WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for March 5, 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 Purchases 111 Acres (MauryCountySource)
A large tract of land that was originally slated to become a high-density housing development will now be home to a major community need.
On Monday, March 3, the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) voted to approve Resolution 25-68 to purchase 111 acres of land that was planned to become a high-density housing subdivision named “Stone Creek.” The purchase price was set at $8,093,385 (approximately $73,000 per acre), all of which will be paid for with cash from the Sewer Development Fees Fund — separate from the General Fund.
The land sits adjacent to I-65 near the Brandon Woods subdivision and just south of approximately 45 acres of land that was previously donated to the City.
The development entity had proposed to build more than 1000 new housing units in this development, with about 66% of those being townhomes. Instead, this land will be used to further one of the most important projects in Spring Hill — the Advanced Purification Project. The planned reservoir connected to this project will reside on this newly acquired property.
“I am thankful that City Staff was able to pull off a major win for Spring Hill residents. We are taking more than 1,000 residential units off the table and replacing them with a solution to our water needs,” said Mayor Jim Hagaman. “This BOMA has been committed to the idea of smart growth, and we hear our residents’ concerns. This is a huge step in the right direction.”
The overall Advanced Purification Project plan outlines how the City of 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. More information about the project can be found on the City website.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Communications Director Lucas Wright at lwright@springhilltn.org.
Car Show Memorial For Kayden Patterson (CDH)
The Monday evening air was filled with the roars of revving engines making their way down Bear Creek Pike, each roaring out in tribute to a Culleoka Unit School sophomore's greatest passion.
Kayden Patterson, 16, died Saturday due to injuries sustained from a car accident while traveling down Mooresville Pike in Columbia. Officers and firefighters were dispatched at approximately 3 p.m., where they discovered the car had rolled over at the scene. Patterson was the vehicle's sole occupant.
As news of Patterson's death soon spread across social media, his friends, fellow students and community members banded together to honor the known car enthusiast.
Patterson's friends and family said he was a person who had many passions, from dirt biking to board games, anime and being outdoors. He also took pride in his job at Chick-fil-A, but it was working on cars where Patterson found his greatest happiness.
As a budding car enthusiast, the family issued a request Sunday, literally "calling all cars" to line up outside Heritage Funeral Home for one last Cruise for Kayden, taking vehicles down Bear Creek Pike toward Culleoka, before rolling through the heart of the town Patterson called home.
"This is just so beautiful to see, just to see all these people coming out here for Kayden makes me happy," Zachary St. Clair, a close friend of Patterson's, said. "He was a good kid, and this might be the biggest car show he ever went to."
Wes Dugger, who grew up with Patterson's stepfather, Alex Franks and is a mechanic by trade, said he often let the young 16-year-old work alongside him, learning things like how to change oil and make custom mods.
When word got out that the community's car lovers were getting together in tribute, Dugger said he knew he had to be there, bringing his 2005 Acura TL to join the lineup.
"When I heard they were doing this for Kayden, I thought this would be something I'd want if I had a kid who was a car enthusiast," Dugger said.
Others, like Ron Conn of Columbia, who brought his beloved 1957 Ford Fairlane, did not know Patterson personally, but showed up because "it was the right thing to do, and so sad this had to happen to someone so young."
"My son is 15, and when I saw this young man's picture, he reminded me a lot of my son," Conn said. "It broke my heart, and so I wanted to come out and show support for his family, and for these young kids to know they are not alone in this. It also reminds you just how fragile life is."
Gary Patterson, Kayden's grandfather, said the students and community's support has soothed the grieving process for the family, because it shows how much "his buddy" was loved, and how much he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
"It really hurt us, shocked us really bad to get the phone call that he was in a car wreck and dead, and it's going to be hard to get over," Patterson said.
"He was a good kid, very loved, and he was very loving. He was my buddy, and while he won't be in [the cruise], he's sure going to see it."
Maury Dems to Hold Convention (Press Release)
The Maury County Democratic Party (MCDP) will hold its biennial reorganization convention on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
The state and county party bylaws require this convention to be held in odd years, and the purpose of the convention is to allow all Democratic voters to select county party officers and executive committee members. The MCDP will also discuss and vote upon minor changes to the county party bylaws that are being recommended by the Tennessee Democratic Party’s leadership.
The convention will be held at the Maury County Senior Citizen Center, located at 1020 Maury County Park Drive, in Columbia. Doors will be opened at 10 a.m., and attendees must arrive before the doors close at 11 a.m. to vote. A meeting of the newly elected county party executive committee will be held after the convention.
To participate in the Convention, a person must be registered to vote in Maury County and must be a bona fide member of the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party does not charge dues.
All voters who usually cast ballots in Presidential or August (state/local) Democratic Party primaries are deemed to be bona fide members of the Democratic Party. Voters who did not vote in last year’s primaries (including young people and new residents who were not yet eligible to vote) are also allowed to participate in this year’s convention if they sign a form stating that they agree to support the Democratic Party’s values and candidates.
MCDP Chair James Dallas: “We aim to have a fun and inclusive convention. If you are upset with the direction of our county, state, and country, this is an opportunity to stand up and help lead the fight. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the Democratic Party, and we need you now more than ever.”
To register for the convention or to declare your candidacy for a party officer position, go to the online registration form: https://maurydems.org/register2025. More information about the event will also be posted on the MCDP website, maurydems.org, and the MCDP’s Facebook page.
