Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-19-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 19, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Second Arrest Made in Shandor Street Shooting (MauryCountySource)

On June 16th, Spring Hill Police Department detectives, with assistance from the Clarksville Police Department, arrested La’Taveious Lee, 18, in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Lee, a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, is charged with two counts of reckless endangerment in connection with a June 6 shooting on Shandor Street.

According to investigators, Lee and a 17-year-old juvenile — who was arrested June 12 — exchanged gunfire following a planned drug deal that went bad. A one-year-old was injured when one of the stray bullets hit them while they slept. The investigation is still ongoing and more charges may be pending.

MRMC Hosts Ribbon Cutting (Press Release)

Maury Regional Health (MRH) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with Maury Alliance Wednesday, June 18 to celebrate the opening of the new Maury Regional Breast Center located on the second floor of the medical center’s Outpatient Pavilion.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and set in a spacious, modern environment, the Breast Center is thoughtfully designed with patient comfort and convenience in mind. The center offers exceptional care in a welcoming space where women in southern Middle Tennessee can receive 3D mammograms, breast ultrasounds, biopsies, and more. Formerly known as the Women’s Center, the Breast Center is now located just one floor above its original location in the Outpatient Pavilion.

“Prioritizing breast health is a key part of preventive care, often leading to the identification of issues such as breast cancer, which can save lives,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “The new Maury Regional Breast Center strengthens the exceptional care our team members provide this community. This new space will allow us to grow while continuing to focus on providing compassionate, quality care to those we serve.”

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 of the Outpatient Pavilion, which includes the new Breast Center. Upon completion of the project, the Outpatient Pavilion will also house the new Orthopedic Surgical Institute and include additional space for future growth.

Throughout the design and construction process of the new Breast Center, the team strived to incorporate elements that brought comfort to patients — from murals of scenic outdoor settings in the mammography exam rooms to artwork throughout the space that Breast Center team members helped to select. The facility includes the same advanced imaging technology that it has always offered but in an enhanced and expansive area to support the growing southern Middle Tennessee region.

“Mammography saves lives,” said Breast Center Medical Director Blair Butler, MD, a board-certified specialist in radiology. “The Breast Center provides our team with a thoughtfully designed space that supports their commitment to delivering high quality mammography and breast care services. Having a more comfortable and private environment allows our staff to focus even more on the needs of each patient and provide the care they deserve.”

Maury Regional Health's multidisciplinary breast health team includes radiologists, imaging specialists, pathologists, breast and reconstructive surgeons, oncologists and breast health navigators. The Maury Regional Breast Center is accredited as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers recognition by the American College of Surgeons.

Maury Regional Health recommends that all women ages 40 and older receive a mammogram annually. In addition to the Maury Regional Breast Center, mammography is available at Lewis Health Center in Hohenwald, Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg, Wayne Medical Center in Waynesboro and Spring Hill Imaging Center in Spring Hill.

For a complete list of services and the center’s hours, visit MauryRegional.com/BreastCenter. To schedule an appointment or to refer a patient, call 931.380.4044. A referral or order is not needed to schedule a screening mammogram. Same day appointments are available upon request.

Maury Regional Health worked with Turner Construction and World Architects and Engineers on this project, which is among several facility enhancements currently underway across the health system. Additional projects on the Maury Regional Medical Center campus include the 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. To learn more, visit MauryRegional.com/StrategicPlan.

City of Columbia Passes Budget (Press Release)

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the Columbia City Council adopted the City’s fiscal year 2025–2026 budget on final consideration. The approved budget, totaling $88,953,406 for all funds, was achieved without a property tax increase and ensures the maintenance and enhancement of core City services.

The FY 2025–26 budget reflects strategic, plan-driven investments across all City departments. A key focus is continuing to invest in City employees, including a 4% salary increase for all personnel, to enhance the City’s competitiveness in recruiting and retaining staff.

