Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-19-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 19, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Craig Manufacturing Opens in Lawrence (Press Release)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Craig Manufacturing USA, Inc. officials announced on Friday that the company will expand its manufacturing operations in Lawrence County.

Craig Manufacturing will create 30 new jobs and invest $4.4 million at its current Lawrenceburg facility, increasing its manufacturing footprint by 24,000 square feet. Upon completion, the company will employ 110 at its facility on the Team Lawrence Commerce Park, a Select Tennessee Certified Site.

Founded in 1946, Craig Manufacturing produces steel attachments for heavy construction, forestry, mining, energy and utility equipment. Headquartered in New Brunswick, Canada, Craig Manufacturing also has operations in Alberta and Ontario. The company supplies directly to original equipment manufacturers and their regional dealer networks.

Canada is the state’s No. 3 partner for foreign direct investment with Canadian companies investing nearly $1.7 billion and creating approximately 3,800 jobs statewide.

“Craig Manufacturing is a fourth-generation, family-owned business that has spent the last seven years creating greater opportunity for the families across Lawrence County. The company’s commitment to hiring locally has not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful to their continued investment in Tennessee.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“At TNECD, we recruit companies to the state that are not only the right fit for Tennessee but also for our communities. Today’s announcement is a testament to the partnership and success both Craig Manufacturing and Lawrence County have seen since the company located here nearly a decade ago, and we are proud to take part in announcing additional jobs and investment in this community.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter

“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our operations in Tennessee. The skills and dedication of our local team and the steadfast support of our customers, community and governmental partners have been crucial to our growth. Thanks to their support and hard work, today, we are able to expand into new and larger products as we continue to build the tools that build America. We are excited about the opportunities this growth will bring for our company and the local Lawerence County community for many years to come!” – Ben Craig, president, Craig Manufacturing

Skanska Holds Topping Out Ceremony (MSM)

Skanska USA, one of the world’s largest construction companies, held a topping-out ceremony of the South Central Regional Health Office (SCRHO) in Columbia on Tuesday, April 29.

The facility will serve as a replacement for the Tennessee Department of General Services. During the ceremony, the final phase of vertical construction was celebrated for the new municipal facility in Columbia. This event marked the structural completion of the new building.

Skanska began construction in October 2024 and is leading the new build out of the new, 16,552-square foot regional health office, which is located on a greenfield site. Sitework consists of installing all required utilities, access drives, parking areas, pedestrian circulation, landscaping and all related work.

The $13.7-million project includes incorporating administrative functions into the building design, installing EV charging stations to promote environmentally friendly commuting options, identifying areas for potential future growth and expansion and developing access drives and parking areas for ease of transportation.

“We are proud to reach this important milestone for a facility that will significantly enhance essential health services and provide the flexibility for future growth to meet the evolving needs of the region,” said Dennis Georgatos, Vice President-Account Manager at Skanska USA Building in Nashville. “We are honored to contribute to a project that will deliver lasting benefits, improved access, and greater convenience to the people of South-Central Tennessee.”

Skanska is expecting the project to be completed by spring 2026. The staff and future building occupants attended the event and had the opportunity to tour the facility the day before, allowing them to see firsthand the progress of the building they will work in.

Skanska uses knowledge & foresight to shape the way people live, work, and connect. More than 135 years in the making, they are one of the world’s largest construction and project development companies. With operations in select markets throughout the Nordics, Europe and the United States, Skanska operates 28 offices across the U.S., with its headquarters in New York City.

CSCC Honors Respiratory Care Students (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College recognized 10 respiratory care graduates during the program’s annual pinning ceremony.

Respiratory therapists provide assessment, diagnostic evaluation, treatment and care for patients with breathing disorders. Upon completion of the program, graduates have become experts in artificial ventilation, resuscitation and airway management.    

“Respiratory therapists, like many other health professionals, are in high demand,” said Pamela Lindemann, Columbia State respiratory care program director. “Our graduates are stepping confidently into their careers, filling critical roles in healthcare and making a meaningful difference in patients' lives. Respiratory therapy isn’t just a career; it’s a calling. It’s the quiet hero behind the scenes. If you are interested in a rewarding career in healthcare, I urge you to consider respiratory care. This field offers incredible opportunities to grow professionally while playing a vital role in improving patient outcomes.”

Columbia State’s respiratory care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. All students participate in supervised, hands-on care in a variety of area healthcare settings and receive adult, pediatric and neonatal training.

“Breathing is essential whether working with newborns, adults, trauma patients, home health or sleep disorders,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “These new respiratory therapists are going to help patients breathe better!”

For more information about applying to the respiratory care program, visit

www.ColumbiaState.edu/Respiratory-Care.

Maury Regional Named Best Place for Working Parents (Press Release)

Maury Regional Health (MRH) has been named a 2025 Best Place for Working Parents by Best Place for Working Parents for the health system’s efforts to provide progressive benefits packages for the organization’s more than 3,000 employees across southern Middle Tennessee.

