Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-22-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 22, 2026

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

Duck River Gets Full Scenic Designation (MSM)

A long, difficult legislative marathon has almost reached the finish line. Duck River Conservancy President Doug Jones, along with a host of other Duck River advocates, have been working for three years to get the Tennessee Legislature to designate the Duck River as a Tennessee scenic river.

The bill granting the designation of Class II Scenic River to the Duck River, the Buffalo River, and the Piney River, as well as parts of Beaverdam Creek, Lick Creek, and Swan Creek passed the Senate with a unanimous 32-0 vote. After a tough time in the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee, the amended bill was approved by the House with a vote of 81-5 and seven members abstaining. Once the Senate approves the House amendment next week, the bill will be signed into law by Governor Lee.

The amendment which was added in the House addressed active landfill permits already in existence. Apparently, there are two permits in Maury County and possibly one in Perry County. Although the permits are active, there is no active landfill activity on the sites according to Cassandra Stephenson, reporter for the Tennessee Lookout, and the amendment was largely a housekeeping measure.

One of the strongest protections afforded by the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Act is found in T.C.A. Section 11-13-111 which reads “No landfill for the disposal of solid or hazardous waste shall be permitted within two (2) miles from the center of a Class II scenic river on either side…” That prohibition has been in place since 1990. Representative Chris Todd, Chairman of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, did everything he could to quash this year’s scenic river designation bill. At one point, he tried to push through an amendment to remove the landfill buffer zone entirely. When that failed, he tried to table the bill, pushing it over to a fourth year. In spite of these efforts in Committee, the scenic river designation for our rivers and streams passed easily in the full legislature on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Under the scenic river law, TDEC has the authority to establish the boundaries of scenic rivers. While TDEC has never used that authority, this year’s legislation includes a provision strengthening landowner rights in the event TDEC undertakes to establish boundary areas. TDEC is required to engage in an outreach program and, most importantly, boundary areas can be established only with the written consent of the affected landowner.

It was 58  years ago that our state legislature passed the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 to preserve, protect and, if necessary, reclaim “for the benefit of the people selected parts of Tennessee’s diminishing resources of free-flowing rivers.” The 1968 legislators saw the importance of protecting forever those water resources that can never be replicated or replaced. The Duck River and its designated tributaries will be available to future generations. Those rivers and creeks are our natural legacy.

Protecting our streams and rivers is also an economically sound investment. As population growth and suburban sprawl changes the landscape, nature has added value. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s George Lindemann, property owners near protected green spaces see their property value rise. The local economy also gets a bump. Ecotourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of tourism. Designated scenic rivers add to a community’s economic vitality. When people come to fish, paddle, picnic, or hike, they spend money in the local businesses serving that community. Once Governor Lee signs the bill into law, Hickman County will have more miles of scenic rivers than any other county in the state.

Asked about his three-year crusade, Doug Jones responded: “Passing scenic river legislation is difficult at best. The designation is like an historical stamp that, down through the ages, becomes part of the essence of that river. So, consideration of such naming is taken very seriously. And it should be.”

He added, “As for the Duck River, it was not a close question. It is truly one of the most special and scenic rivers in the world.”

Kiwanis Celebrates $100,000 Milestone (Press Release)

The Kiwanis Club of Columbia, TN, met on Friday, April 17, for its regular membership meeting to celebrate a historic achievement in its 21-year partnership with the Imagination Library. During the meeting, the club announced it has officially reached a fundraising milestone of $100,216.62 to provide books for the children of Maury County.

The meeting, featuring keynote speakers Jan McKeel and Dwaine Beck, served as a powerful testament to the club's "Young Children: Priority One" mission. The event opened with a spirited rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," a cherished club tradition led by members Tommy Vann, Chris Sockwell, Dwaine Beck, Bob Morgan, and Jerry Bridenbaugh. Traditionally sung midway through the club's annual yard sale fundraiser to provide a "second wind" for volunteers, the song has become a symbol of the club's long-term commitment to childhood literacy.

Maury County Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Ventura shared a moving personal testimony during the meeting, emphasizing the high stakes of early literacy. "As a child who grew up in poverty, books were my escape from everything," Ventura said. "You are impacting lives in ways you cannot imagine. Without people giving books and instilling the importance of literacy, our homeless population would be greater, our abuse rates would go up, and our prison numbers would go up."

Ventura further noted that the impact extends beyond the classroom. "You aren't just impacting the children; you are impacting the adults in their circle. Many kids bring books home, and adults learn to read through that access. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for what you do in this most important forum of literacy."

Dwaine Beck illustrated this impact with a story about Dawson Dykes. Years ago, Dawson was the "little red-headed kid" across the street with a basket overflowing with well-loved Imagination Library books. Seeing the boy receive his graduation book, Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!, Beck noted, "I think he’s ready. Almost all that credit goes to a loving mom and dad, but I think we helped a little."

This story served as the introduction to a featured video: Tennessee's Imagination Library's 10th Anniversary Celebration with Dolly!

