Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-5-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for October 5, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Historic Gubernatorial Run for Women in TN (CDH)

One hundred and one years after a woman first became governor of one of the 50 states, Tennessee is poised to elect its own female governor.

For the first time in the state’s 230-year history, both major political parties selected women as their gubernatorial nominees, and a third, independent woman's campaign for the role has some momentum.

“There’s never been a woman in this office," said Democratic nominee Jerri Green, noting that women typically bear more responsibility for child care and elder care, household finances and education decisions. "There are a lot of unique perspectives that a woman will bring — particularly on these kitchen table issues."

To date, 23 other states have elected women as their chief executive, starting in 1924 with Nellie Tayloe Ross in Wyoming and Miriam Ferguson in Texas. On Nov. 3, Tennessee will almost certainly make history by doing the same. But who will it be?

In August, Republicans chose U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn for their nominee. Blackburn won a three-way Republican primary with 43.6% of the vote. 

Memphis Councilwoman Jerri Green is the Democrats’ candidate, having earned 69% of the vote in the Democratic primary.

Also for the first time, an independent woman has gained significant support. Columbia businesswoman Lauren Pinkston has been endorsed by the Forward Party and earned grassroots support across the state. 

Self-funded independent David Hatley, a spa manufacturer, is also in the mix. A September poll put Hatley at 10% of the vote, with Pinkston at 2% and 7% of voters undecided. Hatley made headlines when the Blackburn campaign launched an attack website citing his past felony fraud conviction and history of financial difficulty.

Despite challenges from Green and Pinkston, Blackburn has said she does not intend to debate her opponents.

"I'm not going to give air to a socialist candidate who is running on trying to destroy the agenda of Tennessee, destroy the United States, defund the police, uh no. Uh-uh," Blackburn told WSMV.

As such, it's unlikely voters will hear from candidates side-by-side before they vote. Blackburn has not debated a political opponent since her initial bid for U.S. Senate in 2018. She has held invite-only tele-town halls in her capacity as senator but has not held a public town hall to take questions from voters in that time frame.

Women throughout Tennessee's history have paved the way to this moment, Tennessee State Museum Director Ashley Howell said.

“It's important to note that women have been political throughout our history,” Howell said.

In fact, Tennesseans first elected a woman to public office in 1806. Knoxvillian Elizabeth Raulstone was elected state printer, responsible for printing copies of new laws passed by the General Assembly.

Raulstone was the daughter of a Revolutionary War veteran and married to the man who founded Tennessee’s first newspaper, the Knoxville Gazette. Widowed at age 27, Raulstone served out her husband’s term as state printer following his death, then sought reelection to the post under her own name, and won.

More than a century later in 1920, the women's suffrage movement was ultimately successful in advocating for the state to ratify the 19th Amendment — extending to women across the United States the right to vote.

“My great-great-grandmother sent my great-grandmother to the polls in 1910 wearing a yellow rose to hand out yellow roses to all the men that were going to vote,” Pinkston said. “She asked her 8-year-old at the time to encourage the men to think in terms of women’s suffrage. That’s our lineage.” 

The 19th Amendment paved the way for women to hold elected office in the state legislature. Ironically, the first woman to serve in the state Senate, Anna Lee Worley in 1921, was an anti-suffragist. A few years later in 1922, Shelby County's Marion Griffin — who was also the first woman admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 1907 — became the first woman elected to the state House of Representatives.

It took five more decades before Tennessee elected a woman to a full term in Congress. A Chattanooga Democrat, Marilyn Lloyd took office to represent the 3rd Congressional District in 1975 and went on to serve 10 terms. She helped pass House legislation to complete TVA’s Tellico Dam in Loudon County and advocated for the Mammography Quality Standards Act, which became law in 1992.

Blackburn won her U.S. Senate seat in 2018, making her the first woman Tennesseans elected to that office.

“I want to stress the importance an individual action can make participating in the civic process,” Howell said. “Whether that’s voting in an election, connecting with your representatives and senators, there’s an engagement in this process that continues. It was true 230 years ago, and it’s true today.”

Columbia Increases Safety Assets (MSM)

The City of Columbia has strengthened its public safety capabilities through the addition of a new tactical response vehicle for the Columbia Police Department and a new fire engine for Columbia Fire & Rescue. The investments represent the City’s continued commitment to equipping first responders with the resources necessary to protect residents, respond to emergencies, and maintain the highest level of public safety service.

“Every day, our police officers and firefighters answer the call to serve and protect our community,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “Providing them with modern equipment and advanced resources is one of the most important investments we can make. These additions strengthen our ability to respond to emergencies, protect lives and property, and provide peace of mind for the residents of Columbia.”

