Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-10-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for November 10, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Missing Woman (MauryCountySource)

The Columbia Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating a 40-year-old woman who has been reported missing.

Amanda Adams was last spoken to on Nov. 2 in the area of Beckett Street, according to police.

Adams is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 150 pounds. She has blonde hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information that could help locate Adams is asked to contact Columbia Police Department Dispatch at 931-388-2727, Maury County Crime Stoppers at 931-381-4900 or email SafeTips@ColumbiaTN.gov.

Spring Hill Development Despite Moratorium (WKRN.com)

Spring Hill leaders voiced support this week for a plan that would allow a major homebuilder to install underground utility infrastructure despite a state regulator-enforced freeze on new sewer connections.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen reviewed two infrastructure development agreements for Signature Homes during their meeting Monday, Nov 2. The contracts cover key pieces of the massive June Lake project.

While the board backed the plan, officials did not take a final vote, as it was part of a work session. The issue could return to the board for a vote on Monday, Nov. 16.

If approved, the builder can install water and sewer pipes for the neighborhood without connecting them to the city’s public utility systems.

“They realize that they would be proceeding at their own risk with no guarantee of future allocation,” Vernon Gerth, Interim Development Services Director, told city leaders. “They realize that they don’t have any allocation now, but they want to continue to proceed to take advantage of the time to make these physical improvements.”

He explained that because of inflation, homebuilders are willing to wait long-term for eventual utility hookups. Gerth added that several developers are looking to build sites despite the risk.

Ward 2 Alderman Jaimee Davis clarified the agreement during the meeting to ensure the builder fully understood that the city has no obligation to ever activate the lines. For now, the pipes will only be tested and maintained.

“So they’re just prepared that we can at any time say, ‘Yeah, we’re not going to hook you up,'” Davis asked, and Gerth confirmed that to be the developers’ understanding

If officially approved, the agreements would authorize Signature Homes to proceed with required on-site and off-site utility work. It also allows them to pursue final platting for 75 new lots in Pod E Section 3 so they can lay out the neighborhood map and begin selling pieces of land.

According to the developer, June Lake is a mixed-use master-planned community located along Highway 31 in southern Spring Hill. At full buildout, the company expects the development to include 2,900 homes, 3.9 million square feet of commercial office space, 1.3 million square feet of retail and restaurant space, 400 hotel rooms, and an 11-acre lake surrounded by dining, shopping, and entertainment.

This comes after the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation imposed a sewer moratorium on the City of Spring Hill earlier this year. The moratorium is to remain in effect until the Sewer Treatment Plant meets performance standards outlined in the Consent Order for 12 consecutive months.

At the same meeting, questions around Spring Hill’s utility limits sparked a separate debate when Pooch’s Playhouse requested 2,680 gallons of water per day from the city’s emergency reserve to build a commercial facility expansion. In that case, the board declined to give immediate direction.

Maury Regional Opens New Pharmacy (Press Release)

On Nov. 4, Maury Regional Health celebrated the grand opening of its new full-service retail pharmacy at Lawrence Health Center, expanding convenient access to prescription services for patients in greater Lawrence County.

“The opening of our pharmacy at Lawrence Health Center gives patients in Lawrence County convenient access to prescription services in the same location where many already receive care,” said Maury Regional Health CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “This expansion reflects our broader strategy to strengthen access to coordinated care across southern Middle Tennessee. By bringing services closer to where patients live and receive treatment, we can help remove barriers, improve continuity and create a more seamless experience throughout their care.”

Maury Regional Health Pharmacy | Lawrenceburg offers prescription services and over-the-counter medications. Clinical pharmacists are available for one-on-one medication counseling, comprehensive medication reviews and guidance on drug interactions and side effects. The pharmacy is also integrated with Maury Regional Health medical records, supporting direct communication with physicians and advanced practice professionals.

Patients may also arrange home delivery of their prescriptions by contacting the pharmacy at 931.362.6919. To transfer or manage prescriptions, patients may call the location or visit MRHPharmacy.com.

