Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-9-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 9, 2026

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

Two Convicted of Rape (MSM)

Maury County juries have found James William Jones and Donald Dewayne King guilty of two counts apiece of aggravated rape.

On Sept. 26, 2021, Jones and King abducted a young woman, who was intoxicated and having seizures, from a bar in Mount Pleasant. The two strangers drove her to a trailer in Columbia, where they raped her as she continued to have seizures and pleaded with them to stop.

Eventually the victim escaped and found shelter at a nearby house, where she disclosed what had happened and the Maury County Sheriff’s Department was called. A rape kit detected DNA from both King and Jones.

King pleaded guilty to the two aggravated-rape charges and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Jones initially denied having sexual contact with the victim, then claimed at trial that he had consensual sex with her. After his trial last week, the jury took about 20 minutes to find him guilty; he’s now in custody, facing his sentencing on June 18, where he can expect 15-25 years for each count.

District 22 Attorney General Brent Cooper commended his assistant district attorneys Pamela Anderson and Ross Boudreaux for their prosecution of the case; Victim Witness Coordinator Christie Williams Dickey for her assistance; Duane Sayle and Roscoe Voss, with the Maury County Sheriff’s Department, for their investigation; and the victim for her bravery in escaping and convicting her attackers.

“The victim exhibited extraordinary courage throughout this long process,” Cooper said. “She is to be commended, and we pray for a wonderful future for her.”

Bear Creek Pike Upgrade to Happen (CDH)

The long-awaited widening of Bear Creek Pike, a project dating back to the 1990s, now has an official start date, confirmed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Columbia city officials gathered on the morning of April 7, to announce the $180 million project, and that TDOT's estimated construction to widen State Route 99 will commence in 2037.

The project is part of TDOT's 10-Year Project Plan and Statewide Partnership Program (SPP).

"The City's SPP submission and financial participation played a critical role in elevating the project for consideration," TDOT Commissioner Will Reid wrote in a letter submitted to Mayor Chaz Molder on April 6. "Your local commitment helped position the project for advancement and enabled TDOT to program the SR-99 improvement from Nashville Highway to Interstate 65 into the 10-Year Project Plan.

"Given the scale and complexity of the project, TDOT will lead its delivery."

The project proposes to widen 7.2 miles of Bear Creek Pike from the Nashville Highway intersection to U.S. Interstate 65, widening the roadway to a four-lane divided cross section. The project's description, according to Columbia's Department of Development Services, also states the project might be a five-lane undivided section along the route due to topography and geological features.

"This segment of Bear Creek Pike provides a regional connection to Interstate 64 and is a priority for the city of Columbia due to impacts that increasing traffic will create regarding safety, congestion and economic opportunities," the project's description states. "This corridor is also used for moving freight to and from many industrial facilities and Interstate 65."

Tuesday's announcement took place at Columbia Fire & Rescue Station 3, located just off the roadway.

"This is an exciting time for the city of Columbia," Vice Mayor Randy McBroom said. "We are especially grateful to Gov. Bill Lee, TDOT Commissioner Will Reid, Sen. Joey Hensley and Rep. Scott Cepicky for their leadership and ongoing community commitment to improving transportation infrastructure across our state."

McBroom added that the project will be focused on "improving roadway safety."

"This project is being approached with careful attention to long-term growth and sustainability," McBroom said. "It's not just about moving more cars, but about making daily life safer and more predictable for people who live and work here. We also recognize that infrastructure projects of this scale must be handled thoughtfully. This corridor is not just a roadway but is a fabric to our community."

Columbia City Engineer Glenn Harper, who was instrumental in keeping the project on TDOT's radar, said city staff is "very excited" to get things started.

"We are very excited to get the designs started and meeting that 2037 construction date started and have the road widened, as it should be," Harper said.

City Manager Tony Massey also said the project will be one of the largest TDOT projects it has committed to in Columbia for decades.

