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Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 1-28-25

Writer's picture: Tom PriceTom Price

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for January 28, 2025


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

We start with local news…

Judicial Center Parking Woes Continue (CDH)

The brand new Maury County Judicial Center's early growing pains continue to muddle the county's ability to provide adequate parking, causing officials to question whether the $46 million structure was planned accordingly.

The Maury County Judicial Center currently provides approximately 70 parking spaces for daily use, not including reserved or handicapped spaces. However, it was later determined that the actual need is around 100.

The Maury County Commission, along with various other county boards and committees, has for months discussed a possible purchase of the adjacent Melody's One Stop Shoppe bookstore, 1113 S. Main St.

The full commission Tuesday considered a resolution to make an offer of $600,000 to purchase the property initially proposed at nearly $1 million when it was first considered in 2024.

The resolution was ultimately denied after a lengthy, at times heated, discussion about whether the purchase would be the best solution, or if other options should be explored, as well as how the county found itself in such a predicament.

One issue addressed regarding the potential bookstore purchase has been its frequency in discussions among the commission's various boards and committees.

There has also been backlash from the public, many of whom do not support the purchase.

"It started with the previous commission buying a piece of property that wasn't big enough for this building in the first place, and you spent more money than it was originally supposed to be," Karen Parkhurst of Columbia said during the Jan. 21 meeting. "This money can be better spent on our law enforcement, the fire department or the concerns about water in this area."

Columbia City Councilman Charlie Huffman, Ward 2, who spoke during public comments, added that courthouses in similar counties are often located in more rural areas, rather than a few blocks from downtown.

"There was not a lot of thought put into this," Huffman said. "The city told the county that it met specifications, but there was not going to be enough parking down there. None of you all listened, and now you are in this dilemma."

While the Jan. 21 vote pertained to the 1113 S. Main St. property, other possible alternatives were also discussed.

MCPS Assistant Superintendent Eric Perryman presented a 4.6-acre parcel located off South Glade and Woodland Streets, the site of the former Andrews School and currently known as Maury County Teachers Center. However, the property could present a number of issues, such as its current use.

First, the foundation of the former school, torn down in 1988, still exists. The property is also currently being utilized by MCPS staff and other businesses.

"We do have 48 employees that work off of that site, and if we moved those employees, we would have 27,000 square feet of building we would have to replace," Perryman said. "The two other buildings are a fully functioning cabinet shop and a fully functioning metal shop with welding stations within it."

There could also be potential historical roadblocks given the property's age.

"There is a rock wall that was erected in 1850 ... and it is a wall that was probably built by slave labor at some point in that time," Perryman said.

Prior to the final vote, Commissioner Scott Sumners District 5, proposed that the county fund an appraisal conducted by a third party to determine the bookstore's true value.

That proposal for an appraisal, which would have required a two-thirds vote, ultimately failed.

"I don't know how many people have to tell us, 'No,' before we figure out that's what your constituents want," Kathey Grodi, District 6, said.

Commissioner Aaron Miller, District 7, agreed.

"I think we are throwing good money after bad ... and to drag this out any further and to suggest that we spend any more money on this issue, quite frankly, is insulting to our constituents and our community," Miller said. "This thing is dead, and so let's bury it."

The final vote to negotiate $600,000 to purchase the bookstore showed one in favor, 18 opposing and one abstained.


City of Columbia Get Clean Audit (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is pleased to announce it has received a clean audit report for the fiscal year 2024, with no findings or irregularities reported by Henderson, Hutchinson & McCullough. This clean audit, marking another year of sound financial management, reflects the City's ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and prudent stewardship of taxpayer funds.


"We are proud to see another year of financial growth and stability for our city," said Mayor Chaz Molder. "This clean audit report is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our finance team, as well as the collaborative efforts of all City departments to manage our resources effectively. The increase in revenues and strategic reduction of debt ensure that we are not only maintaining but improving our financial position for the future."


The City’s total annual revenues increased by 1.3%, reaching $67.1 million in FY 2024. Local sales tax revenue saw a strong increase of 9.5%, totaling $19.7 million, and licenses and permits saw a significant boost of 52.9%, reaching $2.6 million. Additionally, the City’s governmental debt decreased by $1.6 million, demonstrating the City's ongoing commitment to reducing liabilities. The City’s fund balance for governmental funds grew by 13.6%, totaling $8.8 million, further

strengthening the City’s financial position.


