Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-8-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 8, 2025

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

We start with local news…

City of Columbia Seeks Help with Arson Investigation (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is requesting the public’s help in identifying those responsible for an act of arson that occurred on April 16, 2025, at New Life Ministries of Columbia, located at 317 East 18th Street.

Following a thorough investigation, Special Agent Fire Investigators with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), working in coordination with Columbia Fire & Rescue and the Columbia Police Department, have determined the fire was intentionally set.

The TBI is now seeking information from the public to assist in identifying the individual(s) responsible for this criminal act. Anyone with knowledge about this incident is encouraged to contact the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017.

Calls to the hotline can remain anonymous. Individuals who provide information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.

“This act of arson is not only a crime against property but also an attack on a place of worship and community gathering,” said Columbia Fire Chief Chris Cummins. “We urge anyone with information to come forward so we can ensure justice is served and continue to protect the safety and well-being of our residents.”

The City of Columbia values the partnership and coordinated efforts of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Columbia Fire & Rescue, and the Columbia Police Department in investigating this incident, and remains committed to supporting all efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

Gov. Lee Visits Columbia (WKOM Audio 1:42)

Yesterday, Governor Bill Lee was in Columbia to help promote small business week. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy caught up with the governor on the Columbia Square and spoke to him about the importance of small businesses to the local and state economy.

Spring Hill Opens New Police Station (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has officially relocated its operations to a newly constructed headquarters at 800 Hathaway Boulevard in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Located off Port Royal Road, the facility can be accessed by turning onto Old Port Royal Road at the intersection between Walgreens and McDonald’s, then continuing to Hathaway Boulevard.

The new headquarters represents a major investment in public safety infrastructure. In 2023, the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) approved a $37.5 million contract with Hensel Phelps Construction Company to build the new police facility. The 60,000-square-foot building provides expanded space and updated resources for law enforcement personnel.

As always, residents should dial 911 for emergencies. For non-emergency matters, the department can be reached at (931) 486-2632.

To view the full timeline of this project and others, visit www.springhilltn.org.

Old Stone Creamery Considered for National Register (MSM)

The State Review Board will meet on Friday, May 16, 2025, to examine Tennessee’s proposed nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, including a Maury County site.

Beginning at 9 a.m., the meeting will be held at the Tennessee Historical Commission, located at 2941 Lebanon Pike in Nashville, as well as virtually. Meeting information will be available on the THC State Review Board webpage.

The Board will vote on four nominations from across the state. Those nominations that are found to meet the criteria will be sent for final approval to the National Register of Historic Places at the U.S. Department of the Interior. The nominations are: Omohundro Water Filtration Complex District, Davidson County; Old Stone Creamery, Maury County; Ralph’s Donut Shop, Putnam County; and Earles Drug Store, Sullivan County.

“A few weeks ago, our National Register staff visited the Old Stone Creamery in Spring Hill. Built around 1870, the building was used for testing of butter fat percentage in milk,” the Tennessee Historical Commission stated on its Facebook page.

The State Review Board is composed of 12 people with backgrounds in American history, architecture, archaeology or related fields. It also includes members representing the public. The National Register program was authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The Tennessee Historical Commission administers the program in Tennessee.

The public is invited to attend the meeting. For additional information, please contact Rebecca Schmitt with the Tennessee Historical Commission at (615) 770-1086, or at National.Register@tn.gov.

Schools Awarded by Sec. of State (CDH)

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett recently presented Hampshire Unit School, Mt. Pleasant High School, and Santa Fe Unit School with the prestigious Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level Award for registering 100 percent of their eligible students to vote.   

“Achieving 100% voter registration clearly shows Hampshire Unit School’s, Mt. Pleasant High School’s, and Santa Fe Unit School’s commitment to being committed citizens,” said Secretary Hargett. “We appreciate these students, the faculty, and staff at these schools, and the Maury County Election Commission for their continued partnership in increasing voter registration within their communities.”   

