Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-8-24

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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.

WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for October 8, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Mules Helping in Relief Effort (Tennessean)
When all modern conveniences are washed away, the reliable mule remains steadfast.
Last week, Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury upon the southern Appalachians after making landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida's Big Bend—the most powerful storm on record for the region. With at least 222 confirmed deaths, it now ranks as the fourth-deadliest hurricane in U.S. history.
North Carolina bore the brunt of the storm's impact, where catastrophic flooding — described by some as a "biblical" disaster— triggered massive landslides, burying roads and submerging entire mountain towns.
Once-familiar trails have transformed into treacherous landscapes, buried under a chaotic jumble of fallen trees, thick brush, and jagged debris. Where vehicles can't go, mules navigate narrow paths, their hooves steady as they maneuver through the storm-ravaged terrain to deliver essential supplies to remote areas.
"They have had many roles in their careers, from hauling camping gear and fresh hunt, pulling wagons and farm equipment; to serving in training the best of the very best of our military special forces, carrying weapons, medical supplies, and even wounded soldiers," Mountain Mule Packers Ranch posted on social media.
As Appalachian communities confront devastation, the mule stands out as an unsung hero. With each determined step, these resilient animals symbolize hope as they navigate through rubble to assist those in need.
Since the historic storm swept through the southeastern United States, a train of mules and their riders has trekked through the chaos from dawn to dusk, delivering essential supplies to people in hard-to-reach areas. As power and cellular outages persist, these riders risk their own safety, skillfully maneuvering their mules along treacherous trails.
A video posted by Mountain Mule Packers Ranch captures the devastating scene in Swannanoa, where the landscape lies in ruins, rendering it impassable for vehicles.
"Heavy equipment will definitely get this cleared, but in the meantime, mules can carry gear through here quickly!" the organization noted.
From cleaning supplies and canned foods to hygiene products, blankets, clothing — and even a teddy bear with a note of support from a young donor — the mules have tirelessly carried load after load, shouldering the burdens that the people of Appalachia can no longer bear.
"We were not out of the trucks for two minutes before we had people coming to us that needed dog food," the organization shared online Wednesday.
Earlier this week, they shared a video of their work with Cajun Navy 2016, highlighting their mission to deliver ice to an elderly man at the top of Appalachian Way for his insulin. As the man in need walked down the steps of his home toward the mules, he smiled, and a woman exclaimed, "Look at that!"
As the video continues, the man commends their efforts, noting that they are providing assistance "in the rain," while one of the riders grins, nods and repeats, "in the rain!"
"You know what though?" another rider behind the camera said. "We got that ice for you!"
"How many days do we take for granted the simple things?" the organization reflected in their post. "In times like these, we recognize how much we are blessed with! We are so grateful the mules have helped deliver essential items to those in need."
That is a story that Maury Countians should be particularly proud of…

Kids Helping Kids Gives Back (MSM)
Kids Helping Kids, a children’s ministry at First United Methodist Church in Columbia, recently donated $500 to the Maury County Students in Transition organization.
The mission of MCSIT is to provide short-term emergency assistance to transitional/needy students registered in Maury County Public Schools. Students in transition are defined as those in households that are usually one missed-payment away from being without utilities, or in danger of being homeless because of lack of funds to pay rent. MCSIT works closely with the school system in identifying families who have become homeless. Once identified, MCSIT is able to provide a motel placement for a few nights, giving the families some time to secure other resources. Assistance is provided during the school year.
Since August of this year, MCSIT has assisted 29 families with 66 school-aged children with utilities, rent and emergency motel placement.
Bake sales are held at the church twice a year to raise money for the children to donate to disadvantaged kids.

Tourism Generates Serious Revenue (MSM)
South Central Tennessee Tourism Association, made up of 13 counties, including Maury, generated more than $517 million in direct visitor spending and saw 3.6 million visitors to the region in 2023. The 2023 Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee report was released by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
“Tourism in South Central Tennessee is on a remarkable upward trajectory, fueling both economic growth and community development,” SCTTA Executive Director Ryan French said. “This progress is a testament to the strong partnerships we’ve cultivated across the region and the invaluable role these relationships play in enhancing local resources and strategies.”
Specific to Maury County, the same report reveals $136.85 million in domestic visitor spending to the county, an 8.0 percent increase from 2022. Tennessee Department of Tourist Development released the new data just ahead of the industry’s annual Governor’s Conference in Chattanooga.
Statewide, Tennessee tourism generated $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 144 million visitors to the state in 2023. Tax dollars generated by tourism support important public services like education, health and safety.
“This record growth is a testament to the strength, resilience, determination and efforts of our hard-working industry in bringing visitors to enjoy why Tennessee Sounds Perfect,” Mark Ezell, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, said.
Maury County ranked 20th among the 95 counties in Tennessee while visitor spending in Maury County generated $13.9 million in state and local tax revenue. SCTTA estimates that if it were not for state and local taxes generated by tourism, each Maury County household would pay $352 more in state and local taxes. Visitor spending also generated $34.2 million in payroll for Maury County.
French added, “We’re at an exciting juncture, witnessing unprecedented growth and widespread community support for our shared mission. As we prepare to launch our new Tourism-Ready strategy, we’re focused on expanding resources for small businesses, lodging partners, and attractions, further solidifying our region as a premier destination for visitors.”

