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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for February 24, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Bill Threatens Wetlands on Duck Opposed (CDH)
Yet another bill at the state house concerning the Duck River’s preservation is making environmental groups wary.
The Duck River is Tennessee’s longest river and the most biodiverse freshwater river in North America. It also serves as the primary water source for roughly a quarter million residents in fast-growing Middle Tennessee.
Environmentalists and advocates have fought for stronger protections for the waterway for years: through court battles, water utility permit appeals and legislative action. Gov. Bill Lee raised the Duck to a level of statewide concern in fall 2024 with an executive order shaping a new advisory committee to balance the river’s health with increasing water needs.
It’s not clear whether the bills’ sponsors intend to pursue their passage this legislative session, and the bills may still be amended.
Collierville Republican Rep. Kevin Vaughan is back this session with another version of his 2024 bill seeking to roll back protections on hundreds of thousands of acres of wetlands.
Vaughan’s original bill faced staunch opposition from environmental advocates and was ultimately sent to a legislative summer study session. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) presented its report to the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee with recommendations for wetlands regulation updates in October.
Vaughan’s 2025 bill appears to be substantially the same as his 2024 proposal. It would prevent TDEC from classifying property as a wetland unless that property is defined as a wetland by federal law. A Supreme Court decision in 2023 constricted the number of federally protected wetlands, cutting out wetlands that are “isolated,” or do not have surface connections to other federally protected bodies of water.
Vaughan did not respond to requests for comment, but said in 2024 that his bill would have no impact on “real wetlands,” only small areas created by tractors or livestock. Those, he said, should not be subjected to cumbersome regulations requiring developers to seek permits and complete mitigation efforts to build on or disturb wetlands.
George Nolan, director of the Southern Environmental Law Center’s Tennessee office, said the legislation would have a far broader reach.
“That bill, if it passed, would remove all state-level protections for more than 300,000 acres of wetlands,” Nolan told the Lookout. “That would have tremendous impact, because wetlands help keep us all safe and healthy.”
Wetlands slow down and soak up flood water — Nolan said an acre of wetlands can hold more than a million gallons of water — and they filter water as it moves into the groundwater system to replenish aquifers that provide drinking water. Wetlands also serve as ecologically diverse habitats.
The Harpeth Conservancy, working with data from mapping data firm Skytec, estimates there are roughly 16,000 geographically isolated wetlands that could lose protection along the Duck River. Around 80% of those wetlands take up less than one acre. A little more than half are a quarter acre or less.
“In Middle Tennessee, a hot spot for wetlands is in the upper reaches of the Duck River watershed. The Duck River depends on the groundwater system to recharge that water body,” Nolan said. “If we destroy wetlands in the upper Duck River watershed, we are going to hurt the river during times of drought.”
The Duck River runs through the middle of Hickman County in Dickson Republican Rep. Jody Barrett’s district. His constituents are passionate about protecting the river’s natural resources and beauty.
Barrett is a real estate attorney and said he understands what Vaughan may be trying to do from a development standpoint, but Barrett still has concerns about the bill. He draws a comparison to a blank canvas. Twenty or 30 dots on that canvas may not look like much, but make it 20,000 to 30,000, and “it starts filling in pretty quickly.”
“That’s what I would fear from this bill,” Barrett said. “Yes, on its face, it may seem innocuous — that we’re only affecting a really small piece of ground — but when you do that multiple times across the entire state, then eventually that’s going to really start having an impact.”
Barrett’s district doesn’t have the type of development that Vaughan’s bill might be trying to address, but his constituents recognize that, eventually, growth will reach Hickman County. He’s concerned that upstream decisions — including potential destruction of wetlands — could have negative effects for downstream counties like Hickman.
“If we’re going to start touching these wetlands, which act as filters and catch basins that slow that rage of water down, what measures are we requiring to be put in their place to make sure that downstream counties, populations and farmers are still being protected,” Barrett asked.
Henry Horton Park Plans Lodge (MSM)
Tennessee State Parks officials are excited about improvements coming to Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill, including a new 76-room lodge, enhanced park entrance, accessibility updates across the park and improvements to river access points.
