Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 3-10-25

Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee Today on Front Porch Radio, your hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty newsroom. Today is Monday, March 10, and we start as always with local news.

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited

We start with local news…

Tennessee UAW Workers Ratify Historic Union Contract with GM Joint Venture (Auto Body News)

Nearly 1,000 members of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 1853 have voted to ratify their first local agreement with Ultium Cells, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, marking a major milestone in the growing push for unionization in electric vehicle (EV) battery production.

The agreement builds on the national contract that Ultium workers secured as a key victory of the 2023 Stand Up Strike, ensuring that employees manufacturing EV batteries receive wages, health care and job protections comparable to their counterparts in traditional auto manufacturing.

“When we voted to join UAW, I knew it would be a big deal. Now, I don’t have to worry about losing my job out of nowhere or going broke from a medical emergency,” said Derrick Kinzer, a worker at the Spring Hill, TN, plant and bargaining team member.

The contract establishes a new standard for battery plant workers, a sector that is rapidly expanding alongside the automotive industry’s transition to electric vehicles.

“We now have our healthcare costs covered, just like General Motors workers,” said Barry Hope, another bargaining team member. “My benefits are guaranteed in writing, ensuring financial security for my family and access to necessary care when we need it most.”

UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith called on other major automakers, including Volkswagen, to follow suit.

“Building EV batteries is just as risky as working with combustion engines, and these workers deserve the best wages, health care and safety protections as they have in the Big Three,” Smith said. “Ultium workers stood strong and won their fight. Now it’s time for Volkswagen -- an even bigger, richer company -- to quit dragging its feet and do right by its workers in Chattanooga with fair pay and fully paid health insurance.”

The ratification comes amid a wave of unionization efforts in the South, with more than 5,000 autoworkers in Tennessee joining the UAW in the past year.

“Ultium workers are setting the bar for Southern workers and charting a brighter future,” Smith said. “From Georgia to Kentucky to Texas, folks in these new EV plants know they deserve fair pay and benefits, just like union workers before them. And you can bet the UAW is going to stand with them to make sure they get their fair share and a collective voice on the job.

Ultium Cells raises funds for UNCF (Release)

Ultium Cells announced that its manufacturing plants in Spring Hill and Warren, Ohio, successfully raised $7,758 to support the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) during Black History Month.

Throughout the month of February, employees at the two plants organized and participated in events designed to raise awareness and financial support for UNCF’s mission to provide scholarships, fellowships and other programs that help students of color achieve their academic and career goals.

"Supporting organizations like the UNCF is an important part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment at Ultium Cells," said Chris Nelson, Area Manager of Ultium Cells. "We’re incredibly proud of our employees' dedication to making a meaningful impact during Black History Month and beyond. We are excited to continue supporting educational opportunities for underrepresented students."

The funds raised will go directly to the UNCF, which plays a vital role in supporting higher education opportunities for students of color, helping them to succeed in college and beyond. The UNCF is the nation’s largest and most effective minority higher education assistance organization. For more information on the UNCF and its programs, visit UNCF.org.

Columbia Power & Water Systems offering help with online portal signup (MSM)

Columbia Power & Water Systems is offering customers in-person assistance with signing up for the company’s new SmartHub online portal during three sessions during March.

Sessions will be held on March 12, 19 and 26 at the CPWS Service Center, located at 201 Pickens Lane in Columbia. Customers must make an appointment ahead of time and can do so by calling (931) 375-7795.

Jonathan Hardin, President & CEO of CPWS, said, “We are pleased to be able to offer our customers one-on-one assistance signing up for our new customer portal SmartHub.”

Sessions are for residential customers only and to make a reservation, your name must be on the account. Customers must bring their photo ID and account number (located on your CPWS bill) with them on the day of the appointment.

Customers registering must do so by noon Monday for that week’s session and must have an email address that can be accessed to verify registration during the appointment. CPWS recommends using an email account on your mobile device that can be accessed.

Those who want assistance with setting up Autopay can also do so at these sessions, provided they have their payment information available with them.

CPWS staff will not be able to look up account information, take payments or answer billing questions at these appointments.

Accessing the SmartHub portal is necessary to set up Variable Billing for customers, which has replaced its previous Budget Billing policy. According to CPWS, Variable Billing averages your last 12 months of bills, each month, and helps your bill be more consistent month-to-month.

To sign up for Variable Billing, customers can login to their SmartHub account, select Variable Billing from the Bill & Pay menu, and enroll or call CPWS Customer Service. Customers with an outstanding bill will need to pay that bill prior to enrolling in Variable Billing.

