Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-6-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for July 6, 2026

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

CPWS Getting FEMA Funds (MSM)

Columbia Power and Water is among those receiving FEMA funds related to recovery costs from Tropical Storm Helene.

FEMA has approved more than $34 million to fund 18 recovery projects in Tennessee communities. CPWS is set to receive $329,079 for repairs to utilities damaged by the severe winter storm.

FEMA is reimbursing these recovery costs at no less than a 75 percent federal cost share through its Public Assistance program, which provides funds for state and local governments’ response and recovery work.

Spring Hill Budget Commended (MauryCountySource)

On Friday, June 26, the City of Spring Hill received official word from the State  of Tennessee Comptroller’s Office that the City’s 2027 Fiscal Year budget has been approved, receiving recognition from the State Comptroller as being a “Distinguished Submission.”

The budget was submitted shortly after it was passed on second reading by the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen on June 15, via Ordinance 26-10.

“This recognition from the State Comptroller reflects the thoughtful planning, fiscal discipline, and teamwork that went into developing our FY27 budget. I want to especially thank Finance Director Rebecca Holden and Budget Manager Chelsea Perryman for their outstanding leadership and dedication,” said Mayor Matt Fitterer. “Our shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and financial stewardship helps ensure that the City of Spring Hill is well-positioned to meet the needs of  residents today while planning responsibly for tomorrow while minimizing burden on taxpayers.  This distinction reflects the high standard our team strives to uphold in serving our community.”

“We commend the governing body and local officials for submitting a well presented, timely, and organized budget. Complete and detailed submissions allow our office to efficiently review the budget and provide an accurate assessment within a timely manner which supports financial health  in local governments in the State of Tennessee,” stated the letter from the Comptroller’s Office. “We greatly appreciate the detail, time, and effort that you put into the budget submission and look forward to continuing our work with Spring Hill to make government work better.”

Spring Hill Considers Commerce Park (MSM)

A proposed Atmos Energy office and a new roadway extension within the Spring Hill Commerce Center were among the development projects reviewed by the Spring Hill Planning Commission at their June 22 work session.

The proposed site plan for a new Atmos Energy office and warehouse facility that would bring a more than 55,000-square-foot building to John Lunn Road. The proposed 55,214 square-foot facility would include both office and warehouse space on approximately 10.52 acres zoned Light Industrial (l-1).

According to planning documents, the project would utilize an on-site sewer system under a previously approved memorandum of understanding. The site plan also includes two access points and frontage improvements along John Lunn Road, including widening the roadway five feet to accommodate a four-foot bicycle lane and a five-foot sidewalk.

The applicant last met with city staff on June 10, when several revisions were discussed. Staff recommended updating the sizes of proposed trees and shrubs to comply with city code, and the applicant agreed to make those changes.

Planning Commissioners also discussed roadway connectivity and additional site improvements during the meeting. Before the proposal can be placed on the consent agenda, the applicant must address the remaining staff recommendations.

A request, submitted by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, LLC, seeks preliminary plat approval for a new public road extending north of the existing realignment of Jim Warren Road within Phase 1, Lot 2 of the Spring Hill Commerce Center.

The approximate 500-acre planned development sits east of I-65 and south of Jim Warren Road, sitting between Maury County and Williamson County.

The site was rezoned to Planned Development with a base zone of General Industrial (I-2) in January 2023. After the rezoning, the site has undergone several improvements and amendments, such as a preliminary plat for infrastructure, modifications to development conditions and a one-year extension of its vesting period through January 2027.

The proposed right-of-way would be about 109 feet wide, exceeding the city’s minimum width

requirements.

In its review, staff noted an issue that the plans do not show how adjoining lots would be reconfigured or graded after the roadway extension. During the meeting, the applicant acknowledged the recommendations and plans to change before the voting meeting.

Aesthetic MD Opens (MauryCountySource)

Columbia welcomed a new addition to its healthcare community as the Maury County Chamber hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 23, 2026, for Aesthetic MD Columbia. Staff, supporters, and community members gathered to celebrate the milestone. 

Not sure where to start? Skin & Allergy Center also offers a free online Cosmetic Assessment Tool at skinallergycenter.com to help you discover which treatments may be the right fit.

Aesthetic MD Columbia is located at 100 Blythewood Drive, Suite A, Columbia, TN 38401, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To schedule an appointment, call (931) 381-1920 or visit skinallergycenter.com.

