Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 12-13-24

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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 December 13, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Columbia Mall Acquired (CDH)
The future of the Columbia Mall site took a big step forward this week as Nashville-based Highland Capital announced Wednesday completion of its acquisition of the property.
The announcement marks an ambitious redevelopment of the retail site into a Class A power center, projected to open sometime in 2025, according to a Highland Capital press release.
In addition to the site acquisition, Highland Capital has also been in negotiations and has secured signed leases with several national retailers. These retailers will individually announce their involvement, which according to the press release is a strategy for each retailer to engage with the community, while building anticipation for the store openings.
"The successful acquisition of the former Columbia Mall site allows us to forge ahead with transforming this area into a premier Class A power center," Highland Capital Principal Wyatt Woeltje said. "We are thrilled to begin this redevelopment, which promises to enhance the shopping experience and provide significant economic contributions to the community."
Often referred to as "the city's eyesore," the Columbia Mall first opened in 1981 as the Shadybrook Mall and existed as a thriving retail hub until about 2010, when many of its stores began to close and much of the 282,272 square-foot property remained empty, save for a few remaining businesses like JC Penny, who later announced bankruptcy in 2020.
Plans to revitalize the former mall were first announced in 2021, which at the time was under ownership of Hull Property Group. This included demolishing the existing structure and rebuilding as an outward-facing design, where customers could enter or leave the storefront directly from the outdoors.
Columbia Assistant City Manager Thad Jablonski said the acquisition began over the summer, when Highland Capital expressed interest in developing the site.
"They put together a lineup of things they felt could work with a redeveloped mall deal, and so they've been working toward that end through the due diligence process and ultimately it culminated in a purchase on Tuesday," Jablonski said.
"There will be announcements soon as far as what the tenants are, but I think they want to finish up the development review process, which is underway right now with our Development Services Department."
Jablonski added that he is excited to see this years-in-the-making project finally take shape and the potential economic impact it can have if Highland Capital can reach its opening goal of next year.
"That is the best retail property in the city of Columbia, and it needs to be used in a way that approaches its highest and best use, and that will be determined by the owner," Jablonski said.
"It's a big project, what I'd call our 'elephant project' ... and this is the first step today. The property is now owned by someone whose other projects we've seen in other parts of the country have moved quickly, aggressively and have been completed satisfactorily. We are pleased someone has purchased the property who is eager to put it back into production and use, and I could not overstate that."

