Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-23-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for October 23, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Walmart Theft (MauryCountySource)

SHPD detectives are working to identify the person who allegedly stole over $1,000 worth of sports cards from Walmart on October 3rd.

A photo of the suspect can be viewed at MauryCountySource.com

The subject left in a black Toyota Sienna with a Texas license plate.

Anyone who recognizes this person is asked to contact Detective Gillam at sgillam@springhilltn.org.

County Commission Debates Capital Funding (CDH)

The Maury County Commission has approved pricing on contracts regarding multiple projects related to the Mt. Pleasant Public Library, Maury County Animal Services and renovations to the Historic 1906 Maury County Courthouse.

The commission, which convened Oct. 20, to consider the items, discussed a proposed maximum pricing with county owner advocate Hewlett Spencer, LLC. All three received approval.

The Maury County Courthouse design contract to Hewlett Spencer, not to exceed $15,989,783, was approved.

However, not all commissioners were in agreement that spending the money on renovations, as well as establishing a museum at the courthouse should be considered a top priority at this time.

"To me, the historic courthouse is important to our community, but when you really look at the overall needs of what we have in our community, this is a want and not a need," District 8 Commissioner Gabe Howard said. "It is the most expensive project of the three projects we have approved tonight."

Howard added that some of the other needs include funding to improve the Maury County Senior Center.

District 5 Commissioner Scott Sumners argued that he believed the courthouse, in fact, is the most important of the three projects being considered.

"My reasoning for that is that the building was built in 1906, and so we as a commission up here, if we don't vote to renovate this building it's another year," Sumners said. "And what does it do? It falls into disrepair. And whose fault is that? It's our fault.

"And guess who's going to be complaining about that in the future if it falls apart? You people are, and it's because we let the crown jewel of this county fall into disrepair."

Discussion of the Mt. Pleasant Public Library, however, was met with some dispute pertaining to the plans presented by the library board.

Some commissioners took issue with last minute changes to the plans, including relocating the bathrooms.

The contract considered amounted to $6,157,777.

"We have had a similar situation of conflict with this library before, and it looks like it's shown its ugly face again, and I find that very frustrating, because there are some very good people trying to do a good job," District 9 Commissioner Jerry Bridenbaugh said.

The commission approved the library contract, though with the stipulation that the proposed changes be approved by the library board prior to any construction.

The Oct. 20 meeting also included approvals for Hewlett Spencer contracts to oversee renovations and expansions to the Maury County Animal Shelter.

The animal shelter contract, is valued at $10,791,459.

Patty Bass, representing the animal shelter, spoke at the meeting to the expansion's importance, recalling the facility's recent bake sale over the weekend and how children got involved conducting kennel tours.

"There was one little boy who came in who was seven years old, and he looked very sad and distant," Bass said. "A big smile came on his face ... and his dad told me he was autistic and that he had never seen him smile. We are more than about walking dogs, hugging kittens. We are role models in this community, and we thank you so much."

Maury Regional Makes Forbes Best List (MauryCountySource)

Maury Regional Medical Center has been recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Employers 2025. This recognition reinforces Maury Regional Medical Center’s position as a leader in employee satisfaction in the state, region and nation and reflects the health system’s commitment to workplace excellence. Maury Regional Medical Center is also ranked first among 14 health care companies in Tennessee on the Forbes 2025 America’s Best Employers by State list.

Forbes, in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, selected America’s Best-In-State Employers 2025 through an independent survey from a vast sample of more than 160,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 500 people. The survey asked employees to evaluate their workplace on a variety of criteria like work culture, professional development and acceptance. The final score is based on two types of evaluations: personal, which are those given by employees themselves, and public, those given by friends and family members of employees, or members of the public who work in the same industry.

“We are honored to receive this recognition, which reflects Maury Regional Medical Center’s commitment to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, supported and empowered,” said Maury Regional Health CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “Our inclusion on this list affirms our ongoing efforts to set new benchmarks for workplace excellence and create an environment where both the organization and our team can thrive.”

