Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 2-23-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for February 23, 2026

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

Restaurant Theft in Spring Hill (WSMV.com)

A Franklin man was arrested after he allegedly stole cash from a restaurant Thursday, according to the Spring Hill Police Department.

Officers responded to Grecian Family Restaurant at 2003 Wall Street for a reported theft of cash.

SPHD said witnesses told police the suspect was seated in the restaurant, and when the employee left the area of the cash register, the suspect took the money and fled in a Cadillac sedan.

Police gathered evidence from surveillance video and license plate readers and were able to identify the suspect.

SPHD said the suspect, identified as a 59-year-old Franklin man, was arrested by the Franklin Police Department in Franklin. He was charged with burglary and theft of property.

Ogles Asks for Dam Feasibility Study (CDH)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tennessee, 5th Congressional District, announced last week he has filed legislation to pursue a feasibility study to revitalize the Columbia Dam project.

Ogles announced the filing on social media Feb. 18.

"I have submitted an official legislative request to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to authorize an Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study to reconstruct the Columbia Dam," Ogles wrote.

"Things are now in motion. This is an arduous bureaucratic process, but I am committed to seeing it through and securing reliable, affordable water for our region for generations to come."

The Columbia Dam Project dates back to the early 1970s, with construction halting on the $82 million project in the 1980s and ultimately the dismantling of the almost-completed dam in the 1990s, leaving several landowners without property they had forfeited for the project.

"We feel pretty good where we are right now," said Columbia Dam Now Chairman Jason Gilliam, who helped found the grassroots campaign to revitalize the long-dormant project in 2025.

The legislation would require approval before the study could take place.

"They've been working on it for quite some time, and the wheels move slowly in D.C. when you are doing stuff like this, and so you just have to stay the course," Gilliam said. "We want to get as much water we can get with the least amount of impact possible so we can have an affordable water solution not only for people of Maury County, but surrounding areas. That's been our goal all along."

Gilliam added that the study would consist of the Army Corps of Engineers selecting an entity to conduct the study. He also hopes having a proper feasibility study would bestow confidence to others that the project could be accomplished.

"Obviously, I am very excited, because this is the major step toward answering all of these questions and settling all of these rumors that have been out there for decades based off innuendo and old stories, and not what's actually factual," Gilliam said. "That's why we have been pushing so hard to get this study. We want the actual truth, the actual data in 2026, not some rumor from 1968. We shall see."

In spite of the forward momentum, the potential Columbia Dam project continues to draw opposition in cost and its environmental impact on the Duck River.

For Gale Moore, one of the leading voices in opposition as part of the Don't Dam the Duck group, Ogles' latest filing for legislation could be considered "misleading," she said.

"He says he will get TVA or the Army Corps of Engineers to act like they are going to build it ... ," Moore said, emphasizing that each of those entities had not committed to building the dam. "I was in a meeting last week with the Duck River Planning Partnership, and at that meeting all of those experts said the dam will cost $3-$4 billion, [while TVA and Corps have not committed to the project]."

The Don't Dam the Duck group was formed by citizens who oppose the project, arguing that the expense and ecological effects would not be in the best interest of the community and supports exploring other options.

Maury County Democratic Party Chairman James Dallas responded to Ogles' post, saying the feasibility study is "missing a lot of steps between 'fund study' and 'Columbia Dam.'"

"Does the dam itself get funded?" Dallas wrote. "Funding a feasibility study does not by itself guarantee congressional funding for TVA to actually build the dam. Note that it may require multiple years of budget appropriations to build it.

"Every single bureaucratic issue that CPWS has had with the Williamsport intake is also going to impact the proposed dam, and probably much harder."