About the Maury County Democratic Party: The Maury County Democratic Party is the local county affiliate of the Tennessee Democratic Party and represents the interests of tens of thousands of Democratic leaning voters in the county.
Historic Marker Unveiling (Press Release)
The community is invited to attend an unveiling ceremony for a historical marker honoring the Columbia Female Institute, an educational institution that featured a castle that was built in the 1830’s that significantly contributed to women's educational history in Columbia. The building burned in a tragic fire in 1959.
When: March 13, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Where: Columbia Plaza, 425 W 7th Street, Columbia, TN
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/
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.
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.
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…
James Marshall “Jamie” Cheek, 59, died Thursday, February 27, 2025 at his residence in Columbia.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.
Mr. James Wayne Malugin, 76, retired employee of L & N Railroad and lifelong resident of Columbia, died Thursday, February 20 at his residence. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The Family will visit with friends Saturday, March 8th, 2025 from 12:00 PM until the service time at the funeral home.
Duane Thomas “Turkey” Jones, 78, of Lynnville, Tennessee passed away at his home on February 27th, 2025.
A celebration of Duane’s life will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends in the Parish Hall from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. St. Peter’s is located at 311 W 7th St, Columbia, TN.
Interment will take place in Shreveport, Louisiana at a later date.
Chance Harding Luna, 33, died unexpectedly Saturday, March 1, 2025 at his residence in Columbia.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Lynnwood Cemetery in Lynnville. The family will visit with friends Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.
And now, news from around the state…
March is Literacy Month (Press Release)
Throughout March, the Tennessee Department of Education invites all Tennesseans to celebrate Tennessee Literacy Month, proclaimed by Governor Bill Lee. All month long, the department will highlight how Tennessee’s meaningful reading investments continue to strengthen early literacy skills and prepare students to reach their full potential.
“Tennessee students are leading the nation in reading proficiency gains thanks to our state’s strong literacy strategy,” said Gov. Lee. “Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, and in the month of March, we’re celebrating our continued commitment to literacy and ensuring that every child can reach their full potential.”
March Literacy Month kicked off over the weekend with Read Across America Day on Sunday, March 2, which began Read Across America Week (March 2-6). This week and month, the department and Riley the Reading Raccoon will celebrate the work happening to boost literacy scores by visiting schools across the state. Tennesseans are encouraged to join the conversation on social media throughout the month using hashtags like #TNReadingForALL and #ReadLikeRiley. Additionally, families can practice reading at home using the Interactive Decodables.
Tennessee’s literacy rates continue to make historic strides statewide, thanks to the strategic investments made by Gov. Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly, including the passage of the 2021 Tennessee Literacy Success Act, which has been pivotal in providing resources and supports to teachers and students. The 2023-24 ELA TCAP results showed, overall, 39% of students are meeting grade level expectations, with proficiency gains in most tested grades, and elementary and high school students are continuing to out-perform pre-pandemic levels. In addition, the 2024 Nation’s Report Card results further exhibited Tennessee’s improvements with 32% of tested students scoring as proficient, outpacing the national average in both 4th and 8th grade reading.
"Our district and school leaders, teachers, families, elected leaders, and communities are putting in a tremendous amount of effort to support our young readers, as they are dedicated to nurturing a passion for reading by offering resources and enriching experiences both in and out of the classroom across Tennessee," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "I’m grateful for the hard work being done across the state, and this March Literacy Month, I encourage all Tennesseans to join us in celebrating our districts’ achievements by picking up a book and reading together!"
Through Tennessee's commitment to continue and sustain a focus on early literacy, the department is excited to offer the fifth summer of literacy trainings for educators, including the Early Reading and Secondary Literacy Trainings. For the first time this summer, the department will offer a Foundations First: Pre-K Literacy Training designed to include foundational literacy support to Pre-K teachers and Pre-K teaching assistants, currently teaching or planning to teach Pre-K for the 2025-26 school year. Additional information about training details will be available later this spring.
Additionally, the department is continuing to support early literacy instruction through the Early Literacy Network 2.0 with regional convenings, virtual learning sessions, and asynchronous modules specifically designed for school leaders and teachers. During these sessions, district and school leaders and teachers engage in high-quality foundational skills professional development and collaborate on ways to improve practices in their districts.
Learn more at www.tn.gov/education/reading-360 on how Tennessee is equipping teachers and families with online resources and engaging with the public to accelerate literacy.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The Nashville Elvis Festival returns March 13-16 for the ninth annual celebration of the music and legacy of the King of Rock & Roll.
This year’s festival consists of 10 shows plus three late night parties (held at host hotel Spring Hill Suites by Marriott Cool Springs), which have become a Nashville tradition. This year’s show highlights include a salute to 1960 recreating monumental performances from G.I. Blues and Elvis’ appearance on the Frank Sinatra Special, fan favorite “Elvis Gospel Live,” and a brand new show called “Beyond Elvis,” with some of the world's top Elvis performers paying tribute to other artists that have been influenced by the King such as Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Frankie Valli, Julio Iglesias, Garth Brooks, Frank Sinatra and more!
The four-day festival will welcome back Elvis fans to Liberty Hall in The Factory at Franklin. Tickets are on sale now at NashvilleElvisFestival.com.