Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-9-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for October 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…

OPMobility to Layoffs (CDH)

OPmobility, a French automotive supplier, plans to lay off 82 employees at its Spring Hill facility effective Nov. 21, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed Oct. 7 with the U.S. Department of Labor.

The layoffs follow a $3 million dollar expansion plan announced in June 2024 for the company that primarily supplies electric vehicles. They arrive as automakers are rolling back electric-vehicle production plans amid low consumer demand.

OPMobility, which has more than 150 plants in 28 countries, has operated in Tennessee since 2015. Its locations include Smyrna, Chattanooga and Hendersonville. 

On Sept 4., General Motors Spring Hill announced the company would furlough roughly half of its 1,400 shift workers as it rolls back production of its electric vehicles. 

The plant will pause production for more than a month of downtime through the end of the year — during the week of Oct. 6, the Thanksgiving holiday and all of December.

Additionally, Michigan-based automotive parts manufacturer Tenneco announced plans to lay off 349 employees in Tennessee between December 2024 and December 2025.

Following the largest single-site immigration raid in U.S. Homeland Security’s history at LG Energy Solutions joint battery facility with Hyundai Motor in Georgia, many Korean employees at the company’s Spring Hill operation left the U.S., according to a Reuters report.

Legislators Discuss Regional Concerns (MSM)

The state legislators who represent parts of Spring Hill attended a Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Sept. 25 at the UAW Local #1853. Sen. Joey Hensley (District 28) and Reps. Scott Cepicky (District 64) and Todd Warner (District 92, covering part of Williamson County) sat on a panel and answered questions from Spring Hill Alderwoman Jaimee Davis. Rep. Kip Capley (District 71) joined them, though he doesn’t represent Spring Hill.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Matt Fitterer spoke about the first public meetings held to get input on Spring Hill’s long-range capital improvement plans. After identifying all their possible projects, the city found that the cost would be approximately $500 million.

“It’s a big number to wrap our heads around, but there’s a lot of ways to accomplish those projects,” added Carter Napier, the new city administrator. He asked people to participate in the feedback process by checking the city calendar and social media for surveys and other meeting dates.

Road infrastructure

Davis started out with a pointed question about roads. The legislators have repeatedly stated how proud they are that Tennessee doesn’t take on debt to build and maintain roads, but she claimed that this “fiscal conservatism” just passes the buck to municipal governments like Spring Hill, which has had to borrow millions to pave its roads.

“Is it really the most responsible thing to do, considering we are decades behind on infrastructure?” she asked the men on the panel.

Hensley and Warner indicated that if necessary, they were willing to borrow money to move along the $30 billion backlog in transportation projects, but Cepicky and Capley were adamantly against it. Capley pointed out, as he has before, the deep hole into which the state of Georgia has dug itself by taking on $19 billion in road debt.

Cepicky favored asking for more federal subsidies for roads, since the $600 million the state now receives (half of it set aside for new roads, half for maintenance) doesn’t go as far as it used to. He also argued that they should promote vocational training for road workers, pointing out that even if the state legislature gave TDOT $30 billion tomorrow, they wouldn’t have the manpower to do all the needed projects.

“We need a new generation of people who want to build roads, who want to get into heavy construction,” he said.

Meanwhile TDOT is responsive to Spring Hill’s needs, setting aside $247 million to widen Highway 31 and consulting with a private-equity firm who want to build a “choice lane” for I-65. (TDOT held public hearings the week after on another choice-lane project on I-24.) Hensley also reminded people that the legislature had added several billion dollars to the road budget in the last few years.

Warner theorized that long-term transportation projects tend to be lower priorities because they can take longer from start to finish than the maximum gubernatorial time in office; he endorsed speeding up the 12-to-15-year projects somehow, to make them feel more achievable. He was also willing to consider any means to pay for these projects: raising taxes (though none of the legislators liked that prospect), reappropriating revenue, borrowing money, or something else.

Water and wastewater

Asked about solutions to water and wastewater issues which affect Spring Hill — like the TDEC sewer moratorium that Fitterer claimed is holding up $100 million in development — the legislators cited the regional options for water supply.