Maury Regional Medicare Seminar (Press Release)
Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) will host the free Your Medicare in 2025 seminar on Friday, Oct. 25, from 2-3 p.m., featuring an explanation on Medicare plan changes for the coming year.
The event will be held in the Maury Regional Annex at 1223 Trotwood Ave. in Columbia. To register, visit the Classes & Events page at MauryRegional.com or call 931.381.1111, extension 7011.
Sherri Craig with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) will provide information on what changes could be made in the Medicare Part D (prescription drug benefit) and Medicare Advantage (supplemental) plans in 2025. The seminar will also address the importance of performing an annual plan comparison and changes in Medicare costs.
The Medicare open enrollment period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to review your current coverage, ensure that your preferred providers are still in-network and determine what Part D plan will best cover your prescription medications. Plan changes go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
The “Medicare and You” book that beneficiaries will receive by mail contains information about Medicare coverage and plans available in your area. For more information, visit MauryRegional.com/Medicare.
SHIP volunteers are trained to offer assistance to Medicare recipients who would like their Medicare Part D options reviewed. To make an individual appointment, visit MauryRegional.com/Medicare to obtain a form and return it to the Senior Center in Columbia located at 1020 Maury County Park Drive. Once the form is returned, individuals will be contacted to schedule an appointment for a one-on-one review.
Maury Regional Health also has enrollment counselors available to answer questions. Schedule a meeting by calling 931.381.1111, ext. 7262. Appointments are available (including by phone or teleconference) during regular business hours.

Columbia State Performance Series (Press Release)
Columbia State Community College is excited to announce the 22nd season of its popular Performance Series sponsored by First Farmers and Merchants Bank, showcasing a dynamic lineup of talented artists at the 500-seat Cherry Theater on the Columbia Campus. Audiences can look forward to memorable performances, with the added perks of free parking and a complimentary art exhibit at the Pryor Art Gallery before each show.

"This season of the Performance Series at Columbia State is a true celebration of musical artistry, showcasing exceptional talent that transcends genres and generations," said Tammy Rosson, director of events and alumni relations at Columbia State. "Each performance offers something truly special, whether it's the soulful harmonies of Rockland Road, the powerful vocals of Wendy Moten, the fresh take on traditional country from The Malpass Brothers, the nostalgic yet modern sound of Admiral Radio, the dynamic piano mastery of Ryan & Ryan or the timeless swing of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. We’re excited to welcome our community to the Cherry Theater for what promises to be an unforgettable season of entertainment!"

Tickets are $35, which includes all fees. Free and convenient parking is available along with a free art exhibition in the Pryor Art Gallery before each performance.

Learn more and purchase tickets: ColumbiaState.edu/PerformanceSeries or call the box office at 931.540.2879.

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].

