WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for December 4, 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.
Spring Hill AA+ Credit Rating (WilliamsonScene)
Great news from the financial world will have a major impact on improving the quality of life for Spring Hill residents, according to a news relese.
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, S&P Global Ratings assigned it “AA+” long-term rating to Spring Hill’s $57 million series 2024 general obligation bonds. At the same time, S&P Global Ratings affirmed its “AA+” long-term rating on the City’s debt outstanding.
S&P also described Spring Hill’s outlook as “stable.”
As the city of Spring Hill moves forward with several important Capital Improvement Projects, bond proceeds will be able to be used to finance projects such as the Police Department headquarters and Fire Station No. 4, among others.
“I’m thankful for the hard work of city leadership in securing this high bond rating for Spring Hill,” said Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman. “Spring Hill residents can take this as another sign that the city’s financial future is in great shape and in great hands.“
Spring Hill previously made the jump to “AA+” in 2022, a rating it has sustained since. The bonds are a full faith and credit obligation of the city, payable from unlimited ad valorem property taxes.
Wayne Medical to Become Emergency Center (Press Release)
Wayne Medical Center in Waynesboro County will officially transition to the designation of a Rural Emergency Hospital on Dec. 1, according to Phyllis Brown, chief executive officer of rural hospitals at Maury Regional Health.
REH designation is a Medicare provider type that allows approved rural hospitals to continue providing essential services.
Under this designation, the hospital will offer a 24/7 Emergency Department and observation services for patients who need additional testing to determine the path to discharge or transfer for additional care. Diagnostic testing services will include X-ray, CT and laboratory. The last day a patient may be admitted for inpatient care is Nov. 27.
Wayne Medical Center will also continue to provide the outpatient services of endoscopy, mammography and physical therapy.
“Maury Regional Health is grateful for the support of Wayne County Mayor Jim Mangubat and the Wayne County Commission during this transition process,” Brown said. “Designation as a rural emergency hospital offers this region a sustainable option for emergency services, complemented by the primary care services offered through Maury Regional Medical Group.”
The Maury Regional Medical Group primary care practice in Waynesboro is home to providers Harish Veeramachaneni, MD, Paula Cole, NP, and Kendra Prater-Holt, NP. Services include diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure management, geriatric medicine, chronic disease management, physicals and wellness exams.
The practice recently moved to a larger, newly renovated space located at 321 Dexter L. Woods Memorial Boulevard in Waynesboro and serves patients Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Well Outreach Feeds Thousands (MSM)
Three weeks ago, the Well Outreach program raised $55,000 in money and food at the Kroger stores on Port Royal Road in Spring Hill and Columbia’s Nashville Highway. The gifts went to providing lower-income families with Thanksgiving dinners of their own.
WKRM/WKOM ran a remote broadcast from the Kroger locations to help raise awareness. The Spring Hill Police and Fire Departments had a friendly competition to see which could raise the most food, together collecting 10,000 pounds of groceries (with a value of $25,000) over the season. Tri-Star Bank served as a title sponsor and Kroger as a Food Drive sponsor, and dozens of local businesses, churches, and private people helped out.
The Well Outreach is an independent 501(c)(3) charity program that started at the nondenominational WellSpring Christian Church.
“[Its] mission [is] being the hands and feet of Christ,” explained Well Outreach CEO Shelly Sassen, “and helping those in need, emotionally, physically and spiritually.”
Their main medium is food, but the Well Outreach also helps and counsels families and single parents who are struggling to handle crises, job loss, illnesses, or unexpected emergencies.
The program was started at WellSpring Christian in 2006, when the population of Spring Hill was around 11,000, and it served about 150 families until the town’s population exploded five years ago. Today, the Well Outreach helps 1,000 families every month from the location on Main Street. The Well Outreach has opened another campus in Mount Pleasant, and it already serves another thousand families there each month “with the gift[s] of love, honor, dignity, and of course food,” said Sassen.
The number of families served in Spring Hill has seen an increase of almost sevenfold since the pandemic. Much of that probably comes from the town’s expansion, and the Well Outreach’s mission has come to include services other than food for especially needy clients. But Sassen says inflation and abrupt hikes in the cost of housing and necessities are to blame for some of the new demand.
“Their wages aren’t keeping up with the rising costs. The margin families have for emergencies is rapidly shrinking,” she said. “We also have seen a recent trend where grandparents are raising their grandchildren… on fixed incomes.”
