Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 3-27-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for March 27, 2025

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

We start with local news…

SHFD Training Tower (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Fire Department has added a new training apparatus to their tool box. The BART Rescue Tower is now complete at the Spring Hill Fire Department training grounds!

The tower features seven levels and stands over 50 feet tall. The tower also includes over 500 rope rescue anchor points, a simulated elevator shaft, multiple stairways, and much more.

The addition of this training structure will allow our SHFD staff to practice skills that were otherwise difficult or impossible to perform previously.

Duck River Discussed at Henry Horton (MSM)

At Henry Horton State Park last Tuesday, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation held a public hearing on the future of the Duck River, in light of Governor Bill Lee’s executive order calling on people to preserve and value the river. April Grippo, director of TDEC’s Water Resources Division, spoke at length before the public weighed in.

Grippo grew up in the Riverside neighborhood of Columbia and attended Riverside Elementary School, which, until she was in the fourth grade, sat in a geographical floodplain of the Duck River. Several years ago, she came back to Maury County to raise her family.

“The Duck River is very special to me personally,” Grippo said, “and I know it’s special to all of you [in attendance].”

She told the crowd about all the implications and initiatives for the river that have spooled out from Gov. Lee’s recent order. The public hearing was TDEC’s first since Lee signed Executive Order #108 in November, and they wanted to explain to people what it means for Duck River policy.

TDEC began issuing water-withdrawal ARAP permits in 2000, foreseeing growth that might stress the Duck River’s ecosystems and water availability.

“[We] can’t wait until we know everything about the River” to issue permits, Grippo said, “[but] we can always [reduce] the volumes that we permit if we learn more… We’re looking to ensure the long-term success of the Duck River.”

The permits also are intended to help TDEC get possible unauthorized withdrawals under control.

In 2019, the agency received requests from several local utilities for more water, either by building new intake valves or increasing the permitted water amounts from existing ones. The COVID-driven immigration boom of 2020 and 2021 also taught the state that they had to account for major increases in population, and dry summers in 2023 and 2024 brought the Duck River’s water level dangerously low.

This was around the time Columbia Power & Water Systems received permission to draw another 12 million gallons per day, provoking opposition from environmental groups. TDEC started thinking about the necessity of protecting the Duck, and Lee’s executive order gets the state closer to its goal.

First of all, EO #108 created the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership, a group of “stakeholder” representatives who have a vested interest in the river’s long-term health. The Planning Partnership brings together state regulators and legislators, federal agencies, local leaders and utility districts for cities along the river, and researchers and environmental advocates. Among them are District 28 Senator Joey Hensley and Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt, who have spoken out forcefully in the last four years against threats to the Duck.

EO #108 also created a “laundry list” of necessary tasks for TDEC. Those included practicing prudence when issuing new water-withdrawal permits, incentivizing water-saving operations, making plans to spare the Duck and its contributing Normandy Reservoir during droughts, and protecting the habitats of the dozens of mussel species and hundreds of types of fish that live in the Duck.

Because of the Duck River watershed’s high sensitivity to drought, Grippo emphasized that TDEC would also be looking at the water needs of prospective industries. If a planned factory were projected to drink too much per day, as environmental activists charged the Spring Hill Ultium battery plant with doing, that would weigh towards the denial of its utility’s increased-withdrawal permit. They would also use the seven USGS gauges in the river to monitor its wellbeing, tracking the effect of new withdrawals on stream flow, water quality and wildlife habitat.

The Partnership will set precedents for the management of other watersheds and scenic rivers in the state. The governor also floated the idea of major investment in the watershed, up to $124 million for regionalization and regional planning, but state legislators started howling the next day for their slice of pork: “How come the Duck River gets all that money?” Since the executive order has to be put into practice by General Assembly policy, TDEC responded by looking into water improvements for their areas.

“We have some other drought-sensitive watersheds,” Grippo said. “I’m thinking about the upper Cumberland [and others].”

Data and experience from the Duck River Partnership will help set the pace for the care of those river-dependent areas.