"Probably the last time TDOT committed to doing a project of this magnitude to our community is when they build that interstate out there back in the 1960s," Massey said. "That's how important this is to Columbia today, but particularly to Columbia tomorrow. Because, you know, as we grow and continue to grow, and have more and more issues with that growth, four-laneing and, in some instances, five-laneing this highway is our future way to address that."

As part of the $180 million project, Columbia will commit $10 million from its general fund over the next 10 years as a local match, Massey added.

"The city of Columbia has never done that before, and certainly never done anything on that level of financial commitment," Massey said. "And as we were advised by TDOT, it was that commitment by this city government, by this city council, that has led to this announcement.

"I want to thank current council, and want to thank the previous council, because this is your work. This is the end product of what you have labored over the years to make happen. So, congratulations."

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.

CA Announces New Football Coach (MSM)

Rob Phillips has been named as the successor to Seth Anderson at the helm of the Columbia Academy football program.

Phillips, a 2007 Goodpasture graduate, has spent the past eight seasons as defensive coordinator at Jackson Christian School.

“This is a really exciting time,” said the 37-year-old Phillips, the son of longtime successful Goodpasture softball coach Lee Phillips, who won seven state championships in 15 seasons. “Growing up at Goodpasture, Columbia Academy has always been a place that caught my attention – similar background, similar school. Teaching at Jackson Christian, it’s been the same thing.

“There are a lot of people in that community, at that school, that I’ve known for a long time, and I know it’s a great place to raise a family.”

Anderson resigned as coach at his alma mater during a tumultuous February on campus, as his departure followed the dismissal of fellow CA graduate Pernell Knox as athletics director.

In four seasons as the Bulldogs’ head coach – following 16 years as an assistant, Anderson led the team to a 23-23 mark, with a Division II-A state runner-up finish in 2024 following a berth in the DII-A semifinals the previous year. That season, Columbia Academy advanced with a 48-41 quarterfinal victory over Jackson Christian.

Last season, CA finished its first year of DII-AA competition 1-9 with nine straight losses, forfeiting its finale after a spate of injuries left a depleted roster heading into Week 11.

“I have never been afraid of a challenge,” Phillips said. “One thing I know is, we’re going to build the culture right. Once you do that and you establish the attitude of ‘family’ in the locker room, the wins will take care of themselves after that.”

In addition to his JCS tenure, Phillips has served as an assistant at Dyer County and at Ripley since his 2012 graduation from Freed-Hardeman.

“Rob brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership and a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the field,” CA president James Thomas said in a statement. “I am most impressed by the quality person that he is. 

“His coaching knowledge, passion and his commitment to building meaningful relationships make him an excellent fit for Columbia Academy and our mission as a Christian school.”

Lane Phillips, Rob’s wife, will also join the CA faculty.

“I know how important family is,” he said. “My wife is going to be teaching second grade, my kids (Glennlee and Porter) will be on campus. The idea of having my entire family there and being part of this build, it’s a perfect fit.”

The athletic director position at Columbia Academy remains vacant, as does its volleyball coaching position following the dismissal of first-year coach Rebecca Camacho.

CSCC Students Earn Honors At “Battle of the Smokies” (Press Release)

Emergency medical services students from Columbia State Community College were recently awarded in two categories after competing at the fourth annual Battle of the Smokies.

Over 25 teams representing community colleges, county EMS and mine rescue crews from Tennessee competed at the March 4 event in Sevierville, Tennessee.

In the Student Advanced Life Support division, Columbia State’s team won first and fourth place. Roane State Community College students placed second and third.

In the Student Basic Life Support division, Columbia State’s teams won first and second place. Third place went to a team from Roane State Community College.

“We are incredibly proud of these students and their dedication to clinical excellence,” said Gregory S. Johnson, Columbia State EMS program director and assistant professor. “These AEMT and paramedic students performed at an incredible level of skill and showcased their ability to critically think in a very complex situation.”

