Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-4-24

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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 September 4, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Maury County Fair Recap (CDH)
Thousands attended the Maury County Fair over the holiday weekend, which offered rides, food, livestock competitions and a top-class rodeo.
On opening night, crowds gathered at Maury County Arena to watch the rodeo, which included local and area cowboys, who rode broncs and bulls, while cowgirls participated in barrel racing.
Fair Board President Randy Zeigler greeted the crowd at the rodeo, explaining that the fair has grown to become bigger and better each year. Last year, $75,000 was raised and donated to various charities around Maury County, he said.
The My Day at the Fair program, which is a day children with special needs or disabilities and their caregivers can attend for free, has grown from just over 100 participants to over 1,000 this year.
The action-packed rodeo, presented by RodeoAir in Middle Tennessee, included local cowboys from Tennessee to Kentucky, even youngster and bull rider Wyatt Reed Conner, 11, a sixth grade student at Hampshire Unit School, who wowed the crowd.
Rodeo clown Johnny Allen led the laughs in the arena.
After the rodeo, attendees hit the midway, filled with rides, games, food and fun.

Spring Hill Water Purification Pilot Approved (MauryCountySource)
On Tuesday, August 27, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced the approval of Spring Hill’s proposed Advanced Water Purification Pilot Project.
This project has been in the works for many years, first being put before the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen on September 6, 2022. The overall Advanced Purification Project plan outlines how the City of Spring Hill can maximize its fair share of water from the Duck River through extensive treatment processes at an expanded Wastewater Treatment Plant and an accompanying reservoir.
Prior to the long-term structures being put in place, the City of Spring Hill must display the plan’s capabilities through a multi-year pilot project, as discussed with TDEC. With this latest approval, construction of the pilot project is expected to begin in 2025.
Similar projects have been completed throughout the country, especially in drier climates in the West, but this would be the first project of its kind in Tennessee.
“Spring Hill has been given the opportunity to set the standard for the State of Tennessee when it comes to water reuse projects,” said Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman. “I am proud of our City leaders and staff who have put us in this esteemed position, and I am grateful we are moving forward with the infrastructure that Spring Hill residents need and deserve. Thank you to the leadership at TDEC and all those who played extremely important roles in this process.”
Further updates about the design and construction timelines will be released on the City of Spring Hill website and social media channels.

Former Mayor Honored (Press Release)
The City of Columbia celebrated the dedication of the Championship Field at Ridley Park on Friday, August 30th, in honor of former City Mayor Dean Dickey. The ceremony, which coincided with Mayor Dickey’s birthday, was a fitting tribute to his enduring commitment to public service and his numerous contributions to the community.
Mayor Chaz Molder remarked, “Dean Dickey’s legacy was already destined to live on for many reasons. Today’s dedication confirmed that his legacy with respect to Ridley Park will never be forgotten. I’m grateful for his service to our community and hope that our city can continue to cultivate leaders who care about their community like Dean Dickey has.”
Mayor Dean Dickey began his journey in public service in 2008 when he was elected to the Columbia City Council. He served as the Mayor of Columbia from 2010 to 2019, during which time he led several significant capital projects, including the development of the Ridley Sports Complex. His leadership, dedication, and vision have left a lasting impact on the community he so dearly loves. “Dean Dickey has always been a leader in our community,” said City Council Member Debbie Wiles.
Mayor Dickey's contributions extend beyond his time in office. He has served on the boards of several community organizations, including the United Way, American Red Cross, and the Maury Alliance Executive Committee. He has also been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Columbia Rotary Club and received the George F. Hixon Fellowship from the Columbia Kiwanis Club.
City Manager Tony Massey stated, “The Ridley Sports Complex is the realization of the dream Mayor Dickey and other City Council members had some years ago. It is here today in large part due to his support and commitment to see it built. It is an example of his leadership making Columbia better.
The Championship Field dedication is a testament to Mayor Dickey’s tireless work to enhance the quality of life in Columbia. The field will stand as a symbol of his commitment to fostering community spirit and supporting youth sports and recreation. Reflecting on the dedication, Mayor Dean Dickey stated, “It is a tremendous honor to have the Championship Field named in my honor. I’ve always believed in the power of sports to bring people together and build a stronger community. This field represents not just my work, but the collective effort of many dedicated individuals who share the same vision for our city.”
The ceremony was attended by city officials, community members, family members, and many others who have been touched by Mayor Dickey's work. As the city looks to the future, the Championship Field at Ridley Park will continue to serve as a reminder of the values and vision of a mayor who dedicated his life to his community.

