Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-2-24

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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 October 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…
Maury First Responders Aid Helene Victims (CDH)
Following the aftermath of historical damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene in the eastern parts of the state, many regional first-response teams have been deployed to help with the recovery efforts.
On Sunday, 13 search and rescue members, pulled from Columbia Fire & Rescue, Maury County Fire, Spring Hill Fire and Lawrence County Fire, were sent to the town of Erwin in Unicoi County, an area hit with some of the most devastating damage.
"We were told the initial deployment is expected to last 3-7 days, with all teams preparing to send a second wave of responders to relieve the current personnel if needed," Jeremy Finley, assistant Fire Chief for Columbia Fire and Rescue said. "A total of 13 team members are on-site, equipped with hand tools, search tools, drones and UTVs. They are reporting significant devastation to the region."
Finley added that, despite being a disaster site with many homes damaged and flood waters rising, the Maury County team went to work right away and have been able to help many families affected by last week's storms.
"Our main task has been to assist in land-based operations, which is basically saying the rescue effort has concluded and now we are just in a search effort," Finley said.
"Thus far, they have successfully completed multiple missions, providing medical aid, food, and essential supplies to the victims who remain trapped in their homes. We will continue to provide updates on their progress as the mission continues."
Tennessee Valley Authority officials have reported that Helene's damage route totaled nearly 600 miles and was classified as a category 4 storm.
Relief efforts are also underway nationwide, with CityServe International launching a $5 million relief initiative in partnership with Spokes of Hope, 180 Disaster Relief and Wings of the Spirit. The purpose is to deliver supplies to five states affected by Helene with water, food, clothes and emergency supplies as soon as the roads are cleared and safely accessible.
“Whenever a storm of this magnitude hits, we know we're on the clock right away,” says CityServe co-founder and CEO Dave Donaldson, “People are in desperate need of help right away, so it’s critical to get relief out to them immediately.” 
For volunteer opportunities with CityServe, visit www.SpokesofHopeSC.com.
On a local level, Finley said he is unaware of any relief efforts or nonprofits receiving donations for hurricane victims, at least not yet. The main thing right now is to ensure the safety of the residents.
"[Tennessee Emergency Management Agency] has asked pepole to stand down for a little bit, let them assess the area and make it accessible," Finley said. "And then TEMA will be the ones who will put out what they need, what the victims need or where drop-off centers may be. After that, they will likely turn it over to the local organizations to pitch in."
Maury County Public Schools are collecting the following items to support families affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene:
Bottled Water (cases of bottled water, gallon jugs)
Cleaning Supplies (disinfectant wipes, bleach, mops, buckets, gloves, sponges, brooms, trash bags)
It’s taking place now through Friday, October 4th. You can drop off items at any MCPS school before Fall Break.

Blood Needed (TheNewsTN)
Blood Assurance is in immediate need of blood and platelet donors after the devastating landfall of Hurricane Helene and its impact on the blood supply.
The storm has caused widespread cancellations of appointments and blood drives across the service area. In addition, Blood Assurance is on standby this week with the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC), to provide immediate support to communities in Florida if needed. 
BERC, made up of 35 community blood centers across the United States, collects extra units of blood on a rotating basis to be ready for disasters like this. These life-saving donations are crucial in times of crisis. 
“We’re in critical need of O-Negative, O-Positive, and platelet donors,” a spokesperson for Blood Assurance said through a news release. “O-Negative is the universal blood type, often used in emergencies, while O-Positive is the most common blood type in the U.S. Platelets help control bleeding and are vital in emergency situations. We’re also looking for AB Plasma donors, as AB is the universal plasma type.
You can visit www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777, to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted. 

Judicial Center Dedicated (WKOM Audio 1:17)
Yesterday afternoon, the new Maury County Judicial Center was dedicated by county officials in front of a large crowd. Front porch radio’s Delk Kennedy attended and spoke to Maury County Commission Chairman Kevin Markham about the new facility…

