Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-27-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 27, 2026

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

City Considers Pipeline Project (MSM)

At its study session, the Columbia city council spent the most time discussing whether to approve the terms of the $75 million loan that would fund the first phase of the CPWS water pipeline to Williamsport. The supporters of the loan agreement argued that the sub-market 3.06 percent interest rate would save them a great deal on repayment, in the likely event that the project went through.

At the study session, CPWS CEO Jonathan Hardin and CFO Ashley Maddox told the council that they’d been working on the project’s finances for years with the state Comptroller’s Office and Department of Environment & Conservation. TDEC controls the State Revolving Fund that is to be used to fund $135 million of the project’s funds and works the interest rates for worthy projects down from the current market rate of close to five percent. The loan agreement would come before the state Local Development Agency in June.

“This [resolution is meant to] obtain a financing mechanism that is going to save tens of millions of dollars for the previously approved project,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, who had previously voted against the project; his “yes” vote for the loan terms, he said, was intended to save the city money should it go forward.

“Voting no means a $50 million [increase in the total] interest payment on top of everything else,” said Councilman Brian McKelvy, citing a figure he had been given earlier by the experts.

When questioned by the mayor, Maddox said that CPWS’s consultant provided two financial models for the pipeline, one with the lower interest rate and one with the market rate. While they were prepared to work with both, the lower-rate would guarantee that consumer rates wouldn’t be raised by more than 20 percent year-over-year.

The city broached and approved other fiscal items, including some end-of-fiscal-year appropriations and fund transfers that increased the budget by about $3.45 million. The biggest line items went to buy equipment including a $925,000 fire truck, $400,000 worth of “ARC HVAC,” and a $219,000 burn box, and to contract engineering services for the Pumpkin Creek Project in the amount of $550,000.

Going into FY2027, the city council also reaffirmed the old property tax rate of 82.51 cents per $100, but only as a formality ahead of a drastic cut. City Manager Tony Massey announced that in accord with state law, which prohibits municipal governments from getting a property-tax windfall out of reassessments, the county property assessor’s office had calculated a rate decrease to keep city revenue steady. After the public hearing on June 11, the council will officially lower the city property tax down to 60.68 cents per $100 and consider the new rate on second reading.

Massey and assistant city manager, Thad Jablonski, also touted the 4 percent raise the city plans to give its employees, just ahead of the 3.9 percent inflation reported in the Consumer Price Index. Molder “applauded” the increase and its place in the city’s proactive program, with Jablonski supplying details, of increasing city employee compensation by five percent in 2024, four percent in 2025 and four percent again this year, a compound increase of 13.6 percent over the last three years.

On the fiscal side, the council also voted to pay Volunteer Paving $1 million dollars, to resurface another six miles of Columbia’s streets; to install a wider water-line sleeve in the new Iron Bridge across Lytle Creek, to increase the water capacity that can be delivered to the east side of Columbia in the future; and to replace a fire department pumper and rescue vehicle for $925,000, and to replace a Parks Department’s tractor and mini-skid steer with a Kubota skid steer that costs $110,000.

For planning, the city council voted to approve a new set of guidelines for the downtown properties zoned “Historic,” and to approve the construction of a Taco Bell in the next phase of the Honey Farms planned unit development. At the study session they also heard the tentative debut of “Heritage Farms,” a 563-acre residential development proposed for currently unincorporated land next to the Carters Creek Pike, which the developers plan to ask the city to annex.

Developer representatives explained that Heritage Farms would have 400 acres of homes on lots of one or two acres (consistent with the adjoining Pleasant View neighborhood), 23 acres of retail space, and 137 acres set aside for an Acts Retirement & Life Community. They promised that the build-out would employ many local tradesmen and workers, staffing when it gets up and working would employ more than 200 others, “local small businesses” would be given priority for the retail spaces, and prime lots could be sold to custom homebuilders for up to a million dollars apiece.

