Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 1-9-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for January 9, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Dean Dickey Passes (CDH)

Former Columbia Mayor Dean Dickey passed away Jan. 8. He was 92.

Dickey's service to Columbia began in 2008 after being elected to Columbia City Council. He was later elected Mayor in 2010, serving two terms until 2019.

As news spread regarding the former mayor's death, many former colleagues, friends and those who knew Dickey shared their reactions on social media.

"Dean and I always had a great relationship when I was serving in the State House and I appreciated him very much," Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt posted Thursday. "He was a community servant. One might even say, a Statesman."

In addition to his service to the community, Dickey was a retired veteran, serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was also a dedicated member of Columbia Kiwanis for more than 40 years.

"He was a gentleman and genuinely cared for the community and, most of all, about people," Historian and Sons of Confederate Veterans Executive Director Adam Southern posted. "He took interest in this old Culleoka boy and wrote a glowing recommendation letter for me that I'm still trying to live up to."

Dickey’s history with Columbia dates back to the 1970s, moving his family to the area to manage a chain of Giant Food and Piggly Wiggly grocery stores. Dickey told The Daily Herald previously he wants to be "known for more than my time as a grocery manager," but rather for his love in helping Columbia reach its potential, while also maintaining its integrity and charm.

In August of 2024, coinciding with Dickey's 91st birthday, the city dedicated Championship Field at Ridley Park in his honor, as construction of the thriving sports complex was one of several major city projects championed under his leadership.

Dickey was also an advocate for what he called "smart growth," one that leads to better paying jobs, affordable healthcare and improving quality of life for Columbia and Maury County citizens, he previously said.

"As long as they keep creating good jobs, we can handle the growth," Dickey told The Daily Herald in 2023. "Growth is good if you control it. We could have a problem soon with traffic, but we've got lots of people coming down here, and I think Maury Regional is a big draw for healthcare. It's going to continue."

Ethically Controversial Mailer Sent Ahead of Water Vote (CDH)

A controversial mailer regarding Columbia Power & Water's proposed water rate increases sparked debate this week ahead of a Columbia City Council vote Jan. 8.

However, county commissioner Gabe Howard, who has been criticized for the mailer, said the intent of the mailer in question was to spark "conversation," not controversy and has since apologized for its contents, which he said he was unaware.

The mailer was formed by "a group of concerned citizens," according to Howard.

The mailer sent to constituents called for citizens to speak out against a proposed increase in water rates to be heard by city council Jan. 8. The mailer listed the phone numbers of Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder and Vice Mayor Randy McBroom, as well as the address of Ward 3 Councilwoman Cheryl Secrest.

"Take action now and go by and visit with Council Lady Cheryl Secrest," the mailer said.

In a Jan. 6 Facebook post, Molder described the wording on the mailer as "dangerous."

"It is true council members’ home addresses are easily located and also public record but putting in a mailout with an ‘invitation to visit’ crosses a line," Molder wrote. "I call on the ethics officer in charge for Maury County to review these actions to determine if any ethical rules were violated. Clearly moral rules were violated."

"Disagreeing vehemently on important issues of the day is what makes our country great, and indeed our local legislative bodies, too," Molder wrote. "But taking it too far, like what we’ve seen over this latest act, has a counter effect on the greater good."

Secrest declined to comment on the matter.

The mailer lists District 8 Commissioner Gabe Howard as the return address.

Howard has sense personally and publicly apologized for the outcome.

"I had no input in the design, nor know personal information like a home address would be included in the mailer," he said, though he was consulted about mailer.

"It was originally meant to spark conversation," he told the Daily Herald.

A full apology and explanation was included in a social media post by Howard.

"Several community members and elected officials helped fund this mailer," Howard wrote in a Jan. 6 Facebook post. "None of us were aware that any home addresses would be included. As soon as I learned about it, I reached out to Ms. Secrest directly to apologize and try to make things right. I have taken this seriously and have done everything I can to address the situation and ensure accountability."

Howard later told The Daily Herald that the design he had initially seen did not list any addresses.

"A group of concerned citizens said 'Everyone we had been talking to did not know about this water rate increase. We want to send out a mailer, and would you help contribute to the cost of it?'" Howard said.

The point of the mailer, he said, was not to target anyone personally, only to share information as to what Columbia City Council would be voting on, and how it would affect CPWS customer rates.

