Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 1-9-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for January 9, 2025

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.

We start with local news…

Car Fire (MauryCountySource)

A vehicle caught fire on I-65 Tuesday morning.

Maury County Fire Department responded to the fire in the southbound lanes of on I-65 at the 46.6 mile marker.

Authorities did not specify the cause of the fire.

The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported.

Warming Shelter Available (Press Release)

The National Weather Service Nashville has issued a winter storm watch for Maury County, which is expected to last until early Saturday morning.

This includes estimated snow accumulations of between three to seven inches across Middle Tennessee, with locally higher amounts possible.

NWS advises pedestrians to be aware of slippery roads, as well as hazardous road conditions for commuting drivers.

"A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely," the NWS report states. "A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely."

Warming stations will be open throughout Maury County through Saturday.

Now through Saturday (01/11) those needing a warm refuge can seek temporary shelter at either First United Methodist Church located at 222 W. 7th Street in Columbia or West 7th Church of Christ located at 405 W. 7th Street in Columbia.

First United Methodist will be open: 7 AM- 7 PM

West 7th Church of Christ will be open: 7 PM- 7 AM

Columbia Police Department has also issued tips for bearing the winter weather, such as:

Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

Check your vehicle's antifreeze, battery, defroster, windshield wipers, wiper fluid and other equipment. Clear all snow from the vehicle before driving and always drive slow in bad weather.

When using alternative heating sources, keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure everyone knows how to use it properly.

Attempted Theft (MauryCountySource)

In the early morning hours of January 7th, Spring Hill Police Department officers responded to an alarm call at a warehouse on Cleburne Road.

When officers arrived, they noticed that the fencing had been cut. Using a drone, officers located an adult female hiding in a wooded area close by.

She was taken into custody without incident. Later in the morning, based on a citizen tip, officers located an adult male walking in the area who was detained after briefly resisting.

Officers have evidence to believe that both individuals were involved in the attempted theft from the warehouse and will face charges. Police do not believe any other subjects were involved in this theft.

Ogles Recommended for Investigation (MSM)

A congressional panel released a report last week recommending further investigation into the campaign finances of 5th District U.S. Congressman Andy Ogles.

The Office of Congressional Ethics’ report, which was released on Jan. 2, 2025, states in part that the board “finds that there is substantial reason to believe that Rep. Ogles omitted or misrepresented required information in his financial disclosure statements or FEC candidate committee reports.”

The board’s report also states that more review is necessary because of the likelihood that Ogles’ campaign committee accepted excessive contributions that were instead reported as personal loans and contributions from him. 

Ogles, who was re-elected in November 2024 to a second term representing Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, filed amended campaign financial reports in May 2024, saying he had not personally loaned his campaign $320,000 as he had reported back in 2022.

Other amendments to his financial reports resulted in Ogles retracting claims regarding thousands of dollars in campaign contributions and expenditures that he had previously reported to the Federal Election Commission.

A Federal Election Commission complaint was filed against Ogles’ 5th District Congressional campaign in August 2022 as well, alleging a “pattern of malfeasance” in Ogles’ management of required financial disclosures to federal authorities.

In August 2024, the FBI seized Ogles’ cell phone as part of a reported investigation into his campaign finances. Ogles stated at the time via social media that he was cooperating fully and believed “that the reporting discrepancies were based on honest mistakes.”

The ethics board’s report states, however, that Ogles refused to cooperate with the inquiry and recommends that Ogles be subpoenaed to provide information.

Spring Hill Chamber Event (Press Release)

The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 21st anniversary and the achievements of its members at its Annual State of the Chamber and Awards Ceremony on Dec. 12 at the UAW Hall.

In 2024, the Chamber saw a membership increase to 539, including 128 new members and an 86% retention rate. It hosted a record-setting 64 programs and events, and participated in 40 ribbon cuttings, highlighting the expanding business community in Spring Hill.

