Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-30-24

What is Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price?

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 August 30, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Rescue at Stillhouse Hollow (MauryCountySource)
On Sunday night at 9:04pm Maury County Fire Department was alerted to a person who was experiencing a medical emergency near Stillhouse Hollow Falls. Units responded along with Maury County Sheriff’s Department and Maury Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Paramedics.
MCFD arrived on the scene with a litter wheel and stokes basket and descended down to the patient. Units extracted the patient without incident.

CSCC Breaks Ground on New Tech Building (CDH)
Columbia State Community College took the next major step in constructing its new Southern Regional Technology Center, a project aimed to become a cornerstone for the region's future economic growth and workforce development.
The approximately $50 million SRTC project was celebrated Wednesday with a groundbreaking ceremony, which in addition to Columbia State staff was attended by several Columbia and Maury County leaders.
"Today, we had the chance to shovel dirt for the beginning of a building that will help educate and train the workforce of the future," Mayor Chaz Molder posted to social media Wednesday afternoon. "There’s a lot of things I love about this building and its potential for the college, our community and our region.
"I’m proud the [City of Columbia] could be a partner in this venture, among many partners, and we stand by the college, the state’s first community college, today, and all days ahead."
In September of 2022, Columbia approved a $100,000 appropriation for the new facility, while also committing to an annual $25,000 allotment over the next four years.
The SRTC project was made possible through partnerships between Columbia State and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) campuses at Hohenwald and Pulaski. The SRTC is also the college's first building to be approved in more than 20 years.
Previously described by Columbia State President Dr. Janet F. Smith as a state-of-the art facility, the building will serve as a center-point in providing the latest training in industry and healthcare fields with an emphasis on business partnerships, offering students internship, apprenticeships and job placement opportunities.
The 99,000 square-foot building, estimated at $50 million, will house programs that will provide graduating students an associate degree of applied science and technical certifications in advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, CNC machining training, industrial maintenance, fire science, EMS, nursing, radiology, medical lab technology, engineering systems technology, respiration care technology, health informatics and veterinary technology.
Once completed, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as a regional hub for both citizens and employers, offering the latest industry and healthcare training.
The SRTC will emphasize partnerships through internships, apprenticeships, program development and job placement. Educational offerings include diplomas, technical certificates and associate of applied science degrees.

Maury Regional Gets PBR Award (Press Release)
On August 28, Maury Regional Health (MRH) was presented the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy for 2024.
Created in 2001, the TBR Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy recognizes an organization’s generous giving, volunteer efforts, ethical leadership in philanthropy, civic responsibility and a demonstratable commitment to students and community.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Hohenwald nominated MRH for the award for their generous donation of $25,000 to assist with the establishment of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) program in Columbia.
“While this program is certainly beneficial to Maury Regional and those we serve by training tomorrow’s health care team, it also aligns with our corporate values, one of which is equity. We define equity by ensuring that everybody—our patients, our employees and our community—has full opportunity to achieve their potential, whether that be with their health or a calling to a career in health care,” shared MRH CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “Maury Regional Medical Center is tremendously honored to receive this award.”
Presented by TBR Chancellor Flora Tydings, Ed.D., this award honors the exceptional support provided by MRH in partnership with TCAT Hohenwald. The LPN program has already seen remarkable success, with the first cohort graduating in August 2024, and a new cohort of 15+ students starting September 2024. This partnership has been instrumental in addressing critical health care workforce needs in the region.
“We are excited to present this award to Maury Regional Medical Center, who has provided many years of giving and support to our colleges,” said Chancellor Tydings. “Our partnership often involves our students training directly alongside Maury Regional employees, which provides an invaluable, hands-on learning experience. We could not do what we do without their support.”
The College System of Tennessee, governed by the TBR, comprises the state’s 13 public Community Colleges, 24 Colleges of Applied Technology, and the online TN eCampus – serving more than 170,000 students last year through for-credit academic, career and technical education programs, and workforce training programs in partnership with Tennessee business and industry. TBR provides high-quality, accessible education that prepares students for successful careers and lifelong learning, while also driving economic and workforce development throughout Tennessee.
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Hohenwald is a premier institution focused on providing accessible workforce development and technical education classes including health care career training in the areas of certified nursing assistant, EKG technician, emergency medical technology, phlebotomy, practical nursing and surgical technology. TCAT gives students the opportunity to acquire marketable skills for entry or promotion in the labor market.

