Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-8-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for August 8, 2025

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

We start with local news…

TDEC Imposes Sewer Moratorium on Spring Hill (MauryCountySource)

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has issued a Consent Order to the City of Spring Hill due to repeated violations at the Spring Hill Sewer Treatment Plant. On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen passed Resolution 25-183, accepting the terms of the Consent Order.

Over a two-year period from 2023-2025, the City of Spring Hill self-reported 29 effluent exceedance violations to TDEC.

As a result of the violations, TDEC has issued this Consent Order, assessing the City of Spring Hill a total civil penalty of $65,700 — $13,140 of which must be paid within 30 days.

Under this order, Spring Hill agrees to a moratorium placed into effect on sewer connections to the City’s collection system for all projects that do not have vested sewer rights under applicable Tennessee law, among other stipulations. The City is also working on a corrective action plan to remedy the violations at the Sewer Treatment Plant.

“Spring Hill takes full responsibility for these violations and have been transparent with TDEC throughout this process by self-reporting these issues. We are committed to bringing our sewer treatment plant into full compliance with state standards,” said Mayor Matt Fitterer. “Ensuring the safety and health of our community is our top priority. Our focus is on implementing lasting solutions to prevent future violations and deliver safe and reliable utility systems.”

This moratorium will remain in effect until the Sewer Treatment Plant meets the performance standards outlined in the Consent Order for a period of twelve consecutive months.

Southern Sugar Saloon Opening (WKOM Audio 1:27)

Yesterday, Southern Sugar Saloon on Trotwood Avenue across from Columbia Academy held their grand opening. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy attended the ribbon cutting and spoke to owner Kelly Davenport to learn about the sweet treats they have to offer their patrons…

Spring Hill Mayor Gives State of the City (WillimasonScene)

Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer kicked off the 2025 State of the City address by speaking about new city administrator Carter Napier. Napier is set to join the city later this month after serving as the city manager of Casper, Wyoming. Fitterer said that he believes Napier has the perfect skill-set and experience to lead Spring Hill through its ongoing growth.

“I did not know a lot about Casper, Wyoming, three-and-a-half months ago, but it is very similar to Spring Hill, as far as the infrastructure challenges and utility challenges,” Fitterer said. “Carter has accomplished a lot of the tasks we’re looking forward to addressing here in Spring Hill over the next five years.”

Fitterer also celebrated the opening of Spring Hill’s new police station and previewed its new fire station, which is set to open in November. The fire station will have 13 dorm rooms, seven bathrooms and state-of-the-art training facilities. It will be named for late Spring Hill firefighter Mitchell Earwood, who died in 2020 during a thunderstorm.

“Those of you that knew Mitchell knew what he was to the city," Fitterer said. "After his passing in 2020, this is something that will honor him, this is something that will allow the people of the future to understand what he gave to the city." 

Vice Mayor Trent Linnville then took the stage to give updates on ongoing road projects. He shared, to applause from the crowd, that the north section of the Buckner Lane widening project, spanning from Wades Crossing to Buckner Road, will be finished in September. The south section, from Wades Crossing to Duplex Road, is scheduled to conclude in December 2026.

The city is still in the right-of-way acquisition phase in its reconfiguration of the Port Royal Road/Buckner Lane intersection. Once construction begins, the city will add sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. Linnville also said that the long-awaited widening of Spring Hill’s main street has been reprioritized by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), and residents and commuters alike can now expect an earlier beginning to construction.

“This project has been prioritized at times by TDOT, deprioritized, and now we’ve got it back on the list,” Linnville said. “Preliminary engineering was not scheduled to start until 2028. The good news that we got here back in April is that the timeline for that project has actually moved up two years, so preliminary engineering is starting next year.”

Linnville added that the city has requested that the Greater Nashville Regional Council, which works with local governments to find grants for projects, to prioritize widening the section of I-65 between Interstate 840 and Bear Creek Pike.

“When we work together as regional partners, we have a much greater chance of reaching our shared goals,” Linnville said. “We’re continuing to try to push those solutions forward as quickly as we possibly can.”

Linnville emphasized that 75 percent of Spring Hill’s budget goes to public safety, roads and utilities, and that these are the utmost priorities for the city government and BOMA. 

Fitterer also gave updates on the city’s ongoing sewer issues. Because Spring Hill is in the Duck River watershed, the city and the state are part of ongoing discussions as to how to preserve the Duck River’s water. Since the city has not been able to grow its sewer capacity while also maintaining the river’s purity, the BOMA will meet Tuesday night to vote on a city-wide sewer moratorium, which would temporarily halt all new sewer connections. Fitterer does not know when the moratorium may end.