MRMC Now Level 4 Trauma Center and Recognized for Infant Care and Childbirth (Press Release)
Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) has achieved designation as a Level IV Trauma Center, becoming the only medical center in Tennessee with this distinction in 2024.
All trauma designations begin with a one-year provisional status, which MRMC attained in November 2023, followed by a site visit and extensive review process conducted by the Health Facilities Commission to achieve a full designation.
Hospitals voluntarily seek designation in order to care for the most seriously injured patients. In Tennessee, trauma level designations include Level I, II, III and IV. The level correlates to the breadth of available resources and the number of patients admitted yearly. Level I trauma centers are typically academic medical centers with physicians across a wide spectrum of surgical specialties on site 24/7, while Level IV designation is a certification for hospitals that can provide life support for trauma patients before transferring them to a higher-level trauma center, if needed, based on the severity of their condition.
“This designation reaffirms our dedication to offering exceptional trauma care for our community when they need it most,” said MRMC CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “Our team’s commitment and expertise have been instrumental in meeting the rigorous standards necessary for Level IV designation. According to the state surveyors who evaluated our program, they believe our size and scope of services closely align with the requirements for Level III designation, which we plan to pursue in the next few years.”
MRMC’s trauma program features that contribute to Level IV designation include best practice treatment and transfer protocols, trauma nurses and physicians available when patients arrive, a comprehensive quality assessment program, an active community outreach program and submission of trauma data to the state trauma registry.
As a result of this designation, Nicholas J. Jensen, MD, a board-certified emergency medicine physician at MRMC, was invited to serve as Tennessee’s first Level IV advisor on the Tennessee Trauma Advisory Council, contributing to trauma care advancement across the state.
For more information about the state of Tennessee’s trauma care system plan, visit TN.gov.
In other Maury Regional News…Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) recently received two recognitions for the care provided to expectant mothers and their babies, according to Maury Regional Health CEO Martin Chaney, MD. 
Recognitions were the result of the medical center’s performance in the 2024 Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Promotion of Vaginal Delivery Project led by the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC), for which MRMC is one of eight hospitals to achieve gold-level recognition.
mPINC
The mPINC survey evaluates hospitals nationwide on their adherence to evidence-based maternity care practices that improve outcomes for mothers and infants. The 2024 results, which include data from over 2,000 hospitals across the United States, allow facilities to benchmark their performance against similar institutions at regional and national levels.
The CDC provides hospitals with individualized reports based on survey results, highlighting strengths and offering actionable recommendations for quality improvement. The mPINC Ten Steps Assessment Tool, aligned with the World Health Organization’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, supports hospitals in enhancing their maternity care practices further.
TIPQC
In early 2023, Maury Regional Medical Center joined TIPQC and 34 other hospitals throughout the state to begin decreasing the cesarean rate to 23.6% in the birthing population presenting with nulliparous, term, singleton and vertex (NTSV) pregnancies to align with the Healthy People Goal of 2030. Cesareans are one of the most popular surgeries in the United States despite being associated with increased risk of hemorrhage, infection, uterine rupture, and longer recovery time. After more than 18 months of hard work, the Promotion of Vaginal Delivery project moved into sustainment in September 2024.  
For Maury Regional Medical Center, this achievement consisted of active project participation including huddles and coaching calls, monthly outcome and structure data capture, data driven quality improvement work, clinical change implementation, and reaching the state goal of <23.6% NTSV cesarean delivery rate with or without induction.
“As a pediatrician, I’m especially appreciative for the team at Maury Regional Medical Center for receiving these recognitions,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “To achieve the gold-level recognition for the Promotion of Vaginal Delivery project, this required strong leadership, coordinated Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles and collaboration. The recognition for the 2024 Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care showcases our teams’ efforts to implement the absolute best practices that support breastfeeding and infant nutrition, ensuring we continually aim for excellence for mothers and babies every day.”
These recognitions follow MRMC previously earning The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care (ACPC) by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. 
Maury Regional Medical Center remains committed to advancing its maternity services and supporting families throughout their perinatal journey. To learn more about our maternity programs and services, including breastfeeding support, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and more, visit MauryRegional.com/Childbirth.

Maury Makes Top 5 in Economic Growth (Tennessean)
A study from financial tech company, Smartasset, has revealed the Middle Tennessee companies with the highest investment activity.
The study measured investment in counties across three metrics: business establishment growth, gross domestic product (GDP) growth and new building permits. 
Taking the No. 1 spot in Tennessee was Davidson County, with Wilson, Williamson, Maury, and Montgomery Counties rounding out the top five. According to the study's findings, Davidson County had a business growth of 8.6%, a GDP growth of $7,661 and 15.85 new building permits per 1,000 homes.
Maury County’s Incoming investment index was fourth highest in the state at 27.63.
Rounding out the top ten were:
Rutherford County (Incoming investment index 27.02)
Robertson County (Incoming investment index 26.54)
Knox County (Incoming investment index 26.16)
Trousdale County (Incoming investment index 26.09)
Marshall County (Incoming investment index 25.77)

