Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-19-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for August 19, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Crash Closes I-65 (MauryCountySource)

One person is dead and others are injured after a fiery crash involving multiple commercial motor vehicles on Interstate 65 at Southbound mile marker 50 Tuesday.

The chain-reaction crash occurred when one of the involved vehicles traveling northbound crossed the median and went into oncoming southbound traffic, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).

“Four commercial motor vehicles were involved in this crash southbound on I-65 at the 50 mile marker,” THP Lt. Stephen Ellis told News 2. “A commercial vehicle that was traveling northbound, traveled over the median and struck one commercial motor vehicle and then struck two more. Once they struck, one of the commercial motor vehicles caught fire, causing the other three to catch fire.”

Officials with the Tennessee Department of Transportation said I-65 Southbound remained closed while the northbound lanes were reopened shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Maury County first responders along with the Spring Hill Fire Department and the Spring Hill Police Department were on the scene. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is the lead investigating agency, officials said.

According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, southbound traffic was diverted at Exit 53, and northbound traffic is being diverted at Exit 46 (State Route 99).

The roadway fully reopened to traffic around 2:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Citizens Fire Academy (Press Release)

Columbia Fire & Rescue is now accepting applications for the 2026 Citizens Fire Academy, a free, hands-on learning experience for adults ages 18 and older. The six-week program provides participants with a behind-the-scenes look at life in the fire service, offering firsthand insight into the operations, challenges and teamwork that define Columbia Fire & Rescue’s commitment to protecting the community.

“The Citizens Fire Academy is an important opportunity to strengthen community engagement and provide residents with greater insight into the work of Columbia Fire & Rescue,” said City Manager Tony Massey.

Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of interactive activities, including:

• Live fire equipment demonstrations

• CPR training

• Fire station tours

• Presentations from CFR’s Emergency Management, Fire Marshal and Training divisions

• A hands-on mock fire scene featuring hose deployment, ladder operations and search-and-rescue tactics

Led by Columbia Fire & Rescue personnel, the Citizens Fire Academy is designed to strengthen the department’s connection with the community through education, transparency and engagement. Participants will gain a greater understanding of the department’s operations and the many services provided by its personnel each day.

“Every day, our firefighters rely on training, teamwork and preparation to serve this community,” said Fire Chief Chris Cummins. “The Citizens Fire Academy gives residents the chance to experience some of that training firsthand and see what it takes to be a member of Columbia Fire & Rescue. We look forward to welcoming this year’s class and sharing more about the work our department does to keep Columbia safe.”

The 2026 Citizens Fire Academy will run from September 15 through October 20, with sessions held every Tuesday evening from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at various Columbia fire stations.

Applications are available at ColumbiaTN.gov now through September 4.

For additional information or questions, contact Columbia Fire & Rescue at 931-560-1700.

City Completes Historic Roadway Investment (Press Release)

The City of Columbia has completed a historic roadway paving project, with 31.5 miles of city streets paved between 2025 and 2026, the most miles paved during any two year period in Columbia’s history.

The $5.7 million project, approved by the Columbia City Council, improved streets throughout Columbia and addressed roadway maintenance needs across the city.

“This project reflects thoughtful planning and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “These improvements make a meaningful difference for residents across our city and demonstrate our commitment to maintaining the infrastructure that supports our community.”

Before paving began, the City took a strategic, data-driven approach to identifying roadway needs. High-definition video and machine-learning technology were used to evaluate pavement conditions across the city, providing City Council and staff with reliable information to establish paving priorities.

“Having a comprehensive view of our street conditions allowed us to focus resources where improvements were needed most,” said City Engineer Glenn Harper. “This information helped us make informed decisions and maximize the impact of the paving project.”

Vice Mayor Randy McBroom emphasized the lasting impact of the completed project on Columbia’s infrastructure.

“We are proud to see this historic paving project completed,” said Vice Mayor Randy McBroom. “The scope of this project represents a significant accomplishment for Columbia and will provide lasting benefits for residents throughout our community.”

The completed project reflects the City’s continued commitment to responsible, informed decision making and investing in Columbia’s infrastructure for the future.

