Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-27-24

What is Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price?

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.

WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for November 27, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
June Lake Construction Underway (MauryCountySource)
Crews have begun paving the intersection of Buckner Lane and June Lake Boulevard, with work scheduled to take place through today, Wednesday, November 27 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Flaggers will be stationed at the site to manage traffic, and drivers are advised to anticipate minor delays during these hours. Motorists are encouraged to plan accordingly or use alternate routes to avoid disruptions.
The project is part of ongoing improvements in the area, and crews aim to minimize inconvenience while completing the work efficiently.

Maury Alliance Celebrates 100 Years (CDH)
Columbia City Council was presented with the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance's quarterly update this month, which also happened to coincide with the organization's 100th anniversary.
Maury Alliance Vice President Travis Groth presented the latest updates during the council's Nov. 14 regular meeting, which he said show good standing in the county's current pipeline of projects, ideas and opportunities for future growth.
"We continue to see a good diversification of different project types as we move throughout the year," Groth said.
Over the past year, Maury Alliance has announced 1,760 new jobs in Maury County and has secured $2.4 billion in capital investments from businesses and corporations settling in Maury County. Also, the county's cost of living hangs 12% below the national average.
Maury Alliance's latest quarterly Economic Dashboard, which provides data related to investments, unemployment rates and home values shows:
17 active capital projects with $265.9M capital investment
1,041 potential new jobs
Oct. 2024 median home value - $387,772
Oct. 2024 median rental price - $1,571 per month
Unemployment - 3.2% in September (2.8% in September 2023)
Groth added that historically, project investments have typically shown an 80/20 split, with 80% being businesses relocating to Maury County and 20% for the expansion of existing businesses.
"That's very different right now, almost 50/50, and that's a result of a couple of things," he said. "One is we have tightened up our Strike Zone based on the feedback we got when we talk to stakeholders about what successful economic development projects look like moving forward. And two, we see companies that did relocate to the community realize they made a good decision and are considering additional investments while they are here."
On Oct. 25, Maury Alliance partnered with Maury County Public Schools to host a Manufacturing Day event, which allowed students a hands-on look at the industry on the local level.
"This is one of my favorite things we do with about 120 high school students across Maury County," Groth said. "They were able to go out and see three different local manufacturing facilities. So that's three different places they can have careers and advance manufacturing locally."
This year's participating facilities included J.C. Ford, Columbia Machine Works and Landmark Ceramics. The event also included a tour of Columbia State Community College's systems technology program.
"Not only do they see opportunities for good careers here, but then they learn how to receive training to qualify for those types of careers," Groth said. "We also invited folks from the Tennessee Achieves office to come in and talk about TN Promise, and how they can receive funding to pay for that training that then allows them to walk into those high-quality careers right here in Maury County."
Groth also addressed Maury Alliance's continued efforts to better market Columbia and Maury County on a wider scale.
This includes multiple publications in regional and global magazines to promote tourism and economic growth.
"We were able to secure an ad on the back page of both the Tennessee State Economic Development magazine and the Nashville Livability magazine, which actually highlights an ad from First Fridays in Columbia," Groth said. "Another thing for us is we were able to support our state partners and get Maury County highlighted in CEO Global magazine."
In addition to Groth's presentation, the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance recently marked 100 years as an organization, which was celebrated on Nov. 12 at its 106 W. 6th St. headquarters.
Founded in 1924 as the Chamber of Commerce Columbia, TN, Maury Alliance has held many names throughout the years, with its current name being chosen in 2010.
"While the organization has had many different names in the past 100 years, we've always had the same goal, and that's to foster an environment where businesses can thrive, and residents can enjoy a high-quality of life," Maury Alliance President Wil Evans said.
The Nov. 12 event also included statements from state and local leaders, including all city mayors from Columbia, Spring Hill and Mt. Pleasant.
"This organization has had an impact on me, an impact on many of you here today, but most of all this organization has had an impact on our community at large," Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder said. "For that, we are grateful, and we celebrate this 100-year birthday. It is important that we recognize the importance of today."
Molder also shared a proclamation, which was also signed by Mayors Bill White of Mt. Pleasant and Jim Hagaman of Spring Hill.
"The Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance has, since its founding, worked with local businesses, merchants and industry to advance the civic, economic, industrial, professional and cultural life in Maury County and the surrounding region," Molder read.
"Over the last 10 years alone, the organization has helped recruit more than 7,500 new jobs and $6 billion in capital investment to Maury County, and through the work of the Chamber has assisted in the promotion and success of small businesses throughout our entire county."

