Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-28-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 28, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Ogles Calls for Investigation into Nashville Mayor (WilliamsonScene)

Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District Rep. Andy Ogles announced that the House Committee on Homeland Security, which is chaired by Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District Rep. Mark Green, and the House Judiciary Committee will launch investigations into Metro Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell following the mayor's comments and actions regarding recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests.

Ogles said the investigations will focus on the mayor's “remarks” and “the potential for aiding and abetting illegal immigration,” as well as “his conduct and whether or not federal dollars have been used in criminal enterprise.”

The “Stop the Invasion: Defend Tennessee” press conference took place on Monday, May 26, inside the State Capitol's Old Supreme Court Chamber. Though the Capitol is a public building, it was closed for Memorial Day, meaning the 100-plus protesters demonstrating against Ogles were not able to enter the building where the press conference was held.

Ogles previewed the investigation announcement in a press release on May 14, when he alleged that O'Connell is “blatantly obstructing ICE officials. 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.”

Ogles’ focus on O'Connell followed a May 5 press conference where the mayor said that ICE operations in Nashville did not involve Metro Nashville Police.

The same day, Metro Nashville Government partnered with several nonprofits to launch The Belonging Fund to “support immigrants in Nashville” to address “housing instability, child care, transportation, food insecurity, or other urgent needs – but not legal services.” O'Connell said then that he was “deeply concerned” about a new state law that criminalizes sanctuary cities.

On May 9, O’Connell spoke about the threat of a weaponized legal system during an event with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

“In America, at this moment, in my hometown, in my home state, I never expected to be having to ask my legal director, multiple times a week, some version of the question, if I do this will I get arrested?” O'Connell said.

At a Franklin Republican event the same day, Ogles said that the DOJ needs to “make an example” out of elected officials who allegedly impede ICE, citing the recent arrests of a Democratic New Jersey congresswoman and mayor.

“It's also a message to all the other blue cities,” Ogles said on May 21. “If you're aiding and abetting, it's a problem, it's a crime, and we're going to look into it.”

Spring Hill Has Four Finalists For City Manager (WIlliamsonScene)

The City of Spring Hill has named four finalists in its search for the next city administrator, with final interviews set for mid-June.

Those finalists include: former West Chester Township, Ohio, city administrator Larry Burks, who resigned from that role in February; Bradley Gotshall, the current manager of Lower Paxton Township, Pennsylvania, who was recently named as a finalist in Brentwood’s search for its own city manager; A.J. Krieger, the current Town Manager of Firestone, Colorado; and J. Carter Napier, the current city manager of Casper, Wyoming.

According to a city document that includes candidate resumes, all four finalists are “well qualified to meet the minimum requirements of the position.”

Those finalists will take part in a final round of interviews with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and city executive team from June 13-14, as well as a community and employee meet and greet.

Former City Administrator Pam Caskie retired in 2024 after more than three years in the role.

The seat is currently filled by Human Resources Director Chris Clausi as interim City Administrator.

City Unveils Historic Markers (CDH)

Columbia City officials and members of the community gathered May 22 outside The Memorial Building to unveil two new historical markers, making 12 total markers as part of the city's Historical Marker Program.

The Memorial Building itself and a 140mm Hontoria naval gun on site, taken from the Spanish armored cruiser Vizcaya during the Spanish-American War, were named last week as historic gems in Columbia on the eve of Memorial Day.

"The unveiling of these markers allows us to preserve our past while educating future generations,” Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder said. “These sites represent not only Columbia’s civic history, but also our city’s connection to national and international events. The Memorial Building and the Vizcaya gun tell stories of service, sacrifice and historical significance that we are proud to share.”

City Manager Tony Massey, along with the assistance of the late County Historian Bob Duncan, initiated the Historical Marker Program.

“The historical marker program is one of the most meaningful initiatives we’ve undertaken to celebrate Columbia’s history in a visible, lasting way,” Massey said.

