Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-27-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 27, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Runaway Teens (MSM)

Local law enforcement have put out a bulletin about a teen couple who are currently missing from Columbia and may be on their way to Florida.

Jezzibelle Curry and Izack Cuarezma are believed to have met up with each other to run away together. At their homes, they reportedly left behind their active phones (though they may have an iPhone 7 which has only Wi-Fi service) and a note indicating that they may be headed to Florida.

Jezzibelle is a 16-year-old female 5′ 2″, 95 lbs with brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen on June 14, 2025, in the area of Williamsport Pike in Columbia.

Izack is a 15-year-old male 5′ 2″, 120 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen on June 14, 2025, in the area of Lion Parkway in Columbia. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants and carrying a black backpack.

Even though it is believed the pair intentionally left home together, concerns remain for their safety.

Anyone with additional information that may assist in this or any other investigation is encouraged to contact Columbia Police Department Dispatch (24 hours) at 931-388-2727, Maury County Crime stoppers at 931-381-4900, or Columbia Police SAFE Tip Email to SafeTips@ColumbiaTN.Com

Power Load Curtailment (MSM)

TVA announced today that they have informed all 159 local power companies in the valley, including CPWS, that Step 20 of the Emergency Load Curtailment Program (ELCP) has been initiated.

Step 20 of the ELCP is voluntary but highly advised, CPWS said in a Facebook bulletin to consumers. They urge people to conserve electricity to the greatest possible extent to keep the power grid stable. The tips include:

• Raise your domicile’s thermostat by at least 2 degrees F.

• Lower the thermostat on your water heater.

• Postpone the use of large electric appliances, such as dishwashers, dryers and cooking equipment.

• Turn off any nonessential lights and electrical equipment.

“This is a common request from TVA during prolonged extreme weather conditions, and we want CPWS customers to be aware of the impact small changes can have on the overall health of our system,” said Jonathan Hardin, CEO of CPWS. “During summer months, it’s always a good practice to keep in mind the energy conservation tips we communicate throughout the year.”

Mt. Pleasant Passes Budget (MSM)

The Mt. Pleasant City Commission approved the 2025-26 fiscal year budget with the same property tax rate last week.

To meet expenses, the city budgeted a deficit of a little under a million dollars. They agreed to maintain the property tax rate of $1.69 per $100 of assessed value.

“When you all set the budget, it’s the law, so when we over-expend any of those appropriations, we’re breaking the law,” Finance Director Shiphrah Cox warned the city commissioners, with a touch of humor.

The board also received welcome announcements that the two big local projects, the renovation of the city Square (by the city and TDOT) and the renovation of the Columbia Pike Bridge (all TDOT), are “substantially complete” and should reopen by the middle of July.

Lee Rogers, TDOT’s manager for District 38, explained that delays in the bridge work came from freezing winter temperatures, which prevented the pouring of concrete, and recent rains which delayed the final step of grading the asphalt up from the road to the bridge. Rogers Group, Inc. will lay the final stone and pavement layers this week, then paint and install guardrails by the first week in July, and finally open it to the public by the second week of the month.

The TDOT manager praised the speedy work and the city’s resolve, in the face of inevitable public complaints, to close both lanes for work. Though he himself “was getting phone calls about every five minutes” when it first closed, the decision is credited for reducing the work time from 18 months to seven months, saved the state a few million dollars and delivered a better bridge in the end.

“Another month from now, and everybody will forget it,” cracked Commissioner Mike Davis.

Rogers also brought up the many requests TDOT has gotten to drop the speed limit in downtown Mt. Pleasant (the intersection of two state highways) from 25 to 15 miles per hour.

“It would be at no cost to y’all, we would supply [and] install the signs… [and] it’s totally y’all’s call,” he told the commissioners.

The commissioners promised to give him their recommendation at the July meeting, and expressed their appreciation for TDOT’s attitude and work.

“From day one, you have kept us involved. Thank you,” Mayor Bill White said.

“I’ve lived a lot of places, and I appreciate the fact that TDOT doesn’t just come here and do whatever they want to do — they’re actually asking for the community’s input,” Commissioner Pam Johnston said.

City Manager Philip Grooms reported that the city Square, which was partly funded by TDOT because it was bounded by state roads, would be substantially complete by June 27. Only landscaping wouldn’t be ready, since TDOT requires them to plant in the fall. In the meantime, the Main Street organization would work with the city to set out umbrellas in place of trees over the picnic tables TDOT is now installing.

“I’ve heard compliments about it in the last week, and it’s good to finally hear those,” Grooms said.

He also reported that the parking lot to City Hall is open again, the bathrooms at Arrow Mines Park are finished and work on the utility lines under East Merchant Street is complete.

