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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for February 7, 2025
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Duck River Gains Stronger Protections (TNLookout and WKOM)
Tennessee regulators will strengthen permit requirements for utilities that withdraw water from the Duck River, according to settlement agreements announced Tuesday.
Conservation groups have been pushing for protections for the river — which hosts the largest variety of living organisms of any freshwater river in North America — for years.
The Duck River provides water to an estimated 250,000 Tennesseans. Eight utilities sought to increase their daily water withdrawal from the river to a combined 73 million gallons per day as the Middle Tennessee region grows. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) and other conservation groups warned this withdrawal increase and extreme drought conditions put the health of the river and its inhabitants at risk.
The Tennessee Wildlife Federation, represented by SELC, appealed three permits issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). New settlements with the department and each of the utilities set goals limiting the amount of water allowed to leak from utility systems and require the utilities to follow an updated drought management plan approved by the department.
The state will also work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to research the river’s flow using the Corps’ analysis software. Data collected from this research will inform updates to the Duck River Regional Drought Management Plan, according to the settlements.
The settlements apply to permits granted to the Bedford County Utility District, the Duck River Utility Commission and Columbia Power and Water Systems.
“Throughout this process, we’ve heard from farmers, anglers, and local business owners who cherish the Duck River and recognize that the river deserves our stewardship and protection,” said George Nolan, the SELC Tennessee office director, in a news release. “This settlement gets us closer to ensuring that this one-of-a-kind natural treasure can be used and enjoyed for generations to come, and we will continue to work with stakeholders and state leaders to protect this iconic river.”
TDEC will update the drought plan alongside the Duck River Development Agency, which is responsible for drought management on the river. Their work will include evaluating flow levels to trigger voluntary and mandatory conservation measures, enforcement, and aquatic life protection, among other things.
TDEC also agreed to publish daily withdrawal data from each utility every month.
Each utility will also develop a plan to promote water conservation.
Utility permit changes are still subject to public notice and comment procedures before implementation.
The settlements follow Gov. Bill Lee’s November executive order protecting the Duck River. The order created a 19-member Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership to identify ways to manage drought, reduce water loss, preserve habitats, and engage with the communities and industries that use the river.
Officials expect the Lee administration to bring budget requests to the Tennessee General Assembly this session to fund the creation of a statewide water conservation plan.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture also awarded $20 million to the Duck River Watershed Society in October to support stream restoration in the Duck River.
“Over the coming years, we have a critical opportunity to implement planning and protections that will secure the Duck’s health and future,”said Mike Butler, CEO of Tennessee Wildlife Federation, in the news release. “We must act now to avoid a larger crisis when these permits are up for renewal. Collaboration among all stakeholders is key to conserving this national treasure.”
In other Duck River news…on Wednesday, Rep. Chris Todd, a Republican from District 73 in Madison County introduced a bill that removes the two-mile buffer between Class II scenic rivers and new and expanded landfill sites. During heated debates that drew hundreds of citizens from Maury and other river Counties to the capitol last year, Governor Bill Lee signed an executive order making the Duck River in Maury County a Class II scenic river in response to Star Hill, LLC’s attempts at building a landfill on former Monsanto Land.
Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt called House Bill 0895 “egregious” and has urged State Representative Scott Cepicky, Kip Capley and Senator Joey Hensley to defend Governor Lee’s Executive Order 108 protecting the Duck River and the security of the drinking water of over 250,000 citizens. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Adam Lowe, a Republican from District 1 representing Bradley, Meigs, McMinn, and Rhea Counties. Overnight, Mayor Butt was informed by an source in the senate that the bill would not be run in the Senate, however, she encourages the public to stay vigilent.
Spring Hill Officer of the Year Named (MauryCountySource)
At the Knights of Columbus banquet in Columbia, TN, the Spring Hill Police Department honored Officer Sawyer Greene with the “Officer of the Year” award. Officer Greene works for the SHPD Traffic Enforcement Unit.
In 2024, Officer Greene conducted over 400 traffic stops, which resulted in 49 DUI arrests. Officer Greene began his career with the Columbia Police Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Officer Greene also serves as a field training officer, mentoring newly hired police recruits. He is a DUI instructor for the department where he teaches officers procedures for investigating DUI cases. Officer Greene dedicates himself to keeping our roads safe.
Spring Hill Woman Qualifies for Special Olympics (WilliamsonHerald)
When she hits it big – hopefully playing professional hockey – Madisun “Madi” Rosier a soon-to-be Special Olympian from Spring Hill plans to build a house with two ice-skating rinks. One for hockey. The other for figure skating.
“You figure skate too?” her interviewer asked.
“No,” Madi shrugged. “But lots of other people do.”
Her mom, Tina Caligiuri, laughed.
“That’s Madi. All heart and grace," she said. "She wants everyone to be included. I tell you, she’s a walking lesson in love for all of us.”
A lifelong hockey fan, Madi begged her mom to try ice skating in 2016. The Nashville Predators had set up a mini rink outside of Bridgestone Arena.
