Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-30-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 30, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Adient to Close (MauryCountySource)

Adient plc has filed a WARN Notice with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, confirming plans to permanently close its facility in Columbia, Tennessee. The affected facility is located at 2206 Oakland Parkway in Columbia.

According to Adient’s website, the company is an American, Irish-domiciled company that operates as the largest manufacturer of automotive seating for customers worldwide and is based in Plymouth, Michigan.

Layoffs at the Maury County facility began on April 17, and there, 95 workers will be affected. A Henderson County facility began layoffs on April 21, and 320 employees there will be let go. Both facilities will be permanently closed on June 27.

The employees at the Maury County facility are represented by UAW Local 1853 in Spring Hill, so the DLWD said the Southern Middle Local Workforce Development Area rapid response team will coordinate with the affected employees and the employer.

UAW represents more than half of the employees impacted by the layoffs at the Maury County location, and they’re working to get those workers hired by another factory in Spring Hill that is now producing seats for GM, according to UAW chapter president John Rutherford.

As of 2022, Adient employed 70,000 people across 200 manufacturing/assembly plants in 30 countries.

Road Closure (Press Release)

The City of Columbia announces the upcoming closure of Baker Road between Bear Creek Pike and North Ridge Road beginning Monday, May 5, 2025, through Friday, August 1, 2025, to accommodate the start of Phase 1 of a major roadway reconstruction project.

This essential improvement project is focused on increasing safety and drivability for all motorists who use this corridor. Phase 1 will address a section of the roadway that has presented challenges due to its narrow lanes, lack of shoulders, and sharp vertical curves. The reconstruction will result in wider lanes, road shoulders, and reduced vertical curves, providing a safer, more navigable route for drivers.

Importantly, this project is being fully funded by private development, not taxpayer dollars. As new development occurs in the area, the City continues to prioritize infrastructure enhancements that keep pace with growth—ensuring that improvements are made in a responsible, forward-thinking manner.

“The safety and long-term benefits of this project are essential to accommodate the continued growth and well-being of our community. It should also be noted these traffic enhancements which will result are being paid by the developers of the underlying residential development—minimizing the impact on our taxpayers, while maximizing safety and security of our residents and visitors alike. Much like the Tom J. Hitch Bridge closure, the short term inconveniences and frustration of this project will lead to long term traffic safety and other financial benefits,” said City Manager Tony Massey.

The City urges motorists to plan for alternative routes during the closure period and thanks the public in advance for their cooperation. Updates regarding the project’s progress will be shared on the City of Columbia’s official website and social media platforms.

Tennessee Tech Studying the Duck (MSM)

Tennessee Tech University’s Center for the Management, Utilization and Protection of Water Resources – also called the Water Center – is playing an important role in the state’s efforts to protect one of its most important natural resources: the Duck River.

That role became official earlier this year when Gov. Bill Lee’s executive order established the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership with 19 appointees from state agencies, utilities, local governments and conservation organizations. Tech stands as the sole university on the board, with Water Center Director Justin Murdock serving as its only academic member.

“This group is comprised of a diverse makeup of stakeholders and is tasked to develop a watershed planning framework for the Duck River to conserve the unique biodiversity and quality of river in the face of population growth and increased water demands,” Murdock said. “A lot of the people on this planning partnership group grew up on this river, so they very well understand what the river means to the community and the state.”

With more people moving to central Tennessee, increasing amounts of water are being pulled from the Duck River to supply the growing community, leading to lower water levels. Pollution is also increasing, including sediment, pesticides, chemicals and runoff from landfills.

“So, it’s not only a water-quantity issue, but it’s also a water-quality issue,” Murdock explained. “Right now, we don’t know all of the information needed to be able to understand how best to mitigate the negative effects on the river, but our goal is identifying the best available data to develop an actionable plan now.”

The Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership has been tasked with preparing a report to outline findings and recommendations for the river’s future. The Duck River provides drinking water to more than 250,000 people and supports agriculture, industry, recreation and fragile ecosystems across seven counties. It is home to many threatened or endangered species, some of which cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.

One of these endangered groups includes freshwater mussels — a specialty of Amanda Rosenberger, professor of biology at Tech and assistant unit leader of the Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit.

“Freshwater mussels are called the ‘liver of the river,’ ” she said. “They’re filter feeders. And as filter feeders, they do a lot. They can transform nutrients that are in the water column into bioavailable food. They aerate the bottom of the stream by burrowing… they basically take gunk, and they turn it into more edible gunk.”

This leads to a cleaner and healthier river, both for the species who call it home and for the humans who use it for drinking, fishing and recreation.

“These animals are basically signaling to us that this system is delicate, it’s valuable and it’s important,” Rosenberger said. “If we harness the ecosystem services these animals provide to create a water-wise and water-secure community south of Nashville, we can basically use these animals as a vehicle to reduce human suffering and increase the ecosystem services that these animals provide.”

As Murdock works with the board over the next year, he has plenty of other experts from the Water Center and across Tech’s campus to help collect information.

