Law Filed to Make the Assault of a Sports Official a Class E Felony

Brandon Ogles

A new bill was filed this week that would make assaulting a sports official while they’re officiating a Class E Felony. Sponsored by Representative Brandon Ogles (R-Franklin), the bill would also make the assault a Class A Misdemeanor, depending on the nature of the assault. 

The bill stated:

A person commits assault against a sports official who: (1) Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to a sports official while the official is officiating a sporting event; (2) Intentionally or knowingly causes a sports official, while the official is officiating a sporting event, to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury; or (3) Intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with a sports official while the official is officiating a sporting event and a reasonable person would regard the contact as extremely offensive or provocative.

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Sen. Blackburn, Rep. Green Among the Speakers at Williamson GOP’s Annual Summer Dinner on Aug. 3

  Williamson GOP and affiliated groups are holding their annual Summer Dinner on Saturday, Aug. 3 featuring “down-home BBQ with all the fixings,” live music and prominent political guests. Those guests will include U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), U.S. Rep. Dr. Mark Green (R-TN-07), and State Reps. Glen Casada (R-TN-63) and Brandon Ogles (R-TN-61), according to a promotional flyer by the organizers. The event website says there could be more speakers. The event will be held at Little Creek Farms, 6731 Cool Springs Road, Thompson Station. The time is 4:30-8 p.m., according to the event page, which is available here. The flyer promoting the event says, “Join us in the big red barn for delicious food, great fellowship, & important updates from our elected officials.” Music will be provided by the Austin Brothers Band with State Sen. Jack Johnson (R-TN-23). Tickets are $25 per Williamson GOP member, $35 per non-member, $50 per member family or $60 per non-member family. Family prices include children 12 and younger. Tickets are available online here. If you want to join Williamson GOP, the sign-up is available here. More information about Williamson GOP is available here. Other organizers also include the Republican Women of Williamson…

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New PAC to Honor Legacy of Late State Rep. Charles Sargent of Williamson County

State Rep Charles Sargent

The late State Rep. Charles Sargent’s legacy will be kept alive through the creation of a political action committee. The Franklin Republican died of cancer last November at the age of 73. The former House Finance, Ways and Means Committee chairman had announced that fall he would not seek re-election after two decades of service. Now, the Sargent Legacy Fund has been formed by his friends to continue his service to the community and the legislature, the Williamson Herald reports. The Sargent Legacy Fund held a kickoff breakfast last Saturday at Columbia State Community College’s Franklin campus – inside the Charles M. Sargent Building. According to the Herald: The PAC reflects Sargent’s prior focus on three things: limited government, excellent education and fiscal conservatism. The Sargent Legacy Fund was “created to support local candidates who embody Charles Sargent’s character and share his political philosophy of lower taxes, limited government and support for education.” Founders of the PAC include Erin Westrich, Sargent’s previous campaign manager and lifelong family friend; friends Helen and (attorney) Jeff Moseley; Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson; and Sargent’s wife, Nancy. Anderson will serve as treasurer of the PAC. Two Williamson County Republicans shared their thoughts about Sargent with…

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