“The new pharmacy at Lawrence Health Center makes it easier for patients to move from an appointment to the next step in their care,” said Maury Regional Medical Group President Nathan Miller. “By offering prescription services alongside other outpatient care, we are creating a more convenient and connected experience for patients in Lawrence County.”

The Lawrence Health Center location joins the Maury Regional Health Pharmacy at Columbia Medical Plaza, which opened earlier this year, with additional pharmacy locations planned across the health system. The new locations are being launched in partnership with VytlOne, a provider of comprehensive pharmacy solutions for health care organizations nationwide. Maury Regional Health previously identified Lawrence Health Center as the next location in its pharmacy expansion following the initial Columbia opening.

Beyond the pharmacy, Lawrence Health Center brings a broad range of outpatient services together in one location. The center offers primary and specialty care through Maury Regional Medical Group, along with rehabilitation services, advanced imaging, pulmonary function testing and sleep studies. Independent specialty partners on the Maury Regional Health medical staff also provide access to cardiovascular, orthopedic and cancer care.

Maury Regional Health Pharmacy | Lawrenceburg is located within Lawrence Health Center at 3316 U.S. 43 in Ethridge. For more information about Maury Regional Health Pharmacy locations, hours and services, visit MauryRegional.com/Pharmacy.

Veteran’s Exhibit at CSCC (Press Release)

The Columbia State Community College Pryor Art Gallery is hosting an art exhibit with works from military veterans from November through early December.

The focus of the exhibition titled “This Land Was Made for You and Me” is to highlight the range of pieces created by Tennessee veterans.

Each of these award-winning artists has served our country, seen the world and chosen to make Tennessee their home. They have also chosen to contribute to the enrichment of our state with their artwork in various styles of painting and sculpture.

“What I have always loved about the arts is the way they build community, and I can think of no better example than this exhibit,” said Tori Zemer, Pryor Art Gallery curator. “What started with a simple idea while planning the gallery’s calendar and a couple of phone calls grew into this beautiful exhibition with watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings, as well as sculptures. One artist led me to another, then to another. To have such talented artists who all root for each other and admire each other’s work is so special. I could not be more excited and honored to have their work here in the gallery.”

An official opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Thursday, November 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The exhibit is open through December 2.

The Pryor Art Gallery is in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike, and is open Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information about the Pryor Art Gallery and upcoming exhibitions, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/PryorGallery or Facebook at ColumbiaStatePAG.

Spring Hill to Host Citizens Academy (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department is hosting the Citizens’ Police Academy from January 2027 through March 2027 with classes held on Thursdays from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

The program provides students with a well-rounded understanding of the various aspects of police work and operations. Although certain subjects are taught through traditional classroom lectures, the program emphasizes providing students with practical, hands-on learning experiences. This blended approach allows students to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

While each CPA session has a slightly different focus, the curriculum covers a diverse range of law enforcement-related topics. Examples include:

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

• Criminal Investigations

• Active Shooter response

• Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC)

• Firearms training and safety

The Citizens’ Police Academy is open to all individuals 21 years of age or older and reside or work within the municipal city limits of Spring Hill. People may apply outside of the municipal city limits; however, precedence will be given to those within the municipal city limits.

Fill out an application at www.www.springhilltn.org/formcenter/police-3

Margaret Pearl Andrews at 100 (MSM)

One hundred years ago in a little town called Burwood, a beautiful story began. That story belongs to Margaret Pearl Andrews. Her story is one that spans generations, witnesses a continually changing world, and touches many hearts over her 100 years of living.

Born on October 18, 1926, Margaret was welcomed into the world by her parents, an older sister and brother. She later became an older sister herself when her family was completed with the birth of a fourth child, a younger sister. 

While Margaret enjoyed her childhood growing up in Burwood with her parents and siblings, she does remember times of struggles during the Great Depression. “We were very poor during that period,” Margaret recalled. It was her memories of that difficult time that most impacted her life.

Margaret met her husband Robert through a shared first cousin after her aunt married his uncle, which was common in those early days.  Robert and Margaret were married on April 20,1946 right after he served two years in the Army during World War II.

Over her 100 years of living, Margaret has seen many social changes and years of war, along with changes in transportation like automobiles, changes in technology like television and computers, and changes in health care like vaccinations and breakthroughs in health care.