Republican Caucus (WKOM Audio 2:00)

On Saturday, the Maury County Republican Party held their caucus for local elections. On more about how it turned out is Front Porch Radio’s Clayton Harris who caught up with Maury County Republican Party Chairman Jason Gilliam…

Among the winners of the Republican Caucus are:

The following candidates for county commission were chosen to run on the Republican ticket:

Jerry Strahan and Tim Holt for District 1

Patti Hollinsworth and Wayne Romesburg for District 2

Jennifer Gerrard for District 3

Connie Green and Mike Kuzawinski for District 4

Scott Sumners and Sam Barnes, District 5

Rebecca Haines and Cindy Hestla for District 6

Kenny Morrow and Richard Baud for District 7

Steve Burford and Melissa Phillips District 8

Kevin Markham and Brent Coen District 9

Greg Combs and Danny Grooms, District 10

Chad Brothers and Tim Mullen, District 11

For School Board Positions, the following were chosen by the Republicans to run:

Krsitin Shull, District 1

Kris Guilstein, District 3

David Moore, District 5

John Lawson, District 7

Steve McGee, District 9

Kathy Mikula, District 11

For elected officials:

Sheila Butt received the Republican Nomination for County Mayor

Randy McNeece, County Trustee

Joey Allen , County Clerk

John Fleming, Register of Deeds

For Contstable, the following candidates received the Republican endorsement:

Patrick Ryan, District 7

Ron Shelton, District 8

Mark Lee, District 9

Steve Mangrum, District 10

Aaron Easton, District 11

The Democrat Party will hold their own caucus next Saturday.

Duck River Intake’s Eminent Domain Gets Backlash (CDH)

A project costing an estimated $520 million to construct a new Duck River intake has caused concern for some landowners whose property will be directly affected by its construction.

On Jan. 8, Columbia City Council approved an ordinance that will raise Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) customer's monthly rates by 20% in 2026 to help fund the project. Rates would then be compounded over a five-year period potentially equating to 149% higher water rates than customers pay today.

In early February, multiple landowners with property falling within the project's planned 17-mile pipeline were issued letters from CPWS requesting acquisition, or easement, some of which included a monetary offer, construction costs, as well as professional damage assessments.

If the landowners are unwilling to comply within 15 days, CPWS would consider eminent domain, a Feb. 3 letter obtained by The Daily Herald said.

The more-than-half-billion-dollar Long-Term Water Supply Program (LTWSP) is poised to create a new Duck River downstream intake in Williamsport, as well as expand the city's water treatment facility.

CPWS's single intake and current treatment plant are permitted at 20 million gallons per day capacity, which the utility stated operates at 93% during peak times.

"At that level, there is little margin, and that is a fact that a responsible utility cannot ignore," CEO Johnathan Hardin stated in a separate February letter issued to customers explaining the project.

"For more than 12 years, CPWS leadership and the Board have worked through the planning, engineering and permitting needed to address this problem in a durable way. This is why the LTWSP exists."

The CPWS letter, which was signed and issued by Maury County Attorney Daniel Murphy, who also serves as attorney for CPWS's Board of Public Utilities, has been met with backlash.

Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt made clear that she does not support the letter sent to residents.

"When I got the letter that talks about eminent domain twice in the letter and is signed by our county attorney, I just want people to know I am not complicit with this," Butt said at the Maury County Commission meeting Feb. 17.

In a copy of the letter acquired by The Daily Herald, sent Feb. 3 to one affected landowner, Murphy states LTL Schock Group is the organization engaged by CPWS to help with the acquisition of easements, emphasizing the "critical" need for the Community H20 Program.

"The easement needed are critical to the success of CPWS's Program, a key initiative to support the long-term water supply needs of the community," the letter reads.

The letter then outlines a 15-day deadline to comply or CPWS would consider the organization's right to eminent domain.

"Please be aware, CPWS possesses eminent domain authority to acquire the property rights needed for this project," the letter reads. "It is CPWS's intention to work with property owners to come to an agreement that is beneficial to all parties. If negotiations fail, acquisition under eminent domain may be considered.

"If you do not respond to this letter within 15 days, we will assume that you do not intend to cooperate voluntarily and legal action may become necessary in order to advance this program, which is vital to the community."

Santa Fe attorney Dustin Kittle, a prominent voice opposing the project, addressed the eminent domain letters in a lengthy post to X on Feb. 14, which has now garnered more than 346,000 views.

"There are numerous property owners that ultimately sold [CPWS] an easement under the fear of eminent domain," Kittle said in an interview with The Daily Herald. "That's obviously something that upsets a lot of people as far as from a property rights standpoint."

