Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-10-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 10, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Columbia Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Case (CDH)

The Columbia man accused of plotting to blow up part of Nashville's energy grid pleaded guilty Sept. 9 to two charges that carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Skyler Philippi, 24, entered pleas of guilty to the federal crimes of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to destroy an energy facility in the Fred Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building, court records show. Philippi is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 8 before U.S. District Judge William "Chip" Campbell.

According to prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney's Office, Philippi was motivated by a "violent ideology" that former U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland described as white supremacy. The U.S. Department of Justice, in a news release after Philippi's arrest in November, said Philippi was connected with several white supremacist groups.

Philippi, who wanted to "do something big," planned to fly a drone with explosives attached to it into an electric substation in Nashville in order to "shock the system" and cause other substations to malfunction, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.

Philippi had already purchased C-4 and other explosives from confidential informants, conducted a "Nordic ritual" the night before his planned attack, and drove to the operation site of the attack before law enforcement arrested him.

In addition to the possibility of life in prison, Philippi could also have to pay a fine of up to $250,000.

GM Layoffs (CDH)

Spring Hill United Auto Workers Local 1853 President John Rutherford said although imminent layoffs at the General Motors plant might appear concerning, it is "only temporary," and not uncommon to the auto industry.

General Motors announced last week plans to shift its production of two electric SUVs at the automaker's Spring Hill plant, which will include temporary layoffs affecting 700 shift workers, , according to a memo obtained by the Detroit Free Press the Tennessean reported.

The temporary layoffs will include half of the 1,400 shift workers.

The impending shutdown is scheduled to begin in January with a return date of May 11. The retooling will include ceasing production of the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq, both produced in Spring Hill.

"Obviously, it is scary when you see [layoffs], but we have investments coming, which is a really good thing for us," Rutherford said. "We are going to be down, yes, which is tough, but that's the auto industry. You have to deal with retooling, changing things, revamping things. That happens in the auto industry, and why we tell people to save for a rainy day."

The production changes are due to new products coming online in 2026, such as the next generation Cadillac XT5 and gas-powered Chevrolet Blazer, Rutherford said.

Spring Hill GM UAW members briefly joined a "Stand Up Strike" in 2023 as the national organization underwent contract renegotiations with three autogiants, GM, Ford, and Stellantis.

The planned shutdown also comes following GM Spring Hill's planned downtime during the week of Oct. 6, Thanksgiving and all of December.

"We were expecting some downtime and some retooling for the new Chevy Blazer, and we also have two new engines coming on the GPS Powertrain side," Rutherford said. "It's bittersweet news where we have some downtime, but we've got future product coming too, which is a good thing. The downtime was longer than we expected, and a lot of that is due to the demand of the EVs."

Rutherford added that losing the EV production will also mean losing eligibility for the Federal EV Tax Credit for new vehicle purchases, which according to GM's website, is set to expire Sept. 30, 2025.

Full-time employees facing temporary layoffs will be eligible to receive compensation and unemployment benefits, Rutherford added. Temporary employees, which he said make up about 29-30 total, would only be eligible for unemployment, which in Tennessee expires after 13 weeks.

"It's always a good thing when it is labeled 'temporary,' because you have a return date, and also your benefits, your supplemental pay and things like that," Rutherford said. "You don't get 100% of your pay, but you get a lot of your pay, and so you are not going to go without."

The temporary layoffs will not affect adjacent Ultium Cells battery employees.

Meanwhile, production has been delayed at another EV giant in West Tennessee at the $5.6 billion Ford BlueOval City project in Stanton, Tenn. expected to create 6,000 future jobs along with BlueOval SK battery plant.

Ford informed suppliers and employees in June of plans to delay mass production of its new electric trucks at BlueOval City until 2028, according to The Commercial Appeal. Prototype builds remain on track to start at BlueOval City in 2027.

City of Columbia Embarks Upon Paving Project (CDH)

The City of Columbia will continue its largest paving project in history by providing fresh asphalt to the roadways and parking lots at Fairview Park, pending a council vote.

Columbia City Council discussed the Fairview project during its Sept. 4 study session, which included a change order vote to increase the original $4.5 million paving project's maximum budget to $4,696,346.

City Manager Tony Massey said the paving project, approved by Columbia City Council in March, has completed more than 20 miles of city streets, with about eight more miles to go. There is also $196,346 in the city's State Street Aid budget earmarked for paving, which would cover the change order's cost.

"They hope to be finished by the end of this month," Massey said. "After that, they have a small county project they have to move on. With this change order to do Fairview Park, it looks like we could have $200,000 when that is over with. We will know better in the next few weeks."

