Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-22-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 22, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Special Census Returns are In (Press Release)

The City of Columbia announced yesterday the official results of a special census conducted within the city limits. As of September 16, 2024, the population of the city of Columbia was 48,885 and the housing unit count was 21,492, showing a population increase of 17.26 percent since the 2020 decennial census. This data provides a more current and detailed snapshot of the city’s population and housing landscape than previous estimates. The numbers represent “Official Census Statistics” according to Title 13 United States Code Section 196.

Many federal and state funding programs allocate money to cities based on their population. This includes funding for infrastructure projects (roads, bridges), healthcare, housing assistance, community development, and public safety. An accurate census count ensures Columbia receives its fair share of these crucial funds.

“This special census provides us with more funding and invaluable data that will be instrumental in shaping the future of Columbia,” remarked Mayor Chaz Molder. “Having these official figures allows us to better understand the growth and needs of our community, enabling us to make informed decisions about infrastructure, services, and future development. We are grateful for the participation of our residents in this important undertaking.”

City Manager Tony Massey noted, “Contracting with the U.S. Census Bureau to conduct this special census was a calculated risk. We were the only Tennessee municipality to do this. We saw the $928,000 that City Council authorized to fund the special census as an investment. The new population number represents a projected $6.4 million increase in state shared revenue to Columbia over the next five years. That’s a pretty good return on the public’s money. It’s good government”

Special census data includes total population and total housing unit counts by block for the special census area as well as a demographic profile that contains similar content as the 2020 Census demographic profiles.

This data will be made available to the public on the city’s website at www.ColumbiaTn.gov by May 1st.

Governor’s Duck River Money Cut (TNLookout)

The Tennessee General Assembly’s 2026 budget trimmed $35 million from a funding bucket intended to support ongoing efforts to preserve North America’s most ecologically diverse freshwater river while serving the growing Middle Tennessee population’s water needs.

The Duck River, a “scenic treasure” according to Gov. Bill Lee, provides water to an estimated 250,000 Middle Tennessee residents. Its water levels reached concerning lows in 2025, and an increase in dead mussels signaled the river’s health is in peril, scientists say.

Lee’s budget proposal originally earmarked $100 million “to create a regional water supply strategy that will solve this problem once and for all,” he said in his 2025 State of the State Address.

The $59.8 billion budget approved by the Tennessee General Assembly on Wednesday allocated $65 million to projects involving the river. House Majority Leader William Lamberth, a Sumner County Republican, said in a Thursday news conference that when viewed “as a whole, 98% plus of the budget was almost exactly what the governor proposed.”

Rep. Jody Barrett, a Dickson Republican, represents Hickman County, which is bisected by the Duck River. While his constituents’ concerns about the river are mostly environmental for now, residents of neighboring Maury County are looking toward the Duck as a “saving grace” for water shortages, he said.

“Certainly $35 million is going to have some practical impact. As far as how that money was going to be used, I’m not exactly sure, so I don’t know that it will be a considerable immediate impact,” Barrett said. “But obviously it’s an emergency situation, depending upon where you are along the river.”

Barrett said he understands part of the reasoning behind the funding redirect was a lack of specificity on how the funding will be used.

Lee’s November executive order to conserve the Duck River tasks the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to “evaluate large-scale engineering projects” for cost and feasibility.

TDEC Commissioner David Salyers in March referred to the proposed $100 million as “incentive money” to encourage partnerships among regional utilities. 

Salyers chairs the 19-member advisory group created by Lee to make recommendations to the governor and state lawmakers. He told lawmakers last month that the funding could be put toward a potential pipeline from the Cumberland or Tennessee rivers to “really solve the problem” of drinking water access. 

But Salyers also acknowledged that a full solution will likely require hundreds of millions of dollars over the course of several years.

“While we are disappointed by the reduction in funding by $35 million for the Duck River projects, we recognize that conservation requires sustained commitment over time, not just in moments of opportunity,” Harpeth Conservancy CEO Grace Stranch, also a member of the governor’s advisory group, wrote in an email. “I am honored to serve on the Duck River Planning Partnership and look forward to working with partners across the region to identify sustainable, collaborative solutions for protecting one of Tennessee’s most vital natural resources.”

One of the proposed alternative solutions is the rebuilding of the Columbia Dam. The original dam was nearing completion in the early 1980’s, when the project was scrapped and torn down. Now, a grass-roots effort led by non-profit Columbia Dam Now are opening the conversation once again to build a dam that, according to the group, would be a long-term fix for the water shortage problem and bring recreation and tourism to the area.

Maury County Commissioner Jerry Bridenbaugh, who also heads-up the Columbia Dam Now project brought a resolution to the county commission last night asking for that governing body’s support. A large crowd gathered in the commission room in downtown Columbia. A few members of the public spoke in favor of the project, as did a handful of commissioners. The resolution in favor of supporting a new dam project passed the commission unanimously.

Mike Wolfe Closing Nashville Store (Tennessean)

Mike Wolfe, creator and star of popular antiques-hunting TV show "American Pickers," will close his Nashville retail store, Antique Archaeology, on April 27.

