Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-24-24

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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 July 24, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Local Dems React to Political Change (CDH)
Much like this year's election season, President Joe Biden's announcement Sunday to step down from the November race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement continues to polarize voters.
In Tennessee, local Democrats appear to support Biden's choice to no longer seek a second term, and see Harris accepting the nomination for president as an opportunity to unite the Democratic Party.
Following Biden's announcement Sunday, Tennessee Democratic Party voted to support his endorsement of Harris.
"Mr. President, we will carry out the mission and finish the job of building back better," the Tennessee Democratic Party posted to social media following the Sunday announcement. "Our President @joebiden has delivered for the American people, now it’s our turn. We must unite and defeat Donald Trump."
In Maury County, local Democratic Party leaders also believe that, while initially surprising to hear, it has "breathed new life" into the party.
"I am very enthusiastically supporting Kamala Harris, I believe she has made a great vice president and will make an even greater president," Maury County Democratic Chair James Dallas said.
Dallas added that while Biden's decision to step down is "understanding and respectable" he never doubted Biden's ability to run. The hard part, he said, is convincing others.
"I saw the same debate that everyone else did, and I had serious concerns about his ability, not necessarily to do the job as president, but his ability to convince people that he was fit enough to continue leading the country," Dallas said. "Unfortunately, a lot of politics is perception versus reality."
Maury County Democratic Party Vice Chair Vicki Hale remarked on Biden's choice to make the announcement.
"What courage that took, to not be a selfish politician and put your country ahead of your own ego, and that's what he did," Hale said.
Hale added that she believes in Harris's abilities.
"I see a confident woman who's been vice president, on a learning curve, for the past four years, and this is what it's about, taking that next step, the appropriate step," Hale said.
"With Biden's endorsement for Harris as his replacement, this couldn't be a better time to rev things up, unite and gain more forward momentum."
"The switch is flipped on and there is a real race now. This is a breath of fresh air for our party, though obviously what people are saying in public and behind closed doors are obviously two different things."
With the upcoming Democratic National Convention set to take place in Chicago for the first time since 1996, Maury County will maintain a supportive presence.
Earlier this year, two Maury County women were selected to serve as delegates at the Aug. 19-22 convention, Jai Lipscomb of Columbia and Lisa Brooks of Williamsport.
Both were selected in April at the 5th Congressional District Convention in Nashville.
"Maury County was an underdog, because we only have about 10% of the Democrats in the 5th Congressional District," Dallas stated in a press release at the time. "But our people showed up enthusiastically to support Jai and Lisa, despite the convention being scheduled on the same day as the Mule Day parade. As a result of their hard work and determination, as well as the political skill of our candidates, Maury County Democrats got 40% of our district's representation at the DNC."
Brooks shared her excitement for not only being selected as a DNC delegate, but this is also the first time she's attending one.
"Since I was a child, I remember always watching them with my parents," Brooks said. "It's to know what our party stands for and our platform over the next four years and getting everybody behind our candidates. I just can't wait because there is going to be so much excitement."
And when it came to Harris, she is proud of the change she represents.
"If somebody else runs against her, I guess we'll see what we'll do, but she is the right person at the right time," Brooks said. "It's time we had a woman president. Hopefully this new excitement around Kamala will help her to win."