Vice Mayor Randy McBroom asked if the gravel lots at the park would also receive paving. Massey said they would not due to potential runoff, which would cause erosion at the adjacent ballfield, though the city is planning to redo the gravel itself.

"It will get redone, we just have concerns about the pavement," Massey said.

Massey added the city could also consider further expanding its paving project to resurface and strip additional roads not included in the original list.

"The other information we got from the contractor is that if oil prices are not where they are right now in the spring, they will honor this bid going into 2026," Massey said. "That could mean an opportunity for us to come to [council] in the spring with some additional streets to be done too."

Mayor Chaz Molder concluded saying the project appears to be "ahead of schedule and under budget."

"We have had a lot of good feedback on the paving, particularly with the paving we just saw that occurred downtown on the public square area," Molder said. "It really makes our downtown district pop in the best kind of way. I really appreciate the work that is happening there."

MRMC Welcomes New Doc (MSM)

Lucas B. Buchanan, DO, has joined Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) Mid-South Gastroenterology.

Dr. Buchanan received his medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University-Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate. He completed a residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Miss.. He also completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of South Alabama Health in Mobile, Alabama. He is board-certified in internal medicine.

 Specialists with Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) Mid-South Gastroenterology diagnose and treat digestive conditions and other gastrointestinal disorders. They specialize in gastrointestinal procedures, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Dr. Buchanan will be working alongside the following providers: Michael Blanco, MD, Amit A. Choksi, MD; Dayaker R. Mallipeddi, MD; Robert W. McClure, MD; Srikar S. Reddy, MD; Timothy Dickey, FNP and Kelly Taylor, FNP-C.

MRMG Mid-South Gastroenterology Columbia office is located in the Maury Regional Medical Office Building at 1222 Trotwood Avenue, Suite 501, in Columbia. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12PM. A physician’s referral is required to make an appointment.

For a complete list of services and more information, call 931.388.8302 or visit MauryRegional.com/Gastroenterology.

Kiwanis Chili Cookoff (Press Release)

The Kiwanis Club of Columbia is excited to announce its annual Chili Cook-Off, which will be held in downtown Columbia on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 3 PM to 5 PM. This year's event will be held in conjunction with the much-anticipated Columbia Fall Fest.

The Chili Cook-Off will feature local participants vying for the title of "Best Chili." Both tasting and team tickets are available for purchase online by visiting kiwanisofcolumbiatn.com. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Columbia Police and Maury County Sheriff’s 'Shop with a Cop' program, which provides local children with a fun-filled day of Christmas shopping with a uniformed officer.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Columbia Fall Fest to bring our community together for a fantastic cause," said Ty Cobb, president of the Kiwanis Club of Columbia. Incoming president, Stephen Webb, added, "The 'Shop with a Cop' program is a truly meaningful event for our local youth, and we are grateful for the support of our chili cooks, attendees, and the wider community."

Suzanne Ganser, the event chair for the Chili Cook-Off, shared, "The Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off has become a beloved tradition in Columbia. To make the day even more family-friendly, Kiwanis will also be hosting a dedicated kids' zone with inflatables and a petting zoo, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. The club encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the delicious chili, the festivities of the Fall Fest, and the opportunity to support a great cause."

Layne Family Recovery (MSM)

The Layne family and their supporters, especially organizers Ben Johnson and Tonya Street, will throw a yard sale and bake sale at 1490 Gravel Road in Columbia from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sept. 6 and 7. They hope to raise funds to support the family and help pay for their baby, London, who is recovering after being struck by a stray bullet.

In the middle of the night on June 6, the Layne family’s world was shattered when two teenagers began shooting at one another outside their house in Spring Hill. One of the 15 bullets they fired passed into the room of the Laynes’ year-old baby London and struck her in the skull. A handful of miraculous coincidences saved London’s life: a heavy bar of her crib slowed down the bullet, and the wound’s location vented the blood from her skull, instead of trapping it to build pressure on her brain. The doctors at Vanderbilt worked hard to stabilize her condition and sent her home with her family soon after.

In the wake of the tragedy, the Layne family has faced a long road to recovery. London is undergoing physical and cognitive therapy, and has experienced night terrors; her father was “let go” in August by his employer; and the family have lost the sense of the security they once felt in their house. But through it all, says London’s mother Leslie Layne, God’s goodness has shone through in the way their community has rallied around them. She especially gave credit to Ben Johnson, a firefighter who responded to the initial crime and has continued to check on little London’s recovery, and his sister Tonya Street.

