Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 12-10-24

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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 10, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Culleoka Brush Fire (MauryCountySource)
On Saturday at 3:38pm, Maury County Fire Department was dispatched to a reported brush fire on Culleoka Highway.
Upon arrival, units found several acres on fire and went to work protecting structures. A second alarm for more manpower was requested as well.
As units were on this incident, two additional brush fires were dispatched across the southern end of the county which resulted in a mutual aid request to Summertown Fire Department.
No damage to buildings were reported.

CPWS Worker Indicted (MSM)
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Christian Nash, a former broadband technician for Columbia Power and Water Systems in Maury County.
Investigators determined Nash misappropriated at least $1,905.94 in utility-purchased gas using a CPWS fuel card.
 
Nash allegedly made 78 unauthorized gas purchases between Oct. 21, 2022, and May 12, 2024, by using a fellow CPWS employee’s fuel card identification number to make these purchases.
 
On multiple occasions, a local gas station’s video surveillance footage reportedly showed Nash in possession of at least two five-gallon cans when he made personal gas purchases. Investigators confirmed with CPWS that Nash had no reason to purchase gasoline since he drove a diesel-powered CPWS truck.
 
Nash’s employment was terminated in May 2024. Based upon this investigation, in November 2024, the Maury County Grand Jury indicted Nash on one count of theft over $1,000 and one count of fraudulent use of a credit card over $1,000.
 
“When public entities allow employees to use fuel cards, it’s important they provide oversight,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “Reviewing fuel card statements for questionable transactions is one way to ensure improper use is detected promptly.”

Shaq Gives Back (Press Release)
Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal has partnered with The Beignet Bar to bring joy and encouragement to the youth at Tennessee Children's Home with a heartfelt donation and an inspiring message. O'Neal, known for his philanthropic efforts and dedication to empowering young people, will deliver a special message to the at-risk youth at the Home, urging them to stay focused, work hard, and never give up on their dreams.
In addition to his motivational words, O'Neal will generously donate 100 backpacks to accompany the Shaq-themed gifts donated by The Beignet Bar.
The Beignet Bar, a minority-owned small business based in Nashville known for its array of beignet flavors and benevolence toward community causes, has continued to step up its contribution to the youth at Tennessee Children's Home. As part of this collaborative effort, The Beignet Bar will donate basketballs to the children, giving them the opportunity to engage in sports and build valuable skills both on and off the court.
The Tennessee Children’s Home, with four campuses across the state, serves as a place of refuge for at-risk youth and provides a safe environment where they can grow, learn, and heal. The donation of backpacks, basketballs, and O’Neal’s personal message is a reminder of the impact of community support and the importance of uplifting youth in need.
Tennessee Children’s Home expresses their gratitude for this generous contribution: “We are deeply thankful for the support from Shaquille O'Neal, The Beignet Bar, and all involved in this effort. The gifts and encouragement mean so much to the children we serve and will undoubtedly make a positive difference in their lives.”
Shaquille O'Neal is a Hall of Fame basketball player, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to giving back to the community, with a focus on youth empowerment, education, and wellness. O'Neal’s charitable work extends beyond basketball, and he continues to inspire millions through his positive actions and community-focused initiatives.

