicky.
While Jeter had not formally issued any statement his picture has been removed from the list of commissioners on Maury County’s website and the seat shown as “vacant.”
Tom Hitch Parkway to Partially Close (Press Release)
Repairs to a bridge crossing the Duck River will lead to a temporary closure of a portion of Tom J. Hitch Parkway, Maury County and City of Columbia officials announced last week.
Beginning on Monday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m., Tom J. Hitch Parkway will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic between Bear Creek Pike (Highway 412) and Iron Bridge Road. Construction is expected to last through summer 2025.
Highway 31 through downtown Columbia is the preferred detour, officials announced.
Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to contact the Maury County Highway Department at (931) 375-6202.
Sobriety Checkpoint (Press Release)
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 10pm until midnight. The location is State Route 50 East @ .2 mile east of the 19mm.
Knights of Columbus to Honor LEOs (MSM)
At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, the Knights of Columbus at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church (Council #7447) will hold their 39th annual appreciation dinner for the law enforcement officers of Maury County and its towns. The dinner, catered by Shaffer Farms Barbecue, is open to anyone who wishes to honor LEOs and their families.
“Each year the Knights of Columbus… honor local law enforcement,” said Grand Knight William Simpson, “for the sacrifices they make to ensure we live in a safe community.”
At the dinner each department (Maury County Sheriff, Columbia, Spring Hill and Mount Pleasant Police) will present an award to its Officer of the Year, accompanied by a speech from the department chiefs.
Maury Alliance Annual Meeting
Join Maury Alliance on Thursday, January 30th for their annual meeting, their most anticipated event of the year as they celebrate their accomplishments for 2024 and recognize the transition of their volunteer leadership.
This will be a lively night of entertainment and networking celebrating business and industry in Maury County with a social hour, dinner and live music!
The event will take place at the Memorial Building, located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia. The event will begin at 5pm with a networking/cocktail hour and wrap up by 8pm. Purchase tickets now to guarantee a seat at Maury Alliance’s biggest event of the year! Get them by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.
Registration will close January 20 at 5:00 pm.
Night of Hope (Press Release)
The Well Outreach is pleased to present their 2025 "Night of Hope" on February 22nd, 2025 at Worldwide Stages featuring Christian Contemporary Artists, We The Kingdom! It's going to be an evening full of inspiring live music, worship, and hope - plus, your ticket helps feed local families in need.
What's Included:
- Your ticket feeds a family of four with groceries for a week
- VIP/Meet & Greet opportunities (with upgraded ticket)
- Small bites and tastings before the show
- A live auction to support The Well Outreach’s cause
- A powerful concert and worship experience with We The Kingdom
This event raises important funding for the rest of the year so that The Well can meet the needs of thousands of families coming to their food pantry with food insecurities. This is more than just a concert - it's a night to come together in faith and make a tangible impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Tickets are still available, including limited seats to a special meet-and-greet with We The Kingdom plus tickets by the seat or table.
For more information on the work and mission of the Well Outreach, please visit their website: thewelloutreach.org
Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)
The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.
Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.
Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.
Any Maury County Resident can use this office.
All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.
Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Leroy “Lee” Seals, Jr., 72, a retired minister, and resident of Columbia, died Sunday, December 22, 2024 at TriStar of Spring Hill.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Columbia First Church of the Nazarene with Lang Ingram officiating. There will be a time of remembering his full life with family and friends in attendance.
Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.
And now, news from around the state…
114th General Assembly (Tennessean)
Lawmakers will be back in action Jan. 14 at the state Capitol in Nashville. The 114th Tennessee General Assembly will convene Tuesday for the start of a new two-year term.
More than a thousand bills and resolutions will get filed. Lawmakers will spend hours debating legislation, while pushing through others with little to no debate. Tennesseans from across the political spectrum will pack committee rooms and the galleries of the House and Senate to see their lawmakers in action and let their voices be heard.
This year, key issues include Gov. Bill Lee's proposal to expand school vouchers across the state and whether lawmakers will find consensus around reducing or eliminating the state's sales tax on groceries.
Northeast Tennessee communities are still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene. As new federal relief remains tied to federal funding bills ― and many remain without homes as recovery efforts continue into the winter ― more relief funding is likely coming. In October, Gov. Bill Lee allocated $100 million for an emergency assistance loan program for residents in impacted counties, including $35 million for water and wastewater system damage, and $65 million for debris removal. Rumors have circulated that storm relief may be included in a call for a special legislative session, if one occurs, but leadership has indicated that funding for further relief can be re-allocated from existing funding streams.
Is 2025 the year Tennessee gets rid of its grocery tax, one of the highest in the country? After years of Democrats criticizing the tax's regressive burden on Tennessee families, it seems possible it could be abolished this year now that the measure has some high-profile support in the Republican supermajority. Rep. Aftyn Behn, D-Nashville, filed a bill last month to abolish the tax and pay for it by implementing a corporate tax, a measure sharply criticized by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland. But a few weeks later, Lamberth threw his support behind a GOP measure to eliminate the tax filed by Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville. It's not yet clear how much money eliminating the tax will cost the state, and Davis's bill does not include a funding mechanism similar to Behn's. But GOP leadership support means Davis's bill may find easier passage through the legislature next spring.
As Tennessee continues to lose farmland to new developments and growth, farmers are facing higher than ever pressures to sell their land, amid rising costs of supplies and unpredictable commodity prices. Gov. Bill Lee has said he will try again this year on legislation to establish a state Farmland Preservation Fund, which would help recoup farmers for the difference in value of their farm production and their land's highest and best use. Last year, Lee's proposal stalled in the Senate after passing the House.
