Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-5-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 5, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Car Crash (MauryCountySource)

On Tuesday morning, September 2, Maury County Fire Department units responded to a structural collapse after a car ran into a home on Doctor Robertson Road.

Crews arrived at 9:09 a.m. and quickly secured the scene. Firefighters evaluated the stability of the structure, shut off utilities, and requested assistance from the power company.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported to either the driver of the vehicle or the occupant of the home.

The incident remains under investigation.

Crash, Driver Ejected (MauryCountySource)

On Monday, September 1, at 9:50 p.m., Maury County Fire Department units responded to the 2100 block of New Lewisburg Highway after a motorist reported seeing a vehicle leave the roadway and disappear into tall grass.

Responders located the vehicle more than 100 yards off the roadway. The driver had been ejected after the vehicle rolled several times. Crews assisted EMS, and the patient was transported with apparent non-life-threatening injuries.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Authorities remind drivers to always wear seat belts, which can save lives and help prevent serious injuries.

GM to Layoff Hundreds (CDH)

General Motors plans to temporarily lay off half of its 1,400 shift workers as it rolls back production of electric vehicles at its Spring Hill Plant, according to a memo obtained by the Detroit Free Press. 

The plant will implement more than a month of downtime through the end of the year — during the week of Oct. 6, Thanksgiving and all of December.

The production shift will impact vehicle and EV battery assembly, the memo confirmed. The change will not affect Ultium Cell employees. 

Additionally, GM plans to reduce EV production at the plant during the first five months of next year. In response to the lack of production, the company will temporarily lay off 700 shift workers from January to May 2026, GM confirmed. 

“General Motors is making strategic production adjustments in alignment with expected slower EV industry growth and customer demand by leveraging our flexible ICE and EV manufacturing footprint,” GM spokesperson Allison May told The Tennessean in a statement. 

The move follows slower-than-expected EV demand coupled with the end of a $7,500 federal tax credit for new EVs that’s set to expire at the end of the month. Spring Hill produces one of GMs top selling electric SUVs the midsized Cadillac Lyric along with the electric Vistiq. 

“We understand this is difficult news. At this time, it’s important to remember Spring Hill has a bright future ahead,” the memo said. “We’ve earned multiple product allocations, including the next-generation Cadillac XT5 and the gas-powered Chevrolet Blazer, thanks to your business performance, high engagement and track record for launch excellence.”

Spring Hill isn’t alone in the company’s production cuts, the company is also adjusting production plans at its Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas, along with its CAMI Assembly line in Ontario, Canada. 

Ending production of the Cadillac XT4 and the Chevrolet Malibu earlier this year, Fairfax Assembly is walking back plans to add a second shift once production ramps up for the Chevrolet Bolt. 

This summer, GM said it’s planning to produce the Chevrolet Equinox in Fairfax by mid-2027.

"GM's U.S. manufacturing footprint remains our strength, and we are in the process of investing nearly $5 billion over the next two years to further increase domestic vehicle production, enabling the ability to assemble more than two million vehicles per year in the U.S.," May said.

"We will continue to evaluate and adjust operations based on the market and consumer demand," she added.

Molder to Run for Congress (CDH)

After eight years serving in the office of Columbia's mayor, Chaz Molder confirmed he is setting his sights on a higher pursuit, this time looking toward Washington D.C. to vie for the U.S. 5th Congressional District.

Molder, first elected as Muletown's youngest mayor in 2018, announced in August he would not be seeking a third term, while also stating his interest in running for the 5th District seat, currently held by former Maury County Mayor, U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tennessee.

"Being the mayor of Columbia has provided me with a really unique perspective and a front row seat to the issues that are facing all of us," Molder told The Daily Herald.

"I feel like our current Congressman has lost sight of the issues that matter. I want to bring these Main Street values that I have grown up with, that I've served with, to Washington D.C. We need a congressman that's going to go to Washington who's not going to focus on bringing national headlines for the wrong reasons but makes local headlines for the right reasons."

Molder and Ogles, whose mayoral terms overlapped during the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in 2020, frequently held opposing views concerning COVID protocols and mandates. Now the two could be facing each other again in their own backyard, this time for the same seat.

The U.S. Mid-term Elections will be Nov. 3, 2026.

Molder, who is running as a Democrat, said he wants to be a voice that unites despite party affiliation, throughout Maury County and the rest of the 5th District, which consists of areas in Davidson, Lewis, Marshall Maury, Williamson and Wilson Counties.

