Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-28-26
WKOM/WKRM Radio
Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for October 28, 2026
All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Pierce Death Considered Homicide (WSMV.com)
Investigators have confirmed they are investigating the death of 30-year-old Savannah Pierce as a homicide, according to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
Pierce was last in contact with her family on Sept. 7, 2026. Her family reported her missing on September 22, and deputies found her dead the next day, September 23.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office told WSMV4 Monday that investigators have identified persons of interest. No arrests have been made.
WCSO said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Maury County Sheriff’s Department led the initial search for Pierce. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office later joined the investigation after learning Pierce had reportedly lived in Williamson County.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing. WCSO also says additional details will not be released at this time to protect the investigation’s integrity.
Local Beef Producers (CDH)
President Donald Trump eased tariffs on up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef imported into the United States in an attempt to reduce beef prices for Americans, a move that has left Tennessee beef producers "frustrated."
Trump took to Truth Social in late August to announce the news, saying he reached a deal with foreign ground beef exporters to sell their product at a 25% discount in exchange for not paying U.S. out-of-quota tariffs on foreign beef.
Domestic beef producers and organizations have criticized the move extensively, saying it will impact beef producers and hinder the growth of America's herd. The Tennessee Farm Bureau (TFB), the state's largest farm advocacy organization, agrees.
“Tennessee beef producers are frustrated by President Trump’s announcement yesterday regarding beef imports,” said TFB president Eric Mayberry in an official statement.
"Tennessee cattle producers understand the importance of affordable prices, but rebuilding the US cattle herd takes time. Making short-term, quick responses to long-term challenges will hurt Tennessee cattle producers, especially during a time when strong prices for beef are the sole bright spot of the US agricultural economy."
The Tennessee Cattlemen's Association also released a statement expressing its disdain for Trump's decision.
"Increasing imports of government-subsidized, below-market beef risks weakening producer confidence at the very time we need cattlemen investing in herd expansion," TCA's Executive Vice President Dale Parker said.
If you're looking to support local beef producers amid the influx of foreign beef, here is a list of local Maury County farms and shops you can buy beef from.
Church Farm Beef is at 4077 Rippey Lake Road in Mt. Pleasant.
As home of The Beef Barn, owner and operator Larry Church offers pasture-raised, grain-finished beef ranging from various cuts of steak to ground beef, fresh roasts and specialty items such as tongue, beef heart, liver and oxtail.
All cows are born and bred on the family farm, offering a true farm-to-table experience since its foundation in 1953. Shop The Beef Barn online at www.churchbeef.com, or by calling to order at (931) 698-5802.
The Ridge Butcher Shop and Fresh Market, just off the historic downtown Columbia square at 1109 S. Main St., is the brick-and-mortar shop owned by Southern Ridge Farms. It offers fresh grass-fed, pasture-raised beef free of pesticide, vaccine, antibiotic and hormones, as well as a wide selection of grocery items, cooking aids and even treats for dogs.
1822 Farms, at 3930 Jimmy Gray Robinson Road in Williamsport, raises all-natural, grass-fed, USDA-certified Angus beef ranging from boneless ribeye and sirloins to fresh roasts and ground beef. Sitting on 600 acres, the multi-generational family farm proudly boasts centuries-old tradition adapted for the modern age. To place an order, visit the farm's website www.1822farms.com or call (615) 642-1730.
In Spring Hill, Light Hill Meats is at 150 Stephen P. Yokich Parkway. Its butcher shop offers a variety of fresh meats processed in-house, as well as grocery items, including the Light Hill brand's signature seasoning, beef jerky and more. For more information, visit www.lighhillmeats.com or call (931) 488-4631.
CSCC Announces 2nd Floor Capabilities (Press Release)
The Southern Regional Technology Center — a partnership between Columbia State Community College, TCAT Hohenwald and TCAT Pulaski — serves as a regional hub for education and training to meet the needs of both citizens and employers.
Through strong partnerships built around internships, apprenticeships, program development and job placement, pathways include diplomas, technical certificates and associate of applied science degrees.
“Welcome to the second floor of the SRTC,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “This vibrant space is primarily home to faculty offices and labs for Health Sciences students, alongside flexible classrooms and a computer lab. While the space is optimized for academic success, the views of the campus from some of the spacious windows may make staying focused on the task at hand a challenge! This is the second of three features focusing on areas in the SRTC. We hope you learn a bit about the spaces and stop by to see them in person.”
