Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-9-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 9, 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 GM Plant Adjusts Production (Tennessean)

Cadillac is ending production of the gas-powered, six-row SUV XT6 sooner than planned and will extend production of its smaller XT5 model through 2026 due to strong customer demand, according to an internal memo sent to employees of General Motors’ Spring Hill Assembly plant in Tennessee.

Production of the XT6 at the Spring Hill plant will be replaced by the Cadillac Vistiq, the new all-electric six-row SUV, GM confirmed.

The memo obtained by the Detroit Free Press also said Spring Hill will undergo planned downtime the week of May 12, and anyone required to work during that time would be notified by a supervisor. 

“This is a testament to our team’s commitment to building vehicles that our customers love and our overall manufacturing flexibility,” the memo said. 

In a statement emailed to the Free Press, a GM spokesperson said the company introduced six new products in less than a year that represent the future of the brand: Escalade IQ, Escalade MCM, Optiq, Vistiq, Lyriq-V and Cadillac CT5.

“We will continue to make the necessary adjustments to the portfolio to maintain growth in critical luxury segments,” the statement said. 

The XT6, introduced in 2020, is a three-row SUV with target demographics similar to the Escalade, meaning an annual household income of at least $200,000.

The XT5 is a smaller, five-seat SUV that was slated to end production in August 2025, but that will continue into 2026, a GM spokesman confirmed.

Opened in 1990, the Spring Hill plant is 11 million square feet and rests on 2,100 acres — enough space to produce both electric vehicles and internal combustion-powered cars. The all-electric Cadillac Lyriq is also produced at Spring Hill.

Both vehicles contain three rows but have a large price difference. The XT6 starts at around $52,590, while the Vistiq starts at $78,790, including a $1,395 destination charge.

Cadillac is continuing its plan to convert XT6 buyers to the Vistiq, but not all dealers are happy with the shift.

A Cadillac dealer told the Free Press that he was concerned about the change, particularly because demand for electric vehicles in his market is not catching up to internal combustion.

The average lease payment for the XT6 is about $600, the dealer said, compared with about $1,100 to $1,200 for the Vistiq. While the brand courts a luxury buyer, the competitive nature of the segment makes a price increase of nearly $500 per month harder to swallow. The dealer, who is not authorized to disclose product plans but agreed to speak anonymously to protect his relationship with GM, said he is concerned that his XT6 customers may defect to another brand.

“People still feel more comfortable with gas-powered cars,” he said. “I do believe it's going to hurt us.”

Spring Hill Election (MauryCountySource)

The mayoral and aldermen election will take place in Spring Hill on April 10. Citizens will be able to vote on the city mayor and four aldermen seats on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Incumbent mayor Jim Hagaman faces three challengers as he vies to claim his second term.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Only Spring Hill residents are able to vote in the election.

Find your voting precinct here: https://web.go-vote-tn.elections.tn.gov/

Mule Kick 5K Results (MauryCountySource)

A total of 758 runners and walkers participated in the 2025 Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot, presented by First Farmers Bank, at Riverwalk Park on Saturday, April 5, raising a record $69,037 for the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation thanks to contributions from local sponsors and racers.

Proceeds from the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot help to support Maury Regional Health’s mobile medical unit, which serves at-risk and underserved patients throughout the region and has touched the lives of thousands of individuals since 2017. Proceeds also support the Foundation’s Wellness and Aquatics Center Healthy Living Endowment, the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department and the physical education program at Brown Elementary, the area school with the most race participants.

“Each year, the Mule Kick 5k & 1-Mile Trot brings our community together for a great cause, and this year was no exception,” said Rita Thompson, executive director of the Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our generous community sponsors and participants, as well as the hard work of all our volunteers that made this event possible. I’d like to personally thank First Farmers Bank for being our presenting sponsor since 2022. The support from this event allows the Foundation to continue our mission to serve those in greatest need across our region.”

Jack Pazin had the fastest run of the day in the 5K, finishing first overall in 16:35, while Shelby Hudson was first overall for the women with a time of 20.50. In the master category, Jacob Carrigan was first for the men in 17.15, and Dr. Jen Stewart finished in 24.58 to lead the women. Tim Richards and Barbara Pisano went home winners in the super grand master category, finishing respectively in 27:50 and 37:58.

The top three female finishers in the 1-Mile Trot included Mackenzie Calabrese, Caroline Rogers and Skylar Calabrese, while the top three male finishers were Axel Spare, Crosby McBroom and Colt Heginbottom.

A full overview of all the winners from the male and female age group categories is available at runsignup.com/MuleKick5K, where all 5K racers can also view their individual times and download their finisher certificates. Photos from the 2025 event will soon be available at Facebook.com/MuleKick5K.

To learn more about the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation or to make a gift to the mobile medical unit, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation. For information about sponsoring the 2026 Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot, email MRHFoundation@MauryRegional.com or call 931.380.4075.

