Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 12-16-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for December 16, 2025

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

We start with local news…

House Fire (MauryCountySource)

Firefighters responded to a house fire in a Columbia neighborhood Monday morning, preventing the blaze from spreading through the home.

Columbia Fire & Rescue crews were called to Holland Court, where they were able to quickly contain the fire to the attic area, limiting damage to the structure.

Officials credited coordinated efforts and automatic aid from neighboring departments for the successful response. Spring Hill Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, and Maury County Fire Department assisted on scene.

No injuries were reported.

Officer Involved Shooting (Press Release)

At the request of the 22nd Judicial District Attorney General Brent Cooper, TBI agents are investigating the circumstances leading to an officer-involved shooting that occurred Sunday evening in Maury County.

Preliminary information indicates that a deputy with the Maury County Sheriff’s Office responded to an address in the 900 block of Southport Road in Mount Pleasant on an attempt to locate a man who was the subject of a BOLO (Be On The Lookout) out of Lawrence County. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the man, identified as 22 year old Jeremiah Dobbins. During the encounter, Dobbins reportedly produced a weapon, resulting in the deputy firing shots, striking him. Dobbins was transported to an area hospital, where he later died.

TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration. The TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting TBI’s involvement. 

The TBI does not identify the officers involved in these types of incidents and instead refers questions of that nature to the respective department to answer as it sees fit.

CSCC Awarded $2 Million Grant (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College has been awarded a $2 million Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The “Rural RNs Rise (R3): Growing Caregivers” project focuses on creating clear educational pathways to high-demand healthcare careers, including implementation of a new paramedic-to-RN pathway, changes to the college's existing LPN-to-RN option and strategic attention to growing the EMS pipeline.

The R3 project also aims to address critical healthcare workforce shortages across southern Middle Tennessee.

The grant includes funds for an LPN/Paramedic-to-RN pathway coordinator and a success navigator to provide participants with wrap-around services and access to resources.

LPNs and paramedics with credit for the appropriate pre-requisite general education courses can apply for pathway admission. Upon completion of the summer transition courses, students merge into the third semester of the traditional, in-person nursing program in the fall and can graduate the following May with an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing, NCLEX-RN eligible.

“We are thrilled to offer paramedics and LPNs the chance to expand their skill set and educational horizons through this new pathway,” said Greg Johnson, Columbia State EMS program director and assistant professor. “It's a tremendous opportunity for career growth and a vital step in strengthening the entire healthcare system in Middle Tennessee.”

The new pathway helps address the shortage in registered nurses, on a local and national level, while also providing career advancement opportunities for working LPNs and paramedics.

“What an exciting time here at Columbia State to be able to provide a new pathway for LPNs and paramedics to enter the nursing practice as RNs,” said Dr. Loretta Bond, Columbia State nursing program director. “This pathway will serve as a vital solution to address critical nursing shortages!”

“Receipt of the R3 grant provided the college with funds to develop and implement an opportunity for LPNs and paramedics — many who are former Columbia State students — to care for and about patients in new ways!” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. 

For updates regarding application deadlines and admission criteria for this new pathway, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Nursing.

Paramedics and LPNs who are interested in this new opportunity have time to take the remaining pre-requisite courses in the Spring semester. College application information is available here: www.ColumbiaState.edu/Admissions.      

Candidates may request academic guidance and assistance by email at NursingApp@columbiastate.edu.

Water Rates to Increase (CDH)

The need for long-term water solutions in Maury County could be hitting Columbia Power & Water Systems customers' wallets with a new five-year proposed plan to fund new infrastructure.

Columbia City Council approved the proposed plan's first of two readings Dec. 11, with the second and final vote to take place in January. CPWS is also proposing to raise impact fees to new developments, which council members also approved in the first of two readings.

Pending the second reading's passing, the ordinance could enact up to 20% water rate increases annually over the next five years, which could equate to nearly 149% more than what customers are being charged today.

Though that would be "worst case scenario," CPWS President Jonathan Hardin said.

"It is not 149% this year, just 20%, and we will be looking at the actual cost of services to adjust what the rate is accordingly," Hardin said. "It can be up to 20% each year, and that's all it is. It sets a ceiling."

Hardin said the goal is to fund a $505 million project to relocate CPWS' downstream intake from the Duck River, as well as expanding its water treatment plant.

"The relocation of our intake would be accompanied by a treatment plant expansion that would take advantage of CPWS being below all major inflows to the Duck River, and 27 river miles below the clean water discharge from the city's treatment plant currently being expanded," Hardin said.

Hardin added that CPWS' rates are also lower than other similarly-sized utility districts.

"Our bills are at a very low position right now, and we have data that shows we are in the bottom quartile of water utilities right now," Hardin said. "So, we are starting at a very low place with respect to all of our peers."

More information on the Community H20 project and the proposal to raise water rates can be found on CPWS' website, www.communityh2o.org/rate-information.

"We are putting that together for the purposes of customers, anybody in the media, and it will have information on there to help educate and inform," Hardin said. "We saw a lot of misinformation in the last couple of weeks.