Forty-two Tennessee schools earned the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Award, registering 100% of eligible students. Eighteen schools earned the Anne Dallas Dudley Silver Award, registering at least 85%.   

“Congratulations to the senior classes of Santa Fe Unit School, Hampshire Unit School, and Mt. Pleasant High School,” said Maury County Administrator of Elections Chris McKinlay. “I am proud to have participated in their receiving the Anne Dallas Dudley Award because it shows me that the next generation cares about their community, state, and nation.” 

The Anne Dallas Dudley Awards are open to all Tennessee public, charter/private school, and home school associations. This award is named in honor of renowned Tennessee suffragist Anne Dallas Dudley, who helped lead the successful effort to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. On Aug. 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th and final state needed to give women the right to vote.   

For more information about the Anne Dallas Dudley Awards and other civic engagement efforts offered through the Secretary of State’s office, please visit sos.tn.gov/civics.

Spring Hill Cowgirl Will Bear Flag (MSM)

A Spring Hill cowgirl will be playing a small part in the upcoming Franklin Rodeo.

Lacy Kincaid, age 12, is a flag girl at the rodeo, meaning she carries sponsor flags on horseback during each night of the rodeo.

The daughter of Brad and Linsey Kincaid, she has been a flag girl for the rodeo the past two years. And for two years, when she was five and six years old, she was an exhibition barrel racer at the rodeo.

Lacy is cowgirl to the core. She competes in the Tennessee Junior High School Rodeo Association in the barrel racing, breakaway roping, team roping, ribbon roping and pole bending. She finished the 2023-24 rodeo season in the top four in her events, qualifying her to compete at the National Junior High School Finals Rodeo in Des Moines, Iowa in June 2024.

She’s not only a junior high school rodeo competitor, but she’s president of the state association as well.

As a flag girl, Lacy will ride her seven-year-old sorrel horse named Rip.

“He’s my buddy,” she said. “We can’t tell the other horses, but he’s probably my favorite.”

Rip is a good flag horse because he does well with loud noises in indoor arenas, like cheering crowds, laser shows, flapping flags and fireworks.

“He’s very broke and laid back,” Lacy said. “And he doesn’t care about anything. Last year, they shot off fireworks in front of him, and he just stood there.”

Brad, Linsey and Lacy, along with younger sister Laney, have never missed a year of the Franklin Rodeo. Brad enjoys watching the team roping; Linsey, Lacy and Laney like watching the barrel racing.

A few months ago, Lacy was chosen to be on the Priefert Junior Elite team, a group of students who are selected to serve as an ambassador for the Priefert Manufacturing brand, which makes rodeo and cattle working facilities.

As a Priefert Junior Elite team member, Lacy attended a three-day seminar, focused on leadership skills and character building. A seventh-grade student at Battle Creek Middle School, she has a 3.8 grade point average.

Lacy loves being part of the Franklin Rodeo.

“It’s a hometown rodeo,” she said, “and the crowd is really big and I like watching it.”

Nine other girls were selected as flag girls for this year’s Franklin Rodeo. They are Maggie Anderton, Lauren Barrett, Hannah Bennett, Lucy Bingham, Mary Beth Brennan, Sarah Evans, Savannah Glinstra, Parker Haralson and Bailey Kremling.

This year’s Franklin Rodeo is May 15-17 with a start time of 7 p.m. each night. Tickets are on sale online at FranklinRodeo.com. Tickets range in price from $25-$45.

Rev War Traveling Exhibit (Press Release)

The Tenassee Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring “The American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibition,” an innovative pop-up exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration, technology and unique artifacts and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation

Curated by the American Battlefield Trust, the exhibition will be on display from May 16 - 25, at the Maury County Public Library located at 211 West 8th Street in Columbia

The exhibit hours are Monday - Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Historic Marker Unveiling (Press Release)

The community is invited to attend an unveiling ceremony for historical markers honoring the Memorial Building and Viscaya naval gun.

