Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-24-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 24, 2025

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

We start with local news…

13 Year Old Hit and Run (MauryCountySource)

Spring Hill Police are investigating a crash that left a 13-year-old injured after colliding with a white SUV Saturday evening.

The crash happened around 7:35 p.m. at the intersection of New Port Royal Road and Bern Drive. Police say the SUV left the scene traveling east on Bern Drive.

Anyone with information is urged to submit an anonymous tip through the city’s website or call Spring Hill Police dispatch at 931-486-2632 and ask to speak with a supervisor.

Spring Hill Development Plan (CDH)

As the city grapples with ways to ensure proper development, the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen are now discussing a multi-layered, five-year planning program.

The proposed plan, which includes four major projects, was presented at BOMA's Sept. 15 regular meeting.

The first of these projects would include a significant update to the city's Spring Hill Rising: 2040 comprehensive plan.

And a big part of that update, as with all projects in the proposed plan, is generating lots of public input. Director of Development Services Dara Sanders said this is because the public played a big role in the original plan's 2015 adoption, which contributed to its consistency over the past decade.

"We have not really updated our long-range plans in a meaningful way in about 10 years," Sanders said.

"A lot of communities that adopt a comprehensive plan with as much specificity as Spring Hill Rising typically see a lot of amendments requested by the community or private property owners through the course of a five to 10-year process. We have had very few requests to amend this plan, which I am proud of because that means we listened to the community, responded to their needs and for the most part got it pretty darn right."

However, generating a large amount of public input has, historically, had its challenges, Sanders added. Therefore, the city's planning staff is proposing to hire a consultant to manage a five-year community engagement program to "maximize that public involvement," which would require BOMA approval.

The second project discussed is creating a comprehensive update to Spring Hill's Major Thoroughfare Plan, or as Sanders described, "literally our roadmap for roadways."

The plan's updates would include tackling a detail-oriented overhaul to what defines certain roads, where they can be in accordance with residential neighborhoods versus commercial, as well as the increased roadway construction that has occurred in the last 10 years.

"This exercise will help us do a deeper dive into contextually appropriate roadway design," Sanders said. "At the time [of the plan's adoption], we really had to do broad brush strokes of east of I-65. There really wasn't a whole lot going on out there 10 years ago, and there's a lot of interest east of I-65 now."

On the historic preservation side, the third project in the five-year plan would include the city's Town Center redevelopment efforts.

The city's Town Center Plan, presented in 2024 by a special Town Center Committee, was a way to identify culturally significant properties and a long-term vision for the district, which stretches along Main Street north of The Crossings and Saturn Parkway.

"It will identify properties that are maybe eligible for infill, identify the cultural and historically significant properties that we should protect and respect," Sanders said. "It will include a series of {Unified Development Code] recommendations to help stimulate private investment in a neighborhood that is often considered to be, and referred to as, the Heart of Spring Hill."

The fourth and final project in the long-term plan doesn't involve updating an existing plan but creating a new one.

Similar to the city's Major Thoroughfare Plan, this one would focus solely on Spring Hill's major roadways, such as U.S. Highway 31.

"Here, we would be building on the major thoroughfare plan efforts, evaluating access management," Sanders said. "What happens to properties along Main Street once Main Street widens? This will help give some direction and provide expectations for redevelopment, new development and additions to existing development along our major corridors."

Once the five-year plan is completed, it will then provide a significant amount of information when assessing growth needs in 2030-2031, Sanders concluded.

In other Spring Hill news, the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen last week discussed feasibility studies, rezoning requests and grant funding as part of ongoing efforts to support Spring Hill’s growth. 

The Stone Creek property, now designated as a reservoir site, was rezoned to Institutional Campus to support the city’s Advanced Purification Project PILOT. 

With the purchasing of the Stone Creek property, discussion for a feasibility study and efforts for the Advanced Purification Project are underway. 

The study will determine the best locations and depths for the reservoir, along with other key design factors. 

Assistant City Administrator Dan Allen said this project could be more than infrastructure. Over the last three years, community engagement discussions have been in the works for the site. 

Allen added that one goal is to develop the site into a space that could include walking and biking trails, parks, open spaces and other amenities that the community can utilize. 

“Not only can we address water supply and drought resilience, but we also can create a new public space as well that people can enjoy,” Allen said. 

The Spring Hill Police Department is set to receive $10,000 in grant funding from Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to support Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). 

