Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 3-11-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for March 11, 2026

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

Committee Plans Land Use Plan (MSM)

On Feb. 24, an advisory committee met for the first time to discuss the process of creating the new Maury County Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

Maury County has brought in a planning and consulting firm McBride Dale Clarion to take input on the priorities of the community and stakeholders, then to draft the plan based on their decades of planning experience. McBride Dale Clarion is based in Ohio, where many municipalities lack full-time planning departments, and they’ve created comprehensive plans for many municipalities in the Midwest and Upper South over the last 20 years. Their resumé includes the downtown plan for the city of Franklin and the Williamson County comprehensive land-use plan.

“If you look at the comp plans that our firm has produced, none of them look the same… [We’ll] craft a comprehensive plan that is unique to a community and to what you guys want,” said Liz Fields, the Public Planning Manager for McBride Dale Clarion.

Fields, along with Senior Planner Andy Juengling and Planner Keeghan White, will work on the Maury County plan.

“We never expect to be experts [on] your community, that’s why you all are here. We’re just here as the professional planners to help take the input that you give us to craft that vision,” she said.

Maury County’s 2011 Comprehensive Plan will serve as the basis for the new plan: whatever works in it will be kept, what needs updating or protecting or development will get it. Because of the possibility of more radical upheavals in technology or population —  the old projections didn’t have Maury County reaching a population of over 100,000 until 2030 — the new Comprehensive Plan will only be expected to last for the next five to 10 years, instead of the 15 or 20 years in which the last plan became obsolete.

The advisory committee is composed of 13 “stakeholder representatives” with a balance of interests and priorities. The members are:

• Eric Previti, District 2 county commissioner and vice-president of the county Historical Society

• District 1 County Commissioner Jerry Strahan

• Regional Planning Commissioner Meredithe Hyjek

• Planning Commissioner Sam Kennedy, who’s also the heritage owner of Kettle Mills Farm

• UT Agricultural Extension Director James Harlan, also a heritage farmer

• Travis Groth, vice-president of Economic Development for Maury Alliance

• Sam Gray, a local builder who has presided over the local chapter of the mid-state Homebuilders’ Association

• George Vrailas, another local builder and realtor who belongs to the mid-state Homebuilders’ and Realtors’ Associations

• Maury County Highways Superintendent Ken McKee

• Maury County Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Eric Perryman

• Maury County Water System Board Chair Todd Shultz

• Lexi Bolinski, director of the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity

• Dawn Nelson, the owner of Higher Pursuits Canoe Rental

“You 13 are a stakeholder group that represents a broad range of community interests. Staff put time and effort into thinking, ‘Who should be on this committee? How can we get people that are pro-development, pro-preservation, all of these different angles,” Fields said to the committee members, who would review her firm’s work and finally recommend it to the Regional Planning Commission for passage. “We want to make sure that as we go through this, that you all are supportive of what we’re doing… [So that you’ll eventually] make a recommendation to the adopting body… [because] you all have read this, you all support it and want to see it adopted.”

The firm will help the county choose, in cascading order, the goals, strategies and action steps and personnel for the plan. Throughout the process McBride Dale Clarion will also post public notices and take feedback at a designated online “landing spot,” and host at least two “open house” events where people can give public comment on what’s presented to them.

Advisory committee Chairman Eric Previti suggested hosting one open house at the Veterans’ Memorial Building in Columbia, which will probably be held in the late afternoon on March 18, and the other in the auditorium of a rural unit school.

Priorities of the committee and public

The advisory committee and a few public commenters sounded off throughout the meeting about the special traits of Maury County that they wanted to either preserve or develop. Many wished to use zoning designations and the new comprehensive plan to prevent farmland from being developed.

“We’re rich in Maury County with… agronomy history [and] agricultural history,” said Harlan, who recalled that farming makes up a big chunk of the economy of the state of Tennessee. “I think that needs to be on the forefront of these discussions.”

“It is who we are as Maury County,” agreed Kennedy, and proposed zoning an “Agricultural District” that couldn’t be built over. “I would like us to be known as the county that did it different, that did something that everyone wants to copy… Instead of Nashville’s Bedroom, it could be Nashville’s Breadbasket.”

All four of the public commenters, who appear often with similar concerns at public meetings, agreed.

“We have a really good chance here to do something that some of the other counties and… municipalities around us have not done, which is to protect our resources,” said Dustin Kittle, an environmental attorney. “We’ve got something really special, as far as the rural character of this place.”

Two commenters opined that Kennedy and Harlan might not provide enough, or the right kind of, perspective on farming on the advisory committee. Teresa Sparks, of the county Industrial Development Board, wished that “small” and “regenerative” farmers were also represented on the committee, alongside the two “heritage” farmers of large inherited tracts, and as a counterweight to the “developer” interests on the board.

