Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-3-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 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…

County Mayors Address Spring Hill Needs (MSM)

At a Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting moderated by Brooke Barrett, Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson and Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt spoke on issues facing their counties with a special focus on Spring Hill.

First, they talked about legislative ways to keep local money in the county rather than forward it to the state. The “Keep It Local” bill in the state legislature, supported by both counties’ leaders, would return a portion of local sales and real-estate transfer taxes to county governments. Anderson said that Williamson County especially needs a share back from the state. Of the county’s 9.25 percent sales tax on local and online purchases, 70 percent goes to the state, 15 percent to county schools, and 15 percent to the city where the sale takes place, so unless the sale happens in an unincorporated area, none of the tax goes to the county government. If successful, “Keep It Local” would send half of the state’s share back to the counties.

“We went after that with a concept: return that money back to us,” Mayor Anderson explained. “Not a new tax, not asking for anything. Just give that money back to the locals and let them make that determination how [to] use it.”

The returned money could fund Spring Hill’s required skin-in-the-game for projects like the $48 million June Lake Interchange.

“There’s never enough money to do all the projects with, but… we can return that money [to] roads, intersections,” Anderson hoped. “You don’t generate that kind of revenue, as a general rule.”

Tennessee’s 3.08 percent real-estate transfer tax normally goes entirely to Nashville, but Mayor Butt’s ambition is to bring half of it back to the places where the transfers happen.

“That money is just sitting in the state budget, but of course it makes the state budget look very good.” She warned of the difficulty of trying to get the transfer taxes back, which were shared with local governments until 2002 when the state simply started keeping them all to itself.

Though Senator Joey Hensley doesn’t think the bill will pass this year, Butt, an eight-year veteran of the state legislature herself, reminded people that the winning legislative strategy is to push it during every session until the state’s finances are finally amenable to it.

“You don’t quit this year… you have to keep working toward what you want,” she summarized, saying the fiscal rewards are always worth it. “We worked on that development fee for opting into the County Powers Act… for three years, and then we finally got that. I looked at the numbers today, and in one quarter alone, we’ve gotten a million and a half more dollars [over] what we were getting prior.”

Education priorities

There are multiple education-related bills now in session at the State House, but discussion centered on the school voucher bill.

“Our county commissioners over… many long years have made public education their #1 priority by their vote,” Anderson said, saying Williamson channels 70 percent of the county’s tax revenue into its schools. “I don’t see that changing… [but] we will have to figure out ways to work with this new legislation.”

Fortunately for the public schools, Butt pointed out, the state legislators wrote the current year’s per-capita funding into law as a “mandatory minimum,” meaning that school districts wouldn’t be penalized for any students who left them under the voucher program.

Williamson and Maury counties also wouldn’t be too affected, said both mayors. They spend so much of their county money on schools that their payouts from the state-level educational money-pool are some of the lowest in the state.

“We’re penalized because we’re successful, because we have the ability to pay more at the local level,” he said. “If you all really knew that, you’d be picking up the phone and calling your legislators.”

Butt also predicted that few families would actually benefit from the voucher program or avail themselves of it. The state’s private schools are already full and cost much more than $7,000 per year, and the material benefits (free and reduced meals, daytime childcare) of public schools for poor and dual-income households, Butt said, means that “only parents [will use it] who already have the resources to be able to take that child to a different school.”

“I want to brag on our schools, because that’s been the backbone of our growth, for businesses and people relocating to our county,” Anderson added. “We should feel proud of what the teachers… [and] the administrators have done.”

While talking about a pay raise for their good work (Williamson County teachers start at a $50,000 salary), Anderson took a few minutes to vent about the inflated cost of living in his county.

“Most of our working people… can’t live here, and that saddens me greatly… When [houses] are selling for a million dollars a pop, that’s hard for a $50,000 person… even with double income… and that’s not what we’re made of,” he complained. “This community is made up of hard-working middle-class people that find solutions to problems, it’s not government bailing them out. Let middle-class work pay them a wage they deserve.”

The future of the county depends on it, he warned.