Wolfe — who moved to the Nashville area in 2010 — told The Tennessean on April 16 that he's closing his store here to spend more time in his hometown of LeClaire, Iowa, where his 81-year-old mom still lives.

In an hourlong interview, Wolfe said closing the 14-year-old store — the first retail outlet to open in converted car manufacturing compound Marathon Village in North Nashville — was bittersweet.

Wolfe, 61, said he had an emotional pull to spend more time with longtime relatives and friends in Iowa and to bring back dilapidated buildings in his hometown.

"Everything I’ve ever known is there," he said. "I want to drive on roads I’ve driven on my whole life. I want to be around things that are familiar. And I want to be back there more with my little girl and with my mom."

Wolfe — who emphasized he's staying in the affluent Williamson County hamlet of Leiper's Fork with his 13-year-old daughter, Charlie — said he couldn't operate both the Nashville store and spend more time in Iowa.

"If I can't put all of it in that store, it hurts me," he said.

Wolfe told the 10 full-time employees April 17 he was closing the store. Wolfe plans to be at the store April 26, the day before it closes, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to thank Nashville shoppers for their business and to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

Wolfe said he first fell in love with Nashville in 2001 when he, then a successful antiques dealer, stopped here on a cross-country motorcycle trip. Wolfe moved to Leiper's Fork in 2010 around the same time he launched "American Pickers," with the help of some Nashville creatives.

Some antiques dealers and small shop owners here in Nashville inspired him to open his own retail outlet, one that exploded with the popularity of his television show, which was drawing around 6 million viewers an episode.

Wolfe signed autographs for 10 hours the day he opened Nashville's Antique Archaeology. In its early days, there were hourlong lines to get into the shop, which often features antique "picks" he discovered on his TV show. Wolfe, a huge music fan, often featured live bands in the store.

"There were a lot of things in there, key pieces from the show that were not for sale, because I wanted people to experience them, so I curated it like a museum/retail space. It was my first time I could really flex that muscle," he said.

"Now all of a sudden, I have a space in a big old car factory, with art directors and prop masters helping me set up the store. I was in tears; I couldn’t believe it was mine."

Wolfe is launching a second TV show, and he remains active in converting some vacant spaces in Columbia, Tennessee.

"I want to be involved in projects that inspire me and challenge me. Retail was such a challenge here to prove myself. Once we did, it was, ok, I can check that box. It’s bittersweet to close the store in so many different ways, but with what I’m doing with Columbia, I'll stay active here in Tennessee."

New Restaurants Coming to Columbia (CDH)

Columbia's food options will be getting a new addition as Whataburger seeks to open its first location in the city off James M. Campbell Boulevard.

The popular fast-food chain, founded in Frisco, Texas, appeared before the Columbia Planning Commission in February, when site development plans were approved.

In addition to Whataburger, plans for a Panda Express are also in the works at the site.

Construction plans and an estimated timeline have yet to be submitted, though development plans will include a five-foot wide sidewalk on James M. Campbell Boulevard.

City planner Austin Brass said one of the benefits of having a sidewalk in the plans is that it creates a new standard requiring sidewalks for future developments in the area.

"In previous discussions, we've had to have a rational nexus for having a sidewalk," Brass said. "They are providing that; therefore, any additional development that would occur would have to provide a public sidewalk there. So now we can establish our sidewalk program there that we have, historically, not been able to achieve."

In December of 2024, the planning commission chose the former Sloan Ford site at 115 S. James M. Campbell Blvd. which was subdivided into three parcels to allow multiple developments.

The planning commission ultimately voted unanimously in favor of the plans.

Maury Alliance Gives Back to Schools (Press Release)

Maury Alliance is excited to announce a special opportunity to support our schools during Teacher Appreciation Week through the Local First Gift Card program!

From April 28 – May 9, a portion of every Local First Gift Card purchased will be donated to the school that buys the most cards.

Here’s How It Works:

1. Purchase a Local First Gift Card

2. Select your school at checkout (online orders can select during pickup)

3. The school with the most purchases will receive a donation!

This is a simple way to give back to our educators and support local businesses at the same time. Please help spread the word—share this opportunity with your school's parents, teachers, clubs, and community groups to boost your school's chances!

Thank you for supporting local and making a difference in our schools!

Learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

Exhibit at CSCC (Press Release)

Columbia State’s Pryor Art Gallery is set to host an art exhibit showcasing the talent of Maury County students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The free exhibit will be open to the public from Monday, April 21, to Friday, May 9.

The gallery will be open from Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 am. - 4 p.m.

A special reception for the students will be held on Wednesday, April 23, at 5:30 p.m. in the gallery.

"Our passionate K-12 art instructors are thrilled to showcase their students' unique and inspiring creations," said Gabriel Trius, Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery curator.

The Pryor Art Gallery is in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.

For more information about the exhibition, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/PryorGallery or Facebook at ColumbiaStatePAG.

Columbia Clean-Up (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the launch of its Clean Up Columbia campaign in recognition of Litter Awareness Month this April. This initiative highlights the critical importance of community collaboration, education, and proactive efforts to create a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all residents.

