Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-20-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 20, 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 (WilliamsonScene)

A second teen has been arrested in connection with the June 6 shooting that injured a sleeping baby in Spring Hill.

La’Taveious Lee, 18 years old of Columbia, was arrested in Clarksville on Monday, and charged with one count of reckless endangerment with a dangerous weapon and one count of reckless endangerment by firing into unoccupied habitation.

Lee is the second person arrested in the shooting after an unidentified 17-year-old boy was arrested on June 12. That 17-year-old is currently charged as a juvenile, meaning that the defendant’s identity and other details about the case are sealed, unless a judge releases that information or the case is transferred to an adult court.

As previously reported, police described the incident as an exchange of gunfire between at least two people during a “narcotics transaction,” adding “investigators do not believe the child was the intended target of the shooting.

According to a warrant filed in a Maury County General Sessions Court, Lee was “captured on camera firing a handgun towards the direction” of an unoccupied home which was also struck on Shandor Street, adding that “a shell casing was found near where Lataveious was firing from.”

UAW Strives to Find Jobs for Adient Layoffs (CDH)

Workers affected by the impending layoffs at Columbia's Adient manufacturing plant appear to have a potential opportunity to secure future jobs within the Maury County area.

Based out of Plymouth, Michigan, Adient is the largest global manufacturer of automotive seating. The plant, located at 2206 Oakland Parkway, is set to close Friday, June 27, and will include 95 layoffs, approximately 55 of whom are members of the United Auto Workers Local 1853.

UAW President John Rutherford said the closure was primarily due to "logistics."

"The contract expired this year, and they told us the first day of negotiations that there wasn't any sense in negotiating a new contract because they were planning to close their doors this year," Rutherford said. "From what they told us, it was 'logistics.'"

Rutherford added that news of the shutdown came without much warning.

"We were blindsided, and they didn't give us any kind of heads up, no courtesy, no nothing. We just showed up to negotiate and, poof, we are closed," he said.

While the plant closure will mean loss of work, Rutherford said the UAW is coordinating with Spring Hill's Magna plant to potentially offer Adient workers new jobs to transition into, if interested.

"We are working with Magna at the other seating facility and their management to try to get them a job as Magna hires in the future, and that they look to hire our laid off brothers and sisters first," Rutherford said.

"We have an agreement where they are going to look into that if they are hired. We are trying to get them a job ASAP, but it's unfortunate news they are going to close the Adient facility down."

In Lexington, Tennessee, another Adient manufacturing facility will also close in June, affecting 320 more workers.

Hundreds of workers across Middle Tennessee from Nashville to Murfreesboro have been affected by layoffs or closures this spring such as Saks 5th Avenue distribution center closing in LaVergne affecting 446 workers. Quickway Transportation Inc. also shut down its Murfreesboro operations in June, impacting 45 workers.

Farm Bureau Farm Teacher Tour (WKOM Audio 2:51)

Yesterday, Maury County Farm Bureau held a teacher tour of some farms and agriculture educational institutions in Maury County. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy caught up with the group at The Farm at River Bend and spoke to Farm Bureau’s Nancy Delk about what the teachers were learning on their agriculture tour through the county…

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."

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.

And now, news from around the state…

Trooper Class Graduates

On June 18, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State Troopers. The department instructed a regular 17-week trooper cadet class that exceeded the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Commission requirements. The graduation ceremony which took place at the Hermitage Hills Baptist Church on Lebanon Pike in Nashville.

The 33 graduates of Trooper Cadet Class 625 have 86 years of combined prior military service. The class has two cadets with associate’s degrees, nine cadets with bachelor’s degrees, and one cadet with a master’s degree. Cadet Class 625 additionally supported the Tennessee Special Olympics by running in the Special Olympics Torch Run in Nashville, TN.   

Commissioner Jeff Long served as the keynote speaker during the graduation ceremony, and swore in the new troopers as they delivered their oaths of office.

“Today we celebrated the hard work and perseverance these cadets demonstrated as they prepared to join one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country,” said Commissioner Long. “I commend these new troopers for stepping up to protect and serve the people of our great state. Congratulations to each one of them, and their families who’ve supported them, on this tremendous accomplishment.”

"Becoming a Tennessee State Trooper is making promise to the people of Tennessee that no matter the hour, no matter the weather, someone will be there to help," said Colonel Perry. He reminded them of the challenges of the job, the split-second decisions that would have to be made, and the risk to their personal safety. He continued, telling the newest members of the Highway Patrol, “Today you join a legacy of service that has stood strong since 1929, and you are now part of a tradition defined by honor, respect, and innovation.”

Trooper Dustin Garrett was named the top cadet for Trooper Cadet Class 625 and was presented with the Trooper Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence for his leadership, work ethic, and academics. The award was named in honor of the late Trooper Calvin Jenks, who was killed in the line of duty in January 2007.   

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Celebrate Juneteenth 2025 with Columbia's ninth annual community gathering at Riverwalk Park, 102 Riverside Drive.

Juneteenth, which became an official city holiday in 2020, will begin at noon June 21 and is free to attend.

Enjoy annual Juneteenth fun for all ages, as well as tasting some great local food and shopping among local vendors.

Other activities include live music, line dancing and prize giveaways.

For more information about Juneteenth, visit www.TNJuneteenth.com.