Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-11-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for November 11, 2025

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

We start with local news…

The Well Sees Spike in Needy (CDH)

Multiple hardships have led to a sharp increase in need at The Well food pantry in Spring Hill, including the prolonged government shutdown, recent General Motors and Ultium Cells furloughs, plus a growing population in Maury County.

Shelly Sassen, The Well Ministries Spring Hill CEO, said the culmination of the events has led to "a perfect storm," affecting families and the pantry, even compared to COVID furloughs and layoffs.

The pantry has seen an 80% increase during the first week of November, Sassen said.

Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds paused in November, leaving many vulnerable.

According to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, 7,226 individuals in Maury County received SNAP benefits in September.

General Motors announced in October it would be temporarily laying off 700 employees at the Ultium Cell battery plant in Spring Hill starting in January. This is due to the automaker's plans to temporarily readjust its production facility away from electronic vehicles.

"If we have that, plus the furloughed workers and these other workers who are going to be laid off at GM and Ultium, it is like the perfect storm for The Well," Sassen said. "It's kind of like COVID all over again, but it's worse because it just happened at full force."

In October, The Well serviced 2,300 families, and is now serving an estimated 3,500 in November, if not higher, Sassen said.

For people like Jeff and Jennifer Swing of Beechcraft, located near Manchester, Tennessee, SNAP benefits were a necessity to ensure they would get enough food for the month.

Jennifer faces multiple health issues, including kidney failure and an irregular heartbeat, which require a specialist. Her health has kept her from working. After losing their SNAP benefits, which they said totaled $106 per month, the Swings had no other choice but to seek help from others.

"I am the only one in the household that gets an income, and she has kidney failure and can't work," Jeff said. "We got insurance through Obamacare, but her deductibles are so high that it's still hard for her to get to the specialist she needs to go to."

Jeff added that the rising cost of groceries has also impacted their monthly budget.

"We went from having less than $200 worth of groceries to last me and her all month to now costing us between $350-$400, just for the same things we've always been getting," Jeff said. "It's hard to find help, and we don't really know how to ask because we've never had to.

"We hope someone can finally figure it all out for us. That's all we can pray for."

With the influx of new clients and more to be expected as the weeks continue into November, The Well is focused on meeting each individual's and family's needs.

Though that doesn't mean the nonprofit couldn't use a little help itself. Sassen said she's thankful for the increase in donations but is concerned about the continued need to stock the pantry.

"Food, funding and volunteers are the three things," Sassen said. "Food is always important, and funding because we can buy three times the amount of food if they donate to us versus if they give us food. We buy from a food bank and can get it 30 cents on the dollar."

On Nov. 13-14, The Well will partner with WKOM/WKRM for a two-day radio Hope for the Hungry Thanksgiving Radiothon fundraiser, with a goal to raise $75,000.

"The first day will be an eight-hour broadcast from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to have people call in to help feed our families during November," Sassen said. "Then on Friday the 14th, we will be doing a remote broadcast at Kroger off Port Royal. Families can stop by and donate food from Kroger, donate funding by walking up to the radio station, or call in and donate online."

For more information about The Well Outreach, its two locations in Spring Hill and Mt. Pleasant or to donate online, visit www.TheWellOutReach.org

Maury Teachers Get State Appointments (MSM)

Two Maury County educators have been appointed as members of the Civic Education and Engagement Advisory Committee by Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

“Our office created the advisory committee to build a more engaged citizenry in Tennessee. We appreciate each member’s dedication to serving the students of our great state,” Hargett said. “I am grateful for these experienced educators and their willingness to serve our state,  and I look forward to their contributions to the civic health of our state.” 

Dr. Brooke Binkley of Battle Creek Elementary School and Angie McLanahan of Mt. Pleasant Middle School joined 12 other educators from nine other counties as appointees to the committee.

Visit sos.tn.gov/civics for more information on civic engagement initiatives, including the annual  civics essay contest, Tennessee Student Mock Election, and lesson plans. 

Columbia Installs Siren System (Press Release)

The City of Columbia has begun installation of a new citywide public safety siren system, marking a major step forward in strengthening community safety and emergency preparedness.

