Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-26-24

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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 26, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
CMYC 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 August 1st 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].

Scams on Rise in Spring Hill (MauryCountySource)
Scams are on the rise in Spring Hill. Police have taken a couple reports in the last month dealing with home rental scams. Both of these scams originated on Facebook Marketplace. Both rental homes are currently owned by American Homes for Rent. Both victims used the mobile payment app “Zelle” to transfer money to the scammers. Both victims were asked to pay a $100 application fee, a $1,000 deposit, and the first month’s rent. In one case, the scammer gave the victim the key code (self-guided tour) to access the keys to the house. The scammer will email a fake lease. The scammer will also ask for your personal identifying information such as your date of birth and social security number. The “Landlord” will never meet you in person. They will have a built-in excuse of why they can’t. If you send the scammer money, they will come up with other reasons why you need to send them more money until you realize it’s a scam.
If you fall victim to a rental scam, please report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (https://www.ic3.gov/) and your local law enforcement agency.

Spring Hill Annexation (CDH)
The Spring Hill Planning Commission is currently reviewing two requests for annexation off Clark Road, which ties into the city's recent Urban Growth Boundary expansion.
The requests were submitted by The Richmond Group for South Nashville Commerce, both parcels technically on the same Clark Road property just south of the city limits and east of Saturn Parkway and went before the board Monday.
One request for 18.9 acres on its north side and 24.9 acres on the south side for what will be the Spring Hill Commerce Center.
In 2023, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen were initially considering these requests, which was ultimately decided through public referendum. However, things have changed since then, Development Director Dara Sanders said.
"Since that time, our Urban Growth Boundary for the Williamson County portion [of the city] east of I-65 has been amended to include these properties," Sandars said. "The impact there is that annexation of these two properties can be annexed per city action instead of per a voter's referendum."
There is also a "perfunctory" certification required to officially approve the city's new Urban Growth Boundary, Sanders added.
"That is expected to happen prior to the Board of Mayor and Alderman, who would vote, act or consider the planning commission's recommendation for the annexation of these two properties," she said.
City Attorney Patrick Carter added that the certification will be heard prior to the BOMA's vote, and is pretty much guaranteed to pass.
"This is approval by the local government planning advisory commission," Carter said. "That's expected in September on the UGB part of it. So, it's coming, though I don't have an exact date yet."
No votes were taken Monday on the annexation requests, but both items will go back before the planning commission in August. The commission's recommendation, positive or negative, will then go before BOMA for the final approval. Though if approved, annexation is just step one.
Though the property will be annexed into the city upon approval, it is zoned for agricultural use currently. The city's land use designation for the property is also described as Gateway Areas, which contain the highest forms of development and future land use to include things like technology and research facilities, conference centers and office space.
No details of these plans for the Spring Hill Commerce Center were presented Monday, though a rezone for anything other than agricultural use would be required.
"There is no rezoning action associated with this annexation, and so should the annexation be approved, these two properties would enter the city limits with an agricultural (AG) zoning designation," Sanders said. "Any future rezoning would require an application to be submitted for consideration with the Development Services Department."
That application would then be reviewed by the planning commission and BOMA.

Spring Hill Budget Denied (MSM)
The City of Spring Hill was notified late last week that the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget was not approved by the State of Tennessee Comptroller’s Office.
This decision was reached due to the City of Spring Hill providing a Budget Ordinance with incomplete information regarding debt, along with missing information regarding pending/proposed capital projects and their funding sources.
As a result, the City of Spring Hill will now be required to seek approval from the Comptroller prior to the issuance of any debt. This will be done on a case-by-case basis between the State and the City of Spring Hill.
While the missing information is held within the City’s budgeting software, it was erroneously left off the Budget Ordinance submitted to the Comptroller. Officials said the Budget Ordinance has since been corrected and will be reviewed by the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen at the regularly scheduled August meetings. Following this review, it will then be resubmitted to the State.
City officials said they were taking the necessary steps to ensure oversights like this do not happen moving forward.
The City of Spring Hill has worked tirelessly throughout this past year to improve upon the yearly budget process, implementing new programs and helping to increase transparency for City residents. In partnering with OpenGov — a technology company that offers cloud software for public sector accounting, planning and budgeting — residents are able to check in on how the city is budgeting its money through a transparency portal, located at https://springtn.opengov.com/.

