Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-14-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 14, 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 Election Results (CDH)

Spring Hill's mayoral election Thursday resulted in Alderman Matt Fitterer victorious over incumbent one-term Mayor Jim Hagaman.

Fitterer has served on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the last 10 years and has authored nearly 60 pieces of city legislation.

He has also served on the Spring Hill Planning Commission, chaired the Transportation Advisory Committee and currently chairs the city's Budget and Finance Advisory Committee.

"It's very humbling and makes you feel very grateful to know the voters have continued to place trust in us," Fitterer said. "I have always tried to lead with transparency, open communication and engagement with citizens. They really value that and came through with voting on that as well."

Fitterer added that he believes Spring Hill's biggest challenges right now are its ongoing traffic issues, as well as the need for more infrastructure to service utilities like water and public safety.

"I am grateful that I get another four years to work on solving those issues for Spring Hill," he said.

There are also major capital projects to oversee, along with new city administration.

"We have several exciting things coming in the next year, one with a new administrator coming on now too," Fitterer said.

"June Lake, Legacy Point and Spring Hill Commerce Center are three major economic projects that will benefit all of Maury County. Even though June Lake is in Williamson County, it's going to benefit Maury County, create local jobs and keep people from having to commute north to I-65. It'll just be better for everybody."

Fitterer also commented on the change in the BOMA's composition, now having three new members following Thursday's election.

"The composition of the board usually changes after every election, and this is no different," Fitterer said. "But we have got new people interested in serving their neighbors, and I am excited to see them hit the ground running here in the next couple of weeks."

Thursday's election resulted in 3,495 total votes, with Fitterer receiving 1,717 votes over Hagaman's 1,318 votes.

Current Ward 1 Alderman John Canepari, who also put his hat in the mayoral race, received 255 votes, while remaining candidate Rick J. McCreadie received 193 votes.

Among the four BOMA races for each city ward, newcomers include Alex Jimenez for Ward 1, as well as Jaimee Davis for Ward 2, who defeated incumbent and Vice Mayor William Pomeroy by a narrow 94 votes.

Ward 3 will also be represented by additional newcomer Erinn Hartwell, while Ward 4 Alderman Trent Linnville retained his seat for another four-year term.

Rose Hill Cemetery Look For City/County Support (CDH)

One of Columbia's oldest cemeteries is currently facing funding issues for its seasonal lawn care, with the city now seeking a partnership with the county to preserve its future.

The 40-acre Rose Hill Cemetery, which first opened in 1853 and includes gravesites of American Revolution veterans, currently sits in a state of overgrowth. Like many lawns this time of year, and especially after a round of severe weather, it is due for a fresh cut.

The only problem is finding the money to pay for it, which costs approximately $80,000 annually.

The Maury County Health & Safety Committee discussed Rose Hill, as well as adjacent 20-acre African American Rosemount Cemetery, this week when it was presented a potential opportunity to partner with the city to provide this year's lawn care funding needs.

Adam Southern, who regularly hosts guided tours and has been overseeing much of Rose Hill's upkeep along with his wife Kayla Southern, said "both cemeteries need help."

"When this current board took over, there was enough money to get us through one year, but through a lot of hard work we were able to stretch through that money and get us through the next four years," Southern said. "And that's 13,000 graves we have to trim around ... and it is not an easy job."

Southern added that numerous fundraisers, sponsorships and donations have been held to raise funding to cover the annual lawn care maintenance, but never enough to meet the $80,000 needed. Only about $20,000 remains in the bank.

Monday's meeting was attended by many members of Columbia City Council, including Mayor Chaz Molder and City Manager Tony Massey, who presented a potential partnership between city and county to provide a one-year buffer for both Rose Hill and Rosemount until a more permanent solution to the problem can be found.

"It is at risk, and it is up to us, the leaders of today, to save it, lest we do our forefathers a disservice," Molder said. "The local governing bodies of the boards of these cemeteries could explore ways to get these cemeteries on the National Registry, which would in turn allow for grant funding and other opportunities that may be had."

