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

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for March 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…

Columbia Undertakes Biggest Paving Initiative (Press Release)

The Columbia City Council has approved the largest paving initiative in the city’s history, allocating $4 million to improve 19.6 miles of streets across Columbia. This substantial investment is aimed at significantly enhancing the city's infrastructure, creating smoother, safer, and more efficient roadways for residents and visitors alike.

Mayor Chaz Molder expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “This paving plan is a major step forward for the City of Columbia. I’m especially proud of the technology we've introduced, which has streamlined the entire process. The computerized system that grades the streets ensures transparency and fairness, allowing us to make data-driven decisions that truly prioritize the most critical areas.”

The paving plan was developed following a comprehensive street assessment conducted in 2020 using RoadBotics, an advanced technology that leverages machine learning and high-resolution cameras to evaluate pavement conditions. This innovative approach allowed the city to identify streets with the most significant distress. Afterward, city officials personally inspected the most affected roads to ensure that the final list addressed the areas of greatest need. The plan prioritizes these roads to maximize the long-term impact of the project.

City Manager Tony Massey highlighted the thorough and strategic nature of the plan, stating, “This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure and ensuring that our streets are in optimal condition.”

The paving work will be carried out in phases, with the city providing regular updates to residents about road closures, detours, and construction timelines to minimize disruptions. The city is dedicated to ensuring that the project is completed in a timely and effective manner.

This largest paving plan in Columbia’s history represents a critical investment in the city's infrastructure and will contribute to a more efficient transportation network for the entire community.

MRMC Achieves Magnet Status (Press Release)

Maury Regional Medical Center has attained Magnet® recognition for the second time, reflecting the medical center’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, implementing advanced nursing practices and adopting a positive work environment for nursing professionals.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. This credential is the highest national honor for nursing practice and follows an extensive application and evaluation process.

“Achieving Magnet designation for the second time is a profound honor that underscores the unwavering dedication and exceptional skills of our nursing team at Maury Regional Medical Center,” said Chief Nursing Officer Cathy Malone, MMHC, BSN, RN. “This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to delivering the highest standard of nursing excellence and reinforces our focus on ensuring optimal patient outcomes. It is a testament to the continuous hard work and collaboration across our entire organization. I am incredibly proud of our nurses, whose compassion and expertise shine through every interaction with patients and their families. This achievement reflects the culture of excellence we strive to foster and the deep-rooted values that guide our care practices.”

Maury Regional Medical Center first earned Magnet designation in 2020. To achieve initial recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.

Health care organizations must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years. An organization reapplying must repeat the initial steps in addition to providing documented evidence to demonstrate how staff members sustained and improved Magnet concepts, performance and quality over the four-year period since the organization received its initial recognition.

In this most recent application cycle, Maury Regional Medical Center outperformed the benchmark and comparison cohort for the majority of eight quarters on 100% of inpatient units in the following exemplars:

Central line-associated blood stream infection

Device-related hospital-acquired pressure injuries

Patient experience data for careful listening, patient education, responsiveness and safety

Vesicant extravasation rate (specific to the Emergency Department rather than all units)

“Our team gathered and submitted extensive evidence of our continued dedication to nursing excellence over the last four years, which spanned an unprecedented period of time in the health care space,” said Magnet Coordinator and Nurse Retention Specialist Hannah Hogan, MSN, MBA, RN, CWOCN. “I am grateful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and passion to ensure we are meeting the highest standards of nursing care for our patients and our staff.”

Research demonstrates that Magnet recognition provides specific benefits to health care organizations and their communities, including higher job satisfaction among nurses and higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information.

More than 30% of employees at Maury Regional Medical Center are nurses. As a Magnet organization, the medical center utilizes a shared governance nursing practice model that empowers nurses to participate actively in decisions that shape their practice and is committed to encouraging ongoing professional development — ranging from an ANCC-accredited RN residency program for new graduate nurses to mentorship opportunities and clinical advancement programs. In addition, the organization is a leader in the region for implementing advanced technology, including robotic surgery capabilities, a state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, modern Critical Care Unit and more.