Hewlett-Spencer Retained and Other County News (MSM)
Maury County commissioners, by a 15-2 margin, chose Hewlett Spencer as owner/advocate for upcoming building projects during their July 15 meeting.
The choice went against the recommendation of the Building Committee, which had advanced the application of Kline Swinney Associates. After that meeting, a number of commissioners had expressed a preference for Hewlett, which has overseen a number of projects for county government previously.
Commissioner Ray Jeter was critical of Hewlett Spencer’s application, saying the company was not transparent about its bidding process and the fees charged.
“This county is getting ready to spend tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars in construction over the next 10 years,” Commissioner Ray Jeter said. “This decision matters to the people of Maury County, it matters to the taxpayers, the people we were elected to represent… If I look at the evaluation sheet provided to us, it’s real simple… Hewlett gave us no fee, that’s not what a request for proposal is. Kline Swinney provided that information.”
Kathey Grodi countered by speaking in favor of Hewlett, saying, “They’ve saved us over $2 million in either pro bono work or saved money off bids.”
A new, three-year agreement with Maury Regional Medical Center to provide ambulance service was approved, at a cost of $2 million per year with a five percent annual increase.
Grants for the Maury County Health Department ($1.488 million) and the Maury County Animal Shelter ($1,100) were also approved without discussion.
The proposed purchase of the bookstore adjoining the new justice center was postponed until the August Commission meeting, at the request of Grodi, who noted that five commissioners were absent that evening.
Commissioners also approved the appointment of Quinton Jones to the Regional Planning Commission to fill the unexpired term of the late Randall Webster. Debra Davis was appointed to the Library Board, while Ronnie Hines, Brian Griggs, Derrick Wright and Jennifer Graham were appointed to the Board of Equalization.
Commissioners also voted to reclassify five deputies in the Maury County Sheriff’s Department to the rank of corporal and created a temporary position of transport officer in that department, as well as a temporary election administration worker to serve through the November election.
A donation of two parcels of property on Enterprise Road and Dog Branch Road was accepted by commissioners for potential use as a future fire station.
The commission also approved a resolution declaring the county’s population growth as listed in the 2020 U.S. Census. The resolution is necessary to allow Maury County to eventually add an impact fee on new construction via a bill passed by the General Assembly earlier this year.
The county tax rate of $1.91 and an amended 2024-25 budget also received approval.

Spring Hill State of the City (MSM)
Those connected to businesses in Spring Hill, along with county and state officials, came together at the UAW Hall on Thursday, July 18, for a luncheon and annual State of the City address.
The event was hosted by the city’s Chamber of Commerce, with Executive Director Rebecca Melton saying, “We just want to have the city give an update” to area businesses on what’s relevant to their endeavors.
The information came from a panel made up of Aldermen Matt Fitterer of Ward 2 and Vincent Fuqua and Trent Linville, who both represent Ward 4. The trio responded to questions developed by the chamber’s Committee of City Affairs.
For the first inquiry, Fitterer revealed that the state comptroller’s office had found wrong budget information sent to them by the city. This, he said, has resulted in city officials having to go to the comptroller for borrowing needs on a “case-to-case basis.” On behalf of his fellow board members and the city staff, Fitterer said, “We’ll make the appropriate changes.”
Developments already underway and what they are bringing to Spring Hill were also reviewed. Fitterer said, “What is exciting now, is that we’ve got four or five projects,” which is a lot for one city. He then described each one of those endeavors, reflecting on the valued “impact to the city” that’s afforded over the coming years.
For that future, Linville said, the “Spring Hill that is today,” will positively change in the next five years, “and increase the quality of life.”
Concerning infrastructure, Linville said development projects are coming in, adding that active partnerships are going to be needed to successfully “move the ball forward” for infrastructure needs. Linville said the city also relies on key representation in Nashville at its regional planning meetings, like the Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC), that he said is vital for gaining “needed priority and funding” to cover such expensive and important project work.
For water & sewer concerns, Fuqua said, “It’s an issue not unique to just Spring Hill,” as many Tennessee communities are dealing with that also. Fuqua added, “We’re currently in a pilot program… through TDEC, to improve what we’re trying to do.”
Melton mentioned the types of developing industries making their way to the area, with Fuqua responding, “We’re going to see a lot of opportunities. Our economic development is really going to skyrocket.”
Fitterer then highlighted two projects that he said, “are not just an interest to the city, but the county, and the state as well.”
Linville referred to the high quality of real estate in the city, including businesses. He said that will help relieve the tax burden from residents as those facilities bring in tax revenues. thereby enhancing the quality of life here.
Concerning that quality of life, coming recreational opportunities for residents were referred to as Fuqua pointed out a land purchase and an expansion on the eastside of Interstate 65. He said there will be arrangements for citizens to express what “they want” to be placed there.
Fitterer emphasized that 80 percent of the city’s full spending goes to public safety, utilities and roads.
“I am very happy with that [percentage],” he said.
Fitter also described needed projects being undertaken for the police and fire departments, such as new stations. Reflecting on utilities and roads, he said that continued high percentage of focused funding is a very good thing.
Linville’s ties to the GNRC were then reflected upon, as he said they’re “one of the groups that… (fosters) the main prioritization of roads in this area.” He said he’s been a part of that group on behalf of the city since March 2023, with his aim of getting “Spring Hill what it needs for roads, which is funding and prioritization.”
He even referred to TDOT’s 10-year project list, saying that local projects are among them, and “these are things that I’ve been pushing for.”
To involve the public in such changes, Linville said it’s important that they be heard by getting “to the polls” and voting, in order to maintain aid from senators and representatives on a state and federal level. Linville said that “will help everything move forward in an efficient fashion.”
Reflections were then made on how to better inform and engage more residents to vote. Fitterer invited the public “to call and ask” your city government about any concerns you may have.
Also, the city’s budget is viewable at the city’s springhilltn.org website, which allows the public to track spending.
Looking to the future and thinking of the next five years. Fuqua said sewer concerns, GNRC partnerships and state road improvements are to be focused on.
Linville emphasized that concerning project efforts, we will not see “the fruits of our labor” until five or six years down the road.
But, Fitterer added, “Success is solving issues today,” for a tomorrow with continued growth.

