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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for February 14, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Hit and Run (MauryCountySource)
The SHPD is investigating a hit and run in a driveway at a residence in the Hardin’s Landing neighborhood off Duplex Rd. The Jeep, an image of which can be viewed on the Maury County Source website, pulled into the driveway and as they were backing, struck a vehicle.
The Jeep appears to be a dark-colored four-door with a front license plate of “CO-OP”.
This incident occurred on February 5th. If you can identify the owner of this vehicle, please contact Officer Thomas Gray at tgray@springhilltn.org or submit an anonymous tip at www.springhilltn.org/formcenter.
Controversial River Bill Decried by Local Government (MSM)
Leaders on the Maury County Commission and Columbia City Council spoke out last week against Tennessee House Bill 895 (Senate Bill 725), which proposes to delete the parts of the Scenic River Protections Act that currently ban a landfill Trinity Business Group wanted to dig next to the Duck River.
The bill would add a clause to the end of Tennessee Code § 11-13-101 that would prevent the Scenic designation (passed after Trinity bought the land intending to dig the landfill) from nullifying pre-existing property rights, and delete the portions of several other Tennessee Codes (§ 11-13-111, § 68-211-118, § 68-212-120, and § 68-211-223) that outlaw landfills and permits within two miles of Scenic rivers.
“[It] would, in my opinion, gut the substantive protections of the Scenic River Act.,” Mayor Chaz Molder of Columbia said in a Facebook statement. “This legislation is also contrary to the Governor’s recent Executive Order which included specific protections for the Duck River. It is my hope the Governor will… oppose this legislation as well.”
“This bill was written to undermine the hard work and protections that we… have put in place to continue to protect one of our greatest natural resources,” said Commissioner Gabe Howard, “not only here in Maury County but in North America. The Duck River matters to us and we must stand for it and protect it!”
“I have contacted our two state representatives and Sen. Hensley and am certain they will adamantly oppose this Legislation, which is in direct conflict with Gov. Lee’s recent Executive Order 108,” stated County Mayor Sheila Butt. “I will also be asking the Maury County Commission and each of our municipalities to pass resolutions against the legislation.”
The bill was introduced in the state House as HB0895 by Chris Todd (R-Madison County), chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, and in the Senate as SB0725 by J. Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), second vice chair of the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
Based on her contacts inside the state legislature, Butt said she believes people generally recognize that the proposal is a bad idea. At its next session the Maury County Commission will vote on resolution 02.25, which would state the Commission’s opposition to the state bill, and Butt encourages other local governing bodies to pass similar public statements.
“[N]o Scenic Class II river should have a landfill within two miles,” she stated. “There are many other locations in Tennessee for landfills. Legislators and investors should be seeking those out instead of spending millions of dollars and energy trying to change our laws.”
Grant Will Help Keep People and Pets Together (Press Release)
Friends of Williamson County Animal Center has been awarded $50,000 to launch a canine behavior training class designed to divert the surrender of family dogs in Cheatham, Maury and Williamson Counties. Multiple statistical resources show that shelters and rescues across the U.S. are experiencing over-crowdedness and increased length of stay due to insufficient adoption rates. As such, these organizations are increasingly investing in resources that keep animals out of their care to begin with.
According to Williams County Animal Center (SCAC) Director, Ondrea Johnson, “Nearly one-quarter of the dogs brought to us in 2023 for surrender that had an explanation of why, were due to behavioral or other issues that may have been resolved with proper training.” Johnson surmised that the vast majority of those who surrender their pets do not truly want to.
The PEDIGREE foundation recently announced that it has awarded more the $1.2 million in grants throughout 2024, including its annual grants, collaborative grants and disaster relief grants. These grants were awarded to 96 animal shelters and rescue organizations across the U.S. and Canada, helping more than 77,000 dogs.
Maury County Animal Shelter is open to the public every day, 12:00pm until 6:00pm; Saturday and Sunday until 5:00pm. The shelter is located at 1233 Mapleash Ave in Columbia. Learn more at www.friendsofmcas.com.
Columbia State Professor Becomes Fellow (Press Release)
Columbia State Community College Veterinary Technology instructor Savannah “Brie” Pruitt was recently recognized as a fellow of the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE).
