Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-15-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for August 15, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Arrest Made in SH Shooting (MauryCountySource)

The SHPD has identified a person of interest in the shooting death of a 17-year-old victim that occurred on August 10, 2025. This individual was recently arrested and is currently in custody out of state on unrelated charges.

Detectives have worked diligently and around the clock to advance this investigation. They remain committed to bringing justice for the victim and their family.

No additional details are being released at this time. Further information will be provided as appropriate without jeopardizing the ongoing investigation.

Miracle League (Press Release)

The Miracle League of Columbia at Maury County Park is excited to announce its partnership with the Maury County Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Columbia to develop a $2.6 million all-inclusive baseball field in Maury County Park.

The project, designed by TKC Architecture and Heritage Civil and presented by Hewlett Spencer, was officially approved by the Maury County Commission on July 21. The new field will be built on the former site of the Babe Ruth Field, a longtime fixture of youth baseball in the community for over 40 years. Hewlett Spencer holds the county contract, and Bell Construction Company has been selected to oversee construction.

“We are thrilled to finally break ground on a project that has been years in the making,” said Robin Estep, Founding Member of The Miracle League of Columbia. “This partnership with the County provides a sustainable path to support our mission for years to come and will serve so many in our community. We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from County Mayor Sheila Butt, the County Commission, the City of Columbia and the Parks and Recreation Department. It is truly a group effort that has brought us to this point.”

The Miracle League is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds and operates fully accessible, custom-designed baseball fields for children and adults with disabilities. With over 350 locations nationwide, Miracle League fields feature rubberized turf surfaces that accommodate wheelchairs and assistive devices—removing physical barriers and helping prevent injuries.

The Miracle League of Columbia at Maury County Park was founded in 2021 by a group of Columbia natives with a shared dream of bringing an all-inclusive Miracle League field and playground to their hometown. Among the founding members were brothers Mike and Daniel Uggla, alongside Robin Estep. Daniel, a former Major League Baseball player, got his start in Columbia, and the Miracle League provides a meaningful way for him to give back to the community that helped shape his baseball journey.

The Babe Ruth Field, now the future home of the Miracle League, holds deep personal significance for the Uggla and Estep families and countless others in the area. For decades, it served as a hub for youth baseball and played a major role in Daniel’s early love for the game. Revitalizing this space into an inclusive community hub honors that legacy while creating new opportunities for connection and play.

“This is one of those projects that’s easy to get behind and lead a team on,” said Jamie Spencer of Hewlett Spencer. “It’s a unique build, incorporating a specialized surface for accessibility, but otherwise, it aligns closely with other athletic complexes we’ve delivered across the state. What’s made it especially rewarding is the overwhelming support from Maury County, the City of Columbia, and local professionals who’ve stepped up to bring this vision to life.”

The Maury County Parks Department will maintain the facility, while The Miracle League of Columbia will manage league operations.

“We’ve been waiting for the right project to breathe life back into this space,” said Al Ray, Director of Maury County Parks and Recreation. “Nothing felt quite right until City Mayor Chaz Molder introduced me to Robin and Mike. They shared the Miracle League vision, and a partnership was forged. This field is full of memories, and it’s exciting to see it reimagined as something that will benefit the entire community.”

In addition to the baseball field, plans are underway for a nearby all-inclusive playground, a joint initiative between The Miracle League and Maury County Parks, further enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for families throughout the region.

An official groundbreaking will take place on Wednesday, August 20th at 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.columbiamiracleleague.com.

SH Safe Exchange Zone (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department is reminding residents about its Safe Exchange Zone, located at department headquarters at 800 Hathaway Boulevard.

The zone offers a secure, well-lit area for people to meet when completing legal transactions, such as buying or selling items from online marketplaces. By using the Safe Exchange Zone, residents can reduce the risks often associated with meeting strangers in unfamiliar locations.

Police encourage the community to take advantage of the service as an added layer of safety and peace of mind.

