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

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for July 7, 2026

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

School District Names Instruction Coordinator (Press Release)

Maury County Public Schools is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Michele Murray as the school district's new Instruction Coordinator, bringing nearly three decades of educational experience and a proven record of instructional leadership to Maury County.

Dr. Murray began her career in education in 1997, serving in a variety of roles. Her experience includes teaching multiple subjects across elementary and middle school grade levels, serving as a K-8 school interventionist, K-5 elementary academic coach, and higher education student teaching supervisor and adjunct professor.

Most recently, Dr. Murray completed her 10th year as a school administrator. Her leadership experience includes two years as a K-8 assistant principal, five years as an elementary principal with Sullivan County Schools and the past three years as an elementary principal with Williamson County Schools.

"Maury County Public Schools continues to build on our academic momentum, attracting outstanding educational leaders that are essential to our success," said Lisa Ventura, superintendent of Maury County Public Schools. "Dr. Murray's extensive experience in curriculum, instruction and school leadership, combined with her passion for supporting educators and student achievement, makes her an outstanding addition to our school district. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our schools."

Dr. Murray is eager to begin collaborating with educators across the school district to support teaching and learning.

"I am honored to join Maury County Public Schools and begin this new chapter alongside an incredible team," Dr. Murray said. "I'm grateful to join a district committed to excellence and look forward to partnering with dedicated educators to support the exceptional work already happening systemwide."

Dr. Murray earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education, master's degree in early childhood education, and doctorate in educational leadership from East Tennessee State University.

Williamson Health Sells to Ascension (MauryCountySource)

Williamson Health’s Board of Trustees has voted to sell the county-owned health system to Ascension, a move that would end nearly seven decades of county ownership if approved by the Williamson County Commission, the Nashville Business Journal reports. 

The board unanimously approved Ascension’s proposal during a special meeting Monday. The agreement includes a $700 million purchase price, along with commitments for additional investments that bring the total value of the deal to about $950 million.

Under the proposal, Ascension would invest $235 million over the next 10 years for facility improvements and electronic health records. The company also pledged another $140 million for strategic projects during the first five years, plus $20 million for routine capital improvements.

The sale is not final. The Williamson County Commission must approve the agreement before it can move forward. Commissioners are scheduled to discuss the board’s decision during a special meeting Monday evening, with a vote on a letter of intent expected in September.

Williamson Health began exploring its future last year after financial projections showed the system could face annual losses of more than $31 million by 2029. Leaders also determined the hospital would need about $150 million in additional capital improvements over the next five years.

During the review process, Williamson Health contacted 28 healthcare organizations about a possible partnership or sale before narrowing the list to several finalists. Ascension was ultimately selected over the remaining bidders.

Board members also considered ways to keep Williamson Health independent, including reducing costs, seeking more funding, negotiating higher insurance reimbursements, converting to a nonprofit, and requesting county tax support. According to the board, none of those options would provide the long-term funding needed to keep the health system financially stable.

More than 70 employees, community members, and local leaders attended Monday’s meeting. No one spoke during the public comment period.

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.

Idol Alum Opens Singing Barbershop (MauryCountySource)

American Idol alum Noah Peters, known online as “The Singing Barber,” has officially opened his new barbershop on the historic Columbia Square. It is appropriately named The Singing Barber Barbershop. 

Peters opened the doors on June 16 with a community celebration that brought together friends, family, clients, community leaders and supporters. The opening marks a new chapter for the Tennessee native, who recently moved his well-known barber chair from the Chattanooga area to Columbia.

Known for turning ordinary haircuts into musical moments, Peters has built an online following of more than 5.5 million through videos featuring impromptu performances from behind the barber chair. His mix of talent, authenticity and Southern hospitality has earned him millions of views across social media and a growing national audience.

The new Columbia location will serve as both a barbershop and a gathering place, reflecting Peters’ vision of creating community through conversation, music and meaningful connections.

The grand opening also featured live music from several country artists, including Craig Campbell, Ashland Craft, Jenny Tolman, Timothy Wayne, Dani Rose and other special guests. The celebration combined two things Peters is known for — music and barbering.

Hours for the barbershop are Monday-Friday, 10 am until 6 pm, and Saturday, 9 am until 2 pm.

(Mayoral Forum (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance on July 9th at 5:30pm at the Cherry Theater on the campus of Columbia State Community College 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 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.

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.

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…

Last Day for Voter Registration (Press Release)

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is reminding all eligible voters across Tennessee that they must register to vote by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, to be eligible to cast a ballot in the upcoming Primary Election on Thursday, August 6. “When you don’t vote, you turn over the keys of government to those who do. Here in Tennessee, we want every eligible citizen to cast a ballot, but the first step is registering,” said Secretary Hargett.

Registering to vote, updating, or checking your registration status is fast, easy, and secure with the Secretary of State's online voter registration system, GoVoteTN.gov, or the GoVoteTN App. Using a computer, phone, or tablet, citizens with a driver's license or a photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security can register in a matter of minutes.

“For the fourth year in a row, the State of Tennessee has been ranked number one in Election Integrity. We want all eligible Tennesseans to register to vote and cast a ballot in this election to experience our secure elections and let their voices be heard,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins.

Voters can also download a paper voter registration application at GoVoteTN.gov. Completed paper voter registration applications must be mailed to your local county election commission office or submitted in person. Mailed voter registrations must be postmarked by August 6.

Election Day registration is not available in Tennessee.

The Early Voting period for the August 6 Primary Election begins Friday, July 17, and runs through Saturday, August 1.

For more information about early voting and other election information, visit your trusted source for election information, GoVoteTN.gov or download the free GoVoteTN App.

Gas Prices (MSM)

Gas prices across the state fell two cents, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.36, which is 42 cents less expensive than one month ago but 63 cents more expensive than one year ago.

“Tennesseans that took a road trip over the holiday weekend were met with the most expensive Independence Day gas prices in four years,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gas prices across the state saw several weeks of declines ahead of Independence Day, which gave drivers a much-needed break at the pump.”

Tennessee is currently the fourth least expensive state for gas in the US.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Nice cars, cool vibes, and a summer night at The Co-op! Join United Co-op-Columbia, located at 975 Riverview Lane on July 10th, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 PM for Cruisin’ The Co-op featuring an evening car show packed with classic rides, custom builds, and local favorites. Pair that with food trucks and family fun, and you’ve got the perfect summer night out.

Bring the whole crew to this free event and enjoy the show!

More information, visit the Cruisin the Co-Op facebook page.