Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-23-24

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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 October 23, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Luxury Living Coming to Spring Hill (MauryCountySource)
A new upscale community is coming to Spring Hill!
Firefly, a luxurious private, gated club community will soon span over 700 acres in Maury County, featuring over 400 single-family homes and a range of amenities.
Developed by Storied Development in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital, this community will include an impressive 18-hole signature golf course and a 9-hole short course, both designed by renowned golf course architect Andrew Green. Golf enthusiasts will also have access to a dedicated Racquet Club, catering to various racquet sports, as well as a Family Club designed to be a cozy gathering spot for creating lasting memories.
The project is currently in the permitting and design phase for the golf course, with construction slated to begin by the end of 2024 and expected to finish by late 2025. The grand opening is tentatively scheduled for spring 2026.
To learn more about Firefly, visit www.fireflyliving.com.

Christmas Festivities (CDH)
Columbia Main Street is delighted to announce an exciting update to this year’s holiday festivities in downtown Columbia. For the first time, attendees will enjoy not one, but two nights of holiday celebration, with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Parade taking place on separate evenings December 6th and 7th. Two nights of endless delight makes for more opportunities to gather, celebrate, and experience the holiday spirit in downtown Columbia.
The first weekend in December will kick-off with the magical Tree Lighting Ceremony during the monthly First Fridays event on December 6th from 5pm – 8pm. This is a special, holiday-themed First Fridays blended with the Tree Lighting ceremony hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Experience the fun of First Fridays with a holiday twist that includes festive music from DJ Rio, local craft vendors, food trucks, and other holiday-inspired, family-friendly activities throughout the evening.
The excitement continues the following night with Columbia’s beloved annual evening Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7th at 6pm. Gather along West 7th Street and the town square to see local businesses and organizations showcase their creativity with beautifully decorated floats.
“More than bright lights and festive floats, these events are the spark of holiday magic that ignites community spirit and creates beloved memories that will last a lifetime,” exclaimed Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager. “We encourage residents and visitors to attend both nights so they can fully immerse themselves in our unique holiday experience in the heart of beautiful downtown Columbia.”
Two nights, twice the cheer! Columbia Main Street is thrilled to double the excitement and spread the holiday cheer across two nights of festivities. Be sure to mark your calendars for this memorable and festive weekend.  Both events are free to attend and open to the public. For more information, please visit columbiamainstreet.com or contact Columbia Main Street at 931-560-1507.
 
Breakfast with the Mayors (Press Release)
Join Maury Alliance on November 19th at 8:30am at the Memorial Building located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia for their annual Breakfast with the Mayors event. Sponsored by John Maher Builders and Fairfield by Marriott of Columbia, learn about what is happening in your community directly from the mayors. County Mayor Sheila Butt, Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman, and Mt. Pleasant Mayor Bill White will be on hand to talk about their communities and answer questions. Admission is $25 for Maury Alliance Members and $30 for non-members. You must register by November 12th. You can do so by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

Playground Dedication (Press Release)
The City of Columbia invites the community and media to attend a special dedication ceremony for the playground at Woodland Park. The playground is being named in honor of former City Councilman Ken Wiles, recognizing his significant contributions and commitment to the city. The event will include remarks from city officials and special guests.
When: Thursday, October 24, at 10:30 AM
Where: Woodland Park, 821 W 9th Street, Columbia, TN 38401

