Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-29-26

Southern Middle TN Today News with Ben Carter 10-29-26

Ben Carter

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for October 29, 2026

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

We start with local news…

NAACP Hosts Last Columbia Mayoral Forum (MSM)

Columbia’s candidates for mayor and vice mayor have now held their last public forum before the city election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The forum was hosted by the Think Tank of NAACP Branch 5584 and moderated by Dr. Christa Martin.

Four of the five mayoral candidates took part: Timothy Johnson, Jai Lipscomb, Stewart Parker and Ashley Townsend. The fifth candidate, Eric Previti, declined to participate because he had promised his family he would not campaign on Sundays.

On growth, all four candidates agreed the city cannot let development outpace its infrastructure, especially its long-term water supply. Townsend proposed having experts build prioritized, data-driven lists of public works projects, and encouraged residents and business owners to make more use of federal programs. Lipscomb called for zoning that allows more diverse housing while protecting the character of each neighborhood. Johnson praised the current administration’s budget work and called for expanding the tax base by zoning for more small businesses. Parker said teamwork with the state and neighboring cities is the way to get projects like the Bear Creek Pike widening done.

On homelessness, each candidate said the answer is coordinating the resources and charities the city already has, rather than starting from scratch.

The two candidates for vice mayor also spoke. Incumbent Vice Mayor Randy McBroom pointed to the Aquatics and Recreation Center and a $900,000 housing grant that kept nine households in their homes, and acknowledged that the city and Columbia Power & Water Systems did not do the best job explaining the recent water rate increase. Ward 2 Councilman Charlie Huffman, a longtime electrical lineman for CPWS, noted that he was the only council member to vote against that rate increase, and said growth must slow down until infrastructure catches up.

Early Voting Ends Today (Duck River Sentinel)

Today, Thursday, Oct. 29, is the last day of early voting for the Nov. 3 election. In Maury County, early voting ends at 4:00 PM at the Election Commission office, 1207 Tradewinds Drive in Columbia. Bring a photo ID.

In Williamson County, the Longview Recreation Center in Spring Hill is open until 6:00 PM. Some voters at Longview said the touchscreen machines selected a different candidate than the one they chose. State Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins said those cases come from unintended screen touches, not vote flipping, and the Secretary of State’s office says it had received one complaint of that kind out of roughly 400,000 ballots. Williamson County’s elections administrator says styluses are being provided at every polling place.

Every ballot shows a review screen and a paper record before it is cast. Check your choices, and if something looks wrong, tell a poll worker before you finish.

Maury County Library Reopening Ceremony Friday (MSM)

The newly renovated Maury County Library will celebrate with a ribbon cutting on Friday, Oct. 30, at 10:00 AM. Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett will speak, along with County Mayor Sheila Butt, County Commission Chairman Danny Grooms and the library’s director.

The remodeling of the main floor at 211 West 8th Street has been under way since October of last year, paid for with a state economic development grant and matching county funds. The updated library now has a teen center, study rooms, a new classroom, a demonstration kitchen, space for telehealth appointments, and room for adult education and workforce classes.

The library traces its roots to the oldest literary club in Tennessee, formed in 1896.

Columbia State Partners With Republic Bank (Maury County Source)

Columbia State Community College has named Republic Bank the official sponsor of its student engagement activities for the 2026-27 school year. The college puts on an estimated 200 events every year, including Weeks of Welcome, Spring Fest and the Adulting 101 series, which teaches students about budgeting, car safety, insurance, taxes, renting and buying a first home.

Republic Bank also presented a check to support the Columbia State Chargers baseball program.

Women’s Club Presents Scholarship Check (MSM)

The Columbia State Foundation received a gift from the GFWC Maury County Women’s Club for the Karen Spencer Brooks Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship, named for a past club president and Columbia State graduate, goes each year to the graduating Columbia State student with the highest grade point average who is transferring to a four-year school, lives in Maury County, is a single parent and has financial need.

The club, founded in 2019, also cooks and serves meals at the People’s Table soup kitchen, and donated two trees to the new Miracle League field at Maury County Park.

