Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 3-20-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for March 20, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Spring Hill Early Voting to Begin (WilliamsonScene)

Early voting in the Spring Hill municipal election begins this week on March 21.

Residents can cast their votes early at the Spring Hill Community Senior Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. during weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday. Early voting ends on Saturday, April 5 and election day is the following Thursday, April 10. Voters can head to the polls on election day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at their voting precinct, which an be found at web.go-vote-tn.elections.tn.gov.

In this election, Spring Hill citizens will choose their next mayor from four candidates: John Canepari, Matt Fitterer, Jim Hagaman or Rick McCreadie. Hagaman is the incumbent mayor while Canepari and Fitterer both hold alderman seats that are not currently up for election. If they are not selected by voters to be the next mayor, they will continue to serve in their alderman positions until their terms end in 2027. McCreadie has not held a public office in Spring Hill.

The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce held a forum with the mayoral candidates on Feb. 27. The chamber has shared a full video of the forum on its Youtube page for those who could not attend to have a chance to review the candidates responses.

Commission Mulls Judicial Center Improvements (CDH)

Certain proposed improvements to the Maury County Judicial Center drew differing opinions from the Maury County Commission on Monday, particularly the $100,000 price tag.

The improvements requested include installing a film tint in the lobby, frosted film on the courtroom doors and roller shades for the conference rooms, while also installing a new gate and extending a four-foot ADA-compliant sidewalk with stairs on the site's outdoor lower lot.

The improvements are estimated at a total of $98,868.87, which according to the proposed Resolution 03-25-22 is the guaranteed maximum price and falls within the commission's budget.

The item was motioned for approval by District 2 Commissioner Eric Previti and seconded by District 3 Commissioner Gary Stovall.

However, some commissioners voiced their concerns about using the remaining budget funds on the proposed improvements, particularly $63,609.19 estimated for the sidewalk extension.

"I'm not going to support this tonight, not because I don't support the safety aspect of what the sheriff has asked," District 8 Commissioner Gabe Howard said. "I think the $63,000 that is being presented, I think we are a little quick on that."

In January, commissioners denied a $600,000 proposal to purchase property adjacent to the existing South Main Street facility in an effort to provide additional parking.

"At the end of the day, that was a savings to the people of Maury County, and I think we have not finished the due diligence process of what the additional land and what the bigger parking conversation is," Howard said.

District 7 Commissioner Kenny Morrow added that he was "disappointed" that these proposed improvements are even being considered in the first place.

"We haven't even had it open for a year, and now we're spending close to $100,000 on adjustments and renovations," Morrow said.

The item ultimately passed 16-4.

Capley’s English Only Bill Dead (Tennessean)

A Republican-led effort to require the state to administer Tennessee driver's license exams in English only and ban translation aids is dead for the year following bipartisan opposition in the House Transportation Subcommittee on Tuesday.

Written driver’s license tests in Tennessee are currently offered in English, Spanish, German, Korean and Japanese. Test takers are allowed to bring a translation dictionary. Driving tests are offered in English only. 

House Bill 556, sponsored by Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, sought to ban the administration of driver's license exams in any language but English, and prohibit translation dictionaries, electronic devices, and interpreters to assist in test administration.

“You can take the test in English, you can pass it in English. We’re not asking them to learn the entire language," Capley said. "The signs are in English, the commands are in English and when you get pulled over, guess what? It’s gonna be in English."

State law does formally designate English as the official and legal language of Tennessee, and all state publications, including ballots, are required to be produced in English. But there is no limitation on government documents being made available in other languages.

Immigrant rights advocates have argued the state should offer the test in more languages ― like Arabic and Chinese, the third and fourth most-spoken languages in Tennessee ― in an effort to ensure drivers are best prepared to hit the road.

Transportation Committee Chair Dan Howell, R-Cleveland, said the actual driving road test is already only offered in English, and indicated the bill seems to take inappropriate aim at non-English speaking legal residents.

“It’s already illegal for illegal aliens to have a driver’s license in Tennessee. So what this bill does is address people who are already here on a work visa, on a green card – people who are here legally,” Howell said. “Some of them may not speak English, but they are legally here.” 

The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Department of Economic and Community Development both opposed the effort, citing potential negative economic impacts. 

