Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-27-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for October 25, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Tornado Siren Ground Breaking (MauryCountySource)

Maury County officials have officially broken ground on the community’s first tornado siren after months of planning and coordination.

Officials stressed that the siren is intended for outdoor use only and should not be relied on as the sole method of severe weather warning. Residents are reminded to continue using weather radios and other alert systems.

The county thanked the City of Columbia and the City of Mount Pleasant for their collaboration and support in making the project possible. Additional details about the siren will be shared in the coming weeks.

Mayor’s Youth Council (MSM)

At its October 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… he said.

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.”

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.

Journey Maury (MSM)

When Jonathan Winchester completed the 314-mile Last Annual Vol State Road Race this summer, his friends came out to greet him as the route passed through his own Maury County.

“I had amazing support from everyone in Maury County,” he recalled of his greeters, some of whom served as “angels” — runner slang for those who stand along the road handing out food, water and encouragement. “Getting through Columbia was the slowest of all for me, because so many people were… checking in on me.”

So many of his friends expressed interest in participating on a smaller scale that Winchester devised a 34.5-mile walking route across the county. They started at 6 a.m. in Santa Fe, at the Maury County line on Highway 7, walked through and out of downtown Columbia, then got onto Highway 50 and reached the Marshall County line at about 4 p.m.

“In hindsight, I’m so thankful we tackled those Highway 7 hills first,” chuckled Ben Farris, one of the walkers. “If they’d come at the end of the day, I’m not sure I would have made it!”

Fifteen men joined Winchester on “Journey Maury,” three of whom stopped as they planned in Columbia about 20 miles in. 11 of the remaining 12 finished the race.

“Once we got going, nobody wanted to stop. Everyone wanted to go county line to county line,” said Winchester. “They were walking on blisters, they were limping badly, but… it was really amazing to see people work hard.”

“[Shared challenge] gives you the opportunity to go deeper into conversation with men,” explained Jason Burkhalter, another finisher. “You break past the normal surface-level conversations.”

Journey Maury offered a couple logistical advantages over the Vol State Road Race, like its one-day duration (meaning no need to find overnight lodgings), single lunch stop and length of almost 300 fewer miles. They passed by the Maury County Courthouse on their way south, as Winchester and the other runners did in the counties on the Vol State route.

“Angels” waited for them with supplies and kudos on Journey Maury, which were greatly appreciated by the suffering walkers.

“Around 15 miles in, the pain starts kicking in,” said Cary Hayes. “[And] through the pain and tiredness came some emotions. A few of us… teared up when some friends stopped to bring us drinks and snacks.”

Hayes testified that the afternoon stretch was the hardest, on Highway 50 after lunch, though walking speed allowed him to appreciate the scenery like he never had in a car.

“The afternoon walk [out on] Highway 50 was brutal,” he said. “Every muscle was tight and sore… There was not a good place to stop and rest… other than [on] guardrails, but they were too hot to sit on.”

Winchester chose to route the walk along the roads that had the widest shoulders, so this year’s Journey Maury wasn’t an intentionally “scenic” one, and it didn’t pass through municipalities other than Columbia. He was open to changing the route next time, to pass through other nice downtowns like those of Culleoka or Hampshire or Santa Fe; he’s already planning the next Journey Maury for spring, as a warm-up for Vol State 2026. Christian Greene floated the possibility of raising money for a local charity with the next one.

“This wasn’t a walk to finish first place or even to receive a medal,” Greene said. “It was a journey that gave us perspective of what life is all about: pushing past your limits and not giving up.”

“This experience reminded me that people face all kinds of challenges every day—many far more serious than a long walk,” said Farris. “My hope is that I’ll be more aware of those around me who are struggling, and that I can be their ‘angel’ when they need a little encouragement to keep going.”

Pancake Day (Press Release)

Since 1959, the Columbia Noon Rotary Club has been flipping pancakes and serving smiles across Maury County. This year’s Pancake Day will be held on Saturday, November 8th, from 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Memorial Building on West 7th Street in downtown Columbia.

Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast of homemade pancakes, sausage, and a choice of beverage. Most folks enjoy dining in and visiting with neighbors, but carryout options will also be available.

“Pancake Day is the Noon Rotary Club’s largest fundraiser and allows us to serve youth and families in the Maury County community through our club projects,” said Connie Massey, Pancake Day Co-Chair. “This fundraiser is a long-standing tradition, and club members are proud to say we’ve made our pancakes from scratch for more than 60 years!”

Proceeds from Pancake Day help support some of the club’s most impactful service projects. Each year, Columbia Noon Rotary provides over $12,000 in scholarships to area high school students. The club also proudly sponsors Boy Scout Troop 103, which has produced more than 50 Eagle Scouts since 1960.

Tickets are $10 each or three for $25, and can be purchased in advance from any Noon Rotarian or at the door on Pancake Day. Children ages 6 and under eat free!

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Columbia noon rotary started in 1924 and has served the Maury County community for over 100 years through community service projects and programs that enhance youth education and leadership training. To learn more about Columbia Noon Rotary, you can visit our website at www.columbianoonrotaryclub.com or on social media at Columbia Noon Rotary.

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.

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.

Maury Business Guide (Press Release)

Explore why Maury County is an ideal destination for businesses, professionals, and families in the latest issue of Maury County Business! This annual guide highlights our vibrant community, thriving business scene, and enviable quality of life. Whether you're a prospective resident, entrepreneur, or site selector, this must-read publication offers insights into what makes our region special.

