Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-22-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 22, 2026

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

Summer Safety Hangtag (Press Release)

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Representative Scott Cepicky, the Tennessee Department of Health, the Tennessee Department of Safety, and AAA today encouraged parents and caregivers to use the State Department’s free “Baby in the Back” car hangtag program as part of ongoing efforts to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths among children during the summer months.

“This program is one meaningful way we can continue raising awareness about the dangers of heat-related illnesses and deaths among Tennessee’s youngest citizens,” said Secretary Hargett. “I appreciate Rep. Cepicky for his leadership and continued partnership on this important effort, and I am grateful to the Department of Health, the Department of Safety’s Highway Safety Office, and AAA for working together to help prevent these heartbreaking tragedies.”

Representative Cepicky first brought the concept of “Baby in the Back” to Secretary Hargett several years ago. Since its launch, more than 600,000 Tennesseans have requested the free hangtags.

“Baby in the Back was created with the simple goal of protecting children in Tennessee from heartbreaking and preventable tragedy. This program is raising awareness and promoting safer habits for parents across our state by providing a clear visual reminder of the precious life in their vehicles. The overwhelming response from Tennesseans has been encouraging, and I'm grateful to Secretary Hargett for his partnership and leadership in addressing this issue,” said Rep. Cepicky

The hangtags serve as a simple visual reminder for drivers to check their vehicles before locking them, especially during hot weather. They can also alert passersby to check a vehicle if a child appears to be left inside.

“On a sunny day over 80 degrees, a vehicle can heat up to more than 130 or 140 degrees in a short period of time, creating serious medical risks,” said Tennessee Department of Health Deputy Commissioner Tobi Adeyeye Amosun, MD, FAAP. “The ‘Baby in the Back’ hang tag is a simple reminder that can help save children’s lives.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on average, one child dies from heatstroke about every 10 days in the United States by crawling into an unlocked vehicle or being left in a car, intentionally or unintentionally. 

“The Tennessee Highway Patrol is proud to support the ‘Baby in the Back’ program and partner with agencies across Tennessee to help protect children and raise awareness about the dangers of heat-related deaths. ‘Baby in the Back’ serves as a tremendous reminder to parents and caregivers to always check the back seat and help prevent the unthinkable tragedy of a child dying from heat inside a vehicle,” said Major Travis Plotzer.

AAA – The Auto Club Group emphasized the importance of awareness during the busy summer travel season.

“No family should have to endure the loss of a child in a hot car,” said Megan Cooper, Public Affairs and Government Relations Consultant for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “These tragedies often happen in moments of distraction, not intent, which is why we’re proud to partner on efforts that keep this issue in front of parents and caregivers and raise awareness across our communities. We urge every parent and caregiver to check the back seat every time you park, look before you lock, and never leave a child alone. It’s a simple habit that can save a life."

Tennesseans can request free hangtags online through the Secretary of State’s office by visiting https://sos.tn.gov/requesthangtags.

The Department of Safety will also distribute the hangtags at Driver Services Centers, Tennessee Highway Patrol District Headquarters, and upcoming Tennessee Highway Safety Office events, including Car Seat Checkpoints.

Spring Hill Officials Map Out Budget (MSM)

City leaders are beginning to map out how Spring Hill will spend more than $150 million in the upcoming year as officials work through the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The draft budget, presented by City Administrator J. Carter Napier during a special budget meeting, outlines the city’s expected revenues, expenditures and financial priorities ahead of formal adoption next month. 

Planning for the FY2027 budget has been underway for several months, serving as the city’s financial and operation blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed operating budget currently totals $150,775,552, with projected revenues of approximately $138.2 million and a one-time use of $12.7 million from the city’s fund balance. According to staff, the proposed budget was developed using conservative revenue projections while continuing to fund previously approved capital projects. 

Napier also highlighted several key changes impacting the upcoming budget cycle, including property tax revenue, sales tax growth, state-shared revenues, the ongoing sewer moratorium and capital changes across various city funds. 

Property tax revenue is expected to increase by roughly $2 million due to the recent reappraisal process in Maury County. Sales tax growth also plays a role in the city’s projections, with Maury County expected to see a 1.9 percent increase while Williamson County is projected at 4.4 percent growth. Combined, sales tax revenue is anticipated to generate approximately $17 million over the next year. 

