Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-3-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 3, 2026

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

Tornado Siren Test (MauryCountySource)

As part of the City’s ongoing emergency preparedness efforts, tornado siren tests are now scheduled to occur on the first Saturday of each month at 1:00 PM.

Future tornado siren testing dates and times will be announced in advance on the City of Columbia’s official social media channels and at ColumbiaTN.gov.

The tornado sirens are activated during National Weather Service issued tornado warnings and in specific areas where a threat has been identified. Because the sirens are designed as an outdoor warning system, they may not be heard indoors.

Residents are encouraged to use multiple methods to receive emergency notifications.

To help keep the community informed, the City offers the free Hyper-Reach emergency alert system, which delivers severe weather and emergency notifications directly to mobile phones and landlines.

New General Sessions Judge Chosen (MSM)

The Maury County Commission appointed a replacement for longtime Maury County General Sessions Judge Bobby Sands at its meeting on May 18.

The commission also voted to ask the State of Tennessee for a Columbia Dam feasibility study at the same meeting.

The commission appointed Scott Speer, an attorney with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s office, to replace Sands, who has opted for a slightly early retirement after presiding over General Sessions since 2005.

“I know I’ve got big shoes to fill [in place of] Judge Sands,” Speer told the commission after the vote. “I can make you one promise: I will treat this position as it should be treated, as one of service and not of power.”

“Other than Judge Sands, I would dare say there’s no other attorney that’s spent more hours in General Sessions Court in Maury County than Scott has,” said District Attorney General Brent Cooper, Speer’s former boss. “The only downside to you all appointing him, is what you’ve done to my office.”

“I’m not looking forward to arguing in front of him, but I know it will always be a just decision,” joked Commissioner Jerry Bridenbaugh, himself an attorney.

The county commission also appointed Jonathon Dye and Giles Rankin to the Regional Planning Commission, replacing Peder Jensen and Bradley Wooldridge after they resigned in early May. The commission also recognized vacancies on the boards of Education (one empty seat in District 2, to be filled by election in August), Public Utilities and the county library system.

Commissioners also voted to buy a $400,000 scoreboard for the Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Maury County Park. Parks Department head Al Ray told the Health & Environment Committee that such a scoreboard could bring annual revenues of $80,000-100,000, paying for itself via advertising and sponsorships. Permission was also given to the Visitor’s Bureau to sell $100 bricks for the walkway around the Historic Maury County Courthouse, that is currently being renovated, which can be engraved with names chosen by the purchasers.

The commission heard a report on the county’s key performance indicators from Travis Groth, vice president of Economic Development for Maury Alliance. Groth explained that the Alliance asks three questions about Maury County, beyond the traditional metrics of job creation and capital investment: “Is Maury County growing? Is Maury County growing wealthier? And is Maury County developing [competitive] talent?”

The Alliance has found some answers in the state-provided data from the last five years. In that timeframe, Maury County’s population has grown 16 percent and its real GDP by 37.3 percent, outperforming the state of Tennessee by almost double and the United States by more than double. In the same time frame assessed property values have risen by 79.4 percent, retail sales by 35.9 percent, incomes by 31.4 percent and the civilian labor force by 18.1 percent — the last tripling state labor force growth, which Groth said, makes Maury “very attractive to employers.”

“Maury County has outperformed the Nashville MSA and the state of Tennessee, which are no slouches themselves,” Groth summed up. “That’s bringing increased revenues to the community and allowing it to invest in enhancements like the justice center, the courthouse, the libraries and the airport.”

County Reassessment and What It Means to Property Owners (MSM)

Main Street Maury recently sat down with Bobby Daniels, the property assessor for Maury County, to talk about the property value reassessments that his department published for all properties across the county. Daniels explained how county assessor and the state Division of Property Assessments arrived at their conclusions — and what the reassessments mean for your pocketbook.

Will your property taxes rise?

Daniels and other local officials want Maury County property owners to know, first and foremost, that their taxes will not go up in direct proportion to the increase in their property values.

Daniels said that the total assessed value of all properties in Maury County increased by 43.17 percent from 2025 to 2026.

