Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-11-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 11, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Tornado Hits Spring Hill (MauryCountySource)

On Tuesday, the National Weather Service released a weather report, classifying the storm from Friday night that hit Spring Hill was an EF-0 tornado.

That storm did not receive a tornado warning designation as it passed through Spring Hill Friday night.

Based off damage reports, officials have determined the tornado touched down in the area of Station Hill Drive and quickly crossed over Reserve Boulevard and Saturn Parkway. A final damage report related to this tornado was located on the southeast city limits near Jim Warren Road.

The majority of the damage reports were broken tree limbs or small trees snapped in half.

An EF-0 tornado is classified as having wind gusts between 65-85 miles per hour.

River Rescue (MSM)

Over Memorial Day weekend, a man was successfully rescued from the Chickasaw Trace stretch of the Duck River: first by two bystanders, then finally by county first responders.

In the evening on Friday, May 23, local brothers-in-law James Garner and Sam Adcock came to Chickasaw Trace Park to enjoy the Duck River with Garner’s teenage children. At the same time, a 25-year-old autistic man from the King’s Daughter’s School started wading in the River; seemingly ignoring his caretaker, who called out after him, the young man went further out into the water. Garner told Adcock they might need to “keep an eye on” the situation, in case something happened. Suddenly, the man was swept away by the Duck’s strong current, which recent hard rains had made all the more powerful.

“I jumped in… and swam along after him,” said Sam Adcock. “I went along with [the current] a couple hundred yards. When I went out of sight, my brother-in-law went in after me.”

Garner’s 15-year-old son Xander stayed on the bank and called 911, and Maury County Fire and Rescue were notified of the situation at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Adcock said he found the victim struggling to stay afloat, and in the kind of panic that drowning people usually succumb to, the man put his rescuer in peril as well.

“He took on some water. His eyes were bloodshot, [and] he grabbed ahold of me,” Adcock recalled. “I had to fight with him… [and] swim around to where he couldn’t pull me down… I had to push him away so I could get air.”

Adcock climbed on top of a floating log to get away from the drowning man, mounted the riverbank from there, and managed to pull him ashore with the help of Garner, who had floated downriver to meet them. They were out of the water, but a bluff overhead kept them from getting any further, and they were fortunate that the river wasn’t any higher.

“If it would’ve rained any more the previous day, we wouldn’t have been there,” Adcock said gravely. “I wouldn’t have jumped in, to be honest.”

Multiple units — Rescue 21, Boat and Utility 21, Brush 26, Safety 20, OPS 20 and Deputy 20 — were dispatched to the boat ramp where the victims were last seen. Special Operations Chief Luke Greenwell took charge as incident commander, and Division Chief of Training Chuck Estes served as operations officer. The county Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Medical Services also sent personnel.

Some of the responders had recently received special rescue training for situations just like this one. At the riverbank, fireman Brett Brooks used his training to pilot the boat; Deputy Richard Schatz and fireman Ethan Schnereger would draw upon their “swift water certification” training to conduct the rescue.

“We had a special operations in-house academy about a year ago,” Brooks explained. “We did actually deploy the boats in the river and do a couple different scenarios.”

The training program was remarkably true to the real-life rescue experience, he noted.

The crew quickly found all three men several hundred yards down the river, safe and uninjured on the riverbank under the bluff. Adcock and Garner insisted that the autistic man they had rescued be brought back first, and the firemen agreed.

“They were very adamant that we take care of him first,” Brooks recalled.

As the firemen pulled up and began rescue operations, however, their activity and noise began to overload the young autistic man’s senses, and he became overstimulated and hard to manage. But a final piece of providence kicked in: because his own son has autism, Garner recognized why the man was suffering and successfully calmed him down. Once pacified, the victim rode back in the boat with the rescuers.

Eventually Garner and Adcock too were taken back to the bank and evaluated by EMS.

“Shout out to the two bystanders, who recognized that there was a problem and were willing to try to mitigate it,” Brooks said. “I think that helped [secure] a positive outcome and get the patient out of the water.”

Deputy Schatz also spoke highly of the civilian rescuers during his monthly presentation to the Maury County Safety Committee.

“They did a great job,” he told the commissioners. “We might bring them to the full Commission meeting to recognize them.”

Schatz added that Fire and Rescue had responded to several other calls that Memorial Day weekend, saving civilians who went out on the water without life-preserving gear, unaware of dangerous conditions, or without plans to get to safety. The department has some low-water swift boats on order, which should be ready in time for the next flood season in the fall, but more people will doubtless need to be rescued as the summer weather entices them out onto the water unprepared.

