Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-2-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 2, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Missing Teens Return Home (MSM)

Through the combined efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lynnville Police Department, two missing adolescents have been returned home.

“This case is an example of what can be accomplished when multiple agencies come together with a shared goal,” Lynnville Police Chief Sam Barnes said in a statement. “We are grateful for the teamwork and dedication of everyone involved, and most importantly, we are thankful these children are now safe.”

Barnes said the juveniles were found Aug. 25 in Lawrenceburg after being missing from Columbia for almost three months.

The recovery was a joint effort between various departments including Linville PD, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Lawrence County Constable’s Office and Constables Nathan Self and Randy Tucker, Barnes said.

Barnes, who is a Maury County Constable in addition to his role as Lynnville Chief of Police, recently took an active role in the investigation in Columbia after the parents of one of the missing teens reached out to him, the statement said.

Columbia Police Department was the initial investigating agency.

“Through information gathering, fieldwork and collaboration with partner agencies, Barnes and officers identified locations and persons of interest involving the juveniles in Lawrenceburg,” the statement said. “Long hours and hard work ended the months-long absence of the children when they were located.”

The adult suspect involved was known to have strong ties to Giles County, which made LPD’s involvement significant in the case, the statement noted.

Barnes identified Zolieth Ofelia Cuarezma as the suspect. Cuarezma is charged with concealing, harboring or hiding a minor and is scheduled to appear Sept. 9 at 9 a.m. in Lawrence County General Sessions Court.

“The Lynnville Police Department and Maury County Constable extend appreciation to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the Lawrence County Constable’s Office, Constables Nathan Self and Randy Tucker, and all others who assisted in this successful operation,” the statement concluded.

Mersen Layoffs (WSMV.com)

Shawna Stamps was laid off from Columbia’s Mersen USA GSTN Corporation, last December.

“Being laid off was really hard especially because it was right there at Christmas” Stamps said. “It’s hard to tell your teenage daughter. ‘Hey Christmas is going to be kind of slim this year. Mom lost her job.’”

But a month after that, Mersen asked her to come back temporarily.

“I was happy because I was back to a little stability.”

She was originally asked to work from February to April, but that turned into July, which turned into September. Now her last day is set to be September 15.

“I go in. I don’t miss. I work hard. I believe in an honest days work and I don’t feel like it’s been appreciated or valued,” Stamps said.

However, she is hopeful work will be extended again.

Mersen employees said the company announced more holiday furloughs, but they’re hoping to stop that from happening.

Ricky Frierson also works for Mersen and was appointed as the job steward, meaning he’s the link between the union and other employees.

“Here it is again September and they have already announced the three week furloughs in December, so that’s going to put you all the way out to the end of December, first week of January and you start back to work,” Frierson said.

The union is back at the bargaining table with Mersen this week and are hoping they can get Mersen to reconsider these furloughs.

Back in December, Mersen sent a statement saying they had to furlough and lay off employees last year because they were consolidating operations to another out of state facility.

The French multinational conglomerate specializing in electrical power and advanced materials opened its Maury County plant in 2023 at the former Union Carbide and Graphtech Advanced Tech site at 795 Santa Fe Pike.

With the opening came a $70 million investment by Mersen, with plans to further invest between $25-$30 million by 2027.

Maury County Fair (WKOM Audio 1:18)

This past weekend, the Maury County Fair was in full swing. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy took in the festivities and even stopped by the Chick Chain Sale. Delk caught up with the reserve grand champion Tucker Alford to see how it all went down…

Planning Commission Forwards Zoning Changes (MSM)

At its August voting session, the Regional Planning Commission announced they are revising the current draft of a proposed zoning ordinance and zoning map for Maury County.

The changes were suggested by the Maury County Commission and the public. The planning commission and county Building and Zoning Department recommended that some of them be written into the public drafts of the ordinance and the zoning map. The planning commission will discuss the changed draft at their regular September meeting, and they promised at least one public-comment session would be held, preceded by “lots of public notice,” before they sent it along to be approved by the County Commission.

