Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-11-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 11, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Drug Suspect Flees (MSM)

After Angela Dawn Moore, 45, of Nashville, allegedly fled from law enforcement on Tuesday, Sept. 2, Maury County Sheriff Bucky Rowland is arguing that the state needs to reverse the incentives for suspects like her by increasing the punishment for evading arrest.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Sept. 2, Moore allegedly tried to flee from the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Williamson County Sheriff’s Department after officers had ordered her to pull over.

Moore sped away from the cops into Maury County, where the sheriff’s department joined the chase. After about 20 minutes deputies spiked her tires, causing her truck to swerve across the road until she crashed and was apprehended. After searching the vehicle, deputies reportedly found a sizable cache of illegal drugs, including LSD, crack cocaine and fentanyl.

Moore was booked on a long list of charges including several moving violations, driving without insurance or registration on a revoked license, DUI, evading arrest and drug possession; her bail was set at $47,500.

Evading arrest in a way that endangers officers and bystanders, as Moore allegedly did, is a Class D felony under Tennessee Code, incurring at least 60 days’ imprisonment, 6-24 months’ suspension of one’s driver’s license, and restitution of damaged government property. These are greater penalties than her alleged DUI, driving and registration violations carry, but under Tennessee Code, Moore faces conviction of higher-grade felonies, a minimum of six months in prison and a fine of at least $100,000, depending on the number and type of drugs she was said to be carrying.

Authorities believe that to someone with a risk-tolerant personality who’s already in danger of being caught in a serious crime, the current penalties of evading arrest might seem like a risk worth taking.

Maury County Sheriff Bucky Rowland thinks suspects are also favored by “restrictive-pursuit” and “no-pursuit” policies, which many law-enforcement agencies have imposed to reduce the risks that car chases pose to officers and civilians.

“Folks that choose to evade… law enforcement believe the risk is worth the reward… because criminals think, ‘If I run, they won’t pursue,'” the sheriff stated. “I think we need mandatory minimums for individuals that flee in a motor vehicle.”

“It’s very important to the sheriffs across Tennessee [and] the chiefs of police… [that we] call on our lawmakers to make more strict penalties for these individuals that continue to flee,” Rowland said in a television interview. “It’s just become more and more acceptable in society, I guess, that their freedom is worth more than someone else’s life… [but a car chase] puts the general public… [and] our folks in danger, and it has to stop.”

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.

Community Mourns Loss of Teen (MSM)

Students, coaches, staff and family gathered at Columbia Central High School to remember the life of Beonka “B.B.” Smith, a basketball player who was the life of the school’s Lady Lions. Among those in attendance were Maury County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lisa Ventura, Columbia Central Principal Shanda Sparrow-Lang, Smith’s basketball coaches, and her father J.R. Smith and sister Arionnah. (Her brother Jalen was at football practice that night.)

Smith, 16, passed away on Aug. 27 as the result of an automobile crash. The vigil in her memory was held on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

“This is not the natural order of things,” Ventura said. “For an adult, this is incredibly painful: to see a child that’s on the precipice of becoming an adult… [and] to have her life cut short. That is sometimes very difficult for us here on earth to understand. But we know that God is good all the time, [even though] it’s difficult to see right now.”

“We will find a way to celebrate Beonka,” she continued. “It’s very appropriate that we stand here with candles lit, because she was a very bright light in the world. She had a beautiful smile… a beautiful heart… [and] a beautiful sense of humor.”

Her coach, Thomas Stanley, said that she “made a huge impression” on their basketball team despite playing for Columbia Central for only three months.

“She’s in our thoughts and prayers every day, and we love her and miss her deeply,” he said.

A few of Beonka’s friends reminisced about her life. One fellow basketball player recalled how excited she was when she learned that her friend from Lewisburg was transferring to her school and team.

“No words can express how she could light up a room, and how her work ethic was so amazing. We went to winning tournaments,” she said tearfully.

