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

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for March 26, 2026

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

Crews Save Trapped Driver (MauryCountySource)

Emergency crews in Maury County responded to a serious crash over the weekend that left a driver trapped inside an overturned vehicle.

The Maury County Fire Department was dispatched Sunday afternoon to the intersection of Hampshire Pike and McLanahan Road for a motor vehicle accident involving entrapment. Responding units arrived to find a vehicle off the roadway and upside down with an occupant trapped inside.

Firefighters with Engine 25 quickly began extrication efforts, using specialized tools to free the individual from the wreckage.

After being removed from the vehicle, the patient was treated on scene and then transported by Maury EMS to a trauma center for further evaluation.

Two Columbians Awarded Carnegie Medal (Press Release)

Two Columbia men have been awarded the Carnegie Medal for risking their lives to save another.

On May 23, 2025, Colin McNary, 25, who was severely autistic, ran into the Duck River at a boat ramp in Chickasaw Trace Park in Columbia, Tennessee, and was swept downstream by the current. On the south side of the boat ramp, auto assembly plant tool coordinator Samuel Hardin Adcock, 26, and network engineer James Alan Garner, 41, both from Columbia, were with Garner’s family when they saw McNary get carried downstream. Adcock immediately waded out to the channel and began swimming freestyle downstream to try to catch up to McNary. Garner instructed his two children to leave the water and go to their car. He entered the water and swam downstream to catch up to McNary and Adcock. About 1,000 feet downstream, McNary was swept into a calmer area of the river, where Adcock caught up with him and grabbed him. McNary struggled to stay afloat and submerged Adcock, who pushed McNary away to get air. Adcock stood on an underwater tree limb and grabbed McNary before he pushed him toward the riverbank. Garner had then arrived and positioned himself behind McNary. The two men pushed and pulled McNary to a large tree root on the riverbank, where they waited for first-responders. The riverbank had a steep, rocky ledge that prevented them from climbing up into the woods. Garner swam upstream about 120 feet to find an alternative route to climb out of the river but was unable to locate one and swam back to the others. Garner kept McNary calm until a rescue boat could take him back to the boat ramp, where his parents waited. An ambulance took him to a hospital. The boat then returned to pick up Adcock and Garner. McNary, Adcock, and Garner were tired and cold but not injured. Adcock and his Garner were still wet when they later visited the hospital to check on McNary.

The Carnegie Medal is given throughout the U.S. and Canada to those who enter extreme danger while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. With this announcement, the Carnegie Medal has been awarded to 10,563 individuals since the inception of the Pittsburgh-based Fund in 1904. Each of the recipients or their survivors will receive a financial grant. Throughout the 122 years since the Fund was established by industrialist-philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, $46 million has been given in one-time grants, scholarship aid, death benefits, and continuing assistance.

Grace House Opens with Ribbon Cutting (CDH)

When Columbia Room in The Inn was founded in 2016 to help local unhoused families in need, the ultimate goal was to build a permanent facility to call home.

In December of last year, that goal was achieved with Grace House, one of the first residential homes of its kind in Columbia to help those experiencing homelessness.

Located at 1311 Mapleash Ave., Grace House opened initially in December of 2025 after years of renovations, code approvals and a laundry list of maintenance issues.

On March 24, Maury County celebrated the now fully-functional shelter, set to be fully occupied, with an official ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance.

"I admire people who say, 'We have a goal and we are going to accomplish this with God's help and the help of the community,'" Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt said. "Strengthening families and strengthening homes only strengthens our community and working together we can help people like this."

Ten years ago, the Grace House story began in the basement of Westminster Presbyterian Church, when founder Rev. Jeff Kane saw a need to address the community's homeless problem.

"Twelve years ago, when I landed in Columbia, I started walking the streets wondering 'God, why did you bring me to Mule Town?'" Kane said. "I'm a Yankee, and I'm trying to learn the environment and figure out what is going on, and I found people sleeping on the streets, children without a place to stay."

In 2019, Room in The Inn's original location was forced to close due to fire codes, though the ministry kept the faith and did not dissolve.

