Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-26-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 26, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Hit and Run Arrest (Press Release)

In a follow-up to a story involving a hit-and-run fatality last week, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, just before 5:00am, 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, ceceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle involved, fled, leaving Ms. Nelson in the roadway.

Through a thorough investigation, the Columbia Police Department has identified the driver of the vehicle and made an arrest. Additionally, the vehicle involved has been located and seized for forensic processing. The name of the accused has not yet been released.

Aluminum Plant Fire (MSM)

A building burned early Wednesday morning at the Tennessee Aluminum Processors plant north of Mt. Pleasant.

According to Mt. Pleasant Fire Chief Todd Stewart, a magnesium slag pile caught fire and ignited the larger structure. The roof was a total loss, but much of the rest of the building seems to have survived, and no one was injured or killed.

The county Office of Emergency Management and the fire departments of Mt. Pleasant, Columbia, Maury County and Lawrence County all sent personnel to respond to the fire.

Capt. Will Craft of Columbia Fire told Main Street Maury that the agencies collaborated successfully to put out the fire by mid-morning.

Kuzawinski Named Commissioner (MSM)

Eighteen of the sitting members of the Maury County Commission selected Mike Kuzawinski, a local businessman and former commissioner, as its newest member last week, representing District 4.

County Commissioner Carl McCullen held the seat until Sept. 2, when he resigned to serve as Ward 1 city councilman for Columbia.

Kuzawinski served previously as District 5 commissioner for about eight months in 2014-15, and in 2024 ran unsuccessfully for the city seat to which McCullen was just appointed. The only other candidate for this District 4 seat was Joe Foster, a former chairman of the county school board.

The county commission also elected commissioners Kathey Grodi, Kenny Morrow and Pam Huffman to its Audit Committee, and commissioners Huffman and Cindy Hestla to its Ethics Board. They also reappointed David Horwath to the Regional Planning Commission.

The commission voted to hire a security guard for $85,000 a year at the Maury County Library on West Eighth Street in Columbia, a decision which elicited some discussion at an earlier meeting, and to give the Library Board $18,200 to design a new building for Mt. Pleasant. They also spent $34,000 on a fuel truck and $50,000 on a pull tractor for the Solid Waste department, $52,600 on an animal shelter vehicle, one and a quarter million dollars on new ambulances, and donated $1.666 million to the Miracle League field at Maury County Park.

County Mayor Sheila Butt relayed news from the state house, saying the state official she talked to was unfavorable to Starlink Enterprises’ offer to donate the old Arrow Mines property for use as a state park. The one remaining major clean-up project, the draining, dredging and re-filling of Arrow Lake, is projected to cost a prohibitive $17 million. Butt relayed that Rep. William Lamberth also told her that the bill to give counties a say in property annexations failed, but that he could help them to pass the real-estate transfer tax bill.

Keswani Scholarship at CSCC (Press Release)

The Columbia State Community College Foundation is happy to announce a new scholarship endowment in partnership with the Keswani Foundation.

The scholarship recognizes the Keswani family name and the legacy of Nilam Keswani, who immigrated to the United States with limited resources, a one-way ticket and a college degree. His determination and commitment to education shaped not only his future but also that of his family and continues to impact others. This endowment is rooted in that same belief—that higher education can transform lives, especially for students who face financial challenges.

“We are particularly honored to direct this endowment toward the men's basketball team, in recognition of my personal friendship with Coach Winston Neal, whom I met during our time together at Georgia Institute of Technology from 1997 to 2001 and have remained friends to this day,” said Dr. Amit Keswani. “This scholarship is a testament to the bonds forged through education and sport, and to the opportunities that arise when both are made accessible to all.”

Dr. Keswani is an active Columbia State Foundation board member. His work on the board has helped to strengthen opportunities for student success.

“Amit has been a loyal friend since our Georgia Tech days, and now he’s a tremendous supporter of Columbia State’s student athletes,” said Winston Neal, Columbia State men’s basketball head coach. “As a top cardiologist in the state of Tennessee, he not only takes great care of everyone in both Maury County and Williamson County, but he also looks out for me.” 

