WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for March 3, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Crash Claims Culleoka Youth (MSM)
The Culleoka Unit School community is mourning the loss of a student who was killed in an automobile accident on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 28.
Maury County Fire Department crews were dispatched just before 3 p.m. to the scene of a one-car accident on Mooresville Pike in Columbia. Firefighters responded and found the vehicle rolled over with a single occupant.
The occupant was later identified as 16-year-old Kayden Briley Patterson.
In a Facebook post, Patterson’s family requested that anybody that has a neat or unusual car, motorcycle or truck to consider parking in the parking lot at Heritage Funeral Home on the afternoon/early evening of Monday, March 3, in honor of Kayden, who loved cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Culleoka Unit School officials shared a social media post Friday evening announcing the death, saying, “As you may be aware, our school community experienced a heartbreaking loss on Friday afternoon with the passing of a sophomore student in a car accident. This tragedy has deeply impacted both our students and staff.
“In response, our district’s crisis support team is prepared to assist students and their families during this difficult time. We understand the importance of providing a supportive space for students to process their emotions, and counselors will be available at school on Monday to offer guidance and care.
“Thank you for your compassion and support as we come together to navigate this loss as a school community.”
The crash remains under investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Car Nearly Hits Child in Spring Hill (WKRN)
After a speeding car almost hit a Spring Hill boy while he was getting on the school bus, his mother is demanding city leaders do something about it.
“I’m standing there going, ‘Stop, stop, stop,’ until he hears me,” Lindsey Sparkman recalled.
Sparkman was sending her 8-year-old son off to school when a car blew through the bus stop sign.
“I don’t know how people don’t see the big, flashing, red sign and know that ‘Hey, you probably need to stop or slow down or pay attention or something,'” she said.
According to Sparkman, it’s become a problem on her street in Spring Hill. In fact, she said it’s the second time this has happened in two weeks.
“I just want people to wake up and pay attention,” Sparkman said. “There’s really no other blunt way to put it other than a child will die if this doesn’t stop.”
Officials said the law requires drivers from both directions to stop when a school bus has the stop sign out. The only exception is if there’s a concrete barrier between lanes.
“It doesn’t take very long for the children to get on the bus — probably less than a minute. It’s less than a minute of your time. It’s really not that big of a deal,” said Lt. Michael Foster with the Spring Hill Police Department (SHPD).
SHPD officers said they’re watching this crime closely, but they need the community’s help.
“We’re trying to be proactive about it, but we don’t have enough officers to follow every bus. We don’t have enough officers to sit at every school zone. We do the best we can, but we have a dedicated traffic enforcement unit, but it’s only four officers,” Foster said.
According to Sparkman, her next step is to go to the city government.
“Can we put in speedbumps? Can we put in the big yellow caution signs saying ‘School bus stop ahead?’ We don’t have any of that on this road,” the mother said.
Meanwhile, police said they’re in both marked and unmarked units, watching for drivers ignoring the stop signs.
As for the driver from the incident involving Sparkman’s son, they have yet to be caught.
Willis Honored (Press Release)
On February 28, 2025, the City of Columbia, along with military representatives and members of the community, gathered to honor John Harlan Willis, a Medal of Honor recipient and true hero, during a wreath-laying ceremony at the John Harlan Willis Bridge Memorial on Highway 31. This event marked the 80th anniversary of his ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Iwo Jima, where Willis demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness, paying the highest price to help save his fellow Marines.
John Harlan Willis was born and raised in Columbia, Tennessee. He enlisted in the United States Navy on November 5, 1940. On February 19, 1945, he landed with the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines on Iwo Jima. He participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima as a rifle company platoon corpsman and, on February 28, while aiding fallen Marines during a fierce action near Japanese-held Hill 362, he was wounded by shrapnel and ordered back to the battle-aid station. Disregarding his injuries, Willis returned to the battle area to resume casualty assistance. He was treating a wounded Marine when the enemy attacked his position with hand grenades. After throwing eight grenades back at the enemy, he was killed when a ninth grenade exploded in his hand. For his heroic actions that day during the battle, Willis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Mayor Chaz Molder spoke of Willis’ remarkable sacrifice, stating, “John Harlan Willis is a true American hero whose bravery on the battlefield inspires all Columbians. On this 80th anniversary of his ultimate sacrifice, dying while serving our country in World War II during the Battle of Iwo Jima, we gather to honor his memory and ensure that future generations never forget the courage and selflessness that defined him and his generation. Columbia and Maury County are proud to call him one of our own.”