Some of Acts’s senior officials made the pitch for their senior-living community. Acts, said the company’s executive vice-president Jim Petty, is a 50-year-old nonprofit and the third-largest senior-living company in the country, which has made its bones by providing seniors with independent, spacious and satisfying lifestyles. Greg Hensley, senior vice-president of real-estate development, explained that Acts hopes to create a “country living” atmosphere off Carters Creek: through low-density senior housing (five units an acre compared to the 20 their competitors are wont to build), clubhouses and farming-activity facilities to bring people together, and up to 202 acres that the developers are willing to “civically donate” for public and outdoor recreation.

Commission Asks for $3M for Dam Feasibility Study (MSM)

The Maury County Commission voted 16-1 to ask the State of Tennessee to appropriate $3 million for a feasibility study of the Columbia Dam proposal.

It’s the third resolution of support that Maury County has passed for the project and the study of the dam, along with those passed by the cities of Columbia, Lewisburg and Chapel Hill and the governing commissions of the surrounding Lewis, Marshall and Lincoln Counties.

Jason Gilliam and Rick Williams, the main spokesmen for the organization Columbia Dam Now (columbiadamnow.org), restated their pitch for the project at the meeting. Gilliam, a Maury County Water System board member, argued that a Columbia Dam would amass the greatest supply of water by far: even a small 8,000-acre reservoir could hold 65 billion gallons of water, capture additional rain and floodwater, and prevent both floods and droughts.

“A reservoir actually does add water to a river,” he said. “It sits behind the dam in the form of a reservoir, so that that water can be managed [for] release throughout the year.”

Unlike any pipeline, an artificial lake would also create enormous economic potential, proponents noted.

Gilliam cited a UT Institute of Agriculture study which found that in 2017, lakes across the state generated an average of $1 million per mile of shoreline. Tims Ford, the nearest and most similar artificial lake to the Columbia Dam concept, generated more than $276 million the year of the study; Gilliam projected that a Columbia Reservoir could add $400 million to the local economy each year.

Gilliam and Williams also criticized the decision-making process of the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership, which left the Columbia Dam off of its published list of recommendations for the Duck River Watershed’s long-term water supply.

Williams, who manages Congressman Andy Ogles’s campaigns, testified that the dam was dropped by the Partnership’s Regionalization subcommittee and never came before the full DRWPP for a vote. The Tennessee Valley Authority and the Army Corps of Engineers have also made clear to the DRWPP that they’re not interested in building or maintaining a Columbia Dam, which is why Columbia Dam Now wants an independent entity — preferably, Williams told the Commission, a private firm with dam-construction experience — to complete a feasibility study.

“All we’re asking [the state] to do is to spend $3 million to do a legitimate feasibility study. If the feasibility study tells me that it can’t be done, fine,” he said at the May 4 meeting of the Health & Environment Committee. “But we haven’t even explored it.”

April Grippo, Director of Water Resources for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, explained that the government environmental, infrastructural and resource agencies consulted by the DRWPP, all rejected a dam outright.

“This was not an oversight. The Partnership was intentionally, deliberately silent on the Columbia Dam concept,” she said. “This is a heavy, heavy lift… [if not] fundamentally flawed and not feasible.”

Gilliam and Williams presented the project to the Partnership in October 2025, in Grippo’s words, as “the best long-term, [most] affordable and least damaging solution.”

At the state’s request, Grippo recalled, the infrastructure firm Gresham Smith & Partners performed a quick study and told the DRWPP in December that a dam could cost $2.4 billion. The TVA and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency felt that even this left out huge costs, including environmental remediation, replacing flooded conservation acreage, and possibly eminent-domaining even more property for the reservoir. Using these factors, Gresham Smith re-estimated the dam at $3-$7 billion.

“Impounding the Duck River or rebuilding the Columbia Dam is… the most expensive, the least likely, and the most damaging water-supply alternative of the dozens that have been considered,” Grippo testified.

During public comment, Stephanie Sparks Newland warned the commissioners that should the Army Corps take up the study, Maury County is the most likely entity to be signed up as the mandatory “non-federal sponsor,” which involves paying for up to half of the feasibility study and 35 percent of pre-construction.

