Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-4-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 4, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Ogles Calls for National Guard in Nashville (WSMV.com)

Rep. Andy Ogles is not only calling for the National Guard to be sent to Memphis, but is now pushing for them to be sent to Nashville as well.

Ogles, who’s been outspoken against Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell in recent months, says Music City is becoming a hotbed for gang activity and the mayor is to blame.

“Comrade O’Connell is using the city as an outpost for international gangs to set up shop in our neighborhoods,” Ogles said on social media. “Punish criminals and the Mayors who work for them.”

This comes on the heels of Sen. Marsha Blackburn voicing her support for the National Guard being brought to Memphis.

In a statement shared on Monday, Blackburn said she’s joining other Republican leaders endorsing President Donald Trump’s efforts to “restore law and order” to cities with high crime rates across the country.

“Blue cities like Memphis need all the help they can get to combat violent crime, and I’m grateful for President Trump’s tremendous work to hold leftist officials accountable for putting their own citizens at risk by pushing soft-on-crime agendas,” said Sen. Blackburn. “I support the Trump administration’s efforts to restore law and order in lawless cities across America, and I’ll continue to work with the President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel to do whatever it takes to make cities like Memphis safe again.”

Less than two weeks ago, President Trump was asked if the federal government would step in to address the high crime rate in Memphis.

“I will be,” said Trump. “We’re doing sort of a test right now in D.C. It’s working unbelievably; much faster than we thought. We’ve arrested hundreds of criminals, hardline criminals.”

State Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) previously suggested that the National Guard could perform administrative duties while Memphis’ own law enforcement takes to the streets.

“It’s hard to argue with success,” said Taylor. “They have not had a single murder in Washington, D.C. since President Trump brought the troops to D.C.”

Meanwhile, State Senator London Lamar (D-Memphis) argues the crime issue in Memphis cannot be solved with more boots on the ground.

“As soon as they leave, if we don’t fix some of these structural issues, the crime rate is gonna go right back up,” said Sen. Lamar.

The Nashville mayor’s office gave the following response to Ogles’ call for the National Guard to come to Nashville:

“Congressman Ogles neither lives in nor even has an office in Nashville. Perhaps he’d like to invite the National Guard into his actual community.

It’s outrageous that our absentee member of Congress would be so disrespectful to our hardworking police, who have produced multiple year-over-year reductions in crime in Nashville."

SH City Manager (CDH)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen took its official steps in securing the city's next era of leadership Sept. 3 by swearing in its newest City Administrator J. Carter Napier.

Napier, who hails from Wyoming, began his new role in late August, but officially took his oath of office at the start of the BOMA's September work session. He takes over the position from interim City Administrator Chris Clausi, who had filled the vacancy left by former City Administrator Pam Caskie, who resigned Oct. 7, 2024.

"I really appreciate this," Napier said. "Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to take that oath of office. I know it is not typically what we do, but it certainly felt like an important step for me to take."

Napier was chosen after a nationwide search concluded June 13-14, with BOMA approving his position unanimously July 7.

"I am very grateful to be here with all of you tonight, grateful for this opportunity to take this step in my journey, if you will, to have ultimately been chosen by the BOMA to be your city administrator," Napier said. "I am grateful for that confidence you have in me, and so thank you very much. I will endeavor to not let you down in any way I can, in all ways that I can."

Napier had previously served as the city manager for Casper, Wyoming since 2017. He has also served as city administrator for Gillette, Wyoming from 2011-2017 and Riverton, Wyoming from 2003-2011, according to a July 7 City of Spring Hill press release.

In addition, Napier is also a credentialed manager through the International City County Management Association — a high recognition with the local government organization.

"Welcome, Carter, and I am excited to work with you," City Attorney Patrick Carter said.

"As the city attorney, I get to work closely with the city administrator, and I am looking forward to it. I also want to give acknowledgement to Chris Clausi. He did a fantastic job in a really pretty difficult 6-8 months with lots of things going on, lots of business and Chris handled it wonderfully and was wonderful to work with."

