Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-1-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 1, 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 Storms Hit Columbia (CDH)

Maury County emergency responders continue to assess roads and areas affected by Sunday's storms, which resulted in multiple fallen trees and power lines, as well as several structures receiving damage.

The Maury County Office of Emergency Management issued a press release Monday following the storms, which Director Jeff Hardy described as "leaving a trail of destruction in its wake."

"These storms brought intense winds, heavy rainfall and possible tornado activity," Hardy states in the press release. "They caused significant damage to the county that we all call home."

Damage reports indicate multiple structures have received damage, including several neighborhoods experiencing power outages.

Areas of Trotwood Avenue from Old Sunnyside Lane to Rutherford Lane were also reported to be so severe that the road remained closed until about 2:30 p.m. Monday, Maury County OEM stated.

"The National Weather Service will be in the area to assist in damage assessments," Hardy stated in Monday's release. "We do ask that people remain vigilant while driving. There will be branches, trees, power lines and other forms of debris on the road. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local news outlets and official emergency management channels for the latest developments."

Spring Hill Airport Plan Seeks Extension (CDH)

The Spring Hill Commerce Center property, which is proposing changes to its plans to allow for an airport district west of Interstate 65, could receive a long-awaited update following months of deferrals.

The 706.46-acre property was brought before the Spring Hill Planning Commission on Monday, with applicant Richmond Co., which is seeking a one-year extension to the project's preliminary development plan (PDP).

According to a Spring Hill planning staff report, the request for extension is due to delays in federal funding, unavailability of a potable water service and the need for an updated traffic impact study.

"This has been a very significant and complex project," said Thomas White, an attorney with Tune, Entriken & White of Nashville, representing the applicant. "We have had tremendous input from the staff for the time they have given in keeping this project on track and moving forward. There would be no downside in moving this forward at this time."

In December 2022, the Planning Commission initially submitted its favorable opinion of the property, formerly known as South Nashville Commerce Center, to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The Preliminary Development Plan was adopted in January the following year.

The project was reintroduced in November 2024, seeking modifications to the approved Preliminary Development Plan, one of which would include allowing use of an airport district.

Other proposed changes would include the use of electric vehicle charging stations, removing private EV stations from on-site accessory use, adding a table listing native/drought tolerant plant species and updating the district boundary.

These changes have yet to be approved by the BOMA and have been deferred repeatedly over the past few months at the applicant's request.

Alderman Matt Fitterer said that the BOMA is working diligently with city staff to amend the project's development agreement, and that other changes to the initial plan, all on behalf of the applicant, should be considered.

"Close to 3,000 entitled homes were removed," Fitterer said. "I am very in support of extending their clock since they showed us a good faith effort in doing something positive for the city with removing the home entitlement at the onset of this process."

Alderman Trent Linville added that while the project has experienced many unexpected challenges, such as securing a proper utility service, the request is absolutely reasonable.

"With something this complex, it warrants that extension," Linville said.

Since Monday's meeting was a work session, no votes were cast. However, the Planning Commission agreed that the item will appear on the board's April 14 regular meeting as part of the consent agenda, or items grouped together and deemed noncontroversial.

Goddard School Coming to June Lake (MauryCountySource)

The Goddard School, a nationally acclaimed early childhood education franchise, has been approved to build a 13,800-square-foot facility on 1.7 acres in June Lake, with construction set to begin in summer 2025.

Situated within June Lake’s first commercial district at the corner of Buckner Lane and June Lake Boulevard, The Goddard School of June Lake will help meet the growing demand among families and employers alike for high-quality early childhood education in Spring Hill.

“For June Lake to truly be a well-rounded, connected community, it’s important to include services that support residents and businesses,” said Don Alexander, Principal at Southeast Venture. “The Goddard School is an incredible institution that delivers high-quality childhood education, and we’re delighted to announce their commitment to June Lake.”

“At The Goddard School, we are committed to providing the best possible environment for the education, development and safety of young children, preparing them for school and for life,” said Leisa Byars, owner of The Goddard School of June Lake. “We recognize the essential role convenience plays for working families, and June Lake offers an ideal location—close to major employers and neighborhoods—allowing us to effectively serve the Spring Hill community.”

