Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-19-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 19, 2026

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

Redistricting Lawsuit Denied (MSM)

Four Democratic Congressional candidates and four Democratic voters from districts 5, 6 and 9, along with the state party to which they belong, requested an injunction and temporary restraining order from the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee on May 7. On May 14, the court denied their request to forbid the state from implementing the new Congressional district map during the 2026 election cycle.

Among the plaintiffs are two Maury County locals: Vicki Hale, a Democratic voter and candidate for state Senate District 28 Executive Committee, whose name appears in the title of the case; and Chaz Molder, the outgoing mayor of Columbia and a candidate for the Democratic nomination to be U.S. Congressman representing District 5.

In Hale v. Lee, the plaintiffs make several arguments against the new map. First, they say, redrawing the maps violates their First Amendment right to assemble to achieve political goals, because it nullifies much of the work, time and money they’ve invested so far into their campaigns to win in the 2022 Congressional districts and forces them to campaign and get petitioners in counties that are “hours away.” They also argue that the redistricting could constitute viewpoint discrimination against the candidates, who are Democrats in a majority-Republican state and have publicly declared their political intentions for several months.

Molder pointed out in a brief that he and his campaign had already done a great deal of campaigning, fundraising and advertising in the 2022 bounds of the Fifth District, much of which would be wasted if he had to campaign under the 2026 map.

“[A] significant portion of the voters… who have been inspired by our policies and the movement we are creating, and whose support I have cultivated over more than half a year, no longer reside in the district for which I am now qualified to run under the new legislation,” the mayor complained. “Indeed, many of the signatures on my qualifying petition, which specifically lists the counties and portions thereof contained within the district, can no longer serve as qualifiers under the newly drawn 5th Congressional District boundaries.”

The plaintiffs also point out that during the session when they passed the map, the state legislature repealed a state law against mid-decade redistricting, and waived the state constitution’s residency requirements for federal candidates.

Finally, the plaintiffs remind the court at length that the very same state administration argued successfully in Wygant v. Lee against changing the state Senate districts in the 2022 election year. The Wygant defendants, who are the same ones named in the 2026 injunction request — Gov. Bill Lee, Secretary of State Tre Hargett and Elections Coordinator Mark Goins, all in their official capacities — argued that creating new districts in March of an election year would cause “irreparable harm” to voter participation.

Four high-ranking election officers testified in Wygant that redrawing the districts and shortening the election timeline would hinder them from providing and counting primary, absentee and overseas ballots, which are more complicated than in-person and general-election ballots. For their part, the 2026 Hale plaintiffs procured testimony from two election commissioners, in Montgomery and Davidson Counties, who agreed that accommodating the redistricting would greatly increase their workload and create confusion and information gaps that threaten to leave many voters behind.

“‘[C]hanging the rules on the eve of an election would wreak chaos upon the electoral process and would unnecessarily risk voter confusion and disenfranchisement of Tennessee’s military and overseas voters, causing irreparable harm to the Defendants… and to the public interest,'” Hale quotes, from the Wygant arguments of the same administration which just signed the newly redrawn Congressional districts into law. The 2026 plaintiffs then observe, “The State of Tennessee, through its legal counsel, made these statements on March 25, 2022, more than six weeks earlier in the election calendar than the May 7 enactment of the [2026 redistricting] Act.”

The Lee administration replied that the State of Tennessee is taking the initiative this time, appropriating funds and setting its people to work for the 2026 redistricting, instead of fighting a court order for work it was totally unprepared to do, as it had to in 2022. Election officials, they said, also have much less work to do preparing ballots for nine Congressional districts than for 33 state Senate districts, and they cited a news article in which the Davidson County Elections Administrator expressed “100 percent confiden[ce]” in his department’s ability to handle the redistricting. Finally, they said, the state has been lenient with candidates rather than strict, by extending their petition deadlines more than two months and waiving the constitutional residency requirements.

“There is no present state of ‘chaos,’ contra [the complaint], only hardworking state officials effectuating the State’s newly enacted laws,” the state responded. “It is Plaintiffs’ request for preliminary relief that, if granted, will risk chaos and errors. A court order stopping the State’s elections preparations mid-stream will ‘caus[e] much confusion and upset the delicate federal-state balance in elections.'”

As of May 14, the District 5 and 9 candidates for Maury County will have to compete in the districts drawn for them by the state legislature, and that day Molder announced his decision to run in the redrawn District 5.