The event will take place on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 3:30 PM at the Memorial Building, 308 W 7th Street, Columbia, TN

Constructed in 1909 as Columbia’s original Post Office, the Memorial Building has played a vital role in the city’s civic and cultural life for over a century. It has served as a public library, Chamber of Commerce, and home to veteran services and other local organizations. Its legacy as a public gathering space continues today.

The site also features a 14 cm Hontoria quickfire gun from the Spanish cruiser Viscaya, which sank during the Battle of Santiago in the Spanish-American War. This rare artifact is one of only eight such guns that were aboard the ship. It has been displayed in numerous locations around Columbia.

Mt. Pleasant Touch-A-Truck Event (Press Release)

The Mount Pleasant Main Street is excited to announce its upcoming Touch-A-Truck event, taking place on Friday, June 7th at 10:00 AM at the library grounds at 200 Hay Long Ave Mount Pleasant, TN. This fun, family-friendly event invites children of all ages to get an up-close look at a wide variety of vehicles — from emergency response units and construction equipment to service trucks and more!

Kids will have the chance to meet the people who operate these vehicles, learn about how they work, and even climb aboard for a hands-on experience. It’s a fantastic way to spark curiosity and learning through play and exploration.

“We’re thrilled to offer a day of discovery and fun for the families in our community,” said Mount Pleasant Library Director April White. “Touch-A-Truck events are always a big hit with children, and we’re grateful for the support that makes it possible.”

Maury Alliance Gives Back to Schools (Press Release)

Maury Alliance is excited to announce a special opportunity to support our schools during Teacher Appreciation Week through the Local First Gift Card program!

From April 28 – May 9, a portion of every Local First Gift Card purchased will be donated to the school that buys the most cards.

Here’s How It Works:

1. Purchase a Local First Gift Card

2. Select your school at checkout (online orders can select during pickup)

3. The school with the most purchases will receive a donation!

This is a simple way to give back to our educators and support local businesses at the same time. Please help spread the word—share this opportunity with your school's parents, teachers, clubs, and community groups to boost your school's chances!

Thank you for supporting local and making a difference in our schools!

Learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

Leadership Workshop (Press Release)

Maury Alliance is hosting a leadership workshop. Join Chris Coyne, President of Modeof8™ Leadership and Co-owner/CFO of Muletown Coffee LLC, for a transformative half-day experience designed to equip you with the essential leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s workplace.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

TIME: 8:00 AM – Noon

WHERE: Maury Alliance Classroom 106 W. 6th Street

COST: $499 (includes coaching follow-up + materials + books + lunch)

What You’ll Gain:

This isn’t your typical lecture. Expect interactive dialogue, small-group discussion, and actionable insights on the four foundational leadership skills:

• Emotional Intelligence – More than a soft skill—it’s the foundation for trust and success.

• Expectation Management – Clarify context and needs for stronger communication.

• Mentoring vs. Coaching – Learn the difference and when to use each for impact.

• Team Dynamics – Avoid the traps that hold teams back and learn how to unlock next-level performance.

Who Should Attend?

Whether you're new to leadership or a seasoned pro, this experience is for YOU. Come ready to engage, share, and grow alongside others in a dynamic, collaborative setting.

For more information, visit www.mauryalliance.com.

Exhibit at CSCC (Press Release)

Columbia State’s Pryor Art Gallery is set to host an art exhibit showcasing the talent of Maury County students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The free exhibit will be open to the public from Monday, April 21, to Friday, May 9.

The gallery will be open from Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 am. - 4 p.m.

"Our passionate K-12 art instructors are thrilled to showcase their students' unique and inspiring creations," said Gabriel Trius, Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery curator.

The Pryor Art Gallery is in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.

For more information about the exhibition, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/PryorGallery or Facebook at ColumbiaStatePAG.

