Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 3-19-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for March 19, 2026

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

Tornado Redirects CSCC Chargers’ Season (MSM)

After playing on the road for 17 of their first 24 baseball games, Desi Ammons was looking forward to the opportunity for him and his Columbia State Chargers to settle in at Dave Hall Field.

Sunday night’s tornadic activities dictated otherwise.

“Turns out it went right through here,” Ammons said, as the metal outfield fence was bent – almost completely to the ground in some spots – and the chain link fence and batting cages along the left-field line were affected as well by the winds.

“There’s no damage to the stadium seats or the press box,” he said. “It’s mostly the outfield fence and a little of the chain link down the left-field line. The (batting) cages got it pretty bad; we’ll probably have to replace those.

“Our bullpens are fine, other than us missing our tarps. We found our right-field one; the left one is nowhere to be found.”

The home plate and pitching mound tarps remained in place, but “were chewed up pretty good,” Ammons said. The infield tarp had not been put down and remained on the storage roll, but was relocated intact into center field by the winds.

“That’s pretty incredible in itself, to be able to move it out to center field – just rolled it right out,” he said.

Elsewhere on campus, the Walter Building sustained some water damage that has necessitated some classes to be moved to other locations. Minor damage to the Warf building roof caused a small leak, and a falling tree limb broke a classroom window in Clement. There were also broken tree limbs and some uprooted trees, according to school officials.

Following an originally scheduled game Tuesday at Northwest Shoals (Ala.), C-State is expected to play a Wednesday contest against visiting College of DuPage (Ill.) at Mark Pickle Field on the campus of Columbia Central, as well as its TCCAA weekend series against Chattanooga State.

Ammons anticipates playing home games off campus for at least another couple of weeks while damage to the baseball complex is assessed and repaired.

“We’ve got to go through insurance, get some quotes, people looking at it,” Ammons said. “Hopefully in the next month we can get a new one and get ready for the conference tournament (May 5-8).

“We were excited just to play at home and get rolling a little bit. We had a tough road schedule. We’re excited to get back at it.”

Entering the week, Columbia State was 13-11 overall and 11-4 in TCCAA play, tied for second in the league standings. 

Mule Day Back (CDH)

The 52nd annual Mule Day will commence next month, bringing back the traditional celebration of the crooked ear workhorse, as well as commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

Carrying the theme, "Red, White & Mule," Mule Day will kick off, as is tradition, with the Mule Day Wagon Train making its annual two-day trek through rural Middle Tennessee to Maury County Park, with main events taking place over three days April 9-11.

Mule Day President Harvey Spann, one of the organizers behind the festival's original 1974 revival, said changing the schedule to three days instead of four was partly due to Sunday typically being less active, especially for those traveling far and wide to attend Mule Day.

"Every year is unique, and the fact it continues to be a big interest for everybody in Columbia, and Tennessee as a whole," Spann said. "People keep coming, and we continue because people have the interest. We like to think Mule Day put Columbia, Tennessee on the map since the 1800s as the mule capital of the world."

It is also an opportunity for Mule Day visitors to take an extra day for sightseeing and shopping at local Columbia businesses.

"We have a lot of people that travel to come here, and it's difficult to keep them here, and so they usually use Sunday as a travel day," Spann said. "We don't want to feel like we are running them off, but to come see Columbia. Come early and stay late, and those who stay can still stay at the park but also visit other things in Maury County that are of interest."

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder stated in his welcome letter in the 2026 Mule Day program how the event "will offer memories you'll treasure for years to come."

Over 100,000 visitors from all 50 states and countries around the world travel the globe to attend Mule Day events, especially its flagship event, the annual parade on Saturday.

"Mule Day has grown from a local idea into a internationally recognized celebration of community, culture and tradition," Molder said.

Leading the 2026 Mule Day Parade, which will keep its traditional route beginning at Carmack Boulevard and then onto West 7th Street, will be Maury County native and two-time consecutive Daytona 500 NASCAR champion Sterling Marlin.

"They have asked him several times before, but he was always out there racing and was not in town during Mule Day," Louise Mills, another longtime Mule Day organizer, said. "Now that he is out of that field, he has more time."

This year's Mule Day events will also spotlight some of its newer events, such as the Classiest and Trashiest Wagon Show, which debuted in 2025, and will take place at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 9.

"There are a lot of people who spend a lot of money and have nice wagons, but then we still have those boys and girls that come in kind of a rough-looking wagon, as long as it has four wheels and air stays in the tires," Spann joked.

