Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-14-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for July 14, 2026

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

Major Drug Bust in Maury (MauryCountySource)

A two-month drug investigation in Maury County ended with the seizure of suspected fentanyl pills, cash, firearms and narcotics, according to the Maury County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies with the agency’s Vice and Narcotics Unit executed search warrants on July 10 as part of the investigation.

Investigators seized more than 2,000 pills, including approximately 1,500 suspected fentanyl or fentanyl-laced pills, along with nearly $58,000 in cash, multiple firearms, a GMC truck, cocaine and other illegal narcotics.

The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Cybercrime and Digital Evidence Unit.

The Maury County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains part of its ongoing efforts to target drug trafficking and remove illegal narcotics from the community.

Man Rescued From Dough Sheeter (MauryCountySource)

Firefighters responded to a rare rescue Friday after a man’s arm became trapped in a bakery dough sheeter at Savarino’s Market.

According to the Maury County Fire Department, crews were called to the business on July 10 after receiving reports of a worker whose arm was stuck in the machine used to prepare dough.

Firefighters said the worker was in pain but remained calm throughout the rescue. Employees had already unplugged the machine and attempted to free the man’s arm using oils, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

Crews first tried disassembling parts of the equipment and using wooden wedges to separate the rollers, but the machine would not release the worker’s arm. Firefighters then brought in a hydraulic spreader to move components of the machine and create enough space for the rollers to move vertically. Pry bars and wedges were reinserted, allowing crews to successfully free the worker.

According to firefighters, the worker’s first words after being rescued were, “Time to get back to work.”

The rescue damaged the dough sheeter, and the fire department is encouraging the community to support the locally owned business as it works to replace the equipment.

Mt. Olivet Bridge Closure (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is notifying residents that the Mt. Olivet Bridge at Bear Creek Pike will close effective now, due to structural concerns.

The Mt. Olivet Bridge replacement project is a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) project funded by the State of Tennessee and is currently scheduled for 2029. Due to the impact the closure could have on and daily local travel, the City of Columbia has requested that TDOT evaluate opportunities to expedite the project timeline.

The City of Columbia will continue coordinating with TDOT and sharing information as it becomes available regarding the project timeline, detour routes, and future construction schedule.

Motorists are encouraged to follow posted detour signage and allow additional travel time while the bridge remains closed.

The City appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during this closure and will provide updates as additional information is made available.

Hygrade to Expand (MSM)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Hygrade Components CEO Randall D. Gottlieb announced recently that the company will expand its operations through a strategic, long-term lease commitment in Mount Pleasant.

“I am thrilled to announce our strategic lease agreement at 1319 North Main Street. This milestone guarantees our presence in the community for years to come,” Gottlieb said. “This long-term commitment… empowers us to innovate faster, scale our services and better serve our growing client base over the next decade.”

Hygrade Components will invest over $1.6 million and create more than 30 new jobs in Maury County at its North Main Street location, which will directly support growth into new markets. In total, the company will add approximately 100,000 square feet to its existing plant in Mount Pleasant, where it will employ 100 people following completion of the project.

“Hygrade Components has built a strong reputation as a quality manufacturer and valued employer in Maury County, and I am proud to see the company continue to grow in Mount Pleasant,” said State Sen. Joey Hensley. “This $1.6 million investment and the creation of more than 30 new jobs demonstrate Hygrade Components’ long-term commitment to our community and the skilled workforce that helps drive Tennessee’s manufacturing success.”

“With more than three decades in Mount Pleasant, Hygrade Components has deep roots in our community and remains a trusted member of our local economy,” said Representative Kip Capley. “This significant announcement is great news for Maury County families, and I wish the company continued success as it expands operations in Middle Tennessee.”

Spring Hill to Take Over County Park (CDH)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen is considering a proposal to acquire ownership of the historic Jerry Erwin Park from Maury County.

The 38.5-acre park located at 3410 Kedron Road holds historical significance related to the Civil War and the Battle of Spring Hill.

BOMA Alderman Vincent Fuqua presented the item during the July 6 meeting, and they discussed the process required for the county to relinquish ownership to Spring Hill.