Building and Zoning Director Robert Caldiraro explained the changes his department made to the current draft. Most notably, they took some county commissioners up on their suggestion to get rid of the higher-density Residential and Commercial Neighborhood zonings — meaning lots of less than one acre — even on the outer limits of cities. Building and zoning is still working on the definitions and allowances for home-based businesses, as well as the base zoning map and the approval processes for rezoning individual parcels.

“However, what we have already proposed already is far better than what we have,” Caldiraro said. “[Current] uses are antiquated and highly limiting for both home based businesses and allowable uses in different districts… We have to fix that which effects everyone all the time.”

Updates to the draft of the zoning ordinance and map, as well as public meeting times, will be published to the website: maurycountyunifieddevelopmentplan.com.

Planning Commissioner Peder Jensen took a few minutes to defend the county government’s hard work and intentions from their most aggressive critics. He alleged that public commenters, constituents and even some county commissioners had unfairly attacked the planning commission and county Building and Zoning Department, accusing the authors of the ordinance of facilitating urban sprawl, radically rezoning their properties and taking away their personal property-use rights.

“It is a set of tools that we are allowed to use to help Maury County have current zoning options,” Jensen explained of the proposed ordinance and map, which are being updated for the first time since 1986. “It is not a matter of changing anybody’s properties [and] forcing anything on anyone, it is simply updating our toolbox… [and] I am proud of the toolbox that we have put together.”

“All of us on this planning commission have poured our hearts and souls into this for three years… We’ve invited the commissioners [and] the general public to these meetings for three years, [but] very seldom have we seen anyone attend,” he added sharply. “The phone calls and conversations that I’ve had in the last month regarding this were disparaging [and] frustrating as a planning commission member… The accusations, the name-calling and everything else that is all over social media, is horrendous. It’s got to stop.”

“It seems here at the last hour this has become political,” Caldiraro agreed. “We are servants trying to help in areas of concern we have heard [about] day in and day out for years.”

Jensen thanked the county commissioners who did attend that night’s meeting and provide civil input. One of them, Commissioner Jerry Strahan, opined in a recent meeting that the county commission was not treating the planning commission’s recommendations with the seriousness they deserved. County Commissioner Kathey Grodi spoke for her like-minded colleagues after Jensen spoke.

“We thank the Regional Planning Commission for… three years of work,” she said, asking forgiveness for anyone’s harsh rhetoric and reminding the planning commission of how she and some other county commissioners had attended their meetings and sent them constructive suggestions. “We do appreciate your hard work and we know we can’t do what you guys do… but we can help you get it into the codes.”

STEM Within Reach (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College will host a STEM Within Reach event in an effort to promote and encourage young people’s knowledge and access to science, technology, engineering and math careers, on Oct. 25 at the Columbia Campus.

“STEM Within Reach is more than just a science outreach event – it’s an ongoing passion project of Columbia State faculty and staff who love science,” said Ryan Badeau, Columbia State educational services coordinator for the Williamson Campus and associate professor of physics. “STEM Within Reach is a full-day Saturday event, held every other year at the Columbia Campus, with the goal of bringing novel hands-on science activities and experiences to middle school boys and girls right here in Middle Tennessee. We believe in inspiring upcoming students to not only learn more about the natural world, but also how they can use that knowledge to pursue future careers that benefit themselves, their families and communities.”

STEM Within Reach is a one-day STEM forum open to all 6th, 7th and 8th graders that will offer interactive, hands-on activities as well as encourage early student success in STEM, provide awareness of STEM careers available in Tennessee and promote the scientific and technological understanding of such fields.

The workshops at STEM Within Reach are designed to teach middle school students about the different opportunities in STEM-related careers as they begin to think about their futures.

Stations will be set up around campus for the students to observe and participate while Columbia State faculty and guest presenters guide them through an interactive, hands-on experience.

Topics include animal science, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, math, technology and more. 

“Our last event was held in October 2023, and included stations that explored drone flight, chemistry flame tests, an introduction to Python and game development, cow eyeball dissection, live animals and agricultural science and more,” said Bobbie West, Columbia State associate professor of engineering and physics. “We partnered with the Columbia Police Department and Columbia Fire & Rescue to showcase how they use technology in keeping our communities safe. We also had a guest workshop sponsored by Ultium Cells on the science behind batteries. 

