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

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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 August 8, 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 Under FBI Investigation (TheNewsTN)
U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles has confirmed his cellphone was confiscated by the FBI last week after he won the Republican nomination for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District once again.
NewsChannel 5 was the first to report that the FBI issued a search warrant for Ogles, who has received attention for changes in his campaign financial filings.
G. Kline Preston, the lawyer representing Ogles, initially told the media organization he would not confirm or deny the search warrant. Later, the lawyer told the Washington Post the warrant was issued by a court order and was limited in asking only for Ogles' cellphone.
In a statement on the social media platform X, Ogles said, "It has been widely reported for months that my campaign made mistakes in our initial financial filings. We have worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts to correct the errors and ensure compliance going forward.
"Last Friday, the FBI took possession of my cell phone. It is my understanding that they are investigating the same well-known facts surrounding these filings."
The FBI declined to comment to NewsChannel 5 and instead referred the media outlet to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, which also gave no comment.
Maryam Abolfazli, Ogles' Democratic opponent in the forthcoming general election for the 5th Congressional District, issued the following statement on Tuesday: "The FBI’s execution of a search warrant and confiscation of Andy Ogles’ cell phone is deeply upsetting, especially given an ongoing pattern of misappropriated funds and falsehoods regarding his education and work history. Congressman Ogles continues to bring scandal and embarrassment to the 5th (District), and he needs to go."
Ogles amended nearly a dozen past campaign finance reports in May to show a personal loan of $320,000 to his campaign in 2022 never happened. The amended filings instead reported Ogles loaned his campaign $20,000. He also made significant changes to his contributions and disbursements for the first quarter of 2024. His original report showed he raised nearly $86,000 but the amended filing reported no money was raised in the first quarter.
Campaign finance watchdog group the Campaign Legal Center filed a complaint to the Office of Congressional Ethics and included information from Ogles' personal financial disclosures to back up its accusations that a personal loan of several thousand was not possible. The complaint stated Ogles' financial reports contained discrepancies worth more than $1 million.
Ogles has said he will "fully cooperate" with the FBI and has been doing the same with the Federal Election Commission.
"I am confident all involved will conclude that the reporting discrepancies were based on honest mistakes, and nothing more," Ogles said.

OPMobility to Expand (MSM)
OPMobility will receive a $558,000 incentive grant from Tennessee toward a $3 million expansion of its Spring Hill plant, which is expected to lead to 186 new jobs in Maury County.
The France-based company was renamed OPMobility from Plastic Omnium in March. It will then have 568 employees in Tennessee and more than 200 in Spring Hill after expanding from its 18 current employees in Maury County.
OPMobility will expand its product offerings and “further support electric vehicle production lines” with the expansion, it says.
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced the project in late June without revealing the incentive amount.
Economists question whether economic incentives such as the TNECD FastTrack grants are necessary to recruit new businesses or have businesses expand in the state.
FastTrack grants are state grants sent to companies to help offset the costs of expanding or moving into the state with the goal of increasing the number of full-time jobs and the average wages of jobs available in an area.
Tennessee recently approved nearly $1 million in FastTrack Job Training Grants for Walmart Associates e-commerce fulfillment center in Lebanon and Hyla Mobile in Mt. Juliet.
Tennessee also pledged $218,750 to Synergy Magnetics for its planned $5.6 million startup in Jackson County that will employ 35 people in Gainesboro. The company manufactures transformers.
TNECD now has a balance of more than $139 million in uncommitted funds for FastTrack incentives. The state reported $13.2 million in newly deobligated funds toward that balance from companies that will no longer be receiving the promised grant totals, often due to not fulfilling the promised investment or new job requirements.

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.