Finance Director Thad Jablonski emphasized the continued success of the City’s financial strategy: "This year’s audit results highlight the City’s ability to grow revenues while controlling expenditures. The increase in local sales tax revenue and licenses/permits speaks to a healthy economy, and the reduction in debt is a step toward long-term fiscal health. We're

committed to ensuring Columbia remains financially strong and ready for future opportunities."


In addition to these financial gains, the City has maintained its AA+ bond rating from Standard & Poor's, a reflection of its strong financial position and solid fiscal management. For twenty-five consecutive years, the City has also earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Excellence in Financial Reporting Award, reinforcing Columbia’s

dedication to transparency and excellence in financial management. This year, the City has been recognized for the second consecutive time with the Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR) Award, which highlights the City’s commitment to making financial information accessible and understandable to the public.


As the City of Columbia continues to demonstrate strong fiscal stewardship, these achievements serve as a testament to the City’s ongoing commitment to financial transparency, responsibility, and sustainable growth. With a clean audit report, increased revenues, strategic debt reduction, and accolades for outstanding financial reporting, Columbia is well-positioned for continued success.


For more information, please visit columbiatn.gov.



C-State Women’s Coach Speaks After Dismissal (MSM)

Gwen Burton, dismissed on Jan. 16 as women’s basketball coach at Columbia State in the midst of her sixth season, spoke recently with Main Street Maury regarding the situation.

“They brought me in and told me they were going in a different direction, said it was best for them to have a coaching change at this time,” Burton, a Michigan native, said when reached.

Tasked with restarting the program after it was “inactivated” for the 2018-19 season, Burton and the Lady Chargers struggled to get traction competitively, never winning more than nine games in any of her four full seasons. (The 2020-21 season began in January because of pandemic limitations.)

She said her tenure was impacted by staffing concerns, which continued until her recent dismissal.

“Even though we have hired assistant coaches, I know it was hard for them to be dedicated to both programs, especially when you have a lot of guys on the male team and you don’t have that many women,” Burton said. “It was a time constraint as far as the development part. The recruiting part (rested) on my shoulders by myself.”

Chris Leggett, interim women’s coach, had served this season as an assistant under both Burton and men’s coach Winston Neal. Previously, that position had been filled by Quan Dudley, who was hired last spring as the founding coach of the Pellissippi State women’s program.

The Lady Chargers were 7-7 overall, 6-2 in TCCAA play, at the time of Burton’s dismissal. After winning two of three in league play under Leggett, C-State is tied for second place in the league standings entering Wednesday’s game against visiting Volunteer State.

Burton is unsure of her plans going forward, but stated her intention to remain in the area.

“I’ve got a house here in Columbia,” she said. “I love the people here in Columbia; the people in Columbia love me. I’ve gotten messages and flowers (from people) telling me ‘thanks.’ “


Ogles Proposes Constitutional Amendment (CDH)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, is proposing to change the 22nd Amendment to allow President Donald Trump to serve a third term in the White House. 

“President Trump’s decisive leadership stands in stark contrast to the chaos, suffering, and economic decline Americans have endured over the past four years," Ogles said in a statement Thursday. "He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nation’s decay and restoring America to greatness, and he must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal."

Ogles, an outspoken supporter of Trump, said the change is “imperative” to “provide President Trump with every resource necessary to correct the disastrous course set by the Biden administration,” which he says “subjected Americans to relentless abuses that will take a decade to correct.”

“This amendment would allow President Trump to serve three terms, ensuring that we can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs,” Ogles said.

As a constitutional amendment, Ogles' proposed change would give any future elected Democratic president the same three-term advantage. But a change like that would be nearly impossible in today's political climate. Two-thirds of the House and Senate would need to adopt a Constitutional amendment, followed by ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures.

Ogles has already made his second term priority of backing Trump's agenda clear, signing on to co-sponsor legislation to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” and introducing another bill to authorize the president to enter negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark to acquire Greenland as a U.S. territory.

“It might sound crazy, and one might ask why would you want Greenland?” Ogles said in a recent streaming interview. “But if you look at the activities of China and Russia in the Arctic Circle, they are literally operating on our doorstep. Not to mention, Greenland is rich with resources, and China has been making a play for those resources. So we have an obligation to the American people… to secure that territory.”


City of Columbia Receives Grant (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $50,000Healthy 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.



