Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-14-26
WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for October 14, 2026
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
City Awarded $1Million for Bear Creek Pump Station (Press Release)
The City of Columbia has been awarded an additional $1 million in grant funding from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) through the State Water Infrastructure Grants (SWIG) Program to support improvements to the Bear Creek Pike Pump Station. The funding was awarded through a competitive statewide grant process, underscoring the strength of Columbia’s application and the importance of the Bear Creek Pike Pump Station Project to the community’s long-term infrastructure needs.
The City was originally awarded $4.8 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding through the State of Tennessee for wastewater infrastructure improvements. The additional $1 million competitive SWIG grant award brings the total state funding under the grant contract to $5.8 million, providing additional resources for critical wastewater infrastructure improvements in Columbia.
“Investing in infrastructure is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a City,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “This additional grant award represents another important investment in Columbia’s future and helps ensure we are maintaining the infrastructure necessary to serve our community for years to come.”
The additional $1 million will be directed toward the Bear Creek Pike Pump Station Project. This major infrastructure investment serves portions of downtown Columbia, the Bear Creek corridor, and the interstate area.
“The new Bear Creek Pike Pump Station advances a strategic plan objective established by the City Council in 2022 to protect the long-term integrity and reliability of the City’s sanitary sewer system,” said Assistant City Manager/CFO Thad Jablonski. “From the outset, the City successfully pursued the maximum available grant funding to reduce the financial burden on our ratepayers.”
Over the years, the Bear Creek Pike Pump Station had experienced repeated flooding, creating reliability and maintenance concerns. The City is addressing this by relocating the pump station outside the flood zone and modernizing its equipment.
“Relocating and modernizing this pump station will provide our department with even more reliable, efficient infrastructure,” said Wastewater Department Director Donnie Boshers. “These improvements will strengthen a critical part of our wastewater system and help us continue providing dependable service.”
The improvements will enhance service dependability, increase energy efficiency, and strengthen the overall performance and resiliency of Columbia’s wastewater system. It helps ensure the infrastructure can reliably serve residents and businesses in the community for years to come.
“We appreciate the State of Tennessee for recognizing the importance of this project and providing an additional $1 million grant to help our wastewater system,” said City Manager Tony Massey.
Starlight Sanctuary (WKOM Audio 1:30)
Yesterday, Starlight Sanctuary, a brand new wellness and health sanctuary opened in the heart of Historic Columbia. With more is Front Porch Radio’s Drake Pugh who spoke with proprietor Betty Hall…
Columbia and Spring Hill Agree on Wastewater Deal (Press Release)
The City of Columbia has approved an inter-local agreement with the City of Spring Hill to participate in a mutually beneficial regional wastewater infrastructure project. The project supports both communities while bringing significant revenue and infrastructure investment to Columbia.
“Spring Hill had a need. Columbia answered the call. Both cities will benefit,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “This agreement is a great example of what can be accomplished when local governments work together in a thoughtful and responsible way. Columbia is able to assist a neighboring community while also securing important infrastructure investment that will benefit our residents for years to come.”
Under the agreement, Spring Hill will fund the full $12 million construction and improvement project. Of that investment, $9 million will fund the infrastructure required to connect Spring Hill’s existing wastewater system to the City of Columbia’s wastewater system. Spring Hill will be responsible for funding and maintaining that infrastructure from its existing treatment plant to the point of connection with Columbia. The remaining $3 million will fund upgrades to Columbia’s Carter’s Creek Pike Pump Station.
“This agreement represents a mutually beneficial partnership and an important investment in Columbia’s wastewater infrastructure,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “Mayor Molder is to be recognized for his leadership in identifying an opportunity for Columbia to help a neighboring community. This is truly a sound partnership.”
As part of the agreement, Columbia will accept between 500,000 and 1.5 million gallons of wastewater per day from Spring Hill for treatment. Service will begin only after Columbia’s new wastewater treatment plant and the required pump station improvements are complete.
“This agreement allows the Department to make strategic upgrades to our collection system, allowing us to continue providing good-quality service to our ratepayers and to be good neighbors,” said Wastewater Department Director Donnie Boshers.
Columbia’s new wastewater treatment plant is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in 2027. The new plant will increase the City’s treatment capacity to 17 million gallons per day. The expanded capacity positions Columbia well to enter into this regional partnership and support a neighboring community. It will also generate significant new revenue. Spring Hill is projected to pay the City between $21 million and $62 million over 10 years for wastewater treatment, depending on volume.
This agreement reflects Columbia’s continued commitment to responsible infrastructure planning, regional cooperation, and partnerships that create long-term value for the community.
Titans Kid’s Captain (Press Release)
Battle Creek Middle School sixth grader Jackson Gorman from Spring Hill, Tenn., was selected as the winner of Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee’s 17th annual Tennessee Titans’ Kids Captain contest. The 11-year-old had a moment to remember Sunday as he stood alongside Tennessee Titans captains at midfield for the pregame coin toss ahead of the team’s matchup with the Houston Texans.