Principal Sparrow-Lang recalled consulting with the basketball coaches about which students could help lead the school team, and how they had pointed out Beonka.

“It was brought to me many times that we had this girl… [who] was special,” she said. “When I’d seen her at the gym, my first question to her [was], ‘I need you for the championship.’ And she said, ‘I got you.'”

She exhorted the other Lady Lions to live up to Beonka’s encouragement and standards: “Don’t let her life be in vain.”

GM Layoffs (MSM)

Reports based on internal memos have emerged from inside General Motors factories and headquarters, showing that GM is planning temporary layoffs at the Spring Hill plant, lasting just over six months in late 2025 and early 2026.

“Downtime” in 2025 will be sporadic: the week of Oct. 6, Thanksgiving week and the month of December are expected to be “off” periods for both shifts. From January to May 2026, however, the 700 employees on the second shift will be temporarily laid off from electric-vehicle production. Laid-off employees may be eligible for sub-pay and benefits in accordance with the National UAW/GM contract.

As a $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles expires on Sept. 30, the company is looking to avoid manufacturing more cars than consumers are willing to buy. The electric cars whose production will be reduced are the midsize Cadillac Lyriq and the larger Vistiq. Downtime will happen for the teams that assemble those cars and battery packs, though Ultium Cells production will not be affected.

“We understand this is difficult news. At the same time, it’s important to remember Spring Hill has a bright future ahead,” a memo to Spring Hill GM employees stated. “We’ve earned multiple product allocations, including the next-generation Cadillac XT5 and the gas-powered Chevrolet Blazer, thanks to your strong business performance, high engagement and track record for launch excellence.”

GM officials also reassured workers that GM is not abandoning its American workforce and infrastructure, just reconfiguring.

“General Motors is making strategic production adjustments in alignment with expected slower EV industry growth and customer demand by leveraging our flexible ICE and EV manufacturing footprint,” GM spokesman Kevin Kelly said in a statement. “GM’s U.S. manufacturing footprint remains our strength, and we are in the process of investing nearly $5 billion over the next two years to further increase domestic vehicle production, enabling the ability to assemble more than 2 million vehicles per year in the U.S.”

“General Motors is making strategic production adjustments in alignment with expected slower EV industry growth and customer demand by leveraging our flexible ICE (internal combustion engine) and EV manufacturing footprint,” the company said in a press statement.

Bright Apple Adds Two Schools (Press Release)

Bright Apple has expanded its roster to include two additional schools located in Spring Hill, Marvin Wright Elementary and Spring Hill Elementary. Bright Apple is a nonprofit organization that provides healthy snacks to students in elementary schools in Maury County to help boost their concentration and learning during the school day. Since its founding in 2019, Bright Apple has served over 1 million snacks to local children.

“We want to help close the achievement gap among food insecure children in our community,” said Charity Kimes, one of the founders of Bright Apple. “Food insecurity is a reality for many children, and they cannot bring a snack from home. When children are hungry, they have trouble concentrating in school which can negatively affect their ability to learn fundamental skills in reading and math. The healthy snacks from Bright Apple provide needed nutrition to help students achieve better learning in the classroom.”

The addition of these two schools brings the total number of schools being served to nine elementary schools in Maury County. Other schools Bright Apple serves include J. R. Baker Elementary, Joseph Brown Elementary, Highland Park Elementary, Riverside Elementary, Randolph Howell Elementary, J.E. Woodard Elementary, and Mount Pleasant Elementary.

“It is our goal to eventually be able to serve all of the elementary schools in Maury County and beyond,” said Melissa Webb, Director of Development for Bright Apple. “The expansion to include Spring Hill schools has long been a goal for us and we are so thankful to see this dream realized in adding two of the three Maury County Elementary Schools that are in Spring Hill. This is only possible because of the support of so many individuals, businesses, organizations, and churches in our community who give so generously to help children in our community. We especially want to thank our Diamond Apple sponsors including Ford of Columbia, Hyundai of Columbia, and Columbia Collision. Their partnership has been foundational in helping us achieve this milestone.”

