Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 12-10-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for December 10, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Davidson Judges Call for Security After Ogles Comment (WSMV)

Judges of the Davidson County General Sessions Court have requested heightened security from Gov. Bill Lee after [quote] “violent” remarks from Rep. Andy Ogles.

In a joint statement and letter to the governor, the judges requested that the state ensure safety and security at the Justice A.A. Birch Courthouse in Nashville.

In the letter to Lee, the judges accused Ogles of endangering elected officials in Davidson County, citing his “irresponsible use of the phrase ‘we are at war’ accompanied by the posting of the individual photographs of General Sessions Court Judges.”

The Judges are referring to a post in which Ogles wrote, “Meet Muhammad A. Muhammad. He was recently caught allegedly RAPING a woman on the steps of a church on Nolensville Road in Nashville. He is a Somali migrant let in by Obama.

Not only has this man been arrested over a dozen times, but he has had every case, from drugs to indecent exposure to criminal trespass, dismissed.

Every judge and prosecutor who let him off the hook was a DEMOCRAT. As long as local liberals are running things in Middle Tennessee, we are at war. The state should impeach all of the judges. Send the guard to Nashville.

In the letter to Lee, the judges said his words have put themselves, courthouse staff and the general public at heightened risk.

“The reckless use of violent rhetoric, such as that employed by Mr. Ogles, can embolden the most extreme elements and lead to tragic consequences,” the judges wrote.

“We urge the State to take appropriate action to counter the dangerous and inflammatory rhetoric issued by Mr. Ogles. Tennessee must not become the site of the next preventable tragedy.”

Ogles responded to the Judges letter, stating, “Instead of apologizing to the family of that young woman who was raped to death, instead of apologizing to the people of Nashville, these judges have the gall to publicly complain about my oversight and call it ‘dangerous rhetoric.” A woman was raped and is now dead because of woke policies and those on the Davidson County General Sessions Court who let off a dangerous migrant criminal more than twelve times.

These judges are asking Governor Lee to give them heightened security because they feel threatened by my comments. Where were these Judges when she was being raped? Where were they when she lay dying? Do they care at all about the safety of my constituents? Doubtful."

CA Named National Christian School of the Year (Press Release)

Columbia Academy has been named the National Christian School Association (NCSA) School of the Year for 2025, a recognition that reflects the school’s exceptional commitment to academic excellence, faith-based education, and community engagement. This announcement was made on November 21, during an assembly attended by the entire Columbia campus student body and staff.

Regarding the school, NCSA President Dr. Andrew Baker says, "What shines brightest at Columbia Academy is not simply their academic achievement or impressive growth, but their unwavering commitment to forming students who reflect the heart of Jesus. This award is well-deserved, and the entire NCSA family celebrates with them. Their story is a testimony to what faithful teachers, engaged families, and mission-driven leadership can accomplish together."

The NCSA, which represents over 70 schools nationwide, opened nominations for the award in April 2025, with voting taking place in May. The School of the Year title was determined by a vote from member schools within the association, making this recognition particularly significant as it reflects the support and admiration of Columbia Academy's peers nationwide.

"We are deeply humbled and incredibly honored to receive this recognition from our fellow schools within the National Christian School Association," said Dr. James A. Thomas, President of Columbia Academy. "This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering faith of our faculty, staff, students, and families." Columbia Academy’s journey to receiving this award has been marked by a continued dedication to providing an environment where students grow academically, physically, socially, and spiritually. Established in 1979, Columbia Academy serves 1235 preK - 12th grade students, a record enrollment for the 13th consecutive year.

CFR Launches Safety Platform (Press Release)

Columbia Fire & Rescue announces the implementation of Community Connect, an innovative resident engagement platform designed to improve emergency response outcomes through voluntary information sharing. This initiative represents a significant advancement in community-centered emergency preparedness.

Community Connect enables residents to securely share household information that assists first responders during emergency situations. The voluntary platform allows families to provide details about special needs residents, pets, property access, and emergency contacts—information that can be crucial during time-sensitive emergency responses.

"Emergency response effectiveness often depends on information we don't have when we're dispatched," said Chris Cummins, Columbia Fire Chief. "Community Connect bridges that information gap by allowing residents to share what they believe would help us serve them better during emergencies."

The platform employs advanced security protocols to protect resident data, with information accessible only to authorized emergency personnel during active responses. Participation is entirely voluntary, with residents maintaining control over what information they choose to share.

Columbia joins a growing network of communities utilizing Community Connect technology to strengthen the connection between residents and emergency services. The department plans to gather resident feedback and continuously improve the service based on community needs.

Sign Up Today:

https://www.communityconnect.io/info/tn-columbiafirerescue

City Receives Grant (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is proud to announce that the Columbia Police Department has been awarded $1,300,000 through the State of Tennessee’s Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF), administered by the Department of Finance & Administration’s Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP).