Columbia Expands National Historic Registry (CDH)
A recent architectural historic inventory survey of Columbia's historic districts has found three properties eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
The survey, which included 542 land parcels, was conducted by Chronicle Heritage, a global resource consulting agency based in Arizona, beginning in May. It spanned five locally designated districts, including areas of West 7th and 6th Streets, Columbia Commercial (downtown), the Athenaeum and Barrow Court.
National Register of Historic Places status doesn't automatically ensure protection, but studies like this are important because it reminds the community about the importance of preservation, and that much like historic documents, photographs and other local artifacts, buildings and architecture hold many stories to tell as well.
The three properties found to be NRHP eligible per the survey include:
West Seventh Church of Christ - 504 W. 7th St.
The Middle Tennessee Bank - 700 N. Garden St.
City Gas Works Retort House - 600-602 N. Main St.
The current West Seventh Church of Christ building first opened Nov. 29, 1925, although the congregation's roots date back more than 100 years prior.
Prior to its West 7th Street location, the congregation had formerly gathered on the corner of South Main and 9th Streets before later moving to a larger brick building on South High Street in 1882. This building now serves as the Polk Presidential Hall adjacent to the James K. Polk Home & Museum.
In 1909, the congregation was also pivotal in the establishment of the Tennessee Orphan Home.
Though not much history could be uncovered as far as the history of the former Middle Tennessee Bank, its address is the current City Hall building at 700 N. Garden St.
The former City Gas Works & Retort House at 600-602 is currently being used as storage.
Other recommendations include expanding the boundaries located within certain historical districts.
In the downtown Commercial District, expansions are recommended along East 8th and South Main Streets to East 9th, South Garden and West 8th Streets.
The report also notes that a separate East 8th Street Historic District survey has not yet been completed to determine if the expansion of the historically black commercial area will also be recommended.
"I definitely support all history being preserved, and all of the structures," said Eric Previti, President of the Maury County Historical Society.
While the MCHS was not involved in the city's inventory survey, Previti said the organization will seek grant funding to place historical markers at some of the sites.
"That's definitely something that'll be coming in the new year," Previti said.
A recommended West 8th Street expansion would also include the South Central Bell Telephone Exchange at 904 S. High St. in the Athenaeum District.
The West End Historic District runs along West 7th Street with boundaries at Frierson Street to the east and the L&N Railroad to the west. Its recommended expansion would include multiple properties between Walker Street and Trotwood Avenue, as well as areas in the north end of the Athenaeum District on Athenaeum, School and Walker Streets.
The West 6th Street and Mayes Place Historic District recommends expansions at Armstrong and Dunnington Streets.
Additional boundary expansions include the West 9th and South High Historic District, such as West 8th Street near Rally Hill, the south side of West 11th Street and Galloway Street at West 9th Street.

CSCC Student Gets Top Honors in Sports (MSM)
Abigale Alexander’s trophy case is getting a bit crowded – not that she’s complaining.
The Columbia State sophomore and soccer defenseman, named TCCAA/Region VII Player of the Year earlier this fall, recently became the first Lady Charger to earn NJCAA Division I first-team all-American honors after leading her team to the regular-season state championship and a runner-up finish in the state tournament.
“I had never imagined this happening. I just get out there and play,” said the former Spring Hill High School standout. “I don’t look to receive any awards or accolades.”
As a defender, Alexander was Columbia State’s second-leading scorer with 13 goals and four assists. She is the second Lady Charger to earn national honors since the program’s 2018 inception. Jimena Villamor-Thompkins was an NJCAA honorable mention selection as a freshman following the 2021 spring season.
“She’s the first first-teamer for any (TCCAA) team,” C-State coach Kean Barclay said. “Hopefully it puts us on everybody’s radar and everybody’s map, to receive this kind of recognition. It’s incredible.
“Abi’s been such an incredible player for us the last two years. I couldn’t imagine a more deserving player to be given this award. Captaining us this year, she’s had two tremendous seasons for us. I’m just thrilled to see her recognized for all the hard work she’s put in.”
Alexander is set to play her final two years of eligibility at Cumberland University, where Barclay expects her versatility to impact the Phoenix much as did for the Lady Chargers.
“I think they’ve got a real weapon,” he said. “I’m not sure where they’re going to use her. One of her benefits is she’s so tactically flexible. She’s able to play in numerous positions, in numerous roles. One of the things she gave us that was so beneficial was, she was able to play as a defender, and in the attack when we needed her to. She was able to contribute in both ways.”
Alexander attributed the recognition to her teammates and the success they were able to enjoy collectively.
“I’ve gone through a lot of growth and improvement. I’m just so happy at how far I’ve come,” she said. “I think we’ve come a long way, especially with the talent. I think Kean brings in girls that are better and better each year. I think the group has had so much growth, and I’m hoping this is just another step to grow our program.”
Both Alexander and her coach agree the honor validates the area’s talent as well.
“Our thing is local kids,” Barclay said. “We get kids from Columbia and Spring Hill and Nashville and Murfreesboro, and these kids come to us and do really, really well. The framework of our team is built off of Tennessee kids.”
“It shows anyone can do it. You don’t have to come from far (away),” Alexander said. “I grew up here. Going from Spring Hill to Columbia State, I hope it inspires other people.”

