Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-3-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 3, 2026

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

Mt. Pleasant Updates Strategic Plan (MSM)

The Mount Pleasant Board of Commissioners has approved an updated long-term strategic plan, establishing a structured framework to guide the city’s growth, operations and community priorities in the years ahead. 

The plan outlines long-term goals, annual objectives and targeted strategies designed to strengthen performance, improve productivity and ensure the delivery of essential services, while also prioritizing community and individual well-being. 

The update follows a strategic planning work session, where commissioners and staff evaluated the city’s direction and identified key priorities. As part of the process, the board revisited the city’s 2024 mission statement, using a series of guiding questions to ensure it reflects Mount Pleasant’s core purpose, emphasizes community impact and supports long-term planning. 

The revised mission statement reads: 

“The mission of the City of Mount Pleasant is to deliver dependable services, protect public safety, and support a community where people are proud to live, work and grow.” 

Commissioners also refined the city’s use of the SMART framework- specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-based data to strengthen accountability and improve implementation. 

Seven primary strategic objectives were identified: 

• Reduce water system loss. 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive stormwater plan. 

• Expand and maintain a city-wide street paving and resurfacing program.

• Strengthen community-oriented programs. 

• Expand volunteer and citizen engagement programs 

• Update the zoning ordinance with an emphasis on attainable and affordable housing. 

• Support trade-based learning and workforce development initiatives. 

Board members praised the planning process for its efficiency and collaboration. 

Commissioner Pam Johnson described the January work session as one of the most productive she has experienced. Vice Mayor Willie Alderson echoed that comment, noting the city was able to complete the work internally without outside consultants. 

The strategic plan will be evaluated annually and incorporated into the city’s budget and capital improvement planning process.

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.

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.

MRMG Welcomes New Neurology PA (Press Release)

Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) Neurology is pleased to announce the addition of Chloe Wilson, PA-C, to the clinical team. Wilson joins Chaohua Yan, MD, in providing specialized neurological care to the southern Middle Tennessee region.

Wilson earned her undergraduate degree in molecular biology from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. She went on to complete the Physician Assistant program at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, where she received a Master of Science in medicine.

MRMG Neurology is located in the Maury Regional Plaza, Suite 203, at 854 W. James Campbell Blvd. in Columbia, Tennessee. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. Patients seeking an appointment must have a physician’s order.

For a complete list of services or to learn more, please call 931.490.7348 or visit MauryRegional.com/MRMGNeurology.

Where’s Maury the Mule (Press Release)

Maury Alliance’s annual “Where’s Maury the Mule?” shop local passport adventure is happening now. The rules are simple: pick up a passport, find Maury the Mule hidden in as many businesses as possible, and turn your passport in at the Maury Alliance office located at 106 West 6th St in Columbia by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, April 14th. Share your adventure on social media using the hashtag “maurythemule” so everyone can follow along!

Ways to Win

• Visit 30 businesses for a single entry into the GRAND PRIZE DRAWING

• Visit 35 businesses for a double entry into the GRAND PRIZE DRAWING

• Visit 40 businesses for a triple entry into the GRAND PRIZE DRAWING

• Visit at least 5 businesses for a chance to win Local First gift cards and other prizes

• There will be two Grand Prize winners, each will receive $500 in gift cards from participating businesses.

For complete rules and details visit www.mauryalliance.com.

Spring Hill’s Coffee With A Cop (MauryCountySource)

Community members in Spring Hill will have a chance to meet and speak with local police officers during an upcoming outreach event.

The Spring Hill Police Department is hosting “Coffee with a Cop” on Friday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will take place at Target, located at 1033 Crossing Boulevard.

Organizers say the event is designed to give residents an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and build relationships with the officers who serve their community—all in a relaxed, informal setting.

Attendees are invited to stop by, enjoy a cup of coffee, and engage in conversation with local law enforcement.

Backlot Musicfest (CDH)

The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St., will host its second Backlot Country Fest on April 11, coinciding with Columbia's 52nd annual Mule Day celebration.

The event will feature country singer Priscilla Block as the headliner, with performances by Shane Profitt, Katie Austin and The Bandana Brothers, according to a Wednesday, March 25 news release from The Mulehouse.

Lauryn Snapp, a nominee for an Academy of Country Music Award for National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year, will serve as the emcee. Snapp is known for her work on SiriusXM's The Highway Mornings.

The festival aims to provide a lively concert experience following a day of Mule Day festivities. General admission tickets are $35, with discounted multi-ticket packages available. A limited number of VIP tickets are also being offered.

The VIP experience includes a dedicated entrance, exclusive viewing area, limited seating, a covered lounge, private bar access and separate restroom facilities.

This will mark the second year for the Mulehouse backlot event. The first, held in 2023, was considered a success.

Amy Fish, senior director of concerts and events for The Mulehouse, expressed excitement about the event.

"We’re excited to create something special alongside the always fun Mule Day weekend that extends the energy of the daytime events into an unforgettable nighttime experience," Fish said. "The Backlot Country Fest is designed to bring fans closer to the artists they love while showcasing a few of the most exciting voices in country music today."