Jan Seufert, who co-owns Higher Pursuits Canoe Rental, said that a recent scientific paper identified the stretch from Lillard’s Mill in Marshall County to Columbia as the home of the densest mussel population in the whole Duck River — the very stretch that would be impounded.

“The 50 most species-rich miles of our river, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, would be changed forever… with irreversible consequences,” agreed Gale Moore. “If we do it, we will never get it back.”

All of the county commissioners who spoke at the meetings favored the idea of the dam and reservoir.

“I appreciate everyone’s passion. We’ve got some fierce advocates for the Duck River in this room,” said Commissioner Gabe Howard, the author of the resolution. “I think we can all love the Duck River… [while] also still supporting the dam.”

“We don’t have the option or the time to eliminate any possibilities… [when] Maury County is growing and is going to continue to grow, and is going to need more and more water,” said County Commission Chairman Danny Grooms.

“This is our wet season; we have not had much wet,” observed Commissioner Kevin Markham. The state drought monitor currently confirms that Tennessee, including Maury County, is officially in a drought.

After the vote, Gilliam thanked the county commission for their support, and hinted that the political willpower exists to make a dam happen. He pointed out that the Trump administration has waived environmental requirements for three similar reservoir studies, and said his dam discussions with Tennessee’s Congressmen were going well.

“There are ways around issues that present themselves as obstacles, and we… continue to have these conversations,” Gilliam told the commissioners. “There’s a lot of people that are pushing for us to have water… I think this conversation has just begun.”

City Recognizes Public Servants (MSM)

The Columbia City Council bestowed several proclamations on accomplished and hardworking locals at its May voting meeting.

First to be recognized were local Army recruiters and their 14 recent enlistees, eight of whom attended the meeting. Mayor Chaz Molder thanked Staff Sgt. Steven Everhart, the recruiter, and Station Commander Ryan Spiller for mustering the troops.

“We’re thankful to the City of Columbia for providing this opportunity to showcase the future soldiers,” Spiller said, “and allow the community to support them in their future endeavors of military service.”

Next the city council applauded the Mayor’s Youth Council. This group of civically engaged youth spent time during the school year observing and even working alongside city staff, to better understand the workings and real-world importance of local government.

“The Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in our community’s future,” Molder said. “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 “Wolf Pac” cheer team at Premier Athletics Columbia, with their coaches Chastity Carter and Trinity Lewis, were congratulated for their performance at the NCA “Summit” National Championships in Dallas, Texas. They earned a silver medal for placing 45th among 1,800 cheer teams.

Finally, the city honored its Public Works and Police Departments, declaring the second week in May “National Police Week,” in honor of law enforcement officers who risk and sometimes lose their lives and safety to protect the public, and the week after to be “Public Works Week,” to acknowledge the mostly behind-the-scenes municipal work that keeps Columbia clean and functional.

CSCC Graduations (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College recently honored 11 anesthesia technology graduates in a pinning ceremony in the Waymon L. Hickman Building. 

“Our graduates in anesthesia technology are entering the workforce with the knowledge, technical skill and professionalism needed to support safe, high-quality patient care in the operating room,” said Sue Christian, Columbia State anesthesia technology program director and assistant professor. “We are incredibly proud of their dedication and the impact they are prepared to make in healthcare.”

The Anesthesia Technology Associate of Applied Science degree academic plan involves two or more semesters of general education coursework followed by a 12-month, three-semester series of core courses designed to provide classroom and clinical-based competencies that provide students with the skills required for credentialing exam success and immediate in-field employment. 

“Anesthesia technologists ensure everything is prepared and continuously monitored so patients can have procedures done in a safe environment with minimal pain,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “These graduates are entering careers which are exciting, challenging and rewarding!” 

Anesthesia technologists support the licensed anesthesia provider with the acquisition, preparation and application of various types of equipment required for the delivery of anesthesia. Other job responsibilities of the anesthesia technologist include maintaining the anesthesia machine, assisting with vascular access and regional anesthesia procedures, troubleshooting equipment, assisting with difficult airways, performing point-of-care lab tests and operating rapid infusers. More advanced duties might include the operation of autotransfusion equipment or intra-aortic balloon pumps.