Tennessee's budget is in a tight spot headed into the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which begins July 1. In recent months, Tennessee has handed out nearly $1 billion in corporate tax refunds as part of a $1.9 billion franchise tax reform and refund passed last year, which Republicans argued in early 2024 was necessary to avoid a lawsuit over the state's franchise tax law. Elsewhere, infrastructure revenues have cratered, with transportation officials projecting $42 million in losses over the next two years even as the state expects increases in both federal and local revenues. The state's financial reserves are robust, but overall projected revenues are low. The departmental requests in the last two months quickly outpaced projected revenues. The upcoming budget season will likely feature tough decisions and some cuts.
Support continues among Republicans around a proposed state Constitutional amendment to prohibit imposition of a state property tax. While no statewide property tax currently exists (county and city governments collect property taxes at rates set by local officials), the amendment would prohibit any future state government from imposing a tax on property. If passed, no measure would be on the ballot until 2026.
ACT Participation and Results Up (Press Release)
Today, the Tennessee Department of Education released the ACT state results and participation rate for the graduating class of 2024. Thanks to efforts by schools and districts to encourage student participation on the ACT, the overall statewide participation rate for the 2024 graduating class was 99 percent. In addition, the state average composite ACT score increased from 19.0 in 2023 to 19.3 in 2024.
The ACT provides important measures to understand students’ college and career readiness and how Tennessee prepares the next generation to transition to postsecondary opportunities. Through Tennessee’s award-winning ACT Senior Retake program, the state offers public high school students the opportunity to take the ACT two times for free during normal school hours.
Each year, the department releases statewide ACT results for the most recent graduating class representing each student’s highest ACT score. The 2023-24 graduating class’s ACT results are available on the department’s Data Downloads webpage.
“Tennessee strives to support every student in their college and career aspirations, including preparing them for the ACT assessment that can open up additional postsecondary scholarships and opportunities,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “We commend districts and schools for their collective effort in improving the average composite score across the state.”
Statewide highlights of the 2023-24 ACT state results include:
78 districts (61%) had a rate of 99 percent or higher in 2024 compared to 75 districts in 2023.
The statewide average ACT composite score increased slightly for the 2024 graduating cohort (19.3) in comparison to the 2023 (19.0) graduating cohort with growth observed for some student groups:
Black/Hispanic/Native American students increased from 16.6 to 16.8 (0.2 points increase)
Economically disadvantaged students increased from 16.3 to 16.6 (0.3 points increase)
Students with disabilities increased from 14.7 to 14.9 (0.2 points increase)
More than one third (37.7 percent) of the 2024 graduating cohort met the ACT benchmark, scoring at least a 21 on the ACT, with improvement observed for some student groups from last year to this year:
Black/Hispanic/Native American students increased from 17.3 to 19.5 percent (2.2 percentage points increase)
Economically disadvantaged students increased from 15.8 to 17.7 percent (1.9 percentage points increase)
Students with disabilities increased from 6.7 to 8.6 percent (1.9 percentage points increase)
District highlights of the 2023-24 ACT results include:
127 districts (98%) met the 95 percent ACT participation rate in 2024 compared to 129 districts (99%) in 2023.
Williamson County Schools had the highest percentage of all students meeting the ACT benchmark (78.7 percent), scoring at least a 21 on the ACT, followed by Germantown Municipal Schools (71.8 percent) and Maryville City Schools (67.3 percent).
ACT/SAT results serve as a nationally normed measure to indicate college and career readiness. Under Tennessee’s accountability systems, earning a score of 21 on the ACT or earning a score of 1060 on the SAT is one of the four pathways indicating that students are prepared for career and/or postsecondary education after high school.
Gas Prices (MSM)
Gas prices rose, on average, seven cents over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.74 which is five cents more expensive than one month ago and three cents more than one year ago.
On average, Tennessee drivers paid less at the pump in 2024 than they did in 2023. In 2024, Tennessee gas prices averaged $2.95 per gallon. In 2023, gas prices averaged $3.15 per gallon. In 2024, Tennessee gas prices also did not go as high as they did in 2023. Last year’s highest daily average gas price was $3.34 per gallon, compared to 2023’s highest daily average gas price of $3.50 per gallon.
Tennessee is eighth least-expensive state in nation for gas prices.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The Grand Ole Opry ushered in its 100th year on the airwaves at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, the Opry’s most famous former home, on Jan. 3 with the Opry’s longest-tenured member ever, Bill Anderson, who kicked off the 100th celebration with newly-written lyrics to the standard “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.”
On Saturday evening, the Opry dedicated its show to President Jimmy Carter, who had visited the Opry before, during, and after his presidency. Opry member Charlie McCoy performed “Georgia On My Mind”, the official state song of Carter’s home state, in his honor.
During 2025 the Opry will pay tribute to the artists, fans and songs that have cemented the Opry as the cultural heart and home of country music since its debut on WSM radio in 1925. In celebration of the milestone anniversary, The Ryman unveiled a new Opry 100 exhibition that chronicles the Opry’s extraordinary journey over the past century, from its inception as a radio broadcast to becoming an iconic cornerstone of country music and American culture.
Additional ‘Opry at the Ryman’ shows are scheduled for Jan. 10, 11, and 17 and will feature performances by Opry members Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Old Crow Medicine Show, Steve Wariner, Lainey Wilson, and more. The Opry will return to its permanent home, the Grand Ole Opry House, on Jan. 18. For a full Opry 100 schedule and tickets, visit www.ryman.com.