Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-29-26

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 29, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Missing Woman (MauryCountySource)

We have an update to our missing person’s report last week pertaining to Savannah Pierce.

It is with heavy hearts that the Maury County Sheriff's Office shared that

Ms. Pierce has been located and, tragically, was found deceased.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing. The Sheriff’s office wants to recognize the diligent and swift work of our Criminal Investigations Unit, who moved quickly from the initial report of a possible missing female to locating her and identifying those responsible. Their dedication reflects our department's commitment to working diligently on behalf of the families they serve.

The Maury County Sheriff’s Office also wants to thank the surrounding law enforcement agencies, including the Williamson County Sheriff's Department and the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, for their work in this investigation, as well as the public for the tips and information that were shared— every piece of information matters, and they are grateful for the community's support.

Mayoral Forum (CDH)

Five candidates eyeing the chance to serve as Columbia's next mayor recently gathered for a special forum to discuss several key topics, including growth, better home pricing and public safety.

The candidates seeking office in the upcoming Nov. 3 General Election include Tommy Johnson, Jai Lipscomb, Stewart Parker, District 2 Maury County Commissioner Eric Previti and Ashley Townsend.

The full panel was streamed live and can be viewed on the Maury Alliance's YouTube page.

Early voting is scheduled to run from Oct. 14-29.

The forum began with each candidate sharing opening statements about what they consider the top issues facing Columbia and Maury County, and what leadership skills they would bring if elected.

All five agreed that the effect of continued growth on the community remains the top issue, though it involves several aspects, such as roads, utilities or providing jobs and housing for an increasing population.

Parker said he believed the key to managing the city's growth starts with establishing good working relationships, especially when it comes to funding needed infrastructure projects.

"The critical issue is molding the growth that is happening," Parker said. "We don't want to stop it, but what we do want to do is mold it to benefit those of us who are here. That goes back to building relationships with our state partners and our federal partners, and having the cities and the county work together to have this infrastructure that is the financial problem that growth creates."

There is also the issue of, while the city navigates its next four years of growth, can it also create sustainability while at the same time maintain Columbia as a prosperous and livable community for its residents?

"I believe existing residents should not continually be left carrying the cost of new development," Lipscomb said. "Growth should pay for growth, and we keep hearing that, but substantial growth also means preserving what makes Columbia special. We don't have to choose between growth and character."

Previti added that sanitation and garbage are other issues tied to growth, as well as providing adequate services for the city's homeless and organizations like Maury County Animal Services.

Previti also said the right solutions cannot be created and enacted by the mayor alone, but as part of a larger team.

"It is negotiating and building teams, being humble enough to know that you don't know everything but being wise enough to put the right people around you so that you can work it out," Previti said.

Johnson cited the need to preserve land and slow development.

"We are growing in a horizontal way, because if we continue to dominate our precious land with one particular entity, things are going to inflate," Johnson said. "So we need to use our land not as economic dollars or cents, but really understand that Columbia is not a business but a place for adults to raise babies who grow into adults who raise babies."

Another topic tied to growth, while also remaining a top priority overall, is the city's ability to provide adequate public safety.

Parker noted that one indicator that Columbia is moving in the right direction with its public safety is that Columbia Fire & Rescue, in addition to maintaining its ISO-1 safety rating, is now operating with a full staff.

"We have done a great job in recent years focusing on making competitive wages, living wages for our city employees and that is something we have got to continue to focus on," Parker said.

Previti said sharing mutual aid agreements with surrounding city and county fire departments has also been one of its strengths.

"If somebody needs backup, somebody shows up to help," Previti said. "We need to keep working on those relationships and keep treating those people as the best people."

Townsend added that, while first responders are vital to maintaining good public safety, it extends beyond that.

"We think about public safety, we think about our public areas," Townsend said. "Do we have the proper railings in place so we don't have accidents causing unnecessary injuries to others? Do we have the right speed limits posted in high trafficked areas? Do we have the proper amount of sidewalks for pedestrian to travel alongside our roadways?"

Lipscomb, founder of All Hands on Deck nonprofit, also addressed the broader idea of public safety, such as focusing on youth programs

"It's not just talking about the services of the roads, but it's also talking about the people and how we can help," Lipscomb said. "We don't have a community center here, nothing for the youth to gauge.

"When I started All Hands on Deck, it was about taking preventative measures, about walking upstream and figuring out why people fell into the stream in the first place so we could help resolve issues before they became an emergency."

The topic of building stronger relationships among Columbia, Maury County and its surrounding communities was another key issue addressed at the panel.

Previti, who has served three times as a Maury County's District 2 Commissioner, said his experience has provided him knowledge of county departments and business already, and that maintaining strong city/county relations is a priority.