The project includes the installation of 12 strategically placed sirens across Columbia, featuring three electrical sirens equipped with both audible alarms and voice capabilities, along with nine mechanical sirens designed to deliver powerful audible alerts. Once completed, the system will serve as a vital tool for mass notification during severe weather events or other emergencies.

Mayor Chaz Molder said, “This new system represents an important step forward in protecting our residents and ensuring we are prepared for any emergency. It’s another example of how we continue to invest in the safety and well-being of our community.”

Sirens will be installed at key locations throughout the city, including:

• Fire Station 3

• Fire Station 4

• Fire Station 5

• Bear Creek Pike at Interstate 65

• Ridley Park

• Fairview Park

• Old Williamsport Pike at the Wastewater Plant

• Malibu Canyon

• Honey Farms

• East Burt Drive

• West 6th Street at Reservoir Hill

• The Farm at Golston Hill

Funded through a $420,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Imminent Threat Program, the project was made possible in partnership with the South Central Tennessee Development District (SCTDD). This funding supports the installation of a state-of-the-art siren emergency notification system designed to enhance the City’s response capabilities during natural disasters and other public emergencies.

City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the importance of this investment. “By implementing this state-of-the-art siren system, Columbia is taking proactive steps to ensure our community is well-prepared for future tornadoes or other natural disasters,” said Massey.

Fire Chief Chris Cummins highlighted the system’s life-saving potential. “When emergencies strike, every second counts,” said Chief Cummins. “This new siren system will provide real-time alerts that can help save lives.”

The City of Columbia extends its gratitude to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for their continued investment in local communities and to the South Central Tennessee Development District for their partnership and support in bringing this project to fruition.

Historic Courthouse Renovation (CDH)

When the new Maury County Judicial Center opened in October 2024, the question remained, what would become of the historic downtown Maury County Courthouse?

The courthouse, which began construction in 1904 and was completed in 1906, currently sits mostly empty, with offices vacated and courtroom benches, podiums and other interiors cleared out.

However, it will not be sitting that way for long. Plans are underway to renovate much of the building to one day house a county museum, the Maury County mayor's office, a conference room and a Maury County Commission meeting room, among other planned uses.

These planned future uses are only the beginning of what visitors can expect once the project is completed, said District 2 Maury County Commissioner Eric Previti, a leading voice for the project.

"This was one of the most beautiful courthouses in the state," Previti said. "And we are bringing it back."

The next step, Previti said, will be asbestos removal. The whole project, he said, is estimated to be completed in about 18 months.

In October, the Maury County Commission approved a $15.9 million design contract with Hewlett Spencer LLC for the project.

"This is a project that has been very passionate for me for over a decade, ever since I have been on the commission, but of course it takes the whole team to do anything," Previti said. "We have talked about plans for a county museum for years, and the time is now."

The centerpiece of the project will be the creation of a first-floor museum, depicting Maury County's history.

The museum will be a great opportunity to not only preserve local history but display it in a way not feasible before.

Maury County has never had a county museum. 

One of the museum's most-prized displays won't necessarily be an old photograph, jewelry or fine China, but the courthouse itself.

In addition to the museum and office/meeting spaces, the project's renovations will include opening up the center flooring on the second and third levels. That way, visitors can view the structure's ornate domed ceiling upon entering, as was the courthouse's original design.

The courthouse was the work of local architect J.E.R. Carpenter in 1906. Carpenter also designed the Columbia Arsenal, now Columbia Academy and Hermitage Hotel in Nashville before going on to great fame as the father of luxury apartments in New York City.

As a building which has stood for 120 years as a symbol of law and county business, the Historic Courthouse will still remain in use as an active courthouse in the event of any spillover from the Judicial Center.

The Maury County Grand Jury will also hold its hearings at the courthouse, Previti said. The courthouse will also be home to the county's Building and Zoning Department, as well as the office for District Attorney Brent Cooper.

The courthouse will also have two new ADA-compliant bathrooms installed on the first floor.

Having the county commission operate out of the second-floor's main courtroom is also a move which brings the board back to its original meeting space, but with a few upgrades.

