Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 12-5-24

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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.

WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for December 5, 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.

Petainer Expands to Mt. Pleasant (Press Release)
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Petainer Manufacturing USA, Inc. officials announced today the company will expand to a new location at 315 Joe Frank Porter Drive in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee. 
Petainer will invest $10 million through the expansion, creating 35 new jobs at the Cherry Glen Industrial Park, a Select Tennessee Certified Site in Maury County. Upon completion, the project will more than double Petainer’s headcount statewide. 
With over 35 years of experience in designing and manufacturing cost-efficient products, Petainer offers a wide range of lightweight, sustainable PET packaging, solutions to help companies in the Americas, Europe, and Asia grow their business and reduce their carbon footprint. PET is an acronym for polyethylene terephthalate, a colourless, transparent polymer that is almost unbreakable and can be recycled well.
Since 2020, TNECD has supported 15 economic development projects in Maury County, resulting in more than 3,700 job commitments and nearly $5 billion in capital investment. 
QUOTES 
“What happens in rural Tennessee matters to all Tennesseans, and I thank Petainer for choosing to invest in the Volunteer State. Petainer’s commitment to creating new jobs for the highly skilled workers in Mt. Pleasant and Maury County will have a significant impact by expanding opportunity for families in the region.” – Gov. Bill Lee 
“Petainer could have chosen any one of its global locations to expand; however, this company chose Tennessee, which is a testament to the state’s skilled workforce, strong business climate and the overall quality of life experienced here. I thank this company for its continued commitment to the Volunteer State and look forward to seeing the growth that follows today’s announcement.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter 
“Our investment in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee, underscores Petainer’s commitment to supporting sustainable growth in the Americas. This strategic location allows us to better serve our customers, expand our portfolio, and continue delivering innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact while driving economic development in the region.” – Chris McEwan, President of Petainer Americas 
“Team Maury is excited to announce Petainer’s expansion in Maury County. Increasing the footprint of existing industry is one of our economic development goals. This expansion in Cherry Glen Industrial Park with the potential of becoming Petainer’s North American Headquarters is a good step in that direction.” – Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt 
“Development at Cherry Glen Industrial Park, a Select Tennessee Certified Site, continues to grow and flourish. We appreciate the high-quality jobs that Petainer is bringing to the community and would like to express our sincere gratitude for the teamwork and partnerships that brought this announcement to fruition.” – Mt. Pleasant Mayor Bill White 
Petainer Manufacturing USA, Inc. has been established in Tennessee since 2022, aiming to expand its portfolio, which includes water cooler bottles, kegs, wine bottles, and preforms for on-site blowing — all manufactured with 100% recyclable and BPA-free PET. These products are distributed across the USA, Canada, and key markets in Latin America. 
Ace Hardware Grand Opening (WKOM Audio 2:11)
Yesterday, a new Ace Hardware Store opened in the Tollgate neighborhood in Thompson Station. With more about the grand opening is Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy who spoke to the proprietors of Butters Ace Hardware…

Spring Hill Developments (MSM)
Two large proposed housing developments were among a lengthy list of items discussed by the Spring Hill Planning Commission during its Nov. 25 work session.
The Stone Creek Master Planned Community, if ultimately approved, would be adjacent to I-65 South at the intersection of Rice Road and Derryberry Lane. The property is approximately 157 acres and would contain 955 residential units, according to a preliminary plan presented. Of those units, 847 would be townhomes.
City staff stated that access to the property would be established through a proposed street connection to the Brandon Woods neighborhood to the south and west, and a proposed street connection to Derryberry Lane/Rice Road in the Meadowbrook subdivision to the north.
Alderman Matt Fitterer said he would like to see more single-family lots north of Rutherford Creek, saying, “I’m willing to give you some latitude on lot sizes to find something that works for everybody.”
Fitterer also shared concerns about the west end of the project, which had townhomes backing up to single-family lots in the Brandon Woods neighborhood.
Staff also noted that the proposed plan included a note allowing the developer to change the mix of housing without Planning Commission approval, and that it would recommend removing that note before any approval was granted.
A review of the LC June Lake project, which would consist of 509 residential units along with an amenity area for recreation was discussed as well.
Fitterer asked about Marston Avenue’s design in terms of alignment and connectivity to Twin Lake Drive (Austin’s Way). Fitterer said he would like to see Marston Avenue, proposed as the main drive through the property, align better with the Summit High School access drive on the south side of Twin Lakes Drive.
“I am very doubtful you will get the Board of Education to agree to give you a second access point,” Fitterer said.
Commissioner Jonathan Duda concurred with the alignment of the access to Summit, saying, “Alignment with Marston needs to be looked at.”
Emily Moser of Lifestyle Communities said developers intended to not have cut-through access to June Lake Boulevard from the proposed development, saying, “Our concern is wanting to control traffic through the site and not wanting to have students cut through… If we had a bunch of cut-through traffic, that would be disruptive to our development.”
For students who might live in the proposed development, Moser said a crosswalk and other pedestrian-friendly amenities could be added.
Moser also noted that a planned restaurant, coffee shop and fitness center as part of the site plan would be open to the public, not just to residents.

