Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-22-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 22, 2026

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

Columbia Passes Budget (MSM)

The city of Columbia passed an $84 million budget for the coming fiscal year during its June meetings.

The budget depends on an available fund balance of $101 million — half already in the current beginning fund balance and half expected from the coming year’s revenues. Most of the city’s revenue sources exceeded expectations in FY 2026 — taxes outperformed projections by $2.8 million, licenses and fees by $1.4 million, interest by approximately $871,000, charges for services by $209,000 and “other” sources by almost $422,000.

Almost all of the expenditures from fund balances are projected to increase. City employees can expect a four-percent raise across the board.

Property tax funding for the budget will only increase from new construction because the city accepted the new Certified Tax Rate of 60.68 cents per $100 of assessed property value. The certified rate, determined for the city by the county Assessor of Property and verified by the state Board of Equalization, was cut sharply from 82.51 cents, to prevent the city from getting a windfall out of increased property valuations. City Manager Tony Massey said the total assessed value of properties in Columbia rose by about $900 million in the four years since the last assessment.

The year-end clean-up for FY 2026 raised the previous year’s budget, at least on paper, by $15.4 million, from $185 million to $200.4 million.

Assistant City Manager Thad Jablonski told Main Street Maury that the budget additions included large purchases like utility and fire vehicles, projects like Recreation Center renovations and road paving, appropriations for the city pension fund and funding carried over for multi-year projects. The expenditures were either necessary or prudent before the new fiscal year, Jablonski said, and with high tax revenues in recent years, he’s certain that the city can afford them as clean-up measures.

The assistant city manager also pointed out that $3.7 million of the “expenditures,” a quarter of the total on paper, is an accounting requirement. The state comptroller requires the city to count transfers between funds as expenditures, which effectively double-counted $3.5 million in capital projects spending and the $219,000 burn box bought for the solid waste department.

“Municipal accounting is not really designed for multi-year projects,” he said. “It’s meant to ensure year-by-year fiscal accountability.”

Other business

Maury Alliance president Wil Evans presented the Key Performance Indicators for the county’s economy, which Alliance Vice President Travis Groth explained to the Maury County Commission in May.

Over the last five years, the county’s real GDP has risen to about $6 billion, assessed real estate values have increased by 79.4 percent, retail sales by 35.9 percent, average incomes by 31.4 percent and the civilian labor force by 18.1 percent. By all metrics Maury County outperforms the Nashville Metro Area, the state of Tennessee and the country.

Evans reported that 15 companies are seeking to relocate to Maury County or expand their existing operations, which could yield 590 potential jobs and $2.1 billion in investment. He explained that the shutdown of the General Motors and Ultium Cells factories in Spring Hill are the most likely causes for the 6.6 percent unemployment rate that the state Department of Labor reported for the county in April.

“We can’t dive into the data… but we can make some assumptions,” Evans said.

Evans reminded the city council that 6.6 percent is still well below the recession-era high of 12 percent unemployment. He credited the difference to Maury Alliance’s decade and a half of work to diversify the county’s business portfolio.

“The Alliance realized even then, probably sooner, that we had to diversify,” he said.

The city council agreed to consult with the Franklin marketing firm Chandlerthinks to help with the “branding and visual identity” of the city. At the study session, Massey reminded the councilors that Chandlerthinks was the firm that recommended they create the Tourism and Marketing Department and hire Kellye Murphy as its director.

The Parks Department received a total of $1.364 million to improve the Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center: $98,460 for a new roof, $550,000 for a new HVAC system and $715,861 to renovate and expand the facilities. Parks Director Mack Reagan told the council that the renovation of the facility’s pools came in significantly under budget, and they expect the same of these work bills.

The city is selling a long list of surplus electronic equipment, including many Dell keyboards, monitors, and laptop and desktop computers.

Spring Hill Teen Honored for Heroism (MauryCountySource)

A Spring Hill teenager is being recognized for his quick thinking and lifesaving actions after helping save his father’s life during a medical emergency on Christmas Eve.

During Monday night’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, the Spring Hill Fire Department presented 16-year-old Dimitri Georgalos with the Phoenix Award for his actions on Dec. 24, 2025.

According to city officials, Dimitri’s father, Frank Georgalos, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and collapsed unconscious at their home. Despite having no formal CPR certification, Dimitri immediately began performing CPR while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Officials said the CPR provided by Dimitri helped sustain his father until personnel from the Spring Hill Fire Department and emergency medical services reached the scene.

The Phoenix Award is presented to responders and citizens whose actions contribute to a cardiac arrest patient achieving a return of circulation and arriving at the hospital with a pulse. Spring Hill Fire Department officials said Dimitri is only the fifth recipient of the award since it was established three years ago.

The City of Spring Hill praised Dimitri for his courage, composure, and determination during an extremely stressful situation, calling him an outstanding example of character, bravery, and community spirit.

City officials noted that Frank Georgalos, a local business owner and well-known member of the Spring Hill community, likely would not be alive today without his son’s heroic efforts.

Singing Barber Opens Shop (CDH)

Many barbers will say communication is key to achieving a good haircut, but what if it came in the form of song?

Noah Peters, who has gained fame through his social media persona as "The Singing Barber," encourages that very thing, and he has managed to turn his Internet following into a brick-and-mortar business in downtown Columbia.

The Singing Barber Barbershop celebrated its grand opening June 16 at the former Daniel's Barbershop on The Square. The event drew a large crowd of customers, fans and local leaders, eager to welcome a new local small business.

And because Peters is known as The Singing Barber, the guest list also included a lineup of singers and local artists.

"I was praying about where to move, and I had visited Franklin, visited Spring Hill, but nothing felt more like home than Columbia," Peters said. "I'm a redneck, just a hillbilly from Kentucky, and said, 'I need somewhere that's still a little bit country and a little bit family-based.'

"This community has just been awesome to me."

Peters said what inspired his unique and musical approach to cutting hair was through his mother's encouragement. It soon spread online after his first post, which he said garnered more than 50,000 followers overnight.

"I used to not have social media at all, and I used to cut hair in this little coal mining town in Virginia, and everybody started calling me the Singing Barber," Peters said. "Every time they would video me, I would go viral on their pages. So, my mom said I ought to make my own page as The Singing Barber. The day after I made that page, I woke up the next day and had 50,000 followers."

That following has since grown to almost 6 million subscribers.

"I will never get used to people knowing who I am, but when people see me in public and they know me, it just feels like family," Peters said. "If I can just keep giving hope to everybody, then I want to do this the rest of my life."

And much like his success in going viral, acquiring and developing the Columbia property happened in a matter of weeks, he said.

And when it comes to what he loves most about his job, Peters says it's the people.

"There is nothing better than getting to spend time with a random person and they tell you their whole life story by the time you get to know them," Peters said.

District 8 Maury County Commissioner Gabe Howard, also a founder of Prime & Pint steakhouse and butchery, partnered with Peters in this new business venture.

"We are excited to give this place a new charge forward, bringing something different to our downtown, something creative and fun, and with music," Howard said. "Bringing music to our downtown, I think. is very important. I just love bringing things to this community that bring value, rather than doing the same things over and over."

And for those wondering if Daniel's Barbershop founder Daniel Hartsfield is hanging up his clippers and taking it easy in retirement after 17 years of providing fresh cuts to his loyal Columbia customers, he said he isn't going anywhere. He is simply handing over the reins to allow Peters' vision to take shape as a new smalltown barbershop, but with a twist.

"I'm just renting a chair from him now," Hartsfield said. "I just think this is awesome. They haven't buried me yet. Until then, I will be here. Come by, and I will get you on my books."

Emergency Access Concerns Stall Development (MSM)

Plans for additional housing within the Arbor Valley Planned Unit Development (PUD) have been put on hold after Spring Hill leaders raised concerns about emergency access to two future phases of the development.

The Arbor Valley project has been under construction for several years and continues to move through various phases as it works to meet city requirements and development standards. This latest request focuses on revisions to Phases 7 and 8.

The applicant is seeking to increase Phase 7 to 67 single-family detached homes, replacing a previously approved mix of homes, villas, and cottages. Phase 8 would be revised to include 74 cottage and townhome units.

While the proposed redistribution of housing types drew little concern, the primary issue centered on emergency access. Under the revised plan, Phases 7 and 8 would be served by only one entrance and exit despite containing a combined 141 dwelling units.

Fire code requirements generally call for two separate fire access roads when developments exceed 30 dwelling units. As proposed, the development would not meet that standard.

To address the issue, the Fire Marshal suggested either constructing and connecting a secondary access road to Beechcroft Road or installing NFPA 13R sprinkler systems throughout Phases 7 and 8 while making roadway improvements along Wildberry Lane.

During discussion, Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer questioned the basis for the requirement and asked both the applicant and Fire Marshal to provide additional justification for the code interpretation and its application to the project.

Following extensive discussion, Fitterer made a motion to defer the item for one month, allowing staff and the applicant time to return with a clearer explanation of the requirement and potential solutions to address the emergency access concerns.

The Board approved the deferral, delaying a decision on the proposed phase revisions until further information can be presented.

Columbia Passes Pet Ordinance (CDH)

Columbia City Council is considering a new ordinance which would prohibit the sale, transfer, display and giveaway of dogs, cats and domestic rabbits in public outdoor spaces.

The first of two required readings for the ordinance was approved during the council's regular meeting this month, with the second and final reading expected to appear before a vote in July.

According to a city of Columbia staff report, the ordinance is intended to help reduce irresponsible breeding practices, while also lessening the burden on animal shelters and rescue organizations. This includes protecting the animals' overall health and safety, as well as preventing potential consumer fraud and reducing the spread of animal-to-human disease.

Meaghan Thiede, founder of animal advocacy group Laws Saving Paws, was the driving force in seeking the ordinance's passage.

"Of course, we have talked about how this will support and hopefully alleviate some of the strain on the [Maury County Animal] shelter, but just as importantly, it is going to help protect the members of our community," Thiede told council members at the meeting.

"We obviously love our animals and want to protect those people, but as we are learning in animal welfare, these issues don't exist in a vacuum, and what animals are experiencing and what pet owners are experiencing, those impacts are felt throughout entire communities."

"Giving away animals in the parking lot is just not the answer. We want to have them come face-to-face, have conversations about how we can help them and stop this from happening over and over," Maury County Animal Services Director Kim Raffauf said.

When discussion was brought back to council members, Ward 3 Councilwoman Cheryl Secrest expressed concerns about how the ordinance would be enforced, and if the animal shelter has taken steps to inform the public about the proposed restrictions.

"Everybody is usually receptive to it, they just don't know," Raffauf said.

Secrest also said she was concerned about if the ordinance banning the sale of animals in parking lots would lead some to seek other alternatives.

"One of the problems I have is, if we do pass this and they aren't allowed to give them away in a parking lot, they are going to find somewhere else to do it, or they are going to end up putting the puppies on the side of the road," Secrest said.

Raffauf said the ordinance allows for the option to bring these animals to the shelter.

"This way, it is easier for them to give them away," Raffauf said. "If we have an open-door communication for that, it is a win-win. The other thing is that everybody who goes [to these sellers], nine times out of 10, they can't afford these animals, and I usually end up with them later. We had a puppy we found in the Walmart parking lot three days ago.

"These people should not be getting them anyway, because they don't get them fixed, don't get them vaccinated. From a public safety aspect, we have to do something."

Jail Fire Historic Marker (Press Release)

The City of Columbia will host a ceremony later this month to unveil a historical marker commemorating the Maury County Jail Fire of June 26, 1977, a tragedy that claimed 42 lives.

The event will take place Friday, June 26, at 3 p.m. at the Maury County Archives, located at 201 E. 6th Street in Columbia.

According to the City of Columbia, the ceremony will honor those who lost their lives in the fire, recognize the lasting impact the tragedy had on the community, and preserve the memory of a significant event in both local and national history.

The 1977 Maury County Jail Fire remains deadliest correctional facility fire in Tennessee and the second-deadliest in United States history.

The public is invited to attend the historical marker unveiling ceremony.

Food Truck Thursdays (Press Release)

Columbia Main Street is inviting the community this summer to “Food Truck Thursdays,” a new weekly event series taking place every Thursday in June and July from 4 – 8 p.m. at Riverwalk Park in Downtown Columbia. 

Located right off the Downtown District, the Farmers Market Pavilion at Riverwalk Park will be transformed into a gathering space for Food Truck Thursdays. This event will feature a rotating lineup of local food trucks, offering residents and visitors a variety of food options each week. 

In addition to great food, Columbia Main Street will provide a variety of free yard games for attendees to enjoy while spending time with family and friends. Games will include Connect 4, Tic-Tac-Toe, Ring Toss and more. 

