Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-27-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for August 27, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Spring Hill House Fire (MauryCountySource)

Spring Hill Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire early Monday morning in the 600 block of Charles Lane.

Crews arrived within seven minutes of the 4:10 a.m. call to find the home heavily involved in flames. The family of four escaped before first responders arrived but all suffered smoke inhalation, and two also sustained burns.

Due to the seriousness of the injuries, Spring Hill Fire investigators, assisted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, spent several hours combing through the debris. The cause of the fire remains undetermined and under investigation.

Officials expressed gratitude to partner agencies including Spring Hill Police, Williamson Health EMS, Williamson County 9-1-1, Columbia Fire Rescue, Maury County Fire Department, Williamson Fire-Rescue, and the TBI Fire Investigation Division.

Maury County Fair Returns (MSM)

The Maury County Fair will take place at Maury County Park in Columbia, from Thursday-Monday on Labor Day weekend.

Daily teenage and adult general admission are priced at $12, three-day passes at $25, and children under 12 get in free. Friday is a “Senior Day” with free admission for patrons 55 and over (midway not included). Gates open at 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday and Monday.

The fairgrounds will feature vendors selling food, drinks and other goods, live music in the food court from 5-9 p.m. the first four nights and rides and games on the midway provided by Kissel Entertainment, who have donated generously to the fair. The midway can be enjoyed at $2 per ticket or 22 for $40, or with the purchase of an armband for $35 on Friday and Saturday, $30 on Thursday and Sunday and $25 on Monday. Armbands are buy one, get one free on Thursday.

The arena sports this year include the 7 p.m. Thursday night Rodeo, whose pre-show begins at 6 p.m.; the Tractor Pull at 6:30 p.m. Friday; Motocross at 6 p.m. Saturday, with registration at 1 p.m., practice at 4; and the Jump ‘N Run at 6:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday nights. Pit passes (6 & under free) to Motocross are $12, to Jump ‘N Run $25.

The competitive expositions of livestock and home goods take place all weekend.

For livestock, the Goat Show happens at 5 p.m. Thursday (check-in at 3 p.m); the Beef Show at 5 p.m. Friday (check-in at 1 p.m.); on Saturday, the “Chick Chain” show at 10 a.m. and Sheep Show at 2 p.m. (check-in at 9 a.m.); and the Swine Show on Monday at 3 p.m. (check-in from 8-10 a.m.). Animals can be registered until shortly before the fair.

Among live human competitions, the winners of the “Fairest of the Fair” beauty pageant (judged on Aug. 16) will parade around the arena before the event there. The Hot Pepper Eating Contest takes place at the Skillington Barn at 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Knights of Columbus will host “My Day” at 9 a.m. Friday morning, during which disabled youth and their caregivers will get to enjoy the fairgrounds. The “My Day” 5k and 1k foot races will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, in memory of disabled high-school student Will Spiess. Registration is $30 for the 5k and $15 for the 1k; the funds raised will go to the Kings Daughters School, the Special Olympics, and the “Best Buddies” program that Spiess belonged to.

The Fair Board thanks their title sponsor, the Farm Bureau of Tennessee, and TriGreen Equipment Rentals’ generosity.

Documents for the Fair are moving more and more from printed brochures and magazines to online, at maurycountyfair.org. Those interested can follow them at @maurycountytnfair on Instagram, or @MauryCountyFair on Facebook. The livestock catalog, agricultural exhibit categories, applications and other documents can be found on the Forms page, and the contact information for each competition and event can be found on the Contacts page.

Maury Alliance State of the Economy (CDH)

The state of Maury County's economic growth appears to be on track with increases in overall investments, jobs and income.

Earlier this month, Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance President Wil Evans shared his quarterly presentation to Columbia City Council. The presentation included current economic data, as well as the Alliance's latest Key Performance Indicator (KPI) report.

The latest data from July, Evans shared, showed increases in new business investment, and at a higher rate than the norm. Though there has been growth in existing industries as well.

Maury Alliance's latest Key Performance Indicator (KPI) report showcases county-wide metrics in median household income, retail sales and civilian labor force between 2013-2023.