Campbell Lake Fish Kill (MSM)

Over last weekend, many observers reported a “fish kill” in Campbell Lake in Maury County. Archie Mathis posted footage to Facebook of fish at the surface of the water: some thrashing for survival against an invisible force, others bobbing motionless, already dead.

Maury County Parks and Recreation blamed the mass die-off on the “turnover” of the lake’s water column. Turnover is an annual or semi-annual event caused by seasonal temperature change, in which oxygen-rich water from the surface of a lake sinks, sending low-oxygen water to the surface. While the process maintains the overall health of a lake ecosystem, it can suddenly make the surface water too hypoxic for fish to breathe, causing them to suffocate.

“The beautiful fishery enjoyed by so many, that our staff has worked hard to make more accessible, had experienced significant loss,” a department social media post states. “The process begins of assessing and addressing the issue with the guidance of lake and fishery professionals.”

“As many of you know, about two years ago, we cleaned up Campbell Lake (in the Zion area) and have made it a great fishing and picnic spot. Today, I have been informed that as a result of oxygenation, the lake has turned over,” County Mayor Sheila Butt said in a social media post. “Professional Aquatic Specialists will be here in the morning to assess and advise our Parks and Recreation Department on how to proceed. Currently, the lake will be closed until further notice.”

In a later update, Butt announced that a temporary aerator was installed in the lake last Tuesday and oxygen levels were slowly improving. The lake management team used sonar imaging to find that about 25-35 percent of the fish in the lake died.

“This was encouraging news, as it is less than was feared,” the mayor said. “The remaining fish will have less competition for resources, and this will result in a healthier fishery long term.”

Since the lake’s oxygen levels are still low and the fish population is still fragile, the county plans to keep the lake closed. Interested observers should expect another update on Sept. 3, which will hopefully include the projected date to reopen Campbell Lake to the public.

STEM Within Reach (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College will host a STEM Within Reach event in an effort to promote and encourage young people’s knowledge and access to science, technology, engineering and math careers, on Oct. 25 at the Columbia Campus.

“STEM Within Reach is more than just a science outreach event – it’s an ongoing passion project of Columbia State faculty and staff who love science,” said Ryan Badeau, Columbia State educational services coordinator for the Williamson Campus and associate professor of physics. “STEM Within Reach is a full-day Saturday event, held every other year at the Columbia Campus, with the goal of bringing novel hands-on science activities and experiences to middle school boys and girls right here in Middle Tennessee. We believe in inspiring upcoming students to not only learn more about the natural world, but also how they can use that knowledge to pursue future careers that benefit themselves, their families and communities.”

STEM Within Reach is a one-day STEM forum open to all 6th, 7th and 8th graders that will offer interactive, hands-on activities as well as encourage early student success in STEM, provide awareness of STEM careers available in Tennessee and promote the scientific and technological understanding of such fields.

The workshops at STEM Within Reach are designed to teach middle school students about the different opportunities in STEM-related careers as they begin to think about their futures.

Stations will be set up around campus for the students to observe and participate while Columbia State faculty and guest presenters guide them through an interactive, hands-on experience.

Topics include animal science, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, math, technology and more. 

“Our last event was held in October 2023, and included stations that explored drone flight, chemistry flame tests, an introduction to Python and game development, cow eyeball dissection, live animals and agricultural science and more,” said Bobbie West, Columbia State associate professor of engineering and physics. “We partnered with the Columbia Police Department and Columbia Fire & Rescue to showcase how they use technology in keeping our communities safe. We also had a guest workshop sponsored by Ultium Cells on the science behind batteries. 

Parents and teachers are invited to a tour with information on how their children can pursue resources and careers in a variety of STEM fields. Complementary Wi-Fi and lounge areas will also be available throughout the event.

The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Waymon L. Hickman building on the Columbia Campus. There is a $20 registration fee, with limited financial assistance opportunities available via the scholarship application made possible thanks to lead sponsor, the Tennessee Valley Authority. Seating is limited.