Maury Regional Recognized (Press Release)
Maury Regional Health’s (MRH) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has received the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Mission: Lifeline EMS® Silver achievement award for its commitment to offering rapid and research-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks and strokes, ultimately saving lives.
Mission: Lifeline EMS® is the AHA’s national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive disease states, such as severe heart attacks and strokes.
This recognition program evaluates EMS agencies for their use of evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve care and outcomes. The Silver level awards agencies that meet certain criteria for 12 consecutive months, which includes actively submitting data to the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR), positive performance achievement measurements, consistency in quality of care, following proper protocols and procedures and ongoing quality improvement initiatives.  
“Maury Regional Health EMS is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to providing optimal care for heart attack patients,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “This is all thanks to our dedicated and highly trained EMS teams utilizing the latest life-saving technology and care techniques. Everything we do is driven by our mission to serve and support the health and wellness of our community, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care — from ambulance to hospital and back home.”
EMS staff can begin treatment when they arrive — much sooner than if someone goes to the hospital by car. This department plays a vital role in the early identification and stabilization of conditions and performing critical prehospital interventions that set the stage for effective treatment. Additionally, MRH’s EMS staff have technology that shares data with the emergency room (ER) before they arrive which allows for smooth and efficient transitions into hospital care. Overall, EMS teams ensure that patients receive timely and definitive therapies, which are essential for achieving optimal outcomes and maximizing quality of life.
The acronym F.A.S.T. can be used to help recall common signs of a stroke. ‘F’ is for face drooping, ‘A’ is for arm weakness, ‘S’ is for speech difficulty and ‘T’ is for time to call 911. Other symptoms include confusion, dizziness, severe headaches and trouble with your eyes.
Heart attack symptoms vary from person to person, but men will generally experience chest pain or discomfort, general pain that radiates to arms, back, neck, jaw or arms, shortness of breath, cold sweat, heart burn, sudden dizziness and heartburn. Women have similar issues yet tend to experience more arm or jaw pain than in the chest.
If you or someone is experiencing these symptoms, take action by calling 911, noting the time that the symptoms started and, if possible, chewing an aspirin to prevent blood clotting. Acting quickly has a significant impact on outcomes for both stroke and heart attack.
To learn more about Emergency Medical Services, visit MauryRegional.com/EMS.
In other Maury Regional News, Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) welcomes Brett Begley, MD, a cardiologist with Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Columbia, to the medical staff.
Dr. Begley received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in St. Michael, Barbados.
He completed a residency at Michigan State University, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI, and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Canton Medical Education Foundation, Aultman Hospital in Canton, OH in Cardiovascular Disease. He is board certified in internal medicine.
Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Columbia is located at 1222 Trotwood Avenue, Suite 211, in Columbia, Tennessee. Office hours are Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To make an appointment, call 931.777.2300.
With the addition of Dr. Begley, the medical staff at Maury Regional Health includes 15 heart specialists with expertise in general cardiology, interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. The Heart Center offers a vast array of cardiac services ranging from diagnostic and interventional procedures to pacemaker and defibrillator implants, and recently invested $1.9 million to enhance cardiac services, which included new state-of-the-art technology in its cardiac catheterization labs.
The medical center has been 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. In addition, U.S. News & World Report has recognized the medical center as a high performing hospital for heart attack treatment for 2023-2024.
And finally, Emily Jenkins, MD, a specialist in medical oncology and hematology, has joined the staff at Maury Regional Medical Center. She is associated with Tennessee Oncology at the Maury Regional Cancer Center.
Dr. Jenkins received her medical degree from the University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA. She completed a residency and a fellowship in hematology and oncology at University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC.  Dr. Jenkins is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology & Medical Oncology.
Dr. Jenkins joins Varun Dhulipala, MD, Romany Johnpulle, MD, and Mark Messenger, MD in the Tennessee Oncology practice in Columbia.
The office is located at the Columbia Mall in the Maury Regional Cancer Center, 808 South James Campbell Boulevard. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. For more information, call 931.381.3872.

