Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 3-30-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for March 30, 2026

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

Ogles Among Congressmen Meeting with Russia (Tennessean)

U.S. Rep. and former Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles was among the five members of Congress organized by U.S. Rep Anna Paulina Luna who met with a delegation of sanctioned Russian State Duma officials visiting Washington on March 26.

The meeting came despite sanctions imposed by Washington in light of Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The State Duma is the lower house of Russia's legislature. Leading the delegation was Vyacheslav Nikonov, deputy chair of the State Duma’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

Nikonov is also the grandson of Josef Stalin’s Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov. Molotov was the architect of the Soviets' August 1939 pact that settled the lines for dividing Eastern Europe between Nazi Germany and the USSR, giving Adolf Hitler the green light to invade Poland.

Members discussed “peace and bilateral relations,” according to a statement from Ogles shared on social media. 

“We will continue to foster this dialogue and push for peace in support of this admins push for peace, as well as economic opportunity,” Ogles wrote.

Nikonov has described Russia’s current invasion of Ukraine as “truly a holy war” and “a metaphysical clash between the forces of good and evil.”

Officials' visit to Washington came one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the United States has offered Ukraine security guarantees if Kiev cedes its eastern Donbas region to Russia. The large mining and industrial Donbas region has been largely under Russian control for months.

Russia's constitution empowers the State Duma with very little authority, and delegation members do not have meaningful access to decision-makers in the Kremlin, according to the Center for European Policy Analysis. But the visit could serve as useful propaganda for the Kremlin, signaling acceptance of Russia back into the world of diplomacy.

A nonprofit aid group supporting Ukrainian human rights, Razom for Ukraine, called the visit “outrageous and unacceptable.”

“Russian Duma deputies are under U.S. sanctions. They support bombing churches in Ukraine and supplying Iran with intelligence used to kill U.S. soldiers in the Middle East,” the group said in a statement. “The only place these people should be travelling to is The Hague.”

Betty’s Under New Ownership (MSM)

Betty’s Parkway Restaurant in Columbia is now under the ownership of two of its long-serving staff, Crystal Ibbotson and Crystal McGee. Main Street Maury sat down with the new owners to hear about their plans for the Riverside Drive fixture.

Betty’s Parkway went up for sale last year and attracted interest from dozens of prospective buyers, but when floor manager Crystal Ibbotson and waitress Crystal McGee stepped forward and asked to buy it, Tim Duncan, the owner and son of the founder Betty, agreed to sell it to them.

Both have long histories with the restaurant. Ibbotson signed on in summer 2000 and, aside from a few years at the now-closed Western Sizzlin’ restaurant, has spent 20 years at Betty’s. McGee applied to be a waitress there 10 years ago after seeing an ad in the paper that said, “If you’re looking to make money and not friends, come talk to me,” which sounded to her like a good way to provide for her daughter.

“[I told the hiring manager,] ‘I have this real specific schedule’… She was like, ‘Yeah, we’re cool, we work with the moms,'” she said. “And it just turned into an entire village… My kid doesn’t know any other family than the family that came from here.”

It’s an improvement on work in chain and franchise restaurants, the Crystals reported. At those restaurants, larger and unrelated staff populations make it a lot harder to build inter-employee relationships and make people feel responsible to one another. At Betty’s, by contrast, people pick up their coworkers’ slack when family or sickness or circumstance keep them away from work, in the expectation that they’ll be covered when the same happens to them.

“[The Crystals] are both working owners and they definitely spend more time on the floor than they do in the office,” said Brittany Tucker, a waitress at Betty’s and one of McGee’s sisters. “Every employee fills multiple positions.”

“We went and tried to work at other places, and we just decided we didn’t like that very much,” said McGee, who prevailed on Ibbotson to buy Betty’s together. “We’re not like a lot of restaurants that [say] ‘Oh, we’re like a family,’ [which often signals] ‘super toxic, please avoid.’ We are like a family, we’re fiercely loyal to each other.”

“All my servers and other employees… [have] also been here eight-plus years, and we’ve all raised our kids together and now we’re having grandkids together,” Ibbotson testified. “Even though we get in some of the biggest arguments up here, we still do Easter together, we do Christmas together, we do Thanksgiving together.”

The greater good of the restaurant and its community also motivates people to put up with each other’s personalities and rough edges. Though the Crystals clashed with Tim Duncan while he was their boss, he’s also volunteered a lot of time and constructive criticism to onboard them as the new owners.

“Tim has been a huge support to us. He’s in here constantly… and he messages us daily,” Ibbotson said. “Anything we need help with, Tim is right there to help us.”

“He [wants us to be] successful,” McGee said “He has a vested interest in that, it is still his family’s legacy. But he wants us to be the ones, he wouldn’t take any other offers from anybody else.”

