All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content.
Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Traffic Safety (Press Release)
Yesterday, local law enforcement conducted a Multi-Agency Traffic
Safety Operation.
In an effort to reduce traffic crashes and fatalities, Law Enforcement
Officers from the Columbia Police Department, Maury County Sheriff’s
Department, Spring Hill Police Department, and the Tennessee Highway
Patrol worked together to conduct high visibility, directed traffic
enforcement on Nashville Hwy.
In 3 hours over 70 traffic stops were conducted on Nashville Highway
with multiple citations and arrests being made. Some of the violations
that officers encountered were speeding, distracted driving, seatbelt
violations, violation of the move-over law, and driving on
revoked/suspended driver's license.
Traffic Safety Operations with an emphasis on school zones and in high
vehicle crash rate areas will continue in the future.
The Columbia Police Department encourages everyone to drive safely
every day!
Music Historic Marker Coming to Columbia (CDH)
The Roaring '20s were a time when blues and soul singers were some of
the most popular entertainment acts, and one local star is being honored
by a new Tennessee Music Pathways marker.
This will be the second Music Pathways marker Columbia has been
awarded, but the first honoring an individual person. The first marker
was dedicated in 2022 recognizing The Mulehouse as a significant
Tennessee music venue located along the state's historic music trail.
"It is a statewide music trail that we have now officially, and again,
become a part of," Columbia Tourism and Marketing Director Kellye
Murphy said. "And this is a wonderful marker."
Born in Columbia's College Hill district in 1906, Lillie Mae Glover was
famously known as "Ma Rainey II," taking the name following the death
of the late blues innovator.
"Roberts Street was where she was born, which is a street that no longer
exists," Murphy said. "She was a very interesting character, from what
I've been told."
After running away from home at age 13, Glover began performing
regularly on Beale Street in Memphis in the late 1920s. She was later
inducted into the Hall of Fame of Music & Entertainment in 1981.
Glover died in 1985 and now has a "brass note" marker dedicated to her
life and legacy on Beale Street.
The new Tennessee Pathways marker will be located at the intersection
of East 8th and Woodland Streets, commonly referred as "The Bottom,"
which once was a thriving area for Black-owned businesses, night clubs
and other social gathering spots.
"We didn't really want to put it directly in a residential neighborhood,
but in a more-trafficked area over off of 8th," Murphy said. "Public
Works will install it ... and I expect it to be very interesting, that it's done
tastefully and just a nice-looking marker."
Autism Database (MainStreetMaury)
Last summer, Maury County Fire paramedic Fabian Oden developed an
autism database to help first responders when arriving on the scene of an
emergency. Now Oden is asking for the community’s help in
implementing the program.
Oden is applying for a FedEx small business grant to update the current
version of the database, Rapid Guardian. Oden said the new version
provides more details and is more organized.
“A major concern for 49% of autistic children is wandering,” Oden said
in a Facebook post. “These vulnerable individuals tend to bolt from safe
settings with little sense of danger, and oftentimes, tragically, wander
toward bodies of water resulting in drownings.”
Oden said Rapid Guardian integrates with 911 communication center
maps, allowing the dispatcher to identify the closest body of water and
send first responders to that location to search for the missing individual.
Parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are also
able to provide information about any social communication and
behavioral challenges so first responders can better communicate.
Oden said the new version will go into effect once Maury EMA
(Emergency Management Agency) purchases the database.
If awarded with the grant, Oden said he will be able to promote the
system and add more features.
“As a community, let’s be proactive and help get this implemented and
not wait until a tragedy happens,” Oden said, adding that there have
been several incidents when law enforcement had a call for individuals
who could benefit from the system.
K-9 Units Protect Maury Regional (CDH)
As the second healthcare facility and the first rural hospital in Tennessee
to implement a K-9 unit, Maury Regional Medical Center has become a
model for other hospitals in the state.
Now furry four-legged canine staff members will be a frequent sight on
the hospital property.
The K-9 unit is an important component of the MRMC Security
Department, which consists of 18 total security officers. Working in
unison, the entire group patrols Maury Regional Health’s buildings and
properties in Columbia to ensure a safe environment for all patients,
staff, and visitors.
“The primary goal of the K-9 unit is to help deescalate tense situations,
allowing staff and visitors to feel more comfortable and at ease when the
dogs are present,” Mike Short, Administrative Director of Safety,
Security and Environmental Services, said.