The 2026 Mule Day will also honor America's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and how one of the nation's founding fathers was also a major mule trader.

While known as the first U.S. President, George Washington is also credited as the "Father of the American Mule," having brought two jennets gifted by King Charles III of Spain across the Atlantic Ocean to Mount Vernon in 1785.

Mule Day will pay recognition to Washington and the country's semi-quincentennial as part of this year's lineup of the coveted annual Mule Day knives, of which 250 "Anniversary" knives will be available for purchase, first come, first serve.

In recognition of the mule's history in the U.S., Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt noted in her welcome statement in this year's program how the mule has been known as the "engine of early America."

"From plowing the first family farms to hauling supplies across rugged terrain, mules helped build roads, towns and livelihoods long before modern machinery took over," Butt stated. "The mule's reputation for endurance, resilience and sure-footed reliability made them indispensable partners to farmers, soldiers and pioneers alike.

"In many ways, the story of the mule mirrors the story of our country — steadfast, hardworking, adaptable and proudly rooted in tradition."

The time-honored tradition of Mule Day, now in its sixth decade post-revival, continues to draw large crowds of all ages every year.

Spann noted that part of its continued success, as well as his belief that it will continue for many more years, is that Mule Day is more than about competition and bragging rights, but a community that continues to grow while honoring tradition year after year.

"It will go on, and we have a lot of really dedicated and good people working here," Spann said. "We are blessed that we get that many people with an interest to keep Mule Day alive. I think it will go on, because we've got a lot of people that have been part of Mule Day forever, and they have gone on and Mule Day continues to go.

"Mule Day wants it, and Columbia, Tennessee wants it, and so we just try to keep it going."

Ninja Warriors Call Columbia Home (CDH)

Abraham has a lot of energy. And sometimes, he's not sure what to do with it.

"With ninja I can… really get it out," the 9-year-old said.

Over the last several years, Abraham Goin and his brothers have gotten into training on obstacle courses inspired by hit NBC reality show "American Ninja Warrior." The sport — which many call "ninja" for short — requires a blend of agility, strength, speed and balance. Abraham said he likes the challenge of controlling and connecting his movements.

He trains with five-time "American Ninja Warrior" contestant Elijah Browning, who built a course on his grandfather's property in Columbia. Browning, who goes by the nickname "The Boss Ninja," has been training kids and adults for the last five years. At the age of 21, he's already made the finals on the show four times and is set to appear in his sixth consecutive season this summer.

Abraham's mom, Beth Rose Goin, was there to cheer him on during a Feb. 28 competition on the Browning family's property. She said the ninja community has created a sense of belonging for Abraham and her other two sons who got into the sport at a young age.

Growing up as a high-energy kid herself, Goin was often told to settle down. She's grateful her son can channel his energy and learn new skills in a positive environment.

"I love him having a place where who he is thrives, instead of trying to redirect him or change him," she said.

Goin has even tried her hand at training with her oldest son, who's now 18, so she can spend more time with him. At 47, the mother of five proudly reported she's doing pull-ups and "flying around" on the regular. Her reflexes are also razor-sharp.

"Like an actual ninja," she said with a smile.

As a kid, Browning said, he was not naturally athletic. But when he discovered the Japanese reality show "Sasuke" at age 5, something clicked. It wasn't long before he found "American Ninja Warrior," which the Japanese show inspired. He watched every last episode available at the time.

His parents got him his first pull-up bar when he was 8.

"I worked on that pull-up bar every single day for four months to get my first pull-up," Browning said. "Once I got that, it was all game over and I just fell in love with the sport."

He started competing at age 10, turned pro at 13 and debuted on the show at 16. He said competing shifts him to a "flow state" and he thrives on the energy of it. He also discovered his love for coaching through the show as he gave tips to other competitors and saw them succeed.

"I had some pro ninjas pour into me when I was really young, so I wanted to do the exact same thing for other kids," Browning said.

While he plans to keep competing on the show in the years to come, Browning is now dreaming about his long-term goals, which include training the next generation of competitors.

The 2028 Summer Olympics will include a "Ninja Warrior"-style course in place of equestrian show jumping in the pentathlon. Olympians will also complete pistol shooting, fencing, a 200-meter freestyle swim and a 3.2-kilometer cross-country run for the event. There's also talk of making the sport a stand-alone event for the 2032 Summer Olympics.

Browning hopes to see some of the kids he works with compete on the show or in the Olympics.

