Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-15-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for October 15, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Train Derailment (CDH/WKOM Audio .40)

Columbia Academy was forced to evacuate students and faculty after a train derailed off its tracks at West 7th Street and Trotwood Avenue at approximately 11:33 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Emergency crews worked throughout the day to clear up the scene.

Columbia Fire Chief Chris Cummins said most of the train cars, many of which were designed for transporting automobiles, were empty at the time of the derailment. However, the train was also carrying a propane tank which had dislodged, though no leaks were reported. This prompted the nearby school to evacuate at about 1 p.m.

At about 11:50 a.m., emergency responders established a unified command with units from Columbia Fire & Rescue, Columbia Police Department, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Maury County 911, Maury County Office of Emergency Management, Patriot Railroad, Maury County Schools, Maury County EMS, VNP, CSX and Tennessee Highway Patrol, Cummins said.

"The scene is stabilized with no leaks or hazardous materials going on, and so we are developing a plan to set the propane tanker back up on its trucks," Cummins said at a press conference following the incident. "It's just sitting off of the trucks, not flipped over. Just derailed ...

"The propane tanker just has residual pressure, and so very little propane left in it and is considered empty."

The incident also caused all lanes of West 7th to remain closed, which later reopened shortly before 3 p.m.

"The only thing that is shut down now is Trotwood, and people can look to social media to see alternate routes to get around everything," Cummins said. "We will be working over the next 12 hours to mitigate this incident. We are mainly just concerned about the one propane tank sitting off of its trucks."

No injuries were reported at the time of the incident, Cummins added, but he expects crews to be working through the night and into Wednesday.

"Everybody is safe and accounted for," Cummins said. "The situation is safe with no leaks and no injuries, and we are taking a very slow and methodical process to mitigate this incident," Cummins said.

The direct cause of the incident is still under investigation, though Cummins said initial reports indicate it could have been a malfunctioning rail where the train would have switched tracks.

"Our trains in this area are all low-speed trains, and so we really don't have many train derailments," Cummins said. "But where it jumps the tracks, if you are going to have a derailment that's where it would probably happen. It's a train derailment, but a low-speed derailment."

As of this morning, the propane car was put upright and Columbia Academy will be open.

Pipeline Solution Cost Prohibitive (CDH)

Constructing a pipeline from the Cumberland River to Columbia appears to be an unrealistic solution to Maury County's water needs, following a recent letter issued by the Mallory Valley Utility District.

The proposed project's comprehensive study, conducted by Mallory Valley in partnership with Columbia Power & Water Systems, Spring Hill, Mt. Pleasant and Maury County Water, determined such factors as cost, an estimated timeline and long-term required maintenance, if it were to be pursued.

However, on Friday, Sept. 26, Mallory Valley Utility District General Manager Jenny Clarke sent an email to the participating entities expressing that recent conflicting interests have rendered the pipeline project "non-viable".

The reason, she wrote, was due to the issue becoming "too political," and less about how such a project would affect customers.

She explained that during a recent presentation to the Duck River Planning Partnership's subcommittee, "a surprising and concerning situation arose."

"The subcommittee chair, Randal Braker, explained that he had been personally informed by key outside stakeholders that they had privately and recently expressed positions to him that would render our project non-viable," she said.

"The information presented by Mr. Braker directly contradicts what those entities have told us in conversations, in meetings, and what we have included in our study. We were shocked by the information presented in the meeting and told the committee that we would have follow up conversations to confirm his statements."

Clarke continued saying a successful, viable solution would require "a unified purpose" and a shared consensus, stating, "Without that common ground, our project—or any other under this framework—will be difficult."

"Unfortunately, as conversations about possible solutions to the region's water supply have increased, the issue has become increasingly political, seemingly at the expense of our good-faith efforts," Clarke stated in the email. "The actions of certain partners, who are openly attempting to discredit our viable options to advance their own solution, have created an environment that we believe is neither productive nor trustworthy. We will not engage in anything other than transparent, honest, and accurate conversations about how we can work together to help our communities."

The purpose of the study is to explore a long-term solution, she said.

"Our comprehensive study was designed to provide a complete picture of a long-term water solution, from the water's source and treatment to its transmission and long-term maintenance costs and ultimately addressing long-term water needs," Clarke wrote.

