Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-15-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 15, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Officer Involved Shooting (WSMV.com)

A man was hospitalized Saturday morning after exchanging gunfire with Columbia police officers during a barricade incident.

The Columbia Police Department (CPD) said officers responded to the 300 block of Skyview Drive around 9:33 a.m. on Saturday for reports of a man outside with a handgun, firing rounds into the ground.

When officers arrived, CPD said the man — identified as 48-year-old Matthew Kirk — fired multiple shots at the officers. CPD said the initial responding officer returned fire.

Kirk then went into the home.

CPD SWAT officers and crisis negotiators were able to reach Kirk via phone and learned that he had suffered multiple gunshot wounds during the exchange of gunfire.

“Due to the potential for life-threatening injuries, an emergency entry team entered the residence and took Kirk into custody without further incident,” CPD said.

Kirk was flown to a Nashville hospital, where he underwent surgery.

No officers were injured in the incident, CPD said.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is investigating the shooting.

“As is standard procedure in officer-involved shooting incidents, the officer involved will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the TBI investigation,” CPD said.

This incident marks the second officer-involved shooting in 24 hours in Middle Tennessee, with the TBI investigating after a man was injured in a shooting with Murfreesboro police on Friday night.

Judge Allows Environmental Suit Against Spring Hill (WKRN.com)

A federal judge has cleared the way for an environmental lawsuit against the City of Spring Hill to proceed.

The ruling, issued Sept. 4, 2026, by Chief U.S. District Judge William Campbell, rejected the city’s request to throw out a citizen-led lawsuit accusing its sewage facility of polluting waterways.

Spring Hill argued that Tennessee Riverkeeper’s suit should be dismissed because the city had already settled on an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

The judge sided against the city, stating that the court could not determine if the 2025 consent order between Spring Hill and state regulators resolved the same violations alleged in the case. 

In the 2025 consent order, TDEC outlined 29 effluent violations that were self-reported by the city.

According to the self-reported logs, Spring Hill experienced multiple catastrophic infrastructure overflows in 2025, including a single 2.6 billion gallon bypass on Jan. 8 and a 1.08 billion gallon bypass on March 16.

As was previously reported, the city agreed to pay a civil penalty of $65,700 and to halt sewer connections for any new projects that do not already have vested sewer rights under Tennessee law.

While Spring Hill waived its right to appeal the decision, it did not admit or deny the factual allegations or alleged violations.

On Jan. 5, 2026, Spring Hill officials passed an ordinance formally establishing a capacity allocation framework to ensure compliance with state regulators while keeping sewer projects moving.

At the time, Mayor Matt Fitterer called it a serious and necessary action to protect the water reclamation system long-term and to keep the city in full compliance with its obligations to the state. 

“I want to thank the development community for working constructively with the City as we prioritize reliable water reclamation service for current residents while establishing a fair, transparent path forward for remaining capacity,” said Fitterer. “We recognize that this action will have negative local economic implications and are focused on minimizing the impact.”

In the federal court order, Campbell noted that it’s not clear what violations exactly were addressed in the city’s dealings with state regulators.

“Defendant has not shown that there is no further relief available. In this regard, the Court notes that the Consent Order itself contemplates further ‘corrective action,’ ‘penalties and/or damages,’ and ‘enforcement action including, but not limited to, monetary and injunctive relief.'”

-Chief Judge William Campbell

While Spring Hill declined to comment on legal matters, communications director Lucas Wright told News 2 that the city is making progress on its Pure Water Spring Hill project.

“The plan involves constructing an Advanced Purification Facility, upgrades at our Water and Reclamation Treatment Plants, and a reservoir,” said Wright. He added that the city is also looking at short-term solutions to ease some strain on its sewer system.

Meanwhile, the lawsuit is expected to move into the evidence-gathering phase.

Columbia Studies Infill Development Standards (MSM)

The city of Columbia sought public input Aug. 31 on new infill development standards that will guide what the city allows and requires on small vacant lots in developed areas.

