Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-18-24

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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 18, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Deceased Pastor’s Case Dismissed (CDH)
A case involving an aggravated sexual battery charge of a minor against long-time Columbia pastor David M. Baker, 57, has been abated due to the pastor's death on Sept. 11.
Baker died by apparent suicide just a day after he was arrested and charged by the Maury County Sheriff's Office on Sept. 10. An arrest affidavit obtained from Mt. Pleasant General Sessions Court shows Baker was charged with aggravated sexual battery involving a minor family member between the estimated timeframe of Dec. 9, 2013 and Dec. 9, 2015.
Mt. Pleasant General Sessions Judge J. Lee Bailey, III dismissed the case on Sept. 13 due to the death of Baker.
A Santa Fe native, Baker was the father of 11 children and Columbia pastor of 35 years with his most recent church being Family Baptist Church, where he served as lead pastor. Before becoming a pastor, he served in the U.S. Army.
After Baker made $200,000 bond at 3:13 a.m. Sept. 11, just over nine hours later, he entered the emergency room of Maury Regional Medical Center, walked to the bathroom and was soon found deceased in the bathroom at approximately 12:45 p.m. by apparent suicide.
The hospital was put on temporary lockdown, according to a Sept. 11 press statement by Maury Regional Medical Center.
"The Emergency Department 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 statement said.
Columbia Police Department investigated the incident.
“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 in the previous hospital statement. “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.”
The embattled pastor faced much controversy in 2022 when he ran for Maury County mayor after now U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles dropped out of the race to run for the 5th District Congressional seat, which he ultimately won.
Baker brought a defamation lawsuit against Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt, who was his then opponent, during the election regarding text messages Butt sent to Republican Rick Williams, regarding criticism of Baker's previous business dealings.
The case was later dropped.
Also during the election, Aimee Spires, past member of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Columbia (which filed for bankruptcy in 2011), where Baker served as lead pastor, denounced Baker claiming he told her not to talk to authorities when she was sexually assaulted by a fellow church member when she was a minor.
Spires says she felt he "threw me away," according to a 2022 interview with The Daily Herald.
Previous court affidavits show that Baker cooperated with authorities about the sexual assault, and the church member, James Earl Lovett, was convicted of sexual battery and aggravated sexual battery in 2004.
Maury County Commissioner Ray Jeter, who was close to the Bakers as a teen, spoke out during the election to support Spires' claims.
In a 2022 interview with The Daily Herald, Baker said after he got a DUI 35 years ago and spent a night in jail, he dedicating his life to the ministry. He said he remembers wishing there was a preacher to help him. 
He served as a volunteer at the Maury County Jail for 28 years, including as chaplain, but he was asked to step down from that role in 2022.
Baker’s affiliation with accused Indiana Independent Baptist pastor David Hyles was also questioned during the 2022 election.
Hyles is accused of raping a 15-year-old girl, Joy Ryder, when he was a youth pastor at a megachurch, according to 2018 reports by the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram and other media outlets.
Baker partnered with Hyles in running a ministry Fallen in Grace, a ministry of Family Baptist Church, which once included a retreat center called The Red Barn in Georgia, Baker explained in a previous interview.
Hyles has never been charged.
“It is a ministry of our church,” Baker said in 2022. “We help people, Christians, and pastors who have fallen.”
A memorial service was held Sep. 17 at 3 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC Heritage Funeral Home.

$100M for MRMC Approved by Committee (MSM)
Up to $100 million in funding for a number of expansion projects at Maury Regional Medical Center received approval from the Maury County Commission during Monday’s meeting.
“We have a lot of projects in the works; we have identified five Phase 1 projects that we consider transformational, because they’re really going to change the care of patients and the experience of patients that come to Maury Regional for care,” said Maury Regional Chief Executive Officer Martin Chaney, MD.
The five projects Chaney identified are: the pavilion orthopedic institute, labor & delivery expansion, behavioral health/emergency renovation, roads & parking and expansion of the lobby.
Chaney said one had begun, one was near starting and the others should start in 2025. While the hospital has self-funded much of the work thus far, Chaney said the hospital now needs help from Maury County to continue.
He presented commission members with what he called “turnkey” price estimates that reached $94 million. Additionally, Chaney estimated most of that expenditure would take place over two to three years.
“As you can see from the timeline, we’re going to have a time coming in 2025 when there’s going to be multiple projects going on, and the cash outlays will start coming in and be in larger amounts,” Chaney said. “We’re not sure when we’re going to actually need the money, but when we need it we want to be nimble enough to move and not delay projects.”
Chaney said the orthopedic institute would add 35,000 square feet on the Maury Regional campus and that this particular project was already underway. It would include a women’s center for breast wellness, as Chaney noted MRMC performs 39,000 mammograms annually.
While the language in the resolution calls for the bonds to be paid from both ad valorem (property) taxes and hospital revenues, Chaney pointed out that just like in other instances, Maury Regional would pay off the bonds without any need for county money. Part of the agreement with the county will also require the hospital to keep one year’s worth of debt payment in reserve.
“Maury Regional Health is expected to 100 percent fund the repayment of these bonds over a 20-year period,” Chaney said.
Asked what the hospital’s current debt obligations were, Chief Administrative Officer Charlie Binkley gave an estimate of around $32.3 million, saying the hospital could well handle that.
Commissioner Ray Jeter asked if the bond issuance would affect the county’s borrowing capacity and was told by Finance Director Doug Lukonen that it would not. Jeter also said that since interest from the $100 million would go to Maury Regional until the funds are spent, he would like to see a corresponding reduction in the county’s expected contribution to the ambulance service.
“You’re using our bonding capacity… that $2 million is coming from Maury County taxpayers and if there’s any way we can come back from that, I’d like to see that happen. It would be a win-win for everybody,” Jeter said.
The resolution to fund the hospital expansion passed unanimously.

