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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for February 21, 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 Threatens Wetlands on Duck Opposed (CDH)
Yet another bill at the state house concerning the Duck River’s preservation is making environmental groups wary.
The Duck River is Tennessee’s longest river and the most biodiverse freshwater river in North America. It also serves as the primary water source for roughly a quarter million residents in fast-growing Middle Tennessee.
Environmentalists and advocates have fought for stronger protections for the waterway for years: through court battles, water utility permit appeals and legislative action. Gov. Bill Lee raised the Duck to a level of statewide concern in fall 2024 with an executive order shaping a new advisory committee to balance the river’s health with increasing water needs.
It’s not clear whether the bills’ sponsors intend to pursue their passage this legislative session, and the bills may still be amended.
Collierville Republican Rep. Kevin Vaughan is back this session with another version of his 2024 bill seeking to roll back protections on hundreds of thousands of acres of wetlands.
Vaughan’s original bill faced staunch opposition from environmental advocates and was ultimately sent to a legislative summer study session. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) presented its report to the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee with recommendations for wetlands regulation updates in October.
Vaughan’s 2025 bill appears to be substantially the same as his 2024 proposal. It would prevent TDEC from classifying property as a wetland unless that property is defined as a wetland by federal law. A Supreme Court decision in 2023 constricted the number of federally protected wetlands, cutting out wetlands that are “isolated,” or do not have surface connections to other federally protected bodies of water.
Vaughan did not respond to requests for comment, but said in 2024 that his bill would have no impact on “real wetlands,” only small areas created by tractors or livestock. Those, he said, should not be subjected to cumbersome regulations requiring developers to seek permits and complete mitigation efforts to build on or disturb wetlands.
George Nolan, director of the Southern Environmental Law Center’s Tennessee office, said the legislation would have a far broader reach.
“That bill, if it passed, would remove all state-level protections for more than 300,000 acres of wetlands,” Nolan told the Lookout. “That would have tremendous impact, because wetlands help keep us all safe and healthy.”
Wetlands slow down and soak up flood water — Nolan said an acre of wetlands can hold more than a million gallons of water — and they filter water as it moves into the groundwater system to replenish aquifers that provide drinking water. Wetlands also serve as ecologically diverse habitats.
The Harpeth Conservancy, working with data from mapping data firm Skytec, estimates there are roughly 16,000 geographically isolated wetlands that could lose protection along the Duck River. Around 80% of those wetlands take up less than one acre. A little more than half are a quarter acre or less.
“In Middle Tennessee, a hot spot for wetlands is in the upper reaches of the Duck River watershed. The Duck River depends on the groundwater system to recharge that water body,” Nolan said. “If we destroy wetlands in the upper Duck River watershed, we are going to hurt the river during times of drought.”
The Duck River runs through the middle of Hickman County in Dickson Republican Rep. Jody Barrett’s district. His constituents are passionate about protecting the river’s natural resources and beauty.
Barrett is a real estate attorney and said he understands what Vaughan may be trying to do from a development standpoint, but Barrett still has concerns about the bill. He draws a comparison to a blank canvas. Twenty or 30 dots on that canvas may not look like much, but make it 20,000 to 30,000, and “it starts filling in pretty quickly.”
“That’s what I would fear from this bill,” Barrett said. “Yes, on its face, it may seem innocuous — that we’re only affecting a really small piece of ground — but when you do that multiple times across the entire state, then eventually that’s going to really start having an impact.”
Barrett’s district doesn’t have the type of development that Vaughan’s bill might be trying to address, but his constituents recognize that, eventually, growth will reach Hickman County. He’s concerned that upstream decisions — including potential destruction of wetlands — could have negative effects for downstream counties like Hickman.
“If we’re going to start touching these wetlands, which act as filters and catch basins that slow that rage of water down, what measures are we requiring to be put in their place to make sure that downstream counties, populations and farmers are still being protected,” Barrett asked.
