Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 1-6-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for January 6, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Chimney Fire (MauryCountySource)

Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire Sunday night after flames were spotted coming from a chimney at a home along Rock Springs Road.

According to the Maury County Fire Department, units were dispatched at 9:03 p.m. on January 4, 2026. Responding crews included Engines 21 and 30, Tankers 21 and 23, Brush 32, Truck 21, and District 24.

Engine 30 arrived to find fire showing from the top of the chimney, with framing around the flue pipe and vinyl siding involved. Truck 21 laddered the home, and firefighters advanced a hand line up the ladder, quickly bringing the fire under control.

Maury Alliance Looks To 2026 Growth (CDH)

Maury County is poised to enter 2026 with an active roster of projects, with nearly 400 new jobs anticipated, according to The Maury Chamber & Economic Alliance's latest report.

Maury Alliance President Wil Evans presented the company's quarterly report to Columbia City Council, which he said totals to approximately $373 million in capital investments.

One trend for 2025 has also been more businesses choosing to relocate to the county, or approximately 59% compared to 41% expansions of existing businesses.

"That has gone up a little bit but is still way above the trend that we've seen over the last few years where we've seen 80% of our pipeline be new businesses as opposed to existing industries looking to expand," Evans said.

The cost of living, according to third-quarter 2025 numbers, showed a decrease overall, though Evans said "the trend tends to ebb and flow with the national average."

Unemployment remains between 3-4% overall, which Evans said has been the trend, though the numbers could change due to the temporary shutdown at General Motors in Spring Hill, which is estimated to put about 700 employees out of work as the facility revamps its manufacturing from January to May of 2026.

"We are still hovering around that 3-4% where we have been over the last few years, and we will continue to monitor that trend closely with some of the news we have heard in Spring Hill," Evans said.

Evans also said Maury Alliance's finances have exceeded its goals, showing a 22% increase in its budget funding for economic development.

"The city of Columbia is a generous investor in the work we do for economic development in the community," Evans said. "We have just over $1.1 million in annual commitment to fund our work over the next five years. We did exceed our goal of $1 million annually but have a couple more [investors] that may come on toward the very end."

The year 2025 also launched Maury Alliance's Advanced Manufacturing Industry Council, which Evans said consists of members in the manufacturing industry to "better identify opportunities to create better alignment and programming to help the workforce."

Maury Alliance also created its own Health Care Council this year.

"If you look at the business sectors in Maury County, manufacturing and health care are two of the largest sectors," Evans said. "Those are the first groups we wanted to stand up with our Align Maury program."

Evans said Maury Alliance exceeded its five-year fundraising goal entering 2026, which has set up other opportunities for the organization as part of its Cohesive Community Vision.

"There is a lot of growth going on in the county, which is great, but we understand there is a lot of different concerns and issues that are a result of that," Evans said.

"We see ourselves as sort of that neutral catalyst that really brings the community together, to get everybody on the same page and really try to develop a true vision for where we want to move forward as a community as a whole.

"That's really going to drive our work to make sure the work we are doing to grow the economy is in line with the community. That's a really big focus for us."

Clement Speaks at CSCC (Press Release)

Former U.S. Representative from Tennessee Robert “Bob” Clement and Zacharie Kinslow, executive director of the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum, recently spoke to a Columbia State history class about the legacy of former Governor Frank Clement and his impact on community colleges in the state.

Kinslow, a former Columbia State adjunct instructor of history and a Columbia State alum, began the talk by summarizing how Frank Clement, the 41st governor of Tennessee, moved the once primarily agriculture-driven economy of the state to one driven by industry and manufacturing. With the changing landscape, Clement also believed the state needed to expand access to higher education offerings, especially for adults already in the workforce. This led to him reaching out to then-Education Commissioner J. Howard Warf, who helped to create Tennessee’s community college system, began with Columbia State in 1966.

Both Clement and Warf became the namesake for two buildings on Columbia State’s campus.   

During his time in office, Clement also became the first governor in the South to veto a segregation bill, as well as overseeing the integration of public schools statewide, beginning with Clinton High School.