Maury Regional provides one of the most comprehensive and competitive benefits packages in Middle Tennessee, including medical, dental and vision insurance plans; merit-based pay increases; flexible shift options; an on-site daycare center; access to earned wages before payday; financial counseling; local discounts; and more.

The organization also provides an environment where employees can grow and excel in their chosen or desired profession, offering a variety of unique programs and resources to support team members’ advancement within their current position, exploration of opportunities in other areas of the organization or expanding their skill sets through continuing education. Additionally, Maury Regional offers industry-recognized, competency-based apprenticeship programs that allow employees to combine paid work with hands-on training, working alongside experienced preceptors and offers a variety of financial assistance programs for continuing education.

Maury Regional also offers a variety of robust resources and programs specific to fostering the growth of nursing professionals at all levels and provides residency training programs designed to bridge the gap between education and professional practice. These include the UTHSC-Maury Internal Medicine Residency Program which helps to train the next generation of internal medicine physicians, as well as residency programs for registered nurses, pharmacists and more.

For more information about Maury Regional Health and our commitment to a thriving workplace culture, please visit MauryRegional.com/Careers.

Education Luncheon (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance on Wednesday, November 19 at 11:30 am for our annual Education Lunch featuring a State of Public Education and the 2025 Education Report. 

During this year's event, Maury Alliance President & CEO, Wil Evans, will lead a panel discussion with representatives from Maury County Public Schools. They will discuss the current state of public education, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs and the 2025 Education Report. 

Panelists include: 

• Lisa Ventura, MCPS Superintendent

• Keith Stacey, MCPS Assistant Superintendent of Instruction

• Amy Roberts, MCPS Career & Technical Education Supervisor 

• Michelle Gilbert, MCPS Director of Teaching, Learning & Assessment 

The event will be held at the Memorial Building located at 308 West 7th St.

The cost is $25 for chamber members and $30 for non-members. Lunch is included. The event is sponsored by Halifax Hospitality

Have a question you’d like the panel to address? Submit your questions in advance to help guide the conversation and ensure your voice is heard. Learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

CSCC Transfer Matters Advisors Summit (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College recently welcomed advisors, mentors and faculty to its inaugural Transfer Matters Advising Summit, held at the Williamson Campus.

The summit was designed to strengthen collaboration between Columbia State and university representatives, while providing faculty and staff with the tools needed to better guide students through the transfer process.

The event brought over 150 participants from 12 colleges and universities.

Participants attended a series of group discussions, academic division-based breakout sessions and question-and-answer sessions that focused on how to ensure students experience a smooth transition from Columbia State to four-year institutions.

A swap meet session with Middle Tennessee State University presenters was also held and featured topics including prior learning assessments, joint service transcript for military students, adult learners, and converting an Associate of Applied Science degree to a Bachelor of Science degree.

“Transfer is serious business,” said Freda Pillow, Columbia State Career, Transfer and Veteran Center coordinator, and Transfer Matters Advising Summit event coordinator. “Continued student success is important to the viability of our communities, particularly after students complete an associate degree at a community college and then transfer to the university for their bachelor's degree.”

According to the Transfer and Progress Fall 2023 Report of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, students who transfer after completing an associate degree graduate at a higher rate, with 71% earning a bachelor’s degree within four years.

“The Transfer Matters Advising Summit was amazing!” said Chiquita Bullock, Columbia State college success advisor and summit presenter. “It was great to see our university partners communicate and collaborate with us and one another to better understand the needs of our students.”

The colleges and universities that attended set up booths for advisors and mentors to stop by and learn more about their specific transfer path, and how to streamline the process for prospective students.

Colleges and universities represented at the summit included:

• Belmont University

• East Tennessee State University

• Fisk University

• Lipscomb University

• Middle Tennessee State University

• Tennessee State University

• Tennessee Technological University

• The University of Memphis

• The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

• The University of Tennessee, Martin

• The University of Tennessee Southern

• Western Kentucky University

“It was an exciting day!” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “The enthusiasm of the university and community college faculty and staff in collaboration for improved transfer processes was exhilarating. I applaud all who spent their day talking about students and building pathways for their success.”