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

Mildred Hartsfield, 92, a longtime resident of Columbia and an artist of note, died Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Goldton Assisted Living and Memory Care in Spring Hill.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

And now, news from around the state…

Statehood Day (Press Release)

To celebrate Tennessee’s 229th Birthday one day early, the Tennessee State Library & Archives, the Tennessee State Museum, and Bicentennial Mall State Park are hosting free, family-friendly events as part of the 2025 Statehood Day Celebration on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

 “Statehood Day at the Library & Archives provides a unique opportunity for visitors to view Tennessee’s three original constitutions,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “These documents remain the foundation of our modern form of government, and they are only on display once a year at this celebration. We encourage all to join us for a day filled with enjoyable activities.” 

 Statehood Day Celebration events at the Tennessee State Library & Archives begin at 10:00 a.m. Tennessee’s three priceless original constitutions will be presented, displayed, and guarded by members of the Highway Patrol’s Honor Guard during the opening ceremony at 11:00 a.m. The Library & Archives will also host living history interpreters and other family-friendly activities throughout the day, and food trucks will be stationed nearby. Behind-the-scenes tours, including stops at the robotic retrieval system and blast freezer, begin at 11:30 a.m. Tour space is limited, and reservations may be made on the day of the event. The day concludes at 2:00 p.m.  

 “The staff at the Library & Archives, the State Museum, and Bicentennial Mall State Park have done an incredible job planning a tremendous celebration for our 229th birthday,” said Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist Jamie Ritter. “We hope families from across Tennessee join us for a fun, educational, and historic celebration on the Bicentennial Mall State Park Campus.”

 The Tennessee State Museum will open at 10:00 a.m. to the public and offer highlight tours, Storytime with reigning Miss Tennessee Carley Vogel, period games on the front lawn, and a cupcake celebration. Highlight Tours will be provided at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Vogel will read in the Children’s Gallery at 10:30 a.m. The cupcake celebration, which will include Vogel reading the Tennessee State poem, “Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee” by Commander William Porter Lawrence, will begin at noon in the Museum’s Grand Hall. 

 “The state’s commitment to its history takes center stage here at the foot of Capitol Hill, with Bicentennial Mall, the Library & Archives, and State Museum all connected on one campus,” said Ashley Howell, executive director of the Tennessee State Museum. “If you’re interested in Tennessee history, come see us. Tennessee Statehood Day is our annual opportunity to showcase that commitment and the valuable partnership between our three institutions. We look forward to having everyone join us.”

 Park rangers will also offer a guided tour of the Bicentennial State Park at 10:00 a.m. 

 To commemorate the day, pick up your “Passport to Tennessee History.” Stop by the Tennessee State Library & Archives, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Visitor’s Center at Bicentennial Mall State Park. Get your book stamped at all locations to receive 10 percent off at the Bicentennial Mall and Tennessee State Museum gift shops.

 For more information or a schedule of the day’s events at each location, visit: https://www.tnvacation.com

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Maury County Parks and Rec is hosting the perfect event for families with young children.

The Hike and Seek event taking place on Wednesday, May 14th, is a slow-paced, sensory-filled nature walk designed for young explorers and their grown-ups! Hike & Seek is all about noticing the small wonders of the outdoors through playful scavenger hunts and hands-on discovery.

The program takes place at 10am at Yanahli Park. During this program, families will go on a shape-hunting adventure and use their senses to trace, touch, and discover patterns all around us.

Ages: 3+ *Parent/Guardian (18+) must be present during program

Note: Participants will be walking on an unpaved nature trail for about 1/2-mile.

Date: Wednesday, May 14 | 10:00am

Location: Yanahli Park | Meet at Trailhead

Address: 922 Iron Bridge Rd. Columbia, TN 38401

This is a FREE program, however, pre-registration is encouraged: https://secure.rec1.com/TN/maury-county-tn/catalog

Questions? Call 931-375-6103 or e-mail emcclain@maurycounty-tn.gov

Dress for the weather, wear comfy shoes, and bring plenty of water—nature is best enjoyed when you’re prepared!