Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-28-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for October 28, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Trump Endorses Ogles (Fox17.com)

President Donald Trump has endorsed U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles for re-election in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District.

President Trump issued the endorsement on Oct. 25 in a Truth Social post and followed up with a formal announcement on Monday. He praised Ogles’ work on issues including the economy, federal regulations, border security, and support for military members and veterans.

“Congressman Andy Ogles is doing a fantastic job representing the incredible people of Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District!” Trump said in the statement. “Andy is a Conservative Warrior who has strong support from his Community. In Congress, he is fighting tirelessly to grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, promote MADE IN THE U.S.A. and American Energy DOMINANCE, safeguard our Elections, keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, strengthen our Military/Veterans, and defend our always under siege Second Amendment."

Ogles responded in a written statement saying he is grateful for the support and plans to continue aligning himself with Trump’s agenda.

“I am honored to receive President Trump’s Complete and Total Endorsement. From day one, I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to put America First, defend Tennessee values, and restore our American Republic,” said Ogles. “The fight for the soul of America is raging, and President Trump needs warriors who will never bend, never break, and never sell out. I will not let him or the people of Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District down. America First to the end,”

Ogles, a former Maury County mayor, was first elected to Congress in 2022 after a court-ordered redrawing of Tennessee’s congressional map reshaped the 5th District.

The endorsement comes as Ogles faces scrutiny from some local leaders over his call for federal troops to assist with public safety in Tennessee’s largest cities. In September, he urged the deployment of National Guard forces to Nashville, citing concerns about violent crime. The push drew opposition from Nashville officials and protest groups who say crime rates are falling and federal intervention is unnecessary.

Ogles has defended his stance, calling parts of Nashville and Memphis “war zones” and arguing that the federal government should act if local leaders do not.

CPWS To Move Intake Valve (MSM)

The leaders of Columbia Power and Water Services (CPWS) will start work soon moving the main water intake valve from the downtown dam to Williamsport. The new valve will have a drawing capacity of 32 million gallons of Duck River water per day, which will travel through 17 miles of pipe to reach the CPWS treatment plant on the Nashville Highway. It should be completed about three years from the time they hope to break ground next spring.

The current intake sits above the old dam on Riverside Drive, where 15-17 million gallons is drawn every day on a permit that allows for 20 million gallons per day (MGD), serving the water systems of Maury County and its municipalities. TDEC has already approved their requested permit increase for a maximum withdrawal of 32 MGD, but the new valve will start out drawing only as much as it now does, according to demand.

To treat the larger volume of water, CPWS is arranging to demolish the old American Legion Post 19 building next door to their current facility. There they will build a $170 million water-treatment plant capable of processing 12 MGD, to complement the currently operating plant next door, which can handle the 20 MGD on their old permit.

Reasons for moving the intake

According to CPWS officials, the valve isn’t being moved out of strict necessity; in fact the intake at the old dam can bring in 32 MGD per day. CPWS plans to keep that straw in the Duck for redundancy, in case an environmental or technical emergency forces them to temporarily close the new valve.

Instead, the Williamsport intake offers other advantages. For one thing, it is believed it will better preserve the ecological health of the Duck River. The state Fish and Wildlife agency found that the mussel population around the dam is far higher and more diverse than that in Williamsport, and the mussels at the dam would fare better in a severe drought if CPWS weren’t drinking millions of gallons of their water each day. The new intake will also be shielded by a conical screen, to keep from sucking in fish and other wildlife.

CPWS communications specialist Chris Yow has said the new intake’s “turbidity” (stirring of the water) might even help the ecosystem at Williamsport, by bringing oxygen into the water in a way that would sustain more aquatic life.

“Williamsport is well-equipped for a sleepy intake that nobody notices,” CPWS President Jonathan Hardin said.