Kittle also claims that, for some landowners, the situation is not as simple as running a trench across a front-facing piece of property.

"In some of the ones we are dealing with, they are taking actual acreage," Kittle said. "One of them they want to go across their front yard, eliminate the trees and change the entire character of their property. And we've found out this pressure on these landowners has been going on for years."

Kittle said since the letters suggesting eminent domain were issued, some property owners could seek legal action through their right to condemnation.

"We are planning to file a legal action over the course of the next few weeks that is going to appeal the vote on the pipeline and the rate increase," Kittle said.

In a statement sent by a CPWS spokesperson to The Daily Herald on Feb. 16, CPWS clarified the need for the land acquisitions in association with the intake project.

As part of its Long-Term Water Supply Program, CPWS argues it is acquiring land easements just on road frontage for a raw water pipeline. The acquisitions are being sought in accordance with Tennessee law and professional standards, including appraisals and damage assessment, CPWS says.

"To be clear, the easements we need are for land along roadway, within existing setbacks, and will not unduly burden or permanently alter working farm operations," the statement reads. "Most landowners CPWS has contacted have been open and willing to negotiate, and we've been able to reach fair settlements with them."

CPWS also acknowledged the potential of facing legal action from some landowners.

"Any time a utility project of this size is taking place, however, the likelihood of at least some condemnation proceedings rises. While we hope to reach fair settlements with each landowner and Tennessee law allows for the use of eminent domain to secure essential infrastructure, the law dictates it should be used 'sparingly,' and CPWS views these proceedings as a last resort," the statement said.

CPWS concluded by saying the utility remains committed to working one-on-one with every affected landowner.

"We believe following both the spirit and the letter of Tennessee law, we can build this essential infrastructure while maintaining the trust of the community we serve," the statement said.

Maury Regional Foundation to Host Mule Kick (Press Release)

The Maury Regional Health Care Foundation, in partnership with First Farmers and Merchants Bank for the fifth consecutive year, will host the 26th annual Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot on Saturday, April 11, at Riverwalk Park in Columbia.

 Proceeds from the 2026 Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot provide funding for Maury Regional Health’s mobile health unit, which delivers health care services to at-risk and underserved individuals throughout southern Middle Tennessee by providing basic health screenings, education and resources. A portion of the proceeds from the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot will also support the Foundation’s Wellness and Aquatics Complex Healthy Living Endowment and the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. In addition, the Maury County school with the most participation in the 5K will receive a donation to their P.E. program from the Foundation.

 “The Mule Kick 5K is more than just a race; it is a community-wide effort to bring life-changing health care directly to those who need it most,” said Foundation Executive Director Rita Thompson. “By participating, you are putting our mobile health unit on the road to provide screenings and education for at-risk individuals across our region. We are incredibly grateful to First Farmers and Merchants Bank, who has served as our presenting sponsor for five years, and all our supporters for helping us stride toward a healthier community.”

The race will begin on Saturday, April 11, at Riverwalk Park in Columbia with an 8 a.m. start time for the 5K and a 9:15 a.m. start time for the 1-Mile Trot. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to participate. Participants may register for the race online at runsignup.com/MuleKick5K.

 “Partnering with the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation reflects our deep commitment to the health of our communities,” said Brian K. Williams, chairman and CEO of First Farmers. “We are honored to support this event and to help provide essential health care resources to those who need it most.”

 In addition to presenting sponsor First Farmers and Merchants Bank, sponsorships ranging from $350 to $2,500 are still available for those who are interested in marketing exposure at this event. For additional information, contact the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation at 931.381.1111, ext. 1012.

 To learn more about the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation, the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot or to make a donation to the community health fund, which supports the mobile health unit, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation.

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

Byrd Douglas Cain Jr., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18th.

The family will receive friends at St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 311 West 7th St. Columbia, TN on Monday, March 2nd at 12:30 PM. The service will begin at 2 PM, also at St. Peters. Friends are invited to join the family following the service to celebrate Byrd’s life at Graymere Country Club at 2100 Country Club Ln, Columbia, TN.