Another possible avenue is utilizing the city and county's hotel/motel tax, since cemeteries fall within the tourism industry, Molder added.

The proposed estimate for both cemetery lawn care services is $112,000, in which the city and county would ideally split with a $56,000 match a piece.

"My biggest fear is this ... these cemeteries, their foundations and boards will ultimately fold, and if that happens these properties will most likely, at that point, go into becoming what would be abandoned property owned by the State of Tennessee," Molder said.

"In which case, we are doing another disservice by not keeping these cemeteries open for those who have family members buried there. In addition, it would be doing a disserve by creating an eyesore in our community, otherwise leaving a treasure to sit there gated up and locked up, not allowing for future burials and loved ones to pay their respects."

The proposal was met with an enormous amount of support from county commissioners, who ultimately voted in favor.

However, before any checks can be signed, the proposed $56,000 from the county must also receive approval from the Maury County Budget Commission and the full Maury County Commission, who will have the final vote.

Despite the committee's favorable recommendation, the idea of using taxpayer money on cemeteries owned by neither the city nor county raised concerns.

"Sending taxpayer dollars to nonprofits, I don't necessarily agree with that, but I don't want these historic features in our community to be padlocked or have six-feet tall of grass and be a blight," District 5 Commissioner Scott Sumners said. "You want to make sure you can do what you're supposed to do and help the families there. I understand that too."

There were also concerns this could lead to other cemetery nonprofits in need of funding to seek similar city and/or county help.

"I understand this is a very important project, a considerable amount of the history of Maury County and Columbia, however I have a serious concern," District 10 Commissioner Tommy Wolaver said. "Are we setting a precedent here that we are going to go around and fix up cemeteries in Maury County? I'm wondering if we are setting a precedent, and if we are, that's going to come back to haunt us."

District 1 Commissioner Jerry Strahan said he too shared similar concerns, and that there needed to be a clear outline that this would be only a one-year agreement.

"There are a multitude of cemeteries in this county, and many of them are a mess," Strahan said. "We need to separate somehow those cemeteries and support whatever necessary, at least or the first year."

Prior to Monday's vote, Southern expressed his gratitude for the city and county's consideration for the project.

"This is a great idea by the city and county working together," Southern said. "If we can get this one year of breathing room, we can work on a plan to where we aren't coming to you every year for additional funds."

Finishing Touch (WKOM Audio 1:04)

On Friday, Finishing Touch Barber Shop celebrated their 25th Anniversary. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy attended the celebration and spoke to proprietor, Tee Davis…

Columbia State Success (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce that 135 students were named to the president's list and 587 were students named to the dean's list for earning academic honors during the Fall 2024 semester.

“Students who achieve academic excellence at this level are to be lauded for their achievement,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “They are maintaining a high level of academic performance while managing multiple obligations that for some may include jobs, families and extra-curricular activities. That takes an outstanding level of commitment to achieve.”

To qualify for the president's list, students must earn 15 credit hours for the semester (excluding Learning Support) with a grade point average of 3.90-4.00.

To qualify for the dean's list, students must earn 12 or more credit hours for the semester (excluding Learning Support) with a GPA of 3.50 or higher.

Kiwanis Sporting Clays (WKOM Audio 1:29)

On Saturday, the Kiwanis Club of Columbia held their annual Sporting Clays fundraiser. Our own Delk Kennedy stopped by the gun club and spoke to organizer Steve Burt about the event…

City Receives Grant for Siren Project (MSM)

The City of Columbia announced last week that it has had been awarded a $420,000 grant for public tornado safety, through the 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Imminent Threat Program.

This critical funding will support the installation of a state-of-the-art emergency siren notification system across the city. Twelve tornado sirens will be placed strategically throughout the city. Nine of them emit the standard siren wail and three also have the capability to broadcast voice alerts.

