Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-11-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for August 11, 2026

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

We start with local news…

House Fire (MauryCountySource)

Spring Hill firefighters rescued a family’s guinea pig after responding to a house fire in the Candlewood subdivision shortly before 7 p.m. Friday.

According to the Spring Hill Fire Department, the homeowners safely evacuated, but their guinea pig, Marshmallow, was still inside the smoke-filled home.

Firefighters quickly located and rescued Marshmallow before finding the fire in the home’s crawl space. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire.

A preliminary investigation indicates lightning struck a nearby tree and traveled underground before entering the home through the dryer. Firefighters found the dryer’s drum and vent hose had been blackened by the apparent lightning strike.

No injuries were reported.

Ogles’ Loss A Rarity (CDH)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles lost his bid for reelection in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District after being defeated in the GOP primary by former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, a dairy farmer.

Historical records suggest that only three other Tennessee U.S. House incumbents have lost primary contests in the past 100 years.

Hatcher's victory came just two days after Gov. Bill Lee endorsed him and about a week after President Donald Trump joined a tele-rally on July 28 to reiterate his support for Ogles, who was trailing Hatcher in the polls.

"Andy will be, really, enshrined as one of the best congressmen that you'll ever see," Trump said during the tele-rally.

Ogles' defeat was confirmed around 9 p.m. Aug. 6. Hatcher received 53.24% of the vote, while Ogles received 46.76%, according to the Tennessee Secretary of State.

After the result came in, Ogles was met with applause as he walked into his watch party at The Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery in Spring Hill around 9:15 p.m.

"Nobody likes to lose, but the results are in and, look, we've fought a great race," Ogles said.

"It has been an absolute honor to serve Tennessee as a member of Congress, and I look forward to helping Charlie as he transitions and then helping any of you throughout the remainder of my term," Ogles said.

Ogles said he called Hatcher to congratulate him, and offered to help the GOP nominee if he takes office.

Hatcher, a College Grove resident, dairy farmer and owner of Hatcher Family Dairy in Williamson County, ran as a pro-Trump Republican in the 2026 5th Congressional District primary.

On the campaign trail, Hatcher won over his voters by vowing to protect farmers and agriculture producers, boost economic growth in rural Tennessee and support Republican-oriented pragmatic governance.

In addition to receiving an endorsement from Gov. Lee, Hatcher also received an endorsement from former Gov. Bill Haslam.

“Apparently, 'Hire a farmer' resonated with the constituents of the 5th District,” Hatcher said to a cheering crowd at his Franklin watch party after the election results came in.

“I'm going to carry that work ethic, that ability to get the job done, to solve problems as veterinarians or farmers do every day, and to serve others.”

Ogles ' loss puts him on a short list of Tennessee congressional incumbents who have been ousted by voters in the primaries.

Over the last 100 years, records indicate that there have seemingly only been three Tennessee congressional incumbents to lose in a primary election, according to the Biographical Directory of United States Congress.

Late Democratic Rep. Clifford Davis was elected to Tennessee 9th Congressional District in 1940. Serving for 25 years, Davis was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1964, losing to George W. Grider.

Two years later, in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, the late Democratic Rep. Tom J. Murray lost to Ray Blanton in 1966. Murray was a member of Congress for 23 years.

Nearly 40 years later, former Rep. David Davis was elected to Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in 2006. After one term in Congress, Davis lost his bid for renomination in 2008, losing to Republican Phil Roe in the GOP primary.

Columbia State Receives Metallica Grant (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College is proud to announce it has once again been asked to participate in the eighth year of the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). Supported by a generous $15,000 grant aimed at enhancing access to the Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy through scholarship funds. 

As a four-time MSI participant, Columbia State has received $190,000 in support of career and technical education programs throughout the initiative's existence. Columbia State was the first community college in Tennessee to receive a MSI grant.

“The continued support of the Metallica Scholars Initiative is creating life-changing opportunities for future lineworkers across Middle Tennessee,” said Patrick McElhiney, director of grants at Columbia State. “By investing in our Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy, this grant helps remove financial barriers and opens the door to a high-demand, essential profession. These scholarships empower students to pursue meaningful careers while helping build the skilled workforce that keeps power flowing to homes, businesses, and communities throughout our region.”

Metallica’s James Hetfield said, “This thing started as a dream. Now our program is changing lives. To expand our impact on a global scale and support even more students is so rewarding. We’re so proud of all the Metallica Scholars who have come through it and all the ones who will participate in it. It’s humbling to know we’ve been part of the journey of thousands of trade professionals doing good, hard work in the world.”   

