Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 2-19-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for February 19, 2026

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

Columbia City Spring Hill and Columbia Make Wastewater Agreement (CDH)

Columbia has approved a new interlocal agreement with the city of Spring Hill, which would allow a maximum of 1.5 million gallons of wastewater in Spring Hill to be pumped into Columbia for treatment.

The agreement, budgeted at about $96,000, would fund a feasibility study of Columbia's Wastewater Treatment Plant as it continues its expansion, which is expected to be completed in 2028.

"It is the cost of a feasibility study of our existing infrastructure and what it would take to get that material from Spring Hill to the city of Columbia," Columbia Wastewater Director Donny Boshers said. "Obviously, there will have to be some upgrades made."

A second item related to the agreement, also approved by council at its Feb. 12 meeting, included a contract with J.R. Wauford to conduct the engineering for the study.

"We have the extra capacity, even now with our old plant," Boshers said. "It's a 14 MGD plant, and we average between 6-7 million gallons per day. And just to throw some dates around, with the feasibility study, the engineering and construction, it could probably be early to mid-2027 before we receive any material from Spring Hill."

The agreement would address Spring Hill's ongoing sewer moratorium, allowing an opportunity for increased capacity to citizens and take steps toward one day lifting the moratorium.

"At this point, all we are looking to do is collect information," Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer told council members at the Feb. 12 meeting. "We think your engineers should study your sewage system and provide you with information, but we don't want you to bear any cost with that."

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder responded that this is an opportunity for the two municipalities to work together toward a common goal.

"This is an opportunity for us to at least explore the potential partnership here," Molder told Fitterer. "I appreciate the approach that you and your team have taken with respect to hey, 'there is no pressure here, and this may not work, but it is at least worth giving it a shot to see.'"

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved Aug. 5, 2025 the terms to a Consent Order issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) after 29 violations had been discovered at the city's treatment plant.

Conditions of the Consent Order include the city issuing a mandatory moratorium within 60 days, which could only be lifted after the issues are fixed and remain that way for a period of 12 months, pending TDEC's approval.

In December of 2025, BOMA approved the moratorium, while also approving its part of the new Spring Hill/Columbia wastewater agreement.

City Recognizes First Responders (MSM)

First Responders, the Columbia Power and Water System (CPWS) and the city Public Works Department were recognized for their distinguished service during Winter Storm Fern during last week’s City Council meeting. 

As the winter storm moved through the city, many residents lost power, were confined to their homes and faced hazardous conditions. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of first responders, CPWS and Public Works crews, power was restored to many, roads were cleared and treated and residents were kept informed with critical safety updates. 

From Jan. 24-27, public works crews worked 12-hour shifts, spreading more than 400 pounds of salt and treating approximately 480 lane miles across the city. 

“We’re really proud of our team, and everyone did a great job,” said Public Works Director Jeff DeWire. 

The Columbia City Council formally honored the teams for their efforts. Mayor Chaz Molder shared his appreciation during the presentation and online, praising the Public Works Department as “the best in all the land” and expressing pride in the city’s first responders. 

Resolutions 

In other business, a resolution was passed during last week’s meeting, authorizing the city to apply for the Financial Excellence Award from the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office. The award recognizes organizations and professionals for outstanding achievement in financial management, reporting and transparency. 

In January, the city earned its sixth consecutive year of financial recognition by receiving the Government Finance Officers Association’s Prestigious Triple Crown designation. Columbia remains one of the only cities in Tennessee to achieve this distinction. 

The resolution confirms the city has reviewed and complied with its financial policies. As part of eligibility, the city remains subject to the State Comptroller’s audit and budget oversight. 

Ordinances 

In a 6-0 vote, the council approved Ordinance No. 4578 on first consideration. The ordinance revises the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, including updates to the general, capital projects and grant funds. 

The Columbia Police Department was awarded $1.3 million through the State of Tennessee’s Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF). As a result, the overall fiscal budget shows a $1.34 million increase. 

Under the revised ordinance, most departments will receive increased funding, while two departments will see reductions. A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for March 12 before final consideration.

Maury Regional Foundation Announces Board (MauryCountySource)

The Maury Regional Health Care Foundation announced appointments to its board of directors for 2026 during the group’s December meeting.

Officers include Tina Adams as chair, Jim Richardson as chair-elect, Jennifer Richardson as secretary and Gaye Pike as treasurer. Additional members of the Executive Committee include Jenny Adcox, Brent Allred and Mike Williams.

“We are pleased to welcome new members to our board of directors,” said Rita Thompson, executive director of the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation. “Their collective experience across health care, business, and community service will be instrumental to the success of the Foundation as we grow our outreach programs to meet the needs of our communities.”