Columbia State plans to build upon the success of the inaugural summit, using participant feedback to develop future transfer trainings, strengthen partnerships and continue to enhance the higher education transition experience for all students.

Junior Main Street Event (Press Release)

 Columbia Main Street’s youth leadership program, Junior Main Street, is thrilled to announce its first-ever Muletown Movie Night, featuring a showing of The Hannah Montana Movie, filmed in downtown Columbia 16 years ago! The free, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, October 25th, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM in the Maury County Parking Lot (behind the courthouse).

The evening kicks off at 3:00 PM, with themed craft vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Vendors will showcase items inspired by both “Hollywood Glam” and “Crowley’s Corner,” selling everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to baked goods and sweet treats.

Attendees can also enjoy the FUN ZONE, sponsored by Customize It and Columbia Noon Rotary, featuring a train ride through the event site, yard games, and sidewalk chalk. The Live Entertainment Stage, sponsored by the National League of Junior Cotillions – Maury County Chapter, will include live music performances, Disney trivia by DJ Garlic, and a crowd-favorite line dance lesson for The Hoedown Throwdown!

“Everyone should come to the Muletown Movie Night,” said Joy Velasquez, a Junior Main Street student. “Bring your family and friends to watch The Hannah Montana Movie! You can dress as Team Miley or Team Hannah, or wear your favorite Halloween costume!”

Be sure to stop by the photo booth sponsored by Children’s Dental Columbia to snap a picture before the movie begins at 6:00 PM and grab a selfie in front of the big screen for the perfect Muletown memory!

“Our high school students have worked incredibly hard to plan this event,” said Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager and Director of the Junior Main Street program. “Their creativity, teamwork, and passion for our community have made this project special. We chose The Hannah Montana Movie because it celebrates Columbia’s charm and history in a fun, nostalgic way. We can’t wait for everyone to experience it together!”

Columbia Main Street launched the Junior Main Street Program in 2025 to give high school students real-world experience in community engagement, marketing, tourism, and event planning. The program’s inaugural class includes 25 students from public, private, and online schools across Maury County who are already making a positive impact in downtown Columbia.

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.

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…

Mr. David West, 70, retired owner and operator of West Painting Company, died Tuesday at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 12:00 noon until time of the services at the funeral home.

Mr. David Bratton, 70, husband of Judy Bratton and a resident of Columbia, died Wednesday at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Monday from 12 noon until time of the services at the funeral home.

Mr. Pete Konesky, 90, resident of Columbia, died Wednesday October 15th at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday October 28th at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Now, news from around the state…

Federal Shut Down (Tennessean)

The United States federal government shutdown is the second-longest in U.S. history.

As of Oct. 21, the 2025 shutdown has surpassed the 21-day closure under President Bill Clinton, which ended in 1996.

The government partially shut down Oct. 1 due to a budget impasse when Congress failed to agree on appropriations for the new fiscal year.

As the closure stretches on, thousands of federal employees have been furloughed or are working without a paycheck. Airports, including McGhee Tyson, face potential delays due to TSA and air traffic control staffing. Research grants are paused. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is operating on funds provided by state and local entities through Nov. 2 at least, while many other national parks are closed.

Should the closure stretch into November, the effects of the shutdown will intensify. Government benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (known as SNAP) are at risk of not being issued after October, according to the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

The longest government shutdown are:

1. 2019: Under President Donald Trump. Lasted 35 days and cost the economy about $3 billion, equal to 0.02% of GDP, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

2. 2025: Under Trump. Started on Oct. 1, 2025.

3. 1996: Under President Bill Clinton. Lasted 21 days.

4. 1978: Under President Jimmy Carter. Lasted 17 days.

5. 2013: Under President Barack Obama. Lasted 16 days.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

On Friday, October 31, 2025, come on down to the historic Courthouse Square in Columbia for Haunting in the District. Between 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. come enjoy a free trick-or-treating event for kids 12 and under with activities, games, and a petting zoo. Many stores and local organizations will have booths set up! Admission: FREE