Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-2-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 2, 2026

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

Eddie Hickman Remembered (Press Release)

 Retired Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Eddie Hickman, has passed away. Mr. Hickman was a longtime educator, coach, and administrator who devoted his life to the students and schools of Maury County. A native of the community he would one day lead, Hickman built a career that spanned more than four decades in Maury County Public Schools, leaving a lasting impact on both academics and athletics across the district.

Hickman was a product of Maury County Public Schools, attending Highland Park Elementary School and Whitthorne Junior High School before graduating from Columbia Central High School in 1969. He continued his education at Columbia State Community College and later earned a bachelor’s degree in health, physical education, and recreation from Lipscomb University in 1973. He received a master’s degree in administration from Trevecca Nazarene University, preparing him for leadership roles in education.

He began his career in 1973 at Hampshire Unit School as a teacher and coach, working with both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. Over the years, he served in multiple schools across the district, including Mt. Pleasant High School and Whitthorne Junior High School, where he taught science and physical education while continuing to coach. In 1988, Hickman returned to Columbia Central High School, where he spent 16 years serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and ultimately principal. In 2004, Hickman was named Director of Schools for Maury County Public Schools. Under his leadership, the school system grew and strengthened its academic and extracurricular programs.

Hickman was known for his hands-on leadership style and strong presence throughout the district. He regularly attended school and athletic events, supported fundraising efforts, and worked closely with the Maury County Public Schools Board of Education to advocate for students, teachers, and programs. One of his notable contributions was strengthening middle school athletics by requiring all programs to join the Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association, helping create consistency and opportunity for student-athletes.

Hickman also supported initiatives that benefited both students and staff. He was involved in community partnerships such as the “Strive to Drive” program, which rewarded students for achievement and engagement, and he advocated for equitable support for all school employees, including proposing financial bonuses to ensure fairness among staff.

Athletics remained a cornerstone of Hickman’s legacy. Having been a student-athlete himself, he spent approximately 40 years involved in school sports as a coach, administrator, and supporter. He emphasized sportsmanship, discipline, and integrity, holding both athletes and coaches to high standards regardless of wins or losses.

Hickman left a legacy defined by commitment, leadership, and a deep connection to the community he served. His influence could be seen not only in the success of Maury County Public schools, but also in the generations of students, athletes, and educators whose lives he helped shape.

The family will visit with friends at the Columbia Central High School Event Center on Friday, April 3, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. A private family burial will follow.

Molder Collects $600k for Campaign (CDH)

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, the leading Democratic challenger in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, announced a fundraising haul of more than $601,000 for the first quarter of 2026 on April 1.

Molder is a Democrat challenging two-term Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, to represent Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, which Republican lawmakers redrew to be friendly to GOP candidates in 2021.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has backed Molder as a priority "Red to Blue" candidate, signaling Democrats' confidence they can flip the 5th District in November. That move comes with logistical, strategic, and fundraising support.

The $601,000 announced April 1 adds to the $1.2 million in campaign contributions Molder has raised since September.

Molder's now $1.81 million fundraising total, across seven months, is the highest of any 5th, 6th or 7th Congressional District candidate since 2016, including U.S. Reps. Mark Green, Matt Van Epps and Diane Black — except state Rep. Aftyn Behn in the special election last December.

About 85% of Molder's contributions came from inside of Tennessee, according to the campaign.

"Thank you to all of you who have invested in our campaign to bring new leadership to Middle Tennessee," Molder said. "This outpouring of support has given us the ability to let voters know that they do not have to accept the chaos, higher cost of living and reduced access to health care that Andy Ogles is bringing to our communities."

Former U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper has endorsed Molder for the seat he previously held, before the Republican-controlled state legislature gerrymandered him out.

Molder faces Metro Council Member Mike Cortese of Nashville, Joyce Neal of Antioch, and health care CEO Jim Torino of Columbia in the Democratic primary. None of Molder's primary contenders have yet announced first quarter fundraising totals.

"I'm proud of the strong campaign and coalition we are buidling with an eye toward this November," Molder said. "Talking with people across this district, I know that we will give Middle Tennessee the true representation they deserve in Congress."