DA Office to Honor Homicide Victims (MSM)
The District Attorney’s Office will host the fifth annual “Night to Honor” ceremony to honor and remember victims of homicide in Maury, Lawrence, Wayne and Giles County. The observance will take place in Lawrenceburg at First Baptist Church, 2100 Springer Road, on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. Guests should arrive at 5:30 p.m. for registration, with the program beginning at 6.
District Attorney General Brent Cooper said, “The goal of this event is to, hopefully, provide a small amount of comfort for these families. The Christmas holiday is especially difficult for those who have lost a loved one to homicide. This event is meant to make the holiday a little brighter for them. We sincerely invite any family member who has lost a loved one to homicide to attend this event.”
This year’s speaker will be Norma Castro, the sister of Juan Castro, who was murdered on April 13, 2008, in Columbia after attending a quinceañera. Four individuals were tried and convicted of the murder.
Family and friends who have lost loved ones to violent crime are invited to attend the event. Their loved ones will be honored as participants place a memorial ornament on one of four wreaths, each representing the county in which the loved one was lost. After the ceremony, the four wreaths will be put on display during the holiday season at their respective courthouses.
For additional information about this year’s event, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at [phone]
ext. 6107 or email Kendra Cannon at [e-mail]. They would also ask that you RSVP to the email address by Dec. 5, 2024. Please also email a picture of your loved one to be included in the ceremony. If you are attending the ceremony, you are invited to bring an ornament in remembrance of your loved one.
You may also find information on Facebook by visiting Brent Cooper, District Attorney-22nd Judicial District.

Christmas Tour of Homes (Press Release)
A favorite Maury County tradition, dating back to the 1950s, returns December 6th and 7th – the Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour.
During the historic home tour, a variety of public and private homes will open their doors to guests during this weekend event. One $25 ticket gives tour-goers access to all the tour sites. Tour hours are 9am- 4pm December 6th and 7th.
The tour is a fund-raiser for the Athenaeum in Columbia, Tennessee. The proceeds of this tour ensure that the Athenaeum will be able to operate for another year. Typically, the proceeds of this tour are enough to fund the historic site’s yearly operating costs, with a few dollars left over for ongoing restoration work.
The Athenaeum is owned and operated by the Maury County Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities (APTA).
Tickets can be purchased in advance at ticket locations and will be available through December 7th.
In-person ticket locations include:
Tour Headquarters: The Athenaeum
(Open by appointment only. On December 6th & 7th, open 8a to 4p.)
808 Athenaeum Street
Columbia, TN 38401
The Maury County Visitor’s Center
(Open Monday through Friday 8a to 4p. Location will not be open Saturday, December 7th)
302 W. 7th Street
Columbia, TN 38401
Historic Elm Springs
(Open Monday through Friday 8a to 4p. Open Saturday, December 7th for tickets)
2357 Park Plus Drive
Columbia, TN 38401
Learn more by visiting www.maurychristmas.org.

Creekside Trading Company Opens in Columbia (MSM)
Owners Matt and Becky Smith recently announced the grand opening of Creekside Trading Co. in Columbia. This popular brick-and-mortar retail store, relocated from Leiper’s Fork, showcases local artisan talent in a variety of mediums.
“It was wonderful getting established in Leiper’s Fork, but we are happy to be coming home,” said Matt, a Columbia native.
Creekside Trading Co. carries original art, crafts, gifts, home decor & lighting, antiques, artisan jewelry, leather goods, hats and much more. The shop caters to an eclectic, unique demographic, making a point to offer something for everyone and every price range.

“We are proud to showcase the local artistic talent and are passionate about our role in our local artist community,” Becky said.
Creekside Trading Co. leans toward the extraordinary, with unique, whimsical items shoppers are not likely to find anywhere else.
“We will add more merchandise once we get the feel of the town, and know best how to serve our customers,” Matt insisted. “Part of the fun is learning our new customers and carrying items we know they will love. We are blessed and excited to be able to live and work in Muletown USA!”
​Guests are invited to stop by Creekside Trading Co., at 807 S. Garden Street in Columbia and to meet Matt and Becky Smith and enjoy this new, local shopping opportunity. To explore the shop online, visit www.creeksidetradingcompany.com.

Mt. Pleasant Development (MSM)
Mount Pleasant’s City Commission authorized at its Nov. 19 meeting a development agreement for the Sugar Creek Townhomes, intended to consist of 16 units on Sugar Creek Lane.
As part of the agreement, the city has agreed to waive water access and water tap fees in return for the developer constructing much of the infrastructure needed, including 8-inch water and sewer lines, a 16-inch water line along North Main Street to the Sugar Creek Lane intersection and a sidewalk along Sugar Creek.
City Attorney Kori Bledsoe Jones noted that the city is responsible for the cost of upgrading from 8-inch to a 16-inch line and will pay the developer $32,000 upon completion of the project.
The board also approved adopting the 2024 Maury County Hazard Mitigation Plan and an amendment to the agreement with Barge Design Solutions regarding the wastewater treatment plant.
Delays in construction have now exceeded the contract time the developer had to complete the project, which will require additional oversight by Barge, officials said.
The delay will incur a $212,500 cost to the city.
“The city is required to have engineering oversight, so Barge has to be on site additional time and we have to pay them for that additional time,” Jones said. She noted a “liquidated damages” clause in the contract with the developer that allows for a $1,000 per day fine to the developer for exceeding the timeframe and said officials hope that will cover most of the cost for keeping Barge on site.

