August 17, 2023

Governor calls special session

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

Months after a shooting at Covenant School in Nashville left three children and three staff members dead, Gov. Bill Lee has formally called the special legislative session he promised in response to the killings.

Lee, a Republican, has called the Tennessee General Assembly back to Nashville starting Aug. 21. The Republicans who control the legislature have already made it clear they do not plan to support Lee’s proposed extreme risk protection order legislation. (One key Republican, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, has expressed support for ERPOs, which allow courts to temporarily remove guns from people in crisis.)

Three-fourths of Tennessee voters support

2023 High School Football Season Preview

BY LOGAN BUTTS

so-called “red flag” laws, according to recent Vanderbilt University polling. According to a release, Lee is not including ERPOs in his administration legislative package, but the call leaves open the possibility that a lawmaker could propose related legislation.

Parents of Covenant students are among those urging the legislature to enact legislation that could help prevent future tragedies.

Katy Dieckhaus, whose 9-year-old daughter Evelyn was killed at Covenant, recently recorded an advertisement in partnership with nonprofit Voices for a Safer Tennessee calling for “responsible firearm safety laws that will work towards protecting

our children and their right to life.”

Lawmakers are limited in what they can consider in a special session. Lee’s proclamation includes the following possible areas of discussion:

• mental health resources, providers, commitments or services

• school safety plans or policies

• health care providers’ duty to warn about potential violent offenses

• offenses of committing acts of mass violence or threatening to commit acts of mass violence

• reports from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation regarding human trafficking

• identification of individuals

Believe it or not, the 2023 high school football season is here! Whether you are a parent of a player, an alum of a local program, or just a fan of the Friday night lights, this upcoming season should have plenty of excitement in store.

The 2022 campaign was a memorable, and hugely successful, one for The News area schools. Lipscomb Academy capped off an undefeated season with back-to-back state championships in its final season in Division II-AA. Montgomery Bell Academy lost just one game en route to finishing as the Division II-AAA runner-up. Nashville Christian nearly won the Division II-A title. And teams from across Middle Tennessee, including East Nashville (Class 3A), Pearl Cohn (Class 4A), Page (Class 5A), and Beech (Class 6A), claimed state runner-up status, while Oakland remained dominant with a third consecutive Class 6A championship.

This season projects more of the same for local some local powerhouses, while others will be fending off new opponents and challengers for the crown. In our football preview issue, we highlighted five area teams. Over at thenewstn.com, we also previewed the 2023 season for our neighbors in Williamson County. And you can expect plenty more content throughout the season!

House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison passes protestors calling for gun restrictions at the state Capitol, March 30, 2023

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Nashville Christian quarterback Jared Curtis PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

2023 High

School football preview

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Football Preview: Brentwood Academy

BY LOGAN BUTTS

2022 Record: 9-3

Playoff Finish: State semifinals (lost to Baylor)

Key Losses: Deuce Scott, Davis Greene, George Laster, Davis Greene, Isaiah Cane, Jabari Simmons, Luke Smith, Jordan Barnes, Casen Calmus, Ian Scott, Kolby Jones

Key Returners: George MacIntyre, AJ Barbat, Hank Weber, Andrew Pedersen, London Bironas, Brax Belville, Kolbe Harmon Brentwood Academy’s 2022 campaign came to an agonizing end when the Eagles were stopped inches short of the end zone on a controversial final play in a 44-39 loss to Baylor in the Division II-AAA state

Football Preview: Christ Presbyterian Academy

BY LOGAN BUTTS

Football Preview: Ensworth

BY LOGAN BUTTS

semifinals. The loss was one of only two in the state of Tennessee last season for BA, with the second coming against DII-AAA runner-up MBA.

Now, the Eagles return with highly sought-after junior quarterback George MacIntyre and a strong senior class led by Wisconsin signee Hank Weber and Princeton commit Andrew Pedersen holding it down in the trenches.

Add in former Oakland star running back T.T. Hill and two-way stars like AJ Barbat, and Brentwood Academy’s goal of returning to the championship game for the first time since 2017 should be within reach.

2022 Record: 8-6

Playoff Finish: State championship game (lost to Lipscomb Academy)

Key Losses: London Humphreys, Bo Burklow, Trey Brown, Easton Dillard, Asher Keck, Thomas Vaccaro

Key Returners: Crews Law, Ondre Evans, John Wayne Oliver, Brady Smith, Jackson Mathews, Boone Thompson, Riley Gregory, Braden Streeter

The Christ Presbyterian Academy Lions have been to five consecutive state championships games in Division II-AA, last winning the title in 2020.

CPA’s senior class, led by two-way forces in North Carolina signee Crews Law, LSU commit Ondre Evans, and Ole Miss signee John Wayne Oliver, has made it to the final game of the season in every year of their careers - and they don’t plan on that streak ending this fall.

With two-time defending state champion Lipscomb Academy, CPA’s arch-rival, moving up to Division II-AAA, the Lions have a clear path to returning the trophy to Old Hickory Boulevard.

Bottom row: John Wayne Oliver, Middle row: Ondre Evans, Top row: Crews Law

2022 Record: 7-4

Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals (lost to McCallie)

Key Losses: Levi Moore, Martez Cooksey, Caleb Dorris, Shamar Porter, Bralynn Morris, DuJuan Sharp, Christian Grimes, Mark Smith, Paulos Estifanos, Andrew Bonner, Russell Jankowski

Key Returners: Ethan Utley, Jaren Sensabaugh, Mason Curtis, Zaidyn Moore

Once again, Ensworth heads into the season staring down a brutal schedule. In 2022, eight of the team’s 10 regular season opponents were ranked in the state’s top-25

teams. The 2023 schedule features a similar level of toughness.

But coach Roc Batten knows that for the Tigers to return to the state title game for the first time since 2014, they will need to be ready come playoff time - and a tough regular season schedule is the best way to be prepared.

Although several of Ensworth’s top playmakers from last season will be playing on Saturdays this fall, the Tigers return a trio of defenders - Michigan commit Mason Curtis, Vanderbilt signee Jaren Sensabaugh, and four-star junior Ethan Utley - that can compete with anyone in the state.

From left to right: Brax Belville, London Bironas, AJ Barbat, Andrew Pedersen, George MacIntyre PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

From left to right: Ethan Utley, Jaren Sensabaugh, Mason Curtis

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Football Preview: Franklin Road Academy

BY LOGAN BUTTS

Football Preview: Nashville Christian

BY LOGAN BUTTS

2022 Record: 10-2

Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals

(lost to Chattanooga Christian)

Key Losses: Joe Crocker, Taylor Williams, Paul Edwards, Ben Bradshaw, Graham Pave, Garrett Smith

Key Returners: Ty Clark III, Luke Masterson, Bobby Council, Boyd Brown, Bradley Schmoke, Logan Kinnard, Charlie Speed, Gavin Gadsey, Beau Koogler Franklin Road Academy hasn’t missed the playoffs in over a decade, and the program’s lone state championship came in 1991. Could this be the season the Panthers add a second state title to the trophy cabinet?

Last season, FRA only lost two games - one in the regular season to two-time defending state champion Lipscomb Academy and one in the playoff quarterfinals to top-five-ranked Chattanooga Christian. With one of the area’s best running games, led by prolific back Ty Clark III and North Carolina commit Luke Masterson on the line, this could be the season the Panthers return to the state championship game.

2022 Record: 10-3

Playoff Finish: State championship game

(lost to Friendship Christian)

Key Losses: Devin Ray, Jaden Potts, James

Warmbrod IV, Kevin Bradley, Jayden Satterfield, Cam Carden, Donovan Smith, Peyton Woodard

Key Returners: Jared Curtis, JT Robbins, Vasili Santas, Braylon Tole, Bryson Holt, Cooper Collins, Wyatt Martin, Jacob Ellis

In each of the last two seasons Nashville Christian has reached the Division II-A title game, only to come up just short of a state championship. In quarterback Jared Curtis’ freshman season, the Eagles lost to Friendship Christian by one score.

In 2023, Nashville Christian is on a mission to take home the program’s first state title trophy since 2015 and second overall. But this season, Curtis will no longer be an under-the-radar signal caller.

The NCS gunslinger heads into his sophomore campaign with a whopping 24 Division I offers, including Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, and Auburn. Most outlets have Curtis ranked as one of the top quarterbacks in his class. If you want to see some offensive fireworks this season, head to Bellevue to watch the Eagles put up points.