School Board Implements Tech Policy (MSM)

The Maury County School Board held its first meeting of the school year last week with Superintendent Lisa Ventura celebrating a “wonderful” opening day, a healthy enrollment of 13,000 students and far lower teacher and coach vacancies than at the beginning of last year.

“Our theme for this year is ‘So Much More,'” she said, “because… our schools are so much more than just our athletics… [and] our academics… Together we really are a tapestry of the community.”

Electronic devices

To comply with the recently passed state law HB0932/SB0897, the Maury County School Board passed a ban on the use of “wireless communication devices” during “instructional time.” A student may only use such devices (which include tablets, laptops, gaming devices, headphones and earbuds, but above all cell phones) in a class session for a few enumerated reasons: during emergencies, for special needs like the student’s health or learning plan or “when authorized by the teacher.” The board added the words “for educational purposes” to the last clause at the suggestion of member Sue Stephenson, to close a loophole for teachers who might make the rule a dead letter in their classrooms by “authorizing” all kinds of device use.

Most board members agreed that schools ought to crack down on the use of these devices, but they debated about the rightful extent of such a policy.

Ron Plageman asked what qualified as “instructional time,” prompting Ventura to define it as the class period “from bell to bell.” (Maury County elementary schools tend not to run on a timed “bell” system, but children of elementary age tend not to use or demand electronic devices at school as much.)

Brendan Babcock said he thinks the rule doesn’t go far enough, suggesting that device use be banned between classes too, allowed only at lunch.

“I think this would help the kids,” he said. “There’s been a lot of studies that we’ve heard on this, and it could reduce anxiety and bullying, improve focus.”

David Moore, on the other hand, said he believes the ban is heavy-handed and a slight to teachers’ abilities to manage their own classrooms.

“I personally have no problem with a teacher letting a child use a device,” he said, during downtime or a lull in schoolwork.

“I hate to say it, but who’s going to follow it anyway?” asked Darryl Martin.

“Regardless of whether you agree, every teacher’s going to be different, every school’s going to be different,” agreed Jamila Brown.

“We’ve got to have some consistency,” Stephenson replied, to which Plageman and others agreed.

She foresaw “scandal” in having radically different policies from teacher to teacher: students would miss the point of the restrictions if some teachers were lax and other strict about device use. Some defiant teachers had already told the district that they wouldn’t impose a uniform device ban on their students, no matter the terms.

Ventura agreed that enforcement would vary for such a rule, which isn’t life-or-death or already ingrained in a school’s culture. Even so, she continued, similar rules are already on the books, even if they get ignored; the state mandate gives the district additional legitimacy in enforcing them, up to “disciplining” teachers who are found allowing non-academic device use during instructional time.

“I’m never going to take away a teacher’s own ‘flavor’ away from them,” she said, but “bell to bell… is the message we will send.”

Other schools and districts across the state have received more or less resistance or praise for their tech bans. Liberty Tech High School in Jackson established a policy in 2024 of putting students’ phones in sealed bags all through school hours, which according to the principal, Dr. LaDonna Braswell, created good social and academic results and won broad parental approval. By contrast, the Bradley County School Board responded to parental criticism by lightening its proposed penalties for device use, though its policy ended up including confiscation for 7-14 days and fines of $50-100 if the parent wanted the device back earlier.

Bonuses and holiday pay

The school board also discussed whether to award bonuses and federal holiday pay to non-certified teachers, or “professional staff,” and how much. The state General Assembly passed a requirement for districts to raise minimum teacher pay and give out bonuses, but at the same time took away $900,000 in funding for Maury County because of the year-over-year increase in its assessed “ability to pay.”

The Maury County Board had some difficulty deciding how to give a meaningful bonus out of the budget granted them by the county Budget Committee, who had to be persuaded to add $5.3 million to the school district’s budget this year to secure a $50,000 teacher minimum wage and across-the-board raises.