8th Street Roundabout (CDH)

Columbia City Council will vote Thursday to approve a new roundabout installation at the intersection of South Main and East 8th Streets, also the site of a future Thurgood Marshall statue.

The item, which will appear on the council's consent agenda this Thursday, is to approve a $701,276.50 bid award to Nickell Contracting.

The project's history dates back to 2021, when the council initially approved a $106,841 agreement for engineering services with Nee-Schaffer to provide more efficient traffic flow to the area, while also improving the street's aesthetic appeal.

City Engineer Glenn Harper said the roundabout will be similar to the one currently north of downtown Columbia at North Main and East 6th Streets.

"It took a while to get the design done, but it's at the construction phase now," Harper said. "It will have a concrete truck apron, a center raised island and the same kind of stacked stone in the area for the statue in the middle. There will be areas for crosswalks, striping and repaving."

There will also be road closures during its construction period.

"This project is scheduled for 120 days, and so the intersection will be closed for 120 days," Harper said. "We will set a time with the contractor, but we are ready to get going soon."

In November of 2023, the council approved the Columbia Peace & Justice Initiative's request to erect a statue commemorating the historic 1946 Uprising in Columbia, with Marshall chosen to represent the event.

In July of 2024, the CPJI chose artist David Alan Clark to sculpt the statue.

City Manager Tony Massey said the timing of the roundabout and the statue's installation should align at around the same time of completion.

"The manufacturer of the statue is cranking pretty closely to this six-month period," Massey said. "The timing of the statue to be finished, ready and delivered should be around the same time."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Mr. Garry Lewis Farris, 71, resident of Nashville, died Saturday, March 29 at TriStar Skyline Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 12:00 PM till 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Linda Jo Morrison Jones, 79, longtime resident of Hampshire, and retired teller for Middle Tennessee Bank, died Monday, April 7, 2025 at her residence.

A graveside service will be conducted Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Worley Cemetery in Hampshire. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 5:00 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…

Lowe’s to Close for Easter (Tennessean)

Lowe's will be temporarily closing its doors across all locations later this month. According to a report from Newsweek, the home improvement retailer will be shutting down it's U.S. operations for a 24-hour period in observance of Easter, which falls on Sunday, April 20.

According to Newsweek, the 24-hour closure aims to allow employees to spend time with their family, a move that mimics several other large retailers such as Target, Costco and Macy's. Lowe’s operates over 1,700 stores nationwide and employs approximately 300,000 people.

In Tennessee, stores can be found at over 50 locations.

"I'm extremely proud of the commitment of our 300,000 associates who support our communities while providing excellent customer service — not only in spring, but all year-round," said Marvin Ellison, Lowe's chairman and CEO in a statement. "In recognition of our teams' continued hard work, we are pleased to provide a well-deserved day off so they can spend Easter with their loved ones."

Lowe's will be closing all U.S. locations in observance of Easter, an important holiday in the Christian faith that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The decision to pause for the holiday highlights a growing trend of acknowledging spring holidays within broader workplace wellness initiatives, reported Newsweek.

Customers will still be able to shop online. Despite the physical store closures, the company's website will remain active.

Montgomery County Declares Emergency (Tennessean)

A State of Emergency has been issued for Clarksville-Montgomery County following the heavy downpour of rain over the weekend.

According to an initial assessment, over 120 residential properties and 14 commercial properties were impacted, with a third of those properties reporting major damage.

In a joint statement, the county and city mayor offices say that resources are overwhelmed from recovery efforts.

After five days of severe weather that include torrential downpours, shelters were implemented in Clarksville as more than 4,000 residents were displaced by flooding with 30 roads closed Monday and school closed as well.

"This emergency has resulted in local jurisdictional resources being fully deployed and becoming or having already become overwhelmed and/or causing a dramatic impact on the safety, health, and welfare of the citizens," the County and City Mayors' offices said in a joint statement. 

"A State of Emergency allows the city and county agencies to take measures to protect citizens and expedite assistance, including mobilizing resources and coordinating responses. A countywide emergency operations plan has been activated to coordinate and facilitate effective response and recovery actions, and government teams from city and county agencies are working with Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) regional coordinators to evaluate, assess, and respond to local flooding in Clarksville-Montgomery County."

Clarksville is rallying around its residents who have been displaced following 10 inches of rain dumped on the city last week and over the weekend.

"By the time floodwaters crest this evening, an estimated 4,500 or more residents may not be able to access their neighborhoods or homes, and emergency crews are currently evacuating dozens of residents," the Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools announced on Facebook, leading to school closures Monday.

Over 30 roads are closed throughout the county, prohibiting school buses from travel.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Enjoy a fun-filled annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19th, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 PM at Columbia’s Woodland Park – Rotary Shelter!

Bring your little egg hunters for an afternoon of excitement as they search for colorful eggs filled with candy and special prizes.

What to Expect:

Egg hunts for different age groups

Special prizes for each age group

Photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny

Food trucks

Bounce Houses

This is a FREE community event, so gather your family and friends and hop on over for an egg-citing time!