Commissioner Tours Spring Hill Water Plan (MSM)
City of Spring Hill officials welcomed Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation Commissioner David
Salyers to town on Wednesday, Feb. 12, for a meet-and-greet, along with a tour of the Spring Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Commissioner Salyers’ visit comes as the City of Spring Hill pushes forward with plans for an Advanced Purification Pilot Project. TDEC gave clearance to the pilot in August of last year.
The overall Advanced Purification Project plan outlines how Spring Hill will maximize its fair share of water from the Duck River through extensive treatment processes at an expanded Wastewater Treatment Plant and accompanying reservoir. City officials gave Salyers and his team a first-hand look at those proposed sites Wednesday.
“Being able to have these one-on-one meetings with our state officials and show them the specific challenges we face along with our proposed solutions is crucial to projects of this magnitude,” Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman said. “We are grateful Commissioner Salyers and his team could make the trip to our community, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.”
“The City of Spring Hill has experienced rapid growth over the past several years. I appreciate that Mayor Hagaman and city leaders have developed a thoughtful plan to balance the growth of the community with protecting its natural resources,” Salyers said. “This is a great example of how Tennessee can continue to grow and prosper while conserving our state’s outdoor heritage. I thank the mayor for inviting us today and for his continued partnership on this project.”
Construction of the Advanced Purification Pilot Project is scheduled to begin later this year. Further updates regarding construction timelines will be posted on the City of Spring Hill website and social media channels.
City Approves Whataburger (MSM)
On Wednesday night, Feb. 12, the Columbia Planning Commission approved plans for a Whataburger on James Campbell Boulevard.
City Planner Austin Brass explained that it would be built in the central plot on the site of the old Sloan Ford dealership and would feature a segment of the sidewalk the city has wanted to build along James Campbell for a long time. Mayor Chaz Molder asked only that developers make sure the sign wasn’t taller than regulation, and claimed that the city wanted to be mostly hands-off about the development.
“The thought on this body was that we could give staff some greater… ability to make things a little more business-friendly instead of having to come for approval here,” Molder said. “So I think this is a good example of [that idea] at work.”
Spring Hill Candidate Events (MSM)
The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce will continue its pursuit of an informed electorate in 2025 with two candidate events featuring those running for seats on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
Each election cycle, the chamber focuses on the hyperlocal candidates to Spring Hill, which executive director Rebecca Melton says is vital to the process.
“These events provide a critical platform for our residents to connect with local candidates and gain insight into their policies and leadership styles,” she said. “We encourage all community members and business leaders to participate in these discussions to make informed choices in the upcoming election.”
The first of the two events will be held during the chamber’s monthly business luncheon event. This month’s luncheon will be on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 11:15 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the UAW Hall in Spring Hill. This structured forum will feature Spring Hill’s mayoral and alderman candidates, moderated by Jeff Graves of the COPA Committee. Attendees will gain insights into the candidates’ priorities and leadership visions while enjoying a networking luncheon.
Another opportunity for citizens to speak with candidates will be a public forum held on March 18 at Community Baptist Church on Port Royal Road. The event will begin at 6 p.m. This public forum offers a more intimate setting where community members can ask direct questions and hear unfiltered responses from the candidates. It is a valuable opportunity for voters to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of Spring Hill.
The forum is free and open to the public, but registration is required for the luncheon event with limited seating available. For additional information on each candidate, visit the chamber’s Spring Hill Election Central website.
The election will be held April 10, 2025, with early voting from March 21 until April 5. The last day to register to vote is March 11, 2025.
Candidates include: Mayor: Jim Hagaman (incumbent), Matt Fitterer, John Canepari and Rick J. McCreadie; Alderman Ward 1: Teri Mai and Alex Jimenez; Alderman Ward 2: Greg Groninger, Jaimee Davis, William Pomeroy (incumbent) and Scott Wernert; Alderman Ward 3: Erinn Hartwell and Diane Cochran; Alderman Ward 4: Trent Linville (incumbent) and Kimberly Hughes
Columbia State Performance Series (Press Release)
Columbia State Community College welcomes Ryan and Ryan to the Cherry Theater on March 13 as part of the Performance Series sponsored by First Farmers and Merchants Bank.
