Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-18-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 18, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Debate and Endorsement for Molder (Tennessean)

A major endorsement and a rare debate are the latest updates in what’s become one of the most interesting congressional races in Tennessee this cycle.

In the race for Tennessee's newly drawn District 5, former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in a stunning upset in the August primary.

Now in the general — in a district redrawn by Republicans to give the GOP a political advantage — Hatcher has a built-in lead over his rival, Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder.

He also has a name recognition advantage, particularly in rural areas of the district where farmers were already familiar with him from his years as state veterinarian and agriculture chief. And he’s drawn financial support from the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition, a political action committee focused on renewable energy.

But moderate Democrat Molder has earned some big endorsements, and drawn significant financial backing and organizational support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Both candidates have had to put in hours of travel time to get to voters in the district, which was gerrymandered to include the southern Nashville suburb of Franklin, parts of Clarksville, Lake County in the northwest corner of the state, and most of Tennessee’s western border, down to Memphis.

Molder announced an endorsement from the Blue Dog coalition of Democrats on Sept. 16. The Blue Dogs — founded in 1995 by Tennessee Congressman John Tanner and others — stand for responsible spending, a strong national defense and practical solutions. Amid rising political polarization, the coalition has dwindled from more than 50 members in 2009 to just 10 members.

Molder has said he will join the Blue Dog Coalition if elected and help build a new generation of independent Democratic leadership. 

“Tennessee’s Blue Dogs showed that you could be a proud Democrat and earn the trust of Republicans and independents, too,” Molder said. “They were careful with tax dollars, and they knew how to get things done. That tradition has a future, and I’m proud to help build it with the support of the Blue Dogs.” 

Tennesseans helped establish the Blue Dog coalition in Congress. Other Tennessee Blue Dog Democrats have included Bart Davis, Harold Ford Jr. and Jim Cooper, who represented District 5 until it was redrawn in 2021. Tanner has endorsed Molder. 

“When we started the Blue Dogs, we came together around the idea that fiscal responsibility and working across party lines ought to mean something to Democrats in Washington, too,” Tanner said. 

“Chaz has put those principles to work in Columbia. He knows you can disagree with somebody and still find a way to get things done together,” Tanner added. “That’s the kind of leadership Tennessee needs, and I’m proud to see him help carry this tradition forward.”

Hatcher takes a different approach on Trump

Hatcher has set himself apart from other Republicans in Tennessee’s congressional delegation who often struggle to find any Trump policy with which they disagree. 

While Hatcher has said he’ll be loyal to the president — and has earned Trump’s endorsement — he's has been nuanced in his approach to Trump’s policies.

After Trump announced a tariff reprieve on imported beef to lower the cost of meat — a move that was projected to undercut American-produced beef by 25% — Hatcher praised Trump’s goal of lowering grocery prices but criticized his strategy.

“We know how this proposal will affect American cattle producers," Hatcher said. "Our farmers and ranchers have faced drought, high feed and fuel costs, increased input costs, and historically low cattle inventories. We should be encouraging American producers to rebuild our cattle herd, not putting them at a competitive disadvantage to foreign beef.”

“I support President Trump’s goal of lowering grocery prices for American families, but the long-term answer is producing more food here at home,” he said. 

District 5 could be the only federal general election race in Tennessee in which candidates actually debate each other this cycle. 

Hatcher said last week that he would debate Molder, saying he feels “voters deserve to hear from the two nominees in this important race.”

Citing the gerrymandering that “gave us a lot of ground to cover,” Molder has since proposed three debates: in Columbia, Memphis and Martin. 

“No voter should have to drive three hours to hear their congressional candidates debate,” Molder said in a statement last week. “Three debates will give people across this district a chance to hear from both of us in person, close to home.”

Hatcher’s team told The Tennessean that he’s been “meeting folks where they are in every nook and cranny of the 5th District for months.” And he’ll meet Molder for a forum soon.  

“Charlie looks forward to a discussion on the issues at a time and place that works for both candidates throughout the district,” said Hatcher spokesman Chris Devaney.

No time or location for a debate has been announced yet. 

An internal poll released by the Molder team shows Hatcher in the lead by 8 percentage points, with 11% of voters undecided. More voters in the district are familiar with Hatcher (58%) than Molder (41%).