The ceremony was well attended by local officials, military representatives, including retired U.S. Army Colonel Ashley Brown, who participated in the tribute. The colors were presented by American Legion Post 170, and attendees gathered to reflect on the legacy of courage and selflessness that John Harlan Willis left behind. City
City Manager Tony Massey also expressed his gratitude for Willis’ service, adding, “It’s important that we not only honor our veterans but ensure their sacrifices are remembered. John Harlan Willis’ heroic actions represent the very best of what it means to serve. His courage is a beacon of strength for our community, and today we stand united in remembering his incredible legacy. He was a true patriot.”
The event concluded with a moment of silence as a wreath was placed at the John Harlan Willis Bridge Memorial, marking the 80th anniversary of his death and reaffirming the city’s commitment to preserving the memory of its fallen heroes.
Willis’ story is one of unwavering courage and sacrifice, a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Columbia State Nursing Leaders Go To Hill (Press Release)
Columbia State Community College Student Nursing Association (SNA) leaders recently attended an event supporting the nursing industry on a statewide level.
Columbia State students and faculty represented the college at the Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) Nurses Day on the Hill event in Nashville.
The event offered the opportunity for nursing students to meet with state legislators and healthcare leaders to discuss critical nursing issues and lobby for legislation impacting the nursing profession. Presentations included advocacy for keeping nurses safe in the workplace and the need for de-escalation training at the earliest stages of nursing education.
“By sharing their experiences and insights, our Columbia State SNA leaders not only amplified the voice of nursing students but also contributed to the broader dialogue about nursing education, patient safety and professional development in Tennessee,” said Michele Marbet, Columbia State assistant professor of nursing. “We are so proud of their performance and representation.”
The Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association (FNSNA) Marilyn Bagwell Leadership grant was vital in enabling students to participate in the advocacy event and being able to share their experience of VR simulation with de-escalation and the importance of protecting nurses.
Columbia State SNA leaders that attended included:
Taylor Reaves from Maury County
Cecilia Gomez from Maury County
Leandra Harrington from Maury County
Grace DelaBruere from Maury County
Leah Ashworth from Maury County
Lucy Ballinger from Lawrence County
Hassie Bigbie from Lewis County
Brittany Ebey from Williamson County
Lauren Gilbert from Giles County
Columbia State SNA faculty that attended include Shania Dubbert, instructor of nursing; Michele Marbet, assistant professor of nursing; and Vonda Tew-Clouse, instructor of nursing.
Maury Regional Robotics (Press Release)
Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) is excited to announce the arrival of the HYDROS™ Robotic System, a cutting-edge technology designed to raise the bar for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostates. MRMC is the first hospital in Tennessee to offer this technology, with the first HYDROS Robotic System procedure performed on Feb. 27 by urologist Anthony D. Khim, MD, and additional procedures scheduled in March by urologists Justin K. Kropf, MD, and John W. Coursey, MD.
BPH is a non-cancerous condition that occurs when the prostate gland enlarges due to an overgrowth of cells. Most commonly found in men ages 50 and older, the symptoms generally involve urinary problems, such as difficulty urinating, leaking or incontinence, inability to empty bladder and frequently waking up at night to urinate.
“At Maury Regional Health, we are committed to offering innovative medical technologies that expand treatment options for our patients,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “The HYDROS Robotic System provides a new approach for addressing enlarged prostate symptoms, helping men regain confidence and improve their overall well-being.”