Clients were later housed at the Columbia Inn, which Kane said provided shelter, but wasn't ideal for the kind of ministry Room in The Inn had intended to provide, a way to help transition people into living better lives.

In 2023, the nonprofit secured what would become Grace House at a former church off Mapleash Avenue, which had fallen into much disrepair. While the dream seemed feasible for the first time since the beginning, there was still a lot of work to be done.

"In God's grace and humor and mystery, we started at a church, and now this is a church where there used to be pews and worship," Kane said. "But now we are doing the work of Jesus Christ. This is where, since December, single parents, single mothers bring their children.

"It is safe, it's clean, it's protected and they find peace, and all of them have transitioned because they have a place to lay their head at night."

As the nonprofit's founder, Kane later said that seeing the dream come to fruition after 10 years was a rightful time to hand over the reins, as he plans to retire now that the project is complete.

"Grace House is in very good hands, and it's time," Kane said.

Though he uses the word "retire" lightly.

"I have too much energy to retire, but God came to me one night in an advertisement in a magazine I was looking at, and it said Hot Springs, Arkansas needs a Presbyterian pastor," Kane said. "My son, who is in Little Rock, said, 'Come down here, they need you, and my wife and grandkids want you all here.'"

Grace House's principal builder Justin Hicks said, while it took a lot of work from the ground up, the ultimate goal was for the families Grace House would ultimately serve, whatever it took and however long it might take.

"It has been a long time coming in seeing the vision that all of these people had to serve their community," Hicks said.

Since opening in December, Grace House has already transitioned four families into new lives, and Director Samantha Baugus said the shelter will soon have a full house for the first time.

Primarily for single mothers with children, Grace House features for fully furnished rooms, a common area, kitchen and laundry space, as well as a large outdoor space where guests can also peer at nearby cows, goats and other livestock.

Baugus, who has served with Room in The Inn since 2024, recalls when she first laid eyes on the shelter after its initial completion.

"We had just been waiting patiently to pass all of our codes and get in here," Baugus said. "It just brought tears to my eyes when I came in here and had the privilege of picking up toys, seeing kids' drawings and being able to see the impact of what we are doing."

Developing long lasting relationships with the families Room in The Inn serves, Baugus said, is one of the most rewarding aspects of the work the organization does.

"I have often said that if they had support, they wouldn't be here, and so a lot of times when people come in they don't have family, don't have friends locally," Baugus said. "Being here gives them an opportunity to develop relationships that are long lasting outside of Grace House."

For more information on Room in The Inn and Grace House, to donate or volunteer, visit www.RoominTheInn.co email Baugus at ColumbiaRoominTheInn@gmail.com.

Rep. Capley Sponsors Bill to Expand Right to Defend (CDH)

New legislation sponsored by state Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, could strengthen the ability of Tennesseans to lawfully defend their property using deadly force if necessary.

According to a March 25 news release, The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week advanced Capley's House Bill 1802.

The bill would allow the use of deadly force if immediately necessary to protect property where a person lawfully resides in certain circumstances, including to prevent arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery or aggravated cruelty to animals.

The bill also states "there must be a reasonable belief that deadly force is necessary and that there is no safe alternative."

"The right to defend ourselves, our families and our property is fundamental to the freedoms and safety we all value," said Capley. "Tennessee will never allow criminals to prey on law-abiding residents through weaknesses in the law. This critical step supports victims, especially in rural communities where law enforcement response times are understandably longer, and ensures all Tennesseans can reasonably protect what they've worked their lives to build."

As a Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine state, Tennessee allows residents to use deadly force in self-defense against home intruders. When it comes to protecting personal property, residents are limited to threatening or using non-deadly force.

"Capley's proposal strengthens Tennesseans' right to protect their property by establishing clear, reasonable standards," the March 24 release states.

House Bill 1802 will be considered by the Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks.

Mt. Pleasant Approves Pay Increases (MSM)

From pay increases and infrastructure improvements, Mount Pleasant leaders are laying the groundwork for the city’s next phase of growth through recently approved initiatives. 

