Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-25-24

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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 25, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Shots Fired at Target (MauryCountySource)
On October 23rd at 7:10 pm SHPD officers responded to a disturbance at Target (1033 Crossings Blvd) to a reported argument inside the store between two women. The investigation into the incident revealed that two women were shopping in the back section of Target when they got into an argument for reasons that are still under investigation. The verbal argument turned into a physical fight between the two women. For reasons that are still under investigation, one woman fired one round from a handgun in the direction of the other woman. The round did not hit any person. The suspect female was seen on video leaving the store and getting into a car with the person that she came into the store with. That car then left the area. The two women did not know each other.
Detectives are speaking to witnesses and have taken a statement from the woman who was shot at. The shooter was identified as a 24-year-old woman with an address on her driver’s license in Columbia, TN. The suspect is cooperating and providing a statement to detectives. The investigation is ongoing. 

Spring Hill Addresses Water Woes (CDH)
Spring Hill's Board of Mayor and Aldermen addressed the city's need to find and implement solutions to its decreasing water supply due to growth.
The topic was the subject of several discussion items Monday, which included plans to construct a reservoir at the Stone Creek property off Derryberry Lane.
The reservoir would provide what's estimated to be a 200 million gallon-need for reservoir storage, assistant city administrator Dan Allen said.
Monday's topic included discussion about the city's already approved memorandum of understanding (MOU) with consultants Freehold Communities and Civil Site Design Group, and where the project stands today.
Part of the project's preliminary stages, Allan said, is determining if some of the initial construction can be repurposed later on, which would in turn save a significant amount of taxpayer money.
"The general basis of the conversation has been in order to go quickly or try and expedite construction," Allen said. "The way this proposal becomes a win-win for the city is if we can kind of balance the size and exactly how the reservoir is sited, whatever material comes out of that that they can then use on the site. It would be millions of dollars to waste that material."
When the discussion was brought before BOMA members, Alderman Matt Fitterer asked, if the need were to present itself, could the city expand the reservoir at a future time. And if it can, could that create issues, such as potential water seepage into nearby Rutherford Creek.
"200 million gallons, I think, gets us several decades into the future," Fitterer said. "As far as the partnership and the location of the reservoir, I don't have questions with that. I just don't know if we should be asking for more."
Allen replied saying the bottom of the reservoir, according to the current plans, would fall below Rutherford Creek's bottom.
"How far down can that go," Allen said, though uncertain the 200 million gallons estimated would be adequate for the foreseeable future.
"My opinion on the original analysis, I think it's enough to carry us to full buildout of Spring Hill," Allen said. "I think we are OK, but we can look into maybe getting a little more."
Allen later stressed that the timeline on the project is important to keep in mind, and that it won't always be 100% leading up to its final approval process.
"We've got a concept that we believe could work, but we're not going to have it fully designed by the time they are done trying to go through the entitlement process. And it probably also won't be fully designed by the time they enter into some sort of agreement structure with the city," Allen said.
"We need you guys thinking what your comfort level is with not having all of the answers, but having enough answers to try and move forward and have a general framework to discuss with these guys if there are significant changes, and how do we address that and who is potentially responsible?"
Alderman Trent Linville later asked Allen, "What kind of feedback do you want from us exactly?"
Allen responded saying the main thing is the city approves of the project as it is presented throughout the approval process, and that any significant changes, such as cost increases, to determine which party would be responsible, either the developer or the city.
"I do think this is a good start conceptually, and they've done multiple iterations and certainly worked on good faith," Allen said. "They've demonstrated that yes, we can find a way to get a 200-million-gallon reservoir on the site and a theoretical path forward that can be constructed as quickly as possible."
Since the item was only presented as discussion, no votes were taken Monday on the reservoir.

Woodland Park Playground Dedication (WKOM Audio 1:29)
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, the City of Columbia honored the legacy of Charles Kenneth "Ken" Wiles by dedicating the playground at Woodland Park in his name. Ken Wiles, a beloved community leader, lifelong educator, and dedicated public servant, was known for his unwavering commitment to students and his devotion to making Columbia a better place for all. The dedication ceremony brought together city officials, family members, and the community to celebrate the lasting impact of Wiles’ work.
Wiles' career in education spanned several decades, beginning when he moved to Columbia in 1969 to start teaching at Carver Smith High School. He continued his service in various roles at Highland Park Elementary, Columbia Academy, and Santa Fe Unit School before ultimately retiring in 2010 as the principal of Riverside Elementary. Wiles was a proud graduate of Lipscomb University, and it was in Maury County that he met Deborah Meadows, who he married in 1974.
In addition to his work in education, Ken Wiles was a dedicated civic leader. He served on the planning committee for the Columbia Riverwalk, served as a member of the Board of Directors for Maury County Water System, and participated in Leadership Maury. He was later appointed, and subsequently elected, to the Columbia City Council and the Planning Commission, where his leadership continued to benefit Columbia's growth and development.
City Manager Tony Massey reflected on Wiles' impact, saying, "Ken Wiles’ dedication to our city and to public service has left an indelible mark, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come."
The dedication of the playground at Woodland Park holds special significance, as it was a place Wiles frequently enjoyed with his family and friends. His contributions to the Columbia community through education, local government, and civic projects are a testament to his enduring commitment to the city he loved.
With more is Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy, who attended the ribbon cutting and spoke to Mayor Chaz Molder about Mr. Wiles’ legacy…
The City of Columbia invites the public to visit Woodland Park and celebrate Ken Wiles’ legacy by enjoying the newly named Ken Wiles Playground, a space that will continue to bring joy to children and families for generations to come.

