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

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for February 26, 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

Mt. Pleasant Gets Clean Audit (MSM)

The city of Mount Pleasant was given a clean audit by the accounting firm Mauldin & Jenkins. CPA Allison Hightower, who’s handling the audit, presented the results to the City Commission at its Feb. 17 meeting.

Hightower praised Shiphrah Cox and her city finance department for their cooperation and honesty. Mauldin & Jenkins didn’t have to substantially revise the accounting of the city’s in-house professionals, though they double-checked some of their numbers and helped reallocate some funds to the correct buckets. Hightower also noted that the unassigned fund balance, which the city can use to cover emergency or nontraditional expenses, has grown in recent years. She ended by telling the city officials that her firm was available to help them with accounting all year, not only during audit season.

“No money missing, we’ve got an increase in our fund balance which is good to see, and we haven’t had to raise taxes, water rates, sewer rates to balance it out,” said Mayor Bill White, declaring the audit and the city’s financial year a success.

Cox reported that the city is getting paid back in installments by TDOT for the downtown revitalization. So far the city has been able to pay the revitalization contractor $600,000 of the $1.05 million they owe, but the state government has fallen behind on installments of the $4 million it promised to reimburse the city for the project. After Cox confirmed a plan with their representative at the state comptroller’s office, the city commission voted at the February meeting to issue $450,000 in bonds, to pay the difference to the contractor in the meantime before the state’s full reimbursement.

City Manager Philip Grooms reported that at last count, the winter storm had cost the city $32,595 in public-works preparations and emergency-response payroll. The city spent most of it on renting backup generators to power the water plant and service station, but they ended up not needing them. At last report, the city is working with the county Office of Emergency Management to calculate how much reimbursement from FEMA they’d be eligible for.

White announced that the airport authority had asked him to serve on an advisory board temporarily, alongside one representative apiece from the City of Columbia and the Maury County government. As the county takes over responsibility for the airport’s finances, the airport authority decided they wanted someone with a strong accounting mind to help manage the transition, and airport board member Greg Martin and chairman Tom Apker strongly recommended that they bring in White, a career banker. City Attorney Kori Jones explained that there wasn’t necessarily a conflict of interest in having an elected official serve in this capacity, though normally an unelected city official does so.

In official business, the city signed a contract with Collier Engineering to serve as engineers for the resurfacing of Polk Lane, and issued $6 million in bonds to allow Mount Pleasant Power to build a new electrical delivery substation, which would serve Summertown and the rural communities to the south.

Teresa Davis, an administrative assistant to the city manager, was recognized with a proclamation as she retired after 47 years of service to the City of Mount Pleasant. The mayor read the proclamation and declared Feb. 17, 2026 a day in her honor.

Officer Carson McDougal was sworn into the Mount Pleasant Police Department at the beginning of the meeting. The city appointed Brandy Pinkerton to the Housing Board and Merilee Meschefske to the Communications Committee.

Spring Hill Urges Williamson to Rescind UGB Vote (MSM)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen formally requested last week that the Williamson County Commission rescind a resolution it passed earlier this month that significantly changes the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) process and annexation framework outlined in its interlocal agreement. 

In 2024, Williamson County and six municipalities — the City of Brentwood, City of Fairview, City of Franklin, City of Spring Hill, Town of Nolensville and Town of Thompson’s Station — entered into an interlocal agreement to guide coordinated growth planning. The agreement established shared procedures for managing development and future boundary adjustments. 

As part of the agreement, an advisory board was created to oversee potential changes to the UGB process and ensure collaboration among the parties. City leaders argue that the county commission acted independently in passing a resolution without consulting the advisory board, in violation of the agreement. 

“They [Williamson County Commission] did that with no communication or coordination with the Advisory Board Committee, which is in direct violation of the interlocal agreement,” said Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer. 

The Williamson County Commission resolution, which passed 16-7, calls on the Tennessee General Assembly to review and amend state annexation and UGB laws to address county concerns. Proposed changes include creating mechanisms to represent unincorporated residents within UGBs who lack municipal representation, requiring stronger documentation of plans of service prior to annexation and expanding municipal reporting on annexation impacts.

Spring Hill officials expressed that while the county’s concerns may be valid, the process used to advance the resolution undermines the cooperative structure established by the interlocal agreement. Vice Mayor Trent Linville described the growth plan as a model framework for collaboration between cities and counties but agreed that the recent action violates the spirit. 

“In my opinion, the Williamson County Commission resolution felt like more of a reaction to a contentious process than thoughtfully crafted policy and it absolutely violates the spirit of cooperation between the cities and the county,” Linville said. 

The remaining municipalities within the agreement are expected to introduce similar resolutions urging the county commission to rescind its votes and reaffirm its commitment to collaborative growth planning. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

Oracle Begins Construction (Tennessean)

Oracle Corp. has begun laying the groundwork to start construction on its new headquarters campus in Nashville.

The tech giant has been planning its Nashville hub since at least 2021, when the project was first publicly announced. Now, demolition and other prep work has begun.

The company revealed in October 2025 it would partner with Nobu Hospitality to bring a luxury hotel and restaurant to its headquarter campus along the river. It is unclear which parcel owned by Oracle will be home to the hotel.

Oracle has also committed to building a pedestrian bridge crossing the river from River North to the Germantown area. The construction timeline for that aspect of the project is also unclear.

Oracle has partnered with Meharry Medical School as part of its Nashville expansion, with plans to build a student innovation center on the company’s planned East Bank campus.

Separately, Oracle has signed a deal with Ascension Saint Thomas, one of Middle Tennessee’s largest hospital systems, to deploy Oracle Health technology across Ascension’s regional locations. The agreement focuses on health‑care data and clinical systems rather than new facilities on the campus.

Gas Prices (MSM)

State gas prices continue to fluctuate, moving three cents more expensive, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.55 which is four cents more expensive than one month ago and 19 cents less than one year ago.  

“The state gas price average continues to move within a fairly steady range each week,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “For now, drivers are still seeing a break at the pump compared to this time last year when pump prices were almost 20 cents higher.” 

Tennessee now 11th least-expensive market in the nation

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Brooks & Dunn, the best-selling country duo of all time and most-awarded artists in CMA history, announced that they will extend their NEON MOON TOUR into 2026.

Promoted by Live Nation and kicking off this fall in Evansville, IN on September 10, the Country Music Hall of Famers will bring their tour to Bridgestone Arena on September 12th.

General onsale begins at 10 AM local time this Friday, February 27, at brooks-dunn.com.