Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 2-5-26

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Daily News from MuleTown to Music City and beyond. Listen to Tom Price read the news of the day from Kennedy Broadcasting, WKOM & WKRM Radio.

Columbia developer’s site tracks drink-spiking incidents in Nashville (MSM)

After a close family member got his drink spiked and woke up to find his cell phone stolen and his accounts bleeding money, Erika Gorman decided to create “Spiked in Nash,” a registry where people can log the location and nature of drink-drugging incidents. The web address is spikedinnash.com.

Gorman, a mom of two and nonprofit head who lives in Columbia, hopes to raise awareness that drink-spiking can happen to anybody, and that it’s a growing problem in the Lower Broadway area of Nashville. She’s talked to a police officer, a detective and a hotel manager who can corroborate the extent of the problem, and plenty of civilians have also taken note of the threat to their personal safety.

“Everyone we’ve talked to has told me they’ve had the same situation or somebody in their family has,” she said. “I’ve had countless friends tell me they won’t even drink anymore when they go to Broadway.”

People often hesitate to let their drink-drugging symptoms show until it’s too late, Gorman says, because they fear being perceived or made fun of as sloppy drunks, but the symptoms during and after drugging are far more extreme than simple drunkenness. People can know that something is seriously wrong if they feel like passing out after far too few drinks, or if they have persistent fatigue, blackouts and memory loss for days afterwards.

“Having two cocktails and a beer is not something that’s going to cause you to black out and forget everything and have those same symptoms five days later,” she said, encouraging people who have experienced these to log the details on “Spiked in Nash.”

The profile of the drugging victim, and the types of crimes committed, are also expanding in Nashville. Young women looking to party are no longer the main victims: criminals have begun preying on professional-looking men at corporate events and stealing their personal and financial information.

Gorman’s relative was one of these, and she told Main Street Maury his story. On Nov. 19, at a work event in Jon Bon Jovi’s bar on Lower Broadway, his drink was spiked. As the work party migrated to another bar, some strangers “broke him off” from the group and took him out of range of security cameras. While he was knocked out, the thieves uploaded his card information to his Apple Wallet, stole his iPhone, overrode its security features, and attempted to wire-transfer a total of $125,000 to recipients in Kentucky, Atlanta and Chicago. The thieves took him back to his hotel room before he woke up.

It took until last week for the victim and his family to dispute the charges and get back all the money, and they wouldn’t have been able to do it if they hadn’t flagged every single suspect transaction. They had to let all of his iCloud-specific information die with the locked-out phone, including photos and voice recordings of family time. Gorman reflects that the first thing the family should have done was to call his phone company to cancel cell service; this way, they could have prevented the “two-factor authentication” that allows anyone with the cell phone to access accounts even without the passwords.

Gorman, who used to work in Silicon Valley, used AirTable spreadsheet software to create an easy, functional data-entry page for “Spiked in Nash.” The site invites people to anonymously submit details of incidents where their drinks were “spiked” on Lower Broadway, and of subsequent robberies, sexual assaults and other crimes.

Gorman believes that “Spiked in Nash” can fill a reporting niche that existing institutions currently can’t. The window of effectiveness for toxicology tests is limited, and some people still get turned away because hospitals can’t afford to conduct all the tests that patients ask for. The detective on her relative’s case told them his desk was full of such incidents, and that he didn’t have the time to investigate it further unless they intended to prosecute whomever they found.

“My goal is to collect enough data, to push that off to law enforcement and legislation,” she told Main Street Maury.

Some state legislators have expressed interest in drafting bills that would require hospitals to perform these toxicology screens, and if they do, she hopes to back it up with data. In the short term, she hopes that people can look at the data and make the best decisions for their personal safety, and that the personnel and management of the bars on Broadway will take extra measures to protect their customers.

$950,000 proposal to expand Walnut Street skate park fails at Spring Hill BOMA (CDH)

Since opening in 2015, Spring Hill's Walnut Street Skate Park has been a draw for extreme sport enthusiasts, with many attempts made over the years to expand.

It appears the city's latest attempt to bring the skate park into its next phase has once again stalled in a 2-7 vote by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen Feb. 2.

The proposed skate park expansion, which appeared as a resolution on the BOMA's agenda, was seeking $950,000 in funding. Ward 3 Aldermen Brent Murray presented the item.

"It gives us the opportunity to finish a project that could have a great impact on our community," Murray said. "I also think there is potential additional revenue that can be brought in from tournaments, events and things like that."

Details about what Phase 2 of the project would entail were not discussed, though the $950,000 was listed as being drawn from "undesignated and unencumbered funds" from the city's general fund. This drew concerns from some aldermen.

"For a request that's being requested from undesignated fund balance, that needs to be evaluated within the scope of all the other requests being made before the board," Vice Mayor Trent Linville said.