AWMH continues to work closely with its long-time partner, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands, MSI’s core focus is supporting conventional trades, including welders, plumbers and electricians, while also adding fields that will generate the jobs of tomorrow. The workforce initiative continues to evolve, supporting diverse fields for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to establish meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages. Year 8 includes a wide range of fields, including nursing and healthcare, optical systems technology, automotive repair, maritime manufacturing, firefighting and EMT, pipefitting and agricultural pathways.  

Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard, President and CEO, AACC, said, “The continued growth of the Metallica Scholars Initiative is a powerful testament to what’s possible when visionary philanthropy and community colleges come together around a shared mission.  Through this partnership, 13,000 community college students have already been supported across the country, earning the skills needed for in-demand careers with family-sustaining wages. This latest, generous investment by Metallica’s foundation will reach more learners, while strengthening the workforce pipelines that power local economies. We are proud to partner with All Within My Hands to scale this impact, ensuring even more students have access to life-changing opportunities in the skilled trades and beyond.”

The initiative’s eighth iteration also marks the renewal of AWMH’s partnerships with Carhartt, Wolverine, CNH Construction, and Upstaging, Inc., as well as the addition of the Foundation’s newest partner, ServiceTitan. These corporate partners complement the Foundation’s Executive and Advisory Board Members and the broader Metallica Family, all of whom have played a role in advancing AWMH’s mission and driving its success. 

Peter Delgrosso, Executive Director, AWMH, said, “Metallica Scholars Year 8 will see our largest-scale growth yet, as we anticipate supporting close to 4,000 new students in the United States and more than 1,000 learners in the UK. This represents an approximate 40% increase in our student body, something we are incredibly excited about. Supporting people of all ages entering and ascending through trades is the right thing to do, not just domestically, but also abroad. Our Metallica Scholars have demonstrated resilience and a strong determination to succeed, which in turn motivates us to match their ambition.” 

For a complete list of all 93 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars. 

For more information on Columbia State’s partnership with the Metallica Scholars Initiative, please visit columbiastate.edu/metallica/metallica-scholars.   

Lloyd Made Latest CA Softball Coach (MSM)

Jennifer Lloyd, who played softball at Mt. Juliet and at Volunteer State, has been named Columbia Academy’s new coach, school officials announced this week.

Lloyd succeeds Catherine Huey, who resigned at the conclusion of the 2026 season after two years. Huey previously served as an assistant under Danny Ford in 2024, with Ford taking the reins following Seth Anderson’s resignation to focus on his football coaching duties.

Anderson spent six seasons atop the Lady Bulldog program, leading the team to a Class A state championship in 2019 and Division II-A titles in 2021 and ‘22, along with a DII-A runner-up finish in 2023, his final campaign.

“When this opportunity came, I knew it was something I wanted to jump on and not let it pass me by,” said Lloyd, who at 40 will be making her first foray into high school coaching. “I’ve been a part of youth sports with my own son (Brody, a third-grader at CA) for a few years. I see there’s a real need and desire for coaches out there that want to give something back to their community.

“I know we’ve had some challenges that have come up in the last couple of years with transfers. I know we’re trying to build back some of that. I think really that just comes back to getting back in there, digging in and showing them what I expect – show up every single day and give everything you’ve got.”

Columbia Academy finished 3-11 this past spring, prior to Huey’s resignation as she and former Bulldog baseball assistant Alex Huey are expecting their first child this fall. Alex has also been named head coach at Middle Tennessee Christian.

“She has a passion for the game that was pretty evident from talking to her,” CA president James Thomas said. “She just loves the game. The thing that stuck out the most was, she said she wanted to continue mentoring the girls like (Huey) did. I felt like Coach Huey was doing a great job connecting with our girls and trying to mentor them and lead them in a positive way, and she wants to keep doing that.

“I think she’s going to dedicate a lot of time and energy to it.”

Columbia Academy football coach Rob Phillips is expected to serve as an assistant under Lloyd. Phillips’ father, Lee Phillips, won 526 games and seven softball state championships (along with four runner-up finishes) over 15 seasons at Goodpasture.

“I’ve heard great things about Rob,” Lloyd said. “He’s already doing big things for our football program. I’ve seen already he’s bringing our community together at CA in a way that makes me excited for what he’s going to bring to the table in softball, too.