Mayor Chaz Molder stated, “This year’s budget marks a major milestone as the largest operating budget in our city’s history, and I couldn’t be more proud of what it represents. It reflects a solid financial foundation, a strong commitment to improving infrastructure, and a clear focus on serving our residents. I’m especially thankful for the talented team of professionals who work tirelessly each year to develop a budget that meets our city’s evolving needs. This plan will touch every corner of our community, and I look forward to seeing its impact through the many projects it will bring to life. Most importantly, I’m proud that it once again prioritizes investment in our workforce—our city’s most valuable resource—which underscores the Council’s continued dedication to our employees.”

Of the total budget, 58% ($51,773,323) is allocated to the City’s General Fund, the primary operating fund that supports most of the City’s core services, including public works, parks, fire, police, and administration. The General Fund saw a 9.5% increase ($4.5 million) over last year. City Manager Tony Massey remarked, “By investing in our workforce and critical infrastructure, we are ensuring Columbia can consistently provide exceptional services to its residents. This budget demonstrates our strong commitment to strategic planning and responsible financial stewardship.”

This budget also includes several capital projects and initiatives. Nearly $52.7 million is allocated for the City’s FY 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The five-year CIP, totaling $124.6 million, includes major multi-year projects such as street resurfacing, improvements at the Nashville Highway and Bear Creek Pike intersection, Iron Bridge and Mt. Olivet Bridge replacement projects, technology and capital equipment replacements, a new wastewater treatment plant, public works storage and fuel facility, downtown wayfinding signage, and over $2 million in improvements to the Columbia Aquatics and Recreation Center.

Assistant City Manager and CFO Thad Jablonski noted, “Dedicated to improving quality of life for all Columbia citizens and businesses, this budget maintains existing tax rates and fees with no increases. The city continues to maintain historically strong reserves and a healthy, low and manageable level of debt. By combining disciplined financial management with targeted investments in infrastructure, we are building a strong foundation for the city’s continued prosperity.”

Access the full FY 2025–2026 budget at ColumbiaTN.gov.

Spring Hill Development (CDH)

Spring Hill leaders are discussing yet another major development encompassing 365 acres of unincorporated Maury County land, with a proposed 293 residential homes south of Kedron Road.

The proposed Ragen Ridge Estates development, which the Maury County Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for in January, appeared before the Spring Hill Board of Mayor & Aldermen this week.

Monday's discussion item included a proposed $2 million agreement, which Ragen Ridge would donate to the city to provide an additional access point on Kedron Road from the neighborhood.

The reason for the proposed agreement is due to Kedron Road being a city road, while the property is county land, therefore it would require city approval to build the additional access point, John Cooper, an attorney representing Suncrest, the property's owner, said.

"We believe connecting to Kedron actually makes sense from a traffic flow and a future development standpoint," Cooper said. "We are here to present a participation agreement whereby the developer would contribute $2 million to the city to be used for improvements to that intersection whenever the city decides it wants to do that, and that would probably depend on other developments in the area also pitching in until you get the funds for the improvements."

In addition, the developer has agreed to install left and right turn lanes from Kedron to the new access road, Cooper added.

"It's a win-win for both the city and the future development," Cooper said. "It creates this additional access point, and it provides funds to the city that the city would not otherwise have to make these improvements."

Casey Werner, Suncrest's Director of Land Development, also added that the developments construction documents are "currently under review" and that ground is expected to start moving in early 2026.

"It'll be the first quarter of 2026, but that's relying on getting the plans approved," Werner said.

When discussion was brought back to the board, Mayor Matt Fitterer said traffic generated by the development would create a significant impact, regardless of the city's decision, and to receive $2 million for county property is a good opportunity to consider.

"You are in the county and are not asking to be annexed, not asking to connect to our sewer system," Fitterer said. "We will deal with the impact from a traffic standpoint of this project ... We will not have any funds from adequate facility taxes, traffic impact fees or property taxes as a result of this project."

