Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-21-24

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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.

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for October 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…
Ogles Hires Lawyers for Defense (Tennessean)
Freshman U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles spent $50,000 to hire white collar defense attorneys immediately after the FBI confiscated his cell phone in a probe believed to be related to chronic errors in his campaign finance filings.
Ogles paid a $25,000 retainer for legal consulting to Secil Law PLLC in Falls Church, Virginia — a firm that specializes in white collar criminal defense and compliance, among other specialties. Funds were paid on Aug. 6, days after the FBI took his phone, according to Ogles’ latest campaign spending disclosures.
On the same day, Ogles spent another $25,000 for consulting from the E & W Law Group in Washington, D.C., attorneys that specialize in investigations, compliance and criminal defense.
Ogles is seeking reelection in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District this year, with former President Donald Trump's endorsement. He faces Democrat Maryam Abolfazli on Nov. 5. Early voting is underway through Oct. 31.
For more than two years, Ogles has faced scrutiny and multiple complaints over his federal campaign finance disclosures, including a Federal Election Commission complaint alleging a “pattern of malfeasance” in his financial dealings in 2022, and $5,750 in civil penalties for campaign finance violations after the 2022 cycle.
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. He recently admitted that the 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.
Previously, Ogles has said that he believes the probe is connected with errors in his campaign finance filings, which he has “worked diligently” to correct.

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].

Boys and Girls Club Gala Raises Money (MSM)
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee, a leader in youth development, recently announced that its 25th annual Great Futures Gala raised an impressive $313,000. These funds will help expand the Club’s services and programs, ensuring that young people in the community continue to have access to the resources they need to thrive.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community,” said Ginny Wright, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee. “The funds raised at this event will go directly toward enhancing our programming and providing more opportunities for the youth we serve. We are also thrilled to announce that, as of Oct. 7, 2024, all teen membership fees have been waived, ensuring that cost is no longer a barrier for teens who want to participate.”
Held at Worldwide Stages in Spring Hill, the Gala featured inspiring speeches, live musical performances and a lively auction. A highlight of the evening was a heartfelt testimony from Josh, a long-time Club member, who shared how the Boys & Girls Club has helped shape his life.
“The Boys & Girls Club has shown me many ways to improve. I have developed leadership skills by being an example for younger members. No matter how I behave or even when I mess up, the staff have always let me come back and treated me like everyone else,” Josh said.
Besides waiving teen membership fees, the Club is poised to reduce fees for all other members in the near future. This initiative ensures that more youth can benefit from the Club’s impactful programs without financial barriers.
This year’s Gala was made possible by the generous support of numerous sponsors.
The vision of Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to provide a world-class club experience that ensures success is within reach for every young person who enters our doors. Founded in 1999, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee serves more than 1,500 youth annually across three Clubhouse sites and eleven school-based locations. In partnership with Maury County Public Schools since 2016, the Club has expanded its reach to provide vital services to children and families throughout the region.
For more information, please visit Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee at www.bgcsctn.org.