Organizations included on the yearly Best Place for Working Parents list are assessed on family friendly policies, including company-paid health care coverage, paid time off, parental leave, nursing benefits, “Best Place” designation, on-site childcare, flexible hours and remote work. MRH was also included in the 2024 and 2023 lists.

“Through the years, Maury Regional Health has remained committed to providing a supportive and compassionate environment for team members and their family members to thrive,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Dennis Fisher. “MRH continues to assess our current benefits and new benefits to be adopted in order to meet the needs of our team members and their families, while supporting them in their physical, emotional and financial wellness journeys.”

In addition to the organization’s comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, as well as short- and long-term disability packages, Maury Regional Health offers various benefits to help employees meet their personal and family needs.

One of these offerings is the on-site daycare center Hospitots, which is available at a reduced rate for employees. Hospitots opened in 1988 as the first employer-sponsored early education and care program in Maury County. It was also the first facility in Maury County to earn a three-star rating and accreditation by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs.

Maury Regional Health offers the Maury Strong Wellness Program to provide further support for employees as they work to meet their personal health and wellness goals. This program encourages action-based goals and includes wellness challenges, educational videos, recipes and meal planning options that can be used by the whole family. Employees also receive an employer-paid subscription to the Calm app that may be shared with up to five family members, as well as behavioral health services to ensure employees and their families have access to timely and high-quality resources on demand.

MRH offers employees free access to financial coaches through SmartPath to provide objective and trustworthy financial advice, in addition to a retirement savings plan with employer-matching opportunities and merit-based pay increases. The health system also partners with Rain to give employees access to earned wages prior to payday.

Some other benefits offered by MRH include career navigation and professional development opportunities; an on-site Employee Health clinic and family friendly events for MRH employees like the annual family picnic.

“We are honored to have received this designation for the third year in a row as it shows our continued appreciation and respect for our employees,” said MRH CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “Our entire Human Resources team at MRH, led by Dennis Fisher, works hard to evaluate existing and new benefits for our employees to continue making MRH a great place to work.”

Located in Columbia, Maury Regional Medical Center serves as the flagship hospital for Maury Regional Health, the largest health system between Nashville and Huntsville. The organization employees approximately 3,000 clinical and non-clinical staff members at the health system’s hospitals, surgery centers, outpatient facilities and physician practices throughout the region. Earlier in 2025, the organization also received a designation as a Great Place to Work® for the second consecutive year. 

To learn more about career opportunities at Maury Regional Health, visit MauryRegional.com/Careers.

Local Dems to Hold Dinner (Press Release)

The Maury County Democratic Party (MCDP) will hold its annual fundraiser, the Progress Banquet, on Saturday, June 7. The event will be held at the UAW Local 1853 Hall at 125 Stephen P. Yokich Parkway in Spring Hill. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the event will begin at 6 p.m.

State Senator Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville) will be this year's keynote speaker. Justin Kanew of the Tennessee Holler and Brandon “Tennessee Brando” Fuson, a prominent social media influencer, will also speak.

Originally called the Heritage Dinner, the Maury County Democratic Party has held an annual fundraising dinner for over 20 years. The Party will also name recipients of several awards at this event.

Party Chair James Dallas said: “Our event planning committee wanted to emphasize the Democratic Party’s bright future, and what we want to contribute to Maury County and Tennessee in the coming years.”

Tickets are $50 per person, and eight-person tables are available for $400. Sponsorship opportunities also still exist. Ticket sales are donations to the Maury County Democratic Party, which operates as a political action committee under Tennessee state law.

More information about tickets can be found on the MCDP website. Those seeking more information can contact the event organizers by e-mailing banquet@maurydems.org.

Rev War Traveling Exhibit (Press Release)

The Tenassee Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring “The American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibition,” an innovative pop-up exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration, technology and unique artifacts and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation

Curated by the American Battlefield Trust, the exhibition will be on display from now through May 25th, at the Maury County Public Library located at 211 West 8th Street in Columbia

The exhibit hours are Monday - Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Historic Marker Unveiling (Press Release)

The community is invited to attend an unveiling ceremony for historical markers honoring the Memorial Building and Viscaya naval gun.

The event will take place on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 3:30 PM at the Memorial Building, 308 W 7th Street, Columbia, TN

Constructed in 1909 as Columbia’s original Post Office, the Memorial Building has played a vital role in the city’s civic and cultural life for over a century. It has served as a public library, Chamber of Commerce, and home to veteran services and other local organizations. Its legacy as a public gathering space continues today.

The site also features a 14 cm Hontoria quickfire gun from the Spanish cruiser Viscaya, which sank during the Battle of Santiago in the Spanish-American War. This rare artifact is one of only eight such guns that were aboard the ship. It has been displayed in numerous locations around Columbia.

Mt. Pleasant Touch-A-Truck Event (Press Release)

The Mount Pleasant Main Street is excited to announce its upcoming Touch-A-Truck event, taking place on Friday, June 7th at 10:00 AM at the library grounds at 200 Hay Long Ave Mount Pleasant, TN. This fun, family-friendly event invites children of all ages to get an up-close look at a wide variety of vehicles — from emergency response units and construction equipment to service trucks and more!

