Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-3-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for November 3, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Developments Delayed at Innovation Campus (MSM)

Eight years after Maury County bought 330 acres of former General Motors farmland on the east side of Highway 31 for $4 million, the Maury County Innovation Campus remains undeveloped. No deals have been struck to bring industrial customers to the site, and diesel contamination discovered in 2024 has added $162,000 in cleanup costs and further delays.

The Innovation Campus is controlled by the Maury County Industrial Development Board and is intended as an industrial office park for white-collar work like administration, research and development or corporate headquarters.

After sewer analysis, traffic analysis and environmental site investigation, the county came in a few thousand dollars under its $330,000 development budget in 2018. The state funded $165,000 of the work with a grant.

Some county commissioners in office at the time recall the high hopes they had for the purchase.

“The IDB wanted it to be for headquarters-type jobs, white-collar jobs, no manufacturing… and I believe GM had a stipulation that it couldn’t be anything automotive,” recalled District 5 Commissioner Scott Sumners.

“I feel like it’s still a great buy for the county, because of the location and [saleability],” said former District 8 County Commissioner Davis Burkhalter.

In early 2024, tests mandated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation found diesel-related contaminants in the soil and groundwater around an old tractor-fueling station on the Innovation Campus. The contamination covered a strip about 100 feet long.

The IDB’s engineering firm, Terracon, recommended digging up a section of soil and allowing it to air out, according to the protocol for remediating soil contamination.

IDB Chair Stewart Parker presented this $162,000 solution to the county commission in July 2025 as the “Chevy solution,” $50,000 cheaper than the “Cadillac solution” of trucking away the contaminated soil. County commissioners agreed to appropriate the money for the remediation after Parker assured them it would likely prevent the whole Innovation Campus from being condemned as a “brownfield.”

Parker told the county commission in September that TDEC and the IDB’s engineering subcontractor are negotiating whether to put a brownfield agreement only on the acre around the old diesel site.

“The IDB will not spend the money having the acre surveyed until the state of Tennessee confirms in writing that they will accept the solution,” Parker said. “Once that agreement has been received in writing, we will have the acre surveyed, cut off and labeled as a brownfield.”

TDEC said no brownfield voluntary agreement has been executed with the state and the IDB has not submitted a new survey or formal request to revise the application.

In correspondence with Parker, a TDEC official told him that any facilities in the area won’t be able to draw the groundwater for human use, owing to its documented arsenic content, or build directly atop the remediation site without testing the “soil gas” first.

“I couldn’t begin to [say when the campus will open for business, but]… delays in the infrastructure planning [have delayed it, and] the biggest delay to date has to be the [environmental] remediation,” Parker said. “You would expect a project like this to take six and a half to seven years [for] a private company that has access to resources, [while] the Industrial Development Board… [does] not have [its] own income and [is] funded by Maury County.”

Any facilities at the campus would be served by extending utility infrastructure from either Columbia or Spring Hill.

“I didn’t really have any expectations on how soon [development] would happen, because getting those types of companies to come anywhere is a long and hard process,” Sumners said. “The IDB would have to be working with the state and Maury Alliance to bring corporations into that development.”

Maury Alliance officials couldn’t be reached for comment on whether any industrial projects are now in the pipeline for the Innovation Campus.

“I would’ve liked to have seen something done by now, but I understand that it is difficult to bring the types of jobs they want to bring anywhere in the country. It’s a highly competitive venture to bring in white-collar corporate jobs to anywhere,” Sumners said. “It’s got a great location, but I’m not so sure what the county can do to make it more attractive; that’s why we have the county IDB and the Maury Alliance.”

“Certainly the issues with TDEC have slowed this project, but this project will be a slow mover under any circumstance,” Parker said. “The County just doesn’t have the funds to fast-track this by itself; we will need to continue to work with our partners at Maury Alliance and the state.”

Mt. Pleasant Receives State Grant (Press Release)

 Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced the 14 Tennessee Main Street and Tennessee Downtowns communities that are recipients of Downtown Improvement Grants (DIGs).

“Our rural communities are the backbone of our economy, and I’m proud to take part in announcing these grants,” said Gov. Lee. “I'm grateful for local leaders who care deeply about their communities and look forward to seeing the investments they make to ensure all of Tennessee can flourish.”

