Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 12-29-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for December 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…

Spring Hill Sewer Capacity Passes First Reading (MSM)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen has made the first move in officially outlining how the city plans to allocate its remaining sewer capacity. 

At its meeting last week, the board approved Ordinance 25-29, which formally establishes a sewer moratorium and designates Oct. 6, 2025, as the official date that froze the vested rights for projects unable to proceed due to the capacity limitations. 

The ordinance also includes a one-time allocation of sewer capacity for two categories of projects — Group 1, which consists of developments with approved development agreements that include additional infrastructure, and Group 2, which includes residential permit-ready lots. 

In addition, the city will maintain a sewer capacity reserve of 100,000 gallons per day (GPD). This reserve allows projects outside of Groups 1 and 2 to request capacity, though only existing buildings are eligible for reserve allocation with BOMA approval due to the limitations outlined in Section 1. 

Section 3 of the ordinance lifts the application submittal and approval suspensions established under previous resolutions. Moving forward, all new applications and approvals must comply with the allocations provisions in Section 2 and stick to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Consent Order. 

Projects that receive sewer capacity will be required to install flow meters. If allocation limits are exceeded, escalating enforcement measures will be implemented, as sewer capacity directly impacts public health. 

During the public hearing, residents and development contractors raised concerns about the ordinance, saying that it contains errors and should be corrected before final approval. The group distribution was questioned, saying it was unclear how the allocations were divided leaving people within the groups confused. 

Following a successful first reading, the ordinance requires a second vote of the board before it can go into effect.

Wolfes Win Award (CDH)

Gina and Tony Wolfe, owners of Wolfe Enterprises, have been recognized with the most prestigious recognition for a McDonald’s owner/operator.

They recently received the Fred L. Turner Golden Arch Award, which is given to the top 1% of McDonald’s owner/operators worldwide, according to a Dec. 17 press release.

The award honors recipients for their commitment to customer service, business excellence, and community involvement. Only a small group of operators from around the globe are selected for the recognition, the release states.

The Wolfes will be formally honored at the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention gala dinner scheduled in Las Vegas next year.

Wolfe Enterprises operates 14 McDonald’s restaurants in Greater Tennessee, including multiple locations in Spring Hill and Columbia.

The Wolfes' latest McDonald's, located at 2240 Nashville Highway in the Honey Farms subdivision, opened in November, and was the first official business to open in the development's designated area for commercial businesses.

The new location's window design for Christmas, a painted nativity scene, has drawn social media attention, an annual Wolfe tradition dating back more than 40 years, which can be seen at each McDonald's location. The decorated windows become a popular attraction after going viral in 2015 and again this year.

Tony Wolfe said, while the annual Nativity scene becoming something of a tourist attraction is flattering, it is a symbol for their devotion to their workers, which he and Gina consider "more than a business," but a "ministry."

"God has truly blessed us in multiple ways, blessed us with great people," Tony Wolfe said at the location's Nov. 20 opening. "We serve a great community, and it is because of them we get to do a lot of things that we do."

Gina Wolfe’s parents, Tony and Carol Bastone, opened the first McDonald’s in Columbia in 1974. This history was cited as an example of the family’s longstanding dedication to the Greater Tennessee area.

Gina and Tony Wolfe oversee more than 800 employees at their restaurants, according to the announcement. The couple emphasized the importance of their team and the communities they serve.

“The most important thing is our people, our employees. We have great products, but it’s all about people. It’s about people who are behind the counter and people who are your loyal customers and friends in this community. It’s a blessing for us to be involved in the community and give back,” Gina Wolfe said.

The Fred L. Turner Golden Arch Award is considered the most prestigious form of recognition for McDonald’s Owner/Operators. It recognizes a relentless dedication to customer service, exceptional achievement in business, and significant community involvement, according to the announcement.

The accomplishment adds to the Wolfe family’s legacy in the region’s business community, with family members having served Greater Tennessee McDonald’s customers for multiple generations, according to the announcement.

