Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-16-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 16, 2026

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

Spring Hill Budget Talks Continue (MSM)

A new position proposal for Spring Hill’s 2026-27 budget was presented to the Board of Mayor and Alderman, with several new positions and job reclassifications included in the proposal.

City Administrator Carter Napier and Finance Director Rebecca Holden presented the proposal to the board, noting that city staff believe the additions and changes are necessary as budget planning continues. 

City officials are currently working to finalize the FY2027 budget, and the staffing proposal is intended to help address increasing operation needs, meet growing service demands and strengthen the organizational structure across several city departments. 

According to the memo, the proposal includes 14 new positions and three reclassified positions, with an estimated 2026-27 fiscal year cost of $2,393,983 and an annual recurring cost of $1,853,174. 

The city’s General Fund would fund the largest portion of the request, with 10 new positions and three reclassifications, totaling an estimated $1.9 million in 2026-27 costs and $1.4 million in recurring annual costs. 

Among the additions, the Spring Hill Finance Department would gain one position, while the Police Department is requesting six new positions and the Fire Department three. Reclassified roles include the Facilities Department’s Crew Chief position as well as the Parks Maintenance Department’s Groundskeeper and Maintenance Worker roles. 

Additional staffing requests are included in the city’s utility-related funds. The Water and Sewer Fund would two new positions with an estimated cost of $206,584 and annual recurring cost of $204,957. These would be a Senior GIS Meter Technician for the Water Distribution division and an Operator III position at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. 

The Stormwater Fund request includes two new positions, a Supervisor and a Maintenance Worker II, with an estimated cost of $278,242 and an annual recurring cost of $222,993 

City staff asked the board for guidance and feedback on the proposal as officials continue evaluating staffing needs and budget priorities. 

On Facebook, Mayor Matt Fitterer encouraged residents to participate in the city’s Citizen’s Budget Survey, which allows community members to share what services and important priorities they would like the Board of Mayor and Alderman to focus on in the upcoming fiscal year. 

Feedback from the survey, along with the proposed staffing additions, will help guide officials as they work toward finalizing the 2026-27 budget.

Suicide Barriers Added to Natchez Trace Bridge (WilliamsonScene)

Years after advocates proposed barriers for suicide prevention at the Natchez Trace Bridge, the National Park Service will close the bridge for a year to construct a permanent barrier. 

Known as the Double Arch Bridge, it will close starting April 15. This means the closure will affect motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who use the bridge. 

“Visitor safety is our top priority,” said Superintendent Wendy Ross. “This project is an important step in ensuring the Double Arch Bridge continues to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone who visits the Natchez Trace Parkway.” 

During construction, the Natchez Trace Parkway will be closed between Big Tree Overlook (milepost 440) and the Highway 96 off-ramp (milepost 437). Information about the 7.5-mile detour route and updated trip planning information is available on the parkway’s website and social media channels. 

Construction will include preventive maintenance and taking down the temporary barriers currently in place. NPS announced the project in 2019. The current railing is 32 inches high, with the bridge standing 155 feet tall. To date, more than 40 suicides have happened at the bridge, the first in 2000.

"We’re so grateful to our community and the National Park Service for taking this monumental step toward saving lives," the Natchez Trace Bridge Coalition wrote on its social media page. 

Bicyclists planning long-distance day rides on the parkway should park at the Highway 96 off-ramp parking area and ride south of milepost 437. For a shorter ride, park at the northernmost parking lot (milepost 442) and ride to Big Tree Overlook (milepost 440) and back. 

The bridge will reopen in spring 2027. 

Spring Hill Librarian Resigns (CDH)

Spring Hill Public Library Director Dana Juriew has announced she will be resigning from the position after July 2.

Juriew, who served the library for 10 years, made the announcement in an official letter submitted April 9, calling the decision "bittersweet," but one she was only ready to make after plans for a new Spring Hill Public Library were officially in place.

In November of 2025, Spring Hill leaders approved the proposed library, which will be located next to the current Spring Hill City Hall, kickstarting the project's design process. An initial rendering is expected to be brought before the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen later this year.

"With your help, I've managed to achieve all of the goals that I've set for myself as your Library Director," Juriew wrote. "This allows the next director enough time to get acclimated to the position and get ready to design the brand-new library building that Spring Hill deserves. Seeing us through to a new building was my last goal — and it's no longer a big 'IF' but rather a "COMING SOON!'"

