Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 1-19-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for January 19, 2026

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

Duck River Bills Filed At State House (Press Release)

The tension between protecting natural resources and sourcing enough water to fuel Middle Tennessee’s growth is once again coming to the statehouse.

Members of the Tennessee General Assembly filed a handful of bills last week concerning the Duck River, a scenic river known worldwide for supporting a vast array of freshwater species, including several federally endangered and threatened species. The river also serves as the sole water source for roughly 250,000 people in Middle Tennessee, an area that faces increasing development pressure and intermittent drought periods. Environmental groups have warned for years that drawing more and more water from the river is unsustainable.

One bill seeks to prohibit the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, which regulates water withdrawals from rivers, from stopping any utility that provides drinking water from making withdrawals, regardless of drought conditions. A proposed House Joint Resolution would express support for reconstructing the Columbia Dam, a project that was halted in the 1980s and dismantled in the 1990s.

Another bill would designate several rivers and creeks as Class II pastoral waterways, which would protect those areas from mining, commercial timber harvest, and landfill uses and allow private landowners the option to participate in protections to ensure the land remains pastoral. While portions of the Duck River are already designated as Class II waterways, this bill would stretch the classification to the entire river, except the portion including the Normandy Reservoir, which is managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Rep. Pat Marsh, a Shelbyville Republican, did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding this bill.

Bills may still be amended, and the filing deadline for new legislation is Jan. 30.

Taking away regulatory power

A bill introduced by Chapel Hill Republican Rep. Todd Warner would block the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation — which issues water withdrawal permits for utilities — from limiting how much water a utility can withdraw, so long as it is “for the purposes of providing drinking water.”

“I think TDEC has overstepped their bounds in some of these places, especially on the Duck River,” by telling utilities that they must stop pumping if river flow levels drop below a certain threshold, Warner said Tuesday. “Well, we have no backup water, so we’re not going to cease pumping.”

Warner said he filed the bill because he felt the department did not provide an answer as to what would happen to a utility that kept pumping water despite limitations during low flows. He referenced a permit granted to the Marshall County Board of Public Utilities in August 2021 that included water withdrawal limitations for times of drought, when withdrawals could be fatal to the river’s many inhabitants. Marshall County appealed that permit, asking that withdrawal limitations be removed. The department, The Nature Conservancy and the Tennessee Wildlife Federation reached a settlement with Marshall County in 2022 to keep the limits in place.

Warner noted that the bill does allow the regulatory authority to limit withdrawals if required by federal law — for example, if water is found to be contaminated, or contains federally endangered species. But the bill states that this exemption doesn’t apply if federal law only “recommends” pumping be prohibited. 

At the federal level, President Donald Trump’s administration has been slashing environmental regulations, including proposing rule changes that environmental legislators say would weaken habitat and harm protections for threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The administration has stated it is removing “regulatory barriers that hinder responsible resource development and economic growth while maintaining core conservation commitments.”

Under Trump, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin proposed a new rule that would cut federal protection for wetlands. In 2025, Tennessee legislators passed a law that lessened state regulatory protections for an estimated 80% of Tennessee wetlands that lack federal protection.

Supporting a second attempt at a Columbia dam

Warner is also sponsoring a resolution that would show “strong support” for the reconstruction of the Columbia Dam, recognizing the project as a “critical priority for the State to establish an adequate water supply system for sustained growth, economic development, and recreational use.”

The initial dam project ran into multiple issues and was ultimately torn down amid a lawsuit over environmental impacts and land permitting issues with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, rising costs, and a cost-benefit analysis that recommended scrapping the project altogether.

As water needs grow, a group called “Columbia Dam Now” says a new dam is the only way to provide affordable drinking water for the area. An opposing group, “Don’t Dam the Duck,” has concerns about the project’s feasibility and the impact a dam would have on the river’s delicate ecology.

Columbia Dam Now has been working with U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles since mid-2025 to secure congressional funding for a feasibility study for the project. A cost estimate for a modern-day rebuild of the dam has not been released.