“The Water Center is comprised of geologists, engineers, water quality experts, biologists, environmental scientists, geneticists – we have all kinds of people who, as Dr. Murdock and the committee are discovering what needs to happen to this river, can help address the challenges that may arise, if we’re called upon to do so,” said Grace Tinker, lab analytical and research manager at the Water Center.

The Duck River has long been part of university research efforts. Rosenberger has worked with Tech students on a number of projects related to mussel biodiversity. Tech alumna Brittany Bajo completed her master’s thesis on habitat requirements of the Duck River’s freshwater mussel concentrations. Her findings have led to important hypotheses on how the river’s underlying geology is important for its mussel populations. Bajo is now a state malacologist (mussel biologist) with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Likewise, Tech research specialist Kristen Womble developed a database containing more than 7,000 mussel records — a tool now being used to guide conservation planning.

“The research on these mussels is so important because they are acting as underwater canaries, showing us when and where river conditions are deteriorating,” Murdock explained. “We know that if they are starting to go away, then something is wrong. So, when we’re protecting these, we’re protecting everything else in the river too.”

The planning partnership will meet quarterly through the end of 2026 and produce a final report with recommendations to the governor. A secondary objective is to develop a plan that is transferable to other watersheds in the state.

“I’m really grateful for this community of people who have their eye on this. Otherwise, it’s just another tragic story ready to be written for both the animals and the humans,” Rosenberger said.

For more information about Tennessee Tech’s Water Center, visit tntech.edu/watercenter.

Clean-Up Columbia a Success (Press Release)

Launched at the beginning of April in observance of Litter Awareness Month, the Clean-Up Columbia initiative focused on the importance of collaboration, education, and proactive efforts to create a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all residents. Through cleanup events and litter awareness programs, the City encouraged residents of all ages to take greater responsibility for maintaining their shared spaces.

“We are incredibly proud of the community’s response to Litter Awareness Month,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. “The Clean Up Columbia campaign highlights how teamwork and education can transform our city into a cleaner, greener place. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us in these efforts to reduce litter and protect our local environment. I feel confident our collective efforts this month will lead to a cleaner community in the days, months and years ahead. For that, we should all be grateful. ”

As part of the campaign, the City partnered with local organizations Keep Maury Beautiful and the Triple C’s (Columbia Community Clean-Up Team) to host two clean-up events. Volunteers gathered in East Columbia on April 12 and in the Columbia Arts District on April 26. With all necessary supplies provided, participants removed nearly 75 bags of trash from Columbia city streets, making a tangible impact.

Additionally, the City hosted two Litter Awareness Education events for young children at the Maury County Public Library on April 15 and April 26. Mayor Chaz Molder and Vice Mayor Randy McBroom read Catch That Litter Bug, a children’s book by local author Michael Fulbright, to engage kids in litter prevention. The Public Works Department provided recycling truck demonstrations and shared best practices for waste management, while Keep Maury Beautiful led hands-on activities to further involve families in environmental stewardship.

City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the importance of the initiative’s lasting impact, stating, “Clean Up Columbia is more than just a one-month campaign; it’s the beginning of a shift in how we approach sustainability and civic pride. I am proud of the collaboration between our residents, city staff, and community partners to help keep Columbia beautiful.”

The Clean Up Columbia campaign showcased the power of community engagement in building a cleaner, more sustainable future. Through active participation, Columbia residents reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the beauty of the city and ensuring its long-term environmental health. Moving forward, the City will continue to prioritize litter reduction efforts and engage residents in keeping Columbia clean for generations to come.

For more information about the Clean Up Columbia Campaign visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

CSCC Announces Commencement Speakers (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce student-graduates William Cary, Levi Fritsch and Julian Peacock will deliver the commencement addresses to the graduating class during Spring commencement ceremonies.

Graduations will take place May 10 at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

For the first ceremony, William Cary will deliver the commencement address.

Cary is earning an accelerated advanced emergency medical technician technical certificate.

He has previously earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a master’s degree in health and human performance from the University of the Cumberlands, where he honed his passion for promoting holistic health and wellness. 

With a deep-rooted commitment to healthcare, Cary is eager to leverage his expertise in emergency medicine as he pursues his ultimate goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. His unique blend of knowledge, experience and drive sets him on a clear path toward making a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.

For the second ceremony, Levi Fritsch and Julian Peacock will deliver the commencement address.

A Maury County resident, Fritsch is graduating from Columbia State with an Associate of Science degree in computer science. At Columbia State, he served as vice president of the Student Government Association during the 2024-2025 academic year, handling SGA elections and leading Columbia State’s delegation to the annual Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature.

As part of his SGA role, he helped represent Columbia State on the Student Government President’s Council for the Tennessee Board of Regents. Fritsch has also been an officer or member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies, the STEM Club and the President’s Leadership Society.

He strongly believes in the opportunities that college provides outside the classroom, and he is extremely grateful to all the faculty, staff and students who have made his college career possible and strives to give back whenever possible.