City Announces Exhibit Opening (Press Release)
The Visit Columbia Welcome Center is pleased to announce the opening of a new art exhibit featuring esteemed artist, musician, and author Ron York. The exhibition will be on display now through the end of September. Admission is free, and all of York’s artwork is available for purchase.
Ron York, a respected local artist with an acclaimed career, has put together a compelling collection of his works for this exhibit. York, who began his artistic journey after transitioning from a career in interior design, has had his pieces displayed in galleries both nationally and internationally. His work is part of prestigious collections at Belmont University, Tom Collins Music, First Baptist Church, Renasant Bank, and the Nashville City Club. Notable figures such as Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’, and Kelly Clarkson also own pieces of his art.
Beyond his achievements in visual art, York is a celebrated musician with eight CDs of original compositions and an award-winning author with two non-fiction books and eight novels published under St. Broadway Press LLC. Although he retired from operating his art gallery in 2023, York continues to actively engage in his creative endeavors.
The public is encouraged to experience this exceptional exhibition at the Visit Columbia Welcome Center located at 713 N Main Street. For further details about Ron York and his body of work, follow him on Instagram @ronyorkartist and Facebook.

Breezeway Closure (Press Release)
Beginning this week, the breezeway providing access to downtown Columbia from the parking lot behind City Hall (beside Square Market) will be closed until further notice for structural assessment.
Downtown visitors parking in this lot are encouraged to use Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace during business hours to access the square while the assessment is being conducted.

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."

Maury Regional Sleep Centers Accredited (Press Release)
The sleep centers across the Maury Regional Health (MRH) system have once again been accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), a testament to an ongoing commitment to providing high-quality sleep medicine services. This accreditation has been maintained at Maury Regional Sleep Center in Columbia since 2014, reaching a 10-year milestone. The addition of centers in Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Waynesboro, Tennessee followed, and each has maintained accreditation since 2018.  
“The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates Maury Regional Sleep Centers on meeting the rigorous standards required to maintain accreditation for sleep services,” said AASM President Dr. Eric J. Olson. “AASM accreditation is the gold standard for sleep care, giving patients confidence and peace of mind when they seek help for a sleep disorder.”
 
AASM’s rigorous standards include a comprehensive evaluation of the facility’s staff, equipment, policies, procedures and patient care quality. The goals of the sleep center must also be stated clearly and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community. This accreditation reflects MRH’s continuous efforts to offer the best diagnostic and treatment services for sleep disorders.
“We are honored to receive the AASM accreditation once again, as it reflects our commitment to providing excellent care in sleep medicine,” said MRMC CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “At Maury Regional Health, we understand the critical role that sleep plays in overall health and are proud to offer comprehensive services that improve the quality of sleep – and life – in our community.”
Sleep studies are a form of diagnostic testing that assists in diagnosing a variety of sleep disorders that range from sleep apnea, insomnia or restless leg syndrome (RLS). These disorders, if left untreated, can have a significant impact on overall health, including heart health. There are many types of tests available at MRH’s sleep center locations which monitor heart rate, snoring, airflow, brain waves and movements in the muscles and eyes. Additionally, at-home testing is sometimes available, which allows a patient to remain in the comfort of their own home with easy-to-follow instructions.
Learn more or schedule a sleep study at MauryRegional.com/Sleep.

4-H Roundup (MSM)
During the week of July 15-19, 2024, Tennessee 4-H held the annual 4-H Roundup at UT-Martin. Roundup is one of the premier events in Tennessee 4-H.
Over 375 high school-aged 4-H members from across the state attended this event, and Maury County was represented by 4-H member Eliza DeKleyn.
At Roundup, the 4-H members had the opportunity to tour and learn more about the university. Selected individuals competed in their project areas, which awarded a total of $75,000 in scholarship money to the winners.
Becoming a 4-H project state winner is the culmination of many years of hard work. The first step is selecting a project area, then working to become a state finalist. State finalists are selected through the scoring of their project portfolio. A project portfolio is comprised of a youth’s project narrative and records, event participation and leadership opportunities they have had through 4-H over the past three years. If selected as a finalist, youth compete against the top finalists from across the state during Tennessee 4-H Roundup, during the interview portion, for scholarships.
Eliza was named a State Finalist in the Senior High Level 1 Horse Project and did a fantastic job representing Maury County 4-H.
“By attending Roundup I not only got to represent my county and my hard work, I got to build new relationships and make lifelong friends,” she said.
The Maury County 4-H members who attend Roundup each year are a part of the Maury County 4-H Sigma Lambda Chi Project Group. This is the group for youth in grades 6-12 that would like to continue participating in 4-H. Meetings for 2024-2025 Sigma Lambda Chi will begin in October. Maury County 4-H will also begin numerous judging teams, project groups and the club program in the coming months.
4-H is the Youth Development program for University of Tennessee Extension. 4-H teaches leadership, citizenship and service learning to more than 179,000 youth in grades 4-12. For more information about the Maury County 4-H, please call [phone]. 4-H is a part of University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee State University Extension and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. UT-TSU Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments. All are welcome.