"The current county commission room will only seat 80 people, but we can get 234 here," Previti said. "The county commission used to be called the county court, and we were all called magistrates back then. The county commission used to meet here, and so it is returning to the old courthouse building."

Previti said by relocating all of these entities to the courthouse, it will create new space for growth and businesses on the square.

"Hopefully, the goal is to have a new admin center, and to move all of these [county offices] off that corner and sell it," Previti said. "We could sell it and let private enterprise takeover."

Citizens can also preserve a piece of the courthouse's legacy, as much of the furniture and fixtures removed are listed for sale on GovDeals.com. Most of the pieces are not original to 1906…many of those will be part of the new museum.

"If anybody wants to buy an old piece of the courthouse, the old chairs are being sold, and so are the podiums and some of the benches," he said.

Thrift Store Soiree (Press Release)

Mark your calendars for an exclusive evening on Thursday, November 13, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, as all hipsters and thrift enthusiasts are invited to the Shuttle to Shop Thrift Soiree event. This is your chance to explore the hidden gems of Columbia’s vibrant consignment and resale shops—all while being whisked away in style!

Your evening adventure starts with a comfortable chauffeur service that will take you to some of the coolest resale shops in town, including:

• Wear It Well

• ThriftLove

• Second Time Around

• Cute Vintagy Things

• Columbia Antique Marketplace

Tickets for this unforgettable evening are just $10 and can be purchased at any of the participating shops listed above. Every ticket holder will receive a free tote bag to help carry all their thrifted treasures as they travel from shop to shop. And everyone will be entered to win a gift card from one of the participating merchants.

Join us for an evening of shopping, fun, and community as we celebrate the art of secondhand style in Columbia. Whether you’re a seasoned thrift shopper or just curious about sustainable fashion and decor, this event promises to be a delightful journey through the city’s unique shopping scene.

For more information, please contact: Marni Truelove at 931-922-7519 or by email wearitwellconsignment@gmail.com

Don't miss out on this chance to shop, explore, and discover! 

Ashwood Development (MSM)

The Mt. Pleasant City Commission has scheduled public hearings on the proposed John Maher Builders development of 247 houses on a 106-acre property on Trotwood Avenue across from Historic St. John’s Church and Polk Memorial Gardens. Public comment will be taken at 6 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, before the second and final vote on the matter scheduled for Dec. 16. The resolution before them would rezone the property to the dense residential R3 category, the plan of services to the neighborhood, and annex the site and some surrounding land parcels and stretches of road to the city of Mt. Pleasant.

According to the plan of services, Mt. Pleasant would service the neighborhood with emergency response, waste removal and electricity. Columbia Power and Water Systems would supply potable water. Edge Wastewater, a private entity under the supervision of TDEC, would install, operate and maintain the neighborhood’s Septic Tank-Effluent Pump (STEP) system, which would pump wastewater (not solid waste) from household septic vaults to a facility at the north end of the property for treatment and reintroduction to the environment.

In three previous public hearings, more than 60 people have voiced their objection to the development citing historical integrity, traffic concerns, a high rate of failure in the STEP system, and lack of infrastructure and safety. In the public hearings, no one has spoken in favor of the development.

According to Main Street Maury interviews with the City Commissioners, Mayor Bill White and Commissioner Pam Johnston, who is also on the Planning Commission are in favor of the development. Commissioners Mike Davis and Loree Knowles are solidly against the development. Commissioner Willie Alderson states that she has not made a decision about her vote.

East Columbia Small Area Plan (Press Release)

The City of Columbia invites residents to participate in a public open house to review and provide feedback on the draft East Columbia Small Area Plan. The event will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Dr. Christa S. Martin Community Center at Fairview Park, located at 871 Iron Bridge Road.

The East Columbia Small Area Plan is designed to identify projects and priorities that help implement the City’s Comprehensive Plan, focusing on enhancing community connections, improving health and walkability, and addressing facility and service needs across East Columbia neighborhoods.

The open house format will allow attendees to drop in at any time between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. to review displays, share feedback, and speak directly with City staff and planning consultants. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

For more information about the East Columbia Small Area Plan or upcoming community meetings, please contact the City of Columbia Planning Department at (931) 560-1531.