TOA Columbia Student Lounge
The Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) Columbia Student Lounge offers students a welcoming, comfortable space to recharge and connect throughout their busy academic days.
Whether studying between classes, relaxing during a break or meeting with classmates to collaborate on coursework, students can utilize the lounge as a valuable gathering spot that supports both their academic success and sense of community on campus.
Farm Bureau Health Plans Suite
The Farm Bureau Health Plans Suite houses a modern computer lab alongside two flexible, multipurpose classrooms. These spaces are designed to serve a wide range of academic and professional needs, giving students and employees a dedicated environment for lectures, independent study, group collaboration and training sessions.
NHC South Central Region Respiratory Suite
The National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) South Central Region Respiratory Suite features a dedicated Respiratory Care lab and classroom, equipped to give students hands-on training in artificial ventilation, resuscitation and airway management. This space allows students to build the practical skills and clinical competencies necessary to pursue employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities and physician offices.
Constantine and Mary Vrailas Med Lab Suite
The Constantine and Mary Vrailas Med Lab Suite houses classes for students in the Medical Laboratory Technology program, featuring both a laboratory and a classroom to support their hands-on training. The lab has diagnostic and analytical equipment to help teach students about collecting, processing and analyzing biological specimens and other substances, while practicing principles of quality assessment.
City to Support Inclusive Playground (Press Release)
The City of Columbia has invested $230,000 to help complete Taye’s Place, an all-inclusive playground planned next to the Miracle League of Columbia baseball field at Maury County Park.
Taye’s Place will provide a welcoming space where children of all abilities can play, explore, and build friendships. The playground will expand the mission of the Miracle League, which gives individuals with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball, be part of a team, and build lasting connections.
“Every child deserves a place to play and feel included,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. “The Miracle League has made a lasting impact on families throughout our community. The City is proud to support a project that will benefit families for years to come.”
The City's investment will help bring the playground closer to completion. The project will provide additional recreational opportunities for children and families beyond the baseball field.
“This investment reflects the City's commitment to improving quality of life for all residents,” said Columbia City Manager Tony Massey. “We appreciate the Council’s support of this important project and the dedication of everyone working to make this playground a reality.”
The City extends its appreciation to Maury County Parks & Recreation, the Miracle League Board, and the players and families who have helped make this project possible.
The City of Columbia is proud to support this project and the partnerships that make it possible. Taye’s Place will create lasting opportunities for children of all abilities to play, connect, and feel included.
Columbia Spring Hill Collaborate On Wastewater (CDH)
Columbia has approved an agreement with Spring Hill to collaborate on a regional wastewater infrastructure project.
Backed by a $12 million investment from Spring Hill, the project is expected to benefit both cities, according to a recent news release.
Columbia is currently building a new wastewater treatment plant, a $95.5 million project estimated to be completed in 2027. The plant will increase the city's treatment capacity to 17 million gallons per day and enable Columbia to accept between 500,000 and 1.5 million gallons of wastewater per day from Spring Hill.
The agreement stipulates that Spring Hill will cover the entire cost of the $12 million interlocal agreement.
Of the $12 million investment, $9 million will go toward connecting Spring Hill's existing wastewater system to Columbia's. Spring Hill will be responsible for funding and maintaining the infrastructure from its treatment plant to the connection point with Columbia. The remaining $3 million will be used to upgrade Columbia's Carter's Creek Pike Pump Station.
“Spring Hill had a need. Columbia answered the call. Both cities will benefit,” Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder said. “This agreement is a great example of what can be accomplished when local governments work together in a thoughtful and responsible way. Columbia is able to assist a neighboring community while also securing important infrastructure investment that will benefit our residents for years to come.”
The service between the two cities will begin only after Columbia's new wastewater treatment plant and the required pump station improvements are complete.
“This agreement allows the Department to make strategic upgrades to our collection system, allowing us to continue providing good-quality service to our ratepayers and to be good neighbors,” Columbia Wastewater Department Director Donnie Boshers said.
The expanded capacity is expected to generate significant new revenue for Columbia, with Spring Hill projected to pay between $21 million and $62 million over 10 years for wastewater treatment, depending on the volume, according to the announcement.