Fall Festival to Return (Press Release)
The Second Annual Fall Fest will take place on on October 12th from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm in downtown Columbia. This event, presented in partnership with Kiwanis of Columbia, promises a day filled with family-friendly activities in the heart of downtown.
This community festival includes FREE admission to listen to live entertainment, enjoy a FUN ZONE for all ages, pose in front of Tri-Green’s tractor photo booth, watch the Miss Maury County FALL FEST pageant, and paint a mini pumpkin!
In conjunction with Fall Fest, the Kiwanis Club of Columbia is proud to present the Annual Kiwanis Chili Cookoff from 3-5PM on the square. This autumn tradition brings chefs from all over Maury County to decide whose chili reigns supreme. Tickets are $10 each at the event and children 10 and under are free. Also, be sure to visit the Kiwanis Kids Zone at Fall Fest for face painting, complimentary snow cones, inflatables, and more!
Additionally, attendees can support local businesses by shopping with artisan-craft vendors, eating from delicious food trucks, or pre-registering to participate in the Miss Maury County FALL FEST pageant.
“Bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes because you’re going to be singing along and having a great time with each of the bands,” says Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager.
"We are excited to expand FALL FEST this year by closing down the entire square, providing ample space for attendees to fully immerse themselves in the festivities while exploring all that downtown Columbia has to offer," said Johnson. “We are privileged to partner with so many local businesses and organizations that work hard to produce amazing products, excellent food, and great customer experiences that help transform events like this that create memorable moments for those in attendance. We hope that you enjoy the craft vendors, food trucks, the bands, and all the activities for every age.” For more information about the Second Annual FALL FEST, including how to participate or volunteer, please visit columbiamainstreet.com or follow Columbia Main Street on social media.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Bertha Scroggins Clark, 90, longtime resident of Carters Creek Pike died Friday, October 4, 2024 at her residence.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday October 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Tuesday October 8, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Wednesday from 12:00 PM till time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
And now, news from around the state…
Vandy Memorabilia Skyrockets (Tennessean)
Looking to buy that perfect statement piece for your home office?
Vanderbilt football fans can own a tangible piece of Nashville sports history after the team secured an unexpected win against No. 1 Alabama Saturday night.
Specifically, an eight-inch banana yellow metal bar, that until Saturday night, was part of the Vanderbilt Commodores football field — for $4,035. As of Monday afternoon, all the available pieces of the goalpost were sold out, but other items were still being auctioned.
Prices shot up for the in-demand mementos throughout the day Monday. Personalized football helmets jumped from $7,090 in the morning to $31,090 by 4 p.m. Goal line pylons started at $800 and grew to $1,300 or more. Game balls were selling for $6,885 each.
Vanderbilt fans stormed the FirstBank Stadium field after the historic home win. They wrenched the south end zone goalpost out of the ground and carried it onto the streets of Nashville.
Southeastern Conference officials have ordered Vanderbilt Athletics to pay Alabama $100,000 for storming the field — an SEC violation since 2023.
A representative of Vanderbilt University said the proceeds from the auction will not be used to pay the SEC fine.
The online auction can be accessed in the LiveSource app or online at desktop.livesourceapp.com.
The auction will last until 5 p.m. Oct. 10.
After the game, the Nashville Fire Department recovered the goalpost from the Cumberland River — the victorious students had marched almost three miles down Broadway to ceremoniously toss it in. Video clips and pictures published online show fans celebrating the moment. It took at least an hour to get the goalpost from the stadium to Riverfront Park in Downtown Nashville.

New Non-Stop to Dublin in 2025 (MauryCountySource)
Travelers eager for a direct gateway to Ireland can mark their calendars! Starting April 12, 2025, Aer Lingus will launch a new nonstop service from Nashville to Dublin.
Fares start at just $499, including taxes and fees. This state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR will operate four times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, offering an 8.5-hour journey to the heart of Ireland.
“This nonstop flight will offer travelers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the best of both worlds, from exploring Ireland’s stunning landscapes and ancient ruins to immersing themselves in Nashville’s vibrant Broadway experience,” Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA), emphasized the significance of this connection. “It’s the perfect combination for those seeking adventure, culture, and a truly unforgettable journey.”
Dublin offers an abundance of experiences for visitors to enjoy with its rich history and culture, charming streets, historic landmarks, and lively pubs. Guests can explore historic sites like Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, or enjoy a pint at the Guinness Storehouse. Beyond the city, the stunning Wild Atlantic Way awaits, featuring dramatic coastal drives and breathtaking views from the Cliffs of Moher to Slieve League.
This new route not only opens up direct access to Dublin but also connects travelers to major European cities like London, Edinburgh, Rome, Amsterdam, Paris, Manchester, and Berlin.
“For generations, our communities have been strongly linked by our shared heritage, music, culture and business. This new nonstop air service binds us even more closely together. Thank you to the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Dublin Airport Authority and Aer Lingus for making this dream real. We cannot wait to begin welcoming even more Irish visitors to Nashville,” Amy Seigenthaler Pierce, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Tennessee, said.
Find more information about Aer Lingus, at www.aerlingus.com.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The Grand Ole Opry has announced its fourth-annual “Opry NextStage Live,” presented by Tecovas, which will take place on Monday, December 9 at the Grand Ole Opry House. The Opry-style show will showcase country music’s top rising artists who are part of the Opry NextStage program. Reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of The Year, 2021 Opry NextStage alum and the newest member of the Opry, Lainey Wilson, will host and perform.
Additional artists featured on the lineup include every member of the NextStage Class of 2024: 49 Winchester, Anne Wilson, Charles Wesley Godwin, Chase Matthew, Ella Langley, Flatland Cavalry, Josh Ross, Madeline Edwards, and Wyatt Flores. Tickets are on sale now at opry.com.