The Well Outreach serves a total of about 8,000 people monthly through the Spring Hill and Mount Pleasant Food Pantries. Every weekend they also distribute “JetPacks” of weekend meals to 1,400 food-insecure students at public schools, and every month the Mobile Food Pantry distributes another 25,000 pounds of food.
Sassen said these were the projects that the Well Outreach workers were most proud of.
“Recently we also started growing our own lettuce through hydroponic farming,” she said proudly, “and produce salad greens at a cost of only 50 cents each!“
The Well Outreach’s larger Hungry Capital Campaign is looking for another $700,000 to meet its 2024 donations goal.
“We are hoping for year-end gifts to meet our goal!” Sassen said.
The organization also has to fill 300 volunteer slots each week, and the small staff of 18 appreciates any help they can get. They offer a walk-in volunteer orientation every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at both campuses and a 5 p.m. tour of the Spring Hill campus.
The Well Outreach does four other major fundraisers each year. The Whole Hog Festival in October is Spring Hill’s largest event, attracting over 7,000 people, which features all-ages activities and actual tons of pork barbecue. The Radiothon, a partnership with WKOM Front Porch Radio and local businesses, churches and schools, raises money for food. The July 4 Run for Hunger is a community 5k/color fun run that ends with a dive into a foam pit. And the fundraiser gala A Night of Hope, held at Worldwide Stages in Spring Hill, includes a formal dinner, auction and concert of Christian contemporary music.
Christmas Festivities (CDH)
One of Columbia's biggest events will bring twice the holiday cheer this year as Columbia Main Street announced its two-day plans for this year's Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.
The annual yuletide gathering will take place over two nights during the first weekend of December, with the tree lighting kicking off the season during the Dec. 6 First Fridays and the parade occurring the following day on Dec. 7.
"This is a special, holiday-themed First Fridays blended with the Tree Lighting ceremony hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus," Columbia Main Street stated in a press release. "Experience the fun of First Fridays with a holiday twist that includes festive music from DJ Rio, local craft vendors, food trucks, and other holiday-inspired, family-friendly activities throughout the evening."
This year's parade route will once again march along West 7th Street, making its way downtown amongst the square's many shops as spectators watch the parade consisting of dozens of decorated floats, lights, marching bands and more, all representing businesses, schools and local organizations.
"More than bright lights and festive floats, these events are the spark of holiday magic that ignites community spirit and creates beloved memories that will last a lifetime,” Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager, said. “We encourage residents and visitors to attend both nights so they can fully immerse themselves in our unique holiday experience in the heart of beautiful downtown Columbia.”
As always, both events are free to attend and open to the public. For more information, contact Columbia Main Street at (931) 560-1507 or visit www.VisitColumbiaTN.com.
Columbia Main Street announced yesterday that country music artist Shane Profitt will be this year’s Grand Marshal for the annual Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade sponsored by Stan McNabb Chevrolet Columbia.
Profitt takes the lead spot for the nighttime parade, riding in a new Corvette provided by event sponsor Stan McNabb Chevrolet Columbia. A proud Columbia native, Profitt went from packing the house at Puckett’s to gracing iconic stages like the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. Now, he’s coming back home to lead this special holiday tradition! Profitt shared the news on social media saying, "I am very, very honored to be the Grand Marshal of the Columbia Tennessee Main Street Christmas Parade. I grew up going to this Christmas Parade and fresh out of high school I was working for the City and I was one of the guys that made it look pretty for the Christmas Parade. So, I'm very honored, very excited to be the Grand Marshal."
Columbia Main Street Manager Kelli Johnson, who organizes the parade each year is expecting to break records with an impressive 122 parade entries, countless volunteers, and high expectations for more spectators than ever before. “Join the Columbia community in cheering on Shane Profitt and all of the parade entries,” exclaimed Johnson. “It’s a memorable night of joy, tradition, and hometown pride you won’t want to miss!”
Thanks to parade sponsors like Lewisburg Rubber and Gasket, volunteers will distribute light-up wands to the first 1,000 children at the parade. Following tradition, the grand finale of the parade will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus. Look for them riding in a vintage 1962 Ford, generously provided by Gerald and Brenda Vick of Columbia.
The parade begins at 6:00 PM at the intersection of W. 7th, Trotwood, and Hastings and ends on the Town Square in historic downtown Columbia. This event is free and open to the public to enjoy!
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."
Local Holiday Shopping Guide (Press Release)
The holiday season just got a whole lot brighter! For the very first time, Maury Alliance is excited to present the Local First Holiday Guide — a one-of-a-kind guide to holiday shopping, dining, and celebrating in Maury County, exclusively featuring Local First participants!
