Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-13-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for August 13, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Victim Pulled From Duck (MauryCountySource)

On Tuesday, August 12th, 2025, at approximately 9:30am Columbia Police Department and Columbia Fire and Rescue responded to the area of the Duck River near the Hwy 31 bridge for a possible deceased person in the water.

Upon arrival, emergency personnel were able to remove the person from the water and confirm that he was deceased.

The identity of the person has been confirmed as an eighteen-year-old male from Columbia and next of kin have been notified.

This is currently an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

Any person with additional information that may assist in this or any other investigation is encouraged to contact Columbia Police Department Dispatch (24 hours) at 931-388-2727, Maury County Crime stoppers at 931-381-4900, or Columbia Police SAFE Tip Email to SafeTips@ColumbiaTN.Com

Drug Bust (MSM)

A Columbia man was taken into custody last week when Maury County Sheriff’s deputies reported finding several pounds of illegal and prescription drugs in his car and at a local residence.

The Sheriff’s Drug and Flex Unit reported seizing six pounds of methamphetamine, two ounces of cocaine, an ounce of fentanyl and a bag of pills from the car of Tom Brown Ray, 52, of Columbia.

During a search warrant at a “related residence,” deputies reported finding psilocybin mushrooms, promethazine cough syrup, a pound of marijuana and more pills and meth. They estimated the street value of the seized drugs at more than $80,000.

“To put it in perspective: just 1 gram of fentanyl can kill nearly 500 people,” a post by the Sheriff’s Department states. “Thanks to the swift action of our Drug and Flex Unit, these dangerous substances are off the streets.”

Brown was charged with Schedule I, II, IV, and VI drug violations and with driving with tinted windows and failing to stay in his lane. His bail was set at $1.6 million. His hearing is scheduled for Aug. 18.

Street Resurfacing (MauryCountySource)

The City of Columbia will resurface Public Square along with sections of South Main Street, North Main Street, East 7th Street, and West 7th Street from Sunday, August 24, through Thursday, August 28. All work will take place overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. to reduce daytime traffic disruptions.

During work hours, affected roads will be closed to through traffic, sidewalks within the work zones will be closed for safety, and parking will be prohibited in the construction area between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted in advance.

Residents and property owners who need access during the closures will be assisted by the on-site contractor. The work will involve milling and paving, which may cause increased noise and dust. Property owners are asked to remove personal items from sidewalks before work begins.

The schedule is weather-dependent and may change. City officials thank the community for their patience as the project aims to improve safety and street quality downtown.

Spring Hill Shooting (WKRN.com)

A teenage boy died Sunday night after he was found shot in a Spring Hill apartment complex parking lot.

The Spring Hill Police Department said it responded to a reported shooting at the Grand Reserve apartments in the 3000 block of Commonwealth Drive around 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10.

Officers discovered a 17-year-old in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. According to law enforcement, the teen was brought to a local emergency room, where he was later pronounced dead.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim, mourning this unimaginable loss,” SHPD wrote on social media.

Authorities said the shooter left the scene in a vehicle, which was described as a blue or dark-colored sedan with damage to the right front bumper.

Officials announced shortly after 9:45 p.m. that detectives were still at the scene, collecting physical evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.

If you have any information about Sunday night’s incident, you can submit anonymous tips by visiting www.springhilltn.org.

Fire Station 1 Opening (CDH)

Columbia's headquarters for public safety was unveiled Aug. 8 to the public, revealing extensive upgrades to Columbia Fire & Rescue's Station No. 1, first built in 1978.

The approximately $5.17 million project, which began in 2022, was initiated to rehab the long-standing station, while also marking the department's continued progress in retaining its Insurance Service Office ISO-1 rating.

"It's also good for the workers," Columbia Fire Chief Chris Cummins said.

"We demoed the whole building from the inside, and we've still got a few more smaller things to do, but nothing that will interfere with us moving back in and resuming all the duties. Unless you are a firefighter, you might not know this is kind of our home away from home.

"We spend a lot of time here, and this station in particular I have spent most of my career. Feels like a part of my home too, and this is a great project."

A few of the latest upgrades include repositioning the station's entrance, while also expanding its parking area.

The station's new Emergency Operations Center was also built with the ability to withstand an EF-4 tornado, with a new training center also serving multiple purposes, such as an emergency shelter.

The newly expanded east and west wings can now accommodate more square footage, as well as a new kitchen and administrative space. Separate dorms for men and women have also been added.

City Manager Tony Massey said one of the benefits in the city's plans to fund the project was that some of the work was done in-house, saving approximately $700,000 on the final cost.

"The fire station has served this community at this location for 40-plus years ... and we are very pleased," City Manager Tony Massey said. "This was a strategic planning goal from about three years ago, and so the council deserves a lot of credit for committing the financial resources to make this happen."

Community leaders, including former Mayor Dean Dickey, as well as several firefighter retirees, attended a ceremonial ribbon cutting Aug. 8 to commemorate the upgraded station.