The proposed water rate increase, however, has been met with backlash from citizens and elected officials, with the first reading passing by a narrow 4-3 vote.

Concerns have ranged from how the increase would affect families on fixed incomes, small businesses and future generations. Others questioned if a $505 million project should be approved without considering other possible solutions.

"We at the state level have some concerns about this, if this is the best use for half a billion dollars, especially in state and federal money you will be borrowing," State Rep. Scott Cepicky said. "And are you going to be able to repay it?"

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, who voted against the water rate increase along with council members Charlie Huffman and Carl McCullen, said the issue ultimately comes down to two things, long-term water solutions or better cost of living.

"At the end of the day, for me, the rate increase is not one I can support this evening, as currently proposed by CPWS," Molder said.

"This is a difficult decision, because it's an important decision, and because tonight there is a solution offered to a decades-long problem. For me personally, I cannot justify voting on an increase such as this at this time. Regardless of the outcome, I urge our local state and federal partners to continue conversations to help fund this project in ways that will limit the financial burden on our citizens."

Vice Mayor Randy McBroom, who voted in support alongside council members Cheryl Secrest, Kenny Marshall and Brian McKelvy, argued that, although prior planning could have prevented this situation, something has to be done now.

"We are voting on what we think is right for the area to have water in 10-15 years, and we have not heard of a reasonable one that can be done yet," McBroom said. "This is the only one that has been fully vetted."

District 8 Commissioner Gabe Howard shared how he had been an advocate for addressing Maury County's water needs for years, and that elected officials should have acted sooner.

"Tonight, we are here because that warning was not heeded, and now the solution being placed before the people is a 150% rate increase on current rate payers, many of whom had no voice in creating this situation and they still have no seat at this table," Howard said.

"I support responsible infrastructure investment, support planning for growth and support protecting the Duck River, but growth has to pay for growth…and not be placed on the backs of the longtime residents, families and small business who are already stretched thin."

At the council's Dec. 4 study session, Hardin shared that the need for a new downstream intake dates back to 2001 when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) identified water needs in the area.

"In 2011, the Duck River Agency completed an extensive report regarding water needs in the Duck River Basin, and it also highlighted a downstream intake as one of the items that could benefit our long-term water issues," Hardin said. "Another item in that report was to raise the Columbia Dam."

In addition, in 2015 CPWS determined what relocating its downstream intake would require, and that the need would only increase given factors such as population growth, as well as the Riverside Drive dam's more than 100 years of age.

"As this process evolved, not only has the need for additional water become apparent, but the need to move the CPWS intake to another location was apparent for other reasons, and those reasons benefit rate payers and partners of CPWS," Hardin said.

One of the reasons was to have an ample water supply during drought conditions. Hardin cited a drought which occurred in the U.S. in 1988, which he described as "the worst drought since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s."

"The Riverside Drive impoundment is nearing the end of its useful life," Hardin said.

"Given the population of Maury County has more than doubled in the last 40 years, since the late '80s, we know we cannot provide water service to our customers should the Riverside Drive impoundment fail, or a drought of 1988 or 2007-2008 intensity and duration were to occur again. Heaven forbid we have something more profound than those two events."

Whataburger Delayed (MSM)

A proposed Whataburger restaurant in Spring Hill has hit another roadblock, as unresolved Unified Development Code (UDC) requirements and right-of-way concerns prompted the city’s Planning Commission Board to deny the project last week. 

Representatives from Kimley-Horn and Associates returned to the board to address revisions requested at the Nov. 24 meeting in hopes of moving the project forward. 

The main issue focuses on the lack of right-of-way dedication tied to TDOT’s U.S. 31 Highway improvement project. Although neither the applicant nor the property owner has been approached by TDOT regarding the dedication, the team submitted a revised plan showing right-of-way dedication along Belshire Way and Main Street. 

Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer noted that the updated landscape plan shows landscaping within the right-of-way reservation area — a violation of Articles 11,13,16 of the UDC. He said he disagreed with staff’s recommendation on the item and could not support the approval at this time. 

A meeting between TDOT, city staff and Whataburger was set for this week, to clarify the steps necessary for the project to advance. 

Although the applicant was offered a chance to defer the vote, Ron Campos, Whataburger’s Government Affairs Director, declined. The project failed 5-1. A subsequent motion to deny the resolution for violating UDC standards passed unanimously, 6-0.

In other business, the board approved Legacy Pointe’s site plan unanimously. The project returned with several updates requested at the previous meeting, including emergency truck turn exhibit, clarified AMC access across the street and ornamental fencing replacing the chain link fencing. 

Previti Launches Mayoral Campaign (CDH)

Maury County Commissioner Eric Previti, District 2, has announced he will not be seeking another term on the board because he wishes to seek the office of Columbia Mayor in 2026.

However, Previti emphasized he is not finished serving citizens of Maury County.

Previti announced his upcoming candidacy outside Columbia City Hall on Friday, Dec. 12.

"I am a rich man because of my friends, and I am a poor man because of taxes and thieves," Previti said. "I am doing this for everybody's grandkids and great grandkids. We are saddled with an astronomical amount of debt that's going to be passed onto them."

