Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-21-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for October 21, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Drinking Water Cross Connection (Press Release)

As fall begins, this time of year is when many will begin working outdoors in their yards to fertilize and plant in preparation for the cold of winter. The dangers associated with cross-contamination of the public water supply is real, and Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) is dedicated to informing the public about those dangers.

A garden hose submerged in any liquid or attached to certain devices used to spray pesticides or herbicides can create a cross connection.

 A cross-connection is any actual or potential link between a drinking water system and any source of non-potable (unsafe) water or other substances. Back siphonage occurs when a sudden drop in pressure in the water supply, like from a water main break, firefighting, or heavy water use, creates a vacuum that siphons non-potable substances back into the clean water pipes.

 If chemicals, such as antifreeze, pesticides, or fertilizers used for winter prep, are connected to or submerged near a water outlet, back siphonage can pull them into the home's or even the public's drinking water system.

 Devices are available to prevent this problem; however, the best solution is to always be careful how you use your garden hose.

Safety devices, such as hose connection "vacuum breakers" can be purchased inexpensively at any hardware store and do not require a plumber. Remember to buy a safety device for all your outdoor taps, including frost-free spigots.  In addition to all irrigation systems, all non-residential and commercial establishments must be protected by a CPWS-approved backflow device.

 Please help us provide a safe supply of water to all our customers. Remember, never place a garden hose in anything you would not want to drink.

 For more information on cross connections and how to protect against them, please call CPWS at 931-388-4833, pick up a cross-connection pamphlet in the CPWS lobby or visit the "Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention" section on our website at cpws.com.

City Mulls De-Annexation (MSM)

At their study session on Oct. 2, the Columbia City Council discussed the first property “de-annexation” request in the city’s history.

In 1989, the old Crouch family property on Darks Mill Road was annexed in a “package deal” with the NorthPointe Industrial Complex, in the expectation that a residential development would be built upon it. At the time, it had already come before the city Planning Commission twice as a lone property, and both times it was rejected for annexation. After annexation, its sale and development never happened as promised, and the residents never received city services. Now its owners, the Drainsfield family, have asked the city to release them from municipal zoning and return them to the county.

Justin Batt, a friend of the Drainsfields, spoke on their behalf while they were in the audience. Kevin Drainsfield had almost built a home for his daughter’s family on part of the land, but he discovered that city regulations would require him to pay a quarter-of-a-million dollars to lay a water pipe for a city fire hydrant. De-annexation would allow them to live and build more freely on the property according to the county zoning ordinance.

“The city of Columbia has never de-annexed property before,” stated City Manager Tony Massey.

Paul Keltner, director of Development Services, explained that de-annexation is very rare in the state of Tennessee. On his judgment, however, the Darks Mill Road plot presents an ideal test case: it isn’t connected to city utilities, it failed annexation twice on its own merits, and should a future owner wish to be annexed, it’s still contiguous with other city zoning.

“I looked at it on the map, and I’m not sure why it was annexed to begin with,” commented Vice Mayor Randy McBroom.

At the study session, Molder was cautious: even one de-annexation, he pointed out, has the potential to create an unwelcome precedent. Still, he agreed that not many candidate properties have so many disqualifiers and disincentives, and he recommended putting it on the Planning Commission agenda for November.

Ogles Quarterly Report Financially Weak (WilliamsonScene)

An Oct. 15 quarterly report from Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles shows mounting debt and weak fundraising just when his reelection bid needs a boost. Ogles reported $57,916 on hand against $70,368 in campaign debt ($20,000 of which is a personal loan, while Ogles owes the rest to firm Holtzman Vogel) through Sept. 30. Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, a Democrat, and Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatch, a Republican, are both launching bids to unseat Ogles, a former Maury County mayor and Trump acolyte who has held the 5th Congressional District seat since 2023.

Quarterly financial reports demonstrate a candidate’s momentum and popularity, particularly in turbulent political times. Money does not directly translate to votes — despite lackluster fundraising in 2024, Ogles beat out well-funded Democratic challenger Maryam Abolfazli. But it can help raise a candidate’s profile via paid ads, mailers, text blasts and events.