The board announced the addition of seven new members in 2026:

Revrey Amey, DNP, FNP-BC currently operates People’s Choice Clinic, which provides health screenings, physicals, immunizations, and wellness exams. Her experience includes being a nurse in the Critical Care Unit at Maury Regional Medical Center. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Association, with board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She received her master’s degree in nursing from Austin Peay State University and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Walden University.

Emily Darnell serves as the public relations officer at First Commerce Bank in Lewisburg. She has more than 17 years of experience in community relations and previously served as the economic and community development director for Marshall County for eight years. She is currently chair of the Marshall County Senior Citizens and Marshall County Child Development Center Boards, secretary of Marshall County Recovery Foundation and Marshall County Library Foundation Boards, treasurer of South Central Tennessee Tourism Association Executive Board and member of Main Street Lewisburg, Lewisburg Community Development, Spot Lowe Technology Advisory and TCAT Pulaski Advisory Boards. She received her bachelor’s degree in dietetics and consumer sciences from Lipscomb University.

Randy Davidson, MD, is a retired orthopedic surgeon associated with Mid-Tennessee Bone and Joint Clinic, currently Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance. He was a member of the Maury Regional Health medical staff from 1991 until 2024, having served as chief of staff in 1999. While an active physician, he also participated in mission trips to Mexico and Honduras. Dr. Davidson has served on the boards of Columbia Academy and the Tennessee Children’s Home and has held leadership roles as president of the Tennessee Orthopedic Society and the Campbell Club. He received his undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University, followed by a medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and residency at Campbell Clinic.

Kae Brock Fleming, EdD, MBA, RT(R), serves as dean of health sciences and professor of radiologic technology at Columbia State Community College, a role she assumed in 1988. She currently serves as chair of the Board of Directors for the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and chair of the Health Sciences Deans & Directors Council for Tennessee. Fleming is an alumna of Columbia State Community College and earned an MBA from Middle Tennessee State University and an EdD in learning organizations and strategic change from Lipscomb University.

Kevin Maquiling, MD, is a member of the medical staff at Maury Regional Medical Center and is board certified in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. He currently serves as the director for the MRMC Cardiac Cath Lab, medical director for Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute-Columbia, and assistant professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Maquiling received his medical degree from Rush Medical College, where he also completed his residency and fellowships in cardiology and interventional cardiology.

Jennifer McConnell is the chief risk officer at First Farmers and Merchants Bank where she guides the organization’s first enterprise‑wide risk management program in its 116‑year history. With 29 years of experience in commercial lending, credit administration and risk management, she brings a seasoned perspective to the evolving needs of the bank. Jennifer joined First Farmers just over two years ago as chief credit officer, her thoughtful leadership and commitment to strong risk practices led to her appointment as CRO where she oversees key areas such as internal audit, regulatory compliance, fraud, information security, and credit administration. McConnell is a graduate of Centre College, Danville, KY, with a double major in Economics and International Relations.

Demetrius Nelson is the pastor at Carmack Boulevard Church of Christ, serving nine years in the role, and is also a licensed funeral director for his family business, Nelson and Sons Funeral Homes. He currently serves as president of the Columbia Peace & Justice Initiative, chairman of the Churches of Christ Tennessee State Youth Conference, and a board member for the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Divinity degree in organizational leadership from the Theological University of America.

The board of directors for the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation consists of 23 voting members, 14 board ambassadors and nine emeritus members. View the full roster at MauryRegional.com/Foundation.

The Foundation works to expand health care services and community outreach programs throughout southern Middle Tennessee. Established in 2006, it provides support, health care services and a caring environment for individuals not able to obtain appropriate care. Since its formation, the Foundation has provided more than $5.1 million in programs and services.

City Recognized for Sports Tourism (MauryCountySource)

The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department has been recognized as a 2025 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, honoring the exceptional performance and national impact of the Ridley Sports Complex.

Ridley Sports Complex was honored in the Small Market category, highlighting Columbia’s continued rise as a premier destination for sports tourism. Across all 2025 champions, more than $1.4 billion in economic activity was generated nationwide over the past year, underscoring the powerful role sporting events play in strengthening local economies.

“This award reinforces what so many teams and event organizers already know — Ridley Sports Complex is a top-tier venue,” said Mack Reagan, Director of Columbia Parks and Recreation. “Our staff works hard to deliver exceptional tournament experiences, and we’re thrilled to see the positive effects that sports tourism continues to bring to Columbia.”

With high-quality fields, versatile facilities, and a strong track record of hosting major regional and national tournaments, Ridley Sports Complex attracts thousands of athletes, families, and spectators each year. These events provide measurable benefits to the community by supporting local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and small businesses.

