Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-30-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for July 30, 2026

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

Worker Falls into Septic Tank (MSM)

A subcontractor fell 20 feet to the bottom of a septic tank at Santa Fe Unit School on June 23, prompting a technical rope rescue by the Maury County Fire Department that ended with the worker being airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The MCFD was dispatched that morning after reports of a serious injury at the school. The first arriving rescue unit found the subcontractor — who had been working to install a new underground tank as part of the school’s septic system — at the bottom of the concrete vault. Rescuers upgraded the call to a technical rescue, summoning additional rope-trained personnel and MCFD Truck 21 to the scene. Two MCFD firefighters and a Maury Regional EMS paramedic entered the vault to provide patient care.

The ladder truck was maneuvered into position to establish an aerial high point. Crew members rigged a rope system and lowered a stokes basket to rescuers in the hole. The patient was secured in the basket, raised out of the vault and transferred to Maury EMS and Vanderbilt LifeFlight personnel before being airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“Special thanks to Columbia Power and Water for a prompt response to shut down overhead power lines in the event our aerial had to maneuver close to them,” said Deputy Chief Richey Schatz. “We would like to credit the hard work of our Special Operations Division over the past several years, who continuously provide training to our members to ensure they are prepared for responses such as this.”

Over the weekend, Maury County Fire & Rescue also responded to a fatal motorcycle crash on Campbellsville Pike and a bull attack on Luke Moser Road that required a life-flight for the victim.

“We respond to a wide variety of emergencies, and our members have to be competent in all of them,” said Schatz. “Although a major portion of our responses are fires, motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies, we also provide technical rescue services that include high-angle rope rescue, swift water rescue, confined space and structural collapse. We are blessed to have several personnel across our organization who are experts in various rescue disciplines and are able to provide a high level of service to the citizens of Maury County.”

Early Voting (MSM)

Early voting in Maury County-level elections will end this Saturday, Aug. 1. Voters can cast their 2026 ballots at the Maury County Election Commission Office located at 1207 Tradewinds Drive in Columbia, which will be open from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays.

For more Maury County election information, you can visit the Maury County Election Commission website at https://www.maurycounty-tn.gov/227/Election-Commission or govotetn.gov.

CSCC and Franklin FD Partner (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College and the Franklin Fire Department will officially launch a new partnership next week aimed at expanding emergency medical technician training and strengthening the region’s public safety workforce.

A signing ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, in the Community Room on the second floor of the Administration Building at Columbia State’s Williamson Campus, 1228 Liberty Pike in Franklin.

Under the agreement, Columbia State’s Workforce and Continuing Education Division will serve as the approved educational sponsor for EMT training offered in collaboration with the Franklin Fire Department.

The partnership is designed to help meet the growing demand for trained emergency medical professionals in Williamson County and across southern Middle Tennessee while preparing the next generation of EMTs.

Animal Shelter Begins Expansion (MSM)

The expansion of the Maury County Animal Services shelter started last Tuesday with a ceremonial groundbreaking.

“I want to thank the commission and the mayor for believing in me and giving me the tools to do my job successfully,” said Animal Services Director Kim Raffauf. “If we all work together, we’re going to do better things for this community.”

The shelter’s expansion comes after months of advocacy and pressing need. Year-over-year animal intakes have risen sharply in recent years, as Raffauf has consistently reported to the county Health & Environment Committee, leading to the crowding of the kennels, the burnout of some volunteers, and the turning-away of many animals from the shelter.

“There is nothing worse than telling someone ‘We don’t have space, we can’t help you,’ because they’re so hopeless, they don’t know what to do,'” Raffauf said, “but now we’re going to have space to [help them].”

Among the thousands of animals that have passed through the Maury County Animal Shelter, many of them get adopted quickly, and a few have already left a mark on the world: one was adopted just two weeks ago by Trisha Yearwood, and one, a terrier-schnauzer mix named Sparrow, appeared briefly as comic relief in the 2025 Superman film.

“Just because they’re a stray in Maury County does not change what their future is gonna hold,” Raffauf said proudly. “This is a community-based organization, not a dumping ground for animals… These animals come to us in different circumstances, and we can’t change their past but we can change their future.”

The shelter was designed with the input of Shelter Planners of America and is expected to cost $9.5 million, with a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $10.6 million, and to be finished by spring 2027.