Lucy Whitaker, 12, has trained with Browning since she was 7 and is considering turning pro in the future. She likes the physical challenge of the sport and the opportunity it gives her to travel for competitions.

"It's just a super fun sport and the whole community's super nice," Lucy said.

Her younger sister, 10-year-old Daisy Whitaker, trains and competes alongside her. Daisy said she loves learning new skills and making lots of friends from around the country.

"It's really social," Daisy said.

Both sisters are interested in trying out for "American Ninja Warrior" and are also considering the Olympics in the future.

Ayla Hanifl, who's also 10, reflected on her time training with Browning as she waited her turn to compete on Feb. 28.

"It's changed me as a person and now I'm starting to be a little bit less shy," she said.

Ayla appreciates Browning's kindness and the fun environment he fosters.

"He's really kind and he just helps us a lot, even when he is tough — and sometimes annoying," she said with a smile.

Browning said he can hardly believe how much his program has grown. He trains kids as young as 3 years old and also offers courses for adults.

Along with monthly competitions, Browning hosts an annual competition known as "The Boss Comp" that draws hundreds of kids and adults. He's also led teams to championships with the World Ninja League, the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association and the Federation of International Ninja Athletics.

"I wake up every single morning excited for what I get to do," Browning said. "I live the coolest life of all time."

Ultium Switching Gears (CDH)

Ultium Cells, a Spring Hill-based joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, will pivot from offering electric car batteries to producing batteries for data centers as part of an additional $70 million investment, the company announced March 17.

The plant, originally part of a $2.3 billion partnership to manufacturer low-cost battery cells known as lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, for EVs will inject $70 million more to produce those same batteries for energy storage systems (ESS) for “grid-scale and data center projects throughout North America,” according to a statement from Ultium Cells.

Despite furloughing its 700 employees in January, those workers are in the process of returning to work “to support the new product line,” the release states. 

"This retooling gets employees back to work in the second quarter of 2026 to produce Energy Storage System cells, but it does not preclude Ultium Cells Spring Hill from producing EV batteries in the future," Ultium Cells spokesperson Katie Brudette told The Tennessean. 

General Motors echoed that sentiment. 

“Ultium Cells shares GM’s long-standing manufacturing strengths, including our flexibility and agility,” GM spokesperson Stuart Fowle told The Tennessean. “This announcement is allowing us to adjust our operations and bring people back to work sooner than originally planned while continuing to meet the needs of GM’s EV customers.”

The facility is expected to produce its first battery between April and June. As a result of soft EV demand and an axed federal tax credit, GM suffered a $7.9 billion write-off in 2025, according to its Form 10-K, the retooling is a way to capitalize on underwhelming EV demand.

“Spring Hill is becoming a key hub in our North American ESS manufacturing footprint which has helped offset slower than expected EV demand,” LG Energy Solution North American president Bob Lee said in a news release. “The explosive growth in energy storage diversifies our customer base and product portfolio and provides tangible benefits to American competitiveness in this decade and beyond.” 

Ultium Cells in Spring Hill will join the LG Energy Solution’s North American ESS network comprising facilities in Michigan, Ohio and Ontario, Canada. 

“By evolving production to meet changing market demands, Ultium Cells is reinforcing its long-term position as a key employer and technology leader in the U.S. battery cell sector,” Ultium Cells CEO Injae Pahk said in a news release.

County Land Use Plan Meeting Planned (Press Release)

A Public Meeting will be held to develop a new Maury County Comprehensive Land Use Plan on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Auditorium and Event Center at Columbia Central High School, located at 921 Lion Parkway, Columbia, TN 38401. The purpose of this meeting is to establish a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan which develops a planning guide for the most appropriate use of land in the unincorporated county. Questions or comments should be directed to the Maury County Building and Zoning Office at 931-375-3003.

Civil Air Patrol Recruiting (MSM)

The Maury County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is opening its doors to local young people ages 12 to 18 for a special informational meeting March 23 at 6 p.m. The event will be held at Connection Church, 201 Bond Street, Mount Pleasant. 

As the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol offers Middle Tennessee youth a unique opportunity to explore careers in aviation, STEM and emergency services. The upcoming meeting will provide prospective cadets and their parents a “behind-the-scenes” look at the program, which includes five free orientation flights in powered aircraft, leadership training, and search-and-rescue missions. 