“The mission remains clear: it’s time to restore some common sense to our politics. It’s time to show voters the respect they deserve,” Molder said in an announcement. “That’s why I’m still running in Tennessee’s 5th district, whether the new maps withstands court challenges or not… In Congress, I’ll put Tennessee and my country first. It may be a new map, but Tennesseans deserve to have a choice and a chance to elect real leadership to Congress this November.”

The District 5 candidates, according to a list released by the Secretary of State’s office on May 17, are:

• Charlie Hatcher (R), College Grove

• Andy Ogles (R), Columbia

• Yolanda Cooper-Sutton (D), Memphis

• DeVante R. Hill (D), Bartlett

• Rachel Hurley (D), Memphis

• Carrie Ann Iacomini (D), Memphis

• Chaz Molder (D), Columbia

• James A. Johnson (I), Memphis

• Micheál O’Leary (I), Memphis

The District 9 candidates are:

• Charlotte Bergmann (R), Memphis

• Brent Taylor (R), Eads

• Jeremy Thompson (R), Fayetteville

• Todd Warner (R), Lewisburg

• M. LaTroy A-Williams (D), Memphis

• London Lamar (D), Memphis

• Justin Pearson (D), Memphis

• Jim Torino (D), Columbia

• Dennis Clark (I), Memphis

• Michelle Davis Head (I), Lewisburg

Entire Duck River Protected (MSM)

On May 5, Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill passed by the state legislature, HB1510/SB1590, which conferred the “Scenic” designation and its accompanying protections on the entire Duck River, except for the Normandy Reservoir.

“After a hard-fought battle in the State House, Gov. Bill Lee signed HB1510/SB1590 into law recently designating the entire Duck River and some of its tributaries as a Class II Pastoral State Scenic River. The new law prohibits mining, commercial logging and landfills within 2 miles of the river and helps protect the animals and plants living in North America’s most biologically diverse river,” Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt told Main Street Maury.

At the last meeting of the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership, she said, state Rep. Pat Marsh was publicly congratulated for sponsoring the Scenic designation bill in the House.

“This is a win not just for the region ecologically and environmentally, but especially for Maury County, due to the fact that currently almost 100 percent of our drinking water comes from the Duck River,” she said.

In 2023 the state legislature gave a Scenic designation to two stretches of the Duck River, totaling about 67 miles, in Maury County on either side of the city of Columbia. The designation achieved the goal of a popular and activist campaign to prevent a landfill from being developed nearby in Williamsport, since the law prohibits landfills, mining and commercial logging within two miles on either side of a Scenic River. The law allows new farming structures that don’t interrupt the scenic vista and new roads that are strictly necessary.

“As far back as 2013, companies have looked toward Maury County with dollar signs in their eyes wanting to build a regional landfill on the old Monsanto property. This recent legislation, bolstered by the fact that the City of Columbia and the Maury County Commission have adopted the Jackson Law, ensures that Maury County will not have a future landfill on that property,” the county mayor said. “The credit for passing this milestone legislation goes to many people, many of them right here in Maury County, who have been on the front lines in protecting the integrity of the Duck River with their time and resources for many years!”

The Duck was determined to be a Class II Pastoral Scenic River, which state law defines as a free-flowing river banked by agriculture and other low-impact, dispersed uses. The Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (TCA § Title 11, Chapter 13, 2024) requires such a river to be kept unpolluted, undeveloped and otherwise optimized for enjoyment. To facilitate recreational use of the Duck, the code recommends that the state protect the banks with zonings and conservation easements, and purchase or lease land for amenities like canoe launch points, campgrounds and recreation areas. The City of Columbia opened two launch points of its own at different ends of Riverwalk Park in 2025.

In and near Maury County, recreational use looks like canoe and kayak trips, often rented from local agencies like Higher Pursuits and River Rats Canoe Rental; floating, swimming, fishing, picnicking and other bankside family activities; camping and hotel stays at Henry Horton State Park; and sightseeing and appreciation of the wildlife that live in and off of North America’s most biodiverse river, including the dozens of mussel species, otters and other water mammals, and birds great and small.

The mayor also warned of the dangers of overdrawing from the Duck, and advised taking unified regional action in future water endeavors.