“I think the board is weighted towards pro-development, pro-growth, pro-houses [interests],” said County Commissioner Gabe Howard. “I know that we’ve got some farmers on the board, [but it’s also] got a commissioner that has voted and supported multiple developments within the city of Columbia.”

Farmers, developers and elected officials on the board agreed, for the most part, on what must be done to guide development.

Vrailas pointed out that “big developers” tend to swoop in from other states, develop prime Maury County land for maximum margins, and take the profits back to their home states; he suggested imposing minimum lot sizes to make building close-packed houses less profitable. Previti said that the City of Columbia, for which he’s running for mayor, has enabled urban sprawl by annexing what used to be county land.

Other advocates brought up the issue of cost of living. Lexi Bolinski, as the director of Habitat for Humanity, said this was the concern she heard the most about, especially from multi-generational local residents.

Previti and Kennedy pointed out that development requires utility infrastructure and thus higher service costs. Sparks pointed out during public comment that farming adds more economic value per acre than it consumes, whereas the opposite is true of exclusionary-zoned housing.

Previti and Dawn Nelson agreed on the importance of preserving the Duck River, as the regional water source and as a major recreational resource.

Finally, committee members and public commenters agreed that the public needs to be thoroughly integrated into the decision-making process.

“You as an advisory committee can help us get the word out… [via] person-to-person communication,” Fields advised.

Spring Hill Discusses Funding Strategies for Projects (MSM)

Spring Hill City Administrator Carter Napier presented an updated Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, outlining project timelines, feasibility and potential funding strategies to support the city’s continued growth. 

City staff and BOMA have spent the past several months updating the plan, prioritizing non-utility projects and identifying funding sources for the next decade. Napier’s presentation focused on how available funds could help move forward with the board’s highest-priority projects. 

Projects in the plan were organized into several categories. Green projects represent active or fully committed work already underway, including Buckner Lane Widening, Community Service Annex (CSA) site and development and design, and the widening of U.S. 31 (Main Street). 

Yellow projects included committed initiatives that currently lack funding. These projects include the widening and realignment of Jim Warren Road from Port Royal Road to I-65, Community Service Annex building construction, improvements to Mahlon Moore Road and Battle Creek Way intersection and the proposed Battle Creek Parkland. 

A third category highlights work-in-progress projects, such as the Port Royal Road and Buckner Lane Intersection improvements, the Countess Roundabout and drainage improvements along Alex Drive. 

The final category, labeled 18-75 projects, included committed but unfunded priorities. The highest- priority project in this group is a new public library, estimated at $41.6 million. Other projects include Buckner Road widening, a new sports complex and Fire Station No.1. 

Napier also outlined the city’s available funding sources. The General Fund which is broken into various totals, with one for unassigned fund balance policy target with $19 million and another for committed monies with $6 million. Staff recommended setting the two funds aside to address emergency construction and Capital Improvement Plan projects. 

For capital projects within the 18-75 fund, approximately $38.4 million is available. Napier said those funds could help move projects forward or provide leverage for potential bonding. 

Additional funding sources include State Street Aid totaling $371,636, which Napier said is best suited for smaller roadway projects completed internally by city crews. 

Combined with other funding streams, the city currently has approximately $78.6 million available across all categories. 

Napier also provided a projected timeline for major construction projects over the next five to eight years: 

• Battle Creek and Mahlon Moore – 2026 completion 

• Kedron Road and Old Kedron – Winter 2026 completion 

• Community Services Annex (CSA) – 2028 completion 

• Library – 2030 completion 

• Jim Warren Road – 2033 completion

Staff also presented several recommendations for how to approach future funding. Those suggestions include avoiding commitment of project revenues from the impact fee fund and adequate facilities fund for the next year or two, limiting capital bonding commitments tied to the General Fund and using larger fund balances for site work, internally completed road projects and advancing the next highest-priority projects. 

Staff further recommended using 18-75 funds for the design and site development of the new public library, contributing toward CSA construction and supporting road work that could potentially be completed in-house. 

The General Fund balance could also be used to help launch projects such as Jim Warren Road, the second phase of Battle Creek improvements and additional in-house roadway design and construction where feasible. 

Looking ahead, Napier said the next step will be for BOMA to determine how the city should fund its major Capital Improvement Plan projects over the next decade while maintaining healthy cash reserves and potentially exploring new revenue strategies. 

Maury County Schools Partner with Tri-Star Bank (Press Release)

Maury County Public Schools is partnering with TriStar Bank to offer the Maury County Public Schools – TriStar Bank Work Ethic Distinction Scholarship to graduating seniors who have earned the Tennessee Work Ethic Distinction.

The scholarship is open to any senior in Maury County Public Schools who has successfully earned the Tennessee Work Ethic Distinction, a recognition that highlights a student’s career readiness. The distinction reflects a student’s demonstrated strengths in time management, initiative, industry skills, community involvement, planning, and work experience.

Qualifying students may obtain the scholarship application link from their school counselor or Work Ethic Distinction coordinator. The application window is open now through March 31.