They’re still adding to the “family” of restaurant workers (now 13 strong), often on a family basis: McGee’s relations at the restaurant include her partner Lucky Miller (the general manager), two of her sisters and some of her nieces and nephews. Other family-style young employees include Wilbur, a 17-year-old longtime customer who lives across the street, and Tim’s grandson Landon.

“While it was family-owned before, it’s still family-owned,” McGee said. “We’re just the families that were built here.”

“Our goal is to continue Betty’s legacy of the restaurant she built and the family that she built from this restaurant,” Ibbotson promised, and she offered a detail that hasn’t been publicized yet: “Our motto has become ‘Back to Betty’s basics,’ meaning that we are not tweaking any of her original recipes.”

“This is something that we haven’t advertised yet, because we wanted to get true reactions from… the regulars, and it’s been really, really positive,” McGee said. “We figured out that a lot of the recipes are not being made Betty’s way… when Tim [compared] her recipes [to] what our kitchen had in their book… We’ve put all of that back into the recipes and [customers are saying], ‘This tastes like 20 years ago.'”

The opinion of “the regulars” is paramount: they’ve been the backbone of Betty’s Parkway for four decades, keeping the restaurant in business through the COVID shutdown, and they’ve heartily endorsed the new ownership too, keeping track of developments and filling out the dining rooms at peak times. The Crystals have restricted their online presence to Facebook, because they have so many loyal and new customers that they don’t want to create a line out the door — over 70,000 people, almost one-and-a-half times the population of Columbia, viewed the Facebook post announcing that they were taking over Betty’s.

“Betty’s was built on the regulars, and we absolutely adore these people that are coming in. We have had some of the most amazing customers,” said Ibbotson. “We have had great support from the community.”

To pay the town back a little for all the years they’ve been kept in business, Betty’s has become the official restaurant for Mule Day. They’ll run a wagon in the parade and sponsor the Mule Queen Pageant and the “Classiest to Trashiest” wagon contest.

“As a family-oriented business, we want to give back to the community as much as the community has given us,” Ibbotson said, “because the community is what’s paid our bills all these years and taken care of our families.”

Backlot Musicfest (CDH)

The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St., will host its second Backlot Country Fest on April 11, coinciding with Columbia's 52nd annual Mule Day celebration.

The event will feature country singer Priscilla Block as the headliner, with performances by Shane Profitt, Katie Austin and The Bandana Brothers, according to a Wednesday, March 25 news release from The Mulehouse.

Lauryn Snapp, a nominee for an Academy of Country Music Award for National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year, will serve as the emcee. Snapp is known for her work on SiriusXM's The Highway Mornings.

The festival aims to provide a lively concert experience following a day of Mule Day festivities. General admission tickets are $35, with discounted multi-ticket packages available. A limited number of VIP tickets are also being offered.

The VIP experience includes a dedicated entrance, exclusive viewing area, limited seating, a covered lounge, private bar access and separate restroom facilities.

This will mark the second year for the Mulehouse backlot event. The first, held in 2023, was considered a success.

Amy Fish, senior director of concerts and events for The Mulehouse, expressed excitement about the event.

"We’re excited to create something special alongside the always fun Mule Day weekend that extends the energy of the daytime events into an unforgettable nighttime experience," Fish said. "The Backlot Country Fest is designed to bring fans closer to the artists they love while showcasing a few of the most exciting voices in country music today."

Daniel Medina, who has owned The Mulehouse since May, also shared his enthusiasm, according to the release, stating he is thrilled the venue is part of the Mule Day celebration and looks forward to embracing the community through the outdoor music festival.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit The Mulehouse website at www.TheMulehouse.com/backlot.

SHPD Offers Women’s Self Defense Class (MauryCountySource)

A local police department is inviting women in the community to take part in a hands-on safety program focused on awareness and self-defense.

The Spring Hill Police Department is hosting Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) classes aimed at building confidence and teaching practical personal safety skills. The program includes instruction on situational awareness, risk reduction strategies, and basic techniques to help participants respond to and escape potentially dangerous situations.

The classes will be offered in two separate three-day sessions: April 20, 21, and 23, or May 12 through 14. Each session runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 800 Hathaway Boulevard in Spring Hill.

Officials say the course is open to women of all fitness levels, with no prior experience required. The cost to participate is $25, and space may be limited. Find tickets here at www.personalresponsibilityllc.com/classes

Farm City Breakfast (Press Release)

The Maury Alliance Agribusiness Committee invites you to the annual Farm City Breakfast honoring the agriculture and agribusiness industry of Maury County.

This year's Farm City Breakfast will be held on Friday, April 17th, at the Ridley

4-H Center. The breakfast line opens at 6:45 am with the program beginning at 7:00 am and concluding by 8:30 am. 

The Keynote Speaker is Colonel Littleton, and a Maury County Century Farm will be honored.