In other Columbia State news…Columbia State Community College recently honored 16 respiratory care graduates during the program’s annual pinning ceremony.

Respiratory therapists provide assessment, diagnostic evaluation, treatment and care for patients with breathing disorders. Upon completion of the program, graduates have become experts in artificial ventilation, resuscitation and airway management.   

“Respiratory therapy is a profession built on skill, critical thinking and compassion,” said Pamela Lindemann, Columbia State respiratory care program director. “We are proud to see these graduates begin careers that will have a direct impact on patient care in their communities.”

Columbia State’s respiratory care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. All students participate in supervised, hands-on care in a variety of area healthcare settings and receive adult, pediatric and neonatal training.

“These new respiratory therapists are prepared for rewarding, challenging careers in a high-demand field with the opportunity to have instant impact in countless settings,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “Helping people breathe better is essential!”

For more information about applying to the respiratory care program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Respiratory-Care.

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…

Three TN Students Competes in Scripps Bee (NewsChannel5)

This week 247 students from all 50 states will compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. The Bee returns to the nation's capital for the first time in 15 years.

Three Tennessee students will be a part of action, including Marian Jenkins. She is a student at Woodland Middle School in Williamson County. Back in April, Williamson County Schools said she placed second at the Tennessee Titans Regional Spelling Bee, qualifying her to compete this week.

Jupiter Murrow is representing Chattanooga's Woodmore Elementary. Josh Verma from the Memphis area is competing in his third Scripps National Spelling Bee.

There are four rounds of competition before the winner is crowned on Thursday.

Gas Prices (MSM)

Gas prices across the state fell five cents, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.12 which is 39 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.37 more expensive than one year ago.  

“Gas prices surged to $4.21 last week, before falling to today’s average of $4.12. Those that took a road trip over the holiday weekend saw the most expensive Memorial Day gas prices in four years, with Tennesseans paying $4.14 per gallon for gasoline on Memorial Day,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Memorial Day is the unofficial start to the summer travel season. With an expected rise in gasoline demand and ongoing uncertainty in the oil price market, drivers can likely expect to see pump prices remain elevated for most of the summer.”

Tennessee is 11th least-expensive market in U.S.

Courts Uphold Redistricting Maps (Tennessean)

Tennessee’s new congressional maps yet again evaded a legal hurdle before the August primaries after a three-judge panel rejected the NAACP of Tennessee’s case that challenged the constitutionality of lawmakers’ actions.

The judges, appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court, upheld the redrawn congressional districts.

Chancellor Anne C. Martin, Chancellor Tony Childress and Judge James Gass heard arguments in the case at a May 21 hearing.  Weeks before, the General Assembly eliminated Tennessee’s only Black-majority congressional district during a special session.

The NAACP of Tennessee argued the lawmakers violated Tennessee’s constitution by repealing a 1972 law on redistricting between each census and suspending a notice requirement for voters.  The state defended the General Assembly’s actions as lawful and said the NAACP’s case is based on a “misreading” of Gov. Bill Lee’s proclamation calling for the special session.   

There have been three other legal challenges to the new congressional maps. But the state has used some of the same arguments across the different cases.

For example, it re-filed affidavits in which county election officials said they will be able to meet new deadlines for administering the August primaries, which changed after the redistricting. When Martin pressed Ashton on those affidavits, the NAACP attorney asked the judges to give them “little weight.”

The judge's May 26 ruling dismisses the NAACP's case in its entirety.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Three-time CMA Award-winning country star Carly Pearce returns with her 5th annual charity pop-up Carly’s Closet, a fan-favorite event during CMA Fest, where she will sell items from her personal wardrobe to benefit the CMA Foundation. 

The event takes place on Friday, June 5th, from 2 pm until 4 pm at Music City Center, 201 Rep John Lewis Way.

Admission is free, but those who make a purchase will get access to an exclusive signing with Pearce following the event, making it the perfect opportunity for fans to support a great cause and enjoy a special moment with Pearce. Carly’s Closet will be cashless, accepting payments by credit or debit card.

Learn more at www.cmafest.com.