WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for February 11, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Bill Calls for English Only Drivers Tests (CDH)
Two Tennessee Republicans are again seeking to require all driver’s license tests to be offered in English only – and ban dictionaries and other translation help.
Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, and Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, are sponsoring Senate Bill 1373, which would ban administration of driver's tests in any language but English, and prohibit translation dictionaries, electronic devices, and interpreters to assist in test administration.
Capley proposed a similar bill last year, which drew 16 co-sponsors in the House, but stalled in the Senate.
If passed, the measure would take effect on July 1.
While there is no official language of the United States, state law does formally designate English as the official and legal language of Tennessee. All state publications, including ballots, are required to be produced in English. But there is no limitation or requirement on government documents being made available in other languages.
Currently, written driver’s license tests in Tennessee are offered in English, Spanish, German, Korean and Japanese. Test takers are allowed to bring a translation dictionary, but no interpreter or translation services are available. Driving tests are offered in English only.
The test is not offered in the third and fourth most-spoken languages in the state: Arabic and Chinese.
Luis Mata, policy coordinator for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, told The Tennessean he believes the bill would not only violate non-English speaking Tennesseans’ rights under the Civil Rights Act, but would also make roads less safe.
“This is a regressive piece of legislation that would hinder economic and cultural opportunities for people that call Tennessee home, and would compromise road safety for everyone,” Mata said. “This bill would have the effect of making it harder for families to get to and from work or school – and perpetuating this anti-immigrant language coming from our state legislature.”
Mata sees restricting language offerings as the “beginning of a slippery slope” of the state not making documents and forms available in languages many Tennesseans speak.
“Our diversity makes our state stronger,” Mata said. “This is not only an attack against one group or one community. This English language-only effort is an attack on all of our immigrant communities.”
Last year, a coalition of local immigrant groups filed complaints with federal agencies seeking to require the state to offer tests in more languages, and offer interpretation and translation services. The Our State, Our Languages Coalition, founded in 2022, argues that not doing so is a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and amounts to discrimination by national origin. They also argued that U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines may also require inclusion of other highly-spoken languages, including Vietnamese, Somali, Swahili and Kurdish.
Capley did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Watson said Capley brought the legislation to him to co-sponsor and deferred to Capley for comment.
Two Maurians Among TSSAA Hall of Fame (MSM)
A couple of notable Maury Countians will be among the TSSAA 2025 Hall of Fame induction class when that group is recognized this spring at Middle Tennessee State University.
Mt. Pleasant native Thomas Ray Frierson, who has officiated at the high school level for more than 50 years, and Columbia native Chip Walters, a longtime voice of high school athletics, will be honored at the April 7 luncheon.
Frierson and Walters join a line of honorees from Maury County that includes former Columbia Central principal and TSSAA Board of Control member Hardy Loyd and ex-Lions basketball coach Lee Clayborne, as well as Central graduate and retired TSSAA executive director Bernard Childress.
“To be recognized with them, and this year with (Frierson) – that’s pretty special,” said Walters, who currently serves as the radio play-by-play voice of Middle Tennessee State football and men’s basketball.
Other Hall of Famers with area ties include former Central football coach Jim Cartwright; longtime sports journalist Marion Wilhoite; ex-Mt. Pleasant basketball coach and administrator W.C. Johnson; and official Bill Marbet.
“We’ve tried to beat the drum for high school athletics, something that still has some purity to it. It’s fun to be a part of,” Walters said.
“Over the last 40 years or so, whether it’s (public address announcer) at Murphy Center or the football stadium, or radio or TV, you try to make it a big deal. This may be the biggest thing that’s happened in that little town, and you want to make it special. It’s validation to some degree that we’ve gone about it the right way.”
Before arriving in his current role at his collegiate alma mater, Walters worked with the sports broadcast team at Vanderbilt and called at the high school level in Murfreesboro, Shelbyville and Columbia.