To calculate the effect on their own property taxes, people should compare the whole county’s rate of appreciation to that of their own property. If a person’s property valuation went up by more than 43.17 percent, they should expect an increase in their property tax bill from the previous year, but if it went up by 43.17 percent or less, they should be billed less.

The reason why, Daniels said, is because state of Tennessee requires property reassessments to be “revenue-neutral” for the governments collecting them. Whether total assessed value goes up or down, a government must collect the same amount of revenue from existing properties in 2026 as it did in 2025; the only new revenue allowed comes from new construction and improvements that weren’t billed the previous year.

“The county and municipalities can’t benefit off the value change during a reappraisal… If property values started declining, the offset would be a higher tax rate,” Daniels said. “Revenue neutral[ity applies to] the existing book of business.”

To neutralize property tax revenues in Maury County, the Tennessee Board of Equalization has given the county and municipal governments new Certified Tax Rates. Maury County’s would be dropped from $1.91 per $100 to $1.369, Columbia’s from $0.8251 to $0.6068, Spring Hill’s from $0.739 to $0.6476, and Mount Pleasant’s from $1.69 to $1.2426.

The governments will have to adopt new rates by vote; if they wish to exceed the Certified Tax Rate, T.C.A. § 67-5-1701 requires them to advertise their intentions and hold a public hearing. City Manager Tony Massey has already announced the city of Columbia’s intention to do so in June.

How to contest an evaluation

If a person sincerely believes that their property assessment is inaccurate, Daniels and his staff encourage them to file for a reassessment.

“[Do some research and ask], ‘Is the probability of it selling for this value real or not?’ If it’s too high, you have rights,” Daniels recommended. “You can come in [to our office] for an informal review, and if we’re not able to lower if for you, you have a right to go before the Maury County Board of Equalization that goes into session June 1.”

A property owner wishing to challenge an evaluation should first send an email to the Assessor’s Office, at rea26@maurycounty-tn.gov, and expect a reply within two or three days. Property appraisers will investigate their claims and search neighborhood sales, to see if the valuation should be lowered; if the claimant believes their re-evaluation is still too high, they can go before the Board of Equalization starting June 1.

“Be patient,” Daniels asked people. “We’ll get back to you.”

Assessment methods and trends

When the Maury County Property Assessor’s office conducts “mass appraisals” of properties, the first factor they take into account is the data from “qualified sales” in a given neighborhood. Qualified sales must be reviewed by assessors, involve two willing parties, and be exposed to the open market. Unqualified sales include foreclosures, auctions, owner-financed properties, friends-and-family discounts and sales that bundle significant personal property together with the real estate.

To evaluate a single property, the appraisers first refer to the data from sales in the same neighborhood, then for sold properties with similar traits and improvements. The most important factors in evaluation are the property’s location, lot size, and the size and exterior features of its buildings; other considerations include the buildings’ age, build quality and proximity to amenities.

Mobile homes are the property type that’s appreciated the most since the last assessment; the second-best investment was commercial properties, especially those on the downtown squares and main thoroughfares. Commercial buildings and housing alike appreciate all the more steeply with proximity to downtowns and their increasing amenities.

Daniels stated emphatically that, contrary to some accusations, his office isn’t trying to raise new tax revenue or force anyone out of their home, apartment or commercial space by arbitrarily raising its valuation. To do so would break the law, specifically T.C.A. § 67-5-1601, and he believes that even with the increase in assessed value, the county still isn’t exorbitantly expensive.

“Maury County is still an affordable county to live in when you compare it to other places, and our tax rates are well below some other counties,” he said.

Sloan Jewelry (WKOM Radio 1:42)

Yesterday, Sloan Jewelry in Columbia held their grand opening. Front Porch Radio’s Drake Pugh stopped by the ribbon cutting and spoke to proprietors Sonny and Stacey Hobbs…

Mayoral Forum (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance on July 9th at 5:30pm to hear from the two Maury County Mayoral candidates: Sheila Butt and Gabe Howard. This moderated Q&A session with the candidates will give attendees an opportunity to learn more about each candidate and their vision for the future of Maury County. If you would like to submit a question for consideration, please send them to Alyssa at atate@mauryalliance.com. This event is open to the public and free to attend!