Mother organizes walk to memorialize, get justice for her son (MSM)

Tameca Patton organized the third Prayer Walk for Justice for Deveric on Saturday, March 1, leading from one of her rented billboards, by Ted Houston Auto Sales on Carmack, to the other, located by Kittrell's Kars.

The billboards demand justice for her son, Deveric Renfro, who was killed in her house in 2020, by unknown attackers who then set the house on fire to cover their tracks. Patton believes that at least one of the killers is currently in prison for unrelated crimes, but that there may be others.

The billboards, Patton told Main Street Maury, are meant partly to propel the case towards its resolution.

"There [have] not been any new results of my son's case that [have] been relayed to me... since last year," she said. "I want to make... Deveric's case... a top priority to law enforcement."

Patton also wants to remind the town of the true horror of violent crime.

"I also wanted to send a message to the community: 'Don’t be silent, speak up and speak out!'" she said. "To the children and parents in our community, 'Put them guns on the ground!'"

But most of all, the billboards maintain Deveric's memory.

"I... want these billboards to be a reminder that Deveric's life mattered, and that we as citizens in our community need to speak up and speak out when tragedy happens in our community," Patton declared. "I want to make sure that we keep the memory of my son alive... I'm never giving up!"

The case is still open and anyone with information is urged to come forward, by calling the Columbia Police Criminal Divisions Department at (931) 560-1670, (931) 388-2727 or (931) 215-5030. In addition, Patton is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone with viable information to the case that can bring the person/persons to justice, leading to a conviction and a closed case.

Calling all folks interested in agriculture in southern Middle Tennessee (MSM)

A new lunch event has been scheduled for March 19, 2025, in Pulaski for those interested in agriculture in Middle Tennessee’s southern counties.

“We are not exactly sure what to call it or how to describe it,” said Rob Holland, director of the University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture. Holland is among the meeting planners. “It is a lunchtime gathering designed partly as an agricultural reunion group as well as an educational, informative and a networking event all rolled into one.”

Keith Carver, UT Institute of Agriculture senior vice chancellor and senior vice president will be the featured speaker for the inaugural luncheon.

The luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the Giles County Agri-Park, 2030 Elkton Pike, in Pulaski.

“There are various agriculture clubs in other communities and regions of the state where folks interested in supporting Tennessee agriculture connect each month and have a brief program focused on agriculture. We are modeling this gathering after those clubs,” said Lettie McCord with the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, one of the event’s hosts.

“We have planned this event for March 19 to coincide with National Ag Week and National Ag Day, which is the day prior,” added Dan Strasser, McCord’s colleague at the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation and another member of the planning team. “This luncheon is just another way to highlight agriculture, celebrate farmers and recognize the value of collaboration within the agriculture industry in southern middle Tennessee,” Strasser said.

Scott Lewis with Farm Credit Mid-America and another member of the planning team, said, “The event targets anyone interested in agriculture – primarily, current and retired farmers, current and former agricultural leaders, current and former Extension workers, rural leaders and anyone interested in connecting with and advancing Tennessee agriculture.”

For those who pre-register by noon on March 17, there will be no cost to attend. Pre-registration is possible online at forms.office.com/r/xNqjCY2A0E or by calling the UT Extension Giles County office no later than noon on March 17 at (931) 363-3523.

“Attendance at this first event is important because we plan to survey the attendees to see if there is interest in the group continuing to gather on a regular basis,” said Boyd Barker with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Barker is another member of the event planning team.

For additional information, reach out to Holland at rwholland@utk.edu.

Maury Democrats to reorganize at convention (Release)

The Maury County Democratic Party (MCDP) will hold its biennial reorganization convention on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

The state and county party bylaws require this convention to be held in odd years, and the purpose of the convention is to allow all Democratic voters to select county party officers and executive committee members. The MCDP will also discuss and vote upon minor changes to the county party bylaws that are being recommended by the Tennessee Democratic Party’s leadership.

The convention will be held at the Maury County Senior Citizen Center, located at 1020 Maury County Park Drive, in Columbia. Doors will be opened at 10 a.m., and attendees must arrive before the doors close at 11 a.m. to vote. A meeting of the newly elected county party executive committee will be held after the convention.

To participate in the convention, a person must be registered to vote in Maury County and must be a bona fide member of the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party does not charge dues.