Ogles faces a Republican primary challenge from former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, a veterinarian and owner of Hatcher Dairy. Hatcher raised $411,000 in the last quarter, and reported $173,555 cash on hand as of Dec. 31. Hatcher has not yet announced totals for the first quarter.

Ogles has also not yet announced a first-quarter fundraising haul. As of Dec. 31, Ogles had $62,080 cash on hand and $70,368 in outstanding debts.

The 5th Congressional District includes a slice of Davidson County and wide swaths of rural Lewis and Marshall counties down to the Alabama border.

Since redistricting in 2021, Ogles has won with 13-point and 17-point victory margins. But this year, the district is a top priority for Democrats to flip.

Candidates have until April 15 to file their fundraising disclosures with the Federal Election Commission.

The primary election is on Aug. 6. The deadline to register to vote in the August primary is July 7.

Lumber Liquidators to Headquarter in Lawrenceburg (CDH)

Lumber Liquidators will relocate its corporate headquarters and warehousing operations to Lawrenceburg, according to Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

The announcement was made March 31, backed by Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter.

The company, based in Richmond, Virginia, will create 76 jobs and invest $32.4 million in Lawrence County in southern Middle Tennessee.

“Tennessee’s business climate is strengthened by the trusted brands that choose to call the Volunteer State home, and I am proud to welcome Lumber Liquidators to Lawrenceburg," Lee said. "This relocation will create greater opportunity for families across the region, and our highly skilled workforce will serve their business well.”

The relocation is estimated to improve the company's supply chain operations by aligning shipping schedules and distribution efforts with Lumber Liquidators' parent company, F9 Brands, which currently operates in Lawrenceburg under the brand, Cabinets to Go.

“Cabinets To Go has been a valued member of our state for nearly a decade, and F9 Brands’ decision to relocate Lumber Liquidators to Lawrenceburg reflects the company’s continued confidence in Tennessee’s business climate," Commissioner McWhorter said. "Our state is recognized nationally for its low-tax environment, skilled workforce and strong alignment among stakeholders, and this announcement further strengthens that reputation.”

Founded in Boston in 1993 as a seller of all types of building materials, Lumber Liquidators now operates more than 200 stores across the U.S. specializing in hardwood flooring.

“After moving our Cabinets To Go distribution and headquarters to Lawrenceburg in 2016, we found Tennessee to be a great place to operate a growing business," founder and chairman Tom Sullivan said.

"We are excited to now add Lumber Liquidators national distribution to the area, which will bring our two brands together into one location, providing greater operational efficiency and allowing us to continue to offer customers the best price on cabinets and flooring. We are proud to deepen our ties to Tennessee and look forward to growing along with our neighbors here in Lawrenceburg.”

MCWS Working on Pipeline (MSM)

Work continues apace on Maury County Water System’s latest major project: a six-mile pipeline that will transport three million gallons each day (MGD) of treated water to their customers.

Maury County Water started searching for a source of additional water in 2016. In 2023, Shultz said, one particular project idea began to emerge as the fastest and cheapest: buying water from the Hillsboro, Burwood & Thompson’s Station Utility District (HB&TS), which was capable of treating and shipping an additional 3 MGD of Cumberland River water on top of what their customers were already using.

“We’ve had a long-standing, good relationship with HB&TS and their General Manager Cody Lovett, we’ve had water lines next to each other on Highway 431 for many years,” Shultz said. “Just by contacting them, looking at possibilities… it grew into a contract and project.”

MCWS locked in the total price of the pipeline, easements and installation at about $14 million. A windfall against this already low price came in the form of an American Rescue Plan grant, arranged with TDEC, for $7.76 million, covering more than half the cost of the project.

The MCWS pipeline will tie into HB&TS’s water line near the intersection of SR-431 and I-65, then run south along the highway through Williamson County for six miles.

“The pipeline will benefit and be utilized by everyone along the way, which has made it [relatively] quick and painless [to pass through] the many private front yards and pastures on the east side of Highway 431,” Shultz said. “This has made the project mutually beneficial for both utilities… [it’s] an added benefit of buying and transporting potable water.”

Construction is being handled by Hawkins & Price, a firm with a good working relationship with MCWS.

“They install a lot of potable water line, sewer line, storm drain,” Shultz relayed. “They’ve been around for a long time, very good contractor. They’ve actually done projects for Maury County Water.”

