Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-4-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 4, 2026

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

Commissioner Talvin Barner Passes (Echo)

Maury County is in mourning following the sudden passing of District 3 County Commissioner Talvin Barner Thursday morning.

For 16 years, Commissioner Barner served his constituents with dedication and integrity, earning a reputation as a genuine and effective public servant. Yet, for many who knew him, his official role was secondary to the warmth of his character.

Talvin Barner’s legacy is not only one of political service but of profound personal connection. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

As the community grapples with this loss, thoughts turn to his family and close friends. The public is asked to hold them in their prayers during this profoundly difficult time.

Maury Regional Health Gets Apprenticeship Grant (MauryCountySource)

Maury Regional Health has been awarded $226,000 through the State of Tennessee Rural Healthcare Workforce Development Initiatives grant program to establish a Registered Apprenticeship Program aimed at strengthening the health care workforce across southern Middle Tennessee.

The funding will support the development of structured career pathways for up to 183 Maury Regional Health employees, focusing on essential entry-level roles in three critical departments: environmental services, food and nutrition and medical assisting. The program is designed to address workforce shortages while creating long-term career advancement opportunities within the organization.

“This apprenticeship program represents a meaningful investment in our workforce and the future of health care in our region,” said Maury Regional Medical Group President Nathan Miller. “By creating clear, supported pathways for career growth, we are not only strengthening our teams but also ensuring continued access to high-quality care for the communities we serve. This funding allows us to remove barriers, expand opportunity and build a more sustainable health care workforce.”

Through the program, apprentices will be employed with Maury Regional Health while completing a 12- to 24-month structured training model, earning industry-recognized credentials in their fields, completing on-the-job training and receiving technical instruction.

Maury Regional Health plays a critical role in both health care delivery and economic stability in the region. The apprenticeship program will help to support apprentices’ career development through the elimination of financial barriers, advancement pathways and mentorship.

The program is supported by key regional partners, including the Southern Middle Tennessee Local Workforce Development Board, Columbia State Community College and TCAT Hohenwald, which will assist with training, recruitment and credential alignment.

Mt. Pleasant Stormwater Utility (MSM)

The City of Mount Pleasant is considering establishing an ordinance to create a stormwater utility system to better manage drainage, flooding and water quality. The utility would oversee the operation, maintenance and improvement of the city’s stormwater infrastructure. 

Under the proposed ordinance, the utility would oversee the planning, design, construction and maintenance of stormwater facilities, as well as enforce regulations related to water quality and drainage management. The stormwater system is intended to reduce flooding risks, protect property and improve water quality within the city’s surface waters. 

To fund the system, the city would implement a monthly stormwater user fee for developed properties. Single-family homes would pay a tiered fee based on parcel size, ranging from $3.50 to $7 per month. Properties up to 10,000 square feet would be $3.50, parcels between 10,000-15,000 square feet would be $5.25 and parcels larger than 15,000 square feet would be $7. 

Commercial and other non-residential properties would be charged based on the amount of impervious surface area, such as buildings, pavement and parking lots. Fees would be calculated using an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU), defined as the average impervious area of a single-family home, currently estimated at 5,781 square feet. 

The fee would be an annual fee that could be reduced over the course of five years if more residents and owners pay in. 

All revenue would go into a dedicated stormwater fund used for only stormwater management projects and maintenance. The fees would appear on utility bills, and property owners would have the option to appeal the fee calculation if they believe they were assessed incorrectly. 

The proposed ordinance states that the fee is considered a utility service charge rather than a tax, authorized under Tennessee law to support municipal stormwater systems. 

Citizens spoke out on the ordinance at the recent Mount Pleasant City Commission meeting, sharing their concerns about the longevity of the project and unfairness of the tiered fee parcel pricing. Due to concern, the board deferred the vote for 30 days to get feedback and insight on discussions with other departments and the community, and to weigh other options. 

Another ordinance was proposed to replace Title 18, Chapter 2 of the city’s municipal code with a new chapter to establish an updated wastewater and sewer use regulation. The goal is to modernize how wastewater is managed, monitored and enforced within the city. 

