Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-1-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 1, 2026

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

Commissioner Talvin Barner Passes (Echo)

Maury County is in mourning following the sudden passing of District 3 County Commissioner Talvin Barner Thursday evening.

For 16 years, Commissioner Barner served his constituents with dedication and integrity, earning a reputation as a genuine and effective public servant. Yet, for many who knew him, his official role was secondary to the warmth of his character.

Talvin Barner’s legacy is not only one of political service but of profound personal connection. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

As the community grapples with this loss, thoughts turn to his family and close friends. The public is asked to hold them in their prayers during this profoundly difficult time.

Mt. Pleasant Stormwater Utility (MSM)

The City of Mount Pleasant is considering establishing an ordinance to create a stormwater utility system to better manage drainage, flooding and water quality. The utility would oversee the operation, maintenance and improvement of the city’s stormwater infrastructure. 

Under the proposed ordinance, the utility would oversee the planning, design, construction and maintenance of stormwater facilities, as well as enforce regulations related to water quality and drainage management. The stormwater system is intended to reduce flooding risks, protect property and improve water quality within the city’s surface waters. 

To fund the system, the city would implement a monthly stormwater user fee for developed properties. Single-family homes would pay a tiered fee based on parcel size, ranging from $3.50 to $7 per month. Properties up to 10,000 square feet would be $3.50, parcels between 10,000-15,000 square feet would be $5.25 and parcels larger than 15,000 square feet would be $7. 

Commercial and other non-residential properties would be charged based on the amount of impervious surface area, such as buildings, pavement and parking lots. Fees would be calculated using an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU), defined as the average impervious area of a single-family home, currently estimated at 5,781 square feet. 

The fee would be an annual fee that could be reduced over the course of five years if more residents and owners pay in. 

All revenue would go into a dedicated stormwater fund used for only stormwater management projects and maintenance. The fees would appear on utility bills, and property owners would have the option to appeal the fee calculation if they believe they were assessed incorrectly. 

The proposed ordinance states that the fee is considered a utility service charge rather than a tax, authorized under Tennessee law to support municipal stormwater systems. 

Citizens spoke out on the ordinance at the recent Mount Pleasant City Commission meeting, sharing their concerns about the longevity of the project and unfairness of the tiered fee parcel pricing. Due to concern, the board deferred the vote for 30 days to get feedback and insight on discussions with other departments and the community, and to weigh other options. 

Another ordinance was proposed to replace Title 18, Chapter 2 of the city’s municipal code with a new chapter to establish an updated wastewater and sewer use regulation. The goal is to modernize how wastewater is managed, monitored and enforced within the city. 

Ordinance 2026-1140 sets uniform rules for how wastewater is handled in the city’s sewer system. Its objectives are to protect public health, ensure reliable wastewater collection and treatment, prevent pollutants from damaging the sewer system or violating environmental permits, distribute the cost of wastewater treatment fairly among users, ensure compliance with federal and state water quality laws and encourage recycling and reuse of wastewater and sludge when possible. 

The new chapter outlines regulations for governing the sewer system, which include connection requirements, wastewater discharge rules, permits and applications, monitoring and inspection, pretreatment standards, enforcement measures and fees and billing. 

The regulations apply to all users of the city’s wastewater system including residential, commercial and industrial customers, as well as some users outside city limits who are connected through agreements with the city. 

The ordinance was unanimously approved by the board.

Columbia State Professor of the Year (Press Release)

Dr. Lacey Benns-Owens didn’t just set out to teach—she set out to help students have the same life-changing educational opportunities that first shaped her career. A professor of communication, now in her 25th year of teaching at Columbia State, she traces her passion for community colleges back to her upbringing in the rural Midwest, where higher education offerings were limited.

Her life and experiences guided her into a career in influencing and educating countless students. In March, her career and passion for teaching led her to being named the Tennessee Board of Regents’ 2026 SOAR Community College Faculty Member of the Year. While the recognition names her as the top faculty member for community colleges across the state, Benns-Owens credits mentors, colleagues and opportunities that shaped her journey.

“I'm honored to be recognized and appreciate the support from Columbia State and TBR; it's also helped me to appreciate all the people who have shaped my career and helped me become the faculty member that I am. And I'm very appreciative that I've had the opportunities that I've had here at Columbia State. I was really lucky to have some great mentors here at Columbia State. So, everyone from Dr. Cathryn McDonald, who was our vice president of Academic Services whenever I first came, and then to Dr. Barry Gidcomb (dean of the Humanities and Social Sciences Division), there's so many people who really helped to guide me to become successful, and I'm forever grateful for those individuals.”

Originally from southern Illinois, Benns-Owens said what led her to come to Columbia was rooted in her own educational experience: the power of community colleges in suburban and rural areas.

“I was actually working as an adjunct at the community college that I attended, and I knew that I wanted to be in a community college. It aligned with my values and mission as an educator, but also, I know the impact that it had on me. I come from a rural area. It's a coal mining community, and if it weren't for the community college there, I'm not entirely sure that I would have gone to college at all. And so, I wanted to be able to continue that. When this position first opened up, I applied the first year and didn't even get an interview. And then next year, it was available again, and I applied again, and that was 25 years ago.”

