Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-26-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for November 26, 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.

Booobie Ball (MSM)

The 14th annual BOOOOBIE Ball marked a major milestone this year — officially surpassing $100,000 raised since the event began in 2011. Organized by Amandia and Chris Long, the event has become a community tradition supporting breast health patients served through the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation’s Breast Center Fund.

This year’s BOOOOBIE Ball raised $10,000, adding to the collective total of more than $100,205 raised since its inception. The celebration was held Oct. 25 at the Lawrenceburg Elks Lodge and once again brought out a spirited crowd to continue this annual tradition of awareness and giving.

Amandia, a mammography technician at Maury Regional Medical Center, began the BOOOOBIE Ball with her husband Chris as a way to raise awareness and directly support local women facing breast cancer.

“We continue to be humbled by the generosity of this community and the passion that Amandia and Chris pour into this fundraiser every year,” said Rita Thompson, executive director of the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation. “This milestone reflects the power of people coming together to support women right here at home.”

The fundraiser — complete with auction items, costumes and custom T-shirts — remains rooted in the same mission it started with.

“Every shirt sold, every ticket purchased and every donation given means that more women can get the care they need,” said Amandia Long. “That’s why we keep doing this. It really does make a difference.”

The funds raised through the BOOOOBIE Ball provide critical support to breast cancer patients in need. The Breast Center Fund assists patients by providing wigs, headpieces, camisoles and transportation services for those who financially qualify. 

The Breast Center in the Pavillion at Maury Regional Medical Center provides a convenient and pleasant environment for women to receive health services, such as 3D mammography, breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and bone density studies. These services are complemented by a comprehensive cancer center to treat women diagnosed with breast cancer. To learn more about the Breast Center, visit MauryRegional.com/Women.

For more information about the Breast Center Fund or to donate, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation.

Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. All women aged 40 and older and those with a family history of breast cancer should get a mammogram annually. To schedule a mammogram with Maury Regional Health, visit MauryRegional.com/Mammogram or call 931-380-4044.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Now, news from around the state…

Boring Company Expands Tunnel Service (Tennessean)

When The Boring Company announced its plan to build an underground tunnel system in Nashville this summer, leadership said it would transport thousands of people between Nashville International Airport and downtown. Now, Boring Co. CEO Steve Davis is expanding that vision.

Davis said in a Nov. 24 livestream on X that there will be at least 20 stations built across the city before the Music City Loop opens to the public in 2027.

Ideally, he said, that will include an additional 2 miles of tunnel down Broadway and West End Avenue, connecting the stretch from the Cumberland River to just past Centennial Park in Midtown.

"Anyone along that alignment is then 9 or 10 minutes away from the airport," Davis said. "We've talked to almost every property owner along these alignments, so we know where we think stations will get built."

As stations become solidified, Davis said the company will update The Boring Co.'s website with the information.

Thus far, the only official station destinations are the Tennessee State Capitol and Nashville airport, though exact locations have not yet been determined. The Metro Nashville Airport Authority Board has not finalized details of its licensing agreement with The Boring Co., but President Doug Kreulen said on Nov. 19 that he was hopeful to have more information next month.

Music City Center and Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center have also communicated with The Boring Co. about potential stations.

Davis was joined on the Nov. 24 livestream by The Hermitage Hotel Managing Director Dee Patel and Robert Bone, the managing director of real estate investment for Southwest Value Partners, which is developing the 19-acre Nashville Yards district downtown.

Patel also serves as chairperson of the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association and on the Convention Center Authority Board.

"For a development like ours, this is super important, and something that we have remained very interested in," Bone said, "If you look at just our current hotels, our best estimate is those two hotels create about 75,000 round trips to the airport on an annual basis, all of which would be interested in taking this."

Davis added that the company would be open to building a station at the new Nissan Stadium if its engineers determine that it's possible to tunnel beneath the Cumberland River.

"If the stars align," he said. "Nothing's happened there yet, but we'd certainly love to do it."

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee recently praised the project's expansion as a boost to tourism.

"The idea of landing at the airport and getting in a Music City Loop car and being dropped off somewhere right here by the stadium, you know, that’s an experience that would be really important for tourists that were coming in, but also important for Nashvillians to move around," Lee said. “They’re beginning to do the work and actually start the progress on that. It’s very exciting for our city."

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

This holiday season, the Packard Playhouse invites the community to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with a double-header evening of heartwarming theatre.

First, experience an original stage adaptation of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi— the timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of giving. Then journey to the American frontier with A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas, a touching story of pioneer faith and family that will warm your heart like candlelight in a winter cabin.

With live music, stunning period costumes, and a cast of beloved local performers, this enchanting double feature captures the beauty, humor, and hope of the holiday season.

WHEN: November 28 – 30 & December 5 – 7

WHERE: Packard Playhouse, 614 N Main St, Columbia

For more information, visit www.anniemoses.org.