Hensley sits on the board of the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership, which will have to recommend a long-term water source to Gov. Bill Lee by January; for now they seem to agree that the walls of Normandy Dam should be raised five feet, which will take 4-5 years and capture a few billion more gallons of water. The Partnership will hold its next workshop event at the Fly Arts Center in Shelbyville from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 4.

More drastic and long-term options include the $1.7-1.9 billion Cumberland River pipeline, which the four legislators didn’t favor, and the Columbia Dam prospect, which three of them did.

“The [Cumberland] pipeline is a pipe dream, to be honest with you,” said Warner. “In my opinion, the only real answer to the problem is to put that dam back in Columbia.”

Solid waste

With landfills filling up across Middle Tennessee, the legislators gave their ideas about where to dump solid waste. All of them agreed that whichever counties took on a solid-waste facility would be entitled to dictate rates to their customers.

“We’re going to have to make a sacrifice somewhere, and it’s going to have to be a big one,” Capley said. He informed the audience that his constituents in Lawrence County are now paying triple their former rates to send trash to Mississippi, and that the rest of middle Tennessee is staring down the same barrel.

Warner, whose Marshall County constituents have a dump that takes in waste from Maury County, warned that they would be entitled to charge through the nose for solid-waste services when they become scarce.

“If you’re too good to have a dump in your community,” he said, “you’re gonna pay dearly for it.” He added that he wished every community could deal with their own garbage, perhaps by incinerating it or using it to generate power.

Cepicky picked up the theme of futuristic trash solutions. On a recent trip to Israel, he saw “state-of-the-art” disposal technology — though he couldn’t reveal details of it publicly — and he sent notice of it to TDEC with the request to start bringing similar tech to Tennessee. He was inspired by the necessary ingenuity of the tiny state, which can’t ship its trash elsewhere and is dense with start-up tech companies, and praised other ambitious joint projects between Israeli and Tennessean businesses.

“We just can’t build these massive mountains [of garbage] that you see in Murfreesboro or Marshall County,” Cepicky said. “We have to use technology to get rid of this… [like they do] around the world.”

Education and workforce development

Cepicky, who specializes in education bills in the State House, first talked up the accomplishments of Tennessee’s students.

“We have systematically changed education in Tennessee, to where our students are performing at unprecedented levels we’ve never seen before,” he said proudly. “Coming out of COVID, nobody’s even coming close to our academic success.”

To capitalize on their performance, he wants to create partnerships between state-funded colleges, Tennessee’s government, and business and economic-development leaders across the state. His concept is to meet business demand for certain skillsets by promoting career paths to students, possibly as early as junior year of high school.

“We have to transform how we fund our public universities,” he argued. “We have to… identify degrees that [employers] are seeking for [their] businesses, and incentivize our four-year institutions, our community colleges and our TCAT centers to push those as [much] as we can.”

He’s even working on a bill for a revolutionary magnet high school concept. Students at the magnet school, according to the bill, would only be required to attend class four days of the week; the fifth day, they would have to do either dual enrollment, career technical training, work-based training or job training.

“If we created something like that here in Maury… or Williamson County, you’d have a waiting list to get in,” he predicted. There’s nothing like it yet in the country, but the proposal will come before of the general assembly next year.

Impact fees and infrastructure

The legislators were split on the prospect of impact fees. Cepicky, who favored them, cast them as a responsible way to pay for infrastructure, especially if the election of Zohran Mamdani were to cause another lifestyle- and tax-driven mass exodus from New York City to Tennessee.

“Who’s going to pay for the impact fee? The end buyer, the homeowner,” countered Warner, pleading housing affordability. “I don’t think it’s right for me to impose a tax on people that want to come out here.”

Hensley pointed out that the legislature did pass something like an impact fee last year, a bill which allowed fast-growing areas like Maury and Williamson Counties to keep more of their adequate-facilities taxes for infrastructure. Capley added that an impact fee bill would be impossible to pass in an election year like 2026. The real-estate transfer tax failed to pass last year, but Hensley hoped to push it in the next session.

