Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-3-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 3, 2025

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

We start with local news…

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.

Campbell Lake Fish Kill (MSM)

Over last weekend, many observers reported a “fish kill” in Campbell Lake in Maury County. Archie Mathis posted footage to Facebook of fish at the surface of the water: some thrashing for survival against an invisible force, others bobbing motionless, already dead.

Maury County Parks and Recreation blamed the mass die-off on the “turnover” of the lake’s water column. Turnover is an annual or semi-annual event caused by seasonal temperature change, in which oxygen-rich water from the surface of a lake sinks, sending low-oxygen water to the surface. While the process maintains the overall health of a lake ecosystem, it can suddenly make the surface water too hypoxic for fish to breathe, causing them to suffocate.

“The beautiful fishery enjoyed by so many, that our staff has worked hard to make more accessible, had experienced significant loss,” a department social media post states. “The process begins of assessing and addressing the issue with the guidance of lake and fishery professionals.”

“As many of you know, about two years ago, we cleaned up Campbell Lake (in the Zion area) and have made it a great fishing and picnic spot. Today, I have been informed that as a result of oxygenation, the lake has turned over,” County Mayor Sheila Butt said in a social media post. “Professional Aquatic Specialists will be here in the morning to assess and advise our Parks and Recreation Department on how to proceed. Currently, the lake will be closed until further notice.”

In a later update, Butt announced that a temporary aerator was installed in the lake last Tuesday and oxygen levels were slowly improving. The lake management team used sonar imaging to find that about 25-35 percent of the fish in the lake died.

“This was encouraging news, as it is less than was feared,” the mayor said. “The remaining fish will have less competition for resources, and this will result in a healthier fishery long term.”

Since the lake’s oxygen levels are still low and the fish population is still fragile, the county plans to keep the lake closed. Interested observers should expect another update on Sept. 3, which will hopefully include the projected date to reopen Campbell Lake to the public.

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.”

CSCC Names New Board Members (Press Release)

The Columbia State Foundation Board is pleased to announce Dr. Martin Chaney, Shiphrah Cox, Hale Hawkins and Charlie Plunkett as new Foundation board members.

“These community leaders were invited to serve on the foundation because of their professional accomplishments and strong belief in education,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “I anticipate collaborating with them as we further the mission of the foundation.”

“We welcome our new board members!” said Stacey Shedd, Columbia State Foundation chair. “We are glad to have professionals of such caliber join us, bringing their varied expertise and dedication to communities in the college's service area. Together, we will work towards greater impact and success.”

Dr. Martin Chaney currently serves as chief executive officer of Maury Regional Health. Chaney has more than 25 years of clinical and management experience, including 21 with Maury Regional Health. As CEO, he oversees system operations and directs efforts in clinical quality, physician relations and recruitment. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, where he also completed his internship and residency at the University of South Alabama Hospitals and Clinics. He is board-certified in internal medicine.

Shiphrah Cox currently serves in three roles for the city of Mount Pleasant, including assistant city manager, finance director and city recorder. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Martin Methodist College in Pulaski and later a master’s degree in business administration from Western Governors University.

Hale Hawkins currently serves as the principal owner of Flying Hawk Ranch in Cornersville. He spent 33 years at Lewisburg Printing Company, where he worked his way up to become chief executive officer. Hawkins holds two bachelor’s degrees in science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Murray State University, where he majored in printing management. He currently serves as a director for the Printers Disability Trust Board of Directors and the First Commerce Bank Board of Directors.

Charlie Plunkett currently serves as a financial advisor at Edward Jones. He first began his higher education journey at Columbia State, where he earned a general transfer Associate of Science degree with a concentration in business. Plunkett also holds two degrees from Trevecca Nazarene University: a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management, as well as a master’s degree in business administration. He is also a certified financial planner and a certified trust and fiduciary advisor.

For a full list of the Foundation board members, staff and executive committee members, please https://www.columbiastate.edu/foundation 

Columbia State Foundation board members serve three-year terms and represent leaders from across the nine-county service area. The Columbia State Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports and partners with the college to positively impact student success and the communities in which it serves. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Foundation.

