Author: Clint Confehr

COLUMBIA, TN — A judge and defense attorney say a complaint against Maury County Public Schools — alleging a teacher hurt a child — was settled Monday when a trial was to start. However, the expression on Roneka Kennedy’s face reflects sadness and implies that she’s unhappy about settlement. She sought $100,000 from the county for what happened Jan. 19, 2016 at Joseph Brown Elementary School. No dollar amount was stated for settlement. There may never be a non-compulsory statement on what’s paid to Kennedy. Assault and poor teacher training were alleged in public records by Kennedy through her attorney,…

By Clint Confehr NASHVILLE, TN — A clear view of Independence Day fireworks is available at Councilman DeCosta Hastings’ campaign event where he’ll discuss accomplishments and deflect challengers’ lies, he announced recently. “We are going to be at 1230 West Trinity Lane where there’s a beautiful overlook of downtown to watch the fireworks display,” Hastings said of his campaign event on July 4. It starts at 5 p.m., concludes after the fireworks, and includes a playground for children, Jacks BBQ, Harold’s Chicken, and some plain talk from Metro’s District 2 councilman. Hastings says his re-election advocates include Jamie Isabel, Melvin…

By Clint Confehr NASHVILLE, TN — Having defined herself by community service, Yolanda Hockett is running for Metro Council’s District 2 seat and will talk about it at her fundraiser Sunday. From 12-4 p.m. June 29, Hockett’s Community Fish Fry Fundraiser is at 3729 Clarksville Highway in a parking lot near a pizza restaurant, a bank and a retail chain store. “I’ve been dedicated all my life with the same drive that I’ve given to juvenile corrections,” said Hockett, assistant director of programs for Youth Opportunity Investments at the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center. “I want to give that to…

By Clint Confehr COLUMBIA, TN — Accused of “assault” on a five-year-old and poor teacher training, Maury County Public Schools is to defend itself June 24 in Circuit Court against a $100,000 complaint, according to public records. Roneka Kennedy alleges that on Jan. 19, 2016 her daughter was injured at Joseph Brown Elementary School where a teacher grabbed the girl’s right arm, “causing visible and painful gouges in the shape of the [teacher’s] fingernails,” according to the complaint filed by Kennedy’s attorney, Casey Adam Long of Lawrenceburg. The child’s chest and legs were also bruised, according to the complaint. Interaction…

By Clint Confehr NASHVILLE, TN — One of the greatest joys a father can have is to see his children walk in the ways of the Lord. The Rev. Dr. Christopher Jackson, senior pastor at Pleasant Green Baptist Church, celebrated that on his sixth anniversary in the pulpit there on Jefferson Street. “This is what he wanted for his anniversary and we were able to deliver the word,” Rev. Jackson’s oldest son, Joshua, said of that proud day. Everyone in the family photo here has spoken from the pulpit, although it’s the parents who have the credentials. “My dad just…

By Clint Confehr NASHVILLE, TN — A veteran of neighborhood, city, association and political committees is campaigning to represent District 3 on metro’s city council. Jennifer Gamble of Bellshire Terrace and founder of her own business wants to succeed Council member Brenda Haywood who’s not running for re-election. “I want to improve the quality of life in District 3, as well as the rest of the city,” Gamble said. “Our city has experienced a lot of growth and prosperity … but our communities in general … in particular our communities of color, have not benefited … from the prosperity. “As…

By Clint Confehr NASHVILLE, TN — At a pre-show program, Jennifer Turner, the new CEO of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, was asked if she’d “ever give consideration to non-musicals” at TPAC. “Yes,” Turner replied. “We just found out that ‘Mockingbird’ … is now going to tour. I think it’s a really interesting idea.” At the Shubert Theatre in New York, “To Kill a Mockingbird” became the highest-grossing American play in history with cumulative sales of more than $70 million in 18 weeks, Variety reports. LaTanya Richardson Jackson plays Calpurnia, Atticus Finch’s maid, in a “radical adaptation” of Harper Lee’s…

By Clint Confehr NASHVILLE, TN — Traffic congestion relief and protection of his community from rampant development are just two goals for Metro’s District 2 councilman, he said, advocating both after a recent meeting. Facing three challengers in his bid for re-election, Councilman DeCosta Hastings is criticized as being pro-business, but he’s pro-community, he said after participating in early discussions on bridge projects and what developments could come with them. The big idea is a Cumberland River bridge between Metro Center and West Trinity Lane. Another idea advocates reversible lanes for rush hour motorists on Clarksville Pike and the MLK…

By Clint Confehr FRANKLIN, TN — Celebrations of freedom from slavery starting in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 grow annually. Juneteenth was the day of emancipation for the last slaves in this nation as announced by Union troops in Galveston 10 weeks after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered. Juneteenth celebrations are different everywhere. Two examples are in Middle Tennessee. • Publicly, the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County hosts its Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday June 15 at the McLemore House Museum, 446 11th Ave. N. Among other activities, society members will remember people enslaved at Carter…

By Clint Confehr WHITES CREEK, TN — Residents meeting in the Minerva Cultural Center voted 38-2 against plans for warehouses and retail buildings on Whites Creek Pike at Briley Parkway, group leaders reported. However, that’s not a death knell for the proposal, according to Henry Menge, managing director and principal broker at Fifth Generation Property Co., 1814 Hayes St., a commercial real estate brokerage and investment company. “This is a constituency that … everybody needs to hear from as part of the project,” Menge said. “I’ve had plenty of conversations with people in rooms of a similar size where there…