WWII Veteran Honored with Quilt (CDH)
Veteran Joseph T. Brown was recently presented with a handmade quilt presented by the Quilts of Valor Foundation.
Brown, 100, fought in World War II, where he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Over the course of the war, he was stationed in Guam and also fought in the Guadalcanal campaign in the Pacific Theater, where U.S. Marines landed on the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands in 1942.
He joined up after an experience in Chicago, where he was living at the time, which made him realize he wanted to get out of the city. He was drafted in 1943.
Quilts of Valor as an organization was founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts. Roberts had a dream of a veteran sitting on the edge of his bed in despair. Then in the same dream, she saw the veteran being wrapped in a quilt, and his entire demeanor was changed. Instead of despair, she saw hope. This dream served as the catalyst for Roberts to found Quilts of Valor. Every quilt made by the organization is handmade and unique.
Assumed he was attending a small family gathering, Brown didn’t know he would be presented with a quilt.
However, when relatives and faces he didn’t recognize filed into the room, he asked what was happening.
Brown was then presented with the quilt, told the significance of it, and wrapped in it. He remarked on how warm it felt.
Even after all these years, Brown still looks back on his time serving his country fondly.
“I considered it a privilege and a duty to do it,” Brown said.

Cumberland Skin Surgery (WKOM Audio 1:25)
Yesterday, Cumberland Skin Surgery and Dermatology held their grand opening in Spring Hill. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy attended the ribbon cutting and spoke to Physician Assistant Callie Graves to learn more about they will be offering to their patients…

Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is proud to announce the commencement of the 4th year of the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC). The 2024-25 class held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Columbia City Hall. This year’s CMYC is made up of students from various Maury County high schools who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The CMYC’s mission is to educate students about local government, encourage civic participation, and develop future leaders within Columbia’s diverse high school population. Monthly meetings and community projects will provide opportunities for students to engage directly with their local government and make a positive impact on the community. The 2024-25 CMYC members were selected through an open application process, available to all public, private, and home-schooled high school students in Maury County. Applications were accepted from August 1st through August 23rd. Mayor Chaz Molder shared his enthusiasm for the new class, stating, “Being a homegrown Columbian, and also the youngest Mayor to serve in this role, investing in our youth has been a top priority for me from the very beginning, and I am proud to see the continued success of the Mayor’s Youth Council. This program has created a meaningful platform for young leaders to contribute to our community. The students selected for this year’s Council all bring fresh perspectives and a shared passion for making Columbia a better place. I am excited to see what they will accomplish and proud of this investment in our future, because I have no doubt it will make meaningful returns.”
To learn more about the CMYC or stay updated on their projects and initiatives, visit www.columbiatn.gov/cmyc. You can also follow the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council on Facebook and Instagram.

Taize Service at St. Peter’s (Press Release)
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Columbia is holding a Taizé prayer service on Sunday, September 29, at 5:00pm in the Sanctuary. St. Peter’s is located at 311 West 7th Street in downtown Columbia, next door to the Polk Home.
This type of service is comprised of meditative worship, periods of silence, and sung prayers by the congregation inside a candlelit sanctuary. The service originates from the Taizé community in France that is home to a brotherhood of Christian monks.
Dr. Peter Douglas, Director of Music at St. Peter’s and organizer of the service, describes it as “a contemplative service in which all are invited to take a purposeful pause in our busy lives to sing together, listen to the Word of God, and experience the power of silence.”
According to the Taizé Community, singing is one of the most essential elements of worship. Short songs, repeated again and again, give it a meditative character. Another key element of a Taizé prayer service is silence. The Taizé Community writes, “When we try to express communion with God in words, our minds quickly come up short. But, in the depths of our being, through the Holy Spirit, Christ is praying far more than we imagine. Remaining in silence in God’s presence, open to the Holy Spirit, is already prayer.”
This service is open to the public.