The standards will apply to the “city center overlay” — the historic city of Columbia, enclosed on the west and south by North and South James M. Campbell Boulevard, on the east by Tom J. Hitch Parkway, and on the north by James Campbell, Santa Fe Pike, the Nashville Highway and Bear Creek Pike ending in the Tom J. Hitch intersection.

Because this part of the city was built up before suburban subdivisions became common, its development pattern favors smaller houses and lots, less setback from the road and less room for car infrastructure. Those patterns often clash with the development standards in the city zoning code, which deals most often with new subdivisions.

About 700 vacant lots sit in the city center overlay, and about 500 of them are expected to qualify for infill allowances because they are less than 50 feet wide, Assistant Director of Development Services Paul Keltner said.

“It’s all about taking properties that are inside your core area and trying to get them usable again,” Keltner said. “We’ve seen more zoning appeals be [requested] in some weird situations… [so this] gives staff the ability to [conform to] the neighborhood to allow a house to be built, without going through a big process or a court.”

City Planner Austin Brass and his staff have been looking at existing parcels and houses in the city center as examples to guide the standards. The biggest tweaks apply to setbacks from the road and from other lots.

“We’re running into problems where people are really struggling to put adequate housing on some of the more narrow lots,” Keltner said. “We have a lot of lots that are 30 or 40 feet wide… [On the other hand,] we’re seeing homes pushed way back off the road while all the other homes [have short setbacks], and it looks kind of ‘off.'”

Driveway requirements are also being reduced, to keep car storage from dominating the frontage of what should be picturesque walking streets. Duplexes, where allowed by the zoning, would have to present in front as single-family housing, with the door to the second unit in the back. The existing zoning will guide the allowances on a given lot, and changes to a lot’s zoning require the same public hearing and official review as they do now.

“The underlying zoning will dictate if a [non-residential or multi-family building] can go there… We want to protect the uses that are there,” Brass said.

The intent is to add taxable, value-generating properties to a neighborhood, get rid of vacant lots and the undesirable behaviors like littering that they attract, and to help remediate the housing shortages in the city.

The Williamson-Maury chapter of Habitat for Humanity helped bring the last goal to the city’s attention. Habitat has been buying and developing exactly these kinds of infill lots for its clients. Habitat’s recent project on West Third Street inspired the city to allow infill buildings to be set back by the block’s average setback, instead of by a uniform 25 feet.

“A corporate builder is only going to build a large 2000-square-foot house, but if you’re a small investor like Habitat for Humanity, they’re building a 1500-square-foot house,” Brass said. “If they’re going to make it work, they need a smaller lot… but it takes creativity to build [on] that, so we’re just trying to allow them to be more creative.”

Such lots are well-suited to the needs of people seeking to build small homes, whether for themselves or for sale. The existence of utilities and roads lowers the cost of developing there, and infill departs from the outward-sprawling pattern of much of Columbia’s residential development.

“The city doesn’t have to take on new infrastructure, new maintenance,” Brass said. “That’s the benefit of infill: the street’s there, the sewer’s there, the water line’s there, all they have to do is tap into it.”

Kim Randell, the Habitat chapter CEO, said the organization is grateful for the city’s responsiveness.

“[We’re grateful] that the city has been so responsive to the needs of community and… habitat to increase the affordable housing supply. We’re happy this is happening,” Randell said. “We’re trying to build affordable homes for folks so they can stay here and continue to work and serve in the community, instead of getting pushed out… A couple of times we’ve bought [a lot] on a wing and a prayer.”

Lexi Bolinski, Habitat’s Director of Operations, said Habitat plans to build on 10 infill lots in Columbia in the next fiscal year. She praised the city for facilitating their work. “They’ve been very easy to work with and communicative, and we’re very appreciative of that,” she said.

“It’s good to see the progress and how the city wants to serve the community here. I think it speaks a lot to what they’re trying to do here in this conversation: to keep residents here. It does speak volumes to what they’re doing here.”

