Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-8-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 8, 2026

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

Bear Creek Pike Upgrade to Happen (Press Release/WKOM Audio 6:34)

The City of Columbia announced yesterday that a major transportation improvement project along State Route 99 (Bear Creek Pike) has been included in the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) 10-Year Project Plan through the Statewide Partnership Program (SPP).

The announcement was made at Fire Station Number 3 yesterday afternoon. With more on the project is Front Porch Radio’s Delk Kennedy…

Sterling Marlin to Lead Mule Day Parade (CDH)

He might be retired and living the simpler life, but fans of Sterling Marlin will witness the NASCAR legend rolling down the roadway once again, this time leading his hometown's largest annual event.

Marlin will lead this year's Mule Day Parade as its grand marshal, which is something Mule Day organizers say they have "wanted to do for years, and what better way than to do it celebrating America's 250th?"

"They have asked him several times before, but he was always out there racing and was not in town during Mule Day," Louise Mills, a longtime Mule Day organizer, said. "Now that he is out of that field, he has more time."

In years past, Marlin would often be found on the motor speedway during Mule Day festivities, whether he was racing on the track or speaking into a microphone in what was commonly known as his "own language," consisting of a mix of grit, humor and good old-fashioned Southern storytelling.

These days, Marlin, now 68, resides on his Columbia cattle farm, spending much of his time in his race shop adorned from wall-to-wall with NASCAR memorabilia, trophies and keepsakes given to him by fans over the years.

There are also items dating back to his childhood in Maury County, such as his Spring Hill High School football jersey, where he played quarterback, as well as a motorized minibike once owned by his father and fellow racing icon, Clifton "Coo Coo" Marlin.

The bike, he said, was memorable for several reasons, such as his father riding it through the family's home one Christmas morning.

"He came in and drove the thing in two or three circles," Marlin said.

Throughout all of his winnings and fame on the NASCAR circuit, including back-to-back Daytona 500 wins in 1994 and 1995, as well as winning the Winston 500 in 1996, Marlin has remained a loyal Maury Countian, which he said is simply "because it is home."

Marlin's racing career spanned 34 years, with his first race dating back to when he was only 17 years old.

When it comes to Mule Day, Marlin would often joke with interviewers saying, "I hear it's just a bunch of drunk asses."

In 2010, Marlin officially retired from racing. With 10 total career wins, as well as 83 Top 5 finishes and 216 Top 10 finishes, he ranks among NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers list.

In 2012, Marlin announced publicly he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and while it has affected certain aspects of his life, such as speech and "general stiffness" at times, he remains active on his farm.

When it comes to his health these days, Marlin stays optimistic, that there are "good and bad days," but thanks to modern medicine, he is able to get around, work in his shop and tend to the cows.

He now wears a subcutaneous device, much like a diabetic would wear to receive insulin, from which he receives periodic doses of Carbidopa/Levodopa, allowing him to function, sleep and operate with minimal tremors often associated with Parkinson's.

"I'm doing okay, but you have your good days and bad days," Marlin said.

While maintaining good health remains a top priority, Marlin said he would gladly get behind the wheel of a stock car and feel that surge of adrenaline traveling down the track at 200 miles-per-hour, if given the chance.

"I still love racing," Marlin said.

Murphy Resigns, Dobies Named Interim County Attorney (CDH)

The Maury County Commission appointed Mark Dobies to serve as interim county attorney for a six-month period following the recent resignation of Daniel Murphy because of a heated "political" environment.

Murphy, who announced his resignation earlier this month, served the position, as well as serving as Maury County's tax attorney, for 17 years.

In Murphy's resignation letter, obtained by The Daily Herald via an open record's request, the long-time attorney lists several reasons for his decision to leave his position, including a divided commission, lack of support from Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt and the county's plans to seek another attorney.

The resignation comes just weeks after he signed his name to a Columbia Power and Water Systems letter sent to customers, citing partial eminent domain would be necessary for some properties in the path of the ongoing CPWS pipeline project.

In a recent Maury County Commission meeting, County Mayor Sheila Butt criticized Murphy for sending the eminent domain letter in his capacity as CPWS board counsel, while also county attorney. Butt said she was concerned residents might think the letter was generated by the county.

Murphy's resignation letter was submitted March 2 to Maury County Commission Chairman Danny Grooms, according to open records information.

In the letter, Murphy states his gratitude for his years of service, although explains his resignation is due to what he called "several divisions among this commission over different issues."

"I do not want my role of county attorney to add to those divisions," Murphy stated. "I have tried to remain apolitical in my representation of Maury County, but it appears that certain individuals desire the county attorney role to be aligned with their political agenda. I cannot continue my representation of the county under those conditions."

