Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-12-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for November 12, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Spring Hill EMS Services Contract Considered (NewsChannel5)

Will some Spring Hill households have to wait longer for an ambulance? That's a concern from city leaders as Maury and Williamson counties work out who will pay for EMS service in a city that straddles two county lines.

More than half of the EMS calls to Spring Hill originate from the Maury County side of the city. Williamson County leaders say those calls are getting more expensive and have asked Maury County to contribute financially.

Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer says when that contribution means keeping response times low, it's an easy decision.

“I know the demographics in Spring Hill skew older when we get to the Maury County side,” Fitterer said. “To knowingly have them be faced with a two- to four-minute longer response time is something I’m fearful of.”

When asked whether he fears for his residents if a deal isn't reached, Fitterer didn't hesitate.

"Yes, I absolutely do," he said.

For residents like 78-year-old Randy Haman, whose neighborhood sits near the Maury-Williamson county line, the stakes feel personal.

"EMS is very important," Haman said. "I want to get the EMS as close to me as possible."

A longer wait, he said, is not something he's willing to accept.

"I wouldn't like it," Haman said.

Other Spring Hill residents echoed that concern.

"I have small children. I want this fast response time," Rachel O'Roark a Spring Hill resident said. "This is the bare minimum response time for saving lives."

"There might be some way to meet in the middle, in good faith, some way to compromise," O'Roark said.

Maury County budget committee approves short-term funding

Maury County leaders are not yet ready to commit long-term. The Budget Committee voted to continue paying Williamson EMS $750,000 for another six months. The full Maury County Commission is expected to finalize the vote Monday. Williamson County commissioners have voiced disappointment at the decision.

In a statement, Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt said the county had been receiving Williamson County EMS service at no cost for years, but that arrangement was no longer sustainable.

"For many years, Spring Hill has had Williamson County EMA ambulance service. It has come as no cost to them," Butt said. "As with everything else, the cost of providing services has skyrocketed in the last few years and Williamson County was no longer willing to continue subsidizing the Maury County portion of Spring Hill in perpetuity."

Butt said the timing of the decision created additional challenges.

"That decision was presented to us in the middle of a budget cycle. They were gracious in extending some time, and last night the Maury County Budget Committee passed a resolution to continue subsidizing Williamson EMA in the amount of $750,000 for six months while we work toward our 2027-2028 budget and include that service area," Butt said. "In making our decision in the next few months, we will certainly consider the safety of the residents of Spring Hill as we strive daily to do for all of the taxpayers in Maury County."

Spring Hill may be divided by a county line, but residents hope that division won't cost them their health and safety.

Bridge Named in Honor of Joe Roberson (MSM)

Maury County and the Tennessee Department of Transportation honored Colonel Joe Roberson, an Army veteran, teacher and historian based in Carters Creek, by naming the bridge at the south end of Carters Creek Pike in his honor during a dedication ceremony on Oct. 29.

“Today, I was honored to attend the dedication of the Colonel Joe Roberson Bridge on Carters Creek Pike, recognizing a man whose life reflects service, leadership, and a deep commitment to Maury County,” said county Mayor Sheila Butt.

“I’m grateful to see Colonel Roberson’s extraordinary contributions recognized through this dedication. Thank you, Colonel Roberson, for your service to our country and our community.”

The county resolution read, “It is the desire of the legislative body of Maury County, Tennessee to recognize a living hero whose bravery, educational contributions, and civic leadership represent the very best of Maury County.”

Col. Roberson, a Vietnam veteran, earned the Bronze Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal and many more awards during his 30-year military career. He retired as a full colonel and taught Spanish in Murfreesboro and at Columbia Central High. He served three terms on the Maury County Commission and volunteered as a translator with his church’s missions in several Central American countries, and now volunteers at Columbia Academy on Tuesdays.

“It was just such an honor, [but] my family’s name on that sign, Roberson, means more than mine does to me,” Roberson said of the sign dedication. “My parents and my wife made me who I am, so my family was really the name on that sign.”

