WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for October 29, 2024
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Former Fire Chief Files Federal Suit Against City (MSM)
Former Columbia Fire Chief Ty Cobb has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit contesting his termination, claiming whistleblower status and retaliation on the city’s part.
The lawsuit was filed in Tennessee Middle District Court on Oct. 23 and no hearing date has been set.
In the filing, Cobb claims he was retaliated against by City Manager Tony Massey after reporting what he believed to be illegal activity in the response to the May 2023 shooting hoax at Columbia Central High School. Former firefighter Roy Brooks was charged with carrying a weapon on school property after responding with an AR-15 rifle to the scene, despite not being a member of any law enforcement team. The charge against Brooks was later dismissed.
The lawsuit claims that Cobb’s firing was retaliatory in nature for having “engaged in constitutionally protected speech” and that the “protected speech was a motivating factor in defendants’ adverse employment actions.”
Cobb was terminated as chief of Columbia Fire & Rescue on March 12, 2024, by Massey. 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, who had previously served a 30-day suspension in late 2023, won an order in Chancery Court in August for a hearing before Columbia’s Civil Service Board after originally being denied such a hearing. That hearing has yet to take place.
The lawsuit requests back pay, damages for loss of benefits, unspecified punitive damages for “stress and anxiety” and that Cobb be reinstated to his former position.
Cobb’s attorney, Robert Bigelow of Nashville, stated that reinstatement was Cobb’s ultimate goal.
“Mr. Cobb ultimately hopes that this will lead to him getting his job back. He very much misses what he has done for so long and what he loved doing. He hopes he can get back to it,” Bigelow said.
Officials with the City of Columbia declined comment, citing pending litigation.
Tennessee Freedom Tour (WKOM Audio 2:05)
Yesterday, the Tennessee Freedom Tour, a Republican campaign tour bus came through Columbia. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy paid a visit to the bus and spoke to Congressman John Rose of the 6th Congressional District about the state of the election in Tennessee…
Water Waste Improved in Mt. Pleasant (Press Release)
The City of Mount Pleasant, in coordination with its Mt. Pleasant Gas and Water System and with the assistance and collaboration of Columbia Power and Water Systems (CPWS), has recently announced that its system has identified over 400,000 gallons of daily water leakage, which has now been remedied.
During the most recent winter storm, CPWS provided significant emergency water supply through the master meter connection to ensure the integrity of Mount Pleasant’s water service while operational issues were resolved. This process involved restarting and running the treatment plant, identifying and fixing distribution system issues. During this work, CPWS and Mount Pleasant Water discovered significant leaks that, once repaired, resulted in the noted water loss savings. This return of 400,000 gallons per day to the available supply has saved an estimated $5 million in capital investment for treatment plant expansion, as current construction costs for treatment capacity build-out run between $10-$12 per gallon. Additionally, this avoidance of treatment plant expansion reduces future operating and maintenance expenses for the infrastructure.
“This leakage was not only putting a strain on our system, but remedying it has essentially added back an additional 400,000 gallons of water on a daily basis for our community, and I couldn’t be more proud of this outcome,” said Mount Pleasant Mayor Bill White.
The Mt. Pleasant Water System and CPWS have long worked together on water consumption and resources, which have served both communities well. The Mt. Pleasant Water System, which currently utilizes an average of 1.4 million gallons of water per day, receives between 100,000 and 200,000 gallons per day, on average, from CPWS. These utilities continue to work toward finding better efficiencies and utilizing best practices regarding water consumption and conservation.
Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder echoed Mayor White's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between local governments, here the cities of Mt. Pleasant and Columbia. "When municipalities and local governments work together, with communication, cooperation, and a level of respect among their entities, everyone benefits,” Mayor Molder said. “We all know that we must do everything we can to preserve our most precious resource, and every little bit helps. This significant reduction in leakage will allow the City of Mt. Pleasant to be the best stewards of our greatest natural resource and will ultimately benefit the over 250,000 residents who rely on the Duck River for daily water consumption."
The City of Columbia has likewise worked to reduce its leakage and currently enjoys a leakage rate that is among the lowest in its recorded history. “We know firsthand that leakage is a problem that, when addressed, is among the most practical and effective ways to maintain our water capacities at adequate levels, and we look forward to continuing to work on leakage reduction in our service area, along with our local partners,” Jonathan Hardin, CPWS CEO, said.
This latest action represents the commitment of both CPWS and Mount Pleasant Gas and Water to prioritize water conservation, improve infrastructure, and protect the region’s most important natural resource, the Duck River, at a time when the Duck River is receiving attention from many different concerned entities. “This latest effort evidences cooperation at its best, and our entire region should be proud,” stated Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder.
The City of Columbia looks forward to further collaborations with neighboring communities and organizations as it continues to work toward sustainable solutions for the region.
