WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for February 18, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
House Damaged by Tree (MauryCountySource)
The Maury County Fire Department was called to a mobile home after a tree fell on it Sunday morning.
Crews responded around 4am to Huston Drive in Columbia. Luckily, the occupants were ok.
Red Cross was requested to assist the displaced residents.
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
Columbia 101 (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is excited to announce the return of Columbia 101, an interactive program designed to connect residents with local government and community services. Following a successful inaugural session in the Fall of 2024, Columbia 101 is now accepting applications for its second installment taking place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 and Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
Columbia 101 is constructed to educate and engage participants in the workings of local government by offering a behind-the-scenes look at city operations. Over two consecutive days, participants will start each morning at City Hall before engaging with all 12 city departments and touring select municipal facilities, such as the Police and Public Works Departments.
“Columbia 101 is about fostering an informed and engaged community,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “We want to provide residents with a deeper understanding of how their city operates and the many ways they can contribute to its success.
The enthusiasm and participation we saw in the first session were inspiring, and I look forward to seeing even more citizens take part in this unique experience.”
A Fall 2024 participant shared their experience, saying, “Columbia 101 allowed for an in-depth look into what keeps Columbia thriving. Seeing the faces, meeting the people, and visiting the facilities behind those processes helped me see how I can be a better citizen and how important it is to work together as a member of the Columbia team.”
Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, March 14th at 4:00 PM. The program is open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents and is held twice per year. There is a $25 program fee for all accepted applicants, which covers program costs, including food and transportation.
City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the program’s importance, stating, “Providing opportunities for residents to engage with their local government is a priority for the City of Columbia. Columbia 101 is an excellent way for citizens to gain firsthand knowledge about city services and become more involved in their community.”
Lexi Dearborn, Program Director, added, “We are eager to bring Columbia 101 back for another session and build on the excitement from the Fall. This program is a fantastic way for residents to connect, learn, and take an active role in shaping Columbia’s future.”
Columbia 101 applications are available at www.ColumbiaTN.gov or at the reception desk on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
Follow the City of Columbia on Facebook and Instagram at “CityofColumbiaTN” for updates. For questions, please contact Lexi Dearborn at LDearborn@ColumbiaTN.gov.
Joe Sears Heart Attack Experience at MRMC (Press Release)
Joe Sears is no stranger to the outdoors. As a professional hunting guide for more than 35 years, Sears often describes North America as his “backyard.” While visiting Columbia early last year, this avid outdoorsman found himself on an unexpected journey — waking up from sleep experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.
At 65, Sears considered himself in great shape, regularly running and hiking upwards of five miles a day and staying active at altitudes ranging from zero to more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
“I’ve been very healthy and active my entire life,” said Sears. “I was shocked to consider that I was having a heart attack. I had some symptoms — shortness of breath, discomfort in my chest — but I initially brushed it off. This time, however, the symptoms were impossible to ignore. My wife and I knew it was time go to the ER.”
After arriving at Maury Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department, Sears was immediately taken back for testing, which revealed two critical blockages in his heart — one at 90% and the other at 95%. This required immediate intervention.
“I underwent a procedure immediately to have stents placed in my heart, where they entered through the arteries in my wrist,” Sears said. “I was in a ‘twilight,’ but I was awake. They made sure I was comfortable, and they kept me informed. The procedure was a success and I’m thankful for that. I have a before and after photo of my heart and the blood flow — looking at this photo is humbling for me and my family.”
A stent procedure is a safe and advanced treatment for restoring proper blood flow in blocked arteries. Using minimally invasive techniques, a balloon-tipped catheter is guided to the blockage where a tiny wire mesh stent is placed to hold the artery open. This procedure is a common, effective solution for managing heart disease.
