Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-20-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for November 20, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Ogles Appointed Chair of Homeland Security Subcommittee (CDH)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tennessee, 5th District, has been appointed chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection.

The subcommittee oversees federal efforts to secure America’s critical infrastructure, defend against cyber threats, and safeguard national security systems, a Nov. 18 media release from Ogles' office said.

“At a time when our nation faces unprecedented cyber threats from sophisticated adversaries, Congressman Ogles is already leading legislation to reauthorize and enhance the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program and create a whole-of-government effort to defend against cyber threats from the Chinese Communist Party," former chairman of the subcommittee Andrew Garbarino said. 

"As the Committee continues to work with the Trump administration to refocus CISA back to its core mission, Congressman Ogles’ leadership and vision will be instrumental in guiding that effort ... I know he will continue that mission with strength and clarity as we work together to secure America’s cyber future.”

Ogles will lead oversight of key agencies and programs responsible for protecting the nation’s digital and physical infrastructure from foreign adversaries, terrorist organizations, and emerging technological threats, the media release said.

Ogles' leadership will focus on strengthening the nation’s resilience against both foreign and domestic attacks.

“American national security rests on secured cyber infrastructure. As chairman of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, I vow to leverage every federal asset to fortify the cyber capabilities of every American city," Ogles said. "I vow to hold accountable the hackers, doxxers, and cyber terrorists waging war against our land. America First cybersecurity is my mission, and I will not waver."

Ogles was first elected to represent Tennessee's 5th Congressional District in 2022 and reelected in 2024. He is now seeking a third term in office in the 2026 General Election, when he will face Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, who announced his candidacy in September.

Columbia Christmas Parade (Press Release)

Columbia Main Street, in partnership with the City of Columbia, will host the 39th Annual Columbia Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 6, 2025. This beloved community tradition will once again fill Columbia’s historic downtown with holiday cheer as the Parade begins at 6:00 PM and travels along the traditional route down West 7th Street into the heart of downtown.

This year’s parade will be hosted by Main Street Director Kelli Johnson and proudly sponsored by Stan McNabb Chevrolet Columbia. Families can expect a festive showcase of illuminated floats, vintage vehicles, tractors, scout groups, local churches, businesses, civic organizations, holiday characters, and marching bands. The parade is expected to last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and remains one of Columbia’s most anticipated holiday gatherings. 

Serving as grand marshals for this year’s event are the rising pop-dance duo Austin & Colin, known for their high-energy performances, engaging songwriting style, and vibrant creative presence. Based in Nashville, the pair met while attending college and have since built a growing fan base through their dynamic stage shows, upbeat original music, and collaborations with nationally recognized artists. Their lively performance style has made them crowd favorites at festivals, concerts, and community events across the region. 

Adding to the excitement, Kaliente Conway Glenn will kick off the festivities with interactive, audience-involved activities at 5:30 PM, spreading holiday cheer and energizing downtown at the Public Square. Junior Main Street Volunteers will also be on hand, passing out glow sticks to the first 500 kids, thanks to our sponsor, Columbia Machine Works. 

"We invite the community to the 39th Annual Columbia Christmas Parade," said Kelli Johnson, Main Street Director. "The Columbia Main Street Board is excited for you to see Santa’s brand-new sleigh, which will be featured as the final float, so be sure to stay until the end to be among the first to see it!" 

If you’re unable to attend in person, the parade will be streamed live on the Columbia Main Street and City of Columbia YouTube channels, with links available on both organizations’ Facebook pages. A rain date has been scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM. 

The Christmas Parade is one of many festive events planned throughout the holiday season. From downtown shopping and holiday markets to festive tours, Santa sightings, and community celebrations, there’s something for everyone in Muletown this year. For a full list of holiday events, visit ItsChristmasInColumbia.com. 

Those interested in participating in the parade may apply online by November 30, 2025. You can register and learn more about the Columbia Christmas Parade and other Columbia Main Street events at columbiamainstreet.com or contact them at 931-560-1507. 

Spring Hill Discusses Capital Projects (MSM)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed strategies to reassess its 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), including major infrastructure and city facility investments, at a strategic planning session Nov. 8. 

CIP Director Missy Stahl and City Administrator Carter Napier presented the project outline during a called meeting. 

The CIP was divided into five categories: completed projects, ongoing projects, committed but not yet allocated (18-75 funding), not committed and not allocated projects, and developer-funded projects. 