CPWS also stands to capture and reuse the purified wastewater from the new intake. Hardin explained that right now, Columbia’s clean effluent — about 60 percent of the water they supply to the city — floats downstream without being used again in Maury County; the lower intake valve offers them the chance to capture and reuse every gallon they draw up to two times.

CPWS started planning and applying for the project in 2015, and after years of studies and inquiry, final regulatory approval was received in spring 2025. Other groups with a stake in the Duck River, from environmental agencies to advocacy groups like the Duck River Conservancy, weighed in during the appeal and review processes, and Hardin reported that all parties were reasonably satisfied with the Williamsport intake plan; he was “grateful” that they gave their honest input at the opportune time.

“With all certainty, we have a plan that has passed all rigor to be protective of the Duck and responsive to our customers,” Hardin said.

Costs and funding sources

CPWS Vice-President Matt Wheeler estimates that construction costs will come in a little below $500 million, and with “soft costs” like purchasing and permitting the total should come up to about $520 million. He reminded the public that without additional pipelines and treatment facilities, all the new water they can pump in — whether from a raised Normandy Reservoir, the Cumberland River pipeline, a reservoir in Columbia or any other source — is useless to the consumers of Maury County. Whatever the chosen solution to the growing water needs of Maury County, it must include the costs of transportation and treatment.

“None of those other projects bring drinking water to people’s faucets without an intake and treatment plant expansion,” he said.

CPWS stands to get generous federal and state loans to fund the project, since those governments’ agencies approve of the environmental benefits of the new $280 million valve and pipeline. They plan to take out a WIFIA (Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) loan from the EPA for 49 percent of the whole project, which will allow them to spread the cost of repayment over 40 years, with low interest rates and no repayment at all for the first five years. A $135 million Revolving Fund Loan from the state and general bond market loans will cover the rest of the initial costs.

“The balance of the project will be from general bonds and direct revenue payments,” Yow stated. “Repayment of those will come from those state and federal funding options we are pursuing, as well as a combination of impact fees and possible rate increases.”

Wheeler said that generous loan terms are necessary: according to the rate study which is now underway, customers would see an “eye-watering” rate increase without WIFIA, especially when compounded by high construction inflation. The rate study is expected to conclude, with a number they can confidently publish as the projected increase to consumers’ water bills, at the end of the year.

“Rates [are] the last knob you turn,” Hardin reassured CPWS’s customers: whatever means they would use to pay for these improvements, whether debt, impact fees, grants or bonds, they would try to exhaust them all before raising rates.

What the new water sources enable

The new water source would enable some of the local development that is now chafing at environmental and infrastructural restraints. The water could provide for somewhere between 30,000 and 50,000 new households — at the most extreme growth projections of 3.5 percent year over year — and robust industrial growth, including factories that would use 2-3 MGD apiece.

CPWS doesn’t influence growth patterns on their own: they can only report on whether they can deliver the water that a given developer requests, and state law binds them to do whatever they can to supply the requested water. Nonetheless, they expressed appreciation for the pickiness with which Maury Alliance is now choosing and courting new industries, particularly those which agree to bring high-quality employment, minimize their environmental impact, or reuse or clean their used water.

“I applaud Wil Evans, Travis Groth and their staff… they do a wonderful job,” Hardin said. “If we are providing our resources to a business… [Maury Alliance makes sure] we’re getting equal or greater value in terms of jobs.”

Finally, the new permit, intake and treatment facility provide a stopgap solution that should last for up to two decades after it comes online. In the time this project will provide, CPWS’s leaders want everyone, from rate payers to regional stakeholders, to be willing to find Maury County a water supply that can last the next 100 years. Hardin evoked the Greatest Generation, who (he recalled) came home from World War II to build the dam in Columbia, the water systems and other critical infrastructure that we enjoy today, and asked the people and utilities of the region to think and build for as far into the future as they did.

“CPWS is still looking to help find the best long-term project past the downstream intake because we know how long it will take to study, plan, and permit any long-term option… We and our partner stakeholders will continue to explore those options,” Yow said. “In the meantime, we look forward to completing this necessary linchpin project that has been more than a decade in the works.”

