Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 1-16-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for January 16, 2026

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

Water Options (CDH)

The need for a long-term water supply in Maury County continues to be at the forefront of local legislation, and how Middle Tennessee can properly utilize the Duck River.

On Jan. 8, Columbia City Council approved its second and final reading for an ordinance that will increase Columbia Power & Water Systems customer water rates by 20% this year.

The water rate increases will continue subsequently over the next five years, equating to a potential increase of 149% compared to the current water rates.

CPWS is pursuing the increases, according to the proposed Ordinance No. 4577, to fund more than half a billion dollars to install a new intake valve, updating equipment dating back 100 years, as well as expanding its water treatment plant.

While the decision was met with many opposing voices, including Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt and House Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, others believe water increases are the right decision to ensure not only a sufficient water supply, but also an act to preserve the Duck River.

"It comes down to [three] things, water quality, economic common sense and saving our Duck River," Gale Moore, a leading voice for Save The Duck, as well as Don't Dam the Duck advocacy group, said at the Jan. 8 meeting. "This is the best solution for short term. If we don't do this, when this comes back around you will ask, 'Why didn't we do this?'"

Cepicky argued a state solution could potentially be found but he "needs time" to explore options.

County Mayor Butt, who sits on Gov. Bill Lee's Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership, said, while the CPWS project can provide a short-term solution, the need for water stretches beyond Columbia and Maury County.

"I was also surprised as anyone that this rate hike was brought before this council before any recommendations of the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership were given to the governor," Butt previously said at a city council meeting.

Also Spring Hill's Board of Mayor and Aldermen recently approved a sewer connection moratorium on developments as the city faces sewer capacity issues, as well as addresses 29 violations discovered at the city's water treatment plant.

And while the influx of developments, businesses and citizens has provided boosts in economic growth, the Duck River and local utility systems have been prepping for the inevitable, when the essential need for an adequate water supply reaches its limit within that growth.

In addition, the Duck River is currently ranked third among the state's most endangered rivers, according to a 2024 report by American Rivers, while also being the most bio-diverse river in North America.

On Nov. 20, 2025, the Gov. Bill Lee's Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership submitted its initial report, which included recommendations for projects which could provide long-term water solutions.

The top recommendations suggest implementing drought preparedness initiatives, as well as a feasibility study to construct a pipeline from the Tennessee River.

The report also proposes raising winter water levels at Normandy Dam, which would be overseen by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

Revitalization of the former Columbia Dam project, another highly discussed potential long-term water solution, was not included among the Partnership's 18 recommendations.

"There were a lot of different reasons the Columbia Dam was not built, and a lot of it was structural issues with the geology, and then the environmental impact," David Money, Executive Director for the Duck River Agency, said. "Basically, what would happen if you built that Columbia Dam, you are going to flood the river back upstream. It won't just be a lake there, but just a swollen river kind of lake, and those critical areas, the critical mussel habitat would be inundated."

The Nov. 20 plan breaks down 18 recommendations for establishing a long-term water solution in Middle Tennessee.

The immediate course of action, according to the plan, is to establish outreach efforts, as well as feasibility studies and other sources of information development.

"Immediate short-term actions that address drought conditions and reduce water loss from utilities are essential to protect the river’s ecological integrity and ensure sustainable water supplies for communities while feasibility studies identify longer-term solutions," the report states.

Ten of the 18 suggested recommendations appeared under the short-term.

"Most of the things they are recommending for the first year are going to be feasibility-type studies, because you can't just jump into building Normandy Dam right off the bat," Money said. "They are going to recommend things we need to be doing watershed-wide, like an official water needs analysis. How much do we have and what are the demands in the future, because there really hasn't been a good update in a while. That's No. 1."

These include TVA evaluating raising the Normandy Dam's winter pool by five feet, as well as the potential Tennessee River pipeline.

Though no cost estimates were included in the report, Monday said the Normandy Dam project has been estimated to cost about $100 million.