Diana Sanchez Vega, an immigrant from Venezuela who testified on behalf of the Our State, Our Languages Coalition, argued not offering tests that ensure drivers know the rules of the road would pose safety risks to all drivers, and send a negative message to the state’s international business community.

“Access to safe transportation is a cornerstone of economic self-sufficiency," Sanchez Vega said. "Our state’s continued growth depends on empowering all residents – immigrants, refugees and international executives, to hit the road without undue barriers.”

Capley brushed off the concern.

“Executives of Volkswagen and Nissan don’t drive – they have drivers,” he argued.

The bill failed in a vote of 5 to 3.

Cepicky Starts Tennessee-Israel Caucus (MSM)

State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, last week announced the creation of the Tennessee-Israel Caucus in the Tennessee General Assembly.

The Tennessee-Israel Caucus will work to strengthen political ties between the state of Tennessee and the state of Israel through bilateral trade, educational collaboration and enhanced cultural understanding.

“Israel has been a great friend and ally to the United States and it’s important that we continue furthering our relationship,” Cepicky said. “The Tennessee-Israel Caucus will foster an environment of collaboration and allow for an incredible exchange of ideas to make life better for Tennesseans and Israelis. I look forward to this partnership strengthening our political ties while promoting progress and prosperity.”

The bipartisan caucus will help further collaboration between Tennessee and Israel by building on shared values, mutual respect and a commitment to innovation and progress. 

Cepicky is co-chair of the 60-member caucus, which is open to all members of the General Assembly. Legislators on Monday were joined by Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States Anat Sultan-Dadon to formally establish the caucus.

Cepicky represents House District 64, which includes part of Maury County.

City Recognizes National Cheer Chaps (MSM)

At a short meeting on Thursday night, the Columbia City Council’s main business was to present awards to the national champion cheer team from Columbia Central Highschool and to the nominees for the Boys & Girls Club’s national Youth of the Year competition.

Mayor Chaz Molder summarized the team’s accomplishment for the award presentation.

Before presenting the award, the mayor asked the council members who had attended Columbia Central High to raise their hands; five of the nine members did so.

“The alums that are serving your city walked the same halls… proverbially that you did,” he said to the cheer team and everyone else present. “And it’s always exciting when any of the schools in our community achieve great heights and do good things… Our future is bright because of the magnitude of the youth in our community.” After that he read the proclamation.

“The 2024-25 Columbia Central High School game day cheer team, coached by Jennifer Burgett and Bari Lynn Staggs, are to be recognized and commended for their outstanding season,” he read. “[They] have shown professionalism, commitment, sportsmanship, determination, and dedication that has brought positive recognition not only to themselves, but to Columbia Central High School, and the city of Columbia and all of Maury County.”

To celebrate, the city named Friday, March 14 as “Columbia Central High School Game Day Cheer Team Day.” The idea was to let the cheerleaders wear their gold medals and spread the word at school the day after the meeting.

Kate Endsley, one of the cheer captains, got choked up while thanking the cheerleaders, coaches and parents who made it possible.

“I’ve cheered for 12 years, and this team has just impacted my life, [as has] my coach, Bari Lynn,” she said. “We were able to work… past the struggles, past all the hardships… to create history in Maury County.”

Next the city recognized the Youth of the Year candidates who participated in the Boys & Girls Club’s statewide competition for that title. They presented it to their regional winner, Kelsey Judd, at a ceremony a few weeks ago for the South Central Tennessee region.

“As I told the cheerleaders, at the end of the day, we look for positivity. And what y’all represented [as] a candidate, [was] your community,” Molder told the youths.

Ginny Wright, CEO of the regional Boys & Girls Club, testified that the Club is very proud of the students and how they represented the Club at the state level. As part of the pageantry, Kelsey Judd inducted a Hall of Fame member in front of the attending crowd.

“I get nervous in front of 20 people, let alone in front of 246,” Wright said. “We are so appreciative for the support of the city of Columbia and this council in particular, because we had great representation from our council at our local Youth of the Year event.”

Judd herself was very gracious about winning.

“All of my other competitors were so kind and so hardworking,” she said, and concluded “They taught me so much.”

Midstate Classic Recap (CDH)

Columbia's annual Midstate Classic softball tournament not only went off without a hitch on its 10th anniversary, with many attendees claiming it was the "best one yet."

