Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-12-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 12, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Fatal Hit and Run (Press Release)

On Thursday, September 11, 2025, just before 5:00 a.m., the Columbia Police Department responded to reports of a pedestrian found in the roadway on Tom J. Hitch Parkway near River Highlands Apartments. Upon arrival, officers located sixty-three-year-old Teresa Nelson deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle involved fled leaving Nelson in the roadway.

Detectives have determined that Nelson was last seen at her residence at approximately 4:30 a.m. Emergency services were notified of the incident at 4:50 a.m., establishing a narrow timeline of events leading up to the fatal collision.

The Columbia Police Department, with assistance from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, is actively investigating this case. Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact Columbia Police. Even the smallest detail could prove vital in bringing closure to this investigation.

The Columbia Police Department extends its deepest sympathies to Teresa Nelson’s family and loved ones, as well as to all those affected by this tragedy.

Community members with information are asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at (931) 388-2727, by email at safetips@columbiatn.gov, or through direct message on the department’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/columbiapdtn.

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.”

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.

CSCC Nursing Program Awarded (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce that its Student Nursing Association chapter has earned the prestigious National Student Nursing Association Stellar School designation. 

Columbia State was the only community college in the country to achieve the Stellar School Chapter status for the 2024-2025 academic year. It also makes Columbia State only the third community college to be home to an NSNA Stellar School Chapter out of fewer than 50 colleges and universities across the country. Moreover, Columbia State is the only college in Tennessee to be recognized.

“It is an honor to have our Student Nurses Association chapter receive this prestigious NSNA Stellar school award,” said Dr. Michele Marbet, Columbia State assistant professor of nursing and SNA advisor. “This recognition reflects our students’ unwavering dedication to leadership, professional growth, and service to the nursing profession.”

The Stellar awards are open to official NSNA school chapters that have maintained constituency status for the previous five years and meet specific criteria for recognition, including:

• Demonstrate leadership participation nationally by sending delegates to the national NSNA convention.

• An SNA chapter advisor has completed advisor training.

• Having students admitted to the Leadership U Honor Society provides representation at the state level.

• Columbia State SNA participated in the Day on the Hill event through the achievement of a grant written by Dr. Marbet.

• Students completed leadership training to develop as mentors and teach peers about maintaining the mental and physical safety of nurses.

“The NSNA is dedicated to fostering the professional development of nursing students,” said Dr. Loretta Bond, Columbia State program director and associate professor of nursing. “With 50,000 members nationwide, NSNA is the voice of the future of the nursing profession. Our chapter stands out across the nation in the receiving of this prestigious award.”

Since 2009, the NSNA Stellar School Chapter Recognition Program has recognized NSNA school chapters that demonstrate ongoing involvement in the organization, including a strong commitment to shared governance and the professional development of their students and faculty. 

“SNA involvement helps students prepare to be RNs with limitless potential with the skill and desire to network, advocate and continue to learn for a lifetime,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences division. “These SNA students represent the future leadership of the nursing profession!”

The Columbia State nursing program is committed to excellence in nursing education. It has received full approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The program’s three-year average graduate job placement rate is 99%.

Columbia State’s nursing program has a competitive admission process with applicants admitted twice per year. For more information about applying to the program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Nursing.

Junior Main Street (Press Release)

On September 6, 2025, Columbia Main Street launched a brand-new, youth leadership program, Junior Main Street, designed to provide a unique opportunity for high school students grades 9-12 to gain hands-on leadership experience by building professional skillsets in marketing, tourism, and community event logistics. The inaugural class of 25 outstanding high school students from public, private, and online schools across Maury County will participate in this eight-month program guided by the program’s founder and leader, Main Street Manager Kelli Johnson. 

Students will meet twice a month with select downtown businesses to provide support with marketing initiatives that include social media content, visual merchandising, advertising, and digital marketing. 

“This program is about empowering students to take ownership of their community while gaining real-world business experience,” said Kelli Johnson, Main Street Manager. “I have worked closely with the Columbia Main Street Corporation on this new initiative and we are excited to see the impact this first class will have, not just this year, but for years to come!” 

Participating businesses include: Puckett’s Restaurant, Hattie Jane’s Creamery, Needle and Grain, Muletown Bikes, Gallery 48, ēlia Day Spa, Lily Jane, Red 7 Pizza, and Columbia Health Store.

In addition to marketing mentorships, students will actively volunteer at Columbia Main Street’s signature events: First Fridays, Fall Fest, and the Columbia Christmas Parade. A highlight of the program includes the creation of a student-led community event. This year’s class has chosen to host the first-ever Muletown Movie Night on October 25, 2025, from 3–8 PM in Downtown Columbia. The evening will feature a special outdoor showing of The Hannah Montana Movie, filmed in Columbia 16 years ago, complete with vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and other fun activities.