Legitimate challengers in the primary and general ensure a daunting and expensive year for Ogles. Hatcher’s entry into the race may also splinter Republican support (and donations). Ogles faced down a similar challenge last year against Nashville's Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston, a prolific fundraiser who targeted Ogles’ scandal-ridden first term in office. Three hours after Ogles’ quarterly filing, the Molder campaign reported $797,635 in fundraising — including more than $500,000 raised in the 24 hours after his Sept. 4 announcement, according to the campaign — and $33,762 spent. 

Ogles raised roughly $39,000 this quarter from donors and another $25,500 from PACs — legal committees that pool donations to help advance certain special interests. Missouri's U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison, a fellow House Freedom Caucus member who frequently co-sponsors bills alongside Ogles, chipped in $4,000. This year, about half of Ogles’ total fundraising — $77,500 — came from PACs.

The Ogles campaign spent $57,507 between July 1 and Sept. 30. Almost $50,000 went toward GOP political consultants, some of which may be pass-throughs for direct ad buys. A niche legal defense fund set up by Ogles has also racked up significant debt this year, including another $5,376.25 to law firm Holtzman Vogel.

Maury 911 Supervisor Recognized (MSM)

The Tennessee Emergency Numbers Association gave their Supervisor of the Year award to Jessica Haywood, the B-shift daytime supervisor at Maury 911. She was nominated by Maury 911 administrator Crystal Gideon for her daily effort and career commitment to Maury 911 and her coworkers, and she received the award at TENA’s 2025 Awards Banquet in Murfreesboro.

Maury 911’s staff and Director Mark Gandee congratulated her.

“Thank you, Jessica,” the organization said in a social-media post. “Help us let Jessica know how much we appreciate her hard work and this major achievement.”

Mayor’s Youth Council and Other City News (MSM)

At its Oct. 9 voting meeting, the Columbia City Council recognized the fifth annual class of the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council, who attended the meeting.

Through hands-on experiences, guided discussions, and direct interaction with city leaders, the youth council aims to educate high school juniors and seniors about local government and inspire them to civic engagement.

“I’d like to welcome the youth council,” said Vice Mayor Randy McBroom, who presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Chaz Molder. “I’m so proud of y’all… [that] this is what you’re doing on your fall break.”

At the youth council’s inaugural meeting on Sept. 9, Mayor Molder and Assistant City Manager Thad Jablonski told the students how the city government works and makes decisions. Over the next 10 months, students will meet with and visit all 12 city departments, providing them with a comprehensive look at city government and how they can best interact with it.

“Each year, the Mayor’s Youth Council reminds us that our community’s future is bright. These students bring energy, ideas, and perspectives that help us grow as a city,” Mayor Chaz Molder said enthusiastically in a press release. “This program not only provides them with a first-hand look at local government, but it also gives our leaders the opportunity to listen and learn from the next generation. I couldn’t be more proud of this year’s Council and am excited to watch these future leaders grow and succeed.”

The students selected to serve on the 2025-26 Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council are: Brylie Blade, Gabrielle Booker, Ava Codling, Jay Coleman, Sarah Ann Crichton, Marilla Dale, Avery Daniels, Emily DuBose, Jacey Dugger, Wyatt Duke, Maci Dunn, Savannah Dunn, Callie Ervin, Aleia Fletcher, Amiya Gardenhire, Addelyn Harrison, Andrew Jefferson, Phynlee Keeling, Aubrey Poth, Charlotte Recknagel, Emma Rhinehart, Tony Somsanith, Caleb Wallbrech, Lyli Whitfield and Kylie Wood.

In regular business, city council voted to roll over about $83 million from the previous year’s budget for the city’s new wastewater treatment plant.

The city also voted to contribute $20,000 to upgrade the railroad crossing and warning signals on Greenlick Court; to approve another $17,555 in structural reinforcements to the new roundabout at East Eighth and South Main streets; to accept $415,000 from the developer SDH Nashville, with which to improve to the Oakwood Subdivision’s sewage pump station, which needs approximately $200,000 from the city, and to purchase a dewatering press for wastewater for $150,000 and a new recycling truck for $425,199.