The annual award recipients included:

George Bobier Ambassador of the Year Award: Alan Delaney, Legacy Exteriors

Jim Grimes Board Member of the Year Award: Lyndsay Sullivan, Bone & Joint Institute

New Member of the Year Award: The Awaken House (Owners: Lydia Ingegneri, Erinn Hartwell, and Scott Ingegneri); Nominees also included Downey Digital Media, Tech Squared, and Listerhill Credit Union.

Chamber Member of the Year Award: Hampton Inn Spring Hill; Nominees also included Costa Vida, Birdy Grace Boutique, and Concierge Ride.

The event concluded with a keynote address on collaboration by Rod Thurley, Vistage Advisory Board Chair and Executive Coach in Middle Tennessee.

Executive Director Rebecca Melton expressed gratitude toward the members during the State of the Chamber and Awards Ceremony. “Over the last year we worked diligently with our members and partners to create innovative programs and events so that business could thrive in our wonderful community of Spring Hill and beyond. We are looking forward to valuable connections being made in 2025.”

Rodney Holliman, 2025 Board Chair, expressed the board's appreciation to Rebecca Melton and all the chamber staff for all their hard work and dedication. "2024 was a very challenging year for the chamber and all the businesses in Spring Hill. Inflation, national elections and economic volatility highlighted 2024. The Chamber remains strong and dedicated to providing the best value for our over 500 member businesses."

Tom Hitch Parkway to Partially Close (Press Release)

Repairs to a bridge crossing the Duck River will lead to a temporary closure of a portion of Tom J. Hitch Parkway, Maury County and City of Columbia officials announced last week.

Beginning on Monday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m., Tom J. Hitch Parkway will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic between Bear Creek Pike (Highway 412) and Iron Bridge Road. Construction is expected to last through summer 2025.

Highway 31 through downtown Columbia is the preferred detour, officials announced.

Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to contact the Maury County Highway Department at (931) 375-6202.

Sobriety Checkpoint (Press Release)

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 10pm until midnight.  The location is State Route 50 East @ .2 mile east of the 19mm. 

Knights of Columbus to Honor LEOs (MSM)

At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, the Knights of Columbus at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church (Council #7447) will hold their 39th annual appreciation dinner for the law enforcement officers of Maury County and its towns. The dinner, catered by Shaffer Farms Barbecue, is open to anyone who wishes to honor LEOs and their families.

“Each year the Knights of Columbus… honor local law enforcement,” said Grand Knight William Simpson, “for the sacrifices they make to ensure we live in a safe community.”

At the dinner each department (Maury County Sheriff, Columbia, Spring Hill and Mount Pleasant Police) will present an award to its Officer of the Year, accompanied by a speech from the department chiefs.

Maury Alliance Annual Meeting

Join Maury Alliance on Thursday, January 30th for their annual meeting, their most anticipated event of the year as they celebrate their accomplishments for 2024 and recognize the transition of their volunteer leadership. 

This will be a lively night of entertainment and networking celebrating business and industry in Maury County with a social hour, dinner and live music! 

The event will take place at the Memorial Building, located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia. The event will begin at 5pm with a networking/cocktail hour and wrap up by 8pm. Purchase tickets now to guarantee a seat at Maury Alliance’s biggest event of the year!  Get them by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

Registration will close January 20 at 5:00 pm. 

Night of Hope (Press Release)

The Well Outreach is pleased to present their 2025 "Night of Hope" on February 22nd, 2025 at Worldwide Stages featuring Christian Contemporary Artists, We The Kingdom! It's going to be an evening full of inspiring live music, worship, and hope - plus, your ticket helps feed local families in need.

What's Included:

- Your ticket feeds a family of four with groceries for a week

- VIP/Meet & Greet opportunities (with upgraded ticket)

- Small bites and tastings before the show

- A live auction to support The Well Outreach’s cause

- A powerful concert and worship experience with We The Kingdom

This event raises important funding for the rest of the year so that The Well can meet the needs of thousands of families coming to their food pantry with food insecurities. This is more than just a concert - it's a night to come together in faith and make a tangible impact on the lives of those who need it most. 

