Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-7-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 7, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Mule Day Recap (CDH)

The sun was out as Mule Day rolled, or perhaps trotted, along into the weekend, with competitions, live events as well as large crowds showing up to experience Columbia's flagship festival.

The gates opened promptly at 10 a.m. Friday following yet another touch-and-go day of inclement weather Thursday, which at one point forced Maury County Park to evacuate twice, Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Alsup stated Thursday evening.

Every year, Mule Day brings visitors from far and wide, ranging from national competitors to farmers and those who return year after year as an annual tradition.

Dale Moreland of Dexter, Missouri, for instance, said 2025 would be his 37th visit to Mule Day, this year bringing along two of his show mules, Jill and Sally.

"It was pretty hectic with the weather back and forth, but last night was good and today is good. It's just beautiful today," Moreland said. "I like to buy mules and show them, and I've got six mules total but just brought the two with me this time."

Moreland added that he keeps coming back to Mule Day mainly for the people, as well as a chance to participate in the parade.

"There are just so many good people here, and it's always a good show," Moreland said. "This is one of the best shows I go to. I just love it down here."

Another charm of attending Mule Day are the ones experiencing all the festivities for the first time.

As Mountain Mule Packer Ranch of North Carolina's first Mule Day, this included leading its largest attended event, Saturday's Mule Day Parade, as the 2025 Grand Marshal.

Mountain Mule Packer Ranch co-founder Michele Toberer, who along with her husband, Mike Toberer, started the program in 2011 to train the U.S. Military and Special Forces in how to pack and use mules overseas in places like Afghanistan.

"It has been really nice being here and meeting people, some of which we had already talked with on the phone or those who have sent notes saying they wanted to meet us in person," Michele said. "So many people have been just so kind with their words."

When Hurricane Helene hit the East Coast in September of 2024, many families in rural parts of Tennessee and North Carolina were left displaced, some in areas unreachable by traditional vehicles or even horses.

As a tried and true animal for traversing difficult terrain, the mule was turned to for help, with Mountain Mule Packer Ranch lending a helping hand, or rather hoofs. These mules assisted in rescue efforts, delivered supplies and were, in some cases, a stranded victim's only link to receiving any kind of aid.

Their story soon went viral, with viewers around the world tuning in and falling in love with the mules and their work in providing aid when no other options were available.

It also led to the foundation of the Mission Mules nonprofit, which continues to provide disaster response via the packing mule to this day.

"We were just in West Virginia to help with the flooding helping people," Bob Howitz, who assists the Toberers with Mountain Packer Mule Ranch said. "We had state troopers and other people help lead us around to homes where people needed supplies, and it was freezing cold. And these people are poor, living in shacks."

As their first Mule Day, Michele said the whole experience brings back memories of their former California home, where the Toberers often competed.

"It's nice to be around mule people," Michele said. "Being from California, we used to go to Bishop Mule Days out there on Memorial Day weekend every year. It was a big part of what we did every year, and when we moved out to North Carolina, we really missed it. It's funny we had never been here until they invited us, but it's brought back that same feel, which is pretty cool."

Mule Day Queen (WKOM Audio 1:07)

On Friday, our own Delk Kennedy managed to catch up with Mule Day Queen Colby Fritts, to hear about her experience during Mule week…

Maury Regional Airport Breaks Ground (MSM)

People assembled at the Maury County Airport outside of Mount Pleasant on Thursday, March 28, for the groundbreaking ceremony on its new terminal, which the airport authorities hope to finish by the end of 2025. The firm James Lowen & Associates will provide architectural services and Garver Construction will build the $3.9 million terminal and grounds.

The county airport was built in the late 1950s on the old Wheeler Farm, which the city of Mount Pleasant donated to the project. City of Columbia and the Maury County Governments each contributed $27,000 to the airport. Its terminal will look familiar to anyone who’s driven past Maury Regional Medical Center, because it was built out of the pale beige bricks that were left over from the construction of the hospital that same decade.