Information about the Wolfe Enterprises’ restaurant locations can be found at wolfemcdonalds.com/locations/.

Maury Regional Give Gifts (MSM)

Throughout the month of December, Maury Regional Health team members, volunteers and physicians came together to spread holiday cheer through a variety of seasonal giving initiatives benefiting local children and seniors.

Among these efforts was the Holiday Hugs program, a 26-year tradition that brings warmth and comfort to students in kindergarten through sixth grade by providing coats, sweaters and other essential cold-weather clothing.

The Holiday Hugs program connects Maury Regional Health (MRH) with local school systems to provide gifts to children in need. Since its inception, it has provided more than 11,000 gifts to children. On Dec. 15, MRMC program participants delivered packages to area schools.

“We are blessed to have received the support from the Maury Regional Holiday Hugs program for another year,” Maury County Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Ventura said. “The employees and volunteers at Maury Regional Health have made an incredible impact on the lives of our students and their families, and we are so grateful for their commitment to providing joy this holiday season.”

MRH’s Volunteer Services Department works with the school systems each year to identify children in need at the districts’ elementary and middle schools. Gifts are collected, organized and delivered to each school with the help of MRH’s Supply Chain and Facility Services Departments as well as other team members and volunteers.

“The Holiday Hugs program is one of the many ways that Maury Regional Health is able to give back to our community,” said April Mobbs, director of Volunteer Services. “The continued commitment of making a difference in children’s lives and providing joy this holiday season would not be possible without the teamwork of our employees and volunteers, and we thank everyone who helped make this year’s program a success yet again.”

The Holiday Hugs program is one of the many seasonal giving initiatives across the Maury Regional Health system. 

Old Stone Creamery Received Funding (MSM)

Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt has announced that a Maury County dairy operation is among the latest recipients of funding through the Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF). 

Old Stone Creamery was recently announced as a recipient of AEF funding, which supports projects that grow Tennessee agriculture by increasing farm income, expanding markets, boosting capacity or advancing innovation. The program helps farmers and agricultural businesses add value to their operations and reach new opportunities.

“These AEF recipients are getting the tools they need to strengthen their operations and their communities,” Holt said. “By investing in these farm and forest businesses, we’re continuing our work to expand economic opportunity and support agricultural development across Tennessee.”

For eligibility requirements and application details, visit Agricultural Enterprise Fund, TN Department of Agriculture. The next AEF application deadline is Jan. 10, 2026.

Students Win Grant (CDH)

Two Columbia Central High School students received Hach Water Quality Equipment grants, national awards that provide high school researchers with professional-grade tools to support water quality investigations.

Junior Alexis Kilpatrick and senior Mackenzie Rosen received the grants as part of a competitive program designed to increase students' access to high-quality water testing equipment for use in research projects, according to a Friday, Dec. 12 Maury County Public Schools press release.

The program is especially aimed at those developing projects for the USA Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition. The grant enables students to collect accurate field and laboratory water quality data.

“Alexis and Mackenzie’s commitment to scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship reflects the best of our school’s academic values,” said Emily Stafford, chemistry, physics and STEM teacher at CHS. “Only 20 students across the United States received equipment through the grant. We are proud of Alexis and Mackenzie for earning this recognition.”

Kilpatrick and Rosen were selected based on the strength and innovation of their proposed research projects, which focus on testing wastewater disinfection methods and building a device to decrease pollution in rivers. The equipment will enhance their ability to measure key water quality indicators and strengthen their research for upcoming science competitions and presentations.

The Hach Water Quality Equipment grants support students as they prepare entries for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, an international competition celebrating high school research that addresses water-related issues.

The program encourages interest in STEM careers and the development of solutions to water challenges affecting communities around the globe, the release states.

County Invokes Moratorium (CDH)

Maury County commissioners have put a pause on development in county-zoned land due to a recent 10-month building moratorium effective until Oct. 1, 2026.

