Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-8-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for May 8, 2026

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

Ogles Gets His Phone Returned by DOJ (Tennessean)

The Department of Justice will return U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles' phone nearly two years after seizing it as part of an investigation into campaign finance filings, Ogles' lawyers said April 5.

“From the day the FBI showed up, I said this investigation should never have happened and that the Biden DOJ had no right to rummage through a sitting congressman’s legislative communications," Ogles, a Republican representing parts of Nashville in Congress, said in a news release from Litson PLLC, one of his attorneys' law firms. "Today, the Justice Department has effectively acknowledged I was right."

The DOJ will also destroy any information it obtained from Ogles' phone and Google account, his lawyers said. Ogles has not been charged with any criminal campaign finance violations.

The FBI executed search warrants and confiscated Ogles' phone and Google account the day after he won the Republican primary in August 2024. Ogles asked a federal judge to order the return of his property, arguing that his communications were protected from seizure by the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause. That clause gives lawmakers immunity from civil or criminal liability for legislative actions.

Ogles' attorneys on April 5 notified the federal court that the DOJ agreed to turn over his property. They wrote that the government advised them of this during "discussions with the Office of the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice."

Attorney Alex Little said in the news release, “Congressman Ogles was right on the law from day one, but he had to fight for almost two years at great personal and financial expense to prove it.”

Ogles was represented by Little, Zack Lawson and John Ross Glover of Litson PLLC, John Rowley and John Irving of SECIL Law PLLC, and David Raybin of Raybin & Weissman P.C.

The DOJ did not immediately return an email asking the department to confirm the agreement with Ogles.

Columbia State Hosts Legacy Wall Exhibit (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College recently hosted a ribbon-cutting in the John W. Finney Memorial Library for the new Legacy Wall, showcasing the deep history of the college’s dedication event and early years. The project was led by the student members of Columbia State’s Eta Beta Chapter of the Sigma Kappa Delta honor society.

The museum-grade displays were created after over a year of research went into understanding the history of how Columbia State was founded. The research mainly focused on uncovering materials relating to the college’s 1967 dedication ceremony, which featured honored guest –speaker, then-First Lady "Lady Bird" Johnson, accompanied by her husband, President Lyndon B. Johnson. The display also highlights the first graduating class in 1968.

Sigma Kappa Delta student research, with the guidance of college faculty and staff, helped bring these historical pieces to the current display wall. 

Isadora “Izzy” Swingle, current president of Columbia State’s SKD chapter, first shared the idea with members to see if there was a way to display important relics of the college’s beginnings. SKD members then unanimously voted to design, research, preserve and display the story of Columbia State.

“I'm incredibly proud of the initiative the members of our local chapter have taken to bring the Legacy Wall from simply a crazy ‘what if’ idea to the finished memorial we honor and dedicate,” Swingle said. “The reason why we value this project so much, and the reason is that we saw this through to the end, is because we wanted Lady Bird’s legacy of higher education in Tennessee to live on forever. We celebrate this lasting legacy, an undying flame testifying to the power of higher education. A nod to the future of not only Columbia State and the many lives that it has touched, but also how, thanks to our former First Lady, higher education will continue to impact our state of Tennessee, forever. Our legacy won't begin as a conversation, a simple ‘what if.’ It stands as proof of what students can accomplish when they believe in something bigger than themselves.”

Finney Library Director Anne Scott and Librarian Kyle Avirom worked with SKD Lead Faculty Sponsor Dr. Jessica Evans, associate professor of English, to make this project a reality. They decided to make the Legacy Wall displays multimedia-focused to tell the college's important history, while also allowing students to think about their stories and how the college has impacted them.

The Maury County Archives also served as a foundational partner in the creation of the display.

Approximately 50 documents were uncovered, chosen and scanned from the archives.  

“It is important for history and its artifacts to be both preserved and shared,” Evans said. “We conducted thorough research on the best archival methods, and thanks to the generosity of the Finney Library and President Smith’s approval, we were able to purchase museum-grade-quality display materials. This is a project that benefits students, faculty, staff and the community itself.” 

In addition to documents and artifacts featured from the county archives, Columbia State’s library archives can also be found on display. Some of those items include a 1967-1968 Columbia State Catalogue signed by both Lady Bird Johnson and President Johnson, a presidential seal envelope and a congratulatory letter by Lady Bird to one of the first graduating students of Columbia State, and even the pen that was used during the first class registration.