“Trust is imperative in the health care space, and nurses play a fundamental role in ensuring our patients trust that they are receiving the best possible care,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “Each and every day, our nursing team is responsible for caring for patients in their most vulnerable moments. For this team to have achieved the national gold standard of nursing is a testament to their commitment to delivering clinical excellence and compassionate care and to ensuring our patients can trust that those who care for them have their best interests in mind. I am extraordinarily proud of this team — from the frontline nurses to our nursing leaders and educators — for their service to our patients throughout the region as evidenced by this prestigious recognition.”

Mule Day Grand Marshals (CDH)

The Mule Day Grand Marshal is a special title typically given to an individual of great prominence chosen to lead the annual Mule Day Parade in Columbia.

This year the Grand Marshal will not be cruising down West 7th Street aboard a decorative float or mule-drawn wagon, but rather proudly walking on four hooves.

For 2025, The Bridle & Saddle Club selected Mountain Mule Packer Ranch, a group based in North Carolina, made up of world-champion mule packers.

Harv Spann, who sits on the Bridle and Saddle Club board and has been a key Mule Day organizer since its 1974 revival, said it was an opportunity to do something different. And why not have Mule Day's biggest event led by the festival's much-celebrated equine hybrid?

"In my opinion, this year has the best Grand Marshal we've ever had, and they are the owners of the mules who packed into North Carolina and East Tennessee after the storms," Spann, a former Grand Marshal in 2017, stated.

"They are going to be our Grand Marshals this year and are true heroes. That's certainly a plus for us to have them here.

Mountain Mule Packer Ranch also selected for its program training soldiers in the U.S. Military to utilize packing mules when dealing with rough terrain in overseas places like Afghanistan.

Founded by husband-and-wife Mike and Michele Toberer, Mountain Mule Packer Ranch's origins began in Northern California, taking visitors on trails into the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges, many of which are only accessible by foot or with the aid of a trusty mule.

It was after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, when Mike was asked to help train soldiers who would need a basic understanding of mule packing. This was also the catalyst which led Mountain Mule Packer Ranch to its true calling, as well as providing a needed service to its country.

"A lot of the training we do is with the Special Forces. We are very pro America, our country, the military, law enforcement," Michele Toberer said.

"Mike has been a packer for years, but to be able to share those skills with people that he considers some of the best in the country at what they do, to be able to help them be prepared to do such important jobs, it's just an honor for us to be a part of it that way."

When remnants from Hurricane Helene rocked East Tennessee and North Carolina in late 2024, the storms left many people displaced or trapped in areas too treacherous for vehicle access.

As a traditional pack animal trained to traverse such conditions, Mountain Mule Packers were called in to assist.

"They are really sure-footed animals and are able to see all four of their feet, and so when they are walking, they can move their front feet, but if they see something on the trail they can move their back feet to a different spot, and a horse generally isn't going to do that," Michele Toberer said.

"They are also strong for their body weight, and have a really good work ethic, following along with their team. This makes it much easier in getting supplies up to locations that way."

Once the roads began to clear, it became less about search and rescue, but how to rebuild, the Toberers said.

"We've worked with several projects getting people back to where they can stay in their house for the winter, putting floors or sheetrock back in, whatever the situation," Michele Toberer said.

"Even as recent as a month ago, we were still going into areas, because back in the mountains some people have a mile-long driveway, and it doesn't take a lot of bad weather to where you can't drive on it, or they were elderly, anyone we can still help."

Their story also became viral, spreading across the country through social media. This led to many other organizations pitching in to help Mountain Mule Packer Ranch's efforts in helping those in need.

If anything, it has also dispelled the myths often associated with the mule — that they are stubborn, often difficult creatures to work with, but that's not the case, Michele Toberer said.

"The mules have been a cool thing to watch throughout all of this because they have not always had the best [reputation], that they aren't as good as a horse," Michele Toberer said. "To see people fall in love with these mules across the country has just been the coolest thing."