The work itself is laborious: so far their workers have had to bore under the interstate, dig up and replace segments of well-traveled roads that intersect with SR-431, break up subterranean rock, use a machine pump to keep a creek flowing as they cross it,. Work on the pipeline began in November, and Shultz expects it to be finished, online and shipping potable water in September 2026.

“It might not be the largest [project in our history], but it’s up there with our larger projects for sure,” the superintendent confirmed.

MCWS has been busy keeping up with growth, recently finishing installation of 10-inch water lines and a new pump station, working to lay a 16-inch pipe under Beechcroft Road and beside Gravel Hill Road and designing a 2 MGD water-storage tank served by 18-inch pipes.

“Everything else that we have right now are [serving] developments,” Schultz said. “MCWS will continue exploring every possibility for additional water supply to serve Maury County.”

Sheriff Receives Kiwanis Award (Press Release)

The Kiwanis Club of Columbia has officially launched a new tradition of excellence by naming Maury County Sheriff Bucky Rowland the first-ever recipient of the Kiwanis Heart of Service Award. The award was presented at the club’s recent meeting to recognize Rowland’s career-long commitment to the safety and well-being of Maury County.

The Heart of Service Award was established by the Kiwanis Club to honor individuals, groups, or organizations in Maury County that consistently work to make the community a better place to live. Recipients are selected based on four key pillars: Community Impact, Commitment and Dedication, Leadership and Initiative, and serving as a Positive Role Model.

“Sheriff Rowland embodies the very definition of this award,” said a Members of the Kiwanis History & Honor Committee. “His measurable contributions and his ability to inspire others to contribute to the community made him the unanimous choice to set the standard for all future honorees.”

The nomination process is internal to the Kiwanis Club. Each recipient receives a specially engraved plaque as a permanent symbol of their contribution to the "Heart" of Columbia.

Sheriff Rowland was joined by members of his team to celebrate the achievement, highlighting the collaborative leadership that the Kiwanis Club seeks to honor.

City Acquires Traffic Barriers (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is further strengthening public safety at community events with the acquisition of 18 portable traffic safety barriers designed to protect pedestrians and deter vehicles from entering crowded public spaces.

The barriers were funded through the State of Tennessee’s Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF) grant awarded to the City in December 2025, supporting ongoing efforts to enhance public safety citywide.

“These VCIF grant funds allow us to take a proactive approach to public safety,” said Police Chief Jeremy Haywood. “By investing in equipment like these barriers, we are better equipped to protect our residents and visitors.”

These barriers are engineered to stop vehicles weighing between 5,000 and 12,000 pounds traveling at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, bringing them to a halt within 7 to 10 feet. Their “Drop and Stop” design allows for quick manual setup and easy relocation, making them a versatile solution for a variety of applications.

City Manager Tony Massey said, “The safety of our residents and visitors remains a top priority. These barriers provide an added layer of protection at community events.”

The barriers are well suited to secure entry points and roadways at public gatherings. They will be deployed at some of Columbia’s most well-attended events, including First Fridays in downtown Columbia, helping ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for all attendees.

Public Works Director Jeff DeWire said, “These barriers are a practical and effective tool for our crews, designed for quick deployment while enhancing safety for both the public and staff.”

This investment reflects Columbia’s continued commitment to public safety and to supporting a secure, vibrant community.

CPWS and TVA Team to Support Boys and Girls Clubs (Press Release)

Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS), in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), is proud to announce a major investment in the future of local youth. The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee has been awarded a Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM Center.

The new center will serve as a hub for innovation, providing Club members with access to high-tech tools and hands-on learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This initiative aims to bridge the educational gap and inspire the next generation of Columbia’s workforce to pursue careers in technical and scientific fields.

"At CPWS, we are committed to more than just providing essential services; we are committed to the growth of our community," said CPWS CEO Jonathan Hardin. "Partnering with TVA to support this STEM Center allows us to help spark curiosity and provide a foundation for lifelong learning for our local students."

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation’s STEM Centers are designed to provide safe, engaging environments where children can learn everything from robotics and 3D printing to coding and chemistry. By integrating these resources into the Boys & Girls Club, the program ensures that local youth have consistent access to the technology required to succeed in a modern economy.

