Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-17-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 17, 2026

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

Grimes Murder Investigation Continues (MSM)

The Giles County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) searched a property last week in relation to the 2021 murder of Jim Grimes at his Buford Station Road home near Lynnville.

Giles County Sheriff Joe Purvis confirmed that his office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security and 22nd Judicial District Attorney officials executed a search warrant on a Buford Station Road property in northern Giles County in connection to the homicide, which took place in April 2021.

Grimes, 62 at the time of his death, was fatally shot while feeding livestock in the barn at his Lynnville residence, which he shared with wife Dawn. Local and state law enforcement have continued to follow leads to find who is responsible for his death, including family and friends offering a $1 million reward.

Grimes was in the mechanical and collision repair business in Spring Hill and Thompson Station. He had served a Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce board member for 15 years at the time of his murder. He was honored in 2023 when the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved naming a portion of the city’s multi-use trail in his memory.

In October 2021, GCSO officials confirmed they had a person of interest, saying they were missing a puzzle piece in the case. At the time, the person of interest was not cooperating with the investigation.

In November 2022, then-Giles County Sheriff Kyle Helton’s department released information that state of the art technology and investigative techniques, including DNA analysis and genealogy, had allowed investigators to develop new leads.

“To protect the integrity of the investigation, we are unable to share specific details at this time, however, based on the investigation to date, it saddens us to advise that we believe the person(s) responsible for Jim’s death are members of our small community,” Helton said at the time.

Helton added investigators believed there were people remaining in the community who were familiar with the circumstances surrounding the case. 

Last week, Purvis emphasized his department’s determination to solve the case.

“April 19 will be the five-year anniversary of that homicide,” Purvis said. “It’s our only unsolved homicide in Giles County, and we haven’t forgotten about it. We’re still actively working on the case.”

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 363-3505 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND

Post Office to Be Named for Hero (CDH)

A bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tennessee, has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives that will rename the Columbia Post Office after Medal of Honor recipient John Harlan Willis.

According to an April 14 news release, HR 6808 now designates the U.S. Postal Service facility, located at 417 W. 7th St., as the John Harlan Willis Post Office Building "ensuring that the heroism of this native son of Middle Tennessee is remembered for generations to come."

The bill will now head to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

“John Harlan Willis represents the very best of Tennessee and the very best of America,” Ogles said.

“On the black sands of Iwo Jima, he displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness, sacrificing his life to save his fellow Marines. It is only fitting that we honor his legacy in his hometown of Columbia. This designation ensures that his bravery and devotion to duty will never be forgotten."

Willis served as a U.S. Navy Pharmacist’s Mate attached to a Marine infantry unit during World War II.

On Feb. 19, 1945, Willis landed with the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines on Iwo Jima.

He participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima as a rifle company platoon corpsman and, on Feb. 28, while aiding fallen Marines during a fierce action near Japanese-held Hill 362, was wounded by shrapnel and ordered back to the battle-aid station.

Disregarding his injuries, Willis returned to the battle area to resume casualty assistance. He was treating a wounded Marine when the enemy attacked his position with hand grenades.

After throwing eight grenades back at the enemy, he was killed when a ninth grenade exploded in his hand. For his heroic actions that day during the battle, Willis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

The city honored Willis in February 2025 during a wreath-laying ceremony at his memorial located at the John Harlan Willis Bridge Memorial on U.S. Highway 31.

The event marked the 80th anniversary since Harlan's death on the battlefield on Feb. 28, 1945.

“John Harlan Willis is a true American hero whose bravery on the battlefield inspires all Columbians," Mayor Chaz Molder previously said at the ceremony.

"On this 80th anniversary of his ultimate sacrifice, dying while serving our country in World War II during the Battle of Iwo Jima, we gather to honor his memory and ensure that future generations never forget the courage and selflessness that defined him and his generation. Columbia and Maury County are proud to call him one of our own.”

Water Purification Letter of Intent Approved in SH (MSM)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Alderman approved several resolutions and ordinances during its meeting last week, many focused on the city’s continued growth, infrastructure needs and future resources for residents. 

Among the major items discussed was a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) for the purchase of land for a proposed Advanced Purification Facility, an effort aimed at addressing the city’s growing wastewater and sewer demands. 

