Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-24-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 24, 2026

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

Police Offer Tips After Spring Hill Women Followed (WSMV)

Two women reported being followed by a man inside separate Spring Hill stores, prompting police to offer safety advice for shoppers.

According to a post on social media, one woman said she was followed through a Target store and immediately knew something wasn’t right. Spring Hill police happened to be inside the store hosting an event and escorted her to her car.

“We did watch surveillance video, and Target was made aware of the situation but we did not find anything criminal in nature that had happened,” police said.

A different woman claimed she had the same experience at an Aldi store down the street. Both women said the man following them was between 5′8 and 5′10 and had an olive skin tone.

Police offered advice for shoppers who believe they are being followed.

“I would suggest you make a couple quick turns to see if that person is following you. And if so, try to get distance from that person,” police said.

Police said shoppers should consider not wearing headphones and staying off their phones to be present and alert while shopping.

America 250th Celebration (Press Release)

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the City of Columbia created a series of initiatives recognizing the community’s rich heritage and the valuable contributions of a few of the individuals who helped shape its history.

As part of the America 250 commemoration, the City has launched Columbia250USA.com, a dedicated website designed to share information about local events and highlight some of the people who have left a lasting impact on Columbia. Central to the site is a special feature recognizing 26 of Columbia’s most influential figures, referred to as ‘Architects of History.’  These leaders, legends, and visionaries represent the spirit and legacy of Columbia across generations.

To further recognize these individuals, the City has brought their stories to the heart of downtown. Decorative banners featuring the 26 historical figures are now displayed throughout the downtown area, creating a visual tribute that connects residents and visitors to the city’s past. 

The website includes brief biographies of each honoree, offering insight into their contributions and lasting influence. The historical content was generously provided by Maury County Archives and the African American Heritage Society of Maury County.

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder emphasized the importance of recognizing Columbia’s unique role in the nation’s story.

“This initiative is about more than marking a milestone, it’s about recognizing the people who built our community,” said Molder. “It’s about ensuring that their stories continue to be told to inform future generations. As we recognize America’s 250thanniversary throughout 2026, Columbia is proud to celebrate our shared history while looking ahead to the future we are building together.”

For more information, visit Columbia250USA.com.

Duck River Bill Update (TNLookout)

Before sending a bill to the governor granting the Duck and Buffalo rivers protection against landfills, Tennessee lawmakers scrapped a last-minute amendment that would have exempted current landfill permit holders.

The bill designates nearly all of the Duck River, Buffalo River and their tributaries as Class II pastoral waterways. The classification comes with rules barring mining, commercial timber harvest and landfills within two miles of scenic waterways. Agriculture and other traditional rural uses may continue.

The state House added an amendment to the bill on April 9, specifying that the bill would not bar construction, operation or expansion of landfills that have a valid permit prior to the bill’s passage. 

The amendment’s application would have been narrow — of the nine landfill permits issued within the two-mile prohibition zone along the Duck and Buffalo rivers, only three remain “active,” according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Having an “active” permit does not mean there is landfill activity happening on the site. One of the active permit sites is owned by the Maury County government, and was never constructed. Another site is owned by a graphite materials company.

The amendment would not have applied to a site formerly owned by the Monsanto Chemical Company, though it has an “active” permit, because the site was already restricted for landfill use by a separate scenic river bill in 2023. The landfill site’s owners sued over blocked plans for landfill expansion, and the case remains pending in Davidson County Chancery Court.

The state Senate, which unanimously approved the bill without any amendments in February, refused to adopt the House’s changes. 

The House reconsidered its actions in adopting the amendment on April 16, and approved the Senate’s version of the bill with a 77-9 vote, with eight representatives not voting.

As of Wednesday, both the House and Senate speakers signed the bill’s final version.

New Spring Hill Library (CDH)

Concepts for the new Spring Hill Public Library were presented this week to the Board of Mayor & Aldermen, providing a glimpse into what the new facility could include.

Spring Hill Capital Project Manager Missy Stahl presented two possible concept ideas for the library.

Plans for the new facility were approved in November 2025. It will be located on city-owned property next to the existing Spring Hill City Hall.

Both concepts feature an approximately 53,000-55,000 square-foot, two-story structure.

