Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 3-31-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for March 31, 2025

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.

We start with local news…

Spring Hill Early Voting (WilliamsonScene)

Early voting in the Spring Hill municipal election is going on now.

Residents can cast their votes early at the Spring Hill Community Senior Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. during weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday. Early voting ends on Saturday, April 5 and election day is the following Thursday, April 10. Voters can head to the polls on election day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at their voting precinct, which can be found at web.go-vote-tn.elections.tn.gov

In this election, Spring Hill citizens will choose their next mayor from four candidates: John Canepari, Matt Fitterer, Jim Hagaman or Rick McCreadie. Hagaman is the incumbent mayor while Canepari and Fitterer both hold alderman seats that are not currently up for election. If they are not selected by voters to be the next mayor, they will continue to serve in their alderman positions until their terms end in 2027. McCreadie has not held a public office in Spring Hill.

Voters will also choose one alderman that represents each of the four wards in Spring Hill. The city's Board of Mayor and Alderman is made up of two alderman in each ward. 

Ward 1 Alderman Jason Cox is not running for reelection and voters will choose between Alex Jimenez and Teri Mai.

Ward 2 alderman William Pomeroy, who is also the current vice mayor, is running for reelection. Also seeking the Ward 2 seat are Jaimee Davis, Greg Groninger and Scott Wernert. 

In Ward 3, sitting alderman Kevin Gavigan is not running for reelection. Voters will choose between Diane Cochran and Erinn Hartwell.

Current Ward 4 alderman Trent Linville is running for reelection. He faces opponent Kimberly Hughes for the seat. 

Spring Hill’s Food Truck Policy Discussed (CDH)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen is discussing a potential amendment to the city's food truck policies, and whether such businesses should be allowed to operate on public property.

Earlier this month, the topic was brought before the board as a discussion item and presented jointly by public works and parks and recreation.

Unless a temporary use permit is approved by the city, public property cannot be used for personal gain and that includes mobile businesses benefiting financially, according to Spring Hill's municipal code.

"Unfortunately, development services has erroneously issued temporary use permits for food trucks to operate in a city park and did so without knowing the property owner must authorize someone to conduct a business on their property," Spring Hill Development Director Dara Sanders said, noting the municipal code requirement had been overlooked.

Initial feedback from board members was to uphold the current municipal code, which would allow for an "invitation only" type of scenario when issuing special events permits. It also aligns with similar policies in neighboring communities.

"I was in support of allowing this until I went to every single one of our neighboring communities and they don't allow it," Alderman Vincent Fuqua said. "I think we ought to be consistent."

Alderman Jason Cox agreed. He said allowing food trucks on public property could lower funds generated by onsite concession stands, which benefit many of the local sports teams.

"I've been on the Hawks board, and clearly that concession stand is huge for that board and those kids," Cox said. "I've also been a parent with the Lions Club tee-ball, and the kids love running up to that concession stand. They get a little ticket at the end and love running up there, and I wouldn't be in favor of undercutting that."

Parks & Recreation Director Kayce Williams said the city is required to undergo a special permitting process for special events.

"I obtain a special events permit through Development Services," Williams said. "That entire checklist of questions covers all of those bases, which trucks are going to be there, that they get inspected the day of the event, the whole nine yards."

Alderman Matt Fitterer suggested the city require a special events permit, rather than a temporary use permit, saying "It sounds like the most responsible path forward to me."

"I don't want to put Development Services or the BOMA in a position where they have to pick who can play and pick who can't," Fitterer said. "I think that would be inherently unfair."

Williams said the "invitation only" aspect would be in regard to city special event planning, such as an open call for food trucks to be included as part of future city gatherings, rather than specific trucks chosen at will.

"It all boils down to who will say 'Yes' to me for each event and who will return phone calls," Williams said.

Alderman Kevin Gavigan concluded the discussion by saying an open call method could be considered the "most fair treatment."

"Whether it's first come, first serve, or we put out the invitation at midnight and the first to respond is at 12:01 a.m.," Gavigan said. "Even a lottery system would be fairer than picking or choosing."

No formal decisions were made during the March 17 board meeting.

MRMG Offers Pain Management (MauryCountySource)

Millions of Americans are dealing with chronic pain every day, limiting their ability to live life to the fullest. Maury Reginal Medical Group (MRMG) Interventional Pain Management is reimaging pain relief with advanced services, including spinal cord stimulation technology — offering new hope to those dealing with chronic pain.

“Chronic pain can be overwhelming,” said John C. Welker, MD, a board-certified pain medicine physician at MRMG Interventional Pain Management. “Our goal is to provide patients with proven, innovative options that improve their quality of life. The spinal cord stimulation technology offers a targeted approach to pain management that many patients have found life changing.”

Chronic pain is a persistent condition that can range from a dull ache to a sharp, debilitating discomfort, lasting for long periods of time — sometimes years. It often affects the back, joints or other parts of the body and can interfere with daily activities, sleep and overall quality of life. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning of injury, chronic pain can continue long after the initial cause has healed, sometimes with no clear origin.