John C. Porter Scholarship for Boys and Girls’ Club (MSM)
The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee has announced the inauguration of the John C. Porter Scholarship Fund, established in fond memory of the late John Cheairs Porter — a visionary leader and instrumental figure in the organization’s founding. 
Born on June 25, 1938, in Columbia, Porter was raised on a farm along Bear Creek Pike. His familial roots extended deep into South Georgia, where he cherished time spent with cousins in Thomasville. An accomplished scholar, he graduated from both the University of Tennessee and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). His distinguished career as a chemical engineer took him across the globe, igniting a lifelong passion for travel and diverse cultures, and fostering a profound appreciation for cultural diversity that defined his open-minded character. Despite his international endeavors, his heart remained in Maury County, where he returned to raise his family and invest in the community that shaped his early years. 
As a prominent leader in Columbia, Porter served on the City Council, was an active participant in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and contributed to numerous civic organizations. Notably, his pivotal collaboration with Ms. Ora Thompson led to the founding of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maury County. 
Recognizing an urgent need to offer support and opportunities to the children of Columbia, Thompson approached Porter with a proposal to invest $50,000 of her own money to sustain the club during its inaugural year. Together, they enlisted esteemed community leaders — including John Stephens, Rufus Clifford, Don Crichton, Bill Walter, and Darlene Baxter — to form an influential board of professionals that would lay the foundational groundwork for the Maury chapter of the Boys & Girls Clubs. Their collective efforts resulted in the establishment of bylaws, the hiring of a full-time executive director, and laying the groundwork for the club’s long-term sustainability. 
“The Boys & Girls Clubs owe their existence to a unique partnership between Ora Thompson and John C. Porter, who were both selfless, influential, thoughtful, lifelong inhabitants of Maury County,” said Eslick Daniel, a longtime supporter of BGCSCTN and friend to both.
Over the course of 25 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee, formerly the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maury County, has expanded its reach from a single site to three clubs and 11 school sites, serving over 1,500 youth annually. The organization has established itself as a cornerstone of the community, providing essential services and support to children and families in some of the most underrepresented and under-resourced areas. As of 2024, BGCSCTN boasts a dedicated full-time staff of 16, part-time staff of 54, 50 volunteers, and 25 board members. 
“Ora and John’s dedication to our community and their unwavering support for our youth have left the enduring legacy we inherited at the Clubs,” said Ginny Wright, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee. “The scholarship fund is a testament to John Porter’s life’s work, and with this scholarship, we continue to open doors for youth most in need.” 
Donations to the John C. Porter Scholarship Fund will directly benefit the youth of Giles and Maury Counties. These funds will continue the mission of Ora Thompson and John C. Porter in supporting the children of our community. They will be used to reduce — and in some cases completely waive — membership fees, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent children from participating in our programs. Additionally, the scholarship may support initiatives such as sponsoring college visits, educational workshops or extracurricular activities that foster personal growth and development. 
For more information on how to donate to the John C. Porter Scholarship Fund, please visit the organization’s website at www.bgcsctn.org or contact Missy Naff at [phone], ext. 2604 or [e-mail]. 

Maury County Receives Brownfield Grant (MauryCountySource)
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) recently presented a check for $20,000 to Maury County from the Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grants (BRAG) program.

Maury County will use the funds to identify priority sites for redevelopment. The grant is one of 36 brownfield redevelopment grants across the state announced in July.
BRAG grants are derived from the Rural Brownfield Redevelopment Investment Act, which protects the environment and creates economic opportunities, especially in rural settings. The legislation empowers local governments and development boards with resources needed for investigation, cleanup, and redevelopment of blighted properties.
A brownfield is a property vacant or underutilized due to potential contamination. Remediation minimizes threats to public health and the environment while incentivizing economic investment.

