Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 1-23-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for January 23, 2026

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

First Responders Ready for Storm (CDH)

Columbia first responders are prepping for Winter Storm Fern as it rolls into Middle Tennessee this weekend and are assuring citizens they are well prepared.

The National Weather Service Nashville's latest winter storm watch, issued Jan. 22, predicts potential snow accumulations of more than six inches, with ice accumulations of more than half an inch.

The snow is expected to hit sometime Friday evening and last through Sunday afternoon.

In a post to social media Wednesday, Columbia Fire & Rescue Assistant Fire Chief Jeremy Finley detailed how the department is gearing up for the inclement weather.

"Our crews have checked our tire chains today for our apparatus," Finley said. "All of our small engines are being topped off, such as chainsaws and different things we may have to use if we have that really bad weather."

Finley added that all stations and crews will remain fully staffed, as well as advising citizens to be wary of road travel.

"You don't have to be out on the road," Finley said. "Don't get out during Friday or Saturday as this bad weather rolls in here. Any non-emergency incidents that come up you need the fire department to know about, don't hesitate to reach out."

If assistance is needed in a non-emergency situation, CFR advises citizens to call (931) 388-2525.

Columbia Public Works Director Jeff DeWire, in a social media post Thursday, detailed how the department has already prepped streets with salt trucks and laying brine.

"Our crews are already taking action to keep our streets safe. We are fully stocked with salt and brine, and are prepared to operate 24 hours a day around the clock. Roadway pre-treatment began this morning, and our first priority will be primary streets, major routes and emergency corridors before moving into secondary and residential streets."

DeWire also advised residents to avoid parking on roadways to allow crews to work more efficiently.

"We are prepared as we can be, and from all of us at Public Works, please stay safe on Columbia's roadways," DeWire said.

The Family Center, 921 Beckett St., has also been hosting a warming station as the winter weather approaches.

Participants are advised to check in between 5-7 p.m.

The Family Center can also be reached by calling (931) 388-3840.

Columbia Power & Water Services issued an update on its emergency preparedness to ensure quick response times in the event of a power or broadband outage or potential water main breaks.

"CPWS has inspected each of our facilities to ensure they are operational and has coordinated with Maury County EMA to prioritize restoration efforts in the area, as well as TVA for emergency load management," CPWS Communications Specialist Chris Yow said.

"Predicting power outages is near impossible. The more ice we see, however, increases the likelihood of outages, but we are prepared to handle whatever the storm may bring."

CPWS advises customers to set thermostats as low as comfortably possible (68 degrees or lower) to ensure the power system is not overloaded during the winter storm.

Anyone who lives in a newer home, built in the last 15-20 years, should generally be able to avoid dripping faucets, Yow said in a CPWS press release.

But homeowners are encouraged to ensure their pipes and outdoor spigots are insulated. And advised to open cabinets to keep their indoor water pipes warm, CPWS says.

CPWS water services are topping off water tanks to ensure availability and pressure remain at safe levels, Yow said.

For updated power outage information, visit oms.cpws.com or the CPWS Facebook page. To report a power outage, call (931) 388-4833.

Police Asking for Public Help in Homicide (MauryCountySource)

The Columbia Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance as detectives continue investigating the May 3, 2024 homicide of Quentin Armstrong on Midway Avenue.

Police say video evidence shows the offender outside the residence shortly before the homicide occurred. Investigators are urging anyone who recognizes the individual or has information that could help identify them to come forward.

You can view the video evidence on www.maurycountysource.com

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 931-560-1670, dispatch at 931-388-2727, or submit a tip by email to SAFETips@ColumbiaTN.gov. Information can be provided at any time.

Battle Creek Teacher Awarded (MauryCountySource)

Dr. Scott Johnson, social studies teacher at Battle Creek High School has been named a recipient of the Teaching America250 Awards by the Jack Miller Center. Dr. Johnson is among 51 educators across the United States selected to receive this honor in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The Awards will allow 51 teachers from across the country to develop and implement engaging educational projects focused on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“The Teaching America250 Award winners are introducing the next generation to the essential ideas, stories, and documents of America’s civic tradition,” said Hans Zeiger, president of the Jack Miller Center. “Through their projects, these amazing educators will make America’s 250th birthday a memorable experience for thousands of students across the country.”

The 51 teachers selected represent each state and Washington, D.C. Each recipient will receive $5,000 in funding for a project of their own design that engages students with the history of America’s founding and the ideals of the Declaration. Projects include field trips to museums and state capitals, school assemblies, student art projects, and community events. Select winners will be chosen to attend JMC’s National Summit on Civic Education or the Civic Learning Week National Forum, hosted by iCivics and the Democratic Knowledge Project. One Tennessee teacher, Scott Johnson from Battle Creek High School, was recognized.

Columbia Planning Defers Development (CDH)

The City of Columbia is currently considering a proposed planned unit development (PUD) master plan to build 208 townhomes on 25.9 acres off Honey Farm Way.

