Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-18-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for November 18, 2025

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

We start with local news…

MRMC Receives “A” from LeapFrog (MauryCountySource)

Maury Regional Medical Center has earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade for the fall 2025 period from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization focused on patient safety.

Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 evidence-based measures of patient safety focused on errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

“This recognition highlights Maury Regional’s strong commitment to delivering patient safety,” said CEO Martin Chaney. “It stands as a testament to the hard work of our physicians and clinical care teams, and their unwavering dedication to being a leader in patient care and clinical safety.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that impact more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

“Earning an ‘A’ Grade means Maury Regional Medical Center made a true commitment to put patient safety first,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We congratulate the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff and volunteers that all had a role to play in this achievement.”

To learn more about Maury Regional Medical Center’s commitment to quality — including accreditations, certifications and recognitions — visit MauryRegional.com/Quality. Visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org for more information about the Hospital Safety Grade, including details on individual hospital grades and rankings.

Columbia Mall Taking Shape (MauryCountySource)

A major retail project in Columbia is gaining momentum as redevelopment efforts at the Columbia Mall property continue to take shape.

Highland Capital, the site’s new owner, has invested heavily in transforming the property into a modern, appealing shopping destination. Working with Retail Strategies, the consulting firm hired by the City of Columbia Industrial Development Board, the company has secured a lineup of new tenants that includes Beall’s, Five Below, Ulta, and Academy Sports.

City leaders say the project marks a significant investment in Columbia’s growth, expanding local shopping choices while supporting long-term economic development.

Spring Hill Looking at Easport Farms Subdivision (MauryCountySource)

Spring Hill’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen is expected to take another look at the Eastport Farms proposal at their next work session, focusing on whether the city should commit future sales tax revenue to help fund improvements along Port Royal Road.

Mayor Matt Fitterer says the project, which has shifted slightly in design but still centers on a major national retailer as its anchor, would require upgrades to Port Royal Road — a corridor already in need of improvements. The applicant has proposed making improvements from Jim Warren Parkway to Longhunter Chase Dr., funded in major part by future sales tax excepted to be generated by the project.

City leaders will weigh whether the upgrades are significant enough to justify dedicating 20 years of revenue toward the costs. The plan currently falls short of Spring Hill’s arterial road standards, with 10-foot lanes instead of 12-foot lanes and missing pedestrian facilities along part of the roadway. Even with the proposed work, roughly 65 percent of Port Royal Road would remain unimproved.

If the board chooses to advance the proposal, it would be sent to the Industrial Development Board for financial validation and potential bonding. The project would still need to complete its site plan review and finalize an on-site water reclamation plan.

Later this week, regional transportation discussions continue as the GNRC Transportation Policy Board prepares to release a draft update of the Regional Transportation Plan. The document outlines long-term transportation priorities across the Nashville area and could influence future TDOT decisions. Early drafts show favorable rankings for I-65 and Highway 31 improvements in Spring Hill.

Firefighter Recognized and Other City Business (MSM)

At its voting session Thursday night, the city of Columbia recognized Owen Sumners, a city firefighter, for his service. The young firefighter had just served a year overseas as a National Guard, and upon returning to Columbia he plunged into his work again for the city fire department.

“It’s a pleasure to recognize him and his service… working in the fire service away from his family, and also his time away serving the great state of Tennessee,” said city Fire Chief Chris Cummins. “It’s a big sacrifice for him and… his family.”

“I appreciate everybody’s support [while I was] gone,” Sumners said. “It means the world to me.”

Cummins presented some periodic updates to the city fire code, based on the 2024 ISO code, to the council. He explained that the fire department is trying to give developers and owners more discretion about how to fireproof their buildings.

“[We’re] trying to put some common sense back into it,” he explained, “[by asking], ‘What’s the best-case scenario here… that we can work with people on?'”

In response to questions from Ward 4 Councilor Kenny Marshall, Cummins also revealed that the city would return to some of its previous standards once CPWS completed the $520 million Williamsport intake and the $82 million updates and repairs to its water-delivery pipes. When the edges of town get an adequate firefighting water supply, Columbia Fire plans to lean far less upon its new tanker truck.

