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

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for November 25, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Maury State of Education (CDH)

Maury County's current state of education shows higher test scores, yearly growth and fast-tracking students into careers with hands-on jobsite training.

The Maury County Public Schools' State of Education Lunch, hosted by Maury Alliance, drew business professionals and community leaders Nov. 19 to The Memorial Building in Columbia.

The annual luncheon featured a panel of the county's public education leaders, including Superintendent Lisa Ventura, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Keith Stacey, Career & Technical Education Supervisor Amy Roberts and Director of Teaching Michelle Gilbert.

Each panelist spoke about a number of topics, highlighting the stand-out improvement of student performance in MCPS over the past several years.

The Tennessee Department of Education's 2025 TCAP District Assessment Dashboard reported improvements in Maury County in most categories.

"I am especially proud of all of my scores, but especially proud of the English/Language Arts (ELA)," Ventura said. "Reading and literacy is my passion, and is my goal for every child, and for every adult too."

For ELA, 2025 TCAP scores showed that 34.1% of students in grades 3-5 met or exceeded proficiency compared to the state's overall 39% ELA rate.

The 2025 ELA overall proficiency for grades 3-5, however, dipped slightly compared to 2024 when 36.3% of students met or exceeded expectations. Still, the numbers show progress compared to 2021, when ELA results showed 28% proficiency at the third-grade level, lagging behind the state's 32% at the time.

"We've got a little way to go, but we are so much better than we were, and I am super proud of that," Ventura said.

In Maury County, ELA TCAP results in 2025 included a 3.3% decrease in students performing below expectations over 2024's results, as well as a 1.1% increase in students exceeding expectations and 1.8% increase in students meeting expectations, Ventura said.

Students approaching expectations remained relatively the same compared to 2024 with a 0.2% increase.

Compared to 2021, the TCAP results reflect a 5.1% increase in students exceeding expectations, an 8% increase in meeting expectations, and a 4.3% decrease in students below expectations.

Proficiencies in math and science also reflected similar results indicating consistent improvement since 2021.

"This is a team effort, but we have finally been able to recruit and retain and cherry pick some of the best talent you have ever seen for classrooms," Ventura said.

New and innovative ways to fast track students into the workforce, and how it differs from the traditional four-year college trek, was another major focus of the State of Education Lunch.

And part of that innovation is redefining what "college" means in 2025.

"As far as our trends are going, we are seeing that our students are having good success with our local [Tennessee College of Applied Technology schools], and I think some of that comes from the way we are advising students with the opportunities we are offering in Maury County," Roberts said. "What we are doing better is how we advise students."

Roberts also encouraged local businesses to get involved in workplace learning opportunities for students, as that has become a major focus of career-oriented curriculum, or Career & Technical Education (CTE).

"Our students need workplace learning placements," Roberts said. "They want to take the skills they have attained and put them to work.

"If you have a shop, let them sweep the floors to start out. Make them the lowest person on the totem pole, but in doing that you are teaching them that, 'You are going to show up, going to show up on time. You are going to do the ugly work before you can do the pretty work.'"

Roberts added that in 2016-2017, 30% of students were enrolled in CTE courses. Currently, the numbers are about 80%, she said.

A new initiative launched this year was the ACT WorkKeys curriculum, which Roberts described as "common sense ACT," from which students earn special credentials to receive certified workplace training.

"If you will identify as an industry what skills are needed, we can provide you a student who has exhibited those skills," Roberts said.

Spring Hill Opens Fire Station (WilliamsonScene)

Spring Hill community and government leaders celebrated the opening of Fire Station 4, the Mitchell Earwood Memorial Station, on Friday, marking a milestone for city safety.

The station was named in honor of the late Spring Hill Firefighter Mitchell Earwood, who died in an off-duty accident in 2020, having served the city for 13 years.

“I hope that this station, the dedication of it for his memory, provides you with a sense of realization that Mitchell will be here forever, and he'll watch over us in this station,” Spring Hill Fire Department Chief Graig Temple told the numerous family members of Earwood who were in attendance. “From the memorial foyer to the fire pit, the impact of the department that your son had will always be recognized and appreciated daily by the staff over here and the public that visit this station.”

A wall of the red memorial foyer is adorned with framed photographs of Earwood.

“He knew the importance of the friendships that he had made among his fire hall brothers, and they loved him for it,” said Earwood’s mother Kathy Brewer.

“I can't even say in words what this means, but the fact that so many people loved him, enough that scattered throughout this new fire station are little memories of him, and that's what means the most to me,” Brewer continued.

“He would be totally embarrassed because he was such a humble person,” she said with a tearful smile. “We talked about it when this thing first started being built, and I drove by here constantly. I said, ‘Oh, my goodness, Mitchell, look what they're doing,’ and in my mind, I could hear him say, ‘Oh, shucks. They shouldn't be doing this, not for me,’ but I think he would be totally humbled, but also very, very proud.”

The city broke ground on the $10.5 million project in August 2024 and will see increased emergency response times across the city, especially in the areas surrounding Station 4, located at the intersection of Duplex Road and Buckner Lane.