The partnership began in 2005 under the leadership of Dwaine Beck, then-chair of the Young Children: Priority One committee. Today, Maury County leads the state with a 76% enrollment rate in the Imagination Library. Rachel Ellis, representing the program, noted that over 17,500 local five-year-olds have graduated from the program in Maury County, and nearly 1 million books have been delivered to local doorsteps. Jan McKeel shared that the club was honored to have Alice Jennings, a member of the original fundraising team that helped get the program off the ground, in attendance.

Celebrating the milestone on Friday were club members and guests, including Annette Dykes, Delaney Dykes, Dawson Dykes, and Dwaine Beck.

Reserve at Hickory Ridge (WKOM Audio 1:58)

Yesterday a new residential development opened in North Columbia. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy attended the grand opening and spoke to manager Melinda Guiterrez about The Reserve at Hickory Ridge…

City Takes Data-Driven Approach to Road Construction (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is advancing a comprehensive Pavement Management and Preservation Program to improve road infrastructure. This proactive effort focuses on enhancing roadway conditions, strengthening long-term planning, and maximizing infrastructure investments across the city.

The City has partnered with Alfred Benesch and Company and its subconsultant, Citylogix, to collect high-resolution roadway data, analyze pavement performance, and develop a long-term, prioritized maintenance and improvement strategy.

“Investing in our infrastructure is investing in the future of Columbia,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “We’re putting the right tools in place to better understand our road system and make informed decisions that will benefit the city for years to come.”

This program introduces a data-driven approach to managing the City’s 235 centerline miles of roadway. Using advanced imaging, LiDAR, and 360-degree high-definition data collection, roadway conditions will be assessed with precision, allowing the City to better visualize needs and prioritize repairs.

A key component of the program is pavement preservation—techniques designed to extend the life of roadways. The City will work with Alfred Benesch and Company to implement cost-effective methods that prolong pavement life and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

The initiative also includes standardized plans and specifications for future projects, community education materials, budget scenarios, and a comprehensive Pavement Management Plan to guide future investments.

“With reliable data and advanced analytics, we can prioritize projects more effectively and extend the life of our roadway system,” said City Manager Tony Massey.

Work is scheduled to begin in April, with data collection, analysis, and program development continuing through December. The final Pavement Management Plan is expected to be completed by December 2026.

The Well Outreach Turns 20 (MSM)

The Well Outreach, a Christian food ministry serving families facing food insecurity across Middle Tennessee, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. What began with a simple mission – to be the hands and feet of Jesus – has grown into a vital community resource providing food and hope to thousands of families. 

The outreach was founded in 2006 by Andy Hudelson and Amy Hudelson inside Wellspring Christian Church. The ministry began as a small, volunteer-run pantry providing food assistance while supporting the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of neighbors in the community. One of the key inspirations behind the pantry came from Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.” 

As the need in the community grew, so did the organization’s services. In 2008, the ministry launched Saturday morning mobile food pantries to reach families outside of regular pantry hours. A year later, The Well became an official 501-C(3) nonprofit organization and launched the Jetpack Program, which provides weekend meal bags for students who rely on free or reduced school lunches during the week. 

In 2016, after operating for a decade, The Well moved into a 1,500-square-foot storefront location at a strip mall on Main Street, allowing for expanded storage, broader outreach and consistent operating hours. Continued growth led to another major expansion in 2020 with the opening of a 7,000-square-foot pantry facility in Spring Hill. 

Shelly Sassen later became the organization’s first full-time staff member and CEO, helping guide its continued expansion. In 2022, the ministry added family coaching through Tennessee’s Our Chance Program to help families move toward greater financial stability and independence. 

The outreach expanded again in 2024 with the opening of a 16,000-square-foot second pantry in Mount Pleasant,  increasing capacity and extending services into more rural areas of Maury County. The new location also introduced a hydroponics program that grows fresh produce for pantry guests. 

In 2025 alone, the ministry reported significant community impact. The pantries recorded more than 23,000 visits, providing food for over 100,000 people. Volunteers distributed 52,000 Jetpack meal bags across 32 schools, hosted 17 mobile food pantries serving 5,440 families and distributed 425,000 pounds of food. Additionally, 50 families received support through the Our Chance Coaching program. 

The organization continues to see strong community support. The Well partners with more than 30 grocery stores and three food banks, allowing every $1 donated to provide approximately $11 worth of food. Churches such as The Bridge Church, Thompson Station Church and Gateway Church are among many groups that contribute through volunteering, sponsorship and donations.

Looking ahead, The Well plans to continue expanding its outreach to more rural underserved communities while exploring the possibilities of establishing a permanent “forever home” pantry in Spring Hill. 

Timothy Sassen, the communications consultant, speaking on behalf of him and his wife Shelly, emphasized the importance of community and dignity within the ministry’s mission. He stated that kinship is the most important thing about this organization, as the pantry wants to embrace people with a sense of dignity and infuse them with a sense of hope. 

