WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for January 13, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Winter Snow Blankets Middle Tennessee (CDH)
Columbia and Maury County were blanketed in a thick covering of snow Friday, which lingered over the weekend due to cold temperatures, thawing a bit Sunday.
The county received multiple inches throughout the day and evening Friday, with 6 to 8 inches covering much of Middle Tennessee.
During the first snow of 2025, city departments worked hard to clear the streets and provide safety for drivers.
Public Works Director Jeff DeWire gave details regarding the work throughout the weekend.
"We've got at least two passes on every main thoroughfare or collector [road], and most of the residential streets and neighborhoods have had a single pass," DeWire said Friday morning. "We are hoping to stay ahead of it. That's our plan."
Columbia's Public Works Department crews began pre-treatment work Wednesday, as well as all day Thursday, and began again at 5 a.m. Friday, Assistant Director Jeff Riggins said.
"Our guys run 24 hours around the clock," Riggins said. "We split our street department guys into two groups so they can work 12 on, 12 off."
Riggins added that temperatures, while still dropping below freezing, did not dip to a level where it would affect salt on the roads.
"Last year, we had those super cold temperatures where it got down to around zero, which slows down the process," he said. "This year, the lows won't be so low, and so we should be able to make headway, even at nighttime. And then it's supposed to be warm through the weekend, which will help a whole lot as well."
Columbia Fire Chief Chris Cummins said his crews spent the week prepping, which he said "went into full effect" starting at midnight Thursday evening.
"All of our trucks are tuned up and good to go, and we are making sure our snow chains are working correctly so we can get to anybody who might have an emergency or needs assistance," Cummins said.
Cummins added that, while monitoring the weather remains a priority, CFR's services will still be available 24/7 to anyone in need.
"We will continue to do business, though we may be a little bit slower due to slick conditions, but we will get to them," Cummins said. "We never shut down, and that's the main thing."
McKelvy Appointed to 5th Ward City Council (WKOM)
At last Thursday’s Columbia City Council meeting, the council voted to appoint a councilman to the 5th Ward to fill the term vacated by Curry Andrew Hart, who won the seat in the August election but stepped down prior to being sworn in. One candidate, Brian McKelvy, who campaigned for the seat during the election cycle and garnered over 2100 votes in the 5th ward spoke on his own behalf to fill the seat for the next two years. “I am the only other candidate to receive votes in my district. I also served a term on the County Commission, and am very involved in the community,” McKelvy stated. No other potential candidates spoke at the meeting. After a brief discussion, Councilman Kenny Marshall made the motion to accept McKelvy as the representative from the 5th Ward. It was seconded by Councilperson DaVena Hardison and the motion passed 5-1, with new councilmember Charlie Huffman giving the only dissenting vote.
Spring Hill Election (MauryCountySource)
The City of Spring Hill Local Election will be on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with early voting beginning on March 21 and ending on April 5.
The purpose of this election is to elect a Mayor to serve a term of four years and one Alderman from each of the four wards to be elected at large.
The qualifying deadline is January 16th. For more information, please visit:
Legends Boxing and Wellness (MSM)
When Anthony Smith, the former owner of the Butcher Shop Boxing Gym on South Main Street, announced that he was moving to Alabama in August, gym-goer Ramon Alvarez stepped up and asked to take over the space. The newly dubbed Legends Boxing and Wellness caters to the same clients, helping them to get in shape and learn to fight, but also looks beyond its current offerings to health and fitness more broadly.
Alvarez, the grandson of a State Boxing Commissioner in his home state of California, had trained at the Butcher Shop for three years by then, and has a long personal history with the sport. He began boxing in his teens, which helped him to survive and work through his tough upbringing in a fatherless home. Now, 40 years later, Alvarez has learned life lessons and become strong through boxing, karate, kung fu, wrestling and jujitsu, and boasts the cardiac health of a 20-year-old.
“I believe training builds character, strength and endurance, and sparring allows you to experience combat in a controlled and calm environment,” he said proudly. “It’s a measuring stick and a real test of your skills.”
