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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for December 18, 2024
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Mersen Layoffs (WSMV)
The Mersen Manufacturing plant is set to furlough 80% of its Columbia, Tennessee workforce.
The furloughs were announced there weeks before the Christmas holiday. Twenty-five percent of the workforce was permanently laid off as of Dec. 15.
This is the same facility that underwent a $64.5 million investment in Maury County in 2019. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development administered a $505,000 infrastructure grant for the project which was awarded to the county, not Mersen.
In response to the furloughs and layoffs, the workers’ union representing those affected has filed an unfair labor practice charge. They’re accusing Mersen of violating federal labor law and betraying commitments to the community.
“This is a betrayal of Tennessee workers and taxpayers,” said Carl Kennebrew, President of International Union of Electrical-Communications Workers of America, or IUE-CWA. “The public invested in Mersen with the promise of good, stable jobs for this community. Instead, Mersen is slashing jobs right before the holidays while raking in record sales and increased profitability.”
Changes to Columbia City Government (CDH)
Columbia City Council bid farewell to three outgoing members Thursday, as well as its city attorney, each having played a role in the city's progress during their respective times of service.
This included City Attorney Tim Tisher, along with Councilmen Deborah Wiles, Ward 2, Anthony Greene, Ward 3, and Danny Coleman, Ward 5.
Newly elected members Charles Huffman and Cheryl E. Secrest will be sworn in to represent Wards 2 and 3 during a 5 p.m. special called meeting Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Andy Hart, who was elected to serve Ward 5, issued a letter of intent not to serve, which the council voted to accept Thursday.
At the conclusion of the council's meeting, Mayor Chaz Molder and city staff recognized the outgoing board members before presenting each with a commemorative plaque.
Tisher, who has served in many roles with the city, was appointed as city attorney in 2001, although his total time with the city adds up to nearly 30 years. He will be stepping down effective January of 2025.
"With Tim Tisher leaving, a lot of institutional knowledge is leaving, but with Tim Tisher leaving a good person is leaving as well," Mayor Chaz Molder said. "Tim Tisher is well respected not just amongst his peers internally ... but is also someone who has become a respected municipal attorney and has represented us well in that capacity and beyond our jurisdictional borders."
City Judge Jake Hubbel will serve in the new city attorney role, while City Prosecutor Richard Matthews was voted Thursday to fill Hubbel's vacancy as judge.
"I've always enjoyed government, and when I look back at what has been accomplished over the last 20-plus years my role in that was very small, but we've done a lot," Tisher said. "That's because we've had a good council, a good manager, good partner heads and a very, very good staff. I've thoroughly enjoyed working for them."
City Manager Tony Massey said a big part of the city's success over the years has been in its ability to make decisions while avoiding litigation based on advice from its counsel.
"The reason why we have all this litigation over the years is because we listened to you," Massey told Tisher with a laugh. "I've been doing this for a while, and I've been around a lot of city attorneys over the years. There have been a lot on my stops along the way, but [Tisher is] the best, and will be missed."
Tony Greene, whom Molder called "The Dean of our City Council," has been the longest serving member for a total of 10 years.
Greene was first appointed to the city's third ward following former Ward 3 Councilwoman Christa Martin's election to vice mayor in November 2014 and was re-elected for two additional terms in 2016 and 2020.
"Ten years of service on this council is a long time to be in elected office, and over the last 10 years it has become increasingly more difficult ... and sometimes that can get daunting, but Tony Greene was consistent, continued to do his job to represent Ward 3," Molder said.
"Ward 3 has been well served for a number of years by a number of good council members, and Tony Greene is someone we would add to that list of when we look back years from now of the people who served on this council, Tony Greene will be long remembered."
Greene, who was brought to tears by the city's tribute, as well as words from his colleagues on council, said of all the roles he has taken on as a public servant, whether it is in the U.S. Military, a Columbia Police officer or management, serving his city as a councilman and leader has meant the most.
"I hope I did my best work, and through all trials and tribulations we went through, the mountains we climbed together and the obstacles we overcame, this has been the most rewarding job I've ever taken on," Greene said. "This particular job working for the people, nothing will ever surpass that. It's overwhelming."
Coleman, the youngest of the city's council, sought office in 2020 to represent a vacant Ward 5 seat in a tight race against three opponents, winning by a margin of 254 votes.
"[Ward 5] has been probably one of the most challenging wards in terms of the growth that it's experienced," Molder said. "A lot of times, when developers would approach me about projects in Ward 5, my first question would be, 'Have you talked to Danny Coleman?' because Danny Coleman was someone who understood development and growth and understood the need for positive and smart growth."
Though he did not seek a second term in November, Coleman said he plans to remain a civil servant. Despite having served only one term, which also included a stint on the city's planning commission and the Columbia Arts Council, his time with the city is far from over.
"I know this city will continue to thrive and I'm excited to see where it goes next, and I know I'll keep working with the city thanks to my job," Coleman said. "I look forward to continue seeing all of you, and I thank you for your time, your trust and camaraderie."
Wiles, who was not present Thursday, was first appointed to the position in September of 2022 following the passing of her late husband, Kenneth Wiles, who had been serving the role.
