Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-5-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 5, 2026

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

Columbia Man Connected to Extremism Arrested (MSM)

A Columbia man who court documents indicate has been connected to violent extremist groups, was taken into custody last week facing multiple counts of child sexual exploitation.

On May 28 an indictment was unsealed charging Zachary Sweeney, 30, who according to court documents, has been connection to Nihlistic Violent Extremist (NVE) groups. He was arrested that same morning in Columbia by the FBI’s Nashville Field Office.

“Violent extremists who victimize vulnerable children online are among the worst predators in our community and across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee. “Our office and our law enforcement partners will do whatever it takes to stop these predators from harming more children and hold them accountable for the damage they have already caused.”

“This operation puts every child predator on notice: the FBI will hunt you down and bring you to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Removing violent extremists from our streets protects our most innocent and vulnerable members of society. The FBI will continue to work with our partners across the state of Tennessee to aggressively investigate those who seek to exploit or harm them.”

According to court documents, Sweeney has an extensive history of engaging in criminal conduct related to the exploitation of minors, including conduct related to NVEs. NVEs are individuals who engage in criminal conduct within the United States and abroad, in furtherance of political, social or religious goals that derive primarily from a hatred of society at large and a desire to bring about its collapse by sowing indiscriminate chaos, destruction and social instability. 

According to court documents, investigations by the FBI into Sweeney’s conduct revealed multiple allegations of victimization of minors by Sweeney from at least 2022 until 2025. Sweeney is accused on numerous occasions of having groomed and coerced minors into producing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), distributed and in some cases sold this material, and traveled to meet with minor victims during which time he is alleged to have drugged, raped and filmed sexual acts with the minors. Additionally, Sweeney has been accused of committing these acts for, and engaged in others consistent with, the group 764 and its affiliates.

One prior victim alleged that she began interacting with Sweeney around the age of 16 or 17.

The victim reported that Sweeney was part of a group of people she described as friends of his in “the Com.” In these servers, the victim participated in virtual self-harm group video calls with members of the server in which she would do a variety of degrading things to herself for the members of the server.

The victim reported being aware of other underage females that Sweeney had victimized and of whom he possessed “collections” of nudes and blackmail material. The victim further reported that Sweeney occasionally shared his screen with her and showed her these “collections,” including files with folders that were identified by the username of the alleged underage female victim. This victim later died of an overdose.

NVEs, both individually and as a network, systematically and methodically target vulnerable populations, which often include minors, across the United States and the globe, frequently using social media communication platforms. NVEs frequently conduct coordinated extortions of individuals by blackmailing them so they comply with the demands of the network.

NVE networks have adopted various monikers to identify themselves. The networks have changed names over time, which has led to the creation of related networks. Although the networks change names and use a variety of different social media platforms, the core members and goals remain consistent and align with the overarching threat of NVE.

This case was investigated by the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katy Risinger and Zachary T. Hinkle for the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

Dam Advocates Ask for $3M (CDH)

The Maury County Commission is asking the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership to fund a $3 million feasibility study for the potential revitalization of the Columbia Dam project.

A resolution seeking the funding passed 16-1 vote during a recent commission meeting.

While the resolution's passage does not guarantee a study will take place, it is what project supporters have advocated for as a "first major step" in determining if the project can be done, how much it could cost and if it would be the most viable option in addressing water needs across Southern Middle Tennessee.

District 5 Commissioner Scott Sumners said the feasibility study, if anything, would provide a clear and up-to-date answer as to whether the project is viable or not.

"This county commission would not decide if there is a dam or not. That would be up to the federal government with TVA and the Army Corps of Engineers," Sumners said.

"This county commission is only asking for answers because all we have is speculation. We have old studies, but nothing that is current. I would like to see an independent study done that would give me those answers I need ... and the government would need to say 'yes' or 'no' and how much this is going to cost."

In February, U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tennessee, 5th Congressional District, announced he had filed legislation in Washington D.C. in pursuit of the study.