During and after her talk, Grippo mentioned that the governor also asked for “regionalization,” which means combining the water demands of different communities into one large withdrawal permit. One public questioner asked how TDEC would square “regionalization of response to demand” with the very unequal demands that different utilities place on the river, asking, “[Won’t] those two things have a head-on collision?”

Grippo explained that TDEC would do this by consolidating and capping the demands of the biggest withdrawal permits on the Duck, and offering those larger utilities help with accessing different water sources. This would stick fewer “drinking straws” in the Duck, prompt the communities sharing each “straw” to divide the water amongst themselves, and encourage them to set their own water-use priorities in critical times, instead of being dictated to by the state. She praised the 50-million-gallon-per-day Cumberland River pipeline project which Maury County and its cities are considering building as a great example of both regionalization and outsourcing.

She also praised rain-capture and offline reservoir plans, like the pilot of Spring Hill’s Advanced Purification Project. Another public questioner suggested copying the water retention techniques of dry California municipalities, like underground reservoirs and rain tanks, and Grippo agreed that Spring Hill is making big steps forward to respond to its water problems. TDEC is also considering holding back on the Normandy Reservoir’s releases into the Duck in dry seasons.

Finally, Grippo addressed the forms of enrichment that the Duck provides to small groups of citizens: those who enjoy recreation on its waters, those who sell recreational goods and services, and those who proudly contemplate the scenic quality and liveliness of the most biodiverse river in North America. To create more knowledge and enjoyment of the Duck River, the governor encouraged the Partnership to work with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency and outdoor-supply companies to sponsor and expand public-education programs at parks like Henry Horton. TDEC is also looking at habitat conservation, in line with federal law that prohibits “stressing” the habitats of endangered species.

“This is a really good plan,” Grippo said of the conservation efforts. “It will take us three to five years to develop this plan and probably… millions of dollars. We just submitted an application to the federal government for a million-dollar grant to help us get started, partnering with several other agencies… to start monitoring.”

Several people asked questions and made public comments, in which they prioritized the preservation of the river and the surrounding watershed.

John Anderson, an activist and career teacher, asked pointed questions about increased withdrawals.

“Who would make a lot of money from [the water policies] that are being proposed?” he claimed. “We’re talking about… millions and millions of dollars for a small number of people, and damage to the environment… and the quality of life for most of the people who already live around the river.”

Jessica Willard of Lewisburg concurred, asking TDEC to look closely at “who bears the burden of overuse” and makes “single-minded requests” for “more water.”

Grippo replied that the direct beneficiaries of water increases are local utilities, not rich individuals or companies. Sometimes, as with the Spring Hill Ultium battery plant, they account for a significant chunk of a requested withdrawal permit, but usually not on their own.

“If there was an industry that wanted a direct intake in the Duck River, we would look at that,” she said.

On the other hand, agricultural water users like the poultry industry in Bedford County are exempt from TDEC permit limits.

Another attendee asked why TDEC appears to deny so few withdrawal requests.

“Denials are fairly rare because we have conversations [with utilities],” Grippo explained.

Those conversations are usually successful, because the utilities realize that they need to look elsewhere for water and retract the requests on their own.

“Our goal is to protect the river,” Grippo said. “If there was an alternative [water source]… that would be a justifiable reason for us to deny the application.”

“At what point does the value of a natural resource become greater than development, progress, and accommodation?” asked another commenter.

Sharon Bell, a farm owner in Bedford County, memorably compared the Duck to the Jordan River, which her mother visited on a pilgrimage only to find that local over-withdrawal had drained it to the stones.

“[There was only] enough water for a foot-washing Baptist… My comment is a little like walking into a hardware store and asking to buy shoes. I know your job at TDEC is the permitting process, yea or nay,” she said to Grippo and the other officials. “But I throw it down as something you need to consider.”

Chuck Yoest, TDEC’s deputy director of External Affairs, said that the public has until March 28 to offer comments online.

New Exhibit at Columbia Visitor Center (Press Release)

Visit Columbia is recognizing Women in History month and kicking off Spring with an exhibit featuring local artist Lucy Thomas. This exhibit of beautiful paintings will be on display and for sale through the month of April at the Columbia Welcome Center located at 713 N. Main Street in downtown Columbia, Tennessee.