Juriew first came on board the library's staff in 2016, later being promoted to director in 2018. She was also an active member of the American Library Association and the Tennessee Library Association.

"I want you to know how much I love and appreciate this very special and magical little library that is like a living room to us all, this quirky and unwieldy city that really is home to us all and the very wonderful people who feel like family," Juriew wrote.

While her last official day is July 2, Juriew said she hopes to spend her final days as she has these past 10 years, greeting and welcoming people to the library.

"I don't want a goodbye gathering, but if you want to stop by and say, 'bon voyage,' the week of June 28 is the best time for that," Juriew wrote. "But rest assured, the same level of exceptional service and support that you've come to appreciate from our library staff will continue.

"And they are who I will miss most of all, my colleagues who make this library what it is, every day."

CSCC Students Use Travel to Promote Tourism Locally (Press Release)

Three Columbia State Community College marketing students recently presented their tourism concept for the town of Fairview, following experiences they had while studying abroad with the Tennessee Board of Regents Global Studies Iceland program.

Students Gabby Curtis, a Fairview resident, Xavier Viazcan, a Lewisburg resident and Montserrat Coronado, a Spring Hill resident, developed “Fairview on Two Wheels,” a tourism prototype designed to promote Fairview, Tennessee, as a leading destination for cycling, rail bikes, outdoor recreation and local business engagement.

During their 10-week course, the students created a comprehensive model campaign that includes a fully developed website and strategic marketing plan. The project outlines a bike trail system and a rail bike dining experience while promoting local restaurants, small businesses and community attractions.

While creating the mock marketing campaign, the students gained hands-on experience building a website using AI tools to create visual content that helped to better deliver their message.

Studying in Iceland allowed the students to observe towns known for their destination tourism and marketing, while also getting feedback on their Fairview campaign after presenting to a class at the University of Iceland. In an educational and cultural trade, the university students then presented a project about Iceland to the study abroad students.

“Spring break in Iceland was unforgettable and easily one of the most fun experiences I have ever had!” Curtis said. “Meeting with a tourism advisor helped us rethink ‘Fairview on Two Wheels,’ so it could connect with a wider audience. Presenting at the University of Iceland also showed us how strong storytelling can attract visitors from all over the world. Seeing how Iceland celebrates its landscapes and culture made me realize that Fairview has its own story worth sharing, and our project can help bring that story to life. The creativity and energy we experienced there inspired us to bring that same excitement home and pour it into our project, leaving us motivated, refreshed and full of new ideas!”

“Being able to go to Iceland for the Principles of Marketing course was truly an amazing experience,” Coronado said. “Our main project was to create a new vision for a town, and that’s how we created our campaign, ‘Fairview on Two Wheels.’ While in Iceland, I gained a new perspective both creatively and personally, especially through the opportunity to speak with a tourism information company and students studying tourism and marketing at the University of Iceland. The feedback we received helped us improve our ideas and better express our vision by incorporating real destination marketing insights. It was really rewarding to collaborate with my classmates and professor to create something we’re all proud of.”

After returning from studying abroad and presenting the project to representatives at the University of Iceland, they then showed their concept to Visit Franklin, where Lauren Ward, vice president of marketing and communications, expressed strong support for the initiative and its potential to improve regional tourism initiatives.

“It was a pleasure being able to participate in the ‘Fairview on Two Wheels’ campaign project, led by Professor Holly Brew,” Ward said. “The students’ thoughtful approach to each piece of the campaign, from identifying target audiences and creating a brand-aligned project to overall visitor experience, was impressive. In addition to building out a solid campaign from the start, the students also went above and beyond to strategically incorporate Visit Franklin’s feedback on revisions to the project. Their passion for the work and thoughtful execution were evident throughout the process.”

Dr. Lacey Benns-Owens, Columbia State professor of communication and study abroad advisor, directed the Iceland program, while Holly Brew, Columbia State associate professor of business, taught and helped guide the students on their campaigns.

“This project represents exactly what we strive for in an Associate of Applied Science program: students taking global experiences and applying them to real-world challenges at home,” Brew said. “Gabby, Xavier and Montse didn’t just learn marketing concepts; they brought them to life in a way that can genuinely impact a community.”

