Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 11-5-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for November 5, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Election Results (CDH)

Columbia has a new city mayor after the Nov. 3 election.

Stewart Parker defeated four opponents to secure the seat. He is set to take office in 2027, replacing current Mayor Chaz Molder, who served two terms in the position. Molder sought higher office in the U.S. House of Representatives, District 5, but lost in a close election to his opponent Charlie Hatcher, who defeated incumbent and former Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles in the primary.

"What I know tonight is Columbia is going to continue to get better," Parker said.

"We are going to have challenges and we are going to work hard, but we have a wonderful city manager who has driven us through an incredibly difficult period over the last two decades to where we are today, and that is one of the great lessons that I have to go and be a cheerleader.

"Because at the end of the day, that is what Columbia has just hired me to do, to go off and sell our story, sell our town and try and get more of the state's money to come down here and pay for our projects."

Parker got an early lead with 2,472 votes as early voting/absentee results came in, and he managed to maintain that lead as the precincts began reporting numbers. Final unofficial results showed 4,027 total votes in his favor.

When asked how he envisions Columbia four years from now, Parker said his biggest hope is that the city sustains its growth, while remaining financially responsible.

"I think it will be a place where growth has been sustained, a place where young people can feel welcome and where senior citizens don't feel driven out of their homes," Parker said. "When we look at the balance sheet of Columbia, which quite frankly has been so well run, that's the greatest thing any mayor's got coming into this office. Columbia has done an incredible job managing its finances, and so continuing on that financial front will certainly be a win too."

In addition to Parker, Columbia voters chose Ward 2 Councilman Charlie Huffman to serve as vice mayor.

He achieved a narrow 130-vote victory with 5,852 total votes over opponent and incumbent Vice Mayor Randy McBroom, who received 5,726 votes.

The U.S. House race for Congressional District 9 saw Maury County voters choosing Republican Brent Taylor with 5,539 votes over incumbent Democrat Justin J. Pearson, who received 3,609 votes.

Maury County's state races included State House of Representatives for District 64 and 71.

District 64 incumbent Republican Scott Cepicky secured another term with 15,364 votes over Democrat opponent Craig D'Apolito, who received 9,305 votes. District 71 went to Republican incumbent Kip Capley, who received 7,451 votes against Democrat opponent Matt Day, who received 3,336 votes.

County Commission Declines Ethics Revision (MSM)

The Maury County Commission declined to revise its ethics and disclosure policy on Oct. 19, with the revision stating county commissioners should disclose personal interests, the interests of their relations, and membership in organizations relevant to county business.

Ethics Committee chair Mike Kuzawinski drafted the proposed addition to the current ethics policy with help from county attorney Mark Dobies. Kuzawinski used the word “should” and made the policy non-specific and non-punitive to encourage commissioners to reflect honestly, not just legally, on possible conflicts.

“Even with [the current CTAS conflict-disclosure rules] in place, much confusion and personal opinion come into play… I believe the more you say, the more opportunity you create for loopholes, rabbit trails, and abuse… [and the applications of specific rules] become subjective in nature and lead to never-ending debate,” he said. “The rule as presented… was never about trying catch a violator, but rather to promote a spirit of transparency through positive peer pressure.”

Public commenters convinced the commission to reject the new rules, arguing for clear rules with teeth and appealing to their own experiences pushing ethics complaints through the county system.

“Disclosure of potential conflicts isn’t even an option [in the corporate world], I’m bound to disclose them, and I expect no less from local government,” said Teresa Sparks, a veteran of corporate governance. “Ethics violations aren’t simply procedural matters, they have caused real harm to the citizens you’re elected to represent… When relationships aren’t disclosed, citizens are left questioning whether decisions serve the public interest or private interest.”

“As written, it actually, I think, weakens our overall ethics [policy] because it creates this argument that ‘If somebody violates it, [at least] we’ve inserted this “should” language,'” said attorney Dustin Kittle. “[Also,] we’re misinterpreting ‘ethics:’ when the state standard [requires disclosure of] financial interests, that’s the minimum standard. It does not say that you can’t add to that [or]… define what [another type of] conflict is… We can take the time to do that. It shouldn’t be that you’ve got to have proof that a commissioner’s been handed money.”

The motion to pass Kuzawinski’s policy failed for lack of a second.

Maury Alliance report

Maury Alliance President Wil Evans presented the 2026 county commission, half of its members newly elected, with its first quarterly report from the Alliance.