Progress on Fire Station #1 (MSM)
Columbia’s Fire Station 1 is in the process of receiving significant upgrades. City leadership, along with Brindley Construction, LLC and Nuber Architecture, recently conducted a walkthrough to assess the ongoing remodel and expansion of this vital facility.
Originally constructed in 1978, Columbia Fire & Rescue Station 1 is being transformed with improved and expanded separate sleeping quarters for male and female firefighters, additional administrative spaces, a large conference and training area, and an emergency operations command center.
Following the remodel, this centrally located station will be well equipped to continue to serve the community for many years to come.
Archives Receives Grant (MSM)
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, State Sen. Joey Hensley, State Rep. Scott Cepicky and State Rep. Kip Capley last week announced a $4,997 Archives Development Program grant for the Maury County Archives. The funding will be used to assist in covering the cost of archival boxes.
“The Maury County Archives holds the key to understanding our past, which will also strengthen our community’s future,” said Sen. Hensley. “Thanks to all who supported efforts to secure this funding for the benefit of our current and future generations.”
Archives Development Program grants are awarded to Tennessee county or municipal archives facilities, as well as nonprofit organizations that are responsible for maintaining permanent public records generated within their respective community.
“The history preserved within the Maury County Archives is the foundation of our local community’s identity,” Reps. Cepicky and Capley said in a joint statement. “These funds ensure all Maury County residents continue to benefit from the knowledge of our past.”
Funding was made possible by the Tennessee General Assembly, and awards are administered by the Tennessee Library & Archives, a division of the Secretary of State’s office. These awards can be used to assist with supplies, storage, and contract services — including hiring staff, enhancing online accessibility, and fees related to continuing education or training opportunities.
“Preserving our irreplaceable historical records enables future generations of Tennesseans to learn about our rich history,” said Secretary Hargett. “I appreciate Sen. Hensley, Rep. Cepicky and Rep. Capley for supporting these grants, which will ensure the invaluable stories of Maury County will endure.”
This year, a total of $59,074 was awarded to archives facilities across Tennessee. For more about grants administered by the Library & Archives for public libraries, visit sos.tn.gov/tsla.
Spring Hill Grand Marshall Announced (MauryCountySource)
The City of Spring Hill has announced the 2024 Christmas Parade Grand Marshal — Vicki Bechet!
A lifelong public servant, Ms. Bechet joined her first chapter of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) in 1980. After moving to Spring Hill in 2006, she organized the Spring Station Woman’s Club in 2010 and the GFWC Maury County Woman’s Club in 2019.
Ms. Bechet was recently awarded the Federation’s highest honor given to a clubwoman, the Jennie Award, at the GFWC 2024 annual Convention in Chicago.
In all facets of her life, Ms. Bechet seeks out opportunities to better her community and to lift up those in need. Spring Hill is lucky to have Ms. Bechet as a leader in the community, and the City is looking forward to honoring her during our annual Christmas Parade.
To learn more about Ms. Bechet’s service in the Spring Hill community, or to find out details about this year’s Christmas Parade visit www.springhilltn.org.
Firefly Community Development (CDH)
A new, gated luxury community is in the works for the Spring Hill community.
Firefly will be located on 700 acres in Maury County, about 15 miles south of Franklin, and has plans for 407 single family homes, according to documents found online.
Other community amenities include an 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole short course, full-service clubhouse, fitness center, family club, adult and kid pools, bowling alley, golf simulators and a racquet club with indoor pickle-ball courts, plans say.
Storied Development is helming the project in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital.
Storied Development has 30 years of experience with projects throughout the continental U.S., Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii. Partner Mark Yarborough said interest has grown in the Firefly project throughout the approvals process in Maury County.
“We’ve created (a) Founder Member program to give people the opportunity to be the first members of Firefly Club," Yarborough said. "Founder Members will also have a priority position for the purchase of homesites should they decide this community is the home they’ve always wanted.”
For its part, Wheelock Street Capital, a private real estate investment firm, has raised eight funds and deployed over $11 billion in total value over the past 15 years on behalf of investors. Because of these efforts, the Firefly property is debt-free, officials say.
The permitting process and design work for the golf course are already underway at the site. Leading the effort is world-renowned architect Andrew Green.
“The topography of Middle Tennessee is a perfect canvas for a really interesting, challenging golf course,” he said. “I think members are going to be excited by what we have planned.”
Firefly will be Green’s first original design.
Construction is for the course is set to begin by the end of this year and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. An opening is tentatively planned for the spring of 2026.
Homesite construction has yet to begin, but homesite pricing is projected to range from $500,000 to $1.5 million.
Finished homes are expected to start at $2.5 million.
Closings on homesites are expected to begin in the spring of 2025, officials said.
