Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-1-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 1, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Columbia Firefighters Assist with Texas Fire (Press Release)

 Columbia Fire & Rescue will deploy personnel and equipment to Texas to assist with ongoing firefighting efforts related to the Ross Fire, following a request for assistance from the State of Texas to the State of Tennessee.

Columbia Fire & Rescue will participate as part of a Middle Tennessee deployment team. The department will send six personnel, one fire engine and one service/support truck to assist with firefighting operations in the area west of Fort Worth.

The Columbia Fire & Rescue team departed early Sunday morning, August 30, and travelled to its assigned rally point in Texas. The deployment is expected to last approximately 10 to 14 days, depending on operational needs and conditions.

During the deployment, Columbia Fire & Rescue will maintain continuous accountability of its personnel and apparatus through department software, allowing the department to monitor the team’s location and maintain communication while they are operating in Texas.

“We are proud of our firefighters for answering the call to assist another community during a time of need,” said Columbia Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Cummins. “Our personnel are prepared to serve wherever they are needed, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support the firefighting efforts in Texas.”

Columbia Fire & Rescue will maintain appropriate staffing and resources in Columbia throughout the deployment to ensure emergency services remain available to the community without interruption.

The City of Columbia asks the community to keep the deployed personnel, their families and all firefighters working the Ross Fire in their thoughts as they carry out this important mission.

School Board to Consider Anti-Bullying Policy (MSM)

The Maury County Board of Education is set to vote Sept. 1 on a new anti-bullying policy that would establish formal protections for students, set investigation timelines for schools and impose discipline up to termination for district employees found to have created a hostile learning environment.

The current draft of the policy bans “harassment, intimidation, bullying, cyberbullying, hazing, discrimination… antisemitism… or any other victimization of students based on actual or perceived traits or characteristics.”

Protected traits include “race, nationality, origin, color, [biological] sex, age, disability [or] religion.” Bullying becomes an actionable offense if it harms a student or their property, or gives them reasonable fear of such harm. Such offenses can be established through a decline in the victim’s health, mental state, academic performance or participation at school.

A student found guilty of bullying must be disciplined appropriately, with suspension as the maximum punishment. A district employee faces discipline up to termination if found guilty of harassing someone or creating a hostile learning environment. False accusers are also subject to penalties ranging from intervention up to expulsion.

Procedurally, the principal of a given school or their designee is required to open an investigation of a bullying incident or pattern within 48 hours after it is reported and must hold an intervention into a substantiated case within 20 days. If either condition is not met, the principal or designee must submit a written report justifying the inaction. The annual log of bullying cases must be reported to the board of education every July and to the state Department of Education by the end of that month.

Assistant Superintendent Eric Perryman noted that while parents have rights over their children’s discipline, a bullying or cyberbullying case that occurs outside school hours and grounds can still fall within the district’s disciplinary purview if it “substantially” affects the learning environment.

The policy was introduced to the school board by District 3 board member Jamila Brown, who has raised concerns since the beginning of the school year about widespread bullying in Maury County Public Schools. Brown hosted an unofficial meeting Aug. 17 to gather input on the issue, drawing current and former school district officials, teachers, administrators, school resource officers and parents.

“Various… attendees express[ed] both their general concerns and… frustrations with a variety of discipline issues in the schools,” said David Moore, the school board’s District 5 member, who attended the meeting.

Moore added: “Vaping and cell phones quickly stood out as some of the most troubling points… It was generally agreed that cell phones were contributing heavily towards bullying.”

One idea that came up multiple times at the meeting was to involve the parents of alleged bullies in remediation efforts — either by getting them to discipline their children themselves or by penalizing them in more extreme cases.

At the school board meeting the following night, Brown addressed her colleagues directly.

“We have a very serious issue in our public schools when it comes to bullying: not only cyberbullying, but sometimes even physical assault,” Brown said.

“I have had several suggestions that parents be involved in the reprimanding of their kids, because as Superintendent Ventura said last night, some of our kids who are saying they’re the victims are actually the bullies.”

Moore echoed the sentiment.