“This is the best report we receive as a commission,” returning Commissioner Chad Brothers told his new colleagues.

Maury Alliance is fielding 18 industrial proposals and has pivoted from taking whatever economic projects it can get, to choosing only those that promise diversified jobs, good pay and manageable infrastructure demands. The proposals include both relocations of existing businesses and expansions of local ones.

Evans explained that the chamber now picks projects based on their economic fit. It is coordinating between county schools and employers to create the workforce that both present and future clients will need.

Evans praised the county’s strong metrics, but acknowledged that the community is also divided over recent growth. Maury Alliance will launch its “Cohesive Community Vision” effort in the next few months to gather people’s hopes and concerns for the future and synthesize them into a vision for future development.

“There is a lot of angst around the growth that our community is experiencing, and there are a lot of opinions,” he said. “We see our organization as a neutral catalyst that can bring together not just the key stakeholders… but the general community at large, to… understand what we want to be when we grow up.”

Other Business

The county commission appointed Kenny Morrow, Sam Barnes and Brent Coen, all commissioners, to the Audit Committee; Bill Marbet to the Park Board; and Jerry Dickey to the Civil Service Board. They announced vacancies on the Civil Service Board, the Agriculture Committee and the Regional Planning Commission.

The county is still seeking a permanent director for building and zoning to replace Robert Caldiraro. The county is offering pay above the first quartile for the profession ($86,920) to the right candidate. Senior engineer Mathew Piofer is serving as interim director.

The commission approved Guaranteed Maximum Prices (GMPs) for two projects at Maury County Park: $1.28 million to build a pavilion, and $7.757 million to plan and build the new recreation center.

The commission also agreed to pay up to $375,800 to the firm Kimley Horn to survey and assess the safety of Iron Bridge Road, Polk Road, Mapleash Avenue and Theta Pike, as part of the county’s Safety Action Plan to eliminate deadly and serious vehicle accidents.

Columbia Central Gets Foundation Money (MauryCountySource)

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder and members of the James Craig Foundation recently presented a check to Columbia Central High School to support a variety of educational programs, scholarships, and student assistance initiatives. 

The James Craig Foundation was established by Dr. James Craig, a 1951 graduate of Columbia Central High School, and his wife, Bobbie Craig. For over 20 years, the foundation has played a pivotal role in supporting CHS students by providing funding for scholarships, educational resources, and various school programs.

The foundation’s contributions support a wide range of initiatives, including:

-Scholarships

-Tutoring and mentoring programs

-Classroom calculators

-Science fair grants

-Family Resource Center

-ACT preparation software and classes

-Advanced Placement testing assistance

-Class fees for students in need

-Remediation software

-Caps and gowns for students in need

-Girls State and Boys State assistance

-Success Fest, recognizing students earning all A’s and B’s

-Night of Stars Dinner, honoring senior students receiving scholarships and awards

Spring Hill Fire Gets Grant (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Fire Department has been named as a recipient of a $17,474 grant through the Gary Sinese Foundation First Responder Outreach Program. The grant funding is to allow for the purchase of the FiAR Fire Extinguisher Training System V2. FiAR is an augmented reality fire extinguisher training tool that allows trainees to practice fire suppression using real hardware in any indoor or outdoor environment without messy chemical discharge, cleanup, or reset times.

“We understand the work your department performs daily is imperative to the safety and security of the citizens of Spring Hill and surrounding areas,” said Madisen Gentry Moore, Director of Community Outreach for the Gary Sinese Foundation. “Gary, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and our thousands of American donors from across the country are honored to be able to assist you. We hope this equipment

helps keep your first responders safe and assists them in their life-saving day-to-day work.”

Currently, SHFD does not have a fire extinguisher training device for demonstrations or for public education. The previous device was outdated and did not function correctly, requiring extensive updating and repairs. It was disposed of in 2024.

Bringing tools like the FiAR Fire Extinguisher in house allows for easy access to training exercises for residents — furthering the goal of the Community Risk Reduction program within SHFD.

“This amazing technology takes advantage of augmented reality to bring realistic live training to any location for actual hands-on experience,” said Chief Graig Temple. “Our Community Risk Reduction efforts extend beyond messaging and fire safety best practices; if you, your workplace, or community group would like to demo this device and get the hands-on training, contact Captain Lisa Burns.”

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to accept this grant funding by way of Resolution 26-281 on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Expanded Library Opens (CDH)

Much like the words written within the pages of books found at the 211 W. 8th Ave. building, a new story has been brought to life for the public of Columbia and greater Maury County.