Construction of the new park amenities will follow a master plan concept for the park that keeps the Duck River centerstage for visitor experiences. The upgrades will include the demolition of older structures, including the former restaurant building, current lodge and swimming pool.
Construction activities will be phased to limit impacts to visitors and the existing lodge will remain open until the new lodge is ready to welcome guests.
“We are extraordinarily grateful for the leadership of Gov. Bill Lee and the generosity of the General Assembly for investing in Henry Horton State Park and the Chapel Hill community. The replacement lodge is continuing the trajectory of recent improvements to the Visitor Center and restaurant as well as multiple recreation amenities,” said Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “Henry Horton is a special place, and this progress will ensure that the park continues to serve the community and visitors.”
“We always want our visitors to be able to enjoy the park as much as possible, and we can’t wait to see these new features,” said park manager Shaun Rainone. “We will keep the community informed while work is underway and will provide updates on the project’s progress.”
The new, state-of-the-art lodge will maximize views of the park with indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Other amenities include meeting venues, guest rooms and suites, a breakfast/evening social area, gift shop and a pool for lodge guests.
Henry Horton State Park was opened in the 1960s on the estate of Henry Horton, former governor of Tennessee. The park is on the shores of the scenic Duck River.
Commissioner Tours Spring Hill Water Plan (MSM)
City of Spring Hill officials welcomed Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation Commissioner David
Salyers to town on Wednesday, Feb. 12, for a meet-and-greet, along with a tour of the Spring Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Commissioner Salyers’ visit comes as the City of Spring Hill pushes forward with plans for an Advanced Purification Pilot Project. TDEC gave clearance to the pilot in August of last year.
The overall Advanced Purification Project plan outlines how Spring Hill will maximize its fair share of water from the Duck River through extensive treatment processes at an expanded Wastewater Treatment Plant and accompanying reservoir. City officials gave Salyers and his team a first-hand look at those proposed sites Wednesday.
“Being able to have these one-on-one meetings with our state officials and show them the specific challenges we face along with our proposed solutions is crucial to projects of this magnitude,” Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman said. “We are grateful Commissioner Salyers and his team could make the trip to our community, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.”
“The City of Spring Hill has experienced rapid growth over the past several years. I appreciate that Mayor Hagaman and city leaders have developed a thoughtful plan to balance the growth of the community with protecting its natural resources,” Salyers said. “This is a great example of how Tennessee can continue to grow and prosper while conserving our state’s outdoor heritage. I thank the mayor for inviting us today and for his continued partnership on this project.”
Construction of the Advanced Purification Pilot Project is scheduled to begin later this year. Further updates regarding construction timelines will be posted on the City of Spring Hill website and social media channels.
Spring Hill Candidate Events (MSM)
The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce will continue its pursuit of an informed electorate in 2025 with two candidate events featuring those running for seats on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
Each election cycle, the chamber focuses on the hyperlocal candidates to Spring Hill, which executive director Rebecca Melton says is vital to the process.
“These events provide a critical platform for our residents to connect with local candidates and gain insight into their policies and leadership styles,” she said. “We encourage all community members and business leaders to participate in these discussions to make informed choices in the upcoming election.”
The first of the two events will be held during the chamber’s monthly business luncheon event. This month’s luncheon will be on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 11:15 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the UAW Hall in Spring Hill. This structured forum will feature Spring Hill’s mayoral and alderman candidates, moderated by Jeff Graves of the COPA Committee. Attendees will gain insights into the candidates’ priorities and leadership visions while enjoying a networking luncheon.
Another opportunity for citizens to speak with candidates will be a public forum held on March 18 at Community Baptist Church on Port Royal Road. The event will begin at 6 p.m. This public forum offers a more intimate setting where community members can ask direct questions and hear unfiltered responses from the candidates. It is a valuable opportunity for voters to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of Spring Hill.
The forum is free and open to the public, but registration is required for the luncheon event with limited seating available. For additional information on each candidate, visit the chamber’s Spring Hill Election Central website.
The election will be held April 10, 2025, with early voting from March 21 until April 5. The last day to register to vote is March 11, 2025.