There is also a need to establish a Water Monitoring Council, as well as a water loss reduction program, as well as a request to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to conduct a water needs analysis for the entirety of the Duck River watershed.

The Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership reported five recommendations for the mid-term, much of it focusing on state-wide drought management, Duck River preservation and creating incentive programs for additional conservation efforts.

"Programs or incentives to preserve or improve habitat within the Duck River Watershed would benefit water quantity and quality as well as drought and flood resilience within the Duck River. The Partnership has identified multiple mechanisms to further these goals," the report states.

These include:

• Providing incentives for private landowners to pursue conservation easements and sustainable agricultural practices would safeguard habitat in the watershed to protect water quality.

• Investments in groundwater recharge projects, rainwater harvesting, or green infrastructure can reduce stormwater pollution and improve drought resilience.

• A wetland restoration fund can improve water quality, flood resilience, and habitat connectivity by restoring and expanding wetlands across the Duck River watershed in strategic and appropriate locations.

• Local governments could adopt a standard overlay establishing permanent buffer areas on each side of the river and develop a watershed-wide smart growth plan, potentially overseen by regional entities.

For long-term solutions, the focus shifts from efficiency improvements to achieving overall water security, as well as ecological health and stability.

"These recommendations require multi-agency collaboration, large infrastructure projects and/or comprehensive funding to address the root causes of water stress, including sustained population growth," the report states.

The three recommendations listed under the long-term focus on reducing overall water demand, protecting river flows and increasing water supply reliability during drought conditions.

The long-term also recommends a second Normandy Dam project, this time evaluating a possible raising of its summer pool up to five feet.

"Raising the Normandy Dam has been a project that has been discussed for several decades," the report states. Starting the next level of necessary studies now would move this project forward in understanding whether this is feasible. Raising the Normandy Dam would be impactful for the entire region," the report stated.

County Gets $1Million Grant for Courthouse Renovation (CDH)

Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, announced the state will provide $1 million in funding to preserve historic courthouses in Lawrence and Maury counties.

Each courthouse will receive $500,000 from the Tennessee Department of Economic Community Development (TNECD) via the Historic Development Grant program, according to a Jan. 14 State House press release.

The program was created by the General Assembly in 2021 as a way to protect Tennessee historic buildings, the press release states.

"Preserving our state's rich history is vital to maintaining the values that make Tennessee great," Capley said. "These substantial investments will strengthen our local communities and protect the cultural significance of the historic courthouses in Lawrence and Maury counties. I'm grateful to the local leaders who helped secure this important funding."

More than $5 million was administered by TNECD to 11 communities across the state through the grant program.

"A nice Christmas present," Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt said in a Dec. 26, 2025, post to Facebook. "This will go toward the renovation of our historic courthouse.

"A special thanks to our Finance Department, Danny Coleman with SCTDD, Sarah Hickman-McLeod with the State and a special thanks to each one of the commissioners who voted to move this important project forward for our future."

The funding comes at a time when the Maury County Courthouse is currently being renovated and reshaped for reuse.

Since the Maury County Judicial Center's opening in October 2024, plans for the historic downtown Columbia courthouse have been underway to transform half of its main floor into a future Maury County Museum.

"This grant is going to help save us some money, and it's great that the state recognizes that we are trying to preserve history," District 2 Commissioner Eric Previti, a leading voice in the project moving forward, said.

Previti added that while the $500,000 grant money is designated for the courthouse renovations, it frees up money previously allocated for the project.

"It's going to help us with that process, because you are peeling back layers of an onion here. This may cost that, that might cost this. If we are able to save half of a million dollars, then we can put it to another project."

The renovations will also provide space for the Maury County Commission to hold its monthly meetings, office space for the county's Building and Zoning Department, as well as additional court space to assist overfill.

The estimated $16 million project is expected to be completed sometime in 2027.

For more information about Historic Development Grants, visit TNECD's website.

NAACP Hosts MLK Day Event (MauryCountySource)

Join the Maury County NAACP on January 19 to honor the life, legacy, and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a community march and celebration. This is a time to reflect, stand in unity, and recommit ourselves to service, justice, and love.