After a year of renovations, The Maury County Public Library has officially reopened to provide visitors a source for learning, reading and a vision to continue its growth.

The project, which began in October 2025 and cost about $2.2 million, brings a fresh face to the beloved learning center, which dates back to 1968 when the building was first constructed. The occasion was welcomed by a large group of supporters Oct. 30, capped off with a ceremonial ribbon cutting hosted by the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance.

The project was made possible via a $2 million state grant awarded by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TDEC), which also came with a 10% match provided by the Maury County Commission.

"This is a very happy day for us, a great day for celebration," Maury County Public Library Board Chair Beverly Simmons said.

The Oct. 30 event not only featured several local leaders and library staff, but also state supporters who helped bring this new vision to life.

"Strong libraries help make strong communities," Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. "But one of the things that hold libraries back on many occasions is the physical structure, the physical layout of their library.

Visitors to the library will immediately notice the facility's new culinary demonstration area just left of the front entrance, though that is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg of all its newest features.

"Libraries have evolved so much, and one of the things that surprised me when I came into office as Secretary of State is how that evolution was occurring, and also to help Tennesseans understand that libraries still hold a tremendous and important place in our communities across the state," Hargett said.

The library also features access to 21 state-of-the-art computers, which also provide access to telehealth service technologies and hi-speed internet with easy-to-access availability.

"People are using those computers whether they are in middle school years or they are senior citizens checking Facebook keeping up with their grandkids that live somewhere else," Hargett added. "We are also teaching people how to apply for jobs, and in the worst of times, how to apply for disaster relief.

"They are filling so many different needs ... and it is great to see a building keep up with the times."

There is also a teen center which can be utilized for gaming for kids ages 13-and-up, as well as a special loft dedicated to young adult reading.

"In the back right corner, we also have a new classroom that is for workforce development," Simmons said. "Teaching can be used for that

While the year-long project has once again granted access to the public, the story is far from over.

Simmons said there is a vision for further phases of development.

"We just have to see how much grant money is available," she said. "There are still some things we want to do, and Meghan has a great vision for our library. We are very fortunate to have someone of her caliber leading our library."

Maury County Public Library Director Meghan Cyr thanked her staff, whom she said, "I am unable to do this without them."

"Libraries have always been more than about books, but places where people learn, grow and find the resources they need," Cyr said. "With this grant, we have taken that mission further than ever before."

Ice Skating At Riverwalk Park (Press Release)

Columbia Main Street is bringing Ice Skating to Riverwalk Park for 12 unforgettable days, December 1-12! The Farmers Market Pavilion will offer an affordable holiday experience for the entire community. Residents and tourists can enjoy skating for $10 (ages 6+) or FREE for children 5 and under , plus nightly food trucks, holiday-themed nights, character appearances, and a Holiday Market on December 12.

Columbia Main Street is looking for sponsors. Your sponsorship will make ice skating possible, and they would love to feature your business as part of the celebration. 

Gold Sponsor: $1,000

Ice Skating Tickets (x10), business LOGO on event signage, website and social media recognition, and vendor opportunity at the December 12 Holiday Market.

Silver Sponsor: $500

Ice Skating Tickets (x5), business LOGO on event signage, website and social media recognition, and vendor opportunity at the December 12 Holiday Market.

Community Sponsor: $200

You want to see this be as successful as possible, sponsor! Business LOGO on event signage and social media recognition.

There are also sponsorship opportunities for holiday characters, arts and crafts events and a photobooth.

Learn more at www.columbiamainstreet.com

State of Education Panel (Press Release)

Join us on Wednesday, November 18 at 11:30 am for the annual State of Education Lunch featuring Maury County Public schools. The program will take place at the War Memorial Building located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia.

During this year's event, Maury Alliance President & CEO, Wil Evans will lead a panel discussion with representatives from Maury County Public Schools including Lisa Ventura, MCPS Superintendent. They will discuss the current state of public education, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs and the 2026 Education Report. 

The cost is $25 for Maury Alliance Members and $30 for non-members and includes lunch.

For more information, visit www.mauryalliance.com.

MRMC New Treatment for High Blood Pressure (Press Release)

Maury Regional Health has successfully treated its first patient using renal denervation (RDN), a minimally invasive procedure that offers a new treatment option for certain patients whose high blood pressure remains difficult to control.

The Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation system, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023, targets overactive nerves near the kidneys that can contribute to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. The treatment is designed to complement lifestyle changes and medications in helping patients manage their blood pressure.