“You want to have [indoor-outdoor kennels], because… it’s much safer… for animal welfare,” said Brian Priddy of 906 Studio, which worked on the design of the facility. “[And] we won’t do something that in 10 or 15 years [will] be obsolete… The cheapest time to do something is right now. It’ll be twice as expensive in ten years and three times as expensive in fifteen years.”

The new additions will include 70 new kennels capable of holding up to 140 additional dogs, room for up to 60 more cats and kittens, a “sally port” out back for storage, a veterinary hospital, and an educational center where volunteers, who do most of the work to be done at the shelter, will be trained before they start working with the animals.

“They’re the secret sauce of this organization and they comfort the animals on a daily basis,” Raffauf said of her volunteers.

“That’s one of the things that Kim does so well, is she gets the volunteers in this community to come help,” said Jamie Spencer, the president of county owner-advocate Hewlett Spencer.

Spring Hill BOMA Advances Water, Park Initiatives (MSM)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Alderman approved several resolutions at their July 20 meeting that

advance the city’s long-term plans for parks, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including the next step toward acquiring Jerry Erwin Park and moving forward with key utility projects.

Among the items approved was Resolution 26-227, authorizing Mayor Matt Fitterer to execute a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Maury County for the potential transfer of Jerry Erwin Park to the city.

The proposed transfer was first discussed during the board’s July 6 meeting. Approval of the resolution allows both parties to begin due diligence and negotiate the terms of a possible transfer.

The letter does not obligate either party to complete the transaction. Instead, it establishes the intent to evaluate the feasibility of the transfer while allowing the city to review property records, maintenance information, environmental studies and other documents as part of the due diligence.

The resolution passed unanimously.

The board also approved several utility-related items through the consent agenda, including moving forward with the final design of the city’s Advanced Purification Facility Pilot Project adopting additional design requirements for the decentralized wastewater systems using BioClere treatment technology.

The approval of the Basis of Design Report for the Advanced Purification Facility Pilot Project allows Spring Hill Water staff and the engineering team to proceed with the project’s final design.

The pilot project is a key component of the city’s long-term strategy to develop a sustainable, drought-resilient drinking water supply capable of supporting continued population growth.

According to city documents, the engineering team has completed the Basis of Design Report, which established the recommended treatment process, design criteria, major equipment and overall technical approach for the pilot facility. The report serves as the foundation for preparing the project’s final construction documents.

The board also approved Resolution 26-221, adopting additional design requirements for the city’s decentralized wastewater system that uses BioClere treatment technology.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation(TDEC) requires the city to adopt the additional standards as part of its approval of Spring Hill’s BioClere Standard Technical Specifications.

City officials said adopting the standards creates a consistent framework for future decentralized wastewater developments, improves long-term system reliability and satisfies TDEC requirements tied to the city’s BioClere specifications.

Columbia State Gallery To Open New Exhibit (Press Release)

 The Columbia State Community College Pryor Art Gallery will soon host a new exhibit titled "We Contain Multitudes," beginning in early August.

Contemporary Collective is a Nashville-based group of abstract artists who formed in 2012. Pryor Art Gallery Curator Tori Zemer, who was already familiar with the work of several of the Collective's artists, welcomed the opportunity to host the exhibition after connecting with group member and local artist Kim Sanderson.

Though the pieces shown in the gallery are by separate artists, when viewed as a whole, the works of the Contemporary Collective reveal the multitudes within each artist and convey a range of human experiences and expressions. 

Artists include:

•    Carol Williams, Nashville

•    Donna J. Wisener, Columbia

•    Erin Johnson, Murfreesboro

•    Gail Blane, Hopkinsville (KY)

•    Ginger Oglesby, Nashville

•    Karen Johnston, Nashville

•    Kim Sanderson, Columbia

•    Linda Butler, Brentwood

•    Lisa McLaughlin, Nashville

•    Mary Miller Veazie, Murfreesboro

•    Mildred Jarrett, Nashville

•    Pam Austin, Franklin

•    Patty Burks, Murfreesboro

“We represent a variety of ages, styles, approaches and motivations for painting,” said Karen Johnston, president of the Contemporary Collective. “Our paintings are not representations of what we see but rather living descriptions of what we feel. Through color, texture, energy and skill, our thoughts and emotions are intuitively transferred onto canvas. The painted results capture the essence of what cannot be touched by words. Alone, each piece is an independent work of art. Displayed together, our collection of paintings invigorates the viewer with an excitement for difference. The Contemporary Collective offers an expanse of original experiences rooted in creative, personal expression.”

The exhibit’s opening on Wednesday, Aug. 3 marks the first exhibit for the 2026-2027 season.

