Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-20-24

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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 20, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Man Charged with Attempted Homicide (MauryCountySource)
On August 18th, at 7:30 p.m., officers received a call about a disorder at a home on Via Fransecso Way in the Benevento neighborhood.
The investigation revealed that there was an argument between an adult male and female inside the house, which escalated when the male discharged a handgun allegedly near the female. The female was able to flee the home and dial 911.
Officers set up a perimeter around the house and called the male to get him to exit. After a brief standoff, the male did exit the home and was taken into custody without any incident.
No one inside the home was injured.
The male was charged with attempted criminal homicide and two counts of reckless endangerment.

Spring Hill GM Plant Unaffected by Layoffs (CDH)
General Motors announced worldwide layoffs Monday, impacting more than 1,000 salaried employees in its software and services division. The Spring Hill GM plant in Tennessee appears unaffected by the job cuts, a Spring Hill GM representative stated Monday morning.
GM employs more than 3,000 workers in its Maury County facility, where it produces vehicles like the Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6 and the second-generation GMC Acadia.
The layoffs, first reported by CNBC, are the result of a review of operations following the exit of GM executive Mike Abbott, who served as the executive vice president of software and services before leaving the company in March due to health reasons.
“As we build GM’s future, we must simplify for speed and excellence, make bold choices, and prioritize the investments that will have the greatest impact,” a GM spokesman said in a statement to the Detroit Free Press. “As a result, we’re reducing certain teams within the Software and Services organization. We are grateful to those who helped establish a strong foundation that positions GM to lead moving forward.”
The plant in Spring Hill originally opened in 1990 to build Saturn cars and has since expanded to the current 11 million-square-foot facility rolling electric and gas-powered cars off of its assembly line. In November 2023, the plant's employees played a significant role in ending a nationwide strike, ultimately resulting in a 25% across-the-board pay scale increase with top pay of $50 an hour and a 10% 401(k) retirement contribution.
The 2023 union wins also included an end to a tiered wage structure that paid temporary workers as little as $16 per hour in jobs where full-time employees received $30 or more per hour.

City Issues Bonds (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the successful closing of its municipal bonds, resulting in substantial financial savings for local taxpayers. These bonds, which will fund the construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant, reflect the city’s strategic financial planning. Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has reaffirmed the city’s strong financial position with an AA+ credit rating, the second-highest possible. This rating is a testament to the city’s fiscal discipline and long-term financial stewardship. S&P also upgraded Columbia’s financial management metric from “strong” to “very strong,” highlighting the ongoing enhancements in the city’s financial practices.
The successful bond issuance was the result of careful planning and collaboration between city officials and Financial Advisor Elizabeth Zuelke of Raymond James. The decision to time the bond closing for optimal market conditions, ahead of potential disruptions due to the upcoming national election, was instrumental in securing the best possible terms.
The City Council approved the bond issue on July 11, authorizing the funds to be used for the construction and equipping of the new wastewater treatment plant, acquisition of necessary property, and covering associated costs. The bonds were issued under Tennessee state law, ensuring transparency and compliance throughout the process. This successful bond issuance marks a significant step forward in the City of Columbia’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing essential public services while ensuring long-term financial stability.

Maury Regional Sleep Center Accredited (CDH)
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 Maury Regional Health CEO, Dr. 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.

Previti Will Not Seek Chairmanship (CDH)
Maury County Commission Chairman Eric Previti announced this week that he would not be seeking a third term for the position of chairman, though he will remain on the board for two more years of his elected term.
Previti, who was first elected chair in 2022 and again in 2023, said he never intended to put his name in the hat for a third time, and it's time for someone else to take the reins.
"I believe that there's a time and place for everything, and I have accomplished what I set out to do," Previti wrote in a letter to The Daily Herald. "That said, I know that there are others that would like to be chairman as well."
Some of the accomplishments achieved under Previti's tenure include the completion of the new Maury County Judicial Center, expanding the Maury County Archives, transferring the Agriculture Extension Center to Yanahli Park where new offices and a welcome center are under construction and implementing pay for volunteer county firefighters.
Previti also added a piece of advice to whomever chooses to pursue the position.
"Being chairman takes a lot of time and a lot of meetings," he said. "I’ve heard it said you are only a commissioner when you are in a meeting. That’s incorrect.
"It should be your only power is in a meeting when you are in the commission room. You are a commissioner every time a constituent calls with a question or problem. You are a commissioner at the outside board meetings, or committee meetings you are part of. You’re a commissioner all the time."
Previti's term as chairman is set to expire Aug. 31. The new chairman, as well as a chairman pro tem and various committee members, will be selected the following Tuesday, Sept. 3 via a majority vote.
Previti will remain on the commission for the remaining two years of his current term representing Maury County's 2nd District.
However, while he won't be seeking the chairman's seat, Previti said his duties as a public servant are far from over, whether as commissioner, as president of the Maury County Historical Society or simply as a concerned citizen giving a voice to local issues.
"I fully intend to continue to serve the people of the second district. I believe that when you talk the talk you should walk the walk," Previti said. "I choose to walk the walk. Believe me, I will still be everywhere listening and helping where I can. Maury County has many issues to deal with."