Molder Calls for Three Debates (WilliamsonScene)

Fifth Congressional District candidates Charlie Hatcher and Chaz Molder appear poised to debate the issues ahead of the Nov. 3 election, bucking the recent trend of politicians avoiding debates in Tennessee and beyond.

Molder, the Democratic Party nominee who currently serves as mayor of Columbia, called on Thursday for three debates to take place across the 5th Congressional District. He proposed locations in Columbia, Memphis and Martin.

"As a mayor, I don’t wait for an invitation to show up. I listen to folks at church on Sunday morning, around kitchen tables, at the ballfield, and in my office at city hall, whether they voted for me or not," Molder said in a statement. "The politicians who gerrymandered this district gave us a lot of ground to cover. We are the ones asking for the job, so we ought to be the ones doing the traveling. No voter should have to drive three hours to hear their congressional candidates debate. Three debates will give people across this district a chance to hear from both of us in person, close to home."

Hatcher’s campaign told the Williamson Scene that the Republican Party nominee and former state agriculture commissioner is “committed to debating.”

“I’ve been meeting folks where they are in every nook and cranny of this district for months. Voters deserve to hear from the two nominees in this important race,” Hatcher said in a statement. “I look forward to a discussion on the issues at a time and place that works for both candidates throughout the district.” 

When asked if Hatcher is committing to one or three debates, as proposed by Molder, a Hatcher spokesperson responded, “We will do it on a timeline that works for both candidates, not to just one politician's political stunt.”

While no details are available about when and where a debate could take place, or the rules of an agreed-to debate, Hatcher and Molder’s commitment strikes a notably different tone from other state-level races, such as the gubernatorial race, which is likely to see no debates.

U.S. Sen. and Republican gubernatorial nominee Marsha Blackburn refused to debate during the primary election and also refused to debate Democratic nominee Jerri Green, as well as calls for debate coming from independent candidates Lauren Pinkston and David Hatley, all of whom have called for a debate. 

New Doc at MRMC (Press Release)

 Joseph T. Hare, MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery, has joined the staff at Maury Regional Medical Center. He is affiliated with Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) in Spring Hill.

Dr. Hare received his medical degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia. He completed his residency at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, and a fellowship in spine surgery at Indiana Spine Group in Carmel, Indiana.

Dr. Hare’s office is located within TOA Spring Hill at 2160 Reserve Blvd., Suite 100, Spring Hill, TN 37174. The office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Mayoral Forum (Press Release)

Maury Alliance will be hosting a Columbia Mayoral Candidate Forum on Tuesday, September 22nd from 5:30-7:00 at the Cherry Theater of Columbia State Community College located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.

Mayoral Candidates include:

       Timothy Johnson

        Jolita Lipscomp

        Stewart Parker

        Eric Previti

        Ashley Townsend

The event will be moderated by Wil Evans, President & CEO, Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance

Maury County Candidate Guide coming soon!

Early voting will take place October 14-29

November 3rd is Election Day.

Conference on AI at CSCC (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College will host "AI for Small Business," a one-day conference designed to help entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals learn how to leverage artificial intelligence to streamline operations, strengthen marketing efforts and improve productivity.

The conference will take place Friday, Oct. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Columbia State's Williamson Campus in Franklin. Registration is $75 per person and includes lunch.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the business landscape, small businesses are increasingly looking for practical ways to incorporate AI tools into their daily operations. The conference will provide attendees with real-world strategies and demonstrations focused on improving efficiency, enhancing customer engagement and supporting business growth.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a technology reserved for large corporations,” said Dr. Mehran Mostajir, Columbia State dean of the Business and Technology Division and assistant professor of Engineering Systems Technology. “This conference is designed to help small business owners and professionals understand how AI can be applied in practical ways to save time, increase productivity and strengthen their competitive advantage.”

