WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for February 25, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Henry Horton Park Plans Lodge (MSM)
Tennessee State Parks officials are excited about improvements coming to Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill, including a new 76-room lodge, enhanced park entrance, accessibility updates across the park and improvements to river access points.
Construction of the new park amenities will follow a master plan concept for the park that keeps the Duck River centerstage for visitor experiences. The upgrades will include the demolition of older structures, including the former restaurant building, current lodge and swimming pool.
Construction activities will be phased to limit impacts to visitors and the existing lodge will remain open until the new lodge is ready to welcome guests.
“We are extraordinarily grateful for the leadership of Gov. Bill Lee and the generosity of the General Assembly for investing in Henry Horton State Park and the Chapel Hill community. The replacement lodge is continuing the trajectory of recent improvements to the Visitor Center and restaurant as well as multiple recreation amenities,” said Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “Henry Horton is a special place, and this progress will ensure that the park continues to serve the community and visitors.”
“We always want our visitors to be able to enjoy the park as much as possible, and we can’t wait to see these new features,” said park manager Shaun Rainone. “We will keep the community informed while work is underway and will provide updates on the project’s progress.”
The new, state-of-the-art lodge will maximize views of the park with indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Other amenities include meeting venues, guest rooms and suites, a breakfast/evening social area, gift shop and a pool for lodge guests.
Henry Horton State Park was opened in the 1960s on the estate of Henry Horton, former governor of Tennessee. The park is on the shores of the scenic Duck River.
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
CSCC Art Exhibition (Press Release)
A new art exhibit has just opened at the Pryor Art Gallery at Columbia State Community College. Altered Pieces: The Art of the Late Clifford Gordon will be on display from now until March 14th.
Mr. Gordon was an associate professor of art at Columbia State Community College from 2008 until 2024. While on a study trip with students on the coast of Brazil, Professor Gordon was struck by a wave and swept away. His body was recovered a few days later. No students were seriously injured in the accident.
Mr. Clifford was also a talented artist and had numerous exhibitions throughout the state. Clifford was known for producing amazing works of collage and painting to draw the viewer into a world informed by various ideas, traditions and modern discourses. In addition, Clifford traveled to Brazil many summers and taught himself how to speak Portuguese.
Clifford held an Associate of Science degree in art from Chattanooga State Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in art from Tennessee State University, and a Master of Fine Art degree in studio art from the Memphis College of Art.
This exhibit may be viewed during the gallery’s open hours which are Monday-Thursday 8am-7pm and Friday 8am-4pm.
Columbia 101 (Press Release)
The City of Columbia is excited to announce the return of Columbia 101, an interactive program designed to connect residents with local government and community services. Following a successful inaugural session in the Fall of 2024, Columbia 101 is now accepting applications for its second installment taking place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 and Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
Columbia 101 is constructed to educate and engage participants in the workings of local government by offering a behind-the-scenes look at city operations. Over two consecutive days, participants will start each morning at City Hall before engaging with all 12 city departments and touring select municipal facilities, such as the Police and Public Works Departments.
“Columbia 101 is about fostering an informed and engaged community,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “We want to provide residents with a deeper understanding of how their city operates and the many ways they can contribute to its success.
The enthusiasm and participation we saw in the first session were inspiring, and I look forward to seeing even more citizens take part in this unique experience.”
A Fall 2024 participant shared their experience, saying, “Columbia 101 allowed for an in-depth look into what keeps Columbia thriving. Seeing the faces, meeting the people, and visiting the facilities behind those processes helped me see how I can be a better citizen and how important it is to work together as a member of the Columbia team.”
Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, March 14th at 4:00 PM. The program is open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents and is held twice per year. There is a $25 program fee for all accepted applicants, which covers program costs, including food and transportation.
City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the program’s importance, stating, “Providing opportunities for residents to engage with their local government is a priority for the City of Columbia. Columbia 101 is an excellent way for citizens to gain firsthand knowledge about city services and become more involved in their community.”
Lexi Dearborn, Program Director, added, “We are eager to bring Columbia 101 back for another session and build on the excitement from the Fall. This program is a fantastic way for residents to connect, learn, and take an active role in shaping Columbia’s future.”
Columbia 101 applications are available at www.ColumbiaTN.gov or at the reception desk on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
Follow the City of Columbia on Facebook and Instagram at “CityofColumbiaTN” for updates. For questions, please contact Lexi Dearborn at LDearborn@ColumbiaTN.gov.
Farm City Breakfast (Press Release)
The Maury Alliance Agribusiness Committee invites you to the annual Farm City Breakfast honoring the agriculture and agribusiness industry of Maury County.
This year's Farm City Breakfast will be held on Friday, March 28th, at the Ridley 4-H Center. The breakfast line opens at 6:45 am with the program beginning at 7:00 am and concluding by 8:30 am.
The Keynote Speaker is Mr. Andy Holt, Deputy Commissioner, TN Department of Agriculture. This year’s honoree is the Fox Farm of Santa Fe as a Century Farm.
There is no charge to attend the breakfast, however we will be collecting donations during the event for our 2025 Farm City Scholarship Memorial Fund. This year scholarships will be given in memory of Sam Whiteside.
Scholarships are currently available for Maury County Seniors pursuing degrees in an Agriculture related field of study. The deadline to apply is March 14th. Please share this application with anyone you know who may qualify!
Learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com/
Sobriety Checkpoint (Press Release)
In compliance with a Tennessee Supreme Court ruling for all law enforcement to notify the public of when and where a roadblock will be held, the Tennessee Highway Patrol is advising all motorists of the following upcoming checkpoints. The courts require proof roadblocks are conducted in the best interest of overall public safety and THP’s checkpoint times and locations are strategically selected through crash and crime data collection to maximize their overall effectiveness and efficiency.