“We’ve been honored to stand with Bright Apple since October 2023, and our nearly 150 team members believe deeply in its mission,” said Patrick Robertson, Assistant General Manager. “When we show up together at events like today, it’s about more than sponsorship—it’s about ensuring every child in Maury County has the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive. I encourage other business leaders to find a way to join this fight against food insecurity, because investing in the next generation is the most important investment we can make.”

Mayor of Maury County, Sheila Butt, attended the event to celebrate the new Bright Apple Schools. Butt also encouraged others to get involved in supporting Bright Apple.

“Congratulations to Bright Apple for adding more Maury County Schools to their wonderful program of supplying snacks to the school children in Maury County,” she said. “There are only four more schools in our county who are not receiving Bright Apple snacks. I urge our community to jump on board with them and let’s make sure all of our children have that blessing. Even a small donation can help make that happen. I have learned that bananas are the most popular snacks from Bright Apple, so let’s help every child get to enjoy them. Thank you, Bright Apple for your care for our children.”

The principals at Marvin Wright Elementary and Spring Hill Elementary are both excited about the provision of snacks for students in their schools.

“Bright Apple's mission to, ‘Focus on feeding children so they can focus on learning,’ is evident through their generosity of ensuring all students have a healthy snack each day,” said April Hardison, Principal of Marvin Wright Elementary School. “This ensures that our students are able to better focus at school and not be concerned with basic needs.”

“Through their generous gift of healthy snacks, Bright Apple is ensuring our students have the fuel they need to stay focused and thrive in the classroom,” said Dr. Renata Powell, Principal of Spring Hill Elementary School. “This partnership reflects a true commitment to combating food insecurity and supporting families in our community.”

With the addition of Marvin Wright Elementary and Spring Hill Elementary, Bright Apple now serves close to 2,000 snacks each school day.

For more information about Bright Apple, visit BrightApple.org.

Culleoka Man Retires from Military After 40 Years (MSM)

After more than 40 years of service in the U.S. military, Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Ward, a Culleoka resident, retired from the Tennessee Army National Guard on Aug. 28.

Ward, who was the Tennessee National Guard’s sixth Command Chief Warrant Officer and principal advisor to Tennessee’s Adjutant General for the supervision and training of all Tennessee Army National Guard Warrant Officers, began his military career in 1985. Enlisting in the U.S. Army at the age of 19, he became an Equipment Records and Parts Specialist with the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Benning, Ga.

“When I was growing up, serving in the military was something I always felt called to do,” Ward said. “So, shortly after graduating high school, I enlisted, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

After three years on active duty, Ward joined the South Carolina Army National Guard’s 1-263rd Armor Regiment in Mullins, S.C., where he served for 16 years and rose from the rank of Specialist to Chief Warrant Officer 2.

“While in South Carolina, I discovered my passion for the maintenance field,” Ward said. “I loved repairing vehicles and equipment, and I knew that it was what I was meant to do. I learned all I could and was then accepted as a Warrant Officer where I became a technical specialist.”

In 2004, Ward transferred to the Tennessee Army National Guard and served as the Detachment Commander for the 730th Quartermaster Company. In 2007, he deployed with the unit to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon his return, he served in various command and staff positions to include the Senior Maintenance Technician with the 176th Maintenance Battalion and as the Logistics Maintenance Manager. He then served as Tennessee’s Senior Maintenance Officer and Senior Supply Systems Officer. Throughout his career he also supervised maintenance facilities in Columbia, Knoxville and Smyrna. His final assignment was as Tennessee’s Command Chief Warrant Officer, which is the most senior Warrant Officer in the state.

“I loved every minute of the 21 years I served in Tennessee,” Ward said. “It was the most fulfilling part of my professional career, and I am truly blessed to have been able to serve for as long as I was able.”