“When your children have graduated and they can’t move back here, where are they going to go… and find these jobs? It’s going to be the communities that start off with affordable living.”

Addressing water concerns

They also talked about legislative and local solutions to the growth-fueled water issues now challenging Williamson, Maury and many other counties.

“Williamson County government is not in the water business,” Anderson clarified. “The vast majority of our water comes from other counties.”

Williamson draws water mainly from the Harpeth River and partly from the Duck. Several decades ago, a dry summer scared them into considering a direct line from the Cumberland, but the prohibitive cost and the coming of summer rain “put that idea out of everybody’s mind,” he said; now, however, the idea of a Cumberland River pipeline that Spring Hill would share with Maury County and its cities is “gaining traction in Nashville.”

“I never knew I would think and dream and talk about water so much until I was elected two years ago,” Butt confessed.

Fifteen years ago, Butt said she met the Duck River Agency agents when they wanted to raise the walls of Normandy Dam by five feet, which would have captured 20 million more gallons of rain for Maury County alone (on top of the 18 million it currently uses per day), but the plan didn’t come to fruition, and it would’ve only fixed the problems for five to 10 years, the length of one or two TDEC withdrawal permits.

“We have to figure out this water plan. And every time we try to put another straw in the Duck River, we’re going to get sued,” Butt recalled telling Gov. Bill Lee in a meeting before he signed an executive order protecting the Duck.

Now that she and Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman are on the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership that Lee established, they’re racing to make up for possible water shortages by looking into raising the reservoir walls and conducting a feasibility study on the Cumberland River line. The state is offering $24 million for the feasibility studies and $100 million (about 10 percent of the total) for the pipeline, and it’s “baked into the budget.”

If the Cumberland line is successful, Butt promised, “your children and my grandchildren… should not ever have to worry about water again.”

The Partnership will choose its course of action by November 2026.

Finally, the mayors talked about the reasons they took pride in their counties’ growth. Small businesses are thriving, Butt said, and transplants love the perks of no income taxes, Southern sociability and conservative values. Growth also puts the county in a position to be choosers instead of beggars among the big companies are considering moving in: they can select for virtues like higher pay and a better environmental footprint.

“I say let’s take advantage of all the talent and all the things that are coming here, for the betterment of our county and yours,” she said.

Anderson praised Williamson County’s amenities, everything from broadband Internet in unincorporated areas to transportation infrastructure to facilities for trendy sports like pickleball & girls’ lacrosse. Healthcare, a sector in which Middle Tennessee leads at treatment centers like HCA, Williamson, Maury Regional, and Vanderbilt, will also continue to grow.

“People move here for a lot of reasons: the unemployment rate is down, the job market is still sound, office spaces are empty… There are so many positives that people are moving here and telling us about,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s a wonderful place in Middle Tennessee to live.”

Maury Regional Airport Breaks Ground (CDH)

The Maury County Regional Airport has begun work to transform its longstanding terminal into an upgraded destination for flights and state-of-the-art technology.

A ceremonial groundbreaking took place earlier this month to mark the terminal project's beginning, which was attended by many Maury County leaders, workers and builders.

"It's going to be two stories, all the fixings," said airport manager Paul Turner, who has been overseeing daily airport operations for the last 17 years. "We were once the oldest terminal in the state, and now we are going to be the newest, one of the biggest and one of the nicest."

The new terminal will feature an observation deck, a new speaker system and other technological upgrades.

"There's going to be a TV out there so people can visualize on Flight Aware and see when the plane's going to come here," Turner said.

The Maury County airport is also heavily utilized in the freight and manufacturing industry, as well as a site for flight training.

Maury Regional airport is recognized as one of the busiest airports of its size in Tennessee, with one of the longest runways in the state and selling approximately 20,000 gallons of fuel per month.

It rakes in millions in revenue for the county.

The airport's economic impact on Maury County is estimated at $13.9 million annually, with visitor spending accounting for $3.4 million.

"This is one of our best assets here in Maury County," Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt said.

Mt. Pleasant Mayor Bill White added that in 2023, the airport generated approximately $23.2 million, which he credits much of its success to Turner's dedication as director.