The display features several historical documents that can be read, as well as multi-media features such as the documentary of Columbia State’s dedication, “Red Letter Day in Maury County,” an audio diary of Lady Bird Johnson, the documentary “I, Leonardo da Vinci” (a gift to the college from the Johnsons), and links to online archival photographs and documents. Students and library visitors can scan a QR code to watch, listen or read these as well as other resources.  

“What you have done is just a pure example of that excellence, of who we are as an institution, of who you are as students and of the character that you are building, of who you will be in the future,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “So, I think that this wall has been built on legacy. Yes, it does address the legacy of Columbia State being dedicated by two individuals who are very much proponents of education, but not just proponents and believers, believers in what it gave each individual who walks through the doors here. So, as we look at this legacy, I hope we do not look at it just as the legacy of Columbia State, but it's the legacy of every individual who takes advantage of what Columbia State has to offer.”

The Legacy Wall is located on the Columbia Campus on the second floor of the Finney Library next to the Reader’s Theater. The display can be visited during regular library hours Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Maury Regional Urology Celebrates Expansion (Press Release)

Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) physicians, employees and leaders gathered May 5 for a blessing ceremony to celebrate a significant expansion of the MRMG Urology space.

MRMG Urology has increased its footprint to occupy the entire sixth floor of the Medical Office Building, which is located on the Maury Regional Medical Center campus in Columbia. This reimagined suite features additional exam and procedure rooms designed to elevate the patient experience and accommodate the growing demand for specialized urological care.

“Our commitment to providing the highest quality care and safety includes ensuring our facilities meet the needs of our growing patient base,” said MRMG President Nathan Miller. “By expanding MRMG Urology's footprint to the entire sixth floor, we are able to see more patients and continue to recruit and support a premier team of urology specialists — all with the ultimate objective of prioritizing patient safety, comfort, ease of access and clinical excellence.”

While the practice has grown, its location on the sixth floor of the Medical Office Building remains unchanged, ensuring seamless continuity of care for existing patients. This project also aligns with a broader campus-wide modernization effort, which recently saw the renovation of the Medical Office Building’s front lobby and the expansion of its parking lot to better accommodate the hundreds of visitors who cross its threshold each day.

“The expansion of MRMG Urology is another key component of our strategic plan to increase access to highly skilled services for the communities we serve,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “While we continue to grow to meet these needs, our blessing ceremonies have become a cherished tradition, serving as a dedication to these new spaces and the compassionate care that will take place within their walls.”

The clinical team at MRMG Urology includes board-certified urologists Ian B. Berger, MD, Justin K. Kropf, MD, and Troy R. Larson, MD, as well as family nurse practitioners Robert Campbell, FNP-C, and Lindsey Chapman, FNP. They are complemented by John W. Coursey, MD, who sees patients at MRMG Urological Associates.

MRMG Urology is equipped to treat both routine and complex urological conditions using a combination of state-of-the-art surgical and diagnostic tools. Patients benefit from a tailored approach to care for issues ranging from kidney stones and urinary tract infections to advanced prostate cancer therapy and more. Additionally, the team utilizes precise interventional tools, such as cystoscopy, ureteroscopy and lithotripsy.

Patients at MRMG Urology also have access to robotic-assisted surgery via the da Vinci system in Maury Regional Medical Center’s operating rooms, which offers a minimally invasive alternative for several urological procedures, such as prostatectomies (prostate removal), complete or partial nephrectomy (kidney removal) and pyeloplasty to correct kidney blockages. The system is also employed for advanced reconstructive procedures.

Appointments may be made at MRMG Urology with a physician’s referral. To schedule, call 931.840.8547. Additional information about the practice and its care team and services is available at MauryRegional.com/Urology.

The renovation and expansion of MRMG Urology is among several strategic projects underway or in the planning phases at Maury Regional Health. Improvements at the main campus in Columbia include the development of an Orthopedic Surgical Institute, which opens in the coming weeks, to accommodate the growing number of joint replacements, renovation of the Emergency Department at Maury Regional Medical Center, parking and thoroughfare improvements and expansion of the front entry to relocate key patient and visitor services toward the main entrance. To learn more about this strategic plan for the future, visit MauryRegional.com/StrategicPlan.

Mt. Pleasant Students Build Lifesize Operation Game for Farm Bureau (Press Release)

Students in the Advanced Manufacturing class at Mt. Pleasant High School have completed a year-long project in partnership with Farm Bureau Health Plans, designing and building a life-size version of the classic Operation game for use at promotional events across Tennessee.

The project led by Mt. Pleasant High School teacher, Seth Woodard, gave students hands-on experience in manufacturing, design, fabrication, and problem-solving while working to meet real-world client expectations. The oversized interactive game will be used by Farm Bureau Health Plans as an engaging tool at community events and outreach efforts across Tennessee.

