Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-30-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 30, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Animal Shelter Expansion Plan (CDH)

Maury County Animal Services is creating a five-year expansion plan, which would provide better services, better housing for intakes and educational opportunities for students while creating a more efficient facility.

The only issue is finding enough funding to realize this long-term dream, while at the same time facing a growing number of issues related to population growth experienced throughout the county.

Director Kim Raffauf said, above all, the shelter wishes to create a facility that is "more than a dumping ground for animals, but a community where people are involved." At the same time, there is a more pressing immediate need, things the animal shelter is called to provide that people might not think about.

"There are people who are evicted, people who move here and have a change of circumstances. With growth comes animals," Raffauf said. "We have 55 kennels, and when you have 115,000 people in the county is why you see so many strays, why you have to make an appointment ... because when we tell people we can take in an animal in about a week, they get mad. We have to do some expansion, more kennels to service the area properly."

The shelter has also assisted in recent emergency weather incidents, such as the tornado which struck Columbia on May 8, 2024, leaving approximately 245 structures damaged and one death.

"The taxpayers and citizens of Maury County need a resource for their animals, and we were the resource for them to come to, because it is natural that you would want to look for your pet at the shelter," Raffauf said.

"For days upon days, animals poured in that needed some place to go because they didn't have a home. That is something through FEMA we have to be able to offer citizens. Even the trickle effects where people thought they would be able to rebuild but were not able to, we have had to take in their animals down the road."

In the meantime, some updates have been making progress, such as converting the shelter's dog kennels from prefab to permanent structures, as well as expanding outdoor kennels to allow for fresh air, sunlight and a change of scenery. However, all of this has been achieved using the current budget, Raffauf said.

The shelter's five-year plan would include repurposing a portion of the existing facility to construct an area which can be utilized for additional veterinary services, a quieter and more ventilated room for cats, training classrooms and kennel space.

"We already offer low-cost spay and neuter and need to offer more of that, because that is a way to prevent unwanted litters here locally, and if it is affordable people can do it without excuses," Raffauf said. "Public education is also a really big deal and we need a room for those people to have classes, training classes in helping people keep an animal in a home. Sometimes it's the simple things that can make a difference."

The shelter has also expanded in other ways, such as now operating seven days a week and with later hours.

"We also have a marketing team and volunteers who go to offsite events and we are constant on social media," Raffauf said. "We are really pulling a big demographic from outside of Maury County, because people see the ads and it makes the animals more accessible. Some people don't even know the shelter exists either because they haven't been in this direction or they are transplants, and the people that are moving here expect services. We've just really got to get more with the times."

The need to expand, as well as handle the influx of animals due to recent growth, has been a focal point of discussions at the Maury County Commission and Columbia City Council, and if there can be a solution to the shelter's funding needs.

At its May 8 regular meeting, Columbia City Council approved its first of two readings regarding its 2025-2026 fiscal budget. The city's 2024-2025 budget included a $220,000 allotment to the shelter, a 10% increase over the previous year. This year proposes an additional 10% increase, totaling approximately $242,000.

"I think that shows good faith and everyone working together, which is what we need to do in having everyone be partners and step up to the plate," Raffauf said.

However, there likely won't be much more room to provide additional increases, Molder said.

"The request that has been made for the last two years, from a percentage standpoint ... is a request that we have the ability to absorb from a budgetary standpoint," Molder said. "For example, this past year we paid $4.3 million to save an aquatics and recreation center that is utilized by the county school system to have pools ... and in addition the upcoming budget has over $2 million in improvements to that facility."

The second and final budget reading will appear before the council in June.

CSCC Gets $2M Grant (MSM)

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) announced on May 21, 2025, the recipients of the Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant (RHCPE), a key initiative designed to strengthen Tennessee’s rural health care workforce by expanding access to education and career pathways in high-demand health care fields.

Grants of up to $2 million have been awarded to 20 higher education institutions across the state. These awardees will develop or expand health care career pathway programs that connect rural students with in-demand opportunities in health care, behavioral health and dental health professions.

Grant recipients include Columbia State Community College, who will receive the full $2million dollars.

“By investing in these institutions, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable health care workforce in Tennessee’s rural communities,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, Executive Director of THEC. “These partnerships will help students explore careers in health care earlier, transition into postsecondary education more seamlessly, and advance professionally within their chosen fields.”

The RHCPE Grant supports a variety of evidence-based strategies, including increasing secondary students’ exposure to health care careers, strengthening pathways into health science education and employment and enhancing career advancement opportunities within the health care sector.