"This project represents a meaningful investment in our city’s public safety infrastructure and the people who work every day to keep our community safe,” Mayor Chaz Molder said. “It’s more than a new look; it’s a renewed commitment to public safety, preparedness, and service ... And, it is a significant upgrade for our flagship fire station, which is a flagship fire department in the state of Tennessee.”

Architect George Nuber, who designed the renovations and has had a hand in several Columbia renovations, including Columbia Police Department's North Main Street headquarters and the new Maury County Archives building, said the project was "a team effort."

"Like any project we are a part of, it is a planning effort that involves a lot of people, professionals down to the end user," Nuber said.

"This particular building had a lot of deficiencies as time has changed, especially technology and spaces to put people. Expanding this facility is really allowed us the opportunity of meeting a multiplexity of needs."

Health Markets Opening (WKOM Audio 1:28)

Yesterday, Health Markets Insurance opened on West Seventh Street in Columbia. The new health care assistance company opened their doors at the WKOM Studio. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy attended the ribbon cutting and spoke to Health Market’s Morgan Luck to learn about the company’s offerings.

Spring Hill License Kiosk (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has introduced a new Driver License Self-Service Kiosk in the lobby of its headquarters at 800 Hathaway Blvd. The kiosk is open to all Tennessee residents—regardless of county—and offers a convenient alternative to visiting the DMV.

Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the kiosk allows users to:

* Renew a driver license

* Obtain a duplicate license or state ID

* Change their address

* Pay reinstatement fees in full

The kiosk does not accept cash or checks; payment must be made using a credit or debit card.

No appointment is necessary. For more information about the service, visit www.tn.gov/content/tn.

Scholarships for New Teachers (MSM)

The road to teacher certification in Maury County just got a lot easier, thanks to a partnership between Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Youth Educational Foundation (YEF). The Tennessee educator preparation program through iteach, allows individuals to become a teacher without a traditional education degree. MCPS and YEF are offering up to 40 iteach scholarships, worth a total combined value of up to $112,000 to qualified Maury County Public Schools employees who desire to become a teacher. 

iteach is a nationally recognized job embedded program that allows an individual with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and meets certain criteria set by the state  of Tennessee to become a teacher. Individuals can take the program before becoming a teacher or  can complete it after obtaining a teaching role with Maury County Public Schools while going  through the online program (working on a permitted status through the state of Tennessee). 

“This inclusive and affordable pathway towards a teaching certification makes it accessible to any Maury County Public Schools employee who aspires to positively impact the world through education,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Teachers are leaders, mentors, and role models. They don’t just prepare students for tests – they prepare them for life. We are so appreciative of YEF’s willingness to invest in Maury County Public Schools.”  

“YEF is proud to partner with MCPS to bring up to 40 newly certified teachers into Maury County Public Schools classrooms,” said YEF Chair, Renee Adams. “We are grateful to our donors for enabling the organization to make this historic investment in the community’s future. We understand the importance of having motivated, qualified, and caring teachers in the classroom.  Scholarship recipients will have received recommendations from their principals and committed to at least three years of service with MCPS. We look forward to the positive impact this will have on Maury County Public Schools students and to strengthening our partnership with MCPS”. 

To apply, visit www.iteach.net.

Columbia 101 (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is excited to announce the return of Columbia 101, an interactive program designed to connect residents with local government and community services. Following a successful inaugural session in the Fall of 2024 and a well-received spring session, Columbia 101 is now accepting applications for its third installment taking place on Tuesday, September 30 and Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Developed to strengthen transparency between citizens and their city, Columbia 101 offers participants a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at how municipal departments serve the community. Over the course of two consecutive days, participants will start each morning at City Hall before engaging with all 12 city departments and touring select municipal facilities, such as the Police and Public Works Departments.

“Columbia 101 plays an important role in building trust, transparency, and collaboration between the city and the public,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “By opening our doors and sharing our processes, we aim to create a more informed and engaged citizenry that can actively contribute to Columbia’s continued success. The strong participation and positive feedback from our first two sessions confirm the value of this program, and we’re thrilled to offer it again this fall.”

A Spring 2025 participant shared their experience, saying, “This course will give you even more reason to love living in Columbia, Tennessee. You will be delighted to see how much the City of Columbia employees are eager to come to work every day, how they do so much while staying within their budgets, how they innovate improvements in each department, and are encouraged to do so! All around, this is such a worthwhile expenditure of your time!”

Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, August 22nd at 4:00 PM. The program is open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents and is held twice per year. There is a $25 program fee for all accepted applicants to cover program costs, including food and transportation.

“Educating the public about city operations encourages meaningful civic participation,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “This program provides residents with direct access to the work being done on their behalf every day and strengthens the shared commitment we have to our community.”

Lexi Dearborn, Program Director, added, “We look forward to welcoming a new class of participants this fall. Columbia 101 offers a valuable opportunity to foster awareness, build relationships, and promote active involvement in the future of our city.”

Columbia 101 applications are available at www.ColumbiaTN.gov or at the reception desk on the 3rd floor of City Hall. Follow the City of Columbia on Facebook and Instagram at “CityofColumbiaTN” for updates. For questions, please contact Lexi Dearborn at LDearborn@ColumbiaTN.gov.

