Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-6-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for November 6, 2025

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

We start with local news…

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.

Woodard Ranked Among Top Schools (Press Release)

 J.E. Woodard Elementary School ranks among the top 40% of elementary schools in Tennessee, according to U.S. News & World Report. J.E. Woodard Elementary School placed 355 out of 926 elementary schools in Tennessee.

 "The 2026 Best Elementary rankings highlight institutions that excel in fostering student achievement and providing exceptional learning environments for all," said Dr. LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for education at U.S. News. "These rankings offer communities and families valuable insights into schools dedicated to preparing students for future success."

 Schools were assessed on their shares of students who were proficient or above proficient in their mathematics and reading/language arts state assessments. Half of the formula assessed the scores themselves, and the other half incorporated the test results in the context of socioeconomic demographics.

 “Being named among the best in the state is a tribute to our teachers, staff, students and families working together toward excellence,” said Julie Wolaver, principal of J.E. Woodard Elementary School. “We are immensely proud and honored to be recognized in this report.”

 “J.E. Woodard Elementary School’s recognition should give our community a sense of pride and affirmation of the many great things happening in Maury County Public Schools,” said Lisa Ventura, Superintendent of Maury County Public Schools. “This achievement reflects both the dedication of the J.E. Woodard Elementary School staff and the support of the Columbia community.”

 View the complete list of Best Tennessee Schools, at www.usnews.com/education.”

Miracle League To Add Playground (Press Release)

The Miracle League of Columbia at Maury County Park has unveiled plans for a new all-inclusive playground, a $1 million project that will sit alongside the Miracle League baseball field currently under construction. This initiative is a joint effort between The Miracle League and Maury County Parks, dedicated to expanding accessibility and inclusion for families across the region.

The playground will be named Taye’s Place in honor of Taye Ramer, nephew of Miracle League Founder and President Robin Estep. His ability to bring people together and remind others of the power of inclusion became the heart of The Miracle League’s mission — making it only fitting that this new playground carry his name.

“Taye has been the ‘why’ behind everything we’ve done,” said Robin Estep, Founding Member of The Miracle League of Columbia. “Without him, there wouldn’t be a Miracle League of Columbia. He brings such joy to everyone around him, and it’s so fitting that this playground be named in his honor. Announcing Taye’s Place truly feels like a dream come true.”

Designed by Landscape Structures, a Minnesota-based leader in inclusive playground design, Taye’s Place will feature vibrant, accessible play structures that invite children of all ages and abilities to play together. The playground’s design emphasizes both fun and functionality, ensuring an environment where everyone feels welcome.

“This playground represents so much more than play—it’s about belonging,” said Juli Beck, Board Chairman of The Miracle League of Columbia. “Its inclusive design ensures that every child, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of play. The bright, welcoming colors will make it a centerpiece of our community.”

Taye’s Place playground will be constructed alongside the Miracle League field currently under construction on the former site of the Babe Ruth Field, a community landmark that hosted youth baseball for more than 40 years. Hewlett Spencer holds the county contract, with Bell Construction Company overseeing the build.

To make Taye’s Place a reality, The Miracle League of Columbia is calling on the community to help complete the dream. Though construction plans are underway, additional funding and donations are needed to finish the project. Every contribution—big or small—brings them one step closer to creating a space where all children, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of play. For more information about the Miracle League baseball field or Taye’s Place playground, please visit www.columbiamiracleleague.com.

County Donates Land to Spring Hill (CDH)

Maury County voted recently to dedicate approximately 88 acres of land located next to Battle Creek Elementary School to Spring Hill.

The land parcel, which also includes Battle Creek Way, is intended to create a safer environment for students and vehicular traffic. This includes utilizing 75 feet of right-of-way to install new turn lanes and traffic signals, according to a City of Spring Hill staff report.

The push to pass the donation was primarily spearheaded by Spring Hill Alderman Vincent Fuqua, as well as District 5 Maury County Commissioner Scott Sumners.

Prior to the vote, Sumners moved to amend the resolution to suggest the roadway's bridge be named after the Simmons family, the property's former landowners.

District 11 Commissioner Gwynne Evans, who spoke about knowing the family personally, seconded the motion.

"When the school board bought that property, it was appraised and the family deducted $1 million from the price tag," Evans said. "Usually when they find out the county is interested, they add five, six or eight million. They actually reduced the price."

Evans added the former owners were native Spring Hill residents who farmed in the area, and that something should be named in their honor.

"You would have thought they would have named something, but it was just kind of an oversight, I'm assuming," Evans said. "I think they would be very appreciative if we could give something out there."

The Oct. 20 vote also coincided with the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen's regular meeting, in which the board voted unanimously to accept the dedication.

Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer commented on the resolution being a joint effort between the city, Maury County and Maury County Public Schools.

"I know this whole group has spoken for months now that we are going to get things done in cooperation and collaboration with others, and it's great to see throughout all three entities working together," Fitterer said.

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.