“[Ben] has continued to walk alongside London and our family through every step of this journey. Together, he and Tonya have led the charge in organizing support,” Layne said. “Their dedication is a powerful example of love in action… This is a story of how good God is despite the circumstances, and how love can truly rise from tragedy.”

If you would like to contribute, you can find a venmo link at mainstreetmaury’s website.

Athenaeum Candlelight Tour (Press Release)

Please join us at the Columbia Athenaeum Rectory on Sept. 27 from 7-9PM for their Candlelight Tour. Come learn the mourning processes of the antebellum south and see the beautiful Rectory as people of the 19th century would have seen it, by candlelight! Tickets are $10 per person, cash only. All ticket sales goes towards the perpetual upkeep of Columbia's Hidden Gem. For more information, visit www.historicathenaeum.com.

Sunset Rhythm and Vines (Press Release)

Join Columbia Breakfast Rotary for their annual fundraiser “Sunset Rhythm and Vines.” The event will take place on Saturday, September 13th at The Mulehouse, located at 812 S. High Street in Columbia. Door will open at 7:00pm with a live auction starting at 7:15. Music and dancing begin at 8:00pm with live music by Boomerang.

Proceeds from the event help a number of local organizations including: One Gen Away Food Drive, Habitat for Humanity, and the Maury County Yanahli Park Center.

Purchase tickets now at www.themulehouse.com.

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

Spring Hill License Kiosk (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has introduced a new Driver License Self-Service Kiosk in the lobby of its headquarters at 800 Hathaway Blvd. The kiosk is open to all Tennessee residents—regardless of county—and offers a convenient alternative to visiting the DMV.

Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the kiosk allows users to:

* Renew a driver license

* Obtain a duplicate license or state ID

* Change their address

* Pay reinstatement fees in full

The kiosk does not accept cash or checks; payment must be made using a credit or debit card.

No appointment is necessary. For more information about the service, visit www.tn.gov/content/tn.

Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)

The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.

Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.

Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.

Any Maury County Resident can use this office.

All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.

Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.

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

Harry McKinley Ervin, 92, retired lineman for AT&T, died Saturday, September 6, 2025 at his residence in Spring Hill.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM at West Point Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in West Point Cemetery with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the church. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Now, news from around the state…

Nissan Stadium on Track (Tennessean)

Tennessee Titans officials and representatives from the Tennessee Builders Alliance expect the new Nissan Stadium to be fully enclosed by September 2026 and believe the construction project is still on pace to be completed by February 2027 in time to host events that spring.

Roughly 18 months into the construction project, Titans president and CEO Burke Nihill says the build is still on schedule and coming in according to budget. The structure of the stadium is in place even if the trappings that make a stadium aren't; one can take an elevator to the upper concourse and stand where the terraces or the 400 level seats eventually will be, but there aren't actual seats or signage.

The Titans estimate that approximately 1,400 workers are on the job site per day, not far from the estimated peak of 1,600-1,700 that the Titans shared with The Tennessean in the summer. That's allowed the process to accelerate to the point it's at now, where the field wall is visible and the compression structure that will allow for eventual roof cable placement is expected to be done by November.

Even though the Titans are still two seasons away from opening the new Nissan Stadium, ticket sales are almost complete. Nihill says that 70% of the stadium is sold, and 70% of personal seat license (PSL) holders from the existing stadium have reserved spots in the new venue. Nihill says that a select number of seats will be reserved to sell for individual games and group packages but that the goal is to sell almost the entire stadium to PSL holders.

Many of the next steps revolve around preparing for the flourishes intended to set new Nissan Stadium apart. Every seat will have a cushion. There'll be 77,000 feet worth of LED lights, about enough to cover a city block. There'll be a stage within the "Mosh Pit" fan section that's about the same size as the stage at Ryman Auditorium. Concessions stands and bathrooms at field level will be built for easier access during concerts. Tunnels and parking garages and video boards and bars and the distinctive outdoor terraces will come after.

"That's what you get when you have 1,400 people showing up and working hard every day is a lot of change daily," Nihill said. "It's exciting to go from renderings to real thing."

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Celebrate Nashville, the city’s beloved free Cultural Festival, will take place Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Centennial Park. This year’s festival will be presented by Nashville Metro Parks and “Powered by Asurion,” the Nashville-based global tech care company. As always, festival admission, parking, and admission to the Parthenon are all free!

The Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival has been Nashville’s favorite and most vibrant cultural festival since its founding in 1995. In a city where one in six residents is foreign-born, the festival is an opportunity for intercultural dialogue, bringing together more than 50 cultures represented in Nashville and surrounding communities.