Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-15-25

Columbia Fire & Rescue Welcomes Peer Support Service Dog to Support First Responder Mental Health (Press Release)

To help firefighters cope with the intense stress, trauma, and emotional toll of emergency response, Columbia Fire & Rescue has introduced a new mental health resource: a trained peer support service dog. Darby, a gentle and affectionate goldendoodle, will be stationed at Fire Station 3 and serve as a source of comfort and emotional support for first responders processing the daily realities of their high-stress work.

Every day, firefighters are exposed to devastating scenes—tragic accidents, loss of life, and moments of unimaginable grief. Over time, these experiences can lead to post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. Firefighter Deja Dixon recognized the need for proactive mental health support and led the effort to bring Darby to the department.

“Darby brings a sense of calm that you can feel the moment she walks into the room,” said Dixon. “We deal with things that most people never see. Having her at the station gives us a source of peace and support during the toughest moments.”

Peer support service dogs like Darby are specially trained to provide comfort after traumatic calls, help reduce anxiety, and assist first responders in processing the emotional weight of their job. Her presence offers day-to-day support in ways traditional tools sometimes cannot.

“Darby is more than a station companion—she’s an important part of our department’s mental wellness strategy,” said Columbia Fire Chief Chris Cummins. “She’s already made an impact, and we’re proud to have her as part of the Columbia Fire & Rescue family.”

A growing body of research supports the use of service dogs in trauma recovery. A recent National Institutes of Health-supported study found that service dogs significantly reduced PTSD symptoms and improved emotional well-being in individuals exposed to high-stress environments.

“Supporting our first responders means taking care of their mental health, too,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “Darby is a meaningful addition to that effort, and we’re proud to have her as part of the team.”

Darby will remain based at Station 3, always ready to lend a calming presence to the team that serves Columbia with courage and compassion.

Maury Regional Medical Center among nation’s top performing hospitals for heart attack care (Press Release)

Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2025, becoming one of only 323 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. This is the first time that Maury Regional has received the Platinum designation after previously earning gold in 2023 and 2024.

The award recognizes Maury Regional’s commitment to implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients as outlined by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.

“This recognition reflects the exceptional dedication of our physicians, nurses and entire cardiovascular team to deliver high-quality, state-of-the-art care for patients experiencing heart attacks,” said Maury Regional Health CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “We are honored to be recognized among the top hospitals in the nation for heart attack care and remain continuously committed to advancing the cardiovascular services we provide to our community.”

To receive the Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, Maury Regional Health demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain – MI Registry for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures.

The Chest Pain – MI Registry empowers health care teams to treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

“It is an honor to award Maury Regional Medical Center with the Platinum Performance Award for their valuable national leadership and dedication to meeting comprehensive performance measures in patient care,” said Michael C. Kontos, MD, FACC, chair of the NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Steering Subcommittee, and cardiologist at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. “The receipt of this award indicates that Maury Regional Medical Center remains committed to providing top quality, guideline-driven care for heart attack patients. Their success ensures patients are receiving the highest quality cardiovascular care.”

Maury Regional Medical Center’s nationally recognized cardiac program offers a wide array of preventative and interventional cardiac services. The center’s state-of-the-art catheterization laboratory features advanced technologies utilized by cardiologists and clinical care teams performing diagnostic testing and interventional, pacemaker and peripheral vascular procedures. As a certified comprehensive cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program, Maury

Regional also supports the recovery of patients who have experienced a heart attack, cardiac surgery or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Cardiac care at Maury Regional is led by 15 board-certified cardiologists on the medical staff who are associated with Vanderbilt Heart–Columbia and Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Columbia.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. Symptoms of heart attack are an emergency. Call 911 immediately if you or someone nearby is experiencing:

• Chest discomfort, such as pressure, tightness or pain

• Discomfort in other parts of the upper body (arm, jaw, back or neck)

• Shortness of breath

• Unusual fatigue

• Nausea, light-headedness or cold sweat

To learn more about the heart services offered at MRMC, visit MauryRegional.com/Heart.

Columbia State Biology Students Showcase Research Achievements (Press Release)

Several Columbia State Community College biology students have made academic achievements by presenting at two distinguished scientific symposiums.

In April, six students presented a new discovery at the annual Howard Hughes Medical Institute national symposium for undergraduate research.

