Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-7-24

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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 7, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Storm Relief (CDH)
Cities across the state continue to pitch in to provide relief for victims of Tropical Storm Helene, which left many East Tennessee residents without basic necessities like food, water and clean clothes.
Columbia and Maury County businesses, nonprofits and volunteers stepped up in response to the damage left by the category 4 storm, such as deploying 13 firefighters to assist emergency teams in the areas most affected.
The community has also began accepting donations, including food, water, hygiene products and medical supplies at various drop-off locations at schools, churches and local businesses.
Many of the efforts happened last Friday due the constraints of fall break in the school system…
Columbia State Community College accepted bottled water donations at each of its campuses Friday.
These include:
Columbia, 1665 Hampshire Pike - Jones Student Center
Williamson, 1228 Liberty Pike - Administration Building lobby
Lawrenceburg, 169 Southern Tennessee Lane - lobby
Lewisburg, 980 S. Ellington Parkway - lobby
Clifton, 795 Main St. - lobby
Maury County Public Schools accepted donations at E.A. Cox Middle School, 633 Bear Creek Pike, through Friday.
Items include cases of bottled drinking water and cleaning supplies (disinfectants, gloves, mops, buckets, etc.)
"Many families are without basic necessities and communities face a long road to recovery.," E.A. Cox posted on social media. "By coming together as a school district, we can help ease the burden for those affected by providing essential items they desperately need."
Other organizations that gathered relief donations included The United Farm & Home Co-op, 975 Riverview Lane, which accepted donations on Friday, with another truck to be posted at a later date.
TN National Confederate Museum at Elm Springs, 2357 Park Plus Dr., will be accepting donations Friday. For more information, call [phone].
Bonnie's Barnyard accepted donations and items for anyone with animals affected by the storms. The company hosted a tack sale at the Baker Building at Maury County Park, 1018 Maury County Park Drive, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Items needed include halters and leads, buckets, feed, fencing supplies and first aid. Call [phone] for more information.
"People with livestock have been cut off from the rest of the world due to flooding and roads being washed away," horse trainer Lora Lee Schuster posted to social media. "They have animals that desperately need food. The easiest way to help is to just make a phone call."

Tourism Generates Serious Revenue (MSM)
South Central Tennessee Tourism Association, made up of 13 counties, including Maury, generated more than $517 million in direct visitor spending and saw 3.6 million visitors to the region in 2023. The 2023 Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee report was released by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
“Tourism in South Central Tennessee is on a remarkable upward trajectory, fueling both economic growth and community development,” SCTTA Executive Director Ryan French said. “This progress is a testament to the strong partnerships we’ve cultivated across the region and the invaluable role these relationships play in enhancing local resources and strategies.”
Specific to Maury County, the same report reveals $136.85 million in domestic visitor spending to the county, an 8.0 percent increase from 2022. Tennessee Department of Tourist Development released the new data just ahead of the industry’s annual Governor’s Conference in Chattanooga.
Statewide, Tennessee tourism generated $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 144 million visitors to the state in 2023. Tax dollars generated by tourism support important public services like education, health and safety.
“This record growth is a testament to the strength, resilience, determination and efforts of our hard-working industry in bringing visitors to enjoy why Tennessee Sounds Perfect,” Mark Ezell, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, said.
Maury County ranked 20th among the 95 counties in Tennessee while visitor spending in Maury County generated $13.9 million in state and local tax revenue. SCTTA estimates that if it were not for state and local taxes generated by tourism, each Maury County household would pay $352 more in state and local taxes. Visitor spending also generated $34.2 million in payroll for Maury County.
French added, “We’re at an exciting juncture, witnessing unprecedented growth and widespread community support for our shared mission. As we prepare to launch our new Tourism-Ready strategy, we’re focused on expanding resources for small businesses, lodging partners, and attractions, further solidifying our region as a premier destination for visitors.”