"We have often measured our success in the number of jobs we have created, the amount of capital investment," Evans said. "We wanted to look at that more long-term impact of that economic growth. Is Maury County growing? Is it growing wealthier and is it developing the talent necessary to stay competitive?"

According to the report, the median household income from 2013-2023 increased 36.7% overall, which Evans called "a very strong growth."

Retail growth reported an 85% increase, or over $2.1 billion over the same 10-year period.

The KPI Report also measured the overall citizen labor force growth between 2018-2023 at 82,478 new jobs, four times the national growth rate.

"We are seeing a lot of growth in our workforce, and our population in turn," Evans said.

The KPI Report also compared Maury County with Nashville and statewide Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) data.

The MSA data over 10 years showed Maury County outperformed in areas such as:

• Population growth: 113,411

• Average annual income increase: $60,831 (up 52% in 10 years)

• Median household income increase: $74,162

• Real GDP growth: nearly $5.4 billion

• Civilian labor force growth: 82,478

• Graduation rate: 92.1%

"Things are moving in a positive direction here," Evans said.

Just over the last year in Maury County, 1,760 jobs were announced, cost of living at 12% below national average, and capital investments have drawn $2.4 billion.

Evans' presentation concluded with acknowledgements to recent announcements at General Motors and Ultium Cells.

In June, GM announced a $4 billion investment in manufacturing operations, which included production of the gas-powered Chevrolet Blazer at the company's Spring Hill plant.

In August, GM announced it would continue the five-seat SUV's production, with a fresh model set to launch in 2027.

"It is just indicative of the facility that we have here," Evans said. "We are blessed to have a very flexible facility here, and they are taking full advantage of that as they are reworking some of their plans. It's a good opportunity of the long-term impact and how we feel, within the auto industry, General Motors Spring Hill is going to be here for quite some time."

In July, Ultium announced planned upgrades to its Spring Hill facility for low-cost EV battery production, a joint venture between the company, GM and LG Energy Solution.

“At GM, we’re innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance, and affordability to our EV customers,” Kurt Kelty, VP of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability at GM, said in a July 14 news release. “This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio."

Midstate Classic to Return (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is proud to announce the return of the Midstate Classic to Ridley Sports Complex on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The 2026 event will be headlined by a marquee matchup at 5:30 PM, as the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers face off against the Austin Peay Governors. This highly anticipated game will once again place Columbia in the spotlight, offering fans the chance to experience elite-level collegiate softball right here at home.

“The Midstate Classic has become one of the signature events for our city, and we are thrilled to welcome the Lady Vols back to Ridley Sports Complex,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. “This day showcases not only world-class softball, but also the community spirit that defines Columbia.”

The full slate of action begins earlier in the day, starting at 10:00 AM with a local rivalry between the Columbia Central Lions and the Spring Hill Raiders. At 1:30 PM, the Columbia State Lady Chargers will take the field against an opponent to be announced, setting the stage for the evening’s feature game between the Lady Vols and the Governors.

Speaking to the tradition and excitement of the Classic, City Manager Tony Massey said, “It’s remarkable to see the energy and excitement the Midstate Classic generates every year, and 2026 will be no exception. By having Austin Peay as Tennessee’s opponent, it truly will be a Midstate Classic. We look forward to hosting the two universities in Columbia next Spring.”

The headlining matchup will feature not only two highly respected coaches but also two powerhouse programs in collegiate softball. The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers, led by Karen Weekly in her 25th season and with more than 1,350 career wins, rank among the most successful programs in NCAA history. Across the diamond, the Austin Peay Governors, guided by Kassie Stanfill in her eighth season, have emerged as a rising force, compiling nearly 200 wins and producing dozens of all-conference athletes. Fans can expect a high-caliber contest showcasing both elite coaching and top-tier team talent.

University of Tennessee Head Coach Karen Weekly expressed her excitement, saying, “We are excited to once again bring the Lady Vol Softball team to Columbia for the Midstate Classic. Austin Peay is a tough opponent and Kassie Stanfill has done a tremendous job building that program. We know the fans will be treated to a great in-state matchup.”