Bookstore Hot Topic in Commission (MSM)
At its Aug. 19 meeting, the Maury County Commission voted against offering $900,000 to buy Melody’s Bookstore near the newly constructed courthouse on South Main Street in Columbia. Two commissioners introduced a resolution to buy the property, possibly to build a needed parking lot, and to tear down the bookstore because it’s out of character with the courthouse.
The purchase would have been funded by interest on federal American Rescue Plan money, which wouldn’t burden the Maury County tax base. Supportive commissioners and public commenters also raised the possibility that an unsavory, high-revenue business like a vape shop or bail bondsman could take over the old bookstore, undermining the dignity and visual appeal of the courthouse.
Mayor Sheila Butt compared buying it to her and her husband’s decision to buy five acres next to the 15 they owned, to prevent bad neighbors from moving in next door.
“If my grandchildren and I drive by this building, and [there’s] a vape shop or a cigar shop or a cash place in front of our $32 million justice building, I’m gonna be ashamed,” she said, “that this County Commission did not have the foresight to say, ‘This is what needs to be here.’ “
Most who spoke against the purchase were motivated by fiscal responsibility.
“Everything that government spends money on is a result of taxation,” said Commissioner Kenny Morrow, summing up their sentiments. “So don’t get the idea that there’s any free money involved in this.”
Commissioners Morrow, Pam Huffman and Kathey Grodi transmitted unanimous opposition from their constituents. They also judged the site a bad return on investment. Morrow said he didn’t see how “two-fifths of an acre… in Maury County” could be worth $900,000. Public commenters Karen Parkhurst and Dave Grodi did the math and found that if a one-level parking lot cost a further $1.4 million to build, the city would be spending $40,000-$100,000 per parking space, depending on how many spaces the lot could hold.
Public commenter Jason Whatley retorted that earlier commissions had thought nothing of larger unwise purchases like the old Daily Herald building. Commissioners Scott Sumners and Jerry Bridenbaugh also replied that at 4,000 square feet, the bookstore was comparable in price to nearby real estate. Sumners said all but one of his constituents came to support the purchase when he explained the reasons and the funding to them.
Commissioner Gabe Howard reminded the Commission that the resolution had been debated for eight or nine months, was not recommended by its committee and would have died there if two commissioners hadn’t moved to bring it to a vote. He also took the opportunity to argue that Maury County development has a “systemic problem” much bigger than a bookstore.
“We need to approach it from the Strong Towns method. Our core needs to be strong,” he concluded. “That courthouse should have been in the back parking lot [behind the square].”
The new courthouse is a few blocks from the square, down a steep hill, far from the offices that lawyers have rented for decades around the old courthouse.
After commissioner and public comments lasting more than an hour, the resolution was brought to a vote and failed to pass, with only eight votes in favor. It would have needed a two-thirds majority since it had failed in committee.
An amendment lowering the offer to $650,000 failed when Commissioner Kevin Markham told the Commission on what he called good authority that somebody had just offered the owner $800,000.

Fall Festival to Return (Press Release)
Columbia Main Street is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Second Annual FALL FEST, scheduled to take place on September 28th from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm in downtown Columbia. This event, presented in partnership with Kiwanis of Columbia, promises a day filled with family-friendly activities in the heart of downtown.
This community festival includes FREE admission to listen to live entertainment, enjoy a FUN ZONE for all ages, pose in front of Tri-Green’s tractor photo booth, watch the Miss Maury County FALL FEST pageant, and paint a mini pumpkin! Additionally, attendees can support local businesses by shopping with artisan-craft vendors, eating from delicious food trucks, purchasing a ticket for the Kiwanis Chili Cook Off or pre-registering to participate in the Miss Maury County FALL FEST pageant.
This year’s festivities feature the highly anticipated annual chili cook-off by Kiwanis of Columbia. This ticketed experience supports Kiwanis’ local initiatives. Attendees who purchase a ticket will get to taste a variety of chili recipes from local teams and vote for their favorites. “We love hosting our annual Chili Cook-Off,” says Suzanne Ganser from Kiwanis of Columbia. “We’re still accepting teams, so sign up today to secure a spot for your business.” Find details on how to register your team or purchase tickets on the FALL FEST event page at ColumbiaMainStreet.com.
Kiwanis of Columbia will also host a “FUN ZONE” featuring free face painting, balloon artists, caricature artists, inflatables, a dunk tank, axe throwing, and refreshing snow cones! LIVE Entertainment will light up the FALL FEST stage with performances from talented local artists throughout the day, thanks to sponsor, Atmos Energy
The opening act is Catapult, a high school group from Santa Fe, TN, who will kick things off with hit classics from the early 2000s.
The middle band will be The Exotics, who will bring a mix of hits from the 60s and 70s.
And the headliner is Deondra & 46 Story, who will wrap up the day with a high-energy dance set featuring both current and classic R&B songs.
“Bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes because you’re going to be singing along and having a great time with each of the bands,” says Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager.
Back by popular demand is the Miss Maury County FALL FEST Pageant by Britts. Early registration is encouraged and can be found by visiting columbiamainstreet.com.
Attention local businesses! You're invited to join the "Best Pumpkin" contest at FALL FEST. Show off your creativity by entering a hand-crafted pumpkin by your business. Attendees will vote for their favorite designs, and prizes will be awarded to the top entries! Plus, kids can enjoy a painting station, where they can pick and decorate a mini pumpkin, thanks to our sponsor, Wire Masters.
"We are excited to expand FALL FEST this year by closing down the entire square, providing ample space for attendees to fully immerse themselves in the festivities while exploring all that downtown Columbia has to offer," said Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager. “We are privileged to partner with so many local businesses and organizations that work hard to produce amazing products, excellent food, and great customer experiences that help transform events like this that create memorable moments for those in attendance. We hope that you enjoy the craft vendors, food trucks, the bands, and all the activities for every age.” For more information about the Second Annual FALL FEST, including how to participate or volunteer, please visit columbiamainstreet.com or follow Columbia Main Street on social media.