The project will improve Columbia’s emergency-response efforts and ensure timely communication during severe weather or other emergencies. The city thanked the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and the South Central Tennessee Development District for supporting the effort to get the sirens and will provide further updates as they make progress.

Spring Hill Battlefield Receives Grant (MSM)

The Tennessee Wars Commission, the Tennessee Historical Commission division responsible for preserving the state’s significant military history, recently announced the Civil War Sites Preservation Fund (CWSPF) grant recipients for Fiscal Year 2025. This fund, which was established in 2013, is provided by legislation to the Tennessee Historical Commission, who approves and awards CWSPF grants. The Tennessee Wars Commission administers the application and grant processes.

With this round of grants, the Civil War Sites Preservation Fund has now allocated $20,312,188.32 in matching funds for the acquisition and preservation of over 1,100 acres associated with the 38 most significant Civil War sites in Tennessee. Grants can also assist in funding the acquisition and protection of Underground Railroad sites eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, or eligible for designation as a National Historic Landmark.

“In addition to saving irreplaceable historic places, this valuable program has helped create parks and preserve open space and wildlife habitat, including in urban areas where there is significant development pressure,” Tennessee Historical Commission Director Patrick McIntyre said.

Grant funds totaling $1,935,250 were awarded to six applicants during the 2025 fiscal year, saving approximately 81.4 acres of battlefield lands.

Middle Tennessee Recipients were:

Franklin’s Charge, Inc., $1 million for the acquisition of the 13.89-acre Hillhaven Tract on Ropers Knob at the Franklin Battlefield (Williamson County);

Battle of Nashville Trust, Inc., $505,000 for the acquisition of the 1.03-acre Shy’s Hill Tract at the Nashville Battlefield (Davidson County); and

Franklin’s Charge, Inc., receives $95,000 for the acquisition of the 11.57-acre Smith/McKee Tract at the Spring Hill Battlefield (Maury County).

Applications for next year’s grant cycle will run from August 11, 2025 to October 31, 2025.

Columbia Clean-Up (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the launch of its Clean Up Columbia campaign in recognition of Litter Awareness Month this April. This initiative highlights the critical importance of community collaboration, education, and proactive efforts to create a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all residents.

“We are thrilled to bring the community together to participate in Litter Awareness Month,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “The Clean Up Columbia campaign reflects the importance of teamwork and education in fostering a cleaner Columbia. We encourage everyone to join us in these efforts to reduce litter and help protect our local environment.”

As part of the campaign, the City is partnering with local litter mitigation organizations, Keep Maury Beautiful and the Triple C’s (Columbia Community Clean-Up Team), to host two community clean-up events in Columbia:

Columbia Arts District Clean-Up

Date: April 26, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Meet-Up Location: Maury County Public Library - 211 W 8th St.

All necessary litter clean-up supplies will be provided. In addition to these efforts, the City will host two Litter Awareness Education events for young children at the Maury County Public Library. The events will take place on April 15th and April 26th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. During the events, city officials will read Catch That Litter Bug, a children’s book by local author Michael Fulbright, to teach kids about the importance of managing litter in their community.

The City’s Public Works Department will also conduct recycling truck demonstrations and discuss waste management practices in Columbia. Keep Maury Beautiful and the Triple C’s will lead interactive, hands-on activities that help families and children understand their role in maintaining a clean environment.

By uniting as a community, the Clean Up Columbia campaign presents a powerful opportunity to create a lasting impact on the environment. Through active participation in clean-up events and educational programs, residents can foster a greater sense of responsibility for their shared spaces and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the city.

For more details about these events and to find out how you can get involved, visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

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

Mrs. Darlene Ellen Alfirevic Ruelle, 82, resident of Columbia, died Tuesday, April 8 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A memorial service will be conducted Tuesday at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

BNA Partners with Icelandair (MauryCountySource)

Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) marked a significant milestone with a celebratory gate event, honoring its new partnership with Icelandair and the launch of the airline’s inaugural nonstop flight from BNA to Keflavik (KEF). With distinguished city, state, and airport leaders in attendance, the event showcased the importance of this collaboration in expanding international travel options and strengthening BNA’s role as a global gateway for Middle Tennessee.

