Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-12-24

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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 12, 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.

School Board Members Take Oath (MSM)
The Maury County School Board held its first meeting last week with newly elected members Frank Bellamy (District 2), Darryl Martin (4), David Moore (5), Sue Stephenson (6), Brendan Babcock (8) and Lesa Webster-Dawson (10).
The six were sworn in by County Mayor Sheila Butt and join incumbent members Kristen Shull (District 1), Jamila Brown (3), Will Sims (7), Steve McGee (9) and Jackson Carter (11).
Superintendent Lisa Ventura welcomed the new members and thanked them for taking on the board’s responsibilities.
“The jobs that you all do while you are on this dais are so important to the lives of the children of Maury County. And not only do you represent every family in your district, but once you’re on this dais you do represent 13,000 children and 2,000 employees,” she reminded them. “Sometimes it’s a thankless job, and sometimes more difficult than it looks… but… I appreciate you all so much.”
Stephenson thanked the district’s IT and HR departments for onboarding the new board members so quickly.
“I just really want to compliment those departments for all that they’ve done for us so far,” she said.
Chairman Will Sims was re-elected by acclamation, as was Vice Chairman Jackson Carter. David Moore was elected as chairman pro tempore, Steve McGee as Tennessee legislative liaison, Jamila Brown as sick-bank trustee and Kristen Shull as alternate sick-bank trustee.
The School Board passed several budget amendments and determined to vote on four new ones at the next meeting. They also voted to sell surplus electronic equipment on GovDeals and destroy computers that were damaged or contained sensitive information. Stephenson asked why some computers that were in “Good” or “Excellent” condition were included in the surplus; Superintendent Ventura replied that some were desktop monitors which the students and teachers now couldn’t use.
“In matters of technology, it’s mostly that we have evolved to newer, better, higher-quality technology,” she clarified.
The Board also approved the Touchdown Club and Baseball Booster Clubs at Battle Creek High School. These support clubs would have normally had to wait at least a month for approval because they hadn’t submitted the approval request by Aug. 1, but the board agreed to waive that timing requirement to allow them to start operating, since they were certified with the state and the IRS and Battle Creek wasn’t yet open on Aug. 1.

Marshall Medical Center Offers Autism Testing (MSM)
Marshall Medical Center (MMC) Physical Therapy is proud to announce the launch of autism testing services, significantly reducing the wait times and travel burdens for families in southern Middle Tennessee.
Until now, families had to endure a multiple-month or year-long waitlist at facilities further away in Nashville, Murfreesboro or other distant cities. The new service, launched at the end of July, offers autism evaluations in the area for both children and adults.
“We are incredibly proud of the dedicated staff at Marshall Medical Center Physical Therapy who have worked tirelessly to bring this essential service to our community,” said Phyllis Brown, CEO of Marshall Medical Center. “Their commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care ensures that families in our region have access to the critical resources they need, right here at home. This new autism testing service is a testament to their hard work and unwavering dedication to our patients.”
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social interactions, communication and repetitive behaviors. The spectrum nature of autism means that it manifests differently in everyone, with varying degrees of severity and a diverse range of symptoms. Some common signs include difficulty in making eye contact, delayed language development, strict adherence to routines and unique sensory processing experiences. Autism is generally diagnosed in early childhood, but signs can be apparent at any age.
Danielle Kissane, autism spectrum disorder clinical specialist (ASDCS) at MMC, spearheaded this initiative, having recognized the urgent demand for local autism testing.
“I saw a need for autism testing to be available in our area,” said Kissane. “Beyond offering testing, I can also lead parent classes and work with our local schools to help them build best practices for students with ASD.”
The journey to offering these services began in 2023, involving a detailed process of approvals, form submissions, and 40+ hours of coursework and examinations with PESI Rehab. This follows best practices, guaranteeing that the testing and subsequent support services meet high expectations of care.
The testing protocol includes a developmental screening followed by one of two advanced pathways, depending on the need of the child or adult: The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Review (ADI-R), ideal for adults and parents of non-verbal children, or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), best suited for verbal children.
“We are committed to supporting our community by offering these essential services locally,” added Kissane. “Our goal is to provide a thorough evaluation and work closely with families and educators to support children with ASD effectively.”
For appointments, families or individuals will need a referral from their physician.
Marshall Medical Center remains dedicated to delivering exceptional care for every patient, and this new autism testing program is a testament to that commitment.
Marshall Medical Center Physical Therapy recently expanded 2,600-square-foot of space dedicated pediatric therapy, which supports occupational, speech and physical therapy programs.
Learn more or schedule an autism evaluation at MauryRegional.com/Autism or call [phone].