At a Dec. 2 special called meeting, The Maury County Commission voted 16-4 to approve a resolution enacting the temporary moratorium. The reasoning, according to some commissioners, was primarily so the county could develop a long-term Comprehensive Land-Use Plan.

"There has been lots of good conversation regarding what is the right thing for the rural character?" District 8 Commissioner Gabe Howard said. "Why I am sitting in this seat tonight is, 'What do we want Maury County to look like for our kids, our grandkids?' And really that 50-year plan."

The vote comes at a time when other Maury County boards are considering similar measures, such as Columbia City Council's Dec. 11 approval of an ordinance, which would raise Columbia Power & Water Systems' customer water rates by 20% in 2026.

Maury County's building moratorium, however, does not necessarily mean all development will cease on unincorporated county land for 10 months. The county would still allow applications for subdivisions of five lots or less or "minor lots."

"We can only build a county once, and that's going to turn into whatever that turns into in perpetuity," District 7 Commissioner Aaron Miller said. "I want everyone to understand this is just an incremental step towards what we can do to influence the growth of this county. To the builders and realtors, this is a very short period of time that we are going to take to reorganize some things and it doesn't restrict you all the way."

Developers may also still apply for projects through the county's permitting process during the moratorium.

In November, the commission passed a new county zoning ordinance for the first time since 1986.

Maury County Building & Zoning Director Robert Caldiraro said, for the last five years, his department has issued an average of 250 building permits per year, with roughly 1,000 existing buildable lots currently in the county.

"The zoning ordinance was a heavy lift, there is no doubt about it," Caldiraro said. "I do suspect, on the other side of the land use plan to have a little more density around the municipalities to prevent what is urban sprawl."

Caldiraro affirmed the moratorium would not affect municipal city property, only county land. The 1,000 buildable county lots would also not be affected through vested rights, he said.

The moratorium was met with several opposing voices at the Dec. 2 meeting, both from the public and elected officials. District 1 Commissioner Jerry Strahan said he opposed the resolution, describing it as a "knee jerk reaction."

"This moratorium, in my mind, will only penalize the local builders, but not only the local builders," Strahan said.

"Nobody is going to buy a piece of property now, a sizeable piece of property, because they don't know what the moratorium is going to do. A local real estate agent can't sell a piece of property that a local guy owns to a local builder. It handcuffs all three of those parties because we put in a moratorium."

Strahan also expressed concern about potential litigation the moratorium could cause, and if pausing for 10 months would be worth the risk.

David Townsend, a local real-estate agent, argued that the growth issues in Maury County aren't necessarily due to what's being developed on county land, but rather the municipalities.

"What you are going to do is create this ring that's going to concentrate more growth coming outward," Townsend said. "It's going to have a negative effect on what you are wanting to do.

"I don't believe it's a county problem. I think it's really a city problem, and that's what we need to be working on."

Miller later addressed concerns stemming from the county's zoning ordinance, such as if a property owner wished to split their land to build additional units.

"If the hangup is that property owners can't put a house down for their children, or whatever the case may be, this doesn't stop that in either event, and if the moratorium did, we could still implement changes to the zoning law," Miller said.

"This is a proactive measure, not a reactive measure. We do not want to wait until we are in a position where we have to be reactive, because then we are behind the power curve. That's the whole point of this entire resolution, this entire moratorium, to be proactive for the people of this county."

Miller also addressed the argument of potential litigation the county might encounter due to the moratorium.

"Some fights are worth having, even though we know we might lose," Miller said. "Our children's future is worth taking the risk of getting into a fight."

Maury Alliance Annual Meeting (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance on Thursday, January 29th, for their most anticipated event of the year, the Maury Alliance Annual Meeting! Celebrate the successes of 2025, honor the transition of their volunteer leadership, and discover their exciting strategic goals for 2026.—all while continuing to commemorate over 100 years of growth, innovation, and community impact in Maury County.  