Throughout his service, Ward earned numerous awards including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals and an Air Force Achievement Medal. He was also awarded the Bronze Honorable Order of the Eagle Rising from the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Association. He is a lifetime member of the association and its Volunteer Chapter, where he served as the Chapter President from 2010-12.

“I will miss everyone I’ve been serving with over the years, and I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish together,” Ward said. “I also look forward to the next chapter in my life and the adventures it holds.”

Ward is a native of Tabor City, N.C., and currently resides in Culleoka with his wife, Jennifer. They also have a home and farm in Jacksboro. The Tennessee National Guard held a retirement ceremony in honor of Ward at Nashville’s Joint Force Headquarters on Aug. 28.

CMYC Class Chosen (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is proud to announce the commencement of the 5th year of the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC). The CMYC is designed to engage and empower high school juniors and seniors from across Maury County. Through hands-on experiences, guided discussions, and direct interaction with city leaders, students gain a deeper understanding of how city departments operate and how decisions are made. The program not only equips students with the knowledge and confidence to become informed, active participants in their community but also fosters long-term civic engagement by strengthening the relationship between local government and its younger constituents.

The 2025-26 class held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Columbia City Hall. During this first meeting, students were introduced to Mayor Chaz Molder and Assistant City Manager Thad Jablonski, who provided an overview of how city government works and guided students through the process of how decisions are made at the local level. Over the next 10 months, students will meet with and visit all twelve city departments, providing them with a comprehensive look at city government and how they can best interact with it.

Mayor Chaz Molder shared his enthusiasm for the incoming class, stating, "Each year, the Mayor’s Youth Council reminds us that our community’s future is bright. These students bring energy, ideas, and perspectives that help us grow as a city. This program not only provides them with a first-hand look at local government, but it also gives our leaders the opportunity to listen and learn from the next generation. I couldn’t be more proud of this year’s Council and am excited to watch these future leaders grow and succeed.”

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."

Now, news from around the state…

Casada Sentencing Delayed (Tennessean)

The criminal sentencing for former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his top aide has been delayed.

U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson decided during a telephone court hearing Sept. 10 to push back sentencing for Casada and Cade Cothren to Sept. 16, starting at 8:30 a.m. The pair was scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 12.

Casada and Cothren had been convicted earlier this year on more than a dozen counts each of public corruption charges, including fraud, bribery, theft, conspiracy and money laundering.

Richardson on Sept. 9 announced his decision to acquit both men on three of those charges, a rare occurrence, although it did not change the maximum punishment the men could face. The newly announced delay stems from time needed to file updated written arguments and make other tweaks ahead of sentencing after the acquittal ruling.

They face up to 20 years in prison.

Richardson will sentence the men separately, and attorneys and judges had not decided as of the afternoon of Sept. 10 who will go first.

Gas Prices (MauryCountySource)

Gas prices across the state rose eight cents, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.84 which is five cents more expensive than one month ago and a penny more than one year ago.

“We typically see gas prices trend lower in the second half of the year, however, factors like seasonal refinery maintenance and the threat of hurricanes can often bring volatility in the early fall months,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Major metro areas – Knoxville, Nashville, and Chattanooga – saw the largest increases over last week, while the rest of the state saw minimal changes at the pump.”

Tennessee is the ninth-least expensive market in the nation

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Nashville Zoo has introduced a male clouded leopard cub named Meru, who recently arrived from Fort Wayne Zoo.

Meru has been paired with female cub, Gemma, through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which encourages cubs to be raised together from a young age to help strengthen bonds and improve future breeding success.

The Zoo is recognized as a global leader in clouded leopard care, with more than 45 births since 1991. Each new pairing contributes to conserving this vulnerable species.

With Meru and Gemma now on view, along with cubs Joker and Quinn, visitors have the chance to see four clouded leopard cubs. Meru and Gemma can be spotted at the Veterinary Center viewing windows, while Joker and Quinn are exploring their temporary habitat in the Critter Encounters area.

Learn more at www.nashvillezoo.org.