“The VCIF program provides critical resources for communities across Tennessee to enhance public safety,” said Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Haywood. “This funding will allow us to expand investigative capabilities and equip our officers with advanced technology and modernized tools to respond more effectively to criminal offenses.”

The State of Tennessee allocated $75 million in the 2025–26 budget to support VCIF grants for law enforcement agencies statewide, including local police departments and drug task forces, to strengthen efforts to prevent and reduce violent crime. VCIF grants fund evidence-based programs, technology, infrastructure, and other initiatives designed to enhance strategies addressing violent crime. In Columbia, the $1.3 million award will be used to upgrade surveillance systems, enhance forensic capabilities, and provide state-of-the-art protective equipment for officers, improving investigative capacity and ensuring personnel can operate even more safely and efficiently in the field.

This $1.3 million award follows closely after the City’s recent $758,681 Community Development Block Grant for drainage improvements, a pair of significant investments that City Manager Tony Massey said “make it feel a little like Christmas came early for Columbia.” Together, these grant successes reflect the City’s continued commitment to aggressively pursuing external funding opportunities that strengthen services, support community needs, and help ease the financial burden on local taxpayers.

CSCC Leadership Program (Press Release)

 Columbia State Community College’s Office of Workforce and Continuing Education recently celebrated the completion of its fall 2025 cohort of the Leadership for Operational Excellence program with a reception recognizing the achievements and growth of the participants. The program equips new and emerging leaders with essential skills to excel and grow confidently in their roles.

“It has been wonderful bringing this program to life and seeing it succeed,” said Melody Murphy, former Columbia State Workforce and Continuing Education director. “These participants, as well as the ones from our previous cohorts, have grown and helped me grow so much over our time together. The thing I appreciate most about this program and what I think makes it so impactful is the diversity of thoughts and experiences that everyone brings. Change truly is the only constant, and through shared experiences, we can self-reflect and often shift perspectives.”

The Leadership for Operational Excellence program is designed to equip new and rising leaders with the skills and resources needed to succeed in a fast-paced and evolving workplace.

This cohort-based program combines real-world applications with expert-led sessions, giving participants practical tools for leadership and operational excellence. Through a structured curriculum, participants gain insights into key leadership strategies, communication skills, employee engagement and operational management.

Topics covered include leadership styles, generations and teams, employee engagement and productivity, communication and leading your team, business finance and budgets, presentation skills and networking as well as delivering outcomes and managing change — all geared toward preparing participants to lead with a new perspective and confidence.

“Leadership for Operational Excellence gives the current and next generation of industry leaders the opportunity to accelerate their career growth and vastly enhances their value to their employers,” said Dr. Shane Hall, Columbia State vice president of the Williamson Campus and community engagement. “They come into the program with a passion to learn and exercise their potential, and they leave with the education and tangible skills to lead.”

Gandhi Valliappan, a participant who works for Tractor Supply Company, spoke about his ideals on what it means to be a good workplace leader.

“I believe leadership is about enabling people to succeed together — creating an environment where collaboration and learning drive progress,” Valliappan said. “I aim to build teams that learn continuously, strive collectively, and win through shared growth. Together we learn. Together we strive. Together we win. Success is our collective evolution — earned through learning and strengthened by teamwork. When people feel safe to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and stretch their thinking, innovation becomes natural and sustainable.”

Bill Williams, Columbia State multimedia coordinator and the first Columbia State staff member to be a cohort participant, also spoke on his take on how the program influenced his outlook on what being a leader means.

“True leadership means ever learning from the journey, lifting others with compassion and lighting the path toward a brighter future,” Williams said. “I believe a leader should be forever learning, from themselves and others. My goal as a leader is to motivate, coach and empower others while guiding them toward growth and confidence. I believe in inspiring through action — in doing, not just directing. My father taught me to roll up my sleeves, work alongside others, and model the contribution I expect from my team.”

To close out the reception, Murphy gave the participants and attendees words of affirmation and motivation.

“As we continue, let's remember that leadership is a choice we make and strive to cultivate a culture of authentic leadership that inspires, empowers and fosters growth for all,” she said. “So, let’s go do good.”

For more information about the Leadership for Operational Excellence program or the Columbia State Office of Workforce and Continuing Education, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Workforce, or email WorkforceDev@ColumbiaState.edu.

FNP Joins MRMC Staff (MauryCountySource)

Heather Moore, FNP, has joined the hospital medicine program at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Moore received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Capella University, Minneapolis, Minnesota. She obtained her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Maury Regional Medical Group, an affiliate of Maury Regional Health, provides Maury Regional’s hospital medicine program professionals. These providers are specialists who devote their time and expertise to adult and pediatric patients exclusively within the hospital setting.

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.

Short-Term Rental Nonconformity Applications (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is issuing a public reminder to property owners operating short-term rentals (STRs) that nonconformity (grandfathering) applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025, to remain eligible for continued operation in areas where STRs will no longer be permitted by zoning beginning January 1, 2026.

