WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for March 18, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Maury County Fire (MauryCountySource)
On Sunday morning at 8am, Maury County Fire Department was alerted to a reported barn fire on Crawley Hill Rd with animals still inside.
Units arrived to find a barn fully involved and already collapsed. Unfortunately several goats were killed in the fire.
Units worked for approximately 3 hours to fully extinguish the barn and hay bales that were involved.
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.
Columbia State in Championship Tourney (MSM)
After qualifying for the NJCAA Division I national tournament for the fourth time in 12 seasons, Columbia State learned its opening-round opponent Sunday.
The Chargers, seeded 18th, will take on Triton (Ill.) College at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, the second of four contests on the first day of the 24-team tourney in Hutchinson, Kans.
A win would send Columbia State (27-4) into a second-round matchup with Cowley (Texas) College on Monday.
Ranked 23rd in the last NJCAA DI national poll, C-State rolled to the TCCAA/Region VII Tournament title at Southwest Tennessee as the No. 1 seed, defeating Jackson State in a 75-66 quarterfinal clash on March 9 before surviving a 74-71 overtime decision against Roane State – after leading 35-14 at halftime – in the semifinals, then defeating Pellissippi State 72-50 in the title game.
Mahki Wright scored 11 points with six rebounds in the decisive victory, earning tournament most valuable player honors, with Trey Johnson matching Wright’s 11 points along with seven boards. Emanuel Allen grabbed 13 rebounds and scored eight points.
Simeon Williams, Terrell Reeves and Taveon Comage each added eight points as C-State extended its win streak to five games with the victory.
Columbia State previously advanced to the nationals with state tournament championship victories in 2014 and ‘15 under current Tennessee State coach Brian “Penny” Collins. The Chargers also won the 2020 state tourney title, but the national tournament did not take place that year as a result of the global pandemic.
Early’s Honey Stand Expands to Peanuts (MauryCountySource)
Early’s Honey Stand, Williamson County’s oldest business, is proud to announce its acquisition of the Tennessee Peanut Company from Jay Cleveland and family. This exciting new chapter marks an important expansion for Early’s Honey Stand as it continues its commitment to providing the finest local, Southern products to the community.
Founded in 1925, Early’s Honey Stand has been a staple of Williamson County, operating right off Highway 31 since its inception and known for its high-quality food products and exceptional customer service. This acquisition strengthens the company’s position as a trusted provider of Southern delicacies and adds a new product line that aligns with Early’s long-standing dedication to local flavor.
The Tennessee Peanut Company, known for its premium peanuts, and rich flavors, has quickly become a beloved brand in the region. Under the Cleveland family’s leadership, it gained a loyal customer base and an excellent reputation for its high-quality products.
“We are excited to welcome Tennessee Peanut Company into the Early’s Honey Stand family,” said Curtis Gibbs, of Early’s Honey Stand. “Jay Cleveland and his family have built a remarkable brand, and we’re thrilled to carry on their legacy of quality and southern culture. This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity for both brands, and we look forward to seeing Tennessee Peanut grow alongside Early’s.”
The purchase will ensure the continued availability of Tennessee Peanut Company’s signature products, while also allowing Early’s Honey Stand to offer an even broader range of delicious, southern made goods. Early’s Honey Stand plans to maintain the sourcing and distribution processes of the Tennessee Peanut Company while introducing new innovations to enhance the product lineup overtime.
“After much careful consideration, we are confident that Early’s Honey Stand is the ideal steward for the Tennessee Peanut Company’s legacy,” said Jay Cleveland, founder of the Tennessee Peanut Company. “We believe this partnership will allow our products to grow and reach even more customers who appreciate high-quality, Southern Products.”
This acquisition underscores Early’s Honey Stand’s ongoing commitment to quality, heritage, and community. The company plans to introduce new product lines and expand its reach both locally and beyond the Williamson County area, while maintaining the standards of excellence that have made Early’s Honey Stand a beloved business for generations.
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.
Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)
The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.
Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.
Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.
Any Maury County Resident can use this office.