Ordinance 2026-1140 sets uniform rules for how wastewater is handled in the city’s sewer system. Its objectives are to protect public health, ensure reliable wastewater collection and treatment, prevent pollutants from damaging the sewer system or violating environmental permits, distribute the cost of wastewater treatment fairly among users, ensure compliance with federal and state water quality laws and encourage recycling and reuse of wastewater and sludge when possible. 

The new chapter outlines regulations for governing the sewer system, which include connection requirements, wastewater discharge rules, permits and applications, monitoring and inspection, pretreatment standards, enforcement measures and fees and billing. 

The regulations apply to all users of the city’s wastewater system including residential, commercial and industrial customers, as well as some users outside city limits who are connected through agreements with the city. 

The ordinance was unanimously approved by the board.

Puckett’s Concert Series (CDH)

Puckett’s Columbia is launching a live music concert series in downtown Columbia.

The “Live on the Square” series will feature local and regional artists performing in the restaurant’s Guitar & Cadillac Hall, according to a recent news release.

The concerts are planned as part of Columbia’s First Fridays events, which offer food, music and family-friendly activities in historic downtown.

The series began with a performance by Smith & Gone, a band known for blending country favorites and Southern rock influences. The concerts are designed to bring people together over live music and food.

Puckett’s tailors its music programming to each city. In Hendersonville, the restaurant hosts open mic nights. Franklin features the “Hitmakers” series, which has included artists like Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett. In Murfreesboro, Puckett’s partners with Middle Tennessee State University’s School of Music to showcase student talent.

“Live music has always been at the heart of the Puckett’s experience,” said Claire Crowell, president of A. Marshall. “Each of our locations embraces that tradition in a way that feels authentic to its community.”

Columbia’s First Fridays are monthly events that draw crowds to the downtown area for food, music, and shopping. The addition of the concert series is expected to enhance the experience, officials say.

“We are thrilled to add the new ‘Live on the Square’ concert series by local favorite Puckett’s Columbia to our First Fridays lineup,” said Kellye Murphy, Tourism & Marketing Director of Visit Columbia.

“First Fridays in downtown Columbia is a popular monthly event that’s all about great food, family-friendly fun and live music — things Puckett’s knows all about. In addition to providing a platform for local musicians to perform, they offer an inviting space to gather and celebrate the simple things in life. We’re excited to see First Fridays grow and appreciate Puckett’s for going all in to be part of it.”

The concerts are held in Puckett’s Guitar & Cadillac Hall in downtown Columbia. The venue offers a relaxed setting for live music and Southern comfort food.

For more information and upcoming concert dates, visit puckettsrestaurant.com/music.

CSCC to Host Columbia Arts Council Exhibition (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce that, in collaboration with the Columbia Arts Council, an art exhibition is currently open to the public featuring works by over 50 local artists. The exhibit marks the first local artist show the Columbia Arts Council has organized.

Pieces on display feature multiple art styles and mediums, all from living artists who reside and work in the greater Columbia area. Pieces featured also originate from artists with a full range of skills, from novice to veteran.

“As the new curator for the Pryor Art Gallery, it was such a delight for this to be the first exhibition that I installed,” said Tori Zemer, Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery curator. “I think anyone who comes to see it will walk away feeling impressed by the amount of local talent represented here. There is a wide variety of mediums and styles represented – truly something for everyone.”

Warren Feld, Columbia Arts Council chair, helped to put together the show concept and helped Zemer install some of the pieces on display.

“This art exhibit, by the Columbia Arts Council and with over 50 local artists, proudly showcases the creativity and talent that make Columbia’s arts community thrive,” Feld said. “We believe that Columbia will continue to evolve into a place where artists of all stripes can build full-time careers locally, supported by strong patron networks, education and tourism.”

The exhibit is open now through June 12.

The Pryor Art Gallery is in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike and is open Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information about the Pryor Art Gallery and upcoming exhibitions, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/PryorGallery 

Southern Springs Crafts Gives to Charities (MSM)

What started with a few rolls of surplus curtain fabric and a community looking for purpose at the end of a pandemic has blossomed into an almost $100,000 philanthropic powerhouse.  