As this year's Grand Marshals, Mountain Mule Packer Ranch will also be celebrating its first visit to the 51-year festival.

While it will be their first visit to the Columbia, the Toberers are no strangers to mule competitions, as well as the camaraderie shared among fellow ranchers and mule wranglers from around the country when everyone gets together.

"We competed in Bishop Mule Days in California, and it is the biggest Mule Day there on the West Coast," Michele said. "Mike is actually a world champion packer out there, and our son has been a youth world champion packer for years."

They also hope their visit provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about packing mules and how they come in pretty handy when the situation gets rough.

In addition to Saturday's parade, Mountain Mule Packer Ranch will be at Maury County Park on Friday to showcase packing demonstrations, as well as provide an opportunity for photo-ops with the mules.

They also hope packing can be spotlighted more at future Mule Day festivals, as it has proven in many ways to be an essential trait for how people utilize that old stubborn, yet essential animal.

"Our hope in going this year is that we can get some interest in some packing, and maybe they'll add some packing courses here," Michele Toberer said. "We'd love to make this an annual thing we put on our calendar every year."

Little Bellas Back at Chickasaw (MSM)

Chickasaw Trace Park just outside Columbia, became the highlight of the week in 2024 for families of girls ages 7-13 who descended on the park each Sunday to participate in Little Bellas. The two-hour weekly program to “get more girls on bikes” made a great opportunity for families from Columbia and all over the Nashville area to bring their girls and enjoy the park features, like the boat ramp, RC car track, hiking trails and picnic area.

The Columbia Little Bellas Weekly Program will return to Chickasaw Trace Park starting Sunday, April 13 and finish with an ice cream social for families on Sunday, June 8. What goes on in between those two dates are multiple opportunities for the girls to get together, encourage one another and experience success as part of the Little Bellas program. There’s also game-playing, riding, snacks, lots of laughter and the ever-popular Color Day!

Open to girls of all abilities, Little Bellas is a mountain bike program whose goal is to help young women reach their fullest potential. The program is a catalyst for the girls to learn about who they are, what they can do, and how to overcome what they think they cannot do. The aim is to create a community to empower women through cycling, accent the importance of goals and a healthy lifestyle and emphasize a positive female bond. While this program is centered around creating a female camaraderie on bikes, it is most importantly about having fun in a constructive environment.

“Last year we had so much fun with the girls playing games, enjoying the outdoors, and being silly!” said Megan Rahmlow, who’s responsible for bringing Little Bellas to Columbia. “It was also a nice opportunity for families to get out and explore Columbia together. We had some families joining us from several hours away for the late Sunday afternoon programs.”

Rahmlow, who was a beginner mountain biker herself just seven years ago, was able to connect with the first Little Bellas on several different levels: with the “not yets;” and with the youngest shredders to the more advanced riders, who can see in Rahmlow what can be achieved through skills progression and practice.

The Columbia Weekly Program offers eight recurring sessions from April to June. Open to riders of all abilities, the focus of each session is fun, allowing each girl to make new friends, learn new skills, and build confidence, all in a positive, fun environment.

Financial assistance is available if needed and Little Bellas also has equipment available through its Gear Up program. 

In weekly sessions starting on April 13, mentors and girls will meet at Chickasaw Trace Park to focus on improving skills and strengthening bonds built outside of classrooms and away from screens.

The Columbia Little Bellas program takes place from April 13-June 8 and has space for up to 25 girls, ages 7-13. The program is on Sundays from 4-6 p.m. The eight-week program includes mentoring, awesome trail riding, snacks, and a Little Bellas custom T-shirt.

Little Bellas has been evolving at a white-hot pace since it began 19 years ago. There are now chapters in 23 states, some with multiple programs and camps happening throughout the year. Little Bellas aims to create a community that empowers girls through the sport, emphasizes the importance of goal setting, promotes healthy lifestyles and recognizes the positive effects of strong female bonds. For more information, to sign up, or to learn more about Little Bellas, visit littlebellas.org.