“Study abroad is a powerful way to learn, as students develop essential skills and gain new perspectives,” Benns-Owens said. “The Marketing class demonstrated exceptional insight and creativity in crafting their proposal, applying what they learned while studying in Iceland to show how global experiences can meaningfully benefit local communities.”

Columbia State’s study abroad program emphasizes experiential learning, equipping students with real-world skills, global awareness and the ability to translate ideas into action.

For more information about Columbia State’s study abroad offerings and the TBR Global Studies program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/study-abroad.

RN Recruitment at MRMC (Press Release)

Maury Regional Health invites registered nurses (RNs) to explore career paths within a nationally recognized not-for-profit health system during Discover Maury: An RN Career Event on April 28 and 30.

This recruitment event offers two convenient dates and times for prospective nurses to attend: April 28 from 8 a.m. to noon and April 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. Both sessions will take place in the Auxiliary Conference Room at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the hospital and its nursing units, meet with clinical leadership and learn about the comprehensive benefits package offered by the organization. On-site interviews will also be available for qualified candidates.

“At Maury Regional Health, we believe nursing is a calling, and we are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding environment where our nurses can truly excel,” said Chief Nursing Officer Cathy Malone, MMHC, BSN, RN. “We strive to foster a purpose-driven culture that prioritizes both exceptional care for our patients and the professional development of our team. We invite nurses to join us for these recruitment and open houses events to discover the endless opportunities available to grow their careers in one of the region’s largest not-for-profit health systems.”

As a Magnet®-designated hospital for nursing excellence, the system’s flagship hospital Maury Regional Medical Center is part of an elite group representing less than 10% of health care organizations nationwide. This designation serves as a national benchmark for quality care and reflects a commitment to a shared governance model, which provides nursing staff with a direct voice in clinical practice and decision-making. To support professional growth, the health system also offers an RN residency program for first-year nurses, specialty certification programs and ongoing educational resources designed to enhance patient care and nursing leadership.

Maury Regional Health — which has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® for three consecutive years and earned recognition by Forbes in 2025 as a best-in-state employer and a best employer for health care professionals — is currently offering a $10,000 sign-on bonus for qualified night-shift RNs hired to the following units: Critical Care, Med-Surg, Progressive Care and Short Stay/Cardiovascular Specialty.

Maury Regional Medical Center is located at 1224 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia. Discover Maury: An RN Career Event will take place in the hospital’s Auxiliary Conference Room, which is most easily accessed by entering through the main entrance (Building A, entrance A-1) and following the directional signage. While an RSVP is not required to attend, it is appreciated. Interested candidates may RSVP at MauryRegional.com/DiscoverMaury.

For more information about nursing careers and benefits at Maury Regional Health, visit MauryRegional.com/Careers or call 931.380.4017 to speak with a recruiter.

Maury Alliance Map (Press Release)

The Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance is pleased to be working with Town Square Publications, a leading cartographic and marketing firm, to produce a new, up-to-date, full-color Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance Street Map and Resource Guide. This publication will serve as the only official map endorsed and distributed by the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance.

Accurate, user-friendly maps are a popular item for our thousands of visitors, new residents, potential commercial relocation candidates and even long-time members of our community.

As part of this initiative, we are offering a prime opportunity for your business to gain visibility by advertising in the Business and Professional Resource Guide featured on the new map. This is an ideal way to introduce your business to newcomers and strengthen your local presence.

For more information, visit www.mauryalliance.com.

Local Blood Donations Needed (MSM)

In April, the American Red Cross asks people to keep patients top of mind by making an appointment to give blood or platelets.

The need for blood doesn’t take a spring break, and acting now can ensure blood is available in the coming weeks at medical centers. Regular donors of all blood types and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to make days brighter this spring for those in need.

April is National Volunteer Month, and the Red Cross celebrates the kindness of blood donors and those who volunteer their time. There is no substitute for blood — volunteer donors are essential to patient care. Blood Program Leaders and Blood Donor Ambassadors are the heartbeat of our work at blood donation centers and community blood drives.

Multiple opportunities will be available in coming weeks across Maury County. They include:

Columbia

April 19, 7:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Saint Catherine Catholic Church, 3019 Cayce Lane

April 30, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tennessee Army National Guard, 844 N James Campbell Blvd

Spring Hill

April 27, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 3003 Longford Dr.

Join the celebration of saving lives! Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

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

Pamela Ann McKee Smith, age 77, passed away on April 11, 2026 following a brief illness.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, April 17, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 pm.