Now entering its eleventh year, the Midstate Classic has become a cornerstone tradition in Columbia—uniting competitive softball, passionate fans, and community pride. With the Lady Vols and Governors headlining the 2026 tournament, anticipation is already building for one of the most exciting events yet.

“Events like the Midstate Classic highlight why Ridley Sports Complex is such a valuable community asset,” added Columbia Parks & Recreation Director Mack Reagan. “It is a privilege to host powerhouse programs like Tennessee while also providing our local athletes the opportunity to play on the same stage.”

Ticket details and additional information will be announced closer to the date. Fans are encouraged to follow the City of Columbia on Facebook and Instagram at @CityofColumbiaTN for the latest updates. Additional information will also be made available on the City’s official website.

First Farmers Performance Series (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce the artist roster for the 2025-2026 First Farmers Performance Series season. The 23rd season of the Performance Series features a diverse lineup of artists set to perform in the 500-seat Cherry Theater on the Columbia Campus.

“The feel of fall is beginning to spread through the air, and Columbia State—together with First Farmers—is excited to share evenings of outstanding entertainment with our community,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “Each performance offers not only top-tier talent but also a chance to connect with friends, meet new ones, and enjoy a stroll through the Pryor Art Gallery. I look forward to seeing you at the Series.”

“We’re thrilled to unveil what may be one of our best Performance Series lineups at Columbia State,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “This season wouldn’t be possible without the steadfast support of our naming sponsor and the enthusiasm of our patrons. We invite everyone in our community to join us—there’s nothing quite like the energy and connection of live performance.”

“We’re proud to bring a lineup this varied and dynamic to the region we serve,” said Tammy Rosson, Columbia State director of events and alumni relations. “Audiences can experience world-class performances — from storytelling and bluegrass to timeless classics and holiday traditions — in a lovely venue with free parking and easy access. Thanks to the continued support of First Farmers & Merchants Bank, and our patrons, this season reflects our commitment to making live entertainment accessible and unforgettable for our community.”

On Thurs., Oct. 16 @ 7 p.m. SEAN OF THE SOUTH, will be featured. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, humorist and multi-instrumentalist known for his commentary on life in the American South.

Thurs., Nov. 13 @ 7 p.m. is upright bass player SCOTT MULVAHILL A genre-blending singer-songwriter, who fuses Americana, folk, jazz and experimental sounds into something truly original. |

Thurs., Dec. 18 @ 7 p.m. Experience the magic of Christmas with THE IRISH TENORS |

Thurs., Feb. 12 @ 7 p.m. THE FRENCH FAMILY BAND will be on stage. Originally from Australia and now Nashville-based, this this brings rich harmonies, dazzling twin guitars and a love for classic country straight from the Golden Age.

THE KODY NORRIS SHOW will appear on Thurs., March 12 @ 7 p.m.

This award-winning bluegrass group is all about blending tradition with fresh energy.

The Finale will happen on Thurs., April 9 @ 7 p.m. with THE PLATTERS |

Few groups have a legacy as enduring as The Platters®. Founded in 1952 by Herb Reed, they were the first African American group to achieve superstardom, delivering timeless GRAMMY® hits like "Only You" and "The Great Pretender." Today, their music remains a staple of pop culture, film and television.

Tickets for each performance are priced at $35 and include all fees. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ColumbiaState.edu/PerformanceSeries.  Individuals may also contact the Performance Series box office at 931.540.2879, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Columbia Fall Fest (MauryCountySource)

Columbia Main Street is proud to present Fall Fest 2025, returning to the Public Square on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM for an unforgettable autumn celebration in the heart of downtown Columbia.

This free, family-friendly event brings together residents, visitors, and small businesses for an evening filled with live music, local flavor, and festive fun.

Fall Fest has become one of the most anticipated community events of the season. This year’s celebration will feature:

Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off – Sample and vote for your favorite chili recipes in this ticketed tasting event supporting Kiwanis of Columbia and their local initiatives.

Live Entertainment – Enjoy performances throughout the day from talented local bands, including high-energy headliner, Deandra & 46 Story, bringing danceable classics and R&B favorites to close out the night.

Miss Fall Fest Pageant – Hosted by Britts, this beloved tradition returns to the stage, celebrating charm, confidence, and community spirit. Early registration is available now.