His 30-year career as a general contractor, house painter and house flipper has taught him about business and hard work, equipping him well to run his dream enterprise. When the closure of the Butcher Shop became a possibility, Alvarez saw the chance to fulfil a long-held wish.
“[Running a gym] was a dream I had when I was younger,” he said. “I found my community, role models, and mentors in gyms as a youth… [so] I decided to save a boxing gym!”
Ramon and his wife Jennifer have rebranded the facility “with an eye toward the future,” expanding the gym’s reach beyond boxing to offer health and wellness services more broadly. Legends will continue to offer its most popular amenities, the complimentary weekday boxing and cardio classes taught by SafeSport-certified head coach Elijah Jewson, with supervised sparring sessions every Wednesday evening. Boxers from Legends tour the tri-state area to spar and compete, and its flagship fighter, Seth “Golden Boy” Duran, has fought in regional Golden Gloves tournaments from Nashville to Detroit.
“We want to be a full-service wellness center for members and non-members alike,” Alvarez explained. “[W]e plan to add a cold plunge, sauna, and red-light therapy… [and w]e’re looking into adding an after-school youth program and summer camp.”
To attract new members, Legends is running a membership drive this month, offering half off the $120 monthly membership fee to people who join in January. “We want our members to feel welcomed and supported – like a gym version of the TV show Cheers,” the Alvarezes declared. “We want to know your name!”
Legends Boxing and Wellness is open from 3-7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, from 3-6:30 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. Visit legendsboxingcolumbia.com/ or call (931) 223-5581 for more information.
Archives to Re-Open (WKOM)
The Maury County Archives, which has been undergoing a major expansion over the last sixteen months, will hold their grand re-opening on Thursday, January 16th at 1:00pm.
The archives, which originally opened in 2001 in the old Maury County Jail, has been greatly expanded. The original 8500 square feet has been renovated and an additional 18,500 square feet added.
The project was overseen by the county’s owner-advocate Hewlett-Spencer, with Bell Construction as the main contractor. Both companies also oversaw the construction of the recently opened Maury County Judicial Center.
Funding for the archives expansion came from fee money collected by the county clerk’s office, building and zoning office, and the county courts. By state law, these archives fees can only be used by the county archives through the Public Record’s Commission. The fee money will pay the entire debt service on the $9.6 million project, with no tax dollars spent on the project.
“We needed the space desperately,” said Cindy Grimmitt, one of the four archivists on staff. “We have every document that Maury County has ever generated,” she said. “Millions of records that tell the history of this place. We will be migrating all the documents from the old Courthouse to the new archives in a few weeks. That will put every record under one roof for the first time in our history. We are one of the very few counties that has all of its records,” Grimmitt said.
Besides offering a research facility that will cater to genealogists, historians, and students, the expanded facility has room for public programming and education
“We are especially excited about bringing some educational outreach to our facility,” said archivist Amy Egnew. “We will be offering workshops on genealogy, delve into genetic genealogy, and offer classes on primary document research to school kids across the county,” she said.
The Maury County Archives also features a full paper conservation lab that will allow for the cleaning and repair of documents. “We are excited to bring the science of paper conservation into the facility, where a paper conservator will be able to repair our most damaged documents, and offer that service to other county archives’ and private collectors, on a fee basis,” said archivist Michelle Cannon. “Not many archives facilities can boast that service,” she said.
The archives will host an open house of the new facility following the ribbon cutting on Thursday. Tours of the entire facility will be conducted by the archives staff.
The Maury County Archives will be open Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm starting on Tuesday, January 21st.
For more information, follow the Maury County Archives on social media and on their website: https://www.maurycounty-tn.gov/202/Archives
Kids Place Gala (Press Release)
You are cordially invited to step into an evening of mystery, elegance, and purpose at the 6th Annual Kid’s Place Gala on January 31, 2025. This year’s event, “Beyond the Mask”, will take place at the exquisite Keestone Resort in Loretto, Tennessee, setting the perfect stage for a dazzling Masquerade Ball.