Parents and teachers are invited to a tour with information on how their children can pursue resources and careers in a variety of STEM fields. Complementary Wi-Fi and lounge areas will also be available throughout the event.

The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Waymon L. Hickman building on the Columbia Campus. There is a $20 registration fee, with limited financial assistance opportunities available via the scholarship application made possible thanks to lead sponsor, the Tennessee Valley Authority. Seating is limited.

“We are looking forward to this year’s event which will bring back many of our favorite science activities and workstations and add some new ones!” Badeau said. “I’m personally excited to see the return of the game design event (that was very well received in our last event) and a new activity related to cloud chambers.”

STEM Within Reach is made possible through the volunteer effort of Columbia State’s faculty and staff, the donations of community partners like the Tennessee Valley Authority, and volunteer community presenters like the Columbia Police Department and Columbia Fire & Rescue.

For full details and to register for the event or apply for scholarship funds, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/stem-within-reach.

For more information on Stem Within Reach, please email stemwithinreach@ColumbiaState.edu.

Spring Hill Whataburger Stalled Again (CDH)

Hate making the lengthy drive to Brentwood or Nolensville to indulge in Whataburger? Spring Hill is hoping to change that. 

The city originally pitched the idea for the Texas-based fast food chain to open a Spring Hill location in 2022 at an old Burger King site on Highway 31, but it was not approved. 

The new proposed 4,990-square-foot drive-thru at 3004 Belshire Village Drive has gone through a series of improvements in the hopes of the company giving the city the green light. 

During a recent Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, elected officials gave an update on what was happening with the project. 

“The applicant [Whataburger] met with staff to discuss the application,” said senior planner Gilles Morin. “There are several things that require revision and further discussion prior to the next voting meeting.” 

At that meeting, representatives for Whatburger were a no-show so the discussion was pushed back until September. 

There are 19 Whataburger restaurants operating throughout Middle Tennessee. The latest opened in Brentwood on May 12. 

“We’re so glad to have you here and welcome to our neighborhood,” Brentwood Mayor Nelson Andrews said during those opening ceremonies. 

A proposed opening date has not yet been announced for the Spring Hill location. 

Spring Hill Water Tank Being Built (WKRN)

A new water tank is coming to Spring Hill, and the mayor says the tower will help countless residents with their water supply.

Construction has just begun on Spring Hill’s Southside Water Tank, and leaders said the new tank will help long-term.

The 2-million-gallon storage tank will serve the southern side of Spring Hill. The tank is being constructed near the Stonegate Subdivision, off Mahlon Moore Road. The tank’s shape and size will be similar to the Hardin’s Landing Water Tank.

Funding for the project is coming from the fiscal year 2025 budget of over $2 million. The project was approved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen last year.

Ultimately, it’s going to allow the city to have more resiliency within the water supply and allow the city to maintain adequate pressure throughout its water system.

The new tank will bring Spring Hill’s water supply to 12 million gallons of storage throughout the city.

Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer said that with the sewer moratorium slowing down growth, he doesn’t anticipate more residents moving to the area. But he’s looking forward to seeing it help the community.

“We feel good about where this will take us from a storage capacity standpoint,” Fitterer said. “Obviously, we’ll build additional storage facilities as time goes on and as we advance our water reclamation project, which will be a $200 million storage facility in the reservoir, so we feel good about where this is taking us both in the short-term and the direction it’s pointing us in the long-term as well.”

An existing tower sat in the same location, which held around 300,000 gallons of water. The new tower will replace the existing tower and hold a higher capacity for residents.

Sunset Rhythm and Vines (Press Release)

Join Columbia Breakfast Rotary for their annual fundraiser “Sunset Rhythm and Vines.” The event will take place on Saturday, September 13th at The Mulehouse, located at 812 S. High Street in Columbia. Door will open at 7:00pm with a live auction starting at 7:15. Music and dancing begin at 8:00pm with live music by Boomerang.

Proceeds from the event help a number of local organizations including: One Gen Away Food Drive, Habitat for Humanity, and the Maury County Yanahli Park Center.

Purchase tickets now at www.themulehouse.com.