"I think in the last eight years, Columbia has taken that giant leap forward, because we focused on the issues that matter," Molder said. "We found the problems, and we found solutions, brought people together and unified the community in ways we haven't before. Those are the kinds of values, the kinds of leadership traits I want to bring to Washington.

"That's what our country needs, and that's what our Congressional district needs."

Molder shared his push to run for a congressional seat in Washington began with ways to represent locally on a national level, and that includes how national issues affect those at home.

One of his biggest platforms, Molder said, is being a voice for small businesses and livability.

"I have been a champion of small businesses during my eight years in office," Molder said. "I understand they are the lifeblood of our community and our local economy, and I want our small businesses to succeed. Having small businesses as a backdrop to this campaign is something very important to me, and I am excited about that."

Molder said other topics of focus will include immigration, which Molder described as "broken."

"This is an issue that has not occurred overnight, but that has been a failure in leadership in Congress over the last 30 years," Molder said. "I think it's time for a new generation of leaders to go to Washington D.C. who are ready to actually solve this problem. We need adults in the room who can have the conversations to provide solutions, rather than just throwing around political footballs."

Another issue Molder cited was Ogles' recent support for President Donald Trump's $5 trillion One Big Beautiful Bill Act, laying out the nation's budget.

"My kids, their kids and their kids are going to have to pay for that, and I don't think that's right," Molder said.

"If he was fighting for that, it is going to force 30,000 people to be kicked out of Medicare and their health insurance. I want to go to Washington to help fight for the people who are going to lose healthcare as a result of this budget bill. There are tax breaks in that bill that, for the middle class, are for a short period of time, but permanent for billionaires."

A Columbia native, Molder is a University of Tennessee graduate and law school graduate of the University of Memphis in addition to being a product of Maury County public schools.

College was also where Molder would meet his wife, Elizabeth. The couple have three children, and are members of First United Methodist Church in Columbia, where Molder also teaches Sunday school.

"They are the most important people in my life, and before I decided to run I talked to them about it," Molder said. "I wanted them to understand the sacrifice that this would entail, wanted to make sure I had their support. Liz, she has been very supportive over the last eight years as mayor, and said, 'You should do this.' I then sat down with my kids and they are ready for their dad to take this on."

When he isn't conducting city business or practicing at his law office, Molder is an avid runner who has participated in marathons and half-marathons, as well as the Mule Day 5K and Duck River Trail Run. In addition to running, he also enjoys playing sports, hunting and spending time outdoors with the family dog, Knox.

He is also a loyal UT Vols fan, hardly missing any opportunity to represent Big Orange in his hometown.

Under Molder's tenure, he and the Columbia City Council passed seven balanced budgets, which included no property tax increases.

Molder's leadership also invested heavily in education and public safety, most recently celebrating the extensive upgrades and renovations at Fire Station No. 1, located at 1000 S. Garden St., which was a $5.17 million project.

One of his proudest achievements on a personal level, Molder said, was founding the Columbia Mayor's Youth Council, providing young students a first-hand look at local government.

"I tell our youth all of the time that I want them to come back to Columbia one day but also be proud of the home that they had when they were growing up here," Molder said. "The best part of this job is getting to talk to young people, school-aged people and providing some sense of inspiration to them that they too can come back and serve their community here, or wherever they live. The Mayor's Youth Council is certainly one of the things that I look back on with great pride."

Another project under Molder's purview is the city's $4.3 million acquisition of the former Muletown Rec facility, which historically has faced closures over the years, but now is reaping the reward of the city's investment, Molder said.

"We have really had a focus on parks and greenspaces and providing the opportunities for livability, to encourage people to want to live, work and raise a family," Molder said. "This campaign is going to be one that's going to build a new coalition of people who are ready to send people to Washington who want to lead and want to serve."

Molder also supported the city's $95.5 million investment in building a new wastewater treatment plant, the largest investment project in Columbia history.

Andy Ogles was elected to serve the Congressional 5th District in 2022 following his first term as Maury County mayor.

During his stint representing the 5th District, Ogles has supported most of President Donald Trump's efforts to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enforce ICE's efforts to deport illegal immigrants and introduced a bill that would secure a third term for Trump.

“This historic legislation will unleash our economy and usher in a new golden age for America,” Ogles said in a media release after the passage of OBBB, citing historic tax cuts, immigration enforcement and support for U.S. energy.