School Board Addresses Ambitious Goals (MSM)
At its Oct. 15 work session, the Maury County School Board spent the bulk of its time discussing the state-determined Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) goals for the school district. The goals seemed ambitious, and many school board members inquired into how they were set and whether they were realistic for Maury County.
Assistant Superintendent Keith Stacey read off the district goals given by the state, which were as follows:
To have 70% of third-graders proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) by the 2029-2030 school year;
50% of all students proficient in ELA by 2027-28;
44.5% of all students proficient in Math by 2027-28;
50.8% of high-school graduates as “ready graduates” (prepared for either college or employment) by 2027-28.
Stacey explained that the goals are based on the results of last year’s TCAP tests, which get plugged into the state’s Annual Measurable Objective calculator to determine achievable improvements for the next five years.
“When you look at how this is codified in state law… it is not, ‘Here’s a template, tell us what your wild, exciting goals are,'” explained Superintendent Lisa Ventura. “It is very prescriptive in what our goals must be, and then how we back into that measurable objective.”
School Board members wanted to know how the district would achieve these goals. Last year’s TCAP scores were generally disappointing: proficiency rates for math and English ranged between 25-50% among typical elementary, middle and high schools, with the better-performing schools turning in 45-65% proficiency.
New School Board member Brendan Babcock asked whether the high-quality curriculum and learning materials procured by the district would actually lead to learning and better scores.
“Some of the plans just seemed (to end with)… getting these high-quality instructional materials, and I don’t know that that’s gonna bring the results that we want,” he said. “I’m glad [proficiency] went up, but 1.6% isn’t 5%… and we’re hoping to be at 10%. What are the root causes… of why we’re not improving as quickly as we’d like to?”
Ventura replied that the school district is still getting up to speed as teachers master the curriculum and software. Before her time as superintendent, the district cut costs by purchasing partial curriculums and leaving schools to drum up their own supplies and technology. State-level educational reform is also slow in coming, with multiple governing bodies being responsible for the curriculum. Finally, the district constantly improves the curriculum with teacher input and tries new classroom software and technology.
“If there were a silver bullet, we’d all have it by now. Even poor Maury County,” Ventura said.
New Board member Susan Stephenson had heard from some teachers about the slow speed of training and implementation.
“They [the experienced, trained teachers] are really hoping that training is gonna be super-emphasized,” she said. “Because there are teachers who are not trained to use the software, and in some cases who don’t want to learn to use the software, which is super-problematic and is totally unacceptable.”
Other board members doubted the utility of the goals at all.
“It’s frustrating that the state’s forcing us to set goals that our staff, teachers, even students think, ‘There’s no way we can get there.’ And I’m not saying we can’t,” said new Board member David Moore. “It’s frustrating that we’re not even allowed the latitude to set realistic goals for ourselves… we have to follow a formula, check a box.”
Stacey restated what Ventura had at the score-reveal meeting in August, that a shift of even a single percentage point in Maury County means that 1,200 to 1,300 students are doing better or worse. He also emphasized the difficulty and unpredictability of working with people, and the unreasonability of absolutely comparing the scores of the class of 2023 to that of 2024, when they’re entirely different groups of children.
“I often say that in education, both our raw material and our product are human beings,” Stacey said. “The state wants us to be at 70% by 2029-30, but… I don’t know the class of third graders in 29-30… We want to incrementally increase with a different group of kids every year. It’s a tough thing to do, it’s hard to predict how a group of kids is going to come in, what level of preparation they have when they show up.”
Stacey ended by reaffirming his belief in following the state plan.
“We can only make our goals based on how the state has outlined for us to make these goals,” he said. “We have to make 70%, and we’ve got to create increments between now and then to get there.”
Ventura agreed: “All of those things matter. As long as they continue to happen, I have great faith that we can continue to get there.”
Stephenson agreed about the state’s district goal plan, saying, “I think this is probably one of the most important documents we need to focus on: not just tonight but for the rest of the year and for the years to come.”

