Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-12-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for October 12, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Missing Teen (MauryCountySource)

The Columbia Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating 17-year-old Sergio Alexander Moreno, who was reported as a runaway.

Moreno was last seen in the area of School Street, according to police.

He is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information that could help locate Moreno is asked to contact Columbia Police Department Dispatch at 931-388-2727, Maury County Crime Stoppers at 931-381-4900 or Columbia Police SAFE Tips at SafeTips@ColumbiaTN.gov.

Columbia State Opens SRTC First Floor (Press Release)

The Southern Regional Technology Center — a partnership between Columbia State Community College, TCAT Hohenwald and TCAT Pulaski — serves as a regional hub for education and training to meet the needs of both citizens and employers.

Through strong partnerships built around internships, apprenticeships, program development and job placement, pathways include diplomas, technical certificates and associate of applied science degrees. 

“This is the first of three introductions to some of the opportunities that exist within the SRTC,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “We want students and the community to benefit from this facility!”

TriStar Bank Community Room 

The TriStar Bank Community Room serves as a welcoming, versatile space for students, faculty, staff and the community. Featuring modular and moveable furniture, its multipurpose elements mean it can be used as a space to host everything from a student study group to workshops, as well as community gatherings and celebrations. This helps to strengthen ties between Columbia State and the community.

Landmark Ceramics Hall is the first dramatic view of the SRTC as one enters the front door. It features gathering and study spaces complete with beautiful tile that is found throughout the SRTC. It serves as a hub for students, faculty, staff and community members to connect with one another.

Within the Dr. Gary and Zobeida Podgorski Radiology Suite, students gain practical, real-world experience in essential radiology techniques and skills, from imaging procedures to equipment operation, helping them be fully prepared to enter the radiology profession with confidence.

Located in close proximity to the Radiologic Technology program is the Veterinary Technology program, training students to support veterinarians, biomedical researchers and to grow skills necessary for clinical pathology, radiology and surgical assisting within the office/animal hospital setting. The two programs are able to share the X-ray equipment.

Stretching the full length of the building from east to west, the Maury County Government East-West Hall houses state-of-the-art training labs for a variety of programs including Veterinary Technology, Engineering Systems Technology, HVAC, Welding, and Automotive Systems — equipping students across multiple fields. Students have excellent opportunities for employment given the high demand for these skills in the workforce.

The BMC Metalworks, LLC Welding Technology Lab houses state-of-the-art equipment for instruction. It provides necessary hands-on learning using various welding processes such as gas metal arc welding (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), leading to high-demand careers.

Information and assistance are found immediately to the right of the main entrance. There is a large interactive monitor with room locations, campus events and many other helpful directions. Additionally, TCAT Hohenwald, TCAT Pulaski and Columbia State Health Sciences have offices with staff ready to assist. There is also a conference room.

To learn more about the Southern Regional Technology Center, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/SRTC.

Eddie Hickman Honored with Naming (WKOM Audio 2:26)

Maury County Public Schools honored the life and legacy of longtime educator, coach, administrator and former superintendent Edward A. “Eddie” Hickman by officially renaming the Columbia Central High School Event Center in his memory.

The dedication brought together friends and family of the Hickman’s, Maury County Public Schools staff, and the Columbia Breakfast Rotary Club to recognize a man whose career and life were deeply connected to the students, schools, and Maury County community.

A commemorative plaque was also dedicated in Hickman’s honor. The plaque was graciously funded by the Columbia Breakfast Rotary Club in recognition of his lasting contributions to the community and Maury County Public Schools.

“Mr. Hickman’s legacy will forever live on in Maury County Public Schools and in the countless students, educators, coaches, and families whose lives he touched,” said Maury County Public Schools superintendent, Lisa Ventura.  “There could not be a more fitting place to honor his memory than here at Columbia Central High School, a school that meant so much to him and where he served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal. This event center will continue to be a place where students, families and our community come together, making it a fitting and lasting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to serving others.”

Hickman was a product of Maury County Public Schools, graduating from Columbia Central High School in 1969. He began his career in education in 1973 at Hampshire Unit School as a teacher and coach and went on to serve in several schools throughout the district.

In 1988, Hickman returned to Columbia Central High School, where he spent 16 years serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and ultimately principal. His connection to Columbia Central and its students became an important part of a career that would span more than four decades in Maury County Public Schools.

In 2004, Hickman was named Director of Schools for Maury County Public Schools. During his tenure, he worked to strengthen academic and extracurricular programs throughout the district and was known for his hands-on leadership and strong presence at schools and athletic events.

Hickman’s passion for athletics was a defining part of his career. He spent approximately 40 years involved in school sports as a coach, administrator and supporter, emphasizing sportsmanship, discipline, and integrity. He also played an important role in strengthening middle school athletics throughout the district and advocated for opportunities and support for students and staff.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hickman was known for his deep connection to the community he served. He regularly supported school events, fundraising efforts, and community partnerships while advocating for students, educators and programs.

Hickman passed away in April 2026, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, leadership, and service. His influence continues through the generations of students, athletes, and educators whose lives he helped shape.