There is no charge to attend the breakfast, however they will be collecting donations during the event for the 2026 Farm City Scholarship Memorial Fund. This year, scholarships will be given in memory of Mary Susan Kennedy.

The Agribusiness Committee invites you to become a sponsor of the 2026 Farm City Breakfast! Your contribution allows us to continue this successful event as well as provide scholarships to Maury County students.

First Fridays Coming Back (Press Release)

Columbia Main Street is excited to announce the return of First Fridays in Downtown Columbia. The event runs April through December from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and invites the community to enjoy food trucks, craft vendors, live music, a Game Zone, a Young Entrepreneurs Market, plus shopping and dining with downtown merchants and restaurants.

Each month features a fun theme, and attendees are encouraged to dress up and participate.

• April 3 – Muletown Celebration

• May 1 – Flashback Friday

• June 5 – Luau

• July 3 – USA 250th Celebration

• August 7 – Tie-Dye

• September 4 – Spill the Tea

• October 2 – Fall Fest

• November 6 – Holiday Kickoff & Tree Lighting

• December 4 – Merry Makers Market

New this year, the event area expands to include West 7th Street, the entire Public Square, and one block of South Main Street. The larger footprint allows for better placement of vendors and activity areas, including the expanded Young Entrepreneurs Market for youth 17 and under to sell homemade items, baked goods, or showcase their talents.

LIVE at First Fridays takes place on a new amplified stage-area on South Main Street beginning at 6:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the live music. Also returning by popular demand are acoustic performers playing throughout the downtown district on the streets and inside downtown storefronts and restaurants.

A new dedicated Game Zone will feature yard games and activities for all ages. Columbia Main Street is also partnering with the City of Columbia’s Public Works Department on a recycling awareness project. At each month’s event, guests can help paint a recycling can that will later be placed in the Arts District.

“It’s an honor to continue this beloved community event where residents can gather to enjoy great shopping, food, and a lively downtown atmosphere,” said Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Director. “We encourage everyone to attend all nine First Fridays because each one will be different. Our goal is to help our residents deepen their love for our community by continuing to showcase the best that Columbia has to offer!”

Vendors interested in participating can apply at ColumbiaMainStreet.com on the First Fridays page. The deadline to apply is the 14th of the prior month and all applications are reviewed by the First Fridays committee. Applicants are notified by the 19th of their application status.

Columbia Main Street is a nonprofit organization, and vendor fees help support the initiatives of Columbia Main Street’s plan of work for the Downtown District. For more information, visit ColumbiaMainStreet.com, follow Columbia TN Main Street on Facebook and Instagram, call 931-560-1507, or visit the office at 713 North Main Street, Columbia, TN.

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…

Dolly Marie Primm Henson, 65, a resident of Columbia, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Morton Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Herbert Holt Nichols, 87, a resident of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026 at his residence.

Funeral Services will be conducted Monday, March 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Nolen Hills Church of Christ 7481 Nolensville Rd. Nolensville TN. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens at 3:30 PM. The family will visit with friends Monday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Church.

And now, news from around the state…

Poor Air Quality Due to Fires (Tennessean)

Smoke from wildfires across the Southeast has reached Nashville, impacting the air quality and posing health risks for sensitive groups primarily due to the particle pollution and light smoke currently in the air.

For about the last day, a slim layer of smog has been resting in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee sky, consequently making the air quality slightly worse. Currently, Air Now says Nashville is at a "Moderate" AQI level with a score of 74.

"If you are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, consider reducing your activity level or shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors," wrote Air Now on their website.

"Nashville has recently seen air quality levels in the Moderate AQI range, driven primarily by light smoke impacts across the Southeast from seasonal burning," the Tennessee Department of Conservation told the Tennessean in an official statement.

"Although there have been some areas with thicker smoke, Nashville has remained below air quality alert thresholds. A cold front moving through today should help reduce smoke levels and improve air quality."

According to the Tennessean's wildfire and smoke map, some of the closest wildfires seemingly impacting Nashville's air quality are between Chattanooga and Knoxville, as well as right on the Kentucky-Tennessee border near Williamsburg, KY.

In East Tennessee, two of the ongoing wildfires are the Fezzell Road Fire and the Rabbit Creek Fire. The Fezzell Road Fire in Meigs Country was discovered on March 26 and is currently at 0% containment. The Rabbit fire in Blount County has been burning since March 22 and has an incident size of 45 acres.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Turnpike Troubadours will continue to tour through this fall with newly confirmed shows at Nashville’sAscend Amphitheater on July 24th.

The tour adds to another monumental year for Turnpike Troubadours, who were recently honored with a Pandora Billionaire plaque, celebrating the achievement of being streamed over one billion times on the platform. The accolade follows the release of their surprise album, The Price of Admission, last spring.

Tickets for the tour (promoted by Live Nation) on sale at www.turnpiketroubadours.com/tour.