Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-11-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 11, 2026

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

Columbia Woman Arrested (MauryCountySource)

A routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 in Mt. Juliet led to the arrest of a woman wanted on multiple outstanding warrants, according to the Mt. Juliet Police Department.

Police said an officer stopped a Ford Focus on I-40 East near the Golden Bear Gateway exit after noticing the vehicle was displaying a tag registered to a Chrysler minivan.

During the investigation, the officer discovered the driver, a 37-year-old woman from Columbia, had been wanted out of Williamson County for more than four years on nine outstanding warrants.

Authorities said the warrants included charges of identity theft, forgery, theft of property and criminal simulation.

The woman was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Wilson County Jail.

Police said the arrest highlights the role proactive policing plays in identifying wanted individuals and maintaining public safety.

Tornado Siren Test (Press Release)

The Maury County Office of Emergency Management is advising the public that today, Monday, May 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM, the office will conduct a scheduled test of the newly installed outdoor tornado warning siren system. This is only a test — no action is required.

During the test, sirens will activate for a brief period. If you hear the sirens at this time, there is no emergency and no need to seek shelter.

The office of emergency management encourages all residents to take this opportunity to review your family's severe weather emergency plan.

They appreciate your cooperation and continued preparedness. 

Ogles Gets His Phone Returned by DOJ (Tennessean)

The Department of Justice will return U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles' phone nearly two years after seizing it as part of an investigation into campaign finance filings, Ogles' lawyers said April 5.

“From the day the FBI showed up, I said this investigation should never have happened and that the Biden DOJ had no right to rummage through a sitting congressman’s legislative communications," Ogles, a Republican representing parts of Nashville in Congress, said in a news release from Litson PLLC, one of his attorneys' law firms. "Today, the Justice Department has effectively acknowledged I was right."

The DOJ will also destroy any information it obtained from Ogles' phone and Google account, his lawyers said. Ogles has not been charged with any criminal campaign finance violations.

The FBI executed search warrants and confiscated Ogles' phone and Google account the day after he won the Republican primary in August 2024. Ogles asked a federal judge to order the return of his property, arguing that his communications were protected from seizure by the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause. That clause gives lawmakers immunity from civil or criminal liability for legislative actions.

Ogles' attorneys on April 5 notified the federal court that the DOJ agreed to turn over his property. They wrote that the government advised them of this during "discussions with the Office of the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice."

Attorney Alex Little said in the news release, “Congressman Ogles was right on the law from day one, but he had to fight for almost two years at great personal and financial expense to prove it.”

Ogles was represented by Little, Zack Lawson and John Ross Glover of Litson PLLC, John Rowley and John Irving of SECIL Law PLLC, and David Raybin of Raybin & Weissman P.C.

The DOJ did not immediately return an email asking the department to confirm the agreement with Ogles.

Columbia State Graduation (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College celebrated 333 degree and certificate candidates as they crossed the stage during the spring commencement ceremonies in the Webster Athletic Center on Saturday, May 9. In total, 617 students are anticipated to graduate in Spring 2026, which marks the record for the largest number of graduates in Columbia State’s history.

Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, opened the ceremony by welcoming degree and certificate candidates, faculty, staff and guests.

“Today is a special day for several reasons,” Smith said. “First and foremost, it is a day of celebration of accomplishments. It is a day of recognition that these soon to be graduates set a goal and accomplished it.”

Smith introduced Kayla DuBois as the guest speaker for the 9 a.m. Spring Commencement Ceremony.

DuBois began her speech by reflecting on how far she and her fellow graduates had come to make it to commencement.

“In many ways, today is not an ending at all,” she said. “It is proof. Proof of the late nights, the early mornings, the missed sleep, the hard lessons, the unexpected setbacks and the determination it took to keep going anyway.”

She then looked back on the start of her journey at Columbia State, wondering if she belonged or would fit in. And despite the doubts, she persisted and found a sense of belonging.

“As it turns out, this journey was never about being ready,” DuBois said. “It was about having the perseverance to keep going when things got hard, and the willingness to keep showing up, even on the days we questioned ourselves. It was about learning that confidence doesn’t always come first. Sometimes confidence comes later—after the failures, after the long nights and after the moments when you almost convince yourself you couldn’t do it.”

