Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 12-3-24

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Daily News from MuleTown to Music City and beyond. Listen to Tom Price read the news of the day from Kennedy Broadcasting, WKOM & WKRM Radio.

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for December 3, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Driver’s Center to Close (Press Release)
The Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Columbia Driver Services Center, 1701 Hampshire Pike, will close on Thursday, Dec. 5 and will reopen Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, for carpet replacement.
 During the closure, citizens can visit a nearby Driver Services Center, county clerk partner, self-service kiosk, or utilize online services at tn.gov/safety/driver-services/online.html.

Spring Hill Commerce Center (MSM)
The proposed Spring Hill Commerce Center, called perhaps the most important project the city will undertake over the next 10 years, was the subject of lengthy discussion by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen during its November meeting.
The BOMA approved an interlocal cooperative agreement between the city and its Industrial Development Board regarding tax incentives for the Spring Hill Commerce Center, a 700-acre business park that would be located off Duplex and Jim Warren Roads. Under the agreement, a formula will be used to determine the amount of taxes to be paid from the project. The agreement also notes that the developer is “constructing public infrastructure that the City would have to otherwise fund or finance with general fund monies.”
A development agreement between the city, the IDB and developer GV Spring Hill, LLC, was also approved.
During their work session, the BOMA members discussed proposed modifications to the Planned Unit Development which regulates the site. The city’s Planning Commission had at its last meeting recommended approval of changes to the proposed layout, including the addition of an airport district and allowing for electric vehicle charging stations.
As the proposed changes were discussed at the work session, they did not come up for votes but will at a future BOMA meeting.
“They are adding new standards, new uses permitted within the business park itself,” Spring Hill Development Director Dara Sanders said. “It also includes some modifications to their approved landscape schedule that would encourage, or direct future landscaping associated with private developments to species that are drought tolerant, which is a direction the city itself is looking to go into, as well as our water providers.”
BOMA members also discussed a proposal to annex two parcels of land in Williamson County – roughly 44 acres on Clark Road – into the City of Spring Hill for future inclusion as part of the Spring Hill Commerce Center. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the annexation in August amid changes to the city’s urban growth boundary.
“That expanded urban growth boundary was certified last week,” Sanders said. “These properties are included in that expanded urban growth boundary, and the Planning Commission had recommended unanimously approval of the annexation.”
Sanders added that the annexation, if approved, would not impact demand on water and sewer services in the city.
Alderman Matt Fitterer questioned a provision in the agreement regarding prioritizing Jim Warren Road bridge improvements over other potential projects.
“The bipartisan infrastructure law has a variety of programs; one of them is very specific to bridge replacement over federally designated roads, which in Spring Hill means Jim Warren Road and Kedron Road. I don’t believe the intent was ever to prioritize over advance purification or Highway 31,” Fitterer said.
Fitterer asked that staff get clarification on that provision of the Commerce Center agreement.
“By carrying over this provision, staff is reading it as essentially identifying the Jim Warren bridge as the most important capital improvement project for the city of Spring Hill over the next 10 years,” Sanders said in explaining the provision.
BOMA members also discussed the city’s role in approving traffic impact studies and whether the size of the Commerce Center plans would require any changes in that regard.
A traffic impact study is typically reviewed by the Planning Commission in regard to anticipated future uses. However, the size and scope of the Commerce Center project would probably need to have more of a piece-by-piece approach, Sanders said.
“So as each parcel within the business park comes online, we would evaluate the traffic impact or incorporate street improvements that work to advance traffic safety and mitigate traffic congestion,” she stated.
Fitterer compared the Commerce Center project to the ongoing June Lake development, saying he was in theory all right with doing the traffic study in pieces on a project this big.
The board also discussed a proposed Community Service Annex which, if constructed, would place a number of city offices in a centralized location off Beechcroft Road. Staff compared the concept to how the square in Columbia is set up, with multiple government offices.
“(Project consultants) interviewed all the staff that would be at this location and asked them what they needed, what their five-year plan (was). They presented a couple of different designs to us,” said City Projects Director Missy Stahl. “We’re trying to get direction from BOMA because depending on what layout we use is where the permanent infrastructure needs to go.”
Fitterer said he preferred to “maximize the acreage for us to grow into the future” in planning the site.
In the voting portion of its meeting, the board adopted on second reading the adoption of a Planned Zoning District on a four-acre site on Buckner Lane in Williamson County, which will change the usage to Gateway Commercial Retail.
Other items approved included:
Authorizing the fire chief to apply for the FEMA FY24 Assistance to Firefighters, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and Fire Prevention and Safety grant programs;
Approving a contract with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for Jim Warren Road bridge improvements over I-65. The city has applied for a federal grant for such purposes;
Accepting a $10,140 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the purchase of body armor worn by police officers; and
Approving emergency repairs to the flooring structure at the Spring Hill Public Library, which closed two weeks ago after an inspection found that the metal beam and joists that support the floor under a section library, including the restrooms, were failing because of rust and corrosion from water damage.
Fitterer noted the lack of a cost projection but stated, “Given the timing of when things happened, that’s not possible. But… we got a resolution with basically a blank check.”
The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen meets on the first and third Mondays each month.