Thomas earned her degree in Theatre Arts & Music from Birmingham Southern College where she attended school on a voice scholarship. She has always considered herself a creative, but she believes she found her true purpose when she began painting in her late 40s. Thomas says “There is no greater pleasure for me than for my art to make someone smile and give an uncomplicated rush of happiness to the viewer.”

You can find out more about Lucy Thomas by visiting her online on Instagram: @lucyslifeinpictures or her website: lucyisanartist.com. The Columbia Welcome Center invites everyone to experience her exhibit during business hours Monday-Friday from 10am to 4pm, Saturday from 10am to 3pm, and Sunday noon-3pm.

Saturday Appointments for Real ID (Press Release)

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced today that it will begin offering additional Saturday appointments at 14 Driver Services Centers across the state for current Tennessee credential holders who want to get a REAL ID.

Saturday appointments are now available at 13 participating Driver Services Centers, including the Columbia Driver Services Center located at 1701 Hampshire Pike.

To take advantage of the new expanded Saturday appointments, applicants must already have a valid Tennessee driver license or identification card. REAL ID applicants who do not currently hold a valid Tennessee credential will be served during regular, Monday to Friday hours.

 Saturday hours are available by appointment only. Applicants without a REAL ID appointment will not be served during the new Saturday hours. Schedule your REAL ID appointment now at tnrealid.gov.

 REAL ID applicants 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.

 The TDOSHS encourages all applicants to have their 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.

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

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!

Cocoa Bella (Press Release)

Agathos Classical School invites the community to attend Cocoa Bella 2025 – A Fine Chocolate Social on Saturday, April 12, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at The Mulehouse in Columbia. This enchanting evening offers guests a chance to support the school while indulging in fine chocolates, mingling with friends, and participating in a lively auction for a great cause.

Transforming The Mulehouse into an enchanting outdoor garden atmosphere, this year’s event captures the essence of early spring. Attendees will enjoy a delightful live auction featuring an array of lawn, garden, and outdoor items, all while being serenaded by a jazz harpist, adding a touch of elegance to the evening’s ambiance.

The menu promises a mouth-watering selection of culinary delights. Guests can savor a variety of local farm-fresh cheeses, indulge in two meat carving stations, and delight in venison summer sausage and savory bites. Sweet treats will abound with mini chocolate haupia pies, chocolate mousse cups, assorted cake balls, meringues, and rich chocolate baklava. Artisan vanilla and chocolate egg cream sodas will be prepared onsite, and Muletown Coffee Roasters will serve their beloved coffees, complemented by farm-fresh cold milk.

Attendees will enjoy a self-guided tasting experience, sampling fine chocolates paired with palate-cleansing sparkling water. A dedicated area will feature an exquisite selection of truffles and bonbons sourced from local and international artisans.

The highlight of the evening will be a live auction led by Eddie Ables, featuring exciting items for everyone, including an apiary starter kit complete with a beehive and swarm box, paired with a consultation and bootcamp from local bee expert and author, Adam Martin of Bee Kept.

Additional offerings include a Dinner and Flower Event at the home of Amy Montgomery for ten guests, a group kayaking trip with Higher Pursuits, a VIP package for The Homestead Festival including a three-month supply of farm-fresh eggs, and more! The evening will also showcase a spring planter and container sale, bursting with vibrant blooms. Bidding promises to be spirited, entertaining, and a significant part of the evening’s enjoyment!

Tickets are available for $50 per person and can be purchased online at seetickets.us/cocoa412 or by visiting The Mulehouse website. Those interested in making a tax-deductible donation may contact the office of Agathos Classical School at (931) 388-0556.

Cocoa Bella benefits Agathos Classical School—a 21-year-old classical Christian institution serving grades pre-K through 12. Employing proven classical methods, students cultivate a joy for learning, the discipline of critical thinking, and the wisdom to communicate eloquently. These essential skills prepare graduates to excel in life, Soli Deo Gloria—to the

glory of God alone. The school is situated on seventeen rolling acres at the corner of Tom Hitch Parkway and Mapleash Avenue in Columbia and is currently expanding with a new 15,000 sq ft classroom space under construction. To learn more, please visit us on campus or online at AgathosSchool.com.

