Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-6-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 6, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Suspicious Spring Hill Fire (Fox17.com)

Fire investigators are looking into a suspicious structure fire that broke out early Monday morning on Jim Warren Road near Crafton Road in Spring Hill.

According to officials, the fire occurred directly across the street from another suspicious blaze reported on March 12. Investigators with the Spring Hill Fire Department were on scene throughout the morning gathering evidence.

Authorities have not released details on whether the two incidents are connected.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Fire Chief Temple at gtemple@springhilltn.org or call 931-451-0636. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017.

Man Found Guilty in 90’s Murder (MSM)

A Maury County jury delivered justice last week, closing the book on a murder case dating back to 1991.

On Friday, May 2, District Attorney General Brent Cooper announced that a jury had convicted Clark Perry Baldwin, 63, of Waterloo, Iowa, on two counts of first-degree murder in the 1991 deaths of Pamela Rose Aldridge McCall and her unborn child.

McCall’s body was found on March 10, 1991, along Saturn Parkway in Spring Hill, at the off-ramp for Port Royal Road. The body showed signs of injuries to the face and neck and McCall’s clothing was also torn, according to investigators at the time.

An autopsy later determined that McCall’s death had been the result of strangulation and that she had been approximately 24 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.

Evidence and witness statement in 1991 led investigators to suspect that McCall had been traveling with a truck driver prior to her death. DNA analysis was performed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s crime lab and submitted to the national CODIS database, where it was later linked to a pair of 1992 unsolved homicides in Wyoming.

In April 2019, the Spring Hill Police Department asked the district attorney’s office for assistance in reopening the investigation. In 2020, with assistance from federal and state law enforcement agencies in Wyoming and Iowa, Baldwin was identified as a suspect in the homicides. Investigators eventually were able to collect samples of Baldwin’s DNA, which conclusively linked him to all three murder scenes.

Baldwin was eventually extradited to Tennessee to stand trial after his 2020 arrest.

Cooper gave a statement to Main Street Maury, saying, “When I ran for DA, I promised to solve and prosecute as many cold case homicides as possible. Thanks to talented assistant DAs like Pam Anderson and Ross Boudreaux and my skilled investigators Tommy Goetz and Jeff Dunn, I have been able to keep that promise. Unsung heroes like Victim Witness Coordinator Christi Dickey are also essential to guide the victims’ family through the process. Our prayers are with the family of Pamela McCall and her unborn child.

“My philosophy is that cold cases are never closed cases.”

Baldwin was prosecuted by assistant district attorneys Ross Boudreaux and Pam Anderson. The Maury County jury convicted Baldwin after roughly four hours of deliberation, Boudreaux stated via Facebook.

Baldwin was immediately sentenced to life in prison by Judge Christopher V. Sockwell. He is scheduled to be extradited to Wyoming to face trial for the two 1992 murders he is accused of committing.

City Mulls Water Price Increase (MSM)

At its May 1 study session, the Columbia City Council discussed potential increases in water rates that Columbia Power and Water Systems is seeking to have approved.

Some of CPWS’ infrastructure is decades old and in dire need of repair, according to CPWS officials. In Hampshire alone, there have been 25 breaks in water mains over the last 30 years. The rate increases would help the agency complete these repairs in the city within the next five years.

Rates would increase by $5 per residential customer, $10 per commercial or industrial user, 30 cents per 1,000 gallons on commodity usage and 72 cents per 1,000 gallons on water for resale (i.e., the water CPWS sells to other utilities). The estimated $82.2 million collected over five years would go entirely toward maintenance, not towards new infrastructure.

According to CPWS, Wards 1 and 2 would benefit from Cayce Lane pump station upgrades to address peak demand capacity, Wards 3 and 4 would benefit from other improvements on the south side of town to improve fire flow and peak demand capacity, while Ward 5 would benefit from Bear Creek Pike pump station upgrades to improve fire flow and peak demand capacity.

The council will have a first reading and vote at its May 8 meeting. If approved after June’s public hearing, the increases would take effect on Aug. 1, 2025.