Ryan and Ryan are a dynamic father-son piano duo that draws upon classic and contemporary music to create enthralling concert experiences. Their expertise in classical, jazz, ragtime and funk allows them to create exciting new music and give fresh interpretations of old.
As a performing team, Donald and Barron amaze audiences with their skill, expressiveness, and love of making music. Ryan and Ryan are a proven hit with audiences of all generations. Their inventiveness, infectiousness, skill and general joy of life make for irresistibly engaging performances. To sum it up, they make music that inspires.
“Join us for a heartfelt tribute to Gershwin as we welcome Ryan and Ryan to the beautiful Cherry Theater!” said Tammy Rosson, Columbia State director of events and alumni relations. “This talented father-son duo will bring timeless melodies to life on two grand pianos — a first for the Performance Series. Reserve your seats today for this compelling performance sharing the joy of music across generations.”
Tickets for each performance are priced at $35 and include all fees. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ColumbiaState.edu/PerformanceSeries. Individuals may also contact the Performance Series ticket line at 931.540.2879, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On performance nights, the box office opens at 6 p.m. in the Kenneth and Ramona Cherry Theater, located in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and all shows begin at 7 p.m. The Columbia Campus is located at 1665 Hampshire Pike in Columbia.
For more information, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/PerformanceSeries.
Art Sale to Benefit Boys and Girls Clubs (Press Release)
"The Golden Gallery" art auction will be held at the Columbia Factory on Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Small pictures will be for sale, as well as larger paintings and silent auction items provided by local artist and author Rosalind Golden Saline.
Saline is the author of "The Art of My Soul" and a self taught artist that uses oil, water color to create images that inspire her.
"I always had a vision of walking in the room and seeing all my art, and I get more joy in giving than receiving money. The joy is when I can make someone smile. I feel a gift given should be given away," Saline said.
Speakers, entertainment, music and representatives from the Boys and Girls Club will also be present.
All of the proceeds will go to the Boys & Girls Club of South Central Tennessee which includes Pulaski, Columbia, Lawrenceburg and Lewisburg.
Purchases aren’t required, but donations are appreciated.
For questions, please contact Rosalind Golden Saline at rozsaline@gmail.com.
City to Honor Morgan Family at Mid-State Classic (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is excited to honor the local Morgan family during this year’s Midstate Classic Collegiate Softball Tournament on March 18, 2025. Willie Morgan, former City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Director, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, while his granddaughter, Saviya Morgan, a 2024 graduate of Columbia Central High School, will take the field as a standout player for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols in an NCAA matchup against Eastern Kentucky University.
Mayor Chaz Molder shared his pride in the Morgan family, stating, “Willie Morgan was a trailblazer in our community, not just in the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Columbia which he served as Director, but also across the entire spectrum of the City of Columbia. He is a towering figure in many respects, not just his height, but in his presence, his demeanor and his contributions to his city. I can’t think of a better nod to Mr. Morgan than to throw the first pitch at the Mid-State Classic, where his highly touted granddaughter, one of the best ever softball players to ever play in Columbia, will be in the starting line-up for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols. This is a nod to Mr. Morgan, to his family, and to everyone who believed in Saviya Morgan every step of the way.”
Willie Morgan, who dedicated 40 years to shaping Columbia’s parks and youth programs, will proudly watch as Saviya, ranked #10 in the Extra Elite 100 National Rankings, takes the field for the UT Lady Vols. Saviya, who holds multiple school records, including the state record for stolen bases (75), most runs scored in a season (66), and a career-high 222 hits, is a 2024 graduate of Columbia Central High School. Her achievements mirror the same commitment to excellence and community that her grandfather displayed through his work expanding Fairview Park, building new ball fields, and developing the Armory Recreation Center—all of which continue to positively impact Columbia’s youth.
