Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-15-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 15, 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 Remembers 9/11 (CDH)

Columbia's Patriot Day tradition to honor the victims of Sept. 11, 2001, has grown into a new event that not only remembers the fallen, but is creating better outreach for veterans.

The first Columbia Heroes Breakfast took place exactly 24 years after that fateful day, when nearly 3,000 lives were lost after two commercial passenger planes were flown into the World Trade Center's twin towers.

Hosted by Operation Stand Down Tennessee, a nonprofit which services veterans in 20 Tennessee counties, including Maury County, the breakfast featured multiple speakers, including Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt, Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, as well as keynote U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major Mario Vigil.

"These are the people who stood up for our rights, our freedom of speech, the freedom to live in a country where we are not harmed or molested for standing up for things that we believe in," Butt said. "Everybody has a right to their beliefs, and we need to thank our veterans for helping us be this kind of a country."

Molder commented that, of all the 9/11 events he has attended as mayor, this was by far the biggest, not only in the turnout, but in how it will help further Maury County's veteran services efforts.

"This is a day we pause and remember, and is a particularly meaningful day for our country," Molder said. "One of the important things to remember and take away is that 'United We Stand,' because after such a blow we came together as a country in ways I hadn't seen before or since. Hopefully, this day will provide a reminder that we need to come together, and that we are stronger when united no matter what our differences may be."

Molder later addressed the recent shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at a Utah college campus the day prior.

"We need to tone down our political discourse, remember that scripture teaches us to love our neighbors as though we love ourselves, and to have better, positive conversations with one another," Molder said.

"I think we owe that to our veterans who have fought for our country, who have died for our country, and I am so grateful for this organization Operation Stand Down being here today. We are a better country because of our veterans who fight for our country on a daily basis."

Vigil, The Columbia Heroes Breakfast keynote, spoke about his career as a soldier, which he said was about to wrap up just before the 9/11 attacks.

"My remarks [center on the idea of] service," Vigil said. "I was already looking to retirement the following year, but things changed for me."

Later becoming a Green Beret, Vigil served as a Special Forces medic. His first wartime experience occurred during Operation: Desert Storm, where he was sent deep behind Iraqi lines, his team enduring an entire day of gunfire, as well as traversing the Middle Eastern terrain via horseback.

"The war for us quickly kicked off the morning we were on the ground ... we were riding the front lines," Vigil said.

On the topic of service, Vigil said there is a cost that comes with it, and it isn't only paid by the soldiers on the battlefield.

"That cost is paid not just by servicemembers in uniform, but paid by our families," Vigil said. "If you have ever worn a uniform, or have a family member in uniform, a first responder, law enforcement officer, a firefighter or paramedic, you have a sense of service and that service should continue for all of us as Americans, to our country, to our communities and our families. We are Americans first and foremost."

Operation Stand Down provides a wide range of services, though at its heart the goal is to create a path to a better life for veterans.

This includes providing financial aid, therapy services, as well as outreach for helping homeless veterans get off the street.

"We find homeless veterans, and we get them housed, and we find people that are at risk of homelessness, and we help keep them housed," Operation Stand Down Chief Development Officer Penny Anderson said. "Veterans that are at risk of taking their own lives, we help them find mental health services. We also literally deliver non-perishable foods to the 20 counties we serve, instead of having them drive in for a to-go bag."

Operation Stand Down CEO Arlie Haddix added the nonprofit also works with veterans who have been discharged recently.

"We want to make sure they have a smoother career transition, and so that way you transition well and don't have problems five, 10, 20 years later," Haddix said.

Haddix added that Operation Stand Down is now planning a major expansion in 2026.

"The Columbia office will become the eastern hub for an 11-county expansion that will take us east of Shelbyville to Fayetteville, as well as west along Highway 64 to Savannah and to the outskirts of Memphis," Haddix said.

"This community in Maury County is more important than ever because it will be one of the key launching points for us to do that expansion."

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.

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."

Athenaeum Candlelight Tour (Press Release)

Please join us at the Columbia Athenaeum Rectory located at 808 Athenaeum Street 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.