Guider Travels Duck River (CDH)
On a warm, sunny day in Maury County, a crowd of supporters and fellow canoers met environmental advocate John Guider at Riverwalk Park in Columbia, a quick stop on his journey to canoe the full 265-mile length of the Duck River, the most biodiverse river in North America.
The Duck River was most recently named as one of the nation's top three most endangered rivers by the American Rivers report, meeting the criterion of drying riverbanks, endangerment of aquatic life, nutrient pollution and decreasing water quality.
Through his almost two-week journey, Guider intends on raising awareness about the imminent environmental threats to the river.
He says he already sees signs of the river's environmental crisis through its drying riverbeds as he glides along the route.
The Duck River provides drinking water to 250,000 neighboring constituents. It's the longest river within the self-contained boundaries of Tennessee and is home to various rare species of mussels that naturally purify the water.
"It is the lifeblood of this region," said Jess Martin, communications coordinator of nonprofit Harpeth Conservancy, a science-based conservation organization in Middle Tennessee. "The Duck River is the Pearl of Tennessee. We need to ensure it remains a vital resource."
Guider called his 21 years of canoeing on America's most beautiful waterways "a spiritual passion."
"The [Duck River] banks are so high and the trees are so thick, it makes me feel I've gone back in time to what God created, not man," Guider said.
He said he regularly sees all kinds of natural life like otters, deer, river snakes, geese, ducks and has even seen eagles.
"This is an important time for the Duck River," he said. "It's beauty and biologically diverse [aquatic] life could soon go away."
In April, Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation passed by the 113th General Assembly that will expand the Duck River's Class II Pastoral River designation from Maury County to the Hickman County line. The legislation aims to protect the waterways drinking water, recreation and overall health of the river for years to come.
However, local advocates, including members of "Protect the Duck" nonprofit like co-founder Gale Moore, which formed to advocate for river preservation, say the "battle is not over yet."
Baton Rouge developer Trinity Business Group still seeks to establish a solid waste landfill at the former Monsanto plant in Columbia, located within a few miles of the river. Advocates argue contamination from the solid waste landfill could pollute the river.
The proposed landfill would sort and process waste from construction sites and demolitions as well as house a tire incinerator.
In April 2023, the Marshall/Maury Municipal Solid Waste Planning Region Board struck down Trinity Business Group's proposal to establish the landfill. In response, Trinitiy’s parent company Remedial Holdings, LLC filed a petition to appeal the board's decision on May 10, 2023, according to Nashville Chancery Court records.
The case is ongoing.
Three permit applications to establish the landfill filed in 2022 are still pending by the Tennessee Department of Environmental Department .
According to TDEC spokesperson Kim Schofinski, the state cannot take any action on the permits without county approval, or approval by the Marshall/Maury Municipal Solid Waste Planning Region Board, which has already rejected TBG's proposal.
Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated 68-211-814(b)(2), the Marshall/Maury Municipal Solid Waste Planning Region Board, is authorized to review the application and determine its consistency with the regional plan.
Protect the Duck filed a Motion to Intervene in the proceeding, joining the Maury/Marshall board in the suit in Chancery Court.
As legal battles continue, advocates say ongoing efforts are needed to protect the Duck River.
Generational farmer Sam Kennedy III, who attended Guider's talk with his family and also traveled to Nashville almost a dozen times during the 113th General Assembly in support of legislation to preserve the river, said the river is vital to the environment. The river runs through his farm, as well as many others in the area.
"The health of a community and quality of life depends on the health of its natural resources," Kennedy said.

City to Host HOME Grant Seminar (Press Release)
The City of Columbia will host a public meeting on October 29, 2024, at 3:00 PM on the first floor of City Hall located at 700 N Garden Street to kick off the HOME Grant Program. This meeting will provide important information regarding the application process for the $810,000 in grant funds recently awarded by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) for home rehabilitation and repairs.
The HOME Grant Program is designed to support low-income residents by funding the rehabilitation of single-family homes, ensuring they meet residential building code requirements. The City aims to assist 8-13 homeowners with necessary repairs, improving the quality of housing for those in need. During the meeting, attendees will receive details on how to apply for assistance. Applications will be accepted for 30 days following the meeting, with a submission deadline of November 29, 2024.
Homeowners interested in this program are encouraged to attend to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. For further inquiries about the grant and application process, please contact Tia Lockridge, Director of Housing for the South Central Tennessee Development District, at 931-379-2957 or via email at [e-mail].

