Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-2-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for July 2, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Surgeon Performs 2000th Robotic Surgery (Press Release)

Orthopedic surgeon W. Cason Shirley, MD, recently hit a major milestone at Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC): performing 2,000 procedures using Stryker’s Mako robotic-arm system for knee and hip replacements.

“Performing my 2,000th Mako robotic surgery is extremely rewarding,” said Dr. Shirley. “It is an honor to use this innovative technology that revolutionizes joint replacement surgeries in our region, allowing us to individually tailor surgical plans to our patients for better outcomes.”

First introduced at MRMC in 2017, the Mako SmartRobotics™ System by Stryker is designed to elevate surgeon control and optimize implant placement. By combining Mako’s 3D CT-based planning and AccuStop™ haptic technology into one platform, surgeons can plan for better outcomes by creating personalized surgical approaches based on each patient’s unique anatomy before entering the operating room. The Mako system’s surgical precision can offer less pain and faster recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.

In addition to Dr. Shirley, physicians on the medical staff utilizing the Mako System include surgeons Scott W. McCall, MD, and J. Fredrick Wade, MD, who perform total and partial knee replacement procedures. All three surgeons are on the medical staff at Maury Regional Medical Center and are associated with Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance Columbia.

“Orthopedic surgery is a high priority for Maury Regional Health as the number of otherwise healthy adults needing to repair or replace damaged, arthritic joints continues to grow,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “Through advanced technologies in the hands of skilled surgeons, paired with our ongoing strategic growth plan, we are committed to ensuring patients in our region have access to the best-practice orthopedic care they need right here in Columbia.”

In May 2024, Maury Regional broke ground on a 34,000-sq.ft. expansion to the Outpatient Pavilion, which will house the new Orthopedic Surgical Institute. The new space will feature four operating suites, two procedure rooms, a sterilization and surgical supply unit and space for future expansion. It will be equipped with advanced technology for joint and spine procedures, including the Mako System.

Maury Regional Health’s team of 11 experienced orthopedic surgeons provide a full spectrum of joint replacement procedures using advanced technologies. The Mako System also complements other state-of-the-art surgical technologies used at Maury Regional Medical Center that support surgical specialties ranging from orthopedic procedures for the ankle, shoulder and spine to general, gynecologic, urologic and vascular surgeries.

Maury Regional Medical Center’s orthopedic program has been recognized as a national leader. Since 2022, the medical center was named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic SurgeryTM by Healthgrades. In 2024, Maury Regional Medical Center also earned Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission, which demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care to patients undergoing knee and hip replacement procedures.

For a complete list of services and or to find an orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff, visit MauryRegional.com/orthopedics.

Dr. Tinnell Named Brown Principal (Press Release)

Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent, Lisa Ventura, announced Dr. Stefanie Tinnell as principal of Joseph Brown Elementary School (JBES). Tinnell served as the assistant principal of Joseph Brown Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year.

"As assistant principal, Stefanie has proven to be a pillar of support for students, staff, and families at Joseph Brown Elementary School,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “As she steps into the principal role, I’m confident she will continue to lead with care, excellence, and integrity."

Dr. Tinnell began her career as the Communications and Children’s Program Director with Safe Haven Family Shelter in 2007. In 2013, she changed career paths and became an educator at Buena Vista Enhanced Option School in Nashville. In 2016, she joined Maury County Public Schools, teaching at E.A. Cox Middle School. In 2019, she became a Title 1 Facilitator/Instructional & PLC Coach at E.A. Cox Middle School. In 2021, Stefanie rose to the Dean of Culture and Learning at E.A. Cox Middle School. In 2024, she was named assistant principal of Joseph Brown Elementary.

“We are gaining momentum, and I'm excited about the possibilities ahead for the upcoming school year,” said Tinnell. “It is an honor to accept this leadership role. I look forward to continuing academic success with our students, their families, and the entire JBES community. Together, we will build on this momentum and provide the best education for the students we serve."

Tinnell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication from Lipscomb University. She earned a Master of Arts degree in K-6 Education from Trevecca University. She earned her Doctor of Education degree in assessment, learning and student success from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).

Sanchez Bookeeping Grand Opening (WKOM Audio :58)

Yesterday, Sanchez Bookkeeping held a grand opening for their new business in Columbia. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy attended the ribbon cutting and spoke to proprietor Amy Sanchez about what services the business provides its customers.

Columbia Arts Council to Participate in First Fridays (MSM)

There’s a new player on the Square for First Fridays this year: the Columbia Arts Council (CAC).  

The group, founded in 2014, has long supported the arts community in Columbia and Maury County, but this year they’ve embarked on a new strategy to raise the visibility of the artists and creators they champion.

“As they say, ‘you must be present to win,’” CAC Vice Chair Angie Jones said. “We want to help our artists, makers and creators connect with the broader community, so being part of First Friday’s was a natural choice.”