“People expressed an idea that if, in terms of discipline… there were a way for the parents of some of the disciplined children to have some culpability there… they feel like that would help,” he said.

“Many of [people’s] concerns — vaping, cell phones, and bullying — all originate in the home environment, and without buy-in from these parents it would be difficult to really address these problems… [If a bully’s] parents are not only aware of [their child’s bad behavior], but feel it a little bit, they understand what’s happening and they don’t just brush it off as if it’s nothing.”

District 6 board member Sue Stephenson noted that data shared with the board showed the district received 191 bullying reports in the last school year, 131 of them substantiated by investigation.

“Clearly, I think we’ve got something that we need to address,” Stephenson said.

Municipal Ballots Locked In (MSM)

In the morning on Aug. 20, the last candidates for city government seats in Columbia and Mount Pleasant turned in their petitions. The following candidates will appear on the ballot for municipal elections in November.

In Columbia, with incumbent Chaz Molder now campaigning as the Democratic candidate for U.S. Congressional District 5, five candidates are lined up to run for his seat as mayor of Columbia.

• Timothy Johnson

• Jolita “Jai” Lipscomb

• Stewart Parker

• Eric Previti (departing District 2 county commissioner)

• Ashley Townsend

Vice-Mayor

• Randy McBroom (incumbent vice-mayor)

• Charles Huffman (incumbent city councilman for Ward 2)

Not on Ballot

The five city councilors representing each of Columbia’s wards won’t be up for re-election until November 2028: Carl McCullen of Ward 1, Charles Huffman of Ward 2, Cheryl Secrest of Ward 3, Kenny Marshall of Ward 4 and Brian McKelvy of Ward 5.

In Mount Pleasant, three candidates are running for two seats on the Mount Pleasant City Commission.

• Brandon Evans

• John Hunter

• Lonnie Thomason

Not on Ballot

Mount Pleasant’s Mayor Bill White, Vice-Mayor Willie Alderson and City Commissioner Loree Knowles aren’t up for election until 2028. Neither of the incumbent commissioners in the two contested seats, Mike Davis and Pam Johnston, are running again.

Spring Hill in April

No Spring Hill offices will be on the ballot in November, but half of the city aldermen’s seats will be up for election in April 2027, one of the two representing each ward: those now held by John Canepari in Ward 1, Scott Wernert in Ward 2, Brent Murray in Ward 3 and Vincent Fuqua in Ward 4. The candidate lists for these BOMA seats have not been finalized yet.

Their colleagues on the BOMA who were elected in 2025 will continue in office until spring 2029: Mayor Matt Fitterer, Alex Jimenez of Ward 1, Jaimee Davis of Ward 2, Erinn Hartwell of Ward 3 and Vice-Mayor Trent Linville of Ward 4.

City Manager Massey Appointed to State Board (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is proud to announce that City Manager Tony Massey has been appointed to the Public Entity Partners (PEP) Board of Directors, where he will serve a three-year term helping guide an organization that serves municipalities and public entities across Tennessee.

The Columbia native’s appointment was announced during Public Entity Partners’ Risk & Insurance Symposium at the Insured Organizations Meeting.

Public Entity Partners is a nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors made up of elected officials and city managers from across Tennessee. The organization provides liability, workers’ compensation, property and crime coverage to more than 90 percent of Tennessee municipalities while also offering risk management, safety, training and educational resources to its members.

“Tony’s appointment to the Public Entity Partners Board of Directors is a tremendous reflection of the leadership and experience he brings not only to the City of Columbia, but to municipal government across Tennessee,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “Columbia has benefited greatly from Tony’s steady leadership and commitment to public service, and we are proud to see that expertise recognized at the state level. I know he will represent Columbia and municipalities throughout Tennessee exceptionally well.”

Massey’s appointment continues a longstanding connection between the City of Columbia and Public Entity Partners dating back to the organization’s beginnings. Former Columbia City Manager Barrett Jones was a founding leader of what was then the Tennessee Municipal League (TML) Risk Management Pool and served as chairman of its inaugural Board of Directors. Massey began his own career in municipal government as an intern under Jones, establishing a personal connection to that history early in his career.

