Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-1-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for July 1, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Bomb Threat in Spring Hill City Hall (MauryCountySource)

At about 1:30 Monday afternoon, Spring Hill police and fire crews were on scene at City Hall on Town Center Parkway following a bomb threat.

Police cordoned off the area. The building at 199 Town Center Parkway was evacuated as a precaution while authorities investigated the threat area.

A little over two hours later, authorities gave the all-clear and City Hall was reopened without further incident.

Barn Fire (MauryCountySource)

On Saturday at 4:01PM units responded to a reported barn fire on Dry Creek Road in Maury County.

Units arrived to find a large pole barn with hay bales and other contents on fire. A split lay was performed and 1200’ of supply line was laid from the roadway where tankers would supply the attack engine. Units operated for over two hours to extinguish and overhaul the barn.

No injuries were reported and initial indications of a lightning strike possibly caused the fire.

Blood Needed (MSM)

With the Fourth of July approaching and trauma cases expected to rise, Blood Assurance is urging donors to step up now. 

The weeks surrounding Independence Day is one of the most challenging times for maintaining a stable blood supply. Donation rates drop as people travel, but the demand for blood surges — especially following traumatic accidents, which often increase during the holiday celebrations.

“People are traveling, schools are out, and routine blood drives slow down, but emergencies don’t take a vacation,” said Garry Allison, Senior Vice President of Operations at Blood Assurance. “We typically see more trauma cases during the summer, particularly around the Fourth. We need the community to act now to ensure blood is available when patients need it most.”

Blood Assurance has multiple donation drives scheduled across Columbia over the next week. Those donation drives include:

• Friday, July 4, at First Fridays in Downtown Columbia, 700 N. Garden St., Columbia,  3:30 – 8 p.m.

• Tuesday, July 8, at Columbia Foodland, 427 W. Seventh St., 2 – 5 p.m.

• Tuesday, July 8, at Parker Filtration Innovation Center, 2203 Oakland Pkwy., Columbia, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Friday, July 11, at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 312 E. Eighth Street, Columbia, 2 – 6 p.m.

Additionally, the Columbia Blood Assurance donor center at 1412 Trotwood Ave, #69, Columbia, is open each week Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood — for surgery, cancer treatment, chronic illness or a traumatic injury. Blood can’t be manufactured, so it must come from volunteer donors. A single donation can save up to three lives, but only about 3 percent of eligible Americans actually donate.

Blood Assurance serves as the primary provider for most hospitals in Middle Tennessee including Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia. The nonprofit must collect around 540 donations every day to meet demand.

To thank donors who step up during this critical time, Blood Assurance is offering:

• A $20 e-gift card for all donors with a valid email address on file.

• O-negative and AB plasma donors will get a $25 e-gift card.

• An extra $50 e-gift card for O donors who join the Hero Club and either: Donate double red cells once or Donate whole blood twice by Aug. 31. (Note: To qualify with whole blood, the first donation must occur by July 6)

All blood types are needed. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more, and be in good health. Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of water before donating.

To make an appointment visit bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628 or text BAGIVE to 999777. Walk-ins are welcome at any Blood Assurance donor center or mobile drive.

Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 healthcare facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.

Xxentria Breaks Ground in Mt. Pleasant (MSM)

Tawainese truck and trailer panel supplier Xxentria Technology Materials officially broke ground on its newest plant in Mount Pleasant last week, ending an almost eight year search process and beginning what officials promised to be a lasting partnership in Maury County.

Local, state, national and international officials, along with community and state supporters, joined Xxentria representatives and some of their customers for the event at the site of the new plant on a state certified site in Mount Pleasant’s Cherry Glen Industrial Park.

Xxentria Materials USA Vice President Karen Cheng provided background for the company as leading manufacturer of metal composite panels with a strong presence in North American, especially in high-performance materials for truck and trailer bodies.

