Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-13-24

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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 September 13, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Local Pastor Arrested (MSM, CDH)
A Maury County pastor and former candidate for county mayor has taken his own life, one day after his arrest by the Maury County Sheriff’s Department on a charge of aggravated sexual battery.
David Mark Baker Sr. was booked into the Maury County Jail on Tuesday, Sept. 10 and charged with one count of aggravated sexual battery. Baker was released on $200,000 bond and had been scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
However, on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 11, Baker walked into a bathroom at Maury Regional Medical Center and according to Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Alsup, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
In a press release, Maury Regional Health stated, “At approximately 12:45 p.m. on September 11, a Code Silver alert was activated at Maury Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department (ED). A Code Silver is activated when a firearm has been discharged on campus or a person is confirmed or suspected of possessing a weapon on the premises. The ED was immediately placed on lockdown as a result.

It was discovered that an adult male entered the ED, did not seek medical treatment and proceeded directly to the public restroom where he administered a self-inflicted gunshot to the chest, discharging the weapon twice. The ED staff initiated life-saving medical treatment; however, he succumbed to his injuries. No other individuals were present in the restroom at the time and no patients or staff members were harmed. The medical center is in the process of identifying and contacting relatives and emotional support services are being provided to both patients and staff members who were present at the time of this incident. The Columbia Police Department has secured the scene for investigation. No additional details are available at this time.

“We are deeply saddened by today’s events. Our prayers are extended to the family and friends of this individual as well as the members of our team who responded,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “The welfare and safety of our patients and health care team members are paramount at Maury Regional Health. I am proud of the quick response of our security team, Emergency Department staff and Columbia Police Department.”
Prior to Baker’s death, Maury County Sheriff’s Department officials had said the aggravated sexual assault case was still under investigation and declined further comment.
Baker, a Santa Fe native, started Independent Baptist Online Bible College, a ministry of Family Baptist Church, of which he was pastor, and has led a life coaching business and is an author of several books.
He also ran a ministry Fallen in Grace, with Indiana pastor David Hyles. Hyles has faced much controversy, including allegations of rape, according to multiple media reports by the Fort-Worth Star Telegram, though he was not charged.
Baker previously served as chaplain of the Maury County Jail for 28 years.
Baker ran for county mayor in 2022 and filed a defamation lawsuit against eventual winner Sheila Butt that was later dismissed.
The lawsuit referenced a text message that mentioned alleged links between Baker and a person who later committed suicide, as well as a previous lawsuit against Baker.

Maury Man Still on Loose (NewsChannel5.com)
The Maury County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), is actively searching for a suspected murderer, Michael Dobbs, who has been added to the TBI’s Most Wanted List. Authorities are seeking Dobbs in connection with the recent homicide of 37-year-old Harold Grisham III.
Grisham was tragically shot and killed in Maury County on September 4.
According to his father, Harold Grisham Jr., his son was known for his cheerful demeanor and willingness to help others.
“Most people that been around him and everything would say, you know that you know he's always happy, cheerful, always got that smile,” Grisham Jr. reflected. “I mean, I've heard so much about that smile that it ain't funny.”
Harold Grisham III, named after his father, was a dedicated father himself. His teenage daughter was described as the light of his life.
“When he came right down to it, he'd do anything for anybody. I mean, he'd give his shirt. I mean, he didn't care. And most people that really know him, they'll tell you I mean, I've got older people that, you know, they're just tore up about it because they said that was their little buddy.”
According to court documents, Michael Dobbs, 46, is alleged to be the individual responsible for Grisham’s death. The details surrounding the incident remain sparse, but authorities have issued a warning that Dobbs is considered armed and dangerous.
The TBI and Maury County Sheriff's Department are urging anyone with information about Dobbs's whereabouts to come forward. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
As the search for Dobbs continues, Grisham Jr. remains focused on seeking justice for his son, expressing that Harold’s death was both senseless and deeply unjust.
“They can't understand why somebody would do that to him. All I've got through texts, and everything is he didn't deserve that. He's too good for that,” he said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Maury County Sheriff's Department or the TBI immediately.