Columbia State provides a vital stepping stone for so many—offering access, affordability and a foundation for continued success in both academic and professional life.

“Who could have predicted that the friendship forged during their college years would translate to support for student athletes today?” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “We express our gratitude to Dr. Keswani for his dedication to the work of the Columbia State Foundation and to the Keswani Foundation for establishing this generous scholarship.”

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.

Safe Haven Baby Box Dedication (Press Release)

On Wednesday, October 1st, at 3:30pm at Fire Station Number 1, located at 1000 South Garden Street, the Columbia Fire & Rescue, City of Columbia officials, Junior League of Maury County representatives, Safe Haven Baby Box representatives, and community partners will unveil Columbia’s first Safe Haven Baby Box.

The Safe Haven Baby Box is part of Tennessee’s Safe Haven Law, which allows parents to safely surrender unharmed newborns at designated facilities without fear of prosecution. The Baby Box provides an anonymous and secure option for parents in crisis, with advanced safety mechanisms that alert medical personnel immediately when a baby is placed inside.

Mt. Pleasant Highschool Gets Robotics Grant (Press Release)

Mt. Pleasant High School has been awarded a $5,000 robotics grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as part of its new Robotics Award Program. $655,000 was awarded to 179 schools and non-profit organizations that serve youth across TVA’s seven-state region.

 The TVA Robotics Award Program, which complements TVA’s existing STEM classroom awards, is intended for official robotics programs and designed to enhance hands-on learning, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills among students.

 “Skills in robotics are already required for many careers today, and we want to equip our future workforce with the tools they need to step into and excel in those fields,” said TVA President and CEO, Don Moul.

 TVA, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers Inc., launched the Robotics Award Program to invest in youth interested in robotics. According to TVA, the awards are available to eligible robotics teams to offset costs associated with team setup, materials and competition participation.

 “The engineering program at Mt. Pleasant High School is honored to receive the robotics grant from TVA and Bi-Centennial Volunteers, Inc.,” said Seth Woodard, STEM Instructor at Mt. Pleasant High School. “This grant will be used to provide cutting edge robotics equipment and supplies crucial for providing our students with experience in the many facets of robotics. Relationships with corporate stakeholders such as TVA and Bi-Centennial Volunteers, Inc. are vital in preparing our students for success in new and emerging fields related to robotics.” 

Historical Society Celebrates 120 Years (MSM)

On Saturday, the Maury County Historical Society will mark 120 years since it was first chartered in 1905. Several of the men who signed the Charter of Incorporation were lawyers, judges and teachers, and many additional prominent citizens joined the organization at subsequent meetings. Frank Harrison Smith was Secretary, Treasurer, and head of the organization until his passing a decade later. Thereafter, the Society disbanded during World War I.

An attempt was made to reactivate in the 1930s, but it lasted only a short time. Finally, the original organization was re-activated in 1964, with children and other descendants of the 1905 original organizers becoming members in 1964. The first meeting of the re-activated organization was Sunday, August 9, 1964. Key leaders in this reactivation were Virginia Wood Alexander, Alice Algood, Evelyn Bullock Shackelford, Jill Knight Garrett, Marise Parrish Lightfoot, Evelyn Bown McAnally, Judge William Bruce Turner, Dr. C.Y. Clarke and Franklin Fulton.

The 1905 charter defined the general purpose of the Maury County Historical Society to be “collection, preservation, and perpetuation of facts and events” connected with the history of Maury County, Tennessee. Ever since 1964, the Historical Society has been preserving the history of Maury County in publications based on primary sources. The quarterly historical journal “Historic Maury” has been published four times per year for sixty years (240 issues), and is now in its 61st year of publication.

The Historical Society has also published multiple books, and reprinted several out-of-stock books and publications. The first compilation of county history was by Chancellor William Stuart Fleming. It was originally a Fourth of July speech (year 1876) in recognition of the 100th birthday of the United States. The speech was delivered to the early citizens of Maury County on the grounds of the Columbia Female Institute. It proved to be so popular that it was put into print by popular demand. This county history was reprinted in 1967 by the Maury County Historical Society. It provides a history of Maury County up to the year 1876.