To learn more about Maury Alliance and how they support businesses in Maury County, visit mauryalliance.com.

Spring Hill EMS Gets Year Extension on Service Contract (MSM)

Emergency medical services will continue operating citywide in Spring Hill for at least another year after the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a one-year extension of the city’s existing EMS interlocal agreement last week. 

The board approved the resolution extending the agreement between Spring Hill, Williamson County and Williamson Health while local leaders evaluate long-term options for emergency medical service delivery. 

Spring Hill was contracted for citywide EMS service in 2006. Under Tennessee law, emergency medical services are considered an essential county function requiring counties to provide the service directly or arrange for it to be provided. 

Since 2020, EMS services in Spring Hill have been provided through an agreement involving Williamson County and Williamson Health, allowing a single provider to serve residents on both sides of the Maury-Williamson county line. 

City staff said maintaining one provider throughout Spring Hill remains the most effective option, ensuring consistent service and avoiding a split EMS system based on county boundaries. 

Williamson County indicated EMS service would discontinue in the Maury County portion of Spring Hill at the end of the fiscal year unless Spring Hill provided a grant. 

Mayor Matt Fitterer said the city is not interested in bearing the costs that state law identifies as a county obligation. 

After discussions involving officials from Spring Hill, Maury County and Williamson County, the parties reached an agreement to extend the current arrangement for one year. 

City staff said the extension will provide time to evaluate long-term EMS solutions while maintaining continuity of care for residents and seamless coordination with Spring Hill Fire Department first responders. 

The resolution also authorizes Fitterer and City Administrator J. Cater Napier to represent the city’s interest in future negotiations regarding EMS service delivery and administrations. 

Section of Kedron Road Closed (MauryCountySource)

A section of Kedron Road in Spring Hill will be closed for nearly a week as crews complete sewer line work beneath the roadway.

The full closure begins at 6 a.m. Monday, July 6, on Kedron Road just north of the westbound Saturn Parkway on- and off-ramps. The road is expected to reopen Sunday, July 12. Crews will work around the clock throughout the project.

Drivers traveling on Saturn Parkway will need to use the Port Royal Road or Main Street exits to reach the north side of Kedron Road. Detour signs will be posted, and traffic will still be able to turn south onto Kedron Road from Saturn Parkway.

Motorists should expect delays along the detour routes as traffic signal timing may change. The Spring Hill Police Department will assist with traffic control as needed.

Businesses near the closure will remain accessible from the north side of Kedron Road.

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.

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.

Spring Hill License Kiosk (MauryCountySource)

The Spring Hill Police Department has introduced a new Driver License Self-Service Kiosk in the lobby of its headquarters at 800 Hathaway Blvd. The kiosk is open to all Tennessee residents—regardless of county—and offers a convenient alternative to visiting the DMV.

Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the kiosk allows users to:

* Renew a driver license

* Obtain a duplicate license or state ID

* Change their address

* Pay reinstatement fees in full

The kiosk does not accept cash or checks; payment must be made using a credit or debit card.

No appointment is necessary. For more information about the service, visit www.tn.gov/content/tn.

Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)

The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.

Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.

Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.

Any Maury County Resident can use this office.

All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.

Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.

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

Cathy Elizabeth Garner, 75, a lifelong resident of Maury County, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at NHC Columbia HealthCare.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Visitation with family and friends will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hampshire. 

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.

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…

TEMA Becomes Executive Department (TNLookout)

Tennessee’s emergency management services are now housed in a new state department: the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority.

The former Tennessee Emergency Management Agency was housed in the state’s Department of Military. The transition to a standalone department “better reflects our statewide role,” the newly minted department stated in a social media post Wednesday.

The move will allow the new department to better coordinate with other state agencies to more quickly prepare for and address crises, according to the department.

Former Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan will continue to lead the state’s emergency response apparatus as the first commissioner of the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority. 

“This transition is about improving our ability to serve Tennessee and our communities when they need us most,” Sheehan said. “Our mission has not changed, but our structure now better reflects the critical role emergency management plays in serving Tennesseans. As a cabinet-level department, the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority will be positioned to coordinate more efficiently across state government, support local officials and emergency managers more effectively, and respond to disasters with the speed and focus Tennesseans expect.”