From left to right: Luke Masterson, Ty Clark III

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Nashville Christian quarterback Jared Curtis PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Special session

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

arrested for felonies

• law enforcement’s access to criminal and juvenile records

• law enforcement’s access to information about individuals who are subject to mental health commitment

• information about victims of violent offenses

• stalking offenses

• measures encouraging the safe storage of firearms, which do not include the creation of penalties for failing to safely store firearms

• temporary mental health orders of protection, which must be initiated by law enforcement, must require a due process hearing, must require the respondent to undergo an assessment for suicidal or homicidal ideation, must require law enforcement to prove its case by clear and convincing evidence, must require that an order of protection be reevaluated at least every 180 days, and must not permit ex parte orders

• the transfer of juvenile defendants aged 16 and older to courts with criminal jurisdiction, which must include appeal rights for the juveniles and the prosecuting authorities

• limiting the circumstances in which juvenile records may be expunged

• blended sentencing for juveniles

• offenses related to inducing or coercing a minor to commit an offense

• the structure or operations of state or local courts

• making appropriations related to the legislation

“A promise to do something to stop future shootings was made to Covenant parents, but sadly this proclamation eliminates many paths forward,” said Sen. Raumesh Akbari, leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus. “While the narrow focus of this special session is frustrating, it will not stop Senate Democrats from fighting for reforms that directly address the epidemic of gun violence in our communities.”

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

Nashville remembers Charles Strobel

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

Becca Stevens was a young priest in Nashville when she asked for advice on a sermon from Charles Strobel, the priest and Room In The Inn founder who died Aug. 6 at the age of 80.

“No one remembers anyway,” Strobel joked about the short attention spans of parishioners, putting Stevens at ease. Stevens, who founded Thistle Farms and was a longtime collaborator of Strobel’s, disputed that advice, eulogizing him over the din of construction noise at First Horizon Park at a Friday morning memorial for the baseball-loving Strobel.

“We remember, Charlie, what you preached not just with your lips but through your life of radical hospitality,” Stevens said. Strobel has been celebrated across the

city this week for his decades of work on behalf of the homeless community, a large contingent of which made the trip to the baseball park. They were joined in the grandstands by current and former mayors, representatives from the Room In The Inn chapters that cropped up around the country and Nashvillians of all kinds. Mayor John Cooper has proposed naming the city’s first permanent supportive housing center for him. Famed musicians Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller performed — so too did a choir of Strobel’s great-nieces and great-nephews.

Former Mayor and Gov. Phil Bredesen said the event reminded him of John F. Kennedy’s funeral decades ago. Strobel “isn’t being celebrated by the usual delegation

of friends and family,” Bredesen said, though they were there too. Rich and poor, important and unimportant, were in attendance, Bredesen said (though Strobel’s identification of which was which might have differed from the standard).

Unlike JFK, Bredesen said, Strobel is not being commemorated by a propane torch.

“His eternal flame is a more subtle and more divine one: He lives in the hearts of those he ministered to, those he called to service and to those he called his friends,” Bredesen said. “... We’re here because he was our friend, and he was very, very good at being a friend.”

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

Former state Sen. Brian Kelsey sentenced to 21 months

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

Former state Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) on Friday was sentenced to 21 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to federal charges related to his failed 2016 run for U.S. Congress.

Kelsey later sought to retract his guilty plea but the request was denied by the court.

“I am sorry that I made this mistake, and I will always regret it,” Kelsey said in a statement. “I am sorry for letting down my constituents and the public. I deeply

appreciate the love of my family and friends who are with me today. Their support means everything to me.”

Josh Smith, who owns Nashville private club The Standard, was sentenced to 720 hours of community service and was ordered to pay a $250,000 fine.

The duo were charged with funneling money from Kelsey’s state campaign account to efforts to support his federal campaign in violation of campaign finance

laws. The spending was done via the American Conservative Union, a prominent national conservative organization, though no one from the group has been charged with a crime.

“Brian Kelsey intentionally violated federal campaign finance laws and his oath as a state senator in order to deny Tennessee voters their right to make informed decisions about his candidacy for Congress,” Henry Leventis, U.S. attorney for the Middle

District of Tennessee, said in a release. “The court’s sentence today reflect the seriousness of his crimes and is a strong reminder of our commitment to root out public corruption and ensure the integrity of federal elections.”

Kelsey, formerly an attorney, chaired the state Senate’s judiciary and education committees during his tenure in office. This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

‘He was very, very good at being a friend’

Nashvillians gathered for a remembrance of Charles Strobel on Aug. 11, 2023

PHOTO BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

Since 1998, Belmont Village has safely delivered an unparalleled senior living experience for thousands of families. Collaborations with experts from the nation’s top healthcare institutions and universities, including Vanderbilt, have established our national leadership in demonstrably effective cognitive health and wellness programs. Combining the highest levels of hospitality and care, our communities make life worth living.

Former mayoral candidates line up behind runoff contenders

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

Former mayoral candidates, fresh off missing the runoff during the first round of voting last week, are starting to get behind the remaining two candidates.

Third-place finisher Matt Wiltshire and State Sens. Jeff Yarbro and Heidi Campbell, who finished in fourth and fifth place, respectively, expressed support for Metro Councilmember Freddie O’Connell’s bid this week. O’Connell finished in first place, with about 27 percent of the vote.

“I’ve got Freddie O’Connell’s back and hope you will too,” Yarbro said on social media, alongside a picture of an O’Connell campaign sign in his yard.

“There is no question that Freddie O’Connell is the right choice in this election,” said Campbell.

Former U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, who previously endorsed Yarbro’s campaign, also said he is supporting O’Connell. Cooper’s brother, Mayor John Cooper, has not publicly supported either candidate.

Meanwhile, former school board member Fran Bush, who finished near the bottom of the pack with a few hundred votes, is backing Alice Rolli’s candidacy. Rolli, who finished in second behind O’Connell, is a former Republican aide and campaign official.

Sixth place finisher Sharon Hurt, seventh place finisher Vivian Wilhoite and dropout Jim Gingrich have yet to make their picks in the runoff known.

Rolli and O’Connell issued a joint release Thursday outlining plans for campaign forums during the weeks leading up to the runoff. The duo will participate in eight forums, with the first one having taken place Thursday morning, Aug. 10, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

STONES RIVER GROUP/SPECIAL TO THE BANNER

How Nashville Voted

STEVE

CAVENDISH, NASHVILLE BANNER

This story is a partnership between the Nashville Banner and The News. For more information, visit NashvilleBanner.com.

Precinct-level data from the mayoral election shows that Alice Rolli’s strongest support — where she had 30 percent of the vote or more — came from areas that touch the edge of the county: Forest Hills, Oak Hill, Bellevue, Joelton and Hermitage. Meanwhile, O’Connell performed best in higher-density areas like East Nashville, inside the I-440 loop, The Fairgrounds Nashville area and the Nations.

In areas where one of the two runoff qualifiers did not finish first, Sharon Hurt won a few precincts in North Nashville, Vivian Wilhoite picked up some ballot boxes in the southeast while Matt Wiltshire, who finished third, picked up a handful of precincts around the central and southeast portions of the county.

O’Connell did two things that helped him break away from the pack. First, he was competitive across the board, finishing in the top three in precincts with more than 50 voters in all but three.

Second, in the 31 biggest precincts across the county — ones that had 1,000 or more ballots cast — O’Connell was the leading vote-getter by more than 1,100 votes. He won 12 of them, and in seven got 40 percent or more of the vote.

At Cleveland Community Center in East Nashville, O’Connell got 539 votes, while Wiltshire got only 123 votes as the second-highest at the precinct. At Belmont University’s Sports Science Center, the biggest precinct in the city, O’Connell got 755 of the 1,865 votes cast, or 40.5 percent. He ran up his tally in more liberal areas while he remained competitive in some more traditionally conservative venues.

Rolli, meanwhile, won 17 of the 31

biggest boxes. Her best performance was at Belle Meade City Hall, where she took 47 percent of the 1,075 votes cast. But unlike O’Connell, Rolli didn’t have as many sizable wins, with Belle Meade being her only precinct above 40 percent.

The only other candidate to win at one of the biggest precincts was Sharon Hurt, who finished first at Cathedral of Praise (380 votes) and Robert E. Lillard School (368 votes).

Wiltshire finished second in 17 of the biggest precincts. By contrast to O’Connell and Rolli, his only wins came in small places, like Rural Hill Church of Christ in Antioch (75 votes) and Church of the Redeemer in Oak Hill (50 votes). In the 10 precincts he won, Wiltshire totaled 329 votes.

