Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-14-25

Mt. Pleasant Planning hears public comment against development (MSM)

The Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission recommended the annexation of 106 acres to the city council but denied a developer’s requested zoning designation.

The planning commission considered a resolution to annex a 106-acre residential development off Columbia Pike, allowing John Maher Builders to construct 247 houses on the historic Armstrong plantation, a plot bounded by Zion Road and Old Zion Road. The commission eventually recommended annexation but rejected Maher's request for the densest zoning, R3, sending the builders back to the drawing board. Planning commissioners aligned with those citing the Maury County Comprehensive Plan, which designated the field in 2015 to retain a rural character. They advised the builders to pursue a less dense R2 zoning before resubmitting.

John Maher, CEO of John Maher Builders, stated his company's land studies supported an R3 zoning, clarifying that their plan was not, as one commissioner alleged, attempting to fit five houses per acre. He noted the high-density designation was requested to place approximately two houses per acre and incorporate amenities. Maher also affirmed his family and company’s pride in their build quality, stating they would only put their name on houses they could continue to be proud of.

Planning Commissioner Pam Johnston supported Maher Builders, favorably comparing their houses to the “clapboard” new construction feared to spread from Spring Hill.

"I'm not crazy about the R3 [zoning]," she said, "but I do think that when we have a good builder, who has shown care for the environment and the community that they're in, maybe [we should] renegotiate to an R2 [zoning]."

The proposed houses would need to receive utilities from Columbia Power & Water Systems, and each would have its own STEP (septic tank-effluent pump) system, serviced by the new Edge Wastewater company. Pipes from the residential tanks would send liquid sewage to a 26-acre treatment plant on the north end of the development, part of which covers a natural wetland and stream, into which treated water would be pumped. A representative for Blue Suit told the commission that city sewage lines were currently unfeasible to extend from Mt. Pleasant.

Several commenters expressed concern about the sewage treatment plant. Jim Harrison, who would live next to it, warned of potential overflow during heavy rains. Others reminded planners that Mt. Pleasant had previously annexed land without providing promised utilities. Bill Cozy noted commercial and residential areas up to Polk Lane received only electricity and old gas lines despite promises of sewer, water, and other city services. Robert Lacy claimed he hadn't received sewer service within city limits in his Shackleford neighborhood, and his own septic tank had overflowed this year.

William Buckner, who farmed the property for 18 years, claimed the wetland intended for the sewage treatment plant has bedrock about six feet under the surface and is full of sinkholes from past mining operations. He stated that closing these sinkholes would create a pond.

Others argued against the resolution due to the historical and scenic value of the old Armstrong plantation and its lost Ashwood mansion, as well as the historic Episcopalian church and cemetery across the highway. Dawson Gray, an Armstrong relative, highlighted that the Episcopal church of St. John’s is one of only three "plantation churches" remaining in the country and requires its rural surroundings to attract visitors.

Jeff Brewer, a contractor, read an extract from a Civil War account detailing a battle through the same field, asserting that high-density residential zoning would destroy a historically significant piece of property.

County Archives Director Tom Price was pleased by the other speakers' attention to history, and quoted from the agricultural expert Joseph Killibrew.

"From Columbia southwestward lies one of the most beautiful bodies of land in the United States — certainly none other in Tennessee surpasses it — and no other is so well-known, or often spoken of, by travellers," Killibrew wrote in 1864. "This section contains some of the handsomest and most productive farms in the state. In Ashwood, the wealth of the county lies in the country."

"That description still fits 150 years later," Price concurred. "If you stand in the tower of St. John's Episcopal Church and peer out of that ancient window, it's basically the same scene that Bishop Leonidas Polk saw in 1842 when he consecrated the church."

Still other commenters maintained that such a neighborhood would be logistically unpleasant or impossible. Lee Burke, a data analyst, criticized the traffic studies for the Maher development and a larger 765-house development nearby, citing reliance on outdated growth projections and traffic counts taken when a bridge was closed. Buckner claimed Old Zion Road, a farm road, would need rebuilding for residential traffic and that much of the land was too swampy to build on, with approximately 40 percent having a wet well spring.

Most complaints revolved around overcrowding. Many argued that traffic on Columbia Pike was already dangerous and intolerable, and utilities would be overburdened. Lily Reagan and Christina White testified to 45-minute emergency responder arrival times for accidents on the pike. Mike Williams claimed his water pressure would drop significantly if the neighborhood were built.

Local attorney Tom Gordon pointed out that potential buyers of homes priced at $350,000-$550,000 would likely not work in Mt. Pleasant but commute to Columbia or north. Robert Lacy questioned the addition of 250 more homes when 700 were already planned, suggesting they were unaffordable. Sheila Gabriel, a recent transplant, claimed that her old town experienced similar suburban sprawl, leading to a dramatic increase in her taxes.