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]

Columbia Sculptures (CDH)
The city unveiled two new sculptures this month along South Garden Street in Columbia Arts District, taking another step in its goal to create a visual gateway that promotes local art.
The two sculptures, titled "Carbon Mic" and "Wonderment," were created by local artists Kevin Hale and Joseph Hazelwood. They will join fellow artists Whitney Herrington and father and sons Rommel, Nicholas and Cory Ricaurte of Ricaurte Sculptures, whose pieces were unveiled in August.
Tourism and Marketing Director Kellye Murphy commented the Nov. 22 unveiling marks a significant addition to the city’s cultural landscape, which not only provides a new visual aesthetic, but plays a role in generating significant local revenue via tourism spending.
“Our Arts District has become a cornerstone of Columbia’s tourism appeal, drawing visitors and fueling our local economy,” said Murphy said.
“In 2023 alone, visitors to Columbia and Maury County contributed $136,859,400 in direct visitor spending. By continuing to expand attractions and cultural offerings in areas like our Arts District, we can further boost this spending and attract even more visitors. Investments like these do more than beautify our community — they support local businesses, generate tax revenue and make Columbia a top destination, driving sustainable growth in our tourism industry.”
The sculptures are installed atop newly constructed art pedestals as part of the Arts District Streetscape Project, which was completed earlier this year.
This streetscape transformation included wider sidewalks, designated street parking, a one-way traffic pattern, enhanced landscaping, modern lighting, comfortable benches and five art pedestals positioned in what are considered key gathering areas.
“These sculptures are more than just art; they represent the spirit and soul of our city,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “By showcasing the incredible talent of artists like Kevin Hale and Joseph Hazelwood, we’re not only enriching our Arts District but also fostering a community that values creativity, inclusivity and shared experiences. The streetscape project is yet another way Columbia is becoming a destination for art, culture, and connection.”
City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the significance of public art in community engagement and urban development.
"Public art brings people together, creating connections and sparking conversations," Massey stated. "The City of Columbia is proud to support local artists and provide platforms where their work can be shared and celebrated.This installation is a testament to our commitment to building a thriving cultural district that speaks to the creativity of our residents.”
The Nov. 22 unveiling also included comments from the artists themselves, sharing their inspiration, technique and what it means having their work chosen for such a project.
Hale, who is a commercial artist by trade, said this was the first personal work he'd ever been asked to create. Therefore, his piece, "Wonderment," had to also come from somewhere personal.
"My sculpture, 'Wonderment,' is of my daughters when they were six and 10 years old. It captures that moment before the tattoos, before the piercings, before social media, all of that when just the simplest things could invoke wonder in my daughters."
Hazelwood, also a commercial artist, describes his approach as "traditionally resistant to new technology, but uses technology in his precision." His piece, "Carbon Mic," he said was a challenge, but inspired by his fondness for vintage or "old" technology, and the relationship between tradition and innovation.
"It's instantly recognizable when you see it. You'll know it even if you aren't 100 years old, because that design is 100 years old, but the technology has been used up through the 90s and 2000s in the handset of a telephone. Hopefully, it makes you think about the technology you use every day, because kind of an aversion of that is in your smart phone."
Molder concluded the unveiling ceremony by noting the project as another example of the city's push to promote the arts, and the widespread benefit arts can provide a community, especially when it is the local artists doing it.
"I think in order for your city to be a vibrant one, it has to have a vibrant arts scene, and so I'm grateful that city councils of past and present have noticed that," Molder said. "And I think it's important to note that the reason arts brings so much vibrancy to our city is not necessarily because of the art itself, which is of course important. It's the artist behind the art that are really, truly creating the vibrancy we have here in the city of Columbia, and that's what I appreciate about this more than anything."