Carousel to be Performed at WPT (MSM)
This October, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical “Carousel” will be retold by Watershed Public Theatre in Columbia. The play is set around a New England seaside carnival, something delightful in nature. But its complicated characters exist in desperate times and live by desperate measures. It’s a family story, but a hard one.
Director Payton McCarthy is absolutely raring to tell it. The MTSU grad became fascinated with “Carousel” after seeing the film adaption about a decade ago. The emotional depth and potential of the play would help propel Payton through his academic career studying theatre as he pondered the moral questions posed by the script. Through numerous, Carousel-centric college papers and projects, Payton developed a vast personal vision of how to bring the production to life in a new, original way. When Watershed invited him to direct their seasonal musical, McCarthy was ready to go with his Carousel concept, and his path became a perfect circle.
“Carousel depicts a love story in which one of the lovers is desperately struggling to keep his life together, and lashes out in that struggle,” McCarthy said. “It is one specific form of abuse. And despite this unhealthy dynamic to the relationship, there is real love between these two characters. It’s a complicated situation… this show is a cautionary tale.”
As stage musical innovators, Rodgers & Hammerstein used song and dance to do more than just entertain — the music helped advance the plot and express the soul of the characters. Debuting as their second musical in 1945, “Carousel” was an early example of the duo’s dedicated attention to social issues — in this case, crime and domestic abuse. Director McCarthy’s thoughtful updates to the play aim to add more impact for a 2024 audience. The setting is bleak, the story is detailed and the pain of the characters is vivid.
In honor of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Watershed Public Theatre hosted a special preview event, “A Closer Look at Carousel.” Following the performance was a discussion led by production director Payton McCarthy and Cindy Sims, Executive Director of Center of Hope.
“I want survivors in the audience to know that they’re not alone, and I want to make a statement about just how harmful abusive actions are,” said McCarthy. “The final note we leave on in our production is a message of consequence, regret and accountability.”
WPT’s partnership with Center of Hope continues through the run of “Carousel” performances later in the month. Anyone who brings a donation item for Center of Hope’s shelter to the preview event or performances will receive a discount of $5 off every Carousel ticket purchased. The items of greatest need for the shelter are shelf-stable convenience foods such as cereal, canned meats and soups, as well as large sizes of diapers and phone chargers.
“Carousel” features a talented cast of Middle Tennessee artists.
Show times are Oct. 18, 19, 25 & 26 at 7 p.m., with matinee performances on October 20 & 27 at 3 p.m.; at Columbia State Community College’s Cherry Theater, 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia. Tickets can be purchased online at watershedpublictheatre.org or at the door.

Columbia State Performance Series (Press Release)
Columbia State Community College is excited to announce the 22nd season of its popular Performance Series sponsored by First Farmers and Merchants Bank, showcasing a dynamic lineup of talented artists at the 500-seat Cherry Theater on the Columbia Campus. Audiences can look forward to memorable performances, with the added perks of free parking and a complimentary art exhibit at the Pryor Art Gallery before each show.

"This season of the Performance Series at Columbia State is a true celebration of musical artistry, showcasing exceptional talent that transcends genres and generations," said Tammy Rosson, director of events and alumni relations at Columbia State. "Each performance offers something truly special, whether it's the soulful harmonies of Rockland Road, the powerful vocals of Wendy Moten, the fresh take on traditional country from The Malpass Brothers, the nostalgic yet modern sound of Admiral Radio, the dynamic piano mastery of Ryan & Ryan or the timeless swing of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. We’re excited to welcome our community to the Cherry Theater for what promises to be an unforgettable season of entertainment!"

Tickets are $35, which includes all fees. Free and convenient parking is available along with a free art exhibition in the Pryor Art Gallery before each performance.

Learn more and purchase tickets: ColumbiaState.edu/PerformanceSeries or call the box office at 931.540.2879.

Spring Hill Local Passport (Press Release)
The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Listerhill Credit Union, is excited to announce the launch of the "Think, Shop, Explore Local Passport" campaign, an initiative designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore and support the diverse range of local businesses in Spring Hill. This exciting campaign will run from October 1 to October 31, 2024, offering participants a chance to win a grand prize haul valued at thousands of dollars!
How to Participate: Starting October 1st, visitors can pick up their Local Passport at any participating business or the Spring Hill Chamber Welcome Center, located at 5326 Main Street, Suite G. To qualify for the grand prize, participants simply need to collect stickers from a minimum of 15 participating businesses and return their completed passports by October 31, 2024, to the Welcome Center. Those who complete their passports entirely will be entered into the grand prize drawing twice – doubling their chances of winning!
Participating Businesses: The campaign features an array of local stops, including restaurants, retail shops, health centers, and more. Some of the featured stops include:
Aha Indian Grill
The Awaken House
The Spot Burgers & Beers
Hampton Inn Spring Hill
Lighthill Meats
TriStar ER Spring Hill
Williamson Health / Bone and Joint Institute
And many more!
A comprehensive list of all participating businesses and an interactive map is available online, guiding participants on their local adventure.
Community Photo Stops: For an extra entry into the grand prize drawing, participants can take photos at designated community photo stops, including the Spring Hill Library, City Hall, and Fischer Park. Simply post your photo on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #SHPassport24 to earn an additional chance to win!
Grand Prize Details: The grand prize haul includes an incredible assortment of gifts and vouchers from participating businesses, offering one lucky winner a prize worth thousands of dollars! This includes gifts from notable local businesses such as Listerhill Credit Union, Towhee Club & Birdsong Social, Brunch Collective, and many others.
How to Submit Your Passport: Once you have collected at least 15 stickers, return your passport to the Spring Hill Chamber Welcome Center (5326 Main Street, Suite G) by October 31, 2024. A dropbox is available for after-hours submissions, ensuring that everyone has a chance to participate.
Get Ready to Think, Shop, and Explore Local! The "Think, Shop, Explore Local Passport" campaign is an excellent way to discover new businesses, support our local economy, and engage with the Spring Hill community. So grab your passport, explore all that Spring Hill has to offer, and get ready for a fun-filled October with plenty of opportunities to win big!
For more information, visit Spring Hill Chamber website or contact the Spring Hill Chamber Welcome Center at [phone].

