WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for February 17, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Lawrence County Crash (Fox17.com)
A driver was rescued in Lawrence County after driving off the roadway into a creek.
A vehicle crashed off Turnpike Road near Saw Creek Rd. into North Fork Saw Creek shortly before 8 a.m. Saturday trapping one person. The Lawrence County Fire Rescue teams responded to the scene where the vehicle fell approximately 15 feet down a steep embankment.
Crews removed the roof of the car with hydraulic rescue tools to extricate the patient, and then raised the patient up in a basket to safety using a haul system and a 24’ extension ladder.
The patient went to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. There is no word on the extent of their injuries.
Gov. Lee Appoints 19 to Duck River Group (TNLookout)
Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday announced 19 appointees to a Duck River advisory group that will identify ways to balance habitat preservation, drought management and utility uses on the river he calls a “scenic treasure.”
Lee created the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership through an executive order in November. Lee proposed $100 million in the upcoming budget for the creation of a statewide water conservation plan and a plan specifically addressing the Duck River.
The 269-mile waterway is the longest river in Tennessee and hosts the largest variety of living organisms of any freshwater river in North America. While conservation groups have advocated for its preservation for several years, recent drought conditions and utilities seeking to extract millions more gallons of water to serve the fast-growing population have heightened environmentalists’ concern for the river’s health.
Lee’s list of appointees includes state and local officials, utility representatives and the leaders of several conservation groups.
Among them are representatives from the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, the Southern Environmental Law Center, the state regulatory agency that oversees water withdrawals and the president of a Columbia utility — all of whom recently reached settlements in legal battles challenging permits issued by the state.
Sen. Joey Hensley, a Hohenwald Republican, also holds a seat in the group. Hensley and Culleoka Republican Rep. Scott Cepicky successfully pushed to designate a portion of the Duck River in Maury County as a Class II scenic waterway in 2023 when a company sought to create landfills on nearby land. The designation bars landfills and some other land uses within two miles from the river.
The partnership is responsible for crafting watershed management recommendations that balance the river’s health with economic growth and the growing demand for water.
The Duck River is the sole water source for at least 250,000 Tennesseans in a region that is experiencing rapid growth.
The partnership will also provide sustainable use policy recommendations to Lee and regulatory agencies, while looking for water system regionalization opportunities and ways to reduce water loss.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, which issues permits to utilities withdrawing water from the river, will also work with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to identify more “priority watersheds” throughout the state.
The partnership’s members include:
Commissioner David W. Salyers, Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation
Deputy Commissioner Andy Holt, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Jimmy West, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
Josh Campbell, Representative of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Amanda Turk, Representative of the Tennessee Valley Authority
Valerie McCormack, Representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Dan Elbert, Representative of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Doug Murphy, Representative of the Duck River Development Agency
Senator Joey Hensley, appointed by Lt. Governor McNally
Representative Pat Marsh, appointed by Speaker Sexton
Justin Murdock, Director, Water Research Center, Tennessee Technological University
Randall Braker, General Manager, Duck River Utility Commission
Jonathan Hardin, President & CEO, Columbia Power & Water System
Sheila Butt, Mayor, Maury County
Chris White, Director, Planning & Zoning, Bedford County
Mark Thurman, Director of Conservation Collaboration, The Nature Conservancy
Grace Stranch, Executive Director, Harpeth Conservancy
Horace Tipton, Director of Conservation Policy, TN Wildlife Federation
George Nolan, Director, Tennessee Office, Southern Environmental Law Center
Grant Will Help Keep People and Pets Together (Press Release)
Friends of Williamson County Animal Center has been awarded $50,000 to launch a canine behavior training class designed to divert the surrender of family dogs in Cheatham, Maury and Williamson Counties. Multiple statistical resources show that shelters and rescues across the U.S. are experiencing over-crowdedness and increased length of stay due to insufficient adoption rates. As such, these organizations are increasingly investing in resources that keep animals out of their care to begin with.
