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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for December 2, 2024
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Driver’s Center to Close (Press Release)
The Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Columbia Driver Services Center, 1701 Hampshire Pike, will close on Thursday, Dec. 5 and will reopen Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, for carpet replacement.
During the closure, citizens can visit a nearby Driver Services Center, county clerk partner, self-service kiosk, or utilize online services at tn.gov/safety/driver-services/online.html.
Rep. Cepicky Sponsors Device School Bill (CDH)
Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, introduced legislation last week to limit student cell phone usage and improve attentiveness in classrooms across Tennessee.
House Bill 13 requires local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to adopt policies that prohibit students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time with certain exceptions.
“Fostering an environment of student engagement and focus during instructional periods is essential to a quality education,” Cepicky said in a recent release.
“Cell phone usage in the classroom presents an unnecessary distraction for students and is unfair to the hard-working teachers who are passionate about educating the next generation. This legislation will limit interruptions and empower Tennessee’s children to concentrate on learning, which can improve social skills, mental health and academic performance.”
House Bill 13 ensures students can have access to cell phones if they are being used for educational purposes and approved by a teacher, in the event of an emergency or to manage a student’s health and to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
The legislation would allow districts to authorize teachers to withhold devices from students who don’t comply with usage policies.
More than 70% of American high school teachers say that distractions by cell phones in the classroom is a “major problem,” according to Pew Research Center, Cepicky's office reports.
The Tennessee Department of Education's latest TCAP results, released in June, showed only about 40% of all students are meeting grade level expectations in areas of English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Science and social studies showed only about 1% increases in overall student proficiency.
In Maury County, the 2024 State Report Card showed students in grades 3-5 scoring 31% proficiency in ELA and 33.2% proficiency in math, both increases over the 2023 scores by the same students.
The 2023-2024 academic year also showed Maury County achieving a record 92% overall student graduation rate, matching the state's record-breaking 92.1% graduation rate.
Studies have concluded that enacting restrictions on cell phone usage during instructional periods increases academic performance, specifically for low-achieving students.
At least eight states in the U.S. have restrictions on cell phones in schools.
The 114th Tennessee General Assembly is scheduled to convene on Jan. 14, 2025.
Groups Band to Feed Families for Thanksgiving (MSM)
Members of the Maury County Republican Party joined other community groups last week in providing a helping hand to those who themselves help others.
The Family Center’s annual Turkey Box Drive was held last week, with volunteers from multiple businesses, churches, civic organizations, individuals and other groups helping sponsor boxes to be distributed to Maury County families in need.
Turkeys and boxes were being delivered on Thursday, Nov. 21 and being distributed on Friday, Nov. 22, ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
In all, 744 families had signed up to receive a turkey box, which contains a 10- to 15-pound turkey, stuffing mix, green beans, cranberry sauce, macaroni & cheese, marshmallows, gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, a roasting pan and brownie/cake mix.
Dawn Taylor, executive director of The Family Center, said the Turkey Box Drive started 10 years ago and has grown tremendously over that time.
“We started with 45 turkeys and 45 families. This community has just been awesome and this year we had 744 families sign up,” Taylor said. “They just have to be a Maury County resident, there’s no requirement other than coming in the office and filling out an application.”
In addition, Taylor said this year a Second Harvest Food Bank food pantry is providing additional food, including produce and desserts.
“We call it Operation Gobble Gobble because it’s so big. But at the end of the day, we will make sure 744 families have turkeys,” Taylor said. “The turkeys come from the community and we’re very appreciative. It’s a really fun time for us to serve our families in a different capacity.”
Brady Carr, communications secretary for the Maury GOP, said his group wanted to get involved this year.
“We felt like after a long campaign on both sides, it was a good way to bring the community together and give back,” Carr said.
Carr said his group initially planned to sponsor 50 boxes, which cost $50 each. But the members had an even bigger vision.
“When I said, ‘Let’s see if we can do 50 boxes,’ (Maury County Commissioner) Gabe (Howard) stood up and said, ‘Let’s do 100’ and pledged to match the first 50 himself,” Carr said. “Then I had another anonymous benefactor who stepped up and took 25.”
Carr said in all, his group had sponsored over 150 boxes, saying, “It’s nice to see the Maury County Republicans step up in such a big way.”
Carr also thanked Old School MOVES of Culleoka and owner Colton Wilson, who donated a moving truck to help deliver the boxes, then helped with the loading and unloading of the truck.
The Family Center will be distributing hams during the Christmas season. Anyone interested in donating is asked to do so by Dec. 13. Call (931) 388-3840 for more information.
MRMC Gets Gold in Perinatal Care (Press Release)
Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care (ACPC) by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
MRMC was awarded certification in perinatal care by The Joint Commission in 2022; however, the “advanced” certification goes beyond the basic standards, signaling a higher quality comprehensive care, including high-risk pregnancies, mental health considerations, risk management and patient-centered, integrated approaches throughout the prenatal, delivery and postpartum phases.