“What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, continuous improvement and strong partnerships,” Cheng said. “We are building this facility to be closer to our customers and to contribute meaningfully to this community.”

Xxentria CEO Howard Cheng explained that the process of finding a location for this plant started in 2017, with Tennessee as the very first stop. While treated well and impressed during that trip, Cheng said workforce considerations sent them to explore other options, leading to the purchase of land in New Mexico.

COVID-19, however, brought the project to a halt.

“And until 2023, after much reflection and changes, we decided to let go of that original plan, and ultimately, we returned to where we felt the strongest connection from the very beginning, Tennessee,” Cheng said. “Now after two years of planning and preparation, we are here breaking ground. Starting today, we are proud to call Tennessee the second home of Xxentria.”

Cheng said the $45 million project is about more than building a factory, it’s about planting roots.

“We plan to create over 85 job opportunities, and if everything goes smoothly, we hope to invest another $50 million in the future,” he said. “We also look forward to working closely with local schools and communities to develop talent and contribute to regional growth.”

As a sign of that commitment, Alice Cheng presented a $10,000 check to the Mt. Pleasant Elementary School during the ceremony.

Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter expressed the state’s appreciation for Xxentria leadership’s decision to invest in Tennessee and their eye toward future growth.

“I was excited, Mr. Cheng, to hear that you aren’t going to be finished just with this, that there will be more,” McWhorter said, noting that Xxentria will find a great workforce in Maury and surrounding counties. “You’re going to find families that are willing to work, and work hard and be part of this story at the ground level.”

Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt agreed with McWhorter’s assessment, as she welcomed Howard Cheng, his family and his company.

“Thank you so much for investing in us,” Butt said. “And I will promise you that as a community, we will invest in you. You have joined our teams and Mount Pleasant will welcome you with open arms and Maury County will welcome you with open arms. You will be a blessing to us and we will be a blessing to you.”

Mount Pleasant Mayor Bill White noted that Xxentria’s ground breaking was among the many reasons for excitement in and around the city.

“We’ve got a lot of really good things happening,” White said. “We’ve got a brand new airport terminal going up. We’ve got a 6,000-foot runway that’s just been repaved. Downtown is now newly renovated. New housing units are approved and of course, we’re here to celebrate a great new company.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped along the way, and thank you for coming to the City of Mount Pleasant to welcome Xxentria to the community and mark this important milestone and a shared celebration,” White continued. “I wish Xxentria every success as they begin operations in our community.”

Other officials speaking at the ceremony included Heidi Smith, Senior Director of Global Business at the TVA, Thomas Tong, Director of Economic Division at Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.

“Xxentria has been in Taiwan for over 30 years,” Howard Cheng said as he ended his remarks. “We have always embraced the environmental values of a circular economy, low waste and high efficiency. This is more than just a philosophy. It reflects our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. We don’t just want to operate here. We want to live here, grow here and contribute meaningfully to the development of this region.”

CSCC Hold Award Ceremony (Press Release)

The Columbia State Community College Foundation recently hosted a luncheon in the Pryor Art Gallery, where board members, alumni and award recipients were recognized for their service to the college and community.

To begin, Mike Keny, the outgoing Foundation Board chair, was recognized by the incoming chair, Stacey Shedd. Then, Lee Maddox was recognized for his service on the board and for serving as chair of the Columbia State Foundation Trustees Committee.

The first awards presented were for William "Sonny" Shackelford and Vanessa English Alderson, who each received the President’s Award of Honor for Distinguished Alumni.

The President’s Award of Honor for Distinguished Alumni is the highest honor bestowed upon alumni of Columbia State Community College and is given by the Office of the President in conjunction with the Office of Advancement. It is presented to those alumni for their meritorious service in furthering the interests of Columbia State or for bringing honor to the college through their professional or community endeavors.

Shackleford, a 1980 graduate of Columbia State, has been in the insurance industry for more than three decades. In addition to his work as a senior vice president and risk advisor at Sunstar Insurance Tennessee, he has also served his local community in roles including Maury County commissioner and chairman, as well as several philanthropic groups.

