Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 1-24-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for January 24, 2025

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content.  Original sources are cited.
We start with local news… 
Murder Update (WilliamsonScene)
A Murfreesboro man has been charged in the killing of his pregnant girlfriend in Spring Hill.
According to a Spring Hill Police Department news release, on Monday, Jan. 20, 29-year-old Vidol Wegner strangled the victim who is identified in court records as 30-year-old Ariel Nevills.
“At 6 a.m., the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office asked SHPD officers to check the welfare of residents at a house in the 2000 block of Gale Lane because of a phone call their dispatch center received,” the SHPD news release reads. “Officers went to the house and located a 30-year-old woman who had sustained fatal wounds.”
According to a warrant filed in a Maury County Court, Vidol “did admit to murdering his girlfriend,” and “stated that he strangled Nevills two different ways,” waiting until she was dead before leaving the Spring Hill home. Nevills was seven-months pregnant with their child.
SHPD detectives traveled to Robertson County and arrested Wegner, who was initially identified by police as an Indiana man but who has a Murfreesboro address.
Wegner was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony murder. He was booked in the Maury County Jail and held on no bond.

Spring Hill Crash (MauryCountySource)
The SHPD Critical Incident Response Team is investigating a single-vehicle fatal wreck that occurred on January 22nd after 10 PM.
Officers responded to a report of a vehicle that left the roadway in the area of Saturn Pkwy. and Main St.
The preliminary investigation shows that Nicole Macquarrie, 32 years old, was exiting Main St. onto Saturn Pkwy eastbound when her vehicle left the roadway while traveling on the on-ramp and stopped several hundred feet away off the road.
Macquarrie died from her injuries.
The crash is under investigation.
Maury County Fire (MauryCountySource)
A fire in Maury County destroyed a house on Tuesday.  Units arrived to find heavy fire conditions throughout a home on Hwy 166 North and commenced with defensive fire operations.
A primary search and offensive fire attack was conducted for a short period of time before the structure began to collapse and all members were withdrawn from the home.
Units operated for over 5 hours overhauling and extinguishing hot spots.
One firefighter was treated on the scene by Maury Regional Emergency Medical Services. No civilian injuries were reported.

City of Columbia Receives Grant (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $50,000
Healthy Built Environments (HBE) grant from the Tennessee Department of Health, in partnership with the South Central Tennessee Development District. This grant will fund the development of an East Columbia Small Area Plan aimed at improving community health and connectivity in the East Columbia neighborhood.

The Healthy Built Environments (HBE) Grant, supported by the Tennessee Department of Health’s Office of Primary Prevention, helps communities design healthier living spaces. By improving areas where people live, work, and play, HBE grants aim to reduce health risks, improve quality of life, and strengthen local economies.

The funding provided for the planning phase of this project will help create a comprehensive strategy to improve these aspects of the East Columbia community. Future steps toward implementing these improvements will depend on the availability of additional funding.
As part of this initiative, the City of Columbia is seeking input from local residents to help shape the plan. The public's feedback will play a critical role in guiding potential projects that focus on walkability, public spaces, and overall community connections.

To kick off the planning process, the City will host an open house-style forum for residents to share their thoughts and ideas. This event will be the first step in assisting with the future implementation of the East Columbia Small Area Plan, which will outline specific projects to improve health, accessibility, and overall quality of life in the community.

Event Details:
• East Columbia Small Area Plan – Healthy Built Environment Public Forum
• Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
• Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Dr. Christa S. Martin Community Center, Fairview Park
• 871 Iron Bridge Road, Columbia, TN

The forum provides an opportunity for residents to engage directly with city planners and share their ideas for enhancing the community. Feedback collected will be instrumental in shaping the direction of the master plan.

Complimentary snacks and drinks will be provided.