All voters who usually cast ballots in Presidential or August (state/local) Democratic Party primaries are deemed to be bona fide members of the Democratic Party. Voters who did not vote in last year’s primaries (including young people and new residents who were not yet eligible to vote) are also allowed to participate in this year’s convention if they sign a form stating that they agree to support the Democratic Party’s values and candidates.

MCDP Chair James Dallas said, “We aim to have a fun and inclusive convention. If you are upset with the direction of our county, state and country, this is an opportunity to stand up and help lead the fight. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the Democratic Party, and we need you now more than ever.”

To register for the convention or to declare your candidacy for a party officer position, go to the online registration form at maurydems.org/register2025. More information about the event will also be posted on the MCDP website, maurydems.org, and the MCDP’s Facebook page.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…John "John Boy" Luther Wright, 62, retired owner and operator of Wright’s Plumbing, and former lifelong resident of Columbia, died Thursday, March 7, 2025 at Keestone of Lawrenceburg.

Graveside services will be conducted Monday, March 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Neapolis Cemetery with Ronnie Vann officiating. The family will visit with friends Monday, March 10, 2025 from 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

The family suggest memorials may be made to Neapolis Cemetery c/o Steve Parks 3060 Valley Creek Road Culleoka, TN 38451. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Shirley Elnora Chandler Wills, 84, wife of Gene Wills, and resident of Columbia, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at her residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, March 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home with Charles Buck Sisk officiating. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 4:00 PM till 8:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home.

Rosetta Edwards Thomas, age 90, longtime former resident of Columbia, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Adams Place Rehab Care in Murfreesboro.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 12:30 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home with Andrew Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 10:00 AM till 12:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home.

And now news from around the state:

Measles outbreak in the United States: What Tennessee residents need to know (Release)

A recent outbreak of measles has been reported in the United States, with confirmed cases reported in several states, including Texas, New Mexico and, more recently, Kentucky. Maury Regional Health would like to make residents aware of the symptoms, treatment and preventative measures you can take for measles.

“While we have not yet seen confirmed cases of measles in Tennessee, it is essential that we remain proactive and informed,” said Maury Regional Health Chief Medical Officer Christina Lannom, DO. “Making sure that your vaccinations are up to date is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones. We encourage residents to stay vigilant, learn the symptoms and reach out to their health care providers promptly if they suspect exposure.”

Measles (Rubeola) is an acute, highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can remain active in the air or on a surface for up to two hours. Common complications include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, brain swelling and in severe cases, death.

Anyone — regardless of age — may get the disease. Those most at risk are unvaccinated individuals, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically appear seven to 18 days after exposure. These symptoms include:

• High fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Red, watery eyes

• Small white spots (Koplik’s spots) inside the mouth

A red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

These symptoms can last from one to two weeks. An infected person can spread measles from up to four days before the rash starts and up to four days after the rash appears.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Care focuses on relieving symptoms, such as fever and itching, with medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and cold compresses.

Vaccination is the most effective prevention method. The measles, mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and provides lasting immunity. Vaccines are often available at local pediatric clinics, health departments and pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines.

If you or someone in your household are experiencing symptoms, it’s encouraged that you contact your health care provider before visiting to prevent spreading the virus. Stay isolated and avoid public spaces and limit contact with others until cleared by a health care professional. Call 911 or go to an Emergency Room if you or someone in your household has a fever higher than 101.4 degrees Fahrenheit, trouble breathing, a severe headache or confusion and clumsiness.

WHAT Tennesseans Need to Know before the May 7 REAL ID Implementation Deadline (Release)

To ensure that residents can fly domestically and access certain federal facilities without any disruptions, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) is urging individuals to prepare for the new requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, which will take effect on May 7, 2025.

Beginning May 7, Tennessee driver licenses and identification cards that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted to enter certain federal buildings, military bases, nuclear power plants, or board commercial flights within the United States.

Tennesseans can apply for a REAL ID before or after the May 7 implementation date. If you are not planning to travel in the near future, you may choose to wait to get a REAL ID. If you think you might need a REAL ID to travel, TDOSHS encourages you to apply for your new credential well before your planned trip. Getting the hard copy of your new ID in the mail can take up to 20 business days.

Obtaining a REAL ID is optional. Non-REAL ID licenses will continue to be accepted for general identification purposes such as driving, purchasing alcohol or tobacco products, applying for federal benefits, voting, or accessing hospitals, post offices, banks, federal courts, etc.

