Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-15-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 15, 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 Discusses Commerce Center Plans (MSM)

For most of its three-and-a-half-hour meeting last week, Spring Hill’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed the city’s prospective Commerce Center with its developer, Richmond Company. Richmond’s president Phil Pastan, counsel Andrew Burek and Scott Cothron of Skipper Consulting represented the developer and fielded questions before BOMA.

The Commerce Center would sit on about 700 acres of land in the southern part of Spring Hill, between Duplex and Jim Warren Roads. It would include 5.7 million square feet of commercial and industrial space and a 285-acre airport. Through a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) arrangement with the city, Richmond Company would be reimbursed by local taxes for installing municipal infrastructure throughout the site, to the tune of $12 million: $1.3 million each year, from the $5.65 million in annual property and sales taxes that the Commerce Center would yield to the city. Burek, Richmond’s in-house counsel, claimed that the project would generate $84 million in taxes over 20 years, as well as $21 million in fees and permits during the building process.

The commerce center has run into difficulties, however, because the plan to improve Jim Warren and Duplex Roads (to make them fit for the expected traffic) was interrupted by new circumstances and laws. Pastan said that the Trump administration imposed a rule requiring federal Build Back Better grants to go only to regions that have above-average rates of births and marriages, equal to or higher than those of the country at large, a metric which Spring Hill doesn’t come close to meeting, despite all its recent growth. Because of that and the traffic going over the nearby June Lake overpass, Richmond is building up the Jim Warren overpass with its own money.

They’ve also had to turn to the county utility district for water and power, relieving Spring Hill of responsibility (and future revenue) for the utility needs of the Commerce Center, and they want to conduct traffic studies as each segment of the Center “comes online,” instead of trying to estimate all the traffic in advance.

“We’ve spent the last five months preparing a traffic study that meets our requirements, so we’d better understand the true traffic impact based on today’s traffic numbers,” Pastan said.

Making these changes and others to meet the city’s Unified Development Code will take longer than the current deadline allows Richmond, so they and their advocates within the city asked BOMA for a one-year extension to get in compliance. Final build-out would happen by 2035.

“Your back is up against the wall, and you’re fighting a hard battle… You’re not even from here,” new Alderwoman Erinn Hartwell said. “Why are you so invested in Spring Hill? Why are you so adamant about being in Spring Hill, instead of just selling?”

“I have well over $40 million into this project… [and] I’ve never walked away from an investment,” Pastan replied. “That won’t come back until the infrastructure is there and I create that value.”

There’s good reason to expect a return, Pastan revealed, saying that Tennessee has overtaken Austin, Texas, as the No. 1 business environment in the country. Psstan claimed that Gov. Bill Lee personally called him to encourage completing the project.

The prospective Spring Hill airport, which is many years away, would facilitate corporate air traffic, transporting executives and employees to and from the Brentwood offices where they’re clustered; Pastan proposed selling hangars to different corporations. Six companies have reportedly expressed interest in running the “fixed base of operations” (a kind of airport service station) at the airport.

The aldermen mostly questioned the wisdom of swelling traffic on the hilly, residential Jim Warren and Duplex Roads, which wasn’t factored into the equation until phase three of planning. Though Scott Cothron of Skipper Consulting estimated that Duplex Road could handle 15,000 cars per day (over the 3,300 it now takes), aldermen Vincent Fuqua and Alex Jimenez contended that it would be very dangerous to do so.

“Those roads were created and accessed by hay wagons,” Fuqua said, “[and] they barely accommodate that.”

Jimenez asked how they could protect the hundreds of children who travel Duplex Road every day to school.

“You might as well build that [planned] emergency-response center on this corner, because that’s where they’re going to spend the bulk of their time,” he predicted gravely.

City Development Director officials Dara Sanders replied with Pastan that they had been working with Richmond on unspecified plans to make Duplex Road safer, and the developer was willing to pony up $5 million for it. Alderman Brent Murray proposed “just building a different road” and sparing Duplex Road the traffic, but Sanders replied that getting right-of-way for a new road could cost $18 million to start.