Cancer Survivor Story (MSM)
In 2003, Beverly McClarn was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, which came as a complete surprise. She has her daughter to thank for catching it early. 
McClarn says her daughter encouraged her to go to the doctor when she felt a small nodule on her breast. “She had just learned in school that if there are any unknown bumps or lumps that you should always get them checked out. So, I made an appointment, and I’m so thankful that I did,” McClarn said.
As a lifelong resident of southern Middle Tennessee, McClarn is an active member within the community. She works at King’s Daughters’ School in Columbia, which promotes independence through educational, residential and community services for individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism. She’s also an active grandmother with two daughters and five grandchildren.
Breast cancer treatment
When McClarn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, her treatment plan included chemotherapy and radiation. After her treatment, McClarn’s cancer went into remission.
“When you hear that ‘c’ word (cancer), it’s shocking. It’s something you don’t want to hear,” said McClarn. “However, I didn’t know how much faith I had until I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My faith in God got me through it.”
Since her initial diagnosis, McClarn hasn’t missed a single mammography appointment, which is encouraged annually for all women aged 40 or older or earlier for those that have family history of breast cancer.
In 2011, McClarn discovered her breast cancer had returned. Thanks to her annual mammogram, she caught it early.
“Death was not an option for me. I kept to positive thinking and had tremendous support from my entire family,” said McClarn. “My first grandchild was born at the time, and I had things to do and more grandchildren to meet.”
Thanks to a treatment plan including a left breast mastectomy, McClarn beat breast cancer not once, but twice. Today, McClarn’s breast cancer continues to stay in remission.
“The most reassuring part of my experience was the staff at Maury Regional,” added McClarn. “The surgery team, the oncologist and everyone in between. They all gave me peace of mind and let me know they were going to do everything above and beyond. And they did. I only have good things to say. They helped me through every stage of my journey and I’m grateful for that.”
Raising awareness
Today, McClarn still never misses a mammography screening, and she spends a lot of her time giving back to the breast cancer community.
Even though she’s no longer fighting breast cancer, she regularly attends the monthly Breast Cancer Support Group on the third Monday of every month at the Maury Regional Women’s Center. McClarn also attends many speaking engagements to tell her story and often participates in events such as marathons, raising money or awareness for breast cancer.
“My faith is stronger than ever. I’m really dedicated to serving and supporting the breast cancer community,” said McClarn. “What’s the thing I say the most? Ladies (and gentlemen), get your mammograms annually if you’re 40 or older! If you have a family history of breast cancer, start sooner. Early detection saves lives.”
Maury Regional Health is dedicated to supporting early detection, advanced treatment options and comprehensive care for those battling breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, with one in eight women being diagnosed in their lifetime. Regular screenings play a crucial role in identifying breast cancer at its earliest stages, often before symptoms appear.
The Maury Regional Women’s Center in the Pavilion at Maury Regional Medical Center provides a convenient, private and pleasant environment for women’s health services, including 3D mammography, breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and bone density studies. The Women’s Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). The Women’s Center also offers educational materials on a variety of women’s health topics and offers educational programs on issues facing women today.
Maury Regional Health provides mammography services at convenient locations throughout southern Middle Tennessee, including Maury Regional Women’s Center in Columbia, Lewis Health Center in Hohenwald, Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg, Wayne Medical Center in Waynesboro and Spring Hill Imaging Center in Spring Hill.
To schedule your mammogram, call [phone] or visit MauryRegional.com/Mammogram.

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

Joseph “Joe” John Pfieffer, 76, lifelong resident of Columbia died Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Poplar Estates Retirement Center.
A graveside memorial service will be conducted Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Morton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Jean Marie “Jeannie” King Manier, 66, retired nurse and resident of Woods Drive in Columbia, TN, passed away at Maury Regional Hospital on October 22nd. 
Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 2:00 P.M at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Arlington Cemetery. Family will visit with friends 12:00 until the service time Sunday.

Brenda Charlene Leach, 73, former cake decorator for Publix, and resident of Columbia, died Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at her residence.
Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

Matthew Cory Rush, 47, resident of Lewisburg, died Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at his residence.
Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Mooresville Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Rush officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 12:00 PM until the time of service at Mooresville Baptist Church and on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 2:00 PM till 3:00 PM at Bashan Baptist Church, in Thomasville, Alabama. A graveside service will be conducted on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Bashan Cemetery. 

And now, news from around the state…
Get Out and Vote (Press Release)
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett today reminded all registered Tennessee voters they have one more week to utilize the flexibility and convenience of the early voting period to cast a ballot ahead of the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election.
Through the first six days, almost one million Tennesseans have already cast their ballot during the early voting period. This includes a strong in-person turnout of 933,009 Tennesseans— outpacing in-person voting totals for the same period in 2016.
“We want all eligible Tennessee voters to cast a ballot,” said Secretary Hargett. “Tennessee and our nation are stronger when every eligible voter participates. Head to the polls now and make your voices be heard.”
Early voting runs through Thursday, Oct. 31, and registered Tennessee voters can find hours, polling locations, and view a sample ballot by downloading the free GoVoteTN app from the App Store or Google Play.
Voters need to bring valid photo identification to the polls when casting their ballot. A driver's license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
One of Maury County Fire Department's most cherished traditions is gathering together for its annual Shrimp Boil Fundraiser.
This year's boil will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Station 32, 1180 Carters Creek Pike.
In addition to loading up on a delicious plate of shrimp and sides, the shrimp boil will also include things for all ages to enjoy.
This includes bounce houses, firefighter demonstrations, touch-a-truck and more.
Prices are $20 per plate. All proceeds from the shrimp boil will benefit the Maury County Fire Department, which is volunteer based, is aiming to raise $10,000 for essential equipment.