"The heart of the mailer was to get the word out," Howard said. "I hate that it happened and tried to do everything I could to make amends on it, do the right thing even in a bad situation. Integrity means everything to me, and as a Marine I have no reason to lie about what that was."

Later that day, Columbia City Council convened for its first study session of the year, which drew a packed room of citizens urging their leaders to oppose the proposed ordinance.

The speakers included multiple Maury County commissioners, Mayor Sheila Butt, as well as Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka.

Butt, who also serves on Gov. Bill Lee's Duck River Planning Partnership, established in 2025, said it is "premature to go with this program."

She also cited the increases will have a costly effect on businesses and other entities like Maury Regional Medical Center and Maury County Public Schools, who pay in the thousands for their water bills, which could carry on for decades.

"This is going to cost them exponentially, and that cost is going to come back to us," Butt said. "Do the numbers really add up for $500 million to get 12 million gallons of water a day? That is certainly not a wise decision. This is a short-term fix, and eventually we have to go to the Tennessee [River]."

Howard, who also spoke at the Jan. 6 meeting, said the issue isn't that there is a need for a long-term water source, but what led Maury County to be in the situation and who should be footing the bill.

"We got here because of overdevelopment and poor planning," Howard said. "What concerns me and many others is not just the scale of this proposed project, but the pace and lack of public confidence around it. 149% increase over five years, regardless of how it is phased, is still a massive increase for families, seniors and small businesses who are already feeling the pressures in every direction."

The council took its final vote on the proposed increases at its Thursday, Jan. 8 regular meeting. After four and a half hours of public comment as well as discourse by water officials from the state and CPWS, the Columbia City Council voted 5-2 in favor of the rate increase.

CSCC Graduates Nurses (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College recently celebrated 40 nursing graduates in a pinning ceremony in the Webster Athletic Center.

“The pinning was a memorable occasion which offered the opportunity to celebrate our graduates and acknowledge their hard work,” said Dr. Loretta Bond, Columbia State nursing program director. “The evening culminated with the graduates reciting the Nightingale Pledge as they accepted their solemn responsibility as nurses. A wonderful way to welcome our graduates into the nursing profession.”

Columbia State nursing graduates completed four semesters of classroom instruction and 540 hours of clinical instruction to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing.

Next, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination in order to earn licensure, which is required to practice as a registered nurse. The most recent data available demonstrate a 98% first-attempt NCLEX pass rate for Columbia State nursing graduates in 2024, as compared to the national average first-attempt pass rate of 90.8% for associate degree nursing graduates the same year.

Nursing students are prepared to provide direct patient care in various areas, including medical, surgical, pediatrics and more. After graduation, these nurses will work in various settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, schools and home health care.

In 2023, Columbia State's in-field placement rate within 6-12 months of program completion was 99%.

“These Nursing AAS completers are poised to take on critical patient care roles,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “In the coming months, these graduates will faithfully care for and about patients, making a difference in the healthcare community!”

The Columbia State nursing program is committed to excellence in nursing education. It has received full approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Columbia State’s nursing program has a competitive admission process with applicants admitted twice per year. For more information about applying to the program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Nursing.

City’s Popular Annual Report Available (MauryCountySource)

The City of Columbia’s 2025 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) is now available!

The PAFR highlights the City’s annual financial information in an easy-to-read, informative format, reinforcing the city’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The City of Columbia Finance Department takes its role as a steward of public funds seriously and remains dedicated to delivering effective, efficient, and stakeholder focused services through sound financial management.

The City of Columbia’s Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) has earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for seven consecutive years (2018-2024), highlighting the City’s commitment to clear and accessible financial reporting.

Read or download the full report here: https://www.columbiatn.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/326

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.

January 8 2 – 3 p.m. Virtual

January 10 10 – 11 a.m. Virtual

January 12 6 – 7 p.m. Virtual

January 15 2 – 3 p.m. Virtual

January 22 2 – 3 p.m. Virtual

January 24 10 – 11 a.m. Virtual

January 26 6 – 7 p.m. Virtual

January 29 5 – 6 p.m. Virtual

For more information, contact Allison at 931.540.2655 or by email at jallison6@ColumbiaState.edu. 

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!