“We’re going to double the size of our fleet… [because] this is going to be truck number two,” joked Jeff DeWire of city Public Works. Because of a grant, the city only had to pay $127,000, or 30 percent of the total cost of the truck, which is very necessary with 16,000 households, representing 42 percent of Columbia, having opted into the city’s recycling program.

“The driver’s not able to finish in an eight-hour day… [because] he’s overloaded and responsible for so many households… hitting a recycling customer or two on each street.”

The city accepted a traffic safety grant of $28,442.32 and a BlueCross Healthy Places grant of $2.4 million, which city Parks and Recreation Director Mackel Reagan said would be spent on two new gyms and indoor courts for sports, which will be convertible for volleyball, pickleball and basketball, at the Aquatic Recreation Center.

“Basically we would double the size of our facilities where we could have indoor sports and recreation,” Reagan said of the much-requested upgrades.

“[Williamson County’s gym] is very, very nice; ours would be even better,” he joked.

Residential developments

Three residential projects in various stages of completion came before the council for approval.

They voted to approve and accept future responsibility for Meritage Homes’ progressive improvements to streets and drainage in the new Taylor Landing Subdivision, and to rezone a property on Lasea Road for development into a 31-home neighborhood.

They debated over a five-acre Planned Unit Development for Waters Edge at Taylor Landing, which called for 12 townhouses and a 94-unit apartment complex. CPS Land got unanimous approval from the Planning Commission after consulting with the neighbors of the property and removing about 40 units of multi-family housing. Still, some council members contested the suitability of the apartment complex.

“There was so much more that could be done with that property, [like a] park,” said Councilwoman Cheryl Secrest.

Paul Keltner, Director of Development services, replied that a five-acre park wouldn’t be very useful, and pointed out that a nearby mixed development of apartments and townhomes had already been approved for construction behind the Northway Shopping Center. He also reminded the council of the city’s commitment to infill development, of which this was an example.

Developer representative Greg Gamble showed the city the preliminary plat, which includes a mix of housing types that cater to households of diverse means. He suggested the developer could use the greenspace for a walking trail or some similar use. Despite the concessions, the council voted 2-2-2 against the development as presented.

Academy Sports Opens Today (CDH)

Academy Sports & Outdoors opened its first Columbia location Oct. 20, joining a string of the city's newest retailers breathing new life into the former Columbia mall site.

Customers can also expect a slew of exclusive deals and events commemorating the 800 S. James M. Campbell sporting goods store's grand opening week.

Whether it is shopping for a new pair of shoes, camping and hunting essentials, or bringing a child to purchase their first fishing rod, Academy Sports features a plethora of departments stocked to meet a variety of customer interests and needs.

Store Director Shumi Salauddin said the Columbia location is unique because it is the first Academy Sports to feature an exclusive department for kids.

"If you go to Walmart or anywhere else like that, the kids' shop is very niche, or included with the adults," Salauddin said. "We took the whole thing and made our Kids Shop. There, you can buy clothing, footwear or anything kids-related all in one spot, which adds to the ease of shopping instead of having to run around all over the place."

Salauddin added that a big reason Columbia was chosen as the retail brand's new location is because of the community's proximity to the Duck River.

"We have all of these hiking trails," she said. "And with all of the construction that's being done throughout this area, nobody really has work boots, but we have a wide selection. It's the one place you can come, buy your work boots, buy something for your kids, your wife, and when you go home everybody's happy."

Employed by Academy Sports for many years, Salauddin said it is a company that "treats its staff like family," with the new Columbia location hiring approximately 60 workers.

"It's the kind of company that helps you grow," she said. "We have team members that have worked for us 40 or 50 years, lots of tenure, and they will tell you, 'Why would I want to work for another company when this one has been not just my job, but a part of my life?'"

It is also that same sense of family and community she has warmed up to after having moved from Houston, Texas to Columbia to open the store. She has also become a huge fan of local events like First Fridays and the Columbia Farmers Fresh Market.