The Columbia Planning Commission considered the item at its Jan. 14 meeting, where it was deferred in a 5-1 vote, with chairman Charlie Goatz being the sole opposing vote.

The reason for the deferral, which followed more than an hour of discussion, stemmed from issues regarding adequate parking, driveway and garage space offered within the proposed north Columbia development.

In addition to the 208 proposed townhomes, the plan includes additional civic space for a walking trail, playgrounds, a pavilion and three pocket parks encompassing 8% of the development.

The property's previously approved PUD allows for a 288-home multi-family development, which Josh Rowland of Kiley-Horn described as "a case of square peg, round hole." As a new proposal, the new design was presented with five deviation requests.

"We are at roughly eight units to the acre, and the PUD-R standards are 12-max for the density," Josh Rowland of Kimley-Horn representing applicant NVR, Inc., parent company of Ryan Homes, said. "The applicant today, NVR/Ryan Homes, they have a townhome product that is more suitable for this site, really created a lot of efficiencies."

These include additional buffer zone standards, windowsill design requirements, parking, elevation and architectural facades.

Rowland added the new design was also created to better adapt to its natural landscape challenges.

"There is a lot of topography on this site from Honey Farm Way up to the north property line, quite a bit of slopes. In this townhome option, it has the garage on the lower level for the alley, kind of a tuck-under walkout sort of garage, and that helps tremendously," he said.

While the new plan addresses an adaptable parking scheme to the property site, planners still questioned its adequacy, and if it can be improved. For example, the current presentation shows garage space would be about 19.5-feet deep, Rowland said, though official floor plans have not been finalized.

"If the garages were bigger, it might lead people to try and not parallel in," Goatz, who initially motioned to deny the request, said. "I have a truck and my garage is about 20 feet deep, and I am touching the drywall."

Adequate driveway space to allow the proposed two cars per household and minimizing street parking is also a concern.

"Is 9x18 [feet] length enough driveway for a parking space where it doesn't stick out into an alleyway?" Goatz said.

Columbia Director of Development Services Paul Keltner added that narrow driveways have often been a cause for complaints received.

"We get all the calls from the national builders that constructed townhomes that put driveways in that are so short that now they create these blocking type areas," Keltner said. "It's really common."

Mayor Chaz Molder, who motioned the deferral, argued that outright denying the motion wouldn't necessarily prevent the applicant from submitting the proposal to Columbia City Council, who would have final approval. A deferral would at least provide a 30-day buffer to address the city's concerns.

"It seems like, in all candor, you are far away from approval, at least what it feels like, but at least it would give them the 30 days," Molder said.

Courthouse Renovation (MSM)

The interior of the old Maury County Courthouse is being restored, hopefully, to its former glory, and the Tennessee Economic Development Historic Commission recently announced the project has received a $500,000 grant.

The Maury County Commission has set aside $16 million to renovate the classic building, and historically conscious people are supervising the effort, trying to keep as much of the building’s rich history in it as they can.

One of them is District 2 County Commissioner Eric Previti, who explained the planned changes in light of the building’s past. While the renovators will add important modern amenities like energy-efficient window seals and ADA-compliant bathrooms, they also intend to keep as much as they can of past decorations and structures, from the original counters to the crown molding and wall paneling in certain rooms.

The courthouse on the Square is the third that Columbia has had in the last 180 years. The current one was constructed in 1906.

The county mayor’s office will remain in its current spot in the southeast wing of the ground floor, and the adjacent courtroom will be converted into a mayoral conference room. The north half of the first floor will be used as museum space to interpret the history of Maury County. The biggest change coming to the first floor, however, will be overhead. The original grand entrance in the middle of the main hallway was closed in 1972, to provide extra square footage on the and second floor, but it’s being opened back up as it was originally to allow for the intended monumental view up to the glass.

“Once this scaffolding right here is gone, you’re going to be able to see all the way to the ground floor,” Previti said, looking down from the third floor.

The county commission will also be given back its old meeting chamber in the courthouse. The “magistrates,” as they were called, convened in what used to be called the governing “County Court” in a chamber with a balcony on the second floor, which was later given over to circuit-court proceedings. Anyone with photos of the balcony is invited to send them in to the Historical Society or the Maury County Archives.

The restored commission chamber will seat approximately 100 more spectators than the current Tom Primm meeting room can, and the courthouse committee has made sure that the old paneling and courtroom benches will continue to be used. The grand jury will be able to meet in the room when the county commission isn’t in session, and the county Building and Zoning Department will move into the north side of the second floor.

The offices of the 22nd District Attorney will take over the third floor, which used to hold Judge Bobby Sands’s General Sessions Court and the juvenile courts presided over by Judges Buzz Lovell and Doug Chapman. Its original crown molding will be kept in place.

Much of the city of Columbia can be seen from the tarpaper roof of the courthouse. Up here Previti pointed to the county-owned northeast corner of the Columbia square, where the county clerk, agricultural services, commission chambers and other departments have had their offices.