Columbia’s Fruit Tea Throwdown – Local restaurants will compete to claim the title of Best Fruit Tea in Town—and your votes will decide the winner!

Kid Zone Fun – Families will love the expanded children’s area, featuring inflatables, face painting, games, and balloon artists, all located safely within the closed downtown square.

Local Vendors & Food Trucks – Discover unique handmade goods from regional artisans and enjoy delicious bites from a curated lineup of food trucks and local favorites.

Photo Ops Galore – Don’t miss festive displays and photo stations, including the return of the Tri-Green Tractor Booth, perfect for family memories.

Fall Fest 2025 is made possible by generous sponsors, and Columbia Main Street is currently seeking partners who want to be part of this impactful event. Sponsorship opportunities are now open and offer businesses premium exposure and meaningful community engagement.

For sponsorship inquiries, vendor registration, or full event details, visit columbiamainstreet.com or contact:

Kelli Johnson

Columbia Main Street Manager

kjohnson@columbiatn.gov

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

Mr. Larry H. Potts, 76, a resident of Culleoka, died Sunday, August 24, at his residence surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 10:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mrs. Jewell Lee Horne Dean, 95, a lifelong resident of Maury County, passed away on August 22. A graveside service will be conducted Friday, August 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery

Mr. Roy Wayne Houser, 85, resident of Columbia, and former resident of Chicago, IL, died Thursday, August 21 at Maury Regional Medical Center. No services are scheduled at this time.

Mr. Rickey Wayne Davidson, 65, resident of Mt. Pleasant died Thursday, August 21 at Maury Regional Medical Center. The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.

Now, news from around the state…

No Guns In Parks Law Struck Down (Tennessean)

A three-judge panel struck down the State of Tennessee's law prohibiting people from bringing guns into public parks.

The ruling came after three gun owners, along with two gun rights organizations, Gun Owners of America, Inc. and Gun Owners Foundation, sued the state in February 2023 over the law. The law made it a crime to bring guns to parks in most circumstances.

The panel ruled against the state's argument that it did not have jurisdiction to strike down a criminal statute and that the gun owners and gun rights organizations do not have standing to bring the lawsuit.

It instead found the Tennessee law violated the Second Amendment and Tennessee Constitution because the "Tennessee Constitution cannot afford its citizens fewer protections with regard to the right to keep and bear arms than the United States Constitution."

"Thus [plaintiffs] argue, while Article I, Section 26 (of the Tennessee Constitution) may provide greater protections than the Second Amendment, the Second Amendment establishes a 'floor' of protections that the Tennessee's Constitution [sic] cannot fail to also provide," the court wrote in its ruling.

That argument required the plaintiffs to prove that the law fell within the scope of the Second Amendment before the burden shifted to the state justifying its prohibition. The court agreed with the plaintiffs, saying the prohibition fell under the Second Amendment.

The court reasoned that the term "going armed," has traditionally meant traveling with a weapon and the intent to threaten the lives of others. In Tennessee, however, the court said the term has traditionally been used to describe the open carry of firearms.

Because of this, the court found that the Tennessee law's wording criminalized the right to carry a firearm anywhere in the state.

"The Going Armed Statute, by its use of the phrase 'the intent to go armed,' far from criminalizing an intent to terrorize the people, instead criminalizes an intent to 'carry' for the purpose... of being armed and ready for offensive or defensive action in a case of conflict with another person," the court said. "In other words, the Going Armed Statute criminalizes the entire right-to-bear-arms portion of the Second Amendment. Inherently, there can be no tradition of such a regulation in our history, nor can there be any legitimate sweep to such a statute."

The court described the state's arguments against this characterization of the law as "unpersuasive."

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Nashville Predators will host the Gold Star Showcase, an intrasquad game between Predators players benefiting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, at F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tenn., on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. CT.

The military-themed contest will recognize the facility’s close proximity to Fort Campbell and incorporate members of the military in the team’s game presentation. A portion of all ticket sales from the game will be donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a nonprofit organization that empowers families of fallen Special Operations Personnel and service members awarded the Medal of Honor. To learn more about the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, visit specialops.org.

Tickets are now available at Ticketmaster.com.