According to Williams County Animal Center (SCAC) Director, Ondrea Johnson, “Nearly one-quarter of the dogs brought to us in 2023 for surrender that had an explanation of why, were due to behavioral or other issues that may have been resolved with proper training.” Johnson surmised that the vast majority of those who surrender their pets do not truly want to.
The PEDIGREE foundation recently announced that it has awarded more the $1.2 million in grants throughout 2024, including its annual grants, collaborative grants and disaster relief grants. These grants were awarded to 96 animal shelters and rescue organizations across the U.S. and Canada, helping more than 77,000 dogs.
Maury County Animal Shelter is open to the public every day, 12:00pm until 6:00pm; Saturday and Sunday until 5:00pm. The shelter is located at 1233 Mapleash Ave in Columbia. Learn more at www.friendsofmcas.com.
New Artist Featured at Columbia Welcome Center (Press Release)
Local artist Brad Anderson is the featured artist on display at the Columbia Welcome Center in recognition of Black History month. The Welcome Center is located at 713 North Main Street in the heart of downtown Columbia, Tennessee. The exhibit is free to view and open to the public during operating hours Monday through Friday 10a – 4p; Saturday 10a – 3p; Sunday 12p – 3p. Artwork on display can be purchased directly through the artist.
Brad Anderson was born and raised in Columbia where he learned to draw when he was a young child. One of his sisters encouraged him to draw as a way to keep him busy instead of bothering her! She gave him paper and crayons and told him to go somewhere and draw something. Since then, he has tried to draw everything he liked, mainly comic books and cartoon characters. Anderson took art classes in school and got his A.S. Degree from Columbia State Community College. He enjoys creating art in different styles such as oil paintings, color pencils, design markers, and air brushing, always pushing himself to see what he can do. It wasn't until Anderson began watching Terry Madden's Watercolor Workshop that he became interested in watercolors. This inspired him to paint portraits, animals, flowers, places, and, his favorite, comic book heroes in watercolors. His work has been exhibited at Columbia State Community College's Pryor Art Gallery, the Columbia Welcome Center, and various businesses in Columbia.
Everyone is encouraged to come by the Columbia Welcome Center in the month of February to view the exhibit. Visit www.visitcolumbiatn.com for more information.
Two Join MRMC (MSM)
Family Nurse Practitioner Kelly H. Taylor, FNP-C, has joined Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG)’s Mid-South Gastroenterology division.
Taylor received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee and her master’s degree in nursing from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and earned a certification as a family nurse practitioner. She has nearly 20 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including as a charge nurse on the Maury Regional endoscopy unit.
MRMG Mid-South Gastroenterology’s Columbia office is in the Maury Regional Medical Office Building, Suite 501, at 1222 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia. The Spring Hill office will be located at 1003 Reserve Boulevard, Suite 220, in Spring Hill. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. A physician’s order is required to make an appointment.
Dr. Jonathan Paul, M.D., an internal medicine and geriatric medicine specialist, has joined the staff at Maury Regional Medical Center as a hospital medicine physician.
Dr. Paul received his medical degree at Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, China. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Trinity Health Livonia Hospital, Wayne State University in Livonia, Mich. He also completed a fellowship in geriatric medicine at Cleveland Clinic Florida, in Weston, Fla. Dr. Paul is board-certified in internal medicine as well as geriatric medicine.
Maury Regional Health’s hospital medicine physicians, or “hospitalists,” are supplied by the affiliated Maury Regional Medical Group. These doctors specialize in treating adult and pediatric patients during stays in the hospital. Hospitalists, trained in internal medicine and pediatrics, can care for patients of all ages.
MRMC to Host Coaches Clinic (MSM)
Maury Regional Health athletic trainers will host a coaches’ clinic for all sports coaches in the area to learn more about preparing athletes for their season.
The clinic will be held Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. at the Maury Regional Annex, which is across the street from Maury Regional Medical Center at 1223 Trotwood Ave. in Columbia. It is meant for coaches of any age group (youth, middle school, high school, college or volunteer) or for anyone else who wants to learn about coaching, leadership, athlete safety and more.