More than $3.9 million in Rural Economic Opportunity funding is being awarded to improve structures in Tennessee Downtowns and Main Street communities. Grants were awarded to organizations that illustrated the need for improvements and the ability to execute an effective design plan for building facades, wayfinding signage, gateways and streetscapes. As part of the program, each new grant recipient will be required to match 25% of the funding received.

“Vibrant downtowns do not happen by accident — they are built through local vision, long-term planning and collaboration. These grants will help 14 communities turn that vision into visible progress by revitalizing the places where residents gather, businesses grow and visitors experience what makes each community unique,” said Deputy Gov. and Commissioner McWhorter. “We are proud to partner with local leaders as they strengthen their downtowns and build even stronger local economies across Tennessee.”

Communities receiving Downtown Improvement Grants within our listening area include:

• Centerville, Hickman County, $300,000

• Mount Pleasant, Maury County, $325,000

“We are very excited for these 14 communities who have taken steps to give their residents and visitors a better Tennessee experience,” said TNECD Main Street Director Kim Parks. “Our state’s downtowns possess some of the best hospitality and character of any across the country.”

To be eligible for a Downtown Improvement Grant, communities had to submit an application and be a designated Tennessee Downtowns or Tennessee Main Street community. To learn more about the Downtown Improvement Grant Program, visit the website https://www.tn.gov/ecd.

State of Education Panel (Press Release)

Join us on Wednesday, November 18 at 11:30 am for the annual State of Education Lunch featuring Maury County Public schools. The program will take place at the War Memorial Building located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia.

During this year's event, Maury Alliance President & CEO, Wil Evans will lead a panel discussion with representatives from Maury County Public Schools including Lisa Ventura, MCPS Superintendent. They will discuss the current state of public education, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs and the 2026 Education Report. 

The cost is $25 for Maury Alliance Members and $30 for non-members and includes lunch.

For more information, visit www.mauryalliance.com.

5th Congressional District Debate (MSM)

Last week Republican candidate Charlie Hatcher, Democratic nominee Chaz Molder and independent candidate Micheál O’Leary laid out their reasons for running for Congressional District 5 in a Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce forum.

Molder, the two-term mayor of Columbia, prioritized everyday concerns like affordability and infrastructure.

“Being the mayor of my hometown has given me a front-row seat to issues… [and] to see the power of government at work,” Molder said. “I like to say potholes don’t have partisan labels… and it’s the approach that I’ll take if I have the honor to be your United States Congressman.”

Hatcher, a heritage dairy farmer in Williamson County and the former state Commissioner of Agriculture, intended to lower the cost of living, fund infrastructure, cut federal regulations, and balance the budget.

“I won [the primary] because I met people where they were,” he told the audience. “[Working as Commissioner of Agriculture] gave me a good glimpse of the state, working with… agencies, and addressing… the same problems that I’m encountering on my campaign.”

Micheál O’Leary, a pub owner with experience in local politics, stood on his independence from the major parties and promised to listen to his constituents and bring them together.

All candidates agreed that Middle Tennessee faces crises around resources, infrastructure and cost-sharing.

“Infrastructure growth is the number-two issue that I see all across the district,” Hatcher said. “[Planning] needs to be regional… [and] we need to prioritize the infrastructure projects that affect the most people and have the most value.”

“I think [the growth is] a testament to the fact that we’re a desirable place to live,” Molder said. “Let’s bring our tax dollars back home to us in the communities.”

“Half the community seems to want to slow everything down… And on the other side, [people say], ‘We need [them],'” O’Leary observed on the data-center issue. “I will be that voice [in Congress] that’s able to review the details [and notify my] district.”

Hatcher pointed to Governor Bill Lee’s investment of more than $1 billion into the state’s Technical Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs), and to his own department’s fostering of 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs, as ways that his administration had invested in the future workforce.

“[Thanks to] historic investments in those programs… we were able to train skilled people and attract companies,” he said. “I think we’re a model for the rest of the country, and [we should do] whatever we can do to piggyback [on] federal funding.”

“Columbia State Community College has made not just our community a better place, but the entire… region,” Molder said of the state institution in his town. “As a member of Congress, I would do everything I can to ensure that we’re bringing federal funding back to our community colleges and our TCAT facilities.”

