Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-2-24

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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 August 2, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Walmart Theft (MauryCountySource)
Detectives are asking for the public’s help identifying persons of interest in a case of shoplifting from Walmart in Spring Hill that occurred on July 11th.
A female in a white shirt/dark-colored pants allegedly took $1800 worth of body care products without paying for them. She arrived and left with a person wearing a green hoodie and blue jeans.
You can see a cam image of the suspects on MauryCountySource.com.
If you can identify these people, please contact Detective Stefani Gillam at [e-mail]

Rental Home Scams (MSM)
Officials with the Spring Hill Police Department are reminding the community to be aware of a home rental scam they are seeing pop up once again.
SHPD warns that if the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
In a 2021 case, a victim found a home for rent through Facebook Marketplace and received a code from the online real estate website, OpenDoor, after contacting the person on the listing. The victim was able to open the door to the house with the code and had sent $1,200 to the suspect, who sent him a lease agreement to sign. But as it turned out the house was for sale, not for rent.
The Federal Trade Commission advised that the best way to avoid this type of scam is to do your online research on the rental company and of the home itself; compare prices – it could be a red flag if the rent is way cheaper than other rentals in the area; take a tour and ask for identification from the rental agent you are speaking with; and never pay with cash, wire transfers or gift cards.
Spring Hill Police say if you do fall victim to a rental scam, you should report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
The Spring Hill Police Department has previously warned people before about similar home rental scams that originate on Facebook Marketplace.

Primary Election Results (WKOM)
Last night’s federal and state primary and county general election took place. Maury County had a low voter turnout, as it does historically for primary elections, despite the fact that some of the races were quite close. Here are the winners in last night’s political races:
For United States Senate, Marsha Blackburn defeated Tre Wittum, gaining 89.5% of the votes
In the Democratic Primary for the same senate seat, Gloria Johnson won handily in the field of four with 72.1% of the 2909 votes in Maury County.
In the hotly contested US House District 5 Race, incumbent Andy Ogles defeated Courtney Johnston by about 2900 votes locally, and garnered 56.5% of the votes, district-wide.
In the Tennessee House District 64 race, incumbent Scott Cepicky beat Ray Jeter 3950 votes to 3294 votes.
In the District 64 Democratic Primary, Eileen Longstreet defeated Alex Pierce 832 to 578.
In the Republican State Executive Committee Race for District 28, incumbent Chris Morris beat Vincent Cueves 5320 to 2540 votes.
In the contested school board races, Frank Bellamy won the District 2 race, Darryl Martin won the District 4 race, David Moore won the District 5 race, and Brendan Babcock won the District 8 race.
For full results visit the Maury County Election Commission Website.

Critical Care Doc Joins MRMC (Press Release)
 Kyle White, MD, recently joined the medical staff at Maury Regional Medical Center. He is affiliated with Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) Pulmonary and Critical Care.
 
Dr. White received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee. He completed his residency, as well as a fellowship in Pulmonary & Critical Care, at University of Florida, Gainesville. He is board certified in internal medicine and pulmonary disease.
 
MRMG Pulmonary and Critical Care is a specialty practice dedicated to the care of adults with conditions related to the lungs and pulmonary system. The practice includes specialists who see patients by appointment in the Columbia office as well as specialists who provide care to patients who are hospitalized in the Critical Care Unit at Maury Regional Medical Center. Patients may be referred to the practice by a primary care provider or specialist for diagnosis and treatment of lung-related conditions. In addition to Dr. White, practice physicians are John Forstall, DO, Jon Freels, MD, Spencer Jensen, MD, Karthik Jothianandan, MD, Brett Norman, MD, MPH, and Thomas Quinn, MD.
 
MRMG Pulmonary and Critical Care is located in suite 503 of the Maury Regional Medical Center Medical Office Building at 1222 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia. For more information, call 931.490.7775 or visit MauryRegional.com/Pulmonary.
In other Maury Regional News…
Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Resuscitation Gold quality achievement award for its commitment to treating in-hospital cardiac arrest, ultimately helping to improve survival rates.
Each year, more than 300,000 adults and children experience an in-hospital cardiac arrest. Survival from cardiac arrest largely depends on timely medical emergency team response and effective CPR.
The Get With The Guidelines - Resuscitation program was developed to help save the lives of patients who experience in-hospital cardiac arrests by consistently following the most up-to-date research-based guidelines for treatment as outlined by the American Heart Association. Guidelines include following protocols for patient safety, medical emergency team response, effective and timely resuscitation (CPR) and post-resuscitation care. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines.
“Maury Regional Medical Center is committed to improving patient outcomes by adhering to the latest evidence-based resuscitation guidelines,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “I’m appreciative of our physicians and clinical teams who are dedicated to providing outstanding, up-to-date patient care. Although we are proud of this recognition from the AHA, the end goal is to ensure more people in southern Middle Tennessee can experience longer, healthier lives.”
 