Tri-Star Donates to CSCC (MauryCountySource)
TriStar Health, part of HCA Healthcare, has announced that the HCA Healthcare Foundation has awarded $52,000 to Columbia State Community College to support the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program. The grant will provide funding in 2025 that supports 26 students in completing the program for a cost to each student of $99. The CCMA program serves students in Williamson, Maury and surrounding counties.
“We are proud that the HCA Healthcare Foundation is supporting Columbia State Community College and providing opportunities for students to pursue healthcare careers,” said Mitch Edgeworth, president of the HCA Healthcare TriStar Division. “Our academic partners are vital to providing a talented healthcare workforce that will deliver compassionate, high-quality care for our community.”
The CCMA program is part of the Columbia State Workforce and Continuing Education department and is designed to train students in essential clinical tasks within a medical office. The 14-week program prepares students to take certification exams to become medical assistants. It includes 140 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on labs at the Williamson campus, with an optional 160-hour clinical externship with a local healthcare provider.
TriStar Health has supported Columbia State for many years, providing healthcare expertise to advisory committees for the nursing and emergency medical services programs. In addition, five Columbia State health sciences programs participate in clinical rotations through many TriStar Health hospitals, including TriStar Centennial, TriStar StoneCrest, TriStar Horizon, TriStar Southern Hills, TriStar Skyline and Pinewood Springs Mental Health and Wellness. In Maury County, radiology students gain experience at TriStar Spring Hill ER.
“We are grateful to HCA Healthcare and TriStar Health for their historic partnership, and we are thankful to the HCA Healthcare Foundation for providing financial support for the CCMA program to help students succeed,” said Bethany Lay, vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Community College Foundation. “Students enrolled in short-term credential programs face limited funding options, and this grant will allow more students to access our program and begin pursuing their healthcare career.”
The funding for the grant is part of HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Middle Tennessee Fund, which supports organizations that provide services in health and well-being, basic needs, primary care, education and the arts. To date in 2024, the Middle Tennessee Fund of the HCA Healthcare Foundation awarded over $6.7 million in grants to 204 nonprofit agencies across Middle Tennessee, supporting more than 4.2 million community members.
To learn more about the CCMA program, please email [e-mail]. Registration for the spring cohort begins on December 16.

King’s Daughters’ Santa Mailbox (CDH)
Every year, the King's Daughters' School partners with Heritage Bank & Trust to help bring a little Christmas cheer to disadvantaged students through its Santa's Mailbox Program.
The KDS students participating in the program are typically those under state's custody and/or without a home or family to spend the holidays with, having to instead stay on the King's Daughters' campus.
The Santa's Mailbox Program has each student write down his or her Christmas wishes in letters to Old Saint Nick. The letters are then delivered to Heritage Bank & Trust's lobbies at 217 S. James M. Campbell Blvd. in Columbia and 109 S. Main St. in Mt. Pleasant.
The letters are now available to pick up by community members, who will then shop for gifts, clothing or anything else requested on the list. Gifts are then dropped off at the Santa's Mailbox area located at either of the bank's locations.
"We are so grateful to Heritage Bank & Trust for their support of our Santa’s Mailbox program," KDS Executive Director Shauna Pounders said. "Many of our students cannot go home for the holidays, so the contributions of the bank, their customers, and our entire community make their Christmas wishes come true."
Gifts must be donated no later than Thursday, Dec. 14.
After all gifts are delivered, King's Daughters' staff will wrap each gift, which will then be placed in Santa's bag ready to be delivered Christmas Eve.
"Heritage Bank & Trust is proud to be a part of the wonderful work being done by The King's Daughters' School," Jim Robinson, KDS Board Member and President and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank & Trust said. “We are honored to partner with an organization making such a great impact on our community."

Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)
The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.
Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.
Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.
Any Maury County Resident can use this office.
All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.
Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.

And now, news from around the state…
Survey of Tennessee’s Wealthiest Counties (Tennessean)
Tennessee has seen some major growth over the past few years, but how has the wealth distributed in the state?
SmartAsset, a financial advising organization, created a map of the wealthiest counties in the United States. Counties were ranked on the median incomes, investment incomes, and property values. SmartAsset used data from the Census, IRS and Zillow to calculate each county's wealth index.
Here are the wealthiest counties in Tennessee.
Williamson County is the overall wealthiest county in Tennessee. It has a median income of $125,943 and an investment income of $153,610. Homes in this county have a median value of $877,198.
Other Middle Tennessee counties follow Williamson, including Wilson County with a median income of $89,462, and Sumner County with $81,883.
In terms of highest investment income, Davidson County was second to Williamson with $134,078 followed by Knox County at $91,736.
Wilson County and Davidson County had the next highest median home value at $484,816 and $442,926 respectively.
Williamson County: 48.61 wealth index
Wilson County: 30.51 wealth index
Davidson County: 28.52 wealth index
Sumner County: 28.38 wealth index
Fayette County: 27.06 wealth index
Loudon County: 26.69 wealth index
Rutherford County: 26.13 wealth index
Cheatham County: 25.10 wealth index
Knox County: 25.03 wealth index
Robertson County: 24.76 wealth index
Lake County in West Tennessee was the least wealthy county for 2024. The county has a median income of $32,064, an investment income of $16,381, and a median home value of $96,098.
Hancock County in East Tennessee was the 94th wealthiest county. The median income there is $31,809, and the investment income is $19,905. Homes in Hancock County have a median home value of $172,509.
Clay County in Middle Tennessee was the 93rd wealthiest county. Homes there have a median value of $197,481. The median income is $39,572, and the investment income is $27,952.
Hardeman County in West Tennessee was the fourth least wealthy county at No. 92. The median income in this county is $43,566, and the investment income is $28,033. Homes here have a median income of $157,451.
Haywood County in West Tennessee was the fourth least wealthy county at No. 91. The county has a median income of $44,890, an investment income of $31,704, and a median home value of $161,357.
Teton County, Wyoming, is the wealthiest county in the country with an wealth index score of 100. The median income here is $108,279. The investment income is $1,134,618, and the median home value is $2,242,021.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
It’s a long tradition in Nashville. The Christmas 4 Kids event allows fans to meet their favorite country artists while giving back to the non-profit that provides Christmas gifts to local kids in need.
Christmas 4 Kids announced this year’s celebrity lineup for its 2024 Tour Bus Show. Participating music artists include Chris and Morgane Stapleton, Old Crow Medicine Show, 3 Doors Down, Bailey Zimmerman, Shelly West and Ben Chase. Nancy Jones, the iconic widow of George Jones, will also meet fans at this year’s event.
This year’s bus show will take place on Monday, December 16, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. CT at a new location: First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, 106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd.
The event provides fans with a behind-the-scenes look into an artist’s home away from home. Fans can speak one-on-one, take photos, and receive autographs with any of the participating celebrities.
Admission to the event is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children ages 2-12 and $20 for a family pass. Admission for children under two is free. Tickets may be purchased on-site the day of the event.
All proceeds from the non-profit’s tour bus show and annual benefit concert at the Ryman go towards giving hundreds of underprivileged children a better Christmas.