Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-3-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for October 3, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Missing Teen (MauryCountySource)

The Columbia Police Department is trying to locate a 16-year-old runaway juvenile, Makaylah Gooch. Gooch was last seen on October 2nd, 2025, in the area of Jamie Dr.

Gooch is 5’06” tall and weighs 115 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. A photo of Makaylah is available to see on the Columbia Police Department Facebook page.

Any person with additional information that may assist in this or any other investigation is encouraged to contact Columbia Police Department Dispatch (24 hours) at 931-388-2727, Maury County Crime stoppers at 931-381-4900, or Columbia Police SAFE Tip Email to SafeTips@ColumbiaTN.gov

Gas Main Break (WSMV)

The East Bound lanes of James Campbell Blvd in Columbia were closed from Campbellsville Pike near the Verizon Store to Pulaski Hwy HWY 31, Stan McNabb Chevrolet on Thursday.

This closure was due to a large gas main break.

The public was advised to use alternate routes. After several hours closure, the road was reopened around 6:00pm last evening.

Duck River Access Points Opened (Press Release)

The City of Columbia officially celebrated the opening of two new paddle craft access points along the Duck River with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Riverwalk Park on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

The project, funded through a $200,000 State Tourism Enhancement Grant with matching contributions from the State of Tennessee and the City of Columbia, was designed to expand outdoor recreation opportunities and create easier access to one of the community’s most treasured natural assets.

“Outdoor recreation is essential to building a healthy, connected community,” said Parks and Recreation Director Mack Reagan. “These new access points give our residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy the Duck River, stay active, and experience the natural beauty that makes Columbia special.”

The new facilities include two designated paddle craft launches, one located near the Columbia Dam and another under the 5th Street Bridge inside Riverwalk Park. Together, the access points form a convenient thirty-minute float route, offering a family-friendly way to experience the Duck River without committing to a full-day trip.

Mayor Chaz Molder highlighted the importance of the river to Columbia’s identity. “The Duck River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America, and it’s right here in Columbia’s backyard,” said Molder. “These access points give us a new way to connect with the river and showcase the importance of preserving and celebrating this incredible re-source. I am proud of the vision that brought this project to life, the latest example in our efforts to make Columbia the best place in America to live, work and raise a family.”

Columbia City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the importance of long-term planning. “The Duck River has always been one of our greatest natural treasures,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “This paddle craft launch is a great way for our citizens to enjoy that treasure.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony drew community members, local officials, and representatives from the State of Tennessee to Riverwalk Park, where brief remarks were followed by the ceremonial ribbon cutting and a demonstration of the new launches.

The City of Columbia continues to prioritize investments in parks, recreation, and natural resources as part of its broader vision to make Columbia one of the most livable and family-friendly communities in the state.

CPWS Extends Mt. Pleasant Water Agreement (CDH)

Columbia Power & Water Systems, by unanimous vote of the Board of Public Utilities, has extended its partnership with Mt. Pleasant Water for an additional 24 months.

The current agreement was signed in 2023 and allows CPWS to provide 100,000 gallons of water per day, and more as capacity allows, to residents in Mount Pleasant, ensuring water service is not disrupted for those customers.

The agreement will last through Oct. 1, 2027.

“Being good regional partners in our community is something we have been striving to accomplish, and this only continues to prove that we are putting our words into action,” CPWS CEO Jonathan Hardin said.

CPWS and Mount Pleasant Water have been working actively to reduce water loss in Mt. Pleasant, and have made significant strides in that regard, reducing their rolling water loss average by as much as 10%.

“We are grateful for the support of CPWS to help us with whatever we need when it comes to water in Mount Pleasant,” mayor Bill White said. “Having partners who are willing to step up when necessary is a blessing for our community and our county.”

To make space for the expansion of its water treatment plant, the CPWS board also voted to demolish the structure that once housed American Legion Post 19.

The American Legion Post 19 building is located adjacent to the current Water Treatment Facility on Nashville Highway.

A plan was already in place to demo the building, according to CPWS spokesperson Chris Yow.

"It is the site where we will build a 12 million gallon per day treatment facility as part of our long-term water supply project in conjunction with the downstream intake in Williamsport," Yow said.