I Count Week (MSM)
The City of Columbia has announced the launch of “I Count” Week, a special initiative aimed at encouraging all residents to participate in the Special Census and ensure an accurate count of the city’s growing population.
“I Count” Week kicked off with a community event on Saturday, at Fairview Park.
This event was designed to make the online self-response process both easy and enjoyable for everyone. Attendees to the event completed the Special Census online during the event and received free popcorn and shaved ice for their effort.
To complete the Special Census online, residents will need their 12-digit Census ID, which was mailed to their address by the U.S. Census Bureau. The questionnaire is quick and straightforward, taking about 10 minutes on average. The online response window is open through Sept. 6, 2024. City officials want to assure the public that all information provided to the Census Bureau is kept strictly confidential and is used solely for statistical purposes.
Accurate population data is vital for the fair allocation of resources, and the City of Columbia has partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau to conduct this Special Census. Since the 2020 Census, Columbia has seen significant population growth, and the initiative is designed to ensure that every resident is counted. Proper census data helps the city secure essential funding for critical services like education, public safety and infrastructure, directly benefiting the community.
“We urge all Columbia residents to participate in the 2024 Special Census to help build a stronger, more resilient community. By responding online during “I Count” Week, you can avoid an in-person visit from a U.S. Census Bureau employee, who will otherwise conduct door-to-door surveys from Sept. 25 to Nov. 14, 2024. Your timely participation online not only helps streamline the census process but also supports the growth and development of our city,” city officials said in a press release announcing “I Count” Week.
“Remember, accurate census data ensures that Columbia receives its fair share of state funding, which is essential for maintaining and improving our local schools, public services and infrastructure. Your participation truly makes a difference. Be counted for Columbia’s future!”

Room in the Inn Octoberfest Fundraiser (Press Release)
Mark your calendars, Columbia – Room in the Inn’s biggest fundraiser of the year is just around the corner! On October 4th, the community is invited to join in the Oktoberfest festivities and support a fantastic local cause.
Room in the Inn is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter, resources, and hope to single mothers and their children in need. Their latest project, Grace House, aims to create a safe, supportive living space with individual beds, private bedrooms and bathrooms, a community kitchen, and laundry facilities. All proceeds from this year’s Oktoberfest event will go directly towards the construction of Grace House, making a real difference in the lives of local families.
So what can you expect at this year’s Oktoberfest celebration? Plenty of fun, food, and community spirit! The event will take place on October 4 at Riverwalk Park in Columbia from 6pm -10pm. Guests will be able to enjoy local craft beer tastings, delicious fare from food trucks, live music, and traditional Oktoberfest games and activities. Riverwalk Park is located at 102 Riverside Drive, Columbia.

Athenaeum Candlelight Tour (Press Release)
The Athenaeum Rectory, one of Columbia’s premier historic sites, located at 808 Athenaeum Street, will be hosting their Annual Candlelight tour on Sept 28 from 7-9 PM. Come tour the Rectory the way it needs to be seen, by nothing but Candlelight and learn the mourning customs of the 19th century.  Tickets are $10 per person and available at the door. The ticket price goes towards the perpetual upkeep of the Athenaeum Rectory historic site. Learn more by visiting historicathenaeum.com.

