Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-21-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 21, 2026

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

Home Invasion (MauryCountySource)

At approximately 2:30 a.m. on April 20th, Spring Hill police officers responded to a reported home invasion in the 3000 block of Boxbury Lane in Spring Hill. According to a resident, two armed males dressed in all black entered the home but fled before officers arrived.

No property was reported stolen, and no injuries were sustained.

Detectives are asking residents in the Boxbury Lane area and Commonwealth at 31 apartments to review their home surveillance footage for any vehicles or individuals captured between 1:30 a.m. and 2:45 a.m.

Anyone with relevant footage is encouraged to submit it to Detective Tiller at jtiller@springhilltn.org.

Duck River Gets Full Scenic Designation (MSM)

A long, difficult legislative marathon has almost reached the finish line. Duck River Conservancy President Doug Jones, along with a host of other Duck River advocates, have been working for three years to get the Tennessee Legislature to designate the Duck River as a Tennessee scenic river.

The bill granting the designation of Class II Scenic River to the Duck River, the Buffalo River, and the Piney River, as well as parts of Beaverdam Creek, Lick Creek, and Swan Creek passed the Senate with a unanimous 32-0 vote. After a tough time in the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee, the amended bill was approved by the House with a vote of 81-5 and seven members abstaining. Once the Senate approves the House amendment next week, the bill will be signed into law by Governor Lee.

The amendment which was added in the House addressed active landfill permits already in existence. Apparently, there are two permits in Maury County and possibly one in Perry County. Although the permits are active, there is no active landfill activity on the sites according to Cassandra Stephenson, reporter for the Tennessee Lookout, and the amendment was largely a housekeeping measure.

One of the strongest protections afforded by the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Act is found in T.C.A. Section 11-13-111 which reads “No landfill for the disposal of solid or hazardous waste shall be permitted within two (2) miles from the center of a Class II scenic river on either side…” That prohibition has been in place since 1990. Representative Chris Todd, Chairman of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, did everything he could to quash this year’s scenic river designation bill. At one point, he tried to push through an amendment to remove the landfill buffer zone entirely. When that failed, he tried to table the bill, pushing it over to a fourth year. In spite of these efforts in Committee, the scenic river designation for our rivers and streams passed easily in the full legislature on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Under the scenic river law, TDEC has the authority to establish the boundaries of scenic rivers. While TDEC has never used that authority, this year’s legislation includes a provision strengthening landowner rights in the event TDEC undertakes to establish boundary areas. TDEC is required to engage in an outreach program and, most importantly, boundary areas can be established only with the written consent of the affected landowner.

It was 58  years ago that our state legislature passed the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 to preserve, protect and, if necessary, reclaim “for the benefit of the people selected parts of Tennessee’s diminishing resources of free-flowing rivers.” The 1968 legislators saw the importance of protecting forever those water resources that can never be replicated or replaced. The Duck River and its designated tributaries will be available to future generations. Those rivers and creeks are our natural legacy.

Protecting our streams and rivers is also an economically sound investment. As population growth and suburban sprawl changes the landscape, nature has added value. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s George Lindemann, property owners near protected green spaces see their property value rise. The local economy also gets a bump. Ecotourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of tourism. Designated scenic rivers add to a community’s economic vitality. When people come to fish, paddle, picnic, or hike, they spend money in the local businesses serving that community. Once Governor Lee signs the bill into law, Hickman County will have more miles of scenic rivers than any other county in the state.

Asked about his three-year crusade, Doug Jones responded: “Passing scenic river legislation is difficult at best. The designation is like an historical stamp that, down through the ages, becomes part of the essence of that river. So, consideration of such naming is taken very seriously. And it should be.”

He added, “As for the Duck River, it was not a close question. It is truly one of the most special and scenic rivers in the world.”

Miracle League Field Celebrates Opening Day (MSM)

“Everybody deserves to play ball,” said Juli Beck, vice president Miracle League of Columbia

Five dozen area residents had the opportunity to fulfill that desire Saturday, as a five-year effort by a number of visionaries from in and around Columbia came to its culmination with the inaugural Opening Day of the Miracle League of Columbia at Maury County Park.

The dream of an all-inclusive baseball facility initiated with Robin Estep and soon spread across the area, reaching former Columbia Central standouts Mike and Dan Uggla – the latter a 10-year Major League Baseball veteran and three-time National League all-star – among others.

With the support of local individuals and businesses, as well as both the City of Columbia and Maury County, the dream came to fruition. A facility with a price tag of $2.8 million was unveiled this weekend for 60 players on six teams.

