WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Maury County Fire (MauryCountySource)
A fire in Maury County destroyed a house on Tuesday. Units arrived to find heavy fire conditions throughout a home on Hwy 166 North and commenced with defensive fire operations.
A primary search and offensive fire attack was conducted for a short period of time before the structure began to collapse and all members were withdrawn from the home.
Units operated for over 5 hours overhauling and extinguishing hot spots.
One firefighter was treated on the scene by Maury Regional Emergency Medical Services. No civilian injuries were reported.
Hensley Sponsors Non-Flouridated Water Bill (MSM)
A bill filed in the 114th General Assembly last week by State Sen. Joey Hensley would prohibit public water systems in Tennessee from adding fluoride to drinking water.
Senate Bill 0162 was filed in the State Senate on Wednesday, Jan. 15 with Hensley listed as the sponsor. A companion bill had not been filed in the State House as of press time.
The bill would amend Tennessee Code Annotated to add to the list of prohibited acts regarding drinking water, “the adding of fluoride to a public water system by the supplier of water who owns, operates, or controls the public water system.”
Locally, the bill if passed would have little effect. Columbia Power & Water Systems’ Board of Directors voted in September 2013 to stop adding fluoride to its water, according to Executive Vice President of Operations Richard Kelley.
The Tennessee Dental Association is a staunch supporter of water fluoridation, which has been called one of the greatest advances in public health of the 20th century. More than 100 health organizations have recognized the health benefits of water fluoridation for preventing tooth decay, including the American Dental Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“The residents of Tennessee have been enjoying fluoridated water in many areas since the 1950s,” said Andrea Evans, executive director of the Tennessee Dental Association. “Optimally fluoridated community water systems are both safe and effective at preventing tooth decay, therefore equitably protecting residents’ overall health.”
The American Dental Association estimates that 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental-related illness and that for most municipalities, every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves $38 in dental treatment costs.
“The health effects have been studied for decades and researchers have not found health problems associated with the water fluoridated level of 0.7 ppm which is the US recommended levels followed according to the US Public Health Service. The fluoride at the recommended level in community water fluoridation programs is not toxic as toxicity is related to dose,” a fact sheet provided by the ADA states in part.
Hensley is a licensed doctor, having received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee. The Hohenwald Republican has served in the State Senate since 2013, representing the 28th District, which consists of Giles, Lewis, Marshall, Maury and a small portion of Williamson County.
Davis is Runner-up in State Championship (MSM)
Alex Davis did not – unfortunately – save the best for last.
The Columbia Central senior, who advanced to his second TSSAA Division I boys individual bowling state championship match in as many years Wednesday, fell to Bartlett junior Elijah Pipkin 223-190 – ending his quest to be the Lions’ second bowler to win multiple state titles, following Cole Flatt in 2014 and ‘15.
In the run-up to the finals, though, Davis rolled a 268 to defeat Chuckey-Doak junior Gavin Murray by 67 pins in the third ladder match.
The 268, which followed a 193-168 win over Hardin County’s Kamden Morris in his ladder match opener, was the highest score posted in TSSAA ladder match play in seven years.
After defeating Murray, Davis eliminated Franklin County sophomore Blaydn Bean 232-194 to get back to the finals.
“It was easier, just to see what the lanes were like,” he said of rolling three matches before the finals, compared to the 2024 tourney when he was atop the ladder after semifinal play and only had to defeat Stewarts Creek’s Matteo Quintero for the championship.
“I was just trying to repeat good shots.”
To earn a spot on the ladder, Davis averaged 211.7 in six semifinal games Wednesday. A night before, in league play, Davis rolled an astonishing 294-289-299–882 series – averaging 294.
“That’s ungodly, I don’t care who it is,” veteran Columbia Central coach Randy Cook said. “It may be a state record.
“It just adds to the achievements.”
And while those achievements won’t include a second high school championship, Davis was comfortable with the way things ended.