The terminal was fitting for a small county airport used for hobby and occasional business flights, but Maury County has outgrown the out-dated midcentury building and its pre-ADA facilities. At its size the airport is one of the 20 busiest general-aviation terminals in the state, with its 6,000-foot runway (one of the longest in the state) allowing it to land planes up to the size of a Boeing 737.

“If you live here in town, you can look up at night and all you ever see are aircraft flying over,” Mount Pleasant Mayor Bill White said.

The airport sells a quarter-million gallons of fuel each year to clients including General Motors, Walmart, Love’s, Jimmy John’s and Springer Mountain Farms, whose corporate executives fly in on private planes, and every year it adds $23.2 million in value to the community, $14 million of it directly enriching the county and citizens.

Local leaders argued that when people with that much money and power visit Maury County, it’s important to spruce up the first local building that they’ll see and enter. State Senator Joey Hensley, a private pilot himself, praised the “beautiful” facility.

“Airports are so important, not just for recreational pilots, but… [for] access to our communities,” he said. “Businesses look at airports when they’re looking to come to communities, [so]… the state funds… 73 airports… This is certainly one of the best.”

“The airport recognizes that we’re the front door to Maury County for investors, and that first impression… is really important in terms of what the county symbolizes and where we’re going,” said Tom Apker, chair of the airport authority. “By upgrading and modernizing our facility, [we can] reflect the growth… going on.”

The new terminal will include amenities like a round central “Gathering Hall” with historical displays, a small park outside, an events space, a pilots’ lounge and a raised mezzanine from which people can watch planes take off and land.

The Federal Aviation Administration also recognizes the airport’s importance by sending it several million dollars in operational grants every year, and the county airport authority is on good terms with the statewide FAA office in Memphis. In 2023, $8 million in federal funding helped to resurface the tarmac runway, install LED runway lights, and upgrade the tarmac electronics. Greg Martin, Columbia liaison to the airport board, praised former Mount Pleasant mayor Jim Bailey for using his contacts to get them the FAA’s money, guidance and approval on the facility. Major Randall Parker also said the Civil Air Patrol is creating a branch for the airport.

Martin thanked Mount Pleasant’s Codes & Building department, for being “a blessing to work with,” and county finance director Doug Lukonen for helping them budget the project.

“Some other places, you might spend months or years getting a project like this approved,” Martin said.

Mayor White praised airport general manager Paul Turner, whom the state recently honored as the airport manager of the year.

“That was well deserved,” White said.

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder brought up the memory of Harry Napier, the mayor of Columbia at the time who supported the airport building in 1962. He emphasized that the project was a partnership between the county and its cities.

“When I think about partnerships… to solve problems instead of talking about problems, and to understand that we’re a family, I think this building is probably one of the biggest testaments to what can be done when we work together,” he told the crowd.

Road Closure (Press Release)

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will close a portion of Carters Creek Pike (SR 246).

Currently underway, crews with Eubank will fully close SR 246 from mile marker 0 to Les Robinson Road (SR 247) until 2:30 p.m. daily through Wednesday, April 9, and a detour will be in place, routing traffic to Dr. Robinson Road and Beechcroft Road. Additionally, intermittent lane closures will occur daily on SR 246 from mile marker 0 to mile marker 9.67. These closures are necessary for milling and paving operations.

As always, drivers are reminded to slow down, allow for extra time for travel, and move over when traveling through a work zone. The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee can be up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500.

Find Maury the Mule (Press Release)

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

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 8th. 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!

CSCC Performance Series (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College welcomes Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to the Cherry Theater on April 10 as part of the Performance Series sponsored by First Farmers and Merchants Bank.

Together for more than 30 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy — famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins — has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records and had their music appear in hundreds of movies and television shows. With sold-out concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center, appearances with many of the country's finest symphony orchestras, and television appearances ranging from Dancing with the Stars to Superbowl XXXIII, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues its decades-long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music — America's original musical art form — and bring joy to audiences around the world.

“Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the swing genre, experiencing Big Bad Voodoo Daddy live is like stepping into a roaring jazz club where every note brims with excitement and soul!” said Tammy Rosson, Columbia State director of events and alumni relations. “Enjoy world-class swing music in a beautiful theater with free parking and affordable tickets — all without the drive to Nashville.”