"We want to exemplify 'utilities helping utilities' and be a model that our citizens and leaders can be proud of and replicate elsewhere."

CPWS CEO Johnathan Hardin told The Daily Herald the letter is not necessarily Mallory Valley's resignation from the partnership, but that other options should be pursued, and that in the end "it is about the rate payers."

"The letter is reminding everyone that conversations should be centered around rate payers and what keeps rates the lowest, making sure due diligence and rigor uncover what is best for our rate payers, because those are the most important people we serve," Hardin said. "I think a lot of folks realize that an idea like the Cumberland pipeline could pay dividends down the road, but it's not something that can meet needs within the next three years,

And even if the pipeline project doesn't seem likely, at least in the short-term, the study itself could prove useful in the future as the information will be readily available for planning purposes.

"When you learn to pump water across great distances like from the Cumberland down to here, what you learn is applicable in any direction you end up going," Hardin said.

"When you learn to pump water over a hill, you've learned how to pump water over any hill. You are learning things that inform what's most effective to use, as well as being mindful of cost, and when you solve a technical challenge that's not wasted knowledge, but important knowledge we will have forever. What we learned coming from the Cumberland could also be applied to the Tennessee River, or some other water source."

The pipeline, while a potential solution to Maury County and Southern Middle Tennessee's increasing water needs, the project had also drawn many concerns from opposing sides calling for another option to be considered.

One of these voices is the nonprofit grassroots group Columbia Dam Now, who has been actively pursuing efforts to revitalize the long-abandoned Columbia Dam project, which was halted in the 1980s and fully dismantled by 1999.

"When the Mallory Valley Ulitilty District feasibility study came back, it was at a cost of $1.7-$1.9 billion," Columbia Dam Now founder Jason Gilliam said. "The reason there was a lack of interest is, like I have been saying for the last five months or so, it is too expensive and we are not going to be able to afford it. That pipeline option is not going to happen, and for obvious reasons."

CommUNITY Event (MSM)

City and county municipal personnel put on the annual Maury County CommUNITY event on Sept. 30. Workers representing law enforcement (Maury County Sheriff’s and Columbia Police Departments), emergency response (including Maury and Columbia Fire), and municipal (including Columbia’s solid waste and Public Works) departments brought out their vehicles and equipment for the appreciation and enjoyment of about 200 members of the community. They also fed the attendees.

“Our CommUNITY event is to give back and show our appreciation for the support we get. It is also a way for the CommUNITY to come out and get to know their local emergency services and community partners is a fun relaxed atmosphere,” Officer Jennifer Dalton of Columbia Police said. “It was a very successful event.

Maury County Library to Close for Renovations (MSM)

The Maury County Library Board announced that they were “thrilled” to start renovating their Columbia branch on October 20. The library will be closed temporarily as the facility gets overhauled.

“While we know you’ll miss having access to our current facility, we’re confident that the wait will be worthwhile,” said Library Director Meghan Cyr in a public statement. “We’re not just updating our space — we’re reimagining what a modern library can be for our community.”

The renovated library will include expanded technology offerings and a number of new facilities. No information was released concerning how long the library will be closed.

Some of the new facilities include:

• Private study rooms for work and research.

• A Teen Center where young people can collaborate on shared projects.

• A state-of-the-art Learning Classroom intended for workshops, tutoring, computer classes and community education.

• A Demo Kitchen for cooking classes, nutrition workshops and culinary programs for all ages and skill levels.

During the closure, the Columbia branch will continue offering many of its regular services. Customers can pick up physical resources after putting them on hold via the phone or e-catalog; digital resources, e-books and audiobooks are constantly available, and library account info can be updated online. Library programs will continue off-site, at locations published in their online calendar.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding during this exciting transition,” Cyr said. “We’ll keep you updated on our progress and announce our grand reopening date as soon as it’s confirmed.”

Spring Hill Hires Water Engineer (MSM)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the selection of Carollo Engineers, Inc. to provide engineering services for the city’s Advanced Purification Pilot Project. 

Carollo Engineers will oversee design, construction and operations phases to ensure the project meets the city’s water infrastructure needs. According to the proposed scope of work, the project will span approximately 41 months, including design, 18 months of construction, 12 months for pilot commissioning and operation, one month for salinity verification and one month of final reporting and review process. 