Hensley Sponsors Non-Flouridated Water Bill (MSM)
A bill filed in the 114th General Assembly last week by State Sen. Joey Hensley would prohibit public water systems in Tennessee from adding fluoride to drinking water.
Senate Bill 0162 was filed in the State Senate on Wednesday, Jan. 15 with Hensley listed as the sponsor. A companion bill had not been filed in the State House as of press time.
The bill would amend Tennessee Code Annotated to add to the list of prohibited acts regarding drinking water, “the adding of fluoride to a public water system by the supplier of water who owns, operates, or controls the public water system.”
Locally, the bill if passed would have little effect. Columbia Power & Water Systems’ Board of Directors voted in September 2013 to stop adding fluoride to its water, according to Executive Vice President of Operations Richard Kelley.
The Tennessee Dental Association is a staunch supporter of water fluoridation, which has been called one of the greatest advances in public health of the 20th century. More than 100 health organizations have recognized the health benefits of water fluoridation for preventing tooth decay, including the American Dental Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“The residents of Tennessee have been enjoying fluoridated water in many areas since the 1950s,” said Andrea Evans, executive director of the Tennessee Dental Association. “Optimally fluoridated community water systems are both safe and effective at preventing tooth decay, therefore equitably protecting residents’ overall health.”
The American Dental Association estimates that 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental-related illness and that for most municipalities, every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves $38 in dental treatment costs.
“The health effects have been studied for decades and researchers have not found health problems associated with the water fluoridated level of 0.7 ppm which is the US recommended levels followed according to the US Public Health Service. The fluoride at the recommended level in community water fluoridation programs is not toxic as toxicity is related to dose,” a fact sheet provided by the ADA states in part.
Hensley is a licensed doctor, having received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee. The Hohenwald Republican has served in the State Senate since 2013, representing the 28th District, which consists of Giles, Lewis, Marshall, Maury and a small portion of Williamson County.

Muletown Rec to Reopen Under City Ownership (CDH)
Columbia City Council took its final steps to secure the purchase of Muletown Rec last week, with plans to reopen as the Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Complex in February.
The 1446 Oak Springs Drive acquisition appeared under three items this month on the council agenda, which were discussed Tuesday and approved Thursday, regarding the final $4.6 million purchase, the facility's renaming, as well as adjusting membership fees.
Columbia Parks & Recreation Director Mack Reagan said the immediate plans are to shut down briefly at the end of January, with the new facility re-opening Monday, Feb. 3.
"We've already started taking down logos, and our staff is really going to be pushing it," Reagan said.
"I'm really pleased with the rebranding, and I think it will be good for us to get a total new start. I think the community will appreciate that, and it will give us a clearly defined break ... so we can build for the future, for the next 50 years of Columbia."
Part of the Muletown Rec's acquisition included establishing membership fees, and if the city could lower the current rates.
For monthly membership fees, Reagan said the goal is to "make this affordable for all people."
"We utilized other communities, what they provide and things of that nature, to try and get a general idea," Reagan said.
This includes a proposal of $55 per month for Columbia citizens ($100 for families), $65 for Maury County residents ($110 for families) and $70 for anyone outside of the county ($120 for families).
Seniors would pay $40 per month for Columbia citizens, $50 for county and $55 for non-county residents. Day passes would cost $5 for Columbia citizens, $8 for county and $11 for non-county residents.
There are also guidelines in place to possibly provide financial assistance to anyone interested in memberships, Reagan said.
"We are in a unique environment with the amount of services we're going to provide," Reagan said. "We will do a lot more programming, three pools to operate. Overall, we feel pretty strong with what we are offering, and is roughly half of what citizens are paying for with its current use."
Vice Mayor Randy McBroom said lowering membership fees is "the big thing people are excited about."
"The biggest thing people were saying was it was too pricy, and they couldn't afford to go there," McBroom said. "Right now, we've got the price where we can get the people back in here using our facility and showing what it can do."
The Council originally approved the Muletown Rec purchase in December of 2024, which was met with much support from citizens.
While the council again voted this month, Mayor Chaz Molder said the vote was "more of a formality for purposes of the closing." He also thanked the various city departments and their work in making the purchase possible.
"I do want to say publicly how much I appreciate Mack Reagan and his team, and also the finance team, for all the work they've done over the last couple of months in getting us ready for this moment and the work that will be done in the weeks and months ahead as we transition this into one of our park assets," Molder said.
"It will have a lasting impact on the community both today, but also in the future. I don't think this would be such an easy decision if it weren't for the degree of sophistication our Parks and Rec team, and that should be noted. We are pleased to express our gratitude for the team and the work that lies ahead."