As Spring Hill continues to expand, city leaders are planning the facility to help manage increasing water supply and wastewater treatment needs. The proposed site is located at 3690 John Lunn Road, where the city plans to purchase approximately 100 acres, with an additional 37 acres expected to be donated by the property owner. 

The total transaction is estimated at $22.5 million. The agreement would include an initial payment at closing followed by owner-financed payments over a five-year period. The city will also have a 180-day due diligence period to evaluate the property before finalizing the purchase. 

In addition to housing the Advanced Purification Facility, the land could also be used for water infrastructure such as storage and conveyance systems, land application areas and potential park space or other municipal uses. 

Wastewater Analysis 

Also approved was a resolution authorizing a wastewater treatment plant performance analysis. 

With the city experiencing significant growth, demand on the existing wastewater treatment system has increased. City officials say a comprehensive evaluation is needed to ensure regulatory compliance, maintain system reliability and prepare for future capacity needs. 

The analysis will include a review of plant performance and regulatory compliance, condition assessments of existing facilities, process capacity evaluation and modeling and the development of corrective action strategies and recommendations. 

City staff noted that recurring permit exceedances have made the evaluation necessary in order to plan for future expansion and operational improvements. The total cost for the analysis is $1,333,500, which will be funded through budgeted wastewater funds. 

Park Improvements

In other action, the board approved moving forward with improvements to Harvey Park’s playground.

The resolution, submitted by Parks and Recreation Director Kayce Williams, authorized the selection of Miracle Recreation Equipment Company following a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the Harvey Park Playground project. The project includes the design, provision and installation of new playground equipment. 

Work will involve the removal of existing equipment, site preparation, grading and drainage improvements and the installation of a new playground system designed to meet current safety and accessibility standards. 

A total of 17 proposals were received in response to the RFP and evaluated in accordance with the city’s purchasing policies. Staff determined that Miracle Recreation Equipment Company provided the most responsive and responsible proposal and offered the best overall value. 

The proposed design meets the project’s requirements and includes the components necessary to deliver a complete and functional playground system. Staff recommended the project to not exceed $1 million, which has been budgeted to cover the full project, including potential unforeseen construction conditions. 

The board also approved an ordinance amendment to rezone property for a future portion of the Spring Hill Commerce Center development. 

The 25-acre parcel located at 2860 Clark Road is currently zoned for Agriculture District but will be rezoned to I-2. The Spring Hill Planning Commission recommended approval during its March 10 meeting. 

The Spring Hill Commerce Center Planned Development was originally approved by the Board of Mayor and Alderman in 2023. At that time, surrounding parcels were rezoned to Planned Development (PD) and I-2 rezoning classifications. However, the 25-acre tract was later annexed through Resolution 25-13. 

Rezoning the parcel from agriculture to industrial zoning will allow it to be incorporated into the existing Spring Hill Commerce Center Planned Development. 

City staff noted the request aligns with the city’s future land use map and supports Spring Hill’s vision of investing in economic development and expanding job opportunities within the community. 

The board also approved a resolution for a land acquisition tied to future improvements at Kedron Road and Old Kedron Road intersection. 

The intersection improvement project is included in the city’s revised 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). To complete the project, the city must acquire a tract of land from a private property owner who has agreed to a negotiated purchase price.

Funding for the acquisition will be added through a current fiscal year budget amendment, transferring impact fee funds into the Capital Project Fund. The $175,000 purchase will be expensed from the Kedron Road project budget. The resolution was unanimously approved by the board.

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 cover 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.

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.

MRMC Offers Coaches Clinic (MauryCountySource)

The Maury Regional Health athletic training team is hosting the third annual coaches clinic to support local coaches in preparing their athletes for the upcoming season. The clinic will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 9 a.m. at the Maury Regional Annex, located across the street from Maury Regional Medical Center at 1223 Trotwood Ave. in Columbia.

The clinic is open to coaches of any age group and sport (youth, middle school, high school, college or volunteer) or for anyone else in the community who is interested in learning more about coaching, leadership, athlete safety and more.

Presenters for this year include:

· Amanda Kesterson, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with Maury Regional Medical Center, will be presenting “Staying Off the Sidelines and In the Game: Tips for Building Resilient Athletes,” focusing on strength development and how to keep young athletes performing at their best.

