Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-9-24

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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 September 9, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Rep. Ogles Asks for Phone Back (Tennessean)
U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, is asking the U.S. Department of Justice to return the cell phone confiscated by the FBI last month so that he can identify protected legislative materials he says are on them. 
FBI agents seized Ogles’ phone and Google account the day after he won a contested primary last month. 
In a filing Tuesday, Ogles’ attorneys argue that some materials on the phone and email account are protected as they “contain communications reflecting legislative acts of the most sensitive character–including confidential debate among dozens of Representatives about who should lead the House as Speaker.” 
Ogles wrote in an accompanying affidavit that his phone also contains text messages and emails with other House members, senators, and former President Donald Trump. 
Ogles’ filing asserts that the FBI probe is a form of political persecution, noting that the DOJ targeted Ogles after he filed articles of impeachment against the vice president.
“This danger is acute for Members who find themselves opponents of the Executive Branch,” the motion reads. “Not only is Mr. Ogles a Republican Member of Congress when the Executive is led by a Democrat, but he is also a member of the House Freedom Caucus, which this president has described as ‘extreme’ opponents of his agenda. … Plus, only days before the Executive sought the search warrants, Congressman Ogles introduced articles of impeachment against Vice President Kamala Harris.” 
Ogles has previously said he believes the FBI probe is related to errors in his campaign finance disclosures. But the filings repeatedly claim DOJ attorneys did not characterize Ogles as the target of an investigation. 
“During my conversations with prosecutors, they informed me that they considered Congressman Ogles to be a ‘subject’ of their investigation rather than a ‘target,’” Ogles’ attorney John Rowley III wrote in an affidavit. 
Federal Judge Alistair Newbern is giving the DOJ until Sept. 11 to respond. 