Spring Hill Extends Commitment to Rippavilla (WKRN)

Spring Hill is doubling down on its commitment to a popular historic site, with plans to expand.

Rippa Villa is a crown jewel of Spring Hill history.

The former plantation dates back to the 1850s, and Mayor Matt Fitterer said the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen made a vote that will protect its integrity.

The vote extends the city’s partnership with the Battle of Franklin Trust for another 10 years.

That’s the group that preserves and manages the property.

Fitterer said the extension is thrilling for him because the organization has done a lot to extend its reach.

The city also has plans to invest in the property’s future by building a visitor’s center to broaden their capability to tell more of the history of the area.

“It’s about telling the story of Middle Tennessee, telling the story of Maury County in the 1800s, leading up to the 1860s that really transformed America. The settling of Maury County, the early agricultural roots of Maury County,” Fitterer said.

The money that will be used to build the visitor’s center will be taken from the hotel and tourism tax, which is already allocated to the upkeep of the property.

Spring Hill’s Budget Passes Comptroller (MauryCountySource)

On Monday, June 16, the City of Spring Hill received official word from the State of Tennessee Comptroller’s Office that the City’s 2026 Fiscal Year budget has been approved, receiving recognition from the State Comptroller as being a “Distinguished Submission.”

The budget was submitted shortly after it was passed on second reading by the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen on June 2, via Ordinance 25-13.

“This recognition reflects the exceptional dedication of our finance and administrative teams and the collaborative effort of our entire Board of Mayor and Aldermen,” said Mayor Matt Fitterer. “Receiving this ‘Distinguished Submission’ commendation demonstrates Spring Hill’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparent governance for the residents of Spring Hill. This budget represents BOMA’s commitment to delivering essential services while maintaining the financial stability our community deserves.”

The City of Spring Hill has worked hand-in-hand with the State Comptroller’s Office throughout this budget submittal process.

Finance Director Rebecca Holden and Budget Manager Chelsea Perryman spearheaded the effort from the City side, even presenting a presubmission of the budget to the State in May, which received positive feedback and met all requirements and expectations of the State.

“We commend the governing body and local officials for submitting a well presented, timely, and organized budget. Complete and detailed submissions allow our office to efficiently review the budget and provide an accurate assessment within a timely manner which supports financial health in local governments in the State of Tennessee,” stated the letter from the Comptroller’s Office.

“We greatly appreciate the detail, time, and effort that you put into the budget submission and look forward to continuing our work with Spring Hill to make government work better.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Communications Director Lucas Wright at lwright@springhilltn.org.

Business Start-Up Workshop (Press Release)

Curious about how to fund your business idea or take your growing business to the next level? Finding Your Funding sponsored by Maury Alliance, brings together regional experts to help you navigate the landscape of venture capital, business loans, and other financial resources available across Tennessee.

Hear directly from Eller Kelliher, Chief Investment Officer at Launch TN, and Keyunta Dawson, Director of Commercial Real Estate & Entrepreneurship at Pathway Lending, as they break down what different funding paths can look like—and how to know what’s right for you. You will also hear from Betsy Wood, a local entrepreneur bringing over 30 years of experience to the table.

This event is hosted in partnership with theCO, Southwest Tennessee’s Entrepreneur Center and InvestTN representative for the region.

For more information, visit www.mauryalliance.com.

Korean War 75th Anniversary (Press Release)

On the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War, the Tenassee Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Maury County Veteran’s Office will pay tribute to those who served, fought and died on the Korean Peninsula.

At 10:00am on Wednesday, June 25th at the Memorial Building, located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia, all veterans, past, present or retired are welcome along with anyone who would like to join a grateful nation in remembering service and honoring those who fought.

A recognition award will be presented to Korean Veteran Dale Winston Riggs at the event.

Size-Up Maury (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance for a dynamic Lunch & Learn session and discover how to leverage SizeUp Maury—a powerful, interactive business intelligence tool designed to help small and medium-sized businesses grow and compete smarter.