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.

MRMC Receives CPR Recognition (MauryCountySource)

Maury Regional Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Target: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Quality Achievement Award for its commitment to treating in-hospital cardiac arrest, ultimately helping to improve survival rates.

The Target: CPR Award was developed to recognize hospitals who monitor CPR quality during in-hospital cardiac arrest events. These hospitals strive to save more lives by ensuring consistency with the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines from the American Heart Association.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from such a prestigious organization as the American Heart Association. This award reflects our team members’ unwavering commitment to delivering seamless, evidence-based care in critical moments,” said Maury Regional Health CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “By closely monitoring CPR performance and following proven guidelines, we are able to optimize the outcomes for our patients when every second counts.”

Sites who are recognized as Target: CPR leaders are committed to improving care for patients suffering from cardiac arrest by capturing data on compression rate, depth and fraction (time spent performing compressions), along with other CPR metrics. Awarded hospitals have collected and entered the data for at least half of their in-hospital cardiac arrest cases requiring CPR.

“We are pleased to recognize Maury Regional Medical Center for its commitment to providing high-quality CPR,” said Paul S. Chan, MD, MSc, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Resuscitation System of Care Advisory Group. “Effective CPR can be the difference between life and death; during a cardiac arrest, every second and every compression count.”

Each year, more than 300,000 adults and children experience an in-hospital cardiac arrest. Survival from cardiac arrest largely depends on timely medical emergency team response and effective CPR. The ability to consistently perform high-quality CPR is crucial for improving cardiac arrest outcomes; the difference between CPR and high-quality CPR is survival.

Maury Regional Medical Center’s nationally recognized cardiac program offers a wide array of preventative and interventional cardiac services. The center’s two state-of-the-art catheterization laboratories feature 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.

Columbia Fall Fest (MauryCountySource)

Columbia Main Street is proud to present Fall Fest 2025, returning to the Public Square on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM for an unforgettable autumn celebration in the heart of downtown Columbia.

This free, family-friendly event brings together residents, visitors, and small businesses for an evening filled with live music, local flavor, and festive fun.

Fall Fest has become one of the most anticipated community events of the season. This year’s celebration will feature:

Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off – Sample and vote for your favorite chili recipes in this ticketed tasting event supporting Kiwanis of Columbia and their local initiatives.

Live Entertainment – Enjoy performances throughout the day from talented local bands, including high-energy headliner, Deandra & 46 Story, bringing danceable classics and R&B favorites to close out the night.

Miss Fall Fest Pageant – Hosted by Britts, this beloved tradition returns to the stage, celebrating charm, confidence, and community spirit. Early registration is available now.

Columbia’s Fruit Tea Throwdown – Local restaurants will compete to claim the title of Best Fruit Tea in Town—and your votes will decide the winner!

Kid Zone Fun – Families will love the expanded children’s area, featuring inflatables, face painting, games, and balloon artists, all located safely within the closed downtown square.

Local Vendors & Food Trucks – Discover unique handmade goods from regional artisans and enjoy delicious bites from a curated lineup of food trucks and local favorites.

Photo Ops Galore – Don’t miss festive displays and photo stations, including the return of the Tri-Green Tractor Booth, perfect for family memories.

Fall Fest 2025 is made possible by generous sponsors, and Columbia Main Street is currently seeking partners who want to be part of this impactful event. Sponsorship opportunities are now open and offer businesses premium exposure and meaningful community engagement.

For sponsorship inquiries, vendor registration, or full event details, visit columbiamainstreet.com or contact:

Kelli Johnson

Columbia Main Street Manager

kjohnson@columbiatn.gov

Breakfast with the Mayors (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance for a special morning of breakfast, conversation, and community insight with our local mayors!

This annual gathering brings together local leaders for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and a shared vision for Maury County’s future. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear updates on local initiatives, ask questions, and strengthen connections that impact our region.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast provided by Puckett’s Restaurant.