Through this initiative, THEC continues its commitment to addressing workforce shortages and improving health outcomes in Tennessee’s rural areas by building strong, data-informed pathways into essential health care roles.

THEC would like to thank the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Tennessee Department of Health, Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for their partnership and support in this initiative.

For more information about the Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant, visit www.tn.gov/thec.

Cepicky Urges Family to Apply for Freedom Scholarships (MSM)

State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, is encouraging interested families in Maury County to apply for Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS).

All Tennessee students can apply for the program, which provides a $7,295 scholarship to attend a private school that will best fit a child’s needs. Families are encouraged to apply early and have all necessary documents and information readily available.

“True education freedom for Tennessee families is now a reality in the Volunteer State,” said Cepicky, who serves as chair of the House Education Instruction Subcommittee. “Students spend a significant amount of time in K-12 education, and it’s essential that their unique learning needs are met during these formative years. The EFS program will ensure Tennesseans have the ability to choose a school of their choice, which will enhance a student’s learning experience and improve academic and behavioral outcomes. I strongly encourage interested Maury County families to apply for this important scholarship opportunity.”

The Tennessee Department of Education (DOE) will administer 20,000 scholarships in the 2025-26 academic year. Half of these will be reserved for eligible students based on income (qualified scholarships); the other half will be available for any interested student across the state (universal scholarships).

To be considered for a qualified scholarship, applicants have to demonstrate income eligibility through a 2024 Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, proof of eligibility for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, or proof of eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Students can also be considered if they are eligible for the Individualized Education Account Program or the Education Savings Account Program.

All students must be five years old by Sept. 30, 2025, have spent no more than 13 years in school, and be entering grades K-12 to be eligible. They must also be residents of Tennessee and lawfully present in the United States. The application portal is open now.

Two documents will be required to prove Tennessee residency. Additionally, one document will be required for proof of United States citizenship, or, if applicable, two documents will be required for proof of lawful presence in the U.S.

Scholarships will be awarded in the order the DOE receives completed applications. For a complete list of eligibility requirements, acceptable forms and a student application checklist, please visit tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/efs/EFS_ApplicationChecklist.pdf.

The General Assembly passed the Education Freedom Act during January’s special session. The scholarship program will grow with demand, with 5,000 universal scholarships added for each subsequent year after applications exceed 75 percent of total scholarships.

More than 200 private schools across Tennessee have announced their intent to participate in the EFS program for the 2025-26 school year. Visit tn.gov/education/efs.html for an updated list of participating schools.

Scott Cepicky represents District 64 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Maury County. He is chair of the Education Instruction Subcommittee and also serves on the Education Committee, Insurance Committee, Education Administration Subcommittee and TennCare Subcommittee.

White Shepherd Coffee (WKOM 1:13)

Yesterday afternoon, White Shepherd Coffee opened their newest location in Thompson’s Station. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy stopped by to learn more about and sample the new coffee shop and spoke to owner Adam Sturgeon…

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.”

Randolph Howell Rebrands (Press Release)

 In an exciting development that heralds a new chapter at Randolph Howell Elementary School (RHES), Maury County Public Schools is excited to unveil the school’s new identity and logo! When school resumes in August, Randolph Howell Elementary School will identify as huskies.

Formerly known as hornets, this comprehensive rebranding initiative will usher in new energy, build school spirit, and community cohesion that aligns with Maury County Public Schools’ mission, core values, and ethos. The new identity and logo represent more than just a visual transformation, it symbolizes Maury County Public Schools’ commitment to excellence, unity, and the pursuit of greatness in and out of the classroom.

“Strong schools develop strong students, which in turn creates strong communities,” said Lisa Ventura, Superintendent of Maury County Public Schools. “This logo and brand evolution is more than a collection of pictures; it’s a declaration of our journey forward, embracing our rich history while boldly stepping into the future. Change is necessary and this change represents a new day at RHES.”

Maury County Public Schools partnered with VIP Branding, creating a new color scheme that conveys a sense of modernity and professionalism, aligning with the school district’s commitment to innovation and high performance. The brand’s personality emphasizes collaboration, impact, and success, striving for excellence and forward-thinking, creating a unified and dynamic educational environment.

“While I have enjoyed my time as a Hornet, I am extremely excited to become a Husky,” said Marisa Massey, Principal of Randolph Howell Elementary School. “Huskies are very resilient and are known for their determination and never-give-up attitude. They provide love, loyalty, and inspiration. At Randolph Howell Elementary School, our staff provides love, loyalty, and inspiration to all our students daily. It’s a great day to be a Howell Husky.”

