All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Commerce Center Moves Ahead with County (MSM)
In a 4-1 vote, the Maury County Admin Committee voted last week to move a proposed 500-acre development to the budget committee for further discussion.
The South Nashville Commerce Center development would occupy 500 acres on the eastern side of I-65 and would feature industrial, warehouse, hospitality and retail space. The proposal includes 5.7 million square feet to be built over time which would be utilized through Jim Warren to Port Royal Road and back to Saturn Parkway.
Phil Pastan, president of developer The Richmond Company, said the journey began three years ago when the property was purchased by the entity GV Spring Hill LLC.
“This project will create thousands of jobs from multiple uses of the property,” Pastan said.
“Over the last 24 months, we’ve received approvals from the planning staff at Spring Hill, the BOMA and IDB from Spring Hill for the proposal,” he said, which would segment an area to allow for a TIF (Tax Increment Financing).
“This would give us the opportunity to develop this by bringing utilities to these development sites,” Pastan said, adding that the lack of roads and bridges over I-65 are not currently suited for the proposal. “We have plans that we’ve been working on to build a new bridge, keeping the access over I-65 current and creating a new road with the right utilities in it.”
Pastan said the proposed project would add 4,500 direct and indirect jobs with average wages greater than $57,000 and $260 million in annual wages. Just under $21 million would be geared to schools over the next 20 years.
“There will be $89 million in new tax revenue with the TIF, you have $14 million in debt service and then there’s that 60/40 split with just under $21 million going to the schools for their budget,” he said. “The balance would be used for the infrastructure water, sewer, electric and roads.”
County Commission Chairman Eric Previti questioned the estimate of wages.
“I want to know who the company is, who the clients are and where you’re getting this estimate of $57,000 in wages, because these look like warehouse jobs to me,” he said. “I think it’s misleading when you sit here and say there’s no residential impact. There is going to be a residential impact because in Maury County, we only have 3 percent unemployment, so there’s not many people looking for jobs right now. In other words, it’s going to be people coming in.”
District 8 Commissioner Ray Jeter voiced his concern over losing more farmland.
“Maury County is losing more and more farmland and it is a concern,” he said. “I think the piece of this that we don’t ever consider is it’s the farmers that are selling this land to the developers.”
In order to move forward with the development, the TIF must be approved by the County Commission. Pastan said the goal is to receive approval by the end of the month before starting construction in late spring. Improvements to the bridge on I-65 and Rutherford Creek would soon be followed.
“Growth pays for growth, and in this particular situation, we’re sort of in the perfect situation to provide that,” Pastan said.
Judicial Center Update (MSM)
Maury County’s long-awaited new judicial center, which is on track to open in October, will receive two courthouse benches in an effort to preserve history from the old courthouse.
The Building Committee, which met last Monday, Feb. 5, approved the item unanimously following comments from County Commission Chairman Eric Previti.
“There was a lot of concern about preserving history and memories from the old courthouse,” Previti said, adding that the benches will be refinished and possibly named after previous judges.
Previti said discussions will also be held in the next 60 days over naming the new meeting rooms.
“If a decision is made to name those rooms, it does need to be done soon just because we’re getting those plaques one time if they’re bought,” he said.
The benches, which would be brought out of the circuit courtroom, would be used for the concourse for the clerk as a historic marker while bringing in a savings of approximately $4,000.
Previti said he would like to see the first floor of the old courthouse turned into a county museum which would display artifacts of Maury County history. In an effort to free up room on the square, the second floor would become the County Commission’s meeting room.
“The rest of the second floor would become the mayor’s office, plus meeting rooms and ADA-compliant bathrooms,” he said. “The third floor would become offices for the circuit court clerk staff.”
The idea will now be passed to the full commission to be voted on. The process of design and funding will begin upon approval. The Commission is scheduled to meet next on Feb. 20.
Spring Hill Rejects Williamson Growth Plan (MSM)
The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously rejected the proposed Williamson County Growth Plan last week.
City Administrator Pam Caskie, Alderman Trent Linville and Vice Mayor William Pomeroy each said they believe the plan recommended by the Williamson County Growth Plan Coordinating Committee failed to follow state law. They cited the lack of expanded urban growth boundaries for the City of Spring Hill.