Conference topics will include:

•    Creating marketing materials with AI

•    Customer communications

•    Back-office operations

•    Teaching AI to build and transform websites with personality

•    Solving business problems using AI

The conference keynote address, “Recent Developments in AI Applied to Your Practice,” will be presented by Dr. Jesse Spencer-Smith.

The event is intended for small business owners, entrepreneurs, startup founders, self-employed professionals, managers, team leaders and professionals working in marketing, operations and sales. Individuals interested in learning more about the business applications of artificial intelligence are also encouraged to attend.

The conference supports Columbia State's growing leadership in artificial intelligence education and workforce development. Earlier this year, the college received a $2.02 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education to establish a new AI division through the COMPASS initiative, or Community College Operational Model for Promoting AI Student Success. The initiative is designed to build institutional capacity for AI while expanding AI literacy, workforce readiness and community engagement opportunities throughout the region.

“Through initiatives like COMPASS and events such as AI for Small Business, Columbia State is helping ensure that students, employees and business leaders have access to the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy,” Mostajir said.

Registration is now open at https://qrco.de/bgsVsw. To learn more about our Workforce and Continuing Education programs, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Workforce. For more information, contact Mostajir at mmostajir@ColumbiaState.edu or by phone at 931.540.2710.

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…

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. Terry Rogers Greenway, 73, resident of Columbia, passed away Sunday, September 13 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, September 18 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Memorial Park. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

And now, news from around the state…

Renaming BNA (WPLN)

Since the passing of Tennessee icon Dolly Parton, officials ranging from members of Nashville’s Metro Council to Gov. Bill Lee have been united: they all want to rename Nashville’s airport to honor the late country music legend and philanthropist.

That effort moved forward on Friday with a 6-0 vote from the Metro Nashville Airport Authority.

The remarkable pace of the push—Parton passed just over two weeks ago, and the airport had to put aside rules precluding such a rapid name change—underscores both Parton’s legacy as a pathbreaking artist and her unrivaled ability to unite Tennesseans, even after her death.

The airport’s resolution clears it to begin the process “in consultation with and subject to approval of Dolly Parton’s estate and other appropriate entities, create a timeline and implementation plan for all necessary approvals and determine the estimated costs associated with the renaming of the airport in honor of Dolly Parton.”

In a statement following the vote, officials say it’s a “first step in a multifaceted process,” and that they’ll have more details in the coming months. While they’re working to incorporate Parton’s name and legacy, they say they haven’t yet settled on exactly what the airport’s new name will be.

Last year, when state lawmakers were weighing renaming the airport after President Donald Trump, officials estimated the cost at around $10 million.

Gas Prices (MauryCountySource)

Gas prices across Tennessee continue to rise, climbing 11 cents on average over the past week, according to AAA. The state average now sits at $3.92 per gallon — 25 cents higher than a month ago and $1.15 higher than this time last year.

“Crude oil prices surged to over $100 per barrel last week after tensions intensified in the Middle East,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. She added that while price increases slowed over the weekend, continued elevated crude prices could push pump prices higher throughout the week.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

After canceling its 2026 festivities, Pilgrimage Music Festival has announced its return for April 2027 at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, TN. The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is located at 239 Franklin Rd in Franklin, across the street from The Factory at Franklin.

“WE ARE SO BACK!” the festival announced on social media. “Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival will take place April 10th & 11th, 2027.”

No headliners have been announced as yet.

Over the years, the festival has seen headliners such as Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton, Justin Timberlake, John Mayer, Zach Bryan, and more.

Pilgrimage Festival was created in 2015 by Better Than Ezra’s Kevin Griffin, along with Brandt Wood and Michael Whelan. The two-day festival has been continuous, except in 2018, when the event ended early due to inclement weather, and in 2020, during COVID. The festival featured Americana, folk, and Indie music with a family-friendly atmosphere. The event has, in the past, drawn up to 25,000 attendees.

Learn more about Pilgrimage Festival on their website www.pilgrimagefestival.com.