Duck River Feeling Drought (CDH)
On a parched patch of Duck River in Hickman County, dry rocks mix with empty mussel shells bleached from the sun. 
Don Hubbs, a malacologist and one of the state’s top experts on freshwater mussels, wades into the river and pulls out a large, brown Washboard mussel that he estimates is about 50 years old.
A natural water purifier, the Washboard can filter up to 50 gallons a day, he said. 
“This one’s an old soldier,” he said. 
Mussels are a lifeblood for biodiverse rivers and they’re often a “canary in the coal mine,” showing the first signs when something’s wrong in the ecosystem. 
And here in the Duck River Watershed, they’re dying at alarming rates.
Over two days in July, Hubbs collected 565 newly dead mussels representing 28 different species, including several that are listed as federally endangered. 
It was the worst he’s seen since the region’s last severe drought in 2007.
Drought conditions have gripped much of Middle Tennessee this summer, with some counties like Hickman seeing severe drought. 
Duck River is already experiencing historic lows for water flows, and conservationists fear a plan to allow utility companies to drain up to 73 millions of gallons a day will decimate a critical Tennessee resource.
Last week, the Southern Environmental Law Center sent a letter to state leaders urging them to form a drought response task force and deploy immediate water conservation measures.
“We're at a watershed moment, if you will, as far as we have a river that is currently in a state of crisis,” said George Nolan, director of the law center. “There is well-deserved attention that's being applied to it, and it's really time for our government leaders to step forward and start protecting the river.”
The Duck river flows 269 miles across Tennessee and has been recognized as the most biodiverse freshwater river in North America, with more than 200 species of snails, mussels and fish.
But the river faces strain as more water is pulled for consumption in rapidly developing Middle Tennessee.
This year, it ranked third on a list of America’s most endangered rivers.  
“And the challenge is that it's not a really big river as compared to some of our other rivers here in Tennessee, and so it's a finite resource,” Nolan said. 
Eight utility companies have petitioned the state to pull an additional 19 million gallons from the river, for a total of 73 million gallons of water each day. 
Environmentalists say the plan would permanently damage the river’s health.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has so far issued permits to three of the eight utilities, but the Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, is appealing those permits.
The group is pushing for permit terms that will safeguard the river and require water utilities to cut back on consumption in periods of low flow and drought. 
TDEC in a statement said it has “long recognized the high value of the Duck River and has taken proactive measures to ensure its protection.”
“Since 2020, TDEC has initiated a comprehensive, data-driven permitting process for the Duck River watershed that has included hosting a series of stakeholder meetings and public hearings," the agency said. "TDEC will continue to meet with stakeholders, be responsive to the public’s interest in the Duck River and utilize the checks and balances within our regulatory authority to ensure this precious resource remains protected and utilized appropriately.”
The agency said it is meeting with stakeholders on the recent drought conditions and the impact on water levels and is working to address short- and long-term water and conservation.
Nolan said a major concern is the lack of a clear drought management plan for the river.
Utilities that draw from the river are required to enact their own drought emergency plans, but they have yet to kick in despite the water being dangerously low, he said.
He said the Duck River Agency, which is funded by the water utilities, has a decade-old drought management plan that only measures water levels from behind Normandy Dam, located upstream in Bedford and Coffee counties.
“The drought triggers aren't keyed to the conditions in the river,” Nolan said. “They are keyed to how much water is behind the Normandy Dam, which is in the upper reaches of the river, and (Tennessee Valley Authority) has been very cautious about how much water it releases to the river from that dam.”
Duck River Agency Executive Director Doug Murphy acknowledges the need for an updated drought plan and said the agency is in the process of forming a drought response team with state and local officials that will meet weekly to assess conditions.
The river agency is also declaring a “Stage 1 River Drought” and is requesting that all water users voluntarily cut back on non-essential usage such as irrigation, washing sidewalks and driveways, outdoor recreation and non-commercial washing of vehicles and boats. 
Murphy said the alarm bells went off for him last week when he saw a shockingly dry patch of river.
“Our No. 1 goal is to protect the river,” he said. “We don’t want to run out of water. We want to protect the river and we want to protect aquatic life.”
But for those who live along the river, the alarm bells have been going off for much longer. 
Doug Jones, whose family has owned 150 acres along the river for decades, said neighbors have been calling him noticing boulders and other strange formations jutting out of the dwindling waters.
“They’re telling me, 'I’m seeing things in the river I’ve never seen before,'” he said.
He and others say it’s time for the state to step in and set new drought regulations. 
On Thursday, Jones was joined on his riverfront property by Nolan and Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, who has also been fighting for more Duck River conservation.
Barrett said he’d like to see Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and TDEC step in to put pressure on the water utilities to start implementing drought management plans. 
And residents need to do their part, too, he said. 
“There’s some easy stuff that can really raise awareness,” Barrett said. “You can put out statements saying ‘Hey, we’re in a drought, we’d like you to cut back on nonessentials... no extra showers, don’t water your lawn, don’t fill your pool.’ It raises awareness for everyone when they go to turn that tap on.”
As Barrett spoke, Hubbs, the malacologist and expert on mollusks, waded through the river, gathering dead mussel shells. 
While he’s concerned, Hubbs said mussels are amazingly regenerative. When water levels are low, they can dive deep into the ground, and wait for better conditions.
“One thing the Duck River has going for it, it’s a fairly resilient river,” he said.

Columbia Dubbed Pet-Friendly (CDH)
The city of Columbia was recently certified as a pet-friendly city through Mars Petcare's Better Cities For Pets program.
“We are honored to be recognized as a Certified City by Mars Petcare, a testament to the commitment to being a more pet-friendly city," Mayor Chaz Molder said. "This award highlights Columbia's dedication to fostering a pet-friendly environment where both people and pets can thrive together. We remain committed to ensuring Columbia continues to be a place where all residents — two-legged and four-legged — can lead healthy, happy lives.”
The Better Cities For Pets program, which launched in 2019, is part of an initiative by Mars Petcare to help cities become more pet friendly. The program was developed in partnership with Civic Design Center, a leading entity in regard to designing inclusive public spaces, while incorporating feedback from government and animal welfare experts.
"With over 60 percent of households in the U.S. and Canada now including pets, Columbia is at the forefront of fostering a vibrant and inclusive community that supports the well-being of both pets and their owners, a press release states."
The program's goal is to encourage cities to recognize the benefits pets bring to communities while also providing guidance on pet-friendly policies and practices.
“It is very exciting for Maury County Animal Services to receive this recognition with the City of Columbia," Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt said. "The County has spent the last two years making our Animal Services more responsive to the needs of our community. I want to congratulate Director Kim Rafauff and her staff for achieving this recognition for Columbia. Working together we make Maury County a better place to live for all of us.”