The Columbia Police Department recently added a Ford Transit 350 HD 4×4 tactical van to its fleet. The vehicle, which seats up to 12 personnel and features A9-level ballistic protection, was purchased for $259,200 through funding provided by the State of Tennessee’s Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF) Grant. The tactical van will support SWAT Team deployments, narcotics operations, violent felony arrest and search warrants, and other specialized law enforcement missions. It will also be featured at community events, providing residents an opportunity to learn more about the department’s specialized equipment and public safety operations.

“As we make advancements in today’s Law Enforcement World, it is imperative to provide advanced protection for the men and women who are responsible for protecting our citizens and community,” said Police Chief Jeremy Haywood. “This tactical van does just that, and I am thankful to our Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of council, and City Manager for seeing the need for this level of protection for our men and women, and approving this new addition to our fleet.”  

Columbia Fire & Rescue has placed into service a new $925,000 KME Panther pumper designed to support fire suppression, rescue operations, and a wide range of emergency responses. The apparatus is equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank, a 1,500-gallon-per-minute fire pump, and a Class A foam system, providing firefighters with enhanced capabilities when responding to emergencies throughout the city.

“This new apparatus is an investment in both our firefighters and the community we serve,” said Fire Chief Chris Cummins. “As Columbia continues to grow, it is important that we provide our personnel with reliable equipment and modern technology. This new engine will help us respond more effectively to emergencies while continuing to provide the high level of service our citizens expect.”

City Manager Tony Massey said the investments underscore the City’s ongoing investment in emergency services.

“These investments support the first responders who serve our community every day,” said Massey. “They reflect our commitment to preparedness and the safety of our residents.”

Together, these additions enhance Columbia’s emergency response capabilities and reinforce the City’s commitment to continuing to provide reliable, professional public safety services to residents and visitors alike.

CSCC Alumna Starts Endowment (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College alumna Allison Dean Love is establishing two new endowed funds to help nursing students with licensure expenses and expand leadership development opportunities.

The Allison Dean Love and Amelia P. Dean Nursing Licensure Support Endowed Grant was created to honor Love’s mother, Amelia Parks Dean, a 1974 Columbia State graduate. Love, who attended Columbia State from 1982 to 1984, established the grant to support nursing students as they complete their professional credentialing requirements.

“We are very appreciative of Allison's intentionality in establishing funds that provide targeted resources for achieving academic success,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for Advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation.

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be enrolled at Columbia State and prepared to submit their Tennessee Board of Nursing application or sit for the NCLEX examination. The grant is intended to help those nursing students who may be having financial challenges in paying the application and testing fees.

In addition to the nursing grant, Love is also establishing the Allison Dean Love Leadership Development Endowed Fund. The fund will help grow and enhance the student experience in the President's Leadership Society. Students engage with various aspects of the community to broaden their understanding and strengthen their capacity to lead.

“Allison's generosity reflects a sincere commitment to helping others succeed,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “Through these funds, nursing students will receive support as they complete their journey to professional licensure, and future leaders will gain opportunities to develop skills that strengthen their careers, organizations and communities. Her gift embodies the spirit of service and creates a lasting legacy that will benefit Columbia State students for years to come.”

Throughout her professional career, Love has held multiple leadership positions while dedicating time to help others develop their own leadership potential.

Spring Hill Debates Grease Trap Exemptions (MSM)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the first reading of an ordinance creating exemptions from the city’s grease-control requirements for certain home-based and small-scale commercial food businesses.

The proposed “Low-Impact/FOG Exempt Food Preparation” ordinance would establish standards for qualifying businesses whose food preparation produces minimal fats, oils, grease (FOG) or food solids. Businesses meeting the low-impact criteria could operate without installing a grease interceptor or grease trap.

Home-based and small-scale commercial food producers have raised concerns about costly grease interceptors or grease traps required under Title 18, Chapter 4 of the Municipal Code.

Spring Hill’s FOG Control Program, established in 2006, regulates grease-laden wastewater from food-service operations to help prevent blockages and other issues within the public sewer system.

The ordinance would also allow the city to require additional grease-control measures if a business expands its food-preparation activities beyond the exemption’s standards.

The ordinance was approved on first reading by an 8-0 vote.

CA Alumni/NASA Engineer to Speak (MSM)

Columbia Academy alumnus Dr. Phillip Allen is returning to campus on Tuesday, Oct. 13 as guest speaker for CA’s Science Night – and the community is invited to attend. NASA and space travel enthusiasts can attend to learn more about the recent Artemis II launch and trip around the moon.

Dr. Allen served as the deputy chief engineer for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) program at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. He helped direct approximately 5,000 engineers and providing launch readiness for Artemis II, a flight mission that carried four astronauts around the moon in April.

Artemis II was NASA’s historic 10-day crewed lunar flyby mission that launched on April 1 and returned on April 10. It was the first time humans traveled beyond low Earth orbit and deep into space since Apollo 17 in 1972.