Officials were also presented with an overview of the city’s major funds, including revenue projections, operating expenditures, capital expenditures and estimated balances. 

The General Fund is projected to begin FY2027 with a balance of $35.6 million. Proposed revenue totals $65,162,703, with operating expenditures estimated at $62,828,660 and capital expenditures totaling $2,221,627. The projected ending balance for the fund is $35,714,281. 

The Water and Sewer Fund begins the fiscal year with a balance of approximately $126.5 million and is projected to end FY2027 with $121.6 million. Of that total, roughly $93.8 million will be available for use. 

Water rate increases will also take effect throughout the year as part of the city’s previously approved 30 percent rate program beginning July 1. Under the proposed structure, residential Tier 1 usage (0–4 thousand kilogallons) will cost $6.98 per 1,000 gallons, Tier 2 (4–10 thousand kilogallons) will cost $8.72 per 1,000 gallons and Tier 3 (above 10 thousand kilogallons) will cost $10.47 per 1,000 gallons. Non-residential customers will be charged $7.79 per 1,000 gallons. 

For sewer service, all customers will pay a base charge of $25.51, along with a sewer volume charge of $9.56 per 1,000 gallons.

The capital Project Fund is projected to begin and end the fiscal year with an estimated balance of $9.5 million. The fund supports several ongoing and proposed city projects, including improvements to the Port Royal and Buckner Lane intersection, design work for the new library and construction for the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project. 

Despite the progress on the proposed budget, Napier noted several ongoing challenges and uncertainties that could impact the city’s financial outlook. Among these concerns are the continuing sewer moratorium, the status of the SAFER Grant and questions surround future revenue growth trajectory. 

City leaders say the focus moving forward will include completing the city’s strategic plan, continuing development where possible, addressing concerns related to double taxation and strengthening the city’s enterprise strategy. 

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen will hold the first public hearing on the FY2027 budget ordinance on June 1, when officials will also consider the authorized staffing levels, certified tax rate and first reading of the tax rate ordinance. 

A second and final reading of the budget and tax rate is scheduled for June 15. When approved, the new FY2027 budget will take effect July 1, guiding the city’s spending and priorities for the new year ahead.

Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is proud to celebrate the graduates of the 2026 Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council and the bright future they represent for our community.

Established in 2019 by Chaz Molder, the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council provides local students with firsthand experience in municipal government while fostering civic engagement and developing future community leaders. Over the course of the program, participants worked alongside City departments to gain valuable insight into how local government operates and how daily decisions impact the Columbia community. Through this experience, students strengthened their connection to Columbia, developed a deeper understanding of public service, and gained leadership skills that will help shape the city’s future.

Chaz Molder praised the graduates for their commitment and enthusiasm

throughout the program.

“The Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in our community’s future,” said Mayor Molder. “These students have demonstrated curiosity, leadership, and a genuine commitment to serving others. It has been inspiring to watch them engage with City departments, ask thoughtful questions, and gain a deeper understanding of how local government works. I am incredibly proud of what they have accomplished and excited to see the positive impact they will make in Columbia and beyond.”

The City is honored to recognize these students for successfully completing the program and applauds their dedication to learning about public service and community leadership.

For more information about the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council please visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

Blood Needed (Press Release)

As Middle Tennessee enters the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” Blood Assurance is urging people to donate blood, platelets, and plasma now and throughout the summer to help prevent a seasonal donor shortage from threatening local hospital supplies.

Blood Assurance is already facing a shortage of donors, and summer can make the problem worse. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” because of the rise in deadly crashes, often involving teenagers. It also marks summer trauma season, when crashes, outdoor injuries and water-related emergencies can increase blood usage just as donations drop because of school breaks, vacations and disrupted routines.

As the primary blood supplier for most hospitals in Middle Tennessee, every donation can have a direct impact on patients close to home. Trauma victims, cancer patients, mothers experiencing complications during childbirth and people undergoing surgery may all need blood with little or no warning.

More than 540 volunteer blood donors are needed every day to maintain an adequate supply for the hospitals Blood Assurance serves.

