Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 3-20-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for March 20, 2026

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

Columbia Passes Strategic Plan (MSM)

The Columbia City Council passed a number of important policy, budget and infrastructural resolutions in two short but decisive March sessions.

Strategic Plan

Most critically, the council approved the “Columbia 2026” Strategic Plan, which establishes the “vision” and “goals” that the city government hashed out with a consultant’s help, and intends to reach by 2038.

“[Enacting this plan is] the most important thing that we can do as a community,” said Mayor Chaz Molder, and he promised to carry around a copy of the strategic plan while doing business during his last year as mayor.

With the plan, created with the input of the city government and department heads, the city hopes to maintain Columbia’s “natural beauty,” “historic” underpinning and “livable neighborhoods” as they foster a “growing economy” and become the “regional hub for south central Tennessee.” The city’s specific goals are to maintain financial responsibility — recently recognized with an award from the state comptroller — and high-quality services, while improving the transportation network and the “attractive[ness], livab[ility]” and “vibrancy” of all five wards.

Among current trends and phenomena, the city council and department heads appreciated:

• the city’s competent staff and their equitable, city-wide delivery of high-quality services;

• the city’s charm and public spirit, strategic location and capital-improvements campaigns;

• the city council’s “effectively [managed, high-]quality growth” and “planning for the future,” which are also meant to benefit the whole city.

Among their concerns for the present and future, are:

• Delivering adequate and high-quality services, especially short-term water supply, in light of growth.

• Hiring skilled city staff to replace retirees and meet growing demand for city services.

• The limited state of transportation infrastructure, activities for youth, affordable housing, and high-end commercial developments.

• Blights on public spaces, including unkempt downtown buildings, litter, “neon and vape signs in store windows” and “homelessness and panhandling,” which they hope to reduce “compassionately and effectively.”

• Improving their relationships and communication with the county government and Columbia citizens, especially the “anti-growth” contingent, in light of “incivility” and the dissemination of “social media misinformation.”

“Opportunities” in the problems leaders see include:

• Bringing in white-collar jobs, at least one boutique hotel and conference center, higher-end commercial developments, and more growth and improvements in the Arts District.

• Conducting a feasibility study for a plan to treat some of Spring Hill’s wastewater at Columbia’s new treatment plant.

• Getting TDOT to improve and widen the main state highways that pass through town.

• Developing a park, a fire station and a police sub-station on the north side of town, a sports complex like Ridley Park for baseball and the African-American Cultural Center and Museum.

• Increasing interaction between city personnel and the public by organizing public functions or setting up booths.

The risks and “threats” perceived, include:

• the possibility of sacrificing Columbia’s “charm”;

• “adverse impacts of previous decisions on growth”;

• eventual turnover for the offices of city mayor and vice-mayor, the city council and the city manager;

• extended layoffs at the General Motors and Ultium Cells factories, two of the largest employers in the county;

• threats to security and public safety, including natural disasters, cyberattacks and AI abuse, terrorist attacks on infrastructure and public assemblies and “uprisings and violence at events and schools”;

• rising costs of healthcare and of doing business;

• difficulty attracting and retaining quality municipal employees, especially young ones, at current compensation levels;

Other business

The city council adopted three fiscal-policy mission statements for Columbia’s operations. City Recorder Thad Jablonski is responsible for creating and following policies that will wisely manage and invest the city’s cash; city personnel are responsible, according to their different positions and departments, for the good use of city assets; and all empowered city personnel are required to stay responsible with their budgets and any amendments that the city grants them.

The city accepted or applied for several large grants and donations for dedicated purposes. The $50,000 Healthy Built Environments grant from the state, which funded the sessions at which the public commented on how to improve East Columbia, was moved over to the 2026 fiscal year. The city council applied for a “GM on Main Street” grant for $60,000, which would be spent to study turning the pedestrian corridor connecting West Eighth Street to South Garden Street into a “Gateway to the Arts.”