Frierson has officiated baseball, basketball, football, softball and volleyball, and has transitioned over the past five years or so into a supervisor, assigning and training role. He is a three-time A.F. Bridges Official of the Year honoree and has worked the basketball state finals on four occasions.
“I’m actually overwhelmed,” Frierson said. “God has allowed me to accomplish whatever I’ve accomplished. It’s all to His glory. He was with me every step of the way.
“It’s a humbling experience. I’m honored to have been nominated to join such a group of men and women that have contributed to sports, and I’m happy to have played a part. I just see it as part of my ministry to have served and to be a help and a blessing.”
The Hall of Fame luncheon will begin at 11:00 a.m. on April 7 at the Student Union Building on the MTSU campus. The luncheon is to not only honor the new inductees and their families, but to honor all past inductees into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. Tickets will be available online beginning Feb. 24 on the TSSAA website (tssaa.org). All ticket orders will be available for pick-up on the day of the luncheon and will not be mailed. There will be no ticket sales at the door.
MRMC Great Place to Work Cert (CDH)
Maury Regional Health (MRH) has received Great Place to Work® certification, marking the second year in a row this recognition has been awarded.
Based entirely on direct feedback from employees, this certification highlights MRH’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, supportive and collaborative workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to succeed.
“Our employees are the backbone of Maury Regional Health, and their voices help shape the positive workplace culture that I’m proud to be a part of,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “Achieving Great Place to Work® certification for the second consecutive year is a direct reflection of their engagement, feedback and dedication. By listening to our team and supporting their growth, we ensure that Maury Regional Health is not just a workplace — it’s a community built on collaboration, respect and purpose that keeps us connected to our mission: Clinical excellence. Compassionate care. Every patient. Every day.”
Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation. To become certified, companies must use Great Place to Work’s Trust Index Survey to gauge employee experience and complete a culture brief.
The survey asks questions about employees’ attitudes, perceptions and opinions regarding credibility, fairness, respect, pride and camaraderie. Companies that score 65% or higher achieve Great Place to Work Certification.
In 2025, MRH saw a 7% increase in survey participation and a 6% rise in the Trust Index, illustrating strengthened employee engagement and trust. Survey results highlight that employees feel treated equally and feel physically safe in their work environment. Additionally, employees expressed pride in the ways MRH contributes to the community.
In addition to offering robust professional development opportunities, Maury Regional Health provides one of the most comprehensive and competitive benefits packages in Middle Tennessee, including medical, dental and vision insurance plans; merit-based pay increases; flexible shift options; an on-site daycare center; education assistance for qualifying candidates; access to earned wages before payday; financial counseling and career navigation support; local discounts; and more.
For more information, visit www.mauryregional.com/careers.
In other Maury Regional News, Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) recently announced its board of trustees and advisory board appointments for 2025.
Beverly Horner was reappointed for a second term as chair of the board of trustees. Horner, retired member-in-charge of KraftCPA’s Columbia office, has served on the board of trustees since 2019.
Scott Gaines was reappointed to serve as vice chair for a second term. Gaines is the retired assistant superintendent of instruction for Maury County Public Schools. He has served as a board member since 2004 and as vice chair since 2021.
Dr. Jeffrey Adams, MD, was reappointed to serve a three-year term as a member on the board of trustees. Dr. Adams is an orthopedic surgeon associated with Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance who has been a member of the MRMC medical staff since 1991, having served as chief of staff in 2009.
On the MRMC advisory board, two new members were elected: Dr. Steven Smith, MD, a hospital medicine physician associated with Maury Regional Medical Group, and Chad Williams, the executive vice president of commercial insurance at Sunstar Insurance of Tennessee. They replace Wil Evans and Justin Rhinehardt, who completed two consecutive three-year terms, rotating off the advisory board.