The next sobriety checkpoint will take place on February 28, 2025, at 10 pm on State Route 50 East .2 miles east of the 19 mile marker in Maury County.
Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists. The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and an effective tool in the battle against impaired driving.
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.
Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)
The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.
Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.
Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.
Any Maury County Resident can use this office.
All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.
Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mr. Hueston Gene Marshall, 84, of Columbia, passed away February 19 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends from 4:00 PM until the service time. Burial will be conducted February 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Moss Church of Christ Cemetery in Celina, Tennessee.
Mr. James Wayne Malugin, 76, retired employee of L & N Railroad and lifelong resident of Columbia, died Thursday, February 20 at his residence. Services are incomplete at this time, and will be announced later by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors.
Donald Fred McTaggart, 61, passed away on Friday 21st.Visitation will be held Thursday, February 27th from 12pm-2pm at the West Point Cumberland Presbyterian church located at 1533 Theta Pike, Columbia, TN 38401. The funeral service will begin at 2pm at the same location, with burial following immediately after at the church cemetery.
And now, news from around the state…
Titans Stadium Will Host Major Events (Tennessean)
Nashville's new Nissan Stadium is set to host an impressive lineup of premier sporting and entertainment events, potentially headlined by the Super Bowl, after the NFL home opens in 2027.
From the Super Bowl, which could come as soon as 2029, and College Football Playoffs to WrestleMania, the new Nissan Stadium will open up a world of new possibilities for Nashville to host major nationwide events, Titans Senior Vice President Dan Werly said Friday at a Trevecca Association for Business and Leadership event.
"It's my opinion that all those events are going to be coming to Nashville within the next 10 years, kind of staggered over that time period," Werly said. "That's really exciting. That drives a ton of impact to the community, but it's also just, I think, something that's going to be really fun for us all to be able to take advantage of."
A few years back, when the new stadium was in its earlier planning stages, WWE leaders confirmed to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. that they would hold WrestleMania in Nashville in 2027 if the new, enclosed stadium was built in time.
During his speech at Trevecca Nazarene University Friday, Werly superstitiously knocked on wood and said that the stadium is currently on track to meet that deadline with an opening tentatively set for spring 2027.
"We tried really hard to get the building done for the '26 football season, and ultimately, construction schedules wouldn't allow it, but we're excited to be able to open and have a full event season before football begins," he said.
As far as the Super Bowl goes, the NFL already awarded its bids for football's biggest night through 2028 to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
"We're hoping to get one as soon as we can after that," Werly said. "At the end of the day, that's something that is up to the league."
When Nashville hosted the 2019 NFL Draft, it was an undeniable success with what was then a record-breaking 600,000 people in attendance. Werly called the 2019 Draft a "game-changer moment" in how the NFL views Nashville. Speculation started swirling six years ago about whether Music City could handle the Super Bowl, and once the new stadium is complete, the answer is likely a yes.
"We're continuing to have discussions with them about when that might be," Werly said.
The innovation going into the new Nissan Stadium means that it will be home to plenty of firsts.
For example, it will be the first stadium in the U.S. with "fully frictionless concessions," meaning there will be no checkout counters or lines to wait in. Customers will simply swipe their credit or debit cards to get into the concessions area, grab what they want and walk out.
"That's one of our big problems today. We have some fans that wait in line for 25 minutes or something depending on what they want to get, and that crushes my soul, to be honest with you," Werly said. "Our goal is no lines anywhere in the building."
That includes the bathrooms. The new stadium will contain nearly twice the number of bathroom stalls as are in the current stadium.
Werly also said Nissan will be the first stadium to contain a 12,000-square-foot community space inside. There, community partners will be able to host 365 days of programming from educational events for kids to business conferences.
The Titans estimate the economic impact of the new Nissan Stadium to be massive.
From the development and construction of the building alone, reports project $3 billion in total impact, 19,063 jobs created and $78 million in local and state tax revenues.
Beyond the stadium's completion in 2027, the estimated total economic impact through 2051 is $33.7 billion, 4,927 jobs created and $3.8 billion in local and state tax revenues.
State Parks Matter (WilliamsonHerald)
Tennessee State Parks have an economic impact of $1.9 billion in the state and support employment of 13,587 people, according to an analysis by a leading economic consulting firm.
Based on figures from fiscal year 2024, the report by Impact DataSource says the parks created $550 million in annual household income for Tennessee families. Because of the strong performance, state parks generated $111.8 million in state taxes and $22.1 million in local tax revenue. Overall, Tennessee State Parks account for $1.1 billion of Tennessee’s gross domestic product.
“Tennessee continues to invest in a conservation strategy for our state’s future, and Tennessee State Parks are a cornerstone of our efforts,” Gov. Bill Lee said. “Tennessee’s natural beauty and rich resources drive tourism and our economy, particularly in rural areas, and we welcome Tennesseans and visitors alike to enjoy all that the Volunteer State’s great outdoors have to offer.”
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Vince Gill, the 22-time Grammy winner and highly acclaimed musician, songwriter, vocalist, and producer, announced he will embark on a 30-plus-city summer tour, beginning May 8 and wrapping in August with four nights in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium (August 8 & 9 and August 15 & 16). There is much anticipation, as this summer’s tour will see Gill return to some cities where he has not performed with his band in many years.
Gill has spent most of the last eight years as a touring member of the Eagles. The iconic band is currently in the middle of a lengthy run, performing before sellout crowds at Sphere in Las Vegas.
For ticket information check www.vincegill.com. Tickets on sale February 28.
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