Tickets are still available, including limited seats to a special meet-and-greet with We The Kingdom plus tickets by the seat or table.

For more information on the work and mission of the Well Outreach, please visit their website: thewelloutreach.org

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

Leroy “Lee” Seals, Jr., 72, a retired minister, and resident of Columbia, died Sunday, December 22, 2024 at TriStar of Spring Hill. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Columbia First Church of the Nazarene with Lang Ingram officiating. There will be a time of remembering his full life with family and friends in attendance. 

Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

TDOT Ready for Winter Storm (Press Release)

As the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts snow potential for Friday, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) assures motorists it is ready to clear roadways of ice and snow. In preparation for the winter season, crews in all the region’s 26 counties have readied snowplows and brine trucks.

In anticipation of Friday’s snow event, crews hit the roadways on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, to begin brining heavily traveled interstates and state routes, as well as areas vulnerable to freezing, such as hills, curves, ramps, bridges, and interchanges. TDOT strongly encourages drivers to prepare to stay off the roads on Friday, January 10, 2025, for their own safety and the safety of our workers, giving crews the room they need to do their jobs.

Additional staff is added to the region’s Traffic Management Center this Friday, meaning extra eyes on the region’s 240+ SmartWay cameras and more assistance manning phones to dispatch HELP operators as needed. TDOT is anticipating running extended HELP routes on I-40 eastbound to the Putnam County line, I-40 westbound to the Tennessee River, as well as I-65 and I-24 to the Kentucky state line.

TDOT’s statewide 2024/2025 winter weather budget is $28.8 million and includes salt, salt brine, overtime for employees, and equipment maintenance. The department has three salt vendors to refill salt bins as needed at the Region’s 41 salt bins. In Region 3 alone, crews are equipped with 281 salt trucks and 67,370 tons of salt.

When snow hits Tennessee, TDOT ice and snow removal teams focus first on clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes. During prolonged weather events, crews may have to clear roadways repeatedly. Equipment will be staged in various locations for quicker response time, and tools like chainsaws will be ready to be utilized in the event of downed trees on the roadway.

For winter weather tips, travel information, and a regional breakdown of TDOT winter weather supplies and equipment, visit the TDOT website https://www.tn.gov/tdot/inclement-weather/ice-snow.html. Motorists are encouraged to check the TDOT SmartWay map (https://smartway.tn.gov) before hitting the road to check on real-time conditions in their area and along their route.

Bonaroo Lineup Set (Tennessean)

Bonnaroovians across the country got the nugget of hope Wednesday morning they've been waiting for since leaving The Farm last summer.

Bonnaroo festival organizers have announced the event's musical lineup for the June 12-15, 2025 Music and Arts Festival held each year in Manchester, Tenn., which draws upwards of 70,000 people annually.

Headliners for the four-day event include: Luke Combs (Thursday), Tyler the Creator (Friday), Olivia Rodrigo (Saturday) and Hozier (Sunday.)

Additional performers throughout the weekend include John Summit, Dom Dolla, Avril Lavigne, Glass Animals, Vampire Weekend, Justice, Queens of the Stone Age, Megadeth, Red Clay Strays, Grace Bowers & the Hodgepodge, Superjam curated by Remi Wolf and the first-ever Roo Residency featuring King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard performing three sets across three days.

Made up of multiple stages inside the main festival grounds, or Centeroo, and more outside the gates in Outeroo, in campgrounds and surrounding areas, the festival offers music almost around the clock for four days.

The 2025 festival will offer some new features for Bonnaroovians, including the “Closer” RV and primitive camping accommodations closer to Centeroo, regardless of which day fans choose to enter The Farm.

