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Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 2-18-26 · Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price

• WKOM/WKRM Radio Southern Middle Tennessee Today News Copy for February 18, 2026 All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited. Fire Station Closed Temporarily (MauryCountySource) Spring Hill Fire Department has temporarily closed Fire Station 3 after a broken sewer pipe was discovered underneath the slab floor of the building. Officials said crews assigned to Station 3 have been relocated while repairs are being evaluated. To maintain coverage, staffing has been increased at Fire Station 1 on Beechcroft to help cover Station 3’s district. Fire Station 4, located at Duplex and Buckner, will also assist with coverage during the temporary closure. Spring Hill and Columbia Make Wastewater Agreement (CDH) Columbia has approved a new interlocal agreement with the city of Spring Hill, which would allow a maximum of 1.5 million gallons of wastewater in Spring Hill to be pumped into Columbia for treatment. The agreement, budgeted at about $96,000, would fund a feasibility study of Columbia's Wastewater Treatment Plant as it continues its expansion, which is expected to be completed in 2028. "It is the cost of a feasibility study of our existing infrastructure and what it would take to get that material from Spring Hill to the city of Columbia," Columbia Wastewater Director Donny Boshers said. "Obviously, there will have to be some upgrades made." A second item related to the agreement, also approved by council at its Feb. 12 meeting, included a contract with J.R. Wauford to conduct the engineering for the study. "We have the extra capacity, even now with our old plant," Boshers said. "It's a 14 MGD plant, and we average between 6-7 million gallons per day. And just to throw some dates around, with the feasibility study, the engineering and construction, it could probably be early to mid-2027 before we receive any material from Spring Hill." The agreement would address Spring Hill's ongoing sewer moratorium, allowing an opportunity for increased capacity to citizens and take steps toward one day lifting the moratorium. "At this point, all we are looking to do is collect information," Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer told council members at the Feb. 12 meeting. "We think your engineers should study your sewage system and provide you with information, but we don't want you to bear any cost with that." Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder responded that this is an opportunity for the two municipalities to work together toward a common goal. "This is an opportunity for us to at least explore the potential partnership here," Molder told Fitterer. "I appreciate the approach that you and your team have taken with respect to hey, 'there is no pressure here, and this may not work, but it is at least worth giving it a shot to see.'" The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved Aug. 5, 2025 the terms to a Consent Order issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) after 29 violations had been discovered at the city's treatment plant. Conditions of the Consent Order include the city issuing a mandatory moratorium within 60 days, which could only be lifted after the issues are fixed and remain that way for a period of 12 months, pending TDEC's approval. In December of 2025, BOMA approved the moratorium, while also approving its part of the new Spring Hill/Columbia wastewater agreement. City Recognized for Sports Tourism (MauryCountySource) The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department has been recognized as a 2025 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, honoring the exceptional performance and national impact of the Ridley Sports Complex. Ridley Sports Complex was honored in the Small Market category, highlighting Columbia’s continued rise as a premier destination for sports tourism. Across all 2025 champions, more than $1.4 billion in economic activity was generated nationwide over the past year, underscoring the powerful role sporting events play in strengthening local economies. “This award reinforces what so many teams and event organizers already know — Ridley Sports Complex is a top-tier venue,” said Mack Reagan, Director of Columbia Parks and Recreation. “Our staff works hard to deliver exceptional tournament experiences, and we’re thrilled to see the positive effects that sports tourism continues to bring to Columbia.” With high-quality fields, versatile facilities, and a strong track record of hosting major regional and national tournaments, Ridley Sports Complex attracts thousands of athletes, families, and spectators each year. These events provide measurable benefits to the community by supporting local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and small businesses. “This recognition proves that Columbia is competing and winning on a national stage,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “We are proud of this achievement and excited for what’s ahead.” Sports Destination Management is the most widely circulated publication for sports event planners and tournament directors in the country, focusing on destination selection, venue management, and industry innovation. Columbia’s inclusion among the 2025 champions showcases the city’s leadership and competitiveness in this growing industry. As Columbia continues to build on this momentum, Ridley Sports Complex will once again host the Midstate Classic on March 10, 2026, marking the 11th year of the popular collegiate softball tournament. Events like the Midstate Classic further demonstrate how sports tourism continues to generate economic activity and community engagement throughout the year. The Midstate Classic will feature three games throughout the day: 10:00 a.m. – Columbia Central High School Lions vs. Spring Hill High School Raiders 1:30 p.m. – Columbia State Community College Lady Chargers vs. Calhoun Community College Warhawks 5:30 p.m. – University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers vs. Austin Peay State University Governors Gates open at 7:30 a.m. General admission is $10 and includes access to all three games. Complimentary ADA transportation will be available before, during, and after the tournament. Tickets are available now! Click here to get your tickets today! For additional information, call (931) 388-8119. The City of Columbia looks forward to continued growth in sports tourism and ongoing