“We quoted the TCA standards on the urban growth boundaries as not having been followed (utilities, growth, road planning etc.),” Caskie explained. “The legislation requires us to suggest an alternative. We went back with a map that said we want the northwest segment negotiated with the residents of the northwest and the city, it’s a very small section of properties. That we wanted the entirety of the east of 65 west of the Lewisburg Pike from the southern boundary of our city limits now to the Maury County line. That has been our stance from the beginning.”
Caskie said the city’s alternative also included the addition of a parcel on the east side of Lewisburg Pike where the owner of the property had specifically requested to be in the UGB.
Linville said he didn’t think the plan complies with state law and he would be voting to reject it.
Pomeroy wanted the public to understand how other city’s requests to the coordinating committee had been handled.
“All the other municipalities in Williamson County, with the exception of a small portion of Thompson Station — Fairview, Nolensville, Brentwood, Franklin — they got most of their UGB requested from the growth planning committee,” Pomeroy said. “I understand there is heartburn for residents east of I-65 from here. I get that but we have a duty for the City of Spring Hill to protect our investments and ensure the coordinating committee follow the law.”
The entire board voted against the proposed plan.
Culleoka Park Progresses (MSM)
Parks & Recreation Director Al Ray presented an update on a $750,000 grant the county has received from the state for improvements to Culleoka Community Park during the February meeting of Maury County’s Health & Environment Committee.
Maury County acquired 16 acres on Mooresville Pike for a planned park in 2021. The undeveloped land, bordering a stream, sits just west of the community’s center near the Culleoka Post Office and Culleoka Unit School.
Included in the planned improvements via the Local Parks & Recreation Fund are utilities, parking, signage, lighting, paving, a picnic shelter, playground, restroom and a walking trail with three picnic pads/tables. With a local match and consultant fees, the project is expected to cost just over $1.26 million and the county has three years to complete the project.
A budget amendment related to the grant was sent on to the Budget Committee and should come before the full Commission later this month.
Ray also said his department was working to update its master plan, which was last done in 2019. Public input meetings will be part of the process and those meetings will be announced at a later date.
Steve Thomas, executive director of Maury County Senior Citizens, Inc., presented a request that the county fund the My Ride Maury program for the remainder of the 2023-24 fiscal year and fully fund the program for FY 24-25. The total cost for the remainder of the current fiscal year was estimated at $17,372.
“This program ceased operations in July 2023 because of lack of funding after the grant ran out,” Thomas said. “. Mayor Butt called me and said, ‘Let’s talk about this.’ She tasked Doug (Lukonen) and I with creating a proposal.”
The My Ride Maury program offered rides to seniors 60 and over who paid a $25 annual fee with a cost of $4 per trip. Rides required three-day notice and were offered Monday through Friday. Volunteers used their personal vehicles and were paid mileage.
From July 2022 through June 2023, My Ride Maury served 42 total clients, with a waiting list of over 60, and made 1,986 total trips covering 26,312 total miles. Most trips were to doctors’ offices or other health care providers.
The request was advanced to the Budget Commitee for further consideration. If moved on to the full Commission, it would come for a vote in March.
A brief update on Maury County’s beleaguered animal shelter was also presented by the interim director.
Makayla Vandiver has been serving as interim director since Kaitlyn Stewart was relieved of her position in late January. The county is currently taking applications for a full-time director.
At the committee’s January meeting, allegations of abuse and negligence at the Maury County Animal Shelter were presented by a former volunteer. County Mayor Sheila Butt said at the time she felt the shelter staff was working to improve conditions and needed time to make those improvements.
Butt did not comment during the meeting on her decision to remove the director.
Of 62 total calls in January, Vandiver’s report indicated that 32 were in unincorporated areas of Maury County and 23 in Columbia.
Vandiver said the animal shelter had received a $2,000 grant from Best Friends that would be used to pay for drugs and medical supplies. Vandiver also said the shelter could be eligible for up to $20,000 in grant funding next year.