“[If those offices were moved elsewhere,] I think this corner building would make a fantastic boutique hotel,” he said. “The money that it would cost to make everything ADA compliant is just so prohibitive.”

The crowning element of the courthouse is the clock tower, where two Meneely Foundry bells and original Seth Thomas clock mechanism, all of the same 1906 vintage as the courthouse are found.

“It really joys my heart that I’m alive and get to be a part of this,” Previti told Main Street Maury. “It’s great to preserve this history, to keep this building alive and keep it functioning, because it’s the centerpiece of our town.

Spring Hill Naming Opportunities (MSM)

The City of Spring Hill is currently seeking its residents’ input on two large new municipal projects: giving family-friendly names to its four new “sludge trucks” and helping to shape the character and programming of the new city library.

Help name the “sludge trucks”

The city has purchased four sludge-hauling trailers to transport wastewater byproduct instead of hiring it out to a disposal company. Personnel will haul the sludge from the Kedron Road wastewater plant to the Cedar Ridge Landfill in Lewisburg. The city expects to save about $275,000 this way each year.

“Now comes the fun part. Last year, we hosted the ‘Name-a-Snowplow’ contest and it was a huge hit. This year, we need your help in naming these four new trailers!” the city announced in a press release. “Yes, we are aware this could go completely off the rails[, so] please keep the names FAMILY-FRIENDLY. City Staff will vote on their favorite submissions and the winners will receive a prize!”

Name-a-Trailer ideas are due by Jan. 30. The submission form can be filled out online at springhilltn.org/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1606.

Input on new library

The Spring Hill Library wants people’s input on the design, services and programs that could be offered at their new library facility. The survey closes on Saturday, Jan. 24.

“As we think about what a new library building could mean for our community, we’re asking for your insights!” reads a press release from the library. “Take a few minutes to complete our online survey or attend an in-person session and you’ll help shape future programs, spaces, and services offered at the Spring Hill Public Library.”

To give your opinions, fill out the online form at springhilltn.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/1607.

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.

CSCC Reconnect (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College will host virtual Tennessee Reconnect information sessions during January.

Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship that provides free tuition for adults to attend a community college. The initiative is designed to help adults enter college to gain new skills, advance in the workplace and fulfill lifelong dreams of completing a degree or credential.

“Tennessee Reconnect provides a wonderful opportunity for eligible adult learners to attend Columbia State tuition-free,” said Joni Allison, Columbia State coordinator of Adult Student Services. “We offer multiple information session dates each month to allow easy access for prospective students who would like to begin or return to college.”

To be eligible for Tennessee Reconnect, students must meet the following requirements:

• Haven’t earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.

• Have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year.

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and be determined as an independent student.

• Be admitted to Columbia State and enroll in a degree or certificate program.

• Must attend at least part-time (6 credit hours).

To view the full list of steps to apply or to sign up for an information session, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Reconnect.

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. 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.

Beverly Biffle Collins, 90, a former resident of Columbia, died Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

Marjorie Imogene “Jean” Wilson Childrey, passed away at her home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on January 20, 2026, following a short illness.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, January 30, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at Highland Park Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home and Friday from 12:00 P.M. till the time of service at Highland Park Baptist Church.

Now, news from around the state…

TPAC Approved to East Bank Build (Tennessean)

The deal to bring the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s new home to Nashville’s developing East Bank has finally crossed the finish line.

On Jan. 20, the Metro Nashville Council gave its third and final round of approval to the agreement, which Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s office announced in November 2025 after more than a year of uncertainty.

With that, TPAC is now on the clock for executing on the major deadlines outlined in its development agreement with the city, and one of them comes due at the end of this year.

TPAC’s new home will be on a 3.33-acre parcel of city-owned land near the outlet of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge on the east bank of the Cumberland River. But first, TPAC will need to raise enough money to cover the move.

The work continues for TPAC to raise $100 million it must match with $500 million in state funds to make the new facility a reality. A capital campaign is underway to that end.

TPAC has until Dec. 31 to have its funding commitments sorted out, according to the development agreement. From there, construction must be underway by June 30, 2027, and be completed within about five years of that start date.

That means that if all goes to plan, Nashvillians will see a new TPAC on the East Bank by June of 2032 at the absolute latest.

Though that outcome’s still far off on the horizon, TPAC CEO Jennifer Turner has already shared several renderings depicting what that new facility could look like once it’s complete.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St., will transform into a pink rhinestone rodeo in honor of Dolly Parton's 80th birthday.

The Columbia venue will host a one-night-only Dolly Parton Pop-up from 5-9 p.m. Friday in its downstairs cocktail lounge.

he pop-up bar will be glitzed and glamoured in pink glitter, disco balls and rhinestones, serving up special Dolly-themed cocktails.

"Whether you’re a lifelong Dolly lover or just a fan of fun, this is your chance to celebrate the queen of country with a night full of sass, shine, and southern charm," the event's description reads. "Come dressed in your best pink, sparkles, denim, or Dolly-inspired glam and get ready for a fabulous January at The Mulehouse."

RSVP at www.TheMulehouse.com.