Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-21-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May21, 2025

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

We start with local news…

BOMA Approves Airport Extension (CDH)

After months of discussion, the Spring Hill Board of Mayor & Aldermen approved a second and final reading May 19 to extend development plans for what could potentially become a city airport.

Richmond Company, owner of the 499.68-acre property known as Spring Hill Commerce Center just east of Interstate 65 on Jim Warren Road, requested a one-year extension on the project development plans, which were set to expire in January 2026.

The request stemmed from a number of recent delays and changes to the project, including a 1,000 unit reduction to the site's number of residences as well as an airport district consideration.

Richmond Company President Phil Paston also said there have been significant changes on the federal side of things, which has caused certain aspects of the project to go back to square one.

"We worked with the Biden administration, hired a lobbyist, filled out all of the criteria, hired a consultant and spent $55,000 in getting ready, and then we have a new president," Paston said. "New presidents have different agendas."

During the board's May 5 work session, Development Services Director Dara Sanders said if the extension was not granted, the applicant would have less than a year to complete a significant amount of preliminary work, which if not met, would result in the property reverting back to its original I-2 industrial use zoning.

Preliminary work includes "installation of utilities, obtaining a grading permit to install utilities or obtain site plan approval for at least one of the properties in the project boundary," Sanders explained.

Another project delay, Sanders added, can be attributed to a federal funding application to widen the Jim Warren overpass at I-65 to accommodate traffic generated by the project.

"It seems that some of the rules associated with the program for that particular pot of federal money have changed a bit, and it looks like the developer may not be successful in their application, which is sponsored by the City of Spring Hill," Sanders said.

Paston said the Richmond Company plans to fund the bridge privately and is "about 30% through" the bridge's design. Construction will likely begin in early 2026, with an estimated completion date of August or September 2027.

"I feel that, as a developer, I did everything I needed to do, but because of politics, got stuck," Paston said. "That's the biggest reason."

The property falls within the Maury County water district, meaning Spring Hill could not determine utility costs. There is also a need for an updated traffic study.

"We had to find water somewhere else," Paston said. "Maury County said they would be happy to sell us water, but we'd have to pay a big price, a little over half of the improvements we would require, to give you that water. They have the water, but need a system in place, which was $12,500,000."

The board approved the extension on first reading at the May 5 work session ahead of the second and final reading on May 19.

"There are still some things to work through on the development agreement ... but like Mr. Paston said, they have run into a lot of unexpected things on this project and have been a good partner with the city thus far," Vice Mayor Trent Linville said at the May 5 meeting. "It would be a misstep for us not to give them the grace of an extra time frame."

Mayor Matt Fitterer said Richmond Company's willingness to reduce the original plan for residential should be taken into consideration.

"This was zoned for many, many thousands of residential units," Fitterer said. "Did Richmond Company rezone this maybe a little bit early? Maybe, but they did the city a favor in doing that. And none of us want 500-plus acres of I-2 development without a comprehensive plan to it."

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. 

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.'"

Stretch Zone Opening (WKOM Audio 2:00)

Yesterday, Stretch Zone, a therapeutic stretching center in Thompson Station held their grand opening. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy spoke to owner Terri Rife about what the new stretch center has to offer…

CSCC Honors Anesthesia Tech Students (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College recently honored five anesthesia technology graduates in a pinning ceremony in the Waymon L. Hickman Building.

“The only accredited anesthesia technology program in Tennessee is sponsored by Columbia State,” said Sue Christian, Columbia State anesthesia technology program director and assistant professor. “Our graduates play a crucial role in raising awareness about the profession and highlighting the significant contributions that formally educated technologists bring to an anesthesia team. The spring graduates are poised to enter a field with boundless opportunities for exciting, high-demand careers that offer excellent earning potential.”

The Anesthesia 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 skills required for credentialing exam success and immediate in-field employment.

“Anesthesia technologists ensure everything is prepared and continuously monitored so patients can have procedures done in a safe environment with minimal pain,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “These graduates are entering careers which are exciting, challenging and rewarding!”   

Anesthesia technologists support the licensed anesthesia provider with the acquisition, preparation and application of various types of equipment required for the delivery of anesthesia. Other job responsibilities of the anesthesia technologist include maintaining the anesthesia machine, assisting with vascular access and regional anesthesia procedures, troubleshooting equipment, assisting with difficult airways, performing point-of-care lab tests and operating rapid infusers. More advanced duties might include the operation of autotransfusion equipment or intra-aortic balloon pumps.

In other Columbia State news, Columbia State Community College recently honored 17 veterinary technology program graduates in a pinning ceremony.

“With hearts full of compassion and hands trained in healing, the Class of 2025 will step out into the world ready to care for those who have no voice,” said Dr. Julie Anderson, Columbia State program director and assistant professor of veterinary technology. “Their education has prepared them not only to treat illness, but to uphold the highest standards of care, professionalism and compassion in veterinary medicine. They have a bright future ahead of them! Congratulations, Class of 2025!”