Stahl and the board focused on the not-yet-allocated projects and the “not committed and not allocated” groups. To help staff with guidance, a survey was distributed to board members to rank the projects from the two categories based on importance. 

The survey results were presented during the Nov. 8 meeting, showing the new library as the top- ranked project, funded by the 18-75. Buckner Road widening ranked second, followed by the U.S. Highway 31 (Main Street) widening third. 

Altogether, the top 10 ranked projects total an estimated $201.35 million. The two most expensive projects, Mahlon Moore Road widening and Port Royal Road widening, combined estimates to $94.9 million. Overall, the 10-year project will be approximately $542.79 million dollars.

Due to the funding challenge of the two widening projects, staff recommended choosing several low-cost projects including: 

• Evan’s Park lighting – approximately $5 million

• Bellagio Village drainage/street improvements – approximately 3.55 million

• New playground equipment and resurfacing at Fischer Park – approximately $ 1.8 million

The creation of an in-house construction crew within the Public Works Department to handle site work on the projects instead of leasing equipment or outside contractors was discussed. Projects that could benefit include the Kedron Road/ Mahlon Moore Road improvement, City Hall basement renovations and CSA phase 2. 

The estimated cost to establish an in-house construction crew is approximately $5.1 million with approximately $2.7 million from the General Fund and $2.38 million from the Stormwater Fund. 

This plan was projected to possibly save roughly $1.3 million through reduced equipment rental and contractors. 

City staff also sought advice on how to amend Resolution 18-75, which governs funding for certain projects. Staff plans on developing a timeline for the board presenting the amendment proposal.

Moving forward, city staff will prepare a financial plan which includes existing underway projects, shovel-ready projects and top-ranked requested projects, with a timeline for completion, for the board to review. 

Short-Term Rental Nonconformity Applications (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is issuing a public reminder to property owners operating short-term rentals (STRs) that nonconformity (grandfathering) applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025, to remain eligible for continued operation in areas where STRs will no longer be permitted by zoning beginning January 1, 2026.

Short-term rentals are permitted (with an STR permit) only in the CD-4, CD-4C, and CD-5 zoning districts. Property owners may use the City’s online zoning map at www.ColumbiaTN.gov to verify the zoning of their property. STRs located outside these permitted districts may still qualify for nonconforming status only if a Nonconformity Application is submitted along with a Short-Term Rental Application by December 31, 2025.

A property may continue operating as a short-term rental if it was in use before April 10, 2025, and the owner remitted required state taxes for at least six months within the 12 months preceding that date. Continued operation remains valid unless the property is sold or transferred, STR use ceases for 30 consecutive months, or the property receives three or more violations of applicable local laws. Eligible owners must still obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and provide documentation of tax remittances.

Property owners seeking to maintain eligibility must submit all required applications no later than December 31, 2025.

Information on zoning, STR permits, and nonconformity applications is available on the City of Columbia’s official website. For questions, contact Planning & Zoning at 931-560-1560 or visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

Columbia State Commencement (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce that Robert Rogers will deliver the commencement address to the graduating class during the Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony, which will take place on December 13 at 9 a.m.

Rogers, a Columbia native, attended Columbia State before transferring to Middle Tennessee State University, where he graduated cum laude in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a major in marketing.

After college, Rogers was taken under his grandfather’s wing when he began working at Parks Motor Sales. As time went on, he managed each department within the dealership before assuming the role of general manager in 2008. 

He now serves as the dealer principal, continuing the dealership’s seven-decade-long legacy of being in the Columbia community.

Rogers currently serves on the Columbia State Community College Foundation Board. His previous service includes the board of directors for the Maury Alliance, chairman of the Frontier District of the Boy Scouts of America — where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout — and has an active membership in the Columbia Kiwanis Club.

Outside of his time at the dealership, Rogers takes part in the group Mental Mules, who are dedicated to raising funds for local charities through their annual 24-hour walk. Over $100,000 has been raised so far by the group to support local causes.

The commencement ceremony will take place in the Webster Athletic Center gymnasium on the Columbia Campus, and will be streamed live for remote viewing. The ceremony can be found at www.ColumbiaState.edu/Graduation.

Guests should plan to arrive at 8 a.m. as seating is limited. Overflow seating will be available in the Ledbetter Auditorium in the Frank G. Clement Building. The Webster Athletic Center is on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.