“We are deeply honored to receive Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care from The Joint Commission,” said MRMC CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “As a pediatrician, striving for the highest standards of care for mothers and their newborns is a calling dear to my heart. Our team’s dedication to delivering safe, compassionate and evidence-based care is at the core of everything we do, and we continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of perinatal health.”
MRMC underwent a rigorous onsite review earlier this year. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including management, supporting self-management and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend MRMC for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
MRMC offers an entire floor dedicated to childbirth and gynecological care with spacious suites where mothers can experience labor, delivery and recovery in comfort and privacy. The Mother/Baby Unit offers couplet care, allowing babies to room-in with their mothers to enhance the early bonding experience. In the instance that a newborn may need an enhanced level of care, a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is available. Parents also have access to expectant parent education and breastfeeding and lactation services.
Maury Alliance Celebrates 100 Years (CDH)
Columbia City Council was presented with the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance's quarterly update this month, which also happened to coincide with the organization's 100th anniversary.
Maury Alliance Vice President Travis Groth presented the latest updates during the council's Nov. 14 regular meeting, which he said show good standing in the county's current pipeline of projects, ideas and opportunities for future growth.
"We continue to see a good diversification of different project types as we move throughout the year," Groth said.
Over the past year, Maury Alliance has announced 1,760 new jobs in Maury County and has secured $2.4 billion in capital investments from businesses and corporations settling in Maury County. Also, the county's cost of living hangs 12% below the national average.
Maury Alliance's latest quarterly Economic Dashboard, which provides data related to investments, unemployment rates and home values shows:
17 active capital projects with $265.9M capital investment
1,041 potential new jobs
Oct. 2024 median home value - $387,772
Oct. 2024 median rental price - $1,571 per month
Unemployment - 3.2% in September (2.8% in September 2023)
Groth added that historically, project investments have typically shown an 80/20 split, with 80% being businesses relocating to Maury County and 20% for the expansion of existing businesses.
"That's very different right now, almost 50/50, and that's a result of a couple of things," he said. "One is we have tightened up our Strike Zone based on the feedback we got when we talk to stakeholders about what successful economic development projects look like moving forward. And two, we see companies that did relocate to the community realize they made a good decision and are considering additional investments while they are here."
On Oct. 25, Maury Alliance partnered with Maury County Public Schools to host a Manufacturing Day event, which allowed students a hands-on look at the industry on the local level.
"This is one of my favorite things we do with about 120 high school students across Maury County," Groth said. "They were able to go out and see three different local manufacturing facilities. So that's three different places they can have careers and advance manufacturing locally."
This year's participating facilities included J.C. Ford, Columbia Machine Works and Landmark Ceramics. The event also included a tour of Columbia State Community College's systems technology program.
"Not only do they see opportunities for good careers here, but then they learn how to receive training to qualify for those types of careers," Groth said. "We also invited folks from the Tennessee Achieves office to come in and talk about TN Promise, and how they can receive funding to pay for that training that then allows them to walk into those high-quality careers right here in Maury County."
Groth also addressed Maury Alliance's continued efforts to better market Columbia and Maury County on a wider scale.
This includes multiple publications in regional and global magazines to promote tourism and economic growth.
"We were able to secure an ad on the back page of both the Tennessee State Economic Development magazine and the Nashville Livability magazine, which actually highlights an ad from First Fridays in Columbia," Groth said. "Another thing for us is we were able to support our state partners and get Maury County highlighted in CEO Global magazine."
In addition to Groth's presentation, the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance recently marked 100 years as an organization, which was celebrated on Nov. 12 at its 106 W. 6th St. headquarters.
Founded in 1924 as the Chamber of Commerce Columbia, TN, Maury Alliance has held many names throughout the years, with its current name being chosen in 2010.
"While the organization has had many different names in the past 100 years, we've always had the same goal, and that's to foster an environment where businesses can thrive, and residents can enjoy a high-quality of life," Maury Alliance President Wil Evans said.
The Nov. 12 event also included statements from state and local leaders, including all city mayors from Columbia, Spring Hill and Mt. Pleasant.
"This organization has had an impact on me, an impact on many of you here today, but most of all this organization has had an impact on our community at large," Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder said. "For that, we are grateful, and we celebrate this 100-year birthday. It is important that we recognize the importance of today."
Molder also shared a proclamation, which was also signed by Mayors Bill White of Mt. Pleasant and Jim Hagaman of Spring Hill.
"The Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance has, since its founding, worked with local businesses, merchants and industry to advance the civic, economic, industrial, professional and cultural life in Maury County and the surrounding region," Molder read.
"Over the last 10 years alone, the organization has helped recruit more than 7,500 new jobs and $6 billion in capital investment to Maury County, and through the work of the Chamber has assisted in the promotion and success of small businesses throughout our entire county."
