Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-31-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for July 31, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Starlink Offers Arrow Mines as Park (MSM)

At the July meeting of the Maury County Commission, Chris Habel presented an offer from Starlink Logistics to donate their Arrow Mines property for public use. Many county commissioners were favorable to the proposition.

Habel, a partner-in-charge with Starlink’s legal firm Frost, Brown and Todd, explained that Starlink had acquired several properties in a portfolio it purchased in 2001, including Arrow Mines, a 1,425-acre tract near Mt. Pleasant where phosphate mining, ore processing, aluminum smelting and other operations took place since the 1890s.

Habel reported that a century of near-constant industrial chemical activity had left the place in awful environmental shape. Under the supervision of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Starlink spent $20 million of their own money on surveys, environmental evaluations and clean-up for Arrow Mines, bringing it almost all the way up to TDEC’s recreational-use standards.

“We had the vision that someday this might make a great recreational park space,” Habel told the commission. “There’s no real use for this property from the company’s perspective, but [the public could] use it.”

He presented ground-level photographs of the park, showing wetlands, forests, ponds and walking trails where grass has grown on top of the “berm” which walls in the old industrial ponds.

All of the bodies of water have apparently been tested and are no longer contaminated, except for the 60-acre Arrow Lake, the centerpiece of the tract and a regional fishing destination in the days when it was open to the public. Habel reassured commissioners that Arrow Lake isn’t permanently contaminated, but only has levels of salt and ammonia that are too high for aquatic life. Starlink has offered to take care of draining, dredging and re-filling the lake, which would make the park fully usable.

A private citizen who lives nearby has even served as an informal game warden for Arrow Mines, calling the police on squatters and vagrants in the empty property. One lawsuit also remains to be resolved, in which Starlink alleges that the Associated Commodities Corporation was polluting Arrow Mines.

Habel transmitted Starlink’s wish to turn Arrow Mines over to the state government, who will manage and maintain it in perpetuity for public recreational use. They’re in talks with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) to determine which activities would be feasible on the property, with hunting, horse-riding and recreational vehicle camping among those possibilities.

Some county commissioners seemed enthusiastic about the prospect, though others initially wondered why Starlink was willing to be so generous.

“We’re not looking to make money on this transaction, [just] to break even. The company is going to be very generous,” Habel explained. “We’d love to see [people] back on [Arrow] Lake… Everybody we’ve talked to wants to be back on the lake.”

“This could be a game-changer for Mt. Pleasant and Maury County as a whole,” said Mt. Pleasant’s Mayor Bill White, whose city has passed a resolution supporting the conversion to a state park. At the previous meeting where Mt. Pleasant’s City Commissioners voted to ask the state to take over Arrow Mines, Mayor White talked up the possible benefits of recreational tourism stemming from the park.

“Folks, this is a no-brainer,” said Danny Grooms, summing up the commission’s general sentiment.

The county commission voted in agreement with Mt. Pleasant’s resolution, which asked the state to look into an Arrow Mines state park and pledged to consider contributing county resources to the process.

Kaylor and Swanky South Launch Whiskey (MSM)

Makky Kaylor wrote the new state song, “Tennessee In My Dreams” as a reflection of what it’s like for anyone who ever longed for home. 

Now,  Kaylor, Brenda Lynn Allen and their brand, Swanky South are coming together with a local event to celebrate Tennessee and its new song Saturday, Aug. 2. 

The event will begin with a whiskey launch and move to the launch celebration of a new cocktail at local restaurant, Prime and Pint where a live show, cocktail tastings and bottle signings are expected. 

Kaylor will sing and one member of the group from Sugarland will join the festivities. 

“It’s all to celebrate Tennessee and the new state song,” Kaylor said. “It’s beyond humbling to have the song go into the history books.” 

Kaylor laughs as he recalls writing the song he had originally called, “Louisiana In My Dreams.” 

He had written it for friends who were caught in the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and had to move to Tennessee, but found that he couldn’t deny the inspiration was coming from a love of his home state. 

“The song had a life of its own,” Kaylor said. 

In 2023, Kaylor was declared Tennessee Troubadour — a reference to a traveling musician and it was in 2024 that Gov. Bill Lee declared Kaylor’s song to be one among 14 other songs to represent the Volunteer State. 