One Gen Away at CSCC (MauryCountySource)
One Generation Away is returning to the Columbia State Community College campus to offer free groceries to anyone in need.
The nonprofit’s drive-thru Mobile Pantry will be on campus at 1665 Hampshire Pike on Saturday, September 14, and will include fresh produce, dry goods, bakery items, dairy and more.
“We don’t ask any qualifying questions to receive food, and no paperwork is required,” said Chris Whitney, founder and CEO of OneGenAway. “All you have to do is show up, and we’ll take care of the rest.”
Food will be distributed beginning around 8:30 a.m. and continuing until 10 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at 7:30 a.m. to help sort and distribute food. No registration is required to volunteer. It will be cold so bundle up!
For more information about OneGenAway and its food assistance programs, visit www.OneGenAway.com.

Spring Hill Veterans Book (CDH)
Benny Jett, a local teen, has joined with Spring Hill Public Library and other history-honoring helpers for a project that will document the lives of veterans, past and present within the Spring Hill community.
The project, a book with the simple working title of “Spring Hill Veterans,” will seek to include historical facts and information about the lives of as many veterans as can be found.
Jett is asking his community for a hand at helping to include and honor those who have served with a tentative Veterans Day release date.
Two well-known community veterans recently joined Jett and long-time resident and Spring Hill historian in her own right, Alicia Fitts at her home on Sugar Ridge Road, to detail their part in the young writer’s project.
Jett’s task is "calling all veterans" and to date, he’s helped locate 550 veterans to be a part of the book.
He hopes compiling the information for the book will serve as a meaningful document of history to those who have served and their families.
Spring Hill Library Director Dana Juriew is also helping Jett with the task of collecting the veteran information sheets. Collecting basic information like name, birth date, death date (if applicable), branch of service, rank and wars fought, there is space for each veteran to write a paragraph that further details their time in the service.
Each sheet also includes a request of any photos of the veteran or family of the service member.
It’s a task that is quite the undertaking for Jett, a 14-year-old homeschool student, but he has some prominent figures of Spring Hill helping him in the task.
Veterans Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman and Vice Mayor Will Pomeroy, an attorney, joined Jett and Fitts to share their stories in the book, but both men have a strong commitment to capturing the town’s history.
Pomeroy served in the Army from 2007 until 2014, with an extended service in the Army Reserves from 2015 to 2019. His role was with military police as a commissioned officer and his tours of duty included, Hawaii, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan.
As a freshman in college, Pomeroy felt an urge to serve his country as he heard stories about the Iraq War. Hearing the news of soldiers dying, Pomeroy was moved as he felt the call to serve, considering, “I’m no better than those people who are dying over there.”
It almost caused him to halt his college career, but instead he decided to go the ROTC route at University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Close in mind was Pomeroy’s wife Michelle with whom he shares two boys, Bear and Braxton, and worked a civilian Navy job.
From a documentarian aspect, Pomeroy was excited to help with the project, like Fitts who hosted the gathering, also serving on the Spring Hill Historic Commission and cemetery board. But Pomeroy says his mind typically moves toward veterans who are younger, since these are the people he hopes to help.
As an attorney and board member of Williamson County’s Veteran’s Treatment Court, he works further to help those who fight different battles once they complete their term of service.
From struggling with issues like traumatic brain injuries to substance abuse, Pomeroy is passionate about making sure younger veterans have someone to support them in their legal challenges, but is mindful of possible contributing factors.
Pomeroy noted a report on neurological effects of service members who have been exposed to recurring mortar shell blast-related cognitive impairment and how some of his clients facing legal troubles have sometimes experienced such issues.
Mayor Hagaman served in a variety of roles for 21 years during his time in the Air Force. He said his love for airplanes fueled his service in this branch and if he had it to do over again, he would have started that career track much sooner.
“I liked adventure but I also believed strongly in our country – I was a young patriot,” Hagaman said. “I have been all over the planet and determined easily, that America, while we have our issues, is the best country on the planet.”
As for what extent the mayor’s military service played a role in him going into public service, Hagaman said that one decision did work to inform the other, somewhat.
“But more than that for me, I just love to cause people to have a better day,” Hagaman said. “I love to be in a position of service."
Hagaman has served in churches and volunteered his time with the community.
“I just tremendously enjoy being a public servant,” Hagaman said.
Turning the conversation back to Jett, who sat listening to the mayor, Hagaman remarked on the great experience the project was for Jett.
“You're just a young man,” Hagaman said, addressing Jett during a recent meeting. “And they start giving you leadership roles almost immediately, in all branches of service … So this gives you experience like drinking from a firehose – to learn about people.”
Hagaman commended Jett on his early leadership experience in taking charge of the project.
Jett’s genuine journalistic curiosity for people, even at his age, is the inspiration for the focus of his blog, "The Ancestor Detector," and it has provided a means for Jett to take on projects such as the book.
While a pictorial was in the works at the library Jett became part of the particular conversation from discussing ways the library could document those who have served and were also from Spring Hill.
“We found there were way too many veterans to include in a small section,” Jett said. “We’re trying to create a book where everyone is honored.”
From the Revolutionary War to today, Spring Hill’s service members from all backgrounds will be recorded in the book. Cemetery director Mike Hoover helped Jett collect information on some of the earliest veterans who lived in the area.
From the black families who served to Native Americans to more recent wars, the pages are filling up fast.
No matter the background of the veteran, some would return home, others would not, and yet any of these veterans of various backgrounds will be compiled together and into the pages of Spring Hill History.
“I enjoy getting to hear all the stories from the person or family member of a veteran,” Jett said. “It makes it special to hear in person about the stories that people know by heart.”
Unable to include your veteran for the first volume? Don’t worry. Jett is hoping he can produce another volume after releasing the first edition, due out around Veteran’s Day.