"When Ken passed away, there was really no need to look any further, because we knew that Debbie would be someone to fill those shoes, get up to speed quickly and she did that," Molder said. "She did that in spite of herself being a retired educator and doing a lot of traveling with grandkids. She kept her public service and her public duties because she knew that's what Ken would have wanted, but also because she had that in the fiber of her being, which is to serve the public."
In October, the city dedicated the playground at Woodland Park in her late husband's honor.
Rededication for West Haven Park (Press Release)
The City of Columbia, Tennessee, and its Parks and Recreation Department will host a rededication ceremony for West Haven Park to celebrate recent upgrades and improvements. The rededication highlights the City of Columbia's efforts to create more inclusive and enjoyable public spaces for the community. The event will take place on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM at West Haven Park located at Haven Circle in Columbia.
SHPD Collecting for Fallen Officer (MauryCountySource)
The Spring Hill Police Department is collecting items to support fallen McNairy County Sheriff’s Sergeant Rick Finley, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on December 14, 2024. Sgt. Finley leaves behind a wife, a two-year-old child, and an unborn child (both children are boys).
If you would like to help the Finley’s, SHPD will be taking donations until Friday January 3rd at 199 Town Center Pkwy (lower level of City Hall, left-hand side of the building) from 8 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. Please note that no one will be there to collect the items on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day. Item’s requested:
– Clothing for a newborn or up to 6 months old (boy).
-Huggies diapers (newborn or size 6)
-Huggies natural wipes
-Pajamas or maternity clothes for his wife (size 2xl)
If you have questions about their specific needs, please contact SHPD Officer Mike Stewart at mstewart@springhilltn.org.
CSCC Commencement (CDH)
Columbia State Community College celebrated 141 degree and certificate candidates as they crossed the stage during the fall commencement ceremony in the Webster Athletic Center on December 14.
Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, opened the ceremony by welcoming degree and certificate candidates, faculty, staff and guests.
“Today is a special day for several reasons,” Smith said. “First and foremost, it is a day of celebration of accomplishments. It is a day of recognition that these soon to be graduates set a goal and accomplished it.”
Smith introduced alum Ryan Egly as the guest speaker for the fall commencement ceremony. Egly began his economic development career as the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce’s project manager in August 2015 and became the president and CEO in July 2019. Since 2015, Egly has worked with community leaders and stakeholders to attract $272 million in private sector investment, creating 1,327 new jobs, and worked to secure $17.5 million in state and federal grants supporting site development, tourism enhancement, marketing, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, higher education, entrepreneurial development and infrastructure projects.
Smith highlighted Egly, who graduated from Columbia State in 2012 with a general transfer Associate of Science degree. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Public Service from Lipscomb University.
Egly began his speech by sharing his gratitude to the college for helping shape him personally and professionally.
“As an economic development practitioner, I understand the important role community colleges play in retaining and recruiting businesses while simultaneously giving our families, friends, and neighbors the boost they need to access those ever-changing opportunities,” Egly said. “Without the programs and services offered by Columbia State, our region would not be the place of opportunity it is today.”
Egly went on to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates for “the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and the refusal to give up when things got tough.”
Egly shared several key lessons for graduates as they move into the next chapter of their life based on the lyrics of Smash Mouth’s 1999 hit, “All Star.”
“Graduates, you are the shooting stars”, he explained. “You’ve already broken molds simply by being here. Maybe you were the first in your family to attend college. Maybe you’ve overcome barriers others couldn’t. Maybe you pursued a field that people don’t understand, or they underestimated. As you move forward, don’t be afraid to continue breaking molds. Push boundaries. Challenge the status quo. The world doesn’t need more people who play it safe—it needs innovators, dreamers, and disruptors.”
“Let me leave you with this: life is unpredictable,” Egly stated. “It’s messy, beautiful, challenging, and rewarding all at once. You won’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep showing up, keep trying, and keep shining. Go out there and be the all-stars we know you are. Get your game on, go play!”
Closing the ceremony, the alumni induction of new graduates was presented by Jolene Gairrett, Columbia State associate director of Financial Aid, and Sammy Gairrett, fall 2024 graduate.
President’s Leadership Society graduates were also honored with a medallion at the commencement ceremony.
“The establishment of this society was based on the belief that leadership is inherent to our lives and that we all have leadership roles,” Smith said. “The President’s Leadership Society is open to all students at Columbia State and requires only their commitment to involvement for learning, participation and helping others.”
Formed in spring 2011, PLS is a free leadership training program focused on developing a student’s unique leadership skills from their first semester through graduation. The program focuses on participation in college-sponsored programs that promote educational attainment, career choices, volunteerism and civic responsibility.
During the course of the program, students attend a leadership retreat, enjoy exposure to the arts, participate in workshops and campus life, develop civic understanding and give back to the community through volunteerism.
Concert to Benefit BGCSCT Toy Drive (MSM)
At 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, Gary Chapman and Friends will play Christmas carols in a free concert at the Mulehouse in Columbia. Attendees are asked to bring toys, which will be donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee’s toy drive.