“Hospitals do not get a summer break,” said Garry Allison, executive vice president of operations for Blood Assurance. “When emergencies happen, blood must be ready before the patient arrives. Behind every unit of blood is someone’s child, parent, spouse or friend. We need people to donate now and throughout the summer so local hospitals have what they need to save lives.”

Donors who give through May 31 will receive a special Memorial Day T-shirt while supplies last.

Appointments can be made at www.bloodassurance.org, by calling 800-962-0628 or by texting BAGIVE to 999777. Walk-ins will also be accepted.

To be eligible to donate blood, donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and eat an iron-rich meal before donating.

Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina. Founded in 1972 through a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council, and the Chattanooga Jaycees, Blood Assurance’s mission is to provide a safe and adequate supply of bloodand blood components to every area patient in need.

Whataburger Opens (CDH)

The wait is finally over for Columbia residents to sink their teeth into a Whataburger as the restaurant chain celebrated its long-awaited grand opening this week at its new 195 S. James M. Campbell Blvd. location.

The Texas-based restaurant, founded in 1950, is the first of three upcoming businesses to open at the former Sloan Ford dealership property, with construction currently underway for a future Panda Express as well as a credit union.

The Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance hosted an official ribbon cutting May 19 to celebrate Whataburger's grand opening.

"The people here that work are friendly, they're nice and energetic, and this is a revitalization of this street right through here," Vice Mayor Randy McBroom said. "Thank you for being part of Columbia. That's what matters."

Whataburger Operations Manager Clyde VanTassell added that he considers his workers "like family."

"I have been looking forward to this for a long time," VanTassell said. "We will be open 24 hours Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday night, and the rest of the week we will close at 2 a.m. and open at 7 a.m.

"We do have breakfast, including the honey butter chicken biscuits, taquitos and fresh-made sandwiches, all great, from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. and then 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. So, whether we are open all night or closing, we will have breakfast at night, breakfast in the morning and then on the weekends, we'll have everything, the whole menu."

Whataburger Field Marketing Partner David Robbins said although the restaurant is brand new to the area, the company feels right at home in Columbia.

"We are a community company, with 20% of sales going back to organizations," Robbins said. "We were at Mule Day, and that was such an amazing event we were a part of. We want to be in the parade next year. It was incredible and seeing Columbia is beautiful, has amazing history and we are just so excited to be here."

While many city and county leaders, as well as Maury Chamber members gathered shortly before the restaurant's opening, they weren't the first to arrive.

Jennifer Turner, of Mt. Pleasant, was one of several customers who showed up eager to be first in line.

"I got here at 4 a.m.," Turner said. "It's really good, and I just love supporting new businesses when they come to town, show them good community support."

Turner added that part of Whataburger's appeal is the customer perks through things like the official Whataburger app.

"They have a great system, like when you get 200-300 points you start getting free stuff," Turner said. "You even get a free Whataburger just for downloading the app, which is pretty cool."

Whataburger is also one of many businesses poised to open in the next year as the James M. Campbell corridor continues to develop. Other offerings include the former Columbia Mall site just up the road, which is expecting Jimmy John's and Wingstop restaurants, a nail salon and other retail businesses.

Spring Hill Expo (Press Release)

The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to one of the city’s most anticipated events of the year as the Experience Spring Hill Business Expo & Job Fair returns on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Battle Creek High School.

Free and open to the public, Experience Spring Hill is more than a business expo, it is a high-energy event designed to showcase the people, businesses, services, and growth shaping one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing cities.

With more than 4,000 attendees expected, the event brings together local businesses, restaurants, healthcare providers, nonprofits, home services, retailers, fitness studios, financial professionals, City departments, and employers, all under one roof for a Saturday filled with entertainment, interaction, and local connection.

“This event gives people the chance to truly experience Spring Hill,” said the CEO of the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce. “Whether you are looking for your next favorite local business, a new job opportunity, family activities, or simply something fun to do on a Saturday, this event was designed for you.”

NEW for 2026, the Experience Spring Hill Job Fair will connect job seekers with employers actively hiring across a variety of industries. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet directly with local companies, explore career paths, and learn more about the businesses investing in the future of Spring Hill.