Additional reporting by Connor Daryani and Addison Wright.

Invitation for bids posted for renovation to Radnor Lake residence

BY NICOLLE S. PRAINO

The manager’s residence at Radnor Lake is due for a renovation, according to a call for bids posted by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Renovations are to include replacing the siding, flooring, countertops, cabinets, windows, doors and porches, according to

the bid sheet. The opportunity to bid ends on August 17.

The project will be awarded to the lowest bidder who meets all the requirements. The work should start within 10 days of the work request and be completed within 35 days, unless there is an exemption.

The cost is expected to exceed $50,000 according to the invitation to bid, but an exact cost will not be known until a final bid has been chosen.

Radnor Lake PHOTO BY ELIZABETH JONES

MNPD arrest man for attempting to rob Bellevue bank

STAFF REPORTS

Metro Nashville Police arrested a man on Tuesday that they said attempted to rob a Bellevue bank.

37-year-old Mario Armstrong has been charged with attempted robbery, resisting arrest and evading arrest, and he may face federal charges.

Police said that Armstrong walked up to the Highway 70 South Pinnacle Bank drivethrough at 4:55 p.m. and placed a handwritten note in the bank’s tube system which stated “there was a bomb in the building and cash was to be sent back before detonation.”

The bank manager called 911. Police said that Armstrong fled the scene on foot and was later arrested while walking near Hicks Road.

Police also said that Armstrong changed clothes behind another business and they found the clothes he allegedly had on during the robbery in Armstrong’s backpack.

State Rep. Gloria Johnson officially exploring Senate bid

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

State Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) is officially exploring a bid for U.S. Senate next year, having last week filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission establishing an exploratory committee. That move allows Johnson to fundraise for the potential effort, which, if successful, would pit her against Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn.

Johnson told the Post in May she was considering running.

Added Johnson on Tuesday: “I am still looking at this race and having great conversations about our future, rebuilding the middle class and lowering costs so every family can build a good life.”

Johnson, a former educator, avoided expulsion from the state House by a single vote earlier this year as Republicans in the legislature sought to punish members, including Johnson, who led a protest from the House floor in the wake of a mass murder at a Nashville school.

Marquita Bradshaw, the Memphis environmental activist who won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in 2020, is running again in 2024. Bradshaw, Johnson or whoever wins the Democratic primary would face long odds next year.

In her first election for Senate, Blackburn beat Democrat Phil Bredesen, the wellfunded and well-known former governor, by nearly 12 percentage points. Two years later, Republican Bill Hagerty beat Bradshaw by 27 percentage points.

“At the urging of Washington liberals, Gloria Johnson has taken another critical step towards joining liberal Democrat Marquita Bradshaw in the Tennessee Senate Democratic Primary,” Blackburn campaign spokesperson Abigail Sigler said. “Both of them are radical socialists who are aligned with Joe Biden’s failed policies that are making Tennesseans’ lives tougher every day. Tennesseans know that Senator Blackburn will continue championing conservative values and fighting for their families.”

Johnson responded to Blackburn’s statement after press time: “Her prepared statement sounds like she’s running scared. I guess when you’re as corrupt as Marsha Blackburn, all you have left is name calling. It’s pathetic and it’s exactly why folks are telling me they’re so hungry for better leadership in Washington.”

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

Mario Armstrong

PHOTO BY MNPD

Freddie O’Connell will make a fine mayor for Nashville

BY BILL FREEMAN

Nashvillians have an important job in the coming runoff election. We must elect the right person to lead our city. That person is Metro Councilmember Freddie O’Connell.

O’Connell’s experience on the Metro Council is one of his strongest accomplishments. He clearly knows how to best help Nashville thrive. His campaign message — “Nashville for Nashvillians” — strikes a chord, and his campaign notes that his main priorities will be “trash, transit and trust.” Not many notice when a municipal function works well, but everyone notices when it struggles: If your trash isn’t picked up, you notice pretty quickly! O’Connell also knows critical infrastructure will ease everyday traffic congestion and allow everyone access to transportation. Mass transit remains an

urgent necessity — implementation costs and limited choices can’t be our excuses any longer. Nashville has desperately needed strong mass transit for decades, and O’Connell aims to finally provide Nashville with an affordable, actual mass transit system. Trash and transit are definitely needed, but the most important is O’Connell’s final plank: trust. Trust in our elected officials is key — trust that they can be counted on to do the right thing, be honest with us and represent Nashville honorably.

Recent political analysis has generated some well-reasoned points that Nashvillians should hear. The first comes from the Nashville Scene and our partnership with the Nashville Banner. Steve Cavendish’s exceptionally good piece analyzing the

election shows a depth of knowledge that comes only with experience. He writes: “O’Connell had tapped into a sentiment lingering in the city for a couple of years now, that a place that once puffed out its chest as ‘It City’ had gone too far in becoming a playground for outsiders instead of focusing on the livability of its residents.” The article also thoroughly explores the backstory of the election drama and its plethora of candidates. Mayor John Cooper’s last-minute decision to refrain from running for reelection and the ensuing shenanigans of this election cycle have been covered by many political pundits, yet this piece did so with a voice full of experience that is lacking from much of Nashville’s political analysis.

The election was fraught with an especially large pool whose size cannibalized candidates, splitting key voter blocs and forcing a shotgun approach with key endorsements. Stephen Elliott’s recent piece for the Nashville Post on political endorsements reminded me that the shotgun approach fails every time. Nearly every notable leader and key endorsement group chose a different candidate. When the field of candidates is so large, the power of endorsements is worrisomely weakened. Now that so many leaders and groups backed a losing candidate, they must choose a second candidate to endorse in the runoff. Second endorsements never ring as loudly.

The differences between O’Connell’s campaign and Alice Rolli’s campaign are more stark than nearly any in Nashville’s recent history. As The Tennessean’s Cassandra Stephenson notes, O’Connell says he wants to ensure that Nashville is even more welcoming to residents than it is to visitors and big business. O’Connell wrote to supporters on election night with an early call for help: “A Nashville for Nashvillians — and the future of our city — will depend on what we do in the next six weeks. If you can make calls, and knock doors, we need you. The road ahead will be tough, but we can win.”

O’Connell has received solid endorsements, but to me the most striking comes from Rosetta Miller Perry, publisher of The Tennessee Tribune and a well-respected leader of Nashville’s Black community and Black press. Her endorsement of O’Connell notes his leadership skills and sincere support of the city’s minority communities. However, her most frank assessment is of Rolli. Here are her powerful words on O’Connell’s competitor: “This is the first time in our 33 years on Jefferson Street that a candidate for mayor has not asked to talk about issues affecting the Black community with the

Black press.” Her subsequent endorsement of O’Connell speaks volumes.

I wholeheartedly support O’Connell in his bid for the office of mayor of Metro Nashville. He is dedicated to all of Nashville. He knows how the Metro government operates, and he knows how to fix what’s broken. More importantly, he knows how to not fix what isn’t broken. Community support, public education and fighting to preserve Nashville for Nashvillians — those things need expansion and support. O’Connell has promised to do just that: fight to keep Nashville for Nashvillians. If you agree with me, cast your vote for Freddie O’Connell on Sept. 14.

Bill Freeman

Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and The News.

Freddie O’Connell PHOTO BY ERIC ENGLAND

OPINION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I noticed my race for the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 51, has been ignored by TV, News Papers and radio except for one shining star Mr. Leahy.

This amazes me that my opponent takes the exact opposite positions on most everything I believe in. For instance I do not think we need to attack, break the law nor demean our opponents. I don’t believe divisionary tactics will bring us together nor will yelling at our opponents when we disagree.

As a follower of Jesus Christ I have to run as a Republican. Unlike my opponent, I have been volunteering to help people of all races, genders and economic status. I have created

jobs, opened businesses and worked hard. I believe, as Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and others, in nonviolent resistance to change peoples minds.

Civil dialogue seems to have been forgotten in our society. I seek to first understand vs assume.

As John F. Kennedy said “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.

Thank you for listening.

David C. Hooven

TICKED OFF!

WHY A CHILDREN’S VERSION OF THE AR 15?

I am ticked off as I drive around Nashville and still see “We stand with Covenant” lawn signs, but I have yet to see any real Governor lead formal bills to address the availability of guns. Not a day goes by where there is not at least one shooting in our now more dangerous city. Sure there are some measures to make schoolkids a bit safer during an attack but the real issue of protecting children still seems to be secondary to protecting the proliferation of guns.

