Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-27-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 27, 2026

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

America 250th Celebration (Press Release)

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the City of Columbia created a series of initiatives recognizing the community’s rich heritage and the valuable contributions of a few of the individuals who helped shape its history.

As part of the America 250 commemoration, the City has launched Columbia250USA.com, a dedicated website designed to share information about local events and highlight some of the people who have left a lasting impact on Columbia. Central to the site is a special feature recognizing 26 of Columbia’s most influential figures, referred to as ‘Architects of History.’  These leaders, legends, and visionaries represent the spirit and legacy of Columbia across generations.

To further recognize these individuals, the City has brought their stories to the heart of downtown. Decorative banners featuring the 26 historical figures are now displayed throughout the downtown area, creating a visual tribute that connects residents and visitors to the city’s past. 

The website includes brief biographies of each honoree, offering insight into their contributions and lasting influence. The historical content was generously provided by Maury County Archives and the African American Heritage Society of Maury County.

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder emphasized the importance of recognizing Columbia’s unique role in the nation’s story.

“This initiative is about more than marking a milestone, it’s about recognizing the people who built our community,” said Molder. “It’s about ensuring that their stories continue to be told to inform future generations. As we recognize America’s 250thanniversary throughout 2026, Columbia is proud to celebrate our shared history while looking ahead to the future we are building together.”

For more information, visit Columbia250USA.com.

Duck River Bill Update (TNLookout)

Before sending a bill to the governor granting the Duck and Buffalo rivers protection against landfills, Tennessee lawmakers scrapped a last-minute amendment that would have exempted current landfill permit holders.

The bill designates nearly all of the Duck River, Buffalo River and their tributaries as Class II pastoral waterways. The classification comes with rules barring mining, commercial timber harvest and landfills within two miles of scenic waterways. Agriculture and other traditional rural uses may continue.

The state House added an amendment to the bill on April 9, specifying that the bill would not bar construction, operation or expansion of landfills that have a valid permit prior to the bill’s passage. 

The amendment’s application would have been narrow — of the nine landfill permits issued within the two-mile prohibition zone along the Duck and Buffalo rivers, only three remain “active,” according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Having an “active” permit does not mean there is landfill activity happening on the site. One of the active permit sites is owned by the Maury County government, and was never constructed. Another site is owned by a graphite materials company.

The amendment would not have applied to a site formerly owned by the Monsanto Chemical Company, though it has an “active” permit, because the site was already restricted for landfill use by a separate scenic river bill in 2023. The landfill site’s owners sued over blocked plans for  landfill expansion, and the case remains pending in Davidson County Chancery Court.

The state Senate, which unanimously approved the bill without any amendments in February, refused to adopt the House’s changes. 

The House reconsidered its actions in adopting the amendment on April 16, and approved the Senate’s version of the bill with a 77-9 vote, with eight representatives not voting.

As of Wednesday, both the House and Senate speakers signed the bill’s final version.

New Spring Hill Library (CDH)

Concepts for the new Spring Hill Public Library were presented this week to the Board of Mayor & Aldermen, providing a glimpse into what the new facility could include.

Spring Hill Capital Project Manager Missy Stahl presented two possible concept ideas for the library.

Plans for the new facility were approved in November 2025. It will be located on city-owned property next to the existing Spring Hill City Hall.

Both concepts feature an approximately 53,000-55,000 square-foot, two-story structure.

Concept A would be located directly next to City Hall and connected via an elevated bridgeway, while concept B would be more integrated into the building, plans show.

"The 53,000-55,000 square feet would hold all of the programming needs that the library has identified that they would like to have, as well as a large conference room that can be used," Stahl said.

Concept B would also include a central courtyard area, which Stahl said could be an ideal spot to place the historic city jail. It was recently donated to the city by former Spring Hill Mayor George Chester Jones.

Concept A would benefit by providing easy navigation for vehicles, though it would limit parking and would require a two-story parking garage, Stahl added.

"Is that ideal? No. Is it costly? Yes. Is it pretty? No," Stahl said. "So there are a lot of disadvantages to the Concept Plan A, but this is what we talked about being on that land when we originally approved for this concept to get started."

When the discussion was brought back to board members, the consensus was that Concept Plan B was the favorable choice.

"I agree with Concept B, and I like it for a lot of reasons, primarily for the flexibility it offers," Alderman Brent Murray said. "Obviously, the green space and some of the gathering space for folks that are there, and it would be more aesthetically pleasing with no parking [garage]."

In addition to utilizing green space, the concept would not require a parking garage, though providing adequate parking would still be an issue, Stahl said.