City to Host Public Meeting in Development (Press Release)

The City of Columbia Development Services Department will host a public meeting on Monday, August 31, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall to discuss proposed infill development standards for the City’s zoning ordinance.

Infill development standards would provide guidance for new residential development on vacant or underutilized lots within established areas. Updating the zoning ordinance to include infill standards would provide an opportunity to better preserve the character of existing neighborhoods while allowing for thoughtful, case-by-case consideration of infill development proposals.

“Adding infill standards gives us an opportunity to provide clearer guidance for new development in established areas while also being mindful of the character and context of the surrounding area,” said City Planner Austin Brass. “We want to hear from residents and property owners to better understand what is important to them as we consider these potential updates.”

The public meeting will provide the community with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed approach, ask questions and share feedback with City staff. Community input will help inform the discussion surrounding potential updates to the zoning ordinance and how infill development can be thoughtfully incorporated into established areas of Columbia.

The City encourages residents, property owners, business owners and other community members to attend and provide their input.

WHAT: Public Meeting on Proposed Infill Development Standards

WHEN: Monday, August 31, 4–5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Council Chambers, Columbia City Hall, 700 N. Garden Street

For more information, contact the City of Columbia Development Services Department at 931-560-1560.

Governor Okays CPWS Intake Loan (Press Release)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner David Salyers today announced a $75 million loan for the City of Columbia to improve water infrastructure.

The City of Columbia loan comes from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program. It will help expand the capacity of the Columbia Power and Water System’s (CPWS) existing drinking water treatment plant by 12 million gallons per day. The loan has a 30-year term with 3.06 percent interest.  

The loan is one of four approved by the Tennessee Local Development Authority, with loans for the City of Maynardville, Town of Pegram, and City of Pikeville totaling $82.5 million.  

“In Tennessee, we are balancing record growth with a plan to protect our natural resources, and that requires infrastructure investments,” Gov Lee said. “These funds make water quality improvement projects affordable for local governments and provide critical resources for Tennesseans across the state, and we’re grateful for local leaders’ partnership.” 

“Providing dependable, safe water service is one of the most important issues that local communicates face,” said Salyers. “We are grateful to partner with local leaders to provide towns and cities the assistance they need to meet their water infrastructure needs.”

The Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership at its July 13th meeting voted to affirm this CPWS project and include it in its final report and recommendations that will be submitted to the governor and legislative leaders later this year.

Through the State Revolving Fund Loan Program, communities, utility districts, and water and wastewater authorities can obtain loans with lower interest rates than through private financing. These low-interest-rate loans can vary from zero percent to below market rate, based on each community’s economic health.

This fiscal year, TDEC has awarded $75,000,000 in drinking water loans and $6,021,500 in clean water loans to meet the state’s infrastructure needs. During fiscal year 2026, TDEC awarded $12,152,711 in drinking water loans and $60,629,000 in clean water loans for a total of $72,781,711.

Tennessee’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program has awarded more than $2.5 billion in low-interest loans since its inception in 1987. The state’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program has awarded more than $550 million in low-interest loans since its inception in 1996.

CSCC Pins Med Techs (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College recently recognized 16 emergency medical technicians and 25 paramedics upon completion of their certificates during the Summer 2026 EMS Pinning ceremony held in the Cherry Theater.

Traditional Summer 2026 EMT completers at the Columbia Campus achieved a 100% first-attempt pass rate for the national registry.

“We are delighted to celebrate another successful paramedic and EMT cohort graduating from the EMS Academy,” said Greg Johnson, Columbia State EMS program director and assistant professor. “Our communities are safer because of the men and women celebrated in these achievements.”

The Summer 2026 paramedic cohort earned a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the paramedic National Registry Cognitive exam. In addition, this marks four years in a row and five out of the last six years that the paramedic cohorts have achieved a 100% pass rate for the national registry, further illustrating the long-time success of this program. The national first-time pass average for the paramedic national registry exam is 83%. 

An EMT provides basic life support at the site of illnesses and injuries, assisting with transport to the hospital. 