“Right now we’re well above [the safety regulations that] the state requires,” the chief reassured the council.

The council also agreed to issue up to $30 million of revenue anticipation notes to fund CPWS’s projects. CPWS is currently seeking federal funding for the Williamsport intake, since federal agencies (namely the Tennessee Valley Authority, U.S. Fish & Wildlife and the Army Corps of Engineers) strongly approved of the plan to move the intake to a more environmentally friendly spot downriver, but nothing definite has been approved yet.

Two residents of Taylor Landing showed up to protest the Waters Edge at Taylor Landing development and its late addition to the agenda. The city council voted against the apartment complex 2-2 (with two abstentions) at its October meeting, but a councilman moved to bring it back for consideration after hearing more information in the meantime. The council voted to put the first reading of Waters Edge on the agenda for the December-January meeting.

Joshua Moore, who appears frequently at meetings when Taylor Landing comes up, and Christy Dawes brought a petition against Waters Edge which had been signed by 166 of their neighbors. They raised concerns about the prospects of traffic and road safety, lower property values and changed neighborhood character and overloading the drainage pond.

They also objected to the city adding Water’s Edge to the agenda the week of the voting meeting, without discussing it at the study session. City Attorney Jake Hubbell replied that the issue was added to the agenda on Monday, which constituted “adequate notice” under the state Open Meetings Act, and that the city was within its rights to add an item back to the agenda within the year after it was first rejected.

Finally, a developer withdrew a request to annex 12.4-acre property on Lasea Road, where they plan to build 31 houses, after the city declined to grant a CD-3 zoning they asked for. The city had amended the resolution after their application, offering to approve the less dense CD-3L category (which is the default for the area and would allow for about 24 houses), but the developer insisted on CD-3, which is permitted under the Connect Columbia plan for the area.

Commentary from last week’s study session

At the previous week’s study session, the city council heard updates and justifications for items among the consent agenda and the resolutions.

City Parks Director Mackel Reagan announced that with open bidding, his department had managed to cut the price in half for updates and repairs to the pools at the Aquatic Recreation Center, bringing the initial quote of $1.1 million down to $525,000.

“We are one of the few [entities] doing pool work,” he said. “The pool companies are hungry for work.”

Director Jeff DeWire announced that the Public Works department had changed its waste-disposal provider for the first time in 20 years, since the city started working with the county on trash service in 2005. Last month the Maury County Commission passed a resolution which would raise the city’s charges from $54.49 per ton of trash (the current rate) to $60 in July 2026, then $65 six months later, and finally to $70 in July 2027. A couple of county commissioners wanted to raise it even higher, but they were outvoted.

Public Works staff did the math and found that switching to United Disposal Partners (previously United Waste Haulers), who bid in at $54.73 per ton, would save the city $892,848 over the next three years.

“We feel like it’s a wise move to make the change… [and] I’ve got a good feeling about it,” DeWire told the city council.

He added that UDP already handles Columbia’s “bulk items,” and has “bailed out” the city on days when the county service turned away their excess trash.

“We’ve had a good working relationship for many years, and [UDP has] always gone the extra mile to accommodate us beyond the normal workday.”

At the November meeting of the county Health and Environmental Committee, Solid Waste Director Matthew Turner told the Maury County Commission that he anticipated the city choosing UDP’s lower bid, and his department was already searching for new waste-disposal customers to make up the difference.

The city council accepted a crime-prevention grant on behalf of Columbia Police Department, which the state increased to $1.3 million instead of the expected $1 million. Assistant Chief Jeremy Haywood explained that the department had already earmarked the $1 million for new tasers, a new armored vehicle, and a second “big drone.”

Education Luncheon (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance on Wednesday, November 19 at 11:30 am for our annual Education Lunch featuring a State of Public Education and the 2025 Education Report. 

During this year's event, Maury Alliance President & CEO, Wil Evans, will lead a panel discussion with representatives from Maury County Public Schools. They will discuss the current state of public education, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs and the 2025 Education Report. 