Commodity Distribution
The South Central Human Resource Agency announced that they will be conducting a commodities distribution through the US Department of Agriculture. The food distribution will take place from 9-10am on Thursday, September 5th at Graymere Church of Christ, located at 1320 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia.
This food distribution is intended help with food insecurity in the community and will be distributed on a first come-first serve basis to those who are eligible. Eligibility will be based on total household income that is within the income guidelines. Anyone receiving aid from SNAP, Families First, SSI, LIHEAP or proof of residency in public housing are eligible for USDA Commodities.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Helen Morgan Brunson, age 95, longtime resident of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at her home.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant. A visitation will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM, immediately preceding the funeral service.

Dr. Sami Badie Naddy, 59, father, husband, son, and beloved pharmacist of Columbia, died Friday, August 30, 2024 surrounded by his whole family at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, September 7th 2024 at 12:00 PM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with the Reverend Chris Bowhay officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. John’s Episcopal Church Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 10:30am until 12:00pm in the Parish Hall at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

And now, news from around the state…

Tennessee Population Projections (MSM)
Tennessee is projected to approach a population of 8 million by 2040 and will surpass 9 million by 2070, according to a new analysis from the University of Tennessee’s Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research.
Tennessee first surpassed 7 million residents in 2022, according to U.S. Census projections.
The projections say the state’s number of adults 65 and over are expected to rise by 25% by 2040. The overall population increased by 900,000 from 2022 to 2040, a 12.6% increase.
The annual growth rates are expected to be 0.82% from 2020 to 2030 and then slow from 0.55% between 2030 to 2040, the analysis says.
“At the state level, the amount of population growth during the 2020s will feel similar to the gains we saw last decade,” said Matt Harris, Boyd Distinguished Professor of Health Economics and co-author of the new projections. “But as the baby boom generation reaches the later stages of life, a rising number of deaths will begin to slow Tennessee’s population increases.”
Those 65 and older are expected to make up 20% of the state’s population by 2040.
“A growing senior population doesn’t just have implications for the health care system,” Harris said. “The full array of senior-oriented services — such as housing, transportation and other types of personal care — will also be in higher demand over the coming years.”
The group of population under the age of 20 is expected to rise from 24.2% in 2022 to 24.4% in 2040, according to the report.

Voter Registration Week (Press Release)
To commemorate National Voter Registration Month, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is encouraging all eligible Tennessee residents to register to vote.
“More Tennesseans than ever are registered to vote, but we want all eligible citizens to register and participate in the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election,” said Secretary Hargett. 
National Voter Registration Day is September 17, and the deadline to register and be eligible to cast a ballot in the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.
The fastest way to register, update, or check your registration status is through the free GoVoteTN App or online at GoVoteTN.gov. Voters can also download a paper voter registration application at GoVoteTN.gov.
“We anticipate a robust voter turnout for the presidential election,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “If you have not registered or need to change your address, don’t wait. This will ensure your voice is heard during early voting or on Election Day later this fall.”
Early voting for the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election begins Oct. 16 and runs through Oct. 31. For more information, visit your trusted source for election information, GoVoteTN.gov, or download the free GoVoteTNApp.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Bringing a new level of excitement to Freedom Friday, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is proud to announce its partnership with Hy-Vee for the “Hy-Vee Battle On Broadway,” a pitstop competition featuring five of the fastest pit crews from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
The fourth annual Big Machine Music City Grand Prix race weekend kicks off with the action-packed Freedom Friday on September 13, a free event, where INDYCAR and country music stars converge for Nashville’s most thrilling street festival. The adrenaline-fueled showdown begins as the “Hy-Vee Battle On Broadway” features world-class pit crews and their lightning-fast precision and teamwork as they compete to be the quickest crew. The stakes are higher than ever at the “Hy-Vee Battle On Broadway” with a generous $50,000 payout.
Learn more at www.musiccitygp.com