The Southern Springs Ladies Solos Club is preparing for its sixth annual “Crafts for a  Cause” Spring Market on May 6. Since its inception, the event has raised $86,600 for local charities. With this year’s “Focus on the Good” theme, organizers expect to cross the six-figure milestone in lifetime donations.  

“The first year, we had a bake sale and different craft items that people made. Much to our surprise, we earned $5,000,” said Sue Tinker, who co-chairs the event with Betsy Hollis. “That’s when I realized that our community is extremely generous.”  

The market serves as the culmination of a year-long effort by a committee of roughly 20 residents and more than 50 event-day volunteers who dedicate hundreds of hours to crafting, sorting and coordinating the sale. 

Every year, the group identifies a “signature project” to anchor the sale. For 2026, it is a professional-grade cookbook featuring more than 220 recipes from community members. To promote the book, Tinker has been visiting neighbors for a photo series titled “Real Cooks Wear Aprons.”  

“I ask the women who put their recipe in the book to model one of our beautiful aprons,” Tinker mentioned as she unfolded an apron. “Photos are taken in their kitchen, and then we put a couple lines together about what the recipe means to them. The photos are featured on our neighborhood social media.”  

The aprons themselves are a staple of the market, born from a massive donation of  beautiful fabric. The group has since expanded into “magic sweatshirts,” gemstone jewelry and “boo-boo” rice bags that can be heated or frozen for pain relief. Popular items include hand-crafted bluebird houses, homegrown tomato, basil and lime-green zinnia plants. 

While the crafting is a central draw, the event’s financial engine is a silent auction that  frequently brings in more than $10,000. This year’s auction features high-ticket items ranging from a pizza oven to $1,000 toward a closet makeover. 

Many local merchants generously donate goods and services to this event. The proceeds from these sales are strictly distributed to vetted non-profits. The 2026  

“Worthy Causes” include Bright Apple, the Special Olympics of Maury County, Backlight Productions and the MTSU Charlie Daniels Veteran Center.

“Our Causes Committee contacts each organization suggested by our community,” Tinker said. “Then they start interviewing, visiting and vetting places before selecting the four causes.”  

The event also features the “Cafe for a Cause” on the back patio, where volunteers grill hamburgers, hot dogs, breakfast and bakery items for attendees. 

For Tinker, the market is about more than just the final check presented to a charity; it is about helping people. The Spring Market will be held at the Southern Springs Lodge (2000 Southern Springs Pkwy). Doors open to residents at 9 a.m. and to the general public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

“It’s a great place to get beautifully handmade items that are made here in Tennessee,” Tinker said. “And it supports worthy causes in the area — that’s really our goal.”

America 250th Celebration (Press Release)

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the City of Columbia created a series of initiatives recognizing the community’s rich heritage and the valuable contributions of a few of the individuals who helped shape its history.

As part of the America 250 commemoration, the City has launched Columbia250USA.com, a dedicated website designed to share information about local events and highlight some of the people who have left a lasting impact on Columbia. Central to the site is a special feature recognizing 26 of Columbia’s most influential figures, referred to as ‘Architects of History.’  These leaders, legends, and visionaries represent the spirit and legacy of Columbia across generations.

To further recognize these individuals, the City has brought their stories to the heart of downtown. Decorative banners featuring the 26 historical figures are now displayed throughout the downtown area, creating a visual tribute that connects residents and visitors to the city’s past. 

The website includes brief biographies of each honoree, offering insight into their contributions and lasting influence. The historical content was generously provided by Maury County Archives and the African American Heritage Society of Maury County.

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder emphasized the importance of recognizing Columbia’s unique role in the nation’s story.

“This initiative is about more than marking a milestone, it’s about recognizing the people who built our community,” said Molder. “It’s about ensuring that their stories continue to be told to inform future generations. As we recognize America’s 250thanniversary throughout 2026, Columbia is proud to celebrate our shared history while looking ahead to the future we are building together.”

For more information, visit Columbia250USA.com.