Fire & Rescue also thanked the 911 dispatcher for how well they handled the call, and they encourage swimmers, kayakers and boaters to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets while enjoying activities on the water this summer.

Bear Creek Pike Widening Project (CDH)

The city's long-awaited Bear Creek Pike widening project is set to gain significant momentum after years of planning, restructuring and lots of patience to enhance Columbia's most-traveled intersection.

The project, which dates back nearly 10 years, is designed to widen Bear Creek Pike from U.S. 31 east to the intersection at Tom J. Hitch Parkway, while also installing additional turn lanes and updated signalization.

Columbia City Council will vote on a $350,000 agreement to obtain necessary roadway easements, a vital step toward breaking ground on construction. The agreement will appear as part of the council's consent agenda at its regular meeting Thursday, or items grouped together and deemed non-controversial.

City Engineer Glenn Harper noted that the expenditure, much like the project itself, will not be made using city dollars.

"We are now at a point where we are going to acquire easements for the construction of the project," City Engineer Glenn Harper said. "This $350,000 will be funded 80% federal and 20% state."

Harper added that the project dates back to 2018 and was identified, with a total cost of about $11 million.

"It is our busiest intersection and is very congested. The goal of the project is to get more traffic through the intersection more efficiently," Harper said. "We were fortunate to get this one 100% funded."

The project, while significant in size, is also part of a much larger vision to widen Bear Creek all the way to the I-65 interchange, another roadway enhancement project underway currently.

"The long-term goal is to have four lanes or five lanes all the way to I-65, but we have been unsuccessful in attaining that," Harper said.

A project to replace the one-lane bridge at Iron Bridge Road, another highly anticipated road project, appeared this month on the council's consent agenda.

The item, also appearing on the council's consent agenda, is to approve a $304,148 agreement with Barge Design Solutions for construction services related to the bridge replacement project.

The project will consist of expanding the aged one-lane bridge into two lanes, with a large shoulder on the south side, as well as a multi-purpose path creating a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment.

"This is the contract for them to oversee the actual construction, which is going to be coming sometime this summer or fall," Massey said.

Harper added that this too is a federally-funded project and would replace the notoriously hazardous bridge.

In 2022, the city received a $1.3 million grant from the Greater Nashville Regional Council for the project, which has been in the works for more than a decade.

Maury Regional Celebrates Topping Out (MauryCountySource)

Maury Regional Health marked a major milestone in the construction of its Outpatient Pavilion expansion with a “topping out” ceremony held June 6, celebrating the placement of the final steel beam in the building’s structural framework.

“The five-story facility, located on the campus of Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC), brings multiple outpatient services under one roof, allowing us to enhance access, efficiency and patient experience,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “This expansion represents the next step in reimagining how we deliver outpatient care in our growing region, giving access to leading-edge treatments close to home. The Orthopedic Surgical Institute ­— a new feature of the Outpatient Pavilion — brings advanced technology to support joint and spine procedures, serving as a cornerstone for our new vision.”

In May 2024 — just more than one year ago — Maury Regional Health held a groundbreaking ceremony to launch construction on the new 34,000-square-foot expansion. The Outpatient Pavilion will house the new Orthopedic Surgical Institute, a reimagined Breast Center on the second floor and additional space for future growth.

The Orthopedic Surgical Institute will feature four operating suites, two procedure rooms, a sterilization and surgical supply unit and space for future expansion. It will be equipped with advanced technology for joint and spine procedures, including robotic-assisted tools and systems designed to enhance precision and recovery. Notable technology will include the Mako robotic-assisted platform for joint replacements, the 7D Surgical Flash™ Navigation System for spinal procedures and systems supporting a wide range of orthopedic subspecialties.

The Maury Regional Breast Center — formerly the Women’s Center — hosts a comprehensive array of health care services for women, including 3D mammography, breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and bone density studies. The Breast Center phase of the expansion opened this month, with a ribbon-cutting to take place June 18.

Construction on the Orthopedic Surgical Institute is expected to be completed in 2026. Maury Regional Health worked with Turner Construction and Wold Architects and Engineers on this project, which is among several facility enhancements currently underway across the health system.

Enhancements at the main campus in Columbia include renovation of the emergency department, expansion of the heart center, parking and thoroughfare improvements, additional childbirth beds and expansion of the front entry to relocate key patient and visitor services toward the main entrance. The system also recently celebrated a “topping out” of its new outpatient health center in Lawrenceburg, which is expected to open late 2025 pending weather delays.

To learn more, visit MauryRegional.com/StrategicPlan.

