Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 3-13-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for March 13, 2026

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

Ogles Doubles Down, Takes More Heat (Tennessean)

As U.S. Rep. and former Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles’ remarks against the Muslim community escalate, so too has the pushback from national and local faith groups.

Ogles sparked widespread controversy with a March 9 social media post that said “Muslims don’t belong” in the U.S. and “pluralism is a lie.” Following backlash among some of the nation’s top lawmakers, the congressman from Columbia posted additional comments doubling down on his sentiment.

“America is a product of English Christian culture,” Ogles said in a March 10 post. “If we don’t cease to import islam, the West falls.”

But Muslim and other faith groups alike have pointed out Ogles’ advocacy is setting a dangerous precedent for American civil liberties. The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and Interfaith America are among the latest groups to condemn Ogles’ remarks.

“This hateful rhetoric about Muslim Americans is antithetical both to our American values and our Jewish values,” the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville said in a March 11 statement. “Ogles is an elected official who is tasked with representing all his constituents, and upholding the principles outlined in the United States Constitution, which guarantees all Americans the right to the free expression of their beliefs. To even suggest legislating one particular religious ideology runs counter to his very duty to our country.”

The Jewish Federation added the experience of being “othered” is familiar to Jewish people and it creates a slippery slope.

“Today Ogles is calling for the total rejection of Muslims,” the Jewish Federation said. “Tomorrow it could be any one of us, our friends, and neighbors.”

Ogles in another recent post defending his remarks about Muslims used the phrase “Christ is King,” a phrase that in recent years has developed an antisemitic connotation based on its usage by certain right-wing voices. Meanwhile, allies of some of those same right-wing camps have cheered on Ogles.

Ogles proposed last week a “Muslim ban” that seeks to bar immigration by people of Islamic faith to the U.S. In the lawmaker’s hometown in 2008, a white supremacist burned down the Islamic Center of Columbia, leading to the man’s conviction and a prison sentence of 15-plus years.

Other groups that criticized Ogles included national advocacy groups Interfaith America and the Interfaith Alliance. Interfaith America chief executive Adam Nicholas Phillips said in a statement, “Pluralism does not mean pretending that our differences disappear. It means building a society where people of different faiths, cultures, and convictions can live as equal citizens and cooperate to shape a shared future.”

Lady Vols Win Mid-State Classic (MSM)

For the eighth time in as many Midstate Classics, Tennessee left the diamond at Columbia’s Ridley Park victorious Tuesday, run-ruling Austin Peay 9-1 in six innings in the finale of the three-game event.

The top-ranked Lady Vols remained undefeated at 24-0 on the season, scoring eight runs in their final three at-bats with Alannah Leach and Makenzie Butt each hitting late home runs — Butt’s two-run bomb ending the game.

Prior to the Lady Vols’ victory, Columbia Central opened the day with a 20-2, five-inning win over Spring Hill. In the afternoon contest, Columbia State fell 9-0 to Calhoun (Ala.) Community College.

Ridley Park Names Headquarters After Boshers (CDH)

The city of Columbia celebrated another successful Midstate Classic softball tournament with a special dedication honoring one of the visionaries behind the creation of Ridley Park Sports Complex.

Columbia unveiled March 10 a plaque dedicating the Ridley complex's headquarters after former Columbia City Councilman Steve Boshers, renaming the facility as the John Stephen "Steve" Boshers Tournament Headquarters.

Boshers, a lifelong Columbia native, was born Jan. 22, 1965. He was elected to the council in 2017 representing Columbia's second ward.

Having a deep passion for sports, Boshers dedicated much of his life to the National Little League Association, serving as president of the Cal Ripken Baseball League, developing the Ridley Sports Complex was a project Boshers supported greatly.

"This is a fitting time to have Steve Boshers honored here," Vice Mayor Randy McBroom said. "Everybody here had a relationship with Steve. Anybody in this town could probably say they knew Steve Boshers."

McBroom later shared a story from when Boshers ran for vice mayor in 2018, challenging Vice Mayor Christa Martin, though was defeated by a mere 38 votes.

"I figured he would say, 'Oh, I was cheated or somebody did something wrong to me,' but that man made a difference in me," McBroom said.

"He said, 'It's okay, I lost.' He was so gracious in that little moment in his defeat. I still remember that, a 30-second blip in our life, how Steve was just so gracious in what he did. That's the kind of man we are honoring today."

In addition to his service on Columbia City Council, Boshers was also a Maury County constable, a reserve deputy for the Maury County Sheriff's Department, a pastor and territorial manager of O'Reilly Auto Parts for many years.

Boshers passed away July 31, 2019, two years after the $7 million Ridley Park expansion had been completed. In November of 2023, the council approved Resolution 23-88 to dedicate park space for Boshers, as well as a pavilion at Woodland Park honoring former Councilman Ken Wiles, who was appointed to serve after Boshers and later passed away Aug. 7, 2022.