In front of over 1,000 students in attendance, Chloe Navy Dobson, a Williamson County resident, and Daniela Figueroa, a Cheatham County resident, presented a poster on the newly discovered bacteriophage Ellewin on behalf of Columbia State Associate Professor Dr. Elvira Eivazova’s Honors Biology Research course. Four other Columbia State students, Daniel Culley, a Williamson County resident; Shawn Pinote, a Maury County resident; Presley Stevens, a Williamson County resident; and Whitney Keeton, a Maury County resident, were also involved in the presentation.

The presentation is the result of two semesters of laboratory and genomic analysis work on the reported bacteriophage.

“Having an opportunity to experience an authentic hands-on research process is invaluable for our students,” said Eivazova, Columbia State associate professor of biology and Tennessee Board of Regents ambassador for undergraduate research. “This national program for phage discovery, supported by the HHMI, unites undergraduate students from over 150 universities and 16 community colleges.”

Prior to the presentation at the HHMI annual symposium, two students in Eivazova’s Biology Research and Microbiology courses also completed separate virtual presentations at the Tennessee Association of Science Department Chairs Symposium and Competition.

Presley Stevens, a Williamson County resident who earned a University Parallel (General Transfer) Associate of Science degree, presented her semester-long project discussing the new bacteriophage Azureus that she discovered and analyzed in the Fall 2024 semester. Stevens graduated from Columbia State in spring 2025 and is currently attending Lipscomb University.

Luisa Buzard, a Rutherford County resident pursuing a Nutrition and Food Science degree, presented a summary of the latest developments she researched in combating antibiotic resistance in the treatment of bacterial diseases. She plans to transfer to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in fall 2025.

The TASDC Symposium and Competition invite undergraduate students to present their work and share their learning experiences with other faculty and students.

TASDC is a non-profit organization aimed at connecting science practitioners, educators and students to demonstrate scholarly achievement. The undergraduate research experience is a pedagogical approach to teaching and learning that has been consistently viewed as an effective means of promoting student success and satisfaction in education.

While earning their Associate of Science degree, Columbia State students receive broader access to scholarships and internships, as well as access to high-paying, future-focused careers. One of the highlights of the Honors Biology Research course is that prior research experience and skills are not required to participate, and there are no additional expenses to students.

Undergraduate research is one of the High Impact Practices (HIPs) of teaching and learning that shows significant educational benefits for students who participate. The Tennessee Board of Regents’ current goal is to embed HIPs into all academic pathways to allow students to experience at least two HIPs before they complete an associate degree.

Ultium Cells to upgrade Tennessee plant for low-cost EV battery cell production (Press Release)

Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution,

will upgrade its Spring Hill, Tennessee battery cell manufacturing facility to scale production of low-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, building on a $2.3 billion investment announced in 2021. Conversion of battery cell lines at Spring Hill to produce LFP cells will begin later this year, with commercial production expected by late 2027.

“At GM, we’re innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance, and affordability to our EV customers,” said Kurt Kelty, VP of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability at GM. “This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio."

GM’s flexible EV platform has been architected to enable the quick integration of multiple cell chemistries and form factors. The Ultium Cells plant in Warren, Ohio will continue producing cells with nickel cobalt manganese aluminum chemistry, which has been key to GM delivering a range of crossovers with more than 300 miles of range on a charge. With LFP battery technology, GM is targeting significant battery pack cost savings compared to today’s high-nickel battery pack while increasing consumer EV choice.

“The upgrade reflects the continued strength of our partnership with General Motors and our shared commitment to advancing EV battery innovation,” said Wonjoon Suh, executive VP and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division at LG Energy Solution. “We will bring our extensive experience and expertise in U.S. manufacturing to the joint venture facility, further accelerating our efforts to deliver new chemistries and form factors that effectively capture the unmet needs in the EV market.”

The Spring Hill facility currently employs about 1,300 people. With the ability to manufacture battery cells in multiple cell chemistries, Spring Hill will help drive U.S. battery innovation, manufacturing, and consumer choice in the EV market.

  “Ultium Cells’ additional investment and commitment to innovating and enhancing its Spring Hill operations is a testament to the state’s longstanding, cohesive partnerships, which started with General Motors, and grew to include LG Energy Solution in 2021, and we stand ready to continue supporting these companies and their joint venture for years to come,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter.