TN Promise Deadline Monday (Maury County Source)

High school seniors have until Monday, Nov. 2, to apply for TN Promise, according to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees at Tennessee community colleges and colleges of applied technology that other aid does not cover.

Applying also connects seniors to TN Direct Admissions, which sends automatic admission offers from 63 participating Tennessee colleges and universities. Students can apply through the commission’s student portal. More information is available at www.CollegeForTN.org.

Andy’s Frozen Custard Celebrates 10 Years (Maury County Source)

Andy’s Frozen Custard opened its first Tennessee store on Main Street in Spring Hill in November 2016, and the company will celebrate 10 years in Tennessee from Nov. 1 through Nov. 10.

The Spring Hill store at 4941 Main Street will hold an anniversary celebration with the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 11:00 AM, and will honor two team members who have worked there all 10 years. During the celebration, part of every treat sold in Spring Hill goes to The Well Outreach food pantry, with a minimum gift of $1,000.

Blood Assurance Needs Donors (Maury County Source)

Blood Assurance, the primary blood supplier for most Middle Tennessee hospitals, says it has less than a day’s supply of O-negative blood heading into the holidays, and platelet supplies remain critically low.

Through Friday, Nov. 13, donors can receive a $40 e-gift card for platelet or double red cell donations and a $25 e-gift card for all other eligible donations. Schedule a donation at www.bloodassurance.org.

Young Sportsman Deer Hunt This Weekend (Duck River Sentinel)

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says the first young sportsman deer hunt runs Saturday, Oct. 31, and Sunday, Nov. 1, for hunters ages 6 through 16, with gun, muzzleloader or archery equipment.

Every young hunter must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 21 years old, who must stay close enough to take control of the weapon and must wear fluorescent orange or pink. Hunters ages 6 through 9 need no license. Older youth have hunter education and license requirements, which are listed in the TWRA hunting guide. The statewide gun season opens Saturday, Nov. 21.

Williamson Board Approves New Middle School (Duck River Sentinel)

In neighboring Williamson County, the school board has approved plans for a new $87 million middle school. The school would be built on district-owned land on Split Log Road, next to Jordan Elementary in Brentwood, to handle growth in the Nolensville area.

The Williamson County Commission is set to consider a resolution on Nov. 9 that would fund it through education impact fees or bonds. The board also voted to rezone families in Stephens Valley to Grassland-area schools beginning in the 2027-28 school year.

Final Week of the Regular Season (Columbia Daily Herald/MaxPreps)

Columbia Central hosts Tullahoma tonight at 7:00 PM, and it is Senior Night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The Lions are 8-1 and 3-0 in their region. The Columbia Daily Herald’s Super 12 rankings have Central at No. 1 in the area, and in this week’s Tennessee Sports Writers Association poll the Lions moved up a spot to No. 7 in Class 5A. Tullahoma comes in at 2-7. Last week, Jamari Brown ran for 136 yards and accounted for three touchdowns in Central’s 42-30 win over Pope John Paul II.

Also tonight at 7:00 PM, Mt. Pleasant hosts Loretto. The Tigers are 5-4 after a 22-20 win over Lewis County, and Loretto comes in at 1-8.

On Friday, Spring Hill (7-2) hosts Montgomery Central at 7:00 PM, with the Raiders looking to lock up a top-two region seed and a home playoff game. Battle Creek travels to Centerville to play Hickman County at 7:00 PM; the Grizzlies are coming off a 40-0 shutout of Glencliff. Also Friday at 7:00 PM, Summit plays at Independence with playoff spots on the line. Columbia Academy plays at Franklin Road Academy, and Providence Academy visits Zion Christian.

Front Porch Sports Network Coverage (Station Announcement)

Tonight’s Tullahoma at Columbia Central game is live on 1340 AM and 103.7 WKRM, as the station marks its 79th year covering Columbia Central High School football.

The Front Porch Sports Network will also cover the rest of the Maury County games: Loretto at Mt. Pleasant tonight, and on Friday, Montgomery Central at Spring Hill and Battle Creek at Hickman County. It’s the final week of the regular season, and three of the four teams, Columbia Central, Spring Hill and Mt. Pleasant, are expected to make the playoffs.