Joining the likes of “Tennessee Waltz” and “Rocky Top,” the song has grown a life of its own, inspiring an event that will see the launch of a new brand of whiskey from Sugarland’s Distillery. 

Kaylor’s own sound, he describes as a combination of smooth soul, classic country and jazz. 

“If you listen to the song, it has that smooth soulful sound, but it’s still southern,” Kaylor said. “The heritage of Tennessee music is everywhere you go here.” 

Kaylor came from Memphis, where the soul sound abounds, and as such he describes himself as “city southern.”

Appropriately, Sugarland Distillery’s chosen name fits the troubadour’s title, with a pot distilled straight rye whiskey named Roaming Man. 

“The troubadour (traveling musician) title and Roaming Man label was a fun and unplanned coincidence,” Kaylor said. 

Local restaurant, Prime and Pint is also hosting part of the celebration, where they already serve the Tennessee Troubadour cocktail, named for Kaylor, created by bartender, Kayla Sims. 

Kaylor said he likes cinnamon, so the drink has some cinnamon bitters, orange zest and is mixed with a base of the Roaming Man whiskey. 

Sugarland Distillery invited Swanky South to the barrel pick for the whiskey and chose the batch from a three-barrel blind taste test. The result is a whiskey that was bottled and is now being sold exclusively around the area. 

Still, Kaylor said the event is meant to be an open invite, even for those who don’t drink. 

“Even if you don’t drink, you are wanted at this event,” Kaylor said. 

Co-host of their Swanky South radio show and also a local singer, Brenda Lynn “Brynn” Allen said the event was a very special one. 

“There is lots of synergy in this beautiful partnership,” Allen said. 

Local marketing team, Empower Collective is helping to organize the event that will kick off with the new whiskey launch at Parkway Wine and Spirits in Spring Hill. 

Elizabeth Gallegos and Corbin Davis who make up the team focus on bringing businesses together to amplify their presence. 

“We do this to highlight the local community,” Gallegos said. “This is a chance for people to come together on such a fun and rewarding moment. 

The whiskey launch will run from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Aug. 2 at Parkway Wine and Spirits and continue for the Tennessee Troubadour Cocktail launch at Prime and Pint from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. 

Mayor Chaz Molder declared July 14 to be Makky Kaylor Day. 

Maury County Prays 4 TN (MSM)

On July 21, Maury Countians gathered on the southeast corner of the historic courthouse lawn to participate in what has been an event across the state throughout the month of July — Prayer 4 Tennessee — starting in the east and moving westward. Pray 4 Tennessee is the response in all 95 counties to the General Assembly’s passage of, and Gov. Bill Lee’s signing of, a bill this year proclaiming July a month of prayer, fasting, repentance and spiritual renewal for the state.

“It was a beautiful day, filled with hope and unity,” County Mayor Sheila Butt said in a Facebook post following the event. Seeing so many new and familiar faces lifting their hearts in prayer truly reminded me of the strength we possess when we stand together with Christ at the center of our lives.”

House Joint Resolution 51 (HJR 51) passed the General Assembly during its 2025 session. Lee signed it May 2, calling for those “physically able and spiritually inclined” to join in prayer, fasting and repentance. HJR 51 can be viewed, along with more information about the Pray 4 Tennessee movement across the state, at Pray4Tn.us.

HJR 51 was submitted by State Rep. Monty Fritts and is co-sponsored by 59 state legislators. Bill co-sponsors representing Maury County include: State Sen. Joey Hensley, State Rep. Scott Cepicky, and State Rep. Kip Capley.

In obedient response to God’s command to pray and in reaction to state government leaders’ acknowledgement of the vital impact prayer has on the state and in the lives of the people they serve, prayer events have been, and continue to be, held at courthouses and public squares in Tennessee’s 95 counties.

A final statewide prayer event is scheduled for Aug. 2 at Tennessee Map Plaza, 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, (under the bridge).

State and local government officials and Christian leaders have participated in Pray 4 Tennessee county-level events. The assemblies include reading of HJR 51 by legislators and focused prayers lifted up by local pastors and leaders from various denominations over key areas of need, including government, families, the church, education and the next generation.