MRMC Stroke Alliance (Press Release)
The United Stroke Alliance is hosting a Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp, a transformative weekend retreat designed for stroke survivors and their caregivers. This experience-packed weekend will take place October 18-20 at Pickwick Landing State Park in Counce, Tennessee. This event is proudly sponsored by Maury Regional Health Care Foundation with volunteers from the nursing team at Maury Regional Medical Center.
“We’re proud to sponsor this important event that brings together stroke survivors and their caregivers in a nurturing and educational environment,” said Courtney Lewandowski, development specialist of the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation. “The Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp offers a unique opportunity for participants to find community, learn valuable information and focus on their well-being.”
The United Stroke Alliance is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to uniting and educating people about the prevention, awareness and recovery of stroke for survivors, caregivers and their families.
The Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp is an opportunity for stroke survivors and their caregivers to escape the routine of daily life and immerse themselves in a supportive community. This weekend retreat is filled with engaging activities, educational sessions and plenty of relaxation, all tailored to the unique needs of those affected by stroke. An attendee can expect:
New friendships: Connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges.
Pampering and relaxation: Take advantage of sessions focused on personal care and relaxation.
Comfortable accommodation: Stay in cozy rooms with the tranquil setting of Pickwick Landing State Park.
Delicious meals: Enjoy meals that cater to a variety of dietary preferences.
Creative outlets: Participate in therapeutic and fun craft activities.
Educational sessions: Gain insights from experts on stroke recovery and caregiving.
Engaging discussions: Share your experience and learn from others during facilitated discussions.
Games and entertainment: Enjoy a variety of games and entertainment options.
And more!
 
Several Maury Regional Health employees are volunteering at the event, including Amanda Cothran, disease specific coordinator at Maury Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Services administration, where she will present a session on ‘life after stroke.’
“Attending Stroke Camp provides an opportunity to not only learn about life after a stroke but also to connect with others who are on a similar journey,” said Cothran. “I’ll be sharing insights on recovery, navigating challenges and how to rebuild your life with confidence. This camp is about empowerment—helping stroke survivors and their families feel supported and informed every step of the way.
The cost for the weekend is $100 per person, and registration is now open. Rooms are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to register, visit strokecamp.org, click ‘find a camp’ and follow the prompts to select the camp in Columbia. For questions, you can contact the United Stroke alliance at 309.688.5450 or visit strokealliance.com.
Maury Regional Medical Center is recognized with certification as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Physicians providing care include Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) hospital-based neurologists, a neurosurgeon and other clinical professionals.

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!

And now, news from around the state…
Boating Deaths on Rise (Tennessean)
Three drownings in less than a week in Tennessee pushed boat or watercraft-related deaths on state waters to 19 this year as of mid-September, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
The state has averaged about 22 boat or watercraft fatalities per year since 1965, according to the TWRA's 2023 Tennessee Boating Incident Statistical Report.
The TWRA also reported 46 boat or watercraft-related injuries in 2024, according to agency spokesperson Barry Cross.
The TWRA released the following information on the most recent drownings on Tennessee lakes as well as some additional statistics:
A 74-year-old Murfreesboro man participating in a fishing tournament at Normandy Lake in Coffee County drowned on Sept. 14, according to the TWRA.
William Henry did not return for tournament weigh-in, which led to a search. Henry was found unresponsive near his vessel.
Coffee County first responders pronounced Henry dead. He was wearing a lifejacket. The investigation is continuing.
A Virginia man drowned Sept. 12 on Old Hickory Lake in Wilson County during an outing on a pontoon boat with family and friends in the Spencer Creek area, according to the TWRA.
Clarence Claiborne, 49, from Petersburg, Virginia, reportedly jumped into the lake for a swim at about 12:45 p.m., according to the preliminary investigation.    
Claiborne, who was not wearing a life jacket, did not resurface and couldn't be found by any other passengers on the boat. Multiple emergency crews responded, and Claiborne's body was found at about 5:30 p.m.
The investigation is continuing.
Authorities believe a Hermitage man out with friends drowned after jumping into Percy Priest Lake late Sept. 11, as the boat was drifting in a no-wake zone near Elm Hill Marina, according to the TWRA.
Jason McDonald, 55, immediately struggled and called for help as the boat was drifting away, based on the preliminary investigation. Before a rescue could be made, McDonald disappeared under the water and did not resurface.
The Metro Fire Department made a recovery at about 1:55 a.m. on Sept. 12.
McDonald was not wearing a lifejacket.
It was the third boating-related fatality on Percy Priest Lake this year.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Daryl Hall will hit the road in November for a month-long stint with special guest Howard Jones, who appeared with him on the latest edition of “Live from Daryl’s House,” on YouTube.
The tour starts November 7, 2024 at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando with a date at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium on November 19, 2024.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing with Howard on ‘Live from Daryl’s House,’ and look forward to joining forces on this tour,” said Hall. “It should be a great night.”
Find tickets at www.ryman.com.