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

Roy Wayne Houser, 85, resident of Columbia, and former resident of Chicago, IL, died Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

No services are scheduled at this time. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Now, news from around the state…

Tourism Sets State Record (Newschannel5)

The state of Tennessee welcomed 147 million visitors in 2024, setting a new record for tourism. Those travelers generated $31.66 billion in direct spending statewide—marking the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking growth.

Nashville, in particular, stood out as the top destination. Davidson County alone brought in $11.2 billion in visitor spending, according to Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. That translates to an average of $30.7 million spent every day in Music City.

For tourists, the numbers tell only part of the story. Over Labor Day weekend, visitors from across the globe packed their bags for Music City—trading in a holiday at home for a holiday of adventure.

Jo Theis and Joyanne Vanbloom, who traveled from Nebraska, were among them.

“It is my first time, yes,” Theis said, explaining that their trip coincided with Nebraska’s women’s volleyball tournament at Bridgestone Arena.

Vanbloom, a repeat visitor, said there’s always something new to discover.

Tourism is more than just fun and entertainment—it’s big business for Tennessee. Direct visitor spending in Davidson County alone generated more than $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. Without that, officials say every Nashville household would pay nearly $3,700 more in state and local taxes each year.

From Mountain City to Memphis, tourism is fueling local businesses, creating jobs, and cementing hospitality as one of Tennessee’s proudest industries.

Push-Back on TVA Privatization

Keep the Tennessee Valley Authority public, said speakers at a Wednesday public hearing in Knoxville.

The hearing came one day before a TVA board meeting and after President Donald Trump threatened to fire the TVA Board of Directors if they do not fire TVA president Don Moul. The board refused in a letter. 

Since his threat, Trump has not disbanded the board and instead nominated new members. Trump expressed interest in privatizing TVA’s power lines during his first term, and the news of his recent threat set off a backlash from unions and their members, environmentalists and local government officials who showed up to defend Moul and a public TVA.

Mike Arms, executive director of the Association of Tennessee Valley Governments, which represents local governments in the Tennessee Valley region, said that there are over 150 local power companies distributing TVA’s power. 

An opponent of privatization, Arms spoke of the schools, homes, libraries and even Friday night lights of football that depended on TVA’s “affordable, reliable power.” He also noted TVA’s help with economic development, navigation, flood control, disaster relief and recovery, tourism, recreation, land management and even help for school robotics programs.

“We need to do what Barney Fife (of the “Andy Griffith Show”) says: nip it in the bud. So, it’s time for this group and all of our stakeholders to reach out to your congressmen,” Arms said, referring to the people assembled at the meeting who’d come from different organizations.

Unions’ leaders and members praised TVA as both a power provider and an employer and bargaining partner. 

At the Aug. 22 TVA board meeting, the board members showed no sign of firing Moul at the next day’s meeting. 

The board lacks a quorum after Trump recently fired three board members — including Beth Geer, chief of staff to former Vice President Al Gore — said Chairman Bill Renick.. However, he said the utility was “not an organization in chaos” and praised TVA’s small modular nuclear reactor under construction in Oak Ridge.

“TVA is strong. It is stable. It’s innovative and we have a very capable team in place that is meeting the needs of a growing region. This is a TVA team that is ready to lead, and it has for more than 90 years,” he said.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Following high demand from fans nationwide, pop and R&B superstars Brandy and Monica announced additional dates for their highly anticipated co-headlining The Boy Is Mine Tour. Produced by Black Promoters Collective, the now 32-date tour includes second shows in Los Angeles and Atlanta — hometowns of the iconic GRAMMY-winning duo — plus a newly announced show in Nashville. The tour will be at Bridgestone Arena on Friday, October 24th.

Among the added shows, fans in Nashville will be treated to the addition of special guest Coco Jones, further amplifying a powerhouse tour that also features Kelly Rowland, Muni Long, and 2025 American Idol winner Jamal Roberts. The added dates expand what is already one of 2025’s most anticipated tours, giving even more fans the chance to experience this once-in-a-generation celebration of R&B.

Tickets for these newly announced shows on sale via Ticketmaster.com and BPCTickets.com.