“I felt like I bowled pretty well. I had a couple of breaks not go my way. It is what it is,” he said after posting a couple of open frames in the finals while rolling just four strikes – half as many as Pipkin. “I bowled to the best of my ability. He got a couple of more breaks. He threw the ball well all day.
“It’s rough being my last year, but I accomplished pretty much all anyone could accomplish in a high school career. I did pretty much all anyone could do and all anyone would want to do during their high school career.”
In fact, Davis qualified for the state tournament all four years at Central, with a fifth-place finish as a sophomore after finishing 16th his freshman year.
“He put the work in,” Cook said. “He did well. He just got some bad breaks (Wednesday). He had four really good years in the state tournament.
“We’re proud of him.”
Santa Fe senior Brock Brady (176.5) placed 28th, with Columbia Central sophomore Jesse Wilson (167.8) finishing 33rd and Spring Hill senior Matthew Cadugan (165.3) 40th.
In Division I girls competition, Independence junior Alayna Stanley averaged 160.8 to finish 14th. Stanley’s teammate, Isabella Warner, placed 23nd (154.2), while Spring Hill junior Kayli Nordstrom finished 32nd (148.3).
Muletown Rec to Reopen Under City Ownership (CDH)
Columbia City Council took its final steps to secure the purchase of Muletown Rec last week, with plans to reopen as the Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Complex in February.
The 1446 Oak Springs Drive acquisition appeared under three items this month on the council agenda, which were discussed Tuesday and approved Thursday, regarding the final $4.6 million purchase, the facility's renaming, as well as adjusting membership fees.
Columbia Parks & Recreation Director Mack Reagan said the immediate plans are to shut down briefly at the end of January, with the new facility re-opening Monday, Feb. 3.
"We've already started taking down logos, and our staff is really going to be pushing it," Reagan said.
"I'm really pleased with the rebranding, and I think it will be good for us to get a total new start. I think the community will appreciate that, and it will give us a clearly defined break ... so we can build for the future, for the next 50 years of Columbia."
Part of the Muletown Rec's acquisition included establishing membership fees, and if the city could lower the current rates.
For monthly membership fees, Reagan said the goal is to "make this affordable for all people."
"We utilized other communities, what they provide and things of that nature, to try and get a general idea," Reagan said.
This includes a proposal of $55 per month for Columbia citizens ($100 for families), $65 for Maury County residents ($110 for families) and $70 for anyone outside of the county ($120 for families).
Seniors would pay $40 per month for Columbia citizens, $50 for county and $55 for non-county residents. Day passes would cost $5 for Columbia citizens, $8 for county and $11 for non-county residents.
There are also guidelines in place to possibly provide financial assistance to anyone interested in memberships, Reagan said.
"We are in a unique environment with the amount of services we're going to provide," Reagan said. "We will do a lot more programming, three pools to operate. Overall, we feel pretty strong with what we are offering, and is roughly half of what citizens are paying for with its current use."
Vice Mayor Randy McBroom said lowering membership fees is "the big thing people are excited about."
"The biggest thing people were saying was it was too pricy, and they couldn't afford to go there," McBroom said. "Right now, we've got the price where we can get the people back in here using our facility and showing what it can do."
The Council originally approved the Muletown Rec purchase in December of 2024, which was met with much support from citizens.
While the council again voted this month, Mayor Chaz Molder said the vote was "more of a formality for purposes of the closing." He also thanked the various city departments and their work in making the purchase possible.
"I do want to say publicly how much I appreciate Mack Reagan and his team, and also the finance team, for all the work they've done over the last couple of months in getting us ready for this moment and the work that will be done in the weeks and months ahead as we transition this into one of our park assets," Molder said.
"It will have a lasting impact on the community both today, but also in the future. I don't think this would be such an easy decision if it weren't for the degree of sophistication our Parks and Rec team, and that should be noted. We are pleased to express our gratitude for the team and the work that lies ahead."
Judge Postpones Cobb Hearing (CDH)
The city of Columbia's appeal regarding former Columbia Fire Chief Ty Cobb's request for a civil service hearing for wrongful termination remains pending in the Appellate Court of Middle Tennessee.
