Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-29-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 30, 2026

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

Baxter Named Interim CPWS CEO (MSM)

Columbia Power & Water Systems announced Monday morning a transition in its executive leadership. Jonathan Hardin has resigned from his position as chief executive officer for personal reasons.

In recent months, Hardin ushered CPWS’s Long-Term Water Supply Project through numerous vital milestones. Under intense pressure to delay, Hardin’s calm leadership, steady hand and refusal to be paralyzed by opposition or uncertainty ensured CPWS’s ability to secure revenue and funding before inflationary pressures accelerated.

Pending formal approval from the City of Columbia’s Board of Public Utilities, CPWS Chief Operating Officer Jack Baxter — a longtime Maury County resident with 35 years of Middle Tennessee utility experience — will be promoted to the role of Interim CEO.

“Having so often put the community’s needs above his own over his tenure, the board recognizes the toll and respects Jonathan’s decision to prioritize his personal well-being at this time,” CPWS Board Chair Walker Vining said.

“We extend our deepest gratitude for Jonathan’s service to our community. Moving forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure the current and long-term reliability of the basic power, water and communications services that allow a community to function. We have an incredibly talented, resilient team, and we have full confidence in Jack Baxter’s ability to step into this interim role.”

As Interim CEO, Baxter will assume primary responsibility for maintaining daily system reliability and keeping major capital improvement projects on schedule to ensure future reliability.

In conjunction with announcing this leadership transition, CPWS also reiterates its unwavering support and full commitment to executing its Long-Term Water Supply Project.

“Make no mistake, projects under way to create redundancy, improve reliability, and secure a long-term water supply are proceeding without interruption,” Baxter said. “We have all the revenue and funding confidence we need to proceed with the new water treatment plant and a relocation of our primary intake to a safer and more environmentally friendly location on the Duck River. The only question that remains is whether our ratepayers will save more than $50 million in avoidable interest via approval of our State Revolving Fund loan application.”

More information about CPWS’s Long-Term Water Supply Project can be found at CommunityH2O.org. A decision on CPWS’s application for an SRF loan devoted to treatment expansion was postponed one month at the Tennessee Local Development Authority’s June meeting.

“Delay does not equal defeat” Baxter said. “In fact, the substance of the meeting tells a far more encouraging story. Officials confirmed our SRF loan application satisfies the standard of review and meets every single requirement for approval. TLDA members acknowledged our legal obligation to build a new water treatment plant no matter what.”

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation requires water utilities to start the process of expanding system capacity once they surpass 80 percent of permitted capacity. TDEC confirms CPWS has reached 93 percent of its permitted treatment capacity.

“With just 7 percent excess treatment capacity and no other permitted projects available to address the situation, anyone trying to defeat this project is playing a dangerous game and revealing their willingness to gamble the community’s water supply,” Baxter said. “I share Comptroller Mumpower’s disappointment that Columbia and Maury County are at odds over this project and Mayor Molder’s belief that water should not be politicized. While we were disappointed to leave the June hearing without an answer, one month is a small price to pay to ensure all feel as informed and comfortable as possible before voting on such a critically important project.”

GM Investing in Spring Hill Plant (MauryCountySource)

General Motors is investing $275 million in its Spring Hill manufacturing complex to support future vehicle production and continue its 2.7-liter engine program.

The investment includes $150 million for Spring Hill Assembly to prepare for the production of a future Cadillac vehicle with an internal combustion engine and $125 million for Spring Hill Global Propulsion Systems to refurbish equipment and extend production of the 2.7-liter turbo engine.

Company officials said the investment reflects GM’s long-term commitment to the Spring Hill facility and its workforce while strengthening the company’s manufacturing operations.

Once the new Cadillac model is added, Spring Hill Assembly will produce five vehicles, joining the Cadillac LYRIQ, LYRIQ-V, VISTIQ, next-generation XT5, and the Chevrolet Blazer, which is scheduled to begin production in 2027.