improvements that will ensure Ridley Sports Complex remains one of Tennessee’s premier sports destinations. Mersen Responds to Picketers (MSM) Workers from the International Union of Electrical Workers/Communications Workers of America, or IUE-CWA picketed the Mersen semiconductor plant in Columbia two weeks ago. They claimed that the company’s stated plans to move the lengthwise graphite or LWG department to St. Mary’s, Pa, was a union-busting tactic. Mersen has made an official response which states: The downturn in the solar and SiC semiconductor markets has led to a significant drop in demand for certain Mersen products. In response to these market conditions, the company has decided to cease operations of the lengthwise graphite (LWG) process in Columbia and consolidate U.S. operations of this process at its facility in St Mary’s, Pa. This consolidation will result in the layoff of six bargaining unit positions, which will be absorbed by the St. Mary’s location, where workers are also represented by IUE-CWA Local 502. We have a meeting at the end of February with the IUE-CWA regarding the consolidation. Less than 15 percent of the Columbia workforce (union and non-union) are impacted by these changes. Operations of extruded graphite and insulation products will continue at the Columbia site. Mersen remains strongly committed to its facility in Columbia and will continue to identify opportunities for future expansion consistent with market demands. For background, at the end of 2024, Mersen was facing a similar slowdown to its isostatic product line and decided to move the process back to the St. Mary’s facility. As a result, we put 47 percent of our employees in Columbia on a one-week furlough, and less than 10 percent remained on furlough until Jan. 5, 2025. All furloughed employees retained their benefits and position with the company during this period. In early 2025, the company reached an agreement with the union regarding 15 layoffs. Ultimately, 12 of those employees were recalled, although some chose not to return. City Advises Taylor Landing Residents to Report Electrical Issues (MSM) The City of Columbia is seeking to address the concerns raised regarding reports of electrical issues within the Taylor Landing community. Residential electrical inspections fall under the authority of the State of Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office. The State Fire Marshal’s Office has been actively working with residents of the Taylor Landing community since May 2025 to ensure any potential electrical issues are identified. Residents/Owners of homes in the Taylor Landing community who have any concerns related to electrical issues should: • Request an electrical safety inspection from the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Electrical safety inspections are available at no cost to all State of Tennessee residents upon request. • Review the inspection results provided by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. • Address any identified electrical issues. Submit any issues identified by the State Fire Marshal’s Office to Meritage Homes, the builder of homes in the Taylor Landing community, for review. Meritage Homes has been engaged since June 2025 in reviewing and addressing issues identified by the State Fire Marshal’s Office that have been reported to them by residents in the Taylor Landing community and continues to do so. To request an electrical safety inspection from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, please visit tn.gov/commerce/resources-services/file-a-complaint. On the landing page, scroll to the dropdown menu labeled “Please choose a profession at the drop-down below. (Required)*,” select “Electrical/Marinas,” and follow the prompts. To contact Meritage Homes regarding the results of an inspection conducted by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, please submit a claim through the Meritage Homes Warranty Portal at meritagehomes.com. Renters must contact the homeowner so the homeowner can submit the claim to Meritage Homes. The claim should include the date of the scheduled state inspection, and a copy of the inspection report should be uploaded to the warranty portal once received. Columbia Mall Continues to Develop (CDH) The Columbia Mall site received its latest approval as work continues to reshape and develop the 800 S. James M. Campbell property. The Columbia Planning Commission approved the mall's latest request Feb. 11, wherein the property seeks to subdivide the lot associated with the Maury Regional Cancer Center. Mayor Chaz Molder opted to abstain from the vote. "This request is to create a parcel from the overall former Columbia Mall parcel for the existing Maury Regional Cancer Center Property," Columbia City Planner Austin Brass said. "What it does is, essentially, create a new property line that affronts the Brookmeade right of way, or the road that we more colloquially know as 'the road going to Walmart.'" When the topic was brought to the planning commission, chairman Charlie Goatz asked if the new property line would affect the access road behind the mall property, including the new access point leading to Walmart. "It is a right of way that is for the collective use of all properties and is not a private right of way," Brass responded. "But for permitting purposes, for platting purposes, all plats have to affront a right of way, and the purpose of this is the Brookmeade right of way in which it affronts." In addition to subdividing the Maury Regional Cancer Center's parcel, other developments at the former Columbia Mall site are currently underway, including new restaurants and retail set to open later this year. A strip section located toward the front of the property will consist of a Bath & Body Works, Wingstop and Jimmy John's restaurants, an America's Best eyewear store, as well as a nail salon. "Those are the new things, and then 7 Brews is prepping to open as well," Wyatt Woeltje representing property owner Highland Capital, said. "We are really pushing, and all of these [businesses] are the latest and greatest of it." Highland Capital initially acquired the Columbia Mall property in December of 2024. Since then, the site has undergone significant redevelopment. The Nashville based company specializes in retail development, with a resume of more than 10 million square feet of redeveloped retail space. In 2025, the property welcomed its first new tenants with the openings of Academy Sports & Outdoors, Bealls and Five Below. Woeltje added that, while there is