In August, Ogles nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, following the president's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with several other European leaders.

Ogles Calls for National Guard in Nashville (WSMV.com)

Rep. Andy Ogles is not only calling for the National Guard to be sent to Memphis, but is now pushing for them to be sent to Nashville as well.

Ogles, who’s been outspoken against Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell in recent months, says Music City is becoming a hotbed for gang activity and the mayor is to blame.

“Comrade O’Connell is using the city as an outpost for international gangs to set up shop in our neighborhoods,” Ogles said on social media. “Punish criminals and the Mayors who work for them.”

This comes on the heels of Sen. Marsha Blackburn voicing her support for the National Guard being brought to Memphis.

In a statement shared on Monday, Blackburn said she’s joining other Republican leaders endorsing President Donald Trump’s efforts to “restore law and order” to cities with high crime rates across the country.

“Blue cities like Memphis need all the help they can get to combat violent crime, and I’m grateful for President Trump’s tremendous work to hold leftist officials accountable for putting their own citizens at risk by pushing soft-on-crime agendas,” said Sen. Blackburn. “I support the Trump administration’s efforts to restore law and order in lawless cities across America, and I’ll continue to work with the President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel to do whatever it takes to make cities like Memphis safe again.”

Less than two weeks ago, President Trump was asked if the federal government would step in to address the high crime rate in Memphis.

“I will be,” said Trump. “We’re doing sort of a test right now in D.C. It’s working unbelievably; much faster than we thought. We’ve arrested hundreds of criminals, hardline criminals.”

State Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) previously suggested that the National Guard could perform administrative duties while Memphis’ own law enforcement takes to the streets.

“It’s hard to argue with success,” said Taylor. “They have not had a single murder in Washington, D.C. since President Trump brought the troops to D.C.”

Meanwhile, State Senator London Lamar (D-Memphis) argues the crime issue in Memphis cannot be solved with more boots on the ground.

“As soon as they leave, if we don’t fix some of these structural issues, the crime rate is gonna go right back up,” said Sen. Lamar.

The Nashville mayor’s office gave the following response to Ogles’ call for the National Guard to come to Nashville:

“Congressman Ogles neither lives in nor even has an office in Nashville. Perhaps he’d like to invite the National Guard into his actual community.

It’s outrageous that our absentee member of Congress would be so disrespectful to our hardworking police, who have produced multiple year-over-year reductions in crime in Nashville."

SH City Manager (CDH)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen took its official steps in securing the city's next era of leadership Sept. 3 by swearing in its newest City Administrator J. Carter Napier.

Napier, who hails from Wyoming, began his new role in late August, but officially took his oath of office at the start of the BOMA's September work session. He takes over the position from interim City Administrator Chris Clausi, who had filled the vacancy left by former City Administrator Pam Caskie, who resigned Oct. 7, 2024.

"I really appreciate this," Napier said. "Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to take that oath of office. I know it is not typically what we do, but it certainly felt like an important step for me to take."

Napier was chosen after a nationwide search concluded June 13-14, with BOMA approving his position unanimously July 7.

"I am very grateful to be here with all of you tonight, grateful for this opportunity to take this step in my journey, if you will, to have ultimately been chosen by the BOMA to be your city administrator," Napier said. "I am grateful for that confidence you have in me, and so thank you very much. I will endeavor to not let you down in any way I can, in all ways that I can."

Napier had previously served as the city manager for Casper, Wyoming since 2017. He has also served as city administrator for Gillette, Wyoming from 2011-2017 and Riverton, Wyoming from 2003-2011, according to a July 7 City of Spring Hill press release.

In addition, Napier is also a credentialed manager through the International City County Management Association — a high recognition with the local government organization.

"Welcome, Carter, and I am excited to work with you," City Attorney Patrick Carter said.

"As the city attorney, I get to work closely with the city administrator, and I am looking forward to it. I also want to give acknowledgement to Chris Clausi. He did a fantastic job in a really pretty difficult 6-8 months with lots of things going on, lots of business and Chris handled it wonderfully and was wonderful to work with."

CSCC Graduates EMT’s (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College recently recognized 18 emergency medical technicians and 31 paramedics upon completion of certificates during the Summer 2025 EMS Pinning ceremony held in the Cherry Theater.

“We are incredibly proud of these students and their success in our programs,” said Greg Johnson, Columbia State EMS program director and assistant professor. “These pass rates show their dedication to excellence. These students will be instrumental to the communities in which they will serve.”