The city also agreed to enter into an agreement Civil & Environmental Consulting to overhaul its underground utilities, and advertised the groundbreaking of the new Xxentria Technology Materials factory Wednesday, June 18.

Spring Hill Teacher Honored (Press Release)

Spring Hill High School Teacher and Tennessee SkillsUSA advisor, Dale Long has won the prestigious Outstanding Career and Technical Educator award for participation in SkillsUSA and career and technical education. The award was presented to Long during the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. 

One of SkillsUSA’s highest recognitions, the Outstanding Educator of the Year, is awarded to outstanding individuals who guide SkillsUSA members to become leaders in their chosen fields. It is given only when the SkillsUSA Board of Directors wants to honor an exceptional educator for their service and dedication to career and technical education and SkillsUSA. 

Long has taught STEM/Engineering for eight years and Machine Tool at Spring Hill High School for four years. He has served as the SkillsUSA advisor for two different chapters: Richland High School in Lynnville, Tennessee from 2012-2017, and Spring Hill High School from 2017 - present. He has also served as the SkillsUSA Tennessee technical chair for Engineering Technology and Design since 2015 and has been the SkillsUSA Championships technical chair for Engineering Technology and Design since 2021.

Long was honored as the Tennessee SkillsUSA Advisor of the Year in 2017 and 2023. As a SkillsUSA Career Essential Certified teacher, he has earned the SkillsUSA Statesman Award and the Spring Hill High School Teacher of the Year Award. Through his leadership, he has helped his SkillsUSA chapter earn multiple gold, silver and bronze Chapter of Excellence awards.

CSCC Graduates Anesthesia Techs (MSM)

Two Maury County students were among the five anesthesia technology technology graduates honored in a pinning ceremony at Columbia State Community College in May.

“The only accredited anesthesia technology program in Tennessee is sponsored by Columbia State,” said Sue Christian, Columbia State anesthesia technology program director and assistant professor. “Our graduates play a crucial role in raising awareness about the profession and highlighting the significant contributions that formally educated technologists bring to an anesthesia team. The spring graduates are poised to enter a field with boundless opportunities for exciting, high-demand careers that offer excellent earning potential.”

Austyn Sweeny and Savannah Vernon from Maury County were among those honored.

The Anesthesia Technology Associate of Applied Science degree academic plan involves two or more semesters of general education coursework followed by a 12-month, three-semester, series of core courses designed to provide classroom and clinical-based competencies that provide students with the skills required for credentialing exam success and immediate in-field employment.

“Anesthesia technologists ensure everything is prepared and continuously monitored so patients can have procedures done in a safe environment with minimal pain,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “These graduates are entering careers which are exciting, challenging and rewarding!” 

Drug Dropbox (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has partnered with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Dangerous Drugs Task Force to provide a prescription drug drop box at their headquarters building at 800 Hathaway Blvd.

This drop box is available from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Drop-off is free and no forms are required – just place the items in the box.

Acceptable items include:

• Prescription Medications (including prescription narcotics)

• All over-the-counter medications

• Pet medications

• Liquid medications in leak-proof containers

• Inhalers

• Pills in any packaging, including glass, plastic container, baggie (Ziploc) or foil

• Items NOT accepted include:

• Illegal drugs/narcotics

• Needles/sharps or syringes with needles

• Blood sugar equipment

• Thermometers

• IV bags

• Bloody or infectious waste

• Personal care products (shampoo, lotions, etc.)

Independence Day Celebration (MauryCountySource)

Columbia Main Street invites the community to a special July First Fridays celebration on Friday, July 4 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the heart of historic downtown Columbia!

This month’s event is a patriotic partnership with Columbia Noon Rotary, Columbia Breakfast Rotary, and the Kiwanis Club of Columbia to host a family-friendly Independence Day celebration.

In addition to the usual First Fridays festivities, one of the highlights at the event is the  Children’s Patriotic Bike Parade, kicking off at 5:30 PM. Young participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes, wagons, or scooters in red, white, and blue and join the fun! Parade lineup begins at 5:00 PM in the City of Columbia Lower Parking Garage on North Main Street. Led by a live drumline and Uncle Sam himself, the parade will travel around the downtown district, culminating in a special honoring ceremony to celebrate our country immediately following the parade. This is a free community event, and participation in the bike parade is free and open to all children.

Throughout the evening, visitors can enjoy shopping and dining at downtown retailers and restaurants staying open late, browse a variety of local craft and maker vendors, grab delicious bites and drinks from food trucks and beverage vendors, and experience live performances by talented street musicians.

For updates, follow Columbia Main Street on Facebook or visit www.columbiamainstreet.com. Come celebrate community, creativity, and country this First Fridays!