“She clung to the sides for all of two seconds before taking off skating. She didn’t even fall once,” Caligiuri said.
That was all it took for the now-23-year-old to be hooked. She plays hockey each week with the Bellevue Women’s Hockey League as a member of The Partons, named for Dolly Parton. Her dream is to play for Team USA Hockey and to be featured in USA Hockey Magazine.
Madi began skating at Special Olympics Tennessee’s State Winter Games each year in Gatlinburg. She had only been on the ice three times when she qualified for speed skating in the World Games.
“I was shocked,” her mom said. “I knew she was a natural, but she was so new when we found out she qualified.”
“I have good balance,” Madi said.
In March, Madi is headed to Turin, Italy, to compete in the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Of more than 1,500 athletes from 103 countries, she’s the only female athlete representing Special Olympics Tennessee.
When the official invitation arrived, Caligiuri went to work searching for a local speed-skating coach.
“It was a total God thing,” Caligiuri said. “Madi’s special needs hockey league closed during COVID, so I found a coach out in Bellevue who fell in love with Madi. I reached out to him the second I got the email saying she’d been selected to try out for [Special Olympics] USA, and he said, I know exactly the coach you need to talk to.”
He recommended Jacki Munzel, a national and international figure skating medalist and instructor.
Caligiuri was worried when she didn’t hear back from Munzel right away, but when the phone finally rang, Munzel was emotional.
“Jacki said she was stunned when she got my message,” Caligiuri said. “She had just told her daughter that her heart’s desire had always been to work in some way with the Olympics. So when I said SpecialOlympics, she was shocked. Totally God.”
Munzel, who has taught skating and power skating for more than 35 years, donates her time each week to work with Madi. Ice time is also donated by the Gary Force Acura Ice Arena in Nolensville.
Last August, coach Munzel made another dream come true for Madi: practice with the team that started it all – her beloved Nashville Predators. At the Centennial Sportsplex, Madi trained with members of the team, including her very favorite players, Roman Josi and Phillip Forsberg.
Madi has since successfully completed training camp and has received all her gear for the upcoming World Winter Games. Special Olympics provides all gear, uniforms and travel costs free of charge for all athletes.
However, athletes’ support families must fund their own travel, so Madi is selling friendship bracelets to help get her mom to Italy. Friends have also set up a GoFundMe to help Caligiuri, a single mom, travel with her daughter in March.
Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin will be held March 8-15. For more information, please visit www.specialolympicstn.org and www.turin2025.org.
Mt. Pleasant Celebrates Clean Audit (MSM)
At its January meeting, the Mount Pleasant City Commission heard and celebrated the exemplary results of its annual financial audit, which were presented by City Financial Director Shiphrah Cox.
“Y’all are going to like what you hear,” said Mayor Bill White before Director Cox spoke. “We are at [a] 5.02 debt-service ratio. In the real world, 1.25 is the gold number… There are entities that would kill for that [rating].“
Cox explained that years’ worth of smart borrowing practices, like thorough record-keeping and maintaining cash reserves, had kept Mt. Pleasant on a strong financial footing.
“When a grant says, ‘We need you to match 20%,’ they want to sometimes see that you have that 20% sitting in the bank,” she explained. “We are a good investment for banks… for bonds, and for USDA as well, because they know we’ll make that payment. [And] we do get lower [interest] rates because of that rating [and] our books.”
Mayor White credited Cox, City Manager Philip Grooms and many other people with years of work to get to this point.
“This did not happen overnight. This has taken us a number of years,” he told the Commission.
The Commission approved the audit results so they could be sent to the state comptroller’s office. 2024 was the city’s first and only audit by Putnam & Hancock, who decided to get out of the business of municipal taxes because of increasing regulation.
City Attorney Kori Jones, prompted by Cox’s report that all property taxes should come into the city treasury in February, also asked everyone present to tell any friends and relatives with delinquent tax returns to submit them, before 2023 returns get handed over to the chancery court in March and the 2022 returns get sold to debt collectors. Once they’re in the legal process, she warned, people will start to feel the long arm of the law.
“You would be surprised how many people actually wait a full year to pay,” she said.
UT Hosts Equine Field Day in Spring Hill (MSM)
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is planning three in-person field days focused on horse management. Presentations and hands-on educational materials will be of interest for equine owners of all experience levels and useful for all breeds, ages, and types of equids.
Presentations will be provided by faculty from the UT Department of Animal Science, UT Extension and the UT College of Veterinary Medicine. The topics this year will focus on nutrition, reproduction, social license to operate and more. Trending topics in the equine industry will also be discussed with a Q-and-A session.
“There is something for everyone at these events and they are a great opportunity to learn applicable information for equine owners,” says Jennie Ivey, associate professor and equine Extension specialist. “Improving management through best practices is a key component of the Horse Management Field Days.”
One field day will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 5 p.m. CST – Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, 1000 Main Entrance Drive, Spring Hill
The event will include dinner and is open to the public. All ages are welcome to attend.
On-site registration is permitted for $20 per person.