She also emphasized how roadblocks and struggles affected all graduates in one way or another. Overcoming difficult tests, courses or life struggles doesn’t come at convenient times, but how students respond and overcome those issues is what defines them.

“Sometimes perseverance looks like studying one more hour when you are exhausted,” she said. “Sometimes it looks like walking into class when you feel defeated. Sometimes it looks like asking for help. Sometimes it looks like failing, learning, and having the courage to try again. And sometimes, perseverance simply looks like refusing to quit. And still—we kept going.”

DuBois ended her speech by thanking faculty, staff, family, friends and other supporters of each student’s journey, as well as looking to the future and the opportunities that lie ahead of each graduate. And stepping into countless different career fields and occupations as changemakers and people willing to work to make life better for others.

“As we leave here today, we’re stepping into a world that needs people who are willing to show up, work hard and make a difference. Not as people who have all the answers—but people who are willing to keep learning, keep growing and keep moving forward. People who understand that success isn’t about never struggling—but about continuing to move forward despite all of it. Because remember, not long ago, many of us were sitting in our cars, wondering if we belonged here. Wondering if we were enough. And today, we know the answer to that question. We did belong here. Not because the road was easy. Not because we never doubted ourselves. But because we kept going. And sometimes, that is the greatest achievement of all.”

Following DuBois’ speech, Smith introduced Alaya Walton as the guest speaker for the 12 p.m. Spring Commencement Ceremony.

Walton started her speech by looking back on her own journey from feeling uncertain to later growing self-assured after transferring from a four-year university to Columbia State. She shared that she initially struggled with imposter syndrome and self-doubt, but found opportunity, support and a sense of community right here.

“My experiences here at Columbia State reflect that of opportunity, a clean slate, affordability, and community,” she said. “If I hadn’t transferred to Columbia State, I would never have joined Phi Theta Kappa, taken the chance to run for chapter president, and helped formulate our Honors in Action Project and College Project. I would never have been to the Tennessee State Capitol as part of our school delegation for the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature. I never would have had the opportunity to stand before you today and speak. Being a Charger helped me to not only refine my studying muscle, but it also gave me essential vitamins in confidence.”

Walton also highlighted the impact of hearing astronaut Amanda Nguyen speak at a national conference, where the idea of “radical optimism” inspired her to rethink her mindset and pursue ambitious goals despite uncertainty.

“Nguyen’s story not only resonated with me because of her historic space journey, but two words struck me in her speech: ‘radical optimism,’” Walton said. “They’re also two things I struggle with. The words ‘impossible’ and ‘unlikely’ have been part of my vocabulary for a while now. But hearing those words deeply resonated with how to reframe my thinking.”

In her message to graduates, Walton urged her peers to pursue opportunities, not let fear limit their potential and remain open to growth. She emphasized that while the future may be uncertain, success comes from taking initiative and continuing to try.

“Many of us will most likely transfer after our time here. Many of us are first-generation college students. Many will go into the workforce after graduation. My message to you is to continue to seize every opportunity that comes your way.”

She ended her speech by challenging graduates to approach obstacles with optimism and resilience, encouraging them to shape their own paths and make the most of every opportunity ahead. 

Closing the 9 a.m. ceremony, the alumni induction of new graduates was presented by Shania Dubbert, nursing instructor and Columbia State alumna, and Katie King, Spring 2026 graduate. Closing the 12 p.m. ceremony, the alumni induction of new graduates was presented by Yolanda Neal, college success advisor and Columbia State alumna, and Taelor Deaton, Spring 2026 graduate.

King’s Daughter’s School Grant (WKOM Audio 2:46)

On Friday, Tennessee Valley Authority in partnership with Columbia Power and Water Systems has awarded over $200,000 to King’s Daughter’s School. With more on the announcement is Front Porch Radio’s Drake Pugh…

Besides King’s Daughter’s, three campuses of Columbia Academy each received $10,000 grants.

Maury Regional Earns Another “A” from Leapfrog (Press Release)

 Maury Regional Medical Center has again earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade for the spring 2026 period from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization focused on patient safety.

Leapfrog assigns letter grades ranging from “A” to “F” to general hospitals nationwide based on more than 30 evidence-based patient safety measures focused on errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals utilize to prevent harm.

“Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of those who entrust us with their care,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “Earning top marks in hospital safety is a natural byproduct of a culture rooted in continuous improvement and rigorous clinical standards. I am honored to be a part of an incredible team of physicians and health care professionals, whose dedication to best practices makes this level of safety a reality for our community every day.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the nation’s only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that affect more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public to view. The grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. 

“Receiving an ‘A’ Grade shows that Maury Regional Medical Center is deeply committed to protecting patients from harm,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We commend the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff and volunteers for the role each played in earning this distinction.”

To learn more about Maury Regional Health’s commitment to quality — including accreditations, certifications and recognitions — visit MauryRegional.com/Quality. For more information about the Hospital Safety Grade, including details on individual hospital grades and rankings, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

John Rose Visits Columbia (WKOM Audio 2:41)

On Friday, Gubernatorial candidate John Rose paid a campaign visit to Columbia. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy caught up with the candidate and learned more about how his campaign is shaping up across the state…

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

Larry Houston Gilliam, 82, died Friday, May 8, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his family.

Graveside services will be conducted Monday, May 11, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Rock Springs Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mary Jane Scott Sparkman, 66, a lifelong resident of Columbia, passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with David Morris officiating. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

And now, news from around the state…

Congressional Redistricting (Press Release)

 The Tennessee Democratic Party has shifted its fight against Tennessee Republican lawmakers' new Congressional map into court, hoping to block the map from taking effect before the upcoming midterm elections. 

The Democratic Party and candidates and voters in Davidson, Maury and Shelby counties sued the state a day after Gov. Bill Lee signed into law a new map that eliminates Tennessee’s only Black-majority district.  

The lawsuit, filed May 8 in the U.S. District of Middle Tennessee, seeks an immediate injunction to stop the maps from going into effect prior to congressional primaries on Aug. 6. Lee, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett and coordinator of elections Mark Goins are the defendants.  

A spokesperson for Hargett and Goins' offices declined to comment. Lee's office was not immediately available to comment.

The new maps “and the August 6, 2026, election calendar and rules will wreak chaos on the electorate, will cause significant voter confusion, will impede the ability of state and local election officials,” the complaint said. “This poses a concrete risk of disenfranchising Plaintiffs and severely burdens their right to vote.” 

Democrats who are running for Congress in the Aug. 6 primaries across different seats — 9th Congressional District candidates Rep. Steve Cohen and state Rep. Justin Pearson, 5th Congressional District candidate Chaz Molder, who’s the mayor of Columbia, and 6th Congressional District candidate Chaney Mosely — and residents Vicki Hale, Earlie Fisher, Telise Turner and Hedy Weinberg are plaintiffs in the case. Their case is the second legal challenge to the new maps following a different legal challenge filed May 7 by the NAACP of Tennessee. 

The lawsuit invokes, on several occasions, a similar case that played out several years ago. 

In 2022, Republican lawmakers redrew state Senate districts, prompting a challenge backed by the Tennessee Democratic Party that argued the new district map was unconstitutional. A lower court sided with the Democratic officials, ordering state lawmakers to redraw the maps before the election. Then, on April 13, 2022, the Tennessee Supreme Court found that redrawing the maps was too close to an election. 

Republican lawmakers during this special session passed bills to extend the deadline for new candidates to qualify until May 15. 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Nashville Riverboats is proud to announce its arrival in Music City with the debut of the first of two historic riverboats, bringing authentic riverboat heritage back to the heart of downtown Nashville. The company has launched year-round service aboard its inaugural vessel, The Capitol, operating daily from Riverfront Park.

“Nashville was a river city long before it became known to the world as Music City,” said Troy Manthey, President and CEO of Nashville Riverboats. “For most of Nashville’s history, the Cumberland was a working river, with shipping and industrial uses taking precedence over tourism and recreation. With the East Bank redevelopment project underway and increased attention to our riverscape, this is the perfect moment to bring riverboats back to downtown. We look forward to telling the river’s story and showcasing Nashville’s best views.”

A second vessel, Steamer Nashville, will be added to the fleet in late fall 2026. Steamer Nashville is a historic riverboat and a rare gem of American maritime history, one of only three operating Western river steamboats, with an authentic steam engine that dates to 1915.

For more information on cruise schedules, private bookings, or the grand-opening event, please visit www.NashvilleRiverboats.com.