Whether you're launching a new venture or scaling an existing one, SizeUp Maury provides free access to market research, industry data, competitive analysis, and more—all customized for Maury County businesses.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

• Benchmark your business against local and national competitors

• Identify new customers and suppliers using geographic and demographic insights

• Optimize your marketing by targeting ideal customers

• Make data-driven decisions using real-time market intelligence

Event Details:

Date: July 16 

Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Location: Attend in person or virtually from anywhere

Fees:

• Virtual Attendance: $15

• In-Person Attendance: $25 (includes lunch)

Don't miss this opportunity to explore how SizeUp Maury can help your business thrive in today's competitive landscape!

Leadership Maury (Press Release)

Leadership Maury is a countywide personal development program designed to motivate participants to develop and enhance the quality of their leadership in addressing pertinent community needs. The program is open to people who live, work, or make a significant contribution to Maury County through volunteer work. Class members meet with local decision-makers in several sectors of the community, such as business, government, health, public services and agriculture. Participants will visit places all over the county to hear speakers and participate in activities to help them learn about Maury County and how to positively impact where they live, learn, work and play. 

Applications are available now!

Visit www.mauryalliance.com to apply.

Deadline to apply is July 15, 2025.

The purpose of the Leadership Maury program is TO:

• Help leaders prepare for volunteer responsibility in the community.

• Provide these leaders with a practical and sophisticated understanding of major problems and opportunities facing Maury County.

• Facilitate access between emerging leaders and the current leadership of the community.

• Improve the communications network among leaders with diverse backgrounds and interests.

• Create a setting for persons of demonstrated commitment to the community to meet and exchange ideas.

• Stimulate increased community participation and commitment.

And now, news from around the state…

Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee Gender Law (CDH)

The U.S. Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision upheld Tennessee's ban on gender transition treatments for transgender minors in a case brought by a Nashville family.

The ruling comes six months after the high court heard arguments in the case that will likely have broad ripple effects for transgender youth across the nation, not just for the family who initially challenged the state in 2023.

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing the majority opinion, found that Tennessee's law barring transgender minors from using treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy does not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, which requires that the government treat similarly situated people the same.

"This case carries with it the weight of fierce scientific and policy debates about the safety, efficacy, and propriety of medical treatments in an evolving field," Roberts wrote. "The voices in these debates raise sincere concerns; the implications for all are profound. The Equal Protection Clause does not resolve these disagreements. Nor does it afford us license to decide them as we see best."

Roberts wrote, "we leave questions regarding (the law's) policy to the people, their elected representatives, and the democratic process." The ruling will likely keep in effect laws similar to Tennessee's that have been enacted in 26 other states, according to the Liberty Counsel, an evangelical Christian legal group.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti's office defended the law in court. He said in a statement "the common sense of Tennessee voters prevailed over judicial activism."

"A bipartisan supermajority of Tennessee's elected representatives carefully considered the evidence and voted to protect kids from irreversible decisions they cannot yet fully understand," he said. "I commend the Tennessee legislature and Governor Lee for their courage in passing this legislation and supporting our litigation despite withering opposition from the Biden administration, LGBT special interest groups, social justice activists, the American Medical Association, the American Bar Association, and even Hollywood."

Gov. Bill Lee, in a statement, thanked Skrmetti for securing the "historic ruling" and said the legislation is intended to protect young people.

"Protecting children is a fundamental responsibility that we take seriously, and I was proud to sign this bipartisan legislation that lawfully safeguards young people from irreversible, life-altering medical decisions," Lee's statement reads. "Voters, through their elected representatives, should have the power to decide what they believe on serious issues like this one."

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The 9th Annual Juneteenth Celebration event takes place on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 12 pm at Riverwalk Park (102 Riverside Drive Columbia.

Enjoy a day full of FREE family fun, delicious food, and unique shopping with local vendors all while honoring a powerful piece of history.

Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your fans and bring your energy!