Another new addition for 2025 is the festival's "Infinity Stage,” a brand-new, one-of-a-kind venue that will consist of spatial sound, synchronized lights, and an unprecedented three-dome, open-air design to create the world’s largest, most immersive, 360° live music experience according to event organizers.

Bonnaroo tickets go on sale Thurs., Jan. 9 at 10 a.m. CT at bonnaroo.com. Guaranteed lowest-priced tickets are available during the first hour of sales, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. CT. 2025 ticket options include 4-Day General Admission, 4-Day GA+, 4-Day VIP, and 4-Day Platinum, along with a variety of camping and parking options starting at just $25 down with a payment plan.

Camping and parking must be purchased separately from most ticket packages and begins at $99 for carpool primitive camping and goes up to $4400 for a wood-frame tent with air conditioning and close proximity to the festival's Centeroo. Many camping and parking options require a $25 initial payment.

For more information, visit bonnaroo.com.

Speaker Sexton’s Agenda (Tennessean)

Expanding state oversight over federal grants and local laws, preparing for an end of the U.S. Department of Education and expanding opportunities for child care providers are top priorities for Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton as lawmakers return to the state Capitol.

The 2025 legislative session will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 12 p.m. CT. 

Among his top priorities is lowering the barriers for entrepreneurs to start and expand child care businesses in Tennessee.

“When we talk to business owners about it, the risk and liability for businesses to do it is a concern,” he said. “When you look at starting one, there’s a lot of hoops to go through.” 

Many areas in Tennessee are child care deserts – places where there are not enough child care options for the number of children in that area. Sexton plans to work with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry to review state regulations and make changes to ensure providers don’t face burdensome or antiquated requirements 

“I hear all the time from people saying, ‘I just can't – it's hard to get into business. It's extremely difficult to expand in the business, or it's not worth the amount of cost and regulations and liability for me to get into it,” he said.

Sexton will also sponsor legislation to require state agencies to seek approval from the legislature before applying for federal grants. 

“I think what happens sometimes is you have departments chasing federal dollars, just trying to find more money, more money, and sometimes it gets us into problems,” Sexton said. 

Sexton wants the House Financial Subcommittee to have approval authority over state grant proposals, so lawmakers have the opportunity to question agencies on rules around federal grant funds, the state employees needed to administer the funds, and potential burdens federal funding may put on the state in the future. 

“I think that also holds the bureaucracy in check, and that's the role of the General Assembly, in my opinion,” he said.

Sexton will also back legislation that would seek to withhold state funds from local governments that violate the state Constitution, state law, or ballot referendums. Local governments would be given time to correct the issue before state funds are withheld. 

“If there’s things that they're violating in state law or the Constitution, then they need to be fixed,” he said, pointing to similar legislation passed in Arizona. 

A 2018 Arizona law allows lawmakers to report suspect local laws to the state attorney general’s office. If the attorney general finds the local law violates state statute or the state Constitution, the city has 30 days to change their law before the state treasurer withholds funds. Cities may appeal to the state’s supreme court. 

“The amazing thing is, the locals always fix it within the time period allotted,” Sexton said. 

President-elect Donald Trump has said he plans to end the U.S. Department of Education, although that would require an act of Congress. In recent years, state Republican lawmakers have studied the feasibility of rejecting federal money for public education to eliminate what they see as “strings attached” to the funds. 

With major changes a real possibility in a second Trump administration, Sexton is supportive. 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

You're invited to the 34th annual Sandhill Crane Festival!

This family friendly event is free and takes place January 18-19. Join TWRA, the Birchwood Area Society Improvement Council, and the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in celebration of the thousands of Sandhill Cranes that come back to the area each winter! Come see thousands of Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, waterfowl, and tons of other birds at the Hiwassee Refuge.

This two-day festival provides premier wildlife viewing, entertainers, historical information about the Cherokee Nation, tons of vendors, and more!

The event will take place at Birchwood Highschool located at 5623 Highway 60, Birchwood, TN.

For more information visit https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/birds/