After clearing all the State Historic Preservation Office requirements, CPWS is now ready to move forward with site abatement and demolition, Yow added in a CPWS media release.

“The American Legion building and site served this community for many years,” CPWS Vice President of Power Ryan Massey said. “Due to its age, maintenance on the building became cost-prohibitive for the organization, and CPWS is proud to honor the site by having it continue to serve Columbia and Maury County with the expansion of our Water Treatment Plant.”

Abatement and demolition processes will be handled by the project’s Construction Manager at Risk for the Long-Term Water Supply Project, Brasfield and Gorrie.

The process is set to begin in the next few weeks.

United Expands Fiber to Lawrence (Press Release)

Local fiber broadband provider United Communications will add another county to its growing Middle Tennessee service area. Today, the company announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Loretto Telecom, a long-standing rural internet provider with 20 employees serving more than 8,000 locations in Lawrence County.

This will mark the fourth acquisition for United, which has more than doubled the number of connected homes and businesses served by its fiber network over the last three years and established itself as the leading internet provider in Middle Tennessee.

Today, United connects 120,000 locations across 11 counties in Middle Tennessee with cutting-edge offerings, including 8-Gig fiber internet speeds, Wi-Fi 7 technology for seamless connections, and United’s UControl and BizControl network management apps.

Loretto customers will not experience any operational changes or service interruptions while the acquisition awaits final regulatory approval, which is expected by the end of 2025. United intends to retain the Loretto Telecom name and expand the local team to accelerate product upgrades and network expansion throughout Lawrence County.

“This is a proud moment for United, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Loretto Telecom into the United family,” said William Bradford, president and CEO of United Communications. “Their local presence and experience were major contributing factors to this acquisition, and we’re excited to combine our talents and resources to deliver world-class internet to Lawrence County.”

Josh Lynch, chief operating officer at United Communications, was a co-founder of Athena Broadband prior to its acquisition by United in 2017.

“When we became a part of United, we saw how our companies’ shared values resulted in a higher standard of customer service and innovation,” said Lynch. “Loretto’s team brings that same spirit—enthusiasm, integrity, and dedication to providing high-quality, personalized service to each and every customer.”

“One of the achievements we’re most proud of is maintaining a 4.7-star average Google rating with over 2,100 reviews,” Lynch added. “That level of customer satisfaction is unheard of for most internet providers, but it’s the type of service that every Lawrence County resident and business owner deserves to experience.”

“We’re building on a history of rural service leadership,” added Bradford, referencing both companies’ origins as rural telephone providers in Middle Tennessee. “United and Loretto share more than geography—we share a responsibility to serve, invest, and uplift the region together.”

United is committed to transparent updates and maintaining service continuity for all customers throughout the acquisition process. For more information, visit united.net.

New Physicians at MRMC (MSM)

Robert Messersmith, MD, an internal and pediatric medicine specialist, has joined the medical staff at Maury Regional Medical Center as a hospital medicine physician. He is associated with Maury Regional Medical Group. Dr. Messersmith received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska in Omaha, Nebraska. He completed his residency at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.

Nageh N. Soliman, MD, an internal medicine physician, has joined the Maury Regional Medical Group and will assist the medical staff at Marshall Medical Center as a hospital medicine physician. Dr. Soliman received his medical degree from Minia University Faculty of Medicine in Minya, Egypt. He completed a residency at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, New York.

 Tiffany C. Gesang, MD, a specialist in general surgery, has joined the medical staff at Maury Regional Medical Center. She is associated with The Surgical Clinic in Columbia. Dr. Gesang received her medical degree from Case Western University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. She completed a residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Gesang joins Dr. Mark Hinson, Dr. Brian Hendrick, Dr. Chad Moss, Dr. Davidson Oxley and Dr. Patrick Yu, who are associated with The Surgical Clinic located at 832 Westover Drive, Suite 200, in Columbia. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 931.380.3033 or visit MauryRegional.com.

 Ali Shirzadi, MD, a specialist in neurological surgery, has joined the medical staff at Maury Regional Medical Center. He is associated with the NeuroSpine Institute.

Dr. Shirzadi received his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Science Center in Lubbock, Texas. He completed a residency as well as a fellowship (Minimally Invasive & Complex Spine) at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Shirzadi’s office will be located at 1222 Trotwood Avenue, Suite 302, Columbia, TN 38401. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 931.490.7193 or visit MauryRegional.com.