One of more than 270 leagues across North America, Puerto Rico and Australia, fields for the league are custom-designed with cushioned rubberized surfaces to help prevent and/or minimize injuries. The playing surfaces are completely flat to eliminate any barriers to wheelchair-bound or visually impaired players. Complexes also feature wheelchair-accessible dugouts, restrooms, concession stands and picnic pavilions.

Participants can range in age from 5 “to 95,” Beck said.

“You can be as old as you want to be and play in the Miracle League.”

Each player is paired with a “buddy” – a volunteer who assists with every aspect of their participation.

“You have your own personal ‘buddy’ with you, running the bases, helping you bat, anything else you need,” Beck said.

On and off the field, more than 100 volunteers helped with Saturday’s events, including the three games – pitting the Braves and Red Sox, the Yankees and Royals ahead of the finale between the Dodgers and Cardinals.

County Recommends Ethics Policy (MSM)

The Maury County Commission’s Administrative Committee recently voted unanimously to recommend that the full commission adopt the state’s updated 2022 ethics policy.

The County Technical Advisory Service’s (CTAS) short sheet on ethics explains that the state is primarily concerned with the financial dimension of “ethics.”

Maury County operates under the Financial Management Act of 2014, which also deals with ethics concerning county officials standing to financially profit from an act or piece of legislation in such a way that a “reasonable” observer could surmise a conflict of interest in the situation, then the county official or employee must disclose the conflict, and abstain from voting if they vote on it.

County officials must also abstain from accepting gifts that either affect the outcome of a vote, or are perceived to be by a “reasonable” observer. Asked how far this prohibition on gifts should be observed, Maury County’s CTAS representative Melissa Kelton said, “One of our attorneys… literally says, ‘Don’t eat the chicken,'” i.e., the safest practice is to refrain from accepting any gifts from people or organizations who might someday stand to gain from a county vote. However, she said, “ethical” censure comes only upon the reality of a gift or conflict, not on personal “morals” or popular “perceptions” of people’s conduct.

“When I was chairman of this commission, I had persons coming up to me complaining about [the] behavior of certain people, and they wanted to file ethics charges,” corroborated Administrative Committee Chairman Eric Previti. “And I had to tell them that bad behavior, or behavior you don’t like, is not an ethics violation in the eyes of the state of Tennessee. It’s got to have monetary gain from something that a commissioner [voted upon].”

Violations of this code are to be directed to the county’s Ethics Board, which is currently composed of Maury County Sheriff Bucky Rowland and county commissioners Pam Huffman, Cindy Hestla, Connie Green and Mike Kuzawinski. The board currently lacks a chairperson to perform essential executive functions; an ethics chair needs to be appointed by the county commission chairman. The ethics board can investigate the propriety of actions and votes and recommend that the County Commission censure the person who did them, but they can’t impose penalties or subpoena anyone.

Commissioner and ethics board member Mike Kuzawinski said he found in his study of CTAS requirements and the Tennessee Code that “some TCA code [on ethics]… does not deal with financial [misconduct].”

“T.C.A. 39-16-402 says [a charge of official misconduct] applies to public servants or candidates for office [for committing] ‘unauthorized exercise of official power’… [and] T.C.A. 39-16-403 [says the same of] abuse of power by a public servant,” Kuzawinski pointed out, noting that both laws appear under the list of “applicable state laws” in CTAS’s short sheet. “It restricts transparency in government when a constituent has an issue that they feel is an ethics violation, [but the Ethics Board] says, ‘Oh, there’s no money involved, so we don’t even have to look at it’… I feel like we owe it to our constituents to look into it.”

“That would have to be answered by an attorney, whether or not [that’s in] the scope, because when I reached out to our attorney, he said it only covers those two things,” Kelton responded. “We get so many questions on conflict of interest that we have to wait and have our attorneys answer them.”

Road Project Update from State (MSM)

State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, last week outlined the progress of several infrastructure projects impacting Maury County.

“Our community has experienced a population boom in recent years, and I’m excited to announce these important updates to reduce congestion and strengthen roadway safety,” Cepicky said. “These critical transportation projects will improve traffic flow and help ensure Middle Tennessee’s infrastructure can keep up with our ongoing growth. Investments like these are essential to supporting the long-term success of the Volunteer State.”

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) recently announced an estimated $190 million to widen Bear Creek Pike (State Route 99) in Maury County from State Route 6 to Interstate 65 through the Statewide Partnership Program. Preliminary engineering is expected to begin in 2032, right-of-way acquisition in 2034, and construction in 2037.