All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.
Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols 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.
Garry Allen Heller, 70, a resident of Columbia, TN died Friday, March 14, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.
A memorial service will be conducted Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Riverside United Methodist Church. The family will visit with friends on Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 1:00 PM till the time of service at Riverside United Methodist Church.
And now, news from around the state…
Franklin Special School District Teaches Aerospace (Tennessean)
The Tennessee Department of Education, in partnership with Innovative Schools Model (ISM), recently provided $1 million in funding for an Aerospace class specially geared towards middle schoolers.
“By reimagining the traditional high school and middle school environments, ISMs achieve exceptional student incomes,” the grant language states.
Because of the grant, the Franklin Special School District is now offering three Introduction to Aerospace high-school credit classes to eighth graders at Poplar Grove and Freedom Middle Schools. Complete with five Redbird Jay Velocity Flight Simulators, students are able to navigate different complex aviation scenarios directly from the classroom.
At Poplar Grove Middle School, the class is taught by Chris Dollar.
“Aerospace is really fun,”student Zack Zimmerman said. “I’m a hands-on learner, so it’s great for me because Mr. Dollar teaches us about scenarios and then, we get to experience it with the flight simulators.”
His love of the program is shared by his teacher, who praised the program for helping him bring his love of flying to the classroom.
“My favorite thing to witness is when I stand back and watch them function,” Dollar said of his students. The former music teacher has had his private pilot certificate since 2005 and regularly flies his own Cessna 172L plane. He teaches all three of the district's new aviation classes.
As the students have progressed in their abilities, Dollar has witnessed their confidence grow in their skills, he said.
“With this being a new program, we weren't sure what level the students would be at. Additionally, starting in 8th grade is kind of a novel concept for us to do that,” he added. “But they’ve really built their confidence in their communication and their piloting skills.”
The district is hoping to expand the program to other schools and beyond in the coming years to help other students get a jump start on aerospace careers, officials said.
Students who successfully complete the intro course will proceed to an aerospace pathway in a Williamson County high school, they noted.
“With Aerospace, you take it because you want to be there," Zack said. "I knew nothing about planes before coming into this class, but now I know so much. Even if you don’t want to pursue Aerospace in the future, it’s still a fun class to learn, and I am so thankful to the district for letting this program come here.”
Tennessee 2nd Friendliest State (Tennessean)
Southern hospitality is alive and well in Tennessee, which was recently ranked as the No. 2 friendliest state in the United States by World Population Review. South Carolina and Texas also made this list, ranking No. 3 and No. 4 respectively.
"Tennessee is full of the famous southern charm and hospitality," World Population Review said. "Residents are proud and eager to make friends with visitors and show them all that their state has to offer."
World Population Review ranked in two categories: Big 7 Travel "politeness index" survey results and Zippia’s list of each state’s average tipping rate.
Big 7 Travel asked 2.5 million of their social media followers to vote on which states are the friendliest. Tennessee ranked No. 2 on this list also. As for tipping culture, Tennessee scored lower at No. 21, according to Zippia with an average tipping rate of 15.9%.
New York is considered the least friendly state, according to World Population Review. Unsurprisingly, Minnesota took the top spot, but who could compete with "Minnesota nice"?!?
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The Nashville Symphony and Symphony Fashion Show announced that Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill will be the featured performer at the 2025 Symphony Fashion Show. Gill will take the stage at the Nashville Symphony’s annual spring fundraiser, which will be held on April 29, 2025, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center and presented by Gus Mayer, following a runway show of the Fall/Winter 2025 collection of acclaimed American eveningwear designer Pamella Roland.
Gill is one of the most decorated country artists of all time, with 22 GRAMMY wins, the most for any solo male country singer, plus eight ACM Awards and 18 CMA Awards, including two for Entertainer of the Year and five consecutive wins for Male Vocalist of the Year. In 2017 Gill was asked to join the Eagles on the road and continues to be a part of that historic band’s tour.
General admission tickets go on sale on March 19. Get the at www.nashvillesymphony.org.
Comments