Be part of this living legacy! As we celebrate 120 years, the Maury County Historical Society remains dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of our community — and we invite you to join us in carrying that mission forward.

Explore centuries of Maury County history — from Native American heritage and pioneer settlements to African American experiences, presidential legacies, and the lives of generations who built our community into the present day — while supporting our mission to safeguard the people, places, and events that shape us all. Visit the Historical Society’s site at www.historicmaury.com, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and X at @HistoricMaury.

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.

Cyber Security Lunch and Learn (Press Release)

Cyber threats don’t take lunch breaks—and neither should your strategy.

Join Maury Alliance and Mapletronics on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, for a Cybersecurity luncheon at Southern Tré Steakhouse in downtown Columbia.

This event is designed for business owners, executives, and IT leaders from organizations with 25 to 150 employees. Whether you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey or refining a mature framework, this lunch-and-learn will equip you with the insights you need to lead with confidence.

What to Expect:

• A catered lunch in a relaxed, collaborative setting

• Expert insights on emerging threats like AI-powered deepfakes, phishing, and supply chain attacks

• Compliance essentials to help you avoid costly fines

• A smarter, simplified approach to cybersecurity

• Real-world strategies to outsmart ransomware and protect your business

Why Attend?

88% of ransomware breaches now target small and midsize businesses. Don’t be an easy target. This luncheon will help you build a game plan that’s practical, effective, and tailored to your organization’s needs.

Location:

Southern Tré Steakhouse – 2nd Floor

117 W 7th St, Columbia, TN 38401

Date & Time:

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Seats are limited.

Reserve yours today and join fellow leaders for a meal that could change the way you protect your business.

Learn more at www.mauryalliance.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.

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.

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

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…

Justice Kirby to Retire (WilliamsonScene)

Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Holly Kirby has announced she will retire, effective June 30, 2026.

The announcement comes after Supreme Court Justice Jeffery Bivins was elected earlier this month to succeed Kirby as chief justice (read here). Prior to Bivins assuming the position, Kirby had served as chief justice since 2023.

Kirby was appointed to the Tennessee Supreme Court by then-Gov. Bill Haslam in 2014, becoming the first graduate of the University of Memphis to sit on the State’s High Court. She was also the first woman to serve on the Tennessee Court of Appeals.

In 1982, Kirby served as judicial law clerk to Judge Harry Wellford on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. She went on to join Memphis law firm Burch, Porter & Johnson, specializing in employment litigation. 

Kirby was a member of the Tennessee Appellate Court Nominating Commission from 1989 to 1994. And, she was appointed to the state Court of Appeals in 1995.

“I’ve been privileged to work alongside my Supreme Court colleagues, the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Tennessee Bar Association, and trial judges and lawyers across the state, as well as our governor and our General Assembly, to advance our shared vision for Tennessee’s justice system,” Kirby said in a release.

“Their dedication and hard work made all the difference. Together we’re making the Judicial Branch stronger.”

Kirby hold degrees from the University of Memphis and the University of Memphis Law School.  She is a graduate of Columbia Central Highschool.

Gas Prices (MSM)

Gas prices across the state fell a penny, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.77 which is the same as one month ago and a penny more than one year ago.  

“Gas prices held steady over last week, which is good news for drivers,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Barring any major changes in the market, Tennesseans will likely reap the benefits of lower crude oil prices and weakening gasoline demand again this week. Tennessee’s state gas price average has remained the fifth least expensive in the country for the last two weeks.” 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The James K. Polk Home & Museum, 301 W. 7th St., will bring back a tasty tradition this weekend with its annual Dark Horse Dinner.

Polk launched his run for governor with a Murfreesboro feast, which included 40 fat sheep, 40 fine pigs, 6 beeves, 300 pounds fine ham, bread & vegetables without limit, the generous juice of the grape, whisky and old cognac.

Saturday's Dark Horse Dinner will be a bit more casual, featuring whole hog BBQ with sides, along with homemade ice cream, lawn games and more.

The dinner kicks off at 4 p.m. Saturday, with tickets starting at $25 for Polk Association members and $30 for non-members.

For more information, call (931) 388-2354.