Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-24-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for November 24, 2025

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

We start with local news…

County Leaders Call for Regional Water Authority (CDH)

The hunt for a long-term solution to Maury County's water needs was once again brought before the Maury County Commission recently and met with unanimous approval.

The resolution, which was considered Nov. 17 by the commission, affirms the board's support of a regional governance solution for the Duck River Basin.

In April, the commission approved a previous resolution supporting the Columbia Dam's proposed revitalization.

The new resolution reaffirms the county's support for advancing a potential feasibility study for the dam, as well as other regional water supply solutions, such as raising Normandy Dam in Normandy, Tennessee.

The resolution also requests the creation of a regional legislative body that would ensure equal representation among all counties involved, as regional projects of this magnitude would require cooperation among multiple governing bodies.

"Maury County believes that no single municipality or utility should have unilateral control over water resources that serve multiple jurisdictions without equal representation and oversight," the resolution reads.

"Maury County urges the Duck River Planning Partnership, the Tennessee General Assembly and the Governor of Tennessee to work collaboratively to establish such a regional authority and to prioritize scalable, multi-source solutions for regional water security."

A proposed Columbia Dam feasibility study would require federal approval to determine the new dam's potential.

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tennessee, 5th Congressional District, who has been in discussions with dam supporters, said he is actively pursuing the study, because it is what is needed to ensure momentum.

"We know we have a water crisis here in Southern Middle Tennessee and it's only going to get worse," Ogles told The Daily Herald. "The true long-term solution appears to be a reservoir and a dam, but we need data to back that up, which is why I am working on the feasibility study."

Columbia Dam Now, a grassroots group which spearheaded the dam's potential revival earlier this year, issued a statement following the Nov. 17 vote.

"The Columbia Dam Now organization wants to thank the members of the Maury County Commission, who again voted unanimously tonight to reaffirm their continued support of the Columbia Dam concept," the group stated.

Jason Gilliam, a leading voice in the initiative said "it is beyond time to take action and do something."

"These solutions we are looking at, raising Normandy, our intake at Williamsport from Columbia Power & Water, those are short-term solutions," Gilliam said.

"With our growth we have already had, if we have a drought like we had in 2007, I promise you our river will be nothing but puddles of water along that riverbed. We have got to have a long-term solution for water here in Maury County. If we don't, we are going to regret it."

Gale Moore, a leading voice for Don't Dam the Duck, an organization advocating in opposition of the Columbia Dam Project, said one thing county leaders should do when it comes to finding an agreeable solution is to give citizens a bigger voice, as many might disagree with what is being proposed.

"So many of their constituents have not even been asked about it by their county representatives," Moore said. "We just don't really appreciate they don't take their constituents' opinions into account."

Moore added that finding a long-term solution is a decision that needs to come from viable information, rather than creating unneeded discourse.

"We don't want to divide the community," Moore said. "All we are trying to do is get out information that is honest, is correct and is realistic."

City of Columbia Gets Infrastructure Grant (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $758,681 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD). This federal grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by TNECD, will support major drainage and infrastructure improvements in East Columbia aimed at resolving long-standing flooding issues at the intersection of 9th Street and South Main Street.

“This $758,681 grant award is a welcome surprise. It’s in keeping with one of City Council’s strategic planning goals regarding upgrading infrastructure,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “The funds will be put to good use since the stormwater drainage infrastructure underneath E 9th and S Main Streets is aged and needs replacing.”

The 2025 CDBG Columbia Drainage Improvements Project will cover the cost of replacing deteriorated drainage pipes, restoring and stabilizing the adjacent drainage area, relocating water and sewer lines, moving utilities fully into the public right-of-way, and significantly enhancing stormwater capacity to manage both current and future runoff. These improvements will address chronic flooding, reduce utility disruptions, protect local waterways by decreasing trash inflow, and strengthen overall infrastructure to better support economic development in the surrounding area.