The project will be funded by Spring Hill Water and is not to exceed $1,804,895 in costs. 

The board also moved forward with approving a resolution supporting Williamson County’s request to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) for signalization improvements along 1-840.

The request seeks prioritizing of signals at I-840/Nolensville Road and I-840/ Lewisburg Pike, which are areas TDOT previously studied and identified that needed traffic measures. 

This has led to public safety concerns, hazardous turning movements and increased congestion. As Spring Hill and Thompson Station continue to grow, the regional traffic has been impacted significantly. 

By Mayor Matt Fitterer signing the letter, alongside other Williamson County mayors, the city reinforced its commitment to safety, regional cooperation and transportation efficiency. 

Finally, all residents and visitors are reminded of Spring Hill’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States at its 2026 Fourth of July Firework Show. 

Hosted by the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature festivities, public gatherings and a firework show to commemorate the holiday. 

This event aims to unite residents and visitors to celebrate the nation’s birthday and and community. 

Ted’s Celebrates 70 Years (CDH)

Downtown Columbia is home to many fixtures and notable places, among them is the upside-down sign which has welcomed customers for 70 years, spanning multiple generations, to Ted's Sporting Goods.

Whether it's shopping for hunting gear, seasonal wear, or popular items like the Big Green Egg grill, Ted's has been a proprietor of many big-name outdoor brands and items. Keeping the heart of a small town at its core, nearly every square-inch of the business carries a piece of local history.

While every year often includes a community celebration, for its platinum anniversary Ted's has plans for a full week of daily deals, giveaways and more, all culminating in a big shindig at the 806 S. Main St. shop Oct. 18.

"We like to think we have been a part of people's lives," Faye Davis, wife of founder Ted Davis, said.

When it first opened for business in 1955, founder Ted Davis had only a few boxes of inventory and a kind nature toward customers.

The original Ted's was located across the street from its current location, operating out of a one-room facility offering army surplus goods.

Heather Duffy, daughter of Ted and Faye, said while the business specializes in things like firearms, hunting and the outdoors, the whole idea began due to Ted's love of fishing and his community.

And this only grew as the years went by and the business picked up success.

"We love that we have gotten to be a part of people's history, and the fun thing that is still special to us is the people who come in and have memories," Duffy said.

"They have memories of coming in here, or when they have family in town they bring them by to visit. They say, 'I remember coming here for my scout badge, or I got my first rifle here.' It is very humbling that you get to be a part of people's lives, and we wouldn't be here if we weren't part of people's lives."

Duffy added that Maury County's growth over the recent years has also been an opportunity to meet customers, share a little about the shop's history and create new memories.

"A lot of the new people may not have a memory of Ted's, but when they walk in here it triggers something," Duffy said. "That's what we hope, that people walk in and it maybe reminds them of a place in their hometown. Because again, we wouldn't be here without all our customers and to be able to have their history be part of our history. It's humbling."

And as far as having a loyal customer base, Davis and Duffy said there are many who have been around for its 70-year history, still showing up to shop and share stories.

"One of our customers who had been coming since he was a little boy was just saying the other day he remembered when it was all just fishing [at the original location], how he started over there when he was a child," Davis said. "There are a lot of people still around, still remember 1955 when it was just starting, and now their grandchildren come. That's the thing that is just a lot of fun."

Ted's 70th celebration kicked off Sunday, Oct. 12, starting a full week of ways customers can participate, with a chance win a few raffle prizes leading up to the official Oct. 18 party.

Daily deals will be announced at 6 p.m. each night via Ted's Facebook and Instagram pages. Customers who spend $70 will receive one entry for the grand prize Smith & Wesson rifle (valued at $1,500) and Turtlebox Ranger (valued at $250), which will be drawn Monday, Oct. 20.

"We will also be doing a secret scavenger hunt that will just go through downtown, because we want people to support downtown, to be downtown, because there is lots to do," Duffy said. "We just love our downtown."

For the Oct. 18 party, the first 70 customers will receive a complimentary swag bag, each containing a mystery gift certificate ranging from $10-$50.

"The day of the event is going to be a wonderful day downtown because it is also the same day as Cars & Coffee and Bleu 32's Pickin' Party, a whole downtown extravaganza," Duffy said. "And then of course we will have our big Ted's community picture at noon. A lot of things are going to be big this year."