Dr. Allen was the Columbia Academy valedictorian (‘93), and continued his education earning engineering degrees from Freed-Hardeman University, the University of Memphis and Tennessee Technological University.

Now based in Huntsville, Alabama, he’s been working with NASA since 2003, having received numerous honors for his work.

Science Night will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13 starting at 7 p.m. in the Upper School Auditorium.

Maury Alliance Candidate Guide (Press Release)

The Maury County Candidate Guide for the November General election is available now!

This is a great resource for Maury County residents to learn more about the candidates running for:

• Tennessee House - District 64

• Tennessee House - District 71

• Columbia City Mayor

• Columbia Vice Mayor

• Mount Pleasant Commission

Read about each candidate, learn their vision for Columbia, Mount Pleasant, and Maury County, and make an informed decision before Election Day.

View the guide online by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

Just a reminder: early voting is October 4th-October 29th, and election day is Tuesday, November 3rd.

Candidate Forum (Press Release)

The United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 1853 Community Action Program (CAP) Committee, in partnership with the Maury County NAACP, will host TN at the Ballot: A Conversation with the Candidates on Saturday, October 10.

This nonpartisan community forum will give voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates appearing on the November ballot and learn more about the issues affecting Tennessee families, workers, and communities.

WHAT:

TN at the Ballot: A Conversation with the Candidates

WHEN:

Saturday, October 10, 2026

12:30 PM

WHERE:

UAW Local 1853 Banquet Hall

125 Stephen P. Yokich Parkway

Spring Hill, TN 37174

CONFIRMED CANDIDATES

Governor of Tennessee

Jerri Green

Misam Abidi

Ray Brown

Lauren Pinkston

Dave Seeman

Robert C. Vick

U.S. Senate

Marquita Bradshaw

Robert Jones

Jeremy Hearn

U.S. Congressional District 9

Rep. Justin Pearson

All candidates who will appear on the November ballot for these races have been sent an invitation to participate. 

The forum is nonpartisan and open to candidates regardless of party affiliation.

This forum is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged, but not required, to RSVP in advance to help organizers prepare for anticipated attendance and seating.

You can find the link to the RSVP by reading the transcript of this new broadcast at www.frontporchradiotn.com.

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.

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, Mt. Pleasant Courthouse, and at Walmart in Columbia.

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

Mr. Billy Benefield, 88, retired from Monsanto Chemical Company died Friday at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center.  Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 10:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens.  The family will visit with friends Monday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mr. William Boyd Rich Sr., 75, resident of Columbia, passed away Monday, September 28 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, October 6, at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rock Springs Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols.

Mr. Roger Lee Chapman, 77, a resident of Culleoka, died Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. Funeral services will be conducted Friday October 9, at 2:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Wilkes Cemetery in Culleoka. The family will visit with friends Friday from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mr. Ryan VanAmburg Elliott, 43, a resident of Columbia, died Thursday, September 24. The family will visit with friends Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 noon at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home

And now, news from around the state…

Symphony Bailed Out By Oracle and Hires New CEO (MauryCountySource)

Tech giant Oracle is gifting the Nashville Symphony $10 million as part of a new partnership, the arts organization announced Sunday.

The financial gift comes after the symphony announced it was suspending its season and would have to furlough its staff in a little under two weeks due to dire finances.

Musicians and staff were set to be let go Oct. 18, the symphony said.

According to the symphony, the money will allow the organization to resume its 2026-2027 season and bring musicians and staff back to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

“One week ago, we wrote to you with difficult news: the Nashville Symphony was suspending the remainder of our 2026/27 season and taking other difficult steps to address a serious financial challenge,” the organization said in a statement on their website. “Today, it is with immense joy and gratitude that we share a different kind of update.”

Now, the gift and partnership with Oracle is set to “help sustain the Nashville Symphony and keep the music playing as the organization restructures,” according to a separate press release sent by the symphony to News 2.

“Oracle’s commitment is a lifeline for the Nashville Symphony and the community we serve,” Nashville Symphony President and CEO Mark Tillinger said. “Oracle’s partnership gives us the ability to bring our musicians and out music back to the stage, and it gives us momentum as we build toward a stronger, more sustainable long-term future. We’re immensely grateful for Oracle’s belief in the Nashville Symphony.”

According to the Symphony, ticket holders affected by the previous season suspension announcement will receive an email outlining their options and any next steps.

The organization called the $10 million donation from Oracle “a profound vote of confidence” in the symphony and the role it plays culturally in Nashville.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Sunday, Oct. 11, 8 p.m.

The Doobie Brothers close out FirstBank Amphitheater’s currently announced 2026 concert season with their Walk This Road Tour. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band’s catalog includes “Listen to the Music,” “Long Train Runnin’,” “China Grove” and “What a Fool Believes.”

Find tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.