Meanwhile, Maury County Circuit Court Judge Jessica Chandler Parrish, 22nd Judicial District ruled Jan. 6 to grant a Motion of Stay of Judgement Pending Appeal, pausing a previous judge's ruling that the city must grant Cobb a civil hearing.
Parrish opined that it's in the best interest of all parties for the judgement to be postponed until the city's appeal is heard.
The Motion of Stay was filed following Circuit Court Judge David Allen's Aug. 2 ruling in Cobb's favor to seek a civil hearing to consider wrongful termination from the city of Columbia fire department.
The city initially filed the Motion of Stay on Aug. 21, which was then heard on Nov. 14 and Dec. 9.
The latest order, documented Jan. 6, states the postponement was due to a number of factors to consider.
"After review of Judge Allen's order and the issues in this case, the Court concludes that this is a highly contested case with a strain between the language of the City of Columbia's Charter and Municipal Code versus the reality of leadership within some city departments," Parrish's Jan. 6 order states.
"While there may not be a high likelihood of success on the merits on appeal, there are some issues for the appellate court's consideration."
According to the city, Cobb's request for a civil hearing was moot because the city and City Manager Tony Massey claim that Cobb is not a civil servant (entitled to a civil hearing) but a department head, which is a position not entitled to a civil hearing.
However, Cobb's attorney Barton E. Kelley previously argued that Massey is technically the department head, and that the city's fire service falls under Public Safety. Therefore, Cobb's status should be considered that of a civil servant, and a civil hearing is indeed warranted.
The Jan. 6 order lists four key factors, with the main issue determining whether a civil hearing should be held before or after the appellate court makes a decision on the city's appeal.
When considering injury to the client, the city argues that if a stay is not granted and the civil hearing proceeds, it would render the appeal process "obsolete and meaningless." Cobb argues that if a civil service hearing results in denial of his reinstatement, the city would suffer no harm.
Parrish states there is, in fact, potential for irreparable injury to the city regardless of the civil service hearing's results.
"First, if the civil service hearing is held before the Court of Appeals addresses the appeal and the civil service board determines Mr. Cobb's termination was proper, that effectively makes the appeal moot and no longer justiciable while still leaving the issue of whether the City of Columbia acted wrongfully in its original denial of a civil service hearing unheard by the appellate courts," the order states.
"Alternatively, if the civil service hearing is held and the service board determines that Mr. Cobb's termination was not proper, the city is faced with employment reinstatement, back wages, etc., while the appeal on this issue is still pending. In either case, there is the potential for irreparable injury to the City of Columbia if a stay is not granted."
For Cobb, he cites his current lack of income and health insurance since his March 2024 termination should be considered substantial injury, stating the pending litigation has prevented other employment due to the potential for his reinstatement.
"While this is certainly a concern for Mr. Cobb, the Court also recognizes that while this pending litigation might affect or even curtail employment at job's Mr. Cobb is choosing, it would not short circuit all possible employment that would provide an income and health benefits," Parrish's order states.
However, there is the potential for Cobb to experience substantial harm if the stay is not granted.
"If Mr. Cobb were to be granted a civil service hearing and prevail at that hearing, meaning his employment is reinstated, he is given back wages, employment benefits, etc. before the appeal process is completed in this case, Mr. Cobb may very well face the situation of having those things removed from him for a second time if the Court of Appeals concludes that a civil service hearing should never have been granted," the order states. "This would be a significant injury to Mr. Cobb."
The court's final consideration included the case's overall public interest.
Parrish concluded that a stay pending appeal, based on all of the factors, is in the best interest of both parties at this time.
"As such, there is a strong public interest in not having conflicting outcomes," the order states. " ... The Court sees no other way of providing such resolution in this case without addressing each issue fully before moving to the next stage of litigation or hearing."
Black History Expo (Press Release)
In celebration of Black History Month, Maury Regional Health is proud to announce its 3rd annual Black History Expo vendor fair. This event will take place on Wednesday, February 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Maury Regional Medical Center in the Auxiliary Conference Room. This event is open to the public.