The Columbia Main Street Corporation and the City of Columbia work in close partnership to ensure Downtown Columbia continues to thrive for both residents and visitors through initiatives, projects, and events. To learn more, visit columbiamainstreet.com.

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.

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.”

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

Johnsie McMurry Lewis, 87, wife of Virgil Lewis, died Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Lynnwood Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Now, news from around the state…

Governor Activates THP Surge in Memphis (WSMV)

Gov. Bill Lee has announced he has activated a new Tennessee Highway Patrol surge to support the Memphis Police Department in an effort to combat crime in the city.

Gov. Lee said that he’s been in constant communication with the Trump Administration to develop a plan to combat crime in Memphis by “Leveraging the full extent of both federal and state resources.”

The governor added that this approach includes Operation Viper, which is an ongoing FBI mission with a task force of federal, state and local law enforcement.

Operation Viper has netted hundreds of arrests targeting violent offenders, according to Lee.

Now, Lee has activated 50 more THP troopers in Memphis, bringing THP’s presence in the county to record levels. He said that the next phase of strategy in the city is underway with “nothing off the table.”

In a statement, Gov. Lee said, “For months, I have been in constant communication with the Trump Administration to develop a strategic plan to combat crime in Memphis, leveraging the full extent of both federal and state resources.

This multi-phased approach includes Operation Viper — an ongoing FBI mission with a dedicated task force of federal, state, and local law enforcement that has already made hundreds of arrests targeting the most violent offenders.

Additionally, I have activated a new Tennessee Highway Patrol surge to support the Memphis Police Department that will include 50 more troopers, bringing our THP presence in Shelby County to record levels.

While the FBI and THP operations continue, we are actively discussing the next phase of our strategy to accelerate the positive momentum that’s already underway, and nothing is off the table.

Every Memphian deserves to live in a safe neighborhood, and I am grateful to President Trump and his team for their unwavering support and thank all federal and local officials for their continued partnership.”

MTSU Dean Fired Over Inappropriate Comments (Tennessean)

A Middle Tennessee State University employee has been fired after commenting about conservative speaker and influencer Charlie Kirk’s death on social media, the university confirmed.

The university’s actions came after the comments started making the rounds on several social media platforms.

University spokesman Jimmy Hart said Sept. 11 that the fired employee is Assistant Dean of Students Laura Sosh-Lightsy.

Messages left for Sosh-Lightsy seeking comment for this story were not immediately returned.

In a statement posted late Sept. 10, MTSU President Sidney McPhee said Sosh-Lightsy, who was not named at that time, offered “inappropriate and callous” comments on social media over the death of Charlie Kirk. The university did not repeat her statements.

Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who has announced her candidacy for Tennessee governor, shared copies of the comments about Kirk, made from a social media account with Sosh-Lightsy's name.

“This person should be ashamed of her post,” Blackburn wrote. “She should be removed from her position at MTSU.”

In his statements, McPhee said the employee was in a position of trust directly with students, and the comments were inconsistent with the university’s values.

The comments have “undermined the university’s credibility and reputation with our students, faculty, staff and the community at large,” the president’s statement read.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kirk family.”

In a second statement released Sept. 11, McPhee offered more details about the firing.

"It was a tremendous disappointment to have to take this step," the president's statement read. "We take great pride in the professionalism of our staff; in my long tenure with this university I've never before had to dismiss someone for so carelessly undermining the work and mission of this fine institution."

McPhee noted that the university was named one of the top 15 universities for its committment to free speech by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

"But even as we enjoy the ability to share our opinions, it's critical to remember as public employees that we have a special bond with the communities we serve. Trust is essential in everything we do," McPhee said.

While the First Amendment protects people's right to speak in most circumstances, it does not prevent employers from creating social media policies that regulate the speech of those staff members.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Columbia Parks & Recreation is partnering with Watershed Public Theatre to host the city's own take on Shakespeare in the Park with a free festival starting this weekend.

The Riverwalk Arts Festival, which starts at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Riverwalk Park, 102 Riverside Drive, will feature nightly performances of the Shakespeare comedy "Much Ado About Nothing."

In addition, the Riverwalk Arts Festival will feature performances and displays created by local artists, face painting, food trucks and more.

Be sure to bring a blanket or chair, and donations are encouraged to continue the annual event.

Can't make it this week? The Riverwalk Arts Festival will host a second weekend of performances Sept. 18-20.