“We are looking forward to this year’s event which will bring back many of our favorite science activities and workstations and add some new ones!” Badeau said. “I’m personally excited to see the return of the game design event (that was very well received in our last event) and a new activity related to cloud chambers.”

STEM Within Reach is made possible through the volunteer effort of Columbia State’s faculty and staff, the donations of community partners like the Tennessee Valley Authority, and volunteer community presenters like the Columbia Police Department and Columbia Fire & Rescue.

For full details and to register for the event or apply for scholarship funds, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/stem-within-reach.

For more information on Stem Within Reach, please email stemwithinreach@ColumbiaState.edu.

Sunset Rhythm and Vines (Press Release)

Join Columbia Breakfast Rotary for their annual fundraiser “Sunset Rhythm and Vines.” The event will take place on Saturday, September 13th at The Mulehouse, located at 812 S. High Street in Columbia. Door will open at 7:00pm with a live auction starting at 7:15. Music and dancing begin at 8:00pm with live music by Boomerang.

Proceeds from the event help a number of local organizations including: One Gen Away Food Drive, Habitat for Humanity, and the Maury County Yanahli Park Center.

Purchase tickets now at www.themulehouse.com.

Columbia Fall Fest (MauryCountySource)

Columbia Main Street is proud to present Fall Fest 2025, returning to the Public Square on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM for an unforgettable autumn celebration in the heart of downtown Columbia.

This free, family-friendly event brings together residents, visitors, and small businesses for an evening filled with live music, local flavor, and festive fun.

Fall Fest has become one of the most anticipated community events of the season. This year’s celebration will feature:

Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off – Sample and vote for your favorite chili recipes in this ticketed tasting event supporting Kiwanis of Columbia and their local initiatives.

Live Entertainment – Enjoy performances throughout the day from talented local bands, including high-energy headliner, Deandra & 46 Story, bringing danceable classics and R&B favorites to close out the night.

Miss Fall Fest Pageant – Hosted by Britts, this beloved tradition returns to the stage, celebrating charm, confidence, and community spirit. Early registration is available now.

Columbia’s Fruit Tea Throwdown – Local restaurants will compete to claim the title of Best Fruit Tea in Town—and your votes will decide the winner!

Kid Zone Fun – Families will love the expanded children’s area, featuring inflatables, face painting, games, and balloon artists, all located safely within the closed downtown square.

Local Vendors & Food Trucks – Discover unique handmade goods from regional artisans and enjoy delicious bites from a curated lineup of food trucks and local favorites.

Photo Ops Galore – Don’t miss festive displays and photo stations, including the return of the Tri-Green Tractor Booth, perfect for family memories.

Fall Fest 2025 is made possible by generous sponsors, and Columbia Main Street is currently seeking partners who want to be part of this impactful event. Sponsorship opportunities are now open and offer businesses premium exposure and meaningful community engagement.

For sponsorship inquiries, vendor registration, or full event details, visit columbiamainstreet.com or contact:

Kelli Johnson

Columbia Main Street Manager

kjohnson@columbiatn.gov

Breakfast with the Mayors (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance for a special morning of breakfast, conversation, and community insight with our local mayors!

This annual gathering brings together local leaders for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and a shared vision for Maury County’s future. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear updates on local initiatives, ask questions, and strengthen connections that impact our region.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast provided by Puckett’s Restaurant.

Speakers:

• Moderator – Maury Alliance President Wil Evans

• Maury County Mayor – Sheila Butt

• City of Columbia Mayor – Chaz Molder

• City of Mt. Pleasant Mayor – Bill White

• City of Spring Hill Mayor – Matt Fitterer

The event will take place at the Memorial Building located at 308 W. 7th Street on Tuesday, September 9th from 7:30-9:00am.

The cost is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members.

Spring Hill License Kiosk (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has introduced a new Driver License Self-Service Kiosk in the lobby of its headquarters at 800 Hathaway Blvd. The kiosk is open to all Tennessee residents—regardless of county—and offers a convenient alternative to visiting the DMV.

Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the kiosk allows users to:

* Renew a driver license

* Obtain a duplicate license or state ID

* Change their address

* Pay reinstatement fees in full

The kiosk does not accept cash or checks; payment must be made using a credit or debit card.