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…
Holiday Tourism Breaks Records (MauryCountySource)
Nashville’s two premier summertime music events – Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th and CMA Fest – both experienced record-breaking numbers, according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. Stadium concerts also continue to drive leisure visitation.
“Nashville’s tourism economy, built on our vibrant live music scene, is truly a driving force of our city’s success,” said Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “It creates jobs, generates tax revenue, boosts our local businesses, and supports our musicians and creative culture. We’re thrilled to see our major-event strategy leading to record-breaking visitor spending and hotel room nights sold.”
The free Independence Day concert and fireworks show, which included drone lights for the first time, resulted in the most hotel room nights ever sold on July 4th in Davidson County with 27,136 hotel rooms filled, higher than the previous peak in 2019. Visitor spending generated by the event was a record-breaking $17.5 million. As previously announced, the record-breaking crowd of approximately 355,000 was a 42% increase compared to last year’s event.
About half of visitors surveyed at July 4th this year said the primary reason for their visit to Nashville was the downtown event. About 80% said they were first-time attendees. Over the same July 4th period, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center hosted Delta Sigma Theta Southern Regional Conference with 4,500 attendees, which also helped fill hotel rooms.
Country music’s signature festival generated a record-breaking $77.3 million in estimated direct visitor spending, which was a 3.5% increase over last year’s celebration of the event’s 50th anniversary. As previously announced, about 90,000 fans attended daily (June 6-9). They came from all 50 states and 46 countries, according to the Country Music Association.
The average travel party size was 3.4 people spending $3,608 and staying five nights. About half of visitors indicated they traveled by air to the event, and 11.4% of visitors surveyed were international. The number of downtown rooms sold over the four-day event was up nearly 5% over last year, and the occupancy rate downtown peaked at 93.5% on Friday night. The top five feeder states outside of Tennessee were Florida, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and California.
In addition to downtown music events, the weekend of June 28-29 was the second-best weekend on record in terms of hotel room demand with a total of 74,983 rooms sold, a 13% increase over the same weekend last year. Driving visitation was the Zach Bryan concert at Nissan Stadium on June 29, resulting in downtown hotel occupancy on that day of 97.4%. The ALLY 400 NASCAR CUP SERIES at Nashville Superspeedway also took place that weekend.
Nashville set an all-time record for hotel room sales during the first weekend in May this year driven by the Morgan Wallen concerts at Nissan Stadium, a Predators home playoff game and numerous college and university graduations with more than 75,500 hotel rooms sold- the most ever in the city’s history for a Friday and Saturday.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Tennesseans won’t have to travel far for vibrant cultural experiences this upcoming season with performances at Tennessee Performing Arts Center® by TAIKOPROJECT and STEP AFRIKA! that showcase artists from around the world. From rhythmic African step dance to the thunderous beats of Japanese taiko drums, these experiences promise to captivate audiences with its diverse entertainment and artistic excellence.
“We are so excited for Nashville audiences to experience these exceptional performances which celebrate cultures from around the world,” said Jennifer Turner, TPAC President and CEO. “Both shows not only entertain, but also educate and inspire through their unique art forms. These performances exemplify TPAC’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and cultures on our stages.”
Tickets on sale at 10 a.m. at TPAC.ORG, by phone at 615-782-4040.