“I totally understand utility companies wanting to supply clean drinking water to their payers… However, when that priority begins to damage and deplete a natural resource, other alternatives must be found or a pause in growth needs to be initiated,” she said, noting that the DRWPP is still working on its recommendations for regional water supply solutions. “Solutions being studied are interconnectivity of existing water lines, two different pipeline paths to the Tennessee River, reservoirs for storage, raising Normandy Dam and forming Regional Districts. Regionalizing the water systems would help with financing and would result in controlling the cost of the water supply for rate payers through economies of scale… Any action before those studies are completed, is premature.”

MCPS Recognized as System on the Rise (Press Release)

Maury County Public Schools has been recognized as a “District on the Rise,” in the newly released Education Recovery Scorecard, a national report highlighting school districts demonstrating exceptional academic progress following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report, produced through a collaboration between researchers at Harvard University, Stanford University, and Dartmouth College, identified Maury County Public Schools as one of only a handful of Tennessee school districts recognized for strong gains in both math and reading achievement.

According to the report, Tennessee ranked second in the nation for math recovery and fourth in reading recovery between 2022 and 2025, positioning the state as a national leader in post-pandemic academic growth.

Maury County Public Schools joined Johnson City Schools, Putnam County Schools and White County Schools among Tennessee school districts specifically highlighted for outperforming academically similar districts across the state in both subject areas.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary work happening every day in our schools,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Being identified as a school district on the rise in both math and reading demonstrates the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families. We have remained focused on accelerating student achievement, investing in strong instructional practices, and ensuring every student has the support needed to succeed.”

Maury County Public Schools’ progress is the result of intentional efforts to strengthen academic support, expand intervention opportunities, and maintain a student-centered approach.

“We are proud of the growth our students continue to make,” Ventura said. “While this recognition is certainly worth celebrating, it also motivates us to continue building on this momentum and providing the highest quality educational opportunities for every child in Maury County.”

The Education Recovery Scorecard analyzes district-level student growth nationwide using assessment data from approximately 35 million students in grades 3-8 through the 2024-25 school year.

Columbia State Harwell Endowment (Press Release)

The Columbia State Community College Foundation recently hosted a check presentation event marking the creation of the Annie Pearl Gordon Harwell Endowment Scholarship, as well as the My Tennessee Hometown Heroes Scholarship. 

The endowment, established by her family, will continue her legacy of helping the community by supporting students attending Columbia State. The scholarship funds are for students living in Maury County who are degree or certificate seeking with financial need. 

“The Columbia State Foundation is pleased to have these two distinct yet deeply connected scholarships,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “By honoring both a beloved mother and formative mentors, these scholarships capture the essence of legacy—recognizing we are shaped by love and guidance received at home and by our greater community. The gathering of people at the presentation of these funds served to emphasize the lasting impact individuals can make on the lives of those around them.” 

Reginald “Reggie” Harwell, Annie Harwell’s son, helped present the donation to the Columbia State Foundation and reflected on important lessons his mother taught him. She taught him to address tasks and impossible challenges one day at a time until they are doable. She showed him new perspectives on life when things were hard or didn’t make sense. Most importantly, she was a lifelong advocate and champion of raising up her family and her community to be better.

Austin Harwell, Annie Harwell’s grandson, also spoke to the legacy of his grandmother. 

"She was absolutely the matriarch of our family,” he said. “None of us would be where we are without her drive. This scholarship that we're putting in her name is absolutely the best way that we wanted to honor her. Because, as dad said, she was proud of being a Columbian.”

In addition to the endowment scholarship, the My Tennessee Hometown Heroes Scholarship has also been established by Reggie Harwell in recognition of local teachers and mentors who impacted his early years. A graduate of Columbia Central High School, Harwell’s intention for the scholarship is to create a spotlight on the positive contribution the community of Columbia, his hometown, made to his life. He hopes that this fund will encourage others to start or continue their own involvement in the welfare and advancement of the local population.

Some of the inaugural honorees of the My Tennessee Hometown Heroes Scholarship include Mrs. Blue, Mrs. Tiny Jones, Mrs. Sydney McClain, Mr. Van Edmundson, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Boyd and Annie Ruth Harlan, Mrs. Addie Lee Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Walter and Annie Ruth Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil and Hannah Bullock, Mr. Milton Gordon, Mr. Robert Wisener, the late Reverend William Thomas Harwell and the late Reverend Robert Burns.

“Just as your mother and her stories inspired you to do good, what you're doing with this scholarship is producing goodness in the community,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “When we look at what happens through our Foundation and the generosity of those who give to make these scholarships possible, we see that they don’t just touch one life—they touch many. It’s like a river that branches out, growing as it goes. It reaches countless individuals and transforms lives along the way.” 