Culleoka Falls at Defending State Champ Westview (MSM)

Culleoka’s girls soccer season has come to an end. The Lady Warriors traveled 151 miles for their Class A sectional and fell 6-1 at Westview, the defending state champion.

Emerson Massey scored Culleoka’s lone goal on a shot from 27 yards out, her 32nd goal of the season. Culleoka was trying to reach the state tournament for the first time since 2022, and finishes the season at 12-6.

Culleoka and Richland run their Class A cross country sectional today at Unionville. The state championships are set for Nov. 5-6 at Shelby Farms in Memphis.

Top Returning Girls Basketball Players (Columbia Daily Herald)

With first practices held this week, the Columbia Daily Herald named the top returning girls basketball players in the area. Among them: Natasia Barner and Pauleisha Radley of Columbia Central, Kylee Martin of Mt. Pleasant, Phynlee Keeling of Culleoka, Alyssa Davis and Addie Slaughter of Columbia Academy, and Kendall Massey and Addison Prince of Santa Fe. Richland is the defending Class 1A state champion.

Columbia Central Basketball: The Den Is Open (Maury County Public Schools)

Columbia Central basketball tips off its season by hosting the Mid-State Tip-Off on Saturday, Nov. 7, with games starting at noon. Central’s matchups that day include Lewis County, Shelbyville, Antioch and Columbia Academy, with West Creek and Marshall County also in the field. The Lions’ Hall of Fame games follow on Thursday, Nov. 19, against Smyrna and Saturday, Nov. 21, against Loretto.

Before that, fans can get an early look this Saturday. Maury County Public Schools says Columbia Central basketball will hold “The Den Is Open,” a free Community Open Practice & Meet the Lions event, on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Columbia Central High School gymnasium. Doors open at 9:30 AM.

The morning includes team drills, a live 5-on-5 varsity scrimmage at 10:50 AM, a chance to meet the Lions and coaching staff at 11:25 AM, and Coach Washington’s vision and community appreciation at 11:35 AM. There will be a complimentary continental breakfast while supplies last, and Halloween candy for the kids after practice. Students, families, alumni, community and friends are invited.

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

Mr. Robert Allen “Bob” Johnson, 84, resident of Columbia, passed away Friday, October 23 at The Gardens of Poplar Estates. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 7 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 PM until the service time at the funeral home. Born in Thomas Hill, Missouri, Bob played college basketball and rookie league baseball in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, served in the National Guard, and built a long career as a certified public accountant, retiring as a chief financial officer. In Columbia, he volunteered at the West 7th Street Church of Christ food pantry and, with his wife Sandra, helped seniors through Medicare enrollment with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. He is survived by Sandra, his wife of 60 years, three children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorial donations to the West 7th Church of Christ youth program.

Mr. John “Ray” Flowers, a Columbia native, passed away Thursday, October 22 at his home in Fayetteville after a long battle with multiple health conditions. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, October 27 at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial followed in Polk Memorial Gardens. Ray was a devoted family man and a hard worker who could fix just about anything; he loved being on the road driving big trucks, and longtime friends called him an “old school gear jammer.” He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Regena; a daughter; three grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to The Arthritis Foundation.

For service times and arrangements, visit www.oakesandnichols.com. Hometown Memorials is sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, serving with dignity and consideration for over 150 years.

And now, your Southern Middle Tennessee Weather, brought to you by Workout Anytime Columbia…

Weather (National Weather Service)

Thursday: Areas of fog in the morning, then sunny, with a high near 80 and light winds. Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with more fog late and a low around 46.

Friday: Mostly sunny and warmer, with a high near 82.

Saturday: Cloudy, with a high near 78 and a slight chance of showers in the afternoon. The chance of showers goes up Saturday night. Sunday: Rain likely, with a high near 68.

Your Southern Middle Tennessee Weather is sponsored by Workout Anytime Columbia. Learn about the gym and join at www.workoutanytime.com/columbia, or visit the gym at 125 Bear Creek Pike.