Lessons and Carols (Press Release)
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church presents a service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 15, at 3:00pm in the St. Peter’s sanctuary located at 311 West 7th Street in downtown Columbia, next door to the Polk Home.
This traditional Anglican service originated in the Church of England in the late 1800s and was later formalized as a Christmas service. After the devastation of World War I it has been broadcast by the BBC around the world ever since. The service includes scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments that tell the story of the birth of Jesus. The remainder of the service includes audience Christmas carols and choir anthems performed by the St. Peter’s Choir.
“This service emphasizes the importance of music in worship through carols sung by the audience and our choir. The music will feature a variety of familiar favorites and new gems,” says Dr. Peter Douglas, St. Peter’s Director of Music.
“We are thrilled to offer this beautiful and historic worship service to God and share it with the entire community,” said Father Chris Bowhay, St. Peter’s Rector. “Its rhythms of song and Scripture bring a deep sense of peace and wonder as we, like the shepherds and the Wise Men, walk toward Christmas to greet the newborn King.”
This event is free and open to the public with no tickets required. A livestream will be available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stpeters38401 and the St. Peter’s website at https://www.saintpeterscolumbia.org/worship.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Ernest Ray “Hop” Dale, 81, retired owner and operator of Dale Flooring Service, and resident of Columbia, died Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at his residence.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…
TSU Interim President Resigns (Tennessean)
Tennessee State University interim President Ronald Johnson announced his resignation Wednesday as tensions over the school's finances remain high, saying the decision takes effect Friday. The development is the latest in a rapid-fire series of leadership changes at the public, historically Black university in Nashville.
Johnson took office on July 1 after the TSU board of trustees appointed him to a one-year term. His appointment came after years of scrutiny over the school's finances and leadership by state leaders. Lawmakers ultimately ousted the previous board in March. Gov. Bill Lee swiftly appointed a new board, which took its seats in April. Longtime President Glenda Glover then retired in June — a move she said lawmakers also encouraged.
"As the appointed Board of Trustees for Tennessee State University, our job is to ensure the future strength of the school through thoughtful and decisive governance," TSU Board Chair Dakasha Winton said in a statement released Wednesday. "In service of this commitment, and as board chair, I spoke with interim president Dr. Johnson on Tuesday about separating from the university. He has chosen to resign and tendered his resignation this afternoon."
The board will have a special called meeting on Friday at 8 a.m. to discuss appointing a new interim president, according to Winton.
The school made a Facebook post on Wednesday afternoon, saying Johnson announced his resignation "after over 120 impactful days of leadership" and said his goal was always to foster a brighter future for the university.
"President Johnson's love for TSU and its community has inspired us all, and we are grateful for his service and commitment during this transitional period," the statement on Facebook read. "Let’s come together to honor his contributions and continue to support our university as we move forward."
The post also included a letter from Johnson, addressed to the TSU community. In the letter, he expressed gratitude to the dedication and passion of those around him at the school and expressed hope that TSU would overcome the challenges in front of it.
He also pointed to his work during his short tenure, including securing emergency state funding that helped avoid a payroll disruption, reducing expenses at TSU through "workforce realignments" and raising money for the university. He also wrote about his strategic plan for improving TSU's enrollment, finances, partnerships and academics.
"I came to Tennessee State University because I believe deeply that TSU matters," Johnson wrote. "It is not just an institution of higher learning, it is a beacon of opportunity, innovation and equity."

Gas Prices (MSM)
Gas prices across the state moved a penny more expensive, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.67 which is nine cents less expensive than one month ago and 15 cents less than one year ago.  
“Last week we saw our state gas price average jump four cents to $2.70, but by the end of the week, the state average had fallen three cents to $2.67,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gas prices typically move lower through the winter months, because of colder weather, lower demand, and gasoline supply gains. Barring any major changes in the market, it’s likely drivers can expect to see cheaper prices at the pump heading into the holiday season.” 
Tennessee is seventh least-expensive state in nation for gas prices.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Step back in time to the Victorian age for a special candlelit Christmas tour at the James K. Polk Home & Museum.
The guided tour, which takes place from 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday will discuss Christmas traditions of the time, as well as how James and Sarah Polk used to celebrate the holidays.
Tickets are $22 per person and can be purchased online at www.JamesKPolk.com or by calling [phone].
Can't make it this week? The Polk Home will host another Victorian Candlelit Christmas Tour next Saturday, Dec. 21.