Hampshire Principal (MSM)
When Ronnie Brewer left Hampshire Unit School in 2021, he left a teaching post. Now that he’s returned as its principal, he has no intention of leaving again.
“It was a hard decision, I was very happy here. And I tell anybody that asks, of all the places I’ve been, this was always the most enjoyable place I’ve ever taught,” he told Main Street Maury.
Brewer started teaching math and coaching basketball at Hampshire in 2017. He studied and started his career as a teacher in the 1990s, but only came back to it after tutoring kids at his church.
“I remember helping them at math and trying to encourage them at school,” he reminisced, “and I felt like I could make just as big a difference in the classroom.”
What drew him away from education was ministry. Brewer, a Lewis County native who lives today in Hohenwald, was the pastor of First Baptist Church of Lobelville for 20 years, and he continued to minister on a part-time schedule when he resumed teaching. From that pastoral experience he learned the truth of the old saw that “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” and he applies that to his educational work.
While studying at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky., he started a six-year stint as an administrator in the Lewis County Jail, which was an education in itself.
“Every inmate… was somebody’s kid or grandkid or spouse or brother or sister,” he learned, “and you still treat people with respect. Those people that came into my office had already had enough life trauma.”
He still sees the fruits of his approach from time to time.
“I see some of them today that have flourished, and we’re friends today,” in recalling an experience familiar to every schoolteacher.
After teaching there for four years, Brewer left Hampshire in 2021 to take an offered assistant principal position in Hickman County. He became principal the next year and stayed in that role two years.
“Those three years have helped me become a better leader, to encourage people,” he said. ” I’m a firm believer in: you hire good people, you turn them loose to do what they’re good at… and then you support them.”
Then the departure of Hampshire’s principal opened another door.
“I said if I could come back, I would,” he smiled, and he made good on that resolution this year.
Brewer said he appreciates Hampshire’s teachers and administrators a great deal.
“The staff just welcomed you in, and within a month I felt like I had been here my whole career. People [are] invested here,” he said. “Many of the people that I worked with… [are] still here, so it’s like a homecoming.”
The teachers sense something special about Hampshire, staying there for many years, and they work hard to keep the school in great shape.
Brewer said, “No matter how successful our teachers are, when I meet with them they want to know, ‘How can we still improve and get better?’ “
The parents of students also do their part to reinforce the importance of education.
“The parental support for our students is second to none,” Brewer said. “If you can get that support from home, it sure makes things… more effective, more productive.”
The town of Hampshire “rallies around” the school, and the school in turn holds “community activities” to more involve the citizens in school life.
Hampshire benefits even more from the enthusiasm and constancy of its volunteers.
“I probably worked harder at Hampshire than at any other place I’ve taught, and the reason is… that everybody’s involved in everything,” the principal said. “We’re a small staff and if there’s something to be done, people pitch in… People would say ‘I’ll work a ball game,’ ‘We’re serving on committees,’ ‘We’re working… to bring the community in.’ You’ve got to be willing to do it yourself, that’s what leaders do, but whatever you ask of them, they’re up here saying ‘Look, I’ll do it.’ “
Brewer has no intention of “saving” or “fixing” Hampshire because there’s no need to. The unit school has been riding high for a while, performing very well on standardized tests and taking home best-in-county for one math and five English grade levels for 2023-24.
“My goal has always been, when you leave, leave it better off than when you got there,” he said modestly.
Brewer plans to continue the working strategies at the school, the slight annual increases in test scores and the slight annual decreases in discipline referrals.
“We work across grade levels. Second grade is working with third grade, [asking] ‘How effective were we in second grade last year?’… The third grade takes that information and says ‘How can we improve that?’ The fourth grade does the same thing,” he explained. “The staff here wants to be top-notch. When you have people that are willing to work like that, that [improvement] is what we’re going to continue to do.”
He isn’t worried about whether these will bring results.
“I brag on Hampshire,” he admitted wryly at the end of the interview. “There’s a reason people file for out-of-zone to come to Hampshire, because it’s a special place… I’m looking to stay here and make this place as good as we can make it, and we’ve got the staff to make that happen, no doubt about it.”

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.