"We need to work better together," Previti said. "There had been a falling out and I've seen that things get better, and that there is a long way to go still. But we have to have that communication that just did not happen for a number of years."

Lipscomb added that it is "about bringing the right people to the table to get the job done."

"That's what this is about, about bringing those collaborative efforts," Lipscomb said. "That way, we can see if there are any issues or different things we can bring to this area for grants and things like that, as well as those things we need for our housing market and for our youth."

Townsend stressed the importance of maintaining good state and federal relationships, not just for funding major projects related to growth, but also in cases of emergency.

"Our state officials are very important, and for them to know the needs of our community is very important," Townsend said. "We need those people here, need to have that open door policy with them and a line of communication open just in case we have some kind of natural disaster that occurs and we need federal funding."

Johnson added that remaining accessible will be key to maintaining strong relationships. It is also important to have a strong sense of self-awareness when working with other entities.

"By being accessible, we are going to be aware of the critical issues and be aware of the things we need," Johnson said. "How can we know what we need when we are so engulfed in this speed and this pace of growth and transition that we may not even be able to be aware? In order for me to be an advocate, we have to get a sense of awareness and know what we truly need in Columbia to make us grow and make us grow strong."

Maury Regional Foundation Raises Money (Press Release)

The Maury Regional Health Care Foundation raised  more than $173K at its annual Tony Starks Memorial Golf Tournament, held Sept. 17 at Graymere Country Club in Columbia.

Proceeds support programs that help patients and families access care, including medication and transportation assistance, cancer programs and community health initiatives.

“Most of us cannot imagine being unable to afford a medication, a walker to assist with mobility, gas to travel for cancer treatments or food for our families. Yet these are very real challenges that many of our patients face every day. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, the Foundation can provide meaningful assistance to patients during some of the most difficult times in their lives,” said Rita Thompson, executive director of the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation. “We are especially grateful to Turner Construction for returning as our title sponsor for the third consecutive year, and to all of our sponsors, golfers and volunteers whose support helps us provide these resources to patients and families throughout our region.”

Named in memory of Tony Starks, a former manager at Maury Regional Medical Center who lost his battle with cancer in 2000, the tournament featured a four-player scramble with morning and afternoon rounds.

250th Lecture on the Constitution (MSM)

Dr. John Vile explored the origins of the United States Constitution, the debates that shaped it and questions surrounding its future during a Constitution Day lecture Sept. 17 at Columbia State Community College. The program was an installment of the Maury 250 Committee’s monthly lecture series.

Vile, the dean of Middle Tennessee State University’s Honors College and the department chair of political science there, began by discussing the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation. Its weaknesses, including the national government’s inability to regulate interstate commerce, led to calls for revisions and, eventually, the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He referenced the Annapolis Convention and Shays’ Rebellion as contributing factors during 1786 and 1787 and discussed the Federalist Papers.

Much of the lecture, which was attended by about 30 people and watched on livestream by about 40 more, focused on key debates at the Constitutional Convention, particularly the question of representation. Vile highlighted the Virginia and New Jersey Plans and how they approached representation in the new government.

He also discussed the debate over whether the national legislature should be bicameral or unicameral and addressed the origins of the Electoral College. Another part of the lecture centered on the history and reasoning behind the separation of powers. Vile discussed how power is divided among the branches of government and how the balance among them has shifted over time.

The program also addressed slavery and representation. Vile discussed the debate that led to the Three-Fifths Compromise and the role that slavery played in questions surrounding representation.

The lecture then moved from the Constitution’s origins to issues facing government today. Vile expressed concern that there have been too many executive orders during the past several presidencies. He also said Congress does not fully use its available powers.

In discussing the relationship between the presidency and the Supreme Court, Vile said presidents should not expect the Court to always side with them. He also offered his opinion on the recent Supreme Court decision involving birthright citizenship, saying he believed the Court’s decision was correct.

The question-and-answer session expanded the discussion to several constitutional and political issues. Among the questions raised was whether the Electoral College might be changed and how such a change could take place. Vile was also asked about the creation of the Bill of Rights and what James Madison might think of the Constitution if he could see today’s political environment.

Other topics included Vile’s thoughts on the issue commonly referred to as “court packing” and debates surrounding the possibility of overturning the 22nd Amendment.

“The power is in your hands,” he said.

The remark provided a fitting conclusion to an evening that began with the shortcomings of the nation’s first system of government and ended with questions about the role citizens continue to play in the constitutional system.

Two more historical lectures will be given in Maury 250’s series. The first will be given at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10 by Dr. Learotha Williams Jr. at the West 7th Street Church of Christ. Dr. Williams, the official Davidson County Historian and a professor at Tennessee State, will speak on the century-long Civil Rights Movement from 1860-1960.