Spring Hill News (MSM)

The City of Spring Hill is seeking direction from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) on how to proceed with the final paving and striping for the June Lake and Buckner Lane intersection project. 

In June 2024, the city entered into a developer agreement with Buckner Lane Partners, LLC, transferring responsibility for the final paving and traffic signal configuration from the developer to the city. As part of this, the developer paid a fee-in-lieu of $999,999.84 to the city. 

The contractor for the Buckner Lane South-to-North widening project, is responsible for ordering the new traffic heads and pedestrian poles for the intersection. Due to staff concerns regarding the intersection design, a re-evaluation was conducted, which delayed the signal order until the end of August. The signals have a 6-8 week lead time. 

Because the new signals must be installed before paving can occur, the final paving and striping are currently on hold to ensure alignment with the new layout and maintain public safety. 

The construction company has requested a 210-day contract extension due to concern about completing paving before asphalt plants close in December. The extension would allow flexibility in scheduling once the signal equipment arrives. 

City staff have also reached out to the city’s annual paving contractor, for an estimate to complete the final paving and striping, and to the striping contractor, for a separate estimate on striping. While the final paving cost estimate is higher than the construction company’s, the paving company can guarantee completion by Dec. 31, 2025. 

The board will be presented with two resolutions at the November BOMA meeting, one to authorize the paving and striping and the other to approve the contract extension for the construction company. 

As for the Legacy Pointe project, the City of Spring Hill’s Department of Development Services and Public Works has requested approval from the board for temporary improvements at the intersection of Crossings Boulevard and Kedron Road. 

Legacy Pointe was originally approved in 2022 with conditions requiring that all road improvements outlined in the Master Traffic Impact Study be completed before issuing the first certificate of occupancy for Phase 1A or 1B. 

In 2023, the ordinance was modified, specifying that these improvements must be completed before issuing occupancy certificates for Phases 2B, 3, 4A, and 4B. 

The permanent plan calls for signalizing the Crossings Boulevard and Kedron Road intersection and widening Kedron Road to arterial standards before the later phases begin. The developer estimates that completing these upgrades will take 24 to 26 months.

Under current conditions, the developer could open Crossings Boulevard while allowing Kedron Road to maintain traffic priority until the improvements are finished. However, with early phases expected to generate thousands of daily vehicle trips, this approach could lead to unacceptable traffic levels. 

To address this, the developer is proposing temporary improvements, including the installation of a temporary traffic signal. The proposal will be reviewed by the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) during its Oct. 20 meeting, which will evaluate two design concepts and provide recommendations to BOMA. 

At the Sept. 15 meeting, the board approved a resolution authorizing the city to call the Performance Bond for the Kedron Square and School Street improvement project by Oct. 14. The bond, valued at $242,687, was called to ensure the city would not renew it beyond Nov. 18. 

With the bond now called, the city assumes responsibility for completing the remaining Kedron Road improvements — estimated to cost approximately $750,980. The total exceeds the bond amount and may change depending on the unknown conditions of the work area. 

The project cost includes milling, final asphalt, striping, guardrail installation, engineering and design work and the construction of a turn lane on Old Kedron Road and Kedron Road. Since the bond funds will not cover the full expense, the city will need to look at additional funding to complete the project. 

Moving forward, the board is asking for staff recommendations and potential funding options to move the project toward completion. 

The board approved dedicating Battle Creek Way and approximately 88 acres of surrounding land to Maury County. The resolution aims to support long-term maintenance, enhance safety and serve the public interest. 

Public Works Director Tyler Scroggins and Alderman Vincent Fuqua worked with the Maury County Commission and the Maury County Board of Education on the request. Previously, the city secured approval to request a 75-foot right-of-way along Mahlon Moore Road and Battle Creek Way to accommodate turn lanes and traffic signals. 

