Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-27-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for August 27, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Illegal Gambling Crackdown (WKOM Audio 6:19 total)

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, officers and agents simultaneously executed 22 search warrants at 20 Columbia businesses and two residences. In total, authorities recovered over $1.3 million in cash, more than 100 pounds of kratom and THCA and 144 gambling machines, and made 13 arrests.

The multi-agency operation included the Columbia Police Department, Gallatin Police Department, Portland Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office and 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force.

The investigation began in July 2026 after the Columbia Police Department and Mayor’s Office received multiple complaints from residents and business owners regarding suspected illegal gambling activity. Undercover officers with CPD’s Investigations Division subsequently entered 50 businesses throughout Columbia and found 20 conducting illegal gambling and paying out winnings from gambling machines.

“This was a lengthy and complex investigation, and I want to begin by thanking every law enforcement agency that worked alongside the Columbia Police Department to make this operation possible,” said Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Haywood. “Our investigators spent weeks gathering evidence and identifying illegal activity occurring throughout our community. The results of this operation demonstrate the professionalism of our officers and the strength of the partnerships we have with law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels.”

During the investigation, officers also observed gambling payouts involving minors believed to be as young as 9 or 10 years old and noted increased drug activity at the locations. Investigators also identified two residences, one in Columbia and one in Gallatin, where proceeds connected to illegal gambling activity were being housed.

“An operation of this scale requires an extraordinary level of coordination, and the City is grateful to each agency that assisted the Columbia Police Department,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “I commend Chief Haywood, the men and women of the Columbia Police Department and all of their partners for the excellence demonstrated throughout this operation.”

Mayor Chaz Molder also commended the department’s efforts.

“I want to commend the Columbia Police Department for their efforts yesterday, which were the culmination of a months-long investigation into illegal gambling activities taking place in our community. I am grateful for the safety of everyone involved during this large-scale operation, and I anticipate the successful prosecution of these cases in the criminal justice system. There’s no place for illegal activities in our community”

The investigation remains ongoing, with additional indictments anticipated. 

With more is Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy who spoke to Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Haywood…

CPWS Gets Loan Approvals (Press Release)

Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) has secured a major financing milestone expected to save ratepayers approximately $50 million in interest costs while supporting critical investments in the community’s water infrastructure.

 The Tennessee Local Development Authority (TLDA) approved Monday to place the utility’s $75 million state loan on parity with its federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) debt, unlocking the lower cost financing for its Long-Term Water Supply Program. The financing will support CPWS’s long-term capital improvement and water infrastructure initiatives, designed to increase treatment capacity, enhance regional system reliability and meet the needs of residential and commercial customers throughout Middle Tennessee.

 “Our top priority is ensuring our community has safe, reliable water infrastructure for generations to come, while keeping costs as manageable as possible for our customers,” said Jack Baxter, interim President and CEO of CPWS. “Securing parity for this $75 million loan allows us to maximize the cost-saving benefits of both state and federal funding programs. We are deeply grateful to the TLDA board and our state and local partners for working with us to secure this historic $50 million in savings for Columbia’s ratepayers.”

 By leveraging subsidized low-interest state and federal financing structures in tandem, CPWS continues its proactive strategy to minimize long-term borrowing costs and protect local utility rates.

 For more information about the project, visit CommunityH2O.org

Mt. Pleasant Approves Howard Field Transfer (MSM)

A change regarding the future of Howard Field was presented during the Mount Pleasant City Commission meeting as commissioners considered the property’s future in Maury County. 

The resolution outlines an amended and restated Memorandum of Understanding between Maury County, the Maury County Library Board and the City of Mount Pleasant. 

The original MOU stated that Maury County would have the entire property. Under the new proposed agreement, Maury County would receive a portion of Howard Field to construct a new, state-of-the-art public library. 

The property would be divided into two parcels: one for the new library and another that would remain under Mount Pleasant’s control for recreational uses, including a new girls’ softball field, a restroom and the existing dog park. 

Maury County would be responsible for obtaining and funding the required survey, subdivision and site plans and submitting them to the Mount Pleasant Planning Commission for approval. The county would also have one year after receiving the library property to allocate funding for 

construction and two years from the start of construction to complete the new library. The county would also be responsible for deconstructing the existing baseball field and constructing a new girls’ softball field and restroom on the portion of Howard Field that remains under Mount Pleasant’s control. 