Mr. Raymond Eugene “Gene” Holt, 80, retired plant manager and farmer, and resident of Columbia, passed away at his residence on April 10. Memorial services will be conducted Sunday, April 19 at 2:00 PM at Riverside Methodist Church. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Church. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements.

Mrs. Karin Lynn Kula (nee Larkin), age 55, passed away on Thursday, April 9, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Visitation will be held at St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17 with the Memorial Mass to follow at noon.

Dennis Michael LeMay, 60, resident of Columbia, passed away on April 11, 2026 at Magnolia Healthcare and Rehabilitation.

Graveside services will be conducted at Pisgah Cemetery at a later date. 

And now, news from around the state…

Boring Company Board To Form (Tennessean)

Tennessee Republicans have given final approval to create a special new state government entity to oversee permitting for the Music City Loop and any other future underground transit projects

House Republicans passed Senate Bill 2205 on April 14, creating a special state authority to govern the Tesla tunnel. The bill now goes to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk.

The bill is not limited to apply only to the Boring Company, owned by Elon Musk. However, Musk’s company is the only entity working on an underground transit project that will be governed by the agency for the foreseeable future.

No other state agency has been created for the express benefit of a single private actor.

Republican sponsor Rep. Johnny Garrett, R-Goodlettsville, argued that the Boring project will open up a new era of underground transit, likening the effort to early regulations of railroads. 

“I would bet you that they’re not going to be the one single operator that’s going to be in this business,” Garrett said. 

Scheduled for a 2027 completion, the Music City Loop is planned to consist of two single-direction tunnels taking passengers in autonomous Tesla sedans from the Nashville International Airport to downtown.

The Music City Loop did not receive any direct state funding. The state allowed the Boring Company to use state right-of-ways under existing state roads free of charge for the private venture.

Taxpayers will pay an annual pricetag of $900,000 for the new oversight board, down from an original estimate of $5.4 million that sparked backlash.

Tennessee’s Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Authority will be an 11-member governing board. It would employ a CEO, an assistant and an attorney — whose staffing and office expenses make up the bulk of the bill’s cost. 

The authority would have far-reaching powers including the power to buy, own, lease, maintain and sell land, hire contractors and execute contracts, regulate land use, contract with utilities, and enforce relevant laws.

The bill would also establish a six-member “Governor’s Infrastructure Coordination Council” to create a “consolidated application process” for permits and approvals for underground projects to be reviewed by multiple state agencies at once. The council will be made up of at least five cabinet members to review transit projects among state departments and agencies.

Legislation is unnecessary for the Loop project to move forward. If signed into law, contracts relevant to the Music City Loop project would be transferred to the new authority.

Rep. Aftyn Behn, D-Nashville, pointed to projects that the Boring Company never completed at the Chicago O’Hare airport, in Baltimore and in Fort Lauderdale.

She argued that Republicans did not give “a single justification for why Tennessee needs this authority.” 

“Tennessee is being asked to build public infrastructure for a private venture to benefit a small number of wealthy people and our tourists that do not live here,” Behn said. “Nashville is not asking for this authority. It’s not asking for this tunnel.”

House Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, warned colleagues that in creating the statewide authority, similar projects elsewhere will override local control. 

“While this is dealing with a private taxi service underground in Nashville, Tennessee, right now, it could deal with any number of things in your district,” Clemmons said. 

Clemmons said the new entity would “usurp local government authority.” 

“If your town’s adopted an ordinance to protect the historic character of an area and it's deemed to effectively prohibit construction? Too bad,” Clemmons said. “Local governments cannot regulate the location of transit project entrances, exits, stations or portals under this legislation.” 

Garrett said the project will take “thousands and thousands and thousands” of cars off Nashville roads, in an “innovative, technological” solution that “costs your constituents and my constituents exactly zero dollars for the infrastructure.”

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Multiplatinum recording artists Matthew and Gunnar NELSON are performing atHarken Hall May 30 at 7:00 p.m. The twin brothers behind the iconic music group NELSON, embody the enduring legacy of America’s most extraordinary show business family. Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill are the opening act.

Front Floor Seating $30; Loveseats $200 for two; Suites $480 for eight. Tickets for the May 30 concert are now on sale and can be purchased on the Harken Hall website https://www.harkenhall.com/.