Every month, including Friday, July 4, the CAC will feature a local artist or two at its tent. 

This week’s featured artist at First Fridays is Brad Blackman, an internationally collected artist working primarily in acrylic on canvas. He uses foggy, misty, liminal landscapes as a metaphor for the psyche, creating personal experiences on canvas. Blackman has shown his work in places as diverse as his native Nashville, Boston and Florence, Italy. He received his BFA degree from Harding University and lives outside of Nashville. Check him out at bradblackman.com.

The CAC has also launched a new collaboration with Creekside Trading on First Fridays. It’s called “Art Mezz,” where 3-5 artists will be showcased on Creekside Trading’s mezzanine on West Seventh Street. 

This month’s Art Mezz featured artist is Jennie Schut, an award-winning artist and teacher in oils and encaustics, a wax-based medium, in her home studio. She is founder of Fly Forward, an organization that aids creative and spiritual formation, awakening and flourishing through a coaching/spiritual direction practice, small groups, retreats, workshops, individual art instruction and creative direction. She holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Studio Art from Middle Tennessee State University, a Spiritual Direction Certificate from Selah Center for Spiritual Formation and is an Enneagram Certified Professional.

In addition to partnering and piggybacking onto existing events like First Fridays, the CAC is planning an artists’ Studio Tour later this year, where people can visit the workspaces of local creators. And the CAC will continue its popular Artist Meetups every month, where makers, creators and artists share ideas and hatch collaborations.

Learn more about the CAC at facebook.com/arts4Columbia.

Blood Needed (MSM)

With the Fourth of July approaching and trauma cases expected to rise, Blood Assurance is urging donors to step up now. 

The weeks surrounding Independence Day is one of the most challenging times for maintaining a stable blood supply. Donation rates drop as people travel, but the demand for blood surges — especially following traumatic accidents, which often increase during the holiday celebrations.

“People are traveling, schools are out, and routine blood drives slow down, but emergencies don’t take a vacation,” said Garry Allison, Senior Vice President of Operations at Blood Assurance. “We typically see more trauma cases during the summer, particularly around the Fourth. We need the community to act now to ensure blood is available when patients need it most.”

Blood Assurance has multiple donation drives scheduled across Columbia over the next week. Those donation drives include:

• Friday, July 4, at First Fridays in Downtown Columbia, 700 N. Garden St., Columbia,  3:30 – 8 p.m.

• Tuesday, July 8, at Columbia Foodland, 427 W. Seventh St., 2 – 5 p.m.

• Tuesday, July 8, at Parker Filtration Innovation Center, 2203 Oakland Pkwy., Columbia, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Friday, July 11, at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 312 E. Eighth Street, Columbia, 2 – 6 p.m.

Additionally, the Columbia Blood Assurance donor center at 1412 Trotwood Ave, #69, Columbia, is open each week Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood — for surgery, cancer treatment, chronic illness or a traumatic injury. Blood can’t be manufactured, so it must come from volunteer donors. A single donation can save up to three lives, but only about 3 percent of eligible Americans actually donate.

Blood Assurance serves as the primary provider for most hospitals in Middle Tennessee including Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia. The nonprofit must collect around 540 donations every day to meet demand.

To thank donors who step up during this critical time, Blood Assurance is offering:

• A $20 e-gift card for all donors with a valid email address on file.

• O-negative and AB plasma donors will get a $25 e-gift card.

• An extra $50 e-gift card for O donors who join the Hero Club and either: Donate double red cells once or Donate whole blood twice by Aug. 31. (Note: To qualify with whole blood, the first donation must occur by July 6)

All blood types are needed. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more, and be in good health. Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of water before donating.

To make an appointment visit bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628 or text BAGIVE to 999777. Walk-ins are welcome at any Blood Assurance donor center or mobile drive.

Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 healthcare facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.

Malugin Named SH Middle Principal (Press Release)

Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent, Lisa Ventura, announced Rebecca Malugin as principal of Spring Hill Middle School. She joined the Maury County Public Schools system after serving in various teaching and administration roles in the Hickman County Schools system for the past 25 years.

“Rebecca’s wealth of educational experience, coupled with her desire to foster a vibrant and welcoming learning environment makes her a natural fit as principal of Spring Hill Middle School,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “She will push Spring Hill Middle School forward academically, while creating a caring, student-focused school community; with a keen ability to connect with students, parents, staff, and the Spring Hill community.”

Ms. Malugin began her educational career as a teacher at East Hickman Intermediate School in 2000.  She served in various administrative roles from 2014-2018 including assistant principal and principal at East Hickman Intermediate School. She was the interim principal at Hickman County High School from 2021-2022. She served as a Secondary Supervisor and Student Support and Safety Supervisor for the Hickman County School system in the following years.