Daniel Medina, who has owned The Mulehouse since May, also shared his enthusiasm, according to the release, stating he is thrilled the venue is part of the Mule Day celebration and looks forward to embracing the community through the outdoor music festival.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit The Mulehouse website at www.TheMulehouse.com/backlot.

Farm City Breakfast (Press Release)

The Maury Alliance Agribusiness Committee invites you to the annual Farm City Breakfast honoring the agriculture and agribusiness industry of Maury County.

This year's Farm City Breakfast will be held on Friday, April 17th, at the Ridley

4-H Center. The breakfast line opens at 6:45 am with the program beginning at 7:00 am and concluding by 8:30 am. 

The Keynote Speaker is Colonel Littleton, and a Maury County Century Farm will be honored.

There is no charge to attend the breakfast, however they will be collecting donations during the event for the 2026 Farm City Scholarship Memorial Fund. This year, scholarships will be given in memory of Mary Susan Kennedy.

The Agribusiness Committee invites you to become a sponsor of the 2026 Farm City Breakfast! Your contribution allows us to continue this successful event as well as provide scholarships to Maury County students.

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…

TN Expands Death Penalty on Child Rape Cases (Tennessean)

Tennessee lawmakers have passed a bill broadening when prosecutors can seek the death penalty in child rape cases, in a push that tests U.S. Supreme Court precedent.

House Bill 1454, which passed on March 30, expands the list of aggravating circumstances that can make a defendant eligible for execution, adding factors such as the victim’s age and prior sex offense convictions. The measure builds on a 2024 state law that allows juries to consider capital punishment for someone convicted of raping a child under 12.

Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, the bill's sponsor, said the new legislation was necessary after prosecutors ran into hurdles under existing state law.

Martin cited a recent case in which Hamilton County District Attorney Cody Wamp sought the death penalty against Stephen Rapaport, a Signal Mountain man who pleaded guilty to three counts of child sex crimes. Wamp said she ultimately found the criteria too narrow.

“The current list of aggravating circumstances was inadequate to sentence these defendants to death,” Martin said on the House floor.

The bill broadens that list, giving prosecutors additional avenues to pursue execution.

New aggravating factors include: victims younger than 4, defendants who held positions of trust, defendants who are registered sex offenders, cases in which victims were drugged, recording video or photographing the offenses, and cases of especially severe abuse. The measure also applies to cases involving multiple victims, incest or the use of a weapon.

Prosecutors would still be required to prove at least one qualifying aggravating circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt before seeking the death penalty.

The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk.

Tennessee is not alone. In recent years, states including Florida and Idaho have enacted similar laws expanding the death penalty to child rape cases, setting the stage for renewed legal challenges to Supreme Court precedent.

If signed into law, the measure is expected to face constitutional challenges. In 2008, the Supreme Court ruled that imposing the death penalty in cases where the victim does not die violates the Eighth Amendment against cruel and unusual punishment.

Federal Judge Denies Lutheran Petition for Save Harbor (TNLookout)

A federal judge has denied a petition brought by Lutheran churches to temporarily block a Tennessee law making it a crime to harbor immigrants without legal status. 

Republican lawmakers in April 2025 enacted the Human Smuggling Act, which created a felony for knowingly transporting or harboring immigrants without legal status. The law also created a misdemeanor crime for those who “harbor or hide” immigrants in the country illegally.

The Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church filed a legal challenge to the law last year, alleging the legislation would criminalize the ongoing faith-driven work of its churches to provide housing to asylum seekers, host day shelters, offer English classes, food pantries and other services to immigrants regardless of legal status. Two individual landlords joined the suit, saying they feared renting homes to immigrants would be considered “harboring” under the new law.

U.S. District Judge William Campbell on Tuesday wrote the text of the legislation is “plagued by undefined terms, quixotic comma splices and redundancies that render the precise scope of the prohibited conduct less than clear.” 

Nevertheless, Campbell concluded that there was “no evidence” that Tennessee officials intended it to apply to the services the churches highlighted in their legal challenge. 

Attorneys for the state defending the law have said church leaders and staff would not be prosecuted for providing charitable services to immigrants under the law, Campbell noted. 

“Given Defendants’ insistence that the Plaintiff’s conduct is not unlawful and does not subject them to risk of prosecution, Plaintiffs have not shown an immediate, non-speculative, non-theoretical threat of prosecution,” Campbell concluded. 

Campbell has not yet ruled on a separate motion by the state to dismiss the case entirely. 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Travel back to 1977 with an immersive high-energy show at The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St.

The 77 Experience, which takes place at 8 p.m. Friday, will celebrate all the great bands of the era, including Queen, Journey, the Bee Gees and Hall & Oates, to name a few.

In addition to the music, the 77 Experience will incorporate various video elements, such as classic commercials, movie previews and television moments of the era.

Tickets are $29.10 and are available at www.TheMulehouse.com or by calling (931) 490-9400.