Now there is a children’s version of the AR-15 called the JR-15 geared toward elementary school age kids to have purchased for them downsized military weapons. This is as insane as the fact that the first bill Trump signed when in full power was to repeal the Obama (who cared) gun check process for those that were formally deemed mentally ill.

If we elect the wrong leadership locally and nationally may God help the land and people we love!

POTHOLES

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Potholes impacted more than half-a-dozen cars on Interstate 24 in Antioch Thursday morning.

The potholes opened up in the eastbound lanes near the Haywood Lane exit around 5:30 a.m.

Blackburn and Hagerty’s infrastructure at work. Think about it next time you have damage to your car due to the representatives that voted against it.

The comments in the Ticked Off column do not reflect the views of FW Publishing.

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Public Notice

The City of Oak Hill will hold a Special Called Meeting of the Board of Commissioners on August 29th, 2023 at 6:00 PM. The agenda for this meeting will be available 48 hours prior to the meeting date by visiting the city’s website at www.oakhilltn.us or by calling (615) 371-8291. The Board of Commissioner’s Regular Meeting for August 22nd, 2023 is cancelled. Meetings will be held at 5548 Franklin Road, Suite 102, Nashville, TN, 37220.

Working Together to Create Lasting Change

Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end. Learn more about our structure and our foundation and our strategic vision.

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Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 46,000+ clubs work together to:

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We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

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Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

THE Green Hills Rotary meets every Friday morning at 7:15 at the Boy Scout Center. If you would like to have breakfast with us call David at 615-364-3396.

Kindergarten vaccination compliance plummeting in Tennessee

BY HANNAH HERNER

Last school year, more Tennessee families sent their children to kindergarten unvaccinated with a religious exemption than had in recent memory.

Kindergarteners are required to receive a series of shots by the time they enter a public school, per requirements from the Tennessee Department of Health.

The Tennessee Department of Health has published its Kindergarten Immunization Compliance Assessment Report annually since at least 2013, according to spokesperson Dean Flener. There is a push for the Metropolitan Board of Health to begin collecting immunization records for child care centers, too, as evidenced by a resolution to be considered by the Metro Council on Tuesday.

The state health department measures each county against an ideal threshold of 95 percent of kindergarteners vaccinated. Davidson County falls short of the threshold, at 92.5 percent of students fully

immunized. Davidson County also clocks in short of the statewide average of 93.3 percent of kindergarteners vaccinated. The report shows the second straight year of decline in immunization coverage statewide.

“TDH has chosen a 95 percent threshold as an ideal immunization goal because this is the percentage of the population that would need to be vaccinated against a highly infectious disease (such as measles) to ensure protection for the entire population, including those who are unable to be vaccinated because of their age or due to other reasons,” said Flener.

Statewide trends show a sizable decrease in kindergarten vaccinations in the past two school years. In the 2020-21 school year, the state reported that 72 of Tennessee’s 95 counties met the 95 percent fully immunized threshold. The next year, that had decreased to 43 counties. In 2022-23, only 26 counties met the 95 percent threshold.

“I think this vaccine hesitancy that

people are perceiving as just happened or is increasing because of COVID probably already existed,” said Kerri-Ann Anderson, Vanderbilt University researcher and graduate student. “It’s just that that was a crisis or some trigger for people to start thinking about vaccinations all over again — reevaluating their values, why they vaccinate, what they actually think about vaccines.”

The public schools with the lowest vaccination rates in Davidson County were Hattie Cotton STEM Magnet Elementary School with a 79.4 percent vaccination rate and Jones Paideia Elementary Magnet School at 75 percent. Napier Elementary School and John B. Whitsitt Elementary School boasted 100 percent vaccination rates, with Glendale Elementary School and Hull-Jackson Elementary School reaching 98.6 percent.

Of the students who were not fully immunized in Davidson County, the largest group had religious exemptions, followed by temporary immunization certificates, incomplete records and missing records, with the smallest group filing medical exemptions.

Statewide, the public school religious exemption jumped from 2.2 percent to 2.9 percent between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 assessments. Private schools saw an even more significant jump in religious exemptions, up from 2.2 percent to 5 percent year-over-year. Private schools were less likely to submit immunization data, however, with only 73 percent of those asked participating compared to 96 percent of public schools. In the 2020-21 school year, 1.8 percent of students used a religious exemption statewide.

A religious exemption is relatively easy to obtain in Tennessee — it requires a signed statement by a parent or guardian stating that the vaccination conflicts with the family’s religious tenets. However, students entering into Metro Nashville Public

Schools must have a health examination, and the health care provider must note the religious exemption.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have found that vaccine hesitancy is nothing new, but there are a few key factors — including community influence and low barriers to exemption — driving vaccination decisions today.

Anderson told the Post that beliefs are not fully predictive of behaviors when it comes to vaccination.

“If a vaccine has strict exemptions, for example if there are no exemptions besides medical, you’re definitely going to see an increase in vaccine outcomes,” she said. “Vaccine confidence or hesitancy may not change. People may still hold on to their same beliefs, but behaviors might change.”

She noted that parents might also sign the religious exemption to save time, because they do not have easy access to take their child to get vaccinated.

Co-researcher Nicole Creanza, assistant professor of biological sciences, said that when it comes to vaccine decisions, people are influenced by the opinions of those around them, whether in favor of or opposition to vaccination In addition, modern technology allows people to consume opinions from those with whom they might not physically interact, and those opinions hold weight especially if they perceive that individual to be important or educated. Misinformation can thrive this way, Creanza said.

“I think easy access to accurate information — making it so that verifiable and scientifically rigorous information is really easy to find — it’s not a cureall, because if people want to find other information, they can seek it out and find it,” she said.

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

Presidential candidates fundraising in Nashville

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

Two top candidates for president in 2024 turned to Nashville to raise money this week.

Former Vice President Mike Pence held a fundraiser in Nashville on Monday, Politico’s Natalie Allison reported. The event was reportedly at the home of Chip Saltsman, Pence’s campaign chair and a longtime Tennessee political operative.

Pence is lagging behind other Republican presidential hopefuls both in fundraising and polling.

Former President Donald Trump, seeking a return to the White House, also planned a Nashville fundraiser. The Tennessee Journal reported that Trump, leading the GOP

nomination fight by a wide margin, was expected to hold an event Thursday at a downtown Nashville hotel. As of press time, Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty were expected to attend the event. Blackburn and Hagerty were among the top Tennessee Republicans who backed Trump after he visited Nashville in April. This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

Gov. Bill Lee visits Lobelville School in March.

PHOTO BY OFFICE OF GOV. BILL LEE

Donald Trump in Nashville in 2022

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Five free and cheap family things to do in middle Tennessee

BY AMANDA HAGGARD

This week in the way of free and cheap things, there’s a musical, a fair, a festival, a fan day and some fine jazz tunes.

Middle school students at USN will perform Matilda at Vanderbilt University. The Tennessee State Fair isn’t cheap, but there are discounts to be found. MTSU’s fan day comes with a bevy of events for the whole family. World Honeybee Day will get its celebration over in White Bluff. And last, but not least, Jazz on the Cumberland will host the last jazz festival of the summer.

As part of our series on free and cheap things to do with the family, here is our

weekly roundup of places to spend time together over the next week:

USN MIDDLE SCHOOL THEATER PRESENTS ‘ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR.’

The USN Middle School Theater program is presenting a showing of Matilda, originally written by Roald Dahl. Matilda is a brilliant young girl caught in a terrible family and hers is a story about how life isn’t always fair, and that sometimes you have to make things right. The show takes place at Ingram Hall in the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt

University and shows are anticipated to sell out, so please reserve your tickets early. Any unused tickets will be released for resale five minutes prior to showtime.

TENNESSEE STATE FAIR

Beginning Aug. 17, the Tennessee State Fair will be open Monday through Friday starting at 5 p.m; on Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at noon. Entry to the fair is $12 per person at the gate and $30 for admission and a ride wristband. While it’s costly no matter the day, Aug. 17 offers opening day discounts: Rides are just $1 per ride and admission is half off. Kids under 5 are free every day, but must purchase ride tickets to ride any rides.

WORLD HONEYBEE DAY FESTIVAL

Over in White Bluff, Tenn., they’re hosting a free World Honeybee Day Festival. The day’s activities include free face painting, a dress like a bee costume contest, food trucks, live music, a beer garden and more. Vendors will be on hand selling all things bee related, and education activities will also abound.