And now, news from around the state…
Jim Sasser Passes (Tennessean)
Jim Sasser, the last Democrat to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate, who later went on to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China during the Clinton administration, died on Tuesday. He was 87.
Sasser died at his home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina at about 5:40 p.m. on Sept. 10, his family confirmed, days before his 88th birthday.
"As his friends and former staff will attest, Dad loved his family, the State of Tennessee, his years serving in the U.S. Senate, and old cars, too, and loved them in that order," his children Gray and Elizabeth Sasser said in a statement. "He believed in the nobility of public service and the transformational power of government."
Former U.S. Sen. Jim Cooper, D-Nashville, told The Tennessean on Tuesday that Sasser "represented the best in public service."
"He was humble, gentle, kind, smart. He knew regular people and regular people loved him," Cooper said. "He wasn't flashy, showy. He didn't run for president. He just wanted to represent Tennesseans, and he did an awesome job at it."
Former Vice President and U.S. Sen. Al Gore described Sasser as "a man of outstanding character and conviction, a great United States Senator and later an outstanding diplomat in the truest sense of the word."
"It is impossible to put into words how much Jim Sasser meant to me and my family," Gore said in a statement. "Throughout his career in public service, Jim represented the best of Tennessee and the best of America. He was an effective leader not simply because he spoke clearly and persuasively about the initiatives he believed in, but also because he listened intently to the concerns, hopes, and aspirations of his constituents and colleagues."

Drought Conditions (Tennessean)
Several Middle Tennessee cities have asked residents to conserve water as dry conditions are expected to continue indefinitely across the state.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Francine are expected to march across West and Middle Tennessee at the end of this week, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Nashville, but they warn the coming rain won't be enough to completely eradicate the drought.
Spring Hill is the latest city to enact such conservation efforts, joining Portland and Franklin as the third town in a growing list.
So far, there have been three official city announcements asking residents to conserve water, but more are expected in the coming days, especially in areas around the Duck River.
Split between Robertson and Sumner Counties to the north of Nashville, the City of Portland issued a water shortage alert on Sept. 6, citing low City Lake levels and a lack of rainfall in the area.
City officials said Friday on Facebook that Portland's raw water supply is nearing emergency status.
Franklin residents were asked days earlier, on Sept. 4, to stop all non-essential water use until further notice. The Williamson County seat is under an emergency status 1 water shortage.
Spring Hill and other cities in the Duck River Basin are choosing to enact voluntary water conservation measures at the request of the Duck River Agency, a nearly 60-year-old comprehensive regional development agency responsible for the control and development of water resources in the Duck River Watershed in Bedford, Coffee, Hickman, Marshall and Maury Counties.  
“There’s a lot of perception that the river is being drained because of water withdrawals and growth… the withdrawals haven’t really changed since we started seeing these low levels… a lot of it is because of the drought and losing sections of the Duck River,” Duck River Agency Executive Director Doug Murphy said.
According to American Rivers, the Duck River flows nearly 300 miles through seven counties in Middle Tennessee and is one of the top three most biodiverse rivers in the world.
And its geology makes it equally unique.
Low river flow levels have been observed in several downstream entities due to significant amounts of river water being lost to groundwater replenishment.
“The Duck River is a really unique river in that during low flow periods or drought periods, we lose about 25% of the river to underground karst,” Murphy said. He explained that karst is mostly, crack-laden limestone underneath the Duck River that does not absorb water.
“It lets water run through it real easy,” he said. “The Duck River Basin’s upper portion of the watershed is a very karst system, so we have a lot of water that goes underground… when it gets dry, more water goes underground because the water table gets low, and the river’s trying to refill the groundwater.”
Tennessee could see some relief later in the week due to intensifying tropical storm Francine in the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm is expected to bring several inches of much-needed rain beginning Thursday.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Megan Moroney will be hitting the road in 2025 for her 25-date "Am I Okay? Tour," which will bring the emo cowgirl to The Pinnacle for two show dates.
Moroney will play the new music venue on April 9 and 10 next year.
The "Tennessee Orange" singer announced the tour on Tuesday.
In the midst of her successful sophomore album, Moroney recently garnered three 2024 CMA Award nominations. On Monday morning, the Country Music Association announced Moroney was nominated in the New Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories.
Moroney's upcoming Nashville shows will take place at The Pinnacle, a new music venue that will open in March.
The Pinnacle will be located at Nashville Yards and will include a concert hall with a 4,500-person capacity. The venue will also feature a horseshoe balcony and a lifter floor.
General on-sale will begin on Friday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. at meganmoroney.com.