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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for July 16, 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 Reactions to Trump Attack (CDH)
In wake of Saturday's events involving former President Donald Trump's attempted assassination in Pennsylvania, local Republican leaders have shared their reactions, as well as plans for this week's Republican National Convention.
This week's RNC, which kicked off Monday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will take place over the next four days. Trump jumpstarted events with his announcement of Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his vice presidential running mate in the upcoming Nov. 5 General Election.
Maury County GOP Chairman Jerry Bridenbaugh said the party will be "highly focused" on the convention this week, which includes having a local presence at the event.
"There are several people up there, including one person from our executive committee, Vice Chair Lona Heins," Bridenbaugh said. "We are really looking forward to hearing from her when she gets back with everything that went on. And I'm sure security has really gotten tight now, I can imagine."
While this week's RNC is ramping up to move the Trump campaign forward as the Republican Party's official candidate, the memories of Saturday's shooting are still fresh on many people's minds.
Bridenbaugh said he was "shocked" after hearing the news Saturday.
"My message to the party, and really everybody as a whole, is that the vitriol has gotten to such a level that it seems like we can't even talk to each other anymore," Bridenbaugh said.
"This is not the time to get angry but to acknowledge while a horrible incident, it can also teach both sides how to unite together."
Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, also addressed the rising state of tension among the parties, saying he believes the right thing to do is keep moving forward.
"Violence against anyone should never be tolerated," he said. "It's sad that President Trump had the attempted assassination on him. It is a state of tension in our country, and hopefully we can start to ease the tension through the next election and unite our country."
Cepicky said he's looking forward to the results of the investigation.
"We look forward to a complete investigation of the circumstances behind this and [review] the Secret Service and FBI reports to see if there were any breakdowns in safety for President Trump. And then, we look forward to continuing on with the debates about who is going to lead our country and move forward."
Questions still linger, Bridenbaugh said.
"There are all kinds of questions as to how this could even happen, how a man got 130 yards from a presidential candidate, a former president, to get a clear shot is just beyond comprehension," Bridenbaugh said.
Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, also said people should be discerning about political rhetoric.
"The way they talk about Trump, I think does stir people up," Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald said. "They talk about if he is going to be elected, it'll be the end of democracy, which certainly nothing could be further from the truth. People just need to watch what they say, because some people might take it literally."
He said "angry rhetoric" has gotten out of hand, and suggests it should be "tamped" down.
"Political rhetoric does get amped up, and people on some sides of the aisle talk so bad about Donald Trump, democracy and putting a target on him. Some of those wordings I think people have said might have stirred some people up, but it's something we can learn from going ahead, going forward to try and tamp down the rhetoric on both sides."
Governor Appoints Judges (CDH)
Gov. Bill Lee announced this week his appointments of three key judicial positions.
Among the appointments was Jessica Parrish to the 22nd Judicial District Circuit Court
The 22nd Judicial District covers Giles, Lawrence, Maury and Wayne counties.
“I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals and value the significant experience they will bring to their respective roles,” Lee stated in a press release. “I appreciate their leadership and am confident they will serve Tennesseans with integrity.”
Parrish currently serves as assistant district attorney for the 22nd Judicial District. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Austin Peay State University and juris doctor at Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at University of Memphis. Parrish has been appointed to succeed retiring Judge David. L. Allen, effective Aug. 3.
"It means a lot to me to be able to step into this new role and represent the state of Tennessee and it's people in this way," Parrish said. "I am extremely honored and humbled by the appointment."
District Attorney Brent Cooper of the 22nd Judicial District said he believes Parrish will "serve the position well," as she was his assistant DA for many years.
"She's been a phenomenal prosecutor, and I think she will make a fantastic judge," Cooper said. "She's been great, and we are going to miss her on our staff."
Admin Committee Advances Impact Fee (MSM)
County Commissioners discussed the first steps toward implementing an impact fee on new construction in Maury County during the July 2 meeting of the county’s Admin Committee.
Back in the spring, the Tennessee General Assembly passed House Bill 2426, later signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee, allowing counties that had not opted into the 2006 County Powers Relief Act to enact impact fees if they met specific criteria related to population growth as determined by the latest U.S. Census.