Lessons and Carols (Press Release)
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church presents a service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 15, at 3:00pm in the St. Peter’s sanctuary located at 311 West 7th Street in downtown Columbia, next door to the Polk Home.
This traditional Anglican service originated in the Church of England in the late 1800s and was later formalized as a Christmas service. After the devastation of World War I it has been broadcast by the BBC around the world ever since. The service includes scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments that tell the story of the birth of Jesus. The remainder of the service includes audience Christmas carols and choir anthems performed by the St. Peter’s Choir.
“This service emphasizes the importance of music in worship through carols sung by the audience and our choir. The music will feature a variety of familiar favorites and new gems,” says Dr. Peter Douglas, St. Peter’s Director of Music.
“We are thrilled to offer this beautiful and historic worship service to God and share it with the entire community,” said Father Chris Bowhay, St. Peter’s Rector. “Its rhythms of song and Scripture bring a deep sense of peace and wonder as we, like the shepherds and the Wise Men, walk toward Christmas to greet the newborn King.”
This event is free and open to the public with no tickets required. A livestream will be available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stpeters38401 and the St. Peter’s website at https://www.saintpeterscolumbia.org/worship.
King’s Daughters’ Santa Mailbox (CDH)
Every year, the King's Daughters' School partners with Heritage Bank & Trust to help bring a little Christmas cheer to disadvantaged students through its Santa's Mailbox Program.
The KDS students participating in the program are typically those under state's custody and/or without a home or family to spend the holidays with, having to instead stay on the King's Daughters' campus.
The Santa's Mailbox Program has each student write down his or her Christmas wishes in letters to Old Saint Nick. The letters are then delivered to Heritage Bank & Trust's lobbies at 217 S. James M. Campbell Blvd. in Columbia and 109 S. Main St. in Mt. Pleasant.
The letters are now available to pick up by community members, who will then shop for gifts, clothing or anything else requested on the list. Gifts are then dropped off at the Santa's Mailbox area located at either of the bank's locations.
"We are so grateful to Heritage Bank & Trust for their support of our Santa’s Mailbox program," KDS Executive Director Shauna Pounders said. "Many of our students cannot go home for the holidays, so the contributions of the bank, their customers, and our entire community make their Christmas wishes come true."
Gifts must be donated no later than Thursday, Dec. 14.
After all gifts are delivered, King's Daughters' staff will wrap each gift, which will then be placed in Santa's bag ready to be delivered Christmas Eve.
"Heritage Bank & Trust is proud to be a part of the wonderful work being done by The King's Daughters' School," Jim Robinson, KDS Board Member and President and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank & Trust said. “We are honored to partner with an organization making such a great impact on our community."
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mr. William Earnest “Bill” Stewart, 95, died Wednesday at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
And now, news from around the state…
School Vouchers Back on Docket (Tennessean)
Voters in Colorado, Kentucky and Nebraska voted against ballot measures to funnel public money into private education during the Nov. 5 election.
The next day, Republican lawmakers in Tennessee proposed a new plan to expand the state's controversial program that gives public funds to families of K-12 students to offset private school costs. A similar push to expand the program failed in the state legislature during its regular session earlier this year. Despite the proposal's failure, $144 million in recurring funds for the expansion passed with the state budget. Lawmakers, backed by Gov. Bill Lee, have so far been unified in their latest plan.
Proponents say school vouchers are another way to empower "school choice" for families who want quality education options for their children. Lee helped launch the state's Education Savings Account Program, which first passed in 2019 but was held up by legal challenges. The Tennessee Supreme Court ultimately upheld the program in a 2022 ruling. The program finally took effect for the 2022-23 school year in Shelby, Davidson and Hamilton counties, only allowing families who meet income restrictions to apply.
Lee has since advocated to expand the program. His latest proposal, carried by key Republican lawmakers, is dubbed the Education Freedom Act of 2025. It seeks to open the program to 20,000 families — half of whom will be under income restrictions and half who will not.
Opponents argue school vouchers divert critical funds that could instead be used to better public schools in Tennessee. They say vouchers have led to budget-busting spending in other states and argue the only choice empowered by vouchers is for private schools. Private schools are not obligated to accept students regardless of race, gender, academic performance, special needs or other factors. Additionally, critics say the roughly $7,000 vouchers in the proposed expansion only partially cover typical private school costs and will likely be used by families with children already enrolled in private schools.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Nashville Elvis Festival is proud to present the 7th annual Christmas with the King: A Holiday Tribute to Elvis at the historic Franklin Theatre this holiday season. A Franklin tradition, this fan favorite show has 4 performances with 2 shows daily December 7 and 8 (3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.). Tickets are on sale now at FranklinTheatre.com.
A holiday concert event for the whole family, Christmas with the King features costume changes, a visit by Santa Claus and some of the King’s biggest hits plus Christmas classics synonymous with Elvis including “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Blue Christmas,” “Merry Christmas Baby” and so many more.
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