The ICAC Task Force was established to reduce child exploitation online, including child pornography and predator activity targeting minors. Metro Nashville Police distribute sub-grant funding across Middle Tennessee agencies, and Spring Hill has two detectives assigned to ICAC cases. The grant will cover equipment, training, and travel expenses for the detectives. 

Also considered during last week’s meeting were performance bonds for Kedron Road and School Street, as progress has reportedly lacked on the projects. Both bonds were passed in 2021, but School Street remains closed and Kedron Road is incomplete. 

During public comment, School Street property owner Alicia Fitts voiced frustration, saying that the project, initially 30-days, has lasted a year. Fitts expressed that the delay has negatively impacted businesses, clients and services like waste management that are re-routed through Main Street. 

Developer Peter Ripley requested the board defer the action until Oct. 18, saying the project discussion and requirements are not clarified. The bonds will be called if the work is not completed by Oct 14. 

In other business, BOMA approved the west side of Hurt Road, north of Duplex Road property, rezoning from agricultural to Institutional Campus (IC) for future development.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen will hold a special meeting Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.

Summertown 4th Grader Named Titans Captain (Press Release)

Fourth grader Haize Dingler from Summertown, Tennessee, was selected as the second winner of Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee’s 16th annual Tennessee Titans Kids Captain contest. The 10-year-old had a moment to remember Sunday as he stood alongside Tennessee Titans captains at midfield for the pregame coin toss ahead of the team’s matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. 

The experience was part of the Titans’ Kids Captain contest, which gives young fans ages 6 through 12 years old four lower-bowl tickets, a parking pass, a red Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee cap, an official Titans jersey, and most notably, the rare chance to step onto the field as an honorary captain. 

Heather Dingler, Haize’s mother, says her son is a passionate Titans fan and loves cheering on the team at home. Acting as the Titans captain wasn’t the only first for Haize on Sunday—it was the first time he had ever attended an NFL game.  

When he’s not cheering on the Titans, Haize enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, and playing football.  

“Watching Haize walk onto the field alongside his favorite team at his first-ever NFL game was an incredible moment,” said Nakia McFall, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee agent and agency manager in Lawrence County. “At Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, we are proud to give back to our customers and community and take part in unforgettable life experiences. We are thrilled to have played a part in a memorable day for Haize Dingler, his family, and the community.” 

From now through December, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee will choose seven more winners to be a Kids Captain for each of the following home games: 

• Oct. 19 vs. New England Patriots 

• Nov. 2 vs. Los Angeles Chargers 

• Nov. 16 vs. Houston Texans 

• Nov. 23 vs. Seattle Seahawks 

• Nov. 30 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars 

• Dec. 21 vs. Kansas City Chiefs 

• Dec. 28 vs. New Orleans Saints 

Contest entries open three weeks prior to the Titans’ home football games mentioned, and contestants can enter to win anytime throughout the fall season. Entrants must be residents of Tennessee, be ages 6 through 12, and have parental consent to participate. Winners will be notified approximately two weeks before their assigned game and must respond within 24 hours to claim their opportunity to shine on the field. 

Entries for the next game against the New England Patriots can be submitted here: https://info.fbitn.com/titansvspatriotskidscaptain. 

Mitchell Earwood Scholarship (Press Release)

The Columbia State Community College Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of a scholarship in honor of Mitchell Earwood, a firefighter, father and Spring Hill community member.

Earwood, who tragically lost his life during a severe storm in 2020 at his family’s farm in Bethesda, Tennessee, had been a dedicated member of the Spring Hill Fire Department since 2008.

Mike Pinkerton, a training captain at the SHFD, working with Mitchell’s family, helped lead the effort to establish this scholarship at Columbia State.

“Mitch was important to so many of us and demonstrated in his life and work qualities that make a department strong in service to its community,” Pinkerton said. “Coworkers, family, friends and even those who didn’t personally know him have come together to establish this scholarship in his honor and memory. It pleases us that it will help students at Columbia State who are studying to go into emergency services. We want to grow this scholarship and keep it going in his memory.”

The scholarship funds will be available for degree-seeking or certificate-seeking students enrolled in an emergency service-related program of study.

“We are pleased to have this scholarship as a resource for students wanting to prepare themselves for service in times of greatest need,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “We thank everyone involved for their efforts and generosity.”

The city of Spring Hill will be honoring Mitchell Earwood with the opening of a new fire station on Duplex Road by the end of 2025.

The Columbia State Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports and partners with the college to positively impact student success and the communities in which it serves. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Foundation.

Battlecreek Gets Wrestling Team (MSM)

Columbia Central and Spring Hill will have company on the wrestling mats this winter.