MTSU FAN DAY

This free event at MTSU on Aug. 20 is for fans of the university. It runs from

3-5 p.m., and includes a slip n’ slide and host of other water inflatables on the turn of Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium. The first 250 fans will get a free beach towel. MTSU football, volleyball and cross country student-athletes will be in attendance to sign autographs, and fans are encouraged to stick around for soccer’s 6 p.m. kickoff against Belmont that evening in the Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium. There will also be a face painting and balloon artistry tent and free hot dogs and drinks in the concourse. Fans are encouraged to help with MTSU’s donation drive for the United Way’s Hometown Huddle by bringing nonperishable food items. Visit globlueraiders.com for the full list of accepted items.

JAZZ

ON THE CUMBERLAND 2023

Jazz on the Cumberland Concert Series will be hosting its select Sunday monthly show on Aug. 20. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., folks can head to Cumberland Park next to Nissan Stadium to enjoy some free jazz music. The evening offers local, regional and national players all with a view of the downtown skyline. There’ll be food and drink for sale and a Kids Zone for the youngins.

Tennessee State Fair PHOTO BY ASHLEY HAGEWOOD

Cheekwood Harvest returns on Sept. 16 STAFF

the Nashville Musicians Association playing jazz of all types.

2023 CHEEKWOOD HARVEST BEER GARDEN PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

September 16 | Tim Gartland

September 17 | Sofia Goodman Quartet

September 23 | Abigail Flowers

September 24 | Tudo Bem

September 30 | The Hi-Jivers

October 1 | Pat Berguson Trio

October 7 | Rebecca Frazier

October 8 | Lisa Stewart

October 14 | Denny Jiosa

October 15 | Les Sabler

October 21 | McKinley James

October 22 | Emmanuel Echem

CHEEKWOOD HARVEST WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

Fall is just around the corner, which means Cheekwood Harvest is back with familiar favorites and some exciting new attractions.

Cheekwood Harvest will begin on Sept. 16 and run through Oct. 29. Pricing will vary by day for non-members. Visit cheekwood.org for tickets.

Visitors can take in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden display to view with the pumpkins and chrysanthemums or visit the festival’s centerpiece Pumpkin Village, which is home to three houses made of pumpkins,

LIGHT: Bruce Munro at Cheekwood will also have earlier and longer hours through Oct. 27.

Below you can find some of Cheekwood Harvest’s top highlights:

P’MUMKIN TOPIARY

Debuting this fall for Cheekwood Harvest, an eight-foot-tall and eight-footwide pumpkin-shaped topiary made from 400 containers of mums, the P’mumkin. The mum creation will make its grand debut in the Arches Plaza in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden.

COMMUNITY SCARECROW TRAIL

Cheekwood Harvest marks the return of the Scarecrow Trail. Guests can visit the Turner Seasons Garden to see how local organizations and schools turn ordinary frames into incredible works of art. This year’s theme honors the creepy crawly critters that live in gardens everywhere, bugs. See scarecrow creations inspired by butterflies, lightning bugs, ladybugs and more.

THURSDAY NIGHT OUT

FEATURING BRUCE MUNRO

Through Oct. 26 | 5:30-10 p.m.

THURSDAY NIGHT OUT HARVEST PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

September 14 | The Jack Ruch Band

September 21 | Cristina Vane Quartet

September 28 | The Fundamental Sound

October 5 | The Explorers Club

October 12 | End of the Line –Allman Brothers Tribute Band

October 19 | The Tiger Beats

October 26 | Les Sabler

JAPANESE MOON VIEWING

Sept. 24, 4-10 p.m.

The 9th annual Japanese Moon Viewing, or Otsukimi ,features two live dance performances, a kimono fashion show, the return of mochi pounding, tea ceremonies, kamishibai, Japanese storytelling through paper cards, and much more. Especially intriguing this year is the opportunity to see the Blevins Japanese Garden lit up with Bruce Munro’s light installation Whizz Pops as the moon and other celestial bodies shine from above.

MUSIC CITY ROSE SHOW

Oct. 14, 1-5 p.m.

Oct. 15, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Nashville Rose Society invites rose lovers to see the results of more than 40 of the most accomplished, award-winning rosarians from across Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky as they compete for “Best Rose” awards in multiple categories, from hybrid teas, floribundas, and miniatures to shrub roses and old garden roses. Admission is free for Cheekwood members and included with the purchase of a ticket for yet-to-be members.

Saturday features a lecture on the basics of growing roses at 3:00 p.m. from Ron Daniels, Co-President and author of the book Rose Therapy: My Journey of Growing and Caring for Roses. On Sunday, pre-

registered participants will pick their favorite blooms right out of Cheekwood’s rose garden at the “Pick-Your-Own-Rose Bouquet” workshop, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Led by members of the Nashville Rose Society, this workshop will cover fall activities like fertilizing, spraying, watering, deadheading, and winterizing roses.

HALLOWEEN POOCH PARTY

Oct. 21-22, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Guests can bring their pups out for costume contests, browse dog-friendly vendors, and snap a photo of your fourlegged companion at the pumpkin houses. With two costume contests each day, and a special category in honor of this year’s Scarecrow theme, Best Bug, there’s plenty of chances to win and a guaranteed, tailwagging good time. Cheekwood Members receive a discount on tickets to this special event.

EL DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

Oct. 28-29, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

El Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, returns with the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of this important Latin American holiday when families celebrate the souls of deceased relatives. Guests can visit community altars, sample fare from local restaurants and bakers, shop for traditional goods, and experience a variety of dance and music performances. The popular weekend sells out quickly, so visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets early.

WEEKEND MUSIC PERFORMANCES IN THE BEER GARDEN

Each weekend during Cheekwood Harvest from noon to 2 p.m. Full-band sets are accompanied by seasonal beers, craft cocktails, and local food trucks. Sundays feature award-winning instrumentalists from

Beginning in September, an array of classes will be offered geared towards the lifelong learner seeking information about how to better care for their garden beds and indoor plants at home. Pre-registration is required.

GARDENING WITH THE GRIMALDIS

Every Thursday evening in September, join Cheekwood’s Vice President of Gardens and Facilities, Peter Grimaldi, and his wife Megan, a self-proclaimed plant nerd and manager at Moore and Moore Garden Center, as they walk participants through the ins and outs of planning for and maintaining the at-home landscape.

TOP PLANT PICKS TOURS

Each month, Cheekwood gardeners curate a selection of plantings that are in their prime called the Top Plant Picks. These monthly picks are the inspiration for the Top Plant Pick Tours, led by members of the Cheekwood gardens team. Participants will have the opportunity to get an inside perspective on what’s most lush and inbloom each month.

SEASONAL SERIES

Class offerings include “The At Home Garden Checklist: Autumn” and “When Do I Plant This?”

SPECIALTY CLASSES

Special class offerings include Garden Tools 101, Caring for Houseplants, Fall Perennials, Gardening in Small Spaces, and more.

REPORTS

Cheekwood Harvest PHOTO BY CHEEKWOOD

Nolensville Little League earns U.S. record-breaking third straight World Series bid

BY LOGAN BUTTS

Nolensville Little League won the Southeast Region 4-1 over Florida (Lake Mary) on Thursday night in Warner Robins, Georgia to become the first team in United States history to earn three consecutive Little League World Series bids.

The Nolensville/South Nashville squad has now earned six bids overall, surpassing Goodlettsville for the most in Tennessee history.

Nolensville turned in a series of dominant performances on its way to a third straight Southeast Region title.

On Thursday, Aug. 3, Nolensville kicked things off with a 10-0 shutout of Alabama (Rainbow City).

After falling to Georgia (Hamilton) 6-2 on Saturday, Aug. 5, Nolensville bounced back later that night with an 8-1 win over South Carolina (Taylors) in the elimination bracket.

On Sunday, Aug. 6, Nolensville defeated Virginia (Vienna) 7-2 to earn a

rematch with Georgia for a spot in the Region championship. Nolensville got its revenge with a 4-0 shutout of Georgia in the final game of the elimination bracket, setting up the region championship win over Florida.

Now, Nolensville will head to Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the 2023 Little League World Series. Representing both Tennessee and the Southeast Region, Nolensville will face the winner of a first-round matchup between the Mountain Region champs and the Metro Region champs.

The game will take place on Friday at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN.

Nolensville Little League’s Stella Weaver

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Takeaways from Titans’ 23-17 preseason loss to Bears

BY JOHN GLENNON

The Titans’ 23-17 loss to Chicago on Saturday in the teams’ preseason opener provided some encouraging glimpses of the Tennessee’s starting offensive line and of second-year quarterback Malik Willis.