“We are grateful for the continued partnership and support we've received from the State of Tennessee as we continue to advance our lead in EV battery cell manufacturing,” said Kee Eun, President and CEO of Ultium Cells. “This investment expands our capabilities beyond a single battery cell chemistry, allowing us to produce new chemistries alongside our existing cells. Expanding our product portfolio ensures Ultium Cells will remain at the forefront of battery cell innovation and sustain our commitment to be a stable, long-term employer for the communities we serve.”

Vying for Ogles’ Seat (CDH)

Metro Nashville Council member Mike Cortese has joined the field of candidates looking to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, in Tennessee House District 5.

Cortese filed his statement of candidacy on July 9. He represents District 4 on the Nashville Council, which includes part of Brentwood and sits on the southern border of Davidson County. Cortese was elected in 2023, and he’s now about halfway through his four-year term, which ends in 2027. The primary election for the U.S. House seat is scheduled for Aug. 6, 2026.

Cortese is one of four candidates seeking to oust Ogles, according to Federal Election Commission candidate filings.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has indicated Ogles is a top target next year — his seat in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District landed on a list of competitive districts held by “vulnerable Republicans” identified by national Democrats.

While Ogles remains the only Republican vying for the seat so far, Cortese is the third Democrat to throw his hat in the ring. Cortese joins nonprofit leader and health care executive James Torino, of Columbia, and Joyce Neal, an adjunct professor of psychology based in Nashville, on the ballot. Another candidate, Kenneth Brown, has also filed to run out of Nashville, but his filing lists no party affiliation.

Operation Southern Slow Down Targets Speeders July 14–20 Across TN & Southeast (Press Release)

Drivers across Tennessee and the Southeast will see an increased police presence on the roads next week as law enforcement agencies launch Operation Southern Slow Down, a week-long initiative aimed at curbing speeding-related crashes.

Running from July 14 to July 20, this regional enforcement effort will involve officers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Highway Safety Office, and multiple local agencies. They’ll be joining counterparts in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, focusing patrols on both interstates and local roads.

This year’s campaign comes in response to a troubling trend: speeding-related fatalities are on the rise. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 11,400 people died in speeding-related crashes across the U.S. in 2022—a 25% increase from 2018. Within the five Southeastern states participating in this initiative, speeding killed 1,610 people in 2022, up from 1,410 deaths in 2018.

While interstates are often associated with high-speed driving, most speed-related fatalities in the region are actually happening on non-interstate roads. In 2022, 91% of speeding-related crashes in the five participating states occurred off the interstate—an increase from 88% in 2018.

With summer travel at its peak and millions expected to hit the road, officials are urging drivers to slow down and stay alert. Officers will focus their efforts on corridors with high crash rates in hopes of reducing fatalities during this high-risk travel period.

25th Annual Lynnville Blackberry Festival Approaches (Pulaski Citizen)

This year’s annual Blackberry Festival, held each July in Lynnville, is set for Saturday, July 19.

“We are really excited because this will be the 25th Lynnville Blackberry Festival,” organizer Gordon Gregory said. “We’ve got more music this year and more vendors than we’ve had in the past.”

Gregory said one of the highlights of this year’s festival will be national country recording group Herrick, which will perform as part of their “Midnight Radio” five-state

tour.

Also performing will be Worley McKinney and Southern Crossroads Band, along with various other local country music artists.

The festival will feature more than 60 vendors providing food, crafts, clothing and more, alongside a Tennessee National Guard Obstacle Course for both kids and adults attending, Gregory added.

A chainsaw carver will also be present, and those in attendance can watch as a tiger is carved to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the founding of Jones High School in Lynnville, Gregory said.

Other activities will include: a petting zoo, pony rides, a blackberry baking contest and a Little Miss Lynnville beauty contest.

The Main Stage events schedule includes:

• 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Little Miss Lynnville Beauty Contest

• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Shelbyville Cloggers

• 2-3 p.m. — Herrick

• 3:30-4:30 p.m. — Worley McKinney and Southern Crossroads Band

• 4:30-5 p.m. — Nicole Smith

• 5-6 p.m. — Robert Heller

Activities kick off at 8 a.m. and will run throughout the day for all to enjoy. Parking, at the Lynnville ball park off Mill Street, is $5.

“All proceeds from the festival will be used to purchase new playground equipment at the park to support the growing number of Lynnville residents with small children,” Gregory noted.

