Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 2-25-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for February 25, 2026

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

Recticel To Open Facility in Mt. Pleasant (Press Release)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, and Recticel Group officials announced recently that the company has selected Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee, as the location for its first Insulated Panels manufacturing facility in the U.S.

Recticel Group plans to create 78 new jobs and invest $49.6 million in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee, at the Cherry Glen Industrial Park, a Select Tennessee Certified Site. Once operational, the Tennessee plant will produce insulated panels for the company’s U.S. market, which will be marketed under the brand name Trimo North America.

Recticel Group is a Belgian insulation group with a strong presence in Europe and the U.S. which offers smart insulation solutions that advance a carbon-free economy and a better quality of life. It has a manufacturing network of 13 facilities in six countries across the globe.

Belgian companies have created more than 840 jobs and invested nearly $245 million in Tennessee through foreign-direct investment (FDI).

QUOTES

“Tennessee is leading the nation as the best place to do business, thanks to our skilled workforce and quality of life. Recticel’s decision to open its first insulated panels facility here demonstrates the confidence international companies have in our state and will create even greater opportunity for the families across Southern Middle Tennessee.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“Since Gov. Lee took office, foreign direct investment has accounted for nearly a quarter of all projects, and in 2025 alone, nearly 70% of our landed projects were the result of international investment. I’m proud of the business-friendly environment we’ve cultivated that attracts businesses from around the globe, and I look forward to seeing how Recticel strengthens that ecosystem from its Mt. Pleasant operations.” – Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter

“Launching Trimo North America marks an exciting new chapter in our global growth strategy. In Europe, demand for our insulated panels has grown dynamically, driven by their exceptional

thermal performance, durability, and design versatility. Our new Tennessee facility will manufacture high-quality insulated panels for a wide range of applications, including warehouses, gymnasiums, schools, industrial facilities, and retail spaces. We look forward to becoming an active part of Tennessee’s dynamic and welcoming business community.” – Jan Vergote, CEO, Recticel Group

GOP Caucus Recap (CDH)

Election season ramped up with the 2026 Maury County Republican Party Caucus, where bona fide Republicans selected their nominees to run for county leadership in August.

The Republican Caucus held Feb. 21 was open only to bona fide members of the Maury County Republican Party, signified by those who have voted in three of the last four state Republican primaries, (unless the voter was too young to register in previous elections) and are an active member of the MCRP.

The criteria of a bona fide Republican is set forth by the Tennessee Republican Party bylaws. Pre-registration was allowed ahead of the caucus as well as at the door to be approved by members of the state executive committee.

Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt, who announced her campaign for re-election in December, was chosen by Republican voters as their county mayoral candidate.

"A great Saturday morning with people who gave their time today because they care about electing conservative Republican candidates to serve Maury County," Butt posted to social media Feb. 21.

Prior to the caucus, Butt also posted to social media emphasizing the importance of local communities holding caucuses.

"It is important to remember: the only result of a caucus is that a party chooses their candidates to run in the local general elections. It is basically their nominating convention," Butt wrote.

"A vote is a very precious thing. It is a privilege and responsibility and should never be taken lightly. Thousands have given their lives for us in America to have that freedom. I have always been aware of the responsibility and trust that comes with earning a vote."

Other incumbent nominees chosen included Maury County Trustee Randy McNeese, County Clerk Joey Allen and Register of Deeds John Fleming.

Maury County Republican Party Chairman Jason Gilliam said the caucus drew close to 500 voters.

"There were 440 chairs in the room, and we had to bring more in for people to sit, and then we had people standing up against the wall," Gilliam said. "We are very pleased and happy with how everything went. I think it was a successful day, and it will be interesting to see what happens in the upcoming election."

Gilliam added that by holding a local caucus, it not only narrows down a party's candidates for an election, but can also save taxpayers money.

"It saved the county a little over $50,000," Gilliam said. "That's an important aspect."