Candidates include: Mayor: Jim Hagaman (incumbent), Matt Fitterer, John Canepari and Rick J. McCreadie; Alderman Ward 1: Teri Mai and Alex Jimenez; Alderman Ward 2: Greg Groninger, Jaimee Davis, William Pomeroy (incumbent) and Scott Wernert; Alderman Ward 3: Erinn Hartwell and Diane Cochran; Alderman Ward 4: Trent Linville (incumbent) and Kimberly Hughes
Columbia State Performance Series (Press Release)
Columbia State Community College welcomes Ryan and Ryan to the Cherry Theater on March 13 as part of the Performance Series sponsored by First Farmers and Merchants Bank.
Ryan and Ryan are a dynamic father-son piano duo that draws upon classic and contemporary music to create enthralling concert experiences. Their expertise in classical, jazz, ragtime and funk allows them to create exciting new music and give fresh interpretations of old.
As a performing team, Donald and Barron amaze audiences with their skill, expressiveness, and love of making music. Ryan and Ryan are a proven hit with audiences of all generations. Their inventiveness, infectiousness, skill and general joy of life make for irresistibly engaging performances. To sum it up, they make music that inspires.
“Join us for a heartfelt tribute to Gershwin as we welcome Ryan and Ryan to the beautiful Cherry Theater!” said Tammy Rosson, Columbia State director of events and alumni relations. “This talented father-son duo will bring timeless melodies to life on two grand pianos — a first for the Performance Series. Reserve your seats today for this compelling performance sharing the joy of music across generations.”
Tickets for each performance are priced at $35 and include all fees. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ColumbiaState.edu/PerformanceSeries. Individuals may also contact the Performance Series ticket line at 931.540.2879, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On performance nights, the box office opens at 6 p.m. in the Kenneth and Ramona Cherry Theater, located in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and all shows begin at 7 p.m. The Columbia Campus is located at 1665 Hampshire Pike in Columbia.
For more information, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/PerformanceSeries.
Columbia 101 (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is excited to announce the return of Columbia 101, an interactive program designed to connect residents with local government and community services. Following a successful inaugural session in the Fall of 2024, Columbia 101 is now accepting applications for its second installment taking place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 and Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
Columbia 101 is constructed to educate and engage participants in the workings of local government by offering a behind-the-scenes look at city operations. Over two consecutive days, participants will start each morning at City Hall before engaging with all 12 city departments and touring select municipal facilities, such as the Police and Public Works Departments.
“Columbia 101 is about fostering an informed and engaged community,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “We want to provide residents with a deeper understanding of how their city operates and the many ways they can contribute to its success.
The enthusiasm and participation we saw in the first session were inspiring, and I look forward to seeing even more citizens take part in this unique experience.”
A Fall 2024 participant shared their experience, saying, “Columbia 101 allowed for an in-depth look into what keeps Columbia thriving. Seeing the faces, meeting the people, and visiting the facilities behind those processes helped me see how I can be a better citizen and how important it is to work together as a member of the Columbia team.”
Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, March 14th at 4:00 PM. The program is open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents and is held twice per year. There is a $25 program fee for all accepted applicants, which covers program costs, including food and transportation.
City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the program’s importance, stating, “Providing opportunities for residents to engage with their local government is a priority for the City of Columbia. Columbia 101 is an excellent way for citizens to gain firsthand knowledge about city services and become more involved in their community.”
Lexi Dearborn, Program Director, added, “We are eager to bring Columbia 101 back for another session and build on the excitement from the Fall. This program is a fantastic way for residents to connect, learn, and take an active role in shaping Columbia’s future.”
Columbia 101 applications are available at www.ColumbiaTN.gov or at the reception desk on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
Follow the City of Columbia on Facebook and Instagram at “CityofColumbiaTN” for updates. For questions, please contact Lexi Dearborn at LDearborn@ColumbiaTN.gov.
Farm City Breakfast (Press Release)
The Maury Alliance Agribusiness Committee invites you to the annual Farm City Breakfast honoring the agriculture and agribusiness industry of Maury County.