Rep. Cepicky Sponsors Device School Bill (CDH)
Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, introduced legislation last week to limit student cell phone usage and improve attentiveness in classrooms across Tennessee.
House Bill 13 requires local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to adopt policies that prohibit students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time with certain exceptions.
“Fostering an environment of student engagement and focus during instructional periods is essential to a quality education,” Cepicky said in a recent release.
“Cell phone usage in the classroom presents an unnecessary distraction for students and is unfair to the hard-working teachers who are passionate about educating the next generation. This legislation will limit interruptions and empower Tennessee’s children to concentrate on learning, which can improve social skills, mental health and academic performance.”
House Bill 13 ensures students can have access to cell phones if they are being used for educational purposes and approved by a teacher, in the event of an emergency or to manage a student’s health and to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
The legislation would allow districts to authorize teachers to withhold devices from students who don’t comply with usage policies.
More than 70% of American high school teachers say that distractions by cell phones in the classroom is a “major problem,” according to Pew Research Center, Cepicky's office reports.
The Tennessee Department of Education's latest TCAP results, released in June, showed only about 40% of all students are meeting grade level expectations in areas of English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Science and social studies showed only about 1% increases in overall student proficiency.
In Maury County, the 2024 State Report Card showed students in grades 3-5 scoring 31% proficiency in ELA and 33.2% proficiency in math, both increases over the 2023 scores by the same students.
The 2023-2024 academic year also showed Maury County achieving a record 92% overall student graduation rate, matching the state's record-breaking 92.1% graduation rate.
Studies have concluded that enacting restrictions on cell phone usage during instructional periods increases academic performance, specifically for low-achieving students.
At least eight states in the U.S. have restrictions on cell phones in schools.
The 114th Tennessee General Assembly is scheduled to convene on Jan. 14, 2025.

Christmas Festivities (CDH)
One of Columbia's biggest events will bring twice the holiday cheer this year as Columbia Main Street announced its two-day plans for this year's Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.
The annual yuletide gathering will take place over two nights during the first weekend of December, with the tree lighting kicking off the season during the Dec. 6 First Fridays and the parade occurring the following day on Dec. 7.
"This is a special, holiday-themed First Fridays blended with the Tree Lighting ceremony hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus," Columbia Main Street stated in a press release. "Experience the fun of First Fridays with a holiday twist that includes festive music from DJ Rio, local craft vendors, food trucks, and other holiday-inspired, family-friendly activities throughout the evening."
This year's parade route will once again march along West 7th Street, making its way downtown amongst the square's many shops as spectators watch the parade consisting of dozens of decorated floats, lights, marching bands and more, all representing businesses, schools and local organizations.
"More than bright lights and festive floats, these events are the spark of holiday magic that ignites community spirit and creates beloved memories that will last a lifetime,” Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager, said. “We encourage residents and visitors to attend both nights so they can fully immerse themselves in our unique holiday experience in the heart of beautiful downtown Columbia.”
As always, both events are free to attend and open to the public. For more information, contact Columbia Main Street at [phone] or visit www.VisitColumbiaTN.com.