“He’s been with coaching for a while, his dad I know had great success at Goodpasture. I’m going to dive into what he has to say and really get his take on a lot of things and collaborate and build on not only the strengths I bring but the strengths he brings. I’m excited to have that.”

Spring Hill State of the City (MSM)

Top leaders in the City of Spring Hill presented their annual State of the City Address to the Chamber of Commerce last Thursday. The address updated the Chamber’s stakeholders, from local businesspeople to government officials and employees, on the city’s operations, projects and goals for the near and distant future.

“‘History favors the doers, not the critics,'” said Mayor Matt Fitterer, quoting historian Sharon McMahon. “The board thinks the same thing: we’re going to be doers… You’re all doers too, that’s why you’re here… and we’re going to keep being doers together.”

Fitterer first presented the city’s largest and most important initiative, the Pure Water Spring Hill water-supply project. Pure Water Spring Hill consists of three enormous reservoirs holding a combined 200 million gallons of water, drawn from the Duck River and captured rain, that feed into cutting-edge, multi-stage treatment plants which will, the mayor promised, produce better water than what Spring Hill now drinks. The rest of the grounds of the 137-acre facility will become a city park where people can go fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking and other activities once the facility opens sometime in 2029 or 2030.

Fitterer explained that the water-reclamation technology involved is new to the state of Tennessee, and TDEC is interested in the results of Spring Hill’s project because of the potential it holds for other parts of the state. The mayor compared the scale and importance of Pure Water Spring Hill to the coming of the Saturn car factory in 1980.

“Purification is not new in the United States… [and] it is long overdue to come to the state of Tennessee,” he said. “It is not just a technology that’s needed in dry, arid climates, but it’s needed across the country, including in Tennessee, to be good stewards of our environmental resources… You may be able to repeat this project in other communities as well. We’re hearing lots of conversations in East and West Tennessee about water resources and long-term capacity and… supply.”

On the topic of water, Fitterer was also glad to host the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership’s July 13 meeting at the Spring Hill Police Department, where the Partnership voted (on Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt’s motion) to endorse Pure Water Spring Hill for the list of recommendations to the governor. While the vote doesn’t guarantee a final endorsement or funding, it is a meaningful vote of confidence.

Sewer treatment capacity, said Fitterer, will also be augmented with help from another municipality. Spring Hill is at work on an interlocal agreement with Columbia to send 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of its sewage through a force main to Columbia’s in-progress treatment plant, which will help free up Spring Hill’s development once the plant goes online.

The cost of the current sewer moratorium, said City Administrator Carter Napier during his budget presentation, shows up in dollars and cents, as lost development fees and sales taxes. Napier pointed out that all categories of business taxes and fees in FY 2026 were down by 59-67 percent apiece from 2025’s returns, and down by 70-75 percent from 2024, before a moratorium took effect.

FY 2027’s forecasted growth of $500,000 in sales taxes should be swallowed up by interest payments on the city’s capital projects, the city administrator said, but he reassured people that it wouldn’t sink the budget. Property tax revenue increased from $8.65 million to $11.5 million — thanks to the city’s decision to keep its old tax rate, instead of the revenue-neutral “certified rate” proposed by the state, in a reassessment year — and the state legislators representing Spring Hill helped to pass legislation that netted the city another $1.7 million in state-shared taxes. The city’s $151 million budget was also balanced this year and recognized as a “Distinguished Submission” by the Office of the Comptroller. 83 percent of it, Napier said, was allocated to public safety, utilities and roads.

“Which always fare very well when it comes to the… public’s opinion of where those dollars should go,” he said.

Vice-Mayor Trent Linville presented the city’s capital-projects list, which the Board of Mayor and Aldermen began compiling in 2025. First on the list, ranked by order of importance, was Spring Hill Fire Station No. 4, which by reports has already saved lives by its placement in the southeast end of town. The city is also at work widening the stretch of Buckner Lane between Duplex and Thompson Station Roads, and is hoping to wrap up traffic-flow improvements outside the new Battle Creek schools around the start of the academic year.

Upcoming capital projects, Linville said, include improvements to the intersection of Buckner Lane and Port Royal Road, to keep traffic from forming unworkably long lines; the Community Services Annex at Beechcroft Road and Town Center Parkway, to which government offices will be moved over time until it’s complete; and the new Spring Hill Library, to be built around the corner from the current one starting in 2030.

“We have a top-notch library, even though the facilities we currently have don’t currently match the quality of the programming and the community,” Linville said.