"Steve made a difference, and we all need to remember that," McBroom said.

In 2024, the city dedicated Championship Field at Ridley Park after former Mayor Dean Dickey, which also coincided on his 91st birthday. Dickey passed away Jan. 8 of this year at the age of 92.

Boshers' surviving daughter, Linzy Booker, shared her appreciation for her father's dedication, and that Ridley Park, public service and supporting local sports meant the world to him.

"Thank you everybody for being here and the way this all played out, the way it is on the Midstate Classic," Booker said.

"My dad loved four things. He loved God, loved his family, loved this community and he loved the Volunteers. He is just beside himself in Heaven right now, and we are just thankful you all showed up today and are here, and we are thankful for the opportunity to honor his life."

State Announces $200M in Broadband Funding (MSM)

Maury County is among counties across the state set to receive funds designated to close the digital divide for unserved and underserved Tennesseans.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Governor and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced recently the approval of a historic broadband expansion through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. 

The state-administered broadband investment plan will bring more than $200 million in BEAD funding to unserved and underserved communities across the state.

When Lee took office in 2019, more than 20 percent of Tennesseans had no access to high-speed internet. That percentage will become zero upon completion of the funded projects, further supporting this administration’s goal of ensuring every Tennessean has access to reliable, high-speed broadband by 2028.

The $202 million in state-administered federal funding awards 128 projects across 74 counties to deliver broadband service to more than 43,000 previously unserved and underserved locations. Additionally, grantees will provide $200 million in matching funds, bringing the total combined investment in Tennessee broadband infrastructure to more than $402 million for the BEAD Program. These projects align with the state’s broader strategy to expand high-speed internet and ensure long-term connectivity for all Tennesseans.

“High-speed internet is essential for every Tennessean, which is why we’ve made strategic investments in broadband infrastructure and digital opportunity programs to expand access to education and skills training,” Lee said. “From day one in office, I’ve been clear that opportunity should not be defined by zip code, and that includes making sure rural Tennessee is not left behind. I’m proud to announce that once completed, this historic funding will ensure all Tennessee businesses and residents have high-speed internet.”

The BEAD Program is a federally funded initiative administered by TNECD in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The funding will support the deployment of high-speed broadband infrastructure in areas that currently lack access to service meeting minimum speed standards, with a focus on long-term sustainability and affordability.

“The projects funded through today’s announcement will ensure that all Tennessee residents and businesses have access to broadband,” McWhorter said. “High-quality job training starts with access to high-speed internet, and I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished, thanks to the leadership and forethought of Gov. Lee, in investing a total of $1 billion to expand broadband infrastructure and digital literacy since 2019.”

This milestone brings the state’s total investment in broadband infrastructure and adoption programs to $1 billion since the start of the Lee administration, expanding high-speed internet access to more than 613,000 Tennesseans.

TNECD will continue working closely with local governments, internet service providers and community partners to implement BEAD-funded projects and support successful deployment statewide.

Tennessee’s BEAD-funded projects have an anticipated completion date of December 2028. The state broadband accessibility map can be utilized as a resource to search locations, addresses, and the internet service provider that was awarded in the area.

CPWS Tree Trimming (MSM)

To ensure continued service reliability and public safety, Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) said authorized contractors will continue scheduled vegetation management and tree trimming services throughout its service area.

As the spring storm season approaches, recent winter storms served as a powerful reminder of how vulnerable the power grid can be to falling limbs and ice-laden branches. Analysis of the most recent severe weather events shows that areas with consistent, proactive tree maintenance experienced significantly fewer outages and faster restoration times. By clearing the right-of-way, CPWS aims to minimize future disruptions before the next storm hits.

Understanding the Right of Way

Maintaining a clear zone around electrical infrastructure is our primary defense against power outages. CPWS follows strict guidelines to balance the health of our local canopy with the necessity of uninterrupted power: There are guidelines for:

• Manicured Areas (Residential Yards): In well-maintained lawns, CPWS maintains a 10-foot clearance zone around poles and power lines. This “box” allows for safe operation while respecting the aesthetics of residential landscaping.

• Non-Manicured Areas (Wooded/Rural): In unmaintained or rural areas, the clearance extends to 20 feet on either side of the lines. This wider “ground-to-sky” clearance is vital for preventing fast-growing wilderness from encroaching on primary voltage lines.

• Safety Buffer: No woody-stemmed plants or trees should be planted within 20 feet of utility poles or pad-mounted equipment. Keeping this space clear ensures our crews can access equipment quickly during emergencies.

Working with Contractors

Residents may see crews from CPWS-authorized contractors, such as Kendall Vegetation Services, working in their neighborhoods. These professionals are trained in proper pruning techniques to maintain tree health while achieving necessary safety clearances.

“Our goal is to be proactive rather than reactive,” CPWS Vice-President of Power Operations Ryan Massey said. “While we value the beauty trees bring to Maury County, keeping limbs away from high-voltage lines is the single most effective way to prevent the flickering lights and prolonged outages that often follow Tennessee’s unpredictable weather.”