During the Sept. 16 Board of Education work session, the school board reviewed the right-of-way and additional 88-acre request and expressed approval. 

The dedication is intended to ensure long-term maintenance, improve safety for children and families near Battle Creek School, preserve the land for public use and maintain the area as a safe and beneficial community resource.

Youth Education Foundation Awards Grants (Press Release)

Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) is excited to announce that the Youth Educational Foundation (YEF) has awarded $29,750 in grants that will fund 27 educational projects across the school district! MCPS educators who applied for the grants detailed how their project idea would help their students grow academically or emotionally, teaching them lifelong skills, or empower ownership and confidence. YEF reviewed all applications to determine winners and funding.

“We are deeply grateful for the generous financial support from the Youth Educational Foundation,” said Lisa Ventura, Superintendent of Maury County Public Schools. This funding will bring 27 creative, hands-on learning projects to life across our schools—directly benefiting students in every corner of our district. Investments like this empower our teachers to innovate and inspire, helping us provide every student with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.”

YEF, a local 501(c) (3) was established in 2013 to raise funds in support of better educational opportunities for students in Maury County. In the 2024-2025 academic school year, YEF awarded more than $72,000 to 42 projects and programs to 22 different schools and organizations in Maury County.

“YEF is proud to support Maury County Public Schools and thankful for our generous donors,” said Travis Groth, Youth Educational Foundation Board Chairman. “We hope these grants will provide enhanced opportunities for teachers to enrich the education of students across Maury County.”

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.

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

State Releases Graduation Rate Data (Press Release)

Today, the Tennessee Department of Education (department) announced the 2024-25 statewide graduation rate is 92.3 percent, breaking the previous record achieved in the 2023-24 school year at 92.1 percent. 

"Year-over-year gains in the statewide graduation rate exemplify Tennessee’s commitment to ensuring students across the state make it to the graduation stage prepared for success after high school," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "Districts' schools and public charters will continue using proven best practices and working with families to support students as they embark on their future endeavors."

For the 2024-25 school year, the most notable takeaways from graduation data include the following:   

• 1,892 more students graduated in the 2025 cohort compared to last year, for a total of 69,124 students graduating across the state.

• Benton County Schools, Clay County Schools, Fentress County Schools, Greene County Schools, Milan Special School District, Richard City Special School District, Smith County Schools, and Tennessee School for the Deaf are the top nine districts that had a graduation rate over 99 percent.

• Eighty-two districts graduated 95 percent or more of their students on time.

• Sixty-nine districts improved their graduation rates from 2024 to 2025, with eight districts improving by five percentage points or more.

• The Students with Disabilities student group demonstrated a three-percentage point increase in their graduation rate from 81 percent in 2023-24 to 84 percent in 2024-25. 

• Sixty-eight schools finished the year with over a 99 percent graduation rate. 

• Twenty-nine districts finished the year with over a 99 percent graduation rate for at least one of the following student groups: English Learners, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Economically Disadvantaged, and Students with Disabilities.  

To advance academic achievement and prepare students for postsecondary success, districts continue to offer summer programming and tutoring supports for additional learning time, innovative college and career exploration, and access to early postsecondary opportunities.   

For more information on graduation rates for individual districts and schools, please visit the department’s Data Downloads webpage.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Reigning CMA and ACM Group of the Year Old Dominion, Charley Pride, who broke color barriers as country music’s first Black superstar, and two-time GRAMMY-winning songwriter Liz Rose will be inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 1 p.m., the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced today.

“These inductees represent the heart of Nashville’s music story,” said Ellen Pryor, Chair of Music City Inc., the foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, and Director of Communications at Frist Art Museum. “From Old Dominion’s rise from songwriters to stars, to Charley Pride’s trailblazing legacy, to Liz Rose’s timeless storytelling that defined an era — each has left an unforgettable mark on music and on Nashville.”

For more information about the Music City Walk of Fame, go to visitmusiccity.com/walkoffame.