Maury County Public Schools invite faculty, students, alumni, and fans to embrace this new chapter at Randolph Howell Elementary School. Together, we embark on a future filled with promise, achievement, and an unwavering spirit of determination.

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.

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

Rachel Ann Reese Barlow, 81, died Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at her residence in Chapel Hill.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 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.

And now, news from around the state…

Comptroller Flags Williamson Child Advocacy Center (Tennessean)

A recent investigation lead by the Tennessee Comptroller's Office has found that a nonprofit aimed at offering services to those who’ve experienced child abuse has made questionable and unsupported credit card charges totaling at least $250,709.

The Davis House Child Advocacy Center, formally known as the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center, Inc., was created in 1999 with the intention of coordinating services to children and their families in crisis.

Over a four-year investigation from January 2020 to August 2024, officials found that the organization had used two credit cards from two different financial institutions. 

According to the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office report, “Between 2020 and 2023, DHCAC spent more money than it could generate from revenue sources.” 

These included charges that were found to be made at upscale restaurants, retail stores, entertainment venues and purchases of alcohol purportedly for events, training, and other expenses of the Center.

DHCAC receives funding from donations, fundraisers and government grants. During the investigative period, approximately 33% originated from government sources.

“It is essential that nonprofit organizations with public funding operate transparently and within clearly defined financial policies,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “Proper oversight by the Board of Directors and documentation help prevent wasteful spending, protect the organization’s mission, and promote public trust.”

The results of this investigation have been submitted to the Offices of the District Attorneys General of the 21st and 32nd Judicial Districts.

Schwinn Seeks Deputy Ed Post (TNLookout)

Seeking a deputy secretary post in the Trump administration, former Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn is promising to eliminate financial conflicts of interest to get the job, including minimizing ties to a Tennessee lobbying firm.

Schwinn, who left the state job in 2023 and served for a short time as Vice President for PK-12 and Pre-Bachelors Programs at the University of Florida, was selected for the U.S. Department of Education position nearly as soon as President Donald Trump won election this year but still hasn’t received Senate confirmation to take the appointment.

In a May 5 letter to an Education Department ethics official, the former Tennessee education leader for Gov. Bill Lee described steps she would take to avoid any “actual or apparent” conflict of interest, including personal participation in any matter in which she would have a financial interest.

If confirmed for the job, Schwinn said she will resign from an unpaid position with Nashville-based 38 Ventures LLC and become a non-managing member, though she will receive passive investment income from the entity. Blake Harris, former chief of staff for Lee, is the registered agent for the company located at 611 Commerce St.

In addition, Schwinn said she would resign her post with BHA Strategy, a lobbying company founded by Harris, Lee’s former communication director Laine Arnold, and Brent Easley, the governor’s former legislative director. Schwinn wrote, though, that she would receive a set referral fee of 30% for a contract she brought to BHA.

Schwinn said two companies she controls, Bexley Group, LLC, and PLSchwinn LLC, which are set up to receive business income, would stop conducting business and representing clients. Bexley Group’s listed address also is 611 Commerce St. in Nashville.

After being confirmed, she also would resign from a post with Soliant Health LLC through which she holds vested and unvested incentives with TVG-Soliant Holdings, LP. She would receive a cash payout for her vested incentives before taking the deputy secretary post, according to the letter.

In addition, Schwinn said she would resign from posts with TVG-MGT, Edmuntum Inc. and Really Great Reading and would divest interests in Odyssey and Amira Learning.

Schwinn went through a similar ethics process in March 2021 when she told Tennessee’s Central Procurement Office she would distance herself from an $8 million contract with TNTP Inc., a reading skills educator training company that employed her husband, Paul.

Schwinn came under fire from lawmakers in 2020 when the legislature removed the education commissioner as a voting member of the Tennessee textbook commission and took away the commissioner’s ability to grant waivers for school districts seeking to use unapproved books and materials. Lawmakers were concerned that Schwinn was too involved in the textbook adoption process.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Watershed Public Theatre will debut one of William Shakespeare's classic comedies onstage this weekend as it presents "The Taming of The Shrew."

This performance will be presented by Watershed's Apprentice Company as an abridged 45-minute version and is free to attend.

Showtime will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday at The Building Block School for The Arts, 1309 S. Main St. in Columbia.