Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-3-24

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Daily News from MuleTown to Music City and beyond. Listen to Tom Price read the news of the day from Kennedy Broadcasting, WKOM & WKRM Radio.

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for October 3, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Judicial Center Dedicated (CDH)
Beginning a new chapter of the county's modern history, county and city officials celebrated Tuesday the unveiling of the long-awaited Maury County Judicial Center on South Main Street.
The two-story judicial center, plus a basement, now stands at the former site of The Daily Herald newspaper, which was demolished two years ago almost to the day of the ribbon cutting celebration Tuesday.
Over 100 people, including local officials, county chamber members and supporters attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony and self-guided tour of the approximately $36 million facility that will relieve Columbia's iconic, but overcrowded, historic courthouse at the center of the town square.
The new facility offers six courtrooms, private consultation areas for attorneys and clients, judges' administrative chambers, holding cells on the lower level and general meeting rooms.
General Sessions Court Judge Bobby Sands said the new facility will make the courts’ daily operations more efficient and provide greater safety and privacy for attorneys and clients.
Former Maury County Commission Chairman Don Morrow, who spearheaded the project when he served on the commission, said he remembers talk about building a new courts facility as far back as 1994 with some estimates reaching almost $40 million.
Addressing the crowd, Morrow said he is proud to see the facility come to fruition after a long time planning and debating about funding.
"We funded this building for $36 million without using property taxes. I feel like this building represents new South progress. Signs were once posted at Columbia city limits that read, 'Old South Charm, New South Progress,' I think that explains it well," Morrow said.
"This is a free building, a gift to tax payers ... we are lucky and blessed to have this facility."
Maury County Commission Chairman Kevin Markham introduced project leaders, welcomed guests and congratulated Maury County Commissioners present and past, or those responsible for erecting the facility.
Former commission chairman Eric Previti praised the efforts of the commission in supporting the funding of the building during the ceremony.
Jamie Spencer, president of Hewlett Spencer, explained the concept behind the interior design of the building, adorned with historic photos displayed on frosted glass along the dramatically long corridors on the first and second floors of the complex.
"The art displays pay homage to old Maury County in a modern building," Spencer said.
The historic photos depict collections from the Maury County Archives, compiled by former Maury County Archives Director Bob Duncan, the current archives staff, and Maury County Historian JoAnn McClellan.
Spencer also explained that light fixtures from The Daily Herald building were preserved, refurbished and hung in each foyer at the entrance of all six courtrooms, three on the first floor and three on the second floor.
Juvenile Court Judge Doug Chapman toured the facility with his family on Tuesday, calling it a "functional" building above all.
"This facility will bring enhanced safety to the courthouse, functionality, provide private meeting spaces and provide six courtrooms that will allow us to hear multiple cases leading to shorter backlogs," Chapman said.
The old historic courthouse in Columbia will still house the mayor's office and some court clerks, while the first floor will be turned into a museum.
The new court facility will open officially to accommodate staff and the public on Oct. 14.

Doctor Marks 500th Robotic Procedure (MSM)
Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) offers its patients the latest in surgical technology, and a surgeon on the medical staff has reached an impressive milestone with one of the hospital’s robotic systems.
Mark S. Hinson, MD, FACS, a board-certified specialist in general, robotic and breast surgery, performed his 500th procedure at MRMC with the da Vinci Xi Surgical System.
“Performing my 500th surgery with the da Vinci robotic system is an incredible milestone, and it’s been rewarding,” said Dr. Hinson. “Every procedure feels like an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a patient’s life, offering them a less invasive approach and a faster recovery. I’m grateful to have this technology at my fingertips.”
Dr. Hinson joined the medical staff at Maury Regional Health in 1998. He is one of 12 surgeons who perform robotic-assisted procedures with the da Vinci Xi at MRMC.
The da Vinci Xi was first implemented at MRMC in 2018 followed by another in 2022. It utilizes advanced robotic, computer and optical technologies, including a high-definition and highly magnified 3D vision system and mechanical wrists that bend and rotate to mimic the movements of the human wrist. As more surgeons have joined the medical staff, the medical center added two more da Vinci systems in 2024, bringing the total to four.
The system allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures in the areas of urology, gynecology, thoracic and general surgery. Benefits of the minimally invasive approach for patients typically include minimal blood loss, less pain and a faster recovery time.
“My hernia procedure was a breeze, and I have no complaints. I didn’t even need to take pain medications after my surgery,” said Eva James Crichton, a resident of Maury County and Dr. Hinson’s 500th robotic surgery patient with da Vinci. “The staff were kind and caring during my stay and Dr. Hinson made frequent visits to check in on me before and after surgery. I appreciate how present, attentive and informative he was.”
For more information about the da Vinci Xi Surgical System and other surgeons who utilize this technology, visit MauryRegional.com/daVinci.