“Mr. Shackelford exemplifies the core values of Columbia State Community College for his distinguished career, commitment to lifelong learning and unwavering dedication to public service and community development,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “He was instrumental in securing county government support for the SRTC. Sonny is not only a seasoned professional but also a person who believes deeply in giving back. His legacy of service, leadership and philanthropy continues to benefit future generations. His accomplishments embody the spirit of a distinguished alumnus, making him a deserving nominee for this prestigious honor.”

After graduating in 1981 from Columbia State with an Associate of Science degree, Vanessa Alderson continued her educational journey before pursuing a career in education. She currently serves as an educational assistant at Randolph Howell Elementary School in Columbia. She has and continues to serve in community and professional roles, including serving on the Vanderbilt Medical Center Staff Advisory Board and being an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

“Vanessa, you demonstrate what doors can open for a Columbia State alumnus from this college,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “She's wonderful in so many ways and always with that smile and that wonderful laugh, demonstrating what it is to be an alumnus, not only at this college but others. She is a community member who thinks this community is tops. She shows it all the time, and she's in there, working not only for the college, but for the people of this area, and for their growth and their development. And she is always sharing the word on education and how it takes you to the next level.”

For the next award presentations, the family of Tommy Hawkins and Dr. Jeff and Tina Adams each received the President’s Award of Honor for Distinguished Service.

The President’s Award of Honor for Distinguished Service is the highest honor bestowed upon community members by the Office of the President in conjunction with the Office of Advancement. It is presented to those for their meritorious service in furthering the interests of Columbia State or for bringing honor to the college through their professional or community endeavors.

Tommy Hawkins impacted the Lewisburg community through his work and civic engagement. He was the patriarch of Lewisburg Printing, publisher of the Lewisburg Tribune and Marshall County Gazette and co-founder of First Commerce Bank. He and his wife, Patricia Hawkins, connected throughout the community and invested themselves in their community. They passed these values on to their children and grandchildren. In 2017, the family established the Tommy Hawkins Endowed Scholarship for students attending Columbia State. Kirk Kelso, Hawkins’ son-in-law, who served as a Columbia State Foundation member and as Board chair for two years, and the family have been actively involved in supporting the J.R. Moon Golf Classic, benefiting Columbia State students. 

Dr. Jeff and Tina Adams demonstrate service and leadership within the community. Since 1991, Dr. Adams has served as an orthopedic surgeon at TOA Columbia. He currently serves on the Maury Regional Medical Center Board of Directors and previously served as its chief of staff in 2008. Mrs. Adams, a registered nurse, previously worked at Maury Regional Medical Center. She also served on the Youth Education Foundation that provides scholarships to Maury County students attending Columbia State to help with books and fees not covered by the Tennessee Promise program. They have both served on many boards and have received several community honors for their expansive service to the local area.

“In 2021, Jeff and Tina established the Jeff and Tina Adams Family Foundation that focuses its giving on education, youth support and community well-being,” said Lay. “Dr. Jeff and Tina Adams are not only respected professionals, but they are also mentors, advocates and givers. Their work touches many lives in classrooms, clinics, sports fields and neighborhoods.”

Concluding the luncheon was the presentation of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Philanthropy, presented to Williamson Health.

The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy was established in March of 2001 as a way of recognizing outstanding community partners who donate their resources and efforts to Tennessee Board of Regents colleges. Honorees are selected through a Donor Recognition Committee comprised of representatives from Tennessee community and technical colleges, donors, Trustees, Regents and employees.

The award was given to an organization with which Columbia State has had a strong partnership with for over two decades. Since 2000, Williamson Health has contributed more than $518,000 in gifts and pledges. The support was instrumental in helping construct Columbia State’s Williamson Campus and furthering the expansion of healthcare and other education opportunities in the region. Their support spans far beyond financial means, as Williamson Health helps provide crucial hands-on training for programs including radiologic technology, respiratory care, medical laboratory technology and paramedic. They also offer future careers to graduates in healthcare programs.