Spring Hill License Kiosk (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has introduced a new Driver License Self-Service Kiosk in the lobby of its headquarters at 800 Hathaway Blvd. The kiosk is open to all Tennessee residents—regardless of county—and offers a convenient alternative to visiting the DMV.

Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the kiosk allows users to:

* Renew a driver license

* Obtain a duplicate license or state ID

* Change their address

* Pay reinstatement fees in full

The kiosk does not accept cash or checks; payment must be made using a credit or debit card.

No appointment is necessary. For more information about the service, visit www.tn.gov/content/tn.

Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)

The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.

Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.

Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.

Any Maury County Resident can use this office.

All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.

Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.

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

Deborah Gail Ferguson Littlejohn, age 68, a resident of Columbia, passed away on May 1, 2026, at her residence.

A graveside service will be conducted on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com

And now, news from around the state…

Memphis Redistricting (WPLN)

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling has cleared the path for Tennessee Republicans to redistrict another seat in their party’s favor ahead of the November midterms.

President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, have called for state lawmakers to draw new maps to eliminate the state’s remaining Democratic seat in Congress.

Memphis was spared from a 2022 redistricting effort that saw Nashville’s Democratic stronghold split into three Republican districts, flipping District 5 red. The predominantly Black and Democratic city had been protected by federal law that prohibited racial gerrymandering, but in a 6-3 decision Wednesday, the Supreme Court negated that aspect of the Voting Rights Act.

Now, Blackburn, who is running for governor of Tennessee, is proposing new maps that would group portions of Memphis in the western corner of the state with rural areas in the middle of the state. The drive across her proposed District 8 would span more than 200 miles.

“It’s essential to cement (Trump’s) agenda and the Golden Age of America,” Blackburn posted on X. “I’ve vowed to keep Tennessee a red state, and as Governor, I’ll do everything I can to make this map a reality.”

Some Republican leaders are hesitant to reconvene in Nashville. Outgoing Senate Speaker Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, told WPLN News that the timeline might not be feasible.

“Tennessee currently has a strong, fair and legal map which has withstood court scrutiny. With the filing deadline passed and qualified candidates already running for election, redistricting congressional seats at this time would present several logistical challenges,” McNally wrote in a statement. “I will be talking with leadership in both the House and the Senate to discuss the feasibility of the question over the coming days.”

Lawmakers can only reconvene to consider new maps if Republican Gov. Bill Lee calls a special session, which Gov. Lee has done. The legislature will convene on Tuesday.

“He stated that he would work hard to correct the unconstitutional flaw in the Congressional Maps of the Great State of Tennessee,” Trump said. “Likewise, all of the other Political Representatives of Tennessee have promised to do so. This should give us one extra seat, and help Save our Country from the Radical Left Democrats.”

In a statement, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, said he was discussing the implications of the SCOTUS ruling with “the White House and other individuals.”

The plan could unseat U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, who has represented Memphis and District 9 in Washington for a decade. Cohen faces a Democratic challenger in 31-year-old State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, who achieved national recognition as one of the so-called “Tennessee Three” who faced expulsion for a gun reform protest on the state House floor.

Memphis Democrats have criticized the SCOTUS decision for diluting the power of Black and Latino voters and are asking their Republican colleagues to reject Blackburn’s call.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Andrew Jackson Foundation, which owns and operates The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s historic home and Presidential site, announced that it will host the inaugural Roots & Rhythms Concert and Legacy Awards Series in June. The concert series is presented by Wilson Bank & Trust.

Held on the back lawn of The Hermitage mansion, the concert series will celebrate Tennessee’s rich musical and cultural traditions, from country and bluegrass to gospel and soul, against the backdrop of one of the state’s most famous historical sites.

In addition to live performances, each event will present a Roots & Rhythms Legacy Award to musicians who have carried on and uplifted Tennessee’s musical traditions and culture. Honorees include Bluegrass and Roots torchbearer Ed Snodderly, Jefferson Street R&B legend Charles “Wigg” Walker, and Americana outlaw Steve Earle.

For more information, visit www.thehermitage.com.