A veterinary technician primarily functions as professional technical support to veterinarians, biomedical researchers and other scientists. Qualified veterinary technicians are responsible for clinical pathology, radiology, surgical assisting, office and hospital management and other related duties.

“These new veterinary technicians will provide the full spectrum of care for animals in addition to supporting veterinarians and engaging in client education,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “Veterinary technician graduates work in some of the coolest places: clinics, emergency hospitals, research centers, universities, pharmaceutical companies, ranches, parks, zoos and aquariums!”

Columbia State has one of only six vet tech programs in the state of Tennessee. This program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and offers students the opportunity to become a veterinary technician and receive an Associate of Applied Science degree. For additional information, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/VetTech.

Healthgrades Awards MRMC (Press Release)

Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) has been recognized as a 2025 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ recipient by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor.

The award places MRMC among the top 15% of hospitals nationwide for patient experience and marks the third consecutive year MRMC earned this distinction (2023–2025).

“This award reflects the dedication of Maury Regional Health in providing safe, patient-centered care,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “Every member of our organization contributes to this achievement, from physicians and those who provide direct, bedside care to all those who serve in equally important supportive roles. Their efforts attempt to ensure that patients not only receive excellent clinical care but also feel heard, respected and supported during every step of their health care journey.”

Each year, Healthgrades recognizes the top hospitals nationwide that provide an exceptional experience for patients during their hospital stay. As part of its annual analysis, Healthgrades evaluated more than 3,000 hospitals, applying a scoring methodology to 10 patient experience measures. These measures focus on patients’ perceptions of their hospital care, including staff communication, medication explanations and cleanliness. MRMC’s Outstanding Patient Experience Award is the direct result of positive patient feedback in these critical areas.

In addition to the Patient Experience Award, MRMC received recognition for excellence in orthopedics. Highlights from the 2025 Healthgrades Hospital Ratings & Awards include:

• Named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery™ for four consecutive years (2022–2025)

• Recipient of the Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™ for four consecutive years (2022–2025)

• Named among the top 5% and 10% in the nation for overall orthopedic services for four consecutive years (2022-2025)

• Five-star recipient for spinal fusion surgery for three consecutive years (2023–2025)

• Five-star recipient for hip fracture treatment for five consecutive years (2021–2025)

“Our team at TOA Columbia is honored to be recognized among the top orthopedic programs in the nation,” said Scott McCall, MD, orthopedic surgeon on Maury Regional Health’s medical staff and associated with Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA). “These distinctions reflect our commitment to providing exceptional surgical outcomes and personalized orthopedic care. From the initial consultation to rehabilitation, we focus on each patient’s unique journey to recovery — and that dedication is evident in these national recognitions.”

As part of its 2025 hospital assessment, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for more than 30 of the most common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to determine the top performers in specialty care.

“We commend Maury Regional Medical Center for going above and beyond to ensure patients have the best possible experience during their hospital stay and recovery process,” said Debra Gradick, MD, FACEP, senior physician consultant at Healthgrades. “Better patient experiences lead to better health outcomes, which is why it’s so important for patients to choose a hospital that excels at providing high-quality, compassionate care.”

To learn more about how Healthgrades measures hospital quality and view the full methodology for the Outstanding Patient Experience Award, visit healthgrades.com.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by 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.

Sandra Tate Halliday, aged 68 of Columbia, Tennessee passed away peacefully on May 19th .

A visitation will be held in the Parish Hall at St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Friday, May 30 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Graveside services will be held at St. John’s Churchyard following the visitation at 1:00 PM conducted by The Rev. Theodore Edwards, Jr. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements.

And now, news from around the state…

Cheatham County Schools Close After Threat (WKRN.com)

All schools in the Cheatham County School District closed early Monday due to a “potential threat,” announced school officials.

The Cheatham County School District posted on social media just after 10 a.m. that schools would be closing “out of an abundance of caution.”

“We believe it is in our best interest to close schools. We are working with the Tennessee office of Homeland Security and local law enforcement to determine the validity of this threat,” read a statement released Monday morning.

The Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office told News 2 that Cheatham Middle School, Kingston Springs Elementary School, and West Cheatham Elementary School received threatening voicemails overnight.

The voicemails allegedly included threats involving “blowing up the schools and school shootings.”

Authorities later reported that 46-year-old Kenneth Smith, of Robertson County, was taken into custody for his connection to the incident. Smith was reportedly charged with three counts of mass violence.

Schools resumed normal operations Tuesday in Cheatham County.

Construction Delayed for Holiday (Press release)

Road Construction will not delay motorists traveling Tennessee's highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes from noon on Friday, May 23, through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for the record-breaking number of motorists expected to take a road trip in the state this Memorial Day weekend.

AAA predicts 948,388 Tennesseans will travel for Memorial Day, with the majority, 800,250, driving to their destination. That’s compared to 783,595 last year.

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, visit Center of Hope’s Facebook page.