The bill allows counties that meet specific criteria – which includes Maury – to temporarily increase their adequate facilities tax on new residential and commercial construction, up to $1.50 per square foot. Such changes require a two-thirds vote of the county’s legislative body in two consecutive meetings.
Maury County’s current rates are 50 cents per square foot for residential construction and 30 cents for non-residential.
“The thought is that if we pass it in July and August, we can begin the first of September,” County Mayor Sheila Butt said. “I’ve talked to (Building & Zoning Director) Robert Caldiraro about it; he has written a letter that he will send to the cities to let them be aware of what’s going on and when and how that’s collected.
“I think we stand to get $3 to $4 million more per year, depending on what comes this way.”
Commissioner Gabe Howard called the bill “not what we really wanted” but said “it was what the realtors and builders allowed us to have.”
Howard asked if the county’s Ad Hoc Growth Committee would hold a called meeting to examine the legislation before it was voted upon.
“We know it’s much better for us, but it’s got some limitations… I think once we pass this on first reading, there’s some deep dive needed before the second reading,” Howard said.
Finance Director Doug Lukonen said on average, commercial had only been around 14 percent of adequate facilities tax revenue in Maury County and that the residential was likely to have more of an impact.
Lukonen estimated an average increase of $3 to $3.2 million from increased construction fees. He said that while the increased fees are required to be used toward school capital projects, it would free up other funds to be used elsewhere in the county budget.
“I think you see how it pans out and reallocate your pennies next budget year to account for that, so you have time to see how it performs,” Lukonen said.
County Attorney Daniel Murphy cautioned the committee, saying his interpretation of the new law indicated that Maury County’s private act held precedence. Murphy also said the law required the county to get a letter from the Tennessee Comptroller certifying that Maury meets the growth criteria.
“We probably ask our representative or senator to ask for an attorney general opinion… it only takes one person to sue and Maury County’s been sued twice on our adequate facilities tax,” Murphy said. “Since the statute says you’re prohibited from enacting this tax as long as your private act is in effect, I think we’ve got to go through that process.”
The mayor questioned Murphy’s opinion, saying, “I don’t believe that we have to wait that long to get this done… I know Daniel feels like some builder’s going to come back and sue us. They’re not going to do that… We are dragging our feet here for no reason.”
The language of the new law, available on the state website, states that if a county no longer qualifies under the growth criteria then it can resume taxing construction at the rate set by a private act prior to the enactment of the new law. That would seem to indicate that a private act would be suspended by the new legislation and resume if the county no longer meets the growth criteria.
Commissioner Brandon Nutt said he agreed with the mayor that it would be better to advance the new fees as soon as possible.
Commission Chairman Eric Previti said he agreed with Murphy that there were issues with the new law that needed addressing before the county took any action.
“This does not solve the growth problem,” Previti said. “Why does it have to be July-August? Could it be August-September?”
The mayor said she was willing to hold a called meeting if necessary.
Howard urged his fellow commissioners to advance the resolution, saying they could “pump the brakes” if it was determined that Murphy’s interpretation was correct.
Ultimately, committee members voted to advance the resolution with the required Commission votes scheduled for August and September.
Adopts Budget (CDH)
The Maury County Commission adopted its 2024-2025 fiscal budget last month, though not without its share of discussion and amendments for additional firefighters and disaster relief due to the May tornado.
The full commission met last month at its regular meeting, which in addition included updates to certain nonprofit funding.
The initial proposed General Budget was estimated at about $50.4 million. However, other funding was considered prior to adoption.
This included a proposal by District 6 Commissioner Cindy Hestla to add $400,056 to fund six new full-time Maury County firefighters. The amendment passed with a 12-9 vote, increasing the general fund to $50,806,520.
Maury County Public Schools will also be receiving a $154,275,178 in general purpose funds, with an additional $10,830,320 in food service funds.
The budget was ultimately approved in an 18-3 vote, but that was only the beginning of the June 17 discussion.