“Civil Air Patrol isn’t just a club; it’s a premier leadership laboratory,” said Randall Parker, Major, CAP, Squadron Commander of the Maury County Composite Squadron. “Whether a student wants to become a pilot, an engineer, or simply a more confident leader in their community, we provide the tools and the mentorship to get them there.” 

Attendees will have the chance to meet current cadets, see the equipment used in emergency service missions, and learn about the various scholarships and summer encampment opportunities available through the national program. 

The event is open to youth ages 12–18 and their families. No prior aviation experience is required. 

For more information about the Maury County Composite Squadron contact Major Randall Parker at 561661@tncap.us or 615-957-9191.

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

Mrs. Jennifer Anne Martin Sharp, 62, passed away unexpectedly Monday, March 16 at her residence. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, March 21 at 10:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Wrigley Cemetery in Hickman County, TN. The family will visit with friends Friday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mr. David Wayne Hudson, 79, a resident of Williamsport, passed away Friday, March 13 at Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Betty M. Savage Wales, 82, a resident of Culleoka, passed away Thursday, March 12 at Maury Regional Medical Center. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Glendale Methodist Church in Culleoka

And now, news from around the state…

Campaign Complaint Filed Against Sen. Blackburn (Tennessean)

A Knoxville Republican has filed a complaint with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance, asserting U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn used U.S. Senate campaign funds to fuel her run for Tennessee governor in what he says was a “flagrant violation” of campaign finance law.

Blackburn is not up for federal reelection until 2030. But in the months leading up to her gubernatorial campaign launch on Aug. 6, 2025, she spent nearly $2.8 million in federal campaign funds toward her 2030 reelection bid. That's nearly twice what her counterpart U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty has spent toward his 2026 reelection bid.

Federal law allows U.S. senators to run for state office while maintaining an active federal committee. But candidates are not allowed to use federal campaign funds for expenses that are unrelated to their campaign or responsibilities as a federal officeholder — like running for a state office. Tennessee law also bars using federal campaign assets for state purposes.

"We haven't had a case like this in Tennessee," said Nashville attorney Junaid Odubeko, whose specialties include campaign finance. "We certainly haven't had a challenge develop to the point that there's case law. It's uncharted territory."

Since announcing her gubernatorial bid on Aug. 6, Blackburn has paid at least six staffers from both her gubernatorial and U.S. Senate campaign accounts concurrently. Sometimes, both accounts have reported the exact same payroll expenditure for the same staffer on the same day, making it unclear whether the staffer is working on Blackburn's gubernatorial or U.S. Senate campaign.

A campaign spokesperson told The Tennessean that the campaign's compliance is "strict and continuous," and that all federal and state expenditures are reviewed by lawyers to ensure legal compliance.

"The campaign finance laws are very very complex, and elected officials of all parties become very adept at trying to find a loophole," said Kent Syler, professor of political science and public policy at Middle Tennessee State University.

Among the expenses disclosed to the Federal Election Commission was a $35,000 contribution to the Republican Governors Association on Oct. 23.

Blackburn also spent a total of $326,774 in payments to her campaign management firm, Brentwood-based Baker Group Strategies – which ran both her 2024 Senate reelection and her gubernatorial campaign.

Her U.S. Senate campaign spending with Baker Group includes a $26,532 payment for "travel/food & beverage/subscriptions" on Aug. 5, the day before her gubernatorial campaign launch.

In comparison, U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty spent $1.6 million total during that same time frame.

In a statement, Blackburn's campaign manager Abigail Sigler called the complaint "frivolous and wrong."

Bill Young, director of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance, declined to comment until the Registry Board has reviewed and responded to the complaint.

The Registry of Election Finance will likely have only two more meetings before the gubernatorial primary.

"Money is very important in a campaign. What campaigns do is they will try to find other money at their disposal to help their cause," Syler said. "Being aggressive at that is not necessarily bad. But you can’t be so aggressive that you end up breaking the law."

Blackburn announced her candidacy on Aug. 6, 2025, exactly one year before the primary election. Candidates are required to open new state fundraising accounts when they formally declare a bid. 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

SiriusXM and 19-time Billboard Music Award winner Morgan Wallen announced the launch of Morgan Wallen Radio, a new exclusive year-round country music channel debuting on April 7 on channel 64 and the SiriusXM app. To celebrate the new channel, SiriusXM will host a special, intimate live performance by Morgan Wallen at The Pinnacle in Nashville on Thursday, April 2, the first time Wallen has performed in Nashville since 2024.

Tickets are going to be hard to come by, but you have a shot at getting them by visiting www.siriusxm.com.