When presenting the award, Smith spoke about the many years of collaboration that Columbia State and Williamson Health have had and how it has benefited the college and community at large. 

“It is a partnership, one that is much greater than just opening their doors for clinicals — they provide preceptors — they schedule time and locations and provide supervision, and they greet us with all of the other students from other colleges that are using their facilities,” Smith said. “So, they are there to work with our students, and they provide exceptional learning experiences and help them learn what their role is. Together, we build a community of learning that provides an environment for student success. And that is a great, great contribution to this college."

“This collaboration is a powerful example of how philanthropy, education and healthcare can work together to meet community needs,” said Cris Perkins, associate vice chancellor of strategic advancement for the College System of Tennessee. “The result is a stronger workforce, better prepared graduates and healthier communities across Columbia State’s nine-county service area for their commitment to education, workforce development and student success.”

The Columbia State Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports and partners with the college to positively impact student success and the communities in which it serves. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Foundation.

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

Brandy Ann Smith, 47, departed this life on June 28, 2025 at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro after a lengthy illness.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Amy Mae Ingram, 80, died Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Levine and Dickson Hospice House in Charlotte, North Carolina after a brief battle with cancer.

A graveside service will be conducted Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Bryant Cemetery in Mooresville, Tennessee. Oakes & Nichols is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

School Voucher Transparency (TNLookout)

A Tennessee House Republican says the legislature should require the Department of Education to provide more information about private-school voucher applicants for a thorough evaluation of the new program.

Parents applying for the money don’t have to disclose where their children attended school previously, and the state is refusing to provide that information or even the counties where students live. 

Additionally, applications for “universal” vouchers, those without an income cap, don’t require parents to list financial information.

Lawmakers who opposed the program are raising questions about what they perceive as critical information as the state offers nearly $7,300 each to 20,000 students to enroll in private schools, at a total cost of $146 million. Half the recipients, 10,000, have financial limits at 300% of the federal poverty level, an estimated $175,000 for a family of four, while the families of the remainder face no income restrictions.

“It seems fairly clear that the administration does not want to know these things because they’re afraid it may not line up with the narrative that was put out there for the reason they were supporting this measure,” Republican Rep. Jody Barrett of Dickson told the Lookout.

Numerous lawmakers said during debate they supported the private-school vouchers to help struggling parents send their children to better schools.

Chalkbeat initially reported on the matter and found two-thirds or more of the students in Alabama and Florida who received voucher funds already attended private schools.

Democratic Rep. Caleb Hemmer of Nashville is among the lawmakers trying to obtain what he called “basic” information about the voucher program to make sure it complies with the law.

“They’re giving out checks like Cash for Clunkers,” Hemmer said, comparing it to a 2009 federal rebate program designed to bolster the economy and encourage people to buy fuel-efficient vehicles.  

Lawmakers narrowly passed Gov. Bill Lee’s main initiative this year even though the state’s own financial impact analysis showed 65% of the students who receive the vouchers would be enrolled in private schools already. Students from private schools surrounded the governor when he signed the bill into law at the State Capitol.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Nashville Zoo is opening a new aquatic habitat that will house a bloom of approximately 50 moon jellyfish. Over the last eight years, the Zoo has been home to various jellies located in the Unseen New World exhibit. The new residents come from the Tennessee Aquarium and are now on display in the Unseen New World.

“The new jellyfish habitat significantly enhances educational opportunities for guests fascinated by deep-sea life,” said Aquatics Area Supervisor and Biologist Daniel Brandt. “This display not only increases our keeper chat options but also offers a prime chance to highlight the importance of wildlife conservation and how the public can actively contribute to these efforts.”

For more information about the moon jellyfish and the Unseen New World, visit www.nashvillezoo.org.