Workout Anytime Ribbon Cutting (WKOM 1:41)

Yesterday, Workout Anytime Columbia held their grand opening. Front Porch Radio’s Louis Maddox attended the ribbon cutting and spoke to the fitness center’s employees John and Thomas…

Spring Hill Library Considered (CDH)

The city of Spring Hill’s goal to construct a new Spring Hill Public Library could take its first steps this month with a new design proposal the Board of Mayor and Aldermen is considering.

The proposal, submitted by HGA/WBA, was presented Monday, Oct. 6 to BOMA. The work would consist of the library's conceptual design, as well as Geotech and environmental surveys, with an estimated cost of $66,300.

Spring Hill Library Director Dana Juriew said HGA/WBA had submitted a proposal previously, but it was at a size and scope beyond what is needed at this time.

"The architect came with a proposal that was a little high and a little bit out of scope, included things that we weren't ready to worry about at this point, because we wanted to make sure the facility can actually come adjacent to City Hall," Juriew said. "Do the environmental and Geotech study before we worry about the public engagement, and a lot of the mechanical and plumbing."

Discussion among BOMA members was brief, but addressed the design provided, such as if it would be enough to guarantee the library's location next to City Hall.

"If there are any major environmental issues, that should flag it," Assistant City Administrator Dan Allen said. "We can always go in and further investigate if something gets flagged."

Mayor Matt Fitterer added it would be beneficial to stipulate in the proposal that the city conduct scheduled "check-ins" to better keep track of the progress.

"I would anticipate that maybe there are a couple of high-level concepts that are shared with staff before they narrow in on a single conceptual site plan as their final deliverable," Fitterer said. "If they are off the right track, they catch it early. Reading it strictly how it's written, they could just deliver a final site plan, be totally off base and we wouldn't have an opportunity to correct it."

Alderman Jaimee Davis asked if the design would also carry an expiration date, pending the timeline of when the project can be completed.

"I would hope it would hold, because in the past we have done conceptual designs and held on through similar situations," Juriew responded.

Allen added that, given the basic nature of the concept and what the proposal seeks to accomplish, the basic scope of work should remain steady unless the city decides to make any drastic changes in the future.

"They are not doing hundreds of thousands of dollars of design work, not taking it all the way up to get ready for construction," Allen said. "They are basically getting some concepts and visuals put together, a general idea of square footage and parking. If you change the scope or add on to it, you aren't really losing a whole lot.

"Let's say we were talking about 50,000 square feet, and you say, 'You know what, we've changed our mind, and we really want to do a big one at 100,000 square feet.' That's the kind of stuff when you'll start to lose the value in what you have done."

Duck River Electric Gives Back (Press Release)

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) has donated a total of $52,200 to 13 nonprofit organizations serving communities across its service area. This impactful contribution includes $35,200 raised during DREMC’s inaugural Commitment to Community Charity Golf Tournament and $17,000 in matching funds from TVA’s Community Care Fund.

The funds support a wide range of vital services, including:

• Emergency electric bill assistance through Project HELP.

• Support for individuals battling cancer.

• Services for children and teens facing abuse or hardship.

• Programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

• Educational initiatives across the region.

DREMC President and CEO James Wright says, “Generosity isn’t just an act of kindness — it’s a way of life that binds people together. Serving others is at the center of what we do every day.”

Among the recipients are several organizations that administer DREMC’s Project HELP program, which exists entirely through donations from DREMC members, employees, and community partners. The program offers emergency electric bill assistance to Duck River Electric members, making a difference for our neighbors facing financial hardship.

DREMC’s commitment reflects the cooperative principle, Concern for Community, reinforcing its role in building stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.

Spring Hill Historical To Hold Mayors’ Forum (MSM)

On Nov. 4, the Spring Hill Historical and Genealogical Society will host an event called “Meeting Adjourned: An Evening with Spring Hill’s Former Mayors.” The free event will be held at Spring Hill’s City Hall, with a reception at 5 p.m. until 6-8 p.m.

Seven of Spring Hill’s eight living ex-mayors will sit on a forum at the event, from which they’ll talk and answer questions about their terms and experiences. The forum will be moderated by Benny Jett, the 15-year-old president of the Historical Society, and its vice president Jim Hellier. The audience will be free to ask the mayors any questions that aren’t offensive or controversial.