CSCC Honors Dr. James Senefeld (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College recently hosted a naming ceremony and unveiled a plaque to honor retired English professor, Dr. James “Jim” Senefeld.

Senefeld, who taught at Columbia State for 31 years, was an integral part of the Humanities Division. Mainly teaching English, he also taught other courses, including literature, Arts and Culture: An Introduction to Humanities and Introduction to Film Studies.

Alongside his decades of educating college students, Senefeld was also heavily involved with and contributed to several college clubs and events, including the Celebrating Our American Heritage presentation series, Film Club, Socratic Club, the Baptist Student Union and study abroad trips.

Outside of his teachings and service to Columbia State, he was also a recurring presenter and contributor to “Polk’s America,” a monthly educational program as part of the James K. Polk Home that showcased the wide-reaching impact of President Polk’s term in office.

The naming ceremony kicked off with Columbia Mayor and Columbia State alumnus Chaz Molder proclaiming Oct. 17, 2025, as "Dr. James L. Senefeld Day" for the city of Columbia.

Molder, who grew up near the Senefeld’s home, recalls him being a man with a great mind and kind demeanor, both in and out of the classroom.

“When I think about our college professors at Columbia State Community College, I think about the intellectual prowess that they represent in our community, the promotion and exchange of ideas and conversations and dialogues that they're creating, not just on this campus, but also in our community as a whole,” Molder said. “Whether or not Dr. Senefeld was on this campus, educating minds, whether or not he's out in the community, speaking at events like the Polk’s Home series or whether he's walking his dog on a Saturday morning, he was always going to say hello and be kind.”

Educating young minds included his own daughter, Rachel Senefeld Kromer, who was once a student in her father’s class. She said that since her dad grew up as an only child on an Indiana farm, and in a family with a passion for reading, that helped spark his interest in literature and English. She recalled a memory of him in his Columbia State office that perfectly sums up his mentoring heart.

“I think my dad's mentorship of students could really be summed up with one image, and that was his rocking chair in his office,” Senefeld Kromer said. “I really hope that my dad will be remembered for those rocking chair conversations, putting the community in Columbia State Community College. He’ll be remembered for encouraging those kids who, like him, might have been the first in their families to go to college, for making the wonderful education provided in these halls accessible to learners and inspiring those people as well.”

Senefeld’s passion for teaching and being a steward of local education not only influenced his many students but also his colleagues as well.

“I can't even begin to explain how important Jim Senefeld has been to Columbia State, to our students, to his colleagues and to me personally,” said Dr. Barry Gidcomb, Columbia State dean of the Humanities and Social Sciences Division and professor of history. “Jim and I actually started to work here on the same day, on Sept. 9, 1985. That was our work anniversary together here at Columbia State. And it has been an incredibly wonderful ride. I've never known anyone at Columbia State more beloved than Jim Senefeld, and I'm so happy that I was here. I'm so happy that I've been along on the ride. And you mean everything to us, Jim.”

The impact he had during the early decades of Columbia State’s history is now ingrained in the legacies of both the college and himself.

“The foundation of anything — whether it’s a college or a business — is built by those who come first and give, and those who follow and continue to give,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. You have laid a foundation of instruction, care for students and commitment to their success that has helped build this college into what it is today. That contribution is so meaningful, it’s hard to put into words. If I had to choose the biggest words I could find, they would be: ‘You made a difference.’ You made a difference in the lives of your students. You made a difference in the lives of your colleagues. As I reflect on legacies and contributions, some people seek grand legacies — what they’ve built, what they’ve done. But I believe there’s no greater legacy than knowing you changed someone’s life for the better. And you have done that many times.”

A plaque now sits outside the Clement 114 classroom dedicated to Senefeld’s contributions to Columbia State.

Columbia State thanks Dr. Senefeld for his many years of service and the impact he made in the lives of students and colleagues alike.

No Trash November (Press Release)

The City of Columbia, in partnership with Keep Maury Beautiful, is proud to announce the launch of its No Trash November Litter Awareness Campaign, a month-long initiative focused on sustainability, beautification, and community pride. These activities are part of the City’s broader Clean Up Columbia Litter Awareness Initiative, which engages residents, schools, and community groups in efforts to reduce litter, enhance public spaces, and promote environmental stewardship year-round.

“No Trash November is about more than just cleaning up,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. “It’s about coming together as a community to take pride in the place we call home and to set an example of civic responsibility for future generations.”

Throughout the month, residents are encouraged to participate in community events that highlight creativity, service, and environmental awareness. The Trash to Treasure Art Exhibit will be on display from November 10 through 30 at the Columbia Aquatic & Recreation Center (ARC). Students from Maury County Public Schools will showcase artwork made from recycled and repurposed materials, demonstrating their innovation and commitment to sustainability. An opening reception will be held on Monday, November 10, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the ARC, featuring refreshments and opportunities for community engagement centered on waste reduction and creative reuse.

On Saturday, November 15, residents can volunteer during Parks Clean Up and Beautification Day, a citywide effort to beautify local parks. Clean-up times and locations include Riverwalk Park from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Fairview Park from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and Woodland Park from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Supplies and instructions will be provided on site, and participation is open to individuals, families, and community groups.