Speakers:

• Moderator – Maury Alliance President Wil Evans

• Maury County Mayor – Sheila Butt

• City of Columbia Mayor – Chaz Molder

• City of Mt. Pleasant Mayor – Bill White

• City of Spring Hill Mayor – Matt Fitterer

The event will take place at the Memorial Building located at 308 W. 7th Street on Tuesday, September 9th from 7:30-9:00am.

The cost is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members.

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

Mrs. Wanda Ann Witherspoon, 74, resident of Columbia passed away on September 1. A Memorial service will be conducted on Saturday at 10:30 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 9:00 AM till the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mrs. Mary Carolyn Reynolds Fisher, born on Christmas Day 1929, passed away on September 1, 2025. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 6, at First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will take place before the service at 3:00 P.M., with doors opening for visitation at 1:45 PM. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Now, news from around the state…

First Bank Amphitheater Looks to Improve Traffic (WilliamsonScene)

It’s been four years since First Bank Amphitheater hosted its first show in August of 2021 — when young rock sensation Greta Van Fleet took the stage. 

The Live Nation-affiliated venue has hosted dozens of high-profile concerts since then, from Chappell Roan to New Kids on the Block, Santana, Riley Green, Nine Inch Nails and Kidz Bop.

One issue remains — the traffic. Patrons still sit in what is sometimes an hour or more of traffic while driving in and out of the venue.

Since it opened, however, the venue has made incremental changes to the traffic plan each year. It has added an exit turn lane at Highway 431. It also added a mile of road from 431 back to the venue, expanding the lanes of traffic flow coming in and out.

The latest plan asks concertgoers to exit Highway 65 three miles south of the venue at the Buckner exit, also known as Exit 55 or June Lake Boulevard. With that summer 2024 exit addition, those coming from south of the venue or Nashvillians willing to overshoot to beat some traffic can get there more quickly.

June Lake is currently underutilized, venue owner Rick McEachern tells Williamson Scene, so the venue is asking attendees to do something that may seem a little unconventional. If people are willing to take a left out of the venue and head south temporarily, they can get faster access to Highway 65, even if they’re ultimately going north.

McEacher suggested using the navigation app Waze to get the best route. Any weather or traffic information is also disseminated to guests in a “plan your visit” email prior to a show. He suggests people come early, as well. There’s a tailgate and happy hour with a DJ before concerts to incentivize that.

“Generally, I think we've made a ton of improvements to get people out, and most people get out 30 minutes or less, even for a very full concert,” McEachern says. “If it's a sold-out event, that's different. Anywhere in Nashville you've got a sold-out event, you're going to have exit traffic. Everybody wants to leave right at the same time. So there's only so much you can do there.”

There’s been discussion about opening additional roadways at local government meetings, even expanding the roadways on 431 to include additional lanes. But that’ll take more time.

McEachern is hopeful that, with the planned addition of a Simon outlet mall nearby, there could be transportation changes that will benefit the venue, too.

“There's just a lot of brainstorming right now to figure out how to connect, make it easier for people to get in, get out, get around,” McEachern says.

In addition to coming early, barring after-work traffic, he suggests leaving as soon as possible after the concert ends.

“If you leave after the last song, but you leave right away, you won't have any trouble,” McEachern says. “It's just if you linger a little bit, and you're right in the middle of everyone trying to leave. And that's true for every live event. The goal, of course, is to try to get people out as fast as possible, and we'll keep working on that.”

He adds, “Treat this as an experience. I think you can have a great experience because the venue is beautiful, sound is great, food is good, scenery is terrific. So just come and enjoy the night.”

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The first national tour of SUFFS, the acclaimed Tony Award®-winning musical about the passionate American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote, will arrive in Nashville, TN as part of the 2025-26 Broadway Season. The inspiring, award-winning musical is set to appear at Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) from March 3-8, 2025. Tickets are available at the TPAC box office (505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37243), by visiting TPAC.ORG, or by calling 615-782-4040.