The state-of-the-art station was built to serve the city for some 30-50 years with its current amenities and technology, including engine bay air scrubbers and a decontamination room to increase safety for the firefighters; radiant floor heating; and 150-mph-wind-rated bay doors that include warning lights for entering and exiting the bay. The station also includes a large kitchen and living area, a dedicated gym and individual bunk rooms.

The station’s opening also sees the addition of 10 new staff members, making a total of 93 employees throughout the department, including a new engine company to operate SHFD’s new Engine 64, a 2025 Pierce which was present for the ceremony.

“We wanted a smart, aggressive apparatus that will give us opportunities to be as efficient as possible,” SHFD Battalion Chief Chuck Estes said.

“It has a 2000-gallon-per-minute pump, and it has 1000 gallons of water. We wanted a big engine, big tank, big pump, so we got that. The hose that we carried in this truck we can deploy any hose off all four sides of the truck.”

Grace House Opens (CDH)

Since its foundation in 2016, Columbia's Room In The Inn has had one goal in mind — to open its own permanent shelter to house families in need.

The nonprofit has offered services and the bare necessities to the homeless for almost a decade, providing rooms at Columbia Inn and other places, but now it strives to help families get back on their feet at the new Grace House.

After years of planning, patience and a lot of prayer, the dream is now a reality as Grace House, 1131 Mapleash Ave., is now ready to take in its first group of residents.

Grace House, of which construction began initially in 2023, began as more-or-less a frame and foundation, with the vision to provide fully-furnished rooms for up to four families.

"We had water leaks, and the place was just open with nothing but the framework up," Rev. Jeff Kane, Columbia Room In The Inn's founder, said.

Kane added that some of the final work to be completed included installing a compression system to the property's water line to operate an emergency sprinkler system.

Randy Notley, who has served many roles since Room In The Inn's foundation, from board member to treasurer and mentor, remarked the project was a team effort.

"Everybody pitched in here," Notley said. "When you move a mountain, you get a whole army. It was a challenge, but nothing in this life is worth anything if it isn't a challenge. A lot of people contributed to making a wonderful project here."

Justin Hicks, who served as main architect, said he is pleased to see the final results not just as a job completed, but for the purpose it will serve.

"It's so great to see it come to life, and has been a long time coming," Hicks said. "I think it's going to help a lot of people in the community, and I'm just grateful to be a part of it. Hopefully, it is going to be a great thing."

The shelter in its pastoral setting is not only warm and clean, but also provides a peaceful environment for its residents with trees and quiet.

When not gathering in the common room or bedrooms, kids can step outside to play in the yard or gaze at the farm animals located at a nearby farm across the road.

Grace House Director Samantha Baugus said the shelter is ready to take in its first family at the end of November, but more are sure to be joining in the coming months.

"The need is there, and we have a wait list," Baugus said.

Baugus added one of the most rewarding parts of her job is that, while the shelter's purpose is to help families, it is the chance to help kids that she loves most. Grace House, she said, can create the foundation and stability a growing child needs.

"I just love helping the kids," Baugus said. "When their environment is constantly changing back and forth, that's not healthy. We are a place they can feel loved, cared for and safe."

Grace House will also focus on transition, with programs to help the families it serves to find solutions which could lead to a better life, whether it is finding a job, educational programs, or simply finding the faith to keep striving.

"One thing I love about this ministry is that it's really about introducing these people to Jesus as well," Hicks said. "If we are not doing that, then the rest really isn't all that meaningful. Jeff does such a great job walking with the people who are here."

Spring Hill Discusses Projects (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Planning Commission is reviewing several notable projects at their next non-voting work session, including a new anchor tenant at Legacy Pointe, Whataburger, Wells Fargo, and upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

Legacy Pointe will present a site plan for a proposed wholesale membership club. The applicant has not revealed the end user or provided a timeline for groundbreaking or opening. While the plan generally meets city standards, some aesthetic and screening issues remain to be addressed. Officials note the addition of wholesale shopping could have a significant economic impact across Maury County, potentially boosting local convenience and attracting further commercial investment.

Whataburger’s project, deferred last month due to right-of-way concerns, is back on the agenda, though no changes have been made to the plan. Wells Fargo will also reappear after missing last month’s work session, with no vote having occurred on their proposal.

The city will present a plan for a centrifuge dewatering building at the existing wastewater treatment plant. The upgrade from the current belt press system won’t increase treatment capacity but will provide operational efficiencies, greater automation, and a system better suited to serve the city’s long-term needs.

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.

A Very Pleasant Christmas (CDH)

The city of Mt. Pleasant will ring in the holidays Nov. 29 with its annual tree lighting, this year returning to its historic downtown square.

A Very Pleasant Christmas, which runs from 5-8 p.m., will also be an opportunity to visit local shops for holiday gift buying, as the event also coincides with Small Business Saturday.

"We have so many new businesses, maybe seven, that have opened in just the past six months," Mt. Pleasant Main Street Director Caroline Rash said.

Rash added that A Very Pleasant Christmas will also be a return of sorts after the downtown Mt. Pleasant area had been under construction for some time.