"In 2023, Paul was recognized as the airport general manager of the state of Tennessee, and that is a big honor," White said. "It was well deserved."

In addition to the new terminal, the airport has also purchased nine acres of additional land to be developed as additional hanger space.

Officially founded in 1961, The Maury County Airport was a project in partnership between the city of Columbia and Maury County, with each contributing $27,000, with Mt. Pleasant donating the land known as the Wheeler Farm.

The airport's runway, completed in 1974, remained unchanged until 2023 when an $8 million project funded its resurfacing, as well as installing LED lighting to the 6,000-foot stretch of concrete.

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder concluded that the airport is highly regarded not just for its success in aviation, but is the result of city and county leadership working together.

"When I think about partnerships and the need for our community to partner together, to get along and find ways to solve problems instead of just talking about the problems, this building is one of the biggest testaments as to what can be done when we work together," Molder said.

"Because we all do better when we are all doing better, and this building's next chapter should be a reminder to us that when Columbia, Maury County, Mt. Pleasant and Spring Hill work together, we can all move forward as a community together. This is a historic day."

Columbia State EMS Receives Award (Press Release)

Emergency medical services students from Columbia State Community College were recently awarded in two categories after competing at the Battle of the Smokies.

Over 10 teams representing community colleges and county EMS from Tennessee and Kentucky competed at the March 4 event in Sevierville, Tennessee.

In the Student Advanced Life Support division, Columbia State won first place. Second place went to Walters State Community College. Third place went to Northeast Community College.

In the Student Basic Life Support division, Columbia State won second place. Roane State Community College placed first. Walters State Community College placed third. 

“I am so proud of our Columbia State students competing in this competition, especially our Paramedic students who brought home first place,” said Gregory S. Johnson, Columbia State EMS program director and assistant professor. “These students were challenged to step out of their comfort zone and handle a mass casualty situation, that at times seemed unwinnable. However, like normal, Columbia State students rose to the occasion and knocked this scenario out of the park.”

The EMS competition featured a scenario where patients had to be treated after accidents involving heavy equipment. Teams were scored in four divisions on their proficiency in medical care, communication and overall teamwork, documenting after the incident and a written skills test.

The Battle of the Smokies is put on by the Tennessee Association of EMS Providers and the Tennessee Mine Rescue Association.

Columbia Clean-Up (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the launch of its Clean Up Columbia campaign in recognition of Litter Awareness Month this April. This initiative highlights the critical importance of community collaboration, education, and proactive efforts to create a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all residents.

“We are thrilled to bring the community together to participate in Litter Awareness Month,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “The Clean Up Columbia campaign reflects the importance of teamwork and education in fostering a cleaner Columbia. We encourage everyone to join us in these efforts to reduce litter and help protect our local environment.”

As part of the campaign, the City is partnering with local litter mitigation organizations, Keep Maury Beautiful and the Triple C’s (Columbia Community Clean-Up Team), to host two community clean-up events in Columbia:

East Columbia Clean-Up

Date: April 12, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Meet-Up Location: County parking lot - corner of E 7th St. and Woodland St.

Columbia Arts District Clean-Up

Date: April 26, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Meet-Up Location: Maury County Public Library - 211 W 8th St.

All necessary litter clean-up supplies will be provided at both events. In addition to these efforts, the City will host two Litter Awareness Education events for young children at the Maury County Public Library. These events will take place on April 15th and April 26th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. During the events, city officials will read Catch That Litter Bug, a children’s book by local author Michael Fulbright, to teach kids about the importance of managing litter in their community.

The City’s Public Works Department will also conduct recycling truck demonstrations and discuss waste management practices in Columbia. Keep Maury Beautiful and the Triple C’s will lead interactive, hands-on activities that help families and children understand their role in maintaining a clean environment.

By uniting as a community, the Clean Up Columbia campaign presents a powerful opportunity to create a lasting impact on the environment. Through active participation in clean-up events and educational programs, residents can foster a greater sense of responsibility for their shared spaces and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the city.

For more details about these events and to find out how you can get involved, visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

Spring Hill Early Voting (WilliamsonScene)

Early voting in the Spring Hill municipal election is going on now.