Columbia Main Street announced yesterday that country music artist Shane Profitt will be this year’s Grand Marshal for the annual Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade sponsored by Stan McNabb Chevrolet Columbia.
Profitt takes the lead spot for the nighttime parade, riding in a new Corvette provided by event sponsor Stan McNabb Chevrolet Columbia. A proud Columbia native, Profitt went from packing the house at Puckett’s to gracing iconic stages like the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. Now, he’s coming back home to lead this special holiday tradition! Profitt shared the news on social media saying, "I am very, very honored to be the Grand Marshal of the Columbia Tennessee Main Street Christmas Parade. I grew up going to this Christmas Parade and fresh out of high school I was working for the City and I was one of the guys that made it look pretty for the Christmas Parade. So, I'm very honored, very excited to be the Grand Marshal."
Columbia Main Street Manager Kelli Johnson, who organizes the parade each year is expecting to break records with an impressive 122 parade entries, countless volunteers, and high expectations for more spectators than ever before. “Join the Columbia community in cheering on Shane Profitt and all of the parade entries,” exclaimed Johnson.  “It’s a memorable night of joy, tradition, and hometown pride you won’t want to miss!”
Thanks to parade sponsors like Lewisburg Rubber and Gasket, volunteers will distribute light-up wands to the first 1,000 children at the parade. Following tradition, the grand finale of the parade will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus. Look for them riding in a vintage 1962 Ford, generously provided by Gerald and Brenda Vick of Columbia.
The parade begins at 6:00 PM at the intersection of W. 7th, Trotwood, and Hastings and ends on the Town Square in historic downtown Columbia. This event is free and open to the public to enjoy!

King’s Daughters’ Santa Mailbox (CDH)
Every year, the King's Daughters' School partners with Heritage Bank & Trust to help bring a little Christmas cheer to disadvantaged students through its Santa's Mailbox Program.
The KDS students participating in the program are typically those under state's custody and/or without a home or family to spend the holidays with, having to instead stay on the King's Daughters' campus.
The Santa's Mailbox Program has each student write down his or her Christmas wishes in letters to Old Saint Nick. The letters are then delivered to Heritage Bank & Trust's lobbies at 217 S. James M. Campbell Blvd. in Columbia and 109 S. Main St. in Mt. Pleasant.
The letters are now available to pick up by community members, who will then shop for gifts, clothing or anything else requested on the list. Gifts are then dropped off at the Santa's Mailbox area located at either of the bank's locations.
"We are so grateful to Heritage Bank & Trust for their support of our Santa’s Mailbox program," KDS Executive Director Shauna Pounders said. "Many of our students cannot go home for the holidays, so the contributions of the bank, their customers, and our entire community make their Christmas wishes come true."
Gifts must be donated no later than Thursday, Dec. 14.
After all gifts are delivered, King's Daughters' staff will wrap each gift, which will then be placed in Santa's bag ready to be delivered Christmas Eve.
"Heritage Bank & Trust is proud to be a part of the wonderful work being done by The King's Daughters' School," Jim Robinson, KDS Board Member and President and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank & Trust said. “We are honored to partner with an organization making such a great impact on our community."

Mule Day Works (Press Release)
Mule Day 2025 is just a few months away and the Mule Day Committee wants to share what’s new and invite every business and civic organization to consider becoming an Official Mule Day Partner.
 