Mt. Pleasant Bicentennial (Press Release)
In honor of Mount Pleasant’s 200th anniversary, the community will host a Bicentennial Home Tour on September 27 and 28, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This special event will offer an exclusive look inside some of the town’s most beautiful and historic buildings providing a unique opportunity to experience the rich history and charm of Mount Pleasant.
The Bicentennial Home Tour will feature a carefully curated selection of homes that represent the diverse architectural heritage of Mount Pleasant.
“This tour is not just about viewing beautiful homes; it’s about celebrating our community’s legacy and the people who have shaped it over the past 200 years,” said Haverly Pennington, Director of Main Street Mount Pleasant. “We’re excited to share Mount Pleasant’s history with residents and visitors alike.”
Event Details:
Dates: September 27 & 28, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Various homes throughout Mount Pleasant
Tickets: Available for purchase at Mount Pleasant Visitors Center and Maury County Visitors Center for $35. 

Proceeds from the event will benefit Main Street Mount Pleasant. For more information on Main Street Mount Pleasant, tickets, or volunteer roles, please visit the Mount Pleasant Visitors Center at 205 N. Main Street Mount Pleasant, TN.
“We are grateful for the support of our Co-Chair Jennifer Graham and volunteers who are helping to make this event a success,” said Haverly Pennington. “Their commitment to Mount Pleasant’s future is a testament to the spirit of our community.”
Come celebrate Mount Pleasant’s rich past and bright 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.

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.
“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.

And now, news from around the state…
Bon Jovi Saves a Life (MauryCountySource)
Metro Nashville Police credit rock star Jon Bon Jovi for helping a woman at the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
The Police department shared on social media, “A shout out to Jon Bon Jovi and his team for helping a woman in #Nashville on the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge Tuesday night. Bon Jovi helped persuade her to come off the ledge over the Cumberland River to safety.”
“It takes all of us to help keep each other safe,” said-Chief John Drake. After removing the woman from the bridge, Metro Nashville and Nashville Fire Department responded to the scene.
A video of the incident was shared on YouTube but has now been taken down. However, other videos remain on social media.
Bon Jovi is in Nashville to film a music video; the bridge was open to the public while filming. He also paid a visit to the Parthenon, where he took photographs with visitors.
Also, Jon Bon Jovi appeared at his newly opened bar on Broadway, JBJ’s Nashville. The bar shared on social media, “You never know who you’ll catch on stage—or behind the bar—at JBJ’s!