Spring Hill AA+ Credit Rating (WilliamsonScene)
Great news from the financial world will have a major impact on improving the quality of life for Spring Hill residents, according to a news relese. 
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, S&P Global Ratings assigned it “AA+” long-term rating to Spring Hill’s $57 million series 2024 general obligation bonds. At the same time, S&P Global Ratings affirmed its “AA+” long-term rating on the City’s debt outstanding. 
S&P also described Spring Hill’s outlook as “stable.” 
As the city of Spring Hill moves forward with several important Capital Improvement Projects, bond proceeds will be able to be used to finance projects such as the Police Department headquarters and Fire Station No. 4, among others. 
“I’m thankful for the hard work of city leadership in securing this high bond rating for Spring Hill,” said Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman. “Spring Hill residents can take this as another sign that the city’s financial future is in great shape and in great hands.“ 
Spring Hill previously made the jump to “AA+” in 2022, a rating it has sustained since. The bonds are a full faith and credit obligation of the city, payable from unlimited ad valorem property taxes. 

And now, news from around the state…
State Senator Arrested (Tennessean)
Tennessee state Sen. Ken Yager was arrested, booked into a Georgia jail Tuesday night and accused of getting into a hit and run while driving under the influence while on vacation on Jekyll Island.
Yager, a Republican from Kingston, is chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus.
Yager is said to have been driving a Ford Edge at the time of his arrest.
A Georgia state trooper arrested Yager at 5:35 p.m. Tuesday, according to an employee at the Glynn County Sheriff's Office Wednesday morning. Glynn County is along the southern part of Georgia's coast.
Yager was on vacation at the time of his arrest, according to a statement from his office.
“An unfortunate incident happened last night. On the advice of my attorney, I cannot discuss the particulars at this time. I am and will continue to cooperate fully with authorities to bring this incident to an appropriate conclusion," Yager said in the statement.
Georgia state troopers were told to look out for a Ford Edge with Tennessee license plates at 5:01 Tuesday night. The vehicle was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run on Jekyll Island, according to a spokesperson for the Georgia State Patrol.
When troopers spotted a matching car in the parking lot of gourmet grocery store Jekyll Market, emergency medical services had already arrived and were evaluating Yager, who had tripped and fallen, the spokesperson said.
Speaking with Yager, troopers noticed “a distinct odor of alcohol on his breath.” He admitted that he had been in a crash earlier but did not know law enforcement was coming, the spokesperson said. Yager agreed to a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer.
Yager was booked at the jail but then released around 2 a.m. Wednesday. According to the sheriff's office employee, Yager was charged with three crimes, which are:
hit and run; duty of driver to stop or return to scene of accident
failure to stop at a stop sign
DUI less safe driver
Under Georgia law, someone can be charged with "DUI less safe" even if their blood alcohol content is below the 0.08 legal limit. The charge comes from a state statute that prohibits driving or being in control of a vehicle while "under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive."
Yager's bond was set at $1,500 for the hit and run charge, which was the highest. His bond was set at $467.70 and $150 for the failure to stop and DUI charges, respectively, according to the sheriff's office employee.
If indicted, Senate ethics rules require Yager to step down from his position as caucus chair, or appeal within 10 days of his indictment to the Ethics Committee for a hearing on whether or not he can keep the position while the indictment is being pursued.
Yager’s district covers Campbell, Clay, Fentress, Macon, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Roane and Scott counties.

Gas Prices (MSM)
Gas prices across Tennessee fell five cents, on average, over last week as 1.8 million Tennesseans were forecast to take a road trip over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.66 which is six cents less expensive than one month ago and 24 cents less than one year ago.   
“Those traveling in Tennessee over Thanksgiving saw the cheapest prices at the gas pump since 2020,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. 
The average price for gasoline on Thanksgiving Day in Tennessee was $2.68 per gallon. That’s 21 cents cheaper than what holiday travelers paid a year ago and 47 cents cheaper than what drivers paid on Thanksgiving Day 2022. 
Tennessee is fifth least-expensive state in nation for gas prices.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Nationally acclaimed comedian and Middle Tennessee native Nate Bargatze announced the “Big Dumb Eyes” World Tour for 2025 on social media.
Stating, “My 2025 Big Dumb Eyes world tour is here! I’m heading back to Europe and a ton of great US cities so make sure to RSVP to your nearest show to get sent the presale code before they go on sale to the public.” The tour will stop in Nashville on December 13, 2025 at Bridgestone Arena. Find tickets at www.natebargatze.com.