“This exhibition is a jewel box of abstract art,” said Tori Zemer, Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery curator. “It is full of big paintings, and there is so much passion, energy and color. Each piece on its own is beautiful, but as a whole, these works are breathtaking.”

An official opening reception for the exhibit will be held on August 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The exhibit is open through September 2. 

The Pryor Art Gallery is in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike, and is open Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information about the Pryor Art Gallery and upcoming exhibitions, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/PryorGallery or Facebook at ColumbiaStatePAG. 

Beck Unsigned by Astros (MSM)

Multiple media outlets are reporting that the Houston Astros and Columbia Central graduate Jack Beck did not reach terms on a contract before the 4 p.m. CT deadline Monday.

In a statement on his Twitter/X account, Beck said:

“I’d like to thank the Houston Astros for making a dream come true by selecting me in the MLB Draft.

“After a lot of prayer and many difficult conversations with my family, I’ve decided to enroll in college and continue my development, both on and off the field.

“I’m incredibly grateful for this experience and for the relationships I’ve built with everyone in the Astros organization throughout this process.

“A huge thank you to my coaches, family, teammates, and everyone who has supported me along the way. I wouldn’t be here without you.

“I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to see what the future holds. God’s plan is always greater.”

Beck and fellow shortstop James Tronstein, out of the California prep ranks, are the team’s lone two selections from the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft that did not sign. Tronstein, taken two rounds after Beck, is expected to enroll at Vanderbilt.

Houston signed its other 22 draftees, along with three non-drafted free agents.

Beck, who signed a college baseball scholarship with Georgia Southern last fall, would not be eligible to be drafted again until 2029 if he attends and remains at a four-year college. If he were to enroll at a two-year college, he would be eligible for the 2027 MLB Draft.

Beck was the Astros’ 13th-round selection and the 391st overall pick during the draft that was held earlier this month.

New Park in Culleoka (MSM)

Maury County Parks and Recreation cut the ribbon on Culleoka’s new Sweetwater Park, now open to the public at 2420 Mooresville Pike. The park’s name reflects the English definition of “Culleoka,” which, according to Wikipedia, means “sweet water” in an unspecified Native American language.

Former County Commissioner Debbie Turner, who represented District 8 on the County Commission when the park was in her district, called it her “greatest accomplishment.” She hopes for future improvements such as basketball courts, soccer fields and pickleball courts, but said she is “very happy” with the current park.

“I sat on that commission and voted on… other parks [for other communities] in the county. I represented a district and a community that does so much, but I’d see them hardly getting anything,” she said. “I just made it my mission that I wanted to get a park for Culleoka, and I started working on it and getting the word out there… I was very overwhelmed when I got here this morning, because this was beyond my wildest expectations… There’s nothing greater than coming in and seeing children already on the playground.”

The current District 9 commissioners, who represent Culleoka and its new park, credited Turner with getting the ball rolling.

“If Debbie hadn’t gotten started, it might have never gotten finished,” said Commissioner Jerry Bridenbaugh. “The community is really thrilled with this, we’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback.”

“I cannot tell you how excited I am to have this park open. This has been the dream of a lot of people… that have worked on it and built it,” said County Mayor Sheila Butt.

When Butt took office, she learned that county parks were subject to a moratorium on grant funding because of noncompliance at the county’s Chickasaw Landfill. Once she and other personnel got the landfill closed, the county became eligible for funding once again.

“I raised three little boys, three years apart, and a lot of times during the day — we didn’t have a lot of money to go shopping… [or] bowling — you know what we did? We went to the park… [and] built relationships,” she recalled of her own parenting. “We had playdates… mom days… [and] picnic lunches at the park. The park was part of our community, and that’s exactly what this park is going to mean to Culleoka.”

Parks Director Al Ray thanked Wayne Lindsay, Jennifer Miller and his other workers.

“Y’all have a parks staff working for you that’s like two-for-one people. We run lean and mean because of that, and I want to recognize them,” he said, to applause from the audience. He thanked District 64 Rep. Scott Cepicky for helping the grants that funded the park; local realtor Jimmy Dugger for making “a nice donation” to build the park shelter that will later be dedicated to him; and the Culleoka Community Club.

“It’ll just get better, I know [Parks Director Al Ray] has got plans to add things here… We’ve heard ‘putting green,’ we’ve heard ‘splash pad,’ we’ve heard ‘full basketball court,'” said Commissioner Bridenbaugh. “It is a prime spot.”