“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.

“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,” said Tristan Brown, CTE College and Career Coordinator with Maury County Public Schools.

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’ CTE programs.

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.”

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.

In other Maury Regional News… Lauren R. Miller, DO, has joined Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) and will provide primary care services at MRMG PrimeCare Clinic in Columbia.

Miller received her medical degree from Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia. She completed her residency at Danville Regional Medical Center/Sovah Health in Danville, Virginia. She is board-certified in internal medicine.

PrimeCare Clinic offers primary care and behavioral health services and is located at 854 West James Campbell Boulevard, Suite 301, in Columbia. The practice hours are Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Behavioral health providers include Christian Maurer, MD; Schelby Blair, PMHNP; and Margaret Rivers, LCSW, as well as primary care providers Miranda Wood, PA-C, and Rebecca Brady, FNP-BC.

 For more information, call 931.540.4140 or visit MauryRegional.com/PrimeCare.

Laws Saving Paws Fundraiser (Press Release)

Laws Saving Paws (LSP), a Tennessee-based nonprofit advocating for stronger animal welfare and humane laws, is inviting the community to enjoy great food for a great cause during the organization’s upcoming Spirit Day fundraiser at Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery on Monday, May 18, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., 10% of all sales—including dine-in, carryout, and bakery purchases—will be donated to LSP to support its ongoing efforts throughout Tennessee.

The event will also coincide with the restaurant’s weekly trivia night, offering a family-friendly evening of entertainment, prizes, and food and drink specials. Volunteers from LSP will be onsite during trivia night to connect with supporters and share more about the organization’s mission and current initiatives.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Grecian Family Restaurant for choosing to support our work,” said a spokesperson for LSP. “Partnerships like this are incredibly meaningful because they create an opportunity to support one another. While events like Spirit Day help fund our advocacy and humane education efforts, they also allow us to encourage the community to show up for local businesses that invest back into the causes and communities they care about.”

The fundraiser will take place at Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery in Spring Hill. More information about the event can be found at lawssavingpaws.org/grecianspiritday.

LSP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the root causes of animal overpopulation and neglect through education, advocacy, and policy-driven solutions.

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.

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

Reverend Talvin Brown Barner, Jr., 75, Maury County Commissioner, passed away on April 29th.

Funeral Services will take place on Friday, May 8th at 12 noon at First Family Baptist Church 2790 Pulaski Hwy.  Visitation will take place on Thursday from 5pm to 7pm at Bethel Chapel AME Church.  Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.  

Mary Jane Scott Sparkman, 66, a lifelong resident of Columbia, passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with David Morris officiating. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Marlane Soldner, 71, passed away on April 24. A family service will be held to honor her memory in Tennessee at Santa Fe Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on May 29th. 

And now, news from around the state…

Andy Marshall Wins Williamson Mayoral Primary (WilliamsonScene)

Williamson County election results are in, with Puckett’s owner Andy Marshall becoming the Republican nominee for mayor. 

The Republican primary was between hospitality giant Marshall and County Commissioner Mary Smith. Marshall won with 12,864 votes to Smith's 10,787.

"I feel good. I'm doing really good," Marshall tells the Williamson Scene. "It's a big job, and I feel good that we got this many people to vote. The job has never concerned me or scared me. I know it's a big job. I'm not naive to that."

The county mayoral seat is up for a new face for the first time in 24 years, with Mayor Rogers Anderson retiring. 

"First of all, it's not about me tonight," Anderson tells the Williamson Scene. "But I am very honored that the citizens have allowed me to do this for the last 24 years have put me in office. For this next journey, those men and women will have to continue to step up and keep this county solid."

Anderson endorsed Marshall early in the race, bringing with him the endorsement of every municipal mayor, as well as the support of Gov. Bill Lee and Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin). 

"Andy's going to be his own man," Johnson tells the Williamson Scene. "He'll come in with his own ideas. He is a great friend. He's obviously a very successful businessman. I think he's got the right skill set and right value system to represent Williamson County."

With Smith's loss Tuesday night, this will take her out of county government starting in August. 

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Take in the Scott Burt Big Band during a jazzy evening of music from 7-9 p.m. Friday at the Spring Swing Big Band Dance in the Memorial Building, 308 W. 7th St.

With a set list ranging from classic swing to contemporary hits, the Scott Burt Big Band promises a lively evening of music, where dancing and movement is highly encouraged.

Admission is $10 per person, $20 per couple and is cash only. Children ages 12 and under get in for free.