Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-20-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May20, 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 in June (CDH)

An estimated 95 workers at Columbia's Adient auto parts manufacturing plant are expecting layoffs, according to a recent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The state issued April 22 a layoff report notifying the agency of a permanent closure of the 2206 Oakland Parkway facility effective June 27.

An additional state WARN notice was issued to the company's Lexington, Tennessee location, which estimates 320 affected workers, also taking effect June 27.

"The employees at the facility are represented by a collective bargaining agreement," the report reads. "The Southern Middle Local Workforce Development Area rapid response team, employed by the South Central Tennessee Development District has been notified to coordinate services with the employer and affected employees. The Southern Middle Local Workforce Development Board will be responsible for the oversight and continued follow-up of Rapid Response and Dislocated Worker services associated with this event."

Based out of Plymouth, Michigan, Adient is the largest global manufacturer of automotive seating.

The Lexington and Columbia plants recently received 2023 General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Awards for meeting or exceeding a very stringent set of quality performance criteria. The manufacturer was also named in April as the GM Supplier of the Year from General Motors for the fourth consecutive year.

In May, the manufacturer reported a strong second quarter.

For more information, contact the Dislocated Worker Unit at (615) 253-6355.

Adient has 70,000+ employees in 29 countries, operating more than 200 manufacturing/assembly plants worldwide. 

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

Maury Alliance Touts Growth (CDH)

The Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance celebrated the community's last 10 years of growth last week during Economic Development Week.

Maury Alliance announced the last 10 years have netted a total of 44 project wins, equating to $5.92 billion in capital investment and creating approximately 6,826 new jobs.

Maury Alliance President Wil Evans, who gave his quarterly presentation to Columbia City Council on May 8 said the organization is tracking 18 active projects currently.

Something that makes this list an indicator of where things are going, Evans said, is that much of these projects aren't necessarily new, but rather local entities seeking expansion.

"Forty-four percent of those are businesses here in the community looking to expand, which is much higher than what we have seen of our historical trend of only about 10%-20% of our pipeline being made up of existing industries," Evans said. "That's indicative of our existing industries being successful, and also our proactive efforts to be a little more strategic in the types of new companies we are working to relocate here."

When it comes to unemployment, Maury County has maintained a steady low, with the latest numbers for March indicating 2.9%, Evans said.

To celebrate Economic Development Week, the Maury Alliance took to social media highlighting some of the community's biggest wins over the last 10 years, starting with an 85.3% increase in retail sales from 2013-2023.

The organization later highlighted Landmark Ceramics' $72 million expansion to Mt. Pleasant in 2016, creating 78 new jobs. Maury County's overall workforce has also increased four times from 2018-2023, according to the Maury Alliance.

For workers, the Maury County job market has also experienced a 7.1% overall increase in average annual income.

Evans' May 8 presentation also highlighted ways Maury Alliance has made strides to provide opportunities for young people, having recently partnered with Maury County Public Schools and the Youth Education Foundation.

The partnership garnered a Work Ethic Distinction recognition from the State of Tennessee.

"This is a workforce readiness credential that is earned by high school seniors in participating counties, and Maury County is one of those systems," Evans said.

"Those who earn this distinction will actually be given preference for job interviews with partnering companies that have agreed to take part in that. They have basically said, 'If you have this distinction, we guarantee we will at least interview those students who are ready to go straight into the workforce.'"

CSCC Pins New Lab Techs (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College recently honored eight medical laboratory technician graduates in a pinning ceremony in the Waymon L. Hickman Building.

“The need for medical laboratory technicians is very high right now due to the continuing demand for laboratory testing and current staff shortages,” said Lisa Harmon, Columbia State program director and assistant professor of medical laboratory technology. “This year's class already has several employers waiting for them to complete their education and pass their board of certification exams. They are needed by these employers in our area to fill critical shortages in their staffs. We are particularly thankful for the continued support of all our clinical partners who help us to meet this demand.”

The Medical Laboratory Technology Associate of Applied Science degree academic plan involves two or more semesters of general education coursework followed by a 12-month, three semester, series of core courses designed to provide classroom and clinical-based competencies that provide students with the tools for licensure examination success, gainful in-field employment and career satisfaction.

“Med Lab Techs are behind the scenes performing tests which are crucial for diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “Graduates have unlimited opportunities to contribute to better patient outcomes!”

The medical laboratory technician possesses the technical skills necessary to perform routine testing in the areas of hematology, serology, coagulation, clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry, blood banking and urinalysis in clinical laboratories of hospitals, clinics and physician offices under the supervision of a physician and/or medical technologist.

Lab tests shape the majority of medical decisions made by physicians. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects the demand for medical laboratory professionals will increase at a rate nearly double the average increase for all populations.

For more information about Columbia State’s Medical Lab Technology program, visit www.columbiastate.edu/academics/health-sciences-division.

Nurses for Newborns (Press Release)

Maury Regional Health Care Foundation partners with a variety of organizations to improve the health of at-risk and underserved populations in southern Middle Tennessee. Among them is Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee.

The mission of Nurses for Newborns is to provide home-based services to promote the health, safety and well-being of babies and their families, reducing infant and maternal mortality in Middle Tennessee. Through their home visitation program, a team of registered nurses and licensed social workers deliver critical services, including physical and mental health assessments, education and positive parenting guidance. They also provide essential items like diapers, portable cribs and formula to ensure families have the resources they need to succeed.