Columbia State Summer Camp (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College is excited to announce the Retro to Real-Time: The Evolution of Video Games 2025 summer camp at its Columbia Campus!

The camp is for rising sixth to eighth graders and will last five days from June 9-13 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Students can participate in an exciting adventure through the world of video games. From the classic games of the 1970s to today’s coolest hits, students will get to learn about the history of gaming while having fun with emulators and virtual machines. Young learners get hands-on and discover how to play their favorite games like never before!

The course will be taught by Ryan Moore, Columbia State programmer analyst.

Students are asked to bring a water bottle, lunch, a drink and a 32 GB USB flash drive each day of the camp.

For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.campusce.net/

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, news from around the state… 

Rose Runs for Governor (MSM)

Four-term Congressman John Rose announced his bid to be the 51st governor of Tennessee on Thursday in front of a crowd of about 175 supporters at the Wilson County Fairgrounds.

Rose, a Cookeville farmer and tech entrepreneur, will join the 2026 Republican Primary race to succeed term-limited Gov. Bill Lee after he hinted at the possibility for more than a year. According to a news release from the Rose campaign, Rose already has $5 million committed to his campaign.

“Today, as the grateful descendent of fearless Tennessee pioneers and as an eighth-generation Tennessee farmer, I humbly announce my candidacy for Governor of the State of Tennessee,” Rose, 60, said.

Rose was elected to represent Tennessee’s Sixth District in 2018. The Sixth District includes all or part of 19 counties, including Wilson, Sumner, Davidson, Cannon, Smith and Trousdale counties.

Rose highlighted his family’s history in Tennessee, which dates back to 1790; cited his key priorities, which include appointing a current or former Tennessee teacher as Tennessee Education Commissioner; expanding Tennessee’s major roadways; protecting unborn life, serving vulnerable children, and making adoption easier; and making Tennessee a leader in energy production, primarily in nuclear energy.

Rose said parents “deserve a seat at the table” when it comes to education in the state.

“At school, the door for opportunity is open to all. And, we have thousands of dedicated teachers who put in the extra time and do whatever it takes to deliver for their students in every classroom, every day,” he said.

Rose said an improved road system would benefit Tennesseans.

“We need well-maintained and sufficient roadways. Roads aren’t cheap, they aren’t built quickly, and they are costly to maintain,” Rose said. “As governor, I will lead the effort to make all interstates in Tennessee at least eight lanes and to have four-lane highways to every county seat.”

Rose said the state would charge forward in nuclear energy development under his leadership, which would bring more jobs to the state.

“If Tennessee is going to be as prosperous for the next 228 years as we have been for the first, we have to be a national leader for reliable and abundant energy. All energy sources must be on the table, but Tennessee can be a leader in nuclear power,” he said.

Rose has often aligned himself with President Donald Trump during his time in office. He vowed to continue to support Trump if elected governor. Trump has endorsed Rose in each of his Congressional races.

“President Trump is shrinking the federal government and reducing bureaucracy, which gives power back to the states. We helped put President Trump back in office so that he would end the D.C. power trip,” Rose said. “He’s getting the job done and as governor, I’ll stand with him, just as I have since his first election in 2016.”

Rose previously served as the Tennessee agricultural commissioner.

He is expected to face several challengers, including Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who has hinted at running for governor in 2026. All candidates must file their nominating petitions no later than March 10, 2026.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

A petition is circulating to rename Nashville International Airport after local country icon Dolly Parton.

The current name is BNA, which stands for Berry Field Nashville in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, the first administrator of the airport, shared Nashville International Airport.

A Change.org petition has gained over 20,000 signatures to change the name to Dolly Parton International Airport.

It states, “As proud citizens of Tennessee, we are motivated by our deep-rooted admiration for the national treasure and Tennessee legend, Dolly Parton. She is not only a celebrated artist who encourages love, acceptance, and goodwill through her music, but also a philanthropist, known for her countless contributions to society. It is only fitting that an institution as significant as Nashville International Airport carries the name of such a remarkable woman.”

You can read the petition at www.change.org.