Maury First Responders Aid Helene Victims (CDH)
Following the aftermath of historical damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene in the eastern parts of the state, many regional first-response teams have been deployed to help with the recovery efforts.
On Sunday, 13 search and rescue members, pulled from Columbia Fire & Rescue, Maury County Fire, Spring Hill Fire and Lawrence County Fire, were sent to the town of Erwin in Unicoi County, an area hit with some of the most devastating damage.
"We were told the initial deployment is expected to last 3-7 days, with all teams preparing to send a second wave of responders to relieve the current personnel if needed," Jeremy Finley, assistant Fire Chief for Columbia Fire and Rescue said. "A total of 13 team members are on-site, equipped with hand tools, search tools, drones and UTVs. They are reporting significant devastation to the region."
Finley added that, despite being a disaster site with many homes damaged and flood waters rising, the Maury County team went to work right away and have been able to help many families affected by last week's storms.
"Our main task has been to assist in land-based operations, which is basically saying the rescue effort has concluded and now we are just in a search effort," Finley said.
"Thus far, they have successfully completed multiple missions, providing medical aid, food, and essential supplies to the victims who remain trapped in their homes. We will continue to provide updates on their progress as the mission continues."
Tennessee Valley Authority officials have reported that Helene's damage route totaled nearly 600 miles and was classified as a category 4 storm.
Relief efforts are also underway nationwide, with CityServe International launching a $5 million relief initiative in partnership with Spokes of Hope, 180 Disaster Relief and Wings of the Spirit. The purpose is to deliver supplies to five states affected by Helene with water, food, clothes and emergency supplies as soon as the roads are cleared and safely accessible.
“Whenever a storm of this magnitude hits, we know we're on the clock right away,” says CityServe co-founder and CEO Dave Donaldson, “People are in desperate need of help right away, so it’s critical to get relief out to them immediately.”
For volunteer opportunities with CityServe, visit www.SpokesofHopeSC.com.
On a local level, Finley said he is unaware of any relief efforts or nonprofits receiving donations for hurricane victims, at least not yet. The main thing right now is to ensure the safety of the residents.
"[Tennessee Emergency Management Agency] has asked pepole to stand down for a little bit, let them assess the area and make it accessible," Finley said. "And then TEMA will be the ones who will put out what they need, what the victims need or where drop-off centers may be. After that, they will likely turn it over to the local organizations to pitch in."
Maury County Public Schools are collecting the following items to support families affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene:
Bottled Water (cases of bottled water, gallon jugs)
Cleaning Supplies (disinfectant wipes, bleach, mops, buckets, gloves, sponges, brooms, trash bags)
It’s taking place now through Friday, October 4th. You can drop off items at any MCPS school before Fall Break.