"Last year, the tree had to be down closer to the library because the street was all torn up from all the renovations they are doing," Rash said.

"It has been kind of a chaotic scene, and I think a lot of locals sort of went through a period of feeling discouraged because everything was changing. Now, we are on the other side of it, and so something like this, I think, is going to be really bolstering for everyone, really encouraging to come together, see how beautiful it is all looking and sort of celebrate not only the Christmas season, but a new season in general. It's really exciting."

In addition to the tree lighting, downtown Mt. Pleasant will also be full of arts and craft vendors, food trucks and live performances from local dance groups.

"It will be a 'hometown' kind of event, and we will have a DJ playing music throughout the event, but a lot of our students will perform," Rash said.

Middle school dancers, third and fourth-grade singers and dance school, Arts of Grace, will perform.

"It's going to be really fun for the whole family for kids to be a part of it," she said.

Food trucks will include:

• Jersey Dogs

• Potts Sweet Spot

• Loosewheels

• Bri's Homemade Ice Cream

Pedestrians can also walk along the sidewalks and admire the decorative windows and shopfronts, adding even more to the yuletide atmosphere.

Santa Claus will also be stopping by for photos inside Mt. Pleasant City Hall.

"The Grinch will also be making an appearance," Rash said.

Lily Jane Shop Small (Press Release)

Lily Jane Children’s Boutique is excited to announce the Shop Small Crawl, a free, one-day community event designed to spotlight local businesses and celebrate the heart of Downtown Columbia on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 10 AM - 4 PM. 

Shoppers are invited to begin their adventure at Lily Jane, the official starting point of the tour. From there, participants can follow the event map at their own pace, exploring each featured business throughout the charming streets of downtown. Many participating shops are offering exclusive, one-day-only promotions, giving visitors the perfect chance to discover unique products, meet friendly owners, and enjoy the spirit of shopping small.

How It Works

1. Pick up your brochure at Lily Jane starting at 10am.

2. Visit participating shops and make a qualifying purchase to receive an employee signature.

3. Once your brochure is complete, return it to Lily Jane by 4 PM for a chance to win a gift basket filled with goodies from local businesses.

Participating Local Shops

Amy Montgomery Home • Aubree P Boutique • B's Salty and Sweet • Baxter's Mercantile • Bleu 32 • Bloomstall Flowers • Blue Hydrangea • Buck and Board • Creekside Trading • Dwell Boutique • Elia Day Spa • Grazie! • Hattie Jane's Creamery • Jackson Blume • Lily Jane • Living on 6th • Muletown Bikes • Muletown Coffee • Needle and Grain • Ollie and Finn's • Pink Porch • Pink Porch Too • Smith and York • Vive Cycling • Woven • Ye Peddler • YP Boutique

Whether you're hunting for the perfect holiday gift or simply looking to enjoy a day supporting local shops, the Shop Small Crawl is the perfect way to kick off the season. Grab a brochure, explore the town, and celebrate the businesses that make Columbia bloom with charm.

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

Jo Frances Porter Markham, 81, longtime resident of Maury County, died Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Poplar Estates.

A celebration of life will be held at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday from 3:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date in the Williamsport Methodist Cemetery.

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…

Jefferson Paternity in Question

A renewed effort to investigate one of America's most contentious historical issues has led one of Thomas Jefferson's descendants to a Nashville grave.

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation says it is a "settled historical matter" that the third president fathered several children with Sally Hemings, one of the women he enslaved on his Virginia plantation, Monticello.

Some others, including seventh-generation Jefferson descendant John H. Works Jr., are not so sure.

The evidence that Jefferson had a child with Hemings comes from a widely publicized Y-chromosome DNA study published in 1998 in the journal Nature, which proclaimed "Jefferson Fathered Slave’s Last Child." The study, however, was only able to show that a Jefferson family member, not Jefferson specifically, fathered Eston Hemings, and its title was later revised.

Works points to an alternative father: Jefferson's brother Randolph Jefferson, a planter who lived 20 miles south of Monticello. DNA testing, he thinks, may prove that.

But no one knows where Randolph's grave is. Works instead wants to test the DNA of Randolph's son, John Randolph Jefferson, who is buried in Nashville City Cemetery.

On Nov. 19, Works filed a petition in Davidson County Chancery Court to dig up John Randolph Jefferson's grave, have licensed professionals collect skeletal and tooth samples for DNA testing, and send those samples to the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. Comparing the genetic materials of John Randolph Jefferson with those analyzed for the 1998 Nature article "will provide much needed insight into the alternate theories of paternity ... or, as it may turn out, further confirmation of Thomas Jefferson’s paternity."

"Either way, the search for the truth will be advanced by granting this Petition," the petition states.

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)

As the Grand Ole Opry closes out its yearlong100th birthday celebration, Nashville's musical institution certainly isn’t slowing down. The Opry Country Christmas shows begin Dec. 1, 2025 and run pretty much throughout the month of December at the Opry House. Acts vary by night but include The Gatlin Brothers, Rhett Akins, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Chris Janson, Jon Pardi, The War and Treaty, Marcus King, Riders in the Sky and more.

See the full schedule and get tickets by visiting www.opry.com.