After she began teaching at Columbia State, her interest in interpersonal and intercultural communication led to her desire to become a study abroad advisor and later the TBR Global Studies representative for the college. Her interest in expanding both her own knowledge and her students’ knowledge of international cultures led her to visit 21 countries across five continents.

“When I was at a community college, I was able to do a one-week study abroad trip to Spain, and I know what a transformative experience that was for me. It opened my eyes to the value of learning about culture and learning more about the world around us. I truly don't know if I would be here if it weren't for that experience. When I came to Columbia State, I was lucky enough to become friends and colleagues with Ana Basoa, who had been the driving force behind really creating study abroad with what is now TBR Global Studies, and I was just able to learn from her and see how she managed to develop those programs. And I'm incredibly thankful for her guidance.”

International travel helped shape Benns-Owens into the professor she is today; that impact is what she hopes students who take the step out of their comfort zone to study abroad will also have.

“We have students who have never flown, who have never left the South and their first experience is to get on a plane and go do study abroad. And it's an act of bravery for our students to participate in study abroad. And so, one of the things I think that's really important is to be present, to put aside social media, to leave the pressures from home and really be open to new experiences and new feelings and challenges that can transform their lives.”

Overall, whether it’s teaching students abroad or in Columbia State classrooms in Middle Tennessee, her passion for educating her students remains constant. 

“For me, the most rewarding part of teaching is student success. When students study abroad, I love to hear their experiences about what they learned, what challenges they face and how they overcome them. In the classroom, I love the light bulb moments where students suddenly realize, ‘Oh, that's why this conversation went wrong,’ or ‘Gosh, I actually can do public speaking.’ But I think even more than that, I love to see long-term success and to see how our students are achieving once they leave Columbia State. I have students who have become nurse practitioners and managers, and another student is working in accessibility and technology, and another is an assistant principal at a local school. Some of our former students actually work here at Columbia State, and what I love to recognize is that their success started here at Columbia State, that we were able to help them achieve their goals.”

Reflecting on her career, Benns-Owens shared: “Teaching has been a journey of continual learning, deep rewards and fulfillment, and I truly wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

On May 1, Benns-Owens will officially receive her 25 Years of Service Award from Columbia State at the annual Employees’ Honors and Awards Convocation.

Mid-South Steamers (WKOM Audio 1:18)

This weekend, the Mid-South Live Steamers are running their trains at Maury County Park. With more is Front Porch Radio’s Delk Pugh who spoke with railroad afficianados Snake Wright and T.C. Poole.

Sewer Moratorium Prompts Uptick in Home Kitchens (MSM)

Spring Hill City staff are seeking guidance on how Spring Hill should regulate in-home food production business, as requests for home-based bakeries increase amid the city’s ongoing sewer moratorium. 

A memo created by Spring Hill Water staff states the city has received multiple inquiries from residents interested in operating home-based bakeries. Many applicants have referenced the Tennessee Food Freedom Act, which reduces certain state-level food safety regulations, including licensing and inspection requirements. 

However, the law does not override local sewer regulations, allowing the city to enforce rules related to wastewater discharge and grease control. 

Assistant City Administrator Dan Allen emphasized the importance of approaching these requests cautiously. Allen advised the board that approving such applications could create loopholes within city codes and potentially lead to a growing issue if more residents begin seeking similar approvals. 

One of the primary concerns involve fats, oils and grease produced during food preparation. These substances can enter the sewer system and cause blockages or damage. Because of this, operations that may release grease must comply with Spring Hill Ordinance 06-05, as well as plumbing and building codes designed to protect the wastewater system. 

The city must also comply with a consent order from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation requiring improvements to Spring Hill’s wastewater infrastructure. While the consent order is in effect, the city must avoid activities that could increase the risk of sewer overflows. 

Staff recommended denying requests for in-home food production business if proper grease control measures can’t be implemented, in order to protect the sewer system and maintain compliance with state environmental requirements. 

City staff asked the board to provide direction and help establish a clear and consistent policy. The proposed approach would clarify that the Tennessee Food Freedom ACT does not exempt residents from local sewer regulations, apply sewer requirements based on potential system impact rather than whether a business is residential or commercial and regulate home-based food production if it could affect the sewer system.

Puckett’s Concert Series (CDH)

Puckett’s Columbia is launching a live music concert series in downtown Columbia.

The “Live on the Square” series will feature local and regional artists performing in the restaurant’s Guitar & Cadillac Hall, according to a recent news release.

The concerts are planned as part of Columbia’s First Fridays events, which offer food, music and family-friendly activities in historic downtown.

The series began with a performance by Smith & Gone, a band known for blending country favorites and Southern rock influences. The concerts are designed to bring people together over live music and food.

Puckett’s tailors its music programming to each city. In Hendersonville, the restaurant hosts open mic nights. Franklin features the “Hitmakers” series, which has included artists like Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett. In Murfreesboro, Puckett’s partners with Middle Tennessee State University’s School of Music to showcase student talent.