“This recognition proves that Columbia is competing and winning on a national stage,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “We are proud of this achievement and excited for what’s ahead.”

Sports Destination Management is the most widely circulated publication for sports event planners and tournament directors in the country, focusing on destination selection, venue management, and industry innovation. Columbia’s inclusion among the 2025 champions showcases the city’s leadership and competitiveness in this growing industry.

As Columbia continues to build on this momentum, Ridley Sports Complex will once again host the Midstate Classic on March 10, 2026, marking the 11th year of the popular collegiate softball tournament. Events like the Midstate Classic further demonstrate how sports tourism continues to generate economic activity and community engagement throughout the year.

The Midstate Classic will feature three games throughout the day:

10:00 a.m. – Columbia Central High School Lions vs. Spring Hill High School Raiders

1:30 p.m. – Columbia State Community College Lady Chargers vs. Calhoun Community College Warhawks

5:30 p.m. – University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers vs. Austin Peay State University Governors

Gates open at 7:30 a.m. General admission is $10 and includes access to all three games. Complimentary ADA transportation will be available before, during, and after the tournament. Tickets are available now! Click here to get your tickets today! For additional information, call (931) 388-8119.

The City of Columbia looks forward to continued growth in sports tourism and ongoing improvements that will ensure Ridley Sports Complex remains one of Tennessee’s premier sports destinations.

Columbia Mall Continues to Develop (CDH)

The Columbia Mall site received its latest approval as work continues to reshape and develop the 800 S. James M. Campbell property.

The Columbia Planning Commission approved the mall's latest request Feb. 11, wherein the property seeks to subdivide the lot associated with the Maury Regional Cancer Center. Mayor Chaz Molder opted to abstain from the vote.

"This request is to create a parcel from the overall former Columbia Mall parcel for the existing Maury Regional Cancer Center Property," Columbia City Planner Austin Brass said. "What it does is, essentially, create a new property line that affronts the Brookmeade right of way, or the road that we more colloquially know as 'the road going to Walmart.'"

When the topic was brought to the planning commission, chairman Charlie Goatz asked if the new property line would affect the access road behind the mall property, including the new access point leading to Walmart.

"It is a right of way that is for the collective use of all properties and is not a private right of way," Brass responded. "But for permitting purposes, for platting purposes, all plats have to affront a right of way, and the purpose of this is the Brookmeade right of way in which it affronts."

In addition to subdividing the Maury Regional Cancer Center's parcel, other developments at the former Columbia Mall site are currently underway, including new restaurants and retail set to open later this year.

A strip section located toward the front of the property will consist of a Bath & Body Works, Wingstop and Jimmy John's restaurants, an America's Best eyewear store, as well as a nail salon.

"Those are the new things, and then 7 Brews is prepping to open as well," Wyatt Woeltje representing property owner Highland Capital, said. "We are really pushing, and all of these [businesses] are the latest and greatest of it."

Highland Capital initially acquired the Columbia Mall property in December of 2024. Since then, the site has undergone significant redevelopment. The Nashville based company specializes in retail development, with a resume of more than 10 million square feet of redeveloped retail space.

In 2025, the property welcomed its first new tenants with the openings of Academy Sports & Outdoors, Bealls and Five Below.

Woeltje added that, while there is no estimated opening time slated for these new businesses, he expects them to develop throughout the year, with openings most likely to happen between April and August.

"It has changed a lot, from being completely dead to now being a hustling and bustling place again," Woeltje said. "I would anticipate four to six months for a lot of these people. By fall of this year, almost all of these should be open."

Maury Alliance Legislative Breakfast (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance and Breakfast Rotary for their Annual State Legislative Breakfast. The event will take place on Friday, February 27th from 6:45-8:00am at the Memorial Building located at 308 West 7th Street in Columbia. Senator Joey Hensley, Rep. Scott Cepicky, and Rep. Kip Capley will be on hand to update the public and answer their questions related to legislation that affects us.

Admission is $25 for Chamber Members and $30 for non-members.

*If you are a member of Breakfast Rotary you do not need to purchase a ticket for this event.*

For more information, visit www.mauryalliance.com.

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

Edward Allen “Toby” Clark, 87, resident of McMinnville, passed on February 15, 2026.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Burial will follow at Giles Memory Gardens in Pulaski, TN. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Janice Looper Brown, 79, a resident of Columbia, TN died Sunday, February 15, 2026 at NHC Columbia.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Judy Marie Miller Carter, 77, of Spring Hill, TN passed away peacefully on February 16th. 

A funeral mass will be conducted Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Catherine Catholic Church.

Betty Jean Hume Rash, 94, a resident of Columbia, TN died Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at The Bridge.

A Graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Wilkes Cemetery in Culleoka. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Now, news from around the state…

BNA Strikes Deal with Boring Co. (Tennessean)

After eight months of negotiations, the Metro Nashville Airport Authority finalized its 40-year, $34 million deal with Elon Musk's The Boring Company on Feb. 18 to build a tunnel system that will connect Nashville International Airport with downtown.

MNAA board members voted unanimously on the Music City Loop deal, surrounded by a boardroom full of city and state leaders and business owners. The deal also includes an estimated $300 million or more in operating revenue over 40 years, once the Loop is in use.

“This is a significant benefit to the airport authority because we’re receiving a new way for our passengers to arrive downtown at zero capital investment from us,” MNAA President and CEO Doug Kreulen said. “We don’t have to fund the operations and maintenance of that. TBC, The Boring Co., will do that for us.”

Eight Nashvillians spoke during the public comment period on the deal, three against and five in favor. Critics pointed to a lack of transparency from The Boring Co. and potential negative impacts on the city’s existing transit plan. Meanwhile, supporters said they felt bolstered by The Boring Co.’s success in Las Vegas and believe the project will have a positive economic impact on the city.

"It's no surprise that this project has generated strong opinions. Innovation often does," Skyline Hospitality President Jarrett Bell said. "This is a local decision. It's about local mobility, local jobs and local economic competitiveness. As Mayor La Guardia of New York famously said, 'There is no Republican or Democratic way to pick up the garbage.' In the same way, there shouldn't be a Republican or Democratic way to move people efficiently around a growing city."

After a series of abandoned tunnel projects in Illinois, Maryland and California, The Boring Co. debuted its first Tesla tunnel to the public in Las Vegas in 2021. The Nashville project moves forward with the support of Gov. Bill Lee and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, despite environmental violations and workplace safety concerns in Las Vegas.

Tennessee Sens. Heidi Campbell and Charlane Oliver pointed to worker safety and environmental impacts as central reasons for their opposition.

"Safety depends on rules applied evenly without exception. That principle is what concerns me here," Campbell said. "You're not just evaluating a tunnel. You're evaluating a risk, structural risk, legal risk, reputational risk and financial risk."

The deal requires The Boring Co. to pay the airport an annual licensing fee of $300,000 in exchange for the use of 933,309 square feet of airport property. That fee will increase 3% annually to adjust for inflation.

"We took all of the politics out of this the celebrity and everything," MNAA commissioner Glenda Glover said. "We voted to secure Nashville's future and BNA's future."

MNAA officials said they plan to use all revenue it receives from the Music City Loop to reinvest in the airport authority. The project will not require any financial investment from MNAA. The Boring Co. has agreed to reimburse the airport $600,000 for funds expended on legal and engineering fees.

The licensing term is 40 years with two five-year extension options, which makes a 50-year deal possible. In all, the airport is set to receive $34 million in licensing fees from The Boring Co. through the duration of that term, plus over $300 million in operating fees.

Once the tunnel is operational, The Boring Co. will pay MNAA a fee of $5 per drop-off and pick-up at the airport, similar to the fee that rideshare companies pay. MNAA officials said $309 million is a "conservative estimate" of projected operations revenue.

The Boring Co. will also build roadway connections between the end of its tunnel and the current limo and taxi area. There, passengers will be able to enter and exit Tesla vehicles that will then transport them through the tunnel to their destination.

BNA also assured The Boring Co. that it will have access to BNA's Terminal II once it opens. Airport leadership is in the beginning stages of planning a second terminal to open decades down the line.

The Boring Co. will also build roadway connections between the end of its tunnel and the current limo and taxi area. There, passengers will be able to enter and exit Tesla vehicles that will then transport them through the tunnel to their destination.

BNA also assured The Boring Co. that it will have access to BNA's Terminal II once it opens. Airport leadership is in the beginning stages of planning a second terminal to open decades down the line.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

After weeks of recovery and restoration following Winter Storm Fern, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is excited to announce it will officially reopen to the public on Saturday, March 7, 2026, coinciding with the start of its popular annual spring festival.

Experience beauty, community and history at Cheekwood this spring, as thousands of brilliant blooms meet patriotic inspiration. Red, White & Blooms: Cheekwood in Bloom honors America’s 250th birthday and celebrates the start of spring with a spectacular sea of 250,000 red and white tulips, purple-blue violas, hyacinths, and an ever-growing

collection of daffodils, creating a vibrant display throughout the gardens.

The annual seasonal festival offers the perfect setting for families, friends, and nature enthusiasts to gather and welcome warmer weather.

Cheekwood in Bloom takes place March 7 through April 12, 2026.

Learn more at www.cheekwood.org.