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

Herbert Daniel “Danny” Slaughter, 61, a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

TDOT I-65 Corridor Assessment (Press Release)

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) invites the public to attend upcoming public meetings regarding the Interstate 65 Corridor.

TDOT is initiating a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study to evaluate solutions for congestion, improving travel times, and enhancing system modernization along the I-65 Corridor in Davidson, Williamson, and Maury counties.

Study limits extend to approximately 34 miles of the existing I-65 corridor, from State Route (SR) 155 (Thompson Lane) in Davidson County to SR 99/United States (US) Highway 412 (Bear Creek Pike) in Maury County (see map below). TDOT intends to adopt planning products and recommendations made as part of the PEL Study into future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) studies, per Title 23 of the U.S. Code (U.S.C.), Part 168.

TDOT will conduct (3) Public Meetings in August to discuss the I-65 Corridor PEL Study including one on:

• Thursday, August 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CT

Spring Hill Event Centers, Banquet Hall

1018 Parkway Drive, Spring Hill, TN 37174

The public meetings will follow an open-house style format, and the content presented will be identical at all events.

The public will have until September 8, 2026, to submit comments. The Study Materials will be available on the study website beginning August 13, 2026. Anyone unable to attend is encouraged to view the Public Meeting materials on the project website: https://buildwithustn.com.

Comments can be submitted via the study website, emailed to I65CorridorPEL@publicinput.com, recorded via the PEL Study Hotline at 855-925-2801 (Project Code 1249), or mailed to:

I-65 Corridor PEL Study Comments

Tennessee Department of Transportation – Communications Division

312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., 24th Floor

Nashville, TN 37243-0332

Tennessee Advances in Race for Nuclear Campus (CDH)

Tennessee has been selected as a potential host for a U.S. Department of Energy Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, a program that officials say could bring billions in investment and strengthen the state's role in the nation's nuclear industry.

The Volunteer State was one of five finalists, along with Utah, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Idaho, after the agency reviewed 28 applications from 26 states, the DOE said in a July 28 statement.

The proposed campuses would support the full nuclear fuel cycle, including fuel fabrication, uranium enrichment, advanced reactors, manufacturing, and potentially co-located nuclear-powered data centers. The DOE said the campuses could also include facilities that handle used nuclear fuel but has not specified what each site would contain.

DOE officials said the campuses are designed to strengthen the nation's nuclear supply chain as the President Donald Trump's administration seeks to expand nuclear power to meet growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data centers.

Tennessee has seen a boom in data center development, with projects emerging across the state. Data centers accounted for about 18% of the Tennessee Valley Authority's industrial power load last year, a share TVA expects to double by 2030.

DOE estimates each campus could attract up to $50 billion in investment, generate as much as $10 billion in state and local tax revenue, and create nearly 25,000 jobs, though no final sites have been selected.

Tennessee's proposal centers on Oak Ridge, citing the state's longstanding nuclear research and manufacturing infrastructure, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Y-12 National Security Complex, the Tennessee Valley Authority's small modular reactor project at Clinch River, and more than 230 companies involved in the nuclear industry.

"As the global epicenter of nuclear energy, Tennessee is honored to be selected as a potential host for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus," Gov. Bill Lee said in a statement. "As our state answered the call during the Manhattan Project and helped shape the course of history, Tennessee stands ready once again to advance the safe, reliable energy solutions our nation depends on."

The five finalist states will continue working with DOE under newly signed memorandums of understanding as the department evaluates potential host sites. A timeline for selecting the final locations has not been announced.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The General Jackson Showboat is closing out summer with two specialty cruises featuring a classic movie night and live yacht rock music on the Cumberland River.

On Sunday, Aug. 2, the showboat will host a Summer Movie Night Cruise featuring Back to the Future. The three-hour cruise departs at 8 p.m. and includes scenic river views, family-friendly entertainment and light food and beverages available for purchase. Click for More Events

Tickets are $25 per person for guests ages 3 and older. Children 11 and younger must be accompanied by a ticketed adult age 18 or older.

The General Jackson will return Saturday, Sept. 5, with a Yacht Rock Evening Cruise featuring live music from The Nashville Yacht Club Band. Guests can enjoy yacht rock favorites while taking in views of the Cumberland River and Nashville skyline. The three-hour cruise departs at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $50 per person, with an upgraded Captain’s Hat package available for $65. Light food and beverages will be available

The General Jackson has operated in Nashville for more than 41 years and remains one of the city’s most recognizable attractions. Tickets and additional information are available at GeneralJackson.com.