Dr. Smith is a hospital medicine physician with 16 years of experience and is board certified in internal medicine and pediatrics. He joined Maury Regional Medical Group in 2009 and has served in key leadership roles, including hospitalist medical director (2016-2022), chief of medical staff (2018) and member of the medical executive committee (2015-2020). Dr. Smith has been recognized with honors, such as Physician of the Year at Maury Regional Medical Center (2011) and the Spirit of Planetree Award for patient-centered care (2016). He currently serves as medical director of Caris Hospice and is a member of the Society of Hospital Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Smith earned his medical degree from and completed his residency at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He will serve on the Joint Conference Committee, Board of Trustees Physician Recruitment Committee and the Planning and Facilities Committee.
Williams is a risk advisor with more than 25 years of experience in financial services. He currently serves as executive vice president of commercial insurance at Sunstar Insurance Tennessee and is a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM). Williams currently serves on the board of the Columbia State Foundation, is a member and treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Columbia and recently completed a four-year term as board member and treasurer of Maury Alliance. In addition, he served a six-year term as a board member of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee. Williams received a Master of Business Administration in finance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Bachelor of Science in finance from Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville. He will serve on the Finance, Budget and Pension Committee, Joint Conference Committee and the Professional Contracts Committee.
“I am honored to serve alongside such dedicated leaders on Maury Regional Health’s board of trustees and advisory board,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “Our board members are community representatives who are committed to advancing our mission of providing clinically excellent healthcare in environments that promote healing, while also fostering innovation to meet the evolving needs of our region.”
In addition to the board of directors and advisory board, MRMC’s 2025 medical staff officers were also recently announced. Dr. Mark A. Seago, MD, was named chief of staff, while Dr. Nathanael R. Berkley, MD, was named vice chief of staff, Dr. Carrie Marchman, MD, was named secretary/treasurer, with Chad M. Moss, serving as past chief of staff.
Mule Kick 5k Set (Press Release)
Hosted by the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation and presented by First Farmers and Merchants Bank, the annual Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot will take place Saturday, April 5, at Riverwalk Park in Columbia.
Proceeds from the 2025 Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot provide funding for Maury Regional Health’s mobile medical unit, which delivers health care services to at-risk and underserved individuals throughout southern Middle Tennessee by providing basic health screenings, education and resources. A portion of the proceeds from the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot will also support the Foundation’s Wellness and Aquatics Center Healthy Living Endowment and the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. In addition, the Maury County school with the most participation in the event will receive a donation to their P.E. program from the Foundation.
“We’re proud to continue the tradition of the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot, which helps deliver vital health services to individuals and communities in need. Events like this showcase the power of community and the role we all play in ensuring access to quality care,” said Courtney Lewandowski, development specialist at the Foundation. “We look forward to seeing runners, walkers and community members come together for another memorable day.”
On Saturday, April 5, the race will begin at Riverwalk Park in Columbia with an 8 a.m. start time for the 5K and a 9:15 a.m. start time for the 1-Mile Trot. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to participate. Participants may register for the race online at runsignup.com/MuleKick5K.
“Our partnership with the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation reflects our commitment to supporting healthier and stronger communities,” said Brian K. Williams, chairman and CEO of First Farmers. “We are excited to support this event once again, knowing it helps provide essential resources and care for those who need it most.”
In addition to presenting sponsor First Farmers and Merchants Bank, sponsorships ranging from $350 to $2,500 are still available for those who are interested in marketing exposure at this event. For additional information, contact the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation at 931.381.1111, ext. 1012.
To learn more about the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation, the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot or to make a donation to the community health fund, which supports the mobile medical unit, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation.
Tennessee Reconnect (Press Release)
Columbia State Community College will host virtual Tennessee Reconnect information sessions during the months of January and February.
Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship that provides free tuition for adults to attend a community college. The initiative is designed to help adults enter college to gain new skills, advance in the workplace and fulfill lifelong dreams of completing a degree or credential.