In addition to the symptom of pain, people may also experience symptoms of fatigue, mood swings and difficulty concentrating, which can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety and depression. Managing this type of pain often requires a comprehensive approach, which puts focus on a healthy diet, exercise, emotional wellbeing and the support of medications and other treatments, like spinal cord stimulation. Treatment plans are personalized with medical guidance depending on your unique circumstances.

Spinal cord stimulation is a clinically proven approach to pain management that can give patients relief without the need for more medications. A small device — called a stimulator — is surgically implanted under the skin near the waistline on the patient’s back. It is connected to thin, flexible leads that are placed along the spinal cord near specific nerves. The stimulator sends mild pulses through the leads that interrupt the pain signals going to the brain. It can be personalized to each patient, and a wireless remote control can adjust the level of stimulation.

Additional services provided at MRMG Interventional Pain Management also include radiofrequency ablation, injections, nerve blocks and both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

MRMG Interventional Pain Management is currently taking new clients. If you’re interested in learning more about spinal cord stimulation or exploring other pain management options with MRMG Interventional Pain Management, you’re encouraged to speak with your primary care provider. A referral is required.

New Exhibit at Columbia Visitor Center (Press Release)

Visit Columbia is recognizing Women in History month and kicking off Spring with an exhibit featuring local artist Lucy Thomas. This exhibit of beautiful paintings will be on display and for sale through the month of April at the Columbia Welcome Center located at 713 N. Main Street in downtown Columbia, Tennessee.

Thomas earned her degree in Theatre Arts & Music from Birmingham Southern College where she attended school on a voice scholarship. She has always considered herself a creative, but she believes she found her true purpose when she began painting in her late 40s. Thomas says “There is no greater pleasure for me than for my art to make someone smile and give an uncomplicated rush of happiness to the viewer.”

You can find out more about Lucy Thomas by visiting her online on Instagram: @lucyslifeinpictures or her website: lucyisanartist.com. The Columbia Welcome Center invites everyone to experience her exhibit during business hours Monday-Friday from 10am to 4pm, Saturday from 10am to 3pm, and Sunday noon-3pm.

Columbia State Summer Camp (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College is excited to announce the Retro to Real-Time: The Evolution of Video Games 2025 summer camp at its Columbia Campus!

The camp is for rising sixth to eighth graders and will last five days from June 9-13 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Students can participate in an exciting adventure through the world of video games. From the classic games of the 1970s to today’s coolest hits, students will get to learn about the history of gaming while having fun with emulators and virtual machines. Young learners get hands-on and discover how to play their favorite games like never before!

The course will be taught by Ryan Moore, Columbia State programmer analyst.

Students are asked to bring a water bottle, lunch, a drink and a 32 GB USB flash drive each day of the camp.

For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.campusce.net/

Saturday Appointments for Real ID (Press Release)

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced today that it will begin offering additional Saturday appointments at 14 Driver Services Centers across the state for current Tennessee credential holders who want to get a REAL ID.

Saturday appointments are now available at 13 participating Driver Services Centers, including the Columbia Driver Services Center located at 1701 Hampshire Pike.

To take advantage of the new expanded Saturday appointments, applicants must already have a valid Tennessee driver license or identification card. REAL ID applicants who do not currently hold a valid Tennessee credential will be served during regular, Monday to Friday hours.

 Saturday hours are available by appointment only. Applicants without a REAL ID appointment will not be served during the new Saturday hours. Schedule your REAL ID appointment now at tnrealid.gov.

 REAL ID applicants must bring proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of their Social Security Number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. If your name has changed, you must also bring certified legal documents supporting the name change(s). This could include marriage licenses, divorce decrees, etc. All documents must be original or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted.

 The TDOSHS encourages all applicants to have their REAL ID required documents pre-approved online. Pre-approved documents can save you in-person processing time at the Driver Services Center and may eliminate repeat trips.  A complete list of accepted documents and the pre-approval portal are available at tnrealid.gov.

 For more information about Tennessee REAL ID, visit tnrealid.gov.

Find Maury the Mule (Press Release)

Maury the Mule is lost in Maury County and we need your help to find him!

Maury Alliance’s annual “Where’s Maury the Mule?” shop local passport adventure kicks off on Tuesday, March 26th. The rules are simple: pick up a passport, find Maury the Mule hidden in as many businesses as possible, and turn in your completed passport at the Maury Alliance office by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, April 9th. Share your adventure on social media using #maurythemule so everyone can follow along!

This year’s event is proudly presented by Roto-Rooter, a trusted name in plumbing and drain services. Their support has made it possible for Maury Alliance to offer their biggest prize yet—the Golden Mule Jackpot of $1,000!

Here are your ways to win:

Find Maury the Mule in at least 5 businesses for a chance to win!

Visit 20 businesses to be entered into the grand prize drawing!

Visit 25 businesses for a double entry into the grand prize drawing!

Visit 30 businesses for a triple entry into the grand prize drawing!

Visit 40 businesses for a triple entry into the grand prize drawing PLUS the Golden Mule Jackpot!

One lucky winner will receive the $1,000 Golden Mule Jackpot -

sponsored by Roto-Rooter!



Grand Prize winners (2) will receive gift cards from participating businesses!