“This is more than a name on a building,” Ventura said. “It is a reminder of the standard he set through his service, to show up, to lead, to support our students, and to believe in the people around you. We are grateful for the opportunity to preserve that legacy for generations to come.”

With more on the event is Front Porch Radio’s Drake Pugh who spoke to Mr. Hickman’s wife and herself a long-time teacher, Sheila Hickman about the honor bestowed upon her husband…

Maury County Library to Reopen (MSM)

The Maury County Library will cut the ribbon on its renovated main floor at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, celebrating a remodeling project that has been ongoing since October 2025.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett will speak at the ceremony, along with County Mayor Sheila Butt, County Commission Chairman Danny Grooms and Library Director Meghan Cyr.

“We are excited for the Columbia community to join us in seeing the wonderful updates to our library,” said Cyr. “Thanks to a grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development facilitated through South Central Tennessee Development District and matching funds from the County Commission, we have been able to make these much-needed updates to our facility.”

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett will speak at the ceremony, as will County Mayor Sheila Butt, County Commission Chairman Danny Grooms, Library Director Meghan Cyr and other local dignitaries.

The existing library building at 211 West 8th Street was built in 1968, and during a 1994 renovation the Children’s Library was added in the basement. The 2026 renovations to the main level gave the library state-of-the-art technology and new facilities for patrons’ use: a teen center, study rooms, a new classroom, a demonstration kitchen, technology for telehealth appointments, adult education and workforce development classes, and two areas that will accommodate small groups.

The public library grew out of the oldest literary club in Tennessee, which was formed in 1896. Over time the literary club became the Students’ Club and continued to grow, moving from the old Memorial Building to the old Post Office building (the current Memorial Building) to two rooms in the old Columbia Institute.

In 1951, largely through the efforts of the Students’ Club, the library was accredited and became affiliated with the State of Tennessee Library System. Mrs. May Evelyn Bell Stevenson became full-time librarian and Miss Elizabeth Caperton, who had been Students’ Club librarian before the accreditation, served as assistant librarian to the new Maury County Public Library.

Maury Regional Foundation to Host Survivor Lunch (Press Release)

The Maury Regional Health Care Foundation invites breast cancer survivors and community members to come together for a special luncheon celebrating survivorship, connection and hope on October 30 presented by Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) OB-GYN and Plastic Surgery.

The luncheon will be open starting at 11 a.m. at Antrim Celebrations, located at 2759 Pulaski Highway in Columbia with the program beginning at 11:30. The featured speaker, Brenda Frierson, is a 21-year breast cancer survivor who will share her personal journey of hope and survivorship.

Breast cancer survivors in attendance will also receive special recognition as the event celebrates their individual milestones and the community of support surrounding them.

“This event is about celebrating the courage, strength and resilience of breast cancer survivors, as well as the support networks that have stood by them through their journey,” said Foundation Executive Director Rita Thompson. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for making this celebration possible and, through their generosity, helping to provide vital support to more individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis.”

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation’s Breast Center Fund, which provides resources and support for women during and after breast cancer treatment. The fund helps provide comfort items, such as wigs, head coverings, camisoles and lymphedema garments, as well as educational resources and programs designed to enhance care and quality of life.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 4.3 million women in the United States were living with a history of breast cancer as of January 2025. By 2035, that number is projected to grow by approximately 1 million — the largest increase among the 10 most prevalent cancers.

Individual tickets are $40 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. To purchase tickets, learn more about sponsorships or support the Breast Center Fund, visit MauryRegional.com/SurvivorLunch or contact the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation at 931.380.4075. R.S.V.P. by October 16.

Carver-Smith Documentary (Press Release)

Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative (CPJI) is partnering with Columbia State Community College to host a screening of the documentary Carver-Smith: Told by Those Who Lived It. The screening will take place on Thursday, October 15th at 6:00pm in the Ledbetter Auditorium on the Columbia Campus. Admission is free.

The Columbia State History Department and the Office of Belonging and Student Resources will screen this new documentary about Columbia’s historic Black highschool, produced by the Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative and funded in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission.

Columbia Public Works Adds New Trucks (MauryCountySource)

Columbia Public Works has added two new trucks to help improve garbage and leaf collection across the city.

The Columbia City Council recently viewed the new equipment, which includes a front-loading garbage truck and an automated leaf disposal truck.

The 40-cubic-yard garbage truck will be used to empty dumpsters for the city’s commercial sanitation customers. The 25-cubic-yard leaf disposal truck is designed for bulk leaf collection and can be operated by one employee. The driver controls the suction hose from inside the cab while traveling along city routes.

The city said the new equipment will help Public Works operate more efficiently and continue providing essential services to Columbia residents.

CA Alumni/NASA Engineer to Speak (MSM)

Columbia Academy alumnus Dr. Phillip Allen is returning to campus on Tuesday, Oct. 13 as guest speaker for CA’s Science Night – and the community is invited to attend. NASA and space travel enthusiasts can attend to learn more about the recent Artemis II launch and trip around the moon.

Dr. Allen served as the deputy chief engineer for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) program at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. He helped direct approximately 5,000 engineers and providing launch readiness for Artemis II, a flight mission that carried four astronauts around the moon in April.

