Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-28-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 28, 2026

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

Car Crash (MauryCountySource)

Emergency crews responded to a crash in Maury County after a vehicle ended up in a creek, prompting a rescue effort to free the person inside.

According to the Maury County Fire Department, units were dispatched to Stiversville Road on Friday evening following reports of a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. When crews arrived, they found a vehicle in a small creek with the occupant trapped inside.

Rescue crews worked quickly to remove a door from the vehicle, allowing the individual to be freed.

The occupant was able to walk away from the crash and sustained only minor injuries.

Brush Fire in North Columbia (MSM)

A brush fire last week was brought under control by Wednesday, said the Fire and Rescue departments of Columbia and Maury County.

City of Columbia employees were incinerating organic waste on April 21, at their burn site off Iron Bridge Road and Tom J. Hitch Parkway, when some embers escaped the “burn box.” They landed on piles of waste that hadn’t yet been incinerated and started a fire that continued into the night, creating smoke and light that could be seen for miles.

Both Maury County and the City of Columbia sent Fire and Rescue personnel to deal with the blaze, keeping it away from the machinery until Columbia Public Works could take it away. County Fire reported that the machinery and infrastructure remained undamaged, no one was injured and there was no threat to the public. Columbia Fire stated that the flames were contained and had burned down to the coals, which were still expected to smolder and give off smoke for a while.

Escaped Prisoner Captured (MSM)

Howard Hamon Dewayne Burkeen was arrested again by Maury County Sheriff’s deputies last week after he escaped from custody near the jail.

According to information provided by Maury County Sheriff Bucky Rowland, in the afternoon on April 20, Burkeen was taken to the Maury County Jail on outstanding warrants for aggravated assault, drug-related offenses and failure to pay child support. He escaped from law enforcement outside the jail and ran into the woods nearby, his hands still cuffed behind his back. He later shifted his hands to the front, but never managed to shed the cuffs.

The sheriff’s department, Columbia Police and Tennessee Highway Patrol set up a perimeter around the area. Burkeen was spotted later that day, fleeing across Industrial Park Road into another wooded area. Deputies were able to take him into custody the next morning, covered in scratches and welts from his night in the woods. He now faces additional charges of escape and evading arrest.

“I would like to thank our citizens [in] the Country Side Village community for their assistance!” said Rowland, who also praised his officers for finding Burkeen.

County Revamps Public Comment Policy (MSM)

The Maury County Commission voted last week to change the rules governing public comment at county government meetings.

More than two-thirds of commissioners, the supermajority required to change rules, agreed to add multiple public-comment periods to each meeting and open the podium to all people who wish to speak on county business.

The expanded rules specifically create a second 30-minute public comment period at the end of each county government meeting, in addition to the one near the beginning. In each of these two periods, commenters may speak — without signing up ahead of time — to any topics that are “germane” to the county’s business and under its jurisdiction, not just the ones on the agenda. The new rules also create a comment period for each agenda item as it comes up in the meeting, though commenters must sign up for these ahead of time.

The county commission also eliminated what has been described as an ambiguously worded “citizenship” requirement for public commenters. Rule 4.1.c, which used to read, “A commissioner may introduce a non-member or citizen of Maury County… to make public comments,” now speaks of only “non-member[s]” of the county commission.

This language became a live issue during one of the meetings where the commission interviewed and eventually hired the new Maury County Attorney, Mark Dobies. At that meeting the outgoing county attorney, Daniel Murphy, informed the Administrative Committee that Chris Gramling, a frequent public commenter who introduces himself as a District 9 constituent, actually lives and votes in Marshall County. The administrative committee decided that allowing Gramling to make further public comments would require a suspension of Rule 4.1.c, and the five-man committee’s 3-2 split vote didn’t meet the two-thirds threshold required to suspend it.

Gramling and his attorney associate, Dustin Kittle, have maintained that even under the old version of Rule 4.1.c, he could have been “introduced” to speak as a “non-member,” as he was invited to by administrative committee member Brandon Nutt. Gramling’s 175-acre farm is divided by the county line, and the end of his driveway is its only confirmed improvement in Maury County. However, he told Main Street Maury that he does a great deal of business in Maury County, which included keeping his business office on the Columbia Square until last summer.

“The [rule] is quite clear, it says a non-member or a citizen,” he said. “I’ll argue with them about my status as a citizen… but even if I granted that to them, I’m a non-member, and they deprived me [of my right to speak].”

“The chairman made a number of judgment calls,” Kittle had earlier stated. “I think that they misapplied the rules.”

Administrative Committee Chairman Eric Previti, one of the two “no” votes, told Main Street Maury that even if the rule’s old language was ambiguous, it was intended to restrict comment to Maury County “citizens” when the commission introduced it four years ago. Back then, the commissioner recalled, a handful of self-proclaimed “sovereign citizens” were in the habit of making disruptive and insulting public comments. The commission put the “citizen” language in the rules to exclude them, but they didn’t define the word anywhere in their Rules and Regulations.