Columbia to Host Pancake Breakfast (MauryCountySource)

The City of Columbia will hold a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, November 29, to support the Columbia Police Department’s annual Shop with a Cop program.

The initiative gives children the chance to shop for holiday gifts alongside local police officers, helping build positive connections between law enforcement and the community.

Tickets for the breakfast are $10 and can be purchased from any Columbia Police officer, at CPD headquarters at 707 N. Main Street, or at the door on the day of the event.

Event Details:

• Date: November 29, 2025

• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Location: Memorial Building, 308 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN

Those unable to attend can still contribute to the program through donations via Venmo or CashApp. All proceeds go toward making the holiday season brighter for families in need.

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!

Mary Laverne Pilkinton, 90, retired elementary school teacher and a resident of Columbia, died Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Friday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Byron D. Gidcomb passed away at Life Care Center of Columbia on Tuesday, November 18. 

Visitation for Byron Gidcomb will be on Friday, November 21, from 4:00-7:00pm at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at Oakes & Nichols on Saturday, November 22, at 11:00am. Burial will follow at the Santa Fe Cemetery. 

Now, news from around the state…

Duck River Electric Partners with Weather (Press Release)

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation and the Shelbyville-Bedford Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon cutting at DREMC’s headquarters in Shelbyville in celebration of a newly forged partnership. The event officially launched the collaboration between DREMC and Southern TN Weather, the hyperlocal weather service formerly known as Shelbyville Weather, founded by local meteorologist Elijah Kirby.

Kirby’s weather coverage overlaps the areas that DREMC serves, making the partnership beneficial to those served by both entities on several levels. The newly forged partnership enhances storm readiness and energy reliability across the communities in DREMC’s footprint. Hyperlocal, real-time weather updates keep residents informed, especially during severe weather events. This same valuable information helps Duck River Electric make fast, accurate decisions to keep power flowing to homes and businesses.

At the ribbon cutting, DREMC’s President and CEO James Wright shared that before talks of partnering even began, it was clear that this collaboration was a natural fit. Long before the alliance was formed, the cooperative’s employees utilized Elijah’s weather forecasts for member safety, system operations and the safety of field crews during storms.

“Elijah’s reputation at such a young age is impressive,” said Wright. “One of our linemen mentioned today how accurate his forecasts are. Having him here at the Duck River headquarters adds another layer of safety for our employees and the communities we serve.”

Wright adds that real-time, local forecasts allow DREMC’s operations staff to improve storm tracking and prepare for possible outages. Understanding on-the-ground conditions helps support faster, safer decision-making during power restoration. These forecasts also optimize coordination efforts, thanks to live weather intelligence tailored to specific areas.

Among the benefits of the partnership for Kirby is a new office. DREMC has opened its doors to offer Southern TN Weather a dedicated space inside its system operations center. Broadcasting and working from this location mean ready access to backup power – an essential requirement for around-the-clock weather updates. And the proximity ensures a seamless flow of weather information to DREMC staff, maximizing the cooperative’s ability to quickly restore power.

Kirby is a degreed meteorologist and trained National Weather Service Storm Spotter. He lives in Bedford County and has built an impressive following through his hyperlocal coverage of severe weather – his social platforms reach more than 30,000 followers. Kirby offers street-level forecasts, storm tracking and live severe weather coverage. Following his rebrand to Southern TN Weather, forecasts are now updated daily, with 24/7 live-stream coverage on YouTube. He has also launched an all-new best-in-class weather app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Kirby’s passion for understanding the weather began after witnessing the 2009 EF-4 tornado in Murfreesboro, transforming early fear into a lifelong commitment to weather science. In 2018, while still in high school, Kirby began Shelbyville Weather, which was first available on Facebook and later became a part of local radio stations’, WLIJ and WZNG, daily weather reports.

“Localized weather matters,” Kirby said. “It helps people prepare, stay safe, and make decisions that truly impact their lives. That’s why I do this.”

In his remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Wright looked ahead to a bright future for the collaboration between the two companies. “There are many exciting things ahead,” he said. “New tools, new platforms and a partnership that will benefit thousands across our service area.”

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Mark your calendars! A Very Maury Christmas is returning for its 11th annual holiday market on Friday, November 21st – Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, at the Factory at Columbia (101 N James Campbell Blvd., Columbia, Tennessee 38401).

Enjoy great holiday shopping featuring over 75 curated vendors. This event is a well-loved community tradition.

For more information, visit the Very Maury Christmas 2025 facebook page.