Veterans BBQ Camp takeover at Tilted Mule (CDH)
Come hungry to Tilted Mule's next Veterans BBQ Camp Kitchen Takeover starting at noon Sunday.
This mouth-watering event will be hosted by Tilted Mule, 102 Depot St., in collaboration with Hearty Hog's Veteran BBQ Camp. The camp invites veterans of all kinds for a free multi-day course on slow roast, while also using it as a tool for therapy.
The dishes served this weekend will feature sow-roast BBQ from campers and will no doubt be a delicious way to give back to those who serve.
Christmas in July (CDH)
As the July month is about to wrap up, there's still time for Christmas in July this weekend at Muletown Pottery.
Located in The Factory at Columbia, 101 N. James M. Campbell Blvd., Muletown Pottery will host the event/sale during regular business hours starting at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Christmas in July will feature all Christmas items in the store's "Christmas Cubbies" at 20% off, excluding top shelf items.
In addition, Maury Alliance is also promoting its Local First Gift Cards. for Christmas in July. Anyone who purchases $50 or more will receive an additional $10 gift card.
Gift cards may be purchased at Maury Alliance's main office at 106 W. 6th St. or online at www.MauryAlliance.com/local-first-cards.

Mule Day Scholarships Announced (MSM)
The Maury County Bridle & Saddle Club, Mule Day and the Mule Day WORKS Scholarship Committee are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Mule Day WORKS Scholarships. These awards are presented to young people pursuing vocational, technical and career training, who are residents of Maury County (or active members of the MCB&SC), have graduated or earned a GED in the current or previous two academic years and are pursuing CTE (career technical education) or vocational training. 
These four fine young people are the first class to be awarded Mule Day WORKS scholarships. The MCB&SC, Mule Day and the Mule Day WORKS scholarship committee are thankful to the many generous sponsors, attendees and volunteers who make it possible for Mule Day to have a positive impact on families while giving back to the community. For information on becoming a sponsor of Mule Day or applying for a Mule Day WORKS scholarship, please visit www.MuleDay.com/WORKS or email [e-mail].
The 2024 Mule Day WORKS recipients are: Garrison Mills, Santa Fe High School, TCAT-Hohenwald, studying Welding & Mechanics; Emma Parks, Columbia Central High School, Weatherford College, studying Diagnostic Medical Sonography; Autumn Conley, Culleoka Unit School, Columbia State Community College, earning Business Technology Certificate; and Tyler Maxwell, Hampshire Unit School, TCAT-Hohenwald, studying Electro-Mechanical Technology.

Rebel Rouser Cruise In (CDH)
Historic Elm Springs is calling all classic cars, hot rods, trucks, motorcycles and more to its third annual Rebel Rouser Cruise-In.
The event kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday at Elm Springs' National Confederate Museum, 2349 Park Plus Drive.
All car owners will receive a free tour of the museum, though Elm Springs will also be open for tours throughout the event, which lasts until 2 p.m.
There will also be drinks, food and other items available for purchase.
For more information, call [phone] or email [e-mail].

Early Voting Encouraged (MSM)
Citizens in Maury County are encouraged to utilize the early voting period for the Aug. 1 State and Federal Primaries and County General Elections as a safe and secure way to cast their ballots before Election Day.
“We have been preparing for this election for the last several months,” said Chris Mackinlay, the Maury County Administrator of Elections. “All Maury County registered voters are encouraged Vote Early at the Election Commission Building on Tradewinds Drive.”
The 14-day early voting period runs through July 27. All registered voters can find hours and polling locations, view sample ballots, and much more by visiting GoVoteTN.gov or downloading the Secretary of State’s free GoVoteTN app.
“We want all registered Tennesseans to utilize our robust early voting period as a convenient way to cast a ballot and make their voices heard,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett.
Tennesseans voting early or on Election Day should remember to bring valid photo identification to the polls. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, by the Tennessee state government or by the federal government are acceptable even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable.
“Early voting is quick and easy, and registered Tennessee voters will likely experience shorter wait times during early voting,” said State Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “I encourage all eligible Tennessee voters to take advantage of the convenience of early voting.”
The Secretary of State’s office is Tennessee’s trusted source for all election information — including the GoVoteTN app.
For more information about early voting and other election information, visit GoVoteTN.gov or contact the Maury County Election Commission.

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.