For more information about Ted's Sporting Goods, the store's 70th anniversary schedule and online shopping, visit www.TedsSportingGoods.com.

Mt. Pleasant Citizens’ Police Academy (MSM)

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is making plans to start a Citizens’ Academy program. The department hopes to consolidate their relationships with the people of the city they serve and give them more understanding of daily police operations.

“I feel like we have a good rapport with the citizens of Mt Pleasant currently, based on mutual trust and respect,” Officer Cory England said. “Ideally, both the citizens and the police department should see each other working towards the same goals: a safe and supportive community.”

The Citizen’s Police Academy is a four-week program that meets at the police department from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 3, 10, 17 and 24, and one Saturday which hasn’t yet been picked. At classes, participants will learn about the responsibilities of law enforcement, from fieldwork like patrolling and criminal investigations, to clerical work including hiring, communications and law. Participants will also get familiar with police equipment and do hands-on activities; if the program is successful, they might start taking citizens on ride-alongs and other, more involved missions.

“This academy is by no means certifying anyone to be a police officer, only a small look into what we do,” England said. “[But] it may help recruit people who want to be officers in the long run, not only for Mt Pleasant but other agencies.”

The academy is open to everyone 21 years or older, though preference will be given to applicants who work or live in Mt. Pleasant city limits. A paper application form must be printed off the police department’s website and mailed to: Mount Pleasant Police Department, 100 Public Square, P.O. Box 426, Mt. Pleasant, TN 38483, Attn: Cory England

Questions about the Academy can be asked of Officer England at cengland@mtpleasant-tn.gov or (931) 379-3201.

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

Michael “Mike” Roy Looper, 69, a resident of Culleoka, died Friday, October 10, 2025 at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM at South Gate Church of Christ. Burial will follow in Wilkes Cemetery in Culleoka. The family will visit with friends Friday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at South Gate Church of Christ. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Now, news from around the state…

Vandy Rejects Trump Compact (TNLookout)

The Vanderbilt Faculty Senate, an elected body composed of deans and representative faculty members, has formally opposed entering into a compact with the Trump administration to comply with new directives in exchange for preferential access to funding.

In an emergency meeting Wednesday, the senate passed a resolution that condemned the proposed compact as a likely violation of state and federal law, and an infringement on the constitutional rights of university members.

“The Faculty Senate of Vanderbilt University firmly opposes this Compact as written and calls upon Chancellor (Daniel) Diermeier and the Board of Trust to also reject this Compact outright as well as any similar proposal compromising the mission, values and independence of the University,” the resolution said. 

The resolution was enacted with a 30-11 vote with one member abstaining.

The demand that Vanderbilt and eight other elite universities sign onto the so-called “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” whose details were first reported in the Wall Street Journal, has drawn criticism from campus groups and free speech advocates. 

The 10-page proposed contract would require the schools to adhere to a number of ideological goals set by the Trump administration. Among them is that campus faculty and employees abstain from actions and speech about off-campus political events, capping foreign student enrollment and a commitment to use “lawful force if necessary,” to combat protests that impede access to campus facilities.

The directives, the resolution said, “”contains provisions antithetical to the missions and traditions of the university” and “endanger(s) the independence and integrity of the university.”

A Vanderbilt spokesperson referred to a statement posted on the university’s X account that said, “we look forward to carefully reviewing the compact and providing meaningful feedback to the administration.”

In addition to Vanderbilt, letters proposing the compact were sent to Brown University, Dartmouth College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Arizona, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Southern California, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Virginia. 

Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee Today!

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Join Maury Hills Church for a family-friendly Not So Scary Halloween Celebration on Sunday, October 26th, 2025, at 5 pm.

Maury Hills Church is located at 101 Unity Dr, Columbia.

Bring your kids, invite your neighbors, and enjoy a safe evening together!

~Free Pizza

~ Food Trucks (Willie’s 5-Star Wings & Southern Sugar Saloon)

~Huge Inflatables for Kids

~Fun Trunk-or-Treats

~Costumes Welcome!

Laughter, fellowship, and plenty of fall fun—without the fright!

More information can be found on the Not So Scary Facebook Page.