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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for March 17, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Mersen Employees File for Compensation (CDH)
Some workers at the Mersen plant in Maury County began 2025 without a job after a Dec. 15 announcement by the company indicated impending furloughs impacting approximately 80% of its workforce.
In addition to the announced furloughs, less than 20% of workers were expected to receive permanent layoffs after the plant transferred some operations to another plant.
The French multinational conglomerate specializing in electrical power and advanced materials opened its Maury County plant in 2023 at the former Union Carbide and Graphtech Advanced Tech site at 795 Santa Fe Pike.
With the opening came a $70 million investment by Mersen, with plans to further invest between $25-$30 million by 2027.
The December furloughs and layoffs were announced shortly after Mersen workers had been certified in November to join the Industrial Division of the Communications Workers of America Union.
The timing has led some workers to believe Mersen's decision could be interpreted as a form of retaliation in response to the IUE-CWA certification.
"It felt like it was an assault on workers' rights," IUE-CWA organizer Orvin Caraballo said.
"After the board certified us, the company just punched us in the nose saying, 'Hey, we are going to do furloughs, and next week there will be layoffs.' Meanwhile, we are trying to pick ourselves up, and it made the holidays a living hell for a lot of these workers, and some of them are still in that hell."
In a press release sent from Mersen, the company said the furloughs and layoffs stemmed from an industry-wide drop in demand for electric vehicles, which has also impacted the semiconductor market.
"This has resulted in a significant drop in demand for isostatic graphite," the release states. "As a result, we have had to make some difficult decisions and rationalize our industrial footprint, especially in connection with our isostatic production process."
The press release adds that on Nov. 25, 2024, 47% of employees were issued a one-week furlough, with less than 10% remaining until Jan. 5.
"These employees retained their benefits and position with the company, but were on unpaid absence," the release states. "It is our understanding that those furloughed for more than one week could have been eligible to collect unemployment benefits."
Longtime maintenance worker Robert Fox, whose family has worked multiple generations at Union Carbine and now the Mersen plant site, said the reason workers felt the need to form a union came down to one thing — safety.
"Number one is safety protocol, because things were getting sort of dangerous out there, and I was used to the old ways, or the 'Graphtech ways' of life where we had safety standards," Fox said. "But with a new company, there comes new rules. We needed safety, and number two was we needed some structure."
As one of few workers not directly affected by the furloughs, Fox said one major struggle has been going to work knowing his fellow co-workers aren't there anymore, and that some need the job more than others.
"I felt awful about staying onsite, because I assumed they would send me home and keep people who have small kids, but we don't have that option," Fox said. "It about drove me crazy because I knew my coworkers were at home not able to provide the best Christmas they had planned."
In response to the holiday layoffs, IUE-CWA has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.
The complaint alleges that Merson's decision violated federal labor laws by refusing to bargain over the decision and effects of the layoffs.
"By law, they are supposed to negotiate with the union about any changes or decisions they are about to make, but they made the decision without letting the union know," Caraballo said. "We want Mersen to bring these workers back, because construction has not stopped, not one day."
Carabello said the complaint is simply to "hold Mersen accountable" for allegedly violating a federal law. However, he expects the NLRB will not be hasty in hearing it anytime soon.
"Workers want to see better pay, job security and also safety in the workplace, knowing they are going to come home every day," Caraballo said. "It's sad, but the [NLRB] board does take a very long time to listen to a lot of these cases. I wouldn't be surprised if we don't get a ruling by the end of the year."
Mersen has also been consulting workplace law firm Jackson Lewis as its legal counsel during this process, whom Caraballo said is known in the industry as a "union buster."
"We were surprised with the headway we've been able to make with the workers and their severance packages and recall rights," he said. "Because when you hear about companies hiring these people, you know it's going to be an uphill battle."
In response, Mersen states in the Nov. 5 release that it notified union workers "in a timely manner" about the furloughs and layoffs at the end of 2024 and has since recalled approximately 30% of its workers to date.
The release also states Mersen has ceased operations of the isostatic process in Columbia, consolidating much of all U.S. operations to St. Mary's, Pennsylvania where workers are represented by IUE-CWA Local 502.
"The consolidation resulted in the discontinuance of temporary labor, and the elimination of regular positions at the Columbia location. Less than 20% of regular positions at the Columbia facility were impacted," the release states.
"These changes are business decisions strictly due to current external market conditions. Operations of the two other product lines (extruded graphite & isulation products) are continuing at the Columbia site."
Despite the pending litigation, IUE-CWA workers have banded together in an effort to retain their jobs and reach a compromise that benefits all sides, union leaders say.
As a sign of solidarity, IUE-CWA workers recently began wearing red "Union Proud" shirts while on the job.
"They all came out on a cold and rainy day in Tennessee and had their union shirts," Caraballo said. "The workers are really showing their solidarity when they get together. We're working on getting stickers they can put on their hardhats, which will be our next action showing solidarity at Mersen."
The efforts appear to be paying off, as some workers are now returning to work, with layoffs receiving a severance package not offered previously.