After the REAL ID implementation, Tennesseans who choose not to get a REAL ID may use a valid passport or other federally issued photo ID to fly domestically. For the complete list of acceptable IDs, visit the Transportation Security Administration's website, tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

Last year, TDOSHS began issuing new driver licenses and ID cards with a fresh design and improved security features. New REAL ID compliant credentials feature a black circle with a star in the top right corner. Legacy REAL ID compliant credentials have a gold circle with a star in the top right corner. The new and legacy versions of REAL ID both comply with the REAL ID Act and are valid until their expiration date.

To apply for a REAL ID, customers must bring proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of their Social Security Number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. If your name has changed, you must also bring certified legal documents supporting the name change(s). This could include marriage licenses, divorce decrees, etc. All documents must be original or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted.

To ensure you’re bringing the correct documents, TDOSHS encourages you to have your REAL ID required documents pre-approved online. Pre-approved documents can save you in-person processing time at the Driver Services Center and may eliminate repeat trips. A complete list of accepted documents and the pre-approval portal are available at tnrealid.gov.

Federal law requires REAL ID applications to be made in person. If you already have a Tennessee driver license or ID, you can apply for a REAL ID at one of the 46 Driver Services Centers or 38 participating County Clerk offices across the state. If you do not have a Tennessee Driver License or ID, you must apply for a REAL ID at a Driver Services Center. To find a Driver Services Center or participating County Clerk, go to tnrealid.gov.

Tennesseans can save time at the Driver Services Center by scheduling an appointment for a REAL ID. To meet demand, TDOSHS added 1,432 additional REAL ID-specific appointment slots per day at Driver Services Centers across the state. Tennesseans can schedule an appointment at tnrealid.gov.

If you are getting a Tennessee license for the first time or it is time to renew your license, the cost to get a REAL ID is $28.00. If you get a REAL ID outside of your renewal period, there is a duplication fee of $8 or $12, depending on your license classification.

Most credentials, including REAL ID, renew on an eight-year cycle. The cost to renew a REAL ID is the same as the non-REAL ID version of that credential. Tennesseans with a valid REAL ID do not need to present documents to renew it.

For more information about Tennessee REAL ID, visit tnrealid.gov.

TWRA Introduction To Turkey Hunting Class (Release)

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is offering an Introduction to Turkey Hunting Class at the John Sevier Hunter Education Center in Knoxville from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

The course will equip attendees with basic knowledge and skills to help them harvest a bearded turkey this spring. Topics to be covered include turkey history, identification, basic biology, scouting, locating gobblers, gear, strategies, calling, and more. Attendees will also get the opportunity to learn and practice calling with experienced turkey hunters.

Attendees are also invited to bring one shotgun for patterning onsite following the classroom session. Target load ammunition will be provided, or participants may bring their own.

The course is free for hunters possessing a current Tennessee Small Game Hunting and Fishing Combination License and an additional Big Game Gun Hunting license. Lifetime or Sportsman licenses are also valid for the event. Attendees without an active license will need to purchase a daily range permit (Type 222) for March 22, 2025. The range permit may also be purchased onsite on the day of the event, but attendees should plan to arrive early to complete the transaction before the class begins. Licenses and range permits are also available for purchase online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com

Event Address:

John Sevier Hunter Education Center

2327 Rifle Range Road

Knoxville, TN 37918

Spring turkey season opens April 5-6 for the Young Sportsman (ages 6-16) hunt and for all ages April 12 -May 25, 2025. The bag limit is two bearded turkeys per season, only one may be a jake; no more than one bearded bird per day. Adult gobbler must have at least one of the following: a beard longer than six inches, tail feathers are all the same length, wing feathers have white barring all the way to the tip, and a spur that is at least 1/2 inch long. All hens, including bearded hens, are illegal to harvest.

For more information about the event, contact TWRA Public Information Officer Matt Cameron at 423-522-2473 or Matthew.Cameron@tn.gov

Grazie Italian Eatery to Open in The Factory at Columbia (Maury County Source)

A new Italian restaurant called Grazie Italian Eatery is set to open in The Factory at Columbia.

The Factory at Columbia shared on social media, “Exciting Announcement! Grazie Italian Eatery is Coming to The Factory at Columbia!”

It continued, “Get ready, Columbia – something delicious is on the way! We’re beyond excited to announce the upcoming opening of Grazie, an Italian eatery that will soon be serving up mouthwatering dishes! Located inside The Factory at Columbia, Grazie will offer Italian flavors in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Stay tuned for their grand opening – we can’t wait to share a taste of Italy with you.”

The restaurant has a website with only the message “Coming Soon.”

We don’t have an open date at this time, so keep checking here for more updates. The restaurant is hiring; those interested in employment should apply online.