Mayor Matt Fitterer said he did not understand why the item was being presented, given the city has many other projects on its priority list, created in April of 2025, that fall much higher than the proposed skate park expansion.

"This came in 25th out of 29," Fitterer said. "I have not heard anybody explain why we are now treating this project separately from the rest of the 29. If you put any value in the CIP planning process, this doesn't need to be deferred. This needs to be voted down."

Fitterer added that he considered the proposal "offensive" considering its ranking, without a firm financial plan in place for what the city considers its top 10 projects, including those aimed to solve Spring Hill's sewer moratorium.

"It's just financially reckless," Fitterer said. "I will support defeating this, and I expect everyone to work collaboratively so we can plan appropriately, and we are all going to accept the collective outcomes, whether they meet our individual needs and goals or not."

Murray responded saying the reason for bringing the project forward was not only to provide a benefit for the city, but because waiting any longer could mean a higher price tag.

"It was going to cost around $637,000, if I remember correctly, when we looked at it in 2022, and now it's up to $950,000," Murray said. "This is a way to go ahead and finish something we already started in 2015 ... because the next time we look at it, should the board say 'no,' it's going to be more than that."

Ward 1 Alderman Alex Jimenez said, while he is in support of expanding the skate park, there are other city projects that need to be addressed first.

"I want the kids to have a place to enjoy themselves, but we need to make sure that when we commit to completing and doing something, we are capable of committing to and completing it all the way through," Jimenez said. "There are a lot of other really big items the board has to get done, these capital improvements that need to be completed that we voted on as a board to prioritize."

Ward 1 Alderman John Canepari, who along with Murray cast the only favorable votes, argued that the skate park fulfills a need Spring Hill is lacking, which is things for young people to do.

"It is something that really needs to be done," Canepari said. "My take on it is that we are missing the boat if we are once again going to kick this can down the road. We have an opportunity and we have a price."

Fast Stop Markets parent company rebrands (Release)

Highland Corporation announced last week that it will officially begin doing business as Highland Energy.

This name and branding change reflect both the company’s history and vision for the future, said CEO Seth Blanks.

Rooted in Hohenwald, Tenn., the Highland name represents a commitment to integrity, strength of character and everyday excellence. As a multi-generation, family-owned company offering comprehensive expertise in the fuel and energy space, this name change aligns with a people-first philosophy and the belief that lasting success is built through relationships, reliability and generosity.

“Highland Energy isn’t a new direction—it’s a clearer reflection of who we’ve always been and where we’re going,” Blanks said. “This name honors the hard work and integrity that built the foundation we’re proud to stand on today. It aligns our identity with the values that have always defined us. We’re grateful for the trust of our customers, and we look forward to investing in the future while continuing to serve our customers and communities in the right way.”

The name change also comes at a time of strategic growth and success for the company, Blanks said. Over the past five years, Highland has seen growth due to the expansion of the Fast Stop Markets convenience store chain, along with Fuel Transport and wholesale fuel business. More than 120 new jobs have been added in the middle and west Tennessee service areas.

In 2026 and the years to come, Highland employees, customers, business partners and neighbors can expect the same commitment to excellence that has fueled this growth. Responsible community stewardship is a top priority, said Blanks.

“We know what the Highland name represents in the communities we serve,” Blanks said. “We’ll continue to represent the name Highland with a commitment to relationships first, serving others with excellence and conducting business based on trust.”

With the name change, business will operate as normal with no disruption to services, Blanks added. All existing contracts, locations and contact information will remain unchanged during the transition.

“While our name is evolving, our mission remains the same: to serve our customers and communities with consistency, care and integrity for generations to come,” Blanks said. “The Highland values of Family, Integrity, Respect, Excellence and Service will never change.”

For more information about Highland Energy, go to HighlandEnergy.com. For questions, call 800-924-8514
or email [e-mail].

Hattie Jane’s Creamery to Celebrate National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (Maury County Source)

Hattie Jane’s Creamery is once again celebrating the most delicious holiday of the year: National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. Participating locations (including East Nashville, Donelson, Columbia and Murfreesboro) will open early at 9 a.m. for this festive, family-friendly celebration. To sweeten the fun, all guests who wear pajamas will receive a 15 percent discount from 9 a.m. to noon.

In addition to Hattie Jane’s signature small-batch ice creams, guests can enjoy breakfast-inspired specials, including a Waffle Sundae (Belgian waffle topped with a scoop of ice cream of choice, finished with whipped cream and housemade berry syrup) and $2 off their Cold Brew Floats (Frothy Monkey cold brew paired with a scoop of ice cream of choice) for the perfect morning pick-me-up.

Hattie Jane’s full menu of signature scoops, as well as seasonal flavor specials such as Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa Cake, Big Rock Candy Mountain and dairy-free Smokey’s Dr. Pepper will also be available for purchase.