Concept A would be located directly next to City Hall and connected via an elevated bridgeway, while concept B would be more integrated into the building, plans show.

"The 53,000-55,000 square feet would hold all of the programming needs that the library has identified that they would like to have, as well as a large conference room that can be used," Stahl said.

Concept B would also include a central courtyard area, which Stahl said could be an ideal spot to place the historic city jail. It was recently donated to the city by former Spring Hill Mayor George Chester Jones.

Concept A would benefit by providing easy navigation for vehicles, though it would limit parking and would require a two-story parking garage, Stahl added.

"Is that ideal? No. Is it costly? Yes. Is it pretty? No," Stahl said. "So there are a lot of disadvantages to the Concept Plan A, but this is what we talked about being on that land when we originally approved for this concept to get started."

When the discussion was brought back to board members, the consensus was that Concept Plan B was the favorable choice.

"I agree with Concept B, and I like it for a lot of reasons, primarily for the flexibility it offers," Alderman Brent Murray said. "Obviously, the green space and some of the gathering space for folks that are there, and it would be more aesthetically pleasing with no parking [garage]."

In addition to utilizing green space, the concept would not require a parking garage, though providing adequate parking would still be an issue, Stahl said.

"On both plans, the access would be the current City Hall," Stahl said. "On both of these [plans], we do not have enough parking, and so that is still being worked out and is still an issue that we are addressing. Concept B gives us a little more parking."

Plan B is also designed to better allow future expansions.

"The only reason to build next to City Hall here is to integrate the two buildings and structures together and make more flexibility and more shared community space between the two buildings," Mayor Matt Fitterer said. "B achieves that. A does not."

An additional $28,400 would also need to be funded for the final concept design by WBA Architecture, which would also require additional Geotech studies. The final concept plan would also include construction details, as well as the building's overall funding, Stahl said.

"We have to do determining of electricity and sewer because all of the electricity for this building is in this parking lot, as well as a sewer line that runs in the middle of the parking lot and comes up," Stahl said. "So, we will have to do a little configuring of that as well."

No votes were taken on the measure, but Fitterer advised Stahl to submit a resolution to the board to fund the additional $28,400 at a future meeting.

Culleoka Engineering Students Compete (MSM)

Two teams from Culleoka Unit School’s engineering design program earned top honors at the Tennessee Concrete Association’s Skate4Concrete Mini Skatepark Competition, at Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) Concrete Industry Management Building.

The teams, led by engineering design teacher Vince Springer, competed in the event for the third consecutive year. The competition evaluates students on creativity and technical knowledge required to design and construct a functional skatepark. Judging criteria include skatepark design, presentation and a quiz bowl component, with an emphasis on concrete science, construction principles and community impact.

Culleoka’s Blue Devil Co. team — Kamren Baumann, John Hunter, Logan Gibbs and Coltin Butler — placed first overall, earning the highest combined score across all three categories.

“This is the third year we have competed,” said Baumann, the team’s designer. “We finished second place the last two years and finally we won first. I want to thank the Tennessee Concrete Association and MTSU for the opportunity and hospitality.”

Culleoka’s second team, LLKP — Nick Chambers, Camden Randall, Ethan Gutierrez and Luke Luna — finished second overall.

“I am so proud of my students,” Springer said. “They worked hard on their skatepark designs and completing the concrete curriculum. This has become something that my students look forward to every year.”

“The Tennessee Concrete Association is fortunate to partner with CTE programs like the one at Culleoka Unit School who create opportunities for their students to learn about the concrete industry,” said Joseph McDaniel of the Tennessee Concrete Association. “Vince Springer, the program director, has been one of the most committed competitors in the Skate4Concrete competition from the beginning. Congrats to his awesome group of Skate 4 Concrete competitors who placed first and second in our third annual state competition.”

As part of the project, students completed the Tennessee Concrete Association’s Skate4Concrete certification. Following the competition’s presentation and quiz components, participants toured the Concrete Industry Management Building at MTSU and learned more about its Concrete Industry Management program.

Springer credited the Tennessee Concrete Association, workforce coordinator Joseph McDaniel and MTSU for providing students the opportunity to participate in the annual competition.