Ms. Pruitt is a member of the 2024 inaugural class of fellows. The designation recognizes dedication and expertise as a veterinary technician educator, active professional society involvement, and mentorship of future technicians. Brie is one of only 50 veterinary technology educators across the U.S. and Canada to have received the fellow designation.
“Professional societies bestow the ‘fellow’ distinction on individuals who make extraordinary contributions to the discipline,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “Ms. Pruitt demonstrates to students the importance of staying passionate and continuously learning new things!”
Candidates for fellows’ designation must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited veterinary technology or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program and document at least five years of professional experience.
AVTE Fellows represent a commitment to leadership and innovation in educating the next generation of veterinary technicians.
“I am truly honored to be recognized by my peers as an AVTE Fellow,” said Pruitt, a veterinarian technology instructor. “This recognition gives support to the Veterinary Technician program as a whole ¾ reinforcing the level of commitment, professionalism and passion that is required of this field. I look forward to continuing to educate, mentor, promote and lead future groups of veterinary technicians.”
Spring Hill BOMA Discuss Water Co-op (MSM)
The Spring Hill Board of Mayor & Aldermen gave its blessing toward a proposed water project that would partner five different agencies in an effort to find a solution for Maury County’s ongoing water issues.
Board members agreed at their Feb. 3 meeting to fund its part of a feasibility study for a water pipeline from the Mallory Valley Utility District in Williamson County into Maury, that would serve Spring Hill, Columbia Power & Water Systems, Maury County Water Systems and Mount Pleasant by tapping the Cumberland River.
Mount Pleasant and the county utility would split the remaining share. By 2075 the planned pipeline could draw up to 50 million gallons per day from the Cumberland, giving Spring Hill the option to claim more than 17 million gallons daily.
“Everybody is very interested in trying to bring this project to fruition,” Assistant City Administrator Dan Allen said, noting that he had held discussions recently with Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt. “We’re very early in the process.”
Allen presented two payment options for the proposed partnership. One would have Spring Hill and CPWS pay 34.3 percent each with the remainder split between Maury County and Mount Pleasant. The other had Spring Hill and CPWS footing the entire cost of the feasibility study with no contribution from the other two.
Allen said with Spring Hill and CPWS being full members of the Duck River Agency, splitting the cost evenly might allow for some reimbursement down the line.
The ultimate cost of a pipeline remains to be seen, but Allen estimated it would be over a billion dollars, calling it “a significant regional effort.”
The BOMA approved the first cost-sharing option at 34.3 percent, which has been estimated at between $130,000 to $140,000.
In the work session portion of the meeting, BOMA members discussed a potential application for funding through the state’s Revolving Loan Fund for sewer and water projects.
Providing sewer service on the east side of I-65 in Williamson County was one of the potential projects such an application could be used for, Allen said, along with creating a stormwater management plan.
“We’ve dealt with a number of issues over the last few years related to flood plain modeling. We’ve had a lot of projects come in or already approved,” Allen said.
Allen said a resolution would be brought forward at the BOMA’s Feb. 18 meeting to authorize application for the loan program.
Thai Restaurant Opens in Columbia (CDH)
Downtown Columbia's rich assortment of restaurants has gotten a little spicier, bringing the tastes and culture from the far East to the Southeast at Khao-Wan Thai Kitchen, 926 S. Main St.
The family-owned Thai eatery, which opened in October of last year at the former Chuckwagon Grille has already brought new life, and loyal patrons, to the space.
From its traditional Thai menu featuring recipes passed down from owner and chef Nui Kirten's family to the jungle-theme decorative dining area fit for sharing a meal with friends and loved ones, the new eatery's cuisine might originate from far away but feels right at home in a Tennessee small town.
"We've been packed since our first day, and we want to bring a lot of the feeling back," Nui Kirten said of the repurposed restaurant. "We love being in Columbia, and having a staff that's all new, and we love seeing new people every day."
Kirten and her husband, Tim Kirten, opened Khao-Wan Thai Kitchen in October after operating a restaurant in Washington for five years, though the family's home has been in Alaska where Tim Kirten works in the oil fields.
Arriving in the U.S. in 2006, Nui Kirten initially pursued a career in massage therapy but hit a few roadblocks when it came to finding steady employment once arriving in the lower 48.