Here’s how you can connect:

• Read Online: Visit [livability.com/maury-county] to explore unique stories about living, working, and thriving here.

• Print Copies: Contact the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance located at

Join us in celebrating and sharing Maury County’s remarkable qualities, and thank you to our advertising sponsors for making this possible!

Spring Hill Chamber Awards (Press Release)

Join the Spring Hill Chamber for their annual Excellence in Business Gala on Friday, November 7th at the UAW Hall located at 125 Stephen P. Yokich Parkway. This premier black-tie event celebrates outstanding leadership, innovation, and community impact across our local business community. Guests will enjoy an elegant served dinner, open bar, and live entertainment from an Old-School Motown Revue Band, The Compozitionz.

Please join us as we recognize this year’s distinguished nominees:

Business of the Year

• Light Hill Meats

• Grecian Family Restaurant & Bakery

• The Awaken House

 Non-Profit of the Year

• Friends of the Spring Hill Library

• The Well Outreach

• Community Baptist Church

PLUS, Woman and Man of the Year!

We look forward to an inspiring evening of celebration, connection, and community pride as we honor those who make Spring Hill a thriving place to live and do business.

Tickets are limited and expected to sell out — reserve your seat today!

https://business.springhillchamber.com/events/details/tonight-business-excellence-awards-gala-36855

Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)

The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.

Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.

Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.

Any Maury County Resident can use this office.

All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.

Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols 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.

Mrs. Patricia Porter Thomas, 65, passed away Friday October 24. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday, October 29, from 12:30 to 1:30 at St. Georges Episcopal Church in Nashville. The service will follow at 1:30 in the main chapel.

Now, news from around the state…

Hickman Blast Explained (Tennessean)

When an explosion rocked Humphreys and Hickman counties, killing 16 people at Accurate Energetic Systems, more than 24,000 pounds of explosives detonated.

Brice McCracken, special agent in charge with the National Center for Explosives Training and Research, said crews generated 290 leads, completed 277 investigation reports and scanned through 14,000 documents over the last 12 days.

"In addition, ATF explosive disposal operations were conducted throughout the investigation, with nearly 1,000 pounds of undetonated explosives recovered on site," McCracken said during a news conference Oct. 24.

Scientists as well as local and federal authorities say they've developed several hypotheses for what caused the deadly explosion at the rural munitions plant.

But Jamey VanVliet, special agent in charge at the Nashville ATF office, did not say what those hypotheses were.

"I will not speculate on the cause of the explosion or comment on a potential cause, except to say at this point, there is no indication of a threat to public safety," VanVliet said. He did say that the area of origin for the blast was on the lower floor production level of the pour cast building. The building had six kettles, with three on the main floor.

Confirming what caused the blast will take testing and restesting in labs, VanVliet said, and will not come fast.

McCracken said the initial explosion happened in one of those production kettles.

"And then we believe that in addition to that, there was a sympathetic detonation of other explosive material stored on that main floor," he said.

The building was used to manufacture cast booster used in commercial mining, McCracken explained.

"Commonly, they're comprised of a mixture of TNT and RDX. (They) are the two explosive compounds combined together to make a cast booster," McCracken said. "They're the components mixed together, and then, by hand, they're poured into a cardboard tube."

The blast Oct. 10 leveled one of eight buildings on the Accurate Energetic Systems campus on the Humphreys and Hickman County line. In addition to killing 16 people inside the building, four others were injured.

Of those killed, 14 were positively identified through rapid DNA testing on the scene, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said on Oct. 15. As of the Oct. 24 news conference, two were still unaccounted for, Davis said.

“Rapid DNA is the fully automated process of developing a DNA profile in less than 2 hours, depending on the sample type,” officials said in a news release. “It is a quick and portable system that allows for on-site DNA analysis to expedite family reunification in the event of a mass disaster.”

Davis said authorities have additional testing to do to confirm the DNA of the two workers in the coming days.

Federal officials wrapped up their investigation at the scene Oct. 24.

Local officials are continuing to work with ATF investigators to determine the cause.

"The next phase of this investigation happens at ATF labs and in testing facilities," VanVliet said. He said that's "where the evidence collected from the scene will be analyzed, examined and tested."

A final report could take months to prepare, McKracken said.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

For 80 years, Adventure Science Center has brought science and adventure to families in Middle Tennessee.

On October 31st, they will celebrate their 80th birthday with a bash packed with hands-on activities inspired by 1945—the year they first opened their doors. Hours of operation on Saturday will be 9 am – 5 pm.

Activities include:

Time Capsule Throwback

Step into 1945! We’ve been digging in the archives and can’t wait for you to see what we found.

UV + SPF Exploration

See the science behind sunscreen! Experiment with UV light to discover how SPF keeps your skin safe from the sun.

Polymer Power

Meet sodium polyacrylate—the “super soaker” material behind everything from diapers to kitty litter! Dive into polymer science and its surprising origins.

M&M Fireworks

Watch colors burst as you explore candy dyes and how the iconic M&M has changed since our opening year.

DIY Silly Putty

Accidents can lead to awesome! Make your own Silly Putty and learn how one WWII experiment (trying to create synthetic rubber) turned into a toy-box legend.

Slinky Science

From a shipyard stumble to a toy sensation—discover the twisty physics of the Slinky.

Find tickets at www.adventuresci.org.