The first baby born in this New Year here in Rutherford County arrived Tuesday morning at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. Malachai Duke is the county's first citizen of the New Year. A person in the nursery at Stonecrest Medical Center in Smyrna told WGNS News that their first arrival was not until late in the day.

Decided To Arrive 4-Days Early

Malachai Duke was scheduled to be born January 4th, but decided it would be great to arrive on New Year's Day. His mother is Deysi Duke, who welcomed her newborne son at 7:47 January first at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. He weighed in at 6 pounds and 13 ounces and is 19-inches long. 

Again, congratulations to Middle Tennessee Medical Center--this Murfreesboro hospital was the first to expand Rutherford County's population in 2013. And welcome, Malachai Duke--our first new resident of the year.