It also raised depth questions at a number of positions, including the offensive line and the secondary

Here are 10 observations from the contest, the first of three preseason games for the Titans:

WILLIS SHOWS MARKED IMPROVEMENT

LEVIS HAS UPS AND DOWNS

In his first preseason game, Will Levis, the team’s 2023 second-round pick, had some good and some not-so-good moments.

One of the highlights came early, when he connected with Mason Kinsey on a 21-yard pass that eventually led to Hassan Haskins’ touchdown run, culminating a 31yard touchdown drive following a Chicago turnover. Levis also connected with Racey McMath on a 21-yard completion, following that up with a third-down completion to Whyle, who coughed up a fumble.

But Levis was critical of himself on the Titans’ final drive, when the team needed a touchdown to win. Under pressure at the Bears’ 36-yard line, Levis couldn’t connect with open receiver Gavin Holmes on a deep pass over the middle. Levis was picked off on a Hail Mary-type pass on the following play.

working with on technique. But that group of Brewer and [Skoronski] and Dillard and that crew, it was exciting to watch those guys go out there and block, and they were able to protect and do those things.”

OFFENSIVE LINE DEPTH A PROBLEM

Once the Titans’ first-team offensive line left the game after the opening series, the pass protection was erratic. Willis and Levis were each sacked four times and pressured on several other occasions while operating behind a cast of 13 reserve offensive linemen. Jaelyn Duncan, the Titans’ sixthround pick in April, was beaten on one of the sacks. There were times when the Titans’ young quarterbacks held the ball longer than they should have. Still, the Titans have plenty of work ahead of them building up quality depth.

yard attempt to start the fourth quarter. He also did not produce a touchback on his lone kick-off.

PRODUCING TURNOVERS A PLUS

We’ve talked about the Titans’ three turnovers — one interception each by Willis and Levis, as well as a fumble by Whyle.

But the Titans did manage to produce three turnovers of their own, two on defense and one on special teams.

Avery’s interception of an overthrown pass — and his nifty 29-yard return — set up the Titans at Chicago’s 31 yardline and led to a touchdown. Mike Brown made a nice hit on punt returner Velus Jones and Luke Gifford recovered the fumble deep in Chicago territory. Ben Niemann’s recovery of a fumble caused by Shyheim Carter’s hit stopped a Bears drive and led to a Titans field goal.

The last time Titans fans saw quarterback Willis, he’d been relegated to the bench, replaced as a starter by Josh Dobbs for Tennessee’s final two regular-season games last season. On Saturday, Willis looked as if he’d taken great strides in the offseason and training camp.

His two most impressive drives were the Titans’ first series of the game (12 plays, 75 yards, touchdown) and the team’s last drive of the first half (five plays, 60 yards, field goal). In the first series, Willis used his arm and legs effectively, completing three-of-four passes for 39 yards and running twice for nine yards — one carry gaining a first down and the other a two-yard touchdown. On the series leading into half, Willis completed four-of-five passes for 42 yards and added a 13-yard scramble, setting up a field goal as the clock expired.

Not everything went well. There was an early delay-of-game penalty, a tipped interception that should have been thrown lower to Josh Whyle and a pair of strip-sack fumbles. But the feeling afterward was that Willis looked like a much more confident, effective quarterback.

“It definitely feels different than last year,” Willis told reporters after completing 16-of25 passes for 189 yards and one interception. “Last year was my first year seeing all this stuff. Now, after a whole year seeing all the different types across the league and understanding what we’re trying to do on offense, and what we’re expecting from each play, it has been awesome to go out there and go through some real-life stuff.”

“I’m moving out of the pocket, I’m throwing off platform, but it’s a throw I can make,” Levis said of the incompletion over the middle. “I know I can make that. If I put that on him, he can catch and run, it’s a different ballgame and I’m feeling a lot better about myself right now.”

He finished nine-of-14 for 85 yards and the interception.

SPEARS MAKES A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION

Rookie running back Tyjae Spears is listed behind Hassan Haskins on the team’s first unofficial depth chart, but the 2023 thirdround pick was the starter against Chicago. He made the most of his opportunity as well, carrying six times for 31 yards and catching one pass for four yards on the Titans’ opening touchdown drive. Spears showed nice vision on a couple of plays, running away from clogged lanes and finding open territory.

FIRST-TEAM O-LINE WITH A GOOD SHOWING

One of the Titans’ big questions heading into this season is how well a revamped offensive line will perform. Tennessee’s firstteamers — left tackle Andre Dillard, left guard Peter Skoronski, center Aaron Brewer, right guard Daniel Brunskill and right tackle Chris Hubbard — looked good in their lone series against the Bears, opening some holes for Spears and providing Willis with solid protection. Willis scrambled once on the opening drive, but it wasn’t because he was pressured right away.

“That first offensive line that went out there … they protected well, we were able to run the ball, that’s exciting,” said Titans defensive line coach Terrell Williams, who served as head coach during this contest.

“We’ve got some guys we have to keep

SECONDARY DEPTH A PROBLEM

The Titans’ top five defensive backs — safeties Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker, as well as corners Kristian Fulton, Roger McCreary and Sean Murphy-Bunting — sat this one out, and the reserves didn’t fare well, especially early in the contest. Bears quarterback Justin Fields completed touchdown passes on the team’s first two drives, the first a 65-yarder to wide receiver D.J. Moore and the second a 56-yarder to running back Khalil Herbert.

In fairness to the secondary, both those passes were actually completed behind the line of scrimmage, so the defensive line and linebackers also have culpability. Still, no defensive back touched Moore as he sprinted downfield and the defensive backs were also nowhere to be seen — until the 5-yard line — on Herbert’s reception.

The Titans also surrendered pass completions of 37 and 25 yards in the second half. On the bright side, Tre Avery did come up with an interception but was later flagged for pass interference on a waytoo-early hit.

SHUDAK GETS A LEG UP

In a battle of inexperienced kickers looking to land the Titans’ starting job, Caleb Shudak got a leg up on Trey Wolff.

Shudak hit his lone attempt, from 41 yards, to close the first half and give the Titans a 17-14 lead. But he had mixed results on his two kick-offs. Shudak put his first into the end zone for a touchback, but blundered on the second, putting it out of bounds to start the second half and giving Chicago a first down on the 40-yard line.

Wolff, considered the underdog in this battle, failed to take advantage of his opportunity, missing wide right on a 48-

PLAYERS WHO UPPED THEIR STOCK

As is always the case in preseason games, some names made impressions that could lead to roster spots — whether with the Titans or elsewhere.

Offensively, running back Julius Chestnut’s seven carries for 46 yards included a 26-yard pick-up. He added a pair of receptions for 17 yards. McMath caught three passes for 53 yards, Mason Kinsey had four for 40 and Kearis Jackson had two for 20.

Defensively, linebacker Chance Campbell made his presence felt, totaling three tackles and a pass break-up. Defensive back Eric Garror made four tackles, including two for loss, and had a nice 17-yard punt return that set the Titans up nicely on their final drive. Brown, who hopes to be more than just a special teamer, produced a couple of good plays as well.

EARLY INJURIES

The last thing Titans fans want to hear about is injuries, after watching the team use 91 players in 2021 and 86 players in 2022. But there were some issues in the Bears’ contest.

The most significant appeared to be defensive lineman Shakiel Carter, who was carted off the field with an ankle injury and ruled out. Running back Jonathan Ward left the game with a knee injury and tight end Thomas Odukyoya, per the broadcast team, also went to the locker room with a neck injury. Rookie wide receiver Colton Dowell, the team’s seventh-round pick in April, needed medical attention after a play in the second half before walking off the field on his own. This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.

Malik Willis PHOTO BY CASEY GOWER

U.S. military, midstate first responders complete 2023 Nashville Urban Terrain Exercise

BY MATT MASTERS

More than 2,000 U.S. military, law enforcement and other emergency first responders took part in the 2023 Nashville Urban Terrain Exercise on Aug. 8-10, which simulated “America’s worst day.”

The exercise specifically simulated an emergency response to possible “chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attacks or disasters,” with part of the scenario including

a disaster sparked by an earthquake on the New Madrid fault line.

Members of the U.S. Army National Guard’s Task Force 46 Command and Control CBRN Response Element Bravo, based out of Michigan, worked with the Nashville Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, Metro Police Department, Tennessee National Guard,

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Vanderbilt University, Franklin Fire Department and other government and civilian partners.