Students must register at tnworkethic.com to submit required evidence demonstrating they meet the Tennessee Work Ethic Distinction standards.

Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Funds may be used to support expenses for students attending technical schools, community colleges, or four-year institutions. A scholarship committee will review all submitted applications and select three recipients. The winners will be announced during the Maury County Work Ethic Distinction Celebration on April 27.

TriStar Bank has committed to funding the scholarships for the next five years and has been a longstanding partner of the Maury County Work Ethic Distinction initiative, participating annually in the celebration and associated job fair.

“A strong partnership with TriStar Bank allows us to expand opportunities for our students and recognize those who have gone above and beyond to demonstrate career readiness,” said Tristan Brown, CTE College and Career Coordinator with Maury County Public Schools. “The Work Ethic Distinction sets a high standard, and this scholarship reinforces the value of professionalism, responsibility and community involvement as students transition to the next phase of their education.”

Michael Franks, Maury County president, and Chief Lending Officer of TriStar Bank, said the scholarship reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting local students and workforce development. “At TriStar Bank, we believe investing in students who demonstrate strong work ethic and character is an investment in the future of our Maury County,” Franks said. “Our partnership with Maury County Public Schools helps ensure students are recognized and supported as they pursue technical training, community college, or four-year degrees. We are proud to stand behind this initiative for the next five years.”

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…

Michael Timothy "Spike" Jones, 66, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in Columbia where he has been a lifelong resident.

A celebration of life for Michael will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Inurnment will follow in Arlington Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 11:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Ernest Giddens “Pete” Sloan, 76, retired Petroleum Geologist for the United States Dept. of Interior, and resident of Columbia, died Friday, March 6, 2026 at his residence.

A memorial service will be conducted Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with The Reverend Chris Bowhay officiating.

Susan Piesch Dobbins, 74, passed away peacefully at her residence in Culleoka on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

A public memorial service will take place at Hopewell ARP on March 21, 2026 at 4:00p.m. A private burial will take place at Hopewell Cemetery.

Clarice Eloise Allen White, 77, resident of Columbia, died Monday, March 9, 2026 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

No services are scheduled at this time. The family suggests memorials to the Maury County Animal Shelter, 1233 Mapleash Avenue, Columbia 38401. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com

And now, news from around the state…

Governor’s Final Message (Tennessean)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee touted the state’s numerous economic achievements in his final annual Governor's Address hosted by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, as he prepares to retire next year.

On stage at The Pinnacle March 10, Lee praised his administration’s work over the past seven years to lower poverty rates and expand industrial and economic diversity in the state.

But he pointed out that he has a lot to look forward to after leaving public office, namely his large family.

“It’s the best part of my life,” he said, chuckling. “People often ask me what I’m going to do next. And I say, ‘Well I have 11 grandchildren.’”

Lee emphasized Tennessee's declining poverty rates, increasing educational scores and ability to attract a plethora of high-paying businesses as wins during his administration.

“We’ve watched our poverty rate fall below the national average for the first time in the state’s history,” he said. “People in Tennessee have greater access to opportunity than they ever have before.”

The number of economically distressed counties were “cut in half” in the last few years, thanks to increasing business opportunities, he said. "Distressed counties" is a designation of the nation's poorest regions, according to the Appalachian Regional Commission.

“Our economy has attracted $55 billion in investment — just $11 billion this past year,” he said. “300,000 jobs created in our state in the last seven years.”

Lee called out companies like Starbucks, which announced on March 3 that the company's southeastern U.S. corporate office is coming to Davidson County; In-n-Out, which is currently establishing a $125 million corporate hub in Franklin; software company Oracle, which is building a global headquarters on Nashville’s East Bank; Elon Musk's xAi; Ford and more as drivers of prosperity in the state.

“They’ve figured out that the business environment is here, and the culture is what they want for their people, and the opportunity exists for them to be more successful in our state than they might be across the country,” he said.

He also praised the Music City Loop, the privately funded tunneling project helmed by Musk's The Boring Company to connect Nashville International Airport to the Tennessee State Capitol Building. Despite recent Metro Nashville opposition, Lee called the project an "innovative new transportation model to "move people...without charging taxpayer dollars."

“It’s very exciting to me what they might [represent] for the future of transportation in our city and beyond,” he said. “Despite the political arguments about that, the pragmatic business argument for that is incredibly exciting.”

Lee closed the speech thanking business leaders for their support during the past seven years of his administration.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Reunited rock band Dogstar, featuring Keanu Reeves on bass, is coming to The Ryman.

The trio, made up of Reeves, Rob Mailhouse, and Bret Domrose, has announced a new album titled All In Now, set for release on May 29th, 2026, along with a supporting summer tour. A limited edition signed glass clear vinyl will also be available through the band’s online shop.

The tour makes a stop at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, August 5th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now.

Find tickets www.ryman.com.