Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-11-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 11, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Prostitution Sting (Press Release)

The Columbia Police Department, working in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, executed two search warrants Wednesday as part of a months-long investigation into suspected prostitution and human trafficking connected to massage parlors in Columbia.

The investigation was conducted in coordination with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Human Trafficking Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Tennessee Department of Health.

The search warrants were executed at businesses suspected of providing illegal sexual services and being associated with human trafficking. The operation was part of a larger statewide effort to investigate and disrupt illegal massage-parlor operations while identifying individuals who may be victims of human trafficking.

During the execution of the search warrants, investigators located evidence indicating that illegal sexual activity was occurring at both locations. Three individuals working at the establishments were identified as being unlawfully present in the United States.

Investigators also seized $104,279 in U.S. currency as part of the investigation.

Two individuals were arrested as a result of the investigation. One individual was charged with promoting prostitution, while the other was charged with prostitution.

Investigators also determined that the activity under investigation was connected to similar operations in other states and countries.

As part of the broader statewide operation, search warrants were also executed in the following Tennessee jurisdictions:

• Cookeville

• Hamilton County

• Chattanooga

• Kingsport

• Nashville

• Goodlettsville

• Clarksville

• Murfreesboro

Statement from Chief Jeremy Haywood

“I am proud of the cooperative effort between the multiple agencies involved in this investigation. This is another example of how our partnerships are making a difference, not only in Columbia, but throughout the state of Tennessee.”

“Our officers and investigators will continue to work diligently to identify and hold accountable those who commit crimes within our city. We remain especially committed to investigating crimes involving human trafficking and protecting individuals who may be victims of exploitation.”

The Columbia Police Department extends its appreciation to all participating agencies for their assistance and continued partnership in addressing illegal activity and human trafficking in our communities.

Threat at Whitthorne Middle School (MSM)

A viral social media trend using AI-generated images of the Dr. Seuss “Cat in the Hat” character has arrived in Maury County Public Schools. TikTok users posted lists of students’ names along with Cat in the Hat images and made both vague and direct threats against Whitthorne Middle School last Wednesday and Culleoka Unit School last Thursday.

“School administrators, in coordination with the Maury County Sheriff’s Department, promptly investigated the account and identified the source of the online threat. Appropriate school policies and disciplinary measures have been enforced,” Maury County Public Schools said in messages sent to the parents of Whitthorne and Culleoka students who appeared on the list.

The district also encouraged people to submit tips to the SafeTN app.

“We want to reassure our families that at no time were students in danger or unsafe at school. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”

Maury County Public Schools declined to confirm whether any students had been disciplined for participating in the Cat in the Hat trend, but a representative told Main Street Maury that expulsion is the prescribed punishment for “threats of mass violence.”

“We want to be unequivocally clear: Maury County Public Schools has zero tolerance for threats, threatening language or content that promotes or suggests violence against our schools, students, and/or staff,” the district continued, encouraging parents to speak to their children about responsible social media use.

“Individuals who create, repost, share, forward or otherwise distribute threatening content will be subject to disciplinary ramifications at school and criminal charges. Sharing or amplifying threatening content will be treated as a threat.”

“We are taking all threats across our school district seriously and individuals found involved will face criminal charges. The safety and security of all students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority,” the Maury County Sheriff’s Department said. The sheriff’s department also asked people to report threats and violations to them.

“I do not feel that any of these children are still safe until the perpetrator that is creating these videos is actually put away… Everybody thinks this is just a joke, [but] it’s not funny when you… get no sleep just to make sure your kid is safe,” said Robin Boyle, the mother of one of the Whitthorne students who was threatened.

“Parents definitely need to do better with these kids’ social media; I’m not saying micromanage them, but definitely keep a better eye on them.”

Carnegie Medal Awarded (WKOM Audio 2:36)

On Thursday evening, the City of Columbia honored local man, Sam Adcock with the Carnegie Medal for Heroism for saving a person from drowning in the Duck River. Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy attended the City Council meeting and met with Mr. Adcock and his mother Debra McEwen.

Mayor’s Youth Council Announced (MauryCountySource)

The City of Columbia has welcomed the 2026-27 class of the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council, bringing together high school juniors and seniors from across Maury County for a 10-month program focused on local government.

The Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council is entering its sixth year. Throughout the program, students will take part in hands-on experiences, guided discussions and opportunities to interact directly with city leaders while learning how city government operates.

The class held its first meeting Wednesday evening at Columbia City Hall, where students were introduced to Mayor Chaz Molder and Assistant City Manager Thad Jablonski.

As part of the program, the students will visit and learn about all 12 City of Columbia departments and the services they provide to the community.

The 2026-27 Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council members are:

Alyssa Davis, Autumn Crunk, Brayden McCrary, Madison Haywood, Jaelynn Gill, Ava Sutton, Carson Woodford, Carter Cornett, Dalton Seal, Demetria Martin, Emily Jackson, Grace Dugger, Gretchen Wallbrach, John Babcock, Kelsey Judd, Lailah Webster, Nylah Poynter, Robert McKay, Samuel Shull, Sasha Saban, Valeria Agramonte and William Welchel.

