Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-19-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 19, 2026

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

Spring Hill Teen Honored for Heroism (MauryCountySource)

A Spring Hill teenager is being recognized for his quick thinking and lifesaving actions after helping save his father’s life during a medical emergency on Christmas Eve.

During Monday night’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, the Spring Hill Fire Department presented 16-year-old Dimitri Georgalos with the Phoenix Award for his actions on Dec. 24, 2025.

According to city officials, Dimitri’s father, Frank Georgalos, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and collapsed unconscious at their home. Despite having no formal CPR certification, Dimitri immediately began performing CPR while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Officials said the CPR provided by Dimitri helped sustain his father until personnel from the Spring Hill Fire Department and emergency medical services reached the scene.

The Phoenix Award is presented to responders and citizens whose actions contribute to a cardiac arrest patient achieving a return of circulation and arriving at the hospital with a pulse. Spring Hill Fire Department officials said Dimitri is only the fifth recipient of the award since it was established three years ago.

The City of Spring Hill praised Dimitri for his courage, composure, and determination during an extremely stressful situation, calling him an outstanding example of character, bravery, and community spirit.

City officials noted that Frank Georgalos, a local business owner and well-known member of the Spring Hill community, likely would not be alive today without his son’s heroic efforts.

Duck River Conservancy Celebrates Win (MSM)

Threatening storms Saturday evening hurried along the celebration event for the Duck River Conservancy’s recent victory with the river declared a class II pastoral scenic river, now protected by Tennessee law.

Spirits were not dampened by the rain that held off until the abbreviated end as the Duck River Conservancy gathered local political leaders and community advocates to recognize the work of several individuals.

Governor Bill Lee signed the river’s scenic protection into law on May 5, bringing one chapter of a long running state campaign to a close – one that will safeguard the river for generations to come.

The law ensures safeguards from development and other prohibited actions for the biodiverse life forms within its clear waters and supports a clean healthy river to anyone enjoying Duck life above the water.

Multiple Tennessee counties that reside along the Duck, have been engaged in a concerted effort where normal political divisions fall to the wayside for a common goal of protecting the vital Tennessee water source.

Bill sponsor and the most influential voice in the Tennessee General Assembly for the bill’s final hours, Representative Pat Marsh was acknowledged for his work in seeing the bill through to the final vote.

Though not in attendance, Senator Kerry Roberts was also recognized for his sponsorship of the version of the bill that passed through the Senate.

While speakers shared some of the important features of the river, they also noted, “The work has just started.”

This new chapter, referring to the next major concern for Duck River advocates, is supplying water for the nearly quarter of a million Tennesseans who depend on the river and the utility companies that help manage that need.

A total of 54 million gallons is pumped out of the Duck River daily, with utility companies saying that need will increase the pull to 73 million gallons per day.

Host Gary Baker, who is on the board of the conservancy, shared gratitude that the river was protected by scenic protections, but said, “In about 10 years, it will be a big scenic ditch” if further action isn’t taken.

“We can develop to our heart’s desire, but we must do it intelligently,” Baker said. He added that the touted 20-year timeline for reaching a critical water shortage falls sooner than that.

The need for more water can be expected in about half that time, Baker said. He noted with a pipeline, those familiar with the matter said it could be a 500-year fix, pumping as much as 60 million gallons a day back into the river.

“We need water pumping back in, nine years from now,” Baker said. “[The pipeline] has to be built.”

Baker stressed that those who have protected the river thus far bear the responsibility of carrying forward with the work to continue saving the river for future generations.  

Conservancy Chairman, Doug Jones said, “We brought the hammer and the leadership … but don’t forget, we’re not finished yet.”

Friends of the Duck board member and community leader in the charge to protect the Duck River, Sarah Gilliam was honored with a Stewardship Award by the Conservancy.

“I love this river, and I’m so glad I get to share this and enjoy it with you,” Gilliam said.

Marsh received a framed aerial photograph of his home located right on the Duck River.

Other awards included a framed copy of the bill that was passed along with a copy of the vote count and signatures from all who supported the bill.

“This wasn’t just me,” Marsh said, accepting his award. “This was a team effort; keep fighting; it’ll be worth it.”

Emergency Access Concerns Stall Development (MSM)

Plans for additional housing within the Arbor Valley Planned Unit Development (PUD) have been put on hold after Spring Hill leaders raised concerns about emergency access to two future phases of the development.

The Arbor Valley project has been under construction for several years and continues to move through various phases as it works to meet city requirements and development standards. This latest request focuses on revisions to Phases 7 and 8.