The month concludes with a Community Clean-Up Event on Saturday, November 22, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. in East Columbia. Volunteers will meet at the corner of Woodland Street and East 7th Street to pick up supplies and route maps before joining neighbors and city staff to help remove litter, protect local waterways, and strengthen community pride.

“The City is committed to maintaining clean, safe, and welcoming public spaces,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “While our crews work year-round to keep Columbia beautiful, initiatives like No Trash November give residents the opportunity to partner in that effort and take pride in the results we achieve together.”

For more information, visit www.ColumbiaTN.gov.

Sobriety Checkpoint (Press Release)

In compliance with a Tennessee Supreme Court ruling for all law enforcement to notify the public of when and where a roadblock will be held, the Tennessee Highway Patrol is advising all motorists of the following upcoming checkpoints. The courts require proof roadblocks are conducted in the best interest of overall public safety and THP’s checkpoint times and locations are strategically selected through crash and crime data collection to maximize their overall effectiveness and efficiency.

Recognizing the danger presented to the public by unqualified drivers, Troopers will concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated by drivers who violate the driver license laws of Tennessee and take corrective actions for other violations observed.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has found these driver license roadside safety checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver license laws of Tennessee while ensuring the protection of all motorists.

The next Sobriety Checkpoints will be on November 28, 2025, at 8 pm on State Highway 7 .1 miles south of Knob Creek Road in Maury County.

Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists. The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and an effective tool in the battle against impaired driving.

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

Mr. Tim Henderson, 67, retired truck driver, died Tuesday at Magnolia Health Care. Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 6:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Family will visit with friends Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Burial will be Saturday at 10:00 AM at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Now, news from around the state…

Governor Approves $5M for Food (TNLookout)

Days after thousands of Tennessee families lost monthly federal food benefits, Gov. Bill Lee announced he would direct $5 million in state funding to food banks.

Lee said Tuesday that funding will come from savings accrued in TennCare, the state’s Medicaid program for the poor, disabled and elderly, and be distributed to regions based on the population of individuals who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. SNAP provides monthly cash benefits loaded onto debit cards to buy food at grocery stores.  

Second Harvest Food Bank will be the main group distributing the funds, which should begin arriving at other food banks within days, he said. The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, which receives state funds but is not considered a government agency, came up with the plan for distributing funds.

“This whole federal shutdown problem has created a tremendous hardship for a lot of Tennesseans. It’s disappointing that it’s happened. It’s frustrating to people, including myself. It needs to come to an end. The government needs to open up,” Lee said.

A spokesperson for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, the state’s largest hunger relief organization, said Tuesday that the organization is awaiting additional information from the governor’s office. 

“We are waiting, ourselves, for clarification from the governor on this announcement.” Pearce Baringer, a spokesperson, said via email.”We expect a letter from his office in the next week with more information.”

About 690,000 Tennesseans living in poverty, nearly half of them children, rely on the SNAP to buy food; in total, Tennessee distributes $145 million in SNAP benefits each month.

In October, the Trump administration announced a benefits freeze, for the first time in the program’s history, due to the government shutdown. 

Two federal courts said the freezing of SNAP benefits was illegal. Trump and the White House have subsequently issued conflicting statements about whether they will comply with the court orders.

“SNAP BENEFITS….will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump posted on Truth Social Tuesday morning.

But Tuesday afternoon, a White House spokesperson said the federal government would comply with the orders and distribute partial November payments to SNAP recipients. No timeline was provided.

Clarence Carter, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, said that his department received “some guidance” from the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the distribution of benefits. 

“We are working around the clock to recalibrate our entire system to comply with the court order and USDA guidance,” Carter told Lee during a budget hearing Tuesday. 

Once Tennessee gets the green light to load SNAP debit cards with cash benefits, the Department of Human Services can typically deliver recipient data to an outside vendor within 24 hours, a department spokesperson said.  The vendor “will need time to process the file and distribute benefits,” an operation that will take an estimated additional three days.  

Advocates have noted that food banks across the state don’t have the capacity to serve all those impacted by the SNAP benefits freeze. For every meal a food bank can provide, SNAP provides nine, according to Feeding America.

SNAP benefits are likely to consume a far larger chunk of the Tennessee budget. 

Until now the federal government has paid half of the $128 million in administrative costs Tennessee incurs to run the program and picked up the tab for the entire $145 million in monthly cash benefits, according to 2023 data published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Under Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Act, the federal government will shift half the cost of administering the program to states, and a portion of the benefit costs.

Carter said Tuesday that Tennessee taxpayers will have to pay $77 million more annually to cover the administrative costs. He did not provide an estimate on the portion of benefits Tennessee will have to pay next year. Under new federal law, states will have to pick up a share of the benefit costs that depends on error rates in their processing of SNAP benefits.

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.

Learn more by visiting the A Very Maury Christmas 2025 Facebook Page.