Urologists at MRMC will use the system’s AI-powered surgical planning and robotic precision to enhance procedural accuracy. Unlike conventional treatments, Aquablation® therapy does not use heat-based methods, which can cause damage to surrounding tissues. Aquablation therapy is the only real-time, ultrasound-guided, robotic-assisted, heat free waterjet for the treatment of BPH. It’s a resective procedure, which means that the prostate tissue causing symptoms is surgically removed. No incision is made in the abdomen, as the prostate is reached through the urethra. Additional benefits of Aquablation therapy include: 1-5
Minimally invasive
Preserves sexual function
Improves urinary flow
Lowers the risk of side effects
Results in fewer retreatments.
“I’m thrilled to have the HYDROS Robotic System on hand,” said urologist Anthony D. Khim, MD. “This technology expands what we can achieve in the operating room and gives us unprecedented control, allowing us to perform surgeries safely and efficiently. Patients will have a better overall experience.”
The launch of this technology places MRMC among a select group of facilities offering this advanced system, reinforcing its position as a leader in surgical care across the region.
MRMC is the only hospital in Tennessee to receive the excellence in patient safety and outstanding patient experience awards from Healthgrades® in 2024. Maury Regional Health also has invested in four da Vinci robotic surgical systems, which enhances surgical vision, precision, dexterity and control, in addition to a newly renovated hybrid vascular operating room, an investment of $2.5M which combines advanced imaging and surgical capabilities in one place.
MRMC offers 16 surgical suites, on-site pathology capabilities, an endovascular lab and a digital imaging system that enables physicians to view diagnostic images such as MRIs during the surgical procedure. Maury Regional Health is also adding four operating rooms and two procedural rooms to the Pavilion on the campus of Maury Regional Medical Center to perform orthopedic surgeries, complementing the existing outpatient surgery center on the third floor of the building. More than 50 physicians on the medical staff perform surgical procedures and all the anesthesiologists on our medical staff are board-certified.
Learn more at MauryRegional.com/Surgery.
Boys and Girls Club Names Youth of the Year (Press Release)
The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN) proudly named Kelsey Judd as the 2025 Youth of the Year during a ceremony at Guitar & Cadillac Hall at Puckett’s in Columbia. A 15-year-old student at Central High School, Kelsey was selected for her resilience, leadership, and commitment to academic and personal growth.
The prestigious event welcomed an audience of more than 100 guests, including the seven Youth of the Year candidates, their families, Board Members, elected officials, and dedicated supporters of the Boys & Girls Club. A distinguished panel of judges oversaw the competition, featuring Demetrius Nelson, pastor at Carmack Boulevard Church of Christ; Rod Holliman, managing partner of Honest 1 Auto Care; and Elizabeth Gallegos, Align Maury Program Manager with the Maury Alliance.
Board Chair Gale Moore opened the event with a warm welcome, setting a celebratory tone for the proceedings. Junior C., a Youth of the Year candidate, followed with an invocation, offering attendees a moment of reflection. BGCSCTN CEO Ginny Wright then took the stage to highlight the significance of the Youth of the Year program and its role in developing young leaders. She also acknowledged the judges and local elected officials in attendance.
Each of the seven candidates was introduced through short interview videos, sharing their personal journeys with the Club before stepping onto the stage to deliver inspiring speeches. Following their remarks, BGCSCTN leadership presented each finalist with a certificate of achievement, recognizing their dedication, growth, and accomplishments in the Youth of the Year program.
The event concluded at 12:30 p.m., with Kelsey’s heartfelt remarks as the newly named Youth of the Year, followed by closing comments from BGCSCTN leadership.
For Kelsey, this honor represents the culmination of a journey marked by perseverance and self-discovery. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age, she often felt different from her peers. However, the Boys & Girls Club provided a space where she always felt included and supported.
“They always made sure I felt included, whether I was counting carbs during snack time or learning how to manage my insulin properly,” she shared in her speech.
Beyond her health challenges, Kelsey faced personal hardships, including her parents’ divorce, frequent moves, and the instability brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, the Club remained a constant source of stability and belonging.
“No matter where we moved or how many changes I went through, I could always count on the Club for stability and a sense of belonging,” she said.
She credits the Club’s SMART Girls program for helping her build confidence and develop positive relationships. She also acknowledges Ms. K, a former Club staff member, who played a key role in her emotional growth.