The exercise included “urban search and rescue, decontamination, medical treatment and triage, and maritime and air transportation operations,” at locations

including the CSX Rail Yard, Nissan Stadium, Bridgestone Arena, and Vanderbilt University and area hospitals.

A similar exercise took place in Philadelphia in 2022, while last week’s was the largest of its kind in Nashville’s history.

Army officials said that Nashville was chosen this year due to existing relationships between federal, state and local agencies, as well as the risks and impacts of potential natural and man-made disasters to the growing city and region, including flooding and seismic activity.

The training also saw participation from several international allies to the U.S., including Taiwanese and Japanese nationals.

“This exercise has been really good to build our partnerships not only locally, but being able to bring in some of our [inter] national allies, it’s really huge,” Michigan National Guard Captain Britney Foor told The News.

“Whenever we are able to bring partners from all over the world [and] all over the country to come and help learn these types of exercises and skills, it’s always a really, really great opportunity for us and them.”

This continued cooperation between the U.S. and its eastern allies comes at a pivotal time on the international stage as concerns grow that China could launch a full-scale invasion of Taiwan as early as 2030, prompting calls for increased action from other Asian allies like Japan.

On Saturday, Taiwan’s Vice President and presidential candidate William Lai stopped in New York City for a visit which was quickly condemned by Chinese officials.

Japan recently issued new warnings that China, Russia and North Korea are part of what Japan sees as “the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II” as they build up their military power which has been restricted since 1945.

Tents are set up outside of Nissan Stadium as part of hazmat decontamination training during the 2023 Nashville Urban Terrain Exercise.

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Floating bridges are deployed and positioned on the Cumberland River at Cleece’s Ferry boat ramp during the 2023 Nashville Urban Terrain Exercise.

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Tiawanese search and rescue team members take part in hazmat decontamination training during the 2023 Nashville Urban Terrain Exercise.

PHOTO BY MATT MASTERS

Sausage Stuffed Peppers

BY EDIBLE NASHVILLE

Peppers of all kinds are in season and prevalent in gardens and at the farmers market. This recipe uses mild banana or anaheim peppers, but you can use red or green bell peppers or spicier jalapenos if

you prefer. We love the local sausage made by Wedge Oak Farm. Stop by their booth at the Richland Park Farmers Market and tell owner and farmer, Karen Overton, Edible sent ya.

ACROSS

1 About 85%-90% of Muslims, globally [1st of 7]

6 *shrug*

9 Weight

13 Conjecture’s lack

14 Reddit Q&A session

15 Jacqueline du Pré’s instrument

16 Scottish cattle breed

17 Hollywood’s Ricardo or Paolo [2nd of 7]

19 Go here and there

21 Spiky fruits with a noxious odor

22 Sch. in Troy, N.Y.

24 Place for garage sale receipts

26 French for “You are beautiful!” [3rd of 7]

28 Requests kibble, say

32 End result

33 Rocky Mountain National Park sight

35 About 10%-15% of Muslims, globally

36 Flutter, as eyelashes

INGREDIENTS

SAUSAGE

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 onion, chopped

1 pound ground Italian sausage

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 sprigs rosemary, leaves chopped

2-4 small tomatoes, chopped

1 cup breadcrumbs

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft.

2. Add sausage to pan and cook, breaking apart, until browned, about 5 minutes.

3. Add garlic, rosemary, and tomatoes and continue cooking until the tomatoes have collapsed into the sauce. Add bread crumbs and stir well. Season with salt and pepper.

PEPPERS

2 pounds sweet peppers

2 tablespoons grated parmesan

37 “Y ippee for us!” [4th of 7]

40 English suffix equivalent to Spanish’s -ando and -iendo

41 Word in a traditional New Year’s Eve song

43 Bother and bother

44 People for whom two states are named

4. Cut peppers in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and place skin side down in an ovenproof baking dish.

5. Divide sausagemixture among the peppers, then drizzle with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of grated parmesan.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and sizzling.

Follow Edible Nashville on instagram @ediblenashtn and their website ediblenashville.com. To subscribe to the magazine that comes out 6x/year, go to ediblenashville.com.

46 Goal of a bedtime story reading

48 Digital confrontations? [5th of 7]

50 ___ Bedingfield, pop star with the hits “Unwritten” and “Pocketful of Sunshine”

52 This, that or whichever

53 Looked up to

56 “Come ___!”

58 One of Robin Hood’s Merry Men [6th of 7]

60 Government program heads, informally

64 Come from behind

65 Heaven knows where, for short

66 Brings home

67 Symbols of wisdom

68 Suffer the consequences

69 One with horns [7th of 7]

DOWN

1 Place to unplug

2 Archaeologist’s find

3 Holiday quaff

4 Give sustenance

5 In that case

6 Warm-blooded sort

7 Punk subculture

8 Like some drills and vacuums

9 Scar y roller coaster twists

10 Actor Idris

11 Cousin of a tres leches cake

12 Oodles

15 Ricochet

18 Setting for a “Rubber

Duckie” singalong

20 Winning blackjack combo

22 “Queen of Drag” with 12 Emmys

23 Mor tar’s partner in food prep and chemistry

25 Some December lawn decorations

26 Oom-pah-pah boomers

27 Stick for a 15-Across player

29 Buckeye

30 Like a snow globe scene

31 Major ordeals

34 “Big Little Lies”

actress Nicole

38 Load of information all at once

39 What Ctr l+T might open

42 “Nope,” “I’m innocent” and “Huhuh”

45 Subject of the 2008 documentar y “The Black Candle”

47 Deflect, as an insult or a sword

49 “Er … I suppose that wor ks”

51 Lunar New Year

53 Natural hairstyle

54 Tie

55 Str ucture historically found by a river

57 Frosts

59 Sur veillance org.

61 Word with fine or folk

62 Modern vaccine base

63 Application info, often

ANSWER TO PUZZLE

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PUZZLE BY BROOKE HUSIC AND BRIAN THOMAS

Goodwill Industries offers tours showcasing its many activities that benefit the community

BY BRENDA BATEY

Tours of the Cockrill Bend Goodwill Outlet Store and Warehouse reveal a large array of activities that aim to make positive changes in people’s lives through education, training and employment.

Recently an enlightening tour, led by Goodwill Industries Vice President of Development Beth Alexander, for ladies from a local retirement facility showcased the many aspects of the charity.

“Most people think Goodwill is just a retail store, but it is so much more,” Alexander said.

Goodwill definitely offers quality items at good prices for sale at 29 stores and two outlets in Middle Tennessee, as staffers seek to extend the lifespan of goods.

But there are also partnerships with other local nonprofits working to end generational poverty, providing “wrap-around” services, including housing, jobs, and even services for children.

The network of primary partners of Goodwill includes: Family and Children’s Service, A Step Ahead, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville, The Contributor, Nashville Rescue Mission, Safe Haven, The Salvation Army, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (Clarksville and Dickson), Thistle Farms, Tennessee Voice, and the YWCA.

In addition, Goodwill works with more than 140 secondary partners with the shared vision to create a comprehensive, connected social services network. These services help families enter, re-enter or advance in the workforce, and reduce or eliminate dependence on government support.

While following Alexander through the facility, tour participants saw workers sorting through the thousands of donated items to make sure each goes where it can be repurposed in the best way.

Three women were sorting jewelry so it could be put up for sale online at shopgoodwill.com, along with other offerings such as high-end fashions, electronics, books, musical instruments, furniture, collectibles, toys and much more. These things are shipped all over the United States to purchasers or put into Goodwill stores for shoppers.

“We work to be good stewards of our environment,” said Alexander, “and these efforts result in 26 million pounds being diverted from landfills each year.”

Another vital arm of Goodwill is job training, and those on tour saw students working in programs that will help them gain advanced skills and certifications needed to enter a variety of occupations. These programs provide training in fields such as call centers, custodial, construction, forklifts, weatherization, welding, basic electrical and plumbing, HVAC, information technology, and social media marketing.

Jan Musick, Betty Lentz, Katelyn Morales and Warehouse Manager James Sykes with the huge machine used to bale donated clothes to be sent all over the world for people who need them. PHOTO BY BRENDA BATEY

In classes offered by Goodwill, men and women learn construction skills to help them find good jobs.

PHOTO BY BRENDA BATEY

Numerous customers in the outlet store look through the huge containers of items to find all kinds of treasures.

PHOTO BY BRENDA BATEY

The students welcomed the guests on the tour and explained how much these classes mean to them and their hopes for the future. They showed exactly what they were learning and the ladies were very impressed with the programs.