"On both plans, the access would be the current City Hall," Stahl said. "On both of these [plans], we do not have enough parking, and so that is still being worked out and is still an issue that we are addressing. Concept B gives us a little more parking."

Plan B is also designed to better allow future expansions.

"The only reason to build next to City Hall here is to integrate the two buildings and structures together and make more flexibility and more shared community space between the two buildings," Mayor Matt Fitterer said. "B achieves that. A does not."

An additional $28,400 would also need to be funded for the final concept design by WBA Architecture, which would also require additional Geotech studies. The final concept plan would also include construction details, as well as the building's overall funding, Stahl said.

"We have to do determining of electricity and sewer because all of the electricity for this building is in this parking lot, as well as a sewer line that runs in the middle of the parking lot and comes up," Stahl said. "So, we will have to do a little configuring of that as well."

No votes were taken on the measure, but Fitterer advised Stahl to submit a resolution to the board to fund the additional $28,400 at a future meeting.

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.

MRMC Offers Coaches Clinic (MauryCountySource)

The Maury Regional Health athletic training team is hosting the third annual coaches clinic to support local coaches in preparing their athletes for the upcoming season. The clinic will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 9 a.m. at the Maury Regional Annex, located across the street from Maury Regional Medical Center at 1223 Trotwood Ave. in Columbia.

The clinic is open to coaches of any age group and sport (youth, middle school, high school, college or volunteer) or for anyone else in the community who is interested in learning more about coaching, leadership, athlete safety and more.

Presenters for this year include:

· Amanda Kesterson, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with Maury Regional Medical Center, will be presenting “Staying Off the Sidelines and In the Game: Tips for Building Resilient Athletes,” focusing on strength development and how to keep young athletes performing at their best.

· Dan Thomas, a broadcast meteorologist with WSMV News 4, will be discussing how to safely participate in outdoor sports during the summer months.

· Dustin Ritchie, a regional overdose prevention specialist with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, will be discussing current trends of youth substance use, highlighting collaborative efforts with schools and sharing available resources aimed at prevention and early intervention for youth substance abuse.

Athletic trainers from Maury Regional Health will be present in between speaker sessions to demonstrate taping and ACE bandage wrapping skills.

Maury Regional Health offers sports medicine and athletic training services to several area schools in Maury, Marshall and Lewis counties. The dedicated team of athletic trainers and health care professionals strive to keep student-athletes safe, health and performing their best. Learn more about sports medicine services offered by Maury Regional Health at MauryRegional.com/SportsMedicine.

The clinic is free to attend. Registration is not required, but RSVP’s are highly encouraged by emailing dhightower@mauryregional.com.

Spring Hill To Restore Fire Belle Firetruck (MSM)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen has been asked to contribute to an effort to restore an antique city fire engine known as “Fire Belle.”

Spring Hill Fire Chief Graig Temple, City Administrator Carter Napier and Assistant City Administrator Chris Clausi, have requested $10,000 from the city toward the restoration effort. 

The historic truck, a 1957 Ford F700, was the first brand-new fire engine purchased by the city. Over the decades, it has been preserved by various city departments and remains an important symbol of the city’s firefighting history. 

In 2014, concerned citizens, donors and local business owners invested thousands of dollars to restore the truck. That restoration focused primarily on exterior body work, paint, emergency lights, modern equipment and other aesthetic improvements, helping Fire Belle regain its place as a recognizable piece of the city’s history and the fire department’s legacy. 

However, additional work is now needed to keep the engine operational. Fire Department staff have spent more than a year evaluating the vehicle, interviewing vendors and exploring fundraising opportunities to support the next phase of restoration. 

The truck requires significant mechanical repairs, including a new engine, transmission and brake system, so it can continue appearing at community events, parades and public displays. 

Deputy Chief Glenn and Temple have identified a vendor capable of completing the mechanical work, which is expected to take four to six months. The department has already received donations from the Firefighters Association, Maury County volunteers and families of former firefighters and fire chiefs. Community fundraising efforts are also expected to expand to the public as the project moves forward. 

The total cost for mechanical restoration is estimated at $65,670. Organizers hope an initial city investment of $10,000, combined with approximately $3,500 already raised, will help build momentum to secure the remaining funding needed to complete the project. 

Board members expressed appreciation for the effort, noting the importance of preserving a historic piece of the city’s past and maintaining its legacy for future generations.

Spring Hill License Kiosk (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has introduced a new Driver License Self-Service Kiosk in the lobby of its headquarters at 800 Hathaway Blvd. The kiosk is open to all Tennessee residents—regardless of county—and offers a convenient alternative to visiting the DMV.

Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the kiosk allows users to:

* Renew a driver license

* Obtain a duplicate license or state ID

* Change their address

* Pay reinstatement fees in full

The kiosk does not accept cash or checks; payment must be made using a credit or debit card.

No appointment is necessary. For more information about the service, visit www.tn.gov/content/tn.

Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)

The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.

Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.

Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.

Any Maury County Resident can use this office.

All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.

Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.

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

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. 

Mary Ellen Puckett Sneed, age 73, a resident of Columbia, passed away peacefully at her residence on April 23, 2026.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Riverside United Methodist Church with Rev. David Spencer officiating. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home and again on Tuesday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the church. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. 

And now, news from around the state…

114th General Assembly Adjourns (WilliamsonScene)

The 114th Tennessee General Assembly wrapped the final session of its two-year term on Thursday. This marks the final session of Gov. Bill Lee’s tenure in office and the last for retiring Lt. Gov. Randy McNally. 

Last week, lawmakers completed their constitutional duty of approving the state’s $58 billion budget. After several months embroiled in thorny debates over immigration, school vouchers, health care and culture-war-evoking legislation — including the “Charlie Kirk Act,” which is designed to limit protests on college campuses — the state’s Republican supermajority was still largely able to sail through with the passage of most of its top-priority legislation this year. 

Undoubtedly this session’s most defining issue was immigration. In January, Republicans announced a massive legislative package — crafted with the help of the White House and top Trump adviser Stephen Miller — cracking down on immigration. Many of these bills passed along party lines, including legislation requiring local governments to work with ICE and criminalizing the act of simply existing in the state as an undocumented immigrant. 

Legislation to expand the state’s school voucher program — the Education Freedom Scholarship program, which was created last year — narrowly passed, with several Republicans voting against the measure. Under the expansion, the program will provide a total of 35,000 vouchers for the 2026-27 school year, falling short of the governor’s initial proposal of 40,000. Republicans successfully tacked on an amendment that allows public schools to receive funding for students who disenroll because of EFS only if they provide Social Security numbers associated with said students — a retooled version of a previously proposed measure that would have required public school districts to provide proof of citizenship or legal immigration status of students who leave to attend private schools as a part of the voucher program. Attempts at increasing transparency and accountability for the program died in committee. 

When it came to health care, Republicans moved forward with legislation targeting the LGBTQ community. The legislature passed a bill to require insurance companies and health care providers to submit data on transgender patients and their treatments to the state health department. TennCare, the state’s Medicaid program, does not cover gender-affirming care, but a bill that codified prohibition of such care passed and was signed by the governor. 

Efforts from Democrats to offer medical debt forgiveness and universal pre-K programming failed. On the bipartisan front, a bill from Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) and Rep. Esther Helton-Hayes (R-East Brainerd) that would allow insured Tennesseans to purchase a 12-month supply of birth control has also been signed by the governor. 

State Republicans also plowed forward with efforts to intervene in Tennessee’s Democratic-run city governments, including plans to further the state’s authority over the The Boring Company’s Music City Loop project and a takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.  

Assassination Attempt (Tennessean)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles gave a brief update after the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner was hurriedly evacuated the night of April 25.

"Pray for our country," the Tennessee Republican said in a brief video posted to social media. "Pray for the leaders ... who may still be on premise. We were able to get out with the Secret Service. With that being said, crazy time."

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were rushed from the event minutes after it began, as attendees took cover on the floor. Authorities said a heavily armed man charged a security checkpoint in a lobby outside the hotel ballroom, USA TODAY reported. He was taken down and apprehended by Secret Service agents.

"Everyone owes a tremendous debt of gratitude" to the law enforcement personnel who responded, Trump said during a White House briefing. He said an officer had been shot, but that a bulletproof vest saved the officer's life.

The suspected shooter was taken into custody and identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee was among state leaders speaking out the night of April 25.

"Grateful that President @realDonaldTrump, the First Lady & members of Cabinet are safe tonight," he said in a social media post. "@MariaLeeTN & I pray God’s continued protection over America’s leaders & thank the Secret Service & law enforcement officers who continually work to keep our country safe."

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum celebrated the opening of its newest exhibition, Clint Black: The Hard Way On Purpose. The exhibition traces Black’s story, from a working-class upstart to topping the charts on his own terms. Included with museum admission, the exhibit is now open and runs until August 2027.

The exhibit includes stage wear, instruments, memorabilia, manuscripts, photographs, videos and more.

More information about the exhibit and Clint Black can be found www.countrymusichalloffame.org.