Upstairs Downtown Tour (Press Release)

Columbia Main Street is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated 4th Annual Upstairs Downtown Tour on April 30 from 5:30 to 8 PM. This self-guided, ticketed experience invites residents to explore downtown through a curated selection of properties, showcasing both upstairs and downstairs spaces.

Along the way, attendees will sample locally sourced food and non-alcoholic beverages, enjoy live music performances, an interactive photo booth, and learn about the history behind each location. Every stop offers something new, from unique flavors to a variety of musical styles, creating a lively and immersive evening experience.

Participants will begin their journey at the Columbia Main Street office, located inside the Visit Columbia Welcome Center, where they will receive their official tour map and instructions. From there, guests will have two and a half hours to explore all featured locations at their own pace.

Each year features a completely new lineup of properties, ensuring even returning guests enjoy a fresh experience. Locations remain a surprise until the day of the event, when attendees receive their tour map at the Welcome Center.

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Start Location: Visit Columbia Welcome Center (713 North Main Street, Columbia, TN 38401)

Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased at ColumbiaMainStreet.com. Availability is limited, and the event typically sells out.

All proceeds from the Upstairs Downtown Tour will support Columbia Main Street’s downtown beautification projects, helping enhance and preserve the charm of the district. For more information, visit ColumbiaMainStreet.com or follow @columbiatnmainstreet on social media.

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.

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…

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. 

Susannah Patrick “Susie” Maddux passed away April 7th at her home in Columbia. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Bigbyville Methodist Church. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the church. 

Frances A. Domenico, 99, of Columbia, passed away on Thursday, April 16th. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

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. 

And now, news from around the state…

TCAP Amendment Fails (Tennessean)

Tennessee Senate Republicans and Democrats joined together to vote down a last-minute effort to expand private school vouchers and eliminate universal TCAP test requirements for the state’s first voucher program on April 22.

But the effort could still be revived before session adjourns.

After lackluster test results for Tennessee’s first voucher program, Education Savings Accounts, Republicans last month proposed to drop the state’s requirement for all participants to take the annual Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program test — a move that would have eliminated the only apples-to-apples comparison of the program's efficacy with other state programs.

Senate Bill 1585 failed in the Senate by one vote on April 22, with senators voting 16 to 14 to defeat it. Eleven Republicans voted to maintain existing accountability for the program.

During Senate debate, bill sponsor Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, called the TCAP requirement included in the original ESA program “a mistake.”

He said that the TCAP is “not an accurate assessment for some private schools,” and that allowing ESA students to take the standardized test of their choice would “provide for greater accountability” for the ESA program.

Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, called the reversal on TCAP requirements for the state's first voucher program a "bait and switch," noting that when the bill passed seven years ago, strict accountability requirements were a cornerstone of the legislation.

Countering Johnson's claims that removing the universal TCAP requirement would strengthen accountability, Yarbro argued the bill would actually "expressly ... do the opposite."

"There's a clear reason that schools want to use a different test standard than what the state does. It is to ensure that its results are not compared against the state, to ensure that students are not assessed against a common baseline — to make the data utterly unusable to us," Yarbro said.

Tennessee has held the TCAP as the standard of K-12 accountability for at least 15 years.

“If we thought this was good policy, we would adopt a policy that all schools could choose whichever test they prefer," Yarbro said.

Johnson was indignant that another senator would assert that he was being dishonest.

“Shouldn’t you assess what you’re teaching?” Johnson argued. “If you support school choice, it shouldn’t be the objective to turn all the private schools into public schools."

Ahead of the Senate vote, the House companion bill was amended to dramatically overhaul the ESA program, doubling the income cap, adding thousands of new slots and adding Knox County to the three existing counties where the program operates.

The House amendment sparked an outcry from some of the affected school districts, and stark opposition from accountability hawks, anti-voucher Republicans and the Democratic caucus. The full House has yet to vote on the amended bill.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The International Country Music Conference is headed back to Belmont University for its 42nd year from May 28-30, 2026.

The annual event brings music scholars, journalists, authors and enthusiasts to Belmont University for three days of presentations and dialogue, including events that recognize outstanding contributions to country music scholarship and journalism.

"For scholars of country music, the International Country Music Conference is the highlight of the year,” co-host Don Cusic said in a press release. “Scholars from across the country as well as internationally come and share their research as well as network." 

For more information, visit www.internationalcountrymusic.org.