And now, news from around the state…

Tennessee Bids for U.S. Space Academy (WKRN.com)

Gov. Bill Lee has announced Tennessee will pursue the new United States Space Academy for the Coffee County Joint Industrial Park, a 395-acre site on Highway 55 between Tullahoma and Manchester, central to Nashville, Chattanooga and Huntsville.

The state is pointing to nearby assets including Arnold Air Force Base, the University of Tennessee Space Institute, and aerospace programs at MTSU and Tennessee Tech. Lee said he has long believed Tennessee should help determine what the future looks like. U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais said the region’s ties to the aerospace industry in Huntsville make the state a natural fit. State and federal officials are now working to secure the project.

Tennessee Joins Dollar General Lawsuit (WKRN.com)

Tennessee is one of 20 states joining the Federal Trade Commission in a lawsuit against Dollar General. The complaint alleges the discount chain charged customers more at the register than the prices posted on shelves, on price tags and in ads over several years, costing shoppers millions of dollars, and that the company knew about the problem and failed to fix it.

State Unemployment Holds at 3.4% (MSM)

Tennessee’s unemployment rate was 3.4% in September for the third straight month, the lowest rate of the year and well below the national rate of 4.2%. Ninety-three of the state’s 95 counties were below 5%, and Tennessee employers have added 28,400 jobs over the past year, led by leisure and hospitality, followed by health care.

Six Crossville Children Missing (Fox17.com)

Authorities in Cumberland County are asking for help finding six children from Crossville. The siblings, ranging in age from 9 months to 16 years, have been missing since Oct. 22, after deputies say their non-custodial parent, Misty Ware, took them from their home. Investigators believe she could be traveling toward Mexico in a red Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

If you see the children or the van, call 911 and do not try to stop the vehicle. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 931-484-6176.

Student Charged After Grundy County High School Threat (WSMV.com)

A student is facing charges after a reported threat of mass violence against Grundy County High School. School administrators notified the sheriff’s office Monday afternoon, and after a threat assessment Tuesday morning, deputies determined the threat was credible. Under district policy, the student will be expelled and could be assigned to an alternative school.

Officials urge anyone who hears of a threat against a school to report it to administrators or law enforcement.

Remains Found in Former Sparta Water Plant (WSMV.com)

Police in Sparta believe remains found in a vacant building on North Main Street, the former Sparta water plant, may be those of a woman reported missing earlier this month. Officers found the remains during extra patrols of the property with the landowner’s permission.

The remains have been sent to the Middle Tennessee Regional Forensic Center for identification and an autopsy, and the TBI and the district attorney’s office have been notified.

Dolly Parton Video Shown at SEUS-Japan Meeting (WSMV.com)

A recording made by Dolly Parton shortly before her death was shown this week at the Southeast U.S.-Japan Association meeting in Nashville. The nearly two-minute video welcomed hundreds of Japanese political and business leaders and celebrated 50 years of ties between Japan and the Southeast. Parton gave permission for it to be shown after her death, and many in the room asked to see it a second time.

Japan is Tennessee’s largest foreign investor, with more than 200 Japanese companies in the state employing more than 60,000 Tennesseans. Gov. Lee and former Govs. Haslam, Alexander and Bredesen all took part.

And now, national news…

Dolores Huerta Dies at 96 (WKRN.com)

Labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta has died at the age of 96. Her family said she died Wednesday at home. Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which became the United Farm Workers, and helped lead the 1965 Delano grape strike. Her famous three-word Spanish slogan translates to “Yes, it can be done.”

She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012 and kept marching and speaking around the country well into her nineties.

Final Story of the Day (Fox17.com)

Two Overton County men have been sentenced for cutting down a 55-foot black walnut tree, 30 inches across, in Standing Stone State Forest and selling it to a sawmill. The case came together when the sawmill owner told investigators with the state’s Agricultural Crime Unit who sold him the tree.

One man received two years of probation, and the other a two-year sentence with six months to serve. Each must pay more than $2,000 in restitution, plus fines, and both are banned from Standing Stone State Forest and State Park. The Agricultural Crime Unit says it looked into 49 cases in October alone.