“This is why I wish, sometimes, that the state would stop trying to define everything for us,” said board member Jackson Carter.

“This is the problem with the state throwing things at us without input,” agreed Moore, who wanted to balance fairness with fiscal responsibility. “I think that unfortunately we have to just do what the state says.”

Ventura added that the district had discretion to distribute bonuses in different amounts to certified teachers and “professional [non-certified] staff,” like Lawrence County did recently, or give them only to certified teachers. Board member Jamila Brown, on the other hand, suggested giving the same bonus amount to both kinds of teachers, and maybe even to aides, cooking, maintenance and other staff, to recognize their effort and keep them from going to nearby counties.

“It doesn’t have to be $2,300 — it could be $500, $750,” she said. “I don’t know anybody [who works in the schools] that clocks out at 3 p.m. and goes home.”

“Our budget’s already starting out at a deficit,” added county Finance Director Doug Lukonen, who noted that the board had limited discretion before they would start having to pay new expenses out of the general fund. “You could [spend] up to $2 million, but you would really handcuff yourselves for the rest of the year.”

Brown moved to defer the vote to the next month, to which the board agreed, and asked Lukonen to crunch the numbers and present the best options at a later board meeting. They passed a resolution to take away holiday pay for “professional staff.”

Rippa Villa Unveils Bust (MSM)

A bronze bust of former slave Anna McKissack Bunch was unveiled at the historic Rippa Villa plantation last week.

The bust was a joint project between the City of Spring Hill and the Battle of Franklin Trust, with the hope of publicizing the importance of ordinary people — especially those who were enslaved — to the history and racial relations of the area.

Battle of Franklin Trust CEO Eric Jacobson worked with Bunch’s living descendants on the exhibit.

Anna Bunch was born into slavery in the home of William McKissack, whose daughter Susan married into the Cheairs family that owned the Rippa Villa estate. Bunch was enslaved by the family until the Civil War, and lived in Spring Hill all her life, including in Rippa Villa itself in the 1880s, where she worked as a cook and her husband as a sawyer.

Last year Bunch’s grave was found in the Spring Hill Cemetery, and genealogical research found that her family history “runs parallel” to local race relations all through the 19th and 20th centuries.

“Anna was a woman of strength and resilience. She embraced freedom with all its privileges and challenges and built a good life for her family,” a post on Rippavilla’s Facebook page states. “Her story is an important part of the Rippa Villa story, and we are very excited to have her as a visible presence in the home once again.”

“This morning, the City of Spring Hill and the Battle of Franklin Trust proudly unveiled the brand-new bust of Anna Bunch,” the city announced last week. “Spring Hill and the Battle of Franklin Trust are proud to be able to properly tell the history of this area, being able to shine a light on those who may have been lost throughout the years. Anna will now be forever immortalized in Rippa Villa.”

Monica Hayes Joins CA Staff (Press Release)

Columbia Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Monica Hayes as its new Development Coordinator. In this role, Monica will help expand fundraising efforts for the school by building connections with current and prospective donors to advance Columbia Academy’s mission.

“I feel so blessed to be part of the Columbia Academy family. From day one, Columbia Academy has been exactly what I want for my children to grow both academically and, more importantly, spiritually. Columbia Academy is such a special place, and I’m excited to get to further its mission,” says Monica.

Monica holds a degree in Public Relations from Freed-Hardeman University and brings experience in both sales and business. She will continue to serve as the Admissions Coordinator for Columbia Academy’s Spring Hill campus.

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 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.

Mayor’s Youth Council (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is now accepting applications for the 2025–26 Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC). Open to all high school juniors and seniors in Maury County—whether public, private, or homeschooled—the CMYC offers students a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of local government and gain valuable leadership experience.

The program provides students with a behind-the-scenes look at how elected officials and municipal departments serve the Columbia community. Participants will engage with all 12 City departments and tour select municipal facilities, such as the Columbia Police Department, Fire Department and Public Works. Through these hands-on experiences and guided discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of how city services are delivered and how local government impacts their daily lives.