Roberson expressed his hope that Veterans’ Day 2026 would remind Americans that their safety and opportunity are made possible by the enlistment and sacrifices of one or two percent of their young people, and prompt them to take better care of their veterans during and after service.

“We veterans would really like to be guaranteed that we will have a military that is funded and taken care of properly,” he said. “[Also,] I would hope that our country would… appreciate everything more: the country they live in, the life we have, and [make] a commitment to take care of the veterans that have let this country be what it is.”

Roberson has also published two genealogical works. The Cocke-Catesby Family History 1086-2010 documents his maternal line, naming more than 8,000 people going back to his 25th-great-grandfather in the 1086 “Domesday Book” of William the Conqueror. Carter’s Creek: Families and Branches, which documents the old families in the community to which he belongs. People took him “up on the hollers and the hills” to see their ancestors’ graves, some of which only they knew about; a few of the 19 family graveyards he was shown weren’t in the “Lightfoot book” of local cemeteries. One “flat stone” discovered by a farm worker back in the woods turned out to be a perfectly preserved 1816 headstone, naming a couple and their dozen children.

Spring Hill Weighs Alternative Waste Water Plans (MSM)

Spring Hill officials are weighing alternative wastewater treatment options that could allow several proposed developments to move forward despite the city’s ongoing sewer capacity constraints.

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed three potential alternative wastewater treatment proposals during its Nov. 2 meeting, each involving a different location and development. The proposals would allow developers to use decentralized or privately operated systems rather than immediately connecting to the city’s municipal sewer system.

Mahlon Moore Road

The first proposal involves properties at 3523 and 3545 Mahlon Moore Road, located on the west side of the road. City staff presented a memorandum request seeking approval to use a decentralized wastewater treatment system known as BioClere.

The proposed system would allow residential development to proceed without an immediate connection to the city’s sewer system. If approved, the 23.86-acre property could accommodate 32 single-family homes.

City staff outlined several requirements the applicant would need to meet before moving forward. Those requirements include meeting the city’s decentralized wastewater design standards, providing 50 percent reserve soils for a repair area on properties not connected to the city’s gravity sewer system and obtaining rezoning and preliminary and final plat approval.

The proposal would create no immediate expenses for the city, but staff identified a potential long-term financial concern. Once Spring Hill secures additional wastewater treatment capacity, allowing the alternative system to remain in operation could result in the city losing predictable monthly sewer utility revenue.

Board members expressed skepticism about whether the project could realistically move forward.

“I understand what they are trying to accomplish here,” Mayor Matt Fitterer said. “I don’t see a technical path or a political path for it at this time. Staff can do what they want with that opinion as far as how much time they should spend on it.”

Without the board’s approval of the proposed resolution, the property cannot proceed with rezoning, a necessary step for the development.

Alderman Scott Warner also questioned whether the project could overcome the zoning challenges, saying he believed they would present a greater obstacle than determining which wastewater system to use.

“I think the zoning issue is going to be a much bigger hurdle for them than determining what kind of sewer or BioClere they are going to add in this development,” Warner said.

No vote was taken on the item.

Cleburne Road

A proposed 488,232-square-foot warehouse development on Cleburne Road could also move forward using an alternative wastewater treatment system.

The property, located at 3521 Cleburne Road, encompasses approximately 38.86 acres and is the site of the proposed SHIP West industrial project.

The project has already received site plan approval from the Planning Commission but does not have a sewer allocation.

To move forward, the applicant is proposing an alternative on-site wastewater treatment system rather than immediately connecting to the city’s municipal sewer system.

If the request is approved, the developer would still need to submit a site plan modification following the memorandum of understanding.

The proposal also calls for the on-site wastewater system to eventually be removed once the city provides public sewer capacity.

No vote was taken.

Keystone Outdoors

A third proposal involves a 51,000-square-foot commercial development along Miles Johnson Parkway that could use a privately owned and operated septic system.