Previti cited Columbia City Council's Dec. 11 approval of an ordinance, which would raise Columbia Power & Water customers' water rates up to 20% in 2026, as one of the main reasons he decided to seek the mayor's seat.

"I don't agree with a lot that has transpired here at the city of Columbia, and with that said, the question is, 'What are we doing moving forward?" Previti said. "What do we leave our kids, our grandkids? What will people 100 years from now say about us?"

Previti's campaign will also focus on strengthening city and county relations, which he said there has been some, but should be more.

"My campaign promise to everybody is to look forward, talk about this unity and practice it, rather than just talk about it," Previti said. "We have got to have cooperation between the county and city."

In addition to serving since 2014 as county commissioner, including two years as chairman, Previti has served eight years on the county's Building Committee and Administration Committee.

Previti has also served as president of Columbia Noon Rotary Club, president of First United Methodist Church's admin council and board member of Boys & Girls Club, as well as the president of the Maury County Historical Society.

"It's time for a change, and I am asking the city of Columbia to send me to the mayor's office to help instigate that change and to foster a better relationship with the county and other jurisdictions," Previti said. "We are all in it together, and I am asking for your support."

Current Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder announced in September his run for the United States Congress representing the 5th Congressional District, where he will face incumbent and former Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles.

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.

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/

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

Gale Frances Coble Pace, 83, a long time resident of Columbia, passed away Friday, December 12, 2025 at Maury Regional Hospital. A private family graveside service will be held at Memory Gardens in Centerville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to enhance the playground at Joseph Brown Elementary, 301 Cord Drive, Columbia, Tennessee, 38401 where she worked for over 35 years and was one of the original teachers when it opened.

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…

Tennessee’s Largest Foreign Investor in Clarksville (Tennessean)

Tennessee's largest direct foreign investment is coming to Clarksville with a $6.6 billion investment.

Korea Zinc, a metal smelter, will bring 420 new high-wage jobs with annual salaries ranging from $83,000 to $196,000 and a 1,200-acre advanced manufacturing facility at the former Nyrstar site on Moore Road, the manufacturer announced Dec. 15.

The location's multimodal transportation infrastructure, proximity to I-24, direct rail access and Cumberland River barge capability provided a decisive competitive advantage, the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce said in a news release.

"We're grateful for the partnership between the State of Tennessee, our local elected leadership, and the IDB Board. Their collaboration made us competitive nationally for this project," said Buck Dellinger, CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Council.

"Two deals totaling more than $9.8 billion in a few short years doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of a great business environment that begins at the State level. LG Chem validated our workforce and infrastructure capabilities. Korea Zinc proves we can sustain that momentum." 

The announcement marks two of Tennessee's three largest direct foreign investments in Clarksville, with Ford Motor Company's BlueOval City project near Memphis.

his investment is expected to generate long-term economic benefits for Montgomery County including:

• $288.6 million new benefits over the next 20 years, split between county government, $210 million; and Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools, $78 million

• 420 news jobs

• 320 retained jobs

• 740 total direct jobs are the expanded facility

• 1,464 total jobs, including spin-off employment through suppliers, contractors and supporting services

The Clarksville-Montgomery County Industrial Development Board approved a Tier 5, 20-year PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement that phases in property tax over time based on the company's $6.6 billion capital investment and job creation commitments.

The State of Tennessee extended a $45 million FastTrack economic development grant. 

"The PILOT agreement generates $288 million in net benefit to Montgomery County and our schools over 20 years," said Josh Ward, Executive Director of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Industrial Development Board. "Without incentives, we'd have zero jobs, zero investment, and zero revenue. With it, we're building a tax base that will generate revenue long after the abatement period ends.” 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Step into the holiday spirit at A Mulehouse Magical Christmas on Saturday, December 20th. It’s a festive, family-friendly celebration filled with music, magic, and Christmas cheer!

A Mulehouse Magical Christmas takes place from 10am – 4pm at The Mulehouse, located at 810 W 7th St, Columbia.

The day’s events will feature:

FREE HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES! Listen to the bells jingle as you ride on horse and carriage and take in beautiful Columbia

Storytime with Santa – gather ’round as Santa shares a Christmas tale that brings the season to life

Photos with Santa – capture the magic with a keepsake photo opportunity (Santa available 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM). The first 25 kids who take a photo with Santa will receive a custom photo magnet printed on-site to take home!

Local Vendor Market – shop unique gifts, crafts, and treats from local artisans and makers

Popcorn Bar – build your own festive popcorn mix with sweet and savory holiday flavors

Hot Chocolate – cozy up with a warm cup of cocoa

Slothful Waffle Food Truck – enjoy delicious made-to-order waffles and sweet treats from this local favorite

Holiday Drinks at the Bar – sip on seasonal cocktails, mocktails, and festive favorites while you shop and celebrate

Bring the whole family and experience the sights, sounds, and smiles of the season — all set against the beautiful backdrop of The Mulehouse, decked out in its holiday best.

Celebrate community, make memories, and feel the magic of Christmas at The Mulehouse!

RSVP at www.themulehouse.com.