Panelists include: 

• Lisa Ventura, MCPS Superintendent

• Keith Stacey, MCPS Assistant Superintendent of Instruction

• Amy Roberts, MCPS Career & Technical Education Supervisor 

• Michelle Gilbert, MCPS Director of Teaching, Learning & Assessment 

The event will be held at the Memorial Building located at 308 West 7th St.

The cost is $25 for chamber members and $30 for non-members. Lunch is included. The event is sponsored by Halifax Hospitality

Have a question you’d like the panel to address? Submit your questions in advance to help guide the conversation and ensure your voice is heard. Learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

Columbia Gets CDBG Grant (Press Release)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced today that $26.5 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) will be awarded to 44 communities statewide to assist with infrastructure and beautification improvements.

“Ensuring that our local infrastructure is equipped to meet the demands of future economic development is a top priority for our administration,” said Gov. Lee. “Congratulations to these 44 communities for taking the necessary steps to strengthen their local economies. I look forward to seeing the lasting, positive impact this investment will bring.”

The allocation of CDBG funds is based on priorities set through the public meeting process at the local community level. The CDBG program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by TNECD. Funds are available for water and sewer improvements, health and safety projects and other improvements to enhance the quality of life in Tennessee’s rural communities.

In addition to traditional community improvement and safety projects, funding was also made available for community development projects, such as sidewalk and walking trail improvements, street paving and community centers.

“The CDBG program is one of our most valuable tools for helping Tennessee communities prepare for future economic growth,” said Deputy Gov. and Commissioner McWhorter. “We’re thrilled to support these 44 projects and thankful for the strong local leadership and partnership that make this progress possible.”

Among the recipients is the City of Columbia who was awarded $781,681 for drainage improvements.

Ashwood Development (MSM)

The Mt. Pleasant City Commission has scheduled public hearings on the proposed John Maher Builders development of 247 houses on a 106-acre property on Trotwood Avenue across from Historic St. John’s Church and Polk Memorial Gardens. Public comment will be taken at 6 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, before the second and final vote on the matter scheduled for Dec. 16. The resolution before them would rezone the property to the dense residential R3 category, the plan of services to the neighborhood, and annex the site and some surrounding land parcels and stretches of road to the city of Mt. Pleasant.

According to the plan of services, Mt. Pleasant would service the neighborhood with emergency response, waste removal and electricity. Columbia Power and Water Systems would supply potable water. Edge Wastewater, a private entity under the supervision of TDEC, would install, operate and maintain the neighborhood’s Septic Tank-Effluent Pump (STEP) system, which would pump wastewater (not solid waste) from household septic vaults to a facility at the north end of the property for treatment and reintroduction to the environment.

In three previous public hearings, more than 60 people have voiced their objection to the development citing historical integrity, traffic concerns, a high rate of failure in the STEP system, and lack of infrastructure and safety. In the public hearings, no one has spoken in favor of the development.

According to Main Street Maury interviews with the City Commissioners, Mayor Bill White and Commissioner Pam Johnston, who is also on the Planning Commission are in favor of the development. Commissioners Mike Davis and Loree Knowles are solidly against the development. Commissioner Willie Alderson states that she has not made a decision about her vote.

East Columbia Small Area Plan (Press Release)

The City of Columbia invites residents to participate in a public open house to review and provide feedback on the draft East Columbia Small Area Plan. The event will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Dr. Christa S. Martin Community Center at Fairview Park, located at 871 Iron Bridge Road.

The East Columbia Small Area Plan is designed to identify projects and priorities that help implement the City’s Comprehensive Plan, focusing on enhancing community connections, improving health and walkability, and addressing facility and service needs across East Columbia neighborhoods.

The open house format will allow attendees to drop in at any time between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. to review displays, share feedback, and speak directly with City staff and planning consultants. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

For more information about the East Columbia Small Area Plan or upcoming community meetings, please contact the City of Columbia Planning Department at (931) 560-1531.

Movie Night to Benefit Kids Place (Press Release)

You’re invited to join the Maury Alliance Young Professionals for a Community Movie Night benefiting Kid’s Place: A Child Advocacy Center!