One area of improvement in health care that greatly impacted Margaret was neonatal care. “Our daughter was born two months premature and almost died,” Margaret said. She explained she was thankful that doctors were able to save her daughter whereas “years earlier premature babies often just died.”

Sadly, their daughter Pam passed away on February 9, 1974 at the young age of 18.

Along with their daughter, Margaret and Robert were also proud parents of a son Randy. Margaret now lives with Randy and his wife Debbie.

Margaret is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, a friend, a woman of faith, and someone whose love for her family is without measure.

Reciprocating that love, her family celebrated Margaret’s 100th birthday with a special party held at Lynn Legacy Farms in Columbia.

Margaret was delighted to share her special day with friends and family including eight great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.

Over one hundred years, countless people have crossed her path. Some for a season, others for a lifetime. Each friendship became another thread in the beautiful tapestry of Margaret’s life.

At the center of Margaret’s life is something even greater – her love for God. Through a century filled with both sunshine and storms, faith has been a source of comfort, strength and hope for Margaret.

One hundred years. According to her family, Margaret is thankful for a century of memories, laughter, challenges, blessings and above all else… love.

When asked what she believes is the secret to living 100 years, Margaret shared, “100 years of love, 73 of them with my husband who passed away seven years ago at age 93.”

Happy 100th Birthday, Margaret Pearl Andrews.

Local First Promo (Press Release)

Mark your calendars! On November 16th, 17th, and 18th, Maury Alliance is having a holiday promotion for their Local First Gift Cards! During those three days, for every $50 you purchase, get $10 for free.

While you can get the Local First Gift Cards year round, this is their LAST promotion for the year, so you don't want to miss it. Give the gift of shopping local this year!

This promo also runs online! Same rules apply for those 3 days: buy $50, get $10. You can purchase your gift cards online, then come to the office to pick them up. While you're there, you can grab this year's Local First Holiday Guide (which will be available 11/16).

Learn more at www.mauryalliance.com.

Ice Skating At Riverwalk Park (Press Release)

Columbia Main Street is bringing Ice Skating to Riverwalk Park for 12 unforgettable days, December 1-12! The Farmers Market Pavilion will offer an affordable holiday experience for the entire community. Residents and tourists can enjoy skating for $10 (ages 6+) or FREE for children 5 and under , plus nightly food trucks, holiday-themed nights, character appearances, and a Holiday Market on December 12.

Columbia Main Street is looking for sponsors. Your sponsorship will make ice skating possible, and they would love to feature your business as part of the celebration. 

Gold Sponsor: $1,000

Ice Skating Tickets (x10), business LOGO on event signage, website and social media recognition, and vendor opportunity at the December 12 Holiday Market.

Silver Sponsor: $500

Ice Skating Tickets (x5), business LOGO on event signage, website and social media recognition, and vendor opportunity at the December 12 Holiday Market.

Community Sponsor: $200

You want to see this be as successful as possible, sponsor! Business LOGO on event signage and social media recognition.

There are also sponsorship opportunities for holiday characters, arts and crafts events and a photobooth.

Learn more at www.columbiamainstreet.com

State of Education Panel (Press Release)

Join us on Wednesday, November 18 at 11:30 am for the annual State of Education Lunch featuring Maury County Public schools. The program will take place at the War Memorial Building located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia.

During this year's event, Maury Alliance President & CEO, Wil Evans will lead a panel discussion with representatives from Maury County Public Schools including Lisa Ventura, MCPS Superintendent. They will discuss the current state of public education, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs and the 2026 Education Report. 

The cost is $25 for Maury Alliance Members and $30 for non-members and includes lunch.

For more information, visit www.mauryalliance.com.

City to Take Part in No Trash November (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the return of its Clean Up Columbia campaign in recognition of No Trash November. The monthlong initiative encourages community involvement, litter prevention, and environmental awareness through education, volunteer opportunities, and creative activities that promote a cleaner Columbia.