The city’s proposed 2025-26 budget will also be up for an initial vote before a June 12 public hearing, if approved Thursday. The proposed $88.891 million budget contains a four percent increase in pay for city employees but leaves the property tax rate unchanged at 0.8251 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Columbia has also applied for funds under the 2025 Waste Reduction Grant Program through the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. This grant, if approved, would fund the purchase of a recycling truck for the city at a cost of $425,199.60. The city would be responsible for 30 percent, or $127,559.88. A resolution up for consideration will commit the city to funding if the grant is approved.

The council will also consider amending the Honey Farms Planned Unit Development off Nashville Highway and Honey Farms Way, by adding a 45,000 square foot Walmart to the master plan, as well as creating an easement to Ridley Road for adjacent property owners who asked for one.

Finally, Meritage Homes of Tennessee, Inc. plans on developing a residential subdivision adjacent to Ridley Park Road. The ordinance would approve an access easement agreement that would allow vehicular and pedestrian access from Trotwood Avenue on, over and across Ridley Park Road to the land owned by Meritage Homes.

Judge Sands Receives Liberty Bell Award (CDH)

The Maury County Bar Association celebrated Law Day on Thursday by bringing back its highly distinguished Liberty Bell Award in honor of longtime General Sessions Court Judge Bobby Sands.

The award was last given in 2018 to the late Claudia Jack, who formerly served as a longtime public defender in Maury County courts.

"Most of us in this room probably have a story about Judge Sands, and for most of us those stories would be about his kindness, his generosity and his understanding as some of us were beginning to practice law," Circuit Court Judge Julie C. Heffington said. "We appreciate Judge Sands and are very blessed to be part of this program where he has received the Liberty Bell Award."

Sands, a Lynnville native and U.S. Army veteran, began his legal career in 1979 after graduating law school at the University of Tennessee.

In addition to his legal practice, Sands has also been an active Kiwanian, serving as president in 1997-1998 and receiving the George F. Hixson Fellowship, the organization's highest honor. Sands is also a member of the American Legion, the American Cattleman's Association and was a past president of the Maury County Historical Society.

Judge Bobby L. Holloway presented the award to his longtime colleague.

"This is a great honor because of the people who have been honored," Sands said. "To be the recipient on the year of its revival is a great honor."

Sands later talked about the current state of the Maury County Bar Association, as well as its transition to the Maury County Judicial Center.

"This is a judicial building, and that's what it's referred to," Sands said. "Some people refer to it as a 'justice center,' but that remains to be seen. It becomes the justice center if we do our work as lawyers and advocates for truth, justice and the American way. We start off as a judicial building, and it's our challenge to make it a center of justice, a place where the law is served and respected."

In addition, Thursday's ceremony also celebrated the practice of law and its future, paying recognition to the Agathos Classical School's Mock Trial team.

"Many thanks to the Maury County Bar Association for making this valuable program possible for all of us," said Agathos Senior Adley Ogles.

Maury County Bar Association President Jason Whatley concluded Thursday's event by acknowledging the importance of Law Day and the continued legal practice of the 22nd Judicial District.

"I've had the honor of practicing law, or handling cases in about 35 counties of Tennessee's 95 counties, and I can say that the Maury County Bar Association is by far the best," Whatley said. "On behalf of the Maury County Bar Association, I want to thank all of you for attending this very special event in honor of our legal system and one of its finest and most honorable defenders.

"No other member of the bar has demonstrated the unique combination of being a fierce advocate, a steady and wise jurist, a Southern gentleman and a good friend the way that Judge Sands has."

New Coach at Santa Fe (MSM)

Jeremy Slaughter intends to maintain the defensive approach that’s been established for Santa Fe boys basketball as he takes over the program.

But he concedes that may be where the similarities end for the Wildcats, as he takes over the helm following his cousin, Brad Slaughter’s seven-year reign.

“The kids really know the system well. In terms of ease of continuing what they’ve started, that’ll be a big thing,” Jeremy – Brad’s cousin – said Friday as his hiring was announced. “And having coached them, I think they have a comfort level with me.