Gilliam also said he believes the state should "close" its primaries by making a change in the state legislature.

"The state needs to close the primaries because until they close the primaries, crossover voting will occur," Gilliam said.

"Crossover" voting is what some call the practice of citizens, other than Republicans, voting in a Republican-run primary, such as Independents, Democrats and those who are not bona fide Republicans.

"Many times, they will vote for the Republican candidate least likely to win [or represent the party]. The caucus is the best assurance we have that true Republicans are running in our elections."

The Maury County Democratic Party will hold its 2026 caucus starting at noon Feb. 28 at the Ledbetter Auditorium, located in the Frank G. Clement Building at Columbia State Community College, 1665 Hampshire Pike.

Early voting in the 2026 Primary Election will run July 17-Aug. 1, with Election Day on Thursday, Aug. 6. This includes the General Election for state judicial and applicable county offices.

The State Primary and Maury County General Election will be held Aug. 6 to vote for county offices in the general election and to vote in the state Primary for offices of governor, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, Tennessee House of Representatives and Tennessee Senate as well as executive committee seats.

The State and Federal General Election will be Nov. 3.

MRMC Gets Car Seat Grant from GM (MauryCountySource)

Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries among children in the United States. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, approximately 59% of car seats are not installed correctly, significantly increasing the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. To help address this ongoing safety concern, Maury Regional Health Care Foundation has been awarded the General Motors (GM) Car Seat Grant for the seventh consecutive year.

This grant comes from GM Spring Hill Manufacturing through the 2025 Community Impact Grants program. Each year, GM Spring Hill Manufacturing provides funding to local nonprofits aimed at supporting STEAM Education and Road Safety. Since 2019, Maury Regional Health Care Foundation has received over $150,000 through the program. GM’s continued investment reflects their commitment to helping keep families safe on Tennessee roads. The award of the GM grant will strengthen the Community Car Seat Safety Initiative by funding certification and recertifications for car seat safety technicians, public education, car seat inspections, and free car seats for families in need in Maury County and our service area.

“Safety on the road begins long before a vehicle leaves our plant,” said GM Spring Hill Manufacturing Executive Director Anton Busuttil. “For seven years, GM has invested in this effort to help families protect what matters most. We value strong partnerships like this one that improve the well‑being of the communities where our employees live and work.”

The Foundation serves a predominantly rural population in Columbia and surrounding areas, with many at-risk and underserved families with babies and small children. The Community Car Seat Safety Initiative program targets individuals who lack access to adequate resources to protect their children while riding in an automobile.

The Foundation is expanding the reach of the program to all service areas for Maury Regional Health by supplying car seats to patients at Columbia Pediatrics who are in need, as well as Lewisburg Pediatrics, Lewis Health Center, Maury Regional Medical Group Primary Care and Pediatrics and the new Lawrenceburg practice that will be opening in Spring 2026. The organization is also partnering with the Pregnancy Center in Spring Hill and Columbia to increase the availability of safe car seats to families who lack adequate resources.

“Many parents lack the resources to purchase a car seat that properly fits their child. Through our collaboration with GM, we are able to assist those parents as well as work with Columbia Fire Department and others to ensure there are certified car seat safety technicians offering free inspections for any member of the community,” said Foundation Executive Director Rita Thompson. “With this latest grant, we look forward to expanding our reach in the region.”

Additionally, the Foundation will continue offering free car seats to families experiencing financial barriers or have specific financial needs within the Maury Regional Health system identified through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Mother/Baby floor, pediatricians and care teams.

Since 2006, the Foundation has funded more than $5.8 million in programs and services benefiting community members in need. These programs include medication assistance, a food pantry, transportation assistance, educational support, community health initiatives and employee assistance. Learn more about the Foundation at MauryRegional.com/Foundation.

Spring Hill Airport Site to Expand

A Spring Hill development approved previously for construction of an airport east of I-65 is back before city planners, this time seeking to expand its overall development area by 41 acres.