This special event is an opportunity to celebrate and support the achievements of Black entrepreneurs in our community. The fair will showcase an array of vendors offering products and services, including food, jewelry, clothing, custom merchandise and more.
“We are excited to bring together Black-owned businesses to celebrate their contributions and share their talents with the community,” said Dennis Fisher, chief human resources officer at Maury Regional Health. “This is an opportunity to foster connections in our community and celebrate the talents of our entrepreneurs.”
Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate in this event. For more information about attending or being a vendor, please reach out to kbrady@mauryregional.com or call 931.381.1111, ext. 1026.
Commission Debates Funding Non-Profits (MSM)
The Maury County Commission debated a resolution to provide funds to a number of nonprofit organizations which drew some argument among the committee members after questions were raised about money for a rideshare program at the Senior Center that has not yet been spent.
Steve Thomas, director of the Senior Center, told committee members that the rideshare program was a volunteer program, including the automobiles used.
“We inherited this (program); when the clock ran out we had to decide if we were going to go forward or not,” Steve Thomas said. He added that the center board had decided that sustaining the program was not possible given its requirements, saying, “It was not a program that was going to be sustainable.”
Commissioner Howard noted that county-provided funds in some cases helped these nonprofits qualify for other grant funding to pursue their missions. He also asked why the Senior Center was a nonprofit rather than under the county itself.
“I support continuing to fund nonprofits here in Maury County… I think we need to continue supporting them and maybe in some cases step up even further,” Gabe Howard said.
Lukonen said the county has no specific policy regarding nonprofits having to account for county funds other than providing their annual report filed with the state and that the nonprofit be in good standing with the State of Tennessee.
County Mayor Sheila Butt said she felt more accountability by nonprofits was a good idea.
“We have accountability for every level of government in Maury County. I think we should have some criteria for the nonprofits that we decide to give to,” the mayor said.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Jerry Lee Ward, 80, retired chief building engineer with USAA Realty, died Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at his residence in Columbia.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Trent Alexander officiating. Burial will follow in Jackson Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
And now, news from around the state…
Lee Calls For Immigration Enforcement (Tennessean)
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is calling on state lawmakers to establish a new immigration enforcement division and fund to incentivize local government to assist with "detention and removal" efforts, a proposal sparking sharp criticism from Democrats and immigrant rights advocates.
Lee has called a special session to begin on Jan. 27 which will largely focus on education and disaster relief funding but included a last-minute proposal for an immigration package.
The proposal would establish an immigration division, led by a Lee appointee, within the Department of Safety and intended to liason with the federal government.
The proposal also takes aim at "sanctuary" cities and policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. But these policies are already illegal in Tennessee under a 2018 law.
The proposal would codify a new felony and removal proceedings for local officials who violate anti-sanctuary policies.
Meanwhile, Lee also wants to direct more funds to "incentivize" local governments to assist with immigration enforcement.
Lee's call established the parameters lawmakers must stick to during the special session, though lawmakers are not required to pass any of the legislation Lee has recommended.
Still, GOP leadership is on board with the governor's immigration plan that appears poised to funnel significant funding to assist the Trump administration's immigration plans, even though the administration has yet to issue any state-level policy guidance.
House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, has already filed legislation that would establish separate driver's licenses or other photo identifications for legal immigrants such as lawful permanent residents. The separate ID for legal immigrants must have a "visually distinctive font or color" that differentiates it from Tennessee driver's licenses for U.S. citizens, House Bill 69 states.
Lamberth is expected to carry legislation on the immigration enforcement entity as well, though it has not yet been filed.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Rock legend Billy Idol is returning to the road for It’s a Nice Day To…Tour Again! Fellow superstar Joan Jett & the Blackhearts will join Idol on all shows.
Produced by Live Nation, the run of arenas and amphitheaters kicks off at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix on April 30 and stops in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena on May 17th.
The general onsale begins Friday, January 24 at 9 a.m. local time. Additional info and tickets will be available at billyidol.net/tour.
Comments