Finally, the city officially accepted $19,000 in sponsorship donations to the Mid-State Classic women’s softball tournament, which happened last week. The major sponsors were Atmos Energy, Line to Line, Jones & Lang, Columbia Power & Water Systems, the Columbia Breakfast and Noon chapters of the Rotary Club, Sunstar Insurance, J.R. Wauford & Co., the Maury County Visitors’ Bureau, Lose & Design and Chick-fil-A. Parks Director Mackel Reagan also reported that many more people had volunteered to work for the Mid-State Classic this year than last, and he projected attendance of 2,500-3,000 people.

“Hopefully as we come through undefeated, the SEC will mention us on ESPN,” Reagan said the Thursday before the tournament.

The following week, Mayor Molder praised the top ranked University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers for winning their game, and the city staff who put on the Midstate Classic.

“Each year it just seems like the event gets better and better, because our departments involved learn… [and] improve [it],” the mayor said. “It’s sort of like Mule Day… everybody’s walking around with a smile on their face.”

The city also approved major purchases. The largest was a set of riot-control and anti-terror barriers, purchased with a $261,520 Violent Crime Intervention grant from the state. Public Works Director Jeff DeWire and Police Chief Jeremy Haywood strongly endorsed the barriers’ ability to stop violent actors at public gatherings.

“We look forward to being able to deploy it,” said DeWire, and he noted that the barriers were light enough to be set up by a single Public Works employee. “The stopping power is really impressive.”

Haywood also urged the city to purchase three more license plate readers, which they did. The three would complete a ring of nine plate readers around the perimeter of Columbia, covering all the highways that lead out of town. Haywood announced that the plate readers have helped CPD to solve 18 cases so far, six of them felonies including aggravated assault, credit-card fraud and a fatal hit-and-run on Tom J. Hitch.

The city formally petitioned the Maury County Election Commission to hold a special election for the offices of mayor and vice-mayor, which will be on the same ballot as the national midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Mayor Chaz Molder is currently running for the Democratic nomination for the Fifth District of the U.S. Congress.

Among the projects up for approval, the city council greenlit the PUDs for a Morning Pointe Senior Center to be built off Rutherford Lane and Westfield Drive, and for an AutoZone on Beechcroft Plaza.

Finally, the city appointed Andrew Pearson (your correspondent) to a three-year term as a volunteer member of the city-sponsored Arts Council.

“I look forward to learning, more than to bringing [my own ideas to the table],” Pearson said when city councilors thanked him for stepping up.

Spring Hill Rezoning (MSM)

A rezoning request that could expand the Spring Hill Commerce Center is moving forward after review by the Planning Commission. 

The request involves a 25-acre parcel located east of I-65 and north of Jim Warren Road. Currently zoned for Agricultural District (AG), an applicant is seeking to rezone the property to General Industrial (I-2).

The parcel sits within the area planned for the 700-acre Spring Hill Commerce Center Planned Development, which was approved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in 2023. City staff noted that the rezoning aligns with Spring Hill’s long term goals outlined in the Spring Hill Rising 2040 comprehensive plan, particularly efforts to invest in economic development and create job opportunities.

According to city staff, the rezoning is the first step in a two-phase process. Under the Unified Development Code, property can’t be rezoned directly from AG district to Planned Development District. Instead, the parcel must first be rezoned to General Industrial before it can be incorporated into the Spring Hill Commerce Center Planned Development. 

Staff also said that rezoning the parcel would be compatible with surrounding zoning patterns and would not create concerns related to public health or safety. 

As part of the request, the applicant proposed a condition stating that the property can’t receive development approval until it’s formally incorporated into the Spring Hill Commerce Center Planning Development.

With infrastructure and utility capacity still under evaluation, the planning commission will forward the rezoning request to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen with a recommendation for approval.

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."

First Fridays Coming Back (Press Release)

Columbia Main Street is excited to announce the return of First Fridays in Downtown Columbia. The event runs April through December from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and invites the community to enjoy food trucks, craft vendors, live music, a Game Zone, a Young Entrepreneurs Market, plus shopping and dining with downtown merchants and restaurants.