The agreement reflects Columbia's commitment to responsible infrastructure planning, regional cooperation and partnerships that create long-term value for the community, the news release states.
City leaders are praising the agreement as a sound partnership that benefits both communities.
“This agreement represents a mutually beneficial partnership and an important investment in Columbia’s wastewater infrastructure,” Columbia City Manager Tony Massey said. “Mayor Molder is to be recognized for his leadership in identifying an opportunity for Columbia to help a neighboring community. This is truly a sound partnership.”
On Monday, Oct. 19, the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a resolution to officially secure the agreement, which was considered a 'win-win' by city leaders.
"Everything went smooth and everybody worked together, and we are excited about this agreement," Columbia Vice Mayor Randy McBroom said. "Hopefully, this will show how sister cities can work together."
Alderman Vincent Fuqua also noted the importance of understanding the benefits the agreement will achieve for both cities, despite recent backlash and criticism appearing on social media.
"Social media has been a little negative towards this agreement, but I want to explain what that does to both sides. It helps us out of a crucial point, gives us some capacity, and for [Columbia] rate payers reduces the debt burden," Fuqua said. "This is an extreme win for the very folks who are being very negative towards it.
"This is the perfect example of regional partnership, and I am proud to be a part of it."
Titans Kids Captain (Press Release)
Richland Elementary school student Kabe V. from Mt. Pleasant was selected as a winner of Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee’s 17th annual Tennessee Titans’ Kids Captain contest. The 7-year-old had a moment to remember Sunday as he stood alongside Tennessee Titans captains at midfield for the pregame coin toss ahead of the team’s matchup with the Cleveland Browns.
The experience was part of the Titans’ Kids Captain contest, which gives young fans ages 6 through 12 years old the unique opportunity to receive four lower-bowl tickets, a parking pass, a red Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee cap, an official Titans jersey, and the rare chance to step onto the field as an honorary captain.
For Kabe, taking the field of an NFL game with the players usually only seen on TV sounds like a dream. This past Sunday, that was his reality, as he was selected to be Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee’s Kids Captain.
Kabe, known for his outgoing personality and being an avid sports fan who participates in basketball, golf and, of course, football, was especially excited to walk onto the field with the Titans players and take part in the coin toss.
“For a 7-year-old, winning this contest is a dream come true,” said his mother, Tiffani. “As a football-loving little boy, he was so excited. Kabe makes us so very proud!”
“It was a pleasure to accompany Kabe and his family to this game. Seeing his excitement as he took the field was incredibly rewarding,” said Eli Belew, a Farm Bureau Insurance agent in Marshall County. “Experiences like these create lifelong memories for Tennessee families, and we are so proud to be a part of it.”
From now through December, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee will choose four more winners to be a Kids Captain for each of the following home games:
• Nov. 15 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
• Dec. 6 vs. Washington Commanders
• Dec. 20 vs. Indianapolis Colts
• Jan. 3 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Contest entries open three weeks prior to the Titans’ home football games listed above, and contestants can enter to win anytime throughout the fall season. Entrants must be residents of Tennessee, be ages 6 through 12, and have parental consent to participate. Winners will be notified approximately two weeks before their assigned game and must respond within 24 hours to claim their opportunity to shine on the field.
Entries for the next game, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, can be submitted here:
Spring Hill Planning Approves Business Plans (MSM)
The Spring Hill Planning Commission approved design modifications for Medacta’s Project Blue and an updated site plan for Enterprise Rental Car at its Oct. 12 meeting. Sidewalk requirements sparked debate on the Enterprise project.
Medacta returned to the commission seeking approval of design modifications and building elevations for Project Blue, an industrial building planned east of Interstate 65 and south of Jim Warren Road. The 184,239-square-foot building appeared before the commission during its Sept. 28 work session, when the board advanced the proposed facade changes toward the consent agenda.
At the Oct. 12 meeting, the commission approved the revised plans after the applicant addressed city staff’s comments and concerns.
Enterprise Rental Car also returned to the commission with a site plan for a property along North Old Port Royal Road. The approximately 6.6-acre site is zoned for light industrial use.
The project was presented during the commission’s Sept. 28 work session, but staff identified several concerns that needed to be addressed before it could advance. While the applicant resolved most of those issues, the proposed sidewalk remained an issue. Under Spring Hill’s city codes, sidewalks are required as part of new site plans, but one was not included in Enterprise’s original proposal.