First Watch to Open Soon (MauryCountySource)
First Watch, the popular breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant, will open in Columbia on Monday, September 16, 2024. The restaurant is located at 202 S. James M. Campbell Boulevard, the former O’Charley’s site.
They will bring a chef-inspired menu and rotating seasonal offerings to a 6,265 square-foot space that seats more than 150 people. The new spot will also offer a patio with umbrellas and an indoor bar.
To celebrate the opening, customers who dine in at the new Columbia South location Monday, September 16 through Friday, September 20 will receive free Project Sunrise coffee with their meal. First Watch’s menu takes an elevated approach to traditional breakfast, brunch and lunch offerings. All dishes are made to order using fresh ingredients in a kitchen without heat lamps, microwaves or deep fryers. Fan favorites include Avocado Toast, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Million Dollar Bacon. Five times a year, First Watch offers a revolving seasonal menu that follows the position of the sun to source fresh ingredients. The Columbia South restaurant will offer its first seasonal menu in Winter 2024.
The restaurant will employ approximately 30 people and operate on a one-shift a day, “No Night Shifts Ever” approach that enables its teams to enjoy their evenings and build a better quality of life. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at careers.firstwatch.com.
First Watch is open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily for pickup, delivery and dine-in service. To place an order or join a digital waitlist, visit firstwatch.com.

Sepsis Month (Press Release)
September is Sepsis Awareness Month and September 13 is World Sepsis Day. These global events aim to raise awareness and save lives, and Maury Regional Health (MRH) is participating to spread awareness with a campaign to #StopSepsis in southern Middle Tennessee. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sepsis affects millions of people worldwide each year, and approximately one in five deaths globally were associated with it in 2020, calling for an opportunity for greater awareness.
“Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. As a physician working in critical care, I’ve seen firsthand how early recognition and swift action makes all the difference for patient outcomes,” said Thomas Quinn, MD, a board-certified specialist in internal and critical care medicine on MRH’s medical staff. “We’re here to care for our patients should they become septic, but we want to also help our community learn about prevention and early detection.”
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that originates when the body has an extreme response to an existing infection, which causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Some common infections, when left untreated, that may cause sepsis include minor infections, such as a small cut or a bug bite, to more serious conditions, such as lung infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), skin infection or an infection within the gastrointestinal tract. Sepsis can lead to septic shock, which is a significant drop in blood pressure that can lead to organ failure or death.
While all ages are susceptible to sepsis, infants, seniors and those with diseases or treatments that compromise the immune system are at greater risk.
Common symptoms to monitor for sepsis include: 
Fever
Difficulty breathing
Low blood pressure
Fast heart rate or weak pulse
Confusion or mental decline
Sleepiness
Sweaty or clammy skin
Extreme pain or discomfort
 
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate emergency medical attention. Tell your physician or nurse about any cuts or infections and say, “I am concerned about sepsis.”
The best way to avoid sepsis is by taking measures to prevent infection and seeking medical attention if you believe you may have an infection. Sepsis is treated with antibiotics and intravenous fluids. Early detection and treatment are critical to improving outcomes.
Maury Regional Medical Center offers a state-of-the-art critical care floor to provide sophisticated medical care for patients who have experienced trauma, as well as those recovering from surgical procedures and critical illnesses. The physicians and nursing staff have advanced training in caring for critical patients.
Learn more about how to #StopSepsis at MauryRegional.com/Sepsis.