New Stadium Costs Rise (WSMV)
Thursday morning’s Metro Sports Authority meeting revealed the latest estimate for the new Nissan Stadium, which is now expected to cost more than $2.235 billion.
This updated figure is higher than the initial $2.1 billion projections. Despite the rising costs, contributions from the Sports Authority and the state remain the same.
The Sports Authority is funding $760 million, while the state is covering $500 million.
Initially, the Titans were responsible for about $840 million, but with the updated estimate, they will now need to cover an additional $135.6 million approximately.
The meeting also provided the Sports Authority with updates on the stadium’s design plans.
The South Plaza will be used as an event space, while Second Street is set to become a pedestrian and festival-friendly area. Security improvements for these spaces are still in the planning stages.

Hemp Farmers Sue Ag Department (Tennessean)
Tennessee hemp growers filed a lawsuit against the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Friday alleging that the state illegally issued a new set of “emergency rules” for the $200 million hemp-derived goods industry.
The rules announced in June include regulations around product testing, labeling and licensing. Hemp farmers say they’re unsure when or how they will be enforced.
“It's very confusing, just in general, to industry members,” Tennessee Growers Coalition President Kelley Hess said. “Nobody seems to have any solid answers on what to expect going forward.”
Tennessee Growers Coalition is a political action committee that advocates for Tennessee businesses that manufacture, grow and sell hemp-derived products. The group filed Friday’s lawsuit alongside two East Tennessee hemp companies, Saylor Enterprises and Gold Spectrum CBD.
In May 2023, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed into law the state’s first regulations for hemp-derived cannabinoids, making it illegal to sell products like delta-8 and CBD to anyone under the age of 21. 
The law also imposed a 6% state tax on the products and tasked the Tennessee Department of Agriculture with oversight of regulation enforcement and a licensing program for Tennessee hemp companies. 
Two months later, in July 2023, the legal age and state tax went into effect, and the law allowed the TDA an additional year to establish formal rules around packaging and licensing in compliance with federal and state regulations. 
“But the department dragged its feet,” the lawsuit states. 
The TDA proposed a set of final rules in December 2023 and held a public hearing in February where it received over 19,000 comments from people in the hemp industry. 
Final rules have yet to be established, but ahead of the July 1 deadline, the TDA issued its emergency rule. The Tennessee Growers Coalition said this rule does not take any public comments into consideration.
“The Tennessee Department of Agriculture promulgated emergency rules for the purpose of establishing a licensing program for retailers and suppliers of hemp-derived cannabinoid products,” the TDA said in a statement online. “Under the emergency rules, the Department will be enforcing all statutory and licensing requirements. The final rules will be completed as soon as possible.”
Tennessee law says an agency may adopt an emergency rule if “an immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare exists.” However, the code also clarifies that an emergency “shall not be based upon the agency’s failure to timely process and file rules through the normal rulemaking process."
The Tennessee Growers Coalition alleges that “agency failure” is the reason for the TDA’s emergency ruling, which would render the emergency rules void. 
“Because it wasted time, it called its own delay an ‘emergency’ and promulgated so-called ‘emergency’ rules without notice, comment or any of the other required rulemaking procedures,” the lawsuit states.
There is also some confusion around timing of the regulations. The emergency rule states that the requirements are not enforceable until Jan. 1, 2025, but the rule itself is set to expire Dec. 25.
The Tennessee Growers Coalition said the majority of its 55 members manufacture, distribute, or sell hemp-derived products that are being impacted by the emergency rules. 
While the state already has an application process in place for licenses, Hess said they aren’t technically required yet and won’t be issued until October at the earliest. 
She said the most cost-heavy aspect of the rules is the requirement around labeling and packaging, which can require a significant amount of capital to change. 
“The biggest challenge is trying to jump through all these hoops,” Hess said. “Hemp was legal and completely descheduled in 2018, and so people have invested their livelihoods and millions of dollars into this industry. Every year, there's another threat, not just heavy regulation, but the threat of being put out of business altogether.”
A court date is set for the case on Sept. 19. 
The Tennessee Growers Coalition and the two Tennessee hemp businesses are seeking an order from the court declaring the emergency rules violated state law and are therefore void.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Columbia Breakfast Rotary Club is prepping for its largest annual fundraiser this weekend at the newly reopened Mulehouse.
Sunset Rhythm & Vines will take place from 7-11 p.m. Saturday at The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St.
The event's featured entertainment will be Alabama tribute act Boys in The Band.
Tickets are $48 per person and are available at www.EventBrite.com. For more information, call [phone].