“That this unveiling took place on the eve of Memorial Day makes it especially meaningful, as we prepare to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our nation. The Memorial Building—serving as a space for the local Veterans Services Office—and the story behind the Vizcaya gun remind us not only of how deeply Columbia appreciates those who have given their lives in service to our country, but also of how our city is woven into the broader fabric of American history."

The presence of the naval gun in Columbia also connects the community to a moment of international consequence, standing as a powerful reminder of service and sacrifice that shaped our nation, Massey said.

First constructed in 1909 on West 7th Street, what is known today as The Memorial Building, initially operated as Columbia's first permanent U.S. Post Office.

While establishing a permanent post office was a significant stride in the city's development at the time, there was "a problem from the get-go that nobody foresaw." The automobile was released to the public when the building was being completed. All of a sudden, rules for parking also came into being, which did not go into the plans for the building.

Sponsored by U.S. Congressman Lemuel Padgett, also of Columbia, the post office remained at the site until 1941.

Eight years later, it would receive its Memorial Building name officially, when it was taken over by the Maury County Memorial Association, a group of veterans’ organizations whose mission was, "to commemorate the memory of those living and dead who participated in the wars of our nation."

The Memorial Building has since served as a public library, the Chamber of Commerce, as well as a hub for veterans' services and organizations.

The 140mm Hontoria naval gun, which sits facing West 7th Street outside of the Memorial Building's front entrance, was retrieved during the Spanish-American War.

The gun was taken from the destroyed Spanish Cruiser Vizcaya during the war's decisive Naval Battle of Santiago de Cuba.

After hostilities between Spain and the United States occurred following the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, the United States navy started blockading the ports around Cuba.

In an effort to avoid naval ships, the Vizcaya sailed to Santiago, where U.S. ships would show up just a few days later.

"While trying to sail out of the harbor, a naval battle ensued. The battle opened at 9:35 a.m. and was all done by 11 a.m. The U.S. Navy had decimated the Spanish Navy and the Vizcaya was sunk. The ship was claimed by the US Navy and a number of guns were taken from the Vizcaya and brought to the United States to be displayed in various locations."

The Hontoria gun was donated to Columbia in 1902 thanks to the efforts of Congressman Padgett, who also served as part of the U.S. Navy Committee.

It is also one of only three Vizcaya guns reportedly on public display in the U.S., the others being at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the other at the U.S. Naval Academy.

"It is indeed an honor to be in the same company as those great American institutions," Molder said.

Spring Hill Escape Game (WKOM Audio 1:30)

Yesterday, Spring Hill Escape Game held their grand opening. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy stopped by and spoke to owner David Miller to learn about the new entertainment venue…

Columbia Dam Group Gaining Ground (CDH)

Efforts to gain support for a Columbia Dam revitalization project continues to grow, though a new grassroots group has emerged to seek an alternate solution to Maury County's water needs.

Last week, Columbia Dam Now, the group pursuing the project as a viable long-term solution, met at the Maury County Water System facility off New Lewisburg Highway to provide updates on the project. This included finalizing the group's nonprofit status, as well as the project being presented earlier this month to leaders in Washington D.C.

Columbia Dam Now Co-founder Jason Gilliam has spent the past two months traveling across the state in an effort to gain support from local leaders and raise awareness of the project's viability as a long-term water solution. His efforts include resolutions approved by the Maury County Commission and Columbia City Council showing their support for the project, as well as six other regional committees and utility boards.

"If we get enough people in support of the project, that will move the needle, and that's what we have been doing, gaining support from all of these commissions and cities we have been going to," Gilliam said. "There is no question that we absolutely have to find a solution for water, and we need to be ahead of this."

Gilliam also addressed concerns dating back to 1983, when the project was forced to shut down due, in part, to its impact on endangered mussel species found in the Duck River.