Brownfield Grants Announced (Press Release)
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced Tuesday 36 Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grants (BRAG) totaling $718,757 for remediation projects across the state.
BRAG grants are derived from the Rural Brownfield Redevelopment Investment Act, which protects the environment and creates economic opportunities, especially in rural settings. The legislation empowers local governments and development boards with resources needed for investigation, cleanup, and redevelopment of blighted properties.
A brownfield is a property vacant or underutilized due to contamination. Remediation minimizes threats to public health, safety, and the environment. Brownfield sites vary in size, location, age, and past use.
BRAG grants are awarded in three categories – identification, investigation, and remediation. The grants announced are for the identification category, which allows applicants to apply for up to $20,000 to conduct brownfield inventories. Grants in the other categories will be announced later.
Through the leadership of Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly, the law provides direct funding to accelerate brownfield cleanup and redevelopment, assisting local governments in transforming blighted properties into community assets.
Brownfield redevelopment creates jobs, increases property values, increases tax revenue, and expands the tax base. Brownfield properties can include sites such as old industrial facilities, former coal yards/junk yards, abandoned gas stations, and closed landfills.
“These grants address significant issues with blighted properties across Tennessee,” Lee said. “The process of cleaning up a contaminated property and turning it into an asset is an important step in environmental stewardship. We commend the communities who have gone through the application process.”
“These Brownfield Redevelopment grants will turn liabilities into assets allowing our local communities to bring economic growth to previously underused and blighted areas,” said Lt. Gov. Randy McNally. “I appreciate the work of Governor Lee, Commissioner Salyers and all members of the General Assembly in making this possible.”
“Brownfield Redevelopment grants are very helpful in aiding communities to turn existing commercial properties that have a perceived or a real environmental issue into usable clean redevelopments,” said Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton. “Assisting local entities in these endeavors benefits all Tennesseans.”
“The Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grants are a key mechanism in enabling communities to repurpose contaminated properties,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “We are grateful to Governor Lee and the General Assembly for their commitment to this important initiative, and we look forward to the improvements that will come from this process.”
In this first year of the BRAG program, TDEC received overwhelming interest in the grants. Many high-quality and critical projects are being addressed with these funds.
Of the grant money allocated, the South Central Tennessee Development District will receive $20,000.