Doors open at 5pm, and the program will begin promptly at 5:30pm.

Mt. Pleasant Defers Zoning Overhaul (MSM)

The proposed overhaul of Mount Pleasant’s zoning ordinance drew concern from both city commissioners and residents, ultimately leading officials to defer the item until next month. 

The proposed ordinance change would completely repeal and replace Mount Pleasant’s current zoning ordinance in an effort to modernize land use regulations and better align development standards with the city’s long-term planning goals. 

The proposed change comes as a recommendation by the Mount Pleasant Planning Commission following a May 12 public hearing and includes several major changes. Among those changes are the creation of a new Large Lot Residential and agriculture zoning district, the establishment of a Planned Unit Development overlay district and allowing accessory dwelling units in R1 Low Density Residential zones. 

Additional proposed changes include revising the R3 High Density Residential district description, reducing certain permitted uses within the Light Industrial district, updating application fees and reorganizing ordinance language, tables and references for clarity. The proposal would also remove sections related to irrigation, landscaping, screening and tree preservation from the ordinance appendix. 

Several commissioners voiced concerns during the discussion, saying portions of the proposal remained unclear and required further review before moving forward. 

The first reading of the proposed ordinance change ended in a 2-2 tie. Commissioner Mike Davis, who voted against the measure, then moved that the issue be reconsidered and deferred to next month for additional discussion. 

Meanwhile, commissioners approved the first reading of another ordinance, which would establish a stormwater management program for the city and grant Mount Pleasant authority to exercise management powers outlined in the Tennessee Code Annotated. 

City officials say the ordinance is designed to protect public health, safety and overall community welfare by strengthening oversight of drainage, erosion control and stormwater infrastructure throughout the city. 

If approved on second and final reading, the ordinance would require developers and property owners to implement erosion prevention and sediment control measures, maintain stormwater facilities and submit inspection and maintenance records to the city. 

The ordinance is expected to return for a second and final reading at a future meeting.

In separate issue before the city commission, Concerns over rock blasting operations near residential neighborhoods are rising in Mount Pleasant, as Attorney Dustin Kittle addressed the board. He argued that the ongoing blasting may exceed zoning limitations while posing a safety risk to the community.

Food Truck Thursdays (Press Release)

Columbia Main Street is inviting the community this summer to Food Truck Thursdays, a new weekly event series taking place every Thursday in June and July from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Riverwalk Park in Downtown Columbia.

Located right off the Downtown District, the Farmers Market Pavilion at Riverwalk Park will be transformed into a gathering space for Food Truck Thursdays. This event will feature a rotating lineup of local food trucks, offering residents and visitors a variety of food options each week.

In addition to great food, Columbia Main Street will provide a variety of free yard games for attendees to enjoy while spending time with family and friends. Games will include Connect 4, Tic-Tac-Toe, Ring Toss, and more.

The event is being spearheaded by Columbia Main Street Board Members Marvin Brooks and John “Tee” Davis. “Food Truck Thursdays were created to give the community a common space where people can gather and show support for the local food trucks that are such an important part of Columbia’s community,” said Brooks and Davis in a joint statement.

Food Truck Thursdays will take place on the following dates:

• June 4

• June 11

• June 18

• June 25

• July 2

• July 9

• July 16

• July 23

• July 30

Time: 4-8 PM |  Address: 102 Riverside Drive, Columbia, TN 38401

Food truck operators interested in participating in the series are encouraged to contact Columbia Main Street Manager Kelli Johnson at kjohnson@columbiatn.gov for more information. For updates on weekly food truck lineups and other downtown events, follow Columbia Main Street on social media.

Down the Duck Documentary (Press Release)

A special community screening of the Nashville PBS’ documentary Down the Duck with John Guider will take place on Friday, June 12, at 6:00 p.m. at The Mulehouse, in downtown Columbia. Tickets are free by visiting: https://weblink.donorperfect.com/dtd-columbia.

