Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-12-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 12, 2025

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.

We start with local news…

Road Closure (MauryCountySource)

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will conduct closures on SR 247 (Beechcroft Road) in Maury County.

Beginning Monday, May 12, through Wednesday, May 14, TDOT crews will close SR 247 (Beechcroft Road) between Town Center Parkway and Depot Street daily from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. TDOT is in close coordination with local authorities and the school system to plan this closure with the least amount of disruption to the community.

The closure is necessary for crews to mill and pave SR 247. Detour signage will be in place.

All work is weather-dependent. As always, drivers are reminded to allow additional time, slow down, and move over when traveling through a work zone. The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee carries the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500.

Cold Case Murder Concludes (CDH)

An Iowa man whose DNA linked him to the murder of a pregnant Spring Hill woman has been convicted in Tennessee, but investigators believe he may be responsible for more deaths in other states. 

It took a Maury County jury four hours on May 2 to return a guilty verdict against Clark Baldwin, 63, in the 1991 deaths of Pamela "Rose" Aldridge McCall, 33, and her unborn child. He was given a life sentence.

"This conviction helped bring some closure for Pamela’s brother and son. Both expressed their appreciation for the Spring Hill, Maury County community, and all the different agencies involved for not forgetting their mother and sister," said retired Spring Hill Police Capt. Ron Coleman, the original officer assigned to the case. Coleman added that other cases are pending, and he was ready to assist if need be.

"I am at peace for the first time in 34 years," he said.

McCall's body was found just off Saturn Parkway near the ramp for Port Royal Road on March 10, 1991. She had been strangled and there was DNA evidence left in her pantyhose, investigators said.

During autopsy, it was discovered she was pregnant.

McCall, who was also called “Rose,” had frequently hitchhiked around the country, police said.

“​​She would ride the country with truckers,” Coleman recalled while speaking to The Tennessean in 2020. 

At the time of her death, the DNA sample left with McCall's body was too small for lab testing, officials said, and no suspect was ever named. The sample sat at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation until 2019, when a team made up of Spring Hill Lt. Justin Whitwell, training officer Ty Hadley and police evidence technician Melissa Wilson reopened the case, began to sift through old files and came across the sample.

When the DNA was tested and entered into a national database, a match came back to two similar cases in Wyoming. It also led investigators to a name.

A former long-haul truck driver, Baldwin frequently drove through 48 states plus Canada and Mexico, investigators said. The two Wyoming deaths he'd been linked to via the DNA match had occurred in 1992.

The unidentified victims, nicknamed "Bitter Creek Betty" and "I-90 Jane Doe", were found a month apart, investigators said.

Case files held very little information on the two women.

"Bitter Creek Betty" was found near Bitter Creek truck turnout on Wyoming's Interstate 80 in March 1992. She was believed to have been strangled, and her body was believed to have been in the Wyoming snow for weeks.

The "I-90 Jane Doe" was the partially mummified body of a pregnant woman. She was found in a ditch off Interstate 90 in northern Wyoming, and she is believed to have died from a blow to the head.

Baldwin was also accused in a 1991 rape that occurred about 20 days before McCall's body was found. The victim in the case told her story at the Maury County Courthouse. A rape kit was done, the woman said, but Baldwin was never convicted.

At the time of his arrest for the Tennessee deaths of McCall and her unborn child, Baldwin was a person of interest in two Iowa murders and several others across Mississippi, Texas and Kansas. Those cases remain under investigation.

After Baldwin's 2020 arrest, investigators were able to tell McCall's mother, Marsha Lyell, they had a suspect in custody. 

Lyell told The Tennessean at that time, "I'm past elated. For 29 years, I've been to her grave. It's been a long, hard walk."

On May 2, the courthouse was filled with family members seeking closure, but Lyell wasn't among them. She died in 2024 at age 83.

District Attorney Brent Cooper said he promised Lyell he'd see Baldwin held accountable for his crimes.

“Thanks to talented assistant DA's like Pam Anderson and Ross Boudreaux and my skilled investigators Tommy Goetz and Jeff Dunn, I have been able to keep that promise,” Cooper said in a social media post. “Our prayers are with the family of Pamela McCall and her unborn child. My philosophy is that cold cases are never closed cases.” 