Mayor Chaz Molder noted that this award reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to securing grants that lessen the financial burden on taxpayers. “Columbia continues to aggressively pursue state and federal funding opportunities to improve our infrastructure while protecting local taxpayers,” said Mayor Molder. “This project is another strong example of how we leverage outside resources to invest responsibly in our community’s future.”

The City of Columbia will provide additional details regarding construction timelines and next steps as the project progresses. City leaders remain committed to improving essential infrastructure, strengthening community resilience, and continuing to pursue grant opportunities that ensure taxpayer dollars are used as efficiently and responsibly as possible.

Maury Schools Get TN Reward School Designation (Press Release)

Maury County Public Schools is proud to announce that Highland Park Elementary School, J.E. Woodard Elementary School, and Mt. Pleasant High School, have been named Tennessee Reward Schools, the state’s highest recognition for schools in overall academic achievement and student growth.

The Tennessee Department of Education designates Reward Schools each year based on the state’s accountability system. To earn this distinction, schools must demonstrate exceptional academic performance, significant student growth, and success in closing achievement gaps among student groups. Reward Schools reflect excellence across multiple indicators including achievement, growth, attendance, and readiness benchmarks.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work happening every day in our classrooms,” said Lisa Ventura, Superintendent of Maury County Public Schools. “Our students continue to rise to high expectations, and our teachers and leaders at Highland Park Elementary School, J.E. Woodard Elementary School, and Mt. Pleasant High School, have shown extraordinary dedication helping every child grow. Our entire school district celebrates with them on this outstanding achievement.”

The Tennessee Reward School designation highlights schools that not only meet but exceed state expectations for student success. All three schools demonstrated strong academic gains and a commitment to creating supportive learning environments that enable students to thrive.

CSCC Professor Gets Commendation (Press Release)

Columbia State’s Suzanne “Sue” Christian, anesthesia technology program director and assistant professor, was recently honored as a recipient of the 2025 Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans.

Established in 2020 by Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora W. Tydings, the Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans recognizes military veterans each year from each of Tennessee’s community and technical colleges to honor the service, bravery and sacrifices of military veterans in campus communities.

“Our college communities are strengthened by the veterans and active-duty personnel on campus. The experiences and perspectives they bring are an important part of the broad diversity of people and backgrounds on our campuses that benefits everyone,” Dr. Tydings said. “We are wholeheartedly committed to serving our veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, reserve members, military spouses and children. It’s a privilege to honor them, not only on Veterans Day but all year.”

Columbia State’s commitment to veterans includes a range of benefits and services for veterans and their families, including:

• Columbia State is approved for veteran educational benefits and works closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs and state-approving agencies to ensure that students’ benefits are used appropriately.

• Eligible military spouses may use the MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account) scholarship at Columbia State.

• Columbia State has also achieved VETS Campus certification by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission by meeting additional criteria for excellence standards and compliance for our military-affiliated community.

Recipients of the commendation are nominated by the respective college presidents, and Christian was one of 35 Tennesseans to receive the commendation.

“Through her military service, she gained many values, including courage under pressure, respect for mission and commitment to teamwork, which are evident in every aspect of her teaching and mentorship,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “Sue is highly regarded by both her colleagues and students for her calm, compassionate nature and her unwavering dedication to excellence. She continually goes above and beyond to ensure her students are not only well-prepared academically but also personally supported and inspired to achieve their goals. Her ongoing service to the community college reflects the very principles embodied in the Chancellor's Commendation for Military Veterans: Courage through adversity, dedication to student success and a steadfast commitment to others.”

Christian, a Marine Corps veteran, represents the values that define both military and educational excellence — honor, courage, commitment and integrity.

Since 2018, she has served students at Columbia State as the founding director of the anesthesia technology program, the first program of its kind in Tennessee.

Christian initiated the effort to contact colleges in Middle Tennessee to establish an anesthesia technician program. Columbia State accepted the challenge and brought Christian on as the director.