Events will be held indoors and outdoors, weather permitting.
Contact Sawyer Main at smain@tennessee.edu or (865) 974-7294 for questions or for group pricing information.
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.
Night of Hope (Press Release)
The Well Outreach is pleased to present their 2025 "Night of Hope" on February 22nd, 2025 at Worldwide Stages featuring Christian Contemporary Artists, We The Kingdom! It's going to be an evening full of inspiring live music, worship, and hope - plus, your ticket helps feed local families in need.
What's Included:
- Your ticket feeds a family of four with groceries for a week
- VIP/Meet & Greet opportunities (with upgraded ticket)
- Small bites and tastings before the show
- A live auction to support The Well Outreach’s cause
- A powerful concert and worship experience with We The Kingdom
This event raises important funding for the rest of the year so that The Well can meet the needs of thousands of families coming to their food pantry with food insecurities. This is more than just a concert - it's a night to come together in faith and make a tangible impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Tickets are still available, including limited seats to a special meet-and-greet with We The Kingdom plus tickets by the seat or table.
For more information on the work and mission of the Well Outreach, please visit their website: thewelloutreach.org
Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery Exhibit (Press Release)
Visit Columbia State Community College’s Pryor Art Gallery for their new exhibition, “Admiral Radio: Echoes of the Past,” supported in party by Columbia Antique Marketplace.
Step back in time and discover the fascinating history of radios, from the sleek Art Deco designs of the 1930s to today’s digital devices. This exhibition highlights how radios shaped communication, culture and technology across decades.
Explore iconic radios, vintage ads, and more—each piece tells a unique story of its era. Don’t miss this visual journey through sound, history, and innovation now through February 13!
Pryor Art Gallery hours:
Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This exhibit will coincide with the February 13 concert featuring Admiral Radio!
Inspired by their 1941 wooden Admiral radio, and an inspiration to Columbia State to design their Admiral Radio exhibition in the gallery, this South Carolina-based husband and wife duo creates an Americana sound rooted in tradition that touches the heartstrings of the modern-day listener.
The concert will take place at Cherry Theater in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus on Thurs., Feb. 13 @ 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 (includes all fees).
Learn more by visiting www.columbiastate.edu/pryor-gallery.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mr. Brett Stuart Wilson, 42, son of the late Jean Wilson and the late Reverend Thomas Wilson, died Saturday, February 1st at Maury Regional Medical Center. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, February 8th at 1:00 PM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Inurnment will follow at St. John’s Churchyard at Ashwood. The family will visit with friends from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
Mrs. Sharon Gail Hedrick Hulshof, 69, a resident of Lewisburg, died Wednesday, February 5, at her residence. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 8 at 10:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will be at Lone Oak Cemetery in Lewisburg. The family will visit with friends Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
Mr. William House Dale, Jr., 76, lifelong resident of Columbia and local attorney, died Wednesday, January 29 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, February 9 at 2:00 PM at Columbia First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Saturday, February 8 from 3:00 PM till 6:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home followed by a celebration of life reception at the nearby Mulehouse.
Mrs. Denise Pantall Hooten, 67, retired from General Motors and a resident of Columbia, died Wednesday, February 5 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, February 10 at 10:30 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
Mrs. Mary Carolyn Fraser Delk, 89, resident of Columbia, died Wednesday, February 5 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, February 11 at 10:30 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Delk Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Monday February 10 from 4:00 PM till 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
And now, news from around the state…
Tennessee Suffering from Flu (Tennessean)
Flu season is in full swing and the Volunteer State is feeling its full effects.
Multiple school districts in East Tennessee were closed for multiple days this week due to the high prevalence of illness. Claiborne County Schools, Blount County Schools, Union County Schools and more canceled classes.
The trend of closures continues across the state. Five school districts were closed in Middle Tennessee due to illness and two more school districts closed or scheduled a remote learning day in Chattanooga.
Currently, Tennessee has one of the highest rates of flu activity in the nation, according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
The CDC considers flu activity in the Volunteer State to be "very high," the highest classification level. Other states with very high flu activity were Louisiana, South Carolina, New Jersey, Massachusetts and New Hampshire as of Jan. 25.
Gas Prices (MSM)
Tennessee gas prices fell four cents, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.76 which is eight cents more expensive than one month ago, but two cents cheaper than one year ago.
“Pump prices moved in a much more favorable direction for drivers over last week,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Barring any major shifts in crude oil pricing, it’s likely that drivers will continue to see fluctuations in pump pricing. If crude oil prices hold steady at current levels, it’s possible that we could see those fluctuations continue in a better direction for drivers.”
Tennessee is fifth least-expensive state in nation for gas prices.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Valentine's Day may be a week away, but it's never too soon to have an evening of romance and dance with your sweety.
This is especially when it's set to the tune of some swinging big band jazz music.
The Memorial Building, 308 W. 7th St., will play host to a Big Band Valentines Dance featuring The Merchants of Cool from 7-9 p.m. Saturday.
Admission is $15 per person, which includes free dance lessons, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
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