Mount Pleasant would transfer the designated portion of Howard Field to the county after the required survey, plans and plat are completed. The city would retain ownership and responsibility for the softball field and restroom and would receive perpetual shared use of the new library’s parking lot. 

Once the new library opens, the existing Maury County Library would close and its property would be transferred to the City of Mount Pleasant free of restrictions. 

The agreement includes a 36-month deadline. If Maury County does not obtain the required survey, plans and plat for the proposed library within 36 months of the memorandum’s execution, the agreement will expire. 

The commissioners approved the resolution.

CSCC Names Baseball Head Coach (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College announced Ryan Huber as the new head coach for the Chargers Baseball team.

Huber comes to Columbia State following three years spent at Middle Tennessee State University, where he served as an assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator. There, he helped oversee defensive player development, while also serving as a first base coach. Prior to being at MTSU, he served in several roles on the University of Memphis baseball staff, including as an assistant, infield and catching coach.

“I am excited to welcome Ryan to the Columbia State Athletics family,” said Katie Willingham, Columbia State athletic director. “I believe he has the experience, energy and connections to bring great talent to our program, develop our student-athletes both on and off the field, and continue the Chargers’ winning tradition in the right direction. Ryan is thrilled to be a part of the Columbia community, and his tremendous connections with Columbia State alumni will be a great asset as he builds relationships and strengthens our baseball program. We are excited to have him leading our baseball program and look forward to all that is ahead.”

Following two years of attending and playing baseball for Motlow State Community College, he received an associate of science degree in 2012. Next, Huber attended Freed-Hardeman University, playing for the Lions Baseball team during the 2012-2013 season. He finished his collegiate baseball career playing at Bethel University in 2014, later earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education with a minor in health in 2015.

Outside his past coaching positions at higher education institutions, Huber also worked as an associate scout for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2017 to 2018. 

“I want to thank President Smith and AD Willingham for giving me the opportunity to continue the winning tradition of Chargers baseball,” said Ryan Huber, Columbia State head baseball coach. “Everyone within the interview process made Columbia State feel like home to my family and me. We are looking forward to becoming a part of the Columbia community while working to put a quality team on and off the field our area and alumni can be proud of.”

During the 2025-2026 season, the Chargers finished with a 33-19 overall record and 23-7 conference record, highlighted by the team placing second in the TCCAA Region 7 Tournament. 

For more information on the Chargers Baseball program and all things relating to Columbia State athletics, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/athletics/.   

County Commission Meeting (MSM)

The last meeting of the Maury County Commission elected in 2022 was colored by the knowledge that 11 of its 22 members are leaving office and won’t be voting at next month’s meeting. Acting Chairman Gwynne Evans gave his congratulations and thanks to the other departing commissioners: Pam Huffman (District 1), Eric Previti (District 2), Talvin Barner (District 3) (deceased April 2026), Brandon Nutt (District 5), Kathey Grodi (District 6), Aaron Miller (District 7), Gabe Howard and Davis Burkhalter (District 8), Jerry Bridenbaugh (District 9), Tommy Wolaver (District 10) and Gwynne Evans (District 11).

“I want to give each and every one of you that won’t be coming back an opportunity to speak,” Evans said.

“I really enjoyed getting to know everyone on the commission and in this community… It’s a good experience… and it was my privilege to serve with the other people,” Grodi said.

“Hopefully I’ve made a good name for myself while I was here. I’ve enjoyed it,” Huffman said, adding thanks to her constituents.

“It’s been an honor to be chairman… I’ve seen people come and go, and a lot of them, after they’ve left, you never see them again,” said Previti, a three-term commissioner now running to be mayor of Columbia.