“It is going to be a performance-based moratorium and not a time-based moratorium, which means that I cannot stand up here today and tell you exactly how long it’s going to last,” Fitterer said. “We will move through this as quickly as possible. We will continue to work with the business community to ensure that there are onsite options and solutions available.”

Fitterer explained that the city is at an inflection point where they must make the decision to have a moratorium now to invest in more forward-facing solutions.

“This will be a very, very serious issue for the city of Spring Hill in the foreseeable future,” Fitterer said. “Ultimately, to lift the moratorium, we’re going to need to expand our sewer plant.”

For this expansion, the city will construct an Advanced Water Purification project. Under this new plan, sewage would be treated at a wastewater plant and then sent to a reservoir, where it is blended with water from the Duck River, and then sent back for treatment again. This method, known as water reclaim, significantly reduces the amount of water cities use and has a decreased environmental impact.

While this method has been used in other states and municipalities across the country, Spring Hill’s plant will be the first in Tennessee through a 12-month pilot program with the Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation. As a result of their involvement with the project, Fitterer said that he and Assistant City Administrator Dan Clausi were invited to Washington, D.C., to give testimony before the Senate Finance Committee about industrial tax credits for water reclamation

Linnville also announced that the city received a "Distinguished Submission" award for its fiscal year 2026 budget from the state comptroller’s office.

To close out the address, Ward 3 Alderman Erin Hartwell gave updates on other ongoing city projects. She shared that the city has reserved a piece of land next to City Hall to build a library, and that a foundation has been set up to fund its construction.

Hartwell also gave an update about the city’s talks with Kings Hammer, a youth soccer organization that has expressed interest in a public-private partnership to develop 10 of 60 city-owned acres off of Hurt Road.

“We’re right at the beginning stages of it, just having conversations about it," Hartwell said. "But we’re excited to even have the opportunity for someone to not even know really who we are, but be ready to invest in us and grow with our community." 

Scholarships for New Teachers (MSM)

The road to teacher certification in Maury County just got a lot easier, thanks to a partnership between Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Youth Educational Foundation (YEF). The Tennessee educator preparation program through iteach, allows individuals to become a teacher without a traditional education degree. MCPS and YEF are offering up to 40 iteach scholarships, worth a total combined value of up to $112,000 to qualified Maury County Public Schools employees who desire to become a teacher. 

iteach is a nationally recognized job embedded program that allows an individual with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and meets certain criteria set by the state  of Tennessee to become a teacher. Individuals can take the program before becoming a teacher or  can complete it after obtaining a teaching role with Maury County Public Schools while going  through the online program (working on a permitted status through the state of Tennessee). 

“This inclusive and affordable pathway towards a teaching certification makes it accessible to any Maury County Public Schools employee who aspires to positively impact the world through education,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Teachers are leaders, mentors, and role models. They don’t just prepare students for tests – they prepare them for life. We are so appreciative of YEF’s willingness to invest in Maury County Public Schools.”  

“YEF is proud to partner with MCPS to bring up to 40 newly certified teachers into Maury County Public Schools classrooms,” said YEF Chair, Renee Adams. “We are grateful to our donors for enabling the organization to make this historic investment in the community’s future. We understand the importance of having motivated, qualified, and caring teachers in the classroom.  Scholarship recipients will have received recommendations from their principals and committed to at least three years of service with MCPS. We look forward to the positive impact this will have on Maury County Public Schools students and to strengthening our partnership with MCPS”. 

To apply, visit www.iteach.net.

Mayor’s Youth Council (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is now accepting applications for the 2025–26 Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC). Open to all high school juniors and seniors in Maury County—whether public, private, or homeschooled—the CMYC offers students a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of local government and gain valuable leadership experience.

The program provides students with a behind-the-scenes look at how elected officials and municipal departments serve the Columbia community. Participants will engage with all 12 City departments and tour select municipal facilities, such as the Columbia Police Department, Fire Department and Public Works. Through these hands-on experiences and guided discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of how city services are delivered and how local government impacts their daily lives.

“Columbia is a growing city that values the voice and energy of its youth,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. “The Mayor’s Youth Council not only gives students a seat at the table but also empowers them to play an active role in shaping the future of our city.”

Students accepted into the program will attend monthly meetings throughout the school year, typically held on the second Tuesday of each month. Each session will include interactive learning opportunities and direct engagement with city leaders and staff.

“Providing students with a first-hand look at how our departments work fosters meaningful civic engagement,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “The Youth Council helps connect young residents to the everyday operations of city government and strengthens the shared commitment we all have to our community.”