“Our trades [are] not being fed any next-generation [apprentices], unless they’re already in a union of some sort. We need to fix that,” O’Leary said. To streamline the training-to-work pipeline, he suggested restricting H-1B visas and penalizing colleges whose students don’t land good jobs.

The candidates also shared their first legislative priorities and plans to build relationships in Congress.

“What I want to get to work on immediately is to reduce the cost of living,” Molder said. He promised specifically to work to abolish President Donald Trump’s tariffs and end the conflict with Iran, and faulted Congress for not exercising its own powers to tax and declare war.

“The number one priority would be cost of living,” agreed Hatcher, whose dairy production costs have exploded since COVID. “The long-term way [to lower prices] is to unleash American energy [with diesel refineries and nuclear plants].”

When asked about President Donald Trump’s tariffs, O’Leary criticized them along with Trump’s other policies and behavior.

“We pay the brunt of it when a tariff is implemented on a product,” he said. “[And] it makes no sense… how our president behaves when somebody offends him… He had some great ideas… [but] how he’s implementing them… makes no sense to me.”

“It’s causing costs to go up at a time when people are hurting, and we’re using them the wrong way,” Molder agreed, claiming that some Tennessee industries lost nine- and ten-figure amounts to tariffs in 2025. “I was speaking to a local CEO… [who] told me that he has to create a separate profit and loss statement that depends on whether the tariffs stick or not.”

Hatcher defended the strategic use of tariffs, both to protect American industries and to force trade partners to negotiate.

“We need… America [to become] independent on critical [products],” he explained, and claimed that Trump had already struck favorable trade deals and remediated trade deficits. “We’re the most superior in the world in agriculture, and we need to keep it that way, but we need to get back to manufacturing stuff here.”

Moderator Rick Graham asked the candidates what results their constituents should expect to see from them after a two-year term. Hatcher promised to be as accessible as possible to his constituents, and to work on his four “heart” issues: affordability, infrastructure, and federal regulations and budget.

“If one person can get [with] some like-minded people and build those relationships, then they can start to chip away at it,” he said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit all 17 counties three times during this campaign,” Molder said. “People just appreciate when you show up… We should do less talking as politicians and a lot more listening.”

Molder put “bad laws” in his crosshairs, primarily Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” for its cuts to benefits and addition of $3.4 trillion to the deficit.

O’Leary promised to get citizens’ opinions on important issues before voting.

“The promises here are going to be easy to speak about, but [in Washington] they’re going to be much more difficult when you’re party-affiliated,” he said. “I don’t have to listen to party whips. I’m your voice.”

“You, the voters, have an opportunity today to think outside the box,” O’Leary pitched. “We’ve been doing the same thing [electorally] over and over again… [when] 60-70 percent of the public say [electing a third-party candidate is] the right thing to do.”

“Every day the good Lord humbles me, with a flood or a drought or a cow dying or whatever. So I’m conservative in the way I live… in my politics, [and] in fiscal spending,” Hatcher said. “You have to be as a farmer, and that’s just who I am.”

“I think most of you… probably already have a favorite candidate, but I want to talk to those of you who… may be undecided,” Molder said. “I have a track record as mayor in the last 8 years of bringing people together… In Washington, D.C., [I want] to focus on building bridges to help people who are hurting in this district.”

City to Take Part in No Trash November (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the return of its Clean Up Columbia campaign in recognition of No Trash November. The monthlong initiative encourages community involvement, litter prevention, and environmental awareness through education, volunteer opportunities, and creative activities that promote a cleaner Columbia.

“We are thrilled to bring the community together to participate in No Trash November,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “The Clean Up Columbia campaign reflects the importance of teamwork and education in keeping our city clean. We encourage everyone to join us in reducing litter, protecting our environment, and taking pride in the community we call home.”

As part of the campaign, the City is partnering with local litter prevention organizations Keep Maury Beautiful and the Triple C’s (Columbia Community Cleanup Team) to host a community cleanup event in East Columbia. Residents are invited to volunteer and help remove litter from local streets and public spaces.

East Columbia Cleanup

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Meet-Up Location: Parking lot at the corner of East 7th Street and Woodland Street

All necessary litter cleanup supplies will be provided. Residents of all ages are encouraged to participate and help make a positive impact on their community.

