Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-28-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 28, 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 Approves 400 Home Development (MSM)

The Spring Hill Planning Commission gave its approval to a neighborhood concept plan for a portion of the June Lake property totaling 400 dwelling units during the group’s April 14 meeting.

Located at Buckner Lane and Spring Station Drive, the 95-acre property would contain 267 single-family detached units, 52 two-family units and 81 townhomes.

At March’s work session, planners had asked the applicant to increase the size of the lots on the exterior to mirror lot sizes in the Wades Grove development. Staff reports indicated that the property would have connections to Spring Stations Drive, a pedestrian connection to Chapmans Crossings and a future collectors roadway extension to June Lake Boulevard.

Commissioner Jonathan Duda expressed concerns about the connectivity to Spring Station Drive, saying Williamson County Schools had sent a letter opposing such connectivity.

“We need that connection; it’s critical for the road network for your new lots as well as Wades Grove,” Duda said. “The alternative is for traffic to be pushed through other areas of the city to get to Spring Station Middle School.”

Commissioner James Golias asked about a previous version of the concept that had slightly fewer lots but had more potential connection points.

“Chapmans Crossing acts more like a connector/arterial (road). There’s essentially, in Wades Grove, no drives on that road and there’s a lot of traffic through there… Having one connection in the rear as is currently shown, there’s going to be a lot of extra traffic going through the neighborhood than if we could get this connection,” Golias said.

Duda’s proposed amendment to require a stubout for future connectivity on the southwest portion of the property was approved as well.

T-Square Engineering also received final plat approval for Barton Hills Phase 1C, located on Cleburne Road. The property will have 65 single-family lots on 41.46 acres.

Image Studios received site plan approval for a one-story hair salon at the northwest corner of June Lake and Marston Avenue. The building would be approximately 7,735 square feet.

Site plan approval was also given for a proposed Valvoline oil change facility at the intersection of J.W Parkway and Old Port Royal Road South, subject to staff approval of a retaining wall on the site.

A proposal from Crunk Engineering for eight retail and warehouse facilities on 5.31 acres on Beechcroft Road was deferred after objections from staff and questions from commissioners.

Items approved as part of the consent agenda included a recommendation to extend the preliminary development plan for the Spring Hill Commerce Center by one year. Staff indicated that the extension was needed because of delays with federal funding, the unavailability of potable water service and the need to update the Traffic Impact Study.

Proposed changes to the city’s Unified Development Code were also recommended for approval, including updates to food truck regulations and creating standards for such trucks, along with adopting a drought-tolerant tree list.

Both items must be approved by the city’s Board of Mayor & Aldermen before taking effect.

City Wraps Up Columbia 101 (Press Release)

The City of Columbia recently wrapped up the second installment of Columbia 101, an initiative designed to give residents an inside look at the workings of local government. Held on April 22nd and 23rd, the program welcomed a fresh group of participants eager to deepen their understanding of city operations. Through interactive sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, and direct conversations with city leaders, Columbia 101 offered a hands-on experience that highlighted how municipal services function and how residents can play an active role in shaping their community.

Mayor Chaz Molder highlighted the program's continued positive impact, stating, "It's truly rewarding to see Columbia 101 continue to provide our residents with an invaluable look behind the scenes of their city government. This initiative is strengthening the vital connection between the City of Columbia and the community, cultivating a spirit of collaboration and shared ownership in Columbia's future."

The recent program, similar to the first, provided attendees with introductions to the city's twelve departments, including Development Services, Fire & Rescue, and Public Works. Participants also had the opportunity to tour key facilities, gaining firsthand knowledge of the dedicated efforts involved in delivering essential city services.

City Manager Tony Massey underscored the ongoing strategic importance of Columbia 101, noting, "Columbia 101 remains a cornerstone of our city's long-term vision for a well-informed and actively involved citizenry. By providing residents with a deeper understanding of our operations and resources, we are empowering them to become even greater partners in Columbia's continued progress and development."

Marketing Coordinator Lexi Dearborn, the program's creator and director, shared her enthusiasm for its continued success, saying, "Seeing Columbia 101 come to life and resonate with so many residents has been incredibly rewarding. This program was built to bridge the gap between local government and the community, and each session reminds me of the power of connection, curiosity, and civic engagement. I’m excited to see it grow and continue to spark meaningful involvement across Columbia."