A group of speakers are slated to present, including:
Jon Erhardt, PT, MBA, MS, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT, administrative director of therapy services at Maury Regional Medical Center, will present: The future of sports leadership.
Zach Pharr, MD, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance Columbia, will present: Throwing injuries in athletes.
Dustin Ritchie, a regional overdose prevention specialist at the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, will present: Youth substance use: Trends, school collaborations and available resources.
Tammy Stokes, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN, director of diabetes education, dialysis, palliative care, PICC nursing and wound care at Maury Regional Medical Center, will present: Supporting athletes beyond the game: Advocacy, resilience and letting go of outcomes.
Coaches from Maury County Public Schools will also receive in-service credit for attending.
The clinic is free to attend. Registration is not required, but anyone attending is asked to RSVP by emailing dhightower@mauryregional.com.
Tennessee Reconnect (Press Release)
Columbia State Community College will host virtual Tennessee Reconnect information sessions during the months of January and February.
Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship that provides free tuition for adults to attend a community college. The initiative is designed to help adults enter college to gain new skills, advance in the workplace and fulfill lifelong dreams of completing a degree or credential.
“Tennessee Reconnect provides a wonderful opportunity for eligible adult learners to attend Columbia State tuition-free,” said Joni Allison, Columbia State coordinator of Adult Student Services. “We offer multiple information session dates each month to allow easy access for prospective students who would like to begin or return to college.”
To be eligible for Tennessee Reconnect, students must meet the following requirements:
Haven’t earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year.
Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid and be determined as an independent student.
Be admitted to Columbia State and enroll in a degree or certificate program.
Must attend at least part-time (6 credit hours).
To view the full list of steps to apply, or to sign up for an information session, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Reconnect.
February 17 6 – 7 p.m. Virtual
State Eggs and Issues (Press Release)
Please join us at the Maury County Memorial Building, located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia on February 21st for the Annual State Eggs & Issues event, hosted by Maury Alliance and Breakfast Rotary, where you'll have the unique opportunity to hear our state legislators share their legislative priorities for 2025.
This year's event includes an engaging panel discussion with Senator Dr. Joey Hensley, Representative Scott Cepicky, and Representative Kip Capley. Followed by a Q&A.
Learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.
Farm City Breakfast (Press Release)
The Maury Alliance Agribusiness Committee invites you to the annual Farm City Breakfast honoring the agriculture and agribusiness industry of Maury County.
This year's Farm City Breakfast will be held on Friday, March 28th, at the Ridley 4-H Center. The breakfast line opens at 6:45 am with the program beginning at 7:00 am and concluding by 8:30 am.
The Keynote Speaker is Mr. Andy Holt, Deputy Commissioner, TN Department of Agriculture. This year’s honoree is the Fox Farm of Santa Fe as a Century Farm.
There is no charge to attend the breakfast, however we will be collecting donations during the event for our 2025 Farm City Scholarship Memorial Fund. This year scholarships will be given in memory of Sam Whiteside.
Scholarships are currently available for Maury County Seniors pursuing degrees in an Agriculture related field of study. The deadline to apply is March 14th. Please share this application with anyone you know who may qualify!
Learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com/
Night of Hope (Press Release)
The Well Outreach is pleased to present their 2025 "Night of Hope" on February 22nd, 2025 at Worldwide Stages featuring Christian Contemporary Artists, We The Kingdom! It's going to be an evening full of inspiring live music, worship, and hope - plus, your ticket helps feed local families in need.
What's Included:
- Your ticket feeds a family of four with groceries for a week
- VIP/Meet & Greet opportunities (with upgraded ticket)
- Small bites and tastings before the show
- A live auction to support The Well Outreach’s cause
- A powerful concert and worship experience with We The Kingdom
This event raises important funding for the rest of the year so that The Well can meet the needs of thousands of families coming to their food pantry with food insecurities. This is more than just a concert - it's a night to come together in faith and make a tangible impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Tickets are still available, including limited seats to a special meet-and-greet with We The Kingdom plus tickets by the seat or table.