Spring Hill Breaks Ground on Fire Station (TheNewsTN)
Spring Hill broke ground on its future fire station, named in honor of the late Spring Hill firefighter Mitchell Earwood, which is expected to open in 2025.
City, county and other community leaders broke ground on Fire Station No. 4 —the Mitchell Earwood Memorial Station on Aug. 5, located at 2932 Duplex Road.
“This is going to improve our response times across the city 25-30 percent almost instantly the moment we staff it,” Spring Hill Fire Department Chief Graig Temple said.
Spring Hill City Administrator Pam Caskie called it a “monumental project” for the city.
The $10.5 million project was approved by the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen earlier this year and is expected to take 12-14 months to complete.

O Blood Needed (Press Release)
Blood Assurance is experiencing a critical shortage of O-negative blood, with only 10 units available as of August 13, 2024. O-negative blood is the universal blood type, making it vital in emergencies where the patient’s blood type is unknown.
In addition to O-negative, the nonprofit is urgently calling on donors of all blood types to schedule an appointment immediately. Recent months have seen a significant decline in donor turnout, but the need for blood remains constant.
As a thank-you, all donors who give blood this month will receive an exclusive “Save 3 Lives” tote bag, a small token of appreciation for their life-saving contribution.
Donors can schedule an appointment at www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777.

Maury County Fair (MauryCountySource)
The Maury County Fair will return on Thursday, August 29th and run until Monday, September 2nd, 2024.
All the family fun and entertainment you love will soon be back!
This year, the fair festivities begins with a Rodeo, taking place on Thursday of Fair Week. Several other popular events will be happening like the junk car jump and run and the Saturday motocross races.
In addition to the back arena fun, all your favorite animal shows and exhibitor competitions are back this year too! The kids zone will see a variety of live, exotic animals and science shows that will amaze kids of every age.
Address: Maury County Fair & Exposition
1018 Maury County Park Dr. Columbia, TN 38401
For more on the fair and updates, visit maurycountyfair.com.

State of Education Panel Discussion (Press Release)
Join Maury Alliance on Wednesday, August 21 at 11:30 am for their annual Education Lunch featuring a State of Public Education and the 2024 Education Report.
 
During this year's event Maury Alliance President & CEO, Wil Evans will lead a panel discussion with representatives from Maury County Public Schools. They will discuss the current state of public education, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs and the Inaugural 2024 Education Report, which will be released during the event.

Panelists include:

Lisa Ventura, MCPS Superintendent

Amy Roberts, MCPS Career & Technical Education Supervisor

Michelle Gilbert, MCPS Director of Teaching, Learning & Assessment

For more information and to register, visit www.mauryalliance.com. Registration closes on Monday, August 19th a noon.

Columbia Academy Lecture (Press Release)
Columbia Academy will host an event detailing the history and architecture of the Columbia Arsenal and details found from the recently discovered blueprints housed at the National Archives in College Park, Md.
The presentation will consist of a panel including: architect Justin Lowe of Centric Architecture, Columbia Academy President Dr. James A. Thomas, and me, County Archivist Tom Price.
Built in 1890 by the United States Government, the 67-acre campus was an active military installation known as the Columbia Arsenal and originally consisted of 10 buildings, six of which remain today. The arsenal closed shortly after the Spanish-American War in 1901 and transitioned into Columbia Military Academy in 1904. In 1979, the academy was turned over to a board from local Churches of Christ as they established Columbia Academy, a now PreK-12th grade private Christian school.
The lecture will take place in the Polk Hall (Upper School) Auditorium on Thursday, September 5th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. This free event is open to the public, and no tickets are necessary for admittance.