But Molder could be closing the gap as midterm years are typically tough for the party in power, and this year is no exception. The Columbia mayor ramped up his spending on a digital ad campaign this month.

Hatcher hasn't released new ads since the primary but has held campaign events in the district during a “thank you tour” to celebrate his primary victory.

The deadline to register to vote in November is Oct. 5.

Spring Hill Mulls Parks Plan (MSM)

Spring Hill city staff is recommending that the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approve a $99,435 contract with Hodgson Douglas Landscape Architects to develop a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

The plan would serve as a 10-year roadmap for Spring Hill's park and recreation system, guiding future decisions about park development, land purchases, recreational programs, facilities and capital investments. The city's current master plan was created in 2012 and updated in 2020.

The city received nine proposals after issuing a request for qualifications in March 2026. After reviewing the submissions and interviewing the top three firms, city staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission selected Hodgson Douglas Landscape Architects as the highest-ranked firm.

The project would include community input through focus groups, workshops, stakeholder interviews and an online survey. The firm would conduct a statistically valid community survey with at least 400 responses, targeting a 95 percent confidence level and a positive or negative 5 percent confidence interval.

The master plan would examine current and future recreational needs as Spring Hill's population grows. It would assess parks, facilities and programming gaps, accessibility and geographic distribution of parks, and existing recreation programs. The plan would also analyze opportunities to improve participation, staffing, maintenance, equipment and operations. It would include comparisons with up to three similar communities and identify future park and facility improvements and potential land acquisition. The plan would examine funding sources, including grants, sponsorships, partnerships, fees and development agreements, and provide estimated project costs and timelines for future improvements.

The proposed contract is $19,435 more than the $80,000 budgeted for the project. Staff recommends carrying the existing $80,000 into the 2026-27 fiscal year and covering the additional amount through Budget Amendment No. 1.

Mayor Matt Fitterer and Vice Mayor Trent Linville voted against the resolution. Fitterer said the proposal could conflict with the city's ongoing and planned strategic planning efforts.

The resolution passed by a 7-2 vote.

Columbia State Hosts College Fair (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College recently hosted a college fair for high school juniors and seniors in Maury County.

The Maury County-Wide College Fair was a unique chance for local students to explore their post-high school options.

The event, hosted by Columbia State Community College in partnership with Maury County public and private schools, connected over 1,000 juniors and seniors with representatives from more than 30 colleges, universities, technical colleges and the U.S. military, from both in and outside of Tennessee. With many schools represented at the event, the goal was to help students dream big and plan for the future while not having to travel outside of Maury County.

“What an incredible day for Maury County!” said Jay Wilson, Columbia State director of admissions and recruiting. “Nearly 1,000 local high school seniors came together to explore colleges, discover new possibilities, ask questions and take another step toward their futures. This is what this work is all about. Every conversation has the potential to open a door, change a trajectory or help a student see possibilities they may not have considered before. We are incredibly proud to bring opportunities like this to our community and to play a small part in helping our students determine what comes next. The Maury County-Wide College Fair was truly a success!”

Several schools from around the state attended the fair, including Austin Peay State University, Bethel University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (Hohenwald and Pulaski), Trevecca Nazarene University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Vanderbilt University and more. Out-of-state schools were also present, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Mississippi State University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Western Kentucky University and others.

Not only was the fair about allowing students to learn more and explore their options on which institutions they could attend, but also about understanding the admissions and financial aid processes and gaining the confidence to take the next step toward their future.

“A college fair is more than a collection of brochures,” said Yolanda Ogilvie, Columbia State enrollment recruiter. “It is a chance for students to explore their options, ask questions and connect with representatives who can help guide their future. Every conversation has the potential to open a door to new opportunities and the next phase of their educational journey.”

Columbia State thanks our partners, including Maury County public and private schools, as well as the colleges and universities that attended, for their commitment to helping local students make informed decisions about future steps on their educational path.

The following Maury County schools participated in this year’s event:

• Agathos Classical School

• Battle Creek High School

• Columbia Central High School

• Culleoka Unit School

• Hampshire Unit School

• Northfield Academy (Maury Academies)

• Santa Fe Unit School

• Spring Hill High School

Spring Hill Addresses Sewer Moratorium (MSM)

Spring Hill’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved a $3 million contract Tuesday night with Black & Veatch Corporation to oversee planning and design for the city’s SPARTAN Capital Program, a collection of major infrastructure projects to expand water and wastewater capacity.