Battle Creek will become the third Maury County high school program, after participating in a Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association-approved co-operative agreement with Spring Hill for the 2024-25 season.

“Last year, our kids were given the opportunity to co-op with Spring Hill as a handful of our other sports still do – bowling, tennis, golf,” Battle Creek athletics director Breanna Green said. “We’re really grateful for them and their partnership and them feeding into our kids while we build our school and our program.

“Because Spring Hill also co-ops with Santa Fe, (the TSSAA) did allow us last year, but they said ‘be ready to make plans for your own.’”

Scott Johnson, who has previously served as an assistant at Spring Hill and as coach of the Spring Hill Middle School program, will lead the Grizzlies into competition this season.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to start the program at Battle Creek,” Johnson said. “I’ve always wanted to be a head high school wrestling coach. I was (former Raiders coach) Beau Moss’s assistant, I was head coach at Spring Hill Middle School for a couple of years. I’ve wanted to get a program started.”

In the school’s second year, the student body is comprised of freshmen, sophomores and juniors, and that will be the composition of the wrestling team as well. A handful of prospective wrestlers competed at Battle Creek Middle School, with at least a couple – Parker Page and Chandler Richardson – wrestling at Spring HIll last season under that co-op agreement.

“We do have some with experience, but a lot of our weight classes will have guys that are pretty new to the sport, or freshmen,” Johnson said. “We’re running close to 15 at our preseason workouts right now. We do have some interest from some football players, so we’re probably looking at somewhere in the range of 25-30 (wrestlers).

“We’ve got a lot of strong athletes with a lot of potential at the school. We’ve just got to get all that technique into their heads and get them past that early stage where it’s hard to think of what to do. That’s the process we’ll be engaging in as we get our practices going.”

Wrestling is relatively new to Maury County, with both Spring Hill and Columbia Central starting programs in 2017. However, the Lions have had a state tournament qualifier in each of the past three seasons, with Nate Hoath winning a sectional championship last year, and Kyle Nielsen became the Raiders’ first state finalist in 2025.

“We’re gonna build the program and down the road we’re looking to turn it into a really strong program,” Johnson said. “Obviously that’s a process. We’re just looking forward to the opportunity to get out there and get these kids some experience and help them have a great season.”

Kids’ Place (Press Release)

With Kid’s Place, very number they share has a child’s story behind it.

In 2024, 150 children in Maury County walked through their doors for a forensic interview after a report was made of severe child abuse. That meant impactful, brave conversations in a safe space — and it came at a cost of $90,000 to provide.

44 children sat with Kid’s Place therapists for trauma-focused mental health therapy, beginning the hard journey of healing. Those sessions totaled $39,600.

And 186 families leaned on their advocates for guidance, support, and resources as they navigated some of the hardest days of their lives — a service valued at $67,000.

In 2024, providing these essential services to Maury County families came at a cost of $196,600. Yet for the children they serve, the Hope, Help, and Healing they receive is truly priceless. Because of community support, every service at Kid’s Place is offered at no cost to children and families. By joining us on October 2nd, for their fundraiser, Chords for a Cause, a songwriter’s night, you ensure that no child in Maury County has to face abuse alone.

Join A Kid’s Place: October 2nd, 2025 at The Mulehouse, located at 812 S. High Street in Columbia for Live music • Community impact • Hope for children

Find tickets at www.themulehouse.com.

Women in Business (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance for their Women in Business Luncheon called “Strong Women; Stronger Health. The event will take place on September 30th at 11:00am at the Spring Hill Events Center located at 1018 Parkway Drive.

Maury Alliance and the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce invite you to a special Lunch & Learn featuring a dynamic panel of women healthcare professionals.

This engaging session will explore women’s health from a holistic perspective—addressing the physical, mental, and emotional dimensions of wellness at every stage of life.

Our panelists bring expertise in psychiatry, holistic medicine, fitness, and women’s health to provide actionable tools and empowering insights on:

• Mental well-being & stress management

• Hormonal health

• Movement & nutrition

• Proactive approaches to care

Whether you’re focused on your own wellness journey or supporting others, this conversation will leave you with practical takeaways and fresh perspectives to help women thrive both personally and professionally.

Panelists Include:

• Dr. Ericka Montelione | Premier Chiropractic

• Shavonne F. Morgan, MSN, FNP-BC | Williamson Health

• Dr. Sowmini Oomman | OOMMA MMOOA MD

• Amy Shelton | Family Care Center

• April Cheek | Club Pilates

• Dr. Jocelyn Ragan

Moderator: Cathy Malone, MMHC, BSN, RN, CNML

Reserve your seat today and join us for this inspiring event!