Fall Festival to Return (Press Release)
Columbia Main Street announced, that due to the inclement weather that moved through Middle Tennessee this past weekend, the Second Annual Fall Fest has been postponed until October 12th. The event will take place 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!
In conjunction with Fall Fest, the Kiwanis Club of Columbia is proud to present the Annual Kiwanis Chili Cookoff from 3-5PM on the square. This autumn tradition brings chefs from all over Maury County to decide whose chili reigns supreme. Tickets are $10 each at the event and children 10 and under are free. Also, be sure to visit the Kiwanis Kids Zone at Fall Fest for face painting, complimentary snow cones, inflatables, and more!
Additionally, attendees can support local businesses by shopping with artisan-craft vendors, eating from delicious food trucks, or pre-registering to participate in the Miss Maury County FALL FEST pageant.
“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.
"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 Johnson. “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.
It has been announced this morning as well, that the candelight tour of the Athenaeum historic site has been cancelled due to weather as well.

DUI Checkpoint (Press Release)
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety roadside safety checkpoints during the week of October 11th on State RT. 50 East .2 Miles East of the 19 Mile Marker in Maury County starting at 10:00PM .
Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures 305,000 people every year in the United States. Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a vehicle while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving.

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, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Bertha Scroggins Clark, 90, longtime resident of Carters Creek Pike died Friday, October 4, 2024 at her residence.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday October 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Tuesday October 8, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Wednesday from 12:00 PM till time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…
Dolly Provides Millions for Helene Relief (Tennessean)
Dolly Parton's vast charity has arrived to aid Americans impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The Sevierville, Tennessee, native announced a partnership with Walmart to assist with relief efforts after the storm killed hundreds and left millions of homes and businesses without power throughout Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Parton announced a $1 million donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing immediate assistance to Hurricane Helene flood victims. In addition, Parton's East Tennessee businesses — Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton's Stampede and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show — as well as the Dollywood Foundation are combining efforts and have pledged to match her donation to Mountain Ways with a $1 million contribution of their own.
Parton announced her charity partnership at the Walmart Supercenter in Newport, Tennessee's Newport Town Center.
“I just want you to know that I am totally with you because I am part of you. I love you,” Parton told a crowd of over 250 community members gathered in the parking lot. “I look around and I think, these are my mountains, these are my valleys, these are my rivers flowing like a stream. These are my people. These mountain-colored rainbows, these are my people, and this is my home.”
Parton said she couldn’t believe the devastation Helene caused in the region where she grew up, recalling she used to go to the dentist in Newport as child.
“Helene, Helene, Helene, you came in here and broke us all apart,” Parton sang as a rendition of her classic song, “Jolene.” “Helene, Helene, Helene, we're all here to mend these broken hearts.”
During the event, U.S. President and CEO of Walmart John Furner announced that the company, including Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation, would increase its earlier commitment of $6 million up to a $10 million donation to hurricane relief efforts across the affected states.
"One of the things we love most about Dolly as a partner is her incredible heart and care for her community," said Furner. "She reminds me of our associates who are always the first to jump to action when our communities need us. This time is no different, and we will continue to provide support until they have recovered."
Newport Walmart store manager Matthew Underwood has seen his team and community come together amid the Helene recovery. He’s grateful to have the support of Furner and Parton.
“I've been in the military, and I've seen servant leadership. I've seen leaders talk servant leadership, but they're doing it at their level," Underwood said of Furner and Parton. “I think it's a great opportunity for them to use their voice and use their influence to be able to bring that light together and just be so impactful.”
One week ago, downtown Newport was evacuated after the Nolichucky Dam was determined to be at risk of "catastrophic" failure, though authorities later determined it was a false alarm.

Covid Tests Available (MauryCountySource)
Residential households in the U.S. are eligible for another order of four free at-home COVID-19 tests from USPS.com.
Your order is completely free, you do not have to pay for shipping. The tests will begin to ship on September 30, 2024. Place your order here.
The tests available for order:
Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR
Can be taken at home or other locations. Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)
Can be used for testing even if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms
Can be used for testing whether you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines or not
Are also referred to as self-tests or over the counter (OTC) tests
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
You may have seen their viral videos or saw them in Nashville last year, but if you missed it, here’s your chance to see The Savannah Bananas again in 2025 at Nissan Stadium on May 10, 2025.
Known as the “World Famous Baseball Circus” the team announced on social media they will visit three different stadiums in 2025. The Bananas will be joined by the Party Animals and a new team Texas Tailgaters.
To score a ticket to the game, you must sign up for the lottery, which closes on November 1st. Tickets start at $35 on the Savannah Bananas website. A random drawing will take place two months before the event. If you’re drawn, you’ll be notified and can purchase tickets. Sign up for the lottery at www.bbwt25ticketlotto.fansfirsttickets.com.