The investment in the propulsion plant will help continue production of the 2.7-liter turbo engine, which powers several Chevrolet and GMC trucks, including the Colorado, Canyon, Silverado, and Sierra.

GM said the announcement is part of a larger effort to strengthen U.S. manufacturing. The company expects to invest about $9 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations this year, in addition to more than $7 billion in U.S. research and development.

The latest investment follows several major commitments to the Spring Hill campus in recent years, including a $2 billion investment in Spring Hill Assembly announced in 2020, a $2.3 billion battery plant announced with LG Energy Solution in 2021, and the addition of Chevrolet Blazer production announced in 2025.

Marshall Medical Recognized (Press Release)

Marshall Medical Center (MMC) has been named one of the top 20 critical access hospitals (CAHs) in the country for patient satisfaction by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The list was announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).

The top 20 CAHs, including Marshall Medical Center, have achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight indices of strength: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge and finance. This group was selected from the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2026 top 100 CAH list, which was released earlier this year.

“This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our physicians and staff, who are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient we serve,” said Phyllis Brown.

The top 20 CAH best practice recipients have achieved success in one of two key areas of performance:

• Quality index: A rating of hospital performance based on the percentile rank across rural-relevant process of care measures

• Patient perspective index: A rating of hospital performance based on the percentile rank across all 10 HCAHPS domains

Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg is a 25-bed critical access hospital serving residents of Marshall County and the surrounding area. Our experienced staff provides a range of inpatient and outpatient services available to residents of our community. To learn more about the services provided at Marshall Medical Center, visit MauryRegional.com/MMC.

Foster Families Honored (MSM)

Foster families from across Middle Tennessee walked the red carpet at the Franklin Theater this month at an annual Youth Villages event to celebrate and honor their dedication to the children in their homes.

Maury County parents were among those who were honored. Five Years of Service Award recipients from Maury County included Donald and Dawn Campbell. of Spring Hill, and James and Amy Mayberry, of Columbia.

“Foster parents play such a critical, often thankless, role in our community, opening up their homes and their lives to children as they navigate separation from their homes,” said Brittany Farrar, senior executive director of Middle Tennessee at Youth Villages. “Our team tries to ensure they feel supported, appreciated and part of a community throughout the year, and this event is a big part of that.”

Youth Villages, now in its 40th year, is one of Tennessee’s largest foster care providers. The organization provides families with additional training and therapeutic support to ensure children with increased emotional or behavioral needs who enter the child welfare system have homes prepared to care for them.

“We don’t foster because we expect any type of recognition,” said Travis VanZant, Foster Parent of the Year. “We do it because we’re passionate about it, and we love seeing the kids grow while in our care and being part of a family [that is] reuniting. But, we appreciate the acknowledgment and validation that we’re making a difference in the kids’ lives.”

For more information on Youth Villages’ foster care program, visit youthvillages.org/foster.

Historic Marker Dedication (Press Release)

The City of Columbia recently unveiled a historical marker commemorating the Maury County Jail Fire of 1977 during a ceremony held on the 49th anniversary of the tragedy, preserving the history of one of the most significant events in the community's past through the City's Historical Marker Program.

On June 26, 1977, a deadly fire broke out inside the Maury County Jail, claiming the lives of 42 people, including inmates and visitors. The fire remains the deadliest jail fire in Tennessee history and the second deadliest in the nation.

The tragedy began when padding inside a jail cell was set ablaze, causing smoke to rapidly spread throughout the building. Despite heroic efforts by local law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency personnel, and volunteers to rescue those trapped inside, many victims were unable to escape in the first critical moments of the fire.

The disaster prompted significant changes in jail design and construction standards across the country, helping improve safety measures in correctional facilities nationwide.