“She always made me feel heard and let me know it was okay to have emotions. I still use the breathing techniques she taught me when I’m feeling nervous.”
With aspirations of becoming a pediatric nurse, Kelsey plans to attend East Tennessee State University, inspired by her own experiences.
“I want to help children, especially those who might face health challenges like I have, and give them the same support the Boys & Girls Club has given me.”
As the 2025 Youth of the Year, Kelsey now embodies the Club’s mission—to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential.
The Youth of the Year program is the Boys & Girls Club’s highest honor, recognizing young people who exemplify leadership, service, academic achievement, and a commitment to healthy lifestyles. As this year’s winner, Kelsey will serve as the official youth ambassador for Giles and Maury Counties, speaking at community engagements and advancing to the Tennessee State Youth of the Year competition in March.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
James Marshall “Jamie” Cheek, 59, died Thursday, February 27, 2025 at his residence in Columbia.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.
Mr. James Wayne Malugin, 76, retired employee of L & N Railroad and lifelong resident of Columbia, died Thursday, February 20 at his residence. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The Family will visit with friends Saturday, March 8th, 2025 from 12:00 PM until the service time at the funeral home.
And now, news from around the state…
Municipal Complex Named for Late Alderman (Tennessean)
The Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen recently voted to name its new 233-acre municipal complex after a former alderman who died in 2020.
The Southeast Municipal Complex and Robinson Lake will be known as “The Pearlene M. Bransford Complex” once it opens to the public. An exact construction timeline has not yet been released for the project, but the complex is expected to break ground later this month, according to city officials.
Despite having West Tennessee roots, Bransford was a Franklin resident for more than 35 years and held elected office for almost 25 of them.
At the time of her death, she was serving the city as an at-large alderman, a position she'd held since 2007. Bransford had also served as a member of the Franklin Special School District Board of Education for 11 years.
“Pearl brought immense energy to her work as an alderman and there was never a question as to where she stood on issues when she voiced her opinion," Franklin Mayor Ken Moore said. "She knew how to stand firm, and at the same time, be flexible. Placing her name on the Southeast Park recognizes her passion for community parks but also her broad contribution as an elected leader.
"Her council is still missed every day.”
Bransford championed historic preservation, especially in Franklin’s traditionally Black neighborhoods. She was serving her fourth term as the only Black member of the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen when she died.
In 2002, she established Natchez Place Inc. and worked to place the Natchez Street area on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, Bransford was an advocate for affordable housing and served on the City’s Housing Commission.
When she wasn't serving as an elected official, Bransford was championing healthcare workers.
She earned at bachelor's degree in nursing from Tennessee State University, another bachelor's degree in health arts from the University of St. Francis in Illinois and a master's degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University before embarking on an 18-year nursing career at Vanderbilt Medical Center.
In 2021, Bransford's family and Franklin Tomorrow partnered to create a scholarship in her honor with funding to support students pursuing degrees in the health sciences at Columbia State Community College.
The Pearl Bransford Memorial Scholarship Fund was endowed with $50,000 thanks to local and global donations.
At the time, the scholarship was hailed as an expression of love for a woman who loved her community.
The new complex is just another way Franklin intends to honor Bransford, the city noted.
Once completed, the newly-named Pearlene M. Bransford Complex will feature an inclusive playground, football and lacrosse fields, Clean Water Facility, educational walking trail along the Harpeth River and other amenities, plans show.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
North America’s most popular interactive dinosaur event Jurassic Quest® has been thrilling millions of guests for over 10 years, and Music City-area families will soon get the chance to walk among the nation’s most scientifically accurate tour with the biggest herd of photorealistic dinosaurs when it visits the Fairgrounds Nashville from April 18-20!
Jurassic Quest provides unforgettable adventure, transporting families through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to roam among true-to-life versions of the creatures that once ruled the Earth. Loved by millions, Jurassic Quest is filled with the most hands-on activities, educational and fun event for families of all ages:
Advance purchase online is recommended to ensure desired date and availability at www.jurassicquest.com, or tickets are available on-site.
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