Black History Expo (Press Release)
In celebration of Black History Month, Maury Regional Health is proud to announce its 3rd annual Black History Expo vendor fair. This event will take place on Wednesday, February 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Maury Regional Medical Center in the Auxiliary Conference Room. This event is open to the public.  
This special event is an opportunity to celebrate and support the achievements of Black entrepreneurs in our community. The fair will showcase an array of vendors offering products and services, including food, jewelry, clothing, custom merchandise and more.
“We are excited to bring together Black-owned businesses to celebrate their contributions and share their talents with the community,” said Dennis Fisher, chief human resources officer at Maury Regional Health. “This is an opportunity to foster connections in our community and celebrate the talents of our entrepreneurs.”
Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate in this event. For more information about attending or being a vendor, please reach out to kbrady@mauryregional.com or call 931.381.1111, ext. 1026.

Commission Debates Funding Non-Profits (MSM)
The Maury County Commission debated a resolution to provide funds to a number of nonprofit organizations which drew some argument among the committee members after questions were raised about money for a rideshare program at the Senior Center that has not yet been spent.
Steve Thomas, director of the Senior Center, told committee members that the rideshare program was a volunteer program, including the automobiles used.
“We inherited this (program); when the clock ran out we had to decide if we were going to go forward or not,” Steve Thomas said. He added that the center board had decided that sustaining the program was not possible given its requirements, saying, “It was not a program that was going to be sustainable.” 
Commissioner Howard noted that county-provided funds in some cases helped these nonprofits qualify for other grant funding to pursue their missions. He also asked why the Senior Center was a nonprofit rather than under the county itself.
“I support continuing to fund nonprofits here in Maury County… I think we need to continue supporting them and maybe in some cases step up even further,” Gabe Howard said.
Lukonen said the county has no specific policy regarding nonprofits having to account for county funds other than providing their annual report filed with the state and that the nonprofit be in good standing with the State of Tennessee.
County Mayor Sheila Butt said she felt more accountability by nonprofits was a good idea.
“We have accountability for every level of government in Maury County. I think we should have some criteria for the nonprofits that we decide to give to,” the mayor said.

Kids Place Gala (Press Release)
You are cordially invited to step into an evening of mystery, elegance, and purpose at the 6th Annual Kid’s Place Gala on January 31, 2025. This year’s event, “Beyond the Mask”, will take place at the exquisite Keestone Resort in Loretto, Tennessee, setting the perfect stage for a dazzling Masquerade Ball. 

Behind the masks, abuse happens silently in our own communities; the children and families Kid’s Place serves are your neighbors, employees, family, and friends. Attendees will unite to illuminate a critical cause: the fight against child abuse. Together, we can ensure children and families in our community receive the hope, help, and healing they deserve. 

All proceeds from the gala will support the vital work of the four Kid’s Place centers serving Giles, Lawrence, Maury, and Wayne counties. Last year alone, Kids Place served more than 600 victims of child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse at no cost to the families, thanks to generous supporters like you. 
As the largest fundraising and awareness event, the gala’s success depends on the support of compassionate individuals like yourself. Whether by attending, donating, or sponsoring, your involvement helps sustain the critical services we provide. 

Kid’s Place works together with law enforcement, prosecution, mental health resources, and the community to combat the ever-growing epidemic. They cannot do this work alone; their biggest resource is YOU! 


Sobriety Checkpoint (Press Release)
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 10pm until midnight.  The location is State Route 50 East, .2 miles east of the 19mm. 