"I used to do massage therapy in Alaska, but when we moved to Washington State, they would not accept my credentials," Nui Kirten said. "So, I said, 'Ok, food is what I know how to do. I'm good at it and I love it.' I love the kitchen, love the heat, the spice and I love talking with the customers that we have, and a lot of our first customers have been to Thailand and know about Thai food."
Cooking, she said, has been a beloved tradition in her family, namely her mother, whom she said never used a recipe.
"I cooked with my mom my whole life ever since I was little," Nui Kirten said. "She was a good cook, would do massive events like weddings for thousands of people, and people would order from her all the time. I just follow her in the kitchen every day, and there were a lot of things that she liked to cook."
And much like her mother, Nui Kirten picked up her skills not by traditional instruction, but by watching and listening as her mother would measure out each ingredient by memory.
"I'd just automatically absorbed it," Nui Kirten said. "And I learned it by rhythm."
This family tradition was later turned into a business, which Nui Kirten said is a way to bring her homeland's culture to American taste buds, but to honor her mother's memory now that she has passed on.
"It's funny, when we go back to Thailand, some of those same vendors are still there from when she was little with her mother," Tim said. "It's pretty neat."
Khao-Wan Thai Kitchen's menu features an assortment of traditional items, such as the Thai Beef and Tom Yum soup, Thailand's national dish.
"It's a lot like street food in Thailand, and we don't want to do anything fancy, anything with any upscale decorations, or what they call fusion nowadays," Nui said. "I want to keep it simple, like our pad kra pow, which you can find on any street. We sell a lot of curry here, and every pot is made fresh without pre-making anything."
Using coconut milk-base and Thai chilis, as well as some ingredients imported straight from Thailand, Nui Kirten said she wants her dishes to remain as authentic as possible.
"I ship khao soi peas from Thailand for khao soi soup, which if people go to Northern Thailand, they will have that," Nui said. "Not many places serve khao soi at Thai restaurants, but we have it here, and I make my own curry paste."
As a centerpiece of Thai food culture, Thai chilis are often synonymous with spiciness, which can be enjoyed from levels 1-10, with 10 being the absolute spiciest.
However, the spiciness shouldn't be a deterrent for those wishing for a more relaxed, flavorful dining experience.
"Not everything is spicy, because sometimes when people think of Thai food they think spice," Nui Kirten said. "But we can make it spicy if they want the real Thai spice."
Khao-Wan Thai Kitchen's spring rolls are another specialty, and that's because each one is carefully handcrafted and made fresh every day.
"I'll be here sometimes between 10 p.m. and midnight wrapping about 400 spring rolls a week by hand, because I don't like the ones you can buy," Nui Kirten said. "They're easy, but they do not taste good. So, I make my own."
And for anyone wishing to enjoy their meal from home, there are also to-go and Door Dash options available.
After revitalizing a once-beloved downtown Columbia space, the Kirtens have their sights set on building the business even more during its first year.
The Chuckwagon's stage remains intact at the front of the restaurant, which Nui Kirten said she wants to utilize for live music, performance art and special events.
"We are planning to do something for the Thai New Year, which falls on a Saturday," Nui Kirten said. "We can offer buffet style along with some live music, maybe some traditional dance and we would dress traditional. People can see that the Thai New Year is all about family and is also known as the Water Festival. It's the hottest time of year in Thailand, and people will go out on the streets handing out water, trying to keep each other wet. It's really wild."
In the meantime, Nui Kirten hopes to continue meeting more customers every day, while enjoying the privilege of bringing a part of home to their lunch or dinner table. This will also mean a need to hire more servers, as well as possibly adding another chef.
But it has to be a chef who understands the right approach, because after all, Nui's mother never used a recipe and neither does she. That's what makes it authentic, because like a good meal it comes from the heart and with passion, not a simple list of ingredients.
"I'm looking for someone who can substitute for me cooking, which for one would give me a break, but with Thai food there are so many components in one," Nui Kirten said. "It has to be precisely right, otherwise your taste is off. It's because I don't have measurements for everything I do, and nothing is written down. It could take time, but if somebody loves to cook it won't be so hard."