Enjoy an evening filled with entertainment and networking celebrating business and industry in Maury County with a social hour, elegant dinner and live music.

Purchase tickets now to guarantee a seat at Maury Alliance’s biggest event of the year.

Registration will close January 19 at 5:00 pm. 

Get tickets and learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

Short-Term Rental Nonconformity Applications (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is issuing a public reminder to property owners operating short-term rentals (STRs) that nonconformity (grandfathering) applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025, to remain eligible for continued operation in areas where STRs will no longer be permitted by zoning beginning January 1, 2026.

Short-term rentals are permitted (with an STR permit) only in the CD-4, CD-4C, and CD-5 zoning districts. Property owners may use the City’s online zoning map at www.ColumbiaTN.gov to verify the zoning of their property. STRs located outside these permitted districts may still qualify for nonconforming status only if a Nonconformity Application is submitted along with a Short-Term Rental Application by December 31, 2025.

A property may continue operating as a short-term rental if it was in use before April 10, 2025, and the owner remitted required state taxes for at least six months within the 12 months preceding that date. Continued operation remains valid unless the property is sold or transferred, STR use ceases for 30 consecutive months, or the property receives three or more violations of applicable local laws. Eligible owners must still obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and provide documentation of tax remittances.

Property owners seeking to maintain eligibility must submit all required applications no later than December 31, 2025.

Information on zoning, STR permits, and nonconformity applications is available on the City of Columbia’s official website. For questions, contact Planning & Zoning at 931-560-1560 or visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

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

Mary Katherine Baker Davis, 96, died Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rose Hill in Columbia. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Now, news from around the state…

Giles Man Killed in Altercation (Fox17)

The Giles County Sheriff's Office says that a 32-year-old man has died after being hurt in an altercation outside a business.

Just before 10 p.m. on Friday, December 26, the Giles County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) says that they responded to a report of an aggravated assault in the Frankewing community. Deputies who arrived on scene found Douglas Winborn critically hurt. GCSO reports that deputies immediately started first aid for Winborn while waiting for EMS, who then took him to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment. Winborn was pronounced dead at the hospital.

GCSO says that a suspect, Justin Straw, was taken into custody at the scene where Winborn was found hurt. Straw was booked into the Giles County Jail. He has been charged with First Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault), and Domestic Assault.

Nissan Leaf Moving to England (Tennessean)

For years, Tennessee’s Nissan Smyrna Plant has been the home of America’s most popular Nissan EV. But that’s about to change.

Nissan is moving production of the Leaf out of Smyrna and over to Sunderland, England—marking the end of an era for the longtime Tennessee‑built electric hatch.

The Leaf just got a major redesign and appears to be a cornerstone of Nissan's new brand international strategy.

The main reason that Nissan is moving the production of the Nissan Leaf from Smyrna, Tennessee to Sunderland, England is waning demand in the U.S. American EV sales have dropped year-over-year for the first time since 2019, says electric vehicle news site InsideEVs.

American drivers may not be purchasing as many new EVs as last year, but Europe and Asia are still exhibiting strong electric vehicle demand. Sunderland, England is Nissan's European electric vehicle hub and it's suited for the mass production of a nameplate as appealing as the Leaf.

The United Kingdom's government is also incentivizing the production and adoption of electric vehicles, while the current Trump administration has recently eliminated several major incentives including the federal electric vehicle tax credit for consumers. The future could be electric, but EVs haven't become popular enough in America for production to be profitable and sustainable for some major automakers looking to create a foothold in the space.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Escape the winter chill with the help of a tropical paradise and a new art exhibition inside the Historic Mansion at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. A showstopping floral display will be presented alongside orchid-themed adult education classes. Also, a new exhibition brings together, for the first time, paintings from a private collection and Cheekwood’s American art. The events kick off an exciting year of programming at Cheekwood. Tickets to all events can be found at cheekwood.org.