“We can achieve great outcomes like this with experienced, dedicated and caring individuals including EMS, ER and Cath Lab teams,” said Kevin M. Maquiling, MD, a cardiologist with Vanderbilt Heart – Columbia on the medical staff at Maury Regional Medical Center. “Mr. Sears’s own words remind us that it all started with his recognizing the symptoms of an acute heart attack and acting promptly to avoid permanent heart damage.”
After his procedure, Sears spent two additional nights at the hospital to begin recovery, which included walking and light physical activity. Today, just over a year later, Sears is back to hiking, hunting, working on his business and, most importantly, spending quality time with his growing family.
“I feel back to where I was, but now I’m more aware of when to slow down,” said Sears. “My family is my legacy — they are my everything and I have so many memories left to make with them. If I had one piece of advice to offer others, it would be to listen to your body. If you have symptoms of a heart attack, don’t wait.”
Know the signs of a heart attack. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing:
Chest discomfort, such as pressure, tightness or pain
Discomfort in other parts of the upper body (arm, jaw, back or neck)
Shortness of breath
Unusual fatigue
Nausea, light-headedness or cold sweat
Maury Regional Medical Center provides a vast array of cardiac services that include interventional procedures as well as pacemaker and defibrillator implants. Physicians are members of Vanderbilt Heart-Columbia and Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Columbia who are complemented by a highly skilled and experienced team that strives to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Learn more about heart services, including cardiac rehab, diagnostics and support groups, at MauryRegional.com/Heart.
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.
Fundraising Concert for Agathos School (CDH)
Starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 20th, Columbia's Southern Roots Radio will host "Benefit Concert for Agathos" at The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St., hosted by Southern Roots co-founders Makky Kaylor and Brenda Lynn Allen for an evening of music, laughter and more to benefit Agathos Classical School.
The concert's featured headliner will be Darin & Brook Aldridge, who have appeared in the Grand Ole Opry more than 60 times, along with Kaylor, Allen and fellow Southern Roots co-founder and co-host Jack "JP" Plant.
"We'll have our onstage broadcasting booth with special guests, including Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer Devon O'Day with Jack," Allen said. "We are really excited to have Devon. It'll be like a cross between a radio show and a late-night show."
Beginning last year as an attempt to utilize The Mulehouse to create an event which captures the heart and soul of Southern Roots' weekly radio broadcast, the project also raises money for a local nonprofit. Room in The Inn, was the inaugural event's initial benefactor.
"We are very good friends with the people who founded Agathos school many years ago and love their hearts and vision for bringing up these young people I call 'world changers' or 'light bringers,'" Kaylor, Columbia's "Swanky Southern Crooner" said. "Obviously, it's a very rigorous program, but their motto is also 'Truth, beauty and goodness,' and they live it."
Kaylor added that listeners of the show can expect a similar format, but in an elevated live concert setting, which could include a few surprises.
"We've had so many great guests on our show, which is going on about three years now, and the premise is the 'Swanky South' brand, which is jazz elements and traditional Southern elements blended," Kaylor said. "We spin that music by various artists and have special guests, and the live version of that is what we do onstage."
Tickets to the Benefit Concert for Agathos are $20 and are available at www.SouthernRootsRadio.com.
Maury Regional Heart Failure Support Group (MauryCountySource)
Maury Regional Health is launching a new monthly support group designed for individuals managing heart failure and their caregivers. This group aims to provide education, emotional support and practical tools to improve quality of life and reduce hospitalizations.
“Heart failure management goes beyond medical treatment — it’s about education, support and empowerment,” said Theresa Harris, RN, MSN, CCRN, ACCNS-AG, post-acute care network coordinator at Maury Regional Medical Center. “Our goal with this support group is to bring hope and a healthier lifestyle to individuals living with heart failure and their families.”
Launching in February of 2025 in recognition of Heart Month, the Heart Failure Support Group will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, February 25, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Maury Regional Annex at 1223 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia (located across from the hospital and in between McDonald’s and Dairy Queen). Ongoing meetings will take place on the last Tuesday of every month from 5 to 6 p.m.