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…

Mr. Martin Deen, 100, retired carpenter and a resident of Columbia, died Sunday at his residence. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Wilson Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 11:00 AM until time of the services at the funeral home.

Cindy Lane Hallmark West, 68, resident of Columbia, died Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Now, news from around the state…

7th Congressional Race (Tennessean)

Early voting starts this week in the special election for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District which covers parts of Middle and West Tennessee.

The eyes of the nation are on this special election because it could determine the balance of power in Washington D.C..

It is a crowded field of candidates for the republican and democratic nominations. They include:

Declared

• Jody Barrett, state representative from the 69th district (2023–present)[5]

• Gino Bulso, state representative for the 61st district (2023–present)[6]

• Stuart Cooper, businessman[7]

• Adolph Dagan, teacher[7]

• Mason Foley, former legislative correspondent for U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell[7][8]

• Jason Knight, Montgomery County commissioner[9]

• Joe Leurs, retired police officer[7]

• Stewart Parks, realtor, participant in the January 6 Capitol protests, and candidate for the 5th district in 2022[10]

• Lee Reeves, state representative from the 65th district (2025–present)[11]

• Matt Van Epps, former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services (2024–2025)[12]

• Tres Wittum, legislative policy analyst, candidate for Tennessee's 5th congressional district in 2022 and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024[7]

Some candidates are now airing commercials

The congressional seat is open because republican Mark Green abruptly resigned - now democrats hope to win in a district that lawmakers redrew to heavily favor republicans.

Early voting starts on Wednesday, September 17.

The primary election day for the republican and democratic nominations is October 7.

And the General Election is December 2, right after Thanksgiving.

Tennessee’s Wealthiest (WKRN.com)

You may be dealing with tariffs, a slow job market, a difficult housing market, and prices that seemingly refuse to come down, but the nation’s wealthiest residents appear to be doing just fine, according to the latest Forbes 400 ranking.

Combined, the 400 wealthiest people in the U.S. are worth a record-setting $6.6 trillion, Forbes reported in its latest rankings on Tuesday. That’s up $1.2 trillion over last year.

To land on the list at all this year, you need to be worth $3.8 billion — yet another record for the publication’s report. Several people did just that, including Michael Jordan, who maintains a minority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, and Woody Johnson, who owns the New York Jets.

To rank within the top 10, however, you need an estimated net worth of at least $129 billion. If you want to be at the top of the list, the spot again held by Elon Musk, you’d need a net worth of more than $400 billion. According to Forbes, Musk is the first to surpass that threshold.

Behind him on the Forbes 400 sits Larry Ellison of Oracle, who surpassed Mark Zuckerberg by about $23 billion in net worth to claim the No. 2 spot and the title of wealthiest Californian.

In total, 85 California residents landed among the 400 wealthiest Americans this year, the most of any state and up from 80 over last year’s rankings. New York had 57 residents on the list, while Florida had 49 and Texas had 43.

A dozen states did not have a resident on the list: Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia.

Who are the richest people in Tennessee?

Once again, Thomas Frist Jr. and his family rank as the wealthiest Tennesseans with a net worth of $32.4 billion.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will open its next major exhibition, Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising, on Friday, Nov. 14, for a nearly three-year run. The more than 5,000-square-foot exhibit will survey the emergence of Muscle Shoals as a recording epicenter in the 1960s and 1970s and spotlight its enduring cultural impact. The exhibit is supported by OneLouder.

Aretha Franklin had a career-defining moment in Muscle Shoals and Country Music Hall of Fame member Willie Nelson recorded his beloved Phases and Stages album there. Music recorded in Muscle Shoals included Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally,” the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses,” Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll,” Paul Simon’s “Kodachrome,” Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman,” and so many more.

The museum’s curatorial and creative teams conducted more than 50 hours of filmed interviews with musicians, artists and others involved in the Muscle Shoals story. They collected an array of significant artifacts for display, including stage wear, instruments, original song manuscripts and more. Interactive elements within the galleries will incorporate audio recordings, original interview footage and historical photographs.

Find tickets at www.countrymusichalloffame.org.