The Columbia State Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports and partners with the college to positively impact student success and the communities in which it serves. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Foundation.  

Mt. Pleasant Highschool Partners With Farm Bureau (CDH)

Students in Mt. Pleasant High School's Advanced Manufacturing class have completed a yearlong project designing and building a life-size version of the classic game Operation.

The project, led by teacher Seth Woodard, gave students hands-on experience in manufacturing, design, fabrication and problem-solving while working to meet real-world client expectations, according to a Tuesday, May 5 news release.

The oversized interactive game will be used by Farm Bureau Health Plans as a tool at community events and outreach efforts across Tennessee.

Students spent months planning, engineering and constructing the game, applying skills such as precision measurement, electrical components integration and quality control. The collaboration reflects a growing emphasis on experiential learning within the Maury County Public Schools' Career and Technical Education programs.

“This project is a great example of how career and technical education prepares students for high-demand careers,” said Amy Roberts, Career and Technical Education director with Maury County Public Schools. “Manufacturing programs like this not only teach technical skills but also emphasize teamwork, creativity and communication."

Tristan Brown, CTE College and Career coordinator with Maury County Public Schools, said partnerships with organizations like Farm Bureau Health Plans are critical because they give students real-world experience and show them the value of their work beyond the classroom.

To support the program and recognize the students’ work, Farm Bureau Health Plans presented a $5,000 check to Mt. Pleasant High School. The funds will help enhance classroom resources and expand future project-based learning opportunities.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Mt. Pleasant High School engineering program on this unique project,” said Tracy Ring, chief marketing officer with Farm Bureau Health Plans. “Seeing these students apply complex skills like circuity and 3D design to create something that comes to life in a way that directly benefits our organization’s outreach is inspiring. Supporting the next generation of innovators is at the heart of what we do, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve next.”

The completed game stands as both a functional promotional piece and a showcase of student talent, demonstrating the impact of industry partnerships in education.

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

Marlane Soldner, passed away on April 24 at the age of 71.

A family service will be held to honor her memory in Tennessee at Santa Fe Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on May 29, 2026.

And now, news from around the state…

 Hickman County Officer-Involved Shooting (Fox17.com)

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding a deadly officer-involved shooting that happened Sunday afternoon during a traffic stop in Hickman County.

According to the TBI, deputies with the Hickman County Sheriff’s Office stopped a car around 3 p.m on Old Beaver Creek Road.

During the stop, investigators said a confrontation broke out between deputies and a passenger in the vehicle. Multiple deputies then fired at the car, hitting the passenger.

The passenger, identified as James Heggie, 36, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

No deputies were injured in the incident.

The TBI said agents are continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews as part of the investigation.

Gas Prices (MSM)

Gas prices across the state fell slightly over last week, moving three cents lower, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.12 which is 33 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.41 more expensive than one year ago.  

“For those taking a road trip over the holiday weekend, they’ll be spending quite a bit more at the gas pump,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Today’s state gas price average is $1.37 more expensive than what driver’s paid on last year’s holiday, which adds roughly $20 to the cost of filling a 15-gallon gas tank.

“When fuel prices rise, drivers often look for immediate ways to save money, and that can include delaying maintenance or stretching a tank of gas longer than recommended. Those short‑term decisions can lead to long‑term costs, especially during busy travel weekends.”

A new AAA survey found that when pump prices rise, 44% of Tennesseans let their gas tank fall closer to empty than usual before filling up. 

Tennessee is currently the ninth least expensive market in the U.S.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

CMA Fest presented by SoFi is quickly approaching, and the Country Music Association has announced even more acts set to take over Fan Fair X inside Music City Center. Fan Fair X is the ultimate destination for one-of-a-kind fan experiences during CMA Fest. From legendary icons to rising Country stars, the indoor marketplace gives fans the chance to connect with their favorite artists. With meet and greets, performances and other programming taking place throughout the four-day festival, attendees can always count on something exciting happening in Music City Center. Fan Fair X runs Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7 from 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

This year’s Fan Fair X brings even more excitement to the CMA Close Up Stage with its exclusive Artist of the Day programming. Russell Dickerson will be featured Thursday, followed by Carly Pearce on Friday, Shaboozey on Saturday and Ashley McBryde on Sunday.

Tickets for Fan Fair X are on sale now at CMAfest.com/fanfairx