“Live music has always been at the heart of the Puckett’s experience,” said Claire Crowell, president of A. Marshall. “Each of our locations embraces that tradition in a way that feels authentic to its community.”

Columbia’s First Fridays are monthly events that draw crowds to the downtown area for food, music, and shopping. The addition of the concert series is expected to enhance the experience, officials say.

“We are thrilled to add the new ‘Live on the Square’ concert series by local favorite Puckett’s Columbia to our First Fridays lineup,” said Kellye Murphy, Tourism & Marketing Director of Visit Columbia.

“First Fridays in downtown Columbia is a popular monthly event that’s all about great food, family-friendly fun and live music — things Puckett’s knows all about. In addition to providing a platform for local musicians to perform, they offer an inviting space to gather and celebrate the simple things in life. We’re excited to see First Fridays grow and appreciate Puckett’s for going all in to be part of it.”

The concerts are held in Puckett’s Guitar & Cadillac Hall in downtown Columbia. The venue offers a relaxed setting for live music and Southern comfort food.

For more information and upcoming concert dates, visit puckettsrestaurant.com/music.

CSCC to Host Columbia Arts Council Exhibition (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce that, in collaboration with the Columbia Arts Council, an art exhibition is currently open to the public featuring works by over 50 local artists. The exhibit marks the first local artist show the Columbia Arts Council has organized.

Pieces on display feature multiple art styles and mediums, all from living artists who reside and work in the greater Columbia area. Pieces featured also originate from artists with a full range of skills, from novice to veteran.

“As the new curator for the Pryor Art Gallery, it was such a delight for this to be the first exhibition that I installed,” said Tori Zemer, Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery curator. “I think anyone who comes to see it will walk away feeling impressed by the amount of local talent represented here. There is a wide variety of mediums and styles represented – truly something for everyone.”

Warren Feld, Columbia Arts Council chair, helped to put together the show concept and helped Zemer install some of the pieces on display.

“This art exhibit, by the Columbia Arts Council and with over 50 local artists, proudly showcases the creativity and talent that make Columbia’s arts community thrive,” Feld said. “We believe that Columbia will continue to evolve into a place where artists of all stripes can build full-time careers locally, supported by strong patron networks, education and tourism.”

A reception will be held on April 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the gallery.

The exhibit is open through June 12.

The Pryor Art Gallery is in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike and is open Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information about the Pryor Art Gallery and upcoming exhibitions, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/PryorGallery 

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

Roy Eugene Jones, 78, a resident of Columbia, TN, passed away Friday, April 24, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 12:00 pm until the service time at the funeral home.

And now, news from around the state…

New Bridgestone Arena (Tennessean)

Bridgestone Arena broke ground on its massive four-year, $750 million renovation on April 20, and now, Nashville Predators officials want fans to know exactly what's going on inside.

It's called Broadway 2030. This summer is the first of four phases of construction that will take place during every hockey off-season from 2026 to 2030. The project will be complete just in time for the 2030 Super Bowl that is reportedly to be hosted just across the Cumberland River at the new Nissan Stadium.

Once complete, the expanded Bridgestone will have 175,000 square feet in the arena, two adjoining towers that could become an office and a hotel, expanded retail options and a 60,000-square-foot rooftop that Bridgestone says will be "the largest rooftop on Broadway."

“This transformation is about delivering the next generation of Bridgestone Arena for the best fans in sports while honoring our role at the center of Broadway’s energy," Nashville Predators Chief Strategy Officer Kyle Clayton said. "By phasing the work over multiple summers, we can take on the most complex upgrades the right way, without interrupting the moments that matter most to Smashville.”

When officials first announced the project to The Tennessean in 2025, it had a $650 million budget, but now, that's gone up to $750 million, according to Bridgestone officials.

In phase one, Clayton said, the goal is to prime the arena for further construction and make sure that all of the spaces that will be inaccessible in future seasons have as little disruption as possible for fans.

Here's where they're starting:

• Upgraded security and mechanical improvements

• New escalators on the Demonbreun Street entrance

• Replacing the main staircase that will connect to all levels, including the suite level

• Concourse enhancements like new landing areas and new concessions offerings

• Expanding the ticket box at the Nissan SoBro Entrance, across the street from Music City Center.

The exterior Broadway-facing side of the building will go under construction in summer 2027, and during that time, the SoBro entrance will take on a lot more traffic than usual.

"These improvements directly respond to fan feedback calling for better circulation and ease of movement throughout the venue," a Bridgestone spokesperson said in a statement.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Now that this week's rainy weather has subsided, it's time to get out and roam the downtown square for another festive First Fridays.

First Fridays events will run from 5-8 p.m., with downtown streets shutting down for safer pedestrian traffic, as well as a slew of arts and crafts vendors, live music, food trucks and more.

Grinder's Switch Winery, 510 N. Garden St., will also be partnering with Bad Idea Brewing and Ollie & Finn's Counter for a First Fridays Block Party from 7-9 p.m., which will feature a performance by Golden Soul Revue.

This month's First Fridays theme is "Flashback Friday," encouraging visitors to dress up in their best 70s, 80s, 90s or early 2000s nostalgic fashion.