Two particularly noteworthy forum speakers will be current Mayor Matt Fitterer and Cindy Williams, the widow of Mayor Ray Williams, who passed away in 2005 while in office. Mrs. Williams will represent her late husband on the forum and answer questions on his behalf.

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

Franklin Madison Thomas, 72, a resident of Culleoka and former resident of Goodlettsville, died Friday, October 3, 2025 at his residence.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Vincennes, Indiana. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com. 

Edna Agnes Glover Hooie, age 93, of Columbia, Tennessee, died peacefully at home on Sunday, October 5, 2025, after a brief illness.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home

Now, news from around the state…

Government Shutdown Hindering Flights (MSM)

The Federal Aviation Administration notified Nashville International Airport officials on Tuesday that the number of flights arriving and departing would be reduced that afternoon because of a shortage of air traffic controllers during the government shutdown.

This reduction will remain in effect until further notice, according to the airport announcement. The news release did not give a specific number or percentage of flight reductions.

A news release from BNA on Oct. 1 said that Oct. 6-19 is the airport’s busiest travel period of the year, with Fall Break scheduled for 14 counties and seven universities in the Nashville area.

The Tennessee Titans are scheduled to play in Las Vegas on Oct. 12 and then play the New England Patriots in Nashville on Oct. 19. NFL games often add to a city’s travel volume.

According to BNA statistics, the airport is predicting approximately 40,000 departing passengers on Oct. 10; 45,000 departing passengers on Oct. 12; 43,200 departing passengers on Oct. 13; and 46,500 departing passengers on Oct. 19.

The Oct. 1 news release said that all seven of the airport’s shuttle buses to its satellite parking areas will be used during high-demand ground transportation periods.

On Sept. 15 the airport had significant delays in its ridesharing access, causing long traffic backups not only at the airport but also on Donelson Pike and Interstate 40.

BNA closed the existing Concourse A on Sept. 24 for demolition and reconstruction. Travelers accustomed to departing or arriving from Concourse A should check with their airline for up-to-date gate information.

Lee Looks to Expand Voucher Program (Tennessean)

Gov. Bill Lee says he hopes to propose new funding in his budget proposal next year to expand Tennessee’s $144 million taxpayer-funded private school choice program beyond the existing 20,000 scholarships.

“The only thing I’m not happy with is that we don’t have more scholarships to give to more income-limited, low-income families and to families that aren’t limited in their income,” Lee told reporters in Nashville on Oct. 3.

This spring, Lee signed legislation creating a statewide Education Freedom Scholarship program, offering 20,000 taxpayer-funded grants of $7,295 each to students regardless of previous school enrollment or zip code. Half the scholarships were distributed to families without regard to income. Other than Tennessee residency and legal citizenship, there were no other qualification requirements.

The state received more than 42,000 applications.

“So many Tennesseans wanted this. The applications were so many that they outnumbered the number available,” Lee said. “I’m hoping that we’ll be able to get the General Assembly to provide more scholarships to more Tennessee families.”

New county-by-county data released by the Tennessee Department of Education shows that more than half of the 20,000 scholarships, 10,802, went to participants in Tennessee’s four most populous counties: Shelby, Davidson, Knox and Hamilton. 

“They’re awarded to students in the vast majority of counties all over the state. It’s very widespread,” Lee said. “It’s evenly divided between those that have income limits and those that don’t.”

Just over 82% of the scholarships, 16,416, went to students in metro and suburban areas around Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin and Jackson.

Most of the schools benefiting from the program are religious institutions. 

The income limit for scholarships this year was $173,000 for a family of four. By law, half of the 20,000 available scholarships are required to go to families with no income cap, meaning even those making $1 million or more could qualify. 

TDOE turned away more than 11,100 applicants for the state’s new universal private school choice program this summer who fell under the $173,000 income cap for a family of four.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Come out on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, from 1-5 pm for Trunk or Treat at the Mt. Joy Cumberland Presbyterian Church (8364 Mt Joy Rd, Mount Pleasant, Tennessee 38474).

Enjoy a fun-filled evening of games, candy, and food!

More information may be found on the Mt. Joy Cumberland Presbyterian Church Facebook page.