After seeing the need for better access to educational materials in his hometown of Dickson, Clement moved to give free access to textbooks for all K-12 public school students in Tennessee.  

Bob Clement spoke about his memories and legacy that his father, Frank Clement, who, after first being elected to the governor’s office at 32 years old and serving 10 years, was a driven man. Bob Clement said that drive and determination toward a goal in life are also something students should strive for.

“At age 16, can you imagine, he'd tell his friends, ‘I'm going to be governor of Tennessee one day’,” Clement said. “I'm sure some of them laughed. ‘Sure, that's not going to happen,’ but he would say that on a regular, continuing basis. And everything he said and did from the time he was age 16, toward that one objective, at 32, was toward that goal. And at age 32, he was elected governor of Tennessee, and that's why I challenge all of you in this room, if you can, to make a decision on what you want to do in your life. Ask, ‘What difference do I want to make in my life?’ And the better off you will be.”

Clement, who served 15 years in Congress and held roles in the Tennessee Army National Guard and as president of Cumberland University, also offered personal advice for students who are still uncertain about their career paths.

“I know for myself, I've had seven career changes in my life,” he said.” Now, I'm not talking about job changes, I'm talking about career changes, and you're going to have that happen to you as well, but I accepted it as a challenge. I learned a lot of new things.”

When asked by a student how it feels when people speak about his life’s work while he’s in the room, Clement expressed gratitude for his career and what his philosophy on life is.

“I've accomplished a lot, thank God, and been blessed,” he said. “And I keep moving forward. But I've had it at times, real tough, too. Honestly, I think you learn more through adversity than you do through success. But when it's going along, you think you've done everything right, when you do something wrong, you sometimes think everything you've done is wrong, which is not correct either. But I do think you have to take chances at times in life to get ahead, and sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn’t.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Clement for sharing his life story with my Tennessee History class,” said Emily Senefeld, Columbia State instructor of history. “He truly embodies the connection between the past we have studied and the present day. With Columbia State celebrating its 60th anniversary, it is also a fitting time to reflect on Governor Frank Clement's legacy in establishing Tennessee's first community college.”

“Congressman Clement is a great friend to Columbia State and to everyone in the state of Tennessee,” said Dr. Barry Gidcomb, Columbia State dean of the Humanities and Social Sciences Division and professor of history. “Like his father, he has dedicated his life to public service and making the lives of all Tennesseans better.”

For more information on Columbia State’s history and political science programs, please visit our website www.ColumbiaState.edu/academics/humanities-and-social-sciences.

Rep. Cepicky Calls for Presidential Fitness Test (CDH)

Tennessee students might soon find themselves running, stretching and competing for the iconic Presidential Fitness Award once again.

State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, filed House Bill 1466 to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test to public schools across Tennessee, according to a Dec. 19 legislative press release.

The proposal follows a July 31 executive order by President Donald Trump reviving the long-dormant national fitness assessment, which was established in 1956 and discontinued in the 2012-13 school year.

"Physical fitness is vital to improving the well-being of children across the Volunteer State," Cepicky said in the announcement. "Students will once again get to experience the healthy competition and patriotism associated with the time-honored Presidential Fitness Test."

The Presidential Fitness Test was introduced by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 and became a rite of passage for generations of American students. The test typically included a one-mile run, pull-ups or push-ups, sit-ups, a shuttle run and a sit-and-reach flexibility test.

Students can receive the Presidential Fitness Award if they meet the parameters set forth by the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.

Under the proposed legislation, the Tennessee Department of Education will provide guidance to local education agencies and public charter schools on the requirements associated with the test. Performance on the test will not negatively impact a student's grade in any class, and students with an individualized education program (IEP) will be provided with reasonable accommodations and will not be required to test if they are unable to do so safely.

Nearly 40% of Tennessee students were overweight or obese in the 2023-24 academic year, according to a report from the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee Department of Education.

"President Trump wants every young American to have the opportunity to emphasize healthy, active lifestyles -- creating a culture of strength and excellence for years to come," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in July.

Cepicky passed a new law in May to increase recess time for Tennessee students from 15 minutes per day to at least 40, promoting a more productive school day and encouraging additional physical activity.