This year's Farm City Breakfast will be held on Friday, March 28th, at the Ridley 4-H Center. The breakfast line opens at 6:45 am with the program beginning at 7:00 am and concluding by 8:30 am.
The Keynote Speaker is Mr. Andy Holt, Deputy Commissioner, TN Department of Agriculture. This year’s honoree is the Fox Farm of Santa Fe as a Century Farm.
There is no charge to attend the breakfast, however we will be collecting donations during the event for our 2025 Farm City Scholarship Memorial Fund. This year scholarships will be given in memory of Sam Whiteside.
Scholarships are currently available for Maury County Seniors pursuing degrees in an Agriculture related field of study. The deadline to apply is March 14th. Please share this application with anyone you know who may qualify!
Learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com/
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mrs. Kemerlee Jackson Brown, 33, resident of Columbia, died Monday, February 17, at her residence. A memorial service will be conducted Monday at 7:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends Monday from 4:00 PM until the service time at the funeral home.
Mr. Michael Leland Sanders, 31, a resident of Culleoka and a mechanic for Automatic Transmission Repair, died Tuesday, February 18, in Columbia. A memorial service will be conducted Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 10:00 AM until time of the services at the funeral home.
Mr. Hueston Gene Marshall, 84, of Columbia, passed away February 19 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends from 4:00 PM until the service time. Burial will be conducted February 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Moss Church of Christ Cemetery in Celina, Tennessee.
Mr. James Wayne Malugin, 76, retired employee of L & N Railroad and lifelong resident of Columbia, died Thursday, February 20 at his residence. Services are incomplete at this time, and will be announced later by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors.
Donald Fred McTaggart, 61, passed away on Friday 21st.Visitation will be held Thursday, February 27th from 12pm-2pm at the West Point Cumberland Presbyterian church located at 1533 Theta Pike, Columbia, TN 38401. The funeral service will begin at 2pm at the same location, with burial following immediately after at the church cemetery.
And now, news from around the state…
Tennessee Landfills Nearing Capacity (WPLN)
Every year, Tennessee sends nearly one million tons of recyclable materials worth $150 million to its landfills, contributing to a growing waste crisis. One state lawmaker is turning to a solution that’s been used in Europe since the 1990s: Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR.
It would shift the cost of recycling programs from taxpayers to the companies that produce the waste. And with half of the landfills across the state rapidly approaching capacity, including Middle Point Landfill in Murfreesboro, the need for action is urgent.
Middle Point is the largest landfill in the state. It was first opened in 1989, but with rapid growth in Middle Tennessee it now takes in more than 1,000 tons of waste every day from Nashville and surrounding areas. And unless something changes, it’s slated to close in just four years. Regional Operator Mike Classen says that’s when it will run out of room.
“And in landfill terms, four years is zero years, because it takes probably two years to permit a new landfill, and then it takes another two years to build,” Classen said. “So time is of the essence here, certainly in Rutherford County, but really in Middle Tennessee more broadly, to really figure out a solution to our disposal capacity crisis.”
Middle Point isn’t the only site facing closure – more than half of the active landfills in the state will reach capacity in 20 years or less. When that happens, the local businesses and households that rely on them will be forced to ship their garbage elsewhere.
“If you don’t have a landfill and you have to ship that waste, you know 90, 100, 120 miles away, the cost to those businesses, which will then be passed on to consumers, is astronomical,” Classen said.
One potential solution: reduce waste. Tennessee is ranked 48th in the nation for recycling, and landfills nearly 1 million tons of recyclable materials each year.
Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee Today!
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The Children’s Treasure Spring Consignment Sale is a 4-day children’s pop-up sale taking place from March 12 – March 15 at The National Guard Armory (844 N James Campbell Blvd Columbia, TN 38401).
Save money on essentials and put it towards making lasting memories this spring/summer.
Items offered:
Infant sizes all the way up to junior sizes
Shoes galore
Baby equipment
Toys for all ages
Sweet Boutique Items
All your Spring&Summer Needs
More information is available at www.ctsale99.com.
With THOUSANDS of items to shop, there is truly something for everyone.
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