Nashville area could face 'all modes of severe weather' this weekend (Gannett)
Severe thunderstorms are expected throughout all of Middle Tennessee late Friday night through midnight Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service, areas west of Interstate 65 are at an enhanced risk for severe storms, while areas east are at a slight risk. However, people living east of I-65 shouldn't dismiss their chances for severe weather.
"Even though activity will likely weaken as it pushed(s) across the state, all of Middle TN has at least some risk of all modes of severe weather," wrote the weather service.
Storms will pose a threat for damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Here's what else to know.
This weekend's storms will be a nighttime event, as they are expected to move across the region during the overnight hours.
The first round of storms will move into the region by midnight Friday, at the earliest. Storms are most likely to arrive between 2 - 4 a.m. Saturday said the weather service. With the right conditions, storms could produce significant severe weather including large hail, tornadoes and damaging winds.
Nashville, and surrounding eastern areas, are at a slight risk for severe weather Friday.
"The severe threat is not as high for areas east of I-65, but the threat is certainly not zero," said National Weather Service Meteorologist Paige Baggett.
Severe weather is expected on Saturday from noon until midnight. After that, the entire region should be clear of storm activity, said the weather service.
Heavy rainfall is expected with this weather system, said the weather service. There is a low risk of flooding across the region; still, rises of rivers and small streams are expected as well as the ponding of water on roadways.
The chance of Middle Tennessee receiving three or more inches of rain is 10-40%.
Fire destroys home in Spring Hill (WKRN)
Officials are investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a house in Spring Hill early Wednesday morning.
According to the Spring Hill Fire Department, they received a report of a house in flames just after midnight in the 3400 block of Jim Warren Road.
When crews arrived approximately seven minutes later, they found an abandoned house mostly collapsed after significant fire damage. Officials said it is estimated the house was burning for 30 minutes before the first report was made to the fire department.
Due to the location of the house being far from a water source, SHFD required assistance from a tanker provided by the Maury County Fire Department.
Investigators said they have determined the cause of the fire to be suspicious in nature, but the exact cause remains under investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the fire can call 931-451-0636 or email SHFD@springhilltn.org.
Columbia State Veterinary Technology Student Receives National Scholarship (Release)
Columbia State Community College veterinary technology student, Eveanelle "Eve" Lopez, was named a recipient of a Dechra-American Veterinary Medical Foundation scholarship.
Lopez, a resident of Williamson County, was selected for demonstrating excellence in the Veterinary Technician category, according to Dechra. She is one of five students from across the country who has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship in her category.
“Through our ongoing collaboration with AVMF, Dechra is reinforcing its commitment to supporting the next generation of veterinarians and veterinary technicians,” said Dr. Jill Stohs, senior director, Veterinary Professional Services and Medical Affairs, Dechra. “These scholarships not only provide financial relief but also recognize and support students who exemplify excellence and leadership in their respective fields.”
In total, AVMF and Dehra awarded 20 scholarships to veterinary and veterinary technician students. Out of all 20 scholarships awarded, Lopez was the only recipient to represent a college in Tennessee and the only recipient from a community college.
“Our program is so proud of Eve and her achievements,” said Dr. Julie Anderson, Columbia State veterinary technology program director and assistant professor of veterinarian technology. “Her hard work and dedication set her apart from the rest. We are confident this scholarship will help Eve continue to excel. Congratulations to Eve on this well-deserved recognition!”
Lopez, who is in her final year at Columbia State, said this scholarship will help her continue her studies in a field she is passionate about.
“I’m truly honored to have received the scholarship from AVMF/Dechra,” Lopez said. “This opportunity will significantly support my studies and allow me to continue pursuing my passion for veterinary medicine. I’m incredibly grateful for the support from both the AVMF Foundation and Columbia State, and I look forward to using this scholarship to further my education and make a positive impact in the field.”
For nearly 60 years, AVMF, a part of the American Veterinary Medical Association, has worked to advance the science behind the application of veterinary medicine.
Dechra is an international organization specializing in the development, production and promotion of veterinarian pharmaceuticals and other products to promote the health of animals.
As part of Columbia State’s commitment to making higher education achievable to students across southern Middle Tennessee, the college encourages its students to apply for and seek out scholarship opportunities. For more information on current Columbia State scholarship offerings, visit our website https://www.columbiastate.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/fa-scholarships.html.
And now a look at your hometown memorials, brought to you by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mrs. Shirley Elnora Chandler Wills, 84, wife of Gene Wills, and resident of Columbia, passed away Thursday, March 6 at her residence. Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 1:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Thursday, from 4:00 PM till 8:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home.
Mrs. Rosetta Edwards Thomas, age 90, longtime former resident of Columbia, passed away Tuesday, March 4 at Adams Place Rehab Care in Murfreesboro. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 12:30 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 10:00 AM till 12:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home.
Mrs. Stacey Renee Burkins Lampley, 51, wife of Jeremy Lampley, and resident of Columbia, passed away Monday, March 10 at her residence. Graveside services will be conducted Saturday at 4:00 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Mr. John William Harris Jr., 86, retired professor, and resident of Franklin, died Monday, March 10 at Vitality Living Franklin. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 3:00 PM at West Seventh Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Sunday, from 1:00 PM till 3:00 PM at West Seventh Church of Christ.
Keep Tennessee Beautiful Month Launched With Special Rally (Release)
Gov. Bill Lee has once again designated March as Keep Tennessee Beautiful month. To officially kick-off the activities, including the state’s participation in Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup®, KTnB hosted a rally and awards luncheon at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort in Pigeon Forge. James Lewellen, town administrator (retired) for Collierville, brought the keynote address.