For more information regarding the trimming schedule or to view our full vegetation management policy, please visit www.cpws.com/power/vegetation-management/.

Maury Regional Foundation to Host Mule Kick (Press Release)

The Maury Regional Health Care Foundation, in partnership with First Farmers and Merchants Bank for the fifth consecutive year, will host the 26th annual Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot on Saturday, April 11, at Riverwalk Park in Columbia.

 Proceeds from the 2026 Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot provide funding for Maury Regional Health’s mobile health unit, which delivers health care services to at-risk and underserved individuals throughout southern Middle Tennessee by providing basic health screenings, education and resources. A portion of the proceeds from the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot will also support the Foundation’s Wellness and Aquatics Complex Healthy Living Endowment and the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. In addition, the Maury County school with the most participation in the 5K will receive a donation to their P.E. program from the Foundation.

 “The Mule Kick 5K is more than just a race; it is a community-wide effort to bring life-changing health care directly to those who need it most,” said Foundation Executive Director Rita Thompson. “By participating, you are putting our mobile health unit on the road to provide screenings and education for at-risk individuals across our region. We are incredibly grateful to First Farmers and Merchants Bank, who has served as our presenting sponsor for five years, and all our supporters for helping us stride toward a healthier community.”

The race will begin on Saturday, April 11, at Riverwalk Park in Columbia with an 8 a.m. start time for the 5K and a 9:15 a.m. start time for the 1-Mile Trot. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to participate. Participants may register for the race online at runsignup.com/MuleKick5K.

 “Partnering with the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation reflects our deep commitment to the health of our communities,” said Brian K. Williams, chairman and CEO of First Farmers. “We are honored to support this event and to help provide essential health care resources to those who need it most.”

 In addition to presenting sponsor First Farmers and Merchants Bank, sponsorships ranging from $350 to $2,500 are still available for those who are interested in marketing exposure at this event. For additional information, contact the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation at 931.381.1111, ext. 1012.

 To learn more about the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation, the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot or to make a donation to the community health fund, which supports the mobile health unit, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation.

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

Steve Rayburn Secrest, 83, died Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at his residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Tony Brown and Bro. Jimmy Peyton officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens with honors provided by the Columbia Fire Department and military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

Former TN First Lady Sundquist Passes (Tennessean)

Martha Sundquist, the widow of former congressman and two-term Republican Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist and a Memphis resident, has died. She was 88.

The former first lady of Tennessee’s death comes about two and a half years after the former governor died following a surgery and short illness in 2023.

The Tennessee House Republican Caucus said in a statement its thoughts and prayers are with the Sundquist family and “all who were blessed to know her.”

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Martha Sundquist, a gracious and devoted public servant who faithfully served the people of Tennessee,” the statement reads. “Her legacy will continue to be felt across the Volunteer State, including in places such as the Martha Sundquist State Forest, which stands as a lasting tribute to her appreciation of Tennessee's natural beauty.”

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally also shared a statement on Martha Sundquist’s death. McNally said he first met her on the campaign trail years ago and was “immediately struck by how polite, knowledgeable and gracious she was with everyone she encountered.”

“Over the years she was also very helpful to me, always offering encouragement and insight,” McNally said. “As First Lady alongside Gov. Don Sundquist, she left a lasting legacy through her advocacy for children and education.”

Ten Commandments Bill Considered (Tennessean

A Republican push in the Tennessee legislature would clear the way for more Christian texts, teachings and prayer in public schools.

SB303/HB47 would allow the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools alongside "historically significant documents" like the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Tennessee Constitution — all of which are already allowed to be displayed in schools. The bill passed the House in a 74-17 vote largely along party lines. The Senate Education Committee heard the bill March 4, but a vote was deferred until March 11.

Bill sponsor Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, argues the Ten Commandments are historically significant and a source of cultural heritage that can be taught in a broader context. He also said the Ten Commandments were foundational to the laws that govern the United States.

"It does not require our schools to display anything, but adds the legal protection for those that choose to do so," Hale said in February.

A similar bill died in the Indiana legislature this year. Laws passed in Texas and Louisiana that require, instead of allow, the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools have been mired in lawsuits in recent years. The Louisiana case could make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Opponents of the Tennessee bill say it will alienate students, staff and faculty who are not Christians and violates the First Amendment and Tennessee Constitution by showing preference to one religion over another.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St., invites the public for an evening combining chocolate with charity in support of Agathos Classical School.

The Columbia venue will host Cocoa Bella: A Fine Chocolate Social from 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday.

The event will include a savory evening of chocolate tasting guided by Agathos students, as well as a variety of desserts, cheeses and meats to indulge.

There will also be a live auction, as well as bluegrass music provided by Jay Arnold and Aaron Law.

Tickets are $55.10 and are available online at Eventim.us or by calling (931) 490-9400.