Spring Hill Local Passport (Press Release)
The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Listerhill Credit Union, is excited to announce the launch of the "Think, Shop, Explore Local Passport" campaign, an initiative designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore and support the diverse range of local businesses in Spring Hill. This exciting campaign will run from October 1 to October 31, 2024, offering participants a chance to win a grand prize haul valued at thousands of dollars!
How to Participate: Starting October 1st, visitors can pick up their Local Passport at any participating business or the Spring Hill Chamber Welcome Center, located at 5326 Main Street, Suite G. To qualify for the grand prize, participants simply need to collect stickers from a minimum of 15 participating businesses and return their completed passports by October 31, 2024, to the Welcome Center. Those who complete their passports entirely will be entered into the grand prize drawing twice – doubling their chances of winning!
Participating Businesses: The campaign features an array of local stops, including restaurants, retail shops, health centers, and more. Some of the featured stops include:
Aha Indian Grill
The Awaken House
The Spot Burgers & Beers
Hampton Inn Spring Hill
Lighthill Meats
TriStar ER Spring Hill
Williamson Health / Bone and Joint Institute
And many more!
A comprehensive list of all participating businesses and an interactive map is available online, guiding participants on their local adventure.
Community Photo Stops: For an extra entry into the grand prize drawing, participants can take photos at designated community photo stops, including the Spring Hill Library, City Hall, and Fischer Park. Simply post your photo on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #SHPassport24 to earn an additional chance to win!
Grand Prize Details: The grand prize haul includes an incredible assortment of gifts and vouchers from participating businesses, offering one lucky winner a prize worth thousands of dollars! This includes gifts from notable local businesses such as Listerhill Credit Union, Towhee Club & Birdsong Social, Brunch Collective, and many others.
How to Submit Your Passport: Once you have collected at least 15 stickers, return your passport to the Spring Hill Chamber Welcome Center (5326 Main Street, Suite G) by October 31, 2024. A dropbox is available for after-hours submissions, ensuring that everyone has a chance to participate.
Get Ready to Think, Shop, and Explore Local! The "Think, Shop, Explore Local Passport" campaign is an excellent way to discover new businesses, support our local economy, and engage with the Spring Hill community. So grab your passport, explore all that Spring Hill has to offer, and get ready for a fun-filled October with plenty of opportunities to win big!
For more information, visit Spring Hill Chamber website or contact the Spring Hill Chamber Welcome Center at [phone].

Campin’ in the Park (MauryCountySource)
Five hundred sixty-eight campers packed Spring Hill’s Fischer Park for a weekend of outdoor activities at the Third Annual Spring Hill Campin’ in the Park Sept. 21-22.
Made possible by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 1853, Spring Hill Parks and Recreation, and the Bearden Group, Fischer Park was filled with nearly 150 campsites, archery, rock climbing, an obstacle course, frisbee golf, a scavenger hunt, backyard bass and an outdoor movie.
Over 300 kids were present, and their engagement is a reason why USA Conservation Coordinator Cody Campbell called the event a success.

“This event was one for the books for the USA,” he said. “The partnership with the city of Spring Hill Parks and Recreation is what made it all possible. This is the largest non-fishing youth event the USA has been a part of. We had a lot of firsts at this one, and it was amazing to see the smiles and excitement these kids had getting their first introduction to the outdoors.”
Kayce Williams, Spring Hill Parks and Recreation director, said factors such as affordability, location convenience and quality activities all contribute to the event’s popularity.
“We had about 80 campsites last year, and this year we had 143! We feel like this event will continue to grow year after year,” Williams said. “Not only because it is fun but also because it gives people an opportunity to see if they like camping without having to spend a ton of money on gear or travel far. Hopefully, camping out becomes something that they will continue to do, so they can experience this beautiful country in a whole new way.”
Volunteers with UAW Local 1853 provided all the food and cooked hot dogs for attendees.
“This partnership is more than just a once-a-year event for us,” Williams said. “It is something we lean into year-round. Conservation awareness, green space planning, outdoor experiences are all part of our platform as well. Also, Spring Hill is the home of the USA headquarters, so it and its members are part of our city’s DNA…part of our community family. We look forward to many more years of working together with the USA.”
Campin’ in the Park was a part of a series of free, community-based youth outreach activities organized under Work Boots on the Ground—the USA’s flagship conservation program.
“Spending time outdoors opens them up to a huge new world that can provide so much fun and serenity to balance out the stresses and negativity of other things in kids’ lives,” Williams said about the benefits of being outside. “Fresh air, open spaces, exploration, physical activity, changes in scenery, and new experiences can have a big impact on our state of mind and our overall health.”