Jason Fulmer, a land surveyor, concluded by urging the planning commission to be responsible with the land, lamenting the destruction of beautiful natural areas for development.

Authorities seize $100K+ worth of drugs from Maury County home (WKRN)

Law enforcement in Wayne, Giles, Lawrence, and Maury Counties are cracking down on drug sales. Interim Director Thomas Goetz announced that the 22nd Judicial District Drug Task Force will intensify operations and investigations, an initiative that began on July 1 in Columbia.

The operation on East 9th Street began with members of the Spring Hill Police Department raiding a property. Once the home was secured, the task force executed search warrants and found a substantial amount of drugs.

“It’s almost like a drive-thru…cars line up, they come and get served, they move along, and it’s just a revolving door at different hours throughout the day,” Goetz said.

Agents reportedly seized more than $20,000 in cash; an assault rifle; hundreds of oxycodone pills; half a pound of methamphetamine; four pounds of marijuana; and 10 pounds of cocaine valued at $100,000.

“We knew then we had a larger organization of narcotics sales. We realized this was much bigger because these drugs not only affect the Columbia community,” Goetz explained. “They get outsourced to Spring Hill and Lawrenceburg, Pulaski, and as far out as Wayne County because all these people that are in this organization, they have connections in these other counties, so those drugs are going to funnel, and so by us taking this 4.5 kilos of cocaine off the street is hopefully saving some families and the hardships that come with those hard narcotics.”

According to Goetz, the July 1 raid was just the beginning for drug dealers in Wayne, Lawrence, Giles, and Maury counties.

“We’re ramping up with more people, and we’re going to be more active in these communities within the four counties that we cover. They’re going to start seeing a lot more presence, a lot more people are going to be taken off the street, a lot more indictments [are] coming down,” he told News 2. “If they think they’re safe and they’re out here dealing drugs in the community, they’re going to get caught. It’s just a matter of time.”

Authorities said a suspected dealer — described as a mid-level operative — has been identified in this operation, which is still ongoing.

Crystal Creek by LGI Homes Brings Premium Townhome Living to Spring Hill (Press Release)

LGI Homes announced last week the opening of Crystal Creek, its newest community in the Nashville market. This community offers a lineup of charming townhomes with included upgrades and easy access to all that the area has to offer.

Conveniently located in Spring Hill, homeowners at Crystal Creek are well-positioned near Saturn Parkway and I-65, providing quick access to major employers such as GM Spring Hill, as well as local shopping and dining options.

“Just 30 miles south of Nashville, Spring Hill is one of Middle Tennessee’s most desirable places to live, where small-town charm meets modern convenience. From charming local boutiques to national retailers, plus a growing dining scene, Crystal Creek in Spring Hill has everything you need, just minutes away,” said Chris Welpott, Vice President of Sales for Tennessee. “Crystal Creek by LGI Homes offers exceptional value and opportunity with spacious floor plans, a low-maintenance lifestyle, and designer finishes included in every home. Whether you're buying your first home or upgrading to your forever one, Crystal Creek offers the perfect community for every stage of life.”

Crystal Creek offers plenty of opportunities for fun with its impressive amenities. Head to the park where children can run and play, or use the multi-purpose fields to start a community soccer league. One of the most impressive features are the shaded walking trails that run throughout the community and connects to City of Spring Hill Greenway.

LGI Homes is building two-story, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom townhomes that range from 1,794 to 1,952 square feet. Equipped with our CompleteHome Plus™ package, every home includes upgraded features at no extra cost. Gorgeous exteriors, chef-ready kitchens with Whirlpool® appliances and smart-home technology are just a few premier features that new homeowners can look forward to upon moving in. These exceptional homes include expansive primary suites that are the perfect place to unwind after a long day and secondary bedrooms that are ready to be used for your family’s unique needs.

Move-in ready homes within this community start in the mid-$400s. Interested buyers can schedule an appointment or stop by the information center daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. To schedule a tour or for additional information, please call (844) 581-1287 ext 195 or visit LGIHomes.com/CrystalCreek.

TCAP Scores Increase in Maury (Press Release)

Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) saw an increase in proficiency across all subject areas in the 2025 TCAP assessment. Maury County Public Schools students grades 3-12 earned higher scores in English Language Arts 34.1%, math 30.2%, science 38.6%, and social studies 39.8%, compared to 2024 TCAP results based on initial data released earlier this week by the Tennessee Department of Education. Maury County Public Schools will use the data to evaluate improvement initiatives as schools prepare for the upcoming school year.