At the time, the program became one of approximately five anesthesia technology programs in the country to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Currently, the CAAHEP recognizes only 11 accredited anesthesia technology programs nationwide.

Before coming to Tennessee, Christian worked in anesthesiology at St. Joseph’s and Central Baptist in Lexington, Kentucky, before being recruited by Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s anesthesiology department in 2004. Today, she continues her duties at Columbia State alongside her work as a manager and clinical educator for VUMC.

Now a tenured assistant professor, her lessons and leadership continue to help the college further its goals of providing an avenue for students to enter into high-value and high-paying career fields.

“I am honored to receive the Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans,” Christian said. “This recognition is deeply humbling, as there are many deserving individuals — some of whom have made even greater sacrifices to protect our freedom.”

Christian was presented with a special TBR Challenge Coin by Smith on behalf of the chancellor. Challenge coins are a rich tradition in all branches of the military and signify special achievement, excellence, hard work, unit pride, respect and esprit de corps.

Wolfe’s Open New McDonalds (CDH)

Folks in North Columbia now have a place to grab an egg McMuffin 24 hours a day as the city's newest McDonald's drive-thru has opened for business.

The new McDonald's, 2240 Nashville Highway in the Honey Farms development, is the first business to open in the property's new designated area for commercial development.

A new storage facility is also located on the property.

While the restaurant itself is new, veteran owners Tony and Gina Wolfe have been long-standing franchisees, dating back to 1974 when Gina's father opened his first McDonald's off Trotwood Avenue across from Maury Regional Medical Center.

"Tony and I always say, 'This is not ours, God has blessed us so we could manage it,'" Gina said. "We love our communities that we serve, but more importantly, we love the people behind the counter. They are why we are here."

Now, 37 years after joining the family business in 1988, The Honey Farms McDonald's marks the Wolfes' third Columbia location, though they own a total of 14.

"God has truly blessed us in multiple ways, blessed us with great people," Tony said. "We serve a great community, and it is because of them we get to do a lot of things that we do."

The Nov. 20 opening included a ceremonial ribbon cutting, which was attended by several city, county and state leaders, many long-time friends of the Wolfes.

"The Wolfe family does so much for our community, and any time you call the Wolfes for an ask or a need, they answer the call," Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder said. "They provide so much to this community."

Molder added that the McDonald's is also the first Honey Farms commercial property to fall under the city's new zoning ordinance.

"You will see some features about this building that are a little different from some of our older buildings, and that is a result of a new zoning ordinance that is keeping up with new construction builds over the next several years," Molder said. "There is a lot of progress happening in this area."

Vice Mayor Randy McBroom added that the McDonald's symbolizes more than another popular drive-thru being added to the North Columbia area but another way the Wolfe family has used its success to provide jobs and give back.

"This is the best-looking McDonald's building in the area," McBroom said. "I know what [the Wolfes] do for the community every day. That's the main thing that was on my heart ... what the Wolfe family means to us."

As franchise owners, the Wolfes have been able to devote their time and money to give back to their community.

Nov. 20's grand opening was no different, as part of the ceremony included $5,000 check presentations to The Family Center, The Well Church, Columbia Fire Department and Columbia Police Department.

"We are blessed to be in such a great community, that we can be in the education system, can support the nonprofits, that we can just have our hands on so many people," Gina said. "We thank God every day that we are able to do the things that we do. We have our heart, and we have our passion, and it is through our business that we are able to do that."

The first 100 customers were also awarded free Big Macs for a year.

With the holidays around the corner, the new McDonald's windows depict the Nativity scene, an annual Wolfe tradition dating back more than 40 years, which can be seen at each McDonald's location.

The mural artwork has become a popular attraction, especially after going viral in 2015.

Tony said, while the annual Nativity scene becoming something of a tourist attraction is flattering, it is a symbol for their devotion to their workers, which he and Gina consider "more than a business," but a "ministry."

"It is ironic that this store opened near Thanksgiving, because we have a ton to give thanks for," Tony said.