Celebrate Spring Hill Event (CDH)
The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce “Celebrate Spring Hill 2024,” presented by John Maher Builders. This longest-standing annual event celebrates the community spirit and the invaluable contributions of the Spring Hill Chamber.
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on Sept. 14 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Worldwide Stages, 5000 Northfield Lane, Door 100 in Spring Hill.
Proceeds will benefit the Chamber of Commerce.
Included with Tickets will be :
Craft cocktails
A Culinary experience
Whiskey tasting
Dueling piano show
Gaming tables
And Valet parking
Attire is elegant or cocktail chic.
There will be valet parking at Door 100.
Sponsors include as follows:
 Presenting Sponsor: John Maher Builders
 Celebration Partner: Worldwide Stages
 Gold Sponsors: Maury Regional Health, TriStar Spring Hill ER, Vanderbilt Health, Williamson Health
 Silver Sponsors: Listerhill Credit Union
 Bronze Sponsors: Company Distilling, Premier Design Build, Parkway Wine & Spirits
 Supporting Sponsor: Hampton Inn Spring Hill, Ascend Federal Credit Union
“Celebrate Spring Hill” is a highly anticipated annual benefit for the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event promises a night of community, celebration, and impact by showcasing our timeless community assets, and celebrating the Chamber's work and mission.
Tickets are available now through September 1st. Reserve your spot today by visiting our website at https://tinyurl.com/ffuffhds.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Vera Ann Rose Allen, 81, resident of Columbia, TN died August 28, 2024 at her daughter’s residence.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday, August 30, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…
Stillbirth Prevention
The Tennessee Department of Health is launching a significant maternal health campaign devoted to stillbirth prevention to provide expecting mothers and their families with education, information, and tools they can use to monitor their health, especially in the third trimester of pregnancies.
 
“We are working to improve maternal and infant health outcomes across Tennessee,” State Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP, said. “Stillbirths have a profound impact on families and preventing these tragedies is a top priority. We are committed to providing expectant mothers and their families with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their pregnancies and support healthier outcomes.”
 
Among the common signs and symptoms expectant mothers may experience indicating a potential problem with a pregnancy – cramping, abdominal pain, fever, vaginal bleeding or spotting – the TDH campaign will focus on how a change in the timing of a baby’s normal movement is often the first, or only, indication to parents there could be an issue with the pregnancy.
 
TDH will launch the stillbirth prevention campaign in September encouraging expecting parents to download and use Count the Kicks, a free mobile app with online digital education materials and printable paper charts also available.
 
The Count the Kicks app will help expecting parents monitor and track their baby’s movements once-a-day from the start of the third trimester, or 28 weeks, of their pregnancies. Changes to the time it normally takes for their baby to get to 10 movements could indicate potential problems and mean expecting parents should contact their healthcare provider right away.
 
The Count the Kicks app will be available in 21 languages and will make printed educational materials available to maternal health providers, social service agencies, and childbirth educators in English and Spanish.
 
TDH will host a free Count the Kicks webinar, at 10:30 a.m., Central, on Tue., Sept. 17, 2024, for healthcare providers and others to learn more about the importance of fetal movement monitoring and how to use the Count the Kicks app and materials effectively. Webinar registration is available at https://bit.ly/CTKTNWebinar.
 
Stillbirths are the loss of a baby at or after the 20th week of pregnancy. In 2021, there were 541 stillbirths in Tennessee. Approximately 32 percent of stillbirths occurred from 28 to 37 weeks gestation, and 16 percent occurred at more than 37 weeks gestation. It is estimated that one quarter of stillbirths are preventable.

Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee Today!
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
This Labor Day, Blood Assurance is asking potential blood donors to assist in an effort to address critical supply shortages and low donation numbers.
Not only would the act of donating blood and/or platelets assist in historical blood shortages during the holiday weekend, but donors will also receive a special prize for doing so.
Earlier this week, Blood Assurance announced it would offer $20 gift cards to all donors who participate between Monday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 1. Anyone who donates on Wednesday, Sept. 11 will receive a commemorative 9/11 Memorial shirt.
"We understand that many people are busy with holiday plans during Labor Day, but the need for blood never takes a break,” said Garry Allison, Senior Vice President of Operations for Blood Assurance. “By offering $20 gift cards to all donors, we hope to incentivize more people to take a moment to donate and help save lives."
Blood Assurance's Columbia location is at 1412 Trotwood Ave. inside the Neely's Mill shopping center. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit www.BloodAssurance.com/schedule