Baldwin is currently awaiting extradition to Wyoming to stand trial in the 1992 murders. No dates or timeline has been announced for those cases.

City Council Supports Dam Option (CDH)

The Columbia Dam's revitalization has now gained support from Columbia City Council, which approved a resolution backing the resurrected project's potential as a long-term solution for the region's growing water needs.

Earlier this month, Jason Gilliam who has been spearheading the recent Columbia Dam Now grassroots campaign to revisit the project, which ceased construction in 1983, spoke to council members at the board's May 1 study session urging them to join the conversation about how to make it happen.

"This is a 100-year solution for Maury County and other surrounding counties, Marshall County being one," Gilliam said. "This project is viable, is doable and should never have been torn down."

Gilliam added that the dam would consist of 12,600 acres, or 290,000 acre-feet of water.

In April, The Maury County Commission voted on a resolution showing its support for the project's revitalization. Gilliam said he hoped the city council would do the same.

"There is an effort on our behalf to make sure we get everything aligned that we need in order to push this project up the chain, so to speak," Gilliam said. "I'm really seeking the approval of this council to support the project going forward. Your approval helps us in the long run for, like I said, to move this up the chain."

Several county commissioners attended the council's May 8 meeting, encouraging the council to join them in building support for the project.

"It's going to be a very good move for the city, the county and the state," District 1 Commissioner Pam Huffman said. "It's going to bring a lot of tourism dollars, not to mention all of the water we need to keep the county and the cities going."

The item appeared as a resolution during the council's May 8 regular meeting, where council members voted unanimously in favor.

"Maury County was first with their resolution, and I wanted to make sure Columbia was second," Mayor Chaz Molder said. "Our resolution is worded in a way that shows our support for all efforts underway regarding a long-term water supply. We know that some are farther along than others, but if this indeed a solution, which it can be, we want to be there to support it as well."

CSCC Graduation (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College celebrated 310 degree and certificate candidates as they crossed the stage during the spring commencement ceremonies in the Webster Athletic Center on Saturday, May 10. In total, 572 students are anticipated to graduate in Spring 2025.

Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, opened the ceremony by welcoming degree and certificate candidates, faculty, staff and guests.

“Today is a special day for several reasons,” Smith said. “First and foremost, it is a day of celebration of accomplishments. It is a day of recognition that these soon to be graduates set a goal and accomplished it.”

Smith introduced graduates William Cary, Levi Fritsch and Julian Peacock as the guest speakers for the spring commencement ceremonies. Cary delivered the commencement address for the first ceremony while Fritsch and Peacock delivered the address for the second ceremony.

Cary, who has previously earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree, chose to focus his speech on growing and investing in personal education at any age.

“No matter when you start, it’s the determination to finish that matters,” Cary said. “This journey has not been easy. There have been long nights balancing work, school and personal commitments. There have been moments of self-doubt, wondering if I could really make this new career work. But with each class, each lesson and each assignment, I’ve proven to myself that it’s not about where you start, but where you’re willing to go. And what I’ve learned is that it’s never too late to chase what sets your heart on fire.”

He then spoke on the theme of career preparedness and growth as a message to his fellow graduates.

“As we look toward the future, many of us are entering new careers,” Cary said. “For some, it’s a completely different field; for others, it’s a new chapter in an existing path. But one thing is certain — we are more prepared than we’ve ever been before. We’ve invested in ourselves, in our growth and in our futures. We’ve taken the knowledge we’ve gained and turned it into a stepping-stone to new opportunities.”

For his address, Fritsch spoke about how the choices people make, no matter how small, can compound and influence the journeys people take in life.

“Every day, you can choose one of two options: move towards your goals or take the side street,” Fritsch said. “Consistent effort is the decisive factor in success. Make a little progress every day, and the results add up quickly. What's more, every fork in the road shapes your character. Show up every day and you'll be the type of person who shows up every day. Ignore responsibilities for the day, and it will become a habit.”