no estimated opening time slated for these new businesses, he expects them to develop throughout the year, with openings most likely to happen between April and August. "It has changed a lot, from being completely dead to now being a hustling and bustling place again," Woeltje said. "I would anticipate four to six months for a lot of these people. By fall of this year, almost all of these should be open." FEMA Money Available for Maurians (MSM) After President Donald Trump declared on Feb. 6 that Tennessee suffered a “major disaster” during Winter Storm Fern from Jan. 22-27, FEMA made federal disaster assistance available to supplement recovery efforts in the affected areas of the state. Mary Hernandez Marrero has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments. $3.75 million in federal funding is available in Tennessee’s state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm for all Public Assistance categories. Harder-hit counties to the west, north and south of Maury County are eligible for direct federal assistance. Maury is among the less impacted counties eligible for Category B federal assistance, which is meant for emergency protective measures. The county Office of Emergency Management is currently working with the cities of Maury County to calculate how much FEMA funding they might qualify for. They’re mainly looking to get paid back for what they spent preparing for the storm and cleaning up after it. “At this time, the county [and cities are] actively assessing storm-related impacts and compiling eligible expenses. Once that process is complete, we anticipate submitting the appropriate documentation to FEMA for reimbursement consideration,” said Jeff Hardy, the county Director of Emergency Management. “We appreciate FEMA’s support and will continue working closely with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure our community recovers as efficiently as possible.” Maury Regional Offers Pavers as Fundraiser (MSM) As Maury Regional Medical Center continues its expansion and renovation, the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation invites the public to be a part of this historic moment by purchasing a custom engraved paver to be installed around the iconic front lawn fountain. “Maury Regional Health has served our region for more than 70 years and touched countless lives,” said Foundation Executive Director Rita Thompson. “This is a special opportunity to honor those who helped shape the organization as it evolved from a 50-bed hospital to a health system with more than 500 providers across 60 clinical specialties.” Pavers may be purchased to honor a variety of individuals, including administrative leaders, physicians, employees, retirees and supporting businesses. Quantities are limited and available in two sizes. The large 12-by-12-inch pavers are available for $300 and can accommodate five lines of type, 20 characters per line. The smaller 8-by-4-inch paver provides three lines of type, 13 characters per line, at a cost of $150. Installation is projected to begin in late spring. “This project is an excellent way to honor our history while embracing our future,” said Maury Regional Health CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “These pavers will acknowledge those who paved the way for our success while creating a modern new outdoor space for our patients, visitors and colleagues.” To purchase a paver, visit MauryRegional.com/PaveTheWay or contact the Foundation at 931.380.4075 or email MRHFoundation@MauryRegional.com. 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… Edward Allen “Toby” Clark, 87, resident of McMinnville, passed on February 15, 2026. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Burial will follow at Giles Memory Gardens in Pulaski, TN. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Janice Looper Brown, 79, a resident of Columbia, TN died Sunday, February 15, 2026 at NHC Columbia. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Judy Marie Miller Carter, 77, of Spring Hill, TN passed away peacefully on February 16th.  A funeral mass will be conducted Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Catherine Catholic Church. Now, news from around the state… Giles County Murder (Fox17) Deputies arrested a man accused of a deadly shooting on I-65 in Giles County, Tennessee over the weekend. On Sunday, 26-year-old Sfenson Simeus of Lake Worth, Florida was killed and a 23-year-old woman was injured in a drive by shooting. In the early hours of Feb. 16, Aaron Wayne Purvis, 31, approached a sergeant in Huntland and made "alarming statements" about being involved in multiple shootings. Officers detained Purvis and contacted surrounding law enforcement agencies, but found no matching reports of his claims at that time. However, bullet damage was observed on Purvis' vehicle, and a search revealed two firearms and a THC vape cartridge. Due to safety concerns, Purvis was taken into custody on a charge of simple possession. Following further investigation, authorities identified Purvis as a suspect in the Feb. 15 homicide in Giles County. Warrants have been filed charging him with first degree homicide and attempted first degree homicide. Investigators believe one of the firearms recovered was used in the shooting. Purvis will be transported to the Giles County Jail upon release from the Franklin County Jail. Gas Prices (MSM) Tennessee gas prices continued to fluctuate over last week, falling three cents, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.52 which is a penny more expensive than one month ago but 27 cents less than one year ago.   “We’re continuing to see our gas prices across the state fluctuate in a familiar range from week to week,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although this trend is expected to continue into the spring driving season, drivers are currently enjoying a break at the pump, with prices nearly 30 cents lower than a year ago.”  Tennessee now ninth least-expensive market in the nation. Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source) GRAMMY® Award winner and global icon Sarah McLachlan announced the 2026 extension of her Better Broken Tour, produced by Live Nation, in support of her critically acclaimed tenth studio album of the same name, released September 19, 2025 via Concord Records. The summer run will kick off in Franklin, TN at FirstBank Amphitheater on July 1st.  Special guest Allison Russell on all upcoming dates. The general on sale will begin Thursday, February 19 at 10 a.m. local time at sarahmclachlan.com.