Vice Mayor Trent Linville expressed concern that as written, the current agreement would saddle the city with financial liability for $30 million in improvements, leaving them waiting for taxes to make back that money. He wanted more time commitments in the agreement, allowing the city to withhold approval for the next stage until the state agreed to improve the roads in its jurisdiction and the developer had completed the then-current stage of construction.

“If nothing happens from the state and the city doesn’t have the funds… we are creating a traffic nightmare on the south side of the city,” Linville warned. “I would love to see some sort of timing commitment.”

“We can control only what we can control,” Burek replied. “We need some cooperation back as well.”

BOMA voted to grant the one-year extension. Mayor Matt Fitterer reminded everyone that the 500-acre plot was zoned residential until Richmond Company bought & rezoned it, and the Commerce Center would at least limit the city’s further population growth.

“There’s nobody up here who campaigned on promoting additional residential growth,” Fitterer said to his colleagues. “Did Richmond Company rezone this a little too early? Maybe, [but] they did this city a favor… None of us want 500-plus acres of I-2 [zoning] developing without a comprehensive plan.”

BOMA also heard from Assistant City Administrator Dan Allen on the question of water conservation. Allen advocated for passing an ordinance with teeth to protect the city’s water supply from being wasted by residential landscaping during the summer.

Allen argued that the “big non-essential use demands” of residential users is the only real cause of Spring Hill’s summer water shortages. His draft of the ordinance imposed a $50 fine for the first waste offense and sent city personnel to turn off a house’s outdoor water for the third, but he deferred to the sensibilities of the mostly new board members.

“I am all about water conservation, but I think this board needs to be very careful about shutting off people’s water,” Alderman Scott Wernert said.

Allen clarified that only outdoor water would be turned off for landscaping waste offenses, nothing indoors.

“The only time we take action is when the system has gotten so [low]… that we deploy the utility team to shut off meters,” Allen explained. “Which is its own special version of public outreach as well.”

Linville suggested changing the bill to allow regulation before a state of emergency, but to shift emphasis to “encouraging” compliance before “enforcing” it.

Fuqua, the owner of a farm in Smyrna, agreed with Allen that an enforceable ordinance is needed to deal with the water crises already hitting Middle Tennessee.

“If you are watering three times a week for more than a minute or two, you are wasting water to evaporation, as are most people,” Fuqua stated. “Some things take a little courage, and I understand this is a hot topic in the city.”

“This will be an unpopular vote and an unenjoyable vote,” Fitterer said, “but a [bill] that nonetheless we need to… pass [in some form].

BOMA heard from Eric Jacobson, of the Battle of Franklin Trust, asking Spring Hill to split the cost of a regional-history museum at the Rippavilla plantation site. The Trust wants a ten-year contract to plan and build a museum, which would deal with not only the history of the Cheairs family that owned Rippavilla and the surrounding 300 acres, but the history of all of Middle Tennessee.

“We believe we have an opportunity to do something in spring Hill that can be done nowhere else in Middle Tennessee… The only place in Middle Tennessee [where] they’re even coming close to this is at the State Museum in Nashville,” Jacobson said to the Board. “We want to tell the early history of the Cheairs family… of Spring Hill and Maury County… [and] of Middle Tennessee, which is really the early history of America.”

Since Rippavilla stands at a kind of intersection of state highway 31 and interstate 65, the museum could become self-supporting, even pay for itself in just a few years. The aldermen and -women who spoke were very supportive of the idea; Hartwell asked the Battle Trust to stay with the project long-term, given their vision and commitment.

The BOMA also accepted several Rippavilla artifacts on behalf of the city, which were discovered and donated by Spring Hill Holdings. The most recent dig (of about seven) on the property yielded artillery shell fragments, bullets, buckles, and buttons from the Civil War era, and Indian artifacts including pottery and an arrowhead dated to about 6,000 B.C.

CPWS Gets Accounting Award (Press Release)

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.

Under the guidance of Chief Financial Officer Ashley Maddux, CPWS has earned this award for the 20th consecutive year.

“Ashley and her team continue to showcase the effort we put forth each year to be good stewards of the public’s money,” CPWS CEO Jonathan Hardin said. “Our ratepayers are fortunate to have someone so dedicated to in this endeavor.”

Maddux added, “Our team here at CPWS works tirelessly to make sure that everything we do is beneficial to the customers we serve. I’m very proud to a be a part of such a dedicated group of people.”