Murphy added that he was sorry for the resignation being stated at a short notice.

"However, the email I received last week and the mayor's statement at last month's commission related only to possible condemnation proceedings that may be needed for the downstream intake project that a client of mine is undertaking," Murphy stated in the letter. "There is no conflict of interest regarding that situation."

Murphy also indicates in the resignation letter that he was not given proper notification of the Maury County Administration Committee's plans to replace him.

"The two resolutions that are on the Administration Committee were not shared with me until I saw the agenda that was on the county website," Murphy stated. "I believe these resolutions are being advanced by the Maury County mayor, and I do not believe it is in the best interest of Maury County if I remain as the Maury County attorney."

Murphy also addressed his resignation during a public comment portion of a March 2 meeting by the Maury County Health and Environment Committee, stating his decision was due to the environment becoming "too political."

"Facts don't seem to matter in the political social media world that we currently live in," Murphy said. "Facts are incorrectly stated, are partially stated or are not stated at all ... and if they don't agree with your position, then they just attack you personally."

Murphy also indicated his resignation was due to the recent approval of the $505 million Columbia Power & Water Systems downstream intake project, of which Murphy serves as attorney on the company's board of directors.

In February, CPWS letters suggesting potential eminent domain were sent to residents with property residing where the project will be constructed, which contained Murphy's signature. The letters prompted some commissioners, as well as Butt to suggest Murphy's involvement with CPWS could present a potential conflict of interest.

"In my position as county attorney, I have always tried to stay away from politics and treat everyone the same," Murphy said. "But now it seems that certain individuals have desired to align the county attorney position and the aspects of his private practice of law with their particular political agenda. I am not going to be part of that process.

"I want to thank everyone who has supported me during my time as county attorney. I have thoroughly enjoyed representing this county. I believe I have done a lot of good things for this county, but it is clear to me that my time of representing Maury County has come to an end."

Following Murphy's resignation announcement, the county commission held two special called meetings to interview candidates, ultimately landing on three potential attorneys, one being Dobies, while the others included former Columbia city judge Tom Dubois and Thomas Hutto.

Wes Bryant, who was also considered for the position, withdrew his name during the commission's March 30 meeting, stating that the county commission "wasn't ready" to make such a decision based on a lack of consensus on whether an attorney would serve the full remaining three-year term or if an interim attorney would be the right move.

"It was a 10-11 vote to push this off, which tells me close to half of you all think the four of us aren't qualified to be the attorney for this process, and that's fine, but it tells me you all aren't ready," Bryant said. "I don't want a client who is of two minds for something as important as this."

Dobies, who resides in Franklin, said he plans to relocate to Maury County "in a couple of months" after being asked about having a local presence outside of county meetings or in the event his legal services are needed.

"I love Spring Hill, and so that's on the agenda in the next couple of months," Dobies said. "I am at the will of the committee. That is my job, and I don't see any reason I wouldn't be able to come down here as quickly as possible to do business.

"That is priority one."

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.

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…

Randy Edward Hall, 72, retired owner and operator of R. K. R. Oxygen & Supplies, and resident of Columbia, passed away at his residence on April 5, 2026.

Memorial services will be conducted Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Phyllis Elaine Slusher Jennings, 75, resident of Columbia, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026, at her home.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick Blevins officiating. Burial will follow in Maury Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 1:00 PM until the service hour at the funeral home.

And now, news from around the state…

TN to Host Joint US/Japanese Annual Joint Meeting (Press Release)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced today that Tennessee will be the host state for the 48th Annual Joint Meeting between the Southeast U.S./Japan Association (SEUS/Japan) and its Japanese counterpart, the Japan-U.S. Southeast Association (Japan-USSE).

 Taking place in Nashville on October 25-27, 2026, Bill Haslam, former governor of Tennessee, will serve as Chairman of the meeting alongside his Japan Joint Co-Chairs, Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) Global CEO and Representative Executive Officer Yasuhiro Morita and Masaaki Tsuya, who served as Bridgestone’s Global CEO from March 2012 through March 2020, and who continues to serve as Chairman of the Japan-USSE Association. 

“For decades, Tennessee has built a strong and enduring relationship with Japan grounded in mutual respect, shared values and economic partnership,” said Gov. Lee. “From advanced manufacturing to innovation and workforce development, Japanese companies have played a vital role in Tennessee’s success, and our state remains committed to strengthening these ties for generations to come. As we convene this meeting, there is no better choice for chairman than former Gov. Haslam, whose steadfast leadership elevated Tennessee’s global profile and deepened our ties with Japan.”