James W. Borum, Age 78, and resident of Columbia, TN, died Thursday, February 19, 2026 at his residence.

Per Jim’s wishes no service will be held.  

Robin “Rob” Stephen Morrow, 64, a resident of Springfield, TN died Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. Thomas West Hospital.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Allen Lancaster officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 1:00 PM until the service time.

Edward Allen “Toby” Clark, 87, resident of McMinnville, passed on February 15, 2026.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Burial will follow at Giles Memory Gardens in Pulaski, TN. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Judy Marie Miller Carter, 77, of Spring Hill, TN passed away peacefully on February 16th. 

A funeral mass will be conducted Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Catherine Catholic Church.

Betty Jean Hume Rash, 94, a resident of Columbia, TN died Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at The Bridge.

A Graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Wilkes Cemetery in Culleoka. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Kay Derryberry Rodgers, 83, a resident of Columbia, TN died Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care.

A Memorial Service will be conducted Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jeff Kane officiating. A private burial will occur at Lone Oak Cemetery in Lewisburg. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 12 PM until the service time at the church. 

Shamar Carlito Fason, age 4 passed away on February 16th. The family will visit with loved ones in a celebration of Shamar’s life on Friday, February 27, from 4-7 PM at Maury Hills Church. Shamar was able to see best in bright colors, so the family requests that everyone wear something bright and cheerful if possible. Red was his favorite.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations can be made in Shamar’s memory to United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee.

Now, news from around the state…

Vandy Ends Transgender Surgery (Tennessean)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is discontinuing surgeries for transgender adults, the latest announcement for the Nashville hospital after a series of escalating concerns about its care for LGBTQ+ patients.

The Nashville hospital cited “operational limitations and lack of surgical coverage” as the basis for ending one of its few remaining medical services for trans patients. It will continue “nonsurgical gender-affirming care for adults 19 years and older,” a spokesperson said in a Feb. 21 statement.

Vanderbilt’s medical care for trans people has been at the center of a political and legal battle that erupted in 2023, which has led to LGBTQ+ community members’ growing criticism of the hospital.

A statement from the Metro Nashville Council LGBTQ+ Caucus last July said Vanderbilt “betrayed us” for making concessions to lawmakers and other program reductions.

Vanderbilt said it’s in the process of informing patients what the latest changes mean and for those already scheduled for surgeries.

Last June, Vanderbilt withdrew support from the Nashville Pride Festival and laid off LGBTQ+ outreach staff. Supporters of transgender care say the move signaled to the LGBTQ+ community an instability within Vanderbilt, which has been the only hospital in the state to provide surgical care for trans adults.

Conservative state lawmakers and Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti began a crackdown on medical care for trans adults and youth at Vanderbilt.

All forms of medical care for trans youth paused as state lawmakers introduced a ban in 2023, which ultimately led to the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the ban in U.S. v. Skrmetti.

Rep. William Lamberth, R-Portland, said when the legislature was considering the ban on health care for trans youth because "these treatments and procedures have a lifetime of negative consequences that are irreversible."

Tennessee professional medical associations pushed back, saying doctors should be free to use "evidence-based medicine."

Meanwhile, conflict between Vanderbilt and its trans adult patients intensified with Skrmetti’s office opening an investigation and demanding comprehensive health records from VUMC’s transgender healthcare clinic. Patients later sued Vanderbilt for sharing detailed patient records with the AG’s office, and settled with the hospital last September.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The St. Jude Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Nashville has earned national recognition, with RUN (Powered by Outside) naming its half-marathon one of the Top 10 in the United States. The honor underscores the event’s high-energy course, live music stages, and strong community participation that define race weekend in Music City.

Race weekend, set for April 25–26, 2026, features a full slate of distances, including the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K, along with a 1 Mile, KiDSROCK, and Doggie Dash. The nationally recognized half-marathon draws participants from across the country, while the other distances provide accessible entry points for corporate teams, student groups, and community organizations looking to train and compete together.

For more information visit runrocknroll.com/nashville and to register a group, contact groupsales@runrocknroll.com.