MRMC received the award for meeting specific measures in treating adult patients who experience cardiac arrest in the hospital
“We are pleased to recognize Maury Regional Medical Center for its commitment in following these guidelines,” said Tia Raymond, MD, national chairperson of the American Heart Association’s Resuscitation Systems of Care Advisory Group and a pediatric cardiac intensivist at Medical City Children’s Hospital in Dallas. “Hospitals that participate in Get With The Guidelines often see improved patient outcomes and improved survival rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.
As southern Middle Tennessee’s only Heart Center, MRMC provides a vast array of cardiac services that include interventional procedures as well as pacemaker and defibrillator implants. MRMC is recognized as a Chest Pain Center with PCI by the American College of Cardiology and holds certification in the treatment of heart failure from The Joint Commission. MRMC is also the only hospital in Tennessee to receive the excellence in patient safety and outstanding patient experience awards from Healthgrades® in 2024.
Learn more at MauryRegional.com/Heart.

BOMA Committee Appointment Debate (MSM)
After much discussion about whether or not committees should recommend their own member applicants or not, the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen chose to defer appointments for the Town Center Redevelopment Committee.
During the board’s regular meeting July 15, members questioned if everyone who wanted to be considered for the committee was submitted to the board for that consideration.
“Mr. Mayor, I think it’s bad practice if we’re allowing committees to select their own nominees,” Alderman Matt Fitterer said.
The board heard one applicant had withdrawn, leaving only one, but there seemed to be a few other applicants who had expressed interest.
“Human nature is to pick or recommend the people that you already know, and so when you do that, it’s always the same people end up being involved in the committee,” City Attorney Patrick Carter said. “And as the legislation was written, I think the thought was that BOMA would be doing their own vetting, so they would get all the applications.
“And apparently that hasn’t happened on this item, and it needs to happen.”
Motion was made to defer the appointment of members to the Town Center Redevelopment Committee to the board’s Aug. 19 meeting.

Wired Mastermind Pitch Winners (Press Release)
Last week, Maury Alliance teamed up with the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce to host the second annual WIRED Pitch Contest! Local entrepreneurs had the chance to present their innovative ideas, with the WIRED Mastermind Group awarding $10,000 to help accelerate their businesses. After impressive presentations and careful deliberation, the group selected Christine Cole of Cammellia Chocolates and Donna Parker of Blondy's Baked Goods the winners. Each of the businesses received a prize of $5,000!
In 2021, Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance and Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce launched WIRED – A Mastermind Group for local entrepreneurs and CEOs. WIRED Mastermind is designed to foster growth and development through the sharing of experiences, lessons-learned, and game-changing moments. The 2023-2024 Wired Mastermind Group is comprised of five local Entrepreneurs and CEO’s that were selected through an application process. Each year, the group hosts an annual Pitch Contest for early businesses poised for growth in Maury County.
Learn more about the initiative at www.mauryalliance.com/wired.

New Exhibit From TSM and AAHSMC (Press Release)
The African American Heritage of Maury County (AAHSMC) presents Building a Bright Future: Black Communities and Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee, a new traveling exhibition, on display August 2, 2024, through September 13, 2024, at the Maury County Public Library. Created by the Tennessee State Museum in partnership with The John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library at Fisk University, the exhibition traces the history of education for Black Tennesseans from the Reconstruction period, through the development of the Rosenwald program, and into the present day.

“The Rosenwald Schools served African American students in Rural Maury County for more than 40 years. In addition to the traveling exhibition from the Tennessee State Museum, the AAHSMC’s companion exhibition will include photos of teachers, students, and the 15 Maury County Rosenwald Schools. Also, the AAHSMC is hosting “In Conversation: Former Rosenwald School Students.” Former students will share their educational experiences on August 10, 2024, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, at the Maury County Public Library,” said Jo Ann McClellan, AAHSMC President.
What are commonly referred to as Rosenwald Schools were the result of an initial partnership between Sears, Roebuck, and Co. president Julius Rosenwald, Tuskegee Institute president Booker T. Washington, and Black Communities throughout the South. Between 1912-1937, that partnership resulted in the construction of almost 5,000 schools for Black children across 15 southern states, including 354 in Tennessee. Rosenwald schools drove improvement in Black educational attainment and helped educate the generation who became leaders of the Civil Rights movement. The traveling exhibition on display at the Maury County Public Library consists of five two-sided panels and includes the engaging stories of alumni and community members from 16 different Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee.
“TSM and Fisk wanted to build a more diverse and inclusive space for all Tennesseans to learn about and honor the history and legacy of Black education in the state,” said Debbie Shaw, Senior Curator of Archaeology at the Tennessee State Museum. “The resilience and perseverance of these Black communities as they strived for equal access to education is highlighted through their work with the Rosenwald School program. The legacy continues today as members from these same groups work toward the preservation of these schools and communities.”
“Our teams at the Fisk University John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library and the Forging Future Pathways Forward: Building a Portal to Rosenwald Collections for all at Fisk University project were thrilled to partner and collaborate with Tennessee State Museum,” said DeLisa M. Harris, Director of Library Services at Fisk University. “This exhibit is the first major showcase of the impact and legacy of the Julius Rosenwald Fund Rural School program in Tennessee.”
This traveling exhibit is an expansion of Building a Bright Future: Black Communities and Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee, an initiative that included a 4,000 square foot temporary exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum and a two-day symposium. The project won a 2024 American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Leadership in History Award of Excellence and the 2024 Tennessee Association of Museums President’s Award. For more information visit www.tnmuseum.org.