District 4 Commissioner Mike Kuzawinski, who cast the only opposing vote locally, argued the commission should not pass a resolution, partly because of Ogles' current pursuit of the feasibility study. He also argued it would encourage state spending on a federal project.

"This is a federal bill we are going to spend state dollars on," Kuzawinski said. "To take state tax dollars and state money from taxpayers to pay for a federal bill, I think, is political posturing at best. I just don't think it is a good idea."

April Grippo, Director of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), who also serves on the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership, shared a report with commissioners during a recent meeting last month.

The planning partnership previously recommended 18 options for long-term water solutions in November 2025, but impounding the Duck River to build the Columbia Dam was not among those recommendations, Grippo said.

"This was not an oversight," Grippo said. "The partnership was intentionally, deliberately silent on the Columbia Dam concept."

She said advocates representing Columbia Dam Now presented the project's concept to the partnership in October, stating it was "the best long-term, affordable and least damaging solution."

The partnership disagreed.

"Impounding the Duck River or rebuilding the Columbia Dam is none of those things," Grippo said. "On the contrary, at over $3 billion and as much as $7 billion, it is the most expensive, the least likely and most damaging water supply alternative to the dozens that have been considered."

Prior to the commission's May vote, District 9 Commissioner Kevin Markham echoed Sumners earlier comments. He said it didn't matter whether someone was for or against the Columbia Dam revitalization, a feasibility study would provide facts.

"This is the only way we are going to know the answer to the question, 'Will it hold water?'" Markham said. "We don't even know how much extra property will be required.

"We are asking for a study so we can answer questions, and if you are against the dam for cost, for ecology, environment, hunters and fishermen, don't you want to know the answers?"

Saturn Parkway Closed for Repairs (MauryCountySource)

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will conduct ramp closures on State Route 396 in Maury County.

Beginning Thursday, June 4, through Sunday, June 7, TDOT crews will conduct a full closure of the State Route 396 (Saturn Parkway) eastbound and westbound off-ramps to Kedron Road due to concrete repair operations.

All work is weather-dependent. As always, drivers are reminded to allow additional time, slow down, and move over when traveling through a work zone. The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee carries the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500.

CSCC Gets Grant (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College has been awarded a $198,000 grant to expand the certified clinical medical assistant and phlebotomy short-term credential training programs in Maury and Marshall counties.  

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiatives Grant will serve a total of 56 students across five cohorts during the 2026-2027 academic year, including two 14-week CCMA cohorts at the Columbia Campus and three 6-week phlebotomy cohorts at both the Columbia and Lewisburg campuses. 

With the grant funding, participants will have nearly all of their tuition covered. This includes 87% of CCMA tuition and 90% of phlebotomy tuition, all certification exam fees and required initial employment expenses, including background checks, immunizations and uniforms.

“Columbia State is committed to expanding access to healthcare career pathways in our rural communities,” said Patrick McElhiney, Columbia State director of grants. “This grant removes financial barriers for students pursuing high-demand healthcare careers while addressing critical workforce shortages in our rural communities.”

Through partnerships with Maury Regional Health, the Southern Middle Local Workforce Development Board and South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance, the grant initiative will provide comprehensive training and wraparound support services, including transportation and childcare assistance through the American Job Centers, creating direct pathways to employment with regional healthcare employers.

“Our students are stepping into high-demand healthcare roles and bringing skilled, compassionate care back to the neighbors and communities that need them most,” said Dr. Kevin Ratliff, Columbia State vice president for partnerships, Workforce and southern campuses. “This grant ensures more of them can answer that call without financial barriers standing in the way.”

Recent cohorts of the CCMA program have a 100% completion rate, with the phlebotomy cohort at a 92.9% certification pass rate, showcasing the college's capacity to prepare qualified healthcare professionals for high-demand positions in rural communities.