"Obviously the environmental impact of the dam on the river is a major hurdle because [Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency] is worried about the biodiversity and the endangered species," Gilliam said. "Another is the geological aspects of where this lake is going to be and will it hold water? That's why it is so important we get a feasibility study done."

Gilliam's visit to Washington, he said, was an opportunity to speak with leaders in Congress and see if the study could potentially gain federal support via an appropriation.

"The most important step is we need funding for the feasibility study, because from that we will gleam many answers about this project and whether or not it is something we can see come to fruition," Gilliam said.

"This is a different time, we have a different need, and we have a new administration, and those things culminate to where there is a real possibility that this thing could happen. All of this is pending upon the reality of the study that we need to get done and will get done as to whether or not this project can hold water."

The prospect of resurrecting a halted Columbia Dam project has sparked concerns from a new grassroots group, Don't Dam the Duck.

On Tuesday, the group issued a press release advocating for alternative water solutions and challenging claims being made by the dam's supporters.

According to the release, Don't Dam the Duck lists a myth vs. fact breakdown of various key points it considers false, including:

• MYTH: There will be a large reservoir for recreation (and of course for water storage).  FACT: The reservoir will be significantly drawn down each winter, so that the 12,600-acre artificial lake will become about 4,300 acres surrounded by 8,000 acres of mudflats. 

• MYTH: TVA already acquired 90% of the land needed for the artificial lake that will be formed.  FACT: Only 46% of the land required has been purchased.  Only 50% of the roads and bridges were moved.  There are 14,900 acres of land from Maury and Marshall counties that will still be needed. The people who own these lands, houses, and businesses would once again be forced to sell at below market prices for the dam.  

• MYTH: The dam will hold water.  FACT: Maury Co is full of sinkholes, caves and karst topography.  The reservoir is planned to be right in the middle of the highest concentration of sinkholes and karst topography.  This is a bathtub with the drain open.  TVA knew this, and this was part of the reason they abandoned the project.  Newer, advanced technology detects even more sinkholes and caves than what was known about in 1983. 

• MYTH: The Duck River is 270 miles long and the dam will only affect a small portion of the river.  FACT: 54 miles upstream and 25 miles downstream will be affected.  This has an extremely detrimental effect on the Scenic River designation and on the Endangered aquatic species found in the Duck River (and also animal and plant species on the lands that would be flooded).  

The release adds that Don't Dam the Duck will publish weekly articles with additional information disputing the project on the its Facebook page.

"There is so much more information to be provided to the public.  The Don't Dam the Duck group has all the governmental and scientific research sources, and those links will be on their Facebook site with the weekly articles," the release states.

"In short, all the reasons the dam was stopped in 1983 are still present and viable today. The Duck River needs to be protected, not dammed.  Our community needs affordable, realistic water solutions sooner than the dam would provide."

Light Hill Meats Named Biz of Year (MSM)

Light Hill Meats, a farm-to-table beef cattle farm, processing plant and butcher shop located in Giles and Maury Counties in Tennessee, has been honored with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Tennessee Rural Small Business of the Year Award.

The prestigious award was presented at a ceremony held at Belmont University in Nashville on Thursday, May 8. Light Hill Meats was one of four distinguished small businesses recognized at the event.

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler attended the ceremony and participated in a panel discussion highlighting the critical role small businesses play in the American economy. During the event, Light Hill Meats owner Ben Neale accepted the award and expressed his sincere gratitude to his family and dedicated staff for their unwavering support in making his American dream a reality.

“We are incredibly honored and grateful to receive this recognition,” Neale said. “It’s a testament to the power of small business in rural America and building something from the ground up.”

This award was also recognized on April 22, 2025 by Tennessee State Rep. Clay Doggett. He led HJR0694 through the House and Senate, which honored the Neales during the Tennessee General Assembly.

“It is hard to believe that only a few years ago, this was all a dream, but I’m so thankful that our dreams became a reality,” Neale said. “I have more ideas so we’ll see where the next decade takes us.”