Columbia State Gets $2M Grant

Columbia State Community College has been awarded a $2 million Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The funding will support Columbia State’s initiative, “Rural RNs Rise (R3): Growing Caregivers,” which aims to address critical healthcare workforce shortages across southern Middle Tennessee.

Columbia State has received the highest grant allotment by the Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant, which offered $50 million in grant funds to facilities and programs across the state.

The funding is to be used in Tennessee counties considered rural by grant measurements, meaning counties having less than 50% of their population living within a 2020 Census Urbanized Area with a population of more than 50,000. This grant will provide benefits to students and healthcare facilities across eight rural counties in Columbia State's service area: Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Maury, Marshall, Perry and Wayne counties.

“This grant represents a significant step forward in our mission to meet the growing healthcare needs of our region,” said Dr. Denise Carr, Columbia State vice president for academic affairs. “By expanding our rural healthcare education pathways, we are not only preparing more students for high-demand careers but also strengthening the health and well-being of the communities we serve throughout southern Middle Tennessee.”

The R3 project focuses on creating clear educational pathways to high-demand healthcare careers, including the development of a paramedic/licensed practical nurse to registered nurse transition program and the expansion of dual enrollment emergency medical technician programs for high school students. By providing career development opportunities for paramedics, LPNs and high school students, the initiative prepares participants for impactful roles as RNs and EMTs, directly addressing the health care needs of rural communities.

“This grant provides funding to launch a long-desired pathway for paramedics in the region to pursue registered nurse credentials,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “The ability to provide financial support for related expenses during school allows students the freedom to work less and focus on learning!”

Key components of the R3 initiative include:

• Development of a summer transition course for the paramedic to RN pathway.

• Expansion of dual enrollment EMT programs for high school seniors.

• Providing stipends to cover expenses such as certification exams, preparation courses, supplies and books.

• Offering completion grants to provide childcare and transportation support for students.

“We are honored to receive this funding, which validates the work Columbia State is doing to expand access to healthcare careers and support students in every stage of their journey,” said Patrick McElhiney, Columbia State director of grants. “It's a win for our college and for the region, and it wouldn't be possible without our outstanding partners—Maury Regional Health, National Healthcare Corporation, TCAT Pulaski, TCAT Hohenwald and Maury County Public Schools. Combined with our new Southern Regional Technology Center currently under construction, we're positioned to make a real difference in addressing rural healthcare workforce needs.”

The Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant is part of a statewide effort to strengthen Tennessee’s rural healthcare workforce by expanding access to education and career pathways in high-demand healthcare fields.

Columbia State is among 20 higher education institutions across the state to receive this funding, which supports the development or expansion of programs connecting rural students with in-demand opportunities in healthcare, behavioral health and dental health professions.

(Wolaver Promoted to Woodard Principal (Press Release)

Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent, Lisa Ventura, announced Julie Wolaver as Principal of J.E. Woodard Elementary School after serving as the Assistant Principal since 2021. She assumes the role previously filled by Carol Ann Jent, who will retire effective June 30.

“Julie has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a strong commitment to fostering a positive culture at J.E. Woodard Elementary School,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Her promotion is a reflection of her outstanding contributions coupled with the trust and respect she’s earned from staff, students, and families over the years.”

Julie began her educational career as a teacher at Culleoka Unit School in 2000. Over the years, she also taught at Santa Fe Unit School, Joseph Brown Elementary, and Whitthorne Middle School where she also served as a Title Facilitator. In 2019, she was promoted to Assistant Principal of Whitthorne Middle School, then joined J.E. Woodard Elementary in the same role in 2021. Under her leadership, J.E. Woodard Elementary School was recognized as a Reward School in 2022 and 2024. In addition, Julie assisted with bringing Bright Apple, a nonprofit that provides healthy snacks to students, helping fight against food insecurity at home to J.E. Woodard Elementary School.

“I’m deeply honored with the trust that Superintendent Ventura and Maury County Public Schools have placed in me,” said Wolaver. “J.E. Woodard Elementary School is truly a special place, and I’m excited to be part of its bright future!”

Wolaver earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision, both from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).

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

Alice Jean Baxter Mash, 86, longtime resident of the Kettle Mills Community in Hampshire, died Friday, June 6, 2025 at Life Care Center of Columbia.

A private graveside service was conducted at Baxter Cemetery. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

Rep. Green to Resign (Tennessean)

U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Tennessee, has announced he will resign from the 7th Congressional District to pursue an "exciting" opportunity in the private sector.

Green made the announcement June 9.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from Congress," Green said in a media statement. "Recently, I was offered an opportunity in the private sector that was too exciting to pass up. As a result, today I notified the Speaker and the House of Representatives that I will resign from Congress as soon as the House votes once again on the reconciliation package."