O’Charley’s Closing (MauryCountySource)

O’Charley’s Restaurant & Bar, the Nashville-based casual dining chain, is reportedly preparing to close its remaining restaurants across the country, including eight locations in Middle Tennessee. 

The news follows rumors circulating on social media about possible O’Charley’s closures, with customers and employees questioning the future of multiple locations.

According to News 2, managers at six of the chain’s eight Middle Tennessee restaurants confirmed employees were told the locations would close Wednesday at 8 p.m.

The company has not publicly announced the closures. O’Charley’s social media accounts have also been taken offline, and News 2 reported that the company had not responded to its requests for comment.

The closures would mark the end of the remaining locations of a restaurant brand headquartered in Nashville and operating for decades.

Charlie Watkins founded O’Charley’s, opening the first location in Nashville on 21st Avenue in 1971. Watkins sold the restaurant chain to David K. Watchel in 1984, who developed it into a chain. The restaurant is currently majority-owned by Cannae Holdings.

Pryor Art Gallery Exhibit (Press Release)

The Columbia State Community College Pryor Art Gallery will host the Tennessee Watercolor Society’s Juried Biennial Exhibition in mid-September.

The focus of the exhibition is celebrating the beauty in Tennessee artists’ water media paintings on paper. Pieces on display will feature art hand-selected from the traveling exhibition.

“The TnWS is a 55-year-old non-profit visual arts organization,” said Wendy Latimer, Tennessee Watercolor Society exhibition chair. “We are proud to present our traveling exhibit from the TnWS Biennial Juried Exhibition. The main exhibition of 62 watercolor and water media paintings on paper was hosted at the Customs House Museum in Clarksville. From the main exhibit, our internationally known juror, Sterling Edwards, selected 30 paintings that would travel across Tennessee to three host venues, including the Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery. We hope you will enjoy a representation of technical mastery and artistic expression by artists from across Tennessee.”

The traveling exhibition comes to us from the West Tennessee Regional Art Center in Humboldt and will travel on to Clearstory Arts in Chattanooga following its showing in the Pryor Art Gallery. Each piece ranges in style, including illustrative, still life, portraiture and abstract, offering something to see for a wide array of interests.

“It is an honor to host this esteemed exhibition,” said Tori Zemer, Pryor Art Gallery curator. “These artists are some of the top practicing water media painters of Tennessee, and it is so exciting to see how they are pushing the boundaries of the medium. Love it or hate it, people tend to think of watercolor in a very narrow box - this exhibition breaks through that and shows just how much is possible.”

An official opening reception for the exhibit will be held on September 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The exhibit is open through October 27. 

The Pryor Art Gallery is in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike, and is open Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information about the Pryor Art Gallery and upcoming exhibitions, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/PryorGallery or Facebook at ColumbiaStatePAG. 

Fruit Teaser (Press Release)

Columbia Main Street will host the Fruit Teaser a one-time-only community celebration to recognize a drink deeply connected to Columbia while celebrating the proclamation of Columbia, Tennessee as the “Fruit Tea Capital of the World” and “Fruit Tea as the official drink of Columbia”, on Saturday, September 12, from 3–8 p.m. in Downtown Columbia's Maury County Parking Lot (707 Woodland Street).

At the heart of the event is the $5 Fruit Tea Tasting, allowing guests to sample more than a dozen different Fruit Teas prepared by restaurants, caterers, and local businesses. Attendees will vote for their favorite Fruit Tea, while a separate panel of judges will select its favorite. Tickets are for sale at the event (cash/card). Attendees who pre-purchase a ticket on online (columbiamainstreet.com) are guaranteed a 16oz Fruit Tea collectible cup. 

The friendly competition continues with an adult Fruit Tea Chugging Competition, where one contestant will walk away with $100 and the title of Fruit Tea King or Queen. Columbia’s younger generation is getting involved through the Youth Fruit Tea Poetry Competition, with cash prizes awarded to the top three poems.

The Main Stage will feature three local performances throughout the afternoon. Laci, winner of Columbia Parks & Recreation’s Battle of the Bands, kicks off the music at 3:15 p.m., followed by Columbia youth band Speed Trap at 4:30 p.m. and David Rondoni at 6:30 p.m.

Local artist Susan Jones will also create a Fruit Tea-inspired painting live during the event, allowing guests to watch the artwork take shape throughout the afternoon before seeing the finished piece.

For families, the Game & Learning Zone will offer yard games, chalk art, temporary Fruit Tea tattoos and face painting provided by Junior Main Street volunteers. An interactive Fruit Tea learning area will take visitors through the story of how the water from the Duck River ultimately makes its way into the Fruit Tea served in our homes. Guests of all ages can also help complete large Fruit Tea-themed coloring posters, turning the educational area into a collaborative community art project.