Feedback from participants in the latest session echoed the positive sentiments of the program. One attendee commented, “The Columbia 101 program is an excellent introduction to the inner workings of our great city. I would recommend that every citizen attend to not only understand the hard work our city personnel and volunteers do, but to find out where you can plug in to help make a better community.”

Columbia 101 will continue to be offered twice annually and remains open to all residents of the City of Columbia and Maury County. Information regarding the next session, will be announced in the coming months. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the City of Columbia’s website at ColumbiaTN.gov for updates and application details.

CPWS To Reinstate Late Fees (Press Release)

 Beginning May 1, Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) customers will once again begin to see late fees on their bills, and past due customers may be subject to disruption of service.

CPWS moved to a new billing system in December 2024, prompting the suspension of fees and cutoffs, to allow consumers to create new online accounts and have time to understand the SmartHub platform now utilized by CPWS.

Customers who are 30, 60, 90 or more days past due will continue seeing emails and letters in their mailbox to alert them of the past due balance.

“This system implementation was a massive undertaking by our staff, and now that we’ve had time to adjust on our end and we’ve given our ratepayers a chance to become familiar with the system, we will begin to reinstate penalties for those who are behind on their bills,” CPWS CEO Jonathan Hardin said. “While we are obligated by the TVA to collect outstanding debt, we are also committed to taking care of our customers, and we will do anything we can to make this a smooth transition.”

Payment arrangements for customers who have bills more than $500 past due can be made when paying the most recent bill on an account in May. For customers who are less than $500 past due, the past due balance will be subject to normal CPWS policy.

While power and water bills are combined into one bill, CPWS PowerNet broadband customers will be billed separately, meaning while some consumers may have paid their utility bills as normal, the broadband portion of the bills may not have been paid and could be past due.

To stay as up to date as possible with your bill, CPWS customers can register for SmartHub, which offers the ability to see bills and payment history, set up autopay, monitor usage, set up email and text alerts and more.

Any customer who experiences a disruption in service should be aware that CPWS will attempt same-day restoration for any account paid by 2 p.m. on that day.

 Customers who are delinquent on their bills are encouraged to contact CPWS by calling 931-388-4833, visiting our location at 201 Pickens Lane in Columbia or visiting cpws.com to become current prior to May 1.

CSCC Announces New Coach and Hosts Central Students (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College announced Chris Leggett as the new head coach for the Lady Chargers basketball team.

Leggett’s arrival at the college made an immediate impact on both of Columbia State’s basketball teams. After serving as the assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s programs during the 2024–2025 season, he stepped into the interim head coach role in January 2025 and led the Lady Chargers to a second-place finish in conference play. He also played a key supporting role in guiding the men’s team to both the regular season and conference tournament championships.

“We are excited to have Chris take the helm of the Lady Chargers Basketball program,” said Katie Willingham, Columbia State athletic director. “He has done an outstanding job as an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s teams, and his leadership as interim head coach was seamless and steady. Chris brings passion, experience and a true commitment to our student-athletes. We can’t wait to see the future of Lady Chargers Basketball under his direction.”

Leggett, a Meridian, Mississippi native, earned his bachelor’s degree in university studies and health and human services from the University of Mississippi in 2021.

Prior to Columbia State, Leggett spent three seasons as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the men’s basketball program at Fort Valley State University in Georgia. His coaching journey also includes a season at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

“We are so grateful that Coach Leggett has decided to join us in this role," said Cissy Holt, Columbia State vice president for Student Affairs. “We know that he is going to do amazing things. He already has done some amazing things. So, congratulations! We welcome you and look forward to the 2025-2026 basketball season.”

Leggett has a strong track record of player development and academic support. He has coached nine all-conference athletes, including: two conference players of the year, one defensive player of the year, one offensive player of the year and one freshman of the year. He had also maintained a 95% graduation rate among seniors. Teams under his leadership have captured both regular season and tournament conference titles.

“My goal is to build a culture where hard work, discipline and accountability are the standard—both on the court and in the classroom,” Leggett said. “When players believe in each other and commit to the process, winning becomes the byproduct.”

In other Columbia State News…Columbia State Community College hosted the Lion Nation Meets Charger Nation event on March 18 where students from Columbia Central High School came to the Columbia Campus to explore the campus and their educational futures.