“We are thrilled to bring the community together to participate in No Trash November,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “The Clean Up Columbia campaign reflects the importance of teamwork and education in keeping our city clean. We encourage everyone to join us in reducing litter, protecting our environment, and taking pride in the community we call home.”

The City is partnering with Maury County Public Schools to present the No Trash November Art Exhibit on display at Columbia City Hall from November 1–30. The exhibit features artwork created by local students using recycled and repurposed materials, showcasing their creativity while highlighting the importance of reducing waste and giving discarded materials new life.

The Clean Up Columbia campaign aims to inspire residents to take an active role in keeping their community clean. By working together, residents can help reduce litter, protect local waterways and green spaces, and foster a lasting sense of pride in Columbia.

For more information about the No Trash November Clean Up Columbia campaign and opportunities to get involved, visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

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

Marlene Pogue Huckaby, 84, resident of Columbia, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, November 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM.

John Knox Andrews, 96, resident of Columbia, passed away Monday, November 9, 2026, at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center.

Graveside services will be conducted Friday, November 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Polk Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

Gov.-Elect Blackburn Sets Agenda (WilliamsonHerald)

With rain pouring outside the Old Supreme Court Chamber in Nashville Wednesday morning, Gov. Bill Lee stood aside to let the first female governor-elect of Tennessee address legislative supporters.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, the governor-elect, took the podium to lay out her transition to power. The Williamson County Republican won in a much tighter race than anticipated Tuesday night and heads into the 2027 legislative session with a less powerful supermajority. Deputy Gov. Stuart McWhorter will head the transition team between Lee and Blackburn. 

Reporters asked Blackburn what she would like to accomplish during her first year. She said she wanted her fellow lawmakers to work on affordable and workforce housing, floating the idea of public-private partnerships with government land not currently in use. She also touted the passage of Amendment 2, which will prohibit the state government from collecting a property tax — Tennessee residents have not paid a state property tax since 1949. 

“Tennesseans have been very specific that the cost of living is going to be a top issue for them, and yet we need the cost of living to go down,” Blackburn said Wednesday. “So as we begin our transition, we’re going to already be focusing on some things that we can do there, and working on that agenda.”

On the campaign trail, Blackburn said several times she would like the state to consider a Department of Government Efficiency-like program. That idea stems from the Trump administration's efforts, led by tech mogul Elon Musk, to cut waste and federal spending. Those efforts largely backfired, with the federal government having to rehire many people it fired to maintain some functions of government. 

Scene sister publication the Nashville Post asked what a Tennessee DOGE would look like, given that the Republican Party has controlled the state's pursestrings for the past 16 years. 

“Look, I mean, it is good to periodically kind of get inside of your numbers to look at positions that maybe are not being fully utilized,” Blackburn said in response to the Post’s question. “When I was in the state Senate, I proposed we do a 5 percent across-the-board cut every year just to make certain we are not building or getting lax with how programs were being administered. So the legislators are excited about doing this. I am excited about working with them, and it’ll be good for the people of Tennessee."

Blackburn has also supported more school choice options. She used the example of her own children and grandchildren, noting that each learned differently. A hallmark effort of the Lee administration was Education Freedom Scholarships, or vouchers, worth more than $7,000 for a student to attend a private school of their family's choice. The state legislature has already voted once to expand the program since its inception, and Blackburn was not clear if she would make an effort to continue expanding the program. 

Lawmakers have not addressed how vouchers affect rural pockets across the state that do not have private schools. When the legislature passed Lee’s voucher program in a special session in 2025, rural lawmakers questioned how it would help families in their districts, with some voting against the program. 

“You know that education is not one-size-fits-all,” Blackburn said Tuesday. “You want to make certain parents don’t have to win the lottery in order to have a say in their child’s education. I look forward to working on that.” 

Blackburn and Lee’s teams will continue to work together on her transition. She is set to be sworn in on Jan. 16. 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Maury County Veteran Services announces its upcoming 2026 Veterans Day Parade, taking place on Wednesday, November 11th, 2026, at 11 am in Downtown Columbia.

The parade will line up at Columbia Plaza on West 7th Street, then move down West 7th, and end at the Mulehouse on High Street.

For more information, email dthomas@maurycounty-tn.gov.