The Goddard School’s exclusive inquiry-based education program, Wonder of Learning™, embraces how children learn best—through their innate curiosity—because research confirms that when wonder leads, learning follows. Wonder of Learning features a cutting-edge curriculum developed by a diversely skilled group of educators, researchers, physicians and early childhood experts, as well as built-in assessment of academic and social-emotional progress and family communication via a proprietary app.

Inquiry-based learning, which guides the Wonder of Learning curriculum, is a teaching and learning approach that focuses on the natural curiosity and sense of wonder children bring into the classroom. With teacher-guided inquiry topics, children learn about themselves and the world around them by exploring their interests, investigating concepts and asking questions. Interested families should call 1-800-GODDARD to learn more.

Site work is already underway within the commercial district, which is expected to include a mix of retail, dining, healthcare, childcare, personal care and other lifestyle services. More announcements about additional businesses are coming soon.

The Goddard School’s arrival at June Lake represents another key milestone in the development’s growth as a destination for Middle Tennessee residents. This 775-acre, mixed-use community sits adjacent to I-65 and includes a newly opened interchange at mile marker 55. When construction is complete, there will be nearly 2,900 residences, 3.9 million square feet of Class A office space, 1.3 million square feet of retail and restaurant space, and 400 hotel rooms.

For more information on June Lake and its progress, visit www.junelaketn.com.

CSCC Gets National Science Foundation Grant (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College’s Engineering Systems Technology program has been awarded a three-year National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grant. 

The grant project, “Certifying Future Robotics Technicians in Middle Tennessee,” will establish a one-year robotics certificate at Columbia State.

Middle Tennessee State University is also partnering with Columbia State to create 11 robotics modules that will help students be ready for industry certifications. The modules will be divided into three fundamental areas: assembling, programming and troubleshooting. Columbia State will host and teach this new robotics education.

“We are very excited that Columbia State has received this NSF ATE grant,” said Dr. Mehran Mostajir, Columbia State dean of the Business and Technology Division. “Thank you to Richard Urban who serves as co-principal investigator, as well as Dr. Jorge Vargas of MTSU who serves as co-principal investigator. This project would not be possible without their efforts.” 

With nearly $350,000 in funding awarded, the ATE grant program has a strong focus and support for two-year colleges and other higher education institutions. This also marks the first NSF ATE grant awarded to Columbia State.

Courses taught as part of the program will begin in the Fall 2025 semester. Graduates who complete the program will earn nationally-recognized industry certifications, as well as 16 hours of college coursework. Program graduates will be able to go directly into technical industries, while industry partners have also committed to using this program to upskill their current employees. 

MTSU received an estimated $100,000 of the grant funds, which will be used to develop various robotics modules.

“We’re extremely excited to work on this robotics certification project,” said Dr. Jorge Vargas, MTSU associate professor of engineering technology and co-principal investigator. “It’s a matter of developing different modules for this certification mapping. There are different topics or subjects for students to do in the field after they get certified.”

The grant extends research and development through May 31, 2027.

Columbia State representatives who helped secure the grant include Dr. Mehran Mostajir, dean of the Business and Technology Division; Richard Urban, Engineering Systems Technology program director, instructor and principal investigator; Patrick McElhiney, director of grants and development officer; and Daniel Garrett, former Columbia State Engineering Systems Technology program director, instructor and co-principal investigator.

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. 

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!

Cocoa Bella (Press Release)

Agathos Classical School invites the community to attend Cocoa Bella 2025 – A Fine Chocolate Social on Saturday, April 12, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at The Mulehouse in Columbia. This enchanting evening offers guests a chance to support the school while indulging in fine chocolates, mingling with friends, and participating in a lively auction for a great cause.

Transforming The Mulehouse into an enchanting outdoor garden atmosphere, this year’s event captures the essence of early spring. Attendees will enjoy a delightful live auction featuring an array of lawn, garden, and outdoor items, all while being serenaded by a jazz harpist, adding a touch of elegance to the evening’s ambiance.

The menu promises a mouth-watering selection of culinary delights. Guests can savor a variety of local farm-fresh cheeses, indulge in two meat carving stations, and delight in venison summer sausage and savory bites. Sweet treats will abound with mini chocolate haupia pies, chocolate mousse cups, assorted cake balls, meringues, and rich chocolate baklava. Artisan vanilla and chocolate egg cream sodas will be prepared onsite, and Muletown Coffee Roasters will serve their beloved coffees, complemented by farm-fresh cold milk.

