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Statewide Operation Targets Speeding and Distracted Driving on I-65 This Saturday

Issue #405

April 11, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌨️ Columbia’s Weather - Light rain with high of 58 & low of 38

📰 Statewide Operation Targets Speeding and Distracted Driving on I-65 This Saturday 

📰 Spring Hill Municipal Election Results

📰 General Motors to End Production of Cadillac XT6 Sooner Than Expected

📌 Tonight: Cruisin’ The Co-Op

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, April 11th

Saturday, April 12th

Sunday, April 13th

Monday, April 14th

Tuesday, April 15th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

April 19: Columbia Cars & Coffee 
April 19: Big Bleu Pickin’ Party

Statewide Operation Targets Speeding and Distracted Driving on I-65 This Saturday 

From SHPDnews.com…

On Saturday, April 12th, State and Local Law Enforcement agencies will partner with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) for “Operation Impact I-65” to reduce traffic fatalities on Interstate 65. From midnight on April 12 until 11:59 p.m., state troopers, deputies, and officers will increase traffic enforcement from the Kentucky-Tennessee state line to the Tennessee-Alabama state line. Agencies will crack down on distracted driving, speeding, seat belt use, impaired driving, and other hazardous moving violations.

In 2024, the Spring Hill Police Department investigated 145 wrecks on I-65, with 21 of those being injury crashes.

Lieutenant Michael Foster says, “By uniting the efforts of state and local law enforcement, we can create a stronger, more effective strategy to combat traffic fatalities on I-65. This partnership allows for better coordination, enhanced visibility, and a shared commitment to the safety of all travelers. Together, we will implement targeted enforcement and community education efforts to reduce wrecks and save lives.”

The THSO provides grant funding to support State and Local agencies for increased enforcement during this campaign. For more information about the THSO, please visit http://www.tntrafficsafety.org.

Spring Hill Municipal Election Results

From City of Spring Hill - Municipal Government’s post…

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS: Here are the unofficial results for the 2025 Spring Hill Election.

Congratulations to Mayor-Elect Matt Fitterer and to the winners of the four Alderman seats: Alex Jimenez, Jamiee Davis, Erinn Hartwell, and Trent Linville! 

You can find the full unofficial results below.

MAYOR

Matt Fitterer: 1,717
Jim Hagaman: 1,318
John Canepari: 255
Rick J. McCreadie: 193

WARD 1 ALDERMAN

Alex Jimenez: 1,790
Teri Mai: 1,098

WARD 2 ALDERMAN

Jamiee Davis: 1,171
William Pomeroy: 1,077
Greg Groninger: 509
Scott Wernert: 344

WARD 3 ALDERMAN

Erinn Hartwell: 1,593
Diane Cochran: 1,206

WARD 4 ALDERMAN

Trent Linville: 2,046
Kimberly Hughes: 1,008

These results are scheduled to be certified next week.

General Motors to End Production of Cadillac XT6 Sooner Than Expected

General Motors has announced an accelerated timeline for ending production of the gas-powered Cadillac XT6 SUV, while extending the lifespan of the smaller XT5 model through 2026 due to continued strong demand. The update was shared with employees at GM’s Spring Hill Assembly plant in Tennessee via an internal memo.

The Cadillac XT6, a three-row SUV introduced in 2020, was originally positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Escalade, targeting buyers with annual household incomes over $200,000. However, its production will now be replaced by the all-electric Cadillac Vistiq, a six-row EV that reflects GM’s evolving commitment to electrification.

Spring Hill Assembly will undergo scheduled downtime the week of May 12 as part of this transition, with select workers expected to report as needed. The memo praised the plant’s adaptability and the team’s ability to respond to changing market needs.

GM confirmed that it has introduced six new models in the past year, including the Escalade IQ, Escalade MCM, Optiq, Vistiq, Lyriq-V, and the updated CT5. These vehicles represent the future direction of the Cadillac brand, focusing on electric and performance options in key luxury segments.

Despite the push toward EVs, Cadillac will continue producing the XT5—its smaller, five-seat SUV—until 2026. Originally planned to end in August 2025, the XT5 has shown enough sustained demand to warrant the extension.

The Spring Hill facility, which spans 11 million square feet and sits on 2,100 acres, is capable of building both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles. Alongside the XT6, the plant also produces the all-electric Cadillac Lyriq.

The Vistiq, starting at approximately $78,790, is significantly more expensive than the XT6, which starts at about $52,590. While Cadillac hopes to transition XT6 buyers to the electric Vistiq, the price difference—particularly in lease payments—has raised concerns among some dealers.

Dealerships in markets where EV adoption has been slower are worried that customers may turn to other brands rather than upgrade to the more expensive electric model. Some industry insiders believe the abrupt shift away from gas-powered options could impact Cadillac’s competitiveness in the luxury SUV space.

Tonight: Cruisin’ The Co-Op

Cruisin' the Co-op is back with our monthly car show series, running from April through October! 

Check out a stunning lineup of classic cars, savor delicious food from local food trucks, and enjoy a fun, family-friendly vibe. And the best part? It's completely free! 

Bring your friends and family for an afternoon filled with cars, food, and great times!

975 Riverview Ln
5:00 PM -8:00 PM

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, April 11th

Mike Peters, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
ATA Artists Showcase, Just Love Coffee - Spring Hill, 6 PM
Garrett Boys, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM

Saturday, April 12th

Sean Carson, Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
Box of Rox, Amber Falls Winery, 3-7 PM
Lydia Rae, Buck & Board, 5-8 PM
Spoken, New Song Church (2585 Zion Rd), 6 PM
Scotty Morton, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Boomerang, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Tough Enough, The Boondox, 8-11 PM

Sunday, April 13th

John Salaway & Raw Radick, Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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