Haslam served two terms as Tennessee’s 49th Governor, elected in 2010 and reelected in 2014 by the largest margin in state history, leading the state through a period of strong economic growth. His administration expanded workforce development through free community and technical college, enacted the largest tax cut in state history and invested in critical transportation infrastructure.

Since leaving office, Haslam has returned to the private sector and remains active on local and national boards, serving as director of the Institute of American Civics, a professor at the Baker School of Policy and Public Affairs and chairman of the Nashville Predators.

“Tennessee and Japan share a rich, longstanding partnership that has created thousands of jobs, strengthened economies and expanded opportunity across the state,” said former Gov. Haslam. “I am honored to serve as this year’s Chair alongside Mr. Morita and Mr. Tsuya and excited to welcome our Japanese partners to Tennessee for the 48th Annual Joint Meeting.”

Bridgestone Corporation, whose western global operations are headquartered in downtown Nashville, is one of Japan’s iconic brands that has made a lasting impact in the Volunteer State since 1983 through its economic contributions and commitment to community development. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Bridgestone employs more than 3,800 Tennesseans across its manufacturing, retail sales and headquarters operations statewide and more than 14,200 in the seven SEUS/Japan member states. The company is in its fifth year as the Japan-USSE Co-Chair Company of the SEUS/Japan Annual Joint Meeting.

“It is a distinct honor to serve as Joint Co-Chair of this significant meeting in Nashville, a city that feels like a second home to Bridgestone," said Morita. "As we move toward a future of sustainable mobility and innovation, the partnership between Japan and the Southeast U.S. remains vital. I look forward to working alongside former Gov. Haslam and Mr. Tsuya as we welcome leaders from both sides of the Pacific to discuss how we can drive shared prosperity and growth for the next 50 years." 

“It has been my privilege to be a part of the SEUS/Japan Annual Joint Meeting since 2022, and I am excited to now be representing Japan alongside Mr. Morita and working with my friend, former Gov. Haslam,” said Tsuya. “I look forward to returning to Tennessee and Nashville for this important meeting, one which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the SEUS/Japan and Japan-USSE Associations and recognizes the friendships and mutual benefits that have been the result of this decades long collaboration.”

Japan remains Tennessee’s top partner for foreign direct investment (FDI) with nearly 210 Japanese businesses statewide that account for more than 50,000 jobs and more than $21 billion in capital investment.

“Tennessee’s relationship with Japan continues to be a cornerstone of our global economic success, with more than 200 Japanese businesses statewide that employ over 50,000 Tennesseans,” said Deputy Gov. McWhorter. “Supporting our Japanese partners is central to our mission of attracting investment and creating high-quality jobs, and we look forward to building upon these relationships to unlock new opportunities for continued collaboration and economic growth.”

The state currently operates five FDI offices based in key countries across Europe and Asia, including the FDI office located in Yokohama, Japan, which was established in 1999 and is the state’s longest serving FDI operation. Their local presence strengthens relationships and builds trust with global companies through direct in-market engagement. 

Serving in a similar capacity to the state’s international representatives, Tennessee is also fortunate to be home to Consul General Shinji Watanabe, the Consul General of Japan in Nashville, who plays an important role in strengthening ties between Japan and the Volunteer State.

“I am delighted that Tennessee will serve as the host of the 48th SEUS/Japan Annual Joint Meeting. This meeting provides a valuable opportunity to further deepen the long-standing and strong partnership between Japan and the Southeast U.S.,” said Consul-General Watanabe. “I look forward to the meeting generating new momentum for innovative collaboration, further expanding Japan-U.S. cooperation and contributing to even stronger economic growth in both countries.”

The 2026 meeting offers delegates an opportunity to meet with influential government and business leaders from Japan and the other Southeast U.S. member states and is expected to draw hundreds of top-level executives, governors and government officials. Discussions will focus on emerging technologies, supply chain resilience and the expanding role of the Southeast in the global automotive and clean energy sectors. The Annual Joint Meeting location rotates among Japan and the seven SEUS/Japan member states, with Tennessee last hosting the gathering in 2010. 

For more information on the SEUS/Japan 2026 meeting and registration details, please visit seusjapan.org.   

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Music City Roots at Harken Hall is set for April 29, featuring Hunter Root, Tyler

Booth and Tobacco Road. These artists bring a signature mix of discovery, storytelling, and unforgettable live performances to the stage.

Music City Roots celebrates great musicians, great acoustics, and the thrill of live performance. The format includes performances and interviews with each artist. Legendary artist Jim Lauderdale will serve as host, Keith Bilbrey will return as announcer, and Ranger Doug Green of Riders in the Sky will interview each artist.

Tickets start at $25 and are now on sale at www.harkenhall.com.