Residents can cast their votes early at the Spring Hill Community Senior Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. during weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday. Early voting ends on Saturday, April 5 and election day is the following Thursday, April 10. Voters can head to the polls on election day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at their voting precinct, which can be found at web.go-vote-tn.elections.tn.gov

In this election, Spring Hill citizens will choose their next mayor from four candidates: John Canepari, Matt Fitterer, Jim Hagaman or Rick McCreadie. Hagaman is the incumbent mayor while Canepari and Fitterer both hold alderman seats that are not currently up for election. If they are not selected by voters to be the next mayor, they will continue to serve in their alderman positions until their terms end in 2027. McCreadie has not held a public office in Spring Hill.

Voters will also choose one alderman that represents each of the four wards in Spring Hill. The city's Board of Mayor and Alderman is made up of two alderman in each ward. 

Ward 1 Alderman Jason Cox is not running for reelection and voters will choose between Alex Jimenez and Teri Mai.

Ward 2 alderman William Pomeroy, who is also the current vice mayor, is running for reelection. Also seeking the Ward 2 seat are Jaimee Davis, Greg Groninger and Scott Wernert. 

In Ward 3, sitting alderman Kevin Gavigan is not running for reelection. Voters will choose between Diane Cochran and Erinn Hartwell.

Current Ward 4 alderman Trent Linville is running for reelection. He faces opponent Kimberly Hughes for the seat. 

Bernard Hatcher Brown, 71, a resident of Waynesboro died Monday, March 31, 2025 at his residence.

Graveside services will be conducted Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Jones Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Garry Lewis Farris, 71, resident of Nashville, died Saturday, March 29, 2025 at TriStar Skyline Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 12:00 PM till 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

Operation Hands-Free (Tennessean)

Watch out, Tennessee, using a phone while driving could get you in trouble this month.

Starting April 1, the state of Tennessee is launching its "Operation Hands-Free" for the entire month of April. Officers from all major patrol divisions will aid local officials in the month-long endeavor.

The operation aims to crack down on drivers who use their phones while on the road.

According to Tennessee's Hands-Free Law, it is illegal for drivers to hold a cell phone or mobile device with any part of their body. This month, police will take extra time to make sure drivers are not driving while distracted.

In April, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol will partner with TDOT, local law enforcement, and other traffic safety partners.

The goal of the project is to crack down on bad driving, which caused 7.7 crashes per 100,000 in the state last year.

While Tennessee is not the worst state for drivers, it is certainly not the best. According to ConsumerAffairs, Tennessee ranked as the No. 11 worst state for drivers.

The state has a crash score of 38.6. Per 100,000 people, Tennessee had:

7.7 crashes related to bad driving

19 total fatalities

2.5 fatalities involving DUI

3.2 fatalities involving speeding

6.3 fatalities involving positive blood alcohol content

Memphis repeats as city with worst drivers for second year in a row

Memphis ranked as the city with the worst drivers for two consecutive years, scoring 77.3 out of 100. Memphis had the highest number of crash fatalities at 36.2 per 100,000 people and fatalities involving a driver with a positive blood alcohol content in the country at 13.5 per 100,000 people.

Regarding bad driving, Memphis was also the worst city for crashes related to poor driving, with 16.5 crashes per 100,000 people. The national average is five crashes per 100,000 people.

Other Tennessee cities ranked as worst for drivers include Knoxville at No. 25, Chattanooga at No. 34, Nashville at No. 53, Clarksville at No. 93, and Murfreesboro at No. 185.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Pop star Billie Eilish and her brother and collaborator Finneas have joined the management roster at Nashville's Sandbox Entertainment.

The "Hit Me Hard and Soft" and "What Was I Made For?" pair join a lineup of artists at Jason Owen's artist management company that includes Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Faith Hill, Kate Hudson and Devin Dawson.

For the past ten years, Eilish and Finneas were represented by Danny Rukasin and Brandon Goodman of Best Friends Music Management, which is based in Los Angeles.

While the duo has been present around Nashville, the pair have yet to dive into the country music genre.