National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day has become a beloved annual tradition at Hattie Jane’s, inviting guests of all ages to embrace a little indulgence and start the day on a sweet note. For more information about Hattie Jane’s Creamery, visit www.hattiejanescreamery.com.

Maury Regional Medical Group Nationally Recognized With Three American Heart Association Awards (Release)

Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) has received three American Heart Association outpatient program achievement awards in recognition for its commitment to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving high cholesterol, blood pressure (BP) and type 2 diabetes.

This year, Maury Regional Medical Group earned the following awards:

· The American Heart Association’s 2025 Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ Gold Award

· The American Heart Association’s 2025 Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Gold Award

· The 2025 Target: BP™ Gold Award jointly presented by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association

“Our physicians and care teams are committed to patient-centered, evidence-based care for patients managing type 2 diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure,” said Maury Regional Health CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “These recognitions highlight the vital importance of our skilled MRMG primary care health professionals who are dedicated to improving and prolonging the lives of those in our community who are living with these serious conditions.”

High cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure are leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but with timely diagnosis, research-based treatment and education, these conditions can be managed.

“These awards reflect the daily work our primary care teams do to help patients understand their numbers, make sustainable lifestyle changes and stay engaged in their care,” said Nathan Miller, MRMG president. “By consistently applying evidence-based guidelines, we are helping patients reduce their cardiovascular risk and achieve better long-term health outcomes.”

The American Heart Association outpatient achievement award programs enable health care organizations to deliver care that is aligned with the latest evidence-based guidelines by providing these organizations with a variety of research-based resources. As a participant in the Target: BP™, Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ and Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ programs, MRMG demonstrates a strong commitment to improving risk factor management of heart disease and stroke for patients in Middle Tennessee.

“Heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death for Americans, and addressing type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure management is key for better cardiovascular health,” said Howard Haft, MD, MMM, CPE, FACPE, member of the American Heart Association’s National Quality Oversight Committee. “The American Heart Association is pleased to recognize Maury Regional Medical Center for its commitment to managing patient risk factors related to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.”

With more than 130 providers, including 11 primary care locations, Maury Regional Medical Group offers a network of experts at multiple, convenient locations across southern Middle Tennessee. Specialists at MRMG Endocrinology diagnose and treat a range of health conditions, including diabetes. For information about services offered or to locate a provider, visit MauryRegional.com/MRMG

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 we take a look at your hometown memorials, brought to you by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…

Dr. Taylor Rayburn, 92, retired dermatologist, died Saturday at his residence. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Thursday from 10:00 AM until time of the services at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Steven James Heier, 75, resident of Columbia, died January 31, 2026 at Maury Regional Medical Center. A funeral mass will be conducted Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Catherine Catholic Church with Rev. Regimon Augustine officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

James Michael “Mike” Stroud, 80, retired educator and former resident of Columbia, died Monday, February 2, 2026 at The Harpeth at Harmony Hills in Franklin. The family will visit with friends Friday, February 6, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. A graveside gathering will take place at 2:30 PM at Worley Cemetery in Hampshire, TN.

Mr. Michael Udo Stephens, 49, died Thursday, January 29 at his residence in Columbia. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 7 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home

Mr. John William Reischman, 55, resident of Columbia, died January 28 at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro. A celebration of Life will be conducted Saturday, February 7, at 5:00 PM at First Family Baptist Church. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at First Family Baptist Church.

Now for your hometown weather, brought to you by Workout Anytime Columbia, join at WorkoutAnytime.com/Columbia or at the gym on 125 Bear Creek Pike.

The Daytime Outlook Expect a decent amount of Vitamin D out there today! We’re looking at partly sunny skies with a high topping out near 39°C. That light north wind we’re seeing this morning will settle down by the afternoon, becoming nice and calm.

Overnight Into Friday As we head into the evening, clouds will roll in for a bit, making it mostly cloudy to start. However, those clouds will peel back as the night goes on, leaving us with mostly clear skies by dawn. It’ll be a crisp one, though, with a low sitting right around 27°C and barely a breeze to speak of.

AAA: Tennessee gas prices drop three cents (Release)

Despite recent winter storms gripping the state, Tennessee drivers are seeing some relief at the pump.

The state average for regular gas fell three cents over the last week, settling at two-dollars and 51-cents a gallon.

AAA spokeswoman Megan Cooper says that while the weather caused some local outages, overall prices held steady. She expects rates to stay lower for now, though some price swings are still possible.

Nationwide, it’s a different story.

The recent deep freeze disrupted oil refineries and pushed the national average up to two-dollars and 87-cents.

Here in Tennessee, prices vary by region.

If you’re filling up in Nashville, you’ll pay the most at two-59 a gallon. Cleveland and Jackson aren't far behind at two-58 and two-57.

For the best deals, head to Morristown, where gas is sitting at just two-dollars and 38-cents.