Under her leadership, East Hickman Intermediate School was recognized as a Level 4 School by the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) in the 2015-2016 school year. In the 2017-2018 school year, East Hickman Intermediate School was recognized as a Level 5 School by TVAAS. These achievements highlight Rebecca’s commitment to fostering continuous improvement and student success.

“I am excited for the opportunity to join Spring Hill Middle School as principal and serve a school community known for excellence,” said Malugin. “I look forward to working with students, parents, staff, and facility and continue the level of greatness.”

Ms. Malugin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies from Austin Peay State University. She earned a master’s degree in education/educational leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University.

Grant Writing Workshop (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance on Monday, July 14 for a comprehensive Grant Writing Workshop for Nonprofits led by Patrick McElhiney, Director of Grants at Columbia State.

Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop will provide valuable tools to help your organization successfully secure funding.

Patrick will walk you through the full grant process—from identifying opportunities to crafting compelling proposals—and even explore how AI can support your efforts.

Topics include:

• Researching & Identifying Funding Opportunities

• Understanding Grant Guidelines & Requirements

• Planning, Research, and Proposal Development

• Writing Tips & Using AI in the Process

• Grant Submission, Follow-up & Implementation

This workshop is free to attend but space is limited! (RSVP required)

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field and strengthen your organization’s funding strategy!

Power Load Curtailment (MSM)

TVA announced today that they have informed all 159 local power companies in the valley, including CPWS, that Step 20 of the Emergency Load Curtailment Program (ELCP) has been initiated.

Step 20 of the ELCP is voluntary but highly advised, CPWS said in a Facebook bulletin to consumers. They urge people to conserve electricity to the greatest possible extent to keep the power grid stable. The tips include:

• Raise your domicile’s thermostat by at least 2 degrees F.

• Lower the thermostat on your water heater.

• Postpone the use of large electric appliances, such as dishwashers, dryers and cooking equipment.

• Turn off any nonessential lights and electrical equipment.

“This is a common request from TVA during prolonged extreme weather conditions, and we want CPWS customers to be aware of the impact small changes can have on the overall health of our system,” said Jonathan Hardin, CEO of CPWS. “During summer months, it’s always a good practice to keep in mind the energy conservation tips we communicate throughout the year.”

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

Brandy Ann Smith, 47, departed this life on June 28, 2025 at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro after a lengthy illness.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Amy Mae Ingram, 80, died Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Levine and Dickson Hospice House in Charlotte, North Carolina after a brief battle with cancer.

A graveside service will be conducted Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Bryant Cemetery in Mooresville, Tennessee. Oakes & Nichols is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

85,000 Acres May Be Opened for Management (Tennessean)

Around 85,000 acres of Tennessee state forest land could be susceptible to increased logging under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's most recent policy rollback.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced June 23, that the USDA would rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, which restricted road construction and timber production in certain areas. The removal of the Roadless Rule impacts nearly 59 million acres of land across the National Forest System.

Inventoried roadless areas, regions formerly protected by the 2001 law, can be found within the Cherokee National Forest in East Tennessee and the Land Between the Lakes in Middle Tennessee.

Often, inventoried roadless areas are characterized as places with high quality, undisturbed soil, areas of high plant and animal diversity, places that endangered and threatened species depend on, traditional cultural properties, sacred sites and more, according to the 2001 rule.

Repealing the 2001 rule allows increased fire prevention and promotes responsible timber production in these areas, according to the USDA press release.

Rollins called the Roadless Rule "overly restrictive" and an "absurd obstacle to common sense management of our natural resources."

“This move opens a new era of consistency and sustainability for our nation’s forests," Rollins said in the USDA news release. "It is abundantly clear that properly managing our forests preserves them from devastating fires and allows future generations of Americans to enjoy and reap the benefits of this great land.”

This policy change follows President Donald Trump's March 1 executive order to increase domestic timber production in the United States by 25%.

"These onerous Federal policies have forced our Nation to rely upon imported lumber, thus exporting jobs and prosperity and compromising our self-reliance," the March 1 executive order reads. "It is vital that we reverse these policies and increase domestic timber production to protect our national and economic security."

Reversing the 2001 Roadless Rule is consistent with Trump's executive order, which gave Rollins 180 days, or until Aug. 28, to "reduce unnecessarily lengthy processes and associated costs related to administrative approvals for timber production, forest management, and wildfire risk reduction treatments."

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Ryman Auditorium has announced GRAMMY, ACM, CMA, AMA and Emmy Award-winning group Little Big Town for a four-night holiday residency this December. “The Christmas Shows” Ryman Residency will take place Dec. 1-4, 2025, and feature a mix of holiday classics and fan favorites from the chart-topping vocal group.

Little Big Town has a long-standing connection to the Ryman, including their historic 2017 residency, which marked the venue’s first time hosting a yearlong artist residency.

Tickets on sale at ryman.com.