Maury County GOP Meetings (Press Release)
Monthly Meeting of the Maury County Republican Party will take place on Thursday, February 22, 2024 6:00pm. Doors Open at 5:30pm at the Memorial Building, located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia.
Executive Committee Meeting Will Take Place Prior to Membership Meeting. All Current Members are Welcome to Attend.
Republican Women of Maury County Will Meet Tuesday Feb 20 at 11:00AM at Catfish Campus located at 2509 Keith Drive in Columbia.
Denise Daniels from The Moodsters Children’s Foundation will be the featured speaker.
Mule Kick 5K (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 6, at Riverwalk Park in Columbia.
Proceeds from the 2024 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.
“The Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot is a great tradition for both Maury County and the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation that helps support our mission of providing important health care services for individuals who may not otherwise be able to obtain care,” Foundation Executive Director Joe Kilgore said. “We are excited to host the Mule Kick 5K and look forward to an exciting race!”
On Saturday, April 6, 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.
“First Farmers is pleased to continue our ongoing partnership with the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation for this year's Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot. We are proud to support the vital work of the Foundation which exemplifies our dedication to fostering well-being in our region,” said Brian K. Williams, chairman and CEO of First Farmers.
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 direct gift to support the mobile medical unit fund, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation.
Duck River Electric Workshop (Press Release)
Reserve your seat now at Duck River Electric’s FREE Home Energy Workshop!
The Home Energy Workshop will be held in Maury County on Tuesday, March 12th at 6 PM at the Duck River office located at 798 New Lewisburg Highway in Columbia.
DREMC’s Residential Energy Advisor shares advice for improving the energy efficiency of your home, and you’ll learn about the programs, services, and rebates available to assist with energy efficiency improvements.
The workshop includes a light supper, plus, each participating household will receive a FREE energy-saving starter kit.
Due to limited space, reserve your seat today. Call DREMC at 931-680-5880 or sign up online at dremc.com/workshop.
Experience Tennessee Partners with Spring Hill Chamber (Press Release)
Experience Tennessee is excited to launch the “Experience Tennessee Community Tourism Project” in Spring Hill with a FREE, business-wide tourism workshop at 10 a.m., Feb. 21 at the Holiday Inn Express Spring Hill, 3003 Longford Drive in Spring Hill. This is a comprehensive tourism development partnership between the Spring Hill Chamber and South Central Tennessee Tourism Association, dba Experience Tennessee. The program is open to all Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce members and those who are interested in being members of the organization.
"We value our partnership with South Central Tennessee Tourism Association, and we are enthusiastic about this opportunity to come together, collaborate, and share resources for the benefit of our business community,” said Rebecca Melton, executive director of the Spring Hill Chamber. “We encourage all Spring Hill tourism-ready businesses to participate in this informative workshop."
The Experience Tennessee Community Tourism Project will be facilitated by the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association at no cost. The initiative is designed to help businesses in the attractions, eat & drink, lodging and shopping sectors become more "tourism-ready" by tapping into resources available to them at the local, regional, and state levels. The programming includes workshops designed to focus on tourism and travel trends and marketing strategies targeting the travel demographic. Lori Grimes, director of business strategy for South Central Tennessee Tourism, will facilitate the program in Spring Hill.
“The South Central Tennessee Tourism Association is dedicated to assisting local businesses absorb the full impact of visitor spending, which generates more than $24 billion for Tennessee’s economy,” Grimes said. “By leveraging our toolkit and educational workshops, businesses will be better equipped to make the most of tourism, Tennessee’s second largest industry.”
For details, visit www.business.springhillchamber.com/events.
Pre-registration is not required.
Sobriety Checkpoint (Press Release)
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety roadside safetycheckpoints during the week of February 16th on State Hwy 7, .1 miles south of Knob Creek in Maury County starting at 10:00PM.
Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures 305,000 people every year in the United States. Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a vehicle while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving.
…And now, news from around the state…
Green Not Seeking Reelection (CDH)
U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Clarksville, will not run for reelection this year.
Green announced his plans on Wednesday to step away from Congress when his term ends in less than a year, though the congressman suggested in a statement that he wouldn't leave the political realm altogether.
Green said it is "time for me to return home" after the House voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Green is currently chair of the House Homeland Security Committee.