Those attending with children can enjoy the Family Fun Zone featuring kid-friendly activities, interactive booths, Touch-a-Truck experiences, games, giveaways, and hands-on fun designed to keep children entertained while parents explore the Expo.

One of the most popular areas of the event is the City Hall corridor, where attendees can meet representatives from City departments including Parks and Recreation, Police, Fire, and other public services. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions, gather information, and better understand the resources available throughout the city.

The Expo also gives attendees the opportunity to support local businesses in a meaningful way through face-to-face conversations and real connections that go beyond social media and online searches.

“This is the kind of event where you walk in expecting to stay an hour and end up spending the day,” organizers shared. “You leave with new connections, new favorite businesses, and a deeper appreciation for the city you live in.”

Experience Spring Hill 2026 is presented by TriStar Spring Hill ER.

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…

Redistricting Hearing Held (Tennessean)

A three-judge panel appeared sympathetic to the NAACP of Tennessee’s argument that new congressional maps harmed candidates and voters, but skeptical of concerns that redistricting will cause havoc for county election officials.

In a May 21 hearing, the NAACP asked the judges to to halt the maps from going into effect before August primaries and November midterms. The new maps, passed by the General Assembly on May 7, eliminated Tennessee’s only Black-majority congressional district.

“If anything, people not knowing where to vote or not knowing what district they’re in makes things harder,” attorney Anthony Ashton, representing the NAACP, said in the hearing. “It creates chaos, it creates confusion.”

The NAACP’s case takes aim at state law and constitutional provisions, saying legislators’ hurried actions to pass new maps disenfranchised candidates and voters. The NAACP alleged there are discrepancies between Gov. Bill Lee’s proclamation calling for the special session and the lawmakers’ final actions.

But Taylor Meehan, attorney for the state, said the NAACP’s argument is based on a “misreading” of Lee’s proclamation.

The NAACP’s lawsuit is one of four total legal challenges against the new congressional maps. This case specifically takes aim at legislation that suspended a notice requirement for voters and that repealed a 1972 law banning redistricting except after each census. “According to what they've done, it’s not just this redistricting … you could redistrict every two years if you wanted,” Ashton said.

Chancellor Anne Martin, chief judge of the three-judge panel, was sympathetic to that concern. “It could impact every election into the future,” Martin said in an exchange with Meehan.

The NAACP filed an amended complaint five days after it initially sued the state, adding claims on behalf of Tennessee Black Caucus Chair Rep. Jesse Chism and a candidate who’s been running for the 9th Congressional District. The complaint said that candidate, Memphis-based activist Devante Hill, suffered financially because of how the redistricting changed his strategy for voter outreach. Now, that strategy needs to focus on voters in the newly redrawn 5th Congressional District.

Hill “is being forced to pivot his campaign in a new district, while losing the benefits of time and money spent in the district that he began his campaign in,” the NAACP complaint said. “This lost time and the resulting voter confusion cannot be reclaimed or compensated by monetary damages.”

Meanwhile, the claims on behalf of Chism allege the Tennessee Black Caucus didn’t receive adequate notice about bills that repealed a 1972 law banning redistricting except after each census. Chism “and his congressional colleagues were ambushed with a foundational change to Tennessee’s election law without the notice the Constitution demands,” the NAACP said in its complaint.

During the May 21 hearing, the NAACP also raised concerns about the redistricting placing new time constraints on county election officials before the August primaries. But Meehan countered and said every county election commission is expected to meet upcoming timelines.

In a different lawsuit challenging the congressional maps, U.S. Chief District Court Judge William Campbell Jr. for the Middle District of Tennessee denied a temporary restraining order and emergency injunction.

It's unclear when the three-judge panel will rule on the NAACP's emergency petition.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

This weekend will present an opportunity for shopping local and indulging in some good food, all while helping a local nonprofit.

Starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, The Memorial Building, 308 W. 7th St., will host a Makers Market, where guests are invited to "sip, shop and stroll."

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Center of Hope, Columbia's nonprofit which provides assistance and shelter to victims of domestic violence.

The event will run until 4 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (931) 381-8580.