Maury Regional Flu Vaccine (Press Release)
As the fall season approaches, so does flu season, bringing with it the potential for widespread illness. Maury Regional Health urges everyone in the community to take proactive steps in protecting their health by receiving the annual flu vaccine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this year’s flu season is expected to be unpredictable, with cases potentially peaking earlier or later than usual. Health experts are reminding the public that flu season may coincide with other respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19. It’s more important than ever to stay vigilant and reduce the spread of illness. Flu vaccines can reduce the severity of symptoms and protect vulnerable populations from complications, including hospitalization.
“The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu is by getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene, like proper handwashing or cleaning and disinfecting frequently used surfaces,” said Christina Lannom, DO, chief medical officer at Maury Regional Health. “We encourage everyone, especially those at higher risk, to get vaccinated early in the season. By doing so, we can all play a part in preventing the spread of illness this year.”
Flu symptoms range from mild to severe, with high-risk populations, such as older adults, young children, pregnant women and individuals with chronic conditions or autoimmune diseases, being more susceptible to complications from influenza. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive an annual flu shot, with rare exceptions, such as having an allergic reaction to the vaccine or illness at the time of the vaccination.
Flu vaccines are available at a variety of convenient locations, including your primary care physician, retail pharmacies and urgent care centers. Most insurance plans cover the flu vaccine, making it an easy and affordable way to stay healthy this flu season.
Maury Regional Medical Group has primary care locations in Maury, Lewis, Marshall and Wayne counties, plus walk-in locations in locations in Spring Hill, Columbia and Lewisburg.
To learn more, visit MauryRegional.com/Flu.

Maury Regional Breast Cancer Seminar (Press Release)
On Sunday, Oct. 27, Maury Regional Health will host a free seminar led by surgeon Amy Vertrees, MD, about the advanced technology used to detect and treat breast cancer followed by a health fair dedicated to breast cancer resources.
The seminar, titled “What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer,” will begin at 3 p.m. in the Maury Regional Annex located at 1223 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia (across from the hospital). RSVP is required at MauryRegional.com/BreastSeminar or by calling 931.490.7011.
“I often hear in my clinics, ‘I wish I knew that about breast cancer,’” said Dr. Vertrees. “I want to share what I know before you need to hear it.”
Dr. Vertrees is a board-certified surgeon specializing in surgery, breast surgery and robotic surgery. Dr. Vertrees served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army for 17 years, with three war deployments, including Iraq and Afghanistan. She received her medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, and completed an internship and residency at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. She has been on the medical staff at Maury Regional Health for the past seven years and is associated with Columbia Surgical Partners, which she co-founded.
Before and after Dr. Vertrees’ presentation, representatives from community organizations will be on site to discuss resources for women and breast cancer patients. These groups include:
 
Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (Tennessee Department of Health)
Maury Regional Women’s Center
Maury Regional Physical Therapy
Maury Regional Health Care Foundation
Maury Regional Medical Group Primary Care | Columbia
 
“Breast cancer is a journey — from diagnosis to treatment,” said Administrative Director of Oncology Dana Salters, MBA, R.T.(R)(M). “Our patients don’t have to navigate that journey alone. There are a number of resources available to assist women in our community as they seek the vital care they need, and we are thrilled to have them join us for this afternoon dedicated to women’s health and wellness.”
To register for this free seminar, visit MauryRegional.com/BreastSeminar or call 931.490.7011.
Maury Regional Health offers mammography services at locations throughout southern Middle Tennessee, including the Maury Regional Women’s Center in Columbia, Lewis Health Center in Hohenwald, Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg, Wayne Medical Center in Waynesboro and Spring Hill Imaging Center in Spring Hill. To schedule a mammogram at any Maury Regional Health location, call 931.380.4044. To learn more, visit MauryRegional.com/Mammogram.

DUI Checkpoint (Press Release)
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety roadside safety checkpoints during the weekend of October 25th on State Hwy. 7, .1 miles from Knob Creek Road in Maury County starting at 10:00PM .
Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures 305,000 people every year in the United States. Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a vehicle while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving.