“In the last few months, in reading the writings of our Framers, I was reminded of their intent for representatives to be citizen-legislators, to serve for a season and then return home," Green said. "Our country – and our Congress – is broken beyond most means of repair. I have come to realize our fight is not here within Washington, our fight is with Washington. As I have done my entire life, I will continue serving this country–but in a new capacity.”
Green is a doctor and retired U.S. Army major elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 to serve Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, and he quickly rose into a leadership position during his three terms in D.C.
He previously served in the Tennessee General Assembly, where his rise as a tea party-aligned Republican drew the eye of President Donald Trump. Trump tapped him to serve as Secretary of the Army in 2017, but Green ultimately withdrew his candidacy amid a backlash to his nomination.
Green won reelection in 2022 in newly drawn 5th Congressional District , which represents downtown Nashville, North Nashville and northwest Davidson County, as well as parts of west Williamson County and more rural counties to the north and west. Montgomery County remains in his district.
Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, a Democrat, announced in December she would seek the Democratic nomination in the 7th Congressional District and challenge Green for the seat.
Green's announcement leaves the Republican primary in the 7th wide open. Green had never faced primary challenger for the seat.
Green's name is among those floated as a possible 2026 Republican gubernatorial candidate.
Grand Prix Moving to Wilson County (TheNewsTN)
The Music City Grand Prix is moving to the Nashville Superspeedway after three years of running in downtown Nashville.
Race officials said the move was due to construction of a new Titans stadium. Much of the track, stands and team facilities for previous races have been located on the parking lots around Nissan Stadium where construction of the future stadium will take place.
Officials did not say when the race would return to Nashville, but credited the Titans and Metro for supporting the effort.
The Nashville Superspeedway in Wilson County previously hosted IndyCar races between 2001 and 2008. The Sept. 15 race will be the circuit's season finale, and the track will be the first oval in a decade to decide the series championship, according to a release.
“The Music City Grand Prix has been more than a race. It’s a festival that celebrates both Nashville and racing,” Mayor Freddie O’Connell said in the release. “We appreciate Scott Borchetta and Big Machine’s vision and partnership and look forward to the race returning to downtown Nashville in the future. I’ve enjoyed attending all three Music City Grand Prix races and appreciate their continued commitment to Nashville. Racing at the Nashville Superspeedway will add new intrigue to this year’s event.”
Added Borchetta, chair and founder of title sponsor Big Machine Label Group: “This has no bearing on our great relationship with the Tennessee Titans. The team’s management has been nothing but supportive regarding the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix and we fully intend to continue conversations with them and the city of Nashville as to when the right time will be to return to the streets of Nashville.”
Construction of the stadium is expected to be completed in time for the 2027 NFL season. Construction of other buildings in the surrounding East Bank area will continue for years after that.
“With the significant challenges of the proposed new course and unknowns with the new stadium construction, which has been the center of operations for the first three years of the Grand Prix,” Borchetta said, “there just isn’t the space needed by the race teams — nor the proper access for downtown businesses and residences — to execute the world-class event that is expected by our amazing fans, IndyCar teams and sponsors.”
Andretti Autosport's Kyle Kirkwood won the 2023 Music City Grand Prix. Josef Newgarden, a Hendersonville native who finished fourth in 2023, has emerged as a star on the circuit, winning his first Indianapolis 500 last year.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Experience local Tennessee wine country by loading up on a bus and taking a ride down the Natchez Trace Wine Trail.
The VIP tour kicks off at 11 a.m. Sunday at Grinder's Switch Winery in Columbia, 510 N. Garden St., with the bus returning at 5 p.m.
Guests will start with Grinder's Switch wine tastings before heading out to Hampshire, with stops along the way at all of the Napa Hollow wineries.
These include wine tastings at Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, Natchez Hills Winery, as well as Keg Springs Winery.
Snacks and drinks will be provided on the bus, as well as a personal mini charcuterie box for each guest. A boxed lunch will also be optional. Guests will also receive a special Natchez Trace Wine Trail wine glass at the end of the tour.
Tickets are $129 per person and available at www.exploretock.com.
Comments