Columbia State Leadership (Press Release)
Columbia State Community College’s Office of Workforce and Continuing Education leadership development program is designed to benefit new and emerging leaders to help them develop the necessary skills and a toolkit of resources to help them excel as they move into and grow in their leadership roles.
“I am extremely proud to be bringing this program to our communities,” said Melody Murphy, Columbia State Workforce and Continuing Education director. With ‘Now Hiring’ posted on almost every storefront, it is becoming harder for employers to find and keep good employees. This program is an excellent opportunity for a company to identify dedicated employees' value and hard work and build them up through this program for leadership and supervision roles.”
The Columbia State Leadership for Operational Excellence program nurtures success and provides participants with the skills and resources for them to excel as leaders within their organizations.
Topics covered will include leadership styles, generations and teams, employee engagement and productivity, communication and leading your team, business finance and budgets, presentation skills and networking as well as delivering outcomes and managing change.
“Many of us have seen firsthand how promoting internally for these positions based on performance can be problematic, because doing a job and leading others to do a job are very different things that require somewhat different skill sets,” Murphy said. “This program aims to give participants the necessary leadership skills to be successful leaders.”  
Registration is now open for the program, which consists of eight full-day sessions with two full days conducted back-to-back. Participants should plan to attend all sessions, which will take place at Columbia State’s Williamson Campus. The program begins in August with the dates of August 8 – 9, September 12 – 13, October 3 – 4 and November 14 – 15. Cost is $2,995, with lunch provided.
To register, please visit https://www.campusce.net/columbiastate/course/course.aspx?catId=23.
For more information, please contact Murphy at [e-mail].

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

Thomas Melvin “Tommy” Hight, Sr., 87, well-known local insurance agent for Shelter Insurance Company died Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care, surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM at South Gate Church of Christ. Burial will follow in The Arbors at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday, July 26, 2024 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at South Gate Church of Christ.

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.

Martha Bryant Snedegar, 90, former Nurse for Life Care Center, died Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at her residence in Columbia.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Oakes and Nichols Funeral home from 4:00 P.M – 6:00 P.M. Online condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Martha Rai Cothran Sharp, 86, retired cook for the Rebel Grill, and resident of Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Mt. Pleasant Health and Rehab. 
A graveside service will be conducted Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Cross Bridges Cemetery with Joe Rhodes officiating.

Patricia Lou Outlaw, 79, resident of Nashville, died Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at NHC Cool Springs following a brief illness.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Columbia, TN with The Reverend Chad Jones, The Reverend Chris Bowhay and Dr. Robert Abstein officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Episcopal Churchyard in Columbia. Visitation will be Friday, July 26, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home Columbia, TN and Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the Parish Hall at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
Now, news from around the state…
Bluegrass on the Harpeth (Tennessean)
For the past 33 years, Franklin’s annual Bluegrass Festival has taken place on the last weekend of July. Bluegrass Along the Harpeth aims to celebrate the rich legacy of the genre while fundraising for the Williamson County Cultural Arts Commission.
Downtown Franklin’s Town Square is expected to be filled with vendors, food trucks and some favorite bluegrass classics.
In 1991, the family friendly festival was also created to honor Franklin natives and one of the earliest acts on the Grand Ole Opry, brothers Sam and Kirk McGee.
The duo created and performed old-time, a sub genre of American folk music. Both McGee brothers played a variety of instruments including; guitar, banjo fiddle and several multiple string instruments.
This year’s festival will feature Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass along with The Little Roy and Lizzie Show. Both acts will perform Friday evening with Saturday’s entertainment being the popular bluegrass contest.
From Appalachian Flat Foot Dance to Banjo, these contests are available to a wide range of ages in all skill sets.
This free event is scheduled to take place on July 26 – 27 from 7 – 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday. Additional information can be found at www.bluegrassalongtheharpeth.com.

Tax-Free Weekend (TheNewsTN)
Tennessee’s tax-free weekend returns July 26-28 with savings on clothing and school supplies $100 or less and computers $1,500 or less.
Qualifying items may be purchased in-store or online, with more information about qualifying items available online at tntaxholiday.com.
“With the start of the school year around the corner, we encourage Tennessee families to take advantage of these savings,” Tennessee Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said in a news release. “This is the only sales tax holiday this year.”

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Packard Playhouse, 614 N. Main St., will host a special performance this weekend as part of its Annie Moses Summer Music Festival.
"Broadway MashUp" will take place starting at 7 p.m. Friday at the Playhouse studio.
Described as "Taking all of your favorite broadway moments and mix them in a blender with a dash of 'awesome sauce'," "Broadway MashUp" will be a musical rollercoaster highlighting some of Broadway's greatest shows.
You'll laugh, you'll cry, but most of all have a lot of fun celebrating award-winning Broadway hits throughout the years in this one-night-only performance.
Tickets are $20 and available at www.PackardPlayhouse.com or by calling 1 [phone].