Kids will have the chance to meet the people who operate these vehicles, learn about how they work, and even climb aboard for a hands-on experience. It’s a fantastic way to spark curiosity and learning through play and exploration.

“We’re thrilled to offer a day of discovery and fun for the families in our community,” said Mount Pleasant Library Director April White. “Touch-A-Truck events are always a big hit with children, and we’re grateful for the support that makes it possible.”

Leadership Workshop (Press Release)

Maury Alliance is hosting a leadership workshop. Join Chris Coyne, President of Modeof8™ Leadership and Co-owner/CFO of Muletown Coffee LLC, for a transformative half-day experience designed to equip you with the essential leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s workplace.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

TIME: 8:00 AM – Noon

WHERE: Maury Alliance Classroom 106 W. 6th Street

COST: $499 (includes coaching follow-up + materials + books + lunch)

What You’ll Gain:

This isn’t your typical lecture. Expect interactive dialogue, small-group discussion, and actionable insights on the four foundational leadership skills:

• Emotional Intelligence – More than a soft skill—it’s the foundation for trust and success.

• Expectation Management – Clarify context and needs for stronger communication.

• Mentoring vs. Coaching – Learn the difference and when to use each for impact.

• Team Dynamics – Avoid the traps that hold teams back and learn how to unlock next-level performance.

Who Should Attend?

Whether you're new to leadership or a seasoned pro, this experience is for YOU. Come ready to engage, share, and grow alongside others in a dynamic, collaborative setting.

For more information, visit www.mauryalliance.com.

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…

Mary Carolyn Norman Turnmyre, 82, passed away on April 29, 2025 at The Gardens of Poplar Estates in Columbia.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

Former Speaker Found Guilty (Tennessean)

A four-year investigation and prosecution that swept up some of the biggest names in Tennessee politics ended May 16 as a federal jury found former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada guilty on 17 of 19 charges and his former chief of staff Cade Cothren guilty on all charges.

Casada and Cothren face up to 20 years in prison at sentencing Sept. 12. Lawyers for both said they will appeal.

"We're disappointed in the verdict, we feel strongly about our case and there will be an appeal," said Jonathan Farmer, who represents Casada.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Rob McGuire, whose office prosecuted the case, spoke against corruption after the verdict.

“Tennesseans have a right to expect honest services from their elected leaders and their staffs,” McGuire said. “Our office will continue to pursue justice on behalf of our community in cases involving public corruption and fraud committed by elected officials or their staffs. We believe that Tennesseans deserve no less.”

Casada and Cothren have been allowed to remain out of custody on supervision pending sentencing.

Casada was found not guilty on two fraud charges, but he was convicted of all other charges, which included conspiracy to commit theft and fraud, theft, bribery and kickbacks, honest services wire fraud, use of a fictitious name, money laundering conspiracy and money laundering.

Casada's wife, seated in the courtroom, wiped away tears as the judge read the verdict.

The jury began deliberating shortly after noon May 13. The trial featured testimony from Casada and Cothren's alleged coconspirator in the crime, former Rep. Robin Smith, R-Hixson. Smith's lengthy testimony played a large role in the government's case, as did testimony from Office of Legislative Administration Director Connie Ridley.

The defense argued the prosecution was a form of political payback stemming from a rivalry between Casada and his successor, current House Speaker Cameron Sexton.

The trial lasted three weeks and was notable, too, for who did not testify, primarily Sexton, whom the government initially planned to call as a witness.

The Tennessee House Republican Caucus praised the verdict in a statement posted to social media, while also commending Sexton for being "instrumental in uncovering illegal activity by two former members and providing critical facts to federal authorities."

"We also commend the investigators, prosecutors and jurors whose diligent efforts ensured that those who betrayed the public’s trust were brought to justice," the caucus wrote in its post.

While 16 lawmakers were said to have contracted with the shadowy company Cothren incorporated, just three came to testify. All the lawmaker witnesses were encouraged to work with Cothren's company by Smith, the one defendant who has already pleaded guilty. The three lawmakers who testified were Reps. Patsy Hazlewood, R-Signal Mountain; Esther Helton, R-East Ridge; and Jay Reedy, R-Erin.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Nashville Symphony has announced three additional concerts for the 2025/26 schedule: Morgan Freeman brings his celebration of Delta Blues to Schermerhorn for Morgan Freeman’s Symphony Blues Experience with the Nashville Symphony on Friday, September 26, 2025; Trisha Yearwood presents an unforgettable holiday celebration on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3, 2025; and Drew and Ellie Holcomb return for a holiday tradition on Friday, December 12, 2025. Tickets for Trisha Yearwood and Morgan Freeman’s Blues Experience are currently available for 2025/26 season ticket holders and donors of $500+. Single tickets will be available for both concerts beginning Monday, June 2 at 10:00 AM. Tickets for Drew and Ellie Holcomb are available now. More information can be found at nashvillesymphony.org/tickets.