The final lecture in the 250th series will be given by Dr. Mary Evins, a professor emerita from the MTSU Honors College. Dr. Evins will speak to the history of the movement for women’s suffrage at the Memorial Building at 1 p.m. on Nov. 15.

Lockridge Farm in Spring Hill Historically Significant (MauryCountySource)

The City of Spring Hill has designated Lochridge Farm on John Lunn Road as a Historically Significant Site.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved Resolution 26-271 this week, recognizing the farm for its longstanding history in the community.

Lochridge Farm is a Tennessee Century Farm, meaning it has remained in the same family for at least 100 years while continuing agricultural production.

The Lochridge family has been in Spring Hill since near the time the town was established in the early 1800s.

The city said it was proud to recognize the farm as a Historically Significant Site and expressed appreciation for the Lochridge family’s continued presence in Spring Hill.

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.

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

Mr. James Lee Wilson, 82, a resident of Columbia, died Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Magnolia Healthcare and Rehabilitation, where he had made his home in recent years.

A graveside service for Mr. Wilson will be conducted Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Lane, Nashville, TN 37221. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy Honor Guard.

Linda Sue Barber Jones, 93, of Lewisburg, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, and from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Nancy Clair Hood Gray, 91, a longtime resident of Columbia, died Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville.

Graveside services will be conducted Thursday at 2:30 PM at Santa Fe Cemetery with Jimmy Fann officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

Charles Edward “Eddie” Vaughn, Jr., 72, passed peacefully Monday, September 28, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, October 5, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rock Springs Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. and Monday from 1:00 P.M. until the service at 2:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

Williamson County One of Nation’s Best For Families (CDH)

Despite Tennessee's poor showing in recent livability rankings, the state still has some of the best counties in the country to raise a family.

According to Niche's 2026 rankings, Tennessee's best county to raise a family is among the nation's top 20. The national analysis also employed a state-by-state approach, examining the best counties for raising a family in each state.

To determine the best county in each state, Niche examined factors such as public school grades, crime and safety, cost of living, family amenities, and diversity, among others. Niche then assigned individual weights to each factor based on its impact on the total score. Public schools had the largest weight, accounting for 20% of the overall grade.

Williamson County ranked as the best county in Tennessee to raise a family and the 20th best county in the country for the second year in a row.

Williamson County has a population of 260,351 and a median home value of $751,900. Residents in Williamson County primarily own homes, as only 21% of the population rents, with a median monthly rent of $1,969.

The county earned an A+ rating for its public schools, jobs, family life and health and fitness. Of Tennessee's counties, Williamson ranked No. 1 in Niche's rankings for best places for families, best counties in Tennessee for health and counties in Tennessee with the best public schools.

The United States has 3,144 counties, but only 50 were ranked among the top counties in each state. In the South's best counties for raising a family, the average median household income was $102,134.

Williamson County, Tennessee, had the second-highest median household income in the South at $135.594. Forsyth County, Georgia, had the highest median income at $143,784.

• Shelby County, Alabama: $97,961

• Benton County, Arkansas: $93,506

• New Castle County, Delaware: $91,166

• St. Johns County, Florida: $109,839

• Forsyth County, Georgia: $143,784

• Oldham County, Kentucky: $122,497

• Ascension Parish, Louisiana: $91,549

• Montgomery County, Maryland: $132,450

• Lafayette County, Mississippi: $67,185

• Wake County, North Carolina: $105,768

• Tulsa County, Oklahoma: $69,009

• Greenville County, South Carolina: $76,932

• Williamson County, Tennessee: $135,594

• Collin County, Texas: $121,600

• York County, Virginia: $109,956

• Monongalia County, West Virginia: $65,346

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Looking for a fun holiday tradition without the cleanup? Join the Deck the Gingerbread at Build A Donut Bakery & Café on Small Business Saturday! Gather the family, sip on a cozy drink, watch a classic Christmas movie, and build your very own gingerbread house right here in the bakery.

Everything you need will be provided (gingerbread house pieces, icing, and candy). Once you’ve finished decorating, the bakery will package your masterpiece so it’s ready to take home.

Whether you’re starting a new family tradition or just looking for a festive way to spend your Saturday morning, celebrate the season at BAD Bakery.

Event Details

Saturday, November 28

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

BAD Bakery & Café (106 E 7th Street, Columbia, Tennessee 38401)

Grab breakfast, coffee, donuts, or lunch while you’re there and enjoy a cozy morning together!

Space is limited by the number of gingerbread houses available, so be sure to reserve yours early!

Pre-orders open in October.

More information is found on the Build A Donut Facebook Page