“Shelly is trying to awaken the reality that hunger exists in our community,” Sassen said. “She often says, ‘We don’t just give away food, we give away hope.’” 

The Well operates pantry locations at 5306 Main Street in Spring Hill and 700 N Main Street in Mount Pleasant, continuing its mission to provide not only food, but also dignity, hope and connection for families in need.

Upstairs Downtown Tour (Press Release)

Columbia Main Street is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated 4th Annual Upstairs Downtown Tour on April 30 from 5:30 to 8 PM. This self-guided, ticketed experience invites residents to explore downtown through a curated selection of properties, showcasing both upstairs and downstairs spaces.

Along the way, attendees will sample locally sourced food and non-alcoholic beverages, enjoy live music performances, an interactive photo booth, and learn about the history behind each location. Every stop offers something new, from unique flavors to a variety of musical styles, creating a lively and immersive evening experience.

Participants will begin their journey at the Columbia Main Street office, located inside the Visit Columbia Welcome Center, where they will receive their official tour map and instructions. From there, guests will have two and a half hours to explore all featured locations at their own pace.

Each year features a completely new lineup of properties, ensuring even returning guests enjoy a fresh experience. Locations remain a surprise until the day of the event, when attendees receive their tour map at the Welcome Center.

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Start Location: Visit Columbia Welcome Center (713 North Main Street, Columbia, TN 38401)

Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased at ColumbiaMainStreet.com. Availability is limited, and the event typically sells out.

All proceeds from the Upstairs Downtown Tour will support Columbia Main Street’s downtown beautification projects, helping enhance and preserve the charm of the district. For more information, visit ColumbiaMainStreet.com or follow @columbiatnmainstreet on social media.

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

John Thomas “Bud” Haskin, 94, resident of Culleoka, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026 at his home in Culleoka.

Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 2:30 PM at Scribner’s Mill Cemetery with Randy Sprouse officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

Susannah Patrick “Susie” Maddux passed away April 7th at her home in Columbia. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Bigbyville Methodist Church. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the church. 

Frances A. Domenico, 99, of Columbia, passed away on Thursday, April 16th. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Dennis Michael LeMay, 60, resident of Columbia, passed away on April 11, 2026 at Magnolia Healthcare and Rehabilitation.

Graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Pisgah Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com

And now, news from around the state…

Super Bowl in 2030 (Fox17)

With the arrival of the Titans' new stadium in 2027, the chances of Nashville getting to host a Super Bowl in the future increase exponentially, and now the city might have a timeline of when that would be.

According to national sports personality Dan Patrick, Nashville will be awarded the Super Bowl in 2030.

The NFL has already awarded Los Angeles the 2027 Super Bowl, Atlanta the 2028 Super Bowl, and Las Vegas the 2029 Super Bowl.

The new Nissan Stadium is scheduled to be completed in February 2027.

Starbucks HQ Coming to Nashville (MSM)

Global coffee retailer Starbucks announced last Tuesday that the company will be putting a Southeast corporate office in downtown Nashville near Ascend Amphitheater.

According to a news release from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, the coffee company will lease the Peabody Union building and plans to invest $100 million and provide 2,000 new jobs over the next several years.

Last month the company announced it plans to increase its North American growth strategy. The new Nashville office will support continued coffeehouse expansion and customer demand, particularly in the Southeast, while working closely with the company’s global headquarters in Seattle.

In the news release, Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said, “As Starbucks continues to expand across North America, Nashville gives us an opportunity to support that growth with great talent and proximity to our growing number of coffeehouses and suppliers across the Southeast. This city offers a deep, diverse talent pool and a strong sense of community, making Nashville another ideal place to invest for the long term.”

Gas Prices (MSM)

Gas prices across the state moved less expensive over last week, falling 11 cents, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.77 which is 16 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.08 more expensive than one year ago.  

“Pump prices across the state are moving less expensive due to significant drops in the price of crude oil,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If crude oil prices remain low, it’s likely that we’ll see additional drops in pump pricing again this week. However, it’s important to note that there is continued uncertainty in the market surrounding supply concerns and restricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Any significant shifts in market conditions could affect crude oil pricing, and ultimately the price we pay at our local gas pumps.”

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

There’s a new reason to visit the Nashville Zoo after a rare and exciting milestone behind the scenes.

The Nashville Zoo announced it has successfully bred reticulated glass frogs for the first time. Staff discovered a clutch of eggs in the frogs’ habitat and moved them to the zoo’s Amphibian Room for incubation.

After about five months developing as tadpoles, the first froglets are now beginning to emerge.

Glass frogs are known for their unique transparency, allowing their internal organs — including their beating hearts — to be visible. This helps them blend into leaves and branches to avoid predators in the wild.

Zoo officials say the froglets will continue to grow behind the scenes. Some will eventually be placed in the Unseen New World exhibit, while others will be part of future breeding efforts.

Visitors can see the adult frogs now on display inside the Unseen New World exhibit.

Learn more at www.nashvillezoo.org.