Families with children are encouraged to attend the event, where hot cocoa will be served and Santa Claus will be present.
Chapman sings Christian contemporary music and has received five Dove Awards and seven Grammy nominations over the course of his career.
Peter Poon Kwong, Director of Marketing & Communications for BGCSCT, said the organization was exciting about the opportunity the concert will provide.
“This is pretty new; we were approached by The Mulehouse. It will benefit us as they’ll be collecting toys for our toy drive,” Kwong said.
BGCSCT has operated its toy drive for over 25 years, Kwong added, and has helped provide toys to thousands of children in that timeframe.
“Every year we serve close to 1,600 kids,” he said.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mr. Edwin Colson Couch, 47, resident of Columbia, died Thursday, December 12 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, December 19 at 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 4:00 PM until the service time at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
Jeanette McMurtry Kelly Bridges, 94, resident of Columbia, died Monday, December 16, 2024 at her residence.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church. Entombment will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 12:00 PM till 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church.
James Oliver “Jimmy” Pantall, 83, owner and operator of Pantall Farm and resident of Columbia, died Sunday, December 15, 2024 at his residence.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, December 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Northview Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Lasting Hope Cemetery with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 4:00 PM till 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, and on Sunday from 1:00 PM till the time of service at Northview Church of Christ.
Charlotte Eugenia Lentz Morrow, 88, resident of Columbia, died Saturday, December 14, 2024 at her residence.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time, and will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.
Mrs. Debbie Rose, 63, lifelong resident of Columbia, passed from this world on Sunday at Maury Regional Medical Center after a sudden illness. A Memorial service is planned for December 29 at Williamsport United Methodist Church. Visitation will start at 2:00 PM with a celebration of life to follow at 3:00 PM.
Metro Drug Bust (WilliamsonScene)
The Metro Nashville Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced the city’s largest ever methamphetamine bust, and more drug arrests are expected soon in Williamson County.
The investigation began in November 2022 and was led by MNPD Specialized Investigations Division narcotics detectives and TBI’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force and resulted in indictments against 13 people and the seizure of approximately 358lbs of meth, 20lbs of fentanyl, 6.5lbs of cannabis, 172 grams of ecstasy pills and several firearms.
The HIDTA Program was created by the United States Congress as part of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 which provides drug investigation and enforcement assistance to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies across the country, including in 31 counties in Tennessee. Davidson County was designated HIDTA County in 2020.
In 2022, FedEx alerted law enforcement to seven “suspicious” packages which had been delivered to six different North Nashville addresses and one Antioch address, all of which originated from the same Toluca Lake, California, shipping service.
All seven packages were intercepted by law enforcement before they reached their destination and police said the packages contained approximately 266 lbs of crystal methamphetamine.
The subsequent months-long investigation revealed that drug packages involved in the scheme would be delivered to addresses of “unsuspecting local residents” and those packages were quickly retrieved from the delivery addreses by members of the drug ring who sometimes traveled in rental cars.
Police said that the source of the meth shipments is Francisco Velasquez Serrano, 34, of La Puenta, California, who was arrested and extradited to Nashville last week.
Nashvillians James Maurice Butler, 24, and Jeffrey Carl Jones, 40, are alleged to have been the local leaders of the operation where police said that the men “arranged for the shipments to be delivered to various addresses, retrieval and storage of the drugs, and distribution.”
Police also said that in September, Serrano traveled in a box truck to Nashville to “deliver multiple pounds of drugs and meet with his co-conspirators” and on Sept. 26, police searched a North Nashville storage unit where they recovered the majority of the drugs.
On Oct. 31, police also searched three Nashville homes as well as a Mt. Juliet and Madison home.
TBI Assistant Director Darrell Richardson told reporters that they believe that most of the drugs originated from Mexico, and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell called the investigation a “historic law enforcement action.”
Gas Prices (MSM)
Gas prices across the state moved three cents lower, on average, over last week.The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.64 which is six cents less expensive than one month ago and 12 cents less than one year ago.
“While we may see our prices fluctuate over the next two weeks, it’s very likely that Tennesseans taking a road trip over the holidays will be met with slightly cheaper gas prices than they paid last year,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Right now, the state gas price average is 14 cents cheaper than the state gas price average over the last two weeks last year.”
Tennessee is fifth least-expensive state in nation for gas prices.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
One group of diners in Spring Hill kept a tradition going this year by tipping large after a luncheon.
David Dutton brought together a group of friends for a meal during this busy holiday season and for a bigger purpose. Inspired years ago by a generous diner who would leave life-changing tips to servers in December, he created a group to do the same thing.
Sharing, “I saw someone do it one time four years ago, and I did it, and people will now reach out to me about doing it, and so people just enjoy. I have many repeat people come and also a lot of strangers will come and be a part of the lunch.”
The group collectively gave a $2,200 tip to their server at Kansha Japanese in Spring Hill, a relatively new restaurant, which is one of the reasons Dutton says he chose it. Dutton also shared that he likes to select locally owned restaurants, and past restaurants they have visited include Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery, W’Lin’s, and others.
You can watch the video of Dutton surprising the server at www.maurycountysource.com.
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