Learn more at www.mauryalliance.com.

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

Yvonne LaNelle Burge Roberts, 69, resident of Columbia, and former longtime resident of Lewisburg, TN died Monday, September 22, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Per Yvonne’s request, no services will be conducted. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Frances Ann Petty King, 87, resident of Parrish Hollow Road in Lynnville, TN died Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Graveside services will be conducted Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Gibsonville Cemetery with Brother Milton Stephens officiating. 

Dee Clinton “D.C.” Uzzell, 82, a lifelong resident of Columbia, died Monday, September 22, 2025 at his residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Brother Alan Hughes officiating and military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Philadelphia Cemetery.

Now, news from around the state…

Major Drug Bust (MauryCountySource)

A nearly two-year undercover investigation involving illegal drugs, gang activity, and firearms has resulted in the indictment of 33 people, following a 2023 overdose death of a Murfreesboro man.

Detectives from the Murfreesboro Police Department’s Special Investigations Section and agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation launched the joint investigation in November 2023 after an individual died from a fatal overdose. Detectives from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) also took part in the investigation.

In early 2024, investigators identified multiple suppliers connected to the overdose death. Officers executed residential search warrants in Murfreesboro, confiscating large quantities of fentanyl powder and pills.

As the investigation expanded, authorities uncovered a network of high-level fentanyl distributors operating out of Nashville and supplying Murfreesboro and surrounding communities. By late 2024, investigators identified known gang members within the drug trafficking operation.

In early 2025, investigators intercepted plans by members to commit first-degree murder. MPD investigators and MNPD’s intervention led to the arrest of three suspects, preventing a potential homicide. Further investigation revealed cartel involvement with individuals being arrested for attempting to deliver large quantities of fentanyl to areas in Middle Tennessee, including Murfreesboro, as well as the discovery of a fentanyl lab in Nashville and the seizure of additional narcotics.

Throughout the investigation, law enforcement seized:

• 15 pounds of fentanyl (powder and pills)

• 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine

• 2.1 pounds of heroin

• 2 pounds of cocaine

• 61 firearms, including automatic weapons and guns linked to homicides

• Body armor and suppressors

• 15 vehicles and three stolen vehicles

• $175,000 in illicit U.S. currency

• 17 residential search warrants

• Evidence linked to two fatal overdoses

Authorities indicted 33 defendants on charges ranging from second-degree homicide to fentanyl distribution. The overall impact of these operations could potentially have delivered lethal doses of fentanyl to over three million individuals, according to detectives.

The Murfreesboro Police Department’s Special Investigations Section and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Middle Tennessee Drug-Related Death Task Force (HIDTA) led the operation.

The investigation was supported by:

• Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

• Drug Enforcement Administration – TDS

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

• Smyrna Police Department

• Tennessee Highway Patrol – Interdiction Unit

• La Vergne Police Department

• Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office

• 18th Judicial District Drug Task Force

Each of these individuals has been indicted on the following charges:

There are outstanding warrants for six more individuals.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Columbians of the past come to life at their gravesites for GHOSTS OF GREENWOOD, a special candlelit historic cemetery tour, taking place on Friday, October 24th, 2025, at 5:30 pm at President James K. Polk Home & Museum (301 W 7th St, Columbia, TN 38401)!

Meet men and women like Ophelia Polk Hayes, James K. Polk’s notoriously hot-headed sister; Sarah McNeill, the first victim of the 1844 “black tongue” epidemic, and more.

Guides will lead tours through the cemetery to featured gravesites where Columbians will “come to life” to share their stories. Tours start every 20 minutes.

Please check email and the Polk Home & Museum social media accounts for weather-related announcements. The James K. Polk Home & Museum, in partnership with Watershed Public Theatre are pleased to be hosting this event.

The 5:30pm and 6:00pm tours will take place before it is fully dark, making it an ideal time for younger children and guests who would like more visibility to navigate the cemetery.

Greenwood Cemetery, established in 1809, is the oldest public cemetery in Columbia, Tennessee. Along with many prominent members of the town’s earliest history, Greenwood is the burial site of Samuel and Jane Polk, parents of President James K. Polk, and most of their immediate family.

This event is family-friendly!

All proceeds benefit the James K. Polk Memorial Association, the nonprofit organization that preserves and operates the President James K. Polk Home & Museum. Special thanks to the City of Columbia!

Learn more at www.jameskpolk.com.