Why? Because every dollar raised goes to offset the huge expense of producing this historic event, enabling Mule Day to expand its charitable efforts through the expansion of the Mule Day WORKS Scholarship Program. (www.muleday.com/works) 
 
What is Mule Day WORKS? The Mule Day WORKS Scholarship program provides young people from Maury County with funds to help them pursue Career & Technical Education or Vocational Training. The program has four 2024 graduates currently enrolled in training, and they hope to double or triple that number in 2025. Current recipients are engaged in training that ranges from the medical and administrative to electrical and welding. The program is specifically designed to address gaps in the Tennessee Promise scholarship program by providing additional funding for expenses that would otherwise become a financial burden to the student. In addition to tuition, these funds may be used for books, special tools, supplies, required travel and a wide range of expenses to help recipients succeed. Plus Mule Day WORKS currently accepts applications from students who have graduated or obtained a GED within two years of the current graduating class. Offering CTE to young people who would otherwise not be eligible through the state program.  
 
How does my company benefit?   Partnerships levels are available for groups and companies of EVERY SIZE and include some powerful marketing benefits such as; full color ad in the Mule Day Souvenir Program with 12,000 copies distributed in Maury County and surrounding areas (deadline is 12/23/24), website links with your logo, priority placement of those with parade entries, as well as premier display locations at the park during Mule Day for those who wish to promote their products or services to tens of thousands of attendees. New for 2025 is the deployment of a Mobile Digital Billboard giving all partners increased exposure at both the park and for the first time in the Mule Day Parade. Plus many additional benefits.
 
If you or your company would like to become an Official Mule Day Partner and help improve Maury County – one young person at a time please contact:
 
Brady Carr
Chairman
Mule Day WORKS Scholarship Committee
931-224-1930
www.MuleDay.com/Works
[e-mail]

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mr. William Earnest “Bill” Stewart, 95, died Wednesday at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…
Holiday Message Contest (Press Release)
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is excited to announce a contest to see who can come up with the best holiday travel safety message for the Dynamic Message Signs you see on the interstates. The contest gives Tennessee motorists a chance to help the department raise awareness about various safety issues and save lives.
 Starting today, TDOT will begin taking entries. Entries will be considered for five highway safety categories: seatbelt usage, impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive driving.
 “This contest is a fun way to engage citizens and assist TDOT in accomplishing our goal of saving lives by getting the attention of drivers and reminding them to practice safe driving habits,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “We encourage motorists to check the message boards daily for important travel information. This holiday season we want everyone to reach their destination safely.”
 Entering the contest is easy! Just go to this link from TDOT’s website Make Travel Bright Safety Sign Contest.
The contest web page will list the categories and allow you to type your message and submit your entry. The contest will run through December 11th. TDOT will then allow the public to vote on the best messages, on the @myTDOT Facebook page beginning December 16th. The winning message will be placed in rotation to run on the overhead Dynamic Message Signs statewide. Keep it clean! Any message containing profanity or lewd comments will be disqualified.  The message boards are not to be used for advertising purposes; therefore, please refrain from using sports team names, singers’ names, etc., in your entries.
 
A total of 217 Dynamic Message Signs are in the state’s four urban areas (Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville), and in some rural areas across the state. The main purpose of the signs is to alert motorists of incidents, lane blockages, hazardous road conditions, or Amber Alerts. In 2012, TDOT became the first DOT in the nation to display roadway fatality numbers on the overhead signs. In addition to the fatality statistics, safety messages are displayed during off-peak travel times.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The Nashville Stampede announced that their annual Camping World Team Series homestand, PBR Stampede Days, will return to Bridgestone Arena next season on August 15-17, 2025.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and start at $20, taxes and fees not included. They can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com and PBR.com, or by calling PBR customer service at [phone].
The Stampede are Music City’s first-ever professional bull riding team, competing in the PBR Camping World Team Series, which transforms bull riding from an individual to team-formatted competition. They capped a dramatic Cinderella run through the league’s inaugural playoffs to be crowned the 2022 PBR Teams Champions.
Learn more by visiting www.PBR.com.