"The workers were able to fight and retain severance packages, and then also get recall rights," Caraballo said. "So, for a whole year, Mersen has to recall these workers if a position opens up. Three positions have already opened up for some of the layoff workers to get back to work."
While this can be considered a small victory, Caraballo said the IUE-CWA is ready to negotiate more long-term contract plans, as well as ways to have a successful corporate/union relationship moving forward.
"We are sending our intent to bargain from our side to their side," Caraballo said. "They have assured us that they are willing to meet us at the table soon. We are hopeful that Mersen takes the high ground and respects workers' rights, that we have a collective bargaining agreement and that we get a fair deal."
Mersen said it remains strongly committed to its Columbia facility, which will continue to be the company's location for future expansion of isostatic production consistent with the market.
"Mersen intends to continue to invest in Columbia in 2025 and the years to come," the press release states.
CPWS and Water Conservation (Press Release)
Columbia Power and Water Systems (CPWS) stands out as a leader in water conservation, boasting one of the lowest leak losses in the region. While many water systems in the area struggle with leak losses approaching 40 to 50%, CPWS has maintained a remarkably low loss rate consistently in the 10-15% range.
City of Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder stated, “The work that Columbia Power and Water Systems has done to reduce water loss is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our community's public utility staff. By leading the region in water conservation, CPWS is ensuring that our residents have access to reliable water while also preserving one of our most vital resources. We are proud to support their continued commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.”
This achievement is no accident—it is the result of CPWS’s proactive approach to system maintenance and leak detection. The utility continuously monitors and improves its infrastructure, ensuring that leaks are identified and repaired swiftly. By doing so, CPWS not only enhances the efficiency of its water distribution system but also minimizes unnecessary strain on the Duck River, a vital water source for the community.
Jonathan Hardin, President and CEO of Columbia Power and Water Systems, said, "CPWS has a long tradition of excellence in prioritizing a water treatment and distribution system of the highest integrity, and our current staff is proud to continue those efforts by using the best technologies available. Water loss due to leaks is a significant issue for utilities, leading to wasted resources and higher operational costs. CPWS’s commitment to maintaining one of the lowest leak rates in the region reflects its dedication to responsible water management and sustainability. By investing in ongoing leak detection and system upgrades, CPWS ensures that customers receive reliable service while protecting this essential natural resource.”
April Grippo, Director of the Division of Water Resources, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), remarked, "TDEC commends Columbia Power and Water System for having one of the lowest water loss rates across Tennessee. For many years, CPWS has managed to conserve water from the Duck River Watershed while providing efficient service to the citizens of Columbia."
As other utilities grapple with increasing water loss, CPWS continues to set the standard for efficiency and environmental stewardship. Its diligence in reducing leaks not only benefits the community today but also helps secure a sustainable water future for generations to come.
City Unveils Historic Marker (CDH)
The city unveiled its latest historical marker honoring the former Columbia Female Institute off West 7th Street, as well as its significance in education for women throughout the region.
The marker was unveiled Thursday at the former school, now known as Columbia Plaza.
"I am really grateful for this historical marker program, which was instituted before my time," Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder said. "It is a very important one, and this is the 15th historical marker for the city of Columbia. It's making sure our history is not lost."
The former sprawling campus was first established in 1834 by a group of prominent Episcopalian families from St. Peter's Church.
The Female Institute served many students during the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a wide range classes consisting of geology, chemistry and physics or subjects typically reserved for males. This comprehensive curriculum set the school apart from other educational programs in the area, which for females often went little beyond domestic training.
"This marker is dedicated to a legacy that shaped the lives of countless young women and left a mark on the history of Columbia," Molder said. "The institute's curriculum was revolutionary for its time, encouraging young women to see themselves as capable, intellectual equals prepared to contribute meaningfully to society. It was a place where barriers were broken."
The two-sided marker also details other notable events tied to the institute, including a visit from former President Martin Van Buren in 1842, as well as Union General J.S. Negley establishing the site as a Civil War hospital.
Mark Twain also mentions the institute in his book, "Life on The Mississippi."
In 1932 following the Great Depression, the Columbia Female Institute was forced to close. It was later repurposed for other uses, including a local business college and nursery school.
The structure was ultimately destroyed by a fire, which occurred March 13, 1959.
"While the physical structure of the Columbia Female Institute no longer exists, its impact on the educational landscape remains evident," City Manager Tony Massey said.
"This marker serves to preserve the history of an institution that, for nearly a century, provided young women with the opportunity to receive an advanced education at a time when such opportunities were limited. It was truly a Columbia treasure."
CSCC Performance Series (Press Release)
Columbia State Community College welcomes Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to the Cherry Theater on April 10 as part of the Performance Series sponsored by First Farmers and Merchants Bank.
Together for more than 30 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy — famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins — has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records and had their music appear in hundreds of movies and television shows. With sold-out concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center, appearances with many of the country's finest symphony orchestras, and television appearances ranging from Dancing with the Stars to Superbowl XXXIII, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues its decades-long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music — America's original musical art form — and bring joy to audiences around the world.
“Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the swing genre, experiencing Big Bad Voodoo Daddy live is like stepping into a roaring jazz club where every note brims with excitement and soul!” said Tammy Rosson, Columbia State director of events and alumni relations. “Enjoy world-class swing music in a beautiful theater with free parking and affordable tickets — all without the drive to Nashville.”
This is the last performance in the 2024-2025 First Farmers Performance Series.
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.
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.
Learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com/
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mrs. Imogene Caulk Nelson, 94, retired secretary for Zion Presbyterian Church and widow of George Nelson, died Friday at Life Care Center. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home.
Mr. Walter Clifford “Walt” Grimes, 79, retired from AT&T died Monday March 10th at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday March 18th at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Mt. Nebo Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Monday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
Mr. Donald Duncan, 73, retired from Publix Grocery and a resident of Granada Drive died Thursday at Magnolia Health Care. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the funeral home.
Mr. William Albert “Billy” Sargent, 84, retired owner and operator of Sargent & Lovett Body Shop, died Thursday at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 1:00 PM at Grace Nazarene Church. The family will visit with friends Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 11:00 AM until time of the services at the church.
And now, news from around the state…
Elephant Sanctuary Turns 30 (Tennessean)
As Middle Tennessee grows and changes at a breakneck pace, a parcel of land just an hour outside the city is growing increasingly wild — and has been for the past 30 years.
The Elephant Sanctuary, in Hohenwald, celebrated its 30th anniversary on March 3, marking three decades of adopting former circus and show elephants and allowing them to retire in peaceful wilderness.
Started in 1995 with just one rescued elephant named Tarra who roamed 110 acres of land, the sanctuary has grown into the nation’s largest natural habitat refuge for elephants at 3,060 acres, including an educational center for the public. Wide open fields and native foliage provide a backdrop for 12 retired African and Asian elephants to live out their golden years under the loving care of their handlers.
Janice Zeitlin, CEO of the sanctuary since 2013, expressed excitement for the future of the sanctuary and said reaching the anniversary is “overwhelming.”
“We're sharing this world with some really beautiful and wonderful creatures,” she said. “And we need to take care of them. We need to be respectful and keep them safe.”
The habitat has seen its fair share of heartwarming stories — from a documentary-inspiring friendship between two elephants as well as the refuge serving as partial inspiration for the book “Leaving Time” by best-selling author Jodi Picoult — and hardships, like the decade-long legal fight over ownership of the sanctuary’s first elephant and the accidental death of an elephant trainer in 2006.
The gentle giants that call the sanctuary home — of which there have been 34 in total — come from a wide range of circumstances. One from the Louisville Zoo, a number from a private owner in Chicago, two from the Knoxville Zoo and even one from the cast of the 1988 "Big Top Pee-wee" movie.
“In many of these situations, the zoos and owners are making decisions because their elephants are getting older, and they really want them to have socialization opportunities that they might not have gotten previously,” Zeitlin said. “Elephants really need social opportunities. They're very social creatures.”
One favorite resident of the facility, Shirley, born in 1948 in Sumatra, made a tremendous impact on her handlers. The Asian elephant, a former circus performer, survived an insane sequence of events, including being kidnapped by forces belonging to Cuba’s Prime Minister Fidel Castro, a shipwreck off of Nova Scotia, a truck wreck, being attacked by another elephant and living for 20 years as the only elephant at a small zoo in Louisiana, before retiring to the sanctuary.
She died in 2021 at 72 years old, making her the second-oldest elephant in North America.
“Shirley was just really special,” Zeitlin said with emotion. “She was so intelligent and entirely her own animal. Shirley kind of epitomized what this sanctuary is all about: giving a home to and helping these big animals have a safe place where they're taken care of through their lifetime, through all those phases of life.”
Looking to the future, Zeitlin said the refuge is excited to be developing its international partnerships and advocating for elephants everywhere.
“We give out grants once a year for protecting elephants and trying to create better welfare for them, both in human care and in the wild. … We have a group in Vietnam that helps elephants retire from giving rides to tourists, and another group that's tracking elephants through India and trying to keep pathways open from human conflict,” she said. “We just want to create a better world for elephants wherever they are.”
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The Nashville Zoo recently welcomed a rare arrival — a female, clouded leopard cub. The cub was born on Feb. 25 and currently weighs the size of a small baguette, said the zoo. The cub measures about 13-inches-long from her nose to the tip of her tail.
The adorable, spotted cub is the third litter for mated pair Niran (female) and Ron (male) and is the fourth female cub to be born to Niran. Guests can view the cub at the Zoo’s HCA Healthcare Veterinary Center.
Guests of the Nashville Zoo can support conservation efforts by taking part in the zoo's naming contest. People are able to vote on:
Lara, in honor of the TV personality who announced the cub’s birth nationwide
Tashi, a Tibetan name meaning good fortune
Mi, a Vietnamese name meaning noodles.
To double conservation efforts, the zoo will be matching all donations dollar for dollar. The winning name will be the one that raises the most money.
You can vote on the name and contribute on the zoo’s website, www.nashvillezoo.org.
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