The sewer moratorium, in effect since August 2025, has halted or limited development projects as the city works to address wastewater capacity.

Under the contract, Black & Veatch will provide planning and project controls, coordinate SPARTAN projects and develop a Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility Plan and Capital Improvement Strategy during an initial one-year term. The contract is capped at $3 million and will be paid on a time-and-expense basis using Black & Veatch’s 2026 rates.

The SPARTAN Capital Program includes water and wastewater treatment, water supply, advanced water purification, reservoir and dam infrastructure and linear infrastructure projects.

Mayor Matt Fitterer said in a Facebook post the agreement could provide decades of additional utility capacity and help end the sewer connection moratorium.

The board approved the contract 9-0.

Heroes’ Breakfast (MSM)

Operation Stand Down Tennessee honored local veterans and their families during its second annual Columbia Heroes’ Breakfast on Friday, Sept. 11, at The Mulehouse.

The Heroes’ Breakfast brought veterans, families and community members together to share a meal, network and recognize the contributions of those who have served in the U.S. military.

For more than 30 years, Operation Stand Down Tennessee has served veterans across a 31-county region in Middle and West Tennessee, with centers in Nashville, Clarksville and Columbia. The organization provides veterans and their families with resources and opportunities through a variety of programs designed to help them get back on track.

Since establishing its Columbia location three years ago, Operation Stand Down Tennessee has provided more than $250,000 in temporary financial assistance and distributed 1,000 food bags to veterans and their families.

Chief Executive Officer and U.S. Air Force veteran Arlie Haddix spoke about his military service and the history and mission of Operation Stand Down Tennessee.

“We began as an event by setting up tents and sent teams of people to go find what we call a ‘classically homeless’ person who is a veteran,” Haddix said. “We provide them with a shower, clean clothes and a hot meal, then begin the process of figuring out who they are.”

Dean Wegner, founder and CEO of Authentically American, served as the event’s keynote speaker. Wegner served as a helicopter pilot and Army Ranger for seven years before beginning his business career.

During his keynote address, Wegner spoke about the importance of service and putting others before yourself. He also highlighted the impact Operation Stand Down Tennessee has had on veterans, including himself and his business.

“They are that Ranger buddy in their life,” Wegner said. “When they need somebody in their life to come beside them, to walk with them and know that they do not have to do this journey alone.”

Operation Stand Down Tennessee offers opportunities for community members to donate and volunteer in support of its mission.

Haddix encouraged anyone who knows a veteran in need to connect them with the organization, emphasizing that Operation Stand Down Tennessee is ready to provide assistance and support.

Operation Stand Down Tennessee CEO Arlie Haddix and Chief Development and External Affairs Officer Maria Wolfe are part of the program at Friday’s event in Columbia.   

Hidden Bee Farm Educates About Animals (MSM)

What began as animal therapy for a young boy has grown into a sanctuary where more than 50

animals, many with special needs, have found a place to call home.

Located off Carters Creek Pike in Maury County, Hidden Bee Farm Animal Rescue is a nonprofit

sanctuary dedicated to providing neglected, injured, senior and disabled animals with care,

compassion and a safe place to spend their remaining years.

The sanctuary is located on a historic 1843 farmhouse, which is also home to founders Alicia

and David Seaton and their family.

The story behind Hidden Bee Farm begins with the Seatons’ younger son, Jackson. Now 26, Jackson developed a connection with animals at a young age. As someone with autism and epilepsy, animals provided him with comfort, familiarity and a sense of connection that often went beyond words.

The Seaton family began their journey in California, where they boarded and raised animals as

therapy animals for Jackson. After moving to Columbia, they discovered the 1843 farmhouse

and began building what would eventually become Hidden Bee Farm.

What started as a way to support Jackson soon became something much larger.

Today, Hidden Bee Farm takes in animals ranging from turkeys and tortoises to cows, horses, goats, donkeys, pigs, owls,sheep and chickens. The sanctuary specializes in giving senior, blind, paraplegic, amputee and other special-needs animals a safe place to live.