Short-term rentals are permitted (with an STR permit) only in the CD-4, CD-4C, and CD-5 zoning districts. Property owners may use the City’s online zoning map at www.ColumbiaTN.gov to verify the zoning of their property. STRs located outside these permitted districts may still qualify for nonconforming status only if a Nonconformity Application is submitted along with a Short-Term Rental Application by December 31, 2025.

A property may continue operating as a short-term rental if it was in use before April 10, 2025, and the owner remitted required state taxes for at least six months within the 12 months preceding that date. Continued operation remains valid unless the property is sold or transferred, STR use ceases for 30 consecutive months, or the property receives three or more violations of applicable local laws. Eligible owners must still obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and provide documentation of tax remittances.

Property owners seeking to maintain eligibility must submit all required applications no later than December 31, 2025.

Information on zoning, STR permits, and nonconformity applications is available on the City of Columbia’s official website. For questions, contact Planning & Zoning at 931-560-1560 or visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

Youth Leadership Maury (Press Release)

Applications are now open for Youth Leadership Maury! Youth Leadership Maury is a county-wide program for high school juniors designed to foster leadership skills, community development, and networking.

Class members meet with local decision-makers in several sectors of the community, such as business, government, health, public services and agriculture.

Participants will visit places all over the county to hear speakers and participate in activities to help them learn about Maury County and how to positively impact where they live, learn, work and play.

2026 Program Dates:

Thursday, January 22nd - Team Building Day

Tuesday, February 10th - Economic Development

Thursday, March 12th - State Government

Tuesday, April 14th - Government / Tourism / Health

Wednesday, April 29th - Agriculture / Graduation

Apply online by visiting https://mauryalliance.com/youth-leadership/

Maury Business Guide (Press Release)

Explore why Maury County is an ideal destination for businesses, professionals, and families in the latest issue of Maury County Business! This annual guide highlights our vibrant community, thriving business scene, and enviable quality of life. Whether you're a prospective resident, entrepreneur, or site selector, this must-read publication offers insights into what makes our region special.

Here’s how you can connect:

• Read Online: Visit [livability.com/maury-county] to explore unique stories about living, working, and thriving here.

• Print Copies: Contact the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance located at

Join us in celebrating and sharing Maury County’s remarkable qualities, and thank you to our advertising sponsors for making this possible!

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

Mrs. Janet Marie (White) Rogers, age 93, passed away peacefully November 28, 2025 at

Birmingham, Alabama. Funeral services will be conducted December 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM, at Columbia First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends at the church for 2 hours prior to the service. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Karen M. Picard, a dedicated healthcare professional passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, in Nashville, TN at the age of 80.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia, TN.

Mrs. Clara Durand Ledbetter, 89, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center surrounded by her loving family. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 10:00 AM.

Now, news from around the state…

Histoplasmosis Cases on Rise (Tennessean)

The Tennessee Department of Health has issued a health advisory after an increase in histoplasmosis cases in Williamson and Maury counties.

Histoplasmosis is a lung infection, or pneumonia, caused by breathing in spores of the fungus Histoplasma from the environment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the advisory issued Dec. 3, the uptick in acute and severe cases began in September in residents of Spring Hill and Thompson’s Station.

There are at least 18 known cases, said the department of health, and an investigation into the specific source is ongoing.

The department is urging healthcare providers to report any patient from the affected counties who meets clinical criteria and has symptoms starting on or after Aug. 1, and either tests positive for histoplasmosis or has an epidemiological link to a confirmed case.

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, typically contracted by inhaling spores found in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings.

In Tennessee, the disease is endemic, meaning it regularly occurs in the region and is consistently present. No direct human-to-human transmission has ever been reported, said the department.

Exposure often happens during activities like remodeling old buildings or clearing areas where birds have roosted. Most people who inhale spores don’t get sick, but those who do usually develop acute pulmonary histoplasmosis within 3–14 days.

Symptoms of histoplasmosis usually appear three to 17 days after breathing in the fungus, said the CDC. They include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)

• Chills

• Headache

• Chest pain

• Body aches

Histoplasmosis can develop into a long-term lung infection, specifically among people with weakened immune systems, added the CDC. In rare cases, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

Symptoms may often go away on their own without treatment. However, prescription antifungal medication is needed to treat severe or long-term lung infections and infections that spread to other parts of the body and meningitis.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Come out to Betty’s Parkway Restaurant Closing Celebration on December 26th & 27th at 912 Riverside Dr, Columbia, Tennessee 38401.

After 36 years, Betty’s is closing its doors. Before they close, they want to celebrate with the community.

Come enjoy your favorite meals one last time under the original ownership. Bring your family, your memories, and your appetite and celebrate over three decades of community, good food, and great people.

What to Expect:

Special menu favorites

Staff meet‑and‑greet & photos

Memory board for customers to share stories

Giveaways and thank‑you surprises

Lots of laughs… and a few tears

More information visit the Betty’s Parkway Closing Party Facebook Page.