“I am pleased with the direction our school district is heading,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Maury County Public Schools has seen measurable improvement in TCAP scores since 2021, with a 13.1% increase in English Language Arts, a 12.4% increase in math, a 9.5% increase in science, and a 18.5% increase in social studies. I am so proud of the work of our students, teachers, staff, and all MCPS employees. They have worked tirelessly to ensure student success.”

The Tennessee Department of Education will release additional performance data, including school-level results and student growth information in the near future.

Full 2025 TCAP assessment data is available on the Tennessee Department of Education’s website at www.tn.gov/education

Maury Regional celebrates new additions to the Women’s Center (Press Release)

Maury Regional Health (MRH) hosted a blessing event on July 8 to celebrate the completion of two new mother/baby rooms and a new labor and delivery room in the Women’s Center at Maury Regional Medical Center.

These additions support the health system’s continued commitment toward reimagining patient care and follow a record-breaking number of births at Maury Regional Medical Center in 2023 and 2024. These three new rooms offer additional space, comfort and privacy for the growing number of families choosing Maury Regional Health for their care.

“We are honored to serve the growing community of southern Middle Tennessee and to be a part of so many families’ stories at our Women’s Center,” MRH CEO Martin Chaney, MD, said. “This expansion reflects our commitment to growing with the community to ensure that all patients receive compassionate, comfortable and high-quality care close to home.”

Located on the fourth floor of Maury Regional Medical Center, the newly named Women’s Center offers comprehensive women’s health and childbirth services that include prenatal and postpartum care; private delivery, recovery and postpartum suites; lactation consultants and breastfeeding support; expectant parent classes; and gynecological surgery. Care in the Women’s Center is led by physicians on the medical staff specializing in obstetrics and gynecology who are associated with Maury Regional Medical Group OB-GYN and Vanderbilt Center for Women’s Health of Columbia.

The Women’s Center is also home to a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), with board-certified neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners on the medical staff associated with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. They are complemented by experienced nurses, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, registered dietitians and social workers.

Maury Regional Medical Center is nationally recognized by The Joint Commission with a Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care. This award reflects the hospital’s high level of comprehensive care for mother and baby, managing high-risk pregnancies, supporting maternal mental health and providing patient-focused care through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery.

“As a staff, we are very excited to continue to provide the highest level of care to our expectant mothers, newborns, and their families,” said Andres Rodriguez, MD, a board-certified specialist in obstetrics and gynecology associated with Maury Regional Medical Group OB-GYN. “With the hospital's support, we are honored to be a part of the health care and well-being of our community as it continues to grow and to offer patients constantly improving medical practices and facilities. The addition of our three new suites re-emphasizes our commitment to our patients and our willingness to open our doors to the growing number of patients not only in Maury County but in the surrounding counties as well.”

The addition of these rooms is among several expansion projects underway at Maury Regional Health. Improvements at the main campus in Columbia include the development of the Outpatient Pavilion and the Orthopedic Surgical Institute to accommodate the growing number joint replacements, renovation to the emergency department, expansion of the heart center, parking and thoroughfare improvements, expansion of the Breast Center and expansion of the front entry to relocate patient and visitor services towards the main entrance. The system also recently celebrated a “topping out” of its new outpatient health center in Lawrenceburg. To learn more, visit MauryRegional.com/StrategicPlan.

City Begins New Fiscal Year (MSM)

Having passed in votes held May 8 and June 12, the city of Columbia’s 2025-26 budget went into effect Tuesday, July 1. Last week the city published its $89M budget for the new fiscal year, and a budget in brief summarizing the most important points.

“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,” Mayor Chaz Molder said via a city press release. “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.”

The general fund’s contribution to the budget will total $51.77 million (approximately 58 percent) for city administrative business, emergency services and public and development services, including a 4 percent pay increase for city employees across the board. The general fund saw a $4.5 million increase in revenue this year, and the city aims to augment it further with targeted investments.

“By investing in our workforce and critical infrastructure, we are ensuring Columbia can consistently provide exceptional services to its residents,” City Manager Tony Massey remarked. “This budget demonstrates our strong commitment to strategic planning and responsible financial stewardship.”

The general fund is made up of mostly taxes, with some fees and grants too. Local sales taxes (34.4 percent) and property taxes (24.6 percent) make up most of the contributions, with the majority of the rest coming from other taxes, prior years’ revenue and intergovernmental funds.

The new Capital Improvements Program, which is entering the first of its five years, is now worth $52.7 million and will invest $124.6 million in city, state and federal funds to upgrade and expand Columbia’s infrastructure. Its municipal facilities, transportation, wastewater, vehicles and technology will all receive a cash boost.