 Date: November 21

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: The Well Church, Columbia, TN

Bring your family and friends for a heartwarming holiday showing of The Polar Express and enjoy delicious popcorn! 

Please bring a wishlist donation item to support local children in need! Financial donations will also be accepted. To see a list of items on the wishlist, click the button below.



Let’s kick off the season of giving together and make a meaningful difference in our community!

About Kid’s Place:

Kid’s Place is the Child Advocacy Center serving Maury, Giles, Lawrence, and Wayne counties. They provide hope, help, and healing for children who have experienced severe child abuse. By uniting professionals in law enforcement, child protection, medical care, mental health, and victim advocacy, Kid’s Place ensures children and their families receive comprehensive, trauma-informed care in one supportive location.

To learn more about Kid’s Place, visit https://www.kpcac.org/.

We hope to see you there for this special night of community and giving!

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

James Wilbur “Jimmy” Rodgers, 76, lifelong resident of Columbia, died Monday, November 17, 2025 at his residence with his family by his side.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Now, news from around the state…

Boring Company Update (Tennessean)

Two steel towers linked by a beam now rise at the edge of the Tennessee State Capitol's downtown Nashville parking lot, transforming the otherwise orderly area with an unexpected construction site.

Elon Musk’s Boring Co. has begun hauling rock to the surface from its first Nashville tunnel. The site, temporarily leased from the state, is the first of several planned launch points for the Music City Loop.

The new rock removal system is called a "Vertical Cassette and Belt Bender," Boring Co. officials said.

The site is kickstarting the company’s plans to build two 9.5-mile tunnels stretching from Nashville International Airport to downtown.

The system's above-ground support structures anchor a large conveyor belt that will run the length of the planned tunnels linking Nashville International Airport and downtown, officials said.

For a nine-mile tunnel, “18 miles of belt is moving,” the company wrote. 

The company said the system can remove more than 33,000 pounds of rock each minute. 

The rock removal system sits on a football-field-sized parking lot located at 637 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. The Tennessee State Building Commissioners provided a no-rent lease to The Boring Co. temporarily during construction of the tunnels.

Upon completion in 2027, the Boring Co. is required to return the lot to its original condition in which it was leased.

As the Boring Co. begins to excavate rock to clear a track for its tunnel, the excess earth will be property of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, according to a memo distributed to Gov. Lee obtained by The Tennessean through a public records request.

“TDOT would keep the excavated rock, permitting (the state) to use that rock for construction projects, rather than permitting,” the brief states.

Earlier this month, the company conducted “controlled blasting” at the launch site, to fracture rock around boreholes during tunnel excavation. 

Thanksgiving Travel (MauryCountySource)

AAA projects that 1.9 million Tennesseans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1. This marks a 1.9% increase over last year and sets a new record for Thanksgiving travel in the Volunteer State.

Nationwide, AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel for Thanksgiving. That’s an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to 2024. Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel holiday of the year, surpassing both Memorial Day and Independence Day.

“Tennesseans are embracing the Thanksgiving spirit with record-breaking travel plans this year,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Whether it’s driving across the state or flying across the country, people are making time to connect with loved ones. Even with concerns about flight cancellations, travelers are showing flexibility and resilience and relying most on driving.”

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium has unveiled a new exhibit, “Unexpected Company,” showcasing the wide variety of guests who have visited the Ryman—from illusionists and activists to movie stars and music legends. The collection features rare artifacts and archival materials, including:

• Harry Houdini’s handcuffs used during his 1924 Nashville performance, where the famed illusionist debunked spiritualists and wowed audiences with his legendary milk-can escape.

• Jackie Robinson’s personal memorabilia and writings tied to his 1962 appearance at the Ryman, where he spoke to more than 1,200 attendees about the power of the vote and civil rights.

• A gown worn by Aretha Franklin, commemorating her two Ryman performances in 2010 and 2011.

• Clint Eastwood’s hat and amended film script from the 1982 movie Honkytonk Man, shot on location at the Ryman.

“Unexpected Company” is now open as part of the Ryman’s daytime tour experience. Tickets and tour information are available at Ryman.com/Tours.