This is the last performance in the 2024-2025 First Farmers Performance Series.

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.  

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:

East Columbia Clean-Up

Date: April 12, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Meet-Up Location: County parking lot - corner of E 7th St. and Woodland St.

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 at both events. In addition to these efforts, the City will host two Litter Awareness Education events for young children at the Maury County Public Library. These 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.

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…

Bernard Hatcher Brown, 71, a resident of Waynesboro died Monday, March 31, 2025 at his residence.

Graveside services will be conducted Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Jones Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

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.

Deborah Ann Hall, 63, resident of Columbia, died Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

No Funeral services are scheduled at this time. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

Storm Recap (Tennessean)

The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed 10 weather-related deaths in the past week after several days of severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding across Tennessee.

The death toll doubled in two days.

5 victims are confirmed in McNairy County, two in Fayette County and one each in Carroll, Obion and Tipton counties.

The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville activated a Level 3 – State of Emergency Saturday, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency announced in a release.

Nearly 62,000 were without power in Middle Tennessee just before 6 p.m. Saturday after the National Weather Service said at least one likely tornado touched down in Cross Plains, The Tennessean reported.

Areas prone to flooding in Montgomery and Obion counties issued voluntary evacuations.

Bill Holding Charities Liable Passes Senate (Tennessean)

Tennessee Senate Republicans have passed a bill that would open churches and charities to lawsuits brought by victims of crimes committed by undocumented residents the charity housed.

Senate Bill 227, sponsored by Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, would open churches, charities, and nonprofits to civil lawsuits if undocumented immigrants they help with housing then commit a crime. Taylor described the bill as “in keeping with the Trump administration’s renewed focus on illegal immigration.”

Senate Republicans approved the bill in a 24-4 vote. Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga, voted present, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, did not cast a vote.

Companion legislation in the House, sponsored by Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, passed a first House Committee on Wednesday.

"This does not prevent NGOs from assisting illegal aliens. ... It doesn't stop them from doing it," Taylor said Thursday. "If that's their misguided mission ― that they want to try to bring in people who are in our country illegally and help them establish themselves in our community ― then they need to better vet and supervise the illegal aliens there in the community that they've helped bring there."

In order for a church or charity to be sued successfully, a plaintiff would have to prove that the organization's conduct in providing housing rose to negligence, gross negligence, or willful misconduct.

“Housing” is defined in the bill as “long-term living accommodations,” including obtaining or signing a lease for an apartment or rental home. Churches and nongovernment organizations that offer temporary overnight housing, including at homeless shelters, would not be targeted under the bill.

Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, on Thursday said the bill will effectively undo part of the state's "Good Samaritan Law," which limits liability for groups offering community assistance.

"We're drawing in churches, the Catholic Church has focused a great deal of work in housing and working with distressed communities ... and non-religious charitable organizations as well and exposing them to civil liability for crimes committed by someone that they help," Yarbro said. "There are ways to go after problems or ways to address immigration, but going after the churches and charities that help people shouldn't be the way we do it."

Senate Judiciary Committee members approved the bill last week with no discussion in a 5-1 party-line vote, with Gardenhire abstaining.

Grills said the bill would not prohibit NGOs from assisting those who entered the country illegally "if that is their first core mission," but groups would be required to "be more vigilant in their vetting."

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Mumford & Sons released their fifth album, RUSHMERE, and details of an extensive North American tour for later this year.

Rushmere is the spot where Mumford & Sons first met in Wimbledon. And RUSHMERE is the beginning for Mumford & Sons’ next phase, and it follows an intense period of creativity for the trio.

RUSHMERE was produced in collaboration with the nine-time Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb and recorded at RCA Studio A in Nashville, in Savannah, GA, and in Devon, U.K.

To coincide with the release, the band are excited to announce an arena and amphitheater tour of North America for later this year. The tour commences on June 5 in the city Bend, Oregon, and stops at Bridgestone Arena on October 22. 

Tickets for the North American tour on-sale now. Visit www.mumfordandsons.com.