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

Darlene Dodson Malott, 66, of Columbia, TN, died Sunday, May 25, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family.

Graveside services will be conducted at a later date at Polk Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

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.

Memorial Day Traffic Fatality Stats (Press Release)

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) today released preliminary enforcement results for the 2025 Memorial Day holiday period, an 84-hour initiative from 6 p.m. Friday, May 23, to 5:59 a.m. Tuesday, May 27. Troopers maintained a highly visible presence on Tennessee roadways, focusing on impaired driving, speeding and seat belt violations to ensure motorist safety.

During the holiday period, the THP investigated five fatal crashes, which resulted in eight fatalities. This marks a significant decrease compared to the 14 fatalities recorded during the 2024 Memorial Day holiday period.

Of the fatal crashes:

Four were single-vehicle incidents, while one involved multiple vehicles.

One (13%) of the fatalities was alcohol-related.

Six (75%) of those killed were motor vehicle occupants. All reportedly were wearing safety restraints.

No child passengers requiring a child restraint device were killed.

Two motorcyclists were killed; one was wearing a helmet.

No pedalcyclists or pedestrians were killed.

Tragically, there was a fatality every 5 hours and 30 minutes during the 2025 Memorial Day holiday period.

"While we are encouraged by the reduction in fatalities this Memorial Day weekend, any loss of life on our roads is a tragedy," said Colonel Matt Perry, commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. "Our troopers worked hard to enforce traffic laws and assist motorists, and we are thankful for the public's cooperation. We will continue our efforts to promote safe driving habits and ensure everyone reaches their destination safely."

While specific data on the total number of traffic crashes and crashes with injuries is still being compiled, the THP expects to release a comprehensive report in the coming weeks. Troopers responded to numerous incidents across the state, diligently working to clear crash scenes and assist those involved.

In addition to enforcement, THP troopers provided a significant number of motorist assists throughout the busy weekend. These included helping stranded motorists with flat tires, mechanical issues and providing directions, underscoring the THP's commitment to public service.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol reminds all motorists to drive sober, avoid distractions, obey speed limits and always wear a seat belt.

Tennessee Ranks 2nd for States People Want to Move To (MauryCountySource)

U.S. News recently released a new study analyzing what states people are most interested in moving to.

In the first quarter of 2025, U.S. News tracked migration interest, or curiosity about living in a new city or state, among U.S. residents via online searches.

Tennessee ranked second on the list, with South Carolina taking the top spot, and Delaware and North Carolina are in the third and fourth spots.

In terms of why many Southern states made the top ten, U.S. News says “Some reasons these states may be rising in popularity include the milder weather living in the South affords, along with recreation opportunities and a lower cost of living.”

The study also stated, “Tennessee is also known for its rich musical heritage, culture, and natural wonders, including the Great Smoky Mountains along the North Carolina border, making it a popular state for outdoor enthusiasts.”

For most popular Tennessee cities based on the data in this study included: Knoxville, Franklin, and Chattanooga.

The top ten states from the study are:

1. South Carolina

2. Tennessee

3. Delaware

4. North Carolina

5. Maine

6. Idaho

7. West Virginia

8. Alabama

9. Arkansas

10. Mississippi

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The 7th Annual Highland Realm Blueberry Bash will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 3 pm-8 pm at Highland Realm Blueberry Farm (4443 Hampshire Pike,Hampshire, TN 38461)!!

There will be blueberry pickin’, live music featuring Yonder Grove, tons of craft vendors, yummy food trucks, horseback riding, a giant water slide, creek wading, face painting, and kid zone, and a whole lot more!

Entry is $5 each. Kids 5 and under are free.

Come enjoy Hampshire, Tennessee’s biggest festival of the year and the sweetest, 100% herbicide and pesticide-free blueberries around.

For questions, email highlandrealmblueberries@gmail.com.