The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Lineman’s Rodeo at CSCC (Press Release)

The Columbia State Community College Office of Workforce and Continuing Education recently hosted a Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy Mini-Rodeo that allowed students to demonstrate the skills they learned during the seven-week program.

In the overall rodeo, Hayden Brandon from College Grove came in first place, Jaylun Wilks from Gallatin came in second place and Rylee Jeans from Petersburg came in third place.

“This program stands out because of our incredible instructors and the strong partnerships we have with local utilities and municipalities,” said Tiffany Odom, Columbia State Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education coordinator. “I want to sincerely thank all of our partners who make this program possible — whether through equipment donations, providing facility access, maintaining the pole yard, or volunteering for mock interviews. Their support is essential to the success of both the program and its participants.”

Upon completion of the program, the students received a Tennessee Valley Public Power Association climbing certification, first aid and CPR certifications, OSHA 10 with ET&D certification and NSC flagger certification. In addition, the students are prepared to sit for a commercial driver’s license.

During the mini-rodeo, students competed in different activities including the 80-foot pole climb, bell change and switch transfer.

In the first activity, students climb up and down an 80-foot pole, which is a necessary part of the TVPPA Climbing Lab Certification. In this activity, Hayden Brandon from College Grove came in first place, Jaylen Milton from Gallatin came in second place and Cameron Nelms from Tullahoma came in third place.

The bell change and switch transfer are activities linemen would do in the field because of lightning, loose connections or replacement of aging materials to maintain electricity for those in the service area.

In the bell change, students climb a 40-foot pole and change out the bell that holds the line to the pole. In this activity, Hayden Brandon from College Grove came in first place, Jaylun Wilks from Gallatin came in second place and Jaylen Milton from Columbia came in third place.

In the switch transfer, students climb a 40-foot pole to change out the switch attached to the cross-arm of the pole. In this activity, Cameron Nelms from Tullahoma came in first place, Hayden Brandon from College Grove came in second place and Jaylun Wilks from Gallatin came in third place.

In addition to his performance in the rodeo, Erik Jacobson from Goodlettsville was presented with the Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy Outstanding Student Award.

11 scholarships were awarded through grants from the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI).

MSI was launched in 2019 by Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to provide workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers in fields and positions. Columbia State is the first community college in Tennessee to receive a MSI grant.

The Pre-Apprentice Lineworker program is a result of communities from across Middle Tennessee coming together to fill a need in the workforce. After the rodeo, participants will complete their CDL skills training to test for their CDL Class A-57 license and be ready to join the industry as an apprentice lineworker.

 For more information about the program, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Lineworker. Upcoming cohorts are scheduled for fall 2025 and spring 2026. All individuals interested in the program should register through the link to be placed on a contact list for future classes. Scholarships will be available, and interested participants can sign up for the contact list at www.campusce.net

Mayor’s Youth Council Graduates (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is proud to announce the graduation of the 2024–25 Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC), a group of outstanding high school students who have spent the past year actively engaging in local government and community initiatives.

This year’s CMYC class has exemplified what it means to be young civic leaders. Throughout the school year, council members attended city meetings, met with department heads, and participated in meaningful discussions about Columbia’s future. Their leadership has helped strengthen the connection between young residents and their city government while laying the groundwork for a more engaged and informed generation of Columbians. One of the most notable accomplishments of this year’s cohort was their work on the Riverwalk Park Sign Replacement Project. Over the course of several planning and research sessions, students collaborated in teams to gather historical, environmental, and cultural information that will be featured on nine new educational signs. These signs are replacing the original signage that was first installed along Riverwalk Park when it was built several years ago. The updated signs will highlight the Duck River’s rich history, native wildlife, and ongoing conservation efforts.

The city invites the community to attend the official unveiling of the first three of the nine new signs on Tuesday, June 3, at 4:00 PM at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion in Riverwalk Park. The event will celebrate the council’s hard work and the impact of youth involvement in shaping our city.