All are welcome—families, faith groups, organizations, and neighbors. January 19, 2026

March Start: Maury County Courthouse (Public Square, Columbia TN)

Celebration Program: Mt. Calvary Annex Building (903 S. Glade St, Columbia TN)

March begins @ 9:00AM (line up at 8:30am)

Celebration begins @ 11am

A light breakfast will be served following the march.

Learn more by visiting the NAACP Maury County Branch Facebook Page.

Cepicky Announces Reelection Campaign (Press Release)

State Representative Scott Cepicky announced today that he is officially running for reelection for Tennessee’s 64th House District.

Speaking about the announcement, Rep. Cepicky said: “I love this district, and it has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Maury County. I’m running for reelection because our work isn’t finished. Having the support of Maury County shows that folks here believe in our mission, and they want us to keep pushing forward. I’m grateful beyond words for the trust and support.”

Rep. Cepicky, an avid supporter of education freedom, has focused much of his recent work on empowering parents, supporting students, and strengthening Tennessee classrooms. He is currently championing legislation to reintroduce the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools, which he believes will encourage healthier habits and improve student performance.

Last session, he sponsored legislation increasing the daily minutes of recess time for elementary students, giving kids more opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Outside of education, Rep. Cepicky spends his time serving as Co-Chair of the House Tennessee-Israel Caucus, where he works to strengthen Tennessee’s relationship with America’s strongest ally and stands firmly for shared values of freedom and security.

Learn more about State Representative Scott Cepicky’s campaign at https://www.scottcepicky.com

City Earn Finance Reporting Recognition Again (Press Release)

The City of Columbia has once again been recognized for excellence in public finance, earning the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) prestigious Triple Crown designation for the sixth consecutive year.

The Triple Crown distinction is awarded to governments that receive all three of the GFOA’s top honors:

• the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting,

• the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and

• the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award.

In the most recently reported year, Columbia remained one of only three cities in Tennessee to achieve this level of comprehensive financial recognition.

City Manager Tony Massey said, “This award underscores the City’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of financial transparency and accountability for the benefit of Columbia’s residents and reflects the outstanding work of the City’s Finance Department in delivering clear and accurate financial reporting.”

As part of its GFOA Triple Crown recognition, the City of Columbia earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This distinction recognizes the City’s success in producing a budget that functions not only as a financial plan, but also as a clear and effective communication tool for residents and decision-makers.

The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award evaluates municipal budgets against 14 rigorous criteria, with an emphasis on policy direction, financial integrity, operational clarity, and long-term planning. Columbia’s budget met all required standards, underscoring its role as a strategic roadmap guiding City operations.

“The City’s Finance Department is committed to producing high quality and transparent financial documents that provide Columbia citizens with information on how the government is funded and where funds are spent,“ said Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Thad Jablonski. “Awards such as these demonstrate the hard work and commitment of City finance personnel again in 2025.”

Founded in 1906, the Government Finance Officers Association represents public finance professionals throughout the United States and Canada. Through its awards programs, the GFOA promotes excellence in governmental financial management and encourages transparency, accountability, and effective communication with the public.

Maury Alliance Annual Meeting (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance on Thursday, January 29th, for their most anticipated event of the year, the Maury Alliance Annual Meeting! Celebrate the successes of 2025, honor the transition of their volunteer leadership, and discover their exciting strategic goals for 2026.—all while continuing to commemorate over 100 years of growth, innovation, and community impact in Maury County.  

Enjoy an evening filled with entertainment and networking celebrating business and industry in Maury County with a social hour, elegant dinner and live music.

Purchase tickets now to guarantee a seat at Maury Alliance’s biggest event of the year.

Registration will close January 19 at 5:00 pm. 

Get tickets and learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

Maury Business Guide (Press Release)

Explore why Maury County is an ideal destination for businesses, professionals, and families in the latest issue of Maury County Business! This annual guide highlights our vibrant community, thriving business scene, and enviable quality of life. Whether you're a prospective resident, entrepreneur, or site selector, this must-read publication offers insights into what makes our region special.