Following the budget item, the commission discussed fixing the county's tax levy, or taxes owed on property.
The county's tax rate stands at $1.91 per $100 of taxable property, which feeds into things like the General Fund, schools and solid waste, as well as parks & recreation, highways and capital projects
While the rates will not change, how the money will be allotted to these various entities will be different.
"We need to move three pennies from the debt service fund to the [general] fund, not necessarily for the additional $400,000 that was just added, but because of the disaster that we had," District 5 Commissioner Scott Sumners said. "I think we need to replenish that."
Sumners replaced District 5 commissioner Vincent Fuqua, who resigned earlier this year.
The Debt Service Fund had previously garnered about $0.36 of the tax rate, while the General Fund received $0.52. Sumners motioned to amend the General Fund amount to $0.55, which passed 20-1.
In addition, District 8 Commissioner Ray Jeter motioned to move an additional $0.05 from the Debt Service Fund to the county's Highway Fund, which currently receives $0.09. Though there was speculation if this would be too much money to take from one fund.
"$420,977, that's per penny, and so if you take $.05 you are talking about moving a little over $2 million out of your Debt Service Fund. With $0.03 you're looking at $1,262,931," Maury County Finance Director Doug Lukonen said. "And you can only do this once a year, so if you do it, you're locked in."
There was some dispute on whether moving money to the Highway Fund would be its best use, or if it would make a great impact. Lukonen said the funds would likely be "diluted" since highway maintenance is typically planned out over a five-year period, meaning that while $2 million would be extra money, it likely won't make an impact.
"There are restrictions for what you can use the fund balance for by law," Lukonen said. "It'll raise it gradually, but once you get four or five years down the road it's forcing you to go up and maintain that funding."
The amendment ultimately failed in a 10-11 vote.
African American Heritage Society to Meet (Press Release)
The next meeting of the African American Heritage Society of Maury County will take place on Saturday, July 20th and feature Ray Bonner, assistant track and field coach at Middle Tennessee State. His talk will be part of the society’s quarterly lecture series on the 2024 theme of “African Americans Making History in Sports and Coaching”.
A Winchester native and a Franklin County High School graduate, Bonner was one of MTSU’s first two African-American players signed to football scholarships by legendary coach Charles “Bubber” Murphy in 1969.
He went on to start four seasons at cornerback for the Blue Raiders, earning accolades as part of the program’s memorable “Mod Squad” defensive secondary. As a junior, he added punt return duties to his repertoire, posting a 7.1-yard average that ranked third nationally with two touchdowns on 31 returns – an MTSU single-season and career record.
Bonner earned all-Ohio Valley Conference honors as a senior in 1972 and was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 10th round of the 1973 National Football League Draft, but a suspected heart murmur cut short his professional aspirations.
He went on to serve four years in the United States Navy before embarking on a coaching career that included stops in the Georgia high school ranks as well as collegiate assignments at Alabama A&M, Texas Southern and Tennessee State.
Prior to joining the staff at MTSU in 2013, Bonner served as head football and track coach at Cedar Grove (Ga.) High School.
Earlier this year, the AAHSMC recognized the county’s African-American coaches from the conclusion of segregated high schools forward, featuring those in their annual calendar. The April installment of the lecture series featured Columbia natives Bernard Childress, retired executive director of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, and Maury County Public Schools athletics director Chris Poynter.
Saturday’s event will be held at 10 a.m. at the Maury County Archives, temporarily located at the Muletown Rec (1446 Oak Springs Drive). The free and open to the public.
Columbia 101 (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the launch of Columbia 101, an innovative program designed to engage residents with local government and community services. Participants in Columbia 101 will have the unique opportunity to interact closely with city officials and staff, gaining firsthand knowledge of how municipal services are delivered and learning about avenues for community involvement and advocacy.
This consecutive two-day program will be open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents and offered twice per year, with the official kick-off occurring on September 17th and September 18th. Participants can expect to begin each day at City Hall before learning more about all 12 city departments and touring select city facilities, such as the Fire & Rescue and Public Works Departments.
Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, August 9th at 4:00 pm. Learn more and apply today at https://www.columbiatn.com
Leadership Maury (Press Release)
Maury Alliance is excited to announce that applications for the Leadership Maury Class of 2024-2025 are now open!
Leadership Maury offers a unique opportunity to connect with local decision-makers, gain insights into various sectors, and explore all the great things Maury County has to offer. Whether you live, work, or volunteer here, this program is your chance to contribute to the future of our community.
Apply by July 19th and be part of a network of passionate leaders dedicated to making a difference! Learn more at www.mauryalliance.com.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
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. 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…
Trump Chooses VP (Tennessean)
Donald Trump selected J.D. Vance on Monday to be his 2024 vice-presidential running mate, a pick that seeks to capitalize on the 39-year-old Ohio senator's youth and celebrity status among conservatives and who skyrocketed to fame as the author of “Hillbilly Elegy.”
Trump’s decision ends months of speculation over who would join the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s ticket as he seeks his political comeback in a November rematch with President Joe Biden.
"After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio," Trump shared in a post on Truth Social on Monday.
Vance “will be strongly focused on the people he fought so brilliantly for, the American Workers and Farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and far beyond,” Trump added.
Trump revealed his pick on the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where he and Vance are expected to formally accept their party's nominations. The crowd on the convention floor broke into chants of "JD!" "JD!" moments after Trump confirmed his running mate pick.
Still, the announcement came just days after an attempted assassination on the former president during a rally in Pennsylvania.
Within hours of the shooting, Vance pinned the blame on President Joe Biden’s campaign — comments that drew criticism for being too incendiary.
"Today is not just some isolated incident," Vance posted on X. "The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination."
Vance was first elected to the Senate in 2022 with no prior political experience but plenty of name recognition from his 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” The book, later turned into a Netflix feature film, detailed Vance’s journey from a childhood riddled by parental drug addiction and abuse to a Yale Law School degree that opened doors for him in Silicon Valley.
Many pundits used “Hillbilly Elegy” to rationalize Trump’s popularity with white, rural America in 2016 – acclaim that put Vance on the national media circuit.
The vice-presidential nod is the culmination of Vance’s rapid ascent within the Trump world. The Ohio native was once a fierce critic of the former president, at times comparing him to an opioid and saying he could be “America’s Hitler.” But Vance changed his tune ahead of the 2022 Senate race, deleted controversial tweets and secured Trump’s support in Ohio’s nasty GOP primary.
Now, Vance is one of Trump’s most loyal soldiers and makes frequent media appearances to tear down President Joe Biden and his allies. He attended the first debate between Trump and Biden, giddily seizing on the president's poor showing and touting Trump's performance. Vance is also close with one of Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr.
At 39 going on 40 – his milestone birthday is Aug. 2 – Vance would be the youngest vice president since Richard Nixon served under Dwight D. Eisenhower. He does not bring new demographics to the ticket that could help Republicans make inroads with Black, Latino or female voters. Ohio is not considered a battleground state after Trump won it comfortably in 2016 and 2020.
In many ways, however, Vance is seen as the future of MAGA. He embraced the Trump-style populism that rails against the Washington establishment. He’s staunchly isolationist, often using the Iraq War to justify his opposition to additional U.S. aid for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Vance is also a skilled speaker, an asset that could aid him on the debate stage with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Some of Vance’s work in the Senate has been bipartisan, including bills that would strengthen rail safety and hold executives accountable for failed banks. At the same time, he also pushes back against Democratic priorities and engages with hot-button issues. Case in point: He voted against a plan that would protect access to contraception and introduced legislation to ban gender-affirming care for minors.
The senator and Usha Vance, who works as a litigator, live in Cincinnati with their three children, ages 7, 4 and 2.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The back-to-school season will be here soon. Here is information about the annual “back to school” sales tax holiday, which will take place at the end of July.
Tennessee’s traditional sales tax holiday on clothing, school supplies and computers begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
During this time clothing, school supplies and computers may be purchased tax-free. Certain restrictions apply. Items sold online are also eligible. Items must be purchase for personal use, not for business or trade.
Learn more at www.tn.gov/content.
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