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

Mrs. Betty Sue Wade Reedy, 88, wife of James Reedy, and a resident of Columbia, died Saturday, July 12 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mrs. Valerie Coleman Brantingham, 69, retired secretary for Columbia First United Methodist Church, and resident of Columbia, TN died Friday, July 11 at her residence. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2:00 PM at Columbia First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 11:00 until 2:00 PM at Columbia First United Methodist Church.

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.

Social media post suggests proposed TVA project ‘dead’ (Cheatham Exchange)

The fight to keep the Tennessee Valley Authority’s proposed electric power plant fueled by a gas pipeline out of Cheatham County has potentially taken a famous and Presidential turn.

Country music star and Cheatham County resident John Rich tweeted on X, formerly known as Twitter, over the weekend, “I just spoke to the POTUS about what @TVAnews is attempting to do to my home county of Cheatham County,TN...There will be a MASSIVE announcement coming soon concerning this Anti-American, debacle of a project. The stone has left the sling, and is inbound. @SecRollins.”

Cheatham County Mayor Kerry McCarver posted on his Facebook page a few hours later, “I had a call from Amanda Bell that John Rich had posted on his Twitter account that he talked with President Trump about the TVA fiasco in Cheatham County. I called John and he confirmed President Trump told John to consider the project dead! The Agricultural and Energy Departments will work to have the second plant constructed in New Johnsonville where residents actually want the plant. We’ll keep you posted…thanks to John Rich…we have never been closer to moving the plant where it belongs and out of Cheatham County. Have a great weekend!”

John Rich’s brother Isaac Rich also made a similar announcement at the Riverbluff Park concert in Ashland City on Saturday that his brother had reportedly spoken with President Trump, who allegedly told John that the TVA project was “dead.”

As of press deadline, there have been no official statements from the President concerning the embattled TVA project. Requests to John Rich, the White House and McCarver from The Cheatham County Exchange received no response as of press time.

The TVA, which proposed an electric power plant fueled by a gas pipeline in rural Cheatham County off Lockertsville Road last year, has met with strong and consistent opposition from both Cheatham County residents and elected officials like McCarver. John Rich joined the sea of voices speaking out against the project, including making several YouTube videos.

The TVA has repeatedly said it has not yet decided whether it will continue and will not make any decisions until the environmental impact statement, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, has been completed. TVA Media Relations spokesman Scott Brooks said Sunday, July 13, “Here's where we are as of tonight- TVA continues to follow the NEPA process regarding potential construction in Cheatham County. That has included welcoming feedback from the public, stakeholders and elected officials. We have not made a decision on this potential project.”

Preserve Cheatham County organizer Tracy O’Neill has been one of many leading the charge to keep the TVA project from coming to fruition and said she is hesitant to believe the fight is over without official word from the TVA or President Trump’s office. “We have no official statements from TVA. We have no official statement from the White House, and it's my understanding that as much as we want this to be true, the President cannot unilaterally stop this project. The TVA is an independent agency, and even if political pressure is being applied behind the scenes, I feel like this announcement could be unintentionally misleading. As far as we're concerned, this project is still very much alive, so this kind of information really risks lulling people into thinking that this fight is over when it's not even close. We're in the middle of several very critical actions. The TVA board still lacks a quorum, and we are still reviewing those nominees. We have some concerns with that slate. There's not one single voice that has been nominated that represents rural communities like Cheatham County,” O’Neill said.

For more information about the proposed Cheatham Generation site, visit https://www.TVA.com/energy/our-power-system/cheatham.

MTSU adds esports courses (Press release)

Middle Tennessee State University is offering two new esports concentrations this fall that will teach students about aesthetics, ethics, marketing and technology needed to create gaming-related content and streams.

Esports and Gaming Content Creation is housed in the College of Media and Entertainment and Esports Coaching is offered by Leisure and Sport Management in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences.

“Students will have the opportunity to learn about the variety of skills needed in the esports industry and learn specialized skills in areas in which they want to focus,” said Richard Lewis, esports and content creation coordinator associate professor. “There are hands-on experience opportunities working with the MTSU Esports club and a number of community organizations while earning their degree.”

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a job in the esports industry in the United States is $156,348 a year. Jobs can range from a professional player, content creator, influencer, broadcast manager, social media manager, talent manager, team publicist, coaching, assistant coach, events manager, general manager, game analyst and commissioner.

Lewis said the MTSU concentrations will provide esports players with skills in creating content and revenue streams. Students will also choose from minors to give them specific skills within their professional interests.