Co-hosted by Friends of the Duck and Harpeth Conservancy, the event aims to bring together community members, conservation advocates, outdoor enthusiasts, and supporters of the Duck River for an evening centered around storytelling, environmental awareness, and connection. Food trucks will be on-site ahead of the screening, creating a casual community atmosphere for attendees to gather and enjoy the evening together.

The documentary, a film by Archaea Productions, follows acclaimed photographer, conservationist, and adventurer John Guider, as he canoes 270 miles of Tennessee’s Duck River, documenting its ecological significance, natural beauty, and the communities connected to it along the way.

Recognized as the most biodiverse river in North America, the Duck River provides drinking water to communities across Middle Tennessee while supporting hundreds of species of fish, mussels, birds, and wildlife.

“This film captures the wonder of the Duck River and the communities it sustains at a critical time when planning is underway to ensure long-term sustainability,” said Grace Stranch, CEO of Harpeth Conservancy.

As conversations continue across the watershed about the river’s future, the film offers both a celebration of the Duck River’s extraordinary significance and an invitation for communities to engage more deeply in its protection.

This will be the first in-person showing of the film in the Duck River Watershed. “This documentary offers a powerful reminder of how deeply connected we are to the Duck River,” said Sarah B. Gilliam, a member of Friends of the Duck River and who is featured in the film. “The screening is an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate this incredible resource, and continue conversations about protecting it for future generations.”

The celebrations will continue with additional screenings throughout the Duck River Watershed this summer. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy food trucks and conversation before the film begins.

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

Hal David Hall, age 82, retired journalist who wrote for the Nashville Tennessean, Chicago Daily News, Denver Post and the Chicago Sun Times, passed away on December 31, 2025.

Graveside services will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM. The family will visit with friends on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home.

Phyllis Lovell Maley, age 79, passed away on January 28, 2026.

Graveside services will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM. The family will visit with friends on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

TN First in Fusion Regulation (MauryCountySource)

Tennessee will become the first state in the nation with its own regulatory framework for nuclear fusion machines June 9, marking yet another major milestone as the global epicenter of nuclear energy.

The Volunteer State will be the first state to roll out a technology-neutral approach to fusion regulation. Tennessee will tap into its expertise as a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Agreement state with more than 60 years of experience.

“Tennessee has been named the top state in the nation for nuclear energy industry growth, and for good reason,” said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner David Salyers. “This latest step supercharges our reputation as the global hub for nuclear innovation and positions us as the most responsive state to new advanced nuclear companies clamoring to call Tennessee home.”

Chapter 0400-20-14 of the Effective Rules and Regulations of the State of Tennessee, as well as its associated definitions, establishes requirements for the licensing of fusion machines and fusion-related activities. Nuclear fusion is the process by which two or more light atomic nuclei combine to form a single, heavier nucleus. This process releases large amounts of energy and is the same reaction that powers the sun and other stars.

A fusion machine is defined as any machine capable of:

Transforming atomic nuclei, through fusion processes, into different elements, isotopes, or other particles; and

Directly capturing and using the resultant products, including particles, heat, or other electromagnetic radiation.

Type One Energy’s commercial site near Oak Ridge is anticipated to be among the first licensees under this new framework and will function as a fusion development campus through projects between the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the University of Tennessee. Type One’s Infinity Two is forecast to be a 400 MWe fusion power plant using stellarator technology. The company first submitted plans to TDEC in January. The power plant construction, in close coordination with the TVA, could begin in 2028 under the new regulatory rules.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

On the heels of announcing her forthcoming album Stages, multi-Platinum Country star Lauren Alaina is hitting the road this fall with her headlining The Stages Tour with a stop at The Ryman on November 12th. Special guests for the Nashville tour stop will be American Idol winner, Hannah Harper.

Named after the highly anticipated album due August 28, the run will spotlight every era of Alaina’s career, blending new music with the fan-favorite anthems that have defined her rise from small-town dreamer to Country music powerhouse and entertainer.

Get tickets at. www.ryman.com.