The Mount Pleasant Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-14, adopting the city’s 2026 Employee Compensation Plan, which establishes updated minimum and maximum pay ranges for municipal positions. 

The new plan replaces the 2025 structure and includes a 3 percent across-the-board pay increase to account for the cost-of-living adjustments. City officials anticipate implementation in late April. 

Under the plan, positions ranging from assistant city manager to police chief will have salary ranges between $70,013 and $106,993, with hourly rates from $33.66 to $51.44. 

Customer service representatives to water, wastewater and gas will have a base salary of $37,461, with potential increase ranging from $47,095 to $53,990 depending on the role and experience. 

The compensation plan will remain in effect until amended or replaced by the board. 

In other business, the board approved Resolution 2026-16, selecting Matlock Clements to conduct the city’s FY2026 audit. The decision was driven primarily by cost savings. The city’s previous audit contract was initially set at $45,000 but ultimately exceeded expectations, resulting in an additional $50,000 in expenses. 

The new agreement is projected at approximately $40,000, with a 3 percent annual increase, representing an estimated savings of $11,000 compared to last year. 

City staff plan to complete and submit the audit by Dec. 31 to maintain alignment with the fiscal year timeline. 

Mount Pleasant is preparing to pursue funding through Tennessee’s “Small Cities” Community Development Block Grant program, which supports infrastructure and housing improvements benefiting low-and moderate-income residents. 

City officials identified deteriorating sidewalks in several neighborhoods as a priority noting their importance for daily activities such as exercise, access to services and overall community connectivity.

The city is eligible to apply for up to $664,440 in grant funding through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The total project cost is estimated at $791,100, with a required local match of $126,560 from the city’s general fund. 

The board also approved Resolution 2026-18, authorizing an interlocal agreement with the Maury County Emergency Communications District to enhance emergency response services. 

The agreement, which runs from July 1, 2026-June 30, 2029, is designed to improve coordination and ensure timely notification of emergency responders. 

The total cost of the agreement is $192,175, beginning at $40,428 in the first fiscal year and increasing incrementally over the term. 

Officials expressed strong support for the investment, citing its potential to significantly improve public safety and emergency response efficiency. 

Regarding the monthly financial budget report, Finance Director Shiphrah Cox provided an update on the city’s gas fund, noting that rates were increased in November following state notification earlier in the year. 

The adjustment came after the city received notice from the state in August, highlighting the need for a rate increase. At the time, the fund had been operating at a deficit for three years. 

In response, the city implemented corrective changes, with updated rates taking effect back in November.

Columbia State Summer Session Registration (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College’s summer semester begins May 27, and important application deadlines are fast approaching for new and returning students.

New students and returning students who have missed one or more semesters must apply for summer admission by May 22. Summer and fall registration are currently open for all admitted students.

The fall semester begins August 24. New students and returning students who have missed one or more semesters must apply for fall admission by August 21.

Campus tours are available at all of Columbia State’s campuses. New students can schedule an in-person tour or learn about upcoming virtual admissions events.

Upon acceptance, new students must schedule an appointment with an adviser to register for classes and attend an orientation session. Columbia State advisors are ready to help students with the registration process, answer questions and create a plan based on their individual needs.

Applications are free and currently being accepted online at www.columbiastate.edu/apply.   

Zion Christian Hires New Football Head Coach (CDH)

Zion Christian Academy has secured its new football coach, hiring Aaron Smith to lead the program in its second season of TSSAA competition.

Smith spent the past year working as assistant athletic director, middle school football coach and strength and conditioning coach at Zion Christian. He replaces Harry "Spoon" Symlar, who was fired in March after one season leading the Eagles football program.

"Coach Smith's leadership style set him apart during the process and aligns with the vision for the future of ZCA football," athletic director TJ Derrick said in a news release. "His ability to build and lead a strong coaching staff, while developing student-athletes both on and off the field, was a key factor in his selection. Most importantly, his commitment to mentoring young men in a way that reflects Christ makes him the right fit to lead this program forward."