Khao-Wan Thai Kitchen's business hours are 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To place an order, call (931) 223-5162.
State Eggs and Issues (Press Release)
Please join us at the Maury County Memorial Building, located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia on February 21st for the Annual State Eggs & Issues event, hosted by Maury Alliance and Breakfast Rotary, where you'll have the unique opportunity to hear our state legislators share their legislative priorities for 2025.
This year's event includes an engaging panel discussion with Senator Dr. Joey Hensley, Representative Scott Cepicky, and Representative Kip Capley. Followed by a Q&A. To submit a question or topic in advance for consideration, please email cdavis@mauryalliance.com by February 14th.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
John Ryan "JR" Massey, 20, died unexpectedly Tuesday, February 11, 2025 in Marshall County from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM at South Gate Church of Christ. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday, February 14, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at South Gate Church of Christ. Online condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.
And now, news from around the state…
Top Tennessee Colleges Ranked (Tennessean)
A mix of public and private universities topped this year's Niche rankings for four-year schools in Tennessee, while Tennessee College of Applied Technology campuses dominated the two-year schools and programs.
Niche, a Pittsburgh-based organization, relies on public data from the schools, along with reviews from students and parents. This year it also applied an "economic mobility index" that tracks economic status changes among low-income students. Niche then produces rankings, along with letter grades, for schools nationwide. The rankings compare more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the country.
Here are the top 20 2-year schools:
#1: Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Murfreesboro, A (Murfreesboro, public)
#2: Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Elizabethton, A- (Elizabethton, public)
#3: Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Shelbyville, A- (Shelbyville, public)
#4: Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Crossville, A- (Crossville, public)
#5: Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Dickson, B+ (Dickson, public)
#6: Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Hohenwald, B (Hohenwald, public)
#7: Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Knoxville, B (Knoxville, public)
#8: Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Morristown, B (Morristown, public)
#9: Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Livingston, B (Livingston, public)
#10: Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Nashville, B- (Nashville, public)
#11: Dyersburg State Community College, B- (Dyersburg, public)
#12: Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Jackson, B- (Jackson, public)
#13: Chattanooga State Community College, B- (Chattanooga, public)
#14: Roane State Community College, B- (Harriman, public)
#15: Jackson State Community College, B- (Jackson, public)
#16: Cleveland State Community College, C+ (Cleveland, public)
#17: Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis, C+ (Memphis, public)
#18: Columbia State Community College, C+ (Columbia, public)
#19: Walters State Community College, C+ (Morristown, public)
#20: Volunteer State Community College, C+ (Gallatin, public)
And the top 20 4-year colleges and universities are:
#1: Vanderbilt University, A+ (Nashville, private)
#2: Union University, A- (Jackson, private)
#3: Lipscomb University, A- (Nashville, private)
#4: University of Tennessee, A- (Knoxville, public)
#5: Rhodes College, B+ (Memphis, private)
#6: Sewanee - University of the South, B+ (Sewanee, private)
#7: Tennessee Technological University, B+ (Cookeville, public)
#8: University of Memphis, B+ (Memphis, public)
#9: East Tennessee State University, B+ (Johnson City, public)
#10: Lincoln Memorial University, B+ (Harrogate, private)
#11: Lee University, B+ (Cleveland, private)
#12: University of Tennessee at Martin, B+ (Martin, public)
#13: Middle Tennessee State University, B (Murfreesboro, public)
#14: Johnson University, B (Knoxville, private)
#15: Milligan University, B (Milligan, private)
#16: Southern Adventist University, B (Collegedale, private)
#17: South College - Knoxville, B (Knoxville, private)
#18: Tennessee Wesleyan University, B (Athens, private)
#19: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, B (Chattanooga, public)
#20: Maryville College, B (Maryville, private)
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Visit the James K. Polk Home & Museum, 301 W. 7th St., this weekend for a festive and historical lesson in Oval Office romance.
Starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, the Polk Home will host Presidential Love letters, which will include wine and chocolate tasting.
"Presidential love letters are a classic, enduring, and sometimes scandalous," the event's description reads.
Each president featured will include love letters with their own pairing tasting.
This is an adult-only event for couples ages 21-and-up and will last approximately one hour.
Tickets are $37 and extremely limited. For more information, call (931) 388-2354.
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