City staff presented two potential sidewalk locations for the commission and applicant to consider. The first option would place the sidewalk within the future right-of-way, requiring street improvements that include curb and gutter considerations and addressing drainage concerns. The second option would place the sidewalk between the drainage well and the front parking area. Staff indicated that space appeared to be available without interfering with the drainage well.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Matt Fitterer said the applicant indicated that customers could arrive on foot because the property would be within walking distance of a nearby body shop.
During the meeting, the applicant expressed concerns about installing a sidewalk before the future widening of Old Port Royal Road is determined. However, the applicant said it was willing to negotiate a solution that would accommodate the project and the city’s requirements.
Fitterer emphasized the importance of following city codes while accounting for the uncertainty surrounding the road’s future improvements.
Several commissioners expressed support for the first sidewalk option, which would place the sidewalk within the future right-of-way.
Following further discussion, the commission approved Enterprise’s site plan in a 7-1 vote, with the condition that a five-foot sidewalk be installed and that its placement receive city staff approval. If staff does not approve the proposed sidewalk placement, the item will return to the planning commission for further consideration.
And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mrs. Shirley Geneva Wright Clanton, 88, resident of Pulaski, passed away on Thursday, October 22 at Maury Regional Medical Center Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. on November 7 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Pulaski
Mr. Larry Stephen Whitehouse, 76, a long-time resident of Columbia, TN passed away Monday, October 26 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, October 30 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
Mrs. Deborah “Dee” Dunn, 71, resident of Summertown, died Tuesday, October 13 at Maury Regional Medical Center. A memorial service will be conducted Friday, October 30 at 4:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Funeral Home.
Mrs. Shelby Campbell Thomas, 79, resident of Columbia, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2026, at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center. A memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Robert Allen “Bob” Johnson, 84, resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, at The Gardens of Poplar Estates.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, with Randy Owens officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 PM until the service time at the funeral home.
And now, news from around the state…
Voting Machines Secure in Tennessee (MSM)
Tennessee voters began casting ballots during early voting in late October, with several voters in the Midstate raising concerns in recent days that voting machines changed their intended selections to the opposing candidate in some instances.
“Tennessee’s voting systems are designed with multiple safeguards to help ensure that ballots are recorded consistent with voter intent,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office told Main Street Media of Tennessee.
Hargett’s office also shared some background information on how the state prepares for elections to deter interference. According to his office, the machines used to cast ballots, which are not connected to the internet, are checked by a bipartisan panel made up of both Republicans and Democrats prior to elections to make sure they are working properly. They said that candidates were invited to attend to ensure everything was running correctly.
They emphasised that the machines used during elections are ballot marking devices, which are not connected to the internet, intended to allow the voter to review and confirm their selections before their ballot is printed.
His office said that safeguards on the process include several opportunities for voters to verify their ballot selections:
• Selection Screen: When a voter makes a choice, that selection is clearly displayed on the voting machine screen.
• Review Screen: Before casting their ballots, voters are presented with a summary screen displaying all selections made during the voting session.
• Paper Record: Voters should carefully review the paper ballot or paper record generated by the system to confirm that their choices are accurately reflected before casting their ballot.
Hargett’s office urged voters to notify poll officials immediately if they believe there is an issue before casting their ballot.
Tennessee Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins said in a television interview that the issue appears to be a voter error.
“It’s not a vote flipping situation. It’s normally an unintended touch that they didn’t realize. For example, if I have long fingernails and I’m trying to touch a specific box. I’m at the top of the box then my fingernail may be touching the other box, and they may not even realize it,” Goins said.
Officials are also encouraging voters to understand what is on their ballot before they vote and to familiarize themselves not only with the candidates but also with the three proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot.
Additional election information can be found at GoVoteTN.gov.
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Country music star Clay Walker is celebrating the holiday season with a new Christmas album featuring his wife and five children, along with a Nashville performance at the Grand Ole Opry on December 22. More
A Clay Walker Family Christmas is set for release on November 6 and features Walker, his wife Jessica, and their children Will, Mary-Elizabeth, Eli, Ezra and Christiaan. Produced by Keith Stegall, the album includes holiday favorites such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
The album’s lead single, “All Wrapped Up in You,” is available now.
For more information, visit ClayWalker.com.
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