The Midstate Classic, hosted by the City of Columbia at the Ridley Sports Complex, marks its tenth year celebrating both athletic achievement and community spirit. The tournament will feature three exciting matchups: the Columbia Central Lions vs. the Spring Hill Raiders at 10:00 AM, the Columbia State Lady Chargers vs. the Calhoun Community College Warhawks at 1:30 PM, and the UT Lady Vols vs. the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at 5:30 PM, with both teams coming off impressive 40-win seasons last year.
This year’s Midstate Classic offers a full day of competitive softball and historic moments, including the Morgan family’s spotlight on the field. Gates open at 7:30 AM, with general admission tickets available for $10, providing access to all three games. Complimentary ADA transportation will be available throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased online at ColumbiaTN.gov.
Join the City of Columbia and fans from across the state as we celebrate a legacy of athletic excellence and community pride at the Midstate Classic!
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Richard “Rick” Jenkins, 76, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025, after battling cancer for several years.
The memorial service will be Sunday, February 23rd at Pleasant Heights Baptist Church. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 until 3:00 with the service to follow.
Roy Henry Mitchell, 93, resident of Culleoka, died Sunday, February 16, 2025, at his residence.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, February 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Culleoka with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Monday, February 24, 2025 from 12:00 PM until the service time at the funeral home.
Donald Lentz “Gator” Galbreath, passed away on February 17, 2025, at the age of 87.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 4:00 PM till 7:00 PM with a Masonic Service to follow at 7:00 PM, and on Sunday from 1:00 PM till the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
And now, news from around the state…
TVA Electricity Pricing for Data Centers (Tennessean)
The Tennessee Valley Authority is developing a separate electricity rate class for data centers, which use huge amounts of power to process data for artificial intelligence platforms.
The federal utility's Board of Directors asked managers last November to explore options for putting data centers in their own electricity price category after several major tech companies, including Elon Musk's xAI, opened large-scale data centers in the Tennessee Valley.
Data centers are distinct from other large industrial customers that buy electricity from TVA and its local utilities because they often use more power while creating fewer jobs, making them less attractive for TVA's economic development work.
TVA used to recruit companies building data centers, but stopped giving economic incentive grants to the projects in 2023, including cryptocurrency mining facilities.
The vast majority of data centers in the Tennessee Valley are not direct customers of TVA, but buy power from local utilities, including xAI. Two companies – CC Metals & Alloys and Core Scientific – buy electricity directly from TVA to power data mining operations.
Large-scale data centers, called "hyperscalers," can use more than 100 megawatts of electricity.
The TVA board approved a power agreement in November to supply xAI's Memphis data center, anchored by a massive supercomputer named Colossus, with 150 megawatts of electricity through Memphis Light, Gas and Water. By the estimate TVA uses, that's enough to power nearly 90,000 homes.
"Before three or four years ago, it was rare to have a customer come on the system who was asking for more than 25 megawatts," TVA CEO Jeff Lyash told Knox News. "Now, we have businesses like data centers that can come on at 300 megawatts and decide three months from now they want to grow 300 megawatts more."
TVA works to maintain rates that are equitable for the diverse kinds of customers it serves, and data centers will have to pay their fair share, Lyash said.
"They should pay the cost of their service, and you shouldn't," Lyash said.
After a six-month period of talking to companies running data centers and other TVA customers, the utility's managers will bring a proposal for a new rate class before the board at its May meeting in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
You never know what you'll find at a good yard sale, but it's even better when it benefits the kids.
Columbia Kiwanis will host its 21st annual Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at The Memorial Building, 308 W. 7th St.
The Kiwanis Yard Sale is not only an opportunity to shop but a time to get a jumpstart on some spring cleaning. Proceeds from the event will benefit Maury County Imagination Library.
Bring your old TV, clothes, furniture, electronics and more, with drop off times between 1-4 p.m. Friday.
For more information, contact Dwaine Beck at (931) 334-3870 or Jan McKeel at (931) 446-4845.
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