Columbia State’s Office of Workforce and Continuing Education offers training online, virtually, on campus and in workplaces, serving nine counties in southern Middle Tennessee. To contact the Columbia State Office of Workforce and Continuing Education, email WorkforceDev@ColumbiaState.edu or call 931.540.2688. 

Tornado Siren Test (MauryCountySource)

As part of the City’s ongoing emergency preparedness efforts, tornado siren tests are now scheduled to occur on the first Saturday of each month at 1:00 PM.

Future tornado siren testing dates and times will be announced in advance on the City of Columbia’s official social media channels and at ColumbiaTN.gov.

The tornado sirens are activated during National Weather Service issued tornado warnings and in specific areas where a threat has been identified. Because the sirens are designed as an outdoor warning system, they may not be heard indoors.

Residents are encouraged to use multiple methods to receive emergency notifications.

To help keep the community informed, the City offers the free Hyper-Reach emergency alert system, which delivers severe weather and emergency notifications directly to mobile phones and landlines.

Mid-South Gastroenterology Celebrates Expansion (Press Release)

 Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) physicians, employees and leaders gathered June 4 for a blessing ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new and significantly larger home of MRMG Mid-South Gastroenterology.

The practice has relocated to a new suite on the second floor of the Outpatient Pavilion, which is located on the Maury Regional Medical Center campus. While the relocation keeps the practice close to its previous office — moving just one building over — the completely transformed space offers a much larger footprint and a premium environment designed to enhance patient comfort and increase access.

“With a substantial increase in the number of exam rooms, this modern new space allows MRMG Mid-South Gastroenterology to elevate our patients’ experience while meeting a growing regional demand for specialized digestive health services,” said MRMG President Nathan Miller. “By transitioning to this new location, we’re able to care for more patients in an environment that prioritizes their comfort and ease of access, while giving our top-tier team of gastroenterology specialists the advanced tools they need to maintain clinical excellence.”

The move to the Outpatient Pavilion, also known as Building C, ensures continuity of care for existing patients, who will continue to see their trusted care team on the familiar Columbia campus. This expansion also represents the latest milestone in Maury Regional’s broader campus-wide modernization strategy, focused on upgrading facilities, enhancing parking and thoroughfares and streamlining the patient journey for the hundreds of daily visitors.

“Relocating and expanding MRMG Mid-South Gastroenterology directly supports our ongoing mission to make high-caliber, specialized medical services more accessible to our region,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “As we continue to grow our campus to meet the needs of our community, our blessing ceremonies remain a deeply meaningful tradition. They allow us to formally dedicate these new spaces to the patients we serve and the exceptional care our teams will deliver here for years to come — recognizing that truly meaningful moments of healing and comfort happen within these walls.”

The clinical team at MRMG Mid-South Gastroenterology includes board-certified gastroenterologists Michael Blanco, MD, Lucas Buchanan, DO, Amit Choksi, MD, Dayaker Mallipeddi, MD, Robert McClure, MD, and Srikar Reddy, MD, as well as advanced practice professionals Timothy Dickey, FNP, Sharon Gibson, FNP-BC, and Kelly Taylor, FNP-C.

This highly skilled team provides comprehensive care for a wide range of complex digestive health issues. Utilizing advanced diagnostic technology and minimally invasive techniques, the physicians perform essential procedures on the medical center’s campus, including colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, flexible sigmoidoscopies and more. These advanced capabilities enable the team to evaluate the digestive tract, perform vital cancer screenings and deliver targeted treatments.

From common digestive discomforts and abdominal pain to more complex chronic illnesses, MRMG Mid-South Gastroenterology is equipped to manage a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal conditions, such as acid reflux, chronic heartburn (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease and more.

Beyond their primary suite in Columbia, the practice’s specialists also offer outpatient care and consultation at secondary locations throughout the region. Depending on the patient’s needs, procedures may be scheduled at Maury Regional Medical Center, the Maury Regional Mid-South Endoscopy Center, Marshall Medical Center, Wayne Medical Center or Maury Regional Spring Hill.

