Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-29-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 29, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Mulehouse Reenvisioned (CDH)

The Mulehouse, in downtown Columbia has begun a new chapter in its already storied history of revival as a long-standing former Baptist church turned premiere event venue.

Now a new owner wants to carry that initial vision forward with even more growth and revitalization to come. The new chapter was celebrated with the public Sept. 24 at the venue's grand reopening.

New owner Daniel Medina said his decision to purchase The Mulehouse was a case of divine intervention, that he simply, "Woke up from a dream, and had a feeling the Lord wanted me to redeem this building."

Medina had also never attended a concert, wedding or special event at The Mulehouse since its May 2021 debut. He simply felt compelled to fulfill the vision spearheaded by former owners Blair and Eric Garner, while also seeking to grow on a grander scale.

"I want to create this as a gathering place, obviously to gather and to see the Holy Spirit work in their life," Medina said. "This whole building was originally a church, and a lot of people gave their lives and their money in order for this to be a church, and so I want to make sure I keep the original vision about the place intact."

The grand re-opening was celebrated with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance, attended by a crowd of business professionals, elected officials and supporters.

While The Mulehouse has maintained a steady lineup of concerts, private events and even country line dancing, the grand reopening event was the first true peek into what has been happening behind the scenes.

Overall, the venue itself will remain as it has been, featuring the main concert hall, cocktail lounge and expansive backstage area with various amenities for visiting artists.

"I used to go to church here ... and I have a lot of great memories in this place. My sister got married here," Columbia Vice Mayor Randy McBroom said. "This is exciting. The Mulehouse has not changed, and that's what's so nice for Columbia. We need this venue and appreciate this venue."

When The Mulehouse announced it was facing liquidation, and later bankruptcy in 2023, the fate of the venue was in a balance, whether it would continue under new ownership or be put up for auction.

While concerts and special events continued, the mystery surrounding The Mulehouse's new ownership and vision remained under wraps. Medina explained he and his staff were hard at work planning for a proper reemergence.

"We are going to do private events, keep the music going and we are going to build out the adjacent building to create more gathering spaces for people to come," Medina said. "I think this will be a good model for a lot of churches in general, where they can start using their facilities to generate income in other ways."

Gary Chapman, who is a regular of The Mulehouse's Songwriter Series, said the mission to save The Mulehouse was also felt among the local arts community.

"There are so many stories of people I have talked to that are now involved here who have had the exact same experience," Chapman said. "We are going to do something different with this place."

Chapman added that the venue will also begin hosting regular worship events open to the public.

"We'll just open the doors and let people come on in and do nothing but lift up the Lord," Chapman said. "I know what can happen, and I think it's going to be an amazing start to something really special here."

Mulehouse Director of Events Amy Fish added that while the venue provides a state-of-the art concert experience, is a popular site for weddings and other private events, a whole lot more is on the way.

"This has been a long time coming," Fish said. "There were a couple of times walking around this building today where the emotion just overtook me because of how excited we all are to be in this moment we have dreamt about for a long time."

Fish added that she considers The Mulehouse "The best kept secret, but the word is getting out."

"Nashville is learning about us, artists are walking in, private events are expanding, concerts are getting stronger and stronger, and it's because of you all that are out there bragging about the team, the sound," Fish said. "I mean, look at this place. There is nothing matched, and so we appreciate the word of mouth, because we are on a roll."

As an economic driver for Columbia, Maury Alliance President Wil Evans said The Mulehouse has been a way to bring the city's arts scene to the forefront, and will provide a beneficial asset to the city's growth and tourism.

"When it was first introduced, it was such a gem and a great concept for our community knowing the music scene that already existed here was kind of under the radar," Evans said.

"When we heard it might be closing, of course, nobody wanted to hear that. We are really excited to see a new investor come in that wants to do more than just keep it as it was but make it even better. That's going to go a long way and continue to help the growth and livability here."

Wolfe and Cline on Road to Recovery (Tennessean)

It's been an emotional two weeks for reality TV star Mike Wolfe.

In a Sept. 25 Instagram post, the "American Pickers" star, who was injured in a car crash Sept. 12 that also severely injured his girlfriend, Leticia Cline, Wolfe said he went to see the car, and it was more emotional than he "could ever imagine."

Wolfe was discharged from a local hospital after the crash in Columbia, Tenn., recovering from a broken nose and injuries to his knee and wrist, Gayle Davidson, a spokesperson from Icon Public Relations, told The Tennessean Sept. 26.

Cline had to be airlifted from the scene to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville while Wolfe was taken to a hospital by ambulance, he said in the social media post.

Wolfe said in the Instagram post, "When your life is so close to being cut short, you find yourself recalibrating all that's important."

Wolfe and Cline were in Columbia for a photo shoot for an upcoming book on the motorcycle industry, he said.

Sept. 12 had been a perfect day until the crash, he said.

On social media, he and Cline both recalled being in the crash that day.

"A man driving an SUV pulled out from a side street, and we had little to no time to react," Cline wrote in a post on Instagram. "We were in an old Porsche 356, with Mike driving, and although we were both wearing seatbelts, they were only lap belts. My side took most of the impact as Mike tried to swerve to miss the other driver."

Wolfe, 61, said in another post it was the day he and Cline got a "second chance."

But the road to recovery hasn't been an easy one.

Cline shared in a post on X that she suffered a broken jaw, broken ribs, broken sternum, a collapsed lung and swelling on her spine.

"My mouth will be wired shut but I still got my brain and that's all that matters," she wrote.