Kittle commended the rule change during his own public comment at the commission meeting, for eliminating the ambiguities and room for error created by the old one.

“It’s not very easy to determine who’s a ‘citizen of Maury County,'” agreed James Dallas, who is running to represent District 4 on the county commission.

“If you leave it open, there’s no chaos; somebody gets their three minutes,” said County Commissioner Scott Sumners.

Commissioner Davis Burkhalter moved to amend the new rule by restricting public comment to people with a tangible interest in the county: residents, property owners and business owners. Though a couple of his colleagues sympathized with the pro-stakeholder sentiment, most of the others voted it down.

Commissioners Mike Kuzawinski, Gabe Howard and Jerry Strahan pointed out that it would rule out non-residents with good input, like people looking to move here, or caregivers of adult children speaking on behalf of homebound elderly residents.

“I don’t think [public commenters are] doing it for fun,” Howard said. “There’s a lot more things they could be doing than coming to the Maury County Commission.”

The “decorum” rules governing public and commissioner comment also came up for debate, though they weren’t on the agenda. Kittle, recalling times in the last year or so when he and other public commenters had been threatened with ejection from meetings for criticizing certain officials by name, argued that the decorum rules, or their application, could violate constitutional speech protections.

Some commissioners were open to giving themselves the right of “rebuttal,” of correcting untrue statements or defending themselves from character attacks, during the public comment period. Current rules allow them only to rebut personal attacks at the end of the meeting, not in real time.

“I kind of feel like people are being tried here in front of a county commission, and we’re [also] not allowed to have a discussion,” said Commissioner Chad Brothers. “I would love to have a discussion [about business broached in public comment], but our rules say that we cannot.”

“I have no problem with constituents getting up here and speaking their minds, good or bad,” replied Commissioner Mike Kuzawinski. “We have to have thick-enough skin.”

During discussion, Sumners reminded his colleagues that the General Assembly had just passed an amendment to T.C.A. 8-44-112 (HB0022/SB0178) loosening the old rules for public comment. According to the General Assembly’s official page for the bill, local governing bodies must now allow public comment on “any matter germane to the jurisdiction of the governing body, regardless of whether the matter is listed on the agenda for the meeting.”

“Public comment is public comment,” Sumners said, arguing that they should open up public comment as much as they could, in the spirit of the state laws which are the basis and default for local law.

Kittle found time to praise the commissioners who were for loosening the rules.

“One of the positives that I see in what has happened over the last few months is, I think this county commission is embracing transparency and… free speech as a whole,” he said.

Mulekick 5K Recap (Press Release)

A total of 1,019 runners and walkers registered for the 2026 Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot, presented by First Farmers Bank, at Riverwalk Park on Saturday, April 11. The event raised over $50,000 in net revenue for the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation thanks to contributions from local sponsors and racers.

Proceeds from the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot help to support Maury Regional Health’s mobile health unit, which serves at-risk and underserved patients throughout the region and has touched the lives of thousands of individuals since 2017. Proceeds also support the Foundation’s Wellness and Aquatics Center Healthy Living Endowment. Additionally, the New Prospect School physical education program received $200 from the Foundation for having the most race participants.

“For 26 years, the Mule Kick 5k & 1-Mile Trot has brought our community together to support a meaningful cause, and this year continued that tradition,” said Foundation Executive Director Rita Thompson. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our generous community sponsors and participants, as well as the hard work of all our volunteers and committee members who helped make this event possible. We are grateful to Alex Troge and the Columbia Parks and Recreation team as well as the law enforcement officers who help this event run smoothly each year. I’d also like to personally thank First Farmers Bank for being our presenting sponsor for the fifth consecutive year. Their ongoing support of this event enables the Foundation to carry out its mission of serving those most in need throughout our region.”

Jack Pazin had the fastest run of the day in the 5K, finishing first overall in 16.05, while Shelby Hudson was first overall for the women with a time of 20.29. In the master category, Luke Wiedeman was first for the men in 20.11, and Diana Contreras finished in 23.19 to lead the women. David Benjamin and Wanda Jones went home winners in the super grand master category, finishing respectively in 23.49 and 38.31.

The top three female finishers in the 1-Mile Trot under age 12 included Sophie Reese, Adeline Kroeker and Jacklyn McMillan, while the top three male finishers under age 12 were Crosby McBroom, Ragan Fowler and Sam Griner.

A full overview of all the winners from the male and female age group categories is available at runsignup.com/MuleKick5K, where all 5K racers can also view their individual times and download their finisher certificates. Photos from the 2026 event will soon be available on the Mule Kick 5K and 1 Mile Trot Facebook page.

To learn more about the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation or to make a gift to the mobile health unit, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation. For information about sponsoring the 2027 Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot, email MRHFoundation@MauryRegional.com or call 931.380.4075.