“While the dogs help to contribute to a safer campus overall, we wanted
to ensure they were personable: able to connect with and make people
more comfortable when they are at the hospital. That can often mean
stopping at nursing units to say hello to staff or brightening the day of a
patient with a quick visit.”
MRMC’s K-9 unit started in 2019 with Belgian Malinois brothers Max
and Milo and their respective handlers security officers Scott Nations
and John Holland. In 2021, Maverick, a Dutch shepherd, and Merlin, a
Belgian Malinois, joined the unit along with their respective handlers
security officers Chris Lovett and James Hill.
Adding Maverick and Merlin to the team made it possible for a security
K-9 to be available at the medical center 24/7.
“Our job is to make things safer for our patients, visitors, and staff,” said
Nations, the K-9 unit supervisor for the organization. “People often
seem surprised to see one of the dogs walking down the hall, but their
presence can provide reassurance and bring a sense of safety to those we
encounter.”
Prior to beginning work at MRMC, all K-9s and their handlers attend an
intensive obedience and training program at Ventosa K9 Kennel in
North Carolina, with a special emphasis on training for the unique needs
of a healthcare environment. In addition to being skilled at deescalating
tense situations, they are trained to detect upwards of 20 odors and are
able to serve as a community resource if called upon by local law
enforcement agencies.
“At Maury Regional, we are committed to ensuring the safety and
security of all individuals who enter our buildings,” Short said.
“Sometimes in health care, emotions can run high. Having one of our K-
9s on duty to respond to these tense situations can often calm individuals
through their presence alone before it escalates. They can definitely
change the dynamic of most any interaction by their very presence.”
“They’re part of the team,” Nations said. “They get excited to come into
work each day. They love seeing the staff — Max probably hears 150
times a day how beautiful he is, but they take their jobs and the safety of
our staff, patients, and visitors very seriously.”
The K-9 program is made possible through funding from the Maury
Regional Health Care Foundation and the Maury Regional Medical
Center Auxiliary, a service organization that funds special requests from
departments of the medical center through fundraising activities and
revenue generated from the operation of the hospital’s gift shop.
Schools Get STEM Grants (Press Release)
J. E. Woodard Elementary and Randolph Howell Elementary both
have been awarded grants from the Tennessee Valley Authority, in
partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., a TVA retiree
organization, to develop science, technology, engineering, and math
education projects to help spark student interest in future careers in
STEM-related fields.
Teachers across TVA’s seven-state region applied for funding of
up to $5,000 for projects, and 238 applications were selected.
“We are excited to have this funding to support hands-on activities
and programs that help students develop skills that can apply to real-
world problem solving,” said Amy Roberts, CTE Director for Maury
County Schools. “We want to open doors to high quality, rewarding jobs
for our students, and the grant will help us introduce them to these
subjects from a young age.”
Schools who are awarded grants must receive their power from a
local power company served by TVA. Woodard and Howell Elementary
are both served by Columbia Power and Water System.
J. E. Woodard Elementary School will use its $5000 grant to get
students engaged with nature and protecting our environment. Part of
enjoying nature is learning to protect our environment. This will be
accomplished by sharing the marvels of nature, highlighting/partnering
with National Parks, and utilizing STEM content/challenges that focus
on the environment. Learning will be framed with literature &
immersive experiences. The students will be challenged to find beauty in
nature & share their discoveries. These discoveries will be displayed in
the school & in dedicated outdoor spaces. One of the inspirations is
“Camp Carol Ann”. Woodard’s principal, a passionate naturist has
extensive collections of artifacts from her years of outdoors adventures.
Those artifacts become the foundation for discussing rocks, fossils,
animal habitats, and mysteries of nature. Coupled with Camp Carol Ann
will be extensive learning guided by immersive studies of National
Parks, STEM challenges and a live STEAM event with challenges
revolving around real-life challenges faced by 6 different national parks.
In the end, our students will be identifying human impact on nature and
creating solutions that minimize that impact.
A $3500 grant awarded for Randolph Howell Elementary STEM
Schools Nature Trail will be a collaborative effort between students,
staff, families, and community partners. The intention of the project is to
create a natural and usable green space for both learning and community
enjoyment. They anticipate that all stakeholders will join together to
create a learning space that highlights local flora and fauna and provides
education about how to live within the natural world. This will be
achieved by creating the physical trail and installing attractive and
durable signage. This space will also include opportunities for meeting
the gross motor and sensory needs of our community. The anticipated
result is that students and community will have access to green learning
spaces within our rapidly expanding community.