Maury Schools Receive Food (MauryCountySource)
Maury County Public Schools is pleased to announce that City of Columbia and Mt. Pleasant Schools will be participating in Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
The schools are as follows: J. R. Baker Elementary, Joseph Brown Elementary, Highland Park Elementary School, Randolph Howell Elementary STEM School, Mt. Pleasant Elementary, Riverside Elementary School, J. E. Woodard Elementary School, EA Cox Middle School, Mt Pleasant Middle School of the Visual & Performing Arts, Whitthorne Middle School, Columbia Central High School, Northfield Academy and Mt. Pleasant High School.
In a CEP school, all students receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of family income. A meal must include a fruit or vegetable, then the choice of meat, grain, milk and fruit or vegetable (the opposite of the first choice). Students can decline two of the five items at lunch but must have a fruit or vegetable. Students can decline one item at breakfast but need to have a fruit or vegetable on their tray.
If you have any questions about the CEP, please contact Brian Parkhurst at 931-388-8403 #8135
Learn more at https://www.mauryk12.org/cep

Sobriety Checkpoint (Press Release)
The Spring Hill Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint beginning on Friday, July 26th from 11 pm until 1 am.
This checkpoint will be located on Main St. close to Crossings Blvd.
A Tennessee Supreme Court ruling requires this notification.
Year to date the SHPD has made 87 arrests for driving under the influence. Please remember to choose a sober ride.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…   
Naomi Berri (Partin) Derryberry, aged 75, passed away on July 21, 2024 at her home in Spring Hill.
Visitation for Ms. Derryberry will take place on Friday, July 26th from 4:00-7:00pm and on Saturday, July 27th from 10:00-11:00am at Spring Hill Memorial Park. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at Spring Hill Memorial Park at 11:00am.
Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Friends of the Spring Hill Public Library.

Now, news from around the state…

Tennessee Tourism Numbers (MSM)
Tennessee tourism generated a record $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 144 million visitors to the state in 2023, according to newly released data from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. 
Tennessee’s direct visitor spending increased 6.2% in 2023. This follows two consecutive years of double-digit growth, driving Tennessee to a 125% recovery over 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
“When tourism grows, Tennessee reaps the benefit with increased sales tax revenue,” Gov. Bill Lee said in a news release from the state tourism department. “Tourism boosts local economies, supports businesses and jobs, funds public services and creates a better quality of life for all Tennesseans. We welcome visitors from around the world to experience Tennessee’s music, scenic outdoor beauty, culture and food from Mountain City to Memphis.”
Highlights from Economic Impact of Travel 2023 report:
Tennessee Tourism generated $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending in 2023, a 25% increase over two years
Tennessee visitors spent $84 million each day in 2023
Visitor spending sustained 191,522 direct jobs, one of every 24 jobs in the state
Domestic visitor spending is 127% recovered to pre-pandemic (2019) levels
International visitor spending is 81.6% recovered to pre-pandemic (2019) levels
Tennessee visitors topped 144 million in 2023, up three million over 2022, led by relatively stronger growth in day visits
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development will release the full 2023 Economic Impact on Travel Report and direct visitor spending data for all 95 counties in August.
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development works with the Tennessee Tourism Committee, local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce, city and county leaders, tourism attractions and the hospitality industry in all 95 counties to encourage travel to the state.

Gas Prices (MSM)
Tennessee gas prices held steady over last week and the state average remains at $3.11 – the same as one week ago. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.11 which is 11 cents more expensive than one month ago but six cents less than one year ago.  
“Summer typically brings a robust driving season, but that has not been the case recently,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The recent extreme temperatures could be partly to blame for drivers staying off the road. If low gasoline demand and wobbly oil costs continue, we could see our gas prices hold steady again this week, and maybe even drop slightly lower.” 
Tennessee is fifth least-expensive state in nation for gas prices.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Actor/Musician Jared Leto’s band Thirty Seconds to Mars will perform at Ascend Amphitheater on Saturday, August 3rd.
The tour “Seasons 2024” was announced at the end of last year in support of the band’s latest album release It’s The End Of The World But It’s A Beautiful Day, the band’s sixth album. Their last album, America, was released in 2018.
Thirty Seconds to Mars was formed in 1998; the band consists of Jared Leto and his brother, Shannon Leto. Special guests for the tour will be AFI, Poppy, and KennyHoopla. Find tickets at www.concerts.livenation.com.