Artemis II was NASA’s historic 10-day crewed lunar flyby mission that launched on April 1 and returned on April 10. It was the first time humans traveled beyond low Earth orbit and deep into space since Apollo 17 in 1972.

Dr. Allen was the Columbia Academy valedictorian (‘93), and continued his education earning engineering degrees from Freed-Hardeman University, the University of Memphis and Tennessee Technological University.

Now based in Huntsville, Alabama, he’s been working with NASA since 2003, having received numerous honors for his work.

Science Night will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13 starting at 7 p.m. in the Upper School Auditorium.

Maury Alliance Candidate Guide (Press Release)

The Maury County Candidate Guide for the November General election is available now!

This is a great resource for Maury County residents to learn more about the candidates running for:

• Tennessee House - District 64

• Tennessee House - District 71

• Columbia City Mayor

• Columbia Vice Mayor

• Mount Pleasant Commission

Read about each candidate, learn their vision for Columbia, Mount Pleasant, and Maury County, and make an informed decision before Election Day.

View the guide online by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

Just a reminder: early voting is October 4th-October 29th, and election day is Tuesday, November 3rd.

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

Mr. Ronnie Stephen Kelley, 68, a resident of Columbia, died Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville. Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Monday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM at the funeral home.

And now, news from around the state…

Southern Festival of Books (Tennessean)

Kathryn Stockett, recently out with "Calamity Club" nearly 17 years after her smash debut “The Help,” will be among the authors appearing at the 38th annual Southern Festival of Books.

"Nashville has such good energy," Stockett told The Tennessean. "So many creatives come out of Nashville. I grew up riding Tennessee Walkers, so Tennessee holds a very different meaning for me — not as a literary scene, but as somewhere where I rode horses as a girl. I'm excited to get there. I'm sure it's going to be a fantastic event."

Former Tennessee Gov. and U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, whose 10th title is the newly published memoir "The Education of a Senator: From JFK to Trump," will be among the featured writers at the free event planned for Oct. 17 and 18 at Bicentennial Mall, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Tennessee State Library and Archives in Nashville.

The book festival, open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 17, then from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 18, will feature about 175 authors representing an array of genres. The event will feature panel sessions, discussions, book signings and readings. While the festival will include authors from around the world, one commonality that many of the Southern writers share is that their books were inspired by an obsessive interest in a particular aspect of history.

For Stockett, it was a burning desire to understand how women survived and made their own economic choices during the Great Depression in Mississippi. For Tennessee-based writers Jim Emison and Kathy Bingham Turner, it was a desire to understand local legacies related to civil rights activism and family secrets, respectively. They both wrote unique nonfiction books that bring history to life.

When asked why she published the story of how her grandfather faked his own death and ran away to start a new family, Turner said that researching her own history revealed the unique pressures of the time were a relevant part of local history, not just her own family's legacy.

"I think, basically, he was a good human being who was faced with some circumstances that I don't think any of us can understand," she said.

Likewise, Emison said he was inspired to publish his research about the murdered Black activist Elbert Williams, because it is an important part of Tennessee history.

"I didn't want this man to be forgotten," Emison said. "He's a civil rights hero."

For fiction writer Susannah Felts, artistic director of the nonprofit literary organization The Porch, her sophomore novel "The Come Apart" explores the question of what trade-offs are required for musicians and songwriters who lack generational wealth. While the book is fictional, Felts used inspiration from real people and places to explore whether a career in music is worth the emotional strain and financial instability that often comes with it.

When asked about Nashville's literary landscape, Felts told The Tennessean: "The city has been growing so quickly. By virtue of that, the literary scene has expanded and diversified... It's bustling, thriving, better than ever. There is so much going on all the time that it's hard to even keep track. We've got incredible big-name authors right here."

Some of those local writers include Ann Patchett and Margaret Renkl, both of whom are appearing at events during the festival. As for why public spaces and events like the Southern Festival of Books are so important for writers and book lovers alike, Felts said that she is a passionate ambassador for the idea of fostering Music City's "artistic community."

"No matter what kind of artist you are, you need it to some degree, and it can enrich your practice in ways you never imagined," she said.

For the full list of authors, schedule and other details, see sofestofbooks.org.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Downtown Columbia is getting ready for a spooky night of family fun with Haunting in the District, a free trick-or-treating event for kids 12 and under.

The event will take place on Halloween night, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Downtown Columbia. Organizers note that candy will not be handed out before 6 p.m., so families are encouraged to plan accordingly.

The event gives local families a safe, walkable way to celebrate Halloween, with kids able to trick-or-treat their way through downtown businesses and storefronts participating in the festivities.

Businesses and community members interested in taking part can get involved by handing out candy or decorating their storefront for trick-or-treaters. Those interested in participating can call (931) 375-4101 or email ksmith@maurycounty-tn.gov for more information.

Conclusion

That’s all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee Today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOM/WKRM radio. If you ever miss a part or all of this broadcast, you can listen to it anytime or read the transcript online by visiting frontporchradiotn.com. It’s always there for you. I’ll be back tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I’m Tom Price. Thanks for listening! Be safe and have a great day!