The EMS competition featured a scenario where several patients had to be treated after a side-by-side utility vehicle hit a telephone pole. Smoke and other hazards on the simulated scene tested the students’ learned skills, as well as their overall awareness, in a crash setting.

Teams were scored in three areas: how quickly they assessed patients, the quality of their medical interventions and the speed of readying patients for medical transport.

In addition, gaining experience through real-world scenarios and the competition setting, students also gained eight hours of continuing education credits via their work in the competition and the conference they attended.

The Battle of the Smokies is put on by the Tennessee Association of EMS Providers and the Tennessee Mine Rescue Association.

For more information on the Columbia State EMS program, visit website at http://www.columbiastate.edu/academics/emt-paramedic.

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."

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.

Susannah Patrick “Susie” Maddux, passed away on April 7th at her home in Riverside 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.

And now, news from around the state…

TOSHA Levies $1.3M Fine on Explosives Plant (Tennessean)

The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration has levied a record $3.1 million fine against explosives manufacturer Accurate Energetic Systems following the Oct. 10 disaster at the AES plant in McEwen that left 16 dead.

The 122-page packet of citations lays out a slew of infractions including sloppy workplace maintenance standards, not requiring employees to work with proper safety equipment and gross negligence in documenting and updating policies.

There are 100 total citations against AES including 59 “willful serious” violations, which TOSHA says demonstrated negligence or even failure to implement or omit important safety information.

The 59 “willful serious” citations racked up the greatest fines – about $3 million – with the remaining “serious” or “repeat-serious” violations incurring an additional $133,000-plus in penalties.

The six-month investigation into the explosion is the largest conducted by TOSHA and resulted in the agency's highest-ever total penalty, TOSHA said in an April 7 statement.

The most alarming “willful serious” violations deal with employees’ exposure to dangerous equipment and chemicals.

Many of those citations say the company demonstrated a “plain indifference to employee safety.” That includes an absence of hand protection, face shields or respirators when plant workers were handling dangerous chemicals such as TNT.

One citation said employees were using “plastic pitchers” to scoop explosive materials from kettles and a wooden broom handle to scrape the sides of a kettle. They used a long copper pipe to manipulate a piece of machinery known as an “agitator” while “impeller blades were rotating.”

Those blades lacked specific “guarding” to ensure employees didn’t accidentally come in contact with the blades, the TOSHA report said.

A TOSHA report from Feb. 22, 2023 said AES was aware that the chemical cyclonite (RDX), which comes in a powder form, was linked to employee seizures.

A 2016 safety data sheet said cyclonite poses a risk to a worker’s “central nervous systems, eye, and skin hazards,” a TOSHA citation said. A 2019 safety data sheet no longer included references to those hazards.

“By omitting these hazards, employees worked with RDX without complete and accurate health information” as required by state workplace standards, TOSHA said in its citation.

The report also said the company did not assemble investigative teams to respond to reports of valves not closing, foreign metals in the explosive materials and a broken motor.

Employees were overexposed to TNT, and while the company documented the overexposure it didn’t take necessary steps afterward to prevent it, the report said.

Also, AES had developed a program dealing with its melt cast explosives operation but never implemented it, according to one citation. The company wrote the "process safety management program" on July 13, 2023, which OSHA said indicated an awareness of the agency's standards. But instead of fully implementing that program, AES discussed "process changes during meetings, with inconsistent corresponding meeting minutes documented." 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

 Experience a magical evening at The Franklin Theatre as A Night at the Copa honors the legendary music of Barry Manilow on April 17th.

Featuring fan favorites Richard Jacques, Missy Garnett, Tracey DiCicco, and Mark Thress, this sensational tribute brings fresh energy to timeless classics like “Mandy” and “Copacabana.” Backed by an all-star band of elite touring musicians, the night promises a rich tapestry of sound and nostalgia that breathes new life into these beloved hits. Don’t miss this chance to relive the melodies and irresistible charm that have touched hearts for generations.

Find tickets at www.franklintheatre.com.