Applications will be accepted from now through August 22, 2025, and must include a completed application form, photo ID, and current high school transcript with unweighted GPA. Selected participants will be notified by September 1.

To learn more and apply, visit the City of Columbia’s website at: www.columbiatn.gov

Health Care Town Hall (Press Release)

Local activists, including Indivisible Nashville, Indivisible TN-7, and citizens in Maury and Williamson counties, are planning a town hall event to discuss citizen concerns about health care policy and the impacts of recent federal legislation on health care and other social services (including on Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits). This event is open to all local residents, including all voters in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District.

Former congressional candidates Kiran Sreepada and Maryam Abolfazli, along with several healthcare professionals and non-partisan policy experts, are expected to speak. Republican and Democratic elected officials, including Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Culleoka), have also been invited. The final speaker/panelist roster is still being developed.

Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. A light lunch or snack will also be offered to attendees. Candidates and other civic organizations will also be allowed table space to meet with attendees before or after the town hall.

What: Taking Care Of Our Community Town Hall

When: Saturday, August 16, doors open at 10 a.m, event starts at 11 a.m.

Where: UAW Local 1853 Hall, 125 Stephen P. Yokich Pkwy, Spring Hill, Tennessee, 37174

Spring Hill Police Officer Honored (MSM)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) meeting began last week with a moment of recognition as Capt. Justin Whitwell was awarded the Police Star, presented by the Columbia Police Department, for his heroic actions during the shooting event on May 31. 

Whitwell, an off-duty Spring Hill Police officer, responded to a shooting that occurred in his neighborhood in northern Columbia. He was able to take into custody a suspect who had killed two people and injured a third, holding him until Columbia police arrived, preventing him from harming others.

“I can assure you, I can’t get into everything that was found in this individual’s home, but he was able to keep him from getting back into his home and safely into custody,” Columbia Chief of Police Jeremy Alsup said. “No doubt in our minds, he saved lives, not only first responders, but members of his neighborhood as well.”

The Police Star Award is reserved for bravery or heroism beyond the normal demands of duty, particularly in high-stress situations requiring exceptional judgment and skill.

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.

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

William Franklin Tankersley, age 98, a longtime resident of Columbia, died Saturday, August 2, 2025 in Lewisburg.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Mrs. Lona Grace Chumley, 91, passed away August 6, 2025 at Governor’s Bend Retirement and Assisted Living in Erwin, Tennessee. Funeral services will be conducted Monday at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home at 2:00 PM. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. Myra Young, 82, resident of Columbia, died Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Life Care Center of Columbia. Funeral Arrangements are incomplete. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements.

Now, news from around the state…

Astronaut Wilmore Retires (Tennessean)

Middle Tennessee native and astronaut Barry Wilmore has retired from NASA on the heels of an unexpected 286-day mission in space that he returned from in March.

Wilmore, 62, is a 1981 Mt. Juliet High School graduate who went on to Tennessee Tech University, where he played football. Wilmore has spent 25 years with NASA after serving in the U.S. Navy.

Wilmore gained national attention during the Space X mission, which was originally estimated for one-to-two weeks last summer. But technical problems with the spacecraft resulted in the extended space stay for Wilmore and crew member Sunita Williams.

Wilmore was recognized in July as the 2025 Tennessean of the Year, presented by the Tennessee Lottery.

The astronaut has lived in Texas to be close to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, but he visits Middle Tennessee often and remains connected to family and friends here.

He says, "at the core, I am a Tennessean."

“From my earliest days, I have been captivated by the marvels of creation, looking upward with an insatiable curiosity," Wilmore said in a news release from NASA. "This curiosity propelled me into the skies, and eventually to space, where the magnificence of the cosmos mirrored the glory of its creator in ways words can scarcely convey.

"Even as I ventured beyond Earth’s limits, I remained attuned to the beauty and significance of the world below, recognizing the same intricate design evident among the stars is also woven into the fabric of life at home.”

Wilmore is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. He went on to serve as a test pilot before NASA selected him to become an astronaut in 2000.

“Butch’s commitment to NASA’s mission and dedication to human space exploration is truly exemplary,” said Steve Koerner, acting director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “His lasting legacy of fortitude will continue to impact and inspire the Johnson workforce, future explorers, and the nation for generations. On behalf of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, we thank Butch for his service.”

To date, Wilmore has logged 464 days in space over three flights.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Take a stroll into the classic big band era with Columbia's Merchants of Cool, who will bring the sounds of classic jazz and swing to The Memorial Building this Saturday.

The Merchants of Cool Big Band Dance will take place from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, which in addition to a night of music will feature dance lessons and complimentary hors d'oeuvres.

Admission is $20 per person.