The inaugural session will feature Darshini Patel, DO, a board-certified cardiologist at Vanderbilt Heart in Columbia, who will discuss “what is heart failure” from a provider perspective that emphasizes the need for follow-up appointments, medication adherence, maintaining a healthy weight and making healthy dietary choices.
“Managing heart failure involves more than just medication; it requires education, support and practical tools,” said Dr. Patel. “I’m honored to speak at the inaugural Heart Failure Support Group meeting to help patients and caregivers better understand heart failure and make informed choices for a healthier future.”
Monthly support group highlights:
Emotional and educational support for patients and caregivers
Guidance on living a healthy lifestyle
Tips for reducing stress
Strategies to improve quality of life
Guest speakers from the medical field
Advance registration is optional but encouraged. Registration can be completed online at MauryRegional.com/HeartFailureSupport or by calling 931.381.1111, ext. 2089.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Muriel Faye Hancock Ingram, 95, passed away peacefully at her residence in Columbia, TN on Friday, February 14, 2025.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Pleasant Mount Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the “Large Print Section” at Maury County Library 211 West 8th Street Columbia, TN 38401. Online condolences may be made at www.oakesandnichols.com.
Richard “Rick” Jenkins, 76, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025, after battling cancer for several years.
The memorial service will be Sunday, February 23rd at Pleasant Heights Baptist Church. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 until 3:00 with the service to follow.
Roy Henry Mitchell, 93, resident of Culleoka, died Sunday, February 16, 2025, at his residence.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, February 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Culleoka with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Monday, February 24, 2025 from 12:00 PM until the service time at the funeral home.
And now, news from around the state…
TSU and Belmont Offer Accelerated Doc Degree (Tennessean)
Tennessee State University and Belmont University announced a collaboration on Monday that will create an accelerated medical school pathway for TSU students.
The program, dubbed the Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Medical Accelerated Pathway Program, is a seven-year pathway that reduces the traditional medical school timeline by one year, TSU and Belmont announced in a joint news release. It includes completion of a Bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry in three years at TSU and four years at Belmont's Thomas S. Frist Jr. College of Medicine, which opened in July.
"This collaboration represents a significant step forward in addressing the national physician shortage while creating a sustainable pathway for diverse medical leaders committed to serving underserved communities," the release states. "Through this partnership, both institutions are working to transform the future of health care in Tennessee and beyond."
Dr. Karen Lewis, who serves as the associate dean for student affairs and belonging at Belmont's new medical school, said the new program stems from the school's commitment to empower a diverse group of leaders in the medical field.
"By partnering with TSU, we're creating meaningful opportunities for talented students from underserved communities to pursue their medical dreams while addressing critical health care needs," Lewis said in the release. "Our goal is to educate physicians who will return to their communities, creating a lasting impact on health care access and equity."
Dr. Caleb Marsh will lead the program, which offers support to TSU students as they progress through school and includes a weeklong visit to the college of medicine. The program will also give students a chance to shadow clinical workers, learn about research opportunities and prepare for the Medical College Admission Process.
The program is named after a TSU graduate and cardiac surgeon who pioneered advances in his field, including implanting an automatic defibrillator in a human for the first time. TSU also has an institute named after Watkins designed to recruit and train students for careers in medicine and dentistry.
Barbara Murrell, who chairs TSU's Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Institute, said she is excited by the new partnership and the students it will impact.
"Our students will benefit greatly from this partnership, gaining invaluable resources, mentorship and hands-on experiences that will prepare them for successful careers in medicine," Murrell said in the release. "We look forward to building on this collaboration and creating more opportunities for future health care leaders."
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Columbia Parks and Rec is helping you stay active this winter with Winter Walks at the Armory every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. These indoor walks take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Armory Recreation and Fitness Center.
This is a great opportunity to keep moving during the colder months, connect with others in the community, and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming environment.
For more information, please contact:
Emily Thompson
(931) 981-5591
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