CSCC Selects Commencement Speakers (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce that student-graduates Kayla DuBois and Alaya Walton will deliver the commencement addresses to the graduating class during the Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies that will take place on May 9 at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

For the first ceremony, Kayla DuBois will deliver the commencement address.

An Arrington resident, DuBois is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in veterinary technology and an Associate of Science degree in agricultural business.

DuBois is a recipient of the Rob and Christel Veterinary Technology Scholarship and the Zoetis Foundation/AVMF Veterinary Technician Student Scholarship.

She is also serving as president for the Veterinary Technology Class of 2026.

DuBois is an active member of the Columbia State President’s Leadership Society, National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, Tennessee Veterinary Technician Association and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association.

Following graduation, she plans to use her knowledge in veterinary technology and agricultural business to support and expand a family-operated green bean harvesting company, while advancing the development of both equine health and agricultural practice. She is also preparing to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination and will practice in equine medicine once licensed.

For the second ceremony, Alaya Walton will deliver the commencement address.

A Mt. Juliet resident, Walton is graduating with an Associate of Arts degree in mass communication. While at Columbia State, she served as president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter, Beta Kappa Theta, for the 2025-2026 academic year. She also served as a House of Representative at-large member of the Student Government Association for the 2025-2026 academic year, where she helped with campus outreach and volunteered for SGA-sponsored events.

Walton is a member of the English honor society, Sigma Kappa Delta, as well as the President’s Leadership Society. Nationally, she has been selected to be a 2026 Coca-Cola New Century Transfer Pathway scholar and has also been selected to be a member of the 2026 All-USA Academic Team, earning scholarships for both recognitions. As part of her selection for the All-USA Academic Team, she was also selected to be a member of the 2026 All-Tennessee Academic Team.

Next, Walton plans to continue her undergraduate studies in journalism, with an end goal to work in media research, media psychology and investigative journalism, covering stories on marginalized voices.

The commencement ceremonies will take place in the Webster Athletic Center gymnasium on the Columbia Campus.

The commencement ceremony will be streamed live for family and friends who are unable to attend.

For the safety of students, faculty, staff and guests, security personnel will conduct a speedy inspection of all bags, purses and containers. The following items will not be allowed inside or outside during the commencement ceremonies: weapons, strollers, alcohol, laser pointers, lawn chairs, drones, glass containers or any other items deemed unacceptable by Columbia State security or staff.

For a full list of prohibited items, parking, special seating information, livestream link or further details regarding commencement, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Graduation.

Guests should plan to arrive early as seating is limited. Overflow seating will be available in the Ledbetter Auditorium in the Frank G. Clement Building across from the gymnasium. The Webster Athletic Center is on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.

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.

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, news from around the state…

Renaissance Festival Returns for 40th (CDH)

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival will return to Castle Park in Arrington this May.

The festival, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, transforms the park into a 16th-century English village, according to a news release.

Artisans, performers and merchants will bring the village of Covington Glen to life, offering a marketplace filled with handcrafted goods, live music and entertainment.

The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from May 2-31, as well as Memorial Day Monday.

Gates will open at 8 a.m., with entry to a commons area beginning at 9 a.m. for those who want to arrive early.

This year's festival will feature new performers and expanded entertainment offerings.

Weekend 1 will feature Jacques ze Whipper, blending classic circus skills with high-energy, modern performance. Combatants Keep, a jousting team, will perform throughout all five weekends.

The festival also will debut a new entertainment venue, the Arena of Valor performance stage, according to the announcement. The stage will host live shows throughout the day, including an armored martial arts presentation with The Shire of the Rising Stone.

In addition to returning favorites such as sword fighting, musicians, storytellers and appearances by Queen Elizabeth I, the 2026 season will introduce new interactive experiences.

Covington Glen's Courtly Tea will be a gathering with the queen and members of the royal court, featuring treats, storytelling and conversation. Courtier School will invite participants ages 8 and up to learn the art of courtly manners. Advanced ticket purchase is required for both events.

“This 40th anniversary season is about building on everything people already love while adding more energy and experience,” Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department Director Gordon Hampton said.

“With new performers, expanded entertainment spaces, and interactive opportunities like Queen’s Promenade and Courtier School, we’re giving guests even more ways to step into the story and make the day their own.”

Tickets and passes are available online at TNRenFest.com. Parking is free. Guests are encouraged to bring cash, as most vendors have limited connectivity for digital payments.

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival takes place at Castle Park, 2135 New Castle Road in Arrington.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Synth-pop band The Human League announced a 21-city tour in the U.S. with a stop in Nashville at the Opry House. THE GENERATIONS TOUR will bring The Human League, with special guests Soft Cell and Alison Moyet, on June 21st.

Formed in 1977, the band gained popularity in the 80s, with numerous musicians citing them as an inspiration. The band has released four top-10 albums, eight top-10 singles in the UK, and two number-one hits in the US. They have also sold 20 million records worldwide.

Find tickets to the show on June 21st at www.opry.com.