Knights of Columbus to Honor LEOs (MSM)
At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, the Knights of Columbus at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church (Council #7447) will hold their 39th annual appreciation dinner for the law enforcement officers of Maury County and its towns. The dinner, catered by Shaffer Farms Barbecue, is open to anyone who wishes to honor LEOs and their families.
“Each year the Knights of Columbus… honor local law enforcement,” said Grand Knight William Simpson, “for the sacrifices they make to ensure we live in a safe community.”
At the dinner each department (Maury County Sheriff, Columbia, Spring Hill and Mount Pleasant Police) will present an award to its Officer of the Year, accompanied by a speech from the department chiefs.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Jerry Lee Ward, 80, retired chief building engineer with USAA Realty, died Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at his residence in Columbia.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Trent Alexander officiating. Burial will follow in Jackson Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

Mary Aliene Fann, 89, retired elementary teacher for Nashville Metro Schools, and longtime resident of Nashville, died Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Morning Pointe Senior Living of Columbia.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, February 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Trinity Lane Church of Christ 501 E Trinity Ln, Nashville. Interment will follow at 2:30 PM at Greenvale Cemetery in Greenvale, TN. 
The family will visit with friends on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 4:00 PM till 6:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home and again on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 10:00 AM till the time of service at Trinity Lane Church of Christ.

And now, news from around the state…
Blackburn Considering Gubernatorial Run (WilliamsonHerald)
Brentwood resident and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn told a Cleveland, Tennessee, radio station earlier this week that she would consider a Tennessee governor run.
During an interview with WCLE Mix 104.1, Blackburn said that she feels encouraged by the support of people, especially elected officials in the Volunteer State, for the potential to become the next governor of Tennessee.
" We have been so encouraged by people to look at this race and to seriously consider it,” Blackburn said. “I have told them that once we get past today (Inauguration Day), I will give it all serious consideration. I am so honored that so many of our elected officials in the state and our state legislature have asked me to give it consideration, and we will do that.”
Knoxville Mayor Glenn Jacobs also said on his X account that he would give his full support to Sen. Blackburn if that is what she decides. 
“Sen. Blackburn has done an outstanding job as a state senator, U.S. congresswoman, and U.S. senator,” Jacobs said. “She would do an equally outstanding job as governor and would have my full support if that’s what she decides.”
Jacobs has been among the names rumored to be considering a run for governor in 2026.
Blackburn has served in the U.S. Senate since 2019, representing Tennessee’s seventh Congressional District. She was recently reelected to her post, beating out Democrat Rep. Gloria Johnson, who currently serves at the state level.
First elected to the U.S. House in 2002, Blackburn aligned with the Tea Party movement and regularly appeared on Fox News. Before that, she made a name for herself as a state lawmaker who helped lead the revolt against a proposed Tennessee income tax in the early 2000s.
Her 2018 Senate victory marked a rightward shift from Tennessee GOP senators who had come before her and ushered in a more conservative wave of candidates eager to align with now President Donald Trump.
During her victory speech last Nov. 6, Blackburn touted her record in the U.S. Senate during her first term and described the “to-do list” that she said voters want her to accomplish during a second term.
“Bring back a strong economy and take away this inflation,” she said. “Make the Trump tax cuts permanent. Remove the tax on Social Security. Secure that southern border.”
She also said she would “break a little more China,” referencing her television ad where she breaks china plates while describing how she would impose economic restrictions on the country.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Victoria Shaw is bringing a few of her hitmaker friends to The Mulehouse for a night of music this weekend.
The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St., will present Victoria Shaw & Friends starting at 7 p.m. Friday.
Shaw will be joined by fellow songwriters Gary Burr and Pam Tillis, who will be stepping in for previously announced Georgia Middleman.
This group of writers are behind major hits like "The River," "I Love The Way You Love Me" and "Love's Been a Little Bit Hard On Me," just to name a few.
Tickets start at $20, as well as $50 for a table for two and $75 for a table for four. Tickets are available at www.SeeTickets.us or by calling (931) 490-9400.