No appointment is necessary. For more information about the service, visit www.tn.gov/content/tn.

Drug Dropbox (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has partnered with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Dangerous Drugs Task Force to provide a prescription drug drop box at their headquarters building at 800 Hathaway Blvd.

This drop box is available from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Drop-off is free and no forms are required – just place the items in the box.

Acceptable items include:

• Prescription Medications (including prescription narcotics)

• All over-the-counter medications

• Pet medications

• Liquid medications in leak-proof containers

• Inhalers

• Pills in any packaging, including glass, plastic container, baggie (Ziploc) or foil

• Items NOT accepted include:

• Illegal drugs/narcotics

• Needles/sharps or syringes with needles

• Blood sugar equipment

• Thermometers

• IV bags

• Bloody or infectious waste

Personal care products (shampoo, lotions, etc.)

Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)

The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.

Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.

Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.

Any Maury County Resident can use this office.

All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.

Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.

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

Mrs. Wanda Ann Witherspoon, 74, resident of Columbia passed away on September 1. A Memorial service will be conducted on Saturday at 10:30 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 9:00 AM till the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mrs. Mary Carolyn Reynolds Fisher, born on Christmas Day 1929, passed away on September 1, 2025. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 6, at First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will take place before the service at 3:00 P.M., with doors opening for visitation at 1:45 PM. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Now, news from around the state…

Casada, Cothron Trials (TNLookout)

An ex-House staffer convicted in a political corruption case is requesting a joint sentencing hearing with his former boss where they are expected to object to the rules for calculating their sentences to get lighter punishment.

Cade Cothren, chief of staff for former House Speaker Glen Casada, is asking for his sentencing guidelines hearing to be held at the same time as Casada’s on Sept. 12 at the federal courthouse in Nashville. Casada, though, wants a separate hearing, according to the filing.

Casada was convicted on 17 counts and Cothren on 19 counts of fraud, bribery, theft, conspiracy and money laundering in May. One fraud conviction alone comes with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Casada sought a new trial in the case, but U.S. District Court Judge Eli Richardson hasn’t ruled on the request. 

A recent filing by Cothren’s attorney, Cynthia Sherwood, says objections by Cothren and Casada to sentencing guidelines “overlap almost completely.” A consolidated hearing will keep the judge from hearing the same argument twice, according to Sherwood’s filing. Joint hearings may be “unusual” but aren’t “unprecedented,” the filing says.

“A joint hearing will also allow Mr. Cothren the opportunity to present his own arguments in support of his objections to the sentencing guidelines, which may be different from, or augment, Mr. Casada’s guidelines arguments,” the filing says.

The filing says U.S. Attorney Taylor Phillips doesn’t oppose a joint sentencing guidelines hearing. 

Casada and Cothren were accused of setting up a secret company called Phoenix Solutions that tapped into the state’s postage and printing program that provides House members $3,000 a year for constituent mailers. Casada and former Rep. Robin Smith, who pleaded guilty and testified against the pair, steered lawmakers’ business to Phoenix Solutions, which was secretly run by Cothren with the front name of “Matthew Phoenix.”

Separately, Casada claims he should be given a new trial because the jury was prejudiced when the prosecution inadvertently played an unredacted version of an FBI interview with him. 

Casada and Cothren sought a mistrial during the four-week trial held earlier this year, based on the audio from 2021 when federal agents raided their homes. They were indicted in August 2022.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Like running or walking? Love wine? This race is for you! Amber Falls will host a Haunted Wine Run 5k on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 10:00 am, another annual “Halloween-themed” event that features the amazing scenery and landscape of Amber Falls Winery & Cellars (794 Ridgetop Rd, Hampshire, TN 38461)!

Located in beautiful Hampshire, TN, this winery produces premier, international award-winning wines.

So, whether you are looking to run, walk, or just enjoy the wine, this race is a sure thing for a great time and an incredible experience!

More information and registration visit the Amber Falls Haunted Wine Run 5k on facebook.