Zion Christian went 3-7 last season playing a non-region schedule as it returned to TSSAA competition after four seasons competing in the TSIAA. The Eagles will once again play a non-region schedule in 2026, before beginning DII-A competition the following season.

Smith has already begun assembling his staff and will retain assistant Clayton Lissow, who worked under Symlar last season. Prior to his hire at ZCA, Smith spent 22 years serving in the U.S. Navy.

"I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead our high school football program at Zion Christian Academy," Smith said. "Our goal is to build a program that thrives on integrity, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. I am excited to continue being a part of these young men’s football journeys as well as their lives.

"One thing I have learned during my time here is that this community is special and ready to take the next steps to compete in TSSAA. I am thankful for the opportunity to build upon the foundation that coach 'Spoon' and those before him have laid, and I look forward to seeing these young men compete.”

Zion Christian didn't waste any time securing its next football coach after parting ways with Symlar earlier in March. Symlar was hired ahead of the 2025 TSSAA season after having previously served as the Eagles' middle school coach.

“We are sincerely grateful for the time, energy, and care coach 'Spoon' invested in our student-athletes,” Derrick said in a news release. “He sought to lead with integrity and worked to shape young men both on and off the field. We appreciate his dedication to our school community and wish him the very best moving forward."

Despite playing a non-region schedule, Symlar and the Eagles were tested against a number of playoff-bound programs, including Mt. Pleasant, Lewis County and Eagleville, while picking up wins over TSSAA sides Pickett County and Innovation Academy.

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

Christine Young Haskin, 87, a resident of Culleoka, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026 at NHC Healthcare Oakwood in Lewisburg.

Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2:30 PM at Scribner’s Mill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

James “Jim, Jimmy” Jackson Tucker Jr., 79, passed away March 22, at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville following open heart surgery.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

Pilgrimage Music Festival Cancelled (Tennessean)

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, the annual music festival in September at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, will not happen in 2026, festival organizers announced Wed., March 25, 2026.

After celebrating its 11th year in 2025, the festival is taking a year off with a promise to return in 2027.

"New sights, new sounds, new surprises! This move will allow us to bring you the best festival experience. We can’t wait to see you next year!" the announcement stated.

A specific reason for the cancellation wasn't revealed in the announcement, but The Tennessean has asked for clarification and will update this story as more information becomes available.

Before 2015, an annual festival the size and scale of Pilgrimage had never happened before in Nashville's Franklin suburb. Franklin resident and musician from the band Better Than Ezra, Kevin Griffin, dreamed up the idea of the festival after seeing the Park at Harlinsdale Farm as an ideal spot.

Griffin partnered with producer Brandt Wood and visual artist Michael Whelan. Their collective goal was to create something unique to Franklin, like Jazz Fest in New Orleans.

"We're all New Orleans guys and suddenly I was living in Franklin," Griffin previously told The Tennessean. "We wanted to bring something amazing with that kind of spirit that's like Jazz Fest in New Orleans that celebrated all the music of the region — the country, the pop, the rock, the indie, the Southern gospel, the blues, bluegrass — but also the artisans, you know, the makers in Middle Tennessee, and then all the amazing food."

The Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival opened its gates for the very first time in 2015, bringing musicians Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Band of Horses and Dawes to the Park at Harlinsdale Farm, along with thousands of festivalgoers.

The annual festival survived severe weather in 2018, which canceled all but a few hours of the event, and then the pandemic, which prevented a 2020 festival from happening. The festival is now scheduled to return in 2027.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Country Music Association gathered at the prestigious Rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum to reveal the 2026 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame – Paul Overstreet, The Stanley Brothers, and Tim McGraw.

Overstreet will be inducted into the Songwriter category, which is awarded every third year in rotation with the Non-Performer and Recording and/or Touring Musician categories. The Stanley Brothers will be inducted into the Veterans Era Artist category and McGraw will be inducted into the Modern Era Artist category.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart hosted the press conference to announce the news, which was also streamed live on CMA’s YouTube channel.