Applications Open (Press Release)
Applications for the 2024-25 Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) term will open on August 1st. The CMYC is open to all high school students located within Maury County, including those attending public, private, and home schools. The 2024-25 term will begin in September 2024 and conclude in May 2025.
Mayor Chaz Molder stated, “The Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council is an excellent opportunity for our young people to gain firsthand experience in local government and develop their leadership skills. By participating in CMYC, students will not only learn about the inner workings of our city but also have the chance to make a real impact on their community. I strongly encourage all eligible students to apply and be part of this incredible educational experience.”
The CMYC aims to educate students about local government, foster leadership skills, and encourage community involvement among Columbia’s diverse high school population. The CMYC is composed of Maury County high school students who value academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership. Selected students will have an opportunity to actively participate in various activities and programs, addressing issues affecting youth and the community, leading and volunteering in community projects, and learning about city departments.
The CMYC selection committee will review all completed applications to select this year’s youth council members. Applications will be open from August 1st through August 23rd, and applicants will be notified of their acceptance by September 3rd. CMYC meetings will be held monthly, in addition to community and volunteer projects.
CMYC applications can be found on the City of Columbia’s website at columbiatn.gov or at your high school’s administrative office. Follow the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council on Facebook and Instagram at @cmyctn. For questions, please contact Hanna Miller at [e-mail] or [phone].

Columbia 101 (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the launch of Columbia 101, an innovative program designed to engage residents with local government and community services. Participants in Columbia 101 will have the unique opportunity to interact closely with city officials and staff, gaining firsthand knowledge of how municipal services are delivered and learning about avenues for community involvement and advocacy.
This consecutive two-day program will be open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents and offered twice per year, with the official kick-off occurring on September 17th and September 18th. Participants can expect to begin each day at City Hall before learning more about all 12 city departments and touring select city facilities, such as the Fire & Rescue and Public Works Departments.
Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, August 9th at 4:00 pm. Learn more and apply today at https://www.columbiatn.com

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

Martha Matthews, 100, retired secretary of Joseph Brown Elementary School and resident of Scott Hollow Road, died at home Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Funeral services will be at noon on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia. Visitation with the family will be two hours prior to the service. Burial will be at Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbia.

LTC William Jasper Carden III, U.S. Army Retired, resident of Hendersonville, NC passed away Saturday, July 27, 2024 at his residence.A graveside service will be conducted Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the United States Army Honor Guard.

Now, news from around the state…
Blackburn Shepherds KOSA Through Senate (Tennessean)
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn cheered the passage of bipartisan legislation that cleared the U.S. Senate on Tuesday that seeks to establish the first significant protections for children on social media platforms.
Alongside U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Blackburn re-introduced the Kids Online Safety Act last year. The legislation aims to require social media platforms to shield children from addictive algorithms and inappropriate content, create tools for parents to report abuse, and undergo annual audits.
"The Kids Online Safety Act is one of those pieces of legislation that you can say the time is right for that," Blackburn, R-Tennessee, said during a news conference Tuesday, calling social media platforms "kind-of the wild west" when it comes to kids. "We know that when our kids are online, they have become the product of the social media platforms, and this is a way to put in place protections that are needed."
The U.S. Senate passed the bill Tuesday in a vote of 91 to 3. Republican Sens. Mike Lee of Utah, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Democrat Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon opposed the bill.
It now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives.
"The Senate has done its job. The House should do the same and move KOSA when they return. Get it done before the new school year," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. said during the news conference with Blackburn. "The overwhelming 91 to 3 vote in the Senate can really push the House. If we can form such a broad coalition that ranges from all parts of each party, the House can do the same. The bipartisan momentum behind these bills after the vote today is real: We should seize the opportunity to make it a law."
Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, said Tuesday that President Joe Biden has "strongly supported" the legislation.
In addition to the Kids Online Safety Act, the Senate passed the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act on Tuesday. Together, the bills mark the first significant legislation to protect kids and teens online in more than 25 years.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Today is First Friday in downtown Columbia. The streets in downtown Columbia are closed from 5pm to 8pm for FIRST FRIDAYS. This is a free, family-friendly event with a vendor market, food trucks, street performers, & a cruise-in. And don’t miss FIRST FRIDAYS ‘INSIDERS’, select merchants have created an experience inside of their stores…look for the balloons to identify participating merchants!