The second session of the 114th General Assembly begins Jan. 13.

Maury Regional Recognized (MSM)

Maury Regional Medical Center has been recognized among the top hospitals in the nation and state for medical excellence and patient safety in the 2026 CareChex® Awards by Quantros.

The hospital received eight 2026 CareChex® award rankings, including top 10 percent in the nation for medical excellence in spinal fusion and spinal surgery and No. 1 in Tennessee for patient safety in cardiac care.

“These recognitions highlight the outstanding commitment and expertise of our physicians, nurses and care teams,” CEO Martin Chaney, MD, said. “We take great pride in providing safe, seamless and exceptional, patient-centered care to our community and are honored to be ranked among the top hospitals in both Tennessee and the United States in the awards we received.”

Maury Regional Medical Center’s 2026 CareChex® Awards for medical excellence include:

• Cancer Care – Top 100 in the nation, Top 10 percent in the state

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – Top 10 percent in the state

• Heart Failure Treatment – Top 100 in the nation, Top 10 percent in the state

• Spinal Fusion – Top 100 in the nation, Top 10 percent in the nation

• Spinal Surgery – Top 100 in the nation, Top 10 percent in the nation, No. 1 in the state

MRMC’s 2026 CareChex® Awards for patient safety include:

• Cardiac Care – Top 100 in the nation, No. 1 in the state, Top 10 percent in the state, No. 1 in the market

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – Top 10 percent in the state

• Heart Failure Treatment – Top 100 in the nation, Top 10 percent in the state

Since 2009, the CareChex Awards, powered by Quantros, has recognized hospital systems across the nation for their performance based on measurable patient quality outcomes. The methodology of the scoring system is based on objective quality outcomes comparing inpatient performance across general, acute and non-federal hospitals.

Maury Regional offers an array of services in cardiology, orthopedics and cancer treatment as well as advanced services in other areas of specialty care. To learn more about the services Maury Regional Medical Center provides, visit MauryRegional.com/OurServices.

In other Maury Regional News, Rebecca Brady, FNP-BC, has joined Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) and will provide primary care services at MRMG PrimeCare Clinic.

Brady received her bachelor’s degree from American Sentinel University in Aurora, Col. She received her master’s degree in nursing from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.

PrimeCare Clinic offers primary care and behavioral health services and is located at 854 West James Campbell Boulevard, Suite 301, in Columbia. The practice hours are Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Additional PrimeCare providers include: Christian Maurer, MD;  Josefine Luna, PA-C; Miranda Wood, PA-C; Schelby Blair; PMHNP;  Theresa Norris, PMHNP-BC, BSW and Margaret Rivers, LCSW.

For more information, call 931.540.4140 or visit MauryRegional.com/PrimeCare.

Old Stone Creamery Received Funding (MSM)

Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt has announced that a Maury County dairy operation is among the latest recipients of funding through the Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF). 

Old Stone Creamery was recently announced as a recipient of AEF funding, which supports projects that grow Tennessee agriculture by increasing farm income, expanding markets, boosting capacity or advancing innovation. The program helps farmers and agricultural businesses add value to their operations and reach new opportunities.

“These AEF recipients are getting the tools they need to strengthen their operations and their communities,” Holt said. “By investing in these farm and forest businesses, we’re continuing our work to expand economic opportunity and support agricultural development across Tennessee.”

For eligibility requirements and application details, visit Agricultural Enterprise Fund, TN Department of Agriculture. The next AEF application deadline is Jan. 10, 2026.

Maury Alliance Annual Meeting (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance on Thursday, January 29th, for their most anticipated event of the year, the Maury Alliance Annual Meeting! Celebrate the successes of 2025, honor the transition of their volunteer leadership, and discover their exciting strategic goals for 2026.—all while continuing to commemorate over 100 years of growth, innovation, and community impact in Maury County.  

Enjoy an evening filled with entertainment and networking celebrating business and industry in Maury County with a social hour, elegant dinner and live music.

Purchase tickets now to guarantee a seat at Maury Alliance’s biggest event of the year.

Registration will close January 19 at 5:00 pm. 