Warner, a member of the Columbia Dam Now board, said his goal for this resolution is to help secure that federal funding. The group spent several months in 2025 collecting similar non-binding resolutions from various county and city governments in the area.

A group of public officials, conservationists and utility representatives have been reviewing possibilities to address water needs in Middle Tennessee at the behest of Gov. Bill Lee, who issued an executive order in November 2024 declaring the river a “scenic treasure” and creating the group to determine how to balance water needs with the river’s health. 

The Duck River Planning Partnership issued its first recommendations in November, including a feasibility study for a pipeline bringing water from the Tennessee River to Middle Tennessee, a feasibility study for regional water solutions, and raising winter water levels in the Normandy Dam, a reservoir that allows the Tennessee Valley Authority to regulate the river’s water flow. 

Rebuilding the Columbia Dam was not among the partnership’s recommendations.

The Mallory Valley Utility District released a study in September that found that a pipeline supplying water from the Cumberland River to Maury and Williamson counties is feasible, but could cost up to $1.9 billion without state or federal help.

Earlier this month, Columbia’s City Council approved water rate hikes of up to 20% per year over the next five years to fund the construction of a new water intake and water treatment plant to serve Columbia Power and Water Systems’ customers. The new intake is permitted by the state’s regulatory department to withdraw up to 32 million gallons of water per day from the river, 12 million gallons more than the current intake.

While Maury County residents said the new rates will place extreme strain on the finances of already struggling families and residents with fixed incomes, the utility’s leaders said the 20% raise per year represents the worst-case scenario, and annual hikes will likely fall below that cap. State officials said the new intake had been under consideration for at least a decade and is the most advanced of all of the proposed solutions in terms of permitting, public hearings and state approvals. 

The project’s permit is among several included in a settlement over environmental protections between the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, and state regulators. The settlement requires the utilities to follow an updated drought management plan approved by the state’s Department of Environment and Conservation and set goals to limit the amount of water allowed to leak from the utilities’ systems.

CSCC Get $2M AI Grant (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College was recently awarded a federal grant that will help establish and support a new AI division.

Columbia State was the only community college in Tennessee to receive the four-year funding from the Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. The funds total $2.02 million for AI in higher education.

The funding will help develop an initiative called COMPASS: Community College Operational Model for Promoting AI Student Success. COMPASS will serve in the creation of the new AI division and is designed to build institutional capacity for artificial intelligence while ensuring students gain practical AI literacy skills.

“Columbia State continually reviews its programs and services to provide an educational institution and environment that provides our students with the skills and knowledge needed for their careers or professions, both today and tomorrow,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “AI understanding and use are required for all fields or careers. This grant establishes us as an AI cutting-edge institution, integrating artificial intelligence throughout our curriculums and services. We are excited and honored to be selected.”

The initiative includes faculty training, the integration of AI tools across academic programs and student services, and required AI literacy modules that will reach more than 1,200 first-year students each year.

“This grant positions Columbia State to lead in AI education and workforce preparation,” said Dr. Mehran Mostajir, Columbia State dean of the Business and Technology Division and assistant professor of Engineering Systems Technology. “What we build here can serve as a model for community colleges nationwide.”

COMPASS focuses on developing human capital, essential for economic competitiveness while creating open-access resources and implementation guides so community colleges nationwide can replicate the model and responsibly adopt AI in ways that support student success and workforce readiness.

“This grant will allow Columbia State to do important, long-term work around artificial intelligence that directly supports our students, faculty and staff,” said Patrick McElhiney, Columbia State director of grants. “It gives us the opportunity to strengthen the college itself while supporting innovation in teaching, student support, and workforce preparation. We’re grateful for the partners who helped make this possible, including Maury Alliance, Williamson Inc., the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Maury County Public Schools, Williamson County Schools, GM Spring Hill and Tractor Supply Company. Their support reflects a shared commitment to preparing our communities for what’s next, and we’re excited to put this funding to work in a way that benefits students, educators and employers alike.”