Here’s how you can connect:

• Read Online: Visit [livability.com/maury-county] to explore unique stories about living, working, and thriving here.

• Print Copies: Contact the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance located at

Join us in celebrating and sharing Maury County’s remarkable qualities, and thank you to our advertising sponsors for making this possible!

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

Mr. Bobby Donald Neese, 87, a resident of Columbia, died January 11 at Maury Regional Medical. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Thomas “Tom” Allen Anderson, 61, resident of Columbia, died January 14, 2026 at his residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Stephen Souls and Rev. Dedra Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mayor Dean Dickey, a devoted public servant, respected business leader, and lifelong advocate for his community, passed away on January 8, 2026.

Mayor Dickey’s family will receive friends January 22, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at First Family Church in Columbia, Tennessee. Friends can visit prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., January 23, 2026 at First Family Church.

Martha Ruth Foster Luster, 96, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at her daughter’s residence in Culleoka.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Culleoka. The family will visit with friends Friday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Now, news from around the state…

School Vouchers Increase Significantly (Tennessean)

More than 50,300 applications for Tennessee's controversial taxpayer-funded vouchers that families can use to pay for private school have come in since early December. That influx far outpaces last year, which saw nearly 43,000 applications.

Gov. Bill Lee, who announced the latest statistics in a Jan. 15 news release, said he looks forward to working with state lawmakers to increase the number of vouchers, known as Education Freedom Scholarships, for the 2026-27 school year.

At present, the program only offers 20,000 scholarships worth $7,295 each. The first 10,000 are reserved for families who meet income limits, while the remaining 10,000 are available to all Tennessee students. Voucher applications for the upcoming school year will be open until Jan. 30.

"It's clear that Tennessee parents want choices when it comes to their child's education, and expanding access to this program will ensure every child has an opportunity to thrive, regardless of income or zip code," Lee said.

A recent Tennessean analysis showed the majority of Tennessee counties have little to no representation among this year's scholarship recipients. Students awarded the scholarships, which launched last year after the program passed in a rapid-fire special legislative session, are largely concentrated in the state's more densely populated urban areas. The schools receiving scholarship students are overwhelmingly religious. Roughly one-in-five scholarship recipients enrolled at some of the state's most expensive private schools.

Nearly all families currently enrolled in the scholarship program have applied to renew, according to the release. Another 18 schools also registered to participate in the program for 2026-27. Roughly half of the new batch of applicants requested the income-restricted scholarships, the release said. For a family of four, the annual income limit would be $173,000.

"Entering the program's second year with even more interest statewide is a clear indicator that the EFS Program is successfully expanding educational choices for families," Tennessee Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds said in the release.

Renewal applications launched on Dec. 9 for the 2026-27 school year, while applications for new scholarships opened on Jan. 13. Applications will close at 4 p.m. CT on Jan. 30. The department estimated that scholarships will be disbursed by March 15.

If the number of applications outpaces how many scholarships are available for 2026-27, the education department will award them based on its prioritization guidelines. A waitlist will also be established in case more seats become available.

More information on how scholarship decisions will be prioritized, along with the application portal, can be found at TN.gov/education/EFS. Inquiries can also be directed to EFS.Questions@tn.gov.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Enjoy an unforgettable evening at the 14th Annual Columbia CARES Winterfest on January 30, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Memorial Building in Columbia, TN.

Indulge in an array of flavors from regional and local breweries, wineries, distilleries, and mixologists, offering a diverse selection of handcrafted alcoholic beverages. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, wine lover, or cocktail connoisseur, there’s something for everyone!

Bring your friends and enjoy a night of sampling, mingling, and celebrating with some of the finest beverages in the region. Don’t miss out on this unique experience in the heart of Columbia, TN!

Must be 21 or older to attend.

Purchase tickets at www.simpletix.com.