Candidate Forum (CDH)
In just over a month, registered voters will take to the polls and cast their ballots in the Nov. 5 General Election, and that includes many local races.
In Columbia, five seats representing the city's five wards on Columbia City Council are among the races. This includes nine candidates.
Two current council members, Tony Greene of Ward 3 and Danny Coleman of Ward 5, will not seek reelection.
As early voting rapidly approaches in Columbia, running Oct. 16-26 and Oct. 28-31, the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance hosted a special candidate forum Monday at Columbia State Community College's Ledbetter Auditorium, specifically focusing on the city council candidates.
Each candidate introduced themselves and pitched to voters why they are the ideal choice to represent their respective ward. Each question was chosen at random by Maury Alliance President Wil Evans, who moderated the event.
Topics discussed ranged from growth and infrastructure to the greatest challenge facing Columbia currently and/or over the foreseeable future.
Of the nine candidates, six were in attendance for Monday's forum. Of the five races, two are unopposed in Wards 3 and 4.
Kicking things off was Ward 1's race featuring the highest number of candidates, which include incumbent DaVena Hardison and challengers Michael Kuzawinski and Robert Plageman.
Kuzawinski, who was first to speak, addressed the need for infrastructure in terms of how it can handle the continued growth Columbia and Maury County continues to see year after year.
"It's no secret that there is development everywhere, like it seems that if we have a piece of grass, something is being developed there," Kuzawinski said. "To me, the very first thing we need to look at is what are our needs? Not what are the conveniences or things we would like, but what are the needs of Columbia?"
Kuzawinski also commended city staff for its continued success financially, namely its ability to provide raises to city employees in the midst of immense growth and development, and without the need to raise taxes.
Plageman, a Nashville native and U.S. Navy veteran who moved his family to Columbia almost three years ago, was asked what "thoughtful and sustainable growth means to you" and how he would plan to support the idea, if elected.
To Plageman, it's being able to not lose sight on what came before to give Columbia its own charm, as well a the citizens and families who have come to call it home for generations.
"When we discuss growth, we get excited about what that brings to the city in terms of population, businesses and so much more. But I think more often what happens is the city and the population already here gets left behind," Plageman said. "Because we see tax dollars or money in our future, we forget to take care of what's already here and what Columbia has been for several years, and we don't want to lose that."
Rounding out the Ward 1 discussions, incumbent Hardison was asked what she considers to be Columbia's biggest challenges.
"I see livability connected with the growth of the city, the issue of homelessness and educational improvements are our biggest challenges for the city of Columbia," Hardison said.
"These are areas that are challenges for our city but they will not defeat our citizens. I plan to acknowledge there is a concern in all three of those areas ... and I plan to do as part of a team to continue to have the infrastructure in place to support all of those wanting to become a Columbian and enjoy what we enjoy."
Ward 2's candidates include incumbent Debbie Wiles, who will face off against incoming challenger Charles Huffman.
Huffman was unable to attend Monday's forum for discussion.
Wiles, who was sworn into office in 2022 following the passing of her husband and former Ward 2 Councilman Ken Wiles, said the experience has been highly educational, as well as important. It's one she isn't ready to give up just yet.
"While serving on city council, I have seen first-hand how local government works, and have helped to make sound, good decisions for our future," Wiles said.
"We should be proud that Columbia is as efficiently run city with sound, fiscal management. Our money is being spent wisely ... and I want to continue serving on the council, to help maintain and enhance the qualities we all love about our city. We have a good team."
Evans' later asked Wiles' opinion about how local government should work with neighboring municipalities, as well as the county, to ensure the best decisions are being made on behalf of Columbia citizens.
"As city of Columbia people, we are also Maury County taxpayers, and I look forward to working together," Wiles said. "The city of Columbia financially supports Maury Alliance, and I will continue to support that partnership. They serve Spring Hill, serve Mt. Pleasant and through those entities we are 'one' in that respect."
As one of two races with unopposed candidates, Ward 3's ballot will include Cheryl Secrest.
Secrest currently serves on various boards and committees throughout the county, including the Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative, Habitat for Humanity, is an executive board member for the Maury County Democratic Party and serves with the Maury County branch of the NAACP.
For her question, Secrest was asked what thoughtful and sustainable growth is, and how she plans to make a positive impact. To her, success will be determined on how well the city can collaborate with the county and other entities, as well as having a vision beyond
"We have growth here, and we need to make sure it is beneficial to everybody, not just in the city, but also in our rural areas," Secrest said.
"We, along with the county commissioners, we all need to work together to make things better so that the residents here can benefit from things, not just those coming into the city, but the ones who are already here. That's my thing, that the residents in my ward can benefit from what the city is doing in other areas, and that the third ward is included."
Incumbent Kenny Marshall is running unopposed in the Ward 4 race, and therefore did not attend Monday's forum.
Columbia's fifth ward also sees current councilman Danny Coleman not seeking reelection, leaving the vacancy open to candidates Brian McKelvy and Curry Andrew Hart.
Hart was unable to attend Monday's forum for discussion.
McKelvy's career in local service includes serving as District 5 county commissioner from 2018-2022, as well as a board member on the Maury County Historical Society, the African American Heritage Society of Maury County and the Crossroads to Home. In addition, McKelvy has served on the county's Budget, Building, Health & Environment, Safety and Audit Committees. He was also appointed to the Public Records Commission and the Maury County Public Library Board.
When it came time for his question, Evans asked McKelvy his opinion as far as Columbia's greatest challenge looking ahead to 2025 and beyond.
"I want to see more controlled growth, that the city and county have more collaboration together," McKelvy said. "I feel like that's kind of gone by the wayside. Let's face it, what the city does affects the county, and what the county does affects the city, and we need to work together."

Podiatrist Joins MRMC (Press Release)
 Beshoy Khalil, DPM, AACFAS, a specialist in podiatry, has joined the medical staff at Maury Regional Medical Center. He is associated with Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers in Columbia and Spring Hill and will be seeing patients at the Spring Hill location.
 