Traditional Summer 2025 EMT completers at the Columbia Campus achieved a 94% first-attempt pass rate for the national registry.

The Summer 2025 paramedic cohort earned a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the paramedic National Registry Cognitive exam. In addition, this marks three years in a row and four out of the last five years that the paramedic cohorts have achieved a 100% first-attempt pass rate for the national registry, further illustrating the long-time success of this program. The national first-time pass average for the paramedic national registry exam is 83%.

“It's encouraging to see the growth in these students during their time at the EMS Academy,” said Amanda Schatz, Columbia State EMT coordinator and instructor of EMS. “They are hungry to learn, grow and excel at patient care.”

An EMT provides basic life support at the site of illnesses and injuries, assisting with transport to the hospital.

EMT and paramedic certificate completers also have the option to pursue the General Technology Associate of Applied Science degree by combining coursework from two certificates with general education courses to complete a personalized degree program. 

“The pinning ceremony is a milestone which recognizes EMS students' resilience, determination and dedication to mastering skills and knowledge,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “These new EMTs and paramedics made a great decision to come to Columbia State to experience the best in EMS education!”

The program provides students with the necessary didactic and practical training to perform life-saving skills. Additionally, students learn to work alone, as well as in a squad-based (team) environment.

For more information about the EMS program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/EMS or contact Johnson at 931.540.2792.

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…

Guns in Parks Decision Appealed (Tennessean)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti are appealing a recent court decision that abolished two laws imposing gun restrictions in Tennessee, with Skrmetti saying the ruling "goes too far."

The decision, made by a three-judge panel in late August, invalidated two Tennessee laws. One made it illegal to carry a gun in a park or a similar area without a permit to carry a handgun. The other outlawed the more ambiguous offense of carrying a firearm "with the intent to go armed."

The ruling was hailed by pro-gun groups like the ones who challenged the laws, but some people, like Memphis Sen. London Lamar, a Democrat, felt abolishing the laws puts people in danger and removing the "intent to go armed" law specifically leaves police officers waiting "until a crime has already been committed."

Skrmetti argued in a statement the invalidated laws are constitutional in some situations. 

"For example, it’s obviously constitutional to prohibit a ten-year-old from bringing a semiautomatic rifle to a rec league basketball game or a drunk with a shotgun from staggering down Broadway or through Market Square or across Shelby Farms. But the Court’s ruling appears to legalize this in Tennessee," Skrmetti said in a statement. "We look forward to the appellate courts providing clarity for citizens and law enforcement.”

News of the appeal prompted sharp rebuke from some conservative lawmakers. Tennessee Rep. Monty Fritts, R-Kingston, called it "the most Constitutionally repugnant action committed in the past decade, or longer in Tennessee." Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, directed fire at House Republican leadership's "silence," "while our freedoms are being shredded."

Several Republicans had urged Lee and Skrmetti to let the lower court decision stand. In a Sept. 2 letter to Skrmetti, Fritts made a last minute plea, arguing that the law outlawing carrying a weapon "with the intent to go armed" runs counter to the principle of innocent until proven guilty by criminalizing a person's intent rather than actions. Eleven other state lawmakers signed onto Fritts' letter. Others, including Sen. Page Walley, R-Savannah, wrote their own.

Brandon Puttbrese, press secretary for Tennessee Senate Democrats, was also concerned the ruling removed a legal mechanism for police to investigate suspicious people carrying weapons, arguing the decision "ties their hands."

Puttbrese said he hopes common sense prevails on appeal but that he does not have confidence in the courts.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Start the first weekend of September with another festive First Fridays downtown with music, food trucks and vendors, plus a lot more.

First Fridays events will take place from 5-8 p.m. primarily in the downtown Columbia square, with streets shut down for pedestrians and all the activities the event has to offer.

This month's First Fridays theme is "Art on The Street."

Take a walk down the area of East 6th Street for more vendors, food and music at Strolling on 6th's monthly block party, as well as Grinder's Switch Winery, 510 N. Garden St., at its First Fridays block party.

Grab an old-fashioned soda float at Baxter's Mercantile, 808 S. Garden St., who will also host its grand opening of Rocky's Ice Cream & Soda Fountain.

Gallery 48, 107 W. 7th St., will host a meet and greet with Pulaski artist Jayne Zajicek, showcasing her latest collection of resin glass art on canvas and wood panels.