The applicant is seeking to increase Phase 7 to 67 single-family detached homes, replacing a previously approved mix of homes, villas, and cottages. Phase 8 would be revised to include 74 cottage and townhome units.

While the proposed redistribution of housing types drew little concern, the primary issue centered on emergency access. Under the revised plan, Phases 7 and 8 would be served by only one entrance and exit despite containing a combined 141 dwelling units.

Fire code requirements generally call for two separate fire access roads when developments exceed 30 dwelling units. As proposed, the development would not meet that standard.

To address the issue, the Fire Marshal suggested either constructing and connecting a secondary access road to Beechcroft Road or installing NFPA 13R sprinkler systems throughout Phases 7 and 8 while making roadway improvements along Wildberry Lane.

During discussion, Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer questioned the basis for the requirement and asked both the applicant and Fire Marshal to provide additional justification for the code interpretation and its application to the project.

Following extensive discussion, Fitterer made a motion to defer the item for one month, allowing staff and the applicant time to return with a clearer explanation of the requirement and potential solutions to address the emergency access concerns.

The Board approved the deferral, delaying a decision on the proposed phase revisions until further information can be presented.

(WKOM Audio 2:38)

Yesterday afternoon a ceremony honoring retiring General Sessions Judge Bobby Sands and the installation of his replacement, Scott Spears took place at the Maury County Judicial Center. With more is Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy…

Columbia Passes Pet Ordinance (CDH)

Columbia City Council is considering a new ordinance which would prohibit the sale, transfer, display and giveaway of dogs, cats and domestic rabbits in public outdoor spaces.

The first of two required readings for the ordinance was approved during the council's regular meeting this month, with the second and final reading expected to appear before a vote in July.

According to a city of Columbia staff report, the ordinance is intended to help reduce irresponsible breeding practices, while also lessening the burden on animal shelters and rescue organizations. This includes protecting the animals' overall health and safety, as well as preventing potential consumer fraud and reducing the spread of animal-to-human disease.

Meaghan Thiede, founder of animal advocacy group Laws Saving Paws, was the driving force in seeking the ordinance's passage.

"Of course, we have talked about how this will support and hopefully alleviate some of the strain on the [Maury County Animal] shelter, but just as importantly, it is going to help protect the members of our community," Thiede told council members at the meeting.

"We obviously love our animals and want to protect those people, but as we are learning in animal welfare, these issues don't exist in a vacuum, and what animals are experiencing and what pet owners are experiencing, those impacts are felt throughout entire communities."

"Giving away animals in the parking lot is just not the answer. We want to have them come face-to-face, have conversations about how we can help them and stop this from happening over and over," Maury County Animal Services Director Kim Raffauf said.

When discussion was brought back to council members, Ward 3 Councilwoman Cheryl Secrest expressed concerns about how the ordinance would be enforced, and if the animal shelter has taken steps to inform the public about the proposed restrictions.

"Everybody is usually receptive to it, they just don't know," Raffauf said.

Secrest also said she was concerned about if the ordinance banning the sale of animals in parking lots would lead some to seek other alternatives.

"One of the problems I have is, if we do pass this and they aren't allowed to give them away in a parking lot, they are going to find somewhere else to do it, or they are going to end up putting the puppies on the side of the road," Secrest said.

Raffauf said the ordinance allows for the option to bring these animals to the shelter.

"This way, it is easier for them to give them away," Raffauf said. "If we have an open-door communication for that, it is a win-win. The other thing is that everybody who goes [to these sellers], nine times out of 10, they can't afford these animals, and I usually end up with them later. We had a puppy we found in the Walmart parking lot three days ago.

"These people should not be getting them anyway, because they don't get them fixed, don't get them vaccinated. From a public safety aspect, we have to do something."

City of Columbia Adopts Budget (Press Release)

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Columbia City Council approved the City’s fiscal year 2026–2027 budget on final consideration. The adopted budget totals $84,446,601 across all funds and was approved without a property tax increase, while continuing to support and enhance essential City services.

The FY 2026–2027 budget reflects strategic, plan-driven investments across City departments, with a continued emphasis on supporting City employees. The budget includes a 4% salary increase for all personnel, helping strengthen the City’s ability to recruit and retain a talented workforce.

Mayor Chaz Molder stated, “The adoption of this budget represents a significant step forward for our city and reflects the continued growth and progress of our community. It demonstrates our commitment to responsible financial planning, strategic infrastructure investments, and delivering high-quality services to our residents. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff whose expertise and hard work make this process possible each year. Their efforts have produced a budget that addresses both current priorities and future opportunities. The investments outlined in this plan will support important improvements throughout the city, and I’m excited to see these projects take shape.”