Additional winners will receive Local First Gift Cards!

Share your search for Maury the Mule on social media using #maurythemule and tag @mauryalliance.

Good luck and happy searching!

Mule Kick 5k Set (Press Release)

Hosted by the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation and presented by First Farmers and Merchants Bank, the annual Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot will take place Saturday, April 5, at Riverwalk Park in Columbia.

Proceeds from the 2025 Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot provide funding for Maury Regional Health’s mobile medical unit, which delivers health care services to at-risk and underserved individuals throughout southern Middle Tennessee by providing basic health screenings, education and resources. A portion of the proceeds from the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot will also support the Foundation’s Wellness and Aquatics Center Healthy Living Endowment and the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. In addition, the Maury County school with the most participation in the event will receive a donation to their P.E. program from the Foundation.

“We’re proud to continue the tradition of the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot, which helps deliver vital health services to individuals and communities in need. Events like this showcase the power of community and the role we all play in ensuring access to quality care,” said Courtney Lewandowski, development specialist at the Foundation. “We look forward to seeing runners, walkers and community members come together for another memorable day.”

On Saturday, April 5, the race will begin at Riverwalk Park in Columbia with an 8 a.m. start time for the 5K and a 9:15 a.m. start time for the 1-Mile Trot. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to participate. Participants may register for the race online at runsignup.com/MuleKick5K.

“Our partnership with the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation reflects our commitment to supporting healthier and stronger communities,” said Brian K. Williams, chairman and CEO of First Farmers. “We are excited to support this event once again, knowing it helps provide essential resources and care for those who need it most.”

In addition to presenting sponsor First Farmers and Merchants Bank, sponsorships ranging from $350 to $2,500 are still available for those who are interested in marketing exposure at this event. For additional information, contact the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation at 931.381.1111, ext. 1012.

To learn more about the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation, the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot or to make a donation to the community health fund, which supports the mobile medical unit, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation.

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…

Garry Lewis Farris, 71, resident of Nashville, died Saturday, March 29, 2025 at TriStar Skyline Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 12:00 PM till 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

Governor Offers Budget Amendment (Tennessean)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee rolled out a $343 million amendment to his $58.4 billion state budget proposal on Tuesday that includes nearly $39 million in K-12 funding diverted from public school districts, millions in grants for faith-based nonprofits, and $10 million in funding to use artificial intelligence for some state services.

Commissioner of Finance and Administration Jim Bryson proposed the governor’s budget amendment to lawmakers, framing the new additions as a “plain vanilla” request.

Spending outlined in the new amendment brings Lee’s total state budget pitch to just under $59.76 billion – about a 1.3% decrease from last year’s budget. Bryson said Tuesday the main reason for the reduction is the decrease in federal funding.

Lee’s budget amendment includes a $3 million allocation toward a limited summer food services program offered by the Department of Human Services – announced after The Tennessean reported that the state had declined $75M for a full program.

“I can’t get my head wrapped around why we turned down the federal money and we’re going to be serving less children,” Sen. Paul Rose, R-Covington, said.

Bryson could not answer questions from members of the Senate Finance Committee on why the state turned down the federal funds on Tuesday. He said the department would meet with members separately to go over the details.

“I’m not prepared to talk through all of those policy issues with you,” Bryson said. “The purpose of this is to make sure that everybody that needs to be served gets served. That is what we want to do.

There is no intent to cut out individual groups or places.”

Sen. Page Walley, R-Savannah, said he is concerned about students’ access to healthy foods during the summer in his rural district.

“The administration turned down $70 million in federal funding for the summer food program, but this budget allocates $3 million of state money to do less food service,” said Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville. “I’m trying to understand the rationale of that.”

Overall, state funding for K-12 education will likely increase. Lee has proposed $244 million in new funding this year for Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement, the state’s education funding formula known as TISA. That includes $80 million in funding rolled from last year, and $164 million in new TISA spending — including scheduled pay raises for public school teachers.

But Lee’s budget amendment does reflect nearly $40 million in total reductions to the state share of funding for K-12 public schools based on enrollment and cuts to three school districts as a hold harmless provision in the state’s first school choice program has now run out.

The Education Freedom Scholarships approved this year applies to both students who are in public school and want to attend a private school and those already enrolled in a private institution. The state’s first school choice program, Education Savings Accounts, only applied toward students wanting to transition out of the public school system in Davidson, Shelby and Hamilton counties.

When passing the legislation in 2019, lawmakers included a three-year “hold harmless” provision to reimburse districts for lost state contributions for pupils that quit public school to attend a private institution.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Interactive dinosaur event Jurassic Quest® has been thrilling millions of guests for over 10 years, and Music City-area families will soon get the chance to experience it when it visits the Nashville Fairgrounds from April 18-20!

Jurassic Quest provides unforgettable adventure, transporting families through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to roam among true-to-life versions of the creatures that once ruled the Earth. Loved by millions, Jurassic Quest is filled with the most hands-on activities, educational and fun event for families of all ages.

Advance purchase online is recommended to ensure desired date and availability at www.jurassicquest.com, or tickets are available on-site.