During the event, eleventh and twelfth-grade students were greeted by several divisions in the Jones Student Center. Representatives from divisions included: Business and Technology; Health Sciences; Written, Oral and Digital Communications; and Humanities and Social Sciences; and others attended to help inform students of different degree and program opportunities.

“This was an exciting time for Lion Nation and Charger Nation!” said Yolanda Ogilvie, Columbia State enrollment recruiter. “Columbia State provides a great starting point for success, and we want them to know about the opportunities right here in their own community.”

The event also allowed students the chance to tour Columbia State’s campus.

A student who attended the event said she learned new things about the college, as well as options she didn’t know she had before.

“Very helpful. Opened my eyes to more opportunities here on campus and made me interested in more things,” said Jorja Walker, Columbia Central High School twelfth grade student.

For more information about Columbia State, including campus tours, information sessions and enrollment, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/campustour.

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.

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…

Thomas Eugene “Digger” Whitley, 86, retired after 43 years as an Engineer for the Columbia Power & Water System and a long-time resident of Columbia died Friday, April 25, 2025 at home while peacefully surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The burial will follow in the Poplar Union Cemetery in the Duck River community of Hickman County. The family will visit with family and friends on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 3:00 PM till 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Terry Martin Voss, 80, retired dairy farmer and a resident of Voss Road in Columbia, died Saturday, April 26, 2025 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. A private inurnment will be at a later date at Pleasant Mount Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

Ft. Campbell Soldier Sentenced (Tennessean)

The Fort Campbell soldier who pleaded guilty to selling military information to people tied to the Chinese government was sentenced April 23 to seven years in federal prison.

Korbein Schultz, 25, of Wills Port, Texas, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to collect and transmit national defense information, unlawfully exporting controlled information to China and accepting bribes in exchange of sensitive, non-public U.S. government information.

"This defendant swore an oath to defend the United States — instead, he betrayed it for a payout and put America’s military and service members at risk,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a news release. “The Justice Department remains vigilant against China’s efforts to target our military and will ensure that those who leak military secrets spend years behind bars."

Court documents showed Schultz engaged in an ongoing conspiracy to provide dozens of sensitive U.S. military documents, many containing export-controlled tactical and technical information, directly to a foreign national living in the People’s Republic of China between May 2022 until his arrest in March 2024.

The U.S. attorneys office said in a release that the person, referred to in documents as Conspirator A, was "likely" connected to the Chinese government and continued a relationship with Schultz for about $42,000 in exchange for Schultz providing documents and data related to U.S. military capabilities.

The attorney's office said Schultz was fully aware of the national security implications but used his position and access to restricted databases — including closed U.S. government computer networks — to download and transmit at least 92 sensitive U.S. military documents.

The FBI’s Nashville Field Office investigated the case, with the assistance from the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command and the Department of Defense.

Nashville Zoo Accredited (MauryCountySource)

Nashville Zoo has been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo was one of 32 facilities to receive prestigious recognition by the Commission during AZA’s Mid-Year Meeting held in Palm Springs, California.

“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Nashville Zoo for attaining the global ‘gold standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president, and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core. Nashville Zoo has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”

AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Accreditation Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.

A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.

“Our staff works tremendously hard to maintain Nashville Zoo and care for all animals that reside here,” said President and CEO of Nashville Zoo Rick Schwartz. “We are honored to receive accreditation again and will continue providing excellent care to our animals, creating impactful educational programs, and leading life-changing conservation efforts.”

There are 238 AZA-accredited institutions and 14 AZA-accredited related facility members throughout the U.S. and 12 other countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.

For more information about Nashville Zoo visit www.nashvillezoo.org.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Enjoy an informative and relaxing float down the most aquatically biodiverse river in North America – the Duck River on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 from 9am-noon at Higher Pursuits Kayak and Canoe Rental (3114 Cheeks Bend Rd. Columbia, TN 38401)!

Participants will rent kayaks or canoes and launch off from Higher Pursuits in Columbia.

As you float, you’ll make a few stops to learn about the freshwater mussel species that call the Duck home, many of which are federally listed as threatened or endangered and several occur nowhere else on earth.

Dr. Amanda Rosenberger will be the volunteer guide and co-host, in cooperation with TWRA.

**Space is limited for this event! You must register and follow instructions for booking for your kayak from the event page!**

Presented by Harpeth Conservancy, TWRA, Friends of the Duck River, and Higher Pursuits.

For more information visit Higher Pursuits on Facebook.