This isn’t just another holiday shopping list—it’s YOUR ticket to making a real impact on our community by supporting the incredible small businesses that make Maury County unique. From beautiful gifts to remarkable experiences, the Local First Holiday Guide has everything you need to make this season special and give back to the place we all love.
What’s Inside the Local First Holiday Guide:
For Her – Discover the best local gifts for the women in your life
For Him – Find the perfect presents for the men in your life with unique gifts from Maury County’s finest shops.
For Kids – Shop local toys, books, and activities that will light up the faces of your little ones this holiday season.
Plan an Experience – Looking for a memorable gift? Plan a local experience, perfect for creating lasting memories.
Where to Eat – Explore Maury County’s best local eateries
Where to Relax – Treat yourself or someone special to a moment of relaxation with local spas and relaxation experiences.
Holiday Hours – Don’t miss out! Check out the holiday hours for all your favorite local businesses so you can plan your shopping accordingly.
How You Can Be a Part of This Exciting First Year:
Download the Guide today and start your local holiday shopping!
Share the Guide with your family and friends and spread the word about this incredible initiative.
Download the guide by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.
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.
Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)
The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.
Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.
Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.
Any Maury County Resident can use this office.
All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.
Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.
And now, news from around the state…
Senate Passes Blackburn Bill (Tennessean)
The U.S. Senate passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, and Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, recognizing the 40th anniversary of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the nation's leading child protection organization.
In 2023, NCMEC assisted law enforcement, families and child welfare with 28,886 reports of missing children, according to the organization's recent data.
During the last 40 years, the nonprofit has received more than 5 million calls with more than 426,000 missing children recovered.
John and Revé Walsh founded NCMEC following their son’s tragic murder, following an abduction, leading them to a lifetime of advocacy on behalf of missing and exploited children.
The center's mission is to help locate missing children and combat child sexual exploitation.
Established in 1984, the NCMEC has assisted law enforcement in the recovery of over 448,000 children and has received 200,000,000 reports relating to suspected child sexual exploitation, the resolution says.
Since its founding, the NCMEC has received more than 5.6 million calls to its 24-hour call center.
Since its inception in 1998, the CyberTipline has received 200 million reports of child sexual exploitation, which the NCMEC reviews and makes available to international, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Pro- gram, for their review and handling.
"For over 40 years, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has been essential to combating the sexual exploitation of children in the U.S.," the resolution says.
According to a 2023 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking Statistical Report, human-trafficking tips and calls increased from 245 in 2016 to 1,375 in 2023.
Over the course of the last 8 years, minor sex trafficking reports in Tennessee have dramatically increased from 66 in 2016 to over 600 by 2021, the report states. In 2023, minor sex trafficking far exceeds the other forms of trafficking reported, showing 518 reports of minor sex trafficking as of Nov. 5, 2023.
The vast majority of tips that come into the TBI regarding human trafficking are via social serviceorganizations/advocates, which can be attributed to the relationship fostered with the Departmentof Child Services, which provides referrals specific to human trafficking on a weekly basis to the TBIfor review and further investigation.
To view resolution, visit https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/services.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
A favorite Maury County tradition, dating back to the 1950s, returns December 6th and 7th – the Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour.
During the historic home tour, a variety of public and private homes will open their doors to guests during this weekend event. One $25 ticket gives tour-goers access to all the tour sites. Tour hours are 9am- 4pm December 6th and 7th.
The tour is a fund-raiser for the Athenaeum in Columbia, Tennessee. The proceeds of this tour ensure that the Athenaeum will be able to operate for another year. Typically, the proceeds of this tour are enough to fund the historic site’s yearly operating costs, with a few dollars left over for ongoing restoration work.
The Athenaeum is owned and operated by the Maury County Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities (APTA).
Tickets can be purchased in advance at ticket locations and will be available through December 7th.
In-person ticket locations include:
Tour Headquarters: The Athenaeum
(Open by appointment only. On December 6th & 7th, open 8a to 4p.)
808 Athenaeum Street
Columbia, TN 38401
The Maury County Visitor’s Center
(Open Monday through Friday 8a to 4p. Location will not be open Saturday, December 7th)
302 W. 7th Street
Columbia, TN 38401
Historic Elm Springs
(Open Monday through Friday 8a to 4p. Open Saturday, December 7th for tickets)
2357 Park Plus Drive
Columbia, TN 38401
Learn more by visiting www.maurychristmas.org.
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