EMT and paramedic certificate completers also have the option to pursue the General Technology Associate of Applied Science degree by combining coursework from two certificates with general education courses to complete a personalized degree program. 

“Congrats to these new EMTs and paramedics,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “The region can count on continued access to safe and effective pre-hospital care thanks to the passion, knowledge, and skill of these dedicated professionals!”

The program provides students with the necessary didactic and practical training to perform life-saving skills. Additionally, students learn to work alone, as well as in a squad-based (team) environment. 

For more information about the EMS program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/EMS or email EMS@ColumbiaState.edu. 

New OB/Gyn at MRMC (Press Release)

Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) welcomes Cooper Trost, DO, to its MRMG OB-GYN practice.

 Dr. Trost earned his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, Missouri. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Wright University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio.

Dr. Trost joins a multi-provider team that includes Nicole Falls, MD; Taylor Masters, MD; Michael J. Pelletier, MD;  Andres Rodriguez, MD; Brandi Trammell, MD; Brittany Legg, FNP-BC; Leslie McBroom, FNP-BC; and Jill McDonald, FNP-BC. The practice provides specialized care for women from childbearing years through post-menopause. No physician referral is required to schedule an appointment.

 MRMG OB-GYN occupies the entire fourth floor of the Medical Office Building (Building B) on the Maury Regional Medical Center campus at 1222 Trotwood Ave., Suite 400 in Columbia, TN. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 931.490.1295 or visit MauryRegional.com/obgyn.

SRTC Grand Opening (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College, alongside partners, Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology - Hohenwald and Pulaski, will host a grand opening and drone show for the new Southern Regional Technology Center on Friday, Aug. 21.

The community is invited to attend this celebration, which will be packed with innovation, live music and a spectacular 300-drone light show over the Columbia Campus.

“The SRTC reflects what can happen when communities come together around a shared purpose,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “This facility will serve students across southern Middle Tennessee while bringing together Columbia State and our TCAT partners under one roof to create unprecedented opportunities for technical and workforce education. The impact of this investment will be felt for generations through stronger families, stronger businesses and stronger communities.”

The new SRTC will serve as a regional hub for hands-on training and career education in high-demand fields like nursing, welding, HVAC, automotive technology, respiratory care, engineering systems technology and more. 

“TCAT Hohenwald is delighted and honored to be joining the Columbia State SRTC to offer Automotive Technology and Practical Nursing to our region,” said Dr. Kelli Kea-Carroll, TCAT Hohenwald president. “Both TCAT programs are defined as ‘in-demand’ career occupations programs, which offer the competencies, certificates and industry credentialing necessary for student completion and student success to contribute to our southern Middle Tennessee workforce development needs associated with business and industry.”   

Built through a partnership between Columbia State, TCAT Hohenwald and TCAT Pulaski, the center is designed to strengthen workforce development across the region.

“The SRTC represents a transformational partnership that expands access to workforce training where students need it most,” said Mike Whitehead, TCAT Pulaski president. “By bringing TCAT Pulaski's Welding and HVAC/R programs to Columbia, we're removing barriers to education while strengthening the skilled workforce across southern Middle Tennessee.”

The evening will feature:

•    Live music by Merchants of Cool

•    Open house tours of the new facility

•    Celebratory drone light show 

Event schedule:

•    6:30 p.m. — Grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting

•    7–8:15 p.m. — Explore the new center, enjoy live music and learn about the exciting career programs coming to our region through this partnership.

•    8:30 p.m. — Evening ends with a 300 drone light show celebrating the grand opening, Columbia State's 60th Anniversary and America's 250th birthday! 

Guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets and are welcome to bring food, as they celebrate a special evening that marks a milestone for the region.

Spring Hill Repaving Project (MauryCountySource)

Spring Hill is set to invest nearly $3.2 million in road improvements after the city’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved two resolutions Aug. 3 outlining fiscal year 2027 paving and striping projects.

Under Resolution 26-232, Public Works staff identified streets in need of repaving following physical inspections of road conditions. Staff evaluated the asphalt on each street and assigned a rating — from very poor to very good — with the lowest-rated streets prioritized for paving.

City staff worked with Roger Group to obtain project quotes and develop recommendations for the board.

The proposed paving projects include:

• Deerfield: $207,957

• Golf View Estates: $324,738.50

• Augusta Trace Drive: $117,015

• Jacob Drive: $123,306

• Stewart Campbell Point: $150,078

• Loudenslager Drive: $30,023.50

• Derryberry Lane: $75,208

• Hunters Point: $67,575

• N. Old Port Royal Road: $124,002.50

• Kedron Road No. 1, Interstate to Princeton Road: $300,303.50

• Kedron Road No. 2, Princeton Road to Main Street: $383,863

• Kedron Road No. 3, Main Street to 396: $440,197.50

• Prescott Way: $96,314.75

• Buckner Place: $198,885.50

• Estimated asphalt/construction adjustments: $143,435

The paving projects are estimated to cost approximately $2.9 million. Of that amount, $862,443 will come from State Street Aid funds, while $2,048,932 will be allocated from the city’s General Fund.

The board also approved Resolution 26-233, which addresses pavement striping on several roads throughout Spring Hill. Public Works staff received a quote from Kerr Bros. for the striping work.

The proposed striping projects include:

• Cleburne Road, from Beechcroft Road to Petty Lane: $22,150

• Derryberry Lane, from Port Royal Road to Rice Lane: $51,880

• Old Port Royal Road, from Port Royal Road to the cul-de-sac: $15,147

• Kedron Parkway, from State Route 31 to Town Center Parkway: $20,462

• Kedron Road, from Saturn Parkway to the interstate bridge: $170,805

The striping project is estimated to cost $280,444 and will be funded through the General Fund.

And now, news from around the state…

Franklin Fields Accidental 911 Calls (Tennessean)

Franklin police dispatchers have fielded nearly 4,000 accidental 9-1-1 calls since the beginning of the year.

Many of the mistaken calls occurred when smartphones or smartwatches with Emergency SOS features were activated unintentionally in pockets, purses or other confined spaces, Franklin Police Chief Deb Faulkner said.

“Every 9-1-1 call requires our attention until we know there isn’t an emergency,” Faulkner said in a statement. “Thousands of accidental calls can tie up dispatchers and officers who need to remain available to respond to emergencies throughout our community.”

When there is no response from the caller or the call disconnects, dispatchers attempt to call the number back. If they are unable to make contact and confirm there is no emergency, officers may have to respond to make sure everyone is safe. 

Franklin police encouraged residents to take steps to reduce the number of unintentional emergency calls:

• Review Emergency SOS settings on phones and smartwatches.

• Lock phone screens before placing devices in a pocket or purse.

• Consider adjusting settings that allow emergency calls through repeated or prolonged button presses.

• If you accidentally call 9-1-1, stay on the line and tell the dispatcher you are safe.

• If dispatch calls you back, please answer and confirm there is no emergency.

“We want people to call 9-1-1 when they need us,” Faulkner said. “Taking a few simple steps to prevent accidental calls helps keep our emergency resources available when every second counts.”

Gas Prices (MSM)

Gas prices across the state are more expensive, rising 10 cents, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.65 which is five cents more expensive than one month ago and 92 cents more expensive than one year ago.

“Crude oil prices moved higher over last week amid renewed uncertainty in the global oil market,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Drivers can expect to see additional fluctuations in pump pricing through this week. While pump prices remain volatile, drivers can still save money every time they fill up by enrolling in fuel savings programs, shopping around for the best gas prices in their community and ensuring their vehicle is properly maintained.”

Tennessee is currently the seventh least expensive state for gas in the US.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Save the Date for PredsFest 2026 presented by Ticketmaster. The biggest party in Smashville returns on Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.!

PredsFest is taking over the streets surrounding Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203).

Celebrate the return of Music City Hockey with the ultimate pregame party before the first preseason game!

Enjoy live music, appearances from Preds players and alumni, local food trucks, custom giveaways, a Kids Zone filled with fun activities, and challenge your friends to games in the Golden U Tailgate Zone!

Price: FREE

More information is found at www.nhl.com/predators.