“(But) we don’t have an Auden walking through the door, or a Macon, either. It’s not that we don’t have any talent, but we’re going to be different offensively.”

Auden Slaughter finished his career third on the Tennessee boys basketball all-time scoring list, with 3,589 points. Macon Adkison scored 1,524 career points, fifth in Santa Fe history. Both will play next year at Volunteer State Community College, after helping the Wildcats to back-to-back Class 1A state tournament berths, the school’s first, and a state semifinal appearance as juniors.

“We’re going to have to score and win as a team,” Jeremy said regarding the program’s philosophy going forward. “It may be a different guy (leading us) every night. It doesn’t matter, as long as you have more points than the other team.”

“Defensively, they’ll be doing a lot of the same stuff,” Santa Fe principal Randy Hubbell – who served as boys basketball coach at Spring Hill from 1984-96 – said in announcing the new hire. “If we can continue to play the same type defense we did with Brad, we can stay competitive in a lot of games.”

Jeremy, who has coached most of the current members of the Wildcat program at some point at the recreational or nonscholastic level, has the endorsement of his younger cousin as he steps into the role.

“He was my basketball influence,” Brad said of Jeremy, a 1993 Santa Fe graduate who impressed Hubbell on the floor during his coaching days. “I don’t know if I’d have ever loved the game without him.

“He appreciates the defensive culture we’ve built, and his plans are to keep that going. He understands we can continue to win a lot of games when you anchor on defense.”

Like Brad, who coached sons Andy (who graduated in 2021 as the school’s leading scorer) and Auden in the program, Jeremy will work with his sons as well. Jax is a sophomore with the Wildcats, while Jud is a freshman.

That familiarity and closeness to the program was a factor, both in his decision to pursue the position and in Hubbell’s to name him to it.

“Obviously I graduated from Santa Fe, played ball here. I care a lot about the community,” Jeremy said. “Brad’s set a nice standard for Santa Fe basketball, and we want to do our best to keep that going.

“I just want the kids to have the best experience possible.”

New MRMC Doc (Press Release)

Dr. Shaskirekha Shetty, MD, has joined Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) and will see patients at Lewisburg Pediatrics.

 Dr. Shetty received her medical degree from Mysore Medical College and Research Institute in Mysore, India. She completed a residency at Albert Einstein and BronxCare Health in New York, New York.

 Lewisburg Pediatrics provides treatment of illnesses, newborn and child immunizations and physical exams for children and adolescents. Dr. Shetty joins advanced practice providers Kimberly Fowler Huffman, APRN, and Ashley Nicole Hancock, CPNP-PC.  

 Lewisburg Pediatrics is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. They are located at 1090 N. Ellington Parkway, Suite 201, in Lewisburg. For more information, call 931.270.3656 or visit MauryRegional.com/LewisburgPediatrics.

Historic Marker Unveiling (Press Release)

The community is invited to attend an unveiling ceremony for historical markers honoring the Memorial Building and Viscaya naval gun.

The event will take place on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 3:30 PM at the Memorial Building, 308 W 7th Street, Columbia, TN

Constructed in 1909 as Columbia’s original Post Office, the Memorial Building has played a vital role in the city’s civic and cultural life for over a century. It has served as a public library, Chamber of Commerce, and home to veteran services and other local organizations. Its legacy as a public gathering space continues today.

The site also features a 14 cm Hontoria quickfire gun from the Spanish cruiser Viscaya, which sank during the Battle of Santiago in the Spanish-American War. This rare artifact is one of only eight such guns that were aboard the ship. It has been displayed in numerous locations around Columbia.

Mt. Pleasant Touch-A-Truck Event (Press Release)

The Mount Pleasant Main Street is excited to announce its upcoming Touch-A-Truck event, taking place on Friday, June 7th at 10:00 AM at the library grounds at 200 Hay Long Ave Mount Pleasant, TN. This fun, family-friendly event invites children of all ages to get an up-close look at a wide variety of vehicles — from emergency response units and construction equipment to service trucks and more!

Kids will have the chance to meet the people who operate these vehicles, learn about how they work, and even climb aboard for a hands-on experience. It’s a fantastic way to spark curiosity and learning through play and exploration.