To learn more about becoming a Firefly founder member, visit www.fireflyliving.com.
City to Host HOME Grant Seminar (Press Release)
The City of Columbia will host a public meeting on October 29, 2024, at 3:00 PM on the first floor of City Hall located at 700 N Garden Street to kick off the HOME Grant Program. This meeting will provide important information regarding the application process for the $810,000 in grant funds recently awarded by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) for home rehabilitation and repairs.
The HOME Grant Program is designed to support low-income residents by funding the rehabilitation of single-family homes, ensuring they meet residential building code requirements. The City aims to assist 8-13 homeowners with necessary repairs, improving the quality of housing for those in need. During the meeting, attendees will receive details on how to apply for assistance. Applications will be accepted for 30 days following the meeting, with a submission deadline of November 29, 2024.
Homeowners interested in this program are encouraged to attend to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. For further inquiries about the grant and application process, please contact Tia Lockridge, Director of Housing for the South Central Tennessee Development District, at 931-379-2957 or via email at tlockridge@sctdd.org.
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…
Brenda Charlene Leach, 73, former cake decorator for Publix, and resident of Columbia, died Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at her residence.
Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
And now, news from around the state…
Adams, Tennessee Named One of the Spookiest (WKRN)
To determine the top Halloween spots in the country, Mixbook surveyed 3,000 families to discover the top destinations for a Halloween celebration.
Known for its mysterious and fascinating history, Adams, Tennessee ranked the 45th best Halloween destination in the survey. For two centuries, tales of the Bell Witch have haunted Tennesseans. It all dates back to a farm in Adams, Tennessee, where, legend has it, John Bell was haunted by a witch in 1820.
Robert Bell, a fifth-generation grandson of John, said odd things continue to follow his family. He recalled every bit of china in his grandmother’s pantry came out of the cabinet when he was little and she heard it crash to the kitchen floor; however, according to Bell, not one piece was broken.
Historians back Bell’s claims and say the spirit of the Bell Witch is believed to be Kate Batts, an old neighbor who sought revenge on John for cheating her in a land deal. Many also claim they experience encounters with the Bell Witch at Karst Cave, which has become an attraction for thousands of visitors every year.
Every year, the town hosts a five-week festival celebrating the stories of Adams’ history and the local legend. The Bell Witch Fall Festival includes three staged productions and is the second-largest event in Robertson County, with more than 4,000 people attending each year.
According to the survey, the top 10 Halloween destinations in the country are:
Salem, Massachusetts
New Orleans, Louisiana
Amityville, New York
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Orlando, Florida
Los Angeles, California
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Ipswich, Massachusetts
Atlanta, Georgia
Devil’s Tower, Wyoming
State of Hemp After New Regulations (Tennessean)
The future of the sale of some hemp products in Tennessee has been left hazy, after the Tennessee Department of Agriculture issued new regulations surrounding the sale of the cannabis plant — including popular THCA-based products.
On Sept. 27, the Department of Agriculture introduced new permanent rules for hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoid (HDC) products, as well as for hemp producers and retailers.
Among the changes, are regulations surrounding the retail sale of THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid products, the most popular products sold in Tennessee, the Tennessean previously reported.
Previously, the only requirement placed on hemp-derived products was to contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Now, products must also contain less than 0.3% THCA post-decarboxylation, meaning once it's burned.
THCA is known for producing a marijuana "high" similar to traditional delta-9 THC when burned or used in certain edible products like gummies.
The new permanent rules have left some hemp advocates in the state worried. Tennessee Growers Coalition CEO Kelley Hess said the rules will have harmful effects on the current hemp market and consumers.
"It will wipe out the Tennessee hemp industry while leaving customers to out-of-state and black-market sales," Hess told the Tennessean in an email. "The 6% hemp tax that was enacted in July 2023 has generated over $12.5 million, so you know the demand is there and will affect a lot of Tennessee constituents."
State Department of Agriculture officials said, in a statement, that the new rules were "crafted for the operation of regulatory programs for hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoid products."
Agriculture officials added that they altered the rule to comply with state law.
"The Department’s authority for these rules and the allowable limit for THC and required testing method for hemp and hemp-derived products are prescribed by the legislature in state statutes," the agency said. "The permanent rules do not change those laws and the rules that regulate hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including THCA."
The permanent regulations will go into effect on Dec. 26.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Back by popular demand, the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best New Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, HADESTOWN, will return to Tennessee Performing Arts Center®’s Jackson Hall Jan. Mar. 7-9, 2025.
Following two intertwining love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — HADESTOWN invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.
Tickets are on sale now at TPAC.ORG, by phone at 615-782-4040 and in person at the TPAC Box Office, 505 Deaderick St., in downtown Nashville.
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