He ended his speech with a message of encouragement to push forward into each day.

“No journey is possible without the first step,” Fritsch said. “This is true whether you're going to Argentina, towards a life goal or waking up in the morning. Start your day off right with a small success to get the ball rolling.”

The final speaker of Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies was Julian Peacock. For his speech, he touched on his experience with belonging and finding a community.

“When I say I’m not supposed to be here, what I really mean is that I couldn’t have done this alone, without the combined effort of my family, friends and the whole of Columbia State; a sentiment I’m confident we all share,” Peacock said.

He ended his speech on a theme of graduates reinvesting in their communities and to society as a whole after they have received support throughout their time at Columbia State.

“It is now our task to take that value and invest it into the communities and principles that are important to us,” Peacock said. “Despite the varying and diverse goals we had when we arrived, we leave this room unified in experience. I’m eternally grateful for what this college has done for all of us.”

Closing the ceremony, the alumni induction of new graduates at the first ceremony was presented by Caitlyn McNabb, Columbia State Tutoring and Learning Center coordinator for the Williamson Campus and Columbia State alum, and Brittany Ebey, Spring 2025 graduate. At the second ceremony, the alumni induction was presented by Dr. Benjamin Womer, Columbia State associate professor of economics and Columbia State alum, and Maggie McCarl, Spring 2025 graduate.

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President’s Leadership Society graduates were also honored with a medallion at the commencement ceremony.

“The establishment of this society was based on the belief that leadership is inherent to our lives and that we all have leadership roles,” Smith said. “The President’s Leadership Society is open to all students at Columbia State and requires only their commitment to involvement for learning, participation and helping others.”

Formed in spring 2011, President’s Leadership Society is a free leadership training program focused on developing a student’s unique leadership skills from their first semester through graduation. The program focuses on participation in college-sponsored programs that promote educational attainment, career choices, volunteerism and civic responsibility.

During the course of the program, students attend a leadership retreat, enjoy exposure to the arts, participate in workshops and campus life, develop civic understanding and give back to the community through volunteerism.

Governor Visits Columbia Businesses (CDH)

Gov. Bill Lee visited numerous Columbia businesses Wednesday to speak with business owners and local entrepreneurs in honor of Small Business Appreciation Week, calling them the "the backbone of our economy."

Lee joined locally elected officials, including Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt, Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald and Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, during his visit and press tour during the annual small business event.

"This is an exciting day in Maury County because we have the governor here celebrating Small Business Week, and small businesses make up 85% of the backbone of our economy," Butt said.

"It is something the governor has always been concerned with helping, and I'm also thrilled because he has taken on a Duck River project with his Duck River water planning partnership, which he intends to help us find the future of water in Maury County."

Lee simply said, "There was no better place" to choose to celebrate Small Business Week than Columbia in Maury County, one of the fastest growing counties in Tennessee, and dubbed the fastest growing in the 2020 U.S. Census.

"It's an iconic town with iconic businesses, and as I tell people all the time if you live anywhere in America and want to mark a small town off your bucket list, you come to Tennessee," Lee said. "Small business is the backbone, and there is no better place to do it than Columbia."

Lee's stops included longtime downtown Columbia businesses, such as Caledonian Financial started by founder Monty Sneed, Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace, Columbia Health Foods, Ted's Sporting Goods, McEwen Group LLC and flagship Puckett's Restaurant started by Andy Marshall.

"It means a lot to us for them to choose to come see what we are doing here in downtown Columbia," Columbia Health Foods owner Jackie Davis said.

In addition to the growth in small businesses, Lee addressed the Columbia and Maury County community's growing need for water resources.

In November, Lee signed the Pastoral River II bill, aiming to protect the Duck River, which supplies water to approximately 250,000 Tennesseans across Maury County.

Lee later earmarked $100 million in a 2025 proposal to create a regional water supply strategy, of which $65 million was approved by the Tennessee General Assembly in April.

"This community is thriving, which is evident when you look out there, and they need more water and the Duck River needs more water too," Lee said. "We are just starting to kind of lay the groundwork for the next 10, 15 to 20 years. I think this is a big step forward."