Now, the Maury County Parks Board is reviewing the proposal. That board would first send its recommendation to the Maury County Commission, who would decide ultimately if the transfer of ownership would go before a Spring Hill BOMA vote.

Fuqua said one of the benefits of the city taking ownership would be that it can afford to better maintain its upkeep.

"I do think that we could let Maury County spend their dollars on some of their larger parks. We could utilize this one creating a service for our citizenry that utilizes it a little better in maintenance," Fuqua said. "It is going to be a large undertaking in terms of maintenance, mainly grass mowing, and if you look at the restroom facilities it hasn't been painted in years. There are just some little touches we could do."

Fuqua added that the property deed would also restrict uses for activities like sports events and additional lighting fixtures, though small playgrounds could be allowed.

One of the biggest potential issues to consider, he said, is that the park has restrictive parking, though that is something that could be reworked pending the city's acquisition.

"Tides have changed a little bit and people are taking on physical fitness, people are parking in the grass and creating muddy spots, and you see the mud track out on Kedron Road quite often," Fuqua said.

Alderman Brent Murray, who also chairs the city's Parks and Recreation Commission, noted that the acquisition would be a good asset to Spring Hill.

And while the park would restrict things like sports events, Murray asked if something like a dog park, something he said has been in high demand by Spring Hill citizens, could be considered.

City Attorney Patrick Carter said Erwin Park's use has already reached "almost its maximum," and so having it as a future dog park would be unlikely.

"This is going to be a passive park," Carter said. "Any idea we could do sports fields or big improvements like dog parks, anything like that is not going to be possible with this park. We can fix it up, we can paint it up and maybe add a small playground, but anything more than that, this is not the kind of park this is going to be, but more of a battlefield open space type of park."

Carter added that the point of the July 6 discussion was to inquire if there "was an appetite," for the county to change over ownership and what that would require.

"What they are getting is getting it off of their financial sheet," Carter said. "What we would be getting is that it would be a Spring Hill park, but then we would be responsible for mowing the grass, keeping up the restrooms, addressing parking with the limits that we would be bound to ... It is largely going to function just like it does now, as a small, local, walking or running park. I have run out there and it probably does need to be repaved, and there are muddy spots."

Mayor Matt Fitterer pointed out a similar example where the city acquired a portion of Cleburne Road once owned by the county.

"The minimal improvements you see out there on Cleburne Road today are a result of the city annexing the road," Fitterer said.

"Yes, we took on some additional costs of something that otherwise would have been maintained by the county, but we saw that in practice the county was not maintaining it. While there may not be a net pickup in terms of facilities or structures, dog parks or ball fields, or whatever with the city taking control of this property, what does become under our control is performing maintenance out there."

Fitterer added that there are "certainly opportunities" for things like walking trails as improvements continue along Kedron Road, as well as the property's proximity to the developing Spring Hill Commerce Center east of I-65.

"Remember, continuing south of Saturn Parkway we are in the process of acquiring some land that, long-term, will have a recreational component as well,' he said. "I think it is a win to the city, and very fair to ask what we are taking on from a maintenance perspective, but my strong suspicion is that it's going to be a nominal amount for what we are getting in return."

Ace Hardware Becomes U-Haul Dealer (CDH)

Columbia Ace Hardware has partnered with U-Haul to become a neighborhood dealer.

The hardware store, at 112 E. James Campbell Blvd., Ste. D, will offer truck rentals and moving supplies, according to a recent news release.

The location's business hours are 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Customers can reserve U-Haul products by calling (931) 548-4056 or visiting the U-Haul website.

Columbia Ace Hardware owner Tripp Stults expressed pride in teaming with U-Haul to meet the needs of Maury County. U-Haul has partnered with independent dealers to offer rental equipment since 1945.

Currently, more than 22,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are generating supplemental income through their affiliation with U-Haul, according to the announcement. When customers rent from a U-Haul dealer, they support an independent small business in their community.

No financial investment is required to become a U-Haul dealer. Local affiliates are not U-Haul franchises; they are small businesses that allocate a portion of their lot space for U-Haul equipment and dedicate time to serve their community's mobility needs.