For more information on the work and mission of the Well Outreach, please visit their website: thewelloutreach.org
Black History Expo (Press Release)
In celebration of Black History Month, Maury Regional Health is proud to announce its 3rd annual Black History Expo vendor fair. This event will take place on Wednesday, February 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Maury Regional Medical Center in the Auxiliary Conference Room. This event is open to the public.
This special event is an opportunity to celebrate and support the achievements of Black entrepreneurs in our community. The fair will showcase an array of vendors offering products and services, including food, jewelry, clothing, custom merchandise and more.
“We are excited to bring together Black-owned businesses to celebrate their contributions and share their talents with the community,” said Dennis Fisher, chief human resources officer at Maury Regional Health. “This is an opportunity to foster connections in our community and celebrate the talents of our entrepreneurs.”
Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate in this event. For more information about attending or being a vendor, please reach out to kbrady@mauryregional.com or call 931.381.1111, ext. 1026.
Sobriety Checkpoint (Press Release)
In compliance with a Tennessee Supreme Court ruling for all law enforcement to notify the public of when and where a roadblock will be held, the Tennessee Highway Patrol is advising all motorists of the following upcoming checkpoints. The courts require proof roadblocks are conducted in the best interest of overall public safety and THP’s checkpoint times and locations are strategically selected through crash and crime data collection to maximize their overall effectiveness and efficiency.
The next sobriety checkpoint will take place on February 28, 2025, at 10 pm on State Route 50 East .2 miles east of the 19 mile marker in Maury County.
Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists. The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and an effective tool in the battle against impaired driving.
And now, news from around the state…
Wilmore to Return to Earth (WSMV)
When NASA’s Boeing mission lifted off, it was only expected to be in space for eight days, but it has now been more than eight months after safety concerns caused delays.
University of Tennessee and Tennessee Tech alum and Murfreesboro native Butch Wilmore is one of the astronauts on board.
His family, who now lives in Texas, shared that since Wilmore has been in space, he’s missed out on several key moments in their family like birthdays, Christmas, and his 30th wedding anniversary.
They’ve been able to talk to him every day over a video call and celebrate those milestone moments together over the past eight months.
NASA announced this week that months of delays could be coming to an end. They are now planning on bringing Wilmore and others on board back home on March 12.
“It almost feels unreal, it feels like it’s been so long. Like so long,” said Wilmore’s wife, Deanna.
The Wilmore family said they are thrilled to hear that her husband and dad could be coming home in a months time, with the hope of Wilmore being able to make it home for his daughter’s high school graduation in May.
“I am very excited I will say there was a time like a month or two ago that I thought he’s not going to make it, he’s for sure not going to make it. But I have a lot of hope that he will now,” said Wilmore’s daughter, Logan.
In part, the delayed return has been attributed to safety concerns.
For Wilmore’s family, it’s been a scary reality, as they’ve checked in with him every day from space over a video call where they get insight as to all that has happened.
“They were in manual mode for like an hour and twenty minutes and it was extremely dangerous. And if it hadn’t been for the ground team and mission control, you know they would have probably perished,” said Deanna Wilmore.
For now, the family is looking ahead to March when they hope to see Wilmore for the first time in person since June of 2024.
While they’re excited, they’re also being cautiously optimistic and trying not to get their hopes up in the event of another delay.
“I’m hopeful but I don’t get real excited yet. Now once they launch, once Crew 10 launches, then I’ll be excited. Really excited,” said Wilmore.
Wilmore said her husband has been busy in space doing experiments and maintenance on their capsule. She said he’s also used his extra time to write two books as he awaits his return back home in a matter of weeks.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The Doobie Brothers announced a summer tour for 2025. The “Walk This Road Tour” supports their soon-to-be-released album with the same name.
You can see the Doobie Brothers at FirstBank Amphitheater on September 15th. Special guests for the tour will be Jimmy Buffet’s Coral Reefer band, who continued to tour after Buffet died in 2023.
Tickets on sale now. Find tickets at www.firstbankamphitheater.com.
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