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.


Day on the Hill (Press Release)

Join Williamson, Inc., Maury Alliance, and the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce for an afternoon of insights and advocacy with state lawmakers. Members from all three chambers will come together to hear directly from policymakers on key topics such as education, the state budget, transportation, and Governor Bill Lee’s school voucher proposal.

 

This is a unique opportunity to engage with legislators and stay informed on issues impacting your business and our community. After the initial portion concludes, our group will gather for a legislative reception, offering valuable opportunities to network and connect with lawmakers and fellow attendees.


Day on the Hill will take place on Tuesday, February 4th from 2-7pm. For more information, visit www.mauryalliance.com.



Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery Exhibit (Press Release)

Visit Columbia State Community College’s Pryor Art Gallery for their new exhibition, “Admiral Radio: Echoes of the Past,” supported in party by Columbia Antique Marketplace.

Step back in time and discover the fascinating history of radios, from the sleek Art Deco designs of the 1930s to today’s digital devices. This exhibition highlights how radios shaped communication, culture and technology across decades.

Explore iconic radios, vintage ads, and more—each piece tells a unique story of its era. Don’t miss this visual journey through sound, history, and innovation now through February 13!

Pryor Art Gallery hours:

Monday through Thursday:  8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This exhibit will coincide with the February 13 concert featuring Admiral Radio!

Inspired by their 1941 wooden Admiral radio, and an inspiration to Columbia State to design their Admiral Radio exhibition in the gallery, this South Carolina-based husband and wife duo creates an Americana sound rooted in tradition that touches the heartstrings of the modern-day listener.

The concert will take place at Cherry Theater in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus on Thurs., Feb. 13 @ 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 (includes all fees).

Learn more by visiting www.columbiastate.edu/pryor-gallery.


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


Mr. Nicholas Shane “Nickie” Voorhies, 55 lifelong resident of Columbia, died Sunday, January 26, at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 1:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.


And now, news from around the state…

Antioch School Shooting (MauryCountySource)

Homicide Unit detectives and federal/state agencies are examining on-line writings and social media posts connected to 17-year-old Solomon Henderson as they work to establish the motive behind Henderson’s gunfire in Antioch High School’s cafeteria.

The investigation to this point has not established a connection between Henderson and the two shooting victims. It may be that they were struck by his random gunfire in the cafeteria.

The two school resource officers assigned to Antioch High School were in another part of the building when the gunfire started. They rushed to the cafeteria and arrived just after Henderson killed himself.

“On behalf of this entire police department, I extend our deep condolences to Antioch High students, parents, and staff,” Chief John Drake said. “Our officers and counselors will work to be part of the healing process in the days and weeks ahead.”

As to questions concerning any prior police interaction with Henderson, the MNPD will not be at liberty to address those as Tennessee law protects juvenile information in most law enforcement matters.


Opryland Expansion (Tennessean)

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., a lodging real estate investment trust specializing in group-oriented, destination hotel assets in urban and resort markets, announced plans to add approximately 108,000 square feet of premium, carpeted meeting space to its flagship Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The planned expansion, expected to be complete by Spring 2027, includes a new approximately 31,000-square-foot ballroom, approximately 38,000 square feet of breakout space and approximately 39,000 square feet of pre-function space. Once complete, this project will bring Gaylord Opryland’s total exhibit and meeting space to approximately 756,000 square feet and its meeting space per guest room to approximately 260 square feet, solidifying its status as the largest non-gaming hotel by exhibit and meeting space in the United States.

Mark Fioravanti, president and chief executive officer of Ryman Hospitality Properties, said, “In recent years, Nashville’s popularity as a top meetings destination has skyrocketed, and we anticipate annual visitors and spending to continue this upward trajectory. Our premium group customers are seeking modern, flexible carpeted meeting space, and this expansion will deliver the high-quality experience our guests have come to expect from us. In addition, we believe this expansion will attract new corporate groups to Music City.”


Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)


Nine Inch Nails announced the Peel It Back Tour 2025, marking the band’s first live outing since 2022.

It was speculated the band would tour this year, but it was finally confirmed. Ahead of the announcement, the band shared on social media, ”Since some dates and information about our World Tour have leaked we are confirming that yes we will touring and will provide more details soon.”

Kicking off in Europe for 40 dates, the tour will stop at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, January 29 at 12pm local time at nin.com.

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