For more information about the dealer program or to join, visit uhaul.com/dealer. U-Haul also offers a 1-Year Price Lock at its owned and operated facilities across the U.S. and Canada, providing customers with cost certainty.

The collaboration aims to support small businesses and provide essential moving services to the Columbia community.

MRMG Adds New Doc (Press Release)

Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) Primary Care & Pediatrics has added Jade Harris, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician, to its medical staff.

Dr. Harris received her medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. She completed her residency training through the University of Tennessee Nashville Family Medicine residency program in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

MRMG Primary Care & Pediatrics provides a comprehensive range of family medicine and pediatric services. Standard clinical offerings include annual wellness exams, routine physicals, treatment for acute illness, chronic disease management and adult, newborn and child immunizations. The practice’s physicians and advanced practice professionals also manage both men’s and women’s specialized health needs.

Dr. Harris joins  Andrew Nielson, MD, Gavin Pinkston, MD, and Brooke Miller, FNP-BC at the practice. MRMG Primary Care & Pediatrics is open Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are located at 1222 Trotwood Avenue, Suite 108, in Columbia. For more information, call 931.380.4066 or visit MauryRegional.com/primarycarepeds.

In other Maury Regional news…Eden L. Leightona certified family nurse practitioner, has joined the medical staff at Maury Regional Medical Group Urology.

Leighton earned her undergraduate degree from Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee, and her master’s degree from the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama. Before transitioning into her role as a nurse practitioner, she spent seven years serving patients as a registered nurse at Maury Regional Health.

At MRMG Urology, specialists treat adult patients for a wide range of conditions affecting the urological system, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, incontinence, male reproductive health, and bladder and prostate cancers.

MRMG Urology is located at 1222 Trotwood Avenue, Suite 601, in Columbia. Office hours are Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. At the practice, Leighton joins Ian B. Berger, MD, Justin K. Kropf, MD, Troy R. Larson, MD, Lindsey Chapman, FNP-C and Robert Campbell, FNP-C.

For more information, call 931.840.8547 or visit MauryRegional.com/urology. A physician referral is required.

Happy Days Star to Appear at Mulehouse (CDH)

Makky Kaylor and his Swanky Southern Nights co-host Brenda Lynn Allen are bringing back their popular live show to The Mulehouse in August, and they are bringing a TV star with them.

The duo will present Happy Days and Swanky Southern Nights on Saturday, Aug. 8, with special guest actor and singer Donny Most.

The show will feature Kaylor and Allen's unique blend of one part talk show, another part live concert, chock full of stories, surprise guests and more, organizers say.

Kaylor said he is excited because not only are live shows a lot of fun, but they allow audiences an in-person experience, especially when it is with a star like Most and the legacy of "Happy Days."

"We are going to be talking about Happy Days, but we will also do a Q&A with the audience too if anybody wants to ask him any questions, and then he will do a meet-and-greet afterwards," Kaylor said. "It should be a lot of fun."

Guests are also encouraged to dress for the occasion, which can range from 1950s-style attire to the Swanky South brand's signature mix of jazz, country and blues combined with an afternoon of sipping mint julips at the Kentucky Derby.

"You can don your Happy Days attire or your derby duds," Kaylor said. "We are combining both brands, which is really great."

Most had previously been scheduled as a special guest with Swanky Southern Nights on Feb. 6 at The Franklin Theater, but the event was postponed. Kaylor said having it rescheduled for Columbia makes it all the more special.

The show will also coincide with Most's 73rd birthday.

"We said, 'You know what, we aren't going to reschedule it there. We are going to bring Ralph Malph here,'" Kaylor said. "We told him, 'You have to experience our town,' and it's on his birthday."

Allen added that Most's visit to Tennessee will also include a guest spot on what many consider Nashville's most historic music stage.

"We are helping get him on the Grand Ole Opry the night before, and so he is coming from Colorado and is going to be on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time, where he will sing two songs and be a guest announcer, and then he is coming here," Allen said.