The department noted that Tennessee has faced “increasingly complex emergencies” in recent years, including the flood of 2010, March 2020 tornadoes, the Waverly flood in 2021, Hurricane Helene in 2024 and a widespread ice storm that left hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans without power this January.

As President Donald Trump’s administration looks to downsize FEMA and transfer more preparedness and recovery responsibility to states, Tennessee has taken steps to bolster its own emergency management structure.

Earlier this year, Tennessee lawmakers established a state disaster response fund with the aim of providing assistance to local governments and individuals when aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is insufficient or unavailable. Gov. Bill Lee proposed a $100 million one-time investment in the fund, which will be managed by TEMA, but lawmakers approved just $44.2 million.

Sen. Jeff Yarbro, a Nashville Democrat, said the fund is already anemic compared to the cost of responding to disasters. 

Tennessee spent more than $500 million toward Hurricane Helene recovery alone, according to a letter Lee sent to President Donald Trump in January requesting federal assistance after the ice storm.

Disaster response is a growing expense for the state, which has managed 11 disasters without federal assistance since January 2023. Tennessee has experienced an average of one disaster every eight months over the last 10 years.

Sinise Supports First Responders (WilliamsonScene)

Members of Williamson County Fire & Rescue Station 28 received an unexpected show of appreciation recently when Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint arrived with a hot lunch — accompanied by actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, his longtime friend Joseph Carr and several members of their team.

The visit was part of "Feeding First Responders," a tradition Sinise began about 15 years ago at Los Angeles International Airport. While waiting for a flight, Sinise noticed several military service members and offered to buy them a meal as a way of thanking them for their service. The gesture grew into an ongoing effort to serve meals to military personnel, veterans and first responders nationwide.

Sinise, a longtime advocate for service members and first responders, was joined by Carr, a sommelier, vintner and founder of Josh Cellars. The two share a commitment to service rooted in family ties — both had fathers who served in the military, and Carr's father and grandfather were volunteer firefighters.

Carr named his wine brand after his father, Josh Carr, as a tribute. He traveled from California to Tennessee to join Sinise in serving the Station 28 crew.

"We've had a long relationship and partnership, and we've done a lot of good together," Sinise told firefighters. "[Joe] supports the Gary Sinise Foundation and is helping us out."

Carr shared memories of growing up across the street from the fire station where his father and grandfather volunteered.

"When a call came in, the first person to get to the firehouse got to drive a truck," Carr said. "My grandfather got there first, more than my father."

Sinise expressed admiration for firefighters and first responders, noting that many departments across the country rely heavily on volunteers.

"A lot of these folks have other jobs," he said. "This is a local firehouse, and I wanted to come spend some time with them and serve a meal."

He also reflected on the sacrifices made by first responders, recounting the story of a friend who lost two sons in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — one a police officer and the other a firefighter.

"First responders and veterans put the mission first from the start," Sinise said. "Both of his sons ran into the buildings."

Sinise said that experience, along with visits to firehouses and military bases over the years, deepened his commitment to supporting those who serve. He later founded the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011 to provide programs and services for veterans, first responders and their families.

Over the past 15 years, Sinise's efforts have helped serve more than 1.4 million meals. Carr has contributed more than $100,000 to the foundation and nearly $2 million to charitable causes supporting communities.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Event organizers believe a record-breaking 400,000 gathered to celebrate America 250 in the Music City, according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC).

Concert attendees were treated to a lineup of The All American Rejects, NE-YO, Lauren Daigle, Brothers Osborne, Boyz II Men, Nick Jonas and Sublime. A three hour special was hosted by Ryan Seacrest and featured performances by Little Big Town, Reba McEntire and Tim McGraw. It was broadcast across all Disney platforms.

But the main event was the largest fireworks and drone light display in Nashville history. It featured 1,000 drones filling the sky above the Cumberland River and 12-inch mortar shells, which are the largest ever launched in the city.

The 12-inch shells weigh more than 20 pounds and ascend 1,200 feet before bursting into a display spanning more than 1,000 feet across. Previous year’s celebrations used 8-inch shells.

The show included more than 1,000 floating flares, which created the illusion of lights suspended over the Cumberland River. The two-minute finale featured thousands of fireworks, more than 1,000 salute “boomers” and a vibrant spectrum of colors.

The show was synchronized to a live performance by the Nashville Symphony.