Behind the masks, abuse happens silently in our own communities; the children and families Kid’s Place serves are your neighbors, employees, family, and friends. Attendees will unite to illuminate a critical cause: the fight against child abuse. Together, we can ensure children and families in our community receive the hope, help, and healing they deserve.
All proceeds from the gala will support the vital work of the four Kid’s Place centers serving Giles, Lawrence, Maury, and Wayne counties. Last year alone, Kids Place served more than 600 victims of child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse at no cost to the families, thanks to generous supporters like you.
As the largest fundraising and awareness event, the gala’s success depends on the support of compassionate individuals like yourself. Whether by attending, donating, or sponsoring, your involvement helps sustain the critical services we provide.
Kid’s Place works together with law enforcement, prosecution, mental health resources, and the community to combat the ever-growing epidemic. They cannot do this work alone; their biggest resource is YOU!
Tom Hitch Parkway to Partially Close (Press Release)
Repairs to a bridge crossing the Duck River will lead to a temporary closure of a portion of Tom J. Hitch Parkway, Maury County and City of Columbia officials announced last week.
Beginning on Monday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m., Tom J. Hitch Parkway will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic between Bear Creek Pike (Highway 412) and Iron Bridge Road. Construction is expected to last through summer 2025.
Highway 31 through downtown Columbia is the preferred detour, officials announced.
Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to contact the Maury County Highway Department at (931) 375-6202.
Sobriety Checkpoint (Press Release)
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 10pm until midnight. The location is State Route 50 East @ .2 mile east of the 19mm.
Knights of Columbus to Honor LEOs (MSM)
At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, the Knights of Columbus at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church (Council #7447) will hold their 39th annual appreciation dinner for the law enforcement officers of Maury County and its towns. The dinner, catered by Shaffer Farms Barbecue, is open to anyone who wishes to honor LEOs and their families.
“Each year the Knights of Columbus… honor local law enforcement,” said Grand Knight William Simpson, “for the sacrifices they make to ensure we live in a safe community.”
At the dinner each department (Maury County Sheriff, Columbia, Spring Hill and Mount Pleasant Police) will present an award to its Officer of the Year, accompanied by a speech from the department chiefs.
Maury Alliance Annual Meeting
Join Maury Alliance on Thursday, January 30th for their annual meeting, their most anticipated event of the year as they celebrate their accomplishments for 2024 and recognize the transition of their volunteer leadership.
This will be a lively night of entertainment and networking celebrating business and industry in Maury County with a social hour, dinner and live music!
The event will take place at the Memorial Building, located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia. The event will begin at 5pm with a networking/cocktail hour and wrap up by 8pm. Purchase tickets now to guarantee a seat at Maury Alliance’s biggest event of the year! Get them by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.
Registration will close January 20 at 5:00 pm.
Night of Hope (Press Release)
The Well Outreach is pleased to present their 2025 "Night of Hope" on February 22nd, 2025 at Worldwide Stages featuring Christian Contemporary Artists, We The Kingdom! It's going to be an evening full of inspiring live music, worship, and hope - plus, your ticket helps feed local families in need.
What's Included:
- Your ticket feeds a family of four with groceries for a week
- VIP/Meet & Greet opportunities (with upgraded ticket)
- Small bites and tastings before the show
- A live auction to support The Well Outreach’s cause
- A powerful concert and worship experience with We The Kingdom
This event raises important funding for the rest of the year so that The Well can meet the needs of thousands of families coming to their food pantry with food insecurities. This is more than just a concert - it's a night to come together in faith and make a tangible impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Tickets are still available, including limited seats to a special meet-and-greet with We The Kingdom plus tickets by the seat or table.
For more information on the work and mission of the Well Outreach, please visit their website: thewelloutreach.org
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Richard T. Hill, 88, of Columbia, Tenn., passed away Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia.
Visitation with the family will be 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia with a Celebration of Life service to follow immediately.