“A program of this magnitude cannot be undertaken with local resources alone,” the city’ press release states’s budget in brief release states. “Therefore, local funding is being strategically used to leverage additional state and federal aid, particularly for transportation improvements.”

The city is hard at work on achieving the goals in its comprehensive plan. Three of its top priorities — improving the Aquatic Recreation Center, paving the streets and upgrading the bridges on Iron Bridge, East Seventh Street and Mt. Olivet Road — are funded for the coming fiscal year, and several more projects, including water supply, state roads, collaborating more with the county and “continu[ing] positive, smart growth,” are “in process.”

The city is also addressing fiscal-responsibility measures, projecting to pay off $2.6 million of its debt in 2025-26 and maintaining an AA+ credit rating. According to a graph published in the “budget in brief,” the city plans to reduce its municipal debt by $2 – $3.5 million every year from 2027 to 2035, and this year’s full budget document discloses plans to pay down $1.11 million in principal and $207,919 in interest, against its total general-fund debt of $8.79 million. Wastewater, which is run separately as an enterprise fund according to state law, also has $79 million in outstanding bonds.

“The local economy continued robust growth without pause during the last year,” the budget press release stated, returning property taxes of about $13.5 million without any increase in its rate of 82.51 cents per $100 of assessed value. They budgeted for another year of comparable growth at $12.75 million, a 2 percent increase over the previous fiscal year.

The local economy does indeed seem to be booming. SmartAsset ranked Columbia the fourth-best city in Tennessee for incoming investment, and 25th in the state for business growth. The city’s residential population has grown 17.3 percent since 2020, 3 percent of it in the last year.

Tennesseans encouraged to take advantage of sales tax holiday (MSM)

State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, is encouraging residents of District 64 and all Tennesseans to take advantage of the upcoming back-to-school tax-free weekend.

The state’s annual sales tax holiday is set for Friday, July 25, through Sunday, July 27. Qualified purchases include clothing and shoes valued at $100 or less, school and art supplies costing less than $100 per item and computers and tablets priced under $1,500.

“Years of conservative budgeting have placed the Volunteer State in a strong position to empower residents by ensuring they keep more of their hard-earned money,” Cepicky said. “This important sales tax holiday will help ease the financial burden on Tennesseans as students head back to school in August. I encourage Maury County families to take advantage of these savings by purchasing supplies, clothing and other eligible products during this period.”

Eligible items, including shirts, shoes, pens, backpacks and binders, among others, can be purchased tax-free online and in person.

Tennessee’s Republican supermajority has provided more than $5.1 billion in tax relief to citizens since 2011. The Volunteer State collects no personal income tax and consistently ranks as one of the most fiscally responsible and lowest-taxed states in the nation.

For more information about the sales tax holiday, visit tntaxholiday.com.

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

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.

News now from around the state…

2025 Conservation Raffle especially helpful to TWRA (MSM)

In the wake of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s anticipated $12 million budget shortfall due to the legislature’s rejection of a proposed license hike, the annual Wildlife Conservation Raffle could help fill the gap.

Organized in 2018 and overseen by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, the raffle has generated over $10 million for various conservation causes throughout the state. Last year’s raffle brought in a record $2.35 million.

The nonprofit TWRF, while not directly affiliated with the TWRA, directs many of the funds to conservation causes and projects in which the Agency is involved. Any assistance the Foundation can provide will relieve the strain on the TWRA’s budget.

Raffle tickets are available at www.wildliferaffle.com until Sept. 14. They cost $20 for one, $50 for three and $100 for 10.

There are 10 major prizes, and winners will be announced shortly after the drawing.

Leading the list of prizes is a $50,000 Ford truck, a Caymas fishing boat with motor and trailer and an elaborate RV camper.

Other prizes include outdoors gear and fishing and hunting packages. One of the most popular is the latter, a coveted tag for the TWRA’s October elk hunt in East Tennessee.

Winners get to choose their prize in the order in which they are drawn.

Many ticket buyers say they do so as a way to support wildlife causes in which they are interested. Some of those causes will be impacted by the TWRA’s impending cutbacks necessitated by the loss of the anticipated license revenue.

Final story of the day…

Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation to Host Back to School Bash (Maury Source)

Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation is gearing up for its annual Back to School Bash! This year's event will be held at the Splash Pad, located at 501 Gray Lane in Mount Pleasant, on Saturday, July 19th, 2025.

Families are invited to stop by between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The highlight of the bash is the distribution of free school supplies for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Be sure to arrive early to grab a bag before supplies run out!