Maury Alliance Annual Picnic and Elected Officials Guide (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance for an Appreciation BBQ Picnic: To celebrate and show appreciation for the time and effort our elected officials dedicate to making Maury County the best place to live and work, the public is invited to a free BBQ picnic at the Woodland Park Rotary Shelter on Thursday, August 21st. The event is free to attend, but please RSVP so we can get an accurate headcount for catering! 

Also, the updated Elected Officials Guide is now available. The guide is a valuable resource to help you stay connected with the local, state, and federal leaders representing Maury County. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or community advocate, this guide makes it easy to stay informed and engaged with those shaping our community’s future.

Learn more about both the Appriciation Picnic and Elected Officials Guide by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

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

Bobby Joe Spires, 74, lifelong resident of Columbia, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Per Bobby’s wishes, there will be no services. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Now, news from around the state…

Blue Oval City Delays Electric Truck Build (TNLookout)

Ford Motor Company will delay mass production of its next-generation electric pickup truck at its West Tennessee plant until 2028, the company confirmed Thursday.

Ford informed its suppliers of the delay — a result of the company shifting its focus to smaller, more affordable models — in June. The company also pushed back production of its electric transit van at its plant in Ohio from 2026 to 2028.

Prototypes of the truck will still begin production at BlueOval City in Stanton, Tennessee in 2027.

“F-150 Lightning, America’s best-selling electric truck, and E-Transit continue to meet today’s customer needs,” a company spokesperson stated. “We remain focused on delivering our Ford+ plan and will be nimble in adjusting our product launch timing to meet market needs and customer demand while targeting improved profitability.”

This announcement comes roughly a year after Ford first delayed production of the truck from its initial production goal of 2025 to 2027. At the time, Ford said the decision was part of a shift toward prioritizing hybrid vehicles and producing lower-cost batteries to improve profitability.

Ford announced its $5.6 billion investment in the BlueOval City campus in Haywood County in 2021, pledging to create 5,800 jobs in return for a nearly $1 billion incentive from the state. The Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center where the electric pickup truck will be manufactured plans to employ roughly 3,000 of those workers.

Franklin Biotech Company Assists Surgery (WilliamsonScene)

Polarized sunglasses block out the glare to make it easier to see fish swimming in a lake. 

A local company is using a similar technology to help surgeons better see veins and nerves during surgery.   

Justin Baba founded Yaya Scientific along with his brother, Peter Baba, in 2019, following 15 years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. There, Justin Baba also collected 15 patents. 

He wanted to see his discoveries brought to market, so he created the startup, named for his mother. 

Yaya Scientific is focusing on unintended damage, or iatrogenic damage, during surgery. In the millions of surgeries performed per year, Baba says some of the damage to the nerves is expected and known. However, some of it is avoidable. He estimates 512,000 out of that group have post-surgery pain due to the avoidable damage. This phenomenon is especially common in mastectomies and prostatectomies as well as thyroidectomies, he said. 

Using a combination of light in various colors and polarization, the affected area is filtered so that the surgeon can see it better than otherwise, even through the visceral membrane, which coats all of a person's organs and obscures the view of veins and nerves.  

“For certain colors, certain wavelengths, the nerve is very highly visible,” Baba says. “You can pick up strong structures. For certain wavelengths [in contrast], it's as if it doesn't exist. You can't see anything. Color gives us specificity. It helps us to be able to identify the nerve.”

“The polarization gives us clarity," Baba continues. "It takes the obscured nerve and makes it visible without us having to cut anything.” 

The company, which has been supported by grants through the government agencies National Institutes of Health, Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health and locally at Launch Tennessee, recently tried its technology at the Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering on pig models. 

Next, the company staff will go back to Vanderbilt University and Johns Hopkins University to begin the human subjects trial to show proof of concept to the scientific community. They will then take the information to clinical trials, in an effort to prove that it makes a difference when a surgeon has access to the technology. To gain Food and Drug Administration approval, Yaya Scientific must do a live pig study to prove that the light used does not cause damage. 

Though surgeons will be using the technology, they will not be making the decision to buy the product, Baba says. As such, the surgeons must convince the hospital administrators by demonstrating the ability to ultimately save the hospital money. 

Patients who suffer nerve damage can sue the hospitals for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Yaya Scientific is offering the hospital a preventative solution, he says. 

“If we were successful, every single operating room would have one of these,” Baba says. "When you go for any surgical procedure, regardless of what part of the body it is, they would have access to this technology that would help provide this level of detailed information to help the surgeon have full confidence of where the nerve is, so they can avoid damaging it.”

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Academy Award-winning actor, bestselling author, and storyteller Matthew McConaughey will hit the road in September for a five-city tour to celebrate the publication of his new book, POEMS & PRAYERS the long-awaited follow-up to his memoir GREENLIGHTS.

At each stop, McConaughey will be joined by a special guest for an intimate, spontaneous, and honest conversation.”

The tour will stop in Nashville on Thursday, September 18th at TPAC’s Jackson Hall beginning at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale at www.tpac.org.