Appointments may be made at MRMG Mid-South Gastroenterology with a physician’s referral. To schedule, call 931.388.8302. Additional information about the practice and its care team and services is available at MauryRegional.com/Gastro. The new suite is located at 1220 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia on the second floor of Building C (the Outpatient Pavilion), accessible via parking in Lot C.

The relocation and expansion of MRMG Mid-South Gastroenterology is among several strategic projects underway or in the planning phases at Maury Regional Health. Improvements at the main campus in Columbia include the opening of the new Orthopedic Surgical Institute 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.

(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.

Down the Duck Documentary (Press Release)

A special community screening of the Nashville PBS’ documentary Down the Duck with John Guider will take place on Friday, June 12, at 6:00 p.m. at The Mulehouse, in downtown Columbia. Tickets are free by visiting: https://weblink.donorperfect.com/dtd-columbia.

Co-hosted by Friends of the Duck and Harpeth Conservancy, the event aims to bring together community members, conservation advocates, outdoor enthusiasts, and supporters of the Duck River for an evening centered around storytelling, environmental awareness, and connection. Food trucks will be on-site ahead of the screening, creating a casual community atmosphere for attendees to gather and enjoy the evening together.

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

Hal David Hall, age 82, retired journalist who wrote for the Nashville Tennessean, Chicago Daily News, Denver Post and the Chicago Sun Times, passed away on December 31, 2025.

Graveside services will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM. The family will visit with friends on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home.

Phyllis Lovell Maley, age 79, passed away on January 28, 2026.

Graveside services will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM. The family will visit with friends on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home.

CMA Fest (Tennessean)

Boots? Check. Hat? Check. Head-to-toe denim? Yes ma'am.

Y'all know what that means: 2026 CMA Fest is officially off to the races.

On Thursday, June 4, thousands of country music lovers flocked to downtown Nashville for the four-day music festival, which runs through Sunday, June 7.

Each year, the daytime programming is free to attend, featuring performances from emerging artists and massive country stars across multiple downtown stages and venues. In the evening, the festival moves to Nissan Stadium for a ticketed show that features a different lineup of artists each night.

This year, more than 150 acts will perform as part of CMA Fest, including Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, HARDY, Cody Johnson, Riley Green and Bailey Zimmerman.

2026 marks the 53rd official CMA Fest, continuing the event's legacy as the longest-running country music festival.

Approximately 95,000 fans attended CMA Fest last year, traveling to Nashville from across all 50 states and over 30 countries.

This year, the festival may be even bigger, kicking off with a jam-packed start and massive crowds. A full day of performances began a little after 10 a.m., bringing festival-goers in lace, leather and rhinestones to downtown.

Country acts aren't the only ones bringing the heat — clear, sunny skies and sweltering heat caused temperatures in the high 80s.

Many fans came prepared, waving handheld fans and personal misters. Others were already as red as lobsters.

Some festival-goers traveled from far and wide, including country music lovers Juliet Mansell and Louise Bond, who flew across the pond from the United Kingdom.

"I like Riley Green, but I'm open to a lot of artists I haven't really seen in the U.K. yet," Bond said.

Night one of CMA Fest marked the last opening day the festival will hold at Nissan Stadium — a milestone Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern acknowledged before the festivities began.

"This is the 25th year that we've been here inside Nissan Stadium, and it will be the last time we're in this stadium," Trahern told the crowd referencing the stadium. "Sunday night, when Luke Bryan sings his last words on this stage, we will start counting down to when we're in the stadium right next door."

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Spring Hill is set to kick off the summer season with the annual Hill Fest 2026 at Fischer Park, 4285 Port Royal Road.

The free family-friendly event will run from 2-7 p.m. Saturday and will feature multiple bounce houses, trampolines and obstacle courses.

Other activities include lawn games, wipeout challenges and mini golf, as well as a live DJ spinning music throughout the day.

Hill Fest will culminate with a vibrant and colorful daytime fireworks show finale.

For more information, visit www.SpringHillTN.org/710/Hill-Fest