Movie Night to Benefit Kids Place (Press Release)

You’re invited to join the Maury Alliance Young Professionals for a Community Movie Night benefiting Kid’s Place: A Child Advocacy Center!

 Date: November 21

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: The Well Church, Columbia, TN

Bring your family and friends for a heartwarming holiday showing of The Polar Express and enjoy delicious popcorn! 

Please bring a wishlist donation item to support local children in need! Financial donations will also be accepted. To see a list of items on the wishlist, click the button below.



Let’s kick off the season of giving together and make a meaningful difference in our community!

About Kid’s Place:

Kid’s Place is the Child Advocacy Center serving Maury, Giles, Lawrence, and Wayne counties. They provide hope, help, and healing for children who have experienced severe child abuse. By uniting professionals in law enforcement, child protection, medical care, mental health, and victim advocacy, Kid’s Place ensures children and their families receive comprehensive, trauma-informed care in one supportive location.

To learn more about Kid’s Place, visit https://www.kpcac.org/.

We hope to see you there for this special night of community and giving!

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

Mr. Christopher Michael Morris, 54, son of Michael J. Morris and Eyvonne Morris, died Sunday at his residence in Columbia. Graveside services will be conducted Thursday at 11:00 AM at Friendship Cemetery in Culleoka. The family will visit with friends at the cemetery following the services. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements.

Mrs. Norma Jean Pogue Lentz, 91, a native of Maury County and the widow of Frank Lentz, died Saturday in Jackson, TN where she had made her home for many years. Graveside services will be conducted Thursday at 2:00 PM at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends at the cemetery following the services. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mr. Gary Douglas “Herky” Kinser, 89, retired owner of Herky’s Outdoor Sports, died Thursday, November 6th at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center. A memorial service will be held Saturday November 15th at 2:00 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The family will visit with friends from 12:00 noon until time of the services at the church. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with the arrangements

Now, news from around the state…

Trump Pardons Casada and Cothran (WilliamsonScene)

Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his chief of staff Cade Cothren received calls from President Donald Trump on Thursday offering them full pardons for their convictions, according to multiple media reports.

The two were found guilty of honest services wire fraud, conspiracy, bribery, theft and money laundering after a trial in May. In September, Cothren was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison, one year of probation and a $25,000 fine. Casada was soon after sentenced to three years in federal prison, fined $30,000 and given one year of supervised release.

Legal representation for the two had requested a mistrial, which was denied, and was working on appeals for the convictions. In March, Trump pardoned former state Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown), who was set to serve 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal campaign finance charges for his failed run for Congress in 2016.

The convictions of Casada and Cothren were tied to a kickback scheme the two operated along with former state Rep. Robin Smith (R-Hixson) through a consulting firm, Phoenix Solutions, which was involved in business with other Tennessee politicians. Smith was reportedly also seeking a pardon from the president, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

As of Friday morning, multiple outlets have reported the pardons, but no official paperwork has been filed. The Associated Press reports that the White House said "the Biden administration Justice Department 'significantly over-prosecuted' both for a minor issue."

"It is good news," Casada told The Tennessee Journal via text message. “I’m just grateful to the president and his trust and understanding of my innocence. I can now get on with my life!”

Gas Prices (MSM)

Tennessee gas prices held relatively steady over last week, falling a penny, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.61 which is 10 cents less expensive than one month ago and 14 cents less than one year ago.  

“Tennessee gas prices have stayed in a familiar range for quite some time,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “As we head closer to the holidays, we could start to see some fluctuation in gas prices, but for now it’s likely our gas prices will remain steady in the short term.” 

Tennessee is the fourth least-expensive market in the nation.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Iroquois Steeplechase, sponsored by Bank of America, returns for the 85th anniversary event on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Percy Warner Park, 2500 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville.

Drawing more than 30,000 spectators annually, the Iroquois Steeplechase remains one of the premier steeplechase events in the United States, featuring seven exhilarating races in 2026 with total purses of $575,000, the richest on the National Steeplechase Association’s Spring circuit.

Tickets are available at IroquoisSteeplechase.org/tickets.