Attendees will enjoy a self-guided tasting experience, sampling fine chocolates paired with palate-cleansing sparkling water. A dedicated area will feature an exquisite selection of truffles and bonbons sourced from local and international artisans.

The highlight of the evening will be a live auction led by Eddie Ables, featuring exciting items for everyone, including an apiary starter kit complete with a beehive and swarm box, paired with a consultation and bootcamp from local bee expert and author, Adam Martin of Bee Kept.

Additional offerings include a Dinner and Flower Event at the home of Amy Montgomery for ten guests, a group kayaking trip with Higher Pursuits, a VIP package for The Homestead Festival including a three-month supply of farm-fresh eggs, and more! The evening will also showcase a spring planter and container sale, bursting with vibrant blooms. Bidding promises to be spirited, entertaining, and a significant part of the evening’s enjoyment!

Tickets are available for $50 per person and can be purchased online at seetickets.us/cocoa412 or by visiting The Mulehouse website. Those interested in making a tax-deductible donation may contact the office of Agathos Classical School at (931) 388-0556.

Cocoa Bella benefits Agathos Classical School—a 21-year-old classical Christian institution serving grades pre-K through 12. Employing proven classical methods, students cultivate a joy for learning, the discipline of critical thinking, and the wisdom to communicate eloquently. These essential skills prepare graduates to excel in life, Soli Deo Gloria—to the

glory of God alone. The school is situated on seventeen rolling acres at the corner of Tom Hitch Parkway and Mapleash Avenue in Columbia and is currently expanding with a new 15,000 sq ft classroom space under construction. To learn more, please visit us on campus or online at AgathosSchool.com.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…

Linda Potts Collier, 73, resident of Columbia, died Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, April 2 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Williamsport Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Tuesday, from 4:00 PM till 8:00 PM and again on Wednesday, from 12:00 PM till 1:00 PM at 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…

Ground Broken on Carter House Visitor Center (WilliamsonHerald)

About 120 people celebrated the groundbreaking of a new visitor center at Carter House in Franklin on Friday, March 28.

The two-story, 9,600-square-foot Herbert Harper Visitor Center will replace the current building, which opened in 1981. It will contain a gift shop, multipurpose room, office space and museum with a new exhibit called “All Men Are Created Equal.”

Harper served as executive director of the Tennessee Historical Commission from 1975 to 2006.

After a round of speeches, officials with the city of Franklin and Battle of Franklin Trust grabbed shovels and turned the first bit of earth for the project.

Patrick McIntyre, the THC’s current executive director and state historic preservation officer, thanked the state General Assembly and the commission for contributing $4.5 million in funding to the building’s construction.

Eric Jacobson, chief executive officer of Battle of Franklin Trust, said a new visitor center was first discussed in 2013. Aside from raising almost $7 million for the project, one challenge was deciding what to do with the old Boys and Girls Club gym beside Carter House, which was torn down in 2016.

“I said, ‘I don’t want to restore the gym,’” he said. “It is a cost albatross, there are probably asbestos all over that building and it looms over Carter House.”

The new exhibit will cover local history from the American Revolution through the aftermath of the Civil War, with emphasis on how slavery, the war and abolition affected the local Black population.

Franklin Vice Mayor Jason Potts said the exhibit is “about telling that fuller story of Franklin’s history.” Matt Van Epps, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, added that the new building will improve visitors’ experiences of Carter House.

“It will honor our past while serving future generations,” Van Epps said.

State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson credited late Rep. Charles Sargent for being a “friend and mentor and an incredible advocate for the preservation community” for his work in drumming up support for the new visitor center until his death in 2018.

Other officials present included Franklin Aldermen Matt Brown, Patrick Bagget and Brandy Blanton, Williamson County Commission Chairman Brian Beathard and City Administrator Eric Stuckey.

The center is scheduled to open in mid-2026, Jacobson said. If that goal is met, the opening will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next summer.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Now in its 11th year, the 2025 Nashville Comedy Festival will take over Music City April 3-13, bringing together some of the biggest names in comedy across nearly 60 shows at Nashville’s most iconic venues.

Among the featured comedians are Nikki Glasser, Jay Leno, Yakov Smirnoff, Rodney Carrington, Wanda Sykes, and many others.

Comedians will be located in numerous locations around Music City. Get your tickets at www.axs.com.