“We’re thrilled to offer a day of discovery and fun for the families in our community,” said Mount Pleasant Library Director April White. “Touch-A-Truck events are always a big hit with children, and we’re grateful for the support that makes it possible.”

Maury Alliance Gives Back to Schools (Press Release)

Maury Alliance is excited to announce a special opportunity to support our schools during Teacher Appreciation Week through the Local First Gift Card program!

From April 28 – May 9, a portion of every Local First Gift Card purchased will be donated to the school that buys the most cards.

Here’s How It Works:

1. Purchase a Local First Gift Card

2. Select your school at checkout (online orders can select during pickup)

3. The school with the most purchases will receive a donation!

This is a simple way to give back to our educators and support local businesses at the same time. Please help spread the word—share this opportunity with your school's parents, teachers, clubs, and community groups to boost your school's chances!

Thank you for supporting local and making a difference in our schools!

Learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

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

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

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

And now, news from around the state…

Music City Rodeo (Fox17.com)

Country music meets cowboy grit later this month as Nashville hosts the inaugural Music City Rodeo.

It will be a three-day event set to bring professional rodeo action and star-powered concerts to Bridgestone Arena from May 29 to 31.

Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the Music City Rodeo marks the first time Nashville has held a top-tier PRCA competition. Fans can expect seven heart-pounding events, including bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding and team roping with over $200,000 in prize money on the line.

But the action doesn’t stop there. Each night wraps with a headline concert from country music royalty:

May 29 – Reba McEntire

May 30 – Jelly Roll

May 31 – Tim McGraw

All three artists are founding members of the Music City Rodeo, blending their love for country music and rodeo culture in what promises to be a uniquely Nashville celebration.

Families and fans of all ages can also enjoy activities like mutton bustin’, appearances by Rodeo Queens, and plenty of rodeo clown antics throughout the weekend.

Tickets start at $50 and are available now via Ticketmaster. For the full schedule and more info, visit BridgestoneArena.com.

Whether you’re a longtime rodeo fan or just looking for a weekend of music and thrills, the Music City Rodeo is set to deliver an unforgettable ride — Nashville style.

FBI Agent Arrested (WSMV)

A former electronics technician for the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been sentenced more than a year after being found guilty of child sex crimes, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Tennessee.

The former FBI tech, Justin Carroll, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being found guilty of engaging in sexually explicit chats and exchanging sexually explicit images with three 14-year-old girls across several social media platforms after connecting with them on chatting websites.

“Today’s sentencing underscores that no matter who you are, you will be brought to justice if you are found guilty of such criminal behavior,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to protect children from exploitation and hold accountable those who exploit or endanger them.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that Carroll was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, two counts of receipt of child pornography, and three counts of transferring obscene material on an individual under the age of sixteen.

His actions were brought to light after one of the victims mailed a Valentine’s Day package to the FBI office.

The U.S. Attorney’s Offices said there were sexually explicit images of the girls found in Carroll’s social media accounts and on his cell phone. Images of Carroll were also found in one of the girls’ social media accounts and on another girl’s phone.

He continued to message the girl who sent the package, even after receiving an email from her mother advising him of her age and why the package was sent.

“When someone in law enforcement dishonors their responsibilities by committing criminal acts, we will seek the most serious penalties in order to restore the public’s trust,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Justin Carroll dishonored the men and women of the FBI by his deplorable actions and now, thanks to the prosecution team and our law enforcement partners, he faces the consequences of those actions.”

Upon his release from incarceration, Carroll will be on supervised release for 10 years.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will offer special programs to visitors in June during CMA Fest 2025. Programs include a conversation and performance with some of CMT’s Next Women of Country on Friday, June 6; a Songwriter Session with Craig Morgan on Saturday, June 7; and a Musician Spotlight with Tico Hernandez on Sunday, June 8.

This showcase features artists involved in CMT’s Next Women of Country franchise, which launched in 2013 and highlights up-and-coming country artists.

All programs at the museum are included with museum admission and free to museum members. Seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance. Visit www.countrymusichalloffame.org for more information.