Kiwanis Chili Cookoff (Press Release)

The Kiwanis Club of Columbia is excited to announce its annual Chili Cook-Off, which will be held in downtown Columbia on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 3 PM to 5 PM. This year's event will be held in conjunction with the much-anticipated Columbia Fall Fest.

The Chili Cook-Off will feature local participants vying for the title of "Best Chili." Both tasting and team tickets are available for purchase online by visiting kiwanisofcolumbiatn.com. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Columbia Police and Maury County Sheriff’s 'Shop with a Cop' program, which provides local children with a fun-filled day of Christmas shopping with a uniformed officer.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Columbia Fall Fest to bring our community together for a fantastic cause," said Ty Cobb, president of the Kiwanis Club of Columbia. Incoming president, Stephen Webb, added, "The 'Shop with a Cop' program is a truly meaningful event for our local youth, and we are grateful for the support of our chili cooks, attendees, and the wider community."

Suzanne Ganser, the event chair for the Chili Cook-Off, shared, "The Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off has become a beloved tradition in Columbia. To make the day even more family-friendly, Kiwanis will also be hosting a dedicated kids' zone with inflatables and a petting zoo, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. The club encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the delicious chili, the festivities of the Fall Fest, and the opportunity to support a great cause."

Columbia Fall Fest (MauryCountySource)

Columbia Main Street is thrilled to announce the return of FALL FEST, scheduled to take place on October 11th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm in downtown Columbia. 

This event, presented in partnership with Kiwanis of Columbia, promises a day filled with family-friendly activities in the heart of downtown. This community festival includes FREE admission to listen to live entertainment, enjoy a FUN ZONE for all ages, pose in front of fall-inspired photo booths, and paint a mini pumpkin! Additionally, attendees can support local businesses by shopping with artisan-craft vendors, eating from delicious food trucks, purchasing a ticket for the Kiwanis Chili Cook Off or pre-registering to participate in the Miss Maury County FALL FEST pageant. 

This year’s festivities feature the annual chili cook-off by Kiwanis of Columbia. This ticketed experience supports Kiwanis’ local initiatives. Attendees who purchase a ticket will get to taste a variety of chili recipes from local teams and vote for their favorites. Tickets are $12 for adults and can be purchased at the event. 

Kiwanis of Columbia will also host a “FUN ZONE” featuring free face painting, balloon artists, caricature artists, inflatables, and a petting zoo. In addition to the FUN ZONE, WireMasters has sponsored an all ages painting station, where they can pick and decorate a mini pumpkin. 

LIVE Entertainment will light up the FALL FEST stage with performances from talented local artists throughout the day. Starting with Boomerang, playing a mix of pop from the 60’s and 70’s. 46 Story will wrap up the day with a high-energy dance set featuring both current and classic R&B songs.

“Bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes because you’re going to be singing along and having a great time with each of the bands,” says Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager. 

Back by popular demand is the Miss Maury Co FALL FEST Pageant by Britts. This year, the pageant will take place during FALL FEST instead of prior. Early registration is encouraged and can be found by visiting columbiamainstreet.com. 

"We invite all our friends and neighbors to attend FALL FEST this year," said Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager. “We are privileged to partner with so many local businesses and organizations that work hard to create memorable moments for those in attendance. We hope that you enjoy the craft vendors, food trucks, the bands, and all the activities for every age plus all the downtown merchants and restaurants who will be open during the event.” 

For more information about the FALL FEST,, please visit columbiamainstreet.com or follow Columbia Main Street on social media. 

Spring Hill License Kiosk (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has introduced a new Driver License Self-Service Kiosk in the lobby of its headquarters at 800 Hathaway Blvd. The kiosk is open to all Tennessee residents—regardless of county—and offers a convenient alternative to visiting the DMV.

Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the kiosk allows users to:

* Renew a driver license

* Obtain a duplicate license or state ID

* Change their address

* Pay reinstatement fees in full

The kiosk does not accept cash or checks; payment must be made using a credit or debit card.

No appointment is necessary. For more information about the service, visit www.tn.gov/content/tn.