Spring Hill License Kiosk (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has introduced a new Driver License Self-Service Kiosk in the lobby of its headquarters at 800 Hathaway Blvd. The kiosk is open to all Tennessee residents—regardless of county—and offers a convenient alternative to visiting the DMV.

Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the kiosk allows users to:

* Renew a driver license

* Obtain a duplicate license or state ID

* Change their address

* Pay reinstatement fees in full

The kiosk does not accept cash or checks; payment must be made using a credit or debit card.

No appointment is necessary. For more information about the service, visit www.tn.gov/content/tn.

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

Glenda South Lunn, 82, died Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Country Cottages in Lawrenceburg, TN.

A graveside memorial service will be conducted Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Kinnard Cemetery on Clara Mathis Road in Spring Hill, TN. The family will visit with friends at the cemetery. 

Joseph Perko, 90, passed away Monday, January 6, 2026 at his residence.

A funeral mass will be conducted Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11:30 AM at St. Catherine Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 10:00 AM until time of the services at St. Catherine Catholic Church.

Madeline Kenned Longo, 12, passed away January 1st.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Auditorium at West Seventh Church of Christ in Columbia, TN. The family will visit with family, friends and their community on Saturday from 12:00 PM until 4:00 PM in the Family Center at West Seventh.

Now, news from around the state…

Former Rep. Smith Freed (Tennessean)

Robin Smith, the former Tennessee lawmaker sentenced for running a scheme to defraud taxpayers, is no longer going to prison.

A federal judge on Jan. 5 reduced the sentence for Smith, 62, from eight months in prison to a year of probation. U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson's decision came two months after President Donald Trump pardoned Smith's two co-defendants, former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his ex-chief of staff Cade Cothren.

Trump did not pardon Smith, who testified against Casada and Cothren at trial. She is still seeking a pardon, her attorney Ben Rose said in an emailed statement.

“We are still optimistic about a pardon," Rose said.

Smith, a Republican in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 2018 to 2022, had devised an operation with Casada and Cothren to take advantage of a state-funded legislative mailer program. Cothren ran the consulting firm Phoenix Solutions under the fake name Matthew Phoenix as part of the scheme.

Smith, who pleaded guilty to one count of honest services wire fraud, was a key part of prosecutors' case at trial. A federal jury convicted Casada and Cothren in May of more than a dozen public corruption charges each. In September, Casada and Cothren were sentenced to 3 and 2.5 years in prison, respectively.

Smith in October received lighter punishment in return for cooperating with the government. But after Trump's pardons came to her co-defendants, she was the only one still facing time behind bars. In a Nov. 19 court filing, Rose called the situation a "manifest injustice."

“All that Robin seeks in this process is to be treated at least as well as her alleged co-conspirators," Rose said in the statement.

Prosecutors did not oppose Smith's resentencing. In a response filed in court Dec. 5, assistant U.S. attorney Taylor Phillips wrote he could not find another case where a "testifying conspirator reported to prison after an equally culpable conspirator was pardoned."

Richardson still ordered Smith to pay a $28,263.26 money judgment, which presents the amount prosecutors say she made from her offense. Rose said Smith would get her money back if she was pardoned.

Richardson's reasoning for reducing Smith's sentence was filed in court under seal.

Gas Prices (MSM)

Gas prices across the state have fluctuated over the past couple of weeks, but Tennesseans are still beginning the new year with gas prices cheaper than both one month ago and one year ago. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.50 which is seven cents less expensive than one month ago and 24 cents less than one year ago.  

“We’re starting the year out with gas prices nearly a quarter cheaper than one year ago, mostly thanks to steady oil supply and softened demand compared to previous years,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While global events can influence prices, there’s no indication yet that recent developments will have a significant effect. Tennesseans can likely expect to see some modest price fluctuation in the coming weeks.” 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Chris Stapleton will continue his “All-American Road Show” through this fall with over 20 newly confirmed stops, including Nashville’s Nissan Stadium in May with very special guest Lainey Wilson, 

Tickets for the Live Nation-produced tour, which will also include Allen Stone, Ashley McBryde, Carter Faith, Grace Potter, Maggie Rose, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Molly Tuttle, Nikki Lane, and The Teskey Brothers on various dates, will go on sale next Friday, January 16, at 10:00 am local time.

Full details are available at www.chrisstapleton.com/tour.