“Columbia is a growing city that values the voice and energy of its youth,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. “The Mayor’s Youth Council not only gives students a seat at the table but also empowers them to play an active role in shaping the future of our city.”

Students accepted into the program will attend monthly meetings throughout the school year, typically held on the second Tuesday of each month. Each session will include interactive learning opportunities and direct engagement with city leaders and staff.

“Providing students with a first-hand look at how our departments work fosters meaningful civic engagement,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “The Youth Council helps connect young residents to the everyday operations of city government and strengthens the shared commitment we all have to our community.”

Applications will be accepted from now through August 22, 2025, and must include a completed application form, photo ID, and current high school transcript with unweighted GPA. Selected participants will be notified by September 1.

To learn more and apply, visit the City of Columbia’s website at: www.columbiatn.gov

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

Lavonda Faye Blocker Green, 79, resident of Summertown, died Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at her daughter’s residence in Harrison, TN.

A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rose Hill cemetery. The family will visit with friends Friday, August 15 2025 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home

Mr. Jack Delano Auville, 86, resident of Culleoka, died Wednesday, August 13 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 4:00 PM at Grace Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in Friendship Cemetery with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Grace Church of the Nazarene.

Jane Elizabeth Walker Howard, 64, retired counselor with Hattie Cotton Elementary School in Davidson County, died Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at St. Thomas West in Nashville.

A private graveside service will be at St. John Episcopal Churchyard in Columbia, TN with The Reverend Chris Bowhay officiating.

Now, news from around the state…

Chattanooga Flooding (Tennessean)

Chattanooga received historic rainfall on Aug. 12, prompting flash flooding, road closures and water rescues.

The National Weather Service recorded 6.42 inches of rain across the area, making it the second-wettest single day in the city’s recorded history, which dates back to 1879.

A social media post from the Chattanooga Fire Department showed cars wading through the deluge on Aug. 12, with floodwaters so deep that some vehicles were nearly submerged, only their roofs visible above the brown, murky water.

According to Rae Anne Bradley, regional communications officer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, widespread flooding shut down Interstate 24 between I-75 and U.S. 27 in Hamilton County until about 11:20 p.m. ET.

A video posted to Facebook showed cars trapped on I-24, with a small whirlpool swirling debris and a vehicle.

The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management confirmed three fatalities following the severe flooding that struck Chattanooga and surrounding areas Aug 12.

During the early morning hours, saturated ground from the storms caused a large tree to fall on a car in the 1100 block of South Moore Road in East Ridge, killing two adults and a child.

According to a social media post from the fire department, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp is meeting with emergency officials and East Ridge first responders on Aug. 13 to assess the damage from the flash flooding and to "discuss next steps heading into a rainy Wednesday forecast."

"We have been in communication with both TEMA and the Governor’s Office and will continue to assess damage overnight and into the morning," said Wamp. "We ask the public to please exercise extreme caution."

In Chattanooga, search efforts are ongoing for a man who disappeared after attempting to walk through floodwaters on East Brainerd Road during the night hours on Aug. 12.

Chattanooga firefighters from the Swiftwater Rescue Team pulled six people from a van stranded at Davidson Road and Gunbarrel Road where rising water from an overflowing creek nearly swept the vehicle away, according to a social media post from the department. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters then spent hours checking submerged cars for anyone who might have been trapped, the department added.

Following the flooding, The American Red Cross of Tennessee opened the Brainerd Recreation Center for people being evacuated.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Beat the remaining summer heat in Mt. Pleasant this weekend with Water Day.

Hosted by Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation and the Mt. Pleasant Water Department, Water Day will kick off on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Mt. Pleasant splash pad, 501 Gray Lane.

Hamburgers will also be served starting at 11 a.m., as well as cool pops provided by Heritage Bank & Trust.

The event is free to attend, but be sure to bring a towel.