The General Fund accounts for 61% of the total budget, with $51,444,978 allocated to the City’s primary operating fund. The FY 2027 General Fund budget includes a $1.5 million (3.3%) revenue increase driven by continued economic growth. The General Fund supports many of Columbia’s core services, including public works, parks, fire, police, and administration.

City Manager Tony Massey remarked, “This budget reflects a strong commitment to responsible financial management, operational excellence, and delivering the high-quality services our residents expect and deserve.”

The adopted budget also advances several major capital projects and initiatives. Nearly $92.7 million is allocated for the City’s FY 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The five-year CIP includes major multi-year projects such as the City’s annual contribution to the TDOT partnership project to widen Bear Creek, improvements at the Nashville Highway and Bear Creek Pike intersection, the Iron Bridge replacement project, technology and capital equipment replacements, wastewater treatment plant construction, pump station upgrades, and street resurfacing. FY 2027 CIP funding, as proposed, totals approximately $49.2 million with 23.3% of funds programmed in the Capital

Projects Fund and 53.6% programmed in the Wastewater (Sewer) Fund.

Assistant City Manager and CFO Thad Jablonski noted, “The adopted budget balances fiscal responsibility with meaningful investment in the community. With no changes to tax rates or fees, it maintains the City’s strong financial footing while advancing infrastructure improvements that support residents, businesses, and the services they rely on.”

To learn more and view the FY 2026–2027 Budget in Brief, visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

Saviya Morgan Transfers to South Carolina (CDH)

After entering the transfer portal following two seasons with Tennessee softball, Saviya Morgan will remain in the SEC.

Morgan announced she has committed to South Carolina.

"So excited to call South Carolina home," Morgan wrote June 18 on X.

As a freshman, Morgan started in 59 games, working her way into the leadoff spot in the first half of the season, hitting .340 with 48 runs, 14 RBIs and 25 stolen bases. The outfielder saw less of the field as a sophomore, starting in 10 of 33 appearances, while batting .257 with five RBIs, two doubles, 10 runs scored and four stolen bases.

One of those starts came in her hometown of Columbia as Tennessee defeated Austin Peay in the annual Midstate Classic.

Morgan set numerous records as a TSSAA softball star at Columbia Central in southern Middle Tennessee. She holds the TSSAA record for stolen bases in a season, with 75, while owning program records for career stolen bases (175), single-season batting average (.735), single-season runs (66) and career runs (148).

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

Mr. Ronald Everette Young, 81, of Pelham, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 7. A private graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Columbia, Tennessee. A memorial service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, June 21 at New Hope Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Mrs. Monnette Fulcher Bruner, 62, passed away Thursday, June 4 at Camden General Hospital. Memorial services will be conducted on Sunday, June 28 at 4:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 2:00 PM till the time of service at the funeral home.

Mrs. Helen Marie Jones Coble, 60, a resident of Santa Fe, TN, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, June 9. A Celebration of Life will be conducted on Sunday, June 28 at 2:00 PM at Santa Fe Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at the Church.

Robert Grey Scott of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on June 11, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia.

A private family graveside service will be at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

Blackburn Among Drone Targets (Tennessean)

Tennessee's U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn was one of the Congress members targeted in a failed plan to attack the White House grounds with explosives-carrying drones during the UFC Freedom 250 fight, according to complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of Southern Ohio.

Investigators arrested five individuals in connection with the plot after 19-year-old Tycen Proper’s mother tipped off local authorities. Nineteen individuals in online messaging groups discussed flying drones laden with explosives to the event, which would force evacuees into the range of snipers, according to the complaint.

"I got a possible target Marsha Blackburn is senator for Tennessee,” Proper wrote in a message on May 13. “She's taken money from the Israel pro Israel lobby and supports them.”

Blackburn said she found this anti-Israel rhetoric disturbing. 

“I think one of the things that is so chilling for all Americans is that you have people that have such vitriol in their hearts for individuals that support the nation of Israel and stand with Israel,” Blackburn said in an interview with Newsmax. 

Blackburn, who is running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in August, attended the UFC event with her grandson. She went to the event knowing that a suspect was in custody.

“So we went ahead with our plans for that day. But it is just so unsettling. And how unfortunate! This is America 250. We have the greatest country on the face of the earth,” Blackburn said. 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Country Music Hall of Fame announced a new exhibit, Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward, featuring Kenny Chesney.

The exhibit, which will be open from July 23, 2026, until June 2027, is included with museum admission.

The exhibit will include instruments, memorabilia, manuscripts, awards, photographs, and more.

Learn more by visiting www.countrymusichalloffame.org.