In addition to the cleanup event, the City is partnering with Maury County Public Schools to present the No Trash November Art Exhibit on display at Columbia City Hall from November 1–30. The exhibit features artwork created by local students using recycled and repurposed materials, showcasing their creativity while highlighting the importance of reducing waste and giving discarded materials new life.

The Clean Up Columbia campaign aims to inspire residents to take an active role in keeping their community clean. By working together, residents can help reduce litter, protect local waterways and green spaces, and foster a lasting sense of pride in Columbia.

For more information about the No Trash November Clean Up Columbia campaign and opportunities to get involved, visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

New FNP Joins Maury Regional Gastroenterology (Press Release)

 Autumn Scott, FNP, has joined Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) Mid-South Gastroenterology.

Scott received her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She received her master’s degree from the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama.

Specialists with Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) Mid-South Gastroenterology diagnose and treat digestive conditions and other gastrointestinal disorders. They specialize in gastrointestinal procedures, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Scott will be joining the following providers: Michael Blanco, MD; Lucas Buchanan, DO; Amit A. Choksi, MD; Dayaker R. Mallipeddi, MD; Robert W. McClure, MD; Srikar S. Reddy, MD; Timothy Dickey, FNP and Sharon Gibson, FNP-BC.

MRMG Mid-South Gastroenterology Columbia office is located in the Maury Regional Medical Office Building at 1220 Trotwood Avenue, Building C, second floor, in Columbia. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. A physician’s referral is required to make an appointment.

For a complete list of services and more information, call 931.388.8302 or visit MauryRegional.com/Gastroenterology.

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

Mrs. Shirley Geneva Wright Clanton, 88, resident of Pulaski, passed away on Thursday, October 22 at Maury Regional Medical Center Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. on November 7 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Pulaski

Robert Allen “Bob” Johnson, 84, resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, at The Gardens of Poplar Estates.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, with Randy Owens officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 PM until the service time at the funeral home.

Pamela Sue Hartsfield Black, 70, resident of Columbia, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Life Care Center of Columbia.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Brother Rushing officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday, November 6, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

And now, news from around the state…

Voter Fraud Policy (Press Release)

With Election Day upon us, Tennessee voters are reminded they can access the Secretary of State’s convenient toll-free Official Election Hotline or the Text to Report Voter Fraud system.

“In Tennessee, voters can count on the Division of Elections and their local county election commission to be trusted sources for accurate and timely election information,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “If you have questions or concerns on Election Day, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office or your local election commission.” 

Tennessee voters can get answers to Election Day questions or report voting issues by calling the Division of Elections’ toll-free Official Election Hotline at 1-877-850-4959. Voters can also find contact information for their local county election commission at https://tnsos.org/elections/election_commissions.php.

Tennesseans can also access accurate Election Day information, including their polling location, voting dates, hours, sample ballots and more, on the Secretary of State’s GoVoteTN.gov website and free GoVoteTN app.

“Ensuring every eligible Tennessean can vote easily while maintaining the integrity of our elections remains our top priority,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “If voters have questions or encounter an issue on Election Day, our office is here to help.”

The Secretary of State’s Text to Report Voter Fraud system provides Tennesseans with a convenient way to alert the Division of Elections about suspected voter fraud. Voters can also use the system to report Election Day issues or share feedback about their voting experience, whether positive or negative.

To use the Text to Report Voter Fraud system, text “TN” to 45995. Users will receive a secure link where they can submit their concerns directly to the Division of Elections. The Division of Elections then works with county election commissions, district attorneys, and other parties to take appropriate action.

For the latest information about the November 3 State and Federal General Election, visit GoVoteTN.gov.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will offer free admission to active-duty and retired military members on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11.

The museum will also extend free admission to up to three immediate family members of eligible military personnel.

From 10 a.m. to noon, visitors can join a special postcard-making activity with Hatch Show Print in the museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center. Participants will create their own printing plates and use a vintage printing press to make postcards thanking active-duty military members.

The postcards will be sent to troops serving overseas through A Million Thanks, a nonprofit organization that supports military members.

Country music has a long history of artists who served in the military, including Country Music Hall of Fame members Johnny Cash, George Jones, Willie Nelson and Elvis Presley.

For more information, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.