Students receive job placement help, as well as steel-toed work boots, hard hats, and stocked tool belts when needed. In addition, construction students receive a weekly stipend to help make ends meet until they finish their training and find good jobs.

Other classes focus on the basic use of computers, financial literacy training, high school equivalency tests, resume creation skills, how to apply for jobs, and so much more, which can be found on Goodwill’s website.

In addition, there are virtual classes for people who need to acquire skills that will help them find and maintain rewarding employment. Virtual classes can be accessed from home or using computers at Goodwill centers.

“Through all our training programs, we want to make sure all people have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential through the power of work,” said Alexander. For more information about Goodwill, phone: 615-742-4151 or visit giveit2goodwill.org.

To arrange a fascinating tour of the Cockrill Bend Goodwill Outlet Store and Warehouse, contact beth.alexander@givegw.org.

COURT AUCTION

KAVANAUGH ESTATE

4 BEDROOM, 2 ½ BATH BRICK HOME

THURSDAY,

Aug 24th 10:30 am

3406 OAK CLIFF DR., NASHVILLE, TN 37214

From Nashville take I-40 East to Exit #219Stewarts Ferry Pike and turn left. Continue to Right on Lauer, then Left on Oak Cliff to sale.

This single-family brick home has approximately 1800 sq. ft. with living room, eat-in kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, family room, laundry room, HVAC, and hardwood floors. All on a 60 x 229 lot with a 21 x 24 detached garage with a concrete floor. Great location just off I-40, minutes from Percy Priest Lake, Nashville Shores, etc.

TERMS:

CASH - PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS WITH NO CONTIGENCIES. 15% Non-Refundable Earnest Money due day of sale with balance due at closing. Deed and Insured Title Furnished by Seller.

Pam Colson / Bobby Colson Auctioneer LIC #20 | www.colsonauctions.com

$25 Will Be Given Away

ABSOLUTE AUCTION

DANNY FORD ESTATE

2 HOMES / SELLING SEPARATELY

THURSDAY,

Aug 24th 1:30 pm

728 & 737 CHERYL AVE., MADISON, TN 37115

From Nashville take I-65 North to Exit #92-Old Hickory Blvd. Turn right on Old Hickory Blvd., go 1 ½ miles to right on Gallatin Rd., to Left on Neely’s Bend, go 1mile to left on Hillcrest, and then Left on Cheryl Ave.

728 Cheryl Avenue: is a single-family residence with 2 bedrooms, full bath, living room w/ fireplace, dining room, HVAC, and hardwood floors. All on a level 70 x 145 lot with a concrete drive, fenced backyard and a storage shed with a concrete floor and washer/ dryer connections. Long time tenant just moved out and home is in need of updating.

737 Cheryl Avenue: is a single-family residence with 2 bedrooms, full bath, eat-in kitchen with washer/dryer connections, living room, replacement windows, HVAC, covered front porch, and partially dug out basement great for storage. All on a 60 x 145 corner lot with a fenced back yard. This home is currently rented to a great tenant that would like to stay.

TERMS:

CASH - PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS WITH NO CONTIGENCIES.

15% Non-Refundable Earnest Money due day of sale with balance due at closing. Deed and Insured Title Furnished by Seller.

Marc Colson / Bobby Colson LIC #20 Auctioneers | www.colsonauctions.com

$25 Will Be Given Away

728 CHERYL AVE.

737 CHERYL AVE.

Peggy Bazydola, Sylvia Dupre, and Mary Stockett in front of some of the 159 huge tables of donated items which are sorted each day.

PHOTO BY BRENDA BATEY

Beth Alexander listens as Assistant Manager Cheryl Neely explains how she authenticates brands of high-end goods which are donated to Goodwill.

PHOTO BY BRENDA BATEY

SHOP DEALS AND STEALS FROM NASHVILLE’S FAVORITE BOUTIQUES!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 | 10AM-2PM

THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN’S LIBERTY HALL

NEW LOCATION

GENERAL ADMISSION AND VIP TICKETS ON SALE NOW! A BOUTIQUE WAREHOUSE SALE

SPONSORED BY:

SNACK WHILE YOU SHOP!

PARTICIPATING BOUTIQUES

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FLASH & TRASH & A LITTLE BIT OF SASS | FRANKLIN ROAD APPAREL | THE FRENCH SHOPPE

K. MCCARTHY | MOUNTAIN HIGH OUTFITTERS | RAD RAGS ONLINES | RORY + CO | SILK N HONEY STYLE WITH A TWIST TRUCK BOUTIQUE | UNITED APPAREL LIQUIDATORS | THIS IS THE FINALE | THE WILLING CRAB PLUS! LINKED BY SILK N HONEY WILL BE THERE TO CUSTOM FIT AND PERSONALIZE A PERMANENT PIECE OF JEWELRY JUST FOR YOU!

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY JUDGESHIP MIDDLE DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE AT NASHVILLE.

Bankruptcy Judgeship: Appointment for 14-year term. Full public notice with application and qualification standards are available at www.ca6.uscourts.gov. For further information, contact Marc Theriault, Circuit Executive, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Phone (513) 564-7200.

Application deadline: Applications must be received by August 30, 2023.

I am super personal assistantHousehold / pet management, driver, security, business / legal consulting, problem solver. $50 / hr. Stellar References. (615) 292-7615

is no longer just for retired teachers. All seniors 62 and older may apply with no fee. Efficiencies start at $500 which includes utilities.

One bedroom & studio apartments available starting at $625 per month. Must be 62 and older and live independently.

615-297-7536

greenhillsapts@comcast.net

flooRing

Hardwood floors, cleaned, waxed, buffed, sanded and/or refinished. Over 75 years in flooring.

832-0320

green Hills lock & key Servicing the

Massage tHeRapY

Beat the stress! Get a massage

Intro rates: 1 hour $55, 90 minutes $75

Mon.-Sat., 9a-6p BY APPT

(615) 582-6843

615relax.com

painting/papeRing

Mt. Juliet plumbing and Leak Detection

“Beariffic Plumbing Repair Service!”

Local Licensed experienced Plumbers (615) 733-5665

pRaYeR

need prayer?

If you are in need of prayer, call 888-388-2683

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will have prayer partners avail. to talk w/you.

pRessuRe WasH

kyle’s pressure Cleaning

Property Pressure

Washing:Driveways, Back Decks, Front Porch, Swimming Pool, Concrete & more. (615) 424-5354

Roofing

R. H. Callis & sons inc.

Roofing, Siding, Metal, Slate, Flat Roofs. 38 years exp. / References. (615) 969-7717

CallisRoofing.com

License, Bonded & Insured

pluMBing

Carter plumbing

Commercial & Residential New Installation & Repair Service

Drain Cleaning Service

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

300-5558

tRee seRviCe

top notch tree service

Topping & trimming, deadwooding, removals, brush chipping, stump grinding

All Work Guaranteed! (615) 232-9051

landsCape landsCape

Insured & Free Estimates

Call Mike (615) 834-6827

Bulldog tree service

• Topping / Deadwooding

• Stump Removals

• Trimming • Lot Clearing

Free Estimates. Insured. Call John 24/7:

(615) 300-6254

(615) 313-7375

tRee seRviCe

eric’stree service

Big, Tall or Small, We Do It All!

Insured • Free Estimates

Call Eric / Owner (615) 779-1870

We BuY

Vinyl Records, Comic Books, CDs, Blu-Rays,DVDs, Toys, Video & Role-Playing Games, CCGs, Stereo Equipment,Music & Movie Memorabilia,and much more. In business 40+ years; No collection too large or small.

Mention this ad when you call. BUY - SELL - TRADE the great escape Call 615-364-3029

TheGreatEscapeOnline.com

WindoW Clean

all seasons

Window Cleaning Specializing in residential windows.

Serving Nashville over 38 yrs!

Licensed - Bonded - Insured

Free Estimates

Low Prices (615) 889-9164

Spacious family home on a quiet, dead-end street in 37215! Arched front doors open to entry foyer, where traditional meets open concept. Bright, well-equipped kitchen with double oven, wine fridge, and extra-large pantry with plenty of storage – perfect for those who love to cook and those who love to host. Living room with fireplace leads to walk-out deck overlooking peaceful backyard. Sun-filled breakfast nook in addition to separate formal dining room. 2nd level includes 3 bed/bath combos and extra-large bonus room with wet bar leads to home theater. Plenty of rooms with plenty of options: library, music room, designated o ce – your options are endless! Private green-space oasis with sidewalks to all the best of Green Hills shopping/dining – turns out, you can have it all.