“TVA is committed to supporting STEM education to help develop
today’s students into tomorrow’s engineers, scientists and IT
professionals,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA executive vice president and
chief external relations officer. “It’s inspiring to be able to contribute to
the innovators of the next generation.”
Since 2018, TVA and BVI have awarded nearly $5 million in
STEM grants to support local education.
A full list of grant recipients, and information on how to apply for
a future STEM grant can be found at www.tvastem.com.
Midstate Classic (CDH)
Other than perhaps Mule Day, one of Columbia’s biggest events is the
always popular and competitive seventh annual Midstate Classic softball
tournament.
The collegiate doubleheader, which kicks off Wednesday, March 15 at
Ridley Sports Complex, was part of Columbia City Council's study
session discussion this month, where the city will vote on a resolution to
accept $19,000 generated by sponsor donations to help fund the
tournament.
Tickets to the Midstate Classic are $10 and available by contacting
Columbia Parks and Recreation at (931) 388-8119 or online
at www.ColumbiaTN.com/MidstateClassic.
Parks and Recreation Director Mack Reagan said the event typically
sells out at about 2,000 seats. As of now, fewer than 500 tickets remain
to be sold, and the ones still available are going fast.
"It's going to be another big year, and everything is planned, itineraries
are set and right now we're working on the final details, such as meals,"
Reagan said. "Everything is set to go, and we are looking forward to a
great day. The only thing we can't control is the weather."
This year's games will once again feature the University of Tennessee
Lady Volunteers, who will face off against the Austin Peay State
University Governors beginning at 5:30 p.m.
"The University of Tennessee is bringing probably one of the best teams
in the country," Reagan said. "They are just unreal."
Earlier in the day, Columbia State Community College will face Motlow
Community College at 1 p.m.
In addition, Columbia Central High School will kick off the tournament
against Tullahoma High School starting at 10 a.m.
“I am so excited about this year’s Midstate Classic between the
Tennessee Lady Vols and Austin Peay State University Govs," Mayor
Chaz Molder said. "Once again, Columbia serves as the host site for one
of the most highly attended softball games in the state; and once again,
Ridley Sports Complex will serve as a showcase venue for this event.
"Most of all, I am proud of our team at the Parks and Recreation
Department for their good work in putting on this event every year and
helping our youth, in particular young women in our community, see
first-hand a collegiate sport being played in our community at a very
high level.”
CSCC Performance Series (Press Release)
Columbia State Community College welcomes Appalachian Road Show
to the Cherry Theater on March 16 as part of the First Farmers
Performance Series.
Appalachian Road Show is a visionary acoustic ensemble, bringing new-
generation interpretations of traditional Americana, bluegrass and folk
songs, as well as offering innovative original music, all presented with a
common thread tied directly to the heart of the Appalachian regions of
the United States. Appalachian Road Show invites us to come and sit a
spell on its porch as the band shares its dynamic musicianship through
songs and stories emanating from the mountains and hollers of North
Carolina and Virginia to the coal mines of West Virginia and Kentucky.
“We are excited to welcome this talented group of musicians to our
Performance Series,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president
for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State
Foundation. “Their authentic bluegrass sound is beloved by many, and
tickets are selling fast! Don't miss the opportunity to join the celebration
of genuine Appalachian music.”
Individual tickets are on sale for $30 each plus tax for adults and $20
each plus tax for Columbia State students. To charge tickets by phone
using a major credit card, call 931.540.2879 or purchase them in person
in Room 113 of the Pryor Administration Building on the Columbia
Campus, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
On the night of the performance, the box office opens at 6 p.m. in the
Kenneth and Ramona Cherry Theater, located in the Waymon L.
Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus. Theater doors open at 6:30
p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. The Columbia Campus is located at
1665 Hampshire Pike in Columbia.
For more information, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Performance-
Series.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes &
Nichols Funeral Home…
Mr. Thomas Harry Anderson, husband of Columbia native, Josephine
Elizabeth (Jo Beth) Folger passed away on March 2, 2023 in Los Altos,
California. A graveside service for Mr. Anderson will be held Saturday
at 11:00 A.M. at Williamsport Cemetery. Oakes & Nichols Funeral
Directors are assisting the family with arrangements.
…And now, news from around the state…
Transportation Secretary Gives Money to BNA (thenewstn)
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg traveled to Nashville
International Airport on Friday to celebrate a $7 million grant to help
improve the main airport access road.