Get tickets and learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…

Eleanor Beauchamp Morgan, age 96, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026.

A Graveside service will be held January 31, 2026 at 4:30 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery in Columbia, TN with Rev. Chris Bowhay officiating. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Glenda South Lunn, 82, died Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Country Cottages in Lawrenceburg, TN.

A graveside memorial service will be conducted Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Kinnard Cemetery on Clara Mathis Road in Spring Hill, TN. The family will visit with friends at the cemetery. 

Now, news from around the state…

Franklin To Expand Police Force (Tennessean)

The city of Franklin has plans for continued expansion into 2026.

To that end, the Franklin Police Department has announced it is again accepting applications for new officers through Jan. 9.

“We’re looking for men and women who want to serve a city that truly stands behind its police department. Our officers are supported, valued, and given every opportunity to succeed,” Chief Deb Faulkner said in prepared statements.

The new announcement comes after the department welcomed its largest recruitment class in history in 2025.

In August, 14 officers from across the nation joined Franklin PD as part of that class.

As with the last cohort, the City of Franklin is promising competitive salaries for officers who wish to join the ranks.

Salaries will start at $65,000 for those without certification.

Lateral candidates with P.O.S.T. certification will start at $68,000.

Franklin officials did not specify how many officers they planned to hire during this campaign. However, the department did say there was the potential for advancement into specialty units like SWAT, criminal investigations, traffic, dive and swiftwater, crisis negotiation, forensic services and honor guard.

“If you want to be part of a department that trains hard, serves with heart, and is backed every single day by its community, Franklin is the place to be,” Faulkner said in the statement. “We are excited to welcome the next generation of officers.”

Franklin announced its first hiring campaign in April and, much like this time around, outlined a strict timeline for application.

During that campaign, the department saw almost 200 people apply, Faulkner said, adding that it shows "just how special this department is.”

Before the April campaign, Franklin PD employed 143 officers. The force is considered average for the size of the population it serves, figures show.

Lebanon in Wilson County, of similar size to Franklin, employs about 140 officers.

Murfreesboro, in nearby Rutherford County, employs about 177.

At the time the new hires were announced, Faulkner said some of the candidates came from other agencies, including the Lewisburg Police Department, Columbia (TN) Police Department, Brentwood (TN) Police Department, New York City Transit Police and Sewanee Police Department. 

And the hiring push didn't end there.

In November, Franklin announced it would be hiring its first victim services coordinator as it makes "an effort to strengthen ... support and care for victims and witnesses of crime and traumatic events."

“Supporting victims of crime is a responsibility we take very seriously,” Faulkner said in prepared statements at that time. “This position reinforces our commitment to compassionate policing and ensures that individuals experiencing trauma receive the care, dignity, and guidance they deserve. Bringing a Victim Services Coordinator onto our team is essential to delivering the level of service our community expects.”

The position was expected to be hired as a full-time role and report directly to Faulkner. As of press time for this story, the role remained open but the application period had closed.

Other area agencies, like Metro Nashville Police, have a dedicated person or office available to help with victim services.

Franklin's creation of the role reflects a growing priority among law enforcement agencies nationwide to strengthen victim advocacy, trauma-informed response, and holistic services for those impacted by crime, the department said in November.

Anyone interested in joining the Franklin Police Department as part of the new officer cohort must apply before the January deadline. To learn more or submit an application, visit FranklinTN.gov/Jobs.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Fans of Neil Diamond will have a chance to celebrate the legendary singer’s birthday with a live tribute concert coming to downtown Columbia later this month.

Twilight Train: Nashville’s Ultimate Neil Diamond Tribute is set for Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at The Mulehouse. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show beginning at 8 p.m.

The performance will feature Richard Jacques, who was nominated in 2025 as Tribute Artist of the Year by the Josie Music Awards. Jacques will be joined by an all-star group of Nashville musicians and vocalists.

Organizers say the concert is designed as both a birthday celebration and a nostalgic night of music, highlighting decades of songs that have become staples across generations.

The Mulehouse is located in downtown Columbia. Tickets are available for purchase in advance, with a limit of 15 tickets per customer. You can find them at www.themulehouse.com.