"We are nothing without these guys and ladies, and a lot of them started when they were just 15 years old, and that's just the testimony to the environment they have created.

"I know it starts with us, but they have created that environment of helping one another, caring for one another, and it's really unique. That's what our passion was when we got into this business, which was about ministry."

Maury Alliance Annual Meeting (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance on Thursday, January 29th, for their most anticipated event of the year, the Maury Alliance Annual Meeting! Celebrate the successes of 2025, honor the transition of their volunteer leadership, and discover their exciting strategic goals for 2026.—all while continuing to commemorate over 100 years of growth, innovation, and community impact in Maury County.  

Enjoy an evening filled with entertainment and networking celebrating business and industry in Maury County with a social hour, elegant dinner and live music.

Purchase tickets now to guarantee a seat at Maury Alliance’s biggest event of the year.

Registration will close January 19 at 5:00 pm. 

Get tickets and learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

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. 

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

Harry Mack Bryant, 76, lifelong resident of Columbia, TN, died Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at his residence.

Visitation will be conducted at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a private Graveside service at 3:00 PM at Polk Memorial Gardens. 

Mary Frances Pennington Winters, 96, passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Poplar Estates in Columbia surrounded by family.

A graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 10 AM at Polk Memorial Gardens with Rev. Jeff Jacob officiating.

Now, news from around the state…

Parents Sue Over School Voucher Program (Tennessean)

A group of parents and taxpayers are suing state officials over Tennessee's statewide private school voucher program.

The program went into effect at the start of the 2025 school year after a law passed the Tennessee General Assembly in the previous legislative session. Under the law, all students who can attend a Tennessee public school are eligible to receive state funding for private K-12 education.

The plaintiffs, who come from counties across Tennessee, say the program "will continue to drain funds from under-resourced public schools and send hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars to unregulated private schools."

“I've raised nine children in Memphis, and all of them have attended Shelby County Schools,” said plaintiff Apryle Young, who has a child enrolled in public school. “I've seen what our teachers can do when they have resources, and what happens when those resources disappear. We need to invest in our public schools, not abandon them.”

The complaint makes two arguments for why the voucher program violates the state constitution's Education Clause.

The first argument is this: The Tennessee Constitution requires the state to fund and maintain “a system of free public schools." They say a private school voucher program necessarily funds schools outside that system.

The second argument is that the state constitution requires that the education provided by the state must be an "adequate education." By diverting state dollars to private schools from already underfunded public schools, the program violates the state constitution, they argue.

The voucher program provides $7,295 vouchers to up to 20,000 Tennessee students to attend private schools and covers a range of other private education expenses. It is expected to cost taxpayers $1 billion over its first five years, the ACLU of Tennessee said.

In a statement, Gov. Bill Lee's office said, "Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed, and the Education Freedom Act empowers Tennessee parents to choose the school that best fits their child’s needs while further investing in public schools."

"We’re confident the court will uphold this important program that the vast majority of Tennesseans support and more than 40,000 families applied for, and look forward to serving even more students when applications open for the 2026-27 school year," Lee's office said.

Gas Prices (MSM)

Gas prices moved more expensive over last week, rising seven cents, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.68 which is three cents less expensive than one month ago and a penny less than one year ago.  

“Tennessee gas prices fluctuated higher over last week, but we’re still seeing prices stay within a similar range,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “As we head toward Thanksgiving, drivers are now paying the same for a gallon of gas as they did for last year’s holiday.” 

Tennessee is the sixth least-expensive market in the nation

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center® (TPAC) is thrilled to welcome the global Irish dance sensation RIVERDANCE back to Nashville with its landmark anniversary production, RIVERDANCE 30 – THE NEW GENERATION, for three performances April 3-4, 2026, in TPAC’s Jackson Hall.

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy Award-winning score, mesmerizing choreography, and breathtaking performances have established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. at TPAC.ORG, by phone at 615-782-4040 and in person at the TPAC Box Office, 505 Deaderick St., in downtown Nashville.