· Dan Thomas, a broadcast meteorologist with WSMV News 4, will be discussing how to safely participate in outdoor sports during the summer months.

· Dustin Ritchie, a regional overdose prevention specialist with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, will be discussing current trends of youth substance use, highlighting collaborative efforts with schools and sharing available resources aimed at prevention and early intervention for youth substance abuse.

Athletic trainers from Maury Regional Health will be present in between speaker sessions to demonstrate taping and ACE bandage wrapping skills.

Maury Regional Health offers sports medicine and athletic training services to several area schools in Maury, Marshall and Lewis counties. The dedicated team of athletic trainers and health care professionals strive to keep student-athletes safe, health and performing their best. Learn more about sports medicine services offered by Maury Regional Health at MauryRegional.com/SportsMedicine.

The clinic is free to attend. Registration is not required, but RSVP’s are highly encouraged by emailing dhightower@mauryregional.com.

Spring Hill License Kiosk (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has introduced a new Driver License Self-Service Kiosk in the lobby of its headquarters at 800 Hathaway Blvd. The kiosk is open to all Tennessee residents—regardless of county—and offers a convenient alternative to visiting the DMV.

Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the kiosk allows users to:

* Renew a driver license

* Obtain a duplicate license or state ID

* Change their address

* Pay reinstatement fees in full

The kiosk does not accept cash or checks; payment must be made using a credit or debit card.

No appointment is necessary. For more information about the service, visit www.tn.gov/content/tn.

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

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.

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…

The New TPAC (Tennessean)

For many, the most striking element of the new Tennessee Performing Arts Center will likely be the reflective metal façade that surrounds the outside of the building.

Taking cues from an undulating theater curtain, the arches on the exterior composed of an array of aluminum tubes will look different from every vantage point in the city.

And as far as vantage points are concerned, a rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of the river and Nashville’s skyline is likely to become one of Nashville’s most popular new photo locations.

That's all according to the most detailed renderings yet of the new 307,000-square-foot TPAC campus poised to shape Nashville's shifting East Bank. The latest drawings were unveiled April 16.

With the visual signs of what’s to come on the East Bank still in their infancy, TPAC is giving stakeholders in one of the largest urban development projects in the country more to dream about, even as other projects prepare to move from paper to reality this year after years of behind-the-scenes planning.

“This new center represents the future of the performing arts in Nashville and across our state,” TPAC President and CEO Jennifer Turner said in a release announcing the designs. “For more than four decades, TPAC has brought world-class performances and transformative arts education programs to Tennesseans. Our new home will allow us to welcome more audiences, support more artists and expand the impact of the performing arts in communities across Tennessee.”

Construction on the new campus is set to begin in 2027, with a projected completion and opening date in 2030. While construction continues, TPAC will remain open and active at its current home in the James K. Polk Cultural Center downtown, which will be recommissioned once TPAC exits.

Gas Prices (MSM)

Gas prices across the state increased three cents, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.88 which is 64 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.16 more expensive than one year ago.  

“Last week we saw our state gas price average rise to a high of $3.93, before declining to today’s average of $3.88 following the announcement of a two week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Despite this announcement, crude oil prices have creeped higher over the weekend, highlighting the continued uncertainty and volatility in the oil market.”

Since the conflict escalated in early March, Tennessee’s gas price average has jumped $1.36 per gallon, rising from $2.57 at the beginning of March to last week’s high of $3.93. This marked the highest daily average price Tennessee drivers have seen since August 2022, and adds roughly $20 to the cost of filling a 15-gallon gas tank. 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Classic cars and classic junk, along with a hefty dose of community and live entertainment return to Columbia's Motor Alley this weekend.

Columbia Cars & Coffee invites all local classic car and vintage motor enthusiasts for an early morning start to kick off the monthly event's 2026 season, starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday at the public parking lot located at the intersection of East 7th and Woodland Streets.

To celebrate the kickoff, Columbia Cars & Coffee will feature coffee from Bradley Mountain, breakfast served at the Slothful Waffle food truck and live music from The Grass Kickers.

Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace's Big Bleu Pickin' Party also makes its celebrated return this weekend, also starting at 8 a.m. at the parking lot, where visitors can browse among dozens of vendors, as well as enjoy even more food trucks and live entertainment until 4 p.m.

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