The 2026 Commission will take office at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 1, at which time it will elect its new officers and new membership for its committees. The incoming commission is made up of the following members: District 1 – Jerry Strahan (incumbent) and Tim Holt; District 2 – Patti Hollinsworth (incumbent) and Wayne Romesburg; District 3 – Gary Stovall (incumbent) and Winston Harlan; District 4 – Connie Green (incumbent) and Mike Kuzawinski (incumbent); District 5 – Scott Sumners (incumbent) and Sam Barnes; District 6 – Cindy Hestla (incumbent) and Rebecca Haines; District 7 – Kenny Morrow (incumbent) and Richard Baud; District 8 – Steven Burford and Missy Smith Phillips; District 9 – Kevin Markham (incumbent) and Brent Coen; District 10 – Danny Grooms (incumbent) and Greg Combs; District 11 – Chad Brothers (incumbent) and Tim Mullen.

County Business

The 2022 Commission closed on important business in its last meeting, especially related to county real estate and facilities. Commissioners approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $7.67 million for the first phase of improvements at Maury County Park, which include relocating the old ballfields and constructing a new maintenance building in a different place. Outgoing Commissioner Gabe Howard reaffirmed his opposition one last time not to the project, but to the decision to entrust the project to the county’s owner-advocate Hewlett Spencer, instead of putting it out to competitive bidding.

On the count of facilities, the commission voted to purchase a three-acre lot with a house in Santa Fe for $489,000, where the county can build a new fire station. Leaders of the volunteer Maury County Fire Department have sought a site for a new Santa Fe station for over a decade, especially since the current one is ill-suited to the new demand for fire service in the area.

The commission accepted Thrash Construction’s competitive $1.2 million bid to construct an evidence-storage building for the Maury County Sheriff’s Department. They also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to “swap” the old county library building to the City of Mount Pleasant, in exchange for the city’s suburban Howard Field property where the county is building its new library. Finally, the commission created an Advisory Board to weigh in on and guide the county’s efforts to make a museum out of part of the old courthouse.

On the personnel side, the county adopted a new Title VI policy that lays out how to file complaints about racial or national discrimination, and appointed Tonya Burgett to replace Commissioner Connie Green on the Library Board.

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

Catherine Burns Choate, 96, a lifelong resident of Columbia, passed away Friday, August 21, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A graveside service will be conducted Friday, August 28, 2026, at 1:30 PM at Jones Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Friday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Edith Marie Dawson Burgess, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center. She was a resident of Columbia, Tennessee.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, August 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends Friday from 2:00 PM until service time at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. 

Penny Ann Wright, 58, passed away on Thursday, August 21st.

A graveside celebration of Penny’s life will be held Saturday August 29th at 11:30 AM at the Morrow Cemetery in Hampshire, TN

And now, news from around the state…

Choice Lane Meetings (Press Release)

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is advancing an historic proposal for the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project, featuring a $24.8 billion public-private partnership (P3) investment. If finalized, the investment could provide a transformational source of transportation funding to help address infrastructure needs across Tennessee. The proposal represents the largest P3 investment ever offered for an interstate Choice Lanes project in the United States.

The proposal positions Tennessee at the forefront of a growing national conversation about how states can use private-sector investment and expertise to address congestion, deliver major infrastructure and create long-term value for taxpayers. For the transportation industry, the proposal establishes a new benchmark for the potential scale and value of P3 delivery in the United States, demonstrating how strong competition, disciplined procurement and public-sector leadership can generate innovative solutions to complex transportation challenges. 

As TDOT continues to finalize the agreement with selected partner, DriveTN, the department will host two open-house community meetings to share details of the proposal, answer questions and discuss what stakeholders can expect as the project advances. 

September 8, 2026

12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Nashville Public Library Pruitt Branch

September 9, 2026

12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Smyrna Event Center

“This proposal demonstrates that Tennessee is leading when it comes to modernizing how major transportation projects are delivered,” said TDOT Commissioner Will Reid. P.E. “Just as important, TDOT is committed to partnering with the communities that depend on I-24. These meetings will allow residents to hear directly from our team, ask questions and better understand the project’s next steps.” 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Immediately following this news broadcast, this radio station, joining others all across the State of Tennessee will take a few moments to remember Tennessee’s favorite daughter, Dolly Parton. We will broadcast her rendition of “I Will Always Love You,” followed by a moment of silence in her memory. Tennesseans who are listening from their vehicles are encouraged to turn their lights on as a symbol of the light she brought to our state and world.