Fruit Tea will even make its way into the event’s shopping experience. Specialty craft and bakery vendors will offer Fruit Tea-inspired products, flavors, scents and treats, while food and dessert trucks will serve additional menu options throughout the afternoon.

The celebration will include two proclamation readings from the City of Columbia recognizing Columbia’s Fruit Tea identity. The event will build toward its finale on the Main Stage with the Fruit Tea Awards, when Columbia will find out which competitors have officially earned bragging rights for having the Best Fruit Tea in Columbia, Tennessee.

The Fruit Teaser is hosted by Columbia Main Street with support from City of Columbia, Visit Columbia, TN, Tennessee Valley Authority, Renewal by Andersen, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury, State Farm – JennaLynn Drake, Agent, and Bostelman Automotive Group.

Fruit Teaser | Saturday, September 12 | 3–8 p.m | Downtown Columbia’s Maury County Parking Lot | 707 Woodland Street

Event information and Fruit Tea Tasting details are available at ColumbiaMainStreet.com/fruit-teaser. Follow us on social media at @columbiatnmainstreet .

Columbia City Perception Survey (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is inviting the community to share what makes Columbia unique through a new community perception survey, the next step in the City’s community branding initiative. The survey will be available September 2 through September 16.

The quick, 10-minute survey gives residents and others familiar with Columbia an opportunity to share what they value about the community and the qualities they believe help define Columbia.

Community branding is about more than a logo or tagline. A community’s brand reflects its identity, reputation and what distinguishes it from other places. A strong, authentic brand will help tell Columbia’s story, strengthen community pride and support efforts to attract visitors, businesses, investment, talent and new opportunities.

The City selected Chandlerthinks to lead the branding initiative. The process has already included extensive research, including a public meeting and stakeholder interviews, along with market research and strategic analysis.

Feedback gathered through the community survey will add another important perspective to that research and help identify the characteristics and perceptions that should inform Columbia’s brand. The goal is not to create a new identity for Columbia, but to develop a brand that authentically reflects the community and what makes it distinctive.

The City encourages anyone with a connection to Columbia to participate and help shape how Columbia’s story is shared for years to come.

Community members can complete the survey online at ColumbiaTN.gov or by scanning the QR code provided.

Residents may also complete the survey in person at Columbia Fire & Rescue Station No. 1, located at 1001 S. High Street, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Those completing the survey in person should park behind the fire station and ring the bell at the side door.

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

Mr. Jamie William Randolph Hawkins, 53, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mrs. Carey Warren Hight, 50, resident of Columbia passed away on Wednesday September 9 at her residence. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Columbia Academy Vest Hall multipurpose room. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a service beginning at 6:00 p.m.  

Mr. Earnest Allen Bailey, 72, of Culleoka, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mrs. Elissa Ann Emerson Seals, 72, of Columbia, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

And now, news from around the state… 

Population Growth (Tennessean)

Tennessee had one of the largest population increases in the United States, making it among the most popular states to move to.

A SmartAsset study analyzed year-over-year population changes in all 50 states to determine which saw the greatest growth or loss between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, according to the U.S. Census. The study also identified which states have the oldest and youngest populations.

Tennessee had one of the largest population increases, ranking No. 10 nationally.

According to the study from SmartAsset, which uses 2025 U.S. Census data, Tennessee's population increased by 0.88% between mid-2024 and mid-2025. This matches the percent increase in Nevada and Georgia.

The state had a population of 7,251,076 in 2024, which increased to 7,315,076 in 2025. Tennessee had the 12th youngest population at 39, tied with Arkansas, Arizona, California, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Virginia and Washington.

The state also has 5.77% of its population under age 5 and 18.60% age 65 or older.

South Carolina had the largest population increase at 1.46%, with a total population of 5,570,274. The state's median age is 41, and the 65-and-older age group makes up 21.06% of the population.

1. South Carolina: 1.46% year-over-year increase

2. Idaho: 1.44% year-over-year increase

3. North Carolina: 1.32% year-over-year increase

4. Texas: 1.25% year-over-year increase

5. Utah: 1.03% year-over-year increase

6. Delaware: 0.94% year-over-year increase

7. Washington: 0.92% year-over-year increase

8. Arizona: 0.89% year-over-year increase

9. Nevada: 0.88% year-over-year increase

10. Tennessee: 0.88% year-over-year increase

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Freedom Reigns Ranch, 2080 Arthur Hardison Road, will celebrate its new season by hosting its annual Fall Festival & Hoedown fundraiser.

The event will take place from 4:30-7 p.m. Saturday and is open to all ages.

Festivities will include live music and dinner, as well as a photo booth, ranch tours and horse demonstrations. There will also be a silent auction, a bale bucking contest and line dancing.

Meet Freedom Reigns' horses while you are there, while also enjoying games, crafts and more.

To RSVP, as well as for more information on Freedom Reigns, visit FreedomReignsRanch.com.