Fritsch plans to transfer to Lipscomb University to complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Peacock started taking Columbia State dual enrollment classes at 14 and is now graduating three years later with an Associate of Arts degree in philosophy.

He served as vice president of leadership for Phi Theta Kappa honor society, as well as vice president and historian for Sigma Kappa Delta honor society. Next, he plans to pursue a bachelor's degree at New York City University.

The commencement ceremony will take place in the Webster Athletic Center gymnasium on the Columbia Campus.

The commencement ceremony will be streamed live for remote viewing. The ceremony can be found at www.ColumbiaState.edu/Graduation.

Hampshire School Helps MRMC Foundation (Press Release)

For the third consecutive year, the business management and accounting classes at Hampshire Unit School have donated $1,000 to support the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation. Each year, these classes design and sell breast cancer awareness T-shirts with proceeds benefiting the Foundation’s Women’s Center Fund.

“The purpose of these classes is to teach students important life skills including how to manage a business from inventory to accounting, but we also encourage them to give back to their community” said Business Management Instructor Webb Williams. “We chose the Women’s Center fund of the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation because this disease has impacted our community greatly. My wife lost a mother and paternal grandmother to breast cancer, so I am personally aware of the needs of the patients. My students wanted to help those close to home because they wanted to see their funds in action. This allows them to see the results of their hard work.”

The Women’s Center Fund supports women who are battling and recovering from cancer. It provides funding for comfort supplies, such as wigs, various headpieces, camisoles and lymphedema garments, educational resources and programs that improve the quality of care for patients. The fund ensures women in the community receive personalized care and support during their health care journey.

“We are grateful to Hampshire Unit School for their consistent support,” said Foundation Executive Director Rita Thompson. “Breast cancer affects one in eight women. Support for the Women’s Center Fund allows us to ease some of the burden for those battling cancer thanks to generous donors throughout our community.”

Since 2006, the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation has funded more than $5.1 million in programs and services benefiting community members in need. Learn more about the Foundation at MauryRegional.com/Foundation.

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.

Joan Singlaub, widow of Maj. General John Singlaub, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home. She was 91 years old.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 3rd at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee. Visitation will begin at 1 PM, with the service following at 3 PM.

She will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband.

And now, news from around the state…

Franklin Masonic Lodge Turns 200 (WilliamsonHerald)

On Tuesday, April 22, the Hiram Masonic Lodge #7 in downtown Franklin opened its doors to the community to share its rich history and celebrate 200 years since the building’s cornerstone was laid. Some of Williamson County’s most knowledgeable historians and preservationists spent the evening speaking about the historical significance of the building and why it is important to support the preservation of the space. 

“This building serves as the home and public meeting house for a number of different organizations — Hiram Lodge #7, a place for our women’s group to meet, a place for the American Legion to meet — and for 200 years it has served that purpose for Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee,” said Scott Medsker, a junior warden at the hall and the event’s emcee. “That is something that is absolutely worth celebrating.” 

As the speakers shared the intricate details of the building’s 200-year history, they encouraged the audience to see the present value of the building. Over the years the building has sustained some damage and wear, spurring the start of a nonprofit foundation to raise funds to restore the building. 

The effort to begin preservation work on the building stalled for a few years but was rejuvenated last May after a bout of severe storms. Now, the lodge has all of its building permits taken care of and plans to start work as soon as possible. 

“One hundred percent, work will begin in the next two weeks,” said John Baumgartner, who has helped lead the restoration efforts. “We’re ready to go.”

Tuesday served as an opportunity for the lodge to reintroduce itself to the public and garner support for the building’s restoration. 

“This building is probably the most important building in downtown Franklin,” said Williamson County historian Rick Warwick. “This place is history itself.”

Warwick joined local preservationist, lawyer and corporate leader Rod Heller in giving brief histories of the role of the Hiram lodge in the development of the region. 

“The early settlers here, the early founders of our town, you look at their names and most of them are on the roster of members of this organization,” Warwick said. “This building [was] the center of all social activity. There were dances here, there were lectures here, the churches met here while they were building their own church, so this hall here is really a public space.” 

Outside of its impact on the local community, Heller spoke about a “tale of two masons.” He shared how two of the state’s most influential politicians — Andrew Jackson and Felix Grundy — were masons and how their political moves may have led to the creation of anti-masonic party in the U.S. 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Tennessee Performing Arts Center® is proud to announce two dynamic, nationally acclaimed shows that highlight the power of music in unexpected and engaging ways: STARDEW VALLEY: SYMPHONY OF SEASONS and CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! Each production offers a fresh take on how audiences experience music; one through a nostalgic, immersive video game concert, and the other through a participatory, community-driven singalong. Together, they reflect TPAC’s commitment to bringing bold, diverse programming to the heart of Music City.

Tickets for STARDEW VALLEY: SYMPHONY OF SEASONS and CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! are  available at TPAC.ORG