The tournament's headliner featured the return of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols versus rival Eastern Kentucky University Colonels. The Lady Vols reigned as the victors, winning the game trophy.

Tuesday's collegiate tournament featured three games ahead of the headliner, beginning with Columbia Central High School squaring off against the Spring Hill Raiders, followed by Columbia State Community College and Calhoun Community College.

With more than 3,000 people in attendance, the 2025 Midstate Classic was a record attendance year, one which City Manager Tony Massey, a key figure in spearheading the tournament, said is a testament not only to the tournament's success, but Ridley Sports Complex as a valued asset for bringing new visitors to Columbia.

"It has been a couple of years since we have had the University of Tennessee here, and the turnout today shows that, because this place is about 90% orange, though Eastern Kentucky is certainly no pushover," Massey said.

It is also one of only a few tournaments like it in the state, Massey added.

"This is the one day of the year, at least in the softball world, where Columbia is on the map," Massey said. "Outside of Knoxville, this is the only in-state place where the Lady Vols come to play, and that's pretty special.

"They don't go to Chattanooga or Murfreesboro, they come to Columbia."

Former Columbia Mayor Dean Dickey, also a prominent early voice of the Midstate Classic, was also in attendance Tuesday, saying that he couldn't be happier how the event has grown over the past decade.

The tournament was canceled over three years due to inclement weather in 2024 and during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020 and 2021.

"This is the best one we've had yet," Dickey said. "Of course, Tony helped to lay the groundwork. We are so happy these people keep coming back. It is exciting times for Columbia."

As a Columbia Parks and Recreation event, Director Mack Reagan said he was also thrilled at the tournament's success, and that even though it takes a lot of work, it is all worth it in the end.

"This has been our best, most exciting Midstate Classic," Reagan said. "Without a doubt, we have got the most attendance we've had in five or six years, the best games, best production, everything is going great. We couldn't ask for anything more from top to bottom."

In addition to a full day of competitive sports, the 2025 Midstate Classic also paid tribute to longtime Parks & Rec Director Willie Morgan, who threw out the first pitch before the final game.

To throw the first pitch representing a department he devoted decades of love to, Morgan said, was an honor, but more importantly that he got to share it with his granddaughter, Saviya Morgan, who also plays for UT's starting lineup.

"I enjoyed working for the city of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department, and it is a blessing getting to see my granddaughter play," Morgan said. "I'm glad that God gave me the opportunity to see this. It's something that will stick with me the rest of my life."

The Midstate Classic continues to be a major draw for local women's sports, which in turn has also brought significant tourism dollars to the local economy.

Tourism & Marketing Director Kellye Murphy said the event is also just an all-around fun time of the year, and having really good weather to watch the games certainly helped.

"We love the economic impact of this event and the people coming in," Murphy said. "The weather is great, and we are thrilled everything has gone on without a hitch this year. This is definitely a feel-good event and feels kind of like our kickoff to spring."

From a public safety standpoint, Columbia Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Cummins said the event couldn't have gone smoother, and that's because the department had a good plan to execute.

"This is a good event and a lot of folks come out, and we are truly prepared and have a plan we have been working on for years, and it just gets perfected more and more every year," Cummins said. "Safety is up, and we have most everything squared away to prepare for this event."

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, who proudly sported his orange UT colors at the game, said the Midstate Classic is always a great time for many reasons, mainly because it is the time of year people start coming together outdoors, and it's also a lot of fun.

"This is always one of the best days of the year for me, but the scene and the weather of course is helping, but there seems to be just so much more excitement in the air," Molder said.

"The Midstate Classic is sort of our momentum swinging into spring, and of course we have Mule Day which will be here soon. It's bringing in crowds from all across the state, and it's pretty cool having the Lady Vols here in your hometown, here in smalltown Columbia."

Find Maury the Mule (Press Release)

Maury the Mule is lost in Maury County and we need your help to find him!

Maury Alliance’s annual “Where’s Maury the Mule?” shop local passport adventure kicks off on Tuesday, March 26th. The rules are simple: pick up a passport, find Maury the Mule hidden in as many businesses as possible, and turn in your completed passport at the Maury Alliance office by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, April 9th. Share your adventure on social media using #maurythemule so everyone can follow along!