Applications Open (Press Release)
Applications for the 2024-25 Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) term will open on August 1st. The CMYC is open to all high school students located within Maury County, including those attending public, private, and home schools. The 2024-25 term will begin in September 2024 and conclude in May 2025.
Mayor Chaz Molder stated, “The Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council is an excellent opportunity for our young people to gain firsthand experience in local government and develop their leadership skills. By participating in CMYC, students will not only learn about the inner workings of our city but also have the chance to make a real impact on their community. I strongly encourage all eligible students to apply and be part of this incredible educational experience.”
The CMYC aims to educate students about local government, foster leadership skills, and encourage community involvement among Columbia’s diverse high school population. The CMYC is composed of Maury County high school students who value academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership. Selected students will have an opportunity to actively participate in various activities and programs, addressing issues affecting youth and the community, leading and volunteering in community projects, and learning about city departments.
The CMYC selection committee will review all completed applications to select this year’s youth council members. Applications will be open from now through August 23rd, and applicants will be notified of their acceptance by September 3rd. CMYC meetings will be held monthly, in addition to community and volunteer projects.
CMYC applications can be found on the City of Columbia’s website at columbiatn.gov or at your high school’s administrative office. Follow the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council on Facebook and Instagram at @cmyctn. For questions, please contact Hanna Miller at [e-mail] or [phone].

Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)
The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.
Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.
Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.
Any Maury County Resident can use this office.
All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.
Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
John Michael Nagy III, 62, a resident of Cornersville, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, Tennessee.
His family will visit with friends on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home 320 West 7th Street Columbia, TN 38401. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Henrietta Smith Dooley, 89, former owner and operator of Henri’s on the Square, and resident of Columbia, TN, died Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at NHC Columbia.
A Memorial service will be conducted Friday, August 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Graymere Church of Christ. The family will visit with friends Friday, August 23, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Graymere Church of Christ.

Now, news from around the state…
Tennessee National Guard Celebrates 250 (MSM)
Soldiers, Airmen, and friends of the Tennessee Military Department gathered at Nashville’s Joint Force Headquarters on Aug. 16 to celebrate and honor the Tennessee National Guard’s 250th birthday.  
Tennessee Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Warner Ross and Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Crockett (Tennessee’s Senior Enlisted Leader) hosted the ceremony where hundreds of servicemembers reflected on the organization’s heritage, accomplishments, and service over the last two and a half centuries.
Ross presided over a ceremonial cake cutting, servicemembers listened to guest speakers, and everyone honored the sacrifice and accomplishments of all those that came before them.   
“Celebrating 250 years of service to our state and nation is a remarkable achievement,” said Crockett. “I am proud of what our Soldiers and Airmen have done over the years, and it is reflected in the traditions and accomplishments they’ve performed since the first militiamen volunteered to serve back in 1774.”
The Tennessee National Guard’s origins trace back to before Tennessee became a state. In 1774, the Virgina frontier was under attack by Shawnee Indians, so Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia, ordered four regiments of militia and volunteers to organize and repel the attacks.
Capt. Evan Shelby, a militia leader from the self-governing Watauga settlement, that was in Tennessee’s present-day Sullivan and Carter counties, formed the settlement’s first volunteer militia company, named the Fincastle Company, to assist the Virginia governor. Shelby and 49 other militiamen assembled on August 17, marching from their homes to join the amassing Virginia regiments. This marked the first time “Tennesseans” deployed for war as a militia.
“That moment represents the birth of the Tennessee militia, which transformed into the present-day Tennessee National Guard,” said Ross. “It also started a tradition of volunteerism that is celebrated as our state’s nickname and is a core belief of everyone here today.”

Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee Today!
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The brown felt fedora worn by actor Harrison Ford in the second installment of the Indiana Jones movies sold for $630,000 at auction, film and TV memorabilia company Propstore announced Friday.
The hat featured in 1984's "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" was expected to fetch between $250,000 and $500,000, according to the item's online description.
The fedora comes from the personal collection of the late stunt performer Dean Ferrandini, who also wore it while standing in for Ford as Jones, the dashing archaeologist who really hates snakes.
Keeping the fedora in place during filming was an "ongoing challenge," Propstore's expert said in the online description, and foam pieces were inserted to make it fit more snugly.
Created by the Herbert Johnson Hat Company in London, it is made of sable-colored rabbit felt.
Other items sold include an Imperial scout trooper's white "biker scout" helmet from 1983's "Return of the Jedi," which went for $315,000, and a ghost costume worn by stars in the 1996 movie "Scream," which sold for $270,900,