Distinguished speakers, including Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA); Tomas Ingason, Chief Commercial Officer of Icelandair; and Svanhildur Hólm Valsdóttir, Ambassador of Iceland to the United States, shared remarks highlighting the significance of this new air service. Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, and Deana Ivey, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation, also took the stage to emphasize the economic and tourism benefits of the partnership between BNA and Icelandair.

To commemorate the partnership between BNA and Icelandair, Doug Kreulen presented the airline with a custom-made guitar, symbolizing the collaboration and shared commitment to expanding international travel opportunities. The celebration continued with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring the Icelandair flight crew and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board members.

“The launch of Icelandair’s nonstop service from Nashville to Iceland is a defining moment for BNA, expanding global connectivity and elevating Music City’s status as an international gateway,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of BNA. “This partnership not only strengthens ties between Middle Tennessee and the Land of Fire and Ice but also unlocks new opportunities for travelers, businesses, and tourism. We are proud to welcome Icelandair and look forward to the lasting economic and cultural impact this new route will bring to our region.”

Passengers boarding the first flight to Keflavik received gift bags filled with Icelandic Skyr snacks, Puffin cookies, mini-Iceland flags, Icelandic bottled water, Nashville/Iceland Hatch Show Prints, and mini travel guide postcards—offering a taste of both Iceland and Music City.

“We are very pleased to start this new service between Nashville and Iceland and for the great reception we are already seeing from customers in Nashville, in Iceland as well as from across the Atlantic. This new connection links Music City to Iceland and our 39 destinations across Europe, said Tómas Ingason, Chief Commercial Officer of Icelandair Group. “Today, we also announce an expansion to our partnership with Southwest Airlines, allowing travelers to connect between Southwest and Icelandair via Nashville and Denver onwards to Iceland and Europe. This is additional to the already announced Baltimore gateway. We look forward to welcoming Nashville and Southwest customers aboard.”

The gate area was transformed into an immersive Icelandic-themed experience, featuring blue uplighting, a balloon photo backdrop showcasing the Icelandic flag, and a blue carpet for guests. A stunning ice sculpture complemented a grand balloon arch surrounded by a live bluegrass performance. An LED-lit stage provided the backdrop for remarks, reinforcing the “Fire and Ice” theme of the event.

Entertainment included a stilt walker from the Fire and Ice performers, live musical performances by Friends of Bluegrass and Will Davenport, and a commemorative photo booth with an Iceland-themed balloon backdrop. Guests indulged in Northern Lights cupcakes adorned with custom-made Icelandic stickers while admiring an intricately carved ice sculpture.

This inaugural flight signals a significant expansion in air travel options for both business and leisure travelers in Middle Tennessee. By forging this partnership with Icelandair, BNA continues strengthening its global connectivity, fostering tourism and business opportunities between Nashville and Iceland.

Icelandair’s new nonstop route strengthens international ties between Nashville and Iceland, expanding travel opportunities while promoting cultural and economic exchange. The 7-hour flight, operated four times weekly—on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday—utilizes a B737 MAX aircraft, providing passengers with a direct link to Iceland’s breathtaking scenery, dynamic culture, and flourishing tourism sector. Additionally, travelers can easily connect to Icelandair’s extensive European network, including destinations such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, and Paris.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will explore the life and career of Country Music Hall of Fame member Dolly Parton in a new exhibition, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker. The exhibit will focus on turning points throughout Parton’s more than 60-year career where she overcame obstacles and ignored naysayers to become one of the most beloved and widely recognized celebrities across the world. The exhibit will be open from May 20 until Sept. 2026.

The exhibit will include clothing, awards, handwritten lyrics, instruments, photographs, exclusive interview footage and more.

Learn more by visiting countrymusichalloffame.org.