Mt. Pleasant Receives Art Grant (MSM)
The City of Mount Pleasant recently announced that it has been awarded an Arts Build Communities (ABC) Grant by the Tennessee Arts Commission for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
The intent of this grant money is to host a continuation of the acrylics painting course for Mount Pleasant-area senior citizens that started last fall. This course will build on the foundations learned in the last sessions and will develop artist skills.
“If you are a senior that did not attend the sessions last year, do not worry, you can still start new this year! We will be glad to have you!” city officials stated via social media.
If you know of a local senior citizen that would like to participate in this opportunity, help them sign up for this fun filled painting class taught by artist extraordinaire Susan Jones. Signups can be made online at www.mtpleasant-tn.gov/acrylics-painting-course or by visiting the Mount Pleasant Community Center to pick up a form.
“A huge THANK YOU to the TN Arts Commission. It is because of their continued support that we have the opportunity to provide such a great class to our community,” officials said.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Brenda Joyce Harris Tune, 73, and resident of Columbia, died Friday, September 6, 2024 at Maury Regional Medical Center
A graveside service will be held Wednesday September 11, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at Polk Memorial Gardens. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements and condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. 

And now, news from around the state…
Ed Commissioner Ethics Probe Dropped (Tennessean)
The Tennessee Ethics Commission has dismissed a complaint against Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds. 
The ethics complaint filed by Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, in May alleges Reynolds illegally accepted travel reimbursements paid for by a group that also lobbies the legislature. Reynolds attended two out-of-state events last year with expenses paid by her former employer, ExcelinEd, a national advocacy group whose partner 501(c)(4) — which shares staff, office space, and a post office box — employs a lobbyist in Tennessee.
State law prohibits members of the executive branch from accepting gifts, including travel reimbursements, from lobbyists and their employers.
ExcelinEd employs Miranda Williams, who is registered as a lobbyist in Tennessee. Williams works for both ExcelinEd, and ExcelinEd Action, according to the group’s websites. She advocated for Gov. Bill Lee's statewide universal school voucher proposal this spring, which Reynolds as commissioner of the department also pushed the legislation.
After The Tennessean first reported the travel — and the ethics complaint was filed — Reynolds paid back about $2,000 in travel expenses and was reimbursed by the state.
Commissioners considered the complaint last week behind closed doors, ultimately voting 4 to 0 to dismiss the complaint, and not refer it to the Attorney General’s office for further investigation. 
In a letter to Reynolds, her attorney, and Hemmer sent Friday, the panel noted that Reynolds’ repayment of the funds was the deciding factor for the finding. 
“The Commission found that, although the need to address these matters is disappointing, ultimately, due to Commissioner Reynolds’ repayment of the expenses in question, there is insufficient probable cause and insufficient value to be gained by proceeding with this matter further,” the letter states. 
Commissioners did not make any conclusion on whether Reynolds knowingly violated state law by accepting a prohibited gift, noting that her “willingness to correct the potential violation” precluded the need for further action from the body. 
Commissioners instructed the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance to recommend the legislature require all members of the Governor’s Cabinet to complete the same ethics training that is already required for lawmakers. 
“The Commission is convinced that the circumstances here might never have occurred had Commissioner Reynolds sought guidance from the Commission or the Commissions staff regarding [ethics laws],” the letter states. 
Hemmer this week announced plans to file legislation next year to clarify state ethics laws that prohibit officials from accepting travel paid by groups that lobby the legislature.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The all-new production of the Tony Award®-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN, will perform at Tennessee Performing Arts Center®’s Jackson Hall Jan. 7-12, 2025.
This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a newly-imagined production directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price with additional book by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, choreography by Lorin, flying sequences choreographed by Paul with music supervision and additional arrangements by Andy Einhorn.
“PETER PAN is one of the great treasures of the American Musical Theatre,” said Lonny Price. “The show nurtures and inspires the imagination of its audience and reminds us to keep alive the child within us all.”

Tickets on sale now at TPAC.ORG, by phone at 615-782-4040 and in person at the TPAC Box Office, 505 Deaderick St., in downtown Nashville.