“This investment in AI programming is a win for students, employers and our regional economy,” said Nathan Zipper, Williamson, Inc. chief economic development officer. “We were proud to support the college securing this grant, which will expand access to AI education and ensure students are prepared for the skills employers need now and in the years ahead.”

For details on programs offered by Columbia State’s Business and Technology Division, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/academics/business-and-technology or email BusTech@Columbiastate.edu. 

County Gets Half-Million 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.

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

Night of Hope for The Well Outreach (Press Release)

The Well Outreach is excited to share that Night of Hope 2026 will take place at Worldwide Stages on Saturday, February 28th at 6:00 PM. This year’s event will feature a catered dinner, a live auction, and a concert by Christian artist and Dove award winner Big Daddy Weave.  It promises to be an unforgettable evening of celebration, generosity, and community. 

Get your tickets by visiting www.thewelloutreach.org.

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.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by 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…

Verizon Apologizes, Offers $20 (Fox17.com)

 Verizon says it is offering a $20 account credit to anyone who experienced the service disruption this past week.

Many claimed they were out of service, and the company admitted that it has not met the standard that customers should expect.

The $20 account credit won’t be automatic, customers need to take steps to accept the offer.

In a statement to the press, Verizon said that customers can redeem the credit by logging on to the myVerizon app to accept.

This credit isn’t meant to make up for what happened. No credit really can,” said Verizon. “But it’s a way of acknowledging our customers' time and showing that this matters to us.”

Verizon says business customers will be reached out to directly.

The company suggests customers restart their devices if they are still experiencing issues.

Franklin Statue Unveiled (Tennessean)

Bundled-up residents and visitors gathered Saturday to celebrate Benjamin Franklin’s 320th birthday and to welcome a new statue of the town’s namesake to its permanent home Jan. 17.

Franklin, founded in 1799, was named for the nation's founding father at the recommendation of Abram Maury Jr., a close friend of Franklin’s.

Today, it is the second-oldest city named Franklin in the United States, and the most populous.

"Benjamin Franklin may well be the most renowned, influential founding father,” said Bradley Boshers, director of Williamson County’s Archives and Museum. "His contribution to American society is difficult to match."

The celebration included reenactors, families and longtime residents waving miniature American flags as they sang “Happy Birthday” and watched the unveiling of the new bronze sculpture. The statue now sits in front of the Williamson County Archives and Museum.

Buffie Baril, founder of Lovely Franklin, thanked local philanthropist Pamela Lewis for making the installation possible. “Your generous donation of this magnificent sculpture has allowed both children and adults to learn the remarkable story of this city,” she said.

Lewis, who is a preservationist, historian and community philanthropist, donated the sculpture after realizing Franklin lacked a monument to the man it was named for.

"Putting down roots in Williamson County, I have come to love and have been embraced by this community,” she said. “My life here has been a gift, and, in turn, the statue is my gift to the community.”

Created by Colorado sculptor George Lundeen, the piece depicts Franklin seated on a park bench, reading the Constitution as small birds gather around him.

After the unveiling, historical reenactors fired bayonets into the air, and Tony Rollo — portraying Benjamin Franklin — led the crowd in a jubilant “Huzzah!” Guests later moved indoors for a ceremonial cake cutting to cap the event.

"We are truly grateful for the countless hours you have donated to bring ‘Ben on the Bench’ to Franklin,” said Lisa Kenney, honorary regent of the Old Glory Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. "America is the greatest country in the world thanks to one of the nation’s greatest founding fathers. Our city is so proud to be named after him."

The new “Ben on the Bench” statue is located at 611 W. Main St.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The country’s largest lantern festival, Zoolumination, presented by Stella Artois, is currently taking place at the Nashville Zoo. The dazzling festival of lights began on Nov. 13, 2025, and runs through Feb. 8, 2026.

Returning this year is The Smashville Ice Rink, presented by Nobody Trashes Tennessee. Visitors can experience the magical glow of custom-made silk lanterns as they skate. Additionally, guests can expect more than 1,000 one-of-a-kind lighted structures exquisitely constructed featuring wildlife, colorful scenes, picturesque walkways, holiday scenes, and more.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.nashvillezoo.org.