High blood pressure affects nearly half of adults in the United States and is a major risk factor for serious health conditions, including heart attack and stroke. Despite available treatments, many adults with hypertension do not have their blood pressure adequately controlled.

The Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure provides another approach to lowering blood pressure without leaving a permanent implant behind. During the procedure, a physician uses a thin catheter inserted through an artery to reach the arteries leading to the kidneys. Energy is then delivered to calm excessive nerve activity that can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Once treatment is complete, the catheter is removed.

“High blood pressure is one of the most significant health challenges facing patients today, and even with medications and lifestyle changes, many people struggle to keep it under control,” said Martin Chaney, MD, chief executive officer of Maury Regional Health. “Bringing renal denervation to our region gives appropriate patients another option for managing their blood pressure and reducing the health risks associated with hypertension. Dr. Maquiling and our cardiovascular team have successfully introduced this new treatment option as part of our continued commitment to expanding access to innovative care in southern Middle Tennessee.”

The first procedure was performed by cardiologist Kevin Maquiling, MD, at Maury Regional Medical Center in August of 2026.

Patients with high or difficult-to-control blood pressure are encouraged to speak with their health care provider to determine whether the Symplicity blood pressure procedure may be an appropriate treatment option.

To learn more about cardiovascular services available at Maury Regional Health, visit MauryRegional.com/Cardiology.

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

Mrs. Shirley Geneva Wright Clanton, 88, resident of Pulaski, passed away on Thursday, October 22 at Maury Regional Medical Center Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. on November 7 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Pulaski

Robert Allen “Bob” Johnson, 84, resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, at The Gardens of Poplar Estates.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, with Randy Owens officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 PM until the service time at the funeral home.

Pamela Sue Hartsfield Black, 70, resident of Columbia, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Life Care Center of Columbia.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Brother Rushing officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday, November 6, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

And now, news from around the state…

Mid-Term Dem Wins (Tennessean)

Democratic candidates in several congressional races posted stronger-than-expected results despite the redistricting in May, raising questions about how effectively the new district lines strengthened the GOP's advantage.

Prior to Election Day on Nov. 3, Democratic congressional candidates anticipated hard-fought races following May's redistricting. While Republicans won all but one congressional race, with Victoria Broderick beating GOP incumbent Scott DesJarlais, the results in several races revealed that the redistricting did not fully cement the GOP's majority in Tennessee.

Nationally, a blue wave swept across the country, helping Democrats regain control of both the House and the Senate, with key victories in states such as Texas, Kansas, North Carolina, Maine and South Carolina.

That blue wave didn't fully materialize in Tennessee, but the strong Democratic turnout was seemingly not something Tennessee Republicans foresaw after the redistricting, particularly in counties that have historically leaned red.

In addition to gaining one congressional seat and delivering competitive races in several districts, Democratic voters also flipped six Tennessee House seats, gaining ground in areas such as Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Memphis and Clarksville.

A major theme of election night nationwide was voter dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump.

According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 of 1,765 U.S. adults, Trump's approval rating nearly hit a record low the day before the elections.

The poll found Trump's approval rating stood at 32%, just one percentage point above his record-low 31%, recorded in October.

As of mid-October, President Trump was also facing negative approval ratings in Tennessee, with 44% of voters approving of his job performance and 48% disapproving, according to a Civiqs poll.

While the surge in Democratic turnout resulted in Democrats gaining just one additional congressional seat in Tennessee, the party took control of the House with an estimated 224 seats and managed to flip seven seats in the Senate, USA TODAY reported.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate National Adoption Month with two special performances on Friday, November 6, featuring Carrie Underwood, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bill Anderson, Mark Wills, Colony House and Louis York.

The shows, scheduled for 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., will benefit Show Hope, the Franklin-based nonprofit Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, founded in 2003.

Beginning October 30, $5 from each ticket purchased will be donated to Show Hope, which works to reduce financial barriers to adoption and support children and families.

The special performances come as Show Hope celebrates a milestone. Since its founding, the organization has helped impact the lives of 10,000 children in 65 countries through its Adoption Aid grants.

For more than two decades, Show Hope has provided financial assistance to families pursuing adoption, helping reduce the costs that can prevent children from finding permanent homes.

The Chapmans founded Show Hope following their own family’s adoption journey, with the goal of helping other families navigate the adoption process.

Tickets for both November 6 performances are available at opry.com.