Additional transportation updates include:

• State Route 6 widening from State Route 247, or Duplex Road, to north of Thompson’s Ridge Road/Buckner Road in Spring Hill. The project will cost an estimated $133.9 million, with construction beginning in 2033.

• State Route 6 widening from north of Thompson’s Ridge Road/Buckner Road to north of Tollgate Boulevard in Thompson’s Station. The project will cost an estimated $157.8 million, with construction beginning in 2033.

• I-65 widening from State Route 396, or Saturn Parkway, to near the I-65/I-840 interchange. The project will cost an estimated $150 million, with construction expected to begin in 2028.

These projects are part of TDOT’s updated Ten-Year Plan, funded in part by a $1 billion allocation by the General Assembly last year to expedite road projects in the Transportation Modernization Act. This historic legislation, passed in 2023, invested $3.3 billion to fund critical infrastructure projects in rural and urban areas of Tennessee.

Tennessee uses a pay-as-you-go model for roads, using cash on hand. The state has not borrowed money for transportation projects since 1977.

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.”

MRMC Drug Take-Back Event (Press Release)

 Maury Regional Health, in partnership with the Maury County Sheriff’s Office and Maury County Prevention Coalition, is hosting an event for members of the community to dispose of expired, unused or unneeded prescription drugs safely and anonymously on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

A convenient drive-thru will be available for community members to drop off their expired or unneeded prescription drugs in the Medical Office Building parking lot on Maury Regional Medical Center’s (MRMC) campus at 1222 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia. Members of the medical center’s security team, along with the Maury County Sheriff’s Office, will be present to safely receive items from drivers in their vehicles and properly dispose of them. The service is free and anonymous with no information required.

This event will also feature family-friendly activities hosted by the Maury County Prevention Coalition and Sheriff’s Office, including face painting, a slide and a free lunch of grilled hot dogs.

“We are pleased to once again offer our community a convenient and safe way to dispose of unused, expired or unneeded medications,” said MRMC Security Director Scott Nations. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this important opportunity.”

Proper disposal of unused or unwanted medications helps to prevent accidental poisoning or misuse, as well as helping protect the environment.

Only medications in pill or patch form should be brought to the upcoming drug take-back event. Items should be in their original container, if possible. The site cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps. For more information, contact the Maury Regional Medical Center Security Department at 931.381.1111, ext. 4327.

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

John Thomas “Bud” Haskin, 94, resident of Culleoka, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026 at his home in Culleoka.

Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 2:30 PM at Scribner’s Mill Cemetery with Randy Sprouse officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

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

Graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Pisgah Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com

And now, news from around the state…

School Voucher Program Passes Senate by One Vote (Tennessean)

Senate Republicans gave final approval to a 15,000-seat expansion of Tennessee’s private school voucher program by just one vote on April 16, adding about $270 million in new funding to the program — the majority of which will likely go to the state’s six wealthiest counties.

House Republicans approved the expansion on April 14, and it now goes to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk. Expanding the program has been a top priority for the governor during his final year in office.

Senate Republicans were split on expansion: Eighteen supported the bill, just one more than needed to pass the upper chamber, while eight joined Democrats in voting against it.

Families who applied for the 15,000 expansion slots make an average of $96,400, according to the state — that’s over $20,000 more than the state average family income.

Before voting against the bill, Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville, called vouchers “an entitlement program,” arguing that no metric exists to indicate that either of the state’s voucher programs are yeilding postive results.

“Are we getting our money’s worth? If we go back and look at the initial [ESA] program … only 10% of them met the standard — 90% of them did not meet the standard,” Briggs said. “There’s not been an examination yet when you had the same students taking the same test that they even came close to performing at the level of the kids in the public schools.”

After years of lackluster achievement from voucher students, Republican leaders are now pushing to end the TCAP requirement for all voucher students — a move that would effectively stifle the only comparable avenue of accountability for the program.

The Education Freedom Scholarships program, still in its first year, offers $7,400 state-funded vouchers to families to attend private schools. Participating students are not required to take the state-standard TCAP test.

The state has not released data documenting how wealthy current voucher participant families are. Half of the 20,000 current vouchers were limited to families with incomes of $179,000 per year or lower. The other half had no income cap.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

GRAMMY Award-winning icons Chris Brown and USHER officially announce dates for The R&B Tour, a 2026 co-headlining stadium run across North America. Uniting two of the genre’s defining hitmakers, the tour will stop at Nissan Stadiumon Saturday, July 25th.

General on sale begins Monday, April 27, at 12 pm local time on RaymondAndBrownTour.com.