“Tennessee Reconnect provides a wonderful opportunity for eligible adult learners to attend Columbia State tuition-free,” said Joni Allison, Columbia State coordinator of Adult Student Services. “We offer multiple information session dates each month to allow easy access for prospective students who would like to begin or return to college.”
To be eligible for Tennessee Reconnect, students must meet the following requirements:
Haven’t earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year.
Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid and be determined as an independent student.
Be admitted to Columbia State and enroll in a degree or certificate program.
Must attend at least part-time (6 credit hours).
To view the full list of steps to apply, or to sign up for an information session, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Reconnect.
February 13 2 – 3 p.m. Virtual
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mrs. Erin Caroline LaCroix Tucker, 46, resident of Culleoka, died Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Culleoka. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 12:00 PM till the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
And now, news from around the state…
Brentwood Makes Wealthiest Suburb (Tennessean)
Personal finance site GOBankingRates has named the fastest-growing wealthy suburbs in the country, including one in Middle Tennessee.
Using data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey and focusing on places with a minimum median household income of $150,000, the report revealed the top fastest-growing wealthy suburbs are all based in Texas — Fulshear, Celina and Propser. California boasts the second-highest number of growing wealthy suburbs, including Dublin, Eastvale and San Ramon.
Brentwood, located in Williamson County, came in at No. 14 behind cities in Maryland and California.
According to GOBankingRates Brentwood experienced an 8% population increase from 2018 to 2023 and scored a livability score of 72. The median income was listed as $184,720 and the average home value was $1,317,389.
The affluent, Nashville-area suburb was also named the No. 2 best place to live in Tennessee in 2024 by Niche, scoring highly for its public school, job, outdoor activity and health and fitness options. Brentwood also scored high marks in housing, crime and safety.
Grants for Rescue Squads (MSM)
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) have announced that applications are now being accepted starting from rescue squads for $3 million in grant funding through the Rescue Squad Grant Program.
In 2022, Gov. Bill Lee and the General Assembly approved the funding of this program for the purchase of lifesaving equipment by Tennessee rescue squads. Grant awards may be used to buy equipment for incident response and to protect the lives of squad members. Through two grant cycles, the program provided $5 million in grants to applicants.
“Fulfilling Gov. Lee’s vision of strengthening Tennessee’s rural communities is a crucial part of our mission to protect Tennesseans and empower professionals,” said Tennessee State Fire Marshal and TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence. “This valuable program will help provide critical resources to Tennessee’s rescue squads so that they might better serve their communities.”
“This program gives the brave men and women who serve on Tennessee’s rescue squads the reliable and effective equipment they need to serve their communities,” said Assistant Commissioner for Fire Prevention Mike Bell.
Eligible rescue squads must have an active registration with the Tennessee Secretary of State and provide a letter stating they are recognized by the local government to provide rescue squad services. There are over 90 rescue squads across Tennessee that provide a range of specialized services including extrication, structural collapse response and swift water rescue.
Applications received during the submission period will be scored internally and submitted to a seven-member committee who will oversee the award selection. The committee is composed of six members from the Tennessee Rescue Squad Association and TDCI’s Assistant Commissioner of Fire Prevention.
The deadline for applications is Friday, Feb. 21 at noon and grant awards will be announced Friday, March 28 at 2 p.m. Applicants with questions about the grant application process should contact Fire Prevention Programs and Policy Director Marybeth Gribble at (615) 574-9437 or marybeth.gribble@tn.gov for more information.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Maury County Parks and Rec hosts a monthly Timber Tots program where children can learn through nature and play! For their March program, Parks and Rec will read “The Gruffalo” and guide participants through a story-themed craft!
Ages: 2+ (Recommended for 2-5 years)
*Parent/Guardian (18+) must be present during program
Date: Thursday, March 20 | 10:00am
Location: Maury County Park | Bridle & Saddle Pavilion
Address: 1018 Maury County Park Dr., Columbia, TN 38401
This is a FREE program, however, attendees are asked to register at www.maurycounty-tn.gov/570/Parks-Recreation.
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