There are currently more than 50 animals at the farm, and each one has a name chosen by

Jackson.

The farm is also home to bees, an addition that came after Alicia researched the connection between bees and autism and how working with them could potentially benefit Jackson.

As word of the sanctuary has spread, Alicia and David receive calls and emails from people seeking help for animals in need. Some animals travel from outside Tennessee to find their way to the sanctuary.

When a new animal arrives, the work begins with understanding its needs.

The Seatons must assess each animal’s physical and emotional condition before determining what care it needs. New arrivals are also isolated until they are healthy and ready to safely interact with the other animals.

For the Seatons, rescue does not end when an animal arrives at the farm. It means providing food, medical care, shelter, attention and a place where each animal can feel safe. But caring for more than 50 animals comes with significant expenses.

From transportation and veterinary care to food, shelter and daily maintenance, the cost of running a sanctuary quickly adds up. That is where the community plays an important role.

Each fall, Hidden Bee Farm opens its gates for its annual pumpkin patch, the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

The Fourth Annual Hidden Bee Farm Pumpkin Patch will offer pumpkins, hayrides, trike races and other fall activities designed to provide families with a day of fun at the farm. The event is free to attend and will be held at the Hidden Bee Farm property beginning Sept. 19 and continuing through the end of October.

While the pumpkin patch is a community tradition, it also serves an important purpose behind the scenes. Proceeds from pumpkin sales, activities and vendor fees go toward the care of the animals, helping provide the food and resources they need throughout the year.

The pumpkin patch is just one of the ways Hidden Bee Farm connects with the community. Throughout the year, the organization also hosts events including a Christmas Santa event and activities recognizing Autism Month and Women’s Health Day.

Through the work of the Seaton family and its volunteers, Hidden Bee Farm has become more than a place for animals to recover. It is a place where animals who may have been overlooked because of their age, disabilities or circumstances are given another opportunity to live comfortably, surrounded by care.

And for the Seatons, what began with finding a way to help their son has become a mission to help animals who need a home, too.

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.  

And now, news from around the state…

Sec. of State Warns About New Biz Scammers (Press Release)

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett today issued a new warning about unaffiliated mail scam solicitations targeting newly registered business entities. These scams being mailed across Tennessee could cause additional financial burden on businesses and charitable organizations.

Tennessee businesses and charitable organizations have reported receiving an official-looking mailer from a third-party entity called the Business Resource Center Compliance Division. Wording on the scam mailer suggests that obtaining a Certificate of Status is necessary to operate a newly formed business and offers to provide the form for an excessive fee. However, such a form is not required in Tennessee and any necessary business documents can be obtained directly through the Secretary of State’s office.

“Our office is seeing an increase in complaints from businesses about this scam mailer that asks for excessive and unnecessary fees for a form that doesn’t exist in Tennessee,” said Secretary Hargett. “We want all Tennessee organizations to know we provide the necessary documentation for newly registered business and charitable entities through our office.”

Business Resource Center appears to be soliciting Secretary of State customers for its own benefit and customers should be aware of mailings where there is no return address and the company is using a zip code used by the Secretary of State’s office.

“All business owners should be wary of any correspondence that attempts to look like it is from the State of Tennessee,” Secretary Hargett added. “This group is not affiliated with us, and we ask recipients of these unaffiliated communications to continue to report them to us, so we can notify the proper authorities.”

You can contact the Division of Business and Charitable Organizations to report suspicious activity by calling (615) 741-2286 or emailing TNSOS.corpinfo@tn.gov.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office, call (615) 741-3491 or visit Attorney General & Reporter (tn.gov).

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

 Cruisin’ The Co-op wraps up the season with a fall favorite: Classic Cars and Candy Bars Trunk R Treat at United Co-op – Columbia (975 Riverview Lane, Columbia, TN 38401)!

It takes place on Friday, October 23rd, 2026, from 5-8 pm and features a special edition of Cruisin’ featuring decorated trunks, classic cars, candy for the kids, food trucks, and festive fall fun.

Costumes are encouraged, and families are invited to enjoy a safe, exciting night of trick-or-treating and community connection.

Bring the kids, bring the candy buckets, and don’t miss this one! Admission to this event is free!

More information can be found on the Cruisin the Co-op Facebook Page.