Each month features a fun theme, and attendees are encouraged to dress up and participate.

• April 3 – Muletown Celebration

• May 1 – Flashback Friday

• June 5 – Luau

• July 3 – USA 250th Celebration

• August 7 – Tie-Dye

• September 4 – Spill the Tea

• October 2 – Fall Fest

• November 6 – Holiday Kickoff & Tree Lighting

• December 4 – Merry Makers Market

New this year, the event area expands to include West 7th Street, the entire Public Square, and one block of South Main Street. The larger footprint allows for better placement of vendors and activity areas, including the expanded Young Entrepreneurs Market for youth 17 and under to sell homemade items, baked goods, or showcase their talents.

LIVE at First Fridays takes place on a new amplified stage-area on South Main Street beginning at 6:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the live music. Also returning by popular demand are acoustic performers playing throughout the downtown district on the streets and inside downtown storefronts and restaurants.

A new dedicated Game Zone will feature yard games and activities for all ages. Columbia Main Street is also partnering with the City of Columbia’s Public Works Department on a recycling awareness project. At each month’s event, guests can help paint a recycling can that will later be placed in the Arts District.

“It’s an honor to continue this beloved community event where residents can gather to enjoy great shopping, food, and a lively downtown atmosphere,” said Kelli Johnson, Columbia Main Street Director. “We encourage everyone to attend all nine First Fridays because each one will be different. Our goal is to help our residents deepen their love for our community by continuing to showcase the best that Columbia has to offer!”

Vendors interested in participating can apply at ColumbiaMainStreet.com on the First Fridays page. The deadline to apply is the 14th of the prior month and all applications are reviewed by the First Fridays committee. Applicants are notified by the 19th of their application status.

Columbia Main Street is a nonprofit organization, and vendor fees help support the initiatives of Columbia Main Street’s plan of work for the Downtown District. For more information, visit ColumbiaMainStreet.com, follow Columbia TN Main Street on Facebook and Instagram, call 931-560-1507, or visit the office at 713 North Main Street, Columbia, TN.

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

New Opioid Deadliest Yet (Tennessean)

The Tennessee Department of Health is warning of a new opioid threat that's 10 times stronger than fentanyl.

Cychlor-phine is a newly-identified drug and has been to blame for more than 30 fatal overdoses statewide since October 2025, the health department said.

A synthetic opioid, the drug has been associated with more than 1,633 fatal overdoses across Tennessee in 2024, according to provisional data from the health department.  

Like all opioid overdoses, symptoms of a cychlor-phine overdose can include the appearance of a person’s breathing slowing or stopping, unresponsiveness or blue or purple fingernails and lips.

A common way to reverse a cychlor-phine or any other opioid overdose is by administering Nalo-xone, more commonly known as the brand Narcan. The medication is administered through a person’s nostrils and helps by restoring breathing. Nalo-xone is effective with cychlor-phine, though it may require repeat dosing, the health department said.

Gas Prices (MSM)

Tennessee gas prices rose an additional 31 cents, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.34 which is 82 cents more expensive than one month ago and 63 cents more than one year ago.  

“Continued uncertainty and volatility in the crude oil market are putting upward pressure on our local gas prices,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If crude oil prices remain elevated again this week, it’s likely drivers are in for more increases at the pump. How high prices will rise will ultimately depend on how long the conflict with Iran continues and whether there are futher effects on global fuel supplies.”

Tennessee is ninth least-expensive market in the nation.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Easter comes early in Columbia this weekend with two fun egg hunts for the whole family to enjoy.

Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Columbia Parks & Recreation will host an Easter Egg Hunt at Fairview Park, 871 Iron Bridge Road.

The Fairview Park hunt will be divided into two age groups, one for ages 3-6 by the park's playground and ages 7-11 at the splash pad and baseball field. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance for photos.

West 7th Church of Christ will also host an Easter Egg Hunt at the home of Randy and Jeannie Davidson, 2997 Evans Lane, from 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, which will be open to children up to the 4th grade.