“Igniting students’ interest in STEM education is essential to preparing the next generation of skilled workers our region will depend on,” TVA Government & Community Relations Manager LaKevia Perry said. “As today’s workforce retires, we need young people who are prepared and eager to step into high‑demand roles to help build the energy systems of the future. That’s why TVA is so committed to investing in local programs that spark curiosity, expand opportunity and strengthen the talent pipeline – both here in Columbia and across the Tennessee Valley.”

TVA President and CEO Don Moul added, “Inspiring young people to pursue careers in STEM fields is so important. A workforce with specialized skills means more economic opportunities for people across our seven-state region and more opportunities for our students to achieve high-paying jobs that will support their families and make their communities a better place to live when they grow up.”

The addition of the STEM Center marks a significant milestone for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee, enhancing their ability to provide high-quality after-school programming that prepares students for the challenges of tomorrow.

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

Edward (Eddie) Allen Hickman lifelong educator died on March 31, 2026 at Maury Regional Hospital.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. A private family burial will follow. The family will visit with friends at the Central High School Event Center on Friday, April 3, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

And now, news from around the state…

Statehood Day Celebration (Press Release)

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett today announced plans to celebrate America 250 and Tennessee’s 230th birthday with the Tennessee State Library & Archives hosting free events as part of the 2026 Statehood Day Celebrations.

“This year’s Tennessee Statehood Day celebration is both special and historic as we celebrate America’s 250 years as a country and Tennessee’s vital and numerous contributions in helping to shape the path of the United States of America,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “We hope Tennesseans will join us in celebrating our state’s rich history, which will be on display at the Library & Archives.”

Statehood Day Celebration activities will commence at the Tennessee State Library and Archives at 10:00 am Saturday, May 30. Activities and events are family-friendly, free to the public, and will include a showcase of items from the Library & Archives’ collections, story time, crafts, an instrument petting zoo, musical performances, living history interpreters, and behind-the-scenes tours with a stop at the robotic automated storage and retrieval system.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol Honor Guard will present, honor, and guard the three original constitutions at an opening ceremony at 11:00 am, and the ETSU Old-Time Ramblers will be performing the National Anthem.

“We hope families across Tennessee will join us for this historic celebration at the Library & Archives,” said Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist Jamie Ritter. “This is an opportunity to learn more about the Library & Archives and to experience and understand Tennessee’s history in an interactive and fun way.”

As part of the extended Statehood Day celebration, the Tennessee State Library & Archives will host a special Brown Bag Lunch lecture on Monday, June 1, featuring Tennessee State Historian Dr. Carroll Van West. Dr. West will present a program exploring Tennessee’s history and its significance in the broader American story as the state marks its 230th anniversary. The lecture is free and open to the public.

The Library and Archives’ Statehood Day Celebration events will take place at the Tennessee State Library & Archives building, 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way N., on the northeast corner of Bicentennial Mall State Park in Nashville.

For more information about the Library and Archives Statehood Day Celebration, visit Save the date: Celebrate Tennessee’s 230th birthday with us — Saturday, May 30 at the Tennessee State Library & Archives | Tennessee Secretary of State.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

A whimsical community event is set to return to Spring Hill, combining fantasy, food, and philanthropy to support children in need.

The 3rd annual Fairytale Tea Fundraiser, hosted by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Spring Station Club, will take place Sunday, April 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the event barn at Enchanted Springs at Gordon Farms.

Guests can expect a magical atmosphere featuring fantasy-themed table decorations, finger foods, and opportunities to meet and feed miniature farm animals. The event will also include a variety of vendors offering items such as crafts, hair braiding, fairy-themed accessories, jewelry, and more.

This year’s fundraiser will benefit Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit organization that builds and delivers beds to children who do not have one of their own. Organizers plan to have a sample bed on display and will accept donations of new twin-sized bedding sets during the event.

Tickets are limited, with only 86 available. Prices are set at $25 for adults and $15 for children. Event organizers say the fundraiser continues a tradition of supporting child-focused nonprofits while bringing the community together in a unique and engaging setting.

Learn more by visiting www.gfwcspringstation.wordpress.com.