Green, who resides in Clarksville, is a military veteran and physician who served in Iraq and Afghanistan before entering politics, first serving as a state senator in Tennessee from 2013 to 2018.

While serving in the Tennessee General Assembly, he drew the support of President Donald Trump. In 2017, Green was nominated to serve as the Secretary of the Army but withdrew his candidacy amid backlash.

In 2018, he won Tennessee's 7th District seat, previously held by long-time legislator U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee. He was reelected to his seat in November 2024.

Green has served as chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security (the only member of Congress to be selected for a major committee at the start of a third term in the 21st century), lead the effort to impeach former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and supported the passage of H.R. 2, Secure the Border Act.

Green served as the Freshman Class President in the 116th Congress following his election in 2018.

Last February, he said it was "time for me to return home," announcing he would not seek reelection.

“In the last few months, in reading the writings of our Framers, I was reminded of their intent for representatives to be citizen-legislators, to serve for a season and then return home," Green said. "Our country – and our Congress – is broken beyond most means of repair. I have come to realize our fight is not here within Washington, our fight is with Washington ... .” 

About a week later, Green reversed his decision and announced he would seek reelection after receiving "countless calls from constituents, colleagues and President Trump" all urging him to reconsider.

Since his time in Congress, Green has been an outspoken advocate for legislation affecting U.S. soldiers and veterans.

According to his statement, soon after being sworn into office, Green introduced his first bill to Congress, the Protecting Gold Star Spouses Act to allow Coast Guard Gold Star Spouses to continue receiving stipends via the Survivor Benefits Plan.

Green advocated against the mandated COVID-19 vaccine for military members and fought for those who did not comply to be honorably discharged and finally reinstated with backpay through an executive order earlier this year.

Green said military members received the "justice they deserve," following Trump's executive order.

“I am so grateful President Trump reinstated servicemembers who were wrongfully discharged under the Biden administration for making a personal healthcare decision," Green told The Leaf-Chronicle.

"I fought for years to protect these servicemembers and now they’re getting the justice they deserve. Our military suffered a tremendous recruitment crisis under the Biden administration, but under President Trump those numbers are way up. This is indicative of better morale among our servicemembers and a resurgence of patriotism in our country.”

Green also penned "A Night With Saddam," a book about one of his most memorable missions while serving in the military as a Special Operations Flight Surgeon when he interviewed Saddam Hussein on the night of his capture.

As news of Green's retirement began to spread, Tennessee and Montgomery County Republicans shared their reactions.

“I appreciate his decades of service and wish him the best of luck with his new endeavor,” Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden told The Leaf-Chronicle.

Aron Maberry, freshman representative in the Tennessee General Assembly, said he is 'thankful' for Green's work.

"Mark has really fought hard for District 7 and has done a lot of great things in Washington, D.C., and stood with our president," Maberry said. "I'm thankful for his services to our nation, in Tennessee and Montgomery County."

Tennessee GOP Chairman Scott Golden said Green was both a friend to him and the Republican Party.

"Congressman Mark Green is a true American patriot. He has served in the Army, served as a doctor, served Tennessee in the State Senate, and served our Country in Congress," Golden said. "We have spent countless nights across the state attending Republican dinners, and I will truly miss his insightful and entertaining speeches. I wish him all the best as his finishes up his work in DC and look forward to many years of friendship.

"Tennessee is blessed with incredibly talented people who will pick up the mantle and continue the high standard that Congressman Green has set. On behalf of a grateful Tennessee Republican Party, we salute the service of Mark Green and best of luck in future endeavors.”

After Green retires, there will be a special election held to elect a new representative for the 7th Congressional District.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is pleased to welcome the upcoming exhibition Jazz Greats: Classic Photographs from the Bank of America Collection, which celebrates the legacy of singers, musicians, audiences and artists who contributed to the cultural footprint of the genre.

Jazz Greats: Classic Photographs from the Bank of America Collection highlights photographs of jazz musicians captured by photographers as dynamic as their subjects.

The collection features early jazz leaders and defining moments of cultural transformation during an era of social, economic, industrial, and political reckoning.

The exhibition consists of 33 photographs by 15 photographers that date from the 1920s to the 1980s and portray artists from the fields of music and dance. The photographs feature jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong as well as members of local communities entertaining their neighbors. Almost all are gelatin silver prints made from negative film, which achieve a crystalline depth of field not seen in digital images.

Jazz Greats: Classic Photographs from the Bank of America Collection will be on view at Cheekwood from July 12 until October 5, 2025.

Visit Cheekwood.org to reserve tickets.