Tennessee Legislative Report Card’s website tnreportcard.org gives the organization’s statement on the bill and its potential impact. The statement includes:

“HJR 51 is a powerful resolution that calls the State of Tennessee to observe the month of July each year as a time of prayer and fasting. This measure reflects the deeply held belief that true renewal and healing — for individuals, families, communities and the state — ultimately come from God, not from government alone.

“The resolution draws upon the Judeo-Christian foundation of Tennessee and America, acknowledging that liberty, justice and prosperity are blessings from Almighty God. It recognizes that Tennessee faces challenges, including corruption, violence, addiction, family breakdown and moral confusion, and affirms that these cannot be solved by legislation alone, but by turning our hearts back to God through repentance and prayer.”

The whole story of the Pray 4 Tennessee movement with event schedules, resources, contact information and more are available at Pray4Tn.us.

A short video and photos can be found on the Mayor Sheila Butt Facebook page.

Columbia 101 (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is excited to announce the return of Columbia 101, an interactive program designed to connect residents with local government and community services. Following a successful inaugural session in the Fall of 2024 and a well-received spring session, Columbia 101 is now accepting applications for its third installment taking place on Tuesday, September 30 and Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Developed to strengthen transparency between citizens and their city, Columbia 101 offers participants a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at how municipal departments serve the community. Over the course of two consecutive days, participants will start each morning at City Hall before engaging with all 12 city departments and touring select municipal facilities, such as the Police and Public Works Departments.

“Columbia 101 plays an important role in building trust, transparency, and collaboration between the city and the public,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “By opening our doors and sharing our processes, we aim to create a more informed and engaged citizenry that can actively contribute to Columbia’s continued success. The strong participation and positive feedback from our first two sessions confirm the value of this program, and we’re thrilled to offer it again this fall.”

A Spring 2025 participant shared their experience, saying, “This course will give you even more reason to love living in Columbia, Tennessee. You will be delighted to see how much the City of Columbia employees are eager to come to work every day, how they do so much while staying within their budgets, how they innovate improvements in each department, and are encouraged to do so! All around, this is such a worthwhile expenditure of your time!”

Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, August 22nd at 4:00 PM. The program is open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents and is held twice per year. There is a $25 program fee for all accepted applicants to cover program costs, including food and transportation.

“Educating the public about city operations encourages meaningful civic participation,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “This program provides residents with direct access to the work being done on their behalf every day and strengthens the shared commitment we have to our community.”

Lexi Dearborn, Program Director, added, “We look forward to welcoming a new class of participants this fall. Columbia 101 offers a valuable opportunity to foster awareness, build relationships, and promote active involvement in the future of our city.”

Columbia 101 applications are available at www.ColumbiaTN.gov or at the reception desk on the 3rd floor of City Hall. Follow the City of Columbia on Facebook and Instagram at “CityofColumbiaTN” for updates. For questions, please contact Lexi Dearborn at LDearborn@ColumbiaTN.gov.

Maury Alliance Annual Picnic and Elected Officials Guide (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance for an Appreciation BBQ Picnic: To celebrate and show appreciation for the time and effort our elected officials dedicate to making Maury County the best place to live and work, the public is invited to a free BBQ picnic at the Woodland Park Rotary Shelter on Thursday, August 21st. The event is free to attend, but please RSVP so we can get an accurate headcount for catering! 

Also, the updated Elected Officials Guide is now available. The guide is a valuable resource to help you stay connected with the local, state, and federal leaders representing Maury County. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or community advocate, this guide makes it easy to stay informed and engaged with those shaping our community’s future.

Learn more about both the Appriciation Picnic and Elected Officials Guide by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

Fire Station 1 Dedication (Press Release)

The City of Columbia will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly renovated and expanded Fire Station No. 1. This important project enhances the City’s ability to serve the community with modernized facilities and improved operational space.

The event will take place on August 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Fire Station No. 1 located at 1000 S Garden Street in Columbia. The public is invited to attend.

Citizens’ Fire Academy (Press Release)

Columbia Fire & Rescue is now accepting applications for the 2025 Citizens Fire Academy—a free, hands-on learning experience for adults age 18 and older. More than just an educational program, the Citizens Fire Academy is a unique opportunity to build relationships, educate citizens, and showcase the outstanding work performed daily by Columbia Fire & Rescue personnel.