The experience was part of the Titans’ Kids Captain contest, which gives young fans ages 6 through 12 years old the unique opportunity to receive four lower-bowl tickets, a parking pass, a red Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee cap, an official Titans jersey, and the rare chance to step onto the field as an honorary captain.
With a funny, hardworking, and determined attitude, 11-year-old Jackson loves everything sports-related. He is a multi-sport athlete who enjoys playing basketball, wrestling, and track; but football is a huge part of his heart. Getting to experience an NFL game from the field will be an unforgettable experience for him, as Jackson’s dream is to be a professional linebacker. Off the field, he’s just as passionate, whether he’s collecting sports cards, following football, or cheering on his favorite teams.
Known for his big personality and kind heart, Jackson has a unique ability to make people laugh while ensuring everyone around him feels welcome and included. Whether he’s cracking a joke, lending a helping hand, or enjoying his favorite sour candy, Jackson brings enthusiasm and positivity wherever he goes.
“Winning means the world to Jackson! Football is such a huge part of his life, and getting the chance to be on the field at the Titans game was an experience he will never forget” said his mother, Emily Gorman, “He works so hard and has big dreams of being in the NFL, so getting to experience this side of the game was incredibly special to him!”
“Jackson’s enthusiasm for football was contagious, and it was a joy to see how excited he was about being a Titans Kids Captain,” said Daniel Bray, a Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee agent in White County. “At Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, we’re proud to celebrate young people like Jackson and support the families and communities we serve."
From now through December, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee will choose five more winners to be a Kids Captain for each of the following home games:
• Nov. 15 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
• Dec. 6 vs. Washington Commanders
• Dec. 20 vs. Indianapolis Colts
• Jan. 3 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Contest entries open three weeks prior to the Titans’ home football games listed above, and contestants can enter to win anytime throughout the fall season. Entrants must be residents of Tennessee, be ages 6 through 12, and have parental consent to participate. Winners will be notified approximately two weeks before their assigned game and must respond within 24 hours to claim their opportunity to shine on the field.
Entries for the next game, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, can be submitted here:
Harvey Park Playground Reopening (MauryCountySource)
Spring Hill families will have a new place to play and gather when Harvey Park Playground officially reopens Friday, Oct. 16.
The community is invited to celebrate the reopening beginning at 4 p.m., with Spring Hill Parks and Recreation bringing music and fun to mark the occasion.
The reopening offers families an opportunity to visit the playground, enjoy the festivities and spend time together at Harvey Park.
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.
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…
Mrs. Wilma Ruth Sparkman Ford, 91, died Saturday at Brookdale Senior Living. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
Mrs. Camille Wyman Allen, 79, formerly of Columbia, passed away on October 8. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 16 at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Camille will be laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery in Franklin.
Mrs. Nancy Susan Cromwell Wiser, 80, a longtime resident of Columbia died Friday, October 9, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center. A memorial service will be conducted Friday, October 23, at 5:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the funeral home.
Patricia Lou Spencer Hill passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, in Columbia.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, October 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM at South Gate Church of Christ. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.
And now, news from around the state…
Gubernatorial Candidates to Debate (Tennessean)
The Tennessee Press Association will hold a livestreamed gubernatorial forum on Oct. 27 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TPA President Dave Gould recently announced.
Republican nominee U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Democratic nominee and Memphis City Councilmember Jerri Green and independent candidates David Hatley and Columbian Lauren Pinkston have been invited to participate. Green, Hatley and Pinkston have confirmed, according to the news release.
The livestreamed event is not open to attend in person and is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Murfreesboro University.
“Members of the press have a duty and public service to inform Tennesseans about government and public affairs, including elections," Gould said in the release. "This is the first time in eight years Tennessee voters will elect a new governor, and it’s important the public hear from the major candidates in an open forum.”
The forum will be held in a studio setting and live streamed by a student-led video production team in the Department of Media Arts at MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, the TPA news release added.
The event will be live streamed by Tennessee Press Association member newspapers throughout the entire state.
The news release also notes that the gubernatorial forum is not tied to any of the campaigns.
Founded in 1870, the Tennessee Press Association represents more than 133 print and digital news outlets across the state.
MTSU has an enrollment of about 21,000 students.
The university provides office space for the national Free Speech Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy center dedicated to building understanding of the First Amendment through education, information and engagement, the news release added.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
The Halloween Haunted Trail is coming to Mount Pleasant on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 4 to 6 pm. The Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation Department will host the free family event on the walking trail in front of the Community Center, with help from local businesses, churches, and community groups. Families can expect candy, costumes, and a People’s Choice chili cook-off.
The trail is located at the walking trail in front of the Mount Pleasant Community Center, 501 Gray Lane, Mount Pleasant, Tennessee 38474.
The event is designed for all ages, with a focus on family fun and plenty of laughs.
Visitors will be able to sample chili from local cooks as part of the Chili Cook-Off Contest. Attendees will vote to choose this year’s People’s Choice winner, so everyone who tastes gets a say in the results.
Event details and updates are available on the Halloween Haunted Trail Facebook event page.
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