The Spring Hill Municipal Planning Commission reviewed two items at its Feb. 23 work session, each for the Spring Hill Commerce Center site.

Since its approval in 2023, allowing a 700-acre development north of Jim Warren Roadway, the Spring Hill Commerce Center property has undergone numerous changes, including reducing the number of residential units by nearly 1,000, as well as redesigning the site to incorporate an airport.

Due to these changes in planning, the Board of Mayor & Aldermen approved a one-year extension to applicant Richmond Company in May of 2025, which originally would have expired in January.

The Feb. 23 meeting consisted of two Spring Hill Commerce Center-related items. The first was a rezone request for a 25-acre tract currently zoned as an agricultural district (AG) to general industrial (IG). The second was a similar rezone request, but with a 19-acre parcel.

Spring Hill Senior Planner Gilles Morin said rezoning to IG is a necessary step before the property could be zoned from AG to planned development (PD), per the city's unified development code (UDC).

"This request represents the initial step in a two-step rezoning process," Morin said. "This subject property is included within the proposed Spring Hill Commerce Center planned development area. It was included in the conceptual plan and within the development agreement but was not part of the planned development."

Morin added that the 19-acre parcel would serve as a gateway area.

"This being a part of the planned development does add the potential for new job opportunities," he said.

Cole Williams, representing developer Goodwin, Mills and Cawood, said the main reason the two parcels were not included in the original plan was due to being located in Williamson County, which required expanding the city's urban growth boundary.

"It took a while for that urban growth boundary to get modified that would then allow us to take on the zoning," Williams said.

"And because of that, we aren't asking for any additional utilities, because it is going to be part of the development agreement and the utility agreements that have already been made. With the moratorium on sewer, it has taken everybody a little bit of time to get comfortable with it. That's why it has been delayed being part of the project."

No votes were taken Monday, but the items will reappear before planners in March. Following the March vote, the planning commission will send its recommendation, either favorable or unfavorable, to the BOMA for final approval.

Historic Marker Unveiling (Press Release)

The City of Columbia invites community members to attend a special unveiling ceremony for a historical marker commemorating the former site of a residence once owned and occupied by President James K. Polk and his wife, Sarah Childress Polk.

The home once stood in what is now a parking lot for the Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. James and Sarah Polk initially rented the modest house for one year before purchasing it in 1825. The residence served as their primary home until 1845, when James K. Polk was elected as the 11th President of the United States and the couple relocated to the White House.

During their years in Columbia, the Polks graciously entertained distinguished guests, including former Presidents Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren. After leaving the White House, the Polks sold the home in 1847 and later settled in Nashville. The house subsequently changed ownership several times before being demolished in 1961. While the original structure is no longer standing, the site remains historically significant.

This location is separate from the President James K. Polk Home & Museum in Columbia, which was Polk’s ancestral home. It is the only home still standing, except for the White House, that Polk lived in. The marker being unveiled recognizes a different property that the Polks owned and lived in during their married life.

The unveiling ceremony will honor the historical importance of this site and President Polk’s enduring connection to Columbia.

Columbia 101 (Press Release)

The City of Columbia announces the return of Columbia 101, an interactive civic engagement program designed to give residents an inside look at how local government operates. After three successful installments, the city is now accepting applications for the next Columbia 101 session, scheduled for Tuesday, April 28th and Wednesday, April 29th. 

Developed to strengthen transparency between citizens and their city, Columbia 101 offers participants a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at how municipal departments serve the community. Over the course of two consecutive days, participants will begin each morning at City Hall before engaging with all 12 city departments and touring select municipal facilities, such as the Police and Public Works Departments. 

“An informed community is essential to a strong city. Columbia 101 helps residents gain a deeper understanding of city operations, encourages civic participation, and supports continued progress through shared knowledge and engagement,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. 

A Fall 2025 participant shared their experience, saying, “The Columbia 101 class was a great way to learn about how the city government works and also to be able to meet some of the key people who make things happen. I have a much better understanding and appreciation for all of the things that the city does to make Columbia a good place to live. I highly recommend this class.”

Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, March 20th at 4:00 PM. The program is open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents and is held twice per year. There is a $25 program fee for all accepted applicants to cover program costs, including food and transportation. 

“Columbia 101 provides residents with a structured overview of how city departments operate and collaborate to deliver essential services,” City Manager Tony Massey stated. “It is a valuable opportunity for participants to learn more about the planning, resources, and coordination required to serve a growing community.”

Lexi Dearborn, Program Director, added, “We’re excited to welcome a new group of participants this spring. Columbia 101 offers a meaningful way for residents to learn more about the city they call home and become more involved in its future.”

Columbia 101 applications are available at www.ColumbiaTN.gov or at the reception desk on the 3rd floor of City Hall. Follow the City of Columbia on Facebook and Instagram at “CityofColumbiaTN” for updates. For questions, please contact Lexi Dearborn at LDearborn@ColumbiaTN.gov.

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

Byrd Douglas Cain Jr., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18th.

The family will receive friends at St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 311 West 7th St. Columbia, TN on Monday, March 2nd at 12:30 PM. The service will begin at 2 PM, also at St. Peters. Friends are invited to join the family following the service to celebrate Byrd’s life at Graymere Country Club at 2100 Country Club Ln, Columbia, TN.

Robin “Rob” Stephen Morrow, 64, a resident of Springfield, TN died Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. Thomas West Hospital.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 1:00 PM until the service time.

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.

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.

Mr. Joe Hoover Delk, 89, longtime Columbia pharmacist, died Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Life Care Center of Columbia.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Graymere Church of Christ. Entombment will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 12:00 PM till 2:00 PM at Graymere Church of Christ.

Marion Charles Davis, 93, resident of Culleoka, TN died Monday, February 23, 2026 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A private graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery. 

Kay Derryberry Rodgers, 83, a resident of Columbia, TN died Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care.

A Memorial Service will be conducted Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jeff Kane officiating. A private burial will occur at Lone Oak Cemetery in Lewisburg. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 12 PM until the service time at the church. 

Shamar Carlito Fason, age 4 passed away on February 16th. The family will visit with loved ones in a celebration of Shamar’s life on Friday, February 27, from 4-7 PM at Maury Hills Church. Shamar was able to see best in bright colors, so the family requests that everyone wear something bright and cheerful if possible. Red was his favorite.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations can be made in Shamar’s memory to United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee.

Now, news from around the state…

Some Schools Granted Waivers Behind Storm (Tennessean)

Tennessee has granted waivers for missed school days in the fallout of a devastating winter storm for nearly two dozen districts.

Several Middle Tennessee districts, including Cheatham County Schools, the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, Dickson County Schools and Robertson County Schools, were among those who had at least some of their missed days forgiven. Memphis-Shelby County Schools was also granted a waiver for several days of its two-week closure.

Tennessee requires schools to have 180 instruction days per school year that meet for at least six-and-a-half hours. Districts typically have "stockpile" days built into their calendars to use when things like extreme weather keep them from meeting in person. While the number of stockpile days varies by district, the state allows up to 13 per school year. Districts build them up by extending school by a half hour on some days.

While there are carve-outs for remote or hybrid instruction in state law, schools are also allowed to request a waiver for closures due to a natural disaster exhausts stockpile days. If approved, the waiver allows schools to fall short of the 180-day threshold.

Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee Today!

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Six-time GRAMMY® Award winner and 2022 Kennedy Center Honoree Amy Grant has announced her new album The Me That Remains, arriving May 8 via Thirty Tigers. Produced by ten-time CMA Award winner and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Mac McAnally, the project marks Grant’s first collection of all-original songs in 13 years.

With the announcement, Grant has announced an album release show at the Ryman Auditorium on May 8. Tickets go on sale February 27. Please visit https://www.amygrant.com/ for more information.

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