The applicant, Keystone Outdoors, is requesting permission to install and operate an on-site sewage disposal system for the proposed development.

The property includes 3085, 3071, 3063 and 3057 Miles Johnson Parkway, spanning approximately 10.7 acres within a community commerce area.

The proposed commercial building would sit across four parcels, with Tract A located in Maury County and the remaining three parcels in Williamson County.

The development is expected to generate approximately 450 gallons of wastewater per day. Under the proposal, the developer would be responsible for designing, permitting, installing and maintaining the system.

City staff identified two concerns with the submitted development plan. The plans do not appear to identify a proposed drain field, and Tract A does not show any proposed improvements. Instead, the parcel includes a notation indicating it would be dedicated to the City of Spring Hill.

No vote was taken.

The three proposals remain under review as Spring Hill navigates wastewater capacity limitations and explores ways to accommodate future development.

CPWS To Host Annual Toy Drive (Press Release)

Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) invites the Maury County community to come together for lunch and local giving at the Second Annual Giving Tuesday drive-thru cook-out on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the entrance on Highland Avenue.  

The cook-out serves as the anchor event for CPWS’s holiday giving campaign, where drivers can help “Stuff the Bucket” by filling a CPWS utility bucket truck with donations to ensure local children and teens have gifts under the tree this holiday season.  

Anyone who drives through and donates a new, unwrapped toy or makes a cash donation will receive a free 1 lb. all-beef hot dog sack lunch as a thank-you from CPWS. Cash and toy donations collected during the cook-out directly support The Family Center and The Salvation Army in providing holiday assistance to area families.  

Supporting The Family Center Toy Drive All Week Long

For community members unable to attend the Tuesday lunch hour, the opportunity to give runs throughout the week leading up to the cook-out. CPWS is hosting a dedicated collection drive accepting new, unwrapped donations through Tuesday, Dec. 1. Donations can be dropped off during normal business hours in the collection bins located inside the CPWS lobby.  

Donation guidelines for the ongoing drive include items for children and teens ages 0 to 18:  

Infants & Young Children: Baby dolls, Barbie dolls, stuffed animals, educational toys, building blocks, Legos, Play-Doh, puzzles, tool sets, toy cars/trucks, and dress-up clothes  

Older Youth & Teens: Board games, art supplies, sports equipment, blankets, hair accessories, jewelry, watches, makeup, cologne, wallets, purses, tumblers, apparel, belts, and gift cards  

“Community support has been at the center of what we do,” CPWS President and CEO Jack Baxter said. “When the holidays come around, our crews and staff look forward to teaming up with neighbors, The Salvation Army, and The Family Center. Whether you stop by our drive-thru on Highland Avenue for a hot dog on Tuesday or drop an unwrapped toy in our collection bins earlier in the week, every contribution directly helps a Maury County family.”

Portraits of Patriotism (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is proud to announce Portraits of Patriotism, an outdoor display honoring United States military veterans and their lasting legacies. Organized by the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, the exhibit will be featured throughout Riverwalk Park through November 20, 2026, and is free and open to the public.

Featuring approximately 16 portraits, the display recognizes men and women who served across various branches of the United States Armed Forces and generations. Many of the featured veterans have connections to Columbia and the surrounding community, while others represent individuals whose stories extend beyond the local area. Through photographs and personal histories, the exhibit highlights their experiences and contributions to our nation's history.

"Veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices to protect the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy every day," said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. "Portraits of Patriotism provides a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together in gratitude, reflect on the courage and dedication of those who have served, and ensure their stories continue to inspire future generations. We are proud to honor these remarkable individuals and recognize the lasting impact of their service."

Each portrait provides visitors with information about the veteran's military branch, rank, service history, and personal experiences. The accompanying stories were compiled through contributions from veterans and their families, historical research, and public library resources. These firsthand accounts and historical materials offer a personal perspective on the individuals behind the uniform.