4th of July Celebration (MauryCountySource)

Celebrate Independence Day with a dazzling fireworks display at Maury County Park in Columbia! The community is invited to gather on Friday, July 4, at 1018 Maury County Park Drive for a festive evening under the stars.

The one-hour event kicks off around 9 p.m., with fireworks launching from the top of the hill. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, snacks, and friends to enjoy the show from one of the many scenic spots throughout the park. For the full experience, tune your radio to 87.9 FM to hear the synchronized soundtrack that accompanies the fireworks.

As a reminder, personal fireworks are not allowed in the park. Organizers emphasize safety and encourage attendees to sit back and enjoy the professional display. In case of weather delays, officials plan to proceed with the show as conditions allow.

The City of Mount Pleasant would like to invite you to join for an Independence Celebration on Saturday, July 5th, 2025 from 5-9 pm at the Mount Pleasant Community Center (501 Gray Lane, Mount Pleasant

Bring your chairs and blanket and set up on the front lawn of the Community Center. There will be live music, food trucks. The splash pad will be open and there will be a kids zone. The event starts at 5 pm and ends with Fireworks at 9 pm. Please come join us and enjoy the time with family and friends!

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

Ricky Wayne Hood, 60, passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025 at his residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM, and on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 10:00 AM till the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

Gap, Inc. Expands in Gallatin (Tennessean)

Clothing and accessories retailer Gap Inc. recently announced a $58 million capital investment in Gallatin that will create 100 new jobs for area residents.

The multi-million-dollar, years-long project falls in line with the company’s strategy to “double down on U.S. investments” in support of American brands like Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, the Gallatin Economic Development Agency announced in a release.

It follows a series of investments over the last eight years, totaling more than $150 million at the Gallatin campus.

“At Gap Inc., we are proud of our long-standing partnership with the Gallatin community and excited to continue investing in this state-of-the-art campus. This $58 million project will further enhance our capabilities to meet the needs of our customers and support our team members with cutting-edge tools and infrastructure,” Gap Inc. Logistics Senior VP Kevin Kuntz said in the release.

“Gallatin is a vital part of our distribution network, and we’re honored to further strengthen our commitment.”

The Gallatin facility features advanced robotics, developed by U.S.-based engineering and robotics design company Boston Dynamics, and offers state-of-the-art supply chain tools and career opportunities with the largest private employer in Sumner County, the release noted.

Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown dubbed the company a cornerstone of the local economy.

“Gap Inc. has been a valued member of our community for 30 years," she said in the release, noting the announcement, "further solidifies" the company's role.

“This significant investment demonstrates the company’s faith in our city and its people, and we are thrilled to see them continue to grow and thrive right here in Gallatin,” she said.

Spanning 2.3 million square feet, the Gallatin campus is the largest facility in Gap, Inc.'s global distribution network. It has created more than 1,600 full- and part-time jobs in its 30-year history.

Over the decades, the company has established itself as an driving economic force, attracting other industry leaders to Gallatin, according to Gallatin Economic Development Agency Executive Director Rosemary Bates.

"Gap Inc.’s focus on innovation in manufacturing is drawing attention from across the country. Their emphasis on improving operations and logistics – while still creating jobs – is a model that brings industry leaders to Gallatin to see it in action,” Bates said in the release.

Upgrades to the facility are in progress.

Hiring is expected to begin immediately for the new jobs created by the investment.

Interested applicants can apply online at gapinc.com/en-us/careers.

Gas Prices (MSM)

After weeks of stability, ongoing tensions in the Middle East have added uncertainty to global and domestic gasoline markets moving gasoline prices higher across the country. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.85 which is 15 cents more than last week, but still 15 cents less than this time last year. 

Last week’s rising conflict between Iran and Israel had already pushed oil prices to their highest levels since January. Last Friday, crude closed just below $75 per barrel, up roughly $2 from the previous week. Following the weekend’s developments, oil prices fluctuated between $74 and $77 per barrel during overnight trading. By comparison, oil prices averaged $60 per barrel in May.

“If tensions persist or if oil flows are disrupted, drivers could see higher prices at the pump,” said Stephanie Milan, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “So far, the impact has been measured, but market watchers are keeping a close eye on how things unfold in the coming days.”

Visit GasPrices.AAA.com to view state and local average gas prices

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

This weekend will give you an opportunity to sit under the stars for a relaxed evening with a wholesome family film.

Columbia Park & Recreation will screen "A Minecraft Movie" starting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Fairview Park, 871 Iron Bridge Road.

The event is free to attend, and popcorn will be provided. Be sure to bring blankets and chairs for seating, though leave all chickens at home (if you know, you know).