Fall Activities in Maury County (CDH)
As fall continues to set in, with it comes many community events and seasonal opportunities to make the most out of the season.
Whether it is visiting a local pumpkin patch or dressing up for this year's annual Haunting in The District, the fall season is ripe with activity and fun events for the whole family.
Maury County's farming communities annually offer opportunities to visit local pumpkin patches, while also taking part in other traditional fall-related activities like hayrides, corn mazes and getting a hands-on look at farm life.
Hidden Bee Farm and animal sanctuary, 753 Carter's Creek Pike in Columbia, is holding its annual fall events, including activities like picking a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, participating in the hay maze and obstacle course, chucking a pumpkin, taking a hay ride or feeding the rescue animals.
Prices vary depending on activity. Activities last through October.
Proceeds go toward supporting the farm's animal rescue efforts.
Visit https://hiddenbeeanimalrescue.org for more information.
Pumpkin Paradise, 3005 Sheegog Lane, offers much of the classic hands-on pumpkin patch experience, from hayrides to flying pigs, a corn box (like a sandbox, but with corn), as well as a farmer's garden growing fresh produce.
Pumpkin Paradise is open every weekend through Nov. 2, with hours running 2-6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 1-6 p.m. Sundays.
Limoland Pumpkin Patch, 8076 Columbia Highway in Pulaski, offers pumpkins and fall activities. Limoland, a diversified family farm located north of Pulaski, was founded in 1982.
A family fun area is open to all with a big slide, haystacks, corn maze, farm animals, and weekend barrel train rides.
Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday 1 pm-5 pm through Oct. 31. Admission is $8 for adults, children 3 and up is $8, children under 3 are free with paying adult. Call 931-363-5744 for more information or visit http://www.limolandfarm.com.
The Awaken House coffeehouse and venue, 3035 Reserve Blvd in Spring Hill, will hold a Fall Fest Oct. 25-26 including food trucks, live music, a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, kids activities and vendors.
Visit https://www.theawakenhouse.co/ for more information.
The City of Columbia will once again celebrate All Hallows Eve with its annual Haunting in the District on the downtown square from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
Presented by the Maury County Visitors Bureau, Haunting in the District brings families and people of all ages together for a safe and fun night of trick or treating on the downtown square.
Get your scare on at Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods, which has been entertaining guests for years, always stepping up the frights and thrills each October. You'll fight off a hoard of zombies with paintball guns, learn about a local phosphate legend in the Hillbilly Hollar haunted trail or simply bask in the fun time of Columbia's long-running haunt at its Entertainment Zone.
Miller's Thrillers is located at 1431 Carters Creek Pike and is open from 7-11 p.m. every Friday and 6-11 p.m. every Saturday through Nov. 2 and will be closed on Halloween.
The United Farm & Home Co-op, 957 Riverview Lane, will host a Halloween themed Cruisin' the Co-op: Classic Cars & Candy Bars from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25. This will also be the final Cruisin' the Co-op car show of 2024.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, Fall Funfest will take place at Woodland Park, 821 W. 9th St., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event will feature food trucks, outdoor games, as well as pumpkin carving and a photo booth. The event is hosted by Tristar Realty, with proceeds benefiting C.A.S.A. of Maury County.
Head down to the Rebel Bar and Grill, 307 Riverside Drive for its Haunted Bash starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Enjoy a spooky night of karaoke and dancing, as well as a $25 all-you-can-eat buffet. There will also be a $100 cash prize for best costume.
As a town with a celebrated history, uncovering the past sometimes involves digging up a few old ghosts, some whose spirits are known to still haunt many of Columbia's historic buildings and sites.
Now in its 15th year, Downtown Columbia Ghost Tours takes visitors around the downtown square, with tour guides sharing eerie tales of former Columbia residents, some of which are known to still haunt the area.
Downtown Ghost Tours will start promptly at 8 p.m. Fridays at the Maury County Courthouse steps. Tickets are $10 per person and cash only. Reservations are required by calling [phone].
Another Columbia haunted tour tradition is the Rose Hill Cemetary Tour, which returns from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Guides will lead guests around the historic Rose Hill Cemetery by lantern light, with costumed actors bringing to life a few former Columbia residents.
Tickets for the Rose Hill Cemetery Tour are $10. For more information, call [phone]. Also be sure to bring a flashlight.

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

Norma Jean Fowler Hallmark Dickens, 88, died Friday, October 18, 2024 at her residence in Columbia.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M Monday, October 21, 2024 at Polk Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com

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…
Regional Election Overseer Appointed (MauryCountySource)
Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee announced that Criminal Chief Ben Schrader will lead the United States Attorney’s Office’s efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. Criminal Chief Schrader has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Tennessee, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
Acting United States Attorney Jaworski said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
Acting United States Attorney Jaworski stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Criminal Chief/DEO Schrader will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: [phone].”

Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee Today!
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Tennessee State Parks have announced improvements coming to Burgess Falls State Park, including a new Visitor Center and aviary.
Construction will cause the closure of some of the available parking. These closures will be in effect until the project is completed in 2026.
“We always want our visitors to be able to enjoy the park as much as possible, and we can’t wait to see these new features,” said Park Manager Nathaniel Garrison. “We recognize the work may be an inconvenience, and we want to inform everyone fully about the project. We ask for everyone’s understanding while the work is being done.”
Work on the new Visitor Center will also have an impact on several trees on park property close to the road that will need to be removed to make way for underground utilities, new entrance to the Visitor Center, and parking spaces.
The initial phase of the project includes the construction of a new maintenance facility, which is expected to be completed this summer. The maintenance facility will house the park office until the new Visitor Center is complete. The old park office, ranger residence, and old maintenance building will be demolished to make room for the new Visitor Center.
Burgess Falls State Park is located in Sparta, TN. Learn more at www.tnstateparks.com.