Room in the Inn Octoberfest Fundraiser (Press Release)
Mark your calendars, Columbia – Room in the Inn’s biggest fundraiser of the year is just around the corner! On October 4th, the community is invited to join in the Oktoberfest festivities and support a fantastic local cause.
Room in the Inn is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter, resources, and hope to single mothers and their children in need. Their latest project, Grace House, aims to create a safe, supportive living space with individual beds, private bedrooms and bathrooms, a community kitchen, and laundry facilities. All proceeds from this year’s Oktoberfest event will go directly towards the construction of Grace House, making a real difference in the lives of local families.
So what can you expect at this year’s Oktoberfest celebration? Plenty of fun, food, and community spirit! The event will take place on October 4 at Riverwalk Park in Columbia from 6pm -10pm. Guests will be able to enjoy local craft beer tastings, delicious fare from food trucks, live music, and traditional Oktoberfest games and activities. Riverwalk Park is located at 102 Riverside Drive, Columbia.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…

Patricia Joan Lewellen Owens, 90, a resident of Columbia, died Monday, September 30, 2024 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…
Governor Asks for Expedited Federal Funding (Tennessean)
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is asking President Joe Biden to expedite federal funds for Hurricane Helene relief. Expedited funding already has been approved in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, but not the flood-ravaged counties in East Tennessee.
Lee declared a State of Emergency in Tennessee Sept. 27, and requested funds and assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The declarations allow aid workers and officials to bypass certain bureaucratic regulations to provide support to impacted areas.
Lee wrote again to Biden Sept. 30 to request even more assistance, faster. He specifically mentioned Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi counties.
“It’s evident that something historically horrific has happened here,” Lee said against the backdrop of the destroyed Interstate 26 bridge. “At the same time, it is hopeful as I see this community come together.”
Lee touted the collaboration between local, state and federal officials, but acknowledged that the situation is still “unfolding.”
“There’s a lot unknown, there’s a lot without water, there’s a lot without power. But we’re working to do something about that.”
The federal government has intervened in some ways. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on Sept. 30 declared a Public Health Emergency for South Carolina and Tennessee to address the health impacts of Hurricane Helene. The agency is sending 200 health experts to assess hospitals, nursing homes and medical centers.
The teams bring in equipment and supplies.
The Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans for business and homeowners affected by the floods.
Six deaths have been confirmed in East Tennessee. Three bodies were found near the town of Erwin in Unicoi County, where employees of Impact Plastic clung for their lives atop a semi truck while flood waters rushed in.
That's the site of a daring rooftop rescue at Unicoi County Hospital.
Lee, also on Sept. 30, empowered the Tennessee Department of Transportation Secretary to seek emergency contracts to repair state and local bridges and roads.
Floods forced the closure of 14 state bridges on state routes, and five of those are "completely gone," TDOT Deputy Commissioner Will Reid said during a news conference Sept. 30. That means the bridges are beyond repair. They must be completely rebuilt to reconnect communities.
Officials and rescue crews are working to get supplies to those separated from the rest of their communities. In Unicoi, that looks like off-road vehicles driving to remote areas with supplies and information.
TEMA reported approximately 9,600 power outages across the state midday Sept. 30, and several counties reported problems due to flooding at wastewater treatment plants and drinking water facilities.

Gas Prices (MSM)
Over last week gas prices across the state fluctuated higher to $2.80, but ultimately fell over the weekend to $2.76, the same price as one week ago. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.76 which is 18 cents less expensive than one month ago and 56 cents less than one year ago.
“We’ve seen some fluctuation in our state gas prices over the last two weeks, but the silver lining is that Tennessee has the 4th least expensive state gas price average in the country,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It’s likely that we’ll continue to see fluctuations in gas prices across the state this week.”
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Enjoy a day of fun and food at the John Maher Builders Whole Hog Festival while supporting a community partner, The Well Outreach.
Date: October 5th, 2024
Location: Oaklawn Mansion, Spring Hill, TN
Admission: $5 per person | Kids 5 and under FREE!
Enjoy a fun-filled day with live music from 7 bands, pork-themed food from over 20 food trucks, hog-calling & bacon-eating contests, kids’ zone: petting zoo, circus acts and crafts fair and an antique tractor show.
Best of all, every dollar supports The Well Outreach, providing weekend “Jetpacks” of food to local students in need.
Help come together to feed the community while having a blast!