Dan McEwen, owner of McEwen Group LLC in downtown Columbia, also praised the governor for his push and support of the Tennessee Farmland Preservation Act, which passed recently in the 114th General Assembly. 

"We are so grateful for your work," McEwen told Lee. "We are all about conservation here, and Maury County has experienced a lot of growth.”

McEwen also advocated for the passage of the Pastoral River II bill in 2024.

As an advocate for farmland preservation, Lee's preservation bill will create a $25 million grant program for farmers who volunteer to preserve their land in an effort to lessen the trend of land loss across the state by giving landowners incentives.

"I think that too, while it's not the answer, it's a small piece of the answer," Lee said.

"I went around the state the last year or two saying I don't know how many times to how many groups, saying 'We lose 10 acres an hour, of farmland, to development' and people have no idea that is the case.

"When they hear that, they may or not fully understand a piece of legislation, but I need Tennesseans to understand and be aware we lose 10 acres of land an hour, and yet ag is our biggest industry, and growth is something we want.

"So how do you get all of it and how do you do both?"

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…

Mildred Hartsfield, 92, a longtime resident of Columbia died Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Goldton Assisted Living and Memory Care in Spring Hill.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.  The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. 

And now, news from around the state…

East Tennessee Earthquake (Tennessean)

A 4.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in East Tennessee near Greenback on Saturday, May 10.

The earthquake was described as "notable" by U.S. Geological Survey and was felt in several states according to reports, though it fell short of being classified as a "moderate."

The earthquake's shaking approached eastern portions of Middle Tennessee as both the Putnam County and Jackson County emergency management agencies had multiple reports of "shaking" on the morning of May 10.

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake is considered a “moderate” earthquake, and a 6.3 is a “strong” earthquake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey scale.

The Michigan Tech University measuring system describes earthquakes between 2.5 to 5.4 magnitude as often felt, but generally cause only minor damage,

No injuries or significant damage were immediately reported by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency from the East Tennessee quake.

And there are millions of earthquakes registering at 2.5 magnitude or less that are usually not felt, but can be recorded by a seismograph, according to Michigan Tech.

Aftershocks are additional earthquakes that are related to each other and continue to occur near the mainshock.

U.S. Geological Survey lists the percentages of an aftershock of 3.0 magnitude or better after the May 10 East Tennessee earthquake as.

• One year: 36%

• One month: 22%

• One week: 15%.

There is a 9% chance of an aftershock of 4.0 or more within a year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

An earthquake occurs when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another. The surface where they slip is called the fault or the fault plane.

A seismic zone is used to describe an area where earthquakes tend to focus, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Tennessee is in two seismic zones, the New Madrid and the East Tennessee zones.

The May 10 earthquake occurred in the "well-identified East Tennessee Seismic Zone," U.S. Geological Survey spokesperson Steven Sobieszczyk said.

The East Tennessee Seismic Zone extends across Tennessee and northwestern Georgia into northeastern Alabama. It is one of the most active earthquake areas in the Southeast, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

"There is a significant earthquake hazard in the southeastern U.S., " particularly around the New Madrid and East Tennessee seismic zones," Sobieszczyk said.

There have been 15 other earthquakes within 155 miles of the May 10 earthquake with a magnitude of 4 or greater since 1950, within 155 miles (250 km) of May 10 earthquake, Sobieszczyk said. The largest was a 4.7 magnitude near Knoxville, in November 1973. 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Tenn Pin Alley (730 Mooresville Pike, Columbia, Tennessee 38401) will host the Ultimate Summer Kickoff on Saturday, May 24th, 2025 at 12 pm.

This will be a fun-filled event to celebrate the start of summer and the launch of the Kids Bowl Free program, which begins the following Monday.

Bring the whole family out for an afternoon of excitement with bouncy houses, a petting zoo, face painting, kids games and activities, community partners and awesome prizes.

It’s the perfect way to kick off summer break and get ready for a season full of fun at Tenn Pin Alley! At 1PM, there will be a Glow Bowl with a live DJ!

More information can be found on Tenn Pin Alley’s Facebook page.