WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for January 29, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
New City Judge Sworn In (MauryCountySource)
The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the swearing-in of Richard Matthews as the new City Judge.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and the University of Memphis School of Law, Judge Matthews has built a distinguished career in law. He has served as a member and former Board of Governors member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and was inducted as a Fellow with the Tennessee Bar Foundation in 2016.
“Judge Matthews is continuing a family tradition, becoming the third generation to serve in the judiciary. The City of Columbia looks forward to the leadership, integrity, and expertise he will bring to the role,” the City said.
Wedlake Announced Expansion (Press Release)
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Wedlake Industries officials announced today the company will expand its manufacturing operations in Hohenwald, Tennessee.
Through the project, Wedlake Industries will invest $10 million and create 46 new jobs in Lewis County.
The company’s recent acquisition by GZ North America positions Wedlake Industries in closer proximity to two subsidiaries of GZ North America, Nashville Record Pressing and Memphis Record Pressing, which will directly source vinyl record compound from the Hohenwald facility.
Upon completion, the expansion will transform Wedlake Industries into North America’s largest vinyl record compound manufacturer while continuing to support long-term customers in other industries.
Since 2020, TNECD has supported 52 economic development projects in Southern Middle Tennessee, resulting in more than 7,000 job commitments and nearly $6 billion in capital investments.
QUOTES
“Tennessee’s skilled workforce and strong business climate make it the ideal place for businesses to grow. These 46 new jobs will greatly benefit the families across Lewis County, and I thank Wedlake Industries for recognizing Tennessee as the best state for this expansion.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“With the recent expansions of Nashville Record Pressing and Memphis Record Pressing, Wedlake Industries is primely located between the two facilities to directly support record production. We are proud that this expansion will expand GZ Media’s presence in Tennessee and look forward to seeing the growth that follows today’s announcement.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“We are excited about our investment in Wedlake Industries. The company’s great people, facilities, and strategic location will allow us to support the music industry in Tennessee and beyond with the industry’s most advanced and customer-focused vinyl pressing operation. In addition, Wedlake Industries’ customers in other industries will benefit from our expanded and modernized facilities.” – Shawn Johnson, president, GZ North America
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.
Ridge Butcher Shoppe (WKOM Audio 2:00)
Yesterday, Ridge Butcher Shoppe opened their doors on South Main Street in Columbia. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy attended the ribbon cutting and spoke to proprietors Keith and Jonathan Cannon to learn more about what that shop has to offer their customers…
Commission Votes Down Store Purchase (MSM)
Another effort to purchase property to use for parking at Maury County’s new judicial center was overwhelmingly voted down during the Jan. 21 meeting of the County Commission.
The Maury County Judicial Center, which opened in October 2024, provides approximately 70 parking spaces for daily use, not counting reserved or handicapped spaces. Officials have stated that the actual need is for around 100 parking spots.
A resolution authorizing a bid of $600,000 for the site of Melody’s One Stop Book Shoppe was ultimately voted down by an 18-1 margin with one abstention, with commissioners citing various issues with the property, the price and even whether the judicial center was appropriately planned.
Discussions over whether to purchase the bookstore have gone back and forth over the past year, with an original asking price of $1 million.
“The constituents keep overwhelmingly saying no. This body, the committees, we keep saying no several times but somehow it keeps finding its way back,” District 8 Commissioner Gabe Howard said. “The bookstore doesn’t solve our parking situation… we’ve actually got more land over on East 10th that I would make some additional parking.
“We continue to waste our time and it’s sickening to me.”
Commission Chairman Kevin Markham responded to Howard’s criticism of taking the matter up again, saying the discussion was “giv(ing) people education to whether they will vote yes or no on the bookstore. It’s relevant and we’re going to hear it… This is not Mr. Howard’s Commission. It’s the Maury County Commission.”
Markham also presented a $250,000 estimate from the Maury County Highway Department for demolition of the bookstore and construction of a parking lot, if the purchase was approved.
Commissioners were near unanimous in saying the bookstore was not an option in their opinion.
“I don’t know how many people have to tell us, ‘No,’ before we figure out that’s what your constituents want,” District 6 Commissioner Kathey Grodi said.
“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,” District 7 Commissioner Aaron Miller said. “This thing is dead, and so let’s bury it.”
Members of the public also expressed their opposition to buying the bookstore during public comment.
“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,” said Karen Parkhurst of Columbia. “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 claimed 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 listened, and now you are in this dilemma.”
An alternative site was presented by Maury County Public Schools, with Assistant Superintendent Eric Perryman discussing 4.6 acres located off South Glade and Woodland Streets. The property was formerly the home of the Andrews School and currently operates as the Maury County Teachers Center.
“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, noting that the property has been discussed with the county previously but that no formal request has ever been made.
Another option came from Jimmy Campbell of Columbia, who said he owned three lots at the corner of Woodland Street and Cemetery Street comprising roughly 0.43 acres and that he would be willing to sell, as they were currently listed for $349,000.
Commissioners elected Danny Grooms as their new vice chairman after the resignation of Ray Jeter, who moved outside his district. Howard will present a recommendation to fill the vacancy at the February commission meeting.
Eric Previti was also named to the Building Committee as a replacement for Jeter on that board.
Maury Regional Heart Failure Support Group (MauryCountySource)
Maury Regional Health is launching a new monthly support group designed for individuals managing heart failure and their caregivers. This group aims to provide education, emotional support and practical tools to improve quality of life and reduce hospitalizations.