Davidson said Cline had surgery to repair her jaw which was broken in three places and was discharged from the hospital a couple of days ago and is recovering at her home in Kentucky.

"She's got a way to go but she's going to be ok," Davidson said.

Wolfe has starred on the History Channel's "American Pickers" since it began in 2010.

Wolfe moved to the Nashville area in 2010.

He opened his Antique Archaeology store in Nashville, his first retail outlet, in 2011.

Wolfe closed the store on April 27 to spend more time in his hometown of LeClaire, Iowa, where his 81-year-old mother lives.

In an interview with The Tennessean, Wolfe said closing the North Nashville store was "bittersweet."

Despite the store's closure, Wolfe told The Tennessean he will continue living in Leiper's Fork with his 13-year-old daughter, Charlie.

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.

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.

Columbia Fall Fest (MauryCountySource)

Columbia Main Street is thrilled to announce the return of FALL FEST, scheduled to take place on October 11th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm in downtown Columbia. 

This event, presented in partnership with Kiwanis of Columbia, promises a day filled with family-friendly activities in the heart of downtown. This community festival includes FREE admission to listen to live entertainment, enjoy a FUN ZONE for all ages, pose in front of fall-inspired photo booths, and paint a mini pumpkin! Additionally, attendees can support local businesses by shopping with artisan-craft vendors, eating from delicious food trucks, purchasing a ticket for the Kiwanis Chili Cook Off or pre-registering to participate in the Miss Maury County FALL FEST pageant. 

This year’s festivities feature the annual chili cook-off by Kiwanis of Columbia. This ticketed experience supports Kiwanis’ local initiatives. Attendees who purchase a ticket will get to taste a variety of chili recipes from local teams and vote for their favorites. Tickets are $12 for adults and can be purchased at the event. 

Kiwanis of Columbia will also host a “FUN ZONE” featuring free face painting, balloon artists, caricature artists, inflatables, and a petting zoo. In addition to the FUN ZONE, WireMasters has sponsored an all ages painting station, where they can pick and decorate a mini pumpkin. 

LIVE Entertainment will light up the FALL FEST stage with performances from talented local artists throughout the day. Starting with Boomerang, playing a mix of pop from the 60’s and 70’s. 46 Story will wrap up the day with a high-energy dance set featuring both current and classic R&B songs.

“Bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes because you’re going to be singing along and having a great time with each of the bands,” says Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager. 

Back by popular demand is the Miss Maury Co FALL FEST Pageant by Britts. This year, the pageant will take place during FALL FEST instead of prior. Early registration is encouraged and can be found by visiting columbiamainstreet.com. 

"We invite all our friends and neighbors to attend FALL FEST this year," said Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager. “We are privileged to partner with so many local businesses and organizations that work hard to create memorable moments for those in attendance. We hope that you enjoy the craft vendors, food trucks, the bands, and all the activities for every age plus all the downtown merchants and restaurants who will be open during the event.” 

For more information about the FALL FEST,, please visit columbiamainstreet.com or follow Columbia Main Street on social media. 

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

Martha Jean Smith Barnes, 68, resident of Hampshire, died Friday, September 26, 2025 at St. Thomas Midtown in Nashville surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, September 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Theta. 

Now, news from around the state…

McWhorter Appointed Deputy Governor (WilliamsonScene)

Stuart McWhorter — commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development — has been appointed deputy governor.

According to a release, McWhorter will also continue in his current role at TNECD. 

McWhorter will begin the role on Oct. 15.

The news follows a June announcement that current Deputy Gov. Butch Eley would step down after nearly seven years serving in the Gov. Bill Lee administration. 

McWhorter first joined the Lee administration in 2019 as commissioner of the Department of Finance and Administration. He co-chaired the governor's Healthcare Modernization Task Force and was later appointed director of the Unified Command Group, coordinating Tennessee's COVID-19 response.

McWhorter, who has served as TNECD commissioner since 2022, also previously held the role of CEO at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and co-founded Nashville-based investment firm Clayton Associates. 

“During my first term, I called on [McWhorter] to leverage more than 25 years of entrepreneurial and investing experience to successfully steward our state’s finances as commissioner of finance and administration," Lee said in the release.

"In my second term, Stuart took on the significant responsibility of recruiting leading global companies to our state, creating greater opportunity for tens of thousands of Tennesseans. I’m deeply grateful for Stuart’s leadership and appreciate his willingness to take on an expanded role as deputy governor.”

Special Election Turnout Low (Tennessean)

After seven days of early voting, fewer than 14,000 people across 14 counties have cast ballots in a special election to choose who will fill a vacancy left by retired U.S. Rep. Mark Green in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, according to data from Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office.

Turnout is proportionally low in Davidson County, with less than 3% of the 116,330 eligible registered voters — 3,343 — participating, according to data from the Davidson County Election Commission.

Turnout remains split and more evenly distributed between parties than in past years. About 54% of voters participated in the Republican primary and 46% in the Democratic primary.

Early voting is ongoing, and the primary election is Oct. 7. Nineteen candidates are on the ballot, including 11 Republicans, four Democrats and four independents.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Ryman Auditorium will welcome Brett Eldredge back to the Mother Church this holiday season for a special three-night GLOW residency on Friday, Nov. 28, Saturday, Nov. 29, and Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. The Ryman residency is part of Eldredge’s 12-date Glow Live Tour, bringing his big-band holiday spectacular and fan-favorite originals to music’s most iconic stage. Comedian Steven Rogers will open all dates.

Tickets available at Ryman.com and the Ryman box office.