“We are thrilled to bring the community together to participate in Litter Awareness Month,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “The Clean Up Columbia campaign reflects the importance of teamwork and education in fostering a cleaner Columbia. We encourage everyone to join us in these efforts to reduce litter and help protect our local environment.”

As part of the campaign, the City is partnering with local litter mitigation organizations, Keep Maury Beautiful and the Triple C’s (Columbia Community Clean-Up Team), to host two community clean-up events in Columbia:

Columbia Arts District Clean-Up

Date: April 26, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Meet-Up Location: Maury County Public Library - 211 W 8th St.

All necessary litter clean-up supplies will be provided. In addition to these efforts, the City will host two Litter Awareness Education events for young children at the Maury County Public Library. The events will take place on April 15th and April 26th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. During the events, city officials will read Catch That Litter Bug, a children’s book by local author Michael Fulbright, to teach kids about the importance of managing litter in their community.

The City’s Public Works Department will also conduct recycling truck demonstrations and discuss waste management practices in Columbia. Keep Maury Beautiful and the Triple C’s will lead interactive, hands-on activities that help families and children understand their role in maintaining a clean environment.

By uniting as a community, the Clean Up Columbia campaign presents a powerful opportunity to create a lasting impact on the environment. Through active participation in clean-up events and educational programs, residents can foster a greater sense of responsibility for their shared spaces and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the city.

For more details about these events and to find out how you can get involved, visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

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

Michael Lee Dale “Big Daddy”, 60, Truck Driver for Marlene’s Express, and resident of Williamsport, died Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will have a celebration of life at a later date. 

Rueben Pruitt Jr., 86, died Saturday, April 19, 2025 at his residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Historic Spring Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Angela Sue Emerson Bryant, 61, resident of Athens, AL, died Sunday, April 20, 2025 at her residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

Legislature to Mull TSSAA Future (Tennessean)

Tennessee legislators this summer will research the possibility of dissolving the governing body for Tennessee high school athletics, or bringing it under the control of the state government. 

Lawmakers have been at odds with the TSSAA, a 501c non-profit that has governed high school sports in Tennessee since 1925, over the association’s previous transfer rule going back to 2023.

Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, and Senator Adam Lowe, R-Calhoun, now say their interest goes beyond the rule. Cepicky and Lowe said during a joint April 21 press conference that they believe the TSSAA has not been trustworthy during discussions over the past six months and questioned the association’s Legislative Council. 

Cepicky and Lowe co-sponsored bills this session that were originally written to force the TSSAA to adopt a rule that allowed student-athletes one free transfer without eligibility restrictions. Those bills were eventually amended to reflect a bylaw the TSSAA amended on March 3 that allows students one free transfer to another school due to reasons of significant academic, social-emotional, environmental or mental health needs. That’s if the sending school’s administration attests the move is not for athletic or disciplinary reasons.

The bill was one step from becoming law after its Senate version SB16 passed, 25-4, on April 7. When HB25 reached the House floor on April 17, Cepicky acknowledged that many House members wanted him to drop the bill, so he moved it to the next calendar date in February 2026.

Cepicky and Lowe say the TSSAA didn’t take action on loosening students’ ability to transfer until the legislature became involved. Cepicky believes the TSSAA held out on passing its rule to see if the two lawmakers would drop their bills.

"Rep. Cepicky, myself, members of leadership are having very active conversations to consider whether or not there needs to be legislative oversight of this entity, or of the activity of our public school students' athletic participation," Lowe said.

Legislature Passes Hemp Regulations (Tennessean)

The Tennessee Senate adopted sweeping new regulations for the state's $250 million hemp industry, approving new tax rates, age restrictions and penalties and licensure requirements ― despite objections from both Democrats and Republicans that the bill could harm hemp farmers and some retailers.

“We have a situation here in Tennessee where we are essentially dealing with unregulated recreational marijuana,” said bill sponsor Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville. “It’s the wild west out there.”

Hashed out over multiple years, the 30-page bill outlines extensive new regulations for hemp products sold in Tennessee, establishing tax rates for different types of cannabis products, outlining licensure requirements for suppliers, wholesalers and retailers, setting fines for violations, and designating state enforcement authority.

Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee Today!

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium was officially inducted into the Pollstar Live! Hall of Fame during the 36th annual Pollstar Awards in Los Angeles. As the first venue to ever be inducted, the Ryman was honored alongside legendary artist Stevie Nicks and promoters Louis Messina and Barrie Marshall.

The Ryman was inducted by Grateful Dead founding member Bobby Weir, who paid tribute to the hallowed venue. “You don’t just play the Ryman, you step into its story,” said Weir. “And the Ryman keeps thriving because of the folks behind the scenes who care deeply about what it stands for… There’s magic and purpose in that room. I’ve felt it. Pretty much everyone who’s ever played there has. It’s hallowed ground…This beloved gathering place is the heart of American music, and for that, we honor the Ryman.”

A National Historic Landmark, the Ryman has welcomed generations of iconic performers across all genres since 1892. Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the venue continues to be a sacred space for artists and fans alike.