This six-week program offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at life in the fire service—providing firsthand insight into the operations, challenges, and teamwork that define the department’s commitment to protecting the Columbia community.

 Interactive activities include:

• Live equipment demonstrations

• CPR training

• Station tours

• Presentations from CFR’s Emergency Management, Fire Marshal, and Training divisions

• A hands-on mock fire scene drill featuring hose deployment, ladders, and search-and-rescue tactics

Led entirely by CFR personnel, the Citizens Fire Academy is designed to strengthen the department’s bond with the community through education, transparency, and engagement.

The program begins Monday, August 11, 2025, and runs through Monday, October 13, 2025, with sessions hosted at various Columbia fire stations.

Applications are now available at www.ColumbiaTN.com through August 4, 2025. For more details and to view the full agenda, please visit the City’s website or contact Columbia Fire & Rescue directly at 931-560-1700.

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

Peggie Anne Wallace England, 80, resident of Columbia, died Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at her residence.

A memorial service will be held Friday, August 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM at The Church at West End.

Now, news from around the state…

Lawrence County Schools Negate Doctor Notes (TNLookout)

One rural Tennessee school district’s approach to addressing chronic absenteeism is drawing a growing backlash from local parents.

The Lawrence County Board of Education in June adopted a policy to reject doctors’ notes as a valid excuse for a child missing school.

The new policy, effective for the school year beginning Aug. 4, also requires school officials to refer families to juvenile court if a child has missed eight days of school. 

In Tennessee, truancy referrals to courts typically do not begin until a child has 18 unexcused school absences. 

Director of Schools Michael Adkins said the district of about 7,000 students needed to find a way to keep kids from missing out on valuable instruction time while instilling values that will one day serve them in the workforce.

“I think we have to take a stand and say this is important,” he said when introducing the policy in June. “It’s important to come to school each and every day. 

“And if you’ve got the sniffles, that’s fine. You’re going to have them when you go to work one day. We’ve all gone to work sick and hurt and beat up. I think as a group and society we’re losing that reliability and that opportunity begins in the school house.”

But parents in the district have expressed outrage over the new policy.

More than 2,700 local residents have signed a petition to overturn the policy and plan to protest at the next board meeting, scheduled for August 21. 

Many have also aired their anger and concerns on a newly formed Facebook page: “We’re Not Truant! Parents Against the Absentee Policy.” 

The district’s absentee policy contains escalating consequences for student absences. 

As an initial measure, the school will create a “welcoming environment” in which they connect with students and families, make daily announcements about good attendance and analyze school and student data for attendance patterns in order to identify absenteeism issues early. 

After a student is absent for three days, school officials may begin an intervention. The policy doesn’t specify what type of intervention.

After five days, the school would hold a conference with the student and their parents, create an “attendance contract,” hold regular follow-up meetings and conduct a written assessment of why the child has been absent.

After eight absences, the child will be referred to Lawrence County Juvenile Court, the policy says. Parents of children with chronic illnesses may submit a form that authorizes school officials to speak with a child’s doctor.

“It’s outlandish to me. One sickness could easily put you at three to five days,” said Amber Martin, a co-creator of the Facebook group and mother to a rising sixth grader. 

“And then I am wasting my time in a courtroom, wasting resources in that court and with DCS and whoever else having these people involved in our lives who have no business being involved in our lives.”

Lawrence County’s chronically absentee rate of 15.4% falls below both the state’s average of 18.7% and the national rate of about 26%, according to data published by the Tennessee Department of Education and federal government.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

A new cookie shop is headed to Spring Hill.

Whitney’s Cookies is prepared to open at 4825 Main Street in Spring Hill. The 1,700-square-foot space will provide a larger kitchen with more opportunities to expand wholesale offerings. The new cookie store is expected to open at the end of September.

Whitney’s Cookies opened its first permanent storefront location in September 30, 2023 at 100 4th Avenue N, Franklin. Whitney’s Cookies is founded by celebrity chef Whitney Miller, the winner of FOX TV’s MasterChef (Season 1). Whitney is the author of Whitney Miller’s New Southern Table (Thomas Nelson) and Modern Hospitality: Simple Recipes with Southern Charm (Rodale), with a foreword by Gordon Ramsay.

Learn more at www.whitneyscookies.com.