"I love how Columbia is so family-oriented, and people are nice when you talk to them. They have a smile on their face," Salauddin said. "That is one of the biggest things I have noticed since moving to Columbia."

While the store opens to the public Monday, Academy Sports will officially kick off its grand opening starting Thursday, Oct. 23 and running through Sunday, Oct. 26.

"There are definitely going to be a lot of great deals you will want to take advantage of," Senior PR Specialist Brooke Fendley said.

Kicking things off that Thursday, Academy Sports will donate $5,000 to 20 local kids chosen by the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee. Each will receive a gift card to shop for new apparel, sports equipment and other items.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be Oct. 24.

The first 150 customers (18 and older) during grand-opening weekend will receive gift cards, while representatives from popular brands will be onsite to provide in-store demonstrations.

A few of Academy Sports featured deals include:

• 50% off Magellan Outdoors apparel

• 25% off all shoes and socks

• 25% off rods, reels and combos

Visit www.Academy.com/Columbia for a full preview of all deals and events to be featured during the grand opening.

Academy Sports in Columbia is open seven days a week, with store hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Psychiatrist at MRMC (Press Release)

Christian A. Maurer, MD, a specialist in psychiatry, has joined Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) and will provide behavioral health services for patients at PrimeCare Clinic in Columbia.

Dr. Maurer will see patients via scheduled visits through the PrimeCare Clinic via telehealth.

Dr. Maurer earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. He completed his residency at the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is board-certified in psychiatry.

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:  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.

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

Barbara Anne Cox Roberts, 84, resident of Columbia, died Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at her residence.

No funeral services are scheduled at this time. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Now, news from around the state…

Fund for AES Victim Families (Tennessean)

Accurate Energetic Systems is teaming with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to support families left devastated after an explosion at the plant killed 16 workers earlier this month.

The company is asking the public to donate to a family fund to cover costs like funeral expenses, medical care, housing and food assistance, the company said in a release issued via Finn Partners Oct. 17.

"Contributions will also be used to offer long-term support, such as counseling services for AES employees and surviving family members," according to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee's page.

"The goal was to get the fund up and running as soon as possible to help support those affected by the tragedy. That’s what matters most to AES," Stinson said in an emailed statement to The Tennessean Oct. 20.

The foundation said funds will be provided to families through a nonprofit group in Humphreys and Hickman Counties.

"Our hearts are shattered by the loss of 16 beloved colleagues, and our deepest condolences go out to every family, friend, and community member affected by this unimaginable tragedy," Accurate Energetic Systems CEO Wendell Stinson said in an emailed statement Oct. 17. "It is important that the families of those we lost, and our surviving employees, have the resources they need to navigate this incredibly difficult time. We are committed to standing by them."

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the Oct. 10 deadly explosion at the Bucksnort, Tennessee munitions manufacturing facility.

AES develops, manufactures and supplies a wide range of explosives for the defense, aerospace, mining, oil and gas industries.

A wrongful death lawsuit was filed Oct. 16 on behalf of the 9-year-old daughter of one of the people killed in the explosion. It seeks $12 million in damages.

The suit was filed against AAC Investments, which lead attorney Lee Coleman, of Hughes & Coleman, says owned the explosives plant.

Donations can be made to the new fund in several ways.

To provide a gift online, visit https://cfmt.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4835.

Checks can be made payable to Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee with a memo line of AES Families Support Funds. Those checks can be mailed to Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee at 3421 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, Tenn., 37215.

Wire transfers can be made by email at givingback@cfmt.org or by calling 615-321-4939.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Enjoy an afternoon of great food and fun on Saturday, October 25th, 2025, from 10 am – 4 pm at the Fall Fun Fest at Woodland Park (821 W 9th St, Columbia, TN 38401).

There will be food and drinks, games, candy prizes for kids, and a bounce house. Costumes are welcome!

Bring your family and friends out to Woodland Park Rotary Shelter for a community event you won’t want to miss!

For more information follow Fall Fun Fest on Facebook.