“Heart failure management goes beyond medical treatment — it’s about education, support and empowerment,” said Theresa Harris, RN, MSN, CCRN, ACCNS-AG, post-acute care network coordinator at Maury Regional Medical Center. “Our goal with this support group is to bring hope and a healthier lifestyle to individuals living with heart failure and their families.”
Launching in February of 2025 in recognition of Heart Month, the Heart Failure Support Group will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, February 25, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Maury Regional Annex at 1223 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia (located across from the hospital and in between McDonald’s and Dairy Queen). Ongoing meetings will take place on the last Tuesday of every month from 5 to 6 p.m.
The inaugural session will feature Darshini Patel, DO, a board-certified cardiologist at Vanderbilt Heart in Columbia, who will discuss “what is heart failure” from a provider perspective that emphasizes the need for follow-up appointments, medication adherence, maintaining a healthy weight and making healthy dietary choices.
“Managing heart failure involves more than just medication; it requires education, support and practical tools,” said Dr. Patel. “I’m honored to speak at the inaugural Heart Failure Support Group meeting to help patients and caregivers better understand heart failure and make informed choices for a healthier future.”
Monthly support group highlights:
Emotional and educational support for patients and caregivers
Guidance on living a healthy lifestyle
Tips for reducing stress
Strategies to improve quality of life
Guest speakers from the medical field
Advance registration is optional but encouraged. Registration can be completed online at MauryRegional.com/HeartFailureSupport or by calling 931.381.1111, ext. 2089.
As southern Middle Tennessee’s only Heart Center, Maury Regional Medical Center provides a vast array of cardiac services that include interventional procedures as well as pacemaker and defibrillator implants. Physicians are members of Vanderbilt Heart-Columbia and Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Columbia who are complemented by a highly skilled and experienced team that strives to achieve the best possible outcomes.
For more information, visit MauryRegional.com/Heart.
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.
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, news from around the state…
Rural Lawmakers Could Prove Pivotal in Voucher Debate (Tennessean)
With pressure mounting from out-of-state groups to support a statewide school voucher program in Tennessee, rural officials oppose bringing vouchers to their community, while many rural lawmakers say they will support the policy anyway.
Tennessee's current voucher program is restricted to low-income residents in Shelby, Davidson and Hamilton counties. But Gov. Bill Lee's new proposal would offer up to 20,000 slots to Tennessee families in its first year, with only half the vouchers tied to income and no geographic restrictions.
Support in rural areas is mixed. Some of the most outspoken critics of the plan – and a few of the policy's most stalwart advocates – represent rural areas.
In an effort to win over skeptics, Lee’s proposal this year includes some sweeteners: a one-time $2,000 pay bonus for every public school teacher, and a dedicated fund for school construction and maintenance, funded by sports betting revenue and reallocated from the HOPE scholarship program.
Likewise, pressure from out-of-state groups to support the plan is intense: A national group that spent millions on five Republican primaries in August has threatened to primary any GOP lawmaker who votes against the plan.
While rural leaders have voiced overwhelming opposition to the plan, proponents like Lee and House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, say the school choice program will help establish more rural private options.
And despite opposition from their district, some lawmakers say they will support the plan.
Last spring, more than 80 local school boards and county commissions passed resolutions opposing Lee’s voucher proposal. Many have done so again this year.
Some rural lawmakers are among the most outspoken critics of vouchers, including Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill.
After the special legislative session was announced to address vouchers, immigration and storm damage, mayors from Helene-impacted areas of Northeast Tennessee wrote an open letter of support for school choice.
And many lawmakers will support the policy anyway, despite their own local governing bodies’ opposition.
Sen. Adam Lowe, R-Calhoun, who represents rural areas in Bradley, Meigs, McMinn and Rhea counties, co-sponsored Lee’s proposal last year. He said he supports the plan because it would “allow a small fraction of families who feel trapped in a system or school the opportunity to have more control of where their student is educated.”
“Every resolution I have received argues the adverse impacts that might happen to schools. I am not elected by schools or educators alone. I am elected by the families of my district and there is a disconnect between what parents and educators want,” Lowe told The Tennessean. “Schools exist to serve students. Students do not exist to serve schools. I am encouraging my school board colleagues to listen to their families, not just their educators.”
Likewise, Sen. John Stevens, who represents a handful of counties that passed resolutions opposing the plan last year, also signed on as a co-sponsor. Stevens questions the validity of critical resolutions, arguing that they appear to have been drafted identically, and many were passed before language of Lee’s latest proposal was released.
His support for Lee’s school choice proposal is based on extensive feedback from constituents, including constituent responses to his legislative survey and 12 years of openly supporting school choice initiatives.
“Does my support for school choice effectively represent the wishes of my constituents given these Astroturfed school board resolutions opposing school choice? Absolutely,” Stevens told The Tennessean. “I listen to parents and constituents. I am a parent of a child in the public school system and have been for the past 14 years.”
One outcome of passage will likely be a swath of new, pop-up private schools in rural areas, fueled by state voucher funds.
When asked why rural lawmakers and constituents should support vouchers, Lee indicated that while private school options may not yet be available in rural areas, they soon will be.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Katy Perry has announced an extensive run in the United States of her tour titled The Lifetimes Tour. The tour begins in Houston, Texas on May 7 at Toyota Center and stops at Bridgestone Arena on August 19th.
General onsale begins Friday, January 31, at 10am local time. Find your tickets at KatyPerry.com.
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