This year’s event is proudly presented by Roto-Rooter, a trusted name in plumbing and drain services. Their support has made it possible for Maury Alliance to offer their biggest prize yet—the Golden Mule Jackpot of $1,000!

Here are your ways to win:

Find Maury the Mule in at least 5 businesses for a chance to win!

Visit 20 businesses to be entered into the grand prize drawing!

Visit 25 businesses for a double entry into the grand prize drawing!

Visit 30 businesses for a triple entry into the grand prize drawing!

Visit 40 businesses for a triple entry into the grand prize drawing PLUS the Golden Mule Jackpot!

One lucky winner will receive the $1,000 Golden Mule Jackpot -

sponsored by Roto-Rooter!



Grand Prize winners (2) will receive gift cards from participating businesses!



Additional winners will receive Local First Gift Cards!

Share your search for Maury the Mule on social media using #maurythemule and tag @mauryalliance.

Good luck and happy searching!

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…

Mr. William Albert “Billy” Sargent, 84, retired owner and operator of Sargent & Lovett Body Shop, died Thursday at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 1:00 PM at Grace Nazarene Church. The family will visit with friends Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 11:00 AM until time of the services at the church.

Garry Allen Heller, 70, a resident of Columbia, TN died Friday, March 14, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A memorial service will be conducted Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Riverside United Methodist Church. The family will visit with friends on Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 1:00 PM till the time of service at Riverside United Methodist Church.

And now, news from around the state…

Carter House to Get New Visitor Center (Tennessean)

The Carter House, a historic farm built in 1830 that landed at the center of the Battle of Franklin, is getting an $8.5 million makeover with a new visitor's center.

A groundbreaking event will be open to the public at 11 a.m March 28 at 1140 Columbia Avenue, at the property and battlefield minutes from Franklin's bustling downtown area.

During the battle, it served as the headquarters of the Federal Twenty-Third Army Corps. Evidence of the fighting that raged on the property remains, including bullet-damaged furniture and structures.

"For over 70 years the Tennessee Historical Commission has been working to preserve and enhance this incredible property," Tennessee Historical Commission Executive Director Patrick McIntyre said. "The Harper Center will be a state-of-the art visitor facility and will allow our most-visited state historic site to better serve visitors from across the world."

The existing visitors center has been in use since the early 1980s. State legislators approved $6.5 million for the work and an additional $2 million was approved by the Tennessee Historical Commission board.

It will be replaced by a new multi-use building named in honor of Herbert Harper, former Tennessee Historical Commission executive director and Franklin resident.

Upon its completion, the center will also feature interpretive exhibits sponsored by the Battle of Franklin Trust. The Historical Commission did not say when the work would finish.

“I am personally very excited to see construction begin on a new visitor center and museum where we can better tell guests, friends, and supporters about the Battle of Franklin, the Carter family, and the American experiment in the 19th century," Battle of Franklin Trust CEO Eric Jacobson said. "The new center will allow us to tell these powerful stories until at least the 200th anniversary of the American Civil War."

For more information about the Tennessee Historical Commission and the State Historic Sites program, www.tn.gov/historicalcommission.  To learn more about Carter House State Historic Site and their programs, visit www.boft.org/carter-house-history.  

Gas Prices (MSM)

Tennessee gas prices rose two cents, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.70 which is nine cents less expensive than one month ago and 39 cents less than one year ago.  

“Our gas prices continue to fluctuate across the state as many Tennesseans are heading into spring break this week,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “For those that are planning a road trip, the good news is that quite a few states now have state gas price averages below $3/gallon. We’re also seeing gas prices cheaper than one year ago – 39 cents cheaper both at the state and national level.” 

Tennessee is fifth least-expensive state in nation for gas prices.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Nashville Soccer Club announced today its 2025 series of one-of-a-kind youth soccer camps taking place during May, June, and July for boys and girls ages six to 18. For the third-straight year, Nashville SC is expanding its summer youth soccer camp programming to feature 13 sessions with players of all skill levels encouraged to attend.

Nashville SC’s camp at TOCA Nashville will cater to players looking to improve their game and soccer IQ, with an emphasis placed on fundamentals such as passing, receiving, shooting, and team play at the indoor, air-conditioned training facility.

For more information on registration and pricing, please visit https://www.nashvillesc.com/camps.