Spring Hill Local Passport (Press Release)
The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Listerhill Credit Union, is excited to announce the launch of the "Think, Shop, Explore Local Passport" campaign, an initiative designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore and support the diverse range of local businesses in Spring Hill. This exciting campaign will run from October 1 to October 31, 2024, offering participants a chance to win a grand prize haul valued at thousands of dollars!
How to Participate: Starting October 1st, visitors can pick up their Local Passport at any participating business or the Spring Hill Chamber Welcome Center, located at 5326 Main Street, Suite G. To qualify for the grand prize, participants simply need to collect stickers from a minimum of 15 participating businesses and return their completed passports by October 31, 2024, to the Welcome Center. Those who complete their passports entirely will be entered into the grand prize drawing twice – doubling their chances of winning!
Participating Businesses: The campaign features an array of local stops, including restaurants, retail shops, health centers, and more. Some of the featured stops include:
Aha Indian Grill
The Awaken House
The Spot Burgers & Beers
Hampton Inn Spring Hill
Lighthill Meats
TriStar ER Spring Hill
Williamson Health / Bone and Joint Institute
And many more!
A comprehensive list of all participating businesses and an interactive map is available online, guiding participants on their local adventure.
Community Photo Stops: For an extra entry into the grand prize drawing, participants can take photos at designated community photo stops, including the Spring Hill Library, City Hall, and Fischer Park. Simply post your photo on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #SHPassport24 to earn an additional chance to win!
Grand Prize Details: The grand prize haul includes an incredible assortment of gifts and vouchers from participating businesses, offering one lucky winner a prize worth thousands of dollars! This includes gifts from notable local businesses such as Listerhill Credit Union, Towhee Club & Birdsong Social, Brunch Collective, and many others.
How to Submit Your Passport: Once you have collected at least 15 stickers, return your passport to the Spring Hill Chamber Welcome Center (5326 Main Street, Suite G) by October 31, 2024. A dropbox is available for after-hours submissions, ensuring that everyone has a chance to participate.
Get Ready to Think, Shop, and Explore Local! The "Think, Shop, Explore Local Passport" campaign is an excellent way to discover new businesses, support our local economy, and engage with the Spring Hill community. So grab your passport, explore all that Spring Hill has to offer, and get ready for a fun-filled October with plenty of opportunities to win big!
For more information, visit www.springhillchamber.com or contact the Spring Hill Chamber Welcome Center at [phone].

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

Joseph “Joe” John Pfieffer, 76, lifelong resident of Columbia died Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Poplar Estates Retirement Center.
A graveside memorial service will be conducted Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Morton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…
Absentee Voting (Tennessean)
Can't make it to the polls in person on Election Day? Tennessee offers absentee voting, allowing voters to cast their ballot even if they can't physically make it to their polling site on Nov. 5. In Tennessee, voters can request an absentee ballot no earlier than 90 days before an election and no later than seven days before the election.
Before voting absentee, voters must have a legal reason. Per the Tennessee Secretary of State's office, you are eligible to vote absentee if:
You are sixty (60) years of age or older.
You will be outside the county where you are registered during the early voting period and all day on Election Day.
You are hospitalized, ill or physically disabled and unable to appear at your polling place to vote. A physician’s statement is not required to check this box.
You are the caretaker of a person who is hospitalized, ill, or disabled. A physician’s statement is not required to check this box.
You or your spouse are a full-time student in an accredited college or university outside the county where you are registered.
You reside in a nursing home, assisted living facility or home for the aged outside your county of residence.
You are a candidate for office in the election.
You are observing a religious holiday that prevents you from voting in person during the early voting period and on Election Day.
You serve as an Election Day official or as a member or employee of the election commission.
You will be unable to vote in-person due to jury duty.
You have a physical disability and an inaccessible polling place.
You or your spouse possess a valid commercial drivers license (CDL) or Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card and you will be working outside the state or county of registration during the open hours of early voting and Election Day and have no specific out-of-county or out-of-state address to which mail may be sent or received during such time.
You are a member of the military or are an overseas citizen.
You are on the permanent absentee list.
Registered voters can request an absentee ballot until Oct. 29, though the Election Commission advises voters request a ballot earlier to allow for mailing delays.
Voters must mail in their ballot in time for their county election commission to receive it, no later than the close of polls on Election Day. Hand delivering absentee ballots during early voting or on Election Day is not permitted, per the Secretary of State's office.
Once you've mailed your ballot, you may track it by visiting Tennessee's voter lookup page www.tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup on the Division of Elections homepage.
Once there you will be prompted to enter your information and you will be able to track when the ballot was received by the local county election commission office.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Ringo Starr will bring new music to Nashville when he headlines the historic Ryman Auditorium on Jan. 14 and 15, 2025, after the release of his brand-new country music album, Look Up, slated for Jan. 10, 2025. Produced and co-written by T Bone Burnett, the album features 11 original songs recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles this year. The track “Time On My Hands” is available to stream today. Tickets for the Ryman shows will be on sale on Oct. 25 at ryman.com.