Dr. Khalil received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York, NY. He completed a podiatric residency at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, NY. He is trained in all aspects of podiatric medicine including extensive training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.
 
Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers is located at 5073 Columbia Pike, Suite 230, Spring Hill, TN 37174. Dr. Khalil’s office hours are MWF from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 615.302.0340.
In other Maury Regional News…
Maury Regional Health announced it has received the Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission.
This certification demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to providing evidence-based care to patients undergoing hip and knee replacement procedures.
Maury Regional Health is one of four hospitals in the state of Tennessee, and the only in Middle Tennessee, that has achieved advanced certification. Maury Regional Medical Center’s total hip and total knee program has been certified by The Joint Commission since 2011.
The advanced certification adheres to additional standards.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this certification from The Joint Commission,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “This achievement is a testament to our commitment to clinical excellence and the trust our community places in us for their orthopedic care.”
The Joint Commission is an independent, non-profit organization that accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and their programs in the United States. Their certifications are recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting rigorous performance standards.
The Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification is awarded to hospitals that meet rigorous standards in patient care and outcomes. As part of this certification process, MRH underwent a comprehensive overview of its total hip and knee replacement programs, demonstrating adherence to best practices and continuous improvement in quality and safety.
Orthopedic surgeries at Maury Regional Health are performed by physicians associated with Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) of Columbia. They are complemented by a team of highly skilled clinical professionals, including surgical technicians, nurses, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, physical and occupational therapists, care managers and many more utilizing innovative and advanced technologies such as Stryker’s Mako system, INHANCE™ Shoulder System, Infinity Total Ankle System and more.
Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) also earned recognition in 2024 as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Outpatient Joint Replacement and was an Outpatient Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ recipient from Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor.
Maury Regional Medical Center was also recognized by Healthgrades as the #1 orthopedic surgery program in Tennessee for 2024.
In addition, MRMC was named the only hospital in Tennessee to achieve the 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ and Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ from Healthgrades.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mrs. Dot Mayfield, 91, retired cafeteria manager for Columbia Academy, and resident of Columbia, died Tuesday, September 24 at her residence. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday October 3 at 12:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Palestine Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Thursday October 3 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Patricia Joan Lewellen Owens, 90, a resident of Columbia, died Monday, September 30, 2024 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…
I-40 Down for Six Weeks (Tennessean)
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced a six-week lane closure on a loop in Downtown Nashville.
The ramp from Interstate 40 westbound to Interstate 65 southbound on the downtown loop (Exit 210B to Huntsville) will temporarily shut down on Oct. 1 from 11 p.m. until Oct. 2 at 5 a.m. for striping. Following the closure, the ramp will be reduced to a single lane through Nov. 15.
The closure is needed for crews to repair the bridge on the I-40 west merge ramp over the I-65 north merge ramp, TDOT said in a news release.
The project is part of a full bridge deck replacement, including the spot painting of bearings and beams, announced TDOT.
"All work is weather-dependent. As always, drivers are reminded to allow additional time, slow down, and move over when traveling through a work zone," TDOT said. "The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee carries the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500."

Reminder to Register to Vote (Press Release)
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett today reminded all eligible Tennessee residents that they must register to vote by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, to be eligible to cast a ballot in the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election.
 
“When you don’t vote, you turn over the keys of power to those that do vote. In Tennessee, we want every eligible Tennessean to vote, but first, you must register to vote,” said Secretary Hargett. “To make your voice heard in the upcoming election, Tennesseans must register or make sure their registration is current before the deadline.”
 
Registering to vote, updating, or checking your registration status is fast, easy, and secure with the Secretary of State's online voter registration system, GoVoteTN.gov, or the GoVoteTN App.
 
Using a computer, phone, or tablet, citizens with a driver's license or a photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security can register in a matter of minutes.
 
Voters can also download a paper voter registration application at GoVoteTN.gov. Completed paper voter registration applications must be mailed to your local county election commission office or submitted in person. Mailed voter registrations must be postmarked by Oct. 7, and Election Day registration is not available in Tennessee.
 
Early voting for the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election begins Wednesday, Oct. 16, and runs through Thursday, Oct. 31. For more information about early voting and other election information, visit your trusted source for election information, GoVoteTN.gov or download the free GoVoteTN App.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The Grand Ole Opry, country music’s most famous stage, will celebrate its 99th birthday with three nights of Opry shows plus daytime and evening special events Oct. 10-13, 2024 including performances by Opry members Dailey & Vincent, The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Lorrie Morgan, and Rhonda Vincent along with Opry NextStage alums Riley Green and Chapel Hart, Grammy-award winner Gretchen Wilson and the Opry debut of singer/actress Katharine McPhee.
Fans are also invited to the Opry Plaza for free live music and family-friendly activities, presented by Country Financial, to celebrate the Opry’s birthday on Friday evening, Oct. 11, 2024 and all-day Saturday and Sunday, Oct.12-13, 2024.
Birthday packages and tickets for all 2024 Opry shows, including Opry Country Classics and Opry Country Christmas, are available for purchase at opry.com.