Mayor Chaz Molder offered his congratulations, stating: “This year’s Mayor’s Youth Council set a high bar. The Council not only observed how local government works—the Mayor’s Youth Council actively participated in it. Their work on the Riverwalk Park Sign Replacement Project will have a lasting impact on Columbia, and their passion for public service gives me hope for the future here at home and beyond. Columbia is a growing city, and programs like the Mayor’s Youth Council ensure that our next generation of leaders are ready to meet the moment. Congratulations to each member of the Mayor’s Youth Council. You made your community a better place.”

The City of Columbia extends its appreciation to these students for their dedication and service. Their contributions will continue to benefit the community long after graduation. For more information about the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council please visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

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

Mr. Quentin Pye, 47, died Monday May 5 at TriStar Medical Center.  Visitation will take place on Friday, May 16th at 11am at Carmack Blvd Church of Christ with funeral to follow at 12 noon.  Burial will happen at Pinecrest Cemetery. Baxter Bros. Funeral Home is assisting family with arrangements.

Mildred Hartsfield, 92, a longtime resident of Columbia died Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Goldton Assisted Living and Memory Care in Spring Hill.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.  The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. 

And now, news from around the state…

Ogles Calls of Anti-Immigrant Policies of Nashville Leaders (WSMV)

U.S. Representative Andy Ogles has called for a full investigation into the mayor of Nashville and certain lawmakers for attempting to impede recent immigration operations in the city.

Rep. Andy Ogles spoke directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security during a House Homeland Security Committee meeting on Wednesday, and asked her if it was a crime for an elected official to help illegal immigrants evade arrest by federal agents.

He asked Director Kristi Noem, “If a municipal leader is found to be aiding and abetting illegal immigrants to evade federal law enforcement, would that be a criminal act?”

To which Noem replied, “Yes, I believe it would, sir.”

He then pressed on to ask Noem, “If elected officials impede ICE or Homeland Security in doing their job in pursuing illegal immigrants, would that be a criminal act?”

Again, Noem replied, “I believe so.”

Ogles then informed the committee that he would be requesting them and the Judiciary to conduct an investigation into Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and several other unnamed “municipal leaders.”

“Madam Secretary, and Mr. Chairman (Mark Green-TN), I will be asking the committee of Homeland Security and Judiciary to be looking into the mayor of Nashville for any collusion or impeding of federal authorities in conducting their work in the city of Nashville,” Ogles said. “I would also encourage this committee and the judiciary to look into other leaders, municipal leaders across the country, as they obstruct this administration, this Madam Secretary, and her employees, in doing their constitutional job, which is uphold the rule of law.”

Mayor O’Connell, along with several other Democratic lawmakers, has been vocal about their stance on the recent arrests and detainments carried out by the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents around the city.

“I’m doing everything in my power, consistent with applicable law, to protect anyone who calls Nashville home,” O’Connell said. “What’s clear today is that people who do not share our values of safety and community have the authority to cause deep community harm.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) criticized O’Connell’s comments, saying he’d “rather protect illegal aliens than American citizens.”

Furthermore, DHS claims statements such as the mayor’s have increased the threat agents must face when on patrols throughout the city, claiming the attacks and demonization of ICE have resulted in officers facing a 413% increase in assaults.

Other members of Nashville leadership have also been vocal about their opposition to ICE checking immigration statuses in the city, including Rep. Justin Jones and Rep. Aftyn Behn. Both Jones and Behn have physically followed ICE around Nashville and filmed themselves confronting agents as they conducted their patrols.

Ogles mentioned “municipal leaders across the country,” and was referring to incidents such as the one involving Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. He was arrested May 9 for trespassing when he and several congressmen confronted federal agents at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility.

The Metro Nashville Police Department has reportedly not been involved in any of the ICE operations in the city, and Chief John Drake said he was made aware of the arrests after the fact.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

On June 28th from 5:30 pm-9:30 pm, Center of Hope will host its Annual Whiskey, Wine, Sweets & Smokes Festival on the grounds of Columbia’s Historic Elm Springs (2357 Park Plus Dr, Columbia, TN 38401).

You will find spirits, chocolates, tobaccos and food trucks will be on site. You certainly don’t want to miss the charcuterie cups, chocolate fountain, and boozy milkshakes and wine slushies. Plus, there will be fireworks at the end of the night.

Tickets go on sale soon!

More information on the Center of Hope’s Facebook Page.