“This marker serves as a permanent reminder of a tragedy that forever changed our community and influenced correctional facility safety across the nation,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. “While we cannot undo the pain experienced by so many families, we can ensure that the lives lost are never forgotten. Preserving and sharing these stories is an important part of remembering our past and educating future generations.”

Following the fire, the building was restored and continued to serve as the Maury County Jail until 1998. In 2001, it was converted into the Maury County Archives, and in January 2025, the facility was renovated, expanded, and rededicated, continuing its role as a place where local history is preserved and shared.

City Manager Tony Massey, who established the City of Columbia Historical Marker Program with the assistance of the late Bob Duncan, said the program was created to preserve the people, places, and events that have shaped Columbia's history.

“As a young man living in Columbia I recall the tragedy," said Massey. “The Maury County Jail Fire left an indelible mark on Columbia, and it is important that future generations understand both the tragedy itself and the lasting impact it had on public safety throughout the country. Through our Historical Marker Program, we are committed to preserving the stories that define Columbia’s heritage.”

Since its creation, the City of Columbia Historical Marker Program has recognized 14 sites of local historical significance, including the Bethel Hotel/Princess Theatre, Union Station Train Depot, Columbia Fire & Rescue, and Fairview Park with additional markers currently in development. The program complements historical and commemorative markers installed by the Tennessee Historical Commission, Tennessee Civil War Trails, and other local organizations, creating a lasting record of the people, places, and events that have shaped Columbia while preserving those stories for future generations.

Blood Donors Needed (Press Release)

Local hospitals are using blood faster than donations are coming in. That’s why Blood Assurance is offering $40 e-gift cards to all donors who give between June 29 and July 7.

The call for donors comes as the July Fourth holiday approaches, a time when hospitals must be ready for trauma patients while blood donations are often slow because of travel, vacations and holiday plans.

Blood Assurance needs donors of all blood types. The nonprofit has had several recent days with less than a one-day supply of blood, platelets and plasma. A two- to three-day supply is needed to more comfortably meet the needs of local hospitals and patients. Blood Assurance is the primary supplier for most of the hospitals in Middle Tennessee, so donations help local patients.

Donors will be able to choose their e-gift card from a list of participating retailers, including gas stations and grocery stores.

Eligible type O donors can earn even more through Blood Assurance’s Hero Club, including a $50 gift card for double red cell donations. That means O donors could receive up to $90 for one double red cell donation during the June 29-July 7 promotion.

O-negative blood can be used for emergency transfusions when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type, and O-positive blood is the most common blood type and is heavily used by hospitals. Donors must sign up for the Hero Club at bloodassurance.org/blood-donation-education/types-of-donations/hero-club/.

After July 7, donors will receive a $25 e-gift card for donating.

Donors can schedule an appointment at bloodassurance.org, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777.

Columbia State Opens New Exhibition (MSM)

After exhibiting the curated works of local artists for two months, the Pryor Art Gallery at Columbia State Community College will turn the spotlight on works from its permanent collection.

“Rhythm & Form: Selections from the Permanent Collection” features sculptures gifted from the estate of David Herbert Goerss, along with abstract paintings from the collection. When the exhibition is over, the works now collected in the Pryor Gallery will be redistributed back throughout the campuses; for now, “Rhythm & Form” offers visitors the chance to view them all in one place.

Columbia State Community College has a permanent collection of art with over 200 pieces, displayed across Columbia State’s five campuses. This collection is made possible by the generosity of Pryor’s donors and the support of the Columbia State Foundation.

“We are so fortunate to have a permanent collection that is full of unique and impactful works of art,” said Tori Zemer, the new director of the Gallery. “Whether they inspire a burst of energy or a moment of respite, these pieces serve our student body year-round. It is a pleasure to be able to present them in a way that makes them accessible for the public to enjoy as well.”

The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, will run from now to July 24. The gallery is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday.

America 250th Celebration (Press Release)

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

As part of the America 250 commemoration, the City has launched Columbia250USA.com, a dedicated microsite 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 the "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 the 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 and inspire future generations. As we recognize America's 250th anniversary throughout 2026, Columbia is proud to celebrate our shared history while looking ahead to the future we are building together."

The City encourages residents and visitors to explore the stories of Columbia's Architects of History by visiting Columbia250USA.com.

The America 250 Independence Day weekend celebration will kick off on Friday, July 3, as the City of Columbia partners with Columbia Main Street for a special USA 250th themed First Fridays event in downtown Columbia from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The patriotic celebration will feature live music from the Main Stage, musicians and buskers performing throughout downtown, and a family-friendly Game Zone for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to show their patriotic spirit by wearing red, white, and blue, stars and stripes, patriotic t-shirts, or festive Americana-inspired attire.

Residents and visitors alike are invited to join the community in celebrating Columbia's history, America's heritage, and the people whose contributions continue to shape the city today.

For more information about Columbia's America 250 initiatives and upcoming events, visit Columbia250USA.com.

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

David Houston Harris, 72, a lifelong resident of Columbia, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Graveside services will be conducted on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Mount Cemetery.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Williamson Taskforce Recommends Location for Courthouse (WilliamsonScene)

The Williamson County Special Courthouse Task Force is recommending Franklin’s H.G. Hill property as the location for the next county courthouse.

The 16-member task force, formed earlier this year and made up of numerous government leaders — including county commissioners, judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys — voted on the recommendation during its June 22 meeting, with only two “no” votes from Franklin Mayor Ken Moore and Franklin City Administrator Eric Stuckey.

“I think that it's a little bit premature to approve that property, personally — I don't know that there's been an adequate investigation as far as the building type and infrastructure, and so on, that's there,” Moore said, adding, “I'm still not completely convinced that we evaluate all the other potential sites.”

Several members pushed back on that argument, including Williamson County Circuit Judge Deana Hood.

“We've had a task force, we've had people engaged, people coming to the courthouse — we have investigated,” Hood said. “There is not another property known to us at this point in time, eight months after we put the contract on the H.G. Hill property, that we have found to be a suitable place to put the courthouse, so I respectfully disagree, in that, I believe that this committee has looked ... I firmly believe that we need a new courthouse. So, if not H.G. Hill, then where?”

The $17.5 million Columbia Avenue property has stood empty for half a decade after several businesses exited the now-demolished shopping center. Under the ongoing discussions, a new courthouse could be built in three to five years.

While Stuckey acknowledged that the current 22-year-old courthouse is “woefully inadequate,” he said that he doesn’t “believe it's the best use for this site for the community overall,” but voiced the city’s support for the county’s decision, should it be the H.G. Hill Center.

“The city will stand ready to work with you in whatever solution the county wants to do to make it the very best it can be for the community, for the community overall,” Stuckey added. “I just share that with you, and just urge you to continue to take a look at not only where you could be, but what you already have, and how it could be modified long term, reconstructed, reimagined to meet the needs long term.”

Next, the task force will present its findings and irecommendation to the Williamson County Commission during its July 13 meeting.

A new version of the task force is expected to convene in October to begin discussions about the design phase for the building, including plans to continue to explore opportunities for “public-private partnerships and site usage on an ongoing basis" with the county, city and other stakeholders.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Looking for an early way to celebrate Independence Day? Grammy finalist tribute band The WannaBeatles will bring their high-energy show to The Mockingbird Theater in Franklin on Thursday, July 3, at 7 p.m. 

The group will perform fan-favorite Beatles hits along with patriotic classics in honor of America’s independence. Known for their musicianship, humor, and interactive performances, The WannaBeatles combine music, multimedia visuals, and crowd-pleasing entertainment for a unique concert experience.

The show begins at 7 p.m. at The Mockingbird Theater, located at 230 Franklin Road at The Factory at Franklin.

Find tickets at https://tunehatch.com/shows