Grecian Thanksgiving (MauryCountySource)
Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery will once again host a free Thanksgiving Day meal this year. This event is open to all, especially anyone in need, first responders, emergency room staff, sick, elderly, or people spending the holiday alone.
WHEN: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Nov. 28
WHERE: 2003 Wall Street, Spring Hill
“No one should be without a warm Thanksgiving meal or companionship,” Owners Frank and Sasa Georgalos said. “No prior registration is needed, just come and enjoy! We will be serving until 3 p.m., or until we run out of food.”
The traditional Thanksgiving meal is available for dine-in, carry out or for delivery. For a meal to be delivered, sign up is required on the restaurant website. Also, volunteers and those interested in making food donations will find a sign-up form on the website. Click here: https://www.restaurantspringhill.com.
Donations may be brought to the restaurant at 2003 Wall Street, Spring Hill. For drop-off days and times, call 615-302-4808.
The grateful owners continued. “Let’s make this Thanksgiving a day filled with memories and giving. Thank you all for your support!”
Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery in Spring Hill, Tennessee served more than 1,000 free Thanksgiving meals in 2023. The restaurant also has a “pay it forward” board where customers can prepay for meals for those in need.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mr. Floyd Howard Holland, 91, a resident of Columbia, TN, died Sunday at his home. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Graveside services will immediately follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mrs. Sharon Denise Watson Wise, 77, retired nurse from Maury Regional Hospital and resident of Columbia, died Monday November 25, 2024 at her residence. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday at 10:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday from 5:00 PM-6:30 PM.

And now, news from around the state…
Marshall County to Get Expanded Internet (Press Release)
Local fiber internet provider United Communications and Duck River Electric Membership Corporation are teaming up to expand the region’s fastest internet service to an additional 1,000 homes and businesses in Marshall County.

The $12 million investment was secured through Project UNITE, a partnership between Duck River Electric and United Communications created to bring fast, reliable internet service to Duck River Electric members in Middle Tennessee. 

Through Project UNITE, United Communications already serves the vast majority of Marshall County outside of Lewisburg, providing fiber internet to over 6,000 homes and businesses. This newest investment will bring high-speed fiber access to the remaining unserved areas in the central part of the county.

Investment sources include $8 million in Last Mile grant funding that was allocated to the state by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund and $4 million in private funding by United Communications.

Details of the multi-year buildout were shared yesterday with county leaders during the Marshall County Commission meeting. United Communications and Duck River Electric thanked Mayor Mike Keny and the commissioners for their partnership in securing a share of the competitive state grant awards.

“A lot of lives in Marshall County got better today by this announcement,” Marshall County Mayor Mike Keny shared. “Knowing that an additional 1,000 locations in our county will now have internet access—be they homes or businesses that lack modern broadband connection—is something we are truly excited about.”

“I congratulate the United team on receiving this grant award and applaud their efforts for continuing to be positive difference-makers in Marshall County,” Mayor Keny added.

“The longstanding relationships between United Communications, Duck River Electric, and Marshall County have made this critical investment possible,” said William Bradford, President and CEO of United Communications. “Founded in Chapel Hill, TN over 77 years ago, we continue to have strong ties to the community, with a regional operations center still located there.”

“Building fast, reliable fiber internet connections adds to the quality of life in Marshall County. Many of our own employees live in Marshall County, so this project truly is about serving our United family and neighbors.” Bradford added.

Originally founded in Marshall County as United Telephone Company in 1947, United Communications still operates at 120 Taylor Street in Chapel Hill and remains committed to serving the region’s growing connectivity needs.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
This week is full of feasts, football and the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And this year, there are plenty of appearances from people with Tennessee roots in the parade.
East Tennessee State University marching band out of Johnson City will be one of 11 marching bands that will take part in the parade this year.
Other performers that have Tennessee roots include: 
Dan + Shay
The War and Treaty
Walker Hayes
Coco Jones