The funding is part of nearly $1 billion in Airport Terminal Program
grants announced by the Department of Transportation, which saw
Buttigieg also visit Memphis International Airport, which received $14.8
million, and Charles W. Baker Airport in Millington, which received $1
million, as part of $22 million in grants for airport projects in the state.
Nashville International Airport is also rebuilding one of their taxiways
through an additional $8.6 million from the federal Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act.
Buttigieg was joined at BNA by Nashville Mayor John Cooper,
Nashville Airport Authority President and CEO Doug Kreulen, as well
as numerous other Nashville council members, Tenn. State Senators and
Representatives, including a few mayoral hopefuls for a tour of airport
facilities.
Notably, no representatives from the governor's office and no federal-
level Tenn. representatives were present.
“As we continue to go forward, every little bit helps when you're
running big programs like that, so we're appreciative of the $7 million
that we're receiving this year and the $8 million-plus we received last
year,” Kreulen said.
In January, BNA opened their new Grand Lobby, a part of the $1.5
billion BNA Vision project which will be complete later this year.
Last year, BNA began work on the $1.4 billion New Horizons
expansion that will include updates to two concourses, an air freight
building, terminal roadway improvements and baggage handling system
upgrades, which is scheduled to be complete in late 2028.
“This airport is central to the success of the city,” Cooper said.
“We need the investment -- This is a billion for expansion. There's
interior design, artwork, pedestrian bridge, hotel, terminals, concourse,
baggage handling improvements -- all of that is going to create a front
door for Nashville that I think is going to be unexcelled in the country.”
Buttigieg praised the private-public partnership between the BNA and
the government, both local and federal.
“There is a direct connection between that action, that legislation that
President Biden signed, and where we are now with this infrastructure
package improving our airports, fixing tens of thousands of miles of
roads, repairing thousands of bridges, bringing affordable public transit
to millions of Americans.”
Buttigieg and the U.S. Department of Transportation recently came
under fire following nationwide airline travel issues centered around
Southwest Airlines during the 2022 Christmas holiday, which saw
massive delays and cancellations, including at BNA.
Buttigieg said during his Nashville visit that they are continuing to work
on addressing airline issues, including an announcement to ban “junk
fees” related to families who are flying with children.
This is the second high-profile visit from a Biden administration official
to Middle Tennessee in one month, following U.S. Sec. of the Treasury
Janet Yellen's visit to a Spring Hill electric vehicle battery plant in
February.
Buttigieg and the Biden administration as a whole are facing mounting
scrutiny following a toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which
has caused an environmental disaster whose impacts are not yet fully
understood by either the government nor the public.
“What I made clear then, and what I'm working to make sure we make
good off for as long as I'm here, is that they will not be left alone,”
Buttigieg told reporters during a BNA press conference. “We've had
folks on the ground from day one from this administration, EPA in
particular is working to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for the
cleanup, our departments supporting the independent safety
investigation, and I also believe this is a moment when the whole
country needs to look at rail safety.”
SRO Officer Saves Franklin Student (wkrn.com)
A Williamson County school resource officer is being hailed a hero after
possibly saving a student’s life.
Authorities stated, at around 8 a.m. Monday, a 16-year-old student was
found unresponsive in a car in the parking lot at the high school.
The SRO was notified and sources said the SRO administered two doses
of Narcan to the unresponsive boy, bringing him back.
Officials with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the
school nurse and EMS also quickly responded and helped render
medical aid for the teen.
Because of privacy, officials with Williamson County Schools wouldn’t
talk on camera, but officials did issue a statement confirming that
Narcan is in all Williamson County Schools and multiple personnel are
trained how to use it.
News of the potentially life saving effort was well received among
residents across the street from Franklin High School who salute the
deputy’s quick actions and expressed mild surprise that Narcan is inside
Williamson County Schools.
“All I have to say is, ‘Thanks for saving that kid’s life,'” one resident
said.
“Williamson County, the richest county in the state, and they have
Narcan in the schools. I am glad they have it, but wish they didn’t need
it,” another resident said.
According to Williamson County Schools, all the Narcan in the schools
is donated by the anti-drug coalition, which donates a double pack of
Narcan to each school clinic after specific training has been completed.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The band Chicago is celebrating 56 years!
They just announced new tour dates for 2023 which includes a stop in
Franklin, TN at FirstBank Amphitheater on Monday, September 25,
2023. This concert is part of the Farm Bureau series.
Presale begins on Thursday, March 9th at 10 am with code OPENER.
Public sale opens on Friday at 10 am.
Find tickets at ticketmaster.com.
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