Drug Dropbox (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has partnered with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Dangerous Drugs Task Force to provide a prescription drug drop box at their headquarters building at 800 Hathaway Blvd.

This drop box is available from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Drop-off is free and no forms are required – just place the items in the box.

Acceptable items include:

• Prescription Medications (including prescription narcotics)

• All over-the-counter medications

• Pet medications

• Liquid medications in leak-proof containers

• Inhalers

• Pills in any packaging, including glass, plastic container, baggie (Ziploc) or foil

• Items NOT accepted include:

• Illegal drugs/narcotics

• Needles/sharps or syringes with needles

• Blood sugar equipment

• Thermometers

• IV bags

• Bloody or infectious waste

• Personal care products (shampoo, lotions, etc.)

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

Alana Jaye Ingram Minor, 72, a lifelong resident of Columbia, died Saturday, September 13, 2025 at NHC HealthCare Columbia.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. A private inurnment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Effie Mae Christian Potts, 79, a resident of Goodlettsville, died Monday, September 29, 2025 at Tristar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Potts Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Now, news from around the state…

Teacher Pay (Tennessean)

Tennessee ranks 38th in the nation for average teacher pay, according to a report by the National Education Association.

An analysis of teacher salaries across all 50 states and the District of Columbia from the association, which is the largest teachers union in the nation, showed an average teacher salary of $72,030 in 2023-24. In Tennessee, the average was $58,630. California topped the list at $101,084, while Mississippi was the lowest at $53,704.

While Tennessee remains relatively low on the list, it rose from 44th the year before. That may be due in part to a state law enacted in 2023 to raise the minimum salary for all teachers to $50,000 by 2026. The previous minimum was set at $35,000. According to the report, the average starting salary in Tennessee was $44,897 in 2023-24, compared to a $46,529 national average. That puts Tennessee 29th on the list for starting teacher salaries.

Nashville Loop (Tennessean)

The Boring Company is pushing back against concerns that its 9.5-mile Nashville tunnels, Music City Loop, will be constructed without sufficient government oversight. In a blog post on Oct. 1, the company said it has determined that 45 separate permits and approvals will be required for the tunnel before construction can begin.

"At this stage, advancing design and permitting go hand in hand as TBC is developing engineered plans that are being reviewed by the relevant government agencies," the blog post said.

While the statement didn't specify each of them, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and Metro Nashville Airport Authority Board have confirmed that they are among the entities involved.

In the Oct. 1 statement, The Boring Company also said that it is now coordinating with the city of Nashville, including Mayor Freddie O'Connell's office.

Founded by the world's richest man, Elon Musk, in 2017, the Texas-based company aims to mitigate traffic congestion in major cities by installing high-speed tunnels through which Tesla vehicles taxi passengers around. The company announced its intentions to build the Music City Loop in July. The first route is planned to run from the Tennessee State Capitol to Nashville International Airport, according to a proposed map.

The Boring Company has expressed interest in adding stations at Music City Center in downtown Nashville and has met with other local businesses like Gaylord Opryland about potential additional routes.

The blog post also promised that The Boring Company will be transparent with the Nashville community about the project and provide bimonthly progress updates on its website and X account.

"Music City Loop is about more than infrastructure, it’s about becoming a part of the incredible Nashville community," The Boring Company said. "Our interactions with Nashvillians have given us the chance to share how the system will operate, highlight the benefits it can bring to the city, and hear sincere interest and ideas about where it would be most useful."

At least two forms of underground studies will take place before tunnelling begins, The Boring Company said.

It has contracted an unnamed third-party environmental consultant to conduct an environmental impact assessment, which is currently underway.

"Once complete, the analysis will be posted for the general public on our website," the company said.

Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee Today!

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

A Charles Dickens classic comes to the Packard Playhouse stage in Columbia this weekend as the 614 N. Main St. theater premier's "Oliver!"

Lionel Bart's classic Broadway musical based on Dickens' "Oliver Twist" will feature multiple performances throughout October, starting with a four-show run at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday.

The show, directed by Robin Wolaver, will feature memorable songs like "Food, Glorious Food" and "Consider Yourself," performed by a cast consisting of local actors and students from the Conservatory of Annie Moses.

Tickets are $39.49 and are available at www.PackardPlayhouse.com.