“March is the perfect time to spotlight the essential work of both the Keep Tennessee Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful local affiliates as well as our state-wide partners,” Executive Director Missy Marshall, Keep Tennessee Beautiful, said. “We are grateful to Gov. Lee for supporting this month-long celebration and excited to have a spotlight shine on litter prevention, education and community greening.”
Program highlights included the presentation by Missy Marshall of KTnB’s Leader Against Litter Award to Knox County Commissioner Carson Dailey. The organization’s Love Where You Live Award was presented to super volunteer Carrie Hovie from Erwin, Tenn. This award is given to a Tennessee resident who takes pride in their community and supports KTnB's mission. The Leader Against Litter Award is given to an elected official who has gone above and beyond their job description to involve citizens in environmental improvements.
Additionally, the announcement of nine $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors took place at the event. The Keep Tennessee Beautiful Three Grand Divisions Scholarships support graduating Tennessee high school seniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability through academic pursuits to positively impact the planet.
KAB’s Great American Cleanup®, is an annual, nation-wide effort rallying community leaders and litter grant coordinators throughout the U.S. KTnB staff joined Keep Sevier Beautiful and local volunteers in a community-wide cleanup along the iconic “Spur” between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to officially kick-off the GAC.
Keep Tennessee Beautiful Month and the Great American Cleanup® help accomplish the mission of KTnB: to educate and inspire Tennesseans to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment.
For more information, visit https://www.keeptnbeautiful.org/
Report ranks Tennessee fifth in road conditions, cost-effectiveness (Center Square)
Tennessee's highways, bridges and roads rank fifth overall among the 50 states in cost-effectiveness and conditions, according to a report released Thursday by the Reason Foundation.
The organization's Annual Highway Report dropped the state from its third-place ranking last year. Tennessee garnered the second spot in the category "other disbursements," which includes funding for law enforcement, safety, bonds, and interest payments.
The Volunteer State's next highest ranking was ninth for urban arterial pavement condition.
The organization found that 4.32% of the state's bridges were structurally deficient, which put Tennessee in the 11th spot. The national average among the states is 6.9%, according to the report.
The lowest rankings were for urban fatalities and other fatalities at 43rd and 42nd.
"In terms of improving in the road condition and performance categories, Tennessee should focus on reducing administrative disbursements and urbanized area congestion. The state ranks in the bottom half in both categories," said Baruch Feigenbaum, the lead author of the report and senior managing director of transportation policy at Reason Foundation. "Reducing urban and other fatality rates should also be a priority for the state, which ranks in the bottom 10 for both categories."
While the report places the state in the top 10 for road conditions, transportation spending is being scrutinized by lawmakers. A February report on the state's infrastructure needs, which includes transportation are increasing.
"The total cost of transportation projects increased by $4 billion (11%), largely because of new projects ($3 billion) and cost increases in existing projects ($4 billion)," the report from the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations said. "The increase was largely offset by $2 billion in completed projects, $441 million in cost decreases, and $166 million in canceled projects."
Democrats have been critical of Gov. Bill Lee and the General Assembly's handling of infrastructure funding.
"Today, Tennessee has a $78 billion dollar backlog of infrastructure projects – roads, bridges, schools, water systems – critical investments that we cannot afford," Rep. Johnny Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, said in his prebuttal to Lee's State of the State. "Republican fiscal mismanagement is so bad that they argued the necessity of toll lanes on state roadways just to pay for road projects."
Lee included $1 billion in additional funds in his fiscal year 2026 budget for transportation projects.
Former Tennessee state senator says he was pardoned by Trump (Center Square)
Former Tennessee state lawmaker Brian Kelsey, who pleaded guilty to federal campaign finance charges, said President Donald Trump pardoned him.
Kelsey pleaded guilty to charges related to the concealment of money used to support his failed 2016 campaign for Congress. He was sentenced to 21 months in prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The former Memphis lawmaker maintained his innocence despite his guilty plea in social media posts, blaming his legal troubles on the Biden administration.
"This is nothing but a political witch hunt," Kelsey said in a post made in 2021, shortly after charges were announced by the Department of Justice. "The Biden administration is trying to take me out because I’m conservative, and I’m the #1 target of the Tennessee Democratic Party. I won my seat only 51% to 49% last time, and the Democrats think this will make the difference."
Kelsey thanked Trump in a social media post late Tuesday.
"God used Donald Trump to save me from the weaponized Biden DOJ," Kelsey said. "This afternoon, I received a full and unconditional pardon form an act that even my chief accuser admitted I didn’t commit."
Kelsey served in the Tennessee Senate from 2009 to 2022 and previously served in the state House of Representatives from 2004 to 2009.
The Wait for Swig in Spring Hill is Almost Over (Maury Source)
Swig, known for its specialty soda beverages, has expanded into Middle Tennessee with a recently opened location in Brentwood.
The “dirty soda” company will open a new location in Spring Hill very soon at 4821 Main Street (formerly Advanced Financial).
Although the company has not officially released details about the opening of the Spring Hill Swig, Google shows the location will open on Monday, March 17th.
This location already features a drive-thru lane, which aligns with Swig’s business model. Swig typically opens the drive-thru service before opening lobby access. As of the writing of this article, we don’t know if only the drive-thru will open on March 17th or if there will be any grand opening specials. No update has been made to social media. Tentative hours of operation on the Swig website for the Spring Hill location show Monday-Thursday, 8 am – 9 pm, Friday, 8 am – 10 pm, Saturday, 9 am – 10 pm, and Sunday, 11 am – 7 pm.
Nicole Tanner founded Swig in St. George, Utah, 15 years ago. Since then, Swig has become one of the fastest-growing beverage companies in the country, expanding to 100 stores in 14 states and counting.
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