The event is being spearheaded by Columbia Main Street Board Members Marvin Brooks and John “Tee” Davis.

“Food Truck Thursdays were created to give the community a common space where people can gather and show support for the local food trucks that are such an important part of Columbia’s community,” said Brooks and Davis said in a joint statement. 

Food Truck Thursdays will take place on the following dates: June 4, June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30. 

Food truck operators interested in participating in the series are encouraged to contact Columbia Main Street Manager Kelli Johnson at kjohnson@columbiatn.gov for more information. For updates on weekly food truck lineups and other downtown events, follow Columbia Main Street on social media.

(Mayoral Forum (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance on July 9th at 5:30pm to hear from the two Maury County Mayoral candidates: Sheila Butt and Gabe Howard. This moderated Q&A session with the candidates will give attendees an opportunity to learn more about each candidate and their vision for the future of Maury County. If you would like to submit a question for consideration, please send them to Alyssa at atate@mauryalliance.com. This event is open to the public and free to attend!

Doors open at 5pm, and the program will begin promptly at 5:30pm.

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

Mrs. Lois Virginia Sandrell Bostelman, 90, a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18 at The Bridge of Columbia. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mrs. Monnette Fulcher Bruner, 62, passed away Thursday, June 4 at Camden General Hospital. Memorial services will be conducted on Sunday, June 28 at 4:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 2:00 PM till the time of service at the funeral home.

Mrs. Helen Marie Jones Coble, 60, a resident of Santa Fe, TN, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, June 9. A Celebration of Life will be conducted on Sunday, June 28 at 2:00 PM at Santa Fe Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at the Church.

And now, news from around the state…

Bootmobile Coming to Franklin (Tennessean)

A big rolling boot is coming to Franklin town.

In celebration of Tennessee's first L.L. Bean location, the L.L. Bean Bootmobile will be making stops around Middle Tennessee next month.

L.L. Bean first announced its move to Tennessee in December 2025. 

"We’re eager to... introduce L.L.Bean to even more people who appreciate classic style, time outdoors and products built to last," Corey Bouyea, vice president of stores and retail operations at L.L.Bean, said at that time.

"Franklin’s proximity to Nashville, strong sense of community and centrality to incredible outdoor spaces make it a natural fit for us, and we’re excited to become part of such a dynamic town."

The 18,000-square-foot shop is planned to open in the former Forever 21 location at Cool Springs Galleria on July 17.

Beyond raising awareness of the new store, the Bootmobile tour is designed to foster meaningful connections throughout the Franklin community, inviting locals to snap photos, create memories and celebrate their shared love of the outdoors, the company said.

As a part of its Tennessee tour, L.L.Bean’s Bootmobile will make special appearances at two Franklin destinations. The first stop is planned for the Franklin Butchery from 2-2:30 p.m. on July 14. The second stop is planned for Leiper’s Fork Distillery two days later. The Bootmobile will be onsite there from 3-4:30 p.m. on July 16.

Additional Middle Tennessee stops include:

• Hank's Coffee Station: 8-10 a.m. on July 16

• Nashville Sounds baseball game: 5-7 p.m. on July 18

L.L.Bean also plans to begin a search for new staff members to support the new location, company officials said.

Up to 40 team members are expected to be hired, including store team leads and sales associates. Interested job candidates are asked to file applications online at llbeancareers.com.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Nashville Zoo has announced the arrival of a female clouded leopard cub named Mayuree, born on May 5.

The cub currently weighs just over two pounds and is about the size of a loaf of bread. Despite her small size, Mayuree represents a significant milestone for the zoo’s conservation efforts as the 51st clouded leopard born at the facility.

Her birth is also notable because she is the first clouded leopard cub in Nashville Zoo history to be successfully co-reared by both her mother, Niran, and the zoo’s animal care team.

Zoo officials said clouded leopard reproduction and cub rearing can be especially challenging, with cubs often being hand-reared due to risks of parental neglect or predation. In Mayuree’s case, animal care staff closely monitored Niran and observed appropriate bonding and nursing behaviors, allowing the team to implement a co-rearing approach.

Mayuree will remain behind the scenes with her mother while she continues to grow. Once she is older, she will be paired with a playmate before eventually moving into one of the zoo’s public habitats.

Learn more by visiting www.nashvillezoo.org.