Columbia’s tradition of leadership within the organization continued through former Vice Mayor Dr. Christa Martin and former Council Member DaVena Hardison, both of whom served on the Public Entity Partners Board of Directors. Massey’s appointment marks the latest chapter in Columbia’s longstanding relationship with the organization.

A 1982 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Massey began his public-service career in 1983 as a community development specialist with the South Central Tennessee Development District. His career has included leadership positions in Tullahoma, Savannah, Kingsport, Bristol, Tennessee; Frankfort, Kentucky; and Lee County, Georgia.

Massey also brings direct experience in public-sector risk management to the Board. From 1989 to 1993, he served as a loss control consultant for the TML Risk Management Pool, working with municipalities across Tennessee. He earned an Associate’s degree in Risk Management from the Insurance Institute of America in 1994.

After approximately 30 years of serving communities across Tennessee and beyond, Massey returned home to Columbia in 2013 to serve as City Manager. For more than 13 years, he has overseen the City’s day-to-day operations and worked alongside the Columbia City Council and City departments to serve residents and advance the City’s long-term priorities.

“After more than 40 years in municipal government, I have seen firsthand how important Public Entity Partners has been to local governments,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “I am honored to bring that experience to the PEP Board and look forward to serving.”

As he begins his three-year term on the Public Entity Partners Board of Directors, Massey looks forward to drawing on his decades of municipal leadership and risk management experience to support communities across Tennessee while continuing his dedicated service to the City of Columbia.

Siren Test (MauryCountySource)

The City of Columbia will conduct a citywide tornado siren test Saturday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m.

The test will be a brief, low-volume “growl” test designed to make sure the city’s outdoor warning sirens and related equipment are working properly.

Columbia will now conduct tornado siren tests on the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. Future test dates will be announced by the city.

The sirens are used during tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service and when a specific threat has been identified. Because the sirens are designed to warn people outdoors, they may not be heard inside buildings.

The city encourages residents to use multiple ways to receive emergency alerts, including the free Hyper-Reach emergency alert system, which sends severe weather and other emergency notifications to mobile phones and landlines.

Mayoral Forum (Press Release)

Maury Alliance will be hosting a Columbia Mayoral Candidate Forum on Tuesday, September 22nd from 5:30-7:00 at the Cherry Theater of Columbia State Community College located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.

Mayoral Candidates include:

       Timothy Johnson

        Jolita Lipscomp

        Stewart Parker

        Eric Previti

        Ashley Townsend

The event will be moderated by Wil Evans, President & CEO, Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance

Maury County Candidate Guide coming soon!

Early voting will take place October 14-29

November 3rd is Election Day.

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.

Conference on AI at CSCC (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College will host "AI for Small Business," a one-day conference designed to help entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals learn how to leverage artificial intelligence to streamline operations, strengthen marketing efforts and improve productivity.

The conference will take place Friday, Oct. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Columbia State's Williamson Campus in Franklin. Registration is $75 per person and includes lunch.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the business landscape, small businesses are increasingly looking for practical ways to incorporate AI tools into their daily operations. The conference will provide attendees with real-world strategies and demonstrations focused on improving efficiency, enhancing customer engagement and supporting business growth.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a technology reserved for large corporations,” said Dr. Mehran Mostajir, Columbia State dean of the Business and Technology Division and assistant professor of Engineering Systems Technology. “This conference is designed to help small business owners and professionals understand how AI can be applied in practical ways to save time, increase productivity and strengthen their competitive advantage.”

Conference topics will include:

•    Creating marketing materials with AI

•    Customer communications

•    Back-office operations

•    Teaching AI to build and transform websites with personality

•    Solving business problems using AI

The conference keynote address, “Recent Developments in AI Applied to Your Practice,” will be presented by Dr. Jesse Spencer-Smith.

The event is intended for small business owners, entrepreneurs, startup founders, self-employed professionals, managers, team leaders and professionals working in marketing, operations and sales. Individuals interested in learning more about the business applications of artificial intelligence are also encouraged to attend.