And in keeping with the America's 250th theme of 2026, a portion of the show will also be dedicated to Tennessee State Songs, including Kaylor's own "Tennessee, In My Dreams," which Gov. Bill Lee designated in 2024 as the Volunteer State's 14th official song.

"It's going to be a multi-media event, which concludes with my state song," Kaylor said. "After that, we will bring our special guest out. He sings, and then we bring him over to the Swanky South Lounge for an interview. And he will stay and sign autographs after the show."

There are also opportunities for sponsorships available for local businesses and organizations.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the Aug. 8 show can do so by contacting Don McClain at TheSwankySouth@gmail.com.

"We want to give them a lot of advertising," Allen said. "We are looking for people who will get excited about this."

Tickets start at $34.30 for individual seats, with tables for group seating, as well as VIP priority seating also available at www.TheMulehouse.com.

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

Barbara Amanda Billington Boettner, 89, a resident of Brentwood, TN, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Williamson Medical Center.

A private graveside service will be conducted at Rose Hill Cemetery. 

Mr. James David Wilburn, 86, passed away peacefully at his residence in Columbia, Tennessee, on Thursday, July 9, 2026.Graveside services will be conducted Tuesday, July 14 at 2:00 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:30 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mrs. Bobbie Lou Collins Baker, 82, a longtime resident of Columbia, TN, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Poplar Estates. A graveside service will be conducted on Thursday, July 16 at 11:00 AM at Rose Hill Cemetery.

And now, news from around the state…

TCAP Results Show Progress (Press Release)

Today, the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) is pleased to announce that the 2025-26 TCAP dashboard is now live, featuring state- and district-level results. TDOE is also thrilled to highlight districts that show gains in academic proficiency among students statewide, following the release of our state-level progress last month. 

District-level TCAP assessment results provide a glimpse into each of Tennessee’s school communities. During the 2025-26 school year, students took TCAP assessments in general education subject areas to collect valuable data and inform strategic decision-making on how best to support the success of all students. Overall, district participation was strong, with 141 districts achieving participation rates of 97% or higher, and 125 districts achieving participation rates of 99% or higher. 

“These district-level results showcase the commitment and hard work of Tennessee districts and educators in preparing students for success," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "By leveraging this data to guide decisions and strategic investments, Tennessee is prepared for the work that lies ahead as we continue to put our students first." 

2025-26 District-Level TCAP Highlights

• In 78 districts, over 40.0% of students scored “met expectations” or “exceeded expectations” in all subjects.  

• In 30 districts, over 50.0% of students scored “met expectations” or “exceeded expectations” in all subjects. 

• 86 districts increased all subjects proficiency rates from the 2024-25 school year to the 2025-26 school year. 

• 118 districts increased all subjects proficiency rates from the 2023-24 school year to the 2025-26 school year. 

All Subjects Highlights

• Williamson County Schools has the highest proficiency rate for all subjects at 73.9% in 2025-26. 

• Collierville Schools has the second-highest proficiency rate for all subjects at 73.6% in 2025-26. 

• Dyersburg City Schools has the highest percentage increase of 6.0% for all subjects from 2024-25 to 2025-26.  

• Lexington City Schools increased by 2.7% for all subjects from 2024-25 to 2025-26.

• Franklin Special School District increased by 2.3% for all subjects from 2024-25 to 2025-26.  

View the TCAP dashboard, where Tennesseans can filter results by grade, subject level, student groups, and communities. The dashboard results include exams in English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, and social studies, but do not include science, which is in a standard-setting year. 

View the district-level results at https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/education/districts

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Thirty years after launching one of the biggest concert tours in history, Garth Brooks is heading back to the arenas.

Brooks announced the Blame It All On My Roots Tour, a full-scale arena tour that will bring back his iconic Drum Pod, the production element that helped redefine his live shows in the 1990s. 

“Going back into the arenas is about putting the stadium show in a box,” Brooks said in a release. “The excitement gets multiplied by the intimacy. Every seat is a great seat. This is personal.”

The Blame It All On My Roots Tour will also serve as the foundation for Killer Live, a new live recording project by Brooks.

General on-sale begins Friday, July 17, at 10 am, www.ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks