Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-20-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for August 20, 2026

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

We start with local news…

I-65 Crash (Tennessean)

A firey crash involving four tractor trailers that shut down Interstate 65 for hours killed a Texas man and seriously injured two others.

Spring Hill Police and Tennessee Highway Patrol were called to the scene which spanned both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-65 near mile marker 50 in Maury County Aug. 18.

A preliminary report, created by the Tennessee Highway Patrol released Aug. 19, identified the man killed as 59-year-old James Ebbinger.

The crash is still under investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, a spokesperson said Aug. 19, but it appears a northbound 2026 Peterbuilt 579 driven by Ebbinger, crossed over the median into the opposite lanes of traffic and set off a deadly chain reaction.

The truck slammed into another tractor trailer driven by a 49-year-old Minnesota man, then hit two more trucks, driven by a 63-year-old Alabama man and a 36-year-old Florida man, before it stopped. One of those trucks then caught fire which spread to the three other trucks sending thick, black smoke into the air that could be seen for miles down the backed up road.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol Crash Investigation and Reconstruction Team is helping investigate why Ebbinger's truck ran into oncoming traffic.

Hickman County Cemetery Destroyed (WKRN)

Multiple families in Hickman County, Tennessee, are devastated after learning someone bulldozed a 19th-century cemetery containing the remains of their loved ones and then discarded the headstones in the woods.

The Old Primitive Baptist Cemetery, also known as the Neely Cemetery, was established in 1889.

Jenifer Ardry and several of her family members gathered Tuesday at the cemetery, which was previously located behind a house. Now, the area is flattened and covered with deep grooves from what appears to be heavy machinery.

There was no sign of a grave or a headstone in the cemetery, where the family has gathered for years to remember their relatives.

Jenifer Ardry said her great-grandmother was buried in this cemetery, but after the bulldozing, she doesn’t know the site’s exact location, leaving her outraged.

The family showed multiple headstones that were some 30 yards away, piled in a section in the woods. Some of the headstones had markings while others didn’t.

“What monster would mow down 20-plus tombstones?” asked Richard Ardry, who said he’s in total disbelief after learning his family’s gravesite was desecrated.

Jordan Norvell said her great-great-grandmother and great-great-grandfather were buried there, adding that the pain of seeing the desecration is “extreme.”

“We care for our loved ones. We protect our loved ones here. I don’t understand how someone could do it. I just don’t,” Norvell told WKRN.

The relatives said there were about 22 grave markers in the cemetery, perhaps more. Now, they’re all cleared away, pushed into a pile at the rear of the property.

Richard Ardry said he was positive he was standing on top of the remains of people still in the ground, but he couldn’t be sure where the bodies are at this point.

William Ardry said he came to see his grandparents’ graves after church, and when he saw they were bulldozed over, he and his wife were devastated.

When asked where his grandparents’ remains were, he replied, “I don’t know now. Here somewhere or another.”

Terry Chandler said he also has kin buried in this cemetery, so seeing what happened is unsettling: “It’s just sickening. How could anyone be so ruthless to come out and just destroy a cemetery?”

All of the family members are now concerned with locating their loved ones and then figuring out where to replace the grave markers.

“We were raised [not to] even walk over a grave, and I don’t know how somebody in their right mind is OK pulling a bulldozer or heavy equipment back here and just pushing these things over like these people never existed,” Jenifer Ardry said.

The Hickman County Sheriff’s Office released a statement to WKRN, saying, “There is an active investigation into this matter. We sympathize with the family members who have someone buried there. We are working with a 32nd Judicial District State Attorney’s Office to follow the proper protocols and the next steps to be taken.”

City Accepts Donation to K-9 Program (Press Release)

The Columbia City Council has approved a resolution accepting a donation from Sutton Circus K-9 Academy for professional K-9 training services valued at $4,270 in support of Columbia Fire & Rescue’s Emotional Support K-9 Program.

The department’s newest Emotional Support K-9, Blaze, was donated through a partnership with the Maury County Animal Shelter and will continue the department’s commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of its firefighters.

Blaze joins the department following the passing of Darby, Columbia Fire & Rescue’s previous support K-9. During her time with the department, Darby provided a calming presence for firefighters and helped demonstrate the positive role a support K-9 can have in the fire station.

Firefighters routinely experience high-stress and traumatic situations as part of their service to the community. Emotional Support K-9s can provide comfort following difficult calls, help reduce stress and anxiety, improve morale, and encourage healthy conversations surrounding mental health.

Blaze will be assigned to Fire Station 3 for her daily care and will serve as a resource not only for Columbia Fire & Rescue personnel, but also for other emergency service agencies and first responders who may benefit from her support. Blaze will also participate in community outreach and public education opportunities. 

“Our firefighters are there for our community on some of life’s most difficult days,” said Fire Chief Chris Cummins. “It’s just as important that we take care of them. This program is another way we’re investing in the health and well-being of our personnel.”

Columbia Fire & Rescue thanks Sutton Circus K-9 Academy for providing Blaze’s professional training and the Maury County Animal Shelter for donating Blaze. Their generosity and partnership will help Columbia Fire & Rescue continue supporting those who serve our community every day.

Historic Marker Unveiling (MSM)

A historic marker was unveiled last week at the historic Haynes Haven site on Highway 31, commemorating the famous walking horse Haynes Peacock at the stock farm where he spent his decorated show career.

The horse known to the world as Haynes Peacock started life as a workhorse named “Dan,” foaled in 1928 on the Monette farm in New Herman, a rural community in Bedford County. Dan was worked like any other utility horse for his first 11 years, but his exceptional abilities and traits were evident even then.

“[Even in his show career], I’m pretty sure the trainers and everybody around him [called him] Ol’ Dan. [The name] was in his vocabulary up to the very end,” said Greg Spears, the caretaker of the Haynes Haven site that’s now the General Motors Welcome Center. “He would pull a plow [or] do whatever they wanted him to do… [Somebody recalled] he was carrying groceries, and they would just cross the reins and let the horse go home, which is incredible.”

Spears was invited in 2024 to attend Haynes Peacock’s induction into the Walking Horse Hall of Fame in Lewisburg, which inspired him to research the horse’s life and achievements.

Dan first competed in the New Herman Horse Show in April 1939, where he won his owner the grand prize: a sack of flour. T.P. Shelton of Manchester bought the horse after the show for $450, then in May entered him in another show in Smyrna (which he also won handily) under the name “Peacock.” Colonel Jack Haynes, an oil investor who had bought the Woodlawn estate south of Spring Hill and renamed it “Haynes Haven,” bought Peacock for $850 after the Smyrna show and renamed him “Haynes Peacock.”

“That’s a pretty good markup, but they knew they had something special,” said Spears.

Col. Haynes committed his new show horse to be trained by Billy Grubbs, who walked him in an oval course that’s still visible today in the Haynes Haven lawn. In old footage shown at last week’s unveiling, Haynes Peacock carries his rider with amazing steadiness, providing the exceptionally smooth ride that was part of his trademark style; another trait that made him a natural show horse, Spears said, was his love of attention and performing.

“Even today… watching this video is impressive,” said Spears. “[And] he was so showy and proud — when he was put on the spot, the show horse would come through. Everyone talked about how the name was completely fitting.”

The horse who started 1939 as “Dan” the Bedford County workhorse, ended it as “Haynes Peacock” on a literal world stage. Under Col. Haynes and Grubbs, Haynes Peacock won first place at horse shows all over the South as far west as Fort Worth, Texas, and the 1939 National Horse Show in Madison Square Garden.

The peak of his career came when they entered him in the first Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, a worldwide walking-horse show held in his home county in Shelbyville, in the year of his discovery in 1939. Haynes Peacock won World Grand Champion at Shelbyville the next year, in 1940, and again in 1941 — one of only seven horses to win the title at the National Celebration more than once in its nine-decade history.

In 1941, the year of his greatest triumph, Haynes Peacock was taken off the show circuit and retired to Haynes Haven, where he died in 1944 and was buried next to the big white barn at the north end of the lawn. Despite of his humble breeding and late start, professionals credited Haynes Peacock with having more of the personality and grace of a show horse than most show horses do, and he helped to raise the national profile of the Tennessee walking horse when the breed was just getting noticed by the establishment.

“What’s really been enjoyable to me is the true rags-to-riches story [of Haynes Peacock]… I don’t think they truly appreciated the significance and relevance… [of] Haynes Peacock [going from being] a field horse to being celebrated in Madison Square Garden, and the first horse to be World Grand Champion from Columbia,” said Mark Farrar, the CEO of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association, which runs the Hall of Fame that accepted Haynes Peacock in 2024. “[The fact] that we’re… still talking about a horse 86 years after it won the Celebration, really makes you think about… the importance of every decision the judges… [and] trainers make… Hopefully, 86 years from now, there will still be people standing around and talking about [this year’s Celebration].”

“For everyone that appreciates the agricultural and equestrian history of our county, this is a marker of support,” said Dr. David Daniels, a horse breeder just down the road from Haynes Haven.

“I’ve worked a lot of different places for General Motors, and this is the only place that has this level of history, this uniqueness [and] charm… We’re not just a manufacturing facility,” said Anton Buttusil, the executive director of the General Motors plant. He credited Spears and his team for maintaining the GM Welcome Center, which used to be the Haynes Haven horse barn, and for working with the authorities to get the historic plaque placed for Haynes Peacock. “It’s a big part of the property here, who we are, and we’re committed to the heritage.”

Spring Hill Starts Military Banner Program (MauryCountySource)

The City of Spring Hill is accepting applications for its Service Member Banner Program, which honors local military members with banners displayed along roadways throughout the city. 

The program recognizes Spring Hill residents who are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.

Each approved banner will feature the service member’s name and be displayed along a thoroughfare within Spring Hill city limits as a public tribute to their service.

Residents interested in honoring an eligible service member can download the Service Member Banner Application through the City of Spring Hill’s website or social media pages.

Little League Honored by City (MSM)

The Columbia City Council recently recognized the 2026 8U All Star Baseball Team in the city’s American Little League for winning its first state championship in eight years with an undefeated 7-0 season.

Mayor Chaz Molder, who wore the Little League jacket he received at age 10 and noted that it still almost fit, praised the team’s character as much as its record.

“The true measure of a successful season… is to learn the lessons of discipline, accountability, respect and working towards a common goal,” Molder said. “When you all played for tournaments… Y’all have made us proud… [by] the fact that you had ‘Columbia’ on your jerseys.”

Vice Mayor Randy McBroom — the father of Coach Nathan McBroom and grandfather of player Crosby McBroom — said the highest-stakes moment in the series came in the bottom of the sixth inning of the semifinal game against Lafayette.

The Columbia All Stars led 5-3 when the opposing team loaded the bases with two outs and scored one run off an infield fumble. A quick-thinking throw from pitcher M.J. Turner to home baseman Jared Brown ended the inning before Lafayette could score again and erase Columbia’s lead. McBroom said that compared with that moment, the final game was an anticlimax.

“If we had not won this game, we would not have gone to the championship… the tie-breaker would have gotten us. And we beat two of the three powerhouses in the state, Maryville and Clarksville,” McBroom told Main Street Maury. “That kind of signifies our year in this tournament. For every boy, I can name something they did well.”

The city council commended coaches Clay Colvett, Nathan McBroom, David Spare and Daniel White, and declared Friday “8U Columbia American All Stars Day.”

New Spring Hill Playground Construction Begun (MSM)

Construction has begun on a new playground at Harvey Park in Spring Hill, the city announced Aug. 10, with accessibility for disabled children serving as a primary driver of the redesign.

Kayce Williams, director of Spring Hill Parks & Recreation, described the project’s scope and intent.

“The new playground is larger than the current playground, is completely fenced, and was designed with inclusivity as a significant driver in the design choices,” Williams said. “I believe there are a minimum of 17 specific pieces for children with above-average needs, but they are incorporated in a way that children of all levels of ability can easily play together.”

The park’s new amenities include play structures, umbrella-like shade canopies, a shaded seating area for parents and guardians, and a fenced-off area for toddlers.

To allow disabled children to play alongside their peers, the ground will be resurfaced with synthetic turf and many of the play structures equipped with wheelchair ramps.

Public hearings gave residents a voice in the design before the Spring Hill Parks & Recreation Commission approved the project’s features. The project cost just under $1 million and was fully funded by a vote of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA).

Williams said community feedback shaped the final design.

“If memory serves, the feedback showed the favorites were the fencing, the toddler area, the number of slides, and all of the shade we incorporated,” Williams said.

“We are very grateful to our citizens for their interest in the project and for engaging with us… I’m very proud of our staff, our Commission, and the BOMA for their hard work on this project,” Williams said. “Harvey Park is one of the busiest parks in Spring Hill so we wanted to make sure we gave the public as much as we possibly could in this design.”

The Spring Hill Parks & Recreation Department plans a grand reopening ceremony at a date yet to be announced. Residents are encouraged to follow the department’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on events at Harvey Park and other locations.

“Our next big event is Campin’ in the Park, which will take place Sept. 19-20 at Fischer Park,” Williams said. “Registration opens soon, so make sure to follow us!”

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.

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

Mrs. Clara Brady Stewart, 84, resident of Williamsport, died Tuesday at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Santa Fe Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 12:00 noon until time of the services at the funeral home.

And now, news from around the state…

Med Mix-Up Paralyses Patient (Tennessean)

What was supposed to be routine knee replacement surgery at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Nashville on Aug. 14 left Glenda Dorton, an avid gardener from Centerville, paralyzed after a medication mix-up involving her and three other patients, according to her daughter-in-law, Kristina Dorton.

"Instead of the anesthetic that was going into her spine for that epidural procedure, before the surgery even started, it was potassium," Kristina Dorton said. "We were told that it came directly from pharmacy. I want to be very clear that this was not the doctor's fault. This was not the anesthesiologist's fault. This was not the care team's fault."

Dr. Shubhada Jagasia, president and CEO of the Midtown hospital, issued a statement but didn't disclose the condition of the other three patients, citing patient confidentiality.

"Our hearts are with the four patients and their families impacted by this event," Jagasia wrote. "We self-reported to state regulators and launched a thorough investigation. We identified the cause and have implemented corrective safeguards."

Jagasia did not disclose the investigation's findings or specify what corrective measures the hospital implemented. When reached by phone, the pharmacy at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown declined to comment.

Kristina Dorton said hospital employees told her that three other patients undergoing surgery on their joints Aug. 14 were treated with "contaminated vials" before medical staff noticed two patients had similar complications and halted surgeries that day. She added that she has no reason to believe it could have been an intentional act by a rogue employee.

"We're not looking to ruin somebody's life," she said. "They need to figure it out so it never happens."

The knee replacement surgery for Glenda Dorton, 72, seemed to have gone well until she woke up in recovery and couldn't move or feel anything from the sternum down.

She was then rushed to Ascension Saint Thomas West, where doctors placed her on a ventilator and drained her spinal fluid to remove the excess potassium in the intensive care unit. They also gave her a high dose of steroids hoping to reverse the damage, her daughter-in-law said.

The ventilator was removed Aug. 15, but Glenda Dorton still couldn't move her lower body or feel anything from her ribcage down.

Her husband of more than 50 years, Marvin Dorton, has remained by her bedside, her family said.

Kristina Dorton, of Chattanooga, said hospital staff told the family Aug. 18 that her mother-in-law had a T6 paralysis, which affects the sixth thoracic vertebra in the mid-back.

She said hospital officials told her family they will update them on the investigation.

"The hospital has been very transparent with us and we are very grateful and we hope that continues," she said.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Get ready for a weekend of outdoor fun at Campin’ in the Park at Fischer Park (4285 Port Royal Rd, Spring Hill, TN 37174)! Gather your family, pitch a tent, and enjoy an unforgettable camping experience filled with community, adventure, and memories under the stars.

Event Dates: September 19th–20th, 2026

Registration Information:

Registration opens August 24

Registration closes September 11

Registration is FREE, but all participants must be registered to attend.

Important Information:

• All youth must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone throughout the event.

• Space is limited, so be sure to register before the deadline.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or trying it for the first time, Campin’ in the Park is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make lasting memories with family and friends.

More information visit the Campin’ in the Park 2026 Facebook Page.