Finally, the city leaders praised both their teams and the citizens of Spring Hill. Alderwoman Jaimee Davis recapped the awards that the city bestowed on exceptional organizations: an award recognizing the Well Outreach for giving out food to those in need for 20 years; the Ladies’ Solo Club of Southern Springs, whom Davis called “the most lively residents in Spring Hill,” for donating $85,000 to various charities out of the proceeds from selling their handmade goods since 2021; and the Southern Springs Veterans’ Club for donating $400,000 to charitable organizations since 2018.

“That’s the kind of servant leadership that defines Spring Hill,” Davis said. She also showered praise on Spring Hill’s accomplished young people: the Lady Spartans at Spring Hill High School, for winning their first Division I AAA state volleyball championship; the Battle Creek High School boys’ soccer team for winning their district title and advancing to the state quarter-finals; and Dimitri Georgalos, a 16-year-old who received the city Fire Department’s Phoenix Award for using CPR to save his father, Frank Georgalos, from a heart attack.

“Frank is with us today because of his son’s courage and willingness to act. Thanks to his son for reminding us what true heroism looks like,” she said.

Finally, Davis highlighted the city personnel who made city programs and events possible, including the Citizens’ Academy which has graduated over 100 people since it started in 2024; the Hill Fest, which welcomed 4,000 attendees this year; the Christmas Parade; the Campin’ in the Park event, which hosted over 600 people; Experience Spring Hill which brought in 4,000 people; and the 250th anniversary of the country, which attracted almost 10,000.

“These events continue to grow because our residents show up, our sponsors show up, and our staff works tirelessly behind the scenes to make them happen,” she said. “[The sponsored events] would not have been possible without the incredible partnership between the City of Spring Hill, the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce, General Motors, the Crossings, and our local business sponsors and many volunteers.”

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

Mrs. Ella Pearl Clark Anderson, 93, of Columbia, passed away Friday, August 7, 2026. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, August 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mr. Alan Kerry Bridges, 43, a resident of Hohenwald, TN, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at his home. A graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, August 12 at 3:00 p.m. at Mount Nebo Cemetery.

Mrs. Barbara Dey Horton Williams “Babs”, 78, of Columbia, TN passed away on August 8th, 2026 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday August 13 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rock Springs Cemetery. The visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-8pm and on Thursday between 12-1pm at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mr. Kenneth Orman Knox Sr, 98, resident of Columbia passed away on Sunday August 9, 2026 at his home. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM till the time of service at the Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

BNA Reports Record-Breaking Year (MauryCountySource)

The Nashville International Airport welcomed a record 26.7 million passengers during the 2026 fiscal year, marking a 7.7% increase over the previous year.

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority says record growth comes as construction continues under the airport’s $3 billion New Horizon expansion program. During the fiscal year, BNA opened the Concourse D extension, adding five gates, new restaurants, retail shops, artwork, a moving walkway and an outdoor observation terrace.

Construction also began on a new six-story rental car facility and parking garage, while demolition started on Concourse A, which is being rebuilt with 16 gates and is scheduled to open in 2028. The airport also launched renovations to expand terminal entrances and improve passenger flow.

BNA set a single-day passenger record on Oct. 5, 2025, when more than 116,000 travelers passed through the terminal. It also reached a record 115 nonstop destinations in June, the most in its history.

The airport earned national recognition during the fiscal year, including a top-10 ranking among large North American airports in J.D. Power’s 2025 customer satisfaction survey and its third consecutive USA TODAY 10Best award as the nation’s best airport for shopping.

The airport added Porter Airlines as a new carrier during the year, introducing nonstop service to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and expanding international travel options.

MNAA also celebrated the John C. Tune Airport as it reported record activity, with nearly 18,600 jet operations and 3.8 million gallons of fuel dispensed during the fiscal year.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The 2026 Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair, presented by your Mid-South Ford Dealers, brings 10 days of “Tennessee Voices and Volunteers Celebrating America 250!” plus plenty of fun. Running August 13–22, 2026, the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon will come alive with the sights, sounds and tastes that make the Fair a can’t-miss summer event. 

This year, the Fair is going red, white and blue as it joins communities across the nation in celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Throughout the Fair, attendees can celebrate the people, voices, volunteers and traditions that have helped shape the country and the Volunteer State. Fairgoers can walk along Freedom Way, a new area of the fairgrounds built to honor America 250, and check out patriotic attractions like the Freedom Truck, which represents America’s past, present and future.

Tickets are on sale now online at wilsoncountytnstatefair.com