Services are offered at no cost to families and are referral-based, ensuring that care reaches those who need it most — including medically fragile infants, teenage parents and mothers facing physical health, mental health or substance use challenges.

“Nurses for Newborns has been an incredible champion for families in Maury County ­— helping vulnerable babies and mothers receive early, essential care,” said Foundation Executive Director Rita Thompson. “We have a shared mission to support the health and wellness of those within our community.”

Maury Regional Health Care Foundation’s support helps ensure that families in Maury County continue to benefit from this life-changing program. Nurses for Newborns has served families in Maury County for more than 10 years. In their 24 years of service in Middle Tennessee, Nurses for Newborns has provided 78,615 free home visits to 10,650 families.

“Care for a mother and her newborn baby shouldn’t stop when she leaves the hospital,” says Matt Robertson, executive director of Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee. “Nurses for Newborns steps in to ensure every mother is empowered with the tools she needs to parent and every baby has the opportunity to thrive. With the support of Maury Regional Health Care Foundation, we are providing more families in Maury County with access to our critical services.”

Through their partnership, the Foundation and Nurses for Newborns help ensure that every family — regardless of financial barriers or medical challenges — has access to early support, parenting education, health screenings and critical interventions during the most formative years of a child’s life.

To learn more about Nurses for Newborns or how to support their mission, visit NursesforNewborns.org/Tennessee. 

To learn more about the Maury Regional Health Care foundation, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation.

CA Announces New Coaches (Press Release)

Columbia Academy announces its new Head Girls Basketball Coach, Brandon Tinnon, and Head Volleyball Coach, Rebecca Camacho.

“Brandon and Rebecca are perfect fits for Columbia Academy. I look forward to working alongside these experienced coaches as we move towards the 2025- 26 school year. They fit our school's mission, and I'm very confident they will lead their teams with wisdom and determination,” says Columbia Academy Athletic Director, Pernell Knox.

Rebecca Camacho comes with an impressive volleyball career under her belt. In high school, she played on award-winning teams, reaching the AAC tournament and championship level multiple times. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn., she chose to pursue her passion for volleyball. Most recently, she has served at the University of Tennessee Southern as the Assistant Volleyball Coach and as a Head Volleyball Coach at M1 Volleyball Club in Spring Hill, Tenn.

Brandon Tinnon’s basketball resume is extensive, including titles such as Club Director for the Tennessee Shock Travel Basketball Club, Centennial High School and Grace Christian Academy Assistant Basketball Coach, Elite Amateur Basketball Girls Program Director, Prep Girls Hoops Tennessee Lead Scout, Team Brandan Wright Co-Program Director and Head Coach, and most recently - Lipscomb Academy Assistant Boys Varsity Coach and Junior Varsity Head Coach. Tinnon received his Master’s of Sports Administration with a major in Sports Management from Ohio University following his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University.

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.

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.

Nicho Joshua “Joshy” Soliz Jr., 22, resident of Columbia, died Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center after a lifelong battle with Muscular Dystrophy.

A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Don Morrow officiating. The Family will visit with friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

Ogles vs. O’Connell (Fox17.com)

Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles is calling on Congress to launch a federal investigation of Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, accusing him of obstructing immigration enforcement and endangering public safety.

During a Homeland Security briefing in Washington, D.C., Ogles questioned U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on whether public officials who impede ICE operations are breaking the law. Noem responded, “Yes.”

Following the exchange, Ogles formally announced that he will request the House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees investigate the mayor and other city officials, citing a recent executive order that directs Metro departments to track and report all known federal immigration activity to the mayor’s office within one business day.

“Mayor Freddie O’Connell is blatantly obstructing ICE officials,” Ogles said in a statement. “By ordering city agencies to monitor and potentially sabotage ICE operations, he has crossed a dangerous line—using the power of government to shield criminal illegal aliens from the law.”

Before the hearing, Ogles spoke with FOX 17 News about the issue and stated:

“Any local, elected official that is interfering with ICE or Homeland Security from doing their job should be prosecuted.”

Ogles further claimed the directive could interfere with federal efforts to detain individuals involved in serious crimes. “This isn’t San Francisco. This isn’t Portland. And I refuse to let Democrats turn our state into a playground for cartels and predators,” he said.

Gas Prices (MSM)

Gas prices across the state held steady for the second week in a row. The Tennessee Gas Price average remains $2.72 which is three cents more expensive than one month ago but 44 cents less than one year ago.  

“As we head into the holiday weekend, there’s the chance that gas prices may begin to fluctuate due to the expected increase in gasoline demand,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, even if prices do fluctuate higher, drivers should still spend significantly less at the pump for their holiday road trips this year compared to last.” 

Tennessee is second least-expensive state in nation for gas prices

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Cruise into Cheekwood Estate & Gardens during Father’s Day weekend to experience Exposition of Elegance: Classic Cars at Cheekwood. Stroll among nearly 100 impeccably maintained classic cars and motorcycles from the early to mid-20th century during the dazzling two-day event that culminates with a Tour d’Elegance through the city streets of Belle Meade.

Enjoy era-specific tunes, grab a drink from the bar stations, and enjoy tasty bites from

the city’s favorite food trucks and Café 29. With hands-on activities for kids and the

Enchanted Castles exhibition, there’s something for everyone.

Visit cheekwood.org for current hours and to purchase advance tickets required for admission.