The conference supports Columbia State's growing leadership in artificial intelligence education and workforce development. Earlier this year, the college received a $2.02 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education to establish a new AI division through the COMPASS initiative, or Community College Operational Model for Promoting AI Student Success. The initiative is designed to build institutional capacity for AI while expanding AI literacy, workforce readiness and community engagement opportunities throughout the region.

“Through initiatives like COMPASS and events such as AI for Small Business, Columbia State is helping ensure that students, employees and business leaders have access to the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy,” Mostajir said.

Registration is now open at https://qrco.de/bgsVsw. To learn more about our Workforce and Continuing Education programs, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Workforce. For more information, contact Mostajir at mmostajir@ColumbiaState.edu or by phone at 931.540.2710.

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

Glen Dorris Rodgers passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was 82 years old.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 5th at 2:30 PM at the Hendersonville Church of

There will be a visitation for family and friends at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee on Sunday, September 6th from 1:00-2:30 PM. Interment will follow the visitation at Delk Cemetery in Williamsport, Tennessee 

Margaret Susan Kinzer Ivey, age 85, passed away on August 28, 2026, at Poplar Estates in Columbia, Tennessee.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 5, at Williamsport United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Williamsport Cemetery, located behind the church. Visitation will be held at the church for two hours prior to the service.

Raymond Bryan McElroy, 62, of Winchester, passed away Friday, August 28, 2026, at Bethany Center for Rehabilitation and Healing in Nashville.

A Celebration of Life for Bryan will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, Tennessee. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state… 

Home Distilling Bill (Tennessean)

For more than 150 years, Americans have been barred from legally distilling spirits at home, but U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-TN, recently introduced legislation that would overturn the federal prohibition and legalize home distillation.

Harshbarger introduced the "Freedom to Home Distill Act" to Congress on Aug. 27, citing existing laws surrounding the homebrewing of wine and beer, as well as Tennessee and Appalachia's deep distilling roots.

Currently, it is legal to brew only wine and beer at home for personal consumption, but the distilling of liquor is a federal offense and has been since 1868, predating the U.S.'s prohibition by more than 50 years, according to Reuters.

Harshbarger's bill, which is co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-TN, and U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, R-WV, seeks to restore a piece of Appalachian culture that was lost when the law was enacted following the Civil War during the Reconstruction era.

“It makes no sense that Americans can legally make beer and wine at home for personal consumption, but not a small batch of spirits,” said Harshbarger in a press release shared with The Tennessean.

The "Freedom to Home Distill Act" will allow adults age 21 and older to distill their own limited and non-commercial spirits for personal and family use. The law is heavily modeled on the preexisting beer and wine brewing law.

If passed, Harshbarger's bill will:

• Eliminate federal excise tax on distilled spirits produced at a qualifying home.

• Allow an individual to distill up to 10 proof gallons per year for single-adult households and up to 20 proof gallons per year for households with two or more adults age 21 or older.

• Prohibit the commercial sale of liquor produced at a qualifying home.

Harshbarger's bill only applies to federal law, meaning states retain the authority to regulate or prohibit home distillation.

The 1868 ban on home spirit distilling was part of a law passed during the Reconstruction era to combat the widespread evasion of the federal tax on liquor, Reuters reported.

Since 1868, the law has not changed substantially, with violators being subject to up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Estate of Dolly Parton announced that DOLLYFEST, an official Team Dolly-produced celebration honoring the global music icon, will take place in Nashville and London over two consecutive weekends in 2027. 

The event was originally envisioned as a multi-artist celebration in Nashville in January 2026, with Parton serving as both performer and host. Organizers now say the concept will expand into a two-city, two-continent celebration of her life, music and legacy.

“What Dolly started, we will ensure is brought to life,” said Danny Nozell, founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises in a release. Nozell said DOLLYFEST was a longtime dream of Parton’s and had originally been planned to coincide with her 80th birthday in Nashville.

Additional details about DOLLYFEST, including dates, venues, performers and ticket information, have not yet been announced.

More information on tickets and specific dates in 2027 will be forthcoming. Visit www.dollyparton.com to sign up and be the first notified about DOLLYFEST details.