Unlike a traditional indoor exhibit, Portraits of Patriotism is displayed throughout Riverwalk Park, allowing visitors to discover these stories while enjoying the outdoors. As residents walk along the park's pathways or spend time with family, they are encouraged to pause, reflect, and learn about the individuals whose service helped shape our nation.

"Every veteran has a unique story that deserves to be shared and remembered," said Columbia Parks and Recreation Director Mack Reagan. "Through this display, our department has created a meaningful opportunity for residents to learn about veterans from different generations while honoring their service and preserving their legacies."

“This exhibit reflects the City's commitment to preserving history and fostering community appreciation for military service. By bringing these stories into a public setting, the Parks and Recreation Department connects generations,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “It is an excellent way for the city to honor our veterans.”

Residents and visitors are invited to explore Portraits of Patriotism at Riverwalk Park through November 20, 2026, during regular park hours, from dawn until dusk.

The City of Columbia extends its sincere appreciation to all veterans, as well as the families and community members who contributed to making this display possible.

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

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…

Oracle Breaks Ground (Tennessean)

Global technology giant Oracle Corp. began erecting its 82-acre world headquarters on Nashville's East Bank Nov. 10, more than five years after the company's plans first became public.

The groundbreaking marks a major milestone for the tech company's long-planned campus, a $4.5 billion project expected to bring thousands of jobs and major public infrastructure investments to the East Bank's downtown riverfront.

Oracle's Nov. 10 groundbreaking ceremony brought together Gov. Bill Lee, Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Economic Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter with Oracle CEO Clay Magouyrk, among others. The event included video renderings of the sprawling campus, F1 simulations and Oracle-branded Goo Goo Clusters.

"We're very thankful that we get to be in a place like this," Magouyrk said. "There's some incredible things that we're going to build but none of them are nearly as important as the community you created."

Lee recalled his time speaking with Oracle leaders in 2019 when he was trying to convince major companies to move or expand operations to Tennessee. He said Oracle’s ultimate decision to build a campus in Nashville was a "trajectory-changing" decision for the city.

"Tennessee is a very different place today," Lee said. "This company will change the trajectory of this city and this state forever."

Metro Council approved the deal to bring an Oracle campus to Nashville in 2021, when the company committed to creating 8,500 new jobs by the end of 2031. Under the agreement, Oracle was eligible to collect a $65 million state economic development grant and up to $175 million in Metro property tax discounts in exchange for a $1.2 billion investment and funding infrastructure improvements in the River North neighborhood.

In the years of planning and permitting that followed, Oracle's projected Nashville investment ballooned to $4.5 billion, and company founder Larry Ellison described a more grandiose campus than previously expected. Initially, the plan was to have dual headquarters in Austin, Texas, and in Nashville. But Ellison said in his first public Nashville appearance in April 2024 that the plan changed and world headquarters operations would move to Tennessee.

"It’s not going to look anything like a corporate campus. What we’re building is a park," Ellison said. "There will be a concert venue, a lake with a floating stage where we can have concerts for the community. We want to be part of the community. Our people love it here, and we think it’s the center of our future."

Oracle will follow the groundbreaking with three days of public celebrations and open-house events Nov. 12-14.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The legendary Randy Travis marks 40 years as an Opry member. On December 11th, Randy’s friends take the stage to perform his hits, celebrating four decades of Opry memories with a beloved member of our family.

The celebration will include Opry members Josh Turner, Mark Wills, and Gary Mule Deer, along with special guests Paul Overstreet, James Dupré, and others.

The anniversary celebration comes just weeks after Travis releases Same Old Way on November 13, his first original album in 18 years.

Travis made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage in March 1986, introduced by Little Jimmy Dickens while he was still working as a cook at the Nashville Palace. Following the success of his debut album, Storms of Life, Travis was officially inducted into the Opry on December 20, 1986, by Ricky Skaggs.

Tickets for the December 11 anniversary celebration are available at Opry.com.