And now, news from around the state… 

Autonomous Cars Testing in Nashville (Tennessean)

California-based autonomous driving technology company Waymo started training its self-sufficient cars in Nashville this week. But picking Music City passengers up in them may be far in the future.

The company, owned by Google parent Alphabet Inc., has successfully launched a fully self-driving rideshare service in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Austin over the last five years. To enhance the vehicles driving in those cities, Waymo travels across the country to train its technology in new, complex areas.

From March to May, the company will be in Nashville. A small fleet of Waymo cars will be traversing the city's streets for the next several weeks, but trained specialists will always be behind the wheels to take over if necessary.

"While our goal is to bring our technology to more people in more places, we are not launching a rider program in Nashville at this time," Waymo spokesperson Sandy Karp said in a statement. "We're focused on safely and responsibly advancing our autonomous technology through road trips like this in various cities around the U.S."

Karp said the areas in which the Waymo cars will be driving— including Germantown, Berry Hill, Sylvan Park and Old Hickory— are similar to places Waymo already serves, like Austin and Phoenix.

The idea is that by training the technology in new areas, it will help the company refine the technology and "scale to new locations even faster."

Most recently, the company announced that it plans to debut on a city-wide scale in Washington, D.C., come 2026. Before then, Waymo is also launching in Atlanta and Miami.

Waymo's Nashville training comes two years after its competition, California-based Cruise, failed a Nashville launch in 2023. It was a subsidiary of General Motors.

The company announced that summer that it was testing the self-driving cars for an eventual launch in Music City.

By October 2023, the company paused its operations nationwide and indefinitely pushed back the Nashville debut following a pedestrian accident in San Francisco. There, a Cruise car dragged a pedestrian 20 feet.

General Motors officially abandoned its robotaxi business at the end of 2024.

Waymo vehicles have also been involved in occasional accidents, but its data shows a 6.8 times lower crash rate involving any injury compared to human drivers.

Gun Violence Tracking App (Tennessean)

A new app tracks data to monitor gun-related incidents across the country.

The app EveryShot is a new tool for tracking gun violence nationwide. The advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety created the database to provide updates on where guns are being used in the U.S.

According to the tracker, there have been 79 gun-involved incidents in Tennessee as of March 26. Of those 79 incidents, 42 have occurred in Memphis.

EveryShot analyzes thousands of media reports to compile data on gun usage in America. Users can filter incidents through over 75 categories across all 50 states.

Artificial intelligence tools are expected to do most of the work. Everytown Labs hopes to make the database complete by using more sources, including potentially wringing details from law enforcement posts on social media sites like X, formerly Twitter.

Users can filter incidents through over 75 categories, including the date, location, type of shooting, type of firearm, and demographics of the victims and suspects.

The data will include unintentional shootings, gun discharges and incidents, along with homicides, suicides and police shootings. The program will also provide an overview of incidents based on news reports.

In Tennessee, there have been 328 gun-related incidents since Jan. 1, 2025, with a total of 115 people killed and 196 wounded. Of these crimes, gun assaults make the most, with 173 incidents that left 16 people dead and 123 wounded.

Memphis has had 167 gun-related incidents since the first of the year, with 43 people killed and 93 people wounded. Much like the state, gun assaults were the majority of gun crimes with a total of 97 incidents in 2025.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Jonas Brothers revealed tour details for their massive “JONAS20: LIVING THE DREAM” tour – a powerful, full-circle celebration of their 20-year journey from performing in malls to headlining the biggest stadiums in the world. The brothers just released their new single “Love Me To Heaven.”

This 43-date tour, which kicks off August 10th at MetLife Stadium, promises a one-of-a-kind experience for fans. The band will head to Bridgestone Arena on October 14th.

General on-sale begins Friday, March 28 at 10am local time at ticketmaster.com.