Anita Karen Spencer Brooks, 68, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Maury Regional Medical Center.
A memorial service will be conducted at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 3-5pm, with services to follow at 5pm.
Blonnie Wilkes Dodson, Jr., 97, resident of Columbia and owner of Wilma’s Fashion, Died Saturday, January 11, 2025 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Center.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 12:00 PM until the service time at Oakes & Nichols.
And now, news from around the state…
Transgender Legislation Struck Down (Tennessean)
Rules created by the Biden administration prohibiting schools and universities from discriminating against transgender students were struck down in a Thursday court ruling that applies nationwide.
Tennessee was one of six states that sued to block the rules from going into effect.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti called the ruling "a huge win for Tennessee, for common sense, and for women and girls across America."
“The court’s ruling is yet another repudiation of the Biden administration’s relentless push to impose a radical gender ideology through unconstitutional and illegal rulemaking," Skrmetti said in a statement. "Because the Biden rule is vacated altogether, President Trump will be free to take a fresh look at our Title IX regulations when he returns to office next week.”
The regulations, which had already been blocked from implementation by a preliminary order, were released by the U.S. Department of Education in April as part of the Biden administration's interpretation of Title IX, a federal law that bars discrimination on the basis of sex in schools that receive federal funding. The new regulations expanded the umbrella of sex discrimination to include discrimination on the basis of "sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics."
Under the updated rules, a school would violate the law if it "denies a transgender student access to a sex-separate facility or activity consistent with that of a student's gender identity."
The judge who issued the ruling, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky Chief Judge Danny C. Reeves, pulled few punches in his opinion, calling the updated interpretation "unlawful on numerous fronts" and saying the new rules had an "arbitrary nature."
Reeves saw the updated regulations as a departure from Title IX's original purpose and longstanding interpretation, writing "Title IX does not encompass the issue of gender identity at all."
"Put simply, there is nothing in the text or statutory design of Title IX to suggest that discrimination 'on the basis of sex' means anything other than it has since Title IX’s inception—that recipients of federal funds under Title IX may not treat a person worse than another similarly-situated individual on the basis of the person’s sex, i.e., male or female," Reeves wrote.
Reeves claimed, despite the U.S. Department of Education's statements in court to the contrary, that the rules would "require Title IX recipients, including teachers, to use names and pronouns associated with a student's asserted gender identity," a flashpoint in the ongoing culture war around LGBTQ+ people, youth in particular.
"President Biden's radical Title IX rewrite is dead and common sense is ALIVE!" Skrmetti wrote on the social media site X, responding to a post from conservative media personality Clay Travis.
While the protections for gender identity discrimination are the most politically charged, Reeves' order tosses out the updated regulations in their entirety. The rules made other changes to Title IX, including the system for handling sexual assault complaints, for example.
Shiwali Patel, an attorney in the Obama administration’s Office for Civil Rights who resigned from the Education Department in Trump's first term, called the judge’s decision Thursday a “huge setback” that will ultimately harm students.
“I hope that they will continue to try to fight back,” she said of the Biden team. “But the reality is that there really isn’t much time for it left.”
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Step into a world of wonder where adventure awaits and imagination takes flight! The nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center® is thrilled to host Family Day 2025, a spectacular celebration of creativity, exploration and fun for all ages.
On Feb. 8, TPAC’s Jackson Hall and Polk Theater will transform into the enchanting world of Neverland. This all-inclusive event, which serves as a fundraiser to support TPAC’s mission and nationally recognized education initiatives, offers families a chance to connect through the magic of the arts, featuring a variety of activities, and interactive performances — all included with a ticket purchase.
From live performances to craft stations, Family Day offers a curated experience where adventure and imagination come alive.
The purchase of a ticket includes all sensory-friendly activities, performances and a selection of drinks and snacks for all to enjoy. Families can take advantage of our Family 4 Pack and enjoy four tickets for $140. This exclusive offer is automatically applied at checkout when purchasing four tickets.
Learn more by visiting www.tpac.org.
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